Case-12 Erath Estate Selection Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2012 ($419.95) $259 super special (that’s under $21.60/btl)
Stephen Tanzer 89 points “Ruby-red. Pungent aromas of dark berry, cola and vanilla show good depth, with allspice and fresh rose notes providing lift. Supple and open-knit, offering sweet blackberry and cherry-cola flavors that spread out on the mid-palate. Closes smooth and subtly spicy, with velvety tannins building slowly and framing the sweet dark fruit notes.” ST
The next best price is over 20% more at $29.99
The average price is over 37% more at $33
Robert Parker 95 points “Two monumental Condrieus from Dumazet include the 2010 Condrieu Cote Fournet, which reveals an extravagant style, with lavish concentration as well as copious notes of spring flowers, peach and apricot marmalade, honeysuckle, and hints of pineapple and crushed rocks. How wonderful it is to see this somewhat forgotten appellation enjoy such a profound vintage as 2010!”
The next best price is over 32% more at $65
#7 Clos Des Papes Chateauneuf Du Pape 2012 ($149.95) $125 special
Wine Spectator 97 points “A stunner, with a gorgeous cassis aroma that soars from the glass, reinforced by a core of cassis, cherry and plum pâte de fruit, hoisin sauce, warm ganache and well-roasted apple wood notes. Hefty, but suave and seamless. The finish lets graphite and licorice elements glide through. The structure is dense, polished and perfectly integrated, resulting in lovely length. Should be a beauty after cellaring. Best from 2017 through 2032.”
#10 Chateau Leoville Las Cases Saint Julien 2011 ($219.95) $199 special
Wine Spectator 95 points “This has some toast to shed, but retains a terrific core of crushed plum and blackberry confiture. Has a beautiful ripple of charcoal for texture, honest acidity for balance and a bolt of iron that keeps this firmly grounded. A brick-house Cabernet. Best from 2018 through 2030.”
#17 Soter Vineyards ‘Mineral Springs Ranch’ Pinot Noir, Yamhill-Carlton District 2012 ($69.96) $59 special
Wine Spectator 95 points “Vibrant, expressive and multi layered, offering black cherry, red plum, sassafras and dead leaf flavors on a long and silky frame. The tannins are submerged, allowing the gorgeous flavors to float through the finish. Drink now through 2022.” WS
#33 Orin Swift Machete Red Wine 2012 ($59.95) $49 special
Wine Spectator 93 points “Concentrated yet light-weight, fragrant and juicy, with aromas of toasted cumin, gingerbread and Earl Grey tea surrounding the core of wild blueberry and huckleberry flavors. The firm tannins stay in the background, allowing this to finish on the juicy side. Petite Sirah, Syrah and Grenache. Drink now through 2025.”
#42 Casa Lapostolle Clos Apalta 2010 ($79.95) $59 special
Case-6 Casa Lapostolle Clos Apalta 2010 ($479.95) $319 special (that’s only $53.16 / bottle)!
Wine Spectator 94 points “Big and rich, this red is filled with powerful flavors of blackberry, dark currant, black olive and dark chocolate that are built on an ironclad frame. Notes of cocoa powder and cream chime in as well, and the muscular finish lingers with hints of savory herb. Carmenère, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best from 2014 through 2022.”
The average listed price is 35% higher at $80/ bottle
#46 Turley Zinfandel Juvenile 2012 ($49.95) $39 special – not listed on the website
Wine Spectator 91 points “Sleek, ripe and youthful, offering jammy raspberry aromas and flavors, with zesty notes of smoky spice and grilled anise. Drink now through 2019.”
#76 Vietti Barbera d’Asti Tre Vigne 2012 ($21.95) $16 special
Wine Spectator 90 points “A bright, flashy version, featuring black currant and blackberry fruit that shows notes of vanilla and spice.The oak adds tannins, lending this a tight feel on the otherwise fine finish. Needs time. Best from 2016 through 2020.”
PY Colin-Morey
Pierre Yves Colin started his own winery after working for his father’s Domain Marc Colin for over 10 years. He left his father’s domaine to expand his micro-négociant business (begun with his wife in 2001) into a domaine. He has expanded through family holdings to 70% estate grapes and 30% purchased grapes. Most of his vineyards are in Chassagne-Montrachet and St Aubin. He strives to produce mineral and terroir-driven wines, which are defined more by what he doesn’t do to them, than what he does. Large demi-muids barrels ensure there is minimal oak influence, the cellar is not heated during fermentation (heat would encourage malolactic fermentation), and the lees are not stirred. He barrel ages his wines for longer than he did as the winemaker for his father. Today, he’s a rising star in the region.
Pierre Yves Colin-Morey Wines Arriving Mid-December
Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey Montrachet Grand Cru 2012 ($1199.95) $999 pre-arrival special, 1 bottle available
Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey Batard-Montrachet Grand Cru 2012 ($549.95) $499 pre-arrival special, 1 bottle available
Wine Advocate 94-96 points “The 2012 Batard-Montrachet Grand Cru might turn out to be Pierre-Yves Colin’s finest achievement in 2012–including the Chevalier-Montrachet. It already offers a very expressive and lively bouquet with ebullient aniseed scents soaring from the glass, all with super delineation. The palate is medium-bodied, vibrant with hints of lemongrass and ginger. This Batard is very intense and concentrated for what is habitually a reticent Grand Cru in its youth, while the finish soars away. This is a grand cru revving up on the starting line. Climb on board.” WA
Burghound 91-94 points “There is a deft but visible application of wood setting off strong reductive notes. There is excellent power and concentration to the mouth coating and extract-rich broad-shouldered flavors that possess more refinement than the Corton-Charlemagne along with outstanding length on the balanced finish. This should be accessible after 5 years or so of bottle age but should reward up to a decade’s worth.” BH
Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey Chassagne-Montrachet Les Ancegnieres 2012 ($99.95) $79 pre-arrival special, 6 bottles available
Burghound 88-91 points “Strong sulfur-based aromas presently dominate the nose. By contrast there is a lovely sense of purity to the broad-shouldered and robust medium weight flavors that brim with dry extract on the very generously proportioned, long and well-balanced finish. This is a big wine by the typical standards of villages level wines and one that should also be approachable after only a few years of bottle age.” BH
Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey Baudines Blanc, Chassagne-Montrachet Premier Cru 2012 ($119.95) $99 pre-arrival special, 2 bottles available
Burghound 90-92 points “Strong reduction renders the nose unreadable at present. There is outstanding detail and punch to the intensely mineral-driven middle weight flavors that possess very good mid-palate concentration as well as excellent length on the balanced and refined finish. Textbook Baudines.” BH
Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey Les Caillerets, Chassagne-Montrachet Premier Cru 2012 ($219.95) $179 pre-arrival special, 1 bottle available
Wine Advocate 91-93 points “The 2012 Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Caillerets has a perfumed floral bouquet with touches of dried quince emerging with aeration coupled with dried honey and nettle. The palate is very well-balanced with a slightly peppery opening. It is very well-balanced and demonstrates superb transparency and weightlessness, yet the finish is very intense with that marine character coming through.” WA
Burghound 90-92 points –OUTSTANDING–“There is enough reduction to suppress the fruit but it seems clear that this is riper than the Baudines. There is more size, weight and richness to the tautly muscular medium weight flavors that also exude a fine minerality on the clean and dry finish that is almost as refined as that of the Baudines. This too is lovely.” BH
Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey Les Chenevottes, Chassagne-Montrachet Premier Cru 2012 ($149.95) $119 pre-arrival special, 2 bottles available
Wine Advocate 91-93 points “The 2012 Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Chenevotte has a lovely openness and airiness on the nose that is in contrast to the Les Champs Gain. The palate is lively and energetic on the entry with a racy citric thread and a wonderful saline note on the persistent finish. There is great potential here.” WA
Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru 2012 ($249.95) $219 pre-arrival special, 3 bottles available
Burghound 91-93 points “Once again reduction flattens the fruit and renders the nose difficult to evaluate. There is excellent richness and superb volume to the muscular and quite fleshy middle weight plus flavors that display plenty of stoniness on the very rich and mouth coating finish. This is a big wine even by the typically full-sized standards of the appellation yet there is no sense of heaviness or lack of vibrancy.” BH
Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey Charmes, Meursault Premier Cru 2012 ($179.95) $149 pre-arrival special, 3 bottles available
Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey Charmes, Meursault Premier Cru 2012 1.5L ($379.95) $319 pre-arrival special, 1 magnum available
Burghound 90-93 points –OUTSTANDING–“Once again there is that pungent combination of petrol and reduction dominating the nose. The beguilingly textured and extract-rich medium weight flavors possess superb depth on the balanced and strikingly persistent finish. This is really very good and I especially like the refinement and overall sense of harmony.” BH
Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey Meursault Les Narvaux 2012 ($99.95) $79 pre-arrival special, 3 bottles available
Burghound 87-90 points “Even though this is quite strongly reduced the underlying fruit seems cooler and less evidently ripe compared to the nose of the Caillerets. The clean, intense and highly energetic middle weight flavors exude a fine minerality on the saline-inflected finish that offers good length but much less overall depth.” BH
Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey Perrieres, Meursault Premier Cru 2012 ($249.95) $199 pre-arrival special, 1 bottle available
Wine Advocate 92-94 points “The 2012 Meursault 1er Cru Les Perrieres has a classy bouquet with that minerality brought immediately to the forefront. It is very well-defined and focused. The palate is very well-balanced with a lovely line of acidity cutting like a knife through butter across the swath of vibrant, citrus fruit before finishing again with feisty, spicy notes that urge you to take another sip. Very classy.” WA
Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey Santenay Vieilles Vignes Ceps Centenaires Rouge 2012 ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special, 12 bottles available
Pierre Yves Colin-Morey Available Here Now
Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey Bienvenues-Batard-Montrachet Grand Cru 2011 ($449.95) $319 special, 2 bottles available
Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey Criots-Batard-Montrachet Grand Cru 2011 1.5 L ($899.95) $699 special, 1 magnum available
Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey Criots-Batard-Montrachet Grand Cru 2011 ($449.95) $339 special, 4 bottles available
Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey Santenay Vieilles Vignes Ceps Centenaires Rouge 2011 ($59.95) $49 special, 8 bottles available
Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey Les Champans, Volnay Premier Cru 2011 ($99.95) $89 special, 10 bottles available
Exciting Italian Wines Arriving Soon
100 Point Vietti Barolo Arriving Here December 4th
Vietti Ravera, Barolo DOCG 2010 ($399.95) $299 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 100 points “The 2010 Barolo Ravera is one of the greatest wines I have ever tasted from Vietti. Stunning. It’s as simple as that Freshly cut flowers, mint, spices, crushed rocks and pine jump from the glass in a vivid, crystalline wine endowed with captivating purity, clarity and finesse. The 2010 takes hold of the palate and never lets up, gaining body, breadth and volume over time. A breathtaking, perfumed finish rounds out the finish. The Ravera represents a bit of a stylistic departure for Vietti and a return to a more traditional style of winemaking. The 2010 was done entirely in cask, with minimal racking. In its early years, it was virtually impossible to taste as the reductive winemaking style gave a wine with closed aromatics and searing tannin. Today, the 2010 is beginning to blossom into an epic Barolo. The 2010 Ravera may well be the single greatest Barolo Luca Currado has ever made. It is also a wine that, along with the Barolos of Elvio Cogno, show just how much potential the hills of Ravera have to offer. Readers who can find the 2010 Ravera should not hesitate. It is a legendary, benchmark Barolo in the making. As an aside, a bottle of the 1999 I tasted last year was extraordinary, and it was made in the slightly more modern style that was typical at Vietti during that era.” AG
Isole e Olena Releases Arriving Mid-December 2014
Isole e Olena Cepparello Toscana IGT 2011 ($89.95) $66 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Isole e Olena Cepparello Toscana IGT 2011 ($499.95) $376 pre-arrival special, that’s under $63/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!
James Suckling 95 points “Aromas of currant, bark and orange peel. Nutmeg powder. Full body and chewy tannins. Savory, with balsamic and nuts. I love the juicy, decadent character to this. Drink or hold.” JS
Antonio Galloni 94+ points “Isole e Olena’s 2011 Cepparello is remarkably silky, polished and refined, especially considering the challenges of the vintage. Dark red stone fruits, wild flowers, menthol and sweet spices all meld together gracefully in the glass. Voluptuous and racy but also an impeccably balanced wine with phenomenal length and a super-expressive finish. The 2011 will offer a wide window of drinking pleasure pretty much upon release. Drink: 2017-2026.” AG
Isole e Olena Vin Santo del Chianti Classico 2005 375ML ($59.95) $47 half-bottle pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2005 Vin Santo shows subtle signs of a warm vintage with candied orange peel, caramel, canned peach, honey and blanched almond. It spreads with thick intensity over the palate, offering sweetened, syrupy thickness. Cost; $55/375ml.” WA
Antonio Galloni 93 points “Orange peel, dried flowers, herbs, almonds, mint and sweet tobacco meld together in Isole e Olena’s 2005 Vin Santo. Delicate and lifted in style, the 2005 captures the essence of what can make Vin Santo compelling; namely a fabulous interplay between the oxidative notes the wine develops over the many years it spends in barrel, and the fresh, vibrant acidity conferred by white grapes.” AG
Biondi-Santi
Ferruccio Biondi Santi saw the family estate through a series of devastations near the beginning of the 20th century. The First World War, phyloxera and the twin mildew diseases powdery and downy devastated vineyards around the world. Ferruccio kept the estate focused on modernization through his passion for the vineyards inherited from his maternal grandfather, Clemente Santi. He was one of the few to keep this focus, especially during replantings when most producers sought to recoup costs quickly by producing cheap, quick-to-make wines with short shelf lives. In 1932, he identified the Sangiovese Grosso, a clone famous for its use in producing Brunello di Montalcino, during a time when the region was known for Moscato.
From 1970 to 2013, Franco Biondi-Santi, grandson of Ferruccio, ran the estate. Today, his children, Jacopo and Alessandra, manage it with his wife and grandchildren. The wines are non-interventionalist, being naturally fermented by native yeasts and aged in large, neutral Slavonian oak casks. The wines are known for their decades of longevity, for a lean and aromatic style, and for being 100% Sangiovese Grosso, even when doing so was unfashionable. Jacopo produces the 100% Sangiovese Grosso wine from family estate holdings in the region of Maremma near the Castello di Montepo fort, where Ferruccio first identified the clone.
Biondi-Santi Arriving November 25th
Jacopo Biondi-Santi Castello di Montepo Sassoalloro Toscana IGT 2009 ($39.95) $26.60 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Jacopo Biondi-Santi Castello di Montepo Sassoalloro Toscana IGT 2009 ($399.95) $289 pre-arrival special, that’s only $24/bottle!
Wine Advocate 91 points “A landmark wine in the landscape of Italian enology, the 2009 Sassoalloro is a pure expression of the special Sangiovese Grosso clone BBS11 that the Biondi Santi family has safeguarded in the Tuscan territories of Montalcino and Scansano respectively. The 2009 vintage still needs time to flesh out and find its footing. Red rose, dried blackberry, moist clay and button mushroom all make subtle appearances on the feminine bouquet. Firm structure is present to carry this wine forward over the years. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2022. ” WA
The next best price is $27.16/ bottle
The average price is $34/bottle
Biondi-Santi Wines Available Here Now
Biondi Santi Tenuta Greppo Annata, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2006 ($178.95) $159 special, 10 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino is remarkably harmonious at this young stage, quite a departure at Biondi-Santi. The 2006 shows dazzling richness and integrity in its powerful fruit in a totally captivating, sensual style. This is a beautifully centered, complete Brunello with a bright future ahead of it. The Brunello was fermented in cement and aged for three years in cask.” AG
Biondi Santi Tenuta Greppo Annata, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2007 ($178.95) $149 special, 12 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino is remarkably harmonious at this young stage, quite a departure at Biondi-Santi. The 2006 shows dazzling richness and integrity in its powerful fruit in a totally captivating, sensual style. This is a beautifully centered, complete Brunello with a bright future ahead of it. The Brunello was fermented in cement and aged for three years in cask.” AG
Biondi Santi Tenuta Greppo Annata, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2008 ($178.95) $139 special, 16 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 92 points “The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino is remarkably harmonious at this young stage, quite a departure at Biondi-Santi. The 2006 shows dazzling richness and integrity in its powerful fruit in a totally captivating, sensual style. This is a beautifully centered, complete Brunello with a bright future ahead of it. The Brunello was fermented in cement and aged for three years in cask.” AG
Domaine Leroy
“I have said it so many times that it may seem redundant, but if you missed it in my 1990 tome, Burgundy, Lalou Bize-Leroy stands virtually alone at the top of Burgundy’s quality hierarchy. Because she is a perfectionist, and because she has had the courage to produce wines from low yields and bottle them naturally, without fining or filtration, she has been scorned by many Burgundy negociants, and even by the proprietors of other top domaines. Not only are they jealous, they are frightened of Bize-Leroy because they fear increasing pressure for lower yields and bio-dynamic farming. Anyone who loves great Burgundy, must realize that her wines embarrass much of what is produced in Burgundy.” –Robert Parker
“This is the greatest estate in Burgundy…
“How do you determine great? Is it size? Is it quality? Is it price? Is it “reputation” (whatever that is)? Is it the amount of media coverage? However you do compute it, the greatest Domaines of Burgundy today must be those under the control of Lalou Bize : The Domaine Leroy and her own Domaine d’Auvenay. The estates of Jadot, Faiveley and Bouchard Père & Fils are far larger, that of Romanée-Conti the most splendid in terms of percentage of grand terroir; but for nobility of it’s wines, pride of place must go to Leroy and to the Domaine d’Auvenay. The sheer concentration, depth and intensity Lalou Bize-Leroy manages to squeeze into her bottles is breathtaking.” –Clive COATES, The Vine
“Leroy, absolute perfection. More than a model, the wines are an absolute reference. No other winery in the world holds itself to a higher standard in terms of exactitude in its viticulture. This unique winemaker lives for her vines and nothing else. Every new vintage is, for her, an event to live up to each year: produce, from the lowest possible yields, wines that are the absolute voice of their terroir.” –La Revue du vin de France
Leroy Wines Arriving Spring 2015
Leroy Bourgogne Aligote 2011 ($89.95) $69 special
Domaine Leroy Aux Allots, Nuits-Saint-Georges 2011 ($599.95) $499 special
Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2011 Nuits St.Georges Les Allots has a striking bouquet, more immediate than the Pommard with lifted mineralite, beautifully defined and focused. The palate is medium-bodied with filigree tannins, waves of black currant and raspberry fruit underlined by superb tension and poise. Everything is reined in toward the finish that is very composed with a long aftertaste and spicy coda. Excllent.” WA
Domaine Leroy Nuits-Saint-Georges Aux Lavieres 2011 ($599.95) $499 special
Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2011 Nuits-St-Georges Aux Lavieres has a nose born of the sky more than the earth: airy, lifted and feminine. Touches of cold limestone emerge with time that are entrancing. The palate is vibrant and vital on the entry with a silver thread of acidity, a gradual build in the mouth with shimmering dark cherry and bergamot, then a gentle grip on the tense and teasing Vosne-like finish. Superb.” WA
Domaine Leroy Pommard Les Vignots 2011 ($599.95) $499 special
Burghound 89 points “There is a soft touch of wood to the notably ripe yet cool and airy aromas of plum, cassis and wet stone. There is excellent volume and mid-palate concentration to the medium-bodied flavors that brim with dry extract on the detailed finish that exudes a fine minerality. This balanced effort delivers fine depth and length for its level.” BH
Domaine Leroy Les Narbantons, Savigny-les-Beaune Premier Cru 2011 ($799.95) $699 special
Burghound 92 points “Subtle reduction masks the subtle points of the nose though there appears to be good ripeness to the mostly dark berry fruit and earth aromas. There is excellent volume to the delicious, complex and solidly well-concentrated medium-bodied flavors that terminate in a relatively powerful, balanced and mouth coating finish. It’s rare to see a Savigny with this kind of muscle yet have it delivered with grace.” BH
Domaine Leroy Les Beaux Monts, Vosne-Romanee Premier Cru 2011 ($999.95) $799 special
Wine Advocate 96 points “The 2011 Vosne-Romanee 1er Cru Les Beaux Monts had a slight reduction on the nose that soon blows away. The fruit is darker and broodier here than Aux Brulees with mulberry, raspberry, wild hedgerow and a touch of black olive compote. The palate is medium-bodied with firm, structured tannins lending this Vosne a firm backbone. It is beautifully balanced and extremely pure, not a hair out of place toward the delineated, feminine finish. This should age beautifully – the laser-like focus absolutely riveting.” WA
Burghound 95 points “While the increments to which I refer are small they are nonetheless noticeable as this is aromatically slightly fresher, more elegant and more complex all at once. The highly expressive nose is gorgeously layered, spicy and cool with its ultra-pure dark pinot fruit, plum, cassis and wet stone scents. The medium weight flavors are impressively rich but there is a palpable sense of underlying tension and energy that make this a pleasure to taste. Moreover the borderline pungent minerality adds more lift, particularly on the overtly austere, linear, focused and hugely persistent finish. As good as the Brûlées is, and make no mistake it is terrific, this just offers another level of class and refinement.” BH
Domaine Leroy Vosne-Romanee Les Genevrieres 2011 ($599.95) $499 special
Burghound 92 points “There is enough reduction present to notice but not so much that it completely hides the spicy character of what appears to be very ripe black pinot fruit. There is a highly seductive mouth feel and texture to the extract-rich middle weight flavors that possess amazing depth for a villages level wine, all wrapped in a highly persistent finish that really fans out like a peacock’s tail. An exquisite effort.” BH
Leroy Wines Available Here Now
Leroy Bourgogne Aligote 2009 ($89.95) $59 special, 20 bottles available
Leroy Bourgogne Aligote 2010 ($99.95) $79 special, 12 bottles available
Leroy Bourgogne Blanc 2009 ($59.95) $49 special, 10 bottles available
“Floral aromas add interest to this vibrant, lime- and apple-infused white. A hint of seashore leads to a racy finish.” — Wine Spectator
Leroy Bourgogne Blanc Fleurs de Vignes NV ($59.95) $49 special, 1 bottle available
A blend of 2009, 2010 and 2011 vintages.
Leroy Bourgogne Rouge 2003 ($49.95) $41.90 special, 15 bottles available
Domaine Leroy Clos de la Roche Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits 2007 ($1,799.95) $1,399 special, 3 bottles available
Wine Advocate 96 points “Kirsch, rose hip, and soy intensely scent the Leroy 2007 Clos De La Roche, which reveals brightness and finesse as well as a saline savor unusual for its appellation. To be sure, notes of leather and crushed stone as well as smoked and roasted meats contribute further and perhaps more site-typical complexity. But it’s the sheer finesse, buoyancy, and vibratory energy on display that most amaze, leaving your tongue and gums a quiver and your salivary glands pumping helplessly. There is also a faint hint of heat, but its effect is negligible given what’s going on around you when you swallow (or, in my case, spit). Look for 20 or more years of excitement.” WA
Vinopolnote- the next best listed price in the USA is $600 / bottle higher -$1999!
Cameron Winery
There’s a short list of wineries in Oregon that could be described as having “cult” status, but Cameron Winery in Dundee certainly deserves a place. Their wines are highly sought after, limited in distribution and limited in production. It is no exaggeration that this 2012 vintage has been flying out of stock even before our newsletter release: the white is already out of stock. If you are interested, place an order through the online web site. These wines won’t last long…
Arriving today
Cameron Winery Abbey Ridge Pinot Noir 2012 ($79.95) $66 special
Cameron Winery Clos Electrique Pinot Noir Rouge 2012 ($79.95) $66 special
Best of the Best
Dom Perignon Champagne Brut Plenitude P2 1998 ($429.95) $333 special, 12 bottles available
Wine Spectator 98 points “Offers precision and finely detailed form, powered by an expansive palate of flavor. The layers of ripe crushed blackberry and glazed apricot fruit complement the saline-tinged minerality and oyster shell notes, graced by hints of pastry, honeycomb and exotic spice. Mouthwatering and persistent on the zesty finish. Drink now through 2030.”
James Suckling 97 points “A P2 release indicating it has been matured to the 2nd Plenitude, the middle stage of Dom Perignon’s three-phase life as defined by Richard Geoffroy. This is a wine with some real tension between complexity and freshness that makes for incredibly engaging drinking. The nose offers up a little white peppery edge from the pinot; oyster shell saline freshness, red florals, sweet smelling woody spices and brioche, spiced biscuits and subtle roasted coffee notes – impressively complex. The phenolics register on the palate as a discreetly mineral, saline character, there’s sorbet-like texture through the middle before finishing with comet-like line and length.”
The average price listed is $367 / bottle