New Spring, New Rosé Arrival!
Huet Hits It Out of the Park
Just Arrived: Legendary 2008 Dom Perignon
Trending Wines of the Week
Just Arrived: The Iconic Wines of Paolo Bea
New Releases from K Vintners Winemaker B. Leighton
New Arrivals
Including Cameron, Marie-Courtin
Gerard Boulay, de Villaine, Volpaia
Ferrari-Carano, Von Winning and More!
A Newly Secured Eiswein from a Nahe Star
New Spring, New Rosé Arrival!
Just Arrived!
Crowley Rose, Willamette Valley 2018 750ML ($21.95) $18 special
Winery Note ” Our personal preference for Rosé is a more Provençal-leaning style, biting and herbaceous with just enough succulent fruit to soften the edges. Low alcohol and high acid, refreshing and crisp…delivering the feeling like you aren’t really drinking, so why not keep going?! The best Rosé does that, and we wanted to see if we could draw closer to that benchmark….Color is probably the biggest wild card with Rosé and a pesky holdout until the wine finishes. You never quite know until bottling what color you have but we really like this one! Two-thirds of this wine was fermented in barrel for aromatic nuance and the rest in stainless steel to maintain edginess and cut. It all worked out and in the end we’re proud of the adjustments and really love this wine. Making Rosé is fun, probably since it’s meant to be paired with all manner of fun endeavors. Enjoy!”
Other 2018 Oregon Rosé, In Stock Now:
Day Wines Babycheeks Rose, Rogue Valley 2018 750ML ($29.95) $21.90 special
Winery note “The Malbec, Tannat and Cab france were picked when the acid was bright and the sugars moderate, and whole clusters pressed directly. The juice was allowed to brown by oxygen and then racked into half stainless steel and half neutral barrels for fermentation. It’s a pale salmon color this year full of bright citrus, floral and red fruit. 67% Malbec, 25% Tannat and 8% Cab franc. On a warm, bluebird, autumn day of harvest, gorgeously glowing red fruit from the Rogue Valley rolled down the sorting table leaving a stream of rosy colored juice in its wake. Across the table I saw the same colored reflected in the sweet little faces of my dear friends’ babies and I knew I needed to make a rosé.”
Winery note “A Rose of Pinot Noir where you can actually experience the Pinot Noir! We deliberately pick this block of Pinot Noir specifically for our Rose. We find our eastern-most Pommard rows offers a nice spicy element to this Rose. Try it. You’ll like it.”
Huet Hits It Out of the Park
Newly Reviewed Domaine Huet Wines:
In Stock Now:
Domaine Huet Vouvray ‘Le Haut Lieu’ Demi-Sec, Loire 2017 750ML ($41.95) $36 special
Jeb Dunnuck 95 points “The 2017 Vouvray Le Haut-Lieu Demi-Sec is also brilliant, and readers should snatch a case of this beauty. Offering up a smorgasbord of quince, green apple, honeysuckle, and flinty minerality, it’s medium-bodied, has bright, juicy acidity, beautifully integrated sweetness (it’s off dry), and a balanced, lengthy style on the palate. It’s impressive today, with an already complex, layered style, but it’s going to age beautifully for two decades or more. It’s a smoking value.”
Domaine Huet Vouvray ‘Le Mont’ Demi-Sec, Loire 2017 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
Jeb Dunnuck 96 points “The 2017 Le Mont Demi-Sec is cut from the same cloth as the le Mont Sec, yet has slightly more weight and richness. Thrilling notes of honeyed apples, caramelized limes, tangerine peel, and ripe pineapple notes all emerge from this full-bodied, deep, beautifully textured beauty that has ample density and richness, yet still glides across the palate with no sensation of weight or heaviness. It has thrilling depth of fruit, bright acidity, integrated sweetness, and perfect balance, all making for a totally captivating Vouvray to enjoy over the coming two decades or more. If drinking any time soon, a healthy decant is recommended, as this didn’t start to shine until day two.”
Domaine Huet Vouvray ‘Le Mont’ Moelleux, Loire 2017 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Jeb Dunnuck 96 points “The 2017 Le Mont Moelleux shows the classic progression from the vibrancy of the Sec to the more layered, slightly honeyed Demi-Sec to this richer, sweeter, yet no less impressive Moelleux release. Brilliant notes of quince, honeyed tangerines, apple peel, and orange liqueur all emerge from this full-bodied, layered Vouvray that has a stacked, dense, concentrated mid-palate, high yet integrated acidity, impeccable balance, and a great finish. I couldn’t pick a favorite between this and the Demi-Sec, and both are brilliant wines. Smart readers will buy a handful of bottles of each (a six pack of each is what I intend to do) for drinking over the coming 2-3 decades.”
Re-Arriving ETA April
Domaine Huet Vouvray ‘Clos du Bourg’ Demi-Sec, Loire 2017 750ml ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
Jeb Dunnuck 95 points “The 2017 Clos du Bourg Demi-Sec is thrilling stuff, offering a vivid gold color as well as a kaleidoscope of honeyed citrus, white flowers, orange blossom, dried herbs, and chalky mineral-like aromas and flavors. It’s ripe and textured on the palate, with terrific concentration, yet has beautiful acidity, a seamless, perfectly balanced mouthfeel, and a great, great finish. The sweetness is brilliantly managed, and this beauty is going to keep for decades.”
Domaine Huet Vouvray ‘Le Mont’ Sec, Loire 2017 750ML ($41.95) $33 pre-arrival special
Jeb Dunnuck 93+ points “Moving to the Le Mont releases, the 2017 Le Mont Sec needs loads of air time to show at its best and didn’t really shine until day two. It has more chalky minerality and austerity compared to the Demi-Sec yet has brilliant honeyed grapefruit, tart green apple, wet stone, and sappy herb aromas and flavors that develop nicely with time in the glass, gaining richness, depth, and breadth with air. Medium-bodied, silky and elegant, with racy yet integrated acidity, it’s another wine that needs to be forgotten for a good 4-5 years, and it should evolve gracefully for a handful of decades.”
Just click here to see the full list on our website!
2008 Dom Perignon
A Legend in the Making
“Departing chef de caves Richard Geoffroy says that 2008 is his best DP vintage since 1990.” – Decanter
“The 2008 vintage of Dom Pérignon is an absolute classic in the making and this is destined to be one of the great recent years for this iconic cuvée.” – John Gilman, A View from the Cellar
#5 Wine of the Year – Wine Spectator Top 100 in 2018
Dom Perignon Brut, Champagne 2008 750ML ($249.95) $189 special
Antonio Galloni 98+ points “The 2008 Dom Pérignon is fabulous, but quite remarkably, it was even more open when I tasted it a year ago. Bright, focused and crystalline in its precision, the 2008 is going to need a number of years before it is at its best. Lemon peel, white flowers, mint and white pepper give the 2008 its chiseled, bright profile. Several recent bottles have all been magnificent. What I admire most about the 2008 is the way it shows all the focus, translucence and energy that is such a signature of the year, and yet it is also remarkably deep and vertical. In other words, the 2008 is a Champagne that plays in three dimensions.”
John Gilman 98 points “The 2008 vintage of Dom Pérignon is an absolute classic in the making and this is destined to be one of the great recent years for this iconic cuvée. It is far more classically structured out of the blocks than the relatively generous 2009 version, offering up a deep, complex and very youthful bouquet of menthol, green apple, a touch of tangerine, a very complex base of minerality and notes of dried flowers in the upper register. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied and rock solid at the core, with precise mousse, brisk acids and stunning length and grip on the primary and laser-like finish. This will demand some cellaring to start to really stir and should prove to be an extremely long-lived vintage of DP. Stellar juice.”
James Suckling 98 points “The best Dom since 2002. A vintage with very restrained, powerful style that has been released non-sequentially after the 2009. This has a lighter stamp of highly curated, autolytic, toasty aromas than many recent releases. Instead, this delivers super fresh and intense aromas of lemons, grapefruit and blood-orange peel. Incredible freshness here. The palate has a very smoothly delivered, berry-pastry thread with light, sweet spices, stone fruit and fine citrus fruit. This really delivers. Drink now or hold.”
Decanter 96 points “Departing chef de caves Richard Geoffroy says that 2008 is his best DP vintage since 1990. The first half of the growing season was dull and sunless, but good weather returned in mid-September and led to one of the longest harvests, running into October. The summer provided ideal conditions for a classic, cool, maritime vintage of exceptional, subtle aromas with minerality and freshness. This has a vibrant but controlled acidity, and is above all a memorable symbiosis of mature fruit and salinity derived from top terroirs. The poised mouthfeel makes this a perfect gastronomic wine, strong enough for spicy Asian cuisine from the Pacific rim, but still compatible with classics such as roast turbot and lobster.””
Wine Spectator 96 points “There’s power to this graceful Champagne, with the vivid acidity swathed in a fine, creamy mousse and flavors of toasted brioche, kumquat, pastry cream, candied ginger and poached plum that dance across the palate. An underpinning of smoky mineral gains momentum on the lasting finish. Drink now through 2033.”
Trending Wines of the Week
Arnot-Roberts Sonoma Coast Syrah, California 2016 750ML ($49.95) $36 special
Antonio Galloni 92 points “The 2016 Syrah (Sonoma Coast) is dazzling. Inky and dark in its fruit profile, but also light on its feet, the 2016 is all class. Hints of lavender, black pepper, mint and cloves grace the palate in an exquisite, mid-weight Syrah that emphasizes freshness and nuance. Deceptively medium in body, the 2016 has enough underpinnings of structure to drink well for many years. This is a fabulous appellation-level Syrah.”
Ameztoi Rubentis Rosado, Getariako Txakolina 2018 750ML ($24.95) $19.90 special
VinopolNote: The long-awaited and lightly fizzy pink from the Basque region in Spain! A staff favorite. Always light, bright, fresh, salty and fun. The perfect aperitif wine for spring and summer.
Grochau Cellars Zenith Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2013 750ML ($47.95) $28 special
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 93 points “Brilliant red. Powerful, spice-accented cherry and raspberry aromas are complemented by hints of candied rose, anise and smoky minerals. Sweet and focused on the palate, offering intense red and dark berry and spicecake flavors and a strong suggestion of floral pastilles. Rich yet lithe in the style, this elegant Pinot finishes with powerful, spicy thrust and silky, slow-building tannins that contribute shape and grip.”
Weingut Jos. Christoffel Jr. Erdener Treppchen Riesling Kabinett, Mosel 2016 750ML ($34.95) $27 special
Mosel Fine Wines 91 points “This offers a beautiful nose of pear, citrusy fruits, brown sugar and herbs. The wine proves quite racy on the palate as lively acidity provides the frame to fresh and zesty fruits. The finish is refreshingly tart, with a nice salty side. Still a bit wild, the wine will gain in presence and elegance at maturity. 2023-2036.”
David Schildknecht-Vinous 90 points “Alluring, site-typical scents of lemongrass, sassafras and tangerine set the stage for a lusciously juicy, invigoratingly tangy, zesty palate impression. The finish is unabashedly sweet but so brightly juicy that it refreshes and calls forth the next sip. The vintage’s A.P. #1, this represents its first-picked fruit. But even then, we’re talking mid-October, so early picking goes only a little way toward explaining the modest degrees Oechsle on which this alcoholically featherweight bottling is founded. The vines themselves and how they are handled – certainly including the yields Christoffel permits – are important factors.”
The Calling Dutton Ranch Chardonnay, Russian River Valley 2017 750ML ($29.95) $19 special
Case-12 The Calling Dutton Ranch Chardonnay, Russian River Valley 2017 750ML ($319.95) $199 special (that’s only $16.58/bottle!)
Winery Note “Fruit for this vintage was sourced from several locations within Dutton Ranch’s Russian River Valley vineyards. Plots in the warmer end of the valley contributed ripe tropical elements, while those from cooler areas lent minerality and a structural backbone. Inviting notes of honeysuckle, white rose, lemon meringue and baked brioche on the nose. Balanced yet with crisp acidity on the palate with flavors of ripe Asian pear, melon and Meyer lemon with a lingering, elegant finish.”
The average listed price is $28
Granito del Cadalso Garnacha Sierra de Gredos, Madrid 2016 750ML ($19.95) $16 special
Wine Advocate 90+ points “I tasted an unbottled sample last time, so it was time to review the bottled 2016 Granitos de Cadalso, which showed superbly, with great freshness and floral aromas, with great finesse and detail. I also liked the palate very much, where the austere and strict tannins from the granite are very noticeable. This has a great combination of approachability and seriousness. This is a great value! 14,000 bottles were filled in June 2017.”
Cave Yves Cuilleron ‘Les Vignes d’a Cote’ Syrah, Rhone 2017 750ML ($21.95) $18 special
Grapelive 92 points “One of the Northern Rhone’s top guns, Yves Cuilleron, is making some of the best wine of his career… While his 2015 and 2016 were absolutely awesome, this 2017 looks just as good if not better!… While most known for his Condrieu and Cote-Rotie, [Yves] also makes a stellar collection of Saint-Joseph, Cornas and Crozes-Hermitage as well as a line of varietal wines including this 100% Syrah from granite and alluvial soils near his village, Chavanay, near the border with the Crozes zone, in the Collines Rhodaniennes, in a steep parcel of vines… This 2017 Les Vignes d’a Cote is striking and with exceptional varietal character. [It shows] a deep purple/garnet color in the glass with a beautiful perfume of crushed violets, primary black and blue fruits, spices and camphor notes that not only come through on the nose, but transfer to the palate as well. There is ripe blueberry, plum and black cherry fruits as well as subtle creme de cassis, black olive, fresh ground peppercorns, faint cedar and anise. The mouthfeel is richer and more substantial than you’d expect from this bottling, highlighting what looks like a great vintage in the making. The Cuilleron elegance and finesse is on full display. This is a case-worthy, if not more, wine to enjoy over the next couple of years while you cellar your Cote-Rotie, Saint-Joseph and/or Crozes-Hermitage!”
One of the most distinctive SB’s we’ve tasted. Fantastic.
Massican Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley 2017 750ML ($39.95) $33 special
Winery note “Sauvignon blanc – 100%. The 2017 vintage in Napa Valley will always be remembered because of the wildfires that began in the late evening of Sunday, October 8. The fires spread with lightening speed because of the heavy winds that night and not only many homes were lost but also many lives in the area. Each day we take a step to repair the physical and emotional loss due to the fires but we will never forget how fragile our planet is and how quickly mother nature will remind us of the breadth and ferocity of her power.”
The Iconic Wines of Paolo Bea
If you’ve had these before, keep scrolling to check out the new releases—if not, pay attention. These are wines that capture the wildness of Umbrian wine and its signature grape, Sagrantino, in a way that captivates even the most jaded palates. They’re naturally made, but have classical proportions, with an almost savage ferocity to the flavors (and in the Sagrantino, the tannins as well). They’ve become quite hard to acquire in recent years (we guess the word’s gotten out), but we have some of the new wines that just arrived. These are in stock, at least until they sell out (which is probably not too long for now)
In Stock Now:
Paolo Bea Pagliaro Secco, Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG 2012 750ML ($109.95) $89 special
Importer Note “The fabled local grape of Montefalco is the Sagrantino and the Pagliaro vineyard, situated at 1300 feet in altitude, is dedicated in large part to this grape variety. The harvest of Sagrantino normally occurs during the second half of October. The cuvaison extends for forty to fifty days. The wines is then aged for one year in stainless steel, another two years in large Slavonian oak barrels and, finally, spends one more year in bottle (the wine, like all Bea wines, is unfiltered) before release. Annual production from the Pagliaro vineyard is 15,000 to 20,000 bottles.”
The next best price is $94.99
The average listed price is $99
Importer Note “This wine is sourced from the San Valentino vineyard in Montefalco the soil of which is dominated by clay. The vineyard is at 1300 feet altitude. The composition of the Montefalco Rosso is 70% Sangiovese, 15% Sagrantino and 15% Montepulciano, all from a 50-year old vineyard containing the constituent grapes. Harvest usually occurs in the final ten days of October. Bea puts all the dry reds through extensive cuvaison. In this instance, the wine usually macerates for approximately 30 days before being racked and prepared for the malolactic fermentation. The wine is aged for 3 years in stainless steel and an additional 4 to 12 months in bottle before release.”
Importer Note “Arboreus, Umbria Bianco Arboreus: is made from a Trebbiano clone known as Trebbiano Spoletino which is trained so that the fruit hangs high above the ground. The vineyards are planted in the low hills between Trevi and Montefalco at an elevation of 650 to 700 feet with a range of parcels facing both to the east and to the southwest. The soil is essentially clay and gravel. Harvest generally occurs during the first two weeks of October. The wine is left in contact with the skins for up to three weeks or more and is then aged in stainless steel tanks for at least two years prior to bottling. Sulfur is never added. Annual production is in the range of 3000 bottles.”
From K Vintners Winemaker Brennan Leighton
These are do-not-miss wines for anyone who loves the K wines and old school, Rhone inflected Washington State reds. Full of generous fruit and beautiful earthy and floral tones, these are wines that are powerfull and delicious on release, but have the track record and pedigree to age. These arrive in small quantities in a few weeks and we couldn’t be more excited.
Arriving ETA April 16th:
B. Leighton Olsen’s Brothers Vineyard Syrah, Yakima Valley 2016 750ML ($59.95) $45 pre-arrival special
Case-12 B. Leighton Olsen’s Brothers Vineyard Syrah, Yakima Valley 2016 750ML ($599.95) $479 pre-arrival special (that’s only $39.92/bottle!)
Stephen Tanzer 93 points “(from the Phelps clone of Syrah, which was brought up to Red Willow vineyard by David Lake in 1986): Bright, dark red. Sexy scents of raspberry, brown spices, black pepper and flowers are Côte-Rôtie-like in their soil-driven wildness. Tight and savory on the palate, with juicy dark berry and spice flavors showing terrific inner-mouth definition and energy. The firmly tannic finish features a note of roasted nuts and excellent rising length. Just 10% new oak here. Superb.”
Charles Smith / K Vintner’s Winery Note “Deep, dark, and brooding. Dare I say seductive? Black plum, exotic owers, grilled meats, sage, and wet earth. Finishes bold and lovely with purity. This wine is dynamic!100% Syrah / 100% whole cluster pressed / Native yeast / 39 days on skins / 20% new, 80% once-used French oak puncheons / 19 mo. barrel-aged on lees.”
Stephen Tanzer 93 points “(a field blend from vines planted in 2009 on volcanic soil at an altitude of 1,200 feet; winemaker Brennon Leighton originally created this wine for his wife, who loves Domaine Tempier; aged in neutral demi-muid and 500-liter puncheons): Medium red with a palish rim. Subtly scented aromas of strawberry, cranberry, spices, red licorice, tree bark and rose petal. Supple, savory and fine-grained, with an essentially gentle texture enlivened by spice and tree bark notes and nicely integrated acidity. This is really quite complex and suave, with its restrained sweetness countered by salinity and a light touch. If this blend doesn’t possess quite the body of the 2015, it has every bit as much energy and spicy persistence, not to mention excellent retention of fresh fruit. Finishes with a firm spine of ripe tannins. Another singular wine from the multi-talented Leighton. (14.5% alcohol)”
Charles Smith / K Vintner’s Winery Note “Another year, another beauty to be thankful for. Very expressive and vibrant with currants, cherries, fresh tobacco and star anise. This wine twists and turns broadly, but with focus, continuing with cured meats to a warm gravel finish.70% Mourvedre, 25% Grenache, 5% Syrah / 100% co-fermented and whole cluster pressed / Native yeast / 33 days on skins / 100% neutral French oak puncheons / 19 mo. barrel-aged on lees.”
Oregon
Winery note “Giovanni is our introduction to the fabulous 2018 vintage. The nose is resplendent with aromas of lemon verbena, citrus blossom and white peach. Flavors of Anjou pear and melon are perfectly balanced with acidity, finishing together on the back of the palate.”
Cameron Winery Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2017 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 special
Winery note “Aromas of cassis, cranberry, macerated raspberry, pipe tobacco, graham crackers & baking spices meld with a soft & juicy palate with subtle tannins. The 2017 Willamette Valley Pinot noir has all the fullness and richness you expect from Dijon clones. Its coiffability rating is through the roof!”
Ferrari-Carano Chardonnay, Sonoma County 2016 750ML ($24.95) $18 special
“The 2016 Chardonnay gives up delicate grapefruit, honeydew melon and lemon tart notes with suggestions of peach blossoms and marzipan. Medium to full-bodied with plenty of uncomplicated citrus and melon flavors, it has a racy backbone and good length. 60,000 cases produced.” -Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate
Winery Note “As one of California’s finest Chardonnay producers, Ferrari-Carano showcases their newest release. This beautifully complex wine, from over 60 individual Chardonnay lots, is gently destemmed, pressed, then cold settled before moving into French barrels for fermentation, the sur lie aged and stirred every two weeks until blending. Ripe aromas of apple, citrus and pear are perfectly balanced by flavors of peach, quince and hazelnut with lingering, creamy, toasted oak notes.”
Marie Courtin Concordance Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut, Champagne 2014 750ML ($89.95) $79 special
Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2014 Extra Brut Concordance is 100% Pinot Noir from 50-year-old vines on marl and Kimmeridgian soils that spent at least three years with the second lees. Disgorged in December 2017, the Concordance offers a deep, intense, very complex and flinty-mineral bouquet with perfectly ripe and elegant fruit aromas. On the palate, this is a pure, refined yet highly complex and elegant Pinot with great terroir expression. Fermented and aged in enameled stainless steel, this is a terribly pure and salty Blanc de Noirs with a very promising finish.”
Gilbert & Gaillard 92 points “Light yellow with green tints. Delicate nose opening up to notes of white flowers, fresh hazelnut and a subtle menthol touch. Wonderful fresh, silky attack leading into a very refined mid-palate then a mineral finish. Extremely pure style.”
Wine Spectator 90 points “Racy acidity drives this minerally Champagne, creating a firm frame for the subtle mesh of crunchy white peach, biscuit, lemon pith and spring blossom notes. Offers a clean-cut, lacy finish.” [Review is for Sept 2017 Disgorgement]
Less ripe than the Cotats’ expression, this is stunning Sancerre.
Gerard Boulay Sancerre La Cote, Loire 2016 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Importer Note “Boulay’s parcel in “La Grande Côte,” which is partially owned and partically rented, is one of three designated Crus of Chavignol and is reputed for producing wines of incredible precision. Vintage 2010 was the inaugural release. Overall, Gerard Boulay’s “terre blanche” vineyards produce some of the most distinctive and soil-inflected Sauvignon Blancs in the Loire, with a delineation and minerality often reminiscent of a top Chablis. Boulay is certainly among the top examples of the appellation, including Boulay’s neighbors (Cotat Bros., Vatan). These are gorgeous, highly complex wines that are a clear step above “regular” Sancerre, and can age easily for 10-20 years or more. In fact, we have had them all the way back to the 1959 which was magnificent! They confirm Boulay’s place in the top ranks of Loire Valley vignerons. (referred to by the Cotat brothers as La Grande Cote)”
The average listed price is $57
Gerard Boulay Sancerre Clos de Beaujeu, Loire 2016 750ML ($54.95) $41.90 special
Importer Note “One of Chavignol’s most historic vineyards, Boulay’s parcel lies within the original Clos of the vineyard, established by the monks of Beaujeu in the Middle Ages. The walls of the Clos are no longer standing as they were originally built from clay and hay, and did not withstand the test of time. Boulay farms a 0.75 hectares plot of 30- to 60-year old vins where the soils are pebbly, lime-rich and strewn with fossils. Along with the 60% gradient for much of the vineyard, the rocky soils make this parcel very difficult to farm. Clos de Beaujeu is the source of some of Boulay’s deepest, most structured wines and savory, spicy examples of Chavignol that are built to last.”
The average listed price is $50
Gerard Boulay Sancerre Les Monts Damnes, Loire 2016 750ML ($54.95) $44 special
Importer Note “Boulay began farming the steeply sloped Mont Damnés vineyard in 1982. His plot has an average vine age of 45 years. Mont Damnés’ reflective soils and south-facing exposition make it one of Chavignol’s warmest sites. Overall, Gerard Boulay’s “terre blanche” vineyards produce some of the most distinctive and soil-inflected Sauvignon Blancs in the Loire, with a delineation and minerality often reminiscent of a top Chablis. Boulay is certainly among the top examples of the appellation, including Boulay’s neighbors (Cotat Bros., Vatan). These are gorgeous, highly complex wines that are a clear step above “regular” Sancerre, and can age easily for 10-20 years or more. In fact, we have had them all the way back to the 1959 which was magnificent! They confirm Boulay’s place in the top ranks of Loire Valley vignerons.”
The average listed price is $51
Domaine A. & P. De Villaine Bourgogne Cote Chalonnaise Les Clous Aime Blanc, Burgundy 2016 750ML ($39.95) $33 special
Winery note “Les Clous Aimé comes from several parcels located on a south-facing slope of Bouzeron’s valley, sheltered from summer’s north wind during ripening. Our vineyard here is planted with selections of Chardonnay grapes that we have chosen for moderate yields. 2016 [was a] great success. Our Clous Aimé 2016 is powerful, dense with a soft and floral touch on the palate at the same time. A wine of pleasure, without complexity and very attractive. No need to think about it, it simply must be drunk.”
The next best price is $39.98
Domaine A. & P. de Villaine Bourgogne Cote Chalonnaise La Fortune, Burgundy 2016 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
Winery note “Fresh with fruity notes that evoke blackberry, red fruits, wild strawberries. The tannins are soft, silky and give the wines, beside a powerful structure, a real aromatic lightness.”
Terlato Family Vineyards Pinot Grigio, Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2016 750ML ($21.95) $14 special
Case-12 Terlato Family Vineyards Pinot Grigio, Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2016 750ML ($249.95) $149 special (that’s only $12.42/bottle!)
Jeb Dunnuck 90 points “The 2016 Pinot Grigio from Friuli is a value priced effort well worth your time and money. Citrus blossom, a touch of tropical fruits, and lots of honeyed citrus all flow to medium-bodied, nicely balanced, clean, and straight up delicious white that has plenty of texture and length yet stays fresh and lively. Drink up.”
Wine Enthusiast 90 points “Heady aromas of pear, beeswax and white spring flower take center stage in this lovely white. The medium-bodied palate doles out white peach, citrus and almond flavors, with fresh acidity.”
Castello di Volpaia Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG, Tuscany 2015 750ML ($69.95) $59 special
Wine Spectator 96 points “Though saturated with black currant and blackberry fruit and backed by opaque tannins, this red is pure and balanced. Thyme, iron, leather and tar notes give this complexity, while the finish goes into overtime. Best from 2023 through 2040. 2,500 cases imported.”
Von Winning Estate Riesling, Pfalz 2017 750ML ($21.95) $16 special
Grapelive 92 points “It’s terribly hard not to love these 2017 vintage Rieslings from Germany, and especially these Von Winnings that hail from the Pfalz region, these are wines that show terroir, beautiful aromatics and a Burgundy like elegance and textural quality. This 2017 Estate Trocken is bright with cool mineral intensity and stony in character, but with a feeling of extract and density that is quite riveting for a wine in this price class with layers of tangerine, green apple, lime zest, chamomile, lemongrass, crystallized ginger and chalky and saline infused wet stones. This vintage builds as it opens, expanding to give a real impact on the palate, while staying laser like sharp in detail and acid driven, it’s wonderfully expressive and impressive and stunning with cuisine. Von Winning is committed to organic farming and train their vines much the same way as they do in the Cote D’Or, preferring native yeasts and lees aging in oak casks along with stainless in the basic wines, again there is a nod to Burgundy with their inspiration….Beyond the top wines here there is a lot of value too, in particular, this estate Trocken Riesling which delivers intensely dry crisp detail and complexity for an insanely low price….this 2017 version is a class act with a bone dry focus, but with, as mentioned, surprising depth and length gaining hints of rosewater, earthy gooseberry, tropical essences and apricot in the glass, this is a fantastic year for German wines and this one has potential to age 10 to 15 years, though it is already pretty easy to love!”
Terry Theise “[+] It’s a corn bisque in the form of wine. The 9 g.l of RS does nothing but good—too good, actually, but ’17 does like handing out upgrades especially in the Pfalz; it has some of the peachiness of Reiterpfad and the greeny twang of Paradiesgarten; rich, grainy and lush, and honestly kind of absurdly too good. Just don’t hate on me when the 2018 returns us to earth-orbit.”
From “One of the Nahe’s Latest Break Out Stars”
Arriving ETA September:
Weingut Korrell Kreuznacher Paradies Riesling Eiswein, Nahe 2016 375ML ($99.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Grapelive 94 points “Korrell is one of the Nahe’s latest break out stars and every wine I’ve tried from Martin Korrell has been absolutely stunning, including this Eiswein. Crafted from old vines at their estate monopole Paradies Vineyard in Bad Kreuznach, from those grapes that hang out until the first freeze and were individual berry picked off the vine. Concentrated in sugars, but still bristling with natural acidity the gorgeous and opulent 2016 Korrell Eiswein Paradies goes on and on in mouth. Even with the residual sugar levels off the carts, this wine stays incredibly balanced and doesn’t drink as sweet as you’d imagine, making for a heavenly experience from its perfumed nose to its lingering tropical fruits. This is entrancing stuff with layers of lychee, candied pineapple, apricot jelly, honeycomb, lime blossom, white roses, chamomile, a hint of spearmint, mineral spice and cool wet stone. A rare and exotic, this Korrell Eiswein is treat beyond words, and, while the Mosel is better known for sweet wines, I have found the Nahe in some vintages are more than equal. In fact I still think a contender for the greatest wine I ever tasted was one of Donnhoff’s version of Eiiswein from just up the river! While Tokaji and Sauternes grab sweet wine headlines, I honestly believe the Germans have them beat with TBA’s and Eiswein, because of the racy acidity that still remains in these Riesling beauties. Korrell used specially selected yeasts as there is no chance to do Sponti on the ultra concentrated Paradies Eiswein, it needs extra special attention to detail, Korrell adds. It is pressed in a special small press for sweet wines with low quantity, read tiny production, but not wooden because they don’t want too much air contact [so as] to keep and preserve the exotic fruit aromas as much as possible as well as fresh details. Tasted from 375ml, half bottle, the 2016 Korrell Paradies Eiswein is an amazing product, and sadly isn’t listed in the United States as of yet, though their Trocken(s) should be available later this spring or early summer, so remember this one for if and when you get to Germany.”
Over the last two decades, the Nahe has been the vanguard region in Germany, with producers like Dönnhoff, Schäfer-Frölich, and Diel producing some of the top wines in Germany, year and out. Situated between the chilly Mosel and the sun-drenched Rhine, Nahe wines combine everything we love about German Riesling. Korrell have established themselves as top producer in the region and we’re beyond thrilled that we can add these wines to our collection—and your cellars.
Arriving ETA June:
Weingut Korrell Kreuznacher Paradies Riesling Trocken, Nahe 2017 750ML ($49.95)
$39 pre-arrival special
Weingut Korrell Kreuznacher Paradies Riesling Trocken, Nahe 2017 1.5L ($99.95)
$79 pre-arrival special
Weingut Korrell Kreuznacher Paradies Riesling Trocken, Nahe 2017 3L ($199.95)
$179 pre-arrival special
Stuart Pigott-JamesSuckling.com 94 points “Very clean and fresh, but behind the effusive, fruit-salad character that makes this so seductive, there is a lot of structure and the finish keeps pumping out the fruit and chalky minerality. Drink or hold.”
Grapelive 94 points “The radiant and graceful Korrell Paradies Trocken leads with expressive pure apple tones. [It] impresses for its elegance and subtle character. It’s a wine of great poise and delicacy, especially admirable for such a young Riesling. The monopole estate vineyard, Paradies, is the oldest single site Korrell has and is the flagship wine from winemaker Martin Korrell. It comes from his family’s vines that are set on limestone and clay soils in Bad Kreuznach area of the Nahe region. The Paradies Riesling Trocken is a gorgeous white of depth and precise winemaking that takes advantage of this unique site in the Nahe. This wine is the heart and soul of Korrell and it is product of its unique climat,or terroir. It sees more sunshine and the limestone allows for serious concentration, while retaining acidity, though there is always great attention paid to pick dates to finely tune this signature bottling to place and vintage. Korrell mixes some traditional stainless fermentations with some native yeast and barrel ferments to craft his wines. The Paradies shows a beautiful leesy finesse that reminds me a bit of the Von Winning GG’s, with a long time on the lees adding a beautiful glycerin density to this gorgeous dry Riesling. Coming off Korrel’s incredible Riesling Cup win for his Von den Grossen Lagen (Grand Crus) Riesling Trocken, I was absolutely thrilled to be able to try this wine, and found this particular wine just as intriguing. Martin focuses on preserving heightened aromatics and crisp mineral tones, while allowing the mouth feel and depth to shine through. It is an amazing accomplishment to get it all right, and Korrell deserves his time in the limelight. This is complex and glorious stuff. Layers of green apple, peach, mixed fresh citrus and melon fruits are lifted by liquid rock, steely mineral and faint perfume of white flowers along with a silkiness of mouth feel. While still delightfully crisp, [this delivers] an exciting energy filled performance. This is a winery that about to break out and join some elite company, in fact they are riding high after winning, as mentioned, the famous Riesling Cup award with their unique multi (Grand) cru Von den Grossen Lagen Trocken Riesling. This wine is just extra proof there is real quality here! The lightly golden hued and generously textured Paradies will age well. It’s full of charm, class and potential. Best to let this one have another 3 to 5 years, though it certainly is delicious right now.”
Stuart Pigott-JamesSuckling.com 94 points “What a beautiful nose of leaves and white flowers, dripping after rain. With aeration, peach, nectarine and mandarin-orange notes emerge. Concentrated, racy and very polished, this is a stunning dry riesling with a long, mineral finish. Drink or hold. Screw cap.”
Wine Spectator 92 points “This fruity yet dry Riesling is filled with flavors of currant and gooseberry, while juicy, orangelike acidity cuts through, carrying freshness and providing balance. The complex finish is long and inviting. This nicely sculpted white is ready to drink now, but will only get better with age. Drink now through 2027. 1,500 cases made.”
Weingut Korrell Riesling Trocken, Nahe 2016 750ML ($24.95) $19.50 pre-arrival special
Stuart Pigott-JamesSuckling.com 91 points “Brimming with tart peach, lemon and apples plus a hint of vanilla this has so much appeal on the nose. The juicy palate ends with a wave of herbal freshness that fulfills all the promise of the nose. 70% from the Paradies top site, i.e. from paradise! Drink now. Screw cap.”