Vinopolis Mid-Week 10-06-21

Port is ubiquitous in the world of wine, having been a staple in every cellar since its inception in the 17th century. Not only delicious but also one of the most ageworthy and collectible wine styles in the world, port is a mainstay on auction blocks around the world from New York to Hong Kong. Unlike other ports which are multiple vintages blended together to make the various bottlings like ruby or tawny, Vintage ports are coming from a handful of the best barrels from a singular harvest.  

The 1994, 2011 and 2016 vintages of Port are considered some of the best years in the past score. No small feats given the unprecedented string of declared vintages especially in recent years, these three are considered the apex of power and elegance. Perfect gifts, cellar gems or meal accompaniments for now and years to come you should be running to this offer. 

In stock and available now: 
  
W & J Graham’s Vintage Port Portugal 2016 750ML ($119.95) $99 special
James Suckling 99 points “Extremely complex aromas that show the classic Graham character of black-fruit marmalade and burnt oranges. Follows through to a full body with great grip at the finish. Lightly sweet. Chewy and powerful. Such a focus at the end.”
Wine Spectator 98 points “This offers a distilled plum and boysenberry essence, with a racy feel, as spearmint and graphite notes drive through. As the finish kicks in, this turns toward the dark side, with ganache, charcoal and tar elements. Has the showy ripeness of the vintage but is backed by a decidedly dry feel on the finish, imparting a sense of precision despite the heft. Best from 2030 through 2055.”
Wine Enthusiast 97 points “Cellar Selection. This finely structured wine is powered by fine tannins and rich fruits. A touch of acidity comes through the rich berry flavors and the concentration of the dark tannins. This wine will certainly age, don’t drink before 2028.”
Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2016 Vintage Port is a blend of 37% Touriga Nacional, 42% Touriga Franca and various others. It comes in with 115 grams of residual sugar. A bit bigger than Dow’s this year, this is more intense as well. The better wine of these two benchmarks seems to be this Graham’s. Tight on the finish, aromatic and very flavorful, this actually opens rather well and shows off its lovely fruit. The Dow’s will be approachable a bit earlier, perhaps, and this may reward aging even more. As always, Graham’s is wonderfully delicious. That’s one hallmark of the house. I’m not sure this is a truly great Graham’s, but at the moment, it is enticing, with plenty of potential for improvement. There were 6,325 cases produced, plus some bottles in other formats.”

W & J Graham’s Vintage Port Portugal 2011 750ML ($119.95) $79 special
Stephen Tanzer 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.”
Roger Voss-Wine Enthusiast 96 points “Cellar Selection. Deliciously sweet and perfumed, its powerful plum fruit flavors make this wine already accessible. In the background are the tannins—solid and concentrated—and the acidity, creating a nervous tension that confirms the wine’s aging potential. Hold for many years. “
Wine Advocate 95-97 points “The 2011 Graham’s comes from the five quintas that have been the source for many years (Malvedos, Tua, Vila Velha, das Lages and Vale de Malhadas). It represents a selection of the 131 pipes from a total production of 1,454 and is a blend of 40% Touriga Nacional, 31% Touriga Franca, 6% Sousao and 23% mixture of very old vines. It has a more “serious” bouquet compared to the Dow, with beguiling scents of blackberry, wild hedgerow, tobacco and cloves. Straight-laced, very well-defined and compelling, the palate is medium-bodied with very fine tannins and supremely well-judged acidity. It is utterly harmonious, with a pure core of ripe black cherries, damson, marmalade, clove and spices, and the finish lingers long in the mouth. The separation of “The Stone Terraces” vines certainly does not appear to have detracted from a great Graham’s. 5,000 cases declared. Tasted May 2013.”

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Churchill’s Vintage Port Portugal 1.5L ($199.95) $89 special
Wine Spectator 93 points “A gorgeous, voluptuous young Port, best Churchill ever. Intense aromas of dark chocolate and grapes. Full-bodied, with powerful, chewy tannins, yet it’s sweet and fruity on the finish. Try after 2010. “

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Check out our full selection of fortified wines today, including Sherry, Port and Vermouth!

What’s the most exciting time of year at the shop? It’s when we receive confirmation of the new batch of Champagnes that will be arriving at our doors in the fall. Champagne is easily one of the top three staff favorite regions. From rare grower bubbles, biodynamic gems, to elite Grand Marques releases, we’re proud and enthusiastic to share our love of these fine wines. Considering the style diversity we are offering, it’s quite easy to see how Champagne is “The Universal Pairing.”  

One of the most undervalued producers in a champagne village famous for it’s values, Gaston Chiquet make a whole line of champagnes that punch far above their weight class. Producing the only Blanc de blanc style in the entire village of Aÿ, and one of a handful even growing Chardonnay they are not afraid to buck tradition. Producing virtually every conceivable style, including a vintage “Special club” this is a producer to try at least once!   

Gaston Chiquet Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs d’Ay Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($69.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 92 points “One of the hidden gems in this range, the Brut Blanc de Blancs d’Aÿ is striking. It is also pretty tightly wound, so a year or two of cellaring is absolutely essential. Citrus peel, white flowers, mint and crushed rocks abound. I have to say, I am pretty surprised how taut the Blanc de Blancs is. Time in the glass releases attractive tropical accents that add character and also provide some hints as to where the wine is headed. More than anything else, the texture and persistence are so alluring. As always, the NV Blanc de Blancs d’Aÿ, is in reality a vintage wine, in this case 2014. Disgorged: November, 2019.” [Disgorgement and vintage may vary]

Gaston Chiquet Cuvee de Reserve Premier Cru Brut NV 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 92 points “Disgorged in February 2019 after 84 months sur lattes, the NV Brut Cuvée de Réserve from Gaston Chiquet is showing well, offering up a classy bouquet yellow orchard fruit, warm biscuits, hazelnuts and peach. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and charming, it’s deep and layered, with a sweet core of fruit and an ultra-refined mousse. While it’s hard to resist today, such is the wine’s inherent generosity, a few more years on cork will be rewarded with even greater complexity.” 

Gaston Chiquet Special Club Grand Cru Brut Millesime 2013 750ML ($99.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 94 points “Chiquet’s 2013 Brut Spécial Club Millesime is superb. Rich, ample and super-expressive, the 2013 boasts tremendous richness and breadth. All of the natural intensity of the year comes through in this striking, multi-dimensional Champagne. Tangerine oil, dried flowers, chamomile, almond and spice add complexity, but it is the wine’s presence that stands out most. There is so much to like about the 2013. It’s a fabulous wine.”

Gaston Chiquet Premier Cru Brut Tradition NV 750ML ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 90 points “Disgorged in November 2019, the latest release of Chiquet’s supremely dependable NV Brut Premier Cru Tradition reveals an inviting bouquet of crisp yellow orchard fruit, fresh peach, honeycomb, citrus oil and warm biscuits. On the palate, it’s medium to full-bodied, fleshy and charming, with a classy mousse, a succulent core of fruit and ripe but racy balancing acids. It’s already drinking well.” 
Wine Spectator 90 points “A bright, snappy Champagne, mineral-driven and crisp in texture, displaying a range of tangy apple and kumquat fruit with hints of smoked almond, biscuit and lemon thyme. Disgorged November 2019. Drink now.”

Founded in 1901 and based in the village of Ambonnay, Coutier was credited with being the first to plant Chardonnay in 1946 to supplement their Pinot Noir based champagne. The south facing village itself is almost entirely planted to Pinot Noir, and delivers some of the most powerful examples of the varietal. This is on account of the relatively high elevation compared to other villages in Champagne, in addition to some of the highest levels of chalk in the entire region. The best Champagne you’ll ever find for under $50!

R.H. Coutier Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut NV 750ML ($49.95) $41.90 pre-arrival special
Case-6 R.H. Coutier Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut NV 750ML ($299.95) $239 pre-arrival special
Case-12 R.H. Coutier Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut 750ML ($499.95) $449 pre-arrival special (that’s only $37.42/bottle!))  
Antonio Galloni 93 points “Coutier’s NV Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru is one of the great under the radar gems in Champagne. Brisk and finely cut, the Blanc de Blancs captures a striking juxtaposition of Ambonnay richness and Chardonnay citrus/mineral-driven cut. This edition, based on 2016, with 40% reserve wines, is especially fine. The price? A steal. Dosage is 6.5 grams per liter. Disgorged: February, 2020.”

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R.H. Coutier Grand Cru Brut Rose NV 750ML ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The NV Brut Rosé Grand Cru is pretty and elegant, while showing a bit of a lighter hand relative to the other wines in the range. Then again, this is a Chardonnay-based Rosé, so that makes sense. Bright floral, blood orange and red berry fruit all open in the glass. Medium in body and taut, with striking energy, the Rosé is exquisitely beautiful and so delicious. I loved it. Disgorged: November, 2019.”
Wine Spectator 91 points “A pure note of macerated cherry is backed by a firm acidity in this lively rosé Champagne, while a subtle, smoky underpinning and hints of pink grapefruit peel and grated ginger ride the creamy bead. Disgorged December 2019. Drink now through 2023.”

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R.H. Coutier Cuvee Tradition Grand Cru Brut NV 750ML ($49.95) $36.50 pre-arrival special
R.H. Coutier Cuvee Tradition Grand Cru Brut NV 375ML ($31.95) $24 pre-arrival special
R.H. Coutier Cuvee Tradition Grand Cru Brut NV 1.5L ($89.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 92 points “The NV Brut Tradition Grand Cru is fabulous. Rich, ample and creamy in the glass, the Brut Tradition captures all of the natural intensity of Ambonnay in its expansive personality. Pinot Noir drives this blend in both its flavor profile and weight. Red cherry, plum, cinnamon, cedar and dried flowers are some of the many notes that build over time. This release is based on 2013, with 40% reserve wines.”

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With family holdings in Cumieres and Ay, Rene Geoffroy delivers some of the richest and mineral driven grower champagnes on the market. Geoffroy farms mostly Pinot Noir with a smattering of Chardonnay, Arbanne and Petit Mesler also under their spade with field blending being the end goal and result. The house style can be defined by its rich fruit expression tempered by saline minerality and long finish.

Rene Geoffroy Expression Premier Cru Brut NV 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Wine & Spirits 93 points “Designed as a blend of two vintages, in this case near-equal amounts of 2014 and ’15, Expression is focused on red grapes (35 percent each pinot noir and meunier). Jean-Baptiste Geoffroy enriches the wine’s freshness with reserves that he stores in oak foudres. The combination is smooth and sophisticated, with ripe flavors of crisp apples over a supple texture. The finish is pale and chalky, leaving a clean, fresh feel.” 
Antonio Galloni 92 points “The NV Brut Expression is a beautiful wine. A fine line of acidity runs through the Expression, lending notable brightness and cut throughout. Orchard fruit, spice, mint and dried flowers are all beautifully delineated in a Champagne that impresses for its transparency and cut. I loved it. This release is a blend of 2015 and 2014. Dosage is 5 grams per liter.”

Rene Geoffroy Empreinte Premier Cru Vintage Brut 2014 750ML ($69.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 93+ points “The 2014 Brut Cuvée Empreinte, 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay from Cumières, is fabulous. Bright and beautifully sculpted, with soaring aromatics, the 2014 Empreinte is immediately captivating. Bright, saline notes give the 2014 striking energy that cuts straight through the wine. The 2014 was just disgorged, so it needs time to recover, but it is so impressive in the early going. Empreinte is such a great example of what Cumières is all about.”
Wine Spectator 93 points “Fine and chalky, this minerally Champagne weaves a firm backbone with notes of fresh-cut apple, chopped almond, fleur de sel and dried cherry in a tight mesh. Lightly honeyed on the finish. Disgorged September 2020. Best from 2023 through 2029. — AN”

A wholly unique house in that they produce a single wine and only during the most exceptional growing years. Sourced from 20 parcels in the center of Le Mensil-Sur-Oger with their first vintage in 1905, this is one of the rarest wines in the entire world, let alone Champagne. Only for the most experienced collectors, Salon is considered to be the apex of Chardonnay, with razor sharp austerity requiring extensive bottle age before enjoyment. 

Salon Cuvee ‘S’ Le Mesnil Blanc de Blancs Brut Oenotheque Set 04/06/07/08 ($10,299.95) $9,499 pre-arrival special
Salon Vertical Case consists of six total 750ml bottles and one magnum. Includes two 750ml bottles each of Salon 2004, Salon 2006, and Salon 2007. Includes one magnum of Salon 2008. No substitutions permitted.
Reviews for the 2004 vintage:
Wine Enthusiast 98 points “Top 100 Cellar Selection in 2016…Intense minerality and ripe apple and citrus fruits accompany the purity and crisp texture that are part of its ability to age. The wine can continue for many years, certainly to 2025 and beyond. -Roger Voss”
Antonio Galloni 97+ points “The 2004 Salon has been superb each time I have tasted it over the last year or so. Bright, tense and crystalline, with all of the energy that is typical of both Salon and the vintage in the Côte des Blancs, the 2004 bristles with superb precision and cool, pulsating minerality…”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 96 points “The 2004 Blanc de Blancs Le Mesnil Brut is another rather structured, tensile wine from a generally rather open vintage…Unlike many wines from 2004, this Salon (tasted from a bottle disgorged in January 2019) still has potential to improve with further bottle age.”
Reviews for the 2006 vintage:
Wine Enthusiast 100 points “Top 100 Cellar Selection in 2017. This new release from a great vintage for Chardonnay in Champagne is a perfect blanc de blancs, showing a wealth of intensity from the crisp, chalky, mineral tones to the perfumed apple notes… -Roger Voss”
Antonio Galloni 97 points “…Even with all of its flamboyance and pure volume, the 2006 retains quite a bit of energy and freshness. I imagine it will be a fascinating, utterly compelling Champagne to follow over the next several decades.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 95 points “…a fine success…”
Reviews for the 2007 vintage
Wine Enthusiast 99 points:“This legendary Champagne, only produced in exceptional years, comes from the village of Le Mesnil in the Côte des Blancs. It is made from 100% Chardonnay and aged for many years before release. Its minerality, concentration and beautiful fruit are still astonishingly young and deserve further aging. Drink from 2020.”
Antonio Galloni 96 points “The 2007 Salon is gorgeous. Weightless, delicate and understated, the 2007 is all class…”
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 96 points “…the weightless and delicate 2007 is a coolish, elegant and smoky gentleman dressed in a white tie and silk hat… The performance on the palate is pure yet concentrated, fresh and linear, very elegant and perfectly balanced, but most of all, it is extremely fine and stimulating!…The radiant 2007 Salon is one of the greatest champagnes I have had from this vintage…”
Reviews for the 2008 vintage:
Antonio Galloni 100 points “…The 2008 remains young and austere, but like so many wines in this great vintage, Salon has an extra dimension of textural depth that keeps it from being austere. It is quite simply one of the most magnificent Champagnes I have ever tasted…”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 100 points “…it surpasses even the prodigious 1996 and surely ranks as the finest Salon since at least the 1970s. In short, this is a Blanc de Blancs that admits no argument.”
Decanter 100 points “…Despite the time in the cellar, the wine remains intensely youthful, with a texture that is vibrant and crisp and a substantial, creamy feel that suggests near-perfect balance. This Champagne is among the greatest wines Salon has ever produced and should age gracefully for decades to come.”

Largely based in the Cotes de blancs village of Cremant, Diebolt Vallois has been making blanc de blanc style Champagne since 1959 under two generations of vignerons. With a house style characterized by crisp minerality, food friendly acidity and refreshing fruit profile redolent of green pear and citrus rind. A budget friendly introduction to blanc de blanc Champagne and the sub- reigion as a whole!  

Diebolt-Vallois Tradition Brut NV 750ML ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Diebolt-Vallois Tradition Brut NV ($249.95) $219 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Diebolt-Vallois Tradition Brut NV ($499.95) $449 pre-arrival special (that’s only $37.42/bottle!)

Diebolt-Vallois Blanc de Blancs Brut NV 375ML ($31.95) $24 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 91 points “Rich aromas and flavors of poached apricot, melon, tangerine and hazelnut are enlivened by vibrant acidity in this well-knit Champagne, with a creamy finish of graphite and spice. Disgorged December 2019. Drink now through 2023. –AN” [Review for prior disgorgement]

Diebolt-Vallois Blanc de Blancs Brut Millesime 2013 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special

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Diebolt-Vallois Brut Rose NV 750ML ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 91 points “An elegant rosé Champagne, fresh with crunchy acidity and lacy texture, this shows a delicate mesh of star fruit, pink grapefruit pith, star anise and pickled ginger. Chalk-tinged finish. Disgorged October 2019. Drink now through 2022.  –AN” [Review for prior disgorgement]

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Miss part one? Shop the full selection of our Champagnes, including new our new offers of Gimonnet, Doyard, Bereche, Marc Hebrart, and Roederer on our web store now!

We do our best to provide the most up to date reviews, but please note that disgorgement dates, lot codes, and base-years may vary. All Champagnes in this offer are the latest releases for the 2021 season.

 

As Christophe Baron approaches a quarter century making wine in Walla Walla Valley, his restless nature has spawned a number of different projects, each with their own ambition. Best known as the winemaker and founder of Cayuse, it is one of the most in-demand wineries in North America, and likely needs little in the way of introductions for many of our subscribers. Our stock always goes fast, so we’re excited to offer the quantities that we have.

Cayuse Vineyards Camaspelo Walla Walla Valley 2019 750ML ($149.95) $128 pre-arrival special

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

This is the only listing in the USA today!

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Cayuse Vineyards Wallah Wallah Special Series Syrah Walla Walla Valley #12 2018 1.5L ($319.95) $289 pre-arrival special
Jeb Dunnuck 96 points “Christophe often releases a special blend in magnum (he never says which vineyards it’s from), and the 2018 Syrah Special #12 is another gorgeous wine. Revealing a deep ruby/plum hue as well as classic Rocks notes of blue fruits, ground pepper, bacon fat, lavender, and violets, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a seamless, elegant texture, ripe yet certainly present tannins, and a great finish. It needs 4-5 years of bottle age and will cruise for two decades.”

Cayuse Vineyards The Lovers Walla Walla Valley 2018 750ML ($179.95) $149 pre-arrival special
Jeb Dunnuck 97 points “Based on 89% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Syrah, the deep ruby/purple-hued 2018 The Lovers offers a rocking, Pauillac-like bouquet of blackcurrants, unsmoked tobacco, lead pencil, and earth. Medium to full-bodied and concentrated on the palate, it has a terrific core of sweet red, black, and blue fruits, ripe tannins, no hard edges, and a great finish. It’s easily my favorite vintage of this cuvée to date, and it has another two decades of prime drinking ahead of it!”
Stephen Tanzer-Vinous 95 points “Full medium red-ruby. Distinctly dark, pure aromas of blueberry, blackberry, violet and wild mint. Suave and smooth on entry, then tightly wound and a bit imploded in the middle palate but already revealing lovely sweetness, balance and personality. The addition of a bit of Syrah has a softening influence on the Cabernet Sauvignon tannins. Still, this is higher-pitched and less open than the 2017 was at the same stage last year–more floral and fruity and less saline. Finishes with a late dusting of fine-grained tannins and excellent length. The wine’s juiciness and energy convey the impression of a moderate pH. (Tasted June 2021; Published September 2021).”

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We carry a number of back vintages from Cayuse on our Web Store. 

France – Champagne

Guiborat ‘Prisme’ Grand Cru 15 NV 750ML ($64.95) $54.50 special
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 94+ points “Based on the domaine’s holdings in prime lieu-dit Le Mont Aigu, supplemented by another parcel in Chouilly and one in Cramant, Guiborat’s NV Extra-Brut Prisme . 15 was disgorged in October 2020 with 1.5 grams per liter dosage. Exhibiting notions of citrus fruit, Anjou pear, pastry cream and nougat, it’s full-bodied, layered and elegantly muscular, with a concentrated, chiseled core and an enlivening pinpoint mousse. Complete and penetrating, this is a terrific cuvée.”
 
Nicolas Maillart Platine Premier Cru Brut NV 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
Winery Note “Golden in colour with a fine, lingering bead Nose: Intense with notes of fruit and hazelnuts and a slight toastiness Palate: The initial impact is wonderfully fresh and vinous, followed by great finesse. Slow, gentle pressing using gravity-flow techniques. Vinification in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats and a period in the barrel for a certain volume of reserve wines. Average two-year maturing period in the bottle. Disgorged by hand and laid down for at least three months before sale.”

Staff favorite rosé!
Pierre Paillard ‘Les Terres Roses’ Bouzy XVII Grand Cru Brut Rose NV 750ML ($79.95) $59 special
Peter Liem, “Champagne”“Antoine Paillard and his brother, Quentin, represent the eighth generation of their family to grow vines in Bouzy… The wines are quintessentially representative of Bouzy terroir, combining a rich ripeness with chalky finesse, and they are some of the best champagnes being made in the village today.” –

Gosset Grand Blanc de Blancs Brut 1.5L ($219.95) $179 special, 9 magnums in stock now
Decanter 95 points “The most subtle lemony cloud hovers above a certain chalkiness on the nose. Utter subtlety also characterises the super-svelte palate that is as light as a feather, yet conveys great depth and creamy softness. The freshness seems buffered by chalk, the mousse serves to remind you that this is actually Champagne, so breezy, so light, so elegant is this. A wonderful combination of depth and weightlessness. Drinking Window 2020 – 2030.”
Wine Spectator 93 Points “Bright and graceful, this leads on the nose with racy chalk and smoke notes, a minerally underpinning for delicate flavors of Gala apple, blanched almond, fleur de sel and pickled ginger. Seamless and fresh, with a long finish. Drink now through 2025. 200 cases imported. — AN”
Wine Enthusiast 93 points “A finely textured Chardonnay, this is ripe and crisp with acidity, minerality and hints of nuttiness from bottle age. From the Côte des Blancs, the fruit in this Champagne has given a pure line of acidity and total textured freshness. Drink the bottling now. -Roger Voss”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 92+ points “Based on the 2016 vintage and disgorged in September 2019, the new release of Gosset’s NV Brut Grand Blanc de Blancs (which will arrive in the US later this year) unwinds in the glass with notes of citrus oil, warm biscuits, green apple and white flowers. Medium to full-bodied, deep and tightly wound, it’s racy and incisive, with a bright spine of acidity, chalky structure and a long, penetrating finish. As ever, this cuvée emphasizes Chardonnay from the Montagne de Reims.” Eric Rodez Grand Cru Cuvee des Crayeres Ambonnay Grand Cru Brut NV 750ML ($79.95) $61.90 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Eric Rodez Grand Cru Rose NV 750ML ($79.95) $66 pre-arrival special 
Eric Rodez Blanc de Noirs Grand Cru NV 750ML ($89.95) $66 pre-arrival special 

Christophe Mignon ADN de Meunier Brut Nature NV 750ML ($69.95) $59 special
Antonio Galloni 92 points “The NV Brut Nature Blanc de Noirs ADN de Meunier is fabulous. Rich, explosive and aromatically intense, the ADN de Meunier is absolutely compelling. Sweet floral notes, spice and ripe orchard fruit abound. Unlike so many pure Meuniers, the ADN is bright and beautifully perfumed, with no sense of excess heaviness. It is a wine of super delineation, focus and total class. This release is a blend of equal parts 2016 and 2015. Zero dosage. Disgorged: November 20, 2019.”

Italy – Piedmont

Luigi Baudana ‘Baudana’ Barolo DOCG 2017 750ML ($89.95) $75 special, 23 bottles in stock now
Kerin O’keefe-Wine Enthusiast 96 points “Balsamic aromas of camphor and cedar mingle with rose and leather on this full-boded, savory red. Structured and delicious, the juicy palate is still youthfully austere, delivering ripe Marasca cherry, crushed raspberry, baking spice and licorice framed in noble tannins before a black tea finish. Drink 2025–2037.”
Antonio Galloni 95+ points “The 2017 Barolo Baudana is such a gorgeous wine. It, too conveys the power of Serralunga, but with a bit less heft than is typically the case. Sweet dark cherry, iron, cedar, rose petal, mint and white pepper give the 2017 its effusive, inviting personality. This is such a tremendous showing.”
Jeb Dunnuck 95 points “The 2017 Barolo Baudana has more savory and forward notes of dried cranberry, leather, and orange peel on the nose, with tangy ripe fruit on the palate. It has a rather approachable style, with the generosity of the fruit up front and well-managed tannins. Drink 2021-2040.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 93 points ” From a historic vineyard in Serralunga d’Alba, the Luigi Baudana 2017 Barolo Baudana takes an extra minute to open and ultimately reveals a consistent and compact package of aromas centered on dark fruit, rusty earth and crushed flowers. It’s quite nice the way the wine holds its cards closer to its proverbial chest. It lets its guard down one little piece at a time. There is some sweetness, too, and the wine feels weighty and powerful. I’d definitely give it a few more years of cellar aging so that the wine finds time to focus and flesh out. Some 3,500 bottles were released.”  Luigi Baudana Cerretta Barolo DOCG 2017 750ML ($89.95) $75 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 96 Points “This red boasts a beautiful balance between it’s cherry, strawberry, floral, eucalyptus and mineral aromas and flavors. Supple and elegant, despite the resonant tannins and lively acidity that boosts the lingering aftertaste, but with fine length. Don’t think about pulling the cork for 5ive years. Best from 2026-2048
Jeb Dunnuck  96 points “A sweet perfume lifts from the 2017 Barolo Cerretta, with fresh violets, kirsch, cinnamon, and sage. The palate is energetic with forward fruit through the mid-palate with persistence, with tea leaf and present but well-integrated tannins. The Cerretta displays the elegance that is possible within the 2017 vintage. Drink 2022-2040.”
Antonio Galloni 95 points “A dark, somber wine, the 2017 Barolo Cerretta shows the more potent, brooding side of Serralunga. Black cherry, gravel, smoke, cured meats, cloves and menthol add to an impression of virile intensity and pure power. Readers will have to be patient here, but there is certainly a ton to look forward to. This is another impressive showing from Baudana and the Vajra family.”
James Suckling 96 points “This is really perfumed and enticing, offering intense floral and citrus character with some cherry. It’s full-bodied, yet tight and very reserved, with a long, racy finish. Fantastic depth of fruit here. Outstanding purity, too. Better in 2025.”
Kerin O’Keefe-Wine Enthusiast 94 points “Forest floor, prune, leather and pipe tobacco aromas make their way to the forefront. Showing the heat of the vintage, it’s full-bodied and concentrated, offering cherry marinated in spirits, licorice and the warmth of evident alcohol. Tightly knit, enveloping tannins provide firm, velvety support. Drink 2025–2032.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 93 points “A release of 3,000 bottles, the Luigi Baudana 2017 Barolo Cerretta is the most downplayed of these three wines and the least complicated from an aromatic point of view. A first wave of aromas is focused on wild rose and crushed flowers.  More robust tones of ripe cherry, rusty earth and dark spice follow in time. This edition of Cerretta is surprisingly delicate and fine, going against almost everything we know about robust fruit from Serralunga d’Alba and the powerful 2017 vintage. The wine is counterintuitive in a way only Nebbiolo can be.”
Luigi Baudana Serralunga Barolo DOCG2017 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 9 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2017 Barolo del Comune di Serralunga d’Alba may very well turn out to be one of the best wines of the year in its peer group. Dark and wonderfully expressive, yet also light on its feet for a Serralunga Barolo, the 2017 has so much going on. Black cherry, plum, spice, gravel, cured meats, lavender and sage all meld together in this dark yet translucent Barolo.”
Jeb Dunnuck 93 points “The 2017 Barolo Del Comune Di Serralunga d’Alba is resinous and assertive with aromas of tobacco, leather, dried cherry, and cedar. The palate is ripe with red plum, dried violet, and tar. The fruit dovetails to reveal its more powerful Serralunga structure, with building and firm tannins. Hold 2-4 years and drink 2023-2040.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 92 points “The Luigi Baudana 2017 Barolo del Comune di Serralunga d’Alba reveals a robust and fruit-forward bouquet, with pressed blackberry and plum, followed by licorice, iron ore and some of the candied orange aromas that often come with fruit from Serralunga d’Alba. The wine is tight in terms of structure, and you feel its strength, but ultimately the sensations are polished and smooth. There are no rough edges to these well-managed tannins, and this is especially impressive in an unruly vintage such as 2017. About 8,000 bottles were made.”
Germany – Rheingau 

J.B. Becker Wallufer Berg Bildstock Riesling Spatlese Rheingau 2000 750ML ($69.95) $49 special, 3 bottles in stock now
David Schildknecht-Vinous 91 points “Here is a chance to put the stamina of Becker Riesling and the quality of his workmanship to a hard test, because most Rheingau Rieslings of this infamously tropical and rot-challenged harvest were precariously decadent before they even got to bottle. A suggestion of stale white bread on the nose points to the influence of botrytis, but the retention of animation and downright refreshing primary juiciness on display from this Spätlese is quite remarkable. At ten grams of residual sugar the wine was almost legally dry, but nonetheless it evinces a faint and attractive hint of sweetness. Peach kernel piquancy serves for counterpoint in a sustained finish of almost ethereal delicacy and remarkable transparency to stony nuances.”

J.B. Becker Wallufer Oberberg Riesling Kabinett Halbtrocken Rheingau 1998 750ML ($79.95) $49 special, 16 bottles in stock now
J.B. Becker Wallufer Walkenberg Alte Reben Riesling Spatlese Trocken Rheingau 1998 750ML ($79.95) $55 special, 13 bottles in stock now
Argentina – Valle De Uco 

Bodega Aleanna ‘Gran Enemigo’ Gualtallary Single Vineyard Cabernet Franc Tupungato 2015 750ML ($119.95) $99 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 98 points “Powerful places tend to mark wines in a stronger way than even the vintage conditions or the grape variety, and that seems to be the case with the 2015 Gran Enemigo Gualtallary Single Vineyard. But of course there are elements of both the year—slightly warmer and riper than 2016—and the grape—mostly Cabernet Franc with some 20% Malbec, which is what is planted in the vineyard, with the logical variations depending on the yields of each grape in a given vintage. This is a little more direct than the 2016, powerful and concentrated but balanced and fresh, and it has a little more tannin. As I said, this is more about the high altitude and austere place with all the components in great harmony. You do not notice the alcohol, concentration of tannins or acidity, as it’s all very integrated. All these wines are not about fruit but about soils, about rocks. 3,000 bottles produced.”
James Suckling 98 points “This is such a fabulous red with ripe berries, blackberries and hints of dried mushrooms and black tea. Full body and crystalline tannins that carry the wine on for minutes. Energetic and takes off like a rocket. Extreme, great wine. Drink or hold.”
Catena Zapata Nicasia Vineyards Malbec La Consulta 2015 750ML ($119.95) $89 special, 15 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 97 points “Enormously spicy with a dense tannin structure that makes this malbec spectacular and slightly erotic, too. A breathtakingly long finish that makes you want more. The balance of this is so good that you can drink it right now. If you can resist drinking it now, this probably has a couple of decades of aging potential.”
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 94 points “I also tasted the 2015 Malbec Catena Zapata Nicasia Vineyard, which had been in bottle since July 2017. 2015 is a warmer and riper year within the three consecutive cooler El Niño vintages. It’s juicy, showy and round, with moderate acidity (relatively speaking). 12,480 bottles produced.” 

Chile – Colchagua Valley 

Clos Apalta Colchagua Valley 2017 750ML ($149.95) $119 special 
James Suckling 100 points “What a stunning nose of crushed berries, fresh flowers, sandalwood and light vineyard dust. Black olives, too. Very complex. Full-bodied with a beautiful, dense palate of blackberries, chocolate, walnuts and cigar box. Fantastic length and composure. The tannin just rolls over the palate. Very structured. The most classically structured wine ever from here. Goes on for minutes. Outrageous and so polished. A blend of 48% Carmenere, 26% cabernet sauvignon, 25% merlot and 1% petit verdot. Try after 2025.”

Clos Apalta ‘Le Petit Clos’ Apalta Valley 2017 750ML ($49.95) $41.90 special
James Suckling 96 points “This is so delicious with blackcurrants, spice, sweet tobacco, lavender and roses. Full-bodied, tight and very polished with gorgeous texture and finesse. Shows tannin tension at the end. A blend of mostly cabernet sauvignon, the rest cabernet franc. Better after 2022.”

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Von Winning Deidesheimer Kalkofen Riesling Grosses Gewächs Pfalz 2019 750ML ($89.95) $75 pre-arrival special
93-94 points Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate “From calcareous soils, the Deidesheimer Riesling 2019 Kalkofen GG offers a clear, intense and aromatic bouquet with very fine aromas of lanolin, clove and vanilla from the oak vats. Full-bodied and enormously juicy on the palate, this is a generous and hedonistic but nevertheless subtle and refined Riesling that reveals ripe peach aromas and a fine, harmonious texture with a quiet, subtly juicy flow. The acidity is delicate and stimulatingly salty on the finish. A gorgeous wine tasted as a sample in May 2020.”

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Von Winning Ozyetra Pfalz 2019 750ML ($249.95) $199 pre-arrival special
Skurnik Imports note “Ozyetra is a selection of spectacular barrels from the Pechstein. Similar to MarMar, this wine is incredibly complex and concentrated, with great tension and length. Noble reduction, grilled lemons, fine wood. Fermentation & Elevage: Spontanenous fermentation in 500L barrels, left on the gross lees for 24 months. Pechstein (Forst) Vineyard.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Kruger-Rumpf Abtei ‘1937 Reserv’ Riesling Trocken Nahe 2019 750ML ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 96 points “This super mineral and super elegant dry riesling has a stunning balance, but is only just beginning to open up. Golden aromas, but no hint of opulence or overripeness. Long, graceful finish. From vines planted in 1937. Drink or hold.”

Kruger-Rumpf Abtei ‘1937 Reserv’ Riesling Trocken Nahe 2020 750ML ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 97 points “A truly unique wine that has the most beautiful golden nose that is fruity, but so much more than that. So many wild herb and flower nuances. Stunning concentration, combined with a feeling of weightlessness. Super-mineral finish that dances over the palate and off into the far distance. Drink or hold.”

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Weingut Carl Loewen ‘1896’ Longuicher Maximin Herrenberg Alte Reben Riesling (Grey Label) 2020 750ML ($119.95) $99 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 99 points “A moment of stillness in the midst of a crazy world. Take only a quick sip and you’ll understand rather little. But if you allow yourself to sink into this deep riesling chasm, you’ll discover an underworld of mineral fascination, married to super-ripe stone fruit. Enormously long and refined finish. Drinkable now, but best from 2023.”
Mosel Fine Wines 95 points “The 1896, as it is simply referred to on the front dark-grey label (the reference to the vintage and the vineyard is left for the back label), is a just offdry wine (with 11 g/l of residual sugar) picked on century-old un-grafted vines (planted in 1896) in the Longuicher Maximiner Herrenberg, and was made using traditional winemaking methods dating back to the early 1900s. It immediately catches one’s attention through a refined yet very complex and layered nose of fine spices, aniseed herbs, pear, fresh pineapple, almond, greengage, and a dash of passion fruit. The wine is hugely delicate and creamy on the smooth and suave palate packed with flavors of almond, coconut milk, and fine spices. It leaves one with an immense sense of focus in the hugely long and gorgeously intense finish. A touch of off-dry sweetness still needs to integrate in the spicy and salty aftertaste. This is a magnificent and playful Riesling mixing delicacy with intensity and focus. 2024-2040.”

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Weingut Carl Loewen ‘1896’ Longuicher Maximin Herrenberg Alte Reben Riesling Trocken 2020 750ML ($54.95) $45 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 95 points “Lots of red-fleshed peach and delicate spice notes make this a very striking dry riesling. Rich and concentrated, but with that special lightness of touch that sets the Mosel apart. Long, complete finish that’s gentle rather than dramatic. Drink or hold.”

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Weingut Carl Loewen Alte Reben Riesling Trocken Mosel 2020 750ML ($29.95) $24 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 94 points “This stunning dry Mosel riesling proves that you don’t need more than 12% alcohol to shine in this category. So much flinty and slatey character and a wonderful interplay between this and precisely nuanced, citrusy fruit. Then comes a firework display of minerality at the breathtaking finish. Drink or hold.”
Mosel Fine Wines 91 points “The 2020er Riesling Alte Reben is a just off-dry wine (10 g/l of residual sugar) made from very old vines planted between 1949 and 1962, mostly situated in the Leiwener Klostergarten and for a tiny part in the Detzemer Würzgarten. It offers a beautifully spicy, fresh, and zesty nose of lime, orange blossom, fresh herbs, mint, a hint of almond cream, anise, and smoke. The wine is superbly balanced on the palate where some fine fruity and creamy elements are wrapped into playful and animating zest. It leaves a great sense of focus and almost sharpness in the long finish. The aftertaste is still rather monolithic but hints at greatness to come. This hugely successful dry-tasting wine cruises far above its mere Estate Riesling level! All it needs now is a few years of bottle aging to reveal its underlying complexity 2023-2030.”

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Weingut Carl Loewen Estate Riesling Mosel 2020 750ML ($24.95) $19 pre-arrival special
Skurnik Imports note “This is an estate wine, all from the Liewener Klostergarten. Some of you will remember this wine when it was a Kabinett. This is now “declassified” as single vineyard labeled wines should denote the highest quality at the estate as well as individuality, so Christopher agreed to declassify the site and just call it “Estate Riesling”.  Soils here are a bit richer than the steep sites and the vine material is not nearly as old. Fruit is picked and pressed whole clustr before sedimentation. The juice is racked into Fuder and Stainless steel where it ferments completely with native yeast and without temperature control. Fermentation is stopped by taste and a small addition of SO2 is added to stabilize the wine.”

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Weingut Carl Loewen Longuicher Herrenberg Riesling Kabinett Mosel 2020 750ML ($29.95) $24 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 93 points “Very juicy with tons of peach, apricot and guava. However, this also has so much minty and tarragon freshness, the balance of fruit and mineral acidity joyfully spot-on. Drink or hold.”

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Weingut Carl Loewen Maximiner Klosterlay Riesling Mosel 2018 750ML ($37.95) $29 pre-arrival special
Terry Theise note “An east-facing vineyard directly on the Mosel, offering slender and “blue” tasting wines. This ’18 is the brighter (almost grassier) face of slate; a tatsoi snap, and it was the first Mosel I tasted that showed ‘18’s phenols—is this a drought feature? The wine is rather a “study in slate,” and on that March day it felt a little strict.”

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This is the only listing in the USA today!

Weingut Alfred Merkelbach Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Auslese Mosel 2020 750ML ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
Mosel Fine Wines 94+ points “The 2020er Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Auslese AP 2 was made from essentially clean fruit picked at 94° Oechsle and was fermented down to sweet levels of residual sugar (80 g/l). It offers a most engaging nose made of pear, white peach, smoke, strawberry, smoke, and fine spices. The wine is stunningly fresh, subtly creamy, and incredibly intense on the palate. Yet the flavors are precise, focused, impactful, and then again playful. The finish is focused, finely chiseled, and incredibly persistent. The aftertaste is as light as mineral water and yet so full of flavors. This is a truly remarkable Riesling in the making, with ample Schmelz but also an incredible raciness and lightness which more than reminds us of the glorious Auslese from the 1990s! This Auslese is a great success, and even has upside potential, it is that good! 2030-2060.”
AP Number may not match review. Confirmation pending.

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Weingut Alfred Merkelbach Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Kabinett Mosel 2020 750ML ($34.95) $29 pre-arrival special
Mosel Fine Wines 92 points “The 2020er Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Kabinett AP 1 was made from fruit picked at 82° Oechsle and was fermented down to fruity-styled levels of residual sugar (44 g/l). The wine proves still slightly non-saying at first and only gradually reveals some discreet elements of white peach, apricot blossom, herbs, and fine spices. It is nicely lively yet also quite subtly creamy on the palate and leaves an absolutely gorgeous and light-footed feel in the long finish. The overall presence is that of a light Spätlese (certainly by Merkelbach standards) but this fruity-styled wine is no less beautiful. While enjoyable now, on its primary flavors, this Kabinett will gain significantly from bottle aging. 2030-2050.”
AP Number may not match review. Confirmation pending.

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Weingut Alfred Merkelbach Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Spatlese Mosel 2020 750ML ($41.95) $33.50 pre-arrival special
Mosel Fine Wines 94 points “The 2020er Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Spätlese AP 6 was made from fruit picked at 89° Oechsle and was fermented down to barely sweet levels of residual sugar (60 g/l). It immediately captures one attention with some truly remarkable scents of strawberry, cassis, pear, vineyard peach, citrusy fruits, chalky minerals, and smoke. This simply screams of Würzgarten. The wine is subtle, playful, animating, light-footed, and yet packed with flavors on the palate. It leaves a gorgeous feel with a touch of Auslese creaminess but firm yet ripe zesty acidity comes through in the long and focused finish. The mouthwatering aftertaste makes you want to go for more. This wine gains significantly from airing and is really best left alone. 2030-2050.”
AP Number may not match review. Confirmation pending.

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Don’t fret! There’s even more German Riesling coming down the pipeline like Donnhoff & Willi Schaefer

Muscadet was originally farmed in Burgundy, but it left the nest as Chardonnay and Aligote began to command prominence. Since the 17th century Melon de Bourgogne as it was known by in the Loire, is now one of the most prolific white varietals. According to historical records, the Loire was formerly planted almost exclusively to red wine grapes. This all changed during a legendary frost which killed every grapevine in the region, with the exception of the humble Muscadet grape. This led to the market dominance of the varietal in its new Loire home in no time, with the flavor profile also pairing excellently with the local seafood.   

 As they say in Burgundy “Wine is made in the vineyard” and this is no better evidenced by the vineyard this wine is made from. Papin was one of the first producers to begin bottling their Muscadet by vineyard parcel, in a time when estates would blend every parcel into a single bottling. Being an early adopter of biodynamic practices as well, these would be bottles with a triple digit price tag if they came from Burgundy. Most impressive out of their portfolio is the houses choice to hold back vintages for later release. Given how the overwhelming majority of Muscadet is consumed within two years of release, the L’or offers an entirely unique experience of the varietal and makes the argument for ageing Muscadet.    

Domaine Pierre Luneau-Papin Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine Sur Lie Pierre de La Grange Vieilles Vignes Loire 2020 750ML ($ 24.95) $19 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Importer notes “This wine comes from a single pacel of the same name. The Luneau family are pioneers in this regard and still amongst the only producers in Muscadet to bottle single vineayrd expressions of their land. They’ve been doing it since the 80’s.”

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Domaine Pierre Luneau-Papin Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine Sur Lie ‘Le L d’Or’ Loire 2009 750ML ($69.95) $54.50 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Winery cellared release.
Importer notes “This wine comes from a single pacel of the same name. The Luneau family are pioneers in this regard and still amongst the only producers in Muscadet to bottle single vineayrd expressions of their land. They’ve been doing it since the 80’s.”

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Domaine Pierre Luneau-Papin Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine Vera Cruz Loire 2019 750ML ($34.95) $28 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Importer note “This wine comes from a single parcel of the same name (yes it’s surprisingly “not french sounding” but the actual name of the plot). The Luneau family are pioneers in this regard and still amongst the only producers in Muscadet to bottle single vineyard expressions of their land. They’ve been doing it since the 80’s.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!