Matello Rose of Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley MV 750ML ($17.95) $14 specialVinopolNote: A blend of the 2014 and 2015 vintages, offers the added complexity of one year of aging with the bright freshness of a new Rose.
Winery note “This wine pairs perfectly with warm summer days, patios, hummingbirds, and goofing off. (Don’t eat the hummingbirds. Try salmon or sushi instead.) 160 cases produced.”
Winery note “Uplifted Sedimentary & Volcanic soils. 15 months French oak. Average vine age 24 years.”
Arterberry Maresh Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2014 750ML ($27.95) $24 special
Made by third generation Oregon winemaker Jim Maresh from non-irrigated vines and includes grapes from the Maresh, Juliard, Weber and Winderlea vineyards. His family’s Pinot Noir plantings on the Maresh vineyard date as far back as 1970.
WASHINGTON
Corvidae Wine Co. Mirth Chardonnay, Columbia Valley 2014 750ML ($14.95) $11.90 special
Winery note “The Mirth is quintessential Chardonnay exhibiting bright tropical notes and excellent purity of flavor and balance unencumbered by oak flavor. The wine is fermented and cellared in stainless steel to preserve its freshness and varietal character. Pair this refreshing Chardonnay with a chanterelle herb frittata, lemon roasted chicken, or a mango avocado and smoked salmon salad.”
Corvidae Wine Co. Wise Guy Sauvignon Blanc, Columbia Valley 2015 750ML ($14.95) $11.90 special
Winery note “Sauvignon Blanc is one of the most dynamic grapes grown in Yakima Valley. When fully ripe it still has the hallmark acidity and fragrance of world class versions. The Outlook Vineyard is the source of this fruit. Planted in 1982, the vines yield perfectly ripe fruit that has fully ripe flavors, plenty of minerality, with tremendous natural acidity.”
Owen Roe Red Willow Vineyard Chapel Block Syrah, Yakima Valley 2013 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Winery note: “Aged in 44% new oak (100% French) for nearly 14 months. The blend is comprised of 100% Red Willow Syrah from both East and West facing slopes, from the Yakima Valley AVA.”
Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 92 points “Bright medium ruby. Musky, earthy aromas of raspberry, roasted strawberry, smoked meat and charred oak. Fat, sweet and deep, with good spicy lift to the very ripe flavors of plum, blueberry, dark chocolate and spices. A very rich, tactile Syrah with sexy sweetness but plenty of ripe, dusty tannins to support a graceful evolution in bottle. Ultimately richer than the Union Gap Syrah but also more tannic.”
Owen Roe Yakima Valley Red Wine 2013 750ML ($29.95) $26 special
Winery note “45% Merlot, 33% Cabernet Franc, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon. The initial aromatics show bright Cabernet Franc spice notes of cinnamon, anise and pink peppercorn. A blast of pretty plum fruit and firm tannins boasts a well-rounded mouthfeel with hints of subtle oak toast and dusty earth.”
Winery note “Now our most-loved Syrah, this wine was introduced as a one-time bottling in 2002 after a wild fire struck the vineyard’s surrounding hillsides. The residual ash and smoke resonated in the Syrah grapes, creating a very memorable wine. Year after year, we are asked to develop a Syrah to keep the story of this wine alive! Now, 10 vintages later, we hope you will enjoy this bold Syrah comprised from several exceptional vineyards in the Columbia and Yakima Valleys.”
Owen Roe Sharecropper’s Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley 2014 750ML ($17.95) $14 special
Winery Notes: “Everyone’s favorite go-to weeknight Cab does not disappoint in 2014. Sweet aromas of blackberry, candied fruit, vanilla and brown sugar leads to a more savory palate of pomegranate, green pepper and oil cured olives. This Cabernet finishes with bright acidity and lingering tannins. We recommend opening this wine now and enjoying it at a young age, however, this will age well for 4-6 years when properly cellared.”
CALIFORNIA
Caymus Vineyards Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2013 750ML ($179.95) $159 special
James Suckling 92 points “The full-throttle character is here as expected with lots of ripe fruit and toasted oak. Sage and mint. Silky tannins; the ripe fruit dominates. But it shows form and juiciness. Try it in 2019 as it mellows with age.”
Diamond Creek Gravelly Meadow Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2013 750ML ($249.95) $219 special
James Suckling 98 points “The aromas to this wine are phenomenal with blueberry and blackberry. It is so perfumed and floral with violets, lilacs and roses. Full body, firm tannins and super silky tannins. Yet cool and racy. Minerally with stone, as it should be. Classic Diamond Creek style. Better in 2020 but a joy to taste.”
Diamond Creek Volcanic Hill Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2013 750ML ($229.95) $188 special
James Suckling 96 points “Lots of blackberries, plums and cherries on the nose. Full body, ultra-velvety tannins and a long, long finish. A broad and layered red with refined textures. Very long. Juicy. Riper than the Red Rock and Gravelly Meadow. Better in 2019. 608 cases made.”
Diamond Creek Red Rock Terrace Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2013 750ML ($239.95) $199 special
James Suckling 97 points “Aromas of blackberry, blueberry and warm stone. Full body, very layered. Perfectly fine tannins. Round and dense texture yet perfectly balanced. A pretty and joyous young wine. 537 cases made. Enjoy tasting but better in four or five years.”
Diamond Creek Gravelly Meadow Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2013 750ML ($249.95) $219 special
James Suckling 98 points “The aromas to this wine are phenomenal with blueberry and blackberry. It is so perfumed and floral with violets, lilacs and roses. Full body, firm tannins and super silky tannins. Yet cool and racy. Minerally with stone, as it should be. Classic Diamond Creek style. Better in 2020 but a joy to taste.”
FRANCE-CHAMPAGNE
R.C. Lemaire Select Reserve Blanc de Noirs Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($44.95) $38 special
100% Pinot Meunier
Winery note “[Translated] Delicate aromas of fresh, white fruits and citrus. No malolactic fermentation. Dosage is 6-7 g/L.”
Champagne Philippe Gonet Blanc de Blancs Signature NV 750ML ($59.95) $29 special
Wine Spectator 92 points “An expressive skein of ground spice is the aromatic highlight of this finely balanced blanc de blancs, offering a refined and creamy bead, layered with flavors of poached pear, candied lemon zest, honey and pastry. Drink now through 2023.”
The next best price is $33.81
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 90 points “(100% Pinot Noir; 9 g/l dosage; disgorged on August 28, 2014): Light yellow. Pungent mineral- and spice-accented aromas of ripe orchard and pit fruits, with a sexy floral overtone. Fleshy but focused and dry, offering vibrant nectarine and melon flavors with a refreshingly brisk jolt of lemon zest adding grip and lift. Closes on a smoky, minerally note, with very good energy and persistence.” JR
The average price is $49
Louis Roederer Cristal Brut Millesime, Champagne 2007 750ML ($299.95) $219 special
Antonio Galloni 97+ points “Long-time Chef de Caves Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon has produced yet another in a string of superb Champagnes with the 2007 Cristal. Rich, powerful and enveloping, the 2007 takes hold of all the senses and never lets up. The aromatics alone are captivating, but then the wine opens on the palate, revealing layer after layer of flavor to match a multi-dimensional, kaleidoscopic personality that will leave Champagne lovers weak at the knees. The 2007 is 58% Chardonnay and 42% Pinot Noir, which is to say a bit more Chardonnay-leaning than is the norm. The 2007 is striking today, but it should also age effortlessly for several decades. It is also without question one of the very finest new releases of the year.”
James Suckling 96 points “Aromas of ginger, sliced dried pineapple, mango and tea. Full-bodied, dense and intense. Really fresh and delicious. Tangy acidity. Very long and flavorful finish. A vibrant and delicious Cristal. Hard to decide if this is better than or the same as 2005. Drink or hold.”
FRANCE-BURGUNDY
Domaine Leflaive Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru 2008 1.5L ($1,499.95) $1,199 special
Wine Spectator 97 points “Aromas of lemon and butterscotch lead off, followed by lime, buttered pastry and mineral flavors. Tightly wound and muscular, with fine intensity and a long, mouthwatering finish. Stays vibrant, echoing notes of butterscotch and stone on the aftertaste. Best from 2013 through 2026.”
Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey Saint-Aubin Le Banc 2014 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Grapelive 93 points “Bottled in wide heavy glass the new 2014 Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey Saint-Aubin Le Banc is a curvy sexy white Burgundy with everything you’ve come to expect from this talented winemaker that seems to have completely mastered the art of crafting great Chardonnay! While his top Premier Cru and Grand Cru stuff are legendary, I love his entry level and village wines for the ability to impress at a reasonable price, and in particular this Le Banc Saint-Aubin from PYCM really over delivers with pure and vibrant flavors and layers of texture. The 2014’s look to surpass the 2012 and 2013 in sheer pleasure terms, but there are no duds in the last 10 years from Colin-Morey, though 2014 is a bit more flamboyant and plush at this stage, and easy to love right now even. The 2014 Le Banc starts with matchstick, lemon notes and a bit of smoke before hints of white flowers, clove spice and wet stones come through as it warms in the glass. The palate is lively, fresh and like golden velvet with an underlying brisk flow of acidity and mineral/steely intensity with peach, lime and apple along with hazelnut, dried honey, salty chalk and soft wood notes. For value and quality it is hard to beat Saint-Aubin for white Burgundy these days and the Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey just give that bit of extra that make them so appealing, these are gorgeous Chards that live up to the hype, don’t miss them they are too rewarding to pass up and worth the effort to find them. Drink the 2014’s anytime and anywhere, best from 2018 to 2024.”
Domaine Hubert Lamy Derriere Chez Edouard Blanc, Saint-Aubin Premier Cru 2013 750ML ($69.95) $59 special
Wine Advocate 91-93 points “The 2013 Saint Aubin 1er Cru Derrière Chez Edouard has a marvelous, mineral-driven bouquet that soars from the glass with hints of wilted white flowers in the background. The palate is very well balanced, very harmonious, a wine where you can taste the vineyard’s white marn soils. It gradually builds to a very poised slightly peachy finish. Superb.”
Domaine Georges Mugneret-Gibourg Vosne-Romanee 1998 750ML ($179.95) $149 special
Stephen Tanzer “Bright deep red. Raspberry and licorice nose lifted by a floral perfume. Supple and strong, with bright red berry and herbal flavors. Finishes firmly tannic and slightly dry.”
Mugneret-Gibourg Nuits St Georges Vieille Vignes 2013 750ML ($169.95) $133 special
Domaine Georges Mugneret-Gibourg Ruchottes-Chambertin Grand Cru 2013 750ML ($499.95) $389 special
Wine Advocate 94-96 points “The 2013 Ruchottes Chambertin Grand Cru, which is aged in 70-75% new oak, has a very precise bouquet with pastille-like poise and freshness: wild strawberry and dark cherries, a touch of violet petal in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with quite a succulent entry, nicely judged acidity, becoming denser toward the finish with a gentle but insistent grip. There is a spicy note on the tip of the tongue that lingers long afterwards. This is a very fine follow-up to the stupendous 2012 Ruchottes.”
FRANCE-RHONE
Chateau de Montfaucon Cotes du Rhone Comtesse Madeleine 2014 750ML ($19.95) $16.60 special
Winery note: “The Chateau de Montfaucon overlooks the river Rhone opposite to Chateauneuf-du-Pape. This special cuvee ‘Comtesse Madeleine’ is named in honour of my grandmother who managed the estate for over 60 years. This elegant and complex wine is a blend of 35% Marsanne, 20% Viognier, 20% Grenache blanc, 15% Clairette and 10% Picpoul. This wine has been fermented and aged in oak barrels for six months before bottling.”
Chateau de Montfaucon Les Gardettes, IGP Gard 2012 750ML ($14.95) $11.90 special
Winemaker Notes “Les Gardettes are the two towers that guard the entrance to the castle. In accordance with the ’Montfaucon’ spirit and quality, these wines are very convivial, easy drinking and easy to match with all types of food. With an attractive price, Les Gardettes has become a success among the restaurants trade as house wine. Les Gardettes red is a seducing blend of Syrah, Mourvedre and Cinsault with a touch of Grenache yielding a wine full of intense red fruit notes and spice. This is definitely a wine for pleasure.”
Chateau de Montfaucon Baron Louis Lirac 2012 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special
Wine Advocate 90 points “A new cuvee, the 2012 Baron Louis Lirac is a gorgeous Lirac that has pretty black raspberry, spice and floral aromatics, medium-bodied richness and an overall elegant, polished and layered style. It’s a serious wine that will have 8-10 years of longevity.”
Wine Spectator 90 points “Offers a lush, flattering feel, with velvety raspberry and plum sauce flavors gliding along, carried by twinges of anise, fruitcake and singed cinnamon stick. Fresh acidity lets everything meld on the finish. Drink now through 2017.”
Brunier Piedlong Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2012 750ML ($59.95) $46 special
Case-12 Brunier Piedlong Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2012 750ML ($519.95) $459 special (that’s only $38.25/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 93 points “Deep ruby. Assertive aromas of fresh black and blue fruits, potpourri and garrigue, along with hints of cola and anise. Sappy and seamless on the palate, with juicy boysenberry, cassis and floral pastille flavors that flesh out with air. Fine-grained tannins build on the finish, which lingers with excellent tenacity and resonating spiciness.”
Domaine du Pegau Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Reservee 2013 750ML ($69.95) $53.50 special
Case-12 Domaine du Pegau Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Reservee 2013 750ML ($719.95) $588 special (that’s only $49/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 93 points “Deep ruby. Potent aromas of ripe dark berries, licorice pastille, woodsmoke, game and garrigue, plus a peppery nuance that adds spiciness and lift. Round and fleshy on the palate, offering intense blackberry and bitter cherry flavors that become livelier and sweeter with air. The very long, energetic, sharply focused finish features fine-grained tannins and subtle, lingering notes of dark berries and smoked meat.”
FRANCE-ROSE
Chateau de Montfaucon Les Gardettes Rose, IGP Gard 2015 750ML ($14.95) $11.90 special
Winery note “Les Gardettes refers to the guard towers of the Chateau de Montfaucon overlooking the Rhone River. Refreshing and crisp with hints of peaches, raspberries and violets, this easy drinking dry Rose is meant to be enjoyed casually in a jovial spirit. Produced in the traditional saignee method, this wine is full of character and panache.”
Importer note “This beautiful property in the heart of the Coteaux-du-Layon renders an intriguing Rosé from a blend of Grolleau (40%), Gamay (35%) and Cabernet Franc (25%). The Rosé de Loire is bone dry with a marked minerality to its flavor and finish. We find this wine performs admirably at the table, particularly with spicy and piquant foods or with freshly shucked oysters. Certified organic.”
Importer note “The Cotes de Provence Rosé is 60% Mourvedre, 30% Cinsault and 10% Grenache all sourced from declassified Bandol vineyards, and the spirit of the appellation is obvious in the wine.”
Importer note “Our workhorse rosé. The Commanderie cuvée is always a pale rose color, fresh and lively on the palate, nicely dry with a mineral finish. It is a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault, with a touch of Ugni Blanc.”
Domaine Brazilier Tradition Gris Rose Vendomois, Coteaux du Vendômois, Loire 2015 750ML ($17.95) $14 special
VinopolNote: Seven generations of the Brazilier family have farmed the vineyard of Thoré-la-Rochette. The vineyards are biodynamic and the wines are produced with natural yeast fermentation. This Rose is 100% Pineau d’Aunis
ITALY-TUSCANY
Avignonesi Occhio di Pernice Vin Santo di Montepulciano 1998 375ML ($319.95) $279 special
Wine Spectator 97 points “Only Eszencia and PX Sherry have this kind of viscosity, making this one of dessert wine’s unique treasures. Thick, palate-coating and packed with dried fig, treacle, caramel and licorice flavors, this is broken down eventually by its intense acidity, leaving a licorice and molasses aftertaste.”
Antonio Galloni 96 points “The 1998 Vin Santo di Montepulciano Occhio di Pernice shows more minerality, freshness and verve than the Vin Santo, although in this vintage the wines are more similar than is often the case, if that makes sense. A melange of dried figs, espresso, mocha, sage, leather, licorice and cinnamon are woven together in a rich, lush fabric of indescribable class. The finish turns positively explosive, as the final layers of aromas and flavors totally conquer the palate. Occhio di Pernice is made from Prugnolo Gentile (Sangiovese) that was first air-dried for six months, then vinified and aged for more than ten years in small oak barrels. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2028.”
Ian D’Agata – Vinous 96 points “(mainly sangiovese; 15% alcohol): Bright, deep red. Perfumed aromas of raspberry syrup, strawberry jam, balsamic vinegar, clove, cinnamon and aromatic herbs. Fresh, sweet and stylish, with amazingly concentrated, sweet flavors of red fruits, vanilla and baking spices. Finishes exceptionally long and smooth, with bright, harmonious acidity lifting the very sweet flavors at the back and extending the wine’s floral perfume. Next to the Vin Santo, the Occhio di Pernice seems less massive and better delineated, with fresher, less caramelly nuances. They’re both simply amazing sweet wines.”
The next best price is $305
Rose of Sangiovese
ITALY-SICILY
COS Cerasuolo di Vittoria Classico DOCG 2012 750ML ($39.95) $27 special
Ian D’Agata–Vinous 93 points “Bright, dark ruby-red. Highly expressive aromas of dark plum, black cherry, licorice, minerals and violet. Lush, deep and remarkably suave, offering intense blackberry and sweet pipe tobacco flavors with a sexy floral nuance. Finishes very long and velvety, with fine-grained tannins and lingering minerality. This remarkable wine is made from relatively young vines (20 years old) and aged in large Slavonian oak barrels. With its impeccable balance, this is an outstanding Cerasuolo di Vittoria.”
Wine Spectator 90 points “A vibrant red, with light tannins framing flavors of dried marjoram and thyme, crushed currant, wild strawberry and star anise. Finely knit, offering a lasting finish. Drink now through 2021.”
ITALY- FRIULI-VENEZIA GIULIA
Gravner Breg Anfora Venezia Giulia IGT, Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2005 750ML ($89.95) $79 special
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2005 Bianco Breg Anfora has developed beautifully since I first reviewed it last year. Silky tannins frame an expressive core of apricots, orange peel, flowers and sweet spices as the Breg opens up in the glass. The 2005 is a mid-weight Breg that doesn’t quite have the power of other recent vintages, but that may actually work in its favor when enjoyed at the table. The long, harmonious finish makes it impossible to resist a second taste. This is one of the most elegant wines I have tasted from Gravner in a long time, perhaps ever.”
Gravner Anfora Ribolla Gialla Venezia Giulia IGT, Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2005 750ML ($99.95) $79 special
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2005 Ribolla Gialla Anfora is what Barolo might taste like if Nebbiolo were a white grape. A gorgeous, powerful core of fruit sits on frame of grippy yet beautifully integrated tannins. The Ribolla possesses more weight and richness than the Breg, if slightly less aromatic complexity. It is an ideal wine to pair with rich winter stews. I am amazed at how well this wine has come together over the last year. It is another gem from Gravner.”
Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2005 Amfora Ribolla Gialla shows amazing intensity from start to long finish. Famously matured in amphorae made from clay sourced in Georgia, it shows a copper-orange color and brilliant points of luminosity from within. The opulence of the bouquet is broken down into defined aromatic chapters that transition from resin to pine to caramel to graham cracker to candied fruit and crushed mineral. As you would expect from a wine of this level of careful oxidation, those caramelized characteristics outweigh any semblance of fresh fruit. The mouth-feel is firmly etched but polished. Built like a tank, expect this wine to remain intact for years. Drink: 2015-2025. ”
SPAIN
Bodegas Emilio Moro Finca Resalso, Ribera del Duero 2014 750ML ($17.95) $11.90 special
Josh Raynolds Vinous 90 points “Bright violet color. Spicy dark berries on the nose, with a suave floral quality building in the glass. Round and seamless in texture, offering sweet black and blue fruit flavors and a touch of smokiness. Shows more red fruit character on the finish, with silky tannins coming in late to add grip. This fruit-driven Ribera is pretty delicious right now.”
Bodegas Emilio Moro, Ribera del Duero 2012 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special
Wine Enthusiast 91 points “Rooty, earthy aromas of cola, baking spices, blackberry and pepper are potent and ripe. Like always, this is a generous, well-balanced example of Ribera del Duero with toasty oak flavors riding on top of baking spice, plum and cassis notes. Vanilla and mint flavors on the finish are oak-based, while modest heat and burn call for short-term aging. Drink through 2019.”
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 90 points “Vivid ruby. Fragrant red and dark berry compote and licorice pastille aromas are complemented by black pepper and mocha. Smooth and expansive in the mouth, offering gently sweet, appealingly spicy black raspberry and boysenberry flavors. Closes sappy, sweet and long, with supple building tannins. This suave, forward wine was aged in new and used French and American oak barrels for a year.”
Bodegas Emilio Moro Malleolus, Ribera del Duero 2010 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
Wine Enthusiast 94 points “Deep berry aromas blend with sweet, creamy, spicy oak notes on the nose of this cellar-worthy bruiser, which is live-wire, energetic and holding a lot in reserve. A full allotment of oak-driven flavors include coffee, mocha, pepper, baked berry and chocolate. On the finish, it’s huge and tastes of toast, medicinal berry and chocolate-drenched cherries. Drink from 2015–2025.”
Bodegas Emilio Moro Malleolus, Ribera del Duero 2011 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
Wine Enthusiast 94 points “This pure, bullish, smoky Tinto Fino is full of charred blackberry, cassis and licorice aromas. The palate is massive but superbly balanced. Flavors of mocha, black coffee, bitter chocolate, toast, blackberry and cassis finish with power and precision. Drink 2017–2025.”
Free service upgrade only applies on single orders purchased and shipped during the promotional period. Additional fees will apply to orders held for any reason until after the promotional period and shipped by Three Day Select. Offer not valid on pre-arrival items that arrive after the promotional period.
We also offer flat rate shipping on any size single order / single shipment
–Washington & Idaho for $20,
–and California for $25
These rates do not apply to orders held in storage here for any reason.
Multiple orders consolidated into one shipment do not qualify for flat rate shipping.
More Great Values in Champagne
Arriving Friday
“Dehours is increasingly becoming better known among champagne aficionados as a source of mouthfilling, boldly-flavored and terroir-expressive wines.” –Peter Liem
Dehours Grande Reserve Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($69.95) $39 special
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 91 points “(roughly 60% Pinot Meunier, 30% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Noir; 7 g/l dosage): Light gold. Deeply perfumed aromas of poached pear, vanilla, white flowers and toasted brioche are lifted by citrus zest. Supple and expansive on the palate, offering ripe orchard and pit fruit flavors that gain spiciness and a floral element with air. This seamless Champagne finishes long and supple, with clinging pear and honeysuckle qualities.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $52
Dehours les Vignes de la Vallee Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($79.95) $49 special
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 92 points “(55% Pinot Meunier, 30% Chardonnay and 15% Pinot Noir; 7 g/l dosage): Vivid gold. Spice- and mineral-accented orchard fruits on the nose, with a hint of vanilla adding depth. Broad, fleshy pear and white peach flavors are lifted and sharpened by a note of ginger, showing very good clarity and back-end cut. The spicy quality repeats strongly on the incisive finish, which hangs on with mineral-driven tenacity. I’d have guessed that this had a lower dosage, no question.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Winery note “[Translated] Spicy and fresh. Produced from Meunier from the Marne Valley (including still red wine) and Chardonnay aged in barrel. Very low dosage.”
Importer note “55% Pinot Meunier, 45% Old-Vine Chardonnay. The name “Oeil de perdrix” means “eye of partridge” in reference to the pale pink color of the eye of a partridge just after being shot and was an old term for very pale rosé wine resulting from minimal (possibly accidental) skin contact.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
And Arriving Late June:
Terry Theise: “This goes from strength to strength, a serious, vinous, complex Champagne; a mouthful of minerals and pear-blossom; tastes as if it were passed through glacier-dust and scree; ginger, freesia, peony, amazingly long and fastidiously detailed all the way through.”
Round Pond Estate
Under the Radar,
Next to the Legends
“Round Pond remains one of the true under the radar jewels of Napa Valley.”
— Antonio Galloni
Bob and Jan MacDonnell purchased a small parcel in the Valley in the early 80’s; after spending years selling grapes to neighboring estates, Round Pond Estate was created in 2002. The winery now includes 362 acres and is run by the brother-sister team of Ryan and Miles MacDonnell. Their wines are layered and lively, and we’re proud to currently carry three wines from their collection – all seen below.
Available Now from Round Pond Estate:
Round Pond Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford 2013 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 36+ bottles available
Case-12 Round Pond Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford 2013 750ML ($649.95) $536 special, 4 cases available (that’s only $44.67/bottle!)
Robert Parker 92 points “The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford, a blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Petit Verdot and 4% Malbec, is a beauty. It’s also realistically priced by Napa standards. The wine reveals toasty oak, blackberry and cassis fruit, beautiful texture, purity and length. This is a big-time winner and should drink well for 12-15 years.”
Antonio Galloni 92 points “Round Pond’s 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is fabulous. Aromatic, pliant and expressive, the 2013 is incredibly nuanced for such a young wine. Sweet red plum, wild flowers, mint and cinnamon meld together in a medium-bodied, gracious Cabernet that will drink well with minimal cellaring.”
The case price is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Wine Spectator: “Offers an easy-drinking allure, with vivid, snappy notes of berry, light oak, dried herb and fresh tannins. Drink now through 2022.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Antonio Galloni 93 points “Dark red and black fruit, smoke, licorice, new leather and cedar blossom in the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (formerly Bovet). A dark, sumptuous beauty, the 2012 is built on pure texture, resonance and volume. The addition of 8% Petit Verdot adds an attractive dimension of gravitas. This is another striking wine from Round Pond.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Nikolaihof of Austria
Crucial Selections
The Saahs family bought the land in 1894 but was forced to sell it to the German army in 1938, who established a military base atop some of the vines. It then changed hands to the Russians, until a member of the Saahs family bought it back in 1960. At the time, the family had no money for fertilizers and, thus, moved forward in farming without them. Ever since, they have been rigorous followers of organic farming methods and now practice biodynamics.
In 2014, Nikolaihof became the first-ever Austrian winery to receive a 100-point rating from the Wine Advocate. The wine, a 1995 Riesling, makes a fine example of how age-worthy the estate’s wines are. Their Vinothek series of wines began in 1990 – while the prevailing trend in Austria was to drink young wines, the family saved some wines in order to commemorate the year 2000. Upon tasting the wines just prior to the turn of the millennium, they deduced that they weren’t ready yet. That particular wine finally hit market in 2004, and has since given way to Nikolaihof’s tradition of cellaring some cuvees for impressively long spans prior to release.
The estate’s specialty is dry Gruner Veltliner and Riesling with great precision and freshness; they also make fantastic wines across many ripeness levels. We’re fortunate to currently carry a very wide spectrum of their wines, with additional new releases arriving later this month.
Below are a selection of 10 of the 31 wines we offer from Nikolaihof,
including three arriving later this month:
Familie Saahs Nikolaihof Riesling Steiner Hund Reserve Riesling, Wachau 2010 750ML ($89.95) $69 special
David Schildknecht–Vinous 95 points “The nose here fascinates in a distinctively Nikolaihof manner. Elusive suggestions of moss and lichen on wet stone, mothball and salt spray, along with herbal and floral essences introduce a palate performance that adds to their presence roasted peanut, white asparagus, almond and pear for an effect at once satiny and soothing, juicy and subtly piquant. The combination of mouthwatering salinity and mineral intrigue to the nearly endless finish resembles a mouthful of oyster with its green innards and briny liquor. This remarkable libation was bottled in the spring of 2014.”
Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2010 Riesling Steiner Hund is a pure and cool, rather vegetal than fruity flavored Riesling with flinty notes along with aromas of fennel seeds and celery. Still very young, restrained and edgy on the palate, this full-bodied, very pure and mineral wine with its firm and long, tension-filled structure does not show any flesh or juiciness at the moment. However, I wouldn’t call it ascetic, just a little bit drying. This densely woven Riesling is much too rich and too electrifying in the mouth and too long and powerful in the finish to end up as a joyless wine. However, I suppose this promising, firmly structured long-distance runner will never get that round and juicy, but will remain a vital and scraggy (in a positive sense) wine for many years. I would keep it for another 7-10 years before I retaste it again.”
Familie Saahs Nikolaihof Riesling vom Stein Federspiel, Wachau 2013 750ML ($39.95) $33 special
Wine Advocate 92 points “The 2013 Riesling Federspiel Vom Stein offers a clear, ripe and well-concentrated bouquet of white stone-fruit aromas along with some nice terroir notes of herbs and stones. Medium-bodied, fresh and elegant on the palate, this Riesling is full of energy, mineral tension and vibrancy and demonstrates impressively, like great Mosel Rieslings do, that great dry wines do not need high alcohol levels to offer an intense, terroir-driven and stimulating taste. Still very young, this pure, piquant and firmly structured Federspiel reveals a good and piquant finish”
David Schildknecht–Vinous 92 points “Caraway and celery root, apple and lemon, hedge flowers and roses: this smells as though somebody blended in Gewurztraminer. A sappy, silky palate incorporates corresponding complexity, with faintly bitter hints of huckleberry and a bite of radish adding stimulation and a suggestion of oyster liquor saliva-inducement to a sustained, infectiously juicy and (at 11.9% alcohol) strikingly buoyant finish.” DS
Familie Saahs Nikolaihof im Weingebirge Smaragd Gruner Veltliner, Wachau 2012 750ML ($69.95) $59 special
David Schildknecht–Vinous 92 points “An intriguing, ethereal nose suggests iris, ginseng, moss, beet root and a hint of blond tobacco. Beet, turnip and kohlrabi inform a plushly textured, expansive yet for Smaragd amazingly buoyant palate. Alkalinity, stoniness and tincture of iodine lend cut and a certain austerity to a finish that flashes back to the complexity of the wine’s bouquet. Those with a predilection for Nikolaihof wines (such as I) are going to appreciate this bottling more than my score might suggest.”
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Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2011 Riesling Smaragd Vom Stein opens with the ripe charm and winning self-confidence of a warm vintage. Super clear, with ultra-ripe (not overripe though!) and concentrated fruit aromas on the nose along with floral and herbal flavors, there is no cool soul so far, since the baby-fruit takes it all. Full-bodied, rich and powerful on the palate, this is a very juicy but also pure and complex wine still full of finesse, fresh and very, very long. It is a mighty, firmly structured, but nevertheless, refreshing and very mineral as well as elegant Riesling full of energy and vibrancy. The finish is impressively long and filled with tension and the aging potential should be terrific. It’s a great drinking experience today, and I suppose it will always be in the next 20 or 25 years”
Familie Saahs Nikolaihof Riesling vom Stein Smaragd, Wachau 2012 750ML ($79.95) $69 special
David Schildknecht–Vinous 92 points “Bottled in April 2015, this lives up to its name with a stony, alkaline undertone. There is a faintly reductive hint of machine oil that, along with whiffs of gentian and iris, complements fresh and spirituous expressions of apple. The palate impression is fresh, juicy, and buoyant, with floral, mineral and herbal-spicy nuances. It’s a delightful example of the vintage paradox that despite high must weights and advanced flavor ripeness, the best 2012s can be elegant and light-footed. Coriander and fennel seeds add appeal to the sustained finish.”
Familie Saahs Nikolaihof Vinothek Riesling, Wachau 1997 750ML ($219.95) $179 special
Case-6 Familie Saahs Nikolaihof Vinothek Riesling, Wachau 1997 750ML ($1,199.95) $999 special
Wine Advocate 97 points “Aged for 17 years in a domestic 3,500-liter cask before it was bottled in August 2014, the 1997 Riesling Vinothek is the best part of the regular 1997 Riesling Smaragd Im Weingebirge, which was bottled and marketed in late 1998. The aged Vinothek version offers a fascinatingly clear, bright, deep and multi-layered nose with iodine and ripe as well as intense white-fleshed fruit aromas. Full-bodied, full of finesse and elegant, this dry, transparent and mineral Riesling develops a great intensity, complexity and power on the palate, but never leaves its silky road of purity, finesse and transparency. There is a lot of Spiel and tension here, but the most exciting characteristic trait is the intense and very mineral, almost endless finish. How youthful this wine is! And its further aging potential is still terrific. The wine reminds me of certain sherries, white Riojas and Jura wines, although it is not less oxidative. But it spent a long time in cask and has the freshness, complexity and thrilling taste of those. It’s a great, unique and stimulating wine that was bottled with 12.8% of alcohol, 6 grams of residual sugar and 6.5 grams of acidity.”
David Schildknecht–Vinous 97 points “This successor to the almost supernaturally ethereal and haunting 1995 also has to live up to the reputation of a vintage-of-the-half-century. It manages, though! The bouquet is unearthly in its complex amalgam of bittersweetly floral (iris, gentian, buddleia), pungently nutty, subtly smoky (black tea) and elusively mineral (sea breeze, wet stone, faint fusel oil) components. Considering the secondary development signaled on the nose, a surprising intensity of pure white peach, apple and grapefruit emerges sumptuously on the silky palate. The buoyant finish, more tightly clinging and less ethereal than that of the 1995, represents a long, harmoniously undulating interaction of liquid floral perfume, diverse minerality and succulent fresh fruits. I tasted this shortly before its mid-2014 bottling (a rare exception to the Nikolaihof rule against unveiling wines from cask) and did not review that note before tasting seven months later. My first spontaneous word each time was “unearthly.” And happily, my impressions that followed demonstrated that this wine’s amazing personality, including its aromas and textural allure, had made it to bottle scarcely altered. The source vineyard here, incidentally, is the Im Weingebirge whereas the 1995 was from Vom Stein.”
Arriving Later this Month:
David Schildknecht–Vinous 89 points “Scents of clover and hay lead into a cooling, crisp and juicy palate of cucumber, celery stalk and green herbs. This finishes with nuanced diversity and mouthwatering salinity. I won’t be surprised if it becomes more interesting and alluring after a couple of years in bottle.”
Familie Saahs Nikolaihof Riesling Steiner Hund Reserve Riesling, Wachau 2012 750ML ($89.95) $69 pre-arrival special
David Schildknecht–Vinous 95 points “Prominent lemony brightness and underlying alkalinity do not convey an immediate impression of such a ripe, sunny vintage as this was. Aromatically alluring sea breeze, fennel pollen, and green and black tea persist in the mouth, where this wine also grabs hold of the palate and salivary glands in an outpouring of lemon-drenched oyster liquor. The combination of polish and clarity on display is similarly striking, though by no means unusual in an installment of what is in effect the Nikolaihof’s iconic offering. The long, vibrant finish displays kaleidoscopic flavor interactions no less memorable or mesmerizing for their being nuanced and understated; nor is there any let-up in the onrush of marine salinity. The Saahs family bottled this wine in April 2015 and released it just as stocks of its 2010 counterpart were running low, leaving the 2011 behind in cask for now.”
Familie Saahs Nikolaihof Gelber Muskateller, Wachau 2014 750ML ($39.95) $33 pre-arrival special
Terry Theise notes “Ready? Just 10.5% alcohol. Guzzle city! Lime and tarragon, and while it’s not riper than the ’13 it’s substantially fuller; almost a GV vetiver and lots of olive and basil oils; inferential yet impactful, Timut pepper; ethereal yet dense and definite mineral; the finish is gravelly and stern.”
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David Schildknecht-Vinous 90 points “Striking and unusual among wines from this grape for its bright sense of acidity, lean texture and (despite dryness) buoyancy of mere 12% alcohol, here is a mouthwatering Gewürztraminer that genuinely refreshes. Its dominant aromas and flavors are in no way fruity, but rather of bacon and celery seed. Nutty piquancy complements the carnal savor and saliva-inducing salinity of a long finish. “Not long after I took over from my dad,” relates the younger Nikolaus Saahs, “I told him I didn’t much like our Gewürztraminer and wanted to rip out the vines.” Based on this year’s results, both of them are happy, as am I, that a reconciliation and reprieve were negotiated!”
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Produttori 2011 Crus
Status Update!
Some In-Stock Here Now,
Some Re-Arriving Friday
* = Here New
** = Re-Arriving Friday
Antonio Galloni 95 points “The 2011 Barbaresco Riserva Asili is one of the most refined wines in this range. Here the fruit shows more distinctly red-toned notes, with plenty of Asili creaminess, silkiness and overall texture, not to mention considerable density. There is plenty of Asili sexiness and radiance, but at the same time, there is also more tannin and overall brightness than I expected. Not that those things are bad. Far from it. I imagine the 2011 will reward readers with many years of exceptional drinking. This is one of the most polished wines in the range of 2011 Riservas. Then again, it’s Asili.” AG
VinopolNote: In Asili, the grapes are from calcium-rich limestone vineyard land. The vineyard produces exceptionally rich and age-worthy wines.
Produttori del Barbaresco Montefico, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2011 750ML ($69.95) $59 special**
Case-12 Produttori del Barbaresco Montefico, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2011 750ML ($699.95) $619 special (that’s only $51.58/bottle!)**
Antonio Galloni 95 points “The 2011 Barbaresco Riserva Montefico is another of the highlights in this range from the Produttori. Imagine the precision of Ovello, but with slightly darker fruit and more density and power through the middle. That’s the Montefico. A regal, towering Barbaresco, the Montefico should provide thrilling drinking for the next several decades. A rush of dark cherry, plum, smoke, licorice and tobacco add nuance on the powerful, structured finish.” AG
VinopolNote: The Montefico vineyard produces intensely mineral wines with spicy fruit and exceptional ageing potential from the calcareous limestone.
Produttori del Barbaresco Montestefano, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2011 750ML ($59.95) $49 special*
Produttori del Barbaresco Montestefano, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2011 1.5L ($149.95) $119 special
Case-12 Produttori del Barbaresco Montestefano, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2011 750ML ($599.95) $519 special (that’s only $43.25/bottle!)**
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2011 Barbaresco Riserva Montestefano is one of the least expressive of these wines. Inward, powerful and explosive, the 2011 is not in a mood to show much today, that is pretty clear. Still, there is an obvious energy here that is impossible to miss. A firm spine of tannin gives the wine much of its signature power. Dark red cherry, smoke, pomegranate and scorched earth blossom on the dramatic finish. A wine of real density and gravitas, the 2011 Barbaresco Riserva Montestefano stands out for its pure, unbridled energy and overall intensity.” AG
VinopolNote: The Montestefano vineyard produces a dark, ripe and rich wine with thick texture.
Produttori del Barbaresco Muncagota, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2011 750ML ($49.95) $39 special*
Case-12 Produttori del Barbaresco Muncagota, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2011 750ML ($469.95) $419 special (that’s only $34.92/bottle!)**
Antonio Galloni 90 points “Soft, caressing and voluptuous, the 2011 Barbaresco Riserva Muncagota is the sweetest and most open of these 2011 Riservas. Hard candy, wild flowers, mint and sweet spices meld together in a sensual, inviting Barbaresco that will drink nicely pretty much upon release. The 2011 strikes an attractive middle ground of raciness, texture and structure. As such, it will be one of the best early drinkers in this range. This is a gorgeous Muncagota.” AG
VinopolNote: Muncagota has a South-Eastern exposure and produces elegant and floral wines with lingering tannins.
The average price is $50
Produttori del Barbaresco Ovello, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 1.5 ($149.95) $119 special**
Case-12 Produttori del Barbaresco Ovello, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 750ML ($599.95) $519 special**
Antonio Galloni 94+ points “The 2011 Barbaresco Riserva Ovello, from one of the coolest zones in Barbaresco, is superb. Here it is the wine’s precision and energy – both hard to come by in 2011 – that really stand out. Pine, mint, chalk, bright red berries, blood orange and white pepper are some of the signatures in a brilliant, finely-cut Barbaresco that captures the best of both the vintage and this site. Don’t miss it!” AG
VinopolNote: Expect the Ovello wines to be full of rich red fruit.
Produttori del Barbaresco Paje, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2011 750ML ($59.95) $49 special**
Case-12 Produttori del Barbaresco Paje, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2011 750ML ($599.95) $519 special (that’s only $43.25/bottle!)**
Antonio Galloni 95 points “One of the highlights in this range, the 2011 Barbaresco Riserva Pajè is also one of the most classic of these 2011 Riservas. Beams of underlying acidity and minerality give the flavors considerable thrust and brightness. Sweet mentholated notes wrap around a core of plush, red-fleshed plum and pomegranate fruit, leading to a brisk, refreshing finish. What is left to say? The 2011 Pajè is absolutely gorgeous. It’s as simple as that. Pajè is one of the cooler micro-climates the Produttori work with, and that was a help in 2011.” AG
VinopolNote: With its South-Western and Western exposure, the Paje vineyard produces complex wines with bright fruit aromas.
Produttori del Barbaresco Pora, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2011 750ML ($59.95) $44 special*
Case-12 Produttori del Barbaresco Pora, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2011 750ML ($519.95) $459 special (that’s only $38.25/bottle!)**
Antonio Galloni 92 points “The 2011 Barbaresco Riserva Pora is sweet, round and sensual. Beautifully layered in the glass, the Pora is absolutely exquisite, with plenty of sweet red cherry, plum, mint and spice notes woven throughout. The Pora is typically the most open of the Produttori’s nine Riservas, as it is once again this year. There is so much to like here.” AG
VinopolNote: Pora vineyard wines are lighter, with rich fruit and earthy notes, and integrates tannin more quickly.
Produttori del Barbaresco Rabaja, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2011 750ML ($89.95) $69 special**
Produttori del Barbaresco Rabaja, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2011 1.5L ($179.95) $149 special**
Case-12 Produttori del Barbaresco Rabaja, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2011 750ML ($699.95) $679 special (that’s only $56.58/bottle!)**
Antonio Galloni 95+ points “The 2011 Barbaresco Riserva Rabajà is quite backward today, with intense, salivating tannins that cut through the fruit. The trademark Rabajà balsamic flavor profile is there, with notable darkness and plenty of structure that add complexity to a core of crystalline fruit. Energetic and powerful, with searing tannin and exceptional balance, the Rabajà is going to require considerable patience. The only question is how much.” AG
VinopolNote: Wines from the Rabaja vineyard are complex with silky tannins and dark fruit aromas.
Produttori del Barbaresco Rio Sordo, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2011 750ML ($59.95) $44 special**
Case-12 Produttori del Barbaresco Rio Sordo, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2011 750ML ($519.95) $459 special (that’s only $38.25/bottle!)**
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2011 Barbaresco Riserva Rio Sordo is a bit darker and more ample than it usually is, a signature of the year. With time in the glass, the typical soaring floral/spiced Rio Sordo bouquet emerges. Dark, sensual and beautifully expressive, the Rio Sordo is another wine that will drink well with minimal cellaring.”
VinopolNote: The Rio Sordo vineyard produces elegant, lingering wines with silky tannins and medium body.
Ca del Baio 2013
Great Estate,
Great Vintage
Arriving Late June
Case-12 Ca’ del Baio Asili, Barbaresco DOCG 2013 750ML ($449.95) $338 pre-arrival special (that’s only $28.17/bottle!)
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Ca’ del Baio Valgrande, Barbaresco DOCG 2013 750ML ($31.95) $26 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Ca’ del Baio Valgrande, Barbaresco DOCG 2013 750ML ($359.95) $279 pre-arrival special (that’s only $23.25/bottle!)
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Antonio Galloni 95+ points “An absolute stunner, the 2011 Barbaresco Riserva Asili, emerges from the glass with a mélange of exotic, beguiling aromatics. Lavender, pine, rose petal, savory herbs and melted road tar form a fabric of nearly indescribable beauty. Proprietor Giulio Grasso elected to leave the wine on its skins until the end of November. Power and finesse have never been so seamless here. Although just bottled, the 2011 Asili Riserva is a great wine in the making.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Going Out With a Bang:
The Classics Corner
Biondi Santi Tenuta Greppo Riserva, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2006 750ML ($699.95) $369 special
Wine Spectator 97 points “A mix of sweet cherry, raspberry, floral, tobacco, tea and balsamic flavors mingle in this complex and layered red. The acidity and tannins are present and well-integrated as this remains elegant and harmonious on the lingering finish. There’s a racy aspect, with a tobacco and mineral aftertaste. Best from 2016 through 2035.”
Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva comes across as a bit reticent. It reveals lovely detail and nuance, but without the firmness of many other young vintages. Today the 2006 is quite accessible. I will be surprised if it doesn’t start shutting down at some point. Regardless, the 2006 appears to be built more on finesse rather than power. Freshly cut flowers, hard candy and licorice are layered into the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2046.”
The next best price is $499.99
Salon ‘Cuvee S’ Le Mesnil Blanc de Blancs 2004 ($519.95) $399 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni Vinous “I have tasted the 2004 Salon a few times now, starting with a bottle disgorged a la volee about a year ago. Now in finished form, the 2004 Salon is simply one of the greatest young Champagnes I have ever tasted. The 2004 vintage produced dazzling, crystalline Blancs de Blancs. That is exactly what readers will find in the 2004. Unlike other taut Salons (1996 comes to mind), the 2004 has such phenomenal balance that is virtually impossible to resist young. It is a superb Champagne.”
Here @ Vinopolis in June. The most elusive of Champagne’s grand marques; made only in what the house considers to be the very best years. In fact, Salon has been bottled just 38 times since 1905, its first vintage.