Dunham Cellars Sale!; New Arrivals: Vissoux 2016 Beaujolais & Birot Bordeaux; Marcarini: The Burgundy Drinker’s Barolo; New Grapelive Review for Goodfellow; Under the Radar Burgundy: Fabrice Vigot; Cascina delle Rose; Drouhin’s Stellar, High Scoring, Hospice Bottlings; Bruno Giacosa Falletto 2011; A Bounty of Brunier; New Review for 2015 Pegau CDP
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Dunham Cellars Sale!
Dunham launched in ’95 to rave reviews, even named one of the finest wines in WA by Wine Enthusiast. Today, we’re offering the finest pricing on their Estate Syrah!
Dunham Cellars Lewis Estate Vineyard Syrah, Columbia Valley 2011 750ML ($79.95) Was $69, Now $59, 29 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 94 points “Another terrific effort, and one of the strongest Syrahs in the vintage, the 2011 Syrah Lewis Vineyard is 100% Syrah that spent 30 months in 90% new French oak, which you’d never know by tasting it. Gorgeous blackberry, blueberry, wild herbs, licorice, chocolate and hints of crushed rock all emerge from this beauty, and it flows onto the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, bright acidity and a seamless, elegant profile. It’s enjoyable now, but will shine for another decade at least as well.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $69.99
The average price is $74
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New Arrivals
France – Beaujolais
2016 looks to be an excellent Beaujolais vintage. After the sometimes too-big 2015’s, this is a return to what we love about the region. Bright, fresh fruit is the dominant theme for the 2016’s, though the wines are softer than, say 2013. If the 2015’s are for drinking in 10+ years, the 2016’s are a great vintage to drink between now and then. We’re pumped. That said, if you’re looking to pounce on some excellent 2015’s before they disappear, we have an exciting offer for you later in the newsletter.
Anne-Sophie Dubois Fleurie Les Cocottes, Beaujolais 2016 750ML ($27.95) $24 special
Pierre-Marie Chermette Domaine du Vissoux Brouilly Pierreux, Beaujolais 2016 750ML ($29.95) $26 special
Case-12 Pierre-Marie Chermette Domaine du Vissoux Brouilly Pierreux, Beaujolais 2016 750ML ($339.95) $279 special (that’s only $23.25/bottle!)
VinopolNote: Brouilly is normally considered to be the lighter cousin of the Cote de Brouilly. In the hands of Chermette, though, this is a wine that has depth and power, with the finesse that the 2016 vintage brings with it. This is still a pretty wine and among the most drinkable in the Vissoux lineup, but
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Pierre-Marie Chermette Domaine du Vissoux Fleurie les Garants, Beaujolais 2016 750ML ($29.95) $26 special
Case-12 Pierre-Marie Chermette Domaine du Vissoux Fleurie les Garants, Beaujolais 2016 750ML ($339.95) $279 special (that’s only $23.25/bottle!)
VinopolNote: Although the recent press for the Mouin-a-Vent has pushed it to the forefront of the Vissoux collection, the two Fleuries from Pierre-Marie Chemette have traditionally been the estate’s calling card. The Garants vineyard is on what the Domaine describes as “noble granite soil” and is the more structured, age-worthy of the two Fleuries (the soil has a definite Morgon influence on the wines). This is rich and structured, with some of the classic perfume of Fleurie, but also an iron-rich depth in its core.
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Pierre-Marie Chermette Domaine du Vissoux Fleurie Poncie, Beaujolais 2016 750ML ($29.95) $26 special
Case-12 Pierre-Marie Chermette Domaine du Vissoux Fleurie Poncie, Beaujolais 2016 750ML ($339.95) $279 special (that’s only $23.25/bottle!)
VinopolNote: Although the recent press for the Mouin-a-Vent has pushed it to the forefront of the Vissoux collection, the two Fleuries from Pierre-Marie Chemette have traditionally been the estate’s calling card. Poncie is one of the more high-altitude plots in Fleurie and as a result, this wine displays all of the elegance that you’d expect from the vineyard. Bright and fresh, this is a great wine to drink now while you wait for your 15’s to mature.
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Pierre-Marie Chermette Domaine du Vissoux Moulin-a-Vent Les Trois Roches, Beaujolais 2016 750ML ($29.95) $26 special
Case-12 Pierre-Marie Chermette Domaine du Vissoux Moulin-a-Vent Les Trois Roches, Beaujolais 2016 750ML ($339.95) $279 special (that’s only $23.25/bottle!)
VinopolNote: The 96 point score for the 2015 version of this really put it on the map for a lot of wine drinkers and the 2016 is a worthy follow up. Fresher and more energetic than the 2015, it’s classic MaV, though, with dark, powerful notes and a distinct mineral core. This is a real stunner, again.
This is the only listing in the USA today!
France – Bordeaux
Chateau de Birot, Premieres Cotes de Bordeaux 2014 750ML ($19.95) $16 special
Case-12 Chateau de Birot, Premieres Cotes de Bordeaux 2014 750ML ($219.95) $149 special (that’s only $12.42/bottle!)
Wine Enthusiast 90 points “Rich blackberry and black-currant flavors give this wine its ripe character. They are already well balanced by the spicy tannins and dry core. The wine will develop well and should be ready from 2019.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
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Marcarini:
The Burgundy Drinker’s Barolo
“Marcarini remains one of the best sources for traditional, cellar worthy Barolos that can still be found at fair prices.” – Antonio Galloni
Marcarini is one of the best, obvious-but-still-under-the-radar Barolo estates out there. Much like Burlotto (whose crus have suddenly attained cult status), the wines that Marcarini makes aren’t particularly showy—they’re not dark, inky or otherwise wines that scream “power!” in full Jeremy Clarkson mode. Instead, these are delicious, perfumed Baroli of the old school—sure they have some tannic grip and they age well, but they’re about the aroma and the etherealness of Nebbiolo.
The estate dates back six generations and has been an important family in La Morra since their purchase of the majority of the Brunate cru, which has been recognized as an important vineyard in Barolo since the 1300’s. The winemaking here is clean but traditional as you’d expect—no barriques, though fermentation does take place in stainless steel.
The two notable Baroli from Marcarini are Brunate and La Serra, both single vineyards the La Morra district of Barolo. Brunate is the big name—a historically famous vineyard the produces wines that are long lived and profound. La Serra, on the other hand, tends to be overlooked, but we love it for drinking young. It shows classic La Morra fruit but soft and approachable tannins. If you’re looking for a Barolo to drink now, it’s one of the better options out there. One way or another, if you love traditional Barolo or Burgundy, you should find a way to get these into your cellar.
In Stock Now from Marcarini:
Marcarini Brunate, Barolo DOCG 2011 750ML ($69.95) $49 special, 18 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 91 points “Marcarini’s 2011 Barolo Brunate comes across as a bit light in this vintage. Site specific nuance is pushed to the background in this decidedly mid-weight Barolo. Dark red cherry, tobacco, mint and crushed flowers flesh out in a relatively pliant, open Brunate that uncharacteristically appears to be built for near and medium-term drinking.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Marcarini La Serra, Barolo DOCG 2011 750ML ($59.95) $39 special, 19 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 90 points “The 2011 Barolo La Serra is classy and polished to the core. Sweet floral notes meld into kirsch, red cherry and raspberry. This is one of the more floral, lifted Barolos of the vintage, while the structure tends towards the lighter end of the spectrum. Crushed flowers, mint and spices are all laced into the super-expressive finish framed by classically austere La Serra tannins.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Marcarini Brunate, Barolo DOCG 2013 750ML ($64.95) $50.90 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Marcarini Brunate, Barolo DOCG 2013 1.5L ($149.95) $125 special, 3 magnums in stock now
Marcarini Brunate, Barolo DOCG 2013 3L ($319.95) $279 special, 5 double-magnums in stock now
Antonio Galloni 91 points “The 2013 Barolo Brunate is laced with the essence of dark cherry, herb, licorice, sage, tobacco and menthol. The aromatic intensity, intrigue and textural depth of Brunate comes through nicely. Deep, rich and beautifully layered, the 2013 offers lovely depth and balance in the classic understated Marcarini style.”
This is the lowest listed price for a magnum in the USA today!
This is the only listing for a double magnum in the USA today!
Marcarini La Serra, Barolo DOCG 2013 750ML ($59.95) $44 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 90 points “Marcarini’s 2013 Barolo La Serra is a very pretty, super-classic wine with plenty of La Serra aromatics and tannic grip. Sweet floral notes, crushed red berries, white pepper and mint are some of the signatures. Weightless and a touch ethereal, the 2013 possesses good depth, with beams of supporting acidity and tannin that extend the finish nicely. I would prefer to drink the 2013 sooner rather than later, as it does not appear to be built for extended cellaring.”
Arriving ETA November 2017:
Marcarini Brunate, Barolo DOCG 2013 5L ($599.95) $519 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 91 points “The 2013 Barolo Brunate is laced with the essence of dark cherry, herb, licorice, sage, tobacco and menthol. The aromatic intensity, intrigue and textural depth of Brunate comes through nicely. Deep, rich and beautifully layered, the 2013 offers lovely depth and balance in the classic understated Marcarini style.”
This is the only listing for a 5-Liter in the USA today!
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New Grapelive Review
2014 Goodfellow Bishop Creek Vineyard
Thanksgiving Day Sale Wine!
Goodfellow Family Cellars Bishop Creek Vineyard Pinot Noir, Oregon 2014 750ML ($41.95) Was $37, Now $29, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Goodfellow Family Cellars Bishop Creek Vineyard Pinot Noir, Oregon 2014 750ML ($419.95) $299 special, 7 cases in stock now (that’s only $24.92/bottle!)
Case-6 Goodfellow Family Cellars Bishop Creek Vineyard Pinot Noir, Oregon 2014 750ML ($219.95) $166 special, 5 cases in stock now (that’s only $27.67/bottle!)
Grapelive 91 points “Delicately layered and spicy, the 2014 Bishop Creek is a pretty effort, especially for a richer vintage in Oregon. Made by Marcus Goodfellow, the ex-Evesham Wood and Westerly man, [he] is coming into his own as a talent, inspired by Doerner of Cristom and John Paul of Cameron. You can see the style showing through here. Bishop Creek, planted to Pommard and Wadenswil (old Swiss clone), [is] now owned by Nicolas Meo of the famed Burgundy Domaine Meo-Camuzet. [The vineyard] ([which is] not far from Shea Vineyards) formed this wine with its distinct strawberry and racy red cherry core along with the mixed spice, mineral tones and light wood influence. Its southern exposure and Willakenzie soils (dark rocky marine sediment) give warmth and grace. Planted in 1988, the vines ripen without flamboyant extraction, allowing more finesse to show through. At 13.9% this medium weight wine offers fine detail, opulence and restrained, almost earthy, soulfulness. Hints of bitter herb, cedar and candied citrus rind add a tangy note to the whole and the finish echoes the red fruits in subtle fashion with a touch of wilted roses lingering on. It shines right now, though best to enjoy it with cuisine to match as it is a tad shier than other 2014 Oregon Pinots (I’ve tried) and needs time and coaxing to reach its beautiful peak. Best from 2018 to 2022.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
The next best price for any vintage is $36
See the complete list of all Thanksgiving Day Sale Wines below!
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Under the Radar Burgundy
From One of the Hands behind Mugneret-Gibourg
Fabrice Vigot has worked the land of Vosne Romanee since 1990. His own estate – Domaine Vigot – produces silky and elegant wines from covetable plots across both Vosne and old vines in Gevery-Chambertin. Under a sharecropping agreement, he also tends and sources from vines owned by Mugneret-Gibourg alongside Pascal Mugneret. Fabrice, along with Pascal Mugneret, shares in caretaking duties of all of the Mugneret-Gibourg parcels.
Farming for the Vigot wines has been organic and biodynamic since 2010. Vinification takes place with destemmed fruit and a five day cold-soak in temperature-controlled stainless steel followed by a native yeast fermentation and maceration of three weeks. Vigot does well with old vines, simple vinification, elevage with no more than 30% new oak to offer mineral, pure-fruited and quintessential Vosne, Nuits & Gevrey.
These are wines that are really spectacular deals. Given how quickly the Mugneret-Gibourg wines disappear, these should be absolute smash hits (and, to be fair, we expect them to sell pretty quickly going forward). No reviews, because Vigot doesn’t care, but we don’t either—these are wines to pay attention to. We have a small collection of the 2013’s and 2014’s in right now, but we were only able to get a case or so of each wine, so no promises on how long these will be here.
Domaine Fabrice Vigot Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes, Cote de Nuits 2013 750ML ($79.95) $69 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Domaine Fabrice Vigot Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes, Cote de Nuits 2014 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Domaine Fabrice Vigot Nuits-Saint-Georges Vieilles Vignes, Cote de Nuits 2014 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Domaine Fabrice Vigot Vosne-Romanee, Cote de Nuits 2014 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Domaine Fabrice Vigot Vosne-Romanee Les Chalandins, Cote de Nuits 2013 750ML ($79.95) $69 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Domaine Fabrice Vigot Vosne-Romanee Les Chalandins, Cote de Nuits 2014 750ML ($79.95) $69 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Domaine Fabrice Vigot Vosne-Romanee La Colombiere, Cote de Nuits 2013 750ML ($79.95) $69 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Domaine Fabrice Vigot Vosne-Romanee Les Damaudes, Cote de Nuits 2013 750ML ($79.95) $69 special, 9 bottles in stock now
These are the only listings in the USA today!
Domaine Fabrice Vigot Echezeaux Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits 2014 750ML ($179.95) $149 special, 4 bottles in stock now
Domaine Fabrice Vigot Vosne-Romanee La Colombiere, Cote de Nuits 2014 750ML ($79.95) $69 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Domaine Fabrice Vigot Vosne-Romanee Les Damaudes, Cote de Nuits 2014 750ML ($89.95) $79 special, 12 bottles in stock now
These are the lowest listed prices in the USA today!
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Arriving Friday, November 10th
Cascina delle Rose
Classical Barbaresco, Naturally
Cascina delle Rose seems to have a foot in the world of family-oriented, rustic wines, what with the label showing their dog and cat playing with a swallow, but the wines definitely hold onto a more serious side. There’s an elegance to their offerings that belies the simplicity of their image.
The wines are not points darlings, and perhaps this is where there beauty comes from. These are wines that are about elegance and perfume first and foremost. The wines are pressed extremely gently and Davide, the winemaker and son of the owner Giovanna, seems to want to avoid taking these wines past the minimum extraction necessary to make them recognizable as Piedmont classics. Their Tre Stella Barbaresco is the weightiest of all of the offerings, but even so, the wine is translucent and lifting, seemingly ready to knife through some braised lamb shank or fatty coppa.
Cascina delle Rose makes wines that are ready to drink, open and accessible. A touch of age won’t hurt, adding a little note of wild forest floor to the mix. These are the definition of wines that want to be a part of dinner. They’ll dance on their own, but really want to cut a rug with whatever is on the table.
Arriving Friday:
Cascina delle Rose Barbaresco Rio Sordo 2014 750ML ($69.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Cascina delle Rose Barbaresco Rio Sordo 2014 1.5L ($149.95) $119 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 91 points “Compared to the Tre Stelle, the 2014 Barbaresco Rio Sordo seems to have a slightly riper quality of fruit. The difference is minimal but it makes sense given that the heat during the 2014 vintage all came toward the very end of the growing season. This beautiful wine is bold and slightly more robust with dark cherry and red currant. It is also more marked in terms of tannins and structure. Only 1,500 bottles were made.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Cascina delle Rose Barbaresco Tre Stelle 2014 750ml ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Cascina delle Rose Barbaresco Tre Stelle 2014 1.5L ($119.95) $99 pre-arrival special
Cascina delle Rose Barbaresco Tre Stelle 2014 3L ($279.95) $249 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 90 points “Here is a fresh and delicate interpretation of Nebbiolo. The 2014 Barbaresco Tre Stelle is softly layered and graceful in approach. The bouquet brings on spring roses and wild berries with white almond and anise seed. Barbaresco usually shows integrated tannins and that is definitely the case with this wine. The finish is silky and lean-bodied.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
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The Last of the 2015 Beaujolais?
Drouhin’s Stellar, High Scoring, Hospice Bottlings
Drouhin is best known in Oregon for DDO, to the point where some people are surprised that there is a Burgundian version of a trusted Oregon Pinot producer (even more that it’s the original). We think very highly of their operation both in Burgundy and here, but also their bottlings that they do for the Hospice de Belleville in Beaujolais.
Like the Hospice de Beaune, these are wines from vineyards owned by a historic hospital, with extremely choice parcels that are some of the best in their region. Unlike in the Cote d’Or, however, the Belleville wines are produced and then sold exclusively by Drouhin, who entered into an arrangement in 2014 to produce all of the wines.
These are classic Beaujolais, made with a decidedly Burgundian hand. Some carbonic is employed, but generally these seem to have more structure and a bit more spine. When paired with the generous fruit of the 2015, the techniques have produced wines that are definite statements—these are wines that lovers of both Burgundy and Beaujolais should pay attention to.
Arriving Friday:
Joseph Drouhin Domaine des Hospices de Belleville Brouilly, Beaujolais 2015 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Joseph Drouhin Domaine des Hospices de Belleville Brouilly, Beaujolais 2015 750ML ($299.95) $239 pre-arrival special (that’s only $19.92/bottle!)
James Suckling 93 points “Lots of spices and granite with crushed berries and citrus. Medium to full body, a solid core of black fruit and real intensity. Real Brouilly. Drink now.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Joseph Drouhin Domaine des Hospices de Belleville Fleurie, Beaujolais 2015 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 93 points “This is very linear and refined with beautiful tannins and minerality. Medium-bodied, very pretty and focused. Tight and polished. Serious.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Joseph Drouhin Domaine des Hospices de Belleville Morgon, Beaujolais 2015 750ML ($24.95) $18 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 94 points “Lots of dark fruit, smoke and earth. Full-bodied and dense with a gorgeous texture and complex flavors. So crisp and energetic. Fantastic. Drink or hold.”
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Arriving in December
Bruno Giacosa Falletto, Barolo DOCG 2011 750ML ($219.95) $149 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2011 Barolo Falletto is a beautifully balanced and determined wine. It spends 30 months in oak and this warm vintage is already showing a quick bottle evolution. This was an early vintage: Fruit was harvested on September 23, which is ten days before average. It shows soft, luscious lines and ripe fruit flavors that are both generous and opulent. Yet, there is a healthy crunchiness and crackle in the mouth that makes for a long aging future ahead. Barolo Falletto closes with pretty aromas of dark fruit, spice and shaved truffle.”
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A Bounty of Brunier
Arriving in December
Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe Chateauneuf-du-Pape La Crau Blanc, Rhone 2016 750ML ($79.95) $66 pre-arrival special
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
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $73
Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe Chateauneuf-du-Pape La Crau, Rhone 2015 750ML ($79.95) $69 pre-arrival special
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
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
ETA January 2018
Domaine La Roquete Chateauneuf-du-Pape Clos La Roquete Blanc, Rhone 2015 750ML ($49.95) $36 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 94 points “Intense, with creamed papaya, Cavaillon melon and Jonagold apple flavors pouring forth, underscored by heather honey, almond and salted butter notes. The long finish has a bitter citrus hint to help the length match the weight. Drink now through 2019. 100 cases imported.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $39.98
The average price is $46
Vignobles Brunier Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe Piedlong Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone 2015 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 95 points “10 hectares of elevated Châteauneuf-du-Pape, this is an hommage to grenache with just a hatful of mourvèdre. Ripe raspberry and red plum pastry aromas. Super silky, plush and layered. Extremely impressive. Shows fluidity and balance, density and lightness. 50% stalks (crushed).”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $54.99
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Hot New Review
From Jeb Dunnuck
Wine Arrives in February 2018
Domaine du Pegau Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Reservee, Rhone 2015 750ML ($89.95) $75 pre-arrival special
Jeb Dunnuck – Rhone Report 95-97+ points “A vintage compared to 2010 by Laurence, the 2015 Châteauneuf-du-Pape looks to be one of the big successes in the vintage. Possessing a ripe, rounded, sexy style backed up by solid density and concentration, it offers classic Pegau notes of currants, pepper, and cured meats. Big, rich, concentrated and beautifully textured, it offers a rare depth of fruit and richness in the vintage.”
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Thank you for reading!