In Today’s Newsletter:
Hundred Acre and Continuum, Arriving Friday
The Final Round of Wines from Burgundy’s Hottest Producer
A Perfect Wine from a California Legend
Historic, But Ambitious – Mazzei Makes Super Tuscans
A Cameron Arley’s Leap Pre-Arrival Special
Trending Wines
New Wine Spectator Reviews
Collector’s Corner: Chambertin and Its Satellites
Cult Napa Wines, Arriving Friday
Big, bold, seductive and hard to find, these wines are sought after by collectors, enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike. We secured our allocation of Continuum’s flagship red and Hundred Acre’s Kayli Morgan Cab, arriving Friday and available for purchase now. First come, first served.
Arriving Friday
Only eighteen bottles and eighteen half bottles available.
Continuum Proprietary Red, Napa Valley 2016 750ML ($279.95) $219 pre-arrival special
Continuum Proprietary Red, Napa Valley 2016 375ML ($149.95) $119 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 99 points “The 2016 Proprietary Red is blended of 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Cabernet Franc, 18% Petit Verdot and 5% Merlot. Deep garnet-purple colored, it emits an incredible array of seductive floral notes—violets, lavender and rose hip tea—with a core of warm cassis, redcurrant jelly, dark chocolate, cigar box, tapenade and crushed rocks plus hints of bay leaves, beef drippings and yeast extract. Medium to full-bodied, the palate explodes with vivacious black fruit sparked by red fruit, herbal and mineral accents. It is framed with a rock-solid line of firm, grainy, super ripe tannins and finishes with fantastic fragrance and freshness. Wow!-LPB”
James Suckling 100 points “Super aromas of blackberries, blackcurrants and blueberries. Hints of fresh herbs and tobacco. Iron and ink. Full-bodied, very tight and powerful, yet not too heavy. Lightly chewy and polished. So much nerve and intensity. Super length and depth. Drink after 2025, but a joy to taste now.”
Only three bottles available
Hundred Acre ‘Kayli Morgan Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2016 750ML ($599.95) $479 pre-arrival special
The Final Round of Wines
From Burgundy’s Hottest Producer
Domaine Clos de la Chapelle Corton Bressandes Grand Cru, Cote de Beaune 2017 750ML ($149.95) $119 pre-arrival special
John Gilman 95+ points “The Bressandes from Domaine Clos de la Chapelle is now the sole red Grand Cru in the estate’s lineup, as Maison Champy has received custody of the Corton “Rognet” as part of the divorce settlement. However, if the superb 2017 vintage is any indication, this is a crown that the Bressandes will have no difficulty wearing in the coming years. The bouquet is very precise and expressive, offering up a youthful blend of cherries, red currants, a touch of orange zest, spitroasted gamebird, a beautiful base of soil tones, coriander seed, mustard seed, woodsmoke, a hint of cocoa powder, other gentle spice tones and a lovely foundation of vanillin oak. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, focused and impeccably balanced, with a great core of fruit, Corton’s signature transparency, ripe, buried tannins and a long, tangy and nascently complex finish. I do so love red Corton when it is made at this high level! 2032-2100″
Burghound 93 points “A very toasty and menthol-suffused nose stops short, if only just, of masking the pretty essence of various red berries, spice, floral and earth scents. The broad-shouldered flavors are impressively rich while possessing excellent size, weight and volume along with fine power and driven on the highly persistent and very firm finish. I would add that despite being quite firmly structured, this will probably be approachable after only 5 to 7 years if you don’t have the patience to cellar it for the longer-term”
Domaine Clos de la Chapelle Les Chanlins VV, Pommard Premier Cru 2015 750ML ($119.95) $99 pre-arrival special
John Gilman 94 points “Chanlins is one of my favorite vineyards in Pommard, as both the premier cru and villages sections of the vineyard produce very elegant interpretations of Pommard. The eighty- six year-old vines here have really excelled in 2015, with the wine offering a great combination of sappy red fruit, superb transparency and a very elegant structural chassis- particularly for young Pommard! The bouquet is nicely reserved, but also deep and sappy, offering up scents of red plums, cherries, gamebird, a touch of nutskin, violets, a marvelous base of soil, just a hint of mustard seed, cedar and raw cocoa. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and sappy at the core, but also very nicely reserved in profile out of the blocks and built for the long haul. The tannins here are ripe, fine-grained and beautifully integrated, with good acids, excellent focus and a very, very long, perfectly balanced finish giving this wine superb potential. This is every bit as refined in personality as the top Volnays here this year! 2025-2075”
Burghound 93 points “(from a .25 ha parcel). A densely fruited nose combines notes of markedly ripe but fresh aromas of dark pinot fruit, spice, warm earth and a wisp of violet. The elegant yet powerful medium-weight flavors also exude a fine minerality that continues onto the sappy, balanced and beautifully persistent finish. This muscular effort is notably more structured and is going to need at least 6 to 8 years and should ultimately reward 12 to 15”
Domaine Clos de la Chapelle ‘Clos de la Chapelle’, Volnay Premier Cru 2017 750ML ($149.95) $119 pre-arrival special
John Gilman 94+ points “The Clos de la Chapelle monopole has quickly become one of Volnay’s most elegant bottlings and the 2017 vintage is one of my absolute favorite vintages so far from Mark’s flagship terroir. The nose here is beautifully complex and transparent right out of the blocks, offering a very refined blend of plums, red and black cherries, raw cocoa, gamebird, a touch of fresh nutmeg, beautifully complex and understated fresh herb tones, a gorgeous base of chalky minerality, gentle smokiness and a discreet framing of cedary oak. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied, nascently complex and absolutely defined by its soil element, with a lovely core of fruit, ripe, seamless tannins, good acids and outstanding length and grip on the youthful and very, very promising finish. I have adored this bottling since the very first vintage, but it seems to me that the 2017 has taken the level of complexity and transparency here up another level, though the wine is qualitatively still about the same as it has been since its debut vintage of 2010. It is just finer, more transparent and ultimately just a hair more pleasing to an old Burgundy hand like me this year! This will be approachable in another six or seven years, due to its exquisite balance, but I would try to not touch a bottle for at least a decade, as this wine is built a little bit along the lines of one of Frédéric Lafarge’s top Volnays and it is going to be so much better to drink at age twenty or thirty than it will be at age seven or eight! 2030-2085+”
Burghound 92 points “Here the wood treatment is no longer subtle as the toast and menthol characters stop just short of dominating the otherwise fresh and pretty rose petal and lavender-suffused aromas of red cherry and raspberry. The lilting and ultra-refined flavors possess a lovely sense of underlying tension before concluding in a lacy, balanced and sneaky long finish where the tannins are firm but beautifully well-integrated. Note that my rating assumes that the wood will eventually integrate as it’s not a background element at present.”
Domaine Clos de la Chapelle Taillepieds, Volnay Premier Cru 2017 750ML ($119.95) $99 pre-arrival special
John Gilman 94+ points “The beautiful 2017 Taillepieds is an absolutely textbook example of this great terroir, as one might expect in a great vintage and sixty-five-plus year-old vines tucked in between d’Angerville and de Montille in the heart and soul of the vineyard. The stunning nose soars from the glass in a nascently complex blend of sweet black cherries and plums, dark chocolate, fresh nutmeg and other delicate spice tones, dark soil tones, gamebird, woodsmoke and a bit of vanillin oak. With extended aeration there is a touch of Bonnes-Mareslike heather tones as well here, which is utterly gorgeous. On the palate the wine is deep, full, focused and properly structured, with a beautiful core of fruit, great soil signature, ripe, wellintegrated tannins and a long, tangy and perfectly balanced finish. Great juice. 2030-2090”
Burghound 93 points “Relatively deeply colored. There is plenty of wood influence to the aromas of menthol, spice, orange peel and tea scents. The slightly bigger and more powerful medium weight flavors exhibit even more mineralityon the tautly muscular and beautifully persistent finish that reflects the typical youthful austerity of a classic Taillepieds. Excellent”
Looking for the full list? See the spreadsheets below or check out all the wines in our online store!
A Perfect Wine from a California Legend
Hundred Acre and Continuum, Arriving Friday
The Final Round of Wines from Burgundy’s Hottest Producer
A Perfect Wine from a California Legend
Historic, But Ambitious – Mazzei Makes Super Tuscans
A Cameron Arley’s Leap Pre-Arrival Special
Trending Wines
New Wine Spectator Reviews
Collector’s Corner: Chambertin and Its Satellites
Cult Napa Wines, Arriving Friday
Big, bold, seductive and hard to find, these wines are sought after by collectors, enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike. We secured our allocation of Continuum’s flagship red and Hundred Acre’s Kayli Morgan Cab, arriving Friday and available for purchase now. First come, first served.
Arriving Friday
Only eighteen bottles and eighteen half bottles available.
Continuum Proprietary Red, Napa Valley 2016 750ML ($279.95) $219 pre-arrival special
Continuum Proprietary Red, Napa Valley 2016 375ML ($149.95) $119 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 99 points “The 2016 Proprietary Red is blended of 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Cabernet Franc, 18% Petit Verdot and 5% Merlot. Deep garnet-purple colored, it emits an incredible array of seductive floral notes—violets, lavender and rose hip tea—with a core of warm cassis, redcurrant jelly, dark chocolate, cigar box, tapenade and crushed rocks plus hints of bay leaves, beef drippings and yeast extract. Medium to full-bodied, the palate explodes with vivacious black fruit sparked by red fruit, herbal and mineral accents. It is framed with a rock-solid line of firm, grainy, super ripe tannins and finishes with fantastic fragrance and freshness. Wow!-LPB”
James Suckling 100 points “Super aromas of blackberries, blackcurrants and blueberries. Hints of fresh herbs and tobacco. Iron and ink. Full-bodied, very tight and powerful, yet not too heavy. Lightly chewy and polished. So much nerve and intensity. Super length and depth. Drink after 2025, but a joy to taste now.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
This is the lowest listed price for a half bottle in the USA today!
This is the lowest listed price for a half bottle in the USA today!
Only three bottles available
Hundred Acre ‘Kayli Morgan Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2016 750ML ($599.95) $479 pre-arrival special
The Final Round of Wines
From Burgundy’s Hottest Producer
We’re excited to announce the impending arrival of the final round of wines from Clos de Chapelle–one of the most exciting new Burgundy producers in the store. These are thrilling wines at prices that don’t yet reflect the quality of the estate, though between impending tariffs and the trajectory of the domaine, we expect that to change over the coming years. Right now, though, these remain an incredible wines for serious Burgundy drinkers to drink and hold.
Every now and then, we taste wines from a producer that’s clearly Going Places—like the star student in a high school class, it’s painfully obvious that some domaines are driven in a fundamentally different way from their peers. The current incarnation of Clos de la Chapelle is clearly one of those estates—the praise keeps coming and it won’t be long until these are thought of (and priced with) wines like D’Angerville, Lafon and Lafarge as some of the top bottlings in Volnay.
That drive comes down to one person, their (American) owner, Mark O’Connell, who bought the domaine in 2011 and has poured money and time into elevating it from an historic (yet perhaps underperforming) producer with excellent holdings to one of the elite domaines in the Cote de Beaune. The winery now owns land in an array of the top vineyard sites in Volnay, Pommard and Corton and makes truly excellent renditions of each—with moderate whole cluster use, small amounts of new oak and brilliantly balanced ripeness.
This is a domaine that’s only been around in its current incarnation since 2011, and yet has already been a featured winery at La Paulee, with strong reviews from both Burghound and John Gilman. The original incarnation dates back to the middle of the 19th century, run by a member of the Boillot family up until the recent sale. The domaine owns a total of 4 hectares of red and white vineyards, exclusively in Premier and Grand Cru sites and their namesake wine is perhaps the best of them all. The Clos de la Chapelle monopole was always considered to be one of the premier terroirs (it’s right next door to the Clos de la Bousse d’Or and there are records of Louis Pasteur buying 50 bottles of the 1858, so this is not a secret) but it’s mainly since the changeover that the wines have lived up to the promise of the land.
The final round of wines lands next week. Mostly from the excellent ’15, ’16, and ’17 vintages, these really show what the domaine is capable of. Not only are they the best wines the estate has made to date, they also are priced under previous tariff and collectibility paradigms, making them worthy wines to stockpile in anticipation of worldwide interest and regulatory-based price increases.
Highlights, Arriving ETA January 17th
Domaine Clos de la Chapelle Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru, Cote de Beaune 2014 750ML ($199.95) $169 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 95 points “A stoniness underscores the lemon, citronella and clove flavors in this racy white. The chalky texture and light tannins on the finish set this apart. This keeps building, ending with fine energy and a lingering aftertaste. Best from 2019 through 2028. 68 cases made”
John Gilman 93+ points “The 2014 Corton Charlemagne from Clos de la Chapelle is a very fine bottle in the making. The deep and serious nose offers up scents of apple, pear, a touch of iodine, lovely, chalky soil tones, a touch of citrus peel and vanillin oak. On the palate the wine is deep, fullbodied, complex and rock solid at the core, with lovely mineral drive, crisp acids and excellent length and grip on the nascently complex finish. Fine juice in the making. 2020-2045+”
Every now and then, we taste wines from a producer that’s clearly Going Places—like the star student in a high school class, it’s painfully obvious that some domaines are driven in a fundamentally different way from their peers. The current incarnation of Clos de la Chapelle is clearly one of those estates—the praise keeps coming and it won’t be long until these are thought of (and priced with) wines like D’Angerville, Lafon and Lafarge as some of the top bottlings in Volnay.
That drive comes down to one person, their (American) owner, Mark O’Connell, who bought the domaine in 2011 and has poured money and time into elevating it from an historic (yet perhaps underperforming) producer with excellent holdings to one of the elite domaines in the Cote de Beaune. The winery now owns land in an array of the top vineyard sites in Volnay, Pommard and Corton and makes truly excellent renditions of each—with moderate whole cluster use, small amounts of new oak and brilliantly balanced ripeness.
This is a domaine that’s only been around in its current incarnation since 2011, and yet has already been a featured winery at La Paulee, with strong reviews from both Burghound and John Gilman. The original incarnation dates back to the middle of the 19th century, run by a member of the Boillot family up until the recent sale. The domaine owns a total of 4 hectares of red and white vineyards, exclusively in Premier and Grand Cru sites and their namesake wine is perhaps the best of them all. The Clos de la Chapelle monopole was always considered to be one of the premier terroirs (it’s right next door to the Clos de la Bousse d’Or and there are records of Louis Pasteur buying 50 bottles of the 1858, so this is not a secret) but it’s mainly since the changeover that the wines have lived up to the promise of the land.
The final round of wines lands next week. Mostly from the excellent ’15, ’16, and ’17 vintages, these really show what the domaine is capable of. Not only are they the best wines the estate has made to date, they also are priced under previous tariff and collectibility paradigms, making them worthy wines to stockpile in anticipation of worldwide interest and regulatory-based price increases.
Highlights, Arriving ETA January 17th
Domaine Clos de la Chapelle Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru, Cote de Beaune 2014 750ML ($199.95) $169 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 95 points “A stoniness underscores the lemon, citronella and clove flavors in this racy white. The chalky texture and light tannins on the finish set this apart. This keeps building, ending with fine energy and a lingering aftertaste. Best from 2019 through 2028. 68 cases made”
John Gilman 93+ points “The 2014 Corton Charlemagne from Clos de la Chapelle is a very fine bottle in the making. The deep and serious nose offers up scents of apple, pear, a touch of iodine, lovely, chalky soil tones, a touch of citrus peel and vanillin oak. On the palate the wine is deep, fullbodied, complex and rock solid at the core, with lovely mineral drive, crisp acids and excellent length and grip on the nascently complex finish. Fine juice in the making. 2020-2045+”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine Clos de la Chapelle Corton Bressandes Grand Cru, Cote de Beaune 2017 750ML ($149.95) $119 pre-arrival special
John Gilman 95+ points “The Bressandes from Domaine Clos de la Chapelle is now the sole red Grand Cru in the estate’s lineup, as Maison Champy has received custody of the Corton “Rognet” as part of the divorce settlement. However, if the superb 2017 vintage is any indication, this is a crown that the Bressandes will have no difficulty wearing in the coming years. The bouquet is very precise and expressive, offering up a youthful blend of cherries, red currants, a touch of orange zest, spitroasted gamebird, a beautiful base of soil tones, coriander seed, mustard seed, woodsmoke, a hint of cocoa powder, other gentle spice tones and a lovely foundation of vanillin oak. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, focused and impeccably balanced, with a great core of fruit, Corton’s signature transparency, ripe, buried tannins and a long, tangy and nascently complex finish. I do so love red Corton when it is made at this high level! 2032-2100″
Burghound 93 points “A very toasty and menthol-suffused nose stops short, if only just, of masking the pretty essence of various red berries, spice, floral and earth scents. The broad-shouldered flavors are impressively rich while possessing excellent size, weight and volume along with fine power and driven on the highly persistent and very firm finish. I would add that despite being quite firmly structured, this will probably be approachable after only 5 to 7 years if you don’t have the patience to cellar it for the longer-term”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $130
The next best price is $130
Domaine Clos de la Chapelle Les Chanlins VV, Pommard Premier Cru 2015 750ML ($119.95) $99 pre-arrival special
John Gilman 94 points “Chanlins is one of my favorite vineyards in Pommard, as both the premier cru and villages sections of the vineyard produce very elegant interpretations of Pommard. The eighty- six year-old vines here have really excelled in 2015, with the wine offering a great combination of sappy red fruit, superb transparency and a very elegant structural chassis- particularly for young Pommard! The bouquet is nicely reserved, but also deep and sappy, offering up scents of red plums, cherries, gamebird, a touch of nutskin, violets, a marvelous base of soil, just a hint of mustard seed, cedar and raw cocoa. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and sappy at the core, but also very nicely reserved in profile out of the blocks and built for the long haul. The tannins here are ripe, fine-grained and beautifully integrated, with good acids, excellent focus and a very, very long, perfectly balanced finish giving this wine superb potential. This is every bit as refined in personality as the top Volnays here this year! 2025-2075”
Burghound 93 points “(from a .25 ha parcel). A densely fruited nose combines notes of markedly ripe but fresh aromas of dark pinot fruit, spice, warm earth and a wisp of violet. The elegant yet powerful medium-weight flavors also exude a fine minerality that continues onto the sappy, balanced and beautifully persistent finish. This muscular effort is notably more structured and is going to need at least 6 to 8 years and should ultimately reward 12 to 15”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine Clos de la Chapelle ‘Clos de la Chapelle’, Volnay Premier Cru 2017 750ML ($149.95) $119 pre-arrival special
John Gilman 94+ points “The Clos de la Chapelle monopole has quickly become one of Volnay’s most elegant bottlings and the 2017 vintage is one of my absolute favorite vintages so far from Mark’s flagship terroir. The nose here is beautifully complex and transparent right out of the blocks, offering a very refined blend of plums, red and black cherries, raw cocoa, gamebird, a touch of fresh nutmeg, beautifully complex and understated fresh herb tones, a gorgeous base of chalky minerality, gentle smokiness and a discreet framing of cedary oak. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied, nascently complex and absolutely defined by its soil element, with a lovely core of fruit, ripe, seamless tannins, good acids and outstanding length and grip on the youthful and very, very promising finish. I have adored this bottling since the very first vintage, but it seems to me that the 2017 has taken the level of complexity and transparency here up another level, though the wine is qualitatively still about the same as it has been since its debut vintage of 2010. It is just finer, more transparent and ultimately just a hair more pleasing to an old Burgundy hand like me this year! This will be approachable in another six or seven years, due to its exquisite balance, but I would try to not touch a bottle for at least a decade, as this wine is built a little bit along the lines of one of Frédéric Lafarge’s top Volnays and it is going to be so much better to drink at age twenty or thirty than it will be at age seven or eight! 2030-2085+”
Burghound 92 points “Here the wood treatment is no longer subtle as the toast and menthol characters stop just short of dominating the otherwise fresh and pretty rose petal and lavender-suffused aromas of red cherry and raspberry. The lilting and ultra-refined flavors possess a lovely sense of underlying tension before concluding in a lacy, balanced and sneaky long finish where the tannins are firm but beautifully well-integrated. Note that my rating assumes that the wood will eventually integrate as it’s not a background element at present.”
Domaine Clos de la Chapelle Taillepieds, Volnay Premier Cru 2017 750ML ($119.95) $99 pre-arrival special
John Gilman 94+ points “The beautiful 2017 Taillepieds is an absolutely textbook example of this great terroir, as one might expect in a great vintage and sixty-five-plus year-old vines tucked in between d’Angerville and de Montille in the heart and soul of the vineyard. The stunning nose soars from the glass in a nascently complex blend of sweet black cherries and plums, dark chocolate, fresh nutmeg and other delicate spice tones, dark soil tones, gamebird, woodsmoke and a bit of vanillin oak. With extended aeration there is a touch of Bonnes-Mareslike heather tones as well here, which is utterly gorgeous. On the palate the wine is deep, full, focused and properly structured, with a beautiful core of fruit, great soil signature, ripe, wellintegrated tannins and a long, tangy and perfectly balanced finish. Great juice. 2030-2090”
Burghound 93 points “Relatively deeply colored. There is plenty of wood influence to the aromas of menthol, spice, orange peel and tea scents. The slightly bigger and more powerful medium weight flavors exhibit even more mineralityon the tautly muscular and beautifully persistent finish that reflects the typical youthful austerity of a classic Taillepieds. Excellent”
Looking for the full list? See the spreadsheets below or check out all the wines in our online store!
A Perfect Wine from a California Legend
Diamond Creek invented much of what we think of as pillars of cult California Cabernet. The single vineyard bottlings, the exclusive mailing list and the high price tags all seemed to spring from this tiny estate on the hillsides of Diamond Mountain. The wines are as iconic as ever—monuments to the greatness of their Napa terroir. Case in point? The 2016 Gravelly Meadow, which we’re getting in on Friday and which received a 100 point score from the Wine Advocate.
Stylistically, these are powerful Cabernets. Although there are distinct differences between the three vineyards, the wines show a common vein of Diamond Mountain ruggedness—an intensity of flavor and minerality that’s unique to the AVA. Diamond Creek manages to harness it to produce wines that dazzle with their complexity and age worthiness; wines that rival the finest in Bordeaux.
The 2016 Gravelly Meadow from Diamond Creek is a perfect wine according to the Wine Advocate, who gave it 100 points. We have a mere six bottles arriving on Friday and they’re available first-come, first served.
Arriving ETA Friday:
Diamond Creek Gravelly Meadow Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2016 750ML ($299.95) $249 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 100 points “The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Gravelly Meadow is made up of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Very deep purple-black colored, it sashays out of the glass with beautifully provocative black cherries, blueberry compote and warm cassis scents followed by candied violets, molten chocolate, licorice and fallen leaves plus hints of black olives and lavender. Medium to full-bodied, the palate reveals explosive energy wrapped in a silken carpet of exquisitely fine-grained tannins, finishing with amazing freshness and perfume. Gorgeous.”
Stylistically, these are powerful Cabernets. Although there are distinct differences between the three vineyards, the wines show a common vein of Diamond Mountain ruggedness—an intensity of flavor and minerality that’s unique to the AVA. Diamond Creek manages to harness it to produce wines that dazzle with their complexity and age worthiness; wines that rival the finest in Bordeaux.
The 2016 Gravelly Meadow from Diamond Creek is a perfect wine according to the Wine Advocate, who gave it 100 points. We have a mere six bottles arriving on Friday and they’re available first-come, first served.
Arriving ETA Friday:
Diamond Creek Gravelly Meadow Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2016 750ML ($299.95) $249 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 100 points “The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Gravelly Meadow is made up of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Very deep purple-black colored, it sashays out of the glass with beautifully provocative black cherries, blueberry compote and warm cassis scents followed by candied violets, molten chocolate, licorice and fallen leaves plus hints of black olives and lavender. Medium to full-bodied, the palate reveals explosive energy wrapped in a silken carpet of exquisitely fine-grained tannins, finishing with amazing freshness and perfume. Gorgeous.”
Historic, But Ambitious
Mazzei Makes Super Tuscans
Mazzei Makes Super Tuscans
We view Mazzei as one of the most exciting producers in Italy; a statement which may come as a surprise to anyone familiar with the name. After all, this is an estate that dates back to the Renaissance. In recent years, though, Mazzei has announced a newfound ambition, embracing innovation and speaking proudly of their investments in R&D. And the results have been obvious. All of the wines that we’ve sourced in recent years have been outstanding.
Currently in stock and ready to make a believer out of you are the 2013 Castello Fonterutoli, as well as two of Mazzei’s pioneering “Super Tuscans”, the 2015 Siepi and 2015 Concerto di Fonteruloli. A 50/50 Sangiovese/Merlot blend, the Siepi is bold and concentrated; while the Concerto di Fonteruloli, an 80/20 blend of the same, is rich and juicy. Both wines will reward air, patience, and proper glassware.
As for the Castello Fonterutoli, it’s a wine Mazzei proudly refers to as a “super” Chianti Classico. A modern expression of Chianti, it’s one of the most lauded wines in the region and a new favorite of ours. The Mazzei family was the first to use the Chianti designation (in the late 1300’s!) and this current example is just as progressive. All three wines would be killer at the table tonight, but also have the structure to cellar for decades.
Ultimately there is no finer example in the world of wine of a historic estate embracing modernity, and this fusion can already be tasted in the wines. These are wines that will earn their place in your cellar (likely at half the price of many of their neighbors) as Mazzei’s reputation continues to soar this decade and beyond.
In Stock Now:
Mazzei Castello di Fonterutoli ‘Concerto’ Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2015 750ML ($89.95) $79 special
James Suckling 96 points “This is fabulous with blackberry, blueberry and currant aromas. Some slate. Full body, dense and smooth with firm and silky tannins and intense fruit. This is a classic sangiovese and cabernet sauvignon blend. Don’t miss it. Needs three or four years to completely come together.”
Currently in stock and ready to make a believer out of you are the 2013 Castello Fonterutoli, as well as two of Mazzei’s pioneering “Super Tuscans”, the 2015 Siepi and 2015 Concerto di Fonteruloli. A 50/50 Sangiovese/Merlot blend, the Siepi is bold and concentrated; while the Concerto di Fonteruloli, an 80/20 blend of the same, is rich and juicy. Both wines will reward air, patience, and proper glassware.
As for the Castello Fonterutoli, it’s a wine Mazzei proudly refers to as a “super” Chianti Classico. A modern expression of Chianti, it’s one of the most lauded wines in the region and a new favorite of ours. The Mazzei family was the first to use the Chianti designation (in the late 1300’s!) and this current example is just as progressive. All three wines would be killer at the table tonight, but also have the structure to cellar for decades.
Ultimately there is no finer example in the world of wine of a historic estate embracing modernity, and this fusion can already be tasted in the wines. These are wines that will earn their place in your cellar (likely at half the price of many of their neighbors) as Mazzei’s reputation continues to soar this decade and beyond.
In Stock Now:
Mazzei Castello di Fonterutoli ‘Concerto’ Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2015 750ML ($89.95) $79 special
James Suckling 96 points “This is fabulous with blackberry, blueberry and currant aromas. Some slate. Full body, dense and smooth with firm and silky tannins and intense fruit. This is a classic sangiovese and cabernet sauvignon blend. Don’t miss it. Needs three or four years to completely come together.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Mazzei Castello di Fonterutoli ‘Siepi’ Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2015 750ML ($119.95) $89 special
James Suckling 98 points “Beautiful aromas of violets, berries and currants. Dried flowers, too. Full body, such intense fruit and acidity. Vivid and complex. Wild raspberry. Tight and dense. A triumph for Siepi. Half sangivoese and merlot. Better in 2022 but hard to not drink now.”
Wine Spectator 95 points “This has depth and complexity, featuring black cherry, plum, leather, spice and mineral flavors. The dense texture exudes refined tannins as this stays fresh through the long, saturated finish. Fruit, spice and tobacco elements linger. Sangiovese and Merlot. Best from 2020 through 2035.”
Mazzei Castello di Fonterutoli Gran Selezione, Chianti Classico DOCG 2013 750ML ($69.95) $49 special
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.”
A Cameron Arley’s Leap Pre-Arrival Special
Cameron remains a special winery—one of our favorite houses in Oregon and one of the capital-g Great Pinot Noir producers in the US. Their Arley’s Leap bottling is something of an insider’s secret—a bottling from Abbey Ridge that’s made from now-35 year old “young” vines. Starting with the ’16, though, Cameron decided not to bottle it every year—it was simply too good to be bottled with a lower price tag. In some years (like ’16) part of the block goes into the high-end “Julia” bottling and in years when Julia isn’t produced, the winery is bottling Arley’s.
After a year off, we’re excited to get another Arley’s Leap in the queue. The 2017 arrives this coming Friday and we’re offering a special pre-arrival case price—the lowest in the country. We just tasted it and it’s got everything we love in a good vintage of Arley’s—a little more powerful than the Abbey Ridge, but with more finesse than Clos Electrique. We’re planning on drinking it while we wait for the bigger-ticket wines to age, but it’s going to age nicely on its own merits as well.
Arriving Friday:
Cameron Winery ‘Arley’s Leap’ Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2017 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Cameron Winery ‘Arley’s Leap’ Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2017 750ML ($799.95) $555 pre-arrival special (that’s only $46.25/bottle!)
Back at last! No reviews for the 2017 vintage – this review is for the previous vintage, 2015:
Grapelive 94-96 points (Review of the 2015 vintage) “John Paul is an Oregon legend and his wines just as legendary, especially his Pinots, like this one from A slightly younger vine planting within Abbey Ridge vineyard, that was planted in 1990, and Cameron Winery, part of the Deep Roots Coalition is sustainably farmed, non-irrigated and has been fanatically Burgundy influenced, since Paul started producing wine here in 1984. He uses mainly Dundee Hills fruit, the estate Clos Electrique and Abby Ridge, as well as a newer parcel in Ribbon Ridge, his Clos Electrique and his Abby Ridge bottlings are his top old vine cube’s, but his regular Willamette Valley, Dundee and Reserve offerings are stunning as well, with this Arley’s Leap being new to me, and one I was thrilled to get my hands on! The eponymous hero, on the label, was Bill and Julia Wayne’s old dog Arley, who survived a jump from a second story balcony when startled by a cat. Abbey Ridge is one of the highest vineyards in Dundee and is picked relatively late, it’s farmed pretty much all organic and allows for deep flavors and complexity, it’s significantly cooler and with it’s Jory soils, which are volcanic based there is a lot of natural acidity that helps with balance and gives these wines tremendous aging structure along with a slightly exotic character. 2015 is looking like an outstanding vintage in Oregon and John Paul took advantage of the year to craft an amazing set of wines, and in my opinion, this Arley’s Leap is a sleeper, in particular it’s a earthy dark beauty that is wonderfully expressive and intriguing. This 2015 shows the years ripe personality, at 13.9%, but thrills for it’s brilliant energy, tanginess, a porcini note, forest floor and rustic charm that resembles a fine Nuits-Saint-Georges! This stuff entrances with a heady mix of plum, black cherry, strawberry, dusty red spices, minty herbs, crushed violets and a touch of leather adding to the dense kirsch, currant and wilted rose petals, making for an amazing palate and bouquet, it’s very much sex in a bottle as only a great Pinot can be! Paul employs traditional Burgundian winemaking and subtle well integrated French oak, it’s as good as it gets, drink over the next decade, it will fascinating to see how this ages!
Winery Note “Arley’s leap harkens from a block of Pinot noir planted in 1990 at Abbey Ridge Vineyard. The eponymous hero was Bill and Julia Wayne’s old dog Arley, who survived a jump from a second story balcony when startled by a cat.”
After a year off, we’re excited to get another Arley’s Leap in the queue. The 2017 arrives this coming Friday and we’re offering a special pre-arrival case price—the lowest in the country. We just tasted it and it’s got everything we love in a good vintage of Arley’s—a little more powerful than the Abbey Ridge, but with more finesse than Clos Electrique. We’re planning on drinking it while we wait for the bigger-ticket wines to age, but it’s going to age nicely on its own merits as well.
Arriving Friday:
Cameron Winery ‘Arley’s Leap’ Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2017 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Cameron Winery ‘Arley’s Leap’ Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2017 750ML ($799.95) $555 pre-arrival special (that’s only $46.25/bottle!)
Back at last! No reviews for the 2017 vintage – this review is for the previous vintage, 2015:
Grapelive 94-96 points (Review of the 2015 vintage) “John Paul is an Oregon legend and his wines just as legendary, especially his Pinots, like this one from A slightly younger vine planting within Abbey Ridge vineyard, that was planted in 1990, and Cameron Winery, part of the Deep Roots Coalition is sustainably farmed, non-irrigated and has been fanatically Burgundy influenced, since Paul started producing wine here in 1984. He uses mainly Dundee Hills fruit, the estate Clos Electrique and Abby Ridge, as well as a newer parcel in Ribbon Ridge, his Clos Electrique and his Abby Ridge bottlings are his top old vine cube’s, but his regular Willamette Valley, Dundee and Reserve offerings are stunning as well, with this Arley’s Leap being new to me, and one I was thrilled to get my hands on! The eponymous hero, on the label, was Bill and Julia Wayne’s old dog Arley, who survived a jump from a second story balcony when startled by a cat. Abbey Ridge is one of the highest vineyards in Dundee and is picked relatively late, it’s farmed pretty much all organic and allows for deep flavors and complexity, it’s significantly cooler and with it’s Jory soils, which are volcanic based there is a lot of natural acidity that helps with balance and gives these wines tremendous aging structure along with a slightly exotic character. 2015 is looking like an outstanding vintage in Oregon and John Paul took advantage of the year to craft an amazing set of wines, and in my opinion, this Arley’s Leap is a sleeper, in particular it’s a earthy dark beauty that is wonderfully expressive and intriguing. This 2015 shows the years ripe personality, at 13.9%, but thrills for it’s brilliant energy, tanginess, a porcini note, forest floor and rustic charm that resembles a fine Nuits-Saint-Georges! This stuff entrances with a heady mix of plum, black cherry, strawberry, dusty red spices, minty herbs, crushed violets and a touch of leather adding to the dense kirsch, currant and wilted rose petals, making for an amazing palate and bouquet, it’s very much sex in a bottle as only a great Pinot can be! Paul employs traditional Burgundian winemaking and subtle well integrated French oak, it’s as good as it gets, drink over the next decade, it will fascinating to see how this ages!
Winery Note “Arley’s leap harkens from a block of Pinot noir planted in 1990 at Abbey Ridge Vineyard. The eponymous hero was Bill and Julia Wayne’s old dog Arley, who survived a jump from a second story balcony when startled by a cat.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Trending Wines
This 94 point, under $15 Italian red is selling briskly for obvious reasons.
Valle Reale Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Abruzzo 2018 750ML ($17.95) $14 special
Case-12 Valle Reale Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Abruzzo 2018 750ML ($179.95) $149 special (that’s only $12.42/bottle—the lowest listed price in the USA!)
Ian D’Agata – Vinous 94 points “Bright red. Red cherry and flowers on the perfumed nose; much more fragrant than the 2017 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo. Then fresh and juicy, with bright red fruit repeating in the mouth. Finishes long and savory, showcasing notable purity. Outstanding cool-climate Montepulciano of noteworthy refinement. Very, very well done; I’m not sure readers fully realize just how hard it is to obtain a result of this level in a cold-weather environment such as that of Popoli. This success speaks loudly of the capability and talent of owner Leonardo Pinzolo and his Valle Reale technical team.”
Your Dungeness crab pairing problems, solved.
Domaine Remi Jobard Les Genevrieres, Meursault Premier Cru2015 750ML ($139.95) $119 special
Stephen Tanzer – Vinous 92 points “Palish yellow with green highlights. Musky but tight and subdued on the nose. Then densely packed and savory, conveying an almost glyceral texture to its very ripe flavors of apple, white peach and spices. In a very round style but an element of saline minerality gives cut to the wine’s deep, intense fruit flavors. This premier cru’s building minerality gives grip to its long finish.”
Burghound 90-92 points “This is also quite firmly reduced today. As is virtually always the case, the mouth feel of the sleek medium-bodied flavors is much finer, in fact it is almost delicate, which is unusual for the vintage, all wrapped in a citrus-inflected, dry and beautifully long finish. Once again this lacy effort should be approachable young but offer good mid-term development potential.”
Valle Reale Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Abruzzo 2018 750ML ($17.95) $14 special
Case-12 Valle Reale Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Abruzzo 2018 750ML ($179.95) $149 special (that’s only $12.42/bottle—the lowest listed price in the USA!)
Ian D’Agata – Vinous 94 points “Bright red. Red cherry and flowers on the perfumed nose; much more fragrant than the 2017 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo. Then fresh and juicy, with bright red fruit repeating in the mouth. Finishes long and savory, showcasing notable purity. Outstanding cool-climate Montepulciano of noteworthy refinement. Very, very well done; I’m not sure readers fully realize just how hard it is to obtain a result of this level in a cold-weather environment such as that of Popoli. This success speaks loudly of the capability and talent of owner Leonardo Pinzolo and his Valle Reale technical team.”
Your Dungeness crab pairing problems, solved.
Domaine Remi Jobard Les Genevrieres, Meursault Premier Cru2015 750ML ($139.95) $119 special
Stephen Tanzer – Vinous 92 points “Palish yellow with green highlights. Musky but tight and subdued on the nose. Then densely packed and savory, conveying an almost glyceral texture to its very ripe flavors of apple, white peach and spices. In a very round style but an element of saline minerality gives cut to the wine’s deep, intense fruit flavors. This premier cru’s building minerality gives grip to its long finish.”
Burghound 90-92 points “This is also quite firmly reduced today. As is virtually always the case, the mouth feel of the sleek medium-bodied flavors is much finer, in fact it is almost delicate, which is unusual for the vintage, all wrapped in a citrus-inflected, dry and beautifully long finish. Once again this lacy effort should be approachable young but offer good mid-term development potential.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
The 2013 Produttori wines are true legends in the making,
Produttori del Barbaresco Pora, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2013 750ML ($79.95) $59 special
Case-12 Produttori del Barbaresco Pora, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2013 750ML ($699.95) $599 special (that’s only $49.92/bottle—the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Wine Spectator 95 points “A rich, cherry- and floral-scented red, effusive in aroma, with the core of cherry prevailing on the palate. Though fleshy, this gives way to firm tannins that line the lingering aftertaste. Inviting and full of energy, so decant now or wait. Best from 2023 through 2035.”
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2013 Barbaresco Riserva Pora is soft, pliant and enveloping. In many vintages, the Pora can be a bit light. Not in 2013. The wine is rich and deeply textured, with layers of fruit that continue to build with time in the glass. The tannins are present, but they are nearly buried by the sheer intensity of the fruit. This is an especially powerful, brooding edition of the Pora. Although impressive today, the 2013 will drink well for decades to come.”
Wine Enthusiast – Cellar Selection 94 points “Scents of menthol, new leather, dark culinary spice, cured meat and forest floor lead the nose. The smooth, full-bodied palate shows juicy Morello cherry, pomegranate, licorice and clove balanced by vibrant acidity and tense, refined tannins. An almost salty note closes the finish. This a classic Barbaresco with years ahead of it. Drink 2021–2038.”
Big, bold and powerful, this is one of Argiano’s best in decades.
Argiano Solengo Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2015 750ML ($99.95) $79 special
James Suckling 97 points “Fantastic aromas of flowers such as violets and roses with dark purple fruits and hints of stones, too. Full body with ultra-fine tannins and a long and linear finish. This is a return to the great Solengos of the mid-1990s. The best since 1997. Cabernet sauvignon 50%, petit verdot 30%, merlot 15% and sangiovese 5%. Drinkable now but better in 2020.”
A great wine that’s a brilliant pairing for salmon, chicken or pasta.
Tiberio Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo, Abruzzo 2018 750ML ($21.95) $17.75 special
Case-12 Tiberio Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo, Abruzzo 2018 750ML ($249.95) $189 special (that’s only $15.75/bottle!)
Ian D’Agata – Vinous 92 points “Luminous pink-red. Bright aromas of red cherry, redcurrant, blood orange and botanical herbs. Then bright and juicy, with laser-like acidity lifting and extending the red fruit flavors on the juicy, long, floral and slightly saline finish. A very precise, seamless Cerasuolo with no hard edges and sneaky concentration.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Billaud’s Chablis are some of the better values for their quality out there.
Samuel Billaud Les Vaillons Vieilles Vignes, Chablis Premier Cru 2016 750ML ($49.95) $41.90 special
Neal Martin – Wine Advocate 91-93 points “The 2016 Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons Vieilles Vignes comes from 70-year-old vines raised only in stainless steel. I like the aromatics here…this has a sense of purpose with vivid scents of orange zest and a touch of lychee. The palate is tensile right from the start thanks to that killer line of acidity. There is great depth here and the harmonious finish feels assured and elegant. Great potential and for me this is a serious step up from the Chablis Village and certainly worth the few extra dollars.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The top Chianti from a historic estate at a great price.
Castello di Gabbiano Bellezza, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2013 750ML ($59.95) $28 special
Case-6 Castello di Gabbiano Bellezza, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2013 750ML ($359.95) $149 special (that’s only $24.83/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 92 points “This is settling into a nice groove, in a contemporary style, offering plum, black cherry, earth and tobacco flavors, framed by spicy oak. Balanced and beefy, with a long, spice-tinged aftertaste. Drink now through 2027. 2,000 cases made, 1,350 cases imported.”
James Suckling 92 points “Plenty of new wood at the moment with berry and chocolate undertones. Full body, round and juicy tannins and a flavorful finish. A little overdone but still outstanding. Drink now.”
Antonio Galloni 91 points “Gabbiano’s 2013 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Bellezza is terrific. Succulent red cherry, woodsmoke, tobacco and licorice all flesh out in this soft, open-knit Riserva. A sheen of oak does not really seem to add much and in fact masks some of the purity of the fruit. Even so, the 2013 is very nicely done in this style.”
Wine Enthusiast 91 points “Made entirely with Sangiovese, this opens with aromas of black plum, vanilla, eucalyptus and a touch of ginger. The savory, balanced palate doles out ripe black cherry, licorice, white pepper and cedar alongside fine-grained tannins.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average listed price is $37
The average listed price is $37
In Germany, many consider Crusius’ dry wines better than Dönnhoff.
Dr. Crusius Felsenberg Riesling Grosses Gewachs, Nahe 2016 750ML ($69.95) $59 special
Stuart Pigott – jamessuckling .com 94 points “Another cool and minty wine from Dr. Crusius, but this has quite a bit more power and depth than the other GGs of this vintage from this producer. A crisp apple and mineral finish of considerable intensity and length. Drink now and for a few decades to come.”
Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2016 Nahe Riesling Schlossböckelheimer Felsenberg “GG” is precise, fresh and intense on the nose, with very clear and perfectly ripe fruit aromas intertwined with delicate flint notes. Full-bodied, well concentrated, lush and with remarkable finesse, this is a very elegant and frisky Felsenberg with a long, intense and concentrated finish. The mineral expression is very fine and lingers. An impressive wine.”
Mosel Fine Wines 91 points “This offers an aromatic and smoky nose with plenty of fruity notes including quince, apricot blossom, apple, and a touch of banana, as well as mint and anise. The wine is beautifully balanced on the palate where it delivers presence and intensity as well as finesse and delicacy. The after-taste is full of smoke, delicately salty tartness and ginger. This is an outstanding slightly spicy dry Riesling in the making. 2021-2031”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
New Wine Spectator Reviews
Arriving Friday:
“The 2013 is the best Monfortino Riserva ever reviewed by Wine Spectator.” – Bruce Sanderson
Giacomo Conterno Monfortino, Barolo Riserva DOCG 2013 1.5L ($2,999.95) $2,399 pre-arrival special, only 1 magnum available
Wine Spectator 99 points “Subtle aromas of cherry, wild herb and tobacco introduce this sleek, complex red. Cherry, strawberry, loam, iron and tobacco flavors build in intensity to an extended finish, but the texture and harmony are what define this superb Barolo. Silky, with a fine weave to the dense tannins. All the components come together on the lingering aftertaste. Best from 2022 through 2050.”
Giacomo Conterno Francia Barolo DOCG, Piedmont 2015 750ML ($349.95) $299 pre-arrival special, only 6 bottles available
Giacomo Conterno Francia Barolo DOCG, Piedmont 2015 1.5L ($799.95) $699 pre-arrival special, only 1 magnum available
Wine Spectator 97 points “A rich, plum- and cherry-laced red, aligned with a sumptuous texture, lively acidity and refined tannins. Though dense, this remains light-footed and beautifully integrated. Bass notes of tar, soy, iron and tobacco add depth and complexity as this winds down on the finish. Best from 2023 through 2050.”
“The 2013 is the best Monfortino Riserva ever reviewed by Wine Spectator.” – Bruce Sanderson
Giacomo Conterno Monfortino, Barolo Riserva DOCG 2013 1.5L ($2,999.95) $2,399 pre-arrival special, only 1 magnum available
Wine Spectator 99 points “Subtle aromas of cherry, wild herb and tobacco introduce this sleek, complex red. Cherry, strawberry, loam, iron and tobacco flavors build in intensity to an extended finish, but the texture and harmony are what define this superb Barolo. Silky, with a fine weave to the dense tannins. All the components come together on the lingering aftertaste. Best from 2022 through 2050.”
Giacomo Conterno Francia Barolo DOCG, Piedmont 2015 750ML ($349.95) $299 pre-arrival special, only 6 bottles available
Giacomo Conterno Francia Barolo DOCG, Piedmont 2015 1.5L ($799.95) $699 pre-arrival special, only 1 magnum available
Wine Spectator 97 points “A rich, plum- and cherry-laced red, aligned with a sumptuous texture, lively acidity and refined tannins. Though dense, this remains light-footed and beautifully integrated. Bass notes of tar, soy, iron and tobacco add depth and complexity as this winds down on the finish. Best from 2023 through 2050.”
This is the lowest listed price for a magnum in the USA today!
Newly Reviewed & In Stock Now
Giacomo Fenocchio Barolo Villero, Barolo DOCG 2015 750ML ($69.95) $55 special, 19 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 95 points “A mellow version, this exhibits plum, incense, floral, spice, menthol and tobacco aromas and flavors. Shows a spine of serious tannins, remaining harmonious and long. Delivers an extra kick on the aftertaste. Best from 2023 through 2043.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
E. Pira & Figli Chiara Boschis Cannubi, Barolo DOCG 2015 750ML ($149.95) $119 special, 33 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 95 points “A beam of rose, raspberry and kirsch notes highlights this aromatic, elegant red. Racy and structured, this focuses the fruit flavors, picking up leafy underbrush, mint, spice and tar elements, building to a firm finish. Best from 2022 through 2040.”
Bonus Review:
2018 Fritz Haag Arriving in February
Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese, Mosel 2018 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special, ETA February
Wine Spectator 94 points “Expressive, showing great tension between the candied berry and citrus flavors, accented by a vibrant structure and embedded minerality. Impressive, but the intensity is almost too strong at the moment. Needs time to unwind, but the elements and complexity seem to be packed and ready to emerge. Best from 2023 through 2040.”
Collector’s Corner
Chambertin and Its Satellites
While Chambertin was said to be Napoleon’s favorite wine, the truth is the vineyard was famous and its wines expensive long before that. In that regard, very little has changed between the middle-ages and today—Chambertin is still one of the pinnacles of Burgundy and the wines are scarce and expensive as a result.
We love Chambertin and its Grand Cru satellites and have assembled quite a collection of them. From Charmes to Griotte, Clos de Beze and Le Chambertin itself, we have an assortment of brilliant wines waiting for you. Check out some highlights below or see 230+ red Burgundies from the Cote de Nuits available for purchase in our webstore.
In Stock Now:
Bernstein is making a bid to becoming the next DRC and this is one of his best.
Only two bottles available
Olivier Bernstein Mazis-Chambertin Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits 2015 750ML ($599.95) $519 special
Wine Spectator 98 points “A brilliant red, bursting with cherry, strawberry, floral and mineral aromas and flavors, backed by a firm structure, with an overall sense of elegance, restraint and understated power. This will need a few years to reveal all its charms, yet remains long and focused. Best from 2023 through 2040. 28 cases imported.”
Jeb Dunnuck 97 points “The 2015 Mazis-Chambertin Grand Cru offers a perfumed, floral style as well as a silky, vibrant feel on the palate, all of which is very much in the style of the 2015 vintage. Black cherries, blueberries, violets, wet stone, spice-box and wood smoke all emerge from the glass of this ethereally textured, tight, yet impeccably balanced 2015 that has fine, fine tannin and a great finish. This is another incredible wine from Olivier Bernstein that delivers the goods. Give bottles 4-5 years, count yourself lucky, and enjoy over the following two decades.”
Stephen Tanzer 95+ points “Medium red. Deeper, musky, rather backward nose offers soil-inflected aromas of black cherry, coffee, mocha and minerals but a bit less energy and peppery lift than the Bonnes-Mares. Then wonderfully silky and thick in the mouth, and surprisingly lively and expressive considering the nose. Conveys terrific energy and peppery pungency to its flavors of dark raspberry, black cherry, licorice and crushed rock. There’s a positive and very sexy wildness here that may become more pronounced with time in the cellar. Finishes with outstanding length.”
We love Chambertin and its Grand Cru satellites and have assembled quite a collection of them. From Charmes to Griotte, Clos de Beze and Le Chambertin itself, we have an assortment of brilliant wines waiting for you. Check out some highlights below or see 230+ red Burgundies from the Cote de Nuits available for purchase in our webstore.
In Stock Now:
Bernstein is making a bid to becoming the next DRC and this is one of his best.
Only two bottles available
Olivier Bernstein Mazis-Chambertin Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits 2015 750ML ($599.95) $519 special
Wine Spectator 98 points “A brilliant red, bursting with cherry, strawberry, floral and mineral aromas and flavors, backed by a firm structure, with an overall sense of elegance, restraint and understated power. This will need a few years to reveal all its charms, yet remains long and focused. Best from 2023 through 2040. 28 cases imported.”
Jeb Dunnuck 97 points “The 2015 Mazis-Chambertin Grand Cru offers a perfumed, floral style as well as a silky, vibrant feel on the palate, all of which is very much in the style of the 2015 vintage. Black cherries, blueberries, violets, wet stone, spice-box and wood smoke all emerge from the glass of this ethereally textured, tight, yet impeccably balanced 2015 that has fine, fine tannin and a great finish. This is another incredible wine from Olivier Bernstein that delivers the goods. Give bottles 4-5 years, count yourself lucky, and enjoy over the following two decades.”
Stephen Tanzer 95+ points “Medium red. Deeper, musky, rather backward nose offers soil-inflected aromas of black cherry, coffee, mocha and minerals but a bit less energy and peppery lift than the Bonnes-Mares. Then wonderfully silky and thick in the mouth, and surprisingly lively and expressive considering the nose. Conveys terrific energy and peppery pungency to its flavors of dark raspberry, black cherry, licorice and crushed rock. There’s a positive and very sexy wildness here that may become more pronounced with time in the cellar. Finishes with outstanding length.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
’02 was a fantastic Burgundy vintage and Rousseau a legend. Acquiring this was quite the coup.
Only one bottle available
Domaine Armand Rousseau Pere et Fils Chambertin Clos-de-Beze Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits 2002 750ML ($2,999.95) $2,699.95 special
Wine Advocate 94-96 points “The 2002 Chambertin Clos de Beze bursts with spicy red cherry aromas. This medium to full-bodied wine has an exceptionally spicy personality that is crammed with red licorice (Twizzlers), candied raspberries, Asian spices, and blackberries. Wonderfully focused and armed with substantial depth, this medium to full-bodied wine’s exceedingly long finish displays awesomely ripe tannin. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2020.”
Burghound 94 points “(with thanks to Steve Baum and opened from personal storage). While not nearly as reserved as it once was the beautifully spicy and well-layered nose is on the restrained side with a distinctly earthy character to the elegant mix of both red and dark pinot fruit aromas that are just now beginning to display secondary hints. There is fine concentration to the utterly delicious flavors that are exuberant, big, rich, round and seductively sappy before culminating in an explosive and strikingly persistent finish. This remains an exciting wine of exceptional purity and balance. For my taste this is very much still on the way up and while it can certainly be drunk with pleasure it seems quite clear that this is nowhere yet near its apogee and as such, I would recommend allowing this to continue to slumber. Multiple and consistent notes save for one bottle that was initially reduced but quickly opened up.”
Stephen Tanzer 94+ points “Good ruby-red. Black raspberry, licorice and chocolatey oak on the nose. Offers compelling lushness, sweetness and fat for a 2002; wonderfully harmonious from the outset. Very suave, clearly defined flavors of blackberry and blueberry retain their shape through to the very long aftertaste. Tannins are quite fine.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Rousseau’s most unique wine from the best vintage since ’05.
Only one bottle available
Domaine Armand Rousseau Pere et Fils Ruchottes-Chambertin Grand Cru ‘Clos des Ruchottes’ Monopole, Cote de Nuits 2010 750ML ($899.95) $799 special
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.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
The most approachable of Dujac’s Grand Cru lineup.
Only two bottles available
Domaine Dujac Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits 2014 750ML ($499.95) $299 special
John Gilman 93-94+ points “The 2014 Charmes-Chambertin was also late finishing up its malo, and unlike the Eche´zeaux, it was not all that happy about being tasted. This wine had not yet absorbed all its new wood and was showing a bit chewy, but all the constituent components are in place for this wine to snap into place with a bit more elevage. The nose is a promising blend of black cherries, cassis, grilled meat, espresso, dark soil tones and spicy new oak. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, long and rock solid at the core, with fine focus and soil signature, ripe tannins and a long, chewy and adolescent finish.”
Wine Advocate 92-94 points “The 2014 Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru has an exquisite bouquet with blackberry, bilberry and cassis fruit. This is very elegant and linear, great precision here. The palate is very well balanced, structured with citrus-infused blackcurrant fruit. There is that titillating prickle of salinity on the finish, a Mazoyères-like Charmes that should age well over the next 15-20 years.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Faiveley’s most prized bottling. A special cuvee from their best vines in Beze.
Only three bottles available
Domaine Faiveley Chambertin-Clos de Beze Les Ouvrees Rodin Grand Cru, Burgundy 2016 750ML ($1,499.95) $1,199 special
William Kelley – Wine Advocate 97 points “The 2016 Chambertin Clos de Bèze Grand Cru Les Ouvrées Rodin is showing brilliantly from bottle, unfurling in the glass with a rich bouquet of cassis, cherries, red berries, grilled game, licorice, spices and smoky new oak. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, ample and expansive, with a deep and intense core of sapid fruit that cloaks its satiny but abundant structuring tannins, underpinned by succulent acids and concluding with a seriously long, penetrating finish. This special cuvée hails from a parcel of vines planted in 1966 on the Chambertin side of Clos de Bèze, and its name commemorates a Faiveley family connection with the sculptor Rodin.”
Stephen Tanzer 95-98 points “(like the “regular” Clos de Bèze, this special cuvée from 60+-year-old vines on the Chambertin side of the cru was totally destemmed): Dark red-ruby. Less expressive but slightly riper aromas of purple and black fruits and pungent spices. Then utterly seamless and suave on the palate, offering a lacy, feminine texture with great energy and sophistication. The penetrating red berry and white pepper flavors are amplified by the wine’s mineral underpinning. The endless rising finish combines serious power and refined tannins. Ultimately a bit less expressive and tight-grained than the classic Clos de Bèze but this is even deeper.”
Burghound 94-97 points “(a selection of the oldest vines in one of their 3 parcels). This is aromatically similar to the regular cuvée save for being even spicier and displaying a bit more wood influence. There is almost painful intensity to the super-sleek big-bodied flavors that possess a positively gorgeous mouthfeel due to a mid-palate that brims with sappy dry extract that coats the mouth on the hugely long and impeccably well-balanced finale. While this may change given that these are barrel samples but based on the two that I tasted, this is actually slightly less structured though I emphasize slightly. Either way, this is a seriously impressive effort that should age effortlessly. (94-97)/2034+.”
A considerable step down in price, but perhaps not as much in quality.
Domaine Faiveley Chambertin Clos de Beze Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits 2016 750ML ($449.95) $379 special
Wine Spectator 98 points “A rich, powerful version, backed by flashy oak and beefy tannins that sandwich the flavors of black cherry, blackberry, licorice, iron and tobacco. Concentrated, yet vibrant and long. Best from 2024 through 2050. 500 cases made.—B.S.”
William Kelley – Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2016 Chambertin-Clos de Bèze Grand Cru is also showing superbly, offering up aromas of cassis, grilled meats, pungent spices and a savory bass-note reminiscent of oyster sauce. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, rich and fleshy, with velvety structuring tannins, succulent acids and a long, expansive finish. It isn’t quite as multidimensional or complete as this year’s spectacular Ouvrées Rodin bottling, but it’s a very fine Clos de Bèze.”
Stephen Tanzer 94-97 points “Bright, dark red-ruby. Knockout sappy nose combines black raspberry, crushed rock and white pepper. Boasts remarkable intensity and clarity–not to mention class–to its flavors of raspberry, spices and pungent minerals. Wonderfully sappy and dense but almost magically light on its feet. This sharply delineated wine finishes with ineffable rising perfume and outstanding length. This wine manages to combine the best traits of Faiveley’s other Gevrey grand crus–not to mention the finest qualities of the 2016 vintage–in an utterly weightless package.”
Burghound 93-96 points “(from a 1.29 ha parcel). This is softly oaky with a wonderfully spicy array of black cherry, pungent earth and evident sauvage nuances that can be found on the impressively rich and seductively textured broad-shouldered and concentrated flavors that coat the palate with extract, all wrapped in a balanced, long and deep finish. I very much like the way this fans out on the strikingly persistent finish. Note that plenty of patience is a requisite here and it would be largely pointless to open a bottle before its 10th anniversary. (93-96)/2036+.”
True Chambertin from one of the oldest and most important houses in Burgundy.
Louis Latour Cuvee Heritiers Latour Chambertin Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits 2015 750ML ($279.95) $249 special
James Suckling 97 points “So much dried-flower character on the nose with dark fruit and zest of orange peel. Full body, soft and velvety tannins and a long and flavorful finish. So sexy and delicious already. A little more than 100 cases made. Drink or hold.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
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