Durand’s Excellent Rhones Arrive
New May Sale Wines Including ’73 Lopez
Two Weeks ‘Till Reynvaan’s Cabernet Hits
New Arrivals, Including:
Biondi-Santi, Perrier Jouet, Pesquie, Deutz, Aubry and More!
New Grapelive Reviews
A Coronation for the Queen of Piemonte
The 97 Point Passopisciaro Arrives Soon
Just Arrived
Classy Northern Rhones
To Cause Dancing ‘Cross the Sand
(Durand Delivers)
The whites are bright and fresh—no small feat for wines made from Marsanne and Roussane. They still hold onto their essential Rhone character though, with plenty of power and richness. The reds walk a similar tightrope, with some whole-cluster usage but not enough to make the wine feel coarse. They have beautiful, dark fruit and although they should age effortlessly for a decade, they’re delicious now.
Just Arrived:
Domaine Eric et Joel Durand Saint-Peray, Rhone 2016 750ML ($29.95) $24 special
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “This team has made a terrific 2016 Saint-Péray, (50/50 Marsanne and Roussanne aged in 15% new oak) from an appellation that continues to produce more and more outstanding wines. Honeysuckle, white flowers, caramelized peach and white currant notes give way to a pure, elegant, layered white that has terrific purity and length. It’s going to drink beautifully for 3-4 years or more.”
Wine Spectator 95 points “($48) Loads of chalky grip keeps this wrapped up tight, but the core of steeped plum, fig and blackberry fruit is brimming with energy, while bay leaf, licorice root and charcoal notes chomp at the bit on the finish. Cellaring will rein this in. Best from 2021 through 2035. 700 cases made.”
Wine Advocate 94 points “Produced from 30-year-old vines and aged in 20% new oak, the 2015 Cornas Empreintes features classic Cornas notes of crushed stone, bloody meat and red plums. It’s full-bodied, rich and packed with fruit and tannin but supple at the same time. It’s mouth-filling and round, then finishes long, dry and mouthwatering.”
Jeb Dunnuck 93+ points “The 2015 Cornas Empreintes is unique in the lineup as it comes 30% from more limestone soils. It’s 75% destemmed and aged in 20% new French oak. It’s more elegant and focused than the opulent Premices and gives up lots of blackberry and cassis fruits, leather, crushed rock and pepper aromatics. Deep, rich, beautifully concentrated and pure, it needs short-term cellaring but is a brilliant wine that’s going to impress for 10-15 years.”
Jeb Dunnuck 95 points “The 2015 Cornas Premices comes from a mix of granite terroirs and was mostly destemmed (75%) and aged in 20% new barrels. It offers an incredibly rich, opulent style in its plum, blackberry liqueur, lavender and peppery herb aromas and flavors. Thick, unctuous, and incredibly broad and expansive on the palate, with sweet tannin, it’s the largest production cuvée from this estate and is going to be an incredible value! Don’t miss it.”
Domaine Eric et Joel Durand Saint-Joseph Les Coteaux, Rhone 2016 750ML ($31.95) $24 special
Wine Advocate 90-92 points “Tasted from a couple of different tanks, the 2016 Saint Joseph Les Coteaux looks to be richly fruited and forward, with supple tannins and notes of ripe cherries, clove and pepper. This medium to full-bodied wine should drink well young yet age well for at least a decade.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 90 points “Limpid yellow. Ripe citrus and orchard fruit aromas are lifted and sharpened by a subtle mineral flourish. Juicy and supple on the palate, offering tangerine, pear nectar and candied ginger flavors and a sweetening touch of honey. The pear note carries through a long, silky finish braced by a touch of refreshingly bitter orange zest.”
Wine Spectator 90 points “This has an unctuous feel, with melon, peach and star fruit notes pumping along, carried by light verbena and chamomile details. A flash of bitter citrus adds energy on the finish. Drink now through 2017. 500 cases made.”
Domaine Perrot-Minot Les Beaux Monts Vieilles Vignes, Vosne-Romanee Premier Cru 2010 750ML ($199.95) Was $179, Now $159
Now it’s even lower!
David Schildknecht–Vinous 90-91 points “Last tasted in June 2016 from tank (after having briefly sojourned in cask), this is tight, firm and bright in a way one doesn’t typically associate with its site, much less from an unremittingly warm vintage. “With our higher, east-facing Riesling sites,” noted Alzinger, “you could say that our Loibenberg Riesling is really not all that Loibenberg-typical,” though he acknowledged that acid retention seemingly specific this year to the Loibenberg and Dürnstein sectors is something of a mystery. All of that having been noted, the midpalate impression here is also expansive, with its ripe peach and pear accompanied by eau de vie-like inner-mouth esters. Stone and peach kernel lend slightly austere counterpoint to a pithily concentrated, seriously sustained finish.”
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 91 points “Bright orange-pink. Ripe red berries and blood orange on the fragrant nose. In a warm, fleshy style, offering juicy, nicely concentrated raspberry and orange zest flavors that turn livelier on the back half. Smooth and seamless on the impressively persistent and penetrating finish, which leaves a sappy red berry note behind.”
The next best price is $23.99
Wine Advocate 93 points “The second vintage I tasted from this Cabernet Franc, the 2015 Eggo Franco is produced, like many of their wines, with grapes from Tupungato Winelands in Gualtallary. It fermented in cement eggs with some stems and with 50% of the wine kept in contact with skins for some three to four months, then pressed and put back in the eggs to complete its élevage, which lasted some nine months. It shows a mixture of herbal and candied berry aromas, hints of beef blood and iron. The absence of oak shows the naked tannins and provides an earthy side, which to me is very much the wild character of Gualtallary. 6,000 bottles were filled in December 2015 (it was harvested in March).”
#75 Wine Of The Year – Wine Spectator Top 100 2017
Wine Spectator 93 points “Supple and elegantly structured, with expressive raspberry and orange zest aromas and polished flavors that pick up depth and momentum toward a spicy finish framed by refined tannins. Drink now through 2023. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 4,000 cases made.”
Just Two Weeks Away from One of the Most
Anticipated Cabernet Releases of the Year
Reynvaan’s Classic Cabernet
Arriving May 25th:
Reynvaan Family Vineyards ‘The Classic’ Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley 2015 750ML ($89.95) $69 pre-arrival special
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “The 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the estate, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon The Classic has a touch of Pauillac like lead pencil and graphite to go with plenty of ripe black currant fruit, tobacco leaf, and underbrush aromas and flavors. This medium to full-bodied, ripe, seamless Cabernet has sweet tannin, moderate acidity, and an already impossible to resist character. Drink it anytime over the coming decade.”
New Arrivals: Champagne
Luminous Label Edition
Wine Enthusiast 95 points “Cellar Selection.This is a full-bodied and ripe wine, showing some toastiness as well as concentrated apple and peach flavors. There is a crisp edge to this opulent and rich wine. It has a great future: it is drinkable now, but will continue well into the 2020s.” WE
Antonio Galloni 95 points “The 2006 Brut Millésimé William Deutz captures the weight, power and freshness that is the signature of the best wines of the year. A rich, ample wine, the William Deutz exudes resonance in its enveloping, layered fruit. All the elements come together effortlessly. There is enough structure to support another decade of very fine drinking. The weight of the Pinot comes through loud and clear on the mid-palate and substantial, resonant finish.”
Champagne Aubry ‘Sable’ Premier Cru Rose Brut, Champagne 2012 750ML ($99.95) $69 special
Antonio Galloni 91 points “The pale-colored 2012 Brut Sablé Rosé Nicolas Francois Aubry is striking in its beauty. The non-dosage style adds briskness, but there is just enough richness to the fruit to balance things out. Cranberry, white pepper and chalky notes add lift and overall precision. The 2012 is 30% Meunier and Pinot Noir done in a co-fermentation, along with 25% Petit Meslier, 20% Arbanne, 10% Chardonnay and 5% still Meunier fermented as red wine.”
The next best price is $81.24
Wine Spectator 92 points “[Reviewed Nov 2017] This bright and stylish Champagne is tightly knit and satiny in texture, with hints of smoke and pastry cream underscoring the apricot, lemon curd and pickled ginger flavors. Ends with a mouthwatering finish. Drink now through 2022. 2,500 cases imported.”
Case-12 Chateau Pesquie Ventoux Terrasses, Rhone VENTOUX 2015 750ML ($219.95) $169 special
Wine Advocate 92 points “A smoking good 2015 that readers should snatch up is the 2015 Cotes du Ventoux Cuvee des Terrasses, which is 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah that’s aged in a combination of two- to four-year-old barrels and foudres. Medium to full-bodied, polished, silky and with no hard edges, it has classic Southern Rhone notes of Provencal spices, garrigue, licorice and ripe black raspberries. Buy a case and drink bottles over the coming 5-6 years.”
New Arrivals: Italy
Importer note “Appellation: Vino Spumante (from vineyards in the Prosecco DOC). Type of soils: Of glacial moraine origin: chalky, rocky, lean, and rich in minerals. Varieties: 40% Boschera, 40% Verdiso, 20% Glera. Two women in the northern-most reaches of the Conegliano and Valdobiaddene hills with the Dolomites in their backyard are on a mission to make pure, elegant, natural, mineral Prosecco. Cinzia and Pier Francesca are full-on passion, working full-time in the vineyard and in the cantina (less romantic nowadays, but vital in sparkling wines). This is an affectionate glance back in time from our grower Prosecco producer in the foothills of the Dolomites. Back before Glera took over in the Prosecco zone, growers had a range of characterful, antique varieties in their vineyards. This wine is Cinzia’s homage to her grandfather, who made a similar blend of Verdiso, Boschera, and Glera, but as a still rather than a sparkling wine. Soils are of glacial moraine origin: chalky, rocky, lean, and full of minerals. Sustainable leaning to organic farming, with trees and other vegetation among the vineyard plots. No herbicides or pesticides in the vineyard, and all weeding is done by hand.”
Antonio Galloni 96 points “The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Annata is a real knock-out. Rose petals, mint, sweet spices and flowers are some of the first notes that open up in the glass. Almost indescribably beautiful, the 2010 is a classic, austere Biondi Santi Brunello built to age. Although the 2010 is going to require considerable patience, its pedigree is quite apparent today. The 2010 constantly changes in the glass, revealing different shades of its multi-faceted personality, while the long, saline-infused finish is a thing of real beauty.”
Wine Advocate 95 points “Biondi-Santi is a benchmark for great Brunello. The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Annata does a great job of presenting classic Sangiovese characteristics in the context of a classic vintage. This wine shows extreme finesse and elegance with a silky approach that is nudged gently forward by delicate tones of wild berry, dried blueberry, pressed rose, wet earth, grilled herb and toasted almond. The acidity is beautifully balanced and the tannins are firm but silky. This wine benefits from the right DNA for long aging potential.”
James Suckling 92 points “Very ripe, bright, black fruits and tar aromas pour from the glass. Big and juicy, but the tannins are stronger than the sweet stuff. Long, clean finish and a lot of potential.”
Black Slate Gratallops, Priorat DOCa 2015 750ML ($21.95) $18 special
Wine Advocate 90 points “The Black Slate series wines are produced by different producers from different villages of Priorat for US importer Eric Solomon, as is the case of the 2015 Black Slate Gratallops from Celler Cecilio. They want to show the character of the Priorat grapes in the different villages. It’s a blend of Cariñena, Garnacha and Syrah from (guess what?) slate soils that fermented separately with indigenous yeasts and with 20% of the volume being raised in oak barrels for some eight or nine months. I noticed the Syrah here, combined with classical Gratallops sweet Garnacha and a pinch of spices. The palate is medium-bodied, with the fine slate texture, generous, warm and showy, but without excess, with the graphite holding it together. This is a Gratallops Vi de Villa.”
New Grapelive Reviews
For Grunhaus and Coutier
Grapelive 93 points “Maximin Grünhaus(er) is the gold standard of Mosel, though technically speaking it’s on the Ruwer River. Dry Riesling and its long history make it one of the most intriguing wineries in the region if not all of Germany. From the estate’s notes, there are records showing that the area had Roman era cultivation. It appears that the Grünhaus estate was densely settled even in those ancient Roman times, with flat bricks in the foundations of the manor house, pottery remains, and roof and wall tiles suggest that a ‘Villa Rustica’ once stood on the site of the present Schloss (Castle), along with evidence that wine was produced on the estate back in these Roman times… From the 7th century the Benedictine monastery of Saint Maximin in Trier had control of the estate until the end of the 18th century. In 1882 Carl Ferdinand Freiherr von Stumm-Halberg bought the Grünhaus estate including vineyards. He invested heavily in the property and transformed it into one of the most modern wineries of its time, with a turbine in the Ruwer River that provided electricity to power countless machines, including the hydraulic wine presses in the cuverie. They even had a small train (rail) system that ran on the vineyard routes, as well as a cable car that transported heavy equipment up the steep slopes of the vineyards… The legend of this property and its wines grew, and in the 20th century it gained even more fame with its noble sweet wines being their most prized offerings. In fact when the legendary 1921 vintage was put up for auction in Trier, the top Grünhaus wine, a Fuder cask (1000 litres) of Herrenberg Trockenbeerenauslese (TBA), got the mind-blowing and staggeringly high price of 100,000 Goldmarks setting a world record that remains unbroken even to this day. It represents what would be 2.5 million Euros in today’s money! But nowadays the Maximin Grunhaus is a place to find distinctive dry (Trocken) Riesling that are intensely mineral driven with a severe vitality and reserved elegance, but with extract and balance to last decades and decades, and this gorgeous 2015 Abtsberg is proof of that! The Abtsberg GG 2015 starts with a crystalline purity and austere focused details with subtle fruit essences, delicate earthy notes and flinty/stony charms showing layers white peaches, lemony citrus oil, wet shale, mineral steeliness and a faint floral tone. Overall this wine delivers a more subdued personality, in fact in is a very slow seduction in the glass, but after a few long minutes its underlying extract and depth shines through. It certainly is a wine of poised presence on the palate that feels lighter than it really is. Not your typical GG, this is a fine and dignified Riesling that impresses for its restrained brilliance and its sharp spotlight on its terroir. Drink from 2019 to 2032.”
The next best price is $58
R.H. Coutier Grand Cru Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($49.95) $33 pre-arrival special
Grapelive 93 points “The brilliant R. H. Coutier Grand Cru Brut Tradition, 70% Pinot Noir and 30 Chardonnay, coming from the Pinot leaning village of Ambonnay is an organic and grower Champagne that impresses for its depth and decadence, while being crystalline, pure and full of energy, it’s wonderfully dry on the palate and rich in character. The youthful Antoine Coutier and team are making some amazing all Grand Cru grower fizz these days, and these new release, especially this Brut Tradition, disgorged in July 2017, based on mostly on 2013 vintage, are great values, they rival some far more expensive offerings from this particular village and region, in fact it held up well against a to die for 2002 Bollinger R.D. tasted alongside! The nose has plenty of yeasty charm and white flowers with a hint of wet stones and short bread biscuit, which leads to an opulent palate with its ultra-fine mousse and vinous textural elegance, shows apple, lemon and doughy notes with a hint of chalk and hazelnut. Again the luxurious mouth feel gives a gorgeous pleasing sensation, though it gets a lift from it’s vital acidity and the micro bubbles, there is also a sense of Pinot Noir tension and structure that makes a serious impact and lets you know you are drinking something remarkable…”
A Cornonation for the Queen of Piemonte
Like Burgundy, there are significant differences in style between vineyards and especially between the personalities of the various villages. The wines around the village of Barbaresco are considered to be the most classic (in no small part because the Produttori only releases single vineyard wines from the village) while Trieso is more perfumed and elegant and Nieve produces wines on both ends of the spectrum but is best known for powerful bottlings from Giacosa and Sottimano.
Like both Burgundy and Barolo, it ages remarkably well, and for longer than you’d think—Barbaresco is as long lived as Barolo, even with its lighter frame. Plus, with the cost differences involved, you can afford to put down an extra bottle or two in your cellar and follow it a little more closely. We’ve highlighted a selection of our favorites for you to stock up on.
In Stock Now:
Socre Barbaresco DOCG, Piedmont 2013 750ML ($41.95) $36 special, 33 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 92 points “Socré’s 2013 Barbaresco is a terrific example of the vintage at its best. The aromatics alone are enticing. Sweet dark cherry, plum, sage, lavender, rose petal mint and licorice give the 2013 a dark, mysterious quality that is hard to fully describe. Deep and yet also weightless as only Nebbiolo can be, the 2013 hits all the right notes. This is a vivid and impeccable Barbaresco from Socré.”
Wine Enthusiast 93 points “Aromas of red berry, tilled earth, menthol and dark cooking spice unfold in the glass. The structured, elegant palate doles out ripe wild cherry, mint, licorice, blood orange and chopped herb alongside firm, fine-grained tannins. It’s still tight so let it unwind for a few more years.”
Antonio Galloni 92 points “The 2012 Barbaresco Cottà shows its typical profile of round, ample fruit and generosity, but with a touch less richness than is the norm. Broad, ample textures fill out the wine’s frame nicely. Pine, menthol and dark spices wrap around a core of super-expressive dark red stone fruits. All of the typical Cottà signatures are in place, but in miniature, which is to say this is a highly representative wine for the year.”
Wine Enthusiast 92 points “This single-vineyard Barbaresco opens with classic Nebbiolo aromas of violet, rose, spice and berry. The palate shows bright cherry and white pepper flavors and notes of menthol and eucalyptus. This is still young and tightly wound, but should age wonderfully.” WE
Antonio Galloni 94 points “Like most of the wines in this lineup, the 2013 Barbaresco Riserva Muncagota is quite potent. A rush of raspberry jam, wild flowers, white pepper and mint make a strong opening statement. Succulent and yet also structured, the Muncagota has so much to offer. It should be one of the first wines in this range to start opening up, although when that will happen exactly is hard to say.”
Wine Enthusiast 94 points “You’ll find aromas of star anise, freshly tilled soil, chopped herb and balsamic notes on this full-bodied red. The smooth, concentrated palate delivers juicy black cherry, raspberry compost, pipe tobacco and licorice accompanied by firm, refined tannins and bright acidity.”
Case-12 Paitin di Pasquero-Elia ‘Serra’, Barbaresco DOCG 2014 750ML ($399.95) $359 special (that’s only $29.92/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 92 points “Currant, strawberry, cherry, floral and leafy flavors are the highlights of this racy, elegant red. Balanced on the firm side, with excellent length. Best from 2020 through 2032. 800 cases made.”
Wine Enthusiast – Cellar Selection 97 points “Forest berry, chopped mint, clove and new leather aromas take center stage on this elegant, full-bodied red. The savory, smooth palate doles out succulent red cherry, raspberry compote and licorice while vibrant acidity and tightly knit, refined tannins provide balance and support. It has great energy and is loaded with flavor but will be even better with a few more years aging. Drink 2020–2038.”
Antonio Galloni 96 points “The 2013 Barbaresco Riserva Pajé is simply fabulous. Sweet floral notes soar from the glass as this deep, beautifully resonant Barbaresco shows off its compelling inner sweetness and total sense of poise. The flavors are deep yet fresh, with wonderful fragrance and impeccable balance throughout. A wine of total harmony, the 2013 is going to be nearly impossible to resist young. The 2013 is one of the best versions of the Pajé I can remember tasting.”
Cantina del Pino Barbaresco DOCG, Piedmont 2013 750ML ($41.95) $33 special, 31 bottles in stock now
Cantina del Pino Barbaresco DOCG, Piedmont 2013 1.5L ($99.95) $79 special, 4 magnums in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 93 points “Beautifully polished and pure, the 2013 Barbaresco offers good value and an irresistible drinking style. This wine will appeal to Barbaresco purists, because its strongest card is indeed varietal purity. The bouquet opens to wild berry, dark plum, licorice, blue flower and camphor. The 2013 vintage delivers that purity with measured and elegant intensity. Some 11,000 bottles were produced.”
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2013 Barbaresco is gorgeous. Fresh, vibrant and nuanced, the Barbaresco captures all the pedigree and class of the year. The flavors are bright and beautifully delineated throughout. Medium in body, with notable depth and class to burn, the 2013 is superb today. The translucency and expressiveness of Nebbiolo comes through loud and clear. Even so, the 2013 is not an obvious wine, rather it is a Barbaresco built on finesse and balance. Fruit sources are Starderi, Albano, Gallina and Albesani. Don’t miss it.”
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2013 Barbaresco Riserva Pora is soft, pliant and enveloping. In many vintages, the Pora can be a bit light. Not in 2013. The wine is rich and deeply textured, with layers of fruit that continue to build with time in the glass. The tannins are present, but they are nearly buried by the sheer intensity of the fruit. This is an especially powerful, brooding edition of the Pora. Although impressive today, the 2013 will drink well for decades to come.”
Wine Enthusiast 94 points – Cellar Selection “Scents of menthol, new leather, dark culinary spice, cured meat and forest floor lead the nose. The smooth, full-bodied palate shows juicy Morello cherry, pomegranate, licorice and clove balanced by vibrant acidity and tense, refined tannins. An almost salty note closes the finish. This a classic Barbaresco with years ahead of it. Drink 2021–2038.”
Just click here to see a full list on our web store!
Here Later this Month
The Re-Arrival of our 2017 Best Seller!
Despite the cool temperatures, often 20-30 degrees cooler than at the coast, the vines are healthy and active due to the sunlight that reflects off the seas below. Passopisciaro is balanced, polished and definitely a refined take on a grape that was viewed as quaint for its rusticity for decades. The Passorosso, a blend of the five contrada that Franchetti works with, is viewed as one of the best introductions available to the wines of Etna, with 2014 being hailed by Ian d’Agato of Vinous as the best vintages yet for this wine.
We had this wine available for a hot second last year—the score plus the price meant that the wine sold out before it arrived. We were lucky enough to secure a second tranche that arrives at the end of this month. Like before, we expect it to go quickly. If you’re among the many who emailed requesting more, jump on this now. We also finally have magnums available, which offer the same tremendous value in an even more celebratory package.
Arriving ETA Late May:
Passopisciaro ‘Passorosso’ Terre Siciliane IGT, Sicily 2014 750ML ($59.95) $39 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Passopisciaro ‘Passorosso’ Terre Siciliane IGT, Sicily 2014 750ML ($299.95) $219 pre-arrival special (that’s only $36.50/bottle!)
Passopisciaro ‘Passorosso’ Terre Siciliane IGT, Sicily 2014 1.5L ($99.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Ian D’agata–Vinous 97 points “Bright red-ruby. The captivating nose combines strawberry, raspberry, minerals, violet and flint aromas. Creamy-sweet but amazingly light on its feet, offering palate-staining, perfumed flavors of soft red berries, ripe red cherry, vanilla, aromatic herbs and crushed rock. Rich, ripe and suave, but displays a penetrating, saline and energetic quality that gives this beauty a three-dimensional mouthfeel and a light-on-its-feet quality. Finishes with great length and wonderfully polished tannins. Absolute knockout wine: from a memorable vintage on Etna, this is most likely the best Passorosso ever (in earlier vintages, it used to be called simply Passopisciaro). Mainly Nerello Mascalese.”
Thanks for reading!