In This Newsletter:
A Renaissance in Chianti:
Decanter Magazine Explores Italy’s Hottest Region
Deep Discounts on Sonoma Icons Patz & Hall
Trending
Rhone Spotlight:
Saint Damien’s 2018 Gigondas
Drink Latour for Under $100
Super Subscriber Sales Roundup
Collector’s Corner
New Review for Bevan Cellars’ Star Red
“Is there any other wine appellation in the world with such a tumultuous past and glowing future as Chianti Classico? For almost a century, since 1924, the Gallo Nero – the black cockerel emblem of the DOCG wine region – has ruled the roost.
“Perhaps a phoenix might be more appropriate.” – Decanter
Experts and collectors of Italian wine have lead the recent charge towards Chianti, for good reason—the region is one of the most exciting in Italy, with a rebirth of excellent winemaking and prices that make it easy to go deep. Compared to their neighbors in Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti seems radically cheap, especially for the very top wines.
Decanter recently published a fantastic overview of the changes afoot in Chianti, and noted that the energy combines “a fantastic mix of traditional and modern. There is an earnest, open willingness to experiment that I have not yet felt in any other region of Tuscany.”
That experimentation, though, is very different from past decades of change (like the 80’s) where top wineries looked to France for inspiration. This time, “[they] are diligently poring over the ashes of their glorious and inglorious past, aware they are working with a treasure of a terroir and a wealth of great indigenous grape varieties.”
Fontodi and Isole e Olena are two estates they highlight—top producers who are in the middle of driving the quality revolution, reclaiming coveted vineyards that had fallen into disrepair by “restoring or building dry-stone wall terraces on which to plant vines.” Both producers made Decanter‘s list of “must-try” Chiantis. We agree. They’re perfect examples of Chianti’s “glowing future.”
Fontodi
Fontodi is one of Tuscany’s most respected estates, and for good reason. The grapes hail from a classic south-facing amphitheater replete with soils optimal for producing ripe yet balanced Sangiovese. What results are classically styled Chianti that more than earn their Classico designation. Unlike the forgettable (or worse yet disappointing) Chianti Classico that we’ve all encountered, Fontori’s wines are effortlessly delicious and harmonious, the gift of such high-quality base material.
In Stock Now:
Fontodi Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany 2017 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Fontodi Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany 2017 750ML ($399.95) $279 special (that’s only $46.50/bottle!)
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2017 Chianti Classico Fontodi is a wine of extreme elegance that shows how much the house style has evolved here. A decade ago, in a warm year the Fontodi Chianti Classico would have been opulent, but these days proprietor Giovanni Manetti seeks finesse more than power, and that is exactly what comes through here. Ripe red Sangiovese fruit, rose petal, blood orange and spice infuse this racy, exotic Chianti Classico with so much character. The 2016 spent two years in oak, half in cask and half in neutral oak. I loved it.”
James Suckling 94 points “A rich, layered CC with intense cherry and flower character, as well as orange peel. Full-bodied with firm, velvety tannins and a flavorful finish. Drink or hold.”
Fontodi Vigna del Sorbo, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2017 750ML ($149.95) $119 special, 22 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 96+ points “The 2017 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna del Sorbo is a dense, packed wine. It is also surprisingly, almost shockingly backward. That is probably a good thing for its long-term aging prospects. Readers hoping to get an early glimpse into the 2017 before it shuts down may have a hard time doing that, as today acids and tannin dominate. I expect the 2017 will be stellar in another 4-5 years and drink well to age 25-30 if not longer. Proprietor Giovanni Manetti gave the 2017 18 months in barrique followed by 6 months in cask.”
Fontodi ‘Filetta di Lamole,’ Chianti Classico DOCG 2016 750ML ($54.95) $45 special, 10 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 94 points “I love the freshness to this red that shows citrus, violets, fresh herbs and lavender. Driven and very tangy with angular, cutthroat acidity and a zippy finish. Delicious and an amazing food wine. Drink now.”
Wine Spectator 92 points “A touch of new oak lends spice notes to the mix of cherry, berry, tobacco and wild herb flavors. Densely wrought, with the tannins leaving a resonant tactile sensation as this plays out on the long finish. Balanced, but will need a little time to soften and harmonize. Best from 2021 through 2040. 3,200 cases made, 670 cases imported. — BS”
Fontodi Dino Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT, Tuscany 2018 750ML ($89.95) $75 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2018 Dino, Fontodi’s 100% Sangiovese done in amphora, is so intriguing. The purity of the Sangiovese fruit is just remarkable, as is the wine’s energy. Readers will have to look past a bit of spritziness (that dissipates with air) but there is so much to like in the 2018, starting with its exceptional balance and poise. With a bit of air, the 2018 is a drop-dead gorgeous beauty. I am really intrigued to see how the 2018 ages, as that is one of the biggest question marks for wines made in this style. Bright acids add a good deal of supporting structure that suggest the 2018 has at least another decade of fine drinking ahead of it.”
Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT, Tuscany 2012 750ML ($119.95) $99 special, 20 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 97 points “Tasted next to the 2012 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna del Sorbo, the Flaccianello is richer, deeper and more flamboyant. Super-ripe red stone fruit, smoke, licorice and dark spices meld together in a deep, powerful wine. The 2012 is impressive, but personally I prefer the finesse and freshness of the Sorbo. The greater influence of new French oak is also felt in the wine’s texture. Still, that is splitting hairs, as the level here is high. Very high.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT, Tuscany 2017 750ML ($199.95) $149 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 97 points “The 2017 Flaccianello della Pieve is fabulous. Dark, sensual and enveloping, the 2017 captures the essence of the house style in its textural richness and baritone inflections. Black cherry, plum, spice, new leather, licorice and chocolate infuse the 2017 with tremendous richness. The 2017 spent 18 months in barrique followed by 6 months in cask, the same aging regime as the Vigna del Sorbo, but with a bit more new oak. That approach worked very well, as the Flaccianello stands out for its exceptional textural elegance and finesse. It is a positively stellar wine.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 96 points “The Fontodi 2017 Flaccianello della Pieve is a standout wine of the dry vintage. This pure Sangiovese opens to a dark garnet color with more visible concentration and density compared to recent past editions. This is a beautiful wine with pliant tannins, dark fruit richness, balanced acidity and a fruit-forward 15% alcohol content. The wine is big and bold when weighed on the Flaccianello scale (and even more so when weighed on the Sangiovese scale) with dark cherry, plum, spice, violet, chalk and campfire ash. Despite that power and inner opulence, this wine adds that zesty Sangiovese character with fresh acidity and an energized approach. This Flaccianello is whole and complete with the natural firmness and structure to hold it steady during the aging process. A small part of amphorae-aged fruit is added to the blend.”
Wine Spectator 95 points “There’s fine purity to the black cherry, black currant and blackberry flavors in this expressive red, with refined tannins. Everything is in the right proportion as this remains vibrant and focused, with iron and oak spice accents adding depth as this builds to a lingering aftertaste. Best from 2022 through 2040.”
Isole e Olena
No winery symbolizes the modern quality of Tuscany like Isole e Olena. Since the arrival of Paolo de Marchi in 1976, Isole e Olena has been a quality leader in the region. Stylistically, Isole e Olena occupies a place that is at once traditional and modern. Their Chianti Classico and flagship Cepparello are both firmly rooted in the primacy of Sangiovese and the idea of Tuscan typicity. Elegance wedded to power, both wines show the nuance and bright fruit you’d expect from a classic wine of the region combined with the density and complexity of top tier, noble wines.
In Stock Now:
Isole e Olena Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG, Tuscany 2013 750ML ($249.95) $219 special, 27 bottles in stock now
Isole e Olena Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG, Tuscany 2013 1.5L ($699.95) $449 special, 6 magnums in stock now
Antonio Galloni 98+ points “The 2013 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione is breathtaking. Beautifully ripe, deep and expressive, the 2013 has it all: deep fruit, stunning aromatic presence and tremendous structure. Black cherry, pomegranate, rose petal, mint and lavender all meld together in this super-expressive, resonant Chianti Classico. An absolutely killer wine, the Gran Selezione is a fabulous, contemporary expression of Chianti Classico at its very finest. Drops of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah round out the blend. Paolo De Marchi gave the 2013 a year in barrique and second year in cask.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95 points “Dark, saturated and rich, the 2013 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione delivers savory tones of spice and smoke that are folded into dark fruit, prune and dried blackberry. Despite the darkness of the bouquet, this wine shows tartness and freshness in terms of its flavor profile. There is a lot of Sangiovese typicity here, thanks to the delineated character of those wild berry aromas and the crispness of the wine’s natural acidity. In fact, the wine is mostly composed of Sangiovese, although very small percentages of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot are added to the blend. A mere 2,400 bottles were produced.”
Isole e Olena Cepparello Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2017 750ML ($99.95) $79 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Isole e Olena Cepparello Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2017 1.5L ($199.95) $169 special, 24 magnums in stock now
Isole e Olena Cepparello Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2017 3L ($419.95) $379 special, 3 double-magnums in stock now
Antonio Galloni 97 points “The 2017 Cepparello is another in a series of stunningly beautiful Cepparellos from Paolo de Marchi. Bright and beautifully focused in the glass, with tremendous depth, the 2017 is positively stellar from the very first taste. Succulent dark cherry, plum, licorice, spice, menthol and coffee all open up with a bit of air. Here, too, Paolo De Marchi has done a tremendous job in preserving freshness in the wine. Readers who can muster the patience will be rewarded with a spectacular wine.”
James Suckling 95 points “A beautifully linear and refined sangiovese with polished tannins and super tight fruit. Yet, it shows subtle complexity of blackberries, black cherries and dark chocolate. Some hazelnuts. Intense, vibrant finish with a creamy texture. Extremely well done for this hot, dry vintage. Drink after 2023.”
Isole e Olena Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany 2017 750ML ($29.95) $24 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Isole e Olena Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany 2017 750ML ($359.95) $259 special (that’s only $21.58/bottle and that lowest listed price in the USA today!)
James Suckling 93 points “A very pretty 2017 Chianti Classico with a beautiful core of ripe fruit and layers of round, lightly chewy tannins. Dark cherries, walnuts and chocolate. Drink or hold.”
Antonio Galloni 91 points “The 2017 Chianti Classico is fabulous. Bright, punchy and so full of character, the 2017 is absolutely delicious. Sweet berry, cedar, tobacco, rose petal and subtle earthy notes all grace the 2017, an exquisite wine that will drink well with minimal cellaring. More than anything, I am so impressed with the wine’s energy.”
Isole e Olena Collezione Privata Syrah Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2017 750ML ($89.95) $69 special, 35 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 96 points “Isole e Olena 2017 Syrah is powerful, dense and savory. Readers should not plan on opening a bottle anytime soon. Black cherry, plum, licorice, espresso, chocolate and leather build as this brooding Tuscan Syrah shows off its considerable character. The 2017 is a real powerhouse. Give it a few years in bottle.”
Isole e Olena Collezione Privata Cabernet Sauvignon Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2016 750ML ($99.95) $69 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 98 points “The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon is among the finest Cabernet Sauvignons in Italy. High altitude sites in Barberino yield a distinctly mid-weight, elegant, savory Cabernet that is all about reserve. Dark plum, espresso, licorice, menthol and sage start to emerge with a bit of air, but the 2016 is a wine that demands cellaring. Over the years, I have had the good fortune to taste every vintage of the Isole e Olena Cabernet. It is one of the great under the radar wines of Tuscany. The 2016 takes its place with the very finest editions.”
Isole e Olena Collezione Privata Cabernet Sauvignon Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2015 750ML ($99.95) $69 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon is a wine of elegance and finesse that shows the effects of rain during harvest in its decidedly mid-weight, lithe construction. Even so, the 2015 offers lovely aromatic presence and persistence. Grilled herbs, crème de cassis, licorice, violet, plum, spice and licorice all develop, but the 2015 remains decidedly delicate for this bottling. My impression is that it will age more on its freshness rather than on its concentration.”
Isole e Olena Collezione Privata Cabernet Sauvignon Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2014 750ML ($89.95) $69 special, 16 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 96 points “A regal wine, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Collezione Privata from Isole e Olena soars out of the glass with tremendous aromatic and palate intensity. Deceptive in its mid-weight structure, the 2014 has so much to offer. Once again, De Marchi crafted a Cabernet Sauvignon that exudes character. Today, the 2014 is vivid but also intensely saline and clenched. Another few years in bottle should do the trick. This fruit was brought in during the last week of October and first week of November, quite late, even by the standards of the year.”
Shop all of our Isole e Olena offers on our web store!
Sonoma Coast Chard & Pinot on newly arrived blow out sale. Patz & Hall is one of the classic names in Somoma County for a reason—they make absolutely stunning wines up and down their line. We’ve got absurdly good pricing on their entry bottlings—the lowest in the country by a wide margin, both of which are perfect for drinking today.
In Stock Now:
Patz & Hall Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2016 750ML ($39.95) $21.90 special, 33 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 93 points “Rich and brooding with intensely perfumed oak, this is a layered white made from grapes grown throughout the appellation. It delivers medium-bodied weight and grip, with lush apple and gingersnap flavors. -Virginie Boone”
Patz & Hall Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2013 750ML ($49.95) $21.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 92 points “Pungent, spicy earth and cinnamon rise out of the wine’s bouquet, inviting one to enjoy a structured expression of cranberry, raspberry and black tea. The tannin structure is well managed and the oak strong, yet integrated. Gap’s Crown is among the vineyards that figure into the blend, along with several Dutton family properties. This is fresh and focused. -Virginie Boone”
Robert Parker-Wine Advocate 91 points “All the Pinot Noirs are bottled unfined and unfiltered. The biggest cuvée, the 2013 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast comes from many different sources, including Dutton Ranch, Martinelli Family, Chenoweth Vineyard, and a handful of others, that are blended together for a relatively consistent style from vintage to vintage. The lovely 2013 exhibits terrific blueberry and black raspberry fruit interwoven with notions of Chinese black tea, oak, earth and beet root in the background. This nicely textured, medium-bodied Pinot Noir possesses zesty acidity as well as admirable aromatics. Enjoy it over the next 5-8 years.”
Pouring wingspan is as dramatic as the wine itself, and it’s banana’s good
Reichsrat von Buhl Deidesheimer Mäusehöhle Riesling Trocken, Pfalz 2015 1.5L ($89.95) $59 special, 7 magnums in stock now
Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2015 Deidesheimer Mäusehöhle Riesling (AP 2216) opens with a pure and refreshing, rather coolish aroma (compared to the Leinshöhle) of ripe yellow fruits intertwined with stony aromas. Round, fresh and elegant on the palate, this full-bodied and well-balanced Riesling is tightly woven, but fine and very mineral. It displays ripe yellow apple flavors in the finish, as well as nice and stimulating grip. The finish is pure and salty, really vitalizing in its freshness and clarity. According to the label, this is 12.5% alcohol.”
RP is the master of Bierzo and his wines are some of the most profound in the world for the $$.
Raúl Pérez Ultreia de Valtuille, Bierzo 2015 750ML ($79.95) Was $59, Now $45 Super Subscriber Special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds 95 points “Vivid ruby. An expansive, seductively perfumed bouquet of ripe red/blue fruits, pot-pourri, exotic spices and cola, along with an intense mineral overtone. Concentrated yet vibrant in character, showing superb definition and mineral lift to the sweet raspberry, boysenberry, cola, spicecake and violet pastille flavors. Shows alluring sweetness and powerful thrust on the youthfully tannic finish, which hangs on with outstanding clarity and mineral-driven persistence. (All whole clusters and neutral French oak.)“
La Gerla makes fantastic Brunello in a traditional (yet approachable) style.
La Gerla Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2015 750ML ($69.95) $55 special, 22 bottles in stock now
La Gerla Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2015 1.5L ($149.95) $119 special, 5 magnums in stock now
Wine Spectator 94 points “Black cherry and black currant fruit is accented by tobacco, earth and mineral flavors in this sleek yet dense red. Balsamic elements of juniper, thyme and olive add depth as this cruises to a long finish. The potential lies in the excellent length. Best from 2023 through 2042. —B.S.”
Eric Guido – Vinous 94 points “La Gerla’s 2015 Brunello di Montalcino is gorgeous, showing depths of earthy moist soil, minerals and hints of animal musk up front, giving way to crushed strawberry and cherry, getting spicy with lifting minerals yet retaining a rich character throughout. On the palate, silky textures are matched by cool-toned acids and refreshing moist mineral tones, as zesty cherry and cedar come forward. It’s so balanced and smooth, with high energy lasting into the long finish, showing saturating spice and salty minerals, yet remaining cool-toned and precise. The 2015 is a beautifully balanced wine that’s firmly rooted in the earth.”
James Suckling 93 points “Lots of raspberry coulis, dried redcurrants and red-plum compote here. The medium-to full-bodied palate has fleshy and succulent appeal with juicy tannins and a fruit-forward finish. Drink now or hold.”
“Undeniably Impressive”
Maggy Hawk Jory Hills Vineyard Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2017 750ML ($69.95) $49 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2017 Pinot Noir Jory Hills Vineyard is an extroverted, luscious Pinot loaded with character. Black cherry, plum, lavender and spice come together in a bold, creamy Pinot endowed with plenty of richness and exuberance. The Jory Hills, from Oregon’s Willamette Valley…is undeniably impressive.”
Wine Spectator 93 points “Shows polish and presence, with expressive rose petal and raspberry aromas that pair with multilayered boysenberry and orange peel flavors, finishing with well-groomed tannins. Drink now through 2027.”
What a great deal in new-wave Priorat
Familia Nin-Ortiz ‘Planetes de Nin’ Garnatxes en Àmfora, Priorat DOCa 2016 750ML ($44.95) Was $33, Now $29 Super Subscriber Special, 30 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 92 points “The 2016 Planetes de Nin Garnatxes en Àmfora was produced with biodynamically farmed Garnacha that fermented with indigenous yeasts and matured in 700- and 1,000-liter terracotta amphorae for seven months. They do two versions, one with a little SO2 and the other without, and the difference is minimal. At first one was more closed, but when it opened up, they were very similar and showed some herbal and raspberry leaf aromas intermixed with wild berries and notions of earth, aromatic and balanced. It has fine tannins and a velvety texture. 7,395 bottles were filled in April 2017.”
One of the kings of old-school Napa Cabernet
Philip Togni Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2016 750ML ($159.95) Was $135, Now $125 Super Subscriber Special, 20 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 96 points “A regal wine, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate has really shut down following its recent bottling, which is probably a very good thing for its long-term prospects, although it does make the wine harder to read. Today, the 2016 is dark, powerful and quite savory, with tremendous persistence and class to burn. Translucent, deep and exquisitely layered, the 2016 has a lot to offer. Dark red cherry, plum, wild herb, cedar, tobacco and smoke build as the 2016 starts to open up in the glass. This is a jewel of a wine from the Togni family.”
Wine Advocate 94-96 points “A barrel sample, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is deep garnet-purple in color with loads of blue and black fruits—very spicy—with a fragrant earth undercurrent. The palate is medium-bodied and elegant with very fine, firm, ripe tannins and great freshness, finishing vivacious and earthy.”
Wine Spectator 94 points “Youthfully tight, this mineral-edged style offers a core of currant and black cherry fruit, framed by iron, bay leaf, menthol and singed alder notes. A mulled spice edge emerges on the finish as everything slowly melds together, ending with a persistent tarry echo. Best from 2022 through 2038.”
A Renaissance in Chianti:
Decanter Magazine Explores Italy’s Hottest Region
Deep Discounts on Sonoma Icons Patz & Hall
Trending
Rhone Spotlight:
Saint Damien’s 2018 Gigondas
Drink Latour for Under $100
Super Subscriber Sales Roundup
Collector’s Corner
New Review for Bevan Cellars’ Star Red
A Renaissance in Chianti:
Decanter Magazine Explores Italy’s Hottest Region
Decanter Magazine Explores Italy’s Hottest Region
“Is there any other wine appellation in the world with such a tumultuous past and glowing future as Chianti Classico? For almost a century, since 1924, the Gallo Nero – the black cockerel emblem of the DOCG wine region – has ruled the roost.
“Perhaps a phoenix might be more appropriate.” – Decanter
Experts and collectors of Italian wine have lead the recent charge towards Chianti, for good reason—the region is one of the most exciting in Italy, with a rebirth of excellent winemaking and prices that make it easy to go deep. Compared to their neighbors in Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti seems radically cheap, especially for the very top wines.
Decanter recently published a fantastic overview of the changes afoot in Chianti, and noted that the energy combines “a fantastic mix of traditional and modern. There is an earnest, open willingness to experiment that I have not yet felt in any other region of Tuscany.”
That experimentation, though, is very different from past decades of change (like the 80’s) where top wineries looked to France for inspiration. This time, “[they] are diligently poring over the ashes of their glorious and inglorious past, aware they are working with a treasure of a terroir and a wealth of great indigenous grape varieties.”
Fontodi and Isole e Olena are two estates they highlight—top producers who are in the middle of driving the quality revolution, reclaiming coveted vineyards that had fallen into disrepair by “restoring or building dry-stone wall terraces on which to plant vines.” Both producers made Decanter‘s list of “must-try” Chiantis. We agree. They’re perfect examples of Chianti’s “glowing future.”
Fontodi
Fontodi is one of Tuscany’s most respected estates, and for good reason. The grapes hail from a classic south-facing amphitheater replete with soils optimal for producing ripe yet balanced Sangiovese. What results are classically styled Chianti that more than earn their Classico designation. Unlike the forgettable (or worse yet disappointing) Chianti Classico that we’ve all encountered, Fontori’s wines are effortlessly delicious and harmonious, the gift of such high-quality base material.In Stock Now:
Fontodi Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany 2017 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Fontodi Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany 2017 750ML ($399.95) $279 special (that’s only $46.50/bottle!)
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2017 Chianti Classico Fontodi is a wine of extreme elegance that shows how much the house style has evolved here. A decade ago, in a warm year the Fontodi Chianti Classico would have been opulent, but these days proprietor Giovanni Manetti seeks finesse more than power, and that is exactly what comes through here. Ripe red Sangiovese fruit, rose petal, blood orange and spice infuse this racy, exotic Chianti Classico with so much character. The 2016 spent two years in oak, half in cask and half in neutral oak. I loved it.”
James Suckling 94 points “A rich, layered CC with intense cherry and flower character, as well as orange peel. Full-bodied with firm, velvety tannins and a flavorful finish. Drink or hold.”
Fontodi Vigna del Sorbo, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2017 750ML ($149.95) $119 special, 22 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 96+ points “The 2017 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna del Sorbo is a dense, packed wine. It is also surprisingly, almost shockingly backward. That is probably a good thing for its long-term aging prospects. Readers hoping to get an early glimpse into the 2017 before it shuts down may have a hard time doing that, as today acids and tannin dominate. I expect the 2017 will be stellar in another 4-5 years and drink well to age 25-30 if not longer. Proprietor Giovanni Manetti gave the 2017 18 months in barrique followed by 6 months in cask.”
Fontodi ‘Filetta di Lamole,’ Chianti Classico DOCG 2016 750ML ($54.95) $45 special, 10 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 94 points “I love the freshness to this red that shows citrus, violets, fresh herbs and lavender. Driven and very tangy with angular, cutthroat acidity and a zippy finish. Delicious and an amazing food wine. Drink now.”
Wine Spectator 92 points “A touch of new oak lends spice notes to the mix of cherry, berry, tobacco and wild herb flavors. Densely wrought, with the tannins leaving a resonant tactile sensation as this plays out on the long finish. Balanced, but will need a little time to soften and harmonize. Best from 2021 through 2040. 3,200 cases made, 670 cases imported. — BS”
Fontodi Dino Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT, Tuscany 2018 750ML ($89.95) $75 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2018 Dino, Fontodi’s 100% Sangiovese done in amphora, is so intriguing. The purity of the Sangiovese fruit is just remarkable, as is the wine’s energy. Readers will have to look past a bit of spritziness (that dissipates with air) but there is so much to like in the 2018, starting with its exceptional balance and poise. With a bit of air, the 2018 is a drop-dead gorgeous beauty. I am really intrigued to see how the 2018 ages, as that is one of the biggest question marks for wines made in this style. Bright acids add a good deal of supporting structure that suggest the 2018 has at least another decade of fine drinking ahead of it.”
Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT, Tuscany 2012 750ML ($119.95) $99 special, 20 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 97 points “Tasted next to the 2012 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna del Sorbo, the Flaccianello is richer, deeper and more flamboyant. Super-ripe red stone fruit, smoke, licorice and dark spices meld together in a deep, powerful wine. The 2012 is impressive, but personally I prefer the finesse and freshness of the Sorbo. The greater influence of new French oak is also felt in the wine’s texture. Still, that is splitting hairs, as the level here is high. Very high.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT, Tuscany 2017 750ML ($199.95) $149 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 97 points “The 2017 Flaccianello della Pieve is fabulous. Dark, sensual and enveloping, the 2017 captures the essence of the house style in its textural richness and baritone inflections. Black cherry, plum, spice, new leather, licorice and chocolate infuse the 2017 with tremendous richness. The 2017 spent 18 months in barrique followed by 6 months in cask, the same aging regime as the Vigna del Sorbo, but with a bit more new oak. That approach worked very well, as the Flaccianello stands out for its exceptional textural elegance and finesse. It is a positively stellar wine.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 96 points “The Fontodi 2017 Flaccianello della Pieve is a standout wine of the dry vintage. This pure Sangiovese opens to a dark garnet color with more visible concentration and density compared to recent past editions. This is a beautiful wine with pliant tannins, dark fruit richness, balanced acidity and a fruit-forward 15% alcohol content. The wine is big and bold when weighed on the Flaccianello scale (and even more so when weighed on the Sangiovese scale) with dark cherry, plum, spice, violet, chalk and campfire ash. Despite that power and inner opulence, this wine adds that zesty Sangiovese character with fresh acidity and an energized approach. This Flaccianello is whole and complete with the natural firmness and structure to hold it steady during the aging process. A small part of amphorae-aged fruit is added to the blend.”
Wine Spectator 95 points “There’s fine purity to the black cherry, black currant and blackberry flavors in this expressive red, with refined tannins. Everything is in the right proportion as this remains vibrant and focused, with iron and oak spice accents adding depth as this builds to a lingering aftertaste. Best from 2022 through 2040.”
Isole e Olena
No winery symbolizes the modern quality of Tuscany like Isole e Olena. Since the arrival of Paolo de Marchi in 1976, Isole e Olena has been a quality leader in the region. Stylistically, Isole e Olena occupies a place that is at once traditional and modern. Their Chianti Classico and flagship Cepparello are both firmly rooted in the primacy of Sangiovese and the idea of Tuscan typicity. Elegance wedded to power, both wines show the nuance and bright fruit you’d expect from a classic wine of the region combined with the density and complexity of top tier, noble wines.
In Stock Now:
Isole e Olena Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG, Tuscany 2013 750ML ($249.95) $219 special, 27 bottles in stock now
Isole e Olena Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG, Tuscany 2013 1.5L ($699.95) $449 special, 6 magnums in stock now
Antonio Galloni 98+ points “The 2013 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione is breathtaking. Beautifully ripe, deep and expressive, the 2013 has it all: deep fruit, stunning aromatic presence and tremendous structure. Black cherry, pomegranate, rose petal, mint and lavender all meld together in this super-expressive, resonant Chianti Classico. An absolutely killer wine, the Gran Selezione is a fabulous, contemporary expression of Chianti Classico at its very finest. Drops of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah round out the blend. Paolo De Marchi gave the 2013 a year in barrique and second year in cask.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95 points “Dark, saturated and rich, the 2013 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione delivers savory tones of spice and smoke that are folded into dark fruit, prune and dried blackberry. Despite the darkness of the bouquet, this wine shows tartness and freshness in terms of its flavor profile. There is a lot of Sangiovese typicity here, thanks to the delineated character of those wild berry aromas and the crispness of the wine’s natural acidity. In fact, the wine is mostly composed of Sangiovese, although very small percentages of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot are added to the blend. A mere 2,400 bottles were produced.”
These are the lowest listed prices in the USA today!
The average price is $231
The average price is $231
Isole e Olena Cepparello Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2017 750ML ($99.95) $79 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Isole e Olena Cepparello Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2017 1.5L ($199.95) $169 special, 24 magnums in stock now
Isole e Olena Cepparello Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2017 3L ($419.95) $379 special, 3 double-magnums in stock now
Antonio Galloni 97 points “The 2017 Cepparello is another in a series of stunningly beautiful Cepparellos from Paolo de Marchi. Bright and beautifully focused in the glass, with tremendous depth, the 2017 is positively stellar from the very first taste. Succulent dark cherry, plum, licorice, spice, menthol and coffee all open up with a bit of air. Here, too, Paolo De Marchi has done a tremendous job in preserving freshness in the wine. Readers who can muster the patience will be rewarded with a spectacular wine.”
James Suckling 95 points “A beautifully linear and refined sangiovese with polished tannins and super tight fruit. Yet, it shows subtle complexity of blackberries, black cherries and dark chocolate. Some hazelnuts. Intense, vibrant finish with a creamy texture. Extremely well done for this hot, dry vintage. Drink after 2023.”
This is the only listing in the USA today for the double-magnum!
Isole e Olena Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany 2017 750ML ($29.95) $24 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Isole e Olena Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany 2017 750ML ($359.95) $259 special (that’s only $21.58/bottle and that lowest listed price in the USA today!)
James Suckling 93 points “A very pretty 2017 Chianti Classico with a beautiful core of ripe fruit and layers of round, lightly chewy tannins. Dark cherries, walnuts and chocolate. Drink or hold.”
Antonio Galloni 91 points “The 2017 Chianti Classico is fabulous. Bright, punchy and so full of character, the 2017 is absolutely delicious. Sweet berry, cedar, tobacco, rose petal and subtle earthy notes all grace the 2017, an exquisite wine that will drink well with minimal cellaring. More than anything, I am so impressed with the wine’s energy.”
The average price is $26
Isole e Olena Collezione Privata Syrah Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2017 750ML ($89.95) $69 special, 35 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 96 points “Isole e Olena 2017 Syrah is powerful, dense and savory. Readers should not plan on opening a bottle anytime soon. Black cherry, plum, licorice, espresso, chocolate and leather build as this brooding Tuscan Syrah shows off its considerable character. The 2017 is a real powerhouse. Give it a few years in bottle.”
Isole e Olena Collezione Privata Cabernet Sauvignon Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2016 750ML ($99.95) $69 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 98 points “The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon is among the finest Cabernet Sauvignons in Italy. High altitude sites in Barberino yield a distinctly mid-weight, elegant, savory Cabernet that is all about reserve. Dark plum, espresso, licorice, menthol and sage start to emerge with a bit of air, but the 2016 is a wine that demands cellaring. Over the years, I have had the good fortune to taste every vintage of the Isole e Olena Cabernet. It is one of the great under the radar wines of Tuscany. The 2016 takes its place with the very finest editions.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Isole e Olena Collezione Privata Cabernet Sauvignon Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2015 750ML ($99.95) $69 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon is a wine of elegance and finesse that shows the effects of rain during harvest in its decidedly mid-weight, lithe construction. Even so, the 2015 offers lovely aromatic presence and persistence. Grilled herbs, crème de cassis, licorice, violet, plum, spice and licorice all develop, but the 2015 remains decidedly delicate for this bottling. My impression is that it will age more on its freshness rather than on its concentration.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Isole e Olena Collezione Privata Cabernet Sauvignon Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2014 750ML ($89.95) $69 special, 16 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 96 points “A regal wine, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Collezione Privata from Isole e Olena soars out of the glass with tremendous aromatic and palate intensity. Deceptive in its mid-weight structure, the 2014 has so much to offer. Once again, De Marchi crafted a Cabernet Sauvignon that exudes character. Today, the 2014 is vivid but also intensely saline and clenched. Another few years in bottle should do the trick. This fruit was brought in during the last week of October and first week of November, quite late, even by the standards of the year.”
Shop all of our Isole e Olena offers on our web store!
Sonoma Icons Patz & Hall
At Deep Discounts
At Deep Discounts
Sonoma Coast Chard & Pinot on newly arrived blow out sale. Patz & Hall is one of the classic names in Somoma County for a reason—they make absolutely stunning wines up and down their line. We’ve got absurdly good pricing on their entry bottlings—the lowest in the country by a wide margin, both of which are perfect for drinking today.
In Stock Now:
Patz & Hall Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2016 750ML ($39.95) $21.90 special, 33 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 93 points “Rich and brooding with intensely perfumed oak, this is a layered white made from grapes grown throughout the appellation. It delivers medium-bodied weight and grip, with lush apple and gingersnap flavors. -Virginie Boone”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $29.95
The next best price is $29.95
Patz & Hall Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2013 750ML ($49.95) $21.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 92 points “Pungent, spicy earth and cinnamon rise out of the wine’s bouquet, inviting one to enjoy a structured expression of cranberry, raspberry and black tea. The tannin structure is well managed and the oak strong, yet integrated. Gap’s Crown is among the vineyards that figure into the blend, along with several Dutton family properties. This is fresh and focused. -Virginie Boone”
Robert Parker-Wine Advocate 91 points “All the Pinot Noirs are bottled unfined and unfiltered. The biggest cuvée, the 2013 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast comes from many different sources, including Dutton Ranch, Martinelli Family, Chenoweth Vineyard, and a handful of others, that are blended together for a relatively consistent style from vintage to vintage. The lovely 2013 exhibits terrific blueberry and black raspberry fruit interwoven with notions of Chinese black tea, oak, earth and beet root in the background. This nicely textured, medium-bodied Pinot Noir possesses zesty acidity as well as admirable aromatics. Enjoy it over the next 5-8 years.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $43.90
The next best price is $43.90
Trending
Pouring wingspan is as dramatic as the wine itself, and it’s banana’s good
Reichsrat von Buhl Deidesheimer Mäusehöhle Riesling Trocken, Pfalz 2015 1.5L ($89.95) $59 special, 7 magnums in stock now
Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2015 Deidesheimer Mäusehöhle Riesling (AP 2216) opens with a pure and refreshing, rather coolish aroma (compared to the Leinshöhle) of ripe yellow fruits intertwined with stony aromas. Round, fresh and elegant on the palate, this full-bodied and well-balanced Riesling is tightly woven, but fine and very mineral. It displays ripe yellow apple flavors in the finish, as well as nice and stimulating grip. The finish is pure and salty, really vitalizing in its freshness and clarity. According to the label, this is 12.5% alcohol.”
This is the only listing in the USA today for the magnum!
RP is the master of Bierzo and his wines are some of the most profound in the world for the $$.
Raúl Pérez Ultreia de Valtuille, Bierzo 2015 750ML ($79.95) Was $59, Now $45 Super Subscriber Special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds 95 points “Vivid ruby. An expansive, seductively perfumed bouquet of ripe red/blue fruits, pot-pourri, exotic spices and cola, along with an intense mineral overtone. Concentrated yet vibrant in character, showing superb definition and mineral lift to the sweet raspberry, boysenberry, cola, spicecake and violet pastille flavors. Shows alluring sweetness and powerful thrust on the youthfully tannic finish, which hangs on with outstanding clarity and mineral-driven persistence. (All whole clusters and neutral French oak.)“
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $58
The average price is $72
The next best price is $58
The average price is $72
La Gerla makes fantastic Brunello in a traditional (yet approachable) style.
La Gerla Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2015 750ML ($69.95) $55 special, 22 bottles in stock now
La Gerla Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2015 1.5L ($149.95) $119 special, 5 magnums in stock now
Wine Spectator 94 points “Black cherry and black currant fruit is accented by tobacco, earth and mineral flavors in this sleek yet dense red. Balsamic elements of juniper, thyme and olive add depth as this cruises to a long finish. The potential lies in the excellent length. Best from 2023 through 2042. —B.S.”
Eric Guido – Vinous 94 points “La Gerla’s 2015 Brunello di Montalcino is gorgeous, showing depths of earthy moist soil, minerals and hints of animal musk up front, giving way to crushed strawberry and cherry, getting spicy with lifting minerals yet retaining a rich character throughout. On the palate, silky textures are matched by cool-toned acids and refreshing moist mineral tones, as zesty cherry and cedar come forward. It’s so balanced and smooth, with high energy lasting into the long finish, showing saturating spice and salty minerals, yet remaining cool-toned and precise. The 2015 is a beautifully balanced wine that’s firmly rooted in the earth.”
James Suckling 93 points “Lots of raspberry coulis, dried redcurrants and red-plum compote here. The medium-to full-bodied palate has fleshy and succulent appeal with juicy tannins and a fruit-forward finish. Drink now or hold.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today for the magnum!
“Undeniably Impressive”
Maggy Hawk Jory Hills Vineyard Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2017 750ML ($69.95) $49 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2017 Pinot Noir Jory Hills Vineyard is an extroverted, luscious Pinot loaded with character. Black cherry, plum, lavender and spice come together in a bold, creamy Pinot endowed with plenty of richness and exuberance. The Jory Hills, from Oregon’s Willamette Valley…is undeniably impressive.”
Wine Spectator 93 points “Shows polish and presence, with expressive rose petal and raspberry aromas that pair with multilayered boysenberry and orange peel flavors, finishing with well-groomed tannins. Drink now through 2027.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next lowest listed price is $65.70
The next lowest listed price is $65.70
What a great deal in new-wave Priorat
Familia Nin-Ortiz ‘Planetes de Nin’ Garnatxes en Àmfora, Priorat DOCa 2016 750ML ($44.95) Was $33, Now $29 Super Subscriber Special, 30 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 92 points “The 2016 Planetes de Nin Garnatxes en Àmfora was produced with biodynamically farmed Garnacha that fermented with indigenous yeasts and matured in 700- and 1,000-liter terracotta amphorae for seven months. They do two versions, one with a little SO2 and the other without, and the difference is minimal. At first one was more closed, but when it opened up, they were very similar and showed some herbal and raspberry leaf aromas intermixed with wild berries and notions of earth, aromatic and balanced. It has fine tannins and a velvety texture. 7,395 bottles were filled in April 2017.”
This was the lowest listed price in the USA today,
Now it’s even lower!
The next best price is $34.99
Now it’s even lower!
The next best price is $34.99
One of the kings of old-school Napa Cabernet
Philip Togni Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2016 750ML ($159.95) Was $135, Now $125 Super Subscriber Special, 20 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 96 points “A regal wine, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate has really shut down following its recent bottling, which is probably a very good thing for its long-term prospects, although it does make the wine harder to read. Today, the 2016 is dark, powerful and quite savory, with tremendous persistence and class to burn. Translucent, deep and exquisitely layered, the 2016 has a lot to offer. Dark red cherry, plum, wild herb, cedar, tobacco and smoke build as the 2016 starts to open up in the glass. This is a jewel of a wine from the Togni family.”
Wine Advocate 94-96 points “A barrel sample, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is deep garnet-purple in color with loads of blue and black fruits—very spicy—with a fragrant earth undercurrent. The palate is medium-bodied and elegant with very fine, firm, ripe tannins and great freshness, finishing vivacious and earthy.”
Wine Spectator 94 points “Youthfully tight, this mineral-edged style offers a core of currant and black cherry fruit, framed by iron, bay leaf, menthol and singed alder notes. A mulled spice edge emerges on the finish as everything slowly melds together, ending with a persistent tarry echo. Best from 2022 through 2038.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Rhone Spotlight:
Saint Damien’s 2018 Gigondas
Saint Damien’s 2018 Gigondas
In the difficult vintage of 2018 Joel Saurel and son Romain, who recently took over the winemaking, made the tough decision to take the hit financially and still create the best wine they can; just less of it. They produced only two of their Gigondas cuvées: the base AOC Gigondas Vieilles Vignes and the La Louisiane. Old-vine Grenache, Mourvèdre, Cinsault and Syrah combine for the most pleasantly fragrant vintage from this lovely domaine. Humbly priced, incredibly well made, and there is good supply on hand for the time being.
The standard 2018 Gigondas Vieilles Vignes shows increased depth of flavor, but has brighter, black raspberry-tinged aromas that are more upfront with less decanting than in previous vintages. Still thick with herb and anise notes that add a pleasant dimension to the glass, the wildness seems a little in check this year. Instead, there are lovely floral notes that seem to come from a well-tended garden rather than from some scrubby little bushes overlooking a windswept plateau. It is graceful and lovely, yet still has a wonderful depth to the finish.
And now, for La Louisiane: the wine that puts Saint Damien in the same conversation as Santa Duc and Saint Cosme as far as being the best producer from Gigondas. The vines from the red sandy soil of La Louisiane fared the best from the attack of powdery mildew that assaulted Gigondas in the spring. The rest of the growing season treated Gigondas quite well, and the resulting fruit was delightful. The firm cherry core was accented with freshly cracked spices, cassis, smoky tea and herbs, crunchy with mineral notes. The color is intense but clear and shimmers with brightness. One of my favorite aspects of this wine is the balance between the intensity of the sweet delicious fruit and the alcohol, which at 15% is definitely present but not overpowering. While alcohol is simply an act of natural processes, this balance seems to be assembled deliberately and perfectly. While recent vintages like 2016 and 2017 may call for longer durations in the cellar, this wine could be accessed earlier. Five years will undoubtedly help it along the way, but if you’re pulling corks early, decant the wine vigorously. Air will only jumpstart all that is promised within.
As a reminder; there are still magnums available of the La Souteyrades from 2015. The spice profile is slightly less wild but no less intense than La Louisiane. Additionally, there is a pretty blood orange scent that filters through the blackberries and framboise. These mags will age nicely for as long as you need them to, though the 2015 we recently tried is pretty hedonistic at the moment. Go with confidence.
In Stock Now:
Domaine Saint Damien Gigondas Vieilles Vignes, Rhône 2018 750ML ($34.95) $28 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Domaine Saint Damien Gigondas Vieilles Vignes, Rhône 2018 750ML ($219.95) $159 special (that’s only $26.50/bottle!)
Wine Advocate 92-94 points “The 2018 Gigondas Classique Vieilles Vignes shows impressive levels of black cherry fruit, joined by hints of garrigue and licorice. It’s full-bodied, silky and easy to drink, finishing long, briny and savory.”
Jeb Dunnuck 92-94 points “The base Gigondas, the 2018 Gigondas Vieilles Vignes is a blend from both the La Louisiane and Pigière lieux-dits near the estate (due to the dismal yields, there’s no Souteyrade cuvée in 2018) and is 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah brought up in foudre. It has a wonderful flowery incense and blue fruit quality as well as medium to full body, a ripe, rounded mid-palate, and a great texture. It’s a more forward, charming, sexy wine that’s going to drink nicely in its youth yet also evolve gracefully.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine Saint Damien Gigondas La Louisiane Vieilles Vignes, Rhône 2018 750ML ($41.95) $36 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 95-97 points “The 2018 Gigondas La Louisiane looks to be another terrific example of this cuvée. Raspberries, black cherries, tea leaves and violets all appear on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is rich, velvety and long on the finish.”
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 93-95 points “Vivid magenta. Highly perfumed raspberry and cherry preserve aromas are complicated by potpourri and exotic spice nuances and a smoky mineral note builds in the glass. Juicy and appealingly sweet, displaying intense red/blue fruit, spicecake and lavender pastille flavors and supple, seamless texture. Balances richness and vivacity smoothly and finishes extremely long and spicy, with harmonious tannins and a resonating echo of candied flowers.”
Also in Stock from Saint Damien:
Domaine Saint Damien Gigondas ‘Les Souteyrades Vieilles Vignes’, Rhône 2015 1.5L ($109.95) $89 special, 7 magnums in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 97 points “The most opulent and voluptuous of the 2015s, the 2015 Gigondas Les Souteyrades is heavenly juice that, again, drinks well past its humble price point. Just loaded with notions of strawberries, framboise, spring flowers, dried orange peels and spice, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a thick, unctuous texture, sweet tannin and a great, great finish. This cuvée is the normal 80/20 split of Grenache and Mourvèdre, aged all in foudre, and there’s just 750 cases made.”
Wine Advocate 94 points “Like the La Louisiane, the 2015 Gigondas les Souteyrades spent a year in foudres prior to bottling. It a similar blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Mourvèdre, but grown on north-facing gray clays. There’s more pepper and herb here, still wonderfully ripe raspberries but less chocolate. Full-bodied, it’s still silky and refined, with tremendous length on the finish.”
Additional Souteyrades Re-Arriving in March:
Domaine Saint Damien Gigondas ‘Les Souteyrades Vieilles Vignes’, Rhone 2017 750ML ($39.95) $33 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 95 points “A blend of Grenache and Mourvèdre, the 2017 Gigondas les Souteyrades—from a clay-based, north-facing site—is rich and earthy, with cinnamon and cola notes accenting dark plums and black cherries. It’s full-bodied and velvety, adding hints of chocolate on the long finish.-JC”
Jeb Dunnuck 93 points “Black cherries, garrigue, leather, and a kiss of spice emerge from the 2017 Gigondas Les Souteyrades, which is Grenache and Mourvèdre brought up in foudre. It’s medium to full-bodied, has light tannins, beautiful balance, and a charming, elegant style. As with the other releases here in 2017, it’s a seamless, layered, complex wine that relies more on elegance and complexity than overt power and richness.”
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 93 points “Deep magenta. Deeply pitched aromas of red and blue fruit preserves, candied flowers and allspice show excellent clarity and mineral lift. Seamless and alluringly sweet, offering palate-staining cherry, blueberry and spicecake flavors that show noteworthy depth and back-end thrust. Finishes very long and smooth, with fine-grained tannins and resonating cherry and floral character.”
Love Rhône reds? We have over 160 red wines from the Rhône Valley in stock now. Shop the entire selection, including famous names like Château de Vaudieu, Saint Cosme, Vieux Télégraphe and more, on our web store!
Drink Latour for Under $100
Château Latour is one of the storied properties of the wine world—with prices to match. What’s a wine lover to do if they want to taste some of the fabled wine but don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars? Look to the second and third wines of the estate.
We have national best prices on two vintages of “Le Pauillac de Château Latour,” the declassified bottling from the famed producer. This is made with the same style and care as the flagship wine, but is crafted for earlier drinking. In other words, this is the perfect Latour for less-than-momentous occasions.
In Stock Now:
Château Latour Le Pauillac de Latour, Pauillac 2013 750ML ($99.95) $69 special, 18 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 90 points “A firm and silky red with currant, plum and berry character. Medium body, fresh finish. Stone and dark fruit. Drink now.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $83
The average price is $83
Château Latour Le Pauillac de Latour, Pauillac 2015 750ML ($119.95) $89 special, 9 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 94 points “A firm and linear red with currant, blackberry and stone aromas and flavors. Full yet closed and tight. Acidity drives this one. Third wine of Paulliac. Serious. Needs two or three years to come together.”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 91 points “The 2015 Le Pauillac de Château Latour is a blend of 54.2% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41.7% Merlot and 4.1% Petit Verdot. Deep garnet-purple colored, it sails out of the glass at a fantastic clip, delivering wonderfully fragrant notes of baked blackberries, blueberry compote and redcurrant jelly with hints of licorice, red roses and cigar box. Medium-bodied, generously fruited, open-knit and tantalizingly drinkable right now, the palate is chock-full of expressive red and black fruits, featuring approachable, ripe, soft tannins and seamless freshness, finishing with compelling purity. Very impressive showing!”
Neal Martin-Vinous 90 points “The 2015 Le Pauillac de Château Latour has gone up in my estimation since I tasted it from barrel. It has a fleshy, ripe, raspberry, blackberry and boysenberry scented nose, a little smudged with subtle hints of marmalade in the background. It is open and inviting. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and well judged acidity. As a Troisième Vin, even for a First Growth, it only achieves moderate complexity, but there is something winsome about this wine with an attractive pencil lead finish that is impressively well defined. Crack this open now and over the next 3-5 years.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $104
The average price is $104
Shop our entire selection of red Bordeaux including famous names like Château Canon, Mouton Rothschild, Rauzan Segla, and more on our web store!
Super Subscriber Sales Roundup
We’re offering well over 200 wines on super low sale pricing just for you. Here are some of our top picks. Explore all 228 options on our web store!
I Sing the Champagne Electric
Doyard ‘Les Lumieres’ Extra Brut 2008 750ML ($379.95) Was $319, Now $289 Super Subscriber Special, 3 bottles available, ETA February 25th
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 97 points “A spectacular wine, Doyard’s 2008 Extra-Brut Grand Cru Les Lumières was disgorged in November 2018 with minimal dosage. Unwinding in the glass with aromas of orange oil, crisp yellow orchard fruit, fresh pastry, honeycomb and almond paste, it’s full-bodied, searingly concentrated and intense, with a racy spine of acidity, immense depth at the core and a long, electric finish. This cuvée is a blend of first-press juice: two-thirds Chardonnay from Mesnil-sur-Oger and one-third Pinot Noir from prime holdings in Aÿ.”
I Sing the Champagne Electric
Doyard ‘Les Lumieres’ Extra Brut 2008 750ML ($379.95) Was $319, Now $289 Super Subscriber Special, 3 bottles available, ETA February 25th
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 97 points “A spectacular wine, Doyard’s 2008 Extra-Brut Grand Cru Les Lumières was disgorged in November 2018 with minimal dosage. Unwinding in the glass with aromas of orange oil, crisp yellow orchard fruit, fresh pastry, honeycomb and almond paste, it’s full-bodied, searingly concentrated and intense, with a racy spine of acidity, immense depth at the core and a long, electric finish. This cuvée is a blend of first-press juice: two-thirds Chardonnay from Mesnil-sur-Oger and one-third Pinot Noir from prime holdings in Aÿ.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $294
The average price nationally is $294
Vilmart continues to raise the bar for what they’re capable of.
Vilmart & Cie Les Blanches Voies Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru Brut 2009 750ML ($419.95) Was $349, Now $329 Super Subscriber Special, 6 bottles available, ETA February 25th
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 97 points “A new lieu-dit cuvée for Vilmart—derived from 60-year-old vines and vinified in barrel for 10 months—debuts with the 2009 Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Les Blanches Voies, a wine that was disgorged in March 2017 with four grams per liter dosage. Wafting from the glass with aromas of crisp yellow pear, beeswax, white flowers, walnuts and brioche, it’s deep, full-bodied and searingly intense, with chalky structuring extract and an incisive spine of acidity. Long and penetrating, this has turned out brilliantly.”
Antonio Galloni 96 points “Here in its first release, the 2009 Blanc de Blancs Les Blanches Voies is positively stellar. Old vines confer remarkable power, gravitas and explosive energy, and yet the 2009 preserves remarkable freshness to play off the resonant, deeply layered fruit. Intense graphite, mineral, citrus and floral notes add myriad shades of nuance to an expansive, powerful Blanc de Blancs that hits all the right notes. The purity and vibrancy of the flavors here is simply striking. The Blanches Voies gets one more year on the lees than the flagship Coeur de Cuvée and also a dosage of just 4 grams per liter, the lowest ever in the history of Vilmart. The 2009 is positively stellar. Don’t miss it! Production is just 2,400 bottles. Disgorged March 17.”
Antonio Galloni 96 points “The 2009 Blanc de Blancs Les Blanches Voies is every bit as stunning as it was last year. The combination of the warm year and the natural richness conferred by these 70+- year-old vines yields a powerful, vinous Champagne with tremendous character, depth and the pedigree to drink well for many years. Laurent Champs gave the Blanc de Blancs 7 years on the cork, as opposed to the 6 that are customary for the Coeur de Cuvée. Dosage is 4 grams per liter. Disgorged: March, 2017.”
Wine Spectator 95 points “Ripe and juicy white cherry and raspberry fruit flavors are layered with fragrant accents of exotic spice, lime blossom and grilled nut in this rich, harmonious Champagne, which is round and expressive, and satiny in texture, with a bright backbone of lemony acidity providing fresh definition through to the lasting finish. Disgorged March 2017. Drink now through 2035.”Terry Theise note “Way back in the day, VIlmart made a BdB and it was excellent. I missed it when it was discontinued, but this new and spectacular wine more than makes up for it. Deg 3/2017, and drier than the rest of the range, it has great richness (pheasant stock, applewood smoke) and a tangelo-citrus lift, a pixilated chalky-dusty minerality, all conspire in a rumble of interplay that stops you cold and leaves you warm. Entirely original, and a new vibrancy of mineral for Vilmart.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $349.97
The next best price is $349.97
Château d’Yquem, Sauternes 2015 1.5L ($1,099.95) Was $879, Now $789 Super Subscriber Special, 2 magnums in stock now
Wine Advocate 100 points “Following a very long harvest stretching nearly two months, the 2015 Château d’Yquem came in at 13.9% alcohol and 144 grams per liter of residual sugar, sporting a pH of 3.65 and six grams per liter of tartaric acid. None of these numbers, however, even remotely begin to tell you how profound this wine is. The nose opens with electric notes of ripe pineapples, green mango, orange blossoms and lemon tart with hints of fungi, lime zest, crushed rocks and jasmine. The freshness on the palate is just astonishing, permeating and lifting layer upon layer of tropical fruits and earthy notions, all encased in a sumptuous texture and culminating in a very, very long, mineral-tinged finish. Truly, this is a legendary vintage for d’Yquem. I’ve been conservative with my drinking window here, and I would not be at all surprised if our descendants are drinking this vintage well into the next century.-LPB”
James Suckling 99-100 points “This is an incredible young Yquem that is so vinous like a great vintage of Montrachet but then on the palate it turns to Yquem with spice, dried fruit and mushroom as well as sweet fruit. Last for minutes. Acidity is all there giving it a dynamic vibrance that jolts your senses. Special wine. It has a little more than than 140 grams of residual sugar, less than the legendary of 2001. But is very close in greatness. Let’s wait and see.”
Antonio Galloni 98 points “The 2015 d’Yquem is without question one of the wines of the vintage. Just as alluring from bottle as it was from barrel, the 2015 is a wine that engages all of the senses, from the intellectual to the more hedonistic. Lilting notes of pineapple, mint, orange peel and white flowers grace the palate, but it is the wine’s sense of balance and total harmony that impress most. In 2015, Yquem had its earliest start to the harvest since 1893. Even so, the winemaking team did a magnificent job of preserving freshness. The 2015 was fermented in 100% new oak, and residual sugar is 145 grams per liter, but great wine is never about numbers. Above all else, the 2015 Yquem is a wine of energy and class. Don’t miss it!”
Domaine Charvin Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône 2017 750ML ($74.95) Was $59, Now $52.50 Super Subscriber Special, 33 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 95 points “The 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape is an awesome wine from Laurent, and while it shows the sunny, ripe, sexy style of the vintage, it never loses the elegance and purity that’s the hallmark of Charvin. Lots of kirsch, graphite, dried flowers, garrigue, and ample minerality flow to a medium to full-bodied, silky, incredibly well-balanced red that has a stacked mid-palate, building tannins, and a great finish. Give bottles 4-5 years of bottle age and it will cruise over the following two decades.”
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 94-95 points “Brilliant magenta. An assertively perfumed bouquet of ripe red and blue fruits, Moroccan spices and incense carries a smoky overtone. Sweet, penetrating raspberry preserve, cherry, lavender pastille and spicecake flavors show impressive depth as well as vivacity. Displays superb clarity and floral thrust on the finish, which features smoothly interwoven tannins and lingering spiciness. This wine shows just how much complexity can be achieved, even in a hot vintage, in the absence of any oak, old or new.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $64
The average price nationally is $64
The finest release to date of one of Tuscany’s most historic wines
Avignonesi Grandi Annate, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2012 750ML ($99.95) Was $79, Now $69 Super Subscriber Special, 10 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 93 points “You’ll notice that this wine is no longer labeled “Riserva.” Avignonesi wanted to reduce the time it spends in oak and made the name adjustment accordingly. This seems like a good idea to me. The 2012 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Grandi Annate gives new life to one of Tuscany’s most historic wines. There is more elegance and finesse here. I must say that past vintages have been a disappointment, but this expression seems to break all ties with the past. Fruit is sourced primarily from the Banditella vineyard that tends to produce more austere and concentrated Sangiovese. Indeed, this wine is highly redolent of black fruit, tar, licorice and even a touch of white mushroom. Everyone loves a comeback story and that’s what you get here.”
James Suckling 93 points “A chewy and silky wine with just ripe fruit, chocolate and hazelnut character. Fresh earth undertone too. Medium body, fresh finish. Drink now or hold.”
This was the lowest listed price in the USA today,
Now it’s even lower!
The next best price is $95
Now it’s even lower!
The next best price is $95
La Fortuna Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 2012 750ML ($119.95) Was $99, Now $89 Super Subscriber Special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 La Fortuna Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 2012 750ML ($699.95) Was $564, Now $515 Super Subscriber Special (that’s only $85.83/bottle!)
La Fortuna Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 2012 1.5L ($259.95) Was $219, Now $199 Super Subscriber Special, 4 magnums in stock now
La Fortuna Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 2012 3L ($499.95) Was $428, Now $399 Super Subscriber Special, 3 double-magnums in stock now
Wine Spectator 97 points “Perfumed, with wild herb aromas and a subtle mix of strawberry and cherry fruit. Vibrant and dense, with fine acidity driving the long finish. Though elegant, there is intensity and fine energy on the aftertaste. Best from 2022 through 2028.”
These are the only listings in the USA today!
Casa Castillo Vino de Finca, Jumilla 2017 750ML ($24.95) Was $21.90, Now $18.80 Super Subscriber Special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Casa Castillo Vino de Finca, Jumilla 2017 750ML ($299.95) Was $219, Now $199 Super Subscriber Special (that’s only $16.58/bottle!)
Luis Gutierrez 93+ points “There is a big jump in depth, complexity and nuance between the Monastrell and the 2017 Vino de Finca, which is a blend of Monastrell with almost 25% Garnacha. This comes from four plots that were selected from what was previously used for the entry-level Monastrell; they aim was to find a wine with more finesse and elegance but with the inherent power of the zone. This is only the third vintage for this cuvée, and it feels quite established and different from the rest of the range; it has less varietal character and is more about the place, getting closer to the single-vineyard bottlings where they do not search for fruit character. The idea here is to ferment at temperatures that are quite so low and to stabilize the wine in oak barrels for a long-ish time (12 months in 500-liter barrels and 5,000-liter oak foudres). They are wines of sun and limestone. This is a good reflection of it with a perfumed and floral note on the finish (elegance!) that is quite remarkable. 31,000 bottles produced in 2017. It was bottled in November 2018.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Dönnhoff Niederhäuser Hermannshöhle Riesling Spätlese, Nahe 2017 750ML ($69.95) Was $59 Now $49 Super Subscriber Special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott-Jamessuckling 99 points “Most people who drink wine know what a ripe peach tastes like. However, this wine gives you a completely new appreciation of the meaning of the word “peach”. Beyond that, it possesses subtlety that is extremely rare anywhere in the world of food and wine. From organically grown grapes. Fair’n Green certification. Absolutely delicious now, but could be held for decades.”
David Schildknecht – Vinous 95 points “Lily perfume on the nose of this Hermannshöhle reminds me both of the corresponding 2016 and of this year’s Kirschheck. That is accompanied by ripe, fresh and high-toned, distillate-like notes of pear and quince. The glossy palate is lusciously fruited, billowingly perfumed, as well as seductively glossy and creamy in texture. Piquancy of pear pip and hints of anise add counterpoint, while fresh grapefruit and white peach contribute welcomed bright juiciness en route to a ravishingly-sustained, impeccably-balanced finish. The covering term “mineral” will for now have to serve the strikingly transparent finish, which becomes more intriguing the longer the wine takes on air.”
This was the lowest listed price,
Now it’s even lower!
The average price is $66
Now it’s even lower!
The average price is $66
Visit our web store to shop all the Subscriber Sale offers on Eisele, Thanisch, Faiveley, Jadot, Huet, JJ Prum, La Fortuna, La Gerla, and dozens of others on our web store!
Collector’s Corner
New Review for Bevan Cellars’ Star Red
Bevan Cellars has quickly emerged as one of the top handful of Napa Cabernet producers in a crowded marketplace. Since their founding in 2005 as the personal project of star winemaker Russell Bevan, they’ve earned multiple 100-point scores for their bold, silky style.
These are intense expressions of Cabernet (and a few impressive Cabernet-based blends) that manage to be delicious and texturally impressive now. It’s exceptionally rare to find wines of this quality which are easy to drink right away, which is part of the reason Bevan Cellars has a long waiting list to buy their wines direct.
As a result, it’s rare to see these wines in the retail world but we’ve got our hands on some, available in limited quantities. If you’re looking for a set of top-rated Napa Cabernet to drink tomorrow or age for a decade, it’s hard to do better than Bevan’s wines. These highly rated masterpieces won’t be here for long, so stock up while you can.
Newly Reviewed and In Stock Now:
Bevan Cellars Tench Vineyard ‘EE’ Red, Oakville 2016 750ML ($249.95) $189 special, only 7 bottles available
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 99+ points “Some of the top wines from this spectacular vintage are starting to close down, including this impressive beauty. Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Proprietary Red EE Tench Vineyard is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Cabernet Franc and 5% Merlot. Just a little more subdued than when I last tasted it, the nose features gorgeous blueberry pie, molten chocolate, plum preserves and mulberries notions with hints of camphor, cloves, earth and cigar box. Full-bodied and voluptuously endowed, with decadently velvet-textured tannins, the acid sits perfectly balanced in the background, finishing with epic length and so many layers. The way this is headed, I would not be surprised if it emerges in a few years hitting glorious, three-digit perfection. 1,403 cases were made.”
Also In Stock Now from Bevan Cellars:
Bevan Cellars Tench Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville 2016 750ML ($249.95) $199 special, only 10 bottles available
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 97+ points “The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Tench Vineyard is very deep purple-black in color with an earthy, meaty, broody nose with notes of mocha over baked plums and crème de cassis plus wafts of spice box and mincemeat. The palate is full-bodied, concentrated, rich and earthy with great vibrancy on the finish. 839 cases produced.”
These are intense expressions of Cabernet (and a few impressive Cabernet-based blends) that manage to be delicious and texturally impressive now. It’s exceptionally rare to find wines of this quality which are easy to drink right away, which is part of the reason Bevan Cellars has a long waiting list to buy their wines direct.
As a result, it’s rare to see these wines in the retail world but we’ve got our hands on some, available in limited quantities. If you’re looking for a set of top-rated Napa Cabernet to drink tomorrow or age for a decade, it’s hard to do better than Bevan’s wines. These highly rated masterpieces won’t be here for long, so stock up while you can.
Newly Reviewed and In Stock Now:
Bevan Cellars Tench Vineyard ‘EE’ Red, Oakville 2016 750ML ($249.95) $189 special, only 7 bottles available
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 99+ points “Some of the top wines from this spectacular vintage are starting to close down, including this impressive beauty. Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Proprietary Red EE Tench Vineyard is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Cabernet Franc and 5% Merlot. Just a little more subdued than when I last tasted it, the nose features gorgeous blueberry pie, molten chocolate, plum preserves and mulberries notions with hints of camphor, cloves, earth and cigar box. Full-bodied and voluptuously endowed, with decadently velvet-textured tannins, the acid sits perfectly balanced in the background, finishing with epic length and so many layers. The way this is headed, I would not be surprised if it emerges in a few years hitting glorious, three-digit perfection. 1,403 cases were made.”
Also In Stock Now from Bevan Cellars:
Bevan Cellars Tench Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville 2016 750ML ($249.95) $199 special, only 10 bottles available
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 97+ points “The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Tench Vineyard is very deep purple-black in color with an earthy, meaty, broody nose with notes of mocha over baked plums and crème de cassis plus wafts of spice box and mincemeat. The palate is full-bodied, concentrated, rich and earthy with great vibrancy on the finish. 839 cases produced.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $251
Bevan Cellars Wildfoote Vineyard Vixen Block Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap District 2015 750ML ($279.95) $199 special, only 4 bottles available
Wine Advocate 98 points “Very deep garnet-purple colored, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Vixen Block Wildfoote Vineyard offers up a very serious nose of cassis, blackberry pie and blueberry compote with hints of dried lavender, underbrush, Chinese five spice and cigar box, plus a waft of dark chocolate. Full-bodied and densely packed with black fruit preserves and earthy layers, it has a firm frame of finely grained tannins and just enough freshness, finishing with epically long exotic spice nuances. Only 125 cases were produced.”
Jeb Dunnuck 96 points “The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Wildfoote Vineyard Vixen Block is one of the more refined, elegant wines in the lineup and reveals a perfumed bouquet of white flowers, blue fruits, violets, and spice. It’s seamless and silky on the palate, yet has building underlying tannin and is beautifully balanced. It’s one of those wines that carry loads of intensity and texture yet just glides over the palate. Drink it anytime over the coming two decades.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $229
Thank you from the team at Vinopolis!
Be well & drink well.