New Wine Spectator Insider Reviews for Produttori
Schaller: A Name to Watch in Chablis
First Offer: Thibaud Boudignon
#Trending
Walla Walla’s Hottest Winery?
Peter Lauer: Master of Saar Riesling
Rich, Bold and Dramatic: Vincent Paris’ 2017’s
94 Point Bordeaux – Under $20?
June Sale Recap
New Wine Spectator Insider Reviews for Produttori
“The wines are more elegant, vibrant and detailed, and more approachable than the austere and structured 2013s, and they’re lighter than the powerful, fleshy and fruity 2011s, the last two vintages released of the Produttori’s single-vineyard riservas. ‘2014 is unique,’ says Vacca. ‘There is a very floral aromatic component that makes it very different, and the tannins are well-integrated, which makes them a joy to drink.’…
“If you are a fan of Produttori del Barbaresco’s single-vineyard riservas, the 2014s are worthy of a place in your cellar. They will also be approachable earlier than other recent vintages, so enjoy them while you wait for the 2013s and 2011s to fully mature.” – Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator
In Stock Now:
Produttori del Barbaresco Asili, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2014 750ML ($99.95) $69 special
Wine Spectator 95 points “Seamless from start to finish, this red features fresh cherry, strawberry, rose, mineral and subtle licorice aromas and flavors. Firm yet elegant, with fine harmony and a lingering aftertaste of fruit and mineral elements. Best from 2021 through 2042.—B.S.”
Produttori del Barbaresco Montestefano, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2014 750ML ($99.95) $69 special
Wine Spectator 94 points “Pure cherry flavors permeate the rich flesh of this red, backed by vibrant acidity and fine tannins. Eucalyptus, earth and tar elements add depth as this cruises to a lingering finish. Fine intensity. Best from 2021 through 2040.—B.S.”
Produttori del Barbaresco Rio Sordo, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2014 750ML ($79.95) $59 special
Wine Spectator 94 points “This red combines a rich, fleshy texture that verges on chewy with a firm structure and cherry, menthol, licorice, spice and mineral flavors. Dense, revealing tension and dusty tannins on the long finish. Shows terrific energy. Best from 2022 through 2042.—B.S.”
Wine Spectator 93 points “Lean and taut, this reveals mint, menthol, licorice, orange peel and subtle cherry flavors, all underscored by assertive tannins and lively acidity. An austere style, this will need time to come around. Best from 2023 through 2042.—B.S.”
Produttori del Barbaresco Ovello, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2014 750ML ($89.95) $65 special
Produttori del Barbaresco Ovello, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2014 1.5L ($189.95) $139 special
Wine Spectator 93 points “Balsamic aromas of menthol, wild thyme and juniper complement the black cherry core of this muscular red, with dense tannins lending support. Though a bit more severe now than its peers, this is balanced overall and will age well. Best from 2022 through 2042.—B.S”
Produttori del Barbaresco Pora, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2014 750ML ($79.95) $59 special
Wine Spectator 93 points “Round and supple, exuding cherry, berry, licorice, eucalyptus and tar flavors. Harmonious and well-built, with a long aftertaste of menthol. Best from 2021 through 2038.—B.S.”
Camille and Laurent Schaller are bright, young and talented and committed to making a name for themselves in the world of Chablis. The Schaller family has grown grapes in Chablis for generations, but it wasn’t until the current generation went through enology school that they started bottling any on their own. Initially they only made one wine (an AOC Chablis) but as grape contracts to negociants have ended they have increased the number of bottlings produced under their own label.
These are wines to buy and winemakers to watch—we expect them to be considered one of the stars of Chablis in the next decade. Mostly fermented and aged in stainless, they use a small percentage of (used) oak on some of their top wines. The results are stunning—bright, mineral and with that Chablisienne quality. They arrive Friday and will be a mainstay of our summer (and fall and winter) drinking.
Arriving Friday:
Domaine Camille et Laurent Schaller Chablis, Burgundy 2017 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 pre-arrival special
Domaine Camille et Laurent Schaller Vaucoupin, Chablis Premier Cru 2017 750ML ($41.95) $33 pre-arrival special
Arriving June 21st:
Thibaud Boudignon Anjou Blanc, Loire 2017 750ML ($47.95) $39 pre-arrival special
Thibaud Boudignon Anjou Blanc, Loire 2017 1.5L ($99.95) $85 pre-arrival special
Importer note “With a tight core of saline terroir enveloped within ripe medium bodied fruit, this chenin blanc delivers a focused example of Thibaud’s style of ripe fruit matched with elegance and precision.”
This is the lowest listed price for a magnum in the USA today!
Importer note “Cut like a diamond with clean lines and explosive fruit. Long detailed finish that fans out with a touch of creaminess. Still evolving and will reward the one who has patience. A worthy homage to his mother and grandfather.”
Importer note “80% Cabernet Franc, 20% Grolleau from 25+ year old vines grown on shallow soils of grey schist and rhyolite (volcanic soil) and clay. Indigenous yeast fermentation of direct press rosé with no malo. Aged in stainless steel.”
Poderi Aldo Conterno Bussia Cicala, Barolo DOCG 2008 750ML ($179.95) $119 special
Antonio Galloni 95 points “The 2008 Barolo Cicala is beautifully focused and vibrant from start to finish. It boasts fabulous energy and sheer tension in its ripe red berries, spices, crushed flowers and mint. All the elements come together beautifully in the pure, delineated Barolo. Huge, powerful tannins provide the backdrop for layers of cool, mineral-infused fruit. There is a pulsating energy to the Cicala that is absolutely irresistible. This is another fabulous showing.”
Wine Spectator 95 points “There’s fine depth to this red, like a grand cru red Burgundy, with a silky texture framing black cherry, black currant and tar flavors. Solidly built, this features a deceptively charming exterior that conceals firm tannins. The finish evokes violet and black cherry notes. Best from 2016 through 2035. 250 cases imported.”
The average listed price is $154
A top wine at a great price from a winemaker’s winemaker.
Grochau Cellars Zenith Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2013 750ML ($47.95) $28 special
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 93 points “Brilliant red. Powerful, spice-accented cherry and raspberry aromas are complemented by hints of candied rose, anise and smoky minerals. Sweet and focused on the palate, offering intense red and dark berry and spicecake flavors and a strong suggestion of floral pastilles. Rich yet lithe in the style, this elegant Pinot finishes with powerful, spicy thrust and silky, slow-building tannins that contribute shape and grip.”
The next best price is $38
A staff pick which has become one of our most beloved Spanish reds. Goes with everything.
Vinyes D’en Gabriel L’heravi, Montsant 2017 750ML ($19.95) $16 special
Case-12 Vinyes D’en Gabriel L’heravi, Montsant 2017 750ML ($219.95) $169 special (that’s only $14.08/bottle!)
Winery note “L’Heravi Joven is seductive, a rich cherry colour with hints of purple. It has a potent bouquet, with notes of red fruit, wild herbs and just a touch of sweet confectionery. In the mouth it is smooth and elegant, with intense flavours accompanied by freshness and nicely integrated tannins. It will continue to display its qualities over the next 3 years or so.”
Rivals the 2010 and 2013 for Rancia of the decade.
Felsina Berardenga Rancia, Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 2016 750ML ($59.95) $46 special
Antonio Galloni 94-97+ points “The 2016 Chianti Classico Riserva Rancia is yet another magnificent wine in this range from Fèlsina. Silky, gracious and inviting, the 2016 starts off gradually and then builds, gaining volume and explosiveness with air. A wine of breadth, textural intensity and pure power, the 2016 Rancia is shaping up to be epic. That’s pretty much all there is to it.”
Wine & Spirits 94 points “Brisk acidity and orange-peel accents propel this wine’s saturated red cherry flavors. The wine is a lively expression of Tuscan terroir, brimming with notes of fennel and sage, brightened by chalky mineral tones. It’s ageworthy, yet hard to resist now.”
The essential Provençal rosé.
Peyrassol ‘Chateau Peyrassol’ Rose, Cotes de Provence 2018 750ML ($31.95) $26 special
Peyrassol ‘Chateau Peyrassol’ Rose, Cotes de Provence 2018 1.5L ($99.95) $79 special
Peyrassol ‘Chateau Peyrassol’ Rose, Cotes de Provence 2018 3L ($199.95) $169 special
Importer note “This is the elite cuvée of the estate relying as it does on grapes harvested from the oldest vines of the domaine (35 years and older). Principally composed of Cinsault, Grenache and Syrah, the “Chateau” bottling also sees the addition, from time-to-time of Tibouren, the ancient and regal Provencale grape. This Rosé is produced via the “direct press” method and has a long cuvaison designed to produce a wine of character and concentration. Vinified in stainless steel and bottled in late winter – early spring, production is quite limited.”
These are the only listings in the USA for the large formats!
Beautiful, bold and textured.
Villa Symposia Pezenas L’origine, Languedoc 2013 750ML ($39.95) $33 special
Wine Advocate 93 points “The terrific 2013 Pézenas l’Origine shows the hallmark spice-laced perfume of this appellation. Lots of red fruits, crushed flowers, spice and violet nuances give way to a medium-bodied, elegant and sweetly fruited 2013 that has fine tannin and a seamless, sexy texture. Drink this beauty anytime over the coming 5-6 years.”
Arriving Friday, Hot Already
Perrier-Jouet Belle Epoque – Fleur de Champagne Brut, Champagne 2011 750ML ($179.95) $108 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Perrier-Jouet Belle Epoque – Fleur de Champagne Brut, Champagne 2011 750ML ($959.95) $599 pre-arrival special (that’s only $99.83/bottle!)
Wine Enthusiast 94 points “Always a light, ethereal style of wine, this is also very fresh and still young. It will age with its taut minerality from the Chardonnay in the blend. A softer background will become toasty over the next few years. The vintage date on this bottle is 200 years after the foundation of this producer. Drink from 2021.”
Walla Walla’s Hottest Winery?
Are the wines good? Well, Reynvaan now has a waiting list, but we are a proud authorized and long-time dealer (since the ’08 vintage!) of these highly exclusive wines. Stylistically they’re most similar to Cayuse (which makes sense, as Christophe Baron consulted on the early vintages) with wines that show earthy and savory notes along with their full fruit. The wines are limited, though, so if you’re looking to stock up on the highly lauded 2016 vintage, you should do so quickly.
In Stock Now:
Reynvaan Family Vineyards ‘The Classic’ Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley 2016 750ML ($89.95) $79 special
Jeb Dunnuck 97 points “The 2016 The Classic checks in as 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 13% Petit Verdot, and the balance Cabernet Franc. This ruby/plum-colored effort offers up an awesome bouquet of blackcurrants, tobacco leaf, truffle, tapenade, and damp earth that changes and develops beautifully with time in the glass. It’s elegant, seamless and light on its feet, yet also powerful and textured. It’s brilliant Cabernet Sauvignon from this estate to drink over the coming 15-20+ years.”
Reynvaan Family Vineyards Stonessence Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2016 750ML ($149.95) $119 special
Jeb Dunnuck 98 points “The 2016 Syrah Estate Stonessence (100% Syrah) is similarly purple-colored and has a gamier, more exotic profile. Plums, blackberries, blueberries, cured meats, ground pepper, and iron notes all flow to a powerful, medium to full-bodied Syrah that has a singular, layered character. It shows the more elegant, seamless style of the vintage and is a beautiful, beautiful wine. Bravo!”
Reynvaan Family Vineyards ‘The Contender’ Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2016 750ML ($99.95) $89 special
Jeb Dunnuck 96 points “The 2016 Syrah Estate The Contender from this terrific estate checks in as 95% Syrah and 5% Marsanne that was mostly destemmed (there’s 35% stems) and aged 18 months in barrel. Black raspberries, plums, toasted spice, ground pepper and decaying flower notes all emerge from this incredibly elegant, seamless Syrah that shines for its complexity, elegance, and richness. With plenty of tannins and impeccable balance, it’s approachable today yet will keep for 10-15 years with no issues.”
Reynvaan Family Vineyards ‘Foothills in the Sun’ Reserve Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2016 750ML ($89.95) $79 special
Jeb Dunnuck 96 points “The 2016 Syrah Estate Foothills Reserve is a selection from the estate vineyard and was aged 11 months in neutral oak followed by 13 months in bottle. Deep purple-colored, with terrific notes of blackberries, smoked earth, graphite, cedarwood, and salted meats, it hits the palate with slightly more structure and tannin than the straight In The Hills Release, yet has terrific balance, no hard edges, and a great finish. It needs 2-3 years of bottle age, but this elegant, classic Syrah from Reynvaan will see its 15th birthday in fine form.”
Reynvaan Family Vineyards In The Hills Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2016 750ML ($89.95) $79 special
Jeb Dunnuck 95 points “From a vineyard located near the estate and a blend of 95% Syrah and 5% Viognier that saw 25% stems, the deep purple-colored 2016 Syrah Estate In The Hills has a Côte Rôtie-like perfume of red and black raspberries, spring flowers, and smoky, meaty notes. It’s softer and more sweetly fruited and sexy than the Rocks-driven Syrahs, has full-bodied richness, ripe tannins, and a beautiful finish.”
Reynvaan Family Vineyards In The Rocks Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2016 750ML ($99.95) $89 special
Jeb Dunnuck 97 points “Made from 95% Syrah and 5% Viognier, all from the Rocks region of Walla Walla, the 2016 Syrah Estate In The Rocks is slightly deeper colored than the Contender release and has an incredibly complete, balanced style that checks in near the top of the vintage. Blackberries, ground pepper, olive, and smoked meat notes give way to a medium to full-bodied, ultra-fine, pure Syrah that has a terrific mid-palate, superb balance, and a great, great finish. Reminding me of a mature Hermitage with its aromatic style and complexity, it’s great today and will be great in 15 years.”
“Yes, this is the Saar and Florian Lauer is currently one of the greatest winemakers in this sacred place.
“Florian’s general style is exactly the opposite of his famous Saar neighbors Egon Müller and Hanno Zilliken. At Lauer, the focus is on dry-tasting Rieslings as opposed to the residual sugar wines of the latter two. Employing natural-yeast fermentations, Lauer’s wines find their own balance. They tend to be more textural, deeper and more masculine. They have a preternatural sense of balance, an energy that is singular. Yet the hallmarks of the Saar are there: purity, precision, rigor, mineral.
“Florian’s playground is the breathtaking hillside of the Kupp… Though the many vineyards of this mountain were unified (obliterated?) under the single name “Kupp” with the 1971 German wine law, it has been Florian’s life’s work to keep the old vineyard names alive, to keep these voices alive. He has been fighting this fight since his first vintage in 2005 and only with an update to the law in 2014 can he now legally use the older vineyard names such as Unterstenberg, Stirn, Kern and Neuenberg.” –Vom Boden
Highlights From Lauer, In Stock Now:
Peter Lauer Fass 2 Riesling Extra Trocken, Mosel 2017 750ML ($31.95) $26 special
Stuart Pigott-jamessuckling.com 91-92 points “Although this is a serious Saar riesling for the acid hounds, it has plenty of smoky and candied-citrus character. Generous substance, too. Better from 2019.”
Wine Spectator 95 points “Hot Wine. Features a surprising amount of expression packed into a light frame. This very minerally white is elegant, showing beautiful harmony throughout. Refined flavors of clementine, Bosc pear, quince and elderflower are offset by a bright structure. Intense, but not overripe, with focused acidity, plenty of slate and mineral notes, and a finish filled with hints of pepper and chamomile. Drink now through 2031.”
Stuart Pigott-jamessuckling.com 94 points “This smells of lemon curd, but that only gives a vague idea of the wonderfully subtle aromas of this wine. Rich and creamy on the palate, yet so fresh and lively with a vibrant, very uplifting finish. Drink or hold.”
Stuart Pigott-jamessuckling.com 94 points “Tropical and creamy, but it also shows a very firm core — Kern means core in German. This is another stunningly original wine from Peter Lauer. A lot of power at the finish. Drink or hold.”
Mosel Fine Wines 93 points “The 2017er Kern Fass 9 comes from old vines in a prime south-west-facing part of the original Ayler Kupp hill situated well into the side valley and was fermented down to almost fruity levels (40 g/l of residual sugar). It offers a delicately vibrant nose of candied grapefruit, cassis, lemon zest, ginger and fine herbs. The wine is beautifully focused and just fruity-styled on the palate and leaves a vibrant feel of zesty acidity and bitter lemon in the long and delicately tart finish. This is a beautiful expression of fully off-dry tasting Riesling in the making! 2022-2032.”
Mosel Fine Wines 93 points “The 2017er Ayler Kupp Kabinett Fass 8 was made from fruit harvested at a comparatively low 80° Oechsle on the original Kupp hill. It offers a superb nose of candied grapefruit, lemon zest, cassis, white flowers and chalky minerals, all wrapped into some residual scents from its spontaneous fermentation. The wine develops the presence of a beautiful Spätlese but with the light-footed and focused structure of a Kabinett on the palate. The finish is vibrant, pure, precise, fruit-driven and above all incredibly persistent and deliciously fruity and tart. This stunning expression of fruity Riesling will prove irresistible at maturity. 2027-2042.”
Stuart Pigott-jamessuckling.com 92 points “A strong Kabinett but also a very vibrant one. This has wonderful lemony freshness at the long finish. A great wine for spicy food. Drink now or in 2019 and 2020.”
Stuart Pigott-jamessuckling.com 93-94 points “Still a bit compact and monolithic, but there’s excellent ripeness. A long finish with cool, wet stones and lemons. Better from 2019, but it also shows long-term aging potential.”
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 92-93 points “The 2017 Ayler Kupp Neuenberg Riesling “Fass 17″ offers a deep, pure and flinty bouquet with floral and stony aromas and beautiful mineral freshness. Piquant and lush on the palate, this is a light to medium-bodied, very pure and mineral Riesling with refreshing acidity. The wine has a stimulatingly grippy finish with lush tropical fruit in the aftertaste. Excellent. Tasted March 2018.”
Mosel Fine Wines 92 points “The 2017er Ayler Kupp Neuenberg Fass 17 comes from this prime Lieu-Dit forming the south-southwest facing, central part of the original Kupp and was fermented down to just off-dry levels (13 g/l of residual sugar). It offers a slightly ripe nose made of mirabelle, vineyard peach, apricot blossom, gooseberry and a hint of licorice wrapped into some herbs and smoky slate. The wine develops the presence of a dry-tasting Auslese with great tension between spicy flavors and a creamy structure on the palate. The finish is multi-layered, smooth, delicately zesty and hugely complex. A hint of power in the after-taste is still in need of integration. 2020-2032.”
Stuart Pigott-jamessuckling.com 95 points “Not for the faint of heart, this has a magical nose of dew-laden herbs and wet stones. A breathtakingly balance of bright mineral acidity, juicy citrus and a slew of herbal character. Amazing intensity at the finish. Better from 2019, but it should hold for a couple of decades.”
Mosel Fine Wines 93 points “The 2017er Stirn Fass 15 comes from the prime south-west-facing, upper-front part of the original Ayler Kupp hill and was fermented down to almost fruity levels (40 g/l of residual sugar). This offers a gorgeous nose of candied grapefruit zest, greengage, mirabelle, herbs and spices. The wine develops the full fruity vibrancy of a light Spätlese on the mouthwatering palate, where zesty acidity mingles with gorgeous citrusy fruits and a nice touch of fruity sweetness. A floral side adds to the elegance and vibrancy of the finish. The after-taste is tart and driven by candied grapefruit and delicately bitter lemon. This only needs a few years to integrate its sweetness and shine. 2022-2037.”
Rich, Bold and Dramatic:
Vincent Paris’ 2017’s
He makes several wines from Cornas and we’re pleased we get to offer the range, but today’s offerings are based around some other, slightly more obscure bottlings from the master. First off, the domaine St. Joseph bottling, which comes in as a slightly more delicate counterpoint to the powerful Cornas that he produces. We also have Paris’ negociant Crozes-Hermitage arriving, a delightful Syrah at an even better price, made with all the care and love you’d expect.
The 2017 versions of both of these wines remind us of 2015 or 2011—bigger, bolder versions with great fruit intensity. ’17 is shaping up to be yet another fantastic year, especially at the lower end of the scale. Appellations like Crozes and St. Joseph are bigger and more powerful—more reminiscent of Cornas or Cote Rotie than usual. Vincent Paris’ versions of both drink well above their price point (again) and show off why he’s considered to be such a superstar in the Northern Rhone (and at much lower prices than his Cornas).
Arriving Friday, June 28th:
Domaine Vincent Paris Cornas Granit 30, Rhone 2017 750ML ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
Jeb Dunnuck 91-93 points “The 2017 Cornas Granit 30 shows a fresher, elegant, polished style as well as perfumed notes of black raspberries, crème de cassis, crushed violets, and hints of bouquet garni. Floral, elegant, and medium-bodied, it’s just a pretty, elegant, juicy wine that’s going to benefit from short-term cellaring and drink nicely for a decade.”
Domaine Vincent Paris Cornas Granit 60, Rhone 2017 750ML ($69.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Jeb Dunnuck 93-95+ points “Similar colored, the 2017 Cornas Granit 60 comes from further up the slope and older vines. It offers a deeper, richer bouquet of black and blue fruits, smoked earth, violets, and ground pepper. Deep, full-bodied, thrillingly pure and elegant, yet still with classic Cornas density, power, and length, it’s another gem of a wine from this incredibly talented winemaker.”
Domaine Vincent Paris Cornas La Geynale, Rhone 2017 750ML ($79.95) $69 pre-arrival special
Jeb Dunnuck 94-96 points “The 2017 Cornas Geynale is the only wine in the lineup to not be destemmed and it comes all from the La Geynale lieu-dit. Deep saturated purple-colored, with beautiful notes of blackcurrants, smoked herbs, earth, pepper, and tons of meatiness, it’s certainly the most classic in style, as well as structured and tannic. Give this full-bodied beauty 2-4 years of bottle age and it’s going to drink nicely for 10-15 years or more. It’s an awesome wine for the true Cornas lovers out there.”
Already Arrived, In Stock Now:
Domaine Vincent Paris Saint-Joseph Les Cotes, Rhone 2017 750ML ($37.95) $28 special
Wine Advocate 92-94 points “Don’t overlook Paris’s outstanding 2017 Saint Joseph Les Cotes. It combines blueberries, espresso and pepper in a medium to full-bodied format that’s supported by silky, fine-grained tannins and plenty of length. Like previous vintages, it’s approachable young, but it should have the stuffing to age up to a decade.”
Vincent Paris Crozes-Hermitage Selection, Rhone 2017 750ML ($29.95) $24 special
The Cote de Francs is a hotbed for top value Bordeaux and Puygeraud is at the top of the class. Rich, dense and powerful with enough polish to make it immediately accessible, this is a top flight bottling that takes full advantage of a great year like 2016. We’ve bought up all we could get our hands on and are excited to offer this to you today—it’s a fantastic wine at a nearly unbelievable price.
Arriving ETA November:
Chateau Puygueraud, Cotes de Francs 2016 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Chateau Puygueraud, Cotes de Francs 2016 750ML ($299.95) $228 pre-arrival special (that’s only $19/bottle!)
James Suckling 94 points “This is so good! I want to drink it now. Iodine, mushrooms, dark fruit and orange peel on the nose and palate. Full-bodied, yet polished and fresh. Lovely tension A blend of 80 per cent merlot, 15 per cent cabernet franc and five per cent malbec.”
