A Top Malbec Blend from Michel Rolland
A Library, Ex-Cellar Pessac-Leognan Steal
Just Arrived: Dal Forno Amarone and More
Albert Mann’s Alsatian Treasures
Two From Galicia: The Outstanding Wines of Albamar
First Offer: 2016 and ’17 Clos des Lambrays
Trending Wines of the Week
The Coveted Jouan Clos St-Denis
Goodfellow Re-Stocks!
New 2018 Rosé Arrivals
A Top Malbec Blend
From Michel Rolland
Just Arrived:
Clos de los Siete by Michel Rolland, Vista Flores 2015 750ML ($19.95) $14 special
Case-12 Clos de los Siete by Michel Rolland, Vista Flores 2015 750ML ($219.95) $149 special (that’s only $12.42/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 91 points “Offers a lithe and well-cut blend of cherry, dried berry, currant and spice box flavors that mesh easily. The richly textured finish lingers with creamy notes. Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2021. 54,000 cases made. –KM”
James Suckling 93 points “A fine and fresh wine with blueberries and fresh herbs. Medium body, refined and focused. Linear and tight texture. Very long and bright. Layered and delicious. Drink and enjoy.”
Wine Advocate 90 points “2015 was the first of the rainy El Niño vintages, which resulted in some challenges for the Valle de Uco, where the grapes for the 2015 Clos de Los Siete red blend are grown. The blend changes with the year and is decided by tasting, but it’s always more than 50% Malbec complemented with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Petit Verdot. Thirty percent of the wine remains unoaked to keep the freshness, and the rest matured in first, second and third use barriques for 11 to 12 months. This is a regular and harmonious wine with a commercial profile, approachable, polished and sleek. The palate is medium to full-bodied with round, lush tannins and clean flavors. 780,000 bottles produced.”
Library, Ex-Cellar Pessac-Leognan
From a Classical Old-School Producer
We’re always on the hunt for older Bordeaux that offers good value. Generally, we’re looking for wines made in traditional styles from good, but not “epic” years and this 2007 Haut Bergey perfectly fits the bill. The more famous the vintage, the less likely it is that we can pick up wines for way below their true (drinking) value. Plus, there are barely “off-vintages” these days—a mid-tier vintage from the 00’s would have been top class in the 80’s due to the change in climate and vinicultural practices. 2007 was a throwback year—a reminder of what Bordeaux looked like before Parker and Haut Bergey produced a delicious, age-worthy wine. At this sort of pricing, you’re going to want to stock up.
“This wine is a game-changer. A true knockout epiphany wine for anyone claiming to be allergic to ‘off vintages’ from Bordeaux. It is an absolutely delicious drinking wine and will likely remain so for quite some time. We’ve enjoyed tremendous success with many ‘off vintage’ ex-chateau parcels approaching maturity; we’ve also been strong supporters of Haut Bergey and its serious pedigree-to-value ratio. But this is our first ‘off vintage’ Haut Bergey parcel, and we are pretty stoked to have found and imported this parcel after its restful decade-long slumber in the Chateau’s cellar. [They] are notorious for rigorous viticulture and being strong luminary figures for organic, natural and conscientiously-made Bordeaux. All facts which I presume many may already be familiar with. Haut Bergey’s ~30ha of clay and gravel-based vineyards (planted 55% Cab Sauv / 45% Merlot, though the 2007 has much more Cab Sav in its blend) have been exclusively farmed 100% organically for decades, long before gaining official organic certification in 2017….we are confident this will prove to become one of those textbook off-vintage epiphany wines for many who take the plunge.” – Importer Note
Chateau Haut-Bergey, Pessac-Leognan 2007 750ML ($39.95) $28 special
Case-12 Chateau Haut-Bergey, Pessac-Leognan 2007 750ML ($389.95) $299 special (that’s only $24.92/bottle!)
Decanter 18/20 – Four Stars “Inky dark. Nose sooty, mineral, smoky. Palate has sweet fruit and firm tannins. Good concentration of flavour here. Very good fruit sweetness and ripeness of flavour, allied with fresh acidity. Very stylish wine. Long, fruity, mineral finish. Drink 2016-23. 4 stars.”
Robert Parker “A sleeper of the vintage, this constant over-achiever’s 2007 exhibits notes of plum sauce, soy, spice box, and unsmoked, high class cigar tobacco. This round, generous sleeper of the vintage shows good density, medium to full body, and a silky, smooth style. Drink it over the next 7-8 years.”
Stephen Tanzer “Full medium ruby. Wild if subdued aromas of black cherry, dark chocolate, licorice, game and leather. Juicy and intense but a bit youthfully bound-up, with fresh acidity perking up the concentrated, chewy mid-palate. A bit extractive but plenty rich for the year, and not green. The wine’s building tannins call for a few years of patience.”
Dal Forno Amarone and More!
We’re excited to share our latest offer on Dal Forno: the 2010 Amarone & 2011 Valpolicella–both just arrived!
In Stock Now:
Dal Forno Romano Vigneto Monte Lodoletta, Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 2010 750ML ($399.95) $319 special
Monica Larner – Wine Advocate 98 points “This is a deeply communicative and articulate wine that boasts immense power and persistence. The 2010 Amarone della Valpolicella Monte Lodoletta is a creation of enormous beauty and unflinching intensity. The wine speaks at loud volumes with black cherry, spice, tarry smoke, barbecue marinade and grilled rosemary. Those balsam notes add length and continuity to the bouquet. In the mouth, the wine is complete and penetrating. It wraps thickly over the palate to soothe and entice your taste buds. Yet there is enough crispness to keep it from feeling cloying or too heavy. There is a point of tannic astringency on the finish that will accompany this wine over the next decade of its aging evolution. For that reason, it’s best to wait before popping the cork on this memorable vinous experience.”
James Suckling 97 points “Aromas of roses and other flowers with a deep fruit intensity. Full-bodied, dense and ultra-fine with a beautiful texture. Lots of new wood now but this will amalgamate with time into the wine. Fabulous potential. Drink or hold.”
Wine Spectator 95 points “Like a gymnast, this focused red shows both power and grace. Finely meshed flavors of blackberry puree, fig cake and Earl Grey tea leaf are framed by refined, dusty tannins, with a lasting finish expands on the palate with spice and smoky mineral details. Drink now through 2030. 450 cases imported.”
Wine Advocate 94+ points “Built like a tank, the 2009 Valpolicella Superiore Monte Lodoletta is a masterful achievement. This wine shows so beautifully, especially in a warm but balanced vintage like 2009. The fruit is expressive and articulate with deep layers of blackberry preserves, dried cherry, dark chocolate, espresso bean, mesquite smoke and soy sauce. The mouthfeel is super rich and concentrated as the Dal Forno signature style would dictate. The tannic bite is still strong and this wine needs a few more years to stretch out its muscular build. I’d suggest drinking it after 2018.”
The average price is $99
James Suckling 94 points “A powerful and dense red with so much concentration of fruit and chocolate undertones. Hints of toasted oak. Full body and a velvety texture. Fantastic and dense red as usual. Drink now.”
Monica Larner – Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2011 Valpolicella Superiore Monte Lodoletta is a darkly concentrated but carefully balanced expression that only the most expert vintner can pull off with success. Consider that the dry extract is a massive 48 grams per liter. In fact, there is some minor precipitation of color matter even at this relatively young age. This wine was aged in new oak for two years (instead of the standard three years) with four years bottle (instead of three). That extra year in glass served to help the wine integrate and to reduce micro-oxygenation. The bouquet is bright and fragrant with floral notes of rose and violet that are rare to find in Valpolicella. There are faint tertiary notes as well that add to the complexity. You will find cured leather and savory spice. The finish offers enough acidity to refresh the palate, following that considerable density and thickness.”
Wine Spectator 92 points “Mulled cherry, spice box, dried rose and leather flavors are an aromatic entry to this rich and grippy Valpolicella. Full-bodied yet silky on the palate, with a long, saturated finish of fruit, tarry smoke and balsamic notes. Drink now through 2028.”
The average price is $98
Albert Mann’s Alsatian Treasures
We just received a few new wines from the producer, including the incredible-value Pinot Blanc (which is actually based on Auxerrois). These always disappear quickly, so if you love Alsatian wine, pick up a few now.
In Stock Now:
Albert Mann Pinot Blanc, Alsace 2016 750ML ($24.95) $18 special
Case-12 Albert Mann Pinot Blanc, Alsace 2016 750ML ($259.95) $189 special
Ian D’agata 91 points “Golden-tinged yellow. Delicately spicy, honeyed notes of apple and pear. Fresh, sweet and very juicy flavors similar to the aromas. Finishes long and crisp, with a repeating note of apple. This wine showcases the juicy nature of the 2016 vintage; it’s rare to drink Auxerrois wines that are so fresh and lively. (As is almost always the case in Alsace, even though this wine is labeled “Pinot Blanc,” it is made with a large percentage of Auxerrois, a totally different variety.) This clocks in at 4 g/L residual sugar and 4.7 g/L total acidity and tastes dry. The grapes were harvested in two different passes, on September 20 and in October 13. Lots of flavors and only 12.5% alcohol; the blend is 80% Auxerrois and 20% Pinot Blanc.”
Albert Mann Gewurztraminer Steingrubler, Alsace Grand Cru 2016 750ML ($49.95) $33 special
Ian D’agata-Vinous 92 points “Vivid yellow-gold. Aromas of tropical fruit, exotic spices, yellow flowers and citrus peel, plus a smoky note; this smelled like it had been hit by some botrytis. Very rich but suave and fine-grained, offering exotic flavors of mango and orange peel that are focused by a noteworthy mineral spine (Steingrubler means “stone quarry”). Offers compelling sweetness and intensity, but also firm acidic lift. I’d love to try this with a Hawaiian pizza or a spicy pork dish with pineapple chutney! A portion of these grapes were harvested late, on November 3 (the majority were harvested on September 7). An outstanding Gewürz that has a hint of sweetness but also impeccable balance. 13.5% alcohol, 29 g/L residual sugar and 4.5 g/L total acidity.”
Wine Advocate 92+ points “The 2015 Grand Cru Furstentum Riesling is very pure and spicy on the smoky, quite elegant nose. Rich, ripe and concentrated on the palate, with stewed fruit flavors and 26 grams of unfermented sugar, the finish is lingeringly salty and very stimulating.”
The next best price is $47.99
The Outstanding Wines of Albamar
Bodegas Albamar ‘Albamar’ Albarino, Rias Baixas 2017 750ML ($24.95) $19 special
Wine Advocate 92 points “The entry-level Albariño is the eponymous 2017 Albamar. It reflects very much the house style of pure, clean and fresh wines with the character of the grape and the austerity of the granite soils. It also has the great balance and freshness from an early harvest that I anticipated to be warmer and rounder. It shows great length and a long, tasty and salty finish. Very tasty and pleasant but with seriousness. 53,000 bottles.”
The next best price is $21.99
The average listed price is $24
Wine Advocate 91 points “Mostly from the Chantada zone in Ribeira Sacra, the 2017 Fusco fermented destemmed in stainless steel and was bottled completely unoaked. It saw a maceration of 20 to 25 days and was bottled after it spent the winter in stainless steel. It’s very pleasant, fresh and easy to drink, but it’s not banal and is more about the granite soils than the variety—simple, transparent, straightforward. A degree more sophisticated and deep than the 2015. There are 13,000 bottles of this.”
2016 and ’17 Clos des Lambrays
Arriving in April:
Domaine des Lambrays Clos des Lambrays Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits 2016 750ML ($319.95) $269 pre-arrival special
John Gilman 96 points “The grand cru here was raised in fifty percent new oak this year and is one of the stars of the 2016 vintage. The stunning bouquet delivers a complex combination of red and black cherries, black plums, pigeon, dark soil tones, raw cocoa, woodsmoke and a touch of nutty oak. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied and shows off beautiful depth at the core, with plenty of sappiness in reserve, a great soil signature, ripe, suave tannins and a very, very long, nascentlycomplex and vibrant finish. I love this wine’s potential!”
Wine Spectator 96 points “A racy style, defined by bracing acidity propelling the black currant, blackberry, iron, earth and spice flavors to a lingering conclusion. Balanced and full of energy, this needs time to really settle in and reveal all its facets in a harmonious way.”
Decanter 94 points “Vinified with 85% whole cluster fruit, the 2016 Clos des Lambrays wafts from the glass with a brooding bouquet of blueberry, wild berries, smoked duck, spice and rosehip. The wine is sappy, with lovely depth and concentration, a fine but firm structural chassis, succulent acids, and a long, penetrating finish. An elegant rendition of this wine in its largest harvest since 1999.”
The next best price is $274.99
The average listed price is $302
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 92-95 points “The 2017 Clos des Lambrays Grand Cru unfurls in the glass with complex aromas of plums, cassis, dark chocolate, warm spices, licorice and rich soil tones, delicately framed by new oak. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, ample and satiny, with a fleshy core of fruit, succulent acids and powdery tannins. My intuition is that this will turn out to be both a little more concentrated and a little more structurally giving than the 2016 rendition.”
Neal Martin-Vinous 92-94 points “The 2017 Clos des Lambrays Grand Cru was picked September 3–11 and includes 90% whole bunches in this vintage, matured in 50% new oak. Two tanks were chaptalized and the alcohol is around 13.5°. This has a classic Clos des Lambrays bouquet, quite understated at first, precise but tightly coiled. There is fine purity here. The palate is medium-bodied with crunchy black fruit laced with tobacco and graphite and a fine line of acidity. Not the most persistent Clos des Lambrays that has ever been made, but perhaps one of the most elegant and poised.”
Vignobles Prissette Villa Symposia Coteaux du Languedoc l’Origine 2013 750ML ($39.95) $33 special
Wine Advocate 93 points “The terrific 2013 Pézenas l’Origine shows the hallmark spice-laced perfume of this appellation. Lots of red fruits, crushed flowers, spice and violet nuances give way to a medium-bodied, elegant and sweetly fruited 2013 that has fine tannin and a seamless, sexy texture. Drink this beauty anytime over the coming 5-6 years.”
Peter Lauer Fass 8 Ayler Kupp Riesling Kabinett, Mosel2017 750ML ($34.95) $28 special
Mosel Fine Wines 93 points “The 2017er Ayler Kupp Kabinett Fass 8 was made from fruit harvested at a comparatively low 80° Oechsle on the original Kupp hill. It offers a superb nose of candied grapefruit, lemon zest, cassis, white flowers and chalky minerals, all wrapped into some residual scents from its spontaneous fermentation. The wine develops the presence of a beautiful Spätlese but with the light-footed and focused structure of a Kabinett on the palate. The finish is vibrant, pure, precise, fruit-driven and above all incredibly persistent and deliciously fruity and tart. This stunning expression of fruity Riesling will prove irresistible at maturity. 2027-2042.”
Stuart Pigott-jamessuckling.com 92 points “A strong Kabinett but also a very vibrant one. This has wonderful lemony freshenss at the long finish. A great wine for spicy food. Drink now or in 2019 and 2020.”
The next best price is $32.99
Case-12 Newton Vineyard ‘Skyside-Red Label’ Claret, North Coast 2016 750ML ($299.95) $169 special (that’s only $14.08/bottle!)
Newton Vineyard ‘Skyside-Red Label’ Claret, North Coast 2016 750ML ($24.95) $16 special
#96 Wine Enthusiast Top 100 Wines of 2018
Wine Enthusiast 90 points “Mint, chocolate and cherry flavors intermingle in this dry, full-bodied and firmly tannic wine blended from Bordeaux grape varieties. It offers plenty of blackberry notes shaded by black pepper and smoke and will stand up to the juiciest protein you can order.”
By the case this is the lowest listed price in the country!
Perseval-Farge C. de Pinots Premier Cru Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
Importer note “The “C. de Pinots” is a blend of Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. A gentle pressing is done with a vertical press and the juice is vinified in stainless steel vats and in barrels (not new). A part of the wine goes through a malolactic fermentation. This cuvée is typically a blend of several vintages with at least 40% being reserve wine. The Champagne rests 48 months “sur lattes” before being disgorged. The dosage is 7g/L.”
The next best price is $44.89
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
Wine Advocate 94 points “The flagship wine, the 2015 Chateauneuf du Pape, is a blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre, 15% Syrah and 5% other permitted varieties. It features delicate floral scents and ample cherry and licorice aromas. Somehow, it manages to be full-bodied and almost creamy in texture but without much weight, then it ends powerfully, with a flourish of rich Mexican chocolate on the long, silky finish. It should drink well for up to 20 years.”
Couldn’t afford the DRC? Buy another landmark producer for a lot less coin.
Biondi Santi Tenuta Greppo Annata, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2012 750ML ($199.95) $169 special
Wine Enthusiast 96 points “Underbrush, ripe berry, new leather and Mediterranean herb aromas slowly take shape in the glass. Showing youthful tension, the vibrant palate delivers red cherry, pomegranate, white pepper and pipe tobacco notes framed by bright acidity and taut, refined tannins. It already shows great balance and finesse but is still young and tight. Drink 2022-2035.”
James Suckling 95 points “Love the dried lemon rind, florals and red fruits. Medium to full body and a solid core of fruit and spices. Long and flavorful finish. Just a hint of sweet tobacco. Better in 2020.”
Arriving in April:
Philippe Jouan Clos Saint Denis Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits 2016 750ML ($259.95) $219 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2016 Clos Saint-Denis Grand Cru wafts from the glass with a glorious bouquet of dark berries, rose petals, candied peel, rich soil and dark chocolate. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, ample and layered, with excellent concentration, satiny tannins and a fleshy core of succulent and pure fruit, concluding with a long, precise finish. It’s a bit sappier than the richer, more gourmand 2015 rendition but the two wines are similar in ultimate quality.”
The next best price is $234.95
Previously Sold Out, Now Available Again!
While we tend to carry most every wine that Goodfellow releases, we wanted to highlight the re-arrival of a number of wines that had previously sold out. These include some half-bottles, which we get lots of requests for, as well as more stocks of Chardonnay, the Whistling Ridge white blend and a few Pinot bottlings.
In Stock Now:
Goodfellow Family Cellars Richard’s Cuvee Chardonnay, Ribbon Ridge 2014 375ML ($24.95) $20.90 special
Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2014 Chardonnay Richard’s Cuvee knocks it out of the park with a nose of ripe apricots, pink grapefruit and guava underscored by fresh ginger, baking bread, beeswax and yeast extract hints with a waft of jasmine. Medium-bodied, the palate is very elegant and refined, with incredible freshness and depth wrapped in a lovely satiny texture, finishing with long lasting mineral and spices layers. Wow!”-LPB
Winery note “Dry-farmed chardonnay from a 1-acre parcel at Whistling Ridge, hand-picked, whole-cluster pressed. After a brief period settling the wine is racked into large French oak vessels. Fermentation and elevage lasts about 21 months on the gross lees. The shallow marine sediment soils and windy environs at Whistling Ridge produce a Chardonnay that is mineral, deep and long with chalky citrus fruit.”
Winery note “From a single acre of mixed Dijon and Heirloom clones, the Richard’s Cuvée aptly demonstrates the closing gap between Willamette Valley Chardonnays and white Burgundy. The ridge top exposure and shallow sedimentary soils imbue this wine with the energy and mineral finish of the very best Chardonnays.”
Winery Note: “The Clover Reserve Pinot Gris is produced from hand picked fruit that is whole-cluster pressed, and racked to foudre, puncheon, and barrique after a brief period settling. Fermentation is with native yeasts and elevage is mostly in neutral French oak with a small percentage of Acacia. The wine spends 14 months on the gross lees before being racked a single time before bottling. There is beautiful balance of acidity, purity of fruit and richness.”
VinopolNote: This is a field blend of Riesling, Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc and Gewurtztraminer (all pressed off as white). Fresh, delicious and crisp, this is a perfect wine for fish and charcuterie (or by itself, if we’re being confessional).
Goodfellow Family Cellars Durant Vineyard Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2016 750ML ($47.95) $39 special
Winery note “Durant vineyard sits on a gentle east facing slope rising from 200-700ft in the heart of the Dundee Hills. The Pinot Noir sits at the mid-point of the hill rising up to about two thirds of the way up. Optimally situated for collecting gentle morning sunshine, cooling the plants in the afternoon, and draining cold air down the hill. The iron infused clay soils give wines from the Durant vineyard a silken texture, classic Dundee Hills aromatics, and weightless power. Paul Durant is the second generation of Durants to farm this 60 acre vineyard, first planted in 1973.”
Goodfellow Family Cellars Whistling Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2016 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
Winery note “Whistling Ridge Vineyard was first planted in 1990. The 14 acre vineyard sits on the ridge top, with a slight south-east aspect, catching the evening breeze from the northwest year round. Shallow soils force roots deep in Oregon’s drought summer conditions, creating wines defined by elegance married to structure. Mixed clonal plantings of Pinot noir, Chardonnay, Pinot gris, and Riesling have been carefully hand grafted by Patricia.”
Goodfellow Family Cellars Whistling Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2015 375ML ($29.95) $24 special
Wine Advocate 93 points “From a vineyard planted in 1990, the pale to medium ruby colored 2015 Pinot Noir Whistling Ridge Vineyard has a spicy nose of coriander, warm cinnamon, potpourri and dried leaves over a core of baked cranberry and red cherry fruit with meaty/savory touches. Light to medium-bodied, it has spice-laced red fruits in the mouth, with a great frame of fine-grained tannins and wonderful freshness, finishing very long and very spicy. 270 cases produced.”
VinopolNote “Whistling Ridge has become Marcus Goodfellow’s Cros Parantoux—a vineyard that somehow went overlooked but now produces exceptional wines in the right hands. Nestled on the ridgetop abutting the Beaux Freres Upper Terrace, wines from Whistling Ridge tend to be compact and powerful—built for aging. Lots of spice and floral notes blend with a mix of black and red fruits for a stellar wine that’s one of the best versions yet.”
Winery notes: “Made with great thought, our reserve wine is crafted to stand strong for years to come. The genesis was a wine to age for our son to enjoy one day. Thus, it seems more new oak and is made from our favorite parcel of the vintage. Lay down for as long as you can, as patience is to be rewarded. Whistling Ridge Vineyard Pinot from a 1990 planting aged for 20 months in French oak. Sedimentary soils with a South/Southeast exposure at 350-450’ elevation. Dry farmed.”
In Stock Now:
Ayres Estate Rose of Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2018 750ML ($19.95) $17 special
Winery note “A Rose of Pinot Noir where you can actually experience the Pinot Noir! We deliberatly pick this block of Pinot Noir specifically for our Rose. We find our eastern-most Pommard rows offers a nice spicy element to this Rose. Try it. You’ll like it.”
Case-12 Chateau Gassier Cotes de Provence ‘Esprit Gassier’ Rose 2018 750ML ($249.95) $196 special (that’s only $16.33/bottle!)
Importer Note: “Esprit Gassier” is the “Gassier Spirit” that combines the exceptional terroir of the Sainte-Victoire region with Côtes de Provence varietals to produce a wine that expresses the family’s passion, expertise and creativity. The beautiful label, designed by a local artist, is silk-screened on the bottle to create a striking package. A very clear rosé with shades of peach. Intense nose with delicate aromas of white flowers and white fruit (peach). A second nose unveils spicy notes as well as scents of clementine. The mouth is round with notes of citrus fruits and a slight and healthy final acidity
Winery note “The Malbec, Tannat and Cab france were picked when the acid was bright and the sugars moderate, and whole clusters pressed directly. The juice was allowed to brown by oxygen and then racked into half stainless steel and half neutral barrels for fermentation. It’s a pale salmon color this year full of bright citrus, floral and red fruit. 67% Malbec, 25% Tannat and 8% Cab franc. On a warm, bluebird, autumn day of harvest, gorgeously glowing red fruit from the Rogue Valley rolled down the sorting table leaving a stream of rosy colored juice in its wake. Across the table I saw the same colored reflected in the sweet little faces of my dear friends’ babies and I knew I needed to make a rosé.”
Chateau de Roquefort Cotes de Provence Corail Rose 2017 750ML ($24.95) $16 special
Case-12 Chateau de Roquefort Cotes de Provence Corail Rose 2017 750ML ($279.95) $169 special
Josh Raynolds 90 points “Brilliant pink. Incisive and highly perfumed, displaying intense aromas of fresh red berries, tangerine and succulent flowers that show impressive delineation and mineral lift. Stains the palate with juicy raspberry, pink grapefruit and candied lavender flavors that deepen steadily on the back half. Finishes long, minerally and smooth, with repeating citrus fruit and floral character and a touch of spicy white pepper. This wine delivers superb bang for the buck.”
Domaine de Terrebrune Bandol Rose, Provence 2017 750ML ($31.95) $27.75 special
Case-12 Domaine de Terrebrune Bandol Rose, Provence 2017 750ML ($349.95) $299 special (that’s only $24.92/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds 92 points “Light, bright orange. Intense, mineral-laced citrus fruit, redcurrant and peach aromas, along with a sexy floral overtone. Juicy and penetrating on the palate, offering subtly sweet red berry and pit fruit flavors that tighten up and become more nervy on the back half. Smoothly blends power and finesse and finishes with outstanding clarity and mineral- and floral-driven persistence.”
The average price is $35
Case-12 Clos Sainte Magdeleine Cassis Rose, Provence 2017 750ML ($449.95) $299 special (that’s only $24.92/bottle!)
Importer Note “Cassis is not only an active port, but what Kermit calls “an earthly paradise.” The vineyards of Clos Sainte Magdeleine are particularly stunning. They jut out on a private cape to meet majestic limestone cliffs, poised spectacularly above the sparkling, azure Mediterranean. With landscapes such as these, it is only fitting that writers and poets alike have found inspiration in Cassis. Only a handful of vignerons today are fortunate enough to produce A.O.C. Cassis, and the small quantities available are largely consumed locally with fresh fish—the best way to enjoy them.”
The average price is $37
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 90 points “Light lurid orange. Mineral-accented red berry and floral aromas are complemented by a subtle mineral element that gains power as the wine opens up. Juicy and expansive in the mouth, showing appealingly sweet raspberry, tangerine and lavender flavors and seamless texture. Concentrated yet lively in style, finishing with strong mineral thrust and a suave floral echo.”
VinopolNote “Charvin remains one of the best producers of old school, traditional Chateauneuf du Pape (the 2013, in stock now, is savory, gutsy and delicious). They also make a fantastic Cotes du Rhone rosé, all peaches and cherries on the nose. On the palate you get more of the same with a touch of citrus zest and a bright crisp finish. This wine is nicely medium bodied and one of those that you can pair with everything from grilled fish to hamburgers and grilled lamb. Like their reds, this is made from organically farmed grapes and fermented with indigenous yeasts.”