In Today’s Newsletter:
Olivier Bernstein’s Rare Burgundy:
Subscriber-Only Special Offer
Eisele & Mazzei Sale Extended for Columbus Day!
Spottswoode Cabernet
New Grapelive Review: Evening Land
Aldo Conterno
#Trending Offer
Domaine Alain Voge’s Classic Cornas
Elite Bubbles
In Stock Now from Anselme Selosse
Cantalupo
Markus Molitor Makes His Mark
Vinopolis Wine Shop
Is Open for Columbus Day!
10 am – 6 pm
Olivier Bernstein’s Rare Burgundy:
Subscriber-Only Special Offer
Arriving in October
Subscriber-Only Special Offer:
Buy any 2 or more bottles of 2016 Olivier Bernstein
Receive 10% off your 2016 Olivier Bernstein!
Olivier Bernstein only produces wines to bear his name are grand and premier crus, from old vines (40+ years, at a minimum). They’ve become incredibly hot items, reference points, really, in the Burgundy world, due both to that magic touch and the tiny, tiny amounts they’re produced and imported in. (Less than 30 six-packs of many of these wines make it to the USA.)These are wines for serious collectors looking for the pinnacle of Burgundy (or for excellent arbitrage opportunities). The 2016’s are stunning wines (the vintage is as good as 2015 and more expressive of terroir) and although we were able to negotiate a large allocation of these wines, quantities for each individual bottling does not exceed 6 bottles. Many shops might not let these hit the open market, but we’d like to think that anyone interested should have a shot. Act quickly, though, it’s first come, first served.
Arriving in October:
Discount will not appear online. We will apply it to your order before processing.
10% off 2 or more bottles of 2016 Olivier Bernstein ends Tuesday at 11:59 PM!
Napa Cabernet Perfection
In Stock Now
At Perfectly Amazing Sale Prices
Sale Extended for Columbus Day!
Eisele is one of the most hallowed terroirs in the Napa Valley. Tucked into the foothills in Calistoga, it has produced incredible wines since 1971 for Phelps, Araujo and now (indirectly) Chateau Latour, who bought the property a few years ago. Eisele hit the 2015 vintage out of the park. These wines, and our special sale pricing, will stack up as some of the best in a long time.
Eisele Vineyard Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2015 750ML ($699.95) Was $549, Now $479 Special 24-Hour Eisele Sale Price, only 12 bottles available!
Eisele Vineyard Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2015 375ML ($349.95) Was $289, Now $249 Special 24-Hour Eisele Sale Price, only 10 half-bottles available!
Eisele Vineyard Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2015 1.5L ($1,299.95) Was $1,149, Now $959 Special 24-Hour Eisele Sale Price, only 5 magnums available!
Wine Advocate 100 points “Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon charges from the gate with exuberant red and black cherries notes, black currants and mulberries with a beautiful roses and lavender perfume, plus hints of sandalwood and cinnamon stick. Full-bodied, concentrated and downright explosive in the mouth, it is still wearing loads of gorgeous puppy-fat fruit flavors, offering suggestions of the complex, multilayered blockbuster that it will emerge into. The structure deserves its own mention: wonderful, seamless freshness and oh-so-fine, pixelated tannins, with an extraordinary persistence of fruit and mineral nuances. Wow.”
The next best price for the 750ml is $549
The next best price for the 375ml is $299
The next best price for the 1.5L is $1,099.97
Skurnik Imports Notes “Syrah was first planted on the estate in 1978. After making wine from the few remaining vines in 1991 and 1993, a serious commitment to this ancient and noble grape was made, increasing the plantings in the vineyard. Eisele Syrah is a profound, mysteriously compelling wine that reveals yet another aspect of the Eisele Vineyard’s unique terroir.”
James Suckling 95 points “This is a dense and juicy red with characters of blackberries, chocolate and pine needles. Sweet tobacco, too. Full body and round, polished tannins. A more dialed-in, terroir character than in past vintages. 88% cabernet sauvignon, 7% cabernet franc and 5% petit verdot. (5/2018)”
Wine Advocate 94 points “Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Altagracia has slightly muted black cherries, crushed black plums and cassis with hints of licorice, black soil and cracked pepper plus a waft of tapenade. Medium to full-bodied, rich and expressive in the mouth, it delivers a lot of layers and wonderfully fine tannins, finishing long and earthy.”
Now it’s even lower!
The next best price is $139
The average price is $144
Mazzei Castello di Fonterutoli Concerto
Sale Extended for Columbus Day!
Legendary ‘Super Tuscan’ from the heart of the Chianti region
In Stock Now
80% Sangiovese, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon
James Suckling 96 points “This is fabulous with blackberry, blueberry and currant aromas. Some slate. Full body, dense and smooth with firm and silky tannins and intense fruit. This is a classic sangiovese and cabernet sauvignon blend. Don’t miss it. Needs three or four years to completely come together.”
Now it’s even lower!
The next best price is $84.99
Spottswoode Cabernet
Subscriber-Only Columbus Day Sale
Arriving This Thursday, October 11th
Subscriber-only special: Buy 3 or more – Pay $215/bottle!
Spottswoode Family Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon, St. Helena 2015 750ML ($249.95) Displayed Price $225 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 100 points “Composed of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot, the deep purple-black colored 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon has a beautiful nose of dried roses, lavender and Chinese five spice over a core of warm blackcurrants, kirsch and wild blueberries, plus wafts of fallen leaves and dusty earth. The medium to full-bodied palate features the most amazing intensity of perfumed red, black and blue fruit flavors supported by exquisitely fine-grained tannins and seamless freshness, finishing with epic length and depth. Truly stunning.”
Jeb Dunnuck 99 points “A more exuberant, sexy wine than the 2014, yet still in the house style emphasizing elegance and purity, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate knocks it out of the park with its huge nose of crème de cassis, plums, Asian spices, scorched earth, tobacco leaf and graphite. This flows to a full-bodied, opulent, incredibly concentrated wine reminiscent of the 2013 on steroids. Full-bodied, with building tannin, integrated acidity, a stacked mid-palate, and a great finish, this is a tour de force in Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from one of the greats. It has three to four decades of life ahead of it.”
And the subscriber-only pricing is the lowest listed price in the USA!
The average price is $235Discount will not appear online. We will apply it to your order before processing.
New Grapelive Review!
A great Willamette Valley cru wine to ponder over…
Evening Land Seven Springs Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2015 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 33 bottles in stock now
Grapelive 93+ points “The wonderfully textured and elegant Seven Springs Pinot Noir by Evening Land stands out for its mouth feel and delicacy of flavors. It shows far more subtly than I would have expected. It’s a wine that grows on you over time. You pick up more and more with each sip and every minute. After about half an hour I seriously got a huge smile coming back to this 2015 Seven Springs. It truly elevated its presence in the glass to a level and character of a Premier Cru Gevrey-Chambertin, reminding me of Gerard Raphet quite a bit with its dark fruits, mineral notes and Burgundy-like silky sexiness. Evening Land under Raj Parr and Sashi Moorman has seen this winery smooth out its style, making less flashy wines and pushing for more graceful wines and focusing on terroir. They are joined by Ben DiCristina, who is doing the day to day winemaking, with himself coming from a background at Sine Qua Non, like Maggie Harrison of Oregon’s Antica Terra and Oregon’s J. K. Carriere, a little known label making great Willamette Pinots. The historic Seven Springs vineyard was planted by Oregon wine pioneer Al MacDonald back in 1984. It sits on an east-facing slope, protected from the heat in the Van Duzer gap, set on the distinct iron-rich and rocky, volcanic soils of the Eola-Amity Hills. It’s a Cru site that shows its pedigree in this Pinot perfectly. As the winery puts it, this wine is vineyard made. It’s built around a core of own-rooted, old vine Pommard and Wädenswil clones that give a classic Oregon profile here along with that nod to the Cote de Nuits with a background of earthy and savory elements. Beautiful and lengthy this 2015 enjoys a slow wakeup call unfolding in its own time to reveal layers of blackberry, plum and a solid core of black cherry along with an inner perfume, not overt, of rose petals as well as a mix of red spices, bitter herb, tea, wild mushrooms, anise and a touch of smoky oak, all delivered with a satiny seamless ease. This is a wine to take your time with, [to] be seduced over a long meal with friends. It’s got a lot of pleasure to offer, especially with cuisine, and it drinks with more maturity than I would have expected from its age, which is not unwelcome at all. It’s a bonus! I think there is more to come over the next 3 to 5 years, too. Best from 2020 to 2025.”
Aldo Conterno
Folks, in our nearly 15 years of seeking great wines and pounding down prices we have never before been able to offer such classic high quality Barolo so deeply discounted as these!
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.
Newly Arrived Aldo Conterno 2008 Barolos
A killer AOC Barolo, good now or cellar for another 15 years!
Aldo Conterno Barolo DOCG, Piedmont 2008 750ML ($119.95) $79 special
Case-12 Aldo Conterno Barolo DOCG, Piedmont 2008 750ML ($1199.95) $819 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.”
Irresistible!
Aldo Conterno Bussia Cicala, Barolo DOCG 2008 750ML ($179.95) $119 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 $139.99
Gorgeous and expressive
Aldo Conterno Colonnello, Barolo DOCG 2008 750ML ($149.95) $119 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 $141
A Barolo for the ages
Aldo Conterno Romirasco Bussia, Barolo DOCG 2008 750ML ($249.95) $169 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
#Trending Offer
Domaine Alain Voge’s Classic Cornas
Deep, Dark & Rich
Arriving in November
Domaine Alain Voge Cornas Les Vieilles Fontaines, Rhone 2015 750ML ($179.95) $149 pre-arrival special, only 4 bottles available!
Wine Spectator 97 points “This has the density and power that is the hallmark of the vintage, with melted licorice snap and tar notes draped over a large-scale core of fig, blackberry and black currant paste flavors. The brooding finish shows a warm cast-iron accent streaking through. Best from 2022 through 2038.”
Jeb Dunnuck 96-98 points “Not yet bottled, the flagship 2015 Cornas Les Vieilles Fontaines comes from a tiny parcel of very old vines and granite soils and is brought up in 25% new barrels. Its inky purple color is followed by a terrific perfume of blackberry liqueur, blueberries, ground herbs, new saddle leather and violets. Deep, rich and concentrated, with a classic, focused style, it has terrific purity of fruit, ripe, polished tannin and a big finish. It’s not the biggest example of this cuvée, yet it’s perfectly balanced, elegant and seamless.”
Wine Advocate 96 points “Only produced in top vintages (this is the first since 2012), the 2015 Cornas Vieilles Fontaines comes from 80-year-old vines within the La Fontaine lieu-dit. It’s a tough wine to evaluate at this stage, as it’s quite closed and reticent on the nose, showing some crushed-stone notes and typical granite-based austerity, but on the palate it shows great purity of fruit and vigor. It’s full-bodied but tight-laced, focused on driving through the long finish like a thoroughbred down the stretch. Give it at least 5 years in the cellar.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 95 points “Opaque ruby. Mineral-accented aromas of ripe blackberry, cherry liqueur, licorice candy and vanilla, plus an exotic Indian spice nuance that gains strength as the wine opens up. At once weighty and energetic, offering densely packed black and blue fruit preserve flavors and hints of candied flowers, smoky minerals and spicecake. Smoothly blends power and energy and finishes pure and extremely long, featuring repeating spiciness and smooth, harmonious tannins.”
The average price is $157
“Has it all. Big fruit allied to spicy complexity? Check. Ample tannins that are fully ripe? Check. A finish that extends for days? Check…”WA
Domaine Alain Voge Cornas Les Vieilles Vignes, Rhone 2015 750ML ($89.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 96 points “Dark yet inviting, with a well of boysenberry and blackberry compote flavors luring you in, while charcoal, bay leaf and cast-iron notes add contrast and range to hold your attention. The grippy finish shows cut and energy, with a lingering savory and rosemary edge. Best from 2021 through 2037.”
Wine Advocate 95 points “Rich, deep and layered, the 2015 Cornas Vieilles Vignes has it all. Big fruit allied to spicy complexity? Check. Ample tannins that are fully ripe? Check. A finish that extends for days? Check. Oh, you want details? Hints of brown sugar, savory spices and roast meat accent black berry and plum fruit, and while the mid-palate is dense and tannic, those tannins actually turn more supple and approachable on the lingering finish.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94 points “Brilliant purple. A highly perfumed bouquet displays ripe, mineral-tinged black and blue fruit, potpourri and incense qualities. Fleshy and expansive on the palate, offering densely packed yet energetic boysenberry, candied licorice and violet flavors enlivened by an undercurrent of juicy acidity. Smoothly blends richness and finesse and closes extremely long and youthfully tannic, leaving behind sexy floral pastille and dark berry liqueur notes.”Domaine Alain Voge Cornas Les Chailles, Rhone 2015 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 95 points “An understated style, but focus and you’ll see just how lovely the cassis, cherry and raspberry flavors are, carried by riveting acidity and flecked with notes of powdered white pepper and violet. An iron girder drives the finish, pulling everything along. This is defined by pure, sleek cut. Best from 2020 through 2035. 915 cases made.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 93 points “Lurid ruby. Aromas of ripe dark berries and pungent flowers are lifted by intense mineral and peppery spice flourishes. Spicy and focused on the palate, offering intense blackberry and violet pastille flavors and salty olive and violet nuances. Puts on weight with air while maintaining vivacity. Finishes bright, smooth and impressively long, displaying excellent clarity, harmonious tannins and building spiciness.”Domaine Alain Voge Saint-Joseph Les Cotes, Rhone 2015 750ML ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 92 points “Fresh, with engaging boysenberry and raspberry coulis flavors allied to mouthwatering acidity, while light lavender, anise and black tea notes weave through the finish. Drink now through 2022. 415 cases made.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92 points “Deep ruby. Heady aromas of cherry liqueur, cassis, violet and olive are sharpened by a smoky mineral quality. Juicy and nicely concentrated, showing very good depth to the smoke-tinged dark berry, cherry cola and floral pastille flavors. Finishes with strong, mineral-tinged persistence, harmonious tannins and repeating smokiness.”
The next best price is $43.99
Elite Bubbles
In Stock Now from Anselme Selosse
The 2004 vintage was bottled exclusively in magnum. Only 300 magnums were bottled. 100% Chardonnay from two parcels in the Grand Cru of Avise. Disgorged 26 April 2017.Jacques Selosse V.O. ‘Version Originale’ Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($319.95) $289 special, 5 bottles in stock now
10/2013 Disgorgement
Josh Raynolds 93 points “Vivid yellow. Deeply pitched nectarine, poached pear and buttered toast aromas are brightened by dusty minerals and lemon pith. Deep, expansive orchard and pit fruit flavors show a hint of toffee and are lifted and sharpened by suggestions of white pepper and bitter quinine. Distinctly rich but quite lively as well, finishing very long, with firm stony grip and lingering spiciness.”
Salon Cuvee ‘S’ Le Mesnil Blanc de Blancs, Champagne 2007 750ML ($699.95) $599 pre-arrival special
JamesSuckling.com 97 points “Such an impressive wine for the detail in every respect. The nose delivers fresh lemon and grapefruit peel, together with white, stony minerals and very, very fresh and light pastry notes. Some grilled hazelnuts, too. The palate is super fine, supple and crisp with attractive, dry, salty minerals on the finish that holds super long, fine and focused. Elegant citrus and light brioche to close. Drink or hold.”
Arriving in December
Mother Nature’s Nebbiolo
From The Star of Piedmont Value
Cantalupo (in Ghemme)
The Piedmont outside of Barolo and Barbaresco remains a bit of a paradox: lovers of big, collectible Nebbiolo will readily concede that there are some amazing wines made there, but then turn around and proceed never to buy any, despite the fact that the best wines are outstandingly well priced! If you love Barolo and Barbaresco, you should be paying real (fiscal) attention to the wines from Cantalupo, in Ghemme. Cantalupo remains one of the top producers in the appellation, making wines that are traditional with a touch of polish to them. They deserve to be considered among the elite wineries in Piedmont, not just in Ghemme and we’re excited to have received a new parcel of their wines arriving at the end of the year.
The best part? The prices. Most Cantalupo’s wines are between $30-60, with most of them in the lower part of that price range, but no matter where you’re buying, you’re probably saving 30-50% vs. a wine of comparable quality that has the Barolo tag (and the branding behind it). Sure you don’t get to brag about the Barolo you bought, but if you’re in it for the wines themselves, this is where you want to be.
Arriving in December:
Antichi Vigneti di Cantalupo ‘Agamium’ Colline Novaresi, Piedmont 2016 750ML ($24.95) $19 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 92+ points “The 2007 Ghemme Collis Breclamae shows the deeper, slightly wilder side of Ghemme. Game, smoke, licorice, cedar and tobacco are expressed with elements of burliness and rusticity. There is more than enough depth to fill out the wine’s broad shoulders. Still, what comes through most is the wine’s virile, imposing personality.”
Antichi Vigneti di Cantalupo Collis Breclemae, Ghemme DOCG 2011 1.5L ($149.95) $119 pre-arrival special, only 6 magnums available!
Antonio Galloni 92 points “The 2009 Cantalupo Anno Primo is a gorgeous, super-classic Ghemme. Rosewater, bright red cherry, geranium, tobacco, pine and mint are beautifully delineated throughout. Aromatically intense and focused, the 2009 shows exactly what makes Nebbiolo from Ghemme so delicious. This is an absolutely gorgeous wine that won’t break the bank. At times, the aromatic signatures are quite reminiscent of Mascarello’s Barolo Monprivato, although the tannic and acid signatures are very much those of Ghemme.”
Importer note “Made entirely of Nebbiolo grown in the hillside vineyard called ‘Collis Breclemae,’ picked in the second half of October. About two weeks of maceration with the skins, then the wine is aged for 36 months in used barrels ranging between 900 and 2800L. Very rocky soil, which presumably explains the very distinctive mineral character the wine shows. Very round tannins that remind me of 70% dark chocolate, not at all bitter, just savory; this will age brilliantly, but if I’m eating ribeye now I would drink this with it in a second. Really big wine with excellent balance.”
Antonio Galloni 92+ points “The 2007 Ghemme Collis Breclamae shows the deeper, slightly wilder side of Ghemme. Game, smoke, licorice, cedar and tobacco are expressed with elements of burliness and rusticity. There is more than enough depth to fill out the wine’s broad shoulders. Still, what comes through most is the wine’s virile, imposing personality.”
Antichi Vigneti di Cantalupo Collis Breclemae, Ghemme DOCG 2010 1.5L ($119.95) $99 special, 6 magnums in stock now
Winery note “Made entirely of Nebbiolo grown in the hillside vineyard called ‘Collis Breclemae,’ picked in the second half of October. About two weeks of maceration with the skins, then the wine is aged for 36 months in used barrels ranging between 900 and 2800L. Very rocky soil, which presumably explains the very distinctive mineral character the wine shows. Very round tannins that remind me of 70% dark chocolate, not at all bitter, just savory; this will age brilliantly, but if I’m eating ribeye now I would drink this with it in a second. Really big wine with excellent balance.”
Antonio Galloni 95 points “The 2010 Collis Carellae is a reference point wine, not just for Ghemme, but for all of Italy. Mysterious and beautifully layered in the glass, the 2010 opens up beautifully over time, revealing myriad shades of dimension. Although quite finessed and lifted in feel, the 2010 has more than enough depth and persistence to allow it to age gracefully for many years to come. Hints of orange peel, sweet red cherry and mint develop effortlessly, but it is the wine’s overall feel that I find most alluring. Specifically, the tannins while present, are remarkably integrated into the wine’s fabric.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!See the complete list of all 167 in-stock wines from the Piedmont region by visiting our web store!
Markus Molitor Makes His Mark
Showcasing the greatest terroirs of the Mosel
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: he 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 new releases of gold capsules, which are arriving in October.
Arriving in October:
Markus Molitor Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Kabinett Gold Capsule, Mosel 2016 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 pre-arrival special
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.”
Stuart Pigott-JamesSuckling.com 93 points “Plenty of white- and yellow-peach aromas with a hint of herbal freshness. Very cool and fresh with a super-crisp finish. Oh yes, there is also some sweetness but it’s really not that obvious. Drink or hold.”
Stuart Pigott-JamesSuckling.com 95 points “Stand back and duck while this extraordinary Mosel Spätlese explodes! Enormous juiciness and minerality, as well as spices. Stunning freshness at the very long finish. Drink or hold.”
The next best price is $29
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.”
The next best price is $33
Stuart Pigott-JamesSuckling.com 96 points “A giant Auslese that is so refined and light-footed. Hard to explain how it squared that circle, but somehow it did! A totally individual Mosel wine that in no way confirms to international norms and much less to any wine fashions. A super succulent and long finish that makes you want more. Drink or hold.”Markus Molitor Kinheimer Hubertuslay Riesling Auslese *** Gold Capsule, Mosel 2016 750ML ($99.95) $89 pre-arrival special
Stuart Pigott-JamesSuckling.com 97 points “What brilliance, minerality and purity of flavor! And this comes from what is normally considered a “lesser” site! The balance is nearly perfect too. The finish is super bright. It has a ton of aging potential but it tastes beautiful now.”Markus Molitor Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese *** Gold Capsule, Mosel 2016 750ML ($119.95) $99 pre-arrival special
Stuart Pigott-JamesSuckling.com 97 points “Tons of exotic and citrus fruit, but it also has more than enough power and creaminess to give it the stature to stand next to the best white wines of the world. The lemon cream finish follows, making it hard to resist. A massive finish. Drink or hold.”
Markus Molitor Zeltinger Schlossberg Riesling Auslese *** Gold Capsule, Mosel 2016 750ML ($99.95) $89 pre-arrival special
Stuart Pigott-JamesSuckling.com 96 points “Great succulence and finesse! A stunning Auslese that isn’t driven by its lusciousness but by the minerality and polished acidity. It sweeps most of the sweetness off the table and closes with a very clean and bright finish. Drink or hold.”
Markus Molitor Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese *** Gold Capsule, Mosel 2016 750ML ($119.95) $99 pre-arrival special
Stuart Pigott-JamesSuckling.com 98 points “So concentrated, creamy and deep. It also shows breathtaking elegance and delicacy at the diamond-bright finish. Drink or hold. The wine will probably live longer than you or I!”
Thank you for reading!