In Today’s Newsletter:
New Beaux Freres (and More!)
Staff Pick: Scott Frank’s Air Guitar
Featured New Arrival:
98+ Point Felsina Fontalloro & Rockstar CCR
Jeb Dunnuck Reviews Saint Cosme
Trending Wines
Single Vineyard Bandol Rose at a Bargain Price
Gerard Boulay’s Chavignol Genius
Potent, High Scoring CdP from a Standout Producer
Beaux Freres is one of the Great Names in Oregon wine—one of the wineries that helped put the Willamette Valley on the map. Big, rich wines with lots of character (plus a familial relation to the Mayor of Monkton) mean that these wines were some of the earliest sought-after wines from our corner of the wine world. They show all their Ribbon Ridge character in their textures and power—these are no shrinking violets. No, these wines are for lovers of the bolder style of the Pinot grape. The ’17’s are excellent and in stock now.Just Arrived:
Beaux Freres Belles Soeurs Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2017 750ML ($109.95) $95 special
Josh Raynolds 94-95 points “Bright red. High-pitched red berry, cherry cola and incense scents show outstanding clarity and spicy lift. Palate-staining red berry preserve, spicecake and floral pastille flavors slowly deepen on the back half. Manages to come off graceful as well as lithe, with no rough edges. Finishes smooth, spicy and extremely long, featuring sneaky tannins and lingering red fruit and candied rose notes.”
Beaux Freres ‘The Beaux Freres Vineyard’ Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2017 750ML ($109.95) $95 special
James Suckling 96 points “There’s a real sense of depth and detail here with fresh cherries and blueberries, swathed in vanilla-dusted violets, fresh-cut roasting herbs and biscuit spices. The palate has a very plush and smoothly rendered feel with a long, smooth and seamless run of ripe blueberries and cherries. Concentrated and elegant pinot with a long, long finish. Drink across the next decade.”
Wine Spectator 95 points “Combines structure with verve, offering richly expressive raspberry, violet and orange peel flavors that take on polish and complexity toward well-buffed tannins. Drink now through 2028. 3,600 cases made.”
Josh Raynolds 94-95 points “Deep red. High-pitched cherry, black raspberry and rose scents are complemented by hints of succulent herbs, exotic spices and musky flowers. Shows impressive energy and focus on the palate, offering juicy dark berry, bitter cherry and rose pastille flavors given a spicy edge by a hint of star anise. Closes smooth, appealingly sweet and very long, with fine-grained tannins adding framework and gentle grip.”
Beaux Freres The Upper Terrace Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2017 750ML ($119.95) $99 special
Josh Raynolds 94-95 points “Bright red. High-pitched red berry, cherry cola and incense scents show outstanding clarity and spicy lift. Palate-staining red berry preserve, spicecake and floral pastille flavors slowly deepen on the back half. Manages to come off graceful as well as lithe, with no rough edges. Finishes smooth, spicy and extremely long, featuring sneaky tannins and lingering red fruit and candied rose notes.”
Plus, Special Sequitur Sale Pricing
Check out our verticals of his current project, Sequitur, just arrived and in stock now:Sequitur Chardonnay, Ribbon Ridge 2015 750ML ($89.95) $69 special
Wine Advocate 94+ points “The 2015 Sequitur Chardonnay delivers toasted almonds, baker’s yeast, fresh ginger and coriander seed on the nose with a core of grapefruit, white peaches and spiced apples. Light to medium-bodied, it gives a great intensity of savory flavor layers intermingled with stone fruit and citrus notions, finishing long with great freshness and mineral notes.”
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 94 points “Limpid ruby-red. Smoky, mineral-accented aromas of black raspberry,
cherry cola and incense carry a strong spicecake overtone. Stains the palate with sappy red berry liqueur, spicecake and floral pastille flavors that are lifted and given definition and tension by juicy acidity. At once rich and nervy, with no excess fat but showing excellent depth and intensity of flavor. Finishes with sexy notes of candied violet and smoky Indian spices and superb, gently tannic persistence. This wine’s Beaux Freres bloodline is very clear to see.”Wine Spectator 94 points “Broad and spicy, open-textured and generous, with ripe plum and currant flavors, shaded by pepper, sage and coffee notes as the finish sails past fine-grained tannins. Completely harmonious and made to age. Drink now through 2024.”
The average listed price is $99
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 95 points “Deep brilliant red. A strikingly complex bouquet evokes ripe, mineral-accented red berries, cherry cola, vanilla, five-spice powder and sandalwood. Alluringly sweet, seamless and expansive on the palate, offering concentrated black raspberry, cherry liqueur, spicecake and lavender pastille flavors that are given spine and lift by a core of juicy acidity. Delivers a compelling blend of power and delicacy and finishes extremely long and smooth; rounded tannins frame the lingering red fruit preserve notes.”
Wine Advocate 94 points “Pale to medium ruby purple in color, the 2015 Sequitur Pinot Noir has a very provocative nose of Bing cherries and cranberries over a core of red roses, game, yeast extract and underbrush. Medium-bodied, with wonderful energy and freshness, it has a lively backbone and long finish paved with very fine, ripe tannins.”
Winery note “Sequitur 2015 Pinot Noir “Two fold,” a collaboration between our Mother, the earth, those of us who “play” in the vineyard and winery, and you, the wine lover.”
The average listed price is $99
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 96 points “Glimmering red. A hugely aromatic bouquet evokes fresh red fruits, Asian spices and potpourri, along with a bright mineral overtone and a touch of smokiness. Juicy, seamless and precise on the palate, offering potent, mineral-laced raspberry preserve, rose pastille and spicecake flavors that deepen and spread out steadily on the back half. Delivers a compelling blend of power and finesse and finishes with silky tannins, outstanding clarity and floral- and mineral-driven persistence.”
Wine Advocate 94+ points “Pale to medium ruby-purple in color, the 2016 Sequitur Pinot Noir has a lovely, open nose of black and red cherries and blackberries with notions of wood smoke, turned earth, autumn leaves, cardamom and potpourri. Medium-bodied, it floods the mouth with ripe black and red fruits with wonderful earthy/spicy accents, very fine, grainy tannins and mouthwatering acidity, finishing long with spice and floral layers. 480 cases produced.”
The next best price is $89.95
The average listed price is $93
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94-95 points “Lurid red. Spice-tinged blackberry and cherry aromas are complicated by suggestions of cola, incense and smoky minerals. Sweet and expansive on the palate, offering concentrated dark berry and spicecake flavors and suggestions of rose pastille and mocha that build with air. Concentrated but also vibrant and precise in style, delivering superb finishing cut, well-knit tannins and impressive, fruit-driven persistence. (30% new French oak).”
Nick Stock-Jamessuckling .com 96 points “Beautifully deep, blueberries and plums on offer with notes of fresh violets and moist, fresh-tilled earth. This is full of life and very pure. The palate has focused and fresh tannins that sit in very vibrant style with a deep push of concentrated blue fruit, holding the finish in superb style. So fresh and long, this will age well. Drink across the next decade or more.”
Winery Note “TOTALITY—During the growing season of 2017, Oregon was treated to a total solar eclipse, where the moon passed exactly between the earth and the sun. Day turned to night, the temperature dropped and the farm animals were disoriented. The moment of awe was tempered with a deep sense of vulnerability, as we witnessed our world bow down to the power of nature. May this 2017 vintage seeped in “totality,” bring you a fresh perspective.”
Staff Pick
Scott Frank’s Air Guitar
ow and Arrow remains one of my favorite Oregon wineries. Scott Frank (the winemaker/founder/etc) has managed to do two tough things—make wines that are bright and refreshing, plus keep them affordable. Perhaps no wine epitomizes this like his “Air Guitar,” a Cabernet Franc/Sauvignon blend that reminds me of fantastic wines from the Loire. At first taste, this seems like it’s a bit glou-glou (and it’s certainly poundable if you want to go that route) but with air or a bit of time in the cellar this wine always opens up to reveal a more serious side. I drank my last ’16 about a month ago and it was absolutely marvelous—everything you’d want out of a mid-tier bottling from Baudry, for example, but less expensive and local. That wine had a long life ahead of it and I wish I had more in the cellar (confessionally, I didn’t realize it was my last bottle at the time) but I won’t make that mistake again in ’17. I’m stocking up.In Stock Now:Bow & Arrow Air Guitar, Willamette Valley 2017 750ML ($29.95) $21.90 special
Winery Note “Like Rhinestones, the name Air Guitar is a self deprecating poke at attempting French style wines in America. The “least likely to exist” of all of our Willamette Valley sourced wines, this is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon from Borgo Pass Vineyard and Cabernet Franc from Johan Vineyard. Don’t let the playful nature of the wine’s label fool you -this is our most profound expression of red wine from this region and the one that rewards the most patience. Aged 10 to 12 months in puncheon. ”
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Featured New Arrival
The 98+ Point Felsina Fontalloro
& The Highly Anticipated CCR
Felsina’s two Super-Tuscans, Fontalloro and Maestro Raro, are some of the finest wines in Italy. Despite this, they remain stunningly undervalued. These are wines that we’re offering under $55 but that regularly compete with bottles twice as expensive. The 100% Sangiovese Fontalloro is a Brunello-drinker’s dream, with explosive aromatics and lots of power to back it up. Likewise, the Maestro Raro (from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon) is a slam-dunk substitute for a Left Bank Bordeaux crossed with old-school Napa. Both have deserved Wine Advocate scores and are going to go down as true icons of Tuscany. The Fontalloro just arrived today alongside the best-value Chianti Classico Rieserva, and the Maestro Raro will be here soon, so stock up on all three for your cellar.
In Stock Now:
Felsina Berardenga Fontalloro Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2016 750ML ($69.95) $54.50 special
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 98+ points “The 2016 Fontalloro is the best vintage of this landmark wine that I have tasted thus far. This is a very elegant vintage, with more volume in the mouth and precise notes of tar, licorice, camphor ash, resin and Indian spice. In a race between the highly competitive 2015 and 2016 vintages, I give a slight advantage to this wine. The warmer 2015 vintage shows more richness and exuberant fruit. However, this wine from 2016 offers a more focused and chiseled delivery. I am hopeful that this wine will continue to evolve and sharpen as it ages in the bottle. This is a beautiful wine to put aside in your cellar for ten years or more.”
James Suckling 98 points “Amazing aromas of licorice, wet earth, orange peel and lavender. Full body, tight and super compact and polished. Goes on for minutes. Clearly great. Better in 2021, but already a star.”
Felsina Berardenga Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG, Tuscany 2016 750ML ($34.95) $29 special
Wine Advocate 94 points “Streamlined and elegant, this mid-weight red trots out notes of grilled herb and dark fruit nuances that segue to spice, tilled earth and savory tobacco, with great complexity. This 2016 Chianti Classico Riserva Berardenga is still a bit closed and tight, but this beautiful wine boasts all the best qualities of this vintage. It shows elegance and power, two contrasting characteristics that only work well together in the world’s most achieved expressions. The most satisfying aspect of this Riserva is the crisp acidity on the close that keeps the palate refreshed and ready for the next sip.”
Wine Spectator 93 points “This red offers density and focus, creating an ideal frame for the cherry, strawberry, almond, leather and earth flavors. A firm backbone of tannins lends structure and the finish persists, leaving an accent of bitter almond. Best from 2022 through 2040. —B.S.”
Antonio Galloni 92+ points “The 2016 Chianti Classico Riserva shows all the quality and pedigree of the year in its layered personality and overall nuance. Cedar, dried cherry, game licorice and tobacco convey the darker, gamier side of Sangiovese that is such a signature at Fèlsina. The 2016 finishes with terrific energy and bright acids that suggest it will enjoy a long life in the cellar, but readers should plan on giving it at least a few years in bottle.”
Arriving ETA October:
Felsina Berardenga Maestro Raro Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2016 750ML ($69.95) $54.50 pre-arrival special
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 97 points “Wow, this is an absolutely gorgeous wine that delivers exceptional intensity followed by compelling complexity. The bouquet on the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Maestro Raro peels back to reveal thick layers of red fruit, spice and tobacco. Despite the full weight approach of the mouthfeel, this wine maintains a deep inner sense of elegance all the while. It is still very highly wound and nervous at this young moment in its life and is going to need extra time to unwind and achieve final harmony. All the necessary elements (complexity, balance, freshness and structure) are amply present to guide the wine into the future. It should be exciting to follow its evolution over the next few decades.”
Jeb Dunnuck just published a new set of reviews, focusing on 2017 in the Southern Rhone, which he called “a terrific vintage throughout” the region. Describing the wines he tasted as offering ” rich, powerful, incredibly Provençal styles that resemble more elegant examples of the 2009s or even fresher, more focused examples of the 2007s,” he focused on the small berries and low yields as a major factor in the success of the year. He explained that those factors “[go] a long way towards explaining the concentration, phenolic ripeness, structure, and depth found in the wines.”
As usual, he highlighted the wines of Saint Cosme as particular highlights, publishing a wide array of reviews for their Chateau and negociant bottlings. We’re obviously big fans of the wines and you can see all the new reviews for in stock bottles below.
In Stock Now:
Saint Cosme Saint-Joseph, Rhone 2017 750ML ($37.95) $29 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Saint Cosme Saint-Joseph, Rhone 2017 750ML ($419.95) $299 special (that’s only $24.92/bottle!)
Jeb Dunnuck 93 points “A step up, the 2017 Saint Joseph offers another level of class and purity. Beautiful blackberry, black raspberries, cured meats, and pepper notes give way to a medium to full-bodied Saint Joseph that has subtle oak, a seamless texture, and fine tannins. It’s going to benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age.”
The average price is $36
Jeb Dunnuck 89 points “Leading off the 2017s, all of which were tasted from bottle, the 2017 Principauté D’Orange Les Deux Albion is a juicy, medium-bodied Syrah offering plenty of peppery dark fruit and earthy minerality. Medium-bodied, with good freshness and surprising elegance given the price of this cuvée, it’s an impeccably made red ideal for drinking over the coming 2-4 years.”
Jeb Dunnuck 97+ points “More closed and backward than either the Hominis Fides or Le Claux, the 2017 Gigondas Le Poste is nevertheless just as impressive and offers its hallmark purity and elegance paired with stunning richness and depth. Black and blue fruits, crushed rocks, graphite, and a beautiful violet character all define the bouquet. Rich, full-bodied, and concentrated, it’s the purity of fruit and balance that set this beauty above just about every other Gigondas out there. Do your best to hide bottles for at least 4-5 years.”
The average price is $125
Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas Hominis Fides, Rhone 2017 750ML ($149.95) $119 special, 13 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 98 points “The 2017 Gigondas Hominis Fides plays in the same realm. As with the Le Claux, it’s all Grenache, not destemmed, and was brought up in roughly 30% new Burgundy barrels. Blackberries, freshly ground pepper, light gunpowder, and crushed rock notes all define the bouquet, and it’s full-bodied, powerful and concentrated on the palate. Possessing incredible elegant and ultra-fine tannins, this beauty just glides over the palate with no hard edges. Nevertheless, it has loads of structure and will benefit from 2-4 years of cellaring.”
The average price nationally is $125
Case-12 Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas, Rhone 2017 750ML ($599.95) $419 special (that’s only $34.92/bottle!)
Jeb Dunnuck 93 points “The 2017 Gigondas is another terrific vintage for this cuvée, and it’s a quintessential expression of Saint Cosme. Ground herbs, graphite, gunpowder, pepper, black raspberries, and cassis all emerge from this full-bodied, ripe, polished Gigondas. With solid concentration, building yet ripe tannins, and a great finish, you’ll be thrilled to have a case in the cellar.”
The average price is $53
Case-12 Saint Cosme Crozes-Hermitage, Rhone 2017 750ML ($359.95) $279 special (that’s only $23.25/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Jeb Dunnuck 91 points “Moving to the three Northern Rhônes, the 2017 Crozes Hermitage is outstanding. Loads of red and black fruits, spice, chocolate, and earthy notes flow to a ripe, sexy, medium to full-bodied Crozes that has sweet tannins and loads of upfront charm. Despite its forward style, it has plenty of mid-palate oomph and is going to evolve for over a decade.”
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “The 2017 Côte Rôtie is another satisfying, character-filled wine. Complex notes of blackberries, ground herbs, new leather, and violets flow to a medium to full-bodied, layered, complete, balanced Côte Rotie that’s going to shine for 10-15 years. It has some feral, wild notes as well as plenty of old-school character.”
The average price is $75
Jeb Dunnuck 93 points “Tasted out of bottle, the 2017 Condrieu offers lots of honeyed pineapple, white flowers, and a hint of tangerine in a more medium-bodied, fresh, vibrant style. This was a hot, sunny vintage, yet this shows notable purity, freshness, and focus, and I suspect it will age longer than the 2018.”
Trending Wines
Weingut Keller Gruner Silvaner Trocken, Rheinhessen 2018 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special
John Gilman 91 points “The 2018 Grüner Silvaner Trocken from Weingut Keller had been bottled only two weeks before my visit, but was showing beautifully. This is 11.5 percent octane this year and offers up a lovely and quite serious nose of tart orange, grapefruit, chalky minerality and a lovely, smoky topnote. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, focused and beautifully balanced, with bright acids and lovely length and grip. Germany’s most popular wine to pair with white asparagus is outstanding this year and a great bargain! 2019-2040.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Daniel Gomez Jimenez-Landi ‘Las Uvas de la Ira’ Garnacha, Mentrida 2017 750ML ($39.95) $33 special
Grapelive 94 points “Dani Landi is one of the most influential winemakers in his region in the high plains and mountains above Spain’s capital, Madrid, in the Sierra de Gredos. [This is] one of the hot spots for Garnacha, and his wines are highly sought after for the complexity and delicacy they show, like this gorgeous example, the Las Uvas de la Ira. The Gredos is an exciting zone with Landi being one of the ringleaders as
well as being part of a winemaking gang known as Comando G with Fernando Garcia. Other top producers here include Alfredo Maestro and 4 Monos, all are well worth searching out, [who are] making wines that are old vine authentic, in the Chateauneuf-du-Pape mode, though with a lighter touch on the alcohol in most cases. That said this Landi is no light weight at 14.5% and comes across like silky (baby) Chateau Rayas meets Chambolle-Musigny! Dani Landi is a native to the region and was born and raised in Méntrida. His family has been grape growers here for generations and like almost everyone else sold their grapes to the local cooperative, that Landi still helps out with. Knowing he wanted to express his own vines and personality he started a small winery back in 2012 to do just that and became one of the stars of this unique and ancient wine area that had almost been forgotten. The rise in Gredos seemed to mirror Landi’s releases and his Garnacha Las Uvas de la Ira from the village of El Real de San Vicente being one of his best offerings showing wonderful depth of flavors and a studied finesse that is highlighted in the beautiful pale ruby/garnet hue in the glass and rich detail on the palate. [It] is fermented using whole cluster with indigenous yeasts in open top French oak casks, and treated like Pinot with gentle hands, then the wine is aged in a combination of foudre, larger, mostly neutral French oak barrels for 12 months. Interestingly Landi also is experimenting with terra-cotta with some of his other bottlings seeing a portion that is raised in clay amphorae. The high elevation and cold nights make for a long growing season and wonderful development in the grapes. [The vines] are about 60 years old set on granitic sands, quartz and freely draining weathered soils, which Landi transmits into the wine with near perfection. A beautiful energy comes through in the wines, and I would like to think it is because of the purity of terroir and that all the grapes are grown to biodynamic practices, as well as the pop of traditional stem inclusion. The Las Uvas de la Ira Garnacha is highly aromatic with floral tones, mountain herbs, dusty red fruit and an array of spices. This nose leads to a medium body that fills out with macerated cherries, plum, strawberry, pomegranate and red currant fruits along with accents of minty/amaro, licorice, a mineral element, rose/lavender oil, cinnamon and with a light leathery earthiness. The finish echoes on and on with fine grained tannin and a bright cut of acidity pushing the fruit up, giving structure and life here, impressive for Landi’s village bottling. This is stellar wine to celebrate #GrenacheDay or any day! This latest release, imported by European Cellars, is deserving of your attention, especially if you are a Grenachista (Grenache Lover). Do not miss it!”Back vintage CdP at a great price.Xavier Vins Chateauneuf Du Pape, Rhone 2010 750ML ($47.95) $36 special
Wine Advocate 91+ points “Richer, fuller and denser is the 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape, which is composed of 65% Grenache and the rest equal parts Mourvedre and Syrah. Its dense ruby/purple color is followed by abundant notes of black fruits, licorice, lavender, Provencal herbs as well as a meaty richness.”
Kelley Fox Wines Hyland Vineyard Coury Clone Pinot Noir, McMinnville 2017 750ML ($59.95) $51.90 special
Winery Note “I am very happy to introduce my first bottling of Hyland Vineyard Coury Clone Pinot 2017….The vines I work with there have been farmed organically for years and biodynamically (uncertified) starting a few years ago. The Hyland Coury Clone 2017 is medium to darker red, and full of moving light and transparency. It has a pure nose of the reddest of red berries (the classic Oregon summer raspberries and strawberries-I hope you have tasted these before) with a certain coolness. It is complex with a velvety frame and nimble, age-worthy acidity typical of Hyland Vineyard, and a real boon in the string of warm vintages in the Willamette Valley (back to old school). It’s a beauty, it’s long, and it seems to embody some Platonic Idea of “Red”.”
The average listed price is $61
Domaine A. & P. De Villaine Bourgogne Blanc ‘Les Clous Aime’ Cote Chalonnaise, Burgundy 2016 750ML ($44.95) $33 special
Winery note “Les Clous Aimé comes from several parcels located on a south-facing slope of Bouzeron’s valley, sheltered from summer’s north wind during ripening. Our vineyard here is planted with selections of Chardonnay grapes that we have chosen for moderate yields. 2016 [was a] great success. Our Clous Aimé 2016 is powerful, dense with a soft and floral touch on the palate at the same time. A wine of pleasure, without complexity and very attractive. No need to think about it, it simply must be drunk.”
The next best price is $39.98
Raul Perez Ultreia de Valtuille, Bierzo 2015 750ML ($79.95) $49 special
Josh Raynolds 95 points “Vivid ruby. An expansive, seductively perfumed bouquet of ripe red/blue fruits, pot-pourri, exotic spices and cola, along with an intense mineral overtone. Concentrated yet vibrant in character, showing superb definition and mineral lift to the sweet raspberry, boysenberry, cola, spicecake and violet pastille flavors. Shows alluring sweetness and powerful thrust on the youthfully tannic finish, which hangs on with outstanding clarity and mineral-driven persistence. (All whole clusters and neutral French oak.)”
The next best price is $55
Rosés of the Day
Single Vineyard Bandol at a Bargain Price
Domaines Bunan is one of the most interesting and undervalued producers in Bandol. They’re a historic estate with some of the most privileged vineyards in the region, but due to scattered importation they don’t have the clout they should in the states. Case in point? Their two single vineyard Bandol rosés should be coveted in a way that they aren’t—but we’d like to change that. The Moulin des Costes is a vineyard at lower elevation but is closer to the ocean and you can almost feel that sea breeze in the wine. The Mas Rouviere sits next to the Chateau of the same name and is higher in elevation on a steeper slope, which gives a more intense, powerful rosé. Both are fantastic and at ½ the price of Tempier, a total steal. Pick up one of each and see for yourself why we’re so excited.
In Stock Now:
Domaine Bunan Moulin des Costes Bandol Rose, Provence 2018 750ML ($27.95) $24 special
“Hints of crushed stone and lime zest appear on the nose of the 2018 Bandol Rose Moulin des Costes, a blend of 50% Cinsault, 40% Mourvèdre and 10% Grenache. Although only light to medium-bodied, it’s pleasantly silky in texture, with ample length on the refined, elegant finish.” -Wine Advocate
Wine Advocate 90 points “Hints of crushed stone accent melon and lime scents on the nose of the 2018 Bandol Rose Mas de la Rouviere. It’s light to medium-bodied, not terribly intense, but fine and silky, with a long, harmonious and refreshing finish.”
Just head to our web store for the full list
Gerard Boulay’s Chavignol Genius
“Given the crystalline purity of his Sauvignon Blancs, he has become one of my favorite producers of the central Loire. If you want to know what true Sancerre tastes like, try one of his single-vineyard bottlings. It does not come any better!” – Joel Payne, Vinous
Gerard Boulay makes some of the best white wines in France from his vineyards in Chavignol. Chavignol is the true beating heart of Sancerre and the host of all the best names in the region (Vatan, the Cotats, Boulay, etc.). Boulay owns some of best located sites in some of the best vineyards in the town. From his parcel in La Grande Cote to Monts Damnes to the famed Clos Beaujeu, all of his wines ring with terroir and the unique minerality that’s inherent to Chavignol.
We have a selection of his wines from the entry level all the way up through his single vineyard bottlings, plus his rare Sancerre rouge. The entry level wine is a fantastic representation of what makes Chavignol so special within Sancerre at a significant discount relative to the single vineyard bottlings. It’s done entirely in tank and captures the flinty depth of the village’s wines in an approachable, drink-now fashion. The single vineyard bottlings are some of the absolute peaks of Sancerre, holding their own with all the more famous names (except for Vatan, who’s in their own league).
The Sancerre Rouge (named Oriane, after his first grandchild) is a stunning wine, reminiscent of Gevrey in this warm 2015 iteration. Bright, fresh and deeply savory, it’s a wine that will age well, getting even more profound over time. As the region has warmed, red Sancerre has emerged as a strong alternative to red Burgundy and this is one of the best examples out there.
In Stock Now:
Gerard Boulay Sancerre La Cote, Loire 2016 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Importer Note “Boulay’s parcel in “La Grande Côte,” which is partially owned and partically rented, is one of three designated Crus of Chavignol and is reputed for producing wines of incredible precision. Vintage 2010 was the inaugural release. Overall, Gerard Boulay’s “terre blanche” vineyards produce some of the most distinctive and soil-inflected Sauvignon Blancs in the Loire, with a delineation and minerality often reminiscent of a top Chablis. Boulay is certainly among the top examples of the appellation, including Boulay’s neighbors (Cotat Bros., Vatan). These are gorgeous, highly complex wines that are a clear step above “regular” Sancerre, and can age easily for 10-20 years or more. In fact, we have had them all the way back to the 1959 which was magnificent! They confirm Boulay’s place in the top ranks of Loire Valley vignerons. (referred to by the Cotat brothers as La Grande Cote)”
Importer Note “Boulay began farming the steeply sloped Mont Damnés vineyard in 1982. His plot has an average vine age of 45 years. Mont Damnés’ reflective soils and south-facing exposition make it one of Chavignol’s warmest sites. Overall, Gerard Boulay’s “terre blanche” vineyards produce some of the most distinctive and soil-inflected Sauvignon Blancs in the Loire, with a delineation and minerality often reminiscent of a top Chablis. Boulay is certainly among the top examples of the appellation, including Boulay’s neighbors (Cotat Bros., Vatan). These are gorgeous, highly complex wines that are a clear step above “regular” Sancerre, and can age easily for 10-20 years or more. In fact, we have had them all the way back to the 1959 which was magnificent! They confirm Boulay’s place in the top ranks of Loire Valley vignerons.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Importer Note “One of Chavignol’s most historic vineyards, Boulay’s parcel lies within the original Clos of the vineyard, established by the monks of Beaujeu in the Middle Ages. The walls of the Clos are no longer standing as they were originally built from clay and hay, and did not withstand the test of time. Boulay farms a 0.75 hectares plot of 30- to 60-year old vins where the soils are pebbly, lime-rich and strewn with fossils. Along with the 60% gradient for much of the vineyard, the rocky soils make this parcel very difficult to farm. Clos de Beaujeu is the source of some of Boulay’s deepest, most structured wines and savory, spicy examples of Chavignol that are built to last. ”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Importer Note “Gerard Boulay’s “terre blanche” vineyards produce some of the most distinctive and soil-inflected Sauvignon Blancs in the Loire, with a delineation and minerality often reminiscent of a top Chablis. Boulay is certainly among the top examples of the appellation, including Boulay’s neighbors (Cotat Bros., Vatan). These are gorgeous, highly complex wines that are a clear step above “regular” Sancerre, and can age easily for 10-20 years or more. Of the 9ha owned by Gerard Boulay, 8 of the hectares are on the slopes of Chavignol on Kimmeridgian or “terre blanche” soils (similar to the soils in Chablis), which he works manually and has farmed organically since 1990. The youngest vines at the domaine were planted by Mr. Boulay in 1972 and the average vine age is approximately 45 years old. The wines ferment naturally in tank and the Chavignol tradition is also aged in tank. Gerard adds no yeast and little to no SO2 during vinfication. He describes his role as one of “surveillance” to make sure nothing goes wrong. In general he works by instinct, “au feeling” because he wants to “let the wine live” and tries not to interfere with the natural process. “C’est la nature qui fait le vin” (Nature makes the wine).”
Importer Note “Boulay makes tiny amounts of still red Pinot Noir from these same vineyards as the rose, which are 35-40 year old Pinot Noir vines located on the steep hillsides in front of the his home in Chavignol. Aged in used 300-liter casks.
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The Domaine Grand Veneur is one of the highest scoring estates in Chateauneuf du Pape, with a ton of wines receiving multiple 95+ point scores across the last few years. The legendary Alain Jaume helms the estate and (previously featured) winemaker Xavier Vignon provides winemaking expertise, which means that the estate won’t stop in pursuit of quality.These are big, rich wines with incredible textures and explosive personalities. We’ve secured significant allocations of their three major Chateauneuf du Papes, the VV, Les Origines, and Miocene, all arriving this winter. The VV is one of the best wines made in the region every year, while the Les Origines and Miocene both deliver excellent value for their prices. We’re able to offer these at excellent pricing, despite the insane demand for the 2017 vintage—so lovers of the Rhone, take note. These always sell fast and we expect this set will continue that trend.
Arriving ETA December:
Domaine Grand Veneur Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes, Rhone 2017 750ML ($119.95) $89 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Domaine Grand Veneur Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes, Rhone 2017 750ML ($719.95) $479 pre-arrival special (that’s only $79.83/bottle!)
Jeb Dunnuck 97+ points “The 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape Vieilles Vignes is a bigger, richer, more opulent wine. Beautiful notes of blackcurrants, scorched earth, graphite, and crushed violets, all flow to a full-bodied, Châteauneuf Du Pape that has a voluptuous, sexy texture, brilliant depth of fruit, fine tannins, and a purity of fruit that’s hard to find in this vintage. It’s a thrill a minute, and while it’s approachable today, it will keep for 15-20 years. 416 cases.”
Decanter 96 points “Grown on galets, the fruit for this wine is all destemmed and fermented in stainless steel before being aged for 16 months, half in concrete and half in new barriques. The strong Mourvèdre component comes through as deep, ripe dark fruits and violets. It’s full-bodied and dense with soft, lush tannins, and is held together by a beam of strong acidity, finishing long. A lithe, muscular, impressive wine that will last the course. Just 5,000 bottles made.”
Case-6 Domaine Grand Veneur Chateauneuf-du-Pape Les Origines, Rhone 2017 750ML ($419.95) $289 pre-arrival special (that’s only $48.17/bottle!)
Jeb Dunnuck 95+ points “The 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape Les Origines takes things up a notch on the serious scale and has a much more concentrated, focused, structured style. A blend of 50% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, and the rest Syrah that saw 50% new barrels, it offers a rich, concentrated, focused texture, notes of black raspberries, roasted garrigue, pepper, and tons of minerality, building tannins, and outstanding length. The new oak is beautifully integrated, it’s perfectly balanced, and it’s one of those wines that has a kiss of modern character yet stays firmly planted in the Southern Rhône.”
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Case-6 Domaine Grand Veneur Chateauneuf-du-Pape Le Miocene Rouge, Rhone 2017 750ML ($299.95) $219 pre-arrival special (that’s only $36.50/bottle!)
Jeb Dunnuck 91 points “The traditional cuvée at this great estate is the 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape Le Miocene, and in 2017 it’s a classic blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 10% Mourvèdre, brought up mostly in concrete (there’s a small amount in older barrels). It has a wonderful fresh, forward, delicious style as well as notes of black raspberries, garrigue, pepper, and hints of flowers. Pure, medium to full-bodied, upfront and ready to go, it’s a beauty geared for drinking over the coming 8-10 years.”
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