Category Archives: Special Features

Wine of the Day: Poggio Scalette’s Il Carbonaione 3/3/17

The experience of stumbling across a small vineyard or winemaker in Tuscany can be moment that forever changes your expectations of what Sangiovese can be. The first time we dipped into the Il Carbonaione from Poggio Scalette was just that special. Try it and see for yourself.

scaletteThe estate, which had been largely abandoned to active cultivation after the death of the previous owner, come into new hands and the fortunate discovery of Sangiovese di Lamole, planted just after the first World War, reinvigorated the estate. The vineyard may be the only example planted primarily to this classic member of the Sangiovese family. In the early nineties Vittorio Fiore came to make the wines from this special place. The results, year after year, have been singular in their depth, spice and underlying fruit.… Read the rest

Wine of the Day: Pian dell’Orino Brunello di Montalcino 2011 3/2/2017

Pian dell’Orino

Soldera. Biondi Santi. The two giants of Brunello. Pretty soon it looks like we might be able to add Pian dell’Orino to that list. Brunello insiders have known about the wines for several years now, but the secret seems to be getting out. We don’t get a lot of these wines, but we have enough to offer them today and we’re really excited to share them with you.

Piano dell’Orino combines two things that make great wine estates: good land and obsessive ownership. Caroline Pobitzer and Jan Hendrik Erbach, the owners and driving force behind these wines, have a take-no-prisoners approach to ensure that they make the finest wines in Brunello. From careful, biodynamic farming to native yeast fermentions, the wines are traditional in style but made with the utmost care, so they have silky tannin and elegant structures.

… Read the rest

Wine of the Day: Chateau Meyney 2009 1-26-2017

Chateau Meyney St. Estephe 2009 750ML ($49.95) Buy Now $39 special, in-stock now!

Case-12 Chateau Meyney St. Estephe 2009 750ML ($549.95) Buy Now $438 special, in-stock now!
(That’s only $36.50 per bottle!)52e1162a40969-Meyney-Photo-Aerienne-1

The ’09  Chateau Meyney stands out to me for the approachability for a Bordeaux of this nature. When I first tried it upon release, January 2012, it was certainly tight, but the potential was clearly shouting out. I set a glass aside and by the end of the night, the underlying soft spice aromas really filled the glass and the fruit beneath the surface was beginning to stand out. Well made Bordeaux at this price is truly a gem. It could be viewed as our gateway wine into collecting and aging.… Read the rest

Wine of the Day: Domaine de l’Edre 2013 1-15-17

Domaine de L’Edre Cotes du Roussillon Villages 2013 750ML ($49.95) Buy Now $41.90 special, in-stock

Case-6 Domaine de L’Edre Cotes du Roussillon Villages 2013 750ML ($299.95) Buy Now $239 special, in-stock (That’s only $39.83 per bottle!)

l'edreIt seems France’s Roussillon region was made to grow fine wine. Proximity to the vine’s favorite sea, the Mediterranean, and planted in classic limestone-clay soil, winemaking talent thrives in this area. Founded by a pair of Frenchmen in 2002, Domaine de l’Edre produces ripe yet balanced and stylish wines of terrific character and terroir definition. Here’s the perfect match to a leg of lamb or even a pot au feu, to veggie dishes rich in grilled peppers and eggplant, and of course to charcuterie and cheese.… Read the rest

Inman Family Wines’ Spectacular OGV Pinot Noir: January 2017

Inman Family Vineyards “OGV Estate” Pinot Noir 2010 750ML ($49.95) Buy Now: $33 special – in stock now!

We can be homers for Pinot from Oregon here, but every now and then we get a wine from California that is spectacular enough to break the spell of the Willamette–at least for a minute.  That’s how it is for us with the wines of Inman Family Vineyards in the Russian River Valleybarrel_taste_3, especially for the OGV estate Pinot Noir.

Kathleen Inman is one of the most delightful winemakers we know of and the wine she makes from her estate vineyard, “Olivet Grange,” is the highlight of her portfolio every year.  Her wines manage to combine a grace and elegance that one usually associates with old world wines with the rich, cherry fruit of the Russian River Valley.  … Read the rest