Vinopolis Weekend Newsletter – 8-27-2016

Jump Start DealKrug’s Vintage of “Vivacité Solaire” (Vivacious Radiance)

Krug Vintage Brut 2003 750ML ($279.95) $199 special, 21 bottles available
Wine Spectator 95 points “Like taffeta in texture, this harmonious Champagne is finely honed and fresh. A wonderfully expressive version, with ample spice and graphite accents to the blackberry pâte de fruit, coffee liqueur, dried apricot, singed orange peel and crystallized honey notes. Hard to stop sipping.”
James Suckling 95 points “A rich nose with deep, ripe chardonnay and pinot noir, red fruits, some dark mushrooms and plenty of grilled nuts, plus caramel, some deep spices, dried citrus, lemon peel and bready aromas. The trademark complexity is here and it freshens with air. The palate is intricately detailed and stitched together like needlework; very precise, very even. The acidity is articulated with some finesse and yet it has much more in terms of phenolics as the leading structural component. The phenolics are rich and ripe, sitting polished and even around immensely concentrated fruit with flavors of peach, nectarine and white cherry. The finish is deep, even and resonant. Drink now but rest assured it will hold for a very long time, just like Krug has proven in other warm years like ’76.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 95 points “Light yellow. Powerful, complex bouquet evokes fresh peach, pear, floral honey, green almond and smoky minerals. Deep, palate-staining citrus and orchard fruit flavors show outstanding vivacity for a hot vintage, picking up ginger and talc notes with air. The strikingly long, sappy finish features zesty orange pith, smoky minerals and an echo of honeysuckle. I’d be in no rush to drink this one. Speaking of waiting, I had the chance to revisit the 2000 Vintage Krug and it has begun to pick up the smoky, weighty and nutty character that long-time fans of this producer crave. It’s still plenty young but already unmistakably Krug, with a chewy texture and a sexy floral nuance dominating right now.”
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 94 points “Soft, supple and delicate in the glass, the 2003 Vintage is super expressive today. Smoke, brioche, apple tart and spice notes flesh out in a resonant, impeccably layered Champagne loaded with personality. I can’t think of a young Krug Champagne that delivers this much pure pleasure at such a young stage in its life. The 2003 has developed nicely since I last tasted it about six months ago. This is class personified.”

New Arrivals Sneak Preview: La Gerla

Sergio Rosso purchased the property, then known as Colombaio, in 1976 from the Biondi Santi family. It did not take long for Rosso to establish La Gerla as a top tier Brunello producer. After Rosso passed in 2011, his wife, Donatella Monforte, took over the winery with the continued assistance of the core winery team. At just over 1,000 feet above sea level (320 m), the estate’s vineyards present two unique terroirs on two opposite sides of the Montalcino hill. The soil at Canalicchio is made of marl, limestone and silt with a dry and moderate climate during the summer. Castelnuovo dell’Abate is made of sandy, silty and rocky soils with a greater concentration of limestone. The aspect shields it from the cool sea breezes. Moderate temperatures keep everything in balance and the wines are noted for their power, structure and finesse. The cru vineyard, Gli Angeli, is surrounded by scrubby, wild herbs. The poor soils force the vines to struggle, lowering yields and concentrating aromas.La Gerla Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2011 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
Antonio Galloni 92 points “The 2011 Brunello di Montalcino is dark, sensual and inviting. Succulent red cherry, tobacco, mint, leather, sage and licorice flesh out in a radiant, open-knit Brunello that will drink well upon release. There is a lot to like here, especially the wine’s immediacy. The 2011 is not especially complex, but it is beautifully balanced and harmonious from start to finish.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $43
The average price is $48

La Gerla Riserva gli Angeli, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2010 750ML ($79.95) $69 special
La Gerla Riserva gli Angeli, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2010 1.5L ($179.95) $149 special
La Gerla Riserva gli Angeli, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2010 3L ($399.95) $319 special, 1 jeroboam available
Wine Spectator 95 points “Pure cherry, rose and raspberry aromas and flavors are expressive in this complex, ripe Brunello. Hints of leather, tobacco, mineral and spice lay in wait, but this is all about the fresh fruit at this stage. Very harmonious, yet with plenty of structure. Long on the finish. Best from 2017 through 2032.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $73.99
The average price is $83

This Just (Back) In!
 

Domaine Les Pallieres Gigondas Terrasses du Diable 2011 750ML ($49.95) $33 special
Case-12 Domaine Les Pallieres Gigondas Terrasses du Diable 2011 750ML ($479.95) $359 special (that’s only $29.92/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 93 points “Vivid ruby. Heady scents of candied cherry, raspberry preserves, anise and potpourri. Shows a darker profile in the mouth, offering palate-staining blackberry and bitter cherry flavors and a strong floral quality. Picks up smokiness with air and finishes with superb focus and length and youthful tannic grip. No question that this is one of the best wines I tasted from Gigondas this year.” JR

Staff Picks

Crowley Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2014 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special, 36+ bottles available
VinopolNote: The 2014 Willamette Valley is all first-press wine comprised mostly of Pommard clone Pinot with some Dijon and the last of the Gehrts Vineyard (now that Jadot has purchased the vineyard). The WV was aged in barrel for over 16 months before bottling. It’s a lighter styled Pinot with highly perfumed notes of cranberries, garrigue and fresh flowers. It’s medium to light bodied with very finely grained tannins that coat the palate and a refreshing acidity. The entire range of 2014s from Crowley has benefitted from the new entry-level wine, A La Votre, made from 9 barrels of press wine. Consequently, each of the 2014s is a step up in quality. –Suzanne

Chateau du Fort Pontus, Fronsac, France 2010 750ML ($24.95) $18 special, 36+ bottles available
Case-6 Chateau du Fort Pontus, Fronsac, France 2010 750ML ($149.95) $99 special, 6 six-packs available
Tucked away on Bordeaux’s Right Bank, just down the Dordogne from St. Emilion and Pomerol, the Fronsac Appellation quietly produces some of Bordeaux’s best early-drinkers. The lazy river, the wooded hills, the gravelly soil, and the châteaux: Fronsac is definitely Bordeaux. Château du Fort Pontus represents its bordelaise roots, but with a twist. The wine is 100% Merlot. Grown across 15 acres, the vines, 30 years old, are harvested manually, and the wines raised in the traditional style. Add all of this to a vintage like 2010, rated “outstanding” and which produced wonderfully concentrated wines, and you’ve got a wine that’s drinking deliciously today. Red and dark fruits, spice, and a Fronsac raciness combine across smooth, ripe tannins, all in balance, to end in a refreshing finish that clearly speaks with a Bordeaux accent. This is a wine to buy a case of, for when your taste demands fine French Merlot at an under-twenty-bucks price. Recently arrived here at Vinopolis! – Daniel

Bitouzet-Prieur is the product of a marriage which links two great winemaking families – the Bitouzets of Volnay and the Prieurs of Meursault. Their operations span six generations, with Vincent Bitouzet and his son Francois currently at the helm; they’re among the oldest in the region as well as one of the first family-owned domaines to bottle their wines.What you can expect is nothing short of classic age-worthy wines that are genuinely reflective of the terroir in each of their parcels. The Bitouzet-Prieurs owns roughly 12 hectares of vineyards, all farmed organically. Grapes are harvested manually and only native yeasts are employed in fermentation. What one can expect from their efforts is classic, age-worthy wines which genuinely reflect their respective terroirs.

We offer 17 wines from Bitouzet-Prieur – below are the seven cuvees also available in magnum – on sale now through Wednesday (along with all other in-stock magnums):

Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur Meursault Charmes, Meursault Premier Cru 2011 750ML ($89.95) $69 special, 8 bottles available
Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur Meursault Charmes, Meursault Premier Cru 2011 1.5L ($199.95) Displayed price: $149, ($134.10 after magnum sale discount) 2 magnums available
Antonio Galloni 91 points “The 2011 Meursault Les Charmes wraps around the palate with gorgeous depth and nuance. There is plenty of Charmes richness and depth in the glass. At the same time, the wine’s structural elements are front and center, at least today. The firm, slightly dry finish suggests the fruit may have been brought in a little early.” AG

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur Meursault Charmes, Meursault Premier Cru 2012 750ML ($89.95) $69 special, 10 bottles available
Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur Meursault Charmes, Meursault Premier Cru 2012 1.5L ($179.95) Displayed price: $149, ($134.10 after magnum sale discount) 6 magnums available
Importer’ note: “This cuvée is one of the gems of the domaine, a complete expression of this vineyard’s special character as Bitouzet’s holdings fall within two separate sites: one from the high part (“du Haut”) and another from the lower section (“du Bas”). The two parcels are vinified separately and then blended together before bottling to create the whole. The lower section provides a stony minerality and an almost tannic expression; the upper section yields explosive aromatics as well as a round, buttery mouthfeel. The two parcels make up a total of 0.55 hectare; the vines were planted in 1944 and another section in 1987. The soil is a pebbly limestone with sand and loam consistency. Two barrels are reserved for the US market and, at our request, magnums and occasionally double magnums are prepared.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average listed price is $80

Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur Les Perrieres, Meursault Premier Cru 2012 750ML ($99.95) $79 special, 3 bottles available
Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur Les Perrieres, Meursault Premier Cru 2012 1.5L ($199.95) Displayed price: $159, ($143.10 after magnum sale discount) 3 magnums available
Importer note: Perhaps the consistently greatest white wine from the Bitouzet-Prieur domaine, the “Perrieres” is firmly mineral, quite spicy and more elegant than the Charmes; a great wine of class and breed with remarkable density and a wine of extraordinary potential. Two barrels are reserved for the US market; magnums are always drawn for our use and double magnums are also prepared on occasion. The Bitouzets own 0.28 hectares of vines here in the part of the vineyard known as “Perrieres Dessous” and their vines were planted in 1983.

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur Les Caillerets, Volnay Premier Cru 2011 750ML ($79.95) $59 special, 36+ bottles available
Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur Les Caillerets, Volnay Premier Cru 2011 1.5L ($179.95) Displayed price: $119, ($107.10 after magnum sale discount) 7 magnums available
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2011 Volnay Caillerets is one of the most explosive wines in this range. Black cherries, plums, licorice, smoke and tar literally jump from the glass. The 2011 is round and voluptuous on the palate, yet also backed up by considerable structure. Hints of cloves, new leather and sweet tobacco add the final layers of nuance. In 2011 there are just three barrels of Caillerets, one of which is new, a slightly higher ratio than is typically the case.” AG

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur Les Caillerets, Volnay Premier Cru 2012 1.5L ($179.95) Displayed price: $149, ($134.10 after magnum sale discount) 6 magnums available
Antonio Galloni 92-94 points “The 2012 Volnay Caillerets is the most impressive of these 2012s from Francois Bitouzet. Here the flavors are deep, layered and beautifully resonant from start to finish. Plum, smoke, black cherry, licorice and spices wrap around the palate as this fleshy, deep Volnay shows off its pure class and pedigree. The finish is long, generous and inviting, but the 2012 is a wine for the cellar. Patience will be rewarded. In 2012 there is just one barrel of the Caillerets instead of the customary three.”Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur Pitures, Volnay Premier Cru 2012 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 21 bottles available
Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur Pitures, Volnay Premier Cru 2012 1.5L ($149.95) Displayed price: $119, ($107.10 after magnum sale discount) 12 magnums available
Antonio Galloni 91-93 points “The estate’s 2012 Volnay Pitures is the most massively tannic of these wines. Dark, rich and powerful, the 2012 is laced with black cherries, new leather, cloves and menthol, all supported by huge, incisive tannins. I would give the tannins a few years to soften, but the Pitures is likely to remain intense and even a bit rustic, especially in comparison to the other 2012s here.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur Taillepieds, Volnay Premier Cru 2012 1.5L ($149.95) Displayed price: $119, ($107.10 after magnum sale discount) 11 magnums available
Antonio Galloni 91-93+ points “A layered, totally exquisite wine, the 2012 Volnay Taillepieds impresses for its balance above all else. The aromas and flavors are beautifully detailed and nuanced in a Taillepieds that is all about crystalline purity. This tasting catches the 2012 in a slightly raw, unpolished state, but nothing a little time in bottle won’t take care of.”

Trending- Popular Picks in the Past Week

Vouette et Sorbee Cuvee Fidele Extra Brut, Champagne NV (2012) 750ML ($89.95) $59 special
Case-6 Vouette et Sorbee Cuvee Fidele Extra Brut, Champagne NV (2012) 750ML ($479.95) $336 special (that’s only $56/bottle!)
Antonio Galloni 95 points “The NV (2012) Extra Brut Fidele is another fabulous wine from Vouette & Sorbée. Here, the richness of Pinot Noir comes through loud and clear in the wine’s depth and overall richness. Creamy and beautifully layered throughout, the 2012 hits all the right notes. Red berry, mint, flowers, sweet spices and candy fill out the wine’s broad frame effortlessly. What a gorgeous wine this is. Simply put, the 2012 is a total knock-out.”Domaine Christian Moreau Pere & Fils Vaillons, Chablis Premier Cru 2014 750ML ($47.95) $36 special
Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 91 points “Sexy aromas of citrus zest, menthol and wet stone. Shows terrific lemony cut and concentration, with firm acidity giving razor-sharp delineation to the dense middle palate. Fabien Moreau believes that the estate’s 2014s are even higher in dry extract than the 2015s. Finishes with excellent citrussy cut and length.”
Wine Spectator 91 points “Smoky in aroma, this white boasts apple and lemon flavors, with a hint of citrus peel. The finish has a tactile element and quininel and white pepper accents. Best from 2017 through 2023.”Domaine des Cassagnoles Gros Manseng, IGP Cotes de Gascogne 2015 750ML ($14.95) $11.90 special
Case-12 Domaine des Cassagnoles Gros Manseng, IGP Cotes de Gascogne 2015 750ML ($149.95) $119 special (that’s only $9.92/bottle!)
Winery Notes–“The Gros Manseng produces fleshier, more ample wines with fruity apricot and pear aromas. It is a lively wine, but not to excess, with a persistent final. It may be kept for several years and should be drunk chilled, at a temperature of 50-53°”Casa Smith Cervo Barbera, Wahluke Slope 2014 750ML ($21.95) $18 special
Wine Advocate 93 points “On another level, and worth the uptick in price, the 250-case 2014 Barbera Cervo (from vines planted in 1997 and tiny, tiny yields) was brought up all in barrique and is easily the finest example of this variety I’ve tasted from Washington. Elegant, layered and concentrated, with a serious feel in its black cherry, lavender, underbrush and peppery herbs bouquet, this terrific effort is a real head-turner that readers should seek out!”Dominio de Pingus Flor de Pingus, Ribera del Duero 2011 750ML ($99.95) $79 special
Wine Advocate 93-95 points “The 2011 Flor de Pingus demonstrates wonderful purity on the nose, perhaps more feminine and wily than the 2010 with luscious raspberry, blackberry and forest floor notes. The palate is full-bodied with filigree tannins and a little more volume than the 2010. It seems generous and very supple at this early juncture with a caressing, peppery finish that is extremely well focused. There 2011 has awesome potential and I cannot wait to taste this after two or three years in bottle.” WAZorzal Eggo Tinto de Tiza, Tupungato 2014 750ML ($39.95) Was $33, Now $26
Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2014 Eggo Tinto de Tiza is a blend from three different vineyards in Tupungato Winelands in Gualtallary. It’s a blend of mostly Malbec with some Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. As is the case with the whole Eggo range, the wine didn’t see any oak, and in this case it was matured in egg-shaped cement vats for one year. There are violets, plums, dark cherries and something earthy. This is slightly riper than the 2013. The medium-bodied palate has is fresh with a silky texture, pure flavors and a mineral-driven finish. At this price I’d buy it by the case. Super!”Daniel Bouland Morgon Cuvee Delys Vieille Vignes, Beaujolais 2014 750ML ($31.95) $26 special
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 93 points “Vivid ruby. Powerful dark berry and floral pastille scents are energized by a spicy nuance and a suggestion of smoky minerals. Intense black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors show excellent clarity and become sweeter with air. Concentrated yet graceful in style, with no rough edges and a violet pastille note building slowly on the very long, focused finish.”

Rodney Strong Symmetry Meritage, Alexander Valley 2011 750ML ($59.95) $36 special
Winery note “The 2011 Symmetry greets you with an opulent bouquet of blackberries, cassis, and sweet spices. It unfolds on the palate with layers of black fruits, dark chocolate and spice. This mouth-filling wine is rich and silky in texture with a long, lingering finish and the structure for several years in the cellar. Intended to be enjoyable on release, the 2011 Symmetry is destined for evolution in the bottle.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $41.95
The average price is $52

Clos Cibonne Cotes de Provence Tentations Rose, Provence 2015 750ML ($24.95) $18 special
Grapelive 91 points “Clos Cibonne’s entry level Rose, the Tentations Cotes de Provence, is a beautiful pink wine that is meant and is easy to drink young and fresh with bight fruit, mineral and dry crispness. Made mostly from Grenache and Cinsualt, it also has some of the rare Tibouren, Provence’s ancient native varietal that graces the estate’s upper level Clos Cibonne bottlings and that can age decades as both Rose and as a pale red wine. The 2015 Cibonne Tentations Rose Coptes de Provence starts with lively red citrus, tart cherry and cool watermelon along with a hint of lavender, wet shale, strawberry and mineral spice. This is very steely and refreshing stuff with good acidity giving a balanced play of sweet, sour and savory elements making it a wonderful summer pink to enjoy over the next year or so. If you want really sexy and thought provoking pink, be sure to check out the lees aged Clos Cibonne Tibouren Rose Tradition, usually a year behind in release, these wines make you rethink your approach to Rose! But for now and lots of fun, don’t miss the 2015 Tentations Rose, it is one of the best vintages I can remember from Cibonne!”

Saint Cosme – Cotes du Rhone

New Review from Grapelive

Saint Cosme Cotes du Rhone 2015 750ML ($17.95) $14 special
Saint Cosme Cotes du Rhone 2015 1.5L ($29.95) Displayed price: $24 ($21.60 after magnum sale discount)
Grapelive 92 points “Louis Barruol’s Chateau de Saint Cosme is one of the great wineries in the southern rhone and produce some of the most sought after Gigondas out there! His little Cotes-du-Rhone though, made of almost entirely Syrah, is one of the region’s best value wines, and this 2015 is stunningly delicious and full of flavor. It always seems odd such a major player in top Grenache based wines like Barruol uses so much Syrah in his Cotes-du-Rhone, but then again so does Chave and Clape too, somehow it all works and the wine is deep in color and character and detailed with dark fruits, a plush mid palate and spicy length. The 2015 was 100% Syrah from Vinsobres and Gard with the grapes partially de-stemmed, with fermenting and aging in tank only, this makes for a fresh style and with just enough tannin to age, though complex enough and plush enough to thrill in it’s youth, and this 2015 does just that and with style! The palate is filled with layers of black and blue fruits, blackberry, boysenberry, juicy plum, fig and a touch of cassis along with cracked peppercorns, olive, lavender oil, violets, camphor, porcini, anise and mineral/stony notes. Round and textured the Saint Cosme Cotes-du-Rhone reaches a full-bodied weight, though still poised and vibrant, this is a class act, especially in this price range, I’ve been a fan of this wine for at least 10 years, I just love it, drink in over the next 3 to 5 years, this 2015 is one of the best yet!”

This is the only listing for the magnum in the USA today!

Allegrini

The Flagship of Veneto Wine

For over 400 years, the Allegrini family has played an important role in the Valpolicella Classico region’s grape growing and wine making traditions. In the 1960s, Giovanni Allegrini led the estate into modernity: encouraging strict grape selection and modern practices to improve quality as needed, while retaining the positive traditional practices that set this region apart.The estate is composed of 90 hectares of vineyards on steep hill slopes and along the river beds that stay dry during most of the year. The primary grape is Corvina, which provides the naturally high acidity and dark cherry aromas for which all levels of wine are known. Other grapes, such as Corvinone and Rondinella, add color, body, and additional aromatic notes to the final blends. The typical wine is surprisingly light in body, which gave rise to the practice of drying the grapes to add body and depth, resulting in the passito, ripasso and Amarone styles of wine.

Allegrini’s is dedicated to producing single vineyard wines that highlight these unique, local varieties. La Poja vineyard rests in the small, triangular plateau within the La Grola vineyard. The soils are rich in limestone and small stones. It is 100% Corvina which was planted in 1979. The situation and soil result in excellent ripening and phenolic maturation. The result is a fantastic wine for rich roasts and strong cheeses.

The standard Valpolicella is the traditional blend aged in stainless steel, producing a fresh, fruit forward wine – think pizza, pasta with fresh tomatoes or antipasta. The Palazzo della Torre is a ripasso wine, a “baby Amarone,” produced from a single vineyard. It combines the freshness of a Valpolicella with the dried fruit aromas of an Amarone. A great all-around wine that works with sausages, tomato or cream sauces, grilled meats and roasted vegetables. The La Grola vineyard was purchased by the Allegrini family in the late 1970’s and is one of the more unique crus with the addition of 10% Syrah to the mostly Corvina based wine. Enjoy with earthy mushrooms or flavorful meats such as lamb.

Allegrini Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG, Veneto 2010 750ML ($79.95) $59 special
Wine Advocate 92 points “The 2010 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico takes a modern spin on a local classic. The blend is 90% Corvina Veronese with smaller parts Oseleta and Rondinella that add color intensity. The wine’s leading aromas revolve around Morello cherry and dark blackberry. But this New World Amarone also undergoes 18 months in new barrique. Its secondary aromas are vibrant and bold with cumin, dark spice and barbecue smoke. In the mouth, this Amarone offers velvety tannins and thick consistency.”Allegrini La Poja Monovitigno Corvina Veronese IGT, Veneto 2010 750ML ($89.95) $69 special
Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2010 La Poja is the latest bottling of one of Italy’s most unique wines. This is a pure expression of the Corvina Veronese variety, the chief component of Amarone wines made according to the appassimento process. La Poja allows this finicky grape to sing solo with some 20 months in new barrique followed by eight months in the bottle. The results are outstanding with pristine cherry and blackberry followed by spice, leather and tar. For best results, age this wine another four or five years.”

Allegrini Valpolicella, Veneto 2014 750ML ($17.95) $16 special
Case-12 Allegrini Valpolicella, Veneto 2014 750ML ($199.95) $166 special (that’s only $13.83/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
James Suckling 91 points “A fresh, fruity red with lemon, dried-cherry and raspberry aromas and flavors. Medium body, bright acidity and a clean finish. Drink or hold.”Allegrini La Grola Veronese IGT, Veneto 2012 750ML ($29.95) $26 special
Case-12 Allegrini La Grola Veronese IGT, Veneto 2012 750ML ($349.95) $279 special (that’s only $23.25/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
James Suckling 93 points “A red with lots of tannin, mint and berry character. Fresh herbs. Full body, firm tannins and a fruity finish. This is very structured for La Grola. Try in 2016.”Allegrini Palazzo della Torre Veronese IGT, Veneto 2012 750ML ($21.95) $18 special
Case-12 Allegrini Palazzo della Torre Veronese IGT, Veneto 2012 750ML ($249.95) $189 special (that’s only $15.75/bottle!)
James Suckling 92 points “Aromas of dried earth, dried raspberry and blueberry. Full body, chewy tannins and a fresh, bright finish. Lively and delicious. This is always a delicious blend of corvina and rondinella. Drink now.”

Domaine de la Vougeraie represents the best the Côte d’Or has to offer: history, tradition, treasured vineyards and inspired winemaking. With 84 hectares of vines, all farmed organically, Domaine de la Vougeraie is able to make stellar wines from the village to Grand Cru level, including greats such as Bonnes Mares and Charmes-Chambertin. The wines of the Domaine de la Vougeraie are characterized by their sophisticated sense of purity and expression, achieved through meticulous viticulture and patient, respectful winemaking.

Domaine de la Vougeraie Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru 2011 750ML ($219.95) $199 special, 6 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 93+ points “The 2011 Bonnes Mares needs time to fully come together. Today the whole clusters (80%) are a bit prominent. Savory herbs, tobacco, incense and orange peel all add layers of complexity to the dark fruit in a powerful, intense Burgundy that captures the essence of this site, albeit in a more medium-bodied style than is normal for this wine, but that is very much in line with the year. The 2011 is going to need at least another few years to be fully expressive. There is plenty of tannin and acidity to ensure years of fine drinking.”
Wine Advocate 93 points “Tasted blind at the Burgundy 2011 horizontal tasting in Beaune. Lighter in color, there are plenty of pretty, demure red berry fruits on the nose of the Bonnes-Mares 2011 from Domaine de la Vougeraie: very pure and translating the essence of Pinoté, albeit not the kind of aromatics for someone seeking opulence. The palate is medium-bodied with very well-judged acidity. This just glides across the palate and down the throat in effortless fashion. Bon vin.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Domaine de la Vougeraie Charmes-Chambertin Les Mazoyeres Grand Cru 2011 750ML ($199.95) $149 special, 13 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 96+ points “Bright, full red.  Musky red berries, flowers, leather and potpourri spices on the complex nose.  Juicy and penetrating, conveying excellent energy and lift to the complex flavors of red fruits, smoky underbrush and saline minerality.  Rich, dense and creamy but with lovely restraint.  Finishes with a firm edge of tannins and excellent building length.  Already quite nuanced but I’d hold this for at least three or four years.” ST

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $174.99
The average price is $190

Domaine de la Vougeraie Les Damodes, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru 2011 750ML ($119.95) $69 special, 24 bottles available
Burghound 90-93 points “Here the wood treatment is more obvious though still relatively modest as it allows the ripe, earth and appealingly spicy red currant, plum, violet and rose petal aromas to shine. I very much like the mouth feel of the distinctly mineral-tinged medium-bodied flavors that possess outstanding complexity while concluding in a tension-filled and impressively persistent finish. The balance of structural elements is perfect and this should age effortlessly for up to a decade.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $76
The average price is $110

Bodegas Muga winery is located in the historic town of Haro in the Rioja Alta.  It is owned and operated by Juan Muga, whose grandmother Aurora founded the estate.  The estate’s 620 acres of vineyards rest at the foot of the Montes Obarenses within the Rioja Alta, a sub-region of the Rioja.  The Rioja Alta is considered the most important sub-region due to its quality and quantity of wine produced.  The vineyards are typically at a high elevation with warm growing days and cool nights that contribute to complexity of flavors, retention of acidity, and moderate alcohol levels.  The soil in the region is a mix of clay, iron, alluvial and limestone.  The region is well known for its love affair with oak and Bodegas Muga is no exception.  The estate owns over 14,000 barrels from a variety of sources, even employing their own coopers, and makes use of them in the fermentation and maturation stages of vinification.  Their usage of new barrels is, however, judicious and their wines represent tradition albeit more robustly than most. The red wines are produced from a blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha, Mazeulo (Carignan) and Graciano and the cask-fermented white is produced from Viura and Malvasia grapes.

Bodegas Muga Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2011 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special, 36+ bottles available
Case-12 Bodegas Muga Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2011 750ML ($299.95) $236 special, 4 cases available (that’s only $19.67/bottle!)
Wine Advocate 91+ points “The 2011 Reserva is mostly Tempranillo complemented with some 20% Garnacha, 10% Graciano and 5% Mazuelo. There are no stainless-steel vats at Muga, so everything is fermented in oak vats and this wine is then aged for one year in new French oak barrels and a further year in used ones (three to six years old), fined with egg white and bottled. It is a Rioja that mixes the traditional and modern character with ripe fruit and contains oak aromas that are quite spicy and have some toast and smoke that should integrate with a bit of time in bottle. The palate is medium-bodied, has clean flavors that are balanced with sweet tannins. This is easy to drink, pleasant but not banal, and delivers a lot for its price. An impressive half-million bottles are produced of this wine, which is sold as Crianza in Spain and as Reserva in the rest of the world. Year after year, one of the most reliable and affordable Reservas.” LGBodegas Muga Seleccion Especial Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2010 750ML ($59.95) $39 special, 15 bottles available
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

11 Year Perspective

Giacosa’s Incredible 2005 Barolo Falletto
Now Entering Its Drinking Window

A Barolo legend to enjoy now, or in the years to come…

The perfect marriage of Bruno Giacosa and his winemaker Dante Scaglioni came full circle with the classic 2005 vintage. Just a few years shy of Scaglioni’s resignation in order to pursue his own label, this bottling presents the absolute best of their 16-year partnership. As we revisit tasting notes and scores, it comes to our attention that this cuvee from Signore Giacosa is just beginning to enter the early stages of a drinking window which will extend, most likely, across many years. We raise our glass to that!Falletto di Bruno Giacosa ‘Falletto’, Barolo DOCG 2005 750ML ($249.95) $169 special, 36+ bottles available
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2005 Barolo Falletto offers up a gorgeous bouquet of red cherries, flowers, spices and menthol. This is a relatively delicate, elegant Barolo Falletto yet it offers gorgeous balance, tons of inner perfume and a long, refined finish. It is one of the overachievers in 2005. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025.”WA
Stephen Tanzer 94 points “Medium red. Backward yet precise aromas of red cherry, blood orange, dried flowers and spices; there’s something almost Chambolle-like about this. Then suave and silky in the mouth, but with superb density and energy to the savory red fruit and spice flavors. Finishes very long and chewy, with a broad dusting of tannins and sneaky length.”

Molitor Madness

High Scores/Great Prices/In Stock Now

A Dozen Picks Under $20

Fab Finds from Around the World

Matello Fool’s Journey Deux Vert Vineyard, Willamette Valley 2011 750ML ($14.95) $11.90 special, 30 bottles available
VinopolNote: 90% Syrah, 10% Viognier from the Deux Vert vineyard (planted 1994) in Yamhill-Carlton. Deeply colored, with fountains of dark fruit and spice, and smooth tannins. Only 130 cases were produced from these non-irrigated vines. Bottled at 12.7% alcohol, at Matello’s new winery in McMinnville.

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Fortress Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County 2012 750ML ($24.95) $18 special, 33 bottles available
Case-12 Fortress Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County 2012 750ML ($299.95) $199 special, 2 cases available (that’s only $16.58/bottle!)
“Well-structured, with a frame of firm tannins and cedary oak overshadowing the modest core of graphite-laced dark berry.” –Wine Spectator

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Domaine Robert Chevillon Bourgogne Passe-tout-grains 2013 750ML ($36.95) $18 special, 20 bottles available
Case-12 Domaine Robert Chevillon Bourgogne Passe-tout-grains 2013 750ML ($359.95) $189 special, 1 case available (that’s only $15.75/bottle!)
“Earth and smoke notes play around the edges in this cherry-flavored red. Vibrant, finishing with a hint of stone. Drink now through 2018.”–Wine Spectator

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $26.20

Chateau Puech-Haut Coteaux du Languedoc Saint-Drezery Prestige Rouge 2013 750ML ($21.95) $18 special, 36+ bottles available
Case-12 Chateau Puech-Haut Coteaux du Languedoc Saint-Drezery Prestige Rouge 2013 750ML ($249.95) $199 special, 6 cases available (that’s only $16.58/bottle!)
Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2013 Coteaux du Languedoc Prestige (which was already in bottle at the time of this tasting) is a blend of 55% Grenache and 45% Syrah aged all in concrete tank. Fresh, elegant and thrillingly pure, with first rate aromas of blackberry, fresh plum, licorice and ground herbs, it is decidedly sexy and forward, yet stays perfectly balanced, with juicy acidity and fine tannin on the finish. Easily one of the top estates in the Languedoc (if not southern France), Chateau Puech Haut lies just outside the village of Saint-Drezery and is owned and run by Gerard Bru, with consulting help from Philippe Cambie. They produce a number of cuvees, with their entry level efforts representing superb values, and their top cuvees being able to stand toe to toe with the greatest wines in the world.”Chateau de Cabriac Tradition 2012 750ML ($14.95) $11.90 special, 36+ bottles available
Case-12 Chateau de Cabriac Tradition 2012 750ML ($149.95) $119 special, 4 cases available (that’s only $9.92/bottle!)
Syrah/Mourvedre/Carignan/Grenache
VinopolNote: Chateau Cabriac is composed of 70 hectares, with 25 hectares in the Corbieres AOC and 45 hectares considered Vin de Pays. The family was one of the first to introduce Syrah and Mourvedre into the AOC. The micro-climate allows for a slower maturation of the grapes, resulting in balance and intense flavors without over-ripeness.

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Les Hauts de Valcombe Ventoux, Rhone 2013 750ML ($17.95) $14 special, 20 bottles available
Case-12 Les Hauts de Valcombe Ventoux, Rhone 2013 750ML ($179.95) $149 special, 5 cases available (that’s only $12.42/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Grapelive 91 points “The Valcombe vines are about 75 years old and sit low on the slopes of Mount Ventoux, they are farmed organic and are used to produce traditional wines of balance and finesse, they are crafted by Luc and Cendrine Guénard, a couple that want to grow the reputation here and have a great passion for their terroir. They studied under Paul Jeune of Domaine Monpertuis, famous for his gorgeous Chateauneuf du Papes, and they have Rosenthal imports firmly behind them and championing their wines here in the states, their estate in at 1,000 Feet and covers about 28 hectares of mostly old vine Grenache with Syrah, Carignan and Cinsault for reds and as well as a collection of white grapes. The 2013 Les Hauts de Valcombe is a sappy and spicy red with great detail and vitality, it is open, but brilliantly subtle and refined with loads of charm that highlight the chalky mix of soils that include blue clay and galets, the same round stones found in Chateaneuf, and the palate is easy with red spices, dried flowers, earth and light leather notes adding complexity to the black raspberry, plum and pomegranate fruit core along with cracked pepper and red spicy cinnamon. There is a stony and stylish savory side that comes through as well as a lingering blueberry and strawberry on the finish, and the whole is a pleasing and easy to love red from one of the most underrated areas of the Rhone, where you can discover real beautiful wines that offer superb value, like this one, drink the Les Hauts de Valcombe between 2015 and 2018, it’s lovely stuff.”Descendientes de J. Palacios Petalos, Bierzo 2013 750ML ($21.95) $18 special, 31 bottles available
Case-12 Descendientes de J. Palacios Petalos, Bierzo 2013 750ML ($249.95) $199 special, 3 cases available (that’s only $16.58/bottle!)
#53 Wine Spectator Top 100 in 2015
Wine Advocate 92 points “Always among the best values of Spain, the 2013 Pétalos del Bierzo has an extra degree of freshness in a cool vintage, and some time in bottle always does this wine wonders. It’s aromatic, open and expressive, with floral aromas and bright fruit, wild strawberries and violets. This is always a subtle, medium-bodied wine, with fine tannins, sleek acidity and a fine minerality. Ready now. ”
Wine Spectator 91 points “Expressive black cherry, currant, licorice, mineral and smoke flavors mingle in this focused red.  The texture is gentle but firm, with well-integrated tannins and racy acidity providing structure.  A compact wine that shows good intensity.  Drink now through 2023.”TMBodegas Allegro con Spirito Monte Hiniesta, Toro 2010 750ML ($17.95) $14 special, 21 bottles available
Case-12 Bodegas Allegro con Spirito Monte Hiniesta, Toro 10 750ML ($179.95) $149 special, 3 cases 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
VinopolNote: The Spanish region of Toro produces powerful red wines from Tempranillo, which is known locally as the Tinto de Toro clone.  Tinto has thicker skins and lower general acidity, offering wines of a more robust and darker in style than typical Rioja and Ribera del Deuro expressions.  Juan Antonio Gernandez founded his winery in 2000 and runs the bodega with his wife.  This bottling is produced from grapes grown in clay, limestone and stony soils.  The vines average over 75 years in age.

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Bodegas Emilio Moro Finca Resalso, Ribera del Duero 2014 750ML ($17.95) $11.90 special, 36+ bottles available
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 90 points “Bright violet color. Spicy dark berries on the nose, with a suave floral quality building in the glass. Round and seamless in texture, offering sweet black and blue fruit flavors and a touch of smokiness. Shows more red fruit character on the finish, with silky tannins coming in late to add grip. This fruit-driven Ribera is pretty delicious right now.”Ruffino Modus Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2012 750ML ($27.95) $18 special, 36+ bottles available
James Suckling 94 points “A silky and refined red with currant, berry, mineral and dried flower aromas and flavors. Full-bodied, flavorful and delicious. A blend of sangiovese, cabernet sauvignon and merlot. Drinkable now but better in 2017.” JSBodegas Olivares Altos de la Hoya Monastrell, Jumilla 2013 750ML ($14.95) $10.90 special, 27 bottles available
Case-12 Bodegas Olivares Altos de la Hoya Monastrell, Jumilla 2013 750ML ($149.95) $109 special, 3 cases available (that’s only $9.08/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 91 points “Glass-staining ruby. Deep pitched, seductive aromas of black and blue fruits, cola and candied violet are complicated by smoky mineral and licorice nuances. Smooth, sweet and focused in the mouth, offering sappy blackberry and cherry compote flavors and a hint of spicecake. The penetrating finish shows excellent focus, a floral-inflected persistence and an echoing mineral note.”Buil & Gine 17-XI, Montsant 2014 750ML ($21.95) $18 special, 36+ bottles available
Case-12 Buil & Gine 17-XI, Montsant 2014 750ML ($249.95) $199 special, 8 bottles available (that’s only $16.58/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 91 points “Brilliant ruby. Highly perfumed, evoking ripe cherry and blackcurrant that are complemented by slowly emerging aromas of cured meat, lavender and minerals. Enlivened by a spicy nuance, the silky, sweet and penetrating palate offers intense dark fruit and floral pastille flavors. Seamless and very nicely concentrated, with smooth tannins lending shape to a very long, fruit-driven finish.” JR

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Zorzal Terroir Unico Pinot Noir, Tupungato 2013 750ML ($17.95) $11.90 special, 36+ bottles available
Wine Advocate 91 points “The 2013 Terroir Unico Pinot Noir follows the idea of the Terroir Unico range, to show the pure expression of the grape and the place in a line of unoaked wines. This was 20-30% whole-cluster fermented and is very pale colored, almost a rose, very perfumed, with aromas of red fruit and flowers opening to a light to medium-bodied palate, high acidity (blood orange), and a pure, fresh finish. Highly drinkable. Can the price be real?”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $13.99

Marco Abella

Best Prices – Arriving Friday

Bodegas Marco Abella Mas Mallola, Priorat DOCa 2008 750ML ($49.95) $29 pre-arrival special
Wine Enthusiast 92 points “Dry, schisty aromas of cherry and spice are reserved and elevated. This is a bright wine with juicy acidity and complexity. Flavors of baked berry fruits are minerally at the core, while the finish is smooth, mature and steady, with lasting purity. Drink through 2019.”
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 91 points “(63% garnacha, 20% carinena, 11% cabernet sauvignon and 6% merlot; aged for 20 months in French oak): Deep ruby. Lively aromas of fresh red berries, potpourri, vanilla and pipe tobacco, with a hint of incense gaining strength with air. Fresh and lively on the palate, offering intense raspberry and cherry-vanilla flavors and a zesty blood orange note. Juicy, appealingly sweet and seamless, boasting very good energy and thrust to its smooth, gently tannic finish.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $39.99

Bodegas Marco Abella ‘Clos Abella’, Priorat DOCa 2009 750ML ($99.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Bodegas Marco Abella ‘Clos Abella’, Priorat DOCa 2009 750ML ($599.95) $266 pre-arrival special (that’s only $44.33/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 93 points “(50% carinena, 39% garnacha and 11% cabernet sauvignon; aged for two years in French oak): Saturated ruby. Heady aromas of cherry, cassis, mocha, Indian spices and underbrush are sharpened by a smoky mineral quality. Juicy, sappy and concentrated, showing excellent density to its smoke-tinged flavors of blueberry, cherry-vanilla and candied flowers. A fleshy, expansive, sexy wine that shows the warmth of the vintage to good effect, finishing with strong mineral cut, smooth tannins and lingering smokiness.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $79.99
Our price is +$30 lower!
The average price is $83Champagne Gosset

Gosset Cuvee Celebris Extra Brut Millesime, Champagne 2002 750ML ($149.95) $119 pre-arrival special, ETA September 2016
Antonio Galloni 96 points “Magnificent in its complexity and pure breeding, the 2002 Extra Brut Celebris has it all. The Extra Brut style confers the signature Gosset drive, while extended time on the lees has given the wine just enough texture and body to fill out nicely. In the meantime, the aromas and flavors have mellowed into those that are typical of Champagne entering the first plateau of its maturity. The 2002 is vinous, fleshy and super-expressive, yet retains striking freshness throughout. Candied lemon peel, apricot jam, honey, mint, spices and sage form a compelling fabric of flavors and textures in a knock-out Champagne that is peaking today. The 2002 is 52% Chardonnay, 48% Pinot Noir from vineyards in Aÿ, Bouzy, Verzy, Chouilly and Cramant.”
Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2002 Celebris Vintage Extra Brut displays a noble, clear, fresh and subtle bouquet with white fruit and brioche flavors intertwined with mineral aromas. Silky textured and highly elegant, this full-bodied yet delicate blend of 48% Pinot Noir and 52% Chardonnay is clear and straight on the palate, revealing a ripe and intense, yet refined fruit. It has a persistent and complex, firmly structured, stimulatingly pure and salty finish. Great finesse and ethereal lightness here, with great purity and mineral tension. It also has the intensity of perfect fruit in the long and persistent finish. A great Champagne for the next ten and probably many more years.”

White Burgundies

Arriving Early September

Domaine Leflaive Macon-Verze 2013 750ML ($49.95) $36 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Domaine Leflaive Macon-Verze 2013 750ML ($499.95) $399 pre-arrival special (that’s only $33.25/bottle!)
Jancis Robinson “Juice brought to Puligny. Hardly any oak. Vignoble enlarged from 2014 to include another 8 ha, to make a total of 20.5 ha. They have 24 ha in Côte d’Or. Fresh and clean but tricky after tasting Chevalier! Clean and very frank with good acidity.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $50

Rene & Vincent Dauvissat La Forest, Chablis Premier Cru 2014 750ML ($119.95) $99 pre-arrival special
Decanter 95 points “Lovely floral and pear notes on a tight but very ripe and mineral palate. A very energetic premier cru with a lovely combination of aromas and textural richness.”

New 2014 Beaujolais Offer

From Jean Foillard

Domaine Jean Foillard Morgon Cuvee Corcelette, Beaujolais 2014 750ML ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special, ETA early September
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 92 points “Brilliant ruby. Spicy, mineral-tinged cherry and red berry scents show very good clarity and pick up a suave floral nuance with air. Silky raspberry and bitter cherry flavors are lifted and sharpened by an emphatic mineral element and a suggestion of peppery spices. Sappy, incisive and subtly sweet on the penetrating and strikingly long finish, which is firmed by smooth, harmonious tannins.”

Late Breaking News

From Bordeaux….

….(Consistently! Constantly?) 100 Point Wine

Bordeaux Perfection… in Magnum

Chateau Pavie, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2000 1.5L ($1,999.95) $1,699 pre-arrival special, 1 magnum available Arriving in OctoberReviewed August 2015:
Robert Parker 100 points”Just beginning to come around and strut its enormous potential, this wine at age 15 has been evolving like a glacier. The wine has an inky, opaque, plum/purple color and a stunningly rich nose of mulberries, bramble berries, blackberries, licorice and incense as well as touches of toast and graphite. Fabulously concentrated and full-bodied, with a multidimensional mouthfeel, this profound Pavie is in mid-adolescence. It should evolve and continue to drink well for at least another 30-40 years. This is clearly the first compelling effort made by the Perse family.”Reviewed June 2010:
Robert Parker 100 points “I tasted this wine twice during the 2000 horizontals, then I actually popped the cork and drank a half-bottle of it. This wine remains, for me, one of the compelling success stories for proprietor Gerard Perse. An extraordinary effort made from a blend of 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon from the limestone soils that dominate this very distinctive terroir, the 2000 Pavie has moved out of the closed, dormant, broodingly backward stage into an adolescent period where one can see its extraordinary vibrancy, and great complexity as well as potential. It boasts an unctuous display of rich, cedar box-infused cassis fruit and liquid minerality. The tannins have sweetened, yet the wine has thirty years of longevity and potential evolution. A beautiful wine of great mass as well as elegance, it is good to see the extraordinary efforts that Gerard Perse and his team have made confirmed in this prodigious wine. A legend now … a legend for the future. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2060.”Reviewed April 2003
Robert Parker 100 points “Give Gerard Perse credit. People thought his numerous assurances that 2000 was the greatest Pavie ever produced were premature as well as arrogant. However, after tasting this extraordinary blend of 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon (made from low yields of 28-30 hectoliters per hectare) six separate times in 2003, it is unquestionably one of the most monumental wines Bordeaux has ever produced. Bottled in March, 2003, about nine months later than other 2000s, the color is an opaque purple, and the bouquet offers up notes of liquid minerals, blackberries, cherries, and cassis intermixed with spice box, cedar, and white flowers. On the palate, it exhibits a massive display of richness and extract, yet with pinpoint delineation and vibrancy as well as a 60+ second finish, this is the kind of phenomenal wine that Perse’s critics were afraid he might produce – a no-compromise, immortal wonder that represents the essence of one of Bordeaux’s greatest terroirs. Life is too short not to own and consume the 2000 Pavie. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2050.”

Le Carre, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2009 750ML ($179.95) $149 pre-arrival special
Robert Parker 97 points “Achieving nearly 15% natural alcohol (one of the highest of the Jonathan Maltus St. Emilion estates) , this blend of approximately 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc is from vineyards that sit on limestone soils near Clos Fourtet, an area that performed brilliantly in 2009. Inky purple, with notes of graphite, vanillin, blackberry and cassis as well as crushed rock and floral notes, the wine has breathtaking extravagance and a luxuriant fruit quality that simply has to be tasted to be believed. Phenomenally rich, full-bodied, and brilliantly poised and well-balanced, this is a tour de force in winemaking and a colossal Le Carre, the finest Jonathan Maltus has yet produced. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2028.”Chateau Malescot-St-Exupery, Margaux 2009 750ML ($179.95) $149 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 98 points “A wine with intense spice and berry character with hints of sweet tobacco. It changes all the time from flowers to fruit and wet earth. Full-bodied with super fine tannins and ripe fruit. It’s long and juicy with lovely fruit. Super long and beautiful with fine tannins that last for minutes. Tight now but juicy and gorgeous. Best ever from here.”

Have a lovely weekend!