Saturday, November 14th, 2015
Wine Spectator #4 WOTY; Flash Sale; Champagne Featured Arrivals; Cayuse; Well-Aged Bordeaux; New German Arrivals; Quilceda Creek; Spanish Value Wines
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The Anointed
Wine Spectator Releases the Top Ten of 2015
#4 Wine of the Year Arrives Tuesday
Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2010 750ML ($99.95) $78 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 98 points “The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino is a striking wine that shows uncompromising varietal pureness, albeit in a most concentrated and elaborate form. This is what great Sangiovese is all about. There’s so much happening on the nose and the wine brings you to cherry, spice, licorice, cured meat, pressed rose and grilled meat in equal measure. No one element overpowers the next. The mouthfeel is also tight and bright with the kind of fruit intensity that promises long cellar aging. This Brunello is only at the beginning of a long road ahead. The longer the wine stays in the glass, the more it offers in terms of complexity and intensity. This is a true standout that can be enjoyed for up to 20 years ahead.” ML
Wine Spectator 95 points “Rich, with excellent density, ripe cherry and plum fruit, and a well-integrated structure. Licorice, earth and tobacco notes add depth while this cruises to a long, tobacco- and mineral-tinged finish. Shows balance and grip. Best from 2018 through 2033.”
Not to be Missed
La Fortuna Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2010 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 36+ bottles available
La Fortuna Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2010 3L ($299.95) $249 special, 1 jerobaum available
James Suckling 96 points “Aromas of wet earth, meat and dried fruits. Some nuts and spices. Complex. Full body, with super fine tannins and fabulous intensity and richness. Dried cherry and candied citrus fruit. Fabulous finish. You want to drink this now. But shows superb finesse and intensity. Why wait?(1/15)” JS
Wine Spectator 95 points “Saturated with cherry, raspberry, spice and tobacco aromas and flavors, this strikes a balanced between the supple texture, succulent acidity and refined yet gripping tannins. Really sings on the lingering finish. Best from 2019 through 2035.” WS
Casanova di Neri Tenuta Nuova, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2010 750ML ($219.95) $169 pre-arrival special (arriving November 22nd)
Wine Advocate 100 points “The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova is a protagonist of the vintage. The fruit is deep and dark with rich levels of extract, intensity and flavor. It goes far beyond your standard cherry and blackberry to include plum cake, spice bread and bacon-wrapped prune. Nothing is obvious or monochromatic about this wine. Everything is nuanced and ethereal. Tenuta Nuova is also distinguished by the linear mineral notes that are characteristic of this single-vineyard site. In 2010, those traits are especially well-defined and pronounced. The tannins reach a level of suppleness that is almost impossible to find in the sometimes prickly and acidic Sangiovese grape. If there is one thing Giacomo Neri has mastered, it is harvesting at optimal ripeness: He knows his property and his vines better than most and it shows. Collectors will want to put this wine aside ten years or longer.” WA
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Flash Sale
Arriving November 20th
Black Slate La Vilella Alta, Priorat DOCa 2013 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 pre-arrival special
Robert Parker 95 points “This is a joint venture between famed Rhône négociant Michel Tardieu, his oenologist Philippe Cambie and importer Eric Solomon. From the area of Priorat known as the Vilella Alta, these are high-density vineyards planted more than 1,000 feet above sea level. The vines average between 15 to 60 years old. The final blend of the 2013 Black Slate is 60% Grenache, 35% Carignan and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, all aged for one year in French oak (60% new and 40% one-year-old). The color is inky/bluish/purple. The wine offers up notes of blueberry and blackberry liqueur mixed with wet rocks, spring flowers and graphite, followed by a full-bodied, dense, multidimensional wine with fabulous intensity, loads of burgeoning complexity and a precise and lush feel to the palate. Tannins are present, but silky and well-integrated. This is a seamless, beautifully made wine that sells for a song, considering the quality and complexity it possess. Drink over the next 5-8 years.” RP
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Don’t miss our feature on other great Spanish values below!
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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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Champagne New Arrivals
Egly-Ouriet Tradition Grand Cru Brut 2002 1.5L ($599.95) $445 special
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 93 points “(70% pinot noir and 30% chardonnay): Light yellow-gold. Fresh orchard and pit fruits on the deeply scented nose, with notes of musky rhubarb and smoky minerals emerging with air. Deeply pitched poached pear and nectarine flavors show impressive power and are lifted by notes of chalk and ginger. Packs a serious punch but manages to come off as elegant. Finishes very long, with a strong jolt of minerality and slow-building leesiness.” JR
P.Lancelot-Royer Cuvee des Chevaliers Blanc de Blancs NV ($59.95) $49 special
Antonio Galloni 92 points “Lemon peel, crushed rocks and floral notes abound in Lancelot-Royer’s NV Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Cuvée des Chevaliers. Wonderfully bright and alive, the Cuvée des Chevaliers stands out for its precision, balance and class. This is a terrific showing…” AG
Lancelot Royer Blanc De Blancs Grand Cru 2005 750ML ($79.95) $59 special
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 91 points “Light, bright gold. Vibrant lemon, orange zest and floral aromas are complemented by deeper notes of anise, pear skin, iodine and chamomile. Picks up a smoky nuance with air and shows an array of intense citrus and orchard fruit flavors, along with a touch of bitter quinine. Closes on a smoky note, with very good clarity and lingering floral character.” JR
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Jean Vesselle Oeil de Perdrix Blanc de Noirs Brut NV 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Jean Vesselle Oeil de Perdrix Blanc de Noirs Brut NV 375ML ($29.95) $26 special
Jean Vesselle Oeil de Perdrix Blanc de Noirs Brut NV 1.5L ($119.95) $99 special
Antonio Galloni 93 points “Jean Vesselle’s NV Brut Oeil de Perdrix is fabulous. Rich and textured to the core, the Oeil de Perdrix captures the beauty of Bouzy Pinot to the core. Bright chalky notes give the wine its sense of energy and tension. Red berries, stone fruits, chalk, white pepper and crushed flowers are some of the notes that inform the finish. There is so much to like here” AG
Michel Turgy Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut NV 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 91 points “Light yellow. Intensely perfumed aromas of poached pear, tangerine, candied fig and white flowers, with an piquant spicy element adding vivacity. Smooth, sweet and expansive on the palate, offering powerful orchard and pit fruit flavors and a touch of smokiness. The broad finish features excellent clarity and building spiciness.” JR
Michel Turgy Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut 2005 750ML ($79.95) $66 special
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 92 points “Vivid yellow. Musky pear, yellow apple and anise scents are complemented by hints of chamomile and smoky minerals. Fleshy and focused on the palate, offering pliant orchard and pit fruit flavors and a touch of anise. A subtle underpinning of minerality carries through a long, sappy finish that leaves gingery spice and floral notes behind.” JR
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Vilmart & Cie Coeur de Cuvee Premier Cru Brut 2007 750ML ($149.95) $125 special
Antonio Galloni 94+ points “Another gorgeous wine, the 2007 Coeur de Cuvée is rich, ample and totally seductive. In 2007, the Coeur de Cuvée is intensely aromatic and highly expressive, with striking textural resonance throughout. Creamy and spherical through to the finish, the 2007 is a model of elegance and sumptuousness. The 2007 can be enjoyed today for its generous personality or cellared for another decade-plus.” AG
Terry Theise notes “This will continue Laurent’s streak of making the best wine in Champagne from “difficult” vintages, and indeed this is as good as the GREAT 2001—and maybe better. It brings a nettle-y green sting to the magnificent grace and concentration of this ever-improving wine. The length is replete with pepper, leather and verbena; the salt and stocky savor are mindbending—dried porcini, rare duck breast, clove and satsumas, all into a seemingly endless finish you want scoop back out of your mouth and drink again.”
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Cayuse
French winemaker Christophe Baron converted a rocky few acres into one of Walla Walla’s most esteemed biodynamic estate. The offers are always tiny and highly lauded. We’re pleased to offer the following at some of the lowest listed prices:
Cayuse Vineyards Edith Armada Vineyard Grenache Rose, Walla Walla Valley 2013 750ML ($59.94) $49 special, 3 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 90 points “(partly done in concrete eggs and partly in stainless steel): Very pale copper-pink color. Highly aromatic nose combines applesauce, cranberry and a mineral suggestion of crushed shells. Brisk and minerally, combining surprising density and terrific clarity and cut (the concrete element contributes to the wine’s mouth feel, says Christophe Baron). Penetrating but not at all tart or thin. Lovely bone-dry rosé with superb length.” ST
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $60
Cayuse Vineyards God Only Knows Armada Vineyard Grenache, Walla Walla Valley 2012 750ML ($179.95) $149 special, 3 bottles available
Wine Advocate 96 points “Structured and backward, the 2012 Grenache God Only Knows Armada Vineyard offers lots of framboise, black cherries, bouquet garni and spice to go with a full-bodied, seamless, elegant feel on the palate. It picks up more and more tannin with time in the glass, and needs 3-4 years of cellaring, but should keep for 15 years or more.” JD
Cayuse Vineyards Cailloux Vineyard Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2013 750ML ($149.95) $119 special, 6 bottles available
Wine Advocate 94-97 points “Starting off the 2013 Syrahs from barrel, the 755-case 2013 Syrah Cailloux Vineyard was cofermented with 5% Viognier and is aged in twice-used French oak. It offers a ripe, voluptuous style in its ground pepper, smoked meats, peat and sweet dark fruits. These give way to a full-bodied Syrah that has solid concentration and good tannin. The Viognier here normally gives this cuvee some early charm, but it should evolve gracefully as well.” JD
Also Available Here Now
Cayuse Vineyards En Cerise Vineyard Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2008 750ML ($249.95) $219 special, 1 bottle available
Wine Advocate 99 points “The 2008 En Cerise Vineyard Syrah offers up a remarkably complex, sexy perfume that leaps from the glass. Exotic spices, a velvety texture, and a succulent richness on the palate are sublime. It, too, can be enjoyed for a decade or more.”
Wine Enthusiast 98 points “A subtle, complex, utterly distinctive mix of flavors, with opening streaks of butter cookie, then mushroom broth, tightly wound berry fruit, earthy coffee grounds and even darker streaks of espresso and smoke and licorice. It is deeply layered with flavors that just keep piling on. Amazing wine.”
Wine Spectator 96 points “Rich and round, yet amazingly transparent as the cherry, mineral, tar and sassafras flavors expand over the long, expressive palate. This has richness and depth balanced with vibrant acidity, finishing with intensity. Best from 2012 through 2020. 355 cases made.”
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Newly Arrived
Bordeaux
Chateau Pichon-Longueville au Baron de Pichon-Longueville, Pauillac 1983 750ML ($149.95) $119 special, 1 bottle available
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $158
Chateau Pichon-Longueville au Baron de Pichon-Longueville, Pauillac 1996 750ML ($199.95) $179 special, 1 bottle available
Robert Parker 91 points “Pichon Longueville Baron’s 1996 has turned out to be even better than I thought from cask. The high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend (about 80%) resulted in a wine that has put on weight in the bottle. An opaque purple color is accompanied by beautiful aromas of tobacco, new saddle leather, roasted coffee, and cassis. It is dense, medium to full-bodied, and backward, with moderately high tannin, but plenty of sweet fruit, glycerin, and extract to balance out the wine’s structure. This well-endowed, classic Pauillac should be at its finest between 2006-2022. (4/99)”
Chateau Pichon-Longueville au Baron de Pichon-Longueville, Pauillac 2000 750ML ($249.95) $219 special, 1 bottle available
Robert Parker 97 points “This is one of the great wines of the vintage, and certainly a candidate for one of the finest wines made at this estate under the management of Christian Seeley and proprietor AXA. Showing incredibly well at two tastings of 2000s, the wine has a dense bluish/purple color and a beautiful nose of incense, melted asphalt, and creme de cassis as well as hints of new saddle leather and licorice. It is superbly concentrated and very pure, with excellent texture and opulence. The acidity seems low, the tannin high but well-integrated. This is a compelling 2000 that is just closing in on its window of maturity and should stay there for at least 20 or more years. Bravo!” (6/2010)
Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou, Saint-Julien 1995 750ML ($219.95) $199 special, 1 bottle available
Wine Spectator 95 points ‘Subtle yet aromatic character of Indian spices, currants and dried cherries. Full-bodied, with super well-integrated tannins and a long, caressing finish. Wonderful texture. Classy and structured. Long. This was wine of the year in 1998; well deserved.”
Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou, Saint-Julien 2000 750ML ($279.95) $219 special, 1 bottle available
Wine Advocate 95 points “A stunning wine from Ducru Beaucaillou which showcases its great terroir, this elegant but substantial 2000 has a dense purple color that has hardly budged since it was first bottled. Displaying a floral note, with hints of boysenberries, black raspberries, black currants and a touch of background oak, the wine has superb concentration and density, but still has some substantial tannins that are not yet fully resolved. I originally predicted that it should be drinkable from 2010-2030, but I would modify that now to 2015-2035.” (06/2010)
Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou, Saint-Julien 2003 750ML ($199.95) $179 special, 1 bottle available
Wine Spectator 97 points “ntense aromas of blackberry, currant and cherry. Full-bodied, with masses of big, velvety tannins and a finish that lasts for minutes. A blockbuster. A classic big, juicy claret. Best after 2012.”
Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou, Saint-Julien 2008 750ML ($179.95) $149 special, 1 bottle available
Robert Parker 95+ points “One of the stars of the vintage, and a remarkable achievement in 2008, with impressive richness, this dense purple colored wine is almost as opaque as the 2010. Spring flowers, crushed rocks, creme de cassis and some subtle oak are followed by a full-bodied, concentrated wine that transcends the vintage character in its power, richness, and aging potential. It also exhibits tremendous precision, purity, and depth of character. It is more forward than the 2010 is likely to be, but probably not as sumptuous as the 2009 will turn out to be. This is a wine to buy. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2035.” RP
Chateau Lynch-Bages, Pauillac 2000 1.5L ($849.95) $719 special, 6 magnums available
Robert Parker 97 points “Beginning to open magnificently, the still dense purple-colored 2000 reveals a blossoming bouquet of blackberries, cassis, graphite and pen ink. Full-bodied with velvety tannins that have resolved themselves beautifully over the last eleven years, this wine is still an adolescent, but it exhibits admirable purity, texture, mouthfeel and power combined with elegance. One of the all-time great examples of Lynch Bages, the 2000 is just beginning to drink well yet promises to last for another 20-25+ years.(8/11)” RP
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
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New Arrivals from Donnhoff
The Donnhoff family has occupied the Nahe for the past two centuries, slowly growing from a humble farm to a wine estate of world renown. Their terroirs include slate, volcanic rock beds, limestone, and loam. Across a wide range of vineyards, the estate produces some of the most brilliant wines to ever come out of the Nahe and out of Germany overall – these wines are contenders on a global scale, deserving of every bit of its unceasing acclaim. Below are their newest Grosses Gewächs Rieslings. These are dry wines from ranked top class vineyards (often shortened to GG). These wines are produced from the best vineyard parcels and offer breathtaking expressiveness and aging potential.
Weingut Donnhoff Norheimer Dellchen Riesling Grosses Gewachs, Nahe 2014 750ML ($79.95) $59 special
Weingut Donnhoff Norheimer Dellchen Riesling Grosses Gewachs, Nahe 2014 1.5L ($149.95) $125 special
John Gilman 94+ points “The 2014 Dellchen GG is another really stunningly focused young wine, with superb aromatic and flavor precision to go along with excellent structural elements and impeccable balance. The bouquet is a mix of grapefruit, tart orange, wild yeasts, plenty of smokiness, a fine base of slate and again, a distinct topnote of lemongrass. On the palate the wine is pure, fullbodied and rock solid at the core, with lovely focus and balance, racy acids and a long, refined and utterly seamless finish. Outstanding juice this year. 2022-2060+.” JG
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Weingut Donnhoff ‘Felsenturmchen’ Schlossbockelheimer Felsenberg Riesling Grosses Gewachs, Nahe 2014 750ML ($79.95) $59 special
Weingut Donnhoff ‘Felsenturmchen’ Schlossbockelheimer Felsenberg Riesling Grosses Gewachs, Nahe 2014 1.5L ($149.95) $125 special
John Gilman 93+ points ‘The 2014 Felsenberg Grosses Gewächs bottling form the Türmchen section of the vineyard this year has turned out beautifully, wafting from the glass in a classic constellation of white cherries, pink grapefruit, complex floral tones, a fine base of slate, wild yeasts, lemongrass and orange peel. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied and very refined, with a rock solid core, ripe, zesty acids, laser-like focus and a long, youthful and energetic finish. A beautiful bottle of dry Riesling in the making. 2020-2055″ JG
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Weingut Donnhoff Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Grosses Gewachs, Nahe 2014 750ML ($79.95) $69 special
Weingut Donnhoff Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Grosses Gewachs, Nahe 2014 1.5L ($179.95) $149 special
John Gilman 94+ points “The Grosses Gewächs from the Hermannshöhle in 2014 is another outstanding wine in the making, offering up a superb and utterly suave aromatic mélange of grapefruit, tart orange, slate, wild yeasts, citrus peel and a lovely, discreet topnote of white flowers. On the palate the wine is deep, pure and full-bodied, with a superb core of fruit, ripe, seamless acids and superb length and grip on the tightly-knit finish. A really superb and suave young Hermannshöhle GG. 2022-2060+” JG
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
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Quilceda Creek
Available Here Now
Quilceda Creek ‘CVR’ Red Wine, Columbia Valley 2013 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 7 bottles available
Wine Advocate 91-93 points “Slightly darker in color than the ’12, the 2013 CVR Columbia Valley Red Wine has plenty of chocolaty dark fruits, licorice and classic Cabernet herb qualities to go with a full-bodied, sexy, seamless and hard-to-resist style on the palate. While it shows the more focused nature of the vintage, it has plenty of fruit and no shortage of tannin, so while billed as the entry-level cuvee, it will still have a decade of longevity.” WA
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $69.95
Quilceda Creek Palengat Vineyard Red, Horse Heaven Hills 2012 750ML ($179.95) $119 special, 4 bottles available
Wine Advocate 94 points “A single-vineyard blend of 59% Merlot, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot, the 2012 Palengat Vineyard offers a deep, decadent style to go with classic blackberry liqueur, blueberry, graphite, toasted spices and licorice. A big, beefy, layered and full-bodied effort, it has building tannin, a supple mid-palate and terrific length. It should evolve nicely for 2-4 years and hold for a decade or more after that.” WA
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $129.95
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Spanish Value Wines
Spain is our go-to region for value wines. Long overlooked and isolated, you can still find many indigenous grape varieties and classic regional styles (such as Rioja) alongside the robust and modern reds from Priorat. We’ve listed some of the best deals by the case and the bottle that are available here now.
Spanish Vines Amarte Mas Albarino, Rias Baixas 2013 750ML ($19.95) $11.90 special, 34 bottles available
Case-12 Spanish Vines Amarte Mas Albarino, Rias Baixas 2013 750ML ($169.95) $119 special, 7 cases available (that’s only $9.92/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 89 points “Light yellow-gold. Lively citrus and orchard fruit scents are given depth by honey and a subtle leesiness. Supple and broad on entry, then more taut in the mid-palate, offering bitter quince and Meyer lemon flavors and a zesty kick of candied ginger. Closes spicy and tight, with good clarity, lift and cut.” JR
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $13.39
Ameztoi Txakoli di Getaria Hondarribi Zuri, Getariako Txakolina 2014 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special, 10 bottles available
Case-12 Ameztoi Txakoli di Getaria Hondarribi Zuri, Getariako Txakolina 2014 750ML ($249.95) $219 special, 1 case available (that’s only $18.25/bottle!)
Importer note “In the traditional style of Getaria, this light and crisp wine is bottled with a little bit of residual carbon to give it its signature natural spritz. Bright briny sea salt combined with limey fruits. Fresh and eminently quaffable.”
Bodega Gaintza ‘Gaintza’, Getariako Txakolina 2013 750ML ($27.95) $16 special, 36 bottles available
Case-12 Bodega Gaintza ‘Gaintza’, Getariako Txakolina 2013 750ML ($259.95) $169 special, 10 cases available (that’s only $14.08/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 90 points “(90% hondarrabi zuri and 10% gros manseng): Light, green-tinged yellow. Fresh pear and nectarine aromas are brightened by chalky minerals and a hint of lemon pith. Taut orchard fruit and melon flavors show good clarity and lift, picking up citrus fruit and bitter quinine qualities as the wine opens in the glass. Turns spicier with air, finishing with good tangy lift and mineral-driven persistence.” JR
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Jorge Ordonez & Co Nisia Verdejo, Rueda 2013 750ML ($17.95) $14 special, 60 bottles available
Case-12 Jorge Ordonez & Co Nisia Verdejo, Rueda 2013 750ML ($179.95) $149 special, 3 cases available (that’s only $12.42/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 91 points “Nisia Old Vines Rueda Light yellow-gold. Musky, mineral-laced orchard and citrus fruit aromas are complicated by hints of jasmine, green tea and quinine. Sappy and precise on the palate, offering bitter pear skin and Meyer lemon flavors that put on weight with air. Closes fleshy and long, with supple pear and melon qualities and very good clarity.” JR
Bodegas Allegro con Spirito Monte Hiniesta, Toro 2010 750ML ($17.95) $14 special, 17 bottles available
Case-12 Bodegas Allegro con Spirito Monte Hiniesta, Toro 2010 750ML ($179.95) $149 special, 1 case available (that’s only $12.42/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Wine Advocate 92 points “The palate is medium-bodied with ripe, succulent, fleshy tannins that are caressing in the mouth. There is plump, ripe red berry fruit, red currant, raspberry and a touch of balsamic at the finish. This is just as good as the succeeding vintage. Drink 2014-2019.” WA
La Antigua Classico Crianza, Rioja DOCa 2010 750ML ($21.95) $18 special, 22 bottles available
Case-12 La Antigua Classico Crianza, Rioja DOCa 2010 750ML ($249.95) $199 special, 3 cases available (that’s only $16.58/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 90 points “(70% tempranillo, 20% graciano and 10% garnacha; aged for two years in French and American oak): Brilliant red. Pungent aromas of ripe red fruit, vanilla and coconut, with a note of cedary oak that gains strength with air. Fresh and lively, with intense raspberry and cherry-vanilla flavors and a zesty cracked pepper note adding lift and cut. Juicy, appealingly sweet and broad, with good energy and mineral bite to its gently tannic finish.” JR
Bodegas Avante ‘Tineta’, Ribera del Duero 2012 750ML ($17.95) $14 special, 35 bottles available
Case-12 Bodegas Avante ‘Tineta’, Ribera del Duero 2012 750ML ($179.95) $138 special, 6 cases available (that’s only $11.50/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 91 points “(fermented in stainless steel tanks, with malo in small oak barrels, followed by 22 months of aging in French and American oak casks): Deep ruby. Sexy, perfumed aromas of cherry, blueberry and potpourri, with subtle licorice and dark chocolate qualities emerging with air. At once plush and lively, showing very good depth–and juicy acidity–to its black and blue fruit flavors. Supple tannins arrive late, adding shape to the sweet, spice-tinged finish.” JR
Bodegas La Cartuja, Priorat DOCa 2013 750ML ($21.95) $17 special, 17 bottles available
Case-12 Bodegas La Cartuja, Priorat DOCa 2013 750ML ($219.95) $179 special, 1 case available (that’s only $14.92/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 90 points “(70% garnacha and 30% carinena; aged for six months in French oak): Bright violet color. A highly perfumed bouquet evokes dark berries and fresh flowers, with a spicy nuance gaining strength with air. Juicy and energetic on the palate, showing a silky texture and juicy blackberry and cassis flavors. The smooth, smoky finish shows very good clarity and a whisper of fine-grained tannins.”
Bodegas Borsao Tres Picos Garnacha, Campo de Borja 2012 750ML ($21.95) $14 special, 1 bottle available
Robert Parker 92 points “The terrific 2012 Tres Picos is one of the finest inexpensive, Grenache-based wines made in the world. This full-bodied beauty boasts a deep ruby color as well as loads of strawberry and black cherry fruit, hints of lavender and crushed rocks, sweet tannin, and a broad, savory mouthfeel. It, too, should be consumed over the next 3-4 years.”
Stephen Tanzer 92 points “(half fermented in French oak and half in stainless steel): Bright purple. Heady aromas of blueberry, cherry compote, white pepper and woodsmoke, plus an exotic cinnamon note. Fresh and seamless, offering vibrant blueberry and black raspberry flavors and suave floral notes. The spicy quality lingers seductively on the tenacious finish.”
Bodegas Borsao Tres Picos Garnacha, Campo de Borja 2013 750ML ($19.95) $14 special, 36+ bottles available
Case-12 Bodegas Borsao Tres Picos Garnacha, Campo de Borja 2013 750ML ($199.95) $149 special, 10+ cases available (that’s only $12.42/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 91 points “(half fermented in stainless steel and the other half in French oak, followed by ten months of aging in French oak): Vivid purple. Fresh cherry, blackberry and incense on the highly perfumed nose. Lush, sweet and broad on the palate, offering fleshy blueberry and floral pastille flavors that turn spicier with air. Closes on a sweet note of spicy oak, with supple tannins, very good tenacity and a touch of fruitcake.”
Buil & Gine 17-XI, Montsant 2012 750ML ($17.95) $14 special, 36+ bottles available
Case-12 Buil & Gine 17-XI, Montsant 2012 750ML ($199.95) $149 special, 5 cases available (that’s only $12.42/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 90 points “This focused red offers flavors of black cherry, kirsch, licorice, toast and mineral, with juicy acidity and well-integrated tannins. Features a nice balance of fruit and savory character. Garnacha, Cariñena and Tempranillo. Drink now through 2020. 2,500 cases made.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
CVNE Compania Vinicola del Norte de Espana ‘Imperial’ Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2008 750ML ($47.95) $29 special, 36+ bottles available
Case-12 CVNE Compania Vinicola del Norte de Espana ‘Imperial’ Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2008 750ML ($499.95) $299 special, 2 cases available (that’s only $24.92/bottle!)
Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2008 Imperial Reserva is my favorite of the three Imperial Reservas that I tasted together as it has the perfect balance between ripeness, acidity and tannins, in a wine that is eminently elegant, but will require some time in bottle to gain complexity. The fruit leans more towards the red varieties (raspberries and strawberries), it is very spicy but the wood is almost fully integrated. Very balanced palate, with high-toned flavors that make it vibrant. Drink 2015-2021.” WA
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $32.97
Bodegas Muga Seleccion Especial Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2010 750ML ($59.95) $39 special, 36 bottles available
Case-12 Bodegas Muga Seleccion Especial Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2010 750ML ($499.95) $439 special, 2 cases available (that’s only $36.58/bottle!)
Wine Enthusiast 94 points “Tight as a drum on the nose, this rambunctious Rioja is throbbing with blackberry, plum and floral aromas. Intense and staunch on the palate, with plum, raspberry, cherry, herb and chocolate flavors, this runs long on the finish, with power and acidity to spare. Hold until 2017, then drink through 2035. Cellar Selection.” WE
Stephen Tanzer 93 points “(70% tempranillo, 20% garnacha, 7% mazuelo and 3% graciano; fermented in large oak vats and aged for 28 months in small French and American oak barrels of varying age): Inky purple. Flamboyant aromas of ripe berries, incense, potpourri, smoky oak and pungent minerals. Lush, fleshy and alluringly sweet, offering intense black and blue fruit flavors that coat the palate. Smooth, seamless and impressively concentrated but also lively, with sneaky tannins giving shape to the long, spice-accented finish.” ST
Remelluri Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2009 750ML ($39.95) $31.90 special, 3 bottles available
Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2009 Remelluri Reserva aims at showing the character of Remelluri, as this is the first modern vintage that does not have grapes purchased from external suppliers. These grapes are now in the Lindes range of wines, but in the past they were blended with the estate grapes. The cool Remelluri vineyards behave very well in warmer years. This 2009 is very clean with predominant aromas of earthy red fruit intermixed with notes of vanilla and cinnamon, a satin texture with round, fine-grained tannins and quite classical and very well-proportioned style. This is a great vintage for Remelluri Reserva.” WA
Alvaro Palacios ‘Les Terrasses’ Velles Vinyes, Priorat DOCa 2012 750ML ($44.95) $36 special, 36+ bottles available
Case-12 Alvaro Palacios ‘Les Terrasses’ Velles Vinyes, Priorat DOCa 2012 750ML ($419.95) $359 special, 5 cases available (that’s only $29.92/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Stephen Tanzer 92 points “Brilliant ruby. Potent, mineral-laced raspberry and cherry aromas are complicated by exotic floral and spice qualities, picking up white pepper and mocha accents with air. Seamless and sweet, offering silky red berry preserve flavors with a touch of allspice. Closes lively and precise, with sneaky tannins and a jolt of bitter cherry.” ST
Alvaro Palacios Camins del Priorat, Priorat DOCa 2014 750ML ($21.95) $18 special, 12 bottles available
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 92 points “From a top-notch vintage, the 2014 Camins del Priorat is deep in dark fruit character, with exotic floral and spice accents and seamless texture. This is a delicious entry-level offering from Alvaro Palacios.” JR
Wine Advocate 90 points “Bottled one week before my tasting in February 2015, the entry-level 2014 Camins del Priorat is the only wine that contains French grapes and is more or less 50% Garnacha, 15% Cariñena, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Syrah and 5% Merlot. The grapes are sourced from vineyards in many different villages, fermented in stainless steel, oak and cement vats with indigenous yeasts and aged in barriques and oak vats for six months. This ultra young, jovial wine is a commercial success in the thirsty local restaurant market. It is really affordable too, considering that it bears the signature of Álvaro Palacios. It is bottled at different phases, released already because 2012 and 2013 were short vintages, and this lot is the first bottling with around four months in barrel; the last lot is kept in large oak and cement vats so all lots are more or less four months in barrels. Ripe, juicy and somewhat balsamic, it shows a Priorat character that is highly drinkable with fine tannins and pungent flavors. It is a wine to enjoy at the table. I missed the 2013 because this wine sells like hot cakes. Very good wine at a very good price.” LG
Familia Eguren Teso La Monja Romanico, Toro 2012 750ML ($17.95) $11.90 special, 20 bottles available
Case-12 Familia Eguren Teso La Monja Romanico, Toro 2012 750ML ($149.95) $119 special, 5 cases available (that’s only $9.92/bottle!)
Wine Advocate 92 points “The 2012 Romanico (1,500 cases produced) is made from 100% Tinta de Toro (the local name for Tempranillo), and is aged for six months in a combination of new and used French oak. Malolactic is done in oak, and the result is full-bodied, opaque purple-colored wine with superb richness as well as lots of blackberry, charcoal and cassis intermixed with licorice, new saddle leather, pepper and bouquet garni. This nearly viscous red should drink beautifully for 7-10 years.” WA
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Vina Broco Mencia, Bierzo 2012 750ML ($19.95) $11.90 special, 20 bottles available
Case-12 Vina Broco Mencia, Bierzo 2012 750ML ($169.95) $119 special, 3 cases available (that’s only $9.92/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 89 points “(made from vines that are reportedly between 70 and 100 years of age): Bright purple. Primary aromas of boysenberry, cassis, dark chocolate and smoky minerals. Broad, lush and sweet, with aromatic flavors of black and blue fruits and bitter chocolate. A seamless, deep rendition of mencia, with a spine of acidity adding lift and cut to the finish.” JR
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
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While the topic in the wine world is wine of the year, here’s our our pick:
Felsina Berardenga Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 2010 750ML ($34.95) $26 special
Case-12 Felsina Berardenga Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 2010 750ML ($349.95) $279 special (that’s only $23.25/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2010 Chianti Classico Riserva is host to a beautiful mix of black mineral, fruit, dried mint and eucalyptus. The wine shows elegant evolution in the glass and backs it up with dry, polished tannins. This is a stunning effort available at a reasonable price. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2028. 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.” WA
Antonio Galloni 92+ points “Classicists, on the other hand, will flip out over the 2010 Chianti Classico Riserva. Black cherry, plum, smoke and menthol notes all jump out of the glass. The 2010 is translucent yet also rich, powerful and impeccably balanced. Ideally readers should cellar the 2010 for at least a few years, but that is going to be difficult considering how beautiful the wine is today.” AG
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Have a nice weekend!