In This Newsletter:
Domaine la Remejeanne:
Three Day Special
Featured New Arrival:
The Walls
New Week – New Arrivals
Summer Refreshers Edition
Rosé Feature: Spain
Vajra Barolo Albe 2017
New Vintage of a Vinopolis Favorite
Castello di Ama’s
Refined & Quintessential 2018 Chianti Classico
Do Ferrario:
The Apex of Albarino
Down the Rhine and Through the Doneau:
Vinopolis Tours Germany
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Domaine la Remejeanne Les Chevrefeuilles Blanc Cotes du Rhone, Rhone 2020 750ML ($19.95) Was $17.70, Now $16.50 special, 21 bottles in stock now
Winery note “[Translated and edited for clarity] This wine shows a clear and limpid color. It presents a fresh and lemony nose. Delicate aromas of white fruits (pear, etc) emerge. On the palate, it opens with a saline note from the Clairette, which brings great vivacity to the Roussanne and Granache Blanc.”
Importer Note “Certified organic. Chèvrefeuille [pronounced: shev-ruh-foy] is French for honeysuckle, the perfume of which you cannot escape during springtime in the southern Rhône. The Klein family is widely respected for their supple and aromatic Côtes du Rhône rouges, and under the tutelage of Olivier Klein the Domaine’s white wines are now reaching the same heights. The prevalence of limestone in the Sabran vineyards certainly helps in this regard, preserving freshness.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine la Remejeanne Cotes du Rhone Un Air de Remejeanne, Rhone 2019 750ML ($19.95) Was $17, Now $15.75 special, 15 bottles in stock now
Case-12 Domaine la Remejeanne Cotes du Rhone Un Air de Remejeanne, Rhone 2019 750ML ($219.95) Now $169 special (that’s only $14.08/bottle!) ***In-store pick up only for the case special
Importer note “Owned by the dynamic Oliver Klein, this certified organic domaine is located in the small high altitude village of Sabran, nestled in dramatic hills divided between forests of green oak and sun-soaked vineyards. All of the vines at the estate are found at high altitudes between 200 and 280 meters. This results in a cooler climate than most of the Southern Rhone, and endows the wines with a freshness and liveliness not often encountered in the region. Klein is an extremely conscientious winemaker, using very traditional methods to maintain the highest quality of wine. All the grapes are hand-harvested, undergoing long, slow fermentations with indigenous yeasts before being aged in concrete or older wood. This hands off approach creates wines of elegance and class.”
Winery note “A wine with a lively, light ruby color. The nose has an explosion of red fruits with notes of wild strawberries and violets. Crunchy, fresh and fine, this is a very drinkable wine.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine la Remejeanne Les Chevrefeuilles Cotes du Rhone, Rhone 2018 750ML ($21.95) Was $18, Now $16.50 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Importer note “70% Syrah, 10% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre, 5% Carignan, 5% Marselan. Grown on loess over limestone and sandstone on southeast-facing slopes at 250m of altitude.”
Winery note “Ruby red with a nose of fresh fruit, red and black berries, and hints of minty chocolate. On the palate, it is an elegant wine with fine aromas. It is supple with velvety tannins. The freshness gives the wine a delicious and fruity balance.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Remejeanne Eglantiers Cotes du Rhone 2016 750ML ($49.95) Was $33, Now $29 special, 22 bottles in stock now
VinopolNote: 50+ year old syrah vines grown organically at 700 ft elevation.
Winery note “Intensely purple. The nose is explosive and smoky. It evolved into aromas of Morello cherries with delicate woody notes on the finish. On the palate, the wine is fresh, suave, and full of tensions thanks to the Syrah. The very fine and subtle style of the nose is enhanced by notes of fresh cade wood. Its exceptional structure makes it a wine for long aging. It pairs well with traditional dishes, grilled red meats and cheese. It is made from a selection of old vines exclusively composed of: Syrah (100%) for color, aromas, tannins, freshness and suitability for aging. It comes from old vines (50 years and over) with a very low yield: 20hl / ha.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Sale ends Wednesday, August 4th at 6 pm Pacific
This is the only listing in the USA today!
The Walls Vineyards ‘The Ramparts’ Red, Red Mountain 2018 750ML ($39.95) $28 special
Jeb Dunnuck 94+ points “The 2018 The Ramparts is based on 47% Mourvèdre, 22% Syrah, 18% Grenache, and 13% Counoise, all from Red Mountain. Its deep purple color is followed by a great nose of ripe blueberry and blackberry fruits supported by plenty of peppery herbs, leather, tree bark, and violets. Hitting the palate with full-bodied richness, it’s textured and has fine yet significant tannins, good overall acidity and freshness, and a great finish. It needs 2-3 years of bottle age to develop more complexity but will cruise for 10-15 years in cold cellars. It’s impressive.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $33
The Walls Vineyards ‘Wonderful Nightmare’ Tempranillo, Walla Walla Valley 2018 750ML ($54.95) $44 special
Jeb Dunnuck 96 points “The 2018 Tempranillo Wonderful Nightmare comes from the Stoney Vine Vineyard and is a complex, exotic example of the variety, offering loads of herbes de Provence, peppered meats, charcoal, and violets, all supported by a wonderful core of ripe red, blue, and black fruits. With medium to full-bodied richness, a seamless texture, and ripe tannins, it’s another remarkable, pure, balanced wine from The Walls that can be drunk any time over the coming 10-15 years, if not longer.”
The Walls Vineyards ‘Les Jeunes Vignes’ Chardonnay, Columbia Valley 2017 750ML ($19.95) $16 special
Case-12 The Walls Vineyards ‘Les Jeunes Vignes’ Chardonnay, Columbia Valley 2017 750ML ($199.95) $179 special (that’s only $14.92/bottle!)
Washington Wine Blog 91 points “Showing off a bright color, the Les Jeunes Vignes’ opens with light white peach and damp stone aromas that take shape in the glass. The polished mouthfeel and soft texture really entices here as ripe orchard fruits and lighter wet stone and melon tones come together beautifully on the palate. This is really well-done. Drink 2020-2027.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
One of our most popular roses from last year returns.
Domaine Lafage Miraflors Rosé, Cotes Catalanes 2020 750ML ($21.95) $18 special
Jeb Dunnuck 91 points “White peach, orange blossom, and white flower notes emerge from the 2020 Miraflors. It’s another clean, balanced, beautiful effort with bright acidity and a clean, dry finish.”
Eric Solomon Imports note “Mourvedre, Grenache Gris, Grenache Practicing Organic 80 yr old vines. Light Pink-colored with beautiful white peach, orange zest and salty sea breeze aromas and flabros in its vibrant, crisp profile. Pure and vibrant as it gets, a classic, provencal-style beauty.”
Scala Rosato Ciro, Calabria, Italy 2020 750ML ($19.95) $16.60 special
Importer Tasting Note (Victor Schwartz) “The 2020 is a vibrant wine as always. The color is particularly striking, an electric copper-gold, like a ramato that’s been amped up. The nose and palate are delicious if elusive. There is a deep fruit quality that is a mix of apricots and red fruits, the varietal character of gaglioppo is evident along with a distinctive savory note in the background. The wine offers a fruitful acidity keeping it fresh and alive.”
100% Gaglioppo from estate vineyards
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Magnums of our best-selling Bandol are now here!
Domaine de la Bastide Blanche Bandol Rosé, Provence 2020 1.5L ($69.95) $59 special
Domaine de la Bastide Blanche Bandol Rosé, Provence 2020 750ML ($31.95) $26 special
Case-12 Domaine de la Bastide Blanche Bandol Rosé, Provence 2020 1.5L ($359.95) $288 special (that’s only $24/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92 points “Limpid orange-pink. Expressive red berry, blood orange and pit fruit aromas are accompanied by building mineral and floral nuances. Taut and energetic in the mouth, offering sappy strawberry, orange zest and lavender flavors braced by a spine of chalky minerality. Finishes silky and impressively long, with repeating mineral and floral notes.”
Weygandt-Metzler Import note “Mourvedre, Grenache, Cinsault, Clairette. Organic. Clay, limestone & cailloux. Tasting note: Dense cherry and raspberry fruit with citrus and stone flavors. Full body with a perfectly balanced and long finish.”
Back in stock! We’re in love with Foradori’s wines, this one very much included.
Foradori Fontanasanta Manzoni Bianco Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT, Trentino-Alto Adige 2019 750ML ($37.95) $33 special
James Suckling 96 points “Unique aromas of lemon drops and dried limes with hay and candied pineapple, following through to a full body with layers of fruit and a wonderful flavors of peaches and nectarines, as well as some tile and stone. Creamy texture. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drink now.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 93 points “The Foradori 2019 Manzoni Bianco Fontanasanta opens to a bright golden color with some faint copper or greenish highlights. A portion of the wine is aged in clay amphorae. The bouquet is somewhat neutral with loads of pear, Golden Delicious apple and quince. There’s nothing too fragrant or floral. Instead, the wine is grounded in unmistakable orchard fruit aromas that color both the bouquet and the wine’s flavor profile. You also get honey, saffron and candied orange peel. The wine ends with a touch of mineral dryness, like broken slate or crushed terracotta, that contributes to the tight, almost tannic finish.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Looking for a rose that drinks like a light red? Easily the most full bodied rosé we’ve tried in a long while, this is a deliciously rustic rosado made from another nearly extinct grape called Prieto Picudo. Traditionally farmed in a native pruning style called rastra, which involves the grapes growing without any trellising just above the ground. This proximity reduces the amount of water lost during the incredibly dry growing season and helps the grapes ripen due to heat radiating from the ground. The vines used in this rosado are over 80 years old and grown at almost 3,000 feet above sea level at the base of the Cantabric Mountains. Grilled strawberry, cherry juice, copal resin and fennel flower make this a perfect accompaniment for BBQ, Smoked fish or Middle Eastern cuisine.
Raul Perez ‘Los Arrotos del Pendon’ Rosado, León 2020 750ML ($24.95) $19.90 special, 21 bottles available
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92 points “Light, amber-hued red. Pungent cherry, raspberry and floral aromas take on spice and smoky mineral nuances with air. Shows very good heft and chewy texture, offering sappy red berry, bitter cherry and spicecake flavors and a hint of licorice. As much a light red wine as a rosé. Finishes long and floral, with the spicy note adding final cut. – Josh Raynolds”
Skurnik Wines note “100% Prieto Picudo. Very old vines in stony clay at high altitude (800m ASL). Macerated for two days on the skins before bleeding off. Fermented with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel. Raised on the fine lees for four months in tank. Bottled without fining or filtration.”
Peruse our 98 pink picks on our webstore now!
Domaine la Remejeanne:
Three Day Special
Featured New Arrival:
The Walls
New Week – New Arrivals
Summer Refreshers Edition
Rosé Feature: Spain
Vajra Barolo Albe 2017
New Vintage of a Vinopolis Favorite
Castello di Ama’s
Refined & Quintessential 2018 Chianti Classico
Do Ferrario:
The Apex of Albarino
Down the Rhine and Through the Doneau:
Vinopolis Tours Germany
We’re Open for In-Store Shopping!
10 AM – 6 PM Daily
Masks are required for those not fully vaccinated and recommended for all.
We also offer Curbside Pickup
Order Online / By Phone / By Email
10 AM – 6 PM Daily
Masks are required for those not fully vaccinated and recommended for all.
We also offer Curbside Pickup
Order Online / By Phone / By Email
Domaine la Remejeanne
Three Day Special
Three Day Special
What do some of the hardest to find cult Champagne producers (Prevost, Dehu & Cedric Bouchard), top names in Loire (Boudignon, Collier & Gerard Boulay), and super-scorer Vincent Paris of Cornas have in common? These are producers brokered by Thomas Calder. If you’ve tried any of the aforementioned estates (and we hope you have), you owe it to yourself to explore the estate he represents in the Southern Rhone: Domaine la Remejeanne. The domaine’s wines represent an absolute bargain (topping out at under $30/bottle) and capture all the elegance and complexity you’d expect from a Calder Selection.
Run by a father-son team Remy and Oliver Klein in the high elevation village of Sabran, they farm a visually stunning estate of 86 acres directly facing Mount Ventoux and entirely organic to boot. This proximity to the mountain puts the domaine right in the path of the Mistral wind, which cools the air and creates grapes of greater intensity while retaining freshness and acidity.
We’ve expanded our offering for this year to include two of their whites and their oldest vine Syrah from their top site. While they fly under the radar of American reviewers, they are well loved in their home country. We adore this estate and want to make sure you try the wines too, so we’re slashing our already great pricing to make these even more of a bargain.
“This estate always punches well above its simple Côtes-du-Rhône appellation and are worth seeking out.” –Matt Walls, contributor for Decanter Magazine
“All our work is animated by a quest for finesse, elegance and freshness. So our wines constantly reveal ever more and more of the essential characteristics of our terroir.” –Domaine la Remejeanne
In Stock & On Sale Now:
Domaine la Remejeanne Les Arbousiers Blanc Cotes du Rhone, Rhone 2019 750ML ($29.95) Was $26, Now $21.90 special, 32 bottles in stock now
Importer note “Certified organic. 25+ year old vines. 250m altitude. Eastern exposure. Loess soils over limestone and sandstone. Indigenous yeast. Aged in tank.”
Winery note “[Translated and edited for clarity] This wine is pale green. Its intense nose is underlined by the floral notes of the Clairette. Well-balanced and elegant, it leaves an impression of density with liveliness. Will hold well for 3-4 years. Roussanne (30%) for the exotic fruit aromas as well as supple and round mouthfeel. La Clairette (30%) for the aromatic finesse of flowers and citrus. Viognier (20%) for apricot aromas as well as volume and density. Marsanne (10%) for aging ability. Bourboulenc (10%) for aromas of toast and liveliness.”
Run by a father-son team Remy and Oliver Klein in the high elevation village of Sabran, they farm a visually stunning estate of 86 acres directly facing Mount Ventoux and entirely organic to boot. This proximity to the mountain puts the domaine right in the path of the Mistral wind, which cools the air and creates grapes of greater intensity while retaining freshness and acidity.
We’ve expanded our offering for this year to include two of their whites and their oldest vine Syrah from their top site. While they fly under the radar of American reviewers, they are well loved in their home country. We adore this estate and want to make sure you try the wines too, so we’re slashing our already great pricing to make these even more of a bargain.
“This estate always punches well above its simple Côtes-du-Rhône appellation and are worth seeking out.” –Matt Walls, contributor for Decanter Magazine
“All our work is animated by a quest for finesse, elegance and freshness. So our wines constantly reveal ever more and more of the essential characteristics of our terroir.” –Domaine la Remejeanne
In Stock & On Sale Now:
Domaine la Remejeanne Les Arbousiers Blanc Cotes du Rhone, Rhone 2019 750ML ($29.95) Was $26, Now $21.90 special, 32 bottles in stock now
Importer note “Certified organic. 25+ year old vines. 250m altitude. Eastern exposure. Loess soils over limestone and sandstone. Indigenous yeast. Aged in tank.”
Winery note “[Translated and edited for clarity] This wine is pale green. Its intense nose is underlined by the floral notes of the Clairette. Well-balanced and elegant, it leaves an impression of density with liveliness. Will hold well for 3-4 years. Roussanne (30%) for the exotic fruit aromas as well as supple and round mouthfeel. La Clairette (30%) for the aromatic finesse of flowers and citrus. Viognier (20%) for apricot aromas as well as volume and density. Marsanne (10%) for aging ability. Bourboulenc (10%) for aromas of toast and liveliness.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Domaine la Remejeanne Les Chevrefeuilles Blanc Cotes du Rhone, Rhone 2020 750ML ($19.95) Was $17.70, Now $16.50 special, 21 bottles in stock now
Winery note “[Translated and edited for clarity] This wine shows a clear and limpid color. It presents a fresh and lemony nose. Delicate aromas of white fruits (pear, etc) emerge. On the palate, it opens with a saline note from the Clairette, which brings great vivacity to the Roussanne and Granache Blanc.”
Importer Note “Certified organic. Chèvrefeuille [pronounced: shev-ruh-foy] is French for honeysuckle, the perfume of which you cannot escape during springtime in the southern Rhône. The Klein family is widely respected for their supple and aromatic Côtes du Rhône rouges, and under the tutelage of Olivier Klein the Domaine’s white wines are now reaching the same heights. The prevalence of limestone in the Sabran vineyards certainly helps in this regard, preserving freshness.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine la Remejeanne Cotes du Rhone Un Air de Remejeanne, Rhone 2019 750ML ($19.95) Was $17, Now $15.75 special, 15 bottles in stock now
Case-12 Domaine la Remejeanne Cotes du Rhone Un Air de Remejeanne, Rhone 2019 750ML ($219.95) Now $169 special (that’s only $14.08/bottle!) ***In-store pick up only for the case special
Importer note “Owned by the dynamic Oliver Klein, this certified organic domaine is located in the small high altitude village of Sabran, nestled in dramatic hills divided between forests of green oak and sun-soaked vineyards. All of the vines at the estate are found at high altitudes between 200 and 280 meters. This results in a cooler climate than most of the Southern Rhone, and endows the wines with a freshness and liveliness not often encountered in the region. Klein is an extremely conscientious winemaker, using very traditional methods to maintain the highest quality of wine. All the grapes are hand-harvested, undergoing long, slow fermentations with indigenous yeasts before being aged in concrete or older wood. This hands off approach creates wines of elegance and class.”
Winery note “A wine with a lively, light ruby color. The nose has an explosion of red fruits with notes of wild strawberries and violets. Crunchy, fresh and fine, this is a very drinkable wine.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine la Remejeanne Les Chevrefeuilles Cotes du Rhone, Rhone 2018 750ML ($21.95) Was $18, Now $16.50 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Importer note “70% Syrah, 10% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre, 5% Carignan, 5% Marselan. Grown on loess over limestone and sandstone on southeast-facing slopes at 250m of altitude.”
Winery note “Ruby red with a nose of fresh fruit, red and black berries, and hints of minty chocolate. On the palate, it is an elegant wine with fine aromas. It is supple with velvety tannins. The freshness gives the wine a delicious and fruity balance.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Remejeanne Eglantiers Cotes du Rhone 2016 750ML ($49.95) Was $33, Now $29 special, 22 bottles in stock now
VinopolNote: 50+ year old syrah vines grown organically at 700 ft elevation.
Winery note “Intensely purple. The nose is explosive and smoky. It evolved into aromas of Morello cherries with delicate woody notes on the finish. On the palate, the wine is fresh, suave, and full of tensions thanks to the Syrah. The very fine and subtle style of the nose is enhanced by notes of fresh cade wood. Its exceptional structure makes it a wine for long aging. It pairs well with traditional dishes, grilled red meats and cheese. It is made from a selection of old vines exclusively composed of: Syrah (100%) for color, aromas, tannins, freshness and suitability for aging. It comes from old vines (50 years and over) with a very low yield: 20hl / ha.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Sale ends Wednesday, August 4th at 6 pm Pacific
Featured New Arrival:
The Walls
The Walls
Winemaker Todd Alexander is one of the hottest names in Washington. A 100-point talent, he made his name at the helm of Bryant Family, the cult producer in Napa, before journeying north to lead the team at Force Majeure. Now he’s the consulting winemaker at The Walls, a new project that offers outstanding value for top-class Washington wine.
With bold reds that have rich fruit and powerful personalities, The Walls wines belong in the company of the true elite producers in the state, at prices that are significantly lower than their peers. The Gaspard Syrah, Ramparts Red, and Wonderful Nightmare Tempranillo all recently received exceptional praise from Jeb Dunnuck, and they’ve just landed.
In Stock Now from The Walls:
The Walls Vineyards ‘Gaspard’ Syrah, Red Mountain 2018 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
Jeb Dunnuck 96 points “An Hermitage-like nose of red and black fruits, spice, new leather, and bacon fat emerges from the 2018 Syrah Gaspard, another young, unevolved, yet incredibly promising Syrah that does everything right. With full-bodied richness, a stacked mid-palate, and incredible purity of fruit, it has plenty of rocky minerality and tannins on the finish. It needs lots of air if drinking any time soon, and it will ideally be given 2-4 years of bottle age. It’s going to keep for 10-15 years or more.”
With bold reds that have rich fruit and powerful personalities, The Walls wines belong in the company of the true elite producers in the state, at prices that are significantly lower than their peers. The Gaspard Syrah, Ramparts Red, and Wonderful Nightmare Tempranillo all recently received exceptional praise from Jeb Dunnuck, and they’ve just landed.
In Stock Now from The Walls:
The Walls Vineyards ‘Gaspard’ Syrah, Red Mountain 2018 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
Jeb Dunnuck 96 points “An Hermitage-like nose of red and black fruits, spice, new leather, and bacon fat emerges from the 2018 Syrah Gaspard, another young, unevolved, yet incredibly promising Syrah that does everything right. With full-bodied richness, a stacked mid-palate, and incredible purity of fruit, it has plenty of rocky minerality and tannins on the finish. It needs lots of air if drinking any time soon, and it will ideally be given 2-4 years of bottle age. It’s going to keep for 10-15 years or more.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
The Walls Vineyards ‘The Ramparts’ Red, Red Mountain 2018 750ML ($39.95) $28 special
Jeb Dunnuck 94+ points “The 2018 The Ramparts is based on 47% Mourvèdre, 22% Syrah, 18% Grenache, and 13% Counoise, all from Red Mountain. Its deep purple color is followed by a great nose of ripe blueberry and blackberry fruits supported by plenty of peppery herbs, leather, tree bark, and violets. Hitting the palate with full-bodied richness, it’s textured and has fine yet significant tannins, good overall acidity and freshness, and a great finish. It needs 2-3 years of bottle age to develop more complexity but will cruise for 10-15 years in cold cellars. It’s impressive.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $33
The Walls Vineyards ‘Wonderful Nightmare’ Tempranillo, Walla Walla Valley 2018 750ML ($54.95) $44 special
Jeb Dunnuck 96 points “The 2018 Tempranillo Wonderful Nightmare comes from the Stoney Vine Vineyard and is a complex, exotic example of the variety, offering loads of herbes de Provence, peppered meats, charcoal, and violets, all supported by a wonderful core of ripe red, blue, and black fruits. With medium to full-bodied richness, a seamless texture, and ripe tannins, it’s another remarkable, pure, balanced wine from The Walls that can be drunk any time over the coming 10-15 years, if not longer.”
The Walls Vineyards ‘Les Jeunes Vignes’ Chardonnay, Columbia Valley 2017 750ML ($19.95) $16 special
Case-12 The Walls Vineyards ‘Les Jeunes Vignes’ Chardonnay, Columbia Valley 2017 750ML ($199.95) $179 special (that’s only $14.92/bottle!)
Washington Wine Blog 91 points “Showing off a bright color, the Les Jeunes Vignes’ opens with light white peach and damp stone aromas that take shape in the glass. The polished mouthfeel and soft texture really entices here as ripe orchard fruits and lighter wet stone and melon tones come together beautifully on the palate. This is really well-done. Drink 2020-2027.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
New Week – New Arrivals
Summer Refreshers Edition
Summer Refreshers Edition
Stellar value from the home of sparkling wine.
Domaine Collin Cremant de Limoux Cuvee Tradition Brut, Languedoc-Roussillon NV 750ML ($19.95) $16 special
Importer note “Philippe Collin, a native of Champagne, moved to Limoux in 1980 to establish his own domaine. Though his family has made Champagne for generations, the opportunities in this sought after (and extremely expensive) area were very limited. With a deep understanding of terroir and considerable technical expertise, he decided to try his luck in the South of France. The area of Limoux offered Philippe a unique opportunity: vineyard land in Limoux is just a fraction of the cost of vineyard land in Champagne and, most importantly, the microclimate in Limoux is especially well suited to white wine and sparkling wine production. Located a couple of hours inland from the Mediterranean, it is the coolest area in the Languedoc. In fact, Limoux is among the earliest areas in the world to be known for producing sparkling wine, and records show sparkling wine being produced in the area as early as 1531. The primary grape for sparkling wine in Limoux is Mauzac. Though at its best Mauzac can produce a nice sparkling wine, the bulk of wine made from Mauzac can be very green and uninteresting. Since Philippe is more interested in quality than in bulk production, he planted the majority of his vineyards with traditional grapes of Champagne- Pinot Noir and Chardonnay- as well as quite a bit of Chenin Blanc, which in this climate serves to balance the wine.”
Domaine Collin Cremant de Limoux Cuvee Tradition Brut, Languedoc-Roussillon NV 750ML ($19.95) $16 special
Importer note “Philippe Collin, a native of Champagne, moved to Limoux in 1980 to establish his own domaine. Though his family has made Champagne for generations, the opportunities in this sought after (and extremely expensive) area were very limited. With a deep understanding of terroir and considerable technical expertise, he decided to try his luck in the South of France. The area of Limoux offered Philippe a unique opportunity: vineyard land in Limoux is just a fraction of the cost of vineyard land in Champagne and, most importantly, the microclimate in Limoux is especially well suited to white wine and sparkling wine production. Located a couple of hours inland from the Mediterranean, it is the coolest area in the Languedoc. In fact, Limoux is among the earliest areas in the world to be known for producing sparkling wine, and records show sparkling wine being produced in the area as early as 1531. The primary grape for sparkling wine in Limoux is Mauzac. Though at its best Mauzac can produce a nice sparkling wine, the bulk of wine made from Mauzac can be very green and uninteresting. Since Philippe is more interested in quality than in bulk production, he planted the majority of his vineyards with traditional grapes of Champagne- Pinot Noir and Chardonnay- as well as quite a bit of Chenin Blanc, which in this climate serves to balance the wine.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
One of our most popular roses from last year returns.
Domaine Lafage Miraflors Rosé, Cotes Catalanes 2020 750ML ($21.95) $18 special
Jeb Dunnuck 91 points “White peach, orange blossom, and white flower notes emerge from the 2020 Miraflors. It’s another clean, balanced, beautiful effort with bright acidity and a clean, dry finish.”
Eric Solomon Imports note “Mourvedre, Grenache Gris, Grenache Practicing Organic 80 yr old vines. Light Pink-colored with beautiful white peach, orange zest and salty sea breeze aromas and flabros in its vibrant, crisp profile. Pure and vibrant as it gets, a classic, provencal-style beauty.”
Scala Rosato Ciro, Calabria, Italy 2020 750ML ($19.95) $16.60 special
Importer Tasting Note (Victor Schwartz) “The 2020 is a vibrant wine as always. The color is particularly striking, an electric copper-gold, like a ramato that’s been amped up. The nose and palate are delicious if elusive. There is a deep fruit quality that is a mix of apricots and red fruits, the varietal character of gaglioppo is evident along with a distinctive savory note in the background. The wine offers a fruitful acidity keeping it fresh and alive.”
100% Gaglioppo from estate vineyards
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Magnums of our best-selling Bandol are now here!
Domaine de la Bastide Blanche Bandol Rosé, Provence 2020 1.5L ($69.95) $59 special
Domaine de la Bastide Blanche Bandol Rosé, Provence 2020 750ML ($31.95) $26 special
Case-12 Domaine de la Bastide Blanche Bandol Rosé, Provence 2020 1.5L ($359.95) $288 special (that’s only $24/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92 points “Limpid orange-pink. Expressive red berry, blood orange and pit fruit aromas are accompanied by building mineral and floral nuances. Taut and energetic in the mouth, offering sappy strawberry, orange zest and lavender flavors braced by a spine of chalky minerality. Finishes silky and impressively long, with repeating mineral and floral notes.”
Weygandt-Metzler Import note “Mourvedre, Grenache, Cinsault, Clairette. Organic. Clay, limestone & cailloux. Tasting note: Dense cherry and raspberry fruit with citrus and stone flavors. Full body with a perfectly balanced and long finish.”
Back in stock! We’re in love with Foradori’s wines, this one very much included.
Foradori Fontanasanta Manzoni Bianco Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT, Trentino-Alto Adige 2019 750ML ($37.95) $33 special
James Suckling 96 points “Unique aromas of lemon drops and dried limes with hay and candied pineapple, following through to a full body with layers of fruit and a wonderful flavors of peaches and nectarines, as well as some tile and stone. Creamy texture. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drink now.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 93 points “The Foradori 2019 Manzoni Bianco Fontanasanta opens to a bright golden color with some faint copper or greenish highlights. A portion of the wine is aged in clay amphorae. The bouquet is somewhat neutral with loads of pear, Golden Delicious apple and quince. There’s nothing too fragrant or floral. Instead, the wine is grounded in unmistakable orchard fruit aromas that color both the bouquet and the wine’s flavor profile. You also get honey, saffron and candied orange peel. The wine ends with a touch of mineral dryness, like broken slate or crushed terracotta, that contributes to the tight, almost tannic finish.”
Rosé Feature: Spain
Spanish rosé has long been a favorite in the shop and for good reason. Few countries in the world have as much diversity in their wine styles, farming practices, and terroirs except perhaps for France. We have two incredibly unique iterations that just arrived in house that highlight the best of the Spanish “New School” of winemakers. Both of these wines are comprised of indigenous varietals grown at high elevation, biodynamically farmed, and are built for aging (If you can resist).
If you’re a fan of Catalonian whites or Cava you might have heard of Xarel-Lo, an aromatic white grape that’s often compared to Chardonnay due to its versatility during vinification. Being an indigenous varietal in Spain since at least 1548 it mutated at some point and also has a red skinned clone called Xarel-lo Vermell. Less than 300 acres of this varietal are still in existence in the entire world, with Gramona dedicating part of their production to preserving the varietal. Expect the acidity, structure and stonefruit character of Xarel-Lo with a definitive red fruited element not unlike Goji , fresh cranberries and redcurrants.
Gramona ‘Mart’ Xarel-lo Vermell Rosat, Penedes 2020 750ML ($37.95) $29.50 special, 30 bottles in stock now
Eric Solomon Imports note “Xarel-lo Vermell Certified organic CCPAE and biodynamic DEMETER. The pale color of this rosé comes from a 48-hour maceration before pressing. With this additional skin contact, combined with the already high levels of antioxidants present in the juice of this variety, Mart cannot only be enjoyed in its youth (peaches and strawberries) but it has the capacity to develop for several years in the bottle as more pink peppercorn nuances emerge.”
If you’re a fan of Catalonian whites or Cava you might have heard of Xarel-Lo, an aromatic white grape that’s often compared to Chardonnay due to its versatility during vinification. Being an indigenous varietal in Spain since at least 1548 it mutated at some point and also has a red skinned clone called Xarel-lo Vermell. Less than 300 acres of this varietal are still in existence in the entire world, with Gramona dedicating part of their production to preserving the varietal. Expect the acidity, structure and stonefruit character of Xarel-Lo with a definitive red fruited element not unlike Goji , fresh cranberries and redcurrants.
Gramona ‘Mart’ Xarel-lo Vermell Rosat, Penedes 2020 750ML ($37.95) $29.50 special, 30 bottles in stock now
Eric Solomon Imports note “Xarel-lo Vermell Certified organic CCPAE and biodynamic DEMETER. The pale color of this rosé comes from a 48-hour maceration before pressing. With this additional skin contact, combined with the already high levels of antioxidants present in the juice of this variety, Mart cannot only be enjoyed in its youth (peaches and strawberries) but it has the capacity to develop for several years in the bottle as more pink peppercorn nuances emerge.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Looking for a rose that drinks like a light red? Easily the most full bodied rosé we’ve tried in a long while, this is a deliciously rustic rosado made from another nearly extinct grape called Prieto Picudo. Traditionally farmed in a native pruning style called rastra, which involves the grapes growing without any trellising just above the ground. This proximity reduces the amount of water lost during the incredibly dry growing season and helps the grapes ripen due to heat radiating from the ground. The vines used in this rosado are over 80 years old and grown at almost 3,000 feet above sea level at the base of the Cantabric Mountains. Grilled strawberry, cherry juice, copal resin and fennel flower make this a perfect accompaniment for BBQ, Smoked fish or Middle Eastern cuisine.
Raul Perez ‘Los Arrotos del Pendon’ Rosado, León 2020 750ML ($24.95) $19.90 special, 21 bottles available
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92 points “Light, amber-hued red. Pungent cherry, raspberry and floral aromas take on spice and smoky mineral nuances with air. Shows very good heft and chewy texture, offering sappy red berry, bitter cherry and spicecake flavors and a hint of licorice. As much a light red wine as a rosé. Finishes long and floral, with the spicy note adding final cut. – Josh Raynolds”
Skurnik Wines note “100% Prieto Picudo. Very old vines in stony clay at high altitude (800m ASL). Macerated for two days on the skins before bleeding off. Fermented with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel. Raised on the fine lees for four months in tank. Bottled without fining or filtration.”
Peruse our 98 pink picks on our webstore now!
Vajra Barolo Albe 2017
New Vintage of a Vinopolis Favorite
G.D. Vajra remains one of our favorite producers in the Piedmont. Responsible for some of our finest Barolos, from top to bottom Vajra’s wines are excellent. These include an array of the best values coming out of Piedmont today. At all price points they are reference point wines that others are judged against.
The estate has always been good, but seems to have reached another level over the last decade. Delicious, attractively priced, and organically cultivated, anyone serious about their Piedmont wines drinking ought to be stocking up.
“The Vajra family produced a bevy of stellar wines from both their estates, G.D. Vajra in Barolo and Baudana in Serralunga. The 2017s are deep, fleshy and impeccably balanced. ” –Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Arriving Friday, August 6th from G.D. Vajra:
G.D. Vajra Albe, Barolo DOCG 2017 750ML ($41.95) $33 pre-arrival special
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 93 points “This is one of the most accessible and trustworthy wines you can buy from Piedmont. Keeping in line with past vintages, the G.D. Vajra 2017 Barolo Albe opens to medium concentration and a very expressive or fruit-forward bouquet. This hot-climate 2017 edition shows a little more ripeness and roundness as is to be expected, but these results are a safe bet nonetheless. Cherry and raspberry aromas are followed by blue flower and pressed violets. Set this bottle aside for medium or long-term drinking. Production is an ample 40,000 bottles.”
Kerin O’Keefe-Wine Enthusiast 93 points “Editor’s Choice. Red berry, rose and camphor aromas waft out of the glass. Tangy and delicious, the smooth, full-bodied palate doles out ripe Marasca cherry, fleshy raspberry and hints of ground baking spice framed in taut, polished tannins. It’s already accessible but also has good midterm aging potential. Drink 2022–2029.”
Jeb Dunnuck 93 points “The 2017 Barolo Albe has generous aromas of fresh black cherry, dried roses, baking spice, and tar. The palate has concentration of fruit that remains fresh with tension, noted by dried cranberry, orange zest, and cocoa. Once again, this wine proves a great value that well over-delivers for an entry Barolo. Drink 2021-2036.”
Antonio Galloni 91 points “The 2017 Barolo Albe is exquisite. Bright and beautifully lifted, the 2017 Albe is a wine of pure and total pleasure. All the elements come together so gracefully. Crushed flowers, red berries, mint, cinnamon and lavender are some of the many notes that open in the glass. The 2017 is so nicely done in the way it captures the radiance of the year and the classicism that runs through all these wines. Vineyard sites are Fossati, Costa di Vergne and Le Volte.”
The estate has always been good, but seems to have reached another level over the last decade. Delicious, attractively priced, and organically cultivated, anyone serious about their Piedmont wines drinking ought to be stocking up.
“The Vajra family produced a bevy of stellar wines from both their estates, G.D. Vajra in Barolo and Baudana in Serralunga. The 2017s are deep, fleshy and impeccably balanced. ” –Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Arriving Friday, August 6th from G.D. Vajra:
G.D. Vajra Albe, Barolo DOCG 2017 750ML ($41.95) $33 pre-arrival special
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 93 points “This is one of the most accessible and trustworthy wines you can buy from Piedmont. Keeping in line with past vintages, the G.D. Vajra 2017 Barolo Albe opens to medium concentration and a very expressive or fruit-forward bouquet. This hot-climate 2017 edition shows a little more ripeness and roundness as is to be expected, but these results are a safe bet nonetheless. Cherry and raspberry aromas are followed by blue flower and pressed violets. Set this bottle aside for medium or long-term drinking. Production is an ample 40,000 bottles.”
Kerin O’Keefe-Wine Enthusiast 93 points “Editor’s Choice. Red berry, rose and camphor aromas waft out of the glass. Tangy and delicious, the smooth, full-bodied palate doles out ripe Marasca cherry, fleshy raspberry and hints of ground baking spice framed in taut, polished tannins. It’s already accessible but also has good midterm aging potential. Drink 2022–2029.”
Jeb Dunnuck 93 points “The 2017 Barolo Albe has generous aromas of fresh black cherry, dried roses, baking spice, and tar. The palate has concentration of fruit that remains fresh with tension, noted by dried cranberry, orange zest, and cocoa. Once again, this wine proves a great value that well over-delivers for an entry Barolo. Drink 2021-2036.”
Antonio Galloni 91 points “The 2017 Barolo Albe is exquisite. Bright and beautifully lifted, the 2017 Albe is a wine of pure and total pleasure. All the elements come together so gracefully. Crushed flowers, red berries, mint, cinnamon and lavender are some of the many notes that open in the glass. The 2017 is so nicely done in the way it captures the radiance of the year and the classicism that runs through all these wines. Vineyard sites are Fossati, Costa di Vergne and Le Volte.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $39
2017 Crus Arriving ETA August from G.D. Vajra:
G.D. Vajra Bricco delle Viole Barolo DOCG 2017 750ML ($89.95) $75 pre-arrival special
Kerin O’Keefe-Wine Enthusiast 96 points “Aromas of underbrush, pine forest, woodland berries and cedar form the enticing nose. Full-bodied and savory, the structured palate delivers ripe Morello cherry, raspberry compote, star anise and cinnamon before closing on pipe tobacco notes. Tightly knit but refined tannins provide the backbone, while surprisingly fresh acidity for the hot vintage keeps it balanced. Drink 2024–2032.”
Jeb Dunnuck 96 points “The 2017 Barolo Bricco Delle Viole is the darker fruited of the G.D. Vajra sites and has rounded floral aromatics of crushed roses, resin, and cranberry cocktail. The palate is ripe and inviting, with building structure and notes of fresh red cherry, blood orange, and clove. The warmth of the vintage is felt without sacrificing lift. Drink 2025-2050”
Antonio Galloni 95 points “The 2017 Barolo Bricco delle Viole is classy and elegant to the core. Medium in body and wonderfully translucent, the 2017 captures all of the finesse of this site. Naturally, the 2017 also shows the ripeness of the year, but it retains its sublime sense of poise. The 2017 Bricco delle Viole is one of the clear stand outs of the year.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95 points “The G.D. Vajra 2017 Barolo Bricco delle Viole is packed with medium dark cherry fruit and plum. The wine also shows a savory side, with spice, hazelnut cream, licorice and lightly fragrant potting soil. This vintage sits solid on the palate, wrapping thickly over the senses, thanks to its creamy, fruit-driven consistency and well-managed tannins. These vines are high in elevation, ranging from 400 to 480 meters in altitude. Those higher elevations are key to interpreting a vintage that saw heat such as this. Production is 15,000 bottles.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
G.D. Vajra ‘Coste di Rose’ Barolo DOCG 2017 750ML ($69.95) $56.50 pre-arrival special
Kerin O’Keefe-Wine Enthusiast 96 points “Wild berry, menthol and tilled earth aromas mingle with whiffs of dark spice. Linear and savory, the lithe palate is already immediate, featuring juicy raspberry, red cherry, crushed mint and star anise accompanied by taut, polished tannins. Tangy acidity keeps it fresh and bright.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 94 points “With fruit from higher-elevation vineyards in the village of Barolo, the 2017 Barolo Coste di Rose is quite elegantly downplayed and fragile. The wine reveals wild berry, cassis and lots of blue flower or lilac. A pretty mineral note recalls crushed limestone and is present through the long and polished mouthfeel. This wine overperforms, considering the challenges of this vintage that saw extreme weather, from spring frost to scorching summer temperatures. These vineyard sites performed better than most. Some 4,800 bottles were released.”
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “The 2017 Barolo Coste di Rose has bright aromatics of candied raspberry, apricot, anise, and dusty earth. The palate is medium-bodied, with fine tannins and notes of dried wild strawberry, fresh roses, and mineral-rich earth. This wine is open and inviting, while maintaining freshness and drive. Drink 2024-2040.”
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2017 Barolo Coste di Rose is pretty, supple and inviting. Some of the tannins need to resolve, but this is a young Barolo after all. The Coste di Rose doesn’t have the sensuality of the Albe or the pedigree of the Viole, but it nevertheless has so much to give. Crushed flowers, sweet red berry fruit, mint, crushed rocks and sage are some of the many notes that linger. I won’t be surprised if the 2017 is even better than this note suggests once it softens a bit.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $72
“Today, it is just breathtaking.” –Antonio Galloni
G.D. Vajra Ravera Barolo DOCG 2017 750ML ($89.95) $75 pre-arrival special
Kerin O’Keefe-Wine Enthusiast 97 points “From the township of Novello and from what is now widely recognized as one of the denomination’s top vineyard sites, this is just stunning, offering intense aromas of wild berries, new leather, floral notes, camphor and grilled herb. The delicious, structured palate shows finesse and power, featuring ripe red cherry, blood orange, cedar, licorice and mineral notes suggesting tangy iron. Noble tannins provide support. Reflecting the vintage, this won’t need years to come around but will also age well for at least another decade. Drink 2022–2032.”
Jeb Dunnuck 96 points “Lifted and herbaceous, the 2017 Barolo Ravera is noted by aromas of fresh pine, ripe red cherry, licorice, and menthol. The palate has depth without weight and is noted by ripe raspberry fruit, apricot, and black tea. Drink 2024-2050.”
Antonio Galloni 95 points “The 2017 Barolo Ravera is gorgeous right out of the gate. I am so impressed with its depth and pedigree. Rose petal, sweet red berry fruit, lavender, spice and dried herbs are all finely delineated in a Barolo of tremendous presence. Orange peel, cinnamon and cedar develop later, adding shades of dimension. Time in the glass brings out the wine’s stature and power. The 2017 is going to be fascinating to follow. Today, it is just breathtaking. That’s all there is to it.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 94+ points “The G.D. Vajra 2017 Barolo Ravera shows solid build and consistency, with more rich and saturated fruit compared to the other Barolo releases from this historic estate. The Ravera cru offers broad shoulders with a tight textural fabric. That powerful approach makes a good sounding board for the wine’s dark cherry, plum, dark mineral and spice flavors. This is more of a red meat wine. 6,000 bottles were released.”
Shop the full selection of 97 Barolos we offer on our webstore!
Castello di Ama’s
Refined & Quintessential 2018 Chianti Classico
Refined & Quintessential 2018 Chianti Classico
Looking for a single village Chianti that’s priced and labeled as a Classico? Consider Castello di Ama, one of our in house favorites from the village of Ama. If you were to put a bullseye over the Chianti Classico region, Castello di Ama would be almost dead center, at an average elevation of 1600 feet above sea level. Climatically perfect for growing Sangiovese, the area was first cultivated by the Etruscans before becoming a famous wine village in 1773. As the legend goes, the Grand Duke of Tuscany was so impressed with the wine and sightseeing that he wrote a poem to commemorate the occasion.
Founded in 1978, Castello di Ama was also instrumental in the region’s promotion from DOC to DOCG in 1984. They haven’t been content to sit on their laurels however, and have undergone major overhauling of their vineyards and fermentation facilities. These changes are clearly paying off, with the wines exhibiting the quintessential sour cherry, dark chocolate, terra cotta and sage character of a good Chianti. Made from Sangiovese accented with a sprinkle of Merlot, this is drinking beautifully now but would also be right at home in the cellar for 5-7 years.
Arriving Friday, August 6th from Castello di Ama:
Castello di Ama ‘Castello di Ama’, Chianti Classico DOCG 2018 750ML ($34.95) $28 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Castello di Ama ‘Castello di Ama’, Chianti Classico DOCG 2018 750ML ($419.95) $299 pre-arrival special (that’s only $24.92/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Kerin O’Keefe-Wine Enthusiast 93 points “Fragrant and refined, this features enticing aromas of rose, iris, woodland berry and crushed botanical herb. Medium bodied and loaded with finesse, the elegant palate features juicy Marasca cherry, strawberry compote and dark culinary spice. Polished tannins and fresh acidity keep it well balanced. Drink through 2028.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 92+ points “This is the quintessential happy wine from Tuscany that will easily pair with wintery pici al ragù or summery pasta al pomorodo. There is enormous versatility in the all-season Castello di Ama 2018 Chianti Classico Ama. The wine is round, plump and approachable. It offers enormous freshness and the bright berry intensity of the Sangiovese grape. Red cherry and cassis are backed by red rose petal and softly fragrant potting soil. I tasted this wine immediately after Castello di Ama’s Pinot Nero di Toscana Il Chiuso, and I was struck by the similarities of the two wines in terms of silkiness and those pretty rose aromas. An ample 105,000 bottles were made.”
Antonio Galloni 92 points “The 2018 Chianti Classico Ama shows just how promising the vintage is. A burst of sweet red cherry fruit, cedar, leather, spice and orange peel give the 2018 a feeling of exuberance that is impossible to miss. The purity of the flavors is just striking. This is such a beautiful wine.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $31
Can’t Wait? In Stock Now from Catello di Ama
Castello di Ama Vigneto La Casuccia, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2016 750ML ($219.95) $179 special, 18 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 97 points “The 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto La Casuccia is rich, sensual and inviting, as it so often is. The addition of Merlot to Sangiovese yields a Chianti Classico built on textural resonance, with silky tannins, soft curves and tons of sheer allure. The 2016 won’t be ready to drink anytime soon, but it is unquestionably a great wine in the making. Succulent dark cherry, red plum, menthol, licorice, cloves and new oak infuse the creamy, voluptuous finish.”
Kerin O’Keefe-Wine Enthusiast 97 points “Mature black-skinned berry, rose, tilled soil and a balsamic whiff of eucalyptus shape the nose. The bright, elegant palate has energy, tension and depth, delivering ripe wild cherry, red plum, licorice and crushed botanical herb. Taut, fine-grained tannins lend polished support while fresh acidity keeps it balanced. A gorgeous wine. Drink through 2031.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 96 points “From the small vineyard facing Castello di Ama from the north, the 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto la Casuccia shows a dark and hearty side with rich fruit that flows steadily from the bouquet. Like the other new releases from this iconic estate, this wine shows a pretty earthy note that is particularly well defined and fine-tuned in this vintage. The fruit is broad, thick and horizontal. This is a Sangiovese painted with broad brush strokes. It’ll stand another decade or two, or open it sooner with a pappardelle al cinghiale.”
Wine Spectator 95 points “This aromatic Chianti Classico features violet, black cherry, leather, earth and spice flavors. A laser of bracing acidity and muscular tannins runs underneath. The balance tips toward the tannins today, but put this in your cellar for another few years. Sleek and very long. Sangiovese and Merlot. Best from 2023 through 2042. 315 cases made, 40 cases imported.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $199
Castello di Ama ‘Castello di Ama’, Chianti Classico DOCG 2015 1.5L ($69.95) Was $49, Now $39 special, 31 magnums in stock now
James Suckling 92 points “So much sweet tobacco and cherry character here with hints of smoked meat. Medium body, fine tannins and a bright and fruity finish. Acid tension give this definition. Tangy. Drink now.”
Wine Spectator 90 points “The raspberry and cherry flavors are immediate in this elegant, balanced red, followed by accents of earth and spice. Not excessively long, but well-proportioned. Drink now through 2022. 900 cases imported.”
Castello di Ama L’Apparita Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2016 750ML ($289.95) $249 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 100 points “The 2016 L’Apparita, 100% Merlot, is a breathtaking, riveting wine that captures all the potential of the vintage. In this vintage, L’Apparita is especially silky and refined. Layered, perfumed and wonderfully nuanced, L’Apparita is simply epic. Lavender, mint, sage, spice, new leather and cloves develop with time, but more than anything else, L’Apparita is wonderfully complete and magnificently beautiful.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 99 points “The 2016 L’Apparita is a standout wine. A true symbol of the vintage, the wine shows the classic lines and extreme precision we can expect from 2016, with the plump, ripe generosity of the Merlot grape (when farmed in the right hands of course). The wine is profound, rich and beautifully concentrated with power but no residual heaviness. I went back to this sample a few times in the 12 hours after I popped the cork, and the wine was more beautiful each time. It offers a profound sense of beauty, harmony and Merlot purity now, and it should evolve slowly and softly in the coming years.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Do Ferrario:
The Apex of Albarino
The Apex of Albarino
Looking for a wine that is equal parts refreshing and compelling? Check out our selections from Do Ferreiro. Coming from the picturesque Salnes region on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, this is the ancestral home of Albarino and shows in the wine’s character across the portfolio. Some of the biggest contributors to the terroir of Salnes are the granitic mountains and blankets of sea fog found throughout the area, creating the building blocks for an invigorating and savory wine with surprising aging potential. These features also have a meteorological effect, creating an exceptionally cool and oftentimes wet growing season with the average temperature being 55 degrees. As a result of these challenges, there has been very little deviation from the traditional growing practices. Do Ferrario is a local champion of these methods, and is known for their devotion to rehabilitating abandoned sites and refusing to use synthetic chemicals in any way.
These efforts pay off in spades as seen in their top bottling (Cepas Vellas) especially, which is sourced from a minuscule vineyard planted in 1785, the oldest Albarino vines in existance. Ethereal aromas of gyukoro tea, jasmine blossom and ocean spray jet from the glass and fill the room. Flavors of gooseberry, white tea, guava, curacao orange, dill, fresh squeezed lemon and sea salt ricochet throughout the palate and leaves a marathon of a finish redolent of hoshigaki sugar and mangostein flesh.
Even the entry level bottling however is still loaded with nuance, and featuring an ironclad acidity that can handle any food pairing. With over 164 different plots under their spade, Do Ferreiro is able to feature the many “faces” of Albarino with bottlings that see completely different vinification. Most unique after the Cepas Vellas Ancestor vine bottling, is their Dous Ferrados which is sourced from a high elevation site above the fog line that sees aging in a wooden puncheon. This contributes to a rounded and fuller body, less salinity and higher aromatics that emphasizes the tropical fruit aspects of Albarino like fresh passionfruit and green pineapple.
In Stock Now:
Do Ferreiro Albarino ‘Cepas Vellas,’ Rias Baixas 2019 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 7 bottles in stock now
Wine & Spirits 94 points “One of the treasures of Rías Baixas are the centenarian vines, trellised overhead and producing small yields of concentrated fruit. One such parcel grows in front of Gerardo Méndez’s home in Lores, along the Ría de Arousa in the Salnès Valley. Méndez has traced the history of these vines back to 1850 and believes them to be the oldest documented vines in the region (the 3.7 acres were originally planted in 1785 and he thinks the current vines are about 200 years old). Now working with his children, Manuel and Encarna, Méndez continues to use them exclusively to make Cepas Vellas. The Méndezes allow this to ferment without added yeasts, then to age for 11 months on the lees in stainless-steel tanks, producing an elegant white wine with remarkable flavor depth and length. In this 2019, scents of spring violets and white roses lift off a deep richness of brisk apple flavor. Crunchy, elastic and compellingly drinkable as a young wine, this has the potential to age for a decade or more.”
Do Ferreiro Albarino, Rias Baixas 2018 750ML ($39.95) $27 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2018 Albariño was very expressive after some time in the glass. This is their house wine, produced with grapes from the 11 hectares and up to 164 plots they work in the Salnés up to 22 kilometers from their winery in Meaño. The wine is very elegant in 2018; it’s vibrant and tasty, with the granite sapidity and the salty finish. I tasted a bottle from the end of June 2019, when the wine had had longer time sur lie, and the year in bottle does it good. 70,000 bottles produced.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92 points “Green-tinged straw. Vibrant, mineral-tinged citrus and orchard fruit qualities on the nose, along with a suave floral topnote. Shows fine definition and mineral lift to the juicy pear and Meyer lemon flavors, which take on a hint of tarragon with air. The floral and mineral notes dominate a long, focused finish that features a suggestion of bitter quinine.”
Do Ferreiro Albarino Dous Ferrados, Rias Baixas 2018 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 7 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez – Wine Advocate 93 points “The only Albariño where they use any wood is the 2018 Dous Ferrados, which ferments and matures in barrel for nine months with lees. The idea is to go back to the wines from yesteryear, fermenting in large-volume oak casks (500 liters here) with the intention that the wood is in the background and does not interfere with the aromatics of the variety but aid the micro-oxygenation of the wine. The grapes are sourced from the same soils as the Adina, on red slate soils, a different source than the old “barrica” bottling that was from Meaño. The wine needed a little bit of time to open up in the glass; funnily enough, it felt more reductive/blurry than any of its siblings. The palate is saline and mineral, with marked granite sensations in the grainy texture, and finishes long and dry. 1,300 bottles were filled in September 2019.”
These efforts pay off in spades as seen in their top bottling (Cepas Vellas) especially, which is sourced from a minuscule vineyard planted in 1785, the oldest Albarino vines in existance. Ethereal aromas of gyukoro tea, jasmine blossom and ocean spray jet from the glass and fill the room. Flavors of gooseberry, white tea, guava, curacao orange, dill, fresh squeezed lemon and sea salt ricochet throughout the palate and leaves a marathon of a finish redolent of hoshigaki sugar and mangostein flesh.
Even the entry level bottling however is still loaded with nuance, and featuring an ironclad acidity that can handle any food pairing. With over 164 different plots under their spade, Do Ferreiro is able to feature the many “faces” of Albarino with bottlings that see completely different vinification. Most unique after the Cepas Vellas Ancestor vine bottling, is their Dous Ferrados which is sourced from a high elevation site above the fog line that sees aging in a wooden puncheon. This contributes to a rounded and fuller body, less salinity and higher aromatics that emphasizes the tropical fruit aspects of Albarino like fresh passionfruit and green pineapple.
In Stock Now:
Do Ferreiro Albarino ‘Cepas Vellas,’ Rias Baixas 2019 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 7 bottles in stock now
Wine & Spirits 94 points “One of the treasures of Rías Baixas are the centenarian vines, trellised overhead and producing small yields of concentrated fruit. One such parcel grows in front of Gerardo Méndez’s home in Lores, along the Ría de Arousa in the Salnès Valley. Méndez has traced the history of these vines back to 1850 and believes them to be the oldest documented vines in the region (the 3.7 acres were originally planted in 1785 and he thinks the current vines are about 200 years old). Now working with his children, Manuel and Encarna, Méndez continues to use them exclusively to make Cepas Vellas. The Méndezes allow this to ferment without added yeasts, then to age for 11 months on the lees in stainless-steel tanks, producing an elegant white wine with remarkable flavor depth and length. In this 2019, scents of spring violets and white roses lift off a deep richness of brisk apple flavor. Crunchy, elastic and compellingly drinkable as a young wine, this has the potential to age for a decade or more.”
Do Ferreiro Albarino, Rias Baixas 2018 750ML ($39.95) $27 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2018 Albariño was very expressive after some time in the glass. This is their house wine, produced with grapes from the 11 hectares and up to 164 plots they work in the Salnés up to 22 kilometers from their winery in Meaño. The wine is very elegant in 2018; it’s vibrant and tasty, with the granite sapidity and the salty finish. I tasted a bottle from the end of June 2019, when the wine had had longer time sur lie, and the year in bottle does it good. 70,000 bottles produced.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92 points “Green-tinged straw. Vibrant, mineral-tinged citrus and orchard fruit qualities on the nose, along with a suave floral topnote. Shows fine definition and mineral lift to the juicy pear and Meyer lemon flavors, which take on a hint of tarragon with air. The floral and mineral notes dominate a long, focused finish that features a suggestion of bitter quinine.”
Do Ferreiro Albarino Dous Ferrados, Rias Baixas 2018 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 7 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez – Wine Advocate 93 points “The only Albariño where they use any wood is the 2018 Dous Ferrados, which ferments and matures in barrel for nine months with lees. The idea is to go back to the wines from yesteryear, fermenting in large-volume oak casks (500 liters here) with the intention that the wood is in the background and does not interfere with the aromatics of the variety but aid the micro-oxygenation of the wine. The grapes are sourced from the same soils as the Adina, on red slate soils, a different source than the old “barrica” bottling that was from Meaño. The wine needed a little bit of time to open up in the glass; funnily enough, it felt more reductive/blurry than any of its siblings. The palate is saline and mineral, with marked granite sensations in the grainy texture, and finishes long and dry. 1,300 bottles were filled in September 2019.”
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Love Albarino?
Don’t miss the selections from Nanclares y Prieto in stock now:
“I tasted a majority of 2018 [wines from Nanclares y Prieto], a vintage that they consider fresher than 2016 and 2017. They are more comfortable with higher acidity, more humid years, even if they often present some challenges. The summer was warmer and drier, and ripening was very good, and the harvest dates went back to “normal.” They compare the style of the wines from 2018 with 2015, a vintage they consider among the best of recent times. They are also happy with 2019, where they see a continuity with 2018.” –Luis Gutierrez, Wine Advocate
Nanclares y Prieto ‘Alberto Nanclares’ Albarino, Rias Baixas 2019 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 4 bottles in stock now
John Gilman 93 points “The Alberto Nanclares bottling from Nanclares y Prieto is produced from pergola-trained vines, ranging from thirty to sixty years of age, all planted on granitic soils interspersed with sand. The wine is fermented and raised for a bit more than a year, half in an old French oak tina and the other half in stainless steel, with fine lees in both vessels. The 2019 bottling is gorgeous on both the nose and palate, with the bouquet offering up a vibrant and complex blend of lemon, green apple, discreet notes of beeswax, ocean breeze, granitic minerality, gentle leesy tones and a delicate topnote of white flowers. On the palate the wine is bright, full-bodied and rock solid at the core, with superb mineral drive and cut, snappy acids and a very long, complex and saline finish. This is superb Albariño! 2021-2035.”
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 91 points “Pale yellow. Pungent citrus pith and yellow plum scents on the lively, mineral-accented nose. Chewy and focused in the mouth, offering Meyer lemon, pear skin and honeysuckle flavors that are given spine by an undercurrent of juicy acidity. Clings with authority on the penetrating finish, which leaves hints of succulent herbs and citrus zest behind.”
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Nanclares y Prieto ‘A Grana’, Galicia 2019 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 94 points “Limpid, green-hued yellow. Vibrant, sharply defined lemon zest, pear, white peach and floral aromas show impressive mineral lift. Tightly focused and dry on the palate, offering incisive citrus and orchard fruit flavors that deepen steadily with air. Shows nervy cut on the impressively long, mineral-driven finish, which leaves an insistent floral note behind. This is a superb example of the variety and region and worthy of some cellar time.”
John Gilman 94 points “The Albariño “A Graña” bottling from Nanclares y Prieto Viticultores is a single vineyard cuvée produced from an old vine parcel planted on sand and granite soils. The wine is fermented in an eight hundred liter chestnut cask and a two hundred liter stainless steel tank. The wine spends eleven months on its fine lees, with weekly battonage for the first three months, prior to bottling without fining or filtration. The 2019 A Graña delivers crystalline precision in its bouquet of lemon, green apple, breadfruit, wet stone minerality, menthol, dried flowers and a hint of Chablis-like straw tones in the upper register. On the palate the wine is bright, fullbodied, complex and racy, with a lovely core, superb mineral drive and cut, laser-like focus and a long, still quite youthful finish. This is a beautiful bottle of Albariño in the making, but it really deserves a couple of years in the cellar to allow its secondary layers to emerge. 2023-2035.”
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Nanclares y Prieto ‘Crisopa’ Branco Tradicional, Galicia 2018 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 20 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez – Wine Advocate 94 points “The completely unusual “orange” wine is a bright amber Albariño macerated with skins during the fermentation. The 2018 Crisopa, produced with grapes from the same vineyard as Soberrivas, has a completely different nose and a brighter and deeper color than any previous vintage. Perhaps the grapes were smaller and there might be more skins for the juice, and the wine underwent malolactic (at least partially). There are notes of apple liqueur, pollen and beeswax, and the palate is finely tannic. Here, the process overpowers the variety and place. It has lower acidity than most of the wines from the winery, but this is one of the finest examples of the type. It should develop nicely in bottle. 636 bottles were filled in August 2019.”
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Nanclares y Prieto ‘Soverribas’, Rias Baixas 2018 750ML ($49.95) $45 special, 15 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez – Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2018 Soverribas is a single-vineyard Albariño from a plot in Meaño on sandy granite soils. The grapes fermented with indigenous yeasts in a 2,200-liter oak vat from 2004 (so, already very neutral). This is a bit of a chameleonic wine that needs time in bottle and can often be confusing when drunk very young. This is austere and mineral, and it might be a good idea to decant this in advance if you are going to pull the cork any time soon. There are notes of wet granite, white flowers. This is a long-distance runner. This also transcends its price level. Amazingly enough, this wine was rejected by the appellation of origin! 2,669 bottles and 40 magnums produced.”
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Nanclares y Prieto ‘Soverribas’, Rias Baixas 2019 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 12 bottles in stock now
John Gilman 93+ points “The Soverribas bottling from Alberto Nanclares and Silvia Prieto is a single vineyard wine, from a parcel of thirty-plus year-old, pergola-trained vines in the vineyard of Paraje Manzaniña. The wine is raised on its fine lees entirely in 2200 liter, ten year-old French oak tina for one year and then given additional bottle aging in the cellars prior to release. The 2019 Soverribas is a beautiful wine, with the more floral aspect of Meaño Albariño quite evident on the nose, which wafts from the glass in a mix of fresh lime, bread fruit, beautifully complex minerality, citrus blossoms, white flowers, a hint of leesy tones and incipient notes of beeswax. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied and tightly-knit, with a lovely core of fruit, excellent mineral drive, fine focus and grip and a long, complex and very promising finish. This is more reserved out of the blocks than the 2019 Alberto Nanclares bottling and I would be inclined to give this another year or two in the cellar and let it really blossom. It is going to be superb. 2023-2040.”
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 93 points “Vivid straw-yellow. Bright and sharply delineated on the incisive nose, displaying fresh Meyer lemon, pear, honeysuckle and mineral scents, along with ginger and quinine flourishes. Chewy and concentrated, offering nervy, mineral-laced citrus and orchard fruit flavors that show fine clarity and spicy lift. Closes on a chalky mineral note, with strong, floral-tinged persistence and lingering citrus pith character.”
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Down the Rhine and Through the Doneau:
Vinopolis Tours Germany
The Ruwer is one of the most unique of the Mosel sub- regions. Unlike the Bernkastel or Terrassenmosel, vines do not receive reflected sunlight off the surface of the far smaller Ruwer River. This slows ripening and requires longer hang time. The soil here is deeper than other sub-regions and contains veins of iron but still features a base of slate like the rest of the Mosel. Examples from this area usually feature generous amounts of fruit, refreshing herbaciousness, high acidity and a slightly spicy finish. This was one of the most favored winegrowing areas by the Romans, with archeological sites showing wine production dating back to the first century (making it one of the first colonized and planted by the empire). If you appreciate the delicate and ethereal qualities of Riesling, this is a sub-region to try. Check out our selection of Maximin Grünhaus today, available now.
In Stock Now from Maximin Grunhaus:
Carl von Schubert Maximin Grunhauser Abtsberg Riesling Auslese 24, Mosel 2015 750ML ($99.95) $69 special, 9 bottles in stock now
Mosel Fine Wines 95 points “This offers gorgeous scents of peach and herbs on the nose. Star anise, ginger and coconut join the flavors on the creamy yet racy palate and leave a superbly racy, cassis and mint-infused feel in the long finish. What a beauty! 2025-2050.”
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 94+ points “The 2015 Maximin Grünhauser Abtsberg Riesling Auslese 24 is super clear and very intense on the bright and concentrated nose. Fresh and piquant on the palate, with a good mineral grip and complexity, this is a highly finessed, intense and piquant Auslese of great class and with a distinctive character. The berries were shrivelled to raisins without a noble rot, says Carl von Schubert.”
David Schildknecht – Vinous 93 points “This was picked near the end of October, “principally,” as von Schubert explained, “from shriveled [rosinierte] and to a lesser extent botrytis-affected berries. The dominance of desiccated berries made for high acidity as well as must weight. Right after this picking, we got another rain,” he added, “so it was good that we had finished up.” Persian melon and white peach inform a heady nose and a glossy, expansive, almost custard-rich palate. There is just enough primary juiciness to supply welcome refreshment, but for now at least, the elevated acidity isn’t evident. Hints of marzipan and licorice lend a confectionary cast to the lusciously lingering finish.”
In Stock Now from Maximin Grunhaus:
Carl von Schubert Maximin Grunhauser Abtsberg Riesling Auslese 24, Mosel 2015 750ML ($99.95) $69 special, 9 bottles in stock now
Mosel Fine Wines 95 points “This offers gorgeous scents of peach and herbs on the nose. Star anise, ginger and coconut join the flavors on the creamy yet racy palate and leave a superbly racy, cassis and mint-infused feel in the long finish. What a beauty! 2025-2050.”
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 94+ points “The 2015 Maximin Grünhauser Abtsberg Riesling Auslese 24 is super clear and very intense on the bright and concentrated nose. Fresh and piquant on the palate, with a good mineral grip and complexity, this is a highly finessed, intense and piquant Auslese of great class and with a distinctive character. The berries were shrivelled to raisins without a noble rot, says Carl von Schubert.”
David Schildknecht – Vinous 93 points “This was picked near the end of October, “principally,” as von Schubert explained, “from shriveled [rosinierte] and to a lesser extent botrytis-affected berries. The dominance of desiccated berries made for high acidity as well as must weight. Right after this picking, we got another rain,” he added, “so it was good that we had finished up.” Persian melon and white peach inform a heady nose and a glossy, expansive, almost custard-rich palate. There is just enough primary juiciness to supply welcome refreshment, but for now at least, the elevated acidity isn’t evident. Hints of marzipan and licorice lend a confectionary cast to the lusciously lingering finish.”
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Carl von Schubert Maximin Grunhauser Abtsberg Riesling Grosses Gewachs, Mosel 2016 750ML ($59.95) $39 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 94 points “Fermented in old oak fuders, the 2016 Maximin Grünhaus Abtsberg Riesling “GG” opens with a deep, fascinatingly precise and flinty bouquet of perfectly ripe, healthy Riesling berries and pineapple aromas. Full-bodied (at 12% alcohol), rich, lush and intense, this is a firmly structured yet mouth-filling and very elegant Abtsberg with a very long, crystalline and mouthwateringly salty finish. Still young, this Riesling will benefit from further bottle aging. It’s the finest dry Abtsberg I have tasted here. Impressive. Bottled May 2017; tasted March 2018.”
Mosel Fine Wines 93 points “Quite reductive at first, this only gradually offers fresh and cool notes of gooseberry, smoke, cassis, flowers, mint and white peach. The wine is then, almost surprisingly, playful and fruity on the palate with juicy notes of yellow peach, tangerine and spices. It remains focused and pure in the very long and zippy dry finish. This wine is still hugely primary at this early stage, as Abtsberg wines often are, and it will need a couple of years of bottle aging to reveal its full potential. It should then prove a smashing piece of dry Ruwer Riesling made in an ethereally but no less satisfying style.”
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Carl von Schubert Maximin Grunhauser Abtsberg Riesling Kabinett, Mosel 2017 1.5L ($79.95) $69 special, 3 magnums in stock now
Mosel Fine Wines 93 points “The 2017er Maximin Grünhäuser Abtsberg Kabinett was made from fruit harvested at modest, Kabinett conform sugar levels (Oechsle degrees in the low 80s). It develops a delicately ripe nose of cassis, peach, melon, apricot blossom and herbs. The wine is superbly balanced, intense and focused on the palate. The finish is juicy, mouthcoating and yet beautifully precise. This is beautiful even if slightly bigger expression Kabinett in the making, which shows great delineation in the finish. 2027-2042.”
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 92 points “The 2017 Maximin Grünhaus Herrenberg Riesling Kabinett is discreet and flinty on the subtle, elegant and remarkably fine nose. The palate is sweet and round, with good grip and lush texture. The finish is compact, stimulatingly salty, pretty round and lush for a Kabinett. The wine is beautifully light-bodied (7.5% alcohol), and the sweetness is pretty well-reduced by the refreshing mineral tension. Tasted from AP 12 18 in June 2019.”
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Carl von Schubert Maximin Grunhauser Abtsberg Superior Riesling, Mosel 2014 750ML ($59.95) $39 special, 20 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 94 points “Very clear and smoky on the still discreet and yeasty-flavored, dense nose, the 2014 Maximin Grünhäuser Abtsberg Riesling Superior is a very elegant and round, finesse-full and persistent Riesling; it has a long and salty, very complex but beautifully fine, yet firmly structured and great finish. Impressive Riesling for the next 25 or 30 or more years.”
Wine & Spirits 92 points “Since Kraml came on in 2004, he’s weaned the vines off of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, dropped yields and moved to ambient yeast fermentations, many of which he does in traditional, large oak fuder made from the estate’s own trees. He’s also introduced the “Superior” wines, made in a traditional feinherb style, fermented in fuder and bottled with a little residual sugar. In 2014, the treatment seems to magnify the character of each vineyard, and lends the wines extra strength. The Abtsberg emphasizes the filigreed delicacy and peach scents common to the fruit off its cool blue slate, as well as the profundity of its mineral flavors. It’s not recognizably sweet; rather, this is sugar as muscle, making the best of a vintage short on sun.”
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Carl von Schubert Maximin Grunhauser Riesling Alte Reben AP #11, Mosel 2017 750ML ($31.95) $27 special, 15 bottles in stock now
Mosel Fine Wines 91 points “The 2017er Maximin Grünhäuser Alte Reben was made from fruit harvested in the Abtsberg and fermented down to dry-tasting levels (11 g/l of residual sugar). It develops a beautiful even if still rather restrained nose of slate, mirabelle, herbs, peach and spices. The wine is superbly balanced on the palate, where ripe flavors of fruits are nicely balanced out by some juicy acidity. It is still slightly on the rough and unfinished side of life in the finish but will blossom in a few years. 2022-2037.”
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Carl von Schubert Maximin Grunhauser Herrenberg Riesling Auslese AP #10, Mosel 2015 750ML ($69.95) $49 special, 7 bottles in stock now
Mosel Fine Wines 94 points “This offers some grapefruit, melon, pear and minty herbs on the nose. The wine has some creamy pear at first which gives way to racy cassis and spices. The finish is elegant and to die for as mouth-watering minerals play with one’s senses. This will enter its maturity window in a good decade and will then prove a great expression of “feine Auslese.” 2025-2040”
David Schildknecht – Vinous 93 points “White currant and quince jellies are tinged with cress and candied lime, both on the nose and on the lush and creamy but also bright and piquant palate of this Auslese. Evocations of peach and Persian melon add to its imposing fruitiness, and there is a persistent alliance of richness and vivacity rather than any sense of bifurcation. Salinity sets the salivary glands pumping on a penetrating finish transparent to stony nuances.”
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Carl von Schubert Maximin Grunhauser Herrenberg Riesling Kabinett, Mosel 2017 750ML ($31.95) $27 special, 29 bottles in stock now
Mosel Fine Wines 92 points “The 2017er Maximin Grünhäuser Herrenberg Kabinett was made from fruit harvested at refreshingly modest, Kabinett conform sugar levels (Oechsle degrees in the low 80s). It develops a beautiful nose of cassis, peach and herbs. The wine displays great finesse and elegance on the palate and leaves a beautifully vibrant feel in the long and intense finish. This is a gorgeous wine in the making! 2022-2037”
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 92 points “The 2017 Maximin Grünhaus Herrenberg Riesling Kabinett is discreet and flinty on the subtle, elegant and remarkably fine nose. The palate is sweet and round, with good grip and lush texture. The finish is compact, stimulatingly salty, pretty round and lush for a Kabinett. The wine is beautifully light-bodied (7.5% alcohol), and the sweetness is pretty well-reduced by the refreshing mineral tension. Tasted from AP 12 18 in June 2019.”
David Schildknecht-Vinous 91 points “Fresh apple, white peach and lime tinged with cress and oregano on the nose anticipate the generously juicy, animatingly tart-edged and invigoratingly green-herb-tinged impression that emerges on a polished, buoyant palate. More than 50 grams of residual sugar are present (at just 7.5% alcohol), yet the resulting sweetness supports succulent white peach without excess and avoids any negative sense of sweet-sour tension on an exuberant finish transparent to smoky and stony as well as herbal nuances.”
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We offer one of the largest selections of German Rieslings in store and available for pre-order in the world. Shop our full selection of over 450 German Rieslings on our web store!
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Be well & drink well.