Category Archives: Wineries We Cherish

An Incredible Deal on Gaja

November 2017

Gaja’s Astounding Wines

At Awe Inspiring Pricing

Gaja is a name that requires no context in discussion—like Latour or DRC, it’s understood which estate is meant and that the wines are epic, change-your-dinner-plans events.  Angelo Gaja is one of the primary reasons we care about Barbaresco today and the wines bearing his name remain the most treasured and collectible of the region.  Furthermore, the top wines from his Brunello estate, Ca’ Marcanda, have quickly become among top two or three most sought after wines in Tuscany.

The one complaint we might have with Gaja, as with most wines that are full-on collectible, is the pricing.  We got lucky (or worked hard, your choice) and snagged a really amazing lineup of some of the top wines in the lineup for some really incredible prices, though (almost $100/bottle less expensive than the next offering on the single vineyard Langhe wines).  … Read the rest

2015 d’Yquem: Definitive Sauternes 10-2017

2015 Chateau d’Yquem : 

The One Against Which All Others Are Compared

Arriving in March 2018

“Chateau d’Yquem is arguably the most prestigious sweet wine in the world” –James Molesworth, Wine Spectator

“What Nature bestowed in 2015 is everything you could possibly desire in a Sauternes” –Neal Martin, Wine Advocate

Bottle of Chateau d'YquemChateau d’Yquem, Sauternes 2015 750ML ($499.95) Buy Now: $419 pre-arrival special, ETA March 2018 
Chateau d’Yquem, Sauternes 2015 1.5L ($1,099.95) Buy Now: $849 pre-arrival special, ETA March 2018 
Chateau d’Yquem, Sauternes 2015 375ML ($259.95) Buy Now: $219 pre-arrival special, ETA March 2018 
Wine Advocate 98-100 points “The 2015 Château d’Yquem is a blend of 75% Semillon and 25% Sauvignon Blanc that was picked on the gravelly soils as early as 3 and 4 September until 21 October, four tries through the vineyard.… Read the rest

Domaine Guiberteau

September 2017

Domaine Guiberteau
The Voice of Their Vineyards

guiberteau-romainWhen a winemaker starts generating the amount of charge that Romain Guiberteau has built in such a short amount of time, our ears perk up, and we take notice. A quick look at the volume of somm chatter about the Domaine assures you that the wines must be absolutely electric. In short: they are. Consider that Dani Foucault of Clos Rougeard took so much interest in Romain that he regularly insisted that visitors also go to Guiberteau to taste.

The Loire is full of cutting edge producers as of late and, while there are plenty of grapes to go around, some of the best belong to the Guiberteau family. After selling their fruit for almost 40 years, young Romain came back from an uninspired law career to take over the farming of his family’s 14.5 hectares.… Read the rest

Congratulations to Marcus Goodfellow

September 2017

Always Delicious Chardonnays

Now With New Scoresgoodfellow insert

Marcus Goodfellow’s Matello and Goodfellow Family Cellars labels have been mainstays at the shop for some time now—wines that we carry regardless of vintage, scores or overall hype.  The wines are amongst the best in Oregon and consistently some of the most inspiring wines we taste.  It looks like we aren’t alone in our love—the new Wine Advocate reviews for our fair state lavish (deserved) praise on Marcus’ wines, particularly two Chardonnays (Richard’s Cuvee and Durant Vineyard) which we wanted to feature today.

Goodfellow Family Cellars Richard’s Cuvee Chardonnay, Willamette Valley 2014 750ML ($39.95) Buy Now: $36 special

Goodfellow Family Cellars Richard’s Cuvee Chardonnay, Willamette Valley 2014 375ML ($24.95) Buy Now: $19.50 special
Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2014 Chardonnay Richard’s Cuvee knocks it out of the park with a nose of ripe apricots, pink grapefruit and guava underscored by fresh ginger, baking bread, beeswax and yeast extract hints with a waft of jasmine.… Read the rest

Il Poggione’s Magnificent 2011 Brunello

il poggione sealAugust 2017

Most Brunello collectors buy either traditional or modern examples with the exception of a few wines whose appeal seems to transcend stylistic categories. These wines are the real ‘collectible’ Brunelli—there’s always going to be a market for them. In that category, Il Poggione manages to be unique. It’s a wine that’s traditionally made, yet approachable, beloved across the board and is still reasonably priced.

For that reason, Il Poggione remains one of our favorite wines in Brunello—it’s tough to beat the combination of quality and price. The wines are probably the least expensive, collectible-quality Brunello out there. The 2011 vintage is no exception and the wine is gorgeous, from a warm vintage but with the freshness and elegance you expect from Il Poggione.… Read the rest