Restocking Jaboulet’s 2015 Thalabert
An Ayoub Subscriber Special
Cayuse Bionic Frog (at Bionic Pricing)
New Arrivals, Featuring:
Faiveley, Forey, de Montille
Mazzei, Molitor and More!
Mee Godard and the Brilliance of 2014 Beaujolais
#Trending: February Clearance Sale Edition
St. Damien Gigonas: Old Vines, Modern Personality
New Coche-Dury Releases at the Best Prices in the Country
Jaboulet’s Domaine Thalabert
Re-Arriving in May
Arriving ETA May:
Paul Jaboulet Aine Domaine de Thalabert Crozes-Hermitage, Rhone 2015 750ML ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
Jeb Dunnuck-Rhone Report 97 points “The finest vintage to date, better even than the stellar 2010, the 2015 Crozes-Hermitage Domaine De Thalabert is a gorgeous, deep, layered, and incredibly satisfying Crozes. Blackcurrants, olive tapenade, truffles and earthy notes all emerge from this full-bodied, gorgeously textured and seamless 2015. With fine tannin and no hard edge, it can be drunk today or cellaring for 15-20 years.”
Wine Advocate 93-95 points “The 2015 reds from the Northern Rhône are truly spectacular and this vintage rivals or surpasses the 2010s and 2009s. Brought up in a mix of tronconique tanks and Burgundy barrels (20% being new), the 2015 Crozes Hermitage Domaine de Thalabert is a big, serious, full-bodied effort that’s reminiscent of a slightly softer version of the 2010. Scorched earth, black fruits, cassis, black olive and a hint of graphite all emerge from this sensational Crozes Hermitage. You’ll need to forget bottles for 4-5 years, but it will have over two decades of longevity.”
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 92-94 points “(made from vines that range from 40 to 60 years old; raised for a year in oak barrels, 20 percent of them new) Youthful violet. Powerful mineral- and spice-accented blue fruit liqueur and violet aromas are complemented by suggestions of licorice and white pepper. Concentrated and expansive on the palate, offering intense blueberry, cherry and spicecake flavors and an exotic Indian spice quality that builds on the back half. Shows excellent clarity and lift on the finish, which is framed by velvety, harmonious tannins that fold smoothly into the juicy dark fruit.”
Subscriber Only
Pre-Arrival Mix & Match Ayoub Pinot Noir Special
Any 6+ Ayoub Pre-Arrival Pinot Noirs: 10% discount
Discount will not appear on website
We will apply it manually before finalizing your order
Ayoub Estate Whole Cluster Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2016 750ML ($89.95)
$75 pre-arrival special, that’s $71.25 at 5% off or $67.50 at 10% off!Ayoub ??? Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2016 750ML ($69.95)
$56 pre-arrival special, that’s $53.20 at 5% off or $50.40 at 10% off!Ayoub Anonimo Vineyard Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2016 750ML ($69.95)
$56 pre-arrival special, that’s $53.20 at 5% off or $50.40 at 10% off!Discount will not appear on website
We will apply it manually before finalizing your order
Two Bionic Frogs
One of Them Perfect
Wine Advocate 100 points “Always one of the most unique in the lineup, the 2014 Syrah Bionic Frog is phenomenal stuff any way you look at it. Cold fireplace, charred meat, tapenade, shiitake and loads of dark, earthy fruit all emerge from this full-bodied, tight, backward and beautifully concentrated Syrah that readers just need to taste. Incredibly long, elegant, building and heavenly juicy, don’t miss a chance to get some of this! It needs 3-5 years of cellaring and is going to blow you away over the following two decades.”
The average price is $330
Wine Advocate 97-99 points “I think the best of the Syrahs is the 2013 Syrah Bionic Frog, and while I’ve liked other single vineyards more than this cuvee in the past, it seems a solid step up in both 2012 and 2013. The 2013 offers incredible notes of roasted herbs, beef blood, mushrooms, scorched earth and sweet black fruits in a full-bodied, gorgeously concentrated, structured, serious style. Short-term cellaring should be the name of the game here, and while it should offer plenty of pleasure around age 5-6, I’d put money on it still singing at age 20.” JD
Ayres Perspective Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2016 750ML ($31.95) $28 special
Josh Raynolds 92 points “Deep red. Aromas of ripe red berries, mocha and cracked pepper develop a floral nuance in the glass. Silky and appealingly sweet, offering nicely concentrated cherry and raspberry flavors that deepen on the back half. Fine-grained tannins build slowly on a very long, floral-tinged finish that leaves a sweet hint of cola behind.”
Domaine Faiveley Les Cazetiers, Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru 2015 750ML ($149.95) $119 special
Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 92-95 points “Bright red-ruby. Ripe, wonderfully complex scents of redcurrant, plum, dark cherry, animal fur, minerals and sexy oak, plus suggestions of darker berries. Round, silky and sweet, with its full ripeness leavened by saline, soil-driven minerality. A crunchy raspberry element is nicely shaped on the finish by suave tannins. The longest of these 2015s to this point in my tasting, this wine boasts grand cru volume. Its impression of rising length reminded me a bit of the superb Chambolle-Musigny Les Fuées.”
Domaine Faiveley Lavaux Saint-Jacques, Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru 2015 750ML ($149.95) $119 special
Burghound 92-94 points ” A distinctly earthy, cool and ripe nose flashes notes of red and black cherries nuanced by hints of smoke, the sauvage and crushed herb. Interestingly, the powerful and very serious middle weight flavors are relatively refined thanks to the dense but fine-grained tannins that shape the punchy, intense and stony finish that is presently youthfully austere. This is also built-to-age and is going to need it.”
“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
Burghound 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 special
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 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 special
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.””
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.”
New Arrivals: France – Sauternes
Chateau Coutet, Barsac 2014 750ML ($69.95) $59 special
#3 Wine of the Year – Wine Spectator Top 100 2017
Wine Spectator 96 points “This shows the vivid, racy side of Barsac, with streaming flavors of pineapple, yellow apple, green plum and white ginger, displaying lovely energy from start to finish. Ends with enough honeysuckle and orange blossom notes to balance the richness. Best from 2020 through 2035. 4,000 cases made.”
New Arrivals: Spain
La Rioja Alta Vina Arana Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2009 750ML ($31.95) $27 special
James Suckling 96 points “This is a powerful and rich red with black truffle and blueberry character. Sweet tobacco, too. Full body, tannic and flavorful. Yet open and polished. Fantastic finish. Great ageing potential. Drink or hold.”
New Arrivals: Italy
Mazzei Castello di Fonterutoli, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2013 750ML ($69.95) $49 special
Case-6 Mazzei Castello di Fonterutoli, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2013 750ML ($419.95) $269 special (that’s only $44.83/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 95 points “An essence of sweet cherry grounds the surrounding flavors of leather, iron, spice and tobacco in this firm red, which remains vibrant and refined. Bracing acidity and dense, muscular tannins play out on the long finish. Drink now through 2028.”
Mazzei Tenuta Belguardo Maremma Toscana, Tuscany 2013 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
#23 Wine Of The Year – Wine Spectator Top 100 2017
Wine Spectator 95 points “A red of great purity and polish, offering black cherry, blackberry, spice and herb flavors, this evokes tobacco, graphite and leather nuances as it builds nicely on the palate. Finishes with grip, harmony and complexity, as well as terrific length. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2028.”
Markus Molitor Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Kabinett White Capsule (Dry), Mosel 2015 750ML ($29.95) $24 special
Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2015 Riesling Ürziger Würzgarten Kabinett (White Capsule) is very clear, pure and delicate in its spicy and, in a subtle way, intense and concentrated nose that displays perfectly ripe, yellow-golden colored Riesling flavors along with a flinty/smoky minerality. The Würzgarten combines the purity of crushed stones and the pronounced acidity of the Wehlener Klosterberg with the perfectly ripe and intense fruit charm that characterizes the Domprobst although the flavors are completely different and even finer, rather feminine if you so will. In any case, the Würzgarten Kabinett is very well defined and precise on the nose and on the palate, which is dense and tightly woven–a perfect amalgam of ripe fruit and structuring minerals. The 2015 develops an enormously long and tension-filled finish full of minerals or crushed rocks of red slate.”
David Schildknecht – Vinous 92 points “Here is an archetypical Würzgarten but one that tastes thoroughly dry despite harboring a mere 10.5 percent alcohol. Scents and flavors of tart-edged, seed-crunching strawberry are underlain by evocations of wet stone, and nips of cress add to the invigoration of an infectiously juicy and vibrantly sustained finish. You might say that this wine puts the Würz in Würzgarten. (Actually, the derivation of that name is not from the German word for herbs and spices but rather from Wirt, meaning a restaurateur or tavern-keeper.)”
Markus Molitor Haus Klosterberg Riesling Kabinett White Capsule (Dry), Mosel 2015 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 special
Wine Advocate 92 points “The 2015 Riesling Wehlener Klosterberg Kabinett (White Capsule) opens with a beautifully pure and stony/flinty gray slate aroma intertwined with bright and fresh Riesling flavors. This is super well defined and precise on the nose and enormously stimulating in its purity. On the palate, this is a straight and racy, very mineral and rather challenging Kabinett that comes along as a medium-bodied yet persistent and already complex terroir wine. The finish is very piquant and delivers crushed stones with fresh citrus flavors. If you had oysters with it, you would be in heaven. This is the Kabinett with AP #8.”
And the Beauty of 2014 Beaujolais
Mee Godard started her domaine in 2013, after years working in cellars around Burgundy and Champagne and a degree from Oregon State. The most notable place she worked was with Lafon and that vin de garde style informs her approach to Gamay. They still have the bright freshness we expect from the grape and the terroir, but have the intensity and structure to age for a good while longer. She seems to be a consensus star on the rise and although the wines are more expensive than some, they’re a deal compared to the stalwarts of Morgon (and for the quality of the wines). We’re a little afraid these are going to go full Balagny with regards to pricing and availability, so they’re definitely wines to stock up on while you can.
Just Arrived:
Domaine Mee Godard Morgon Cote de Py, Beaujolais 2014 750ML ($37.95) $29 special
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 93 points “Bright ruby-red. Heady, mineral-accented aromas of ripe cherry and red berries, with a peppery nuance adding vivacity. At once concentrated and lively, offering intense raspberry and bitter cherry flavors and a sneaky suggestion of spicecake. Picks up a sexy lavender pastille quality on the incisive, sharply focused finish, which hangs on with outstanding tenacity and building minerality.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92 points “Vivid red. Fresh, mineral-tinged red berry and floral pastille scents pick up a smoky element with air. Pure and incisive, offering sappy raspberry and cherry flavors and a touch of lavender. Closes taut, stony and impressively long, with building sweetness and silky tannins lending grip.”
Pierre-Marie Chermette Domaine du Vissoux Fleurie les Garants, Beaujolais 2014 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 special
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 93 points “Deep ruby. Intense black raspberry, cherry and floral pastille aromas are complemented by suggestions of licorice and smoky minerals. Juicy and penetrating, offering sappy red and blue fruit flavors that effortlessly marry power to finesse. The mineral and floral notes linger impressively on the finish, which is given shape by fine-grained, sneaky tannins.”
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 93 points “Deep ruby. Mineral-accented cherry and blackberry aromas are underscored by a spicy element that gains strength as the wine opens up. Sappy and penetrating, offering sweet dark berry flavors with complicating suggestions of star anise and violet. The spice and floral qualities build steadily through an impressively long, sappy finish, which is framed by harmonious tannins that fold easily into the intense fruit.”
Thibault Liger-Belair Moulin-a-Vent Les Perrelles, Beaujolais 2014 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
Burghound 89-92 points “Once again reduction dominates the nose. There is fine intensity to the rich and voluminous flavors that possess both good vibrancy and power before culminating in a moderately austere and impressively persistent finish. Note that this is going to require at least 5 to 7 years of cellaring first.”
If you’d like to see all 45 Beaujolais in stock now, including twelve from 2014, just click here to head to our website.
Popular Clearance Sale Wines of the Week
Wine Enthusiast 91 points “Chocolate-covered raspberry forms the luscious core of this fairly priced wine that’s medium-bodied, moderately naked in its oak use and soft in its approachability. Rich, dense and luxurious, it will pair well with any grilled meats.”
The average price is $34
Wine Advocate 93 points “The terrific 2013 Pézenas l’Origine shows the hallmark spice-laced perfume of this appellation. Lots of red fruits, crushed flowers, spice and violet nuances give way to a medium-bodied, elegant and sweetly fruited 2013 that has fine tannin and a seamless, sexy texture. Drink this beauty anytime over the coming 5-6 years.”
“Intense hue tinged with purple-blue. Expressive, distinctive nose intermixing red fruits, liquorice, spice and a floral dimension. On the palate, a full, generous and rich wine balanced by a pleasant sensation of freshness. Harmonious and crunchy.”-Gilbert & Gaillard
“The robe of this wine seduces with its intensity and its violet. It has a powerful and intense nose of red fruits (strawberry, blackcurrant, cherry…) and mocha and liquorice. The delight is extended in mouth with roundness and powerful tannins, but melted. The Clos de Taman will suit perfectly red meat dishes with sauce and cheese.”–Winery Notes
The next best price is $13.98
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2003 Barolo Cascina Francia is soft, silky and very nicely balanced, especially in its tannins, where the wine really stands out next to so many peers. Readers should open the 2003 at least an hour in advance to allow the aromatics to open up. This is a very sexy and open young Barolo from Conterno with very little signs of the challenging growing season.”
Now it’s even lower!
The next best price is $130
just click here to head to that section of our website!
Old Vines, Modern Personality
Gigondas has become the shooting star of the Southern Rhone—occupying the space that Chateauneuf du-Pape did during the 90’s and early 00’s. This is a region that’s producing electric, thrilling wines at prices that despite recent increases are some of the best deals in the world of the highest quality wines. Saint Damien has emerged as one of the best producers and the recent scores from the Wine Advocate only highlight the quality emerging from their cellar. These are some of the top wines coming out of the Rhone and at prices that make other top producers blush.
In-Stock Now from Domaine Saint Damien:
Domaine Saint Damien Gigondas Vieilles Vignes, Rhone 2015 750ML ($37.95)
$28 specialJosh Raynolds-Vinous 91-93 points “Dark ruby. Aromas and flavors of ripe red and blue fruits pick up floral and peppery spice nuances as the wine opens up. Smooth and expansive on the palate, showing very good depth as well as energy and spicy back-end lift. The gently gripping, very persistent finish leaves behind hints of candied flowers and licorice.”
Domaine Saint Damien Gigondas La Louisiane Vieilles Vignes, Rhone 2015 750ML ($41.95)
$36 specialWine Advocate 95 points “My pick of the cuvées in 2015 is the 2015 Gigondas La Louisiane, a blend of 80% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre and the rest Cinsault and Syrah. From south-facing slopes of red clay and sand, this shows incredible detail in its aromas of garrigue and raspberries, then folds in richer notes of dark chocolate. This is full-bodied and velvety in feel, with just a hint of warmth on the finish. It should drink well for a decade, possibly longer.”
Domaine Saint Damien Gigondas ‘Les Souteyrades Vieilles Vignes’, Rhone 2015 750ML ($41.95)
$33 specialWine Advocate 94 points “Like the La Louisiane, the 2015 Gigondas les Souteyrades spent a year in foudres prior to bottling. It a similar blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Mourvèdre, but grown on north-facing gray clays. There’s more pepper and herb here, still wonderfully ripe raspberries but less chocolate. Full-bodied, it’s still silky and refined, with tremendous length on the finish.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92-94 points “Full ruby. Ripe black raspberry, violet, incense and peppery spices on the highly fragrant nose. Palate-staining red and blue fruit and floral pastille flavors show impressive energy, and a minerally topnote gains intensity as the wine opens up. Rich yet energetic in style, showing serious closing thrust, harmonious tannins and a suave, lingering floral quality.”
The Rarest of the Rare in Burgundy
At the Best Prices in the Country
Only One Bottle Each,
Arriving February 28th:
Coche-Dury Meursault, Cote de Beaune 2015 750ml ($699.95)
$599 pre-arrival specialWine Advocate (Antonio Galloni) 98 points “The 2010 Corton-Charlemagne is every bit as remarkable from bottle as it was from barrel. In the glass it is vivid, multi-dimensional and wonderfully alive. At once powerfully vibrant yet also seamless, the 2010 has everything; expressive aromatics, nuanced fruit and taut, incisive minerality. I only hope to have a chance to taste it again in a few years’ time. Today, it looks like Coche’s 2010 Corton-Charlemagne is headed straight for icon status. It may very well be the wine of the vintage. If it isn’t, it is among the top 2-3. Anticipated maturity: 2020+.”-AG
Stephen Tanzer 97+ points “Bright pale yellow. Lime, crushed stone and steely minerality on the nose. Totally unevolved in the mouth, showing powerful mineral austerity and great cut to the flavors of liquid stone, white flowers and white truffle. This outstanding expression of calcaire is all corners today, but it’s still an infant. Finishes with explosive length. Forget about this wine for at least 10 or 12 years. This and the Perrieres will be fascinating to taste side by side in 2025: don’t forget to invite me over.”
The next best price is $5489.89
The average price is $5784