In Today’s Newsletter:
New Arrivals From Cameron, Cuilleron and Cristom
Value Champagne for Sparkling Success
Dom. de Montille 2015’s Arrive Soon
Also, the 2015 from Regis Forey
Second (Last) Tranche Lapierre
Durand’s Northern Rhone Delights
#Trending Wines—Value Red Edition
Bin End/February Clearance Sale Recap
New Arrivals
New Arrivals: Oregon
VinopolNote “This wine sees the same elevage as the two single vineyard Chardonnays (Abbey Ridge & Clos Electrique). With no new oak to hide behind, the character of the two vineyards, Abbey Ridge and Clos Electrique, is in full force-though with a little less complexity than the single vineyard offerings. This wine represents one of the best values in Oregon Chardonnay.”Cristom Estate Syrah, Eola-Amity Hills 2014 750ML ($59.95) $49 specialJosh Raynolds–Vinous 93 points “Highly perfumed scents of black and blue fruits, Indian spices, pungent flowers and cola, joined by a smoky nuance that builds in the glass. Palate-staining blackberry and boysenberry flavors show very good depth, and exotic violet pastille and black pepper nuances add complexity. Finishes smooth, spicy and warm, displaying lingering notes of sweet dark berry liqueur and gentle tannins.”
Josh Raynolds 94 points “(40 percent new oak) Light bright gold. Expansive orange, honeydew melon and violet aromas show outstanding clarity and minerally lift. Silky and taut on entry, then fleshier in the midpalate, offering vivid citrus and pit fruit and ginger flavors complemented by subtle anise and vanilla qualities. Finishes with strong mineral cut and excellent focus, leaving a suave floral note behind. Through the 2014 vintage this wine was known as “Vertige.””James Suckling 94 points “This is super ripe with bold yellow peach and poached apricot custard. Super concentrated and extremely rich. The palate carries a fresh saltiness with big fruit presence. Orange and almond to close. Drink now.”
Importer (Neal Rosenthal) Note “Located in the commune of Saint-Pierre de Boeuf “Digue” is a highly granitic lieu-dit with due-south exposition from which Cuilleron produces this impressive pure-Roussanne Saint-Joseph. Alcoholic and malolactic fermentations occur in barrel with natural yeasts, and are aged for roughly nine months before bottling.”
Importer (Neal Rosenthal) Note ““Biousse” is on a hillside lieu-dit just south of the village itself where the soil is made up of Pliocene red clays and granite scree. The wine is 100% Marsanne, aged in a higher proportion of small barrels than “Potiers”; elevage is approximately nine months on the lees without racking , but with regular batonage before bottling.”
Importer (Neal Rosenthal) Note “Sourced from several parcels that sit on a gentle slope with southwest exposure in the commune of Saint Péray. The wine is a blend of marsanne and roussanne and is barrel-fermented and barrel-aged for nine months. The wine rests on the lees and batonnage is practiced.”
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 91-93 points “(aged in new and used barriques for 18 months) Dark ruby. Sexy dark berry, violet pastille and incense aromas are sharpened by black pepper and mineral notes. Displays very good focus and intensity on the palate, offering sweet boysenberry, violet pastille and allspice flavors that show no rough edges. Supple tannins build slowly through a very long, floral-accented finish, where the floral note echoes emphatically.”
Cave Yves Cuilleron Cote Rotie Madiniere, Rhone 2015 1.5L ($169.95) $139 special
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 92-94 points “(raised in new and used barriques for 18 months) Brilliant violet. Heady, assertively perfumed aromas of ripe black and blue fruits, incense, vanilla and woodsmoke acquire a suave floral topnote in the glass. Spice-laced blackberry, boysenberry and fruitcake flavors unfold slowly, picking up mineral and cola nuances on the back half. The sweet, supple, extremely long finish is framed by velvety tannins that sneak in late to add gentle grip.”This is the lowest listed price for a magnum in the USA today!
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 92-94 points “(raised in new and used barriques for 18 months) Dark purple. Smoke- and pepper-accented black and blue fruit aromas pick up suggestions of candied licorice, violet and star anise with aeration. Sweet and expansive on the palate, offering intense, mineral-laced cassis, bitter cherry and floral pastille flavors that smoothly combine richness and vivacity. Shows excellent clarity and floral lift on the finish, which features building tannins and an emphatic echo of smoky minerals and peppery spices.”
Although Champagne has a (deserved) reputation for pricy wine, we find more delicious and affordable bottles out of 
the region every year. The grower revolution has led to the import of an ever-increasing wave of small producers. Those producers don’t have the marketing budgets or demand for profits of larger houses, which leads to lower prices on their wines. When you combine that with a drop in the Euro over the last few years, you have a perfect storm for delicious, affordable Champagne. Here’s a few of our favorites.
Thierry Triolet Carte Noire Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($31.95) $28 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 90 points “(90% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Noir; 10 g/l dosage): Light yellow. Vibrant, mineral-accented aromas of fresh citrus and orchard fruits, with suave floral and candied ginger notes adding complexity. Fleshy and broad on entry, then tighter in the mid-palate, offering juicy green apple and orange zest flavors and a touch of white pepper. Closes silky and smoky, with good clarity and length.”
The average price is $40
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 91 points “Pale gold. Intense citrus and orchard fruit aromas are complicated by notes of honeysuckle, tarragon and iodine. Chewy tangerine and pear skin flavors become silkier and spicier with aeration. Shows a seductive floral quality on the clinging finish, which features a dusty mineral nuance and a touch of buttered toast.”
The average price is $39
Jose Michel & Fils Brut, Champagne NV 375ML ($21.95) $18 special, 36+ half-bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 91 points “(70% Pinot Meunier and 30% Chardonnay; 9 g/l dosage): Light yellow-gold. Fresh tangerine, pear and sweet butter on the fragrant nose. Smooth and weighty in the mouth, offering pliant orchard fruit and melon flavors and a bracing kick of bitter citrus zest. A minerally element adds lift and cut to the penetrating finish, which leaves a suave floral note behind.”
The average price is $43
R. Dumont & Fils Cuvee Brut Nature, Champagne NV 750ML ($39.95) $31.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock nowJosh Raynolds–Vinous 90 points “(85% Pinot Noir and 15% Chardonnay; no dosage): Light gold. Pungent aromas of ripe pear, white peach and melon, with a suave floral element coming up with aeration. Intense orchard and pit fruit flavors are underscored by smoky mineral and gingery spice notes that gain strength with aeration. Finishes tight, dry and long, with firm grip and repeating spiciness.”
Case-12 Andre Clouet Silver Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature, Champagne NV 750ML ($519.95) $359 special (that’s only $29.92/bottle!—the lowest listed price in the country today!)
100% Grand Cru, 100% Pinot Noir, no dosage
Antonio Galloni 91 points “The NV Brut Nature Silver is naturally a very focused, driven wine given the no-dosage style. This shows wonderful nuance and depth all the way through to the long finish, with bright aromas and flavors but less of the toastiness than some of the house’s other wines. The mousse and finish are both utterly impeccable in their elegance.” AGArlaux Grande Cuvee Premier Cru Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Arlaux Grande Cuvee Premier Cru Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($239.95) $189 special (that’s only $31.50/bottle!)
Wine Advocate 92 points “The nose of this wine seduces you straight away with a great balance of autolytic and fruit aromas: toasted hazelnuts, warm apple tart and kaya (coconut and egg) jam. The palate is equally well balanced providing plenty of evolved fruit and toasty / yeasty flavors. Small, fine bubbles, seamless use of dosage and a long nutty finish. This fine if relatively unknown Brut NV takes first place in the derby – a shocker even for me!”
Antonio Galloni 91+ points “Vilmart’s 2012 Grand Cellier d’Or is bold, racy and seductive, with all of the radiance of the vintage very much in evidence. Lemon confit, jasmine, vanillin, herbs and dried flowers are all pushed forward. Expressive and inviting, the 2012 will drink well with minimal cellaring. Even so, my impression is that the 2012 will be a bit more giving with further time in bottle. Dosage is 8 grams per liter.”
Arriving Friday
2015 Domaine de Montille
Of the three landmark names in Volnay, the Domaine de Montille is by far the most approachable, both in terms of style and (more importantly) pricepoint. With holdings that stretch across the Cote d’Or (thanks to some recent purchases) they also make the widest range of wines, though they still remain a tiny producer by any stretch. This breadth allows for a wonderful insight into the terroirs of Burgundy, as you can drink your way from Vougot to Corton to Volnay (admittedly skipping a few stops in between) in the expert hands of the Montille family.
The 2015 editions of these wines are spectacular, as you might expect. Montille tends to use a decent proportion of whole clusters in their wines, so the ripeness and power of the vintage balances nicely. Like with most top Burgundy producers, quantities are small, so act quickly.
Arriving Friday:
Domaine de Montille Bourgogne Rouge, Burgundy 2015 750ML ($54.95) $46 pre-arrival special, 12 bottles available
“A bright and fresh nose features notes of red cherry, raspberry and soft earth nuances. There is good richness and verve to the utterly delicious, round and forward middle weight flavors that conclude in a reasonably complex and persistent finish that displays just a hint of rusticity. This should drink well basically upon release.”-Burghound
Domaine de Montille Les Greves, Beaune Premier Cru 2015 750ML ($149.95) $119 pre-arrival special, 2 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 91-93 points “(100% vendange entier; 25% new oak; from vines on heavier soil averaging 50 years of age): Bright red. Complex aromas of cherry, raspberry, smoke and earth lifted by a mineral topnote. Youthfully tight and classically dry, showing alluring inner-mouth floral lift to its red fruit flavors. Not a fleshy or sweet style but concentrated and deep. Finishes long and perfumed, with serious but ripe tannins. A very impressive Beaune wine in the making.”
Domaine de Montille Les Brouillards, Volnay Premier Cru 2015 750ML ($149.95) $119 pre-arrival special, 3 bottles available
Domaine de Montille Les Champans, Volnay Premier Cru 2015 750ML ($179.95) $149 pre-arrival special, 3 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 92-94 points “(100% vendange entier; 33% new oak): Good dark red. Subdued but precise aromas of raspberry, cherry and flowers. Compellingly intense and lively in the mouth, offering terrific juicy cut to its red fruit and mineral flavors. This beauty boasts a firm spine of acidity and finishes with lovely ripeness and lingering perfume.”
Domaine de Montille Les Mitans, Volnay Premier Cru 2015 750ML ($199.95) $159 pre-arrival special, 1 bottle available
Stephen Tanzer 94 points “(100% vendange entier; one-third new oak): Healthy dark red. Complex but reticent aromas of kirsch and blueberry lifted by a floral quality. A bit youthfully withdrawn but lively and polished in the mouth, with a floral perfume that’s rare for this drought year. Wonderfully classy, refined Volnay with outstanding subtle sweetness and energy and a very long finish featuring utterly suave tannins. A great young Volnay in the making.”
Domaine de Montille Les Taillepieds, Volnay Premier Cru 2015 750ML ($219.95) $179 pre-arrival special, 3 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 92-95 points “(100% vendange entier; 35% new oak; the soil here is gravel on top of limestone): Good medium red. A bit darker and less floral on the nose than the Mitans and Champans, offering scents of black cherry and dusty brown spices complicated by a menthol note. A bit more angular and tough than the Mitans, showing less easy sweetness but a very concentrated tiny-berry character. Finishes with substantial serious tannins and a subtle note of salty, slatey minerality. This one will be a long-distance runner. Winemaker Brian Sieve noted that there was a lot of skin and stem material for the quantity of juice in these grapes.”
Domaine de Montille Les Malconsorts, Vosne-Romanee Premier Cru 2015 750ML ($479.95) $389 pre-arrival special, 1 bottle available
Stephen Tanzer 94-97 points “(100% vendange entier; 60% new oak): Bright dark red. Knockout discreet nose combines raspberry, Oriental spices, rose petal and flinty minerality. Extremely intense in the mouth, with its youthfully imploded flavors of raspberry and saline minerality conveying outstanding definition and energy. The longest of these 2015s so far, finishing with noble building tannins and lovely red berry, spice and crushed-stone perfume. This wine struck me as higher-pitched and redder in its fruit character than the 2014 version at the same stage. Sieve noted that the estate’s highest 18 rows of vines on hard limestone give this wine an edginess that’s not found in the Christiane cuvée.”
Domaine de Montille Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru 2015 750ML ($299.95) $279 pre-arrival special, 1 bottle available
Stephen Tanzer 91-93 points “(vinified with 100% whole clusters and aged in 50% new oak; the de Montille holding is in “the middle third of the Clos, on the north side,” according to Sieve): Healthy medium red. Tight aromas of dark cherry and spicy oak convey a medicinal aspect that’s leavened somewhat by a note of rose petal. Very ripe (actually 13.1% natural alcohol) but tangy and tight, showing little in the way of early sweetness to its raspberry and cherry flavors. In fact, this wine comes across as rather cool in style and a bit angular in its youth. But the palate-dusting finish lingers nicely. Sieve noted that the estate will begin destemming more of its Clos Vougeot fruit “to reduce the wine’s rustic character.””
Domaine de Montille Corton Clos du Roi Grand Cru 2015 750ML ($249.95) $219 pre-arrival special, 1 bottle available
Stephen Tanzer 92+ points “(12.8% alcohol, from fruit picked on September 2; vinified entirely with whole clusters and aged in 55% new oak): Good dark red. Very ripe, almost roasted aromas of currant liqueur, cherry and underbrush. In a powerful, thick, very dense style yet silky and nicely delineated as well, displaying compelling saline and mineral tones to its dark cherry and black raspberry fruit flavors. Really amazing texture here for a wine with modest alcohol. Quite salty and backward, even clenched, on the back end, but this grand cru has the power and energy to age for a long time. But its tooth-saturating tannins will require considerable patience.”
But Wait, There’s More 2015 Burgundy!
The Immaculate Regis Forey
These wines (the wines from Domaine Forey) exist in an odd medium place—quantities are extremely scarce because of the size of the domaine (and demand on the east coast) but somehow isn’t quite a “name” in the sense of a Coche or Roumier. The result is that we actually get to offer the wines, however briefly.
We’re expecting the wines (especially the Grand Cru wines) to disappear quickly, but it’s a rarity for wines of this quality and rarity to even be offered on the newsletter like this. The 2015 vintage is, of course, a great year and more importantly it’s a year that plays into the style of the house. These look to be monumental wines. They arrive on Friday, but if you want anything in particular, you’d be well advised to grab them well before then.
Arriving Friday:
Domaine Forey Pere et Fils Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2015 750ML ($31.95) $26 pre-arrival special, 12 bottles available
“Outstanding. A hint of wood is present on the ripe red and dark berry, earth and softly spicy nose. There is fine richness to the relatively full-bodied flavors that possess an agreeable mouthfeel while offering very good length and fine depth on the slightly warm finale. This is a cut above in the context of the genre and worth considering.”-Burghound
“All but invisible wood easily allows the much earthier and slightly riper dark currant and humus aromas to shine. The velvety, round and delicious middle weight flavors possess a supple mid-palate though the firm and mildly rustic finish makes it clear that this will require a few years of bottle age first.”-Burghound
omaine Forey Pere et Fils Vosne-Romanee 2015 750ML ($89.95) $69 pre-arrival special, 6 bottles availableBurghound 92 points “A pungent nose combines notes of lavender, red currant and plenty of earth character that are trimmed in just enough wood to notice. The rich and relatively full-bodied flavors exhibit a subtle minerality on the powerful and delicious finish where the wood telegraphed by the nose reemerges. This too is really quite good and a wine that should reward mid to perhaps even longer-term keeping.”
Burghound 92 points “There is just enough reduction present to push the ripe mix of earthy dark fruit and underbrush aromas to the background so I would suggest decanting this for half an hour first if you’re tempted to try a bottle young. There is ample dry extract on the robust, muscular and intense flavors that display a distinct gaminess on the textured and solidly long and dusty finish that is supported by ripe tannins. This will require at least a decade for this full-boded, rustic and very serious effort to come together.”Domaine Forey Pere et Fils Forey Les Gaudichots, Vosne-Romanee Premier Cru 2015 750ML ($319.95) $249 pre-arrival special, 2 bottles available
Burghound 94 points “Outstanding. The expressive and ripe nose of red and black pinot fruit and plum is nuanced with lovely notes of violet, anise and sandalwood. There is excellent punch to the mineral-driven and suave naturally sweet flavors that possess good volume while being underpinned by chewy but not rustic tannins on the serious, sappy and dusty finish that evidences just a hint of warmth. Ample patience will be required as this is also very clearly built-to-age. In a word, terrific.”
Burghound 94 points “This too is moderately oaked with notably ripe aromas of wild red berries, newly turned earth, forest floor and a hint of lavender. There is outstanding richness to the overtly powerful, concentrated and mouth coating flavors that conclude in a youthfully austere, backward and ultra-serious finish. I wouldn’t even consider opening one of these bad boys before it has at least 10 years of age.”
Burghound 94 points “Here the discreetly wooded nose is more reserved with its array of ultra-spicy purple fruit aromas. The equally serious broad-shouldered flavors are both bigger and more powerful thanks to the excellent mid-palate density, all wrapped in a markedly firm and lingering finish that is also very clearly built-to-age. This is impressive but it’s not an Ech of refinement; indeed as good as it is it’s borderline rustic. Still, I was impressed by the potential.”
A Second Tranche of Lapierre
Arriving Late February
Domaine Marcel Lapierre Morgon, Beaujolais 2016 1.5L ($69.95) $59 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 93-94 points “This barrel sample from one of the masters in Beaujolais shows such a balance and focus already. Juicy and fruity with lots of plummy fruit and spice character. Fine tannins and a crisp finish. Clear and ethereal.”
Red and White, Durand Delight
More Great Northern Rhone Wines
Arriving in June
The Durand brothers are making it look easy. It’s hard to find Northern Rhone wines that combine soul and polish—it seems as if most of the new wines we taste are either hyper glossy or very rustic. To hit that sweet spot, where your wines speak very loudly of place but are elegant, drinkable and ageworthy—that’s special indeed. To make those sorts of wines at the prices that the Durand’s charge seems almost unthinkable.
The whites are bright and fresh—no small feat for wines made from Marsanne and Roussane. They still hold onto their essential Rhone character though, with plenty of power and richness. The reds walk a similar tightrope, with some whole-cluster usage but not enough to make the wine feel coarse. They have beautiful, dark fruit and although they should age effortlessly for a decade, they’re delicious now.
Arriving ETA June:
Domaine Eric et Joel Durand Saint-Peray, Rhone 2016 750ML ($29.95) $24 pre-arrival special
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “This team has made a terrific 2016 Saint-Péray, (50/50 Marsanne and Roussanne aged in 15% new oak) from an appellation that continues to produce more and more outstanding wines. Honeysuckle, white flowers, caramelized peach and white currant notes give way to a pure, elegant, layered white that has terrific purity and length. It’s going to drink beautifully for 3-4 years or more.”
Wine Advocate 90-92 points “Tasted from a couple of different tanks, the 2016 Saint Joseph Les Coteaux looks to be richly fruited and forward, with supple tannins and notes of ripe cherries, clove and pepper. This medium to full-bodied wine should drink well young yet age well for at least a decade.”
Wine Spectator 95 points “($48) Loads of chalky grip keeps this wrapped up tight, but the core of steeped plum, fig and blackberry fruit is brimming with energy, while bay leaf, licorice root and charcoal notes chomp at the bit on the finish. Cellaring will rein this in. Best from 2021 through 2035. 700 cases made.”
Wine Advocate 94 points “Produced from 30-year-old vines and aged in 20% new oak, the 2015 Cornas Empreintes features classic Cornas notes of crushed stone, bloody meat and red plums. It’s full-bodied, rich and packed with fruit and tannin but supple at the same time. It’s mouth-filling and round, then finishes long, dry and mouthwatering.”
Jeb Dunnuck 93+ points “The 2015 Cornas Empreintes is unique in the lineup as it comes 30% from more limestone soils. It’s 75% destemmed and aged in 20% new French oak. It’s more elegant and focused than the opulent Premices and gives up lots of blackberry and cassis fruits, leather, crushed rock and pepper aromatics. Deep, rich, beautifully concentrated and pure, it needs short-term cellaring but is a brilliant wine that’s going to impress for 10-15 years.”Domaine Eric et Joel Durand Cornas Premices, Rhone 2015 750ML ($39.95) $33 pre-arrival special
Jeb Dunnuck 95 points “The 2015 Cornas Premices comes from a mix of granite terroirs and was mostly destemmed (75%) and aged in 20% new barrels. It offers an incredibly rich, opulent style in its plum, blackberry liqueur, lavender and peppery herb aromas and flavors. Thick, unctuous, and incredibly broad and expansive on the palate, with sweet tannin, it’s the largest production cuvée from this estate and is going to be an incredible value! Don’t miss it.”
#Trending : Two Red Rhones
Case-12 Chateau Pesquie Luberon Le Paradou Grenache, Rhone 2016 750ML ($149.95) $119 special (that’s only $9.92/bottle!)
Wine Advocate 90 points “The Le Paradou label is a joint venture between the Ventoux’s Chateau Pesquie Chaudiere family and importer Eric Solomon. The 2016 Vin de France, which has already been bottled, is 100% Grenache and comes from vines in the Ventoux and the Roussillon’s Agly Valley. It was brought up all in concrete tank. Deep ruby colored, with awesome notes of garrigue, pepper, kirsch and dark fruits, this beauty hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, no hard edges and a great finish. It sells for a song and way over-delivers.”This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Case-12 Philippe Cambie & Gilles Ferrand Domaine de Calendal Plan de Dieu, Rhone 2014 750ML ($299.95) $239 special (that’s only $19.92/bottle!)
Wine Advocate 90-92 points “One of the gems in the vintage is Philippe Cambie’s 2014 Côtes du Rhône Villages Plan de Dieu Calendal. Made from 70% Grenache and 30% Mourvèdre, completely destemmed, and aged 12 months in one-third each of new, once used, twice used barrels, it offers sensational notes of black raspberries, cassis, sweet spice, licorice and crushed flowers. Medium to full-bodied, ripe, beautifully texture and hedonistic, it has beautifully sweet, polished tannin and yet should be approachable on release.”
The February Clearance Sale rolls on—we have extra special pricing on a ton of great wines in the store. You can click here to see everything on sale right now, and read on for a few highlights.
Giacomo Conterno ‘Cerretta’, Barolo DOCG 2012 750ML ($249.95) Was $199, Now $169 special
Wine Spectator 96 points “A wealth of cherry flavor is surrounded by cut grass, tar, tobacco and iron notes in this complex, intense red. There is plenty of tension and a long aftertaste of licorice, tar and mineral. Balanced yet austere, this needs time to integrate fully. Best from 2023 through 2042.”
Antonio Galloni 94+ points “The 2012 Barolo Cerretta is intriguing to taste next to the Francia, as it is much more shut down and affected by its recent bottling. Today the tannins are searing and large-grained, a characteristic this wine did not show from barrel. The clay-rich soils in Cerretta tend to give a broader style of Barolo compared to Francia, where limestone is prevalent, and that is very much what comes through today. Hints of dark red cherry, plum, smoke, leather, tobacco and licorice struggle to emerge from a wall of tannin. Today, the Cerretta is a brute, with little of the perfume and finesse it showed in cask. Readers will have to be patient. The only question is how much.
Wine Advocate 94 points “To be released in October 2016, the 2012 Barolo Cerretta opens to a profound and buoyant bouquet that is particularly driven by menthol freshness, as well as pretty nuances of balsam herb and forest fruit with licorice, tilled earth and truffle. The wine is balanced and ethereal. It’s so difficult to achieve this level of aromatic definition (especially in a warm year like 2012), but Roberto Conterno has done so with a deft hand. This is a complete expression of Barolo with aromatic intensity that is matched by an enduring sense of structure and medium-weight appeal.”
Antonio Galloni 94-97 points “The 2012 Barolo Francia is dark, virile and intense, with a huge center of fruit to match its distinctly brooding personality. Today, the 2012 also comes across as quite closed in on itself, but there is a level of pure depth here that is absolutely compelling. Conterno has decided not to bottle a Monfortino, so there is good reason to think the bottled Francia has the potential to be stellar.”
Wine Advocate 95 points “Since the 2010 vintage, this wine is named Francia (not Cascina Francia) to keep with the new Menzioni Geografiche Aggiuntive (or official cru naming) in Barolo and Barbaresco. The 2012 Barolo Francia is a seductive and silky expression that flows gracefully over the palate with power and determination. The nose is expressive, and decidedly more articulate than many of the more muted wines made by neighboring estates in this warm vintage. The quality of the mouthfeel is of special interest. This beautiful Barolo already shows stunning texture, richness and integrity, despite this very early preview tasting. I tasted this wine in barrel shortly before bottling.”
Antonio Galloni 92-95 points “The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Pedregal Vineyard is another hugely promising wine from David Ramey. Exotic in its aromatic profile, with tons of depth, the 2014 is exceptionally beautiful, layered and nuanced. This is a gorgeous and highly nuanced wine with a bright future.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Thank you for reading!