10/18/15
Domaine Drouhin Bourgogne Blanc
The love affair between Oregon and Burgundy is perhaps best illustrated through the Drouhin family, a winemaking dynasty which spans decades. Robert Drouhin visited Oregon in 1961 and rediscovered the wines of our great state in the late 70’s. In the ensuing years, his daughter Veronique worked harvest at Eyrie, Bethel Heights, and Adelsheim. These experiences forged relationships which led the Drouhins to the realization that their vision of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir would be best realized – outside of France, of course – in Oregon.
In the shop and newsletter alike, we’ve shone the spotlight of Drouhin’s efforts both here and abroad. Much has been said about their whites and reds made just thirty miles from our store. Even so, we thought it was about time to show some love for the Old World wines which gave way to the Domaine Drouhin we’ve come to know, and the “Laforet” Bourgogne Chardonnay is a great place to start!
Joseph Drouhin Laforet Bourgogne Chardonnay, Burgundy 2013 750ML ($17.95) $13.30 special, 36+ bottles available
Case-12 Joseph Drouhin Laforet Bourgogne Chardonnay, Burgundy 2013 750ML ($179.95) $133 special, 10 cases available (that’s only $11.08/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Winery notes: “We have a good palette of aromas and flavours. Chablis, in the north, for the freshness and character, the Côte d’Or for finesse and elegance, the Mâconnais to the south for the charm and fruitiness. With this structure, LaForêt is a faithful wine, and we rediscover these traits from year to year”
New Releases and Cellar Selections Arriving Soon
Arriving Tuesday
Crowley La Colina Vineyard Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2010 750ML ($79.95) $66 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 90 points “A Crowley 2010 Pinot Noir La Colina – from the eponymous site at 700 foot elevation near the southwestern edge of the Dundee Hills, planted with Pommard and Wadenswil selections – offers tart-edged fresh elderberry accented with nutmeg and blond tobacco on a lean but polished, bright, and downright succulent palate. A sweet, saline mineral suffusion akin to shrimp shell reduction conveys satisfying saliva-inducement to a lingering finish in this deliciously fascinating, in some respects rather white wine-like Pinot Noir that should prove intriguing as well as versatile over at least the next half dozen years.”DS
Crowley Entre Nous Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2011 750ML ($39.95) $33 pre-arrival special
The next best price is $35.99
Crowley La Colina Vineyard Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2013 750ML ($59.95) $51.90 pre-arrival special
Arriving Friday
Cameron Dundee Hills Chardonnay 2014 750ML ($21.95) $19 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Cameron Dundee Hills Chardonnay 2014 750ML ($249.95) $209 pre-arrival special (that’s only $17.42/bottle!)
Winemaker’s note “The wine got a full 12 months of lies contact which gives it exceptional mouth feel. The total production came from 35 year-old vines at Abbey Ridge Vineyard so I guess we could put “Vielle Vigne” if we wanted (except we’re not that obnoxious!).”
Cameron Winery ‘Abbey Ridge’ Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2012 1.5L ($179.95) $149 pre-arrival special, 3 magnums available
Winery note “The effusive aromas of 2012 Abbey Ridge Pinot noir mingle juniper berry, fennel, straw and tamarind, accompanied by high notes of blackberries and blueberries. The palate is resplendent with flavors of cherry cola, stewed plums and licorice. Soft tannins, bright acid and a nice long finish is typical of Abbey Ridge. This wine is a blinding success!”
Winery note “The 2012 Clos Electrique Rouge boasts aromas of black cherry, ripe plum, cranberry, lilac, cedar and licorice. Another swirl in the glass releases the ubiquitous complexity of Clos Electrique terroir: forest floor, mushroom and leather, intensified by indigenous yeast fermentation. This yin/yang Pinot Noir shows a cool vintage in the layered aromas, and a warm vintage expressed on the palate of juicy berry and licorice with ripe, round tannins. The firm structure and vibrant acidity assure its long cellar-worthiness, assuming you can wait that long!”
Case-12 R. Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Reserva 2003 750ML ($499.95) $399 special
The ’03 Tondonia is 75% Tempranillo, 15% Garnacha, and 10% Graciano and Mazuelo, all from estate vineyards. Aged six years in barrel and racked twice, the wine presents blackcurrant and smoke in terms or aromas and delivers a brilliant mix of saddle leather, roasted herbs, ripe red fruit, and earth on the palate. The tannins are there – and aren’t shy – but the acid, brightness, and body all reconcile in a lively, balanced wine. Decant it, let it sit, tipple here and there, and enjoy over a nice meal. You wouldn’t be wrong to grab a case and drink one bottle per year until 2027… I don’t say that as a salesman, but rather a fellow drinker. Enjoy this one!
We offer flat rate shipping on any size single order / single shipment
-Washington & Idaho for $20,
-and California for $25
These rates do not apply to orders held in storage here for any reason.
Multiple orders consolidated into one shipment do not qualify for flat rate shipping.
High Scoring, World Class Champagnes
Dom Perignon Brut, Champagne 2005 750ML ($179.95) $149 special
James Suckling 97 points “I believe that the 2005 DP is the best since 2002, which remains the best recent vintage and is probably only eclipsed by the amazing 100-point 1996. The 2005 is a full-bodied DP with so much richness and loads of ripe fruit such as pineapple and papaya. It has a wonderful, creamy texture and a long and intense finish. It’s a Champagne that fully satisfies but at the same time challenges you with its strength, depth and persistence on the palate.”
Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs Millesime Brut, Champagne 2004 750ML ($179.95) $139 special
Antonio Galloni 97 points “The 2004 Dom Ruinart is just as brilliant and viscerally thrilling as it has always been. If anything, the 2004 has shut down considerably over the last six months. Tightly coiled and exceptionally beautiful, the 2004 boasts fabulous intensity, class and pedigree. The flavors are vibrant, chiseled and crystalline in their precision. Time in bottle is doing wonders for the 2004. This is a tremendous showing.” AG
Dom Perignon P2 Plenitude Brut, Champagne 1998 750ML ($399.95) $319 special
Wine Spectator 98 points “Offers precision and finely detailed form, powered by an expansive palate of flavor. The layers of ripe crushed blackberry and glazed apricot fruit complement the saline-tinged minerality and oyster shell notes, graced by hints of pastry, honeycomb and exotic spice. Mouthwatering and persistent on the zesty finish. Drink now through 2030.” WS
James Suckling 97 points “A P2 release indicating it has been matured to the 2nd Plenitude, the middle stage of Dom Perignon’s three-phase life as defined by Richard Geoffroy. This is a wine with some real tension between complexity and freshness that makes for incredibly engaging drinking. The nose offers up a little white peppery edge from the pinot; oyster shell saline freshness, red florals, sweet smelling woody spices and brioche, spiced biscuits and subtle roasted coffee notes – impressively complex. The phenolics register on the palate as a discreetly mineral, saline character, there’s sorbet-like texture through the middle before finishing with comet-like line and length.” JS
Charles Smith K Vintners The Deal Sundance Vineyard Syrah, Columbia Valley 2012 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
Wine Advocate 93 points
Charles Smith K Vintners ‘Guido’, Walla Walla Valley 2012 750ML ($49.95) $41.90 special
Wine Advocate 91 points “The 2012 Sangiovese Guido sports a translucent ruby color to go with outstanding notes of black cherries, dried herbs, rose petal and cured meats. It’s nicely balanced, has classic typicity and will have a decade of longevity” JD
Charles Smith K Vintners Stoneridge Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley 2012 750ML ($49.95) $41.90 special
Wine Advocate 93 points “A classic, structured effort, the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Stoneridge Vineyard (100% Cabernet Sauvignon) gives up lots of graphite, leafy herbs and dried violet nuances to go with ample kirsch and black cherry fruit. Focused, nicely balanced, with a full, concentrated mid-palate, give it 2-3 years and enjoy bottles through 2027.” JD
The next best price is $45
Charles Smith K Vintners Charlotte, Walla Walla Valley 2012 750ML ($69.95) $59 special
Charles Smith K Vintners The Cattle King Syrah, Snipes Mountain 2012 750ML ($149.95) $119 special
Wine Advocate 99 points “One of the greatest Syrahs coming out of Washington is the 2012 Syrah Cattle King, and it’s every bit as good as the more widely known Royal City Syrah. Coming from the Upland Vineyard on Snipes Mountain, my notes start with “wow,” and then include a few more expletives. Exhibiting sensational notes of blackberry, cassis, licorice, crushed flowers, crushed rocks and graphite, this inky colored 2012 is full-bodied, massively concentrated and seamless, with incredible purity and length. If I had a bottle, I’d drink it tonight. Nevertheless, I’m sure it will evolve gracefully for at least another decade.” JD
Charles Smith K Vintners The Hidden Syrah, Wahluke Slope 2012 750ML ($149.95) $119 special
Wine Advocate 98 points “One of the most impressive Syrahs from Washington is Smith’s The Hidden, which comes all from the Northridge Vineyard on the Wahluke slope. The 2012 Syrah The Hidden Northridge Vineyard certainly doesn’t disappoint and has jaw-dropping good notes of black and blue fruits, ground pepper, violets, lavender and smoked meats that flow seamlessly to a voluptuously textured, full-bodied, still young and yet evolved Syrah that will benefit from short-term cellaring, and have 15 years or more of overall longevity. This is truly spectacular.” JD
Charles Smith ‘Royal City’ Syrah, Washington 2012 750ML ($219.95) $199 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 99 points “Another wine that flirts with perfection is the 2012 Syrah Royal City. From the Stoneridge Vineyard in the Columbia Valley, it offers up a smorgasbord of aromas and flavors, including kirsch and dark fruits, gamy meats, pepper, liquid rock and olive brine. Insanely textured, with full-bodied richness and power, loads of sweet tannin and blockbuster length, give it a year or so and then drink this incredible Syrah over the following decade.” WA
Domaine Brazilier Methode Trad Brut NV 750ML ($19.95) $16 special
Chenin/Pineau d’Aunis from 25+ year old vines grown in clay & flint soil.
Importer note “Golden straw color. Apple-y with some hints of applesauce or baked apples in the finish, but not at all rustic and the bubbles are quite fine. There is not a lot of aroma to the nose, but the mousse is lovely and not at all aggressive. Aromas are baked apple with key lime pie. Very clean. For the price, this is an incredibly well-made Methode Traditionelle. Some nice yeasty notes in the finish with apple pie notes, cloves and dried apples in the finish. Matured on flint and clay terroir, Chenin berries here give a golden wine with an intense nose of yellow fruit and pineapple. Fresh attack of exotic fruits, is the prelude to a large palate, fat and good length. As it is already substantial, this well-structured wine can age a couple of years yet. Everything is done in house and by hand, including riddling on pupitre and making the dosage, which is made with wine from the domaine and liquid sugar cane.”
Domaine Brazilier Methode Trad Brut Rose NV 750ML ($21.95) $18 special
Pineau d’Aunis from 25+ year old vines grown in chalky limestone soil.
Importer note “The color is a soft pink tinged with orange. Elegant nose of intense peppery notes, along with discrete fruity scents. After a fresh attack, mouth displays a remarkable and persistent aromatic complexity, spices mingling harmoniously with ripe fruit. They use mechanical riddling and disgorge by a machine that does not freeze the neck of the bottle, so it is considered a more traditional method of
disgorging, more like hand disgorging. Dosage is 3 grams of sugar.”
Domaine Philippe Tessier Phil’en Bulle NV 750ML ($27.95) $24 special
A petillant-naturel composed of Romorantin and Menu Pineau from Cheverny in the Loire Valley.
Chateau Cabriac
New Releases from the south of France
Case-12 Chateau de Cabriac Tradition, Corbieres 2012 750ML ($149.95) $119 special, 3 cases available (that’s only $9.92/bottle!)
Case-12 Chateau de Cabriac Prieuré St Martin, Corbieres 2013 750ML ($199.95) $169 special, 2 cases available (that’s only $14.08/bottle!)
Domaine de Cabriac Vermentino 2013 750ML ($12.95) $9 special, 6 bottles available
Winery note: “[Translated] aged for four months in vat. Tasting notes: Notes of honey candy, caramel, dried fruits, and quince. Fresh, with a refined nose of anise, lily and acacia flowers. Bright acidity with good structure for a white. In the mouth it is peppery and spicy, with notes of cumin, honey, quince and lily of the valley.”
Domaine de Cabriac Carignan Vieilles Vignes 2013 750ML ($14.95) $11.90 special, 15 bottles available
Winery note: “[Translated] Aged in vats. Tasting notes: A ruby red color with violet hues that reveals aromas of ripe red fruits, currants and cassis accompanied by some spicy notes. The wine is elegant, well-structured with a roundness and ampleness in the mouth. The fruit flavors are followed by soft tannins with good persistence.”
Case-12 Chateau de Cabriac Tradition, Corbieres 2011 750ML ($149.95) $119 special, 1 case available (that’s only $9.92/bottle!)
Winery note: Syrah/Mourvedre/Carignan/Grenache. “[Translated] Traditional winemaking. Separate vinification by grape variety. 18 months aging in vats. Tasting notes: Intense color, exuberant nose of black fruits. The palate is round, full, and fruity, with notes of blackcurrant, blackberry, and roasted coffee. The palate is fleshy, dense and powerful. Nice Balance. Lots of fun.”
Castell’in Villa
Chianti. Classico.
The wines are produced from handpicked estate grapes from vines planted among the olive groves and forest. They are aged in French oak barrels and held back for two additional years to ensure greater maturity upon release. The IGT is a blend of Sangiovese and of Cabernet Sauvignon that was grafted over existing vines in 1983. The wines show elegance and balance with a classic nose of dried fruits, minerals and flowers.
Castell’in Villa Wines Available Here Now
Castell’in Villa Chianti Classico DOCG 2010 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 special, 21 bottles available
Case-12 Castell’in Villa Chianti Classico DOCG 2010 750ML ($249.95) $219 special, 3 cases available available (that’s only $18.25/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Ian D’Agata–Vinous 91 points “Bright red. Flinty red cherry and smoky underbrush on the refined nose. Classically dry and firm, this midweight Chianti delivers plenty of pure sangiovese flavor (licorice, flint, red cherry) and seems slightly more accessible to me than past versions of this wine, which usually started out life tough as nails but evolved beautifully and showed rare ageworthiness. Chianti Classico does not get any better or any more traditional than this.” ID
Castell’in Villa Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 2006 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 20 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2006 Chianti Classico Riserva hits all the high notes. Ripe and structured, yet also wonderfully contained, the 2006 boasts stunning depth, power and richness. Readers will have to be patient, as the 2006 is also likely to require a considerable amount of time to come around. All the elements are in the right place for the 2006 Riserva to develop into a splendid wine. The mid-weight, firm style is classic Castell’in Villa.” AG
Castell’in Villa Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 2008 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 24 bottles available
Ian D’Agata—Vinous 92+ points “Good bright red. Nose began closed and brooding, but showed vibrant notes of redcurrant, mint and dried flowers with aeration, complicated by a strong mineral quality. Sweet and nicely lush in the mouth, with suave flavors of redcurrant, herbs and tobacco joined on the back end by a very strong element of gunflint. The long finish features a firm acid spine and youthfully chewy but noble tannins.” ID
Castell’in Villa Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 2009 750ML ($59.95) $47 special, 21 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 92 points “Rich, enveloping and beautifully layered, the 2009 Chianti Classico Riserva is a rare Riserva that will drink nicely with minimal cellaring. Sweet tobacco, licorice, leather, cedar and underbrush meld together as this radiant, supple Riserva opens up in the glass. More classic elements of structure emerge on the finish.” AG
Castell’in Villa ‘Poggio delle Rose’, Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 2009 750ML ($79.95) $69 special, 24 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 93+ points “Castell’in Villa’s 2009 Chianti Classico Riserva Poggio delle Rose captures the generosity of the vintage while retaining a gorgeous sense of freshness and energy. Red stone fruit, tobacco, menthol, sage and leather nuances are bright and nicely focused, but with the additional breadth provided by the warm vintage. A long, silky finish rounds things out in style.” AG
Castell’in Villa Santacroce Toscana IGT 2007 750ML ($79.95) $59 special, 21 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2007 Santacroce is a huge wine endowed with tons of richness and sheer textural depth. Dark cherries, plums, graphite, incense and tobacco burst from the glass in this intense, powerful wine. I very much like the way the 2007 fleshes out with time in the glass. It is a young, young wine that needs time to shed some baby fat and develop its bouquet. In 2007 Santacroce is more than 50% Cabernet Sauvignon for the first time, signaling the direction the wine will take as it gradually becomes a pure Cabernet Sauvignon.” AG
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JL Chave
An artisan in the Rhone
J-L Chave Wines Available Now:
Jean-Louis Chave Selection Saint-Joseph Celeste Blanc 2012 750ML ($34.95) $29 special, 12 bottles available
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 91 points “Light gold. Pungent, mineral-laced aromas of dried pear, fig, honey and fennel, with a hint of jasmine in the background. Fleshy and dry on the palate, offering incisive orchard and pit fruit flavors and a touch of waxiness. Smoothly combines richness and vivacity, finishing with firm mineral bite and strong floral persistence.” JR
Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage Blanc 2011 1.5L ($549.99) $499 special, 2 magnums available
Wine Spectator 97 points “Still a bit reserved aromatically, with hints of orange blossom and crème anglaise peeking out, this features a captivating display of racy quinine, honeysuckle and white peach flavors inlaid into a rich core of brioche, Cavaillon melon, white truffle, smoked almond and heather honey. Incredibly long. Hard to resist now, but ideal for when your toddler graduates college. Best from 2019 through 2030.” WS
Wine Advocate 96 points “Just bottled, the 2011 Hermitage Blanc also shows the richer side of Hermitage with its full-bodied, voluptuously textured and up-front profile. Honeysuckle, licorice, toast, citrus oil and liquid mineral-like qualities all emerge from this beauty, and it stays beautifully fresh and focused on the palate. A blend of mostly Marsanne, yet with roughly 20% Roussanne, from the l’Ermite, Les Rocoules, Maison Blanche and Peleat lieux-dits, this substantial white should be consumed over the coming 2-4 years, or forgotten for a decade or more. It will have over two decades of longevity.” WA
Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage Blanc 2012 750ML ($319.95) $219 special, 24 bottles available
Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage Blanc 2012 1.5L ($699.95) $499 special, 2 magnums available
Wine Spectator 97 points “A stunner from the start, with distinct depth to the creamed mango, white peach and heather flavors, this maintains superior precision and definition as the singed almond, chamomile, salted butter and ginger notes fill in. Glazed pear, elderflower honey and beeswax details chime in on the extremely long finish. Enjoyable now, but needs serious cellaring to show its full potential. Best from 2016 through 2037. 500 cases made.” JM
Wine Advocate 96 points “Much more open, fleshy and sexy, the 2012 Hermitage Blanc was just bottled a month prior to this tasting. Coming from l’Ermite, Les Rocoules, Maison Blanche and Peleat lieux-dits, it’s always a rough blend of 80% Marsanne and 20% Roussanne that’s aged in barrel. Loaded with notions of honeysuckle, orange marmalade, powered rock, buttered citrus and green almond, it’s full-bodied, rich, upfront and fruit loaded. While I think it will be a relatively accessible early in its life, it has the concentration to hold for two decades.” WA
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 94-96 points “Tasted in single-site components from tanks as the wine awaited blending: #1, from Peleat: Ripe pear and honey aromas, with a suave floral accent and a hint of smoky minerals. At once rich and lively, showing excellent back-end power. #2, from Rocoules: Intense, mineral-accented citrus and orchard fruit aromas, with a sexy floral nuance building with air. Bright, focused and mineral-driven, with a strong Meyer lemon quality lingering on the tangy finish. #3, also from Rocoules: Showing more emphasis on orchard fruit than the first Rocoules tank, with powerful quince and pear flavors and a touch of bitter quinine. Dusty minerals sharpen the long, sappy finish. #4, from l’Ermite: Spicy citrus zest and ginger scents along with a chalky mineral note and a hint of anise. Smoky and penetrating, with superb finishing clarity and lingering spiciness. #5, also from l’Ermite: More floral and masculine than the previous l’Ermite, with strong jasmine and orchard fruit character and a touch of bitter quinine. Bright and nervy on the finish, which doesn’t want to let up.” JR
Jean-Louis Chave Selection Crozes-Hermitage Silene 2012 750ML ($31.95) $28 special, 4 bottles available
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 91 points “Bright violet color. High-pitched red fruit and floral aromas are complicated by smoky minerals and white pepper. On the palate, juicy, sharply focused black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors gain flesh and weight with air. Shows excellent clarity and mineral cut on the finish, which is shaped by silky, slow-building tannins.” JR
Jean-Louis Chave Selection Saint-Joseph Offerus 2010 750ML ($34.95) $27 special, 15 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 91 points “Deep, vivid ruby. High-pitched, mineral-accented aromas of cherry, black raspberry and fresh flowers. Offers an array of red and dark berry flavors that gain flesh and sweetness with air. Packs a serious punch but comes off as energetic, with no excess weight. Closes with resonating spiciness and sneaky, fine-grained tannins that fold smoothly into the sappy fruit. Jean-Louis noted that there is a bigger dose of Chave domain fruit than usual in this year’s version of Offerus. Incidentally, I was also able to retaste the 2010 Cotes-du-Rhone Mon Coeur, which I reviewed last year, and it has gained definition and energy over the last year. As mentioned before, this is a wine that drinks way above its category and is a highly reliable bottling vintage in and vintage out.” ST
Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Saint-Joseph 2012 750ML ($79.95) $69 special, 36+ bottles available
Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2012 Saint Joseph, which was just bottled, showed beautifully, and I continue to see more and more terrific, world-class wines from this appellation. Exhibiting terrific blackberry, ground pepper, crushed rock and underbrush, it’s medium to full-bodied, nicely concentrated and has an open, sexy style that’s already hard to resist. Drink it over the coming decade.” WA
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 93 points “Bright violet color. Explosive aromas of black and blue fruits, smoky Indian spices and minerals, with a suave floral quality in the background. Fleshy and expansive on the palate, but with excellent clarity and spicy lift to its blackberry and licorice flavors. The dark fruit element recurs on the long, seamless finish, which is framed by supple tannins that fold smoothly into the wine’s lush fruit.”
Jean-Louis Chave Selection Hermitage Farconnet 2010 750ML ($89.95) $69 special, 2 bottles available
Wine Spectator 93 points “A dense, dark style, with notes of licorice root, fig paste and blackberry pâte de fruit forming the core, all coated in loamy tannins and rumbling through the tarry-edged finish. Still has some unwinding to do. Best from 2016 through 2026.” WS
Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage 2011 1.5L ($649.95) $499 special, 2 magnums available
Wine Advocate 96-98 points “The 2011 Hermitage (also still in barrel), in comparison, is more focused and straight, with a slightly more serious feel to its tannin profile and overall structure. All of the samples (again, tasted in individual components) were beautifully perfumed, with the Les Bessards (which will make up the bulk of the blend) showing surprising density and concentration in a vintage that generally produced more up-front and supple wines. A serious 2011 that will certainly be one of the stars of the vintage, it should be reasonably approachable on release and have an easy two decades of longevity.” WA
Wine Spectator 96 points “A grippy, mouthwatering style, with solid, briary tannins inlaid with finely beaded acidity, all of which meld into the core of anise, blackberry paste and fig sauce flavors. Shows terrific energy on the singed apple wood-filled finish. Should cruise in the cellar. Best from 2016 through 2030.” JM
The next best price is $595
Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage 2012 3L ($1,799.95) $1,249 special, 1 jeroboam available
Wine Advocate 94-97 points “Looking at the 2012 Hermitage, which is still resting in barrels and getting ready to be bottled, it’s a much more classic, easy to read Hermitage that has lots of ripe, sweet fruit in its full-bodied, concentrated, textured profile. It has copious sweet blackberry and cassis fruit, violet and serious granite-like minerality, superb mid-palate depth and a focused, structured finish. It’s a beautiful, classy 2012 that will have 20-25+ years of longevity.” WA
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 95-97 points “Presented as components from four different barrels: #1, from Beaume: Exotic scents of candied licorice, dark berries and smoky Indian spices. Fleshy and broad on entry, then tighter in the middle, displaying superb depth to its bitter cherry and floral pastille flavors. #2, from Peleat: Explosive red fruit and potpourri aromas, with a bright mineral overtone. Silky and sweet, offering vibrant raspberry and cherry compote flavors and a touch of bitter chocolate. The red fruit note echoes strongly on the back half. #3, from Meal: Fleshier and rounder than the first two components, offering plush dark berry and violet flavors that coat the palate. Chewy tannins build on the finish and fold smoothly into the wine’s dense fruit. #4, from Bessards: Emphatic mineral and dark berry aromas pick up a sexy floral note and a hint of cola. Sappy, penetrating and sharply focused, displaying an impressive array of red fruit and floral qualities and strong finishing spiciness. Jean-Louis Chave told me he thinks this wine will be “classic Hermitage with an emphasis on fruit, not structure, but not lacking in structure at all–just compared to, say, 2010 and 2005.” JR
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I Custodi
The Keepers of Mt. Etna
These are real-deal, salt-of-the-Earth wines from farmers who beautifully contextualize the wines of Sicily and their home of Mount Etna for the wine world at large to enjoy. We’re excited to offer their wines, arriving in the store this Friday.
I Custodi Wines Arriving October 23rd
I Vigneri I Custodi delle Vigne dell’Etna ‘Pistus’ Etna Rosso, Sicily 2013 750ML ($21.95) $18 pre-arrival special
Case-12 I Vigneri I Custodi delle Vigne dell’Etna ‘Pistus’ Etna Rosso, Sicily 2013 750ML ($249.95) $199 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 90+ points “I Custodi’s entry-level red is the beautiful 2013 Etna Rosso Pistus with fruit sourced from various points on the north side of the volcano. The blend is a traditional cut of 80% Nerello Mascalese and 20% Nerello Cappuccio and the wine sees no oak aging. I loved the vibrant freshness and fruity concentration of this wine. It opens to a luminous dark ruby color and an ambitious bouquet with bramble, spice, wild fruit, licorice and dark mineral. There is little fruit as most of the bouquet is occupied by ethereal volcanic tones. Stylistically speaking, this wine shows austerity and a masculine approach with tight, firm tannins. Pistus is a stubborn, but ultimately charming Etna Rosso.” ML
The average price is $23
I Vigneri I Custodi delle Vigne dell’Etna Aetneus Etna Rosso, Sicily 2008 750ML ($34.95) $28 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 91 points “The top-shelf red is the 2008 Etna Rosso Aetneus that pays homage to this mighty Sicilian volcano with fruit from pre-phylloxera, 150-year-old vines. I tasted this same vintage last year and assigned the wine a score with a question mark because the bouquet appeared muted and muddled. Whatever problem I encountered last year happily did not reappear during this tasting. This is a strong and physical wine with sharp aromas of wild berry, forest floor, wild mushroom and sweet violets. It shows distinct mineral linearity that reinforces the wine’s overall elegance and immediacy. The fruit used here is mostly Nerello Mascalese and there are smaller percentages of Nerello Cappuccio and Alicante (or Grenache).” WA
The average price is $31
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Arriving Early November
Alain Hudelot-Noellat Bourgogne Rouge, Burgundy 2008 750ML($39.95) $33 pre-arrival special
“A very fruity, fresh and attractive nose of red berries that is in keeping with the largely fruit-driven character of the pretty and supple flavors that possess reasonably good depth and more refined tannins than are typically found at this level.”—Burghound
“Outstanding Top value. A very fresh and expressive nose of red and black pinot fruit is nuanced by a discreet earthiness that continues onto the fleshy, delicious and surprisingly fine flavors that are really quite lovely for this level. Worth strong consideration and this could be enjoyed almost immediately.”—Burghound
Alain Hudelot-Noellat Romanee-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru 2011 750ML ($599.95) $499 special, 1 bottle available
Burghound 93-95 points “As one would reasonably expect this is quite different and much more elegant with its broad-based combination of spice elements that include hoisin and soy that liberally laced throughout the red currant, plum and violet scents. There is a fleshy yet precise character to the brilliantly detailed flavors that are akin to pure silk on the palate, all wrapped in a gorgeously persistent finish. This is very classy and though it is not necessarily more complex than the Clos de Vougeot, it is even longer.” BH
New Wines from Schrader
Arriving in Early November
Schrader Cellars CCS Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 750ML ($499.95) $399 pre-arrival special
Robert Parker 96-98+ points “I wouldn’t discount the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard CCS, which is one of those incredibly hedonistic, yet intellectually satisfying wines that fills the olfactory senses and saturates the palate with incredible blue and black fruits. The 2013s do appear to have slightly greater focus and precision even than the 2012s, and tend to be just as full-bodied, rich and concentrated. But there’s a freshness and vigor in the 2013s that I noticed at Schrader, as well as elsewhere. These two truly great vintages are certainly the finest back-to-back years the Napa Valley has had since 2001 and 2002. More specific tasting notes on these wines will emerge next year, when I have them out of bottle.” RP
Schrader Cellars LPV Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 750ML ($699.95) $499 pre-arrival special
Robert Parker 98-100 points “2013 was characterized by slightly more clusters, but they were smaller with very tiny berries. The vintage itself was another warm, drought year, but like 2012, there were no real spikes of heat. Growing conditions – other than the continued drought in California – were easy. These wines share the same characteristics with the 2012s and I’ll have a greater peg on them once they’re in bottle, but as you can tell, the production ranges from a very small 240 cases of the Georges III in Rutherford to 640 cases of the Las Piedras Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon LPV. Wines, at least from barrel, that have three-digit score potential include the Cabernet Sauvignon RBS from Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard, the Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon T-6 and the Cabernet Sauvignon LPV from the Las Piedras Vineyard.” RP
Schrader Cellars RBS Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 750ML ($499.95) $419 pre-arrival special
Robert Parker 98-100 “2013 was characterized by slightly more clusters, but they were smaller with very tiny berries. The vintage itself was another warm, drought year, but like 2012, there were no real spikes of heat. Growing conditions – other than the continued drought in California – were easy. These wines share the same characteristics with the 2012s and I’ll have a greater peg on them once they’re in bottle, but as you can tell, the production ranges from a very small 240 cases of the Georges III in Rutherford to 640 cases of the Las Piedras Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon LPV. Wines, at least from barrel, that have three-digit score potential include the Cabernet Sauvignon RBS from Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard, the Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon T-6 and the Cabernet Sauvignon LPV from the Las Piedras Vineyard.” RP
This is the only listing in the USA today!
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…cheers!