February Sale
New Reviews / New Releases from Felsina
New 2017 Releases from Arterberry Maresh
What’s the Best Value in Sherry?
Let’s Sip, Savor & Ponder
Champagne Super Deals
In Stock Now & Arriving Thursday
#Trending
February Sale Recap
February Sale
Ending Soon!
The other Italian Petrus slayer—at a third the price of Masseto.
Tua Rita Redigaffi Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2015 750ML ($299.95) Was $228, Now $219 February Sale Special
James Suckling 100 points “This is an extraordinary merlot with such purity and focus. Flowers such as violets and hints of orange peel. It is full-bodied yet incredibly energetic and structured. The finish goes on for minutes. Seamless texture. Fresh yet dense. Contrasty. Best Redigaffi ever. Hard not to drink now but a wine for decades.”
Wine Spectator 95 points “Lush and polished, featuring a cashmere texture caressing vanilla, chocolate, black cherry and plum flavors. Well-balanced, with a persistent finish. The harmony hides a solid structure. Decant now. Merlot. Best from 2020 through 2032.”
The average price is $264
Domaine de Cristia Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes, Rhone 2015 750ML ($99.95) Was $79, Now $71.90 February Sale Special
Wine Spectator 97 points “This delivers a lush, enticing blast of cassis and raspberry and boysenberry preserve flavors, carried by a silky structure that lets the fruit play out at length, giving adequate time for black tea, singed apple wood, dried anise and fruitcake notes to fill in throughout. Dreamy. Grenache. Best from 2020 through 2040.”
The average price nationally is $86
Avignonesi Vin Santo di Montepulciano, Tuscany 2001 375ML ($219.95) Was $199, Now $169 February Sale Special
Wine Advocate 98 points “The 2001 Vin Santo di Montepulciano (375 milliliters) is a divine and superbly delicious sweet blend of Trebbiano, Malvasia and Grechetto. The results are super concentrated and simmered down to a virtual reduction sauce of deliciousness. There are so many aromas to name, but some of the most evident highlights include candied orange peel, almond marzipan, caramel, toasted coffee bean, vanilla stick, mocha, dark honey and fragrant yellow rose. The mouthfeel is creamy, rich and deeply layered. I’m suggesting a slightly shorter drinking window here compared to the Occhio di Pernice. But, the truth is: I have no idea. I’m pretty sure these wines will outlive anyone of legal drinking age.”
The next best price is $229.90
Domaine Faiveley Les Damodes, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru 2015 750ML ($99.95) Was $89, Now $79 February Sale Special
Burghound 91-93 points “This is completely different with its brooding and reserved nose of ripe extract of black cherry along with plenty of earth, floral and sauvage hints. The powerful and concentrated middle weight plus flavors possess a lush and velvety mouth feel while displaying ample muscle on the structured, serious and impressively persistent finale. Like the Clos de l’Ecu, this moderately rustic effort will need patience.”
Now it’s even lower!
The average price is $100
Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2012 750ML ($89.95) Was $59, Now $49 February Sale Special
Wine Advocate 95+ points “Il Poggione is a Brunello superstar and a vintage like this reveals every reason why that affirmation is true. From the second the 2012 Brunello di Montalcino pours into the glass, you know you are in for something special. The wine is darkly saturated and rich in appearance. Absent are those slightly amber or browning hues you often get with Sangiovese in a hot vintage. Nor does the wine show flat or tired characteristics. Instead, the quality of fruit is vibrant and rich. This is a healthy, generous and exuberant Brunello with dark density and succulent fruit flavors that are followed by integrated spice and tobacco. The balance is impressive and one thing you get here is fresh acidity. This is not to be underestimated, because the acidity quota in the 2012 vintage across the appellation is not as high or evident as usual. This is one of the year’s best Brunellos.”
Ian D’Agata – Vinous 93+ points “Good full red. Medicinal red cherry, raspberry, sweet spices and mint on the fresh, precise nose. Bright and sweet, with a penetrating, austere quality to its flavors of red fruits, minerals and medicinal herbs. Harmonious acidity nicely frames the pure, long, youthfully tight finish. Lovely young Brunello that will repay cellaring.”
Louis Latour Cuvee Heritiers Latour Chambertin Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits 2015 750ML ($279.95) Was $229, Now $199 February Sale Special
James Suckling 97 points “So much dried-flower character on the nose with dark fruit and zest of orange peel. Full body, soft and velvety tannins and a long and flavorful finish. So sexy and delicious already. A little more than 100 cases made. Drink or hold.”
The average price is $78
Louis Latour Romanee-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru Les Quatre Journaux, Cote de Nuits 2015 750ML ($599.95) Was $499, Now $399 February Sale Special
James Suckling 98 points “So perfumed and aromatic with fabulous character of flowers, dark berries and chalk. Full-bodied and voluptuous. Ripe and velvety tannins and a long and flavorful finish. A wine with great potential and depth. Flamboyant. Drink in 2022.”
Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2015 Romanee St Vivant les Quatre Journaux Grand Cru is a lovely wine, and one which is likely to surprise in blind tastings in a few years’ time. A pretty nose of rose petal, ripe red cherry, dark chocolate, anise and incipient smoked duck introduces a full-bodied, supple wine with a lavish, expansive attack, good depth, and an ample chassis of fine-grained tannins. The finish is deceptively long. This wine seems likely to be one of the more approachable 2015 grand crus and should give pleasure throughout a broad window.”
The next best price is $495.95
New Reviews / New Releases from Felsina
2015 and ’16 are going to go down as a legendary set of paired vintages—like 1990/91 or 2006/7. In this case, 2016 is the “classical” of the pair, with ample structure and crisp acidity to balance the powerful fruit also present. It’s very much a vintage for lovers of traditional, yet powerful, wines. We just brought in the Rancia riserva (a top buy every year) and the two Chianti Classicos—one from the Felsina estate and one from Pagliarese, which sits closer to Castell’in Villa on slomewhat sandier soils. All are exceptional values for their price points and should be in your cellar in whatever quantity you can afford.
Newly Arrived:
Fattoria dei Pagliarese Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany 2016 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special
Case-12 Fattoria dei Pagliarese Chianti Classico 2016 750ML ($249.95) $219 special (that’s only $18.25/bottle!)
Antonio Galloni 91 points “The 2016 Chianti Classico is a powerful wine. Unlike most Chianti Classicos, the 2016 Pagliarese is going to need at least a few years to be at its best. Today, 2016 exudes a classic sense of austerity that needs time to resolve. A range of earthy and savory notes give the 2016 its distinct personality.”
James Suckling 92 points “A rich and juicy Chianti Classico with lots of dark-fruit and walnut-skin character, as well as hints of hazelnuts. Medium to full body, round and velvety tannins and a flavorful finish. Drink or hold.”
And it’s even lower by the case!
Felsina Berardenga Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany 2016 750ML ($27.95) $24 special
Wine Advocate 92+ points “This is an excellent vintage in Chianti Classico that shows especially well in the simple, more accessible wines such as this. The 2016 Chianti Classico Berardenga delivers the power and density of its territory. The southern side of the appellation often shows the richest expressions of Sangiovese. This wine opens to sweet aromas of dark fruit, cherry and plum. The wine shows a slightly savory side as well with spice and dried terracotta that recalls the gray gravel soils of the region. Bay leaf, cola and chopped mint appear as subtle background notes. Some 260,000 bottles were made.”
Antonio Galloni 91+ points “The 2016 Chianti Classico Berardenga is a stellar, joyous wine. Bold, powerful and ample, with a good deal of finesse for such a big wine, the 2016 shows why this is such a compelling vintage for Chianti Classico. Leather, game, smoke, tobacco and licorice infuse a wine that oozes Sangiovese character. The 2016 needs a few years in bottle to be at its best, but is already pretty alluring. Moreover, this is a fabulous expression of the estate. Don’t miss it.”
James Suckling 93 points “This is fragrant and floral with dark berries on the nose. Medium body, firm and silky tannins and a fresh, clean finish. A driven and linear Chianti Classico. The backbone of fresh acidity gives this focus. Drink now or hold.”
Felsina Berardenga Rancia, Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 2016 750ML ($59.95) $46 special
Antonio Galloni 94-97+ points “The 2016 Chianti Classico Riserva Rancia is yet another magnificent wine in this range from Fèlsina. Silky, gracious and inviting, the 2016 starts off gradually and then builds, gaining volume and explosiveness with air. A wine of breadth, textural intensity and pure power, the 2016 Rancia is shaping up to be epic. That’s pretty much all there is to it.”
Winery note “Ruby red appearance with rich, intense tones. Spicy nose with floral notes and hints of wild berry (red and black), accompanied by mineral impressions and light toasted notes. Spice re-appears on the palate, which displays firm but supple tannins, and the finale is vigorous and taut. Overall, the wine is compelling for its flavour-rich mid-palate and supporting acidity. The Rancia vineyard takes its name from the historic Rancia farmhouse, once a Benedictine monastery. Located in Castelnuovo Berardenga at elevations ranging between 400 and 420 metres it has a fine southwest-facing exposure. The more recent plantings utilize genetic material from massal selections gathered from the old Rancia vineyard. The soil is composed of limestone-derived alberese classic to the Castelnuovo Berardenga area and of galestro marl in some areas. First vintage was 1983.”
New 2017 Releases from Arterberry Maresh
We just tasted and acquired a few cases of the two entry level Pinots from the 2017 vintage (the Dundee Hills and Old Vines bottlings) and are excited to present them to you as some of the first tastes of the vintage. They remind us a lot of Jim’s 2011’s in the best possible way. The wines are delicate, taut and mineral driven. What they lack in color (really, an unimportant quality) they more than make up for in electric energy and pretty, red-fruit driven aromatics. Both the Dundee Hills and the “Old Vines” bottlings have become must buys for us and they offer some of the best deals in classical Oregon Pinot out there.
In Stock Now:
Arterberry Maresh Old Vines Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2017 750ML ($49.95) $44 special
Winery note “The 2017 Arterberry Maresh Old Vines Pinot noir is a blend of Maresh and Weber fruit. Maresh vineyard was the first to be planted on Worden Hill road in 1970 and 1974, followed by Weber in 1983. The 2017 vintage is a change of pace from the last three years of early picks in the heat. A cold spring pushed picking dates into a classic Oregon October allowing flavors to run far ahead of sugars. The ’17 Old Vines is ultra complex balancing waves of electric red fruit with a savory polish. The chemistry numbers look very much like the ’16, however, the fruit is redder and brighter, with finer tannins, giving the wine more length and succulence. Bottled in December 2018.”
Winery Note “The 2017 Dundee Hills Pinot noir is a blend of vineyards from Dux, Anderson Family, Weber and Maresh. The 2017 vintage is a change of pace from the last three years of early picks in the heat. A cold spring pushed picking dates into a classic Oregon October allowing flavors to run far ahead of sugars. The 2017 Dundee Hills is fresh and delicate. Very much a Dundee Hills red fruited Pinot noir that you will find drinks pretty easy and quickly. 12.8% abv”
Looking for other great introductions to the 2017 Willamette Vintage? Check out Crowley’s recently released Willamette Valley Pinot Noir and Chardonnay:
Crowley Chardonnay, Willamette Valley 2017 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special
VinopolNote: Always a beautiful wine in its youth, this is actually all Four Winds fruit of barrels declassified from the single vineyard. This year the blend is four barrels of Dijon clone and 9 of Wente with a mix of new, one year old and much older oak. Bottled in December, this is showing very well at the moment with air. The signature note of dried ginger and spice shows beneath a restrained note of citrus and orchard fruit and a creamy texture. Balanced, elegant, and a bargain.
VinopolNote: This wine is always one of the better deals in Willamette Valley, made of declassified fruit from the single-vineyard lots that Tyson works with. The 2017 is one of the best yet–the vintage brings a lightness and delicacy that makes this an absolute joy to drink young.
What’s the Best Value in Sherry?
Let’s Sip, Savor & Ponder
Valdespino is probably the best sherry bodega for the money. They are (arguably) the oldest sherry producer and spare no expense for the wines. Not to mention that they focus on the farming of their vineyards in a way that most houses don’t. This results in wines that are absolutely stellar from their entry level Fino all the way up to their ancient and rare VORS collection.
So what’s the best Valdespino for the money?
Don Gonzalo Oloroso. The wine offers all the savory and oxidative notes of a fine Oloroso, with a mind-blowing complexity lauded by sherry expert Luis Gutierrez of the Wine Advocate. And he gave it his highest rating of all the under-$175 bottles reviewed. We offered a case of this charming half-bottle in store in November, only to have it sell out in a heartbeat (and quite a few of those were bought up by the staff). This time, we bought out the distributor and slashed the price so we could offer it to you at the best price in the country.
“Valdespino produces some of the region’s purest and most intense Sherries, from some of its oldest soleras.” –Rare Wine Company
“I’ve often called Valdespino “the Romanee-Conti of Jerez.” Well, there, I’ve said it. To me they represent quality and tradition at the very top of the Sherry hierarchy. The winery, soleras and brands are old, registered in 1875, but with documentation about their commercial and winegrowing activities going back to the 13th century. Their recent history starts in 1999, when Jose Estevez purchases the company from the Valdespino family. Today Valdespino is the jewel in the crown of the Grupo Estevez, which also includes Real Tesoro and La Guita… All the wines were carefully and slowly moved to the new facilities of the Grupo Estevez on the outskirts of Jerez, where they continue their development under the supervision of Eduardo Ojeda, technical director, winemaker, who as a wine-lover is very aware of his role preserving these old soleras, wines and traditions.” –Luis Gutierrez, Wine Advocate
Two cases are in stock now and seven cases are arriving on Thursday. This is all that’s available in the state!
Staff Favorite
Valdespino Don Gonzalo Oloroso Viejo VOS Sherry, Andalucia 375ML ($26.95) $19.90 special
Wine Advocate 95 points “The NV Don Gonzalo Oloroso 20 Anos VOS, produced with Palomino grapes from the Carrascal vineyards, is fermented in stainless steel and aged for over 20 years in oak botas. It is a very serious Oloroso, even if it’s not totally dry. It offers bitter almonds, hazelnuts, incense, Cuban cigar ash, and dark chocolate as well as a complex, a very intense, round and ample palate. This wine really fills your mouth. Very intense and with great acidity, it represents very good value for the quality it delivers. A tamed beast. Drink 2013-2019.” WA
Champagne Super Deals
In Stock Now & Arriving Thursday
Champagne Aubry Nicolas Francois Sable Rose Premier Cru Brut, Champagne 2013 750ML ($99.95) $75 specialAntonio Galloni 95 points “The 2013 Brut Nature Sablé Rosé Nicolas Francois Aubry is magnificent. The aromatics alone are compelling. Medium in body and gracious, yet also remarkable taut, the 2013 is another wine in this range with the pedigree and complexity to drink at the dinner table. Crushed autumn leaves, cranberry and smoke add character to an understated Rosé that is utterly beguiling. The Brut Nature style works beautifully here.” [Review is for Jan 2017 disgorgement]
Disgorged 8/2017
The average price is $91
Vilmart & Cie ‘Coeur de Cuvee’ Premier Cru Brut, Champagne 2009 750ML ($179.95) $115 special
Antonio Galloni 94 points “A racy, exuberant wine, the 2009 Coeur de Cuvée offers up a super-appealing mélange of apricot, butter, baked apple tart and vanillin. The combination of the ripe, warm vintage along with fermentation and aging in small French oak barrels yielded an especially opulent Coeur de Cuvée with plenty of exotic and tropical overtones. The 2009 will be ready to drink with minimal cellaring.”
The average price is $150
A wine that will surprise in the cellar for years and years
Rene Geoffroy Empreinte Premier Cru Brut, Champagne 2009 750ML ($69.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 92 points “The 2009 Brut Cuvée Empreinte emerges from a parcel of 30 year-old vines in Cumières. Vinification and aging in oak gives the wine its sensual contours. Smoke, almond, dried pear and hazelnut lead into an expressive, layered finish. The radiance of the vintage works to flesh out some of the natural austerity of Cumières, while the wine’s balance is absolutely impeccable. Oak influences are felt, but add to the wine’s breadth rather than marking the wine excessively. Dosage is 6 grams per liter. Disgorged: December 2015.”
Wine Advocate 92 points “Disgorged in October 2015 with six grams of dosage, the 2009 Empreinte Brut Premier Cru is an assemblage of 70% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay and 5% Meunier vinified in oak (barrels and foudres). It opens with a clear, intense and complex nose of white fruits along with some hints of hazelnuts, nougat and oak. Full-bodied, this is a mouth-filling Champagne with a creamy and very elegant texture, as well as very good structure. Still young and firm, this is a promising Champagne for the next 5-10 years.”
Wine Spectator 92 points “Flavors of white cherry, pastry and mandarin orange peel are layered with a subtle steak of smoke and spice in this bright and mouthwatering Champagne. Long and creamy. Disgorged September 2016. Drink now through 2027. 120 cases imported.”
The next best price is $56.97
Rene Geoffroy Rose de Saignee Premier Cru Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($79.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 93 points “Macerated for a couple of hours on the skins, this NV Rosé de Saignée Brut Premier Cru is 100% Pinot Noir and is entirely based on the 2013 vintage. Disgorged in September 2017 with a dosage of eight grams per liter, this has a beautifully deep and intense Pinot character with red fruit aromas on the nose. Full, round and vinous on the palate, with great elegance, complexity and expression, this is a gorgeous Rosé with great purity, elegance and intense fruitiness. Jean-Baptiste Geoffroy is truly a master of the saignée method. Tasted April 2018.”
The average price is $69
A. Margaine Brut Rose, Champagne NV 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Wine & Spirits 93 points “Mostly chardonnay, this rose includes 23 percent pinot noir, one-third of that as red wine, all of it from Villers-Marmery. Its subtle strawberry scents and more powerful red-fruit flavors have an effortless balance, just sweet enough to hold the woodsy notes of tree bark and forest-berry tartness at bay. Generous in the middle, the wine tightens toward the finish, leaving a clean, bright impression. A lovely aperitif, especially with poached prawns.” [Review is for Oct 2017 disgorgement]
This proves the point that Champagne is a perfect pairing with food
Pierre Gimonnet et Fils Blanc de Blancs Gastronome, Champagne 2014 750ML ($69.95) $54.50 pre-arrival special
Terry Theise note “Deg 11/2017 and back to the prevailing assemblage: 28% Chouilly (all Montaigu), 34.5% Cuis, 18% Cramant, 10.5% Oger and 9.5% Vertus, and as always it has lower pressure (4.5) in order to be more food-friendly. The aroma is enticing; the palate is stylish and oriented toward Chouilly, the finish is charmingly toasty, lithe and curvaceous; white tea notes, it’s like mixing Chablis and Riesling in the same glass; a potentially classic edition of this.”
The next best price is $60
The average price is $66
Commanderie de la Bargemone Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence Rose, Provence 2017 750ML ($17.95) $11.90 February Sale Special
Case-12 Commanderie de la Bargemone Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence Rose, Provence 2017 750ML ($199.95) $119 February Sale Special
Jeb Dunnuck 91 points “Like the white, the 2017 Coteaux d’Aix en Provence Rosé (30% Grenache, 28% Syrah, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cinsault, and the rest Rolle, Carignan, and Counoise) has a beautiful saltiness that makes your mouth water. White cherries, strawberries, and spice notes all flow to a medium-bodied rosé that has terrific acidity, plenty of fruit and a clean, dry finish.”
Wine Enthusiast 91 points “Editor’s Choice. This ancient estate, founded in the Middle Ages by the Knights Templar, has produced an exemplary rosé. It has lightness and poise as well as great fruitiness, acidity and a crisp, zesty texture. Perfumed and with red-currant and strawberry flavors, the wine is ready to drink.”
Josh Raynolds 90 points “Light, vivid orange. Clean, focused and minerally on the nose, displaying fresh citrus and pit fruit scents and a hint of candied lavender. Sappy and precise in style, offering bitter cherry and redcurrant flavors and a spicy jolt on the back half. Clings very nicely on the finish, leaving floral and orange pith notes behind.”
The next best price is $13.99
The average price is $16
Bucklin Bambino Old Hill Ranch Zinfandel, Sonoma Valley 2015 750Ml ($27.95) $21.90 special
Wine Spectator 94 points “This distinctive and plump yet focused and refined version shows personality, with flavors of blackberry, fruitcake spices, black licorice and smoky pepper. Drink now through 2025.—T.F”
The most fragrant and elegant of Bedrock’s single vineyard wines.
Bedrock Wine Co. Evangelho Vineyard Heritage Red, Contra Costa County 2017 750ML ($39.95) $36 special
Wine Spectator 94 points “Distinctive, showing briary complexity, with deep and expressive smoky anise, black cherry, black olive and green peppercorn flavors that build toward refined tannins. Zinfandel, Carignane and Mataro. Drink now through 2026.”
“there is no question that [the 2016] is the best ever produced at Clos de Tart, glistening with precision and tension, pure and noble, flirting with perfection” –Neal Martin, Vinous
Domaine du Clos de Tart ‘Clos de Tart’ Grand Cru Monopole, Cote de Nuits 2016 750ML ($699.95) $519 special
Neal Martin – Vinous 99+ points “The 2016 Clos de Tart Grand Cru, cropped at 35hl/ha, is the first year farmed biodynamically. This was completely breathtaking in barrel, and now, in bottle, nothing has changed in that respect. It has an ineffably complex bouquet, not as intense as it showed in barrel yet extremely deep and cerebral, black fruit mingling with forest floor, crushed stone and a touch of sea spray. The palate is perfectly balanced with a deceivingly understated entry, before a wave of black and red fruit crashes over the senses. It is framed by supremely fine tannin, the intensity building toward a crescendo as it fans out. The aftertaste is unbelievably long, remaining in the mouth 60 seconds after the wine has departed. The best ever – simple as that. Tasted at Clos de Tart.”
Domaine Saint Damien Gigondas La Louisiane Vieilles Vignes, Rhone 2016 750ML ($39.95) $36 special
Jeb Dunnuck 96 points “Deeply colored, the 2016 Gigondas La Louisiane comes from single vineyard on the lower plain, not far from the estate, and is 80% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre, and the balance Syrah and Cinsault. It offers a classic bouquet of dark berry fruits, peppery herbs, garrigue, and obvious minerality. Reminding me of the 2010 with its pure, straight style, it’s full-bodied and elegant on the palate, and is going to benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age.”
Masterfully done modern Rioja. Powerful, dense and complex.
Bodegas Roda ‘Roda I’ Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2011 750ML ($79.95) $59 special
James Suckling 98 points “There is beauty here and the transparency is inspiring with dark berry, floral and mineral character. Full body and ultra-fine tannins. A glorious wine. A wine that will age for decades and beautiful now.”
Arriving Wednesday, February 27th
Chateau Raymond Lafon, Sauternes 2002 750ML ($49.95) $29 pre-arrival special
Chateau Raymond Lafon, Sauternes 2002 375ML ($29.95) $18 pre-arrival special
Robert Parker 90-92 points “Space limitations preclude including tasting notes.”
VinopolNote: Raymond Lafon has always represented exceptional value in Sauternes. Some of the estate’s vines used to belong to Yquem and it wasn’t included in the 1855 classification, largely because it was founded in 1850. Raymond Lafon’s wines tend to be age worthy and exceptional value.
A fantastic Cotes du Rhone from the President of Latour
Domaine de Fontbonau Cotes du Rhone Rouge, Rhone 2010 750ML ($27.95) $18 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Domaine de Fontbonau Cotes du Rhone Rouge, Rhone 2010 750ML ($149.95) $99 pre-arrival special (that’s only $16.50/bottle!)
Case-12 Domaine de Fontbonau Cotes du Rhone Rouge, Rhone 2010 750ML ($279.95) $179 pre-arrival special (that’s only $14.92/bottle!)
Wine Advocate 91+ points “Medium garnet-purple colored, the nose is of warm berries, black cherry compote and dried Provence herb aromas with hints of cumin seed, cardamom and violets. Full, opulent and seductive on the palate, it is superbly structured with a nice acid backbone and a medium to firm level of very finely grained tannins, finishing long and spicy. Delicious now, it should develop beautifully to 2020+.”
Gulfi Nerojbleo Nero d’Avola Sicilia IGT, Sicily 2015 750ML ($21.95) $18 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 93 points “The balance and juiciness to this wine is beautiful. Dried cherries and berries with hints of fresh herbs and flower petals follow through to a medium to full body, silky tannins and a delicious finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink now.”
Wine Advocate 90 points “The 2015 Nerojbleo (an IGT Terre Siciliane wine) shows a fruit-forward approach with plump cherry and summer plum that rise to the top of the bouquet with a direct and immediate personality. The quality of the fruit is ripe, dense, dark and very black in character. This is a mid-weight Sicilian wine to pair with fried chicken or spicy pork. This wine is perhaps easier in style, but I like the fresh transparency you get here. Some 80,000 bottles were made.”-ML
Ends Thursday!
Thank you for reading!