New July Sale; 93 points, Under $30!; Land of the Sun: Southern French Fun; Traditional Sangiovese; Bourgogne Rouge—Smart Plays for Value Burgundy; Under the Radar Champagnes of Louis Nicaise; Mazzei Magic-95 point Chianti
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Summer Shipping Special:
Midwest, East, & South
For the summer season we are offering UPS Three Day Select Service for the price of UPS Ground for shipments normally traveling 4 or more business days by ground.
Free service upgrade only applies on single orders purchased and shipped during the promotional period. Additional fees will apply to orders held for any reason until after the promotional period and shipped by Three Day Select. Offer not valid on items purchased before the promotional period or on pre-arrival items that arrive after the promotional period ends.
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New July Sale!
Castiglion del Bosco
Castiglion del Bosco has become one of our go-to producers for modern-styled Brunello. Rich and powerful with silky fruit, the 2012 is a masterpiece. We just dropped the price for the rest of the month to the lowest in the country, so what was a great deal is now even better.
Castiglion del Bosco Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2012 750ML ($54.95) Was $44, Now $36! 32 bottles available
James Suckling 96 points “This shows pure and fresh fruit that many others don’t have. Also, there are plenty of linear tannins. Precise and beautiful. Medium to full body. Persistent finish. Better in 2019.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Read on for some of our favorite traditional producers, later on in the newsletter!
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Arriving Tomorrow
Two Wine Spectator 93 Point Wines
Under $30
We’ve carried some of the Adriano Barbarescos before, and the 2012 Basarin is another winner! Deep and rich, it’s surprisingly approachable yet has the classic Nebbiolo flavor profile. We’re only getting a few cases (already on the website, here) which won’t last long.
Adriano Marco e Vittorio Basarin, Barbaresco DOCG 2012 750ML ($31.95) $26 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 93 points “Sweet strawberry, cherry and currant fruit weaves throughout this elegant, intense Barbaresco. The structure is assertive, yet this stays fresh and vibrant on the long finish. Floral and leafy underbrush notes add depth. Best from 2018 through 2030.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
We don’t have to say much about Bedrock—perhaps the finest producer of Zinfandel today. Their entry-level bottling, called simply “Old Vine Zinfandel” is a perennial best value for rich, powerful Zin. This has become a standby bottling for us over the last few years, though this is the first time it’s received a score like this, so we don’t know how long our stock will last. One thing is for sure, though, Bedrock killed it in 2015.
Bedrock Wine Co. Old Vine Zinfandel 2015 750ML ($27.95) $24 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 93 points “Rich and supple, this is an explosion of pure, decadent fruit. Floral huckleberry and Chinese five-spice powder aromas open to layered blackberry, dark chocolate and licorice flavors that linger. Drink now through 2026.”
Also Arriving Tomorrow:
Conterno Fantino Sori Ginestra, Barolo DOCG 2013 750ML ($89.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 96 points “The 2013 Barolo Ginestra Vigna Sorì Ginestra shows a whole other level of fiber and textural richness. This is a stunning wine from thicker soils that deliver more structure, firmness and overall depth. With that superiore richness, the wine is also endowed with balanced acidity, plump primary fruit and an elegant touch of balsam or menthol herb on the finish. This drives the finish forward for a few long and glorious minutes. Dig deeper still, and you find a sweet note of chocolate hazelnut.”
Antonio Galloni 95 points “The 2013 Barolo Sorì Ginestra, the estate’s flagship Barolo, hits all the classic Ginestra notes. Sweet, balsamic-inflected notes wrap around a core of intense dark blue and purplish fruit. Veins of salinity and tannin give the 2013 much of its personality. The 2013 is a bit restrained today, but it packs a serious punch. This big boy needs time to shed some of its formidable tannin, but it is impressive.”
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Land of the Sun:
Dynamic Wines from Southern France
The Languedoc and the Southern Rhone have been known as the “wine lake” of France because of their historic importance in providing the bulk of the table wine that the French drink on a regular basis. This historic base of vineyards, combined with modern viticulture and enology practices, combine to produce some of the best value wines from anywhere in the world.
Most tend to be based around the traditional Côtes du Rhône/Chateauneuf/Gigondas blend of grapes, no matter if they’re from the Rhone or the Languedoc/Roussillon (though we tend to see higher percentages of Syrah in some of the western provinces). All seem to be great values, especially if you like wines that have power and guts to them. We’re highlighting a few of our favorites here today, all worth stocking up on.
Domaine Boisson Cotes du Rhone Villages Massif d’Uchaux Clos de la Brussiere, Rhone 2009 750ML ($24.95) $18 special, 26 bottles available
Case- Domaine Boisson Cotes du Rhone Villages Massif d’Uchaux Clos de la Brussiere, Rhone 2009 750ML ($299.95) $199 special, 6 cases available (that’s only $16.58/bottle!)
Robert Parker 91 points “Even better is the 2009 Cairanne Clos de la Brussiere from the Massif d’Uchaux, the newest Cotes du Rhone-Villages appellation. A dark ruby/purple color is followed by deliciously ripe fruit in this seriously stacked and packed effort. Revealing lots of kirsch liqueur, loamy soil, garrigue and lavender notes, this full-bodied, richly fruity, pure, well-balanced 2009 should drink well for 4-5 years.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Lavau Cotes du Rhone Villages, Rhone 2013 750ML ($14.95) $11.90 special, 36+ bottles available
Case-12 Lavau Cotes du Rhone Villages, Rhone 2013 750ML ($179.95) $119 special, 7 cases available (that’s only $9.92/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 88 points “Juicy blackberry and raspberry fruit races along, inlaid with subtle black tea and anise notes. Focused finish.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine de L’Edre Cotes du Roussillon Villages 2013 750ML ($49.95) $41.90 special, 36+ bottles available
Case-6 Domaine de L’Edre Cotes du Roussillon Villages 2013 750ML ($299.95) $239 special, 5 cases available (that’s only $39.83/bottle!)
Wine Advocate 95 points “One of the wines of the vintage is the 2013 Cotes du Roussillon Villages Domaine de l’Edre. While this cuvee had a rustic edge in the past, today it’s incredibly polished and pure, with brilliant aromatics of cassis, black raspberries, licorice, crushed flowers and chalky minerality. Medium to full-bodied, ripe, yet elegant and balanced, it’s a classic Roussillon that can be enjoyed today or cellared for a decade.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine Gramenon Cotes du Rhone Sierra du Sud, Rhone 2014 750ML ($34.95) $24.40 special, 36+ bottles available
Josh Raynolds 91 points “Deep ruby. A complex bouquet evokes musky red and dark berries, cherry pit, olive, dried flowers and pungent herbs. Chewy and focused on the palate, offering gently sweet raspberry, boysenberry, violet pastille and spicecake flavors that become livelier as the wine opens up. Pliant tannins give shape to a very long, spicy finish that features a lingering blue fruit note.”
Wine Advocate 91 points “A smokin’ southern Rhone is the 2014 Côtes du Rhône la Sierra du Sud, which is 100% Syrah, from 15- to 35-year-old vines, that was destemmed and aged in a combination of tank and barrels. Ground pepper, wild herbs, black cherries and the essence of blackberry fruit all emerge from this medium to full-bodied, ripe, layered and beautifully textured 2014. It has more depth and richness than most in the vintage and will keep for upwards of a decade.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $30!
Lavau Gigondas, Rhone 2012 750ML ($24.95) $18 special, 33 bottles available
Case-12 Lavau Gigondas, Rhone 750ML ($299.95) $199 special, 5 cases available (that’s only $16.58/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 90 points “Features a dark profile, with steeped plum, black licorice and graphite notes framed by Lapsang souchong tea and carrying through the fleshy, well-defined finish. Very solid.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $24.99!
Mas Cal Demoura Terrasses du Larzac L’Infidele, Languedoc-Roussillon 2010 750ML ($31.95) $27 special, 32 bottles available
Wine Advocate: “Meaning “One must remain” in Occitan, Mas Cal Demoura was created by Jean-Pierre Jullien in 1970. At the time, there was a mass exodus of vignerons away from their own estates, and the region in general, due to an inability to make a living producing wine. Jean-Pierre followed this trend, but in 1985, his son Olivier set off on his own, creating the now benchmark estate Mas Jullien (which is also reviewed in this report). Following his son’s example, Jean-Pierre left the coop in 1993, sold a number of his vineyards, but kept the best 5 hectares for his own estate. Jean-Pierre retired in 2004, selling the estate (after working with them for a year during the transition) to the current owners, Isabelle and Vincent Goumard, who both studied winemaking in Dijon. The estate now covers roughly 11 hectares located outside the village of Jonquieres, in the heart of the Terrasses du Larzac region. The wines are all noteworthy, with medium to full-bodied richness that’s always balanced by classy, elegant overall profiles that remain a joy to drink. They’re all highly recommended.” JD
Importer (Neal Rosenthal) Notes: “The historic cuvée of Jean-Pierre Jullien, L’Infidèle is a blend of all the regional grapes – Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault and Carignan. The Goumards make choices in the vineyard and in the cellar that will emphasize finesse and freshness in this bottling, allowing for full expression of the fruit. The grapes are partially destemmed. Temperature is rigorously controlled. The cuvaison can extend for as long as six weeks with frequent remontage. Aging takes place mostly in older demi-muids and each grape variety undergoes the primary stages of the elevage separately. Based upon a series of ongoing tastings, the Goumards determine the final blend and then the five varieties are assembled in cuve and aged for an additional six to eight months prior to bottling. The wine is bottled without filtration.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Piedlong Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone 2012 750ML ($59.95) $39 special, 36+ bottles available
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 93 points “Deep ruby. Assertive aromas of fresh black and blue fruits, potpourri and garrigue, along with hints of cola and anise. Sappy and seamless on the palate, with juicy boysenberry, cassis and floral pastille flavors that flesh out with air. Fine-grained tannins build on the finish, which lingers with excellent tenacity and resonating spiciness.”
Domaine Les Pallieres Gigondas Terrasses du Diable, Rhone 2013 750ML ($49.95) $33 special, 36+ bottles available
Case-12 Domaine Les Pallieres Gigondas Terrasses du Diable, Rhone 2013 750ML ($539.95) $359 special, 5 cases available (that’s only $29.92/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 92 points “Dark ruby. Candied red berries, cherry compote and potpourri on the highly pungent nose; a mineral element adds vivacity. Energetic black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors show excellent clarity and a hint of licorice pastille that builds as the wine opens up. The energetic finish repeats the floral and mineral notes, while supple tannins lend shape and grip.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $39!
The average price is $42!
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We Sing of Botti and a Man
An Ode to Traditional Sangiovese
Within the makers of Chianti, Brunello and Vino Nobile, it can be hard to find old-school wines. Modern tastes find it easier to drink Sangiovese dolled up with a little bit of Merlot or aged in small new barrels than to come to the wines on their own terms (ie: with food!). The result is a shrinking number of extremely traditional winemakers, but we think the wines are worth seeking out. We’re going to highlight a producer in Chianti that makes wines we love and then some Brunelli that are worth seeking out.
Chianti:
We’re always looking for good, classically made Chianti, so when we first heard about the wines of the wines of Monteraponi, we were intrigued. They’re based in the town of Radda, where Montevertine is located, and these wines are likewise classically made. No Cabernet, no Merlot, no micro-ox, these wines see long, native fermentations and are minimally processed in the cellar.
Antonio Galloni is also a fan, saying “Monteraponi is a terrific source for readers who appreciate the more classic side of Chianti Classico. Native fermentations, long macerations and long aging are some of the signatures of these wines, which see minimal handling in the cellar and no fining or filtration. At times the Monteraponi wines can be a bit rustic, but it is a beautiful and sincere approach that most clearly defines these handmade Chianti Classicos.” We couldn’t agree more and are excited to present these wines to.
Monteraponi Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany 2014 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 special, 13 bottles available
Case-12 Monteraponi Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany 2014 750ML ($269.95) $219 special, 3 cases available (that’s only $18.25/bottle!)
“Monteraponi is a terrific source for readers who like mid-weight, classically built wines. The estate is based in Radda, where the wines tend to be gracious and perfumed. At their best, the Monteraponi wines capture that personality beautifully.”- Antonio Galloni
“Fermented without selected yeasts or temperature control, this bright, savory blend of 95% Sangiovese and 5% Canaiolo opens with classic varietal aromas of red berry, fragrant blue flower and a whiff of new leather. The fresh, easy drinking palate doles out juicy wild cherry, chopped herb and a hint cinnamon offset by vibrant acidity and supple tannins.”–Wine Enthusiast
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $27.99!
Monteraponi Il Campitello Riserva, Chianti Classico DOCG 2012 750ML ($49.95) $41.90 special, 23 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 92 points “The 2012 Chianti Classico Riserva Il Campitello is a very pretty wine, especially for the vintage. Mid-weight and translucent in style, the 2012 captures the essence of Radda, with sweet, floral aromatics, chiseled fruit and lovely energy. Red berry, spice, tobacco, cedar and rose petal all open up in the glass. A hint of oak comes through on the finish, but otherwise this is a classic-feeling Riserva that will appeal to readers with more traditionally leaning palates. The Campitello emerges from the estate’s oldest vineyard.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Monteraponi Il Campitello Riserva, Chianti Classico DOCG 2013 750ML ($49.95) $41.90 special, 22 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 92 points “The 2013 Chianti Classico Riserva Il Campitello is a very beautiful and expressive wine that will appeal to readers who appreciate the more traditional side of Chianti Classico. Sweet tobacco, sage, mint, dried cherry and crushed leaves give the 2013 its lifted aromatics while bright Sangiovese acidity adds the vibrancy. Aging in cask produces a style of Chianti Classico that emphasizes aromatics and savoriness, while fruit is more in the background. There is a purity and frankness to the Campitello that I find hugely appealing.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $49!
And a few other traditional Chianti we love:
Le Cinciole Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany 2013 750ML ($21.95) $18 special, 36+ bottles available
Antonio Galloni 89 points “Le Cinciole’s 2013 Chianti Classico is a very pretty, delicate, mid-weight wine. Lifted and gracious in style, the 2013 will drink nicely for at least the next few years. Crushed flowers, sweet red fruit, cherry pit and spices add lovely shades of nuance throughout. This is a very pretty, understated Chianti Classico from Le Cinciole.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Castell’in Villa Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG, Tuscany 2006 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 5 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2006 Chianti Classico Riserva hits all the high notes. Ripe and structured, yet also wonderfully contained, the 2006 boasts stunning depth, power and richness. Readers will have to be patient, as the 2006 is also likely to require a considerable amount of time to come around. All the elements are in the right place for the 2006 Riserva to develop into a splendid wine. The mid-weight, firm style is classic Castell’in Villa.” AG
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $56!
Brunello:
We wanted to highlight in particular the wines of Az. Ag. La Torre, a Brunello producer that Neal Rosenthal brings in and we’ve just gone long on. They make wine that’s built to last, with powerful aromatics and bright, zippy acidity. The new Rosso we just got in hasn’t been reviewed but has taken to 2015’s warmth very well. We also are throwing in a few other classic Brunelli that we’re in love with and make great, traditional wines that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Azienda Agricola La Torre Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2012 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 36 bottles available
Ian D’agata – Vinous 93+ points “Bright red-ruby. Nicely ripe aromas of raspberry, red cherry syrup, minerals and rose petal are concentrated but fresh. Then juicy, intense and sharply delineated, with lovely lift to the very pure flavors of redberries, minerals and licorice. Knockout, silky-sweet wine that is at once ripe and vibrant, finishing with lovely aromatic persistence and noteworthy minerality. One of the best young La Torre Brunellos I remember; already irresistible now, but will repay cellaring.”
Importer (Neal Rosenthal) note “fermented in stainless steel for three weeks. It is then racked into large barrels (“botte” made by Gargalotto and of Slavonian origin) and left to age in cask for forty-two months. A small part of the wine (approximately 17%) destined for Brunello status spends 12 months in small barrel. The wine for the Brunello is selected from the oldest vines and the most well-positioned vineyards.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Azienda Agricola La Torre Rosso di Montalcino, Tuscany 2015 750ML ($37.95) $29.50 special, 36+ bottles available
Importer note “aged for 18 months in large oak casks of French origin with about 10% of the ultimate cuvée being aged in small French barrels. The vines for this wine also face full-south. One thousand or so cases of the Rosso di Montalcino are produced annually.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Pian dell’Orino ‘Vigneti del Versante’, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2011 750ML ($119.95) $89 special, 36+ bottles available
Wine Advocate 94 points “This wine is now identified by a single vineyard designation but was once the estate’s annata Brunello. The 2011 Brunello di Montalcino Vigneti del Versante (with vines planted in 1997) shows some signs of the vintage heat, but really only in terms of textural roundness and general softness. The bouquet sings loud and clear with red fruit aromas of cherry and blackberry. The fruit is nicely balanced by those elegant, ethereal notes of blue flower, balsam herb, cola and crushed pine nut that are characteristic of aged Sangiovese.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Podere Salicutti Piaggione, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2011 750ML ($99.95) $79 special, 13 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 95 points “The 2011 Brunello di Montalcino Piaggione is one of the most sensual wines of the vintage. Racy, open-knit and expressive, the 2011 will thrill Salicutti fans who are looking for a wine to drink young. Silky tannins wrap around the succulent fruit and add t the wine’s total sense of allure. The warmth of the vintage comes through, yet the wine is never heavy or ponderous. Sweet macerated cherries, cinnamon and rose petal meld into the sumptuous, inviting finish. A wine of weightless elegance, the 2011 is superb. It’s hard to imagine the Riserva will be better than this. Proprietor Francesco Leanza gave the 2011 three years in barrel, starting with a year and a half in 500-liter and 10-HL casks, followed by another year and a half in 20 and 40-HL casks.”
Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2012 750ML ($79.95) $59 special, 36+ bottles available
Case-6 IL Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2012 750ML ($449.95) $333 special, 1 case available (that’s only $55.50/bottle!- This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Wine Advocate 95+ points “Il Poggione is a Brunello superstar and a vintage like this reveals every reason why that affirmation is true. From the second the 2012 Brunello di Montalcino pours into the glass, you know you are in for something special. The wine is darkly saturated and rich in appearance. Absent are those slightly amber or browning hues you often get with Sangiovese in a hot vintage. Nor does the wine show flat or tired characteristics. Instead, the quality of fruit is vibrant and rich. This is a healthy, generous and exuberant Brunello with dark density and succulent fruit flavors that are followed by integrated spice and tobacco. The balance is impressive and one thing you get here is fresh acidity. This is not to be underestimated, because the acidity quota in the 2012 vintage across the appellation is not as high or evident as usual. This is one of the year’s best Brunellos.”
Lisini Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG, Tuscany 2010 750ML ($89.95) $69 special, 10 bottles available
Wine Spectator 95 points “Leather, truffle, underbrush and spice aromas swirl around the core of sweet cherry and raspberry in this multifaceted red. Vivid and firmly structured, with a lingering aftertaste of mineral and tobacco. Austere now, but this should be fine in two to three years. Best from 2019 through 2033.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
The average price is $74!
La Gerla Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2012 750ML ($47.95) $36 special, 36+ bottles available
La Gerla Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2012 1.5L ($99.95) $79 special, 6 magnums available
Ian D’agata–Vinous 92+ points “Deep red. Spicy aromas of redcurrant, cherry, mocha and licorice. Chewy and firmly tannic, offering spicy red cherry and milk chocolate flavors sexed up by a strongly flinty, almost smoky element. The noble tannins gain strength on the finish, which feature outstanding length and insidious sweetness.”
Wine Advocate 92+ points “The La Gerla 2012 Brunello di Montalcino reminds me of the vintage that precedes it (although I like this edition better). Like with the 2011 vintage, this estate has done a great job in capturing as much of the primary fruit as possible, given the warm vintage conditions. Dark fruit with black currant and wild blueberry come into focus. Those fruit tones are aged and evolved for sure, but they don’t show tired or flat characteristics at this point. Delicate notes of cola, licorice and blue flower add complexity. The tannic presence is reduced and the mouthfeel delivers silkiness and softness instead. La Gerla puts its Brunello annata into large oak casks for three years. This Brunello is ready to drink now.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
This is the lowest listed price for a magnum in the USA today!
La Gerla Riserva gli Angeli, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2010 750ML ($79.95) $69 special, 4 bottles available
La Gerla Riserva gli Angeli, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2010 1.5L ($179.95) $149 special, 3 magnums available
Wine Spectator 95 points “Pure cherry, rose and raspberry aromas and flavors are expressive in this complex, ripe Brunello. Hints of leather, tobacco, mineral and spice lay in wait, but this is all about the fresh fruit at this stage. Very harmonious, yet with plenty of structure. Long on the finish. Best from 2017 through 2032.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
This is the lowest listed price for a magnum in the USA today!
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Bourgogne Rouge
The Best Value in Burgundy?
In the Olden Days of Wine, it used to be that only suckers bought Bourgogne Rouge—it was thin and lifeless and what winemakers passed off on those poor consumers who thought that a winemaker ought to make good wine up and down their range.
Today, though, we find that the “basic” bottling from an estate is often one of their best values—made with the same care and attention as grander bottlings, but costing far less (though, yes, coming from humbler terroir). Also, they tend to drink well right out of the gate, whereas pricier premier and grand cru wines need plenty of time to strut their stuff. We wanted to highlight some of our favorite humbler bottlings from some really great producers, in hopes that you’ll check them out.
Domaine Bernard Moreau et Fils Bourgogne Pinot Noir, Burgundy 2015 750ML ($37.95) $29 special, 22 bottles available
“Like the Bourgogne Blanc, the Bourgogne Rouge 2015 chez Moreau was bottled in mid-September of 2016 and had bounced back nicely by the time of my visit. The bouquet offers up a very pretty and black fruity blend of black cherries, sweet dark berries, woodsmoke, a touch of roasted venison and a good base of dark soil tones. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and quite accessible out of the blocks, with a sappy core,. just a touch of tannin and fine length and grip on the finish. Good juice. 2016-2025.”–John Gilman
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine Ghislaine Barthod Bourgogne Rouge, Burgundy 2014 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 27 bottles available
Importer note “Sourced from the lovely parcel of “Bons Batons” situated at the crossroads of Chambolle Musigny and Gilly les Citeaux, this cuvee is as refined as any you will find at the Bourgogne level.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Fougeray de Beauclair Bourgogne Pinot Noir, Burgundy 2014 750ML ($24.95) $19 special, 36+ bottles available
Winery note “Color: Red, intense color with soft purple when the wine is young, then, with a few years in the bottles, the color of the wine is ruby and orange red. Nose: Red fruits aromas (raspberry and cherry) with cinnamon and leather. Taste: soft and delicate with fine tannins reinforced by red fruit flavors.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine Collotte Bourgogne Cuvee de Noble Souche, Burgundy 2014 750ML ($24.95) $19 special, 23 bottles available
Importer note “Bourgogne “Noble Souché” translates to the “noble vine” from almost 70 year old vines planted in 1947 on Marsannay Cailloux soil from Champforeys. Entirely, de-estemmed, slow fermentation with 5 days of pre-maceration. Aged for 11 months 90% in stainless steel tank, this is a lovely, subtlety rich Côte de Nuits wine.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine Hudelot-Baillet Bourgogne Pinot Noir, Burgundy 2012 750ML ($34.95) $28 special, 16 bottles available
VinopolNote: “Selected by Daniel Johannes, founder of Le Paulee in New York, this Chambolle based producer makes elegant wines of exceptional value.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine Marc Colin et Fils Bourgogne Rouge, Burgundy 2015 750ML ($21.95) $18 special, 21 bottles available
“Light ruby color. There is good freshness to the raspberry and strawberry-suffused nose that introduces the detailed and energetic light weight flavors that are built on their fruit. The acceptable complex and persistent finish exhibits a hint of bitter cherry and this is already accessible.”—Burghound
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine Jean-Marc Pillot Bourgogne Les Grandes Terres, Burgundy 2015 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 special, 26 bottles available
Importer note “This little red is a favorite of ours for its rustic, wild berry fruit and ebullient palate presence. The vineyard is located south of Chassagne in the town of Remigny. Some of the vines are quite old, approaching the 60-year mark (as of 2012).”
Meo-Camuzet Bourgogne Rouge, Burgundy 2014 750ML ($39.95) $29 special, 36+ bottles available
“Outstanding top value. All but invisible wood sets off the markedly earthy aromas of various red berries and a hint of cassis. There is fine intensity to the relatively precise middle weight flavors that possess a touch youthful austerity.”—Burghound
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
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Arriving in October
The Stellar Grower Champagnes of Louis Nicaise
Stop us if you’ve heard this one before: Family growing grapes and making some wine has their youngest generation go off into the wide world, become interested in high quality wines. The kids apprentice with some famous names, go to oenology school and come back to run the winery. The quality improves quickly but the prices don’t go up correspondingly fast. The wines present an excellent opportunity for savvy buyers.
The family in this case is the Champagne house Louis Nicaise and the new wines are very informed by Anselme Selosse, where son-in-law Clement worked. Yields and dosage are both lower and the wines have become real gems, though the market seems not to have caught wind yet. We’ve got a nice little parcel arriving this fall, before the holidays, and the wines are worth grabbing up now.
Arriving in October:
Louis Nicaise Brut Millesime, Champagne 2010 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Distributor note “Grower-Producers, the Nicaise family have been making champagne for 4 generations from their 9 hectares of Premier Cru vineyards, all in Hautvillers, but it is only very recently that the quality took a big jump up after the arrival at the domaine in 2007 of the new generation represented by Laure Nicaise-Préaux and her husband, then 25 year old Clement Préaux. Clémént apprenticed at Anselme Selosse and work at the co-op of Mailly before becoming part of the Louis Nicaise family. As his father-in-law has given him more control, Clémént has reduced the dosages on the wines and pushed the quality upwards.”
Louis Nicaise Brut Noir Blanc De Noirs, Champagne NV 750ML ($79.95) $69 pre-arrival special
Distributor note “Grower-Producers, the Nicaise family have been making champagne for 4 generations from their 9 hectares of Premier Cru vineyards, all in Hautvillers, but it is only very recently that the quality took a big jump up after the arrival at the domaine in 2007 of the new generation represented by Laure Nicaise-Préaux and her husband, then 25 year old Clement Préaux. Clémént apprenticed at Anselme Selosse and work at the co-op of Mailly before becoming part of the Louis Nicaise family. As his father-in-law has given him more control, Clémént has reduced the dosages on the wines and pushed the quality upwards.”
Louis Nicaise Brut Reserve, Champagne NV (2014) 750ML ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
Distributor note “Grower-Producers, the Nicaise family have been making champagne for 4 generations from their 9 hectares of Premier Cru vineyards, all in Hautvillers, but it is only very recently that the quality took a big jump up after the arrival at the domaine in 2007 of the new generation represented by Laure Nicaise-Préaux and her husband, then 25 year old Clement Préaux. Clémént apprenticed at Anselme Selosse and work at the co-op of Mailly before becoming part of the Louis Nicaise family. As his father-in-law has given him more control, Clémént has reduced the dosages on the wines and pushed the quality upwards.”
Louis Nicaise Brut Rose, Champagne NV 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Distributor note “Grower-Producers, the Nicaise family have been making champagne for 4 generations from their 9 hectares of Premier Cru vineyards, all in Hautvillers, but it is only very recently that the quality took a big jump up after the arrival at the domaine in 2007 of the new generation represented by Laure Nicaise-Préaux and her husband, then 25 year old Clement Préaux. Clémént apprenticed at Anselme Selosse and work at the co-op of Mailly before becoming part of the Louis Nicaise family. As his father-in-law has given him more control, Clémént has reduced the dosages on the wines and pushed the quality upwards.”
Louis Nicaise Extra Brut Millesime, Champagne 2011 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Distributor note “Grower-Producers, the Nicaise family have been making champagne for 4 generations from their 9 hectares of Premier Cru vineyards, all in Hautvillers, but it is only very recently that the quality took a big jump up after the arrival at the domaine in 2007 of the new generation represented by Laure Nicaise-Préaux and her husband, then 25 year old Clement Préaux. Clémént apprenticed at Anselme Selosse and work at the co-op of Mailly before becoming part of the Louis Nicaise family. As his father-in-law has given him more control, Clémént has reduced the dosages on the wines and pushed the quality upwards.”
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Magical Mazzei
The Benchmark Chianti Arrives in December
2013 looks to have been an epic year up and down the Italian peninsula. Barolo, Brunello and even Chianti have had great success, with the 2013 Mazzei Gran Selezione being one of the highlights of the vintage. Wine Spectator gave it 95 points and we secured as much as we could—which frankly isn’t as much as we’d like to have coming.
Arriving in December:
Mazzei Castello di Fonterutoli, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2013 750ML ($69.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Mazzei Castello di Fonterutoli, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2013 750ML ($419.95) $269 pre-arrival special (that’s only $44.83/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 95 points “An essence of sweet cherry grounds the surrounding flavors of leather, iron, spice and tobacco in this firm red, which remains vibrant and refined. Bracing acidity and dense, muscular tannins play out on the long finish. Drink now through 2028.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Thank you for reading!