Quilceda Creek: Featured New Arrivals; New Week – New Arrivals; Back in Stock: Greatest Hits from Cameron, Beaux Freres & Clos Fourtet; Domaine Guiberteau: New Arrivals; California Dreaming: New Featured Arrivals: Blankiet, Peter Michaels & More!; Rhone Treasures: Artfully Aged/Limited Quantities/Newly Arrived; Case Deals from Around the World; Markus Molitor: New Scores for the 2015s; Bonus New Arrivals: Sine Qua Non
Featured New Arrival
Quilceda Creek
Quilceda Creek Galitzine Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain 2013 750ML ($219.95) $179 special, 18 bottles available
Wine Advocate 98 points “An utterly prodigious effort that would most likely be the wine of the vintage if not for its big brother, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Galitzine Vineyard comes all from Red Mountain and was raised in 100% new French oak. Revealing a healthy ruby/purple color and classic notes of sage brush, graphite, black cherries, currants and chocolate, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness; building, present, yet ripe and polished tannin; perfect integration of its fruit, alcohol and oak; and awesome length. This is a powerhouse Cabernet Sauvignon that still holds onto a sense of elegance and finesse. Forget it for 4-5 years and drink bottles over the following two decades.”
Quilceda Creek ‘CVR’ Red Wine, Columbia Valley 2014 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 32 bottles available
Winery note “The 2014 Quilceda Creek “CVR” Columbia Valley Red Wine is a blend of declassified lots that did not make it into our flagship wines. Having this strict selection allows our best wines to compete at the highest level on a global scale. The resulting wine is filled with satisfying black and red fruits, smoke, spice and minerals. The “CVR” is an exciting preview into the 2014’s which are historic wines in the making. This blend of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot and 3% Malbec will best be enjoyed over the next 15 years. From the Champoux, Palengat, Tapteil, and Wallula Gap Vineyards. Aged in 100% French Oak.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $70
Quilceda Creek Palengat Vineyard Red, Horse Heaven Hills 2013 750ML ($149.95) $119 special, 3 bottles available
Wine Advocate 94 points “More Merlot dominated in 2013 (they plan to move this back to a more Cabernet Sauvignon dominated blend in the future), the 2013 Palengat Vineyard is another terrific 2013 that makes the most of vintage. Sexy, voluptuous and rounded, with no hard edges, it gives up classic notes of plums, graphite and licorice in its full-bodied, mouth-filling and impossible to resist style. While I’d happily drink a glass (or three) today, it will drink well for another 10-15 years.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
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New Week – New Arrivals
OREGON
Cameron Winery Dundee Hills Chardonnay, Willamette Valley 2015 750ML ($21.95) $19 special
VinopolNote: A blend of wine sourced from 36-year-old clone 108 vines in Abbey Ridge and two barrels from the estate Clos Electrique Vineyard. John says 2015 is a beautiful white wine vintage, and his Dundee Hills Chardonnay proves it. Granted, as John pointed out, the oak has yet to integrate, but the silkiness, suppleness, and succulence already signal a charming cuvee: Give this wine a few months or more before consumption. You’ll be glad you did, and even gladder that you swooped some up before this Cameron wine goes the way of all the others… out of stock soon enough.
Ayres Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2015 750ML ($24.95) $19 special
Winery note “A wine that is as kind to your wallet as it is to your meal. Dollar for dollar, the richest Willamette Valley wine you will find! There is plenty of our Ribbon Ridge estate fruit in this bottle of Willamette Valley Pinot Noir!”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
WASHINGTON
Gorman Winery Old Scratch Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain 2014 750ML ($31.95) $28 special
Wine Spectator 93 points “Broad and spicy, with a minerally accent to the black cherry and plum flavors, blanketed with fine tannins. The flavors emerge on the finish and persist. Best from 2018 through 2024.”
CALIFORNIA
Carpe Diem Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2013 750ML ($27.95) $24 special
Winery Notes “Grapes for the Carpe Diem Cabernet Sauvignon have been selected exclusively from the best vineyards in the world-renowned Napa Valley. Vinified under the strict supervision of Christian Moueix’s winemaking team in Yountville, Carpe Diem embodies the essence of Napa Valley classic Cabernet Sauvignon. It is a straightforward wine expressing its bountiful fruit with aromas of wild strawberries and soft tannins. Oak is used sparingly to keep Carpe Diem fresh and vibrant. Aged: 12 months in barrel. Fermentation: 15 days, stainless steel.”
For additional new arrivals from California, see our feature below!
FRANCE-CHAMPAGNE
Dom Perignon Limited Edition by Michael Riedel Brut, Champagne 2006 750ML ($199.95) $149 special
Antonio Galloni 97 points “The 2006 Dom Pérignon is a beautifully balanced, harmonious Dom Pérignon that strikes an incredibly appealing stylistic middle ground. Rich, voluptuous and creamy, the 2006 shows off fabulous intensity in a style that brings together the ripeness of 2002 with the greater sense of verve and overall freshness that is such a signature of the 2004. Bass notes and a feeling of phenolic grip on the finish recall the 2003, as the Pinot Noir is particularly expressive today. After an irregular summer that saw elevated temperatures in July followed by cooler, damp conditions in August, more favorable weather returned in September, pushing maturation ahead and leading to a long, protracted harvest. The 2006 falls into the family of riper, more voluptuous Dom Pérignons, but without veering into the level of opulence seen in vintages such as 2002.”
Wine Advocate 96 points “The 2006 Dom Pérignon comes from a very rich vintage with an early ripeness that brought a lot of aromatic maturity. The white-golden prestige cuvée contains a bit more Chardonnay than Pinot Noir and opens with a deep and seductive, pretty accessible nose with intense yet fresh fruit aromas of pineapples, with peaches and tangerines. Lively and elegant on the palate, this is a full-bodied, unusually aromatic and fruity DP with a long and tension-filled expression.”
Richard Juhlin 94(97) points [English Translation] ‘It’s not often you fall backwards when a wine is first launched on the market. This time both me and my friends, who got to try this jewel at my champagne bar, fell in love instantly. It is all here so beautifully orchestrated in this incredibly well-balanced and flowing rich symphony. It is so voluptuously charming and welcoming immediately, but at the same time so complex that the interest in what you will discover in the next gulp never ceases. Here are all the pillars that I perceive a Dom Pérignon should have. A gigantic large and intense aroma, a silk caressing structure and a dazzling grand finale. Notes from the sea, roasted nuts, coffee, brioche, tropical green fruits, stone fruit, green apples, sweet orange citrus, gunpowder, nougat, mushroom cream and black truffle are all there like a perfectly tailored tuxedo. Love at first sight.’
FRANCE-BEAUJOLAIS
Domaine Jean Foillard Morgon Cuvee Corcelette 2014 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 92 points “Brilliant ruby. Spicy, mineral-tinged cherry and red berry scents show very good clarity and pick up a suave floral nuance with air. Silky raspberry and bitter cherry flavors are lifted and sharpened by an emphatic mineral element and a suggestion of peppery spices. Sappy, incisive and subtly sweet on the penetrating and strikingly long finish, which is firmed by smooth, harmonious tannins.”
Wine Advocate 92 points “The 2014 Morgon Cuvee Corcelette has a wonderful bouquet with wild strawberry and raspberry scents married with cold, flint-like notes tucked in underneath. Wonderful definition here. The palate is fresh and vibrant with crisp tannin, very pure and harmonious, a touch of spice infusing the dark berry fruit towards the minerally finish. So much energy is wrapped up into this Morgon, a Beaujolais that should easily give a decade’s worth of drinking pleasure.”
FRANCE – BURGUNDY
Domaine Costal Chablis Les Truffieres 2014 750ML ($34.95) $21.90 special
Importer note “Wine is vinified in stainless steel and aged for another 10 months in stainless steel. Wine spends 3 months in demi-muid barrels (600-L). The wine is neither fined nor filtered. The Truffières vineyard is located in the commune of Villy, north of the town of Chablis. Limestone soil.”
Domaine Costal Vaillons, Chablis Premier Cru 2014 750ML ($44.95) $28 special
Importer note “Fermented with indigenous yeasts in stainless tank. After racking, wine goes through malolactic fermentation in 1/3 stainless tank, 1/3 neutral barrel (228 L), and 1/3 used demi-muid barrel (600 L). Kimmeridgian limestone soil.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Vincent Dauvissat La Forest, Chablis Premier Cru 2014 750ML ($119.95) $99 special
Burghound 94 points “2014 Chablis “La Forest”: This is more restrained still, indeed so much so that the nose only reluctantly reveals its notes of classic Chablis aromas that include green fruit, iodine, tidal pool and oyster shell. There is outstanding volume and almost painful intensity to the medium-bodied flavors that brim with a fine minerality before concluding in a stony, long and impeccably well-balanced finale where once again a hint of bitter lemon appears. This stunner of a wine will need at least a few years of bottle age to fully harmonize and to become more accessible. I would add that the 2014 version of this wine is perhaps the finest that I have ever seen; the 2010 is incredible but this has the potential to top even that superb effort.”
Decanter 95 points “Lovely floral and pear notes on a tight but very ripe and mineral palate. A very energetic premier cru with a lovely combination of aromas and textural richness.”
FRANCE-RHONE
For a selection of older vintage Rhone wines, see our special feature below!
Domaine Les Pallieres Gigondas Terrasses du Diable 2012 1.5L ($89.95) $69 special
Wine Advocate 91 points “The 2012 Gigondas les Terraces de Diable is outstanding. Made from roughly 85% Grenache and the balance Mourvedre and Clairette (which also makes its way into the Racines) and coming all from the upper, cooler terraces of the appellation, it exhibits ample garrigue, dried spices, dried soil and toast to go with medium to full-bodied richness, beautiful depth and richness and building, fine tannin. It picks up a salty minerality with air, and while already drinking nicely, will benefit from short-term cellaring and drink well through 2024.” WA
FRANCE-LOIRE
For a list of new arrivals from the Loire Valley, see our special feature on Domaine Guiberteau below!
FRANCE – LANGUEDOC
Maxime Magnon Corbieres Campagnes, Languedoc-Roussillon 2014 750ML ($39.95) $31.90 special
Wine Advocate 93 points “Leading off the reds, the 2014 Corbieres Campagnes is terrific, and the greatest wine I’ve tasted from the estate in some time. It’s inky purple color is followed by textbook Carignan (it’s 100% Carignan) notes of black and blue fruits, liquid violets, plums, iodine and freshly crushed rock. This medium to full-bodied, elegant, seamless effort shows the potential of the variety and will benefit from 1-2 years of bottle age and keep through 2024.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
FRANCE-PROVENCE
Chateau de Roquefort Le Petit Sale, IGP Bouches-du-Rhone 2014 1.5L ($39.95) $24 special
Wine Spectator 89 points “Quinine, white peach and blanched almond notes race through the pure, stony-edged finish. Not big, but has lovely cut and purity.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine Tempier Bandol, Provence 2012 1.5L ($99.95) $79 special
Wine Spectator 92 points “Tightly coiled, with an iron note around the core of red currant, raspberry and damson plum fruit. Lovely bay, alder and lavender details pervade the finish. Best from 2018 through 2026.”
Domaine Tempier Bandol Cuvee Speciale La Migoua, Provence 2012 1.5L ($149.95) $119 special
Wine Spectator 93 points “Offers a grippy, tarry feel, with blackberry and plum compote flavors at the core, lined with lots of dried anise and fruitcake notes. Pretty violet and lavender details fill in on the finish, with a serious bolt of iron pinning everything down. Will need time to stretch out fully. Best from 2016 through 2026.”
Domaine Tempier Bandol Rouge Cuvee La Tourtine, Provence 2012 750ML ($79.95) $59 special
Domaine Tempier Bandol Rouge Cuvee La Tourtine, Provence 2012 1.5L ($149.95) $119 special
Wine Advocate 94 points “My favorite of the 2012s was the 2012 Bandol La Tourtine, which has the most depth, concentration and structure of all of the wines. Dark fruits, plums, crushed rock and hints of violets all emerge from this full-bodied, gorgeously layered and concentrated 2012; it has ripe, sweet tannin, a big mid-palate, and the class and balance to keep for 15-20 years.”
Wine Spectator 93 points “Well-packed but very fresh in feel, with a violet edge to the core of currant and plum fruit. Singed rosemary and licorice snap notes underscore the finish. Best from 2016 through 2026.” WS
ITALY-TUSCANY
Poliziano Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2013 750ML ($31.95) $26 special
“Fresh, inviting and dense, providing a base for the cherry, tobacco and tar flavors. There is a hint of spice as the finish lingers. Best from 2017 through 2023.”–Wine Spectator
Flavio Fanti La Palazzetta Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2011 750ML ($39.95) $36 special
James Suckling 93 points “Aromas of tar, spice, Christmas cake and ripe fruit. Full body, fresh fruit. Ripe and expressive. Opulent, expressive style. Drink now.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $39.99
Flavio Fanti La Palazzetta Sant’ Antimo, Tuscany 2015 750ML ($14.95) $11.90 special
VinopolNote: A blend of 80% Sangiovese and 20% red indigenous grape varieties (mostly Colorino). The grapes are organically grown in the estate vineyard that abuts abbey of Sant’Antimo in the southeast of Montalcino. The wine is aged in large neutral French oak barrels for six months. One of the best bargains out of Tuscany!
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Flavio Fanti La Palazzetta Rosso di Montalcino, Tuscany 2014 750ML ($19.95) $16 special
VinopolNote: 100% Sangiovese. The grapes are organically grown in the estate vineyard that abuts abbey of Sant’Antimo in the southeast of Montalcino. The wine is aged in large neutral French oak barrels for one year. This is essentially a declassified Brunello. The vineyard is classed for Brunello and the wine is vinified the same as the Brunello. The grapes are typically from younger vines and are declassified to the Rosso at harvest.
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $18.99
ITALY-UMBRIA
La Fiorita Lamborghini ‘Campoleone’ Umbria IGT 2001 750ML ($69.95) $49 special
Wine Advocate 93 points “It’s hard to avoid slipping into automotive metaphors when talking about the 2001 Campoleone, made at the Lamborghini family estate near Lake Trasimeno – sleek lines, power to spare, super acceleration from start to finish, a shift into overdrive on the finish. Suffice it to say that this is Umbria’s prototypical Sangiovese/Merlot blend, an intense dark ruby with a potent, spicy, red currant, raspberry, and plum nose, a sumptuous texture with superior volume, velvet, and sweetness, and exceptional length, grip, and sensuality on the close. Better this 2001 or the equally formidable 1999? Let’s just say that it’s likely to be a photo-finish, and either could take the checkered flag. Drink: 2005-2020.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $60
ITALY-ALTO ADIGE
Alois Lageder Pinot Bianco Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT 2015 750ML ($17.95) $14 special
Winery note “Description: Brilliant straw yellow colour with a green tint. Very fine, fruity (apples, peaches), forward varietal aroma. Pronounced, clean, elegant, grapey flavour, light to medium-bodied with a fresh mouth-watering finish. When properly cellared, this wine may be kept for at least 2 – 4 years.”
Alois Lageder Pinot Grigio Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT 2015 750ML ($21.95) $16 special
Winery note “Description: brilliant straw yellow with a green shimmer. Quite pronounced and expressive aroma with flowery and somewhat spicy notes. Rich flavoured in the mouth, with a slight smokiness at the back and a good, fresh finish. When properly cellared, this will drink well for 2 to 4 years.”
GERMANY
Joh. Jos. Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel, Mosel 2013 375ML ($89.95) $69 special, 2 half-bottles available
Stephan Reinhardt 97 points “Almost floral aromas open the pure and fresh 7% alcohol 2013 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese Gold Capsule and intermixes flavors of wet stones, lemons and limes. On the palate this is an electrifying signature Riesling of 2013: sweet, lush and piquant and always precise, though super-concentrated. The finish is complex and long, always salty and stimulating. This is surely a wine made for decades.”
This is the only listing for the 375ML in the USA today!
AUSTRALIA
Torbreck Run Rig Shiraz – Viognier, Barossa Valley 2003 750ML ($199.95) $149 special, 2 bottles available
Robert Parker 99 points “The estate’s flagship cuvee is the virtually perfect 2003 Run Rig. Made from 8 separate Barossa vineyards (ranging in age from 94 to 158 years), it is primarily Shiraz with 4-5% co-fermented Viognier included in the blend. The wine was aged in French oak of which 60% is new. The sensational, inky/purple-tinged 2003 exhibits a stunningly sweet nose of blackberries, blueberries, litchi nuts, smoked meats, and a hint of apricots. Elegant yet super-powerful, rich, concentrated, and long, it is a tour de force in winemaking as well as a modern classic example of Barossa Shiraz. It should drink well for 20-25 years.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $160
The Colonial Estate Exile Shiraz, Barossa Valley 2002 750ML ($149.95) $119 special, 1 bottle available
Robert Parker 95 points “Even more intense than the 2003, the 2002 Exile is a superb example of this fabulous vintage in Barossa. Black/purple-colored with sensational purity, a blackberry liqueur, cassis intensity, and beautifully integrated wood, alcohol, and tannin, this large yet brilliantly balanced effort can be drunk now, but promises to age effortlessly for 10-15 years.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $136
Clarendon Hills Astralis Shiraz, McLaren Vale 2002 750ML ($249.95) $199 special, 1 bottle available
Robert Parker 99 points “The 2002 Syrah Astralis Vineyard rivals the greatest wines Roman Bratasiuk has made in his 15-year career. This compelling, black/blue-hued offering from 75-year-old Syrah vines tastes like blood of the vine. An extraordinary perfume of flowers, creme de cassis, blackberries, roasted meat, new saddle leather, and earth is followed by a wine with sweet tannin, sensational concentration, full body, an unctuous texture, and a full-throttle, tannic finish. Yet it reveals unbelievable elegance and finesse. Too many Euro-centric elitists argue that Australian wines are too rich and over the top, but all of these offerings have been made by someone with great talent and vision who takes the extraordinary ripeness and purity of fruit available from these old vine vineyards and crafts them into wines that are quite European in style … just richer and denser. The 2002 Astralis is a tour de force. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2025+.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $235
Back in Stock:
Greatest Hits from Oregon
Cameron Winery ‘Arley’s Leap’ Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2013 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 24 bottles available
Wine Advocate 92-94 points “From younger vines planted in Abbey Ridge in 1990, the 2013 Pinot Noir Arley’s Leap has a very pure bouquet with red cherries, kirsch and blood orange that is beautifully defined and (again) very Burgundian in style. It has medium-bodied with supple tannin, pure animated red cherry fruit with mandarin and marmalade hints toward the poised and intense finish. This is going to be sublime.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $44.99
Cameron Winery Reserve Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2014 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 36+ bottles available
VinopolNote: Final release!
Beaux Freres The Upper Terrace Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2014 750ML ($99.95) $89.99 special, 12 bottles available
Winery note “This wine is 100% Pinot Noir from our Upper Terrace Vineyard. A bit darker and more complex, this wine offers a plethora of Indian spices, black cherries, black currants, forest floor and a wisp of sweet wood smoke. Structured and richly tannic, it expands gracefully over the palate and reminds us of a Grand Cru Corton at this early stage. Gracefully seductive!”
From Bordeaux
Clos Fourtet, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2012 750ML ($149.95) $119 special, 10 bottles available
Wine Spectator 94 points –#9 Wine of the Year in 2015–“Gorgeous, with a pure, unadorned violet aroma giving way to very ripe and stylish plum, boysenberry and blackberry fruit. Offers a suave mouthfeel, with anise and tobacco hints filling the background. A finely stitched chalk note extends the finish. Not shy on depth, and sneakily long.”
Robert Parker 95 points “Having just had the 2003 and 2005 from my cellar, I can attest to the magnificent turnaround in quality this famous estate on the eastern side of St.-Emilion has achieved. All of it is attributable to its dynamic proprietor, Philippe Cuvelier. The 2012 Clos Fourtet (usually 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc) has beautiful blackberry and blueberry fruit and an inky purple color. With flawless integration of acidity, tannin, wood and alcohol, a full-bodied mouthfeel and stunning richness, this is impressive and certainly one of the vintage’s top wines. It should evolve beautifully for 15-20 years, and be drinkable in 3-4. Yields were a modest 32 hectoliters per hectare with the alcohol at 14%.” RP
Domaine Guiberteau
New Arrivals
Romain Guiberteau bears one of the most esteemed names in all of the Loire; the Guilberteaus have grown grapes in the region for over the past 100 years. His great-grandfather began purchasing sites in the area prior to the First World War, slowly giving way to a familial tradition and an enviable roster of vineyard sites. Romain’s grandfather, one-time mayor and head of the local growers’ cooperative, was a beloved member of Saumur’s winemaking community. He and his wife built upon the family’s land holdings until their son took over. It was he who converted the domaine to organic viticulture, slowly pulling back land from the co-op for the family’s private use. Soon after, Romain left a career in law and joined his father. Today, Romain carries on family’s traditions while forging the domaine onward.
Worth mentioning is that Romain was mentored by the Foucault brothers over at the inimitable Clos Rougeard. It’d be equally unwise to depend upon the relationship as it would be to downplay it, however. Search online for Guiberteau and you’re sure to come across the proxy-sales and comparisons – “the new Rougeard”, “the Disciple”, and so forth.
Clos Rougeard being the most famed and important domaine of the region makes this a rather impressive – and daunting – comparison. The Guiberteaus and Foucaults share some vineyard sources and, above all, share a determination to craft the very best wines possible from their land. These are stand-out wines with true pedigree; whatever it may have been that the Foucaults told Romain, it seems to be working… Domaine Guiberteau itself is now one of the most sought-after producers in the Loire.
The “Domaine” wines from Guiberteau are rendered in all stainless steel with the vision to showcase purity of fruit and freshness. Vineyard-designate wines are raised in both new and used oak with extended lees contact. We’re thrilled to offer an array of the domaine’s wines, all viewable below.
Domaine Guiberteau Saumur Blanc Le Clos de Guichaux, Loire 2013 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Vinopolnote: From younger vines planted to chalk and clay soils. Whole clusters are gently pressed by pneumatic press; native yeast fermentations with light filtration in order to discourage secondary fermentations. Low yields and an all-manual harvest and sorting, with organic viticulture and wines never chapitalized.
Domaine Guiberteau Saumur Blanc Le Clos de Guichaux, Loire 2014 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Vinopolnote: From younger vines planted to chalk and clay soils. Whole clusters are gently pressed by pneumatic press; native yeast fermentations with light filtration in order to discourage secondary fermentations. Low yields and an all-manual harvest and sorting, with organic viticulture and wines never chapitalized.
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine Guiberteau Saumur Blanc Les Moulins 2015 750ML ($39.95) $33 special
Vinopolnote: All stainless-steel fermentation with the intent to present freshness and complexity of fruit; native yeast fermentations with hand-harvesting and no chapitalization.
Domaine Guiberteau Saumur Blanc Brézé, Loire 2013 750ML ($99.95) $79 special
VinopolNote: From the legendary Brézé climat that rests at a high elevation among soils of chalky limestone (tuffeaux) with clay and sand.
Domaine Guiberteau Saumur Rouge Cuvee Les Motelles 2014 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
VinopolNote: 100% Cabernet Franc from the 1.4 hectare Les Motelles Vineyard. The soils are composed of minimal limestone, but are rich in clay and gravel. Vines planted in 1955.
Our Current
Shipping Promos:
Welcome to the club, Colorado!
Along with Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and California,
we now offer flat rate shipping to Colorado. Here’s the scoop:
Single orders of any quantity of wines qualify for the flat rate;
this does not apply to orders held in storage for any reason
or multiple orders consolidated into one shipment.
The flat reach for each state is, as follows:
-to Oregon for $17,
-Washington & Idaho for $20,
-and California & Colorado for $25
Take Advantage of the Flat Rate!
California Dreaming
Featured New Arrivals
Abreu Vineyard Madrona Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 1997 750ML ($699.95) $519 special, 1 bottle available
Robert Parker 100 points “As I reported last year, the 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon Madrona Ranch is a perfect Cabernet Sauvignon. It has been in bottle for over a year, and this wine, like all the others, has easily soaked up its aging in 100% new Taransaud barrels. It is a sumptuous, unctuously-textured, fabulously concentrated Cabernet Sauvignon that hits all the sweet spots on the palate, and puts the olfactory senses into overdrive. The wine smells and tastes perfect. It is a compelling effort that one day will be considered part of a small group of elite California Cabernets that may be rewriting the definition of greatness in Cabernet Sauvignon.”
Colgin Cellars Tychson Hill Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2004 750ML ($349.95) $289 special, 1 bottle available
Rober Parker 96 points “From a spectacular, gently sloping vineyard across from Freemark Abbey on Route 29, the 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Tychson Hill Vineyard is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. It has a first-growth Pauillac-like feel, with creme de cassis, licorice, cedarwood and Christmas fruitcake. A floral note also makes an appearance in this dense, purple-colored wine with full-bodied opulence, sweet tannin, and a terrific personality. This is approaching maturity and should continue to drink well for another 10-15 years.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $345
Blankiet Estate Paradise Hills Vineyard Proprietary Red, Napa Valley 2013 750ML ($249.95) $219 special, 2 bottles available
Robert Parker 98 points “The 2013 Proprietary Red, which is 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, is another prodigious effort from Blankiet. Inky purple, with notes of lead pencil shavings, white chocolate, espresso bean, blackberry and cassis, the wine hits the palate with a crescendo of blue and black fruits, a touch of toast, licorice and foresty notes. Stunningly rich, full-bodied and impressive, this wine will age for at least 30 more years.”
Blankiet Estate Paradise Hills Vineyard Rive Droite, Napa Valley 2013 750ML ($219.95) $199 special, 1 bottle available
Robert Parker 99 points “Blankiet again hit a home run with his 2013 Rive Droite, which is 92% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc. There are only 300 cases of this, but it is another Petrus lookalike in Napa Valley (which is interesting, given that the next door vineyard is the Moueix-owned Dominus). Offering deep, dense, chocolaty notes with mocha, toffee, black cherry liqueur and even darker berry fruit, this is a wine of phenomenal intensity, with multi-dimensional mouthfeel and a finish of close to a minute. It is as close to perfection as a wine can get, and may eventually hit that three-digit score with another 1-2 years of bottle age. If you can find it, don’t miss it! It should drink well for 25-30+ years.”
Peter Michael Winery Au Paradis Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville 2013 750ML ($219.95) $199 special, 1 bottle available
Robert Parker 98 points “The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Au Paradis comes from one of their newer acquisitions, formerly known as the Showket Vineyard in the red soil hillsides overlooking the Oakville crossroads. This is a blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon and 24% Cabernet Franc. Production is less than 1,530 cases. The 2013 displays loads of roasted meats, licorice, graphite, dusty, loamy soil notes, creamy blackcurrants and blackberries, stunning richness, and a Pauilllac-like first-growth cedarwood and crème de cassis notes. The Cabernet Franc from this area grows right next to the famous Maya wine of Dalle Valle. This wine spent all of its time in 100% new Daranjou cooperage, which is not even noticeable in the aromatics or flavors. This full-bodied, modern-day classic should age brilliantly for 30-35 years.”
Rhone Treasures:
Artfully Aged/Limited Quantities/Newly Arrived
Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Roussanne Vieilles Vignes 2003 750ML ($179.95) $149 special, 4 bottles available
Wine Spectator 95 points “Very ripe, with lush papaya, peach cobbler, melon and butter flavors that are creamy and powerful through the finish. Exotic hints of ginger, graham and almond, too. Has a track record for drinking well young, and then reemerging after a long dumb period.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
M. Chapoutier Ermitage de l’Oree Blanc 1997 750ML ($299.95) $219 special, 1 bottle available
Robert Parker 98-100 points “It is no secret that I adore Chapoutier’s luxury cuvee of white Hermitage called Cuvee L’Oree. Made from 90-year old vines and microscopic yields of 10-12 hectoliters per hectare, this wine flirts with perfection. It is a compelling white Hermitage. Made from 100% Marsanne, it is as rich and multidimensional as the fullest, most massive Montrachet money can buy. It is unctuously textured, yet extraordinarily and beautifully balanced. I suspect it will drink well early in life, and then shut down for a few years. It should last for 4-5 decades. It is a huge, chewy, multidimensional wine with spectacular concentration and richness. Notes of white flowers, honey, minerals, and peaches are present in astronomical quantities. In short, this wine must be tasted to be believed.”
M. Chapoutier Ermitage de l’Oree Blanc 1999 750ML ($219.95) $179 special, 1 bottle available
Robert Parker 99 points “The awesome 1999 Ermitage Cuvee de l’Oree flirts with perfection. It is full-bodied, with an incredible bouquet of liquid minerals, licorice, honeysuckle, citrus, and a hint of tropical fruits. One-hundred percent new oak aging has been completely absorbed by the wine’s fruit and glycerin. This is a winemaking tour de force, made from exceedingly low yields of 12-15 hectoliters per hectare (less than one ton of fruit per acre). However, readers should understand that these are often unusual wines to drink because they tend to show exceptionally well for 4-5 years after bottling, then close up until about age 12. They can last for 4-5 decades. Anticipated maturity: now-2006; 2012-2050. Along with Gerard and Jean-Louis Chave, Chapoutier is producing the finest expressions of white Hermitage. His single vineyard cuvees are to die for if you like these eccentric, idiosyncratic, mammoth dry whites.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $199.95
Domaine de Beaurenard Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2004 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 2 bottles available
Wine Spectator 90 points “Lovely pure beam of red currant and red cherry fruit supported by hot stone and mineral notes. Hint of tobacco on the minerally finish. Should flesh out nicely in the near-term.”
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Domaine de la Vieille Julienne Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2004 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 1 bottle available
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 94 points “Bright ruby. Vibrant red berry and cherry aromas, with a complex array of fresh floral and garrigue qualities adding complexity. Nervy, sharply focused raspberry and bitter cherry flavors stain the palate and zesty acidity adds lift on the close. More energetic and finely etched than the 2005 today.”
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Domaine du Galet des Papes Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes 2004 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 1 bottle available
Josh Raynold–Vinous 90 points “Medium red. Intense, sharply focused aromas of cherry, redcurrant and minerals, plus a hint of fresh flowers. Quite sweet and silky-smooth, with expressive red berry flavors firming up on the back end. An elegant, precise style, with the balance to repay cellaring.”
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Domaine du Pegau Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee da Capo 2003 750ML ($499.95) $399 special, 1 bottle available
Robert Parker 100 points “For the fourth time, the Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee da Capo has been produced, and for the fourth time, it has received a perfect score although I might back off the 2000’s perfect score based on the fact that it seems to be more of an upper-ninety point wine than pure perfection these days. The 2003 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee da Capo has distanced itself ever so slightly from the 2003 Cuvee Reservee. Before bottling and immediately after bottling, these two wines’ differences were not as evident. At present the Capo reveals that extra level of flavor, power, complexity and richness. It is a big wine (16.1% alcohol – less than in the 1998, but more than in the 2000 and 2007) boasting a dark plum/garnet color as well as a stunning bouquet of aged beef intermixed with pepper, herbes de Provence, and steak au poivre. This unctuously textured, full-bodied Chateauneuf possesses enormous body, huge flavors and sweet, velvety tannins. Still youthful, it has not yet begun to close down, and I’m not sure it ever will given this unusual vintage. It is a modern day classic that should continue to provide provocative as well as compelling drinking for 20-30+ years.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $474.05
Case Deals
Our pick for deals by the dozen, or half-dozen, from around the world!
Case-12 Atalon Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2011 750ML ($319.95) $199 special, 4 cases available (that’s only $16.58/bottle!)
Atalon Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2011 750ML ($31.95) $18 special, 26 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 89+ points “(at 13.5% alcohol, this is a full degree lower than the Pauline’s Cuvee; includes tiny bits of merlot and petit verdot): Bright red-ruby. Musky black raspberry, blackberry, licorice, menthol and oak on the nose. Distinctly tighter and less pliant now than the Pauline’s Cuvee, displaying a touch of medicinal reserve to the sappy dark berry, violet and menthol flavors. Shows serious spine without coming off as hard: I’d give this persistent cabernet a year or two to mellow in bottle.” ST
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $28
Case-12 Chateau Puech-Haut Saint-Drezery Prestige Rouge, Languedoc-Roussillon 2013 750ML ($249.95) $199 special, 13 cases available (that’s only $16.58/bottle!)
Chateau Puech-Haut Saint-Drezery Prestige Rouge, Languedoc-Roussillon 2013 750ML ($21.95) $18 special, 36+ bottles available
Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2013 Coteaux du Languedoc Prestige (which was already in bottle at the time of this tasting) is a blend of 55% Grenache and 45% Syrah aged all in concrete tank. Fresh, elegant and thrillingly pure, with first rate aromas of blackberry, fresh plum, licorice and ground herbs, it is decidedly sexy and forward, yet stays perfectly balanced, with juicy acidity and fine tannin on the finish. Easily one of the top estates in the Languedoc (if not southern France), Chateau Puech Haut lies just outside the village of Saint-Drezery and is owned and run by Gerard Bru, with consulting help from Philippe Cambie. They produce a number of cuvees, with their entry level efforts representing superb values, and their top cuvees being able to stand toe to toe with the greatest wines in the world.”
Case-12 Pierre-Marie Chermette Domaine du Vissoux Moulin-a-Vent Les Trois Roches, Beaujolais 2014 750ML ($319.95) $259 special, 3 cases available (that’s only $21.58/bottle!)
Pierre-Marie Chermette Domaine du Vissoux Moulin-a-Vent Les Trois Roches, Beaujolais 2014 750ML ($29.95) $24 special, 30 bottles available
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 92 points “Vivid ruby. Assertive dark berry and floral pastille aromas show very good energy, with a spicy nuance adding complexity. Juicy and pliant, offering sweet, nicely concentrated blackberry and cherry flavors and a of touch of spicecake. Dusty tannins build slowly on a long, smooth and impressively persistent finish, with the dark fruit and spice notes echoing.”
Wine Advocate 90 points “The 2014 Moulin-à-Vent les Trois Roches was matured in 1- to 5-year-old half-tuns. Some attractive undergrowth/woodland scents permeate the dark berry fruit, a touch of cold black tea in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with supple, ripe tannin. There is appreciable depth and roundness here, with a soft and fleshy, but quite complex finish. This is an excellent Moulin-à-Vent from Pierre-Marie Chermette.”
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Case-12 Meyer Fonne Vignoble de Katzenthal Riesling, Alsace 2012 750ML ($349.95) $219 special, 1 case available (that’s only $18.25/bottle!)
Meyer Fonne Vignoble de Katzenthal Riesling, Alsace 2012 750ML ($29.95) $21.90 special, 11 bottles available
Wine Spectator 90 points “Minerally, with mouthwatering acidity and expressive flavors of star fruit, dried papaya, lemon curd and smoke. Lightly floral and vibrant. Drink now through 2020. 25 cases imported.” WS
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Case-12 Giovanni Corino Barbera d’Alba, Piedmont 2012 750ML ($249.95) $179 special, 3 cases available (that’s only $14.92/bottle!)
Giovanni Corino Barbera d’Alba, Piedmont 2012 750ML ($24.95) $17 special, 18 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 88 points “The 2012 Barbera d’Alba is juicy, expressive and generous. Dark red cherries, plums, spices and licorice meld together in a pretty, vinous Barbera to drink over the next few years.” AG
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Case-12 Buil & Gine 17-XI, Montsant 2014 750ML ($249.95) $199 special, 8 cases available (that’s only $16.58/bottle!)
Buil & Gine 17-XI, Montsant 2014 750ML ($21.95) $18 special, 36+ bottles available
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 91 points “Brilliant ruby. Highly perfumed, evoking ripe cherry and blackcurrant that are complemented by slowly emerging aromas of cured meat, lavender and minerals. Enlivened by a spicy nuance, the silky, sweet and penetrating palate offers intense dark fruit and floral pastille flavors. Seamless and very nicely concentrated, with smooth tannins lending shape to a very long, fruit-driven finish.” JR
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $19.99
Case-6 Chateau du Fort Pontus, Fronsac 2010 750ML ($149.95) $99 special, 6 six-packs available (that’s only $16.50/bottle!)
Chateau du Fort Pontus, Fronsac 2010 750ML ($24.95) $18 special, 36+ bottles available
Winery note “100% Merlot. Tasting Notes : Intense first nose, opening up to reveal subtle spicy aromas when swirled in the glass. Opens with a hint of sweetness, which soon gives way to a smooth, warm mid-palate capped with the crisp, tannic finish so typical of Fronsac. Once home to French artist René Princeteau, tutor to the no less celebrated Henri de Toulouse–Lautrec, the imposing Château du Fort Pontus stands proudly overlooking the Fronsac appellation. For many centuries the exceptional terroir of this appellation made Fronsac the wine of kings and the king of wines. The Pradel de Lavaux family has maintained this tradition of excellence, crafting a wine of superior pedigree which strikes a delicate balance between elegance and vivacity. Dominated by red fruit aromas and delicate spicy notes, evolving and maturing with time to reveal the noble character of this fine terroir.”
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Molitor
New Scores for the 2015s
Wines Arrive Late November/Early December
“The 2015 Riesling collection released by Markus Molitor is simply incredible and includes too many highlights to mention them all. The fruity-styled wines (Goldkapsel) are nearly all outstanding but readers need to be aware that the fruity-styled Kabinett and Spätlese bottlings do push the boundaries of their category and are often more “Auslese” if not outright “Auslese GK” in style. The Estate only indicates the style of its wines (dry, off-dry or fruity) via the capsule color: white for dry, green for off-dry and gold for fruity-styled.” –Mosel Fine Wines
Situated at the center of Wehlener Klosterberg, the Markus Molitor estate cultivates a total of 15 vineyard sites, highlighting the diversity and brilliance of the Mosel. Holdings include parcels some of the region’s highest-regarded vineyards. Molitor took over the vineyard from his father in 1984 – at the ripe age of 20! Many of the vineyards are poised along extraordinarily steep slopes of 80% or greater inclines, necessitating work done carefully and manually. Vines and soils are worked organically, with dense leaf cover over the vines and relative few grapes per vine in order to maximize nutrient supply and extract yield.
Newly Reviewed Wines Arriving Late November/Early December:
Weingut Markus Molitor Wehlener Sonnenuhr Kabinett Goldkapsel 2015 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 pre-arrival special
Mosel Fine Wines 91 points “This offers a gorgeously ripe nose of white flowers, slate, pear and lemon. The wine is nicely zesty and vibrant on the palate. A delicately creamy side brings Spätlese intensity to the overall nicely elegant finish. 2025-2035.”
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Weingut Markus Molitor Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Kabinett Goldkapsel 2015 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 pre-arrival special
Mosel Fine Wines 92 points “This delivers a gorgeous nose of cassis, minty herbs and spices. The wine delivers the rich creaminess of a Spätlese if not Auslese on the palate but leaves a stunningly floral and fruit-infused feel in the long and intense finish. This may not be a light Kabinett but proves an utterly delicious light Auslese. 2025-2045.”
Weingut Markus Molitor Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Spatlese Goldkapsel 2015 750ML ($34.95) $28 pre-arrival special
Mosel Fine Wines 91 points “A hint of volatile gives way to a rather exotic and intense nose of pineapple and coconut which one would rather expect from an Auslese GK. The wine proves however lively and precise on the palate and leaves a delicately creamy feel in the long and rich finish of this outstanding Auslese-styled wine. 2025-2045.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Weingut Markus Molitor Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Spatlese Goldkapsel 2015 750ML ($34.95) $28 pre-arrival special
Mosel Fine Wines 93 points “This wine is still very much reduced but already hints at gorgeous scents of white mint, pear, yellow peach and minerals on the nose. It proves rather creamy on the palate (by Spätlese standards) as exotic pineapple and coconut give the finish an almost Auslese GK style. As such, it is a truly remarkable effort but wine lovers expecting a light Spätlese should stay clear of this. 2025-2045.”
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Weingut Markus Molitor Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Spatlese Goldkapsel 2015 750ML ($34.95) $28 pre-arrival special
Mosel Fine Wines 92 points “This offers a gorgeous nose of yellow fruits, spices and herbs. The wine is delicately creamy on the palate and leaves the rich and hauntingly complex side of a full-blown Auslese in the smooth and delicate finish. 2025-2045.”
Weingut Markus Molitor Wehlener Klosterberg Riesling Auslese ** Goldkapsel 2015 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Mosel Fine Wines 93 points “This delivers a beautiful nose of yellow peach, almond cream, pineapple and poached pear. The wine proves juicy and quite ripe on the palate with honeyed flavors of yellow fruits coming through in the long and smooth finish. There is a touch of acidity coming through in the after-taste which lifts up the aromatic. This needs a decade to fully shine. 2025-2045.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Weingut Markus Molitor Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese ** Goldkapsel 2015 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Mosel Fine Wines 93 points “This offers a rather rich nose driven by apricot blossom, yellow peach, a hint of pineapple and some dried herbs. The wine is elegant and beautifully creamy on the palate, leaving one with an airy and fresh feel in the intense finish. This is a beautiful light-weighted Auslese in the making. 2025-2045.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Weingut Markus Molitor Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Auslese *** Goldkapsel 2015 750ML ($99.95) $89 pre-arrival special
Mosel Fine Wines 92-94 points “This offers a big yet beautiful nose of canned yellow peach, apricot and honeyed herbs. The wine is delicately oily on the palate and leaves a superbly complex feel of apricot, date and honeyed herbs in the long finish. This is nicely made, full blown BA-styled dessert wine. 2030-2055+.”
Weingut Markus Molitor Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese *** Goldkapsel 2015 750ML ($99.95) $89 pre-arrival special
Mosel Fine Wines 95-97 points “This stunner of a wine offers a ravishingly airy and silky nose of yellow fruits, grapefruit, pear and spices. The wine is delicately oily yet aromatically incredibly precise as raisin, date and spices emerge on the palate. The finish, far from being cloying, proves airy, elegant and hugely persistent. This is a great slightly powerful BA-styled wine in the making! 2030-2055+.”
Weingut Markus Molitor Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese *** Goldkapsel 2015 750ML ($99.95) $89 pre-arrival special
Mosel Fine Wines 94-97 points “This offers a beautiful nose driven by baked pineapple, apricot, herbs and spices. The wine is beautifully elegant and, despite being creamy and oily on the palate, retains great vibrancy with zesty acidity wrapping passion fruit and other exotic fruits. This beautiful “Auslese lange GK”-styled wine proves superbly well-made as it leaves an ethereally long feel in the intense finish. 2030-2055+.”
Can’t wait? We have a selection of high scoring 2013 Rieslings and 2011 Pinot Noirs available here now. To order online or to read the full review, visit our web store!
Bonus New Arrivals:
Sine Qua Non
Sine Qua Non Into The Dark Grenache 2004 1.5L ($2,199.95) $1,799 special, 1 magnum available
Wine Advocate 99 points “More up-front and open-knit, the 2004 Into the Dark (Grenache) checks in as a blend of 84% Grenache, 8% Mourvedre, 7% Syrah and 1% Viognier that comes mostly from Manfred’s 11 Confessions Vineyard, yet includes small portions from Alban (10%) and Alta Mesa (9%) Vineyard. Reminding me of Clos Saint-Jean’s Sanctus Sanctorum with its incredible bouquet of sweet kirsch, licorice, dried baking spices, graphite and ground pepper, this beauty flows onto the palate with impeccable purity, perfect integration of its fruit, tannin and acidity, and blockbuster length. As is common with this estate’s wine, it’s the purity paired with serious richness that sets it apart. While still youthful and benefiting from a healthy decadence, I think it’s drinking at point and would aim to drink bottles over the coming 4-5 years. It will evolve gracefully for longer, but I see no reason to hold off.”
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The next best price is $2,328.99
Why pay $529.99 more?
Sine Qua Non Patine Grenache Eleven Confessions Vineyard 2011 750ML ($349.95) $299 special, 6 bottles available
Wine Advocate 97 points “Coming all from Manfred’s Eleven Confessions Vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills and a blend of 77% Grenache, 22% Syrah and 1% Viognier (fermented with 25% whole clusters), the 2011 Grenache Patine spent a full 33 months in almost all neutral oak, with just 11% being new. It offers perfumed and spice-laced notes of white pepper, black raspberry, blackberry and ground herbs that flow to a full-bodied, elegant, nicely concentrated 2011 that has nicely integrated acidity, no hard edges and a terrific finish. It’s certainly one of the fresher, more elegant Grenaches from Manfred, yet it still has rocking levels of fruit. Give it 2-3 years of cellaring and enjoy bottles over the following decade.” JD
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The average price is $420
Sine Qua Non Patine Syrah Eleven Confessions Vineyard 2011 750ML ($599.95) $449 special, 3 bottles available
Robert Parker 98 points “A wine that needs to be forgotten in the cellar for 5-6 years, the 2011 Syrah Patine checks in as a blend of roughly 97% Syrah and the balance Roussanne and Viognier. It too comes all from the estate’s Eleven Confessions Vineyard and saw 39 months in 63% new French oak. Backward, tight, concentrated and structured, with full-bodied richness and depth, it gives up Guigal La Landonne like aromas and flavors of graphite, sweet oak, smoked meats, pepper and black raspberry and cassis-like fruit. While it shows the vintage’s cooler nature, it has a stacked mid-palate and will evolve gracefully for 15-20 years.” JD
Sine Qua Non Poker Face Syrah 2004 750ML ($899.95) $559 special, 1 bottle available
Sine Qua Non Poker Face Syrah 2004 1.5L ($2199.95) $1999 special, 1 magnum available
Wine Advocate 97 points “Starting off the Syrah-based wines, the 2004 Poker Face (Syrah) is aging beautifully. A blend of 96% Syrah, 2.5% Mourvedre and 1.5% Viognier (from the Eleven Confessions, White Hawk, Alban, Bien Nacido, and Alta Mesa vineyards) that was aged in 80% new French oak, it offers up a perfumed, fresh bouquet of sweet blackberry liqueur, creme de cassis, spring flowers and licorice that gives way to a full-bodied, seamless, gorgeously textured feel on the palate. Rich and decadent, it has notable, yet beautifully integrated acidity and stays remarkably fresh, detailed and even elegant. It still needs a lengthy decant to shine, and will continue to thrill over the coming decade or so.”
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The next best price for the 750ML is $595
The next best price for the magnum is $2,175
Sine Qua Non Raven Series Grenache #8 2006 1.5L ($1199.95) $999 special, 1 bottle available
Robert Parker 98 points “This blend of 90% Grenache and 10% Syrah, largely from the 11 Confessions Vineyard, with a small amount from Bien Nacido, spent 21 months in barrel. It is really strutting its stuff now, and showing even better than my original note predicted in August of 2009. The wine has loads of meat, licorice, smoke, charcoal and graphite, as well as huge peppery, blackberry and black cherry notes. Full-bodied, with great acidity, nicely integrated tannin, an admirable mouthfeel and tremendous length, this killer Grenache is still young and probably 3-5 years away from prime time drinking.”
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Sine Qua Non Raven Series Syrah #10 2006 1.5L ($999.95) $799 special, 1 bottle available
Robert Parker 96 points “The 2006 Raven Series Syrah, a blend of 93% Syrah, 5% Grenache, and 2% Viognier that spends just under two years in French oak. Offering a dense purple color, gorgeous fruit, and a sweet perfume of graphite, blackberries, blueberries, charcoal, licorice, tar, and new oak, it is a dense, full-bodied, well-endowed, beautifully layered, pure Syrah that should drink well for 10-15 years.”
Thank you for reading!