Vinopolis Newsletter – Monday 1/22/2024

Arriving Friday
 
 

 

Manfred and Katarina Prum make some of the finest and most sought after wines of the middle-Mosel. Their wines are high-wire acts of tension between fruit and intense minerality and display their terroir in the most expressive way.  Part of this is that their parcels have lots of old, ungrafted vines and part of it is spontaneous fermentation and whatever magic the Prum family uses in the cellar.  No matter what, these are always some of the finest and longest lived wines in Germany.

 

JJ Prum Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Spatlese, Mosel, Germany 2022 750ml $49 special, 12 bottles available
James Suckling 95 Points “This reminds me so much of English hedgerows in summer with their diversity of flowers, berries and herbs. Cool and elegant in spite of the impressive ripeness on the medium-bodied palate. Very polished through the impeccably balanced, subtle finish. Hard to believe that analytically this must have a significant amount of grape sweetness, because it’s almost invisible. Drink or hold.”
 
JJ Prum Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Auslese, Mosel, Germany 2022 750ml $69 special, 12 bottles available
James Suckling 97 Points “This very concentrated and super-elegant riesling Auslese is still tightly-wound. However, it already has a very wide spectrum of subtle yellow fruit and wild flower aromas. Terrific structure behind the rich, but still medium-bodied palate. Incredibly long, slatey finish with staggering freshness that pulls you back for more of this Mosel masterpiece. Drinkable now, but best from 2025.”
 
JJ Prum Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett, Mosel, Germany 2022 750ml $49 special, 18 bottles available
James Suckling 95 Points “This very concentrated and super-elegant riesling Auslese is still tightly-wound. However, it already has a very wide spectrum of subtle yellow fruit and wild flower aromas. Terrific structure behind the rich, but still medium-bodied palate. Incredibly long, slatey finish with staggering freshness that pulls you back for more of this Mosel masterpiece. Drinkable now, but best from 2025.”
 
JJ Prum Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Spatlese, Mosel, Germany 2022 750ml $56 special, 12 bottles available
James Suckling 96 Points “Striking nose of garden herbs with just a hint wet earth underlining the delicate white tree fruit aromas. Stunning concentration and energy on the super-straight medium-bodied palate. Very long, almost perfectly balanced finish that is surprising for this category at this early stage in the wine’s development. Great slate expression. Drink or hold.”
 
JJ Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese, Mosel, Germany 2022 375ml $49 special, 12 bottles available
James Suckling 97 Points “Still very youthful on the nose, this is crammed with ripe peach, plus more delicate notes of pineapple and mangosteen. It’s a minor miracle that this kind of concentration can be packed into such a sleek, medium-bodied palate. What an amazing mouthfeel this has thanks to the seamless integration of slatey acidity and ripeness. Very long finish with spot-on balance. Drinkable now, but best from 2025.”
 
JJ Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese, Mosel, Germany 2022 750ml $75 special, 6 bottles available
James Suckling 97 Points “Still very youthful on the nose, this is crammed with ripe peach, plus more delicate notes of pineapple and mangosteen. It’s a minor miracle that this kind of concentration can be packed into such a sleek, medium-bodied palate. What an amazing mouthfeel this has thanks to the seamless integration of slatey acidity and ripeness. Very long finish with spot-on balance. Drinkable now, but best from 2025.”
 
JJ Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett, Mosel, Germany 2022 750ml $56 special, 18 bottles available
James Suckling 96 Points ” Here is a great Mosel Kabinett that needs a bit more time to show what it is really made of. Still very young with a pronounced yeasty character that slowly recedes with aeration, but the white peach and honeysuckle aromas that emerge are stunning. Extremely vibrant and precise, the slatey acidity making this fabulously graceful. As pure as an Alpine stream running with glacier water. Drinkable now, but best from 2025.”
 
JJ Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Spatlese, Mosel, Germany 2022 750ml $59 special, 12 bottles available
James Suckling 96 Points “Here’s a very classic Mosel Spatlese with exactly the combination of richness, elegance and delicacy that makes this category unique. Such delicate white peach and sliced pear, rose and honeysuckle aromas. Very long finish that is as succulent as it is refined. You just want to linger there for as long as you can. Drink or hold.”

 
We have 499 Rieslings (Yes, you read that right!) to peruse on our website. Check them out!
 
New Arrivals
 

   
Domaine Eric & Joel Durand
 

Eric & Joel Durand Cornas Empreintes, Rhone 2020 750ml $44.50 special, 12 bottles available
Jeb Dunnuck 96 Points “More density and depth, as well as precision, emerge from the 2020 Cornas Empreintes, a smaller production cuvée from 30-year-old vines. Its deep purple hue is followed by a beautiful perfume of black and blue fruits, bloody meat, pepper, and spring flowers. I love its focus and length on the palate, and it’s medium to full-bodied, with plenty of tannins, a great mid-palate, and a salty, bloody finish that keeps you coming back to the glass. It’s a “wow” Cornas for sure.”

  

Importer’s Notes “The wines remain as good as ever: this is Gamay in its purest form, from some of the very best terroirs in the Beaujolais region. The newly arrived 2022 is a pleasure bomb, chock-full of silky ripe fruit, earthy tones, and a stimulating juicy energy.”

 

 
Azelia Barolo DOCG, Piedmont 2016 750ml $49 special, 6 bottles available
James Suckling 94 Points “This is an ultra-fine Barolo with cherries, spice, cedar and hints of dried flowers on the nose and palate. It’s full-bodied, yet reserved, very caressing and fine-grained. A thoroughly beautiful young 2016. Drink or hold.”
Vinous 93 Points “Azelia’s 2016 Barolo is a blend of fruit from two parcels in Castiglione Falletto and five in Serralunga, with the Character of Serralunga especially felt in the wine’s tannic grip and persistence. Iron, sage, mint, smoke and wild cherry give the Barolo striking aromatic nuance and complexity, all in the mid-weight style that is such a signature at this address. The purity of the fruit is just striking. Stated simply, this is a tremendous wine in its peer group.”
 
Cusumano Nero d’Avola IGT, Sicily 2020 750ml $16 special, 24 bottles available
James Suckling 91 Points “Nice, fruity red with lots of fresh red and black berry aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied with a balanced, fruity palate and just a hint of firmness at the end. Drink now.”

 

 

Espectacle always has the floral expression and the elegance of this unique vineyard in Montsant. Starting in 2022, Christian Barbier, who is leading the regenerative viticulture in the Priorat/Montsant zone, will be in charge of the viticulture here.
Espectacle Del Montsant, Monsant 2020 750ml $135 special, 28 bottles available
Wine Advocate 97 Points “The 2020 Espectacle del Montsant has 15% alcohol, lower than the two previous vintages despite being a warmer year, and it has power and concentration (from the weather and the low yields from mildew), reaching a good concentration with freshness, which is the key to having a balanced 2020. The wine is floral, and the profile of fruit is more primary. It also has abundant, fine-grained tannins that are going to require some more time in bottle.”

 

 
Burklin Wolf Gaisbohl Riesling Monopol G.C., Mosel 2021 750ml $89 special, 9 bottles available
Stuart Pigott (Suckling) 96 Points  “What a fragrant nose this has! Effusive Amalfi lemon and ripe yellow grapefruit aromas. Concentrated and beautifully balanced, this really stands out due to the finesse and polish on the generous palate. Long, silky finish in spite of healthy acidity. From biodynamically grown grapes. Vegan. Drink or hold.”

 
Re-Arrivals
 

 
Hundred Suns
 

 

Hundred Suns Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir 2021 750ml $39 special, 25 bottles in stock now
Winery note “This Pinot Noir consists of 20% Koosah Vineyard and 80% Big Cheese Vineyard, planted on rocky, volcanic soils and cooled by Pacific Ocean breezes.”
Decanter 94 points “Made with 35% whole cluster, this wine exudes that Eola-Amity spiciness—aromatics of violets accented by white pepper and exotic spice. The palate is rich and lushly fruited, all the while complemented with savoury dried herbs, pomegranate, a core of concentrated blue fruits and a richness and power to the finish.”
International Wine Report 93 points “The 2021 Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir is fermented with 35% whole cluster and aged for 11 months in French oak barrels. Showcasing a medium ruby-purple core with a silvery rim in the glass, it contributes aromas and flavors of blueberry compote, early gray tea, red grapefruit zest, sweet cinnamon stick, and wet earth. Balanced tannins and acidity aid in the smooth and lively finish that goes on for minutes.”
 
ALSO AVAILABLE FROM HUNDRED SUNS:

Hundred Suns “Old Eight Cut” Chardonnay, Willamette Valley 2022 750ml $31.90 special, 26 bottles in stock now
Winery note “The Old Eight Cut refers to a diamond cut dating back to the 1400s using simple tools and few cuts to enhance the natural brilliance of the stone without disguising its true nature… Hand-harvested on the 13th and 14th of October, the whole bunches were pressed gently and sent to tank to begin their wild yeast fermentation. Once initiated, the wines were moved to French oak barrels to finish fermentation and were then bottled without filtration one year later.”
 
Hundred Suns “Old Eight Cut” Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2022 750ml $31.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Winery note “The Old Eight Cut refers to a diamond cut dating back to the 1400s using simple tools and few cuts to enhance the natural brilliance of the stone without disguising its true nature. 2022 was a year of contrasts. A cool, wet spring punctuated with frost set back the harvest. Warm summer days and a beautiful fall enabled our dry farmed vineyards to reach maturity. Hand-harvested and fermented with wild yeast, this 20% whole cluster Pinot Noir is brimming with red fruits, succulent acidity, and a back bone of fine grain tannins that make this wine approachable but also age-worthy for the next ten years.”
 
Hundred Suns Gamay, Willamette Valley 2022 750ml $31.90 special, 20 bottles in stock now
Winery note “This year’s Gamay was grown at Tualatin Estate in soils mixed with deep sandstone, broken shale, clay, and basalt. Low-vigor vines set a modest crop, and the fruit was picked on October 17th. The fruit was separated into three fermentations: one fully destemmed and two lots of whole bunch. Treated in a traditional fashion, we let native yeast slowly finish fermentation. The wines were pressed and aged in a combination of 20% terracotta and 80% neutral barrels. This wine brims with spice, red cranberries, layers of perfumed licorice, and floral notes.”
  
Hundred Suns Bednarik Pinot Noir, Tualatin Hills 2021 750ml $49 special, 25 bottles in stock now
Winery note “Planted in marine sedimentary soil deep in the cool coastal foothills, this 6-acre, own-rooted vineyard was planted in 1988 by William Bednarik to Pommard and Wädenswil clones of Pinot Noir. A dry winter and warm spring led into a warm growing season ending with a dry fall. Handpicked on September 20th & 26th, the grapes were broken up into five lots with varying percentages of whole cluster. Grapes were fermented with indigenous yeast and aged in oak for 11 months. Then they were moved gently to bottle, unfined and unfiltered. Layered with ripe cranberries, sweet red fruits, and floral aromas that accompany the refined and silky palate.”

 
Shop for even more great Oregon wines on our website. Click me!
 

 
RH Coutier


 

R.H. Coutier Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut, Champagne NV 750ml $41.90 special, 36+ bottles available
Importer Note “Disgorged December 2022, base vintage 2019 60% + 40% reserves.”
Antonio Galloni 92 Points “[Review for 2022 release] The NV Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru is fabulous. Rich and quite dense, the Blanc de Blancs is decidedly powerful, maybe a bit more than usual. This release is based on 2018, and the richness of the year really comes through in the wine’s layered, expansive feel. Tangerine oil, lemon confit, white flowers, spice and chamomile build effortlessly. This is an especially heady, vinous Champagne with all the elements very much in balance.”
 
R.H. Coutier Grand Cru Brut Rose, Champagne NV 750ml $43.50 special, 21 bottles available
Importer Note “Disgorged February 2023, base vintage 2019 60% + 40% reserves.”
Wine Spectator 91 Points “[Reviewed in 2020 for a prior disgorgement] A pure note of macerated cherry is backed by a firm acidity in this lively rosé Champagne, while a subtle, smoky underpinning and hints of pink grapefruit peel and grated ginger ride the creamy bead.”
 
R.H. Coutier Cuvee Tradition Grand Cru Brut, Champagne NV 750ml $39 special, 36+ bottles available
Importer Note “Disgorged February 2022, base 2017 60% + 40% reserves.”
Wine & Spirits 91 Points “[Review for 2022 disgorgement] The Coutier family blends 20 percent chardonnay into the pinot noir for this cuvée, all of it estate grown in the grand cru village of Ambonnay. The wine balances tart lemon and lime scents with notes of sourdough starter and rhubarb. Almost cakey in its richness, this has the limestone acidity to cut through rich foods, whether seared foie gras or braised short ribs.”

 
L. Aubry
 

Aubry Premier Cru Brut, Champagne NV 750ml $39.50 special, 13 bottles available
Aubry Brut Premier Cru Brut, Champagne NV 1.5L $119 special, 6 bottles available
Jeb Dunnuck “The NV Champagne Brut pours a copper-straw color and is the classic blend for this cuvée of 40% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir, 20% Meunier with a small amount of Arbanne, Petit Meslier, and Fromenteau, with 60% from 2020 and the remainder reserve wines back to 1998. Ripe with aromas of tropical fruit, it opens to notes of ripe mango, candied orange, fresh bread, and ginger. Medium-bodied, it is focused, with a delicate mousse and a clean, chalky texture. Versatile and charming, it’s ready for drinking now or over the coming 6-8 years.”
Importer Note “Cépage 40% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir, 20% Meunier, 5% Arbanne, Petit Meslier and Fromenteau. Anticipated assemblage 60% 2020, 40% reserve wine back to 1998. Village/vyd: Jouy-lès-Reims 1er Cru, Villedommange 1er Cru, Pargny-lès-Reims 1er Cru, Coulommes-la-Montagne 1er Cru. Elevage: Mostly stainless steel with a portion of the Chardonnay aged in used barrique.”
 
Aubry Premier Cru Brut Rose, Champagne NV 750ml $59 special, 12 bottles available
Jeb Dunnuck “The NV Champagne Brut Rosé pours a very pale salmon hue, with a floral bouquet of rose petal, bread dough, fresh peach, and cantaloupe. The palate is zippy and medium-bodied, with an approachable and refreshing nature, offering grapefruit zest with a saline touch. This is a pretty wine and a great value with a springy feel.”

 

 

Pieropan Soave, Veneto 2022 750ml $18 special, 24 bottles available
James Suckling 92 Points “Brothers Dario, the oenologist and Andrea, the agronomist, are responsible for more than 70ha of proprietary vineyards across both volcanic and limestone sites, while championing the indigenous varieties, Garganega and Trebbiano di Soave. Telltale aromas of white pepper, jasmine and ripe orchard fruit accents. While this is a blend from a litany of sites, each is vinified separately before blending. A fine smoky plume across an effortless, tenacious finish. A delicious, easygoing and highly fidelitous expression of the region.”
Wine Advocate 92 Points “This elegant wine is a classic and standard bearer of Soave. It shines with aromas of ripe Fuji apple, orange blossom, marzipan and lemon oil. Cool and crisp on the palate as if biting into a perfect apple, this wine shines with amazing textural depth and finishes with vibrant acidity.”

 
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Paul Hobbs George Menini Estate Chardonnay, Russian River Valley 2020 750ml $69 special, 20 bottles available
Jeb Dunnuck 95 Points “The 2020 Chardonnay George Menini Estate is lifted with fresh tarragon, flint, and candied green apple. The palate is all about its chalky mineral texture and vibrant energy. Not to confuse this with losing balance or feeling underripe, it has plenty of fruit, with lemon confit, fresh green apple, and a touch of warming baking spice. Allow another year or two in cellar and drink 2023-2034.”
Wine Advocate 95 Points “The 2020 Chardonnay George Menini Estate is the first iteration of this single-vineyard wine from Paul Hobbs, from a vineyard that he recently purchased. Previously an apple orchard, it was planted to 39 acres of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in 2015, mostly with heritage selections like Wente and Hudson. The vines are dry farmed in classic Goldridge soils. “The newer vineyards that I purchase are in cooler pockets, so I don’t have to acidulate,” Hobbs explains. “It has become a hallmark in the quest for vineyards, and the need to dry farm.” Matured for 15 months in 30% new oak, it has very pretty scents of white peach, honey, crushed almonds and flint. The light-bodied palate is silky with expansive flavors foiled by focused acidity, and it finishes with a touch of anchoring textural grip. 491 cases produced.”
 
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Raen Lady Marjorie Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast 2021 750ml $59 special, 6 bottles available
James Suckling 97 Points “Aromas of dried pineapple, cooked apple, white peach, flint and white peach skin. Full-bodied and very structured, with a quartz, rock and stone character and phenolic, chewy mouthfeel. White flowers at the end. New wine honoring Carlo and Dante Mondavi’s grandmother. A tiny vineyard not far from Charles Ranch. Drinkable, but better in two or three years.”
Jeb Dunnuck 94 Points “Medium gold-colored, the 2021 Chardonnay Lady Marjorie is fresh and layered with Meyer lemon curd, ripe golden apple, and cardamom. Medium to full-bodied, it has a fresh mineral texture with saline earth and a balance of savory flowers of chamomile, rocky earth, and salted pineapple. It’s long on the palate with a good balance of richness and driving mineral tension. Drink 2024-2034.”
 
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“The Vineyard 29 ’29 Estate’ vineyard is located just north of the town of St. Helena, on an eastern facing slope at the base of the Mayacamas mountain range which forms the western boundary of the Napa Valley.” –Winery Note
Vineyard 29 Aida Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2019 750ml $219 special, 10 bottles available
Jeb Dunnuck 98 Points “Another magical wine in the lineup, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Aida Estate is just about all Cabernet with 2% Cabernet Franc, raised 20 months in 80% new barrels. Pure crème de cassis, truffly earth, lead pencil, new leather, and herbes de Provence-like notes define this rich, concentrated, full-bodied, yet utterly seamless 2019. It shows the layered, ripe, opulent style of the vintage and is going to cruise for 20-25 years in cold cellar. 520 cases.”
Wine Advocate 95+ Points “While I adored the Turley Petite Syrahs (yes, that’s how they were labeled) sourced from this vineyard, it’s hard to argue with the Cabernet Sauvignon that replaced those old vines. Vaguely smoky, with layers of dark fruit—black cherries, plums, cassis and blueberries—framed by lavish vanilla and cedar notes, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Aida Estate is full-bodied and expansive in the mouth, richly textured and tannic, with a long, velvety finish. It should begin drinking well in a few years and continue to do so for up to two decades.”
 
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“A symbolic representation of the passion and dedication that Chuck and Anne McMinn have bestowed upon their prized vineyards. Both a blend of their vineyards, as well as their names, CEANDA stands tall as a beautiful new addition to the Vineyard 29 family. ” –Winery Note
Vineyard 29 Ceanda Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2018 750ml $119 special, 9 bottles available
Jeb Dunnuck 95 Points “Another St. Helena release, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Ceanda checks in as 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot and Merlot, all brought up in French oak. Black fruits, chocolaty herbs, graphite, violets, and acacia flower notes all emerge from the glass, and it hits the palate with a seamless, elegant texture, ultra-fine tannins, no hard edges, and a great finish. I’d be thrilled to drink a bottle any time over the coming 20 years or more.”
Antonio Galloni 94 Points “The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon 29 Estate Ceanda is absolutely gorgeous. Medium in body and so refined, the Ceanda is wonderfully expressive today. Silky tannins and lifted aromatics lend finesse to a Cabernet that marries fruit richness with energy so well. The 2018 Ceanda is also a terrific example of the style at Vineyard 29 today, which represents a move away from the blockbuster, flamboyant wines of the past. All the elements are so nicely balanced. Ripe dark cherry, lavender, spice and menthol build into the delineated finish.”
 
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Domaine Collotte is an all-time favorite Burgundy producer at Vinopolis. They are very famous for their Marsannay Roses, but these red are seriously delicious and a fantastic value.
Collotte Bourgogne Rouge Noble Souche 2021, Côte de Nuits 750ml $21.90 special, 20 bottles available
Case of 12 bottles Collotte Bourgogne Rouge Noble Souche, Côte de Nuits 2021 750ml $239 special, 3 cases available
Importer’s Note “Sustainable. 100% Pinot Noir. A wine produced from a “noble vine,” planted in 1947 on cailloux soil from Champforeys. Entirely destemmed followed by slow fermentation with five days premaceration. Aged for 11 months, with 90% of the cuvée aged in stainless steel tank. A lovely, subtlety rich Côte de Nuits wine.”
 
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Collotte Chambolle-Musigny Vielle Vignes, Côte de Nuits 2021 750ml $54.50 special, 18 bottles available
Importer’s Note “A superb and beautiful wine with an ample and expressive bouquet. Supremely silky tannins and endless red fruit flavors on the palate. It’s a relatively firm offering for a Chambolle, but its layered complexity and gracefulness carry the day.”
 
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Domaine Rapet et Fils Les Greves, Beaune Premier Cru  2018 750ml $64.50 special, 9 bottles available
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 92+ Points “The 2018 Beaune 1er Cru Les Grèves is showing especially well, mingling aromas of cassis and cherries with hints of forest floor and burning embers. Medium to full-bodied, layered and lively, its deep core of fruit is underpinned by fine-grained tannins and lively acids. This will reward a bit of bottle age.”
Burghound 92 Points “Sweet Spot Outstanding. An admirably pure and fresh nose of liqueur-like red and dark berries possesses even more evident floral elements along with plenty of warm earth influence. The ultra-refined mid-palate of the bigger-bodied flavors adds a sense of elegance to the balanced, long and impressively complex finish. This powerful effort is excellent though it’s clearly one to buy and cellar as it’s sufficiently firm to require extended bottle age.”
 
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Domaine Rapet Pere et Fils Les Cent Vignes, Beaune Premier Cru 2018 750ml $49 special. 3 bottles available
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 92 Points “More reserved than the exuberant Bressandes, Rapet’s 2018 Beaune 1er Cru Les Cents Vignes unfurls in the glass with notes of cherries, raspberries, spices and rich soil tones. Medium to full-bodied, velvety and succulent, this has promising aging potential.”
Burghound 91 Points “Outstanding. This too is attractively fresh with its nicely layered mix of red and dark raspberry, earth, spice and soft floral hints. The supple, plump and seductively textured medium weight flavors coat the palate with sappy dry extract that also buffers the firm tannic spine shaping the firm, dusty and serious finish. This fine Beaune will definitely need a few years of cellaring to soften the structure and render it more pliant.”
 
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Domaine Rapet Pere et Fils Aux Fourneaux, Savigny-les-Beaune Premier Cru 2019 750ml $36 special, 5 bottles available
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 88+ Points “Offering up scents of plums, blackcurrants, peonies and spices, the 2019 Savigny-lès-Beaune [Aux Fournaux] is medium to full-bodied, with a fleshy core of fruit and youthfully chalky structuring tannins. It’s a touch more rustic than the refined Pernand-Vergelesses Belles Filles and Chorey-lès-Beaune that preceded it.”
 
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Collector’s Corner
 
Wonderful Winter Wines
 

Need something to fight the cold during these long winter months? Well, these big and bold reds will warm your bones and bring a smile to your face!
 

 

Dal Forno Romano Vigneto Monte Lodoletta, Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG, Italy 2015 750ml $399 special, 12 bottles available
James Suckling 100 Points “This is black as pitch in the glass and, yes, there’s a light, tarry edge to the super-concentrated prune, date and currant fruit. But even more interesting are the complex notes of bitter-orange liqueur, aged balsamic, fresh roasting herbs, cinnamon, roasted chestnuts, black tea and licorice. The more you decant in advance, the more nuances will emerge. It’s full-boded with huge concentration and lots of chewy tannin that is managing to hold the fruit back for now. This needs plenty of time to develop in the bottle. Just superb. One of the greatest Dal Forno’s ever.”
 
Gaja Conteisa, Barolo DOCG, Italy 2015 750ml $249 special, 6 bottles available
Wine & Spirits 98 Points “From the La Morra side of the Cerequio MGA, the 2015 is deeply resonant, its dark fruit tones layered with notes of cedar, tobacco and porcini. The Gaja family has worked extensively on canopy management since the warm 1997 and 2003 vintages, and this shows in the pleasantly tart flavors of black cherry and strawberry they achieved in the warm, dry 2015 growing season. The flavors weave together in a suave, seamless texture, expanding with air while maintaining precision and freshness. —S.J.”
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 97 Points “The 2015 Barolo Conteisa is a heady, exotic wine, and also one of the most complete, alluring Conteisas I have ever tasted. Conteisa is usually a wine of grace and understatement. The 2015, on the other hand, is a bold, sweeping Barolo that saturates the palate with stunning depth and volume. Even with all of its intensity, the 2015 remains vibrant. This is such a complete, harmonious wine.”
 
Casanova di Neri Cerretalto, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Italy 2012 750ml $379 special, 11 bottles available
Wine Spectator 98 Points “Flavors of medicinal herbs, juniper, macerated cherry, plum, tobacco and spice are the hallmarks of this intense red, which is ripe and concentrated, yet sleek and focused. Spice notes chime in on the long, minerally and firmly tannic finish. Best from 2023 through 2040.”
Wine Advocate 98 Points ” The 2012 Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto offers a prolonged, flowing and carefully massaged drinking experience that drapes over the senses with some studied intensity and lots of intriguing complexity. This wine nails that perfect balance between power and elegance (that elusive exchange that so many winemakers hope to achieve) with effortless precision. Bold cherry fruit and spice are tightly woven together. In the mouth, the wine shows texture, depth and succulence. Generally speaking, this is not my favorite vintage in Montalcino, but this wine suddenly made me forget that thought.”
 
Clos Apalta, Colchagua Valley, Chile 2017 750ml $149 special, 5 bottles available
James Suckling 100 Points “What a stunning nose of crushed berries, fresh flowers, sandalwood and light vineyard dust. Black olives, too. Very complex. Full-bodied with a beautiful, dense palate of blackberries, chocolate, walnuts and cigar box. Fantastic length and composure. The tannin just rolls over the palate. Very structured. The most classically structured wine ever from here. Goes on for minutes. Outrageous and so polished. A blend of 48% carmenere, 26% cabernet sauvignon, 25% merlot and 1% petit verdot. Try after 2025.”
 
Delas Freres Hermitage Les Bessards, Rhone, France 2019 750ml $219 special, 36+ bottles available
Jeb Dunnuck 99 Points “My favorite release from this estate is consistently their Les Bessards Hermitage, and their 2019 is no exception. Coming from the western part and pure broken granite soils on the west side of this magical hill, it sports a dense purple hue to go with a brilliant perfume of cassis, graphite, scorched earth, burning embers, spring flowers, and peppery herbs. Incredibly complex, layered, and nuanced, with classic Hermitage characteristics, it still stays firmly planted in the ripe, sunny, sexy vintage. Full-bodied, concentrated, and structured on the palate, it has a wealth of tannins, flawless balance, and a great finish. This is pure Hermitage magic that needs to be forgotten for 4-5 years and will evolve for 20-30 years in cold cellars. Hats off to the team at Delas for another incredible wine.”
Wine Spectator 97 Points “This is loaded with dark and winey plum sauce, blackberry paste and fig compote flavors that glide through over notes of warm earth, sweet tobacco and anise. A subtle singed alder hint infuses the finish, along with a flicker of violet, while the fruit takes an encore. This shows seriously hefty fruit matched with a terrific underpinning of terroir. For the cellar. Best from 2024 through 2039.”

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