Special Arrivals
Arriving Friday September 8th
“Racines”
We are delighted to present this remarkable collaboration between the scions from two of France’s most esteemed wineries: Étienne Montille of Burgundy’s Domaine de Montille and Rodolphe Péters of Champagne Pierre Peters. Inspired by their mutual love of travel, the two partners travelled all around Oregon and California searching for their first business venture outside of their own, but it was not until they walked the land and felt the cool air in the Santa Rita Hills, that they were inspired to put down roots.
The name they chose, Racines, literally means “Roots” in French and is the perfect distillation of what makes this winery so special: a pure and joyous celebration of Santa Rita Hill’s old vines, the cultural traditions of French wine, and the storied heritage of the producer’s families and Chateaus.
Many French vignerons have journeyed to the West looking for inspiration, or to sow their wine-making oats in a region of the world with less oversight and regulation, but Etienne and Rodolphe’s Californian project feels less like a rebellion and more like a re-dedication and refinement to the regions and influences that made them who they are today.
Presenting Racines: California wines with a French twist
Decanter 96 Points “This is the best American sparkling wine I’ve ever tasted. The 2019 vintage base also includes 25% reserve wines from the 2017 and 2018 harvests. This Grand Reserve Chardonnay made from the cool Santa Rita Hills is crafted with a Champagne pedigree, and it shows. This Blanc de Blancs from across renowned Santa Rita Hills vineyards has undeniable Old World charm and sophistication. The aromatics boast ample toasted biscuit notes and great yeasty complexity from the 30 months on lees. The palate has a fantastic depth of fruit, spiced pear, cardamom, nutmeg and bruised apples. There is a subtlety of savoury biscuits and hints of almond cream. Elegant, yet bold and wildly delicious.”
Vinous 94 Points “The NV Sparkling Wine Grand Reserve is the first release in Racines’ sparkling wine project, done in collaboration with Rodolphe Peters. The first thing about the Grand Reserve readers Central Coast need to know is that it is a serious wine that greatly benefits from aeration. In fact, it only improved over the several days I followed it in bottle. My initial impression, however, was far less positive. So patience is key. Rich, ample and creamy with air, the Grand Reserve shows the rich, phenolic, mineral side of Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay to great effect. Moreover, it has all the elements that are so often missing in the new wave of California sparkling wines, namely a fine mousse, good mid-palate depth and a long finish. The Racines sparkling wine is a work in progress, but the debut release is hugely promising.”
Decanter 96 Points “This Santa Rita Hills-focused label between Justin Willett and Étienne de Montille takes a ‘low and slow’ approach to the winemaking process, contrasting the relatively delicate, high-toned style of the Tyler wines. Pinot Noir at La Rinconada Vineyard tends to exude a burly and structured style, as is the case with the 2018 Racines bottling. Sourced from a plot just feet away from that which supplies Tyler, a savoury and soft nose introduces a weighty, wide and tannic showing that is built to last. Drinking Window 2022 – 2045.”
Decanter 95 Points “The historic Chardonnay parcel of original and own-rooted plantings dates back to 1971. These Chardonnay vines are the oldest vines in the Santa Rita Hills Racy, yet richly textured and effusively aromatic, this wine shows a serious old vine complexity and the coastal influence of Santa Barbara county terroir. Aromatics of bruised apples and petrichor are punctuated by notes of sea foam and smoke. The palate is energized by savoury briny citrus and crushed chalk. Electric acidity amplifies the wines mineral character with hints of smoke and crushed limestone with hints of grilled lime and green mango. A revelatory California Chardonnay.”
Racines Sanford & Benedict Pinot Noir 2020 750ml $115 special, 12 bottles availableDecanter 94 Points “Sanford & Benedict vineyard is the Santa Rita Hills’ highest calling for Pinot Noir grapes. Made from three parcels within the site, including some own-rooted vines from 1971. This Pinot Noir is indelibly marked by pungent and stirring floral aromatics accented by frankincense, leather and smoke. The palate shows a generosity of fruit, but a significant amount of the whole cluster gives this wine savoury edges. Notes of crushed basalt, thyme and wild sumac envelop a core of blue and red fruits. Clove, five-star anise and a hint of cassia bark accompany this wine through its finish, measured in 5-minute intervals.” Racines Sainte-Rose Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir 2020 750ml $79 special, 12 bottles availableDecanter 94 Points “From organic vineyards along the Santa Rosa Road corridor, this Pinot Noir from Racines is a straightforward cooler site Pinot Noir from Santa Rita Hills. Aromas of strawberry fruit leather give way to notes of turned earth and crushed black basalt. The palate is savoury, with underlying dried fruit flavors. Montmorency cherries, garden soil and clove, evolve into notes of savoury herbs and streaks of graphite minerality.” Racines Santa Rita Hills Chardonnay 2020 750ml $55 special, 36 bottles availableDecanter 93 Points “A wonderfully complex wine with ample texture. The Santa Rita Hills Cuvée is sourced from some of Santa Barbara’s top Chardonnay sites. The wine sees very little new oak and, as a result, shines forth with delicate brilliance—classically cool climate Chardonnay aromatics of soft white florals, crushed chalk and a touch of mint. The palate has verve and energy with savoury petrichor-driven minerality coming to the fore, followed on by bruised apples, a touch of cardamom and honey to finish adding depth and complexity along the way.” Racines Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir 2020 750ml $54.50 special, 24 bottles availableVinous 93 Points “The 2020 Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills Cuvée is a terrific introduction to the range. Crushed red berry fruit, mint, spice, rose petal and a touch of whole cluster savoriness are all beautifully delineated. This is such a gorgeous and expressive Pinot.” Racines Wenzlau Chardonnay 2020 750ml $89 special, 24 bottles availableDecanter 95 Points “Beguiling complexity, depth and beauty mark this outstanding Chardonnay from the Wenzlau Family Vineyard in the Sta Rita Hills. In a year when so many of California’s wine regions were devastated by smoke, this wine shows a fresh, airy poise—delicate and precise aromas of crushed chalk, petrichor, sweet white flower pollen and hints of seaspray. The palate is exquisite; a sophistication of flavors and textures collide. A savoury, briny minerality outlines apricot skin, early-season nectarine and subtle hints of bee pollen. The finish is fine, filigreed and fresh.” Vinous 94 Points “The 2020 Chardonnay Wenzlau Family Vineyard is one of the highlights in this range from Racines. Bright and dynamic, the 2020 is fresh, complex and also quite structured, making for a wonderfully complete wine that captures the essence of this rugged Sta. Rita Hills site. Readers should expect an intensely mineral, savory Chardonnay. I loved it.”
“Domaine de Montille, Burgundy”
The famed Domaine de Montille traces its history back to the eighteenth century. In the 1940’s, Hubert de Montille took the domain to previously unimaginable heights of repute, producing and bottling the wines they farmed instead of selling their fruit to negociants. Their wines became among the most highly sought after on the market, with a density and angularity that resembled the brashness of Hubert and needed time in the cellar to tame.
Etienne de Montille, the current proprietor, inheriting great business and ecological sense from his father, took the bold step of transitioning the vineyards toward organic and biodynamic farming in the 1990’s. Among the uncommon Burgundy estates that produces equally great white and red wines, the winemaking at de Montille has evolved over time to be less austere in their youth, but instead with a fresh and elegant style with terroir-transparency and a structure built to last.
Don’t Miss out! These Pre-Sales Are Going Fast
| Wine |
Price |
Reviews |
Bottles |
Link |
| Montille Beaune Greves 1er Cru 2020 750ml |
$115 |
Decanter 94 |
19 |
Link |
| Montille Beaune Sizies 1er Cru 2020 750ml |
$75 |
Decanter 93 |
20 |
Link |
| Montille Bourgogne Blanc 2020 750ml |
$36 |
|
24 |
Link |
| Montille Bourgogne Rouge 2020 750ml |
$38 |
|
18 |
Link |
| Montille Chablis 1er Cru Fourchaumes 2020 750ml |
$59 |
|
12 |
Link |
| Montille Bourg. Blanc Clos Puligny-Mont. 2020 750ml |
$39 |
|
36 |
Link |
| Montille Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru 2020 750ml |
$219 |
|
3 |
Link |
| Montille Corton Clos Du Roi 2020 750ml |
$249 |
|
7 |
Link |
| Montille Meursault Saint Christophe 2020 750ml |
$94.50 |
|
12 |
Link |
| Montille Meursault Poruzots 1er Cru 2019 750ml |
$125 |
|
1 |
Link |
| Montille Meursault Poruzots 1er Cru 2020 750ml |
$119 |
|
6 |
Link |
| Montille Monthelie Rouge Vin Nature 2020 750ml |
$39 |
|
24 |
Link |
| Montille Nuits St Georges Aux Thorey 2020 750ml |
$119 |
Decanter 94 |
14 |
Link |
| Montille Puligny-Mont. 1er Le Cailleret 2020 750ml |
$199 |
Decanter 95 |
9 |
Link |
| Montille Puligny-Montrachet Le Cailleret 2020 1.5L |
$419 |
Decanter 95 |
3 |
Link |
| Montille Pommard Pezerolles 1er Cru 2020 750ml |
$179 |
|
4 |
Link |
| Montille Pouilly-Fuisse “En Vergisson” 2020 750ml |
$39 |
|
12 |
Link |
| Montille Puligny-Montrachet 2020 750ml |
$99 |
|
12 |
Link |
| Montille Saint Romain Blanc 2020 750ml |
$44.50 |
|
12 |
Link |
| Montille St Aubin 1er Cru Les Remilly 2020 750ml |
$69 |
|
24 |
Link |
| Montille Volnay 1er Cru En Champans 2020 750ml |
$179 |
Vinous 91-93 |
8 |
Link |
 New Arrivals
Italy
“Paolo Scavino, Piedmont”
The Reviews are in and these wines are blowing away all expectation! The incredible buzz on these wines is further proof that something magical happened in the hills of Piedmont in 2019. As Vinous said of this Barolo vintage, “The 2019s are potent, tightly wound wines that will thrill readers who appreciate the nuance, subtlety, and structure of Nebbiolo.”
An incredible offering from one of Barolo’s most consistently pleasing producers:
Paolo Scavino Barolo 2019 750ml $39.50 special, 36+ bottles availablePaolo Scavino Barolo 2019 1.5L $99 special, 6 magnum bottles availablePaolo Scavino Barolo 2019 375ml $24 special, 24 half-bottles availableKerin O’keefe 96 Points “Absolutely gorgeous, the 2019 Barolo from Paolo Scavino stuns with its fragrance of perfumed berry, dark spice, Alpine herb and dog rose. One of best entry level Barolos from the vintage, it’s focused, vibrant and savory, delivering crushed mint, star anise, cranberry, red cherry and blood orange. Elegant and taut, it boasts polished tannins while bright acidity imparts vibrancy and tension.” James Suckling 95 Points “The fresh flowers, like roses, really come through here. Perfumed. Sliced strawberry and citrus. Full-bodied with linear and tight tannins. Bright acidity gives it drive and focus. Give it four or five years to soften and come together.” Jeb Dunnuck 92 Points “Pouring a jeweled ruby hue, the 2019 Barolo is lovely and detailed, with floral perfume and notes of candied roses, raspberry preserves, and sweet baking spices. This medium-bodied red is mouthwatering from the start and is balanced with ripe red berries, orange peel, and cinnamon. Fine yet present tannins are propelled forward by fresh acidity and a mineral-tinged finish. I continue to be impressed with the direction this estate has been heading in, and this wine is certainly no exception, lending great insight into the work they have put in.” Paolo Scavino Barolo Bricco Ambrogio 2019 750ml $59 special, 12 bottles availableJames Suckling 95 Points “This is more open than other single vineyard releases from Scavino with plum, raspberry and black cherry aromas with hints of honeysuckle. Some wet earth. Full-bodied with chewy tannins on the palate. Hints of citrus skin. Pure. Needs time to soften. “ Jeb Dunnuck 93 Points “Moving into the single cru wines, the 2019 Barolo Bricco Ambrogio is lifted and appealing, with spice and floral notes weaving together, along with wild strawberry, candied flowers, and fresh sage. This continues gracefully to the palate while taking on the tension and linear drive that readers should come to expect from the 2019 vintage. Medium-bodied and long on the palate, it has present but refined tannins throughout. Drink 2025-2045.” Paolo Scavino Barolo Bric Del Fiasc 2019 750ml $99 special, 22 bottles availablePaolo Scavino Barolo Bric Del Fiasc 2019 1.5L $249 special, 4 bottles availableJeb Dunnuck 98 Points “The 2019 Barolo Bric del Fiasc is the hallmark wine of the estate, and it shows. Taking on more concentration, it is pure and generous with kirsch, star anise, nutmeg, and menthol and moves impressively to the palate with ease and nobility. It offers fantastic depth while remaining true to the vintage and propels forward through an arch of acidity, while having grounded notes of Earl Grey tea, black cherry, and crushed stones as well as ripe tannins. Drink 2026-2046.” James Suckling 97 Points “Aromas of strawberry, orange, white rose, and sandalwood follow through to a full body with very fine tannins that have a velvety texture that is focused and refined. Vivid acidity. Juicy and flavorful. Lovely depth and intensity. Give it five to six years of bottle age” Paolo Scavino Barolo Monvigliero 2019 750ml $79 special, 12 bottles availableKerin O’keefe 97 Points “The 2019 Monvigliero from Paolo Scavino is a showstopper, with enticing scents of blue flower, ripe berry, camphor and mocha that segue over to the elegantly structured palate along with raspberry compote, licorice and tobacco. A long mineral finish lifts the delicious flavors while tightly knit, velvety tannins provide seamless support.” James Suckling 96 Points “Aromas of slate, raspberry, black cherry and dried strawberry follow through to a full body with firm and linear tannins, and a racy acidity that runs long and bright. Needs time to soften but wonderful length” Jeb Dunnuck 94 Points “Coming from Verduno, the 2019 Barolo Monvigliero is nuanced with spices and floral elegance and is pure and ripe with raspberry liqueur, rose petal, peppercorn, and cedar. This medium-bodied red is svelte and refined while having good concentration and drive, with notes of pomegranate, orange zest, and dusty earth. Zesty and lifted, this will take another couple of years to open and mature into the graceful wine it is destined to become. Drink 2025-2040” Paolo Scavino Barolo Prapo 2019 750ml $75 special, only 9 bottles still availableJeb Dunnuck 95 Points “Taking on a deeper profile, the 2019 Barolo Prapo exudes notes of kirsch, black licorice, polished leather, and lavender. Full-bodied and approachable, its refined, ripe tannins do well to accept the ripeness of the fruit that remains pure. It has a silkiness in its texture and fruit profile without losing structure and delivers notes of black tea, truffle, and blackberry as well as a long finish. Drink 2025-2045.” Paolo Scavino Barolo Ravera 2019 750ml $75 special, 18 bottles availableJeb Dunnuck 95 Points “Aromatically more expressive and ripe with red flowers and fruits, the 2019 Barolo Ravera is more exuberant and open at this stage, with candied cherry, menthol, and sweet balsamic herbs. The palate takes a more savory and coiled stance at this youthful stage, with iron-rich earth, grenadine, and salted orange. Building tannins are in concert with a persistent spine of acidity that will need time to loosen its grip, but this is a fantastic wine to hold and drink 2026-2046.” James Suckling 95 Points “Bright aromas of lilacs, roses and sliced strawberries follow through to a full and structured palate with lots of polished tannins, vivid acidity and a fresh finish. Needs five to seven years to soften, but impressive energy.”
“Muri-Gries, Alto-Adige: Alpine Holy Wine”
In 1845 the Swiss monks of the “Kloster Muri” moved from their home of eight centuries to Gries, Italy located in the North Italian Alps. Here they took control of an abandoned medieval fortress and transformed it into the “Abbazia dei Benedettini di Muri-Gries,” the spiritual, medical, and intellectual center of the region. It became the viticultural center as well, as the monks began cultivating grapes within the walls of the Monastery for sacramental wine, which eventually became the favorite beverage (and medicinal balm) of a region known for its people’s hardiness.Muri-Gries Pinot Bianco 2021 750ml $18 special, 36 bottles availableMuri-Gries Pinot Grigio 2022 750ml $19 special, 36 bottles availableMuri-Gries Santa Maddalener (Schiava) 2021 750ml $16 special, 35 bottles available
France
“Eric Rodez, Champagne”
Eric Rodez Grand Cru Blanc De Noirs Champagne NV 750ml $99 special, 3 bottles availableWine Advocate “Disgorged in April 2020 with four grams per liter dosage, the latest release of Rodez’ NV Brut Blanc de Noirs is already quite expressive, offering up aromas of Mirabelle plum, raspberries, toasted almonds, honeycomb and white flowers. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and gourmand, with ripe but racy acids and an enveloping core of fruit that’s complemented by a pillowy mousse, it’s extroverted but precise. What’s more, it will be even better with a year or two on cork.” Eric Rodez Grand Cru Champagne Rose NV 750ml $89 special, 6 bottles availableWine Advocate “Color marked by the maceration of Pinot Noir. The nose is complex, powerful, long, marked by “red berries”. The palate is smooth, powerful, with hints of subtle oak.”
“Chateau Lassegue, Bordeaux”
Chateau Lassegue Les Cadrans De Lassegue 2020 750ml $29 special, 24 bottles availableWinemaker’s Note “Les Cadrans de Lassègue 2020 shows an intense and deep color. Black and red fruits abound on the nose, dominated by cherry, blackberry, and red currant, punctuated by nutmeg and rose petal. The palate is rich and fruit-forward, carried by silky tannins. The length, lively minerality, and persistent finish are the expression of the estate’s clay-limestone soils in an excellent vintage.”
Oregon
“Nicolas-Jay, Newberg: ultra-limited bottling!”
Nicolas Jay “Bishop Creek” Yamhill-Carlton Pinot Noir 2021 750ml $99 special, 3 bottles availableWinery Notes “Now over 30 years old, this vineyard is just now reaching its stride in producing hauntingly unique wines that few vineyards can parallel. The 2019 Bishop Creek opens up with wet stone, crushed granite and generous brambly blackberry. Underlying the fruit and minerality are subtle roasted meat and game aroma, toasted nut and a general savory essence as the wine begins to crack open in the glass. There is an exotic Middle Eastern spice, a sweet bark and resin nuance with a by-line of black cap blackberry that pulls the flavors upward with strong tannins and a long, dramatic, tight-knit finish that carries for several minutes. This wine will age for years to come as the tannins integrate and the fruit fleshes out in the bottle.”
California
Winemaker’s Note “The 2020 W.S. Keyes Chardonnay opens with a complimentary nose of white peach and other orchard fruit, jasmine, and almond. On the palate, a mineral-drenched core of red and green apples is complicated by maple butter, white pepper, and toast. The overarching compilation of fruit, floral, savory, and spice is remarkable, conveying both energy and richness in this complex bottle.”
Australia
Giant Steps Sexton Vineyard Chardonnay 2021 750ml $74.50 special, 6 bottles availableWine Advocate 96 Points “This is made with fruit from the Sexton Vineyard, at 200 meters in altitude (80 meters higher than Tarraford). Within the vineyard, the clones are dominated by Gingin (brought over to Victoria by Phil Sexton), followed by Dijon clones, planted in the 1990s. The 2021 Sexton Vineyard Chardonnay is composed of 60% Gingin. Twenty percent of the parcels went through malolactic fermentation—clone 277 and some of the 96. This is salty as anything—a very good thing in my book—and the sheer intensity of flavor in the mouth is mouthwatering. Preserved lemon and grapefruit pith lace the edges of the mid-palate. Very smart—it has the Yarra precision of acid and streamlined phenolics, but it brings concentration of flavor and thrilling phenolics. Super smart wine.” Giant Steps Sexton Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021 750ml $79 special, 12 bottles availableWine Spectator 96 Points “Fragrant and expressive, with polished, creamy tannins setting the stage for blueberry, raspberry and cardamom flavors. Delivers details of palo santo, brown sugar, dried violet and sweet mint tea on the long, impressive finish. Drink now through 2034.”
Staff PickRhone  Saint Cosme Gigondas 2020 750ml $49 special, 36+ bottles availableSaint Cosme Gigondas 2020 1.5L $99 special, 23 bottles available“The 2020 Saint Cosme Gigondas wine sings with red cherries, violets, spice, and a touch of sage that paired perfectly with the Seabreeze Farms leg of lamb I ate recently. This wine is still in its youth, however that’s not an issue with an hour of decanting. Just let it breathe while the lamb roasts. Beyond the offering of village Gigondas, Saint Cosme has some of the most sought after age-worthy single Cru Gigondas in production. We are fortunate to have several vintages of their La Claux, Hominis Fides, and Le Poste crus. Louis Barruol’s passion and pioneering in the Southern Rhône has transformed Gigondas into one of France’s most distinguished Appellation d’Origine Protegee!”
-Justin
Close-out Sale – Price Reductions
Villa Papiano I Probi Sangiovese Riserva 2016 750ml WAS $26 NOW $21.90 special, 21 bottles availableVinous 91 Points “Here I’m finding a spicy display of crushed tart cherry and wild herbs, complemented by white pepper, roses, earthy mineral notes and a hint of animal musk. Pure wild berry fruits, minerals and youthful tannin all build in the glass. The finish is long, showing youthful grip, yet also energized by lingering acids and spicy red fruits. The 2016 I Probi di Papiano Sangiovese Riserva is simply a pleasure to taste.” Pecchenino Barolo Bussia 2015 750ml WAS $69 NOW $59 special, 18 bottles availableVinous 93 Points “The 2015 Barolo Bussia is a very pretty, effusive wine that will drink well right out of the gate. Spice and floral notes open first. Silky and pliant, with lovely depth, the 2015 is so expressive today. Fine mineral notes extend the finish effortlessly while adding freshness and cut to balance the open-knit fruit. Readers looking for a Barolo to drink now will find so much to admire in the 2015 Bussia.” Philippe Colin St Aubin Les Combes 1er Cru 2017 WAS $59 NOW $49 special, 22 bottles availableWine Spectator 93 Points “A sleek, supple white, with a velvety texture complementing the white peach, lemon tart, pastry and vanilla flavors. Harmonious and long, this ends with subtle, woody tannins and toast and spice elements. Fine intensity. Drink now through 2025. 225 cases made, 50 cases imported.” Petrolo Torrione Toscana 2018 750ml WAS $29 NOW $25 special, 33 bottles availableJames Suckling 95 Points “A red with plenty of blackberry, black-olive, floral and oyster-shell character. It’s full-bodied, yet layered, extremely polished and beautiful. A dusty texture. Hazelnut and walnut undertones. From organically grown grapes. A little more merlot and cabernet sauvignon in the blend. Gorgeous now, but better after 2021 and onwards.” Petrolo Boggina Combo Pack 2014 750ml Case of 3 WAS $119 NOW $99, 3 cases availableA Case Of Three 750ml Bottles: 2 Bottles 2014 Boggina, 1 Bottle 2014 Boggina Anfora Muller Forster Kirche 2011 750ml WAS $29 NOW $21.90 special, 8 bottles availableWine & Spirits Magazine 91 Points “Kirchenstuck is named for the church (kirche) that fronts it, but it could just as well be kirschenstuck (cherry-piece), this is so redolent of pale red berries. It falls toward the lighter end of Auslese, the sugar more rounding than sweetening, with salty mineral and rose petal notes confirming the delicacy. Try it with pork dusted with sumac or other richly spiced dishes.” Pagliarese Chianti 2018 750ml WAS $33 NOW $28 special, 15 bottles availableVinous 93 Points “The 2018 Chianti Classico Riserva is another gorgeous old-school wine from Pagliarese. Black cherry, cloves, licorice, leather and wood smoke give the 2018 its distinctive, somber feel. This dense, super-expressive Riserva certainly has tons of character. Tasting the 2018 is like stepping back in time thirty years.” Palacio Quemado La Zarcita 2018 750ml WAS $19 NOW $16 special, 12 bottles availableVinous 91 Points “Opaque magenta. Red and blue fruit, floral and spice qualities on the expressive nose. Supple and appealingly sweet, offering spice-accented raspberry and boysenberry flavors and a musky hint of licorice. Finishes long and juicy, with repeating florality and gentle tannins adding final grip.”
We’re open 10 AM – 6 PM daily
|
|
