Le Domaine d’Henri Chablis
First Offer: Jacques Carillon’s 2017s
The Compelling Chianti of Rocca di Montegrossi
’17 Fourrier Arrives Soon
Andre Clouet – Return of a Star Value Champagne
Grapelive Shows Occhipinti Love
Rosé of the Day
Fall of Rhone: Trending Rhone Reds
Top 2017 Chateauneuf from Grand Veneur
Bibbiano’s Top Chianti Gran Selezione
Featured New Arrival
Le Domaine d’Henri Chablis
The wines he’s making are some of the most beautiful in Burgundy, with rippling minerality, electric tension and pretty fruit framing the palate. They are classically Chablisienne in the best ways, practically the distilled essence of the region. We’ve been selling (and sold out) of a number before restocking today. These are wines that are essential for white Burgundy lovers—a benchmark producer without the collectible pricing.
New Arrivals
Brut Nature bubbles from Chablis? Sign us up.
Le Domaine d’Henri 821 Brut Nature Blanc de Blancs de Chardonnay 2017 750ML ($31.95) $26 special
Le Domaine d’Henri Fourchaume, Chablis Premier Cru 2017 750ML ($41.95) $33 special
Winery Note “In 2012, we started a massal selection from our oldest Fourchaume vines, planted in 1937, before the existence of clones. These vines provide us with a unique heritage that we absolutely want to preserve…In addition to the fundamental work on the vine canopy, we have joined forces with renowned soil specialist, Claude Bourguignon, and his son, Emmanuel, to gain a better understanding of our soils. The soil is a very complex, living environment that deserves to be better understood. It is, after all, the soil that will allow the vine to reach its full qualitative potential. It is important to understand the living organisms present in the soil: microbial, bacterial, vegetal and animal, such as worms that will help break up and aerate our soils.”
Other Highlights, In Stock Now:
Le Domaine d’Henri Chablis Saint Pierre, Burgundy 2017 750ML ($29.95) $26 special
Winery Note “The combination of the Kimmeridgian soils that are so typical of the appellation, and a continental climate allow the Chardonnay grape to produce this fine, elegant and racy Chablis, with a distinct minerality. Made from vines planted in 1988, 1989 and 2001 and vinified uniquely in stainless steel tanks, this is a great example of grapes harvested at full maturity. Marked by a beautiful acidity, this Chablis can be drunk as soon as its first year, but will continue to improve for 5 to 7 years.”
Importer Note “From two hillside parcels located in the Troëmes section of the 1er Cru Beauroy vineyard on the left bank of the Serein river, this gorgeous wine shows notes of citrus and pears with tinges of mineral. This vineyard tends to be a little warmer than many in Chablis and thus possesses plenty of richness in the mouth. This richness is balanced by elegant, fresh acidity and a very persistent finish. Although fairly fruit forward in its youth, this wine will age gracefully for at least 10 years, if stored correctly. Drink with richer seafood dishes, fowl and mushrooms.”
Decanter 92 points “Stern mineral nose with herbal notes. Fresh, lean and intense, the palate is a bit one-dimensional but it’s concentrated and lively. Zesty and long. Drinking Window 2018 – 2026.”
Grapelive 93 points “A new project by famed Chablis master Michel Laroche with his kids the Le Domaine d’Henri is really worth checking out, especially for the quality to price ratio to be found on their Premier Cru offerings, like this stylish Fourchaume 2016 bottling. The Le Domaine d’Henri estate is a historic property in Chablis…This 2016 delivers classic cooly/steely crisp layers of lemon/lime, green apple, fleshy pear and spicy flinty wet rock, a touch of hazelnut and white flowers. This is racy Chardonnay, but gains more and more texture in the glass, making it great with food, especially sea food, though also great with Burgundian soft cheeses. The Le Domaine d’Henri wines are handcrafted using, as they put it, minimum intervention, with their Premier Cru grapes being harvested by hand only and are then carefully sorted on a vibrating table in order to ensure that only the best quality fruit goes into the gentle pneumatic press, with the wine being fermented using “pied de cuve”… the wines get between 10 to 35% of barrel aging, with almost no new oak being used in any given year…The domaine believes that minerality is the signature of Chablis and the winemaking here is managed accordingly to showcase that, but there is also no doubt that with Premier Cru concentration these wines show richness and palate impact.”
First Offer
Jacques Carillon’s 2017
As in Chablis, the whites of the Cote d’Or are stunning in 2017. It gives us everything we want out of a white vintage and is the best year since the (immaculate) 2014’s. As you’d expect, Jacques Carillon’s wines are absolutely top-class and are arriving in unfortunately limited quantities. We’ve just secured our allocation of these treats, arriving a week from Friday and are excited to present them to you today.
Arriving October 11th:
Domaine Jacques Carillon Puligny-Montrachet, Cote de Beaune 2017 750ML ($89.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Decanter 93 points “Jacques Carillon’s Puligny blend is always one of the most reliable and enjoyable in the appellation. Made with 15% new oak, it’s made up of three different components which are always more than the sum of their parts. This is grapefruity, subtle and mineral, with some stone fruit sweetness and oak spice.”
Burghound 89-92 points “A pure, elegant and airy nose combines notes of lemongrass, acacia, green apple and soft spice wisps. The beautifully well-detailed, intense and vibrant medium-bodied flavors possess very good mid-palate density before concluding in a saline, stony and impressively persistent finish. This is an excellent Puligny villages.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 89-91 points “Carillon had racked his 2017 Puligny-Montrachet Village into three tanks before bottling, and all three were both promising and complementary, displaying notes of citrus pith, white flowers, fresh peach and crisp green apple. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, satiny and tangy, with an appealing alliance of tension and volume. An excellent Puligny in the making.”
Domaine Jacques Carillon Chassagne-Montrachet, Cote de Beaune 2017 750ML ($89.95) $79 pre-arrival special
“The 2017 Chassagne-Montrachet Village, a cuvée produced from young vines that made its debut in the 2015 vintage and was entirely destroyed by 2016’s frosts, makes a return to the lineup. Offering up notes of green orchard fruit, white flowers and ripe lemon, it’s medium-bodied, chalky and succulent, with an open-knit profile and less concentration than the Puligny-Montrachet Village.” -William Kelley, Wine Advocate
“A very fresh nose features notes of resin, rosemary oil, citrus and a hint of floral influence. The racy if less concentrated flavors are delicious but don’t offer the same refinement or the same depth and persistence. In short, this is pleasant and well-made but lacks the same overall distinction.”-Burghound
Domaine Jacques Carillon Les Champs Canet, Puligny-Montrachet Premier Cru 2017 750ML ($179.95) $149 pre-arrival special
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 91-93 points “The 2017 Pulingy-Montrachet 1er Cru Champ Canet is very promising, bursting from the glass with notes of white flowers, crisp green apple and crushed chalk. On the palate, it’s medium to full-bodied, pure and bright, with a giving but precise profile. It’s typically the most immediate of Carillon’s premiers crus.”
Burghound 90-93 points “A subtle interjection of wood appears on the smoky and well-layered aromas of various white orchard fruit, lavender and citrus zest. Once again there is excellent energy and punch to the much more mineral-driven and more concentrated flavors that deliver really lovely complexity and sneaky good persistence. This is impressive and a wine that should amply reward most of a decade of cellaring.”
Domaine Jacques Carillon Les Perrieres, Puligny-Montrachet Premier Cru 2017 750ML ($179.95) $149 pre-arrival special
Decanter 95 points “Les Perrières, located close to the border with Meursault at the bottom of the slope, often seems to show more minerality at Carillon. True to form, this 0.6ha parcel has produced a zesy, crunchy, saline Puligny with some tangerine and citrus fruit and a hint of quince.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 92-94+ points “The 2017 Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Perrières is excellent, displaying a classy bouquet of crisp white peach, pastry cream, beeswax and green apple, followed by a medium to full-bodied, elegantly textural and broader, more concentrated profile than the Champ Canet, concluding with a long and chalky finish. The Réferts is a little more elegant, but this is a little more powerful.”
Burghound 91-93 points “A pungent yet elegant nose reflects notes of mineral reduction, citrus, quinine and a whiff of oak toast. The even sleeker and more tightly would middle weight flavors brim with minerality as well as plenty of dry extract that buffers the moderately firm acid spine shaping the linear and highly persistent finish. This needs more depth but the underlying material is present for that to occur.”
Stephen Tanzer 90-92 points “Sexy aromas of pineapple, pear and flowers are complemented by salty minerality. At once rich and vibrant, showing a fine-grained texture and noteworthy purity to its intense citrus fruit and saline flavors. A bit higher in acidity than most of the other 2017s at this address (4.0 grams per liter, vs. 3.8 to 3.9), this premier cru finishes with very good structure, length and thrust.”
Domaine Jacques Carillon Les Macherelles, Chassagne-Montrachet Premier Cru 2017 750ML ($179.95) $149 pre-arrival special
Decanter 94 points “This is the last vintage of this wine unfortunately, as the 0.2ha parcel has now passed to Jacques Carillon’s brother. At least it’s a high note on which to sign off. Planted comparatively recently, in 2003, it’s a wonderfully intense wine that’s rich yet very well focussed and balanced. Woodsmoke aromas lead you into a palate that combines flavours of blood orange, pear and sweet cinnamon spice.”
Burghound 90-93 points “A smoky resin and petrol-inflected nose is also trimmed in just enough wood influence on merit mentioning. The delicious and racy medium weight flavors are almost painfully intense with excellent delineation while exhibiting fine length on the chiseled finish. This is unusually good for the vineyard and worth checking out.”
Reply to this email or give us a call (503-223-6002) with a shipping date
and we’ll get you on the schedule!
Arriving Friday:
Rocca di Montegrossi Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany 2017 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 90+ points “Rocca di Montegrossi’s 2017 Chianti Classico is a rich, exuberant wine that is going to need at least a few years in bottle to settle down. Super-ripe, dense and concentrated, the 2017 may very well shock readers with its intensity. Then again, that is 2017. Super-ripe dark plum, espresso, spice and licorice all race out of the glass. It will be interesting to see where the 2017 goes in the coming years. Today, it is shockingly raw and unformed.”
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2014 Chianti Classico Vigneto San Marcellino is dark, sumptuous and super-expressive. Like all of the wines here, the 2014 San Marcellino needs at least a few years in bottle to truly show everything it has, but there is more than enough here to provide for engaging drinking for many years to come. Time in the glass brings out gorgeous scents of black cherry, plum, menthol, licorice and smoke. The 2014 is a striking, complete wine.”\
Antonio Galloni 94 points “Rocca di Montegrossi often makes one of the richest Vin Santos in Chianti Classico. The 2006 is a bit less opulent than is often the case, but that just means the Vin Santo is not a blockbuster. Voluptuous and beautifully layered throughout, the 2006 offers an attractive infusion of dried herbs, wild flowers, coconut, mint and leather, all wrapped around a core of dark, deeply spiced fruit.”
When young they’re among the most impressive in Burgundy, combining succulent fruit with minerality and a complexity that’s nearly unmatched in newly released wines. They improve with age, as well, though we’ve always had a hard time keeping our hands off of the lower-tier wines in the first five years after the vintage. Fourrier works exclusively with old massale vineyards (anything from vines younger than 30 years is sold off) and that sort of soul really makes it into the bottle.
We’ve just finalized our allocation and pricing of the excellent 2017’s. Due to the extreme weather that Burgundy experienced that year, yields are once again down. When you combined those low yields with the estate’s ever increased popularity, quantities are down—and heading further down that road in future years. If you love the estate like we do, you ought to jump on these as soon as you can
Arriving October 11th:
Just head to our webstore to see all the vintages and different bottlings.
Return of a Star Value Champagne
Within Bouzy and Ambonnay, Maison Andre Clouet occupies 8 hectares of vines along gentle sloping land. Focusing on Pinot noir Champagnes, Clouet’s wines tend to be of a rich and concentrated style; adorned in rather lavish packaging, their hyper-ornate labels are reminiscent of the family’s ancestor who was the printer to Louis XV’s royal court at Versailles.
What makes them particularly wonderful wines to work with (other than that brilliant packaging) is how obviously good they are. There are some wines whose subtlety leads to disappointment in the casual drinker, but the Andre Clouet wines are obviously delicious Champagne of extremely high quality. These are wines that seasoned wine geeks can enjoy, but so can your mother in-law who normally only drinks White Star (and she’ll think you’ve given her something much more expensive than her usual).
Arriving ETA Late October:
Andre Clouet Grande Reserve Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($39.95) $33 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Andre Clouet Grande Reserve Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($419.95) $359 pre-arrival special (that’s only $29.92/bottle!)
Andre Clouet Grande Reserve Brut, Champagne NV 1.5L ($99.95) $89 pre-arrival special
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 90 points “The latest release of André Clouet’s NV Brut Grand Réserve Grand Cru is showing well, exhibiting a nicely integrated bouquet of red apple, ripe citrus fruit, honeycomb and blanched almonds, followed by a medium to full-bodied, enveloping palate with a fine mousse, ripe but racy acids and an elegant, understated profile, concluding with a well-defined finish. This is a stylish, harmonious wine that makes for a fine introduction to the Clouet portfolio.” [Reviewed April 2019]
Andre Clouet Silver Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature, Champagne NV 750ML ($39.95) $33 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Andre Clouet Silver Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature, Champagne NV 750ML ($419.95) $359 pre-arrival special (that’s only $29.92/bottle!)
Case-12 Andre Clouet Grand Cru Brut Rose, Champagne NV 750ML ($499.95) $444 pre-arrival special (that’s only $37/bottle!)
Andre Clouet Grand Cru Brut Rose, Champagne NV 1.5L ($119.95) $99 pre-arrival special
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 90 points ” The latest release of Clouet’s deeply colored NV Brut Rosé No 3 Grand Cru is showing well, opening in the glass with notes of blood orange, red berries, ripe apples and oatmeal. On the palate, it’s full-bodied, broad and vinous, with ripe acids, a frothy mousse and a moderately intense finish. This is an attractive, gastronomic rosé that hails exclusively from Bouzy.” [Reviewed April 2019]
Case-6 Andre Clouet ‘Dream Vintage’ Brut, Champagne 2009 750ML ($349.95) $279 pre-arrival special (that’s only $46.50/bottle!)
Andre Clouet ‘Dream Vintage’ Brut, Champagne 2009 1.5L ($159.95) $149 pre-arrival special
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 92 points “The 2009 Brut Dream Vintage is a very pretty, expressive Champagne. Hazelnut, dried flowers, spices, mint, chamomile and lightly honeyed notes are all wonderfully laced together. Medium in body, radiant and quite open, the 2009 will drink well upon release.”
Case-6 Andre Clouet ‘Dream Vintage’ Brut, Champagne 2012 750ML ($399.95) $299 pre-arrival special (that’s only $49.83/bottle!)
Case-6 Andre Clouet ‘Dream Vintage’ Brut, Champagne 2013 750ML ($399.95) $299 pre-arrival special (that’s only $49.83/bottle!)
Can’t Wait? These Are In Stock Now:
Andre Clouet Silver Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature, Champagne NV 1.5L ($99.95) $89 special
Grapelive 93 points “This is some sensationally great bubbly! Jean-François Clouet, who was born and raised in Bouzy, still lives in the 18th century village house built by his ancestors. He takes his lineage seriously and respects his family’s traditions and that of the region, [Bouzy, where he] is a renowned grower producer. Clouet makes a full range of intense and stylish Champagnes, all of which come [from] family plots mostly comprised of 100% Pinot Noir from Clouet’s lieux-dits in the Bouzy zone. The André Clouet “Silver” Grand Cru Brut Nature is a non-vintage, zero dosage Champagne of exceptional class and delicacy. It’s a severe and high-toned 100% Pinot bubbly from mid-slopes around the village of Bouzy set on the chalky limestone and clay. It went through full malo and was aged on its lees in neutral French oak barrel. [This adds] to the surprise of its crisp detail, considering its malo/wood winemaking fashion, though like a great Burgundy it changes and gains with time in the glass adding richness to the tight form it initially shows. If ever there was a Champagne that fits all my wants and desires, then this Clouet, fits the bill. I adore Extra Bruts and Non Dosage styles absolutely best of all and this Andre Clouet Silver kills it for the price! Lemony briskness leads the way with hints of hazelnut, brioche and wet river stones adding a touch of white cherry, unripe apple and cool green melon, all lifted by the pure tight beading of its electric mousse. The Pinot Noir gives a bite of extract which makes this a fantastic food Champagne. It is perfect for oysters, sushi and mussels in spicy broth. It’s not for everyone, but damn it’s good. It’s without question a thinker’s sparkler not a crowd pleaser, which just makes it that much more special.”
There are only four Grand Cru Clos in Champagne. They are among the most hallowed terroirs in Champagne—the most choice parts of Grand Cru villages. The most famous two are the Clos du Mesnil and the Clos d’Ambonnay, both bottled by Krug. Either of those is going to set you back $1,000-$2,500 a 750ml (depending on cuvee and vintage). The Clouet, on the other hand, is only $319 for a magnum (of which only 250 cases are bottled each release). Expensive, sure, but it’s a real opportunity for the level that it operates at. To put it another way—if their $40 Champagne tastes like it costs $60, and their $55 vintage wine drinks like a $75 dollar bottle, what must their $350, magnum-only, Grand Cru Clos bottling taste like?
Andre Clouet ‘Le Clos’ Bouzy Grand Cru Brut, Champagne 2006 1.5L ($379.95) $319 special
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2006 is the first release of Clouet’s Clos de Bouzy, a 100% Pinot bottled only in magnum. Considering the year and the richness of Pinot from Bouzy, the Clos de Bouzy is surprisingly bright and floral in its aromas and flavors. The Pinot is mostly felt in the wine’s richness and texture. Dried pears, flowers, spices and anise emerge over time, but the 2006 is first and foremost a wine of subtlety. It will be interesting to see if the 2006 puts on additional weight in bottle. (Magnum only)”
Decanter 96 points “The flamboyant Jean- François Clouet extracts delicious cuvées from the depths of his historic family vineyards in Bouzy. His clos on the lower edge of town was awaiting a season with the energy of 2008 to capture captivating tension and introverted reticence. Its grand cru complexity has burst out, rising to the rhythm of an exceptional vintage, coaxing out a pronounced chalk mineral texture of glittering definition.”
Azienda Agricola Arianna Occhipinti Il Frappato Sicilia IGT, Sicily 2016 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
Grapelive 93 points
In Stock Now
Yves Cuilleron ‘Sybel’ Syrah Rose, IGP Collines Rhodaniennes 2018 750ML ($17.95) $14 special
Importer note “This Rosé is sourced 100% from Syrah grown within the confines of the village of Chavanay. It is produced by the “saignée” method after a brief maceration of several hours. The fermentations are in stainless steel and the elevage continues for about six months before bottling in the spring following harvest.”
The next best price is $16.99
Trending Rhone Reds
Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas, Rhone 2017 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
Case-12 Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas, Rhone 2017 750ML ($599.95) $419 special (that’s only $34.92/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 93 points “($60)This offers a mix of dark cherry, currant and blackberry compote flavors, scored liberally with singed alder, dried sage and warm earth accents through the finish. A flash of chestnut at the very end keeps this in the old-school camp. Solid for the vintage. Best from 2022 through 2035.—J.M.”
Jeb Dunnuck 93 points “The 2017 Gigondas is another terrific vintage for this cuvée, and it’s a quintessential expression of Saint Cosme. Ground herbs, graphite, gunpowder, pepper, black raspberries, and cassis all emerge from this full-bodied, ripe, polished Gigondas. With solid concentration, building yet ripe tannins, and a great finish, you’ll be thrilled to have a case in the cellar.”
Wine Advocate 92+ points “Loaded with notes of black olives and black cherries, the full-bodied 2017 Gigondas is rich and velvety in the mouth. I’m not sure it’s quite as good as the 2018, but it’s certainly no slouch, with a long, silky finish that picks up a hint of cocoa.”
Decanter 92 points “Whole-cluster fruit from limestone, marl and Miocene sand soils is fermented in concrete with indigenous yeasts. It’s then aged 70% in barrel, 20% new, with the remaining 30% in concrete. It has a very oaky aromatic profile at this early stage, but it’s joined by a lovely herbal aspect from the stems. Medium to full-bodied, the fruit has a vibrant freshness and the acidity is pretty marked, while the tannins are massy but ripe and harmonious. Long finish.”
Domaine Eric et Joel Durand Cornas Premices, Rhone 2016 750ML ($39.95) $33 special
Case-6 Domaine Eric et Joel Durand Cornas Premices, Rhone 2016 750ML ($219.95) $179 special (that’s only $29.83/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 94 points “Warm fig, blackberry and black currant fruit gives this a decidedly dark profile, while licorice root, dark olive and bay leaf notes score the finish. A tarry edge adds grip and length. Shows range and depth, and begs for cellaring. Best from 2021 through 2035.”
Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2016 Cornas Premices, from relatively young vines, has turned out well. Menthol, leather and plum combine on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is supple and charming. Already easy to drink, it offers decent concentration and a long finish lined with soft, dusty tannins.”-JC
Josh Raynolds 92 points “Deep brilliant ruby. Spice-accented aromas of cassis, cherry liqueur and fresh violet are complicated by a smoky mineral quality. Nicely concentrated and focused on the palate, offering bitter cherry, dark berry, vanilla and salty olive notes that turn livelier with air. The cherry note lingers on a long, seamless finish that shows just a hint of rounded tannins.”
“Beaurenard has excelled this vintage”-WA
Domaine de Beaurenard Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone 2016 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
Case-12 Domaine de Beaurenard Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone 2016 750ML ($549.95) $419 special (that’s only $34.92/bottle!)
Wine Advocate 93 points “Beaurenard has excelled this vintage. The 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape is no slouch, with ample richness, bold cherry and apricot fruit and attractive hints of dried spices and garrigue. Complex, full-bodied and supple, it finishes long and silky. It’s two-thirds Grenache Noir, with the rest composed of the 17 other permitted grape varieties.(JC)”
Wine Spectator 93 points “Nicely packed, with raspberry and plum compote flavors at the core, liberally lined with singed alder, tobacco and warm brick accents. The finish has a grippy edge, but this red stays fresh and driven overall. Best from 2020 through 2030. 6,000 cases made, 1,200 cases imported. — JM”
Domaine de Cristia Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes, Rhone 2015 750ML ($99.95) $79 special
Wine Spectator 97 points “This delivers a lush, enticing blast of cassis and raspberry and boysenberry preserve flavors, carried by a silky structure that lets the fruit play out at length, giving adequate time for black tea, singed apple wood, dried anise and fruitcake notes to fill in throughout. Dreamy. Grenache. Best from 2020 through 2040.”
“another winner from this estate”-JD
Domaine Vincent Paris Cornas Granit 30, Rhone 2016 750ML ($39.95) $33 special
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92-94 points “(no new oak) Opaque ruby. Potent, mineral-accented dark berry scents are complicated by floral oil and peppery spice nuances. Smooth and seamless on the palate, offering gently sweet black raspberry, blueberry and violet pastille flavors that become livelier with air. Sappy and open-knit, closing with solid thrust, silky, even tannins and strong persistence.”
Jeb Dunnuck 91 points “The 2016 Cornas Granit 30 is another winner from this estate. Ultra-pure notes of cassis, blackberries, leafy herbs, liquid violets and pepper all emerge from the glass. It’s balanced, medium to full-bodied, and textured on the palate, with the balance and purity that this estate has become known for front and center.”
Wine Advocate 90-92 points “The 2016 Cornas Granit 30 had been blended and was in tank awaiting bottling during my visit. Medium to full-bodied, it’s already almost drinkable, showing attractive and classic notes of crushed stone, blood and cherries, reasonably supple tannins and charming blueberries on the finish.”
These are big, rich wines with incredible textures and explosive personalities. We’ve secured significant allocations of their three major Chateauneuf du Papes, the VV, Les Origines, and Miocene, all arriving this winter. The VV is one of the best wines made in the region every year, while the Les Origines and Miocene both deliver excellent value for their prices. We’re able to offer these at excellent pricing, despite the insane demand for the 2017 vintage—so lovers of the Rhone, take note. These always sell fast and we expect this set will continue that trend.
Arriving ETA December:
Domaine Grand Veneur Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes, Rhone 2017 750ML ($119.95) $89 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Domaine Grand Veneur Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes, Rhone 2017 750ML ($719.95) $479 pre-arrival special (that’s only $79.83/bottle!)
Jeb Dunnuck 97+ points “The 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape Vieilles Vignes is a bigger, richer, more opulent wine. Beautiful notes of blackcurrants, scorched earth, graphite, and crushed violets, all flow to a full-bodied, Châteauneuf Du Pape that has a voluptuous, sexy texture, brilliant depth of fruit, fine tannins, and a purity of fruit that’s hard to find in this vintage. It’s a thrill a minute, and while it’s approachable today, it will keep for 15-20 years. 416 cases.”
Decanter 96 points “Grown on galets, the fruit for this wine is all destemmed and fermented in stainless steel before being aged for 16 months, half in concrete and half in new barriques. The strong Mourvèdre component comes through as deep, ripe dark fruits and violets. It’s full-bodied and dense with soft, lush tannins, and is held together by a beam of strong acidity, finishing long. A lithe, muscular, impressive wine that will last the course. Just 5,000 bottles made.”
Case-6 Domaine Grand Veneur Chateauneuf-du-Pape Les Origines, Rhone 2017 750ML ($419.95) $289 pre-arrival special (that’s only $48.17/bottle!)
Jeb Dunnuck 95+ points “The 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape Les Origines takes things up a notch on the serious scale and has a much more concentrated, focused, structured style. A blend of 50% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, and the rest Syrah that saw 50% new barrels, it offers a rich, concentrated, focused texture, notes of black raspberries, roasted garrigue, pepper, and tons of minerality, building tannins, and outstanding length. The new oak is beautifully integrated, it’s perfectly balanced, and it’s one of those wines that has a kiss of modern character yet stays firmly planted in the Southern Rhône.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine Grand Veneur Chateauneuf-du-Pape Le Miocene Rouge, Rhone 2017 750ML ($299.95) $219 pre-arrival special (that’s only $36.50/bottle!)
Jeb Dunnuck 91 points “The traditional cuvée at this great estate is the 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape Le Miocene, and in 2017 it’s a classic blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 10% Mourvèdre, brought up mostly in concrete (there’s a small amount in older barrels). It has a wonderful fresh, forward, delicious style as well as notes of black raspberries, garrigue, pepper, and hints of flowers. Pure, medium to full-bodied, upfront and ready to go, it’s a beauty geared for drinking over the coming 8-10 years.”
The next best price is $45
Bibbiano’s Top Chianti Gran Selezione
Arriving ETA March 2020:
Tenuta di Bibbiano ‘Montornello’, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2015 750ML ($39.95) $33 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Tenuta di Bibbiano ‘Montornello’, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2015 750ML ($239.95) $189 pre-arrival special (that’s only $31.50/bottle!)
Case-12 Tenuta di Bibbiano ‘Montornello’, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2015 750ML ($479.95) $349 pre-arrival special (that’s only $29.08/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 95 points “Relaxed, balanced and supported by dense tannins, this touts aromas of leather, tobacco, wood paneling, iron, woodsy spices and smoky cherry fruit, with a finish that is long and expansive. Drink now through 2040. 3,300 cases made, 500 cases imported.”