3/8/16
…Neuberger?
Neuburger. Native to Austria, the grape is a cross between Roter Veltliner and Sylvaner. Aromatically, it conjures up thoughts of off-dry Riesling, perhaps a chilly bottle of Gruner smuggled into a park on the first warm day of the year. On the palate, however, comparison is put to rest. The 2011 Neuburger is fleshy and generous, with a hint of spice and lots of savory bookends. The finish is insistent, remaining on your taste buds as the next whiff of honey, melon, and fresh herbs comes to be.
You’d be wisest to decant and play around with the wine a little. It’s the sort of bottle which could patch together a lot of otherwise-disparate flavors well, like at a potluck dinner or with that stubborn family recipe which evades perfect pairings. With an open mind, this could truly delight.
David Schildknecht–Vinous 89 points “This soft and (at only 12.5% alcohol) full-feeling rendition of Neuburger emphasizes that grape’s inherent nuttiness, though the usual resemblance to white asparagus still applies. A faintly smoky piquancy adds an intriguing counterpoint to an otherwise soothing finish. (Not only is this wine still for sale, but so is the 2012. The 2013, says Nikki Saahs, was the first vintage ever to be sold out within a year of bottling and before he could even set aside stock for the family table and library, which explains why I missed out on tasting it, as well as why a decision has been made to replace with Neuburger 500 vines of Chardonnay, whose 2014 performance was as usual uninspiring.)”
The next best price is $39.99
Familie Saahs Nikolaihof Vinothek Riesling, Wachau 1997 750ML ($219.95) $199 special, 7 bottles availableCase-6 Familie Saahs Nikolaihof Vinothek Riesling, Wachau 1997 750ML ($1,199.95) $1,099 pre-arrival special (that’s only $183.17/bottle!) ETA April 2016
Wine Advocate 97 points “Aged for 17 years in a domestic 3,500-liter cask before it was bottled in August 2014, the 1997 Riesling Vinothek is the best part of the regular 1997 Riesling Smaragd Im Weingebirge, which was bottled and marketed in late 1998. The aged Vinothek version offers a fascinatingly clear, bright, deep and multi-layered nose with iodine and ripe as well as intense white-fleshed fruit aromas. Full-bodied, full of finesse and elegant, this dry, transparent and mineral Riesling develops a great intensity, complexity and power on the palate, but never leaves its silky road of purity, finesse and transparency. There is a lot of Spiel and tension here, but the most exciting characteristic trait is the intense and very mineral, almost endless finish. How youthful this wine is! And its further aging potential is still terrific. The wine reminds me of certain sherries, white Riojas and Jura wines, although it is not less oxidative. But it spent a long time in cask and has the freshness, complexity and thrilling taste of those. It’s a great, unique and stimulating wine that was bottled with 12.8% of alcohol, 6 grams of residual sugar and 6.5 grams of acidity.”
We offer flat rate shipping on any size single order / single shipment
-Washington & Idaho for $20,
-and California for $25
These rates do not apply to orders held in storage here for any reason.
Multiple orders consolidated into one shipment
do not qualify for flat rate shipping.
Enter the Arena
Of Terroir, Of Corse
Antoine Arena Sale
As a result, Arena makes arguably the greatest wines of Corsica. His vineyards are dramatic, with rocky terrain and fast-rising slopes rising from the fertile island. Some of the land was once olive groves, while others were long-lost vineyards which had lain unused and unseen because of their rugged and remote situation. As operations grew, Arena blasted out rocky plots and planted new vines to supplement their 60-year-old plantings.
Working almost exclusively with Niellucciu and Vermentinu, Arena harvest by hand and vinifies only in stainless steel tanks. Native yeast fermentations have nothing added or taken away, save for small amounts of sulfur. The reds see 6-9 week long macerations, with an even longer elevage in concrete tanks. Arena could certainly be considered a natural winemaker, eschewing chemicals and farming bidynamically, though his wines are by no means funky and he chooses not to draw superficial attention to it. Instead, he farms and makes wines the way he feels they ought to be made to best present the incredible terroirs he works with.
With such depth, these wines are quite hard to describe. Thankfully, they’re really easy to drink. We’reo proud to offer an array of his wines, all listed below with an introductory sale price:
The ‘You’d-Be-Crazy-Not-To-Take-Advantage’ Sale!
Any 6 bottles of Arena – 5% Discount
Any 12 bottles of Arena – 10% Discount
*Discount will not appear online, but will be added to the order after it is placed
*All orders must be paid for within the promotional period to receive the discount
Expires Midnight Friday
Wine Advocate 91 points “Arena’s 2011 BG – Bianco Gentile- exhibits a remarkable nose mingling roasted peanut, toasted hickory, high-toned citrus oils, and melon liquor. Pineapple and juicy Persian and honeydew melon form the matrix of a lush palate, with the zesty citrus as well as toasty legume and nut notes found in the nose serving as striking accents, accompanied by a more predictable suggestion of myriad scrubby herbs. The combination of expansiveness with vivacity and grip is impressive, and I suspect that these now 15-year-old vines are telling us that they have insinuated themselves into the chalky mother rock, as perhaps also intimated by the decidedly stony and alkaline undertone to this wine’s long finish.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $31.20
Domaine Antoine Arena Muscat du Cap Corse, Corsica 2012 750ML ($49.95) $33 pre-arrival special, ETA March 18th100% Muscat Blanc a Petit Grains
Wine Spectator 91 points “A rich and refined white, with concentrated flavors of dried pear, white peach, apricot and guava that are supported by ample acidity. Well-structured, featuring loads of minerality and a lingering, pure-tasting finish. Vermentino. Drink now through 2018.”
The average price is $51
The next best price is $31.20
Domaine Antoine Arena Patrimonio Grotte di Sole Rouge, Corsica 2011 750ML ($49.95) $29 pre-arrival special, ETA March 18thWine Spectator 89 points “The dark cherry and black currant fruit has an edgy feel, with lots of bramble, holly and cassis bush notes rippling underneath. Tangy anise and sanguine accents line the finish, presenting a light hint of leather in the background.”
The next best price is $31.20
Domaine Comte Abbatucci br Barbarossa Blanc, Corsica 2012 750ML ($79.95) $33 pre-arrival special, ETA March 18th
Wine Advocate 91 points “Abbatucci’s 2012 br constitutes a tank-rendered blanc de noir from the Barbarossa vines his father planted in the early 1960s. Scents and flavors of apricot, pineapple and pink grapefruit are prominently reinforced by piquancy of pit, core, pip and rind, so that the mid-palate effect here – while lush and expansive – is simultaneously zesty and tactilely prickling. Accompanying candied citrus rinds and bitter-edged licorice offers a tannic sense of graininess that accentuates this wine’s invigorating persistence. I have no experience or even reliable word on how previous renditions have fared in bottle, but if fortune favors you with the opportunity and liquidity, enjoy this wine in its youth, but also explore its potential by cellaring a couple of bottles.”
The next best price is $57.50
The average price is $61
Cayuse Bionic Frog
Five Straight Vintages
No Girls, Too!
Five Years of the Frog Arriving This Friday:
Cayuse Vineyards Bionic Frog Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2008 750ML ($319.95) $249 pre-arrival special, 2 bottles available
Wine Advocate 97 points “I thought the 2008 Syrah Bionic Frog was insanely good. Checking in at 14.4% natural alcohol (the 2009 was 14.7 and the 2010 14.8), it has soaring notes of cassis, black raspberries, violets, white flowers, mint and olives to go with a full-bodied, ultra-pure, silky, yet concentrated and layered feel on the palate. One of the more elegant, silky and finesse driven examples of this cuvee, it has heavenly aromatics and will have upward of two decades of longevity.”
Cayuse Vineyards Bionic Frog Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2009 750ML ($299.95) $219 pre-arrival special, 3 bottles available
Wine Advocate 97+ points “Like the 2009 Cailloux, the 2009 Syrah Bionic Frog was closed aromatically, yet offered incredible depth, richness and purity on the palate. Reluctantly giving up lots of dark fruits, chocolate, mineral and roasted herbs, as well as more exotic notes of blood orange and mint, this inky colored, full-bodied, beautifully concentrated Syrah should be forgotten for 3-4 years, yet will have 20 years or more of overall longevity.”
The next best price is $245
Wine Advocate 100 points “This insanely good 2010 Syrah Bionic Frog offers incredible notes of blood orange, liquid violets, cassis, seared meats, licorice and crushed rocks to go with full-bodied richness, ultra-fine tannic structure, perfectly integrated acidity and a blockbuster finish. Raised in roughly 20% new demi-muids and foudre, this is a heavenly Syrah that couldn’t get any better. Give it 2-4 years in the cellar and enjoy bottles through 2030.”
The next best price is $399
Wine Advocate 96 points “The 2011 Syrah Bionic Frog is another rocking Syrah from Christophe that does everything right. Creme de cassis, blackberry, smoked earth, toasted spice and violets emerge from the glass, and it flows onto the palate with full-bodied richness, beautiful purity of fruit and brilliant length. Gaining more minerality with time in the glass, it will continue to flesh out nicely with another handful of years in the cellar, and have two decades of ultimate longevity.”
Cayuse Vineyards Bionic Frog Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2012 750ML ($279.95) $238 pre-arrival special, 3 bottles available
Wine Advocate 99 points “While a lot of the 2012s came in near the bottom of the barrel score, that wasn’t the case with the 2012 Syrah Bionic Frog and this beauty flirts with perfection. Inky colored and purple to the rim, it offers extraordinary notes of black fruits, wild mushrooms, smoked earth and salty minerality. These all flow to a full-bodied, thrillingly concentrated, focused, structured and lengthy 2012 that needs 4-5 years of cellaring, and will knock your socks off over the following 15 years or more.” JD
This Just In! Two Other New Wines from Cayuse:
No Girls La Placiencia Vineyard Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2012 750ML ($149.95) $119 special, 3 bottles available
Wine Advocate 95+ points “The 2012 Syrah La Paciencia Vineyard sports a darker ruby color to go with lots of savory dark fruits, crushed rock-like minerality, smoke and violets. One of the meatier, masculine Syrahs from Elizabeth, this full-bodied, layered, nicely concentrated beauty will drink well over the coming decade. Drink 2015-2025.”
The next best price is $125
Wine Advocate 96 points “A new cuvee that I absolutely loved from barrel last year, the 2012 Tempranillo La Paciencia Vineyard is brilliantly done and gives up a crazy bouquet of blackberries, black cherries, bouquet garni, roasted meats and dried violets. Full-bodied, seamless and elegant, with silky tannin and fabulous precision and length, it’s slightly more approachable than Cayuse’s Impulsivo, yet should still benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age and evolve for 10-15 years after that. Drink 2017-2032.”
The next best price is $125
Cayuse Vineyards Cailloux Vineyard Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2006 750ML ($199.95) $169 special, 1 bottle available
Wine Advocate 98 points “The deepest colored of the lineup, as well as the most powerful and concentrated, the 2006 Syrah Cailloux Vineyard is Hermitage-like with its dark, meaty core of fruit, iodine, chocolate and mineral-laced aromas and flavors. Not harvested until mid-October and aged in 15% new French oak barrels, this full-bodied, decadent and concentrated Syrah has another handful of years before hitting full-maturity, and will have 25+ years of ultimate longevity. It’s a tour de force in Syrah from Washington State!.”
Wine Spectator 95 points “Plush and polished, this brims with cherry and blackberry aromas and flavors that are nicely shaded with streaks of mineral and green olive. Supple, harmonious and expressive as the finish keeps sailing on and on.”
Cayuse Vineyards God Only Knows Armada Vineyard Grenache, Walla Walla Valley 750ML ($249.95) $219 special, 1 bottle available
Wine Advocate 97 points “The Rhone reds begin with the 2006 Grenache God Only Knows. Dark ruby-colored, it exhibits a sensational bouquet of mineral, underbrush, mushroom, bright cherry and raspberry aromatics. Incredibly intense, vibrant, and lingering on the palate, this superb effort will surely evolve as well as any great Chateauneuf-du-Pape but with no track record, there is only one sure way to find out.”
Quilceda Creek
New Cuvee Arriving Friday
Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley 2011 750ML ($199.95) $149 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 96 points “More serious, and one of the wines of the vintage, the 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon (100% Cabernet Sauvignon) has uncommon concentration and depth in the vintage, as well as a broad, structured profile that will allow it to age gracefully. Loaded with sweet creme de cassis, exotic spice, licorice and graphite, it’s a full-bodied, elegant and classically styled effort that has nothing out of place, fine, building tannin and a rock star finish. It will be approachable at an earlier stage than most vintages, yet still have two decades of longevity.” JDOther Recent Arrivals from Quilceda Creek:
Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley 2003 750ML ($349.95) $299 special, 2 bottles available
Robert Parker 100 points “Another wine I’ve had multiple times recently, the 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon (97% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Merlot) is pure perfection in a glass and yields off-the-hook aromatics of cassis, black raspberries, tobacco leaf, pepper and licorice. Deep, layered and even elegant, with a seamless texture that conceals the sheer wealth of material present, it builds through the mid-palate, possesses huge amounts of extract and masses of polished tannin on the finish. Despite the overall size, it never loses its Cabernet Sauvignon soul and has an almost Bordeaux-like savoriness and tannic frame. Still young (yet gorgeous none the less), it can be enjoyed now or cellared for another 10-15+ years. Drink now-2028. ” RP
Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley 2005 750ML ($319.95) $279 special, 2 bottles available
Robert Parker 100 points “From a hot vintage and incredible any way you look at it, the 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon has that laser-like focus of a cooler year, yet the voluptuousness and richness of a warmer year. Smoked black fruits, coffee, truffle and pen ink-like aromas and flavors all emerge from this massive, incredibly full-bodied effort and on the palate, it carries itself perfectly with a weightless, yet decadent texture, masses of polished tannin and blockbuster length. More classic and textbook than the 2007, it is every bit as good. Enjoy it over the coming two decades or more. Drink now-2033.” RP
Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley 2007 750ML ($319.95) $269 special, 2 bottles available
Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley 2007 1.5L ($599.95) $519 special, 1 magnum available
Robert Parker 100 points “A monumental wine in the making, the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon is one of those wines that presents such an over the top array of aromas and flavors that it’s hard to figure out what you think about it with just a quick glance. It’s only with the second or third sip that you really start to see how special this effort truly is. Offering up perfumed, intense aromas of plum, violets, ink, licorice and black currants, it flows onto the palate with a massive, incredibly full-bodied texture that builds through the mid-palate and carries layers of polished tannins, awesome purity of fruit and blockbuster length. Most likely not for everyone given the sheer size, it is an incredible wine in my opinion. Still tasting like a barrel sample, it will have 30+ total years of longevity. Drink 2017-2037.” RP
Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley 2008 1.5L ($549.95) $469 special, 1 magnum available
Wine Enthusiast 99 points –Editor’s Choice–“The flagship wine from Quilceda Creek offers exotic scents of plum, cassis, loam, coffee and pine sap, a rich and evocative blend. The wine delivers all that is promised and more; it is deep and dense with flavor, polished, focused and persistent. Vanilla, espresso, fine tannins, luscious acids and cascading fruits.”
Wine Advocate 97+ points “More pure and focused than the 2009, with a slightly closer to the vest feel, the 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon shows the cooler nature of the vintage and has incredible detail, purity and freshness to its aromas and flavors. A blend of 98% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Merlot that spent 22 months in 100% new French oak, it offers classic black currant, spice box, coffee bean, violets and exotic spices to go with an ethereal, layered and seamless palate that delivers massive amounts of fruit and texture without any apparent weight. I thoroughly enjoyed it now, yet it will age for decades. Drink now-2033.”
Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley 2012 750ML ($249.95) $219 special, 3 bottles available
Wine Advocate 98 points “The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon is brilliant. Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, mostly from the famous Champoux Vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills, it was aged all in new oak and bottled unfined and unfiltered. It offers a captivating bouquet of black cherry liqueur and cassis-like fruit, Asian spice, coffee bean and lead pencil shavings to go with a full-bodied, ripe, seamless and hedonistic style on the palate. One of the more approachable, opulent examples of this cuvee, it has no hard edges, plenty of tannin and a massive, heady finish. Give it 2-4 years in the cellar and enjoy bottles through 2032.” JD
New From ReynvaanQue Syrah, Syrah!
Featuring Cabernet & New Whites
The mailing list for Reynvaan now has a waiting list, and the wine is sold through allocations. We’re glad to be able to offer the wines – some in stock now and some arriving soon, and all listed below.
New Reynvaan Wines Arriving March 18th:Reynvaan Family Vineyards Foothills in the Sun Vineyard Viognier Estate White, Walla Walla Valley 2014 750ML ($69.95) $59 pre-arrival special, ETA March 18th
Winery note “This hillside vineyard is one of the most densely planted and highest elevation sites in the State of Washington. With vineyard density, the vines seek out water and nutrients, become stronger and produce clusters of small berries with intense concentration. A southwest facing hillside vineyard at this elevation has several advantages: maximum exposure to the sun; substantial temperature variation between day and night; and beneficial wind patterns. The vineyard currently is planted in two red varietals: Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon; and one white: Viognier. Working with the highest quality Walla Walla grapes grown meticulously in our own vineyards allows the family to control virtually every aspect of farming and wine production and ultimately to respect the natural expression of the soils of the vineyards.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Winery note “The Grenache Blanc grapes began as simply a co-ferment grape that primarily goes into our Unnamed Syrah. However, in recent years I was able to have enough extra to make very small amounts of straight GB. The wine is extremely aromatic, in some years almost Burgundian notes, very mineral driven and has a fresh, clean, mouthfeel. The wine spends its time in a combination of new and used French oak and is usually aged between 11 and 13 months before being bottled. This wine sees full primary and secondary malolactic fermentation.”
Reynvaan Family Vineyards ‘The Classic’ Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley 2013 750ML ($89.95) $79 pre-arrival special, ETA March 18th
Wine Advocate 94-96 points “First made in 2012, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon The Classic comes from vines planted in 2008 and is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged in 40% new French oak, it sports an inky purple color to go with awesome notes of cassis, jammy blackberries, wild herbs and graphite. Full-bodied, fresh and elegant, yet with rocking concentration, this is a serious Cabernet that has the class to drink nicely in its youth, yet the balance, depth and structure to evolve for upward of two decades.”
Winery note “The Grenache Blanc grapes began as simply a co-ferment grape that primarily goes into our Unnamed Syrah. However, in recent years I was able to have enough extra to make very small amounts of straight GB. The wine is extremely aromatic, in some years almost Burgundian notes, very mineral driven and has a fresh, clean, mouthfeel. The wine spends its time in a combination of new and used French oak and is usually aged between 11 and 13 months before being bottled. This wine sees full primary and secondary malolactic fermentation.”
Winery note “This hillside vineyard is one of the most densely planted and highest elevation sites in the State of Washington. With vineyard density, the vines seek out water and nutrients, become stronger and produce clusters of small berries with intense concentration. A southwest facing hillside vineyard at this elevation has several advantages: maximum exposure to the sun; substantial temperature variation between day and night; and beneficial wind patterns. The vineyard currently is planted in two red varietals: Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon; and one white: Viognier. Working with the highest quality Walla Walla grapes grown meticulously in our own vineyards allows the family to control virtually every aspect of farming and wine production and ultimately to respect the natural expression of the soils of the vineyards.”
Reynvaan Family Vineyards ‘The Contender’ Syrah – Marsanne, Walla Walla Valley 2013 750ML ($89.95) $79 special, 11 bottles available
Wine Advocate 94-96 points “Blended with 3% Marsanne, the 2013 Syrah The Contender is still aging in 35% new French oak, some of which are larger puncheons. Showing the purity and focus of the vintage, it gives up lots of cassis, black raspberry, licorice and some meatiness to go with a full-bodied, elegant and fabulously textured feel on the palate. I’m not sure it matches the awesome 2012, but it’s no lightweight and will certainly impress on release and over the following decade.” JD
Wine Advocate 94 points “Tasted as a barrel sample, the 2013 Syrah In The Hills is a blend of 95% Syrah and 5% Viognier and is only the second vintage for this cuvee, which was first made in 2012. Sporting a distinctly northern Rhone style in its peppery herb, olive tapenade, violet and spice filled bouquet, this beauty is medium to full-bodied, elegant and layered, with striking purity of fruit. Reminding me of a quality Cote Rotie, enjoy this beauty over the coming decade.” JD
The average price is $74
Reynvaan Family Vineyards In The Rocks Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2013 750ML ($79.95) $66 special (was $69), 36+ bottles available
Wine Advocate 92-95 points “A cofermented blend of 95% Syrah and 5% Viognier, the 2013 Syrah In The Rocks, which saw 25% new oak, is another pretty, layered, medium to full-bodied and elegant 2013 that has perfumed raspberry, pepper, dried herbs and assorted floral aromas and flavors. Juicy and lively, with good acidity, it should be approachable on release and have 10-12 years of overall longevity.” JD
Wine Advocate 92-94 points “Tasted out of barrel, the 2013 The Unnamed Syrah, which also incorporates 10% Grenache Blanc, has a Pinot Noir vibe in its rose petal, forest floor, kirsch, blackberry and dried herb-laced bouquet. Medium to full-bodied, elegant and seamless, I’ve liked past vintages slightly more, but this is still a pretty, elegant Syrah to drink over the coming 8-10 years.” JD
Tyrus Evan – Newly Arrived
Ken Wright + Ciel du Cheval
It’s All About Pedigree
Tyrus Evan merges two of the most successful names is Northwestern wine to date: Ken Wright of Oregon and Jim Holmes, owner of the Ciel du Cheval vineyard in Washington.
As Wright puts it, “even great Pinot Noir winemakers need a break from the finicky, noble grape once in a while.” With that, he headed north and met with Holmes, who has also has relationships selling grapes to the likes of Quilceda Creek, Mark Ryan, Cadence, Fidelitas, and Betz, amongst others.
The wine is made on the Ken Wright Cellars property at a building called “The Depot”, which served as a trail depot in Carlton for many years. Over the past fifteen years, Wright has grown the Tyrus Evan project from a small hobby to a full-fledged operation. We’re happy to offer his 2010 vintage currently – seen below – as well as a few other fantastic Ciel du Cheval vineyard wines.
$18 special
Case-6 Tyrus Evan Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Claret, Columbia Valley 2010 750ML ($199.95) $99 special (that’s only $16.50/bottle!)
The vineyard Ciel du Cheval lies in the heart of the tiny Red Mountain American Viticultural Area (AVA) in southeast Washington. Initially planted to just three acres in 1975, the vineyard now encompasses 120 acres and provides outstanding fruit to 26 wineries in the northwest. As owner Jim Holmes puts it, “This is a hobby that has gone crazy.” 27% Merlot, 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc, 12% Petit Verdot.
The next best price is $32.99
A few more fantastic Ciel du Cheval Vineyard wines:
Cadence Winery Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Red, Columbia Valley 2012 750ML ($54.95) $41.90 special, 18 bottles available
Wine Advocate 94+ points “A blend of 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Cabernet Franc, 12% Merlot and 12% Petit Verdot that spent 18 months in 40% new French oak, the 2012 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard has lifted notes of black raspberry, black cherry, violets, spring flowers and vanilla bean. This gives way to a full-bodied, thrillingly balanced and concentrated palate that has building tannin, a stacked mid-palate and a great finish. Short-term cellaring is advised here, and it will have two decades or more of longevity.”
Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 93 points “Bright ruby-red. The dark berry aromas display a chocolatey ripeness and considerable early appeal. Then sweet, ripe and silky but with plenty of harmonious acidity and underlying minerality to energize the savory dark berry flavors. Finishes with big but thoroughly ripe tannins and plenty of structure for aging. I would not be surprised if this wine shut down in the bottle; it should be long-lived.” ST
Soos Creek Wine Cellars Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Red, Red Mountain 2012 750ML ($37.95) $33 special, 13 bottles available
Winery note “This beauty is a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Cab Franc, and 14% Merlot. Balanced, concentrated and age-worthy. The Ciel du Cheval Vineyard is also recognized as one of the very best vineyards in Washington State for Bordeaux grape varieties. Owned by Jim Holmes and managed by Ryan Johnson, it is in the tiny but highly acclaimed Red Mountain appellation. We receive their Cabernet Sauvignon from vines up to 24 years old, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The quality is consistently high every year producing wines with dark color, great structure for long-term aging and delicious flavors that include distinctive mineral notes.”
Janasse Châteauneuf du Pape
Arriving This Friday
Wines are transferred quickly – 24-72 hours after devatting, if possible. They are kept on their lees at this time; Grenache is matured in large casks while Syrah and Mourvedre remain in smaller barrels. These remain in barrel for 12-14 months and are racked once or twice before being lightly fined.
The estate’s ‘Chaupin’ cuvee is 100% Grenache grown from 100+ year old vines. The Vielles Vignes is 85% Grenache, 10% Syrah and 3% Mourvedre, with a small amount of other varietals. Vine ages here range from 60-100 years, with three-quarters of the wine aging in foudres and the rest aged in 40% new oak. Both are equally reputable and celebrated, with the VV bottling being geared even moreso for aging.
Domaine de La Janasse Wines Arriving Friday:
Domaine de La Janasse Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Chaupin 2011 750ML ($89.95) $51.90 pre-arrival special, ETA March 11th
Wine Advocate 95 points “Coming from a cooler, sandy terroir in the northeastern part of the appellation, the 2011 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Chaupin (which comes 80% from the Chaupoin lieu-dit and 20% from the La Janasse lieu-dit, hence the subtle name change) is 100% Grenache, from vines planted in 1912, that’s aged two-thirds in foudre and one-third in demi-muid. Gorgeous all around, with plenty of similarities to the traditional cuvee, yet slightly richer and fuller, it delivers beautiful mulled red and black fruits, licorice, spice and tinges of stony minerality on the nose. Full-bodied, supple, seamless and elegant, with fine tannin, it makes the most of a difficult vintage and is certainly one of the top 10-12 wines. Drink now-2023.”
Wine Advocate 96 points “And a candidate for the wine of the vintage, the 2011 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes is always a rough blend of 85% Grenache and the balance Syrah, Mourvedre, Clairette and other permitted varieties, that has the Grenache aged all in foudre and the Syrah and Mourvedre aged in one-third new barrels (that’s less than 6% of the blend in new barrels). Exhibiting gorgeous black fruits, spice-box, toast, licorice and roasted meat-like qualities on the nose, it is full-bodied, concentrated and layered on the palate, with loads of texture, yet delivers no weight, heat, or ever puts a foot wrong. Shockingly good in the vintage, it should not be missed. Hats off to Christophe and Isabelle. Drink now-2027.”
Arrives March 18th
Bodegas Olivares Altos de la Hoya Monastrell, Jumilla 2013 750ML ($14.95) $10.90 pre-arrival special, ETA March 18th
Case-12 Bodegas Olivares Altos de la Hoya Monastrell, Jumilla 2013 750ML ($149.95) $109 pre-arrival special (that’s only $9.08/bottle!), ETA March 18th
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 91 points “Glass-staining ruby. Deep pitched, seductive aromas of black and blue fruits, cola and candied violet are complicated by smoky mineral and licorice nuances. Smooth, sweet and focused in the mouth, offering sappy blackberry and cherry compote flavors and a hint of spicecake. The penetrating finish shows excellent focus, a floral-inflected persistence and an echoing mineral note.”
Arriving Friday:
Two New French Wines
And A New Tuscan Red
Two Kermit Lynch Favorites:
Grown from 50 year old vines planted in marl and limestone, “Les Abymes” is 100% Jacquere grown at the base of the Alps. This is the quintessential apres-ski wine, only geared for warmer weather. Clean, light, nuanced, and refreshing!
Wine Spectator – “The light apple, fennel and green almond notes are backed by a high-pitched, talc-tinged finish. Drink now.”
The next best price is $17.99
The average price is $19Cheverny is one of the underrated AOC’s in France. Known for energetic and fresh Pinot, Gamay, and Sauv blanc, it is home to the Delaille brothers, whose Domaine du Salvard wines are value-driven and terroir-loaded examples of this underdog region.
Case-12 Delaille Domaine du Salvard Unique Pinot Noir, IGP Val de Loire 2013 750ML ($219.95) $119 pre-arrival special (that’s only $9.92/bottle!), ETA March 11th
Vinopolnote: Organic; grown from 10-20 year old Pinot vines planted in clay and sandy soils.100& destemmed, with six day maceration. Vinified in stainless steel cuves, aged on the fine lees, and bottled unfiltered.
Pian dell’Orino Piandorino Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2013 750ML ($34.95) $29 pre-arrival special, ETA March 11th
Wine Advocate 90 points “This entry-level Sangiovese was first made in 1997. The 2013 Piandorino could be a Rosso di Montalcino but has remained an IGT expression out of choice. Grapes are sourced from vineyards with blue and gray-colored clay soils that sometimes lead to ripening problems in extreme temperatures. As a result, this simple red sees short maceration times (from seven to nine days). The results are fresh, clean and simple. There is a very nice and genuine quality here that is the wine’s most attractive quality.”
Antonio Galloni 89 points “The 2013 Piandorino, the estate’s entry-level Sangiovese, is fabulous. Bright, punchy and forward, with plenty of Pian dell’Orino’s signature finesse, the 2013 is absolutely delicious today. It should drink nicely for another few years at a minimum.”
Late Breaking News!
Two New Cuvees from Domaine Charlopin
Two “New” Cuvees from Kruger-Rumpf
Domaine Philippe Charlopin-Parizot Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits 2013 750ML ($249.95) $219 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 94 points “Bright and focused, exhibiting spicy black cherry, raspberry, earth, smoke, vanilla and toast aromas and flavors. Bracing acidity offsets the lush texture, driving this to a long, expansive finish. Best from 2019 through 2030.”
Burghound 93-95 points
Wine Spectator 94 points “There’s a lot of oak here, lending char, vanilla and whisky elements to the core of black cherry and black currant flavors. Fresh and firm, though the finish absorbs the oak better than the initial attack. Vibrant and long, this just needs time to integrate. Best from 2020 through 2036.”
Wine Spectator 94 points “Draws you in, with beautifully fragrant cherry, floral and spice aromas. The oak spice is more dominant on the palate, integrating with the cherry and blackberry fruit and lush texture. Impressive and should come together with time. Best from 2020 through 2034.”
Wine Spectator 89 points “Very firmly structured, but this is dense and offers spice and mineral shadings to complement the apple and white peach notes. Still leaning toward the structure on the finish, but this shows promise. Best from 2007 through 2020. 250 cases made.” WS
Terry Theise notes “Dautenpflänzer is one the leading Grand Crus of the lower Nahe, with a typical mélange of soil types within its borders. Rumpf claims some of it is slatey and some of it is “sandy loam,” which agrees more with the standard references. It is in any case singular and immediately significant, giving a sometimes damnably complex set of aromas and flavors including coconut, violet, soursop, leaf-smoke—it is a very long list even if you’re sober. In any case it belongs with the vamping exotics of the Nahe.”
The next best price is $43.99
Kruger-Rumpf Munsterer Pittersberg Riesling Spatlese, Nahe 2004 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
Wine Spectator 88 points “Off-dry, this shows plenty of pepper and mineral notes, along with peach and citrus flavors. It’s elegant and balanced, showing the Mosel style of Nahe Riesling. Moderate length. Drink now through 2018. 140 cases made.” WS
The next best price is $43.99
“The doctor said I needed to start
drinking more wine.
Also, I’m calling myself
“the doctor” now.”
– unknown