In Today’s Newsletter:
Faiveley’s Rising Star in Burgundy
Rosé of the Day
Terre Nere’s Daily Drinker
Trending Wines of the Week
Library Vérité (Rare Bottles from a Tough to Source Star)
Last Tranche of the (Best Ever?) Dominus
Staff Pick: Chablis on a Half-Shell
New Grapelive Review for an Ayoub Value
The Great Scott Paul Selloff, Recapped
Faiveley’s Rising Star in Burgundy
The best time to buy Burgundy is often after a generational change at an underperforming estate. The wines often dramatically jump in quality and the world takes a while to catch on to the change. Prices stay reasonable, the wines aren’t tightly allocated…until all of a sudden both of those things aren’t true. Then you wish you’d bought more.
At the tail end of their undervalued stage is Faiveley, the old school producer who for years made fiercely tannic, rustic Burgundy that was solid value but rarely profound with less than 30 years of age on it. That all changed in 2007, when Erwan Faiveley took over from his father and transformed the wines into seductive versions that were approachable young and seem to be even more terroir transmissive than before. At this point, the market is starting to catch up to the change in quality, but for a year or two more you should be able to find and buy these wines below the superstar prices they’ll soon command.
2016 was a very good year for Faiveley. It was an excellent year across Burgundy, but for the venerable Burgundy producer it was exceptional, as Erwan Faiveley continues to transform the estate into one of the best producers in Burgundy by any measure. Faiveley is justly proud of how much of their wine is made from domaine (estate) vineyards (now farmed organically) and clearly labels them under the “Domaine Faiveley” label (purchased fruit is labeled as Joseph Faiveley). The focus on farming is a sign of the overall intensity that the producer is putting on quality and it shows.
That focus, combined with more care in the cellar, mean that the jump in quality for 2016 has been huge—and critics have noticed, as well. We’ve been receiving more stock of the ’16 every week. Stock up while you can find these (especially these Grand Crus), because Faiveley is a house that’s going places.
In Stock Now:
Domaine Faiveley Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits 2016 750ML ($249.95) $219 special
Burghound 92-94 points “(from Charmes proper; from yields of only 18 hl/ha). Much more subtle though by no means invisible oak sets off beautifully layered aromas of plum, spice, earth and a whiff of underbrush character. There is terrific richness and density to the velvet-textured and voluminous flavors that possess a real sense of mid-palate density thanks to the abundant level of dry extract that also buffers the moderately firm tannic spine. This is at once a relatively elegant version of the appellation yet it is also altogether serious. (92-94)/2028+
Stephen Tanzer 91-93 points “(partly from purchased grapes and the rest from a 60-year-old massale selection in both Charmes and Mazoyères–the same “Magnien selection” as the Lavaux Saint-Jacques; 100% destemmed; aging in 60% new oak and 40% once-used barrels): Dark red. Ripe, slightly high-toned aromas of almost liqueur-like dark fruit salad. Juicy on entry, then dense, sappy and dry, displaying lovely definition and cut. Very firm but with an element of perfume that makes it approachable now. Finishes complex and long, with supple tannins. Technical directly Jérôme Flous says that this is “the closest in style among our wines to Rousseau’s.” There’s certainly an element of softness to it.”
The average price is $240
Burghound 92-94 points “Much more subtle though by no means invisible oak sets off beautifully layered aromas of plum, spice, earth and a whiff of underbrush character. There is terrific richness and density to the velvet-textured and voluminous flavors that possess a real sense of mid-palate density thanks to the abundant level of dry extract that also buffers the moderately firm tannic spine. This is at once a relatively elegant version of the appellation yet it is also altogether serious.”
The next best price is $129.99
The average listed price is $142
Stephen Tanzer 95-98 points “Bright ruby. Fruit-driven aromas of crushed black cherry and dark raspberry convey outstanding pungent lift. Incredibly concentrated, sappy and primary, conveying outstanding juicy purity and compelling thickness to its dark fruit and violet flavors. At once hugely powerful and utterly seamless, this wine finishes with great spicy length and lift. A real essence of Burgundy–and likely to evolve gracefully for 25 years or more.”
William Kelley – Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2016 Corton Grand Cru Clos des Cortons Faiveley is another cuvée that is showing superbly from bottle, revealing an attractive bouquet of ripe red berry fruit, orange rind, wood smoke, espresso roast and dark chocolate that’s framed by a deft touch of classy new oak. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, satiny and lavish, with a deep and layered core, excellent concentration, vibrant acids and a long, beautifully defined finish. This is one of the finest rendition of the Clos des Cortons Faiveley produced under the new regime.”
Wine Spectator 98 points “A rich, powerful version, backed by flashy oak and beefy tannins that sandwich the flavors of black cherry, blackberry, licorice, iron and tobacco. Concentrated, yet vibrant and long. Best from 2024 through 2050. 500 cases made.—B.S.”
William Kelley – Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2016 Chambertin-Clos de Bèze Grand Cru is also showing superbly, offering up aromas of cassis, grilled meats, pungent spices and a savory bass-note reminiscent of oyster sauce. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, rich and fleshy, with velvety structuring tannins, succulent acids and a long, expansive finish. It isn’t quite as multidimensional or complete as this year’s spectacular Ouvrées Rodin bottling, but it’s a very fine Clos de Bèze.”
Stephen Tanzer 94-97 points “Bright, dark red-ruby. Knockout sappy nose combines black raspberry, crushed rock and white pepper. Boasts remarkable intensity and clarity–not to mention class–to its flavors of raspberry, spices and pungent minerals. Wonderfully sappy and dense but almost magically light on its feet. This sharply delineated wine finishes with ineffable rising perfume and outstanding length. This wine manages to combine the best traits of Faiveley’s other Gevrey grand crus–not to mention the finest qualities of the 2016 vintage–in an utterly weightless package.”
William Kelley – Wine Advocate 97 points “The 2016 Chambertin Clos de Bèze Grand Cru Les Ouvrées Rodin is showing brilliantly from bottle, unfurling in the glass with a rich bouquet of cassis, cherries, red berries, grilled game, licorice, spices and smoky new oak. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, ample and expansive, with a deep and intense core of sapid fruit that cloaks its satiny but abundant structuring tannins, underpinned by succulent acids and concluding with a seriously long, penetrating finish. This special cuvée hails from a parcel of vines planted in 1966 on the Chambertin side of Clos de Bèze, and its name commemorates a Faiveley family connection with the sculptor Rodin.”
Stephen Tanzer 95-98 points “(like the “regular” Clos de Bèze, this special cuvée from 60+-year-old vines on the Chambertin side of the cru was totally destemmed): Dark red-ruby. Less expressive but slightly riper aromas of purple and black fruits and pungent spices. Then utterly seamless and suave on the palate, offering a lacy, feminine texture with great energy and sophistication. The penetrating red berry and white pepper flavors are amplified by the wine’s mineral underpinning. The endless rising finish combines serious power and refined tannins. Ultimately a bit less expressive and tight-grained than the classic Clos de Bèze but this is even deeper.”Domaine Faiveley Les Cazetiers, Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru 2016 750ML ($149.95) $119 special
William Kelley – Wine Advocate 94 points “From bottle, Faiveley’s 2016 Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Les Cazetiers is showing very well indeed, unwinding in the glass with aromas of blackberries, cassis, dark chocolate, grilled game, bergamot and warm spices. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, textural but full of energy, with a gourmand core of succulent, sapid fruit that cloaks its rich, satiny tannins, concluding with a long, subtly carnal finish. Surpassing my recollection of it from barrel, this is an unequivocally superb Cazetiers.”
Burghound 92-94 points “(from a huge 3.96 ha parcel). Reduction and wood currently overshadow the underlying fruit. There is first-rate intensity and power to the concentrated broad-shouldered flavors that possess a velvet-textured mid-palate while delivering outstanding length on the balanced and only mildly rustic finale. If this can add even more depth it could very well merit the upper end of my predicted range. In sum, this is a classic example and as such, it’s very much destined for a long snooze in a cold cellar. (92-94)/2033+.”
Domaine Faiveley Mazis-Chambertin Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits 2016 750ML ($319.95) $259 special
William Kelley – Wine Advocate 95 points “From bottle, the 2016 Mazis-Chambertin Grand Cru is showing superbly, wafting from the glass with a wild and complex bouquet of blackberries, cassis, grilled game, currant leaf and candied peel. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, deep and concentrated, its satiny tannins beautifully cloaked in a succulent core that marries pristinely ripe fruit with alluring hints of the savory and the carnal, concluding with a long and expansive finish. Finer boned than the more gourmand 2015 rendition, this is an incredibly classy effort that will offer a broad drinking window.”
Stephen Tanzer 93-95 points “(60% new oak): Dark red with ruby highlights. Complex, inviting aromas of black raspberry, peony, toast, smoke and game. Compellingly rich, creamy wine with a captivating mixture of dark berries, flowers and toasty oak. Maintains its thickness and body straight through to the very ripe, long, suavely tannic finish. A beauty.”
Burghound 92-95 points “(from both Mazis Haut and Bas where the two parcels total a remarkable 1.20 ha). A pungent nose of wood and reduction renders the nose impossible to evaluate fairly. Otherwise there is a super-sleek and intense palate impression to the imposingly-scaled flavors that possess more size and weight if slightly less minerality than those of the Latricières while flashing excellent length on the moderately austere finish. This is also textbook. (92-95)/2036+.”
Domaine Faiveley Les Saint-Georges, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru 2016 750ML ($159.95) $139 special
James Suckling 93-94 points “A deep and complex wine that makes this site often referred to be the best of Nuits St. Georges. A potential Grand Cru. The dense structure and impressive tannins extend through the long, velvet finish. You can drink this now for the generous blue fruits, but if you want all the minerality give it five, ten or more years of aging.
Stephen Tanzer 92-95 points “Bright red with ruby tones. Very pure, youthfully medicinal aromas of black raspberry, violet and menthol. Wonderfully rich and subtly sweet, offering grand cru volume and depth to its flavors of red and darker berries, licorice, spices and minerals. This utterly suave wine boasts a rare combination of ripeness and coolness. The youthfully medicinal finish mounts slowly, with saline soil and mineral tones emerging as the wine opens in the glass. Splendid potential.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Rosé of the Day
Sancerre is best known for white wines, but the rosés (made from Pinot Noir) deserve broader attention. These are as crisp, bright and refreshing as the whites, but with the delicate red fruit component you’d expect. If you’re looking for extremely dry, pale, refreshing rosé then you should be drinking these wines, including this top example.
Just Arrived:
Andre Neveu Sancerre Rose Grands Fricambault, Loire 2018 750ML ($27.99) $24 special
Winery note “The color of ripe redcurrants, with the faintest of hints of orange, perfectly limpid. The smell is delicate and the aromas reveal themselves more upon aeration. There are some lactic notes on the first nose, which then develops into aniseed and mint. The attack is round and supple. Overall it is soft and well balanced by a touch of tannin at the finish. The lingering finish shows spicy notes of pepper and thyme.”
New Arrival!
Terre Nere’s Daily Drinker
The single vineyard wines from Terre Nere are wines that, for many, define the center line for what Etna wines should be like (like Rousseau in Gevery or Latour in Paulliac). While the high end wines are what they’re best known for, their entry level bottlings are exceptional values and deserve bulk buys. They are wonderful wines that show immediately why the wines of Etna have become so beloved, so quickly. These are wines that combine the grace of Burgundy with a wildness that is a bit hard to pin down.
Just Arrived:
Tenuta delle Terre Nere Rosso Etna, Sicily 2016 750ML ($26.95) $19.75 special
Wine Enthusiast 93 points “Star anise, violet, crushed herb and Mediterranean brush aromas align with a whiff of crushed stone. It’s silky smooth, offering juicy raspberry, wild strawberry, dark spice and white pepper framed in lithe, polished tannins. Fresh acidity lends balance while a flinty mineral note energizes the finish. Drink through 2026.”
James Suckling 92 points “Extremely floral on the nose with lemon-leaf and dried-flower notes that highlight the fruit. Full-bodied, firm and silky with a beautiful finish. Drink now or hold.”
Ian D’agata-Vinous 91 points
“Bright red. Ripe, sweetly spicy aromas and flavors of red cherry, medicinal herbs and minerals. Tougher than most vintages of this wine and slow to open, this is a more shut down version of Feudo di Mezzo than is typical for this Contrada. Opens slowly with aeration, finishing long and succulent on the classically dry finish.”
Trending Wines of the Week
Domaine des Bosquets Gigondas La Colline, Rhone 2016 750ML ($89.95) $69 special
Jeb Dunnuck 97+ points “The 2016 Gigondas La Colline (100% Grenache from a tiny corner of the La Colline vineyard) gives a big blast of blackberry and kirsch fruit to go with complex garrigue, toasted spice, and dried earth. This full-bodied beauty packs an incredible amount of richness and depth into a seamless, silky, elegant, thrilling package. It’s going to benefit from 1-2 years of bottle age and knock your socks off over the following decade or more.”
Jeb Dunnuck 96-100 points “Utterly sensational, and unquestionably one of the top 2-3 wines in the vintage, the 2016 Gigondas La Colline is 100% Grenache that’s from the La Colline lieu-dit which is close to the domain, at an elevation of 350 meters above sea-level. It was mostly destemmed (there are 20% stems), fermented in concrete tanks and aging all in 2-4-year-old demi-muids. Notes of Camphor, black raspberries, strawberries, crushed rocks, garrigue and ground pepper all flow to an incredibly layered, concentrated 2016 that has sweet tannin, and an opulent, decadent profile that never seems heavy or over the top. It’s a tour de force in winemaking and hats off to the young Julien Brechet for this incredible wine. There are only 250 cases for the world, so don’t miss a chance to latch onto a few bottles.”
Wine Spectator 96 points “This delivers a gorgeous display of fruit, with raspberry, boysenberry and blackberry notes in lockstep as they race through, infused with light anise, bergamot and rooibos tea accents along the way. The racy, chalky structure holds the finish, giving this sleek tension. Best from 2020 through 2036.”
Dom Perignon Brut, Champagne 2008 750ML ($249.95) $189 special
Antonio Galloni 98+ points “The 2008 Dom Pérignon is fabulous, but quite remarkably, it was even more open when I tasted it a year ago. Bright, focused and crystalline in its precision, the 2008 is going to need a number of years before it is at its best. Lemon peel, white flowers, mint and white pepper give the 2008 its chiseled, bright profile. Several recent bottles have all been magnificent. What I admire most about the 2008 is the way it shows all the focus, translucence and energy that is such a signature of the year, and yet it is also remarkably deep and vertical. In other words, the 2008 is a Champagne that plays in three dimensions.”
John Gilman 98 points “The 2008 vintage of Dom Pérignon is an absolute classic in the making and this is destined to be one of the great recent years for this iconic cuvée. It is far more classically structured out of the blocks than the relatively generous 2009 version, offering up a deep, complex and very youthful bouquet of menthol, green apple, a touch of tangerine, a very complex base of minerality and notes of dried flowers in the upper register. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied and rock solid at the core, with precise mousse, brisk acids and stunning length and grip on the primary and laser-like finish. This will demand some cellaring to start to really stir and should prove to be an extremely long-lived vintage of DP. Stellar juice.”
James Suckling 98 points “The best Dom since 2002. A vintage with very restrained, powerful style that has been released non-sequentially after the 2009. This has a lighter stamp of highly curated, autolytic, toasty aromas than many recent releases. Instead, this delivers super fresh and intense aromas of lemons, grapefruit and blood-orange peel. Incredible freshness here. The palate has a very smoothly delivered, berry-pastry thread with light, sweet spices, stone fruit and fine citrus fruit. This really delivers. Drink now or hold.”One of the most distinctive SB’s we’ve tasted. Fantastic.
Massican Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley 2017 750ML ($39.95) $33 special
Wine Enthusiast 94 points “Floral and stony, this impressively complex and memorable white has a thirst-quenching grasp of gravelly minerality, a core element built around bold, beautiful flavors of fig, Meyer lemon and tangerine.”
Winery note “Sauvignon blanc – 100%. The 2017 vintage in Napa Valley will always be remembered because of the wildfires that began in the late evening of Sunday, October 8. The fires spread with lightening speed because of the heavy winds that night and not only many homes were lost but also many lives in the area. Each day we take a step to repair the physical and emotional loss due to the fires but we will never forget how fragile our planet is and how quickly mother nature will remind us of the breadth and ferocity of her power.”
This is going to be trending until it sells out—a few more weeks.
Ameztoi Rubentis Rosado, Getariako Txakolina 2018 750ML ($24.95) $19.90 special
VinopolNote: The long-awaited and lightly fizzy pink from the Basque region in Spain! A staff favorite. Always light, bright, fresh, salty and fun. The perfect aperitif wine for spring and summer.
Weingut Jos. Christoffel Jr. Erdener Treppchen Riesling Kabinett, Mosel 2016 750ML ($34.95) $27 special
Mosel Fine Wines 91 points “This offers a beautiful nose of pear, citrusy fruits, brown sugar and herbs. The wine proves quite racy on the palate as lively acidity provides the frame to fresh and zesty fruits. The finish is refreshingly tart, with a nice salty side. Still a bit wild, the wine will gain in presence and elegance at maturity. 2023-2036.”
David Schildknecht-Vinous 90 points “Alluring, site-typical scents of lemongrass, sassafras and tangerine set the stage for a lusciously juicy, invigoratingly tangy, zesty palate impression. The finish is unabashedly sweet but so brightly juicy that it refreshes and calls forth the next sip. The vintage’s A.P. #1, this represents its first-picked fruit. But even then, we’re talking mid-October, so early picking goes only a little way toward explaining the modest degrees Oechsle on which this alcoholically featherweight bottling is founded. The vines themselves and how they are handled – certainly including the yields Christoffel permits – are important factors.”
Granito del Cadalso Garnacha Sierra de Gredos, Madrid 2016 750ML ($19.95) $16 special
Jeb Dunnuck 92 points “A custom blend for importer Eric Solomon made from 100% Garnacha from very high-altitude sites, aged all in concrete, the 2016 Vinos de Madrid offers a Southern Rhône-like style in its dried herbs, cherries, currants, and mineral-laced aromas and flavors. This ruby colored, elegant, seamless Garnacha shows more and more floral notes with time in the glass, has a rich, heady perfume, ripe tannin, and a great finish. Drink it anytime over the coming 3-5 years.”
Wine Advocate 90+ points “I tasted an unbottled sample last time, so it was time to review the bottled 2016 Granitos de Cadalso, which showed superbly, with great freshness and floral aromas, with great finesse and detail. I also liked the palate very much, where the austere and strict tannins from the granite are very noticeable. This has a great combination of approachability and seriousness. This is a great value! 14,000 bottles were filled in June 2017.”
Chateau de Saint Cosme Saint-Joseph, Rhone 2016 750ML ($29.95) $26 special
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.”
Wine Advocate 92 points “Sourced from granitic soils at the northern end of the appellation, the 2016 Saint Joseph boasts sexy aromas of hickory smoked bacon and cassis. Medium to full-bodied, it’s silky and suave on the palate, picking up hints of espresso on the long, fine-grained finish. Approachable now, it should drink well for at least another 6-7 years.”-JC
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.”
Importer Note “Saint Cosme Saint-Joseph is produced from 100% Sérine, an ancient and local variety of Syrah that is markedly different from modern selections…The wine is made from 70% destemmed with 30% whole clusters, fermented with indigenous yeasts, and aged in 20% new 228-liter barrels… Louis Barruol describes the microclimate of the vineyard Malleval as “very cold” which allows the grapes to retain acidity and showcase the floral aromas of the local Sérine variety. Aromas and flavors of blackberries and wild strawberries are accented by notes of peppercorns, tobacco, peonies, and violets.”
The next best price is $29.99
The average listed price is $37
Library Vérité
Rare Bottles from a Tough to Source Star
“When one considers the winemaking effort that goes into producing these cuvées of Vérité, from Bordelais Pierre Seillan, the fastidious attention to detail and the use of only the crème de la crème of fruit from some of the finest vineyards in the Jackson family empire, the results are not that surprising. …. All of these wines, basically, are aged in 100% new French oak, given 3-4 day cold pre-fermentation, cold macerations, treated like spoiled children during élevage, and bottled with no fining or filtration.…These are legendary wines of great extract, richness and potential of longevity and complexity. No compromises are made and the credit goes certainly to the Jackson family for supporting the efforts of winemaker Pierre Seillan.
“Jess Jackson has clearly positioned Verite as one of the two or three flagship wines in his impressive empire. These cuvees represent California versions of Bordeaux appellations, with the Merlot-dominated La Muse very Pomerol-like, the Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated La Joie a hypothetical California version of a Medoc, and the St.-Emilion look-alike, the Merlot and Cabernet Franc blend, Le Desir. These wines are fashioned from the finest Sonoma vineyard sites owned by Jackson, and are meant for long-term aging.” – Robert Parker
Vérité is one of the toughest wineries for us to source. Between the insanely high scores every vintage, the tiny supply and the winery trying to police the re-selling of their bottles, it’s always an adventure to acquire their wines. Nevertheless, here we are with a small but notable collection of back vintage gems.
In Stock Now:
Only one bottle available
Verite La Joie, Sonoma County 2001 750ML ($299.95) $249 special
Robert Parker 96 points “The 2001 La Joie (71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc) remains a backward, youthful wine revealing an inky/purple color as well as notes of graphite, licorice, creme de cassis, truffles and new saddle leather. It has fabulous fruit on the attack and mid-palate, a massive, concentrated, tannic mouthfeel and a long finish. Even younger than La Muse, it needs another decade of cellaring and should age for 40-50 years thereafter. Pierre Seillan told me that 44% of the grapes came from Alexander Valley, 35% from Knight’s Valley and the rest from Chalk Hill.”
Verite La Joie, Sonoma County 2002 750ML ($299.95) $249 special
Robert Parker 98 points “A spectacular blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 1% Malbec, over two-thirds of the fruit from the Alexander Valley Mountain Estate and the balance from Knight’s Valley and Bennett Valley, the 2002 La Joie exhibits a sweet, opulent bouquet of charcoal, burning embers, forest floor, blackberries and kirsch. Deep, full-bodied, supple-textured, flamboyant and extroverted, with undeniable purity as well as finesse, it should drink well for another 20-25 years. Interestingly, the pH is a normal 3.61 and the alcohol is only 14.1%.”Only two bottles available
Verite La Muse, Sonoma County 2001 750ML ($349.95) $299 special
Bin Stained Labeled – Dusty
Robert Parker 100 points “2001 was the first truly great vintage for Jess Jackson and Pierre Seillan, and that is evidenced by the utterly perfect 2001 La Muse, a blend of 87% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Malbec. Over three-fourths of it came from the Alexander Mountain estate of Jess Jackson, and the rest from Chalk Hill, Knights Valley, and a tiny bit from Bennett Valley. This dense purple-colored effort exhibits notes of licorice, creme de cassis, plum sauce, violets and truffles. Full-bodied with magnificent density, overall equilibrium, stunning purity, sweet but abundant tannin and a fabulous finish, this profound wine remains a baby at age ten. Give it another 5-6 years of bottle age and drink it over the following 35-40+ years. It is very French in style even though one could argue that this level of concentration can only be achieved by a handful of wines from Pomerol and St.-Emilion.”
Only two bottles available
Verite La Muse, Sonoma County 2002 750ML ($299.95) $249 special
Robert Parker 99 points “A blend of 93% Merlot / 7% Cabernet Franc (92% from the Alexander Mountain Estate, 6% from Bennett Valley and 2% from Knight’s Valley), the 2002 La Muse is a ‘kissing cousinâ?? of the 2001, only softer and more flamboyant. Classically Californian in its exuberant, flamboyant, super-rich, unctuously textured style, the tannins are softer than in the 2001, but the wine unquestionably has the potential to last for another quarter of a century. It exhibits an opaque plum/purple color along with abundant notes of cassis, licorice, graphite, coffee cake and spice box. More approachable than the 2001, the 2002 will offer phenomenal drinking over the next 25 years. “RP
Last Tranche of the (Best Ever?) Dominus
Dominus is at once one of the most storied names in Napa wine and also an estate on the rise. Although they’ve been a noteworthy producer ever since they crushed their first grapes, the last several vintages have been the best wines they’ve ever produced. The 2015 just arrived carrying two 100 point scores and looks to continue that trend. We sold through our first two drops but secured a bit more which just arrived. As you’d expect, quantities are limited, so act quickly.
Just Re-Arrived, In Stock Now:
Dominus Estate, Napa Valley 2015 750ML ($349.95) $289 special
Dominus Estate, Napa Valley 2015 375ML ($179.95) $159 special
Wine Advocate 100 points “Bottled in July 2017 and composed of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc, the Dominus 2015 Proprietary Red Wine leaps from the glass with notes of fresh wild blueberries, crushed blackberries and black currant juice with touches of wild thyme, underbrush, iron ore and aniseed with wafts of lavender and pencil lead. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has incredible energy and vivacity, with the firm, pixelated tannins and lively backbone skillfully framing the muscular fruit, finishing with wonderful length and depth.”
Jeb Dunnuck 100 points “The 2015 Dominus is a flawless, perfect wine as well as a legend in the making. A blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot and the rest Cabernet Franc, from dry-farmed vines and brought up in just 40% new French oak, its ruby/purple color is followed by an extraordinary bouquet of blackcurrants, crème de cassis, damp earth, smoke tobacco, and spring flowers. Reminding me of the 2015 Château Margaux with its incredible mix of elegance and power, this beauty hits the palate with full-bodied richness, stunning purity of fruit, building tannins, and awesome length. This sensational textured and voluptuous Dominus drink well today yet will evolve for 25-30 years or more.”
James Suckling 98 points “A phenomenal red from the vintage with sandalwood, roses, currants, blackberries and blackcurrants. Full-bodied, extremely structured and intense with a great finish. The tannins are so polished and poised. Shows tension and beauty throughout. Straight and focused. Drink in 2022.”
Antonio Galloni 97 points “The 2015 Dominus is fabulous. Explosive and alluring on the palate, the 2015 possesses stunning texture and intensity. Blueberry jam, cloves, menthol, licorice and graphite are some of the many nuances that develop over time. In 2015 Dominus artfully balances the richness of the year with the classic structural elements that are such a signature of this wine.”
Staff Pick
Chablis on a Half-Shell
In preparation for visiting friends at the Hama Hama Oyster Rama on Hood Canal, we wanted to find our Chablis of the year. Ordinarily, I go for Vocoret La Foret, but the 2014 Chablisienne Lechet won the night of taste testing. The fresh bright aromas of citrus and crushed stones was unbelievably youthful and snappy. On the palate the feel was not as edgy as I would have imagined; an almost gentle feel that had more weight than anticipated. Not a heavy wine, just a feeling of pleasant seriousness. The mineral nose was echoed in the salinity which balanced perfectly with the green apple and tarragon notes. Mouthwatering on the finish – we polished off this bottle far too quickly.La Chablisienne Cote de Lechet, Chablis Premier Cru 2014 750ML ($31.95) $26 special
Case-6 La Chablisienne Cote de Lechet, Chablis Premier Cru 2014 750ML ($189.95) $144 special (that’s only $24/bottle!)
Decanter 95 points “Flowers with a bit of lemon curd on the nose, giving way to a lively palate with white flowers, herbs and a fine-grained mineral seam running through to the racy, spicy finish.”
Wine Enthusiast 92 points “This wine comes from one of the coolest Premier Cru vineyards, giving it an initial austerity that then fills out as the wine breathes. It’s crisp and bright with white fruit and intense, lemony acidity. Age it for a few more months and drink from 2018.”
Burghound 91 points “Outstanding. A spicy and super-fresh array of citrus, pear and tidal pool serves as an elegant introduction to the impressively intense and precise middle weight flavors that exude a fine bead of minerality on the lingering and complex finale where a hint of austerity surfaces. Lovely.”
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Ayoub Vineyard Memoirs Pinot Noir, Oregon 2017 750ML ($49.95) $33 Displayed Price, $31.90 Your Price
Grapelive 92 points “One of my favorite values, the Ayoub Memoirs Pinot is always a well crafted effort, and this fresh 2017 version is no exception, after two warm vintages this wine feels slightly less dense and more vivid in detail, while still having a lovely ripe character….The 2017 Memoirs is a blend of Pinot Noir crafted from all the vineyards that Ayoub sources fruit from, and is a personal tribute to Mo’s family with this vintage showing a picture of his parents from the early 70’s, it came in at 13.4% natural alcohol and is wonderfully textured. Robert Brittan, long time Stags Leap Vineyard winemaker, who also makes wine under his own label Brittan Vineyard and Winderlea, consults for Mo Ayoub at Ayoub Vineyard, and has made a great impact on the wines here. Brilliant ruby/garnet in the glass the 2017 Memoirs bristles with energy, while still being heavenly in mouth feel and textural pleasure showing black cherry, plum and cranberry fruits along with that dusty (red) spice, mineral note and with a touch of earth, cedar, cinnamon and blood orange, adding a faint herbal element as well as subtle sweet toast from the French oak. Ayoub’s winemaking reflects a combination of tradition and innovation and is not set in dogma as he believes in constantly learning and applies this to each new vintage to make very elegantly styled wines. While this Memoirs is a multi site Willamette wines, there is a Dundee influence here with a red spice quality, which is fitting as that is where Ayoub feels most at home.”
Scott Paul ‘Azana’ Pinot Noir, Chehalem Mountains 2013 750ML ($59.95) $24 special
Case-12 Scott Paul ‘Azana’ Pinot Noir, Chehalem Mountains 2013 750ML ($299.95) $249 special (that’s only $20.75/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds 92 points “Brilliant red. Fresh red berries, cherry compote and a hint of blood orange on the highly perfumed nose and in the mouth. Juicy and lithe in character, with no rough edges; a suave floral pastille nuance emerges on the back half. Shows excellent clarity and spicy cut on the finish, which hangs on with strong, floral tenacity.”
Nysa Vineyard
Josh Raynolds 92 points “(12.9% alcohol; 20% new oak): Light, bright red. Sexy, high-pitched red berry and floral scents, with notes of star anise, underbrush and sassafras adding complexity. Offers intense raspberry and bitter cherry flavors, along with notes of rhubarb, candied flowers and orange zest. This lithe, focused, pure pinot finishes linear and very long, with echoing floral and spice notes. Pinot purists should definitely check this one out.”
Wine Enthusiast 92 points “Previously labeled as Les Gourmandises, this is now The Long Run in honor of Scott Wright’s completing his first full-length marathon in 2011. It’s all Nysa vineyard fruit, graceful and delicate, scented with rose water and satin smooth. Cranberry and wild strawberry fruit accents lead into a mouthful of cherry soda, delicate but lingering.”
Case-6 Scott Paul Quatre Journaux Pinot Noir, Chehalem Mountains 2012 750ML ($299.95) $249 special (that’s only $41.50/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds 93 points “Vivid ruby-red. Drop-dead gorgeous, highly perfumed aromas of red berry preserves, Asian spices, sassafras and smoky minerals, with an intense floral nuance. Sweet, penetrating and pure, offering nervy red fruit and rose pastille flavors complemented by deeper notes of mocha and licorice. Shows outstanding balance and clarity, with smooth tannins building slowly through a long spice- and mineral-inflected finish.”
