New Arrivals Featuring Extensive Vintage Port Offerings from Graham’s/Fonseca/Warre’s&Taylor Fladgate; Staff Pick: Here Tomorrow: Bereche & Pierre Peters Offerings; Heir Apparent of Quintarelli (at 1/6th the Price); Long Shadows Gift Box; New Mosel Fine Wine Reviews: 2016 JJ Prum; Classic Marsala
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New Arrivals
France – Champagne
Arlaux Grande Cuvee Premier Cru Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($39.95) $33 special
Case-6 Arlaux Grande Cuvee Premier Cru Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($219.95) $189 special (that’s only $31.50/bottle!)
Wine Advocate 92 points “The nose of this wine seduces you straight away with a great balance of autolytic and fruit aromas: toasted hazelnuts, warm apple tart and kaya (coconut and egg) jam. The palate is equally well balanced providing plenty of evolved fruit and toasty / yeasty flavors. Small, fine bubbles, seamless use of dosage and a long nutty finish. This fine if relatively unknown Brut NV takes first place in the derby – a shocker even for me!”
Importer notes: “Arlaux is a small family-run champagne house producing only 5,000 cases a year located in a small village on the Petit Montagne de Reims called Vrigny. Arlaux has been producing champagne since 1826 but the Arlaux-Marchal family have lived in Vrigny since the 13th century. Exclusively 1er Cru Champagne with a minimum of 4 years aging. They only use their own grapes from 20 to 100 year old vines which are hand-picked in order to select only the very best. All Arlaux cuvées are 100% Premier Cru and 100% Tête de Cuvée (meaning that they only use the juice of the 1st press).”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $38
France – Bordeaux
Chateau Pontet-Canet, Pauillac 2014 750ML ($149.95) $119 special
James Suckling 98 points “A stunning wine for this vintage although it’s still a bit shy on the nose (more spice than fruit showing than now). There’s wet earth, too, but on the palate it’s bursting with ripe yet subtle flavors. Very long and complex finish that goes on and on.”
Wine Enthusiast 96 points – Cellar Selection “This is a finely structured wine with dark tannins and intense black fruits. The estate, with its biodynamically grown fruit, has given an impressively pure wine, packed with tight serious tannins and a fine structure of black-plum skins and intense acidity. It is direct, firm and with a huge potential over many years.”
Antonio Galloni – Vinous 95 points “The 2014 Pontet-Canet seems to have put on quite a bit of weight and volume since I first tasted it from barrel. Ripe, juicy tannins wrap around a core of intense dark cherry, plum, spice, lavender and tobacco. Today, it is the wine’s sheer intensity and vertical structure that stands out. I wouldn’t dream of touching a bottle until at least age ten, and even that is almost certainly not going to be enough time for the 2014 to show the full breadth of its potential. The transformation the 2014 has undergone from a delicate, nuanced Pauillac to a wine of depth is quite remarkable. Tasted three times. The blend is 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, vinified in equal parts cement and oak and aged in a combination of 50% new oak, 35% amphora and 15% once used barrels. This is a gorgeous wine from the Tesseron family and the team led by Technical Director Jean-Michel Comme.”
France – Rhone
M. Chapoutier Ermitage Le Pavillon, Rhone 2013 750ML ($249.95) $219 special
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.”
Italy – Tuscany
Fattoria Le Pupille Elisabetta Geppetti ‘Saffredi’ Maremma Toscana, Tuscany 2014 750ML ($79.95) $59 special
James Suckling 96 points “Sexy blueberry, spice and black pepper. Mushroom. Full body and ultra-fine tannins. Extremely long and just starting to come around now. Needs a little more time in bottle. Splendid finish. Try in 2019 but already amazing.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $73
Tua Rita Giusto di Notri Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2010 750ML ($99.95) $79 special
Wine Enthusiast 96 points “A blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, this shows compelling intensity and lovely layers of black fruit, ripe cherry, leather, tobacco, black pepper and licorice. The complexity is impressive, and so is the palate’s persistence and elegance. Hold for 10 years or more.”
Antonio Galloni 94 points “Dark raspberries, freshly cut flowers, violets, licorice mint and sweet spices literally jump from the glass in the 2010 Giusto di Notri. An articulate, beautifully delineated wine, the 2010 impresses for its nuance and balance. Even with all the richness, the flavors remain bright, focused and lively. This is a great showing from Tua Rita. Giusto di Notri is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Tua Rita Giusto di Notri Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2012 750ML ($99.95) $79 special
Antonio Galloni 94 points “A dark, brooding wine, the 2012 Giusto di Notri presents a compelling array of dark stone fruits, grilled herbs, smoke, tobacco and menthol. The power of Suvereto and these Bordeaux varieties are both super-expressive in a virile, imposing wine loaded with personality and gorgeous, totally resonant fruit. This is a terrific showing.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Spain – Rioja
Granja Nuestra Senora de Remelluri Gran Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2010 750ML ($99.95) $66 special
Wine Advocate 95 points “I was really blown away by the 2010 Granja Remelluri Gran Reserva, their take on more classical Rioja; IT is aged in oak for a longer time, but not without having selected grapes from their very best plots that would benefit from the extended élevage. The varietal composition is approximately 75% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha and 5% Graciano. Like all of the wines here, it fermented in small stainless steel and oak vats with indigenous yeasts, and then matured in oak barrels for some 26 months. The nose is full of flowers, blood orange, sweet spices, violet pastille and curry. It’s very aromatic and perfumed, with the herbs that you find in the Remelluri mountains, rosemary especially. It is extremely attractive, with a nose that makes you go back to it over and over again. This is still very young, but terribly balanced. The tannins are refined and there is a fine thread of acidity going through its core and lifting it up. This could very well be the best vintage of Granja so far. And having seen the improvements in the vineyards, my feeling is that the best is yet to come.”
Portugal – Port
Croft Vintage Port, Portugal 2009 750ML ($89.95) $79 special
Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2009 Croft has a tightly wound bouquet of blackberry, black plum, and touches of glycerine and graphite that are well-defined but persistently broody. The palate is full-bodied with a burly, powerful entry. There is real structure and presence here – a Croft packed full of spicy black fruit with white peppers generously sprinkled over the finish. This is an ambitious Croft that could become a future legend – or might trip over its untrammeled ambition! Tasted May 2013.”
Graham’s Vintage Port, Portugal 1977 750ML ($219.95) $179 special
Wine Advocate 93 points “Graham is another great port house, producing one of the deepest-colored and sweetest styles of vintage port. Along with Taylor and Fonseca, Graham has probably been the most consistent producer of great port in the post- World War II era. Their tawnys are quite good rather than exceptional, but their vintage ports are truly sublime and sumptuous.”
Graham’s Vintage Port, Portugal 2011 750ML ($119.95) $99 special
Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 96+ points “Bright, deep, saturated ruby. Liqueur-like ripeness to the deeply fruity aromas of kirsch, black raspberry and cassis. Thick, sweet and seamless, with a silky texture and great depth to its utterly primary dark berry and spice flavors. Wonderfully pure, intense young port with outstanding finishing sweetness, well-judged oakiness and big, ripe, noble tannins. Leaves behind exhilarating kirsch and violet notes on the extremely long finish, with a note of bitter chocolate emerging with extended aeration. This fleshy beauty boasts beautifully managed tannins and outstanding aging potential.”
Warre’s Vintage Port, Portugal 1977 750ML ($249.95) $199 special
James Suckling 94 points “The Warre was beautiful now. It showed lots of dried fruits and Christmas cake character on the nose and palate. Medium sweet. It was full-bodied with loads of flavor and an intensely flavorful finish. It was perfect to drink.”(06/2016)
Fonseca Vintage Port, Portugal 2000 750ML ($99.95) $89 special
Wine Advocate 96 points “The 2000 Fonseca continues to exude finesse and focus on the nose, with pure blackberry, juniper berries, licorice and a touch of sloes, perhaps as Adrian Bridge remarked, just beginning to close after ten years in bottle. The palate is underpinned by very fine tannins, a sensual, svelte texture with wonderful acidity. The harmony and symmetry is alluring, the finish precise and demonstrating the persistency to suggest a long future ahead. Drink 2020-2060.”
Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port, Portugal 1970 750ML ($499.95) $399 special
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. Still needs time.”
Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port, Portugal 2003 1.5L ($299.95) $249 special
Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2003 Taylor’s has a lovely ripe, primal bouquet of blackberry, raspberry, vanilla and marmalade that shows slightly better delineation than the Fonseca. The palate is medium-bodied with very composed, refined tannins that belie the heat of that summer. There is wonderful focus here and fine tension, the finish offering precise notes of black cherries, mulberry, cloves and white pepper. This is one of the finest Ports of a precocious vintage. Tasted May 2013.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $299.99
Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port, Portugal 2007 750ML ($99.95) $79 special
Wine Spectator 96 points “This is a giant of a wine lurking behind fresh flowers and ripe fruit. Starts off in a friendly way, then takes hold of the palate, with intense blueberry and blackberry fruit and chewy yet fine tannins. Mouthpuckering, but impressively complex and long. Really kicks in on the finish. The best Taylor since 1994.”
Germany
Reichsrat von Buhl Forster Musenhang Riesling, Pfalz 2015 1.5L ($79.95) $59 special
Wine Advocate 92 points “The intensely citrus-yellow 2015 Forster Musenhang Riesling shows a clear, aromatic, and slightly flinty nose with ripe pip fruit and refreshing lemon; there are even green paprika and apple flavors on the intense and elegant nose. This Musenhang is medium-bodied, clear, fresh and racy on the palate. It is a straight and mineral, edgy and merciless Riesling with no ornaments, no meat and no charm. But it does have a lot of freshness, raciness and character. This is probably not a wine for the U.S. market, whereas Vikings would probably die for it. Great finesse and purity here, this is an old-school Riesling from the pre-global warming area. Some would say it is unripe, while other would say it’s just ripe. I’d say: the ripeness is at maximum, but I like it due to its refreshing and mineral expression. This Riesling is 12.5% alcohol.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Reichsrat von Buhl Forster Riesling, Pfalz 2015 1.5L ($69.95) $49 special
Wine Advocate 92 points “The citrus/golden-colored 2015 Forster Riesling is dense, clear and aromatic on the nose and shows flinty aromas along with ripe Riesling flavors. Very vital and pure on the palate, the wine reveals a great grip and tension. Its power comes from the depth, not from the alcohol. The finish is long, complex and very salty, revealing a pure, concentrated and firmly-structured baby Riesling. This has great expression and talents. The finish and aftertaste reveal some refreshing white and lemony aromas; it does not have the rich and opulent stone fruit flavor you often find in Pfalz, as well as in Forst Rieslings. The finish is long, pure, salty and enormously vital.”
This is the only listing in the USA today for the magnum!
Reichsrat von Buhl Deidesheimer Leinhohle Riesling, Pfalz 2015 1.5L ($79.95) $59 special
Wine Advocate 91 points “The golden/yellow-colored 2015 Deidesheimer Leinhöhle Riesling (AP 1416) has an intense nose with pretty ripe, but also refreshing and slightly greenish fruit aromas with sur-lie characteristics. Round and elegant on the palate, this is a balanced, fruit-intense and well-structured Riesling with nice concentration and a long, intense finish. Pretty accessible already, but also with tension. This is a very well-made Riesling from a warmer terroir in a warm vintage. The acidity is ripe and well integrated, and the creamy texture and long lees aging make this a pretty Burgundian Riesling, with 13.5% alcohol.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Reichsrat von Buhl Deidesheimer Maushohle Riesling, Pfalz 2015 1.5L ($89.95) $69 special
Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2015 Deidesheimer Mäusehöhle Riesling (AP 2216) opens with a pure and refreshing, rather coolish aroma (compared to the Leinshöhle) of ripe yellow fruits intertwined with stony aromas. Round, fresh and elegant on the palate, this full-bodied and well-balanced Riesling is tightly woven, but fine and very mineral. It displays ripe yellow apple flavors in the finish, as well as nice and stimulating grip. The finish is pure and salty, really vitalizing in its freshness and clarity. According to the label, this is 12.5% alcohol.”
This is the only listing in the USA today for the magnum!
Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt Scharzhofberger Riesling Auslese, Mosel 2015 1.5L ($179.95) $149 special
Mosel Fine Wines 94 points “This Auslese harvested at 102° Oechsle is still marked by some residual notes from spontaneous fermentation at first. However, these quickly give way to exotic scents of mango and papaya as well as mint, candied grapefruit and pineapple. The wine proves juicy and creamy even if still on the sweet side on the palate at this early stage. However, the finish already hints at greatness to come as grapefruit zest brings freshness in the long finish of this superb Auslese from the Scharzhofberg.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Argentina
Catena Zapata Nicasia Vineyard Malbec, La Consulta, Uco Valley 2012 750ML ($129.95) $69 special
Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2012 Malbec Catena Zapata Nicasia Vineyard feels fresher and more harmonious than the 2011, when in reality the vintage character is the opposite. It is sourced from the vineyard that names the wine and that is located in Altamira. The Malbec grapes fermented in open barrels and cement vats with 15% whole-cluster Cabernet Franc. There is one extra level of precision and harmony here. It has an elegant nose and the palate almost reflects the tension in the skin of the grapes with its a velvety texture and great acidity. This is really tasty and long, it could be the best Nicasia ever produced.”
James Suckling 95 points “Vivd aromas of currants and blackberries. So much dark fruit. Violets too. Full body, yet buttressed with a center palate of salty acidity and firm tannins. From grapes grown in Altamira. Persistent and vibrant. Drink or hold.”
Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino, Uco Valley 2012 750ML ($129.95) $89 special
James Suckling 98 points “Very dense and powerful with a tight palate of blue fruit and raspberry undertones. Salty with wonderful length and intensity. A blend of malbec from Nicasia Vineyard in Altamira and Adrianna Vineyard in Gualtallary. Drink in 2022 but so great now.”
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Bereche Négo & Pierre Peters
Champagnes Arriving Friday, October 13th
Bereche Crus Selectionnes Blanc De Blancs Cote Grand Cru – Terroir du Mesnil sur Oger 2006 750ML ($89.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 93 points “Vibrant and lacy, with a seamless weave of poached quince, blanched almond, pink grapefruit pith and jasmine notes. This minerally Champagne is finely knit and graceful, offering a firm, focused finish. Drink now through 2029.”
Antonio Galloni 92 points “The 2006 Côte Grand Cru – Terroir du Mesnil sur Oger offers a striking combination of aromatic nuance, freshness and the natural flavor comlexity of Champagne with some age. Candied lemon peel, hazelnut, chamomile and lightly honeyed notes are front and center in this super-expressive Champagne. The 2006 finishes with notable power and substance. Although not especially deep, the 2006 is absolutely delicious, not to mention a real joy to taste.” (7/2017)
Pierre Peters Cuvee Speciale ‘Les Chetillons’ Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut, Champagne 2010 750ML ($149.95) $128 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 93 points “Péters’ 2010 Brut Cuvée Spéciale Les Chétillons looks to be a relatively easygoing, approachable version of this reference-point Mesnil Champagne. There is good depth and purity to the flavors, but the 2010 is decidedly delicate and airy in the glass, with mid-weight structure and more openness than is typically the case. Scents of yellow orchard fruit, honey, chamomile and white flowers open up nicely. I don’t find the dimension or energy of the finest years. In exchange, though, the 2010 should drink well with minimal cellaring.”
Pierre Peters Blanc de Blancs Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut L’Esprit de 2012 750ML ($99.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2012 Brut L’Esprit captures the radiance of the vintage yet also retains striking precision. The 2012 is also remarkably open considering it was disgorged just a month ago. Lemon confit, acacia chamomile, apricot, sweet flowers, mint and sage are all pushed forward. At times, Rodolphe Péters’ wines can be hard to drink when young. That is not at all the case here. The 2012 is open-knit, radiant and absolutely delicious. Dosage is 4 grams per liter.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $83
Pierre Peters ‘Reserve Oubliee’ Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Brut, Champagne (2011) NV 750ML ($129.95) $115 pre-arrival special
Staff pick!
Pierre Peters Cuvee Rose for Albane Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($89.95) $75 pre-arrival special
Suzanne: My favorite rosé Champagne year-in, year-out for its crystalline minerality, pop of fresh berries, and long cellar potential.
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Arriving October 20th
Heir Apparent of Quintarelli
At 1/6th the Price
While Quintarelli & Dal Forno wine continue to climb in price, Tommaso Bussola offers the best value in Amarone PERIOD.
Tommaso Bussola Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG, Veneto 2011 750ML ($67.95) $55 pre-arrival special
Ian D’agata–Vinous 95 points “Very deep ruby, almost inky in color. Multidimensional nose combines red cherry, raspberry syrup, gunflint, cinnamon, flowers and oak spices. Thick but magically light on its feet, with penetrating red fruit and very strong chocolaty flavors nicely framed by harmonious acidity. The sweet and ultra smooth finish saturates the palate with red fruits, chocolate and sweet spices. Sports a highish 17% alcohol by volume but you can hardly tell, a real neat trick for such a luscious, concentrated wine. Almost like drinking liquid chocolate with alcohol. Outstanding Amarone that will likely turn out to be one of the top three wines of the vintage.”
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Staff Pick
Arriving Late October
Jay:
We’re happy to announce this 6-bottle vintner’s case collection from Long Shadow which will be arriving in late October. For me the real stand-out wine in this collection is the Saggi from Giles Nicault and Giovanni Folonari who create this exciting super Tuscan style blend. This wine delivers the wonderful bright cherry aromas of Sangiovese selected from the Boushey Vineyard. The fruit comes forward on the palate with hints of raspberry, while a healthy dose of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah help to round out the mid-palate and offer a full mouth feel and a rich but elegant finish. The producer’s notes also describe “a hint of nutmeg and smoky earthiness.” Also included in this set:
The fruity, lush and deep Pirouette Bordeaux style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Merlot; the 100% Cabernet Sauvignon Feather from Randy Dunn which delivers plenty of richness and complexity for the more domestic leaning palate; also, Pedestal from Michel Rolland which is 100% Merlot and showcases the fresh fruit flavors of which this varietal is capable while remaining soft and approachable; Sequel from John Duval who chose the Columbia Valley to continue his work in delivering rich Syrahs; and Chester-Kidder from Allen Shoup and Giles Nicault which continues to explore an emphasis on Cabernet Sauvignon with a blend of Syrah, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc for greater depth and color. Beautifully presented in a classy wooden crate, this collection will make a great gift for new world and old world lovers alike.
Case-6 Long Shadows Vintners Collection, Columbia Valley (2014/2015) 750ML ($419.95) $319 pre-arrival special
Contains one 750ML bottle each of Long Shadows’ six acclaimed red wines, packaged together in a beautifully etched wood box: 2014 Pirouette, 2014 Feather, 2014 Pedestal, 2014 Chester-Kidder, 2015 Sequel, 2015 Saggi.
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New Mosel Fine Wine Reviews:
2016 JJ Prum
Arriving in December
Joh. Jos. Prum Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett 2016 750ML ($37.95) $30.90 pre-arrival special
Joh. Jos. Prum Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett 2016 1.5L ($79.95) $69 pre-arrival special
Mosel Fine Wines 91+ points “This is delicately reductive at first and only gradually reveals a fresh and cool nose of herbs, smoke, almond cream, pear, greengage and cassis. The wine delivers quite some presence and ripeness on the palate, where grapefruit, pear and smoke are wrapped into a touch of tartness. This Kabinett will need time to integrate its sweetness and acidity. But the ingredients are there to make a great wine at maturity.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today for the magnum!
Joh. Jos. Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett 2016 750ML ($39.95) $31.90 pre-arrival special
Joh. Jos. Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett 2016 1.5L ($89.95) $77 pre-arrival special
Mosel Fine Wines 92 points “This delivers a beautiful nose of flowers, whipped cream, herbs, smoke, vineyard peach, and apricot blossom. The wine is delicate, light weighted and has good presence with ripe fruits including peach, pear and a touch of toffee on the palate. It develops quite some Spätlese presence and intensity in the hugely long finish.”
Joh. Jos. Prum Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Spatlese 2016 750ML ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
Joh. Jos. Prum Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Spatlese 2016 1.5L ($119.95) $89 pre-arrival special
Mosel Fine Wines 92 points “This opens up to a captivating nose made of ripe fruits yellow peach, pear, honeyed apple and cinnamon, all joined by some candied grapefruit and tangerine after some airing. The wine proves juicy as fresher flavors of peach and apple emerge on very pure palate. A great underlying touch of freshness runs through the wine, leaving one with some intense flavors of grapefruit and smoky slate in the very long and intense finish.”
Joh. Jos. Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Spatlese 2016 750ML ($49.95) $41.90 pre-arrival special
Joh. Jos. Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Spatlese 2016 1.5L ($119.95) $96 pre-arrival special
Mosel Fine Wines 92+ points “This proves quite closed at first. A hint of volatile acidity quickly gives way to beautiful flavors of canned yellow peach, apricot blossom, grapefruit and a touch of toffee on the nose. The wine develops ripe aromas on the creamy, intense and smooth palate. The finish is full of honeyed fruits, roasted pineapple and butter cream. This Auslese-styled expression of Wehlener Sonnenuhr will need quite some time to integrate its richness, but could then turn out even better than anticipated as the fresher side emerges at maturity.”
Joh. Jos. Prum Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Spatlese 2016 750ML ($41.95) $36 pre-arrival special
Mosel Fine Wines 92 points “This delivers a beautifully fresh and complex nose of pink grapefruit, ginger, passion fruit, smoke, apricot blossom, almond paste and a touch of toffee. The wine is quite rich and almost of Auslese presence and intensity on the palate, yet a juicy and clean side runs through the wine and lifts up the flavors. The finish of this classy Auslese-styled Riesling is delicate, creamy and nicely fruity”
Joh. Jos. Prum Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Auslese 2016 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Joh. Jos. Prum Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Auslese 2016 375ML ($37.95) $29 pre-arrival special
Joh. Jos. Prum Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Auslese 2016 1.5L ($119.95) $99 pre-arrival special
Mosel Fine Wines 92+ points “This is still quite reductive at this early stage, however it already shows a quite rich and almost opulent nose made of candied peach, grapefruit, pineapple, cassis, pear, smoke, tar and almond paste. The wine delivers juicy honeyed fruity on the palate. The fruity side runs right into the long, smooth and fresh finish. This is still quite backward and full of potential. But it will ideally require more than a decade to fully shine.”
Joh. Jos. Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese 2016 750ML ($59.95) $51.90 pre-arrival special
Joh. Jos. Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese 2016 375ML ($39.95) $33 pre-arrival special
Joh. Jos. Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese 2016 1.5L ($149.95) $119 pre-arrival special
Mosel Fine Wines 93 points “This exhibits a superbly aromatic and exotic nose of mango, apricot and quince as well as quite some smoke and tar. The wine is rich and creamy as it woes one with juicy and mouth-coating flavors of pear, grapefruit and honeyed apricot on the palate. The rich and intense finish is all about honeyed and fruity flavors. This rich Auslese from the Wehlener Sonnenuhr will require patience as it will need quite some time to fully integrate its elements.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today for the magnum!
Joh. Jos. Prum Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel 2016 750ML ($119.95) $99 pre-arrival special
Mosel Fine Wines 94 points “This is still quite reductive at first and only timidly hints at exotic and concentrated notes of apricot, mango, guava and quince, pepped up by a fresher streak of grapefruit. The wine delivers smooth and delicately unctuous flavors of candied yellow fruits and strawberry juice on the deep and beautifully balanced palate. The finish is pure, fresh even if still loaded with quite some residual sugar in need of integration. This rich GK is quite a treat but it is one which will demand a lot of patience. The patience will be worth it”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Joh. Jos. Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel 2016 750ML ($129.95) $119 pre-arrival special
Joh. Jos. Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel 2016 375ML ($79.95) $66 pre-arrival special
Joh. Jos. Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel 2016 1.5L ($279.95) $249 pre-arrival special
Mosel Fine Wines 94 points “This delivers an absolutely gorgeous and multi-layered nose including pineapple, candied apricot, honeyed exotic fruits, almond paste, tangerine flower and a touch of minty smoke. The wine is superbly smooth and exotic on the palate. The complex and refined delicacy of fruits is simply stunning. The finish is all about honey and creamy exotic fruits, and while not extremely expressive at this time, grows by the minute in the glass. One is left with a great and very subtle sense of almond, passion fruit and tangerine blossom in the after-taste. This will need time to integrate all its components but should then prove a cracker of a wine!”
This is the only listing in the USA today for the magnum!
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Arriving in December
Classic Marsala
History runs deep on Sicily where one is likely to stumble across Roman ruins while searching for a winery. For a winery whose roots only run to 1930, it might seem odd when discussing “ancient traditions”, but the legacy of wines in Marsala is nearly 3000 years old. It seems like it will take another 3000 years to lose the reputation of merely a sweet cooking wine. [Do a one word search on Marsala, and you’ll see a million recipes, but only a few pages describing the tremendous work in the cellars.] Solera systems akin to those in Jerez, families dedicating themselves to making serious wines that can age beautifully and have potential far beyond holding a small space on the shelf behind the stove.
When tasked with rebuilding the reputation of one of the oldest and most recognizable DOC, Cantine Intorcia sought to make certain that their own reputation as a producer of serious wines was being met. Their Vergine and Superiore are among the classic, touchstone examples of what fine Marsala should be. We’re also offering their Liquoroso made individually from Malvasia and Zibibbo; dessert wines that offer a soft and pleasant feel with a sweetness that lingers without seeming heavy or cloying. The wines are serious, very drinkable, and still something very different. Approach them as you would a PX or Amontillado, and don’t be afraid to pair dessert or strong marbled cheeses.
Cantine Francesco Intorcia Heritage Malvasia Vino Liquoroso Sicilia IGT, Sicily NV 500ML ($24.95) $19 pre-arrival special
Importer notes: “The Intorcia family traditionally uses three grape varieties to produced its liqueur wines. Delicate, moderately sweet, various taste strands typical of these grapes emerge: citrus, honey, apricot jam, dried figs, raisins, caramelised almonds”
Cantine Francesco Intorcia Heritage Zibibbo Vino Liquoroso Sicilia IGT, Sicily NV 500ML ($24.95) $19 pre-arrival special
Importer notes: “The Intorcia family traditionally uses three grape varieties to produced its liqueur wines. Delicate, moderately sweet, various taste strands typical of these grapes emerge: citrus, honey, apricot jam, dried figs, raisins, caramelised almonds.”
Cantine Francesco Intorcia Heritage Ambra Dolce Superiore Marsala 2004 750ML ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
Importer notes: “A dense amber yellow, with yellow topaz highlights. Consistent and intense, with assertive notes of honey, caramel and carob, apricot and candied orange peel, pine nuts, almonds and walnut. Full on the palate, smooth and honeyed, with just the right equilibrium between freshness and alcohol impact. Persistent and elegantly structured.”
Cantine Francesco Intorcia Heritage Vergine Secco 10 Anni Marsala 2004 750ML ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
Importer notes: “An authentic Marsala, with a brightly luminous yellow body with golden highlights. Pleasurable vanilla notes with allusions to straw. Overt notes of spirit-soaked dried fruit and nuts, toasted almonds and orange peel. Full-tasting, dry, warm and smooth, its nose and palate experiences perfectly wedded, vibrant freshness and sapidity. An innately elegant wine, perfectly structured and persistent.”
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