In Today’s Newsletter:
August Arrival Special Feature:
Larkmead Vineyards
Under the Radar Oregon:
New Arrivals
High Flying, Highly Praised
Rieslings from Marcus Molitor
Historic, Exciting Sicilian Wines:
Calabretta
Trending Wines of the Weekend
July Sale Highlights!
Domaine Huet:
Demi Sec Shines in 2016
Arnoux Pere & Fils:
Classically Styled & Highly Lauded
July Sale Recap
August Arrival Special Feature
Larkmead
Larkmead is a historic property on a hot streak over the last decade. Founded in 1895, the winery was an important pre-prohibition producer before a decline and rebirth in the late 90’s under the stewardship of winemaker Andy Smith and then (current winemaker) Dan Petroski. Under their guidance, Larkmead has become one of the most coveted producers in Napa.
Located in a unique area of the Calistoga bench, Larkmead’s vineyard has the enviable quality of turning out wines that combine the intensity of mountain fruit with some of the soft textures of valley floor wines. The result is a series of bottlings that manage to be fantastic young and still better over time. All the wines manage to pack a lot of power and intensity and reward lovers of the modern Napa style. Also, while prices have certainly gone up over the last decade, these wines remain undervalued compared to many of their peers and for the quantity produced by this small estate.
Arriving in August from Larkmead Vineyards:
Larkmead Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2014 750ML ($149.95) $119 pre-arrival special
Robert Parker 93 points “The 2014 “White Label” red wines include the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa, which is a beauty. An elegant, Pauillac-style wine with notes of chocolate, cedar wood, fruitcake, unsmoked cigar tobacco and underbrush, it is dense, full-bodied and rich. It is a blend of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Petit Verdot aged 19 months in 75% new French oak. There are 2,705 cases of this wine, which finished at 14.7% natural alcohol. It should drink well for 20-25 years, but there’s no reason to defer your gratification.”
Antonio Galloni 92 points “Larkmead’s 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon is a very pretty, understated wine. Bright red stone fruit, floral notes and spice give the 2014 its refreshing, vibrant personality. The fruit is nicely pushed forward, but the 2014 is light on its feet and gracious, especially for a Calistoga Cabernet. Even so, this is a relatively laid-back style built on finesse more than power.”
Larkmead Vineyards Dr. Olmo, Napa Valley 2014 750ML ($199.95) $169 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 95+ points “The “Black Label” wines include the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Dr. Olmo, which is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the clone of Cabernet that is also called Eisele. This wine spent 20 months in 62% new French oak. A magnificent wine by any standard of measurement, with notes of scorched earth, lead pencil shavings, charcoal embers, and blackberry and cassis fruit, this dense purple wine has undeniable minerality, a beautiful, full-bodied texture and a voluptuous finish. Drink it over the next 25 years.”
Antonio Galloni 92-95 points “The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Dr. Olmo is holding back quite a bit of its potential. Dark cherry, smoke, licorice, tar and menthol give the Dr. Olmo much of its brooding personality. The tannins are quite firm, but that should be less of an issue as the wine won’t be released for about a year.”
Larkmead Vineyards Firebelle Red, Napa Valley 2014 750ML ($179.95) $149 pre-arrival special
Robert Parker 94 points “A blend of 72% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Petit Verdot, the 2014 Firebelle finished at 14.9% alcohol. It is a beautifully rich, chocolaty wine with notes of savory spices, black cherries and mulberries, some fudge and coffee bean. It has medium to full body, outstanding purity, concentration and length. It was aged in 66% new French oak for 19 months prior to bottling. Drink it over the next 15-20 years.”
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2014 Firebelle, Larkmead’s Merlot-based wine, is terrific. Succulent black cherry, lavender, mint and dark spices infuse this pliant, creamy wine. Expressive savory and mineral-infused notes punctuate the finish. The tannins need time to soften, but there is plenty to like and look forward to.”
Under the Radar Oregon
New Arrivals
It’s always a treat to bring in wines from the Willamette Valley that fly under the radar—either because they’re from grapes that aren’t as associated with the region or from producers/vineyards that are currently under the radar. We’re constantly on the hunt for exciting finds from our back yard (so to speak) and wanted to highlight these new arrivals as particularly exciting and worth your attention.
This is the first bottling of this wine under the Goodfellow label (previously Matello) and it’s a very Alsace inspired blend. Specifically, it’ll remind you of Deiss’ wines from the pre-warming era. The Pinot gives it body, the Riesling brightness and the smidge of Gewurtz a hint of the exotic. Delicious.
Goodfellow Family Cellars Whistling Ridge Vineyard Blanc, Ribbon Ridge 2017 750ML ($24.95) $19 special
VinopolNote: This is a field blend of Riesling, Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc and Gewurtztraminer (all pressed off as white). Fresh, delicious and crisp, this is a perfect wine for fish and charcuterie (or by itself, if we’re being confessional).
It’s a bit of a stretch to call this under the radar (it’s allocated, we only received 3 cases) but until Tyson Crowley took over this site, no one realized the potential. Now it’s one of the best Chards in the US and the 2016 version is stunning.
Crowley Four Winds Vineyard Chardonnay, Willamette Valley 2016 750ML ($44.95) $39 special
Winery notes “No matter the heat this wine never slows down. Four Winds Chardonnay comes off of a block of own-rooted Wente clone Chardonnay that was planted in 1990. Every vintage, Four Winds shows low alcohol, singing acid and a citrus nature. Twenty months in neutral barrel broadens the palate and bring a touch of sweet butter and sage.”
Vincent Chardonnay Tardive, Willamette Valley 2016 750ML ($29.95) $26 special
VinopolNote: Vincent makes some of our favorite wines in the valley and this Chardonnay, his ‘Tardive’ bottling is one of the best yet. The Tardive designation refers to a longer elevage–it’s bottled later than his standard Chardonnay and is basically a reserve bottling. The 2016 is from an own-rooted vineyard in the Van Duzer corridor planted to a mix of clones. Bright and nervy, with the savoriness and richness that comes from extended lees contact, it’s a real winner (especially for the price!).Gamay is on the rise in the WV and this bottling is a good example why. It’ll give a lot of Beaujolais a run for the money at a competitive price point and it shows off the potential of this excellent site.
Vincent Bjornson Vineyard Gamay Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2016 750ML ($29.95) $24 special
VinopolNote: Bjornson vineyard is separated from its neighbor, the famed Seven Springs, by only a driveway. It’s a classic Eola-Amity Hills site, with shallow soil, strong winds and the brightness and structure that comes with it. The Gamay from Bjornson reminds us of Moulin a Vent, in a lot of ways, with a darker fruit signature and peppery highlights. Vincent’s winemaking style is minimalist, which allows the vineyard to speak strongly, a big plus with a site like this.
Vincent Bjornson Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2016 750ML ($39.95) $33 special
VinopolNote: Bjornson sits next to the fabled Seven Springs vineyard in the prime part of the Eola-Amity hills. It’s a classic site with shallow soils and a lot of wind. The results are stunning, especially in the hands of talented winemakers like Vincent Fritzsche. This always displays pure, elegant black cherry fruit with an overlay of floral notes and a firm but discreet structure. Drink it now or age it, it’ll be delicious anywhere along the way.This is a beautiful Syrah, reminding us of cooler year Northern Rhone wines in its white pepper and red fruit. It’s sure to age, but keeping out of it now is definitely pretty tough.
Matello Fool’s Journey Deux Vert Vineyard Syrah, Willamette Valley 2013 750ML ($24.95) Was $21.90, Now $18 Clearance Price
Case-12 Matello Fool’s Journey Deux Vert Vineyard Syrah, Willamette Valley 2013 750ML ($269.95) $199 Clearance Price (that’s only $16.58/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 90 points “Bright violet. Smoke-tinged dark berries and pungent flowers on the nose. Juicy and focused on the palate, offering bitter cherry and cassis flavors that take a sweeter turn on the back half. Dusty tannins make a late appearance and add gentle grip to the smooth, energetic finish.”
Winery note “From the Willamette Valley’s first planting of Syrah, this cool climate, low alcohol wine will redefine your idea of the possibilities of new-world Syrah. If you like your Syrah French, here is a kindred but one of a kind wine from Oregon.”
High Flying, Highly Praised
Marcus Molitor
Newly Arrived
Markus Molitor Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese*** Goldkapsel, Mosel 2015 750ML ($119.95) $99 special, 7 bottles in stock now
Markus Molitor Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese*** Goldkapsel, Mosel 2015 1.5L ($219.95) $199 special, 4 magnums in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 99 points “The 2015 Riesling Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Auslese *** (Golden Capsule) is clear, fresh and concentrated on the nose nose where deep and smoky flavors of crushed stones are displayed, giving just a hint of the true potential of this wine. Round and seamless on the palate, with perfectly ripe but vital and fresh fruit, this has a gorgeous mineral raciness and tension. There is also a quiet stream of perfectly balanced and concentrated melting stones and very fine salts that flows over the palate. This is an exciting, very well structured and tightly woven Riesling legend that will still fascinate wine lovers in 50, 60, maybe 70 years. This is a laser beam of great Riesling, tight and concentrated but still not that open like the corresponding Wehlener.”
David Schildknecht – Vinous 96 points “A haunting nose conveys ripe white peach, rowan, and almond extract as well as a decadent suggestion of lily perfume. This sets up an expectation of creaminess and enveloping richness that is not entirely confounded on the palate, but an intense alliance of brightly juicy fresh lime and piquant peach kernel provides a remarkable sense of cut and energy. Hints of caramel and sorghum add allure to a whirl of finishing flavors that manages not to turn sweet-sour or otherwise unruly, while mineral salts contribute mouthwatering savor of a sort rare in a botrytized Auslese and otherwise displayed in the present collection only by the astonishing “two-star” Wehlener Sonnenuhr Auslese.”
Markus Molitor Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese*** Goldkapsel, Mosel 2013 375ML ($179.95) $149 special, 4 half-bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 100 points “The sweet 2013 Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Auslese *** is another laser sword in the armada of starred Ausleses. Pure and precise but less smoky and cool on the nose than the Wehlener Sonnenuhr it intertwines darker smoky stone aromas with ripe orange flavors and tropical fruit aromas to build up a very clear, deep and aromatic bouquet. Full, sweet and round on the elegant palate this is still a very delicate, pure, perfectly balanced Auslese of great complexity. The finish is juicy and lingering, mineral scented and perfectly balanced with lush fruit. The wines is less filigreed than the Wehlener Sonnenuhr.”
CalabrettaHistoric, Exciting Sicilian Wines
Newly Arrived!
Etna has become the newest hottest region in Sicily, and for good reason. Jancis Robinson even called it “the Burgundy of the Mediterranean,” which is an apt description of most of the new wines coming off of the high altitude slopes of Sicily’s volcano. There is another traditional style of wine made on Etna as well, though, one that tends to have a foot in Barolo rather than in Burgundy, and its best practitioner is Calabretta. With Burgundy and Barolo prices climbing through the roof, now is a great time to explore those regions that seem to be lost in time.
Calabretta was founded in 1900 and for the majority of the time since then only sold wine in barrel or in demijohns to private customers (who would bottle the wine themselves) or to local restaurants. Since the beginning, the farming has been organic, without chemical pesticides or herbicides—dated for a majority of the life of the winery and suddenly in vogue now. In 1997, the third and fourth generation of the family decided that the future lay in bottling estate wines and releasing them under a family label.
The one thing that didn’t change when Calabretta started bottling was a commitment to old-school vinification and aging. Macerations of up to 60 days are common as is long aging in botti (often up to 6 years for the high end wine). The wines are powerful and structured but, unlike wines from lower altitudes, maintain a freshness and vibrancy to them.
Just Arrived:
Calabretta Carricante Sicilia IGT, Sicily 2016 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special
Importer note “95% Carricante, 5% Cataratto & Insolia. From seven hectares of vineyard in the area around Etna. Hand harvested. 1/3 of the fruit for this wine comes from old vines averaging 60-80 years old — some vines even over 100 years old and 2/3 of the fruit comes from a young vineyard planted in 2004. Aged in stainless steel. Practicing organic.”
Importer note “95% Nerello Mascalese & 5% Nerello Cappuccio. Aged partially in large botti and partially in stainless steel. The current bottling is a blend of 2005, 2008, 2013, 2014 and 2016! Sourced from a mix of young and old vines. Cala Cala means “Gulp, Gulp” says Massimiliano, meaning you should gulp this one down because it’s so tasty!”Calabretta Gaio Gaio Vino Rosso, Sicily 2016 750ML ($24.95) $19 special
Winery note “[Translated] A red wine from young, newly planted vineyards in the Calderara district by a rigorous selection massale. Fruity, floral, and slightly spicy. Dedicated to my father when he was a child (Gaio).”
Winery note “[Translated] Pinot Noir: the ‘enfant terrible’ of world viticulture returns to the Etna area… It is planted in a vineyard where the temperature changes between day and night are more than 20 ° C, the wind beats undeterred and the sun warms and illuminates the leaves. The production of grapes per plant is extremely low and the fermentation is cured and studied specifically to better develop the sensory qualities of this wonderful grape.”
Also In Stock Now:
Calabretta Cappuccio Rosso Terre Siciliane IGT, Sicily 2013 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Importer note “Since the winery’s founding in 1900, the Calabretta family has farmed and produced wines from Etna’s ancient indigenous varieties—including Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio—in the mountain’s unique noble vineyards. Historically, the family had sold its wine in sfuso or in barrel to restaurants and to private customers, many of whom travelled long distances to pick up their wine. But in 1997, third and fourth-generation father and son Massimo and Massimiliano Calabretta decided to bottle their best wine under their own label to ensure the winemaking traditions of their family and Etna would not be lost.”
The next best price is $34.99
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 90 points “Deep red-ruby. Underbrush, tar and licorice dominate the red fruit aromas and flavors. A hint of shoepolish emerges on the long tactile and slightly warm finish. This big wine has plenty of personality but I would have liked a little more grace. (15% alcohol)”
Ian D’agata-Vinous 91+ points “Bright dark red. Camphor and herbs complicate red cherry and berries on the nose. Dense and youthfully chewy with brooding flavors of red fruit and spicy herbs. Finishes long and savory with a tactile mouthfeel. This is deeper than the regular (not made from ungrafted vines) Rosso, but is also currently less well delineated. (12.5% alcohol)”
Trending Wines of the Weekend
Pure and fresh—an icicle dipped in sorrel and lemon zest.
Domaine Jean Masson & Fils Savoie Apremont Vieilles Vignes 2016 750ML ($21.95) $18 special
Case-12 Domaine Jean Masson & Fils Savoie Apremont Vieilles Vignes 2016 750ML ($249.95) $199 special (that’s only $16.58/bottle!)
Importer note “The VV bottling is the entry bottling, but the vines are over 60 years old, thus the VV designation. He does two bottlings and I always wait for the 2nd bottling so that the wine has more lees time. At the 2nd bottling the wine has spent 8-9 months on the lees. The wine has great texture and mouthfeel, closer to Muscadet than most Jacquere. On the palate you get citrus and herbs.”
VinopolNote: The Massons own some of the highest and oldest vines in the appellation, including some planted by Jean-Claude’s grandfather that are over 100 years old. At a whopping 450 meters above sea level, the family is always the last to harvest in the area. The resulting wines are fermented with native yeasts in stainless steel.
Jermann Pinot Grigio Venezia Giulia IGT, Friuli Venezia Giulia 2016 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 special
Case-6 Jermann Pinot Grigio Venezia Giulia IGT, Friuli Venezia Giulia 2016 750ML ($279.95) $219 special (that’s only $18.25/bottle!)
James Suckling 91 points “The nose here is driven on yellow apples, blossom and daffodils. There is plenty of minerality and acidity with a medium body and almond-like finish. Drink now.”
Wine Spectator 90 points “A fresh Pinot Grigio, light- to medium-bodied and creamy, with a minerally underpinning and a subtle mesh of poached pear, spring forest and grated ginger flavors, showing a rich hint of pastry cream. Drink now through 2023.”
Wine Advocate 90 points “If you are looking for a Pinot Grigio that crosses all its t’s and dots all its i’s, look no further than the 2016 Pinot Grigio from Jermann. This wine offers a fresh and zesty taste profile that takes you light years away from the tired and flat expressions of this workhorse grape from yesteryear. All the aromas here are alive and bright. They include citrus, honey, white peach and Granny Smith apple.”
This is a Super-Tuscanish Sangiovese blend with a lot of soul.
Piaggia Il Sasso, Carmignano DOCG 2015 750ML ($37.95) $31.90 special
Case-12 Piaggia Il Sasso, Carmignano DOCG 2015 750ML ($419.95) $339 special (that’s only $28.25/bottle!)
Antonio Galloni 95 points “Piaggia’s 2015 Carmignano Il Sasso is rich, ample and voluptuous in what is a very representative expression of the year. Black cherry, plum, lavender, spice, tobacco and dried herbs develop in the glass, but the 2015 is all about fruit intensity and texture. There is not much subtlety here, but wow, is the 2015 gorgeous.”
This big, fat Cali Chard scratches that itch pretty hard.
Orin Swift Mannequin Chardonnay, California 2015 750ML2015 750ML ($34.95) $21.90 special
Case-12 Orin Swift Mannequin Chardonnay, California 2015 750ML ($359.95) $229 special (that’s only $19.09/bottle!)
Winery Note “Bursting aromatics of honeydew, honeysuckle and ripe peach are complemented by a hint of jasmine, pineapple and cream. With lots of weight and viscosity, the full-bodied palate brims with ripe stone fruit, wet stone and a touch of sweet Meyer lemon. The fleshy, golden mid-palate evolves into a pointed, textured finish that closes with lots of minerality.”
The next best price is $24.90
The average price is $30
An under the radar steak/lamb wine perfect for summer grilling.
Gulfi Nerosanlore Sicilia IGT, Sicily 2010 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
Ian D’agata–Vinous 95 points “Fully saturated ruby. Pure, very deep aromas of black cherry, red plum, medicinal herbs and minerals. Rich, dense and suave, with complex flavors of saline red berries and dark plum complicated by repeating botanical herb and balsamic nuances. Finishes seamless an long. A wine of noteworthy purity, with an excellent balance of sweetness, acidity and tannins. This is Gulfi’s closest vineyard to the sea and almost always gives the estate’s most elegant, refined wine.”
The JJ Prum wines are reference points for Mosel Riesling.
Joh. Jos. Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel, Mosel 2016 750ML ($129.95) $119 special
Joh. Jos. Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel, Mosel 2016 375ML ($79.95) $66 special
Joh. Jos. Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel, Mosel 2016 1.5L ($279.95) $249 special
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 96 points “The 2016 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Auslese (Gold Capsule) is clear, fine and subtle yet concentrated, with vegetal and ripe fruit aromas. Rich, round and piquant, this is an intense and densely woven Auslese (AP 14 17) with a long, tensioned and refreshing mineral finish that lifts the sweet fruit. Gorgeous but made for another decade.”
Wine Spectator 95 points “Lush and thick in texture, combining power and grace, with a firm backbone of acidity and mineral details. Stunning on the palate, featuring different nuances that keep emerging with each sip. Slate, apricot jam, flan, honeysuckle and kumquat fruit notes are the most prominent, leading to a long, mineral-laced finish. Drink now through 2040.”
July Sale Highlights!
From the top reserve bottling from Avignonesi to the most luscious dessert wine from Agathe Bursin, we have some of the top picks of the shop on sale now. Browse our highlights below or see the complete list at the bottom of the newsletter!
“The 2012… gives new life to one of Tuscany’s most historic wines”
Avignonesi Grandi Annate, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2012 750ML ($99.95) Was $77, Now $69 Clearance Price, 18 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 93 points “You’ll notice that this wine is no longer labeled “Riserva.” Avignonesi wanted to reduce the time it spends in oak and made the name adjustment accordingly. This seems like a good idea to me. The 2012 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Grandi Annate gives new life to one of Tuscany’s most historic wines. There is more elegance and finesse here. I must say that past vintages have been a disappointment, but this expression seems to break all ties with the past. Fruit is sourced primarily from the Banditella vineyard that tends to produce more austere and concentrated Sangiovese. Indeed, this wine is highly redolent of black fruit, tar, licorice and even a touch of white mushroom. Everyone loves a comeback story and that’s what you get here.”
James Suckling 93 points “A chewy and silky wine with just ripe fruit, chocolate and hazelnut character. Fresh earth undertone too. Medium body, fresh finish. Drink now or hold.”
“totally exquisite”
Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur Taillepieds, Volnay Premier Cru 2012 1.5L ($149.950 Was $119, Now $99 Clearance Price, 6 magnums in stock now
Antonio Galloni 91-93+ points “A layered, totally exquisite wine, the 2012 Volnay Taillepieds impresses for its balance above all else. The aromas and flavors are beautifully detailed and nuanced in a Taillepieds that is all about crystalline purity. This tasting catches the 2012 in a slightly raw, unpolished state, but nothing a little time in bottle won’t take care of.”
Agathe Bursin Pinot Noir Strangenberg, Alsace 2015 750ML ($44.95) Was $36, Now $29 Clearance Price, 17 bottles in stock now
Ian D’agata – Vinous 91+ points “Dark ruby. Aromas and flavors of flinty red cherry, violet, Asian spices and potpourri. Deeper, richer and sweeter than Bursin’s 2015 Pinot Noir Lutzental but with an austere bent on the long, stony finish. These Pinot Noir plots grow on a slope right over the village of Westhalten, on mostly clay-calcareous soil. Bursin macerates and ferments the wine as she does the Lutzental, but this strikes me as being noticeably more tannic than that wine (and of the 2014 Strangenberg, for that matter). I know this is a more important wine than the Lutzental, but right now they are just about equally enjoyable.”
Weingut Hirsch Kammerner Renner Gruner Veltliner, Kamptal 2013 1.5L ($99.95) Was $79, Now $69 Clearance Price, 2 magnums in stock now
David Schildknecht–Vinous 93 points “With a diversity of mineral nuances more familiar from Riesling, this Grüner Veltliner projects an infectiously juicy and crunchily invigorating alliance of fresh lime, orange, pea tendrils, corn shoots and ginseng, with beet root earthiness joining wet stone on the bass line. A penetrating, almost severely but downright mouth-shakingly intense finish perpetuates the full range of diversity displayed on the firm palate, accompanied by hints of iodine, black tea smokiness plus saliva-inducing salinity and animality akin to oyster liquor. This weighs in at just 12.7% alcohol, permitting a lovely sense of levity to boot. A new parcel in Renner was added this year and Hirsch’s already owned vines had reached what he judged to be proper maturity for producing a wine dedicated to and worthy of this site. He was certainly right! (For further indications of this vineyard’s potential check out my accompanying review of Schloss Gobelsburg’s 2013 rendition.)”
“a memorable wine”
Agathe Bursin Pinot Gris Zinnkoepfle Selection de Grains Nobles, Alsace Grand Cru 2015 750ML ($89.95) Was $79, Now $69 Clearance Price, 12 bottles in stock now
Ian D’agata – Vinous 96 points “Deep golden-tinged yellow. The perfumed nose combines ripe pear, lime blossom and powdered stone, plus hints of spicy botrytis. Sweet but taut, conveying a lovely light-on-its-feet quality and displaying noticeable tang to the citrus and floral flavors; the presence of noble rot adds personality. Closes minerally and very long. This very refined SGN offers noteworthy fragrance and vibrant acidity; in fact, it’s so stony that it’s almost Riesling-like. About 30% of the grapes were hit by noble rot, and this adds complexity to what is a memorable wine (check out these numbers: 5.7 g/L total acidity and 130 g/L total [sugar]).”
Domaine Huet
Demi Sec Shines in 2016
Domaine Huet, star of Vouvray, makes outstanding wines in a variety of styles. From the steely, sometimes austere Sec to the nobly sweet Moelleux, the wines are always worth of your attention, but some years seem to favor a particular style or level of sweetness more than others. 2016, an excellent vintage, is extremely strong in the Demi-Sec category.
Demi-Sec is a magical level of sweetness for Vouvray. With as much acidity as Chenin Blanc has, a touch of RS takes a wine that can be surly and awkward and gives it generosity, balance and fruit. These are wines that are electric at the table, with richness to match nearly anything on the table and enough acidity to cut through fat. They’re a perfect porcine pairing but also elegant enough to serve with almost any fish preparation or even Thai or Vietnamese cuisine.
The 2016 Demi from the Le Mont vineyard was named as the #6 wine on Wine Spectator’s Top 100 list for 2017. You also should pay attention the Le Haut Lieu and Clos du Bourg offerings—although they may not have the points and prestige that the Le Mont does, they have richer fruit and more intense minerality, respectively, than their goldilocks cousin.
2016 Domaine Huet Demi-Sec Vouvrays In Stock Now:
#6 – Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of 2017
Domaine Huet Vouvray Le Mont Demi-Sec, Loire 2016 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Case-6 Domaine Huet Vouvray Le Mont Demi-Sec, Loire 2016 750ML ($299.95) $249 special (that’s only $41.50/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 95 points “This tilts toward the flattering side of off-dry, showing a plump feel to the core of creamed pear, white peach and yellow apple fruit. Lovely verbena, honeysuckle and mineral accents keep this balanced and driven, with a long finish that lets the fruit echo. Drink now through 2032.”
Domaine Huet Vouvray Le Haut Lieu Demi-Sec, Loire 2016 750ML ($59.95) $46 special
Domaine Huet Vouvray Le Haut Lieu Demi-Sec, Loire 2016 375ML ($24.95) $21.90 special
Case-6 Domaine Huet Vouvray Le Haut Lieu Demi-Sec, Loire 2016 750ML ($299.95) $249 special (that’s only $41.50/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 96 points “This delivers a beautiful display of purity and grace, with creamed Jonagold apple, star fruit, white peach and chamomile notes flowing seamlessly, backed by wet stone and fresh verbena accents. Subtle but persistent energy ripples through the very long finish. Drink now through 2035.”
Domaine Huet Vouvray Clos du Bourg Demi-Sec, Loire 2016 750ML ($59.95) $46 special
Case-6 Domaine Huet Vouvray Clos du Bourg Demi-Sec, Loire 2016 750ML ($299.95) $249 special (that’s only $41.50/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 95 points “Gorgeous, with creamy-edged nectarine, yellow and green apple, pear and quince flavors that are brightly defined from start to finish, flecked with verbena and honeysuckle hints and backed by an off-dry edge on the finish. Stays fresh and pure throughout. Tempting now but there’s no rush. Drink now through 2032.”
Arriving in December
Classically Styled & Highly Lauded Grand Cru Burgundy
“All of the vineyards are farmed sustainably, with an eye towards preserving the land for future generations. In the cellar all of the fruit is de-stemmed, and oak treatment, while utilized, is always employed judiciously. The results are a range of classically styled wines that admirably reflect the unique characteristics of their provenance.” –Importer note
Only 19 bottles available!
Arnoux Pere & Fils Corton Le Rognet Grand Cru, Cote de Beaune 2015 750ML ($119.95) $99 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 95 points “Dark and lush, this red verges on jammy, with black cherry and black currant fruit shaded by violet and spice accents. A line of tannins marks the long finish, which shows density and structure. Best from 2020 through 2038. 100 cases made.”
Wine Enthusiast 95 points “This is the Arnoux family’s top wine coming from vines on the revered hill of Corton. It is a powerful wine, properly rich and structured from the vintage. Wood and spice come through although they will soon integrate with the dense black-plum fruits and mineral texture. Drink the wine from 2025.”
The average price is $110
See the complete list of wines on our July Clearance Sale below or click to shop the sale on our web store!
