New Year’s Dom Perignon Spectacular
Newton Unfiltered Chardonnay – Outrageously Good Pricing
Looking Back at the 2016 Vintage (Part One)
2016 in the Willamette Valley
2016 in the Northern Rhone
“Undiscovered” Grower Champagne:
The Best Value in Bubbles
Arriving Friday:
Case-6 Dom Perignon Brut, Champagne 2009 750ML ($999.95) $769 special (that’s only $128.17/bottle—the lowest listed price in the country!)
Case-3 Dom Perignon Brut, Champagne 2009 750ML ($499.95) $399 special (that’s only $133/bottle!)
Dom Perignon Brut, Champagne 2009 750ML ($199.95) $149 special
Antonio Galloni 97 points “The 2006 Dom Pérignon is a beautifully balanced, harmonious Dom Pérignon that strikes an incredibly appealing stylistic middle ground. Rich, voluptuous and creamy, the 2006 shows off fabulous intensity in a style that brings together the ripeness of 2002 with the greater sense of verve and overall freshness that is such a signature of the 2004. Bass notes and a feeling of phenolic grip on the finish recall the 2003, as the Pinot Noir is particularly expressive today. After an irregular summer that saw elevated temperatures in July followed by cooler, damp conditions in August, more favorable weather returned in September, pushing maturation ahead and leading to a long, protracted harvest. The 2006 falls into the family of riper, more voluptuous Dom Pérignons, but without veering into the level of opulence seen in vintages such as 2002.”
Wine Advocate 96 points “The 2006 Dom Pérignon comes from a very rich vintage with an early ripeness that brought a lot of aromatic maturity. The white-golden prestige cuvée contains a bit more Chardonnay than Pinot Noir and opens with a deep and seductive, pretty accessible nose with intense yet fresh fruit aromas of pineapples, with peaches and tangerines. Lively and elegant on the palate, this is a full-bodied, unusually aromatic and fruity DP with a long and tension-filled expression.”
Outrageously Good Pricing
In Stock Now:
Newton Vineyard Unfiltered Chardonnay, Napa Valley 2014 750ML ($49.95) $29 special
Wine Advocate 93 points “Newton’s unfiltered Chardonnay has been a consistent winner since it was first launched in the early 1980s, when the fruit was coming from what is today John Kongsgaard’s Judge cuvée. Newton is still making this wine unfiltered, and the 2014 Chardonnay Unfiltered is rich and displays beautiful white peach, honeysuckle and tropical fruit, some nice, crisp wet pebble minerality in the background and a full-bodied mouthfeel. Deep, layered and complete, this is a big-time winner.”
The next best price is $38.95
The average price is $46
Around the World (Part One)
We’ll look back at a number of great regions over the next few newsletters around the New Year, but wanted to kick things off with two that are especially near and dear to our hearts: the Willamette Valley and the Northern Rhone.
We’re just starting to see 2016’s in the market in full force and the wines we’re tasting have been as good as you could hope for. The Chardonnays have a sense of minerality and a freshness that was missing in 2015 and ’14. The Pinot Noir manages to take the incredible fruit of ’14 and ’15 and make it sparkle—the wines feel both incredibly intense and yet oh-so alive in your mouth. These are do-not-miss wines and you’d be well off to stock your cellar full.
In Stock Now:
Crowley Four Winds Vineyard Chardonnay, Willamette Valley 2016 750ML ($44.95) $39 special
Wine Advocate 90 points “The 2016 Chardonnay Four Winds is scented of Golden Delicious apples and yellow pears with nuances of citrus pith, acacia honey and almonds with a creamy undercurrent. It’s medium to full-bodied with fresh orchard fruits in the mouth, good uplifting acidity and a long finish with nutty accents.”-EB
Winery notes: “No matter the heat this wine never slows down. Four Winds Chardonnay comes off of a block of own-rooted Wente clone Chardonnay that was planted in 1990. Every vintage, Four Winds shows low alcohol, singing acid and a citrus nature. Twenty months in neutral barrel broadens the palate and bring a touch of sweet butter and sage.”
Cameron Winery ‘Abbey Ridge’ Chardonnay, Dundee Hills 2016 750ML ($79.95) $59 special
VinopolNote: Abbey Ridge sits high atop the Dundee Hills; a collection of vines planted on their own roots in the mid-70’s. It’s unquestionably one of the most special sites in the Willamette Valley and though it’s better known for Pinot Noir, the Abbey Chard is fantastic. This is the most limited of the Chardonnay bottlings from Cameron and isn’t produced every year (there was no 2014 version).
The next best price is $77.99
Cameron Winery Clos Electrique Blanc, Dundee Hills 2016 750ML ($79.95) $59 special
Cameron Winery Clos Electrique Blanc, Dundee Hills 2016 1.5L ($189.95) $159 special
VinopolNote: The Clos Electrique is Cameron’s estate vineyard, named after the electric deer fence that surrounds it. This is planted to a mix of clones and is vinified traditionally—no racking and all in older barrels. This is crisp and coiled, with distinct minerality and a lot of power in a lithe frame. Like most vintages of the Electrique Blanc, this is quite good now but will be stellar in a few years.
This is the lowest listed price for a magnum in the USA today!
Goodfellow Family Cellars Durant Vineyard Chardonnay, Oregon 2016 750ML ($39.95) $33 special
Winery note “From Dijon vines planted in 1993, the volcanic soils of the Durant vineyard provide remarkable Chardonnays in all vintages, with texture that is both rich and delicate, aromatic notes of smoke, citrus, almonds, candied ginger, stone fruits, fresh hay and wet stone. From the gentle east slopes of one of the oldest vineyards in the Dundee Hills.”
Averaen Croft Vineyard Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2016 750ML ($49.95) $36 special
Josh Raynolds 93 points “(50% whole clusters and 50% new French oak) Brilliant red. Powerful smoke- and spice-accented red berry liqueur, mocha and floral pastille scents show excellent clarity and pick up notes of licorice and cola with air. Sweet and expansive on the palate, offering juicy black raspberry, cherry cola, lavender and spicecake flavors that become livelier on the back half. This weighty yet lithe Pinot finishes smooth and very long, featuring slow-building tannins and resonating florality.”
The next best price is $42.75
Averaen ‘Eola Springs Vineyard’ Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2016 750ML ($49.95) $36 special
Josh Raynolds 93 points “(50% whole clusters and 50% new French oak) Vivid red. Spice-tinged black raspberry and cherry scents are complicated by hints of cola, pungent flowers and smoky minerals. Sweet and seamless on the palate, offering energetic red and dark berry and vanilla flavors along with suggestions of rose pastille and blood orange that add complexity. Concentrated but vibrant and precise in character, delivering strong finishing thrust, interwoven tannins and excellent, floral-driven persistence.”
The next best price is $42.75
Averaen Meredith Mitchell Vineyard Pinot Noir, McMinnville 2016 750ML ($49.95) $36 special
Josh Raynolds 92 points “(20% whole clusters and 50% new French oak) Lurid red. Blackberry and boysenberry aromas are complicated by suggestions of cola and candied violet, and a smoky mineral note lends nervy lift. Incisive dark berry and bitter cherry flavors slowly gain flesh and become sweeter in the midpalate. Impressively precise and energetic, delivering strong finishing thrust and dusty, building tannins that make a late appearance.”
The next best price is $46.99
Averaen Nysa Vineyard Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2016 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
Josh Raynolds 93 points “(30% whole clusters and 50% new French oak) Deep vivid red. A highly aromatic bouquet evokes red fruit liqueur, mocha and Asian spices, along with a smoky mineral overtone. Juicy, seamless and precise on the palate, offering sweet raspberry, rose pastille and spicecake flavors that deepen and spread out steadily with air. Conveys a suave blend of richness and finesse and finishes with supple, harmonious tannins and outstanding clarity and floral-tinged persistence.”
The next best price is $46.98
Averaen Flood Line Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2016 750ML ($39.95) $26 special
Josh Raynolds 91 points “(40% new French oak) Bright red. Aromas of ripe red berries and cherry, along with subtle cola and licorice nuances. Sweet and penetrating on the palate, offering bitter cherry and raspberry flavors that flesh out on the back half. A smoky note emerges on the clinging finish, which features fine-grained tannins and suave red fruit preserve and mocha qualities.”
Crowley Entre Nous Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2016 750ML ($34.95) $28 special
Winery note “The 2016 Entre Nous party is joined by our latest Dundee Hills vineyard, Oracle! Owned and operated by great friends and winemakers David Autrey and Amy Wesselman (of Westrey Winery), we’re excited and proud to have this vineyard in the stable. Oracle is high in the Dundee Hills and its Pommard fits in with the cerebral and complex theme that Entre Nous always has going for it. Beautiful and clear, the color seems to capture just about every available option for Pinot Noir. Graphite, warm spice, pepper and resin set the tone while cherry and pomegranate lay back on the nose. Clean lines and mouthwatering acidity give way to succulence and soft tannin. Anise and orange peel mix it up with traces of maple which contribute to the typical “what the heck is going on here” reaction Entre Nous gets. It delivers mystery. It’s a challenging and rewarding wine. It finds its people and “between us” continues to take on meaning through the unique and personal experience this wine offers. It’s different for everybody…and that’s a good thing!”
Crowley La Colina Vineyard Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2016 750ML ($49.95) $44 special
Crowley La Colina Vineyard Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2016 1.5L ($129.95) $109 special
Wine Advocate 90 points “The 2016 Pinot Noir la Colina Vineyard is pale to medium ruby-purple with just a touch of tarry reduction on the nose giving way to blackberries, kirsch, turned soil and underbrush. It’s medium-bodied with pretty black and red fruits in the mouth and lots of earthy accents, framed by firm, grainy tannins and finishing long and earthy.”-EB
Winery note “The beautiful rolling La Colina Vineyard was our first vineyard holding and it’s been an exceptional site from the very beginning, turning out many of our favorite barrels in the cellar year after year. Dry farmed, 100% Pommard clone, aged for 22 months in neutral barrels.
This is the lowest listed price for a magnum in the USA today!
Cameron Winery ‘Abbey Ridge’ Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2016 750ML ($79.95) $59 special
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.
Cameron Winery Clos Electrique Rouge, Dundee Hills 2016 750ML ($79.95) $59 special
VinopolNote: Named after the electrified deer fence surrounding the vineyard, the Clos Electrique is the estate vineyard surrounding Cameron’s winery. Located just up the road from Maresh vineyard, on Worden Hill Road, it’s in the promised land of the Dundee Hills and the wines deliver. This is always the meatiest, most primal Pinot of the Cameron lineup. We love it for its intense savoriness and quiet power—every year this is an absolute treat to drink.
The next best price is $69
Goodfellow Family Cellars Durant Vineyard Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2016 750ML ($47.95) $39 special
Winery note “Durant vineyard sits on a gentle east facing slope rising from 200-700ft in the heart of the Dundee Hills. The Pinot Noir sits at the mid-point of the hill rising up to about two thirds of the way up. Optimally situated for collecting gentle morning sunshine, cooling the plants in the afternoon, and draining cold air down the hill. The iron infused clay soils give wines from the Durant vineyard a silken texture, classic Dundee Hills aromatics, and weightless power. Paul Durant is the second generation of Durants to farm this 60 acre vineyard, first planted in 1973.”
Goodfellow Family Cellars Fir Crest Vineyard Pinot Noir, Yamhill-Carlton 2016 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
Winery note “Fir Crest Vineyard sits in the coastal foothills in the far southwest corner of the Yamhill-Carlton AVA. Soils are older sedimentary series, and aspect of the slope is south-east. The wines are deeply colored, intense, rich, and powerful, reminiscent of an Oregon version of Clos de La Roche.”
Goodfellow Heritage #7 Pinot Noir (Whistling Ridge Vineyard), Ribbon Ridge 2016 750ML ($69.95) $59 special
Winery notes: “Made with great thought, our reserve wine is crafted to stand strong for years to come. The genesis was a wine to age for our son to enjoy one day. Thus, it seems more new oak and is made from our favorite parcel of the vintage. Lay down for as long as you can, as patience is to be rewarded. Whistling Ridge Vineyard Pinot from a 1990 planting aged for 20 months in French oak. Sedimentary soils with a South/Southeast exposure at 350-450’ elevation. Dry farmed.”
Goodfellow Heritage #8 Pinot Noir (Durant Vineyard), Dundee Hills 2016 750ML ($69.95) $59 special
Wine Advocate 92+ points “Just bottled, the pale to medium ruby-purple colored 2016 Pinot Noir Durant Vineyard Heritage No. 8 features warm red and black cherries and currants on the nose with accents of potpourri spice, dusty earth and dried leaves. Medium to full-bodied, it gives tart red fruits and spices in the mouth, with mouthwatering acidity and wonderful grainy tannins, finishing long. It’s a bit muted on the palate given the recent bottling, but this should bloom beautifully by the time it’s released in the fall of 2018. 112 cases produced.”
Goodfellow Family Cellars Whistling Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2016 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
Winery note “Whistling Ridge Vineyard was first planted in 1990. The 14 acre vineyard sits on the ridge top, with a slight south-east aspect, catching the evening breeze from the northwest year round. Shallow soils force roots deep in Oregon’s drought summer conditions, creating wines defined by elegance married to structure. Mixed clonal plantings of Pinot noir, Chardonnay, Pinot gris, and Riesling have been carefully hand grafted by Patricia.”
For us, these are more exciting than the vaunted 2015’s. Each appellation’s character comes screaming through in the best possible way and they are already lovely but look to age for quite a while. If you love Syrah that speaks more of place than grape, these are wines to buy in as much quantity as you can afford.
Some Highlights, In Stock Now:
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 91-93 points “Looking at the Cornas releases, the 2016 Cornas Granite 30 comes from the Patou and Saint Pierre lieux-dits and was completely destemmed before aging in a mix of barrels. It’s a ripe, vibrant beauty that’s overflowing with fruit. Blackberries, blueberries, violets, spring flowers and hints of minerality all give way to a full-bodied, unctuous effort that has good acidity and sweet tannin. It’s another no-brainer wine from this estate.”
Domaine Vincent Paris Cornas Granit 60, Rhone 2016 750ML ($69.95) $55 special
Wine Advocate 94-96 points “Tasted from tank prior to bottling, the 2016 Cornas Granit 60 has the potential to eclipse the 2015. The nose is an exciting blend of flowers, minerals and fruit, while the palate is full-bodied and generous without the hardness or austerity of the 2015. This standout 2016 finishes long, plush and bright. With only about 5,000 bottles made, shrewd buyers will snap it up on release.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 93-95 points “(no new oak) Inky ruby. Smoke-accented black and blue fruits, licorice and olive on the intensely perfumed nose. Plush, sweet and broad on the palate, offering sweet blackberry, cassis and spicecake flavors that are energized by a vein of juicy acidity. Shows excellent depth as well as energy and finishes extremely long and smooth; rounded tannins build steadily and add shape and gentle grip to the lush, creamy dark fruit.”
Jeb Dunnuck 93-95 points “The 2016 Cornas Granite 60 offers a deeper, richer, more profound profile. Blackcurrants, scorched earth, leather and bouquet garni notes all flow to a full-bodied, powerful 2016 that has terrific mid-palate depth and plenty of tannins. Nevertheless, the fruit and texture that’s the hallmark of this estate shine, and it’s going to drink nicely in its youth as well. This cuvée comes from the Patou, Les Mazards, and Sauman lieux-dit and slightly steeper slopes. It was 70% destemmed, aged in a mix of barrels, and there are just over 400 cases made.”
Chateau de Saint Cosme Cote Rotie, Rhone 2016 750ML ($64.95) $52.50 special
Jeb Dunnuck 95 points “The 2016 Côte-Rôtie comes all from the Côte Brune side of the appellation, which is all schist soils. Fermented with no destemming and aged mostly in older barrels, it’s a rock star Côte-Rôtie and offers loads of blackberry fruits, spice, tapenade, cured meats, and pepper. With medium to full body, a deep, layered mid-palate, present tannins, and a huge finish, it needs short-term cellaring but is an undeniably gorgeous Syrah that will have two decades of longevity.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92-94 points “Bright purple. A complex, expansive bouquet evokes candied dark berries, olive, smoked meat and incense, and floral and mineral notes build steadily. Sweet, focused and penetrating on the palate, offering sappy boysenberry, cherry and violet pastille flavors braced by a spine of juicy acidity. Impressively blends concentration and energy and finishes with impressive, gently tannic persistence.”
The next best price is $66.39
Domaine Rene Rostaing Cote Rotie Cote Blonde, Rhone 2016 750ML ($249.95) $199 special
Wine Advocate 98 points “The 2016 Cote Rotie La Cote Blonde (from the lieu-dit of the same name—not a blend of sites) is a terrific effort. It blends the structure of la Viallière with the elegance of la Landonne, making it a truly complete and compelling bottle. Some mocha, black olive and meaty notes lend it a savory cast, while the palate is creamy and concentrated, firm but silky. It’s medium to full-bodied, with a fine, licorice-tinged finish that lingers a good long time. It should drink well for 20+ years.”
Josh Raynolds 95-97 points “Lurid purple. Pungent aromas of ripe red berries, potpourri and smoky minerals pick up a spicy nuance as the wine stretches out. Silky and seamless in the mouth, displaying superb clarity to the sappy, mineral-laced black raspberry, boysenberry, candied violet and spicecake flavors. Shows a distinctly finesseful, even Burgundian character and finishes wonderfully long and sweet, with building tannins framing the intense fruit and floral qualities.”
Domaine Rene Rostaing Cote-Rotie La Landonne, Rhone 2016 750ML ($219.95) $189 special
Wine Advocate 97 points “Subtle notes of baking spices frame hints of tea, olives and raspberries on the nose of the 2016 Cote Rotie la Landonne. A paragon of elegance, it’s medium to full-bodied, but silky from start to lingering finish. It’s a wine that’s pretty much guaranteed to make even the steeliest curmudgeon smile, as it’s so bright, ephemeral and luscious. It’s not the rich, ripe wine the 2015 is, but it’s suave, complex and long.”
Emmanuel Darnaud Saint Joseph La Dardouille, Rhone 2016 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 93 points “(no stems; raised in a combination of one- to three-year-old barriques and demi-muids) Brilliant violet. Potent, mineral-accented black and blue fruit, spicecake and floral pastille aromas show outstanding clarity and pick up a smoky mineral nuance with air. Juicy and focused on the palate, offering vibrant bitter cherry, blueberry and star anise flavors that deepen and spread out steadily on the back half. Finishes floral, sweet and impressively long, displaying repeating spiciness and well-knit tannins.”
Wine Advocate 92 points “Bottled in August 2017, the medium-bodied 2016 Saint Joseph Les Cotes is made for early drinking. There’s an elegant interplay of cherries, spring flowers and fresh herbs on the nose followed by supple notes of cherries, blueberries and raspberries and a long, silky finish. Drink this charming wine over the next several years.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 90-92 points “(no new oak) Bright violet. Lively and focused on the nose, displaying spice-accented blue fruit, olive and floral scents and a hint of earthiness. Juicy boysenberry and bitter cherry flavors show very good depth and clarity and betray no excess fat. A smoky mineral note builds steadily on the long, floral-tinged finish, which is framed by smooth tannins. This wine should be quite approachable soon after release, as will many examples from the vintage.”
Grapelive 92 points “One of the Northern Rhone’s best kept secrets and producer of some of finest values in the region, Domaine Emmanuel Darnaud crafts some excellent Syrah(s) from his tiny set of parcels in the Crozes-Hermitage area. He started his domaine in 2001 with just postage stamp (sized block) of vines but worked his way up to a more serious set of vineyards. [They are] all on the southern side of Crozes-Hermitage set on the zone’s glacial alluviums of mostly smooth pebbles. His painstaking work in the vineyard yields amazing results. How he can sell this beautiful and authentic wine at under $20 is one of the great and most pleasurable mysteries in the world of Syrah! The 2016 is utterly delicious with an earthy intensity that starts with porcini/truffle and gamey Crozes purity before opening to beautiful violets and blueberry notes. Darnaud’s Crozes Mise en Bouche is a fine example of time and place, yummy from start to finish adding bright peppery spice, a touch of anise, dried herbs and damson plum as well as mineral notes and a touch of kirsch. Lighter in frame than some, there’s no whimpiness, but rustic layers of classic Northern Rhone Syrah at its best. Fermented in concrete vats and rested in small barrels, this 100% Syrah, 100% de-stemmed cuvee [is one that] you’d never guess it had one third new oak such is the refinement and quality of fruit found here. This is a vintage to buy as much as you can. It drinks lovely now, and should easily go for a decade too! Search this one out; it’s a winner, and a no brainer for the price!”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92 points “(made from destemmed fruit and raised in one-third new oak barriques and demi-muids) Deep bright-rimmed ruby. Smoke-accented black and blue fruits, mocha and a hint of olive paste on the perfumed nose. Silky, sweet and open-knit, offering energetic blackberry, cola and vanilla flavors that are energized by a vein of juicy acidity. Shows the energy of the vintage and finishes long and silky, with even tannins building slowly and adding shape and subtle grip.”
Chateau de Saint Cosme Crozes-Hermitage, Rhone 2016 750ML ($27.95) $24 special
Grapelive 94 points “Louis Barruol’s Saint Cosme [is] most famous for [the] Gigondas, [yet the] negociant series is one of the great values in the wine world. His northern Rhone lineup especially impresses, with his Crozes-Hermitage always a stand out. This 2016 is no exception with the vintage’s amazing combination of power and poise showing a deep character, but with a lovely freshness of detail and inner energy. Barruol’s deep/dark purple/garnet hued Crozes-Hermitage is 100% Serine clone (a local and an ancient variety of Syrah). [It] is 100% destemmed fruit coming off main sites in the extraordinary hillsides around the villages within Crozes, Larnage, Gervans and Erôme. [The] vineyard plots [are] of sand/clay over granite soils. This vintage was aged in 20% new French oak with the rest being put in 1 and 2 times used cask, with the Syrah seeing about a year of elevage before bottling unfiltered. [This makes] for a rich, ripe and vivid Crozes-Hermitage Rouge with a pure and earthy Syrah personality and a classic regional terroir core and character with a loaded palate of black and blue fruit, spice and savory elements with a raw tannic grip as well as the vintage’s nice acidity that gives this wine an exciting kick in the ass! Barruol notes that his growers… in Tenay, Habrard and Batits sit behind [the] Hermitage hill itself, with the oldest vines having the ability to produce wines that can compete with Hermitage! I do not doubt that and you can feel their presence in vintages such as this, no question. Again this wine is an absolute steal for the price. The Saint Cosme 2016 Crozes surprises for the width and textural feel with beautiful layers of blackberry, boysenberry, blueberry, damson plum and black cherry/kirsch fruits along with light camphor/embers, violets, mission fig, cinnamon, black licorice, creme de cassis, peppercorns, and a hint of crushed rock and leather. There is a lot going on here, and the finish is exceptionally lengthy and smooth. It has serious palate impact, while still fresh in details at 13% natural alcohol. It is medium/full in body, perfectly weighted, and I can see it getting better over the next 3 to 5 years, too. Very impressive. It’s a Syrah that delivers on its promises. Delicious stuff. Give [it] air or decant for best results, but [it’s] absolutely magic when paired with rustic/robust cuisine. Drink this Crozes over the next 5 to 10 years.”
Jeb Dunnuck 93 points “I loved the 2016 Crozes Hermitage, which comes from granite terroirs located behind Hermitage hill. It offers layers of blackberry fruit, olive tapenade, ground pepper, and violet aromas and flavors. Deep, medium to full-bodied, and seamless, it shows the purity and finesse that’s the hallmark of this vintage.”
James Suckling 93 points “White pepper and graphite here and a very spicy, stony attitude. Blackberries, a fragrant edge and plenty of sweet spice. The palate delivers a succulent array of bright, red and black fruit. Supple, even and long. Drink or hold.”
Domaine Eric et Joel Durand Cornas Empreintes, Rhone 2016 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
Wine Spectator 95 points “Ripe and focused, with mouthwatering acidity driving the core of steeped red currant, raspberry and blackberry fruit along. A bright iron note zings through the finish, pulling in light anise, savory and sanguine hints. Best from 2020 through 2035.”
Josh Raynolds 93 points “Bright purple. Ripe berries, cherry preserves, licorice, woodsmoke and vanilla on the deeply perfumed nose. Concentrated and powerful but energetic as well; juicy acidity sharpens the densely packed blackberry, bitter cherry and olive paste flavors. The impressively long, velvety finish features harmonious tannins, a touch of candied violet and lingering smokiness.”
Wine Advocate 92-95 points “I tasted from three tanks that will be blended to create the 2016 Cornas Empreintes. (It appears there will be no 2016 Cornas Confidence, with those barrels being blended into this cuvée.) This should prove to be an outstanding wine, as all tank samples brought ample weight, ripeness and detail to the glass. I can’t wait to try the finished wine next year. Pencil shavings, crushed stone, black olive and plum notes give just a hint of the flavors that await.”
Case-6 Domaine Eric et Joel Durand Cornas Premices, Rhone 2016 750ML ($219.95) $179 special
Wine Advocate 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.”
The Best Value in Bubbles
In Stock Now:
Lean, mineral driven and full of character.
Bourdaire-Gallois Brut Non Dosage, Champagne NV 750ML ($47.95) $33 special
Case-12 Bourdaire-Gallois Brut Non Dosage, Champagne NV 750ML ($499.95) $349 special (that’s only $29.08/bottle!)
Importer note “The Brut NV is 100% Pinot Meunier harvested from six different parcels. After a slow and gentle pressing in a traditional Coquard vertical press, the juice is fermented in stainless steel tanks. It undergoes a malo-lactic fermentation and then rests “sur lattes” for a minimum of 18 months. The Champagne is finished with a dosage of 0g/l.”
Bourdaire-Gallois Brut Rose Non Dosage, Champagne NV 750ML ($54.95) $36 special
Importer note “The Brut Rosé NV is 100% Pinot Meunier harvested from six different parcels. It is made by combining 21% red wine with 79% white wine from Pinot Meunier (blanc de noir). The juice is fermented in stainless steel tanks and an “assemblage is made that includes 20%reserve wine from the previous vintage. The wine goes through a malo-lactic fermentation and then rests “sur lattes” for a minimum of 3 years. The Champagne is finished with a dosage of 0g/l.”
Perseval-Farge Cuvee de Pinots Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
Importer note “The “C. de Pinots” is a blend of Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. A gentle pressing is done with a vertical press and the juice is vinified in stainless steel vats and in barrels (not new). A part of the wine goes through a malolactic fermentation. This cuvée is typically a blend of several vintages with at least 40% being reserve wine. The Champagne rests 48 months “sur lattes” before being disgorged. The dosage is 7g/L.”
Perseval-Farge Premier Cru Terre de Sables Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($69.95) $49 special
Importer note “The Terre de Sables is a blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. As referenced in its name, the cuvée is made from grapes grown on the domain’s sandiest soils and is sharply marked by it, with notes of marine minerals being supported by bright acidity. This cuvee is a blend of vintages, with 50% of reserve wine. It is held “sur lattes” for four years before disgorgement and finished with a dosage of 7g/L.”
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 90 points “(90% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Noir; 10 g/l dosage): Light yellow. Vibrant, mineral-accented aromas of fresh citrus and orchard fruits, with suave floral and candied ginger notes adding complexity. Fleshy and broad on entry, then tighter in the mid-palate, offering juicy green apple and orange zest flavors and a touch of white pepper. Closes silky and smoky, with good clarity and length.”
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 91 points “Pale gold. Intense citrus and orchard fruit aromas are complicated by notes of honeysuckle, tarragon and iodine. Chewy tangerine and pear skin flavors become silkier and spicier with aeration. Shows a seductive floral quality on the clinging finish, which features a dusty mineral nuance and a touch of buttered toast.”
Thierry Triolet Vieilles Vignes Blanc de Blancs, Champagne 2012 750ML ($59.95) $39 special
Importer note “The Vieilles Vignes is a vintage Champagne produced only in the best years. It is made entirely from Chardonnay and is harvested from one parcel with vines that are at least 40 years old. Dosage is 9 grams. This cuvée evolves beautifully over time.”
R. Dumont & Fils Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($39.95) $29 special
R. Dumont & Fils Brut, Champagne NV 375ML ($24.95) $18 special
R. Dumont & Fils Brut, Champagne NV 1.5L ($89.95) $66 special
Case-12 R. Dumont & Fils Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($419.95) $319 special (that’s only $26.58/bottle!)
Importer note “The Dumont Brut NV is a blend of 90% Pinot Noir and 10% Chardonnay. The grapes from their vineyard have qualities that seem less aggressive and more sumptuous than those from the northern districts. In addition, vinification of whole berries at low temperatures enhances this quality of soft elegance. The NV is a blend of vintages typically between two and five years old. It is aged for two years on the lees before disgorgement. Dosage is 9 grams.”
This is the lowest listed price for a magnum in the USA today!
This is the only listing for a half bottle in the USA today!