Subscriber-Only Special: Shafer Chard; New Week – New Arrivals; Back in Stock: Orin Swift Wines; Staff Pick; Cascina delle Rose; Molitor Madness; Trending; A Flock of Rosé – Landing February 22nd; Olivier Horiot Champagnes (and still wines) – Under the Radar Grower in Riceys; Super Deals Continue – ETA March; Time to Say Good Buy: Best Price Deal on Pallieres Les Racines 2013
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Subscriber-Only Special
Arriving February 24th – only 4 cases available
Shafer Vineyards Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay, Carneros 2014 750ML ($59.95) Listed price: $49.90, Subscriber-Only Special: $39
Robert Parker 93 points “First, their non-malolactic 2014 Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch comes from a cool-climate vineyard in Carneros. This is aged in 75% oak casks and 25% stainless steel, which seems to be the perfect marriage for showcasing this wine’s rich fruit. The wine has loads of tangerine oil, citrus blossom, a hint of apples and orange marmalade. The oak is subtle, the wine medium to full-bodied, pure and rich. (This is the official tasting note, but I shared two bottles with some friends of mine at the casual Market restaurant in St. Helena, and it was a huge hit.) There are very few wineries in California where you can say that the original wine owners and winemaking staff are totally intact and have been, in this case, since 1978. The estate was founded by John Shafer and run with great precision by himself and more recently by his son Doug and Elias Fernandez. The team has been working together for 38 years since the first vintage in 1978. Six years earlier in 1972, John Shafer bought the property and established the vineyard in the hillsides of Stags Leap. They produce about 30,000 cases of wine – all of it noteworthy. Their Cabernet Sauvignon is true first-growth quality and their Rhône Ranger wine made from Syrah and Petite Sirah, called Relentless, is about as profound as you can get from those varietals.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $47.99
The average price is $55
Subscriber-Only special will not appear online
We will adjust your invoice before finalizing
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
New Week – New Arrivals
Oregon
Analemma Atavus Vineyard Blanc de Noir, Columbia Gorge 2012 750ML (59.95) $49 special
John Gilman 91+ points “The 2012 Blanc de Noirs from Analemma Wines is composed entirely of pinot noir and was aged sur latte for fully three and a half years prior to disgorgement and release into the market. This parcel of pinot noir in the Atavus Vineyard is well over forty years of age and the vin clair was aged in cask for six months prior to assemblage and bottling. The bouquet of the 2012 version offers up an excellent bouquet of white peach, apple, warm biscuits, a fine base of soil and a topnote of dried flowers. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied, crisp and very well-balanced, with frothy mousse, lovely focus and grip, nice backend soil signature and a long, complex and zesty finish. This is still a youthful bottle and further bottle age will really allow it to blossom fully. Fine, very refined bubbly. 2018-2030+.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $54.89
Goodfellow Family Cellars Clover Reserve Pinot Gris 2015 750ML ($21.95) $18 special
Winery Note: “Hailing from Whistling Ridge and Bishop Creek Vineyards, the Clover Reserve is produced from hand picked fruit that is whole-cluster pressed, and racked to foudre, puncheon, and barrique after a brief period settling. Fermentation is with native yeasts and elevage is mostly in neutral French oak with a small percentage of Acacia. The wine spends 14 months on the gross lees before being racked a single time before bottling. There is beautiful balance of acidity, purity of fruit and richness.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $19.99
Crowley A La Votre Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2015 750ML ($21.95) $18 special
VinopolNote: The 2015 release of the ‘à la vôtre’ is from four declassified barrels with no whole cluster. It is a light and refreshing Pinot Noir with dark cherry and earthy aromas, meant for early, care-free consumption.
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Whistling Dog NSV Estate Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2013 750ML ($19.95) $16.60 special
VinopolNote: Our favorite best value Pinot for under $17/bottle. The 2013 NSV (Nuestro Sueño Vineyard) is a near-equal blend of clones 114, 115, Wadenswil and Pommard. Harvested mid-September, the wine was 100% whole berry fermented. It was aged for 19 months in oak barrels, 33% new.
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Evesham Wood Cuvee J Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2014 750ML ($49.95) $46 special
Winery Note: “While still a bit shy like most bottlings of Cuvée J, on release the 2014 gives an immediate glimpse into where this wine will be in a few years. Earthy, meaty, a beautifully silky texture with berries, sage, rosemary and plums. Again a 6 barrel selection from Le Puits Sec Vineyard. 145 cases produced.”
Brick House Vineyards Gamay Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2015 750ML ($31.95) $28 special
Winery note “For centuries Gamay Noir au Jus Blanc has been the singular grape of the Beaujolais region of France. But the marine sediments of Ribbon Ridge share much in common with the rolling hills of Beaujolais, including low soil pH and an abundance of mica/silica. Bright, floral and often laced with hind of anise or licorice, Brick House Gamay has found many friends since first released in 1995.”
Washington
Figgins Estate Red, Walla Walla Valley 2013 750ML ($119.95) $99 special
Wine Advocate 94 points “The flagship is the 2013 Estate Red Wine, which is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot that spent 20 months in 62% new French oak, with the balance in second fill barrels. Coming from a cooler, higher elevation site on the eastern edge of Walla Walla, this beauty possesses fabulous purity in its cassis and black raspberry fruit, violets, graphite and spring flower-like aromas and flavors. These give way to a full-bodied impeccably balanced 2013 that has fine tannin, nicely integrated acidity and a great finish. I don’t think it has the density of the 2012, but it shines for its overall harmony and purity. This beauty is enjoyable now, but should be at its best from 2020-2033.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
California
Linne Calodo The Outsider, Paso Robles 2014 750ML ($89.95) $77 special
Wine Advocate 95 points “Another Zinfandel-dominated blend is the 2014 The Outsider, which incorporates 15% Syrah and 7% Mourvedre. Showing a slightly more dark fruit-slanted feel in its cassis, black raspberry, toasted spice and licorice aromas and flavors, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, fabulous balance and sweet tannin that emerge on the finish. I love the overall purity here, and this beauty is another seamless wine that makes the most of these steep limestone hills on the west side of Paso Robles.”
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 94 points “Bright purple. An exotically perfumed, expressive bouquet evokes fresh blackberry, boysenberry, lavender pastille and incense; Asian spice qualities gain power as the wine opens up. Densely packed but impressively lithe, offering vibrant black and blue fruit and spicecake flavors and a suggestion of smoky minerals. The floral and spice notes repeat emphatically on the impressively long, sappy finish, which is framed by supple tannins that fold effortlessly into the energetic fruit.”
France – Burgundy
Domaine Vocoret et Fils Chablis 2015 750ML ($24.95) $18.80 special
Winery note “The “generic” Chablis is limpid, fresh and light, and its aromas and flavors develop rapidly. The wine can be kept for 5 years or more, depending on the vintage. Chablis can be served an aperitif, with oysters, seafood, snails, charcuterie, goat cheese or Gruyère cheese.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine Vocoret et Fils Les Forets, Chablis Premier Cru 2014 750ML ($29.95) $24 special
Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 91+ points “Pale, bright yellow. Lovely high-pitched scents of white flowers and iodiney sea shell are complemented by a touch of smoky, spicy oak. Concentrated, saline and energetic, conveying a strong spiciness to its yellow peach fruit. This will need time to absorb its oak element, but its very long, slowly mounting finish and impression of salty extract suggest that it will reward patience. Suggests higher acidity than the Montée de Tonnerre.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $40.99
Domaine Vocoret et Fils Blanchot, Chablis Grand Cru 2014 750ML ($69.95) $49 special
Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 92 points “Pale yellow. Compelling, very sexy high-pitched scents of lavender, jasmine, fennel and herbs are complemented by musky minerality and a crushed-stone quality. Precise and saline on the palate, with penetrating lemon and crushed stone flavors extended on the back end by brisk acidity. A seriously chewy Blanchots for the cellar.”
Coche-Dury Bourgogne Rouge 2014 750ML ($249.95) $189 special
Domaine Henri Gouges Les Chaignots, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru 2014 750ML ($69.95) $59 special
Burghound 90-92 points “(from 30+ year old vines) As is usually the case this is notably spicier with its more elegant nose of violet, plum and dark raspberry that is trimmed in a touch of earth. The supple and refined medium-bodied flavors exude a fine bead of minerality while delivering excellent length on the solidly structured and ever-so-mildly austere finale where a touch of Nuits style tannins emerge.”
Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 88-90 points “Bright palish red. Medicinal cherry, raspberry and mint on the nose, lifted by a floral quality. Elegant, dry and classic if a bit lean, conveying an impression of energy to the flavors of red fruits and saline minerality. Finishes tight and salty. Like the village wine, this is in a rather delicate style.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine Henri Gouges Clos des Porrets Monopole, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru 2014 750ML ($89.95) $69 special
Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 90-92 points “Bright, deep red. A step up in stony pungency and aromatic lift from the Chênes Carteaux, offering perfumed scents and flavors of black cherry, violet, rose petal and spices. More rigorous in the mouth in the manner of Nuits-Saint-Georges from the south side of the village. Intense, solidly built wine with very good mouth coverage but no excess weight. Finishes with a restrained sweetness, a saline nuance and excellent length.”
Neal Martin – Wine Advocate 90-92 points “The 2014 Nuits Saint-Georges 1er Cru Clos des Porrets Saint Georges, a monopole of the domaine, has a crisp leafy bouquet with autumn leaves and touches of flint coming through with aeration. The palate is well balanced with fine tannin, a certain brightness to the fruit here – resolutely “classic” in style, a “cool” NSG but with very fine delineation on the finish. Not a long-term proposition perhaps, but a well-crafted drop of wine that will repay time in the cellar.”
Domaine Henri Gouges Les Pruliers, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru 2014 750ML ($119.95) $79 special
Neal Martin-Wine Advocate 92-94 points “The 2014 Nuits Saint-Georges 1er Cru les Pruliers was showing more fruit intensity on the nose than the Porrets, the fruit more black, perhaps a little more oaky than others (although Gregory Gouges told me that this probably derives from the wooden vat after racking). The palate is very harmonious in the mouth. There are supple tannins and good density here with silky textured, sorbet-like freshness on the finish. This is a lovely wine from Gouges, one of their best in this vintage.”
Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 90-92 points “Good bright, dark red. Pure and perfumed on the nose, showing a slightly medicinal quality to the aromas of dark raspberry, black cherry, red licorice, spices and spearmint. Broad, supple and classically dry, with dark fruit flavors lifted by a note of rose petal. Longer and more tannic than the Clos des Porrets Saint-Georges but fine-grained for its imposing structure. Gregory Gouges told me he finds this a bit candied for his taste but it does not lack for freshness.”
Burghound 90-93 points “A subtle application of wood frames the spicy red and dark berry fruit that is liberally laced by notes of earth and game. I very much like the intensity and focused power of the concentrated medium weight flavors that display moderate rusticity and a touch of austerity on the impressively complex and persistent finale. Patience required.”
Domaine Henri Gouges Les Vaucrains, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru 2014 750ML ($149.95) $112 special
Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 91-94 points “Dark red-ruby. Tight, medicinal aromas of black cherry, bitter chocolate and menthol. Very rich and deep, with captivating sweetness cut by medicinal menthol and minerals. Highly concentrated, dense and broad but uncompromisingly dry. Finishes very long and perfumed, with serious saline tension. This very impressive premier cru has a big tannic structure and may well close down after the bottling.”
Burghound 91-94 points “Here too there is a subtle application of wood setting off the intensely spicy and overtly sauvage aromas of mostly cassis and black raspberry aromas that are also liberally laced with warm earth nuances. The muscular big-bodied flavors possess real power and punch along with ample minerality before terminating in a hugely long, complex and well-balanced finale. As it always is this is distinctly old school in style and will definitely require extended cellaring.”
Domaine Henri Gouges Les Saint-Georges, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru 2014 750ML ($179.95) $149 special
Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 92-94 points “Bright dark red. Cooler, more reticent but very pure aromas of black cherry, licorice and menthol lifted by spices and flowers. Wonderfully sweet and full but weightless. More pliant and silky than the Vaucrains in the early going but still very laid-back despite its more accessible texture and breadth. The long, scented, refined finish features a sneaky whiplash of dark fruits, flowers and minerals.”
Burghound 92-94 points “Once again there is subtle wood present on the spicy, cool and beautifully well-layered nose of ripe dark currant, plum, violet and humus scents. There is a sleek mouth feel to the solidly concentrated and mineral-driven middle weight plus flavors that exhibit outstanding length on the markedly firm finale that is also impeccably well-balanced. Ample patience absolutely required.”
Neal Martin-Wine Advocate 91-93 points “The 2014 Nuits Saint-Georges 1er Cru Les Saint Georges has a perfumed nose with blackberry and bilberry fruit, tangible mineral scents, very fine delineation, cold flint and limestone emerging with time. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, impressive structure, cool, calm and collected, building towards a crisp, tensile tobacco-tinged finish that is deceptively powerful. This will have a lot more to give after bottling, seems resentful that someone would awaken it from its barrel slumber.”
France – Rhone
Andre Perret Condrieu Clos Chanson, Rhone 2015 750ML ($99.95) $89 special
Wine Advocate 96 points “Another blockbuster is the 2015 Condrieu Clos Chanson, which was tasted from bottle. Full-bodied, rich and unctuous, with a liqueur of rocks-like quality, as well as thrilling notes of caramelized citrus, tangerine, gunpowder and spice, it’s a heavenly Condrieu to enjoy over the coming 3-5 years—although this is one beauty I’m sure will evolve for longer as well.”
Italy – Piedmont
G. B. Burlotto Barbera d’Alba, Piedmont 2014 750ML ($21.95) $18 special
Producer notes: “Deep purple with a full bouquet of cherry fruits on the nose. This wine has good strength and character and is filled with juicy black fruits.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $21
Italy – Tuscany
Fattoria Montellori ‘Poggio Alla Luna’, Chianti DOCG 2014 750ML ($14.95) $10.90 special
VinopolNote: A unique blend of mostly Sangiovese with a touch of Merlot and Canaiolo.
Fattoria Montellori Vin Santo della Signora Bianco dell’Empolese, Tuscany 2010 500ML ($27.95) $21.90 special
Winery note “Variety: 100% Trebbiano. Area of origin: Fucecchio. The best selected grapes start to dry naturally on rough mats until December. After this time grapes are pressed and fermentation starts in small barrels called “Caratelli” where the Vinsanto Montellori stays for a minimum time of 3 years. The wine continues to age in bottle. Tasting notes: Golden yellow colour. Perfumes of dried apricot and almond. Taste evokes sweet notes and honey. Very persistent and deep in aromas. A classic Vin Santo, … for a nice Cantuccino !”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $23.99
Italy – Alto Adige
Pojer e Sandri Nosiola Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT, Trentino-Alto Adige 2015 750ML ($21.95) $18 special
Producer Notes–“The colour is straw/yellow with greenish reflections. Its bouquet is very delicate, fleeting but very characteristic, with fruity hints of golden apples. On the palate it is flavorful and fragrant, with a mildly tangy quality on the palate. There’s a subtle flavor which may remind you of hazelnuts. It pairs well both with light appetizers of fish and meat, soup, raw shellfish and it’s also good with soft cheeses. Excellent as an aperitif, too, as it sets up bigger, richer wines.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Spain
Hacienda Solano Roble, Ribera del Duero 2014 750ML ($17.95) $14 special
Importer note “Hacienda Solano is a small, family run winery with centuries of winemaking tradition set in the Medieval village of La Aguilera. All grapes are from high altitude, estate vineyards, including very old vine plots. Their wines are made in a more elegant and refined style than typical of Ribera del Duero–yet with the depth found in the best examples. Sophie Kuhn is their talented winemaker from Alsace, with international training, including at famed Cheval Blanc.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Give the Gift that Never Expires!
Can’t decide on the perfect gift?
Let them!
We offer gift certificates in any amount with no taxes, fees or expiration date.
Gift certificates are not available through our web store. To order, please stop in, call or email. We are happy to mail gift certificates to any domestic address at no charge.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Back in Stock
Orin Swift Wines
Orin Swift Abstract Red, California 2015 750ML ($37.95) $29 special
2014 review– Robert Parker 94 points “The absurdly delicious 2014 Proprietary Red Blend Abstract comes from multiple AVAs: Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino, Amador and El Dorado and is a blend of Grenache, Petite Sirah and Syrah aged 10 months in 30% new French oak. This is a beauty and a great price for a wine of this quality. There are 26,547 cases, and the wine has an opaque ruby/purple color, gorgeous nose of creosote, kirsch liqueur and cassis with a touch of licorice, Provençal herbs and pepper. Delicious, full-bodied, unctuously textured, thick and juicy, this mouth-filling, big wine cuts a broad swath across the palate, but is never hot or awkward. Best drunk in its first 5-6 years. It finished at 15.7% natural alcohol.”
Orin Swift Palermo Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 750ML ($44.95) $38 special
Robert Parker 91 points “I tasted three Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines from Orin Swift. The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Palermo, all Napa Valley fruit and a blend dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon with a little Merlot and Malbec, was aged only 10 months in 35% new French oak. Bottled early to accentuate its fruit, this wine has soft, low-acid flavors, plenty of crème de cassis, chocolate and tobacco leaf, a medium to full-bodied mouthfeel and a long finish. It should drink well for the next 10-15 years, perhaps longer.”
Orin Swift Papillon Red, Napa Valley 2014 750ML ($69.95) $59 special
Robert Parker 94 points “The 2014 Bordeaux Proprietary Blend Papillion (15,748 cases) was aged 16 months in 40% new French oak. Fairly priced for what the consumer gets, this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc (15.1% alcohol) exhibits notes of forest floor, graphite, blackcurrant, blackberry fruit and spring flowers followed by a full-bodied, unctuously textured, deep, rich pure wine to drink over the next 10-15+ years.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Staff Pick
Saul:
Domenico Clerico Langhe Rosso Arte 2011 1.5L ($89.95) $66 special, 24+ magnums available
Domenico Clerico will forever be known as one of the “Barolo Boys” for good reason. A leading modernist in the 1980’s and 1990’s, Clerico has for a long time been known for his pioneering vineyard work and embrace of Burgundian-style oak barrels for aging Nebbiolo (barrique). But that’s not to say that Clerico stayed the same. Since the late 90’s, Clerico has been lengthening his maceration times and adding a touch of “old school” to his collection—with one exception, his wine called Arte, an expression of the winemaker’s art.
The Domenico Clerico Langhe Rosso Arte is his last pure modernist wine, and what we wanted to highlight today, as it shows why the modernista wines made such a splash when they were new to the scene. It’s a blend of Nebbiolo with a touch of Barbera (like Gaja’s single vineyard wines) and is aged solely in barrique. This, combined with relatively short maceration times, means that it’s far more approachable and supple now than you’d expect from a wine sourced from premier vineyards in Ginestra, Pajana and Mosconi. If you missed the chance to experience the Domenico Clerico wines in the 1990’s, this bottling is your best shot—and we secured over 50 of just 500 magnums produced in the 2011 vintage.
Stephen Tanzer 91 points “(90% nebbiolo and 10% barbera; aged for 18 months in new French oak): Good medium red. Perfumed aromas and flavors of plum, redcurrant, tobacco and spices. Intense and vibrant, with lovely inner-mouth aromatic lift. Very classy, delineated wine.” ST
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Our Current
Shipping Promos:
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!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Cascina delle Rose
Cascina delle Rose combines conscientious, organic viticulture with strict attention to detail and excellent terroir to produce attention-worthy Barbarescos. The style of the estate is best described as ‘elegant’—these are wines that are pretty and highly aromatic. They reflect their terroirs and they’ll age, certainly, but they also provide immense drinking pleasure today. We love the whole line, from Dolcetto all the way to Barbaresco. If you’ve been looking to expand your Piedmont horizons, this should be your next foray.
Cascina delle Rose Available Here Now
Cascina delle Rose Donna Elena Barbera d’Alba Superiore, Piedmont 2013 750ML ($31.95) $28 special, 29 bottles available
Winery note “The grapes for this wine are sourced from a specific selection of old clones and the wine is aged in large Slavonian oak barrels for approximately 20 months. Intense ruby red with garnet reflections. Complex bouquet, of macerated fruits (cherry, plum, black cherry), slightly spicy (cinnamon, cloves) with a dark chocolate finish. Good tannic balance. Intense, warm, and persistent with particular elegance and deepness. It paired well with red meats, lamb, medium seasoned cheeses.”
Cascina delle Rose Barbera d’Alba, Piedmont 2014 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special, 36+ bottles available
Winery note “Aged in large Slavonian oak barrels for approximately 15 months. Deep ruby red with slight garnet reflections. Show a freshness typical of Barbera with hints of cherry, blackberry, raspberry and cassis. A touch of balsamic gives finesse to the slightly spicy bouquet. Good tannins and persistence. It’s elegant and balanced. It pairs well with red meat, medium cheeses and fish.”
Cascina delle Rose Dolcetto d’Alba ‘Elizabeth’ 2015 750ML ($21.95) $18 special, 33 bottles available
Winery note “Bright ruby red with violet hues and crisp on the palate, with a delicate scent of wild rose and violet, cherry, red fruits and gooseberry. Elegant notes cinnamon and cloves. Good structure and acidity with silky tannins and lovely aromatic persistence.”
Cascina delle Rose Nebbiolo Langhe, Piedmont 2015 750ML ($29.95) $26 special, 33 bottles available
Winery note “Bright garnet red. Floral and elegant notes of roses and violet (which is classic of the Tre Stelle); a direct, deep, and clear expression of the vineyard. Notes of fruit (maraschino cherries, berries), vanilla, leather, and tobacco. Dry, balanced and enduring, with dense texture of fine and silky tannins, great elegance and persistence. It goes well with salami, cured ham, red and white meat, and medium-aged cheeses.”
Cascina delle Rose Tre Stelle, Barbaresco DOCG 2013 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 36+ bottles available
Cascina delle Rose Tre Stelle, Barbaresco DOCG 2013 1.5L ($149.95) $119 special, 4 magnums available
Antonio Galloni 90 points “The 2013 Barbaresco Tre Stelle is quite a bit deeper and richer than the Rio Sordo, with more freshness and overall structure to match. Sweet red cherry, tobacco, incense and leather flesh out as the wine fills out its frame effortlessly. Ample and generous, the 2013 Tre Stelle is an attractive Barbaresco that should provide a number years of enjoyable drinking. This is very nicely done.”
2013 Barbaresco alert: In a preview article, Antonio Galloni at Vinous Media summed it up in two words- Regal Classicism; and went on to say “… the 2013s – from one of the latest years in recent memory – embody all the qualities that make Nebbiolo one of the world’s most noble grapes; soaring aromatics, pulsating energy, structure, and, most importantly, the rare ability to transmit the essence of site…. Two thousand thirteen…, is shaping up to be an epic vintage of classic proportions and superb pedigree.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Molitor Madness
2013s In Stock Now
2015s Arriving in May
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.
We have these fine 2013 Rieslings in stock now
Markus Molitor Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese** Trocken, Mosel 2013 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 29 bottles available
Wine Advocate 96 points “Compared to the dry Sonnenuhr Spätlese, the dry 2013 Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Auslese ** is significantly more refined and detailed in its subtle, slightly fumy mineral flavors on the nose, but as clear and healthy in its citrus aromatic, which is completed by delicate pineapple flavors. The wine is absolutely elegant and delicate on the palate and the concentration has nothing to do with power or richness here, but with purity, finesse, complexity and length. The mineral or slate taste is remarkably fine and densely woven which gives this Auslese a great elegance and the finish of a world-class Riesling. The finish is not only very persistent but also aromatic, piquant and salty plus full of needles. This is a great wine made for decades and there is perhaps just one competitor in the Mosel and that’s Markus’ own 2013 Auslese ***. ”
Weingut Markus Molitor Bernkasteler Lay Riesling Auslese*** Goldkapsule, Mosel 2013 750ML ($99.95) $79 special, 31 bottles available
Wine Advocate 98 points “Stunningly clear and pure on the citric-perfumed nose, the sweet 2013 Bernkasteler Lay Riesling Auslese *** is characterized by its laser-like precision and elegance, which is perfectly paired with its vibrant acidity and piquant minerality that lingers and makes this Auslese a memorable one.”
Weingut Markus Molitor Erdener Treppchen Riesling Auslese** Goldkapsule, Mosel 2013 750ML ($59.95) $41.90 special, 6 bottles available
Wine Advocate 96 points “Even purer and perhaps more sophisticated than the Bockstein is the sweet 2013 Erdener Treppchen Riesling Auslese ** with its cool, slate purity and springlike citrus and blossom aromas, which are delivered as lime chutney on the nose. This again is a kind of pure Armani perfume and the cool character of a true gentleman who turns out to be a notorious rake, elegant and balanced as it is. The texture is nobly concentrated and juicy, and there is no single botrytis berry in this stunning wine. Drink it now, but drink it slowly, or store it for a decade or two.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $47
Weingut Markus Molitor Kinheimer Hubertuslay Riesling Auslese*** Goldkapsule, Mosel 2013 750ML ($89.95) $69 special, 10 bottles available
Weingut Markus Molitor Kinheimer Hubertuslay Riesling Auslese*** Goldkapsule, Mosel 2013 375ML ($59.95) $39 special, 30 half-bottles available
Wine Advocate 97 points “The 2013 Kinheimer Hubertuslay Auslese *** needs a little but of time to open up and show its finest, intense raisin aromas indicating grapefruit/lemon and pineapples on a piquant background. Rich, oily textured and extremely elegant on the palate, the wine offers a lavish tropical juiciness quoting pineapples, but is stunningly pure and piquant. The finish is beautifully balanced and highly elegant. This is perfectly made.”
These are the lowest listed prices in the USA today!
The next best price for the half-bottle is $49.94
The average price for the 750ML is $79
Markus Molitor Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Auslese*** Goldkapsule, Mosel 2013 750ML ($99.95) $79 special, 15 bottles available
Wine Advocate 98+ points “More tropical fruit aromas such as juicy pineapples and macerated ginger dominate the nose of the richer yet still pure and subtle 2013 Graacher Himmelreich Auslese ***. Quite sweet, intense and densely textured on the palate, this wine neither lacks elegance nor piquancy nor balance. It is just more generous, sweeter and lush than the Würzgarten ***-Auslese, but at the same time it is absolutely delicate and full of finesse.”
Markus Molitor Zeltinger Schlossberg Riesling Auslese** Goldkapsule 2013 75 0ML ($79.95) $59 special, 13 bottles available
Wine Advocate 97 points “The sweet 2013 Zeltinger Schlossberg Riesling Auslese ** is somewhat remote in its cool and aristocratic smokiness, which delivers a fragrant perfume of lemons, limes and crushed stones to the nose. Quite juicy, yet subtle and elegant on the palate, this is a highly concentrated, minerally piquant and persistently salty Auslese with a stunning delicacy in the aftertaste. The wine is very firm and piquant, but its concentration and vibrancy will take it through decades.”
Markus Molitor 2015s Arriving in May
“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
You can see the full list below of the superb 2015 wines arriving in May. To read reviews and order online visit our web store
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Trending
Inman Family Wines OGV Olivet Grange Vineyard Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley 2010 750ML ($49.95) $33 special, 36+ bottles available
Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 93 points “(made with one-half whole clusters and 12.5% alcohol): Bright ruby-red. A heady, spice-accented bouquet displays scents of strawberry preserves, potpourri and incense, complemented by a lively note of white pepper. Silky, spicy and lithe, with an alluring sweetness and bright mineral cut to its intense red fruit and floral pastille flavors. Pure and seamless pinot, with great upfront appeal and a delicacy that hearkens to the Old World. The “OGV” here stands for Olivet Grange Vineyard, the Inmans’ home property. They are unable to use the word “Grange” in the wine name because of legal challenges.” ST
This is the only listing in the USA today!
The next best price for any other vintage is $42.89
Pierre Peters Cuvee Speciale ‘Les Chetillons’ Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut, Champagne 2008 750ML ($149.95) $136 special, 12 bottles available
Wine Spectator 95 points– Highly Recommended – “This harmonious Champagne offers fine interplay between power and finesse, with ripe poached apricot, rich lemon meringue pie and spun honey flavors married to chalky minerality and focused acidity. The overall impression is elegant and fresh. Drink now through 2030.”
Xavier Vins Rasteau, Rhone 2012 750ML ($34.95) $28.80 special, 18 bottles available
Wine Advocate 93 points “One of my favorite wines from this estate, the 2012 Rasteau offers tons of ripe dark fruit, crushed rock, licorice and minerality in its full-bodied, concentrated profile. Made from 75% Grenache, 15% Syrah and 10% Mourvedre, it’s a classic Rasteau to drink over the coming 7-8 years.”
Remelluri Granja Nuestra Senora de Remelluri Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2010 750ML ($39.95) $36 special, 21 bottles available
Case-12 Remelluri Granja Nuestra Senora de Remelluri Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2010 750ML ($419.95) $379 special, 1 case available (that’s only $31.58/bottle!)
James Suckling 95 points “A wine with beautiful finesse and depth. Dark fruits, dark chocolate, hazelnut and floral character. Polished and refined. Full body. Long and beautiful. Tasty finish. The first recent vintage 100% made by Telmo Rodriguez. Drink or hold.”
Peñín Guide to Spanish Wine 96 points – Podium Award – Exceptional Wine – “(tempranillo, garnacha, graciano). Colour: cherry, garnet rim. Nose: ripe fruit, spicy, creamy oak, complex, expressive. Palate: flavourful, toasty, round tannins, balanced, elegant.”
Wine Advocate 93 points “The wine that represents the house style and also the biggest volume here with around 350,000 bottles produced is the 2010 Reserva which was cropped from an almost perfect growing season. A blend of the reds Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano and the whites Viura and Malvasía Riojana, it fermented with indigenous yeasts in a combination of stainless steel and oak vats then matured in French oak barrels for 17 months. The nose has earthy aromas and notes of ripe orange peel giving old-style character to the wine marked by very well-integrated oak and an obvious Rioja character. There are cherries, plums and spices with licorice and ink aromas. The day after, it has more strawberries with very good freshness, so the evolution in bottle should be good. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins and good acidity that ends with sweet fruit flavors and something earthy, very pleasant and easy to drink. It grows on you.”
Jorge Ordoñez Bodegas Triton Tridente Tempranillo Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y Leon 2015 750ML ($19.95) $18 special, 36+ bottles available
Case-12 Jorge Ordoñez Bodegas Triton Tridente Tempranillo Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y Leon 2015 750ML ($249.95) $189 special, 2 cases available (that’s only $15.75/bottle!)
Robert Parker 94 points “The 2015 Triton Tinta De Toro is a stunning wine from this relatively modest appellation and vineyard owned by Jorge Ordoñez and his partners. The wine, 100% Tinto de Toro, spent eight months sur lie in Burgundy and Bordeaux barrels. It is a killer example of Toro, which produces relatively full-throttle, intense wines from ungrafted vines. This beauty, inky purple in color, offers up notes of graphite, forest floor, blackberry and cassis in a full-bodied, pedal-to-the-metal, long, rich and concentrated style. At $20.00 it is a remarkable value and probably capable of lasting up to a decade, although there is no reason to defer your gratification.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Arriving mid-week: February 22nd
A Flock of Rosé
Signs of Spring!
Returns with the Birds
Cheap Cheap Cheap
Bedrock Wine Co. Sh’Bubbles First Cuvee Sparkling Rosé, California NV 750ML ($24.95) $16 pre-arrival special
Vinopolnote: 90% Old vine Carignan and a dab of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The still wine evolved on lees in tank for eight months then put through secondary fermentation and bottle using the Charmat method. Full of red fruits and fun. 6 g/l dosage.
Gerard Boulay Sancerre Chavignol Rosé, Loire 2015 750ML ($26.95) $18 pre-arrival special
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 92 points “Light, bright orange. Fresh blood orange, raspberry and jasmine on the intense, mineral-accented nose. Smooth, juicy and seamless in texture, offering intense red berry, nectarine and orange pith flavors that deepen on the back half. Shows excellent focus, thrust and mineral lift on the finish, which leaves behind hints of orange zest and chalky minerals. I really like the marriage of power and elegance here.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $22
The average price is $25
Chateau de Trinquevedel Tavel Cuvee Traditionelle Rosé, Rhone 2015 750ML ($21.95) $11.90 pre-arrival special
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 90 points “Vivid orange. Potent cherry and red currant scents, along with hints of blood orange and pungent flowers. Sappy and focused, offering bitter cherry and berry skin flavors that unfold slowly with air. Shows very good energy and thrust on the chewy, persistent finish, which strongly echoes the cherry and orange notes.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $13.29
Domaine Les Pallieres Gigondas Rosé, Rhone 2015 750ML ($27.95) $16 pre-arrival special
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 92 points “Pale salmon skin. A complex, highly perfumed bouquet evokes fresh red berries, tangerine, jasmine and iodine, and a smoky mineral nuance builds in the glass. Concentrated but impressively graceful, offering intense strawberry and orange pith flavors and an exotic suggestion of toasted grain. Lingers on the finish with real intensity and persistence, leaving floral and mineral notes behind.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $19.97
Domaines Ott Cotes de Provence ‘By.Ott’ Rosé, Provence 2015 750ML ($24.95) $14 pre-arrival special
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 89 points “Vivid peach skin color. Deeply pitched nectarine, orange and redcurrant aromas show good focus and pick up a floral element with air. Supple and dry, offering mineral-tinged citrus and pit fruit flavors and a refreshingly bitter suggestion of quinine. Closes on a stony, dry note, with a honeysuckle nuance lingering.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Olivier Horiot Champagnes (and still wines)
Olivier Horiot is somewhat of a maverick in Champagne. Since taking over the reins of his father’s estate in 1999, he has been obsessed with the idea of showing off the terroir of the town of Les Riceys, in the Cote de Bar region of Champagne. Where most producers would just start farming carefully and make fairly traditional wines, Horiot decided to proceed a little differently.
Olivier makes two sets of wines—some are traditionally made extremely low dosage site specific Champagnes and some are still wines. The still wines are his intellectual focus and are an incredible insight into what the wines underlying Champagne taste like. The town of Riceys sits on a band of pure Kimmeridgean soil which gives the Pinot Noir a delicacy and finesse that makes it perfect for rosé and white wines. We’re excited to have access to these wines and wanted to offer you a chance to buy these micro-production gems:
Arriving in April
Still Wines:
Olivier Horiot Blanc, Coteaux Champenois 2012 750ML ($79.95) $69 pre-arrival special
Olivier Horiot Rosé des Riceys En Barmont, Coteaux Champenois 2012 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Olivier Horiot Rosé des Riceys En Valingrain, Coteaux Champenois 2012 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
These are the only listings in the USA today!
Sparkling Wines:
Olivier Horiot ‘Metisse’ Les Riceys Noirs & Blanc Extra Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($69.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Importer note “2013 Pinot Noir & Pinot Blanc, barrel fermented from 6 different Ricey terroirs, plus solera reserve wine; 2 gm/l dosage.”
Olivier Horiot Seve En Barmont Extra Brut Rosé de Saignee, Champagne 2010 750ML ($79.95) $69 pre-arrival special
This is the only listing in the USA today!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Super Deals Continue!
Arriving Early March
Giuseppe Quintarelli Valpolicella Classico Superiore, Veneto 2007 750ML ($99.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 93 points “A lovely, elegant red, with flavors of kirsch, fig cake and dried thyme, featuring a rich underpinning of loamy earth and tarry mineral that slowly expands on the finely meshed palate. Lightly mouthwatering, with creamy tannins and a long, spiced finish. Drink now through 2027. 300 cases imported.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $91
Descendientes de J. Palacios Petalos, Bierzo 2013 750ML ($24.95) Was $18, Now $14 re-arrival special
#53 Wine Spectator Top 100 in 2015
Wine Advocate 92 points “Always among the best values of Spain, the 2013 Pétalos del Bierzo has an extra degree of freshness in a cool vintage, and some time in bottle always does this wine wonders. It’s aromatic, open and expressive, with floral aromas and bright fruit, wild strawberries and violets. This is always a subtle, medium-bodied wine, with fine tannins, sleek acidity and a fine minerality. Ready now.”
Wine Spectator 91 points “Expressive black cherry, currant, licorice, mineral and smoke flavors mingle in this focused red. The texture is gentle but firm, with well-integrated tannins and racy acidity providing structure. A compact wine that shows good intensity. Drink now through 2023.”TM
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $21
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Time to Say Good Buy!
Domaine Les Pallieres Gigondas Les Racines, Rhone 2013 750ML ($49.95) $36 special
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 92 points “Vivid ruby. Spice- and smoke-accented red berries on the highly perfumed nose, complicated by a touch of candied flowers. Palate-staining bitter cherry and black raspberry flavors gain energy and life from an undertone of juicy minerality. The floral quality repeats on the penetrating finish, which is shaped by silky, harmonious tannins.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $42
Thank you for reading!