Oregon’s Top Pinots Continue to Arrive
Trending Wines
What Does a Savvy Piedmont Buyer Stock Up On?
More-Affordable, Still Legendary: Eisele Altagracia
Superb Super Tuscans from Setti Ponti
A Steal of a St. Joseph
JJ Prum 2017’s – Arriving Tomorrow
June Sale Recap
Oregon’s Top Pinots
Continue to Arrive
Newly Reviewed Wines Arriving Friday:
Belle Pente Estate Reserve Pinot Noir, Yamhill-Carlton District 2015 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 95 points “Deep, bright-rimmed red. A highly complex bouquet evokes red berry preserve and cherry aromas, along with sexy Asian spice, rose oil and smoky mineral accents. Shows impressive delineation on the palate, offering concentrated, spice-tinged red fruit liqueur, cola and spicecake flavors that pick up a strong floral pastille nuance with air. Finishes extremely long and pure, with fine-grained tannins providing shape and grip to lingering raspberry and bitter chocolate notes.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94 points “Shimmering red. Powerful aromas of fresh red berries, cherry pit, blood orange and minerals, with a touch of licorice adding depth. Sweet and seamless in the mouth, offering densely packed black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors that put on weight and pick up a spicy topnote with air. Shows very good breadth and seamless texture, finishing with impressive clarity, harmonious tannins and a lingering red fruit preserve quality.”
Belle Pente Murto Vineyard Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2015 750ML ($39.95) $36 pre-arrival special
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94 points “Brilliant red. Highly expressive aromas of fresh red/blue fruits, potpourri, baking spices and candied rose. Juicy and seamless in texture, offering penetrating raspberry, cherry liqueur and spicecake flavors that are highlighted by a zesty mineral note. Intensely flavored and sharply delineated, with an impressively long, perfumed finish that delivers firm mineral cut and resonating floral character.”
J.K. Carriere Antoinette (Temperance Hill) Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2015 ($64.95) $55 pre-arrival special
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94 points “Vivid red. Powerful raspberry, cherry liqueur, earth and incense aromas are complemented by hints of five-spice powder and smoky minerals. Taut and energetic on the palate, offering deeply concentrated red berry preserve, cola and floral pastille flavors that flesh out and turn sweeter with air. Finishes smooth and extremely long, the suave, harmonious tannins building slowly and folding into the juicy, lingering red fruit. (sourced from the Temperance Hill vineyard; one-third new French oak).”
Lingua Franca ‘The Plow’ Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2016 750ML ($59.95) $55 pre-arrival special
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94 points “Vivid red. Heady aromas of red fruit liqueur, baking spices and smoky minerals, with a sexy floral nuance building steadily with air. Offers bitter cherry, raspberry and rose pastille flavors that show excellent clarity and depth with little excess weight. Gentle tannins frame a strikingly long spice- and floral-accented finish that convey a suave blend of power and delicacy.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 93 points “Lurid red. Intense, mineral-accented red berry and cherry aromas are complemented by suggestions of five-spice powder and candied flowers. Silky and appealingly sweet, offering incisive raspberry, cherry and rose pastille flavors that are accompanied by a smoky mineral quality. Shows excellent clarity and spicy lift on the energetic finish, which is framed by gentle, talc-like tannins.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 95 points “Light, vivid red. Highly expressive, spice-tinged red fruit, incense and potpourri qualities on the seductively perfumed nose, which is given vivacity by a smoky mineral accent. Sappy, alluringly sweet and precise on the palate, offering lively cherry liqueur, raspberry and five-spice powder flavors, along with a sexy floral nuance. Fine-grained and seamless in style, finishing extremely long and pure, with sneaky power, resonating spiciness and smooth, harmonious tannins. (all neutral oak).”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 95 points “Translucent red. Powerful, mineral-accented red berry and lavender pastille scents show outstanding clarity and pick up notes of exotic spices and savory herbs with air. Sweet and penetrating on the palate, offering sharply delineated raspberry, cherry and spicecake flavors with appealing spiciness and an energizing crack of smoky minerality. This concentrated yet nervy wine closes with superb, mineral-driven cut and shows no rough edges. Fine-grained tannins fade away quickly on a strikingly long, floral-dominated finish that leaves a hint of baking spices behind. (all Pommard clone; 12% new oak).”
Trending Wines
Felsina Berardenga Rancia, Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 2016 750ML ($59.95) $46 special
Decanter Magazine 97 points “The south-facing Rancia vineyard reaches altitudes of 420 metres, overlooking the lower-lying vineyards of Colli Senesi. It boasts complex soils of calcareous clay layered with the chalky white limestone-like alberese and schistose galestro. This 2016 vintage is simply stunning. It’s stately yet gracious, with personality for days, leading with a sumptuous nose of smoke, exotic spice and iron-rich earth. Ripe fruit coats the mouth yet it remains buoyant and tangy as chalky tannins charge in to frame the palate. A seductive wine with an appetising, savoury edge and a long, long life ahead. Drinking Window 2023 – 2041.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 96 points “The 2016 Chianti Classico Riserva Rancia knocks it out of the park. Like the other new releases from Fèlsina, this pure expression of Sangiovese needs more time to evolve and improve with bottle age. But even at this young stage, you are made fully aware of the beautiful intensity and complexity of the quality fruit at its core. There is so much energy and tension here, further reinforced by the fresh acidity of the vintage. There are vibrant tones of wild cherry, raspberry and spice, followed up by white truffle and tilled earth.”
Antonio Galloni 94-97+ points “The 2016 Chianti Classico Riserva Rancia is yet another magnificent wine in this range from Fèlsina. Silky, gracious and inviting, the 2016 starts off gradually and then builds, gaining volume and explosiveness with air. A wine of breadth, textural intensity and pure power, the 2016 Rancia is shaping up to be epic. That’s pretty much all there is to it.”
A delicious, cheerful Beaujolais that’s a perfect summer drink.
Pierre-Marie Chermette Domaine du Vissoux Brouilly Pierreux, Beaujolais 2016 750ML ($29.95) $26 special
Case-12 Pierre-Marie Chermette Domaine du Vissoux Brouilly Pierreux, Beaujolais 2016 750ML ($339.95) $279 special
Nick Stock – jamessuckling.com 93 points “Intense and attractive freshness with aromas of red flowers, strawberries and raspberries, all leading to a palate with a steely edge. Super fresh, light and tangy. Drink now.”
Josh Raynolds 92 points “Lurid ruby. Bright and sharply focused on the nose, displaying intense red fruit and floral scents and a smoky mineral overtone that builds with air. Appealingly sweet and lively on the palate, offering intense raspberry and cherry liqueur flavors that deepen on the back half while maintaining energy. The floral quality comes back strong on an energetic, silky finish that leaves a juicy red berry note behind.”
Basically a Selbach “GG” at very non-GG pricing.
Selbach-Oster Zeltinger Schlossberg ‘Bomer’ Riesling Trocken, Mosel 2016 750ML ($37.95) $29 special
Grapelive 94 points “This Bömer Trocken is amazingly perfumed [and] really highly aromatic at this stage, much more so than when I tried the cask sample (a year ago). It is full of jasmine, rose oil and citrus blossom with a mineral tone… the wine is wonderfully lively, fresh and tangy with loads of dry extract and a light body at this stage. The delicacy is simply dreamy. Johannes Selbach’s 2016’s are remarkable wines, and I’m a huge fan of the Zeltinger Schlossberg site. It is magic and this single block “Bömer” is stunning in detail and unbelievably sexy on the palate with layers of apricot, white peach, passionfruit and tangerine/lime fruits, with a crystalline beauty, as well as flinty shale, verbena, minty tea, candied dried mango and saline notes in a refined Riesling that way over delivers. It’s a class act all the way. Zeltinger Schlossberg is a steep vineyard set on pure blue Devonian slate with the Bömer block being a parcel that sits directly behind the village of Zeltingen. It faces south east and gets reflected light from the Mosel and heat from the town’s rooftops which helps with ripening and the opulent flavors. I wonder if Selbach should join the VDP for his dry Riesling offerings, as this certainly would make for a Grand Cru in my opinion, but then again the price is outstanding the way it is without that GG on the bottle. Still it’s an interesting question. That said, Selbach-Oster’s strength is the balance achieved with generous sugar levels, and their fruity Spatlese and Auslese wines are some of the best in Germany. The “Bömer” is a gorgeous Riesling that should not be missed. It offers exceptional quality and stylistic charm with a heightened impact on the senses. It’s a brilliant dry wine. This one and Selbach’s Ur-Alte Reben Feinherb are my two absolute favorites in the lineup of greatness this Mosel winery has out right now. Both will drink beautifully for years to come.”
Stuart Pigott – jamessuckling.com 93-94 points ” As delicate as it is concentrated, this is a pretty serious wine with a long, sleek very mineral finish. A couple of decades ahead of it.”
Arnot-Roberts Watson Ranch Chardonnay, Napa Valley 2017 750ML ($44.95) $39 special
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2017 Chardonnay Watson Ranch is a gorgeous wine. Apricot, chamomile, dried flowers, sage and dried pear are all laced together in this super-expressive, inviting Chardonnay. Readers should be prepared to cellar the 2017, as it is quite closed today. Bright saline notes add freshness and zip to this super-expressive Chardonnay.”
G.B. Burlotto was considered among the absolute greatest winemakers in the world for the seventy plus years he was at the helm of the estate. After his passing in 1927, the winery and his hometown of Verduno slipped into obscurity. Now Fabio Alessandria, the great-great-grandson has taken over and Burlotto is regaining the place it deserves among the best small producers in the Piedmont. Alessandria has a classical palate and a traditional winemaking style, and the Langhe’s diversity flourishes in his hands.
Although the estate is best known for Barolo, especially from the Monvigliero cru, we’re highlighting two wines today which aren’t. Both are excellent values that show the house style, but are made from Barbera (plus Nebbiolo, in one case). These are wines that have all of the Burlotto elegance and authenticity that we crave, but at much lower prices. The “Mores” in particular is an under the radar gem that manages to speak of Barolo and Burlotto through a different instrument and is undeservedly overlooked. (That said, the Barbera is excellent as well–a great example of the idiom).
In Stock Now:
G. B. Burlotto Barbera d’Alba, Piedmont 2017 750ML ($24.95) $19 special
Wine Spectator 90 points “Expressive, exhibiting cherry, boysenberry, violet candy and earth flavors. Muscular, finishing with a layer of dense tannins. Drink now through 2024. 1,000 cases made.”
Importer Note “Fresh and savory, this opens with aromas of dark berry, ground cooking spice and whiff of chopped herb. The vibrant palate doles out juicy black cherry, clove, star anise and blood orange accompanied by racy acidity.”
G. B. Burlotto “Mores” Langhe Rosso, Piedmont 2016 750ML ($29.95) $24 special
Importer Note “Mores is a co-fermanted blend of 50% Nebbiolo and 50% Barbera. The Barbera functions very well in softening the tannins of the Nebbiolo and contributing bright acidity and berry flavors. This is a stunning red wine, whether you are a Barolo lover or not, it has all the depth, body, length of finish and finesse you would expect from a glass of fine red. Give it a try!”
Eisele Altagracia
The Altagracia is the second wine of the estate and shows the house style and class in spades. It’s made for earlier drinkability than the mainline Cabernet, while showcasing the quality of the terroir. It may represent one of the best values in California Cabernet as well—it’s well equal to a lot of wines priced $50-70 higher. Following up the beautiful 2015 vintage comes the profound 2016.
2016’s is a year that will go down in Napa history, the ’87 to 2015’s ’85. A rich, structured, intense vintage, it’s a year where every wine seems to have been given a two-class upgrade. For a wine like Altagracia, it moves it firmly into “competing with a lot of cult wine” territory as far as ageworthiness and complexity goes. Buy a six-pack, pop a bottle every other year and you’ll be very a happy drinker.
In Stock Now:
Eisele Vineyard Altagracia Cabernet, Napa Valley 2016 750ML ($169.95) $149 special
James Suckling 96 points “Lots of violets and dark berries with sweet underbrush and fresh mushrooms, following through to a medium to full body, soft and silky tannins and a succulent and refined finish. It remains supple and beautiful. Hard not to drink now. Better after 2023.”
Wine Advocate 95 points “The Altagracia is produced almost exclusively from estate fruit this year and was bottled at the end of June 2018. Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Altagracia comes bursting forth with vivacious black cherries, blackberries, wild blueberries and cassis notes with touches of cinnamon stick, cloves, forest floor, violets and dusty earth with a waft of violets. The palate is medium to full-bodied, firm and grainy with loads of iron and mineral accents, finishing long and perfumed.”
Setti Ponti is one of our go-to estates for excellent value in the Super-Tuscan arena. On both their lower end (Crognolo) and top bottlings (Oreno) these wines deliver tremendously. Based in the heart of Tuscany, these have tremendous potential to age in the cellar but are always delicious young. Both Oreno and Crognolo are fantastic pairings with anything grilled, but if you put away a six-pack or two for winter, we think that’d be a smart idea too. We have their fantastic 2016’s in stock now (plus a tiny bit of ’14 Oreno, as well). As it was in much of Italy, 2016 was a standout year for these Tuscan stars and you’d do well to stock up.
In Stock Now:
#25 Wine of the Year – James Suckling Top 100 in 2018
Tenuta Sette Ponti Oreno Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2016 750ML ($119.95) $89 special
Case-6 Tenuta Sette Ponti Oreno Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2016 750ML ($599.95) $499 special (that’s only $83.17/bottle!)
James Suckling 99 points “Gorgeous floral and deep, dark berry aromas with hints of spices such as cinnamon and hazelnuts. Full body and ultra-fine and strong tannins that are powerful yet so sleek and beautiful. Fantastic length and texture. Deep, dark and profound. Takes you on a long journey and shows you its true character. Better in 2025. Give it time.”
Tenuta Sette Ponti Oreno Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2014 750ML ($89.95) $49 special
James Suckling 94 points “Aromas of blueberries and blackberries with hints of minerals. Full body, very fine tannins with orange peel and currant character. Chewy yet polished tannins. Better in 2018 but already delicious. Impressive for the difficult 2014 vintage.”
Antonio Galloni 92+ points “The 2014 Oreno is an intense wine with tremendous depth and pure power. Smoke, tobacco, menthol and earthiness add nuance throughout, but it is the wine’s explosive energy that stands out most today. The incisive tannins need time to soften, but if they do, the 2014 might merit an even more positive note”
The next best price is $62.99
James Suckling 95 points “Aromas of rosewood, cherries and blueberries follow through to a full body, tight and focused tannins and a long and flavorful finish. This is linear and bright. The tannins are wonderfully polished and poised. Hard not to drink now, but it will improve beautifully in the bottle. A blend of mostly sangiovese with a touch of merlot. Drink or hold.”
For whatever reason, the market has yet to catch up to the quality coming out of Delas’ cellar. The Northern Rhone has turned into one of the hottest markets in the wine world and we keep seeing producers blowing up and getting expensive. That hasn’t happened to Delas—yet. With the quality of recent vintages and the scores involved, we definitely see it happening soon, though, so if you love these wines you should back up the truck now.
Arriving ETA Fall:
Delas Freres Saint-Joseph Francois de Tournon, Rhone 2016 750ML ($44.95) $33 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Delas Freres Saint-Joseph Francois de Tournon, Rhone 2016 750ML 2016 750ML ($279.95) $179 pre-arrival special (that’s only $29.83/bottle!)
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “The 2016 Saint Joseph François De Tournon comes from more schist and gneiss soils and spent 10-14 months in mostly used barrels, with a small part in tank to preserve more freshness. It’s another ruby/purple-colored effort from this estate and gives up lots of blackberry and blueberry fruits intermixed with earthy minerality, ground pepper, and hints of damp earth. Rich, layered, and textured, it will be better in a year or two and keep for 8-10, if not longer.”
Wine Spectator 93 points “Features a solid core of dark currant and blackberry fruit, inlaid with notes of tar, anise and warm tobacco leaf. Reveals a tug of iron through the fruit-laden finish. Best from 2020 through 2026. 1,033 cases made, 123 cases imported. — JM”
James Suckling 92-93 points “This has fragrant and floral character with wild raspberries and red plums. The peppery palate has a vibrant array of ripe, red and purple fruit. Good depth and drive here. Barrel sample.”
The average listed price is $40
Can’t wait? How about the slightly older brother, in stock now:
Delas Freres Saint-Joseph Francois de Tournon, Rhone 2015 750ML ($44.95) $38 special
Case-6 Delas Freres Saint-Joseph Francois de Tournon, Rhone 2015 750ML ($279.95) $199 special (that’s only $33.17/bottle—the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
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. ”
Looking for other great wines from Delas? Check out these highlights, in stock now, or view the list of all fifteen wines available for purchase (in stock or arriving soon) right here.
In Stock Now:
Delas Freres Condrieu Clos Boucher, Rhone 2016 750ML ($89.95) $69 special
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 95 points “Pale green-hued yellow. Penetrating, mineral-tinged aromas of fresh citrus and pit fruits are complemented by chalky minerals, violet and fennel accents. Juicy, focused and concentrated, offering intense pear nectar, Meyer lemon and honeysuckle flavors that show outstanding clarity and minerally lift. The mineral and floral notes carry emphatically through a silky, appealingly sweet finish that hangs on with superb focus and tenacity.”
Jeb Dunnuck 95 points “A step up, the bigger, richer 2016 Condrieu Clos Boucher is blockbuster stuff, offering serious notes of crushed rock, buttered citrus, orange blossom, and a smoky, meaty, mineral character that’s hard to describe. Possessing full-bodied richness, beautiful mid-palate concentration and a seamless texture, this beauty will be even better this time next year and keep for 4-6 years.”
Wine Spectator 93 points “Plump in feel, with rich, tropical flavors of ripe melon and pear, glazed peach and anise. The broad finish offers a whiff of almond cream. Drink now through 2020.”
The next best price is $94
Jeb Dunnuck 100 points “The top cuvée from Delas is the 2015 Hermitage Les Bessards, and it’s always 100% Syrah from the steep, broken granite soils of the Bessards lieu-dit. Aged 18 months in 30% new barrels, its purple/plum color is followed by a huge nose of blackcurrants, graphite, toasted spice, crushed rocks and saddle leather. Powerful, massively concentrated, and tannic, it has a broad, expansive, heavenly texture, a thick mid-palate (you could almost use a fork for this beauty), and a great finish. Despite the richness level, it stays balanced and graceful on the palate, and is never over the top or heavy. It’s a perfect Hermitage that will start to shine with 4-5 years of bottle age and keep for three decades or more. Bravo!”
Wine Enthusiast 96 points “Cellar Selection! There’s a striking balance here calibrating bold, almost muscular ripeness against an invigorating granite edge. This wine is plump and full bodied, full of supple blackberry and plum flavors balanced by pert acidity and taut, penetrating tannins. It should be in peak from 2020–2035 but hold further.”
Wine Advocate 95-97 points “The top cuvée is the 2015 Hermitage les Bessards, which comes from the middle to lower portion of the steep, granite hillside known as Bessards, unquestionably one of the best terroirs for Syrah in the world. Its inky purple color is followed by a full-bodied, rich, thrillingly concentrated red that has huge tannin, bright acidity and a solid mid-palate concentration. It still tastes like it just came from the press and will need to be forgotten for a decade. As normal, it’s completely destemmed and will see 18 months in 30% new oak.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 96 points “Inky ruby. A highly aromatic bouquet evokes candied black and blue fruits, along with complicating suggestions of smoky minerals, candied flowers, olive and vanilla. Deep, chewy and expansive in the mouth, offering impressively concentrated dark berry liqueur, fruitcake and salty olive flavors that are complicated by a hint of smoky minerality and a building floral pastille note. Distinctly rich and powerful but surprisingly graceful as well, showing noteworthy clarity and mineral-driven thrust on the strikingly long finish.”
Delas Freres Hermitage Domaine des Tourettes, Rhone 2015 750ML ($89.95) $69 special
Case-6 Delas Freres Hermitage Domaine des Tourettes 2015 750ML ($479.95) $369 special (that’s only $61.50/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 95 points “This is loaded with well-defined loganberry, blackberry and boysenberry pâte de fruit flavors, flecked with anise and black tea notes and carried by a fine iron streak that lingers wonderfully. A wine of cut, purity and precision. Best from 2020 through 2035. From France.”
Wine Advocate 94 points “A blend of Syrah grapes from several lieux-dits, including Les Bessards, the 2015 Hermitage Domaine des Tourettes is aged in new and second use barrels. It’s a dark, concentrated wine, meaty, rich and tannic but with a bright beam of cassis fruit that lifts it and gives it great definition and shape on the palate. Give this medium to full-bodied wine at least 5 years in the cellar and drink it over the next 15.”
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “While the Les Bessards gets all the attention, the 2015 Hermitage Domaine Des Tourettes isn’t far behind and is unquestionably the value play. Beef blood, cassis, blackberry liqueur and loads of crushed rock nuances all emerge from this ripe, concentrated, full-bodied Hermitage that has a classic, structured profile. It’s well worth a case purchase and will keep for two to three decades. As always, this cuvée comes from two parcels, the lower part of the Bessards lieu-dit and the Les Grandes Vignes located at the highest point on Hermitage Hill. It’s completely destemmed and sees 16 months in 30% new French oak.”
Wine Enthusiast 94 points “Enticing hints of sweet spice, black pepper and bacon fat seduce on the nose of this rich but balanced Hermitage. Blackberry and cherry flavors are fresh and juicy but structured by firm tannins and brisk acidity. A polished wine already, it should intensify its savory, smoky complexities well through 2030.”
As for the estate, there’s not a whole lot to say about the wines of JJ Prum that hasn’t already been said. Manfred and Katarina Prum make some of the finest and most sought after wines of the middle-Mosel. The wines are high-wire acts of tension between fruit and intense minerality and display their terroir in the most expressive way. Part of this is that their parcels have lots of old, ungrafted vines and part of it is spontaneous fermentation and whatever magic the Prum family uses in the cellar. No matter what, these are always some of the finest and longest lived wines in German
Arriving Tomorrow:
Joh. Jos. Prum Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Auslese, Mosel 2017 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Mosel Fine Wines 94 points “This 2017er Graacher Himmelreich Auslese immed iately captures one’s attention through the complex yet refreshing side of its nose made of smoke, herbs, grilled citrus, yellow peach and grass. The wine is breathtakingly pure on the delicately creamy palate, where yellow peach and some almond cream add depth to the experience. The finish is superbly crisp, pure and vibrating. This is a delightfully zesty Auslese in the making. 2027-2047.”
Joh. Jos. Prum Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel, Mosel 2017 750ML ($149.95) $119 pre-arrival special
Mosel Fine Wines 95 points “This 2017er Graacher Himmelreich Auslese GK displays a gorgeous and multi-layered nose mixing vineyard peach, honey and almond cream with fresher elements including minty herbs, smoke and spices. Despite being hugely complex, the wine remains magnificently light and airy at all time on the palate. The finish is deeply layered and vibrating. This is a classic JJ Prüm Auslese GK in the making! 2032-2067.”
Wine Spectator 95 points “($141) A beautifully sculpted and compelling sweetie, concentrated yet light-footed and defined by a lively structure, with bright acidity behind the intense flavors of dried apricot, clementine, violet walnut conserve and mineral. Displays terrific harmony, followed by an ethereal, marathon finish. Best from 2023 through 2043. From Germany.—A.Z.”
Joh. Jos. Prum Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett, Mosel 2017 750ML ($39.95) $33 pre-arrival special
Wine & Spirits 95 points “The first sip of this wine was like getting a smack for having opened it so soon. The acidity is sharp and unforgiving against the stony flavors; the tautness of the structure gives the wine the snap of a rubber band. But that’s a good sign: Clearly, this wine has something to protect – like the pristinely ripe, clean fruit it eventually reveals in scents of Meyer lemons and tart gooseberries, green pears and tangy pineapple. Pulled from old vines, most of them on their own roots, and vinified in stainless steel with ambient yeasts, it’s regal and restrained. In keeping with JJ Prum’s age-worth style, this is set to develop well over the next decade or more.”
Wine Spectator 93 points “Racy, with powerful acidity and amazing purity, this shows flavors of lemon curd, peach and dandelion tea. Herbal notes emerge toward the finish, providing added interest. Long and complex on the mouthwatering finish. Drink now through 2028.—A.Z.”
Joh. Jos. Prum Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Spatlese, Mosel 2017 750ML ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
Mosel Fine Wines 92 points “This 2017er Graacher Himmelreich Spätlese is driven by reductive notes of smoke and f ire stone at first. It develops more complex elements driven by notes of spices, lime, herbs and dill after some airing. The wine proves delicate smooth, juicy and light on the palate and leaves one with a smooth and round sensation in the finish. The after-taste is all about smoke, kiwi and white peach wrapped into some sweetness which still needs integrate. This smooth version of Graacher Himmelreich will need a few years to absorb its sweeter side and develop its inner balance. 2027-2042.”
Joh. Jos. Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese, Mosel 2017 375ML ($41.95) $33 pre-arrival special
Mosel Fine Wines 92+ points “This 2017er Wehlener Sonnenuhr Auslese is almost non-saying at first and only timidly delivers scents of vineyard peach, grapefruit, pear puree, spices and gingerbread. The wine is delightfully playful and delicately sweet on the palate, where almond cream, peach and candied melon make for a smooth and round feeling. A fresher side underpinned by some zesty grapefruit comes through in the finish and after -taste. This Auslese will test the patience of wine lovers, yet reward those with the patience to wait: This is a great Auslese in the making, and one which has quite some upside potential if it freshens up with time. 2032-2047.”
Joh. Jos. Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel, Mosel 2017 750ML ($149.95) $119 pre-arrival special
Mosel Fine Wines 92 points “This 2017er Wehlener Sonnenuhr Auslese GK starts off with a whiff of volatile acidity, which peps up the rather rich and ripe scents of apricot, mango, honey, smoke, ginger cake and spices. The wine is superbly playful on the palate but still on the sweet side in the finish. A good acidic structure runs through the finish and gives it grip and crispness. 2027-2047.”
Arriving ETA Late June/Early July
Joh. Jos. Prum Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Auslese, Mosel 2017 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Mosel Fine Wines 91 points “This 2017er Bernkasteler Badstube Auslese gradually reveals a quite attractive and ripe nose of quince, yellow peach, pineapple, Muscat and grapefruit, wrapped into a touch of apricot and volatile acidity. The wine proves nicely juicy and fruity as yellow peach, pear and melon drive the flavors on the palate. This sweet and smooth Badstube Auslese proves quite direct and ripe. It should provide outstanding pleasure on the medium term. 2025-2037.”
Joh. Jos. Prum Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Spatlese, Mosel 2017 750ML ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
Mosel Fine Wines 91 points “This 2017er Bernkasteler Badstube Spätlese is slightly reductive at first, but is quick to reveal a really refreshing, cool and appealing nose of herbs, lemongrass, smoke, grapefruit zest and laurel. The wine has the creamy and juicy presence of an Auslese (certainly by Joh. Jos. Prüm standards) on the palate, w here almond paste and some coconut cream drive the flavors. The finish is superbly juicy, light and very charming, even if only medium-long at this stage. 2025-2037.”
Joh. Jos. Prum Bernkasteler Lay Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel, Mosel 2017 750ML ($199.95) $189 pre-arrival special
Joh. Jos. Prum Bernkasteler Lay Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel, Mosel 2017 375ML ($119.95) $99 pre-arrival special
Mosel Fine Wines 94 points “The 2017er Bernkasteler Lay Auslese lange GK delivers an almost exuberant nose (at least for Joh. Jos. Prüm standards) of mango, ripe pineapple, acacia honey, caraway, gingerbread, star anise and pear puree all pepped up by a fleeting touch of volatile acidity. The wine proves lusciously generous and slightly oily on the palate driven by flavors of almond paste, candied exotic fruits and honey. This small BA in the making is quite impressive. 2027-2057.”
Joh. Jos. Prum Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Auslese, Mosel 2017 375ML ($39.95) $33 pre-arrival special
See above for reviews
Joh. Jos. Prum Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel, Mosel 2017 375ML ($69.95) $59 pre-arrival special
See above for reviews
Joh. Jos. Prum Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Spatlese, Mosel 2017 1.5L ($99.95) $89 pre-arrival special
See above for reviews
Joh. Jos. Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese, Mosel 2017 750ML ($69.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Joh. Jos. Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese, Mosel 2017 1.5L ($149.95) $119 pre-arrival special
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Joh. Jos. Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel, Mosel 2017 375ML ($89.95) $69 pre-arrival special
See above for reviews
Joh. Jos. Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett, Mosel 2017 750ML ($49.95) $45 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 94 points “($52) Graceful, floral and flavorful, filled with elderflower, melon and star anise notes. This is very harmonious and complex, picking up durian and mineral details midpalate, coming together on the long conclusion. Drink now through 2029.—A.Z.”
Mosel Fine Wines 92 points “This 2017er Wehlener Sonnenuhr Kabinett offers a superbly floral nose complemented by vineyard peach, almond cream, smoke, minty herbs, pear and cassis. The wine is delicate, floral and elegantly smooth on the palate yet develops a gorgeously focused and very persistent side full of intensity and complexity in the straight and multi-layered finish. This is a great Kabinett in the making. 2027-2037.”
Joh. Jos. Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Spatlese, Mosel 2017 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 95 points “Give this some air if you must drink it now, but better to wait for a decade or so. Seductive guava and mango flavors are offset by vivifying citrusy acidity, creating a firm frame on which glazed apricot and star anise notes emerge. Powerful yet elegant, this is built for the cellar. Best from 2022 through 2039. From Germany.—A.Z.”
Mosel Fine Wines 93 points “This 2017er Wehlener Sonnenuhr Spätlese displays a beautiful nose of white peach, flowers, tangerine, almond paste, spices and a hint of apricot. The wine is beautifully playful thanks to some zesty and herbal acidity on the palate. The zesty side takes over the structure of the wine in the finish and makes for a remarkable crisp after-taste. This is in need of cellaring (at least a decade) in order to develop its full complexity and smoothen at the edges. 2027-2047.”
Want to see all 42 (not a misprint) JJ Prum bottlings available for purchase? You can view the full list on our web store.
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Avennia Sestina Red, Columbia Valley 2016 750ML ($79.95) Was $69, Now $59 June Sale Special
Jeb Dunnuck 95+ points
Josh Raynolds 93+ points “(includes a good percentage of vines from the 1970s; aged in about 45% new oak): Bright dark red. Alluring violet and rose petal lift to the aromas of dark berries, licorice and black olive. Penetrating, savory wine with terrific saline minerality and lift to its wild berry and licorice flavors. This very concentrated, backward wine finishes with serious tannins but no rough edges. A bit more sharply focused than its 2015 sibling but this wine will need longer for its tannic spine to unclench. Even the Merlot yields were moderate in 2016, noted winemaker Chris Peterson. Following a bit of acidification, this wine finished with a pH of 3.8.”
Now it’s even lower!
Wine Spectator 92 points “Currant, strawberry, cherry, floral and leafy flavors are the highlights of this racy, elegant red. Balanced on the firm side, with excellent length. Best from 2020 through 2032. 800 cases made.”
The average listed price is $38
Paitin di Pasquero-Elia ‘Sori Paitin’, Barbaresco DOCG 2015 1.5L ($149.95) $119 special
Wine Spectator 95 points “Sweet cherry and strawberry fruit is framed by earth, eucalyptus, tobacco and tar notes in this rich yet firm red. The assertive tannins suggest a glacial evolution but the lasting impression of fruit shows this wine’s potential. Best from 2022 through 2040. 815 cases made.”
Isole e Olena Cepparello Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2015 1.5L ($179.95) Was $149, Now $138 June Sale Special
James Suckling 96 points “Shows lots of black cherries, cranberry tea, caramelized orange peel, roasted herbs and citrus peel. Full-bodied with ripe and quite round tannins that frame layers of cherries. Bright and fresh, yet rich and long at the same time. The sangiovese character really springs out of the glass. Drink in 2020.”
The average listed price for the 750ml is $79
The next best price for the magnum is $179
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2015 Riesling Trocken Haardter Herrenletten VDP Erste Lage has a lovely bouquet that reflects the small chalk stripe in the vineyard, which gives a wet and smoky stone fruit flavor, along with some lemon and herbal aromas. The wine is round and elegant on the palate, almost mouth-fillingly fruity and reveals a seductive concentration and intensity; it also has a refined acidity structure on the palate. It is richer and more generous than the Bürgergarten, but with concentrated fruit. This is very long and intensely mineral Riesling. It is one of the best Herrenletten I have ever tasted at this domaine. Spectacular!”
