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$19.95
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France
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Burgundy
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Cote d'Or White
In stock,
3
available
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Amiot-Servelle produces fruity wines in which balance and elegance prevail, and this 2010 vintage is no exception. Fresh and nicely aromatic. Expressive aromas of white flowers, brioche, hazelnut and a hint of vanilla. Nice amplitude in the mouth, with a lovely intensity of white flowers, hazelnut, pear and vanilla. Elegant and refined, this Bourgogne blanc offers a harmonious balance, a hint of minerality and a very pleasant finish.
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$49.95
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AM 88
France
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Burgundy
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Cote d'Or Red
In stock,
6
available
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88 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "A lightly spiced nose of red and blue pinot fruit has its expressiveness reduced by noticeable reduction so be sure to decant this if you're going to try one young. The lacy, pure and round mineral-inflected flavors are forward and very supple, all wrapped in a dusty, delicious and mouth coating finish. This notably pretty effort is very Chambollesque in character. Drink: 2017+. (Apr 2013)"
Jasper Morris (Inside Burgundy): "This domaine is run by Christian Amiot (one of the sons of Pierre Amiot from Morey-St-Denis) who is married to Elisabeth Servelle, daughter of Bernard Servelle-Tachot... The domaine has been farmed organically from 2003, with AB certification from the 2008 vintage. The wines taste fresh and modern although there is no great reliance on oak--20 per cent new wood is used for the village wine, and up to 50 per cent for the two top premiers crus... (2010)"
Clive Coates (The Wines of Burgundy): "Quality has improved... The wines now are very good, indeed. (2008)"
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$74.95
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AM 89–92
France
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Burgundy
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Cote d'Or Red
In stock, 12+ available
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89-92 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "Mild reduction detracts only mildly from the red and black pinot fruit that also displays a subtle hint of crushed herbs. The dusty and sappy middle weight flavors are supported by very fine tannins and good richness on the long and mouth coating finish. There is a bit more mid-palate concentration here compared to the Les Plantes and Feusselottes. Drink: 2017+. (Jan 2012)"
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$69.95
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AM 90
France
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Burgundy
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Cote d'Or Red
In stock,
5
available
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90 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "This is a very ripe Feusselottes with notes of cassis and black raspberry though here too there is enough reduction to notice. The dense and quite seductively textured medium-bodied flavors possess a silky mouth feel on the balanced and lingering finish where a hint of mineral character emerges. This is almost delicate and is an understated wine of finesse. Drink: 2017+. (Apr 2013)"
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$69.95
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France
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Burgundy
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Cote d'Or Red
In stock, 12+ available
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Allen Meadows (Burghound): "This also displays just a hint of reduction that serves to reduce the expressiveness of the nose though aggressive swirling liberates notes of reticent red currant, briar and wet stone. There is excellent verve to the middle weight flavors that exude mineral and soil tones before terminating in a quite finely detailed finish that lacks the same depth as the best here. Drink: 2018+. (Apr 2013)"
Jasper Morris (Inside Burgundy): "This domaine is run by Christian Amiot (one of the sons of Pierre Amiot from Morey-St-Denis) who is married to Elisabeth Servelle, daughter of Bernard Servelle-Tachot... The domaine has been farmed organically from 2003, with AB certification from the 2008 vintage. The wines taste fresh and modern although there is no great reliance on oak--20 per cent new wood is used for the village wine, and up to 50 per cent for the two top premiers crus... (2010)"
Clive Coates (The Wines of Burgundy): "Quality has improved... The wines now are very good, indeed. (2008)"
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$69.95
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AM 89–91
France
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Burgundy
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Cote d'Or Red
In stock, 12+ available
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89-91 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "Relatively strong reduction knocks down the nose though it's clear that the underlying fruit is ripe. The nicely rich and round flavors possess good volume and this too offers a supple and silky mouth feel on the delicious, balanced and persistent finish. This is not quite as refined as the Feusselottes but displays a bit more complexity. A qualitative choice. Drink: 2016+. (Jan 2012)"
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$149.95
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AM 92
France
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Burgundy
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Cote d'Or Red
In stock,
8
available
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92 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "A cool, pure and restrained nose features notes of pungent earth, humus, underbrush, spice and freshly crushed red berries. There is a touch of the sauvage to the round, generous and fleshy medium weight plus flavors that possess good size and weight before culminating in a well-detailed, complex and lingering finish. Drink: 2019+. (Apr 2013)"
Producer notes: "One of the first plots along the 'Route des Grands Crus', on the Morey side which is also entitled to the appellation of Mazoyères-Chambertin Grand Cru. On the nose, nearly candied, develops strong aromas of black fruit. This appellation always displays a strong density due to the small loose clusters able to mature easily. This wine is aptly named due to its very rich tannins and a slightly sweet taste at mid-palate."
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$159.95
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AM 93
France
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Burgundy
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Cote d'Or Red
In stock,
6
available
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93 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "A spicy, ripe and exuberant nose of plum, raspberry and warm earth is followed by rich, round and very seductive medium-bodied flavors that possess a lovely mix of power and complexity before culminating in a relatively powerful and mouth coating finish. This is very Clos St. Denis in character with its combination of finesse and taut muscularity and the overall impression is one of contrast, which is to say a broad-scaled wine of finesse. As expressive as this is today I got the distinct sense that this is going to close down hard in the near future and will also require extended cellaring before it's again ready for prime time. Drink: 2023+. (Apr 2013)"
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$34.95
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United States
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Merlot
In stock,
8
available
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List $42.00
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Ripe and luscious aromas of dark berries, plums, cassis and spice. The palate is rich and velvety with great intensity and fine tannins. This is a rich, complex Merlot with an intense mouth feel that evolves into an elegant, lingering toasty oak finish. Alcohol 14.9%.
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$17.95
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WA 91
IWC 90
United States
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Pinot Noir
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California
In stock, 12+ available
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91 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The 2008 Pinot Noir La Bauge Au-dessus is made from 55% Bien Nacido and 45% Le Bon Climat fruit. This is a richer, deeper style than the Rincon. Layers of dark cherries and plums emerge from this fleshy, pliant Pinot Noir. The inner sweetness and perfume weave through effortlessly to a round, inviting finish. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2018. (Aug 2011)"
90 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "Bright medium red. Redcurrant, cherry, Indian spices and underbrush on the pungent nose. Shows a firm, youthful structure and smoky red fruit flavors, with slow-building spiciness and a hint of bitter herbs. Then turns sweeter on the spicy finish, which is focused and very persistent. This taut, red fruit-driven wine benefits a lot from air; give it at least an hour in a decanter or another few years of bottle aging. (Oct/Nov 2011)"
Producer notes: "Has the usual Bien Nacido hard spice of black pepper, clove, and juniper. La Bauge au Dessus translates into 'the decadent party up above' these vineyards are the highest planting of Pinot Noir at Bien Nacido Vineyard."
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$26.95
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Slovenia
In stock, 12+ available
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*SPECIAL: Take 10% Off Listed Price! (We'll reduce item's price when processing your order.)
100% Pinela, an old, local grape variety from the Vipava Valley in Slovenia. Intense golden yellow, and almost oil-like when poured into a glass. Gentle aromas of ripe fruit (peach, apricot), a subtle note of vanilla and sun-kissed grapes. In the background, notes of succulent, ripe yellow fruit as well as bread, creating a perfect harmony. On the palate, perfectly balanced, the wine's unique character reflects the terroir. Pinela is full, extractive, mineral with a sophisticated spiciness. It is calming, yet persistent, preserving the perfect elegance of this variety, despite the fullness and richness. Aging potential: 2025-2030.
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$44.95
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IWC 90
WS 90
United States
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Pinot Noir
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Oregon
In stock,
9
available
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List $50.00
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90 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "($50) Bright red. Redcurrant and strawberry on the nose, with a lively underpinning of brown spices. Finely etched red berry flavors are given spine by a nervy mineral quality and pick up a rose pastille note on the back end. Finishes with a sweeter black raspberry quality and very good, sneaky persistence. This wine should age nicely on its balance and freshness. (May/Jun 2009)"
90 points Wine Spectator: "[$50 list] Light, silky and inviting, with a gossamer texture letting the delicate blueberry, cherry and nutmeg flavors slip easily through the long, enticing finish. Drink now through 2012. 2,414 cases made. (10/15/09)"
Producer notes: "Our 2007 Willamette Valley wine shows a delicate medium ruby color and very expressive aromas consisting of sweet cherries, a walk through the woods and a splash of white flowers. It consists of wine made from the following vineyards: Beaux Frères, Shea, Upper Terrace, Zena Crown, Amalie Robert and Carabella. The wine represents one of the silkiest and most feminine styles we have made to date. There is no lack of concentration but the equilibrium of all the elements seems to be the cheif hallmark of this very successful vintage. This wine is already delicious to drink now and showing complexity which makes us think that it will be a wine to drink within the first 5-7 years of its life. The balance which is always so critical is there. The tannins are unobtrusive and extremely silky. This is a real crowd pleaser, a very lush and beautifully supple Pinot Noir for the fan of instant gratification."
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$15.95
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W&S 90
Spain
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White
In stock, 12+ available
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90 points Wine & Spirits: "This is made by Todd Blomberg, from an estate founded by Santos in 1979. Blomberg replanted this ancient vineyard site in 2000, the vines now certified organic by Galicia’s Craega. The 2011 ripened to crisp litchi and pear flavors, tense with jasmine scents and hints of peppermint. It’s fruity and refreshing, a wine to chill for mariscos. (Oct 2012)"
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$27.95
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France
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Other
In stock, 12+ available
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From the Jura region, 'Tant-Mieux' is a Poulsard-based sparkling wine, namely a Pétillant Naturel, meaning that fermentation was finished in the bottle without the addition of sugar. It has a dried cranberry color and a touch of cloudiness as the wine is unfiltered and was not disgorged. Aromas include dried tea leaves, orange rind and bright strawberries. On the palate, expressive strawberry notes dominate as hints of amaro, tea and a hints of sweetness round out the flavor profile. The fruit is ripe, but still reserved in an Old World fashion. Acidity is abundant and there is even a hint of coarseness to the wine giving it a balanced, but medium-weight texture. Throughout the nose and the palate there is a hint if ‘beery-ness’ to the wine as the wine finished fermentation in the bottle and the yeast remains.
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$23.95
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United States
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Zinfandel
In stock, 12+ available
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*SPECIAL: Take 10% Off Listed Price! (We'll reduce item's price when processing your order.)
Producer notes: "From one of Sonoma Valley's oldest and most prestigious Zinfandel vineyards, Old Hill Ranch, established in 1885. The grapes for 'Bambino' are from a 10-acre block we planted on Old Hill in 1998. This young vine field-blend is patterned after the ancient vine field-blend for which Old Hill is known. The wine is a blend of at least a dozen grape varieties -- principally Zinfandel, but also Petite Sirah, Alicante Bouchet and Grenache to name a few -- all fermented together to create this Zinfandel blend. Our Bambino is deep purple in color with intense blackberry aromas and lots of 'Old Hill' spice, including nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla. The flavors are intense too, with blackberries, cherries, and vanilla spice. The tannins are big but ripe and mouth watering on the finish."
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$38.89
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United States
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Pinot Noir
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California
In stock, 12+ available
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Producer notes: "Brilliant and dark-hued, this 2010 de Villiers Vineyard Pinot Noir effuses playful, bright aromas of blackberry, licorice, mineral and just a hint of sweet oak. The wine is deep and smooth, with black cherry, spice and persistent cherry. Fine grained tannins offer a graceful structure and persisten juicy finish. 2,009 cases produced. Alcohol 13.8%."
Not yet reviewed; 2009 vintage rated 96+ points by Wine Advocate: "The 2009 Pinot Noir De Villiers Vineyard, from vines planted in 1997, bursts from the glass with expressive, juicy fruit. Dark red berries, flowers, mint, spices and an orange rind follow, leading to a generous, inviting finish. The De Villiers is the only vineyard-designate Pinot made from fully de-stemmed fruit. It is a towering wine of incomparable class and elegance. Simply put, this is a stunning showing from Calera. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2024."
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$51.95
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WA 93
IWC 92
WE 92
United States
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Pinot Noir
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California
In stock,
1
available
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93 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The 2009 Pinot Noir Reed Vineyard is one of the more direct wines in this lineup. There is an exotic quality to the spice, orange peel and tobacco notes that is deeply intriguing, but in the end the fruit is more of a soloist than an orchestra. None of the Calera wines can be called straightforward, but the Reed is one of the most simple. Still, within the broader context of California Pinot Noir, it is fabulous -- just not as fabulous as its stable mates! Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024. (Aug 2012)"
92 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "Vivid red. Candied red fruits and flowers on the fragrant nose. Sappy, seamless and gently sweet, offering powerful black raspberry and cherry flavors that become spicier with air. Closes smooth and very long, with resonating anise and raspberry compote flavors and gentle tannins. I found this bottling to be the most approachable of Calera's single-vineyard releases this year. (Nov/Dec 2012)"
92 points Wine Enthusiast: "This shows a delicate silkiness and a sweet essence of wild raspberries that make it fully ready to drink now. But that quality obscures its subtleties of mineral, mushroomy earth and flower notes that add to this Pinot’s great complexity. As good as it is now, it will have no trouble negotiating the next decade. 1,277 cases produced. Alcohol 14.7%. (Oct 2012)"
92 points and ' Year's Best Pinot Noir,' Wine & Spirits: "Reed’s north-facing slope gives wines that tend to be more linear than Calera’s other bottlings. In 2009, Reed leads with the green scents of whole cluster fermentation -- rhubarb and wintergreen -- and isn’t as filled-out as the Jensen (above). With air the fruit sweetens, knitting together those spicy aromas and the pronounced cranberry-like acidity. It’s reticent right now, needing some time in bottle before it fully spreads its wings. Then serve with pheasant. 1,277 cases. (Dec 2012)"
PinotFile: "14.8% alc., 281 cases. 4.4-acre vineyard, yields 1.02 tons per acre. Aged 17 months in 30% new French oak barrels. Unfiltered. Light reddish color in the glass. Enticing aromas of strawberries, red cherries and sandalwood. More vineyard terroir evident that the other vineyard-designated Pinots in this vintage. Flavorful core of cherries, brown spice and a hint of vanilla wrapped in balanced tannins. Not the fruit intensity of the other Pinots in this vintage, but the long aromatic finish leaves an enticing trail of cherries. A feminine wine in a dominatrix way. Very good. (12/10/12)"
Producer notes: "Calera’s Mt. Harlan Vineyards are located in the Gavilan Mountains 25 miles east of the Monterey Bay. The site was chosen for its limestone soils and ideal climate. At an average elevation of 2,200 feet it is among the highest and coolest vineyard sites in California. Tasting Notes: Light garnet hue and delicate aromas of cardamom, graphite, sandstone, rose petals and blueberry instantly draw you into this fascinating and unusual Pinot Noir. Reed vineyard, with its north facing aspect gives us a most alluring mélange of black plum, forest floor, dried cranberry, rhubarb fennel, mint, black cherry, sage and white pepper. The texture is graceful, lithe and balanced with assertive, playful tannins promising a long and interesting life. A Pinot Noir collector’s delight."
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$7.95
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PG 87
Spain
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Red
In stock, 12+ available
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87 points Peñín Guide: "(90% monastrell, 10% syrah). Colour: cherry, purple rim. Nose: fresh fruit, red berry notes, scrubland. Palate: flavourful, fruity, good acidity, round tannins. (2012)"
Producer notes: "Campos de Risca is essentially Monastrell, with blends of wines from different plots to give its complex character. Very small proportions of Syrah may be added in some vintages for complexity and balance."
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$16.95
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CGV 89
United States
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Zinfandel
In stock, 12+ available
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List $21.00
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89 points California Grapevine: "[$21 list] Medium to medium-dark brickish ruby; attractive, rustic, briary, cherry and red berry fruit aroma with hints dill, cocoa, and caramel; full body; rich, fleshy, mouth-fill, ripe berry fruit flavors, tending to be a bit drying on the finish; full tannin; lingering aftertaste. Highly recommended. 14.9% alcohol; 1,428 cases; released October 2012. (Apr 2013)"
Producer notes: "[$21 list] Very bright pomegranate cherry fruit, brown sugary-caramel oak. Fragrant Asian spices--Chinese 5-spice in milk chocolate/cocoa; Mouthfeel is still a bit young and chewy, but quite drinkable now. Very mouthfilling! Barrel aged 24 months in American oak barrels (50% second fill; 50% older). 1,428 cases produced. Alcohol 15.3%"
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$18.95
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Italy
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Piedmont
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Barbera
In stock, 12+ available
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WHWC staff notes: "I'll be honest, the reason this 100% Barbera caught my eye was because it has a unique label, which upon closer inspection contained a sailing ship. I choose to believe that it is most certainly a pirate ship. As a double bonus it is also Demeter-certified biodynamic, so how could I NOT try it? I'm so glad I did. From the Monferrato region of Piedmont near Asti, this tiny 3-hectares family estate is the epitome of an 'everyday' value wine that is versatile enough to go with any dish, Italian or otherwise. A true ruby red color lets you know that this wine will be medium-bodied without the worry of over-extraction. Pure, soft mixed-berry dried fruit, smooth tannins and alcohol are interwoven with lovely elements of Piedmont terroir and Barbera typicity: vanilla, leather, herbs, cherries and taut acidity. There is a lot going on here, but yet it is so easy to drink. You won't be disappointed with this rustic little over-achiever." -Casey Carmichael
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$29.95
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WS 91
New Zealand
In stock, 12+ available
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91 points Wine Spectator: "Distinctive and elegantly framed, offering white pepper, talc and dried lavender notes, with plenty of aromatic details to the wild berry and plum accents. The flavors fan out on the long, smooth finish. Drink now through 2022. (6/15/13)"
Cashburn is the second label of Burn Cottage Pinot Noir from Central Otago, New Zealand. The wine is made from declassified fruit from the Burn Cottage Vineyard by Ted Lemon of Littorai. The property is farmed using biodyanmic farming techniques and is owned and operated by the Sauvage family who also has property in the Pfalz in Germany and owns distributors in the US.
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$16.95
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Italy
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Tuscany
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Other
In stock, 12+ available
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Producer notes: "Sangiovese 70%, Canaiolo 20%, Ciliegiolo 10%. Light ruby red. Fruity, floral, spicy bouquet. Light and fruity table wine for drinking with simple dishes, white meats such as chicken and even fish."
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$11.95
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RR 91
France
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South of France
In stock,
2
available
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List $15.00
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91 points Rhone Report: "[$15 list] A thrilling white, as well as an unbelievable value, the 2010 Michel Gassier Cotes du Rhone Villages Visan Cercius, a blend of Grenache Blanc and Sauvignon that's aged on lees and all in concrete tank, delivers a perfumed, intense array of melon, grapefruit, green herbs, and brilliant wet stone-like minerality on the nose. Showing some real edge and cut to the aromas, the palate fleshes out and shows a medium+ bodied, textured, and full feel, beautiful purity of fruit, and brilliant acidity that carries the finish. Extremely versatile on the dinner table, this outstanding white should be purchased by the case load and consumed over the coming 1-2 years. (Sep 2011)"
70% Grenache Blanc, 30% Sauvignon Blanc. Organic. Aged on the lees in concrete vat. 25 year old vines. On the southern edge of the Rhone Valley near the ancient city of Nimes the legendary mistral winds of Provence -- "Cercius" in Latin -- sweep over the vineyards and out to the Mediterranean Sea. The brisk cross winds protect the grapes' freshness which is preserved during vinification in concrete tanks. Rich, ripe almost honey-like nose with prominent mineral character. Food pairing: Versatile. White meats, fish with light herb to heavy cream sauce.
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$11.95
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RR 90
France
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South of France
In stock, 12+ available
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List $15.00
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90 points Rhone Report: "[$15 list] Beautifully fresh and lively, the 2011 Michel Gassier Cercius Blanc, a blend of Grenache Blanc and Sauvignon, delivers an outstanding bouquet of citrus-laced wild herbs, lime, and loads of wet stone-like minerality that flows to a medium bodied, juicy, acid driven palate that has a pure, focused texture and outstanding length. A smoking value, this is perfect for a hot summer day or for starting a meal. Given the balance and freshness, it will most likely age well, yet I still recommend drinking bottles in their first year or two. (Sep 2012)"
Producer notes: "70% Grenache Blanc, 30% Sauvignon Blanc. Straw yellow with soft green highlights. Very aromatic, predominantly aromas of citrus, flowers, and flint. Medium bodied and crisp, pairs well with roasted monkfish, paprika grilled game hen, and goat cheeses."
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$13.95
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RR 92
France
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Rhone
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Other
In stock, 12+ available
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List $16.00
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92 points Rhone Report: "[$16 list] Made from a blend of 85% Grenache and 15% Syrah, from 80+ year vines, that is aged for 6 months in concrete tank, the 2011 Michel Gassier Cercius is a lush, decadent offering that delivers loads of black raspberry and blackberry styled fruit that is intermixed with notions of licorice, rolled stone, roasted garrigue, and hints of leather on the nose. Layered, fresh, and beautifully textured, with a full-bodied, rich feel in the mouth that never seems heavy, this absolutely knockout Côtes du Rhône is a candidate for a multi-case purchase, and will deliver the goods for 4-6 years. Do not let the price tag fool you, this is a gorgeous wine that will stand up to any number of more prestigious and expensive bottlings. (Sep 2012)"
Producer notes: "Cercius is a profound ruby color. The nose is intense and complex, with aromas of dark berries, licorice, and garrigue herbs. Opulent and velvety, without being heavy, this wine's fruity finish has an aerial expression of ripe tannins. Pairs well with various meats and cheeses including wine-braised beef, raviolis with cepe mushrooms, roasted duck, veal chops with radicchio, white beans, grilled leg of lamb with thyme and allspice, brie, and for the more adventurous, epoisses, livarot, maroilles, or munster. Alcohol 14.5%."
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