Saturday, April 25th, 2015
Stealth Sale
Cabernet for Cabernet Lovers
Arriving April 30th- Supplies are limited
Abeja Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley 2012 750ML ($49.95) $41.90 pre-arrival special
Winery note “This is the varietal that we believe will increasingly be recognized as the icon varietal of Washington State and comprises the majority of our production. This Cabernet is stylish, elegant, and impeccably balanced. We accomplish this by meticulous viticultural management, utilization of a rare sorting system, gentle handling of the fruit and the wine, customized practices for every lot no matter how small, and carefully selected French oak.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $47
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Barolo 2010
New Arrivals
The Giovanni Rocca estate consists of several vineyards comprising 37 acres of vineyards in the much prized Montforte d’Alba region. Neo-classic family estate Barolo at corporate conglomerate pricing.
Giovanni Rocca Mosconi, Barolo DOCG 2010 750ML ($57.95) $41.90 special, 24 bottles available
Wine Spectator 94 points “Medicinal herb, amaro and leather accents complement the cherry and plum core in this sinewy red. The bright fruit and rich texture bode well for the future. Balanced and long, but needs time. Best from 2018 through 2033. 100 cases made.” WS
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $44.89
The average price is $51
Giovanni Rocca Barolo Ravera di Monforte 2010 750ML ($44.95) $38 special, 12 bottles available
Wine Spectator 93 points “Rich and supple, broad on the attack, this boasts cherry, raspberry and chalky mineral flavors. Tobacco and tar notes creep in, leaving a chalky sensation on the finish. Shows some power and austerity in the end. Best from 2018 through 2030. 670 cases made.”
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Sottimano
Sottimano
Sottimano
Pending New Arrivals
In 1975, Maggiore Sottimano purchased the Cottà vineyard and its associated winery to found the Azienda Agricola Sottimano. His son, Rino, grew the estate to include Currà, Fausoni, Pajorè and Basarin vineyards that, since 1990, have been farmed using organic methods. Rino’s son Andrea is the current winemaker. Andrea, in keeping with his father’s philosophy, takes his inspiration from Burgundy to produce terroir-driven wines with minimal intervention. The vineyards’ yields are restricted to produce structured, full bodied wines with long aging potential that are unfiltered and unfined. The wines are fermented in oak with naturally occurring yeasts. Andrea prefers to minimize the influence of new oak on the wines, aging all of his wines primarily in old oak. The family sources French oak for the winery from a single Burgundian cooper Francois Frères.
Five single-vineyard Barbaresco wines are produced from each of the vineyard holdings as well as a dry Brachetto, a rare style for the grape. Wines from the Cottà are rich, fruit-driven with subtle notes of mint and silky tannins. The Currà vineyard produces rich and elegant age-worthy wines. The Fausoni vineyard produces the softest wines with bright acidity and notes of mint, licorice and flowers. The Pajorè single vineyard wine has great elegance with restrained fruit and spicy aromas. Only 200 cases of the Riservas are made during exceptional vintages, of which the 2005 is only the second to be produced. The Riservas are hand harvested from old vines in the Cottà and Pajorè vineyards.
New Release Sottimano Wines Arriving April 30th
Sottimano Curra, Barbaresco DOCG 2010 750ML ($79.95) $60.90 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 95 points “Firm tannins provide the backbone for the 2010 Barbaresco Currà. A wonderfully layered, rich wine, the 2010 impresses for its resonance, beauty and class. Nothing in particular stands out, the 2010 is a wine of total harmony and symmetry. The Currà is quite floral, high-toned and spiced, not unlike the Fausoni, but with a little more mid-palate pliancy. At the same time, the tannins remain a bit firm, so a measure of patience is required.” AG
Sottimano Cotta, Barbaresco DOCG 2011 750ML ($69.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 92 points “Rich and fleshy, exhibiting flavors of plum and black cherry, buoyed by vivid acidity and beefy tannins. Exhibits a sweet character and plenty of tannins on the finish, so be patient. Best from 2017 through 2027.” WS
Sottimano Fausoni, Barbaresco DOCG 2011 750ML ($69.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Wine Enthusiast 93 points “Crushed raspberry, blue flower, tilled soil and graphite aromas lead the nose on this firmly structured wine. It’s still very young and needs to open up fully, but the palate already displays breeding and class. It offers ripe black cherry, ground black pepper, licorice and grilled sage alongside tightly wound but fine tannins. Drink 2018–2026.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $59.95
Sottimano Pajore, Barbaresco DOCG 2011 750ML ($69.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Wine Enthusiast 93 points “Ripe and delicious, this starts off with aromas of fresh violet, rose, perfumed berry, exotic spice and tilled earth. It’s still young but the palate already delivers a great depth of flavors including juicy black cherry, crushed raspberry, clove and black pepper alongside chewy tannins. Drink 2016 to 2021.” WE
Sottimano Wines Available Here Now
Sottimano Barbaresco Cotta 2009 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 17 bottles available
Wine Advocate 92 points “Playing very much true to type, the 2009 Barbaresco Cotta is the richest and roundest of these 2009s. As always, it has the most overt fruit to match its generally supple personality. Here, too the richness of the fruit goes head to head with the formidable tannins all the way through to the finish. This dark, fleshy Barbaresco should enter its sweet spot in another five years or so. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2027.”
Sottimano Barbaresco Curra 2007 750ml ($89.95) $79 special, 7 bottles available
Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2007 Barbaresco Curra is a touch more austere and reserved than the Fausoni, but equally compelling. A wall of tannin hides a core of bright red berries, flowers, sweet herbs and licorice that will need at least several years of cellaring to fully emerge. This, too, possesses exceptional length and fabulous overall balance in a textured, captivating style for the year. With time in the glass, this positively explodes on the palate with layers of ripe fruit and structure, resulting in a fabulous wine that represents the epitome of finesse. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2027.”
Sottimano Barbaresco Curra 2009 750ML ($79.95) $49 special, Previously $69, 10 bottles available
Wine Advocate & Stephen Tanzer 92+ points “Sottimano’s 2009 Barbaresco Curra is striking in this vintage. The Curra is often hard when it is young, but in 2009 the wine has a little more volume and richness, which serves to cover the tannins. Bright red berries, flowers, mint and sweet spices flesh out in this radiant, textured Barbaresco. High-toned floral notes flow through to the inviting close. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024.” WA
Sottimano Barbaresco Fausoni 2007 750ML ($84.95) $69 special, 6 bottles available
Wine Advocate 92 points “The Fausoni is usually one of the lighter-weight Barbarescos here, but not in 2007. Dark red fruit, crushed flowers, licorice and sweet baking spices come together beautifully in this ripe, sensual Barbaresco. There is a wonderful richness to the fruit that virtually covers the tannins, all while avoiding any sense of heaviness. Simply put, the Fausoni is an overachiever in this vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2027.”
Sottimano Barbaresco Fausoni 2009 750ML ($59.95) $39 special, Previously $49, 7 bottles available
Wine Advocate 92 points “A sweet, floral bouquet infused with a note of mint announces the 2009 Barbaresco Fausoni. This mid-weight, gracious Barbaresco is all about finesse, detail and nuance. I very much like the sense of energy here. Firm yet well-balanced tannins frame the long finish. The balance of fruit, acidity and structure is about as harmonious as it gets in 2009. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024.”
Sottimano Barbaresco Pajore 2009 750ML ($64.95) $49 special, 32 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer & Wine Advocate 93 points “(from a high-altitude, limestone-rich vineyard in Treiso): Good bright red. Sexy, elegant nose offers strawberry, raspberry, tobacco and spices. Juicy and primary for the vintage, with excellent mineral and spicy cut giving precision to the middle palate. Very Treiso in character, and the highest in acidity of these 2009 Barbarescos (6 grams, vs. 5.5 for the others). Finishes energetic and long, with chewy, firm tannins and terrific lift. This really transcends the vintage. “But not the best style of wine for a blind tasting,” notes Sottimano.” ST
Sottimano Barbaresco Riserva 2005 750ML ($119.95) $69 special, Previously $89, 3 bottles available
Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2005 Barbaresco Riserva is a dense, powerful, fruit-driven Barbaresco that is virtually impenetrable at this stage. This old-vines selection from Cotta and Pajore remains incredibly primary and youthful. Dark fruit, smoke, leather and tar are just some of the notes that linger on the massive yet impressively round, harmonious close. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030. ”
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Just a reminder about our current shipping specials during this season:
We offer flat rate shipping on any size single order / single shipment
-to Oregon for $17,
-Washington & Idaho for $20,
-and California for $25
These rates do not apply to orders held in storage here for any reason. Multiple orders consolidated into one shipment do not qualify for flat rate shipping.
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What the World Needs Now
More More Felsina
Arriving April 30
In 1966, Dominic Poggiali Fèlsina founded the Felsina winery, built an underground wine cellar and expanded holdings over the next few years. Giuseppe Mazzocolin joined the family in the late 1970s and helped expand the commercial promotion of the winery. When Giuseppe’s oldest son Giovanni joined the team, the family began producing the two IGT wines: Fontalloro and Maestro Raro.
They have been constantly improving the vineyard sites through mass selections from their old vines and by operating biodynamically. The Fonalloro IGT is produced from 100% Sangiovese vines over 50 years old and is aged in small French oak barrels for up to a year and a half. The fruit was hand-harvested in two passes from one vineyard in the Chianti Classico region and two vineyards in the Chianti Colli Sensi region. The soil ranges from stony and calcareous to sandy, loamy and silty with pebbles and marine sediments.
Chianti Classico is the cornerstone of the estate’s production. The vineyards are located in Castelnuovo Berardenga, in the southeastern part of the Chianti Classico appellation, to the southeast of Siena. Almost exclusively with a southwestern exposure, they sprawl across ventilated slopes at an altitude ranging from 320-420 meters above sea level. Geologically, the terrains are mixed: in the higher parts the soil is predominantly rock quartz and calcareous alberese mixed with alluvial pebbles; strataform sandstone and loam characterize the vineyards on the edge of the Colli Senesi in the direction of the Crete Senesi. Their Chiantis are rich, dark and complex with impressive vine age: the Chianti Classico is from vines averaging 30 years old while the Riserva wines are from vines averaging over 50 years old.
The Rancia is named for the farmhouse and vineyard from which the fruit is harvested, once a Benedictine monastery. Located in Castelnuovo Berardenga at elevations ranging from 400 and 420 meters it has a fine southwest-facing exposure. The more recent plantings utilize genetic material from massal selections gathered from the old Rancia vineyard. The soil is composed of limestone-derived alberese classic to the Castelnuovo Berardenga area and of galestro marl in some areas.
Felsina Wines Arriving April 30th
Felsina Berardenga Chianti Classico DOCG 2012 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Felsina Berardenga Chianti Classico DOCG 2012 750ML ($279.95) $239 pre-arrival special (that’s only $19.92/bottle!)
James Suckling 93 points “There are mushrooms on the nose of this Chianti Classico, but these soon give way to subtle, deep aromas of blackberry crumble with hints of mint and ivy. It soon fills up the mouth with beautifully dense fruit and fine tannins, nutty, woody undertones and long finish. Gorgeous now, but better in 2016.”
Antonio Galloni 89+ points “The 2012 Chianti Classico is a great introduction to the wines of Felsina. Deeply varietal and expressive to the core, the 2012 graces the palate with the essence of Sangiovese from the southern part of the Chianti Classico zone. Sweet tobacco, underbrush, menthol, licorice and black cherries flow through to the finish, but it is the wine’s sheer balance that impresses most of all. This is a gorgeous mid-weight Chianti Classico to drink over the next decade plus.” AG
Felsina Berardenga Fontalloro Toscana IGT 2010 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 94+ points “The 2010 Fontalloro (Sangiovese) is impeccable. A sweet, open bouquet melds into expressive red fruits. Compared to the 2010 Rancia, Fontalloro is a decidedly more delicate, feminine wine. All the elements are very nicely balanced. I expect the 2010 will enjoy a fairly broad window of drinkability. Today I give the 2010 a very slight nod over the 2009, only because I think the 2010 will age a little longer, but both are striking.” AG
James Suckling 94 points “A red with focus and freshness with plum and peach pit aromas and flavors. Medium-to-full body with wonderfully fine tannins that are in balance with the fruit. Hints of cocoa too. Give it a year or two to soften. Gorgeous Sangiovese-based red from a top producer in Chianti Classico.”
Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2010 Fontalloro is 100% Sangiovese sourced from various vineyards. It starts off with a sassy, playful personality thanks to ripe cherry and forest fruit. The complexity of the bouquet builds steadily to include mineral, herbs, anisette and dark clay. The chiseled mineral tones at the back are outstanding. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030. This is one of the nicest collections of new releases by Giuseppe Mazzocolin’s Felsina. At the edge of the Chianti Classico and Chianti Colli Senesi denominations, the estate counts 475 hectares, of which 61 are planted with vineyard.”
Felsina Berardenga Rancia, Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 2010 750ML ($49.95) $41.90 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 95+ points “The 2010 Chianti Classico Riserva Rancia is cool, inward and reserved at this stage. Much less expressive than it was from barrel, today the 2010 appears to be in a closed phase. There is so much tension in the glass, though, and I can hardly wait to see where the 2010 goes over the coming years. A burst of mineral and floral infused fruit lingers on the polished, nuanced finish. Today, the 2010 seems to bring together the finesse of 2004 with the structure and power of the 2010. A pretty magical combination, if you ask me.” AG
Felsina Wines Available Here Now :
Felsina Berardenga Rancia, Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 2010 1.5L ($119.95) $99 special, 1 magnum available
Antionio Galloni 95+ points “The 2010 Chianti Classico Riserva Rancia is cool, inward and reserved at this stage. Much less expressive than it was from barrel, today the 2010 appears to be in a closed phase. There is so much tension in the glass, though, and I can hardly wait to see where the 2010 goes over the coming years. A burst of mineral and floral infused fruit lingers on the polished, nuanced finish. Today, the 2010 seems to bring together the finesse of 2004 with the structure and power of the 2010. A pretty magical combination, if you ask me.” AG
Felsina Berardenga Fontalloro Toscana IGT 2009 750ML ($69.95) $49 special, 21 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 94 points “There is a lot to like in the 2009 Fontalloro (Sangiovese). For starters, the wine is rich, broad and ample on the palate. Hints of tobacco, savory herbs, licorice and menthol all add complexity over time. The over juiciness of the fruit is nicely balanced by clean veins of underlying acidity that give the 2009 much of its freshness. This is another wine endowed with superb balance and class.” AG
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Bernabeleva
On the eastern edge of the Sierra de Gredox mountains, within the quality-driven San Martín sub-zone of the Vinos de Madrid DO, lies 80-year-old vineyards of Garnacha (Grenache) first planted by Vincente Alvarez-Villamil. He named the estate Bernabeleva (“the bear’s forest”) in tribute to the strong Celtic roots in the area. He was convinced that he had found a profound place to grow Garnacha. Spain’s turbulent recent history interrupted Alvarez-Villamil’s dream of producing wine. The vineyard was kept by the family but for almost 70 years, they did not produce wine commercially. In 2006, two of his great-grandchildren, cousins Juan Diez Bulnes and Santiago Matallana Bulnes, reopened the winery and purchased neighboring Garnacha vineyards, all with at least 30 year-old vines. They aimed to produce terroir-driven wines of focus and purity, rejecting the current Spanish wine-making fashions and embracing biodynamic and natural wine-making techniques.
The vineyards lie high above sea level with poor, sandy soil made of decomposed granite and strong diurnal temperature swings. Ripeness is achieved which acidity and freshness are preserved. The wines are produced by Marc Isart Pinos, a Catalan winemaker, with assistance from consultant Raúl Pérez, a “master of cool-climate winemaking” according to Kermit Lynch. The wines undergo long fermentation with a hands-off approach before being aged primarily in old oak barrels of various sizes. The resulting wines are richly aromatic, fresh and vibrant. The Camino de Navaherreros is extremely aromatic, medium bodied, and is aged in large neutral oak barrels. The Navaherreros is all estate Garnacha aged in 2nd and 3rd use oak barrels. The Arroyo del Tortolas is sourced from a north-facing vineyard at 800 meters above sea level with small yields. The wine is intensely aromatic and fresh. Only a small amount is exported to the US, most is consumed in the wine bars and restaurants around Madrid.
Bernabeleva Wines Arriving April 28th
Bernabeleva Camino de Navaherreros Garnacha, Madrid 2013 750ML ($16.95) $11.90 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Bernabeleva Camino de Navaherreros Garnacha, Madrid2013 750ML ($179.95) $129 pre-arrival special (that’s only $10.75/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 90 points “(all garnacha): Bright red. Smoky, spice-accented raspberry and cherry on the perfumed nose, with a bright floral accent building with air. Brisk and racy, offering fresh red fruit and rose pastille flavors and a hint of blood orange. I might have guessed this to be pinot. Finishes taut and clean, with a lingering redcurrant note and lacy tannins sneaking in slowly.” JR
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $15/bottle
Bodega Bernabeleva Navaherreros Garnacha, Madrid 2012 750ML ($24.95) $17 pre-arrival special
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 91 points “(100% garnacha): Brilliant ruby-red. Fresh, intensely perfumed red and dark berries on the nose, with mineral, camphor and floral nuances building in the glass. Spicy raspberry and boysenberry flavors pack a solid punch but carry no excess weight. Finishes with very good spicy lift, fine-grained tannins and mineral-driven persistence.” JR
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $21/bottle
Bernabeleva Arroyo del Tortolas, Madrid 2012 750ML ($41.95) $33 pre-arrival special
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 92+ points “(100% garnacha): Brilliant ruby-red. A highly perfumed bouquet evokes Asian spices, raspberry, potpourri and smoky minerals. Extremely tight on the palate, offering vibrant red fruit and floral pastille flavors and a jolt of blood orange. Opens up slowly on the finish, which clings with excellent tenacity and silky, harmonious tannins. This one should age slowly.” JR
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $36.98
The average price is $39/bottle
Bernabeleva Wines Available Here Now
Bernabeleva Camino de Navaherreros Garnacha, Madrid 2012 750ML ($19.95) $16 special, 1 bottle available
Stephen Tanzer 91 points “Vivid ruby-red. Sexy, highly perfumed aromas of raspberry, potpourri and Asian spices. Silky, penetrating red fruit and rose pastille flavors pick up a mineral nuance with air. Clings with excellent tenacity on the vibrant finish, which features fine-grained tannins and a touch of blood orange.”
Bernabeleva Arroyo del Tortolas, Madrid 2010 750ML ($41.95) $33 special, 20 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 93 points “(all garanacha, raised in small and large oak, 25% of it new): Vivid ruby-red. A powerful bouquet offers red and dark berry preserves, minerals, Asian spices and fresh flowers. Fleshy black raspberry and candied rose flavors are deep and palate-staining, but there’s no sign of excess weight. Turns spicier on the sweet, gently tannic finish, which clings with superb tenacity.” ST
This is the only listing in the USA!
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Last Call – Domaine Armand Rousseau 2011
Available Here Now
Sale Pricing Ends April 30th
Domaine Armand Rousseau Pere et Fils Lavaut Saint-Jacques, Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru 2011 750ML ($399.95) $179 special, 2 bottles available
Burghound 89-91 points “This is also reduced and here it’s enough to render the nose unreadable. There is plenty of energy and precision to the intensely mineral-tinged medium-bodied flavors that possess an elegant mouth feel on the youthfully austere finish. A classic Lavaut that should reward 8 to 10 years of cellar time.” BH
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $199
The average price is $238
Domaine Armand Rousseau Pere et Fils Clos de la Roche Grand Cru 2011 750ML ($499.95) $259 special, 4 bottles available
Burghound 91-94 points “An overtly spicy and very earth nose of red currant, plum and wet stone scents. There is lovely richness to the round, full-bodied and highly energetic medium-bodied flavors that exhibit firm tannins on the saline-infused finish. This is excellent and should reward mid to longer-term cellaring.” BH
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $285
The average price is $341
Domaine Armand Rousseau Pere et Fils Mazis-Chambertin Grand Cru 2011 750ML ($499.95) $279 special, 4 bottles available
Burghound & Stephen Tanzer 91-93 points “Mild reduction removes the top notes of the otherwise complex and distinctly earthy mix of red and dark fruit aromas. There is excellent power and punch to the lightly mineral-tinged middle weight plus flavors that possess plenty of underlying tension before culminating in a markedly animale finish. This is very Mazis in basic character.” BH
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $299
The average price is $347
Domaine Armand Rousseau Pere et Fils Clos Saint-Jacques, Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru 2011 750ML ($799.95) $469 special, 6 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 96 points “Rousseau’s 2011 Gevrey-Chambertin Clos St. Jacques is flat-out gorgeous. Waves of blue/purplish fruit hit the palate in an intense, explosive Burgundy loaded with pure class and pedigree. This is another 2011 that is going to need considerable time in bottle to come around. Today, the Clos St. Jacques impresses for its richness, power and depth.”
Burghound 94 points “Discreet wood sets off ultra-fresh and airy aromas of red currant, blue berries and plum that are trimmed in hints of wet stone and earth. There is a wonderfully refined mouth feel to the mineral-tinged middle weight flavors that possess an appealing verve along with superb detail on the harmonious and exceptionally persistent finish. This very firm effort is textbook Clos St, Jacques.” BH
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $485
The average price is $547
Domaine Armand Rousseau Pere et Fils Chambertin Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits 2011 ($1,499.95) $899 special, 2 bottles available
John Gilman (View From the Cellar) 97 points “With the addition of another parcel of Chambertin that arrived with the 2009 vintage (sufficient to provide another five piéces to the estate’s production), Domaine Rousseau now owns fully 2.55 hectares of vines in this magical grand cru, and I cannot think of better hands to have this much Chambertin in! The 2011 is utterly brilliant, soaring from the glass in a stunning blend of red plums, cherries, blood orange, cocoa powder, grilled meats, a gloriously complex base of soil and a suave framing of vanillin oak. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, very pure and sappy at the core, with stunning transparency, great structural elegance, very suave tannins and superb length and grip on the focused and still very young finish. This is really not far off the magical quality of the 2010! 2025-2075.”
Fine Wine Review 95-98 points “I asked Eric what effect the new acquisition of the vines of Adrien Belland had on the Chambertin, and Eric replied that they added concentration to the wine. The nose is more animal than that of the Clos-de-Bèze, and the mouth is tighter, more focused and harder with good minerality to the fruit, which is not as dark as that of the Clos-de-Bèze, and this wine is less broad and more linear. It is a fine expression, albeit a trifle short of the very greatest that can come from Rousseau at Chambertin.
Burghound 96 points “This is completely different from the Bèze aromatically speaking as here the nose is brooding and recalcitrant and only aggressive swirling liberates fresh scents of spice, wet stone, game and dark berry fruits. There is outstanding richness to the powerful and impressively scaled flavors that possess an abundance of dry extract that imparts a velvety quality to the mid-palate while also buffering the tightly wound core of firm tannins on the driving mineral-inflected and hugely persistent finish. This is a stunner of a wine and one of the great wines of the 2011 vintage.” BH
Stephen Tanzer 96+ points “Healthy medium red. Reticent aromas of redcurrant, black cherry, raspberry and smoky minerality. Hugely concentrated and sweet, but in a distinctly cooler and less expressive style than the Clos de Bèze. Sappy, saline wine with an incredible whiplash of a finish that leaves the palate saturated. Showing more red fruits than black in the early going, this is still an infant..”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $925
The average price is $1,097
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Late Breaking News
Prisoners Escape From Penal Institute
The Prisoner Wine Co. (fka Orin Swift) ‘The Prisoner’ Napa Valley 2013 ($44.95) $36 special
Case-12 ‘The Prisoner’ Napa Valley 2013 ($479.95) $399 special (that’s only $33.25/bottle!)
Case special ends April 30
Robert Parker 92 points “The 2013 Proprietary Red Blend The Prisoner is a creative blend of 44% Zinfandel, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Petite Sirah, as well as Syrah, Grenache and Chardonnay. This dense, full-bodied, opulent red reveals gutsy, rich, peppery, meaty, blackberry, blackcurrant and licorice notes. A savory, lusty, heady red, it begs for a grilled steak or a big, juicy hamburger. Drink it over the next 4-5 years. (Oct 2014)”
Wine Spectator 91 points “Bold and stylish, with dark cherry, toasty oak and black pepper aromas and briary, dense flavors of blackberry, espresso and grilled anise. The tannins tighten on the finish. Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Syrah and Charbono. Drink now through 2021. (4/22/15)”
Producer notes: “44% Zinfandel, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Petite Sirah, 16% Syrah, 2% Charbono. Aromas of briar fruits and dried cherry are accented by hints of vanilla and toasted oak. On the palate, tiers of blueberry, ripe mulberry and boysenberry give way to an edge of espresso, cracked pepper and a seasoning of fall spice. These dense aromas and flavors culminate in a lingering finish framed by refined tannins. Barrel aged in French and American oak (30% new).”
The Distributor