Wednesday, May 13th, 2015
Chablis, Mano a Sottimano, K Vintners – Rock It to Me, ReFlash Sale – Last Call, 2010 Traditional-Style Barolo
Flash Sale
Vignobles Brunier Domaine Vieux Telegraphe Chateauneuf-du-Pape La Crau Blanc 2013 750ML ($79.95) $53.50 pre-arrival special
Case- 12 Vignobles Brunier Domaine Vieux Telegraphe Chateauneuf-du-Pape La Crau Blanc 2013 750ML ($699.95) $599 pre-arrival special (that’s only $49.92/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 92 points “Very pure, with fennel, white peach, yellow apple and melon rind notes that are racy and nicely detailed, followed by quinine and wet stone accents on the long, unadorned finish. Drink now through 2018.” WS
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $59.99
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Chablis for You, Chablis for Me
Pre-historic oyster shells. 100 miles North of Beaune. 7 Grand Cru’s. Chalk. Limestone. Jurassic period.
Geology is the true secret when it comes to exemplifying the purest expression of the Chardonnay grape, and Chablis is the region where the magic happens. It’s all in the dirt, folks. Kimmeridgian and Portlandian soils to be exact; made up of limestone, chalk, and tiny fossilized oyster shells dating back over 150 million years ago. A sea full of calcium sediments disappeared after the Jurassic period, and the subsequent ice age channeled out valleys in the sedimentary rocks, forming the present topography.
Lying closer to Champagne than to the rest of Burgundy, Chablis experiences a cool climate, needing exceptional conditions in order to succeed. Being so far from the equator enhances the danger of spring frost damage, with the chance of production varying considerably from year to year.
The influential soils allow the vines to soak up all the minerals through established root systems, while enabling the sunlight to reflect off the ground and onto the leaves. Chablis is an incredibly distinct representation of the Chardonnay variety and has rightfully gained the reputation it deserves.
Arguably the best, and thus qualifying as Chablis Grand Cru are seven west-facing vineyards; Les Clos, Blanchots, Bougros, Grenouilles, Preuses, Valmur and Vaudesir. These top vineyards offer a remarkable combination of minerality and austerity, with outstanding ageing capabilities. Les Clos has held the reputation of delivering the most power, and displays a richness unlike the others. The least stony in character is Les Preuses, with a tendency to be riper and rounder. Valmur is bountiful, yet fragrant, and Vaudesir is known for its elegance and finesse. Slightly less austere than the other Grand Cru’s is Bougros, expressing great minerality and a style more approachable when young.
Let’s celebrate these beautiful, one of a kind representations of the classic, King of white wine grapes, Chardonnay, Cheers!
Chablis Available Here Now
Rene et Vincent Dauvissat-Camus Les Preuses, Chablis Grand Cru 2011 750ML ($249.95) $219 special, 5 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 95 points, Stephen Tanzer 94(+?) points “(these vines were planted in 1970): Reticent aromas of citrus zest, warm stones, baked bread and white flowers. The palate offers compelling sucrosite perfectly buffered by a bright lemon flavor and an underlying crushed-rock character that stands in for the wine’s average acidity. Very young but already long on personality. Finishes with piquant saline and stone notes.”
Domaine Faiveley Les Clos, Chablis Grand Cru 2011 750ML ($79.95) $66 special, 15 bottles available
Burghound 92 points “A classic Les Clos nose of oyster shell, white flowers and wet stone leads to intensely mineral-inflected and broad-shouldered flavors that display cuts-like-a-knife delineation before culminating in a clean and very dry finish. There is a note of petrol to the finish that adds to the unmistakable Chablis character.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine Faiveley Les Preuses, Chablis Grand Cru 2011 750ML ($74.95) $59 special, 1+ case available
Burghound 91 points “This offers markedly better complexity on the cool and pure aromas of iodine, tidal pool and white orchard fruit. There is fine intensity to the attractively mineral-driven medium-bodied flavors that are at once succulent yet precise, all wrapped in a harmonious and beautifully lingering finish.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
William Fevre Les Clos, Chablis Grand Cru 2004 750ML ($179.95) $149 special, 1+ case available
Burghound 95 points “Stylistically, this closely resembles the Valmur with its ultra elegant and pure aromas featuring white flowers, oyster shell and subtle spice notes that perfectly complement the round, powerful, rich and full-bodied flavors that coating the mouth and culminate in a saliva-inducing, incredibly intense finish that reminded me more than a little of a great Corton-Charlemagne. This just oozes minerality and the texture is minerally to the point of this resembling a block of stone. A great Les Clos”
William Fevre Les Clos, Chablis Grand Cru 2012 750ML ($139.95) $119 special, 3 cases available
Burghound 96 points “There is noticeable if discreet wood on the ripe and intensely floral nose that also reflects notes of pear, mineral reduction, white peach and algae. This is an imposingly scaled wine with its broad and muscular mouth feel that exudes a seemingly endless reserve of minerality on the almost painfully intense finish that delivers flat out amazing length. This is a very powerful wine that is akin to sucking on rocks it is so mineral-inflected. This too is positively brilliant.”
William Fevre Montee de Tonnerre, Chablis Premier Cru 2012 750ML ($79.95) $59 special, 4 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 93+ points “Pale, green-tinged yellow. Pungent aromas of lime zest, wet stone and saline oyster shell. Densely packed, creamy and deep, with a combination of strong minerality and lively acidity (4.5 grams per liter) giving cut to the lime, pineapple and oyster shell flavors. Richer than the Lys but a bit less taut, even if it’s still a bit reduced and in need of patience. This extremely long wine should enjoy a slow and graceful evolution in bottle.”
William Fevre Les Preuses, Chablis Grand Cru 2009 750ML ($99.95) $89 special, 10 bottles available
Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2009 Chablis Les Preuses is one of the most complete wines in this lineup. It possesses striking delineation of aromas and flavors, with nuance after nuance that emerge in the glass. It is another of the weightless wines here in that it is full of flavor but never heavy. Intense notes of minerality and smokiness grace the textured, sublime finish. This is a fabulous effort from Fevre and Didier Seguier. The Preuses is made from two parcels; the first an east-facing steep slope, the second a flatter parcel richer in clay with a southwest exposure. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019. ”
Burghound 95 points “discreet touch of wood sets off fresh, cool and reserved aromas that are elegant, airy and citrusy before merging into rich, intense, pure and admirably precise medium-bodied flavors that possess really lovely balance and superb length. While there is also an almost invisible hint of wood on the backend, it should be absorbed quickly and overall, this is a spherical wine of perfect proportions and class.”
William Fevre Les Preuses, Chablis Grand Cru 2012 750ML ($119.95) $99 special, 8 bottles available
Burghound 96 points “This is arguably the most elegant wine in the range with its ultra-pure aromas of quinine, oyster shell, mineral reduction and floral elements that are also trimmed in just enough wood to warrant commenting on it. There is a caressing, even seductive mouth feel to the beautifully well-delineated and concentrated medium-bodied flavors that possess an almost delicate quality before culminating in a nearly startlingly explosive finish that just goes on and on. This bone dry effort is an exercise in harmony and grace, or otherwise expressed, a classic Preuses. In a word, brilliant.”
William Fevre Vaillons, Chablis Premier Cru 2007 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 12 bottles available
Burghound 89-92 points –Outstanding–“This is almost as ripe as the Mont de Milieu with a fruit compote nose that displays a hint of exoticism that merges into extremely rich, full, frank and overtly powerful flavors that possess excellent volume, punch and vivacity on the exceptionally pure and driving finish. The acid backbone is firm and despite the ripeness of the fruit, this finishes quite dry and with a seductive texture.”
William Fevre Vaudesir, Chablis Grand Cru 2009 750ML ($89.95) $79 special, 1+ case available
Burghound 94 points “A mildly exotic and atypically reticent nose that is ripe yet airy showcases aromas of orange peel, peach and hints of roasted nut and iodine, before leading to rich, even opulent medium plus weight flavors that are delicious, round and strikingly persistent on the mouth coating and moderately austere finish. This has really come together since I last saw it and like the Bougros, this is quite a bit more refined than I’m used to seeing. An excellent example.”
Domaine Jean-Pierre Grossot Chablis 2012 750ML ($24.95) $20.90 special, 5 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 89 points “Inviting aromas of lemon, ginger, white truffle and menthol, plus a leesy nuance. Fruity and supple on entry, then turns steely and dry on the back half, finishing with good grip. A serious and very young village wine, still slightly tight.”
Thomas Pico Domaine Pattes Loup Cote de Jouans, Chablis Premier Cru 2012 750ML ($44.95) $41.90 special, 2 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 93 points “Thomas Pico’s 2012 Chablis Côtes de Jouan is soft, supple and hugely delicious to the core. Ripe apricot, peach, cinnamon and crushed rock blossom in a Chablis built on pure texture and resonance. Bright saline notes kick in the finish, adding a further layer of complexity to this striking Chablis. As always, the Côtes de Jouan is the most overt and forward of the wines at Pattes Loup. Thomas Pico’s preference for picking late comes through noticeably here.”
Wine Advocate 90-91+ points “Through vintage 2011, the wines were raised in older barriques, but beginning with 2012, Pico has introduced some new demi-muids crafted in France and Austria (from French oak). From barrel, the Pattes Loup 2012 Chablis Cotes de Jouan delivers a chalky, bright lemony, piquantly fruit pit-tinged performance that searches every recess of one-s palate, then leaves it feeling cleansed and invigoratingly scoured even as mineral, citric and cyanic notes deposit a long-lasting and mouthwatering residue. Look for a run of excitingly intense if potentially sparely-textured performances through at least 2020. ”
Domaine Servin Les Forets, Chablis Premier Cru 2011 750ML ($34.95) $27 special, 1+ case available
Wine Spectator 91 points “Displays a lean profile, featuring peach, lemon and mineral flavors, with a hint of yogurt. Vibrant and long, delivering a lingering finish driven by the acidity. Drink now through 2018.”
Domaine Servin Les Forets, Chablis Premier Cru 2012 750ML ($34.95) $27 special, 2+ cases available
Antonio Galloni 91 points “A wine of pure texture and resonance, the 2012 Chablis Les Forêts is absolutely gorgeous today. Almonds, hazelnuts and dried pear are all fused together in the glass. The 2013 is ream less, voluptuous and quite open, even at this early stage. A kick of acidity lends freshness to the finish.”
Domaine Servin Les Forets, Chablis Premier Cru 2013 750ML ($31.95) $26 special, 3+ cases available
Antonio Galloni 89-91 points “A round, succulent Chablis, the 2013 Les Forêts is beautifully textured in the glass. Graphite, petrol, slate and white orchard fruit open up nicely. The 2013 looks to be a fairly approachable Forêts with considerable near and medium-term appeal.”
These are the only listings in the USA today!
Domaine Servin Montee de Tonnerre, Chablis Premier Cru 2013 750ML ($34.95) $26 special, 4+ cases available
Wine Advocate 91 points “The 2013 Chablis 1er Cru Montee de Tonnerre has a well-defined bouquet with lime flower and freshly sliced pear, hints of orange blossom in the background. The palate is well-balanced with a saline entry that sets you up nicely for the peach skin, Nashi pear and grapefruit finish that exudes poise and grace. Excellent. Drink 2015-2022.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine Servin Chablis Premiere Cuvee Les Pargues 2013 750ML ($29.95) $19 special, 10+ cases available
Antonio Galloni 87-89 points “Servin’s 2013 Chablis Les Pargues presents attractive smoke and slate nuances, along with yellow orchard fruit, mint and spices. There is plenty to admire in this subtle, nicely layered village-level Chablis.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine Servin Vaillons, Chablis Premier Cru 2012 750ML ($34.95) $26 special, 5 bottles available
Wine Advocate 90-91+ points “The tank-raised Servin 2012 Chablis Vaillons features very ripe pear, peach, and pineapple with faintly volatile and distilled fruit overtones juxtaposed with stone and ash, and laced with welcome salinity that helps guarantee a mouthwatering extension.”
Domaine Servin Vaillons, Chablis Premier Cru 2013 750ML ($39.95) $29 special, 2 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 90-92 points “Bright citrus, lemon peel and tangerine notes emerge from the 2013 Chablis Vaillons. One of the more energetic, vibrant 1er Crus at Servin in 2013, the Vaillons stands out for its nuance and crystalline precision.”
Domaine Servin Vaucoupin, Chablis Premier Cru 2013 750ML ($34.95) $26 special, 2+ cases available
Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 89-91 points “(from 48-year-old vines): Bright yellow. Citrus fruits, minerals and flowers on the nose, plus a suggestion of gingery spice. Intensely flavored and nicely deep, with an attractive sugar/acid balance contributing to an overall impression of smoothness. Saline and white pepper qualities add interest to the middle palate. Finishes pliant and long, with firm chalky minerality.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Chablis Arriving Late May 2015
Vincent Dauvissat Chablis 2010 750ML ($69.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Stephen Tanzer 91 points “Soil-driven aromas of crystallized lemon peel, hazelnut and fresh porcini. Silky, juicy and energetic, with the sugar/acid balance of the finest 2010s. Wonderfully tasty, vibrant village wine with terrific lift and the structure and verve to age. Impressively long for its appellation.”
Vincent Dauvissat La Forest, Chablis Premier Cru 2012 750ML ($119.95) $99 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 95+ points “The 2012 Chablis La Forest is one of the most reticent wines in this range. Here it is the wine’s phenolic weight and vertical sense of structure that stand out. Lemon oil, ash, smoke and petrol are some of the many nuances that inform a tightly-wound finish that never really opens up. The 2012 Forest is a wine for the patient, but it is shaping up to be a gem.”
Vincent Dauvissat Les Clos, Chablis Grand Cru 2010 750ML ($399.95) $319 pre-arrival special
Stephen Tanzer 97+ points “Bright pale yellow. Precise, high-pitched nose offers lemon peel, crushed stone, white pepper and metallic minerality; more expressive today than the Preuses. Wonderfully pure, silky and incisive but youthfully closed on the palate, showing great concentration of bracing grapefruit and lemon fruit (tonic youth!). Not an overly powerful style but the spectacularly long finish leaves the retronasal passage quivering with juniper, floral and resin nuances.”
Vincent Dauvissat Les Preuses, Chablis Grand Cru 2010 750ML ($299.95) $279 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 96 points “The 2010 Chablis Preuses is a dense, structured wine bursting with fruit. The typical Preuses bouquet is very much present, but today the wine is young and needs time to settle down. This is a decidedly bold, ripe Preuses that captures the weight and richness of the year. Although insanely vivid and beautiful in the glass, it needs time to fully come together. Today, the minerality appears nearly buried by the sheer weight of the fruit.”
Stephen Tanzer 96 points “Bright pale yellow. Reticent, mineral-driven aromas of liquid rock, ginger, medicinal herbs and white flowers. Almost painfully intense today, with captivating floral lift to the crushed stone and saline mineral flavors. Utterly backward on the middle palate but the rising, palate-staining, remarkably long finish leaves the mouth vibrating with flavors of lavender, violet, anise and hot rocks. This brilliantly precise grand cru may well go on in bottle for 25 years.”
Domaine Francois Raveneau Butteaux, Chablis Premier Cru 2010 750ML ($249.95) $219 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 95 points “Raveneau’s 2010 Chablis Butteaux is beautifully expressive on the bouquet, where layers of petrol, smoke and melted rocks fuse together with notable elegance. The Butteaux is a wine of all dimensions; it is at once vertical and horizontal, with fabulous purity and exceptional overall balance. This is one of the larger-scaled 2010s here. In many ways it encapsulates the personality of the vintage.”
Domaine Francois Raveneau Butteaux, Chablis Premier Cru 2011 750ML (199.95) $179 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2011 Chablis Butteaux is subtle, gracious and utterly impeccable in its elegance. All the elements are simply in the right place. Articulate, energetic and nuanced, the 2011 captures all the qualities of this 1er Cru site, in miniature. This is another of the more approachable 2011s from Raveneau.”
Domaine Francois Raveneau Foret, Chablis Premier Cru 2011 750ML ($179.95) $149 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 90 points “The 2011 Chablis Foret bursts from the glass with heady, tropical-inflected fruit, which is so unusual here. Tangerine, honey, wild flowers, herbs and nectarines are all woven into the textured, voluptuous finish. The 2011 will drink well pretty much right out of the gate, so there is no reason to delay gratification.”
Domaine Francois Raveneau Montee de Tonnerre, Chablis Premier Cru 2010 750ML ($279.95) $249 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 95+ points “Readers will have to be patient with the 2010 Chablis Montée de Tonnerre. Some of the other 2010s are showing much more today, but the Montée de Tonnerre is all understatement and class. Still, it is impossible to miss the wine’s textural finesse and exceptional overall harmony. Everything is simply in the right place in this majestic, compelling Chablis. A gentle hint of spice frames the finish.”
Domaine Francois Raveneau Montee de Tonnerre, Chablis Premier Cru 2011 750ML ($249.95) $219 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2011 Chablis Montee de Tonnerre is all about grace. A gentle hint of spice leads to dried pears, crushed flowers, red berries and licorice. Constantly changing in the glass, the 2011 is a marvel to behold. Suggestions of smoke, graphite and licorice add layers of nuance in a magical wine loaded with class and personality. Best of all, the 2011 is relatively approachable by Raveneau standards, which means reader won’t have to wait long at all to experience the magic of one of the great sites in Chablis.”
Domaine Francois Raveneau Vaillons, Chablis Premier Cru 2005 750ML ($249.95) $219 pre-arrival special
Stephen Tanzer 93 points “Bright, pale yellow. Highly aromatic nose combines citrus peel, toast and hazelnut; more pristine than the Foret and Montmain. Fat, ripe, rich and dry, with superb breadth and chewiness to the white peach, citrus and mineral flavors. This really saturates the entire palate with flavor. Finishes quite full, long and strong, with exhilarating acidity giving it a light touch. Like the Montmain, this is even more impressive than it showed from barrel a year ago.”
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Just a reminder about our current shipping specials during this season:
We offer flat rate shipping on any size single order / single shipment
-to Oregon for $17,
-Washington & Idaho for $20,
-and California for $25
These rates do not apply to orders held in storage here for any reason. Multiple orders consolidated into one shipment do not qualify for flat rate shipping.
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Arriving Friday May 15th
Sottimano
In 1975, Maggiore Sottimano purchased the Cottà vineyard and its associated winery to found the Azienda Agricola Sottimano. His son, Rino, grew the estate to include Currà, Fausoni, Pajorè and Basarin vineyards that, since 1990, have been farmed using organic methods. Rino’s son Andrea is the current winemaker. Andrea, in keeping with his father’s philosophy, takes his inspiration from Burgundy to produce terroir-driven wines with minimal intervention. The vineyards’ yields are restricted to produce structured, full bodied wines with long aging potential that are unfiltered and unfined. The wines are fermented in oak with naturally occurring yeasts. Andrea prefers to minimize the influence of new oak on the wines, aging all of his wines primarily in old oak. The family sources French oak for the winery from a single Burgundian cooper: Francois Frères.
Five single-vineyard Barbaresco wines are produced from each of the vineyard holdings. Wines from the Cottà are rich, fruit-driven with subtle notes of mint and silky tannins. The Currà vineyard produces rich and elegant age-worthy wines. The Fausoni vineyard produces the softest wines with bright acidity and notes of mint, licorice and flowers. The Pajorè single vineyard wine has great elegance with restrained fruit and spicy aromas. Only 200 cases of the Riservas are made during exceptional vintages, of which the 2005 is only the second to be produced. The Riservas are hand harvested from old vines in the Cottà and Pajorè vineyards.
New Release Sottimano Wines Arriving Friday May 15th
Sottimano Curra, Barbaresco DOCG 2010 750ML ($79.95) $60.90 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 95 points “Firm tannins provide the backbone for the 2010 Barbaresco Currà. A wonderfully layered, rich wine, the 2010 impresses for its resonance, beauty and class. Nothing in particular stands out, the 2010 is a wine of total harmony and symmetry. The Currà is quite floral, high-toned and spiced, not unlike the Fausoni, but with a little more mid-palate pliancy. At the same time, the tannins remain a bit firm, so a measure of patience is required.” AG
Sottimano Cotta, Barbaresco DOCG 2011 750ML ($69.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 92 points “Rich and fleshy, exhibiting flavors of plum and black cherry, buoyed by vivid acidity and beefy tannins. Exhibits a sweet character and plenty of tannins on the finish, so be patient. Best from 2017 through 2027.” WS
Sottimano Fausoni, Barbaresco DOCG 2011 750ML ($69.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Wine Enthusiast 93 points “Crushed raspberry, blue flower, tilled soil and graphite aromas lead the nose on this firmly structured wine. It’s still very young and needs to open up fully, but the palate already displays breeding and class. It offers ripe black cherry, ground black pepper, licorice and grilled sage alongside tightly wound but fine tannins. Drink 2018–2026.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $59.95
Sottimano Pajore, Barbaresco DOCG 2011 750ML ($69.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Wine Enthusiast 93 points “Ripe and delicious, this starts off with aromas of fresh violet, rose, perfumed berry, exotic spice and tilled earth. It’s still young but the palate already delivers a great depth of flavors including juicy black cherry, crushed raspberry, clove and black pepper alongside chewy tannins. Drink 2016 to 2021.” WE
Sottimano Wines Available Here Now
Sottimano Barbaresco Cotta 2009 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 17 bottles available
Wine Advocate 92 points “Playing very much true to type, the 2009 Barbaresco Cotta is the richest and roundest of these 2009s. As always, it has the most overt fruit to match its generally supple personality. Here, too the richness of the fruit goes head to head with the formidable tannins all the way through to the finish. This dark, fleshy Barbaresco should enter its sweet spot in another five years or so. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2027.”
Sottimano Barbaresco Curra 2007 750ML ($74.95) $79 special, 7 bottles available
Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2007 Barbaresco Curra is a touch more austere and reserved than the Fausoni, but equally compelling. A wall of tannin hides a core of bright red berries, flowers, sweet herbs and licorice that will need at least several years of cellaring to fully emerge. This, too, possesses exceptional length and fabulous overall balance in a textured, captivating style for the year. With time in the glass, this positively explodes on the palate with layers of ripe fruit and structure, resulting in a fabulous wine that represents the epitome of finesse. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2027.”
Sottimano Barbaresco Curra 2009 750ML ($79.95) $49 special, previously $69, 10 bottles available
Wine Advocate & Stephen Tanzer 92+ points “Sottimano’s 2009 Barbaresco Curra is striking in this vintage. The Curra is often hard when it is young, but in 2009 the wine has a little more volume and richness, which serves to cover the tannins. Bright red berries, flowers, mint and sweet spices flesh out in this radiant, textured Barbaresco. High-toned floral notes flow through to the inviting close. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024.” WA
Sottimano Barbaresco Fausoni 2007 750ML ($84.95) $69 special, 6 bottles available
Wine Advocate 92 points “The Fausoni is usually one of the lighter-weight Barbarescos here, but not in 2007. Dark red fruit, crushed flowers, licorice and sweet baking spices come together beautifully in this ripe, sensual Barbaresco. There is a wonderful richness to the fruit that virtually covers the tannins, all while avoiding any sense of heaviness. Simply put, the Fausoni is an overachiever in this vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2027.”
Sottimano Barbaresco Fausoni 2009 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 7 bottles available
Wine Advocate 92 points “A sweet, floral bouquet infused with a note of mint announces the 2009 Barbaresco Fausoni. This mid-weight, gracious Barbaresco is all about finesse, detail and nuance. I very much like the sense of energy here. Firm yet well-balanced tannins frame the long finish. The balance of fruit, acidity and structure is about as harmonious as it gets in 2009. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024.”
Sottimano Barbaresco Pajore 2009 750ML ($64.95) $49 special, 32 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer & Wine Advocate 93 points “(from a high-altitude, limestone-rich vineyard in Treiso): Good bright red. Sexy, elegant nose offers strawberry, raspberry, tobacco and spices. Juicy and primary for the vintage, with excellent mineral and spicy cut giving precision to the middle palate. Very Treiso in character, and the highest in acidity of these 2009 Barbarescos (6 grams, vs. 5.5 for the others). Finishes energetic and long, with chewy, firm tannins and terrific lift. This really transcends the vintage. “But not the best style of wine for a blind tasting,” notes Sottimano.” ST
Sottimano Barbaresco Riserva 2005 750ML ($119.95) $69 special, previously $89, 3 bottles available
Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2005 Barbaresco Riserva is a dense, powerful, fruit-driven Barbaresco that is virtually impenetrable at this stage. This old-vines selection from Cotta and Pajore remains incredibly primary and youthful. Dark fruit, smoke, leather and tar are just some of the notes that linger on the massive yet impressively round, harmonious close. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030. ”
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Rock It to Me
K Vintners New Releases
K Vintner Wines Arriving May 15th
Charles Smith K Vintners ‘M.C.K. Motor City Kitty’ Syrah 2012 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 94-96 points “The 2012 Syrah Motor City Kitty is another incredible Syrah from this estate that does everything right (including selling for a crazy low price). Giving up plenty of creme de cassis, licorice, crushed rock and subtle vanilla nuances, it’s full-bodied and incredibly polished on the palate, with ultra-fine tannin structure and gorgeous concentration that never seems cumbersome or heavy. Made from 100% Syrah and coming all from sandy soils, it’s blockbuster stuff that will have 10-15 years of longevity.” WA
Charles Smith K Vintners River Rock Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2012 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 94-96 points “The 2012 Syrah River Rock Vineyards comes all from The Rocks region of Walla Walla and was fermented with 100% whole clusters. Giving up massive minerality, with ground herbs, gunpowder, smoked earth, olive and assorted dark fruits, this beauty hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a layered, elegant feel and notable tannin that comes through on the finish. As with the Rock Garden Syrah, it should have 10 to 15 years of prime drinking.” WA
Charles Smith K Vintners Northridge Vineyard Merlot, Wahluke Slope 2012 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 92-95 points “The 2012 Merlot Northridge comes from the Wahluke Slope and is made from 100% Merlot that was aged in 60% new French oak. Vibrant and up-front, with pure layered aromas and flavors of plum liqueur, graphite, mineral and assorted wild flowers, it is full-bodied, sweetly fruited and downright sexy on the palate, with a voluptuous, hard to resist profile. Loaded with fruit, it nevertheless stays graceful and very drinkable. It should drink nicely on release and evolve nicely for upward of a decade.” WA
Charles Smith K Vintners Rock Garden Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2012 750ML ($69.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 93-95 points “The first vintage for the cuvee, the 2012 Syrah Rock Garden has fabulous aromas and flavors of plum, pepper, earth, spiced meats and underbrush that flow seamlessly to a full-bodied, layered and decadently textured Syrah that has polished tannin, no hard edges and a great finish. Given the amount of fruit and texture, it should be approachable on release, yet evolve gracefully for 10 to 15 years.” WA
Charles Smith K Vintners ‘El Jefe’ Tempranillo, Columbia Valley 2012 750ML ($69.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 92-94 points “Aged in 80% new French oak, the 2012 El Jefe Tempranillo Stoneridge Vineyard gives up classic Christmas spice, cedar and graphite to go with a core of both red and black styled fruit. Medium to full-bodied, elegant and with the tannic grip of the variety, this solid effort will benefit from short-term cellaring and evolve gracefully for over a decade.” WA
Charles Smith K Vintners ‘The Boy’ Grenache – Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2013 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Winery notes “88% Grenache, 12% Syrah from the Northridge & River Rock Vineyards. A regal wine. A beautiful ruby robe, velvety and revealing – layer upon layer of supple and refined fruit. Layers of ‘je ne sais quoi,’ complex, sophisticated and elegant wine.”
K Vintners Wines Arriving May 22nd
Charles Smith K Vintners ‘The Creator’ Cabernet – Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2012 750ML ($69.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 93-95 points “Moving to the Bordeaux styled releases and a blend of 70% Cabernet and 30% Syrah, the 2012 The Creator offers up a classic bouquet of cassis, lead pencil shavings and hints of herbs to go with a full-bodied, layered and balanced profile on the palate. Possessing fabulous Cabernet character, with rock star texture and building tannin, it will have another 12-15 years of prime drinking.” WA
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Last Call
Reflash Sale
Perrier Jouet Grand Brut NV 750ML ($49.95) $29.50 special, 16 bottles available
Wine Spectator 90 points “Spring blossom and smoke notes mix in this lively Champagne, with a creamy bead carrying hints of lemon shortbread, peach and ground ginger. Drink now through 2017.” WS
Paul Avril Clos des Papes Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2012 750ML ($149.95) Was $125, Now $88, 17 bottles available
Wine Spectator 97 points –#7 Top 100 2014–“A stunner, with a gorgeous cassis aroma that soars from the glass, reinforced by a core of cassis, cherry and plum pâte de fruit, hoisin sauce, warm ganache and well-roasted apple wood notes. Hefty, but suave and seamless. The finish lets graphite and licorice elements glide through. The structure is dense, polished and perfectly integrated, resulting in lovely length. Should be a beauty after cellaring. Best from 2017 through 2032.” WS
Wine Advocate 95-98 points “Tasted from multiple foudres, the 2012 Chateauneuf du Pape is stunning! Showing surprising depth and concentration in the vintage, with full-bodied richness and texture, all of the samples showed perfumed, complex aromatics, fantastic mid-palates and serious back-end structure. Less forward than the 2011, with plenty of oomph, it will most likely require short-term cellaring to come around, and have a broad drink window.” WA
Domaine Leon Barral Faugeres Valiniere, Languedoc-Roussillon 2011 ($79.95) $49 special, 27 bottles available
Wine Advocate 95 points “The Mourvèdre dominated 2011 Faugères Valiniere (which incorporates a smidge of Syrah) is a full-bodied, big boned, layered and rich Faugères that needs bottle age. Giving up awesome blueberry, licorice, violets and spice, it hits the palate with serious concentration, lots of fruit and building underlying structure that comes through with time in the glass. This is a serious Faugères that deserves 2-4 years of bottle aged, and will drink nicely through 2026.” WA
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best factually available price is $72
Hall Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2012 750ML ($59.95) Was $49, Now $39, 36+ bottles available
Antonio Galloni 88-90 points “Hall’s 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon is laced with attractive plum, mocha, licorice, spices and menthol notes. This juicy, highly expressive Cabernet Sauvignon is shaping up beautifully. It should drink well pretty much upon release.” AG
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Vignobles Brunier Domaine Vieux Telegraphe Chateauneuf-du-Pape La Crau, Rhone 2012 750ML ($89.95) Was $69, Now $59, 36+ bottles available
Case-12 Vignobles Brunier Domaine Vieux Telegraphe Chateauneuf-du-Pape La Crau, Rhone 2012 750ML ($899.95) $679 special (that’s only $56.58/bottle), 4 cases available
Wine Spectator 94 points “Rock-solid, with a hefty core of fig, blackberry and black cherry fruit, wrapped in chestnut and tobacco leaf notes and carrying through a lavender- and tar-framed finish. Dense and grippy, showing a slightly old-school shading. Should cellar well. Best from 2016 through 2030”
Josh Raynolds 92-94 points “Bright ruby. Intense raspberry and cherry aromas are complicated by hints of lavender, spicecake and blood orange. Juicy and fruit-driven, with palate-coating flavors of sweet, spice-tinged red fruits and candied flowers. Quite suave and seamless, boasting striking purity to its red fruit- and mineral-driven finish. Those who decry the ripeness and heady character of most Chateauneufs owe it to themselves to try this wine.”
Robert Parker 93-95 points “The top wine of the estate, the 2012 Vieux Telegraphe Chateauneuf du Pape (which is always a blend of 65% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 15% Mourvedre and 5% Cinsault and other grapes, from 65-year-old vines) is a classic example of the cuvee and possesses gorgeous aromatics (kirsch, garrigue, big minerality and background meatiness), medium to full-bodied richness and a firm, tannic spine. As is common, it will require a handful of years in the cellar to come around and have 15+ years of longevity. Drink 2016-2027.” RP
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $81/bottle
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The Traditionalist of the Bunch
2010 Barolo from A & G Fantino
This family estate is run by brothers Alessandro and Gian Natale. They own eight hectares of some of the oldest vines from the heart of the Bussia cru, an area known for wines of finesse and longevity. The vines were planted in 1946 and 1947. Of the many Fantinos producing wine in the region, they are the stanch traditionalists who prune their vines in an old, labor-intensive style and ferment their wines in old oak vat before aging in large, old oak barrels.
Alessandro E Gian Natale Fantino Barolo Bussia “Cascina Dardi” 2010 750ML ($59.95) $46 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Alessandro E Gian Natale Fantino Barolo Bussia “Cascina Dardi” 2010 750ML ($319.95) $249 pre-arrival special (that’s only $41.50/bottle!)
Case-12 Alessandro E Gian Natale Fantino Barolo Bussia “Cascina Dardi” 2010 750ML ($579.95) $469 pre-arrival special (that’s only $39.08/bottle!)
Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2010 Barolo Cascina Dardi Bussia hits all the right marks with a beautiful sense of elegance and grace that is immediately apparent. The aromas dangle in front of you, delicately and seductively, with ethereal layers of spice, blue flower, almond paste, anisette and dried cherry or wild berry. The workmanship here reflects an attention to the minute details offered by Nebbiolo. The tannins are silky and long with deeply polished texture. Barolo Cascina Dardi Bussia is a fine, posed and super-confident expression. Drink 2016-2026.”