Newsletter – Vinopolis – July 6th, 2016

Perrier-Jouet Belle Epoque Brut, Champagne 2007 750ML ($199.95) Was $99, Now $88, 36+ bottles available here now
Wine Enthusiast 95 points “For Perrier-Jouët the symbols of the Belle Epoque are the house calling card. This prestige cuvée, in its stylish flowered bottle, has been released with good maturity, offering toast as well as fruit and a crisp, tight and mineral backdrop. There is an elegant style to the wine, fresh and with poise. Drink now.”
Wine Spectator 93 points “Driven by smoky minerality, this firm and balanced Champagne offers a subtle palate of pineapple pâte de fruit, blackberry tart, lemon preserves and fleur de sel. Offers a long-lasting finish. Drink now through 2027. 600 cases imported.” WS

Krug Brut, Champagne 2003 750ML ($279.95) $199 pre-arrival special, ETA July 8th
Wine Spectator 95 points “Like taffeta in texture, this harmonious Champagne is finely honed and fresh. A wonderfully expressive version, with ample spice and graphite accents to the blackberry pâte de fruit, coffee liqueur, dried apricot, singed orange peel and crystallized honey notes. Hard to stop sipping.”
James Suckling 95 points “A rich nose with deep, ripe chardonnay and pinot noir, red fruits, some dark mushrooms and plenty of grilled nuts, plus caramel, some deep spices, dried citrus, lemon peel and bready aromas. The trademark complexity is here and it freshens with air. The palate is intricately detailed and stitched together like needlework; very precise, very even. The acidity is articulated with some finesse and yet it has much more in terms of phenolics as the leading structural component. The phenolics are rich and ripe, sitting polished and even around immensely concentrated fruit with flavors of peach, nectarine and white cherry. The finish is deep, even and resonant. Drink now but rest assured it will hold for a very long time, just like Krug has proven in other warm years like ’76.”

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.

Salon ‘Cuvee S’ Le Mesnil Blanc de Blancs 2004 750ML ($519.95) $399 pre-arrival special, ETA July 2016
Antonio Galloni – Vinous 97 points “The 2004 Salon has been superb each time I have tasted it over the last year or so. Bright, tense and crystalline, with all of the energy that is typical of both Salon and the vintage in the Côte des Blancs, the 2004 bristles with superb precision and cool, pulsating minerality. The 2004 spent a dozen years on its lees. Over the last six months or so, it has gradually begun to open up, but it is very much a wine for the cellar. Two thousand four is remembered as a vintage with record high yields. Salon (and Delamotte) did a terrific job in keeping the vines well balanced. Production was just 46,000 bottles, as opposed to the 60,000 or so that is more typical. Chef de Caves Michel Fauconnet opted for a low dosage of just 4 grams per liter. This is a tremendous showing.”Antonio Galloni Continues: “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.”Wine Spectator 94 points “Elegant, featuring up-front, ripe aromas and flavors of dried apricot, crystallized honey and candied kumquat, giving way on the creamy palate to more subtle notes of raw almond, fleur de sel and star anise.  Mouthwatering, with a chalky underpinning and a lovely, satiny finish.  Drink now through 2026.”AN

Looking for something special for your summer soiree? Explore the wines from Antoine Arena! The whites are round and generous, with bright acidity that makes them excellent on their own on hot summer days or great all-around pairings with lighter snacks, salads or chicken. Firing up the grill? Why not try one of the reds? With rustic, earthy tones reminiscent of Pinot, these are top picks for pairing with burgers, pork or fire-roasted veggies. We’ve got the lowest prices on each cuvee, many far below the next listed price out there, so stock up!

Domaine Antoine Arena ‘BG’ Bianco Gentile, Corsica 2011 750ML ($49.95) $29 special, 3 bottles available
Wine Advocate 91 points “Arena’s 2011 BG – Bianco Gentile- exhibits a remarkable nose mingling roasted peanut, toasted hickory, high-toned citrus oils, and melon liquor. Pineapple and juicy Persian and honeydew melon form the matrix of a lush palate, with the zesty citrus as well as toasty legume and nut notes found in the nose serving as striking accents, accompanied by a more predictable suggestion of myriad scrubby herbs. The combination of expansiveness with vivacity and grip is impressive, and I suspect that these now 15-year-old vines are telling us that they have insinuated themselves into the chalky mother rock, as perhaps also intimated by the decidedly stony and alkaline undertone to this wine’s long finish.”

Domaine Antoine Arena ‘BG’ Bianco Gentile, Corsica 2012 750ML ($49.95) $21.90 special, 36+ bottles available
Vinopolnote: From a miniscule, half-hectare vineyard of clay and limestone soils planted in the late-90’s. Bianco Gentile is an ancient varietal which Arena had discovered and had genetically tested; the wine is rich, complex, tangy, and broad. Salty sea air and peach fruit qualities make for great concentration and a long, lingering finish – this would be fantastic with rich seafood dishes!

Domaine Antoine Arena Patrimonio Carco Blanc, Corsica 2012 750ML ($49.95) $29 special, 27 bottles available
Wine Spectator 91 points “A rich and refined white, with concentrated flavors of dried pear, white peach, apricot and guava that are supported by ample acidity. Well-structured, featuring loads of minerality and a lingering, pure-tasting finish. Vermentino. Drink now through 2018.”

Domaine Antoine Arena Patrimonio Grotte di Sole Blanc, Corsica 2012 750ML ($49.95) $24 special, 24 bottles available
Vinopolnote: 100% Vermentinu from a one-hectare vineyard planted sixty years ago in clay-limestone soil. Rich and structured, it’s quintessentially Corsican and deserving of placement alongside the fresh catch of the day!

Domaine Antoine Arena Patrimonio Grotte di Sole Rouge, Corsica 2011 750ML ($49.95) $21.90 special, 14 bottles available
Wine Spectator 89 points “The dark cherry and black currant fruit has an edgy feel, with lots of bramble, holly and cassis bush notes rippling underneath. Tangy anise and sanguine accents line the finish, presenting a light hint of leather in the background.”

Domaine Antoine Arena Patrimonio ‘Morta Maio’, Corsica 2011 750ML ($49.95) $29 special, 18 bottles available
Importer’s note: Hand harvested (yields usually around 35 hl/ha). Natural fermentation, with infrequent doses of sulfur, cement cuve, no oak. Long macerations from 6 to 9 weeks, with regular punch-downs. Long élévages, up to 2 years. No fining, no filtration. The Morta Maio vineyard was planted in 2001 with only Niellucciu. There is just a single cuvée from this parcel, the Patrimonio “Morta Maio” Rouge. This is often the most approachable of the reds when young—dark, earthy, chewy and juicy.

Domaine Antoine Arena Muscat du Cap Corse, Corsica 2012 750ML ($49.95) $21.90 special, 7 bottles available
Vinopolnote: 100% Muscat Blanc a Petit Grains – a rare varietal planted on steep limetone soils.  The wine boasts apricot, peach, and Mirabelle plum notes, alongside honey and lightly floral elements which lead to a caramel-tinged finish. A no-brainer accompaniment to foie gras.

Inman Family Wines OGV Olivet Grange Vineyard Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley 2010 750ML ($49.95) $33 special, 36+ bottles available
Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 93 points “(made with one-half whole clusters and 12.5% alcohol): Bright ruby-red. A heady, spice-accented bouquet displays scents of strawberry preserves, potpourri and incense, complemented by a lively note of white pepper. Silky, spicy and lithe, with an alluring sweetness and bright mineral cut to its intense red fruit and floral pastille flavors. Pure and seamless pinot, with great upfront appeal and a delicacy that hearkens to the Old World. The “OGV” here stands for Olivet Grange Vineyard, the Inmans’ home property. They are unable to use the word “Grange” in the wine name because of legal challenges.” ST

Domaine de la Terre Rouge Ascent Syrah, Sierra Foothills 2012 750ML ($99.95) $79 special, 12 bottles available
Wine Enthusiast 96 points “This has a grand array of exotic flinty, meaty, smoky and spicy aromas. The powerful flavors taste a bit restrained at first sip, then unfold and seem to expand on the palate. Pure and brilliant layers of ripe blackberry, smoked herbs and darkest chocolate ride on an elegant texture of fine tannins and supportive acidity. Drink from 2018–2030.”

Domaine de la Terre Rouge Les Cotes de l’Ouest Syrah 2012 750ML ($21.95) $18 special, 3 bottles available
Wine Enthusiast 92 points “A bold but well-behaved wine, this is spicy and meaty in aroma, generously layered with flavors of black plums, blackberries and incredibly velvety tannins. The way that the core of delicious fruit is shrouded in thick but soft tannins and threaded with acidity is a marvel. It’s tempting to drink now but lay it down until 2018 if possible.”

Domaine de la Terre Rouge DTR Ranch Syrah, Fiddletown 2012 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 11 bottles available
Wine Enthusiast 94 points “This is a big, flavorful wine, luscious in aroma, flavor and texture from the first whiffs of spicy oak and funky earth through saturated blackberry and clove flavors. The texture is both velvety and almost stiff at the same time. Drink now through 2020.”

Domaine de la Terre Rouge High Slopes Syrah, Sierra Foothills 2012 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 12 bottles available
Wine Enthusiast 94 points “Focus and precision describe this wine. Subtle aromas of grilled herbs and wood smoke precede dark flavors of just-ripe black cherries and blueberries. A sleek texture of firm tannins and refreshing acidity gives a lot of personality. It is medium to full bodied, and will only get better with time. Best after 2020.”

Domaine de la Terre Rouge Syrah Sentinel Oak Vineyard Pyramid Block, Shenandoah Valley 2012 750ML ($99.95) $33 special, 3 bottles available
Wine Enthusiast 95 points “Built for aging, this tightly wound, elegant and yet grand wine is sure to develop more nuances and smoothness with time. It smells enticingly like cedar, tobacco and dark chocolate-covered blueberries, yet retains a firmness and reserve that doesn’t let those melt into richness on the palate quite yet. Store this confidently in a cool place and enjoy it 2020–2025.”

Hayfork Lewelling Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon, St Helena 2012 750ML ($79.95) $59 special, 12 bottles available
Robert Parker 96 points “The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Lewelling Ranch, which is actually a great value in the scheme of Napa pricing, is a blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Petit Verdot that was aged for 20 months in 70% new French oak. The wine displays gorgeous licorice, lead pencil shavings, black currants, loamy soil undertones and a touch of barrique. Dense purple, it has a full-bodied, multi-layered mouthfeel and a stunning finish with good acidity and velvety, well-integrated tannin, alcohol and wood. This is a scrumptious, full-throttle Cabernet Sauvignon to drink over the next 15 or so years.”

Radio-Coteau ‘Wingtine’ Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast 2014 750ML ($79.95) $69 special, 5 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 94 points “Radio-Coteau’s 2014 Chardonnay Wingtine, from the famed Charles Heintz Vineyard, is a terrific example of that site. Chamomile, honey, apricot pit and wild flowers give the wine its characteristic texture, while the pulsating acidity that is so typical here keeps the flavors bright. I especially admire the freshness and energy of the finish.”

Radio-Coteau ‘Timbervine’ Syrah, Russian River Valley 2013 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 6 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 93-95 points “Bright, floral and energetic, the 2013 Syrah Timbervine is shaping up to be a real jewel of wine. Beams of supporting acidity and tannin give the Timbervine much of its considerable vibrancy. Sweet floral and savory notes add lift on the precise, striking finish. Readers who appreciate finely-sculpted, mineral-driven Syrahs will flip out over the Timbervine.”

Radio-Coteau ‘La Neblina’ Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast 2013 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 6 bottles available
Grapelive.com 92 points “Eric Sussman’s Radio-Coteau 2013 La Neblina is a juicy and expressive Pinot Noir with vibrant flavors and rich detail, exuberant in it’s youth, but with solid underlying balance. The 2013 feels fuller and riper than the last few vintages with more body, though you’d expect that from a more normal growing year and the tannin is super plush and satiny making for a lush and forward wine. I expect this wine with mellow a bit in bottle and age remarkably well, it certainly will focus out in with some time, even though it will thrill and excite in it’s youth. The palate shows layers of fruit with black cherry leading the way with plum, sweet raspberry and pomegranate adding to the whole along with subtle mineral, spice and polished acidity. The nose is fruity, but with pretty floral tones and color is a vivid ruby in this native yeast fermented and very naturally crafted Pinot Noir. Elements of earth, cinnamon, cedar and red peach flesh come out with air adding complexity, so I believe there is more potential rewards to come in this Radio-Coteau, with patience this wine should reach the next level. While you allow this one to gain in the cellar, be sure to check out the County Line wines also by Sussman, they are a stunning value, especially the Pinot, Rose and Zinfandel offerings and don’t forget the Radio-Coteau Syrah, another killer wine. The upfront La Neblina Pinot Noir can be enjoyed now, it is very joyous and giving, but more pleasure awaits, best from 2018 to 2024.”

Kapcsandy Family Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Vin State Lane Vineyard 2014 ($499.95) $399 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 97-100 points “Another seamless, absolutely impeccable wine, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Vin saturates every corner of the palate. Magnificent, rich and unctuous yet with a classic sense of balance, the 2014 hits all the right notes. The flavors are deep, bold and incredibly intense throughout. Graphite, savory herbs, tobacco, menthol and licorice wrap around the voluptuous finish. At this early stage, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Vin is without question one of the most compelling wines I have tasted at Kapcsándy .”

Domaine des Cassagnoles Gros Manseng, IGP Cotes de Gascogne 2015 750ML ($14.95) $11.90 special
Case-12 Domaine des Cassagnoles Gros Manseng, IGP Cotes de Gascogne 2015 750ML ($149.95) $119 special (that’s only $9.92/bottle!)
Winery Notes–“The Gros Manseng produces fleshier, more ample wines with fruity apricot and pear aromas. It is a lively wine, but not to excess, with a persistent final. It may be kept for several years and should be drunk chilled, at a temperature of 10/12°”

After thirty years of growing the autochthonous grapes of Tenerife, including centenarian Listán Negro and Blanco vines, Suertes del Marqués founded its own winery in 2006. The estate owns 27 acres, all on the north part of the island, where the soil is composed of sand and clay on volcanic soils. Note that phylloxera never arrived on Tenerife, so rootstocks are not used, and the vines are never irrigated. Suertes del Marqués purchases another 37 acres of grapes from local growers. Organic vineyard practices dictate the winegrowing, and everything in the vineyard and cellar is done by hand. Fermentation takes place in concrete vats, pumping is kept to a minimum, and most wines are aged in neutral French oak. Spain has the greatest biodiversity in all of Europe, and these wines from Tenerife, compared to La Rioja or Priorat, add more proof.

Decanter Magazine, October 2015: “[Suertes del Marqués] pursues a strictly hands-off philosophy, flirting with natural wine ideologies and following some biodynamic practices. Minimal sulphur dioxide is used, only indigenous yeasts are employed, and the wines are never filtered or fined. The naturally low yields created by these old vines, climate and soils are celebrated, and across the Suertes del Marqués range the wines capture the freshness and agility that mark so many of the most exciting contemporary fine wines.”

Suertes del Marques 7 Fuentes Tinto, Valle de la Orotava, Canary Islands 2013 750ML ($21.95) $18 special, 28 bottles available
Wine Advocate 92 points “The QPR champion 2013 7 Fuentes is a blend of Listán Negro and 15% Tintilla (the local name given to Trousseau) from different plots on volcanic soils of ungrafted, old vineyards. Each plot is fermented separately with indigenous yeasts in cement vats and small bins. Sixty-five percent of the wine matures in cement and the rest is transferred to 500-liter oak barrels for a period of seven months. After some initial reduction (give it an energetic decanting) there are showy aromas of dried flowers, white pepper, pumice, volcanic ash and perhaps some plums with savage, meaty undertones. The palate is silky with supple tannins framing the red fruit and pungent flavors that are intermixed with notes of volcanic rocks. It reminds me quite a lot of the 2011 that is pure minerals. This is one to buy by the case; it is a bargain” WA
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 91 points “(98% listan negra and 2% tintilla; aged for eight months in a combination of concrete tanks and 500-liter French oak barrels): Brilliant red. Spice- and mineral-tinged red fruits on the intensely perfumed nose and palate. Fine-grained and very well balanced, with sexy floral pastille and incense qualities coming up with aeration. Finishes with strong mineral cut, no obvious tannins and excellent spicy persistence.” JR

Suertes del Marques La Solana, Valle de la Orotava, Canary Islands 2012 750ML ($27.95) $24 special, 6 bottles available
Wine Advocate 92 points “The 2012 La Solana is a single-vineyard Listán Negro planted with very old, ungrafted vines at 300-450 meters altitude on volcanic soils, probably their oldest vineyard. The wine aged for one year in 500-liter French oak barrels. It feels serious and closed, ripe with plums, violets and rocks, developing more perfume with time in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied, with fresh, acid red fruit flavors and a mineral, earthy finish with the dried roses making a glorious comeback in the finish. 9,000 bottles.” WA
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 91 points “Brilliant ruby. A complex bouquet evokes intense raspberry, floral and mineral scents and a hint of Asian spices. Vibrant and precise on the palate, offering lively red fruit flavors that gain sweetness with air. Silky tannins give shape to the finish, which emphasizes juicy red fruit and rose pastille qualities.” JR

Though only founded in 1995, Bodegas Contador quickly gained a superb reputation for outstanding terroir and skilled winemaking – even earning 100 points from Wine Advocate.

Bodegas Contador – Benjamin Romeo ‘Predicador’, Rioja DOCa 2009 750ML ($34.95) $28 special
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 92 points “(96% tempranillo, 3% garnacha and 1% viura, aged for 16 months in one-year-old French oak barrels): Glass-staining ruby. Explosive, alluring aromas of black and blue fruits, incense, licorice and vanilla bean. Lush and broad but juicy and focused as well, with suave candied dark berry flavors accented by sexy floral and Indian spice nuances. Finishes broad, spicy and impressively long, with echoing boysenberry and licorice notes. In the context of flamboyant, new-wave Rioja this is an absolute steal.”

Black Slate Gratallops, Priorat DOCa 2014 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special, 20 bottles available
Winery note: “The Black Slate Gratallops comes from a blend of older and younger vine fruit originating from August’s vineyards near the village. It showcases both the power, typical of Gratallops, as well as the charmingly elegant and rustic touch of Vicent’s winemaking.”
Garnacha Negre, Carinyena, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.  Sustainably grown. From Eric Solomon Selections.Celler Capcanes Mas Donis Negre, Montsant 2013 750ML ($17.95) $14 special, 36 bottles available
Winery Note: “Medium ruby with flecks of violet; lovely perfume of cherry and red berries; ripe and complex; floral, with ripe crispy fruit; medium body; pure fruit seduction and charm;  fine finish with ripe soft tannins and nicely refreshing aftertaste. A fresh, crisp, and lively summer red, to be served slightly chilled. 65% Grenache, 15% Carinyena, 5% Syrah, 5% Merlot, 5% Tempranillo, 5% Cabernet.”Clos i Terrasses Clos Erasmus ‘Laurel’, Priorat DOCa 2013 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 6 bottles available
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 93 points “Brilliant ruby. Heady, mineral-laced aromas of candied red fruit, Indian spices and rose pastille. Juicy and incisive on the palate, offering intense raspberry and bitter cherry flavors that gain sweetness and spiciness in the glass. Packs a powerful punch but comes off lithe and precise, with alluring sweetness and a touch of candied rose on the gently tannic finish. This suave wine was aged in a combination of French oak tanks, barrels and clay amphoras for 18 months.”

Remelluri Granja Nuestra Senora de Remelluri Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2010 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 36+ bottles available
Case-12 Remelluri Granja Nuestra Senora de Remelluri Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2010 750ML ($419.95) $359 special, 3 cases available (that’s only $29.92/bottle!)
James Suckling 95 points “A wine with beautiful finesse and depth. Dark fruits, dark chocolate, hazelnut and floral character. Polished and refined. Full body. Long and beautiful. Tasty finish. The first recent vintage 100% made by Telmo Rodriguez. Drink or hold.”
Peñín Guide to Spanish Wine 96 points– Podium Award – Exceptional Wine “(tempranillo, garnacha, graciano). Colour: cherry, garnet rim.  Nose: ripe fruit, spicy, creamy oak, complex, expressive.  Palate: flavourful, toasty, round tannins, balanced, elegant.”
Wine Advocate 93 points “The wine that represents the house style and also the biggest volume here with around 350,000 bottles produced is the 2010 Reserva which was cropped from an almost perfect growing season. A blend of the reds Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano and the whites Viura and Malvasía Riojana, it fermented with indigenous yeasts in a combination of stainless steel and oak vats then matured in French oak barrels for 17 months. The nose has earthy aromas and notes of ripe orange peel giving old-style character to the wine marked by very well-integrated oak and an obvious Rioja character. There are cherries, plums and spices with licorice and ink aromas. The day after, it has more strawberries with very good freshness, so the evolution in bottle should be good. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins and good acidity that ends with sweet fruit flavors and something earthy, very pleasant and easy to drink. It grows on you.”

Phillipe Pacalet, nephew of Marcel Lapierre, the legendary natural winemaker, represents the diversity of Burgundian wine. His organic vineyard sources lie from Chablis, through the Cȏte de Nuits and Cȏte de Beaune, and down to the Beaujolais and even Cornas. He makes the wines in Beaune, all in the same hands-off style, and in a way that most others do not follow: whole-cluster fermentations for the reds, while the whites are vinified in oak on the lees. No racking, filtering, or sulfuring of the wines takes place. The terroir is thus left to express itself without any make-up or contrivances. Pure, honest red and white Burgundy, from a man passionate about his region’s wine.

Philippe Pacalet Beauroy, Chablis Premier Cru 2014 750ML ($79.95) $69 special, 2 bottles available
Vinopolnote: From a south-facing clay-limestone vineyard with typical Kimmeridgien subsoil, which delivers the intensity of Chablis Premier Cru. Peach, mango, and white flowers form the bouquet, while the palate is minerally and rich.

Philippe Pacalet Puligny-Montrachet, Cote de Beaune 2014 750ML ($99.95) $79 special, 2 bottles available
Vinopolnote: From the cool, clay-limestone climats of Les Noyers Brets, Les Petits Noizerots, and les Reuchaux. On the nose are white flowers and lime, while the palate is rich and mineral, with a savory finish.

Philippe Pacalet Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru, Cote de Beaune 2014 750ML ($269.95) $219 special, 3 bottles available
Vinopolnote: From the prestigious Charlemagne vineyard on the steep Corton hill, where the soils are white with calcareous marl. Very floral on the nose, while very tense and with good minerality on the palate. One of the world’s most profound white wines, demanding cellar time before offering its true beauty.

Philippe Pacalet Gevrey-Chambertin, Cote de Nuits 2014 750ML ($89.95) $79 special, 6 bottles available
“The Gevrey Chambertin is very forward and expressive with red organic fruit and the classic pacalet spices cinnamon and all spice. On the palate forward, harmonious and very drinkable. Not a big wine but a lovely Gevrey village that will provide a lot of pleasure over the next years.”–Steen Ohman, winehog.org

Philippe Pacalet Nuits-Saint-Georges, Cote de Nuits 2014 750ML ($89.95) $79 special, 6 bottles available
“The Nuits-Saint-Georges village is a step up in concentration. The nose offer red expressive fruit .. very forward and transparent. On the palate juicy and airy .. quite lightfooted for a NSG. Will provide fine drinking … but perhaps lacking a bit of weight compared to the previous vintages.”–Steen Ohman, winehog.org.

Philippe Pacalet Pommard, Cote de Beaune 2014 750ML ($89.95) $79 special, 6 bottles available
“The Pommard village is a bit more austere than the expressive Gevrey village. In the nose red and dark berry fruit, pure and transparent with hints of cinnamon and white peppar. On the palate more serious and weighty than the Gevrey, with more tannins and structure. A lovely Pommard village … will offer delightful drinking.”–Steen Ohman, winehog.org

Philippe Pacalet Les Sentiers, Chambolle-Musigny Premier Cru 2014 750ML ($149.95) $119 special,5 bottles available
“The Chambolle Sentiers is a new wine in the Pacalet lineup … and a welcomed addition for us who adores the Chambolles from Pacalet. The Sentiers is a more serious and focused wine than the extrovert 1er cru – at least in this first vintage. In the nose juicy red berry fruit and a lovely Chambolle minerality … somewhat darker than the 1 er cru. On the palate also slightly darker fruit, more weighty with a core of lovely sweet fruit. This wine really reflects the location of the vineyard on the Morey side of Chambolle with its somewhat denser nature and personality. This terroir really suits the style of Pacalet .. really looking forward to follow this wine.”–Steen Ohman, winehog.org

Philippe Pacalet Aux Argillas, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru 2014 750ML ($149.95) $119 special, 3 bottles available
Vinopolnote: Aux Argillas lies on the north border of the town of Nuits-Saint-Georges, where the soil contains higher amounts of clay, hence the name, plus fossilized oysters. The wines are sturdy yet elegant, showing dark berries like blackberry and cassis, plus the rich tannins that characterize Nuits-Saint-Georges.

Philippe Pacalet Echezeaux Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits 2014 750ML ($319.95) $279 special, 6 bottles available
“The Echezeaux 2014 from Pacalet is very forward compared with the same wine in the previous vintages.. The bouquet offer expressive organic red berry fruit – with lovely spicy notes of violets and peony rose. On the palate layers of airy red berry fruit – forward and quite openly knit. It’s not a powerful wine, but it has a lovely energy and intensity from the juicy fruit and the expression of terroir. A fine Echezeaux in the making.”–Steen Ohman, winehog.org

Philippe Pacalet Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru, Cotes de Nuits 2014 750ML ($319.95) $279 special, 6 bottles available
“The Clos de Vougeot is another new terroir in the Pacalet lineup. The bouquet offer a quite classic expression of the weighty terroir – combined with the organic style of Maison Pacalet. The weighty red and dark fruit in the nose integrates well with the expressive and spicy style offering cinnamon, violets and allspice. On the palate same story … the lightfooted and energetic style really presents the virtues of Clos de Vougeot. The rather dense fruit of the terroir becomes almost energetic in the hands of Pacalet … and unfolds into a vibrant version of this famous wine. While this is a quite forward wine … the tannins suggest that it’s build for cellaring .. so best to keep for a decade or so.”–Steen Ohman, winehog.org

Philippe Pacalet Cornas, Rhone 2014 750ML ($99.95) $79 special, 21 bottles available
VinopolNote: A new addition to the Pacalet line-up, Cornas is by law 100% Syrah. Rich and intense, it yields to bottle ageing. Ripe dark fruit and a powerful finish are a few of the pleasures offered by this wine.

Andre Dezat & Fils Domaine Thibault Pouilly-Fume 2014 750ML ($24.95) $18.80 special, 34 bottles available
Case-12 Andre Dezat & Fils Domaine Thibault Pouilly-Fume 2014 750ML ($249.95) $199 special, 2 cases available (that’s only $16.58/bottle!)
Winery note: Our Pouilly Fumé is made from a blend of grapes from three terroirs: the marl soils referred to as “little oysters”, Villiers limestone and siliceous-clayey soils. This blend provides aromatic complexity characterized by a range of aromatic notes which include citrus, peaches, pears and acacia.

Andre Dezat & Fils Sancerre 2014 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 special, 28 bottles available
Andre Dezat & Fils Sancerre 2014 750ML ($279.95) $219 special, 1 case available (that’s only $18.25/bottle!)
Winery note: The Sancerre White is made from the Sauvignon Blanc grape variety. We always try to harvest the grapes at peak maturity, which will enable the development of aromas of white flowers, citrus and exotic fruits, infused throughout with the typical Sancerre mineral character.

Chateau Puech-Haut Coteaux du Languedoc Saint-Drezery Prestige Rouge 2013 750ML ($21.95) $18 special, 36+ bottles available
Case-12 Chateau Puech-Haut Coteaux du Languedoc Saint-Drezery Prestige Rouge 2013 750ML ($249.95) $199 special, 10+ cases available (that’s only $16.58/bottle!)
Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2013 Coteaux du Languedoc Prestige (which was already in bottle at the time of this tasting) is a blend of 55% Grenache and 45% Syrah aged all in concrete tank. Fresh, elegant and thrillingly pure, with first rate aromas of blackberry, fresh plum, licorice and ground herbs, it is decidedly sexy and forward, yet stays perfectly balanced, with juicy acidity and fine tannin on the finish. Easily one of the top estates in the Languedoc (if not southern France), Chateau Puech Haut lies just outside the village of Saint-Drezery and is owned and run by Gerard Bru, with consulting help from Philippe Cambie. They produce a number of cuvees, with their entry level efforts representing superb values, and their top cuvees being able to stand toe to toe with the greatest wines in the world.”

Just a reminder about our current shipping specials during this season:

For the summer season we are offering UPS Three Day Select Service for the price of UPS Ground for shipments normally traveling 4 or more business days.
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 offer flat rate shipping on any size single order / single shipment

Paitin estate history goes back to 1796, when Benedetto Elia (Paitin) purchased a vineyard of about 5 acres in the Neive region of Piedmonte. About 30 years later, Elia bought roughly 5 more acres of Nebbiolo and Barbera vineyards with a house and cellar, and the first Barbaresco wine was bottled in 1893. Following historic tradition, Paitin estate has remained within the family and since 1965 (7 generations later) Secondo Pasquero Elia has taken over the winery and now runs the estate with his sons, Silvano and Giovanni.

Paitin is now one of the highly acclaimed wineries in Piedmonte for Barbaresco. The family passionately works with the fruit, dependent upon the soil patterns of the slopes, the microclimates of each parcel and the differentiations between the multiple layers of schist soils throughout the vineyards. This is an incredible value for this Barbaresco, in which you rarely see price tags under the $40-$50 range for such high quality, and certainly nowhere near Barolo prices. Paitin’s Serra tends to have notes of both dark and tart bing cherry fruit, beautiful peppery spice, followed by soft, fine-grained tannins.

Paitin di Pasquero-Elia ‘Sori Paitin’, Barbaresco DOCG 2012 750ML ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
Antonio Gallnoi 93 points “Dark red cherry, plum, smoke, mint and leather are some of the notes that emerge from the 2012 Barbaresco Sorì Paitin. The Sorì Paitin is quite a bit more complex than it was from barrel, largely because the bottled wine is composed of approximately 30% wine that was originally destined for the Vecchie Vigne. As a result, this is one of the few 2012s I tasted that has real upside potential, even if it is relatively approachable today.”

Paitin di Pasquero-Elia ‘Vecchie Vigne’ Sori Paitin, Barbaresco DOCG 2010 750ML ($89.95) $69 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 95+ points “The 2010 Barbaresco Sorì Paitin Vigne Vecchie hits the palate with fabulous depth and Intensity. Savory herbs, smoke, tobacco, incense, menthol and licorice race out of the glass in an intense, structured Barbaresco loaded with class, energy and pure power. There is plenty to look forward to, once the tannins soften a bit. The 2010 has closed down pretty dramatically since the last time I tasted it, about a year ago. Readers will have to be patient. The 2010 spent a total of 30 months in cask.”

Fattoria di Fèlsina has long been one of the great names in Tuscany.  Based in the Chianti Classico region, Fèlsina produces one of the finest ranges of age worthy and complex Sangiovese bottlings.  In 1966, when Italian viticulture was synonymous with cheap, boring wine, Dominic Poggiali Fèlsina purchased the estate. His son-in-law Giuseppe Mazzocolin took over in the 1980s and refocused the winery on producing high quality, full-bodied Sangiovese.  The vineyards are maintained with massale selections from their oldest vines.  They produce several Sangiovese wines, including the declassified Fontalloro made from 50+ year old vines grown in the hills bordering Chianti Classico and Colli Sensi.

Over the past fifty years, the estate has continued to produce wines in a pure, traditional style without being tempted by international-style influences. As a result, Fèlsina has come to be known for one of the finest ranges of ageworthy and complex Sangiovese bottlings in all of Italy.

The estate has proved to be one of our most popular wineries, and we are pleased to announce our pre-arrival offer on the 2012 vintage of the Chianti Classico Riserva Rancia, arriving in July:

Felsina Berardenga Rancia, Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 2012 750ML ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
Felsina Berardenga Rancia, Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 2012 1.5L ($99.95) $89 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 94+ points “A ripe, powerful wine, the 2012 Chianti Classico Riserva Rancia offers a level of finesse that balances some of the more overt intensity of the year. Dark cherry, plum, spice, tobacco, menthol and licorice add shades of nuance as this beautifully delineated Rancia opens up in the glass. Because of its mid-weight structure, I expect the 2012 will give up its charms relatively early by Rancia standards, which means around age 15-20. The 2012 is not an obvious or explosive Rancia, rather is a wine built on compelling overall harmony.”

Felsina Berardenga Fontalloro Toscana IGT 2009 750ML ($69.95) $49 special, 36+ bottles available
Case-12 Felsina Berardenga Fontalloro Toscana IGT 2009 750ML ($579.95) $519 special, 2 cases available (that’s only $43.25/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Antonio Galloni 94 points “There is a lot to like in the 2009 Fontalloro (Sangiovese). For starters, the wine is rich, broad and ample on the palate. Hints of tobacco, savory herbs, licorice and menthol all add complexity over time. The over juiciness of the fruit is nicely balanced by clean veins of underlying acidity that give the 2009 much of its freshness. This is another wine endowed with superb balance and class.” AGFelsina Berardenga Fontalloro Toscana IGT 2010 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 35 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 94+ points “The 2010 Fontalloro (Sangiovese) is impeccable. A sweet, open bouquet melds into expressive red fruits. Compared to the 2010 Rancia, Fontalloro is a decidedly more delicate, feminine wine. All the elements are very nicely balanced. I expect the 2010 will enjoy a fairly broad window of drinkability. Today I give the 2010 a very slight nod over the 2009, only because I think the 2010 will age a little longer, but both are striking.” AGFelsina Berardenga Fontalloro Toscana IGT 2011 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 21 bottles available
Case-12 Felsina Berardenga Fontalloro Toscana IGT 2011 750ML ($699.95) $519 special, 1 case available (that’s only $43.25/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Wine Spectator & Antonio Galloni 94 points “Felsina’s 2011 Fontalloro is wonderfully expressive today. Dark red cherry, plum, smoke, rose petal and sweet spices all blossom in the glass. Impeccably layered and sensual, the 2011 captures all the best qualities of the year. Sweet floral and red-toned notes burst with great energy on the structured finish. Fontalloro seems to have come a long way over the last few years. The 2011 is another drop-dead gorgeous beauty.” AG

Serralunga d’Alba would not be the same without the Massolino family. Besides the fact that Giovanni Massolino brought electricity to the town in 1896, he also established the storied wine estate that bears his family name. The classic Massolino Barolo dates back to 1911, and the wines are still grown and produced by the Massolino family, now in its fourth generation of winemakers.

In all, Massolino owns 57 acres of vineyard, including four Barolo crus. With such a reputation to uphold, tradition still guides the way here: fermentation in cement tanks, ageing in large Slavonian oak casks. Yet modernity has its hand, too: Not at all rustic, the wines are smooth, clean, and extremely pleasurable. These are some of the finest Barolos around, unafraid of long cellar time. With or without electricity, Serralunga and the Langhe have the Massolinos to thank.

Massolino Langhe Nebbiolo, Piedmont 2013 750ML ($31.95) $24 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Massolino Langhe Nebbiolo, Piedmont 2013 750ML ($359.95) $249 pre-arrival special (that’s only $20.75/bottle!)
Vinopolnote: A classic, easy-drinking, younger-vine bottling of Nebbiolo from the Serralunga.

Massolino Barolo DOCG, Serralunga d’Alba 2011 750ML ($49.95) $33 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 92 points “A tightly coiled version, with a solid core of black cherry framed by licorice and spice accents. Though locked up for now, this shows the potential for a long evolution. Delivers fine ripeness and midpalate density. Best from 2019 through 2033.”
James Suckling 92 points “Lots of pretty, ripe yet subtle fruit in this wine with plum, dried strawberry and spice character. Full body, silky tannins and a fresh finish. Better in 2018.”

Massolino Margheria, Barolo DOCG 2009 750ML ($89.95) $66 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2009 Barolo Margheria, however, moves us over to the Serralunga d’Alba township where power and structure are the name of the game. This wine shows big bones with firmly rooted tannins and a bold, fleshy quality of fruit. Black currant, chopped mint and licorice are woven tightly within the fabric of the wine. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2028.”

Massolino Barolo Parafada, Barolo DOCG 2011 750ML ($89.95) $69 pre-arrival special
Wine Enthusiast 95 points “Structured and focused, this gorgeous wine offers enticing scents of pressed violet, woodland berry, baking spice, tilled soil and leather. The firm palate delivers ripe black cherry, licorice, mint, tobacco and ground clove alongside youthfully assertive but refined tannins. Give this time to fully develop—it should blossom into a beauty. Drink 2018–2026.”
Wine Spectator 93 points “A mix of ripe cherry, raspberry, plum, tobacco and tea aromas and flavors are the hallmarks of this well-defined red. A stiff backbone of tannins and vivid acidity keeps this moving toward the lingering, earth-tinged aftertaste. Best from 2019 through 2032”

Massolino Parussi, Barolo DOCG 2007 750ML ($89.95) $69 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 94 points “Warm and inviting, featuring macerated cherry, leather, tobacco and spice flavors. The balance leans toward the tannic side, yet this shows an extra level of ripeness and integration, with excellent length. Best from 2015 through 2032.”
Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 93 points “Bright medium red. Compelling perfume of strawberry, raspberry, red cherry, flowers, minerals and wild herbs. Dense, sappy and concentrated; wonderfully silky Barolo but also much more vibrant than the 2008. The tannins are a bit youthfully aggressive but the wine’s lingering mineral and wild herb perfume suggests it will be a beauty with another four to six years in the cellar.”

Massolino Parussi, Barolo DOCG 2009 750ML ($89.95) $66 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2009 Barolo Parussi sees fruit sourced from the Castiglione Falletto township and consequently shows the most ethereal and refined characteristics of these three vineyard-designate wines. Rosehip, forest berry and even a touch of stone fruit or apricot emerge at first, followed by heavier aromas of tar and black licorice. The wine shows impressive elegance, finesse, silky tannins and fresh acidity. Those overall attributes, melded so perfectly together, are rare to find in the warmer 2009 vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025.”

Massolino Parussi, Barolo DOCG 2011 750ML ($89.95) $69 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 93 points “With fruit from Castiglione Falletto, the 2011 Barolo Parussi is an epic wine with thick layers of dark fruit, spice and pressed rose. This expression is absolutely irresistible in terms of its generosity, overall intensity and silky smoothness. It presents a more immediate style with soft lines and a generous, fruity texture. Massolino has produced an impressive line of new releases.”

Massolino Vigna Rionda Riserva, Barolo DOCG 2009 750ML ($149.95) $108 pre-arrival special
Luca Gardini 98 points, Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2009 Barolo Vigna Rionda Riserva burst from the glass with enormous confidence and personality. Nothing is understated here or otherwise hidden from view. This Riserva immediately puts its best assets forward with dark fruit nuances that are woven tight with veins of exotic spice and crushed mineral. The wine also reveals lovely aged characteristics of licorice, dried tobacco and balsam herb. The 2009 vintage is slightly broader and flatter compared to 2007 and 2006.”
James Suckling 94 points “There’s cedar and sandalwood undertone to this Barolo with ripe fruit and milk chocolate as well. Medium to full body, firm and silky tannins and a long, flavorful finish. A late release from a fine producer of Barolo showing energy and tension. Drink now.”

Massolino Barolo Vigna Rionda X Dieci Anni Riserva, Barolo DOCG 2004 750ML ($249.95) $199 pre-arrival special
VinopolNote: The Dieci is a special reserve bottling released by the winery after 10 additional years.
Wine Advocate 96 points “The 2004 Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda reveals superb complexity and nuance in a never-ending display of aromas and flavors that saturate the palate. Tobacco, truffles, spices, licorice and dark fruit swirl around in the glass as the wine continues to gain volume and depth with air. The tannins are massive yet beautifully balanced and the stage seems set for the 2004 to develop into one of the finest Vigna Riondas crafted here. Constantly changing in the glass, the wine captures that characteristic Rionda elusiveness that invites a second taste and then a third. In sum, it is a Barolo that will provide endless fascination for many years to come. Incredibly, it tastes almost as youthful as it did from barrel a few years ago! Anticipated maturity: 2016-2031.”

Situated at the center of Wehlener Klosterberg, the Markus Molitor estate cultivates a total of 15 vineyard sites, highlighting the diversity and brilliance of the Mosel. Holdings include parcels some of the region’s highest-regarded vineyards – among them, Erdener Treppchen, Graacher Himmelreich, Bernkasteler Badstube, Zeltinger Sonnenuhr, and Wehlener Sonnenuhr.

Molitor took over the vineyard from his father in 1984 – at the ripe age of 20! Many of the vineyards are poised along extraordinarily steep slopes of 80% or greater inclines, necessitating work done carefully and manually. Vines and soils are worked organically, with dense leaf cover over the vines and relative few grapes per vine in order to maximize nutrient supply and extract yield.

Harvest is, perhaps, the most crucial step in the process. “Time is a decisive factor,” Molitor states. “Despite the increased risk, we harvest quite late. This gives the grapes time to ripen physiologically – the most important criterion to develop the optimum balance of the wines with increased extract values and animating acidity.”

Markus is a firm believer in spontaneous fermentations from natural yeasts, with elevage taking place in a three-storey cellar built out from the slate soils – the constantly cool climate and high humidities ensure a slow and steady fermentation. Upon completion, the wines rest for several months on the fine lees, imbuing character and the domaine’s signature fuller-bodied style.

Weingut Markus Molitor Brauneberger Klostergarten Pinot Noir ** Trocken, Mosel 2011 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
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.”

Weingut Markus Molitor Trarbacher Schlossberg Pinot Noir ** Trocken Unfiltriert, Mosel 2011 750ML ($69.95) $51.90 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 94+ points “The 2011 Trarbacher Schlossberg Pinot Noir ** offers a deep, intense, pure, dark, smoky, slate-like bouquet of blackcurrant, dark cherries, chocolate, mocha and crushed rocks. The wine is powerful and quite ripped on the palate but also fresh, silky and very fine in its tannins and texture. The finish is powerful yet pure and almost salty and displays besides licorice aromas a great finesse and firmness. Is that the Gevrey-Chambertin from the Mosel? Let’s discuss that in ten years from now. The wine has surely a great aging potential.”

Weingut Markus Molitor Bernkasteler Lay Riesling Auslese *** Goldkapsel, Mosel 2013 750ML ($99.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 98 points “Stunningly clear and pure on the citric-perfumed nose, the sweet 2013 Bernkasteler Lay Riesling Auslese *** is characterized by its laser-like precision and elegance, which is perfectly paired with its vibrant acidity and piquant minerality that lingers and makes this Auslese a memorable one.”

Weingut Markus Molitor Erdener Treppchen Riesling Auslese ** Goldkapsel, Mosel 2013 750ML ($59.95) $41.90 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 96 points “Even purer and perhaps more sophisticated than the Bockstein is the sweet 2013 Erdener Treppchen Riesling Auslese ** with its cool, slate purity and springlike citrus and blossom aromas, which are delivered as lime chutney on the nose. This again is a kind of pure Armani perfume and the cool character of a true gentleman who turns out to be a notorious rake, elegant and balanced as it is. The texture is nobly concentrated and juicy, and there is no single botrytis berry in this stunning wine. Drink it now, but drink it slowly, or store it for a decade or two.”

Weingut Markus Molitor Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Auslese *** Goldkapsel, Mosel 2013 750ML ($99.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 98+ points “More tropical fruit aromas such as juicy pineapples and macerated ginger dominate the nose of the richer yet still pure and subtle 2013 Graacher Himmelreich Auslese ***. Quite sweet, intense and densely textured on the palate, this wine neither lacks elegance nor piquancy nor balance. It is just more generous, sweeter and lush than the Würzgarten ***-Auslese, but at the same time its is absolutely delicate and full of finesse.”

Weingut Markus Molitor Kinheimer Hubertuslay Riesling Auslese *** GK 2013 375ML ($59.95) $39 pre-arrival special
Weingut Markus Molitor Kinheimer Hubertuslay Riesling Auslese *** GK 2013 750ML ($89.95) $69 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 97 points “The 2013 Kinheimer Hubertuslay Auslese *** needs a little but of time to open up and show its finest, intense raisin aromas indicating grapefruit/lemon and pineapples on a piquant background. Rich, oily textured and extremely elegant on the palate, the wine offers a lavish tropical juiciness quoting pineapples, but is stunningly pure and piquant. The finish is beautifully balanced and highly elegant. This is perfectly made.”

Weingut Markus Molitor Zeltinger Schlossberg Riesling Auslese ** GK 2013 750ML ($59.95) $41.90 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 97 points “The sweet 2013 Zeltinger Schlossberg Riesling Auslese ** is somewhat remote in its cool and aristocratic smokiness, which delivers a fragrant perfume of lemons, limes and crushed stones to the nose. Quite juicy, yet subtle and elegant on the palate, this is a highly concentrated, minerally piquant and persistently salty Auslese with a stunning delicacy in the aftertaste. The wine is very firm and piquant, but its concentration and vibrancy will take it through decades.”

Weingut Markus Molitor Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese ** 2013 750ML ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 96 points “Compared to the dry Sonnenuhr Spätlese, the dry 2013 Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Auslese ** is significantly more refined and detailed in its subtle, slightly fumy mineral flavors on the nose, but as clear and healthy in its citrus aromatic, which is completed by delicate pineapple flavors. The wine is absolutely elegant and delicate on the palate and the concentration has nothing to do with power or richness here, but with purity, finesse, complexity and length. The mineral or slate taste is remarkably fine and densely woven which gives this Auslese a great elegance and the finish of a world-class Riesling. The finish is not only very persistent but also aromatic, piquant and salty plus full of needles. This is a great wine made for decades and there is perhaps just one competitor in the Mosel and that’s Markus’ own 2013 Auslese ***. “