In Today’s Newsletter:
Wine Spectator Highly Recommended:
Baumard Quarts de Chaume
New Week – New Arrivals
New Arrival / New Reviews Special Feature:
Kelley Fox Wines
Best Buy Barolos Arriving This Week
Domaine Gourt de Mautens
Newly Reviewed Dry 2016 Markus Molitor Wines
Long Shadows Vintners Collection
Subscribers-Only 36 Hour 10% Off Sale:
In-Stock California Magnums
Jump Start Offer
The Sweetest Gift for the Holidays
Comes Highly Recommended by Wine Spectator!
A Fascinating & Powerful Dessert Wine
Domaine des Baumard Quarts de Chaume, Loire 2015 375ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 98 points “Highly Recommended. Waves of creamed Jonagold apple, Cavaillon melon, mirabelle plum, mango and white peach flavors provide thrilling range, while flashes of honeysuckle and verbena add detail and focus throughout. Unctuous yet pure, sweet yet invigorating, with an inner brightness that matches the outward hedonism. Best from 2020 through 2045. 100 cases imported.”
New Week – New Arrivals
Oregon
Brick House Vineyards Chardonnay, Ribbon Ridge 2015 750ML ($29.95) $26 special
Winery note “Our Chardonnays are a homage to the ways of the Old World…specifically the great white wines of Burgundy. Fresh fruit is fully pressed and run into a variety of French oak barrels where it is allowed a native fermentation under the careful eye of the winemaker. Because we strive to reveal the essence of this exceedingly malleable grape, the juice sees few manipulations…a majority of the barrels are seasoned from use year after year…the percentage of new wood is kept decidedly low. The resulting wine completes malolactic fermentation and remains on its gross lees for a full year, after which it is moved to tank for another six months when it is bottled by hand in the farm winery.”
Winery note ““Cascadia” — that mythical land that lies in the watershed of the Pacific Northwest’s Cascade mountain range — denotes our barrel-selected, reserve wine.”Brick House Vineyards Gamay Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2017 750ML ($31.95) $28 special
Winery note “For centuries Gamay Noir au Jus Blanc has been the singular grape of the Beaujolais region of France. But the marine sediments of Ribbon Ridge share much in common with the rolling hills of Beaujolais, including low soil pH and an abundance of mica/silica. Bright, floral and often laced with hind of anise or licorice, Brick House Gamay has found many friends since first released in 1995.”
Lingua Franca AVNI Chardonnay, Willamette Valley 2016 750ML ($39.95) $31.90 special
Wine Spectator 93 points “Refined and gracefully complex, with precise and vibrant Meyer lemon, river stone and apricot flavors that glide on a long finish. Drink now through 2020.”
The average price is $36
Wine Spectator 93 points “Deep and brooding, yet retains a sense of focus and polish, offering dark cherry, black tea and spice box flavors that take on momentum toward refined tannins. Drink now through 2024.”
The average price is $51
Trending wine now back in stock!
Evening Land Seven Springs Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2015 750ML ($39.59) $33 special
Wine Spectator 93 points “Subtly powerful and rich, with expressive black cherry and spicy cinnamon aromas and layered plum and licorice flavors that build toward refined tannins. Drink now through 2024. 3,372 cases made.”
Charles Smith K Vintners The Cattle King Syrah, Snipes Mountain 2015 750ML ($119.95) $89 special
Jeb Dunnuck 100 points “Another off the charts effort is the 2015 Syrah Cattle King Upland Vineyard, which is also saturated purple/black in color. Possessing a more backward, yet insanely pure bouquet of crème de cassis, black fruits, smoked earth, graphite, and violets, it’s beautifully concentrated, has no hard edges, thrilling purity, and a gorgeous, layered, awesome, multi-dimensional style. It needs short-term cellaring but is a monumental wine from Washington.”
Charles Smith K Vintners The Hidden Syrah, Wahluke Slope 2015 750ML ($119.95) $89 special
Jeb Dunnuck 100 points “One of the inkier, blacker colored wines in the lineup, the 2015 Syrah The Hidden is a profound Syrah and as good as it gets. Blackcurrants, smoked meats, graphite, and tapenade notes all emerge from this seriously badass, deep, rich, balanced beauty. Concentrated, thick, and huge, yet with no weight on the palate, building tannin, and incredible elegance, it needs to be tasted to be believed. It’s unquestionably one of the greatest Syrah from this team.”
Wine Advocate 96+ points “Inky and wild, the 2015 Syrah The Hidden Northridge Vineyard offers up a savory bouquet of grilled meat, licorice, blackberries, cherries and cracked black pepper. On the palate, it’s full-bodied, ample and rich, with an authoritatively chewy chassis of fine-grained tannins and bright, succulent acids. There’s a lot of fruit and power here but plenty of savory nuance to match it. This is even more massive than the Syrah Cattle King, but it’s more nuanced too. Given the structure, it will need some time in the cellar, so forget it for 4 or 5 years and follow it for the next 15.”The Deal, indeed.
Charles Smith K Vintners The Deal Sundance Vineyard Syrah, Columbia Valley 2015 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
Jeb Dunnuck 95 points “All from the Sundance Vineyard on the Wahluke Slope, the 2015 Syrah The Deal (100% Syrah, not destemmed and aged in 30% new puncheons) offers smoking notes of red and black fruits, black olive, smoked earth and a huge meatiness. Full-bodied, silky and seamless, with a rock, mineral, backward style.”
Charles Smith K Vintners ‘Ovide’ Jack’s Vineyard Cabernet – Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2015 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Jeb Dunnuck 95 points “The 2015 Cabernet / Syrah Ovide Jack’s Vineyard is named after Charles’ father and comes from a site next to River Rock, both in the Rocks region of the Walla Walla Valley. A blend of 70/30 Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, its deep ruby color is followed by a terrific bouquet of blackcurrants, tapenade, dried earth and dried herbs. It’s rich, full-bodied, and concentrated, with beautiful depth.”
The next best price is $55
Substance ‘Cs’ Vineyard Collection Jack’s Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley 2015 750ML ($59.95) $44 special
Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Jack’s Vineyard offers up rich aromas of red and blackcurrants, espresso roast, burning embers and brown sugar. On the palate, it’s full-bodied, rich and lavish, with an ample core of fruit, melting tannins, loads of savory complexity and a sapid, saline finish. It’s a characterful Cabernet Sauvignon to follow for the coming decade.”
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “Kirsch, caramelized red and black currants, spice, and cedar pencil notes all emerge from the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Jack’s Vineyard. An elegant, pretty, pure expression of the Rocks Terroir, as well as Cabernet Sauvignon, it’s going to keep for a decade at least.”
Substance ‘Cs’ Vineyard Collection Powerline Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley 2015 750ML ($59.95) $44 special
Wine Advocate 95 points “Wafting from the glass with notes of rich red and black fruits, cigar tobacco, petroleum jelly and spice, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Powerline Vineyard is the richest, most lavish and velvety bottling in the Wines of Substance portfolio, cutting a broad swath across the palate. Full-bodied, ample and generous, it boasts plenty of savory complexity and concludes with a dry, saline finish. Dramatic and characterful, it’s immensely appealing. Sadly, at 239 cases, it’s the smallest of all these cuvées too.”
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “Coming from mostly 169 and 2 clones of Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Powerline Vineyard offers a deep ruby color as well as complex notes of ripe black cherries, currants, leafy herbs, and tapenade. It’s rich, full-bodied, silky, and seamless, with fine, polished tannin and a great finish. Drink this complex, elegant, singular Cabernet over the coming decade or more.”
Robert Parker 94 points “A famous wine from the early days of The Wine Advocate, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander’s Crown Single Vineyard comes from a lower elevation of 250 to 360 feet. The wine displays broad, sweet crème de cassis, black cherry and blueberry fruit, some licorice, graphite, a full-bodied mouthfeel, and outstanding length and purity. This is a beauty, and makes me think back to the great 1974, which was the first one I remember tasting.”
The average price is $70
Wine Advocate 92+ points “The single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon from the highest elevation (400-1000 feet) is the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Brothers Ridge. It displays blacker fruit, loads of plums, blueberry and blackberry, a deep, full-bodied, mouthfeel, rich, concentrated, moderately high tannin, a nice minerality and plenty of black fruits. These are all well-built and potentially very long-lived wines of 25-30 or more years. This wine needs a good 4-5 years of cellaring.”
The average price is $72
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “The standout in the lineup was the 2007 Brut Blanc De Blancs Le Mesnil-Sur-Oger which is 100% Chardonnay all from grand cru vineyards. It offers a ripe, sexy, full-bodied style as well as classic notes of baked apples, brioche, buttered citrus, and hazelnut. With roughly 70-80% of the blend going through full malolactic fermentation, this powerful, concentrated beauty is drinking terrific today, yet will certainly keep for another 10-15 years.”
Antonio Galloni 92 points “Delamotte’s 2007 Blanc de Blancs is an excellent choice for drinking now and over a handful of years because of its immediacy and welcoming, open-knit personality. Yellow orchard fruit, brioche, vanilla and spices flesh out, along with pretty tropical-inflected notes that appear later. The rich, creamy finish only adds to the wine’s considerable allure today. The Delamotte vintage Champagne is a blend of fruit from four villages: Le Mesnil, Oger, Avize and Cramant, as is rendered with full malolactic fermentation, which gives the wine its soft contours and overall resonance.”Delamotte Blanc de Blancs Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Delamotte Blanc de Blancs Brut, Champagne NV 375ML ($34.95) $28 special
Jeb Dunnuck 92 points “The NV Brut Blanc De Blancs Le Mesnil-Sur-Oger is also terrific. Made from 100% Chardonnay, it has a more chiseled, tight, backward style in its sautéed apple and ripe citrus aromas and flavors. It too has terrific minerality, as well as medium body, a fine, elegant mousse, and a great finish.”
The average price is $62
Delamotte Brut, Champagne NV 375ML ($27.985) $21.90 special
Wine Spectator 91 points “[Reviewed Nov 2017] This mineral-driven version offers a smoky overtone to the flavors of poached pear and Meyer lemon zest, with hints of toasted brioche and almond. Subtle, offering a finely detailed bead and a spiced finish. Drink now through 2022.”
The average price for the 750ML is $47
Wine Enthusiast 92 points “This 30-acre estate offers an excellent wine that demonstrates the balance between the ripeness of Merlot and the more restrained nature of the Cabernets. Add in the barrel aging, and the wine has both structure and elegance. Drink from 2022.”
The average price nationally is $23
Jeb Dunnuck 96 points “The 2015 Cornas Renaissance is sensational, and in the same league as the 2010, although it’s made in much more forward, sexy and seamless style. While from the younger vines of the estate, we’re still talking about 40- to 50-year-old vines, primarily in the Les Sabarotte and Geynale lieux-dits, made in the exact same way as the grand vin. Offering full-bodied richness, moderate acidity, and incredibly polished tannin, it’s as drinkable as it gets, yet has plenty of muscle and fat. Huge notes of black cherries, blueberries, scorched earth, pepper, and game literally soar from the glass of this opaque purple/ruby colored gem that can be enjoyed anytime over the coming 20 years or more.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94 points “Bright purple. Heady, mineral-accented aromas of boysenberry, cherry cola, violet and olive paste; a smoky nuance expands in the glass. Palate-staining black and blue fruit flavors pick up notes of star anise and candied flowers as the wine stretches out. Powerful but surprisingly energetic, finishing with excellent clarity and sneaky tannins that emerge slowly.”
Case-12 Isole e Olena Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany 2015 750ML ($319.95) $259 special (that’s only $21.58/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
James Suckling 93 points “Aromas of blueberries, blackberries and burnt orange follow through to a full body with round yet firm tannins. A lovely, pure finish. Shows focus and finesse. Drink now or hold.”
Wine Advocate 92 points “The 2015 Chianti Classico is a bright and convincing wine from Barberino Val d’Elsa, one of the main comuni in the greater Chianti Classico appellation. This is a smooth and silky Sangiovese that glides clean over the palate with strength and intensity. Bright cherry, blueberry and herbal accents with wild sage and rosemary characterize the finish. Like many other wines from the 2015 vintage, there is an evident touch of cherry sweetness on the close.”
Grapelive 92 points “A deep and rich Chianti Classico by Isole e Olena that delivers a smooth and ripe palate showing layers of black and red fruits, a sense of vintage warmth, fine tannins and an almost chocolate/lush textural mouth feel. This wine impresses for its impact and substance. Paolo De Marchi’s all estate grown Chianti Classico is flashy style giving the vintage a luxurious expression and a modern clean elegance. This Chianti is usually a blend of about 80% Sangiovese, 15% Canaiolo, 5% Syrah. It shows a pure Tuscan focus in character in its profile, even though it is really dark in color and exotic in the glass with a crimson/garnet color. The Sangiovese drives the wine with blackberries, cherry, plum and anise as well as hints of sweet tobacco, minty herb, cedar and vanilla. It feels and flows seamlessly and has excellent length adding spice, dried flowers and mocha notes. This Isole e Olena drinks bigger and broader than expected, it even comes across like a more expensive wine, maybe a Super Tuscan. It certainly doesn’t shy away from its opulence, but it does offer a surprising degree of balance, and, while subtle, the acidity gives a sense of energy that helps provide a platform for the complexity to shine through and keeps the full body from being overt or flabby. This wine with its power deserves a robust meal to complement its distinct presence. It should provide wonderful drinking pleasure for many years to come, drink from 2018 to 2025.”
James Suckling 96 points “Shows lots of black cherries, cranberry tea, caramelized orange peel, roasted herbs and citrus peel. Full-bodied with ripe and quite round tannins that frame layers of cherries. Bright and fresh, yet rich and long at the same time. The sangiovese character really springs out of the glass. Drink in 2020.”“this lovely, focused wine is the best classico Brunello from Il Poggione in years”
Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2013 750ML ($89.95) $69 special
Case-6 Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2013 750ML ($419.95) $369 special (that’s only $61.50/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 96 points “The 2013 Brunello di Montalcino lives up to the impeccable reputation garnered by this estate over the years. This is a profound and beautifully rendered Sangiovese that delivers bold and luscious fruit quality with black cherry and spicy plum at the start. The bouquet follows through with mild oak notes of smoke, tar and toasted nut. There is another aromatic component that includes crushed stone and dried herb or mint. This Brunello shows elegant evolution in the glass and promises a very long aging future ahead. Some 200,000 bottles were made, so it should be easy to locate this excellent wine.”
Ian d’Agata – Vinous 95 points “Bright red. Pure, refined red cherry and wild strawberry aromas and flavors complicated by sweet spices and aromatic herbs. Deep and multilayered, the wine boasts polished tannins and a harmonious acid spine that lifts and extends the red fruit on the long, suave finish. An essence of Sant’Angelo in Colle with bigger body and palate weight than, for example, the Brunellos of Montosoli, but still sleek and refined as the best wines of Sant’Angelo in Colle can be. The cool-climate-styled 2013 vintage is precisely the type of year in which Il Poggione excels: this lovely, focused wine is the best classico Brunello from Il Poggione in years. Superb.”
Wine Spectator 96 points “Exuding cherry, strawberry and floral flavors tinged with iron, earth ans spice notes, this ripe red is elegant in profile, tightly wound and deftly balanced, ending with a kick of fruit, spice and mineral elements. Best from 2020 through 2037.”“Best classico Brunello from La Gerla in some time”
La Gerla Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2013 750ML ($59.95) $45 special
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2013 Brunello di Montalcino is elegant, balanced and bright. The pretty luminosity of the wine’s appearance helps to underline this positive impression. The bouquet is nuanced and layered with dried fruit aromas that segue to spice, tar and balsam herb. You get sassy aromas of licorice, tar and cola on the close.”
Ian d’Agata – Vinous 93+ points “Bright red. Pure and very flinty nuances complement aromas and flavors of strawberry-rhubarb and wild berries on the nose and palate. Dense and juicy and boasting a focused, penetrating mouthfeel, this finishes long and clean with a very strong note of licorice. Best classico Brunello from La Gerla in some time.”
The average price is $53
La Gerla Riserva gli Angeli, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2012 750ML ($99.95) $69 special
Ian d’Agata – Vinous 95 points “Bright medium ruby. Very clean and fresh aromas and flavors of red currant, cherry pit, flowers and blood orange jelly. Bright, juicy and very light on its feet, offering superb vinosity and clarity of flavor, this conveys an impression of real underlying density and a multilayered mouthfeel. A knockout wine of outstanding energy and class, finishing with polished tannins, uncanny sweetness and lovely subtle persistence, not to mention outstanding balance (it hides its 14.5% alcohol very well).”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95 points “Here is a dense and meaty Tusan red that flaunts its immediate power, structure and intensity. The 2012 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva gli Angeli is robust and deep thanks to a generous offering of dark fruit, spice and tar-like aromas. Fruit is carefully selected for this wine, and the grapes are fermented in stainless steel. Post fermentation, the wine goes into large Slavonian oak casks for four years. The finish is soft and supple with sweet berry flavors. This wine has made an impressive jump forward in this vintage.”
The next best price is $94.94!
Mosel Fine Wines 92+ points “This offers a gorgeous nose of pear, earthy spices and some citrusy grapefruit elements in the background. The wine proves gorgeously well balanced on the palate, where a delicately smooth side is nicely wrapped into zesty acidity. The finish is all about pear-infused fruit purity and finesse and one is left with a great mouth-watering playfulness in the after-taste. This could ultimately exceed our expectations if the fresher side takes the upper hand at maturity. 2026-2041”“all about elegance”
Weingut Willi Schaefer Graacher Domprobst Riesling Spatlese #10, Mosel 2016 750ML ($44.95) $39 special
David Schildknecht – Vinous 92 points “Golden Delicious apple and honeydew melon draped in hyacinth make for an imposingly ripe nose and a luscious, perfumed, seductively silken-textured palate. A cooling hint of wintergreen and a gentle nip of apple skin add appeal to a soothingly and refreshingly lingering finish.”
Mosel Fine Wines 92 points “This offers a gorgeous nose of pear, candied lemon, spices and herbs. The wine proves gorgeously elegant and pure on the palate. Unlike in other vintages, the fruity side of the Domprobst is already present and adds to the wine’s early charm. The finish is all about silk, finesse and delicacy. This gorgeously light Spätlese is all about elegance. 2026-2041”
Weingut Willi Schaefer Graacher Domprobst Riesling Auslese #11, Mosel 2016 750ML ($89.95) $79 special
David Schildknecht-Vinous 93 points “Honeydew and muskmelons are joined by Golden Delicious apple and mango on a headily ripe nose and an impressively rich, luscious, creamy, glycerol-slicked palate. Yet delicacy and buoyancy, common denominators of the present collection, are alluringly evident. The soothing, superbly sustained finish introduces a hint of caramel that points to the presence of botrytis.”
Mosel Fine Wines 93 points “This Auslese harvested at just above 100° Oechsle delivers a gorgeous nose of vineyard peach, mango, almond and fine spices. The wine proves delicately lively on the palate and delivers great purity and multi-layered complexity in the ripe and creamy finish. 2026-2041.”
New Arrival / New Reviews Special Feature:Kelley Fox Wines
Kelley Fox Wines, Pinot Blanc, Freedom Hill Vineyard, 2017 750ML ($27.95) $26 special
Grapelive 94 points “This impressive white, 100% Pinot Blanc, from Kelley Fox reveals elegant white Burgundy character and finesse. It comes from one of Oregon’s most prized vineyards, Freedom Hill, a site revered for Pinot Noir with many famous wines being made from this site’s grapes. In recent vintages the Pinot Blanc from here has really shined, especially this one! Planted back in 1982, Freedom Hill is one of the top vineyards in the Willamette Valley. [It’s] set into the coastal range, which is cooler, but with great exposures making for wonderfully complex Pinot Noir(s) like those of Mark Vlossak of St. Innocent and Ken Wright, but it also has some of America’s best Pinot Blanc vines too and Kelley Fox just released her exciting version. In the past few years, I think Pinot Blanc has taken over as Oregon’s best single varietal white wine, with the wines of the mentioned Ken Wright and John Paul’s at Cameron Winery convincing me of such. I was thrilled to get a few bottles of Fox’s 2017 to taste, and I was not disappointed. This is a glorious example, full of personality, energy and depth of flavors. Kelley Fox’s Pinot Blanc from Freedom Hill Vineyard in Dallas (bordering the Eola-Hills A.V.A.) was planted, owned and is farmed by the legendary growers, the Dusschee family. The soil here is Bellpine, a marine sedimentary silt, clay and loam that is very well-drained which helps with concentration and depth. This is (a) true, as mentioned, 100% Pinot Blanc, with absolutely no Auxerrois in this bottling. It was produced much the same way as one would produce a fine white Burgundy-style Chardonnay, as it was whole cluster-pressed after picking, then It was settled in tank for a couple of days before racking to neutral (no new) Burgundy oak barrels (of 228L size). The Fox Pinot Blanc fermented completely in these barrels un-inoculated, meaning it was allowed to finish with full malos and to full dryness for a medium/full bodied wine with textural pleasure and rich detail, while still preserving enough natural acidity to be vibrant and mineral driven with a crisp focus. Beautifully detailed and textural throughout the palate unfolds with layers of apple, peach and lemon fruits along with hints of fig, vanilla, a hint of dried herbs, white citrus blossoms, honeycomb and wet stones, making for an opulent wine that excels with air in the glass. It’s light golden/yellow hue adding a visual highlight and all the while staying focused. Classy stuff this. I have been tasting through the latest set of Kelley Fox’s offerings and these are truly great wines. This Pinot Blanc is one of her best, but don’t miss out on her thrilling whole cluster Ahurani Pinot Noir 2016 either. Both gorgeously expressive and outstanding values: absolutely world class.”
The average price is $31
Kelley Fox Wines ‘Ahurani’ Pinot Noir, McMinnville 2016 750ML ($27.95) $24 special
Grapelive 94 points “One of Oregon’s talented new generation of winemakers Kelley Fox has released her latest Ahurani Pinot Noir from the biodynamic vines at Momtazi Vineyard in the McMinnville AVA. It’s a beauty. In 2016 (as in 2015) Fox used 100% whole cluster, and it’s produced from blocks on the top of the tallest hill of the vineyard. This block selection cuvee is remarkably fresh and vivid in a vintage that some found warm and even over-ripe in places… At 13% it’s as refined and bright as you’d want [and] wonderfully balanced. Fox, after long stints at Eyrie and Scott Paul wines, started her own winery with the 2007 vintage and has gained a stellar reputation ever since. [She] is one of the region’s rising stars with absolutely star quality wines with this offering of Ahurani being an exceptional value in her lineup… The ripe and warm year really allows the use of whole bunch and stems here and it shows that the total harmony found here in this gorgeously detailed Pinot. Fox’s wonderful touch and judgement are also on full display too, as there is the perfect amount of tension and stemmy thrill to go with the graceful and silky fruit. This is a wine that grabs your attention and seduces you with purity of flavor, texture, subtle perfume and dreamy length. The palate is surprisingly complex and mouth filling considering the restrained natural alcohol. This Ahurani retains an energy and acidity profile that is fresh and vibrant that provides an excellent stage to show the vivid layers of black cherry, pomegranate, wild plum and strawberry fruits, liquid mineral, a touch of earth, sweet/minty Thai basil/herbs, peppery cinnamon and a heady mix of floral elements and woodsy chanterelles. Air and time in the glass allows this youthful Pinot Noir to gain an even more intriguing and engaging charm. Its color seems to become even more translucent and glowing with a bright ruby and garnet core. [There’s] a touch of rose petal, a cut of orange tea, and a nice play of spice and sexy blue fruits on the aftertaste. This 2016 is easy to love even now, but I can really imagine things developing further over the next 2 or 3 years in bottle. I am absolutely blown away with this latest set of Kelley Fox wines. This not a label to miss, especially her Pinot Blanc and this Ahurani Pinot Noir!”
The next best price is $29.99
Winery note “The Momtazi 2015 is a selection of eighteen barrels from three of my blocks at Momtazi Vineyard: eight barrels of my beloved Block C 115 at the top of the vineyard facing both the volcanoes of the east and the Pacific Ocean on the west; eight barrels of Block K 667 facing the east on a vertiginous slope overlooking one of the two small lakes, over which fly the falcons who eat the trout; and two barrels of Block B 667 also at the top. It is 100% whole cluster, and it is a Demeter-certified biodynamic wine. The colour is a deep medium, youthful, almost blue red. It has mystery while being utterly transparent: these opposites are all about temperance in the alchemical sense. The nose is, well-gorgeous-and is full of minerals, blue fruit, and exotic spices with slight floral notes. There is a sweetness (metaphorically) like how the sunshine warms up the forest. There is a bracing freshness with the electric energy of ocean air. The mouth is structured, powerful, exhilarating, and precise.”
The average price is $52
Aldo Conterno
Best Buy is to Buy Today Before They Sell Out
Ultimate Best Arrival that we’ve seen this year!
Arriving Friday, October 5th
Aldo Conterno is a top modern Barolo producer and his split from his family’s winery is a defining moment in the history of the region. Ever since 1969, Aldo Conterno has been one of the names to know and collect. This is a powerful, full-throttle expression of Barolo, with deep luscious fruit and all the power you could hope for from the famed Bussia Cru. 2008 was an outstanding Barolo vintage, described by some as “Burgundian.” We’re excited to stock up on the vintage to offer the best prices to you. Wines will be here Friday!
Aldo Conterno 2008 Barolos Arriving Friday, October 5th
A killer AOC Barolo, good now or cellar for another 15 years!
Aldo Conterno Barolo DOCG, Piedmont 2008 750ML ($119.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Aldo Conterno Barolo DOCG, Piedmont 2008 750ML ($1199.95) $819 pre-arrival special (that’s only $68.25/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 94 points “Beautiful raspberry, cherry and black currant flavors are backed by firm, dusty tannins in this harmonious, fresh red. Floral and tobacco notes add dimension as this cruises to a long, lingering finish. Best from 2016 through 2033. 600 cases imported.”
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2008 Barolo is a beautiful wine. Super expressive, knock-out aromatics lead to expressive layers of fruit. The 2008 shows gorgeous richness and depth within the context of the year. Tar, smoke, licorice and crushed rocks wrap around the finish. This is a striking, elegant Barolo from Aldo Conterno.”
The next best price is $96
Irresistible!
Aldo Conterno Bussia Cicala, Barolo DOCG 2008 750ML ($179.95) $119 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 95 points “The 2008 Barolo Cicala is beautifully focused and vibrant from start to finish. It boasts fabulous energy and sheer tension in its ripe red berries, spices, crushed flowers and mint. All the elements come together beautifully in the pure, delineated Barolo. Huge, powerful tannins provide the backdrop for layers of cool, mineral-infused fruit. There is a pulsating energy to the Cicala that is absolutely irresistible. This is another fabulous showing.”
Wine Spectator 95 points “There’s fine depth to this red, like a grand cru red Burgundy, with a silky texture framing black cherry, black currant and tar flavors. Solidly built, this features a deceptively charming exterior that conceals firm tannins. The finish evokes violet and black cherry notes. Best from 2016 through 2035. 250 cases imported.”
The next best price is $156
Gorgeous and expressive
Aldo Conterno Colonnello, Barolo DOCG 2008 750ML ($149.95) $119 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 96 points “Round and supple, with a fleshy profile enveloping pure cherry, raspberry and spice flavors. Ripe and harmonious, with no shortage of structure. A mineral element emerges on the tight finish. Best from 2016 through 2035. 200 cases imported.”
Antonio Galloni 95 points “The 2008 Barolo Colonnello is super impressive. It shows gorgeous richness and depth in its focused, energetic fruit. Sweet red berries, flowers and spices are woven together beautifully in the 2008 Colonnello. The elegant side of Barolo comes through, but with an extra degree of muscle. The oak, sometimes noticeable in this bottling, is very well integrated. Floral notes are woven throughout the finish. The Colonnello often gives the impression of being early to mature relative to the estate’s other Baroli, but the 2008 is surprisingly powerful and structured.”
The next best price is $134.99
The average price is $143
A Barolo for the ages
Aldo Conterno Romirasco Bussia, Barolo DOCG 2008 750ML ($249.95) $169 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 96 points “Round and supple, with a fleshy profile enveloping pure cherry, raspberry and spice flavors. Ripe and harmonious, with no shortage of structure. A mineral element emerges on the tight finish. Best from 2016 through 2035. 200 cases imported.”
Antonio Galloni 96 points “The 2008 Barolo Romirasco is striking. It possesses a cool, mineral-drenched personality similar to the Cicala, but with an extra dimension of textural finesse. Sweet red berries, flowers, mint and crushed rocks are woven together in this exquisite, gorgeous Barolo. Powerful and authoritative, the Romirasco impresses for its depth and unmistakable pedigree. Today the 2008 is an infant, but great things are in store for those who can wait.”
Stephen Tanzer-Vinous 94+ points “Bright red-ruby. Cassis, blackberry, violet and sweet oak on the nose. Sweet, juicy and imploded, with terrific verve to the urgent flavors of dark berries and bitter chocolate. Elegant, penetrating and strong, with the cut and verve to support a long and graceful evolution in bottle. Finishes with oustanding lift. “For us, the best time to drink wines is between 10 and 15 years after the vintage, whether Barolo, Burgundy or even Champagne,” noted Giacomo Conterno. “At that stage they have all the elements: fruit, acidity, tertiary character, all the characteristics of the soil. After 20 years, nearly all wines are dominated by their tertiary character.””
The next best price is $189
The average price is $217
Domaine Gourt de Mautens
In 1996, Rasteau was an under the radar appellation. Jerome Bressy’s Domaine Gourt de Mautens changed all that, bringing this little known Cotes du Rhone Village to world-wide fame by producing a pioneering and moving wine from his family’s ancient, organically grown vineyard (that he later converted to biodynamic).
The vineyard of Gourt de Mautens, which name translates to the place where water flows when it storms, is planted over layers of chalky and rocky clays and marls. These poor soils and the vine age, ranging from 30 to 100 years old, help keep yields very low. One of the most remarkable attributes of the vineyard is its collection of rare, ancient varieties among the usual suspects from which he bottles a red, a white and a rosé: Grenache, Carignan, Mourvèdre, Syrah, Counoise, Cinsault, Vaccarèse, Terret Noir, Grenache Blanc, Grenache Gris, Bourboulenc, Clairette, Picardan, Roussanne, Marsanne, Viognier, Picpoul Blanc, Picpoul Gris. Vines are replaced using massale selection to preserve the genetic diversity and varietal composition of the vineyard.
This rare collection of ancient vines meant that when the Rasteau AOC was defined, Bressy chose to leave the appellation rather than uproot his family’s heritage, literally and figuratively. The resulting wine is some of the most honest and profound reflection of the Rasteau terroir, if it must be bottled under the lowly IGP.
Arriving in February 2019
Domaine Gourt de Mautens, IGP Vaucluse 2015 750ML ($99.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Domaine Gourt de Mautens, IGP Vaucluse 2015 1.5L ($219.95) $175 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Domaine Gourt de Mautens, IGP Vaucluse 2015 750ML ($599.95) $428 pre-arrival special (that’s only $71.33/bottle!)
Jeb Dunnuck 97 points “The Chambolle-Musigny of the Rhône, the 2015 IGP Vaucluse from Jerome Bressy is a totally sensational blend of 50% Grenache and the balance a mix of Mourvèdre, Carignan, Counoise, Vaccarèse, Cinsault, Syrah, and Terret Noir (we’re getting close to all the varieties). Aged in a mix of concrete tanks, foudre, demi-muids, and barrels, bottled unfined and unfiltered, this naked beauty has just about everything you could want from a bottle of wine. Notes of rose petals, kirsch, blackberries, garrigue, and spice all emerge from this pure, elegant and gorgeous red that offers full-bodied richness, no hard edges and a killer finish. It got more than a few Wows in my notes and is an ethereally textured southern Rhône that needs to be tasted to be believed. Anticipated maturity: 2017 – 2030.”
Newly Reviewed Dry 2016 Markus Molitor Wines
Bottled Ambition
Arriving in October
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 the essence of the brilliance of Markus Molitor. Most winemakers would pick once or twice (or three times) in a vineyard and vinify many lots together—it’s easier and the wines are good. Molitor, though, asks what each parcel and pick would be like on its own—treated as if it were a wine of distinction rather than a blending component. 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.
The critical praise backs this up— Markus Molitor’s wines are some of the most lauded in the world. Whether white capsule (dry), green capsule (off-dry), or gold capsule (fruity to nobly sweet), he manages to produce wines that captivate and astound.
Stuart Pigott of JamesSuckling.com released an extensive report on 2016 Mosel wines, with a plethora of praise for Molitor’s wines. The focus here today is on the bone-dry new releases, which are arriving in October.
Newly Reviewed Dry 2016 Markus Molitor Wines:
Markus Molitor Alte Reben Riesling Trocken White Capsule, Mosel 2016 750ML ($31.95) $26 pre-arrival special
Stuart Pigott – JamesSuckling.com 92 points “If you find dry Mosel wines too light, you need to try this. Ripe and mouth-filling with quite a bit of power. In spite of this generosity, the wine plows straight ahead. A bold finish. Drink or hold.”
Markus Molitor Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Kabinett Trocken White Capsule, Mosel 2016 750ML ($29.95) $24 pre-arrival special
Stuart Pigott – JamesSuckling.com 92 points “A classic example of this special site with red volcanic soils. Aromas of freshly sliced peaches and wild strawberries pour out of the glass. Juicy, deep and delicate. The finish is full of herbs and spices. Drink or hold.”
Markus Molitor Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett ‘Fuder 6’ Trocken White Capsule, Mosel 2016 750ML ($37.95) $29 pre-arrival special
Stuart Pigott – JamesSuckling.com 94 points “A stunning nectarine nose. Very elegant and delicate in spite of the touch of tannins that provides a firm base. A long, super clean and silky finish that pulls you back for more. Drink or hold.”
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Markus Molitor Ockfener Bockstein Riesling Spatlese Trocken White Capsule, Mosel 2016 750ML ($34.95) $27 pre-arrival special
Stuart Pigott – JamesSuckling.com 93 points “Full of blossoms and citrusy freshness. This Saar wine is so juicy and refreshing that you might think it is too charming, but it has a firm and mineral core that builds up at the long finish. Drink or hold.”
Markus Molitor Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Spatlese Trocken White Capsule, Mosel 2016 750ML ($37.95) $29 pre-arrival special
Stuart Pigott – JamesSuckling.com 94 points “A big ripe wine with intense smoky and spicy notes. Although it only has 11% of alcoholic content, this is almost too much of a good thing. The power surging right through the dramatic finish. Drink or hold.”
Markus Molitor Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Spatlese Trocken White Capsule, Mosel 2016 750ML ($37.95) $29 pre-arrival special
Stuart Pigott – JamesSuckling.com 95 points “Great finesse and filigree! Subtle aromas of exotic fruits and flowers, as well as a near-perfect balance of depth and delicacy that runs like a golden thread through the wine. Drink or hold.”
Markus Molitor Kinheimer Hubertuslay Riesling Auslese** Trocken White Capsule, Mosel 2016 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Stuart Pigott – JamesSuckling.com 94 points “Slightly funky from the wild ferment. However, with aeration, this blows off quite quickly with a big wave of citrus and herbs following through. Bold and rather powerful but also very fresh. This is a very expressive dry Mosel riesling. Better from 2019, but there is no rush.”
Markus Molitor Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese ** Trocken White Capsule, Mosel 2016 750ML ($69.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Stuart Pigott – JamesSuckling.com 95 points “Still a bit funky from the wild ferment. The power and delicacy are almost exactly matched here, and they are beautifully complemented by notes of nectarines and Mandarin oranges. The finish is long and very graceful. Better from 2019 and decades of aging potential ahead of it.”
Markus Molitor Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese *** Trocken White Capsule, Mosel 2016 750ML ($99.95) $89 pre-arrival special
Stuart Pigott – JamesSuckling.com 96 points “Want to tell somebody how much you respect or love them? This could be the perfect wine to gift if they like dry whites. Clearly the deepest and most complex of Markus Molitor’s 2016 dry rieslings. This is also one of the top wines of that category. Although this has more pronounced acidity than many other vintages of the same wine, the balance is stunning. Made from 120-year-old vines. Drink or hold.”
Markus Molitor Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Auslese *** Trocken White Capsule, Mosel 2016 750ML ($99.95) $89 pre-arrival special
Stuart Pigott – JamesSuckling.com 94 points “Pie crust, licorice and spicy notes, making this stand out in the range of wines at Markus Molitor. A powerful yet very elegant wine. The finish is very long with a great apple-lemon freshness, as well as some tannic power. Drink or hold.”
Long Shadows Vintners Collection
World Class Wines by World Class Vintners
From the exceptional 2015 vintage
Arriving Late October
One of the greatest collections ever from this famed project!
Case-6 Long Shadows Vintners Collection, Columbia Valley 2015 750ML ($399.95) $319 pre-arrival special
Contains one 750ML bottle each of Long Shadows’ six acclaimed red wines, packaged together in a beautifully etched wood box2015 Pirouette:
Jeb Dunnuck 95 points “The 2015 Pirouette Red Wine is a Cabernet Sauvignon dominated cuvée that includes 21% Merlot, 11% Petit Verdot and 3% Malbec. It spent 22 months in 75% new French oak. Blackcurrants, dark chocolate, crushed rock, and graphite notions all dominate this rich, opulent, beautifully concentrated, layered red. It has enough tannin to warrant short-term cellaring and is going to keep for 10-15+ years.”
Wine Advocate 93 points “Pure and fruit-driven, the 2015 Pirouette wafts from the glass with notes of ripe cherries and plums. On the palate, it’s lavishly textural and velvety, with an ample core of juicy dark fruits and good balancing acids, its abundant tannins only asserting themselves on the finish. Ripe and generous, it’s only deficiency is a lack of complexity. Of all the Long Shadows wines—Michel Rolland’s included—this would be the most at home in contemporary Napa Valley. It’s made by Philippe Melka and consists of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 11% Petit Verdot and 3% Malbec.”
2015 Feather:
Jeb Dunnuck 97 points “The 2015 Feather Cabernet Sauvignon is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon that was brought up in 90% new French oak barrels. Its inky purple color is followed by a seamless, pure, impeccable balanced Cabernet that has loads of currants, scorched earth, graphite, and espresso aromas and flavors. Deep, rich, gorgeously pure and polished, with building tannin, it’s a heavenly Cabernet Sauvignon that has everything you could want. It’s the finest vintage to date of this cuvée and is capable of lasting for 20-25 years.”
Wine Advocate 96 points “The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Feather is lovely, unfurling in the glass with aromas of cassis, blackberries, petroleum jelly and burning embers. On the palate, it’s full-bodied, ripe and powerful, with an expansive attack and an ample core of dark berry fruit, underpinned by a fine-grained, stony chassis of ripe tannins. This wine is made by Howell Mountain veteran Randy Dunn, and its profile—while marked by the torrid 2015 vintage—will be familiar to followers of the wines he produces there.”
2015 Pedestal:
Jeb Dunnuck 96 points “The 2015 Pedestal Merlot from Long Shadows is a blend of 75% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Petit Verdot aged 22 months in 85% new French oak barrels. Crème de cassis, wood smoke, scorched earth, and graphite characteristics all emerge from this rich, full-bodied, voluptuous beauty that has more mid-palate depth and richness than any other Merlot made in the state. With ample tannin, it will benefit from a year or three and keep for 15. It’s a gorgeous wine.”
Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2015 Pedestal Merlot is a rich, dramatic wine that wafts from the glass with aromas of black cherries, crème de cassis, cigar tobacco and mocha. On the palate, it’s broad, full-bodied and lavish, with ripe, generously oak-inflected flavors and an ample core of fruit, structured by fine-grained but youthfully chewy tannins, concluding with a sweet, spicy and somewhat heady finish. The most exotic and expressive wine in the Long Shadows range, it’s crafted by Michel Rolland.”
2015 Sequel:
Jeb Dunnuck 95 points “Incorporating 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2015 Sequel Syrah wasn’t destemmed and spent 18 months in 65% new French oak. Its inky purple color is followed by a huge nose of blackberry liqueur, espresso roast, scorched earth, and dark chocolate. This is followed by a full-bodied, beautiful Syrah that has remarkable freshness and purity, fine tannin, and a great, great finish. It’s always a pedal-to-the-metal effort, yet the 2015 stays beautifully fresh and lively on the palate. This is certainly one of the finest vintages to date.”
2015 Saggi:
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “Crème de cassis, ripe black cherries, licorice, and toasty oak all emerge from the 2015 Saggi Red Wine, which is a blend of 62% Sangiovese, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Syrah. With an inky color, full-bodied richness, fine, polished tannin and a great finish, it’s another terrific wine from this estate that’s going to evolve beautifully for 10-15 years.”
2015 Chester-Kidder: (no reviews yet)
VinopolNote: The back bone of this wine is Cabernet from Walla Walla and nearby Candy Mountain. Its deepness and darkness is Syrah from the estate’s Benches Vineyards with a touch of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Aromas of dried figs and cocoa powder, along with hints of tamarind and toasty oak are followed by intense violent and blueberry jam flavors beautifully integrated around a spicy core.
The next best price is $430
Subscriber-Only Special
Subscribers-Only 36 Hour 10% Off Sale:
In-Stock California Magnums!
Tuesday, October 2nd at 10:00 am
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Quilt Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2015 1.5L ($89.95) Displayed Price: $69, Subscriber-Only 10% Off Special: $62.10, 2 magnums available
Wine Spectator 91 points “Intense and vibrant, with an expressive core of blackberry, black cherry, cedar and anise flavors, ending with a long roasted plum aftertaste. Drink now through 2028.”
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The next best price is $94.69
Winery note “The color is a deep scarlet-red with lush aromas of blackberry bramble, nutmeg, and hint of caramel. The wine is fresh and exuberant in the mouth with sumptuous strawberry jam, ripe black cherry, cranberry and warm gingerbread. It is perfectly balanced with refreshing acidity, velvety tannins and a hint of toffee carrying through its long finish. When asked to describe this wine, I simply say it’s like a taste of Christmas, all year long!”
Sine Qua Non Into The Dark Grenache, Sta Rita Hills 2004 1.5L ($2,199.95) Displayed Price: $1,599, Subscriber-Only 10% Off Special: $1,439.10, 1 magnum available
Wine Advocate 99 points “More up-front and open-knit, the 2004 Into the Dark (Grenache) checks in as a blend of 84% Grenache, 8% Mourvedre, 7% Syrah and 1% Viognier that comes mostly from Manfred’s 11 Confessions Vineyard, yet includes small portions from Alban (10%) and Alta Mesa (9%) Vineyard. Reminding me of Clos Saint-Jean’s Sanctus Sanctorum with its incredible bouquet of sweet kirsch, licorice, dried baking spices, graphite and ground pepper, this beauty flows onto the palate with impeccable purity, perfect integration of its fruit, tannin and acidity, and blockbuster length. As is common with this estate’s wine, it’s the purity paired with serious richness that sets it apart. While still youthful and benefiting from a healthy decadence, I think it’s drinking at point and would aim to drink bottles over the coming 4-5 years. It will evolve gracefully for longer, but I see no reason to hold off.”
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The next best price is $1,725
Kapcsandy Family Winery State Lane Vineyard Grand Vin Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2009 1.5L ($799.95) Displayed Price: $699, Subscriber-Only 10% Off Special: $629.10, 2 magnums available
Antonio Galloni 98 points “The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Vin opens with the most beguiling bouquet imaginable. Freshly cut flowers, mint, cinnamon and licorice all make an appearance as this vivid, beautifully delineated wine opens up in the glass. A model of total finesse and elegance, the 2009 wraps around the palate with what feels like endless layers of aromas and flavors. This totally seamless, polished Cabernet Sauvignon is virtually impossible to resist today, but it will be even better in another few years. The 2009 is 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc.”“the most beguiling bouquet imaginable”
Kapcsandy Family Winery State Lane Vineyard Roberta’s Reserve, Napa Valley 2012 1.5L ($799.95) Displayed Price: $699, Subscriber-Only 10% Off Special: $629.10, 1 magnum available
Antonio Galloni 98 points “The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Vin opens with the most beguiling bouquet imaginable. Freshly cut flowers, mint, cinnamon and licorice all make an appearance as this vivid, beautifully delineated wine opens up in the glass. A model of total finesse and elegance, the 2009 wraps around the palate with what feels like endless layers of aromas and flavors. This totally seamless, polished Cabernet Sauvignon is virtually impossible to resist today, but it will be even better in another few years. The 2009 is 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc.”
Clos du Val Hirondelle Vineyard Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap District 2014 1.5L ($299.95) Displayed Price: $239, Subscriber-Only 10% Off Special: $215.10, 1 magnum available
Antonio Galloni 94 points “Deep, inky and enveloping, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Hirondelle Estate Vineyard captures all the elements that make Stags Leaps Cabernets so compelling. A host of lavender, mint, sage, graphite and crème de cassis notes flesh out in an effortless, noble Cabernet Sauvignon endowed with notable depth and intensity.”
Tuesday, October 2nd at 10:00 am
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