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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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$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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$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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$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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$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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$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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$21.95
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WE 91
France
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Other
In stock,
9
available
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List $33.00
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91 points and 'Cellar Selection,' Wine Enthusiast: "[$33 list] Dense and complex wine, packed with the ripest fruit. It has powerful tannins, although they are easily balanced by the rich plum and damson flavors. The wine is solid, chunky, based on a dry and firm core, ready for aging over 4 years. Malbec. Alcohol 14%. (Mar 2012)"
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$22.95
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France
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Bordeaux
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White
In stock, 12+ available
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A blend of 60% Sémillon and 40% Sauvignon Blanc from 35-year-old vines in the commune of Cérons. Sémillon fermented in new and 1-year-old French oak barrels and Sauvignon fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel. Left on lees for stirring using the oxoline system for six months. Sémillon aged for 6 months in new and 1-year-old French oak. 2010 was a year for freshness and clean floral aromas with a balanced level of acidity. As always, distinctive mineral characters typical of Graves terroir are in evidence. Bouquet consists of honey and citrus fruit. Sauvignon Blanc adds vivacity and floral aromas. Long considered the finest, privately-held château and vineyards of Graves.
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$23.95
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France
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Loire
In stock,
5
available
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Not yet reviewed; 2009 vintage rated 92 points by John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "The 2009 Clos Habert Demi-Sec from Domaine Chidaine is a beautiful example of the vintage, with the sunshine touch of this year evident on both the nose and palate. The beautifully expressive nose offers up a fine blend of sweet grapefruit, fresh pineapple, honeycomb, beautifully complex and delicate soil tones based on the tuffeau, lemon peel, beeswax and citrus blossoms. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and beautifully complex, with a great core of fruit, brisk acids and outstanding length and grip on the complex and still quite youthful finish. The vintage’s ripeness is apparent here in a touch of backend heat, that will probably dissipate with bottle age, but which jumps out a bit right now- particularly after tasting through the stellar lineup of 2010 Chidaine wines! This is lovely, but give it a few years to more fully integrate its ripeness. 2015-2040+."
Importer notes: "Clos Habert lies adjacent to the Clos du Breuil and the vines are planted in clay and a type of silex called perruches. Chidaine uses this fruit to make a tendre style of Montlouis with a lovely balance and minerality, usually around 20 g/l of residual sugar. Vine age ranges from 25 - 60 years old."
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$11.95
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France
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Loire
In stock,
1
available
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Importer notes: "50% Pinot Noir and 50% Grolleau from organically farmed estate fruit. Floral nose with hints of currants, along with the excellent acidity and the mineral core we've come to expect in Chidaine wines! 550 cases produced." This wine embodies everything you want in a rosé: fragrant, delicate, and highly drinkable - buy this one by the case for all your summertime get-togethers.
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$14.95
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France
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Loire
In stock,
7
available
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100% Cabernet Franc from 50-year-old vines. Vinified in stainless steel tanks. Ripe and generous. A great match with game and grilled meats. Alcohol 13%.
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$11.95
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WS 88
RR 87
France
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Rhone
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Other
In stock, 12+ available
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List $17.00
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88 points Wine Spectator: "Round and juicy, with a jammy hint to plum, red currant and blackberry fruit flavors that are laid over a licorice-filled finish. Drink now. 200 cases imported. (2009)"
87 points Rhone Report: "An even split of Grenache and Syrah, the 2007 Domaine Constant-Duquesnoy Cotes du Rhone Villages Lou Combaou is a solid southern Rhone that displays loads of sappy garrigue, spiced cherries, mineral, and licorice to go with a medium-bodied, juicy, and edgy palate. There.s a serious kick of acidity here, as well as a firm, edgy core that should soften over the coming year. It should continue to drink well for 3-5 years. (Mar 2012)"
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$24.95
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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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List $28.00
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Producer notes: "The 2009 Tous Ensemble Pinot is an embodiment of the earthy, sweet beet root undertones that are indicative of Anderson Valley Pinot. Medium bodied with vibrant dark red fruits on the nose and palate, it delivers pure, focused flavors with a great lift on the finish from the acidity. Perfect to drink now or over the next 5-7 years. Alcohol 12.9%."
Not yet reviewed; 2009 vintage rated 90 points by International Wine Cellar: "Bright ruby. Subtly aromatic nose of cherry, mocha, cinnamon and musky herbs. Smooth and expressive, with dark cherry and spice flavors and an appealing pliant texture. Nicely concentrated and seamless, with very good finishing breadth and cling. Aeration allows this wine to stretch out so give it an hour or so in a decanter if it's on your upcoming drinking list. (May/Jun 2011)"
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$23.95
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WS 90
United States
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Rhone Varietals
In stock, 12+ available
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*SPECIAL: Take 10% Off Listed Price!
(We'll reduce item's price when processing your order.)
90 points Wine Spectator: "This red combines ripe, rich flavors with a firm backbone, highlighting the dried berry, roasted herb, espresso and savory underbrush notes. Drink now through 2020. (3/31/13)"
Producer notes: "Wonderfully complex on the nose and palate with a heady mix of floral notes, graphite, spice, and pure black fruits. Medium in body with supple, chalky tannins, good structure and a nice, long finish. Ready to drink now after a quick decant, but another year in bottle will meld the flavors even further. Drink over the next 5 years. Alcohol 13.5%."
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$19.95
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United States
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Rhone Varietals
In stock,
1
available
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*SPECIAL: Take 10% Off Listed Price!
(We'll reduce item's price when processing your order.)
Producer notes: "Our Viognier bursts from the glass with classic aromas and flavors of fresh apricot, honeysuckle and green papaya while remaining bright and crisp on the palate."
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$15.95
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France
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Burgundy
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Macon/Chalonnaise
In stock, 12+ available
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From different plots located in the foothills of Chaintré rooted in a clay-limestone soil beaded with fluvial pebbles. From vines planted between 1968 and 1985. Exuberant nose and dashing white flower, fresh fruit and citrus zest aromas. Juicy and refreshing, with hints of green apple. 1,300 cases produced.
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$15.95
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WA 87
France
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Burgundy
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Beaujolais
In stock, 12+ available
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List $18.00
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87 points David Schildknecht (Wine Advocate): "An abundance of dark berry fruit meets a strong aura of game and firm underlying tannins, resulting in a low-toned, slightly-chewy, but satisfyingly, sweetly ripe finish. Enjoy this 2009 over the coming year. (Aug 2010)"
From organically grown vineyards; no sulphur, unfiltered.
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$19.95
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France
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Alsace
In stock, 12+ available
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List $25.00
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Pinot Auxerrois 38%, Pinot Gris 35%, Pinot Noir 27%. Biodynamic farming and certified organic. Produced using the same method as Champagne. Aromas of peach and fig, with a whiff of eau de vie de framboise; quite powerful and structured on the palate with only the lightest dosage, this is an unusually ambitious effort.
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$14.95
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France
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Alsace
In stock, 12+ available
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*SPECIAL: Take 10% Off Listed Price!
(We'll reduce item's price when processing your order.)
14.5/20 points Bettane & Deseauve Guide 2011: "A dry wine that has balance and volume; fat and fleshy on the palate with fine acidity. Very well done, perfect at the dinner table during the week. 7 g/l residual sugar. Serve with mussels."
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$14.95
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WA 88
France
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Alsace
In stock, 12+ available
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List $20.00
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88 points David Schildknecht (Wine Advocate): "The Dirler-Cade 2005 Pinot Cuvee Vieilles Vignes is true Pinot Blanc (or Klevner, as it is often locally known) with not a drop of Auxerrois. Apple and citrus dominate in the nose and mouth, with a hint of apple seed bitterness balanced by a subtle hint of sweetness, and a creamy, chalky, yet clear-fruited finish. (Jul/Aug 2007)" Organic/biodynamic since 2002 (certified by Biodyvin).
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$16.95
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France
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Alsace
In stock,
6
available
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*SPECIAL: Take 10% Off Listed Price!
(We'll reduce item's price when processing your order.) Light to medium straw color with a floral nose flecked with interesting minerality. On the palate, this is very generous with vivid orchard fruits and a pleasing medium body and compact, focused frame.
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