|
|
|
|
 |
| 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. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$21.95
|
|
|
WA 90
WS 90
Italy
-
Tuscany
-
Other
In stock, 12+ available
|
List $29.00 |
90 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "[$29 list] The 2008 Bolgheri Greppicante (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc) is a more serious, powerful red that could use another 6-12 months for the tannins to settle down. The generous warmth of the dark fruit shows wonderful depth leading to an articulate finish. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2016. (Oct 2010)"
90 points Wine Spectator: "[$29 list] Blackberry and cassis aromas, as well as hints of toasty oak, lead to a full body, with very polished tannins and more light toasty oak. This shows lots of fruit and intensity. Best after 2013. (9/30/10)" |
|
|
|
$18.95
|
|
|
WA 88
WS 87
WE 87
United States
-
Chardonnay
In stock, 12+ available
|
|
88 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "Mount Eden’s 2010 Chardonnay Wolff Vineyard wraps around the palate with hints of almonds, honey, fennel and dried pears. The Wolff Vineyard, from a site in Edna Valley, is made in a slightly more forward style than the rest of the Domaine/Mount Eden Chardonnays. Slightly burnished notes add complexity on the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2015. (Aug 2012)"
87 points Wine Spectator: "On the tart side, and very refreshing, this features a marked citrus presence and cleansing green apple flavors. Drink now through 2016. (7/31/12)"
87 points Wine Enthusiast: "A well-balanced Chardonnay, this has flavors of tropical fruit, apricot and lemon candy, brightened by that famous Edna Valley acidity. This would make for a great apéritif. Alcohol 13.5%. (Dec 2012)"
Producer notes: "If you like profoundly flavored Chardonnay that is not overripe or over oaked, this is your style. Edna Valley is right on the Pacific Ocean and its cold waters give this wine its length and acidity by keeping the temperatures cool year round. The vineyard, planted originally in 1976, is old and very low yielding (i.e. one ton per acre). The combined age, cool climate and yield results in a wine worthy of the Mount Eden name. Subtle aromas of lanolin, mint and lavender give way to apple and citrus notes on the palate with hints of fennel and dried fruits. The 2010 displays equal structure and richness which is the hallmark of this coastal appellation. High-toned acidity provides freshness in
the aftertaste. This is the longest--26 years--continuously farmed, single vineyard bottling from Edna
Valley. Barrel regimen: 1/2 French and 1/2 American oak, new to 5 years. 100% barrel fermented; 50% malolcactic; 100% sur-lie." |
|
|
|
$21.95
|
|
|
France
-
Rhone
-
Other
In stock, 12+ available
|
|
'Recommended,' Decanter: "Ample, blackberry fruit, hint of earth and game. Ripe, good, breezy drinking. Modest, late tannins. Enjoy now. Drink from 2010. (7/27/10)"
WHWC Staff Notes: "I was really excited to try this wine, as it is from the legendary 2007 vintage, which is pretty much gone from the marketplace, especially wines in this price range. Also, it is from Redortier, a producer that has consistently released fantastic wines when they reach their prime. The blend on this vintage is 60% Grenache, 35% Syrah and 5% Counoise. A co-worker and I pulled the cork on one and were both blown away. It takes a few minutes to really open up, but once it does, it sings! The flowery, medium-toned Grenache is hidden behind balanced, rich dark fruit and subtle minerality. Underneath is a nuance of the classic Beaumes-de-Venise black pepper. The acid is well-poised and keeps the wine fresh and lively on the palate, while the tannins are soft and integrated, contributing to the structure but not dominating it. This is a really fantastic bottle of Rhône that you could drink now, or hang onto for a few more years. It won't be around very long, so order some while you can." - Casey Carmichael |
|
|
|
$18.95
|
|
|
France
-
Other
In stock, 12+ available
|
|
| Importer notes: "An estate reflecting the image of an ever-changing Jura and family enterprise that was created in the early '40s by Désiré Rolet. A native vineyard consisting of 60 hectares distributed over the best hills of the Arbois and Côtes du Jura AOC vineyards, the Rolet Estate is the second largest winegrowing estate in the Jura. Tasting Notes: Salmon-pink, with bright copper reflections; fine, consistent bubbles. Fresh, slightly vinous aroma, with a delicate scent of morello cherry. Lively on the attack. A pleasant cremant that confirms the harmony of the nose. Fine and pleasant, with no bitterness. Suitable for any and all occasions. As an apetizer, with dessert or for a romantic evening!" |
|
|
|
$19.95
|
|
|
United States
-
Italian Varietals
In stock, 12+ available
|
|
Producer notes: "The wine balances ripe, concentrated fruit and a supple texture with the firm, crisp acidity inherent in Barbera. Inviting dark cherry, blackberry and coffee aromas lead to bright, ripe, mouth-filling plum, berry and black cherry flavors with hints of spice, and a touch of almond and chocolate. The balance and acidity make it a versatile wine for a wide range of foods. 520 cases produced. Alcohol 14.9%.
This vineyard is in Wooden Valley, in the southeastern part of the Napa Valley appellation, on benchland near two streams. It mainly produces high quality Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, but a block of Barbera represents an inspired match of climate and clone. The main Barbera clone has small, loose clusters and small berries, in sharp contrast to much of the Barbera grown in California, which typically has much larger clusters and berries. The clone is so obscure it doesn't have a formal name that we know, so we refer to it with the name of the UC Davis professor who maintained it. What we do know is that its grapes translate into consistently deep color and concentration." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$18.95
|
|
|
Spain
-
Other
In stock, 12+ available
|
|
Producer notes: "This light and crisp wine is bottled with residual carbon to give it its signature natural spritz. Candied red fruits combine with a lime infused edge makes this a wildly intriguing rosé. 50% Hondarribi Beltza and 50% Hondarribi Zuri."
Not yet reviewed; 2011 vintage rated 91 points by International Wine Cellar: "(made from a blend of 50% hondarribi beltza and 50% hondarribi zurri, from vines that are reportedly over 150 years old): Very pale pink. Ethereal, mineral-accented aromas of citrus fruits, strawberry and white flowers. Dry and tightly focused, with energetic orange peel and red berry flavors that show very good clarity. Clean and tangy on the precise finish, which leaves white pepper and mineral notes behind." |
|
|
|
$89.95
|
|
|
FWR 91–94
AM 93
JG 90–92
France
-
Burgundy
-
Cote d'Or Red
In stock, 12+ available
|
List $100.00 |
93 points and 'Don't miss! Outstanding,' Allen Meadows (Burghound): "(from a 4 ha parcel). Noticeable though not overt wood influence sets off a very ripe nose composed of liqueur of plum, cassis and wild raspberry aromas. There is excellent richness to the round and relatively powerful medium weight flavors blessed with an abundance of dry extract that buffers the otherwise very firm, long and serious finish. This is also notably austere and extremely compact at present and as such it seems reasonably clear that it will not be a good candidate for early drinking. Drink: 2020+. (Apr 2012)"
91-94 points Fine Wine Review: "The Beaune-Grèves, Vigne de l’Enfant Jésus (what I tasted was probably to be the final selection) is somewhat oaky in the nose, but not overly so, and there are spice aromas, too. The mouth is silky (which comes from the oldest vines, almost 60 years) with medium weight and elegance. The flavors are red fruits with some minerality, and there is good acidity to the wine. (Issue #137; 2013)"
90-92+ points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "Bouchard’s flagship bottling of l’Énfant Jésus is really excellent, and I can only imagine how this kind of purity of fruit and soil is going to show when not encumbered next year by such spicy oak. The 2010 offers up a superb nose of red and black cherries, currants, coffee, incipient notes of sous bois, a touch of game, soil and spicy new wood. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and shows off outstanding purity on the attack, with a sappy core of fruit, ripe tannins and a long, tangy finish that shows just a bit more oak spice than would be ideal. The raw materials here this year are absolutely stunning, and I have little doubt that this wine has the depth of fruit to eventually absorb its wood, but it will always have that telltale touch of Pain Épice. 2020-2060. (Jun 2012)"
91 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "Bright medium red. Musky, sauvage aromas of red cherry, cherry skin, game and leather. Rich and full, offering considerable fat to its ripe flavors of redcurrant, musky herbs, smoke and game. Finishes with round, dusty tannins, a hint of menthol and very good length... (Mar/Apr 2013)"
91 points Wine Spectator: "[$100 list] A spice-infused red, with a cherry core. Dense and well-structured, picking up savory and mineral elements on the finish. The tight structure needs time to resolve. Best from 2016 through 2030. 300 cases imported. (4/30/13)" |
|
|
|
$17.95
|
|
|
JS 90
WA 89
IWC 89
Italy
-
Tuscany
-
Other
In stock, 12+ available
|
List $23.00 |
90 points James Suckling: "A pleasing wine with juicy berry and plum character with hints of peaches and chocolate. Medium to light body, with fine tannins and a fresh finish. Savory. A blend as always of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now. (11/26/12)"
89 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "[$23 list] The 2010 Tre is laced with dark red berries, flowers, licorice and a hint of smoke. This is a decidedly medium-bodied wine built on length and energy rather than the richness for which Maremma generally is known. Floral notes reappear on the finish, adding lift and a sense of harmony. The 2010 is 80% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2015. (Jun 2012)"
89 points Ian D'Agata (International Wine Cellar): "(roughly 80% sangiovese, the rest cabernet sauvignon and merlot): Deep ruby. Dark berry and cassis on the nose, with complicating notes of anise, vanillin oak and violet. Sappy, open-knit dark fruit flavors show nice clarity and lift, with polished, smooth tannins adding shape to the long, sweet finish. This easygoing, fruit-driven wine is already drinking well. (Sep 2012)" |
|
|
|
$18.95
|
|
|
France
-
Bordeaux
-
Red
In stock, 12+ available
|
|
| Made from approximately 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc, this red Bordeaux is fruity with soft integrated tannins giving a long fine aftertaste. Emphasis is on ripe fruit at harvest time, and consequently the bouquet is strong and full of character with a deep, intense color that takes on a brick-red tinge with age. Ready for drinking now but will store for at least 5-8 years. |
|
|
|
$19.95
|
|
|
WA 93
PG 90
Spain
-
Red
In stock,
11
available
|
List $28.00 |
93 points Neal Martin (Wine Advocate): "[$28 list] The 2005 Reserva is a blend of 95% Tempranillo and 5% Graciano from 40-year-old vines aged in American and French oak for 18 months. It has an understated, subtle bouquet of dark cherries, loganberry and just a hint of tobacco and balsamic. The definition is wonderful: great clarity and focus here. The palate is medium-bodied with supple, fine tannins and a crisp core of cranberry and raspberry fruit that leads to a subtle leather and tobacco tinged finish. This is very classy. Drink now-2020. (Aug 2012)"
90 points Peñín Guide: "(95% tempranillo, 5% graciano). Colour: light cherry, garnet rim. Nose: ripe fruit, fine reductive notes, spicy, toasty. Palate: good acidity, balanced flavourful. (2012)" |
|
|
|
$17.95
|
|
|
Germany
In stock, 12+ available
|
List $31.00 |
Wine Spectator: "A Riesling with density to its peach and nectarine flavors, a firm structure for support and a hint of astringency on the finish. There's enough fruit and flesh for balance, and it's crunchy. Drink now through 2015. 600 cases made. (2/28/06)"
Importer notes: "The roots of the von Schönborn family can be traced back to the times of the crusades and the first mention with respect to viticulture was in 1349. Schloss Schönborn is the oldest estate in Germany and one of the oldest in the world being run by the same family for 27 generations. The estate was steadily enlarged, especially in the 17th century, including the famous Erbacher Marcobrunn. Historic invoices document the purchase of hand-blown bottles in 1725, revealing that the Schönborn's were amongst the first to actually bottle their wines. The oldest known still drinkable wine is in fact the 1735 Johannisberger, one bottle from the library cellar was auctioned in 1987 for the equivalent of $29,500! Quality is Schloss Schönborn's primary focus, and even with over 650 years of winegrowing gradition they are continously improving their quality via innovation and new winemaking philosophy. Schoss Schönborn is one of the founders of the VDP, therefore, all the wines must exceed the quality expectations of modern wine connoisseurs." |
|
|
|
$49.95
|
|
|
AM 91
WS 90
IWC 90
France
-
Champagne
In stock, 12+ available
|
List $65.00 |
91 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "This is a racy, young and distinctly yeasty entry that offers excellent complexity on both the nose and the palate with a fine effervescence and ample personality on the crisp, delicate, linear and very dry finish. A lovely, refined and pure effort that is clearly a blanc de blancs in both character and style. For my taste, I would definitely allow this to broaden through 3 to 5 years of bottle age. In sum, definitely worth a look. Drink: 2010+. (Oct 2007)"
90 points Wine Spectator: "[$65 list] Light- to medium-bodied, featuring a frothy mousse offering flavors of ripe apple, peach and hazelnut, joined by a hint of rich marzipan. Fresh and lively, with a citrusy finish. Drink now through 2015. (12/31/11)"
90 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "(from vines in Chouilly): Light yellow. Exotic, lees-accented aromas of papaya, apricot and melon, with pungent floral and spice qualities. Fruity and round, offering lemon-accented pit and tropical fruit flavors and a dusty, spicy quality on the back half. Finishes smooth, with lingering suggestions of chamomile and honeysuckle. his exotic Champagne reminded me of viognier! (Dec 2010)"
Peter Liem (ChampagneGuide.net): "Ripe and peachy, this feels fresh, fruity and uncomplicated, with a fine mousse and an open, flowery fragrance. It’s based on the 2005 harvest, with about 30 percent of it coming from the reserve wines stored in the perpetual blend. On the finish there is a slight hint of bitterness, rather like blanched almonds, which I often find in Vazart’s wines, and also in several other wines in the village. However, whether this is due to something in the terroir or to winemaking, I am not yet willing to say. (Last tasted: 8/08)" |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$39.95
|
|
|
JS 92
WA 91
New Zealand
In stock, 12+ available
|
|
*SPECIAL: Take 10% Off Listed Price!
(We'll reduce item's price when processing your order.)
92 points James Suckling: "Round and easy with a licorice and strawberry character. Full body, with round tannins and fresh finish. Light stemmy character. Very pretty. Drink now. (12/28/12)"
91 points Wine Advocate: "Medium ruby-purple in color, the 2010 Pinot Noir displays slightly wild / gamey notes of red cherry, underbrush, earth and yeast extract over a faint perfume of lavender. The full bodied palate has very good concentration and a taut structure of firm grainy tannins and crisp acid with a long, layered finish. Drink it now through 2017+. (Oct 2011)" - Lisa Perrotti-Brown
PinotFile: "14.0% alc., screwcap. Imported by Wilson Daniels, St. Helena, CA. 100% organic and biodynamic viticulture. 20% whole cluster. Wild yeast fermentations, aged 11 months in French oak barrels, unfined and unfiltered. Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of black cherry liquor, black raspberries, blackberries and oak toast. Moderately rich with impressive mid palate presence, a seductively plush mouth feel, and a lengthy finish featuring black raspberry fruit. Oak plays a supporting role and the tannins are well-managed. The most impressive features are the soft, polished texture and the impressive concentration of the fruit. (10/1/12)"
Producer notes: "A nose of dusty florals emphasised by pink roses and violets integrates seamlessly with Asian spices of cinnamon and clove. The palate opens softly, staying with the florals and adding fresh berries and a pleasing seam of minerality. Mouthcoating, but never cloying, it is subtle and caressing; a wine of harmony, restraint and sophistication that intrigues rather than shouts it’s breeding. It finishes with enough tannin to frame the wine neatly." |
|
|
|
$47.95
|
|
|
JS 95
WS 93
WE 93
Italy
-
Tuscany
-
Brunello di Montalcino
In stock, 12+ available
|
List $72.00 |
95 points James Suckling: "Frescobaldi’s Brunello always delivers great quality in just about any vintage. Gorgeous nose of ripe berries and slice plums with an almost peach undertone. Full bodied, with a solid core of gorgeously clean and clear dark fruits. Dense and integrated tannins on the finish. So long and fascinating. Best after 2013. (1/15/11)"
93 points Wine Spectator: "This red starts out ripe and accessible, boasting plum, cherry and chocolate flavors, then turns firm and tight on the finish, where tobacco and mineral notes take over. I like the potential of this when it integrates more fully. Best from 2014 through 2024. (8/31/11)"
93 points Wine Enthusiast: "[$72 list] Castelgiocondo's Brunello aptly represents the new face of Montalcino with its plump, ell-extracted and modern style. The wine is packed with soft black cherry, chocolate and coffee aromas and shows a smooth, long-lasting finish. (Apr 2011)"
18.5/20 points Stephen Brook (The World of Fine Wine): "(13.5% ABV) Robust and ripe black-cherry-and-blackberry nose. Ripe and rounded, sumptuous in texture, yet there's no trace of jamminess. Tannic and spicy, yet the components, acidity included, seem in balance. A suave hedonistic style that's already accessible but clearly has the structure to age well. Hard to fault and has complexity and impressive length. (Issue #33; 2011)" |
|
|
|
$39.95
|
|
|
WE 94
WS 92
JG 91
France
-
Champagne
In stock, 12+ available
|
List $50.00 |
94 points Wine Enthusiast: "A beautifully fine mousse indicates the class of this finely crafted wine. It has some weight, flavors of green apples, with hints of fresh apricots. There is extreme freshness here, the style dry but rich. This bottling tastes young and would be worth aging six months. (Dec 2009)"
92 points Wine Spectator: "[$50 list] Well-structured and powered by firm acidity, this offers notes of glazed apple, black cherry, candied lemon zest and toasted brioche, with a lingering hint of mineral. Clean finish. Drink now through 2015. (12/15/12)"
91+ points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "Henriot’s Brut Souverain bottling is the only cuvée here that customarily now includes a small percentage of pinot meunier in the blend, as the ostensibly half and half blend of pinot noir and chardonnay is augmented with three to five percent of pinot meunier, as the house now has a contract for pinot meunier fruit from a vineyard that they are extremely fond of at the very top of the Montagne de Reims. This is a bottling that I have become more and more impressed with each year that I taste it, as I have the feeling that it is seeing just a bit more bottle age in the cellar these days than was the case perhaps back when the Henriot family had just purchased Bouchard. The other possibility of course is that the relatively new inclusion of pinot meunier in this cuvée has made it more immediately impressive out of the blocks. In any case, the new release is
excellent, offering up a deep and youthfully complex nose of apple, tart orange, gentle notes of bread dough, fine minerality and a gentle touch of smokiness in the upper register. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, crisp and complex, with a fine core of fruit, elegant mousse, and a long, crisp and focused finish. A lovely wine that will age very well indeed. 2012-2030. (Jul/Aug 2012)" |
|
|
|
$16.95
|
|
|
CGV 88
United States
-
Sauvignon Blanc & Aromatic Whites
In stock,
9
available
|
List $20.00 |
88 points California Grapevine: "[$20 list] Light yellow; restrained, moderately grassy, herbal, grapefruit and stone fruit aroma with floral notes; medium to medium-full body; herbal, citrus, melon, and white peach flavors with a crisp, slightly lean finish; lingering aftertaste. Highly recommended. 14.5% alcohol; 0% barrel fermentation; 0% malolactic fermentation; released Spring 2013. (Apr 2013)"
WHWC Staff Notes: "It was a balmy 90-degree day when the phone rang inviting me to a friend's BBQ/pool party. As the resident 'wine guy' amongst my friends, my only obligation was to bring some summer sippers. Having just tasted the Long Meadow Ranch Sauvignon Blanc, I knew this would be the perfect selection. Along with the cool, citrusy aromas, this wine oozes guava, star jasmine and other tropical fruits. On the palate you get pineapple and fresh fruit with a mouthwatering finish that reveals the many refreshing layers of mixed citrus and melon. The fruit is sourced from their organically farmed Rutherford Estate, which is regarded as one of the finest sites for white wine in the Napa Valley. But you don't have to take my word for it, this wine was recently named 'Wine of the Week' for both the St. Helena Star and the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat. Those guys know wine. A great match for crab salad, oysters, or my favorite, fish tacos. Highly recommended." - Daniel Herrera
Producer notes: "Another cool and late growing season that was perfect for Sauvignon Blanc. These night harvested grapes retained their enticing aromas and naturally pleasing acidity all the way to the bottle. We were rewarded with delicious Sauvignon Blanc grapes that featured distinctive nose and palate offer layers of stone fruit, pineapple and melon, as well as floral notes of citrus blossom, star jasmine and guava. The entry is mouth filling and generous, then becomes more structured and focused. The mouthwatering finish shows off refreshing layers of mixed citrus and melon. This dry wine is full of sweet fruit flavors. It pairs beautifully with a wide range of fresh dishes and cheeses. Enjoy while young." |
|
|
|
$47.95
|
|
|
United States
-
Cabernet & Blends
-
California
In stock, 12+ available
|
|
| Producer notes: "Our 2008 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon features 84% of the grapes coming from the Howell Mountain, Second Chance and One Lane Bridge vineyards. This is the highest percentage of mountain fruit in our Napa Cabernet that we have bottled to date. The wine is one of the darkest in color we’ve made, presaging flavors and aromas to be revealed in a glass. It is a big muscular Napa Cabernet with firm tannins featuring dark fruit and chocolate aromas mingled with the blackberry/cherry fruit. Another layer of flavors brings a mix of tobacco and cured olives with hints of spice, sage and tea. The mouth-feel is very rich with generous mountain tannins that have evolved into a velvety texture creating a long, delicious finish. Our 2008 will benefit from some bottle aging if you can resist popping the cork. True to form with previous Neal cabernets, patience is rewarded! 100% estate grown. 100% oragnically grown grapes. Alcohol 14.4%." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$92.95
|
|
|
WA 92
CGV 91
United States
-
Pinot Noir
-
California
In stock, 12+ available
|
|
*SPECIAL: Take 10% Off Listed Price!
(We'll reduce item's price when processing your order.)
92 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The 2010 Pinot Noir Ryan Widdoes Vineyard has a certain heaviness to it that I personally find less interesting than some of the other wines in the range. The fruit is boisterous and rich, but there is quite a bit less in the way of energy, minerality or tension. By just about any other producer’s standards, this would be a fabulous wine, but at DuMol the 2010 Ryan is only outstanding. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2022. (Apr 2013)"
91 points California Grapevine: "Medium-light to medium ruby; attractive, forward, fragrant, spicy, earthy, raspberry and cherry fruit aroma with hints of cinnamon and cola; medium to medium-full body; rich, textured, cherry and red berry fruit flavors that are expansive and well balanced with bright acidity; medium to medium-full tannin; lingering aftertaste. Enjoyable to taste now though deserving a few more years of bottle aging. Very highly recommended. 14.2% alcohol; 1,220 cases; released November 2012. (Dec 2012)"
'Very good,' PinotFile: "14.3% alc., 1,184 cases. Released November 2012. Sourced from Widdoes Vineyard, Martini selection. Yield 2.65 tons per acre from 25-year-old vines. Aged 14 months in 45% new French oak barrels. Aged 14 months in 40% new French oak barrels. Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Slow to open in the glass, but offers considerable appeal over time. Aromas of fresh blackberry tart, forest floor, rose petal, oak and saddle. Discreetly concentrated core of black raspberry and black plum fruit with a hint of spiced chocolate and vanilla wafer. The tannins and acidity are nicely integrated and the mouth feel is very soft, creamy and sexy. (2/28/13)"
Producer notes: "Deep rose color, quite dark and brilliant. Complex floral/herbal aromas: juniper, bay leaf, anise then wild berry sweetness, kirsch, sassafras and tobacco. Great power and dimension to the palate. Rich, but never soft - a lean dynamic power. Boysenberry, maple, cocoa then mint and game. Fine tannin-acid balancing act. Fresh orange zest on the finish. Drink between 2012 and 2020. Native yeast and malolactic fermentations then aged 14 months in French oak barrels, 45% new. 1,184 cases produced." |
|
|
|
$27.95
|
|
|
France
-
Loire
In stock, 12+ available
|
|
| Producer notes: "This wine has a really nice history. Indeed, we are fortunate to have the oldest vines in France. It is unique in that it was planted in 1850, long before the arrival of phylloxera and the only one that has withstood the scourge. In 2006, cuttings from this old vineyard were used to make new vines which were planted ungrafted right next door in 2007. The first harvest took place in the 2010 harvest. What is amazing is that we can compare the wine produced from a vineyard of 160 years of age with that produced by the same vineyard, under the same conditions, but only 4 years old." |
|
|
|
$47.95
|
|
|
WA 93
WS 91
Chile
In stock, 12+ available
|
|
93 points Jay Miller (Wine Advocate): "The 2008 Espiritus de Apalta is composed of 80% Carmenere and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from a vineyard planted in 1870 and aged for 14 months in 70% new French oak. A glass-coating opaque purple color, it offers up a brooding bouquet of sandalwood, exotic spices, dried herbs, lavender, blueberry, and black currant. Voluptuous on the palate with layers of spicy black fruits, nicely concealed ripe tannins, and incipient complexity, all this beauty needs is another 3-4 years of cellaring to reveal its full potential. It will provide prime drinking from 2015 to 2023. (Feb 2012)"
91 points Wine Spectator: "This compact red slowly opens to reveal dense, layered flavors of plum sauce, fig paste, game and iron. Fresh, with integrated tannins and a long, mocha- and spice-tinged finish. Decant or set down for the short term. Carmenère and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2014. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 1,742 cases made. (2/29/12)" |
|
|
|
$49.95
|
|
|
AM 89–92
France
-
Burgundy
-
Cote d'Or Red
In stock, 12+ available
|
|
| 89-92 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "A fresh, expressive and ripe nose of plum, violets, earth and a game nuance that is also reflected by the rich, full and impressively scaled medium weight plus flavors that evidence a trace of minerality on the firm, balanced and strikingly long finish. Lovely and this is a Pommard of refinement but still a Pommard. Comments: Sweet spot Outstanding. Drink: 2018+. (Apr 2010)" |
|
|
|
$69.95
|
|
|
France
-
Rhone
-
Cote Rotie
In stock, 12+ available
|
|
*SPECIAL: Take 10% Off Listed Price!
(We'll reduce item's price when processing your order.) La Revue du Vin de France: "...beautifully silky, soft textured and delicious..."
Not yet reviewed; 2007 vintage rated 91 points by Wine Spectator: "Juicy, with a violet note up front, followed by a mix of red and black cherry and blackberry fruit, backed by tangy blood orange and anise notes on the briary finish. Drink now through 2017. 1,141 cases made." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$54.95
|
|
|
France
-
Burgundy
-
Cote d'Or Red
In stock, 12+ available
|
|
We recently discovered this producer from Chambolle. Though the domaine has been around for a while, and has incredible holdings, few know much if anything about them. Part of the reason is because they are so tiny. For instance, with the exception of their Chambolle villages, none of Felettig's holdings are larger than 0.5ha, so the wines seldom make their way to the US. In fact, even in Europe, they're nearly impossible to find. The other reason is that it was only after Henri Felettig recently handed control over to his son and daughter, Gilbert and Christine, that the wines become great. With the assistance of neighbor Louis-Michel Liger-Belair in the vineyards, their raw material vastly improved. In the cuvérie, they began employing minimal intervention and new oak is kept to 40% for the 1er Crus and 20-30% for the appellation Villages. The resulting wines are at once pure, dense and energetic, reminiscent of a hypothetical cross between Mugnier and Roumier. We're certainly not putting Felettig in the same league as these two icons, just illustrating their style.
Located in the heart of Chambolle, Combottes is a tiny vineyard Felettig shares with Ghislaine Barthod and Christophe Roumier and rarely seen on the market |
|
|
|
$99.95
|
|
|
AM 94
JG 92
France
-
Burgundy
-
Cote d'Or Red
In stock, 12+ available
|
List $138.00 |
94 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "(from a large 1.74 ha parcel). Discreet wood is almost lost on the densely fruited, closed and brooding nose of ripe red berry fruit liqueur, warm earth and anise. There is excellent freshness and verve to the big-bodied and concentrated flavors that despite the impressive size and weight are shaped by compact but refined tannins on the explosively long finish. This exceptionally promising effort is beautifully well-balanced and unapologetically built for the long-term. Comments: Outstanding. Drink: 2025+. (Apr 2012)"
92+ points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "The 2009 Grands Épenots is a lovely bottle of Pommard in the making and shows excellent purity and soil nuance on both the nose and palate. The deep and classy nose wafts from the glass in a mélange of cherries, quince, coffee, vinesmoke, fresh herb tones and a lovely base of soil. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and again, impressively transparent, with a superb core of fruit, fine-grained tannins and a long, complex and tangy finish. This is really a lovely bottle in the making that has escaped most of the signature, super ripe fruit of this vintage. It will drink quite early (particularly by the long-lived standards of the Gaunoux family’s Grands Épenots!), but it will provide superb purity and complexity at its apogee and should prove to be an ideal wine for those of us who have a lot of Gaunoux wines in our cellars that are not yet at their peaks of maturity. 2015-2035. (Nov/Dec 2012)" |
|
|
|
$49.95
|
|
|
JG 96
AM 90
France
-
Champagne
In stock, 12+ available
|
List $70.00 |
92 points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "The current release of Godmé Père et Fils Blanc de Noirs is a lovely wine, which is comprised entirely of pinot noir. The base wine of the new release is from the 2007 vintage, with fully forty percent of the blend hailing from reserve wines dating back to ’03, and the dosage is 6 grams per liter, which follows the trend of Monsieur Godmé to use lower level dosage in all of his recent bottlings. The nose is deep, pure and very vibrant in its blend of tart orange, apple, bread dough, complex and very precise minerality, citrus zest and a lovely floral topnote. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and extremely elegant, with excellent focus, fine mid-palate depth, very refined mousse, crisp acids and excellent length and grip on the perfectly balanced finish. This is a lovely wine that should age every bit as well as the bottling I tucked away in the cellar four years ago (which is reported on immediately below). Fine and high class juice. 2012-2025. (Jul/Aug 2012)"
90 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "(Base wine 2006, 100% pinot noir). This is aromatically complex and while not quite as overtly fruity as the Rosé, this too speaks of red berry aromas laced with soft yeast notes. There is an exuberant effervescence with a creamy and very round mouth feel before culminating in mouth coating finish where the yeast notes of the nose are reprised. This is on the fruity side but often very fruit forward examples lack depth but that is not the case here. Drink: 2013+. (Jan 2012)" |
|
|
|
$35.95
|
|
|
France
-
Burgundy
-
Cote d'Or Red
In stock, 12+ available
|
|
| 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. Clos du Roy is one the finest vineyards in the village. Though Marsannay has no premier cru vineyards, Clos du Roy is currently being considered for elevation and we should see it promoted within the next decade (French bureaucracy moves at a snail's pace.) Fresh like the Bourgogne rouge, but with extra depth and complexity. Here we have rich, full, subtly sweet flavors with excellent overall balance and fine grained tannins. |
|
|
|
$54.95
|
|
|
JG 94
France
-
Loire
In stock, 12+ available
|
|
94+ points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "The 1985 Moulin Touchais is drinking brilliantly and has now reached its apogee of peak performance. The superb bouquet jumps from the glass in a blaze of honeyed apples, apricot, chalk, a touch of new leather, oranges and yellow plums. On the palate the wine is full-bodied, deep, complex and brilliantly focused, with great acids, outstanding focus and a very, very long, racy and honeyed finish. Just the essence of late harvest chenin blanc in the clay and chalky soils of the Coteaux du Layon. The 1985 Moulin Touchais is at its zenith, but clearly still has many decades of great drinking ahead of it and may yet improve with further bottle age! 2009-2060+. (Sep/Oct 2009)"
On the banks of the river Layon in the beautiful Loire valley exists one of the world's largest and oldest single wine stocks. Miles of underground cellars contain wines dating back to the 1800's. These are the sweet Chenin Blanc wines of Moulin Touchais, one of the Loire Valley's most legendary estates. Their vineyards are amongst the most famous in the Anjou area, lying in the heart of the Coteaux du Layon region. Like Huët, these wines are among the most ageworthy on the planet. In fact, Moulin Touchais is the only winery in the world we know of who gives a CENTURY LONG GUARANTEE ON THE LONGEVITY OF THEIR WINES.
These are by definition sweet wines, though not in the classical sense. Over time, the residual sugar melds with the acidity and fruit, leaving the impression they are much less sweet than they actually are. They are wines of great versatility, perfect harmony and among the great hidden gems of the wine world.
Unfortunately, the wines are seldom seen on the market. For one, the wine is only produced in great vintages. Secondly, they aren't released until at least ten years after date of harvest. When they are, the vast majority is quickly snatched up by locals, leaving very little for consumers here in the US. However, we just got our hands on a significant lot from their most recent release and were able to acquire good quantities on six top back vintages. And because we bought them directly from the domaine, the wines are not only pristine, but we got them at amazing pricing. In fact, really amazing! Wines of this quality, age and provenance simply don't exist in today's market, so we encourage you to take advantage of this unique buying opportunity while you can. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$16.95
|
|
|
CGV 89
United States
-
Zinfandel
In stock, 12+ available
|
List $21.00 |
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%" |
|
|
|
$22.95
|
|
|
France
-
South of France
In stock, 12+ available
|
|
| 60% Grenache blanc, 35% Grenache gris, 5% Roussanne. Round and fat, well structured with a lingering aromatic finish. The nose is rich and intense. Pairs well with seafood, including shellfish. |
|
|
|
$19.95
|
|
|
WA 87
France
-
Loire
In stock, 12+ available
|
|
| 87+ points David Schildknecht (Wine Advocate): "The Pabiot 2011 Pouilly-Fume represents a single, virtually homogeneous assemblage, though one subjected to multiple bottlings, of which this note refers to the first... Around 40% comes from the commune of Tracy, the rest divided between Pabiot’s home base of Les Loges, Pouilly itself, and far-flung St.-Laurent, including some rented acreage. A slightly astringent herbal pungency, taken together with 'nips' of lemon pip and musky rose radish, and with considerable chalkiness, make for a pithy, chewy, but ultimately invigorating performance, featuring a refreshingly juicy lemon, passion fruit, and apple matrix. I would plan on drinking this over the next couple of years. (Jun 2012)" |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$31.95
|
|
|
France
-
Rhone
-
Other
In stock,
7
available
|
|
| If you need a reason to get over your anti-boxed-wine bias, here it is: a round, fruity, earthy Côtes du Rhône from a mini-cooperative known for practicing sustainable agriculture. "From the Tank" is a newly released collaboration between the Estézargues co-op in the southern Rhône and Jenny & François Selections, an importer specializing in so-called natural wines, made largely without chemical manipulation. Before settling on a medium-bodied blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Carignan for their inaugural vintage, "we tasted a bunch of tanks," says Jenny & François’ Jenny Lefcourt, who also chose the utilitarian name and helped design the three-liter cardboard box, which compactly houses the equivalent of four bottles. |
|
|
|
$17.95
|
|
|
WS 88
New Zealand
In stock, 12+ available
|
List $22.00 |
| 88 points Wine Spectator: "[$22 list] Tart and tangy citrus, peach and melon flavors have a nice juiciness to them, with lime, kiwifruit and grapefruit notes kicking in on the finish. Drink now. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. (6/30/11)" |
|
|
|
$19.95
|
|
|
United States
-
Pinot Noir
-
California
In stock, 12+ available
|
|
| Bill and Sally Hambrecht purchased this Forestville property in 1999. It is located in an area of Russian River Valley referred to as the 'Middle Reach,' where the region's most prestigious vineyards reside. The 2011 Miro Pinot Noir has fresh, medium red bright color. The first impression is of cherry compote, hint of cranberry, ripe strawberry and pronounced rose petal aromas. With further aeration the wine shows slight nuances of new oak barrels--vanilla and toast and a hint of forest oor and earthiness. The mouth
feel starts out freshly fruity and nishes with balanced acidity and soft tannin. The wine is still very young at the time of these notes and it will develop nicely with 2-4 years of aging. Alcohol 14.2%. Only 143 cases made. |
|
|
|
$36.95
|
|
|
WS 92
AM 91
France
-
Burgundy
-
Cote d'Or Red
In stock, 12+ available
|
List $60.00 |
92 points Wine Spectator: "The essence of cherry, this red is lush and smooth, with spice notes and a savory element adding interest. Offers energy and finesse, with a solid base of tannins on the finish. Best from 2015 through 2028. 25 cases imported. (6/15/12)"
91 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "A beguiling and beautifully complex nose features black berry and red currant liqueur 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. Drink: 2021+. (Apr 2012)" |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$16.95
|
|
|
France
-
Alsace
In stock, 12+ available
|
|
| 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. |
|
|
|
$10.95
|
|
|
IWC 89
Spain
-
Red
In stock, 12+ available
|
|
| 89 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "Vivid ruby. Intense red and dark berry aromas are given depth by a hint of licorice. Sappy and broad on entry, then tighter in the mid-palate, offering juicy black raspberry and cherry flavors and a touch of white pepper. Finishes with good lift, cut and persistence, leaving an intense dark berry note behind. This wine isn't shy about the fruit. (Sep 2012)" |
|
|
|
$24.95
|
|
|
RP 93
RR 91–93
France
-
Rhone
-
Other
In stock, 12+ available
|
|
92-94 points Robert Parker: "The amazing 2010 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Terre d’Argile may be just as good as the 2007. A black/ruby color is followed by abundant aromas of cassis, blackberries, black cherries, licorice and a hint of charcoal. The wine possesses good acidity, a full-bodied mouthfeel and terrific precision. It is a big wine that should age well for up to a decade. (Oct 2011)"
91-93+ points Rhone Report: "It's always a good sign with the first word in my notes is 'Wow"'and the 2010 Domaine de la Janasse Cotes du Rhone Villages Terre d'Argile looks to be the best vintage of this cuvee yet! Showing serious and intense aromas, this full-bodied, uncommonly rich Cotes du Rhone has layers of texture, brilliant concentration, and a very long finish. It should be approachable on release, but benefit from short to mid-term cellaring. Exciting stuff. (Sep 2011)" |
|
|
|
$59.95
|
|
|
United States
-
Cabernet & Blends
-
California
In stock, 12+ available
|
|
| Producer notes: "The 2010 Karl Lawrence Cabernet leaps forward with incredible and expressive Cabernet characters. It has rich, deep, and dense dark fruits of black cherry, black raspberry, and plum. The fruit aromas are laced with dusty, bittersweet cocoa powder and hints of black licorice and cedar. The flavors are plentiful and bold enough to match the generous aromas. A firm, well-structured Cabernet with lots of richness and complexity throughout the body and core, then give way to a long, lingering, delicious finish. Apparent, yet very well integrated fine tannin perfectly knit this Cabernet together and will support it for wonderful aging in the bottle. Time will only improve this 2010 Karl Lawrence Cabernet." |
|
|
|
