Tuesday Night Newsletter 9-6-2022

 
New Arrivals

from Simon Bize’s

Highly Anticipated 2019s!

“I will be adding a case or two of the Bize 2019s to my personal cellar, and I warmly recommend readers to do the same.” –William Kelley, Wine Advocate

“Given that they are still keenly priced vis-à-vis other producers, Domaine Bize’s 2019s come recommended…” –Neal Martin, Vinous

“The 2019s I want to keep for myself!” –Chisa Bize, speaking with Neal Martin

Newly Arrived from Simon Bize:

Domaine Simon Bize et Fils Bourgogne Blanc Les Perrieres 2019 750ml $47 special, 6 bottles in stock now
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 89+ points “One of the finest communal bottlings along the Côte, Bize’s 2019 Bourgogne Les Perrières Blanc wafts from the glass with notes of corps orchard fruit, citrus oil, dried white flowers, fresh bread and a touch of youthful reduction. Medium-bodied, chiseled and incisive, it’s concentrated and mineral, concluding with a long, chalky finish.”
“The 2019 Bourgogne Blanc Les Perrières, which Chisa Bize recently discovered contains a few Pinot Blanc vines, has a crisp, nicely delineated bouquet displaying more nerve than the Champlains. The palate is well balanced with a sour lemon note on the entry, good intensity and a touch of lemon curd on the finish. Excellent.” -Neal Martin, Vinous

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Domaine Simon Bize et Fils Savigny-les-Beaune Blanc 2019 750ml $51.90 special, 4 bottles in stock now
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 90 points “Notes of citrus zest, peach and pastry cream introduce the 2019 Savigny-lès-Beaune Blanc, a medium to full-bodied wine that’s fleshier and more textural than the preceding Bourgognes, but its generous core of fruit is underpinned by tangy acids, segueing into a precise finish.”
“The 2019 Savigny-lès-Beaune Blanc, matured in 15% new oak, has a lovely, slightly creamy bouquet that retains good definition. The palate is well balanced with admirable weight, a creamy texture and lemon thyme, almond and a touch of stem ginger toward the finish. Probably only needs a year or two in bottle before it starts to drink.” -Neal Martin, Vinous

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $60

Domaine Simon Bize et Fils Aux Vergelesses Blanc, Savigny-les-Beaune Premier Cru 2019 750ml $109 special, 5 bottles in stock now
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 91-93 points “The 2019 Savigny-lès-Beaune 1er Cru Aux Vergelesses Blanc unwinds in the glass with hints of crisp orchard fruit, orange oil and light reduction. Medium to full-bodied, saline and mineral, this is the most tightly wound, introspective of these whites from Bize today, but it’s also the most concentrated and multidimensional. Even if it was a little closed when I tasted it, I expect it to be rather dramatic with only a modicum of bottle age.”
Neal Martin-Vinous 90-92 points “The 2019 Savigny-lès-Beaune Les Vergelesses 1er Cru Blanc, matured in one-third new oak, is clearly a step up from the Savigny Blanc, delivering greater mineralité and terroir expression, touches of lime flower and dandelion emerging with time. The palate is well balanced with a sedate entry, then builds toward a precise, lilting finish. Delightful.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $114

 

“What is for sure is that the 2019s represent perhaps the best that I have tasted at Bize since first coming here 20 years ago, when I tasted with her late husband Patrick. The appellation of Savigny-lès-Beaune performed strongly in this vintage and domaines like Bize could exploit that with their raft of vineyards located in some of its finest Premier Crus such as Serpentières, Les Vergelesses and Les Talmettes. These are ‘classic’ Savigny-lès-Beaune wines, pure and quite structured, batting off that summer warmth in their stride so that you could barely tell that they were born in such a warm season. Given that they are still keenly priced vis-à-vis other producers, Domaine Bize’s 2019s come recommended…”
–Neal Martin, Vinous

Domaine Simon Bize et Fils Bourgogne Les Perrieres Rouge 2019 750ml $44 special, 6 bottles in stock now
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 89 points “The 2019 Bourgogne Les Perrières is beautiful, soaring from the glass with scents of rose petals, red berries and spices. Medium-bodied, sapid and perfumed, it’s lively and charming, with powdery tannins and a long, lively finish. This is just irresistible.”
“The 2019 Bourgogne Rouge Les Perrières offers slightly rustic dark berry fruit on the nose. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly chewy tannins, good density and bell pepper notes enlivening the finish.” -Neal Martin, Vinous

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $49.95

Domaine Simon Bize et Fils Savigny-les-Beaune Rouge 2019 750ml $55 special, 9 bottles in stock now
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 89-91 points “Mingling aromas of peonies and plums with hints of wintergreen and bergamot, Bize’s 2019 Savigny-lès-Beaune Village is medium to full-bodied, lively and perfumed, with an ample core of bright, succulent fruit framed by powdery tannins, concluding with a long, saline finish. In other words, it’s representative of the domaine’s exquisitely charming range this year.”
Neal Martin-Vinous 88-90 points “The 2019 Saivgny-lès-Beaune Village has a well-defined peppery bouquet that comes from the 100% whole bunch. The palate is fresh on the entry, featuring red and black fruit, and slightly briny, with white pepper toward the finish. Those who like a bit of stem in their Savigny will love this.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $59.99

Domaine Simon Bize et Fils Aux Fourneaux, Savigny-les-Beaune Premier Cru 2019 750ml $85 special, 7 bottles in stock now
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 90-93 points “On the day of my visit, the 2019 Savigny-lès-Beaune 1er Cru Les Fournaux was one of the few comparatively reserved wines in a demonstrative portfolio, unwinding in the glass with scents of spicy berry fruit and loamy soil. Medium-bodied, bright and lively, Chisa Bize attributes its notable freshness and vivacity to the fact that it was picked in the morning, before 10 a.m.”
Neal Martin-Vinous 90-92 points “The 2019 Savigny-lès-Beaune Les Fournaux 1er Cru is a little more backward and subdued on the nose compared to the other Premier Crus at the moment. Black cherries and bilberry reluctantly emerge, the nose seeming just a tad subdued at first. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, nicely focused and more elegant than the Les Grands Liards. Fine precision on the saline finish. This represents another excellent 2019 from Bize.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $97

Domaine Simon Bize et Fils Les Marconnets, Savigny-les-Beaune Premier Cru 2019 750ml $89 special, 4 bottles in stock now
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 91-93 points “The 2019 Savigny-lès-Beaune 1er Cru Les Marconnets soars from the glass with scents of roses, exotic spices, raspberries, blackberries and musk. Medium to full-bodied, bright and perfumed, its enveloping core of crunchy fruit girdled by lively acids and underpinned by powdery tannins, it concludes with a long, fragrant finish.”
Neal Martin-Vinous 91-93 points “The 2019 Savigny-lès-Beaune Les Marconnets 1er Cru shows less stem character than the Les Fourneaux, opening with blackberry, briar, undergrowth and white pepper aromas. The palate is well balanced with plenty of freshness that proprietor Chisa Bize puts down to strict early-morning picking. Lightly spiced toward the finish, with a briny tang on the aftertaste. Give it 3–4 years in bottle.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $97

 

“I can’t remember tasting a more thrilling young vintage at Domaine Simon Bize. Certainly, the frost-depleted 2016s were brilliant, but those wines were more introverted from barrel and tank. The 2019s are concentrated, vibrant and strikingly perfumed, almost without exception soaring from the glass with captivatingly floral aromas. Chisa Bize and her team, in short, have excelled themselves, and this visit stood out as one of my finest tastings of the year…”
–William Kelley, Wine Advocate

Domaine Simon Bize et Fils Aux Vergelesses, Savigny-les-Beaune Premier Cru 2019 750ml $99 special, 9 bottles in stock now
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 93-95 points “The 2019 Savigny-lès-Beaune 1er Cru Aux Vergelesses is a striking wine, soaring from the glass with scents of wilted roast petals, bergamot, oriental spices, wild berries and plums. Medium to full-bodied, layered and multidimensional, it’s vibrant and velvety, with lively acids and a long, perfumed finish. This is an immensely good Savigny from Chisa Bize and her team.”
Neal Martin-Vinous 92-94 points “The 2019 Savigny-lès-Beaune Les Vergelesses 1er Cru has a sophisticated nose of blackberry, loamy damp soil, raspberry and light cracked black pepper aromas that build nicely in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and a crisp bead of acidity; very harmonious. White pepper and clove appear toward a finish that leaves the tongue tingling after it has departed. Superb.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $117

Also In Stock Now from Simon Bize:

Domaine Simon Bize et Fils Savigny-les-Beaune Rouge 2018 750ml $55 special, 3 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 92 points ” Subtle aromas of sweet berries and spice, such as nutmeg and rose petal. Medium-bodied with firm, chewy tannins that are polished and very fine. Lovely strawberry-tart aftertaste. From biodynamically grown grapes. So delicious now.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 89 points “Richer and more powerful than its 2019 counterpart, Bize’s 2018 Savigny-lès-Beaune Village evokes ripe raspberries, rose petals and rich spices. Medium to full-bodied, velvety and enveloping, it’s a textural, fleshy wine with a deep core of fruit. Readers that privilege finesse and perfume will gravitate toward 2019; those that admire muscle and power will favor 2018.”

Domaine Simon Bize et Fils Aux Fourneaux, Savigny-les-Beaune Premier Cru 2018 750ml $89 special, 5 bottles in stock now
John Gilman 92 points “The 2018 Fournaux is the lowest octane wine in the cellar this year at 12.5 percent, and it is excellent. The bouquet offers up a deeply black fruity mix of black plums, dark berries, bitter chocolate, gamebird, a hint of Savigny fruitcake tones and a fine base of dark soil. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied, complex and chewy, with a sappy core, fine mineral drive and a long, focused ant very nicely balanced finish. This is fine juice in the making. 2025-2055.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 90 points “The 2018 Savigny-lès-Beaune 1er Cru Les Fournaux exhibits notes of cherries, berries and potpourri. Medium to full-bodied, velvety and supple, it’s built around powdery, youthfully chewy tannins that lend the wine more obvious structure than its 2019 counterpart.”

Domaine Simon Bize et Fils Les Talmettes, Savigny-les-Beaune Premier Cru 2018 750ml $89 special, 9 bottles in stock now
Neal Martin-Vinous 90-92 points “The 2018 Savigny-lès-Beaune Les Talmettes 1er Cru has a fragrant bouquet of harmonious blackberry, cranberry and bilberry scents, plus light sea spray/brine in the background. The palate is very well defined with succulent tannins, very fine acidity and a precise, persistent finish. Superb.”

Domaine Simon Bize et Fils Aux Vergelesses, Savigny-les-Beaune Premier Cru 2018 750ml $99 special, 6 bottles in stock now
John Gilman 93+ points “The 2018 les Vergelesses is probably the ripest red wine chez Bize this year, coming in at 13.8 percent, but in the context of the vintage, this is still pretty low octane juice! The bouquet is deep, pure and very classy, wafting from the glass in a mix of dark berries, black cherries, gamebird, woodsmoke, gentle spice tones, just a whisper of fruitcake and a very complex base of soil. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied and very elegant in profile, with a sappy core, fine mineral drive, ripe, buried tannins and outstanding length and grip on the complex and very refined finish. This is the most elegant premier cru terroir in the domaine’s lineup, but often that elegance takes a full decade or more to start to really make its presence felt; this year it is there right from the outset! 2028-2060.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 92 points “The 2018 Savigny-lès-Beaune 1er Cru Aux Vergelesses has turned out nicely, mingling hints of rose petals and exotic spices with aromas of sweet berries and forest floor in an inviting mélange. Medium to full-bodied, layered and multidimensional, it’s deep and complete, with a muscular chassis of tannin and a rich core of fruit.”
Neal Martin-Vinous 90-92 points “The 2018 Savigny-lès-Beaune Les Vergelesses 1er Cru is more backward than the Talmettes on the nose, but sports just as much precision and focus. The palate is medium-bodied with crunchy black fruit, firm tannins and good acidity that segues into a more elegant and silky-smooth finish, leaving a touch of sea salt on the aftertaste.”

Browse our red Burgundies from the Cote de Nuits and Cote de Beaune,

or shop our steller Chablis and other white Burgundies now!

 

Nikolaihof is a giant of Austrian wine—a producer whose history and quality are unrivaled even in a country full of great producers. The estate dates back to Roman times and the Saahs family has run the property for well over a century. They produce wines of deep resonant flavors, which have fresh brightness, but standout for an undercurrent of vinosity. They’re bright, precise and mineral-drenched with the power and density of the Wachau. These are the heights of Austrian wine.

In Stock Now from Nikolaihof:

Familie Saahs Nikolaihof Riesling vom Stein Smaragd, Wachau 2014 750ml $44 special, 16 bottles in stock now
David Schildknecht 97 points “In a departure from usual Nikolaihof practice – given that it had by then been filtered and assembled into tank – I was offered my first taste of this wine shortly before the initial, December 2017 bottling. The wine was exciting then, and when re-tasted repeatedly in the course of 2018 had only gained in stature. Moss, lemon zest, peach kernel and toasted grain on the nose put me in mind of a relatively austere white Burgundy. But that sense of kinship dims with the emergence of high-toned hints of lavender and mint, mouthwatering ocean breeze and a sappy, juicy abundance of fresh lime and white peach juiciness on the silken palate. There are also faint hints of kirsch and mothball such as one can encounter from time to time at this address and to whose volatility some tasters might object. The finish is transparent to a veritable carpet of mineral matter – albeit a levitating, vibrantly undulating one! Crushed stone, alkali, mineral salts and iodine combine with herbal and protein-rich flavors for something approximating a blend of oyster liquor and clam stock that set my salivary glands to palpitating. And now for the astonishing kicker: This remarkable stuff filled the largest cask in the Nikolaihof cellar, with a capacity of 12,000 liters! Half was bottled in 2017 and 2018; the rest will be held back – let’s hope eventually to inform a Vinothek offering. “The only sense in which this wine needed to be bottled,” noted Saahs, “was in order to avoid Vom Stein Smaragd temporarily dropping from our price list and to make room in the cellar. It wasn’t the phases of the moon calling the shots,” he added with a sly grin. (Re-tasted alongside, the corresponding 2013 showed at the upper end of my earlier projection. But despite issuing from one of the two finest Wachau vintages that it has been my privilege to taste as young wines, that 2013 doesn’t quite reach the complexity nor exhibit the clarity and energy of this 2014 – not for now, at least.)”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Familie Saahs Nikolaihof Vinothek Riesling, Wachau 2002 750ml $179 special, 8 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 98 points “At first deep, dark and mysterious. Just like the Nikolaihof cellar, where this dry riesling spent 16 years in barrel. Then, a minty freshness develops that leaps out of the glass at you. By some miracle, it manages to taste ancient and lively at once. The finish is very long with great herbal complexity. From biodynamically grown grapes. Demeter certified. Drink or hold.”
Anne Krebiehl MW-Wine Enthusiast 97 points “Editor’s Choice. A teasing, flinty whiff of reduction beckons from the glass before the taut, fresh, poised but juicy palate hits you. The flavor is reminiscent both of baked and fresh apple, with a smooth lanolin tone. This is not only and elixir but a whole fountain of youth, a full-flavored jewel of a wine. Still slender, still vivid and like balm for the soul. If only we could age so gracefully.”

Arriving Late September from Nikolaihof:

Familie Saahs Nikolaihof (im Weingebirge) Gruner Veltliner Federspiel, Wachau 2020 750ml $33 pre-arrival special
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 92 points “Previously called Im Weingebirge, the 2020 Grüner Veltliner Federspiel comes along without single-vineyard designation and opens intense and aromatic on the nose that is deep, precise and focused and reveals perfectly ripe and intense fruit. Round and lush on the palate, this is a mouth-filling, salty-piquant and mineral structured Federspiel with substance, grip and a sustainable finish. 12% alcohol. Tasted at the domaine in June 2021.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Familie Saahs Nikolaihof im Weingebirge Smaragd Gruner Veltliner, Wachau 2017 750ml $69 pre-arrival special
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 95+ points “Bottled in April this year, the 2017 Im Weingebirge Grüner Veltliner Smaragd is fascinatingly deep and refined on the complex, fresh, elegant and remarkably complex nose with its crystalline stone notes. On the palate, the wine reveals great finesse and elegance combined with substance, grip and sustainability. It is a full-bodied, powerful, rich and almost sweet, concentrated and tensioned terroir wine that is still young and ready to go a long distance. 13% alcohol. Tasted at the domaine in June 2021.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Familie Saahs Nikolaihof Riesling vom Stein Smaragd, Wachau 2016 750ml $69 pre-arrival special
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 94 points “Bottled in April this year, the 2016 Vom Stein Riesling Smaragd is perfectly ripe and concentrated on the precise, coolish and flinty nose that reveals apricot and white peach aromas. Full-bodied, round and crystalline, this is a fresh, very elegant and textural Vom Stein in a linear and classic style. The finish is intense and reveals firm tannins and makes this an excellent gastronomic wine. 12.5% alcohol. Tasted at the domaine in June 2021.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $77

Familie Saahs Nikolaihof Steinriesler Riesling, Wachau 2007 750ml $89 pre-arrival special
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 98 points “Bottled in June 2019 after 12 years in a large oak vat, the 2007 Riesling Steinriesler is from the Vom Stein in Mautern and exhibits an intense and matured bouquet with caramel and leathery/feral as well as concentrated fruit but also crystalline, stony aromas. Deep, coolish and elegant. On the palate, this is a crystalline, refined and pure, very complex and concentrated wine with a great and complex finish that is structured, still tannic and seriously biting but with the right concentration and power for a long-distance run. It is mouth-watering, enormously tensioned and pushing on the finish. A great dry Riesling for real Riesling lovers. The wine should be decanted for maybe a day or two. 12% alcohol. Tasted at the domaine in June 2021.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $103

JJ Prüm’s reference-point Mosel Rieslings are some of the most profound and age-worthy white wines in the world. No other producer in the middle Mosel is as respected or collectible.

Joh. Jos. Prüm Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Auslese, Mosel 2020 375ml $39 special, 21 half-bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 94 points “This feels like it’s holding back a little on the floral, apricot, lime and slate flavors. Light-bodied and graceful, this is well-structured and focused on the lingering finish. Reveals just a touch of earthiness that should disappear with aeration (as this did) or age. Best from 2024 through 2045. —B.S.”

Joh. Jos. Prum Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel, Mosel 2020 750ml $125 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 95 points “A pretty white, this exudes elderflower, peach, lime, cumin and slate aromas and flavors. Creamy and elegant, with lively acidity providing structure and definition. Very consistent from beginning to end. Drink now through 2045. —B.S.”

Joh. Jos. Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel, Mosel 2020 750ml $129 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 94 points “Pretty white flower and steeped tea notes infuse a base of honeyed apple and warm peach in this lush, richly textured wine. The finish is driven by candied citrus and dried herbs, with lanolin, vanilla and racy salted-lemon acidity. Drink now through 2040. —B.S.”

Vajra remains one of our favorite producers in the Piedmont.  From top to bottom, the wines are excellent and they’re a real reference point that others are judged against; so too with the Luigi Baudana estate they purchased when the Baudanas retired.

G.D. Vajra Bricco delle Viole, Barolo DOCG 2018 750ml $79 pre-arrival special, ETA November
Wine Spectator 95 points “An elegant version, this red features rose, black currant, cherry, mineral and a hint of eucalyptus aromas and flavors. Linear in profile, this is solidly built on a graceful frame, with finely woven tannins and vibrant acidity. Best from 2026 through 2045. —B.S.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $88

Luigi Baudana ‘Baudana’, Barolo DOCG 2018 750ml $79 pre-arrival special, ETA November
Wine Spectator 94 points “Rich, exuding cherry, raspberry, plum and floral notes, with iron, tobacco and tar accents lending complexity. Shows terrific balance and depth, with a tightly wound structure that bodes well for future development. Best from 2025 through 2043. —B.S.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $87