September 8, 2014
Jump Start Sale
Castello del Terriccio ‘Tassinaia’ Toscana IGT 2006 ($44.95) $33 special
Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2006 Tassinaia flows from the glass with beautifully delineated layers of dark fruit, mocha, espresso, licorice, leather and spices. This is an unusually ripe, expansive Tassinaia with enough richness and sheer pedigree to challenge some of the estate’s more expensive bottlings. Sweet grilled herbs and spices add a final flourish on the powerful close, with notes of brightness from the Sangiovese that act as a foil to some of the darker nuances in the wine. In 2006 Tassinaia is nothing short of magnificent. Tassinaia is Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2018.”
OREGON
Matello Chardonnay Durant Vineyard, Willamette Valley 2012 ($27.95) $24 special
Trisaetum Coast Range Vineyard Dry Riesling, Yamhill-Carlton District 2013 ($29.95) $24 special
Wine Enthusiast 92 points “This offers a hint of honey in the nose, then moves into a fresh palate loaded with a full range of yellow fruits. The acidity is spot on, and a suggestion of wet cement adds a hint of mineral to the lengthy finish. Drink now through 2024.”
Trisaetum Ribbon Ridge Estate Dry Riesling, Ribbon Ridge 2013 ($29.95) $24 special
Wine Enthusiast 94 points “This dry wine from the Ribbon Ridge vineyard, adjacent to the winery, is briskly tart without being sour. Flavors of lemony tea and Meyer lemon meringue intrigue immediately. There is splendid structure and complexity in play here, with layers of flower, citrus and mineral, all in perfect harmony. It’s easy to believe this wine could age through 2024, even longer.”
Trisaetum Coast Range Vineyard Riesling, Yamhill-Carlton District 2013 ($29.95) $24 special
Wine Enthusiast 93 points “This is the medium-dry (about 23 g/L residual sugar) Riesling from one of Trisaetum’s estate vineyards. Full-bodied, forward and bearing an acid-driven mix of pear, white peach, apricot and papaya fruit flavors, this wine delivers gobs of pleasure immediately, yet continues to add depth and detail when left to breathe overnight.”
Trisaetum Ribbon Ridge Estate Riesling, Ribbon Ridge 2013 ($29.95) $24 special
Wine Enthusiast 94 points “Both the dry and off-dry Ribbon Ridge Rieslings are outstanding—no need to pick a favorite. Here is an elegant, sophisticated mix of stone fruits, mineral, sweet fruit sugar and bracing acidity. The overall balance, tension and complexity are superb.”
Roots ‘Klee’ Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2013 ($19.95) $17 special
WildAire Cellars Shea Vineyard Pinot Noir, Yamhill-Carlton District 2012 ($49.95) $40.90 special
WildAire Cellars Zenith Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2012 ($49.95) $40.90 special
Belle Pente Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2010 375ML ($21.95) $17.70 special
Stephen Tanzer 92 points “Vivid red. High-pitched aromas of black raspberry, Asian spices and fresh rose. Juicy, penetrating and pure, offering vibrant red berry and bitter cherry flavors that gain flesh and weight with aeration. Darker fruit notes come up on the clinging finish, with its lingering floral and spicecake qualities. Very suave pinot, with the balance to age but plenty of upfront appeal as well.”
Matello ‘Lazarus’ Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2012 ($22.95) $19 special
Stephen Tanzer 90 points “Light, bright red. Vibrant red berry and floral scents are complicated by suggestions of tea rose and Asian spices. Lively and sharply focused on the palate, offering zesty redcurrant and strawberry flavors and a touch of blood orange. Finishes clean and spicy, leaving suave floral and mineral notes behind.”
Roco Knudsen Vineyard Dundee HillsPinot Noir 2012 ($49.95) $41.90 special
Stephen Tanzer 91 points “Brilliant ruby-red. Black raspberry, cola, rose pastille and a hint of woodsmoke on the perfumed nose. On the palate, gently sweet dark berry flavors are lifted and firmed by juicy acidity and a touch of allspice. The spicy quality gains strength with air and carried through a long, seamless finish, which shows just a hint of dusty tannins. Very approachable now, but has the depth to suggest that a few years of cellaring would be rewarded.”
Roco Marsh Estate Vineyard Yamhill-Carlton Pinot Noir 2012 ($49.95) $41.90 special
Stephen Tanzer 91 points “Vivid ruby-red. Sexy spice-laced black raspberry and cherry-cola aromas are complemented by deeper notes of mocha and licorice. At once lush and lively, offering broad dark berry flavors and a bracing kick of peppery spices. Silky tannins shape the finish, which clings with excellent clarity and persistent smoke and spice notes.”
Roco Private Stash #10 Wit’s End Vineyard Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir 2012 ($79.95) $66 special
Stephen Tanzer 93 points “Brilliant ruby-red. Heady, exotically perfumed aromas of black raspberry, cola, Asian spices, vanilla and pungent flowers, with a bright mineral quality adding lift. Offers intense, palate-staining dark berry and rose pastille flavors that become spicier and weightier with air. The mineral element returns on the subtly tannic finish, adding focus and cut to the persistent blackberry and cherry-cola flavors.”
Roco The Stalker Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2012 ($49.95) $41.90 special
Stephen Tanzer 91 points “Vivid ruby-red. Aromas of pungent dark berries, black tea, cola and lavender, with a spicy nuance adding lift. Expansive blackberry and boysenberry flavors are lifted by gentle acidity and a hint of blood orange, which adds refreshing cut. Finishes smooth, sweet and long, with lingering smokiness and soft, round tannins.”
Roco Wit’s End Vineyard Chehalem Pinot Noir 2012 ($49.95) $41.90 special
Stephen Tanzer 92 points “Brilliant ruby-red. Sexy, spice-tinged red and dark berry aromas pick up subtle smoke and floral pastille qualities with air. Fleshy and broad on entry, then tighter in the mid-palate, offering intense black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors and a jolt of allspice. Silky tannins build on the finish, which lingers with excellent focus and length and insistent berry fruit character.”
Scott Paul La Paulee Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2012 ($47.95) $36 special
Stephen Tanzer 92 points “Bright red. Exotic, spice-laced red berry and floral pastille aromas pick up a smoky quality with air, showing a pure, nervy character and a hint of musky earth. Sappy, incisive and focused on the palate, offering intense raspberry and cola flavors and a palate-numbing peppery kick. Gains in sweetness with air, picking up a bitter cherry note that carries through the long, gently tannic finish.”
Seven of Hearts Special Reserve Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2012 ($49.95) $44 special
Stephen Tanzer 92 points “Brilliant ruby-red. Intense dark berry and floral pastille aromas are complicated by suggestions of cola, anise and smoky minerals. At once fleshy and lithe, showing excellent clarity and lift to its black raspberry and cherry-cola flavors. Brighter red fruits emerge with air and carry through a strikingly long, seamless finish, which features youthfully chewy tannins and a hint of spicecake. Bet on this concentrated, lively pinot to reward at least another six-plus years of aging.”
St Innocent Freedom Hill Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2012 ($41.95) $37 special
Stephen Tanzer 92 points “(28% new oak): Limpid ruby-red. Tightly focused cherry and black raspberry scents open up with air and are complicated by notes of cola, allspice and dried rose. Sappy, mineral-tinged bitter cherry and floral pastille flavors show very good focus and pick up a hint of smokiness with air. Fleshes out slowly on the persistent floral finish, which features youthfully chewy tannins. Based on this pinot’s power and structure I’d bet on it rewarding at least a decade of patience.”
St Innocent Momtazi Vineyard Pinot Noir 2012 ($37.95) $33 special
Stephen Tanzer 92 points “Bright red. Ripe red berries, sassafras and orange pith on the pungent nose, with a peppery quality adding lift. Spicy and precise on the palate, offering slow-to-open bitter cherry and raspberry flavors and a hint of rhubarb. Becomes sweeter with air and finishes with serious thrust, dusty tannins and an exotic floral pastille note that lingers with excellent tenacity. By all means let this one sit in a decanter, or a cool, dark spot, so that it can stretch out.”
Trisaetum Ribbon Ridge Estate Pinot Noir, Chehalem Mountains 12 ($49.95) $39 special
Stephen Tanzer 92 points “Bright ruby. Vibrant aromas of red berries, cherry, sassafras and floral pastille, with subtle vanilla and woodsmoke accents adding complexity. Silky, sweet and expansive, offering concentrated black raspberry and anise flavors braced by tangy acidity and a peppery spice note. Shows very good depth but comes off as energetic, finishing with excellent clarity and late-arriving tannins.”
Trisaetum Trisae Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2012 ($34.95) $27 special
Stephen Tanzer 90 points “Full ruby. Smoky cherry and dark berries on the pungent, spice-accented nose and palate. Juicy and precise, with building sweetness and a refreshing bite of tangy minerality on the back half. Bright, nervy and sharply focused on the persistent finish, showing silky tannins and lingering spiciness.”
Wildstock Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2012 ($29.95) $24 special
(Scott Paul Wines) Winery’s note “This wine is the perfect entry level Oregon Pinot Noir made with the same overriding philosophy of non-manipulated winemaking as the Scott Paul Pinot Noirs. We let the natural character of the Willamette Valley shine through in each bottle.”
WASHINGTON
Long Shadows Poet’s Leap Riesling, Columbia Valley 2013 ($21.95) $19 special
Wine Advocate 90 points “Also rock-solid, the 2013 Riesling Poet’s Leap is a delicious, lively and crisp white that offers plenty of mint, green citrus and flint- like minerality to go with a medium-bodied profile on the palate that delivers a kiss of sweetness. Perfectly balanced, it will drink well for 5-7 years (although I-d drink it over the coming couple of years).”
Long Shadows Chester Kidder Red, Columbia Valley 2010 ($59.95) $49 special
Wine Advocate 93 points “Made by the Long Shadow’s manager, Gilles Nicault, the 2010 Chester Kidder is a smoking blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Petit Verdot. Pure, voluptuous and rich, with fantastic blackberry fruit, crushed rock like minerality, lead pencil and graphite, it’s a serious, age worthy red that will evolve gracefully for 10 to 12 years or more.”
CALIFORNIA
Sbragia Family Vineyards Gamble Ranch Vineyard Chardonnay, Napa Valley 2009 ($39.95) $19 special
Wine Advocate & Wine Spectator 91 points “The 2009 Chardonnay Gamble Ranch shows gorgeous textural ripeness and fabulous overall balance in its expressive varietal fruit. This is a beautiful, lush Chardonnay that is fermented and aged in French oak barrels (100% new) with weekly lees stirring. All of the elements are nicely balanced from start to finish. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2017.” AG
Sbragia Family Vineyards Home Ranch Chardonnay, Dry Creek Valley 2009 ($29.95) $16 special
Robert Parker 92 points “The 2009 Chardonnay Home Ranch impresses for its layered fruit and elegant personality. This is a laid-back Chardonnay from Sbragia, but it all works, and beautifully. This is a striking showing. The Home Ranch was aged in French oak barrels, 50% new, with full malolactic fermentation. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019.” RP
Spottswoode Family Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon, St. Helena 2011 ($169.95) $149 special
James Suckling 95 points “A solid Spottswoode with mint, currants, berries and flowers. Sweet tobacco and rose petals. Full body with silky tannins and a long, long finish. Tangy, energetic and lively. A wine with form, tension and beauty. This is classic California. 89% cabernet sauvignon, 8% cabernet franc and 3% petit verdot.”
Antonio Galloni 94 points “Spottswoode’s 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon is beautiful, immediate and impeccable in its balance. The 2011 doesn’t have the layered, explosive personality of some of the iconic vintages, but it isn’t too far off that level. Spottswoode fans should drink the 2011 relatively early, while some of the more powerful, structured vintages age. I will not be surprised if the 2011 turns out to be one of the jewels of this vintage. The medium-bodied structure argues for early drinking, but there is more than enough energy and acidity to suggest the 2011 will age gracefully for a number of years. Incidentally, the 2011 is the first Spottswoode Cabernet under 14% in a decade. Once again, the winemaking team led by Aron Weinkauf has done a fabulous job. The 2011 is 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petite Verdot.”
Edmunds St. John Bone-Jolly Witters Vineyard Gamay Noir, El Dorado County 2013 ($21.95) $18 special
Edmunds St. John Heart Of Gold, El Dorado 2012 ($21.95) $18 special
Stephen Tanzer 90 points “(made from 52% Vermentino and 48% Grenache blanc): Pale gold. Musky, mineral- and spice-accented aromas of pear and nectarine, with a gingery nuance gaining strength with air. Taut and nervy on entry but fleshier in the mid-palate, offering juicy orchard fruit flavors and a hint of bitter herbs. Closes on a spicy note, with strong cut and an echo of candied ginger. This wine will be extremely flexible at the table.”
Edmunds St. John Bone-Jolly Gamay Rose, El Dorado County 2013 ($21.95) $18 special
Stephen Tanzer 90 points “Pale pink. Musky, mineral-laced aromas of strawberry, white flowers and tarragon. Silky, dry and seamless, with the floral and red fruit qualities carrying on the palate. Plenty of flavor here but with a distinctly light touch. Finishes clean, brisk and long, with a bitter blood orange quality adding cut. This lithe pink wine is made entirely from free-run juice.”
Edmunds St. John Rocks & Gravel, California 2012 ($31.95) $26 special
Stephen Tanzer 91 points “(55% Grenache, 27% Syrah and 18% Mourvedre): Vivid ruby-red. A pungent bouquet features candied red fruits, Asian spices and potpourri, with a smoky mineral overtone. Sappy, incisive and densely packed blackberry and bitter cherry flavors gain sweetness with air and pick up notes of licorice and cola. Finishes stony and long, with slow-building tannins and lingering sweetness. Definitely let this one rest for a bit.”
Ridge Vineyards Lytton Springs, Dry Creek Valley 2012 ($49.95) $38 special
Winemaker notes for the 2012: “Black cherry, vanilla, toasty oak and mint aromas. Complex of raspberry, black olive, licorice with chalky tannins. Long finish with intriguing notes of pepper and spice.” 70% Zinfandel, 21% Petite Sirah, 6% Carignane, 3% Mataro.”
FRANCE-CHAMPAGNE
Ulysse Collin ‘Les Pierrieres’ Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut NV (2010) ($89.95) $79 special
Ulysse Collin ‘Les Maillons’ Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut NV (2010) ($109.95) $99 special
FRANCE-BURGUNDY
Caroline Parent Bourgogne Blanc 2012 ($29.95) $24 special Vinopolpick
Couldn’t imagine a better balanced Bourgogne Blanc. Fruit, minerality, and acidity all in harmony. Winemaker Caroline is the daughter of Anne-Francoise Gros (Vosne-Romanee) and Bernard Parent (Pommard). Great lineage / great wine.
Hospices de Beaune Beaune Premier Cru Cuvee Maurice Drouhin 2012 ($119.95) $99 special
Domaine Leflaive Puligny-Montrachet 2011 ($109.95) $79 special
Burghound 88-91 points “A similar if less expressive nose is trimmed in just enough wood to notice. There is really lovely purity of expression to the energetic and beautifully well-detailed medium weight flavors that are notably tighter and better focused before terminating in a lightly mineral-inflected, dry and persistent finish. This should also be lovely with a few years of bottle age.”
Domaine Leflaive Bourgogne Blanc 2011 ($59.95) $49 special
Burgound 86-89 points “A very pretty and reasonably complex nose features notes of citrus peel, white flower and peach aromas. There is good vibrancy to the lightly mineral-inflected middle weight flavors that possess good verve and better than average depth and length. This should be very good and is worth a look.”
FRANCE-RHONE
Domaine Lafond Roc-Epine Cotes du Rhone 2012 ($17.95) $14 special
Domaine Lafond Roc-Epine Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2012 ($49.95) $39 special
Wine Advocate 91-94 points “The 2012 Chateauneuf du Pape Roc-Epine should surpass the 2011 and be up there with the 2010 in terms of quality. Rich and layered, with plenty of black raspberry fruit, licorice, pepper and tobacco leaf aromas and flavors, this medium to full-bodied wine has fantastic purity, good overall freshness and ample richness and texture. Drink 2014-2022. ”
Le Vieux Donjon Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2012 ($69.95) $49 special
Stephen Tanzer 92-94 points “(75% grenache, 10% syrah, 10% mourvedre and 5% cinsault): Vivid ruby. Sexy, expansive aromas of raspberry preserves, potpourri and Asian spices show impressive clarity. Sweet, seamless and pure, offering intense red fruit and floral pastille flavors and notes of allspice and anise. The velvety, focused finish shows superb length and harmonious tannins.”
Chateau Fortia Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Baron 2012 ($41.95) $31.90 special
Stephen Tanzer 89-91 points “Inky ruby. Blackcurrant, incense and dark chocolate aromas, with a meaty topnote. Juicy, firm flavors of dark berries and bitter cherry are complicated by nuances of smoke and succulent herbs. Youthfully taut and gripping on the finish, trailing notes of licorice and bitter chocolate. Pretty serious, even brooding in character right now.”
Chateau Fortia Chateauneuf-du-Pape Tradition 2012 ($37.95) $29 special
Stephen Tanzer 89-91 points “Deep ruby. Pungent aromas of cassis, blackberry, licorice and floral pastilles. Taut and focused, with bright acidity enlivening the dark fruit and bitter chocolate flavors. Finishes spicy and long, with chewy tannins and lingering notes of licorice and smoky minerals.”
FRANCE-JURA
Benedicte & Stephane Tissot Cremant du Jura NV ($27.95) $21.90 special
Wine Spectator 89 points “Well-focused, with ginger and chamomile notes racing along in front of a core of lightly baked apple, hazelnut husk and persimmon. Shows good energy and cut on the finish, with a lingering honeysuckle detail. Drink now. 2,000 cases made.”
Benedicte & Stephane Tissot Cremant du Jura Rose NV ($27.95) $21.90 special
FRANCE-ALSACE
Bott Freres Sylvaner 2012 ($17.95) $14 special
ITALY-PIEDMONT
Renato Ratti Roero Arneis 2013 ($17.95) $14 special
Vietti Roero Arneis DOCG 2013 ($27.95) $21.90 special
Wine Spectator “Starts out waxy, offering ripe lemon, honey, peach and mineral flavors. Shows good balance and freshness, with a lingering finish. Drink now. 6,000 cases made.”
ITALY-TUSCANY
Tenuta dell’Ornellaia ‘Ornellaia’ Bolgheri Superiore 2011 ($219.95) $179 special
Antonio Galloni 96+ points “The 2011 Ornellaia is another gorgeous wine. Mocha, plums, tobacco and licorice blossom from the glass in a rich, seamless wine endowed with stunning depth. Savory notes develop later, adding depth and resonance. The 2011 looks to have a broad drinking window that is sure to provide many stages of pleasure over the next 20+ years. The blend is approximately 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 7% Petit Verdot.”
Wine Spectator 96 points “A dark, inky red, featuring violet, black currant, cedar, sandalwood and iron aromas and flavors. Nonetheless, this comes across as elegant, even as the tannins prove formidable on the finish. A terrific young wine in the making. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2017 through 2035” WS
James Suckling 96 points “This shows incredible concentration with dark-berry, dark-chocolate, mint and rosemary character. Full body with a superb depth of fruit and polished tannins. It’s chewy but caressing. This needs at least four or five years to come around. Powerful and intense. Yet it remains fresh and bright.”
ITALY-OTHER
Ciu Ciu Merlettaie, Offida Pecorino DOCG 2013 ($19.95) $16 special
Monte delle Vigne Selezione Frizzante Lambrusco Emilia IGT 2013 ($19.95) $16 special
SPAIN
Bodegas Emilio Moro Finca Resalso Ribera del Duero 2012 (21.95) $18 special
Josh Raynolds 91 points “Vivid purple. Ripe boysenberry and blueberry aromas and an undercurrent of mocha on the nose, with candied licorice and vanilla qualities coming up with air. Lush, weighty and round, showing good thrust to its dark berry liqueur and cocoa flavors. Finishes creamy, round and long, with soft tannins and building notes of plum and dark chocolate.”
Bodegas y Vinedos Ilurce Rio Madre Rioja 2012 ($14.95) $11.90 special
Josh Raynolds 91 points “(100% graciano; aged in French oak for 11 months): Opaque ruby. Sexy, high-toned cherry and blackcurrant aromas are complicated by notes of Indian spices and fresh rose. Smooth and seamless in texture, offering intense black and blue fruit flavors that become spicier with air. The floral element repeats on the finish, which shows excellent clarity and persistence. This wine delivers uncanny value and has the structure to age.”
Bodega Bernabeleva Camino de Navaherreros Vinos de Madrid 2012 ($19.95) $16 special
Case-12 Bodega Bernabeleva Camino de Navaherreros Vinos de Madrid 2012 ($199.95) $169 case price special
Josh Raynolds 91 points “Vivid ruby-red. Sexy, highly perfumed aromas of raspberry, potpourri and Asian spices. Silky, penetrating red fruit and rose pastille flavors pick up a mineral nuance with air. Clings with excellent tenacity on the vibrant finish, which features fine-grained tannins and a touch of blood orange.”
Bodega Bernabeleva Navaherreros Vinos de Madrid Tinto 2011 ($24.95) $21.90 special
Josh Raynolds 92 points “Bright ruby-red. Flamboyant aromas of raspberry, Asian spices, pungent herbs and white pepper. Dense, juicy and focused, offering mineral-driven flavors of raspberry, spicecake and rose pastille. The incisive finish features silky tannins and an echo of juicy red fruit. This sexy wine is delicious right now.”
Bodegas Breca Garnacha de Fuego Old Vines Calatayud 2012 ($11.95) $9 special
Case -12 Bodegas Breca Garnacha de Fuego Old Vines Calatayud 2012 ($119.95) $99 case price special
Josh Raynolds 89 points “Bright purple. Ripe dark berries and cracked pepper on the nose. Smooth and broad on entry, then tighter in the mid-palate, offering tangy blackberry and bitter cherry flavors and a hint of licorice. Sweeter on the finish, with the cherry and licorice notes echoing. This is an amazing value.”
Bodegas Borsao Vina Borgia Campo de Borja 2012 ($11.95) $8 special
Case- 12 Bodegas Borsao Vina Borgia Campo de Borja 2012 ($99.95) $86 case price special
Josh Raynolds 88 points “(100% garnacha; all stainless steel): Bright purple. Jammy black and blue fruits on the nose and in the mouth. Plump, juicy and tannin-free, making for very easy drinkability. For the money, this really delivers, a point not missed by the numerous restaurants that are pouring this fruit bomb by the glass.”
Bodegas Borsao Campo de Borja Tinto 2012 ($11.95) $8.80 special
Case -12 Bodegas Campo de Borja 2012 ($119.95) $89 case price special
Josh Raynolds 89 points “85% garnacha and 15% tempranillo; all stainless steel): Vivid purple. Expressive aromas of black raspberry, violet and white pepper. Supple, spicy and pliant, with an appealingly sweet quality to the dark berry, spice and floral flavors. Plenty of personality here, especially at the price. Finishes on a refreshingly bitter note, with silky tannins and very good persistence.”
Bodegas Borsao Garnacha Tres Picos Campo de Borja ($21.95) $18 special
Josh Raynolds 92 points “(half fermented in French oak and half in stainless steel): Bright purple. Heady aromas of blueberry, cherry compote, white pepper and woodsmoke, plus an exotic cinnamon note. Fresh and seamless, offering vibrant blueberry and black raspberry flavors and suave floral notes. The spicy quality lingers seductively on the tenacious finish.”
Bodegas Borsao Vina Borgia Campo de Borja 2013 3L BAG IN BOX ($29.95) $18 special
The equivalent of 2 standard 750ml bottles @ $9 / BOTTLE
Ken Wright Cellars Pinot Blanc, Willamette Valley 2012 ($24.95) $21.90 special
Ken Wright Cellars ‘Freedom Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2012 375ML ($34.95) $28 special
Wine Enthusiast 96 points “The Freedom Hill selection from Ken Wright has never been better than this exceptionally rich, dark and dense Pinot Noir. Black cherry, smoke, earth and chocolate intertwine in a remarkably smooth, long, complex and extended finish. A sensational wine to enjoy right now.”
Ken Wright Cellars ‘Meredith Mitchell Vineyard’ Pinot Noir, McMinnville 2010 ($69.95) $59 special
Wine Spectator 92 points “Offers a bright red color and vivid flavors, with a peppermint note adding interest to the profile of raspberry and spice. Lingers effortlessly on the finish. Drink now through 2020.”
Benoit Lahaye Grand Cru Le Jardin de la Grosse Pierre NV (2009) ($149.95) $119 special
Benoit Lahaye Brut Rose de Maceration NV (’10) ($69.95) $59 special
Bereche et Fils Les Beaux Regards Blanc de Blancs Brut Nature NV (2010) ($79.95) $69 special
100% Chardonnay from Montagne de Reims and Vallee de la Marne; 40+ year old vines. The wine is based on the Les Beaux Regards parcel, which has been in the family for 3 generations.
Bereche et Fils Vallee de la Marne Rive Gauche Extra Brut NV (2010) ($79.95) $69 special
From Les Misy parcel in Vallee de la Marne. 100% old-vine Pinot Meunier, which the estate describes as being particularly well-adapted to the cold and humid climate and to the unique calcareous marl soil conditions. 4 g/l dosage.
Cedric Bouchard Roses De Jeanne Val Vilaine Blanc de Noirs NV (2012) ($79.95) $69 special
Importer Note “100% Pinot Noir from the 1.5 hectare lieu-dit of Val Vilaine. 300-500 cases produced annually.”
Cedric Bouchard Roses De Jeanne La Parcelle Blanc de Noirs NV (2007) ($119.95) $99 special
Importer Note “2007 harvest base. 100% Pinot Noir from the 1.5 hectare lieu-dit of Côte de Bachelin. Spends a full three years on the lees, and thus, is always bottled as a vintage cuvée. 150 cases produced annually.”
Cedric Bouchard Roses De Jeanne La Haute Lemble Brut Blanc de Blancs 2010 ($149.95) $139 special
Importer Note “100% Chardonnay (five different clones) from the .12 hectare lieu-dit of La Haute Lemblée. Extremely limited production.”
Cedric Bouchard Roses De Jeanne La Boloree Blanc de Blancs 2010 ($179.95) $159 special
Importer Note “Very old and rare Pinot Blanc from a 0.217 hectare lieu-dit known as La Boloree. Bouchard was initially uninterested in the parcel, but it landed in his lap after he drew the shorter straw in a dual between growers. Today, it is perhaps his most cherished site. Extremely limited production.”
Cedric Bouchard Roses De Jeanne La Presle Blanc de Noirs 2010 ($179.95) $149 special
Cedric Bouchard Roses De Jeanne Les Ursules Blanc de Noirs 2010 ($119.95) $99 special
Cedric Bouchard Roses De Jeanne Les Ursules Blanc de Noirs 2010 1.5 LITER ($299.95) $279 special
Importer Note “100% Pinot Noir from the .9 hectare lieu-dit of Les Ursules. The first vintage bottling of this wine is available in 2014. 250-300 cases produced annually.”
Domaine Remi Jobard Bourgogne Blanc 2011 ($37.95) $28 special
Yann Chave Hermitage 2011 ($119.95) $89 special
Wine Advocate 94 points “Also inky colored, full-bodied and seriously rich, the 2011 Hermitage boasts knockout aromas and flavors of blueberry, creme de cassis, plum pit, scorched earth and crushed rock. Dense, concentrated, yet also voluptuously textured, with sweet tannin and notable freshness and purity, it will have an easy 12-15 years of longevity. Former rugby player turned winemaker (and still a rugby coach), proprietor Yann Chave owns just over four acres in Hermitage, mostly located in the Beaume lieu-dit, and close to 40 acres in Crozes Hermitage. Releasing his first vintage in 1996, he is another of the up and coming producers that warrant serious attention. Chave’s Hermitage comes 80% from le Beaume lieu-dit, and 20% from Peleat, both of which are on the more eastern side of Hermitage hill and comprised mostly of calcareous, loess and sandy soils.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Vissoux Beaujolais
New Arrivals
Consistently producing some of the best vintages in the Beaujolais over the past two decades, Pierre Chermette and his wife Martine are easily one of the best wine makers working Beaujolais today. Pierre Chermette was just 22 when he took over the Domaine Vissoux estate in Saint Verand from his parents in 1982, expanding his family’s holdings in 1996 with vineyard purchases in Fleurie and Moulin a Vent. Since beginning, Pierre has risen as a star in the area, becoming well known for his traditionally made and well-crafted Beaujolais. Pierre and Martine have long held the motto “quality before quantity”. Ahead of their time as far as applying organic, natural, and biodynamic wine-making practices, their vines have natural low yields of extremely high quality, ripe Gamay fruit. In the cellar, Vissoux wines are non-chaptalised and use only indigenous yeasts. Aiming for a true expression of the grape with as little intervention, the wines are bottle unfiltered and with little to no additional sulfur.
Pierre-Marie Chermette Domaine du Vissoux Moulin A Vent Les Trois Roches 2012 ($29.95) $24 special
Winery notes “Moulin à Vent is called “King of Beaujolais.” This is the Cru with the longest cellaring potential and which is closest to its Burgundian neighbours. As it ages, it is sometimes said to “pinote”. This cuvée is the expression of the alliance between finesse and power. The aromatic palate is wide, going from very ripe small red berries through spice to mineral notes. The three different plots of vines we use for this cuvée give a wine that is full and balanced: Rochegrès gives finesse, Roche Noire liveliness and fruit while La Rochelle contributes power.”
Pierre-Marie Chermette Domaine du Vissoux Fleurie Garants 2012 ($29.95) $24 special
Winery notes “The area called Les Garants is one of the Fleurie appellation area’s most noble granitic terroirs. Very well sited (south-west facing) and harvested at full ripeness, the grapes from these vines give a concentrated cuvée… shows that there are truly great terroirs within the Crus, like that of Les Garants which used, in fact, to be part of the Moulin à Vent AOC area. This is a really complete Fleurie, which combines finesse and elegance with concentration and depth. It is very enjoyable in the fruit of its youth but holds back a few surprises to unveil after a few years cellaring.”
Peirre-Marie Chermette Domaine du Vissoux Fleurie Poncie 2012 ($29.95) $24 special
Winery notes “Very representative of AOC Fleurie, the queen of the Beaujolais Crus, this cuvée bears the stamp of the terroir of Poncié. The slope’s south-easterly aspect gives this cuvée feminine elegance that is very representative of AOC Fleurie The terroir of Poncié lends the wine quite pronounced characteristics. This is a thirst quenching wine that opens quite quickly. The tannins are so supple that it slips right down.”
The Saint Cosme estate is located in the historic heart of Gigondas in the Southern Rhone. The family built its chateau in the 16th century over the remains of a Gallo-Roman era villa and wine cellar. They retained much of the original stonework, including the Roman winemaking vats carved into the stone cellar that date from the 2nd century. The estate is in the middle of two geological faults with a cool microclimate, resulting in a wide variety of soil types and later than average harvests across the 37 acres of old-vine vineyard land. It is no surprise that the vines average an impressive 60 years in age, coming from an estate that was founded in 1490 and was managed by 14 successive generations of the Barruol family.
In 1995, Louis Barruol took over from his father, Henri. He expanded the business to include a negociant label for Rhone Valley wines. He takes a very active role in managing the vineyards, personally overseeing pruning, ripening and harvests. He oversaw the expansion of the wine cellar in 2007 into ancient Roman tunnels. Instead of destroying the tunnels to make room for a modern cellar, he saw the value in their longevity and ability to maintain the ideal humidity and temperature for aging wine.
Saint Cosme Cote Rotie 2012 ($79.95) $69 special
Stephen Tanzer 92-94 points “(made from whole-cluster serine grown in the Cote Brune and aged in a 50/50 combination of new and one-year-old barriques): Brilliant ruby. Smoke-accented cassis and cherry-cola on the nose, with suave floral and Indian spice nuances adding an exotic touch. Sweet dark berry preserve and violet pastille flavors show very good depth, with a peppery, spicy quality emerging with air. In an elegant style, finishing smooth, sweet and very long.”
Saint Cosme Crozes-Hermitage 2012 ($34.95) $29 special
Wine Advocate 90-92 points “The 2012 Crozes Hermitage shows more oak in its dark fruits, chocolate, graphite and licorice-driven personality. Medium to full-bodied, rich and nicely concentrated, it has the stuffing to handle a year or so in the cellar and shine for upwards of a decade.”
Saint Cosme Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2011 ($69.95) $51.90 special
Wine Advocate 89-92 points “Tasted out of barrel, the 2011 Chateauneuf du Pape is also a super effort in the vintage. Coming from a different terroir in 2011 (not La Crau), it offers up plenty of dusty soil, ground pepper and leather that’s grounded by a solid core of darker berry fruit. Medium to full-bodied, with beautiful mid-palate density and depth, this pure, very well put-together 2011 will have upward of 8-10 years of longevity. Drink 2014-2021.”
Saint Cosme Saint-Joseph 2012 ($39.95) $33 special
Stephen Tanzer 91-93 points “(all serine): Dark purple. Vibrant black and blue fruit aromas are complicated by olive, violet, black tea and smoky minerals. Juicy and precise on entry, then fleshier in the mid-palate, offering intense, mouthcoating cassis and blueberry flavors given spine by tangy acidity. Shows excellent clarity on the sweet, seamless, very persistent finish.”
Saint Cosme Southern Rhone Wines
From the family-owned vineyards that line the foothills of the Dentelles-de-Montmirail mountains, Barruol produces several Gigondas wines. These wines are powerful and rich with a striking elegance. The Le Poste vineyard surrounds the estate’s chapel and was replanted by Louis’ father Henri in 1963. It is composed of several parcels of Grenache and one of Clairette. The vineyard was one the first purchased by the family in 1490 along with the estate. The soil is limestone yellow mall with many fossils. The winemaker writes that this vineyard makes the most feminine and elegant wine of the estate. Le Claux and the Hominis Fides vineyards were first recognized in 1902. Le Claux, planted in 1870, was scheduled to be ripped out in 1914 because the vines no longer produced large yields. The War and several deaths in the family prevented its destruction. The soil is yellow limestone clay and gravel. Now Le Claux is celebrated for its old vines that produce tiny, concentrated yields. It produces the most Burgundian character, with finesse and complexity. The Hominis Fides vineyard is composed of the oldest vines in the estate. It is made of sandy limestone soil that the winemaker believes help contribute to the fine tannins in the Grenache. It is their “most deep and enigmatic wine.”
Cosme Cotes du Rhone 2013 1.5 Liter ($29.95) $21.90 special 12 magnums available
From the winery “The syrah from Vinsobres and from the Terrasses Villafranchiennes of the Gard give this year remarkable results. Be ready to taste this year a Côtes du Rhône full of fruit and fresh aromas, with a nice tight texture. It will be “interesting” to propose this wine as a blind taste to your friends (or your ennemies !!) to get them wrong. It is possible that a few of them think that this syrah comes from Cornas or Crozes-Hermitage.. It is my pleasure to offer every year a wine of this quality at a reasonable level of price. ”
Chateau de Saint Cosme Cotes du Rhone Les Deux Albion 2012 ($24.95) $21.90 special 3 bottles available
From the winery “It looks like month after month that 2012 is, for the domaines which work well, an excellent vintagewhich won’t stop surprising us. Its magnificent style recalls the great “cool” Gigondas wines. The superiority of 2012 relatively to 2011 becomes more obvious every day. Deux Albion 2012 is a perfect image of this reality: its texture and its depth recall the 2010. Co-fermented in concrete vats as usual, it develops a good density, good colour and a length that reminds of a great vintage. 80% of the cuvée was aged in concrete vat, which says a lot about the ability of the wines from our region to be “self-suficient”.. In fact, this is in the concrete vats that Deux Albions gets the best expression. Its fruit full of terroir develops its own truth with freedom. The work of the vigneron is to understand what the best technical way for its terroir, and then add to his work a search of beauty.”
Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas 2012 ($44.95) $38 special 3+ cases available
Wine Advocate 90-92 points “Moving to the releases in barrel, the 2012 Gigondas (60% Grenache and the balance mostly Mourvedre, with some Syrah) has plenty of potential, with juicy black raspberry, sweet spice, licorice and toasty notes as well as medium to full-bodied richness and depth on the palate. Nicely balanced, it shows the purity of the vintage, as well as a relatively approachable style that should allow it to drink nicely on release.”
Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas Valbelle 2011($59.95) $47 special 15 bottles available
Robert Parker 90-93+ points “The amazing 2011 Gigondas Valbelle illustrates what a strong vintage Louis Barruol produced in this more challenging harvest. Deep berry fruit, melted licorice, camphor, white chocolate, boysenberry, blackberry and smoked duck-like characteristics are found in this rich, full-throttle red. Consume it over the next decade.”
Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas Le Claux 2012 ($119.95) $89 special 33 bottles available
Wine Advocate 93-96 points “More aromatic and complex compared to the Valbelle, the 2012 Gigondas Le Claux exhibits notions of potpourri, leather, graphite and flowers to go with a full-bodied, elegant and pure profile on the palate. It too doesn’t lack for fruit or structure and should have 15-20 years of ultimate longevity.”
Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas Valbelle 2012($79.95) $66 special 33 bottles available
Wine Advocate 92-94 points “A bigger, richer effort, the 2012 Gigondas Valbelle is brilliant! Seamless, full-bodied, rich and beautifully textured, as well as with considerable structure, it offers notions of creamy raspberry, creme de cassis, toast and licorice in its impressive, layered personality. It got a big “Wow” in the notes and should be a wine to grab up on release.”
Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas Hominis Fides 2012 ($119.95) $89 special 24 bottles available
Wine Advocate 93-96 points “Despite coming from sandy soils, the 2012 Gigondas Hominis Fides has a masculine, structured and almost burly profile. Underbrush, black raspberry, crushed rock, pepper and black licorice are just some of the notions here, and it hits the palate with full-bodied authority and richness. I expect it will flesh out nicely once in bottle, but it should still warrant 2-3 years in the cellar and have the capacity to keep for 20 years.”
Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas Le Poste 2012 ($119.95) $99 special 8 bottles available
Wine Advocate 94-97 points “The 2012 Gigondas Le Poste might just be the star of the three single vineyards in 2012. More fine and elegant, with thrilling lavender, flowers, forest floor and sweet berry fruit, it is full-bodied, seamless and carries masses of fine tannin in its pure, refined texture. Gorgeous all around, it too should have upward of two decades of longevity.”
Joseph Swan Vineyards Ziegler Vineyard Zinfandel, Russian River Valley 2009 ($31.95) $28 staff pick special
“Notes of cedar and cinnamon give way to red raspberry, fresh red plums, and molasses. Ends with tangy acidity and dried citrus peel notes. This is an excellent Zinfandel for barbeque and grilled meats with tangy fruit sauces, or alone for those who enjoy a rich wine that is balanced and refreshing. Joseph Swan Winery is a small family-owned winery in Sonoma that produces several small lots of distinctive wines including two other old-vine, single-vineyard Zinfandels.”
AIA Vecchia Vermentino 2013 ($17.95) $11.90 staff pick special
“The medium-bodied 100% Vermentino is fermented in stainless steel, aged for four months in tank and two months in bottle prior to release. A round body with grassy flavors and notes of citrus is finished off quickly with a lively acidity. Amazingly clean and refreshing, this is a perfect white wine for seafood pasta.”
Louis Jadot 2012
Arriving Fall
“Our aim is to express the true nature of Burgundy through our wines, a terroir that can be both proud of its past and optimistic about its future.” – Maison Louis Jadot
Louis Jadot’s label, with the Bacchus head, decorative frieze, and the signature pale yellow paper, is perhaps one of the most instantly recognizable of all Burgundy producers. Maison Louis Jadot was founded in 1859 by the Jadot family, beginning their estate with the Clos des Ursules vineyard still in the family’s possession to this day. A significant core of Jadot’s domain vines were assembled some 60 years prior to the formation of Maison Jadot, this holding of eleven grand and premier cru vineyards totaling about 16 hectares were all left to the Jadot family and have been a part of the Jadot estate ever since. These original domain holdings are highlighted on their respective bottle labels as Domaine des Héritiers Louis Jadot.
Today, Jadot is one of the largest winemaking and negotiant houses in the world, with over 100 various vineyard holdings throughout Burgundy, Beaujolais, and Macon. After the death of the last male members of the family, long-time manager André Gagey took over running the business which was subsequently purchased by the Koch family, owners of Jadot’s US importers, Kobrand. The company is today run by Pierre-Henry Gagey, who maintains Jadot with a team of 70 people, including the house’s winemaker as of 2010, Frederic Barnier. Together, this team works to maintain the Jadot ideology of expressing the true nature of Burgundy’s wines, guaranteeing quality throughout their whole range. Vinification balances tradition and technology, focusing on the truest expression of each wine’s terroir, with restrained use of new oak to allow the pure flavors of the wine to show.
2012 in Burgundy, like many vintages of the past decade, promised the worst and came through with the best. Though yields are low, making these sought after reds and whites even more difficult to find, 2012 is another great year for Burgundy, offering up glamorous reds and superbly concentrated and intense whites. Variation in style and flavor profile are to be expected as Jadot’s holdings run the expanse of Burgundy, but there is one consistency in Jadot’s winemaking: value. Whether a Grand Cru or village level bottling, Jadot’s prides itself on producing the top quality level in every area from which they grow or source.
Louis Jadot Chassagne Montrachet Cote de Beaune 2012 ($79.95) $59 special
From the Winery “This traditional vinification in oak casks brings forth the rich, plump fruit and full body of the wine, which shows a vigorous, aromatic bouquet and persistent, earthy finish.
These great wines should be kept for special meals : foie gras, entrées and fish in cream sauces, fine charcuterie and white meats in rich sauces.”
Louis Jadot Puligny Montrachet Cote de Beaune 2012 ($79.95) $59 special
From the winery “The wines of Puligny Montrachet are generally characterised by greater firmness and depth than those of Meursault, and by greater refinement and delicacy than those of Chassagne. They are characterised by very distinctive aromas : almond, fern, exotic fruit, amber and white flowers. His acidity in the mouth is rather subtle. They can be kept between 8 and 12 years.These great wines are destined to honour Haute Cuisine as wonderful shellfish cooked in bouillon, creamed and poached fish, poultry liver pâtés. Also with the tastes of very strong-smelling cheeses: Munster and mature Comté.”
Louis Jadot Morgeot Clos de la Chapelle Monopole Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru 2012 ($99.95) $79 special
From the Winery “The Chassagne Montrachet 1er cru “Morgeot” Clos de la chapelle’ is a very well balanced wine, showing us a lot of concentrated aromas of honey, white fruit and flowers. This wine is full bodied, powerful and rich. It should be kept for special meals like foie gras, fish in cream sauces, shellfish and white meats in rich sauces.”
Louis Jadot Clos de la Garenne Puligny Montrachet 1er Cru Cote de Beaune 2012 ($119.95) $99 special
From the Winery “This wine is full and generous and at the same time elegant wine, with nice aromas of dry grass. This great white wine can accompany shellfish cooked in a court-bouillon, poached fish, poultry, liver pâtés, and cheese such as Comté.”
Louis Jadot Puligny Montrachet Les Referts 1er Cru Cote de Beaune 2012 ($99.95) $79 special
Wine Advocate 90-92 points “The 2012 Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Referts has a poised, mineral nose that displays good intensity at this early stage. The palate is nicely balanced with a fine line of acidity, hints of tangerine and spice, leading to a nicely composed, vibrant finish. This is a mild mannered but well-crafted Puligny.”
From the winery “The Puligny Montrachet 1er Cru Les Referts” is rich, less tight than “les Combetes” with various smells of fruit. This great white wine is destined to honour haute cuisine: shellfish cooked in a court-bouillon, creamed and poached fish, poultry liver pâtés, ripe cheeses like Munster and mature Comté.”
Louis Jadot Chevalier- Montrachet Les Demoiselles Chevalier Montrachet Grand Cru 2012 ($479.95) $399 special
Wine Advocate 94-96 points “The 2012 Chevalier-Montrachet Les Demoiselles Grand Cru has a strict, aristocratic, stony bouquet that is taut and focused – no messing about here. The palate is very intense on the entry with a mineral core wrapped up in precise orange zest and spicy notes that fan out sensually across the slightly saline finish. This is a Chevalier that you have to think about, unfurling in the glass, surely with hidden facets that will be revealed with age. This is a regal grand cru.”
From the winery “Maison Louis Jadot produces limited quantities of this grand cru, which in many vintages equals or surpasses Le Montrachet in concentration and complexity. Its bright, golden colour and penetrating fragrance of toast and honey predict the rich, mellow fruit flavours, velvety elegance and intense finish of this wine of exceptional grace and breed.This wine best suits turbot, monkfish, scallops with white truffles, roasted lobster, grilled foie gras, braised veal, free range chicken.”
Louis Jadot Domaine des Heritiers Louis Jadot Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru Cote de Beaune 2012 ($219.95) $159 special
Wine Advocate 92-94 points “The 2012 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru, which comes from Les Pougets (the same as the red), has a bewitching floral, mineral-laden bouquet with flinty scents that should become develop once bottled. The palate is nicely balanced with a tense, yet slightly mellifluous entry. There is a fine bead of acidity here that cuts through the leesy, citrus fruit. The finish is mild-mannered but nicely focused. Very fine.”
From the winery “Corton Charlemagne is powerful, rich, and mineral with an intense flavour of fruits and flowers and spicy aromas of pepper and cinnamon. It goes very well with haute cuisine, fish and shellfish, white meat and poultry with cream sauces.”
Louis Jadot Batard Montrachet Grand Cru Cote de Beaune 2012 ($359.95) $279 special
Wine Advocate 90-92 points “The 2012 Batard-Montrachet Grand Cru has a richer, more tropical-scented bouquet compared to the Bienvenue. The palate is smooth and rounded, rich and mellifluous in the mouth with a long, seductive finish that needs just a little more tension and poise.”
From the winery “Bâtard Montrachet is a full bodied wine, rich and powerful. It stuns the drinker with intense flavor of almonds, ripe apple, white flowers, honey and spices. In addition, the length in the mouth is remarkable. Batard Montrachet is the perfect partner for elegant dining: foie gras, appetizers, lobsters, scallops. ”
Louis Jadot Le Montrachet Grand Cru Cote de Beaune 2012 ($699.95) $599 special
Wine Spectator 94-97 points , Wine Advocate 92-94 points “There are five barrels of the 2012 Montrachet Grand Cru in 2012 compared to the usual ten. The nose is surprisingly reticent at first, opening gradually in the minerality poking its head from under the covers. Coming back after three minutes, the aromatics are accelerating away. The palate is very well-balanced as one would hope, very focused with subtle, spicy notes under the carapace of citrus fruit.”
From the winery “Le Montrachet has a very nice, bright and shiny gold colour. It is a complex and powerful wine. Its comparable depth, intense fruit elegance, and layers of complex, textural richness, reflected in a sublime bouquet reminiscent of honey toast, culminate with a persistent finish. This wine best suits « haute cuisine » : crustacés à la nage’, poached fish in cream sauce, liver pâtés.”
Louis Jadot Cotes de Nuits Village Le Vaucrains 2012 ($41.95) $37 special
From the winery “Côte de Nuits-Villages « Le Vaucrain » is silky and shows a nice colour. The tanins are elegant. When it is young it has aromas of little red berries and liquorice. It matches very well red meat, grilled or roasted as well as cheese. In some tannic vintages it can even allow game.”
Louis Jadot Beaune 1er Cru Les Bressandes Cote de Beaune 2012 ($59.95) $49 special
From the Winery “This Premier Cru is an elegant wine, quite full in body with red fruit aromas, spices and vanilla notes. It will perfectly accompany delicate meat dishes as well as most cheeses.”
Louis Jadot Nuits-Saint-Georges, Cote de Nuits 2012 ($59.95) $49 special
Louis Jadot Pommard, Cote de Beaune 2012 ($59.95) $49 special
Louis Jadot Gevrey Chambertin Cotes de Nuits 2012 ($59.95) $51.90 special
From the winery “Jadot Gevrey-Chambertin shows the qualities characteristic of the commune: deep color, with a multi-faceted berry and red fruit bouquet, a full, tannic structure and mellow texture carry into a lasting finish. This powerful and perfumed wine require elaborate and strong-tasting food: lamb, boeuf bourguignon, game pâtés, strong cheeses.”
Louis Jadot Chambolle Musigny Cote de Nuits 2012 ($79.95) $69 special
From the winery“Louis Jadot produces a deeply coloured wine which develops a red berries fruits – and undergrowth aromas when older. Full bodied, delicate this wine has a silky finish. The soil is responsible for Chambolle Musigny’s exceptional delicacy and a character not possessed by any other wine of the Côte de Nuits. It will perfectly match with delicate dishes, not too spicy like red meat, game and quite strong cheeses.”
Louis Jadot Savigny les Beaune Clos des Guettes 1er Cru Cote de Beaune 2012 ($49.95) $39 special
Wine Advocate 89-91 points “The 2012 Savigny-les-Beaune 1er Cru Clos des Guettes comes from the lower slopes of the clos. It demonstrates very good intensity on the nose with rounded, almost plush dark plum and raspberry fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, good substance. Overall, you might describe this as a ‘solid’ Savigny that attests to the low yields. Excellent.”
From the winery “Maison Louis Jadot produces a red Savigny les Beaune of medium-deep colour. The bouquet is elegant, powerful with blackcurrant and cherry aromas. Supple, nicely tannic, it has a fine structure, producing a feminine image. This wine will be perfect with any light dishes, red or white meat or feathered game. Highly flavoured sauce will be perfect with an old wine.”
Louis Jadot Domaine des Heritiers Louis Jadot Beaune Clos des Ursules Monopole 1er Cru Cote de Beaune 2012 ($99.95) $79 special
Wine Advocate 91-93 points “The 2012 Beaune 1er Cru Clos des Ursules is one of their premier holdings with a propensity to age with class. It has a fragrant, more floral bouquet with fine delineation – perhaps more feminine than the other Beaune premier crus. The palate is ripe and generous on the entry. This has good substance and breeding, the quality of the terroir really coming through on the persuasive finish that lingers long in the mouth. This Clos des Ursules is brimming over with confidence and class. Bravo!”
From the winery “Beaune Premier Cru “Clos des Ursules” is a full, firm and rich wine. It is fine, with a slightly earthy bouquet and long, lush finish, converge in a wine which perfectly balances elegance and power. It works harmoniously with delicate meat dishes as well as most cheeses.”
Louis Jadot Domaine des Heritiers Louis Jadot Corton Pougets Grand Cru Cote de Beaune 2012 ($149.95) $119 special
Antonio Galloni 93-95 points “Black cherries, plums, smoke, licorice, new leather and cloves jump from the glass as the 2012 Corton Pougets shows off its personality. Rich, concentrated and voluptuous to the core, the 2012 is unusually opulent in this vintage. The tannins are nearly buried by the pure resonance of the fruit. This is going to be a fascinating wine to follow.”
From the winery “This exceptional site yields a wine of sumptuous brilliance and complexity, powerfully structured and richly fruited. The aromatic Pinot Noir bouquet and deep, layered berry and oak flavours culminate in a seductive, persistent finish. The red wines will complement roast meat or meat in a highly-seasoned sauce, game and most cheeses.”
Louis Jadot Nuits St Georges Les Boudots 1er Cru Cotes de Nuits 2012 ($149.95) $119 special
Stephen Tanzer 91-94 points “Healthy dark red. Lovely lift to the complex aromas of red and black fruits, minerals, violet and licorice. Suave on entry, then fine-grained, vinous and brisk, boasting terrific mineral energy and peppery lift to the flavors of blackberry, flowers and menthol. This wonderfully silky, shapely wine finishes with noble tannins and captivating mineral and floral perfume.”
From the winery “Maison Louis Jadot produces a characteristically firm and full-bodied Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru « Les Boudots ». Rich and vigorous on the palate, with a deep, pungent bouquet, it shows considerable dimension and structure, acquiring a mellow depth and softness with bottle age. It will be a good partner for red wine sauces, marinated or roasted game, medium tasting cheeses.”
Louis Jadot Corton Clos du Roi Grand Cru Cote de Beaune 2012 ($149.95) $119 special
Wine Advocate 89-91 points “The 2012 Corton Clos de Roi Grand Cru has a straightforward, tightly knit bouquet with seaweed-tinged red berry fruit that lift nicely from the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with a succulent entry. There is plenty of fruite here that probably belies the structure on the finish. This is a ‘solid’, dependable Clos du Roi.”
From the winery “Corton Clos du Roi is very aromatic, very subtle and elegant, full of breed. This Grand Cru is the perfect companion to red meat and game.”
Louis Jadot Vosne Romanee Les Suchots 1er Cru Cotes des Nuits 2012 ($179.95) $149 special
Wine Advocate 91-93 points “The 2012 Vosne-Romanee 1er Cru Les Suchots has a typically more floral and feminine bouquet, erring more towards the red fruit spectrum: raspberry, crushed strawberry and Morello emerging with time. The palate is medium-bodied with a rounded, fleshy opening. There is good weight and extract here, although it remains linear, preferring not to fan out on the finish, but remain ‘correct’ and perhaps ‘conservative’. Again, this will require 5 to 6-years in the cellar.”
From the winery “It will be perfect with game, meats in sauce and strong cheeses.Typically, « Suchots » combines the richness of Le Richebourg with the delicacy of Romanée Saint Vivant. Concentrated and velvety, yet with a restrained elegance and refinement, it marries ripe fruit and tannins to notes of exotic spices and oak, with a subtle, perfumed bouquet and extended silky finish.”
Louis Jadot Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru Cote de Nuits 2012 ($219.95) $179 special
Stephen Tanzer 91-94 points “Good bright, deep red. Very ripe aromas of black cherry, licorice, dark chocolate and espresso; less floral than the Gevrey premier crus that preceded it in my tasting. Backward but brisk, with good minty lift and energy to the liqueur-like black cherry, menthol and spice flavors. For all its ripeness, this wine also shows an enticing coolness. Finishes with substantial ripe tannins, very good cut and plenty of structure to support a slow evolution in bottle.”
From the winery “The Clos-Vougeot is a wine of power and depth which retains an elegant complexity It has a full fragrant and distinctly floral bouquet. Maison Louis Jadot “Clos Vougeot” will accompany “haute cuisine” dishes. With its delicate yet powerful aromas, one would choose red meat, roasted or served with a sauce, roasted pheasant, leg of wild boar or venison and ripe cheeses which are not too strong : Camembert, Brillat-Savarin, Citeaux.”
Louis Jadot Gevrey Chambertin Clos St Jacques 1er Cru Cotes de Nuits 2012 ($219.95) $179 special
Wine Advocate 92-94 points “The 2012 Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Clos Saint-Jacques has a fragrant bouquet: floral at first with touches of violet, later revealing a stony scents, hints of chalk dust and flint surfacing with time. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine tannins and impressive focus. It feels composed in the mouth with good matiere, yet it remains sophisticated and tense right to the finish. There is nothing flash here, just pure quality.”
From the winery “The Gevrey-Chambertin « Clos Saint Jacques » is a fullbodied and complex wine. It shows a broad palet of aromas, both powerful and elegant, with an impressive length in the mouth. It will perfectly match game, meat in sauce, mushrooms and strong cheese.This wine really comes from a very original place giving a particular complexity to the Pinot Noir grape.”
Louis Jadot Echezeaux Grand Cru Cotes de Nuits 2012 ($279.95) $219 special
Wine Advocate 92-94 points “The 2012 Echezeaux Grand Cru has a sensual, expressive, kaleidoscopic bouquet with wonderful vibrant blackberry, cassis and blueberry scents infused with minerals. The palate is beautifully balanced with fine, sappy red berry fruit, a citric thread of racy acidity that neatly offsets the extravagant finish. There is plenty to savour on the vibrant, vivacious Echezeaux.”
From the winery “Louis Jadot Echezeaux is a solid, well constituted, powerful as well as a delicate wine. It develops fine and intense Pinot Noir fruity aromas as well as spices notes. It is very long in the mouth. It will be perfect with roasts, game, meats in sauce and fine cheeses.”
Louis Jadot Chapelle Chambertin Grand Cru Cote de Nuits 2012 ($319.95) $279 special
Wine Advocate 95-97 points “The glorious 2012 Chapelle-Chambertin Grand Cru, which is domaine-owned, shows a little more wood at the moment although it is embroidered with the carapace black cherry and raspberry fruit. With aeration, it reveals attractive sea spray aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with cashmere tannins and sensual texture that lend it a more Vosne-like personality. It is very harmonious and there is a thrilling crescendo towards its precocious, yet classy finish. Superb.”
From the winery “Louis Jadot produces a rich and sumptuous wine with an extraordinary delicacy, elegance and finesse. The silken texture finishes in refined, complex notes of berries, earth and oak. It will perfectly match with sophisticated dishes like meat en sauce’, game and strong cheeses.”
Louis Jadot Bonnes Mares Grand Cru Cotes de Nuits 2012 ($419.95) $349 special
Wine Advocate 93-95 points ,Wine Spectator 93-96 points “The 2012 Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru, which underwent a tardy malolactic fermentation, is surprisingly well behaved on the nose strict at first and preferring to unfold in piecemeal fashion to reveal saturnine black fruit laced with inkwell and Indian spice scents. The palate is very well balanced packed full of dense black fruit and struck through with a keen, almost racy acidity. The finish is very solid and structured for Bonnes-Mares that I suspect will age extremely well. In its youth, I suspect this will be impressive more than pleasurable…at least for the first decade of its life.”
From the winery “Louis Jadot produces a wine of great distinction, with a powerful yet refined perfume of violets and red berries and a finely balanced, fruit richness on the palate. The subtle tannins carry into a prolonged finish. It will perfectly match with delicate dishes not too spicy (red meat in sauce, cheeses).”
Louis Jadot Grands Echezeaux Grand Cru Cotes de Nuits 2012 ($419.95) $359 special
Wine Advocate 93-95 points “The 2012 Grands Echezeaux Grand Cru is more mild-mannered and serious on the nose when compared to the Echezeaux–poker-faced black fruit hand in hand with tertiary aromas. The palate is very refined with silky smooth tannins. This is very harmonious with impressive weight and sensuality towards the finish that fans out with more precision and grace than the Echezeaux, retaining tight control at every moment. Excellent.”
From the winery “With a deep colour, Louis Jadot produces a powerful wine with intense red fruits and spices aromas. It is a structured wine with a very nice balance. It will perfectly match with sophisticated dishes like red meat “in sauce” (boeuf bourguignon), marinated game or quite strong cheeses.”
Louis Jadot Chambertin Clos de Beze Grand Cru Cote de Nuits 2012 ($479.95) $399 special
Wine Advocate 95-97 points “The 2012 Chambertin Clos-de-Beze Grand Cru, which like the Chapelle-Chambertin is domaine-owned, has a more voluminous, multi-faceted bouquet with engaging incense and mineral notes infusing the beautifully defined black fruits. The palate is very well balanced on the entry with more tension and nervosite than the Chambertin, building effortlessly towards a quite regal, sophisticated finish whose mineralite lingers long in the mouth. Outstanding.”
From the winery “Louis Jadot produces a rich and sumptuous wine with an extraordinary balance of power, elegance and finesse. The brilliant, brocaded texture finishes with a long, lingering note of berries and oak. It will perfectly match sophisticated dishes like meats en sauce’, game and strong cheeses.”
Meulenhof Mosel Riesling 2011 ($17.95) $14 special
Wine Spectator 88 points “The green apple and lemon-lime flavors are fresh and crunchy, with ginger and anise notes accenting the well-structured finish.”
Meulenhof Erdener Treppchen Riesling Spätlese #11 2011 ($24.95) $21.90 special
Wine Spectator 93 points “Racy and savory, with a flinty essence to the bright apple and ripe citrus flavors. Features a powerful midpalate, with an ironclad structure and a finish that lingers with some peppery accents.”