Saturday, November 21st, 2015
Flash Sale; Featured New Arrival; Cult Classics; Blockbuster Wines Arriving Tuesday; Newest Arrivals from Donnhoff; Outstanding Bargains from the Southern Hemisphere; Taylor Fladgate Ports from the 1960s; The Swift and the Strong; Larmandier-Bernier Arriving Early December; This Final Note: Mondavi Best Prices
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Flash Sale
Arriving Monday, November 23rd
Two Hands Wines Bella’s Garden Shiraz, Barossa Valley 2012 750ML ($59.95) $36 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Two Hands Wines Bella’s Garden Shiraz, Barossa Valley 2012 750ML ($299.95) $199 pre-arrival special (that’s only $33.17/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 95 points “Utterly seamless, focused, powerful and elegant, layered with cherry, boysenberry and red plum fruit, revealing glints of coffee, jasmine and cardamom that add extra nuances. Delivers complexity without extra weight. The finish won’t quit. Drink now through 2022. 6,000 cases made.” WS
Wine Advocate 93+ points “Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2012 Bella’s Garden Shiraz has a nose of blackberry preserves and warm cassis with hints of menthol, dark chocolate, cardamom and cedar. Full-bodied and richly fruited in the mouth, the abundant fruit is well matched by firm, rounded tannins and refreshing acid before finishing with great length. Drink it now to 2024+.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 93 points “Brilliant violet color. Powerful, deeply pitched aromas of blue fruit preserves, licorice, incense and mocha are lifted by a sexy Indian spice quality. Stains the palate with sweet dark fruit and cocoa flavors that gain energy and lift with aeration. Rich and expansive but lively as well. Closes velvety and very long, with lingering smokiness and smooth, harmonious tannins.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $39.95
The average price is $64
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Featured New Arrival
The recent NV release of Mumm Cordon Rouge Brut Champagne has just arrived. When the average listed price runs up to $43/ 750ML bottle, well, that’s when we just love being called below average.
G.H. Mumm Cordon Rouge Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($44.95) $28 special, 16 bottles available
Case-6 G.H. Mumm Cordon Rouge Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($479.95) $149 special, 17 case-six deals available (that’s only $24.83/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 92 points “Toast and dried fruit notes mix in this very harmonious dry Champagne, which is full of flavor—dried apricot, candied orange peel, nut and smoke—but still elegant and light-weight. The rich, toasty note lingers on the vibrant finish.”
In-store only special: this wine is available as a gift pack with two Mumm Champagne flutes. Our apologies, but we are not able to ship glassware.
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Just a reminder about our current shipping specials during this season:
We offer flat rate shipping on any size single order / single shipment
-to Oregon for $17,
-Washington & Idaho for $20,
-and California for $25
These rates do not apply to orders held in storage here for any reason.
Multiple orders consolidated into one shipment do not qualify for flat rate shipping.
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Cult Classics
We are pleased to offer a profound Californian and Washington collection, all newly arrived! These are highly limited releases, with many just entering their prime drinking window. Reviewers such as Robert Parker and Stephen Tanzer reserve words like thrilling, quintessential, sumptuous, and blockbuster for some of the best full-bodied reds the USA has to offer. We like to pair those words with “lowest listed price…”
WASHINGTON
Cayuse Vineyards Bionic Frog Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2012 750ML ($299.95) $249 special, 1 bottle available
Wine Advocate 99 points “While a lot of the 2012s came in near the bottom of the barrel score, that wasn’t the case with the 2012 Syrah Bionic Frog and this beauty flirts with perfection. Inky colored and purple to the rim, it offers extraordinary notes of black fruits, wild mushrooms, smoked earth and salty minerality. These all flow to a full-bodied, thrillingly concentrated, focused, structured and lengthy 2012 that needs 4-5 years of cellaring, and will knock your socks off over the following 15 years or more.” JD
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $275
The average price is $300
Cayuse Vineyards Flying Pig, Walla Walla Valley 2012 750ML ($219.95) $179 special, 2 bottles available
Wine Advocate 97 points “A blend of 48% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Cabernet Franc, the 2012 Flying Pig is one of the Bordeaux blends of the vintage. Offering lots of cassis, graphite, chocolate, violet and floral notes, this beauty hits the palate with full-bodied richness, fine-grained tannin and stunning length. Like the majority of Christoph’s 2012s, it’s structured, tight and backward, and needs short-term cellaring.” JD
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $189
Cayuse Vineyards Flying Pig, Walla Walla Valley 2013 750ML ($219.95) $179 special, 3 bottles available
Wine Advocate 94-96 points “I loved the Merlot dominated 2013 Flying Pig, and it offers full-bodied richness and depth, as well as a stacked mid-palate, to go with classic plum, cassis, wild herbs and dried flower nuances. There’s tons of dry extract here, and the tannin is notable, yet ripe, all of which make me believe it will be long lived. Like the 2012, short-term cellaring will be the name of the game.” JD
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Cayuse Vineyards Impulsivo Tempranillo, Walla Walla Valley 2013 750ML ($219.95) $179 special, 3 bottles available
Wine Advocate 97-99 points “Aging in 50% new puncheons (they’re moving to using more and more puncheons), the 2013 Impulsivo was one of the top barrel samples I was able to taste from the vintage. Inky colored, with incredible purple fruits, violets, licorice, cedar and pen ink-like aromatics, this thrilling, dense, concentrated and structured Tempranillo will require 3-4 years of bottle age and keep for over two decades.” JD
Cayuse Vineyards En Chamberlin Vineyard Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2013 750ML ($149.95) $119 special, 2 bottles available
Wine Advocate 94-97 points “Another sensational looking Syrah, the 2013 Syrah en Chamberlin Vineyard is the most savory, umami-styled, exotic and funky of the lot. Iodine, beef blood, licorice, mushroom and hints of soy and give way to a full-bodied barrel sample that has ample concentration, sweet tannin and a great finish. This is classic Rocks characteristics and is perfumed, complex and downright exotic. It should drink well for 15 years or more.” JD
Cayuse Vineyards En Cerise Vineyard Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2012 750ML ($219.95) $179 special, 3 bottles available
Wine Advocate 97 points “Always coming from a small 2.5-acre block inside the En Cerise vineyard, the 2012 Syrah en Cerise is a fabulously complex, seamless and elegant Syrah that exhibits notes of dried cherries, currants, dried herbs, violets and cured meats. These all flow to a full-bodied, nicely concentrated Syrah that shows the more structured, savory side to the vintage. Slightly less flamboyant and decadent from bottle than barrel, I think it will reward 3-4 years of cellaring, and keep for two decades.” JD
Cayuse Vineyards ‘Widowmaker’ En Chamberlin Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley 2012 750ML ($219.95) $179 special, 1 bottle available
Wine Advocate 96+ points “Coming all from the En Chamberlin vineyard and made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2012 The Widowmaker is backward and tight, with bright acidity giving lift to notes of cassis, graphite, smoked earth and lots of crushed-rock minerality. Full-bodied and concentrated on the palate, yet still showing a more elegant, focused and pure style, it won’t hit maturity for another 7-8 years, and will keep for 25+.” JD
Cayuse Vineyards ‘Widowmaker’ En Chamberlin Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley 2013 750ML ($219.95) $179 special, 3 bottles available
Wine Advocate 95-97 points “In the same ballpark as the Camaspelo, the 2013 The Widowmaker sports an inky purple color to go with classic Cabernet aromatics (graphite, cassis, smoked earth) on the nose. Full-bodied, powerful, structured and even edgy on the palate, with building tannin and bright acidity, this will be one to hide in the cellar, and I wouldn’t expect it to shows signs of maturity before its 10th birthday.” JD
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley 2011 750ML ($199.95) $169 special, 3 bottles available
Wine Advocate 96 points “More serious, and one of the wines of the vintage, the 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon (100% Cabernet Sauvignon) has uncommon concentration and depth in the vintage, as well as a broad, structured profile that will allow it to age gracefully. Loaded with sweet creme de cassis, exotic spice, licorice and graphite, it’s a full-bodied, elegant and classically styled effort that has nothing out of place, fine, building tannin and a rock star finish. It will be approachable at an earlier stage than most vintages, yet still have two decades of longevity.” JD
Quilceda Creek Palengat Vineyard Red, Horse Heaven Hills 2009 750ML ($149.95) $119 special, 3 bottles available
Wine Advocate 97 points “Much more Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated, the 2009 Palengat (86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc and 6% Merlot) shows the warmer vintage with ripe red and black fruit, licorice, roasted meat and hints of singed herbs on the nose. Fantastically polished on the palate, with silky tannin, full-bodied richness and a layered mouthfeel, it is a knockout effort that will have 15-20 years of prime drinking. Drink now-2029.” JD
CALIFORNIA
Harlan Estate, Napa Valley 2004 750ML ($599.95) $519 special, 5 bottles available
Robert Parker 98 points “Very deep garnet-black colour with a purple rim. Though still very youthful and muted, this vintage is already subtly revealing a wide array of aromas including blackberry tart, cedar, violets, truffles, liquorice and all spice. In the mouth however this is no shrinking violet–the ’04 is a big, concentrated and highly structured wine with somewhat impenetrable, tightly grained tannins and medium to high acid supporting its rich weight. Very, very long finish displaying hints of savoury earthiness and that signature minerality that appears to surface in better years. Drink 2009-2030.” RP
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $579
The average price is $679
Chateau Montelena The Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 1997 750ML ($199.95) $179 special, 1 bottle available
Robert Parker 98 points “There are 10,200 cases of the remarkable 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate. Opaque purple-colored with a dense, chewy, full-bodied personality, it displays abundant cassis, mineral, and earth notes. This brilliantly made, super-concentrated, pure, blockbuster possesses sweet tannin as well as a terrific finish. Having added additional weight since last year, this sumptuous, multilayered, profoundly concentrated Cabernet contains 14% alcohol. It is a candidate for 25-30 years of longevity. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2030. ” RP
Chateau Montelena The Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2001 750ML ($119.95) $89 special, 1 bottle available
Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 93+ points “Saturated, deep ruby-red. Quintessential cabernet aromas of blackcurrant, black cherry, dark chocolate, licorice, black olive, mint and earth, sweetened by some roasted oak tones. Dense, supple and seamless; much more concentrated than the basic Napa Valley bottling but also more pliant from the outset, even if it will need a good six to eight years of cellaring. Old-style, classic Napa cabernet with a powerful, building finish.” ST
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $109.98
The average price is $121
Chateau Montelena The Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2002 750ML ($149.95) $119 special, 3 bottles available
Robert Parker 96+ points “This appears to be one of the great efforts from Chateau Montelena, something I think I was correct about when I gave it an “in the bottle” rating in 2006 of 95+. It is still an amazingly young wine that came from old vines on the famous St. George rootstock that did not require replanting because of the phylloxera epidemic that swept through Napa in the late 1980’s and 1990’s. Despite its lofty 14.4% alcohol (high by Montelena standards) and the overall flamboyance of the 2002 vintage, it needs another 4-6 years of cellaring. This young, classic Cabernet Sauvignon represents the quintessential traditional school of Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. It possesses an inky/blue/purple color in addition to a tight, but promising nose of black currants, crushed rocks, earth and spice. Rich, full-bodied, pure and brilliantly executed, with perfect harmony, this is a sensational yet forebodingly backward, youthful Cabernet Sauvignon that needs 4-6 years of cellaring and should keep another quarter of a century.” RP
Chateau Montelena The Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2003 750ML ($119.95) $99 special, 4 bottles available
Robert Parker 94+ points “A big wine from the Barrett family (14.2% alcohol), this 2003 exhibits earthy black currant fruit, the restrained but intense Montelena style, full body, good richness and impeccable balance, purity and density. The color is a healthy dark ruby/purple and the wine shows lots of cassis. In spite of the restrained aromatics, the palate is rich, full-bodied, substantial and persuasive. This 2003 is approachable now, but it will be even more gorgeous 15, 20 and 25 years from now. This is a heritage wine from this great estate in northern Napa Valley.” RP
Dunn Vineyards Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, California 1996 750ML ($199.95) $179 special, 1 bottle available
Robert Parker 96 points “The 1996 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain possesses a black/blue/purple color, and a texture of unctuosity and thickness. Greatness is suggested by a wonderfully sweet mid-section, gorgeous purity, and this humongous wine’s overall symmetry. It also possesses sumptuous layers of concentration, remarkably sweet tannin, low acidity, and a 40+ second finish. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2040.” RP
Dunn Vineyards Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, California 1997 750ML ($149.95) $119 special, 1 bottle available
Robert Parker 95 points “The enormous 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is a super-powerful, fabulously-concentrated, 50-year wine. Aromas and flavors of blackberry/cassis jam, minerals, and subtle oak are found in this extravagantly rich, gargantuan Cabernet Sauvignon that should age effortlessly for half a century. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2050.” RP
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $139
The average price is $148
Dunn Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1992 750ML ($119.95) $99 special, 1 bottle available
Robert Parker 94 points “What makes the 1992 California Cabernet Sauvignon vintage so incredible is that one of its hallmarks is the voluptuous, opulent, and succulent nature of the fruit. In Dunn’s offerings, that translates into wines that are massive and rich, but with sweeter, more expansive, chewy mid-palates. Both of these Cabernets are 20-30 year wines, but I suspect the softer Napa cuvee will be drinkable in 5-7 years.” RP
Sloan Proprietary Red, Napa Valley 2013 750ML ($279.95) $199 special, 6 bottles available
Robert Parker 96-98+ points “Scheduled to be bottled several months after my tasting, the 2013 Sloan Proprietary Red is, of course, dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, but does contain other important components such as Cabernet Franc and Merlot. This is a classic Sloan, with notes of earth, burning embers, espresso, chocolate, blackberry, cassis and some toasty oak. Full-bodied, as the wine sits in the glass, more cedar wood and charcoal embers seem to emerge, giving it a somewhat Graves-like nuance. This is a magnificent, full-bodied, brilliant wine from Sloan Estate’s hillside vineyards high above the famous resort of Auberge du Soleil. This beauty should evolve for at least 25-30 years.” RP
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Colgin Cellars Tychson Hill Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2011 750ML ($499.9) $379 special, 3 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 97+ points “The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Tychson Hill opens with the most exquisite of aromatics. Sage, rosemary, graphite, tobacco, menthol, black cherries, plums all flesh out in a dark, voluptuous wine loaded with class. The interplay of savory notes with layers of fruit is simply breathtaking. Vivid, nuanced and beautifully structured, the 2011 is firing on all cylinders. There is a level of aromatic lift and pure finesse that is simply striking. Hints of orange peel and white pepper add an exotic flair on the close. Tychson Hill is Cabernet Sauvignon with splashes of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Shades of the 2001 linger in the empty glass.” AG
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $395
The average price is $503
Sine Qua Non Patine Grenache 2011 750ML ($599.95) $519 special, 3 bottles available
Wine Advocate 97 points “Coming all from Manfred’s Eleven Confessions Vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills and a blend of 77% Grenache, 22% Syrah and 1% Viognier (fermented with 25% whole clusters), the 2011 Grenache Patine spent a full 33 months in almost all neutral oak, with just 11% being new. It offers perfumed and spice-laced notes of white pepper, black raspberry, blackberry and ground herbs that flow to a full-bodied, elegant, nicely concentrated 2011 that has nicely integrated acidity, no hard edges and a terrific finish. It’s certainly one of the fresher, more elegant Grenaches from Manfred, yet it still has rocking levels of fruit. Give it 2-3 years of cellaring and enjoy bottles over the following decade.” JD
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $525
The average price is $568
Sine Qua Non Patine Syrah 2011 750ML ($599.95) $519 special, 3 bottles available
Wine Advocate 98 points “A wine that needs to be forgotten in the cellar for 5-6 years, the 2011 Syrah Patine checks in as a blend of roughly 97% Syrah and the balance Roussanne and Viognier. It too comes all from the estate’s Eleven Confessions Vineyard and saw 39 months in 63% new French oak. Backward, tight, concentrated and structured, with full-bodied richness and depth, it gives up Guigal La Landonne like aromas and flavors of graphite, sweet oak, smoked meats, pepper and black raspberry and cassis-like fruit. While it shows the vintage’s cooler nature, it has a stacked mid-palate and will evolve gracefully for 15-20 years.” JD
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Blockbuster Wines Arriving Tuesday
Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2010 750ML ($99.95) $78 pre-arrival special
#4 Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines Of 2015 – Wine Advocate 98 points “The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino is a striking wine that shows uncompromising varietal pureness, albeit in a most concentrated and elaborate form. This is what great Sangiovese is all about. There’s so much happening on the nose and the wine brings you to cherry, spice, licorice, cured meat, pressed rose and grilled meat in equal measure. No one element overpowers the next. The mouthfeel is also tight and bright with the kind of fruit intensity that promises long cellar aging. This Brunello is only at the beginning of a long road ahead. The longer the wine stays in the glass, the more it offers in terms of complexity and intensity. This is a true standout that can be enjoyed for up to 20 years ahead.” ML
Wine Spectator 95 points “Rich, with excellent density, ripe cherry and plum fruit, and a well-integrated structure. Licorice, earth and tobacco notes add depth while this cruises to a long, tobacco- and mineral-tinged finish. Shows balance and grip. Best from 2018 through 2033.”
Il Poggione Vigna Paganelli, Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 2006 750ML ($119.95) $89 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 97 points “The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna Paganelli is huge, powerful and totally implosive. The seductive allure of the 2007 is nowhere to be found. Instead, the 2006 is built on a serious spine of formidable tannin and dark red/black fruit. Hints of tar, licorice, rose petals and tobacco inform the powerful, virile finish. The 2006 is going to require considerable patience, but it is clearly a jewel of a wine, even at this early stage. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2046.”
Casanova di Neri Tenuta Nuova, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2010 750ML ($219.95) $169 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 100 points “The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova is a protagonist of the vintage. The fruit is deep and dark with rich levels of extract, intensity and flavor. It goes far beyond your standard cherry and blackberry to include plum cake, spice bread and bacon-wrapped prune. Nothing is obvious or monochromatic about this wine. Everything is nuanced and ethereal. Tenuta Nuova is also distinguished by the linear mineral notes that are characteristic of this single-vineyard site. In 2010, those traits are especially well-defined and pronounced. The tannins reach a level of suppleness that is almost impossible to find in the sometimes prickly and acidic Sangiovese grape. If there is one thing Giacomo Neri has mastered, it is harvesting at optimal ripeness: He knows his property and his vines better than most and it shows. Collectors will want to put this wine aside ten years or longer.” WA
Bodegas Muga Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2011 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Bodegas Muga Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2011 750ML ($299.95) $236 pre-arrival special (that’s only $19.67/bottle!)
Wine Advocate 91+ points “The 2011 Reserva is mostly Tempranillo complemented with some 20% Garnacha, 10% Graciano and 5% Mazuelo. There are no stainless-steel vats at Muga, so everything is fermented in oak vats and this wine is then aged for one year in new French oak barrels and a further year in used ones (three to six years old), fined with egg white and bottled. It is a Rioja that mixes the traditional and modern character with ripe fruit and contains oak aromas that are quite spicy and have some toast and smoke that should integrate with a bit of time in bottle. The palate is medium-bodied, has clean flavors that are balanced with sweet tannins. This is easy to drink, pleasant but not banal, and delivers a lot for its price. .” LG
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Donnhoff New Arrivals
The new releases from Germany are arriving steadily –Here are the newest!
Weingut Donnhoff Oberhauser Leistenberg Riesling Kabinett, Nahe 2014 750ML ($29.95) $24 special
Weingut Donnhoff Oberhauser Leistenberg Riesling Kabinett, Nahe 2014 1.5L ($79.95) $69 special
John Gilman 90-92 points “In the past there has been versions of the Leistenberg Kabinett under both screwcap and natural cork, but this year, it is all under the screw, and this wine too had only been bottled for a few days prior to my visit. The bouquet is a very stylish blend of apple, pear, slate, lilacs and a touch of wild yeasts in the upper register. On the palate the wine is medium-full, long and succulent, with a good core, beautiful balance, ripe acids and very good length and grip on the finish. This too is a bit unsettled from its recent bottling, but will be very good. Pity about the closure…2015-2025.” JG
Terry Theise notes “God what fragrance! And the palate is so racy, mineral, charming and complex, begging drink-me! A stunning finish, green-silver-herb-citrus-rock-dust—again I don’t recall a better vintage of this.”
Weingut Donnhoff Norheimer Kirschheck Riesling Spatlese, Nahe 2014 750ML ($44.95) $33 special
Weingut Donnhoff Norheimer Kirschheck Riesling Spatlese, Nahe 2014 1.5L ($99.95) $79 special
Terry Theise notes “Not so girlish or sweet-natured as usual; this is serious and wants to make a point—how strong and proud this terroir can be. A megalith of mineral here! Its cherry-dimples are discreet. Seems drier than usual, less comely, more complex, and utterly vivid and dazzling.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $38.57
Weingut Donnhoff Oberhauser Brucke Riesling Spatlese, Nahe 2014 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Weingut Donnhoff Oberhauser Brucke Riesling Spatlese, Nahe 2014 1.5L ($119.95) $99 special
John Gilman 93 points “The 2014 Brücke Spätlese is really a lovely wine this year, but it cannot quite compete with the really classic example of this bottling crafted here in 2013. The wine offers up a lovely and quite complex bouquet of tangerine, apple, a classy base of slate, wild yeasts, a nice touch of Brücke spice tones and a topnote of apple blossoms. On the palate the wine is deep, fullish, pure and seamless, with a rock solid core, ripe acids and excellent length and grip on the focused and vibrant finish. This is really a lovely bottle of Spätlese. 2020-2050.” JG
Terry Theise notes “It’s usually their ur-riesling, the one that feels Edenic or primordial, and the one that’s often inscrutable in its youth. Not this year. I’ve never experienced a young Brücke that’s so psychedelic and in-your-face, perhaps because it’s the only wine from Brücke this year (no Auslese nor Eiswein) and so all the best fruit is in here. After four weeks of tasting, hundreds if not thousands of wines, it is this one that haunts me, like the very map of your soul that you put down somewhere and now can’t locate.”
Weingut Donnhoff Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Spatlese, Nahe 2014 750ML ($69.95) $59 special
John Gilman 94+ points “As is the case with the Brücke Spätlese, the 2014 Hermannshöhle Spätlese is a superb bottle that may always live just a bit on the shadow of the pure magic of the 2013 version. The wine offers up an excellent and complex aromatic constellation of pink grapefruit, white cherries, slate, a hint of petrol, wild yeasts, orange peel and a topnote of lemongrass. On the palate the wine is medium-full, focused and very suave on the attack, with a fine core, ripe acids and outstanding length and grip on the still very primary, but utterly seamless finish. Fine, fine juice. 2020-2050.” JG
Terry Theise notes “A loving beaming grinning-like-a-dope vintage of this perennial masterpiece, transparent and lucid; indeed it’s a dialectical explication of Hermannshöhle; it reminded me of the ’08 but it’s more Eiswein-y, that sorcerous syrup.”
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Bargains from the Southern Hemisphere
The southern hemisphere is an excellent place to turn to for true bang for the buck. The wines are intensely aromatic and full of character, offering outstanding value and fun appeal. Don’t miss the Wine Spectator’s #98 Wine of the Year for 2014 from Terlato & Chapoutier – we frequently stock this cuvee and are excited to offer it again for such a deal.
Casa Lapostolle ‘Casa’ Grand Selection Chardonnay, Casablanca Valley 2012 750ML ($11.95) $8.80 special, 24 bottles available
Case-12 Casa Lapostolle ‘Casa’ Grand Selection Chardonnay, Casablanca Valley 2012 750ML ($119.95)
$79 special, 8 cases available
Importer’s note “The Lapostolle Casa tier of wines are young and expressive, bright and vivid, and made to capture the freshness of the fruit. Casa Grand Selection Chardonnay comes from the breezy, coastal Casablanca Valley, which has cool and dry summers, allowing the Chardonnay to ripen slowly and maintain its natural acidity. Hand-harvesting at night enhances the fruitiness and crispness of the grapes, and also helps reduce the use of energy at the winery. Casa Grand Selection Chardonnay is satisfying on its own, and also goes well with many seafood dishes and white meat.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Casa Lapostolle Canto de Apalta, Rapel Valley, Chile 2010 750ML ($21.95) $16.60 special, 26 bottles available
Case-12 Casa Lapostolle Canto de Apalta, Rapel Valley, Chile 2010 750ML ($249.95) $179 special, 7 cases available
Wine Spectator 90 points “A rich, smoky red, sporting dark cassis, grilled fig and macerated cherry notes to the iron, smoke and dark spice flavors that linger through the mocha-tinged finish. Carmenère, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.”
Wine Enthusiast 91 points “This is a new wine from Lapostolle, bearing a nose that’s intense and compact, with mineral and dark fruit aromas. It feels rich and muscular but not heavy, with berry, licorice, buttery oak and vanilla flavors. The finish is minty and chocolaty tasting. Carmenère, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah make up the blend.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Casa Lapostolle ‘Casa’ Grand Selection Cabernet Sauvignon, Rapel Valley, Chile 2012 750ML ($11.95) $8.80 special, 24 bottles available
Case-12 Casa Lapostolle ‘Casa’ Grand Selection Cabernet Sauvignon, Rapel Valley, Chile 2012 750ML ($119.95) $79 special, 8 cases available
Wine Spectator: “A savory red, showing white pepper and green herbal accents to the dense core of dark fruit flavors. Mocha and chocolate accents emerge on the fleshy finish.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine Terlato & Chapoutier Shiraz – Viognier, Central Victoria 750ML ($19.95) $16 special, 36+ bottles available
Wine Spectator-#98 Top 100 for 2014 – Wine Spectator 90 points “Vibrant, expressive and distinctive, with citrus and mineral overtones around a core of blueberry and spice, lingering on the taut finish.”
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Taylor Fladgate
Aged to Perfection
Taylor Fladgate is among the oldest and most recognizable makers of port today. Initially founded in 1692 through a partnership of two port merchants, John Alexander Fladgate and Joseph Taylor, the house has grown to be among the largest. The full name of the company – Taylor, Fladgate & Yeatman – came about after Morgan Yeatman became a partner in the company in the mid-1800’s. For over almost 325 years, Taylor Fladgate has created some of the most beloved ports in the world.
The renowned vintage ports originate from three quintas of different character: Vargellas, Terra Feita, and Junco. Quinta de Vargellas is seated along north-facing amphitheatres of vineyards built up steeply from the base of the River Douro, while Quinta de Terra Feita is situated along the western banks of the River Pinhão. Quinta de Junco is among wild soils in higher altitudes, fully exposed to the sun. The vintage ports of the house are blended from these three quintas and tend to be hugely age-worthy and boast an assertive, structured style.
Taylor Fladgate also conceived the late-bottled vintage port (LBV) style, which – among other things, gave port houses more flexibility in bottling time for each vintage, allowing greater control over style. The estate has reserves of ports dating back many decades, which connect the present-day company to their deep roots in the Duoro. We’re happy to carry a fresh stock of these wines, all listed below.
Taylor Fladgate Ports Available Now:
Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port 1970 750ML ($399.95) $299 special, 3 bottles available
Wine Spectator 98 points “Clearly lives up to Taylor’s superb reputation. Deep ruby, with intense violet and chocolate aromas, full-bodied, with gorgeous fruit flavors, full but well-integrated tannins and an extremely long finish. Amazing balance and finesse.”WS
Taylor Fladgate Very Old Single Harvest Port (Tawny) 1964 750ML ($299.95) $269 special, 6 bottles available
Wine Advocate 95 points “I allowed my glass of 1964 Taylor’s Very Old Single Harvest Port a couple of hours to open up in the glass, monitoring its evolution along the way. It is not a shy or retiring Port. Clear mahogany in color with a slight green tinge on the rim, the nose races out of the blocks like a young terrier let free in the garden, with intense aromas of grilled walnut, smoke, brown sugar, hints of caramel and a fug of alcohol that ebbs with time. The palate is smooth and honeyed on the entry, a very seductive Port wine, quite sumptuous in style, but with enough volatile lift to maintain fieriness toward the viscous finish. I speculate that had the 1963s not been so prodigious, Taylor Fladgate would have elected to follow their 1960 declaration with a 1964. That is all in the past. It is a delicious Vintage Port firing on all cylinders, ready to drink and enjoy now rather than cellar.” WA
Taylor Fladgate Very Old Single Harvest Port (Tawny) 1965 750ML ($299.95) $269 special, 5 bottles available
Wine Advocate 95 points “The 1965 Very Old Single Harvest Port, that is, a Coheita, single vintage tawny, is part of Taylor’s continuing series of releases of old Colheitas. A field blend of typical grapes, it comes in at 157 grams per liter of residual sugar. In the overall context of amazing old Colheitas, it may not take 1st prize, but it will strike anyone who loves them as pretty fine. Get ready for those aromatics that are powerful from several feet away. Irresistible on opening, it has an up-front rush of sugar, concentrated aromatics and remarkable concentration of flavor on the finish. Laced with classic old tawny nuances, including a bit of molasses and treacle, it ends with a dark, burnished feel. The mid-palate depth is just average. There are some whiffs of brandy that are sometimes rather too obvious here and there, but not often. Overall, it is bright and lively, with its good acidity cutting through the sugar and concentrated flavors. The two balance each other well. Some tawnies are caressing and sensual; some are rich and lush; some lean more to bite and focus. This is in the latter category, but the price of admission here is that concentration of mature, old tawny Port flavors. The acidity and the sugar lace those flavors into the palate. It emphasizes treacle more as time goes on. It’s pretty fine. Note: this was tasted from a 375ml with a bar-top cork.” WA
Taylor Fladgate Very Old Single Harvest Port (Tawny) 1966 750ML ($299.95) $249 special, 3 bottles available
Producer note “Taylor’s holds one of the most extensive reserves of very old cask aged Port of any producer. They include a collection of rare Single Harvest Ports. These are Ports from a single year which age to full maturity in seasoned oak casks and display the year of harvest on the label. Taylor’s has decided to make a limited release, each year, of a Single Harvest Port made 50 years previously.”
VinopolNote: This is the third release of the series of 50 year old cask vintage Ports from Taylor Fladgate.
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The Race Is Not To the Swift, Nor the Battle to the Strong
But, Unless Wine
Orin Swift Cellars Mannequin White Blend 2013 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 36+ bottles available
Robert Parker 96 points “The 2013 Proprietary White Mannequin, which draws fruit from diverse regions of Northern California such as the Carneros Basin and the Sonoma Coast, is actually a blend of 76% Chardonnay, 8% Viognier, 6% Marsanne, 5% Grenache Blanc, 3% Muscat and 2% Roussanne. This is amazing wine, a gorgeous, full-throttle, honeyed wine with a light-gold color, oodles of tropical fruits including pineapple and mango, rose petal and floral notes, and beautifully integrated oak (aged in 40% new French oak on its lees for 11 months). This full-throttle wine is completely different and more individualistic than anything I’ve ever tasted. It is a magnificent, full-throttle, exuberant dry white to drink over the next 3-4 years.” RP
Orin Swift Department D 66 ‘Others’ Grenache, IGP Cotes Catalanes 2013 750ML ($41.95) $37.70 special, 22 bottles available
Wine Advocate 95 points “In the same mold as the 2012, the 2013 Cotes Catalanes Grenache D66 is being held for six months in bottle prior to release. Completely destemmed (as are all the wines here) and aged in 30% new barrels, it has elegant, lively notes of blackberry, cassis, plum, pepper and violets to go with a medium to full-bodied, balanced and yet still hedonistic feel on the palate. A slightly tweaked blend of 75% Grenache, 15% Syrah and 10% Carignan, this is a more civilized version of this cuvee that still won’t disappoint with regard to depth, flavor or length. Drink it over the coming 5-7 years.” WA
Orin Swift Cellars Papillon Red, Napa Valley 2013 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 1 bottle available
Robert Parker 95 points “The 2013 Papillon Proprietary Red is 100% from Napa and is a Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. This killer wine has an inky purple color and offers notes of espresso roast intermixed with white chocolate, creme de cassis, blackberry and a touch of toasty oak. The wine was aged 16 months in French oak, of which 40% was new. Broad and opulent, with great intensity, purity and depth, this is another stunner from Dave Phinney, a.k.a. Orin Swift.” RP
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Rodney Strong Rockaway Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley 2012 750ML ($79.95) $69 special, 9 bottles available
Case-6 Rodney Strong Rockaway Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley 2012 750ML ($519.95) $379 special, 1 six-pack available (that’s only $63.17/bottle!)
#59 Wine Spectator Top 100 in 2015 – Wine Spectator 94 points “A remarkable wine that exhibits the power of ripe currant, blackberry and cherry flavors along with cigar box, dried herb, green olive and tea notes. Ends with firm, dusty tannins and fine length. Drink now through 2028. ” WS
Rodney Strong Symmetry Meritage, Alexander Valley 2011 750ML ($59.95) $36 special, 36+ bottles available
Winery note “The 2011 Symmetry greets you with an opulent bouquet of blackberries, cassis, and sweet spices. It unfolds on the palate with layers of black fruits, dark chocolate and spice. This mouth-filling wine is rich and silky in texture with a long, lingering finish and the structure for several years in the cellar. Intended to be enjoyable on release, the 2011 Symmetry is destined for evolution in the bottle.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $40
Rodney Strong Single Vineyard Alexander’s Crown Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley 2009 750ML ($79.95) $59 special, 35 bottles available
Robert Parker 92+ points “The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander’s Crown bursts from the glass with dark cherry jam, blackberries, exotic spices, flowers, grilled herbs and graphite. It boasts gorgeous depth and a rich, sumptuous personality. Higher-toned floral notes add lift and brightness on the finish. The style is decidedly on the opulent side, yet all of the elements are nicely balanced. The 2009 is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon that spent 23 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024.” RP
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Larmandier Bernier
Larmandier Bernier occupy roughly fifteen hectares under vines aged 30-35 years on average. Their terroirs fall within the premier cru village of Vertus as well as the grand crus villages of Cramant, Chouilly, Oger, and Avize. Run by Pierre and Sophie Larmandier, the estate is meticulously run and done entirely by hand. As a small, independent estate, work is truly cut out for them. In turn, a Champagne emerges with depth, transparency, and precision which is hard to compete with.
The Larmandiers make their lives even harder through rigid standards of winemaking. They plow between the vines in order to enliven the deep-vined soils, harvest entirely by hand, moderate the yields, do not spray chemicals over the vines, and never purchase fruit. The crop is pressed lightly through a bladder press and the juice rests on the lees over the winter, fermenting on the native yeasts. Upon finishing, the wines rest in bottle in the family’s cave dug out of chalk soils, awaiting hand disgorgement before going to market after a period of settling.
We’re thrilled to have a new lineup of Larmandier Bernier Champagnes, all slated to arrive in time for the holidays!
Larmendier Bernier Champagnes Arriving December 4th
Larmandier-Bernier ‘Longitude’ Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru Extra Brut NV 750ML ($59.95) $44 pre-arrival special
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 92 points “(mostly from Vertus, with some fruit sourced from the grand crus Cramant, Avize and Oger; 4 g/l dosage): Bright straw. Intensely perfumed bouquet displays aromas of green apple, Anjou pear and quinine, plus a strong chalky mineral overtone. Spicy citrus and orchard fruit flavors are complemented by deeper notes of sweet butter, toasty lees and anise, gaining power with air. Impressively focused on the finish, with strong mineral cut and lingering spiciness.” JR
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Larmandier-Bernier Terre de Vertus Blanc de Blancs Non-Dose Premier Cru 2010 750ML ($79.95) $59 pre-arrival special
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Larmandier-Bernier Les Chemins d’Avize Grand Cru Extra Brut 2010 750ML ($149.95) $119 pre-arrival special
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Larmendier Bernier Champagne Available Here Now
Larmandier-Bernier Terre de Vertus Blanc de Blancs Non-Dose Premier Cru 2009 750ML ($69.95) $57 special, 21 bottles avaialble
Antonio Galloni 94 points “Rich and explosive to the core, the 2009 Blanc de Blancs Terre de Vertus races across the palate with tons of depth and power. Dried apricots, honey, wild flowers and anise all blossom in the glass, but the 2009 is first and foremost a wine of structure. A creamy, textured finish rounds things out nicely. The combination of a ripe year and the non-dosage style work beautifully. The Terre de Vertus emerges from the Les Barillers and Les Faucherets lieux-dits. The Terre de Vertus is non-dosé” AG
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $65
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One Final Note:
Mondavi for the Holidays
Arriving Early December
Robert Mondavi Winery Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2011 750ML ($119.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Robert Mondavi Winery Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2011 750ML ($499.95) $428 pre-arrival special (that’s only $71.33/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 92 points “A wine of finesse and polish, this displays striking grace and elegance, with firm, refined red berry, currant, black cherry and subtle vanilla oak notes. The finish sails along smoothly. Drink now through 2022.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $85
The average price is $113
Robert Mondavi Winery Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2012 750ML ($119.95) $99 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Robert Mondavi Winery Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2012 750ML ($599.95) $536 pre-arrival special (that’s only $89.33/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 95 points “An iron fist in a velvet glove, this begins with a supple, rich core of currant, black cherry, anise and sage, firming up with tannins from oak and grape. Glides along gracefully, never losing the core fruitiness, while the tannins and gravelly earth accents lend the flavors tension and traction. Drink now through 2029.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $124
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Have a nice weekend!