In This Newsletter:
New Arrivals
Domaine Huet
March Magnum Sale
New Arrivals
Oregon
Evesham Wood Blanc du Puits Sec, Eola-Amity Hills 2022 750ml $19 special, 12 bottles in stock
Evesham Wood La Grive Bleue Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2021 750ml $33 special, 29 bottles in stock
Crowley Entre Nous Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2021 750ml $36 special, 36 bottles in stock
Haden Fig Freedom Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2021 750ml $39 special, 12 bottles in stock
Haden Fig Pinot Gris Rose, Willamette Valley 2022 750ml $20.95 special, 12 bottles in stock
California
Ulysses Vineyard, Oakville 2021 750ml $169 special, 33 bottles in stock
Jeb Dunnuck 99 points“Just about pure perfection and the finest wine I’ve tasted from this address, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon yet includes smaller amounts of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, all from a site just north of Dominus. This deep, inky hued beauty offers up a beautiful, full-bodied, richly textured, and incredibly concentrated style that carries ample black and blue fruit as well as notes of crushed stone, scorched earth, graphite, and lead pencil. It has the focused, structured style of the 2018 vintage and is going to benefit from 4-6 years (if not a decade) of bottle age and will be a 30+ year wine.”
James Suckling 98 points“Aromas of terra cotta, chocolate and hazelnut with iron and ink. Dusty. Full-bodied and round. Layered. Flamboyant and juicy. Rather soft and gorgeous. Some walnut and chocolate at the end. Persistent. Always there. Drinkable now, but will age wonderfully.”
Antonio Galloni 97 points“The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is the best wine off Christian Moueix’s Oakville ranch so far. Deep, creamy and generous, the 2018 captures the unqiue blend of fruit in a savoriness that is typical of the southern sector of Oakville where cooling winds from the south lend palpable freshness and vivacity to the vines. Black fruit, chocolate, spice, lavender and new leather are some of the many notes that build into the sumptuous finish.”
Wine Advocate 96 points “The current-release 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon shows more cherries and bay leaf on the nose than prior vintages. There’s still a solid framework of cedar, loam and cassis, hints of mocha and licorice, but there’s also a bit more freshness and lift. It’s medium to full-bodied and densely concentrated yet silky and finessed, with a long, elegant finish.”
Wine Spectator 95 points“Dark and reserved in style, with a core of black currant and blackberry reduction wrapped in singed alder and warm loam. Tightly wound for now, with the fruit held in check, but the underlying structure is polished and there’s mineral-laced drive on the finish. Requires patience. Best from 2024 through 2038. —J.M.”
Easton Old Vines Zinfandel Rinaldi Vineyard, Fiddletown 2015 750ml $36 special, 24 bottles in stock
Wine Enthusiast 94 points “Hardly a run-of-the-mill wine, this potent liquid exudes tobacco and flint aromas that join with wood smoke, cocoa and blackberry flavors to make it dramatic and spicy. Full body and firm tannins build great structure to pair with indulgent proteins and give it the stuffing to age. Best from 2022.”
Domaine de la Terre Rouge Les Cotes de l’Ouest Syrah, California 2016 750ml $19.50 special, 26 bottles in stock
Wine Enthusiast 92 points “Full bodied, deeply concentrated and massively structured, this wine is packed tight with just-ripe fruit, smoky spices, cloves and singed sage. A rich blanket of fine-grained tannins wraps those tightly, suggesting several years in the cellar for the wine to mature. Best from 2024”
Domaine Huet
March Magnum Sale
New Arrivals
Oregon
Evesham Wood Blanc du Puits Sec, Eola-Amity Hills 2022 750ml $19 special, 12 bottles in stock
Evesham Wood La Grive Bleue Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2021 750ml $33 special, 29 bottles in stock
Crowley Entre Nous Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2021 750ml $36 special, 36 bottles in stock
Haden Fig Freedom Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2021 750ml $39 special, 12 bottles in stock
Haden Fig Pinot Gris Rose, Willamette Valley 2022 750ml $20.95 special, 12 bottles in stock
California
Ulysses Vineyard, Oakville 2021 750ml $169 special, 33 bottles in stock
Jeb Dunnuck 99 points“Just about pure perfection and the finest wine I’ve tasted from this address, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon yet includes smaller amounts of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, all from a site just north of Dominus. This deep, inky hued beauty offers up a beautiful, full-bodied, richly textured, and incredibly concentrated style that carries ample black and blue fruit as well as notes of crushed stone, scorched earth, graphite, and lead pencil. It has the focused, structured style of the 2018 vintage and is going to benefit from 4-6 years (if not a decade) of bottle age and will be a 30+ year wine.”
James Suckling 98 points“Aromas of terra cotta, chocolate and hazelnut with iron and ink. Dusty. Full-bodied and round. Layered. Flamboyant and juicy. Rather soft and gorgeous. Some walnut and chocolate at the end. Persistent. Always there. Drinkable now, but will age wonderfully.”
Antonio Galloni 97 points“The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is the best wine off Christian Moueix’s Oakville ranch so far. Deep, creamy and generous, the 2018 captures the unqiue blend of fruit in a savoriness that is typical of the southern sector of Oakville where cooling winds from the south lend palpable freshness and vivacity to the vines. Black fruit, chocolate, spice, lavender and new leather are some of the many notes that build into the sumptuous finish.”
Wine Advocate 96 points “The current-release 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon shows more cherries and bay leaf on the nose than prior vintages. There’s still a solid framework of cedar, loam and cassis, hints of mocha and licorice, but there’s also a bit more freshness and lift. It’s medium to full-bodied and densely concentrated yet silky and finessed, with a long, elegant finish.”
Wine Spectator 95 points“Dark and reserved in style, with a core of black currant and blackberry reduction wrapped in singed alder and warm loam. Tightly wound for now, with the fruit held in check, but the underlying structure is polished and there’s mineral-laced drive on the finish. Requires patience. Best from 2024 through 2038. —J.M.”
Easton Old Vines Zinfandel Rinaldi Vineyard, Fiddletown 2015 750ml $36 special, 24 bottles in stock
Wine Enthusiast 94 points “Hardly a run-of-the-mill wine, this potent liquid exudes tobacco and flint aromas that join with wood smoke, cocoa and blackberry flavors to make it dramatic and spicy. Full body and firm tannins build great structure to pair with indulgent proteins and give it the stuffing to age. Best from 2022.”
Domaine de la Terre Rouge Les Cotes de l’Ouest Syrah, California 2016 750ml $19.50 special, 26 bottles in stock
Wine Enthusiast 92 points “Full bodied, deeply concentrated and massively structured, this wine is packed tight with just-ripe fruit, smoky spices, cloves and singed sage. A rich blanket of fine-grained tannins wraps those tightly, suggesting several years in the cellar for the wine to mature. Best from 2024”
France
Clos Sainte Magdeleine ‘Marie de Magdala’ Rose, IGP Bouches-du-Rhone 2021 750ml $33 special, 12 bottles in stock
Kermit Lynch importer note “Parcel is located on the terraces of the Cap Canaille. Grapes are de-stemmed and lightly crushed before pressing. Fermented with native yeasts in 10- hL jarres en grès (sandstone amphorae). Does not undergo malolactic fermentation. No fining. Aged on fine lees in sandstone jarres until early summer bottling.”
Clos Sainte Magdeleine Cassis Rose, Provence 2021 750ml $29 special, 24 bottles in stock
Italy
Conte Loredan Gasparini Asolo Prosecco Superiore DOCG NV, Veneto 750ml $16 special, 23 bottles in stock
James Suckling 92 points “[Reviewed Oct 2021] Lots of initial froth here, which takes a while to subside and allow the lovely lemon and lemon blossom aromas to rise out of the glass. There are hints of licoricy chalk here, too. On the rather dense palate, the chalk turns to fresh cream and the lemon is absorbed into the creamy mineral texture with enough fizz to keep the sparkle up. Lovely, enduring and creamy yet biting finish. This is very fine Prosecco. Drink now.”
Paolo Scavino Vino da Tavola Rosso, Piedmont 2021 750ml $14 special, 36 bottles in stock
Wine Spectator 90 points”Bright and packed with black cherry, blackberry, violet and spice aromas and flavors, this red is succulent and harmonious. Lingers nicely on the finish. Enjoy this one now for its youthful exuberance. Nebbiolo, Dolcetto, Merlot and Barbera. Drink now.”
Feudo Montoni Vigna del Core Perricone Sicilia IGT, Sicily 2016 750ml $19.50 special, 35 bottles in stock
Vinous 93 points “Deep ruby-red. Perfumed aromas of red cherry, raspberry, sweet spices, and fresh flowers. Clean, suave and round, ripe red cherry and vanilla flavors are complicated by hints of grilled nuts and marzipan. Finishes very clean, not to mention juicy, on the very long, very bright back end.”
Spain
Sierra Cantabria Garnacha, Rioja DOCa 2017 750ml $21.90 special, 16 bottles in stock
Vinous 92 points “Glistening ruby-red. Spice-accented red berry and cherry aromas are complemented by floral and smoky mineral flourishes. Alluringly sweet and lively in the mouth, offering juicy raspberry, cherry liqueur, cola and baking spice flavors braced by a spine of juicy acidity. Finishes supple and long, with repeating floral and spice notes and discreet tannins that provide shape and gentle grip.”
Espectacle del Montsant, Montsant 2018 750ml $119 special, 9 bottles in stock
Wine Spectator 98 points“As with other wines, I also tasted the 2018 Espectacle del Montsant next to the 2017 to catch up, as I last tasted the region some 16 months ago. 2018 was a cooler year of slow ripeness, and the grapes achieved an amazing 16% alcohol. The wine is truly spectacular, true to its name. It has tons of violet notes and aromatic herbs, the palate is gentler, and the tannins are rounder, polished and elegant. It has full body but isn’t heavy. There is a lot of complexity, and the wine developed slowly in the glass, showing nuances of cereals, kirsch, orange peel and lots of spices and herbs. It’s opulent and full, deep and complex. Amazing in its style. Some 6,500 bottles produced.”
Clos Sainte Magdeleine ‘Marie de Magdala’ Rose, IGP Bouches-du-Rhone 2021 750ml $33 special, 12 bottles in stock
Kermit Lynch importer note “Parcel is located on the terraces of the Cap Canaille. Grapes are de-stemmed and lightly crushed before pressing. Fermented with native yeasts in 10- hL jarres en grès (sandstone amphorae). Does not undergo malolactic fermentation. No fining. Aged on fine lees in sandstone jarres until early summer bottling.”
Clos Sainte Magdeleine Cassis Rose, Provence 2021 750ml $29 special, 24 bottles in stock
Italy
Conte Loredan Gasparini Asolo Prosecco Superiore DOCG NV, Veneto 750ml $16 special, 23 bottles in stock
James Suckling 92 points “[Reviewed Oct 2021] Lots of initial froth here, which takes a while to subside and allow the lovely lemon and lemon blossom aromas to rise out of the glass. There are hints of licoricy chalk here, too. On the rather dense palate, the chalk turns to fresh cream and the lemon is absorbed into the creamy mineral texture with enough fizz to keep the sparkle up. Lovely, enduring and creamy yet biting finish. This is very fine Prosecco. Drink now.”
Paolo Scavino Vino da Tavola Rosso, Piedmont 2021 750ml $14 special, 36 bottles in stock
Wine Spectator 90 points”Bright and packed with black cherry, blackberry, violet and spice aromas and flavors, this red is succulent and harmonious. Lingers nicely on the finish. Enjoy this one now for its youthful exuberance. Nebbiolo, Dolcetto, Merlot and Barbera. Drink now.”
Feudo Montoni Vigna del Core Perricone Sicilia IGT, Sicily 2016 750ml $19.50 special, 35 bottles in stock
Vinous 93 points “Deep ruby-red. Perfumed aromas of red cherry, raspberry, sweet spices, and fresh flowers. Clean, suave and round, ripe red cherry and vanilla flavors are complicated by hints of grilled nuts and marzipan. Finishes very clean, not to mention juicy, on the very long, very bright back end.”
Spain
Sierra Cantabria Garnacha, Rioja DOCa 2017 750ml $21.90 special, 16 bottles in stock
Vinous 92 points “Glistening ruby-red. Spice-accented red berry and cherry aromas are complemented by floral and smoky mineral flourishes. Alluringly sweet and lively in the mouth, offering juicy raspberry, cherry liqueur, cola and baking spice flavors braced by a spine of juicy acidity. Finishes supple and long, with repeating floral and spice notes and discreet tannins that provide shape and gentle grip.”
Espectacle del Montsant, Montsant 2018 750ml $119 special, 9 bottles in stock
Wine Spectator 98 points“As with other wines, I also tasted the 2018 Espectacle del Montsant next to the 2017 to catch up, as I last tasted the region some 16 months ago. 2018 was a cooler year of slow ripeness, and the grapes achieved an amazing 16% alcohol. The wine is truly spectacular, true to its name. It has tons of violet notes and aromatic herbs, the palate is gentler, and the tannins are rounder, polished and elegant. It has full body but isn’t heavy. There is a lot of complexity, and the wine developed slowly in the glass, showing nuances of cereals, kirsch, orange peel and lots of spices and herbs. It’s opulent and full, deep and complex. Amazing in its style. Some 6,500 bottles produced.”
Domaine Huet
The other day, on a whim, I opened a bottle of Domaine Huet Clous Du Bourg Sec and I was immediately transported back to some of the first memories in my wine journey. This wine was intensely mineral, yellow-fruited, crisp and yet simulaneously rich from the flavors of lees aging. I was reminded of how no other white wine in the world tastes like chenin blanc when it’s made by expert hands in the region it hails from. To call Domaine Huet a “classic” producer would be an understatement. These wines define Vouvray so intimately that the region and the winery can almost be seen as one and the same. For those just starting their wine journey, I implore you to experience Huet’s mastery, and for those that feel their journey has seen many roads and many bottles, I invite you to return and taste the magic of your wine youth. – Mark S.Here’s what we have in stock now:
| Vintage | Wine | Points | Price/Quantity |
| 2020 | Domaine Huet Vouvray ‘Le Mont’ Sec 750ml | Vinous 96 points Wine Advocate 95 points |
$41.90 special, 24 bottles in stock |
| 2021 | Domaine Huet Vouvray ‘Le Mont’ Sec 750ml | Vinous 96 points | $41.90 special, 17 bottles in stock |
| 2021 | Domaine Huet Vouvray ‘Clos du Bourg’ Sec 750ml | Vinous 95 points | $45 special, 6 bottles in stock |
| 2016 | Domaine Huet Vouvray ‘Le Haut Lieu’ Demi-Sec 750ml | Wine Spectator 96 points | $39 special, 36+ bottles in stock |
| 2017 | Domaine Huet Vouvray ‘Le Haut Lieu’ Demi-Sec 750ml | Jeb Dunnuck 95 points | $36 special, 6 bottles in stock |
| 2018 | Domaine Huet Vouvray ‘Le Haut Lieu’ Demi-Sec 750ml | Wine Advocate 93 points Wine Spectator 93 points |
$29 special, 34 bottles in stock |
| 2020 | Domaine Huet Vouvray ‘Le Haut Lieu’ Demi-Sec 750ml | Wine Advocate 96 points Wine Spectator 96 points |
$39 special, 31 bottles in stock |
| 2016 | Domaine Huet Vouvray ‘Le Mont’ Demi-Sec 750ml | Wine Spectator 95 points | $41.90 special, 11 bottles in stock |
| 2020 | Domaine Huet Vouvray ‘Le Mont’ Demi-Sec 750ml | Wine Advocate 96 points Wine Spectator 95 points |
$44 special, 15 bottles in stock |
| 2016 | Domaine Huet Vouvray ‘Clos du Bourg’ Demi-Sec 750ml | Wine Spectator 95 points | $39 special, 36+ bottles in stock |
| 2020 | Domaine Huet Vouvray ‘Clos du Bourg’ Demi-Sec 750ml | Vinous 97 points Wine Advocate 95 points |
$44 special, 36+ bottles in stock |
| 2016 | Domaine Huet Vouvray ‘Le Haut Lieu’ Moelleux 750ml | Wine Spectator 95 points | $39 special, 36+ bottles in stock |
| 2018 | Domaine Huet Vouvray ‘Le Haut Lieu’ Moelleux 750ml | Vinous 94 points Wine Spectator 93 points |
$29 special, 30 bottles in stock |
| 2020 | Domaine Huet Vouvray ‘Le Haut Lieu’ Moelleux 750ml | Vinous 96 points Wine Advocate 94 points |
$44 special, 28 bottles in stock |
| 2016 | Domaine Huet Vouvray ‘Le Mont’ Moelleux 750ml | Wine Spectator 96 points | $49 special, 36+ bottles in stock |
| 2017 | Domaine Huet Vouvray ‘Le Mont’ Moelleux 750ml | Wine Spectator 96 points Jeb Dunnuck 96 points |
$49 special, 10 bottles in stock |
| 2018 | Domaine Huet Vouvray ‘Le Mont’ Moelleux 750ml | Wine Advocate 95 points | $36 special, 5 bottles in stock |
| 2020 | Domaine Huet Vouvray ‘Le Mont’ Moelleux 750ml | Vinous 96 points Wine Advocate 96 points Wine Spectator 96 points |
$46 special, 22 bottles in stock |
| 2016 | Domaine Huet Vouvray ‘Clos du Bourg’ Moelleux 750ml | Wine Spectator 97 points | $59 special, 27 bottles in stock |
| 2020 | Domaine Huet Vouvray ‘Le Haut Lieu’ Premiere Trie Moelleux 750ml | Vinous 96 points Wine Advocate 96 points |
$59 special, 12 bottles in stock |
| 2016 | Domaine Huet Vouvray ‘Le Mont’ Premiere Trie Moelleux 750ml | Wine Advocate 97 points Wine Spectator 96 points |
$69 special, 36+ bottles in stock |
| 2020 | Domaine Huet Vouvray ‘Le Mont’ Premiere Trie Moelleux 750ml | Wine Advocate 98 points Wine Spectator 97 points |
$66 special, 32 bottles in stock |
| 2016 | Domaine Huet Vouvray ‘Clos du Bourg’ Premiere Trie Moelleux 750ml | Wine Spectator 96 points Wine Advocate 94 points |
$59 special, 36+ bottles in stock |
| 2020 | Domaine Huet Vouvray ‘Clos du Bourg’ Premiere Trie Moelleux 750ml | Vinous 97 points Wine Advocate 97 points |
$69 special, 9 bottles in stock |
March Magnum Sale
We have the best selection on large format wines in Oregon!
We’re having a huge month long sale ending March 31st at 6pm.
5% off 3-5 Magnum bottles
10% off 6 or more Magnum bottles
A magnum is 1.5L. 3L bottles will be the equivalent of 2 bottles applied to the discount.
Champagnes are not included in this sale.
Discount will not display online, we will adjust your invoice before charging your card.
Discount does not apply to pre-arrival wines or to case discounts.
This is first come / first served and limited to stock on hand.
This sale applies to large format wines. That’s over 150 wines and thousands of bottles discounted! Here are a few recommendations to get you started.
Produttori del Barbaresco Ovello, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2014 1.5L $139 special, 8 bottles in stock Antonio Galloni 95 points“The 2014 Barbaresco Riserva Ovello is bright and piercing, as it so often is, and yet it also has more than enough fruit to fill out its mid-weight, energetic frame. Pine, mint, crushed rocks and sweet red plum build into the huge, piercing finish. The Ovello is another wine in this range that demands patience. Even in the early going it is super impressive. The 2014 s an unusually dense, packed Ovello. It should be terrific in another few years’ time.”
Wine Advocate 95 points“Always one of my favorite wines from Produttori del Barbaresco, the 2014 Barbaresco Riserva Ovello lays out a broad and soft mouthfeel, with tannins that have already been polished and integrated thanks to ample time in the bottle already. It’s safe to say that this Ovello cru loyally demonstrates the level of richness and textural softness that this site is known for. The bouquet is redolent of bright berry fruit with cherry, blackberry and plum. Also, the 2014 vintage was a warm one at the end of the growing season, and you taste a little bit of that ripeness here too.”
Wine Spectator 93 points “Balsamic aromas of menthol, wild thyme and juniper complement the black cherry core of this muscular red, with dense tannins lending support. Though a bit more severe now than its peers, this is balanced overall and will age well. Best from 2022 through 2042.—B.S”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Isole e Olena Cepparello Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2017 1.5L $169 special, 12 bottles in stock
Antonio Galloni 97 points “The 2017 Cepparello is another in a series of stunningly beautiful Cepparellos from Paolo de Marchi. Bright and beautifully focused in the glass, with tremendous depth, the 2017 is positively stellar from the very first taste. Succulent dark cherry, plum, licorice, spice, menthol and coffee all open up with a bit of air. Here, too, Paolo De Marchi has done a tremendous job in preserving freshness in the wine. Readers who can muster the patience will be rewarded with a spectacular wine.”
James Suckling 95 points “A beautifully linear and refined sangiovese with polished tannins and super tight fruit. Yet, it shows subtle complexity of blackberries, black cherries and dark chocolate. Some hazelnuts. Intense, vibrant finish with a creamy texture. Extremely well done for this hot, dry vintage. Drink after 2023.”
Antonio Galloni 97 points “The 2017 Cepparello is another in a series of stunningly beautiful Cepparellos from Paolo de Marchi. Bright and beautifully focused in the glass, with tremendous depth, the 2017 is positively stellar from the very first taste. Succulent dark cherry, plum, licorice, spice, menthol and coffee all open up with a bit of air. Here, too, Paolo De Marchi has done a tremendous job in preserving freshness in the wine. Readers who can muster the patience will be rewarded with a spectacular wine.”
James Suckling 95 points “A beautifully linear and refined sangiovese with polished tannins and super tight fruit. Yet, it shows subtle complexity of blackberries, black cherries and dark chocolate. Some hazelnuts. Intense, vibrant finish with a creamy texture. Extremely well done for this hot, dry vintage. Drink after 2023.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Emmanuel Darnaud Saint Joseph La Dardouille, Rhone 2018 1.5L $95 special, 11 bottles in stock
Wine Advocate 96 points “Every bit as good as I thought it was from barrel, the monumental 2018 Saint Joseph La Dardouille is one of the best Saint Josephs to have ever crossed this taster’s lips—certainly in the Top 10. Hints of cedar accent deep notes of blackberry liqueur, underlain by a bed of crushed granite. Full-bodied, richly concentrated and textured, it’s a prodigious effort that must be tasted to be believed. Despite the size and extract, there’s a sense of cool restraint and even a bit of refreshment on the lengthy finish. Give it another year or two; it should drink well for at least a decade beyond that.”
Jeb Dunnuck 95 points“The Saint Joseph release from Darnaud, the 2018 Saint Joseph Lieu Dit La Dardouille comes from a well-known lieu-dit located in the southern part of the appellation. More cassis, violets, gunflint, and gamey notions emerge from this beauty. Medium to full-bodied, it has a classic Saint Joseph focused, mineral-laced style, fabulous purity, and a great finish. This brilliant 2018 can be drunk any time over the coming 15 years or more.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Delas Freres Hermitage Les Bessards, Rhone 2019 1.5L $449 special, 9 bottles in stock
Jeb Dunnuck 99 points “My favorite release from this estate is consistently their Les Bessards Hermitage, and their 2019 is no exception. Coming from the western part and pure broken granite soils on the west side of this magical hill, it sports a dense purple hue to go with a brilliant perfume of cassis, graphite, scorched earth, burning embers, spring flowers, and peppery herbs. Incredibly complex, layered, and nuanced, with classic Hermitage characteristics, it still stays firmly planted in the ripe, sunny, sexy vintage. Full-bodied, concentrated, and structured on the palate, it has a wealth of tannins, flawless balance, and a great finish. This is pure Hermitage magic that needs to be forgotten for 4-5 years and will evolve for 20-30 years in cold cellars. Hats off to the team at Delas for another incredible wine.”
Wine Spectator 97 points“This is loaded with dark and winey plum sauce, blackberry paste and fig compote flavors that glide through over notes of warm earth, sweet tobacco and anise. A subtle singed alder hint infuses the finish, along with a flicker of violet, while the fruit takes an encore. This shows seriously hefty fruit matched with a terrific underpinning of terroir. For the cellar. Best from 2024 through 2039. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 583 cases made, 50 cases imported. –JM”
Vinous 95-97 points “Ripe, spice-accented dark berry liqueur, candied violet, incense and licorice scents, along with hints of olive paste and smoky, exotic spices. Palate-staining boysenberry, cherry liqueur, floral pastille and fruitcake flavors show impressive depth and an undercurrent of smoky minerality. Expands steadily with air and finishes extremely long and minerally, with youthfully chewy tannins and outstanding, floral-driven persistence.”
Jeb Dunnuck 99 points “My favorite release from this estate is consistently their Les Bessards Hermitage, and their 2019 is no exception. Coming from the western part and pure broken granite soils on the west side of this magical hill, it sports a dense purple hue to go with a brilliant perfume of cassis, graphite, scorched earth, burning embers, spring flowers, and peppery herbs. Incredibly complex, layered, and nuanced, with classic Hermitage characteristics, it still stays firmly planted in the ripe, sunny, sexy vintage. Full-bodied, concentrated, and structured on the palate, it has a wealth of tannins, flawless balance, and a great finish. This is pure Hermitage magic that needs to be forgotten for 4-5 years and will evolve for 20-30 years in cold cellars. Hats off to the team at Delas for another incredible wine.”
Wine Spectator 97 points“This is loaded with dark and winey plum sauce, blackberry paste and fig compote flavors that glide through over notes of warm earth, sweet tobacco and anise. A subtle singed alder hint infuses the finish, along with a flicker of violet, while the fruit takes an encore. This shows seriously hefty fruit matched with a terrific underpinning of terroir. For the cellar. Best from 2024 through 2039. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 583 cases made, 50 cases imported. –JM”
Vinous 95-97 points “Ripe, spice-accented dark berry liqueur, candied violet, incense and licorice scents, along with hints of olive paste and smoky, exotic spices. Palate-staining boysenberry, cherry liqueur, floral pastille and fruitcake flavors show impressive depth and an undercurrent of smoky minerality. Expands steadily with air and finishes extremely long and minerally, with youthfully chewy tannins and outstanding, floral-driven persistence.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Joh. Jos. Prum Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett, Mosel 2020 1.5L $129 special, 8 bottles in stock
Mosel Fine Wines 91 points “The 2020er Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett is still marked by some fine flinty reduction at first but quickly reveals an aromatic and superbly attractive side including whipped almond cream, grapefruit, white flowers, vineyard peach, herbs, and a hint of Pina Colada. The wine proves very delicate and airy on the light-weighted palate. The aftertaste leaves one with superbly smoky and fruity flavors, which still proves tight but loaded with energy. This is a superb Kabinett in the making. 2027-2040.”
Mosel Fine Wines 91 points “The 2020er Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett is still marked by some fine flinty reduction at first but quickly reveals an aromatic and superbly attractive side including whipped almond cream, grapefruit, white flowers, vineyard peach, herbs, and a hint of Pina Colada. The wine proves very delicate and airy on the light-weighted palate. The aftertaste leaves one with superbly smoky and fruity flavors, which still proves tight but loaded with energy. This is a superb Kabinett in the making. 2027-2040.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!