In Today’s Newsletter:
Vinopolis January Sale
Ends This Thursday!
Staff Pick
Tenuta Nuova 2013
Chablis On My Mind
“Everything You Could Want In Wine”
New Releases Incoming from Markus Molitor
Old Vines + High Altitude = Stunning Rioja
A Satisfying Red from Sardinia
Scott Paul Wines
What do savvy wine buyers buy by the case?
G. B. Burlotto’s Langhe Reds
Jan Sale Recap
Vinopolis January Sale
Ends This Thursday!
A delicious new project from the folks behind Banshee cellars, this Pinot showcases the beauty the Meredith Mitchell Vineyard, which was planted in ’88 on shallow basalt and sedimentary soils (and is still mostly own-rooted!)
Averaen Meredith Mitchell Vineyard Pinot Noir, McMinnville 2016 750ML ($49.95) Was $36, Now $33 January Sale Special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds 92 points “(20% whole clusters and 50% new French oak) Lurid red. Blackberry and boysenberry aromas are complicated by suggestions of cola and candied violet, and a smoky mineral note lends nervy lift. Incisive dark berry and bitter cherry flavors slowly gain flesh and become sweeter in the midpalate. Impressively precise and energetic, delivering strong finishing thrust and dusty, building tannins that make a late appearance.”
Now it’s even lower!
The next best price is $46.99
The average price is $48
Dunham Cellars Lewis Estate Vineyard Syrah, Columbia Valley 2011 750ML ($79.95) Was $69, Now $59 January Sale Special, 13 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 94 points “Another terrific effort, and one of the strongest Syrahs in the vintage, the 2011 Syrah Lewis Vineyard is 100% Syrah that spent 30 months in 90% new French oak, which you’d never know by tasting it. Gorgeous blackberry, blueberry, wild herbs, licorice, chocolate and hints of crushed rock all emerge from this beauty, and it flows onto the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, bright acidity and a seamless, elegant profile. It’s enjoyable now, but will shine for another decade at least as well.”
Newton Vineyard Skyside Red Label Chardonnay, California 2017 750ML ($21.95) $21.95) $14 January Sale Special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Newton Vineyard Skyside Red Label Chardonnay, California 2017 750ML ($249.95) $149 January Sale Special (that’s only $12.42/bottle!)
The average price is $21
Larkmead Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2014 750ML ($149.95) Was $119, Now $98 January Sale Special, 23 bottles in stock now
Robert Parker 93 points “The 2014 “White Label” red wines include the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa, which is a beauty. An elegant, Pauillac-style wine with notes of chocolate, cedar wood, fruitcake, unsmoked cigar tobacco and underbrush, it is dense, full-bodied and rich. It is a blend of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Petit Verdot aged 19 months in 75% new French oak. There are 2,705 cases of this wine, which finished at 14.7% natural alcohol. It should drink well for 20-25 years, but there’s no reason to defer your gratification.”
Antonio Galloni 92 points “Larkmead’s 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon is a very pretty, understated wine. Bright red stone fruit, floral notes and spice give the 2014 its refreshing, vibrant personality. The fruit is nicely pushed forward, but the 2014 is light on its feet and gracious, especially for a Calistoga Cabernet. Even so, this is a relatively laid-back style built on finesse more than power.”
The average price is $127
Burghound 94-97 points “A dazzlingly complex, perfumed and pure nose reveals a bit of wood influence yet remains strikingly elegant with its superb scope of spicy red berry fruit aromas that are followed by ripe, seductive and beautifully intense flavors that display marvelous depth and perfect balance on the sappy and naturally sweet finish of monumental length. This is a wine of indisputable class and a model of grace and understatement that should age effortlessly for 20 to 30 years.”
Domaine Faiveley Corton Clos des Cortons Faiveley Monopole Grand Cru 2011 750ML ($179.95) Was $149, Now $119 January Sale Special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 95 points “Faiveley’s 2011 Corton Clos des Corton is a fitting conclusion to this great night of wine and food. Intensely saline and pointed, the 2011 impresses for its pure energy and tension. The flavors are vibrant and impeccably delineated in a Burgundy that is all about finesse. This is a great showing from the Clos des Corton.” AG
Stephen Tanzer 94 points “Medium red. Ineffable nose and palate offer red fruits, minerals, spices and flowers, complicated by game, earth and leather. Sweet, concentrated and very intense, boasting outstanding density and a fine-grained texture, with salty minerality giving the wine a weightless impression that’s remarkable considering its density. A strong tannic spine and brisk acidity energize and draw out the finish of this sharply delineated, pristine grand cru.”
The average price is $189
M. Chapoutier Ermitage Le Pavillon, Rhone 2013 750ML ($249.95) Was $219, Now $189 January Sale Special, 35 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 98+ points “The star of the show in 2013 is the 2013 Ermitage le Pavillon. Coming from the west and eastern edges of the Bessards lieu-dit and aged in 30% new French oak, its sensational black/blue color is followed by the awesome bouquet of cassis, smoked earth, graphite and caramelized meats that could come from no other terroir in the world. Full-bodied, massive, dense, sexy and with a liquid rock-like character that comes out with time in the glass, it has sweet tannin and a blockbuster finish that keeps you coming back to the glass. It needs 5-6 years of cellaring and will have 30-40 years of more of ultimate longevity.”
Josh Raynolds 96 points “Saturated ruby. Pungent, spice- and mineral-accented aromas of dark fruits, candied violet and licorice pick up a peppery topnote in the glass. Sappy, incisive and pure, offering vivacious, deeply concentrated black raspberry and boysenberry flavors and a spicy topnote. The endless finish shows superb clarity and power, harmonious tannins and a strong mineral quality.”
Wine Spectator 96 points “Racy and tightly coiled in feel, with a bright iron spine and tangy sanguine and pepper notes amid the core of cassis, bitter cherry and damson plum fruit. Shows terrific cut and precision. Minerality courses through the finish. Best from 2019 through 2030.”
The average price is $309
Giuseppe Rinaldi ‘Brunate-Le Coste’, Barolo DOCG 2009 750ML ($329.95) Was $299, Now $269 January Sale Special, 3 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 96 points “Dark cherries, plums, cloves, violets, incense, orange rind and tobacco meld together in the 2009 Barolo Brunate-Le Coste. A massive, powerful Barolo, the 2009 boasts stunning depth, power and richness, all in a relatively open style for this estate. I imagine the 2009 will drink well relatively early for top-flight Barolo, but it has fabulous class and intensity.”
Peter Lauer Fass 8 Ayler Kupp Riesling Kabinett, Mosel 2014 750ML ($37.95) Was $31.90, Now $28 January Sale Special, 36+ bottles in stock nowJohn 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+.”
The average price is $30
Joh. Jos. Prum Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett, Mosel 2016 1.5L ($79.95) Was $69, Now $59 January Sale Special, 12+ magnums in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2016 Graacher Himmelreich Kabinett (AP 21 17) is deep, cool and flinty on the nose, pretty mineral though still a bit reductive. Round, intense and juicy, this is a densely woven Kabinett with ripe nectarine and plummy flavors as well as a tightly woven and refreshing mineral structure. The finish is pretty persistent and extremely stimulating. Compared to the Badstube, the Himmelreich is more aromatic and expressive. Tasted in March 2017.”
Stuart Pigott – JamesSuckling.com 93 points “Very youthful, but brimming with white fruits and minerals. This is easy to enjoy right now. However, in the background of this sleek beauty, there’s a note of wet stones that grows through the long and cool finish. Drink or hold.”
The average price is $32See the complete list of 130+ wines on our January Sale at the bottom of this newsletter or click here to shop!
Staff Pick
I have a short list of favorites for winter whites, and had to add another to the list this week. I wanted to jump into something a little different from the old standbys of Muscadet, Gruner Veltliner, or Chablis. The Jean Masson La Dechiree sounded like it would fit the bill nicely; crisp, herbal, light. The Dechiree did not disappoint with the herbal notes of thyme and mint. It also had lovely tangerine citrus scents and a surprisingly long finish. It was crunchy with minerals yet broad enough across the palate to feel like there was more to follow. As it came up to temperature the aromas continued to gain in intensity and the creamy texture was very enjoyable. I wish I’d thought out a better dinner to pair this with, but in the end it didn’t matter; simply a perfect little white for a cold Portland night.It was definitely a step up from any Apremont than I have had in the past. Jean Masson is known as a star in the region, and having access to these wines certainly makes me want to get into the Coeur d’Apremont and the Centenaire to see how aromatic Jacquere can be.
Domaine Jean Masson & Fils Savoie Apremont La Dechiree 2017 750ML ($29.95) $21.90 special, 23 bottles in stock now
Importer note “Shows high acidity with a long finish. The interesting minerality intertwines with notes of tarragon, verbena and orange.”
Winery note “[Translated] A very atypical wine, the Dechiree comes from a hill at the highest point in Apremont. The vineyard is surrounded by brambles (mulberry and raspberry), and the vines offer a powerful wine with a cascade of complex and pronounced aromas. This wine has a nice minerality highlighted by a rich texture. It pairs well with fish in a cream sauce, roasted poultry and lobster.”
Tenuta Nuova 2013
#87 Wine of The Year
James Suckling Top 100 in 2018
Casanova di Neri Tenuta Nuova, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2013 750ML ($134.95) $99 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
James Suckling 98 points “A vivid and bright red with intense blueberries and raspberries. Floral undertones and tons of citrus, too! Full-bodied, dense and layered. Polished tannins and fantastic fruit. The muscularity of the structure is what gives this wine focus and intensity. So serious for the vintage. Give it time to show its greatness. Drink in 2022.”
Ian d’Agata – Vinous 95+ points “Bright deep red. The youthfully reticent nose hints at flinty red cherry, blueberry, graphite, cedar and pepper. Then flavors similar to the aromas, and a tight acid spine and serious but polished tannins nicely extending and framing the brooding fruit notes and peppery flintiness on the long, deep, complex finish. A truly outstanding Tenuta Nuova Brunello that seems less fruit-forward and more shut down than usual but holds exciting promise. Interestingly, some of this wine’s elements, such as its flinty nuances, reminded me of Casanova di Neri’s Cerretalto Brunello (made with grapes grown at the opposite end of the Montalcino territory). I guess my palate needs to take a vacation. This knockout wine will age splendidly and will likely merit an even higher score in eight to ten years’ time.”On the subject of Great Brunello, the 2012 Altesino Riserva is arriving Wednesday:
“2012 Brunello di Montalcino promises to be an exciting vintage with considerable extract and richness.” – Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
“The other good news for wine lovers this year is just how good the 2012 Brunello Riservas are. In fact, off the top of my head I cannot remember when I so thoroughly enjoyed tasting one Brunello Riserva after another…For the most part, the 2012 Riservas are very good examples of everything Brunello Riservas should be but rarely are: deeper, bigger and more complex wines than the classico bottlings, with a mellow aspect given their extra time and oxygenation in mostly large used oak barrels.” –Ian d’Agata, Vinous
Altesino Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG, Tuscany 2012 750ML ($149.95) $119 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 98 points “($150) This delivers intense balsamic notes of juniper, wild rosemary and sage, along with rose, cherry and berry aromas and flavors. Elegant and saturated with flavor, supported by a vibrant structure. Ends with energy and refined tannins. Best from 2022 through 2040. 750 cases made.”
Ian d’Agata 94+ points “Deep red. Captivating floral nuances complement red cherry, mineral and tobacco elements on the nose and on the very suave palate. Surprisingly light-bodied for a Brunello Riserva, but perfumed and very refined. This outstanding Brunello Riserva boasts a finish that lasts and lasts.”
Chablis On My Mind
La Chablisienne is the classic co-op in the heart of Chablis. Much like the Produttori del Barbaresco, they deliver classic renditions of their appellation at an affordable price point. Fermented in stainless and from a crisp, cool vintage (we can’t get enough 2014), these have all of the stony, green apple qualities we look for in wines from the AOC.—even better, the pricing is throwback. These are premier cru wines of high quality for the price of many decent growers’ regional bottlings. The combination is pretty spectacular!
The Cote de Lechet is arriving on Wednesday. This is from the coolest 1er cru site in Chablis, so the wine is full of dazzling minerality and bright, racy flavors. It’s a wine even cooler on our case price!
La Chablisienne Arriving Wednesday:
La Chablisienne Cote de Lechet, Chablis Premier Cru 2014 750ML ($31.95) $26 pre-arrival special
Case-6 La Chablisienne Cote de Lechet, Chablis Premier Cru 2014 750ML ($189.95) $144 pre-arrival special (that’s only $24/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Decanter 95 points “Flowers with a bit of lemon curd on the nose, giving way to a lively palate with white flowers, herbs and a fine-grained mineral seam running through to the racy, spicy finish.”
Wine Enthusiast 92 points “This wine comes from one of the coolest Premier Cru vineyards, giving it an initial austerity that then fills out as the wine breathes. It’s crisp and bright with white fruit and intense, lemony acidity. Age it for a few more months and drink from 2018.”
Burghound 91 points “Outstanding. A spicy and super-fresh array of citrus, pear and tidal pool serves as an elegant introduction to the impressively intense and precise middle weight flavors that exude a fine bead of minerality on the lingering and complex finale where a hint of austerity surfaces. Lovely.”
In Stock Now from La Chablisienne:
Our surprise hit from Chablis with a crunchy vein of minerality
La Chablisienne Vaulorent, Chablis Premier Cru 2014 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 La Chablisienne Vaulorent, Chablis Premier Cru 2014 750ML ($219.95) $179 special (that’s only $29.83/bottle!)
Decanter 95 points “An exuberant, complex nose packed full of exotic fruits, asparagus and elderflower with well integrated oak. The palate has a very strong fruity expression with an oily depth and harmony and very impressive length. All the pieces of the Chablis puzzle are in place here.”
Burghound 92 points “Outstanding. As is usually the case this is more elegant, particularly on the floral and white orchard fruit suffused nose that is nuanced by plenty of classic Chablis elements and in particular mineral reduction. There is also a bit more volume to the caressing, intense and voluminous flavors that drip with minerality on the refined but powerful finale where a discreet touch of wood arises. This offers ample development potential and should be lovely with time. Drink: 2021+”
Arriving in February:
“a classic Les Lys of finesse”-BH
La Chablisienne Les Lys, Chablis Premier Cru 2014 750ML ($39.95) $33 pre-arrival special
Case-6 La Chablisienne Les Lys, Chablis Premier Cru 2014 750ML ($219.95) $179 pre-arrival special (that’s only $29.83/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Burghound 92 points “Outstanding! A subtle touch of wood sets off airy and elegant aromas of cool wet stone, tidal pool, algae and green apple. There is an equally cool and restrained mouth feel to the delicate, intense and delineated middle weight flavors that deliver excellent length on the lacy and chiseled finale. This is a classic Les Lys of finesse.”
Wine Enthusiast 92 points “Grapes from this lesser known Premier Cru are often blended with those from Vaillons, yet La Chablisienne has bottled it as a separate wine. The coolness of the site translates beautifully into a crisp fruit expression that’s tight with acidity and minerality, ready to age. Drink from 2019.”
“Everything You Could Want In Wine”
Bosquets’ 2016’s
Are Legends in the Making
“Under the helm of the young Julien Brechet, with aid from omnipresent Philippe Cambie, Domaine des Bosquets has quickly risen into the top handful of estates in Gigondas, as well as in all of the Southern Rhône. The 2015s shine for their purity and finesse, but the 2016s have everything you could want in wine. You can’t go wrong with any of these.” – Jeb Dunnuck
Domaine des Bosquets has quickly vaulted into the stratosphere of top producers in the Southern Rhone. All it took was a generational change, as Julien Brechet’s uncompromising drive for quality has changed Bosquets from a solid but unspectacular producer to one deservedly commanding some of the top prices in the region.
On the subject of pricing, ours is fantastic—and when you combine our prices with the fact that the top Gigondas is undervalued relative to Chateauneuf, you get some of the best deals in the world of top Rhone wines. The “basic” Gigondas is an intense, rich wine that puts a lot of $50 bottles to shame and the high end wines…well, yes, they’re that much better. Our second round of these wines arrive Wednesday and we’re excited to offer them to you today.
Arriving Wednesday, January 30th:
Domaine des Bosquets Gigondas, Rhone 2016 750ML ($31.95) $26 pre-arrival special
Jeb Dunnuck 92 points “Leading off the wines from bottle, the 2016 Gigondas is a classic wine from this estate, offering a deeper ruby/purple color as well as tons of garrigue, peppery spice, and earth intermixed with ample red and black fruits. Polished, rounded and sexy, with sweet tannin, it has a modern style that won’t appeal to traditionalists yet is beautifully done. The blend is 60% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre, and the rest Cinsault.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92 points “Vivid ruby-red. Lively, expansive red berry, floral pastille and white pepper scents, along with suggestions of garrigue and smoky minerals. Sweet, focused and seamless in the mouth, offering juicy raspberry, spicecake and lavender flavors that deepen steadily on the back half. Clings with very good authority on the gently tannic finish and leaves succulent floral and herb notes behind.”
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 92 points “Hints of garrigue accent raspberries and Rainier cherries in the 2016 Gigondas. This blend of 60% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre and 5% Cinsault is full-bodied and supple, with no hard edges, just lovely fruit. Long, seamless and delicious for drinking over the next 6-7 years, it’s a terrific introduction to the fruit-forward style at this estate. Tasted twice with consistent notes.”
Jeb Dunnuck 91-93 points “Moving to the Gigondas releases, the classic 2016 Gigondas (60% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre and the balance Cinsault) comes from a mix of estate terroirs and will see 18 months in a mix of barrels, foudre, and demi-muids. It offers terrific notes of black raspberries, caramelized cherries, orange blossom and spice as well as a full-bodied, rich, multi-dimensional texture on the palate. You can chase the top cuvées, but don’t overlook this beauty.”
The average price is $30
Domaine des Bosquets Gigondas La Colline, Rhone 2016 750ML ($89.95) $69 pre-arrival special
Jeb Dunnuck 97+ points “The 2016 Gigondas La Colline (100% Grenache from a tiny corner of the La Colline vineyard) gives a big blast of blackberry and kirsch fruit to go with complex garrigue, toasted spice, and dried earth. This full-bodied beauty packs an incredible amount of richness and depth into a seamless, silky, elegant, thrilling package. It’s going to benefit from 1-2 years of bottle age and knock your socks off over the following decade or more.”
Jeb Dunnuck 96-100 points “Utterly sensational, and unquestionably one of the top 2-3 wines in the vintage, the 2016 Gigondas La Colline is 100% Grenache that’s from the La Colline lieu-dit which is close to the domain, at an elevation of 350 meters above sea-level. It was mostly destemmed (there are 20% stems), fermented in concrete tanks and aging all in 2-4-year-old demi-muids. Notes of Camphor, black raspberries, strawberries, crushed rocks, garrigue and ground pepper all flow to an incredibly layered, concentrated 2016 that has sweet tannin, and an opulent, decadent profile that never seems heavy or over the top. It’s a tour de force in winemaking and hats off to the young Julien Brechet for this incredible wine. There are only 250 cases for the world, so don’t miss a chance to latch onto a few bottles.”
Wine Spectator 96 points “This delivers a gorgeous display of fruit, with raspberry, boysenberry and blackberry notes in lockstep as they race through, infused with light anise, bergamot and rooibos tea accents along the way. The racy, chalky structure holds the finish, giving this sleek tension. Best from 2020 through 2036.”
In Stock Now from Domaine des Bosquets
Domaine des Bosquets Gigondas Le Lieu Dit, Rhone 2016 750ML ($79.95) $59 special
Jeb Dunnuck 97 points “From a cooler terroir of sandy soils just beside the domaine, the 2016 Gigondas Le Lieu Dit is another tour de force from this brilliant estate. It sports a medium ruby color as well as a rocking bouquet of kirsch, blackberry liqueur, rose petals, damp earth, incense, and spice. Ultra-fine, seamless, elegant, and pure, it’s nevertheless powerful and rich, with awesome intensity. Readers need to snatch up this blockbuster.”
Jeb Dunnuck 96-98 points “The 2016 Gigondas Le Lieu-Dit is also 100% Grenache and comes from a parcel just beside the winery. This is a cooler, sandy terroir and the style of this cuvée is dramatically different than the La Colline cuvée, showing a much more finesse-driven, elegant, ethereal style. Nevertheless, the 2016 is one of the larger, richer example of the cuvée and sports a deep, inky color as well as to die for notes of black raspberries, crème de cassis, crushed pepper, and ground herbs. With full-bodied richness, polished, sweet tannin, no hard edges and a fabulous length, it’s another best to date cuvée from this estate.”
Wine Spectator 95 points “Deliciously ripe, featuring a bright and lively display of red currant, raspberry and blackberry coulis flavors that race along, underscored by fine but persistent chalky tannins and backed by lilac, violet, rooibos tea and savory notes along the way. The long finish ripples with fresh acidity. Best from 2020 through 2036.”
Arriving in February from Domaine des Bosquets
Domaine des Bosquets Gigondas Le Plateau, Rhone 2016 750ML ($79.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 95 points “Bright and juicy, with lovely plum, anise, boysenberry and black cherry compote flavors. Racy acidity and a fine chalky spine give this an elegant profile overall, with a silky texture and refinement in the end. Best from 2019 through 2035.”
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 95 points “Virtually all Mourvèdre (there are a few Grenache and Syrah vines mixed in), the 2016 Gigondas Le Plateau was fermented as whole bunches and developed an exotic nose, ranging from hints of flowers and herbs to fraises des bois, cherries, plums and pineapple. It’s full-bodied and rich, with a supple mid-palate and firm tannins on the finish. Tasted twice, with consistent notes.”
Jeb Dunnuck 94-97 points “A new cuvée made from a parcel selection of old vine Mourvèdre (there are smaller amounts of Syrah, Cinsault, and Grenache) planted on a north-facing, limestone plateau, the 2016 Gigondas Le Plateau sports an inky purple color as well as more black and blue fruits, loads of pepper and garrigue like nuances, full-bodied richness, and a thick, opulent, unctuous texture. It’s a singular beauty that has building tannin and loads of potential, and I can’t wait to taste this from bottle.”
There may be no more ambitious winemaker in the world than Markus Molitor. His determination and drive to make the best possible wines has made him a towering figure in the Mosel, with an impressive, modern winery and holdings in almost every important vineyard in the region. This drive also means there are a lot of different bottlings—Molitor believes that every single sub-parcel and selective pick should be vinified to its utmost potential. This is a lot of extra work and requires time and space that most winemakers would rather not spend, but the result is a dizzying number of bottlings that all strive toward perfection.
We have three new cuvees arriving Wednesday: the succulent Urz Wurz Kabinett, exotic Zelt Sonn Spatlese, and the fun & pretty off-dry Badstube Spatlese. Sure to entice, these wines are excellent intros to the estate and all its majesty!
Arriving Wednesday
Markus Molitor Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Kabinett Gold Capsule, Mosel 2016 750ml ($27.95) $21.90 pre-arrival special
David Schildknecht – Vinous 92 points “A chive-like remnant of fermentative and sulfur notes largely clears with aeration to reveal site-typical scents of fresh strawberry and lime that anticipate the brightly juicy impression on a polished, subtly silken palate. Alkaline and stony accents add welcome counterpoint on a lusciously sustained finish.”
Stuart Pigott-JamesSuckling.com 92 points “Very peachy, ripe and juicy with a touch of caramel. A bright and lively finish that lifts the wine. Drink or hold.”
The next best price is $29.99
Markus Molitor Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Spatlese Gold Capsule, Mosel 2016 750ml ($37.95) $29 pre-arrival special
Stuart Pigott-JamesSuckling.com 96 points “Great exotic fruit and Mandarin oranges on the nose, but this is only the introduction to the breathtaking show that follows on the palate. The finish keeps pumping out the fruit and minerals way beyond the norm. Delicious now, but it has decades of aging potential.”
Wine Advocate 93+ points “The 2016 Riesling Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Spätlese (Golden Capsule) has deep, clear and flinty bouquet of perfectly ripe and healthy fruits. Lush, round and elegant on the palate, this is a very delicate and harmonious Spätlese from Molitor’s most important grand cru. Its finish is salty-piquant, very precise and tickling, showing stimulating grip and mineral tension. Keep it for another 5 to 10 years. Tasted March 2018.”
The next best price is $33
Markus Molitor Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Spatlese Green Capsule, Mosel 2016 750ml ($31.95) $26 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 93 points “Molitor’s 2016 Riesling Bernkasteler Badstube Spätlese (Green Capsule) is ripe, intense and still yeasty on the deep and complex nose (bottled in July 2017). The wine is piquant, pure and lush on the palate, with remarkable finesse and mineral tension providing this elegant, refreshing, straightforward Spätlese a pretty dry and food-friendly style. There is beautiful grip and mineral tension in the aftertaste.”
Stuart Pigott-JamesSuckling.com 93 points “Fine peachy fruit and delicate herbal notes. There is a great balance of fruit and freshness here. An earthy note at the long finish that makes this wine very distinctive. Drink or hold.”
The next best price is $32
We have carried Eperatriz’s Cepas Viejas Garnacha every vintage we can—it’s a profound and unique expression of Rioja. Made solely from old vine Garnacha from the higher altitude “Rioja Alta” sub-region of Rioja, it combines rich, captivating fruit with a brightness and delicacy that is unexpected for a wine this powerful. Our allocation is arriving Wednesday, so pre-order yours today!
Arriving Wednesday, January 30th
“The wine that won my heart”
Finca La Emperatriz Cepas Viejas Garnacha, Rioja DOCa 2014 750ML ($39.95) $33 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 95 points “An intensely herbal and floral nose displaying raspberries, cherries and hints of cloves. Mint, too. Medium body, ripe and juicy tannins and a very long, citrusy and savory finish. Made from vines over 65 years old. A wine that boasts superb finesse and style. Drink or hold.”
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 93 points “The wine that won my heart this time was without a doubt the 2014 Finca la Emperatriz Garnacha Cepas Viejas. This wine is sourced from the Rioja Alta subzone, not quite the classical Garnacha place, from the only old-vine Garnacha plot they have in the estate. It displays a captivating nose of sweet Garnacha fruit akin to cherries in liqueur, but keeping the freshness in a coolish vintage like 2014. The uncrushed grapes fermented in open-top stainless steel vats and 500-liter oak barrels with indigenous yeasts after five days of pre-fermentative maceration, and it matured in 500-liter oak barrels for ten months. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, delicious fresh flavors and very good length, ending with a tasty, almost salty note. 8,966 bottles and a bunch of magnums were produced and filled in November 2014.”
Explore the home of Grenache (Garnacha or Cannonau) with one of the finest riserva examples arriving Wednesday!
Ferruccio Deiana Sileno Cannonau di Sardegna Riserva, Sardinia 2014 750ML ($31.95) $27 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Ferruccio Deiana Sileno Cannonau di Sardegna Riserva, Sardinia 2014 750ML ($179.95) $146 pre-arrival special (that’s only $24.33/bottle!)
Decanter 97 points “A lovely juicy fresh nose of sour cherry and red plum, the palate has a really plush feel with layers of rich concentrated red and black fruit, with herbal savoury hints and lovely gentle tannin.”
Our hottest offer of Willamette Valley wines are those from Scott Paul– we’ve sold through around 2,000 bottles over the past two months but still have plenty of options in stock (for now!) Don’t wait too long, these are your last chance at many these bottlings!
Check out our entire inventory below or visit our web store to shop.
Arriving Early February
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. His Langhe Nebbiolo captures the grape’s affinity for the region, while the Barbera d’Alba brings out this variety’s inherent charm. The Freisa is a trip: think Nebbiolo’s wild & crazy cousin. These are easily some of the best value in Piedmont wines when you consider the quality and utterly appealing nature of the wines.
G. B. Burlotto Barbera d’Alba, Piedmont 2017 750ML ($24.95) $19 pre-arrival special
The average price is $24
G. B. Burlotto Langhe Nebbiolo, Piedmont 2017 750ML ($31.95) $27 pre-arrival special
The average price nationally is $29
G. B. Burlotto Langhe Freisa, Piedmont 2017 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 pre-arrival special
The average price nationally is $24
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