In This Newsletter:
Special Arrivals
The Eyrie Awaits
New Arrivals
Beaux Freres, La Jota, Arterberry-Maresh, Lopez Heredia, and more!
10 Pinot Noirs for $36 or Less
Values from Drouhin, Faively, Beaux Freres, and more
Close-out Sale
Save on Italian Wines!
Collector’s Corner
California Dream Bottles
Special ArrivalsThe Eyrie Vineyards
Eyrie Estate Pinot Gris 2021 750ml $24 special, 24 bottles availableWine Advocate 94 Points “The 2021 Estate Pinot Gris is savory and expressive, offering aromas of mushroom powder, apple pie, lilac and flint and opening to honeyed bass tones as it spends time in the glass. The medium-bodied palate is bursting with honeyed, nutty fruit framed by rounded acidity, and it finishes long and pleasantly grippy.” Eyrie Pinot Blanc 2021 750ml $31.90 special, 24 bottles availableWine Advocate 93 Points “The 2021 Pinot Blanc, matured on the lees for 11 months, has pure scents of ripe peach, mushroom powder, jasmine, beeswax and flint. The light-bodied palate is textural and spicy with focused acidity and a long, mineral-driven finish.” Winery Note “When Alsatian clones of Pinot Blanc became available in Oregon, a small test plot was planted in Eyrie’s Sisters Vineyard. The block was doubled in the late 1990s. The crop is picked by hand, destemmed, pressed, and run to small stainless steel tanks to ferment and age. We take a slow approach; our Pinot Blanc ages 3-4 times longer than most commercial versions before bottling.” Eyrie Vineyard Pinot Meunier 2019 750ml $41.90 special, 12 bottles availableWine Advocate 96 Points “The 2019 Pinot Meunier is expressive and detailed. It has a medium ruby color and aromas of wild red and black berries, orange peel, pipe tobacco, iodine and leather. The medium-bodied palate features restrained, mineral-driven fruit, chalky tannins, mouthwatering acidity and a long, spicy finish that calls you in for another sip.” Eyrie Pinot Noir Daphne Vineyard 2019 750ml $77 special, 6 bottles availableWine Advocate 97 Points “The 2019 Pinot Noir Daphne is juicy, highly aromatic and irresistible! Medium ruby, it has pure scents of raspberry and strawberry preserves, tangerine peel, Earl Grey tea leaves, star anise and tar. Light-bodied with powdery tannins and fireworks of fresh acidity, it features perfumed, crunchy red fruit and detailed floral and spice accents that fan across the finish.” Eyrie Pinot Noir Sisters Vineyard 2019 750ml $47.50 special, 6 bottles availableWine Advocate 96 Points “Medium ruby, the 2019 Pinot Noir Sisters has a delicate perfume of raspberries, rhubarb, tar, orange peel and tea leaves with touches of flint. The light-bodied palate is powdery and fresh with fragrant floral character and a long finish.” Eyrie “Spark” Sparkling Wine NV 750ml $19 special, 36 bottles availableWine Advocate “The NV Spark is a blend of 55% Pinot Noir, 37% Chasselas Doré and 8% Pinot Blanc, from 31-year-old vines. It is an “ultra-brut,” although this particular bottling is made using forced carbonation instead of méthode Champenois. Medium to deep cherry-pink in color, it has aromas of cantaloupe, strawberries, raspberries and lemon peel with notes of stone and toast. The palate is dry with citrus and red berry flavors, spritely mousse and a refreshing, mineral-driven finish.” Eyrie Vineyard The Eyrie Reserve Pinot Noir 2018 750ml $79 special, 6 bottles availableWine Advocate 98 Points “Pale ruby, the 2018 Pinot Noir The Eyrie is a stunning wine with 10-15 years of aging potential. It has detailed scents of raspberries, blackberries, star anise, tangerine oil and violets, and it continues to unfold aromatically as it spends time in the glass. Delicately intense, it glides through the mouth like velvet, with seemingly endless flavor and nuance, and a finish that goes on and on.” Eyrie Vineyard Trousseau 2021 750ml $39.95 special, 12 bottles availableWine Enthusiast 94 Points “This ethereal wine is made with fruit from the Willamette Valley’s first Trousseau vines. Aromas of boysenberry, white sage, saline, and black pepper are graced by a tiny note of something grilled and meaty. Sweet, juicy red plum flavors join with briary raspberries, hay and black tea. Great acidity and velvety tannins.”
Recently Reviewed:
Eyrie Trifolium Dundee Hills 2020 750ml $33 special, 28 bottles availableWine Enthusiast 95 Points “This blend of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Trousseau is the poster child for balance. The show starts with blackberry and thyme aromas, along with notes of earth and citrus. The Trifolium’s zingy acidity and optimal tannic structure support flavors like black cherry, cocoa nibs and a nice pot roast. Best trio since Rush.” -Michael Alberty
New Arrivals
California
La Jota Howell Mountain Merlot 2019 750ml $99 special, 18 bottles availableJames Suckling 95 Points “Lots of black olives with some conifer and mushrooms. Raspberries, too. Full-bodied with soft and round tannins. Really savory. Juicy. Drink now.” Wine Spectator 94 Points “Refined and polished yet deeply structured, with expressive red currant, dried herbs and hints of stony minerality that build tension and richness toward big but polished tannins. Drink now through 2030.” La Jota Howell Mountain Cabernet Franc 2019 750ml $119 special, 12 bottles availableWine Advocate 93 Points “Still based on Bill Smith’s original block from the 1970s, plus some additional plantings, the 2019 Cabernet Franc Howell Mountain is 100% Cabernet Franc. Gentle florals and herbal notes of bay leaf and sage appear on the nose, adding savory complexity to the black cherries and red raspberries. Medium to full-bodied, silky, fine and elegant, this is a perennial favorite, drinkable on release and for a decade or more afterward.” Mt Brave Mt Veered Malbec 2018 750ml $79 special, 6 bottles availableWine Advocate 95 Points “Made from 100% Malbec, the 2018 Malbec Mt. Veered was aged for 22 months in oak, 34% new. Deep garnet-purple colored, the nose is flamboyantly scented of baked plums, blackberry compote and blueberry coulis with wafts of baking spices and dried Provence herbs. Full-bodied, the palate is packed with concentrated black and blue fruits, supported by firm, grainy tannins, going long, lively and with a spicy kick on the finish. 582 cases were made.” Jeb Dunnuck 95 Points “All varietal, the 2018 Malbec is terrific and well worth seeking out. Sporting a dense purple color as well as impressive notes of spiced red and blue fruits, violets, toasted bread, and herbes de Provence-like nuances, it’s medium to full-bodied, has a rounded, mouth-filling texture, and enough velvety tannins to keep it showing well for over a decade.”
Oregon
“Beaux Freres”
Beaux Freres The Beaux Freres Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021 $124.95 special, 9 bottles availableJames Suckling 95 Points “Complex aromas of cherry stones, bramble berries, licorice, cardamom, bark and some potpourri. Salty olive undertones, too. It’s medium-bodied, tight and refined, with very fine tannins. Savory. Somewhat restrained for now. Unfined and unfiltered. Drink from 2024.” Winery Notes “When the first few blocks were planted in 1988, no one could have predicted the consistent magic that would spring forth for decades to come. The old 1940s dairy pasture is now fully transformed to 25 acres of Pinot Noir vines whose forest perimeter creates a nearly mystical landscape. The 2021 wine is full of classic features: ripe, dark cherry skins, orange zest, and subtle white flower and miso notes.”
“Arterberry Maresh”
Arterberry Maresh Pinot Noir Dundee Hills 2022 750ml $33 special, 36+ bottles availableNot reviewed yet, 2021 review provided for context:Wine Advocate 97 Points “The 2021 Pinot Noir Dundee Hills offers quality that sits well above its modest price tag with its pairing of concentrated flavors and a weightless frame. Medium ruby, it features cranberry sauce, pomegranate and rhubarb fruit with accents of tea leaves, lavender, bitter orange and amaro. The light-bodied palate is silky and seamless with an incredible core of flavor and a very long, bitters-laced finish. I would be excited to drink this wine any night of the week!” Arterberry Maresh Pinot Noir Maresh Vineyard 2018 750ml $69 special, 24 bottles availableWine Advocate 95+ Points “The 2018 Pinot Noir Maresh Vineyard is an incredible wine. It opens slowly to an arresting perfume of dusty earth, dried rose petals, tea leaves, licorice and amaro with a wealth of bright red berry fruit at the core. The palate is elegant, supple and juicy, with an expansive fan of layered, spicy flavors and a very long finish. It’s hard to resist now, but it will have more to offer with time in bottle.” Arterberry Maresh Pinot Noir Maresh Vineyard 2021 750ml $72 special, 24 bottles availableWine Advocate 98+ Points “The 2021 Pinot Noir Maresh Vineyard is an arresting wine that grows in bottle over several days, offering singular expression, purity and a touch of magic. Medium ruby, the nose is very complex and offers something new with each return to the glass. A deep core of pomegranate and cranberry sauce blossoms to orange peel, tea leaves, mossy bark and lilac with an array of amaro-like undertones. The palate is medium-bodied and has tremendously concentrated flavors for its harmonious, velvety frame (this sits at only 12.8% alcohol). Layered, dynamic and very long, it stands out as one of the best expressions of Willamette Valley Pinot Noir I’ve ever had the pleasure of tasting.” Arterberry Maresh Pinot Noir Weber Vineyard 2021 750ml $72 special, 24 bottles availableWine Advocate 97+ Points “Out of curiosity, winemaker Jim Maresh and I re-tasted the 2019 Pinot Noir Weber Vineyard to compare to the recently bottled 2021s. (Weber Vineyard was previously owned by Jim’s grandfather and part of the Maresh Vineyard.) It’s beginning to curl inward, taking plenty of time to blossom from touches of iodine and flint to wild blackberries, tea leaves, lavender, salted licorice and candied orange peel. The medium-bodied palate is powerful and refreshing, with youthfully latent fruit and a long, spicy finish. Purchasers can look forward to an exciting evolution as this matures over the next 10-15 years.”
Also currently available from Arterberry Maresh:
Arterberry Maresh Pinot Noir Old Vines 2021 750ml $56.50 special, 36+ bottles availableWine Advocate 98 Points “The 2021 Pinot Noir Old Vines comes from the Maresh Vineyard, from vines that were planted in 1970, and has a singular expression with detailed, spicy accents reminiscent of bitters or amaro. “You only get those high-toned essences if you pick al dente,” winemaker Jim Maresh explains. “It’s easy to volatilize all that away.” The Old Vines has a medium ruby color and arresting aromas of orange bitters, mossy bark and tobacco leaves complementing a deep core of pomegranate, rhubarb and cranberry. The light-bodied palate offers remarkably pure, detailed flavors. It has velvety tannins, seamless freshness and a very long finish with a flourish of spicy accents.” Arterberry Maresh Chardonnay Maresh Vineyard 2021 750ml $72 special, 30 bottles availableWine Advocate 96 Points “The 2021 Chardonnay Maresh Vineyard comes from Wente vines planted in 1983 and was matured in 20% Damy barrels for nine months before finishing in stainless steel. The nose is alluringly spicy, opening from flint and roasted almonds to an intense core of savory yellow peach and beeswax. The palate is satiny and unctuous with ripe fruit, floral perfume and flinty streaks. Despite its luxurious texture and flavor, it maintains its shimmery acidity and boasts a long, dynamic finish. It’s a special expression that offers pleasurable generosity and precision.”
Spain
Lopez Heredia Rioja Bosconia Reserva 2010 750ml $41.90 special, 24 bottles availableWine Advocate 94 Points “The fresh and balanced 2010 Viña Bosconia Reserva is a textbook example of the wine, perhaps the successor of the great 2006, a powerful blend of 80% Tempranillo, 15% Garnacha and 5% between Graciano and Mazuelo. It matured in used American oak barrels for five years and is clean and complex with a nutty and mushroomy nose, polished tannins and good acidity.” Lopez Heredia Cubillo Tinto Crianza 2014 750ml $28 special, 24 bottles availableJames Suckling 94 Points “An earthy, well-aged Rioja with complex aromas of dried oranges, savory dried plums, mushrooms, tobacco and wet leaves. Distinctively zesty with bright, citrusy fruit on the medium-bodied palate, rounded by firm, juicy tannins. Quite a long, outstanding entry-level red from this traditional producer. Very drinkable now, but will also hold.” Lopez Heredia Tondonia Reserva Rioja 2010 750ml $59 special, 12 bottles availableWine Advocate 96 Points “The 2010 Viña Tondonia Reserva has all I expect from a Reserva from Tondonia, complexity, elegance and evolution, a developed nose with notes of forest floor and wild berries, herbs and flowers, a touch of iodine, brick dust and very fine, polished tannins. It has the seriousness and elegance of Tondonia. This is a blend of 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacho (they use the masculine form of the name of the grape) and 5% each Graciano and Mazuelo that fermented in the ancient oak vats from when the winery was created 144 years ago and matured in well-seasoned, American oak barrels for six years.”
France
“Francois Chidaine, Loire”
Second generation estate located in Montlouis, run by the dynamic couple, François and Manuela Chidaine. For years Chidaine has been a leader in natural viticulture, farming organically and biodynamically with no-till regenerative farming. Montlouis is an under sung appellation of 400 hectares located directly across the river from Vouvray. Francois Chidaine Montlouis Clos Du Breuil 2021 750ml $44.50 special, 8 bottles availableFrancois Chidaine Montlouis Clos Habert 2018 750ml $41.90 special, 7 bottles availableFrancois Chidaine Montlouis Les Bournais 2021 750ml $49 special, 8 bottles availableFrancois Chidaine Montlouis Chenin D’ici 2021 750ml $26 special, 6 bottles available
“Domaine Berthet-Capeau, Rhone”
Domaine Berthet-Capeau Exil Des Papes 2018 750ml $33 special, 11 bottles availableJeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider Critic “Ripe cherries, flowers, cocoa and herbal aromatics dominate the nose. On the palate the wine is round, lush and soft, finishing with sweet, dark red cherries and dusty tannins in the finish. The wine was produced using 100% old vine Grenache.”
10 Pinot Noirs for $36 or Less
Beaux Freres “Les Cousins” Pinot Noir 2021 750ml $36 special, 29 bottles availableVinopolnote “The titular cousins in this wine project are Michael G. Etzel and Robert Roy, the co-founders of Beaux Freres way back in 1986. Though this is a second label, it’s only produced in excellent years and still features the same estate vineyards as the primary wines. Not enough people know about this great opportunity to stock up on amazing Beaux Freres for less cash.” Cameron Pinot Noir Dundee Hills 2021 750ml $36 Special, 36+ bottles availableJean Paul Cameron’s Notes “First and foremost bing cherry. Maybe a little stewed. Accentuated by a cocoa nib base note. Straw and sandalwood. Turkish fig, iodine and boysenberry. Ferrous on the nose, I want to say blood. A back note of sage and come with me on this one, nasturtium.” NEW Domaine Camus Bruchon Bourgogne Rouge 2020 750ml $28 special, 30 bottles availableImporter Note “Located in the village of Savigny-les-Beaune, just to the north of Beaune proper, the Camus family crafts beautifully balanced, deep and complex wines that are the embodiment of what great Burgundy is all about. Starting in 2010, they began using some whole cluster fermentation (15-30%, depending on the vintage), which adds additional complexity to the wines. Overall, there is a refined elegance and perfumed precision that is very special, and is most impressive considering the rather youthfully “sauvage” elements that can sometimes be found in young Savignys.” Clos Griotte Mcminnville Cuvee Pinot Noir 2020 750ml $26.50 special, 24 bottles availableVinopolnote “Featuring grapes from Hyland and Momtazi vineyards, this Cuvée represents some of the best McMinnville has to offer at entry level prices. Don’t miss out on this fantastic bottling!” Domaine Collotte Bourgogne Rouge Noble Souche 2020 750ml $26 special, 15 bottles availableWinery Note “A blend of Pinot Noir from several old vines planted in Marsannay-la-Côte. The vines are on average over 60 years old and are planted on clay-limestone soils. The grapes are harvested by hand and sorted on arrival at the vat room. Then the harvest is completely destemmed before being put into vats. The vatting time is 17 days, with 5 days of pre-fermentation cold maceration (at 10°C). We only pump over during fermentation. The aim? To extract the intensity of the fruit, without having too much tannin. The wine is matured in stainless steel vats to preserve the freshness and finesse of the aromas. The style: a fruity and spicy nose, even peppery. The mouth has a nice suppleness to it and we find the crispness of the fruit. Whilst elegant in its early youth, this red Burgundy has a potential of 5 years of ageing.” Crowley Entre Nous Pinot Noir 2021 750ml $36 special, 21 bottles availableWinemaker’s Note “This wine has an herbaceous and citrusy nose, with traces of cranberry, crunchy graphite, allspice and pomegranate. The palate is full of ripe raspberry, plum, and anise framed by striking acidity. Generous and playful the 2021 Entre Nous embodies Crowley’s favorite trait for Pinot: accessibility without sacrifice.” Joseph Drouhin Bourgogne Rouge 2020 750ml $24 special, 26 bottles availableWinery Note “A wine full of charm: bright ruby color and a nose rich with aromas of red fruit (raspberry, red currants, wild strawberry). On the palate, the wine is pleasant, fruity and refreshing, with light tannins and great elegance.” Drouhin Roserock Eola-Amity Pinot Noir 2021 750ml $36 special, 8 bottles availableJames Suckling 97 Points “Beautifully fragrant notes of cocoa-dusted raspberries and crushed blueberries with dried rose petals, sencha tea, cherry chocolate and crushed rocks. Ground spices, too. It shows both delicacy and power, with a compact and silky feeling to the tannin structure and impressive acidity which carries the freshness and tone through to the finish. Attractive tension of crunchy blue fruit and spices.” International Wine Report 97 Points “The Roserock wines from Domain Drouhin have always been my favorites of the lineup, probably because I love the wines from the Eola-Amity hills. Displaying a shimmering light purple core with a bluish rim in the glass, this undoubtedly enchanting wine explodes with notes of fresh blueberries, red plum skin, toasted anise seed, milk chocolate, Earl Gray tea, whole pink peppercorn, and chalky minerality. Incredibly elegant and smooth on the palate, it’s a wine that takes hold of your attention and doesn’t let go. Highly recommended and editor’s choice.” Lundeen Estate Pinot Noir “Mon Pere” 2021 $26 special, 14 bottles availableWinemaker’s Note “Meaning “My Father” in French, “Mon Pere” is meant to honor my father and fathers everywhere while providing tremendous value in a Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. As such, it is the flagship bottling and largest production wine Lundeen makes to be able to reach far and wide with the message of valuing family, integrity, and stewardship. The creation of the wine always begins with grapes from the Lundeen Estate vineyard on which I am a 3rd generation Lundeen raising a 4th. Beyond this estate, the “Mon Pere” bottling contains wines from various vineyards I farm throughout the northern Willamette Valley. As it is broadly sourced as well as hand-crafted, “Mon Pere” always has complexity beyond what is typical at its price point.” Shiba Wichern Willamette Cuvee Pinot Noir 2020 750ml $28 special, 10 bottles availableVinopolnote “A project from the German educated enologist Akiko Shiba and her husband Chris Wichern. In addition to her work in Germany, Akiko has accumulated an impressive resume in Oregon, with work in Evesham Wood, St. Innocent, Ayres, and Domaine Serene. To prevent any impact from smoke taint in the skins, these wines saw no punch-down or pump over, resulting in a delicate and very welcoming style.”
 Close-out Sale – Price Reductions Francesco Rinaldi Barbera D’alba 2017 750ml WAS $24 NOW $21.90 special, 26 bottles availableWinery Note “The vineyards located in Barolo, in the flatter areas of the Cannubi hill, have a sandier soil; in La Morra, in the areas of Zonchetta and Boiolo, the soil is more clayey with calcareous components. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled cement or stainless steel tanks with the skins contact for at least 15 days. After racking, the various lots from the different vineyards are blended and then aged in medium-capacity Slavonian oak barrels for at least a year. Refinement in bottles for several months gives the wine a vibrant red ruby color with violet reflections and an ethereal and intense bouquet. The taste is dry, robust and suitable for medium-term aging.” Francesco Rinaldi Dolcetto D’alba Roussot 2019 750ml WAS $21.90 NOW $18 special, 28 bottlesavailable Rizzi Barbaresco Riserva Boito 2015 750ml WAS $99 NOW $89 special, 15 bottles availableWine Enthusiast 96 Points “Cellar Selection. Camphor, pipe tobacco, iris and mature black-skinned fruit aromas shape the nose on this full-bodied red. Delicious and structured, the firm palate delivers succulent black cherry, raspberry and licorice framed in firm, tightly knit but noble tannins. Drink 2023–2030.” Wine Advocate 94 Points “The Rizzi 2015 Barbaresco Rizzi Riserva Vigna Boito features the artwork of proprietor Enrico Dellapiana on the front label. With only 3,176 bottles produced, the wine reveals broad shoulders, width and impressive depth. This vintage offers a complete picture of the Nebbiolo grape and of the distinctive elegance of Treiso, one of the cornerstones of the Barbaresco appellation. This Riserva offers a solid center of gravity with ample fruit rendering and framing. The vintage achieves a richer, more concentrated style that suits the wine very nicely.” Rizzi Barbaresco Nervo 2017 750ml WAS $59 NOW $49 special, 13 bottles availableWine Enthusiast 95 Points “Rose, violet and perfumed berry aromas lead the nose followed by whiffs of camphor and culinary spice. Full bodied, supremely elegant and surprisingly fresh for the hot vintage, the savory palate delivers ripe Marasca cherry, crushed raspberry, licorice and crushed mint alongside taut, refined tannins. Fresh acidity keeps it impeccably balanced. Drink 2022–2032.” Wine Advocate 93 Points “Of these new releases from Rizzi, the 2017 Barbaresco Nervo is my favorite. That carefully assembled combination of fruit, minerals and Nebbiolo spice (with licorice and aniseed) is what I look for in a Barbaresco. This was not the easiest growing season by any stretch. The vintage was plagued by very cold weather during the first part of the year, followed by scorching heat during the summer. However, the folks at Rizzi have managed to preserve the freshness and linearity of that delicate Nebbiolo fruit. I would recommend a medium-term drinking window in the case of this wine, of which a precious 3,800 bottles were produced.” Rocca Di Castagnoli Gran Selezione Stielle 2016 750ml WAS $59 NOW $49 special, 36+ bottles availableVinous 95 points “The 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Stielle is a beautiful and distinctive wine, but it also needs time to come together. Sangiovese bristles with energy and cut as this nervy, tightly wound wine shows off its personality. The combination of a high altitude site and whole clusters in fermentation yields a Chianti Classico endowed with notable power and intensity.” Benjamin Romeo La Vina Andres Romeo 2004 750ml WAS $199 NOW $179 special, 6 bottles availableWine Advocate 98 Points “There are a mere 200 bottles of the 2004 La Vina de Andres Romeo. This wine is tightly wound and remains an infant developmentally. Nevertheless, all the ingredients for greatness are present but it will take a decade of cellaring for them to be full expressed. This sensational effort should easily drink well for 40-50 years like a great first growth Bordeaux.” Giovanni Rosso Cerretta Barolo 2016 750ml WAS $89 NOW $79 special, 22 bottles availableWine Enthusiast 97 Points “Rose, red-berry, camphor and dark-spice aromas slowly emerge in the glass. Showing Serralunga’s hallmark of firm structure and finesse, the full-bodied, youthfully tense palate delivers juicy red cherry, raspberry compote, dried mint and licorice set against a backbone of noble tannins. Bright acidity keeps it impeccably balanced. Drink 2026–2056. -Kerin O’Keefe” Giovanni Rosso Comune di Serralunga Barolo 2016 750ml WAS $59 NOW $49 special, 31 bottles availableWine Enthusiast 96 Points “Iris, woodland-berry and pine-forest aromas shape the nose. On the focused, vibrant palate, mint and star anise notes accent a core juicy Marasca cherry. Taut polished tannins and bright acidity provide balance and a firm lithe structure.”
Collector’s CornerCalifornia Dream Wines 
Abreu Madrona Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 750ml $599 special, 1 bottle availableRobert Parker 100 Points ” While I am not surprised that the 2001 Thorevilos turned out to be perfect, the 2001 Madrona Ranch was more of an eye-opener in that it has become even more extraordinary than I predicted eight years ago. A prodigious wine, with complex notes of subtle barbecue smoke intermixed with blueberry pie, black currant liqueur, acacia flowers, lead pencil shavings, and sweet foresty floor notes, this wine builds incrementally with layer upon layer of fruit, glycerin and concentration. The finish goes well past a minute, and the wine is full-bodied and deep, with wonderfully sweet tannin. It is still an adolescent in terms of its total evolution, but it is irresistible simply because of the flawless nature of the wine and incredible perfume and flavor intensity. Simply amazing!” Aubert UV Vineyard Pinot Noir 2016 750ml $149 special, 2 bottles availableJeb Dunnuck 100 Points “Leading off the Pinot Noirs, this is unquestionably the finest set of releases from the estate I’ve ever tasted, and it appears some of the magic Mark finds with his Chardonnays is finding its way over to the Pinot Noirs. The 2016 Pinot Noir UV Vineyard is 100% Calera clone (which reportedly comes from Vosne-Romanée) from a site in the Sonoma Coast and was brought up in 60-70% new French oak. It also saw around 10-20% whole clusters. Incredible ripe cherries, strawberries, exotic spices, blood orange, and floral notes all soar from this transparently colored, multi-dimensional, layered Pinot Noir that has no hard edges, ultra-fine tannin, and a finish that just won’t quit. It’s the finest Pinot Noir ever made from this address.” Aubert Pinot Noir UV-SL Vineyard 2016 750ml $159 special, 4 bottles availableJeb Dunnuck 99 Points “The 2016 Pinot Noir UV-SL Vineyard flirts with perfect and is another incredible effort from the Sonoma Coast. Deeply colored, with ripe cherries, underbrush, black currants, graphite, blood orange, and forest floor notes, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, ample tannin, a big mid-palate, and a blockbuster finish. Despite being a rich, powerful wine, it shows remarkable elegance and purity, as well as a weightless, seamless texture. Brought up in 70% new French oak, drink it over the coming decade.” Blankiet Paradise Hills Vyd Mythicus Cabernet 2013 $249 special, 1 bottle availableWine Advocate 96+ Points “The 2013 Mythicus is so backward, but a wine of extraordinary intensity. Loads of tannin, massive extract, a blue/purple color, gorgeous purity and overall depth make for a compelling wine, but this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon effort is one for patient connoisseurs. Forget it for 5-7 years, and drink it over the following three decades.” Blankiet Paradise Hills Vyd Proprietary Red 2016 750ml $219 special, 1 bottle availableVinous 98 Points “The 2016 Proprietary Red Paradise Hills Vineyard is magnificent. Deep and expressive on the palate, the 2016 possesses tremendous intensity but delivered in an understated voice. Dark cherry, plum, mocha, new leather and spice develop with time, but it is the wine’s total sense of poise that once again is truly impressive.” Buccella Mixed Blacks Red Blend 2014 750ml $119 special, 1 bottle availableWinery Note “Latin for “mouthful.” Its name evokes the wine’s big, bold concentrated layers that wrap a mouth with luxury. The story of Buccella began over a beautiful bottle of 1990 Gaja. It was William and Alicia Deem’s first date. They were two individuals with distinct dreams, until their common love of wine started them on a wonderful journey together. Their passion drove them to begin the pursuit of a shared dream in 2002 – quite simply –to make the best wine they could.” Continuum Proprietary Red Napa Valley 2017 375ml $119 special, 10 bottles availableWine Advocate 97+ Points “A blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc, 9% Petit Verdot and 9% Merlot, the deep garnet-purple 2017 Proprietary Red soars out of the glass with notions of baked blueberries, plum preserves and blackcurrant cordial, backed up by nuances of chocolate mint, wild sage, violets and pencil shavings, plus an earthy hint of Chinese five spice. The rich, seductive, full-bodied palate is jam-packed with spicy black fruit preserves, framed by wonderfully plush tannins and a lively backbone, finishing long and opulent.” Vinous 96+ points “The 2017 Proprietary Red Wine Sage Mountain Vineyard comes across as remarkably primary. Bright red-toned fruit and floral notes give the 2017 striking freshness as well as nuance. Deep and layered on the palate, with superb depth, the 2017 Continuum is easily one of the wines of the year. Even in the early going, it is truly magnificent.” Hundred Acre Kayli Morgan Vineyard Cabernet 2009 750ml $499 special, 3 bottle availablesWine Advocate 96 Points “Medium to deep garnet colored, the 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Kayli Morgan Vineyard gives up bold blackcurrant cordial, blackberry compote and raspberry pie scents with hints of chocolate-covered cherries, roses and lilacs plus hints of charcuterie and yeast extract. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is wonderfully elegant, with wonderful vivacity and perfume and a satiny texture with a very long finish.” Kapcsandy Rapszodia Napa Red 2015 750ml $419 special, 1 bottle availableRobert Parker 98-100 Points “Their 100% Cabernet Franc cuvee, the 2015 Rapszodia Proprietary Red, spent its whole life in 100% new French oak and is an exhilarating wine with off-the-charts richness, an exquisite bouquet of spring flowers, forest floor, rich blue and black fruits, voluptuous texture, incredibly fine, silky tannins, and, for a Kapcsandy wine, relatively elevated alcohol at 14.5%. This is a “wow” wine that should drink beautifully young and last 20-30+ years.” Morlet Joli Coeur Pinot Noir 2013 750ml $119 special, 1 bottle availableWine Advocate 96 Points “The 2013 Pinot Noir Joli Coeur is what Luc Morlet calls Athe sweet spot@ of his Coteaux Nobles Vineyard. The berries tend to size up smaller and the clusters weigh less. This has an extra gear in it, so to speak, and displays plenty of black and red currant fruits, some rose petals and other floral notes, forest floor, a full-bodied mouthfeel, terrific texture, and remarkable richness and purity. This stunner will age well for 10-15 years.” Sine Qua Non Grenache Female 2013 750ml $319 special, 2 bottles availableWine Advocate 98 Points “Showing similar to a previous bottle tasted in Colorado, the 2013 Grenache Female (78% Grenache, 19% Syrah and 3% Mourvedre) is more high toned and pretty than the 2014, with perfumed notes of black raspberries, licorice, herbes de Provence and violets. Similar on the palate to the 2014, yet perhaps with a touch more tannin, give this beauty a few years and drink it through 2033.”
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