|
|
 |
|
|
$36.99
|
|
|
Italy
-
Other
In stock,
4
available
|
|
|
While there's little of this left to sell, I still think it deserves to be highlighted. From Sardinia. Made from 100% Carignano. Aromas of exotic spice. Ripe and full-bodied. Drinks well now, but structured and likely to improve with age.
|
|
|
|
|
|
$9.99
|
|
|
WE 86
Italy
-
Puglia
In stock, 12+ available
|
List $12.00
|
86 points Wine Enthusiast: "[$12 list] This is a simple, genuine wine that delivers concentration, power and personality without much effort. Its success is due to the sunny climatic conditions of Southern Italy and a healthy selection of fruit. In the mouth, the wine offers both sweetness and crispness. (Dec 2009)"
Producer notes: "Made from 100% Primitivo (Zinfandel's ancestor) from Puglia. A. Mano (meaning "made by hand") is made from 70-100 year-old, hand-cultivated, low-yielding vines. This is a fruit-packed, food-friendly, modern wine, an excellent value and a great alternative to American Zinfandel. It pairs exceedingly well with a variety of dishes—grilled meats, rich pastas, spicy foods and barbecue."
|
|
|
|
|
|
$14.99
|
|
|
IWC 89
United States
-
Chardonnay
In stock, 12+ available
|
|
|
89 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "Green-tinged gold. Impressively complex bouquet evokes pear, Meyer lemon, iodine, smoked meat and toasty lees; this has the nose of a much more expensive wine. Fleshy pear and floral honey flavors are deep and a touch warm, picking up refreshing lime and dusty minerals on the finish. An outstanding value. (Apr 2008)"
|
|
|
|
|
|
$15.99
|
|
|
WA 87
WE 87
United States
-
Pinot Noir
-
Oregon
In stock, 12+ available
|
List $20.00
|
San Francisco Chronicle: "($20 list) It is noteworthy to find a nice Oregon Pinot Noir at or below the $20 mark since many wineries have limited production. A to Z - a negociant effort founded in 2002 - currently vinifies several varietals, upwards of 120,000 cases a year. This wine's sweet dark cherry and slight earthiness has some weight and dark fruit bolstering the leaner cherry, which is typical of most Oregon Pinots. (3/15/09)"
87 points Jay Miller (Wine Advocate): "[$20 list] The 2007 Pinot Noir was blended from over 60 vineyards covering most of the state. Dark ruby-colored, it offers up notes of black cherry and plum. On the palate it has good depth, excellent varietal character, and a fruit-filled finish. Drink it over the next 4 years. (Aug 2009)"
87 points Wine Enthusiast: "A to Z has kept a lid on its pricing, and offers one of the best values in Oregon Pinot Noir. Though very young, this wine is soft and forward, and benefits from its early release. It could almost pass for a cru Beaujolais, from the slightly candied cherry fruit right down to the hints of banana that suggest a certain amount of whole cluster fermentation. In any event, it's fruity, lightly detailed with spice, and quite charming."
|
|
|
|
|
|
$22.99
|
|
|
Italy
-
Piedmont
-
Other
In stock,
9
available
|
|
|
70+ year old vineyard from the hills of Dogliani, south of Barolo. The quality of Dolcetto from this region has been skyrocketing in the last few years, and Anna Maria Abbona's work is a good example of this. Her oldest vines were planted by her grandfather in the thirties, and the vineyards are steep and perfectly exposed. More recently she has become a convert to the doctrine of low yields, and she has joined the elite of Dogliani. Producers in Dogliani take Dolcetto as seriously as producers in Barolo take Nebbiolo. Dolcetto is planted in all the best sites and vinified with great care, which is not always the case with Dolcetto d'Alba. Understand that Dolcetto is not the Beaujolais of Italy. The best modern Dolcettos have inky color, lashings of blueberry fruit, and tannins to match. In fact, the concentration of top Dogliani wines has reached a point where the tannins need to be carefully managed to be pleasant. There are three techniques that help with this -- picking for phenolic ripeness, micro-oxygenation, and oak; Anna Maria is using all three.
|
|
|
|
|
|
$42.99
|
|
|
WS 91
United States
-
Cabernet & Blends
-
Washington
In stock, 12+ available
|
|
91 points Wine Spectator: "Ripe, supple and expressive, offering a mouthful of tobacco-accented cherry, currant and floral aromas and flavors that sail effortlessly over modest tannins into the long, balanced finish. Drink now through 2014. 2,800 cases made. (6/15/09)"
San Francisco Chronicle: "A more toast-dominant profile right now than its 60 percent new oak would suggest. But there's cocoa and coffee nuance to it, and a suave kirsch tone amid lots of notably ripe blackberry. Very stylish, but well done. (8/9/09)"
|
|
|
|
|
|
$33.99
|
|
|
WS 91
United States
-
Chardonnay
In stock, 12+ available
|
|
|
91 points Wine Spectator: "Silky, refined and beautifully proportioned, layering its spicy pear flavors with elements of pineapple and star fruit. Weaves together harmoniously on the nutmeg-tinged finish. Drink now through 2012. 883 cases made. (6/15/09)"
|
|
|
|
|
|
$59.99
|
|
|
WA 90
Italy
-
Veneto
-
Amarone
In stock, 12+ available
|
|
90 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "Accordini’s 2005 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Acinatico emerges from the glass with generous dark cherries, chocolate, spices, leather and French oak. This is an especially opulent and dense Amarone that should drink nicely upon release. It is a strong effort in a challenging year. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2015. (Oct 2009)"
Bastianich & Lynch (Vino Italiano): "A boutique Amarone producer run by brothers Tiziano and Daniele Accordini. Their 'Acinatico' and 'Il Fornetto' Amarones are examples of the more elegant, more readily drinkable, less extracted style of Amarone. Small production."
|
|
|
|
|
|
$19.99
|
|
|
WS 91
WA 91
Argentina
In stock, 12+ available
|
List $28.00
|
91 points Wine Spectator: "[$28 list] Really vivid, with plum and fig notes laced with a bright violet hint. The lingering finish lets raspberry and pastis notes chime in. Fleshy and concentrated, but pure, with mouthwatering acidity. Drink now through 2010. (7/31/09)"
91 points Jay Miller (Wine Advocate): "The 2008 Malbec spent 9 months in French oak before bottling without fining or filtration. It is a glass-coating opaque purple with a bouquet of toast, violets, spice box, black cherry, and plum. Smooth-textured and sweetly fruited, it has excellent depth, savory flavors, and a lengthy finish. In our current economy, this is an ideal steak house wine. (Aug 2009)"
|
|
|
|
|
|
$28.99
|
|
|
WA 90
Spain
-
Red
In stock,
6
available
|
List $35.00
|
|
90 points Jay Miller (Wine Advocate): "[$35 list] From an obscure D.O. located in Galicia, the 2005 Algueira is 100% estate grown Mencia aged for 11 months in French oak. Medium to dark ruby-colored, it offers Pinot Noir-like aromatics with plenty of spicy red fruits and a touch of oak. This leads to an elegant wine with incipient complexity, a silky texture, sweet red berry flavors, and good length. The wine should evolve with 1-2 years of additional bottle age but can be enjoyed now and over the next 6 years."
|
|
|
|
|
|
$15.99
|
|
|
United States
-
Zinfandel
In stock,
4
available
|
|
|
Producer notes: "Sourced from dry farmed vineyards on the west side of Paso Robles, the 2006 vintage shows heightened fruit aromatics and an ideal balance of ripeness and natural fruit acidity. The native limestone soils of the Westside bring a complexing minerality to the savory fruit character of the exuberant Zinfandel. Yields of less than 2 tons/acre (and in some cases only ¾ ton/acre) produce small concentrated berries with thick skins, ideal for the expression of Zinfandel fruit character."
|
|
|
|
|
|
$49.99
|
|
|
France
-
Champagne
In stock,
11
available
|
|
|
Producer notes: "Made using grapes from the old vines (55 years of age) of Avize and partial malolactic fermentation. Flavours of butter, brioche and gingerbread match the nuances of honey, caramel and milk. The mouth develops to encompass fresh and fruity citrus fruits. (100% Chardonnay)"
|
|
|
|
|
|
$21.99
|
|
|
United States
-
Cabernet & Blends
-
California
In stock,
5
available
|
|
|
Producer notes: "36% Cabernet Franc, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 2% Malbec, 1% Sangiovese. The fruit for this wine was sourced from our favorite low-yielding vineyard sites in Napa Valley. This refined, high quality blend offers up layers of blackberry fruit,tobacco, spice and subtle touches of toasty French oak. Pairs well with braised short ribs or grilled flank steak."
|
|
|
|
|
|
$59.99
|
|
|
Italy
-
Piedmont
-
Barolo
In stock,
3
available
|
|
|
Wine Spectator: "Racy, fragrant young wine. Aromas of raspberries, with subtle, smoky and mineral undertones. Full-bodied, yet tight and reserved, with racy tannins and a tart, lively acid backbone. Best after 2003. 330 cases made."
|
|
|
|
|
|
$17.99
|
|
|
WS 90
RP 89
United States
-
Rhone Varietals
In stock, 12+ available
|
List $20.00
|
90 points Wine Spectator: "[$20 list] Ripe and lush, with gorgeous mouthfeel to the pure, racy beam of raspberry ganache, black cherry and blackberry fruit. The finish lets melted licorice, roasted apple wood and spice bread notes flitter on. There's solid depth and length to this. Grenache, Syrah and Carignan. Drink now through 2010. 2,080 cases made. (9/30/09)"
89+ points Robert Parker: "[$20 list] The 2007 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Cairanne is a powerhouse. Earthy with a hint of weedy tobacco interwoven with creme de cassis and kirsch, lots of body, and remarkable freshness as well as exuberance, this is a full-bodied red with considerable power (14.5% alcohol), layers, and richness. It will be even better in 1-2 years, and should keep for a decade or more. (Jun 2009)"
|
|
|
|
|
|
$23.99
|
|
|
WE 92
France
-
Rhone
-
Other
In stock,
3
available
|
List $35.00
|
|
92 points Wine Enthusiast: "[$35 list] This is still very youthful and primary, with just hints of complexity. Plum and licorice shine brightly in this mouthfilling wine that somehow manages to be muscular yet silky at the same time. Roughly 60% Syrah, 40% Grenache, from vines 35-45 years old. Drink now-2015. (12/15/09)"
|
|
|
|
|
|
$13.99
|
|
|
France
-
Rhone
-
Other
In stock, 12+ available
|
|
|
Denis Alary, according to La Revue du Vin de France's "Le Classement des Meilleurs Vins de France," "produces serious and solid wines...possessing an undeniable charm." The La Gerbaude, from an eponymous parcel within the Cairanne AOC, is a ripe, round, plummy affair made from 75% Grenache, 15% Carignan and 15% Syrah. This is one of those terrific Southern Rhônes you can quaff all day long, with or without food, while wallowing in its seductive, lavender-inflected perfume and lush, opulent texture.
|
|
|
|
|
|
$19.99
|
|
|
France
-
Alsace
In stock,
2
available
|
|
|
Wine Spectator: "...floral and apple notes and the chalky mouthfeel. Whets the appetite, ending in a mouthwatering finish. Drink now. 200 cases imported."
|
|
|
|
|
|
$22.99
|
|
|
France
-
Alsace
In stock,
3
available
|
List $26.00
|
Los Angeles Times 'Wine of the Week': "Want to try something different and interesting for Thanksgiving? A beautiful floral Alsatian Gewürztraminer like this one can hold its own with the myriad flavors of the holiday table. Spicy and a touch sweet, the 2007 Albert Mann Gewürztraminer has a lithe acidity and a fresh, delightful finish. This inexpensive beauty comes from one of Alsace's top estates and a family of winegrowers whose history goes back to the 17th century. (11/25/09)"
Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "[$26 list] Pale yellow. Varietally expressive aromas of pineapple, lichee, spices and rose petal. Lovely glyceral wine with ripe acids and brisk pepper and spice notes buffering its 14% alcohol. Finishes dense, tactile and fresh, with a peppery quality that should make it flexible at the dinner table. The finish leaves the palate feeling clean. (Nov/Dec 2008)"
Wine Spectator: "[$26 list] This dry Gewürztraminer shows a lovely, creamy texture, with pleasant flavors of red grapefruit, tangerine and plenty of the grape's signature spice. The finish is zesty. Drink now through 2012. 300 cases imported. (8/31/09)"
|
|
|
|
|
|
$14.99
|
|
|
France
-
Alsace
In stock,
5
available
|
|
|
Not yet reviewed. 2007 vintage rated 90 points by Wine Advocate: "...a blend of roughly equal parts Auxerrois and true Pinot Blanc -- is once again a marvelous reminder of how wonderful and versatile this genre of Alsace wine can be (but nowadays so seldom is). Alluring aromas of fresh apricot, tangerine zest and shrimp shell set the scene for a generous mouthful of pit- and citrus-fruits that strikes a superb balance between refreshment and creaminess of texture. Nor is there any lack of mineral interest here, with subtle saline savory, and chalky suggestions. Enjoy this over the next 18 months."
|
|
|
|
|
|
$16.99
|
|
|
France
-
Alsace
In stock, 12+ available
|
|
|
Pale straw in color. Floral fruit aromas with notes of pear, melon and green apple. Medium- to full-bodied with a nice balance between refreshment and creaminess of texture.
|
|
|
|
|
|
$24.99
|
|
|
France
-
Alsace
In stock,
1
available
|
List $29.00
|
|
Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "[$29 list] Pale color. Soil-driven aromas of smoke, butter and pastry dough. Broad and sweet but with almost riesling-like acid grip and a saline element giving it a sappy quality. Finishes with a slight peppery quality. This needs to be served with food. 'It's getting hard to make totally ripe pinot gris in Alsace without big sweetness,' notes Barthelme. 'But 2007 is a great year, finally, for dry, smoky, pure pinot gris.'"
|
|
|
|
|
|
$18.99
|
|
|
IWC 89
WA 89
France
-
Alsace
In stock,
5
available
|
List $26.00
|
89 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "[from the family's best parcels of older vines not in grand cru sites] Very pale color. Fruit-driven aromas of white peach, nectarine and pear. Supple and juicy, with a lovely ripe peach flavor. The vibrant sugar/acid balance of this wine stimulates the taste buds. Ripe and rich, but bright on the back, with a suggestion of lemon peel. Delicious. (Nov/Dec 2006)"
89 points David Schildknecht (Wine Advocate): "[$26 list] The 2004 Riesling Cuvee Albert represents the basic Albert Mann bottling of this variety. Leading with pungent citrus zest aromas and offering a palate dominated by lemon, apricot and peach, this finishes with distinctly bitter suggestions of citrus rind and peach kernel, yet its exuberantly juicy primary fruit and refreshing citricity keep it far from austerity. It will be lovely -- and probably display some additional facets -- over the next 2-3 years. (Feb 2008)"
|
|
|
|
|
|
$21.99
|
|
|
France
-
Alsace
In stock,
6
available
|
List $25.00
|
|
Wine Spectator: "[$25 list] This is spicy and aromatic, with good concentration to the ripe peach, red grapefruit and mango notes on a light-weight frame. Lively and bright, with a lingering tang of minerality on the finish. Drink now. 300 cases imported."
|
|
|
|
|
|
$33.99
|
|
|
IWC 92
WA 90
FWR 90
France
-
Alsace
In stock,
6
available
|
List $39.00
|
92 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "Very pale color. Superb purity to the aromas of dusty stone, peppermint, quinine and lime blossom; a riesling for the Chablis lover. Densely packed, classic and quite dry despite possessing 10 g/l r.s.; flavors of crushed stone, licorice and lemon peel coat the palate. This has terrific balance and backbone for aging. Just 12% alcohol-and a much more classic rendition of Schlossberg than the '04 made here. (Jul/Aug 2007)"
90 points David Schildknecht (Wine Advocate): "[$39 list] Aromas of baked apple, candied lime peel, honey, and brown spices mark the 2005 Riesling Schlossberg more of its vintage than its variety or site. Silken-textured and enveloping, it weaves the spicy, honeyed strands of botrytis (as well as its residual sugar) effectively into a rich, seamless, dry-tasting whole. There is more than enough primary juiciness -- along with notes of salt and crushed stone -- for the finish here to satisfy thirst and hold one’s interest. (Feb 2008)"
90 points Fine Wine Review: "Mann’s excellent grand cru Schlossberg displays lime blossom aromas, followed by a round body (I’d guess about 3 g/l residual sugar, not enough to leave a sweet impression) and lime flavors with a hint of vanilla overtone. Medium to medium-full body, but plenty of finesse. Now-2014. (Issue #118; 2007)"
|
