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| Our expert
staff selects their favorites from among our 4,000+ item inventory on
a monthly basis. These picks span a broad range of regions, prices and
styles. One common feature is exceptional quality and value. Learn
more about our staff by clicking on their names below. |
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$54.95
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WA 93
IWC 92
WS 91
France
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Champagne
In stock, 12+ available
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List $68.00 |
93 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The 2004 Brut Millesime Grand Cru is a powerful, intense wine layered with expressive red berries, mint, licorice and crushed flowers, all of which are wrapped around an intense, mineral-driven frame. The brilliant finish suggests the 2004 Brut Millesime Grand Cru has many years of fine drinking ahead of it. This is another impressive showing from Billiot. The 2004 Brut Millesime Grand Cru is 75% Pinot Noir and 25% Chardonnay, both from Ambonnay, bottled with 8 grams of dosage. This is Lot L04, disgorged March, 2010. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2015. (Dec 2010)"
92 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "(75% pinot noir and 25% chardonnay, all from Ambonnay; disgorged June, 2010) Bright gold. Wild, complex scents of orange pith, poached pear, smoky minerals and anise, with a strong floral quality gaining power with air. Refreshingly bitter and tightly wound, offering lively citrus and orchard fruit flavors and notes of fresh bay and bitter quinine. Finishes with serious mineral drive and lingering citrus and mineral notes. This deserves patience. (Nov/Dec 2010)"
91 points Wine Spectator: "[$68 list] A firm Champagne, with vibrant acidity enlivening a core of spiced berry and cherry fruit flavors, candied citrus peel and floral notes. There's a subtlety to this wine, despite an intensity that builds toward the finish. Disgorged May 2010. Drink now through 2019. (11/15/10)" |
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$49.95
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FWR 88–92
France
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Burgundy
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Cote d'Or Red
In stock, 12+ available
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88-92 Fine Wine Review: "The Chambolle vieilles vignes is from 80 year-old vines located in the Frémières lieu-dit, which often gives premier cru quality wine. Yields here were about 28-30 hl/ha. The fruit here is a darker berry and there is more density to the wine with tannins to support aging, but still Chambolle finesse. (Issue #123; 2009)"
With just around 3 hectares under vine, Digioia-Royer is one of Burgundy’s smallest domaines. Michel Digioia’s first vintage as winemaker was only in 1999, but he has already become the talk of Chambolle. The style is very pure with a richness that transcends its appellation. With pricing on other top Chambolle producers such as Roumier, Mugnier, Vogue, Barthod, etc, rising out of control, these can certainly be considered great bargains in comparison. Unfortunately quantities are painfully small, so grab them while they last. |
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$17.95
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United States
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Chardonnay
In stock, 12+ available
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List $20.00 |
Producer notes: "Aroma: fresh meyer lemon, lime leaf, river stones. Flavor: lemon drop candies, green pear, mineral. Food Pairings: green curry chicken, dungeoness crab, fish chowder. Vinification: the fruit was hand harvested, then whole-cluster pressed and fermented in stainless steel tanks (no oak) with wild yeasts. malolactic fermentation occurred naturally and finished completely. the wine remained in tank on the fine lees for 6-months before bottling. Drink: now through 2012+."
2009 vintage rated 90 points by International Wine Cellar: "Bright yellow-gold. Ripe pear, nectarine and tangerine on the nose, with notes of white flowers and honey gaining strength with air. The juicy, expansive palate features deep orchard fruit flavors and an enlivening note of bitter citrus pith. Solid and weighty on the finish, which leaves behind refreshing lemongrass and mineral notes. This could handle full-flavored foods." |
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$15.95
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Germany
In stock, 12+ available
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| Terry Theise: "(barely discernible sweetness) SOMMELIER ALERT! CORE-LIST WINE. You know, your basic Riesling! It’s one-third each from Lenchen, Doosberg and the slatey Hallgartener Hendelberg; the base wine is Spätlese quality, and this wine works perfectly with exactly five more grams of sweetness than the ’09 had. And bless them for recognizing this and not yielding to formula-think! Mirabelle and apple skin, lots of dicht and mineralty, cool balsam and sorrel; everyday Riesling doesn’t improve on this." |
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$44.95
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WA 94
Italy
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Piedmont
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Barbaresco
In stock, 12+ available
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List $55.00 |
| 94 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "[$55 list] Gorgeous, knock-out aromas emerge from the 2007 Barbaresco Rabaja. Ripe, candied cherries, flowers and minerals emerge seamlessly in the glass, revealing gorgeous inner perfume. In 2007 the Rabaja possesses a touch more textural richness and body than is typically the case, but without abandoning what remains a classic, mid-weight style. This is a terrific showing from Cortese. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2027. (Dec 2010)" |
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$21.95
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JG 92
WA 91
Germany
In stock, 12+ available
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List $28.00 |
92+ points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "The 2010 Leistenberg Kabinett is also a very successful example of the vintage, with a very pronounced, citric profile that is most appealing on both the nose and palate. The bouquet offers up a classy mélange of orange, pink grapefruit, slate, petrol, orange blossoms and a beautifully crystalline expression of minerality. On the palate the wine is medium-full, deep and very tangy, with a lovely core, zesty acidity and excellent length and grip on the complex finish. Very classy wine. 2016-2035+. (Mar/Apr 2011)"
91 points David Schildknecht (Wine Advocate): "[$28 list] Enhanced levity to Donnhoff’s 2010 Oberhauser Leistenberg Riesling Kabinett, even when compared with the corresponding Krotenpfuhl, may well be the effect of these vines’ literally slate underpinnings. In any event, this displays a lovely hint of creaminess allied to refreshment, and features a dynamic finishing interaction of fresh lemon and grapefruit, herbs, and wet stone. I would anticipate 12-15 years of high-performance. (Dec 2011)" |
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$19.95
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WA 91
W&S 91
Spain
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Red
In stock, 12+ available
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List $25.00 |
91 points Jay Miller (Wine Advocate): "[$25 list] The 2004 Reserva reflects the greatness of the vintage. Purple in color, it reveals aromas of smoke, Asian spices, incense, blackberry, and licorice. Dense and layered on the palate, it will benefit from another 2-3 years of bottle age. Drink it through 2019 if not longer. (Jun 2010)"
91 points Wine & Spirits: "[$25 list] Purple plum skin flavors create a tight and juicy center for this wine, while scents of game and green herbs emanate from the smoky tannins. This is open, ready to enjoy with lamb. (Dec 2011)" |
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$44.95
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AM 92
IWC 91
WA 90
France
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Champagne
In stock, 12+ available
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List $69.00 |
92 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "($69 list; '02 and '03 fruit; disgorged July, 2008). This is both slightly more elegant and a bit more complex as well with more developed aromas that are similar but there are more brioche and spice characters that can also be found on the very effervescent flavors, indeed this is downright foamy yet the effervescence is very fine and not at all aggressive, which allows the finish to display a sappy and mouth coating quality. This is both intense and quite long as the finish almost sneaks up on the taster. Terrific. Drink: now+. (Oct 2009)"
91 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "(all Oger chardonnay; disgorged July, 2010): Bright gold. White peach, melon, white flowers and anise on the highly scented nose. Pliant orchard and pit fruit flavors are given spine by tangy acidity and pick up a chalky mineral quality on the back end. Rich but dry and nervy, with excellent finishing cut and lingering spiciness. (Dec 2010)"
90 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The NV Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Millenaire possesses a touch more body than the Special, which serves to balance the wiry, taut qualities of Oger. The wine’s roundness carries through beautifully to the creamy, textured finish. This is a stellar showing. The Millenaire is all Oger, equal parts 2005 and 2006, with 8 grams of dosage. This is Lot L 07, disgorged July, 2010. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2015. (Dec 2010)" |
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$36.95
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AM 90–92
IWC 89–91
France
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Burgundy
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Cote d'Or Red
In stock, 12+ available
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90-92 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "A beguiling nose features black berry and red currant liqueur that merges into rich, generous and opulent flavors that possess a touch of finishing asperity that presently offsets the mid-palate sweetness. There is excellent concentration and a high level of phenolic maturity to the structural elements and that should also amply reward mid-term cellaring. Comments: Outstanding. Drink: 2016+. (May 2011)"
89-91 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "Good bright medium red. Redcurrant, smoke and licorice on the nose. Sweet, round and creamy in the mouth, with good grip and framing acidity to the pure cherry fruit. The juicy finish features fine-grained tannins and very good length. This cuvee is always higher in acidity, notes Choppin de Janvry, which was obviously a good thing in 2009. (Jan/Feb 2011)" |
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$49.95
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WS 94
Italy
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Tuscany
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Other
In stock, 12+ available
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List $110.00 |
| 94 points Wine Spectator: "[$110 list] Really rich, deep and powerful, with beautifully decadent dark fruit, toasty oak, milk chocolate and light raisin character. Full and velvety, with wonderful length. Best after 2011. 750 cases made. (10/31/10)" |
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$54.95
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CGV 90
United States
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Pinot Noir
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California
In stock, 12+ available
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PinotFile: "14.95% alc., pH 3.57, 352 cases. 40% Dijon 115 and 667 for the first time. 50% River Block and 50% Flax Vineyard West Block clone. Perfect growing season with enough warm days to achieve optimum ripening. Aged 15 months in 30% new French oak barrels. Medium reddish-purple robe. Quintessential Russian River Valley Pinot Noir with typical bright aromas of Bing cherries, red raspberries, dark red roses, and exotic spice. Delicious and polished on the palate with a generous endowment of cherries jubilee, ripe strawberry, raspberry and plum flavors wrapped in well-mannered tannins with a cherry cola and spice box finish that lingers, slipping off the back of the palate and leaving an overwhelming impression of luxury. (10/4/11)"
90 points California Grapevine: "Medium purplish ruby; attractive, intense, spicy, cranberry and black cherry fruit aroma with notes of toasty oak, forest floor, and vanilla; medium-full body; rich, plummy, ripe black cherry fruit flavors with bright acidity; medium-full tannin; slightly harsh on the finish; lingering aftertaste. Deserves a few more years of bottle aging. Highly recommended. 14.5% alcohol; 352 cases; released February 2011. (Aug/Sep 2011)"
Producer notes: "The 2009 wine is the 20th vintage I have made and one of the best I have produced. The growing season was ideal with enough cool weather to favor the Pinot’s need for such, and enough warm days to achieve optimum ripening. With a PH of 3.57 the wine has a Grand Cru mouth feel and a long concentrated finish. Cherry, cola and forest floor are redolent in the nose. It has all the finesse and flavor of the finer Pinot’s and French Burgundies. My wines age well and should start to be drunk at 4 to 5 years. This vintage in particular will reward you for waiting as long as you can. If you must try it sooner, make sure to open the wine at least one hour before drinking. For the first two years, if you don’t finish the bottle, drink the rest of it the next day and you will find it is still as good or better than the first day."
PinotFile wrote this about the 2008 vintage: "So you're not on the coveted Rochioli mailing list and you want some Rochioli wine? Look no further. Terry Bering, the long time Cellar Master at Rochioli, crafts superb Pinot Noirs from Rochioli fruit that you can actually buy. I have raved about the last few vintages in past issues. This is a no-brainer my friend. The nose entices with fresh aromas of cherries and berries with a hint of brier patch and baking spice. Moderate in weight, this wine flaunts a delicious core of redder fruits with underpinnings of bread crust and spice. Flawless and harmonious, this silky beauty really shows off its breeding. A sophisticated wine with a top hat personality." |
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$18.95
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WA 90
Spain
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Red
In stock, 12+ available
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| 90 points Jay Miller (Wine Advocate): "The 2009 Black Slate from the village of Gratallops is a blend of 46% Garnacha, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, with the balance Merlot and Syrah aged for 12 months in French and American oak. It displays more minerality along with slightly reticent aromas of cedar, black cherry, and black currant. On the palate it displays some potential but is currently playing it close to the vest. It seems to have the right stuff but will require another 2-3 years to fully display its personality. (May 2011)" |
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$49.95
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AM 92
WS 91
IWC 91
France
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Champagne
In stock, 12+ available
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List $75.00 |
92 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "($75 list, all '04 fruit). Interestingly, this is fresher but less complex and much more reserved, at least at present with a similar nose that just doesn't quite have the same aromatic breadth. The effervescence however is much finer and borders on the foamy without being aggressive and the quality of the underlying wine is also superior though I appreciate that some would choose the additional complexity of the straight brut over the finesse of this one. Still, better raw materials usually translate into better wine eventually and this appears able to deliver more with a few years of additional cellar time. But at the moment, this is a battle of depth of character versus elegance and finesse. Drink: 2012+. (Oct 2009)"
91 points Wine Spectator: "A rich, smoky Champagne, offering creamy flavors of lemon meringue, apple pastry, honey and ground cardamom. There's firm acidity and good intensity, yet this is finely woven and the overall impression is elegant and silky. Drink now through 2016. (11/30/11)"
91 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "(the same blend as the Tradition except from the estate’s oldest vines, which reportedly are more than 60 years old and with 4 g/l dosage): Light gold. Smoky citrus pith and fig aromas, with a whiff of candied ginger. Juicy, dusty and focused, with sappy citrus flavors lifted by a spicy nuance. Becomes smokier with air and finishes with lingering tangerine and candied pear notes. (Dec 2010)"
90 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The NV Brut Cuvee Reserve is also 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay from Verzenay and Verzy, but here the fruit comes from the estate’s oldest vines, with an age in excess of 60 years. The Cuvee Reserve shows wonderful richness and depth in its broad-shouldered, expansive frame. It is a wine that needs to be opened well in advance and that will drink at its finest at the dinner table. Personally, I find the Grand Cru more interesting, but readers who prefer a more muscular style of Champagne will gravitate towards the Cuvee Reserve. Either way, it’s hard to go wrong. Lallement gave the Reserve 4 grams of dosage. This is Lot L01, disgorged April 21st, 2009. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2015. (Dec 2010)"
90 points Wine & Spirits: "The fresh scent of a Granny Smith apple, soft touch of cream and dry feel of chalk converge on a center point of sweetness. That mild sweetness gives the wine a rich bearing, the bubbles a firm, cool feel. For aperitifs. (Dec 2010)" |
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$44.95
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United States
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Cabernet & Blends
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California
In stock, 12+ available
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| A wine of near perfect harmony. Packed with intense fruit aromas of cherry, blackberry, cassis and sweet oak, there is also sweetness to the intense fruit and mouth watering, velvety structure. The resulting character makes this a great vintage for enjoying now as well as aging. All fruit sourced from Howell Mountain, Atlas Peak, Mt. Veeder, and Rutherford. It's 100% Napa Valley, 100% estate grown Cabernet Sauvignon, and 100% organically grown grapes. |
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$10.95
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IWC 89
Spain
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Red
In stock, 12+ available
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List $13.00 |
89 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "($13 list; 85% garnacha del pais and garnacha peluda and 15% syrah, aged in a combination of new and older French and American barriques) Ruby-red. Deep, youthfully bound-up aromas of blackberry, cassis, licorice and woodsmoke. Chewy dark fruit flavors show very good depth, complemented by notes of tarragon and candied violet. Slow to reveal itself, but the fruit is plenty deep; the finish closes with impressive thrust and dusty tannins. Needs a little time to unfold. (Nov/Dec 2010)"
Peñín Guide: "Colour: ruby red. Nose: macerated fruit, mineral, dried herbs. Palate: full, fresh, flavourful. (2010)" |
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$21.95
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WA 89
Germany
In stock, 12+ available
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89 points David Schildknecht (Wine Advocate): "'It cost me nerves,' reports Jan Eymael of his 2009 Scheurebe Spatlese trocken 'because the fermentation was very slow,' and in fact this rather low-acid wine barely qualified for the imprimatur trocken. (Bear in mind though, that fermentations are normally over at this address before Christmas.) Mint and pink grapefruit rind on the nose are joined by succulent honeydew melon on a lush palate whose soothing texture and cool sense of mintiness offers a satisfying foil for the pungency of grapefruit and melon rinds. Like the corresponding dry Gewurztraminer, this is surprisingly low-key for its variety, but will offer lots of appeal as well as potential at table over the next 3-5 years. (Feb 2011)"
Rudi Wiest: "A benchmark for dry Scheurebe, and we feel it's one of the finest examples in the world. It is little wonder this wine sells out faster than any other at the estate. Lacey aromas of exotic lychee fruit, black currant leaf and kaffir lime blossom combine with the prettiness of lilac juxtaposed against lavender and earth, adding mystique to the nose and palate. Just 400 cases produced of this ethereal, mouth-watering nectar." |
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$24.95
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South Africa
In stock,
8
available
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List $30.00 |
| Producer notes: "50% Merlot, 30% Pinotage, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. A rich malange of summer berries with smooth and juicy fruits on the palate. A Cape blend benchmarking a new trend in New World Style. This wine was inspired by the constellation Crux, whose brightest star is a 'giant red' called Gamma Crucis. The Southern Cross has guided many an explorer successfully around the Cape of Storms." |
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$11.95
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Germany
In stock, 12+ available
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David Schildknecht (Wine Advocate): "Winter’s basic generic 2008 Riesling trocken -- bottled in liters for short-term enjoyment -- is low-toned and herbal in a manner that reminds me of the corresponding Silvaner. A sense of creaminess suggests a hint of malo-lactic transformation (though, as Winter notes, not by design) yet this still satisfies with an ample sense of refreshment. Furthermore, given its amazingly low price, it constitutes very good value. (Feb 2010)"
Bill Mayer (The Age of Riesling): "...Stefan says, bubbling over with enthusiasm, that it’s the best one he’s ever made, and he’s pretty trustworthy..." |
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$49.95
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France
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Champagne
In stock, 12+ available
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| 40% Pinot Noir, 40% Pinot Meunier, 20% Chardonnay. From the coolest name for a town in the wine biz, Dizy. Many of you are familiar with this producer's "regular" brut, which is by far our best selling bubbly in the store, but this bottling is much less known for the simple reason it's never been imported here before. We talked the local importer into bring some in for us, so it's finally here. A serious, salmon colored rosé loaded with strawberry and cherry. |
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$16.95
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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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| Sylvain Pataille is a consulting enologist to some of the biggest names in the Côte d'Or (Christophe Roumier is among his clients) and recently began his own domaine. His approach in the vineyards and the cuvérie is to make wines as naturally as possible. From village vines averaging over 50 years of age, this is quite possibly the best under-$20 Pinot Noir in all of Burgundy! Lightish in body, this is all about freshness and drinkability. An exceptional value, this is a wine to consider buying by the case, as all of Pataille's 2007s are now sold out at the domaine. |
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$59.95
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IWC 93
France
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Champagne
In stock, 12+ available
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List $75.00 |
| 93 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "[$75 list] Yellow-gold with a delicate bead. Spicy, highly perfumed bouquet of orange rind, lemon pith, green almond, smoky minerals and white flowers. Expansive and deeply concentrated but fresh, offering lively citrus and pit fruit flavors and exotic notes of spicecake and jasmine. Smoky lees add richness and carry through an impressively long, juicy, smoky finish. I really like this wine's blend of palate-coating richness and mineral-driven vivacity. (Dec 2009)" |
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$64.95
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AM 94
WS 93
WA 92
France
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Champagne
In stock, 12+ available
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List $97.00 |
94 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "(100% from 2005 that saw approximately 8 months in cask). This is a very interesting cuvée because it will very quickly answer any questions you may have about whether you enjoy noticeable wood in your Champagne. Sometimes, it can add breadth and depth and sometimes it can take away part of what makes Champagne Champagne, which is the racy and firm acid spine. In this particular case, the time in wood has very definitely added depth, not only from the slightly oxidative character but it has contributed mightily to the complexity. However, long-time readers know that I believe that there is no free lunch and in that sense, what has been gained in terms of depth has been lost in terms of freshness and precision. Some will like the trade-off and some will prefer tighter and more classically styled examples. I actually quite like this because it's delicious and it's relatively rare to obtain this much complexity and flat out superb length in a toasty package. That said, I have to underscore that this is not my preferred style even though I can admire it for what it is. In sum, if you enjoy wood-influenced Champagne, this is terrific. By contrast, if you don't, it would be best to look elsewhere. Drink: now+. (Oct 2009)"
93 points Wine Spectator: "[$97 list] This aromatic bubbly offers an exotic mix of flavors, with honeysuckle, marjoram, myrrh, coconut and ginger notes accenting patisserie apple, kiwifruit, honey and toast flavors. It's all packaged with vibrant, balanced acidity and finely detailed texture. Drink now through 2020. (11/30/11)"
92 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The NV Brut Grand Cru Cuvee Julie is equal parts Chardonnay and Pinot Noir fermented in oak. The Julie is wonderfully nuanced and balanced in a floral, approachable style that is quite appealing. This, too, needs a few more years in bottle, although it is and always will be less exciting than the Laetitia. This is L06, disgorged: May, 2010. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2018. (Dec 2010)"
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$11.95
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Italy
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Friuli-Venezia Giulia
In stock, 12+ available
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| Not yet reviewed; 2009 vintage rated 87 points by Wine Enthusiast: "Pinot Grigio and Verduzzo are blended to shape a fresh and luminous white wine that would pair with seafood or light chicken dishes. The wine is clean and sharp on the palate with zesty acidity on the close." |
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$23.95
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France
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Loire
In stock, 12+ available
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| Not yet reviewed; 2008 vintage rated 88 points by Wine Advocate: "The Reverdy 2008 Sancerre Rouge Terre de Maimbray -- from fruit grown on pure white chalk; subjected to greater selectivity, cold soak, and longer fermentation; and rendered entirely in barrel -- suggests a tart blackberry and red currant melange suffused with salt and chalk, and a sense of chewy fruit skin complimented by glyceral richness. It will probably be worth following for a couple more years." |
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$34.95
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WA 93
Italy
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Sicily
In stock, 12+ available
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List $46.00 |
| 93+ points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "[$46 list] The 2008 Passopisciaro emerges with gorgeous textural richness in its elegant, silky tannins. Despite its considerable concentration, the wine literally floats on the palate with layers of perfumed red fruits. Everything is perfectly balanced in this harmonious, utterly impeccable wine. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2022. (Jun 2010)" |
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$10.95
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WS 90
CGV 89
CG 86
United States
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Cabernet & Blends
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Washington
In stock, 12+ available
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List $15.00 |
90 points Wine Spectator: "[$15 list] Focused, refined and appealing for its open-weave texture around a generous core of plum and currant fruit, finishing with hints of coffee and dark chocolate. Drink now through 2014. Smart Buys. (12/15/11)"
89 points California Grapevine: "[$15 list] Medium-dark purplish ruby color; attractive, initially restrained, cedary, ripe dark plum and blackberry aroma with earthy notes and hints of licorice and graphite; medium-full to full body; relatively big, rich, extracted, cedary, ripe blackberry and blueberry flavors with notes of cassis and creamy oak; medium-full to full tannin; a bit rough on the finish; lingering aftertaste. Very pleasing and enjoyable to drink now as it developed with airing to show some complexity. Highly recommended... 14.5% alcohol; blended with 7% Cabernet Franc, 3% Syrah, and 2% Malbec; released June 2011. (Feb 2012)"
86 points Connoisseurs' Guide: "[$15 list] Filling much the same niche as the wine above, the H3 Cabernet Sauvignon is a well-scrubbed middleweight that is rounded in feel, sweetened with oak, and it leans a little to ripeness. Its varietal tannins will keep it going for several years, but it is very drinkable now and should do the trick in washing down simply grilled meats. GOOD VALUE. (Dec 2011)" |
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$18.95
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CG 88
WE 88
United States
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Cabernet & Blends
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California
In stock, 12+ available
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88 points Connoisseurs' Guide: "Conn Creek's inexpensive Cabernet-based blend is something of a revelation at the price. It is rich, well-fruited and carefully balanced with a real sense of reserve and polish typically found in far more costly wines. Its layered delivery of juicy dark fruits and sweet oak is bound to tempt early drinking, yet do not be fooled by its price tag into thinking that it is a simple gulper to be drunk down right away. It is much more than that, and it will continue to grow for a number of years. GOOD VALUE. (Aug 2011)"
88 points Wine Enthusiast: "Lots of pleasure in this dry, classically structured wine. It’s rich and forward in juicy blackberries and cherries, with a milk chocolaty richness but also a dried herb earthiness that grounds it. Good price for a wine of this class. (Mar 2011)" |
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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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Not yet reviewed; 2009 vintage rated 'Very Good' by PinotFile: "14.1% alc., pH 3.63, TA 0.592. Multiple clones including 113, 115, 459, 667, 777, 828, Pommard 5, 2A, Martini 13 and Mt Eden. 100% de-stemmed, 3-day cold soak, quick fermentation. Aged 11 months in 30% new and 70% neutral French oak barrels. Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of spiced berries, black cherries, cassis and prune, persisting in the glass over time.The palate is all Pinot with riper flavored fruits featured including dark red raspberries and cherries, embellished with a hint of Asian spice, and clothed in soft tannins. Smooth in the mouth with an underlying nerve of acidity that brightens the fruit. This bottling is a consistent performer with good value."
Producer notes: "Flavors of spring strawberry with a hint of nutmeg dance on the palate with notes of sweet smoke. Silky tannins and balanced acidity combine with mild earth notes transitioning to a luscious finish. Try with poached salmon and fennel infused couscous." |
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$24.95
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United States
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Rhone Varietals
In stock, 12+ available
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| Producer notes: "The eastern hills of the Santa Ynez Valley provide the perfect micro-climate for growing Rhone style varietals. We choose the perfect blend from vineyard sources that are as meticulous about grape growing as we are about wine making. Bright red fruits from Grenache (85%), dark structured Carignane (8%), Syrah (4%), and Mourvedre (3%) all come together to create a wine that has complexity and lush mouthfeel. Alcohol 14.7%. 287 cases produced." |
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$11.95
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United States
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Chardonnay
In stock, 12+ available
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| Producer notes: "Delightful aromas of citrus, peach and nectarine reflect how Chardonnay thrives in our vineyard in the heart of Napa Valley. The bright fruit is augmented by judicious use of French oak barrels--lending notes of graham cracker and baking spices while enhancing the full-bodied mouthfeel. Food Affinities: Enjoy this casually elegant wine with seafood, poultry, pasta, or pork . . . . or just for sipping!" |
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$26.95
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France
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Burgundy
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Cote d'Or White
In stock, 12+ available
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| From the walled vineyard right in front of the Château inside the village of Puligny-Montrachet, this over-achieving Bourgogne Blanc is stellar year in and year out. It definitely shows the floral and mineral notes in the nose that make the village famous. Good length and buttery, citrus fruit make this a great wine at any price, but this "little" wine from an estate with an embarrassing array of riches can stand up to the best of them. |
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$31.95
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WS 93
United States
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Pinot Noir
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California
In stock, 12+ available
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List $39.00 |
93 points Wine Spectator: "Fragrant and delicate, with supple, subtle spice, plum and black cherry flavors. Medium-bodied and fleshy, gliding along with a smooth wilted rose finish highlighting the detailed flavors. Drink now through 2018. 207 cases made. (7/13/11)"
PinotFile: "[$39 list] 14.9% alc., pH 3.60, 207 cases. From a selected vineyard block of Martini 15 clone located at Saralee’s Vineyard on Slusser Road. Moderately light reddish-purple hue in the glass. Brooding aromas of black cherries and exotic spice. Moderately rich core of sweet black cherry fruit with undertones of cola and oak vanillin. Seamless, silky and elegant in the mouth with pillowy tannins. The wine shows a slight tarry note that is presumably from oak and dissipates in the glass over time. Showing more aromatic interest the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle indicating the wine needs a year or two in the cellar. Very good. (11/29/11)"
Producer notes: "The 2008 'Cuvee X Pinot Noir' has a rich ruby color, bursting with sweet ripe Bing cherry and toasted oak aromas. Full bodied with fresh strawberry flavors and balanced acidity. Tannins are fine grained, soft and rich. Its extensive array of fruit flavors and aromas with subtle overtones of toasty oak will age gracefully over the next several years. We particularly enjoy this wine with Shredded Porcetta on Rustic Baguette. Alcohol 14.8%. 207 cases produced." |
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$16.95
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France
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Alsace
In stock, 12+ available
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| Wine Enthusiast: "A soft, almond-flavored wine packed with sweet strawberries. There is good acidity balanced by some caramel and softness, which make this a good bet as an apéritif wine." From 100% Pinot Noir. |
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$37.95
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CG 92
JG 91
WA 90
France
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Champagne
In stock, 12+ available
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List $55.00 |
92 points and 'Good Value,' Connoisseurs' Guide: "From its moderately yeasty aromas to its deep and impressively layered flavors, this noteworthy effort embraces Rosé richness and shows the refinement we look for in true Champagne. It is beautifully balanced with a fine creamy feel and its tiny bubbles last and last. It is dry without being austere, and its very proper vinosity is not compromised by astringency or coarseness. It is, in short, a very special wine capable of delivering great pleasure at quite affordable price relative to its running mates. (Dec 2011)"
91 points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "The nose on the new release of the Laherte Frères Brut Rosé is really lovely, jumping from the glass in a fine and complex mélange of white cherries, orange peel, fresh-baked bread, lovely soil tones, dried roses and just a whisper of oak. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, crisp and complex, with excellent mid-palate depth, bright acids, frothy mousse and very good length and even better grip on the impressively elegant finish. This is a very stylish, complex and refined Rosé that is very light on its feet. I would love to see just a touch more length on the finish, but this is nitpicking, as this is really a very classy bottle. 2011-2020. (Jul/Aug 2011)"
90 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The NV Brut Rose is a tightly-wound, powerful wine that emerges with an array of perfumed, mineral-infused red fruits. This sinewy, taut rose should drink beautifully, especially when paired with food, but it needs at least 6-12 months on the cork. No disgorgement date provided. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2015. (Dec 2009)" |
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