Spottswoode: A Napa Icon with a Fantastic Price
King of Gevrey-Chambertin – Library Wines of Rousseau
Hudelot-Noëllat – Value at the Top Level of Burgundy
Cellar Treasures from Mission Haut Brion and Angelus
An Assortment of Classic, Collectible Reds
The Most Affordable Roulot
Spottswoode
A Napa Icon with a Fantastic Price
Subscriber-only special: Buy 3 or more – Pay $215/bottle!
Spottswoode Family Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon, St. Helena 2015 750ML ($249.95) Displayed Price $225 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 100 points “Composed of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot, the deep purple-black colored 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon has a beautiful nose of dried roses, lavender and Chinese five spice over a core of warm blackcurrants, kirsch and wild blueberries, plus wafts of fallen leaves and dusty earth. The medium to full-bodied palate features the most amazing intensity of perfumed red, black and blue fruit flavors supported by exquisitely fine-grained tannins and seamless freshness, finishing with epic length and depth. Truly stunning.”
Jeb Dunnuck 99 points “A more exuberant, sexy wine than the 2014, yet still in the house style emphasizing elegance and purity, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate knocks it out of the park with its huge nose of crème de cassis, plums, Asian spices, scorched earth, tobacco leaf and graphite. This flows to a full-bodied, opulent, incredibly concentrated wine reminiscent of the 2013 on steroids. Full-bodied, with building tannin, integrated acidity, a stacked mid-palate, and a great finish, this is a tour de force in Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from one of the greats. It has three to four decades of life ahead of it.”
And the subscriber-only pricing is the lowest listed price in the USA!
The average price is $235
Extensive Stocks of Library Rousseau
We’ve got a selection of highlights below, but you can also click here to view the entire list on our website. Act quickly, though—most of these wines are limited to a bottle or two each. If there’s something that looks enticing, well, it’s first come, first served.
Arriving October 26th:
Domaine Armand Rousseau Pere et Fils Chambertin Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits 2008 750ML ($1,799.95) $1,599 pre-arrival special, only 1 bottle available
Burghound 96 points “A still mildly toasty nose features remarkably dense yet elegant aromas of deeply pitched yet extremely cool and restrained red and blue fruit aromas that are nuanced by a broad range of earth, game and underbrush hints. There is an utterly beguiling purity to the relatively refined but muscular medium full-bodied plus flavors that are strikingly complex, vibrant and perfectly balanced before culminating in a gorgeously long finish. This is brimming with upside development potential and while it too will require plenty of patience, its class and grace are such that it can be enjoyed now though I would strongly counsel waiting. In a word, magnificent. Tasted thrice recently with consistent notes.”
Antonio Galloni 95+ points “The 2008 Chambertin is rather delicate and almost ethereal in its seductive personality. This is another surprisingly open, expressive 2008. The tannins are elegant, while the wine’s balance is simply terrific.”
Antonio Galloni 97 points “Rousseau’s 2012 Chambertin towers out of the glass. Sophisticated, finessed yet also powerful to the core, the 2012 Chambertin captures a compelling range of expressions. Crushed flowers, sweet red berries, mint, leather and cedar meld into a huge core of fruit in a dramatic, powerful Chambertin that will require considerable bottle age to show the full breadth of its potential.”
Burghound 97 points “Discreet wood sets off a highly reserved and not quite as overtly ripe nose of dark berries, earth, and animale nuances that are trimmed in notes of spice, in particular anise, sandalwood and exotic tea scents. There is superbly good detail and focused power to the large-scaled flavors that also possess an outstanding concentration of structure buffering dry extract that imparts a sappy texture to the intensely mineral-driven and explosively long finish. This is a youthfully austere example of the genre that is presently quite compact and linear and thus will require at least a decade to flesh out and unwind but if you have the patience to wait it should be a great Chambertin in 20+ years.”
Neal Martin-Wine Advocate 96 points “Tasted blind at the annual “Burgfest” tasting in Beaune. The 2012 Chambertin Grand Cru has a touch of mint on the nose, complementing the mixture of red and black fruit, a pastille-like purity developing with time. This is very charming and the oak is neatly folded into the fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, the acidity perfectly judged and lending the tension and poise one expects from a Chambertin. It does lose a little intensity in the glass but it’s from such a high point it is neither here nor there. This is a wonderful Chambertin.”
Burghound 96 points “This is completely different from the Bèze aromatically speaking as here the nose is brooding and recalcitrant and only aggressive swirling liberates fresh scents of spice, wet stone, game and dark berry fruits. There is outstanding richness to the powerful and impressively scaled flavors that possess an abundance of dry extract that imparts a velvety quality to the mid-palate while also buffering the tightly wound core of firm tannins on the driving mineral-inflected and hugely persistent finish. This is a stunner of a wine and one of the great wines of the 2011 vintage.”
Antonio Galloni 90 points “The 2009 Gevrey-Chambertin is pure silk on the palate. Layers of flavor emerge gracefully from this weightless, totally refined wine. A model of understated elegance, the Gevrey makes a great introduction to the wines of Eric Rousseau. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2021.”
Burghound 93-96 points “Don’t miss! Outstanding! Discreet but not invisible wood spice adds breadth to the otherwise perfumed, elegant and ultra pure stone-infused red berry fruit nose. The detailed and strikingly intense medium-bodied flavors exude dry extract that effectively pushes the firm tannic spine to the background on the palate staining and massively long finish. This is a potentially great Clos St. Jacques that could rival the 2005 and potentially even the best vintage that I have ever tasted, the (presently) peerless ’62.”
Antonio Galloni 97 points “Rousseau’s 2010 Gevrey-Chambertin Clos St. Jacques takes things into the stratosphere. A model of extreme purity and grace, the Clos St. Jacques leaves the room speechless, and understandably so. Here the fruit is impossibly sweet, perfumed and resonant. If there is one wine in this tasting that encapsulates what makes Burgundy so compelling, this is it. In a word: magnificent!”
Burghound 95 points “Moderate amounts of wood frames wonderfully fresh, airy, perfumed and beautifully complex aromas of red currant, warm earth, stone, crushed herbs and spice hints. The excellent depth of the nose continues onto the equally cool and brilliantly refined mineral-inflected medium-bodied flavors that possess outstanding depth of material and simply stunning length. We gave this an hour’s worth of air first and it helped enormously as it was quite closed at first. While I wouldn’t suggest opening a bottle now as there is sitll so much unrealized upside development potential remaining, if you do decide to pop one anytime soon, then be sure to decant it first for at least 30 minutes. In sum, this is a strikingly beautiful CSJ that should live for a very long time.”
Neal Martin-Wine Advocate 95-97 points “The 2010 Gevrey-Chambertin Clos St. Jacques flows across the palate with fabulous depth and richness. Dark red fruit, licorice, smoke and exotic spices all come together in the glass, while the intensity of the fruit covers every corner of the palate. This huge, powerful wine will require considerable patience, but it is impeccable, not to mention stunning in its beauty. Anticipated maturity: 2025-2045.”
Antonio Galloni 97 points “A heady, exotic Burgundy, the 2012 Gevrey-Chambertin Clos St. Jacques is remarkably vivid for such a big wine, with freakish levels of concentration that are beautifully balanced by insistent veins of underlying minerality. Layers of pure Pinot fruit build through the mid-palate and finish as this voluptuous, racy wine shows off its fabulous pedigree. It simpy doesn’t get too much better than this.”
Neal Martin-Wine Advocate 95 points “Tasted blind at the annual “Burgfest” tasting in Beaune. The 2012 Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru Clos Saint Jacques from Armand Rousseau has the most sensual nose of the quintet, perhaps the ripest with maraschino cherries, fresh strawberry and fruits pastilles. This is certainly the most generous nose. The palate is medium-bodied with supple ripe tannin, more modern in style but very pure and harmonious. The oak is a little more pronounced on the finish but that will be subsumed in time, and then it will be a Clos Saint Jacques that you’ll with you could drink every day.”
Burghound 95 points “Outstanding. There is a deft touch of wood to the reluctant but ultra-elegant essence of red pinot fruit, floral elements and wet stone scents. This is splendidly well-detailed with a terrific sense of underlying tension adding energy to the medium weight flavors that brim with a fine minerality before culminating in a balanced and stunningly long finish. This ageworthy effort is the most refined wine among these four 2012s and dances across the palate. In a word, dazzling.”
Burghound 93 points “Ripe and very floral aromas display pure red pinot fruit that is cut with minerality and crushed herbs that introduce earthy and stony middle weight flavors that possess a taut muscularity and excellent power on the beautifully well-balanced and lingering finish. This is a very fresh wine of harmony that should age for decades if well-stored and while it’s not quite at the same level as the brilliant 2005 version, it’s close.”
Stephen Tanzer-Vinous 91-93 points “(aging in 15% new oak) Bright deep red. Knockout aromas of raspberry, rose petal, spices and blood orange offer lovely tangy lift and purity. Then sweet and silky in the mouth, with terrific verve and energy for the year. A wine of great finesse, showing the spicy, floral side of Gevrey. This cuvee has been getting better in recent years. Rousseau attributes this to the fact that he has replanted about 5% of these vines, and the young vines are now bringing more fruit and perfume.”
Neal Martin-Wine Advocate 95-97 points “The 2010 Ruchottes-Chambertin is an intensely cool, reticent wine. The bouquet recalls the Mazis, but then the firm Ruchottes tannins set in. Ultimately the Ruchottes is built on purity, definition and nuance. The chiseled aromas and flavors possess stunning detail, but it will be some time before the 2010 is ready to drink. Still, I very much like the energy and drive. Bright, floral notes add lift and vibrancy on the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2025-2045.”
Domaine Armand Rousseau Pere et Fils Ruchottes-Chambertin Grand Cru ‘Clos des Ruchottes’ Monopole, Cote de Nuits 2012 750ML ($699.95) $599 pre-arrival special, only 1 bottle available
Neal Martin-Wine Advocate 94-96 points “The 2012 Ruchottes-Chambertin Clos des Ruchottes Grand Cru comes from the domain’s monopole: populated by one-third vines aged around 30-years and the remainder around 65-years old (see December issue for more details.) This year it sees 20% new oak. It has wonderful delineation on the nose with heightened mineralite from the limestone soils. The palate is medium-bodied with a precise opening. There is a wave of pure, clinically defined fresh raspberry and wild strawberry notes that dovetails into quite a stern, very linear finish. This is uncompromising at the moment, an aloof yet compelling Ruchottes-Chambertin that does not quite possess the completeness of say, Mugneret-Gibourg’s, but clearly as the substance to age extremely well. ”
Burghound 92-94 points “This is almost as elegant as the Charmes with its airy and cool yet markedly ripe nose of lavender, black raspberry, truffle and spiced plum scents. The beautifully well-delineated, intense and mineral-driven medium weight plus flavors possess fine mid-palate concentration before terminating in an attractively vibrant, harmonious and strikingly persistent finale. Lovely stuff that should also age brilliantly well.”
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The Best Value at the Top of Burgundy
Enter the domaine of Hudelot-Noëllat. Through the mid-aughts, they were a true insider’s secret—a venerable domaine with great holdings that had underperformed until recently. The current winemaking team has pushed Hudelot-Noëllat to new heights and the wines are still values. It’s hard to find Richebourg and Romanée St. Vivant at this quality level for this sort of pricing (compare to, say, Cathiard, to get a sense of the values they offer). We just secured a lot of 28 wines, arriving at the end of the month and are showing you a few highlights here. You can click here to view the entire set online and buy them now—like with the Rousseau, quantities on each individual wine are extremely limited.
Arriving October 26th:
Alain Hudelot-Noellat Les Charmes, Chambolle-Musigny Premier Cru 2010 750ML ($219.95) $169 pre-arrival special, 6 bottles available
Burghound 91-93 points “An expressive and exceptionally pretty nose speaks of wild red berry fruit liqueur aromas that marry into pure, detailed and quite delicate flavors that possess a lacy mouth feel, all wrapped in a dusty, focused, intense and impeccably well-balanced finish. Excellent quality here in a package that should age well over the next 6 to 8 years. Recommended.”
Stephen Tanzer 93 points “Moderately saturated medium red. Sexy, inviting aromas of red berries and underbrush. Sweet and fine-grained on the palate, showing an almost silky texture to the redcurrant, red cherry, licorice and earth flavors; like its 2013 sibling, this Clos Vougeot is unusually expressive at this early stage of its evolution. Finishes broad and lightly saline, with smooth tannins. Will this shut down in bottle?”
Burghound 93 points “A deft touch of oak sets off the earthy dark berry fruit aromas that display good lift and density. There is very good volume to the delicious and intense medium weight plus flavors that also possess relatively fine-grained tannins that add a relatively refined texture to the brooding and mildly austere yet hugely persistent finish. While the nose is not as fresh as the best in the range I suspect that in this case the aromas won’t turn prematurely secondary in character.”
Neal Martin-Wine Advocate 91-93 points “The 2012 Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru comes from 0.69-hectare of vine from 3 parcels, two close to the chateau and the other down towards the Route Nationale. It has a feminine, floral bouquet with touches of bergamot and raspberry preserve developing in the glass. These aromatics are very alluring even at this primordial stage. The palate appears vibrant with crisp tannins; underpinned by taut red berry fruit with fine mineralite flourishing towards the finish. This is very classy – another over-achieving 2012 wine from Burgundy’s most famous clos.”
Burghound 94 points “Initially this was somewhat like the 2006 RSV (see herein) as the nose was reduced though unlike the RSV the reduction rapidly blew off to reveal an intensely spicy and layered dark berry fruit nose that remains entirely primary and youthful. There is excellent intensity to the tautly muscular, cool and mineral-inflected big-boned flavors that are supported by a firm tannic spine on the powerfully long and driving finish. This highly promising effort is still very much on the way up and should age beautifully for years.”
Stephen Tanzer 92-94 points “Deep red-ruby. Stubbornly closed nose hints at some high-toned dark berries and spices along with sweet oak. Fatter and riper than the RSV, showing more early power but less finesse. This is distinctly chewy and deep, with terrific density but less lift to its brooding flavors of black cherry, dark berries and minerals. As broad and powerful as this is, it comes across as less sweet today than the RSV.”
Stephen Tanzer 94+ points “Medium red. Pungent perfume of blood orange, licorice and herbs, lifted by a floral topnote. Tactile but backward, with terrific lift and perfume to the raspberry and crushed fruit flavors. The terrific rising finish displays great energy and a wonderfully light touch. Really stains the palate. With aeration, a deeper smoky, earthy tang and more adamant minerality emerged. A beauty, but lay it down for at least seven or eight years.”
Stephen Tanzer 93 points “Medium red. Sexy aromas of raspberry, lavender, cocoa powder, smoke and underbrush. Silky, suave and pure, with highly nuanced but understated flavors of cherry pit, flowers, menthol and underbrush. Offers terrific but very subtle mouth coverage and solid underlying structure. A tangy note of rose petal lifts the smooth finish.”
Burghound 91-94 points “A dazzlingly complex and fine nose that is absolutely regal in its elegance and incredible breadth of spice-box aromas are followed ripe, relatively accessible yet incredibly intense flavors that display marvelous depth and perfect balance. Sappy and sweet yet the powerfully long finish is beautifully detailed and focused. A wine that is at once highly expressive yet a model of grace and understatement. In short, this is wonderfully classy juice.”
Burghound 95 points “A very densely fruited nose is composed mostly from the black side of the fruit spectrum along with notes of menthol, spice and Asian tea nuances. There is excellent concentration to the intense and attractively well-detailed middle weight flavors that possess a suave and highly seductive mouth feel before terminating in a mouth coating, complex and hugely long finish. This is an unusually powerful RSV that is less elegant than usual yet one that is still very much on the way up, indeed I would suggest allowing it at least another 5 to 7 years of celar time as it’s very much still a baby.”
Stephen Tanzer 94+ points “Good deep red. Knockout perfume of strawberry, violet and cocoa powder, complemented by sweet oak. Sappy, spicy and deep, with a compelling sweetness leavened by firm minerality. Wonderfully silky in texture and graceful. Highly complex flavors of raspberry, leather, smoke and mineral stain the back end with subtle perfume. This struck me as like a more pliant version of the Beaumonts but with the powerful mineral and tannic spine for a 20-year-evolution in bottle.”
Burghound 95 points “This also sports discreet wood influence on the intensely floral and kaleidoscopically spicy nose of blue berry and black cherry aromas that introduce rich, intense and naturally sweet middle weight flavors that are lacy, pure and almost delicate before culminating in a suave, explosive and magnificently long finish. This is just terrific and the balance is impeccable. Note however that like the 2010 version, the ultra-fine tannins are also quite dense and this will also require 15 years or so of cellar time before it will be ready for prime time.”
Stephen Tanzer 89-92 points “(20% of the juice is from vines in their fourth leaf) Deep, bright red. Sappy, pure aromas of dark berries and minerals. Fat and sweet but less expressive and less perfumed than the ineffable Suchots. This boasts lovely sweet red berry flavors but seems a bit stunted today on the back end, with the chewy tannins standing out.”
Burghound 89-91 points “The slightly higher-toned nose is even fresher and brighter with a similar nose of spicy black fruit trimmed in obvious minerality that introduces complex, delicious and somewhat more forward middle weight flavors that possess good detail and the same firm mineral streak suggested by the nose. This is classy juice with excellent length and while I like the greater finesse here versus the Suchots, the latter wine has better mid-palate fat and concentration.”
Stephen Tanzer 92-95 points “Deep red. Blueberry, blackberry, flowers, spices and minerals on the slightly exotic nose, lifted by spicy oak. Round, lush and rich, with the weight and palate presence of a grand cru. Offers an uncanny combination of breadth and inner-mouth perfume, with the sweet oak serving to frame the fruit. Today this is the fleshiest and oakiest of the three premier crus from Vosne-Romanee, but the finish is wonderfully tangy and sappy, not to mention extremely long. A great showing-and very much in the typical style of this domain’s best wines from past vintages.”
Burghound 91-93 points “In a somewhat curious departure from all of the prior wines, the wood is borderline dominant and fights with the otherwise spicy and notably ripe black fruit nose that merges into rich, delicious and powerful flavors that possess plenty of punch and muscle on the exceptionally long finish. I asked for a second sample and it was much more balanced and more in keeping with the Hudelot style. I suspect with the impressive amount of dry extract present that once the final blend is made the oak will be successfully integrated and as such, my score awards the benefit of the doubt.”
Stephen Tanzer 93+ points “Medium red. Aromas of medicinal red fruits and wild herbs. Penetrating acidity and a peppery element frame the intense redcurrant, smoke and mineral flavors. The explosive, building, savory finish boasts a solid spine of tannins for aging. Very young and extremely promising.”
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From La Mission Haut Brion and Angelus
“pure perfection” – Robert Parker
Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion, Pessac-Leognan 2005 750ML ($669.95) $599 pre-arrival special
Robert Parker 100 points “The 2005 La Mission Haut-Brion is pure perfection. It has an absolutely extraordinary nose of sweet blackberries, cassis and spring flowers with some underlying minerality, a full-bodied mouthfeel, gorgeously velvety tannins (which is unusual in this vintage) and a long, textured, multi-layered finish that must last 50+ seconds. This is a fabulous wine and a great effort from this hallowed terroir. Drink this modern-day legend over the next 30+ years. Only 5,500 cases were produced of this blend of 69% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Cabernet Franc.”
James Suckling 99 points “This shows a beautiful balance between concentration and ripeness. The wine is full-bodied, showing fine and rich tannins with tons going on. This is long and beautiful. I remember this being more muscular, but nevertheless this has taken on a wonderful finesse and richness. Pull the cork after 2020.”
A landmark modern Bordeaux
Chateau Angelus, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2005 750ML ($599.950 $549 pre-arrival special, only 1 bottle available
Robert Parker 98 points “This 7,000 case blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc will rival or perhaps eclipse vintages such as 2000, 1998, 1990, and 1989. Its dense purple color is followed by an extraordinary perfume of charcoal, espresso roast, blackberries, blueberries, and a hint of wood. In spite of its thick texture, terrific acidity, high tannins, and enormous intensity as well as richness, it is surprisingly approachable, but given how slowly the 1989 and 1990 have aged, I would recommend cellaring it for 8-10 years. It should keep for three decades. A brilliant wine!” RP
An Assortment of Classic, Collectible Reds
This is a Petrus killer for an eighth of the price.
Petrolo Galatrona Valdarno di Sopra, Tuscany 2015 750ML ($99.95) $79 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 99 points “Terrific aromas of violets, roses and raspberries with hints of strawberries and brown sugar. Full body. Phenomenal layers of focused fruit and polished velvety tannins. This is the Galatrona that everyone has been waiting for. It’s the vintage that shows depth and power yet wonderful finesse and focus. Best ever. Drink from 2023 but already electrifying.”
2016 is shaping up to be the vintage of the decade in CdP
Domaine de la Janasse Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Chaupin, Rhone 2016 750ML ($119.95) $99 pre-arrival special
Jeb Dunnuck 97-100 points “Made with close to 50% stems (the highest in a while) and brought up in foudre and demi-muids (20% new), the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Chaupin sports deep ruby/purple color as well as sensational notes of kirsch liqueur, black raspberries, crushed flowers, crushed rocks, and incense. Just a huge, rich, unctuous wine, it offers everything you could want from Grenache and is certainly going to challenge the 2007 and 2010 as the greatest expression of this terroir to date.”
Wine Advocate 96 points “The terrific 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Chaupin has lived up to my expectations from last year’s visit. It’s 100% Grenache, includes some parcels planted back in 1912, and half was vinified with stems. From sandy sites, it showcases the ability of Grenache to ripen fully yet retain a sense of elegance and lightness. It’s full-bodied and velvety but also vibrant, with black cherry fruit and hints of chocolate balanced by incredibly silky tannins and freshness on the finish. Really impressive stuff.”
Wine Spectator 95 points “Delightful plum, raspberry and blackberry compote flavors form the core, with racy, graphite-edged structure running underneath. Dark anise and tobacco notes check in throughout. The long finish lets the fruit linger. Best from 2020 through 2034.”
A landmark wine of the AOC, every year.
Domaine de la Janasse Cuvee Vieilles Vignes, Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2016 750ML ($149.95) $119 pre-arrival special
Jeb Dunnuck 98-100 points “Incorporating 8% Mourvèdre, 12% Syrah and 5% other permitted variety, 60% destemmed, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Vieilles Vignes sports a deep, inky color as well as sensational notes of black currants, smoked meats, earth and crushed rocks. Deep, rich, unctuous and decadent, with huge extract and richness, yet never over the top or overripe, it’s a killer wine that’s going to flirt with perfection on release.”
Wine Advocate 97+ points “Time will tell if this wine equals the stellar 2015; it’s certainly very close in quality. The 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Vieilles Vignes is a blend of approximately 75% Grenache, 12% Mourvèdre, 8% Syrah and the rest other permitted varieties. Tarry and deep on the nose, it delivers waves of blackberries and black cherries on the palate, framing those flavors with plenty of richness, layers of silky tannins and a long, elegant finish.”
Wine Spectator 97 points “This is packed with plum, raspberry and blackberry confiture flavors that are youthfully wound up, while warm stone, anise, bay leaf, garrigue and tar notes fill in throughout. Dense but juicy, with a long, smoldering feel on the finish. Best from 2020 through 2040.”
Janasse quality at a drink-now price.
Domaine de la Janasse Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Tradition, Rhone 2016 750ML ($69.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Jeb Dunnuck 94-96 points “Incorporating 10% Syrah and 15% Mourvèdre, the Grenache-dominated 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape (there’s a touch of Cinsault) sports a saturated ruby/purple color. It shows hints of new oak in its black raspberries, blackberry, cured meats, crushed violets and spice-driven aromatics. This gives way to a rich, incredibly concentrated base cuvée that could easily be mistaken for the Vieille Vignes from another good year. Polished, concentrated and young, it’s going to need bottle age.”
Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape exhibits more dark fruit than I would’ve expected, with black cherries, black olives and tar all mingling on the nose. In the mouth, the blend of 70% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah and 5% Cinsault is full-bodied, rich and velvety, with a lush, lingering finish. Easy to drink now, it should age for at least a decade just on its sheer concentration and ripeness.”
Wine Spectator 93 points “A lovely beam of cassis and dark plum fruit streams through, laced with anise and graphite notes and driving through a sage brush–accented finish. Shows the ripe, focused, racy feel of the vintage. Best from 2020 through 2030.”
Colombier has turned into a top ten producer in Hermitage, a fantastic bargain.
Domaine du Colombier Hermitage Rouge, Rhone 2015 750ML ($99.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Jeb Dunnuck 97 points “The 2015 Hermitage comes from the Les Doignières and Les Beaumes lieux-dits which are more clay and limestone soils. It’s another sensational Hermitage from this magical hillside that I wish every reader could taste. Cassis, damp earth, liquid violets and a liqueur of rocks-like profile emerge from this full-bodied, concentrated and powerful Hermitage, which has no shortage of extract or tannin. It’s for consumers with cold cellars and plenty of patience as it’s going to require at least 4-5 years of cellaring.”
Old school in method, modern in style, the best of both worlds.
Domaine de Saje Marquis Anselme Mathieu Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone 2015 750ML ($69.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 96 points “I enjoyed all of the wines from this estate, but I was blown away by the complexity and purity of the 2015 Chateauneuf du Pape Marquis Anselme Mathieu, which was made in concrete and aged in foudre. Not only does it show beautiful cherry and stone fruit notes, it layers on hints of clove, allspice, garrigue and green peppercorn. There’s ample weight and texture on the palate, with the plush tannins drawing to a silky, spicy finish that lingers for minutes.”
Arriving This Friday, October 19th
Domaine Roulot Bourgogne Blanc, Burgundy 2015 750ML ($119.95) $99 pre-arrival special, only 6 bottles available
“Sweet scents of pear, apple and peach. A very lively Bourgogne Blanc with enticing cut and surprising energy to its fruit-driven flavors. Shows the acidity of a cooler terroir if not quite the mineral tension of the superb 2014 version. These vines are all in Meursault, mostly on the Volnay side on deep, clay-based soils. One to look for.”-Stephen Tanzer