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In This Newsletter:
New Arrivals: Vietti, Domaine Cibonne, Crowley Wines, Ovum, and more! Plus “a rarity in Chablis” arriving Friday, May 17th from Pattes Loup. –also– … a 100 point wine with roots in France and Napa coming soon.  New Arrivals OREGON
 “Established in 2011 by Ksenija and John House, Ovum was founded in hopes of producing Oregon wines that are honest reflections of time and place. Our low intervention production method is a commitment to letting the vintage and vineyard shine, not the vintner. Fruit comes first – our top priority is finding farmers that share our beliefs, and then getting out of the way so their hard work can be tasted.” -Ovum Winery STAFF PICK Ovum ‘Big Salt’ Orange, Oregon, USA 2023 750ml $19 special, 12 bottles available VinopolPick “Fans of Big Salt and Orange wines are in for a treat. This is one of our favorite Oregon skin-contact wines and it’s such a bargain you cannot miss it!” Ovum ‘Big Salt’ White, Oregon, USA 2023 750ml $18 special, 36 bottles available Winery Notes “2023 Big Salt is dry, aromatic and zippy. Lemon peel, mandarin and pineapple leap out of the glass. An earlier than expected harvest gave the palate a lightness at just 12.0% abv. In it’s youth, Big Salt continues to be Muscat forward, but we find as it ages into summer that Gewurz comes to the forefront, while oceanic citrusy Riesling shines after a year in the bottle. Not that anyone is aging Big Salt, but you’ll be rewarded if you do!” Ovum Gewurztraminer Love O Love, Rogue Valley, USA 2022 750ml $24 special, 12 bottles available Winery Notes “White grapefruit and peach waft from the glass. The classic rose and lychee aromats are faintly in the background. The bone dry palate offers a light bodied, shockingly high acid wine, with an unusual length and minerality.” Ovum ‘Memorista’ Riesling, Oregon, USA 2021 750ml $27 special, 24 bottles available Winery Notes “Ocean foam, purple plum, poppy seed, dried iris. Apricot pit begins to smack your nose around after the wine sees 30+ minutes of air, which always makes me giddy with delight because it’s akin to our favorite wines of the Wachau. Plenty of textural weight on the mid-palate, which is tightened up on the nervy, purple/blue finish.” Tyson Crowley creates some of the most charming and disarmingly delicious wines in the Valley. Though the wines are rarely reviewed, he has, as the late and great Josh Raynolds put it, a “loyal following.” We’re happy to include ourselves in that group. His wines combine both delicious upfront fruit with a bright acidity and a keen sense of terroir. And the wines age beautifully – we’ve been fortunate enough to taste several late releases with five to ten years of bottle age on them. That’s a notable achievement for a winemaker whose first release was in 2006! Crowley Chardonnay, Willamette Valley, USA 2022 750ml $24 special, 36 bottles available Winery Notes “As soon as this wine hits the glass, sparkling clarity meets the eye. A nose of morning mist, bright green moss and honeydew melon are layered over notes of fluffy clotted cream. On the palate, chalky vitimins frame a firm fruit core of kiwi, lemon and tart lychee.” Crowley Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, USA 2022 750ml $26 special, 38 bottles available Winery Notes “2022 was a return to cool vintage for Oregon, and the wines have benefitted greatly. Entre Nous has a touch of new oak that we just can’t get enough of, and it frames a palate of crunchy red flesh apple light maple candy that lead to a long umami finish.” Crowley Entre Nous Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills, USA 2022 750ml $36 special, 36 bottles available Winery Notes “Eye catching clarity meets garnet edges mixed with crimson. Lucid and fresh, the nose displays crunchy aromatics, cranberry and pomegranate mixed with herb and citrus.” FRANCE  Clos Cibonne Cotes de Provence Cuvee Tradition Rose, France 2022 750ml $41.90 special, 12 bottles availableYohan Castaing-Wine Advocate 92 Points “A blend of 90% Tibouren and 10% Grenache, all matured in ancient barrels (some are over 100 years old), the 2022 Cotes de Provence Rose Tibouren Cuvee Tradition evokes aromas of tangerine, exotic fruits, rose petal, lychee, sweet spices, thyme, ginger and a delicate touch of licorice. Medium to full-bodied, with a succulent entry, the wine is perfectly balanced, fleshy and juicy on the palate, with a long, salty, mouthwatering finish.” Clos Cibonne Cotes de Provence Tibouren Cuvee Speciale des Vignettes Rose, France 2022 750ml $59 Special, 12 Bottles Available
No reviews for the 2022 vintage. 2021 review provided for reference. Yohan Castaing 94 Points “The 2021 Cotes de Provence Rose Cuvee Speciale des Vignettes was produced with the oldest Tibouren vines of Clos Cibonne and matured in old barrels. It has a delicate, refined bouquet with aromas of spring flowers, garrigue, red berries, tonca bean and iodine as well as delicate oaky hints. Medium to full-bodied, lively and delicate, it has a lively, fine acidity structure and perfectly well-integrated oaky notes. Perfectly ripe, it will offer a broad drinking window.” HOT DEAL! Clos Cibonne Cotes de Provence Tentations Rose, France 2023 750ml $21.90 special, 36 bottles available
Importer’s Note “Cibonne Tentations offers an accessible, high-quality entry-point into authentic Côtes de Provence Rosé. Tentations is made with exceptional ingredients, including fruit from young tibouren vines at Clos Cibonne, as well as grenache, cinsault, and syrah grown by farmers in prime spots in the villages of La Crau and Carqueiranne … Offering immediate and unpretentious enjoyment, it is fantastic as an aperitif, and also has the complexity to compliment diverse flavors at the table.” R.H. Coutier Grand Cru Brut Rose, Champagne, France NV 750ml $49 special, 12 bottles availableWinery Notes “Our cuvee Rose express fineness and elegance due to a higher proportion of Chardonnay in the blend. It is brisk, fresh and full of energy, the Rosé offers a striking interplay of Ambonnay richness and verve. Dried flowers, cranberry, mint and blood orange.”
Domaine de Montille Monthelie Nature, Cote de Beaune, France 2020 750ml $49 special, 28 bottles available Importer’s Notes “De Montille’s Monthélie terroir offers up a fresh, light and finesseful wine of pure pleasure. WIth zero sulfur in vinfication, De Montille believes it is even more approachable than if it had been made in a more tradtional way. In Etienne’s words, “this wine taught us how to manage sulfur for all of our other wines.” Domaine Romy Bourgogne Blanc Clos de la Chapelle, Burgundy, France 2021 750ml $21.90 special, 36 bottles available
Winery Note “This young, wood-aged wine is full of creamed apples and delicious acidity. These come together with a mineral texture, freshness and tangy orange and citrus aftertaste.” Pierre Paillard Terres Roses Bouzy Rose Xbrut NV 750ml $62.50 special, 12 bottles available Jeb Dunnuck 93 Points “Composed of 65% Chardonnay and the rest Pinot Noir, the NV Champagne Grand Cru Bouzy Les Terres Roses (5% red wine) pours a bright pale pink hue and reveals aromatics of ripe strawberry, fresh bread dough, and candied roses. Juicy and inviting, with a fluffy mousse, it’s full-bodied and has a clean, supple, fruity texture. It’s fresh and savory on the palate, with salty lift and a note of orange zest that leaves a mouthwatering finish. Drink 2024-2040.” ITALY Cantina del Pino Albesani, Barbaresco DOCG, Italy 2018 750ml $49 special, 29 bottles available Wine Advocate 95 Points “Very true to the Nebbiolo grape, the Cantina del Pino 2018 Barbaresco Albesani reveals an especially bright and lifted character with tart berry fruit and crushed roses. Poised for long cellar aging, the wine is coiled tight in terms of tannins and texture at this young stage in its drinking window. Give it ample time to unwind.” Produttori del Barbaresco ‘Barbaresco DOCG’, Piedmont, Italy 2019 750ml $48.50 special, 36 bottles available Jeb Dunnuck 94-95 Points “There is a more pronounced mineral and delicately spiced character to the 2019 Barbaresco, with notes of wet asphalt and kirsch and vibrant purity. It has elegant concentration, with fine coiled tannins in its hints of tea leaves, bergamot, and ripe wild raspberry, and has a more pronounced structure, this is a fantastic expression. Drink 2024-2040.” Vietti Castiglione, Barolo DOCG, Italy 2020 750ml $59 special, 35 bottles available James Suckling 94 Points “Racy and focused. I like the aromas of lavender, violet and white roses alongside strawberry, cranberry and stone. Medium body, with firm and fine tannins that are long and succulent. It’s fine and polished.” Antonio Galloni-Vinous 93 Points “Fragrant, polished and vibrant right out of the gate, the 2020 Barolo Castiglione displays beautifully-lifted notes of crushed red berry fruit, rose petal, mint, white pepper and orange peel. This classically built, mid-weight Barolo is classy to the core. Like all the 2020s here, it will benefit from time in bottle or a good decant.” NEW ZEALAND New Zealand’s largest certified organic vineyard. Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand 2023 750ml $24 special, 36 bottles available Vinous 93 Points “Initially the 2023 Sauvignon Blanc needs a few moments to get itself together much like we all do after waking up from our slumber. It wears a rather reductive overcoat, but under that flintiness you find concentrated, pure fruit flavors. It’s light in body but dense in concentration thanks to low yields, displaying both focus and punch. It’s almost silvery in color and restrained thanks to hand-picking, leading to pure grapefruit and passion fruit flavors alongside a hint of nectarine. The finish is long, precise and sinewy.”
“Domaine Pattes Loup is one of the most exciting estates to emerge from Chablis in recent years. Thomas Pico started his tiny estate in Courgis in 2005, just outside of the village of Chablis, under the wings of his friends and fellow organic Chablisiens, Alice and Olivier de Moor. He inherited 2.4 hectares of vines from his family’s estate, which historically produced correct, but uninspiring wines. Motivated to take a qualitative leap in a new direction, and against the wishes of his father, Thomas immediately began a program of strict yield control and a conversion to organic viticulture. This is a rarity in Chablis and a feat of extreme diligence in this often inhospitable vinegrowing region.” -Skurnik Importers Thomas Pico Domaine Pattes Loup Chablis, Burgundy, France 2021 750ml $49 special, 36 bottles available Importer’s Note “Thomas Pico is a rising star in the appellation and is taking great risks to farm organically in an inhospitable growing climate. The wines are concentrated and opulent, yet racy and intensely saline. Vent d’Anges means wind of the angel. Mise Tardive refers to the wine undergoing a longer elevage with extended lees ageing.” …also arriving from Thomas Pico:
Thomas Pico Domaine Pattes Loup Chablis, Burgundy, France 2020 750ml $46 special, 24 bottles available
Neal Martin-Vinous 90 Points “The 2020 Chablis Vent d’Ange has a light bouquet with lemon verbena, and citrus peel touches, just slightly smudged at first but gaining clarity with aeration. The palate is well-balanced with a slightly reduced entry, fine depth, plenty of extract, and a saline finish. Moderate length. Just a hint of blackcurrant leaf on the finish. Fine.” Thomas Pico Domaine Pattes Loup Les Beauregards, Chablis Premier Cru, France 2019 750ml $95 special, 12 bottles available No reviews for the 2019 vintage. 2017 review provided for reference. Antonio Galloni-Vinous 94 Points “The 2017 Chablis Beauregard 1er Cru is a deep, viscous wine built on textural richness and volume. Dried apricot, almond, chamomile, spice, mint and lightly honeyed notes build in a dense, layered Chablis loaded with class and personality. The 2017 is silky, persistent, and exceptionally beautiful with a very saline, delicate finish.” Thomas Pico Domaine Pattes Loup Butteaux, Chablis Premier Cru, France 2019 750ml $99 special, 6 bottles available Neal Martin-Vinous 91 Points “… It has a very poised, slightly reductive bouquet that takes time to open in the glass. Plenty of energy here, impressive for this vintage. The palate is well-balanced with a good concentration, fine acidity, and again, sporting a subtle reduction that doesn’t impede the hints of lemongrass emerging on the finish. Excellent.” Thomas Pico Domaine Pattes Loup Vaillons, Chablis Premier Cru, France 2019 750ml $95 special, 12 bottles available No reviews for the 2019 vintage. 2018 review provided for reference. Neal Martin-Vinous 91 Points “The 2018 Chablis Vaillons 1er Cru, which is Pico’s only cuvée from purchased grapes, is raised in barrel and vat, and bottled a little earlier, after 21 months. It has an attractive bouquet of lemon curd, patisserie and touches of chai tea, the “mineralité” surfacing after 10 minutes in the glass. The rather straightforward palate is well balanced with lime and orange zest on the entry and subtle bitterness developing toward the finish. Very fine.” Dominus Estate. Christian Moueix’s storied career began with some of the most well-regarded Chateaus in Bordeaux including, among many others, Belair-Monange, Château La Fleur-Pétrus, and Château Trotanoy. Dominus Estates was Christian’s first California project, started on a recommendation from Robert Mondavi himself. The winery has received top marks from some of the world’s most prestigious and influential wine critics, including 4 perfect 100 point scores from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate.
Dominus Estate Napa 2021 750ml $359 special, 12+ bottles available Dominus Estate Napa 2021 1.5L $789 special, 3 magnums available Jeb Dunnuck 100 Points “One of the legendary Dominus, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon is unquestionably in the same league as the 2018, 2016, 2015, 2013, 2010, and 1991, and to my mind, wine simply doesn’t get any better. Sporting a dense purple hue as well as an incredible perfume of blackcurrants, crushed stone, cedar pencil, smoke tobacco, and baking spices, it’s rich, full-bodied, and voluptuously textured, with ripe yet building tannins. It reminds me slightly of the 2010 (maybe the 2013), and I suspect it will have a similar evolution. Hide bottles for 7-8 years, and it will evolve gracefully for 30+ years. Hats off to the team of Christian Moueix and director Tod Mostero.” James Suckling 99 Points “The purity of the cabernet fruit is so enticing, with blackcurrant, rose petals, nettles and subtle graphite. Touches of terra cotta and licorice. Full-bodied with super integrated tannins that are wonderfully polished, giving a cashmere texture that is really luxurious to taste at this early stage. It is quenching and so delicious already. 95% cabernet sauvignon and 5% cabernet franc. Needs three to four years to come around but already a joy to taste.” Wine Spectator 96-99 Points “This shows density on par with the ’18, with a core of cassis and plum notes still tucked away a bit behind a wall of structure, while singed toast and licorice hints peek in throughout. The youthfully backward aspect shows on the finish as well, where this throws a chunk of tannins to the fore. Very concentrated and with serious tension, this is a strapping young wine that shows what a warm and very dry vintage feels like.” |
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In This Newsletter:
New Arrivals: Vietti, Domaine Cibonne, Crowley Wines, Ovum, and more! Plus “a rarity in Chablis” arriving Friday, May 17th from Pattes Loup. –also– … a 100 point wine with roots in France and Napa coming soon. New Arrivals OREGON
“Established in 2011 by Ksenija and John House, Ovum was founded in hopes of producing Oregon wines that are honest reflections of time and place. Our low intervention production method is a commitment to letting the vintage and vineyard shine, not the vintner. Fruit comes first – our top priority is finding farmers that share our beliefs, and then getting out of the way so their hard work can be tasted.” -Ovum Winery STAFF PICK Ovum ‘Big Salt’ Orange, Oregon, USA 2023 750ml $19 special, 12 bottles available VinopolPick “Fans of Big Salt and Orange wines are in for a treat. This is one of our favorite Oregon skin-contact wines and it’s such a bargain you cannot miss it!” Ovum ‘Big Salt’ White, Oregon, USA 2023 750ml $18 special, 36 bottles available Winery Notes “2023 Big Salt is dry, aromatic and zippy. Lemon peel, mandarin and pineapple leap out of the glass. An earlier than expected harvest gave the palate a lightness at just 12.0% abv. In it’s youth, Big Salt continues to be Muscat forward, but we find as it ages into summer that Gewurz comes to the forefront, while oceanic citrusy Riesling shines after a year in the bottle. Not that anyone is aging Big Salt, but you’ll be rewarded if you do!” Ovum Gewurztraminer Love O Love, Rogue Valley, USA 2022 750ml $24 special, 12 bottles available Winery Notes “White grapefruit and peach waft from the glass. The classic rose and lychee aromats are faintly in the background. The bone dry palate offers a light bodied, shockingly high acid wine, with an unusual length and minerality.” Ovum ‘Memorista’ Riesling, Oregon, USA 2021 750ml $27 special, 24 bottles available Winery Notes “Ocean foam, purple plum, poppy seed, dried iris. Apricot pit begins to smack your nose around after the wine sees 30+ minutes of air, which always makes me giddy with delight because it’s akin to our favorite wines of the Wachau. Plenty of textural weight on the mid-palate, which is tightened up on the nervy, purple/blue finish.” Tyson Crowley creates some of the most charming and disarmingly delicious wines in the Valley. Though the wines are rarely reviewed, he has, as the late and great Josh Raynolds put it, a “loyal following.” We’re happy to include ourselves in that group. His wines combine both delicious upfront fruit with a bright acidity and a keen sense of terroir. And the wines age beautifully – we’ve been fortunate enough to taste several late releases with five to ten years of bottle age on them. That’s a notable achievement for a winemaker whose first release was in 2006! Crowley Chardonnay, Willamette Valley, USA 2022 750ml $24 special, 36 bottles available Winery Notes “As soon as this wine hits the glass, sparkling clarity meets the eye. A nose of morning mist, bright green moss and honeydew melon are layered over notes of fluffy clotted cream. On the palate, chalky vitimins frame a firm fruit core of kiwi, lemon and tart lychee.” Crowley Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, USA 2022 750ml $26 special, 38 bottles available Winery Notes “2022 was a return to cool vintage for Oregon, and the wines have benefitted greatly. Entre Nous has a touch of new oak that we just can’t get enough of, and it frames a palate of crunchy red flesh apple light maple candy that lead to a long umami finish.” Crowley Entre Nous Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills, USA 2022 750ml $36 special, 36 bottles available Winery Notes “Eye catching clarity meets garnet edges mixed with crimson. Lucid and fresh, the nose displays crunchy aromatics, cranberry and pomegranate mixed with herb and citrus.” FRANCE Clos Cibonne Cotes de Provence Cuvee Tradition Rose, France 2022 750ml $41.90 special, 12 bottles availableYohan Castaing-Wine Advocate 92 Points “A blend of 90% Tibouren and 10% Grenache, all matured in ancient barrels (some are over 100 years old), the 2022 Cotes de Provence Rose Tibouren Cuvee Tradition evokes aromas of tangerine, exotic fruits, rose petal, lychee, sweet spices, thyme, ginger and a delicate touch of licorice. Medium to full-bodied, with a succulent entry, the wine is perfectly balanced, fleshy and juicy on the palate, with a long, salty, mouthwatering finish.” Clos Cibonne Cotes de Provence Tibouren Cuvee Speciale des Vignettes Rose, France 2022 750ml $59 Special, 12 Bottles Available
No reviews for the 2022 vintage. 2021 review provided for reference. Yohan Castaing 94 Points “The 2021 Cotes de Provence Rose Cuvee Speciale des Vignettes was produced with the oldest Tibouren vines of Clos Cibonne and matured in old barrels. It has a delicate, refined bouquet with aromas of spring flowers, garrigue, red berries, tonca bean and iodine as well as delicate oaky hints. Medium to full-bodied, lively and delicate, it has a lively, fine acidity structure and perfectly well-integrated oaky notes. Perfectly ripe, it will offer a broad drinking window.” HOT DEAL! Clos Cibonne Cotes de Provence Tentations Rose, France 2023 750ml $21.90 special, 36 bottles available
Importer’s Note “Cibonne Tentations offers an accessible, high-quality entry-point into authentic Côtes de Provence Rosé. Tentations is made with exceptional ingredients, including fruit from young tibouren vines at Clos Cibonne, as well as grenache, cinsault, and syrah grown by farmers in prime spots in the villages of La Crau and Carqueiranne … Offering immediate and unpretentious enjoyment, it is fantastic as an aperitif, and also has the complexity to compliment diverse flavors at the table.” R.H. Coutier Grand Cru Brut Rose, Champagne, France NV 750ml $49 special, 12 bottles availableWinery Notes “Our cuvee Rose express fineness and elegance due to a higher proportion of Chardonnay in the blend. It is brisk, fresh and full of energy, the Rosé offers a striking interplay of Ambonnay richness and verve. Dried flowers, cranberry, mint and blood orange.”
Domaine de Montille Monthelie Nature, Cote de Beaune, France 2020 750ml $49 special, 28 bottles available Importer’s Notes “De Montille’s Monthélie terroir offers up a fresh, light and finesseful wine of pure pleasure. WIth zero sulfur in vinfication, De Montille believes it is even more approachable than if it had been made in a more tradtional way. In Etienne’s words, “this wine taught us how to manage sulfur for all of our other wines.” Domaine Romy Bourgogne Blanc Clos de la Chapelle, Burgundy, France 2021 750ml $21.90 special, 36 bottles available
Winery Note “This young, wood-aged wine is full of creamed apples and delicious acidity. These come together with a mineral texture, freshness and tangy orange and citrus aftertaste.” Pierre Paillard Terres Roses Bouzy Rose Xbrut NV 750ml $62.50 special, 12 bottles available Jeb Dunnuck 93 Points “Composed of 65% Chardonnay and the rest Pinot Noir, the NV Champagne Grand Cru Bouzy Les Terres Roses (5% red wine) pours a bright pale pink hue and reveals aromatics of ripe strawberry, fresh bread dough, and candied roses. Juicy and inviting, with a fluffy mousse, it’s full-bodied and has a clean, supple, fruity texture. It’s fresh and savory on the palate, with salty lift and a note of orange zest that leaves a mouthwatering finish. Drink 2024-2040.” ITALY Cantina del Pino Albesani, Barbaresco DOCG, Italy 2018 750ml $49 special, 29 bottles available Wine Advocate 95 Points “Very true to the Nebbiolo grape, the Cantina del Pino 2018 Barbaresco Albesani reveals an especially bright and lifted character with tart berry fruit and crushed roses. Poised for long cellar aging, the wine is coiled tight in terms of tannins and texture at this young stage in its drinking window. Give it ample time to unwind.” Produttori del Barbaresco ‘Barbaresco DOCG’, Piedmont, Italy 2019 750ml $48.50 special, 36 bottles available Jeb Dunnuck 94-95 Points “There is a more pronounced mineral and delicately spiced character to the 2019 Barbaresco, with notes of wet asphalt and kirsch and vibrant purity. It has elegant concentration, with fine coiled tannins in its hints of tea leaves, bergamot, and ripe wild raspberry, and has a more pronounced structure, this is a fantastic expression. Drink 2024-2040.” Vietti Castiglione, Barolo DOCG, Italy 2020 750ml $59 special, 35 bottles available James Suckling 94 Points “Racy and focused. I like the aromas of lavender, violet and white roses alongside strawberry, cranberry and stone. Medium body, with firm and fine tannins that are long and succulent. It’s fine and polished.” Antonio Galloni-Vinous 93 Points “Fragrant, polished and vibrant right out of the gate, the 2020 Barolo Castiglione displays beautifully-lifted notes of crushed red berry fruit, rose petal, mint, white pepper and orange peel. This classically built, mid-weight Barolo is classy to the core. Like all the 2020s here, it will benefit from time in bottle or a good decant.” NEW ZEALAND New Zealand’s largest certified organic vineyard. Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand 2023 750ml $24 special, 36 bottles available Vinous 93 Points “Initially the 2023 Sauvignon Blanc needs a few moments to get itself together much like we all do after waking up from our slumber. It wears a rather reductive overcoat, but under that flintiness you find concentrated, pure fruit flavors. It’s light in body but dense in concentration thanks to low yields, displaying both focus and punch. It’s almost silvery in color and restrained thanks to hand-picking, leading to pure grapefruit and passion fruit flavors alongside a hint of nectarine. The finish is long, precise and sinewy.”
“Domaine Pattes Loup is one of the most exciting estates to emerge from Chablis in recent years. Thomas Pico started his tiny estate in Courgis in 2005, just outside of the village of Chablis, under the wings of his friends and fellow organic Chablisiens, Alice and Olivier de Moor. He inherited 2.4 hectares of vines from his family’s estate, which historically produced correct, but uninspiring wines. Motivated to take a qualitative leap in a new direction, and against the wishes of his father, Thomas immediately began a program of strict yield control and a conversion to organic viticulture. This is a rarity in Chablis and a feat of extreme diligence in this often inhospitable vinegrowing region.” -Skurnik Importers Thomas Pico Domaine Pattes Loup Chablis, Burgundy, France 2021 750ml $49 special, 36 bottles available Importer’s Note “Thomas Pico is a rising star in the appellation and is taking great risks to farm organically in an inhospitable growing climate. The wines are concentrated and opulent, yet racy and intensely saline. Vent d’Anges means wind of the angel. Mise Tardive refers to the wine undergoing a longer elevage with extended lees ageing.” …also arriving from Thomas Pico:
Thomas Pico Domaine Pattes Loup Chablis, Burgundy, France 2020 750ml $46 special, 24 bottles available
Neal Martin-Vinous 90 Points “The 2020 Chablis Vent d’Ange has a light bouquet with lemon verbena, and citrus peel touches, just slightly smudged at first but gaining clarity with aeration. The palate is well-balanced with a slightly reduced entry, fine depth, plenty of extract, and a saline finish. Moderate length. Just a hint of blackcurrant leaf on the finish. Fine.” Thomas Pico Domaine Pattes Loup Les Beauregards, Chablis Premier Cru, France 2019 750ml $95 special, 12 bottles available No reviews for the 2019 vintage. 2017 review provided for reference. Antonio Galloni-Vinous 94 Points “The 2017 Chablis Beauregard 1er Cru is a deep, viscous wine built on textural richness and volume. Dried apricot, almond, chamomile, spice, mint and lightly honeyed notes build in a dense, layered Chablis loaded with class and personality. The 2017 is silky, persistent, and exceptionally beautiful with a very saline, delicate finish.” Thomas Pico Domaine Pattes Loup Butteaux, Chablis Premier Cru, France 2019 750ml $99 special, 6 bottles available Neal Martin-Vinous 91 Points “… It has a very poised, slightly reductive bouquet that takes time to open in the glass. Plenty of energy here, impressive for this vintage. The palate is well-balanced with a good concentration, fine acidity, and again, sporting a subtle reduction that doesn’t impede the hints of lemongrass emerging on the finish. Excellent.” Thomas Pico Domaine Pattes Loup Vaillons, Chablis Premier Cru, France 2019 750ml $95 special, 12 bottles available No reviews for the 2019 vintage. 2018 review provided for reference. Neal Martin-Vinous 91 Points “The 2018 Chablis Vaillons 1er Cru, which is Pico’s only cuvée from purchased grapes, is raised in barrel and vat, and bottled a little earlier, after 21 months. It has an attractive bouquet of lemon curd, patisserie and touches of chai tea, the “mineralité” surfacing after 10 minutes in the glass. The rather straightforward palate is well balanced with lime and orange zest on the entry and subtle bitterness developing toward the finish. Very fine.” Dominus Estate. Christian Moueix’s storied career began with some of the most well-regarded Chateaus in Bordeaux including, among many others, Belair-Monange, Château La Fleur-Pétrus, and Château Trotanoy. Dominus Estates was Christian’s first California project, started on a recommendation from Robert Mondavi himself. The winery has received top marks from some of the world’s most prestigious and influential wine critics, including 4 perfect 100 point scores from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate.
Dominus Estate Napa 2021 750ml $359 special, 12+ bottles available Dominus Estate Napa 2021 1.5L $789 special, 3 magnums available Jeb Dunnuck 100 Points “One of the legendary Dominus, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon is unquestionably in the same league as the 2018, 2016, 2015, 2013, 2010, and 1991, and to my mind, wine simply doesn’t get any better. Sporting a dense purple hue as well as an incredible perfume of blackcurrants, crushed stone, cedar pencil, smoke tobacco, and baking spices, it’s rich, full-bodied, and voluptuously textured, with ripe yet building tannins. It reminds me slightly of the 2010 (maybe the 2013), and I suspect it will have a similar evolution. Hide bottles for 7-8 years, and it will evolve gracefully for 30+ years. Hats off to the team of Christian Moueix and director Tod Mostero.” James Suckling 99 Points “The purity of the cabernet fruit is so enticing, with blackcurrant, rose petals, nettles and subtle graphite. Touches of terra cotta and licorice. Full-bodied with super integrated tannins that are wonderfully polished, giving a cashmere texture that is really luxurious to taste at this early stage. It is quenching and so delicious already. 95% cabernet sauvignon and 5% cabernet franc. Needs three to four years to come around but already a joy to taste.” Wine Spectator 96-99 Points “This shows density on par with the ’18, with a core of cassis and plum notes still tucked away a bit behind a wall of structure, while singed toast and licorice hints peek in throughout. The youthfully backward aspect shows on the finish as well, where this throws a chunk of tannins to the fore. Very concentrated and with serious tension, this is a strapping young wine that shows what a warm and very dry vintage feels like.” |