The June Clearance Sale Ends Soon
Trending: the Hot Wines of the Week
Three Super Super-Tuscans, Freshly Restocked
New Arrival Roundup
Top of Their Craft – Three Masters at Work
Willi Haag’s Great Mosel Values
New Wines from Saint Cosme
The Best Dry Wines of the Mosel? Heymann-Loewenstein
The Grand June Clearance Sale
Ends Saturday
Heavenly Summer Champagne!
Christophe Mignon Brut Nature Pur Meunier, Champagne NV 750ML ($59.95) Was $46, Now $39 Clearance Price
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The NV Brut Nature Blanc de Noirs Pur Meunier is a fabulous wine that captures the essence of Christophe Mignon’s style. Rich and resonant on the palate, the Pur Meunier exudes creaminess. This is an especially weighty expression of Meunier, and yet all the elements are very nicely balanced. Red fruit, dried pear, smoke, menthol and hazelnut notes slowly open up in the glass adding further shades of nuance. Expressive mineral notes extend the finish while providing an attractive counterpoint to the dense, pliant fruit. The current release is a blend of equal parts 2014 and 2013. Mignon’s Pur Meunier is one of the most distinctive wines being made in Champagne today. Don’t miss it. Disgorged: March 2017 and bottled with no dosage.”
Paitin di Pasquero-Elia ‘Serra’, Barbaresco DOCG 2014 750ML ($41.95) Was $33, Now $29 Clearance Price
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.”
Now it’s even lower!
Peter Lauer Fass 8 Ayler Kupp Kabinett, Mosel 2014 750ML ($37.95) Was $31.90, Now $26 Clearance Price
John Gilman 91-92 points ‘The 2014 Ayler Kupp Kabinett from Florian Lauer is really a lovely and quite classic example of this Prädikat, with lovely acidity and minerality providing a fine filigree to the wine and a nice sense of reserve out of the blocks as well. The very classy nose wafts from the glass in a mix of green apple, tart orange, slate, lovely smokiness and a touch of dried flowers in the upper register. On the palate the wine is medium-bodied, pure and focused, with a good core, bright acids, a nice touch of sweetness on the attack and lovely length and grip on the elegant and nascently complex finish. This is quite approachable now, but still a touch primary, and I would be inclined to give it at least a few years in the cellar to develop its secondary layers of complexity. 2019-2035+.” JG
Now it’s even lower!
Thierry Germain (Domaine des Roches Neuves) Saumur-Champigny La Marginale, Loire 2015 750ML ($59.95) $28 Clearance Price
Importer note “100% Cabernet Franc. Biodynamic. Marginale is Germain’s old-vines cuvée, drawn from parcels on the limestone Fosse de Chaintre (lieux-dits of les Dares and Clos Maurice) and from a small parcel of old vines on Turonian limestone in Les Poyeux. Made from the estates oldest and lowest yielding Cabernet Franc vines, the wine is given an extra 6 months élevage. Perhaps more than any other red, Marginale encapsulates the metamorphoses of Germain’s wines from powerhouse intensity to the profound elegance that today defines this domaine’s reds. The wine is now raised in large 25-hectolitre foudre ) for 12 months before finishing its elevage in three-year-old Burgundian piéces purchased from a grower in Vosne-Romanée. Since 2013, Germain has also managed his vines and harvest to deliver ripeness at lower beaume, as well as employing a shorter maceration. The resulting wines have been more balanced and comparatively low in alcohol.”
The next best price is $49.99
Bodegas Marco Abella ‘Clos Abella’, Priorat DOCa 2009 750ML ($69.95) Was $59, Now $49 Clearance Price
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 93 points “(50% carinena, 39% garnacha and 11% cabernet sauvignon; aged for two years in French oak): Saturated ruby. Heady aromas of cherry, cassis, mocha, Indian spices and underbrush are sharpened by a smoky mineral quality. Juicy, sappy and concentrated, showing excellent density to its smoke-tinged flavors of blueberry, cherry-vanilla and candied flowers. A fleshy, expansive, sexy wine that shows the warmth of the vintage to good effect, finishing with strong mineral cut, smooth tannins and lingering smokiness.”
The Hottest Wines of the Week
Perrier-Jouet Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($49.95) $28 special
Wine Spectator 90 points “Lively and mouthwatering, with flavors of black currant, graphite, candied lemon zest and smoky mineral, supported by a creamy mousse. A balanced crowd-pleaser. Drink now through 2018.”
Domaine du Gour de Chaule Gigondas Tradition, Rhone 2015 750ML ($39.95) $29 special
Grapelive 93 points “Vigneron Stéphanie Bonfils, following her mom’s absolute love of Grenache, continues to craft Domaine de Gour de Chaule’s Gigondas with that focus. 85% of the vineyards [are] planted to Grenache, with about 10% dedicated to Syrah and Mourvedre, along with a tiny amount to Cinsault. This historic estate was started in 1900, but was not selling their own wine until the early 1970’s and not a serious domaine until Bonfils the elder got things rolling in the 1980’s. Since then [the estate] has made a significant impact joining the greats of the region with traditional and authentic wines, joining the classic likes of Saint-Damien, Saint-Cosme, du Cayron, Grapillon d’Or, Montirius, Montmirail, Château du Trignon and La Bouissiere, as well as the new guys on the block L’Ourea and Kermit Lynch’s Les Pallieres…. Stéphanie uses whole cluster fermentations with cement cuves employed for both primary and malo (secondary) before being racked to used large foudres (oak cask) to rest, for about 18 months prior to bottling unfixed and unfiltered. This 2015 is brilliantly detailed, full bodied and shows the vintage’s depth and concentration perfectly. It delivers a warm rush of Grenache purity and character with sweet strawberry, boysenberry, kirsch and plum along with dusty stones (chalky), light floral notes, peppery spices, classic lavender (garrigue) and anise. This feels rich and textured in the mouth gaining earthy elements and while deeply fruit driven there is a spine of fine ripe tannins that gives a sense of structure that holds the weight in check. It never feels too heavy or dull. It’s a beautiful old school Gigondas that really impresses the palate….Enjoy it for its youth now or put a few away for exceptional mid-term drinking, as it will reward some patience. Best from 2018 to 2026.”
Fattoria Le Pupille ‘Poggio Valente’, Morellino di Scansano Riserva DOCG 2011 750ML ($31.95) $28 special
James Suckling 94 points “This is a selection of the best sangiovese on the property. The owner says the goal is to make something to compete with the best Brunello. And so it is. Full-bodied, firm and lively. Wonderful texture and length. Ripe and delicious. Superb. Drink or hold.”
Piaggia – Vannucci Il Sasso, Carmignano DOCG 2015 750ML ($37.95) $31.90 special
Antonio Galloni 95 points “Piaggia’s 2015 Carmignano Il Sasso is rich, ample and voluptuous in what is a very representative expression of the year. Black cherry, plum, lavender, spice, tobacco and dried herbs develop in the glass, but the 2015 is all about fruit intensity and texture. There is not much subtlety here, but wow, is the 2015 gorgeous.”
R. Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2004 750ML ($49.95) $33 special
Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2004 Viña Tondonia Reserva is a completely different story. It is a worthy follower of the 2001, the greatest of the Viña Tondonia Reservas of recent times. It has the usual blend and usual levels of alcohol and acidity, bottled after six years in oak barrels. The nose feels savory (if that’s possible–umami?) and developed, with tertiary aromas and good balance between spices, leathery notes, cherries and balsamic notes of cigar box and incense. The palate is both round and crisp, with refined tannins. It has very good balance with subtle acidity and very good persistence.”
Josh Raynolds 93 points “[Reviewed May 2017] (aged for six years in American oak barrels) Deep red. Exotic, oak-spiced red berry liqueur, dried cherry and vanilla aromas are complemented by a smoky overtone. Sweet and pliant in the mouth, displaying a velvety texture to the plush black raspberry, cherry-vanilla and coconut flavors. Shows no rough edges and picks up a suave floral note with air, finishing with excellent clarity, a hint of allspice and round, harmonious tannins.”
Weingut Willi Schaefer Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese, Mosel 2015 750ML ($79.95) $59 special
Mosel Fine Wines 94 points “This “maiden wine” comes from the “new” parcel in the central part of the vineyard which was replanted after the 2011 vintage. This shows a quite smoky nose at first and only gradually reveals a fruity side driven by apricot and orange as well as mint and yellow peach. The wine is creamy and smooth on the palate, with just the right amount of acidity to keep things interesting. The unctuous feel to the finish in the finish adds to the pleasure of enjoying this deep and direct expression of Sonnenuhr Auslese. 2025-2040”
David Schildknecht – Vinous 93 points ““This was the one place where we had early botrytis,” explained Willi Schaefer, “but that was simply because of the replanting and young vines that had so few clusters, with berries so tiny and thin-skinned that they were vulnerable to botrytis and needed early picking regardless.” Mango and passion fruit wreathed in heliotrope and lily make for a head-turningly heady nose, then pick up a welcome bit of fresh apple juiciness and tartness on the expansive, buoyant palate. The lingering, lusciously fruited finish is soothing and enveloping, yet not without refreshment. Given the amazing focus, clarity and energy that characterize so many wines in the Schaefers’ 2015 collection, one has to recalibrate to appreciate the manifest but very different virtues of this Wehlener – almost the alter-ego of the corresponding Himmelreich rendered from later-picked, wind-desiccated berries.”
A Trio of Classic Super Tuscans
Redigaffi is one of the great wines of the world—full stop. Give this a few decades and watch it blow away $800 Bordeaux.
Tua Rita Redigaffi Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2015 750ML ($299.95) $212 special
James Suckling 100 points “This is an extraordinary merlot with such purity and focus. Flowers such as violets and hints of orange peel. It is full-bodied yet incredibly energetic and structured. The finish goes on for minutes. Seamless texture. Fresh yet dense. Contrasty. Best Redigaffi ever. Hard not to drink now but a wine for decades.”
Want Redigaffi on a budget? Galatrona it is. 2015’s a standout vintage and a killer deal in its peer group.
Petrolo Galatrona Valdarno di Sopra, Tuscany 2015 750ML ($99.95) $79 special
James Suckling 96-97 points “The depth of fruit and intensity of tannins that set this Galatrona aside are some of the most impressive in years. Full body, velvety tannins and a long finish. A new 2004?”
This is a wine that demands time and luckily, we’ve got a back vintage for you. 2008 was awesome and is great now.
Tua Rita Giusto di Notri Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2008 750ML ($79.95) $59 special
Wine Enthusiast 95 points “This fabulous blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot delivers loads of plush softness and succulent richness. Aromas of chocolate, ripe fruit and spice are distinct and clear, and the wine shows compelling complexity and intensity overall.”
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2008 Giusto di Notri is wonderfully alive in the glass. Dark red berries, flowers, spices, grilled herbs, licorice and leather are some of the notes that flesh out in this dazzling, vibrant Giusto di Notri. Polished tannins provide the backdrop for the silky, expressive finish. A final blast of red fruit adds freshness and brightness on the close. Giusto di Notri is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc.”
Rosé
Ian D’Agata-Vinous 90 points “Orange pink. Clean floral and ripe red fruit aromas and flavors are simple and fresh. Hints of sassafras and dried rose add complexity, but this version of Il Mimo strikes me as less complex wine than usual that thrives mostly on its early appeal and easy accessibility. Slightly sweet and focused on the nicely persistent finish, firmed by dusty tannins.”
Ian D’agata-Vinous 90-91+ points “Pale red with an amber tinge. Candied red cherry, tobacco and musky herbs on the deep nose. Then urgent flavors of red fruits, botanical herbs and ink show very good cut and thrust. A spicy nuance lingers on the juicy finish. Much more closed and brooding than the 2011 Benedetta Brunello, in keeping with the fact that the Beatrice (unlike the Benedetta) contains roughly 10 percent Brunello from the 2010 vintage, added because di Campalto believed the wine needed more backbone. Stella di Campalto’s 2010 Brunello is especially deep, dark, and musky, and those elements are obvious in the Beatrice as well (this is the first time she has bottled a wine not entirely made with the vintage indicated on the label). Stella di Campalto is not especially fond of this wine right now, so she’s considering declassifying to Rosso status, but this has yet to be decided and things may change depending on the wine’s evolution. Should she decide to turn this into a Rosso, it’s going to be one heck of a Rosso di Montalcino; that said, I find the Benedetta Brunello to be much superior and more typical of Stella di Campalto’s production.”
Stella di Campalto ‘Benedetta’, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2011 750ML ($149.95) $119 special
Ian D’agata-Vinous 92-93 points “Bright pale red. More mineral and minty than the 2012 Beatrice Brunello di Montalcino by this estate, displaying a lovely purity to its medicinal red cherry and cough-drop aromas and flavors. The finish is bright, long and airy. Ever the perfectionist, Stella di Campalto hasn’t yet decided if this will be sold as a Brunello or a top-of-the-line Rosso, but I think the wine is a potentially outstanding Brunello. It spent an unbelievable 54 months in 17 hL used oak barrels — unbelievable in the sense that this marvelous wine shows no hint of wood or of tiring fruit whatsoever. It’s made mainly from the Il Leccio vineyard, characterized by alberese soil that gives vibrant, more fragrant wines. Benedetta is the name of one of Stella’s daughters.”
Stella di Campalto Rosso di Montalcino, Tuscany 2013 750ML ($69.95) $59 special
Three Wines from the Top of Their Regions
Mazzei Castello di Fonterutoli, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2013 750ML ($69.95) $49 special
Case-6 Mazzei Castello di Fonterutoli, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2013 750ML ($419.95) $269 special (that’s only $44.84/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 95 points “An essence of sweet cherry grounds the surrounding flavors of leather, iron, spice and tobacco in this firm red, which remains vibrant and refined. Bracing acidity and dense, muscular tannins play out on the long finish. Drink now through 2028.”
Declassified Yquem? We’ll take the second label at a massive discount, please!
Sauternes, Sauternes AOC 2010 750ML ($69.95) $59 special
Declassified d’Yquem
One of the best producers, vintages and vineyards in Burgundy? This has it all, at sharp pricing.
Domaine Rossignol-Trapet Chapelle Chambertin Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits 2010 750ML ($249.95) $199 special
Burghound 94 points “A very mild trace of reduction does not completely hide the densely fruited and well-layered nose of red berries, plum and distinct floral notes, all of which are intermingled with mineral nuances. The rich, round and impressively intense flavors possess both excellent volume and dry extract that partially buffers the very firm tannic spine, all wrapped in a mouth coating and seriously long finish. This is a big Chapelle with plenty of underlying material that should permit this to age beautifully.”
The next best price is $261
Newly Arrived:
Weingut Willi Haag Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese, Mosel 2016 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
David Schildknecht – Vinous 90 points “Picked from October 17 to 19, this bottling reflects the characteristic ripeness of Juffer-Sonnenuhr as well as relatively early noble rot. Muskmelon, peach and mango are laced with rowan and almond extract on an impressively heady nose. The extremely ripe fruits reconvene on a sumptuously creamy, glycerol-rich palate, with peach kernel piquancy adding welcome counterpoint and pushback to the wine’s prominent sweetness. While lusciously long, this finishes less brightly than the corresponding Juffer and without its mineral savor.”
Weingut Willi Haag Brauneberger Juffer Riesling Auslese, Mosel 2016 750ML ($37.95) $33 special
David Schildknecht – Vinous 91 points “Originating in the Haags’ prime parcel of Bürgerslay, this delivers a headily ripe, tropical nose of mango, muskmelon and peach. Hints of almond turn into suggestions of marzipan on a creamy and lusciously fruited palate, whose tropicality is nicely cut by tangy and piquant suggestions of peach near the pit. Fresh lime adds welcome brightness and a pinch of salt lends saliva-inducement to a lingering finish. Picking here was relatively early – October 18. Markus Haag said that these vines being trained to wires, rather than in the old single-post style still prevalent in his vineyards, is one reason their fruit tends to ripen more rapidly than elsewhere in the Juffer.”
Weingut Willi Haag Brauneberger Juffer Riesling Kabinett, Mosel 2016 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 special
David Schildknecht – Vinous “Fresh lime, white peach and apple are incisively tinged with fresh ginger on the nose and on a silken, glycerol-rich palate, displaying textural allure that is regrettably rare among the Willi Haag 2016s. But that sense of richness has not come at the expense of refreshing primary juiciness. Peach kernel and almond lend bittersweet counterpoint, fresh ginger invigoration and a touch of salinity saliva-inducement to a lingering finish. There is a faintly dank, earthy note hiding out there, but it is, for now at least, not upsetting. “If there was any botrytis here, it was minimal,” noted Markus Haag, a remark by implication revealing of how widespread it was for him in 2016, depriving some wines of edge, clarity and brightness that they might otherwise have possessed.”
Weingut Willi Haag Piesporter Goldtropfchen Riesling Kabinett, Mosel 2016 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 special
David Schildknecht – Vinous “Penetrating scents of lemon and grapefruit laced with woodruff and wintergreen usher in a palate unusually citric and coolingly herbal when compared with the Willi Haag 2016s from Brauneberg or Veldenz. But given that midpalate citricity, I’m surprised at a finish that proves rather sedate and only modest in length. Still, it offers admirable refreshment and a hint of counterpoint by way of stony impingement. Last year’s more exciting inaugural bottling from this famous site was also a Kabinett. Hopefully we’ll soon get to experience a Willi Haag Goldtröpfchen Spätlese.”
Weingut Willi Haag Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Riesling Spatlese, Mosel 2016 750ML ($37.95) $33 special
David Schildknecht – Vinous 91 points “A gorgeous nose offers rowan, almond extract, ripe white peach, honeydew melon and quince. The glycerol-slicked palate offers a similarly colorful array of flavors. And for a wine obviously marked by botrytis, this finishes with unexpected clarity and abundance of fresh fruit juiciness (aided by an influx of grapefruit) to accompany its honeyed undertone and heady inner-mouth perfume. The overall effect is irresistibly luscious. This fermented until February, long by estate standards, which seems to have been all to the good.”
Weingut Willi Haag Brauneberger Juffer Riesling Spatlese, Mosel 2016 750ML ($31.95) $28 special
David Schildknecht – Vinous “Mirabelle, muskmelon and pineapple inform the nose and a juicy yet creamy, subtly glossy palate, on which an appealing slick of quince jelly points to the influence of botrytis. The finish here is lusciously sustained albeit rather sedate, lacking in non-fruit nuances and dominantly sweet.”
Saint Cosme
Saint Cosme is one of the notable estates of the Southern Rhone. Louis Barroul is a talented winemaker and is the 14th generation of his family to make wines in the domaine that was founded in the 1500’s. The wines he makes are rich and powerful, with undeniable terroir signatures. 2016 looks to be an unqualified success for the estate (as with most in the Rhone). They seem to combine nearly everything we’re looking for in Rhone wines, which reminds us of something like 2005 or 2010—a rare feat.
New Arrivals from Saint Cosme:
Chateau de Saint Cosme Cotes du Rhone Le Poste Blanc, Rhone 2016 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Wine Advocate 90 points “Barrel-fermented and aged nine months in old oak, the 2016 Cotes du Rhone Le Poste is tight, linear in structure and almost Burgundian in style. It’s 100% Clairette grown in the Le Poste vineyard and features a long, briny lime-and-pineapple finish. It can be drunk now or aged up to 10 years.”
James Molesworth-Wine Spectator “The 2016 Côtes du Rhône White Le Poste, made from Clairette within the Le Poste vineyard in Gigondas (but there is no Gigondas AOC for white) is a crystalline pure wine, with beautiful verbena, chamomile and white peach notes and a long, gorgeous, mineral-edged finish.” [Not yet scored]
Importer Note “Saint Cosme Crozes-Hermitage is produced from 100% Sérine, an ancient and local variety of Syrah …It is made from 100% destemmed grapes, fermented with indigenous yeasts, aged in 20% new 228-liter barrels, and bottled without fining or filtration…Granite slopes rather than flatlands give Saint Cosme’s Crozes-Hermitage greater structure and complexity. The wine shows classic aromas and flavors of black fruits, smoked bacon, black peppercorn, and incense.”
Importer Note “Saint Cosme Saint-Joseph is produced from 100% Sérine, an ancient and local variety of Syrah that is markedly different from modern selections…The wine is made from 70% destemmed with 30% whole clusters, fermented with indigenous yeasts, and aged in 20% new 228-liter barrels… Louis Barruol describes the microclimate of the vineyard Malleval as “very cold” which allows the grapes to retain acidity and showcase the floral aromas of the local Sérine variety. Aromas and flavors of blackberries and wild strawberries are accented by notes of peppercorns, tobacco, peonies, and violets.”
New Releases In-Stock Now from Saint Cosme:
Saint Cosme Condrieu, Rhone 2016 750ML ($69.95) $59 special
Importer Note “Saint Cosme Condrieu is produced from fully-ripened Viognier which Louis Barruol believes is essential to achieving the variety’s full potential. “But ripeness must not imply excessive alcohol,” says Barruol, “We seek balance.” The wine is matured for eight months in used 228-liter barrels, and undergoes full malolactic fermentation on fine lees for 12 months…Saint Cosme Condrieu shows classic aromas and flavors of dried apricot, peach, and orange blossom with fennel, anise, and elderflower. Twelve months of aging on its fine lees in used Burgundian pièce brings texture to the palate. This is a classic Condrieu.”
Wine Advocate 93 points “Sourced from three lieux-dits (including La Crau), Saint Cosme’s 2015 Chateauneuf du Pape is a blend of approximately 60% Grenache, 20-25% Mourvèdre and bits and pieces of other varieties. It’s full-bodied, rich and spicy, with hints of cumin, licorice, cinnamon and clove all swirling about on the long finish.”
The next best price is $56.97
Importer Note “Côte-Rôtie is produced from 100% Sérine, an ancient and local variety of Syrah that is markedly different from modern selections. It is more oval, with lots of space in the bunch, resulting in a very aromatic wine. It is sourced from the schist soils of Le Plomb, Besset, La Viallière, and Neve climats. These hillsides are among the steepest in France with an incline as much as 55 degrees. The wine is made with whole cluster fermentation from indigenous yeasts, aged for 12 months in 40% new 228-liter barrels, and bottled without fining or filtration… On the palate, it reveals a fresh attack followed by an ample, structured, long-lasting finish. The wine unfurls in successive stages and ends with top-quality tannins produced by whole cluster fermentation. It features aromas and flavors of smoked ham, violet, graphite, graphite, and licorice.”
Case-12 Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas, Rhone 2016 750ML ($519.95) $419 special (that’s only $34.92/bottle!)
Case-6 Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas, Rhone 2016 750ML ($289.95) $219 special (that’s only $36.50/bottle!)
Wine Advocate 90-92 points “Even Saint Cosme’s 2016 Gigondas looks built to age. It’s full-bodied and firmly tannic but balanced by ripe fruit notes of cherries, peaches and chocolate.”
Jeb Dunnuck 90-92 points “Looking first at the base 2016 Gigondas, it’s certainly going to be another outstanding wine from Barruol. Based on 70% Grenache and the rest close to an even split of Syrah and Mourvèdre, it offers classic St Cosme notes of dark fruits, tapenade, pepper and smoked earth. It has plenty of tannin and will need 2-3 years of cellaring and shine for a decade or more.”
The next best price is $49.95
The Finest Dry Wines in the Mosel?
Reinhard Löwenstein fits in with this region, then, as an absolute perfectionist who will do any and everything possible to make sure that his wines are as profound as possible. His yields and selection in the vineyards are made solely with quality in mind and he holds his wines back longer before release than most German producers—cash flow be damned.
In terms of style, the word that comes to mind when tasting these wines is ‘mineral.’ Not minerality paired with fruitiness, like with much Mosel Riesling, but sheer rockiness in liquid form. The wines are lean, racy and benefit from air or a few years in bottle, but are incredibly rewarding in the way that only the great wines of the world can be.
Heymann-Loewenstein Uhlen ‘R’ Roth Lay Riesling, Mosel 2015 750ML ($89.95) $79 special
Wine Advocate 95-97 points “Tasted from the barrel and still dusty in its ripe golden color, the 2015 Riesling Uhlen R ‘VDP Grosse Lage’ (which is always bottled late) combines super ripe, rich and intense tropical fruit aromas (pineapples) with the spicy flavors of red (iron-rich) slate. The palate, however, is stunningly pure and finessed, highly elegant and almost light whereas the finish is very long, full of salt, grip and tension. A great promise!”
Mosel Fine Wines 94 points “This delivers an stunning nose with great depth, cool aromatics and finesse as notes of spices, mint, dried herbs, white peach, citrus peel and smoke and flowery elements emerge from the glass. The wine starts on the cool and fresh side on the palate, and only gradually develops its structure and intensity as it unfolds. It offers great length and intensity without ever being overpowering. The after-taste is just subtly and delicately tart. This dry Riesling is quite a tour de force and amply confirms our initial high expectations from cask (see Issue No 32 for the initial tasting note). 2022-2035.”
Heymann-Lowenstein Rottgen Riesling, Mosel 2016 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2016 Riesling Röttgen ‘VDP Grosse Lage’ is pure and flinty on the nose, with bright fruit and mineral aromas on the nose. On the palate, this is a piquant, fresh and well structured as well as intense and persistent Riesling with cacao flavors in the finish. Terribly fresh and piquant, this is a remarkable Riesling. Tasted February 2018.”
Heymann-Loewenstein Schieferterrassen Riesling, Mosel 2016 750ML ($37.95) $29 special
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 89 points “The 2016 Riesling “Schieferterrassen” is ripe and flinty on the nose, spicy and piquant, with lingering salinity and intense fruit on the palate. Tensioned and stimulating, with good ripeness, but a lush and elegant wine.”
Heymann-Loewenstein Kirchberg Riesling, Mosel 2016 750ML ($44.95) $39 special
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 91 points “The 2016 Riesling Kirchberg ‘VDP Grosse Lage’ is super ripe and flinty on the nose, with caramelly aromas. Pure, fresh and mineral, with a fine, mineral structure and lingering salinity, this is a tensioned Riesling with good phenolic structure.”
Heymann-Loewenstein Stolzenberg Riesling, Mosel 2016 750ML ($49.95) $41.90 special
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 92 points “The 2016 Riesling Stolzenberg ‘VDP Grosse Lage’ is super clear, deep and flinty on the nose. Medium to full-bodied, this is a a seriously complex and piquant Riesling with intensity and piquant, mineral acidity. The finish is long, tensioned and salty, with grip and a persistent finish. Tasted February 2018.”
Heymann-Loewenstein Uhlen B Blaufusser Lay Riesling, Mosel 2016 750ML ($69.95) $57 special
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 93+ points “The 2016 Riesling Uhlen B ‘VDP Grosse Lage’ is pure, fresh and rich at the same time, with flinty aromas on the nose. Full-bodied, precise and piquant on the palate, this is an elegant, fresh and salty Riesling with a lot of tension and length. Powerful. Long.”
Mosel Fine Wines 92 points “This offers a gorgeous nose of candied grapefruit zest, some star fruit, ripe pear and apple, all wrapped into the telltale classy touch of fine spices and herbs so typical of the Estate. The wine is medium-bodied on the palate and leaves a beautifully pure, spicy and mineral-loaded feel in the long and delicately powerful finish. This is a gorgeous wine in the making with a hint of power and nice saltiness in the after-taste.”
Heymann-Loewenstein Uhlen Laubach Riesling, Mosel 2016 750ML ($69.95) $59 special
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 93 points “From a slate soil with 10% chalk, the 2016 Riesling Uhlen L ‘VDP Grosse Lage’ shows licorice, flinty and bright fruit aromas on the nose. Juicy, piquant and tensioned on the palate, this is an intense and complex Riesling with lush and intense fruit. The finish is long and promising. Tasted February 2018.”
Mosel Fine Wines 92+ points “This offers a stunning even if still rather reduced nose of pear, grapefruit, start fruit, ginger and smoky elements. The wine is beautifully balanced on the palate, where creamy fruits are nicely wrapped into a hint of acidity and some superb mineral and herby elements. The delicately powerful after-taste oozes refinement, under-toned freshness and multi-layered complexity. This is a gorgeous Uhlen L in the making and one with great upside potential as the wine gains in elegance at maturity.”
Thanks for reading!