Wine Enthusiast 91 points “Bright, tart fruit conjures up fresh raspberries and cranberries, with potent acids and light hints of metal shavings and dried leaves. A lovely wisp of cinnamon toast elevates the finish.”
Winery note “The 2013 Thistle Pinot Noir has a beautiful nose of baked cherry pie, candied orange peel and sweet oak spice. The palate welcomes you with a medley of red fruit, orange, toasted hazelnut and a hint of nutmeg. It’s a pretty wine with a broad, uplifting and lingering finish. Best from 2016 to 2021.”
Vinopolnote: In contrast to the reviewers, we liked this wine better than the three 2014’s listed in New Arrivals below!Bergstrom Wines Shea Vineyard Pinot Noir, Yamhill-Carlton District 2015 750ML ($69.95) $59 special
Winery note: The 2015 vintage marks 12 years of Bergström Wines working with Shea Vineyard. Of the 140 acres planted in this world class vineyard site, 15 acres of fruit comes to our winery, making us the largest producing client of the 22 wineries working with the Sheas. These steep and shallow marine sedimentary soils give way to powerfully tannic wines that are blessed with a sweet berry perfume. The 2015 Shea Pinot Noir has a dark, red ruby color. The aromas are bright red fruited, primarily rhubarb and strawberry with a sweet toasted oak, brown sugar and hint of baking spices. Vibrant and juicy with great texture, this wine showcases the ripe vintage but maintains freshness with lush cherry flavor.
Vinopolnote: The ’15 displays a Burgundian edge we’re really liking – the ‘14s presented a big, almost monolithic side of Pinot Noir, while the 2015 Shea Vineyard is quick on its feet, led with a beautiful minerality and a complex, seductive presentation in the glass which seems to flow, evolve, and change with every sip. Truly outstanding, and the perfect selection to occupy the drinker’s time as we anxiously await the 2015 Bergstrom estate wine.
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 91 points “Bright ruby. Intensely perfumed aromas of black raspberry, cola, mocha and Indian spices. The palate offers a range of red and dark berry preserve notes lifted by tangy acidity, with a smoky quality emerging on the back half. The spicy finish features impressive cling and lingering sweetness. I’d let this age for a few more years but it shows good complexity now.”
Vinopolnote: With Josh Raynolds’ review in mind, we’re pleased to revisit the wine a few years later… What a difference six years in the winery cellar makes! The wine displays beautiful integration, making it a lovely opportunity to experience Oregon Pinot with some graceful age on it…
NEW ARRIVALS – Oregon
Winery Notes–“One of our favorite wines on the production team. We craft this wine from the Temperance Hill Vineyard and estate barrels that create a wine that is based on vibrancy, minerality and succulence. There are classic Chardonnay aromas of citrus blossoms, lime and citrus zest, saffron, savory and spicy and a mineral expressions like the smell of wet stones. On the palate this wine has astounding purity with tight and powerful structure that is energetic and all about citrus and stone fruits but has a delicious core of sweetness that makes this wine so delicious now but will be hard to resist in 3-5 years. Please decant before serving if you are enjoying this wine in 2016.”
Winery Note: This is a blend of 50% Molly’s Vineyard Chardonnay and 50% Johan Chardonnay we crafted in 2014. We like to pick our Chardonnay when acids are strong, sugars are in balance, and flavors pronounced. Our Chardonnay is whole-cluster pressed to battel where the juice ferments uninoculated. Following a long primary and malolactic fermentation, the wine continues to rest and concentrate in barrel without racking for a total of 14 months followed with 6 weeks in stainless steel tank before being bottled. 85 cases produced.
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Wine Advocate 89 points “The 2015 Viognier, which mostly comes from Southern Oregon, has an attractive bouquet with scents of honeysuckle and jasmine emerging from the glass, neatly avoiding any blowsy tendencies. The palate is well balanced with crisp acidity, a pleasant saline note, terse at first but I appreciate the tension and salinity on the finish. This is a well-crafted Viognier that should drink well for 5-7 years.”
Winery note: This is a blend of barrels that we believe best represent the 2013 vintage. This bottling is comprised of barrels from four vineyards: Stormy Morning Vineyard, Whistling Ridge Vineyard, Molly’s Vineyard, and Johan Vineyard.
Tasting notes: Aromas of vibrant red cherries and cranberries with hints of orange peel and cinnamon in the background. With time and air, notes of cola flowers, and raspberry emerge to complement the primary aromas. On the palate this wine offers crunchy acidity, a nice creamy texture, and youthful chewiness – which is all wrapped in a delicate package that represents 2013.
Winery note: This is a blend of Syrah barrels from three vineyards in different regions of Oregon, which we feel best represent the 2013 vintage. These vineyards include Deux Vert in the Willamette Valley, Belmont in Southern Oregon, and Steelhead Run in the Applegate Valley of Southern Oregon.
Tasting notes: Aromas of deep, spicy red plum and blue fruit are complemented with notes of chocolate, grilled meats, salt-cured olives, coffee, and tobacco. On the palate this wine is fresh and vibrant, with a great density to both the texture and finish. It tastes a lot like it smells, with lovely notes of minerals, saline, coffee, and bitter chocolate on the finish.
Wine Enthusiast 95 points– Cellar Selection “Bright raspberry and strawberry flavors kick off this well-balanced effort. It’s buoyed by ample natural acidity and adorned with highlights of pastry and baking spices. It expands gracefully as it breathes, adding volume and density. Give this extra cellar time. It should drink best from 2018–2030.”
Winery note “Perfumy and seductive nose with dried rose petals, wild strawberry, red cherry compote, candied orange peel and nutmeg. Satiny and complex on the palate, with generous bright red cherry, pomegranate, savory notes and lots of tension. The layered finish evolves endlessly on the palate. This is a beautiful wine, another great expression of the Estate vineyard. It needs time to reveal its full beauty; best from 2018 to 2028.”Ayoub Overlook Vineyard Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2014 750ML ($59.95) $51.90 special
Wine Enthusiast 93 points “Made for the first time in this vintage, this young wine is tight and brambly, with tart, peppery berry fruit. Chewy tannins denote its youth, and the finish delivers outstanding depth. If it follows the path of other Ayoub Pinots, this will benefit greatly from further bottle age.”
Winery note “This is my first release from this vineyard, which is a great site located ¼ mile from the Estate Vineyard. Very aromatic with crushed blackberry, raspberry, tobacco and nutmeg. The palate gushing with a medley of red and black berries, subtle hazelnut, white pepper and licorice. The long, silky and juicy finish envelops your palate. Gorgeous wine! Best from 2017 to 2024.”
Ayoub Vineyard Memoirs Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2014 750ML ($39.95) $36 special
Wine Enthusiast 93 points– Editor’s Choice “The entry-level Pinot in the Ayoub lineup would be the top cuvée for any number of wineries. Full and fruity, with rich cherry flavors backed with defining minerality, it’s powerful, deep and immaculately clear.”
Winery note “Memoirs is my fond personal tribute to my family. The picture on the 2014 label was taken with my father and siblings in 1964 on the beach in Beirut, Lebanon. The 2014 Memoirs is a blend of Pinot Noir crafted from six select vineyards in the Dundee Hills & McMinnville AVAs. The diversity of the vineyards gives this wine a wide array of layered flavors & complexity. A smoky, spicy, sultry wine. Wraps the nose with sassafras and spiced cherry pie, then builds to fever pitch with ripe, rich, muscular structure loaded with an array of black and red fruit laced with exotic spices. The mouth-coating finish is balanced and persistent. Best from 2016 to 2022.”
Crowley Four Winds Vineyard Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2014 750ML ($49.95) $44 special
Winery note: As it is for the Chardonnay, this 22-year-old high-elevation vineyard is ideal for fresh, acid-driven and austere Pinot Noir. Classic Pinot in nature, this wine displays a beautiful ruby color indicative of the high-elevation sedimentary soils, and delivers balanced fruit with texture and acidity. 15-20% whole cluster in the fermentation gives the wine additional aromatic layers and texture.
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Winery note: 100% Pommard. LaColina was our very first vineyard contract in 2005 and we proudly continue to grow our holdings within this beautiful south Dundee Hills site. In addition to being a sentimental favorite of ours, LaColina has quietly become a cornerstone vineyard for the Crowley brand as it continues to deliver the highest quality fruit year in and year out. Farmed and managed by George Hillberry.
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Vinopolnote: One of our first 2015 releases – this time from a long-favored Willamette Valley producer.Bergstrom Wines ‘Silice’ Pinot Noir, Chehalem Mountains 2014 750ML ($69.95) $59 special
Winery note: “The 2014 Silice Vineyard Pinot Noir has a very dark ruby color. This wine is robustly aromatic showcasing the sweet spicy and floral character that these silica-rich soils are known for with notes of: gingerbread, black licorice/anise, sweet violets, dark raspberry, red roses, black cherry and tar. The flavor profile is of sweet candied dark fruits enveloped in suave but copious fine grained tannins. Youthful and charming at the same time.”
Bergstrom Wines Le Pre Du Col Vineyard Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2014 750ML ($69.95) $59 special
VinopolNote: The Le Pre du Col (or ‘meadow on the mountain’) is planted to marine sedimentary soils in the Ribbon Ridge AVA. The winery describes the AVA as offering Pinots sweet cinnamon spice and ripe Oregon strawberry and cherry aromas.
Bergstrom Wines ‘Cumberland’ Reserve Pinot Noir, Yamhill-Carlton District 2014 750ML ($44.95) $39 special
Winery note: Our 14th vintage of the Cumberland Reserve Pinot Noir is a stunning example of what biodynamic farming and estate blending can achieve in the Willamette Valley. This is our finest assemblage of our five estate vineyards (primarily from the Silice and Le Pré du Col Vineyards with small amounts of Bergström Vineyard, Winery Block, and Gregory Ranch Vineyard.) Josh Bergström refers to the Cumberland Reserve Pinot Noir as his “business card” Pinot Noir as it showcases the Bergström style, his take on a vintage, a philosophical and olfactory example of what great Oregon Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley should taste like. “Oregon Pinot Noir should always showcase the triumvirate of fresh fruit, sweet baking spice characters from the soil, and a fresh forest floor, loamy, earthiness.” This is the Cumberland Reserve Pinot Noir that he has always been striving for.
Teutonic Wine Company “Traubenwerkzeug” Pinot Noir 2014 750ML ($44.95) $36.60 special
Winery note “Wahlstrom Vineyard is located in Wilsonville Oregon, about 30 miles south of Portland in the Willamette Valley. These vines were planted in 2006 on a decommissioned gravel quarry so the soil consists of mostly rocks, basalt and gravel. The minerality from this site expresses itself beautifully in our lighter-style, lower-alcohol Pinot Noir.”
NEW ARRIVALS – Washington
Wine Advocate 95-97 points “Coming from an older vineyard planted next to Dick Bushey’s Bushey Vineyard, Smith’s 2013 M C K Syrah (this stands for Motor City Kitty) is inky colored and off-the-charts good, with layers of black fruits, olive tapenade, crushed rock and pepper. Massive, full-bodied, decadent and voluptuous, it’s certainly not for those craving lightweight aromas and flavors and dishes out immense pleasure.”Owen Roe Sinister Hand Red, Columbia Valley 2015 750ML ($27.95) $24 special
Winery note: This generous fusion of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, and Cinsaut is easily approachable while displaying undeniable complexity. The Grenache portion of the blend contributes cranberry and raspberry candied fruit notes, while the Syrah fragment delivers darker fruits and savoury characteristics. Mourvedre enhances the structure and richness of the body and provides delicate aromas of violets. Our partially carbonic macerated Cinsault brings liveliness and tropical fruit flavors to the blend. Try pairing with a smoked salmon dish with cranberry sauce and grilled portabello.
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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.”
NEW ARRIVALS – California
Antonio Galloni 92 points “Mount Eden’s 2014 Chardonnay Old Vines, from a site in Edna Valley, is pretty, understated and gracious. Pear, white flowers and sweet spices are all nicely delineated throughout in this super-attractive, mid-weight Chardonnay. Readers will have a hard time finding a better wine for the money. The Old Vines is the current incarnation of the Wolff Vineyard Chardonnay Mount Eden used to bottle. Because of low yields in Wolff, Jeffrey Patterson augmented that fruit with fruit from Stoller and Niven. Quite simply, this is a fabulous wine for the money.”
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The average price is $22
Wine Spectator 94 points “Pure, rich and layered, with dense, mocha-laced blackberry, black licorice, dill, anise and cedar notes. The flavors keep unraveling, ending with a long, sustained finish. Best from 2015 through 2028.”
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The average price is $62
Stephen Tanzer 92 points “Bright purple. Displays sexy dark berry liqueur, cherry-cola, vanilla, violet and tobacco aromas and a hint of allspice. Broad, fleshy and sweet, offering palate-coating black and blue fruit flavors and a strong floral quality. Aeration brings up exotic Indian spice notes that carry through the sweet, gently tannic finish. Smooth, seductive and approachable now but will age effortlessly.” ST
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Winery note “Tasting notes: Medium deep garnet color. Aromas of dark berry compote with hints of fig, baking spices and black pepper. In the mouth the aromas are echoed but with a bit more brightness due to its excellent acidity. Still fairly tannic. Decanting and/ or opening a couple of hours ahead of drinking is highly recommended for this young pup!”
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Antonio Galloni – Vinous 92 points “Domaine Eden’s Cabernet Sauvignon remains one of the real undiscovered gems in California. Plump, juicy and exuberant, the 2012 offers gorgeous breath and intensity throughout. Red-fleshed fruit, sweet spices, mocha and flowers are all pushed forward. The interplay of expressive, pliant fruit and classic structure is compelling. Readers can look forward to another decade or so of fine drinking.”
Antonio Galloni – Vinous 91 points “The 2014 Old Vine Zinfandel is deep, rich and luscious, with plenty of up-front fruit and tons of appeal. More of a field blend than a true Zinfandel, the 2014 is soft and forward, with expressive red-fleshed fruit, bright acidity and terrific overall balance. The Old Vine is 77% Zinfandel and a generous 23% mixed blacks. Best of all, the Old Vine Zinfandel is a fabulous value.”
NEW ARRIVALS – France / CHAMPAGNE
Antonio Galloni 96 points “Magnificent in its complexity and pure breeding, the 2002 Extra Brut Celebris has it all. The Extra Brut style confers the signature Gosset drive, while extended time on the lees has given the wine just enough texture and body to fill out nicely. In the meantime, the aromas and flavors have mellowed into those that are typical of Champagne entering the first plateau of its maturity. The 2002 is vinous, fleshy and super-expressive, yet retains striking freshness throughout. Candied lemon peel, apricot jam, honey, mint, spices and sage form a compelling fabric of flavors and textures in a knock-out Champagne that is peaking today. The 2002 is 52% Chardonnay, 48% Pinot Noir from vineyards in Aÿ, Bouzy, Verzy, Chouilly and Cramant.”
Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2002 Celebris Vintage Extra Brut displays a noble, clear, fresh and subtle bouquet with white fruit and brioche flavors intertwined with mineral aromas. Silky textured and highly elegant, this full-bodied yet delicate blend of 48% Pinot Noir and 52% Chardonnay is clear and straight on the palate, revealing a ripe and intense, yet refined fruit. It has a persistent and complex, firmly structured, stimulatingly pure and salty finish. Great finesse and ethereal lightness here, with great purity and mineral tension. It also has the intensity of perfect fruit in the long and persistent finish. A great Champagne for the next ten and probably many more years.”Pierre Peters Cuvee Speciale ‘Les Chetillons’ Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut 2008 750ML ($149.95) $136 special
Wine Spectator 95 points “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.”
NEW ARRIVALS – France / Burgundy
Wine Advocate 88 points “The 2014 Bourgogne Aligoté, which was bottled in July, has a terse, stony bouquet with scents of cold granite, quite steely and almost Puligny-like in style. The palate is a little shrill on the entry. There is good acidity here with sour lemon and freshly squeezed lime on the finish.”
John Gilman 93-94+ points “The 2014 Charmes-Chambertin was also late finishing up its malo, and unlike the Eche´zeaux, it was not all that happy about being tasted. This wine had not yet absorbed all its new wood and was showing a bit chewy, but all the constituent components are in place for this wine to snap into place with a bit more elevage. The nose is a promising blend of black cherries, cassis, grilled meat, espresso, dark soil tones and spicy new oak. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, long and rock solid at the core, with fine focus and soil signature, ripe tannins and a long, chewy and adolescent finish.”
Wine Advocate 92-94 points “The 2014 Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru has an exquisite bouquet with blackberry, bilberry and cassis fruit. This is very elegant and linear, great precision here. The palate is very well balanced, structured with citrus-infused blackcurrant fruit. There is that titillating prickle of salinity on the finish, a Mazoyères-like Charmes that should age well over the next 15-20 years.”Domaine Roulot Auxey-Duresses Premier Cru 2014 750ML ($99.95) $89 special
VinopolNote: From 30-40 year old vines planted in clay and limestone.
Domaine Roulot Monthelie, Cote de Beaune 2014 750ML ($89.95) $79 special
From Pinot Noir vines planted in the late 80’s to 0.36 hectares of clay/limestone soils
Louis Latour Vignes Franches, Beaune Premier Cru 2012 750ML ($79.95) $69 special
Wine Spectator 91 points “Ripe cherry, plum and subtle licorice flavors highlight this rich, round red, which is open and fruity, with fine harmony and a long, licorice- and tobacco-tinged finish. Best from 2017 through 2026.”
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Wine Spectator 92 points “Strawberry and wild cherry aromas and flavors highlight this delicate yet firm red. Linear and long, with an aftertaste of flowers and spice. Best from 2016 through 2030.”
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The average price is $86
NEW ARRIVALS – France / BORDEAUX
Wine Spectator 91 points “Alluring, with lemon curd, citrus oil, white peach and candied grapefruit peel notes streaking along together, backed by a twinge of quinine that beautifully offsets the rich feel. Gros Manseng, Sauvignon Gris, Savagnin and Mondeuse Blanche. Drink now through 2017.”
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Robert Parker 93 points “An amazing success in this vintage, the dark ruby/purple-hued 2008 reveals its noble terroir in its complex aromatics of spring flowers and burning embers/charcoal. A medium to full-bodied mouthfeel displaying no hard edges and a seamless integration of acidity, tannin, alcohol and wood result in an approachable, already evolved wine that can be drunk now or cellared for 15+ years.”Chateau Malescot-St-Exupery, Margaux 2009 750ML ($179.95) $149 special
James Suckling 98 points “A wine with intense spice and berry character with hints of sweet tobacco. It changes all the time from flowers to fruit and wet earth. Full-bodied with super fine tannins and ripe fruit. It’s long and juicy with lovely fruit. Super long and beautiful with fine tannins that last for minutes. Tight now but juicy and gorgeous. Best ever from here.”
Chateau du Tertre, Margaux 2009 750ML ($69.95) $59 special
Robert Parker 92 points “A seductive, opulent, textured Margaux with notes of licorice, black fruits, asphalt, pen ink and truffle, this is one of the finest du Tertres ever made. It has a hedonistic quality to it, but at the same time, there is great class, precision and freshness to this full-bodied, concentrated, but very supple-textured wine. Drink it over the next 20+ years.”
Wine Spectator 95 points “Big, rich and juicy. Voluptuous, with aromaas of caramel, apple and light tropical fruit. Full-bodied, round and very sweet, with loads of ripe fruit and a long butterscotch and piecrust aftertaste. viscous texture. Hard not to drink it now. A wonderful sticky. Best after 2010.” WS
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The average price is $78
NEW ARRIVALS – France/ SAUTERNES
Wine Spectator 95 points “Honey, apple tart and lemon rind. Full-bodied, medium-sweet and very spicy with intense flavors of mace, apple and honey. Long finish. Thick and powerful. Best after 2010.”
NEW ARRIVALS – France / LOIRE VALLEY
Wine Spectator 93 points “Solidly ripe, with a full-bodied core of ginger, pear and persimmon notes allied to a racy spine that lengthens the finish, letting ginger, quince and green almond accents play out. This should age well in the cellar. Best from 2017 through 2027.”Domaine Huet Vouvray Le Mont Sec 2015 750ML ($39.95) $33.60 special
Wine Spectator 93 points “A light echo of baked apple leads off, followed by quince, powdered ginger and verbena notes at the core. The long, minerally finish features rippling acidity. Still tight, so let this unwind in the cellar. Best from 2017 through 2027.”
Domaine Huet Vouvray Clos du Bourg Demi-Sec 2015 750ML ($47.95) $39 special
Wine Spectator 94 points “Quite ripe, with tropical mango and papaya notes mixed with peach, apple and quince flavors. Pretty ginger and heather details fill in the background, while the finish shows a well-embedded mineral edge, imparting tension to match the opulence. Best from 2017 through 2030.”
Importer note “This ancient, walled vineyard has the estate’s shallowest, stoniest soils. The wines are rich and intense. Many consider this to be Vouvray’s finest single vineyard site. Size: 6 hectares Orientation: South-facing Soil: Limestone-rich clay soils — the stoniest of the three crus. Viticulture: The vines are farmed using biodynamic methods and harvested by hand. Vinification: Undergoes temperature-controlled fermentation in large, old oak demi-muids as well as stainless steel vats. There is no encouragement of the malolactic fermentation, thus many Huet wines remain rich in malic acid, a character that brings an age-worthiness to the wines. The concentration of residual sugar in demi-sec cuvées is traditionally around 10-20 g/l.”
Wine Spectator 94 points “Features a wide range of apple, green melon, ginger and green plum notes gliding throughout, with the off-dry edge imparting a flattering feel. Latent minerality lengthens the finish. Best from 2017 through 2030.”Domaine Philippe Tessier Cour-Cheverny La Porte Doree, Loire 2015 750ML ($31.95) $28 special
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Winery note “Coming from 15 parcels of old and young Cabernet Franc vines, Tuffe is a blend from different “terroirs”, scattered around Saumur and Dampierre/Loire. Here the common denominator is the tuffeau (around Saumur, we would say “la Tuffe”), which can be found at anything from 1 foot to a couple of yards underneath the surface. Differences in soils, exposition, age of the vines: this patchwork is the real nature of the Saumur-Champigny appellation, and we want “Tuffe” to be an example of the charm of our appellation. From a serious basis of really ripe Cabernet Franc grapes, this is a really serious wine… But which doesn’t take itself too seriously! Its delightful lack of pretention that will please one and all!”
NEW ARRIVALS – Italy / PIEDMONT
Wine Advocate 94 points “Smack from the start, the 2010 Barbaresco shows full-on Gajissimo personality with irresistible opulence and intensity, magically contrasted against remarkable smoothness and finesse. Everyone wants to know his secret. The wine delivers seductively rich concentration and integrated oak that is offset by a delicate portfolio of chiseled mineral, dried berry fruit, Spanish cedar, crushed herb, anisette and blue flower. Fruit is sourced from 14 vineyards in Barbaresco. It already leaves a mark, but will reward those who wait. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2028.” WAFalletto di Bruno Giacosa ‘Falletto’, Barolo DOCG 2007 750ML ($249.95) $189 special
Wine Spectator 96 points “An elegant, fruity style, boasting raspberry, cherry and floral aromas and flavors. This is pure and delicate for the commune, with fine intensity, finesse and depth. The tannins mesh beautifully with the wine’s silky texture, ending with an excellent finish. Just surprisingly open and approachable. Best from 2014 through 2032”
Stephen Tanzer 95 points “Good deep red. Perfumed, complex nose melds plum, red cherry, mocha, tobacco, wild herbs and spices. Sweet, silky and seamless, with almost painful intensity to its fruit if not yet as complex in the mouth as on the nose. Healthy acidity accentuates the wine’s perfume. Finishes with very suave tannins and outstanding floral persistence. Said Dante Scaglione: “I thought 2007 in Serralunga would be great from the moment of the harvest.”
Mauro Molino Barolo DOCG, Piedmont 2011 750ML ($41.95) $36 special
Wine Spectator 91 points “A wine with pretty dried fruit and berry character. Full body, chewy tannins and a fruity finish. Better in 2017.”
NEW ARRIVALS – Italy / Tuscany
Wine Advocate 90 points “The La Fortuna 2011 Brunello di Montalcino reminds us of the elegant and nuanced side of Sangiovese that can be harnessed even in a challenging vintage like this. Despite the warm growing season, this wine shows depth and precision with wild berry tones that are followed by lingering aromas of balsam herb and licorice.”
James Suckling 90 points “A soft, velvety red with plummy, juicy flavors. Full body, lovely tannins and a flavorful finish.”La Fortuna ‘Giobi’ Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2010 750ML ($149.95) $119 special
Wine Spectator 96 points “Perfumed aromas of strawberry, cherry and rose burst from the glass, while wild berry, spice, tobacco and tea notes follow through and linger on the finish. Though tannic, there is sweet fruit to match. Shows fine equilibrium overall. Best from 2018 through 2032.”
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Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2010 Torrione is exception and a very reasonable value. It opens with elegant richness and soft tones of black cherry, licorice, spice and dark leather. The style is opulent and confident for this mostly Sangiovese-based wine. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024.”
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NEW ARRIVALS – Italy / VENETO
Winery Notes “Colour: ruby red with purple glints. Aroma: flowery notes of red rose and sweet violet, fruity hints of cherry, wild black cherry, plum, fruits of the forest such as blackberry, redcurrant, blackcurrant and raspberry. Flavour: well-balanced, flavoursome and fresh. Intense and medium bodied despite its youth.”
NEW ARRIVALS – Germany
Wine Advocate 94 points “Fine, beautifully fragrant, almost floral Pinot aromas emerge from the glass of the 2011 Brauneberger Klostergarten Pinot Noir **, quoting wild strawberries, redcurrant and caramel intertwined with subtle slate and most delicate, smoky flavors. Full-bodied, intense and powerful, but also elegant and balanced, this sweet and ripe Pinot has a remarkable finesse and freshness leading to a persistent finish of great delicacy and aging potential. This Pinot speaks with a French accent and should develop over the next 10-15 years.”
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The average price is $60
NEW ARRIVALS – Spain
Robert Parker 92 points “The 2014 Romanico is the better value of the two, with fabulous, dense blackberry and cassis fruit, with licorice, camphor and forest floor. It is dense, full-bodied, opulent, and a dazzling example of a wine made from modest yields of 31 hectoliters per hectare from their younger and middle-aged vineyards. It is 100% Tinto de Toro and their largest production cuvée. It is a sensational buy at $17.00, tasting more like a wine that costs three times that price.”
NEW ARRIVALS – Portugal
Wine Spectator 88 points “Ripe and juicy, with plenty of Asian spice notes to the dark plum and cherry pie flavors, followed by hints of ginger and dark chocolate on the lush finish. Drink now through 2019.”
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Wine Advocate 96 points “The 2000 Fonseca continues to exude finesse and focus on the nose, with pure blackberry, juniper berries, licorice and a touch of sloes, perhaps as Adrian Bridge remarked, just beginning to close after ten years in bottle. The palate is underpinned by very fine tannins, a sensual, svelte texture with wonderful acidity. The harmony and symmetry is alluring, the finish precise and demonstrating the persistency to suggest a long future ahead. Drink 2020-2060.”
NEW ARRIVALS – Greece
Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2015 Assyrtiko, Sigalas’ monovarietal Santorini, comes in at 14% alcohol. If this isn’t the unoaked wine of the vintage so far, it is pretty close and certainly on my short list. As always, Sigalas is not necessary the big blockbuster, but the winery provides superb concentration in its own right. Yet, the result always seems very graceful. When you realize how many layers there are, it seems hard to believe because it shows so well on first taste. It doesn’t seem overly big. It doesn’t seem to be hiding anything. Yet, it is. The wine always shows better with a few years in the cellar, or a day or two later. (Or, decant it. Do an experiment: taste half a bottle undecanted and compare to a decanted half bottle.) The tastings on the second day were really what sold on me this. It was fine on the first day, but impressive on the second. The concentration, finesse, balance and structure always serve this wine in good stead. This year, its purity of fruit seems even more impressive. It is a gorgeous Sigalas, mingling understatement, fine persistence and purity. Do yourself a favor and give this about three years in the cellar (maybe five). They always blossom. It is a wine that will not only hold, but improve. As I’ve stated recently, this category needs some reevaluation upwards, so it is not really that this is so unique. That said, this is still an exceptional Sigalas.”
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James Suckling 94 points “A silky and refined red with currant, berry, mineral and dried flower aromas and flavors. Full-bodied, flavorful and delicious. A blend of sangiovese, cabernet sauvignon and merlot. Drinkable now but better in 2017.” JS
The average price is $26
Wine Advocate 91-93 points “Marc Cameron described his 2014 Chablis Grand Cru Bougros as the “big bad boy of the group.” It has a glorious bouquet, perhaps partly because unlike other vintages there is some new oak in the blend. But it works well. The palate is clean and fresh with bright citrus peel and orange zest notes, the wood element more expressive toward the finish. It perhaps lacks Chablis typicité, but you’ll still polish off a bottle without a murmur of complaint.”
Burghound 90-93 points “Ample but not dominating oak influence surrounds the ripe green fruit and floral aromas that also exhibit plenty of Chablis typicity. The big-bodied, muscular and overtly powerful flavors possess good concentration and impressive amounts of dry extract, all wrapped in an explosively long finish where the wood reappears. This is not really my style but it is clearly a Bougros of quality.”
Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 91+ points “(done entirely in oak): Brisk aromas of lime, white peach, spearmint, white pepper and fresh-cut grass are complemented but not overwhelmed by a strong note of cinnamon spice. Juicy, savory and nicely concentrated; less oaky in the mouth than on the nose, with the orchard fruit and lime flavors leading to a saline finish featuring a touch of sweetness from the wood and good tannic grip. A very promising Bougros.”
Antonio Galloni 92-94 points “The 2013 Montevertine is pliant and expressive, with lovely mid-palate resonance and gorgeous depth. Today, the Montevertine comes across as a bit raw and unpolished, especially next to the sublime Pergole Torte, but it nevertheless shows ample potential as well as pedigree, not to mention multiple dimensions to its personality. This sample was a bit unsettled, which suggests it might have been racked recently. Still, the overall texture is impossible to miss.”
The average price is $58
Wine Spectator 93 points “This rich red shows a deep core of plum, bramble and mineral, with notes of loam and game that impart a savory character. Solid tannins support a thick texture, while balsamic acidity keeps this balanced. Austere but harmonious. Drink now through 2024.”Altesino Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2011 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 36+ bottles available
Case-12 Altesino Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2011 750ML ($599.95) $549 special, 2 cases available
Antonio Galloni 92 points “Altesino’s 2011 Brunello di Montalcino opens with beguiling aromatics. Sage, licorice, menthol and sweet tobacco flesh out nicely as the wine shows off its ample, broad personality. The tannins could use another year or two to soften, but all the elements are very nicely balanced throughout. This gracious, silky Brunello will drink well for the next decade-plus.”
James Suckling 92 points “This is long and delicious with lovely cherry, chocolate and fresh walnut flavors. Linear yet open with persistence and joy. Drink now.”
Dujac + Hudelot-Noellat
Two Princes of Pinot
(Barons of Burgundy?)First off, two 2013’s from Dujac arriving this week:
Antonio Galloni 93-96 points “The 2013 Clos St. Denis is a wine of detail, nuance and precision. All the classic Clos St. Denis signatures are present, but it’s almost as if they are expressive in miniature in the 2013. Feminine and supple throughout, the 2013 Clos St. Denis shows the more finessed side of Morey, and it does so in grand style.” AGDomaine Dujac Clos de la Roche Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits 2013 1.5L ($1,499.95) $1,249 pre-arrival special, 3 magnums available
Antonio Galloni 94-97 points “Another superb, multidimensional wine, the 2013 Clos de La Roche boasts remarkable complexity, starting with exquisite aromatics, finely-sculpted fruit and firm yet polished tannins. Layers of flavor flesh out in all directions in a resonant, expansive Burgundy endowed with pure pedigree. There is a lot going on in the glass, although it is the wine’s totally sublime sense of harmony that is most captivating at this early stage. I can’t wait to taste the 2013 from bottle.” AG
‘Where do I sign up?’ Look no futher!
Burghound “Outstanding Top value. A very fresh and expressive nose of red and black pinot fruit is nuanced by a discreet earthiness that continues onto the fleshy, delicious and surprisingly fine flavors that are really quite lovely for this level. Worth strong consideration and this could be enjoyed almost immediately.”
Burghound “A very fruity, fresh and attractive nose of red berries that is in keeping with the largely fruit-driven character of the pretty and supple flavors that possess reasonably good depth and more refined tannins than are typically found at this level.”
Poe 2014’s Arriving This Week
Winery note “The Ferrington vineyard was first planted in the late 1960s. It has a gentle south-facing slope, and has decomposed sandstone and clay soils with three to four feet of topsoil. Wineries sharing this site include William Selyem, Copain, Flowers, and Littorai. The Chardonnay from this site is fermented with native yeast in 30% new French oak, 70% neutral French oak. The wine is never stirred, and ages on its fine lees for 12 months before bottling. The 2013 Chardonnay from this vineyard has beautiful purity and focus. The aromatics give way to white flowers, lemon oil, crushed rocks, and honey is enticing. There is beautiful bright acidity, and envelopes the palate with flavors of peach, apricot skin, pear, quince and citrus. High-toned floral and stone fruit notes add lift on the linear, lengthy finish.”Poe Manchester Ridge Vineyard Chardonnay, Mendocino 2014 750ML ($41.95) $36.60 pre-arrival special
Winery note: Manchester Ridge sits at a 2,000 foot elevation above Anderson Valley. The vineyard is 400 feet above the fog line. The cool steady temperatures allows the grapes to maintain acidity.
Poe Manchester Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir, Mendocino 2014 750ML ($57.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Grapelive 93 points “The talented Samantha Sheehan’s POE wines are beautifully and artfully crafted wines from expressive cool climate sites, most in and around Anderson Valley and Mendocino County, except for her powerful Van der Camp Vineyard from Sonoma Mountain, her focus is classic Burgundy style Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Her 2014 wines offer everything that is lovely and graceful about these varietals, they are richly flavored, layered with poise, silky tannins and vibrant acidity, these pure and mineral driven wines make it hard to pick a favorite in the lineup, but I decided to highlight this gorgeous Manchester Ridge Vineyard Pinot from Mendocino Ridge, just because, honestly all of them are great, this is a label to get into! The nose has flinty spices, wonderful rose petal florals and red fruit, it shows a pure ruby and garnet hue in the glass and the satiny medium body gives the mouth a sublime textural feel without heaviness, while still being alive and full of energy, this is a top drawer effort from Sheehan. Black cherry, tangy plum and a hint of blueberry flow across the palate with dusty/chalky stones, rose hip tea spice, hints of cedar and a touch of cinnamon and smoky vanilla linger with wild raspberry and tart currant on the lengthy finish. This pretty Pinot Noir is a real charmer and seduces completely with stylish and classic detail, it should prove a winner in the cellar too, and while I think the firmer Van der Camp might go longer in distance, this beauty will gain with age, drink from, well, now until 2029 at least!”
Poe Van der Kamp Vineyard Pinot Noir, Sonoma Mountain 2014 750ML ($49.95) $41.90 pre-arrival special
Winery note: The Van der Kamp Vineyard lies at the very top of Sonoma Mountain, at a 1,400 foot elevation looking down on the town of Glen Ellen to the east and Bennett Valley to the northwest. It is possibly the oldest planting of Pinot Noir in the state, planted in the early 1950s. The Van der Kamp family handpicks the grapes at night, and we deliver it to the winery just before sunrise. Depending on the vintage, we ferment a percentage of the grapes whole cluster. We allow the fermentation to begin with native yeast, and gently foot tread the fermentation two to three times per day. The wine is aged on the lees for 12 months in 30% new French oak, 70% neutral French oak before being bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Winemaker Notes “The Chardonnay this year stands out for its purity and focus. The nose of white flowers, lemon oil, crushed rocks, and honey is enticing. This wine has beautiful bright acidity and envelopes the palate with flavors of peach, apricot skin, pear, quince and citrus. High-toned floral and stone fruit notes add lift on the linear, lengthy finish.”
New Arrivals & Pre-Arrivals
To Start Us Off, Some Lopez de Heredia Arriving This Week:
Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2004 Viña Tondonia Reserva is a completely different story. It is a worthy follower of the 2001, the greatest of the Viña Tondonia Reservas of recent times. It has the usual blend and usual levels of alcohol and acidity, bottled after six years in oak barrels. The nose feels savory (if that’s possible–umami?) and developed, with tertiary aromas and good balance between spices, leathery notes, cherries and balsamic notes of cigar box and incense. The palate is both round and crisp, with refined tannins. It has very good balance with subtle acidity and very good persistence.”
Stephen Tanzer 94 points “Light gold. Explosively perfumed nose offers an array of citrus and orchard fruits, with exotic nuances of mace, chamomile and honey. Rich and deeply pitched but almost shockingly vibrant, offering spicy pear, nectarine and lemon pith flavors. Suavely blends richness and vivacity, finishing with excellent clarity and length. This should age at a snail’s pace.”ST
Wine Advocate 93 points “The 1991 Vina Tondonia Blanco Gran Reserva offers shaved almond, lemon rind, honeysuckle and dandelion on the well-defined nose that demands coaxing. The palate is crisp on the entry with dried honey, dried mango and citrus peel on the entry, fanning out towards a complex, resinous finish with a hint of rosewater on the aftertaste. Drink now-2020+ “R. Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia ‘Vina Gravonia’ Crianza Blanco, Rioja DOCa 2006 750ML ($31.95) $28 special, 4 bottles remaining
Wine Advocate 94 points “The warmer 2006 Viña Gravonia Crianza, a white inspired by the wines from Graves (hence the name), is pure Viura matured in well-seasoned oak barrels for four years and bottled unfiltered in November 2011. The nose does not transmit any heat whatsoever, showing notes of chamomile, beeswax, honey and aromatic herbs. The palate is sharp, medium-bodied with great acidity and freshness that is both clean and persistent; it is more austere than exuberant, which was a real surprise. Overall, it is tasty and supple. The Gravonia vineyard is very old and naturally-balanced, which shows in the wine. Against all odds, the 2006 is showing better than the 2005 today.” (04/2015)
R. Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Gran Reserva, Rioja DOCa 1964 750ML ($1,199.95) $999 special, 3 bottles available
Decanter 98 points / Wine Spectator 95 points “Extraordinary. Sweet vanilla and dried berry aromas and flavors have an unexpected richness in this vibrant red. Impressive for its balance of concentration and elegance; firm tannins meld with a creamy texture. The long finish defines traditional Rioja at its best.”
R. Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia ‘Vina Bosconia’ Gran Reserva, Rioja DOCa 1981 750ML ($249.95) $199 special, 3 bottles available
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 94 points “Faded red. Gorgeous, multidimensional aromas of dried red fruits, white flowers, spicecake, leather, underbrush, graphite and lavender sachet. Silky and seemingly weightless, with a haunting crystalline purity to the sweet strawberry and redcurrant flavors. Sweetly insinuating on the finish, with lingering mineral and strawberry flavors. A remarkable wine that’s completely out of step with today’s styles: this is the stuff that gets die-hard Rioja traditionalists all weepy.”
R. Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Gran Reserva, Rioja DOCa 1981 750ML ($249.95) $199 special, 9 bottles available
Wine Advocate 95 points “The 1981 Vina Tondonia Gran Reserva has a vibrant nose reminiscent of coeval Burgundy, with scents of citrus peel, orange rind, singed leather and a Tuscan delicatessen. The palate has a penetrating orange peel and tart cherry entry with potent earthy notes at its core. It is supremely well-balanced with an energetic finish underpinned by crisp dry tannins. This wonderful Rioja is drinking perfectly now and will age effortlessly. Drink now-2020+ ” (08/2012)
R. Lopez de Heredia Vina Bosconia Gran Reserva, Rioja DOCa 1995 750ML ($179.95) $149 special, 2 bottles remaining
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 95 points “(80% tempranillo, 15% garnacha, 3% graciano and 2% mazuelo): Dark red. A kaleidoscopic bouquet evokes candied red fruits, incense, pipe tobacco and potpourri, with hints of woodsmoke, leather and Asian spices gaining strength in the glass. Silky and sweet, with intense raspberry liqueur and bitter cherry flavors that take a darker turn with air. Tangy acidity adds lift and focus to a strikingly long, sappy finish. This wine belies its age with its vivacity.”
Wine Advocate 94 points “The 1995 Vina Bosconia Gran Reserva has an alluring leather, dried orange peel and strawberry leaf scented bouquet that blossoms beautifully in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine, elegant tannins. It is both precise and exquisitely defined with hints of cured meat and leather towards the graceful finish. Drink now-2018+”
R. Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2003 750ML ($47.95) $33 special, 19 bottles available
Case-12 R. Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2003 750ML ($499.95) $359 special, 5 cases available
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 92 points “Bright ruby-red. Ripe cherry, vanilla and floral pastilles on the smoky, oak-spiced nose. Sweet and supple on the palate, offering pliant red fruit and spicecake flavors with suave mocha and vanilla bean nuances. Quite lively and fresh for a wine from a hot vintage, and showing no excess fat. Finishes sweet, toasty and very long, with smooth tannins making a late appearance.”
Wine Spectator 91 points “Cigar box, cedar and balsamic notes frame cherry, raisin and licorice flavors in this lean, firm red. Displays grip and focus. A traditional style. Drink now through 2023.
R. Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia ‘Vina Bosconia’ Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2004 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 36+ bottles available
Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2004 Vina Bosconia Reserva is a blend of 80% Tempranillo, 15% Garnacho and the remaining 5% Mazuelo and Graciano aged for five years in used barrels, racked twice per year and fined with egg whites before being bottled unfiltered. Dark ruby-colored, with notes of beef blood, iron, antique shop, incense, blood orange and a touch of volatile acidity, the palate is very fresh, with good concentration, clear flavors and enough grip and fruit to age gracefully. A perfumed and feminine great Rioja. The Bosconia vineyard wines are the only ones from Lopez de Heredia bottled in Burgundy bottles. Drink now-2024.” WA
R. Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia ‘Vina Cubillo’ Crianza, Rioja DOCa 2007 750ML ($29.95) $24 special, 36+ bottles available
Wine Advocate 91+ points “The 2007 Viña Cubillo Crianza is the most affordable red. It is a wine that was born to go with tapas and to be sold at local restaurants showing a combination of fruit and the earth where the vines grow. It is a blend of the usual 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacho, 5% Graciano and 5% Mazuelo fermented in old oak vats with natural yeasts and matured in barrel for three years. The intoxicating nose shows blood orange, bitter cherries, leather and spices in a subtle and balanced way. The palate is sinewy, polished, has good acidity and is not terribly complex nor powerful, but is built more on the subtlety and lightness.This could well be the best Cubillo of recent times.”
Bartolo MascarelloArriving in October
Barolo Vintage 2007
Secure your bottles of this very highly-sought-after cellar treasure!
Antonio Galloni 97 points “Mascarello’s 2007 Barolo shows just how compelling this vintage can be, even now. Sensual, layered and totally voluptuous in the glass, the 2007 shows the more flamboyant side of Barolo. I find the wine’s voluptuous, engaging personality impossible to resist. Sure, 2007 is not a classic vintage, but when a wine is this good, I say: Who cares?”
The Perfect Gift
(For Yourself or Someone Else!
Long Shadows Gift Box 2014
Arriving Late October
Note: Contains one 750ML bottle each of Long Shadows’ six acclaimed red wines, packaged together in a beautifully etched wood box:
Feather: Randy Dunn selects the Cabernet Sauvignon the Feather from a diversity of sites: the estate Benches Vineyards for dark fruit and earthiness, the Wahluke Slope for structure and ripe tannins, and two of Washington State’s oldest vineyards, Weinbau and Dionysus, for complexity. The wine is concentrated and beautifully balanced; Feather might best be described as ‘an iron fist in a velvet glove.’ This incredibly complex wine offers an array of fresh berry aromas, complimented by spicy, dark cherry and dried current flavors that persist on the palate.
Pedestal: Produced by one of the world’s most famous winemakers, Michel Rolland. Rolland selects the Merlot from the Conner Lee and Dionysus Vineyards as well as from the estate Benches Vineyards to produce an unusually complex Merlot. Tapteil Vineyards Cabernet from Red Moutain gives it its strength and extra richness. The wine shows intense, fruit-forward notes, bursting with fresh blueberries, ripe plum, cedar and spice. Good concentration in the wine adds to its pleasing mouth feel; balanced acidity enhances its appeal. Supple tannins are well-integrated on the entry, across the mid-palate and throughout a long, layered finish.Sequel: John Duval, formerly the the iconic Penfolds Grange, chose the Columbia Valley as his “Sequel” for the continuation of his life’s work with Syrah. He uses grapes from the Benches Vineyard for its dark flavored fruit, the Red Mountain Vineyard adds structure, and Boushey Vineyards add elegance. A generous and concentrated wine of great character, Sequel is notable for its deep purple hue, rich aromatics and layers of flavor. Almond, dark chocolate and cherry notes fill the glass, complemented by hints of black licorice, blackberry, cocoa powder and a touch of smoke.
Saggi: Father and son team Ambrogio and Giovanni Folonari teamed up to produce a wine that showcases Washington’s terroir with plenty of Italian character. Saggi, meaning ‘wisdom,’ is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Syrah. The Folonaris selected Sangiovese from a 1993 planting at Boushey Vineyard which provides delicate flavors and silky tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon from Stone Tree Vineyard and Syrah from Bacchus and Boushey Vineyards enhance the wine’s refined texture. Dark cherry aromas and raspberry flavors combine with a hint of nutmeg and smoky earthiness. An elegant entry in the front of the mouth reveals refined tannins with focused concentration, enhanced by the wine’s rich and supple mouth feel.
Chester-Kidder: Allen Shoup selected winemaker Gilles Nicault to produce his vision of a wine that says “this is how good Washington wine can be.” The back bone of this wine is Cabernet from Walla Walla and nearby Candy Mountain. Its deepness and darkness is Syrah from the estate’s Benches Vineyards in Horse Heaven Hills. Finally, a unique complexity is produced by the Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc from the Sagemoor farms. Aromas of dried figs and cocoa powder, along with hints of tamarind and toasty oak are followed by intense violent and blueberry jam flavors beautifully integrated around a spicy core.
What’s the Story of the Year?[We’ll Give You a Hint:]
AJ Adam… Donnhoff… Peter Lauer…
