Trending May Sale Region: Chateauneuf du Pape
Reminder: More 2013 Produttori Crus Available!!
Rosé of the Day!
Staff Pick: Hidden Gem Beaujolais
Calabretta: Historic, Old-School Sicilian Wines
Long Live the Long Lived:
A Selection of the Most Undervalued Age-Worthy Wines
Staff Pick: Brunello Best Values
Top Spanish (And Portuguese) Picks for the Summertime
“It’s a Steal” The Impressive Hauts de Valcombe
Late Breaking News! Lopez de Heredia 2006 Tondonia
Staff Pick: Brunello Best Values
More Great May Sale Picks
A Second Tranche of 2013 Produttori Barbaresco Cru Riservas
Only seven days left until these prices expire!
What are the most popular wines on our May Clearance Sale?
Trending May Sale Region:
Chateauneuf du Pape
Featured Chateauneuf du Pape Reds & Whites on our May Clearance Sale
Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe Chateauneuf-du-Pape La Crau Blanc, Rhone 2016 750ML ($79.95) Was $66, Now $59
Jeb Dunnuck 95+ points “Slightly fresher than the La Roquete release (I always taste this cuvee after the la Roquete which is also made by the Brunier family), the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc gives up lots of lemon and grapefruit characteristics as well as a terrific, salty minerality that makes you salivate. Medium to full-bodied, tight, fresh and clean, it needs 2-3 years of bottle age and will singe for 2 decades or more. As with the 2015, it’s a candidate for the finest white made at this estate.”
Wine Spectator 95 points “Ripe and rich, but focused, with verbena, bitter almond and wet stone notes threading through the core of creamed yellow apple, pear and melon flavors. Very long, with a gorgeous salted butter echo. Drink now through 2020.”JM
The average price is $71
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 92-94 points “Brilliant ruby. A powerfully scented bouquet evokes ripe red and dark berries, incense and pungent flowers, and a smoky Indian spice nuance builds in the glass. Fleshy and broad on entry and then tighter in the middle, offering juicy, concentrated black raspberry and boysenberry flavors given spine by juicy acidity. Rich yet energetic, finishing with outstanding clarity and sweet persistence and shaped by smooth tannins.”
The average price nationally is $42
Wine Advocate 91 points “While the classic Châteauneuf can be described as traditional, the same can’t be said about the 2012 Châteauneuf du Pape Terre d’Abel. Made from a blend of 50% Mourvedre, 30% Grenache and 20% Syrah that’s aged all in small barrels, it offer loads of chocolate-laced dark fruits, roasted meats, wood spice and licorice to go with a structured, tannic and medium to full-bodied profile on the palate. Regardless of whether it’s typical or not, it’s a smoking bottle of wine that will have 15 years or more of longevity.”
Wine Spectator 92 points “The direct black currant and fig paste notes are underscored with tobacco, tar and roasted alder hints, revealing an echo of Black Forest cake. The finish rumbles along, leaving a dark, slightly muscular feel. Best from 2015 through 2027.” WS
The average price is $54
The Genius of Chateau Pradeaux
(AKA: Why Wait For Tempier?)
We still don’t know when Tempier comes out this year (or how much it’ll cost, or how much we’ll have, etc. but keep reading the newsletter…) but if you’re a fan of the estate, you might want to consider grabbing the Chateau Pradeaux in the meantime. It’s a rendition of Bandol rosé that’s a little richer than Tempier, with a bit more complexity and gutsiness, as well. It’s a favorite of ours and is (somehow) not as in demand as its more famous rival.
In Stock Now:
Chateau Pradeaux Bandol Rose, Provence 2017 750ML ($34.95) $29 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Chateau Pradeaux Bandol Rose, Provence 2017 1.5L ($79.95) $69 special, 4 magnums in stock now
Importer note “Comprising, as always, 75% Mourvedre and 25% Cinsault, the bold, robustly expressive 2017 Bandol Rose offers notes of red licorice, dried sage, crunchy apple, and savory earth. The palate is ultra-intense and staining, with an almost oily core that still scans as bone-dry. Perhaps more than any other wine in the region that we encountered, this shows 2017’s rare ability to delivery sheer power without any undue fruitiness.”
Celebrate Mourvèdre!
Newly Reviewed 2013 Rouge from Chateau Pradeaux
Arrives June 15th
Chateau Pradeaux Bandol Rouge, Provence 2013 750ML ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
Grapelive 94 points “Etienne Portalis, the fourteenth generation, winemaker at Pradeaux has made a brilliant and deep Bandol in the 2013 vintage. It is my pick for #Mourvedre Day. It is a traditional and old school wine that is made with the blessing of the warm Mediterranean sun and his family’s old vines. The Chateau Pradeaux, founded back in 1752, is a Provence legend and the house style is natural and powerful with Etienne only using whole cluster with stems. These are wines that have firm structures from the raw/authentic skin tannins and wines that can age many decades. That said, this 2013 shows a beautiful freshness of detail and refinement after its extended time in large used cask. The 2013 is deep in color with a dark garnet hue around a blackish core with an earthy profile that opens to a full bodied and complex wine. [It is] almost 100% Mourvedre with a tiny amount of other black grapes. It reveals layers of dusty blackberry, kirsch, plum and boysenberry fruits, peppery briar spice, leather, chalky stones, anise, bitter coco and a touch of floral lift with a mix of violet and lavender as well as a cedar/tobacco element. This 2013 is drinking with an impressive palate impact with plenty of dry grip and force, but turns generous with air with a ripe opulence allowing lots of pleasure and textural charm. It’s a serious example that will gain further with short to mid-term cellaring. Imported by Rosenthal Wine Merchant, Chateau Pradeaux is without question, along with Domaine Tempier, is a standard bearer of the region. This 2013 is a beauty that will be perfect with rustic and simple country cuisine. It’s a big, bold and robust Bandol with a natural sex appeal and inner energy. Drink over the next 10 to 15 years.”
The average price is $42
And don’t miss the famous red wine from Pradeaux arriving tomorrow:
Grapelive 95 points “Done as a special project for an anniversary of Chateau Pradeaux [and] being imported by Rosenthal Wine Merchant, this Bandol X is an amazing red from one of the regions great producers. It’s unique in it was raised in oak cask for a full 10 years, but it’s what shows up in the glass which is really special here. This Mourvedre based Bandol Rouge is still fresh and vibrant, a wondrous wine of class and length. The Château Pradeaux, founded in 1752, is situated on the outskirts of the town of Saint Cyr-sur-Mer that lies directly on the Mediterranean Ocean between Toulon and Marseilles. There is almost no other place on earth vines would rather be [and] the view of the sea must be heavenly. The estate has been in the hands of the Portalis family since before the French Revolution, with Cyrille Portalis is the current head of the family’s winery… While their lovely Chateaux Pradeaux Bandol Rosé is 50% Cinsault and 50% Mourvedre, the Rouge bottlings are between 95% and 100% old vine Mourvedre as this special X is. The winemaking is traditional with organic grapes, ferments with native yeasts in concrete tanks using whole cluster, and while the regular bottling gets 48 months in large cask, the X went a full ten years in the big French oak barrels. Grown on the regions southern exposures and slopes of clay and limestone soils, the Pradeaux X Bandol Rouge is a magical terroir driven wine that shows a remarkably youthful bright garnet/ruby hue in the glass with a heightened perfume and subtle earthy tone with a hint of animal and dark fruit coming through on the bouquet. The palate is seamless with layer after layer unfolding. This is just stunning stuff right up there with First Growth Bordeaux in substance and style. Its big tannins show a refined velvety class. There’s a lot to admire here. The mouth feel is excellent and rewarding with blackberry, black cherry, dusty plums and strawberry fruits, a touch of leather, well resolved stemmy elements, salted black licorice, dried violets, lavender, graphite, minty basil, cedar and lingering kirsch. This outrageously good and transparent Bandol Rouge is a thrilling wine that has retained vitality with lifting acidity. [It] remains true to its sense of place and history. It’s everything you’d expect and want, and, while this is a rarity, don’t miss their regular Bandol Rouge and especially the Pradeaux Bandol Rosé.”
The average price is $86
Hiding in Plain Sight
The hunt for great, value, Beaujolais seems to be never-ending these days. Gone are the days of finding Gang of Four bottles for under $25, much less $20, so I’m always looking for high quality producers that are still under the national radar (and are therefore underpriced). I didn’t expect to find a new favorite in the Rosenthal portfolio—mostly because Neal Rosenthal’s wines tend to have pretty strong national visibility. Yet here these bottles were, at $19, on the shelf with the back label promising quality. I figured it was worth a chance, despite a lack of reviews online, and took a bottle to a pretty large Gamay tasting. The wine stood out—one of the best bottles I tried all night, and it was emptied before I could make my way back to it (a sure sign I wasn’t the only person who felt that way). It seems like the hidden treasure I was looking for was right out in the open, in the pages of a prominent national importer’s catalog. I’ll be snagging more.
Domaine de la Chapelle des Bois Morgon ‘Les Rontay’, Beaujolais 2014 750ML ($21.95) $19 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
“Chantal and Eric Coudert-Appert, the proprietors of the Domaine de la Chapelle des Bois, represent the seventh generation of this family line to work the vineyards of this estate in the heart of Fleurie. The domaine comprises 8.4 hectares of vineyards, all of which are hand-harvested. This energetic couple follows the precepts of “lutte raisonnée” when working the vineyards, which is to say they use an organic approach, treating the vines only when absolutely necessary to produce a healthy, ripe crop. At Domaine de la Chapelle des Bois, the wines are vinified in a traditional manner using a “semi-carbonic” maceration. The cuvaison extends for 10 to 15 days depending on the specific cuvée. A grill placed on top of the cuve and then partially submerged is often utilized during the fermentation period to keep the solid matter in continuous contact with the fermenting juice; this process of extraction is supplemented by a twice-a-day “remontage” or pumping of the juice over the solids during the cuvaison.”-Importer note
“This cuvée of Fleurie is sourced from a single parcel planted to vines eighty years old. In contrast to the other wines of the domaine, this special selection is aged 12 months in large, older foudres to best express its formidable character. Surprisingly, this structured wine is supremely elegant and fine; and, it is surely capable of providing pleasure over an extended period of time.”–Importer note
Historic, Old-School Sicilian Wines
Calabretta was founded in 1900 and for the majority of the time since then only sold wine in barrel or in demijohns to private customers (who would bottle the wine themselves) or to local restaurants. Since the beginning, the farming has been organic, without chemical pesticides or herbicides—dated for a majority of the life of the winery and suddenly in vogue now. In 1997, the third and fourth generation of the family decided that the future lay in bottling estate wines and releasing them under a family label.
The one thing that didn’t change when Calabretta started bottling was a commitment to old-school vinification and aging. Macerations of up to 60 days are common as is long aging in botti (often up to 6 years for the high end wine). The wines are powerful and structured but, unlike wines from lower altitudes, maintain a freshness and vibrancy to them.
In Stock Now:
Calabretta Cala Cala Bianco, Sicily 2016 750ML ($19.95) $16 special, 9 bottles in stock now
Calabretta ‘Cappuccio’ Rosso Terre Siciliane IGT, Sicily 2013 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Importer note “Since the winery’s founding in 1900, the Calabretta family has farmed and produced wines from Etna’s ancient indigenous varieties—including Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio—in the mountain’s unique noble vineyards. Historically, the family had sold its wine in sfuso or in barrel to restaurants and to private customers, many of whom travelled long distances to pick up their wine. But in 1997, third and fourth-generation father and son Massimo and Massimiliano Calabretta decided to bottle their best wine under their own label to ensure the winemaking traditions of their family and Etna would not be lost.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 90 points “Deep red-ruby. Underbrush, tar and licorice dominate the red fruit aromas and flavors. A hint of shoepolish emerges on the long tactile and slightly warm finish. This big wine has plenty of personality but I would have liked a little more grace. (15% alcohol)”
Ian D’agata-Vinous 91+ points “Bright dark red. Camphor and herbs complicate red cherry and berries on the nose. Dense and youthfully chewy with brooding flavors of red fruit and spicy herbs. Finishes long and savory with a tactile mouthfeel. This is deeper than the regular (not made from ungrafted vines) Rosso, but is also currently less well delineated. (12.5% alcohol)”
A Selection of the Most Undervalued Age-Worthy Wines
There are two tracts that we’ve found successful for delivering long-aging gems without spending blue chip money. The first is simple—find unheralded (often traditionally minded) producers in appellations known for longevity. Levet in Cote-Rotie, Meyney in Bordeaux and Cavalotto in Barolo are great examples of incredible wines that remain undervalued, even in prestige regions. The other is to seek out top producers (or the most ageworthy producers) in regions that aren’t valued properly. Vieux Telegraphe in Chateauneuf or Ferrando in Carema are great examples of this tactic. There’s also the matter of Riesling and Vouvray (anything with RS from a good producer will age for 20+ years without question) and we’ve got a lot to pick from on that front.
We’ve got a selection below, but don’t hesitate to give us a call or shoot us an email (or even drop in the store if you’re local) if you want to find something from a particular year or part of the world.
Vignobles Bernard Levet Cote Rotie La Chavaroche, Rhone 2014 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 94 points “Bright purple. A deeply perfumed, complex bouquet evokes ripe cherry and blueberry, along with complicating notes of candied flowers, incense, bacon fat and smoky Indian spices. Sappy and expressive, offering palate-staining, smoke-tinged black and blue fruit liqueur and floral pastille flavors underscored by a vein of juicy acidity. Shows superb clarity and lift on the youthfully tannic, floral-accented finish, which lingers with outstanding tenacity.”
Wine Spectator 95 points “This has a lovely, perfumy mix of savory, mint, tobacco, blood orange, cherry and bergamot notes, with finely beaded acidity and silky but ample structure. Long, mineral- and shiso leaf-infused finish. Best from 2020 through 2035.”JM
Wine Advocate 94 points “The flagship wine, the 2015 Chateauneuf du Pape, is a blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre, 15% Syrah and 5% other permitted varieties. It features delicate floral scents and ample cherry and licorice aromas. Somehow, it manages to be full-bodied and almost creamy in texture but without much weight, then it ends powerfully, with a flourish of rich Mexican chocolate on the long, silky finish. It should drink well for up to 20 years.”
Wine Spectator 96 points “This is ripe and broad, taking a slightly more power-driven approach, with a mix of tropical mango and papaya fruit, backed by orchard fruit accents of yellow apple and peach. The long, heather honey–accented finish has light piecrust and crystalized ginger hints. Best from 2020 through 2035.”
Wine Advocate 94 points “Huet’s bright golden colored 2016 Vouvray Clos du Bourg Moelleux Première Trie is clear, fresh and intensely fruity on the remarkably precise nose. Medium-bodied yet concentrated, elegant and sweet on the palate, this is a salty, piquant, mineral Chenin Blanc with intense, elegant and well-structured fruit. The wine reveals a chalky finesse and long tensioned finish. Bottled with 84 grams of residual sugar, this is still a pretty sweet but doubtlessly promising Vouvray. Tasted February 2018.”
Cavallotto Bricco Boschis, Barolo DOCG 2013 750ML ($89.95) Was $66, Now $59, 36+ bottles available
May Clearance Sale Wine!
Monica Larner – Wine Advocate 96+ points “Cavallotto is on a roll with some very impressive new releases. The 2013 Barolo Bricco Boschis is a tremendous effort that has an edge on the excellent 2010 vintage in my view. The wine shows a beautifully exuberant but elegant bouquet with the ethereal and undertone fruit and spice aromas you get with Nebbiolo. Although the wine is never overdone, it does show silky persistence and a long finish that comes from the noble nature of the tannins and the wine’s textural finesse. Yet, it is playfully deceiving in a way because behind that polished grace, it delivers impressive depth and power.”
Importer Note: If there is any wine that defines the Ferrando “oeuvre” it is this one: the white label Carema. No single wine in our portfolio is more illustrative of our work than this brilliant rendition of Nebbiolo. Produced exclusively from the Nebbiolo grape planted in a series of vineyards that sit beneath Mont Blanc (Monte Bianco) in a broad amphitheatre with full southern exposure overlooking the river, Dora Baltea, that runs from the snow-capped mountains south through the Valle d’Aosta into the northwestern range of Piedmont slicing the city of Ivrea in half. The vines are trained in a special way on pergola (known as “tupin” in local dialect) to obtain maximum exposure to the sun in this high altitude district and are planted to soils that are dominated by slate. The appellation of Carema is extremely small: only 16 hectares (approximately 40 acres) are planted to the vine. The Ferrando family controls 2.5 hectares of the appellation. The Nebbiolo grapes are harvested normally during the second half of October; then, they undergo a cuvaison of approximately two weeks in stainless steel before being racked into a mixture of large and small barrels for an extensive aging period of 30 to 36 months before being bottled (without filtration). By law, the Carema cannot be released before four years of aging. Production of the Carema “Etichetta Bianca” is approximately 7200 bottles per annum, two-thirds of which (4800 bottles) comes to the States. A small quantity of magnums is bottled each year at our request as well. The Carema of Ferrando reveals the most elegant and delicate and complex characteristics of the Nebbiolo grape with a surprising capacity to age. We have witnessed this wine at thirty-plus years of age displaying vibrant, seductive qualities that are simply astonishing.
Winery note: “Color: Intense garnet red, limpid and dense. Nose: Spicy, fruity notes. Fine hints of dried flowers and rose petals. Palate: Warm, tannic mouthfeel. Well-integrated spicy notes. Perfect with beef, braised meats, game, and mature cheeses.
Selbach-Oster Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese, Mosel 2015 750ML ($39.95) $36 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
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.”
Antonio Galloni 92 points “Super-ripe dark cherry, plum, smoke, chocolate, licorice and tobacco are some of the signatures in the 2014 Meyney. This is one of the more overt, flamboyant 2014s readers will come across. Although certainly not a shy wine, it is loaded with personality. The late harvest and the generally intense style favored by consulting winemaker Hubert de Boüard are very much in evidence. Tasted two times.”
James Suckling 92 points “This is one of the most immediately appealing 2014s from the appellation thanks to its very ripe black fruits, and there’s still a lot of structure behind it. Reminds me of some of Meyney’s top vintages of the 1960s.”
Brunello Best Values
Caprili Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2012 750ML ($59.95) $33.50 special
Case-6 Caprili Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2012 750ML ($319.95) $189 special (that’s only $31.50/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 94 points “Appealing aromas and flavors of cherry, almond, leather, iron and earth are the hallmarks of this muscular red. Remains fresh and persists on the aftertaste, with echoes of iron and tobacco. Best from 2021 through 2035. 3,500 cases made.”
Ian D’agata – Vinous 93 points “Bright deep red. Very perfumed, pure aromas of raspberry, red cherry, flint and violet. Juicy but dense, with vibrant acidity lifting the floral berry and cherry flavors on the long mineral finish, characterized by an especially silky mouthfeel. Knockout Brunello.”
Wine Enthusiast 93 points “Truffle, leather, mature black-skinned fruit and carob aromas emerge from this powerful red. The full-bodied palate delivers succulent wild cherry, black raspberry, licorice, pipe tobacco and grilled herb flavors with big, chewy tannins. Drink 2019–2027.”
The next best price is $36.89
The average price is $47
Case-6 Canalicchio Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2012 750ML ($319.95) $179 special (that’s only $29.83/bottle!)
International Wine Report 93 points “The 2012 Canalicchio is a beautifully crafted, refined Brunello which spent more than 24 months in medium-large Slavonia oak casks. It slowly opens with aromas of dried cherries ans plums woven together with walnuts, tobacco, leather, dried spices and hints of balsamic. Medium-bodied and firm, with a fine grained tannins and lovely balance leading to the ultra-long, chewy finish. Today this is still a bit austere and will require a few years of additional bottle age before it becomes fully accessible. (Best 2020-2029) – February, 2017 (JD).”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 92 points “The 2012 Brunello di Montalcino shows excellent continuity with past vintages and underlines a house style that is specific to this estate. This is a nuanced and delicate expression of Sangiovese that delivers grace and power. It walks a fine line between these two opposites. The bouquet is redolent of wild berry, red currant, grilled herb, wild mushroom and underbrush. I gave the 2011 vintage the same score, although the differences between the two wines are pronounced. The 2011 vintage shows the warm climate with more directness, whereas this edition offers more subtle depth and finesse. Both wines are most appropriate for near or medium-term drinking.”
The next best price is $37.89
The average price is $46
Wine Spectator 95 points “This cuts more of a broad swath than its peers, yet remains graveful, evoking strawberry, cherry, tobacco and stony mineral flavors. Long and dense in structure, with a tobacco- and under-brush-tinged finish. Best from 2021 through 2033.”
Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2011 750ML ($49.95) $36.60 special
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2011 Brunello di Montalcino is fabulous. In 2011, proprietor Paolo Bianchini bottled just one Brunello. That commitment to quality comes through loud and clear. Dark cherry, plum, smoke, tobacco and licorice all flesh out in an effortless, incredibly inviting wine. The warmth of the vintage and the natural generosity of these vineyards in Castelnuovo is evident, yet the 2011 possesses remarkable balance to match all of that intensity. I don’t expect the 2011 to make old bones, but is gorgeous today. Readers should expect a flamboyant, decadently full-throttle wine built on voluptuousness and generous, racy fruit. Bianchini gave the 2011 three full years in cask.”
Monica Larner – Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2011 Brunello di Montalcino is a very beautiful wine that shows a fraction of good things to come. Very fruit-driven at the moment, it should flesh out further with time. Evident fruit underlines the warm growing conditions of this vintage. You get dark cherry, raspberry, dried strawberry and plum. The bouquet doesn’t feel overripe per se, but you definitely get a taste of the warm growing season. Delve deeper, and this Brunello begins to reveal spice, herb, cola, tar and black licorice. These elements form the base of the wine’s budding complexity. As nice as this wine is to drink now, I look forward to trying it five years from now.”
The next best price is $40 for any vintage
The average price is $52 for the 2011, $55 for any vintage!
Top Spanish Picks for the Summertime
(And Portuguese!)
Case-12 Marques de Caceres Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2012 750ML ($299.95) $199 special, 9 cases in stock now (that’s only $16.58/bottle and the lowest listed price on the West Coast!)
Marques de Caceres Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2012 1.5L ($59.95) $39 special, 4 magnums in stock now
Case-6 Marques de Caceres Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2012 1.5L ($319.95) $219 special, 2 six-packs in stock now (that’s only $36.50/magnum!)
Wine Spectator 93 points “Black cherry, currant and floral notes are expressive and alluring, balanced by loamy earth, tobacco and mineral elements that add a savory quality. Firm, well-integrated tannins give support to the polished texture, while orange peel acidity fuels the fresh finish. Drink now through 2027.”
Bernabeleva Camino de Navaherreros Garnacha, Madrid 2015 750ML ($19.95) $14 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Bernabeleva Camino de Navaherreros Garnacha, Madrid 2015 750ML ($219.95) $149 special, 4 cases in stock now (that’s only $12.42/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Wine Advocate 90 points “The entry-level red 2015 Camino de Navaherreros is always produced with Garnacha from organically farmed vineyards in the zone of Navaherreros in San Martín de Valdeiglesias. It fermented in stainless steel with some 45% full clusters and aged in 5,000- and 10,000-liter oak vats for nine months. This is a very serious red Garnacha for the price asked, with an herbal touch, faint phenolic twist and no oak whatsoever, as well as a very balanced palate, refined tannins and the austere texture provided by the granite minerality. Very impressive. 33,000 bottles produced.”
The average price nationally is $16
Descendientes de J. Palacios ‘Petalos’, Bierzo 2014 750ML ($24.95) $18 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Descendientes de J. Palacios ‘Petalos’, Bierzo 2014 750ML ($269.95) $199 special, 10+ cases in stock now (that’s only $16.58/bottle!)
Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2014 Pétalos del Bierzo was already up for tasting as they sell the wine quite quickly even if the volumes are not small, but the wine had only been in bottle for one week and it might have been a little closed, especially when compared with the aromatic 2013. However, the aromas, if subtle, are phenomenal, very complete and balanced, with an extra degree of complexity when compared with the 2013. The harvest was a little healthier without being easy (or dry). There is great volume in the palate, fleshy, juicy and rich without being heavy, medium-bodied, somehow similar to the 2012 even if it still needs to develop further complexity. There’s always a subdued minerality, a texture and mouthfeel difficult to find in wines of this price level. This is approachable now, but it will be better in one year and should develop nicely in bottle. Drink: 2016-2022.”
James Suckling 92 points “A pure mencía with wild strawberries, black pepper and underbrush. Balanced and pretty red showing subtle berry character throughout. Silky tannins. The entry-level red of the famous Bierzo estate. Drink now.”
The average price nationally is $20
Quinta do Ameal Loureiro, Vinho Verde 2015 750ML ($24.95) $18 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Quinta do Ameal Loureiro, Vinho Verde 2015 750ML ($279.95) $199 pre-arrival special (that’s only $16.58/bottle!)
Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2015 Loureiro (bottled January 19, 2016) is unoaked, dry and comes in at 11.5% alcohol. I’ve been talking a lot about the great 2015s and also about how well this estate has performed over the years. (Check out the reviews of library wines this issue.) If it seems that the fates are pointing in this direction–you bet. The category, perhaps, also deserves some reevaluation upwards, but right here, right now, this has to go down as one of the best moments for the “regular” Loureiro in this fine estate’s history. (Admittedly, as I see some older ones continue to age and notably improve with age, the competition is increasingly stiff. They’ve exceeded expectations.) In any event, this 2015 is astonishingly wonderful, gloriously fresh and alive. It is one of the more aromatic wines I’ve had from Ameal. It is fun to just smell in its youth, very floral and almost exotic. It is also remarkably powerful. If it seemed quite nice on the first day, then on the second day the big acidic core took over, a hint of herbs popped up and it became even more powerful. The fine tension on the finish allows the fruit to linger and grip the palate. The juicy finish can make you drool. Reasonable in body for the grape, which in some years is more on the ethereal side, it seems multilayered, transparent and bursting with controlled flavor. As good as it was on the first two days, it seemed like the essence of Loureiro on the third day. As much as I preferred the library versions this issue for drinking now, here is an example of how delicious and exciting they can be when young, too. In that regard, this is built to age and we might have to wait a few years to be sure how truly great it is. If you don’t know top-end Vinho Verde and Ameal, you may be shocked at that. This will become more complex and (I suspect) flesh out over the next few years. It is, if anything, a bit too aggressive just now. You get this amazing value only because owner Pedro Araújo labors in Vinho Verde, where the top wines are undervalued. Take advantage. This is something you can buy a case (or two) of and likely drink happily over the next 15+ years. It will be something different and wonderful every time you come back to it.”
The Impressive Hauts de Valcombe
Arrives Friday
Case-12 Les Hauts de Valcombe Ventoux, Rhone 2015 750ML ($179.95) $142 pre-arrival special (that’s only $11.83/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Grapelive 92 points “Sometimes you just need the warm comfort of a nice Grenache based Southern Rhone, with its full flavored and smooth tannin charm washing over your palate and light spicy character holding on the mouth coating finish adding complexity to its sweet fruits and earthy seduction. Yup, that is what was needed and this Valcombe Ventoux Rouge delivered! The “Les Hauts de Valcombe” is a cuvee cepage/blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah from exclusively north-facing vineyards, allowing for less sun to give an extra burst of freshness, even in a ripe year. Even with that much Syrah this wine feels remarkably graceful and Grenache(y) on the palate with a playful and fruity core. Valcombe, near the town of St. Pierre de Vassols, is all organic and this cuvee is all cement vat fermented and raised. It’s an old school traditional wine that displays a wonderful transparency and is terroir driven with the chalky marl soils showing through. With air some of the Syrah savoriness comes through, but the dense fruit always keeps the pleasure levels high. It’s an easy Rhone to love with racy raspberry, plum, boysenberry, sweet cherry and strawberry fruits along with hints of dusty stones, pepper, anise, leather and wild lavender. Chateau Valcombe’s owners Luc and Cendrine Guénard trained under Paul Jeune, former winemaking legend at Chateauneuf-du-Pape’s famed Domaine Monpertuis. [Jeune] transformed this property, with vineyards on the lower slopes of Mont Ventoux, from its humble origins into a serious estate [and the Guénards] have continued in his footsteps, and, in fact, in recent vintages even risen the quality here. This is a winery that almost always over delivers in the price to quality ratio, especially this bottling, which I adore. Drink this dark garnet hued medium/full bodied and textural 2015 “Les Hauts de Valcombe” over the next 3 to 5 years, but there’s no need to wait as it is drinking beautiful and fresh right now. It’s a steal.”
Lopez de Heredia
2006 Tondonia
Arriving in November
Case-6 Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2006 750ML ($249.95) $199 pre-arrival special (that’s only $33.17/bottle!)
Wine Advocate 95 points “The red flagship 2006 Viña Tondonia Reserva was inspired by the vineyards of the Médoc but produced with local grapes, 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacho, 5% Graciano and 5% Mazuelo, which achieved 13% alcohol in 2006. It always matures in used American oak barriques for some six years. The oldest of all the reds I tasted, it was also the one with more freshness, which speaks to the quality of the vineyard. This takes the lion’s share of the 400,000 bottles the winery produces, with some 220,000 bottles filled over a period of 12 consecutive days in May 2014.”
May Clearance Sale
More Great Picks
See all 37 wines on our May Clearance Sale by visiting our web store!
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 90 points “Limpid yellow. Ripe citrus and orchard fruit aromas are lifted and sharpened by a subtle mineral flourish. Juicy and supple on the palate, offering tangerine, pear nectar and candied ginger flavors and a sweetening touch of honey. The pear note carries through a long, silky finish braced by a touch of refreshingly bitter orange zest.”
M. Chapoutier Ermitage Le Pavillon, Rhone 2013 750ML ($249.95) Was $219, Now $199
Wine Advocate 98+ points “The star of the show in 2013 is the 2013 Ermitage le Pavillon. Coming from the west and eastern edges of the Bessards lieu-dit and aged in 30% new French oak, its sensational black/blue color is followed by the awesome bouquet of cassis, smoked earth, graphite and caramelized meats that could come from no other terroir in the world. Full-bodied, massive, dense, sexy and with a liquid rock-like character that comes out with time in the glass, it has sweet tannin and a blockbuster finish that keeps you coming back to the glass. It needs 5-6 years of cellaring and will have 30-40 years of more of ultimate longevity.”
The next best price is 10% higher at $209
The average price is over 50% higher at $327!!
Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2012 750ML ($89.95) Was $59, Now $53.50
Case-6 Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2012 750ML ($519.95) Was $336, Now $299 (that’s only $49.83/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Wine Advocate 95+ points “Il Poggione is a Brunello superstar and a vintage like this reveals every reason why that affirmation is true. From the second the 2012 Brunello di Montalcino pours into the glass, you know you are in for something special. The wine is darkly saturated and rich in appearance. Absent are those slightly amber or browning hues you often get with Sangiovese in a hot vintage. Nor does the wine show flat or tired characteristics. Instead, the quality of fruit is vibrant and rich. This is a healthy, generous and exuberant Brunello with dark density and succulent fruit flavors that are followed by integrated spice and tobacco. The balance is impressive and one thing you get here is fresh acidity. This is not to be underestimated, because the acidity quota in the 2012 vintage across the appellation is not as high or evident as usual. This is one of the year’s best Brunellos.”
Ian D’Agata – Vinous 93+ points “Good full red. Medicinal red cherry, raspberry, sweet spices and mint on the fresh, precise nose. Bright and sweet, with a penetrating, austere quality to its flavors of red fruits, minerals and medicinal herbs. Harmonious acidity nicely frames the pure, long, youthfully tight finish. Lovely young Brunello that will repay cellaring.”
2013 Produttori Barbaresco Cru Riservas
Some Here Now / Now Arriving in SeptemberFeaturing Additional Stocks of Asili and Rabaja
We’re pleased to announce additional stock on all of the crus, including the previously sold out Asili and Rabaja. These won’t last long, so if there’s something you missed on the first go-round, this is your chance!
“Two thousand thirteen …is shaping up to be an epic vintage of classic proportions and superb pedigree… No one knows every nook and cranny of Barbaresco better than Aldo Vacca, but Vacca has also proven to be incredibly wise in making choices that have positioned the Produttori for much continued success in the future.”–Antonio Galloni
Featured Wines Arriving in September:
Produttori del Barbaresco Asili, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2013 750ML ($99.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 95 points “Rich and silky, boasting cherry, strawberry, mineral, tobacco and spice flavors. Impeccably balanced, even with the firm line of tannins lingering on the finish. The acidity is vibrant, energetically driving the fruit, underbrush and mineral flavors. Best from 2023 through 2038.”
Produttori del Barbaresco Rabaja, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2013 750ML ($99.95) $89 pre-arrival special
Produttori del Barbaresco Rabaja, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2013 1.5L ($199.95) $179 special, 9 magnums in stock now
Wine Spectator 96 points “Fruity, featuring floral, cherry and plum flavors, along with savory leather, licorice and tobacco notes. A chewy texture and lively acidity keep this well-defined through the long finish. Complex and classy. Best from 2023 through 2038.”
(With Additional Stocks Arriving in September!!)
Produttori del Barbaresco Montestefano, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2013 1.5L ($179.95) $149 special, 17 bottles in stock now
Case-12 Produttori del Barbaresco Montestefano, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2013 750ML ($799.95) $699 special, 2 cases in stock now (that’s only $58.25/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 96 points “This is full-bodied, displaying cherry, licorice, wild herb, iron and tobacco notes. The dense tannins take over and dominate the finish now, despite this remaining fresh and long. Full-bodied and minerally. Best from 2025 through 2040.”
Produttori del Barbaresco Muncagota, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2013 750ML ($79.95) $59 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Produttori del Barbaresco Muncagota, Barbaresco Riserva 2013 750ML ($669.95) $599 special, 5 cases in stock now (that’s only $49.91/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 94 points “Powerful yet underlined by racy acidity, driving the black cherry, black currant and mineral flavors. Menthol and tobacco notes add depth, keeping this intense. All the components are here, yet this will need time to really sing. Best from 2024 through 2040.”
Produttori del Barbaresco Ovello, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2013 750ML ($99.95) $79 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Produttori del Barbaresco Ovello, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2013 1.5L ($179.95) $149 special, 18 magnums in stock now
Case-12 Produttori del Barbaresco Ovello, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2013 750ML ($999.95) $799 pre-arrival special (that’s only $66.58/bottle!), ETA September
Wine Spectator 95 points “This red starts out with bright cherry, strawberry, rose and mineral flavors, allied to a refined, linear frame. Harmonious now and should be ready soon, but the vivid structure will serve it well into the future. Best from 2023 through 2037.”
Produttori del Barbaresco Paje, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2013 750ML ($79.95) $69 special, 7 bottles in stock now
Case-12 Produttori del Barbaresco Paje, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2013 750ML ($799.95) $699 pre-arrival special (that’s only $58.25/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 94 points “Cherry, floral and wild herb aromas and flavors are the hallmarks of this elegant, tensile red. Silky, yet with plenty of tannins underneath, giving overall balance and length. Shows lovely freshness. Best from 2023 through 2036.”
Produttori del Barbaresco Pora, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2013 750ML ($79.95) $59 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Case-12 Produttori del Barbaresco Pora, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2013 750ML ($699.95) $599 special, 4 cases in stock now (that’s only $49.91/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 95 points “A rich, cherry- and floral-scented red, effusive in aroma, with the core of cherry prevailing on the palate. Though fleshy, this gives way to firm tannins that line the lingering aftertaste. Inviting and full of energy, so decant now or wait. Best from 2023 through 2035.”
Produttori del Barbaresco Rio Sordo, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2013 750ML ($79.95) $59 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 94 points “This is supple and full of cherry and berry flavors, focused by vibrant acidity. Firm tannins follow up, yet this remains elegant and really stretches out on the long aftertaste. Best from 2023 through 2036.”
Arriving in September from Produttori del Barbaresco
Produttori del Barbaresco Montefico, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2013 750ML ($99.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 95 points “This beefy red evokes cherry, licorice, herb, mineral and tobacco aromas and flavors. Rich and densely structured, with iron, tobacco and cherry notes lingering on the long finish. Best from 2023 through 2035.”
Thanks for reading!