Highlight New Arrival: Chambeyron-Manin Cote Brune; #Trending; Best-Value Grower Champagnes: Holiday Sale Ends January 31st; Staff Clearance Sale Pick; Palacios: Arriving Friday; January Clearance Sale: Italian Edition; More New Finds: Brunello 2013 Arriving in July
Highlight New Arrival
Chambeyron-Manin Cote Rotie
Chambeyron-Manin Cote Rotie is truly unicorn wine. The estate is run by Christianne Marin, the great-granddaughter of Marius Chambeyron (whose vines also ended up in the hands of Bernard Levet). The Cote Rotie she makes comes from a small parcel—only 0.4 hectares in the heart of the Cote Brune. The small size of the production (only three 500L barrels of it are made every year) and the quality of the vineyard mean that these wines have come in to exceedingly high demand in recent years.
They’re traditionally made, vinified whole-cluster with no new wood and basket pressed into old, large barrels before being bottled unfined and unfiltered. The vines are extremely old, with half planted in the 30’s and half in the 1960’s and are mostly old Serine clones of Syrah. The resulting wines are untamed and expressive, with beautiful aromatics and the ability to age and develop for years. We got a small amount (frankly, it’s not possible to buy a large amount) and are excited to offer it to you today. This is a wine for lovers of the classic Northern Rhone from an estate whose star is on the rise.
Domaine Chambeyron-Manin Cote Rotie Cote Brune, Rhone 2013 750ML ($119.95) $99 special, 36 bottles in stock now
No reviews, only decades of deep respect from enlightened buyers. Besides, who needs reviews for Cote Brune at this price compared to Jamet and Rene Rostaing averaging well over $300/bottle?
The next best price is $108
#Trending1) Catena’s Epic Malbecs
Catena is the standard bearer for what we think of as classical, high end Malbec, the wines that rival the best of Bordeaux and California. We landed an incredible deal on two of their top wines. The Wine Advocate and James Suckling loved them, and many customers have, too. These are a stupendous wines and, at our pricing, good values. The averages of listed prices elsewhere in the USA are 20% higher on the Argentino Vineyard, and 50% higher on the Nicasia Vineyard .
Catena Zapata Nicasia Vineyard Malbec, La Consulta, Uco Valley 2012 750ML ($129.95) $69 special
Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2012 Malbec Catena Zapata Nicasia Vineyard feels fresher and more harmonious than the 2011, when in reality the vintage character is the opposite. It is sourced from the vineyard that names the wine and that is located in Altamira. The Malbec grapes fermented in open barrels and cement vats with 15% whole-cluster Cabernet Franc. There is one extra level of precision and harmony here. It has an elegant nose and the palate almost reflects the tension in the skin of the grapes with its a velvety texture and great acidity. This is really tasty and long, it could be the best Nicasia ever produced.”
James Suckling 95 points “Vivd aromas of currants and blackberries. So much dark fruit. Violets too. Full body, yet buttressed with a center palate of salty acidity and firm tannins. From grapes grown in Altamira. Persistent and vibrant. Drink or hold.”
Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino, Uco Valley 2012 750ML ($129.95) $89 special
James Suckling 98 points “Very dense and powerful with a tight palate of blue fruit and raspberry undertones. Salty with wonderful length and intensity. A blend of malbec from Nicasia Vineyard in Altamira and Adrianna Vineyard in Gualtallary. Drink in 2022 but so great now.”
2) Baumard
The end is nigh!
When Wine Spectator put the Baumard Savennieres in the top-15 of their Top 100 list, we won’t say that we were surprised. At 94 points (and under $25), it was a clear critical favorite—with good reason. Baumard is one of the top producers in the Loire and for dry Chenin Blanc this is a tough wine to beat. (Really, for dry, full bodied whites in general, but we digress.) Needless to say, the wine sold out almost instantly as a result of the additional press, but we’re pleased to have it back in stock again.This wine is one of the better values you’ll see and also one of the most versatile wines in the store in terms of pairings. The wine marries a rich texture (that’s oak-free) to a crisp acidity that cleanses the palate and anchors the long, mineral finish. This pairs with everything from white fish to roast pork and at a price/quality level that means you can drink it on Tuesday or on a special occasion. Just don’t delay if you’re interested—we just received our final delivery and it’s going fast.
#15 Wine of the Year – Wine Spectator Top 100 2017
Domaine des Baumard Savennieres, Loire 2015 750ML ($29.95) $24 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 94 points “Alluring, with quince, creamed pear, verbena and green almond flavors allied to a creamy texture, all offset beautifully through the finish by light quinine and mineral hints. Approachable, but this seems built for the cellar. Best from 2018 through 2030.”
–Monica Larner, Wine AdvocateCantine del Notaio Il Repertorio Aglianico del Vulture, Basilicata 2013 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 93 points “The Cantine del Notaio 2013 Aglianico del Vulture Il Repertorio is a fabulous wine that possesses the depth and noble sophistication that you should expect from this small, quality wine denomination in the deep south of Italy. The bouquet is beautifully embellished with blackberry preserves, tobacco, bitter chocolate and smoky granite. The presentation is tight and seamless with a firm tannic nature that pulls the wine together in terms of substance and length. This excellent wine should flesh out further with more aging.”
Best-Value Grower Champagnes
Still on holiday super special!
[Ending January 31st]
“The two great exceptions that prove the rule about the maturing potential of Pinot Meunier are Krug and José Michel.” –Richard Juhlin, 2000 Champagnes
Jose Michel & Fils Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($39.95) $31.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Jose Michel & Fils Brut, Champagne NV 375ML ($21.95) $18 special, 36+ half-bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 91 points “(70% Pinot Meunier and 30% Chardonnay; 9 g/l dosage): Light yellow-gold. Fresh tangerine, pear and sweet butter on the fragrant nose. Smooth and weighty in the mouth, offering pliant orchard fruit and melon flavors and a bracing kick of bitter citrus zest. A minerally element adds lift and cut to the penetrating finish, which leaves a suave floral note behind.”
The average price is $42
Arlaux Grande Cuvee Premier Cru Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Arlaux Grande Cuvee Premier Cru Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($239.95) $189 special (that’s only $31.50/bottle!)
Wine Advocate 92 points “The nose of this wine seduces you straight away with a great balance of autolytic and fruit aromas: toasted hazelnuts, warm apple tart and kaya (coconut and egg) jam. The palate is equally well balanced providing plenty of evolved fruit and toasty / yeasty flavors. Small, fine bubbles, seamless use of dosage and a long nutty finish. This fine if relatively unknown Brut NV takes first place in the derby – a shocker even for me!”
Importer notes: “Arlaux is a small family-run champagne house producing only 5,000 cases a year located in a small village on the Petit Montagne de Reims called Vrigny. Arlaux has been producing champagne since 1826 but the Arlaux-Marchal family have lived in Vrigny since the 13th century. Exclusively 1er Cru Champagne with a minimum of 4 years aging. They only use their own grapes from 20 to 100 year old vines which are hand-picked in order to select only the very best. All Arlaux cuvées are 100% Premier Cru and 100% Tête de Cuvée (meaning that they only use the juice of the 1st press).” PP
Thierry Triolet Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($31.95) $28 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
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.”
The next best price is $34.98
The average price is $38
Thierry Triolet Cuvee Grande Reserve Blanc de Blancs, Champagne NV 750ML ($39.95) $31.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Thierry Triolet Cuvee Grande Reserve Blanc de Blancs, Champagne NV 1.5L ($79.95) $69 special, 12 magnums in stock now
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.”
The next best price is $44.99
R. Dumont & Fils Cuvee Brut Nature, Champagne NV 750ML ($39.95) $31.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 90 points “(85% Pinot Noir and 15% Chardonnay; no dosage): Light gold. Pungent aromas of ripe pear, white peach and melon, with a suave floral element coming up with aeration. Intense orchard and pit fruit flavors are underscored by smoky mineral and gingery spice notes that gain strength with aeration. Finishes tight, dry and long, with firm grip and repeating spiciness.”
The next best price is $49.99
Andre Clouet Silver Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature, Champagne NV 750ML ($47.95) $33 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Andre Clouet Silver Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature, Champagne NV 750ML ($519.95) $359 special (that’s only $29.92/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
100% Grand Cru, 100% Pinot Noir, no dosage
Antonio Galloni 91 points “The NV Brut Nature Silver is naturally a very focused, driven wine given the no-dosage style. This shows wonderful nuance and depth all the way through to the long finish, with bright aromas and flavors but less of the toastiness than some of the house’s other wines. The mousse and finish are both utterly impeccable in their elegance.” AG
Staff Pick
This Kabinett Riesling from Peter Lauer is loaded with hedonistic displays of lime zest and fresh green herbs alongside a light, elegant sweetness. While the Barrel X is all lean minerals, this Kabinett really shows off the opulent citrusy notes Riesling can offer with the same lightness in body on the palate.
Peter Lauer Fass 8 Ayler Kupp Kabinett, Mosel 2014 750ML ($37.95) Was $31.90, Now $26 special
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!
Palacios
Alvaro Palacios is perhaps the most important winemaker in modern Spain. He nearly single-handedly put Bierzo on the map as a fine wine making region and also makes two of the most important wines from Priorat—a double feature nearly unmatched in the world of wine. He has the ability to see old wine regions and abandon vineayards, envision their greatness and then (most importantly) to bring that vision to life.
Palacios was born into a winemaking family—but in Rioja. After studying winemaking in Bordeaux, he went to work for the legendary Chateau Petrus and then rather than return to his family’s winery, struck out on his own to try and restore the glory of Priorat, which is now famous but was forgotten until the late 1980’s. After making his name there, he did the same with Bierzo, in northwestern Spain, and although he’s probably best known for his entry level bottling, Petalos, his higher end wines would make believers out of any Burgundy drinker.
Stylistically, the wines are known for a combination of power and elegance. The wines, even from Bierzo, display richness and intensity that makes them truly memorable, but with a grace and drinkabily that reminds us of fine Burgundy, but with Bordeaux like power. Complex and ageworthy, the lineup is one to collect en masse. We’re trying to stockpile as much as possible and the wines arrive in a few days.
Arriving Friday, January 19th
Alvaro Palacios Finca Dofi, Priorat DOCa 2014 750ML ($99.95) $69 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 96 points “Subtle nose of dried rose petals, slate and hints of red cherries. Full body, a beautiful structure and a dense and harmonious texture. Single vineyard. So delicious now. Why wait?”
Wine Advocate 95+ points “The 2014 Finca Dofí is a blend of approximately 94% Garnacha and 6% Cariñena from a plot in Gratallops called Finca Dofí. The destemmed and crushed grapes fermented in oak vats with natural yeasts followed by malolactic and 14 months aging in oak barrels. It feels terribly lively, with a silkiness and purity, terse but at the same time ripe. The oak is very integrated and there is no volatility many associate with Priorat, but the flavors are clearly reminiscent of the old vintages of Dofí but with a much more polished texture. Again the acidity gives it clout and depth, like claws clinging to you. It ends tasty and very mineral. This feels as good as the other-worldly 2013. A great vintage for Dofí. Elegance in a bottle. There are 20,100 bottles produced.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94 points “Lurid ruby. An explosively perfumed, mineral-tinged bouquet displays fresh boysenberry, cherry, licorice pastille and sandalwood scents, and a suave spicecake nuance gains power with air. Stains the palate with sappy red and blue fruit, spicecake and candied rose flavors that show impressive clarity and back-end lift. Silky, slow-building tannins add gentle grip to the finish, which hangs on with superb, floral- and mineral-driven tenacity.”
The average price is $85
James Suckling 97 points “This is a very tight and fine-grained red with a compressed mouthfeel. The fruit comes through to a class and elegance. Such length. Ethereal structure. Unique. Drink or hold.”
Decanter 95 points “Alvaro Palacios Finca Dofí 2015 is grown on brown slate. Deep purple with pink rim. Impressively powerful, with a burst of black fruits, fresh, well-balanced, with a refined texture. A rasp of tannin gives structure, and a burst of juice explodes on the finish. An edge of liquorice and wild herbs to the finish. Very long, very fresh.”
The next best price is $74.99
The average price is $82
Wine Advocate 95 points “Ricardo Pérez Palacios told me his favorite overall vintages for Bierzo are 2001, 2012 and possibly 2015, because he sees them as very complete years, even if 2015 didn’t have as perfect conditions as 2001 and 2012; the 2015 Corullón is a perfect example of that, a really pretty wine, open, where I see the similarities with 2012. They use many of the vineyards year after year, all of them around the village of Corullón, all planted with a field blend of varieties, and they have been increasing the percentage of white grapes from those vines that they include in the cuvée. In 2015, it can be almost 9%, mostly Palomino, and they feel it polishes that slight bitterness in the finish of the Mencía, reminiscent of green almonds. Of course, there are also other red grapes, like Alicante Bouschet, Gran Negro, Pan y Carne and Negreda, that might contribute to some 2% of the volume. 19,572 bottles, 720 half bottles, 450 magnums, 45 double magnums and 30 Jeroboams were filled between May 11th and 17th of 2017.”
The average price is $45
James Suckling 96 points “A beautiful nose of violets, cranberries and hints of licorice. Full and powerful with polished and pretty tannins and a long finish. Excellent structure and depth. Made from a single vineyard of old mencia. One of the top wines of the estate. Better in 2020.”
Wine Advocate 95+ points “The single-vineyard 2014 Las Lamas follows the same path as the rest of the 2014s: very good freshness and precision, floral and perfumed, elegant and nuanced, with a terribly balanced palate and a little less body than the 2015 but more approachable with its gentle character. This bottling has been on fire since 2012, when they realized they needed slightly higher yields than they had in the past, and it means the ripeness has been more perfect since then. 3,090 bottles. It was bottled in March 2016.”
The average price is $103
January Clearance Sale
(When they go high, we go low)
Italian Edition
Ian D’Agata – Vinous 93+ points “Bright red-ruby. Nicely ripe aromas of raspberry, red cherry syrup, minerals and rose petal are concentrated but fresh. Then juicy, intense and sharply delineated, with lovely lift to the very pure flavors of redberries, minerals and licorice. Knockout, silky-sweet wine that is at once ripe and vibrant, finishing with lovely aromatic persistence and noteworthy minerality. One of the best young La Torre Brunellos I remember; already irresistible now, but will repay cellaring.”
Importer note “fermented in stainless steel for three weeks. It is then racked into large barrels (“botte” made by Gargalotto and of Slavonian origin) and left to age in cask for forty-two months. A small part of the wine (approximately 17%) destined for Brunello status spends 12 months in small barrel. The wine for the Brunello is selected from the oldest vines and the most well-positioned vineyards.”
Now it’s even lower!
Antonio Galloni 92 points “The 2012 Chianti Classico Riserva Il Campitello is a very pretty wine, especially for the vintage. Mid-weight and translucent in style, the 2012 captures the essence of Radda, with sweet, floral aromatics, chiseled fruit and lovely energy. Red berry, spice, tobacco, cedar and rose petal all open up in the glass. A hint of oak comes through on the finish, but otherwise this is a classic-feeling Riserva that will appeal to readers with more traditionally leaning palates. The Campitello emerges from the estate’s oldest vineyard.”
Now it’s even lower!
The next best price is $79.99
Yup, more than double!
Winery note “The color is like straw with greenish reflections, the bouquet is delicate and intense, and the taste is smooth and harmonic. Excellent as an aperitif, it is well suited for antipasti, soups and seafood dishes.”
Blend of Barbera, Freisa, Ciliegiolo, Dolcetto, Gamay, Petit Rouge, Fumin, Premetta.
Winery note “Excellent as a combination with traditional dishes of the Aosta Valley, this wine is made by using grapes from old vines, a slow fermentation and aging in small oak barrels. Saro-Djablo is an appellation that defines the combative character of the inhabitants of Sarre.”
Proprieta Sperino ‘L Franc Bandit Vino da Tavola, Piedmont 2009 750ML ($.95) Was $99, Now $91.90, 5 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 91 points “The 2009 L’Franc, 100% Cabernet Franc, is a new wine from Sperino. Over the years, Paolo De Marchi has proved he has the magic touch pretty much with every grape. You can add Cabernet Franc to the list. Here in its debut vintage, the L’Franc possesses remarkable varietal definition and finesse from start to finish. Violets, lavender, plums and mocha add further shades of nuance as the 2009 opens up. Amazingly, this fruit was not harvested until late October and into early November. In my view the 2009 is a bit overoaked, but that will simply require a small correction in future vintages. Superb Cabernet Franc in Lessona? Yes, at Proprietà Sperino, it is possible.” AG
Wine Spectator 92 points “Bilberry, raspberry, floral and spice aromas and flavors grace this elegant, intense Barbaresco. Rich and fruity, with a spine of tannins underneath. Shows fine harmony and length. Best from 2014 through 2026.” WS
Antonio Galloni 94+ points “A ripe, powerful wine, the 2012 Chianti Classico Riserva Rancia offers a level of finesse that balances some of the more overt intensity of the year. Dark cherry, plum, spice, tobacco, menthol and licorice add shades of nuance as this beautifully delineated Rancia opens up in the glass. Because of its mid-weight structure, I expect the 2012 will give up its charms relatively early by Rancia standards, which means around age 15-20. The 2012 is not an obvious or explosive Rancia, rather is a wine built on compelling overall harmony.”
Antonio Galloni 95 points “The 2011 Barbaresco Riserva Montefico is another of the highlights in this range from the Produttori. Imagine the precision of Ovello, but with slightly darker fruit and more density and power through the middle. That’s the Montefico. A regal, towering Barbaresco, the Montefico should provide thrilling drinking for the next several decades. A rush of dark cherry, plum, smoke, licorice and tobacco add nuance on the powerful, structured finish.” AGProduttori del Barbaresco Montestefano, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2011 750ML ($59.95) Was $49, Now $39, 36+ bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2011 Barbaresco Riserva Montestefano is one of the least expressive of these wines. Inward, powerful and explosive, the 2011 is not in a mood to show much today, that is pretty clear. Still, there is an obvious energy here that is impossible to miss. A firm spine of tannin gives the wine much of its signature power. Dark red cherry, smoke, pomegranate and scorched earth blossom on the dramatic finish. A wine of real density and gravitas, the 2011 Barbaresco Riserva Montestefano stands out for its pure, unbridled energy and overall intensity.” AG
Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2011 Barbaresco Riserva Montestefano is the biggest of the bunch. This wine delivers a lasting sense of structure and intensity that is especially apparent as this Barbaresco hits the palate. The bouquet exhibits signs of ripe fruit with soft layers of blackberry preserves and cherry liqueur. The wine’s tannic structure is solid and firmly stitched together, yet this wine is slightly softer and perhaps sweeter than the Riserva Muncagota, for example. This is yet another wine destined for long bottle-aging.”
Now it’s even lower!
The average price is $55
Produttori del Barbaresco Ovello, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2011 750ML ($59.95) Was $49, Now $44, 25 bottles in stock nowAntonio Galloni 94+ points “The 2011 Barbaresco Riserva Ovello, from one of the coolest zones in Barbaresco, is superb. Here it is the wine’s precision and energy – both hard to come by in 2011 – that really stand out. Pine, mint, chalk, bright red berries, blood orange and white pepper are some of the signatures in a brilliant, finely-cut Barbaresco that captures the best of both the vintage and this site. Don’t miss it!” AG
The average price is $57
Wine Spectator 95 points “Broad and brooding, this muscular Barbaresco packs in black cherry, tar, licorice and spice flavors. More about power than finesse, with a long finish. Best from 2019 through 2035.”
Antonio Galloni 92 points “The 2011 Barbaresco Riserva Pora is sweet, round and sensual. Beautifully layered in the glass, the Pora is absolutely exquisite, with plenty of sweet red cherry, plum, mint and spice notes woven throughout. The Pora is typically the most open of the Produttori’s nine Riservas, as it is once again this year. There is so much to like here.” AG
The average price is $57
Antonio Galloni 92 points “The 2006 Reseca is Nerello Mascalese from vineyards on Mount Etna. It is one of the darker, more overtly fruit driven wines I have tasted from the Etna. The finish turns a bit more delicate and ethereal, though. It will be interesting to see the direction Gulfi takes with this bottling in coming years.”
Antonio Galloni 92 points “Gulfi’s 2007 Reseca, from a vineyard on the Etna, is full of Nerello Mascalese personality. Sweet dried cherries, crushed flowers, licorice and spices waft from the glass. The tannins are understated yet beautiful and nicely integrated. The delicate style is pure Etna and therefore totally different from the Nero d’Avolas Gulfi makes in Pachino.”
Wine Spectator “The ripe black cherry puree mixes with soft raisin, cocoa powder and loamy earth accents in this juicy, medium-bodied red. Light grip and a hint of black licorice drop shows on the finish. Nerello Mascalese.”
The next best price is $38.24
Antonio Galloni 93 points “In a vintage where so many wines already appear tired, Gaja’s 2008 Brunello di Montalcino Rennina jumps from the glass with vibrant aromas and flavors. Violets, black cherries, tobacco, licorice and menthol all appear later, adding further shades of complexity. The tannins are firm yet beautifully integrated. Pieve Santa Restituta fans know than Rennina can be deceptively medium in body, yet it has a great track record for aging. Today, the wine is simply gorgeous. This is one of the few 2008s I would buy to cellar. There is little doubt the Rennina is one of the standouts in 2008.”
The next best price is $114.99
The average price is $147
Gaja Pieve Santa Restituta Rennina, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2011 750ML ($149.95) $99 special, 19 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2011 Brunello di Montalcino Rennina is made from a blend of fruit from three different vineyard parcels. The sites total 25 hectares, with 15 located next to the church, or the Pieve, after which this estate is named. The sites have southwest exposures and different soil types. That flexibility explains the smooth and seamless bouquet offered by this wine. Compared to the single vineyard Sugarille expression, Rennina is more open and immediate. The wine presents fleshy and beautifully plump aromas of red cherry, dried blackberry and exotic spice with tobacco and chocolate at the back.”
Antonio Galloni – Vinous 93 points “The 2011 Brunello di Montalcino Rennina is strikingly beautiful. Rich, open-knit and alluring, the Rennina captures all the best qualities of the year. Sweet red cherry, plum, tobacco and spice notes are all supported by ripe, silky tannins that give the wine much of its sensual personality. The intensity of the year is very much in evidence, yet the Rennina also retains striking freshness. Historically, the Rennina has aged quite well, but it will be hard to resist, as it is already quite delicious.”
The next best price is $114.99
The average price is $150
Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2011 Bolgheri Camarcanda opens to plump berry notes with apparent ripeness in the form of sun-drenched blackberry and plum. The fruit element in this Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon-Cabernet Franc blend is dark and compelling, and the mouthfeel follows suit with soft tannins and dark concentration. The 2011 vintage is also characterized by a more evident tannic bite that should soften with time.”
James Suckling 94 points “Very attractive raspberry, currant and chocolate character with hints of nuts. Full body, silky tannins and a juicy finish. This needs time to soften. So gorgeous now, but better in 2016.”
Falstaff Magazine 95 points “Rich, deep dark ruby with a lot of purple. Exciting and dark nose with lots of ripe plums, cassis, blackberry leading into licorice and spice in the background. Wonderfully juicy fruit (blackberry and blackcurrant) on the compact palate that opens with a powerful, velvety core of tannins. Very long, reverberating finish.”
The next best price is $102.84
The average price is $146
Gaja Sori San Lorenzo Langhe-Barbaresco, Piedmont 2009 750ML ($449.95) $249 special, 15 bottles in stock nowWine Advocate 96 points “Gaja’s 2009 Sori San Lorenzo, on the other hand, is much more typical in its expression. Layers of juicy dark cherries, menthol, spices, tar, licorice and graphite flow across the palate as this powerful, masculine wine opens up in the glass. Balsamic infused aromas and flavors develop in the glass, adding considerable complexity and the signature of this great terroir, indisputably one of Piemonte’s very finest. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2039.”
Antonio Galloni – Vinous 95 points “Silky and gracious on the palate, the 2009 Sorì San Lorenzo looks to be a wine that will drink well with just a few years of cellaring. This is a decidedly floral, lifted yet radiant wine with terrific balance and plenty of the sexiness that defines the very best wines of the year.”
Stephen Tanzer – Vinous 95 points “Good full red. Pungent aromas of maraschino cherry, minerals, smoke and camphor; the most Barolo-like of Gaja’s 2009s from the Barbaresco zone. The thickest and most concentrated too, sweet and mouthfilling but very backward. The combination of sheer stuffing and medicinal reserve along with fine-grained, dusty tannins and outstanding persistence suggests that this plump but youthful wine will age slowly and well.”
Falstaff Magazine 97 points “[Translated] Deeply colored, sparkling ruby with a light garnet border. Precise and tight nose showing adundant ripe wild black raspberries, some plum, truffles and spice in the background. Earth and substantial tannin unfolds.”
Wine Enthusiast 96 points “There’s always something magical about Gaja’s Sorì San Lorenzo. It’s the intensity and fullness of the wine that penetrates to the back of the palate and offers many long minutes of persistency on the finish. The bouquet is redolent of black fruit, leather, spice, tar, licorice and dried herb.”
VinopolNote: Depending upon the vintage, this wine is classified either as a Langhe Rosso or as a Barbaresco. From 1996-2012, Gaja decided to blend in a small portion of Barbera into the wines, deliberately eschewing the Barbaresco DOCG. Beginning in 2013, however, the winery is returning to producing the wine from 100% Nebbiolo.
The next best price is $349
The average price is $410
Antonio Galloni 96 points “The 2008 Sori Tildin is impressive. I confess I wasn’t quite prepared for the assault of fruit and tannins here. Sori Tildin is so often a graceful, elegant wine, but that is not the case in 2008. That’s not to say elegance is missing, but this is a big, big wine with tons of intensity and richness, all woven together beautifully. It’s tough to find a comparison with a previous vintage, as this is a singular Tildin. The flavors are familiar if a touch on the dark side, but the structure is closer than that of Sori San Lorenzo. Flowers, tar, leather and licorice wrap around the palate. This is a fabulous showing and a great wine in the making. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2033.”
Falstaff Magazine 97 points “[Translated] Bright, intense ruby-garnet. A playful and multi-layered nose shows notes of ripe cherries, some orange peel, cardamom and fresh plums. Presents on the palate as a unified whole showing lots of tightly packed tannins and a rich depth. Builds in many layers. Has plenty of elegance and suppleness on the finish.”
VinopolNote: Depending upon the vintage, this wine is classified either as a Langhe Rosso or as a Barbaresco. From 1996-2012, Gaja decided to blend in a small portion of Barbera into the wines, deliberately eschewing the Barbaresco DOCG. Beginning in 2013, however, the winery is returning to producing the wine from 100% Nebbiolo.
The average price is $386
More New FindsBrunello 2013
Arriving in July
Altesino Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2013 750ML ($59.95) $46 pre-arrival specialJames Suckling 94 points “A wealth of ripe fruit with spice, orange peel and cherry. Full body, fine tannins and a bright and vivid finish. Drink in 2021.”
James Suckling 98 points “Fantastic aromas of blueberries, plums, bark and wet earth follow through to a full body, velvety and polished tannins and a wonderful finish. Refined and persistent on the finish. Drink in 2019 and onwards.”
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