Featured New Arrivals: Maggy Hawk Pinot, Perrier Jouet Rose & Bastide Blanche Rose; Saint Cosme: Arriving July 7th; #Trending; Staff Picks; Robert Chevillon: Master of Nuits; California Collector’s Corner; Vineyard Spotlight: Wehlener Sonnenuhr
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Summer Shipping Special:
Midwest, East, & South
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 by ground.
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 items purchased before the promotional period or on pre-arrival items that arrive after the promotional period ends.
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Featured New Arrivals!
Maggy Hawk Afleet Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley 2009 750ML ($69.95) $49 special
Stephen Tanzer – Vinous 92 points “Bright ruby. Aromas of fresh red berries and candied rose are complicated by notes of sassafras, vanilla and allspice. Juicy and sharply focused, offering intense raspberry and cherry flavors that put on weight with air. Shows impressive clarity on the finish, which lingers with suave floral and spice qualities.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $54.99
The average price is $72
Perrier Jouet Belle Epoque Brut Millesime Rose, Champagne 2005 750ML ($349.95) $149 special
Case-6 Perrier Jouet Belle Epoque Brut Millesime Rose, Champagne 2005 750ML ($1,799.95) $799 special (that’s only $133.17/bottle!)
Wine Enthusiast 95 points “The palest of rosés, this crisp, bright and fruity wine is full of tight acidity, freshly picked raspberries and steely acidity. It could age a few more years to bring out a toastier character.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $250
The average price is $326
Domaine de la Bastide Blanche Bandol Rose, Provence 2016 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 92 points “Brilliant orange-pink. Intense, mineral-accented strawberry, cherry pit and blood orange aromas, along with a sexy floral overtone. Concentrated red fruit and lavender pastille flavors are supported by a spine of juicy acidity that adds definition and back-end cut. Closes very long and focused, featuring resonating minerality and a lingering floral quality.”
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Saint Cosme
New Releases
Arriving July 7th
2015 will be remembered as the year of glory in winemaking around the world. Burgundy was Great. Beaujolais was Great. The Mosel was Great. Champagne is looking promising. Even our local winemakers are embracing the vintage.
So it should not come as much of a surprise to those lucky lovers of the rich and expressive wines of the Southern Rhone: it too was a Great and Glorious vintage. We’ve only just begun to see offers, so we’re excited to announce this offer from one of our favorite Southern Rhone estates: Chateau de Saint Cosme.
Saint Cosme is one of our “core wineries.” They remain a reference point producer in the Rhone, producing incredible wines from both the Southern and Northern Rhone.
New releases from Saint Cosme arriving July 7th:
Chateau de Saint Cosme Le Poste Blanc, Cotes du Rhone 2015 750ML ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 91-92 points “(sourced from vines planted in 1963 in the heart of Gigondas): Green-tinged yellow. Vibrant, mineral-accented citrus and orchard fruit aromas are complemented by suggestions of white flowers and ginger. Juicy, focused and pure, offering vibrant orange, pear skin and white peach flavors underscored by a chalky mineral element. Becomes deeper and fleshier with air white maintaining vivacity, and finishes with excellent clarity, power and persistence.”
Saint Cosme Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone 2013 750ML ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Saint Cosme Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone 2013 750ML ($279.95) $219 pre-arrival special (that’s only $36.50/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 92-93 points “Deep ruby. An expressive bouquet evokes red fruit liqueur, incense and spicecake and a smoky mineral element adds energy. Silky, concentrated and energetic, offering intense, spice-laced raspberry and cola flavors firmed by a spine of juicy acidity. Concentrated but graceful wine that finishes very long, spicy and gently tannic. Note that this wine was not in bottle when I visited Barruol in February.”
Saint Cosme Cote Rotie, Rhone 2015 750ML ($69.95) $53.50 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Saint Cosme Cote Rotie, Rhone 2015 750ML ($359.95) $299 pre-arrival special (that’s only $49.83/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 92-94 points “(50% new oak): Glass-staining ruby. Heady, exotically perfumed red and dark berry scents are complicated by suggestions of star anise, violet and cola. Sweet, seamless and penetrating in the mouth, offering intense boysenberry and black raspberry flavors that deepen steadily on the back half. Rich yet lithe, with strong closing thrust and silky, even tannins lending framework and gentle grip.”
Saint Cosme Crozes-Hermitage, Rhone 2015 750ML ($29.95) $26 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Saint Cosme Crozes-Hermitage, Rhone 2015 750ML ($169.95) $139 pre-arrival special (that’s only $23.17/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 91-93 points “Bright violet. Vibrant dark berry, violet and licorice aromas are complemented by suggestions of olive and woodsmoke. Palate-staining blackberry and bitter cherry flavors are joined by peppery spice and mineral qualities that build on the back half. Manages to be at once rich and energetic, carrying no excess fat. The very long, juicy finish is framed by harmonious tannins and leaves behind a sappy dark berry note.”
Saint Cosme Saint-Joseph, Rhone 2015 750ML ($34.95) $28 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Saint Cosme Saint-Joseph, Rhone 2015 750ML ($179.95) $149 pre-arrival special (that’s only $24.83/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 91-93 points “Inky ruby. Powerful aromas of blackberry, violet and woodsmoke, plus a hint of cola that emerges with aeration. Sweet, densely packed and full-bodied, offering ripe cassis, blackberry, violet pastille and licorice flavors given lift and spine by juicy acidity. Spreads out and becomes spicier on the impressively long finish, which features chewy tannins and a sexy floral nuance.”
Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas, Rhone 2015 750ML ($41.95) $33 pre-arrival special
Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas, Rhone 2015 1.5L ($79.95) $66 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas, Rhone 2015 750ML ($239.95) $179 pre-arrival special (that’s only $29.83/bottle!)
Wine Advocate 91-93 points “Starting with the 2015 Gigondas Classique from Barruol, this blend of 70% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre and the rest Syrah and Cinsault will be a wine that readers will want to stockpile. Full-bodied, rich, beautifully textured and layered, with killer notes of crème de cassis, white pepper, spice and garrigue, it’s a classic Gigondas that will drink well for 15+ years.”
Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas Hominis Fides, Rhone 2015 750ML ($119.95) $99 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas Hominis Fides, Rhone 2015 750ML ($599.95) $569 pre-arrival special (that’s only $94.83/bottle!)
Wine Advocate 97-99 points “A wine that might rival the 2007, the 2015 Gigondas Hominis Fides (100% Grenache from sandy soils located just down from the estate) offers full-bodied, massive and unctuous notes of currants, crushed rocks, smoked meats and licorice. Fermented with 100% whole clusters and aged mostly in older barrels, this sensational Gigondas might end up being the wine of the vintage, from the entire Southern Rhone valley! It has masses of tannin, so it’s going to require patience.”
Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas Le Claux, Rhone 2015 750ML ($119.95) $99 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 97-99 points “Another wine that might flirt with perfection is the 2015 Gigondas le Claux. It’s also 100% Grenache and comes from a site just across the road from the Hominis Fides cuvee. The soils here are slightly more limestone-based, and like all of the wine here, it’s fermented with no destemming and aged mostly in old barrels (20% is new). Camphor, currants, incense, graphite, crushed rocks and licorice all soar from this thriller and it has full-bodied richness, an incredible texture and a blockbuster finish. It will have 2-3 decades of overall longevity.”
Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas Le Poste, Rhone 2015 750ML ($99.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas Le Poste, Rhone 2015 750ML ($479.95) $419 pre-arrival special (that’s only $69.83/bottle!)
Wine Advocate 94-96 points “The 2015 Gigondas le Poste is a classic expression of this vineyard and shows the more elegant, perfumed style that always comes from this site. Violets, flowers, raspberries, blueberries and green herbs all emerge from this full-bodied, lengthy and impeccably balanced Gigondas that has ultra-fine tannin and perfectly integrated acidity. Brought up just like the other two single vineyard releases, this beauty will be more accessible in its youth, yet I suspect it will age just as long.”
Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas Valbelle, Rhone 2015 750ML ($69.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas Valbelle, Rhone 2015 750ML ($359.95) $319 pre-arrival special (that’s only $53.17/bottle!)
Wine Advocate 94-96 points “Incorporating 10% Syrah, the Grenache-dominated 2015 Gigondas Cuvee Valbelle is another heavenly wine from Louis Barruol. Full-bodied, seamless and elegant, with lots of crème de cassis, crushed flowers, incense and white pepper, it has a touch less mid-palate depth than the single vineyards, but is impeccably balanced and will have two decades of longevity.”
We offer 113 different red wines from the Rhone in-stock now – see our complete listings on our web store!
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#Trending
Stonestreet Alexander Mountain Estate Chardonnay, Alexander Valley 2014 750ML ($31.95) $24 special
Case-12 Stonestreet Alexander Mountain Estate Chardonnay, Alexander Valley 2014 750ML ($359.95) $249 special (that’s only $20.75/bottle!)
Robert Parker 92 points “The 2014 Stonestreet Estate Chardonnay is superb, with plenty of white peach and poached pear notes, beautiful purity, a lusty, medium to full-bodied mouthfeel, subtle French oak, and terrific fruit and honeysuckle. Drink it over the next 5-7 years.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $31
Canoe Ridge Vineyard The Expedition Chardonnay, Horse Heaven Hills 2015 750ML ($17.95) $11.90 special
Case-12 Canoe Ridge Vineyard The Expedition Chardonnay, Horse Heaven Hills 2015 750ML ($179.95) $119 special (that’s only $9.92/bottle!)
“Scents of butterscotch and honeysuckle mix with flavors of ripe pear and honeydew for a rich, elegant texture on the finish.”–Winery note
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Lavau Cotes du Rhone Villages, Rhone 2013 750ML ($14.95) $11.90 special
Case-12 Lavau Cotes du Rhone Villages, Rhone 2013 750ML ($179.95) $119 special (that’s only $9.92/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 88 points “Juicy blackberry and raspberry fruit races along, inlaid with subtle black tea and anise notes. Focused finish.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $12.74
Chateau Pesquie Terrasses Rouge, Ventoux 2007 750ML ($19.95) $11.90 special
Robert Parker 91 points “The 2007 Terrasses Rouge is a custom cuvee put together for importer Eric Solomon. Made from 60-year-old Grenache and 30-year-old Syrah, one-third is aged in small barrels and the rest in foudre and tank. I’m sure discounters will offer this cuvee for around $12 a bottle, which makes it a remarkable bargain. A dense ruby/purple color is followed by aromas of cassis, kirsch, lavender, pepper, and spice. The sweetness of the tannins, abundant glycerin, razor sharp focus, and wonderful depth make for a wine that transcends its humble price and bucolic appellation.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $19.95
Brancaia Tre Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2013 750ML ($21.95) $16.60 special
James Suckling 92 points “Lots of vivid spice, meat and dark berry fruit. Full body, fine tannins and bright acidity. Better than the 2012. Drink now.”
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Staff Picks
Andy:
Some winemakers occupy such a specialized niche that it is difficult to imagine them trying anything new. Then there are producers like Michèle Aubèry-Laurent who has reinvented herself and her winery multiple times. You are never quite sure what to expect from these incredibly natural, very ripe wines. It is its own special brand of Syrah: not northern Rhone roasty, not a southern Rhone fruity. Perhaps the unpredictability, the refusal to fall into any one category is what keeps me coming back for more.
The 2014 Sierra du Sud is the perfect example of how Gramenon takes the ordinary and twists it into something powerful, yet balanced and elegant. From one of the northernmost points in the southern Rhone, high atop a limestone bench, the wine develops into a deep throated growl – spicy, wild, ripe with violets, blueberry, herb and olive notes. The structure of the wine has been changing nicely as well; tannins and blocky flavors are melding, becoming more flexible and unified. As with all of the Gramenon wines, there is no fining or filtration, and this lends to a wildness that will continue to develop; decanting carefully is advisable. It’s near perfect now, but the Sierra du Sud is definitely still changing, and this is that much more reason to keep opening another bottle.
These are the Gramenon wines we have available now:
Gramenon Cotes Du Rhone Sierra Du Sud 2014 750ML ($34.95) $24.40 special, 36+ bottles available
Josh Raynolds 91 points “Deep ruby. A complex bouquet evokes musky red and dark berries, cherry pit, olive, dried flowers and pungent herbs. Chewy and focused on the palate, offering gently sweet raspberry, boysenberry, violet pastille and spicecake flavors that become livelier as the wine opens up. Pliant tannins give shape to a very long, spicy finish that features a lingering blue fruit note.”
Wine Advocate 91 points “A smokin’ southern Rhone is the 2014 Côtes du Rhône la Sierra du Sud, which is 100% Syrah, from 15- to 35-year-old vines, that was destemmed and aged in a combination of tank and barrels. Ground pepper, wild herbs, black cherries and the essence of blackberry fruit all emerge from this medium to full-bodied, ripe, layered and beautifully textured 2014. It has more depth and richness than most in the vintage and will keep for upwards of a decade.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Gramenon Cotes Du Rhone La Sagesse 2014 750ML ($37.95) $27 special, 22 bottles available
Josh Raynolds 91 points “Vivid ruby-red. Potent, mineral-laced red berry liqueur and cherry aromas are complicated by suggestions of peppery spices and garrigue. Lively and alluringly sweet, offering juicy black raspberry and lavender pastille flavors that become deeper with air while maintaining vivacity. Fine-grained tannins build slowly on an impressively long, penetrating finish, which leaves behind suave spicecake and kirsch notes.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Suzanne:
Weingut Donnhoff Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Spatlese, Nahe 2015 750ML ($59.95) $47 special
Slatey and subdued from the bottle. Of course it’s young, and there is so much behind the first whiff that it’s like the wine is poised to jump right out and attack. Underneath the youthfulness are aromas of freshly cut red apples and barley. There’s a savage spiciness and a refreshing saline-like quality much like ozone after a thunderstorm. It hits the palate with notes of tarragon, verbena and key limes. The acidity reminds me of Meyer lemons: tart and lemony yet sweetly floral and inviting. The sweetness lends a creamy characteristic that just camps out on your palate while the flavors slowly subside. Sure, I’m waxing poetic. But it’s just that good. If you must try it now, do yourself a favor and give it a healthy decant. This showed even better a few hours after opening at 60 degrees ambient temperature.
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
The average price nationally is $56
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Robert Chevillon
Master of Nuits
There’s an odd paradox with Robert Chevillon. His wines are beloved and acknowledged as masterful examples of Burgundy, on par with all but the top two or three estates, and yet the wines sell for hundreds of dollars less than his competitors. Part of this is just that Nuits-St.-George doesn’t have any Grand Cru vineyards (mostly because the leaders of the AOC movement wanted to be above the political fray), though Cailles, Vaucrains and Les St-George are easily of that quality. Anytime you can buy a “potentially the best bottle on the table no matter the lineup” bottle for less than $150, it becomes a strong buy.
This lack of recognition makes the Chevillon wines extremely strong buys for someone looking for powerful, age-worthy Burgundy at less-than-market prices. He did exceptionally well in the 2011 vintage, a year that’s been discounted across the board, creating even stronger value. These are wines that do demand patience, though, so bury them for a decade and then reap the impressive rewards.
In Stock Now from Domaine Robert Chevillon:
Domaine Robert Chevillon Les Bousselots, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru 2011 750ML ($99.95) $59 special, 12 bottles available
Burghound 89-91 points “The well-layered mélange of red currant, blue berry and wet stone nuances marries seamlessly into slightly earthy, precise and energetic flavors that possess a firm but not hard tannic spine, all wrapped in a delicious and saline-infused finish. This is also quite understated yet stylish and I very much like the purity of expression.” BH
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $77
Domaine Robert Chevillon Les Cailles, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru 2011 750ML ($139.95) $89 special, 21 bottles available
Burghound 92-94 points “As complex as the Pruliers is, the Les Cailles ratchets it up yet another notch with its spicy and pure blend of cassis, plum, violet and distinct iron-infused earth. There is excellent richness to the cool and equally pure medium-bodied flavors that possess excellent focus on the explosively long finish. The tannins are dense but quite fine and this offers outstanding upside development potential.” BH
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $118
Domaine Robert Chevillon Aux Chaignots, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru 2011 750ML ($99.95) $59 special, 20 bottles available
Burghound 89-91 points “Here too discreet wood spice frames a pretty and cool mix of red and dark pinot fruit that is trimmed in warm earth nuances that are also reflected by the refined, pure and silky middle weight flavors. There is fine complexity and verve to the well-defined and persistent finish. A classic Chaignots of grace and harmony with no lack of aging potential.” BH
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $91
Domaine Robert Chevillon Nuits-Saint-Georges Vieilles Vignes 2011 750ML ($69.95) $39 special, 13 bottles available
Burghound 87-89 points “A discreet touch of wood sets off equally fresh and bright red berry fruit and soft earth aromas that give way to mouth coating, delicious and vibrant medium-bodied flavors that possess good mid-palate concentration, all wrapped in a seductively textured, balanced and solidly persistent finish.”BH
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $57
Domaine Robert Chevillon Les Bousselots, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru 2012 750ML ($119.95) $89 special, 7 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 90-92 points “Good bright, dark red. Deep aromas of black raspberry, minerals, smoke and flowers, along with notes of licorice and dark chocolate; ripe and sexy. A step up in density and finesse of texture from the Chaignots, offering good acid spine to its wild dark fruit flavors. Quite dry and uncompromising today, finishing bright and long, with serious tannins and a juicy character. A very good showing.” ST
Domaine Robert Chevillon Les Cailles, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru 2012 750ML ($179.95) $149 special, 5 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 93-95 points “Bright, deep red. Pungent crushed-stone minerality accents musky black cherry and red berries on the almost liqueur-like nose. Juicy, supple and energetic on the palate, communicating a sappy, youthfully imploded character and a magically light touch for such a rich wine. The tactile, slowly building finish saturates the mouth with red fruits and crushed stone. Great potential here.” ST
Domaine Robert Chevillon Les Vaucrains, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru 2009 750ML ($179.95) $159 special, 2 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 94+ points “The 2009 Nuits St. Georges Les Vaucrains is fascinating to taste after Les St. Georges. In 2010 the Vaucrains is more finessed and elegant than the St. Georges, but in 2009 those rules are reversed, as it is the Vaucrains that comes across as far more imposing, inward and structured. Today the Vaucrauins is implosive and seems to be holding back much of its potential. Firm yet well-integrated tannins frame the fruit through to the tense, wiry finish. The Vaucrains needs to be buried in a deep, cold cellar for several years, perhaps considerably longer, although I am optimist by nature.”
Domaine Robert Chevillon Les Saint-Georges, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru 2013 750ML (179.95) $149 special, 2 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 92-95 points “Bright, dark red. Lovely class and lift to the aromas of dark raspberry, bitter cherry, flowers, minerals and crushed stone. Urgent red and purple fruit flavors show outstanding penetration and delineation yet come across as remarkably refined and smooth. A salty character adds another dimension to the very long, vibrant, backward finish. Delivers the outstanding density without weight that I associate more with grand crus. (But then the long process initiated by a number of owners of this vineyard to have Les Saint-Georges elevated to grand cru status has been underway for several years already.)”
Wine Advocate 92-94 points “The 2013 Nuits Saint Georges 1er Cru les Saint Georges has abundant fruit on the nose with black plum, wild strawberry and minerals, understated at first, but just a few swirls and the aromatics are in fifth gear. The palate is medium-bodied with wonderful tension and vitality. This is very pure, very effervescent, with a sense of energy toward the tender finish. This has class written all over it. Evidence for Grand Cru status? Why not.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Visit our web store to see all 337 different red Burgundies (that’s over 2,000 bottles!) in-stock now!
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California Collector’s Corner
We’re highlighting some of the best offers from the Golden State!
From the assistant winemaker of Sine Qua Non. We’ve gotten our hands on Jim Binns’ inaugural two releases (including rare magnums) and are happy to offer them to you today.
Andremily Wines Syrah No. 1, Santa Barbara County 2012 750ML ($299.95) $249 special, 1 bottle available
Andremily Wines Syrah No. 1, Santa Barbara County 2012 1.5L ($599.95) $499 special, 1 magnum available
Wine Advocate 97 points “The inaugural release, Jim’s 2012 No. 1 is about as good a first release as you’re likely to find anywhere in the wine world today. A blend of 93% Syrah, 5% Viognier and 2% Mourvedre (the Syrah and Viognier were co-fermented) that spent 25 months in 58% new French oak, it offers extraordinary notes of sweet black fruits, licorice, scorched earth, spring flowers and beautifully integrated oak that only shows as hints of creaminess and vanilla. Weightless, fresh, lively and nicely focused, yet also rockingly full-bodied and layered, with an awesome texture, this is a gorgeous Syrah that’s hard to resist now, yet I suspect will continue to knock it out of the park for another decade.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Andremily Wines Syrah No. 2, Santa Barbara County 2013 750ML ($299.95) $249 special, 2 bottles available
Andremily Wines Syrah No. 2, Santa Barbara County 2013 1.5L ($599.95) $499 special, 1 magnum available
Wine Advocate 99 points “The second release from Andremily’s Jim Binns, the No 2 is an utterly profound blend of 85% Syrah, 11% Mourvèdre and 4% Viognier that saw a touch of whole cluster fermentation and 23 months in 62% new French oak barrels. Its inky purple color is followed by an incredibly pure bouquet of creme de cassis, pepper, caramelized meat, violets and hints of lavender. Big, full-bodied and luxuriously textured, it has a firm, structured, concentrated mid-palate as well as ripe tannin, notable freshness and a finish that just won’t quite. Give this incredibly youthful, even backwards 2013 four to five years of cellaring, and enjoy bottles over the following two decades. Hats off to the team at Andremily!”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today for the magnum!
On the topic of Sine Qua Non, here’s a selection of bottles and magnums that are in stock now:
Sine Qua Non Into The Dark Grenache, Sta Rita Hills 2004 1.5L ($2,199.95) $1,599 special, 1 magnum available
Wine Advocate 99 points “More up-front and open-knit, the 2004 Into the Dark (Grenache) checks in as a blend of 84% Grenache, 8% Mourvedre, 7% Syrah and 1% Viognier that comes mostly from Manfred’s 11 Confessions Vineyard, yet includes small portions from Alban (10%) and Alta Mesa (9%) Vineyard. Reminding me of Clos Saint-Jean’s Sanctus Sanctorum with its incredible bouquet of sweet kirsch, licorice, dried baking spices, graphite and ground pepper, this beauty flows onto the palate with impeccable purity, perfect integration of its fruit, tannin and acidity, and blockbuster length. As is common with this estate’s wine, it’s the purity paired with serious richness that sets it apart. While still youthful and benefiting from a healthy decadence, I think it’s drinking at point and would aim to drink bottles over the coming 4-5 years. It will evolve gracefully for longer, but I see no reason to hold off.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $2,328.99
Sine Qua Non Poker Face Syrah, Santa Barbara County 2004 1.5L ($2,199.95) $1,799 special, 1 magnum available
Wine Advocate 97 points “Starting off the Syrah-based wines, the 2004 Poker Face (Syrah) is aging beautifully. A blend of 96% Syrah, 2.5% Mourvedre and 1.5% Viognier (from the Eleven Confessions, White Hawk, Alban, Bien Nacido, and Alta Mesa vineyards) that was aged in 80% new French oak, it offers up a perfumed, fresh bouquet of sweet blackberry liqueur, creme de cassis, spring flowers and licorice that gives way to a full-bodied, seamless, gorgeously textured feel on the palate. Rich and decadent, it has notable, yet beautifully integrated acidity and stays remarkably fresh, detailed and even elegant. It still needs a lengthy decant to shine, and will continue to thrill over the coming decade or so.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $2,175
Sine Qua Non Raven Series Grenache #8, Santa Barbara County #8 2006 1.5L ($1,199.95) $999 special, 1 magnum available
Robert Parker 98 points “2006 Ravens Series (# 6 and 7 Grenache): This blend of 90% Grenache and 10% Syrah, largely from the 11 Confessions Vineyard, with a small amount from Bien Nacido, spent 21 months in barrel. It is really strutting its stuff now, and showing even better than my original note predicted in August of 2009. The wine has loads of meat, licorice, smoke, charcoal and graphite, as well as huge peppery, blackberry and black cherry notes. Full-bodied, with great acidity, nicely integrated tannin, an admirable mouthfeel and tremendous length, this killer Grenache is still young and probably 3-5 years away from prime time drinking.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Sine Qua Non Rattrapante Grenache, California 2012 750ML ($899.95) $489 special, 3 bottles available
Robert Parker 100 points “A perfect wine any way you look at it, the 2012 Grenache Rattrapante comes all from the Eleven Confessions Vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills and spent 33 months in 27% new French oak. My notes start – and end – with “Wow.” Giving up tons of black raspberries, peppery herbs, licorice, dried flowers and cured meats, it’s a massively concentrated, rich and layered Grenache that somehow manages to stay graceful, lively and fresh on the palate. There are roughly 800 cases of this elixir and any Grenache lover should do their best to latch onto a bottle (or two). It’s also worth noting that this cuvee saw 26% whole clusters, which is a small change from past vintages.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $610
Sine Qua Non Piranha Waterdance Syrah, California2014 750ML ($299.95) $269 special, 3 bottles available
Wine Advocate 97-100 points “The 2014 Syrah Piranha Waterdance is young and unevolved (more than the Grenache) and sports an inky blue color to go with lots of minerality, notes of cassis, violets and pepper, full-bodied richness and a surprisingly serious, structured, even masculine vibe on the palate. A blend of 81% Syrah, 8% Petite Sirah and the rest Mourvedre, Touriga Nacional and Graciano, fermented with 26% whole clusters and aging in 54% new French oak, it will be bottled just after the Grenache, in April of next year.”
Sine Qua Non Raven Series Syrah #10, Santa Barbara County 2006 1.5L ($999.95) $799 special, 1 magnum available
Robert Parker 96 points “The 2006 Raven Series Syrah, a blend of 93% Syrah, 5% Grenache, and 2% Viognier that spends just under two years in French oak. Offering a dense purple color, gorgeous fruit, and a sweet perfume of graphite, blackberries, blueberries, charcoal, licorice, tar, and new oak, it is a dense, full-bodied, well-endowed, beautifully layered, pure Syrah that should drink well for 10-15 years.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Sine Qua Non Touche Syrah, California 2012 750ML ($799.95) $499 special, 1 bottle available
Wine Advocate 100 points “Lastly, the utterly perfect 2012 Syrah Touche reminds me of a great vintage of Guigal’s Cote Rotie La Landonne. A blend of 93% Syrah, 5% Petite Sirah and 2% Viognier, all from the Eleven Confessions Vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills, it spent 40 months in 78% new French oak. Deep, concentrated, full-bodied and layered, with a multidimensional texture and to-die-for notes of camphor, cured meats, violets, smoke and assorted dark fruits, this beauty has fine, perfectly ripe tannin and blockbuster length. Give it 3-4 years and drink over the following two decades.”
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We have a perfectly aged Napa red, in stock and in pristine condition:
Cardinale Estate Meritage Red, Napa Valley 1993 750ML ($149.95) $128 special, 3 bottles available
Condition Note–Pristine!
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Explore our complete selection of top collectors’ picks from California on our web store!
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Vineyard Spotlight:
Wehlener Sonnenuhr
There are three great “sundial” vineyards in the middle Mosel and of those the most famous is the Wehlener Sonnenuhr. The vineyard, whose name translates to “the Sundial of Wehlen” is defined by a giant sun-clock in the center of it. Placed there because it was perfectly exposed to receive sun all day, the sundial told vineyard worker when it was time for daily meals and prayers (and of course when the workday was over).
One of the things we love best about the Mosel is how producers can put their own touch on hallowed terroirs—making it their own while keeping the essence of the vineyard. So without further ado, here’s a selection of a few wines from one of our favorite vineyards in the Mosel.
Dr. Loosen Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Grosses Gewachs, Mosel 2014 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 21 bottles available
Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2014 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling trocken GG Alte Reben offers a noble, very clear, elegant, intense and subtle slate bouquet. Highly elegant and expressive on the palate this is a beautiful dry Riesling with perfect sweetness and balance. This wine is full-bodied, piquant and mineral, very complex and persistent. A great Mosel Riesling that would benefit from further bottle aging.”
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The average price is $47
Weingut Kerpen Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Spatlese*, Mosel 2015 750ML ($39.95) $28 special, 20 bottles available
Bernkastler Ring Auction Wine 2016
Mosel Fine Wines 92 points “This special bottling of Spätlese * (there is also one offered via regular channels) offers a very elegant and flowery nose of white peach, herbs and spices. The wine is gorgeously fruity and loaded with herbs on the palate. It is lively, fresh and elegant and gradually gains in presence and richness. The finish is however light, airy and incredibly long. What a beautiful wine! 2025-2040”
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Meulenhof Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese, Mosel 2010 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 18 bottles available
Terry Theise writes: “In general Justen’s wines are more lush and peachy than, say, Merkelbach; not as stern as, say, Christoffel. They are comparatively straightforward and “easy” to understand because the fruit is overt and in-your-face. Even a cursory glance into that fruit, though, will reveal the proverbial Coat of Many Colors: interplays of flavor and texture that can be absorbing and rewarding. And the wines both keep and age.”
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Selbach-Oster Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese, Mosel 2015 750ML ($39.95) $36 special, 36+ bottles available
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2015 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese is bright, pure, very fine, floral and flinty on the nose. It is provided with perfectly ripe and concentrated, slate-flavored fruit aromas intermixed with lemon and grapefruit notes. This is a lush, piquant and elegant, filigreed and finessed Auslese. It has great finesse and provided with a lot of Spiel and salt. The finish is pure, piquant and salty, but also lush and generous. This is a very precise, straight and stimulating, highly digestible Auslese with a lot of energy, tension and aging potential. It is very clear and there is no hint of botrytis here.”
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Willi Schaefer Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese, Mosel 2015 750ML ($79.95) $69 special, 5 bottles available
Mosel Fine Wines 94 points “This “maiden wine” comes from the “new” parcel in the central part of the vineyard which was replanted after the 2011 vintage. This shows a quite smoky nose at first and only gradually reveals a fruity side driven by apricot and orange as well as mint and yellow peach. The wine is creamy and smooth on the palate, with just the right amount of acidity to keep things interesting. The unctuous feel to the finish in the finish adds to the pleasure of enjoying this deep and direct expression of Sonnenuhr Auslese. 2025-2040”
Weingut Jos. Christoffel Jr. Christoffel-Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Beerenauslese, Mosel 1995 750ML ($179.95) $149 special, 2 bottles available
VinopolNote: “Cellared by the domaine and imported especially for Vinopolis, this brilliant wine is beginning to enter the prime of its drinking window (which should last another 20-30 years). The Wehlener Sonnenhur is one of the prime vineyards in the middle Mosel and this wine shows why. Brilliant acidity and freshness combine with tropical botrytis inflected fruit flavors to make this a wine that is as compelling to drink as it is to smell.”
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Joh. Jos. Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel, Mosel 2012 750ML ($179.95) $149 special, 6 bottles available
Joh. Jos. Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel, Mosel 2012 375ML ($99.95) $79 special, 6 half-bottles available
Wine Advocate 96+ points “More reductive on the nose than the Himmelreich Auslese Gold Capsule, the 2012 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese Gold Capsule (AP #19 13) combines its deeper mineral character with a perfect expression of highly noble botrytis. The finish is piquant and firm and also more grippy and stringent due to the reductive style. The wine lacks the finesse and elegance of the Himmelreich at the moment, but is provided with the density and complexity for a long flight over the years.”
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Joh. Jos. Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel, Mosel 2013 750ML ($179.95) $149 special, 4 bottles available
Wine Advocate 97 points “Almost floral aromas open the pure and fresh 7% alcohol 2013 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese Gold Capsule and intermixes flavors of wet stones, lemons and limes. On the palate this is an electrifying signature Riesling of 2013: sweet, lush and piquant and always precise, though super-concentrated. The finish is complex and long, always salty and stimulating. This is surely a wine made for decades. ”
See the complete list of all 261 different German Rieslings in stock now on our web store!
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Thank you for reading!