Jean-Luc Jamet Cote RotieThe Cult Spanish Comando G
Black Friday Specials End Sunday:
Schrader’s Cult Cabernet
Saint Cosme: Rhone Mastery
Torello Mata Cava
Sequitur’s Finest Pinot
The Willamette’s Best Value? Matello
Top Vacqueyras Reviewed by Vinous
Wine Enthusiast’s Top 100 Wines
The Hype Builds – New 2016 Vintage Ports Available
A Post-Black Friday Sale
on Jean-Luc Jamet’s Brilliant
2015 Cote Rotie
John Livingstone-Learmonth – Drinkrhone.com 5 stars “Shiny dark red, a handsome robe. The bouquet is bold, on beef stock, iron, dense black berries, has a poised, integral sweetness, airs of raspberry liqueur, oak smoke. It’s a solid start. The palate has the theme of mineral well placed through it, a lot of mountain of matter, thickening towards the finish. It holds sparkling and dense fruits – cassis, soaked cherries. It is vibrant and very full; there is real flair off its sun-dialled deck. It has great juice; it’s a treat to taste this. Decanting advised. “It has a lot of black fruits, a belle freshness to underpin it; it’s very long,”
The Cult Spanish Comando G
”
… the bottles with the most finesse and nuance, and which have drawn the most interest, are from Comando G, whose wines are now among the most compelling in Spain.”- Eric Asimov, New York TimesComando G has become one of the hottest names in the world of Spanish wines. Working with old Grenache (Garnacha) vines, Fernando García and Daniel Gómez Jiménez-Landi looked to estates like Rayas and Gramenon in the Rhone for inspiration to produce balanced, chiseled wines of delicate power and elegance. Ever since Eric Asimov profiled them in the New York Times (an excellent read, which you can find by clicking here), we’ve been trying to get our hands on these beautiful bottles.They’ve finally arrived and we’re excited to offer them to you today, at very sharp pricing.
Arriving Tuesday:
Comando G ‘Rozas Premier-Primer Cru’, Mentrida 2016 750ML ($47.95) $33 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 97 points “Superb aromatic complexity. Beautifully caught ripe strawberries, cherries and raspberries with fragrant and exotic violets and roses. A very juicy, fleshy and engaging texture. The tannins fold out in sheets and make for very compelling freshness and length. Drink or hold.”
James Suckling 93 points “Slightly tarry and meaty edges here. Reductive and punchy blackberries and black cherries with crushed violets. Really impressive, fine but powerful tannins on the palate with peppery, blackberry flavors. Sexy juice. Drink or hold.”
Don’t Forget!Black Friday Deals End Sunday at Midnight!
Black Friday Special
New Cult Cabs from Schrader
Black Friday pricing cannot be displayed online.
We will adjust pricing manually before finalizing your order.
Special ends Sunday, November 25th at 11:59PM (PT) or when sold out.
Arriving Today, November 24th:
“The gem in the lineup”
Schrader Cellars CCS Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2016 750ML ($419.95) Displayed price $399, Your price $369 for Black Friday, only 2 bottles available
Jeb Dunnuck 98-100 points “I think the gem in the lineup (which is splitting hairs as these are all gorgeous wines) is the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard CCS. Tasting like the essence of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon with its incredible cassis, blueberry, graphite, violet and scorched earth aromas and flavors, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, polished tannin, and a purity of fruit and elegance that’s hard to believe. It’s going to be impossible to resist on release (and if I had a bottle I’d probably open it the day I received it) but will certainly benefit from 3-4 years of bottle age and keep for 25+ years.”
Wine Advocate 98 points “Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon CCS has exuberant notes of plum preserves, baked blackberries and warm cassis with notions of cedar, pencil lead, Indian spices and Sichuan pepper plus a touch of rose hip tea. Very firm and structured in the full-bodied mouth, the palate is laden with tightly wound black and blue fruit layers, lifted by an exciting line of freshness and finishing on a lingering perfumed note.”
The average price is $411
Schrader Cellars GIII Beckstoffer George III Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford, Napa Valley 2016 750ML ($419.95) Displayed price $399, Your price $369 for Black Friday, only 1 bottle available
Jeb Dunnuck 97-99 points “From a site in Rutherford, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard is a huge, full-bodied, monster of a Cabernet Sauvignon that has ton of fruit, as well as tons of structure and tannin. Offering lots of blue fruits, graphite, and minerality, I suspect the tannin will integrated nicely by the time this is bottled, but it’s going to benefit from 4-5 years of cellaring nonetheless. It certainly has incredible potential.”
Wine Advocate 97 points “The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon GIII is deep garnet-purple in color with boisterous black fruits notes of crushed blackberries, warm black plums and blackcurrant cordial with touches of cedar chest, roses, tilled black soil and tar plus a waft of cloves. The palate is big, rich, full and packed with black fruit preserves and exotic spice notions with a velvety frame and a very long finish.”
The average price is $419
Schrader Cellars LPV Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2016 750ML ($419.95) Displayed price $399, Your price $369 for Black Friday, only 1 bottle available
Wine Advocate 100 points “The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard Lpv is very deep purple-black in color with an incredibly perfumed nose of potpourri, lavender and red roses with hints of oolong tea, cigar boxes and fragrant earth over a black cherry, blackberry and warm plums core. Full-bodied, firm and with wonderfully ripe, grainy tannins, it delivers mouth-filling black fruits and an epically long, wonderfully fragrant finish.”
Jeb Dunnuck 97-99 points “A wine that got a few expletives in my notes, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard LPV was one of the more tight and closed 2016 but is just stacked with potential. A huge wine, with loads of darker fruits and scorched earth aromatics, full-bodied richness, a thick, viscous texture, and building tannin, this inky black, backward, powerful 2016 needs to be forgotten for 4-6 years but will keep for decades.”
The average price is $430
Schrader Cellars RBS Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2016 750ML ($419.95) Displayed price $399, Your price $369 for Black Friday, only 2 bottles available
Jeb Dunnuck 97-100 points “One of the more opulent, sexy wines in the lineup, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard RBS boasts a deep purple color and a huge, sweet nose of blue fruits, white flowers, cassis, and spice. This full-bodied 2016 has incredible purity of fruit, a rich, layered texture, no sense of weight or heaviness, and sweet tannin. It’s going to flirt with perfection on release and cruise for 20+ years.”
Wine Advocate 97+ points “Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon RBS gives beautiful scents of lilacs and dried lavender over wild blueberries, chocolate-covered cherries, blackberry pie and eucalyptus with a touch of pencil shavings. Full-bodied and built like a brick house, it has a solid frame of grainy tannins and plenty of freshness to lift the densely packed, muscular fruit, finishing very long.”
The average price is $428
Black Friday Special
Special Pricing on St. Cosme
“For the reds, Barruol sees 2016 much as the other vignerons I have visited on this trip—with bold ripeness reminiscent of vintages like 2009 and ’10, but with a level of freshness that sets it apart….The pHs are low here too. But not as obviously different from the normal as in Châteauneuf ’16,’ he says, comparing it to his own Gigondas…The quality and style of the vintage is very consistent all over though. The impression of freshness is in all the wines.” – James Molesworth, Wine Spectator
Saint Cosme is one of the notable estates of the Southern Rhone. Louis Barroul is a talented winemaker and is the 14th generation of his family to make wines in the domaine that was founded in the 1500’s. The wines he makes are rich and powerful, with undeniable terroir signatures. 2016 looks to be an unqualified success for the estate (as with most in the Rhone). They seem to combine nearly everything we’re looking for in Rhone wines, which reminds us of something like 2005 or 2010—a rare feat.
We’re dropping the price on two of the best values in the Saint Cosme range—the St. Joseph and Crozes-Hermitage— Both are 100% Syrah and 100% delicious. They were already at the lowest prices in the country, but now they’re even lower. We’re also bringing in the new vintage of the Chateauneuf – the highly anticipated 2016.
Black Friday pricing ends Sunday, November 25th at 11:59PM (PT) or when sold out.
In Stock Now:
Saint Cosme Saint-Joseph, Rhone 2016 750ML ($29.95) Was $26, Now $24 Black Friday Special, 36+ bottles in stock now
James Suckling 94 points “A wild array of fragrant, savory spices and white pepper with a bright array of mixed berries. The palate is suave, succulent and focused. This has elegance and poise. Subtly powerful and beautifully balanced. Drink or hold.”
Jeb Dunnuck 92 points “From the northern part of the appellation (closer to Côte-Rôtie), the 2016 St. Joseph offers fresh, perfumed notes of black and blue fruits, pepper, and ample minerality. It’s more focused and chiseled than the Crozes Hermitage, with slightly less density, but is beautifully balanced, elegant and seamless. It’s another classic Northern Rhône from this estate.”
Now it’s even lower!
The average price is $36
Jeb Dunnuck 93 points “I loved the 2016 Crozes Hermitage, which comes from granite terroirs located behind Hermitage hill. It offers layers of blackberry fruit, olive tapenade, ground pepper, and violet aromas and flavors. Deep, medium to full-bodied, and seamless, it shows the purity and finesse that’s the hallmark of this vintage.”
James Suckling 93 points “White pepper and graphite here and a very spicy, stony attitude. Blackberries, a fragrant edge and plenty of sweet spice. The palate delivers a succulent array of bright, red and black fruit. Supple, even and long. Drink or hold.”
Now it’s even lower!
The average price is $32
Wine Advocate 94-96 points “Blended, but still aging in barrel, the 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape will likely be bottled in March 2019. Brandied cherries and dried spices mark the nose of this full-bodied, plush wine. It’s slightly warm, and certainly rich, but it remains fresh and long on the finish. It should be a beauty.”
Chateau de Saint Cosme Cotes du Rhone Les Deux Albion, Rhone 2016 1.5L ($49.95) $39 special
Grapelive 93 points “Louis Barruol uniquely with the Chateau version of Cotes du Rhone, Les Deux Albions, uses multiple vineyard sites to gain complexity, but still co-ferments all the grapes (together) which includes mainly Syrah, but with a good dose of Grenache, Carignan, Mourvèdre and Clairette. This 2016 is gripping stuff, deep and earthy highlighting its 100% whole cluster fermentation and Syrah-based power, especially in such a vintage. This is very serious stuff. This is not your grandpa’s Cotes du Rhone. In fact it would be hard not to think of this as a full blown Chateauneuf or Crozes-Hermitage. This wine comes from parcels of vines that are set on hardened clay hillsides of ancient alluvium, along with limestone marl and rocky pebbles with southern exposures mostly, but with enough elevation and the Mistral that gives acidity, so this inky dark wine has fantastic structure and solid tannins. The Les Deux Albions is raised in a combination of unique wooden vats with a truncated cone shape and concrete tanks. This serves this wine well allowing the terroir and old school character to excel. It’s a brilliant Rhone and a killer value. Dark meaty and leathery notes lead the way along with a bouquet of melted salty black licorice, crushed violets that leads to a bold palate of boysenberry, black plums, peppercorns, dried aromatic herbs, lavender oil, cedar and lingering blueberry all of which unfold in lively and vigorous layers. It’s a full bodied red that just gets better and better with each and every sip.”
Wine Spectator 91 points “A solid, slightly gutsy version that sports dark cherry, plum and cassis flavors inlaid liberally with violet, pepper and bramble notes. Reveals a flash of licorice root on the finish. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault. Drink now through 2020. 4,000 cases made.”
Black Friday Special
Torello Mata
Eloquent Cava at the Lowest Prices in the Country
“From a family of musicians and tailors, Agusti Torello Mata founded his winery in 1950, supporting this venture by constructing Penedes first dedicated wine laboratory. The winery now manages 100 hectares of organically farmed old vines, the youngest being 30 years. They are dedicated to producing reserva and gran reserva cavas from the traditional indigenous grape varities (Macabeo from the coast, Xarel·lo form the central area and Parellada from the pre-costal mountain range, together with the red Trepat and white Malvasia/Subirat Parent varieties). The wines are benchmarks for great cava.” –Importer note
Benchmark Cava
Agusti Torello Mata Kripta Gran Reserva Cava, Catalonia 2008 750ML ($99.95) $69 special
Macabeu 45%, Xarel·lo 20% and Parellada 35% From very old vines in the Penedès region.
Wine Advocate 92 points “The current vintage of the special cuvée is the 2008 Kripta, a classical blend of the local grapes Macabeo, Xarello and Parellada aged in contact with the lees in bottle for a long time, no less than five years, during which time the bottle is closed with a cork (it’s usually a crown stopper). Apparently this gives the wine a different character and is the way it was traditionally done. This is a polished Cava with yeast and brioche aromas and a soft palate with clean, developed flavors and integrated acidity. A benchmark for the Cavas with five years in contact with lees. 24,300 bottles produced.”
The next best price is $79.97
The average price is $88
Wine Enthusiast 92 points “Rich, mature aromas of brioche reflect autolysis. A full palate with just enough acidic freshness is layered and complex, while spiced apple flavors are yeasty. A mild note of toast melds with a hint of butter and brioche on the lingering finish. As gran reserva Cava goes, this is a winner.”
“Lightly chalky in texture and firmed by bright acidity, this snappy Cava offers flavors of Gala apple, blood orange granita, spice and slivered almond.”-Wine Spectator
Black Friday Special
Special Deals on Sequitur
Michael Etzel (founder and iconoclastic winemaker-in-chief of Beaux Freres) planted, farmed and now vinifies this site just up the hill from the Beaux Freres estate vineyard. Like the Beaux Freres wines, it’s big and rich, with abundant Ribbon Ridge character. We’re dropping the price for email subscribers for Black Friday (the winery doesn’t want us to list this price online) through the end of the weekend. Now’s your chance to get some of the Willamette Valley’s finest at the best pricing we’ll offer.
Black Friday pricing cannot be displayed online.
We will adjust pricing manually before finalizing your order.
Special ends Sunday, November 25th at 11:59PM (PT) or when sold out.
In Stock & On Sale Now:
Mike Etzel’s Sequitur Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2014 750ML ($119.95) Displayed price $99, Your Price $79, 8 bottles available
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 94 points “Limpid ruby-red. Smoky, mineral-accented aromas of black raspberry, cherry cola and incense carry a strong spicecake overtone. Stains the palate with sappy red berry liqueur, spicecake and floral pastille flavors that are lifted and given definition and tension by juicy acidity. At once rich and nervy, with no excess fat but showing excellent depth and intensity of flavor. Finishes with sexy notes of candied violet and smoky Indian spices and superb, gently tannic persistence. This wine’s Beaux Freres bloodline is very clear to see.”
The average price is $100
Mike Etzel’s Sequitur Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2015 750ML ($119.95) Displayed price $99, Your Price $79, 6 bottle available
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 95 points “Deep brilliant red. A strikingly complex bouquet evokes ripe, mineral-accented red berries, cherry cola, vanilla, five-spice powder and sandalwood. Alluringly sweet, seamless and expansive on the palate, offering concentrated black raspberry, cherry liqueur, spicecake and lavender pastille flavors that are given spine and lift by a core of juicy acidity. Delivers a compelling blend of power and delicacy and finishes extremely long and smooth; rounded tannins frame the lingering red fruit preserve notes.”
The average price is $100
Mike Etzel’s Sequitur Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2016 750ML ($119.95) Displayed price $99, Your Price $79, 8 bottles available
Wine Advocate 94+ points “Pale to medium ruby-purple in color, the 2016 Sequitur Pinot Noir has a lovely, open nose of black and red cherries and blackberries with notions of wood smoke, turned earth, autumn leaves, cardamom and potpourri. Medium-bodied, it floods the mouth with ripe black and red fruits with wonderful earthy/spicy accents, very fine, grainy tannins and mouthwatering acidity, finishing long with spice and floral layers. 480 cases produced.”
The average price is $100
Black Friday Special
The Best Value in Willamette Pinot?
Lovers of Willamette Pinot take note—the following is one of the best deals you’ll see on a bottle of wine from the valley. Even with as popular as the Scott Paul La Paulee deal has been, we’re bracing for this to potentially be bigger. We’re offering two delicious, serious wines at under $20 and all you have to put up with is a jester on the label. We’re offering two back vintages of Marcus Goodfellow’s Matello Pinot Noir at significantly lower release prices—despite the fact that these wines are much better now than when they were released.
Marcus Goodfellow’s labels have been mainstays at the shop for some time now—wines that we carry regardless of vintage, scores or overall hype. The wines are amongst the best in Oregon and consistently some of the most inspiring wines we taste. While he exclusively makes wine under the Goodfellow Family Cellars now, his original packaging all bore the “Matello” name. When you look at the Matello labels now, they seem a little campy in comparison and not a reflection of the Burgundy-influence winemaking and serious wines in the bottle. Perhaps that’s why he’s eager to move on and get rid of the last remaining stock of the Matello wines. Even if it’s not, we’re excited to offer you these great deals while they last.
Both wines are decidedly Goodfellow in style: lots of whole cluster and bright, fresh acidity. Of the two vintages, the 2013 is for those who like leaner, earthier and more delicate wines, while the 2014 has more power and richness. Marcus’ wines always benefit from a few years of bottle age (the 2010 version of these is fantastic right now) and both of these are entering a long, delicious drinking window.
In Stock Now:
Matello Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, Oregon 2013 750ML ($24.95) $16 Black Friday Special
VinopolNote: 40%+ whole cluster, bright and fresh. This has Marcus Goodfellow’s signature touch from a cooler, more elegant vintage. If this said “Bourgogne” on the label it’d be twice as expensive.
The next best price is $22
VinopolNote: Lots of whole cluster to balance out the warmth and richness of the year. 2014 power and fruit marries with spice and structure to produce a beautifully integrated bottle of Pinot Noir.
Top Vacqueyras ReviewedBy Josh Raynolds of Vinous
“Vacqueyras enjoyed virtually flawless growing seasons in 2016 and 2015 and its producers responded by making wines of consistently high quality. While prices have been steadily rising for current releases from neighboring Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Gigondas, pricing for Vacqueyras wines has mostly been holding steady, which is terrific news for wine lovers.
“While there are more similarities than differences between the 2016 and 2015 vintages in Vacqueyras, the latter vintage will gratify drinkers who gravitate toward exuberant, fruit-driven wines while the former will be better suited for those with more patience. Both years offer outstanding value: while prices have been steadily rising for current releases from neighboring Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Gigondas, pricing for Vacqueyras wines has mostly been holding steady. More important, the quality and consistency of the appellation’s wines, especially in these two outstanding recent vintages, have shown a noticeable upswing that easily outpaces any recent price hikes.” – Josh Raynolds, Vinous
In Stock Now:
Domaine Font Sarade Vacqueyras Premier Vin, Rhone 2015 750ML ($27.95) $24 special
Case-12 Domaine Font Sarade Vacqueyras Premier Vin, Rhone 2015 750ML ($299.95) $259 special (that’s only $21.58/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds 91 points “(aged for a year in new and used barriques) Limpid ruby. Expressive cherry, boysenberry, dark chocolate and spicecake aromas pick up a lavender nuance as the wine opens up. Densely packed yet energetic on the palate, offering concentrated red and blue fruit flavors and a sexy floral pastille quality. Shows impressive power on the floral- and bitter-chocolate-accented finish, which is framed by supple, even tannins.”
Josh Raynolds 91 points “(all concrete) Vivid ruby. Ripe dark fruit and floral pastille aromas are complemented by hints of five-spice powder and smoky minerals. Sappy and seamless in the mouth, offering juicy blackberry liqueur, cola and spicecake flavors that deepen and spread out steadily as the wine opens up. Closes sweet, long and smooth, with sneaky tannins shaping the wine’s plush dark fruit.”
Josh Raynolds 93 points “(made from vines that range from 80 to 100 years of age and raised entirely in concrete vats) Vivid ruby. Heady, mineral-accented blackberry, cherry liqueur and succulent herb aromas pick up suggestions of licorice and candied flowers with air. Palate-staining red and blue fruit preserve and spicecake flavors deepen and spread out steadily on the back half while maintaining energy and focus. Smoothly blends power and finesse. A smoky mineral nuance adds definition to an impressively long, sweet finish.”
Bodegas Muga Rosado, Rioja DOCa 2017 750ML ($17.95) $14 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 90 points “Bright, peppy aromas of tangerine and nectarine are clean and attractive. A healthy palate braced by proper acidity offers flavors of cantaloupe and peach, while this is steady and fresh on the finish.”#75 Wine Enthusiast Top 100 Wines Of 2018
Agusti Torello Mata Gran Reserva Brut Cava, Catalonia 2012 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 special, 35 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 92 points “Rich, mature aromas of brioche reflect autolysis. A full palate with just enough acidic freshness is layered and complex, while spiced apple flavors are yeasty. A mild note of toast melds with a hint of butter and brioche on the lingering finish. As gran reserva Cava goes, this is a winner.”
Massican Annia White, Napa Valley 2017 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 20 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 94 points “This is a refreshingly stunning blend of 55% Ribolla Gialla, 39% Tocai Friulano and 6% Chardonnay, the latter (from Hyde Vineyard) finding unexpected companionship with its Napa-grown Italian counterparts. Waxy and floral, it tastes of green apple and white peach, with a plush midpalate and lasting tension of vibrant acidity.”#4 Wine Enthusiast Top 100 Wines of 2018
Domaine Saint Damien Gigondas ‘Les Souteyrades Vieilles Vignes’, Rhone 2016 750ML ($39.95) $36 pre-arrival special, ETA December
Editors’ Choice
Wine Enthusiast 96 points “Even among a lineup of fantastic peers in a fantastic vintage, this bottling of Les Souteyrades is a stunner. It’s intensely rich, bursting with mulberry and cherry flavors, yet not brawny or dense. Finessed and fine in texture, it’s marked by soft, chalky tannins and bright, sunny acidity. The finish is long, offering lingering hints of crushed earth and garrigue. A treat to savor now–2030.”
The Eyrie Vineyards Pinot Gris, Dundee Hills 2016 750ML ($19.95) $16 pre-arrival special, arriving ETA November 30th
Wine Enthusiast 92 points “Eyrie pioneered this variety and continues a half century later to break new ground. It’s aromatically complex and elegant, with compelling flavors of waxy apple, grapefruit and star fruit. The wet stone acidity keeps it lively and fresh, but based on the winery’s history, this is a Pinot Gris that can age quite well. Drink now to 2030 and perhaps beyond.”#93 Wine Enthusiast Top 100 Cellar Selections Of 2018
Avennia Sestina Red, Columbia Valley 2015 ($69.95) $59 pre-arrival special, arriving ETA November 30th
Wine Enthusiast 93 points “This delicious blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc hails from the Red Willow, Dionysus and Bacchus Vineyards. It’s locked-up on first pour, opening to reveal bittersweet chocolate, graphite, raspberry, blackberry and dried herb notes. The palate is soft and smooth yet dense, showing sophistication, structure and impressive length. Best from 2023–2029.”
Cristom ‘Eileen Vineyard’ Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2016 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 94 points “The darkest, most muscular of the winery’s 2016 Pinots, this is loaded with ripe black cherry fruit, wreathed in a whiff of smoke. There’s a streak of cola and some lightly dusty tannins, and the length and texture argue for cellaring. Drink now–2030 and beyond.”
Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley 2015 750ML ($219.95) $179 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 96 points “This hails from Champoux, Lake Wallula, Palengat and Wallula Gap Vineyards. The aromas draw you into the glass, evoking anise, blackberry, black raspberry, graphite and exotic spices. The flavors show intense depth, richness and hedonism, and the finish seems endless. Best from 2029–2036.”#58 Wine Enthusiast Top 100 Cellar Selections Of 2018
Contrade di Taurasi Cantine Lonardo Vigne d’Alto, Taurasi DOCG 2012 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 95 points “Perfumed and loaded with finesse, this single-vineyard wine opens with enticing scents of violet, ripe black-skinned fruit, new leather and baking spice. Made with 60- to 100-year-old plants, the smooth, delicious palate delivers succulent Marasca cherry, plum, licorice and nutmeg framed in velvety tannins, making it one of the more elegant expressions of Taurasi out there. A mineral note energizes the lingering finish. Drink through 2032.”
Proprieta Sperino Lessona, Piedmont 2012 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 96 points “Structured, vibrant and boasting extreme elegance, this radiant Nebbiolo opens with enticing scents of iris, violet and crushed aromatic herb. The chiseled palate has wonderful intensity and precision, delivering red cherry, raspberry compote, star anise and Lessona’s classic salty finish. It’s still young and nervous but impeccably balanced, with taut, refined tannins and firm acidity. Give it time to unwind and fully develop. Drink 2023–2043.#27 Wine Enthusiast Top 100 Cellar Selections Of 2018
Tenuta delle Terre Nere ‘Feudo di Mezzo’ Etna Rosso, Sicily 2015 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 7 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 95 points “Scorched earth, flint, grilled herb and red berry aromas follow over to the palate along with ripe cherry, raspberry compote and baking spice. Tight fine-grained tannins provide the framework while a licorice note lingers on the finish. Drink 2020–2030.”
Produttori del Barbaresco Rio Sordo, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2013 750ML ($79.95) $59 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 97 points “Enticing scents of wild berry, rose, baking spice and balsamic aromas come together in the glass. Juicy yet full in body, the flavorsome palate shows succulent Morello cherry, cranberry, licorice and ground white pepper alongside a backbone of vibrant acidity and firm, polished tannins. It’s already exceptional, but will benefit from more aging. Drink 2020–2038.”#17 Wine Enthusiast Top 100 Cellar Selections Of 2018
Chateau Coutet, Barsac 2014 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 26 bottles in stock now
Chateau Coutet, Barsac 2014 375ML ($49.95) $39 special, 22 half-bottles in stock now (This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!)
Wine Enthusiast 97 points “Powered by intense botrytis, this wine is opulent and ripe, with spice, yellow fruit and honey flavors. It has just the right balance of acidity to maintain its shape and proportions. It’s likely to age well over many years. Drink from 2024.”
New 2016 Vintage Port
The Hype Builds
“The 2016 growing season was ideal in the Douro… I remember tasting the 2011s and speculating whether any vintage would equal them. The answer is: ‘Yes…the 2016 vintage.’“I often forget the joy of tasting young Port. Any trepidation vanished with the first sample: the succulent and ebullient black fruit with veins of blueberry and cassis, those cashmere tannins and, crucially in 2016, the silver bead of acidity that lends them so much freshness and eliminates any heaviness in the mouth.
“The general quality across the board is high and, from the selection I tasted, there is not really a weak link in the pack. The focus on quality is paramount in the Douro. Given that declarations only come around once every three or four years on average, you can bet that there is no cutting corners.
“There is no doubting the quality of these nascent 2016s. I am aware that the market can be resistant since the noble tradition of finishing dinner with a wee snifter of Vintage Port has faded in recent years. Then again, in terms of quality to price ratio it beats their equivalents Bordeaux or Burgundy hands down. Why not treat yourself to a case or two? Not only is Port more pleasurable in its youth, but these fortifieds possess in-built longevity and will give three or four decades of drinking pleasure.” – Neal Martin, Vinous
Newly Secured, Arriving ETA February 2019:
#42 Wine of the Year – James Suckling Top 100 In 2018
Quinta do Noval Vintage Port, Portugal 2016 750ML ($149.95) $119 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 98 points “This is a superb baby Noval that reminds me of the 1966. Chewy yet so polished. The light sweetness suggests an overall dialing back of the sugar content. Stemmy and lightly green. A truly classic Noval. Almost all from Pinhao. Buy. Better in 2025.”
Wine Spectator 97 points “This has terrific energy from the start, with a bramble note inlaid in the core of cherry and plum paste flavors. Sappy, sweet and fresh, with a plum cake-infused finish. Gains focus and polish as it stretches out in the glass.—Non-blind Quinta do Noval vertical (May 2018). Best from 2030 through 2055. 6,000 cases made.”
Mark Squires-Wine Advocate 97 points “The 2016 Vintage Port is a field blend, mostly Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinto Cão and Sousão, aged for 18 months in old wood. It comes in with 82 grams of residual sugar. This was in bottle for only about seven weeks when seen, but I made sure at least some of it had a lot of air. It looks super, with plenty of room to grow in the cellar. Christian Seely likes to say that this regular Noval and the Nacional are not better than one another, just different. In fact, I usually prefer Nacional, but in this vintage I make a case for equality and endorse that view. This was stunning from the first smell, promising concentration, intensity of fruit and great things to come. It had a 100-point nose that made me go “wow!” No wine I tasted had a better nose than this. Violets and blue fruits lead off, with a trace of eucalyptus. I tend to think Noval is a producer that always shows mid-palate finesse, but this seems pretty deep too. It is also intense. The tannins won’t sear your mouth because the balance is impeccable. To be sure, it might close down, but it is surprisingly approachable now, notwithstanding that intensity. Rest assured that this lively young Porto still has all the materials to make old bones. Needless to say, “approachable” does not mean “ready.” You need to toss this in the cellar for a decade, at least. Purists will say to double that or more. When the palate becomes as expressive as the nose—if it does—this will be entitled to an uptick. No pricing was set yet.”
Also Arriving ETA February 2019:
“Extremely complex aromas that show the classic Graham character”
W & J Graham’s Vintage Port, Portugal 2016 750ML ($119.95) $99 pre-arrival special
W & J Graham’s Vintage Port, Portugal 2016 375ML ($69.95) $59 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 99 points “Extremely complex aromas that show the classic Graham character of black-fruit marmalade and burnt oranges. Follows through to a full body with great grip at the finish. Lightly sweet. Chewy and powerful. Such a focus at the end.”
Wine Spectator 98 points “This offers a distilled plum and boysenberry essence, with a racy feel, as spearmint and graphite notes drive through. As the finish kicks in, this turns toward the dark side, with ganache, charcoal and tar elements. Has the showy ripeness of the vintage but is backed by a decidedly dry feel on the finish, imparting a sense of precision despite the heft. Best from 2030 through 2055.”
Wine Enthusiast 97 points “Cellar Selection. This finely structured wine is powered by fine tannins and rich fruits. A touch of acidity comes through the rich berry flavors and the concentration of the dark tannins. This wine will certainly age, don’t drink before 2028.”
Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2016 Vintage Port is a blend of 37% Touriga Nacional, 42% Touriga Franca and various others. It comes in with 115 grams of residual sugar. A bit bigger than Dow’s this year, this is more intense as well. The better wine of these two benchmarks seems to be this Graham’s. Tight on the finish, aromatic and very flavorful, this actually opens rather well and shows off its lovely fruit. The Dow’s will be approachable a bit earlier, perhaps, and this may reward aging even more. As always, Graham’s is wonderfully delicious. That’s one hallmark of the house. I’m not sure this is a truly great Graham’s, but at the moment, it is enticing, with plenty of potential for improvement. There were 6,325 cases produced, plus some bottles in other formats.”
“like a coiled spring with so much energy”
Fonseca Vintage Port, Portugal 2016 375ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 98 points “Lots of ripe fruit here with raisins and wet earth that turn to violets and hot stones. Full-bodied, tannic and powerful with fantastic grip and intensity. Grabs you. Impressive. Drink in 2025.”
Wine Spectator 97 points “This leads in with bramble, spearmint and blueberry notes, with the energy extending through the core of dark plum, blackberry and fig fruit. The finish features a strong graphite spine, allowing this to draw deep water, but this remains stylish in feel overall. Best from 2030 through 2055.”
Neal Martin – Vinous 96 points “The 2016 Fonseca Vintage Port began to be picked on 21 September at their Panascal vineyard, their Quinta do Cruzeira vineyard not picked until 6 October. It is deep, almost inky in colour. The bouquet is very intense with luscious black fruit laced with embers, clove and hints of bay leaf. There is wonderful purity here and a broodiness that suggests you’d better be patient. The palate is sweet and lively on the entry with some gorgeous ginger and curry leaf notes littered over the compact black fruit. There is wonderful density to this Fonseca. It is like a coiled spring with so much energy towards the finish that you just know this will be a long-term prospect. Superb. Production is 4,900 cases.”
“obviously destined for long aging”
Dow’s Vintage Port, Portugal 2016 750ML ($119.95) $99 pre-arrival special
Dow’s Vintage Port, Portugal 2016 375ML ($69.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 98 points “This packs a lot of fun, with a wallop of blackberry, fig, boysenberry and açai berry compote flavors working together, laced with a mouthwatering licorice snap note and driven by a fresh, well-detailed finish. A roasted apple wood accent is integrated as well, lending textural contrast through the vivacious finish. Best from 2030 through 2055.”
Wine Enthusiast 97 points “Very floral, intense and ripe, this is a wine that is based around big black fruits as well as fine acidity. It is obviously destined for long aging with its powerful dry tannins and perfumed acidity. Drink this wine from 2028.”
James Suckling 96 points “Aromas of blueberries, blackberries and dried flowers plus hints of slate follow through to a full body, very fine tannins and a driven and linear finish. Orange peel and dried fruit. Sleek and racy. Ready to try in 2024.”
Arriving ETA Late November/Early December:
“OMG” – James Suckling
Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port, Portugal 2016 750ML ($119.95) $89 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 100 points “OMG. This is really the most amazing young Taylor’s I have ever tasted. Full-bodied and lightly sweet with super power and intensity. So racy and focused. Yet this has such muscle and intensity. Needs at least eight years to show you everything it has to offer. Drink in 2025.”
Neal Martin – Vinous 97 points “In 2016 Taylor’s began picking in Vargellas on 17 September, followed by Pinhão Valley estate on 23 and 26 September. The 2016 Vintage Port has an aristocratic bouquet with tight wound aromas of blackberry, bilberry, crushed stone, black olive and a light, marine-tinged element, perhaps almost peat-like. The palate is just beautiful with fine, chiseled tannins and a perfect line of acidity. There is that almost “arching” structure one always seeks in a great Taylor’s with a gentle but insistent grip towards the finish. It is everything you really want from a Vintage Port. Production is 6,200 cases.”
“Wonderful purity here”
Fonseca Vintage Port, Portugal 2016 750ML ($119.95) $89 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 98 points “Lots of ripe fruit here with raisins and wet earth that turn to violets and hot stones. Full-bodied, tannic and powerful with fantastic grip and intensity. Grabs you. Impressive. Drink in 2025.”
Neal Martin – Vinous 96 points “The 2016 Fonseca Vintage Port began to be picked on 21 September at their Panascal vineyard, their Quinta do Cruzeira vineyard not picked until 6 October. It is deep, almost inky in colour. The bouquet is very intense with luscious black fruit laced with embers, clove and hints of bay leaf. There is wonderful purity here and a broodiness that suggests you’d better be patient. The palate is sweet and lively on the entry with some gorgeous ginger and curry leaf notes littered over the compact black fruit. There is wonderful density to this Fonseca. It is like a coiled spring with so much energy towards the finish that you just know this will be a long-term prospect. Superb. Production is 4,900 cases.”
“Opulent yet restrained”
Croft Vintage Port, Portugal 2016 750ML ($99.95) $79 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 97 points “Extremely perfumed with dark-berry and currant aromas. Hints of earth and spices. Full-bodied, round and medium sweet. Hints of resin. Opulent yet restrained. Shows ripe and beautiful fruit with clarity. Try in 2025.”
Neal Martin – Vinous 94 points “The 2016 Croft Vintage Port has a taut bouquet at first that demands a good 20 or 30 minutes to get into its stride. It eventually reveals scents of blackberry, bilberry, chimney soot, clove, and just a hint of scorched earth in the background. The palate is spicy and vivacious on the entry: black fruit, clove, white pepper and curry powder (almost like a Balti!) I love the personality imbued into this Croft, a Vintage Port that seems to be wearing its heart on its sleeve. Excellent. Production is 3,050 cases.”