In Today’s Newsletter:
Subscriber-Only Special: J. Christoffel Jr
10% Off Through 10AM Sunday
Produttori’s Muncagota
The Hidden Gem of the Crus at the Lowest Price in the Country
Assortment of Rosenthal Burgundies
More Arnot, More Roberts
Trending Wines
Collector’s Corner:
Chambertin and Its Satellites
Subscriber-Only Special: J. Christoffel Jr
10% Off Through 10AM Sunday
Some Highlights, In Stock Now:
Weingut Jos. Christoffel Jr. Erdener Pralat Riesling Auslese *** 2014 750ML ($59.95) $33 Displayed Price, $29.70 Subscriber Special
VinopolNote: Erderner Prälat occupies a mere 2.2 hectares. Entirely south-facing, the vineyard is surrounded by cliffs which insulate the vines – as a result, Prälat is one of the warmest plots in the region. Over time, it has also become one of the most sought-after vineyards. Given the limited space, only a few winemakers have access to the vineyard.
Weingut Jos. Christoffel Jr. Erdener Treppchen Riesling Kabinett 2016 750ML ($34.95) $27 Displayed Price, $24.30 Subscriber Special
Mosel Fine Wines 91 points “This offers a beautiful nose of pear, citrusy fruits, brown sugar and herbs. The wine proves quite racy on the palate as lively acidity provides the frame to fresh and zesty fruits. The finish is refreshingly tart, with a nice salty side. Still a bit wild, the wine will gain in presence and elegance at maturity. 2023-2036.”
David Schildknecht-Vinous 90 points “Alluring, site-typical scents of lemongrass, sassafras and tangerine set the stage for a lusciously juicy, invigoratingly tangy, zesty palate impression. The finish is unabashedly sweet but so brightly juicy that it refreshes and calls forth the next sip. The vintage’s A.P. #1, this represents its first-picked fruit. But even then, we’re talking mid-October, so early picking goes only a little way toward explaining the modest degrees Oechsle on which this alcoholically featherweight bottling is founded. The vines themselves and how they are handled – certainly including the yields Christoffel permits – are important factors.”
Weingut Jos. Christoffel Jr. Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Auslese *** 2006 750ML ($59.95) $39 Displayed Price, $35.10 Subscriber Special
Weingut Jos. Christoffel Jr. Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Auslese *** 2014 750ML ($59.95) $33 Displayed Price, $29.70 Subscriber Special
Importer note: The Christoffel family in Ürzig, is related by marriage to the Prüm family in Wehlen. The estate is run by Karl Josef Christoffel (KaJo) has an extensive library of well-aged wines. All wines are fermented in the traditional 1000 Liter barrels with the natural yeast. This gives the wines a great aging potential.
Weingut Jos. Christoffel Jr. Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Auslese *** GK 2015 750ML ($79.95) $49 Displayed Price, $44.10 Subscriber Special
Mosel Fine Wines 94 points “This proves very delicate and rather restrained on the nose as scents of anise, yellow peach, smoke (bacon) and bergamot emerge from the glass. The wine only really reveals its intensity and complexity on the palate after some airing. Yet the finish is airy, light and pure. This terrify effort should develop into a great subtle Auslese in a decade or two. 2025-2050.”
Weingut Jos. Christoffel Jr. Wurzgarten Riesling Auslese 2014 750ML ($39.95) $21.90 Displayed Price, $19.71 Subscriber Special
Weingut Jos. Christoffel Jr. Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Spatlese, Mosel 2014 750ML ($34.95) $21 Displayed Price, $19.71 Subscriber Special
Weingut Jos. Christoffel Jr. Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Spatlese, Mosel 2016 750ML ($39.95) $31.90 Displayed Price, $28.71 Subscriber Special
David Schildknecht-Vinous 92 points “Christoffel is fond of saying that too few Würzgarten Rieslings live up to their name, meaning that they lack spice or herbal pungency (Würze). Leaving aside that “Würz” is actually a corruption of “Wirts” (from the expression for a restaurateur or tavern-keeper), he certainly has a point, and indeed his 2016 Spätlese displays Würze. Candied ginger accents its predominant scents and luscious palate presence of strawberry, apple and Persian melon. Glossy in feel and delightfully delicate, it finishes with invigoratingly incisive hints of cress and crystallized ginger lending counterpoint to the sheer sweet lusciousness of fruit.”
Mosel Fine Wines 92 points “This offers a rather reduced but quite elegant nose of fresh herbs and spices. The wine is nicely juicy and fresh, with some typical scents of brown sugar adding depth to the mid-palate. While being loaded with delicately ripe fruits and zesty flavors, the wine remains elegant and playful in the finish. 2023-2036.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Looking for even more wines from J Christoffel Jr? We have another 10 bottlings that we didn’t have space to list here. Just head to our online store to view the entire list.
Don’t forget about our subscriber specials that end Friday at 6PM: 10% off all West Coast magnums and 10% off 2015 Delas St. Joseph Francois de Tournon!
Some Highlights, In Stock Now:
Clos du Val Hirondelle Vineyard Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap District 2014 1.5L ($299.95) $239 Displayed Price, $215.10 Subscriber Special, 1 magnum in stock now
Antonio Galloni 94 points “Deep, inky and enveloping, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Hirondelle Estate Vineyard captures all the elements that make Stags Leaps Cabernets so compelling. A host of lavender, mint, sage, graphite and crème de cassis notes flesh out in an effortless, noble Cabernet Sauvignon endowed with notable depth and intensity.”
Sine Qua Non Into The Dark Grenache, Sta Rita Hills 2004 1.5L ($2,199.95) $1,599 Displayed Price, $1,439.10 Subscriber Special, 1 magnum in stock now
Wine Advocate 99 points “More up-front and open-knit, the 2004 Into the Dark (Grenache) checks in as a blend of 84% Grenache, 8% Mourvedre, 7% Syrah and 1% Viognier that comes mostly from Manfred’s 11 Confessions Vineyard, yet includes small portions from Alban (10%) and Alta Mesa (9%) Vineyard. Reminding me of Clos Saint-Jean’s Sanctus Sanctorum with its incredible bouquet of sweet kirsch, licorice, dried baking spices, graphite and ground pepper, this beauty flows onto the palate with impeccable purity, perfect integration of its fruit, tannin and acidity, and blockbuster length. As is common with this estate’s wine, it’s the purity paired with serious richness that sets it apart. While still youthful and benefiting from a healthy decadence, I think it’s drinking at point and would aim to drink bottles over the coming 4-5 years. It will evolve gracefully for longer, but I see no reason to hold off.-JD”
Robert Parker 99 points “2004 Into the Dark: This absolutely magnificent wine is a blend of 84% Grenache, 8% Mourvedre, 7% Syrah and 1% Viognier, with most of it emerging from the estate’s 11 Confessions Vineyard. It still has a very opaque ruby/purple color, along with a sweet nose of graphite, wood smoke, spice box, white chocolate, kirsch and creme de cassis. Still quite infantile in terms of its development, the wine is full-bodied, with a 45- to 50-second finish. Another 2-3 years of cellaring will be beneficial, and it is certainly capable of lasting 10 or more years.”
Cameron Winery ‘Abbey Ridge’ Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2016 1.5L ($219.95) $179 Displayed Price, $161.10 Subscriber Special, 4 magnums in stock now
VinopolNote: Abbey Ridge is one of the most hallowed sites in the Willamette Valley. Planted in 1975, the Pinot Noir here is own rooted and at one of the highest elevations in the Dundee Hills. The elevation and classic Jory soils give the wine an intense personality—high toned, elegant and tensile, with good power and a strong voice. This bottling has been one of the defining Oregon Pinots since John Paul started making it.
Delas Freres Saint-Joseph Francois de Tournon, Rhone 2015 750ML ($44.95) $36 Displayed Price, $32.40 Subscriber Special
Case-6 Delas Freres Saint-Joseph Francois de Tournon, Rhone 2015 750ML ($249.95) $199 Displayed Price, $179.10 Subscriber Special (that’s only $29.85/bottle!)
Wine Advocate 93 points “Inky and concentrated, the 2015 Saint-Joseph Francois de Tournon is no easy-drinking Saint-Joseph. It’s smoky, herbal and ashy all at once, yet it’s buoyed by ample black cherry fruit and vibrant acidity. This medium to full-bodied Syrah has plenty of tannins, but they’re ultimately silky and most apparent on the long, licorice-tinged finish. This is approachable now but should be even better in 3 years and should drink well for at least another 10 after that.”
Jeb Dunnuck 93 points “Both Saint Joseph releases are brilliant in 2015. The 2015 Saint Joseph François De Tournon comes vines around Tournon, Mauves, Saint-Jean-de-Muzols, and Vion, and is always destemmed and aged in 30% new barrels. This full-bodied, rounded, sexy beauty shows the power and fruit of the vintage. With classic notes of black and blue fruits, violets, incense and pepper, drink this textured, expansive, terrific Saint Joseph over the coming 10-15 years.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92 points “Dark ruby. High-pitched red and dark berry and violet aromas show excellent focus and pick up hints of cracked pepper and sandalwood with air. Sappy and seamless in texture, offering fresh black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors and a hint of candied licorice. Turns sweeter on the penetrating, impressively long finish, which features smooth, even tannins and lingering boysenberry and floral qualities. “
Produttori’s Muncagota
The Hidden Gem of the Crus at the Lowest Price in the Country
Subscriber-Only Special: J. Christoffel Jr
10% Off Through 10AM Sunday
Produttori’s Muncagota
The Hidden Gem of the Crus at the Lowest Price in the Country
Assortment of Rosenthal Burgundies
More Arnot, More Roberts
Trending Wines
Collector’s Corner:
Chambertin and Its Satellites
Subscriber-Only Special: J. Christoffel Jr
10% Off Through 10AM Sunday
Like as in Burgundy, the estates of the Mosel are often interrelated through marriage and succession, leading to a number of wineries that have similar names. Sometimes, as a result, wineries slip through the cracks and aren’t as well-known as they should be. We think that should change, though, so we’re offering you, our email subscribers, 10% off all J Christoffel Jr. wines until 10AM on Sunday morning.
The Jos. Christoffel Jr. winery was related by marriage to the Prum family. (Alas, last year Marcus Molitor purchased the winery and their holdings, so we have to use the past tense.) They were a wonderful middle Mosel estate, run by Karl Josef Christoffel, that made very traditional wines and sold them for incredibly reasonable prices. The Christoffel estate’s winery in Ürzig dates back to the 12th century. Although the family didn’t begin making wines here for another six centuries, their skill and reputation today exceed most others along the Mosel. All the wines here were fermented with natural yeasts and aged in the traditional 1000L Fuder casks. The resulting wines are complex and incredibly age-worthy, but like most Mosel Riesling, delicious today.
Among Riesling lovers, Christoffel Jr was best known for their luscious Auslesen (and Spatlesen) from the Erdener Pralat, Treppchen and Urziger Wurzgarten. Combining beautiful, exotic fruit with zesty acidity and profound age-worthiness, they’re steals even at our normal low pricing. Until we open Sunday morning, they’re even better.
The Jos. Christoffel Jr. winery was related by marriage to the Prum family. (Alas, last year Marcus Molitor purchased the winery and their holdings, so we have to use the past tense.) They were a wonderful middle Mosel estate, run by Karl Josef Christoffel, that made very traditional wines and sold them for incredibly reasonable prices. The Christoffel estate’s winery in Ürzig dates back to the 12th century. Although the family didn’t begin making wines here for another six centuries, their skill and reputation today exceed most others along the Mosel. All the wines here were fermented with natural yeasts and aged in the traditional 1000L Fuder casks. The resulting wines are complex and incredibly age-worthy, but like most Mosel Riesling, delicious today.
Among Riesling lovers, Christoffel Jr was best known for their luscious Auslesen (and Spatlesen) from the Erdener Pralat, Treppchen and Urziger Wurzgarten. Combining beautiful, exotic fruit with zesty acidity and profound age-worthiness, they’re steals even at our normal low pricing. Until we open Sunday morning, they’re even better.
Subscriber-Only Special:
10% Off All In Stock J. Christoffel Jr.
Subscriber-Only Special pricing will not display online or in your cart.
We will manually adjust pricing before finalizing your order.
Sale valid until Sunday, February 16th at 10AM PT
10% Off All In Stock J. Christoffel Jr.
Subscriber-Only Special pricing will not display online or in your cart.
We will manually adjust pricing before finalizing your order.
Sale valid until Sunday, February 16th at 10AM PT
Some Highlights, In Stock Now:
Weingut Jos. Christoffel Jr. Erdener Pralat Riesling Auslese *** 2014 750ML ($59.95) $33 Displayed Price, $29.70 Subscriber Special
VinopolNote: Erderner Prälat occupies a mere 2.2 hectares. Entirely south-facing, the vineyard is surrounded by cliffs which insulate the vines – as a result, Prälat is one of the warmest plots in the region. Over time, it has also become one of the most sought-after vineyards. Given the limited space, only a few winemakers have access to the vineyard.
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Weingut Jos. Christoffel Jr. Erdener Treppchen Riesling Kabinett 2016 750ML ($34.95) $27 Displayed Price, $24.30 Subscriber Special
Mosel Fine Wines 91 points “This offers a beautiful nose of pear, citrusy fruits, brown sugar and herbs. The wine proves quite racy on the palate as lively acidity provides the frame to fresh and zesty fruits. The finish is refreshingly tart, with a nice salty side. Still a bit wild, the wine will gain in presence and elegance at maturity. 2023-2036.”
David Schildknecht-Vinous 90 points “Alluring, site-typical scents of lemongrass, sassafras and tangerine set the stage for a lusciously juicy, invigoratingly tangy, zesty palate impression. The finish is unabashedly sweet but so brightly juicy that it refreshes and calls forth the next sip. The vintage’s A.P. #1, this represents its first-picked fruit. But even then, we’re talking mid-October, so early picking goes only a little way toward explaining the modest degrees Oechsle on which this alcoholically featherweight bottling is founded. The vines themselves and how they are handled – certainly including the yields Christoffel permits – are important factors.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Weingut Jos. Christoffel Jr. Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Spatlese Trocken 2015 750ML ($34.95) $24 Displayed Price, $21.60 Subscriber Special
Mosel Fine Wines 89 points “This offers a very fine and nicely perfumed bouquet driven by flowers, vineyard peach, orange blossom and citrus. The palate is full of finesse and smoke with a mouth-coating mid-palate fruity structure. The finish is at first smooth before some refined smoky and herbal flavors come through in the dry after-taste. 2017-2023”
Mosel Fine Wines 89 points “This offers a very fine and nicely perfumed bouquet driven by flowers, vineyard peach, orange blossom and citrus. The palate is full of finesse and smoke with a mouth-coating mid-palate fruity structure. The finish is at first smooth before some refined smoky and herbal flavors come through in the dry after-taste. 2017-2023”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Weingut Jos. Christoffel Jr. Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Auslese *** 2006 750ML ($59.95) $39 Displayed Price, $35.10 Subscriber Special
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Weingut Jos. Christoffel Jr. Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Auslese *** 2014 750ML ($59.95) $33 Displayed Price, $29.70 Subscriber Special
Importer note: The Christoffel family in Ürzig, is related by marriage to the Prüm family in Wehlen. The estate is run by Karl Josef Christoffel (KaJo) has an extensive library of well-aged wines. All wines are fermented in the traditional 1000 Liter barrels with the natural yeast. This gives the wines a great aging potential.
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Weingut Jos. Christoffel Jr. Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Auslese *** GK 2015 750ML ($79.95) $49 Displayed Price, $44.10 Subscriber Special
Mosel Fine Wines 94 points “This proves very delicate and rather restrained on the nose as scents of anise, yellow peach, smoke (bacon) and bergamot emerge from the glass. The wine only really reveals its intensity and complexity on the palate after some airing. Yet the finish is airy, light and pure. This terrify effort should develop into a great subtle Auslese in a decade or two. 2025-2050.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Weingut Jos. Christoffel Jr. Wurzgarten Riesling Auslese 2014 750ML ($39.95) $21.90 Displayed Price, $19.71 Subscriber Special
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Weingut Jos. Christoffel Jr. Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Spatlese, Mosel 2014 750ML ($34.95) $21 Displayed Price, $19.71 Subscriber Special
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Weingut Jos. Christoffel Jr. Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Spatlese, Mosel 2015 750ML ($39.95) $24 Displayed Price, $21.60 Subscriber Special
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Weingut Jos. Christoffel Jr. Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Spatlese, Mosel 2016 750ML ($39.95) $31.90 Displayed Price, $28.71 Subscriber Special
David Schildknecht-Vinous 92 points “Christoffel is fond of saying that too few Würzgarten Rieslings live up to their name, meaning that they lack spice or herbal pungency (Würze). Leaving aside that “Würz” is actually a corruption of “Wirts” (from the expression for a restaurateur or tavern-keeper), he certainly has a point, and indeed his 2016 Spätlese displays Würze. Candied ginger accents its predominant scents and luscious palate presence of strawberry, apple and Persian melon. Glossy in feel and delightfully delicate, it finishes with invigoratingly incisive hints of cress and crystallized ginger lending counterpoint to the sheer sweet lusciousness of fruit.”
Mosel Fine Wines 92 points “This offers a rather reduced but quite elegant nose of fresh herbs and spices. The wine is nicely juicy and fresh, with some typical scents of brown sugar adding depth to the mid-palate. While being loaded with delicately ripe fruits and zesty flavors, the wine remains elegant and playful in the finish. 2023-2036.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Looking for even more wines from J Christoffel Jr? We have another 10 bottlings that we didn’t have space to list here. Just head to our online store to view the entire list.
Subscriber-Only Special:
10% Off All In Stock J. Christoffel Jr.
Subscriber-Only Special pricing will not display online or in your cart.
We will manually adjust pricing before finalizing your order.
Sale valid until Sunday, February 16th at 10AM PT
10% Off All In Stock J. Christoffel Jr.
Subscriber-Only Special pricing will not display online or in your cart.
We will manually adjust pricing before finalizing your order.
Sale valid until Sunday, February 16th at 10AM PT
Don’t forget about our subscriber specials that end Friday at 6PM: 10% off all West Coast magnums and 10% off 2015 Delas St. Joseph Francois de Tournon!
Subscriber-Only Special:
10% Off All In Stock West Coast Magnums
Subscriber-Only Special pricing will not display online or in your cart.
We will manually adjust pricing before finalizing your order.
Sale valid until Friday, February 14th at 6PM PT
10% Off All In Stock West Coast Magnums
Subscriber-Only Special pricing will not display online or in your cart.
We will manually adjust pricing before finalizing your order.
Sale valid until Friday, February 14th at 6PM PT
Some Highlights, In Stock Now:
Clos du Val Hirondelle Vineyard Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap District 2014 1.5L ($299.95) $239 Displayed Price, $215.10 Subscriber Special, 1 magnum in stock now
Antonio Galloni 94 points “Deep, inky and enveloping, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Hirondelle Estate Vineyard captures all the elements that make Stags Leaps Cabernets so compelling. A host of lavender, mint, sage, graphite and crème de cassis notes flesh out in an effortless, noble Cabernet Sauvignon endowed with notable depth and intensity.”
This is the lowest listed price for a magnum in the USA today!
Sine Qua Non Into The Dark Grenache, Sta Rita Hills 2004 1.5L ($2,199.95) $1,599 Displayed Price, $1,439.10 Subscriber Special, 1 magnum in stock now
Wine Advocate 99 points “More up-front and open-knit, the 2004 Into the Dark (Grenache) checks in as a blend of 84% Grenache, 8% Mourvedre, 7% Syrah and 1% Viognier that comes mostly from Manfred’s 11 Confessions Vineyard, yet includes small portions from Alban (10%) and Alta Mesa (9%) Vineyard. Reminding me of Clos Saint-Jean’s Sanctus Sanctorum with its incredible bouquet of sweet kirsch, licorice, dried baking spices, graphite and ground pepper, this beauty flows onto the palate with impeccable purity, perfect integration of its fruit, tannin and acidity, and blockbuster length. As is common with this estate’s wine, it’s the purity paired with serious richness that sets it apart. While still youthful and benefiting from a healthy decadence, I think it’s drinking at point and would aim to drink bottles over the coming 4-5 years. It will evolve gracefully for longer, but I see no reason to hold off.-JD”
Robert Parker 99 points “2004 Into the Dark: This absolutely magnificent wine is a blend of 84% Grenache, 8% Mourvedre, 7% Syrah and 1% Viognier, with most of it emerging from the estate’s 11 Confessions Vineyard. It still has a very opaque ruby/purple color, along with a sweet nose of graphite, wood smoke, spice box, white chocolate, kirsch and creme de cassis. Still quite infantile in terms of its development, the wine is full-bodied, with a 45- to 50-second finish. Another 2-3 years of cellaring will be beneficial, and it is certainly capable of lasting 10 or more years.”
This is the lowest listed price for a magnum in the USA today!
Cameron Winery ‘Abbey Ridge’ Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2016 1.5L ($219.95) $179 Displayed Price, $161.10 Subscriber Special, 4 magnums in stock now
VinopolNote: Abbey Ridge is one of the most hallowed sites in the Willamette Valley. Planted in 1975, the Pinot Noir here is own rooted and at one of the highest elevations in the Dundee Hills. The elevation and classic Jory soils give the wine an intense personality—high toned, elegant and tensile, with good power and a strong voice. This bottling has been one of the defining Oregon Pinots since John Paul started making it.
This is the lowest listed price for a magnum in the USA today!
Subscriber Special:
10% Off Delas 2015 St. Joseph “Francois de Tournon”
Subscriber Special pricing will not display online or in your cart.
We will manually adjust pricing before finalizing your order.
Subscriber Special valid until Friday, February 14th at 6PM PT
10% Off Delas 2015 St. Joseph “Francois de Tournon”
Subscriber Special pricing will not display online or in your cart.
We will manually adjust pricing before finalizing your order.
Subscriber Special valid until Friday, February 14th at 6PM PT
Delas Freres Saint-Joseph Francois de Tournon, Rhone 2015 750ML ($44.95) $36 Displayed Price, $32.40 Subscriber Special
Case-6 Delas Freres Saint-Joseph Francois de Tournon, Rhone 2015 750ML ($249.95) $199 Displayed Price, $179.10 Subscriber Special (that’s only $29.85/bottle!)
Wine Advocate 93 points “Inky and concentrated, the 2015 Saint-Joseph Francois de Tournon is no easy-drinking Saint-Joseph. It’s smoky, herbal and ashy all at once, yet it’s buoyed by ample black cherry fruit and vibrant acidity. This medium to full-bodied Syrah has plenty of tannins, but they’re ultimately silky and most apparent on the long, licorice-tinged finish. This is approachable now but should be even better in 3 years and should drink well for at least another 10 after that.”
Jeb Dunnuck 93 points “Both Saint Joseph releases are brilliant in 2015. The 2015 Saint Joseph François De Tournon comes vines around Tournon, Mauves, Saint-Jean-de-Muzols, and Vion, and is always destemmed and aged in 30% new barrels. This full-bodied, rounded, sexy beauty shows the power and fruit of the vintage. With classic notes of black and blue fruits, violets, incense and pepper, drink this textured, expansive, terrific Saint Joseph over the coming 10-15 years.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92 points “Dark ruby. High-pitched red and dark berry and violet aromas show excellent focus and pick up hints of cracked pepper and sandalwood with air. Sappy and seamless in texture, offering fresh black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors and a hint of candied licorice. Turns sweeter on the penetrating, impressively long finish, which features smooth, even tannins and lingering boysenberry and floral qualities. “
Produttori’s Muncagota
The Hidden Gem of the Crus at the Lowest Price in the Country
On Sale Now!
If the Produttori del Barbaresco has a fault, it’s that they make too many wines. In a lineup of nine cru bottlings, it’s often easy for one or two to get overlooked, which presents some fantastic buying opportunties if you’re sharp. The cru we’re highlighting today is Muncagota—a vineyard that sits just north of Rabaja and shares the latter’s finesse. It’s one of the five original crus of the Produttori and so perhaps some of the (lack of) interest comes from it not being the shiny new thing.
Not that everyone overlooks it, though. John Gilman rates it in the upper tier of his heirarchy, just one below Montestefano, calling it “one of the most “Burgundian” of the crus in Barbaresco when fully mature.” In our experience, it’s been a major winner of climate change (like Ovello) providing wonderfully fresh elegant wines even in vintages the provide it with plenty of power.
To help you discover this lovely cru, we’re dropping the price on the 2013—a stunning wine from a great vintage. Plus, we’re offering a new case-6 price—so you can save if you buy a bundle. At under $315 per six-pack, you can stock up and drink them over the next couple decades, as well.
In Stock Now:
Produttori del Barbaresco ‘Muncagota’, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2013 750ML ($79.95) Was $59, Now $54.50 special
Case-6 Produttori del Barbaresco ‘Muncagota’, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2013 750ML ($419.95) $312 special
Antonio Galloni 94 points “Like most of the wines in this lineup, the 2013 Barbaresco Riserva Muncagota is quite potent. A rush of raspberry jam, wild flowers, white pepper and mint make a strong opening statement. Succulent and yet also structured, the Muncagota has so much to offer. It should be one of the first wines in this range to start opening up, although when that will happen exactly is hard to say.”
Wine Spectator 94 points “Powerful yet underlined by racy acidity, driving the black cherry, black currant and mineral flavors. Menthol and tobacco notes add depth, keeping this intense. All the components are here, yet this will need time to really sing. Best from 2024 through 2040.”
Monica Larner – Wine Advocate 94 points “You may remember that this wine was once called Moccagatta. Produttori del Barbaresco reverted to the local Piemontese spelling of the name in 2007 to stay consistent with the geographic mapping of local cru sites. The 2013 Barbaresco Riserva Muncagota stands apart from the nine other single-vineyard Riservas presented by Produttori del Barbaresco this vintage. Of these various wines, this is the most salty and savory. There is less primary fruit intensity here. The bouquet is laced with grilled rosemary and wild sage. This growing site absorbs loads of morning sunshine with southeast-facing exposures. The mouthfeel is characterized by dry tannins and very long, balsam-like persistence. Dried ginger and herbs appear on the menthol-like finish.”
Wine Enthusiast 94 points “You’ll find aromas of star anise, freshly tilled soil, chopped herb and balsamic notes on this full-bodied red. The smooth, concentrated palate delivers juicy black cherry, raspberry compost, pipe tobacco and licorice accompanied by firm, refined tannins and bright acidity.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
An Assortment of Rosenthal Burgundies
Neal Rosenthal is one of the finest importers of Burgundy out there. Top to bottom, his portfolio offers excellent quality across the board. We’ve got an assortment of excellent value red Burgundy from the Rosenthal portfolio arriving tomorrow, at even better prices than usual. These are delicious wines that are priced perfectly for your dinner table.
Arriving Friday:
Pernand in warm vintages is a great value spot for Burgundy. Rollin is a top producer.
Domaine Rollin Pere et Fils Pernand-Vergelesses, Cote de Beaune 2015 750ML ($49.95) $33 pre-arrival special
Burghound 87-90 points “This too sports a ripe and ultra-fresh nose of liqueur-like red berries and soft floral nuances. The cool, pure and equally refreshing well-detailed middle weight flavors also reflect notes of minerality and rusticity though in this case the latter is quite subtle. This too is quite pretty.”
Arriving Friday:
Pernand in warm vintages is a great value spot for Burgundy. Rollin is a top producer.
Domaine Rollin Pere et Fils Pernand-Vergelesses, Cote de Beaune 2015 750ML ($49.95) $33 pre-arrival special
Burghound 87-90 points “This too sports a ripe and ultra-fresh nose of liqueur-like red berries and soft floral nuances. The cool, pure and equally refreshing well-detailed middle weight flavors also reflect notes of minerality and rusticity though in this case the latter is quite subtle. This too is quite pretty.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
This wine, from the village section of Corton, has power and richness to be confused with a wine from the Cote de Nuits.
Domaine Rollin Pere et Fils Aloxe-Corton, Cote de Beaune 2015 750ML ($69.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Burghound 89-91 points – Outstanding Top Value “Here the wood is no longer subtle though it stops short of dominating the menthol, spice, earth and game-inflected liqueur-like red and dark pinot fruit scents. The rich, full-bodied and overtly powerful flavors brim with dry extract that coats the mouth and buffers the moderately firm tannic spine shaping the lingering finish. An excellent Aloxe villages.”
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Forey is one of our favorite under the radar producers and his Vosne is a great example of the village for the price.
Domaine Forey Pere et Fils Vosne-Romanee, Cote de Nuits 2015 750ML ($79.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Burghound 89 points – Outstanding “All but invisible wood easily allows the much earthier and slightly riper dark currant and humus aromas that are cut with a note of herbal tea to shine. The velvety, round and delicious middle weight flavors possess a supple mid-palate though the firm and mildly rustic finish makes it clear that this will require a few years of bottle age first plus it should help to develop a bit more overall depth as well.”
Stephen Tanzer “Bright medium red. Perfumed scents of red and black fruits lifted by spices; much more aromatic today than the Nuits villages. In a fine-grained, elegant style; not hugely concentrated or fleshy but the juicy raspberry and cherry fruit flavors convey good energy. The tannins are nicely supported by tangy berry fruit. This village wine tightened up dramatically with air.”
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Of the two vintages, this is the prettier wine with a bit more structure.
Domaine Forey Pere et Fils Vosne-Romanee, Cote de Nuits 2016 750ML ($79.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Burghound 89 points “Here too there is just enough reduction to shave the top notes from the black currant, violet, spiced tea and a whiff of wood toast. The notably more refined medium weight flavors possess both fine intensity and delineation while exhibiting good length on the sappy finish. This is very Vosne in style and I particularly like the sleek mouthfeel. A quality Vosne villages.”
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Nuits is almost always the best value in villages wine, especially in a vintage like 2015. Great.
Domaine Forey Pere et Fils Nuits-Saint-Georges, Cote de Nuits 2015 750ML ($89.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Stephen Tanzer “(racked into tonneaux before the 2016 harvest, after beginning in 50% new barriques): Deep red-ruby. Medicinal black fruits and licorice on the nose. Fat and very ripe, even a bit heavy, conveying a fruit compote quality to the flavors of plum, blackberry and chocolate. This rather liqueur-like 2015, which Forey planned to bottle in December, finishes a bit aggressive, with cocoa powder and licorice notes.”
Burghound “This is notably ripe but there is good freshness to the mix of various red berries and earth aromas. There is better delineation to the medium weight flavors that conclude in a complex if warm, austere and overtly rustic finale. This too will need a few years of age.”
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Chauvenet makes very structured, very old-school Nuits St. George that needs time but rewards it.
Domaine Jean Chauvenet Les Damodes, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru, 2012 750ML ($99.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Burghound 89-92 points “There is enough reduction present to knock down the nose and render it difficult to assess. By contrast there is good freshness and intensity to the detailed and minerally flavors that possess a refined texture before culminating in a spicy and mildly austere finish. The close proximity to Vosne is very much in evidence.”
Domaine Jean Chauvenet Les Damodes, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru, 2012 750ML ($99.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Burghound 89-92 points “There is enough reduction present to knock down the nose and render it difficult to assess. By contrast there is good freshness and intensity to the detailed and minerally flavors that possess a refined texture before culminating in a spicy and mildly austere finish. The close proximity to Vosne is very much in evidence.”
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More Arnot, More Roberts
Arnot-Roberts has been one of the vanguard producers of the “New California” movement, making wines that deserve to be paid attention to as some of the best in the United States. Started by childhood friends Duncan Arnot Meyers and Nathan Lee Roberts in 2001, they’ve quickly established themselves as some of the best producers of restrained, elegant California wines. In 2013 the San Francisco Chronicle named them “Winemakers of the Year” in recognition of the quality and consistency of the wines they’re producing.
If you’ve never had the wines before, don’t expect them to be soft and fruity. Everything they touch has a backbone to it—a spine of acid and tannin that makes you think of the great wines of France far quicker than their California neighbors. These are serious wines with serious structures, built to age.
Arriving Tomorrow:
Arnot-Roberts Watson Ranch Chardonnay, Napa Valley 2018 750ML ($49.95) $41.90 pre-arrival special
Winery note “Our Watson Ranch Chardonnay comes from a cold and windswept hillside overlooking the San Pablo Bay in southern Napa, southeast of the Los Carneros District. The soils are composed of calcareous clay over limestone and the vineyard is meticulously tended by Salvador Ramos, who planted the vines 25 years ago. The 2018 fermented beautifully in our cellar and produced a wine with effusive aromatic lift, abundant fruit and transparent mineral structure.”
Only six bottles available
Arnot-Roberts Coastlands Vineyard Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast 2018 750ML ($89.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Winery Note ” The iconic Coastlands Vineyard was planted by the Cobb family in 1989, just four miles from the Pacific Ocean above the small hamlet of Occidental on the Sonoma Coast. This epic site is at the absolute edge of where the Pinot Noir grape can ripen in California, and the resulting wine is a looking glass into that upbringing. The vineyard is situated at 1200’ elevation on a western facing slope with views to the ocean and unobstructed interactions with the weather that rolls in off the coast. The difficult nature of farming in this vineyard ensures low yields and a perennial struggle for the vines that cling to these exposed slopes. The Coastlands vineyard is farmed by local viticultural expert Eric Neil and remains a true benchmark site. Planting this vineyard in such a demanding and severe locale was a bold step that set a high bar for Pinot Noir on the Sonoma Coast. The resulting wines are deep and structured and have the potential to improve in the cellar for years to come.”
If you’ve never had the wines before, don’t expect them to be soft and fruity. Everything they touch has a backbone to it—a spine of acid and tannin that makes you think of the great wines of France far quicker than their California neighbors. These are serious wines with serious structures, built to age.
Arriving Tomorrow:
Arnot-Roberts Watson Ranch Chardonnay, Napa Valley 2018 750ML ($49.95) $41.90 pre-arrival special
Winery note “Our Watson Ranch Chardonnay comes from a cold and windswept hillside overlooking the San Pablo Bay in southern Napa, southeast of the Los Carneros District. The soils are composed of calcareous clay over limestone and the vineyard is meticulously tended by Salvador Ramos, who planted the vines 25 years ago. The 2018 fermented beautifully in our cellar and produced a wine with effusive aromatic lift, abundant fruit and transparent mineral structure.”
Only six bottles available
Arnot-Roberts Coastlands Vineyard Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast 2018 750ML ($89.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Winery Note ” The iconic Coastlands Vineyard was planted by the Cobb family in 1989, just four miles from the Pacific Ocean above the small hamlet of Occidental on the Sonoma Coast. This epic site is at the absolute edge of where the Pinot Noir grape can ripen in California, and the resulting wine is a looking glass into that upbringing. The vineyard is situated at 1200’ elevation on a western facing slope with views to the ocean and unobstructed interactions with the weather that rolls in off the coast. The difficult nature of farming in this vineyard ensures low yields and a perennial struggle for the vines that cling to these exposed slopes. The Coastlands vineyard is farmed by local viticultural expert Eric Neil and remains a true benchmark site. Planting this vineyard in such a demanding and severe locale was a bold step that set a high bar for Pinot Noir on the Sonoma Coast. The resulting wines are deep and structured and have the potential to improve in the cellar for years to come.”
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Only six bottles available
Arnot-Roberts Legan Vineyard Pinot Noir, Santa Cruz Mountains 2018 750ML ($79.95) $69 pre-arrival special
Winery note “Legan Vineyard was planted to Pinot Noir in 1980 on a hillside above the tiny town of Corralitos in the southern Santa Cruz mountains. It stands amidst dense redwoods at 1,200 feet elevation, overlooking the Eureka Canyon which ushers in cooling breezes from Monterey Bay. According to recent geologic research done on the property, the nutrient-poor, fine sandy-loam soil was exposed when an ancient landslide occurred over 2000 years ago. We are fortunate and thankful that Tom Legan took the risk to plant this remote site and that is thriving under the meticulous care of viticultural master, Prudy Foxx. The wines we have made to date from Legan are light on their feet, delicately structured, and elegantly vibrant. Retention of 100% whole clusters during fermentation lends an earthy spiciness to our 2018, which harmonizes beautifully with the intense fruit-driven personality of this amazing vineyard.”
Only four bottles available
Arnot-Roberts Peter Martin Ray Vineyard Pinot Noir, Santa Cruz Mountains 2018 750ML ($89.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Winery Note “The Peter Martin Ray Vineyard is on Mt. Eden in the Northeastern Santa Cruz Mountains, above the town of Saratoga. This site dates to the late 1800s, and was one of the first to be planted to Pinot Noir in California in the early 1940s. The vineyard is now of historical significance as many of today’s modern Pinot Noir plantings have been made with genetic material taken from it. Replanted in 1979, these old, stake-trained, dry-farmed vines cling precipitously to the extremely rocky and depleted Franciscan Shale soils at 1400’ elevation. The vineyard is still owned and overseen by Peter Martin Ray, the son of legendary California vintner Martin “Rusty” Ray, with assistance from local Santa Cruz legend, Rick Anzalone. This unpolished site is extremely exposed with soils that are notoriously nutrient poor, leading the vines to struggle for survival while severely limiting yields. The resulting wines we have made from this site have remained true to their mountain-grown roots; we feel they are a nod to the rich history of this fabled mountain. We are honored to work with the Ray family and look forward to contributing to the legacy that has been laid down on this hill for generations.”
Only eight bottles available
Arnot-Roberts Rose of Touriga Nacional, Lake County 2019 750ML ($34.95) $29 pre-arrival special
No reviews for the 2019 vintage – Decanter review is for reference.
Decanter 91 points – 2015 vintage “By now Arnot-Roberts need no introduction, and their Touriga Nacional rosé is already fought-over. Wild strawberry, citrus and spice meld in wine amply endowed with fruit, acidity and chalky minerality. Modest alcohol makes this safe to gulp with abandon.”
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Trending
Sardegna is a source for great value, powerful wines and this is an instant classic.
Ferruccio Deiana Sileno Cannonau di Sardegna Riserva, Sardinia 2014 750ML ($31.95) $27 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Ferruccio Deiana Sileno Cannonau di Sardegna Riserva, Sardinia 2014 750ML ($179.95) $146 special (that’s only $24.33/bottle!)
Decanter 97 points “A lovely juicy fresh nose of sour cherry and red plum, the palate has a really plush feel with layers of rich concentrated red and black fruit, with herbal savoury hints and lovely gentle tannin.”
Ferruccio Deiana Sileno Cannonau di Sardegna Riserva, Sardinia 2014 750ML ($31.95) $27 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Ferruccio Deiana Sileno Cannonau di Sardegna Riserva, Sardinia 2014 750ML ($179.95) $146 special (that’s only $24.33/bottle!)
Decanter 97 points “A lovely juicy fresh nose of sour cherry and red plum, the palate has a really plush feel with layers of rich concentrated red and black fruit, with herbal savoury hints and lovely gentle tannin.”
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A standard bearer for the region since the 60’s on the level of Conterno or Mascarello.
Mastroberardino Radici, Taurasi DOCG 2015 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Mastroberardino Radici, Taurasi DOCG 2015 750ML ($299.95) $219 special (that’s only $36.50/bottle!)
James Suckling 96 points “I love the spicy and lifted notes here of caramelized orange peel, dried meat, blackcurrants, pomegranate, sea urchin and bark. A seamless and wonderfully elegant, medium-bodied palate follows with finely grained tannins and loads of floral undertones. This wine is all about transparency and subtlety. Best Radici in years. Drink now.”
Wine Advocate 93 points “The Mastroberardino 2015 Taurasi Radici is a dark and savory wine with thickly stacked aromas of black fruit, tar, licorice and campfire ash. This is a baritone Taurasi from a warm and sunny vintage that boasts concentrated and rich flavors as a result. Despite the evident power you get here, Taurasi has a beautiful manner of staying focused and sharp nonetheless. This wine demonstrates that quality very nicely.-ML”
Points : price, this is a winner.
Domaine Petroni Vin de Corse Rouge, Corsica 2016 750ML ($16.95) $14 special
Case-12 Domaine Petroni Vin de Corse Rouge, Corsica 2016 750ML ($179.95) $149 special (that’s only $12.42/bottle)
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “Also a mix of Niellucciu and Syrah, the 2016 Corse Domaine Petroni came from granite soils along the Mediterranean and was raised all in demi-muids. This medium to full-bodied beauty certainly makes an impression. It has sensational minerality as well as notes of black cherries, blackberries, spice, and flowers. Deep, layered, incredibly elegant, and seamless, with the tension and vibrancy common from granite soils, it should evolve for well over a decade.”
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Foradori is a producer whose single vineyard bottlings always move us.
Foradori Vigneto Sgarzon Teroldego Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT, Trentino-Alto Adige 2017 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 93 points “Tasted at the winery just a few weeks after its release, the 2017 Teroldego Sgarzon is a step above the 2016 vintage. You feel that extra heat and flavor intensity that seems to radiate off the primary fruit. This was a warm growing season, and the quality of aromas is more open, generous and immediate as a result. This wine is fermented on the skins in clay amphorae for six months. Aromas of dark fruit are followed by cigar smoke, scorched earth and wet clay. In the mouth, this vintage offers noticeable density and richness.”
Importer Note “100% Teroldego. Sgarzon is a cooler, sandier 2.5-hectare vineyard averaging 25 years old on the Campo Rotaliano plateau, a broad, flat, sunny and well-drained expanse of vines in the shadow of the Dolomites. As for all Foradori wines, the farming is certified-biodynamic and the harvest is by hand. Sgarzon is very close to the Morei site and made identically: destemmed whole berries are put in clay amphorae for spontaneous fermentation and aging for 8 months. There is no sulfur used until racking and bottling. Both Sgarzon and Morei develop more quickly, being raised in clay, compared to the traditional foudre-aged Foradori red, and are therefore released earlier. Interestingly, both were originally bottled in 1987 through 1999, then discontinued until the 2009 vintage–at this point, Elisabetta had converted the vineyards and gotten them certified biodynamic and was ready to embark again on expressing these two particular terroirs. The name Sgarzon comes from sgarzo, local dialect for “vine shoot”.”
The best deal in California Cab we’ve seen in a long time.
Marietta Cellars Arme Estate Cabernet, North Coast 2016 750ML ($24.95) $19 special
Antonio Galloni 92 points “The 2016 Armé is another superb wine in the middle tier of the Marietta range. Fresh, savory and super-expressive, the Armé has a lot going on. Black cherry, sage, lavender, menthol and licorice give the wine striking savory nuance to play off the dark Cabernet Sauvignon fruit. More than anything else, though, the Armé is a superb value in California Cabernet.”
Wine Enthusiast 92 points “Editor’s Choice. Saturated with opulent black-fruit flavors and moderately tannic, this wine is big but polished and complex. It shows little obvious oakiness, but rather feels shaped by oak aging until it was velvety and firm. Enjoyable now with something roasted or braised, this wine will drink best after 2022.”
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2011 produced rich, early drinking bottles of Barolo. This is in a great place now and will stay that way for another decade.
Poderi Oddero Brunate, Barolo DOCG 2011 750ML ($149.95) $119 special, 9 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 94 points “Gorgeous dried fruits and citrus character with a dense palate, fresh acidity and a lingering finish. Another gorgeous Brunate. Drink in 2017.”
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Collector’s Corner
Chambertin and Its Satellites
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.”
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’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 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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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Thanks for reading!