In Today’s Newsletter:
New Arrivals: Moussé Champagne & Rosés
July Sale
Staff Picks
Rose! Of! The! Day!
Dry German Wine for the Sunshine
#Trending
Aldo Conterno
New Arrivals & Last Call
Super Deals to Beat the Summer Heat: Arriving Friday
Arriving in November:
Chevalier’s Second Label White & Clos de Tart
July Sale Recap
New Arrivals
Case-6 Mousse Fils L’Extra Or d’Eugene Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($299.95) $239 special (that’s only $39.83/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Terry Theise note “80-20 Meunier-PN, disg. 3/2017, a “superior” NV with longer tirage from older material (solera 2003/2012), I am offering this extremely dry Champagne both for those pathologically averse to RS and also to show Cédric’s “serious” side. It has a certain depth and is certainly aligned with the Zeitgeist.”
Domaine de la Bastide Blanche Bandol Rose, Provence 2017 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 special
Case-12 Domaine de la Bastide Blanche Bandol Rose, Provence 2017 750ML ($299.95) $238 special (that’s only $19.83/bottle!)
Wine Advocate 92 points “This American version of La Bastide Blanche’s 2017 Bandol Rose is 71% Mourvèdre, considerably higher than what you’ll find on the market elsewhere. It’s slightly austere in its youth, with crushed stone framing delicate fruit notes of melon and peach, retaining a laser-like focus across the medium-bodied palate and through the lingering finish.”Domaine Charvin Cotes du Rhone Rose, Rhone 2017 750ML ($21.95) $16.60 special
Grenache, Mourvedre, Bourboulenc, Cinsault. Organic.
“A lovely pale flamingo pink in color, Charvin’s 2017 Cotes du Rhone Rose is a bit confected. Sweet-smelling and sweet-tasting cherries and peaches lead the way, backed by modest wet stone and citrus notes in this medium-bodied rosé. Solid, but not outstanding, it should be consumed during its first year.”-Wine Advocate
Chateau de Manissy La Belle Etoile Rose, Rhone 2017 750ML ($14.95) $11.90 special
Case-12 Chateau de Manissy La Belle Etoile Rose, Rhone 2017 750ML ($159.95) $119 special (that’s only $9.92/bottle!)
Wine Advocate 90 points ” The 2017 Vin de France Rose La Belle Etoile—a blend of 50% Cinsault, 25% Grenache and 25% Syrah—is a screaming bargain. With its scents of crushed stone, pressed flowers and white cherries, its quality belies its modest price. Medium-bodied, with a silky mouthfeel and a long finish, it’s a no-brainer purchase for summertime drinking.”
July Sale
Arriving Friday
Matello Fool’s Journey Deux Vert Vineyard Syrah, Willamette Valley 2013 750ML ($24.95) Was $21.90, Now $18 Clearance Price, ETA July 13th
Case-12 Matello Fool’s Journey Deux Vert Vineyard Syrah, Willamette Valley 2013 750ML ($269.95) $199 Clearance Price (that’s only $16.58/bottle!), ETA July 13th
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 90 points “Bright violet. Smoke-tinged dark berries and pungent flowers on the nose. Juicy and focused on the palate, offering bitter cherry and cassis flavors that take a sweeter turn on the back half. Dusty tannins make a late appearance and add gentle grip to the smooth, energetic finish.”
Winery note “From the Willamette Valley’s first planting of Syrah, this cool climate, low alcohol wine will redefine your idea of the possibilities of new-world Syrah. If you like your Syrah French, here is a kindred but one of a kind wine from Oregon.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Re-arrived and even better deals:
Norman Hardie County Unfiltered Cabernet Franc, Niagara Peninsula VQA 2015 750ML ($29.95) Was $24, Now $14 Clearance Price
VinopolNote: This wine is a dead ringer for a top-flight Chinon. Deep, ripe dark fruits with just a touch of herbaceousness to remind you that this is Cab Franc this is dangerously drinkable. It’s polished, but without any new wood—a really nice combo.
Now it’s even lower!
The next best price is $24.49
Bereche et Fils Coteaux Champenois Blanc Les Monts Fournois Ludes 1er Cru 2015 750ML ($89.95) Was $79, Now $66 Clearance Price
The average price is $74See the complete list of wines on our July Clearance sale at the bottom of this newsletter!
Staff Picks
Saul:
Bereche’s top wine is a perpetual reserve—2/3rds from a single vintage and the rest going back in proportion to the beginning of the blend (the mid 80’s). This is all aged in large casks (demi-muid) before bottling and disgorgement after four years. The result is a wine that’s wowed me every time I’ve tried it.
This is a fitting top wine for an estate like Bereche—they’re one of the top handful of growers in Champagne and you’d expect a Tete du Cuvee like this to be impressive Champagne. It is, with a very vinous personality and a lot of power and complexity. This is a wine that you can pour side by side with all of the “names” out there, knowing that it will come out on top (at a much lower price). We scored an incredible deal on magnums—this is nearly $50 cheaper than the next best price for a magnum out there. If you’re a planner (and have some self-control) this is a great wine to stock up on for the holidays. If not, buy one and drink it with a few friends on a nice night this summer or fall—you’ll be very glad you did.
July Clearance Sale!
Bereche et Fils Reflet d’Antan Brut, Champagne NV (2012 base) 1.5L ($299.95) $199 special, 19 magnums in stock now
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The flagship NV (2012) Reflet d’Antan is quite rich and intense, yet it also maintains striking translucence. Dried flowers, herbs and spices add aromatic nuance throughout, but, as is often the case, Reflet d’Antan is a wine of texture and feel above all else. Dosage is 6 grams per liter. Disgorged December 2016.”
The next best price is $246.99
Andy:
I purchased this almost on a whim this week, but was excited to try it. When the ’15 Colin wines came in, I drank through a case of the Bourgogne Rouge far too quickly because it was absolutely gulpable. I remembered the whites being similarly easy, but never went back to revisit. It seemed that the whites were a slight jumble, like a puzzle waiting to be put together. Happily, everything has fallen into place and the results are simply gorgeous. The aromatics and the slight richness on the palate show the same general intensity found in the vintage. Lemon tart, warm baker spices, and something like a meadow or floral come across on the nose. The initial flavors of ripe pear or stone fruit roll around the palate for quite a while. The finish is a pleasure – some mineral notes, but there is no abrupt stopping point. It seems to go on for a quite a while, evolving into a little flicker of earthy sweetness.
While the St Aubin are quite humble compared to their hilltop neighbors to the East, the wines are very good, especially in this fantastic vintage. This could easily be a favorite all summer long.
Domaine Marc Colin et Fils Les Castets, Saint-Aubin Premier Cru 2015 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Wine Advocate 89-91 points “The 2015 Saint Aubin 1e Cru Les Castets, matured for ten months in barrel with 20% new oak, has a very generous and controlled bouquet with hints of brioche and grass clippings infusing the citrus fruit that contains great energy. The palate is very well balanced with a more peachy opening than the Clos des Meix, gently unrolling with a slightly honeyed second half that betrays the warmth of the growing season. Very fine, indeed.”
Domaine Marc Colin et Fils Chassagne-Montrachet Les Encegnieres, Cote de Beaune 2015 750ML ($69.95) $59 special
Wine Advocate 90-92 points “The 2015 Chassagne Montrachet les Encegnieres was matured in 20% new oak with 30% aged in foudres. It offers quite a complex array of scents: citrus peel, oyster shell, wet granite and a subtle fumé-like aroma. It seemed relatively mercurial in the glass compared to its peers. The palate is very well balanced with fine acidity, good body and depth here with fine tension and energy displayed on the finish. This should become a very satisfying Chassagne-Montrachet punching at premier cru quality.”
Rose! Of! The! Day!Newly Reviewed by Grapelive
Chateau Pradeaux Bandol Rose, Provence 2017 1.5L ($79.95) $69 special, 4 magnums in stock now
Grapelive 93+ points “The 2017 Chateau Pradeaux Bandol Rosé is a powerful wine and one that demands your attention. This amazing effort really gives Domaine Tempier something to think about! At almost $18 less a bottle than Tempier, this Cinsault and Mourvedre based Pradeaux Rosé is a savvy choice for enthusiasts. Château Pradeaux, a historic estate and Provence legend, is located near the town of Saint Cyr-sur-Mer that is right on the beautiful azure Mediterranean between Toulon and Marseilles. It has been in the hands of the Portalis family since before the French Revolution, [and is] now run by Cyrille Portalis and with his sons Etienne and Edouard. I met with Etienne recently. He’s the new face behind these wines and his wines are all showing great, especially this 2017 Rosé. It’s surprisingly dense and full, but with crisp intensity. It’s a pink with a huge palate impact. Pradeaux uses Cinsault (50%) and Mourvèdre (50%) in their cement vat fermented Rosé. It is vinified via direct pressing for 24 hours, and is a non malo wine, with the wine aging about 6 months before bottling. The 2017 has a bright pink and orange hue in the glass and delivers a hedonistic mouth feel. It’s a bold wine, and at 14% it’s heady too, best to enjoy it with a full meal. It’s not a light and fruity style at all: this is mouth filling stuff, even though its chilled coolness is refreshing and it has a brisk presence in the glass with a nice balance between opulent (ripeness) and savory tones with a nice mineral and stony streak. There are layers of tart cherry, watermelon, strawberry and a cut of tangy/zesty citrus, wet chalk and rosewater as well as a snappy lavender note. The reds here are traditional Bandol with gripping tannins and leathery notes, but I love the layers and depth. As I have mentioned in my prior reviews this is a label that offers exceptional wines, and while imported by Rosenthal, Pradeaux remains slightly under the radar, so the prices are more than reasonable for the quality. A great way to explore them is to start with this wildly good dry Rosé: it will almost make your whole summer!“
Dry German Wines for the Sunshine
Newly Reviewed!
Selbach-Oster Zeltinger Schlossberg Boemer (Bomer) Riesling Trocken, Mosel 2016 750ML ($37.95) $29 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Grapelive 94 points “This Bömer Trocken is amazingly perfumed [and] really highly aromatic at this stage, much more so than when I tried the cask sample (a year ago). It is full of jasmine, rose oil and citrus blossom with a mineral tone… the wine is wonderfully lively, fresh and tangy with loads of dry extract and a light body at this stage. The delicacy is simply dreamy. Johannes Selbach’s 2016’s are remarkable wines, and I’m a huge fan of the Zeltinger Schlossberg site. It is magic and this single block “Bömer” is stunning in detail and unbelievably sexy on the palate with layers of apricot, white peach, passionfruit and tangerine/lime fruits, with a crystalline beauty, as well as flinty shale, verbena, minty tea, candied dried mango and saline notes in a refined Riesling that way over delivers. It’s a class act all the way. Zeltinger Schlossberg is a steep vineyard set on pure blue Devonian slate with the Bömer block being a parcel that sits directly behind the village of Zeltingen. It faces south east and gets reflected light from the Mosel and heat from the town’s rooftops which helps with ripening and the opulent flavors. I wonder if Selbach should join the VDP for his dry Riesling offerings, as this certainly would make for a Grand Cru in my opinion, but then again the price is outstanding the way it is without that GG on the bottle. Still it’s an interesting question. That said, Selbach-Oster’s strength is the balance achieved with generous sugar levels, and their fruity Spatlese and Auslese wines are some of the best in Germany. The “Bömer” is a gorgeous Riesling that should not be missed. It offers exceptional quality and stylistic charm with a heightened impact on the senses. It’s a brilliant dry wine. This one and Selbach’s Ur-Alte Reben Feinherb are my two absolute favorites in the lineup of greatness this Mosel winery has out right now. Both will drink beautifully for years to come.”
So much to love in this tongue-twistingly-named wine!
Weingut Kruger-Rumpf (Binger Brucke Im Ruppertsberg) Abtei Erste Gewächs Riesling Trocken, Nahe 2016 750ML ($37.95) $33 special, 21 bottles in stock now
Grapelive 94 points “I walked this vineyard at harvest time 2016. [It is] the northern most vineyard in the Nahe, which is on the outskirts of Bingen. Once an Abbey owned plot, [it is] across the Rhein from Rudesheimer Berg with a beautiful south facing. It is a steep site that is terrible hard work to farm, so it has become a special place for me and certainly it is a rewarding set of vines for Georg Rumpf. The winery took this vineyard on in recent years and is restoring it after it was neglected for many years. Even in the short time Rumpf has had it the promise of greatness shines through with both the 2015 and now the 2016 vintages delivering outstanding wines. In what looks set to become a Grosses Gewachs in the future, this vineyard is one to follow, especially now with the price being so reasonable for the quality, and for the difficult hand work this vineyard requires! Farmed organic and on soils that mimic Rudesheimer Berg, this wine has an inner brilliance and powerful energy. It’s an amazing tiny terroir that graces this dry Riesling, giving slate character and remarkable fresh detail. While the 2015 has a raw/feral side to its concentration, the 2016 shows more elegance and finesse. It’s brighter, more intense and pure. Both are fascinating wines that are moving and certainly wonderful examples of mineral driven Trocken Riesling. The 2016 Abtei as tasted with Georg Rumpf at the Skurnik Wines West Portfolio Tasting in San Francisco, starts with orange blossom, flinty mineral/stone essences, vivid stone fruit, white peach and melon fleshiness as well as verbena, rosehip tea, tangerine, green apple and lingering lime and saline infused shale. The palate is forceful and crisp, but still refined and generous at the same time. [This is] a trait you find in all of Georg’s wines, especially his dry styles. While his fruitier wines are slightly more flamboyant/sexy they never feel overtly sweet or heavy. I love everything he produces, but this Abtei might be my secret favorite, as well as his Scheurebe, tough choices! Drink the 2016 Kruger-Rumpf Abtei Erste Gewachs between 2020 and 2030, though there won’t be any penalty for opening anytime.”
#Trending
The Hottest Wines of the Weekend
Orin Swift super-deal
Orin Swift Abstract Red, California 2015 750ML ($37.95) $24 special
Case-12 Orin Swift Abstract Red, California 2015 750ML ($419.95) $259 special (that’s only $21.58/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 90 points “Moderately complex, though loaded with zesty, supple fruit and offering appealing notes of black raspberry, smoky beef and cracked pepper. Grenache, Syrah and Petite Sirah. Drink now through 2022.”
The next best price is $28.94
The average price is $33
This is an absolute steal! Mineral driven, salty and fresh from the oldest vines.
Carl von Schubert Maximin Grunhauser Riesling Alte Reben, Mosel 2016 750ML ($29.95) $24 special
Stephan Reinhardt 92 points -Wine Advocate “The 2016 Maximin Grünhaus Riesling Alte Reben is the successor of the Abtsberg Alte Reben, although it is not entirely sourced in the Abtsberg anymore but also the Herrenberg. The wine opens with clear, precise, aromatic, beautifully concentrated and finely mineral-scented Riesling fruit with some tropical fruit aromas such as pineapples. On the palate, this is a medium-bodied, very mineral but also juicy-piquant and crystalline Riesling with the grip and tension of the former Abtsberg. It is an impressive Grünhäuser Riesling with good length and complexity but just 11.5% alcohol. Stimulatingly salty. Impressive! Tasted in March 2018 from AP 2 17.”
Importer Note “Selected from the oldest parcels of the Abstberg and Herrenberg vineyards, the Alte Reben (‘old vines’) bottling combines the best qualities of both sites at a QbA price…This wine will also be produced in the off-dry style and will replace the former single-vineyard Trocken bottlings from the Abstberg and Herrenberg. As with the ‘Monopol’ bottling, the goal is to produce a harmonious, food-friendly estate wine that tastes essentially dry, but beautifully balances the brisk acidity of the über-cool Ruwer valley.”
Steve Edmunds is making some of the best Gamay out there, at lower prices than many Beaujolais.
Edmunds St. John Bone Jolly Gamay Noir, El Dorado County 2016 750ML ($24.95) $19.75 special
Winemaker’s note “The color in the ’16 is on the light side; it’s a pretty red, slightly tinged with purple. The nose is very fresh, and quite energetic; there’s plenty of fruit, some pepperiness, and a mineral streak. On the palate it’s racy and juicy, sporting a fine texture, and a finish that continues to gain length as the wine ages and integrates. High-stepping stuff! 12.4% alcohol. Edmunds St John harvested its 15th successive vintage of Gamay in 2016 (and vinified its 11th vintage of rosé from Gamay)! It’s gratifying to know that the wines we’ve offered from Gamay have provided substantial pleasure to plenty of folks over those years, enough to have drawn the attention of other growers and vintners, who’ve now undertaken their own plantings, and bottled some Gamay wines of their own. Maybe it’s time for a big party!”
2015 is a great year for collectible wines all over Europe—no exception here.
Tenuta Sette Ponti Oreno Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2015 750ML ($89.95) $66 special
James Suckling 98 points “Plenty of blackcurrant, blackberry and dark chocolate character with oyster shell and walnut undertones. Full body, extremely tight and structured with blueberry and light vanilla and coffee highlights. A gorgeous Oreno. Give this wine two or three years to come together.”
Big, bold, rich and juicy.
Domaine Font Sarade Vacqueyras Premier Vin, Rhone 2015 750ML ($27.95) $24 special
Case-12 Domaine Font Sarade Vacqueyras Premier Vin, Rhone 2015 750ML ($299.95) $259 special (that’s only $21.58/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Jeb Dunnuck 93 points “My favorite in the line, the 2015 Vacqueyras Le Premier Vin checks in as 80% Grenache and 20% Mourvedre that spent 14 months in French oak. It’s a killer bottle of wine and has lots of blackberries, cassis, smoked herbs and licorice aromas and flavors. Ripe, sexy and opulent, with low acidity and sweet tannin, drink it over the coming 7-8 years.”
The perfect summer white—fresh and a touch floral.
Domaine Maurice Schoech Cotes d’Ammeschwihr, Alsace 2015 750ML ($19.95) $16.60 special
Importer note “Cotes d’Ammerschwihr: is harvested from hillside vineyards situated at the beginning of the valley that leads to the village of Les Trois Epis. This wine is primarily Pinot Blanc with a touch of Muscat … a fine, elegant wine of great value.”
The next best price is $22.99
The archetype of Provencal rosé at a great price.
Chateau de Calavon Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence Rose, Provence 2017 750ML ($21.95) $18 special
Case-12 Chateau de Calavon Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence Rose, Provence 2017 750ML ($249.95) $179 special (that’s only $14.92/bottle!)
Wine Advocate 90 points “A blend of 65% Cinsault, 20% Grenache and 15% Syrah, Calavon’s 2017 Coteaux d’Aix en Provence Rose is another solid rosé effort from the portfolio of American importer Peter Weygandt. This one is medium-bodied, quite taut and perfumed, with hints of garrigue, stone fruit and lingering citrus on the finish.”
Winery note “This is the unique cuvée of rosé from Calavon. It comes from a rigorous selection from the best parcels of Calavon. The vintage 2017, issued from a majority of Grenache, black and gray, offers the originality of a blend with Syrah and Rolle. Both round and fresh, it is the perfect rosé for summer lunches by the sea: grilled red mullet in garlic cream, bouillabaisse or lamb tajine with candied lemon.”
VinopolNote: Provence is ground zero for the classical modern style of rosé, and among our selection of Provencal rosé, Calavon is a perennial favorite. Pale, crisp and bright, it’s resoundingly dry and fresh with good peachy fruit. In short it’s what a lot of us think of when we think of rosé, and its year-over-year sales are very much a testament to that. This is a classic.
Aldo Conterno
New Arrivals & Last Call
Poderi Aldo Conterno has been producing remarkable wines ever since it was created in 1969 by the man whose name is on the label. Sick of fighting with his brother over the winemaking style to be used at the family’s estate, the venerable Giacomo Conterno, Aldo left and never looked back. Over the course of the next several decades he established the winery as one of the most important in Italy.
Based in the Bussia hamlet in Monforte, the estate’s wines have always been powerful yet polished, with dark rich fruit. These wines are bold Barolos, with great density and power—though they still have nuance and complexity. We have a small assortment of wines in from three heralded vintages, 2008, 2010, and 2013. Antonio Galloni rated the 2008 vintage in Barolo at 96 points and the 2010 a 98+. Obviously 2013 is shaping up to be one of great potential. Needless to say these wines are epic and if you like powerful Barolo, you should buy as much as you can.
New Arrivals from Poderi Aldo Conterno:
Only 8 bottles available:
Poderi Aldo Conterno Bussia Cicala, Barolo DOCG 2010 750ML ($189.95) $133 special
Wine Spectator 98 points “A gorgeous red, scented with rose, mint, menthol, cherry and leather notes, with intense flavors matching the aromas. Dense with tannins, finely wrought and dovetailing on the long, detailed finish, this is very harmonious, yet will need time to fully express itself. Best from 2018 through 2038. 200 cases imported.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 97 points “The 2010 Barolo Bussia Cicala opens to a dark ruby color and a richly concentrated appearance. This wine will appeal to those who appreciate added texture and heft in their Barolo. A special nod also goes to the aging potential of the wine that promises to be long and steady especially given the high quality of the 2010 fruit. Bussia Cicala imparts deep textural richness with lovely finesse and structural integrity. Hold this wine for ten years or more. Its profound beauty is already evident, but the wine has barely started its evolutionary course. Drink: 2018-2035.”
The next best price is $175
Poderi Aldo Conterno Colonnello, Barolo DOCG 2010 750ML ($179.95) $125 special
Wine Spectator 98 points “A beautifully crafted Barolo, with ripe cherry, plum, leather, spice, mineral and smoke elements. Starts off supple and approachable, but the gripping tannins soon move in, securing the lengthy, spice-filled finish. An underlying mineral vein adds depth. Best from 2018 through 2036. 200 cases imported.”
The next best price is $159.99
Poderi Aldo Conterno Romirasco Bussia, Barolo DOCG 2010 750ML ($289.95) $199 special
James Suckling 99 points “This is a big and powerful wine with incredible depth and power. Full body, with fabulous texture. It lasts for minutes on the finish. It shows dark fruits, hazelnut, chocolate and minerals. This is a monopole vineyard of 3.8 hectares. One of the wines of the vintage. So energetic and tangy. All in the finish. Better in 2018.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 98 points “Last but not least in this spectacular flight, the 2010 Barolo Bussia Romirasco is an absolute stunner that shows a level of excellence that is not easy to forget. This is one of the top five wines of the widely celebrated 2010 vintage. At this young stage, the bouquet is fresh and fruit-driven with evident tones of black currant and dried cranberry. Beyond those primary aromas, are a slew of interesting secondary tones that include tar, white truffle, forest floor, leather, cola and balsam herb. Most significant, however, is the superior performance this Barolo gives in the mouth. The structure is firm and unyielding, yet the wine’s texture is supple and silky. That’s a difficult balance to achieve. Put this bottle aside for more years of aging. Drink: 2018-2042.”
Wine Spectator 97 points “A touch of oak in the aroma leads off, masking the cherry, leather, tar and tobacco flavors for now. A solidly structured mineral element emerges at the end. Should come around nicely, given the overall balance and fine length on the finish. Best from 2018 through 2036. 150 cases imported.”
The next best price is $223.20
Poderi Aldo Conterno Bussia Cicala, Barolo DOCG 2013 750ML ($149.95) $119 special
James Suckling 99 points “The aromas of flowers, blackberries, and white truffles are superb. Full to medium body and ultra-fine tannins. The finish lasts for minutes. An amazing Cicala. Don’t miss this. Drink in 2022.”
Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2013 Barolo Bussia Cicala is a beautiful wine with impressive depth and a profound sense of sharpness. This part of the Bussia cru sees a mix of clay soils (40%) with limestone (60%). In a sense, Cicala is the most indicative of the greater Bussia cru both in terms of its geological properties and its general taste profile. You get a lot of fruit in this wine followed by tannic firmness and evident power. Together, the wine presents balanced results. The alcohol here is 14.5% and I’m told that the upcoming 2016 vintage is almost a full degree stronger.”
Wine Spectator 94 points “This starts out with brilliant macerated cherry flavors, accented by rose, tar, spice and mineral elements. Firm, yet pure, complex and long, with a dense matrix of tannins shoring up the finish. Offers a fine, brambly aftertaste. Best from 2022 through 2043. 400 cases made.”
The average price is $156
Poderi Aldo Conterno Colonnello, Barolo DOCG 2013 750ML ($149.95) $119 special
James Suckling 98 points “Terrific aromas of blackberries, walnuts, spices, bark and mushrooms. Full body, ultra-fine tannins and bright acidity. So beautiful now but be patient. This needs four or five years to come completely together. Wow. What class and precision define this wine. The aromas show such subtle complexity and beauty. Full and tight with a solid core of fruit. Polished tannins to the maximum. Better in 2021. ”
Wine Spectator 95 points “Camphor and leather notes introduce this rich red, which transitions to cherry, licorice, spice and tobacco flavors. Firm and intense, with a lingering aftertaste of mineral, licorice and spice. Terrific now, but should be even better with time. Best from 2021 through 2042. 400 cases made.”
Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2013 Barolo Bussia Colonnello is the most ethereal and delicate of the Bussia series of wines. Fruit is sourced from a portion of the Bussia vineyard that is located closer to the village of Barolo (one kilometer away) than it is the village of Monforte d’Alba (five kilometers away). The sandy soils found here make for softer and tamer tannins especially when compared to the other parts of Bussia. The bouquet opens to aromas of blue flowers, spice, wild berry, licorice and white truffle. This is a softly nuanced and finessed Barolo made with fruit from 45-year-old vines.”
The average price is $144
Poderi Aldo Conterno Granbussia, Barolo Riserva DOCG 2008 750ML ($499.95) $389 special
James Suckling 100 points “Incredible aromas of blackberries, blueberries, dark chocolate and hints of cream. Roses, rose petals and leaves. Speechless. Full-bodied, tight and concentrated. The finish is endless. Perfect harmony. Made from a selection of the best grapes from the oldest vines: 70% romirasco, 15% cicala and 15% colonnello. All co-fermented and macerated for one month in wood. Aged in a 25-hectoliter cask for 33 months. Five years in bottle. Only 3,000 bottles. Perfect now and it will improve with age for decades ahead.”
Wine Advocate 96 points “The 2008 Barolo Riserva Granbussia is an unexpected wine and is perhaps the least characteristic of the three Granbussia vintages presented in this mini vertical. The wine opens to a deeply ruby red color and bright aromas that show some very distant touches of jam or marmalade. This is a big surprise given the generally cooler conditions of the vintage. Franco Conterno tells me fruit was harvested very late —at great risk—during the first week of November. The Nebbiolo grape loves a long growing season. The aromas are dense and dark with blackberry, plum and black fruit. Those super charged tones continue with leather, spice and tar.”
Wine Spectator 96 points “This is beginning to open, with fragrant cherry, rose, leather and sweet spice aromas and flavors. Vibrant and intense, with a terrific finish of sweet fruit, spice, tar and mineral notes. Shows fine presence and harmony, yet this should only improve over the next decade. Best from 2018 through 2030. 250 cases made.”
The next best price is $499
Poderi Aldo Conterno Romirasco Bussia, Barolo DOCG 2013 750ML ($219.95) $159 special
James Suckling 98 points “Beautiful dark fruits of crushed raspberries and blueberries plus hints of champignon mushrooms and black truffles. Lavender undertones. Full and chewy with lots of tannins. Old vines give this a mossy, bark-like undertone. Needs five to six years to come around.”
Wine Advocate 97 points “The stunning 2013 Barolo Bussia Romirasco represents a stylistic blend between the elegance of Monforte d’Alba and the brooding power of Serralunga d’Alba. These are magnesium-rich soils mixed with limestone and clay. Romirasco is also home to some of the estate’s oldest vines at 55-years-old on average. This beautiful wine opens to a dark and rich garnet color that comes from the concentrated fruit produced by these old plants. The bouquet is laced with mineral and iodine-like nuances with rust and iron. It comes across as rich and intense and the mouthfeel is slightly softer, but denser overall. The wine ends with long balsam tones of rosemary and dried ginger.”
Wine Spectator 95 points “This packs some vanilla- and Bourbon-scented oak aromas, with a core of cherry, leather, tar, iron and tobacco flavors. Solidly built, with dusty tannins clinging to the long finish. A powerful example, this should gain finesse with age. Best from 2022 through 2040. 400 cases made.”
The next best price is $187.99
Arriving Friday
Summer Daze / Sunny Haze
Super Deals to Beat the Summer Heat
Chateau Larose Trintaudon, Haut Medoc 2012 375ML ($14.95) $11.90 pre-arrival special
Wine Enthusiast 91 points “One of the largest estates in the Médoc, this misses being in Pauillac by being—literally—on the wrong side of the rail tracks. Regardless, the location ultimately gives the wine depth and richness. It’s ripe, dark, dense and very structured, showing the new wood that will integrate. Drink from 2018.”
The next best price for the half-bottle is $13.99
Dr. Burklin-Wolf Deidesheimer Riesling Trocken (Dry), Pfalz, Germany 2014 750ML ($24.95) $16 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 91 points “Very clear and open, with lovely ripe peach and some flinty aromas on the nose starts the 2014 Deidesheimer Riesling trocken — announcing a more accessible wine compared to the Wachenheimer. The coolish/warm character of the nose is reflected on the palate, which is medium to full-bodied, very intense, concentrated and very expressive in the piquant and juicy finish. The wine is pure and powerful, very aromatic but not fat or big at all. It’s simply sexy in its piquant and racy richness.”
The next best price is $20
CVNE ‘Cune’ Tinto Crianza, Rioja DOCa 2014 750ML ($17.95) $11.90 pre-arrival special
Case-12 CVNE ‘Cune’ Tinto Crianza, Rioja DOCa 2014 750ML ($179.95) $119 pre-arrival special (that’s only $9.92/bottle!)
James Suckling 90 points “A fresh and easy Rioja that shows plum and cherry character. Hints of cream. Mushroom, too. Medium body, low tannins and a crisp finish. Delicious now.”
Josh Raynolds 89 points “Deep ruby. Smoke-tinged cherry and floral scents show good clarity and spicy lift. Juicy and energetic on the palate, offering bitter cherry, red currant and vanilla flavors that deepen slowly and pick up a peppery element as the wine opens up. Fruit-driven and approachable, with a smooth, gently tannic finish that echoes the cherry and spice notes.”Dolcetto perfection!
Pecchenino Siri d’Jermu, Dolcetto di Dogliani Superiore DOCG 2015 750ML ($29.95) $21.90 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 94 points “Smoke, crème de cassis, plum, licorice, menthol, wild flowers and incense infuse the 2015 Dogliani Superiore Sirì d’Jermu. A gorgeous, beautifully layered wine, the 2015 is sumptuous and racy, but not at all overdone. There is no shortage of richness in this superb and super-expressive Dogliani from the Pecchenino brothers.”
Arriving in November
Domaine de Chevalier L’Esprit de Chevalier Blanc, Pessac-Leognan 2015 750ML ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 94 points “The second wine of Domaine de Chevalier delivers lemon curd, sliced apples and dried pineapple on the nose. Full-bodied, layered and fruity with an intense and focused finish. Shows precision and focus. Drink now.”Only 12 bottles available!
Domaine du Clos de Tart Grand Cru Monopole, Cote de Nuits 2016 750ML ($699.95) $599 pre-arrival special
Neal Martin-Wine Advocate 97-99 points “The 2016 Clos de Tart Grand Cru was assessed from a blend of all the component parts (except the young vines) that I previously tasted separately, as I have done over the last decade. The final blend will be 80% new oak, whereas my sample contained 100%, although this was discrete and enmeshed with the fruit. It has a fascinating bouquet, much more nuanced than those from a decade ago, dark fruit, a little earthier, with the stem addition lending it more freshness and even, dare I say, slightly green—and I mean that in a very positive sense. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp acidity, a core of slightly candied black cherry and blackcurrant fruit framed by quite “strict” tannin and a fresh, marine-influenced, brine-tinged finish that lingers long in the mouth. There is a sense of harmony and completeness here that, even over 20 years tasting at this address, I have rarely encountered. You can just feel the frisson in this wine. One of the finest wines from the Côte d’Or in 2016. It’s that simple.”
The next best price is $649.98
Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port, Portugal 2003 1.5L ($299.95) Was $249, Now $219 Clearance Price
Robert Parker – Hedonist’s Gazette 100 points “I was blown away by the 2003 Taylors vintage port. The Great Wall of China, Black Tie Dinner.”One of our hottest sale wines!
Adriano Marco e Vittorio Basarin, Barbaresco DOCG 2014 750ML ($34.95) Was $29, Now $24 Clearance Price, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 94 points “Elegant, leading off with perfumed aromas of rose, cherry, strawberry and white pepper. The profile is sleek, with a solid base of acidity and tannins. Shows terrific length, evoking fruit and mineral on the aftertaste. Best from 2019 through 2033.”
The average price is $28
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 $178.99See the complete list of wines on our July Clearance Sale below or click to shop the sale on our web store!
