In Today’s Newsletter:
Newly Arrived
Il Poggione 2013 @ Subscriber Special Pricing!
Staff Pick
Grange Cochard’s Impressive Morgon
New Reviews for Staff Favorites
Trending Wines
Fantastic Fondreche
Ventoux’s Powerhouse Producer
Rose of the Day
Lulu Peyraud’s Domaine Tempier Rose
Stunning Wines from Southern Spain
Collector’s Corner
2018 Diamond Creek at Subscriber Special Pricing
Newly Arrived
Il Poggione 2013 @ Subscriber Special Pricing!
Staff Pick
Grange Cochard’s Impressive Morgon
Chateau Grange Cochard Morgon Vieilles Vignes 2017 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 special
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 91 points “Deep, brilliant ruby. Displays an array of ripe black/blue fruit and spice qualities on the expressive nose, along with building spice and mineral elements. Smooth, broad and open-knit, showing very good depth to its juicy boysenberry and cherry flavors, which pick up a sweetening hint of cola on the back half. Supple tannins lend shape to a persistent, dark fruit-driven finish that leaves a suggestion of smoky minerality behind.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 91 points “The 2017 Morgon Vieilles Vignes wafts from the glass with a pretty bouquet of red cherries, rose petals and wild berries. On the palate, it’s medium to full-bodied, velvety and enveloping, with a layered core of fleshy fruit, ripe acids and powdery tannins that gently assert themselves on the finish. It will be even better after a year in bottle.”
Wine Spectator 90 points “Juicy acidity binds the ripe raspberry, peach and cherry flavors of this supple red, with accents of peach, floral and licorice lingering into the moderately tannic finish. Drink now through 2025. 100 cases imported.”
Have Wine Ready to Pick Up?
Stop by our shop 10 am – 6 pm daily
Feel free to call ahead before you arrive or for curbside service:
#503-223-6002
(You’ll help free up some space for your next order!)
New Reviews for Staff Favorites
Newly Arrived
Il Poggione 2013 @ Subscriber Special Pricing!
Staff Pick
Grange Cochard’s Impressive Morgon
New Reviews for Staff Favorites
Trending Wines
Fantastic Fondreche
Ventoux’s Powerhouse Producer
Rose of the Day
Lulu Peyraud’s Domaine Tempier Rose
Stunning Wines from Southern Spain
Collector’s Corner
2018 Diamond Creek at Subscriber Special Pricing
Newly Arrived
Il Poggione 2013 @ Subscriber Special Pricing!
Let’s cut to the chase: any lover of Brunello—no, any lover of Italian wine—should have a case of Il Poggione’s Brunello in their cellar if they can afford it. The combination of classical proportions and attention grabbing power and complexity is extremely rare in a wine, especially at these sorts of prices. They are truly Great Brunello, along with names like Biondi-Santi, Soldera, Saliciutti, etc. except at half (or less) the price of its peer group. Il Poggione made some of the wine of the vintage in 2013 and we sold out several months ago—until a new opportunity allowed us to bring in a final round at an even better price.
The price is lowest in the country and fully $20+ per bottle lower than the average wine-searcher listing by the case. Simply put, this wine shouldn’t be available at a price like this, but here’s your chance.
If you’re unfamiliar with the wines of Il Poggione, let’s catch you up quickly. They are a classic Brunello Brunello producer working with very traditional methods in the subzone of Sant’Angelo in Colle, a region that tends to produce wines with big, bold personality. The resulting wines are both crowd pleasing (rich fruit, up front aromatics) and intellectually stimulating (age-worthy, not obstructed by new oak) in way that is nearly unique in Brunello, outside of names that trade for significantly more money per bottle.
That combo, and that pricing, is what makes Il Poggione a contradiction in the best way—a traditional Brunello that’s often approachable young. An ageworthy wine that doesn’t have to be aged. A wine that’s top tier collectible and respected while remaining in the reasonable stratosphere of affordability. It’s a lot for a wine to be, but luckily there it is and it’s even cheaper than it was (when they were merely excellent buys), at least until we’re sold out.
Newly Arrived
Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2013 750ML ($89.95) $59 Subscriber Special
Case-6 Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2013 750ML ($519.95) $336 Subscriber Special (that’s only $56/bottle!)
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 96 points “The 2013 Brunello di Montalcino lives up to the impeccable reputation garnered by this estate over the years. This is a profound and beautifully rendered Sangiovese that delivers bold and luscious fruit quality with black cherry and spicy plum at the start. The bouquet follows through with mild oak notes of smoke, tar and toasted nut. There is another aromatic component that includes crushed stone and dried herb or mint. This Brunello shows elegant evolution in the glass and promises a very long aging future ahead. Some 200,000 bottles were made, so it should be easy to locate this excellent wine.”
Ian D’Agata – Vinous 95 points “Bright red. Pure, refined red cherry and wild strawberry aromas and flavors complicated by sweet spices and aromatic herbs. Deep and multilayered, the wine boasts polished tannins and a harmonious acid spine that lifts and extends the red fruit on the long, suave finish. An essence of Sant’Angelo in Colle with bigger body and palate weight than, for example, the Brunellos of Montosoli, but still sleek and refined as the best wines of Sant’Angelo in Colle can be. The cool-climate-styled 2013 vintage is precisely the type of year in which Il Poggione excels: this lovely, focused wine is the best classico Brunello from Il Poggione in years. Superb.”
Love Il Poggione? Don’t miss their 2015 vintage arriving in November!
Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2015 750ML ($89.95) $62.50 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2015 750ML ($539.95) $359 pre-arrival special (that’s only $/bottle!)
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 97 points “The Il Poggione 2015 Brunello di Montalcino shows a darker and more concentrated appearance than many of its peers. The wine is beautifully abundant and fragrant in the most exuberant and expressive manner. You will recognize aromas of moist soil, tobacco and smoke. Candied cherry hovers over the entire bouquet. Fruit is sourced from older vines (all over 25 years old). Il Poggione occupies a special spot within the Montalcino appellation, and the area always produces slightly more concentrated and powerful wines. I find that to be particularly true in this gorgeous 2015 vintage. I am also very attracted to that almost dusty note of crushed mineral that rides long on the full-bodied finish. Il Poggione’s Brunello is also distinguished by firm, youthful tannin that need a few more years to unwind. Luckily, there are quite a few bottles to go around, with some 200,000 made.”
Eric Guido-Vinous 97 points “Il Poggione 2015 Brunello di Montalcino offers up a dark, earthy, almost animal-like expression, showing black soil and undergrowth, giving way to crushed black cherry, dusty spice, and dried florals which lift the experience. On the palate, soft, fleshy textures usher in fresh cherry and strawberry, as brisk acids add energy, with savory herbs and minerals saturating, as the 2015 Il Poggione’s fruit nearly masks its structural core. The finish is long yet fresh, with classic, fine tannins, dried red fruits and pretty inner floral tones lingering throughout this perfectly balanced expression. The 2015 s pure class and built for the cellar.”
James Suckling 96 points “So many sour cherries rise up from the glass, along with orange rind and lemon peel. The full-bodied palate has a very serious and concentrated core of florals and fruit, and the tannins have an iron-fisted, strapping build. Long, chewy and structured. One of the best in years from here. Drink from 2025.”
Wine Spectator 95 points “Wild herb and Mediterranean macchia notes mark this expressive red. Though well-endowed with tannins, this is on the sleek side, showing vibrant acidity. Cherry, strawberry, floral and tobacco flavors join the party as this cruises to a long finish. Best from 2023 through 2042. 9,000 cases made, 1,750 cases imported.”
The price is lowest in the country and fully $20+ per bottle lower than the average wine-searcher listing by the case. Simply put, this wine shouldn’t be available at a price like this, but here’s your chance.
If you’re unfamiliar with the wines of Il Poggione, let’s catch you up quickly. They are a classic Brunello Brunello producer working with very traditional methods in the subzone of Sant’Angelo in Colle, a region that tends to produce wines with big, bold personality. The resulting wines are both crowd pleasing (rich fruit, up front aromatics) and intellectually stimulating (age-worthy, not obstructed by new oak) in way that is nearly unique in Brunello, outside of names that trade for significantly more money per bottle.
That combo, and that pricing, is what makes Il Poggione a contradiction in the best way—a traditional Brunello that’s often approachable young. An ageworthy wine that doesn’t have to be aged. A wine that’s top tier collectible and respected while remaining in the reasonable stratosphere of affordability. It’s a lot for a wine to be, but luckily there it is and it’s even cheaper than it was (when they were merely excellent buys), at least until we’re sold out.
Newly Arrived
Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2013 750ML ($89.95) $59 Subscriber Special
Case-6 Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2013 750ML ($519.95) $336 Subscriber Special (that’s only $56/bottle!)
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 96 points “The 2013 Brunello di Montalcino lives up to the impeccable reputation garnered by this estate over the years. This is a profound and beautifully rendered Sangiovese that delivers bold and luscious fruit quality with black cherry and spicy plum at the start. The bouquet follows through with mild oak notes of smoke, tar and toasted nut. There is another aromatic component that includes crushed stone and dried herb or mint. This Brunello shows elegant evolution in the glass and promises a very long aging future ahead. Some 200,000 bottles were made, so it should be easy to locate this excellent wine.”
Ian D’Agata – Vinous 95 points “Bright red. Pure, refined red cherry and wild strawberry aromas and flavors complicated by sweet spices and aromatic herbs. Deep and multilayered, the wine boasts polished tannins and a harmonious acid spine that lifts and extends the red fruit on the long, suave finish. An essence of Sant’Angelo in Colle with bigger body and palate weight than, for example, the Brunellos of Montosoli, but still sleek and refined as the best wines of Sant’Angelo in Colle can be. The cool-climate-styled 2013 vintage is precisely the type of year in which Il Poggione excels: this lovely, focused wine is the best classico Brunello from Il Poggione in years. Superb.”
Love Il Poggione? Don’t miss their 2015 vintage arriving in November!
Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2015 750ML ($89.95) $62.50 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2015 750ML ($539.95) $359 pre-arrival special (that’s only $/bottle!)
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 97 points “The Il Poggione 2015 Brunello di Montalcino shows a darker and more concentrated appearance than many of its peers. The wine is beautifully abundant and fragrant in the most exuberant and expressive manner. You will recognize aromas of moist soil, tobacco and smoke. Candied cherry hovers over the entire bouquet. Fruit is sourced from older vines (all over 25 years old). Il Poggione occupies a special spot within the Montalcino appellation, and the area always produces slightly more concentrated and powerful wines. I find that to be particularly true in this gorgeous 2015 vintage. I am also very attracted to that almost dusty note of crushed mineral that rides long on the full-bodied finish. Il Poggione’s Brunello is also distinguished by firm, youthful tannin that need a few more years to unwind. Luckily, there are quite a few bottles to go around, with some 200,000 made.”
Eric Guido-Vinous 97 points “Il Poggione 2015 Brunello di Montalcino offers up a dark, earthy, almost animal-like expression, showing black soil and undergrowth, giving way to crushed black cherry, dusty spice, and dried florals which lift the experience. On the palate, soft, fleshy textures usher in fresh cherry and strawberry, as brisk acids add energy, with savory herbs and minerals saturating, as the 2015 Il Poggione’s fruit nearly masks its structural core. The finish is long yet fresh, with classic, fine tannins, dried red fruits and pretty inner floral tones lingering throughout this perfectly balanced expression. The 2015 s pure class and built for the cellar.”
James Suckling 96 points “So many sour cherries rise up from the glass, along with orange rind and lemon peel. The full-bodied palate has a very serious and concentrated core of florals and fruit, and the tannins have an iron-fisted, strapping build. Long, chewy and structured. One of the best in years from here. Drink from 2025.”
Wine Spectator 95 points “Wild herb and Mediterranean macchia notes mark this expressive red. Though well-endowed with tannins, this is on the sleek side, showing vibrant acidity. Cherry, strawberry, floral and tobacco flavors join the party as this cruises to a long finish. Best from 2023 through 2042. 9,000 cases made, 1,750 cases imported.”
Staff Pick
Grange Cochard’s Impressive Morgon
Andy:
Chateau Grange Cochard has a long past with recent transitions marking a renewal in the property. Thank goodness there are people who believe in the beauty of Gamay and Beaujolais as these wines are unsung heroes in French wines. The property of Grange Cochard is situated throughout Morgon, the most notable parcels sitting right atop the Cote du Py and Les Charmes. Almost all of their vines would qualify as Vielles Vignes at over 40 years of age, and the aromas of crushed stone and elegant flowers are powerful. Between the entry level Morgon VV and the Les Charmes, however, there are very different techniques at work, producing considerably different but equally pleasurable wines.
The Morgon VV is a whole cluster beauty that harness silky tannins and lighter, explosive fruit. Raspberry, strawberries, a whiff of brown spices and a lean, crunchy mineral finish. Very classic and lovely, with the potential to improve remarkably well over the next 5 to 10 years. It is a wine that reminds me of the Lapierre Morgon, but with a little more immediacy in the glass that makes me want to enjoy it a little too enthusiastically. Certainly overperforms for the opening salvo from the estate.
The Les Charmes is indeed charming, but in a very different way. If the VV is to highlight the traditional, the Les Charmes shows off the new Burgundian influence. This wine is completely destemmed, and aged in small, older Burgundy barrels rather than the traditional 3000L foudres. Here, you’re treated to a wine that seems softer and silkier despite the well structured tannins. The aromatic profile is deeper, darker, with whiffs of smoke, but still showing the powerful fruit and mineral notes that mark Morgon. While some traditionalists might pooh-pooh this new style, it has breathed new life into Beaujolais and nobody should be unhappy about that.
Overall, the two wines are lovely on their own merits, and the potential for long term cellar drinking is a plus. The volcanic nature of the soils in Beaujolais gives me hope that the older Gamay vines in the Willamette will someday catch up to the purity and verve of Morgon or Regnie. Till then, having a $21 bottle of a clearly overperforming, classic wine will just have to do.
In Stock Now:
Chateau Grange Cochard Morgon Les Charmes 2017 750ML ($29.95) $26 special
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 93+ points “Offering up notes of blackberries, cherries and dried flowers that are framed by a delicate touch of recently used oak, the 2017 Morgon Les Charmes is medium to full-bodied, broad and fleshy, with good concentration and a rich, dramatic core of fruit, framed by fine but youthfully firm tannins. Of the estate’s two lieu-dit bottlings, it’s the more forward and expressive out of the gates.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 93 points “Vivid magenta. Intense, mineral-accented red/blue fruit aromas pick up a sexy floral quality with air. Concentrated yet lively in style, offering juicy black raspberry, bitter cherry and violet pastille flavors that show excellent clarity and back-end punch. Shows a hint of candied licorice on the youthfully tannic finish, which hangs on with strong, mineral tenacity.”
Chateau Grange Cochard has a long past with recent transitions marking a renewal in the property. Thank goodness there are people who believe in the beauty of Gamay and Beaujolais as these wines are unsung heroes in French wines. The property of Grange Cochard is situated throughout Morgon, the most notable parcels sitting right atop the Cote du Py and Les Charmes. Almost all of their vines would qualify as Vielles Vignes at over 40 years of age, and the aromas of crushed stone and elegant flowers are powerful. Between the entry level Morgon VV and the Les Charmes, however, there are very different techniques at work, producing considerably different but equally pleasurable wines.
The Morgon VV is a whole cluster beauty that harness silky tannins and lighter, explosive fruit. Raspberry, strawberries, a whiff of brown spices and a lean, crunchy mineral finish. Very classic and lovely, with the potential to improve remarkably well over the next 5 to 10 years. It is a wine that reminds me of the Lapierre Morgon, but with a little more immediacy in the glass that makes me want to enjoy it a little too enthusiastically. Certainly overperforms for the opening salvo from the estate.
The Les Charmes is indeed charming, but in a very different way. If the VV is to highlight the traditional, the Les Charmes shows off the new Burgundian influence. This wine is completely destemmed, and aged in small, older Burgundy barrels rather than the traditional 3000L foudres. Here, you’re treated to a wine that seems softer and silkier despite the well structured tannins. The aromatic profile is deeper, darker, with whiffs of smoke, but still showing the powerful fruit and mineral notes that mark Morgon. While some traditionalists might pooh-pooh this new style, it has breathed new life into Beaujolais and nobody should be unhappy about that.
Overall, the two wines are lovely on their own merits, and the potential for long term cellar drinking is a plus. The volcanic nature of the soils in Beaujolais gives me hope that the older Gamay vines in the Willamette will someday catch up to the purity and verve of Morgon or Regnie. Till then, having a $21 bottle of a clearly overperforming, classic wine will just have to do.
In Stock Now:
Chateau Grange Cochard Morgon Les Charmes 2017 750ML ($29.95) $26 special
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 93+ points “Offering up notes of blackberries, cherries and dried flowers that are framed by a delicate touch of recently used oak, the 2017 Morgon Les Charmes is medium to full-bodied, broad and fleshy, with good concentration and a rich, dramatic core of fruit, framed by fine but youthfully firm tannins. Of the estate’s two lieu-dit bottlings, it’s the more forward and expressive out of the gates.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 93 points “Vivid magenta. Intense, mineral-accented red/blue fruit aromas pick up a sexy floral quality with air. Concentrated yet lively in style, offering juicy black raspberry, bitter cherry and violet pastille flavors that show excellent clarity and back-end punch. Shows a hint of candied licorice on the youthfully tannic finish, which hangs on with strong, mineral tenacity.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Chateau Grange Cochard Morgon Vieilles Vignes 2017 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 special
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 91 points “Deep, brilliant ruby. Displays an array of ripe black/blue fruit and spice qualities on the expressive nose, along with building spice and mineral elements. Smooth, broad and open-knit, showing very good depth to its juicy boysenberry and cherry flavors, which pick up a sweetening hint of cola on the back half. Supple tannins lend shape to a persistent, dark fruit-driven finish that leaves a suggestion of smoky minerality behind.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 91 points “The 2017 Morgon Vieilles Vignes wafts from the glass with a pretty bouquet of red cherries, rose petals and wild berries. On the palate, it’s medium to full-bodied, velvety and enveloping, with a layered core of fleshy fruit, ripe acids and powdery tannins that gently assert themselves on the finish. It will be even better after a year in bottle.”
Wine Spectator 90 points “Juicy acidity binds the ripe raspberry, peach and cherry flavors of this supple red, with accents of peach, floral and licorice lingering into the moderately tannic finish. Drink now through 2025. 100 cases imported.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Have Wine Ready to Pick Up?
Stop by our shop 10 am – 6 pm daily
Feel free to call ahead before you arrive or for curbside service:
#503-223-6002
(You’ll help free up some space for your next order!)
New Reviews for Staff Favorites
In Stock Now:
Championship Bottle “Lost Verses” Sauvignon Blanc Dundee Hills ($34.95) $24 special
Grapelive 92 points “A new white wine from a tiny producer in Amity that focuses on cool climate white wines with a nod to the wines of Northern Italy and especially the Friuli region, with this slightly smoky and thrilling Sauvignon Blanc showing the promise of this style of wine here…. Championship Bottle does an intriguing collection, sold mostly to their small mailing list, that includes this savvy (Sauvignon) Blanc…This Lost Verses Sauvignon Blanc, only two barrels made, shows the volcanic soils of the Dundee Hills with that mineral and smoky note, but really opens up nicely on the palate with racy lemon/lime, tart peach and crisp tropical fruits, adding hints of gooseberry and quince with time in the glass, making for an exciting example of this varietal that reminds me of some Sancerre(s) and Alto Adige, like Terlano’s Sauvignon Blanc, which is high praise! The combination of fruit and minerality is one of the hallmarks of top Sauvignon Blancs from around the world and as the winery notes, it is this quality that sets good ones apart from the mundane. I must say, after decades of not loving new world SB or Pinot Blanc, Oregon has brought me back to these grapes, plus a few inspired versions in my home state of California. Championship Bottle believe there is a bright future for Sauvignon Blanc in the Willamette, saying Lost Verses makes a strong case that Sauvignon Blanc is the most underplanted great white grape in the Willamette Valley…I might tend to agree, especially ones that have the attention to detail and care paid to them as this one had. Also, I think pushing a stylist niche makes a huge difference with this grape, as generic stainless steel and over cropped versions are extremely boring….The Lost Verses, which gained a beautiful textural richness as it came alive with air and developed a pretty white flowers aroma once the steely/smokiness blew off, came from grapes that got an extra few weeks of hang time to give more complexity, it was superb with food as well, I would buy a few more bottles if I could. The Sauvignon Blanc for this wine came from the renowned Durant Vineyard in the Dundee Hills….Like I said, I would like a few more bottles and I’ll be looking forward to Championship Bottle’s new releases that are due out soon! The zingy acidity and the oak aging were perfectly judged here and I can see this Lost Verses aging really well too, I easily imagine it evolving in profound ways, this is tasty stuff.”
Championship Bottle “Lost Verses” Sauvignon Blanc Dundee Hills ($34.95) $24 special
Grapelive 92 points “A new white wine from a tiny producer in Amity that focuses on cool climate white wines with a nod to the wines of Northern Italy and especially the Friuli region, with this slightly smoky and thrilling Sauvignon Blanc showing the promise of this style of wine here…. Championship Bottle does an intriguing collection, sold mostly to their small mailing list, that includes this savvy (Sauvignon) Blanc…This Lost Verses Sauvignon Blanc, only two barrels made, shows the volcanic soils of the Dundee Hills with that mineral and smoky note, but really opens up nicely on the palate with racy lemon/lime, tart peach and crisp tropical fruits, adding hints of gooseberry and quince with time in the glass, making for an exciting example of this varietal that reminds me of some Sancerre(s) and Alto Adige, like Terlano’s Sauvignon Blanc, which is high praise! The combination of fruit and minerality is one of the hallmarks of top Sauvignon Blancs from around the world and as the winery notes, it is this quality that sets good ones apart from the mundane. I must say, after decades of not loving new world SB or Pinot Blanc, Oregon has brought me back to these grapes, plus a few inspired versions in my home state of California. Championship Bottle believe there is a bright future for Sauvignon Blanc in the Willamette, saying Lost Verses makes a strong case that Sauvignon Blanc is the most underplanted great white grape in the Willamette Valley…I might tend to agree, especially ones that have the attention to detail and care paid to them as this one had. Also, I think pushing a stylist niche makes a huge difference with this grape, as generic stainless steel and over cropped versions are extremely boring….The Lost Verses, which gained a beautiful textural richness as it came alive with air and developed a pretty white flowers aroma once the steely/smokiness blew off, came from grapes that got an extra few weeks of hang time to give more complexity, it was superb with food as well, I would buy a few more bottles if I could. The Sauvignon Blanc for this wine came from the renowned Durant Vineyard in the Dundee Hills….Like I said, I would like a few more bottles and I’ll be looking forward to Championship Bottle’s new releases that are due out soon! The zingy acidity and the oak aging were perfectly judged here and I can see this Lost Verses aging really well too, I easily imagine it evolving in profound ways, this is tasty stuff.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Patricia Green Cellars ‘Estate Vineyard – Old Vine’ Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2018 750ML ($44.95) $33 special
Josh Raynolds 94 points “Dark scarlet. Expressive aromas of red and dark berry liqueur, exotic spices and incense take on vanilla and cola nuances as the wine opens up. Fleshy and broad in the mouth but surprisingly animated as well, offering intense, gently oak-spiced black raspberry, cherry and boysenberry flavors and a hint of candied flowers. Finishes subtly chewy and very long, with an echo of juicy blue fruit and slowly mounting tannins.”
Wine Spectator 93 points “Compelling and graceful, this offers pretty aromas of raspberry and fresh violet, with elegantly layered cherry, mineral and black tea flavors that take on tension toward refined tannins. Drink now through 2029. 898 cases made.”
Wine Enthusiast 93 points “Editor’s Choice. Happily this old vine selection is among the winery’s biggest production Pinots. The texture and detail that often accompany old vine wines are here in abundance. Flavors deftly mix black cherry, coffee and sandalwood, with toasted walnut highlights. The fruit-acid-tannin balance is textbook perfect.”
Winery Note ” As the Estate vines tap their roots deep into the soft sub-soil they eventually make contactwith the mineralized water on the property. This brings a whole new element tothe flavor and texture profile of the wine…. Given the diversity within the vineyard (we have a 360-degree aspect on our hillside vineyard) and the range of vine age (22-33years) we were able to pick at different times and then blend this together with a greater degree of diversity than we have ever had available….This wine is one of the few truly older vine bottlings that exists from Ribbon Ridge. Older vineyards here have the capacity to translate the mineral laden nature of our water and soil into the refined, focused nature of the fruit.This AVA is a special place and makes some of the most interesting, dramatic and amazing as some of our bottlings, and this is one of them!”
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Trending Wines
One of Champagne’s best known houses for a reason
Bollinger Special Cuvee Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($69.95) $54.50 special
Case-6 Bollinger Special Cuvee Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($419.95) $312 special (that’s only $52/bottle!)
Case-12 Bollinger Special Cuvee Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($799.95) $599 special (that’s only $49.92/bottle!)
James Suckling 92 points “Fine bubbles combine nicely with the cooked apples, pie crust and lemon rind. Some biscuit, too. Full body. Layered and creamy with a crisp finish. Always delicious. Drink now.” [Reviewed July 2019]
A stellar value red Burgundy from one of the Cote Chalonnaise’s stars
Domaine Michel Juillot Clos du Roi, Mercurey Premier Cru 2015 1.5L ($99.95) $79 special
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2015 Mercurey 1er Cru Clos du Roi from Laurent Juillot is superb, offering up a lovely bouquet of ripe cherries, wild berries, rich soil and incipient notes of game bird that has hardly budged since I tasted it from barrel in October 2016. On the palate, the wine is supple, deep, and medium to full-bodied, with a lovely chassis of fine tannin and the amplest core of fruit of all the domaine’s 1er crus. From a parcel planted in 1932, the domaine’s smallest holding, Juillot formerly bottled this exceptional wine exclusively in magnum, but now opts to release it in regular bottles too. It’s well worth seeking out in either format.”
Bollinger Special Cuvee Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($69.95) $54.50 special
Case-6 Bollinger Special Cuvee Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($419.95) $312 special (that’s only $52/bottle!)
Case-12 Bollinger Special Cuvee Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($799.95) $599 special (that’s only $49.92/bottle!)
James Suckling 92 points “Fine bubbles combine nicely with the cooked apples, pie crust and lemon rind. Some biscuit, too. Full body. Layered and creamy with a crisp finish. Always delicious. Drink now.” [Reviewed July 2019]
A stellar value red Burgundy from one of the Cote Chalonnaise’s stars
Domaine Michel Juillot Clos du Roi, Mercurey Premier Cru 2015 1.5L ($99.95) $79 special
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2015 Mercurey 1er Cru Clos du Roi from Laurent Juillot is superb, offering up a lovely bouquet of ripe cherries, wild berries, rich soil and incipient notes of game bird that has hardly budged since I tasted it from barrel in October 2016. On the palate, the wine is supple, deep, and medium to full-bodied, with a lovely chassis of fine tannin and the amplest core of fruit of all the domaine’s 1er crus. From a parcel planted in 1932, the domaine’s smallest holding, Juillot formerly bottled this exceptional wine exclusively in magnum, but now opts to release it in regular bottles too. It’s well worth seeking out in either format.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Drinkable, delicious Bordeaux for under $20.
Chateau de Grandchamp, Montagne-Saint-Emilion 2015 750ML ($24.95) $19.90 special
Le Guide Hachette Des Vins 2/3 stars (Vin Remarquable) “A mountain that exalts the qualities of the 2015 vintage and participated in the final of the favorites. From a blend of hand-harvested Merlot (90%) and Cabernet Franc, Château Grandchamp’s team has extracted a wine that combines power and elegance. The color of the dress is purple with violet, the nose is centered on dark fruits with spicy aromas, the palate is frisky, smooth, fruity, with fine, firm tannins and a long finish. [translated]”
Importer notes “Château de Grandchamp is the only domaine on the hillside overlooking the ancient commune of Parsac, located in the Montagne-Saint-Emilion appellation on the right bank of the Dordogne. Vigneron Gonzague Maurice manually farms Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon in densely planted vineyards rooted in clay-limestone soils with small traces of iron. The vineyard has been in organic conversion since 2010, however grass is sown regularly between vine rows and ploughing is done in alternating rows. Gonzague’s sole objective in the vineyard is to obtain perfectly ripe and clean fruit. Triage is done in both the vineyard and the cellar to ensure the highest quality grapes. In the cellar, grapes are vinified in small, temperature controlled tanks and then aged in a combination of tank and one to two year old barrels. Above all, he seeks to preserve the fruit throughout the fermentation and ageing processes. The resulting wine is aromatically vibrant and beautiful balanced with soft tannins.”
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A top, classic name in Napa Cabernet, especially with a decade of age.
Beringer Vineyards Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2009 750ML ($159.95) $99 special
Stephen Tanzer – Vinous 93 points “Full, bright ruby. Pungent scents of blackberry, cassis, licorice and bitter chocolate are complemented by a note of crystallized berries. Juicy, savory and intense, conveying a strong impression of spine without any obvious dryness. The wine’s dark berry and licorice flavors show a sexy subtle sweetness, along with salty minerality and an element of peppery lift. This classically dry, sharply delineated, penetrating wine finishes with firm but refined tannins and lovely rising violet perfume. Youthful and gripping, it displays the energy of the vintage’s better examples and should go on in a cool cellar for another two decades. (14.4% alcohol) [Reviewed July ’19]”
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve is a beautifully balanced wine. Firm yet well-integrated tannins frame a core of dark red berries, flowers, mint, spices and licorice. The Reserve shows lovely inner perfume and mid-palate juiciness. It should drink well with a minimum of cellaring. The main vineyards in the 2009 are Home (37%), Lampyridae (23%), Vogt (14%), Chabot (11%) and Rancho del Oso (9%). Each lot was aged separately for about two years before the final blend was assembled.”
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This red Pinot Gris is seductive and delicious.
Cameron Supernatural Rouge de Gris, Dundee Hills 2018 750ML ($39.95) $33 special
Winery note “This supernatural wizard wine will knock you off your hairy hobbit feet. Made from late harvest Pinot gris fermented for 1 month in amphora then aged in neutral barrels for 2 years, this light red wine has structure and pizzazz that will make your tastebuds smile. A wonderful cherry hue, with the aromatics of summer stone fruit, this wine will be a magical match with most cuisines.”
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There aren’t many producers making non-ripasso Valpolicella, but Ca’ La Bionda delivers.
Ca’ La Bionda Valpolicella Classico, Veneto 2019 750ML ($19.95) $16 special
Winery note “70 % Corvina, 20% Corvinone, 10% Rondinella and Molinara. The wine opens with a nose of fresh red fruits and floral notes that recall violets. Elegant and light, this wine is all about freshness and easy drinking, a wine to drink everyday in good company and with a wide variety of Italian style foods from pasta to roast meats.”
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One of the outstanding wines from Chateauneuf and a stellar deal for the quality.
Domaine Grand Veneur Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes, Rhone 2017 750ML ($119.95) $79 special
Jeb Dunnuck 97+ points “The 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape Vieilles Vignes is a bigger, richer, more opulent wine. Beautiful notes of blackcurrants, scorched earth, graphite, and crushed violets, all flow to a full-bodied, Châteauneuf Du Pape that has a voluptuous, sexy texture, brilliant depth of fruit, fine tannins, and a purity of fruit that’s hard to find in this vintage. It’s a thrill a minute, and while it’s approachable today, it will keep for 15-20 years. 416 cases.”
Wine & Spirits 96 points “The Jaume family has been growing grapes in Chateauneuf-du-Pape since 1826; they now own four Rhone wineries, including Domaine Grand Veneur, established in 1976. This wine comes off the estate’s oldest vines, a blend of half Grenache, the rest mourvedre, syrah and small bits of other varieties, all the parcels farmed organically. It’s a stunning wine, exuberantly fresh in its red-berry flavors while sophisticated in its detail, weaving in notes of licorice and pepper, flowers and wood spice. Even after the bottle has been open for a couple of days, the wine’s freshness doesn’t flag, the smooth, fine tannins holding it steady. This should age well for a decade at least.”
Decanter 96 points “Grown on galets, the fruit for this wine is all destemmed and fermented in stainless steel before being aged for 16 months, half in concrete and half in new barriques. The strong Mourvèdre component comes through as deep, ripe dark fruits and violets. It’s full-bodied and dense with soft, lush tannins, and is held together by a beam of strong acidity, finishing long. A lithe, muscular, impressive wine that will last the course. Just 5,000 bottles made.”
Domaine Grand Veneur Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes, Rhone 2017 750ML ($119.95) $79 special
Jeb Dunnuck 97+ points “The 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape Vieilles Vignes is a bigger, richer, more opulent wine. Beautiful notes of blackcurrants, scorched earth, graphite, and crushed violets, all flow to a full-bodied, Châteauneuf Du Pape that has a voluptuous, sexy texture, brilliant depth of fruit, fine tannins, and a purity of fruit that’s hard to find in this vintage. It’s a thrill a minute, and while it’s approachable today, it will keep for 15-20 years. 416 cases.”
Wine & Spirits 96 points “The Jaume family has been growing grapes in Chateauneuf-du-Pape since 1826; they now own four Rhone wineries, including Domaine Grand Veneur, established in 1976. This wine comes off the estate’s oldest vines, a blend of half Grenache, the rest mourvedre, syrah and small bits of other varieties, all the parcels farmed organically. It’s a stunning wine, exuberantly fresh in its red-berry flavors while sophisticated in its detail, weaving in notes of licorice and pepper, flowers and wood spice. Even after the bottle has been open for a couple of days, the wine’s freshness doesn’t flag, the smooth, fine tannins holding it steady. This should age well for a decade at least.”
Decanter 96 points “Grown on galets, the fruit for this wine is all destemmed and fermented in stainless steel before being aged for 16 months, half in concrete and half in new barriques. The strong Mourvèdre component comes through as deep, ripe dark fruits and violets. It’s full-bodied and dense with soft, lush tannins, and is held together by a beam of strong acidity, finishing long. A lithe, muscular, impressive wine that will last the course. Just 5,000 bottles made.”
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The next best price is $95
The next best price is $95
Fantastic Fondreche
Ventoux’s Powerhouse Producer
Ventoux’s Powerhouse Producer
When you read the words “Southern Rhone” you probably think of Chateauneuf du Pape: rocky fields or hills that are warm and produce big, rich wines. What if we told you there was an unexplored area of the Rhone which looked different but also produced powerful wines which were undervalued because of their home turf?
The Ventoux is a massive swath of the Rhone, east of the river and on the other side of the Dentelles from Gigondas. It sits between the heart of the Southern Rhone and Provence, and the wines have that wild, slightly untamed character that you often find in wines from the mountainous regions of Provence. Furthermore, Ventoux is attracting some top-tier talent because of the affordability of its vineyard land. Old vines on interesting soils are still available here, so young, driven winemakers are increasingly leaving Chateauneuf and Gigondas to striking out on their own in Ventoux. A prime example? The incredible, powerful wines of Domaine de Fondreche.
If you love big, powerful red wines and you’ve never had the top wines of Domaine de Fondreche, you need to rectify that situation soon. These are some of the gutsiest, most expressive wines in the Rhone, with incredible critical praise and a price tag that’s equivalent to mid-tier CdP. From their mostly Syrah “Divergente,” which puts a lot of $80 Hermitage to shame, to their “Il Etait Une Fois,” a Chateauneuf destroyer, their wines represent excellent values and compelling drinking experiences. Because of the obscurity of Ventoux, these aren’t as expensive as they probably should be, despite a multitude of scores in the high 90’s for their wines (case in point, 97 and 95 for the pair today).
Freshly Restocked, In Stock Now:
Domaine de Fondreche Ventoux Divergente 2016 750ML ($79.95) $66 special
Jeb Dunnuck 97 points “Reminding me of one of the Sélections Parcellaires Hermitage from Michel Chapoutier, the 2016 Ventoux Divergente is 90% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre that was mostly destemmed and brought up in foudre. Crème de cassis, black raspberries, peppered meats, graphite, and liquid rock notes all flow to a fat, unctuous, sexy Syrah that has beautiful acidity, fine tannin, and a huge finish. It’s a true “Wow” wine that needs to be tasted to be believed. Put this in a blind lineup of top Hermitage and shock all your friends.”
Wine Advocate 94 points “Less immediately showy and approachable than the 2016 Persia, the 2016 Ventoux Divergente is tight and focused, deserving of a couple of years in the cellar. Smoke, black olive and plum notes dominate this full-bodied wine, picking up hints of espresso on the long, tannic finish.-JC”
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Domaine de Fondreche Ventoux Il Etait une Fois, Rhone 2016 750ML ($59.95) $46 special
Jeb Dunnuck 95 points “The flagship is the 2016 Ventoux Il Etais Une Fois, which is mostly Grenache with tiny amounts of Syrah and Mourvèdre brought up all in foudre. Violets, red and black fruits, spice, and dried earth/limestone minerality all give way to an elegant, medium to full-bodied Grenache that gains depth, freshness, and purity with time in the glass. It has fine, building tannin, a seamless texture, and a great, beautiful finish. Over the previous few years, the quality of this cuvée has soared, and this is one of the finest to date.”
Wine Advocate 94 points “Coming in at the top end of the range I projected for it last year, the stunning 2016 Ventoux Il Etait Une Fois is a blend of 80% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre and 10% Syrah. It’s a voluptuous, full-bodied mix of black cherries and subtle spice notes, all carried by a seamless, plush, creamy-textured palate through a long, concentrated finish. Wow.-JC”
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Rose of the Day
Lulu Peyraud’s Domaine Tempier Rose
Little introduction is needed for Domaine Tempier, our most in-demand rosé. Their pink wine from Bandol is considered to be one of the finest examples of the genre, and the wine that sparked the craze for dry rosé in the United States (thanks largely to Kermit Lynch, Tempier’s importer).
Lulu Peyraud, the longtime proprietress of Tempier, passed away this week at 102 years old and we’ve raised a few glasses of Tempier in her honor. We’ve got a little of their landmark pink wine left, perfect for drinking in this early fall weather.
In Stock Now:
Domaine Tempier Bandol Rose, Provence 2019 750ML ($59.95) $55 special
Domaine Tempier Bandol Rose, Provence 2019 1.5L ($149.95) $119 special, only two magnums remaining!
Importer Note “The thing about Domaine Tempier’s Bandol rosé is that every time you open a bottle—no matter how many you’ve uncorked in your lifetime—it feels like a special occasion. That peachy-pink hue and iconic label turn any moment into a small celebration. Certainly, Bandol rosé is complex and pedigreed, but make no mistake: it is traditionally an apéritif wine. I like to honor it as such by taking the time to prepare as many salty and spreadable treats as I can scoop up with, or pile on top of, toasty croutons: a briny anchoïade, an earthy tapenade, or a bright and tangy sun-dried tomato purée are all great options. Avoid sticky, creamy cheeses, as they may stand in the wine’s way. The more olive oil, dried herbs, and fresh garlic, the better. Maybe you can find some plump octopus to grill and swipe with aïoli, or dip into a summery pistou. As 2020 continues to challenge us, let’s refuel our tanks with the fruits of one of the better things to happen to America in the last fifty years—Kermit importing Tempier rosé. A reason to celebrate!”
Stunning Wines from Southern Spain
Jumilla, in southern Spain, is one of the top sources for rich and dense value reds. The dominant grape there, Monastrell (AKA Mourvèdre) handles the heat well, ripening slowly without becoming overly alcoholic. The resulting wines are dark, powerful and, thanks to the limestone soils, surprisingly fresh as well.
Casa Castillo manages the trick of taking that natural richness and allying it to a bright minerality—they know they’ll get plenty of fruit and power and so try to make winemaking decisions that focus on freshness and verve. The results have been spectacular and they’ve quickly become some of our favorites. The Wine Advocate has consistently scored these wines highly for good reason—they’re thrilling bottlings. We’ve got a selection in stock now and you’d do well to stock up on all of them.
In Stock Now:
Casa Castillo Las Gravas, Jumilla 2017 750ML ($37.95) $33 special
Case-12 Casa Castillo Las Gravas, Jumilla 2017 750ML ($419.95) $369 special (that’s only $30.75/bottle!)
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2017 Las Gravas is surprisingly floral and ethereal, perfumed and elegant. Syrah has disappeared from the blend of this wine—it now has 20% Garnacha to complement the Monastrell—and they think this is going to be the blend that stays in this wine, which has seen more changes in its life than the rest of the portfolio. This is for sure the most elegant vintage for this bottling; the wine matured in 500-liter barrels and then spent four months in 5,000-liter vats after the blend was done. There are no aromas of oak whatsoever, and the wine is surprisingly fresh, as if the Garnacha helps to contain the power of Monastrell on the gravel soils, adding texture and perfume. This is beautiful. 26,500 bottles were filled in March 2019.”
Casa Castillo El Molar Tinto, Jumilla 2017 750ML ($24.95) $19.50 special
Case-12 Casa Castillo El Molar Tinto, Jumilla 2017 750ML ($299.95) $219 special (that’s only $18.25/bottle!)
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 94 points “There is a high-pitched red fruit note on the nose of the 2017 El Molar, and it’s a wine with a lot of light, something that is quite remarkable for a warm and Mediterranean year like 2017. This is a Garnacha that feels like a wine from a cool year, with plenty bright red fruit. I tasted it two weeks after it was bottled, and it felt completely harmonious and relaxed. As with most of the 2017s, this seems like the finest vintage for this wine. It has a lighter color and a more fragrant nose, and it’s immediately identifiable within the Casa Castillo range. 28,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in February 2019.”
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Casa Castillo Vino de Finca, Jumilla 2017 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special
Case-12 Casa Castillo Vino de Finca, Jumilla 2017 750ML ($299.95) $219 special (that’s only $18.25/bottle!)
Luis Gutierrez 93+ points “There is a big jump in depth, complexity and nuance between the Monastrell and the 2017 Vino de Finca, which is a blend of Monastrell with almost 25% Garnacha. This comes from four plots that were selected from what was previously used for the entry-level Monastrell; they aim was to find a wine with more finesse and elegance but with the inherent power of the zone. This is only the third vintage for this cuvée, and it feels quite established and different from the rest of the range; it has less varietal character and is more about the place, getting closer to the single-vineyard bottlings where they do not search for fruit character. The idea here is to ferment at temperatures that are quite so low and to stabilize the wine in oak barrels for a long-ish time (12 months in 500-liter barrels and 5,000-liter oak foudres). They are wines of sun and limestone. This is a good reflection of it with a perfumed and floral note on the finish (elegance!) that is quite remarkable. 31,000 bottles produced in 2017. It was bottled in November 2018.”
Collector’s Corner
2018 Diamond Creek
At Subscriber Special Pricing
Diamond Creek invented much of what we think of as pillars of cult California Cabernet. The single vineyard bottlings, the exclusive mailing list and the high price tags all seemed to spring from this tiny estate on the hillsides of Diamond Mountain. The wines are as iconic as ever—monuments to the greatness of their Napa terroir.
Stylistically, these are powerful Cabernets. Although there are distinct differences between the three vineyards, the wines show a common vein of Diamond Mountain ruggedness—an intensity of flavor and minerality that’s unique to the AVA. Diamond Creek manages to harness it to produce wines that dazzle with their complexity and age worthiness; wines that rival the finest in Bordeaux.
We’re offering a pre-arrival Subscriber Special on their stunning 2018’s—wines that will stand the test of time as some of the greatest produced in Napa. The winery is very sensitive about online pricing, so these discounts won’t display in our webstore—but don’t worry, we’ll manually adjust them before running your credit card.
Diamond Creek Subscriber Special
Subscriber Special pricing will not display online
We will manually adjust the price before finalizing your order and running your credit card.
Arriving ETA November:
Diamond Creek Volcanic Hill Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2018 750ML ($279.95) Displayed price $249, Your Price: $219 pre-arrival special, only 24 bottles available
Winery notes “Volcanic Hill is comprised of 8 acres of south facing hillside vineyard. It is the warmest of all our micro-climates. The color of the soil is gray, and the consistency is that of fluffy, volcanic ash, originally deposited from the eruption of Mt. Konocti 8 million years ago. Volcanic Hill is the longest lived of our wines. Our winemaker describes these wines as “full bodied, loaded with intense ripe berry fruit, cassis, violets and a smoky richness, finishing with good length and firm tannins. The Volcanic Hill bottling includes a small amount of the extra-ordinary Petit Verdot grape.”
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Diamond Creek Red Rock Terrace Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2018 750ML ($279.95) Displayed price $249, Your Price: $219 pre-arrival special, only 24 bottles available
Winery notes “Red Rock Terrace, a warm microclimate, is 7 acres of north facing vineyard. The red tinted soil is high in iron content. The wine from Red Rock Terrace is the most accessible and earliest drinkable of all our wines. Our winemaker describes Red Rock Terrace as “having velvety tannins, rich and well balanced, medium dark ruby color with cherry, mint and black currant flavors.”
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Diamond Creek Gravelly Meadow Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2018 750ML ($279.95) Displayed price $249, Your Price: $219 pre-arrival special, only 24 bottles available
Winery notes “Our second coolest micro-climate is our five-acre Gravelly Meadow vineyard. Originally a pre-historic river bed, this stony, gravelly soil drains rapidly and the vines struggle for moisture. Gravelly Meadow is our lowest yielding vineyard. The wines are described as “earthy, cedary, jammy and ripe blackberry with a spicy expansive finish.”
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Thanks for reading!