Huet Vouvray Sale
Stellar Huet; Deeply Discounted
2015 remains a landmark year in the Loire, especially in Vouvray. The wines are rich and powerful, with explosive aromatics and finishes that seemingly go on forever. Domaine Huet was one of the stars of the show, releasing one of their finest collections to date. We’ve got even lower prices on some of the highlights of the set—from Demi-Sec all the way to nobly ripe Premiere Trie Moelleux. These are wines to buy and drink now and also in 20+ years and these prices are designed to smooth the path for you to do so.
Domaine Huet Vouvray ‘Le Mont’ Demi-Sec, Loire 2015 750ML ($59.95) Was $49, Now $36, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 96 points “The 2015 Vouvray Le Mont Demi-Sec is deep, rich and flinty on the nose, with caramel and vegetable flavors indicating a great complexity. Full-bodied, dense and powerful, this is highly complex and persistent, yet refreshing and transparent Chenin with a juicy fruit and lots of grip, energy and tension. Rather demure at the moment, this enormously structured wine has a great aging potential and I recommend to store it for 6-10 years, at least.”
John Gilman 95 points “The 2015 Le Mont Demi-Sec from Domaine Huët is an outstanding young wine, with even more depth and potential than the superb Le Haut Lieu Demi. The bouquet is bottomless, delivering scents of pineapple, sweet quince, incipient notes of honey, chalky minerality, a touch of lanolin, floral tones redolent of buttercups and lovely, esthery citrus elements in the upper register. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied, beautifully balanced and displays stunning depth at the core, with lovely acidity (particularly for the vintage!), great focus and grip and a very, very long, primary and exceptional finish. This does not have the backend cut or grip of a vintage such as 2007 or 2008, but it is going to be a great example of Domaine Huët Demi-Sec. It is deceptively easy to drink today, but its true apogee is at least a decade or more out from the vintage! 2016-2075. 95.”
Wine Spectator 94 points “Quite ripe, with tropical mango and papaya notes mixed with peach, apple and quince flavors. Pretty ginger and heather details fill in the background, while the finish shows a well-embedded mineral edge, imparting tension to match the opulence. Best from 2017 through 2030.”
John Gilman 95 points “The 2015 Demi-Sec from the Clos du Bourg is the lowest level of sweetness from this vineyard in the Domaine Huët stable in 2015 and the wine has magical potential. The bouquet shows a bit more botrytis influence than is the case in the superb Le Mont Demi-Sec, soaring from the glass in a gently glazed constellation of pineapple, a hint of guava, candied quince, lanolin, a touch of honeycomb, beautiful underlying minerality and a topnote of citrus peel. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, complex and rock solid at the core, with a lovely sense of vinosity already in evidence, despite the wine’s still youthful profile. The acids are bright and beautifully buried in the fruit, with excellent soil signature, lovely focus and grip and a very long, beautifully balanced finish. This is more overtly exotic in personality than the Le Mont Demi-Sec in this vintage, but it is hard to say that it will ultimately be superior- perhaps just different. Another great wine. 2016-2075. 95.”
Importer note “This ancient, walled vineyard has the estate’s shallowest, stoniest soils. The wines are rich and intense. Many consider this to be Vouvray’s finest single vineyard site. Size: 6 hectares Orientation: South-facing Soil: Limestone-rich clay soils — the stoniest of the three crus. Viticulture: The vines are farmed using biodynamic methods and harvested by hand. Vinification: Undergoes temperature-controlled fermentation in large, old oak demi-muids as well as stainless steel vats. There is no encouragement of the malolactic fermentation, thus many Huet wines remain rich in malic acid, a character that brings an age-worthiness to the wines. The concentration of residual sugar in demi-sec cuvées is traditionally around 10-20 g/l.”
Wine Spectator 95 points “Offers a big, broad feel, with layers of glazed pear, apple and peach falling over each other, backed by fresh ginger, honeysuckle and quince notes. Everything pulls together through the finish, with green tea accents and racy minerality providing the foil. Drink now through 2035.”
John Gilman 94 points “The 2015 Le Haut Lieu Moelleux from Domaine Huët is a superb wine in the making, with its glaze of botrytis beautifully managed and the wine showing excellent potential on both the nose and palate. The bouquet offers up a pure and complex mélange of sweet quince, orange, honey, just a whisper of lanolin, beautiful chalky soil tones, a whisper of the leather to come, citrus zest and a topnote of dried flowers. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, complex and beautifully balanced, with bright acids, a lovely core and outstanding focus and grip on the very long, refined and nicely glazed finish. This will be all apricot, honey and tea leaves in the future, but it is so good to drink out of the blocks, that it is going to be hard not to open bottles in its more exotic youthful period. 2016-2085. 94.”
Wine Advocate 92+ points “The 2015 Vouvray Le Haut-Lieu Moelleux displays open and elegant ripe fruit (pineapples, oranges) with some dusty flavors of crushed rocks. Powerful but full of finesse and elegance, this is a piquant and stimulating sweet wine with grip and tension. However, I find it rather less complex than the Sec and the Demi-Sec.”
Wine Spectator 96 points “Gorgeous from the get-go, featuring creamed melon, yellow apple and persimmon notes that glide effortlessly, inlaid with hints of green tea, verbena, heather and quince. The long finish has beautiful flow, with a buried mineral edge imparting freshness while the fruit plays out. Best from 2018 through 2040.”
John Gilman 95+ points “Domaine Huët’s 2015 Première Trie from the Le Haut Lieu vineyard is more primary and reserved in personality than the straight Moelleux bottling, but deeper, more pristine and ever more promising. The bouquet shows a beautiful glaze of clean botrytis in its aromatic blend of pineapple, sweet quince, tangerine, honey, a lovely cornerstone of soil, orange peel, dried flowers and a bit of smokiness in the upper register. On the palate the wine is pure, focused and full-bodied, with marvelous depth and balance, bright acids, great complexity to come and stunning length and bounce on the superbly energetic and seamless finish. This has a bit of that early vinosity that was found in the Clos du Bourg Demi-Sec and augurs very, very well for its future development! 2020-2085. 95+.”
Wine Advocate 96 points “The apricot/golden colored 2015 Vouvray Le Mont Moelleux shows a very intense, elegant and also subtle bouquet of ripe fruit intermixed with flinty aromas. Dense, piquant and concentrated on the palate, this is a great and tension-filled Chenin with grip and persistence, but also great finesse and elegance. This is a highly complex and energetic, but also light-footed and stimulating wine with lots of mouthwatering salinity. A fascinating Chenin with great aging potential.”
John Gilman 95 points “The 2015 Vouvray “Le Mont” Moelleux from Domaine Huët is yet another brilliant wine from the estate in this vintage, soaring from the glass in a nicely botrytized blend of apple, quince, honeycomb, dried flowers, a touch of dusty chalkiness, orange peel and an exotic topnote of sweet corn in the upper register. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied, focused and more primary in personality than the Le Haut Lieu Moelleux, with a rock solid core, great focus and grip, lovely framing acids and impeccable balance on the very, very long and stunning finish. This is less developed than the 2015 Le Haut Lieu Moelleux, but it seems to have even superior potential for the long haul! Great juice. 2020-2085. 95.”
Wine Spectator 94 points “Offers ginger- and hibiscus-infused creamed yellow apple, quince and pear notes, gilded with a whiff of piecrust. All the elements meld through the long, rippling finish. Drink now through 2035.”
to a Good Home
A few assorted wines we’d like to get to good families. These are excellent bottles that have flown under the radar, either because they’re in a category that’s a little unloved (ie: California Pinot here in Oregon) or we just have a ton of other options and they’re overlooked (Meulenhof). One way or another, they deserve a little more love and attention in their lives. We’re going to make it a little easier for you to give that to them with our newly lowered prices.
Merry Edwards Olivet Lane Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley 2014 750ML ($99.95) Was $75, Now $66, 23 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 92 points “Pale to medium ruby-purple in color, the 2014 Pinot Noir Olivet Lane offers an earthy nose of underbrush, moss, dusty soil and truffles over notes of crushed Bing cherries and cranberries, plus a waft of bay leaves. Medium-bodied, elegant and fresh in the mouth, the red berry and earth flavors are well-supported by chewy tannins and give a nice long finish.”
Now it’s even lower!
The next best price is $77.43
The average price is $82
Bernkastler Ring Auction Wine 2016
Mosel Fine Wines 89+ points “This offers a slightly sharp nose of brown sugar, mirabelle, herbs and spices. The wine is on the sweet and delicately rich side on the palate, where minerals, delicate yellow fruits and apricot come through. The finish is sweet and more of Auslese presence. This needs time to develop its full potential. We would not be surprised if this exceeds our initial expectations. 2025-2040”
Terry Theise writes: “In general Justen’s wines are more lush and peachy than, say, Merkelbach; not as stern as, say, Christoffel. They are comparatively straightforward and “easy” to understand because the fruit is overt and in-your-face. Even a cursory glance into that fruit, though, will reveal the proverbial Coat of Many Colors: interplays of flavor and texture that can be absorbing and rewarding. And the wines both keep and age.”
Antonio Galloni 92 points “The 2006 Reseca is Nerello Mascalese from vineyards on Mount Etna. It is one of the darker, more overtly fruit driven wines I have tasted from the Etna. The finish turns a bit more delicate and ethereal, though. It will be interesting to see the direction Gulfi takes with this bottling in coming years.”
Antonio Galloni 92 points “Gulfi’s 2007 Reseca, from a vineyard on the Etna, is full of Nerello Mascalese personality. Sweet dried cherries, crushed flowers, licorice and spices waft from the glass. The tannins are understated yet beautiful and nicely integrated. The delicate style is pure Etna and therefore totally different from the Nero d’Avolas Gulfi makes in Pachino.”
Wine Spectator “The ripe black cherry puree mixes with soft raisin, cocoa powder and loamy earth accents in this juicy, medium-bodied red. Light grip and a hint of black licorice drop shows on the finish. Nerello Mascalese.”
Winery note “Shea Vineyard sits on ancient marine seabeds that were uplifted millions of years ago by volcanic activity. Unlike the Silice and Le Pré Du Col Vineyards (which lie only one to two miles east), Shea Vineyard has very thin soils with sandstone bedrock lying just inches from the surface in some areas. Here, the grapevines struggle each year to force their roots into the mother rock in search of moisture and minerals. For this reason, Shea Vineyard wines are rich with minerality, well structured and full of force. Because of Shea Vineyard’s low altitude, it is a very warm microclimate for the Willamette Valley, and its grapes have the opportunity to achieve full physiological maturity each and every vintage—another reason why wines from this site are consistently the most dense, structured and full-bodied of all of the Bergström Wines. Each year, we bottle our Shea Vineyard Pinot Noir first to capture its youthful fruit character and show off its boisterous nature. We recommend you drink our Bergström Wines Shea Vineyard offerings within 8 years of the vintage date on the bottle.”
France – White
Edmond Vatan Sancerre Clos la Neore, Loire 2015 750ML ($199.95) $149 specialImporter note “Some winemakers are producers. A few are truly artisans. And then there are that handful who could perhaps be best described as monastic in their approach-making wine, as their duty, in complete harmony with their creator. With Vatan, I find it preposterous to “judge” vintages. Literally, no matter what the conditions of the year, whatever this domaine creates is remarkable, with amazing consistency from vintage to vintage. When once I asked Monsieur Vatan how he could do this, he replied that it is so simple a matter that it needs no explanation — if you plant low-yielding vines on only the steepest, perfectly exposed slopes, prune severely, provide only necessary and natural treatments, (and as little as possible, forcing the vine down for strength and character), harvesting after all the rest have finished (no problem finding pickers then!) and vinifying according only to the traditional (actually ancient) methods — it becomes a question of comparing the personality of each vintage, not which is “better.” What is this word “ancient” I use? Vinification in old, old barrels — a natural vessel – – but not of new oak, which would interfere with the natural fruit of the Sauvignon and terroir of Chavignol; one racking, and then bottling with no fining or filtration when the conditions are perfect in nature. If this sounds too out-moded to be true, you are in for an experience with your first taste. A unique wine which is unequalled, and only approached in Sancerre by the Cotat Domaine, which is enormous in comparison to Vatan (total production 500 cases, of which we in America get 125). Since the 2008 vintage, Edmond’s daughter, Anne Vatan-Foucault has taken over wine-making and administration of the domaine, and the results continue to be spectacular.”
Wine Advocate 90-92 points “The 2015 Chassagne Montrachet les Encegnieres was matured in 20% new oak with 30% aged in foudres. It offers quite a complex array of scents: citrus peel, oyster shell, wet granite and a subtle fumé-like aroma. It seemed relatively mercurial in the glass compared to its peers. The palate is very well balanced with fine acidity, good body and depth here with fine tension and energy displayed on the finish. This should become a very satisfying Chassagne-Montrachet punching at premier cru quality.”
Domaine Marc Colin et Fils Les Castets, Saint-Aubin Premier Cru 2015 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Wine Advocate 89-91 points “The 2015 Saint Aubin 1e Cru Les Castets, matured for ten months in barrel with 20% new oak, has a very generous and controlled bouquet with hints of brioche and grass clippings infusing the citrus fruit that contains great energy. The palate is very well balanced with a more peachy opening than the Clos des Meix, gently unrolling with a slightly honeyed second half that betrays the warmth of the growing season. Very fine, indeed.”
Antonio Galloni 92 points “The 2012 Brut Blanc de Blancs Cuvée Gastronome 1er Cru is terrific. In this release, the Gastronome has more fruit depth than typical and, consequently, less austerity than these wines can show at times. Creamy and ample on the palate, with terrific vibrancy underpinning the fruit, the Gastronome is sublime. Disgorged: May 2017. Dosage is 6 grams per liter.”
Wine Spectator 93 points “A crisp, minerally version, with floral and chalk accents to the flavors of Honeycrisp apple, slivered almond, crème de cassis and lemon pith. Fresh and lacy. Disgorged September 2016. Drink now through 2028. 100 cases imported.”
Antonio Galloni 92 points “Geoffroy’s 2008 Brut Cuvée Volupté is pointed and tightly wound, with persistent veins of minerality that give the wine its spine. Even so, there is no shortage of breadth and pure power. With time in the glass, the fruit blossoms nicely. There is plenty of vintage 2008 character, even if the Volupté at times tilts towards the burlier side of things.”
Wine Spectator 91 points “[Reviewed 2017] Firm acidity structures this vibrant Champagne, softened by the creamy mousse, which carries a subtle mesh of ripe blackberry, toast, preserved lemon and fleur de sel notes. Fresh and floral, lingering finish. Drink now through 2020. 75 cases imported.”
Mousse Fils Terre d’Illite Blanc de Noirs Brut, Champagne 2012 750ML ($69.95) $59 specialTerry Theise note “This is Cédric’s best wine to date, and gives a thrilling glimpse of what lies ahead for this outstanding vintner. This is 100% from Cuisles, which a local broker calls “The Grand Cru of Meunier,” and with this wine you can clearly see why. Disg. 2/2016, it’s actively minerally—Meunier! It has the most intricately non-fruit profile I’ve ever encountered from this variety. Salty, long, fascinating, the core of Meunier that’s hidden below the pretty stuff. A dignity. It’s para-sensual, beautiful and serious, with herbal notes and spelt bread.”
Mousse Fils ‘Les Vignes de Mon Village’ Blanc de Meuniers, Champagne NV 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Terry Theise note “100% Meunier, and a lower pressurage. It is, touchingly, a tribute to Cédric’s father, who was mayor of Cuisles and who “loved Cuisles.” 50-50 2014-2015, available late summer, zero dosage; it’s a rugged, muscular Meunier, showing more locality than fruit. Water drains into the soil’s third layer, the green clay Illite, which occurs nowhere else in Champagne. If you want a solid contained Champagne (and fear a drop of sweetness will kill you) this one’s pretty impressive.”
Wine Spectator 90 points “[Reviewed Nov 2017 Rich hints of toasted brioche and pastry cream accent the flavors of baked quince and mandarin orange peel in this firm, focused Champagne, which ends with a lithe and lively finish. Drink now through 2020. 2,700 cases imported.”
Domaine Saint Damien Gigondas Vieilles Vignes, Rhone 2015 750ML ($37.95) $28 specialJosh Raynolds-Vinous 91-93 points “Dark ruby. Aromas and flavors of ripe red and blue fruits pick up floral and peppery spice nuances as the wine opens up. Smooth and expansive on the palate, showing very good depth as well as energy and spicy back-end lift. The gently gripping, very persistent finish leaves behind hints of candied flowers and licorice.”
Wine Advocate 95 points “My pick of the cuvées in 2015 is the 2015 Gigondas La Louisiane, a blend of 80% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre and the rest Cinsault and Syrah. From south-facing slopes of red clay and sand, this shows incredible detail in its aromas of garrigue and raspberries, then folds in richer notes of dark chocolate. This is full-bodied and velvety in feel, with just a hint of warmth on the finish. It should drink well for a decade, possibly longer.”
Chateau Pesquie Ventoux Artemia, Rhone 2007 750ML ($69.95) $59 special
Jeb Dunnuck – Wine Advocate 97 points “[Reviewed Oct 2016] While I questioned if the 2009 Artemia was the greatest wine I’d tasted from Ventoux in my notes, I know for a fact the 2007 Cotes du Ventoux Cuvee Artemia is the greatest wine I’ve tasted from the estate, and the appellation! A wine that would stand toe to toe with some of the greatest Chateauneuf du Papes out there, this utterly profound Ventoux offers awesome aromatics of incense, blackberries, crushed flowers, licorice and cured meats. Pure, full-bodied, silky and weightless, yet packed with character and flavor, it’s a truly sensational wine that readers shouldn’t miss!”
Jeb Dunnuck – Wine Advocate 96 points “[Reviewed Oct 2016] Shockingly good, the 2009 Cotes du Ventoux Cuvee Artemia is in the top handful of wines I’ve tasted from this appellation. Just insanely perfumed, with tons of incense, Provencal herbs, garrigue, smoked meats and violets, this full-bodied beauty has a stacked mid-palate, building, sweet tannin and a killer finish. Hello beautiful, why didn’t I buy more of you.”
James Suckling 94 points “This is a fragrant and gritty Pingus with a ton of tannins which give it a lot of depth and length. This wine deserves some patience. It needs two or three years more of bottle age to be at its best, but should keep for some years following.”
Back Vintage Brunello and Brilliant Auslese
La Poderina is a relatively new producer in Castelnuovo dell’Abate of Montalcino, founded in 1988, and producing a modest 6,000 or so cases of wine annually. But don’t underestimate the refinement they’re capable of delivering in their Brunellos. They dedicate a mere 25 acres to Sangiovese Grosso for their Brunello and their vines are all low yield. The 2006 shows in a manner perhaps somewhat typical of that year, certainly not on the bigger side but more elegant and reserved which—in my opinion—does greater justice to the variety. This wine is delightfully delicate. It took my palate a minute to get a grip on its subtlety, but once it did I thoroughly loved what I found there: floral, lightly perfumed, just a sprinkle of fruit, mellow acid and hints of new French oak all very well integrated. At only $44 this wine is a great way to wrap your palate around the delicate depths of a Brunello di Montalcino with some age on it.
Tenute del Cerro ‘La Poderina’ Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2006 750ML ($74.95) Was $49, Now $44 special
James Suckling 95 points “Blueberries, flowers and raspberries. Love the nose, like so many others. Full body, with fine tannins and a silky textured finish. So much going on here. Class”JS
Saul:
Normally we’d write a nice long description on the Eugen Muller Kirchenstuck Auslese, but this time I’m handing it over to the importer, who says all the things I want to say, but better:
“So when I sat with Jay MacInerney for the Wall St. Journal article, I said I’d bring along something to drink. I could have chosen anything, blown him away with a great Dönnhoff or with a Selbach Eiswein or a Leitz Roseneck. What I actually chose to bring was the 2001 Kirchenstück Auslese from Müller.
Every year for the last fifteen or more, this wine has been a masterpiece, and I can think of few if any parallels in the wine world—or in my wine world—of such sustained stellar performance year after year.
From one of the great Riesling vineyards on earth. The price, let us observe, doesn’t reflect this…
In early the 19th century this was considered the best Riesling site because the grapes consistently reached greater maturity. In the early 20th century the wines were just as expensive as those from the top Rheingau growths.”
Weingut Eugen Muller Forster Kirchenstuck Riesling Auslese, Pfalz 2011 500ML ($34.95) $27 special
Wine & Spirits Magazine 91 points “Kirchenstuck is named for the church (kirche) that fronts it, but it could just as well be kirschenstuck (cherry-piece), this is so redolent of pale red berries. It falls toward the lighter end of Auslese, the sugar more rounding than sweetening, with salty mineral and rose petal notes confirming the delicacy. Try it with pork dusted with sumac or other richly spiced dishes.”
‘Savagely fine vineyard fragrance, a city made of cherry blossom. The palate is literally stunning in the ferocity of its terroir, endlessly salty and flowery, already expressive and integrated, and lashing and electric… Every year for the last fifteen or more, this wine has been a masterpiece, and I can think of few if any parallels in the wine world—or in my wine world—of such sustained stellar performance year after year.’ “–Terry Theise
From Antonio Galloni
Chianti has quietly become the best value play in Tuscan wine. Although Brunello gets most of the headlines, producers in Chianti have been turning out wines that rival anything from their neighbors (albiet in a slightly different idiom) but at much lower prices. Antonio Galloni just published his reviews of the 2014 and ‘15’s in the marketplace right now and his praise was effusive. We have several of the most highly regarded wines in stock and wanted to highlight them below:
Castello di Ama Rosato Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2016 750ML ($19.95) $11.90 special, 26 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 90 points “Ama’s 2016 Rosato is once again a very serious wine. Textured and deep, yet also beautifully perfumed and light on its feet, the 2016 is all class. Drink this gorgeous, racy Rosato over the next year or two.”
The next best price is $16.49!!!!
The average price is $18
Isole e Olena Cepparello Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2014 1.5L ($179.95) $149 special, 6 magnums in stock now
Case-6 Isole e Olena Cepparello Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2014 750ML ($479.95) $389 special, 6 six-packs in stock now (that’s only $64.83/bottle! –the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!)
Antonio Galloni 97 points “The 2014 Cepparello is one of the truly great wines of the vintage. Vivid and intense in all of its dimensions, it exudes purity from start to finish. Silky tannins, expressive aromatics and beautifully delineated, bright, layered Sangiovese fruit are some of the signatures. In 2014, Paolo De Marchi produced an epic Cepparello for the ages. Don’t miss it.”
Felsina Berardenga Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany 2015 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 special, 28 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 92 points “A stunning, spatial wine, the 2015 Chianti Classico Berardenga is a wine to buy by the case and savor over the next 20 or so years. All the natural richness of the 2015 vintage comes through in a creamy, voluptuous Chianti Classico that hits all the right notes.”
Montevertine Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2014 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The gracious, perfumed 2014 Montevertine is a wine of pure finesse. Silky, slender and exceptionally beautiful, it is not the most obvious or powerful Montevertine, but it impresses with its balance, poise and class. Floral notes add nuance to the bright, sculpted finish.”
Importer notes: “the standard bearer of the estate, it is aged 24 months in large Slavonian oak barrels and is composed of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo (with perhaps a hint of Colorino). The fruit for this bottling comes primarily from a 2.5 hectare parcel of vines planted in 1982 on a south – southeast facing slope.”
Felsina Berardenga Rancia, Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 2013 750ML ($59.95) $44 special, 15 bottles in stock now
Felsina Berardenga Rancia, Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 2013 1.5L ($119.95) $99 special, 12 magnums in stock now
Antonio Galloni 96 points “A huge, vibrant wine, the 2013 Chianti Classico Rancia will need at least a few years in bottle to be approachable and much more than that to be at its best. Huge swaths of tannin give the wine its energy and feel. The essence of Sangiovese from Castelnuovo Berardenga comes through loud and clear. Readers should expect an especially virile, potent Rancia in 2013.”
Antonio Galloni 96 points “The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Collezione Privata is superb. A delicate, nuanced wine in this vintage, the Cabernet Sauvignon speaks in hushed tones. Silky tannins and highly expressive aromatics add to an impression of total finesse. In many vintages, the Cabernet can be quite big, but not in 2013. This is a brilliant showing from Isole and proprietor Paolo De Marchi.”
Antonio Galloni 95+ points “The 2014 Maestro Raro is fabulous. Explosive, deep and full of energy, it exudes class from the very first taste. As always, Maestro Raro is a Cabernet Sauvignon that speaks as much to this terroir as it does to varietal character. Lavender, herbs, menthol and plum build into the huge, tannic finish. I can’t wait to see how the 2014 ages.”
The average price is $54
Antonio Galloni 94 points “A wine of grace and stature, the 2007 Vin Santo is gorgeous. There is plenty of texture and plushness that is typical of the year, and yet the wine has more than enough acidity to play off the caramel, burnt sugar, dried cherry and floral notes. The wine’s midweight, understated style belies the 217 grams of residual sugar.”
Castell’in Villa Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG, Tuscany 2010 750ML ($79.95) $69 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 93+ points “The 2010 Chianti Classico Riserva is fabulous. Powerful and classically austere, the 2010 oozes with class. A host of black cherry, plum, licorice, sage and lavender overtones develop with time in a complex wine that is going to need quite a few years to be at its best. The 2010 Riserva will thrill readers who appreciate firm, structured wines built for cellaring.”
Alsace Additions Edition
Albert Boxler Pinot Gris Brand, Alsace Grand Cru 2012 750ML ($89.95) Was $59, Now $49, 7 bottles in stock nowJancis Robinson 16.5/20 “Rather closed nose but suitably full on the palate. Not overweight but certainly plump – as classic Alsace Pinot Gris is wont to be.” (RH) (16-Jun-2014)
Now it’s even lower!
“Dark straw. Fresh, clean aromas of yellow flowers, honeyed peach and sweet spices. Suave, tactile flavors of canned peach, pear and apricot show a trace of finishing heat along with an enticing smoky nuance. Readers beware that this wine shows obvious sweetness.” Ian D’Agata-Vinous
Wine Spectator 93 points “Orchard blossom and spice notes herald this lacy white, with a streak of minerality underscoring the mouthwatering palate of peaches and cream, verbena, spun honey and smoke. Lithe and lively, this shows richness and fine length. Drink now through 2028.”
Wine Advocate 91 points “A heady, esterous nose of over-ripe cantaloupe, white peach, quince preserves, and fading lily informs the Boxler 2009 Riesling Sommerberg Vendange Tardive – harvested in the Dudenstein soon after the “regular” bottling from that site – leading to a lush and soothing palate on which quince preserves, peach, nutmeg, and liquefied lily are well-supported by sweetness. There is a fine sense of primary juiciness that – along with hints of fruit pit bitterness – helps moderate the sweetness of a sedate finish slightly less sustained and more diffuse than that of the corresponding “regular” bottling. Expect this to age well for at least 12-15 years.”
David Schildknecht 93 points “Finished at 13.5% alcohol and with 11 grams of residual sugar that manage to support the fruit but otherwise fade into the background, the Mann 2011 Riesling Schlossberg was picked on September 23-26 and displays an ample measure of ripe and infectiously juicy acidity as well as a surprising and delightful sense of lift. The apple, lime and orange found in the corresponding Cuvee Albert are here are joined by succulent white peach, pungently infused with green tea, and adorned with a heady garland of buddleia as well as with an even more intriguing not to mention prodigiously persistent set of mineral adjuncts, notably mouthwatering salinity and a somehow crystalline sense of impingement. The sleek, polished mouthfeel here further enhances an impression of refinement and elegance not easily achieved in this vintage. Look for this beauty to perform superbly through at least 2025. “
Now it’s even lower!
Ian D’agata–Vinous 90 points “Pale straw-green. Captivating aromas and flavors fresh apple, pear compote and smoke. Juicy and rather sweet, but with lively acidity giving it a light touch. This long wine was aged for 15 months in new oak” ID
Ian D’agata–Vinous 89 points “Bright red. Effusively fruity aromas of red cherry, raspberry and strawberry. The red fruit comes through on the palate as well, lifted by spicy herbs and minerals. Long and bright on the refined finish. Said Ostertag: “This is not the richest Pinot Noir we’ve ever made but we were happy with the result. It’s not especially opulent but it has a lovely cool-climate personality and good aging potential.”
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Ian D’agata 90 points “Good medium red. Musky soil tones and raspberry on the nose. Supple, spicy and sweet, with sound underlying acidity contributing to much-needed lift to the somewhat syrupy red berry and red cherry flavors. Finishes bright and long. This is a really outstanding Alsace Pinot Noir, fresh and crisp despite its obvious ripeness of fruit. The yield was just 30 hectoliters per hectare, according to Ostertag.” ID
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Wine Enthusiast 93 points “A high-altitude vineyard has produced this delicious, crisp and cool wine. While it has weight and rich fruit, it’s the enticing acidity that sets this wine apart. There’s a poise to this wine that gives style while not losing any depth of apple, pear and spice flavors. Drink from 2017.”
Wine Spectator 92 points “Crackling acidity defines this linear Pinot Gris, layered with stony minerality and offering a sleek mix of crunchy pear, honey, grapefruit zest, verbena and nut flavors. Finely balanced. Drink now through 2024. 260 cases made.”
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