Cheval des Andes; Feature New Arrival from Marques de Caceres; Last Chance For Some Champagne Deals; New Beaujolais Reviews from Josh Raynolds; 2015 Clape and Vieux Telegraphe Arrive; New Arrivals from Domaine Leflaive, Pietracupa, Bott-Geyl and More!; Just Arrived Masterful Mercurey from Michel Juillot
Crazy Low Price on the Highly Praised
Newest Release of Cheval des Andes
Just Arrived!
Subscriber Special
Ends Saturday, December 16th at 11:59 PM
Buy 1 – 5 bottles – Your price is $59/bottle
Six bottles @ $319/six/pack (that’s only $53.17/bottle!)
Terrazas de Los Andes ‘Cheval des Andes’, Mendoza, Argentina 2013 750ML ($89.95) Displayed price: $69; Your subscriber price until Sat Midnight: $59 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Terrazas de Los Andes ‘Cheval des Andes’, Mendoza, Argentina 2013 750ML ($479.95) Displayed price: $369; Your subscriber price until Sat Midnight: $319 pre-arrival special (that’s only $53.17/bottle!)
James Suckling 98 points “The purity of fruit is so impressive here with flowers, dark fruit, and strawberries. Full body, ultra-fine tannins, and a focus and beauty that makes you think. So long and elegant. 67% malbec, 25% cabernet sauvignon and 8% petit verdot.”
Wine Advocate 96 points “At Cheval des Andes they consider 2013 as a warm vintage, because even if the winter saw average temperatures, the spring and summer were warmer than normal. The 2013 Cheval des Andes came up to 67% Malbec, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Petit Verdot mostly from their vineyards at Las Compuertas at some 1,1000 meters altitude and some fruit from their 15 hectares at La Consulta in the Valle de Uco, that they use when they don’t find it too ripe. Even if they tend to pick early, the bottled wine is a ripe and heady blend hitting the scale at 15% alcohol fermented relatively warm (28 degrees Celsius) for some 25 days. After malolactic in tank, all different lots go into barrel and they try to make the blend as soon as possible, usually during the first winter so the wine ages together for some 15 to 18 months in French oak barriques. They have reduced the amount of new wood used (only 30%) to avoid overwhelming the fruit with aromas but providing complexity and clarifying the wine naturally. From this vintage onward they have been able to not acidify the wine, as they changed their approach to viticulture, and they are now able to burn the green notes and harvest early, with natural acidity and lower alcohol. The key to this is to get something like 30-35 hectoliters per hectare. I think this is absolutely the right approach, and this change started in 2010–with 100% estate fruit, no oenological products used, fresh maturity without greenness through lower yields. In 2013.”
Decanter 94 points “When Château Cheval Blanc’s Pierre Lurton visited Mendoza in the late 1990s, he teamed up with Roberto de la Mota, finding a block of ungrafted Malbec planted in 1929 in Las Compuertas. Selected for its elegant, refined expression, Cheval des Andes was born once the use of the revered Cheval name had been personally sanctioned by LVMH’s owner Bernard Arnault. Malbec has taken over from Cabernet Sauvignon as the senior partner in the blend, as its properties in viticulture and winemaking have become better understood. ‘After 18 years of experience,’ says Lorenzo Pasquini, technical manager and winemaker, ‘our aim is to create the same vision and style in Mendoza as at Château Cheval Blanc: ageing potential with elegance, complexity, freshness and balance.’ Scented cedar gives way to a lip smackingly rich black fruit quality, polished oak adding to a suave texture, before morphing into a firmer structure of youthfully vigorous grip and a fresh acid spine.Drinking Window 2018 – 2030.”
Stephen Tanzer – Vinous 94 points “Bright, dark ruby. Sexy oaky high tones to the classy scents of blackberry, cassis, licorice pastille, tobacco leaf and violet. Wonderfully fine-grained wine with a seamless, velvety texture and terrific restrained sweetness to its blackberry, licorice and mineral flavors. Very penetrating, savory, rather powerful wine with terrific ripe tannins, a repeating licorice pastille quality and outstanding rising length. Really terrific subtle sweetness of fruit here. Has the density of texture and energy for a slow and eventful evolution in bottle.”
Case-6 Terrazas de Los Andes ‘Cheval des Andes’, Mendoza, Argentina 2013 750ML ($479.95) Displayed price: $369; Your subscriber price until Sat Midnight: $319 pre-arrival special (that’s only $53.17/bottle!)
James Suckling 98 points “The purity of fruit is so impressive here with flowers, dark fruit, and strawberries. Full body, ultra-fine tannins, and a focus and beauty that makes you think. So long and elegant. 67% malbec, 25% cabernet sauvignon and 8% petit verdot.”Wine Advocate 96 points “At Cheval des Andes they consider 2013 as a warm vintage, because even if the winter saw average temperatures, the spring and summer were warmer than normal. The 2013 Cheval des Andes came up to 67% Malbec, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Petit Verdot mostly from their vineyards at Las Compuertas at some 1,1000 meters altitude and some fruit from their 15 hectares at La Consulta in the Valle de Uco, that they use when they don’t find it too ripe. Even if they tend to pick early, the bottled wine is a ripe and heady blend hitting the scale at 15% alcohol fermented relatively warm (28 degrees Celsius) for some 25 days. After malolactic in tank, all different lots go into barrel and they try to make the blend as soon as possible, usually during the first winter so the wine ages together for some 15 to 18 months in French oak barriques. They have reduced the amount of new wood used (only 30%) to avoid overwhelming the fruit with aromas but providing complexity and clarifying the wine naturally. From this vintage onward they have been able to not acidify the wine, as they changed their approach to viticulture, and they are now able to burn the green notes and harvest early, with natural acidity and lower alcohol. The key to this is to get something like 30-35 hectoliters per hectare. I think this is absolutely the right approach, and this change started in 2010–with 100% estate fruit, no oenological products used, fresh maturity without greenness through lower yields. In 2013.”
Decanter 94 points “When Château Cheval Blanc’s Pierre Lurton visited Mendoza in the late 1990s, he teamed up with Roberto de la Mota, finding a block of ungrafted Malbec planted in 1929 in Las Compuertas. Selected for its elegant, refined expression, Cheval des Andes was born once the use of the revered Cheval name had been personally sanctioned by LVMH’s owner Bernard Arnault. Malbec has taken over from Cabernet Sauvignon as the senior partner in the blend, as its properties in viticulture and winemaking have become better understood. ‘After 18 years of experience,’ says Lorenzo Pasquini, technical manager and winemaker, ‘our aim is to create the same vision and style in Mendoza as at Château Cheval Blanc: ageing potential with elegance, complexity, freshness and balance.’ Scented cedar gives way to a lip smackingly rich black fruit quality, polished oak adding to a suave texture, before morphing into a firmer structure of youthfully vigorous grip and a fresh acid spine.Drinking Window 2018 – 2030.”
Stephen Tanzer – Vinous 94 points “Bright, dark ruby. Sexy oaky high tones to the classy scents of blackberry, cassis, licorice pastille, tobacco leaf and violet. Wonderfully fine-grained wine with a seamless, velvety texture and terrific restrained sweetness to its blackberry, licorice and mineral flavors. Very penetrating, savory, rather powerful wine with terrific ripe tannins, a repeating licorice pastille quality and outstanding rising length. Really terrific subtle sweetness of fruit here. Has the density of texture and energy for a slow and eventful evolution in bottle.”
Subscriber Special Ends Saturday, December 16th at 11:59 PM!
Featured New Arrival
Marques de Caceres Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2012 750ML ($29.95) $18.50 specialCase-12 Marques de Caceres Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2012 750ML ($299.95) $199 special (that’s only $16.58/bottle! –The lowest listed price in the USA today!)
#19 Wine Of The Year – Wine Spectator Top 100 2017
Wine Spectator 93 points “Black cherry, currant and floral notes are expressive and alluring, balanced by loamy earth, tobacco and mineral elements that add a savory quality. Firm, well-integrated tannins give support to the polished texture, while orange peel acidity fuels the fresh finish. Drink now through 2027.”
Last Chance for Unheard of Champagne Deals
Thierry Triolet Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($31.95) $28 special
Case-6 Thierry Triolet Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($179.95) $149 special (that’s only $24.83/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 90 points “(90% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Noir; 10 g/l dosage): Light yellow. Vibrant, mineral-accented aromas of fresh citrus and orchard fruits, with suave floral and candied ginger notes adding complexity. Fleshy and broad on entry, then tighter in the mid-palate, offering juicy green apple and orange zest flavors and a touch of white pepper. Closes silky and smoky, with good clarity and length.”
Case-6 Thierry Triolet Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($179.95) $149 special (that’s only $24.83/bottle!)Josh Raynolds–Vinous 90 points “(90% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Noir; 10 g/l dosage): Light yellow. Vibrant, mineral-accented aromas of fresh citrus and orchard fruits, with suave floral and candied ginger notes adding complexity. Fleshy and broad on entry, then tighter in the mid-palate, offering juicy green apple and orange zest flavors and a touch of white pepper. Closes silky and smoky, with good clarity and length.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $34.98
The average price is $38
The next best price is $34.98
The average price is $38
Thierry Triolet Cuvee Grande Reserve Blanc de Blancs, Champagne NV 750ML ($39.95) $31.90 special
Case-6 Thierry Triolet Cuvee Grande Reserve Blanc de Blancs, Champagne NV 750ML ($219.95) $179 special (that’s only $29.83/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 91 points “Pale gold. Intense citrus and orchard fruit aromas are complicated by notes of honeysuckle, tarragon and iodine. Chewy tangerine and pear skin flavors become silkier and spicier with aeration. Shows a seductive floral quality on the clinging finish, which features a dusty mineral nuance and a touch of buttered toast.”
Case-6 Thierry Triolet Cuvee Grande Reserve Blanc de Blancs, Champagne NV 750ML ($219.95) $179 special (that’s only $29.83/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 91 points “Pale gold. Intense citrus and orchard fruit aromas are complicated by notes of honeysuckle, tarragon and iodine. Chewy tangerine and pear skin flavors become silkier and spicier with aeration. Shows a seductive floral quality on the clinging finish, which features a dusty mineral nuance and a touch of buttered toast.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $38
The average price is $38
Thierry Triolet Brut Rose, Champagne NV 750ML ($37.95) $33 special
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 90 points “Light orange-pink. Ripe, spice-accented cherry and tangerine on the fragrant, vinous nose. Fleshy and broad in the mouth, offering pliant red berry and orchard fruit flavors and a hint of candied rose. Seems like there’s a lot more pinot in this blend. Closes chewy and firm, with building spiciness and a hint of bitter orange pith.”
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 90 points “Light orange-pink. Ripe, spice-accented cherry and tangerine on the fragrant, vinous nose. Fleshy and broad in the mouth, offering pliant red berry and orchard fruit flavors and a hint of candied rose. Seems like there’s a lot more pinot in this blend. Closes chewy and firm, with building spiciness and a hint of bitter orange pith.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $45
The average price is $50
The next best price is $45
The average price is $50
Jose Michel & Fils Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($39.95) $31.90 special
Case-6 Jose Michel & Fils Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($219.95) $179 special (that’s only $29.83/bottle!)
Jose Michel & Fils Brut, Champagne NV 375ML ($21.95) $18 special
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 91 points “(70% Pinot Meunier and 30% Chardonnay; 9 g/l dosage): Light yellow-gold. Fresh tangerine, pear and sweet butter on the fragrant nose. Smooth and weighty in the mouth, offering pliant orchard fruit and melon flavors and a bracing kick of bitter citrus zest. A minerally element adds lift and cut to the penetrating finish, which leaves a suave floral note behind.”
Case-6 Jose Michel & Fils Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($219.95) $179 special (that’s only $29.83/bottle!)
Jose Michel & Fils Brut, Champagne NV 375ML ($21.95) $18 special
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 91 points “(70% Pinot Meunier and 30% Chardonnay; 9 g/l dosage): Light yellow-gold. Fresh tangerine, pear and sweet butter on the fragrant nose. Smooth and weighty in the mouth, offering pliant orchard fruit and melon flavors and a bracing kick of bitter citrus zest. A minerally element adds lift and cut to the penetrating finish, which leaves a suave floral note behind.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $38
The average price is $38
New Beaujolais Reviews
From Josh Raynolds – Vinous Media
Anne-Sophie Dubois Fleurie Clepsydre, Beaujolais 2015 750ML ($31.95) $28 special, 28 bottles in stock nowAnne-Sophie Dubois Fleurie Clepsydre, Beaujolais 2015 1.5L ($79.95) $66 special, 2 magnums in stock now
Josh Raynolds 93 points “Lurid ruby. A highly perfumed bouquet evokes ripe red fruits, Indian spices, incense and smoky minerals. In a rich yet distinctly elegant style, offering concentrated, alluringly sweet raspberry and cherry liqueur, floral pastille and spicecake flavors that show excellent clarity and back-end thrust. Suave and seamless in texture, but possesses impressive structure thanks to a core of juicy acidity. The long, floral-dominated finish is shaped by supple tannins and shows serious tenacity.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Domaine Jean-Claude Lapalu Brouilly Cuvee des Fous, Beaujolais 2015 750ML ($41.95) $36 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds 93 points “Limpid purple. Ripe, highly perfumed red berry and cherry scents are complicated by suggestions of peppery spices, smoked meat and incense. Sappy, concentrated and focused on the palate, offering intense black raspberry, cherry and floral pastille flavors and a suggestion of spicecake. Brawny yet surprisingly lively, closing with powerful thrust and silky, even tannins that sneak in late to add shape and gentle grip.”
Josh Raynolds 93 points “Limpid purple. Ripe, highly perfumed red berry and cherry scents are complicated by suggestions of peppery spices, smoked meat and incense. Sappy, concentrated and focused on the palate, offering intense black raspberry, cherry and floral pastille flavors and a suggestion of spicecake. Brawny yet surprisingly lively, closing with powerful thrust and silky, even tannins that sneak in late to add shape and gentle grip.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Joseph Drouhin Domaine des Hospices de Belleville Brouilly, Beaujolais 2015 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 special
Case-12 Joseph Drouhin Domaine des Hospices de Belleville Brouilly, Beaujolais 2015 750ML ($299.95) $239 special (that’s only $19.92/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds 91 points “Deep lurid red. Fresh, mineral-accented red berry and cherry scents; deeper licorice and black cardamom nuances emerge with aeration. Juicy, focused and nicely concentrated, offering bitter cherry and red currant flavors that take a sweeter turn on the back half. Lingers with strong, spicy persistence on the finish, which is framed by dusty, building tannins.”
Case-12 Joseph Drouhin Domaine des Hospices de Belleville Brouilly, Beaujolais 2015 750ML ($299.95) $239 special (that’s only $19.92/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds 91 points “Deep lurid red. Fresh, mineral-accented red berry and cherry scents; deeper licorice and black cardamom nuances emerge with aeration. Juicy, focused and nicely concentrated, offering bitter cherry and red currant flavors that take a sweeter turn on the back half. Lingers with strong, spicy persistence on the finish, which is framed by dusty, building tannins.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Joseph Drouhin Domaine des Hospices de Belleville Fleurie, Beaujolais 2015 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 special
Josh Raynolds 92 points “Vivid ruby. Very fresh and expressive on the nose, offering intense cherry and red berry liqueur qualities and a smoky mineral overtone. Shows very good freshness and thrust on the palate; vivacious raspberry and bitter cherry flavors become sweeter on the back half. Displays excellent clarity and delineation and closes long and sweet, featuring lingering red fruit character and harmonious tannins.”
Josh Raynolds 92 points “Vivid ruby. Very fresh and expressive on the nose, offering intense cherry and red berry liqueur qualities and a smoky mineral overtone. Shows very good freshness and thrust on the palate; vivacious raspberry and bitter cherry flavors become sweeter on the back half. Displays excellent clarity and delineation and closes long and sweet, featuring lingering red fruit character and harmonious tannins.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Joseph Drouhin Domaine des Hospices de Belleville Morgon, Beaujolais 2015 750ML ($24.95) $18 special
Josh Raynolds 91 points “(sourced from a 12-acre parcel of vines named Château Gaillard; made with whole clusters, which are fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks, as well as destemmed grapes that are fermented and aged in used 500-liter oak barrels) Brilliant magenta. Spicy and focused on the nose, displaying intense, mineral-accented cherry and dark berry aromas and a suggestion of violet. Taut and nervy on the palate, offering bitter cherry and black currant flavors that are lifted and given spine by a core of juicy acidity. Powerful yet light on its feet, showing firm closing grip, subtle tannins and lingering dark fruit and mineral notes. This wine handles the ripeness of the vintage quite well.”
Josh Raynolds 91 points “(sourced from a 12-acre parcel of vines named Château Gaillard; made with whole clusters, which are fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks, as well as destemmed grapes that are fermented and aged in used 500-liter oak barrels) Brilliant magenta. Spicy and focused on the nose, displaying intense, mineral-accented cherry and dark berry aromas and a suggestion of violet. Taut and nervy on the palate, offering bitter cherry and black currant flavors that are lifted and given spine by a core of juicy acidity. Powerful yet light on its feet, showing firm closing grip, subtle tannins and lingering dark fruit and mineral notes. This wine handles the ripeness of the vintage quite well.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
2015 Clape and Vieux Telegraphe
Two Masters of the Rhone
New Releases
It’s no secret that 2015 is considered a landmark vintage in the Rhone. Across all appellations, the vintage was warm, trouble free and resulted in powerful wines with great density and impressive aromatics. That Clape had a great year should come as no surprise—the domaine has ascended to the top tier of producers in the Northern Rhone and is considered the benchmark for Cornas in many critic’s minds. Likewise, Vieux Telegraphe made wines that recalled their 2007 and 2009 bottlings—these are ageworthy powerful Chateauneuf du Pape. We just got both our allocations in and don’t expect them to last long.
Whites:
Domaine Auguste Clape Saint-Peray Blanc, Rhone 2016 750ML ($69.95) $59 special
Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe Chateauneuf-du-Pape La Crau Blanc, Rhone 2016 750ML ($79.95) $66 special
Wine Spectator 95 points “Ripe and rich, but focused, with verbena, bitter almond and wet stone notes threading through the core of creamed yellow apple, pear and melon flavors. Very long, with a gorgeous salted butter echo. Drink now through 2020.”JM
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Red:
Domaine Auguste Clape Cornas, Rhone 2015 750ML ($179.95) $149 special
Domaine Auguste Clape Cornas Renaissance, Rhone 2015 750ML ($99.95) $89 special
Domaine Auguste Clape Cotes du Rhone 2016 750ML ($69.95) $49 special
Domaine Auguste Clape Le Vin des Amis, Rhone 2016 750ML ($39.95) $33 special
Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe Chateauneuf-du-Pape La Crau, Rhone 2015 750ML ($79.95) $69 special
Wine Spectator 95 points “This has a lovely, perfumy mix of savory, mint, tobacco, blood orange, cherry and bergamot notes, with finely beaded acidity and silky but ample structure. Long, mineral- and shiso leaf-infused finish. Best from 2020 through 2035.”JM
New Arrivals
California
Rodney Strong Single Vineyard Alexander’s Crown Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley 2013 750ML ($79.95) $53.50 special
Robert Parker 94 points “A famous wine from the early days of The Wine Advocate, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander’s Crown Single Vineyard comes from a lower elevation of 250 to 360 feet. The wine displays broad, sweet crème de cassis, black cherry and blueberry fruit, some licorice, graphite, a full-bodied mouthfeel, and outstanding length and purity. This is a beauty, and makes me think back to the great 1974, which was the first one I remember tasting.”
Robert Parker 94 points “A famous wine from the early days of The Wine Advocate, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander’s Crown Single Vineyard comes from a lower elevation of 250 to 360 feet. The wine displays broad, sweet crème de cassis, black cherry and blueberry fruit, some licorice, graphite, a full-bodied mouthfeel, and outstanding length and purity. This is a beauty, and makes me think back to the great 1974, which was the first one I remember tasting.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
France – Burgundy
Domaine Leflaive Clavoillon, Puligny-Montrachet Premier Cru 2015 750ML ($199.95) $169 special
Wine Spectator 93 points “A fresh style, with a gossamer texture framing lemon, apple and white peach flavors. Accents of baking spices and mineral add depth as this unfolds to a long, intense aftertaste. Best from 2019 to 2025.”
Burghound 90-93 points “Outstanding. Here too there is a trace of matchstick character on the slightly riper aromas that feature notes of apple compote, lavender and hints of the exotic and citrus elements. The rich, generously proportioned and fleshy medium weight flavors possess more size and weight than is usual for this wine thanks to the copious level of dry extract that confers a sappy texture to the moderately structured and notably dry finish in the context of the vintage.”
Wine Spectator 93 points “A fresh style, with a gossamer texture framing lemon, apple and white peach flavors. Accents of baking spices and mineral add depth as this unfolds to a long, intense aftertaste. Best from 2019 to 2025.”Burghound 90-93 points “Outstanding. Here too there is a trace of matchstick character on the slightly riper aromas that feature notes of apple compote, lavender and hints of the exotic and citrus elements. The rich, generously proportioned and fleshy medium weight flavors possess more size and weight than is usual for this wine thanks to the copious level of dry extract that confers a sappy texture to the moderately structured and notably dry finish in the context of the vintage.”
Domaine Leflaive Puligny-Montrachet, Cote de Beaune 2015 750ML ($149.95) $119 special
Wine Spectator 91 points “The nose is shy, but this steps up to the plate, with flavors of lemon pie, peach and spring blossom. Stays focused and intense through the citrusy aftertaste. Drink now through 2022.”
Burghound 89-91 points “Outstanding. A pretty and airy nose offers up notes of apple, pear, acacia blossom and both lemon and orange peel scents. There is once again fine volume and intensity to the medium-bodied flavors that possess markedly better complexity on the notably tighter finish that is shaped by moderately firm citrus-tinged acidity.”
Domaine Leflaive Les Pucelles, Puligny-Montrachet Premier Cru 2015 750ML ($359.95) $319 special
Wine Spectator 95 points “This is ripe, brimming with peach, lime, floral and pastry aromas and flavors, backed by vivid structure. In the end, this is harmonious, offering a racy profile, with an essence of lime blossom and stone on the aftertaste. Best from 2020 to 2032.”
Burghound 92-94 points “In contrast to the relative expressiveness of most of the prior wines, this is much more reserved and only grudgingly reveals its aromas of honeysuckle, essence of pear and soft oak nuances. The caressing and very refined middle weight flavors possess a highly seductive mouth feel that also brims with dry extract while delivering excellent length on the beautifully complex and persistent finale that, like the Combettes, is unusually dry relative to what is common for the vintage. Class in a glass.”
Domaine Camille et Laurent Schaller Chablis, Burgundy 2015 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
France – Other White
Domaine Bott-Geyl Metiss, Alsace 2015 750ML ($19.95) $16 special
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine Aux Moines Savennieres La Roche aux Moines, Loire 2015 750ML ($37.95) $33 special
This is the only listing in the USA today!
France – Other Red
Domaine Lafage ‘Tessellae’ Carignan Vieilles Vignes, IGP Cotes Catalanes 2015 750ML ($17.95) $14 special
Wine Advocate 92 points “A sensational value the readers should snatch up is the 2015 IGP Cotes Catalanes Tessellae Carignan Vieilles Vignes! This full-bodied, ripe, sexy red has incredible purity of fruit, no hard edges and classic notes of blackberries, plums, spice and pepper. It’s a screaming deal.”
Wine Advocate 92 points “A sensational value the readers should snatch up is the 2015 IGP Cotes Catalanes Tessellae Carignan Vieilles Vignes! This full-bodied, ripe, sexy red has incredible purity of fruit, no hard edges and classic notes of blackberries, plums, spice and pepper. It’s a screaming deal.”
Italy – Sicily
Cantine Intorcia ‘3 Gen’ Marsala Superiore Riserva Ambra Dolce, Sicily 2004 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
Importer notes: “A dense amber yellow, with yellow topaz highlights. Consistent and intense, with assertive notes of honey, caramel and carob, apricot and candied orange peel, pine nuts, almonds and walnut. Full on the palate, smooth and honeyed, with just the right equilibrium between freshness and alcohol impact. Persistent and elegantly structured.”
Importer notes: “A dense amber yellow, with yellow topaz highlights. Consistent and intense, with assertive notes of honey, caramel and carob, apricot and candied orange peel, pine nuts, almonds and walnut. Full on the palate, smooth and honeyed, with just the right equilibrium between freshness and alcohol impact. Persistent and elegantly structured.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Francesco Intorcia Heritage Vintage 2004 Marsala Vergine Secco, Sicily 2004 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
Importer notes: “An authentic Marsala, with a brightly luminous yellow body with golden highlights. Pleasurable vanilla notes with allusions to straw. Overt notes of spirit-soaked dried fruit and nuts, toasted almonds and orange peel. Full-tasting, dry, warm and smooth, its nose and palate experiences perfectly wedded, vibrant freshness and sapidity. An innately elegant wine, perfectly structured and persistent.”
Importer notes: “An authentic Marsala, with a brightly luminous yellow body with golden highlights. Pleasurable vanilla notes with allusions to straw. Overt notes of spirit-soaked dried fruit and nuts, toasted almonds and orange peel. Full-tasting, dry, warm and smooth, its nose and palate experiences perfectly wedded, vibrant freshness and sapidity. An innately elegant wine, perfectly structured and persistent.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Francesco Intorcia Heritage Malvasia Liquoroso Sicilia IGT, Sicily NV 500ML ($24.95) $19 special
Importer notes: “The Intorcia family traditionally uses three grape varieties to produced its liqueur wines. Delicate, moderately sweet, various taste strands typical of these grapes emerge: citrus, honey, apricot jam, dried figs, raisins, caramelised almonds”
Importer notes: “The Intorcia family traditionally uses three grape varieties to produced its liqueur wines. Delicate, moderately sweet, various taste strands typical of these grapes emerge: citrus, honey, apricot jam, dried figs, raisins, caramelised almonds”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Francesco Intorcia Heritage Zibibbo Liquoroso Sicilia IGT, Sicily NV 500ML ($24.95) $19 special
Importer notes: “The Intorcia family traditionally uses three grape varieties to produced its liqueur wines. Delicate, moderately sweet, various taste strands typical of these grapes emerge: citrus, honey, apricot jam, dried figs, raisins, caramelised almonds.”
Importer notes: “The Intorcia family traditionally uses three grape varieties to produced its liqueur wines. Delicate, moderately sweet, various taste strands typical of these grapes emerge: citrus, honey, apricot jam, dried figs, raisins, caramelised almonds.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Italy – Other
Scala Bianco Ciro, Calabria 2016 750ML ($14.95) $14 special
Winery notes: “100% Greco. Clear straw-coloured yellow with green-like tints, elegant and bright with scent of white flowers. Dry, cool and tasty, well-balanced and with a refined aftertaste.”
Winery notes: “100% Greco. Clear straw-coloured yellow with green-like tints, elegant and bright with scent of white flowers. Dry, cool and tasty, well-balanced and with a refined aftertaste.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Pietracupa Quirico Rosso Irpinia, Campania 2013 750ML ($37.95) $24 special
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Just Arrived
Michel Juillot’s Masterful Mercurey
We’re going to beat this drum pretty hard: Buy 2015s from the best producers in “unknown” and lesser villages in Burgundy. Warm years, like 2015, tend to raise the qualitative floor more than push the top end wines to new heights. The top end 2015s are going to be spectacular, but the “other” wines of Burgundy are unusually excellent in this vintage. For villages like Fixin, Santanay and especially Mercurey, 2015 represents the best vintage to buy since 2009—and in the hands of a master like Michel Juillot, these are especially wines to pay attention to.
Mercurey is the top village in the Cote Chalonnaise, which exists in between the Cote d’Or and the Macon. It boasts 32 Premier Cru vineyards and one of the highest volumes of red wine production, with the wines tending to be elegant and lighter. In warmer years (and from better producers) the wines put on more substance, resembling wines from the Cote de Beaune. 2015 is a perfect year for the region, and in the best hands the wines deliver outstanding value.
Michel Juillot is one of those top producers, the head of a family farming in the Cote Chalonnaise for generations (and with his son, Laurent, assuming more of the winemaking responsibilities, the tradition looks to continue. The estate owns a number of different parcels in a dizzying number of climats, with old vines throughout. Winemaking is pretty hands off, as well—these are wines that have polish, but not excessively so. In 2015, they’re extremely smart buys—someone in 10+ years is going to mistake one for a solid Volnay or Beaune 1er (blind) and you’re going to look like a genius, especially for the prices.
Domaine Michel Juillot Mercurey Les Vignes de Maillonge Blanc, Cote Chalonnaise 2015 750ML ($29.95) $24 special
Importer Note “87, 57 and 52 years old (1928, 1958, 1963) vines on clayey limestone, clear marl, with hard pebbles on the surface. Entirely hand-harvested, selective picking on sorting table. Natural yeasts. Full bunches on the press. Fermentation in barrels and demi-muids. Malolactic fermentation completed. Aged 12 months in oak, 20% new.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $28.99
The next best price is $28.99
Domaine Michel Juillot Bourgogne Rouge, Burgundy 2015 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special
Importer Note “41 and 26 years old (1974, 1989) vines on clayey limestone marl soils. Entirely hand-harvested, selective picking on sorting table. 100% destemmed, open fermentor. Low intrusive vinification, with such a level of concentration, the structure comes naturally and allows all the soil expression. Natural yeasts. Vertical press. Malolactic fermentation completed. Aged 1 year in large oak casks.”
Importer Note “41 and 26 years old (1974, 1989) vines on clayey limestone marl soils. Entirely hand-harvested, selective picking on sorting table. 100% destemmed, open fermentor. Low intrusive vinification, with such a level of concentration, the structure comes naturally and allows all the soil expression. Natural yeasts. Vertical press. Malolactic fermentation completed. Aged 1 year in large oak casks.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine Michel Juillot Clos Tonnerre, Mercurey Premier Cru 2015 750ML ($37.95) $29 special
Importer Note “57 years old vines on hard limestone with chert soils. Entirely hand-harvested, selective picking on sorting table. 100% destemmed, open fermentor. Low intrusive vinification, with such a level of concentration, the structure comes naturally and allows all the soil expression. Natural yeasts. Vertical press. Malolactic fermentation completed. Aged 18 months in oak barrels, 15% new.”
Importer Note “57 years old vines on hard limestone with chert soils. Entirely hand-harvested, selective picking on sorting table. 100% destemmed, open fermentor. Low intrusive vinification, with such a level of concentration, the structure comes naturally and allows all the soil expression. Natural yeasts. Vertical press. Malolactic fermentation completed. Aged 18 months in oak barrels, 15% new.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine Michel Juillot Mercurey Les Vignes de Maillonge Rouge, Cote Chalonnaise 2015 750ML ($37.95) $29 special
Importer Note “57 and 33 years old (1958, 1982) vines on clayey limestone, clear marl, with hard pebbles on the surface. Entirely hand-harvested, selective picking on sorting table, 100% destemmed, open fermentor, 18 days temperature controlled vatting with little intrusion, vertical press. Malolactic fermentation completed. Aged 18 months in oak barrels, 15% new.”
Importer Note “57 and 33 years old (1958, 1982) vines on clayey limestone, clear marl, with hard pebbles on the surface. Entirely hand-harvested, selective picking on sorting table, 100% destemmed, open fermentor, 18 days temperature controlled vatting with little intrusion, vertical press. Malolactic fermentation completed. Aged 18 months in oak barrels, 15% new.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
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