New Wines in the July Sale!
New Weekend Arrivals
Including Orin Swift, Vietti, Pradeaux, and More!
Our Top Ten Burgundies – We Tackle a Tough List
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Our Top Ten Burgundy Values
New Burlotto Reviews in Wine Advocate
Muga Riserva: Wine of the Vintage?
Iconic Pricing on Pergole Torte
French Treasure (Selosse, D’Angerville+More) Arriving Soon
Two Cult Classics Next Week
Highlights of the July Sale
Belle Glos ‘Clark & Telephone’ Vineyard Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley 2016 1.5L ($99.95) Was $79, Now $69 Clearance Price, 24 magnums in stock now
Winery note “The color is a deep scarlet-red with lush aromas of blackberry bramble, nutmeg, and hint of caramel. The wine is fresh and exuberant in the mouth with sumptuous strawberry jam, ripe black cherry, cranberry and warm gingerbread. It is perfectly balanced with refreshing acidity, velvety tannins and a hint of toffee carrying through its long finish. When asked to describe this wine, I simply say it’s like a taste of Christmas, all year long!”
Heck, the 750ML bottle is averaging $50 around the country…
Hartford Family Winery Hartford Court Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, Sonoma County 2015 750ML ($34.95) Was $24, Now $21.90 Clearance Price, 22 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 90 points “The 2015 Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley) is a lovely appellation wine. Juicy, forward and delicious, the 2015 is everything one could ask for in an appellation level Pinot. Once again, the purity of the flavors is striking.”
Maggy Hawk Afleet Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley 2009 750ML ($69.95) Was $49, Now $39 Clearance Price, 9 bottles in stock now
Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 92 points “Bright ruby. Aromas of fresh red berries and candied rose are complicated by notes of sassafras, vanilla and allspice. Juicy and sharply focused, offering intense raspberry and cherry flavors that put on weight with air. Shows impressive clarity on the finish, which lingers with suave floral and spice qualities.”
Now it’s even lower!
The next best price is $86.99
Really!
Merry Edwards Olivet Lane Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley 2014 750ML ($99.95) Was $66, Now $59 Clearance Price, 18 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 92 points “Pale to medium ruby-purple in color, the 2014 Pinot Noir Olivet Lane offers an earthy nose of underbrush, moss, dusty soil and truffles over notes of crushed Bing cherries and cranberries, plus a waft of bay leaves. Medium-bodied, elegant and fresh in the mouth, the red berry and earth flavors are well-supported by chewy tannins and give a nice long finish.”
Now it’s even lower!
The next best price is $77.43
The average price is $83
Poe Manchester Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir, Mendocino 2014 750ML ($57.95) Was $39, Now $33 Clearance Price, 11 bottles in stock now
Grapelive 93 points “The talented Samantha Sheehan’s POE wines are beautifully and artfully crafted wines from expressive cool climate sites, most in and around Anderson Valley and Mendocino County, except for her powerful Van der Camp Vineyard from Sonoma Mountain, her focus is classic Burgundy style Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Her 2014 wines offer everything that is lovely and graceful about these varietals, they are richly flavored, layered with poise, silky tannins and vibrant acidity, these pure and mineral driven wines make it hard to pick a favorite in the lineup, but I decided to highlight this gorgeous Manchester Ridge Vineyard Pinot from Mendocino Ridge, just because, honestly all of them are great, this is a label to get into! The nose has flinty spices, wonderful rose petal florals and red fruit, it shows a pure ruby and garnet hue in the glass and the satiny medium body gives the mouth a sublime textural feel without heaviness, while still being alive and full of energy, this is a top drawer effort from Sheehan. Black cherry, tangy plum and a hint of blueberry flow across the palate with dusty/chalky stones, rose hip tea spice, hints of cedar and a touch of cinnamon and smoky vanilla linger with wild raspberry and tart currant on the lengthy finish. This pretty Pinot Noir is a real charmer and seduces completely with stylish and classic detail, it should prove a winner in the cellar too, and while I think the firmer Van der Camp might go longer in distance, this beauty will gain with age, drink from, well, now until 2029 at least!”
Now it’s even lower!
The next best price is $47.99
New Weekend – New Arrivals
Case-12 Orin Swift Abstract Red, California 2015 750ML ($419.95) $259 special (that’s only $21.58/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 90 points “Moderately complex, though loaded with zesty, supple fruit and offering appealing notes of black raspberry, smoky beef and cracked pepper. Grenache, Syrah and Petite Sirah. Drink now through 2022.”
The next best price is $28.94
The average price is $33
Case-12 Orin Swift Mannequin, California 2015 750ML ($359.95) $229 special (that’s only $19.09/bottle!)
The next best price is $24.90
The average price is $30
Antonio Galloni 90 points “[Review is for Feb 2017 disgorgement] The Brut Rosé Pur Meunier is a rosé done with a blend of mostly Meunier vinified in white, off the skins, with the addition of still red Meunier for color and texture. Bright, red-tone fruit, tobacco and dried flowers give the wine striking aromatic depth to play off and contrast the fruit. The 6 grams of dosage feels just a touch sweet for this wine. Otherwise, the Pur Meunier is very nicely done. The current release is a blend of equal parts 2014 and 2013.”
Peter Liem note “*(*) Based on Mignon’s non-vintage Brut Nature, this is blended with 15 to 20 percent of red wine from Le Breuil, which gives it a deep crimson color. Like the Brut Nature, this is exuberant and bold, yet the addition of red wine makes it even more vinous and intense, without really increasing the wine’s weight or body. It’s silky in texture and elegant in build, with a delicious pungency of fruit that simply makes you want to drink more. Last tasted: 2/18.”
The next best price is $59.95
The average price is $65
Chateau Pradeaux Bandol Rouge, Provence 2013 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
Grapelive 94 points “Etienne Portalis, the fourteenth generation, winemaker at Pradeaux has made a brilliant and deep Bandol in the 2013 vintage. It is my pick for #Mourvedre Day. It is a traditional and old school wine that is made with the blessing of the warm Mediterranean sun and his family’s old vines. The Chateau Pradeaux, founded back in 1752, is a Provence legend and the house style is natural and powerful with Etienne only using whole cluster with stems. These are wines that have firm structures from the raw/authentic skin tannins and wines that can age many decades. That said, this 2013 shows a beautiful freshness of detail and refinement after its extended time in large used cask. The 2013 is deep in color with a dark garnet hue around a blackish core with an earthy profile that opens to a full bodied and complex wine. [It is] almost 100% Mourvedre with a tiny amount of other black grapes. It reveals layers of dusty blackberry, kirsch, plum and boysenberry fruits, peppery briar spice, leather, chalky stones, anise, bitter coco and a touch of floral lift with a mix of violet and lavender as well as a cedar/tobacco element. This 2013 is drinking with an impressive palate impact with plenty of dry grip and force, but turns generous with air with a ripe opulence allowing lots of pleasure and textural charm. It’s a serious example that will gain further with short to mid-term cellaring. Imported by Rosenthal Wine Merchant, Chateau Pradeaux is without question, along with Domaine Tempier, is a standard bearer of the region. This 2013 is a beauty that will be perfect with rustic and simple country cuisine. It’s a big, bold and robust Bandol with a natural sex appeal and inner energy. Drink over the next 10 to 15 years.”
Vietti Ravera, Barolo DOCG 2014 750ML ($179.95) $159 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 97 points “Another highlight in this range, the 2014 Barolo Ravera opens with the most exquisite, captivating aromatics imaginable. It will be interesting to see if it develops a bit more midpalate depth and pliancy. Today, the 2014 is a bit austere, even within the context of the year and this site, where the wines are a bit on the nervous side to start. I have seen Vietti Raveras blossom into spectacular wines and imagine that will be the case here as well. Readers should not plan on opening a bottle anytime soon.”
The average price is $178
Vietti Rocche di Castiglione, Barolo DOCG 2014 750ML ($199.95) $179 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 98 points “Vietti’s 2014 Barolo Rocche di Castiglione is shaping up to be a modern-day classic. Piercing, intense and austere in the best sense of the word, the Rocche is a wine of laser-like focus that will leave Barolo lovers weak in the knees. Candied cherry, pomegranate, kirsch, rose petal and violet overtones give the 2014 its inner sweetness and captivating perfume. In a word: stunning. Don’t miss it.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95 points “This is a beautiful wine from a challenging vintage—Luca Currado tells me it reminds him of his father and his childhood. Indeed, the 2014 Barolo Rocche di Castiglione is a nostalgic wine with old-school Barolo aromas of wild berry, orange peel, hazelnuts and earthy truffle. The wine opens to a very attractive ruby color and dark garnet highlights. The mouthfeel is silky and smooth but extremely well structured at the same time. Some 150 magnums were made in this vintage because there is an expectation that this wine will age with grace and attitude.”
Only 4 bottles available!
Vietti Lazzarito, Barolo DOCG 2014 750ML ($179.95) $149 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 96 points “In many ways, the gorgeous 2014 Barolo Lazzarito is the most surprising wine in the range. Once a stylistic outlier with a considerable French oak influence, today it is much closer to the other Barolos in terms of feel. Deep, dark and intense, with all of the energy of the year very much on display, the Lazzarito is super-expressive and shows a more red-toned profile than is the norm. Kirsch, mint, rose petal and chalk all develop in the glass, while beams of tannin and salinity give the wine shape and persistence. The weight and depth of Serralunga come through on the midpalate and into the finish. Even so, this is in a decidedly laid-back style for Serralunga. In 2014, I especially like the wine’s aromatic presence.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95 points “This wine represents a tremendous effort. The 2014 Barolo Lazzarito is a powerhouse Nebbiolo. Luca Currado tells me that this is one of the best vintages he has ever made. I felt it important to record his comment here because it comes as a very refreshing affirmation given all the controversy and naysaying that surrounds the 2014 vintage. Lazzarito vines sit in a shallow amphitheater that tends to lock in the summer heat. Indeed, this vineyard site suffers most in the scorching hot years and performs best in the coolest years. The bouquet is opulent and bold with black fruit and distinct traces of sweet chocolate and espresso. The mouthfeel is succulent and rich in natural fruit fiber and sweet tannins.”
The average price is $174
Our Top Ten in Red Burgundy
We Tackle an Impossible Task
We’ve got two top-ten lists to guide you in your pursuits. The first is a no-holds-barred look at what we think is the crème de la crème of our Burgundy selection. We also wanted to highlight a selection of the best values, as well—wines that deliver a lot of quality and Burgundian character for a lot (lot!) less money than the top tier. We’ve also got honorable mentions in both categories—there’s too much good stuff that we had to throw in a few more. So without further ado, here are our top picks:
This is a crown jewel of Burgundy—a stunning vineyard in a magnificent year, all in the hands of a master.
Sylvain Cathiard Romanee-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits 2009 750ML ($2799.95) $2499 special, 3 bottles available
Burghound 94-97 points “A dazzlingly complex, perfumed and pure nose reveals a bit of wood influence yet remains strikingly elegant with its superb scope of spicy red berry fruit aromas that are followed by ripe, seductive and beautifully intense flavors that display marvelous depth and perfect balance on the sappy and naturally sweet finish of monumental length. This is a wine of indisputable class and a model of grace and understatement that should age effortlessly for 20 to 30 years.”
One of the best parcels in Corton, Faiveley’s Clos marries a robust house style to a elegant vintage to produce something that adds up to much more than the sum of its parts.
Domaine Faiveley Corton ‘Clos des Cortons’ Faiveley Monopole Grand Cru, Cote de Beaune 2011 750ML ($179.95) $149 special, 12+ bottles available
Antonio Galloni 95 points “Faiveley’s 2011 Corton Clos des Corton is a fitting conclusion to this great night of wine and food. Intensely saline and pointed, the 2011 impresses for its pure energy and tension. The flavors are vibrant and impeccably delineated in a Burgundy that is all about finesse. This is a great showing from the Clos des Corton.” AG
Stephen Tanzer 94 points “Medium red. Ineffable nose and palate offer red fruits, minerals, spices and flowers, complicated by game, earth and leather. Sweet, concentrated and very intense, boasting outstanding density and a fine-grained texture, with salty minerality giving the wine a weightless impression that’s remarkable considering its density. A strong tannic spine and brisk acidity energize and draw out the finish of this sharply delineated, pristine grand cru.” ST
Only 28 cases were imported of a wine that gets as close to a perfect Mazis as we can imagine.
Olivier Bernstein Mazis-Chambertin Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits 2015 750ML ($599.95) $519 special, 4 bottles available
Wine Spectator 98 points “A brilliant red, bursting with cherry, strawberry, floral and mineral aromas and flavors, backed by a firm structure, with an overall sense of elegance, restraint and understated power. This will need a few years to reveal all its charms, yet remains long and focused. Best from 2023 through 2040. 28 cases imported.”
Stephen Tanzer 95+ points “Medium red. Deeper, musky, rather backward nose offers soil-inflected aromas of black cherry, coffee, mocha and minerals but a bit less energy and peppery lift than the Bonnes-Mares. Then wonderfully silky and thick in the mouth, and surprisingly lively and expressive considering the nose. Conveys terrific energy and peppery pungency to its flavors of dark raspberry, black cherry, licorice and crushed rock. There’s a positive and very sexy wildness here that may become more pronounced with time in the cellar. Finishes with outstanding length.”
Special, special stuff, in minute quantity, from a great vintage. Lignier remains a connoisseurs choice in Morey.
Domaine Hubert Lignier Clos de la Roche Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits 2015 750ML ($599.95) $499 special, 3 bottles available
Wine Advocate 96+ points “The 2015 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru from Domaine Hubert Lignier is one of the high points of the vintage, wafting from the glass with aromas of red and black fruits, pencil lead, cinnamon, cedar, blood orange, dark chocolate and violets. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, sappy and stunningly complete, its formidable chassis of tannin entirely cloaked in a bottomless core of fruit, striking for its mouth-filling amplitude and magical alliance of richness and energy. This will require a decade of bottle age, and ideally more, to realize all its immense potential. Ten-and-a-half barrels were produced.”
Roumier is a cult producer like few others and this is his top wine. 2013 is a vintage coming into its own that will wow in a few decades.
Domaine Georges & Christophe Roumier Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits 2013 750ML ($1199.95) $999 special, 1 bottle available
Burghound 95 points “This is quite floral with plenty of earth and assorted spice elements adding interest to the very fresh mix of green tea and red and dark berry fruit scents. There is outstanding power and concentration to the broad-shouldered flavors that possess a robust mouth feel and ample minerality, all wrapped in a moderately austere and hugely long finish. This is a big, indeed even opulent but balanced wine that is clearly built for longer-term cellaring.”
Lambrays is a bit of a value play in this category—the terroir is some of the best in Morey but the prices don’t match. It’s gonna be a lot more expensive soon, though, thanks to new ownership.
Domaine des Lambrays Clos des Lambrays Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits 2014 750ML ($249.95) $169 special, 12 bottles available
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.”
Domaine Philippe Charlopin-Parizot Echezeaux Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits 2015 750ML ($299.95) $249 special, 6 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer – Vinous 92-94 points “(from the lieu-dit En Orveaux): Full red with ruby tones. Sexy, slightly high-toned aromas of red raspberry and smoked meat, plus a whiff of cooked strawberry that Charlopin says is typical of this cool site, which he picks ten days after his Clos Vougeot. Fine-grained and surprisingly sappy on the palate, showing terrific depth to its raspberry and saline mineral flavors. Finishes with savory tannins and excellent lingering sweetness. As much red- as black-fruit in style, this soil-driven wine really stains the palate.”
Domaine Armand Rousseau Pere et Fils Chambertin Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits 2013 750ML ($1999.95) $1599 special, 1 bottle available
Antonio Galloni 96-98 points “The 2013 Chambertin is shaping up to be one of the wines of the vintage. Aristocratic in its bearing, the Chambertin is simply magnificent today. The overall impression is of a totally spherical wine that has no beginning and no end. Layers of flavor continue to open up in the glass in a sublime, textured wine that captures the truest essence of what Burgundy is all about. The pulsating, vibrant finish is classic 2013.”
Stephen Tanzer-Vinous 97 points “Very good deep red. Closer to the CSJ than to the CDB on the nose, offering terrific pungent lift to the aromas of black raspberry, rose petal and blood orange. Wonderfully sappy and pure, without any impression of weightiness to its saline flavors of raspberry, spices and white pepper. Utterly fine-grained, silky wine with great finesse. One of the longest, most palate-saturating wines of this vintage, finishing with noble tannins and taste bud-titilllating perfume. Perfectly balanced also but built for a glorious evolution in bottle. It would be a shame to open this bottle too soon.”
Neal Martin-Wine Advocate 94-96 points “Matured in 100% new oak, the 2013 Chambertin Grand Cru has wonderful transparency on the nose, beautifully defined with Morello, crushed strawberry, limestone and orange sorbet. The palate is supremely well balanced with lithe tannins, beautiful acidity and real elegance on the finish. This is a sublime Chambertin, but I might hedge my bets with the Clos de Bèze this year.”
Domaine Fourrier Griotte-Chambertin Grand Cru Vieille Vigne, Cote de Nuits 2015 750ML ($999.95) $899 special, 2 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 94-96 points “Good deep red. Dark and slightly wild on the nose but inexpressive today. Shows the added concentration and weight of the hot vintage but less of the coolness of the vineyards exposed to the Combe de Lavaut. Flavors of purple and black fruits and crushed rock hint at violet but can’t quite match the sheer floral éclat of the Clos Saint-Jacques. This wine had been racked more recently than most of the rest and was tighter as a result. Although it’s less harmonious today, its powerful spine of acids and tannins should ensure a long and graceful evolution in bottle.”
While Barthod lacks Grand Cru vineyards, her wines from Chambolle command that sort of pricing because of their quality. This back vintage gem is something.
Domaine Ghislaine Barthod Les Cras, Chambolle-Musigny Premier Cru 2009 750ML ($279.95) $249 special, 2 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2009 Chambolle-Musigny Les Cras is loaded with class and energy. There is tremendous energy in the glass as layers of dark cherries, mint, graphite, crushed rocks, spices and licorice gain volume and breath through the mid-palate and finish. I very much like the intensity and focus here. The Cras is going to need at least another few years in bottle, but it is shaping up to be truly stellar.”
Stephen Tanzer 93+ points “Good medium red. Aromas of musky raspberry, coffee and earth, with a note of sappy cherry emerging with air. Large-scaled and silky in texture but utterly unevolved today, coming across as dry and uncompromising. This youthfully imploded wine is distinctly linear today and will need extended aging to ripen in the bottle. Strong mineral and menthol notes carry through to the long aftertaste. An austere 2009 with substantial dusty tannins, but built for long life.”
Burghound 94 points “Outstanding. This is also exceptionally fresh and bright with relatively deeply pitched aromas of primarily red and blue pinot fruit that are in keeping with the rich and intensely mineral-driven medium-bodied flavors that possess excellent depth of material on the firm, long and gorgeously balanced finish. This is terrific juice though note that patience is part of the price of entry. A knockout.”
Runners Up/Honorable Mention
Domaine de Montille Les Malconsorts Cuvee Christiane, Vosne-Romanee Premier Cru 2013 750ML ($599.95) $499 special, 1 bottle available
94-96 points Wine Advocate/92-95 points Stephen Tanzer
Louis Latour Romanee-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru Les Quatre Journaux, Cote de Nuits 2015 750ML ($499.95) $399 special, 4 bottles available
98 points James Suckling/94 points Wine Spectator
93-94+ points John Gilman/92-94 points Wine Advocate
Domaine Faiveley Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits 2010 750ML ($219.95) $189 special, 8 bottles available
93-96 points Stephen Tanzer/92-95 points Burghound
Domaine du Clos de Tart ‘Clos de Tart’ Grand Cru Monopole, Cote de Nuits 2014 750ML ($519.95) $438 special, 5 bottles available
95-97 points Wine Advocate/96 points Decanter/94 points Jeb Dunnuck
Louis Jadot Chapelle-Chambertin Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits 2010 750ML ($299.95) $279 special, 5 bottles avaialable
95 points Stephen Tanzer
Philippe Pacalet Echezeaux Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits 2014 750ML ($319.95) $279 special, 4 bottles available
91-93 points Burghound
You could pick any wine Collotte made in 2015—they’re all that strong. This just happens to be drinking really well right now.
Domaine Collotte Marsannay Les Champsalomon, Cote de Nuits 2015 750ML ($34.95) $28 special
Wine Spectator 91 points “Silky, this red evokes cherry, strawberry and graphite flavors, with bright acidity keeping this fresh and focused. Harmonious and long, offering a light chalky feel on the finish. Drink now through 2023. 150 cases imported.”
Importer Note “The Marsannay Champsalomon is from the village of Couchey. The 40+ year old vines are on the marl soil of the Ostrea Acuminata.”
Domaine Bernard & Thierry Glantenay Les Santenots, Volnay Premier Cru 2015 750ML ($99.95) Was $89, Now $69 special
Neal Martin – Wine Advocate 90-92 points “The 2015 Volnay 1er Cru Santenots was completely de-stemmed and apparently some of the berries showed some fig-like characteristics just before harvest, therefore Thierry wanted to avoid any sur-maturité. It has a perfumed and floral bouquet with a light marine/seaweed scent lending complexity. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, well-measured acidity and a gentle but insistent grip in the mouth. There is good depth here, a Santenots with substance, though it needs a tad more complexity and nuance to develop on the velvety, rich and generous finish. One to watch.”
Henri Prudhon & Fils Les Frionnes, Saint-Aubin Premier Cru 2013 750ML ($37.95) $33 special
“Light ruby. The pretty nose displays aromas of rose petal, cherry and exotic tea. There is fine detail to the more overtly mineral-inflected flavors that possess both fine intensity and excellent persistence though the balance isn’t perfect as once again there is a hint of asperity.”—Burghound
Domaine Pierre Guillemot Savigny-les-Beaune Les Grands Picotins, Cote de Beaune 2014 750ML ($39.95) $33 special
Winery note “Village-level vineyards near the town of Savigny-lès-Beaune. Clay-limestone scree; rocky. Grapes are sorted and entirely de-stemmed; traditional vinification; 16-day maceration; the cap is punched down manually. Fifteen months in 1- to 3-year-old barrels. Aromas of bing cherry; blackcurrant; raspberry.”
Jerome Chezeaux Bourgogne Pinot Noir, Burgundy 2015 750ML ($34.95) $28 special
Importer note “Chezeaux’s exemplary Bourgogne Rouge comes from a smattering of parcels in Premeaux-Prissey and Nuits-Saint-Georges encompassing 2.8 hectares in total. A wonderful representative of both Jerome’s style and the classic character of Nuits-Saint-Georges and environs, it emphasizes fresh, lively fruit buttressed by firm minerality, all on a racy, energetic frame. This is a sleek, articulate Bourgogne Rouge unencumbered by oak influence, as Chezeaux employs no new barrels in its elevage.”
Domaine Gachot-Monot Cote de Nuits-Villages, Burgundy 2015 750ML ($37.95) $30.90 special
Kermit Lynch notes “To get to the nitty gritty: you get a lot of Burgundian style, class, depth, and complexity for a great price.”
Jean-Noel Gagnard – Caroline Lestime Chassagne-Montrachet Cuvee l’Estimee, Cote de Beaune 2011 750ML ($37.95) $29 special
Burghound 88 points “A very fresh and expressive nose of red and blue pinot fruit with pepper and earth hints leads to rich, delicious and nicely complex middle weight flavors that offer good persistence and only a mild touch of rusticity on the sappy finish. This should be approachable, and enjoyable, young if desired”BH
Domaine Francois Lumpp A Vigne Rouge, Givry Premier Cru 2013 750ML ($49.95) $29 special
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 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…. 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.”
Domaine Vincent & Sophie Morey Santenay Les Hates, Cote de Beaune 2014 750ML ($34.95) $27 special
Burghound 89 points– Top Value ” Here there is no reductive funk as the fresh and exuberant nose presents notes of red cherry, pomegranate, earth and a hint of game. There is excellent energy and delineation to the middle weight flavors that deliver fine length on the saline-inflected finale that is less rustic than usual. This is really quite good for its level and a wine that would make a fine choice for a higher-end house red. Recommended. 89/2020+”
The domaine is based in Chambolle and the entry level wine here shows that character. Very serious stuff for the price point and category.
Domaine Hudelot-Baillet Bourgogne Pinot Noir, Burgundy 2012 750ML ($34.95) $28 special
VinopolNote: “Selected by Daniel Johannes, founder of Le Paulee in New York, this Chambolle based producer makes elegant wines of exceptional value.”
Honorable Mention/Runners Up
Domaine Collotte Bourgogne Cuvee de Noble Souche, Burgundy 2015 750ML ($24.95) $19 special
VinopolNote: Surprisingly for an entry-level red, this bottling is from a parcel planted with the oldest vines of the estate: 71 year old vines grown on pebbly Cailloux soil.
VinopolNote: It’s an old vine bottling from a small nego Olivier Larochette. Ruby red in color. Intense aromas of crushed black raspberry, fresh plums and violets with a light herbal note underneath that’s akin to Sencha tea. The rich aromas translate into rich initial flavors at the first sip with a lingering, zippy acidity and very fine tannins. The note of fresh red plums continues on the palate accented by toasted almonds and red raspberries. This would make a great pairing with roast chicken or caramelized onions.
New Wine Advocate Reviews for Burlotto
G. B. Burlotto Barolo Monvigliero, Barolo DOCG 2014 750ML ($299.95) $199 special
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95 points “Fabio Alessandria of Comm. G.B. Burlotto tells me that he always believed in the controversial 2014 vintage. He never had any doubts regarding the inherent quality buried deep within this difficult vintage with its temperature extremes and humidity-based diseases. The 2014 Barolo Monvigliero ultimately proves to be a fragile and delicate wine with pure essence of wild rose and violet. Monvigliero is known as “the perfumed vineyard,” thanks to those beautiful floral nuances. While contemplating the bouquet, you feel like you are standing in the middle of a rose garden. The wine offers loose-knit structure with fine tannins that are polished, etched and very linear. Some 7,500 bottles were made in 2014, down from an average annual production of 8,000.”
G. B. Burlotto Barolo DOCG, Piedmont 2014 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 25 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 92+ points “The Comm. G.B. Burlotto 2014 Barolo is stitched together with precision and care. This is an elegant and contemplative expression of Nebbiolo that carefully follows a traditionalist’s playlist of aromas. Wild berries segue to anise seed, truffle and candied orange peel. The wine is beautiful and bright in appearance with refreshing acidity and mineral saltiness that both keep the palate extra clean.”
G. B. Burlotto Barbera d’Alba, Piedmont 2016 750ML ($24.95) $19 special, 18 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 91 points “The 2016 Barbera d’Alba is made according to simple winemaking criteria to enhance its varietal purity and its traditional appeal. It is refined in large oak botte and sees no other bells or whistles. This is an exceedingly clean and polished expression of Barbera with juicy berry flavors and lively acidity. There is a crunchy sensation as the wine hits the palate. I’m told that the alcohol clocks in at 15%, but honestly, you wouldn’t know given the drinking ease of this classic vintage.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 91 points “The 2016 Langhe Nebbiolo is made with fruit from the estate’s youngest vines. These are vines that are not yet ready to be used for Barolo. This is a raspy and brambly expression with wild fruit tones, bitter almond, cola and crushed fennel seed. There is a note of spiciness on the close that adds to the wine’s overall freshness and zest. This is an easy-drinking Nebbiolo to pair with pork chops or simple lamb dishes.”
Muga Reserva
Wine of the Vintage?
Less Than $20/Bottle by the Case!
In the chilly and challenging 2013 vintage, no Seleccion Especial or Prado Enea was made and grapes were painstakingly sorted to ensure the highest quality. All of the finest fruit at the estate was used for their ‘everyday’ wine – truly elevating it to an unheard of QPR, especially when we have it for the lowest price in the USA. Luis Gutierrez of the Wine Advocate claims that “it has to be one of the best wines in Rioja in 2013…”
When’s the next time the best wine in Rioja can be had for under $20?
In Stock Now:
Bodegas Muga Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2013 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 special
Case-12 Bodegas Muga Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2013 750ML ($299.95) $219 special (that’s only $18.25/bottle!)
James Suckling 92 points “This is an excellent 2013 with such purity and finesse. Cherry, stone and light cedar aromas follow through to a full body, very fine tannins and a fresh and clean finish. Hints of cedar. It shows a focused energy. Drink now.”
Wine Advocate 90 points “Jorge Muga told me he’s very proud of their 2013 Reserva, which he considers the most challenging vintage he’s seen: cold, rain, botrytis, vigor, mud … horrible! They only produced this Reserva, there’s no Selección Especial Torre Muga or Prado Enea, and they even produced less than the average volume of this bottling. This is the year they introduced optical sorting for the grapes, and they reckon that really helped to achieve the quality of this wine. In this price range and volume, it has to be one of the best wines in Rioja in 2013. It has the classical Muga character, polished and drinkable.”
The average price is $26
Fantastic Pricing on the Iconic Tuscan
Time has gone by and rules have changed, but the wines of Montevertine, despite being very traditional in style, are not called Chianti, out of pride and because the wines have built their own following. Le Pergole Torte is the top wine that the Manetti family makes. It’s a special wine, one that stops a conversation every time you get a chance to taste it. This is one of the icons of Tuscany and at this price, should be a star of your cellar, as well.
In Stock Now:
Montevertine Le Pergole Torte Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2014 750ML ($134.95) $108 special
Antonio Galloni 97 points “The flagship 2014 Le Pergole Torte possesses striking depth, nuance and pliancy, all in the midweight, slightly slender style of the vintage. Sweet red cherry, plum, cinnamon, dried flowers, mint, cinnamon and pomegranate infuse this super-expressive, sexy Pergole Torte.”
James Suckling 96 points “A transparent wine with flowers, dark fruit and citrus fruit on the nose. Full body, firm and silky tannins and a bright and fresh finish. I love the dynamic cherry and vivid floral character. Mineral, too. Bright acidity. This is one of the best wines of the 2014 vintage in Tuscany. Auguri. Drink or hold.”
The average price is $124
Arriving July 13th
(Selosse! D’Angerville! Clape! + More!)
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92-94 points “Lurid ruby. High-pitched red and dark berry scents are complemented by exotic spice and floral pastille accents. Sweet and penetrating on the palate, offering juicy black raspberry, cherry cola and violet flavors sharpened by a spicy jolt of cracked pepper. Shows impressive purity and no rough edges on a very long, silky, floral-driven finish.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94-96 points “Bright purple. Powerful, smoke-accented aromas of ripe dark berries, licorice, olive and incense on the deeply perfumed nose. Juicy and sharply delineated on the palate, offering concentrated, mineral-accented boysenberry, cherry liqueur and spicecake flavors that show alluring sweetness and no rough edges. In an ample but energetic style, finishing sweet and extremely long; building tannins contribute framework and youthful grip.”
Franck Balthazar Cornas Sans soufre ajoute, Rhone 2016 750ML ($99.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Chateau Bel Air Marquis d’Aligre, Margaux 1995 750ML ($99.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Neal Martin – Vinous 91 points “The 1995 Bel-Air Marquis d’Aligre has an exquisite, gentle, almost Burgundy-like bouquet with wonderful purity and delineation. This is a mixture of red and black fruit, developing pressed violet aromas that direct you back to Margaux. The palate is medium-bodied with a structured entry, a fine line of acidity, black fruit mixed with iodine and sea salt that leads to a linear, Pauillac-like finish. This is a very fine Margaux that is ageing gracefully at 23-years of age. Tasted at the Bel-Air Marquis d’Aligre dinner.”
Chateau Bel Air Marquis d’Aligre, Margaux 2000 750ML ($119.95) $99 pre-arrival special
Neal Martin – Vinous 93 points “The 2000 Bel-Air Marquis d’Aligre is like the 1986 on the nose: backward and broody, demanding coaxing from the glass. There are moss-like, undergrowth scents, a touch of morels emerging with time and then, after an hour, the nose blossoms and finds its groove. The fruit belatedly surfaces and you find yourself bewitched by the bouquet. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin. This is not a complex millennial Margaux however there is a beguiling sense of effortless class and poise that plenty of its Margaux colleagues crave. Towards the finish there are subtle notes of tobacco and terracotta that lend another layer of complexity. I just love this wine – one of the best vintages from Jean-Pierre Boyer. Tasted at the Bel-Air Marquis d’Aligre dinner.”
Domaine Auguste Clape Cornas, Rhone 2015 750ML ($199.95) $179 pre-arrival special
Jeb Dunnuck 100 points “The grand vin of the estate is the 2015 Cornas, and it’s even more inky colored than the Renaissance, with a saturated purple/bluish color. It offers a truly profound bouquet of black cherries, melted asphalt, ground pepper, exotic flowers and graphite, as well as the classic iodine/bloodiness I always find in this cuvée. Full-bodied, beautifully concentrated, and seamless, with sweet tannin and a stacked mid-palate, it has an almost Hermitage-like liquid rock character, shocking elegance and purity, and a huge finish. This is Cornas at its finest – hats off to the Clape family! It’s relatively accessible now, yet I suspect it will close down with a few years of bottle age, so try one (or two) now and save the rest for after 2025.”
Wine Advocate 97 points “Clape’s flagship 2015 Cornas is enormously complex and compelling. Almond skin, cherries, blood and herbal notes all combine on the nose, while on the palate this medium to full-bodied wine is firmly tannic but ripe and balanced, with a rich, velvety and nearly endless finish.”
Domaine Marquis d’Angerville Champans, Volnay Premier Cru 2015 750ML ($219.95) $199 pre-arrival special
Stephen Tanzer 95 points “Saturated ruby. Youthfully imploded aromas and flavors of blackberry, cassis and licorice show no roasted character (“the color of the wine is the only thing that gives away the vintage,” noted Guillaume d’Angerville). More pliant than the 2016 but with a magical sugar/acid equilibrium and a complicating element of savory minerality. This insidiously palate-saturating wine finishes with outstanding slatey persistence and grip. I would imagine that this will be long-lived but will it ever really shut down in the bottle? It’s hard to imagine that this fruit was harvested on September 4.”
Domaine Marquis d’Angerville Clos des Ducs, Volnay Premier Cru 2015 750ML ($319.95) $299 pre-arrival special
Stephen Tanzer 96 points “Dark ruby-red but a bit less deeply colored than the Champans. Alluring, expressive aromas of black cherry, minerals, black pepper and spices. Enters with outstanding silky refinement, then shows uncommon saline energy in the mid-palate, with wonderfully tactile flavors of red and black fruits, spices, flowers and minerals. The stunning whiplash of a finish conveys pronounced soil-driven minerality, a sexy suggestion of torrefaction and great length. This wine and the Champans deliver a magical combination of silkiness, density and energy.”
Selosse Blanc de Blancs Millesime 2004 1.5L ($2,199.95) $1,999 pre-arrival special
The 2004 vintage was bottled exclusively in magnum. Only 300 magnums were bottled.
Two Cult Classics
Arriving Next Friday, July 13th
Domaine de la Pepiere Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine Monnieres-St-Fiacre, Loire 2015 1.5L ($59.95) $51.90 pre-arrival special
Winery note “Our Monnieres – Saint Fiacre Cru is situated in the heart of the Muscadet Sèvre et Maine appellation. It is bordered by two rivers and its confluence: to the North by the Sèvre and to the South-East by the Maine. The landscape consists of hills dotted with windmills. The Monnieres – Saint Fiacre Cru is planted on a subsoil of gneiss covered by a fine top-soil of sandy limestone. This results in moderate precociousness and fertility. The constant winds in the vines help keep the vines aerated. After a year’s worth of meticulous work in the vines, the grapes are hand-harvested and carefully brought back to the cellar. Whole clusters with stems are pressed pneumatically. The grape juice is very lightly racked off its gross lees, and then ferments naturally in glass-lined, underground vats for about 2 months using only indigenous yeasts. The wine is aged for a minimum of 2 years with its fine lees, which are stirred occasionally. This aging process gives the wine its robust structure.”
Altesino Montosoli, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2010 750ML ($149.95) $119 special
Case-6 Altesino Montosoli, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2010 750ML ($899.95) $679 special (that’s only $113.17/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 98 points “A stunning red, featuring peony, strawberry, cherry and mineral flavors, accented by notes of wild herbs. Intense and deep, with great purity and elegance, a firmly wrought structure and a long finish. The harmony between fruit, tannins and acidity should allow this to age beautifully. Best from 2019 through 2036.” WS
James Suckling 97 points “Beautiful aromas of dark fruits and minerals. Full-bodied, succulent and chewy. It’s tight and stony. Lots of black olives and wet earth under the fruit. Bright and linear wine with beautiful layers…” JS
Wine Advocate 96 points “Montosoli enthusiasts will not be disappointed by the 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Montosoli. This special single-vineyard expression shows a beautifully fragrant and floral bouquet that is exactly in line with what this firmly consistent producer strives to achieve. This wine represents one of the most distinctive expressions of varietal voice and that’s what makes it so precious and rare. Sangiovese sings loud with small berry nuances and loud floral impressions of rose, violet and lavender. Its underlying complexity is further enhanced by anise seed, cola and licorice stick. The wine’s texture is soothing soft and silky. This is one for your cellars to age ten years or more.”
VinopolNote: This single-vineyard Brunello is one of Italy’s first ‘cru’ wines. The soil of ancient limestone offers stunning wines of elegance, especially in such a brilliant vintage as 2010.
Paitin di Pasquero-Elia ‘Sori Paitin Vecchie Vigne’, Barbaresco DOCG 2010 750ML ($89.95) Was $69, Now $59 Clearance Price, 16 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 95+ points “The 2010 Barbaresco Sorì Paitin Vigne Vecchie hits the palate with fabulous depth and intensity. Savory herbs, smoke, tobacco, incense, menthol and licorice race out of the glass in an intense, structured Barbaresco loaded with class, energy and pure power. There is plenty to look forward to, once the tannins soften a bit. The 2010 has closed down pretty dramatically since the last time I tasted it, about a year ago. Readers will have to be patient. The 2010 spent a total of 30 months in cask.”
Adriano Marco e Vittorio Basarin, Barbaresco DOCG 2014 750ML ($34.95) Was $29, Now $24 Clearance Price, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 94 points “Elegant, leading off with perfumed aromas of rose, cherry, strawberry and white pepper. The profile is sleek, with a solid base of acidity and tannins. Shows terrific length, evoking fruit and mineral on the aftertaste. Best from 2019 through 2033.”
Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur Les Caillerets, Volnay Premier Cru 2012 1.5L ($179.95) Was $149, Now $128 Clearance Price, 3 magnums in stock now
Antonio Galloni 92-94 points “The 2012 Volnay Caillerets is the most impressive of these 2012s from Francois Bitouzet. Here the flavors are deep, layered and beautifully resonant from start to finish. Plum, smoke, black cherry, licorice and spices wrap around the palate as this fleshy, deep Volnay shows off its pure class and pedigree. The finish is long, generous and inviting, but the 2012 is a wine for the cellar. Patience will be rewarded. In 2012 there is just one barrel of the Caillerets instead of the customary three.”
The average price is $150
Agathe Bursin Pinot Gris Zinnkoepfle Selection de Grains Nobles, Alsace Grand Cru 2015 750ML ($89.95) Was $79, Now $69 Clearance Price, 12 bottles in stock now
Ian D’agata – Vinous 96 points “Deep golden-tinged yellow. The perfumed nose combines ripe pear, lime blossom and powdered stone, plus hints of spicy botrytis. Sweet but taut, conveying a lovely light-on-its-feet quality and displaying noticeable tang to the citrus and floral flavors; the presence of noble rot adds personality. Closes minerally and very long. This very refined SGN offers noteworthy fragrance and vibrant acidity; in fact, it’s so stony that it’s almost Riesling-like. About 30% of the grapes were hit by noble rot, and this adds complexity to what is a memorable wine (check out these numbers: 5.7 g/L total acidity and 130 g/L total [sugar]).”
Thanks for reading!