New Wines in the June Clearance Sale
Time for Tempier
The Genius of Saint Cosme (Just Arrived!)New Weekend, New Arrivals
Including Varner, a 1967 Sauternes, Zilliken,
Older Gloria and More!
New Grapelive Reviews for Cameron, Bow and Arrow and Westrey
#Trending
The Power and the Glory of Delas
Massican’s “Other” Napa
Winery Cellared, Arriving Next Month
June Clearance Sale – Full List
Featured New Arrivals
A Pair of Best Priced Perrier Jouet Champagnes
Perrier Jouet is one of the most glamourous houses in Champagne. They’re best known for their top cuvee, Belle Epoque, with its flower-painted bottle, but their entry level bottling is fantastic as well. Both are made in a Pinot-driven, Bollinger inflected style that marries richness to grace. We scored fantastic deals on both the classic NV as well as some of the 2004 Belle Epoque and although both wines have been selling like hotcakes, we have a bit more left to offer. Don’t delay, though—these won’t be around much longer.
Perrier-Jouet Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($49.95) $28 special
Wine Spectator 90 points “Lively and mouthwatering, with flavors of black currant, graphite, candied lemon zest and smoky mineral, supported by a creamy mousse. A balanced crowd-pleaser. Drink now through 2018.”
Wine Enthusiast 94 points “”This shimmers with its flavors of apple and lime, its hint of toast and its soft finish. It’s finely balanced, a great selection that is ready to drink now.” WE
The average listed price is $144
We keep adding fantastic bottles to our June Clearance Sale. No matter your taste or budget, there are some fantastic deals to be had. Some of these would make fantastic Father’s Day gifts, as well (wink, wink). Check out the following for the new additions to the sale and the bottom of the newsletter for a list of all of the wines!
Bodegas Marco Abella ‘Clos Abella’, Priorat DOCa 2009 750ML ($69.95) Was $59, Now $49 Clearance Price
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 93 points “(50% carinena, 39% garnacha and 11% cabernet sauvignon; aged for two years in French oak): Saturated ruby. Heady aromas of cherry, cassis, mocha, Indian spices and underbrush are sharpened by a smoky mineral quality. Juicy, sappy and concentrated, showing excellent density to its smoke-tinged flavors of blueberry, cherry-vanilla and candied flowers. A fleshy, expansive, sexy wine that shows the warmth of the vintage to good effect, finishing with strong mineral cut, smooth tannins and lingering smokiness.”
The next best price is $79.99
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 92-94 points “Brilliant ruby. A powerfully scented bouquet evokes ripe red and dark berries, incense and pungent flowers, and a smoky Indian spice nuance builds in the glass. Fleshy and broad on entry and then tighter in the middle, offering juicy, concentrated black raspberry and boysenberry flavors given spine by juicy acidity. Rich yet energetic, finishing with outstanding clarity and sweet persistence and shaped by smooth tannins.”
John Gilman 91-92 points ‘The 2014 Ayler Kupp Kabinett from Florian Lauer is really a lovely and quite classic example of this Prädikat, with lovely acidity and minerality providing a fine filigree to the wine and a nice sense of reserve out of the blocks as well. The very classy nose wafts from the glass in a mix of green apple, tart orange, slate, lovely smokiness and a touch of dried flowers in the upper register. On the palate the wine is medium-bodied, pure and focused, with a good core, bright acids, a nice touch of sweetness on the attack and lovely length and grip on the elegant and nascently complex finish. This is quite approachable now, but still a touch primary, and I would be inclined to give it at least a few years in the cellar to develop its secondary layers of complexity. 2019-2035+.” JG
Now it’s even lower!
The next best price is $31.99
Auction Wine 2016
Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2015 Burg Layer Schlossberg Riesling Spätlese was auctioned in Bad Kreuznach in September 2016. Sourced from vines that are less than 30 years old, it opens with a very clear, ripe and almost tropical fruit aroma intertwined with delicate, flinty notes from the reddish/silvery slatey clay soils. This is another reductive styled, racy, piquant and finesse-full Riesling with tropical fruit aromas, some toasted speck and date flavors. Its combination of finesse and lush fruit texture reminds me of red slate Rieslings from the Mosel such as Ürziger Würzgarten or the red slate parts of the Pünderich Marienburg. The finish is full of tension and grip. A gorgeous Spätlese of which 400 liters have been produced.”
Mosel Fine Wines 92 points “Made from a 25-year-old parcel and harvested at 94° Oechsle, this delivers a nice set of fruity and juicy aromatics including yellow peach, quince star anise, rose water and grapefruit juice. The wine starts off on the light side on the palate but creamy fruits paired with rich Auslese GK styled sweetness quickly take over before some pear, pineapple and peach lead the way to a juicy and creamy long finish. This is a nicely creamy and clean Auslese GK styled Riesling. 2022-2035”
Wine Advocate 92 points “Warm and intense on the nose, ripe and concentrated white fruit aromas open the 2015 Riesling Smaragd Loibner Loibenberg, which is pure and citric on the nose and very inviting. Pure, fresh and piquant on the palate, this is rather coolish and stunningly lean and pure Loibenberg compared to the corresponding Grüner Veltliner. Lucas believes that Riesling has eventually stopped the ripening process during the vegetation period. This 2015 has grip and tension and a rather coolish character.”
Wine Spectator 92 points “A concentrated, peach-flavored white, with accents of honey, anise and apple exuding ripeness, while citrusy acidity reigns everything in. Stretches out lazily on the finish. Drink now through 2020.”
Now it’s even lower!
The next best price is $51.30
Wine Enthusiast 96 points “This is such a perfumed wine with deceptively soft tannins and great fruit. The acidity is classic for the vintage, with raspberries and intense freshness at the end. It has a fine line of tannins and a life that will go far.”
John Gilman 95 points “The 2014 Clos des Lambrays is a great wine in the making. The stunning bouquet delivers a pure and sappy constellation of sweet dark berries, black cherries, woodsmoke, currant leaf, dark chocolate, a very complex base of soil, fresh herbs and just a whisper of new wood. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, pure and rock solid at the core, with great mineral drive, refined tannins and impeccable focus and balance on the long, ripely tannic and seamless finish. 2025-2075. (Nov/Dec 2015)”
Burghound 94 points “A notably spicy, fresh, cool and floral nose displays mostly red berry fruit scents that are trimmed in discreet earth notes. There is excellent cut and definition to the nicely rich and attractively textured flavors that culminate in a presently austere finale though I doubt that austerity will persist. This is a relatively fine and forward vintage for Clos des Lambrays and one that should be approachable after only 7 to 8 years of bottle age. In a word, marvelous.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
See the complete list of June Clearance Sale wines at the bottom of this newsletter, including wines from Frederic Magnien, Domaine Huet, Produttori del Barbaresco, Lopez de Heredia and more!
Time for Tempier(Tempier Fugit)
Arriving Friday, June 22nd
Very little needs to be said about Domaine Tempier, producer of the most in-demand rosé out there. Their pink wine from Bandol is considered to be one of the finest examples of the genre and the wine that sparked the craze for rosé in the United States (thanks largely to Kermit Lynch, Tempier’s importer). We’ve been getting phone calls about this for a few months now, and we’re excited to finally be able to offer our allocation. They arrive next week and will sell out quickly. Please note: If you want to ensure that you get as much Tempier as you want, in the formats you desire, please use our web store. You can view all the Tempier there by clicking here. If you email or call, we won’t be able to process the orders until we open and wines may have sold out by then. Happy Hunting!
Domaine Tempier Bandol Rose, Provence 2017 750ML ($49.95) $44 pre-arrival special
Only 12 available:
Domaine Tempier Bandol Rose, Provence 2017 375ML ($29.95) $26 pre-arrival special
Only 2 available:
Domaine Tempier Bandol Rose, Provence 2017 1.5L ($119.95) $99 pre-arrival special
Only 2 available:
Domaine Tempier Bandol Rose, Provence 2017 3L ($349.95) $299 pre-arrival special
Also Arriving Next Friday
Clos Sainte Magdeleine Cassis Rose, Provence 2017 750ML ($39.95) $33 pre-arrival special
The Genius of Saint CosmeJust Arrived
“For the reds, Barruol sees 2016 much as the other vignerons I have visited on this trip—with bold ripeness reminiscent of vintages like 2009 and ’10, but with a level of freshness that sets it apart….The pHs are low here too. But not as obviously different from the normal as in Châteauneuf ’16,’ he says, comparing it to his own Gigondas…The quality and style of the vintage is very consistent all over though. The impression of freshness is in all the wines.” – James Molesworth, Wine Spectator
Saint Cosme is one of the notable estates of the Southern Rhone. Louis Barroul is a talented winemaker and is the 14th generation of his family to make wines in the domaine that was founded in the 1500’s. The wines he makes are rich and powerful, with undeniable terroir signatures. To highlight these varying terroirs, the estate bottles a handful of single vineyard Gigondas which are the most interesting and coveted wines in the portfolio.
2016 looks to be an unqualified success for the estate (as with most in the Rhone). They seem to combine nearly everything we’re looking for in Rhone wines, which reminds us of something like 2005 or 2010—a rare feat.
Only 7 bottles available:
Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas Hominis Fides, Rhone 2016 750ML ($149.95) $119 special
Jeb Dunnuck 98-100 points “Leading off the special cuvees and from the sandiest parcel of the estate, the 2016 Gigondas Hominis Fides (100% Grenache) has perfection written all over it! Just as fine, elegant and seamless as it gets, yet also with blockbuster depth and richness, it boasts incredible notes of black raspberries, loamy/sandy soils nuances, game, and camphor. Don’t miss it!”
Wine Advocate 94-96 points “Rich and velvety but undeniably tannic, the 2016 Gigondas Hominis Fides is another stunning wine from proprietor Louis Barruol. Stone fruit, cherries and chocolate notes all mingle easily on the full-bodied palate, ending in a supple flurry of tannins.”
The next best price is $149.99
Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas Le Claux, Rhone 2016 750ML ($149.95) $119 special
Jeb Dunnuck 99-100 points “The 2016 Gigondas Le Claux has slightly more mid-palate depth compared to the Hominis Fides, yet is also more tannic and structure. Damp clay, forest floor, currants spice and huge minerality all soar from the glass and this full-bodied beauty has an unctuous texture that’s currently hiding serious amounts of tannin. Forget bottles for 4-5 years and enjoy over the following 15+.”
Wine Advocate 95-97 points “More approachable than the blockbuster Le Poste, the 2016 Gigondas le Claux looks to be another Gigondas legend in the making. Apricot and cherry fruit lead the way, backed by masses of creamy, lush tannins and savory notes of dark chocolate and black olive on the long finish.”
The next best price is $149.99
Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas Le Poste, Rhone 2016 750ML ($149.95) $119 special
Jeb Dunnuck 97-99 points “Coming from Barruol’s favorite vineyard located on just up the hill from the domaine, the 2016 Gigondas Le Poste is another huge wine, and probably the richness, ripest example of this cuvee I’ve tasted. Possessing almost overflowing amounts of blackberry fruits, graphite, spring flowers and huge minerality, it offers awesome purity, full-bodied richness, and a great, great finish. I can’t wait to taste this from bottle.”
Wine Advocate 96-98 points “Even tasted blind, it’s immediately apparent that the 2016 Gigondas le Poste is something special. It’s a sneaky, seductive kind of special at first, sparked by subtle hints of toast and baking spices, then super ripe Grenache notes of cherries and stone fruit. It’s full-bodied, supple and creamy on the palate, things are cruising right along and then bam! There’s a wall of ripe tannins on the finish, promising so much more in the years and decades ahead. As a singular expression of grape variety, site and vintage, from a vigneron at the top of his game, this is a must for serious collectors.”
The next best price is $149.99
Wine Advocate 93 points “Sourced from three lieux-dits (including La Crau), Saint Cosme’s 2015 Chateauneuf du Pape is a blend of approximately 60% Grenache, 20-25% Mourvèdre and bits and pieces of other varieties. It’s full-bodied, rich and spicy, with hints of cumin, licorice, cinnamon and clove all swirling about on the long finish.”
The next best price is $59.99
Importer Note “Saint Cosme Condrieu is produced from fully-ripened Viognier which Louis Barruol believes is essential to achieving the variety’s full potential. “But ripeness must not imply excessive alcohol,” says Barruol, “We seek balance.” The wine is matured for eight months in used 228-liter barrels, and undergoes full malolactic fermentation on fine lees for 12 months…Saint Cosme Condrieu shows classic aromas and flavors of dried apricot, peach, and orange blossom with fennel, anise, and elderflower. Twelve months of aging on its fine lees in used Burgundian pièce brings texture to the palate. This is a classic Condrieu.”
New Weekend – New Arrivals
Case-12 Varner El Camino Vineyard Chardonnay, Santa Barbara County 2015 750ML ($299.95) $236 special (that’s only $19.67/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2015 Chardonnay El Camino Vineyard from the Varner brothers is lovely, wafting from the glass with an expressive bouquet of honeycomb, ripe peaches and fresh apricot. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied, pure and textural—displaying a touch more mid-palate ripeness than the 2014 rendition—and concludes with a long, saline finish. This is a characterful Chardonnay that represents terrific value.”Only 2 bottles available:
Chateau Gilette Creme de Tete, Sauternes 1967 750ML ($499.95) $399 special
Winery-cellared release!
Wine Spectator 99 points “[Reviewed 2012] Combines the bitter orange and matchstick-tinged aspects of the ’75 with the layers of dried mango, papaya and fig of the ’79. Then there’s extra glazed pear, date, green tea and Grand Marnier notes chiming in on the gloriously sweet and supple finish. Tasted non-blind at the château.”
Neal Martin 96 points “[Reviewed 2014] The Chateau Gilette Creme de Tete 1967 is perhaps the wine that really convinced me how great this wine can be. It has the finest bouquet of several older vintages: tangerine, beeswax, pine needles and cumin, that opens wonderfully with aeration. The palate is beautifully balanced with an allspice, dried orange peel, marmalade and white pepper. This is very harmonious and elegant with a long, tender finish not far removed from a Tokaji Aszu! Lovely. Drink now-2030+.”
The next best price is $449
James Suckling 96 points “Distinctive for the bracken and peppery elements across wild red cherry and berry fruits. The palate has supple ripe raspberry and cherry flavors in gently grainy tannins that hold nobly. Exceptional purity and length. Drink from 2020.”
Josh Raynolds 93-95 points “(raised in concrete tanks) Brilliant ruby. Powerful, mineral-accented aromas of ripe red berries, cherry pit, potpourri and musky rhubarb, backed by a hint of Asian spices. Sweet, concentrated and seamless in texture, offering intense raspberry, cherry and lavender pastille flavors and a touch of licorice. Impressively suave and focused; a powerful jolt of candied flowers carries through the long, palate-staining finish.”Forstmeister Geltz-Zilliken Saarburger Rausch Riesling Kabinett, Mosel 2016 750ML ($39.95) $24 special
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2016 Saarburger Rausch Riesling Kabinett opens like a perfume, with flinty, spicy, intense yet fine and almost tropical fruit aromas. This is very well articulated and precise. Round and delicate on the palate, this is a lush, almost creamy, perfectly balanced and dense Kabinett whose unfermented sugar intertwines beautifully with mineral flavors. This is a Kabinett of great beauty—highly recommend. 8.5% alcohol.”
James Suckling 93 points “Quite exotic on the nose, but without any hint of heaviness. Sensational balance of fruit, minerals, and super-elegant acidity make this a near-perfect example of this category. Pristine finish that makes you want more now, but this has a couple of decades of aging potential!”
David Schildknecht-Vinous 92 points “Moss, wet stone, alkali and woodsmoke make for a highly distinctive as well as pungent aromatic alliance, though there are also scents of lime, grapefruit, mango and apple, which anticipate the juicy profusion featured on a subtly creamy, palpably dense yet buoyant palate. A hint of almond supplements the appeal of a bell-clear, lingering finish delightfully poised between lusciously fruity and intriguingly mineral elements. As usual chez Zilliken, high residual sugar – in this case, 58 grams – is almost magically canceled out in a delicious equation. (This year, due to paucity of grapes and to the fact that their best yields were in the oldest vines that tend to be showcased in single-vineyard bottlings, the Zillikens rendered no village-level Saarburger Kabinett.)”
David Schildknecht-Vinous 93 points “Like this year’s Alte Reben bottling, the Zillikens’ 2016 Grosses Gewächs weighs in at just 11.5% alcohol and evinces a delightful sense of buoyancy, yet with striking creaminess of texture. Site-typical notes of stone and ash run from the nose through to the superbly sustained finish, accompanied by zesty, brightly juicy lemon and grapefruit. This sleek, treble expression of Saarburger Rausch conveys a mouthwatering alliance of crustacean-like sweetness, salinity and iodine. Hanno Zilliken opined that at this youthful stage, he favors his Alte Reben and Diabas bottlings, but amusingly, given my skeptical reservations concerning the genre, I give this Grosses Gewächs the edge.”
Wine Spectator 93 points “Lithe yet rich-tasting, with ample spice and dried herb notes surrounding the core of nectarine and apricot, this shows firm structure and a layered texture, revealing new nuances with every sip. Remains focused on the savory finish. Give this time to show its best. Best from 2020 through 2030. 100 cases made.”
Neal Martin 94 points “Tasted January 2014. Tasted blind at the Southwold Bordeaux 2010 tasting. The outstanding Gloria 2010 has a lovely bouquet with ripe blackberry, briary, cedar and tobacco fruit that is very precise. The palate is medium-bodied, the tannins exerting a gentle but insistent grip. This is very well balanced and focused with superbly integrated oak on the satisfying finish. Great out of barrel, great in bottle, this is a Saint Julien that has really upped its game in recent vintages.”
Robert Parker 93 points “The 2010 Gloria is an ass-kicking, fabulous value once again from this estate, which would probably be classified if the 1855 hierarchy of the wines of the Medoc were ever done again. Abundant notes of cedar wood, fruitcake, flowers, creme de cassis and kirsch are all present in this full-bodied, opulent, dense, dark ruby/purple wine. It is slightly more restrained than the flamboyant 2009, but equal in quality. This is a juicy, well-proportioned, sensationally concentrated, super-ripe Gloria to drink over the next decades. Of course, it is a sleeper of the vintage, given the reasonable price it normally sells for.”
Wine Spectator 93 points “A rich, concentrated version, boasting blackberry, plum, chocolate and spice flavors. Balanced in a broad, muscular way, with a long, saturated finish. Drink now through 2023. 700 cases made.”
Let’s Explore the Willamette Valley!New Grapelive Reviews
Kerry Winslow of Grapelive just published a tranche of new reviews for fun summer picks from Oregon!
Cameron Winery Giovanni Pinot Bianco, Willamette Valley 2017 750ML ($19.95) $16 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Grapelive 93 points “Oregon is without question the newest hot spot for Pinot Blanc (Pinot Bianco). Yes, you heard correctly, not Pinot Gris, which can be a nice wine here obviously, it’s Pinot Blanc, which in recent vintages has proven to rival top offerings from Alto Adige and the great wines of Alsace. This Cameron 2017 Dundee Hills Giovanni (Pinot Blanc) is a piercing example of this varietal. Absolutely vibrant and electric on the palate with zingy lemon/lime, white peach, loads of Asian pear and green melon notes it adds wet stone, a fine mineral streak and light garden herb and spices. [Winemaker] John Paul, the Oregon legend who has some affection for Italian wines, crafts this light white that is wonderfully expressive. Unlike the grape’s reputation of serene dullness this stuff is magic and vivid from start to finish. With air it adds a touch of texture, but stays refined, vibrant and virtually weightless. Even though it clearly has extract, in fact it feels like a dry Riesling in its energy, which to me is proof of awesomeness. According to Paul, the briskly dry Pinot Bianco (given the nomer “Giovanni”) is fermented in stainless steel, typically in three different lots with appropriate aromatic yeasts, and bottled in its exuberant youth in the early spring. It’s also very low alcohol, coming in at just 11.7%. It’s perfect for summer with its refreshing juicy acidity adding a cool and crisp sensation. Drink up.”
Westrey Chardonnay Oracle Vineyard, Willamette Valley 2014 750ML ($49.95) $36 special, 18 bottles in stock now
Grapelive 91 points “This beautiful and very Chassagne-like single vineyard Chardonnay (crafted by talented winemakers Amy Wesselman and David Autrey, hence the name Westrey) is from the Dundee Hills’ Jory (volcanic) soils of the Oracle Vineyard. It’s a lovely expression of place and class with subtle oak nuance and a refined medium body. This Westrey Oracle Chard is cooly crisp with fine mineral tones and delicate layers of fruit along with modest alcohol that adds to that Burgundy-like feel. It has a nice acidic lift and gains a lovely textural presence in the glass while staying vibrant and graceful throughout its length. Layers on the palate include an array of citrus and tangy apple and pear fruit along with a steely form and structure along with hints of hazelnut, wet stones, saline and a light cream note, as well as golden fig, a dusting of backing spice, lemon curd and lime blossom. This vintage was a nice surprise. It’s maturing well and it’s my favorite from this winery, and while I don’t get that excited by Oregon Chardonnay normally, this wine really impresses for its quality and value. This worth looking for and it’s ready to enjoy now. It’s in a good spot, best between 2018 and 2022.”
Bow & Arrow Union School Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Willamette Valley 2016 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special, 18 bottles in stock now
Grapelive 92 points “The Loire-inspired Bow & Arrow Sauvignon Blanc sourced from the Union School Vineyard in the warmer, southern side of the Willamette Valley is a ripe, oak aged example that Scott Franc fermented in large format French oak puncheon and aged in his cellar for 10 months. This is an example of rich and detailed Sauvignon that gives a nod to some of the more classic versions from places like Pouilly-Fume or the Cru Sancerres like those of Gerard Bouley. It’s one of the best, if not the best, SB I’ve tried from Oregon. Bow & Arrow’s winemaker Scott Frank, who worked under the legendary John Paul at Cameron Winery, says the Union School was the first site they got Sauvignon Blanc from and turned out to be perfectly suited to make his traditional style of Sauvignon Blanc. Even though not much in vogue these days, this richer and oak influenced wine gets your attention white delicate floral tones and textural mouth feel adding quinces, lemon/lime and fresh picked stone fruits along with leesy brioche, sweet French oak and round melon notes. While dense and with a medium/full body there is still plenty of lift and persistence here with a heightened sense of acidity and vitality of form. This was put together with exceptional care. There is a lot to love in this Sauvignon Blanc. It is very entertaining and has real serious substance to it, and while not Dagueneau, it is a thrill for the money. In fact it’s a steal for the quality, and better yet it has potential to age well, too. I bet it gets way better with a few more years in bottle, best from 2019 to 2026.”
Produttori del Barbaresco Montestefano, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2013 1.5L ($179.95) $149 special
Wine Spectator 96 points “This is full-bodied, displaying cherry, licorice, wild herb, iron and tobacco notes. The dense tannins take over and dominate the finish now, despite this remaining fresh and long. Full-bodied and minerally. Best from 2025 through 2040.”Domaine Huet Vouvray Clos du Bourg Demi-Sec, Loire 2016 750ML ($59.95) $46 special
Case-6 Domaine Huet Vouvray Clos du Bourg Demi-Sec, Loire 2016 750ML ($299.95) $249 special (that’s only $41.50/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 95 points “Gorgeous, with creamy-edged nectarine, yellow and green apple, pear and quince flavors that are brightly defined from start to finish, flecked with verbena and honeysuckle hints and backed by a off-dry edge on the finish. Stays fresh and pure throughout. Tempting now but there’s no rush. Drink now through 2032.”Domaine Font Sarade Vacqueyras Premier Vin, Rhone 2015 750ML ($27.95) $24 special
Jeb Dunnuck 93 points “My favorite in the line, the 2015 Vacqueyras Le Premier Vin checks in as 80% Grenache and 20% Mourvedre that spent 14 months in French oak. It’s a killer bottle of wine and has lots of blackberries, cassis, smoked herbs and licorice aromas and flavors. Ripe, sexy and opulent, with low acidity and sweet tannin, drink it over the coming 7-8 years.”
Case-12 Domaine Francois Lumpp A Vigne Rouge, Givry Premier Cru 2013 750ML ($399.95) $319 special (that’s only $26.58/bottle!)
Grapelive 92 points “This Domaine is getting a lot of buzz for value, and I was very excited to try this Givry by Francois Lumpp. This area is in the Cote Chalonnaise, not far from the more famous Mercurey. There are a total of 240 acres of red and just 24 acres of white in the 27 climats within the Givry AOC (appellation) that are classified as Premier Cru vineyards, with wines designated Givry Premier Cru that show a vineyard name. This Lumpp A Vignes Rouge cuvee [is] a single vineyard Premier Cru Givry. Even though it’s a lesser known place, Burgundy fans have long looked here for purity, character and especially value, and with this Francois Lumpp you can see why. Kermit Lynch now imports Lumpp, who was founded in 1991 and produce just about 4,000 cases annually. Every wine François makes is from Givry, and interestingly from vineyards that he planted and nurtured–something that is exceedingly rare in Burgundy today. His vines are a massale selection of old bud wood grown on, in this case, a mix of Oxfordian Nantoux Limestone, Fine Marl, and Clay with A Vignes Rouge coming off 15 year old vines at 850 feet above sea level. Givry’s best premier cru sites are situated on the mid to upper level slopes of the rolling hillsides. These form the base of Lumpp’s holdings (all of which are in fact Premier Cru plots, except one white Lieu-Dit). Lumpp uses stainless steel to ferment with gentle punch downs then the wine is raised in barriques, of which surprisingly are about 70% new each vintage. The Premier Crus get one year in barrel as this one did with only one racking to clarify before bottling. This 2013 is astonishingly fresh and deeply flavored with a rich dark garnet/ruby hue and a vivid grapey nose that leads to a textured palate that shines with blackberry, plum, bramble berry and cherry fruits along with a streak of mineral, earth and briar adding sweet woody notes along with hint of tobacco, tangy currant, minty herb and apple skin. The tannins are supple, but firmer than you’d expect of a wine of this vintage and there’s a lot of pop from vital acidity, while being rather lush and dense. Certainly this Burgundy has ages to go and it’s a huge bargain, best with robust cuisine, and it must be said it has resolved almost all the oak making for a real entertaining and stylish wine. Best from 2019 to 2026.”
The next best price is $32.98
Wine Spectator 95 points “This cuts more of a broad swath than its peers, yet remains graveful, evoking strawberry, cherry, tobacco and stony mineral flavors. Long and dense in structure, with a tobacco- and under-brush-tinged finish. Best from 2021 through 2033.”
Arriving Next Month
The Power and the GloryDelas’ Undervalued Masterpieces
Delas makes some of the most powerful, intense wines in the Northern Rhone at prices that make them one of the superior values in the region. Density and richness are a hallmark of both the reds and the whites—there are no shrinking violets in the lineup. The Condrieu is all about the rich, opulent side of the AOC, with a thick mouthfeel and powerful aromatics. Ditto the St. Joseph, which is among the more structured, ageworthy examples to come of the region. Finally, we’re offering the legend-in-the-making Hermitage Les Bessards, from Delas’ choicest parcel of the fabled hill. If you love the wines from Chapoutier and Jaboulet, these need a place in your cellar.
For whatever reason, the market has yet to catch up to the quality coming out of Delas’ cellar. The Northern Rhone has turned into one of the hottest markets in the wine world and we keep seeing producers blowing up and getting expensive. That hasn’t happened to Delas—yet. With the quality of recent vintages and the scores involved, we definitely see it happening soon, though, so if you love these wines now is the time to back up the truck.
Arriving Next Month:
Delas Freres Condrieu Clos Boucher, Rhone 2016 750ML ($89.95) $69 pre-arrival special
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 95 points “Pale green-hued yellow. Penetrating, mineral-tinged aromas of fresh citrus and pit fruits are complemented by chalky minerals, violet and fennel accents. Juicy, focused and concentrated, offering intense pear nectar, Meyer lemon and honeysuckle flavors that show outstanding clarity and minerally lift. The mineral and floral notes carry emphatically through a silky, appealingly sweet finish that hangs on with superb focus and tenacity.”
Jeb Dunnuck 95 points “A step up, the bigger, richer 2016 Condrieu Clos Boucher is blockbuster stuff, offering serious notes of crushed rock, buttered citrus, orange blossom, and a smoky, meaty, mineral character that’s hard to describe. Possessing full-bodied richness, beautiful mid-palate concentration and a seamless texture, this beauty will be even better this time next year and keep for 4-6 years.”
Jeb Dunnuck 100 points “The top cuvée from Delas is the 2015 Hermitage Les Bessards, and it’s always 100% Syrah from the steep, broken granite soils of the Bessards lieu-dit. Aged 18 months in 30% new barrels, its purple/plum color is followed by a huge nose of blackcurrants, graphite, toasted spice, crushed rocks and saddle leather. Powerful, massively concentrated, and tannic, it has a broad, expansive, heavenly texture, a thick mid-palate (you could almost use a fork for this beauty), and a great finish. Despite the richness level, it stays balanced and graceful on the palate, and is never over the top or heavy. It’s a perfect Hermitage that will start to shine with 4-5 years of bottle age and keep for three decades or more. Bravo!”
Wine Advocate 95-97 points “The top cuvée is the 2015 Hermitage les Bessards, which comes from the middle to lower portion of the steep, granite hillside known as Bessards, unquestionably one of the best terroirs for Syrah in the world. Its inky purple color is followed by a full-bodied, rich, thrillingly concentrated red that has huge tannin, bright acidity and a solid mid-palate concentration. It still tastes like it just came from the press and will need to be forgotten for a decade. As normal, it’s completely destemmed and will see 18 months in 30% new oak.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 96 points “Inky ruby. A highly aromatic bouquet evokes candied black and blue fruits, along with complicating suggestions of smoky minerals, candied flowers, olive and vanilla. Deep, chewy and expansive in the mouth, offering impressively concentrated dark berry liqueur, fruitcake and salty olive flavors that are complicated by a hint of smoky minerality and a building floral pastille note. Distinctly rich and powerful but surprisingly graceful as well, showing noteworthy clarity and mineral-driven thrust on the strikingly long finish.”Delas Freres Saint-Joseph Francois de Tournon, Rhone 2015 750ML ($44.95) $38 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 93 points “Inky and concentrated, the 2015 Saint-Joseph Francois de Tournon is no easy-drinking Saint-Joseph. It’s smoky, herbal and ashy all at once, yet it’s buoyed by ample black cherry fruit and vibrant acidity. This medium to full-bodied Syrah has plenty of tannins, but they’re ultimately silky and most apparent on the long, licorice-tinged finish. This is approachable now but should be even better in 3 years and should drink well for at least another 10 after that.”
Jeb Dunnuck 93 points “Both Saint Joseph releases are brilliant in 2015. The 2015 Saint Joseph François De Tournon comes vines around Tournon, Mauves, Saint-Jean-de-Muzols, and Vion, and is always destemmed and aged in 30% new barrels. This full-bodied, rounded, sexy beauty shows the power and fruit of the vintage. With classic notes of black and blue fruits, violets, incense and pepper, drink this textured, expansive, terrific Saint Joseph over the coming 10-15 years.”
Don’t miss the new Rhone reviews from Wine SpectatorIn Stock Now:
Domaine du Pegau Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Reservee, Rhone 2015 750ML ($89.95) $75 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 94 points “Solid, with a muscular core of dark fig, blackberry, raspberry paste flavors mixed liberally with anise, savory, tobacco and singed mesquite notes. Shows a sanguine thread on the finish, where everything knits together. This has ample depth and character. Best from 2020 through 2035.”
Arriving in October:
Domaine de la Janasse Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Chaupin, Rhone 2016 750ML (119.95) $99 pre-arrival special, ETA October
Wine Spectator 95 points “Delightful plum, raspberry and blackberry compote flavors form the core, with racy, graphite-edged structure running underneath. Dark anise and tobacco notes check in throughout. The long finish lets the fruit linger. Best from 2020 through 2034.”
Domaine de la Janasse Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Tradition, Rhone 2016 750ML ($69.95) $59 pre-arrival special, ETA October
Wine Spectator 93 points “A lovely beam of cassis and dark plum fruit streams through, laced with anise and graphite notes and driving through a sage brush–accented finish. Shows the ripe, focused, racy feel of the vintage. Best from 2020 through 2030.”
Domaine de la Janasse Cuvee Vieilles Vignes, Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2016 750ML ($149.95) $119 pre-arrival special, ETA October
Wine Spectator 97 points “This is packed with plum, raspberry and blackberry confiture flavors that are youthfully wound up, while warm stone, anise, bay leaf, garrigue and tar notes fill in throughout. Dense but juicy, with a long, smoldering feel on the finish. Best from 2020 through 2040.”
Arriving in JulyMassican’s “Other” Napa
Dan Petroski leads two different winemaking lives. By day, he’s the winemaker at Larkmead, a historic California winery known for high point scores and powerful Cabernet-based reds. By night (proverbially), he runs his own tiny label, called Massican, and produces white wines inspired by the majestic whites of Friuli, in northeastern Italy. Starting in 2009, he’s produced these quietly-revolutionary white blends, challenging Napa orthodoxy with some stunning stuff.
Stylistically, the wines he makes are finely balanced between richness and freshness. Sauvignon Blanc, Ribolla Gialla and Friulano all have steely acidity, so either by themselves or paired with Chardonnay (which is a traditional grape in Friuli), the wines always have great brightness. Napa sun gives the wines richness and the resulting blend is a wine that is able to pair with a seemingly endless variety of foods. These are wines that are destined to become modern classics and we’re excited that they’re finally available outside the winery’s mailing list.
Massican Wines Arriving July
Massican Annia White, Napa Valley 2017 750ML ($39.95) $33 pre-arrival special
Winery note “Grapes: ribolla gialla – 55%, tocai friulano – 39%, chardonnay – 6%. The 2017 vintage in napa will always be remembered because of the wildfires that began on the evening of Sunday, October 8. We are very fortunate that not only were all our grapes harvested before the fires broke out but also that our vineyards were spared from harm; however, we cannot say that for all our neighbors who have been impacted by this tragedy. Our ANNIA in this vintage shows the quiet side of her persona an opportunity to remain thoughtful and thankful for all the good graces we receive not only this year but every year.”
Massican Gemina, Napa Valley 2017 750ML ($39.95) $33 pre-arrival special
Winery note “Grapes: pinot grigio – 77%, greco – 23%. With our hearts and minds attached to the wildfires that ravaged our community during the early part of October we often forget that the vintage was defined by another incredible weather event – the record breaking heat wave that lasted from June through Deptember. It was a relentless heat wave but we are fortunate for GEMINA to be made from two grape varieties, one of those varieties is greco which is accustom to savage climate of southern Italy and can face the intensity of one hundred degree days.”
Massican Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley 2017 750ML ($39.95) $33 pre-arrival special
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.”
Massican Gaspare Bianco, Colli Orientali del Friulii, 2016 750ML ($37.95) $31.90 pre-arrival special
Winery note “Grapes: tocai friulano – 43%, ribolla gialla – 29%, chardonnay – 28%. This is a wine about friends and family. without massimo there would be no trip to Sicily. without George there would be no ribolla gialla in the United States without Christian and Serena there would be no inspiration for this wine. All my friends are my heroes and my motivation. annia is named after my American mother and our first Italian wine vintage is named after massimo’s father GASPARE. Without massimo there would be no massican he gave the support to make this dream a reality a million thanks to friends and family we could not have done it without you.”
In Stock Now from Massican
Massican Hyde Vineyards Chardonnay, Napa Valley 2016 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 20 bottles in stock now
International Wine Report 91 points “The 2016 Hyde Vineyard Chardonnay is a terrific showing in this vintage. Winemaker Dan Petroski harvested his Chardonnay twice. The first fruit was picked early in August, which was planned for use in his ‘Annia’ white to add structure to the blend. The second pick took place within a few weeks, but was slightly delayed as a result of the cooler weather in Carneros. Nonetheless, this Chardonnay opens to vibrant aromatics of citrus, nectarine and crushed stones followed by hints of jasmine and almond. On the palate it possesses a beautiful texture with wonderful balance of minerality and acidity lasting through the finish. While this Chardonnay is already offering plenty of early appeal, it also shows the potential to further evolve with some short-term cellaring. (Best 2018-2025).”
Winery note: “we harvested our hyde vineyards chardonnay on two separate occasions in the 2016 growing season. there was an early august pick with the intention of these grapes being blended into annia to provide the wine with a hint of freshness and structure. the second harvest happened a bit later than expected due to the weather in carneros being moderate to slightly below average temps. as for the wine itself, this is an atypical hyde vineyards chardonnay that lands on the lighter, brighter side of vineyard’s potential of making some of the greatest chardonnays in california. next year we plan on putting a toe in the water, testing a little of the crop on the riper and richer side of hyde; so hang on for the ride but in the short term give this bottling a little time to settle into itself and start drinking in the fall of 2017.”
Arriving in JulyWinery-Cellared Releases
Wine Spectator 93 points “A core of mineral-accented smoke, spice and honey notes is wrapped with flavors of glazed apricot, lemon preserves and candied ginger in this vibrant and well-balanced version. Creamy, with a lasting finish. Drink now through 2025. 3,000 cases made.”
Wine Enthusiast 94 points “A fresh, delicious wine, the natural richness of the botrytis balanced beautifully with acidity. It is ripe but delicate, a style that floats over the sweet fruit.”
The June Sale, In Full
See the complete list of our June Clearance Sale wines below or click here to shop the sale!
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