February Clearance Sale: Sweet Pricing on Fab Foreau & California Clearance; #Trending: Big, Bold Red Edition; January Clearance Highlight: Produttori del Barbaresco; Avignonesi Vin Santos; Domaine du Vissoux – Pierre-Marie Chermette: Over Delivering, Under the Radar; 2014 Domaine Philippe Charlopin-Parizot; Arriving Friday from Delas Freres & Domaine Durand
New Additions to Our February Clearance Sale:
Foreau
I Sing of Chenin Electric
Vouvray was granted AOC status in 1936; landmark estates as Foreau and Huet have endured since those early days, producing wonderful and empirically age-worthy wines not to be overlooked. Philippe Foreau is the third generation of his family to run the Domaine du Clos Naudin, which was founded by his grandfather in 1923 and is just up the narrow, winding street from Domaine Huet. It is a small domaine with 11.5 acres of Chenin Blanc in the northeast corner of Vouvray (and entirely in the Le Mont terroir). The vineyards, the main two being Les Perruches and Les Ruettes, hold vines that average over 45 years in age in argile-silex (clay and flint) soil. The estate’s traditionally-made wines offer astonishingly aromatics with a remarkable ability to age.
We are excited to offer a range of styles and older vintages on clearance for February:
Philippe Foreau Domaine du Clos Naudin Vouvray Sec, Loire 2015 750ML ($59.95) Was $44.50, Now $39, 30 bottles in stock now
Importer note “When Foreau issues a “Sec” (and the decision to do so relates entirely to the vintage conditions and the composition of the grapes at harvest), the wine can carry from 1 to 2 grams of residual sugar but never more than 6 grams. Because of the vibrant acidity that accompanies these wines, the sensation one experiences is of drinking a scintillatingly dry wine, although one with considerable body and a honeyed texture. We tend to have several vintages available at all times so that our clients can have the option of enjoying the Vouvray Sec in its youth but also with several years of bottle age.”
Now it’s even lower!
The average price is $48
Importer note “The Moelleux cuvées are made in vintages when at least a portion of the vineyards produce grapes that carry significant levels of natural sugar. Botrytis sometimes occurs but it is not necessary in order to declare a Moelleux. Conditions of “passerillage”, that is extended exposure of the grapes to sun and high luminosity, create the impetus to release wines as Moelleux. Wines so declared can carry formidable leves of residual sugar: 25 grams is perhaps the minimum but more often the Moelleux at the Foreau domaine has 35 or 50 or sometimes even 80 or 90 grams of sugar left in the wine. The goal is to create a wine that is in perfect balance, maintaining a proper level of acidity while keeping the ultimate alcohol level under control.”
The average price is $68
Wine Spectator 94 points “Jaw-dropping fruit—guava, quince, mango and persimmon—is extremely concentrated and lushly layered. That’s followed by ginger, cream, green almond and smoke notes on a superlong finish, which has a nice bit of earthy grip as well.” WS
The average price is $72
Wine Advocate 97 points “What there was in this vintage of botrytis, Foreau reports, essentially went into his 2009 Vouvray Moelleux Reserve. Brown-spiced pear liqueur and quince preserves dominate the proceedings – wreathed in perfume of freesia and lily – and there are buoyancy and elegance, despite viscosity, enormous richness of texture and residual sweetness, that indeed point to the magic nobility rot can convey. Its sense of lift – when combined with luscious, still juicy suggestions of grapefruit and blood orange familiar from the corresponding demi-sec – wards off any risk of palate fatigue. Mysterious botrytis manifestations of stale bread, truffle, and white raisin emerge from the empty glass. This extraordinary achievement will stand with such past great Foreau moelleux reserves as 2005, 2003, and 1989-90 and is likely to merit 30 or more years of consideration. In direct comparison, what strikes one about the 2005 today is its more obvious sense of botrytis and its slightly diminished sense of acidity and lift. But it maintains the edge in sheer complexity.” WA
Now it’s even lower!
The next best price is $84.99
The average price is $88
More Additions to the February Clearance Sale,Round Two:
Cali Clearance!
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve is a beautifully balanced wine. Firm yet well-integrated tannins frame a core of dark red berries, flowers, mint, spices and licorice. The Reserve shows lovely inner perfume and mid-palate juiciness. It should drink well with a minimum of cellaring. The main vineyards in the 2009 are Home (37%), Lampyridae (23%), Vogt (14%), Chabot (11%) and Rancho del Oso (9%). Each lot was aged separately for about two years before the final blend was assembled.”
Now it’s even lower!
The average price is $129
Antonio Galloni 95+ points “Bryant’s 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Bryant Family Vineyard is incredibly silky, polished and vibrant. Sweet red berries, mint, wild flowers and crushed rocks flow across the palate in an energetic, tense wine loaded with focus and cut. The 2011 is a bit understated relative to previous years, but its balance is terrific. High-toned floral and savory notes add an attractive upper register to the finish. I won’t be surprised if the 2011 flies under the radar for a while. Wines from this property have a way of developing beautifully in bottle.”
The average price is $569
Robert Parker 94 points “The deep ruby/purple-colored 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve Georges de Latour is BV’s flagship wine. It boasts sweet notes of charcoal, burning embers, vanillin, tar and copious quantities of blackcurrant fruit. In keeping with this generously endowed vintage, the wine is supple, full-bodied, multidimensional and opulent. It will drink beautifully young and last for 20-25 years.”
The average price is $114
Winery note “The Animo Vineyard in the Foss Valley subzone of the Atlas Peak AVA is situated in the southeastern quadrant of Napa Valley. The 15-acre vineyard rises from an elevation of 1,270 to 1,350 feet and features rolling hills and varied exposures. Atlas Peak’s stony, volcanic terroir supplies structured Cabernet Sauvignon from a temperate, high elevation zone of Napa Valley that soars above the fog that regularly blankets the southern reaches of the valley. The Animo Vineyard provides fruit for the Animo Cabernet Sauvignon. Our vineyard’s soils and altitude offer a complexity of layered dark fruit and bountiful aromatics. The aromatics of tart boysenberry, fine cassis, warm winter spice and cigar box perfume the glass. The layered body of the wine mirrors the aromatics and provides a pleasant freshness of acidity allowing for the richness of the cabernet to balance providing complexity and profound depth of character to the wine.”
Now it’s even lower!
The next best price is $80!!
James Suckling 95 points “Aromas of blackberries, walnuts and light chocolate. Full-bodied, tight and beautiful. Fine and polished tannins. Fabulous length and beauty. Impressive fruit but there’s tension and firmness. Better in 2021, but already enticing to taste.”
Wine Spectator “Dense and extracted, this serves up a complex range of flavors, from black cherry to wild berry to currant, all shaded with light oak and a touch of espresso. Shows a measure of finesse and refinement overall. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2026.”
Wine Advocate “The 2012 Proprietary Red Symmetry, a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, exhibits chocolaty, blackberry and black cherry fruit intermixed with earth and spice characteristics, medium body and a supple, round, seductive mouthfeel. Elegant and mid-weight, it is best drunk over the next 7-8 years.”
The average price is $51
#Trending
Big, Bold Red Edition
Wine Spectator 93 points “Lively and full of personality, with raspberry, smoked pepper and orange peel aromas that open to zesty, layered red plum and licorice flavors that move at a snappy pace toward the finish. Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre. Drink now through 2024.—T.F.”Charles Smith K Vintners ‘M.C.K. Motor City Kitty’ Syrah, Washington 2014 750ML ($39.95) Was $36, Now $29 special (ending January 31)
Wine Advocate 95 points “Named after a cat owned by Charles when he was living in Walla Walla, the 2014 M C K Syrah sports a deep purple color as well as ripe, decadent notes of black fruits, plums, graphite, crushed rock and licorice. Big, sexy, seamless and pure, with present, yet ripe tannin, drink it through 2024. It’s worth noting that this comes completely from the River Rock vineyard in this vintage. As usual, it’s a crazy value.”
Grapelive 93 points “The Charles Smith K Vintners “M*C*K Syrah is a rock and roll red that proves both powerful and wonderfully textural in feel with sharp detailing and extra length, and while tannic by nature there is a lot to love in this vintage with black raspberry, sweet currant and dark chocolate covered bacon bits! This lush Syrah perfectly illustrates the house style and the terroir. Its bold frame is balance by perfectly reasonable 14% natural alcohol and inner acidity and an electric boost of energy matching its sweet fruited palate. Washington State is home to magical Syrah, with Cayuse, Betz and Gramercy Cellars (one of my personal favorites) being two of the higher profile examples. Many more are filling the scene with great wines like Reynvaan, Horsepower, Dunham Delmas, Waters, Mark Ryan, Trust, Syncline, Gorman, Rotie, Sleight of Hand, Amavi and Efeste all offering amazing quality. Charles Smith’s K Vintners reminds me of either Guigal or Jaboulet with his amazing array of bottlings from entry level wines to top single vineyard Crus, with lots of seriously good stuff in the middle, like this well rounded Motor City Kitty Syrah. [It] was fermented using native yeasts, with a long 43 days on the skins and aged 22 months in French puncheons, 30% new, from a Walla Walla vineyard planted to a Tablas Creek clone. [It is] 100% Syrah and grown on old river bed with large cobbles and well-draining rocky soils. This 2014 maintained its natural acidity allowing a real fresh verve to stay in this alluring and richly flavored wine that shows ripe boysenberry, minty plum, blueberry compote, sweet black cherry and dense creme de cassis as well as subtle vanilla wood notes, hints of acacia flowers, graphite, bitter coco, anise and that candied bacon bits mentioned above. The evolution in the glass is graceful and more refined than I had imagined. There is plenty of life here and I think in many ways it will be even more rewarding in 3 to 5 years in bottle. It’s not exactly what I expected, but thrilling none the less with very impressive detail and a very worthy performance.”
Wine Enthusiast 93 points –Editors’ Choice–“This aromatically brooding wine brings aromas of brown stems, scorched earth, smoked meat, iron, violets, orange peel and blue and black fruit. The flavors coat the palate from end to end with silky soft, unabashedly appealing fruit and savory notes. It hits the delicious gong hard, with an enduring finish.”
#19 Wine Of The Year – Wine Spectator Top 100 2017
Marques de Caceres Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2012 750ML ($29.95) $18.50 special
Case-12 Marques de Caceres Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2012 750ML ($299.95) $199 special (that’s only $16.58/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 93 points “Black cherry, currant and floral notes are expressive and alluring, balanced by loamy earth, tobacco and mineral elements that add a savory quality. Firm, well-integrated tannins give support to the polished texture, while orange peel acidity fuels the fresh finish. Drink now through 2027.”
Domaine Lafage Bastide Miraflors, IGP Cotes Catalanes 2015 750ML ($17.95) $16 special
Jeb Dunnuck – Wine Advocate 94 points “This wine is almost too good to be true. A blend of 70% Syrah and 30% Grenache that was brought up in concrete tanks (Grenache) and demi-muids (Syrah), the 2015 Bastide Miraflors Vieilles Vignes reminded me of a mini Syrah from California’s Manfred Krankl (yes I just compared a $14 Syrah to Sine Qua Non). It’s a ripe, sexy, heady beauty that exhibits a deep, purple color as well as killer notes of smoked meats, chocolate, blackberry and black raspberries. Deep, unctuous, open knit and layered, it continues to change in the glass, has a seamless and silky profile, and not a hard edge to be found. It’s a sensational value that needs to be tasted to be believed. Drink it anytime over the coming 2-4 years.”
Michelini Bros Superuco Calcareo ‘Rio de los Chacayes’ Malbec, Tunuyan, Argentina 2013 750ML ($49.95) Was $33, Now $29
Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2013 Calcáreo Río de los Chacayes is sourced from the Chacayes zone of Tunuyán on top of Vista Flores towards the mountains. It has a riper, spicier, floral, and aromatic profile with notes of thyme and rosemary. It is the most extroverted of the three, and also feels quite polished. The palate, however, is more serious, with the austerity of the rocks, a very fine thread of subtle acidity and a long, long, long finish with sweeter tannins. It’s a rolling stone covered in chalk and surrounded by thyme. Awesome! 3,000 bottles were produced.”
The average price is $40Wherefore art thou, elegance?Bigly trending, boldly elegant (and utterly delicious):
Bow & Arrow Rhinestones Red, Willamette Valley 2016 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special
Case-12 Bow & Arrow Rhinestones Red, Willamette Valley 2016 750ML ($299.95) $239 special (that’s only $19.92/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Grapelive 95 points “The brilliant and edgy Rhinestones (a Loire Valley inspired Pinot Noir and Gamay blend from Bow & Arrow Wines) is one of the best Oregon wines that is under the radar. In fact it is one of the best new world wines for the money period! Scott Frank is killing it with his latest releases at Portland’s Bow & Arrow Wines, especially [with] this Touraine style Rhinestones cuvee that comes from the all-organic/biodynamic vines and the marine sedimentary soils at Johan Vineyards in the Van Duzer Corridor of the Willamette Valley. This wine has so much going on and [is] beautifully detailed. In Burgundy you have the earthy/feral Gamay and Pinot Noir blend, called Passetoutgrain, [that,] while interesting, it never seems to be taken too seriously. Here, though, Frank reaches for the Loire for inspiration and the natural winemaking hot-bed there to craft his Rhinestones, a wine that I’ve always loved. This 2016 looks to be the best yet. It’s outrageously seductive and pretty with a stemmy/racy vitality and gorgeous purity, heightened by an exotic perfume and extraordinary length. Whole cluster and native ferment, the Rhinestones is an intriguing play between ripe fruitiness and savvy savoriness with a tangy, but juicy/generous Gamay palate and graceful Pinot Noir structure. It is nicely brisk and great slightly chilled, [and] it fills out in the mouth with a medium body and a heavenly texture featuring black cherry, plum, mulberry and currant fruits along with sweet liquid roses, hints of lilac and walnut as well as dried basil, peppery spices, mineral, chalk, anise and cinnamon. The stems add grip and tension to this absolutely fantastic wine. Judged on its own merits this stuff rocks and is truly profound. Bow & Arrow’s Gamay stand alone is pretty damn good, but this wine is on another level, it made me say the F-word followed by YEAH! The 2016 Rhinestones is 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Gamay. It’s a runaway success of sensual sensations and vibrancy. Bow & Arrow has just blown away all the doors, removes all prejudice about blending Pinot Noir and shows Gamay to be a great partner of remarkable character. Do not miss this wine. This is one of America’s new wine geek(y) treasures, unique and with its own personality that will appeal in particular to those with a wilder mind. This latest Rhinestones is sensational.”
Produttori del Barbaresco
January Clearance Wines
Sale ending January 31st
Every great band starts in a garage, but what about wineries? Produttori del Barbaresco, for one, produced its first three vintages in the basement of a church. Unlike most rock n’ roll stories, however, this began with a priest and a dream.
It all began in 1958, and the project linked the efforts of nineteen small winegrowers with the intention of making quality wines while ensuring each of the growers could stay maintain control of their land while earning a living wage. This undertaking has grown to include 52 members who occupy over 100 hectares, producing single-vineyard cuvees from nine premier vineyards: Asili, Montefico, Montestefano, Muncagota, Ovello, Paje, Pora, Rabaja, and Rio Sordo.
The aim of Produttori is to communicate the individual terroir of a given place from vintage to vintage; prolonged aging, strict attention to grape quality over quantity, and traditional winemaking has lent the domaine a reputation for both consistency and quality. We’re proud to offer a wide range of their wines, including four on clearance through the end of January.
Produttori del Barbaresco January Clearance Wines
Produttori del Barbaresco Montefico, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2011 750ML ($69.95) Was $59, Now $49, 28 bottles in stock now
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.” AG
Produttori 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.”
Antonio 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 next best price is $49.98
Avignonesi Vin Santos
Sippin’ the Sweet Life
Vin Santo is a special dessert wine made in Central Italy from Trebbiano and Malvasia grapes. Rarer still is the Occhio di Pernice, or eye of the partridge, a rose style made from Sangiovese grapes. Grapes selected for Vin Santos are picked as whole clusters and traditionally left to dry on straw mats in the warm rafters of buildings. Very little has changed in production despite the pulsing waves of modernity running through Italian winemaking. Today we’re focusing on the very special bottlings from Avignonesi. The estate produces some of the most magical among the Vin Santos, and their Occhio di Pernice is transcendent.
In Stock Now
Avignonesi Vin Santo di Montepulciano, Tuscany 2001 375ML ($219.95) $179 special, 24+ half-bottles in stock now
Monica Larner – Wine Advocate 98 points “The 2001 Vin Santo di Montepulciano (375 milliliters) is a divine and superbly delicious sweet blend of Trebbiano, Malvasia and Grechetto. The results are super concentrated and simmered down to a virtual reduction sauce of deliciousness. There are so many aromas to name, but some of the most evident highlights include candied orange peel, almond marzipan, caramel, toasted coffee bean, vanilla stick, mocha, dark honey and fragrant yellow rose. The mouthfeel is creamy, rich and deeply layered. I’m suggesting a slightly shorter drinking window here compared to the Occhio di Pernice. But, the truth is: I have no idea. I’m pretty sure these wines will outlive anyone of legal drinking age.”
Monica Larner – Wine Advocate 100 points “This wine merits every one of these 100 points. The 2001 Vin Santo di Montepulciano Occhio di Pernice (375 milliliters) is a singular work of art and a profound expression of Tuscany. I know Avignonesi owner Virginie Saverys would like to draw attention to the other wines in her portfolio, and she has every right to do so. But I just want to cry. When you have a wine as profound and perfect as this, everything else fades fast into the background. Virginie likes to say that Occhio di Pernice (made with red grapes) is the “male” and the Vin Santo di Montepulciano (made from white grapes) is the “female.” This is a great observation. The bouquet here is smoky and savory, but brilliant and sophisticated at the same time. You get an infinite array of caramel, maple syrup, espresso bean, licorice and candied fruit aromas. There’s so much dried fig as well. The concentration and thickness is out of this world. This wine is built like a tank and I’m not sure it will ever exit its drinking prime.”
Wine Advocate 97 points “When it comes to Vin Santo, nobody beats Avignonesi. The 2000 Vin Santo di Montepulciano is a wine of unlimited pleasure, decadence and opulence. This syrupy dessert wine pours into the glass in slow motion. It shows a level of richness and thickness that puts it closer to molasses or melted brown sugar in terms of consistency. The color is a deep shade of amber brown. The bouquet offers exciting tones of honey, candied fruit and marrons glacé. You also get knock out tones of Teriyaki sauce, white truffle and Indian spice that bring the wine’s inherent complexity into the stratosphere. The mouthfeel is rich, tangy and crisp. This is a work of vinous beauty.”
Wine Spectator 94 points “Aromas and flavors of fresh medicinal herbs, coffee, caramel and molasses highlight this intense, concentrated, yet ulitmately elegant dessert white. The acidity must be off the charts to balance this level of sweetness. The finish goes on and on. Drink now through 2030.”BS
The next best price is $199
Domaine du Vissoux – Pierre-Marie Chermette
Over Delivering, Under the Radar
Poor little Beaujolais; so often overlooked for big wines that have too much power for their own good. The resulting points bonanza across the globe has influenced a number of producers of traditional Beaujolais to push their Gamay further and further in order to try and grab the attention of the critics. This is why we send out a heartfelt thank you to the beautiful wines coming from Domaine du Vissoux. Pierre-Marie Chermette has been making the wine since the 1982, showcasing old vines and pure Beaujolais flavor.
The Domaine du Vissoux wines are a great value; the quality is uncompromised and the wine is joyful and vibrant. The fruit is deeper and pure, reminiscent of the ripest of early summer berries, but it doesn’t go beyond perfectly ripe. The wines are quite simply a near perfect reflection of what Beaujolais should be and the value it provides.
Cru Beaujolais In-Stock Now from Domaine du Vissoux:
Domaine du Vissoux Brouilly Pierreux, Beaujolais 2015 750ML ($29.95) $24 special, 22 bottles available
Case-12 Domaine du Vissoux Brouilly Pierreux, Beaujolais 2015 750ML ($299.95) $259 special, 1 case available (that’s only $21.58/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
John Gilman 93+ points “As I have mentioned in the past, the Brouilly “Pierreux” bottling from Pierre-Marie Chermette hails from the southern part of Brouilly appellation, just to the east of the village of Odenas, and often this wine has more in common with bottlings of Côte de Brouilly as a result. The 2015 Pierreux is fairly low octane for the vintage, coming in at 13.5 percent, but offering plenty of depth and structure, which are the hallmarks of this year. The complex bouquet is a bit more black fruity out of the blocks than the 2014 was at a similar age, offering up scents of black cherries, pomegranate, a striking base of soil tones, woodsmoke, fresh rosemary, chicory and a nice touch of meatiness. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, tangy and laser-like in its focus, with a rock solid core, some firm, well-integrated tannins and superb soil drive on the very long and youthful finish. This is going to be a stunning bottle of Brouilly, but, like many of the very best 2015s, it is going to want some time in the cellar. 2019-2045+. 93+.”
Case-12 Pierre-Marie Chermette Domaine du Vissoux Brouilly Pierreux, Beaujolais 2016 750ML ($339.95) $279 special, 4 cases in stock now (that’s only $23.25/bottle!)
VinopolNote: Brouilly is normally considered to be the lighter cousin of the Cote de Brouilly. In the hands of Chermette, though, this is a wine that has depth and power, with the finesse that the 2016 vintage brings with it. This is still a pretty wine and among the most drinkable in the Vissoux lineup, but will reward a little time in your cellar if you can keep your hands off it.
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 93 points “Deep ruby. Intense black raspberry, cherry and floral pastille aromas are complemented by suggestions of licorice and smoky minerals. Juicy and penetrating, offering sappy red and blue fruit flavors that effortlessly marry power to finesse. The mineral and floral notes linger impressively on the finish, which is given shape by fine-grained, sneaky tannins.”
Case-12 Pierre-Marie Chermette Domaine du Vissoux Fleurie les Garants, Beaujolais 2016 750ML ($339.95) $279 special, 4 cases in stock now (that’s only $23.25/bottle and the lowest listed price on the West Coast!)
VinopolNote: Although the recent press for the Mouin-a-Vent has pushed it to the forefront of the Vissoux collection, the two Fleuries from Pierre-Marie Chemette have traditionally been the estate’s calling card. The Garants vineyard is on what the Domaine describes as “noble granite soil” and is the more structured, age-worthy of the two Fleuries (the soil has a definite Morgon influence on the wines). This is rich and structured, with some of the classic perfume of Fleurie, but also an iron-rich depth in its core.Pierre-Marie Chermette Domaine du Vissoux Fleurie Poncie, Beaujolais 2016 750ML ($29.95) $26 special, 25 bottles in stock now
Case-12 Pierre-Marie Chermette Domaine du Vissoux Fleurie Poncie, Beaujolais 2016 750ML ($339.95) $279 special, 3 cases in stock now (that’s only $23.25/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
VinopolNote: Poncie is one of the more high-altitude plots in Fleurie and as a result, this wine displays all of the elegance that you’d expect from the vineyard. Bright and fresh, this is a great wine to drink now while you wait for your 15’s to mature.
Case-12 Pierre-Marie Chermette Domaine du Vissoux Moulin-a-Vent Les Trois Roches, Beaujolais 2016 750ML ($339.95) $279 special, 3 cases in stock now (that’s only $23.25/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
VinopolNote: The 96 point score for the 2015 version of this really put it on the map for a lot of wine drinkers and the 2016 is a worthy follow up. Fresher and more energetic than the 2015, it’s classic MaV, though, with dark, powerful notes and a distinct mineral core. This is a real stunner, again.
2014 Domaine Philippe Charlopin-Parizot
“The 2014 vintage in Burgundy appears to be one of those rare breeds in the region—a year in which both the reds and whites are potentially excellent.” – Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator
“2014 is the school of terroir. There is no strong vintage character.” – Mounir Saouma, co-owner of Lucien Le Moine
Philippe Charlopin started his winemaking mark in Gevrey Chambertin as one of the new emerging breed of dynamic wine growers. He has developed a big following in the US with his more modern style of making wines that are ready to enjoy sooner than later. That’s not to say his farming techniques are anything but traditional, practicing organic and looking to go certified. Charlopin and his son Yann have expanded their holdings in Burgundy to 25 hectares, ranging from Chassagne-Montrachet to Chablis.
2014 Wines In-Stock Now from Domaine Philippe Charlopin-Parizot
Domaine Philippe Charlopin-Parizot Marsannay Les Echezots 2014 750ML ($49.95) $33 special, 13 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 92 points “A rich, concentrated red, with earth and animal aromas leading off, followed by black cherry, black currant and spice flavors. Verges on a thick texture, featuring well-integrated tannins and a long, fruity aftertaste. Best from 2019 through 2029.”
Wine Spectator 93 points “There’s fine intensity to the cherry, currant and spice flavors here, along with a chewy structure and texture. All the elements hang together, with a dense matrix underlying the fruit, spice and mineral notes that grace the long finish. Best from 2022 through 2035.”
Wine Spectator 91 points “A feral note in the aroma gives way to rich black cherry, vanilla and sandalwood flavors in this lush, firmly structured red. Harmonious and long, but needs time. Decant if you must drink this now. Best from 2019 through 2028.”
Wine Spectator 94 points “Bright and focused, exhibiting spicy black cherry, raspberry, earth, smoke, vanilla and toast aromas and flavors. Bracing acidity offsets the lush texture, driving this to a long, expansive finish. Best from 2019 through 2030.”Domaine Philippe Charlopin-Parizot Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru 2013 750ML ($249.95) $219 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 94 points “There’s a lot of oak here, lending char, vanilla and whisky elements to the core of black cherry and black currant flavors. Fresh and firm, though the finish absorbs the oak better than the initial attack. Vibrant and long, this just needs time to integrate. Best from 2020 through 2036.”
Delas FreresArriving Friday
The team at Delas Freres has a history that is entrenched right in the heart of the Northern Rhone. As a company, however, Delas has been willing to look honestly at its own strengths and weaknesses, and this has made it possible to move past tradition for tradition’s sake and simply focus on making the best wine possible. Large old steel tanks were replaced by smaller concrete vats, enabling fermenting and ageing to occur in a parcel by parcel process. Facilities were improved and relocated to improve their proximity to vineyards and to offer a more complete visitor experience.
The wines have definitely shown a focus on the depth and power that can be brought out of these ancient vineyards, but there is also finesse to these wines that comes about with age. The much heralded 2015 vintage promises wines of extreme clarity and focus, with absolute purity to the fruit. If there is a vintage to explore the differences of the Northern Rhone appellations, this is it – a touchstone vintage. If you’re a fan of Syrah, these will be wines you should not pass by. Limited quantities of these gems, so don’t plan to hesitate too long.
Arriving Friday from Delas Freres:
Delas Freres Hermitage Domaine des Tourettes-Marquise de la Tourette Blanc, Rhone 2016 750ML ($99.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 93 points “The blend of Delas’ white Hermitage is 90% Marsanne and 10% Roussanne, barrel fermented and aged in approximately one-third new oak. The 2016 Hermitage Domaine des Tourettes Blanc features subtle notes of pencil shavings, ripe, tropical fruit and tremendous presence on the palate. That feeling (it’s not exactly weight per se) extends through the long, slightly honeyed and cedary finish. While attractive now, I wouldn’t be surprised to see this wine still going strong in 2026 and beyond.”
Wine Advocate 95 points “A much smaller production cuvée, the 2015 Condrieu Clos Boucher (aged 80% in barrel and 20% in stainless steel) is a sensational Condrieu that offers textbook, yet pedal to the metal notes of white peach, tangerine, citrus blossom and hints of minerality. Impeccably balanced, fresh and lively, it should be given six months in bottle and enjoyed over the following 4-5 years.”
Wine Advocate 93 points “Inky and concentrated, the 2015 Saint-Joseph Francois de Tournon is no easy-drinking Saint-Joseph. It’s smoky, herbal and ashy all at once, yet it’s buoyed by ample black cherry fruit and vibrant acidity. This medium to full-bodied Syrah has plenty of tannins, but they’re ultimately silky and most apparent on the long, licorice-tinged finish. This is approachable now but should be even better in 3 years and should drink well for at least another 10 after that.”Delas Freres Saint-Joseph Sainte-Epine, Rhone 2015 750ML ($79.95) $66 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 94-96 points “In the same mold as the Francois de Tournon, the 2015 Saint Joseph Sainte Epine will see 18 months in barrel, 40% being new. This loaded, inky-colored, gorgeously concentrated and pure effort has off-the-chart notes of cassis, crushed rocks, pepper and graphite; it also has full-bodied richness, building, ultra-fine tannin and a blockbuster finish. It’s one of the gems in the vintage, but there are only 500 cases made, so don’t miss a chance to grab a few bottles.”
Also Arriving Friday from the Northern Rhone:
Domaine Eric & Joel Durand
Really Hard Work Really Does Pay Off
Wine Spectator 90 points “This has an unctuous feel, with melon, peach and star fruit notes pumping along, carried by light verbena and chamomile details. A flash of bitter citrus adds energy on the finish. Drink now through 2017. 500 cases made.”
The average price is $26
Wine Spectator 93 points “A hint of warm ganache melds quickly into the background, while fig, blackberry and black currant confiture notes emerge steadily, picking up smoldering tobacco, pastis and tar details through the finish. This is stacked. Best from 2020 through 2030. 1,000 cases made.”
The average price nationally is $28
Wine Spectator 93 points “Offers a ripe, dark profile, with a core of steeped blackberry and plum fruit that picks up bay, white pepper and iron accents through the finish. Shows solid depth and fruit for the vintage, displaying excellent energy. Best from 2018 through 2029. 1,500 cases made.”
The average price is $33
Thank you for reading!