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Evasive Action Against The Spread Of The Coronavirus   Restaurants Offering Take Out And Or Delivery

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Evasive Action Against The Spread Of The Coronavirus

To Our Discerning Clientèle,

In response to concern and uncertainty over the novel coronavirus and in the interest of the safety, health and well-being of our customers, our associates and our employees, and in compliance with directives from the City Of Austin and the State Of Texas, we have for the time being closed our doors to foot traffic. But we are here and will continue to work to satisfy your wine and spirits needs during this time. Yes, although the City Of Austin has issued Shelter-In-Place orders, The Austin Wine Merchant and other like businesses considered 'liquor stores' are deemed 'essential businesses' and may remain open:

Coronavirus shelter-in-place orders issued for Travis, Williamson counties

We have modified our hours of operation and our procedures to help us deal with the situation. We will, for now, be open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM. We would be happy to fulfill your order either curbside or to make delivery to you within the Austin area. Please just give us a call on the telephone at (512) 499‑0512 or send us an e‑Mail message with your order.

Please know that for the health and welfare of all concerned, we are practicing this «Social Distancing» thing for real. We will bring your order to your automobile in the parking lot and allow you to load it into your car as you see fit. Or, we will deliver your order to your door and allow you to take it from there. We will, of course, make exceptions where necessary. But we are trying to keep to the 6‑feet distance between persons recommended by the CDC. We are avoiding handshakes, elbow bumps, shoulder bumps et al. Try as we might, however, we are human beings. We are tactile creatures. And we must touch things in order to move them. So, in this regard, please know that we are doing most everything in our power to protect ourselves and, following this, you. There's a whole lot of disinfecting and handwashing going on around here.

Our Delivery Policy During This Time

We will pleased to deliver orders of $100.00 or more at no charge to addresses within zip codes 78701, 78702, 78703, 78704 and 78705. Delivery to addresses in all other zip codes in Austin would be made as expediently as may be possible and would incur a $10.00 flat charge. Because we expect a number of our clients to take advantage of home or office delivery during this time, we would work with you as best we can to determine the best time that you can receive and we can physically make delivery. Delivery to the fringes of the Austin area may or may not be possible during this time. Please do bear with us.

And, given the City Of Austin and now State Of Texas action last week to prohibit gatherings of more than 10 people in any single room or space, bars and restaurants have mostly shuttered. Some will close altogether and indefinitely until we emerge on the other side of this pandemic. Others will offer take out and or delivery to try to get through this. This, obviously, presents itself as an incredible financial hardship. Bar and restaurant owners and employees face a daunting financial future. Please lend your support and eat well.

Links To Some Of Our Favorite Restaurants Offering Take Out And Or Delivery At This Time

Aviary Wine & Kitchen    Cipollina    Elizabeth Street Café    Emmer & Rye    Fixe Southern House    Fonda San Miguel    The Grove Wine Bar | Kitchen    Hestia    Jeffrey's of Austin    June's All Day   

Justine's Brasserie    Lambert's    Lenoir    Lin Asian Bar + Dim Sum    Lou's    Pool Burger    68° Kitchen    Swedish Hill    TenTen    La Traviata    Walton's Fancy & Staple    Wink Restaurant & Wine Bar   

Please remember, with bars and restaurant dining rooms closed, bar and restaurant employees are mostly out of work and among the most economically at risk in this crisis. Your delivery person may well be an out‑of‑work bar and or restaurant employee. Please, if you are of a mind and have the ability, consider leaving a generous tip.

Our regularly scheduled Saturday afternoon wine tastings are suspended until further notice.

Lastly, we extend our best wishes to you and yours for your continued safety, health and well‑being during this difficult period.

Sincerely,

John Roenigk
Owner/Wine Buyer


And then, from among recent arrivals, splendid values and otherwise special deals:

Marietta Cellars Old Vine Red Lot Number 69

Scot Bilbro has taken over for his late father and his brothers and is now running the show at Marietta Cellars. Old Vine Red Lot Number 69 is now on the scene. The wine is tweaked ever so slightly drier than in the past, perhaps now ever the more appealing to both west coast and European wine tastes. Produced mainly from Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Carignane primarily from vineyards in Sonoma and Mendocino counties, Marietta Cellars Old Vine Red replicates the old Cal-Ital field blends there. Alluring deep ruby purple in color, with Zinfandel-influenced aromas suggesting dark ripe juicy berries with hints of the parched dusty northern California vineyard floor; at once fresh and vibrant, smooth and slippery on the tongue with just an inkling of fine-grained tannins that keep it all on the up and over. And, by all means, do take note of its continuing brilliantly true blue in terms of value!

$11.99 the bottle  $122.28 the case

2018 Marietta Cellars Old Vine Rosé

While it's no secret that we quite typically look to the south of France for most of our rosé needs, its certainly also nice when something from closer to home can turn our heads. And this lovely new entry from Marietta Cellars in northern California makes a crisp splash with its aromatic allure, its refreshingness and restraint. Marietta Cellars Old Vine Rosé is produced from fruit of old vine Syrah, Grenache Noir and Grenache Gris, including some of the oldest examples of these vines in northern California; salmon-pink in color with a hint of wild strawberry on the nose; supple on entry, then building in nerve and vibrancy and freshness on the tongue, leaving one begging for another pull; a quite perfect choice to foil the late summer and early fall weather 'round here. And, it's Marietta Cellars. So, do take note of the value!

$11.99 the bottle  $122.28 the case

2018 Mâcon-Villages Chardonnay Louis Jadot

While we normally look to Maison Louis Jadot for far spiffier and, indeed, spendier 1ers Crus and Grands Crus de la Côte d'Or, they also do splendid work in the Mâconnais. And their recently arrived 2018 vintage Mâcon-Villages Chardonnay is a stunner among value-priced unoaked Chardonnay. Indeed, Chardonnay from this part of the world (southern Burgundy, to be sure) just doesn't need the gussying up what with its pert acidity, natural minerality and delicately rounded fruit character. Lovely bright yellow-gold in color; citrusy fresh, clean on the nose, then lively, fresh and delicately mineral and crisp on the tongue, leaving the mouth just watering away and waiting for more. And check the price. This is simply brilliant value in clean, crisp, serviceable, dry white wine!

$11.99 the bottle  $122.28 the case

2016 Château Côtes de Blaignan Médoc

Château Côtes de Blaignan covers 32 hectares of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with a touch of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot vines planted to gravel and slightly richer clay-limestone soils near the commune of Ordonnac in the northern Médoc. This has the aromatic signature that any good Bordeaux from le presqu'île du Médoc oughta, what with dark ripe berry and earth, not so subtle notes of graphite and a hint of toasted baguette; ample in body, makes for a nice mouthful of red with good extract and length of flavor and a gentle astringency and full ripe tannins that just beg for the fat of a brie type cheese or thereabouts the better to flaunt its velvety claret cred; and the price is right for the times.

$13.75 the bottle  $140.28 the case

2017 Côtes-du-Rhône Réserve Domaine de La Janasse

Produce of 55% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 10% Carignan, 5% Cinsault and 5% Mourvèdre grown on 20 acres adjacent to the Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyards of Domaine de La Janasse. This superb Côtes-du-Rhône has been a go-to bottle for us for some years now: deep, deep ruby red, with hints of garrigue and stone almost wholly subsumed by sun-drenched and delicious ripe grapey aromas; rich, round and powerful with ripe kirsch-like Grenache flavors and chalky stony tannins building on the palate and giving shape and structure on to the warm and invigorating finish.

$14.99 the bottle  $152.88 the case

2018 Côtes de Provence Rosé Domaine Houchart

Is Provençal Rosé the vinous equivalent of bottled sunshine? Is it the what's what of pink wines? Is it the cool, crisp compelling glass of vin rosé at the end of the rainbow? Yeah, probably so! Domaine Houchart Côtes de Provence Rosé is among our favorite of the Provençal rosé wines each year. Fresh, bright, vivid with a gentle intensity of chalky berry flavor just bursting forth and a refreshingness that is just, ahhhhh ... Thank heaven for sunshine! Thank heaven for Provençal rosé!

$11.99 the bottle  $122.28 the case

2015 Chianti Classico Riserva Badia a Coltibuono

Coltibuono's vineyards are in the southern reaches of the Gaiole commune, planted with a massal selection from the estate's oldest vines. Only indigenous grapes - Canaiolo, Ciliegiolo and Colorino - are blended with Sangiovese in this traditionally crafted Riserva. It's an elegant, unpretentious wine made with a gentle touch. The tannins are finely sculpted around tangy red currant and pomegranate, with accents of orange pekoe tea-leaf, garden herbs and forest floor throughout. This is light on its feet, mellow and accessible now. Drink 2019-2027. Rated 93. - Michaela Morris, decanter.com February, 2019. Regularly $35.00 the bottle, on sale while supplies last at:

$17.50 the bottle  $105.00 the case of 6

Adriano Adami Prosecco Treviso Garbèl Brut Adriano Adami Prosecco Treviso Garbèl Brut

Garbèl, which in ancient local dialect means a dry, crisp, pleasantly tart wine, is produced from the hilly vineyards in the Colli Trevigiani area, where the cool nights and hot days are ideal for expressing the typical fruit notes of the Glera grape, also known as Prosecco. A wonderfully versatile sparkler, Garbèl’s 13 grams of residual sugar place it between the Brut and Extra Dry styles: lucid, platinum in color; vibrant and fresh aromas lure one in with suggestion of orchard fruits like yellow plum and pear (it is, of course, the Glera grape); vivid, frothy, crisp and mouthwatering on the tongue with just a hint of minerality; leaves the palate fully refreshed and ready. Unpretentious, unaffected, engaging and refreshing, Adami Garbèl is our go-to Prosecco.

$13.75 the bottle  $140.28 the case

Vouvray Brut Domaine d'Orfeuilles Vouvray Brut Domaine d'Orfeuilles

The Loire Valley is also known as the garden of France. For those of us keen on the best in bubbles but not always wanting to spend the bucks for Champagne, the Loire Valley also represents among the best places to seek high quality suds. Domaine d'Orfeuilles Vouvray Brut is a luminous yellow-gold with reflections of silver in color with a bevy of fine persistent bubbles; classic aromas suggestive of toast, brioche, citrus preserve and freshly dew-moistened chalky limestone; at once vivid and crisp and full and round on the tongue, with depth and length of flavor that belies its friendly price.

$17.50 the bottle  $178.56 the case

Louis Picamelot Crémant de Bourgogne Brut Les Terroirs

For our part, we've found of late that it just doesn't pay to try and do Champagne on the cheap, that we're better off looking outside that oft jaded geography to find as fine if not finer sparkling wine indeed for the bubbles buck that needs to stretch on out a bit. The fine Crémant de Bourgogne sparkling wines of Louis Picamelot are just such a find. The House of Picamelot was founded in 1926 and is located in Rully in the Côte Chalonnaise in Burgundy. The winemaking facility is located at and makes good use of an old quarry site just outside the village, with the quite cool cellars dug into the solid rock there. This cuvée, the Louis Picamelot Crémant de Bourgogne Brut Les Terroirs, represents just over ⅔ of the production here and, as such, is thankfully most always available now here in beautiful downtown Austin! Produce of about 60% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay and 10% Aligoté, all hand-picked from the Côte Chalonnaise, Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits. Really lovely slate of aromas suggestive of toast and orchard fruits, say pêche de vigne, apricot, green apple then, closer to the ground, fresh grapes on chalky limestone soils; full, vibrant, expansive mousse that then spreads itself richly on the tongue with flavors of toasted orchard fruits a most expressive and satisfying reprise of those first whiffs. This is ultra-satisfying and flavorful sparkling wine for a very attractive price. Champagne on the cheap? Nah! This is Crémant de Bourgogne that'll do you proud. Do come and get it!

$19.99 the bottle  $203.88 the case

Louis Picamelot Crémant de Bourgogne Brut Les Terroirs Rosé

And simply superb in pink as well. Produce of 100% Côte Chalonnaise Pinot Noir fruit. The color here is a lovely rose to sunset orange pink at the edges; aromas that define allure, you can almost smell the refreshment to come, with a pinch of spice and a kiss of red berry and a real sense of that wonderful stony Burgundian wine-growing soil underpinning; this one has both body and refreshingness as well as something that simply piques, perhaps pinches, but certainly imbues the imbiber with the feeling of having consumed ever so well with a nervy freshness and spiced red berry flavors that linger in most welcome reprise. This is like bottled joie de vivre. Get some!

$19.99 the bottle  $203.88 the case

Vitteaut-Alberti Crémant de Bourgogne Brut Blanc de Blancs Cuvée Agnès

Maison Vitteaut-Alberti was founded in 1951 in Rully in the Côte Chalonnaise by M. Lucien Vitteaut and his wife née Alberti, who chose to specialise in the production of sparkling white wines using the Methode Champenoise. Today they are operating among the most highly-regarded sparkling wine operations in Burgundy from Rully in the Côte Chalonnaise, about twenty minutes south of Beaune. The Cuvée Agnès (Agnès is the granddaughter of the founders, now active in the company) is a blend of a strict selection of 100% Chardonnay grapes coming from the Côte Chalonnaise and the Côte de Beaune. Brilliant yellow-gold in color with just a wealth of fine bubbles; ultra fresh aromas titillate the nostrils with suggestion of stone fruits, citrus blossom, ultra-fine brioche just in the oven; ultra-fine on the palate, too, with a delicate froth, poised, balanced, almost spherical in shape; then, a freshness of flavor that resonates long. Among the finest Crémants de Bourgogne that we've encountered. And we've encountered, mmmm, quite a few.

$24.99 the bottle  $254.88 the case

Champagne Le Mesnil Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Champagne Le Mesnil Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru

Produced of 100% Chardonnay from Grand Cru vineyards near Le Mesnil sur Oger, in the heart of the Côte des Blancs, holy ground for lovers of the finest Champagne. This bottling represents some ⅔ of the production of the very well-run cooperative that is Champagne Le Mesnil. Brilliant white-gold in color, this Brut Blanc de Blancs has a lovely harmony of elements, fresh and most enticing and inviting aromas suggestive of melon, cool of the morning grape plucked from the vine, buttered biscuit and flower pollen; nice medium-full mousse, then expansive on the tongue and supremely flavorful, its crisp fresh chalky dry finish just begging another pull. Delicious!

$37.50 the bottle  $382.56 the case
$22.50 the 375ml half-bottle  $229.56 the case of 12
$87.50 the 1.5-litre magnum  $223.14 the case of 3

Champagne Pol Roger Brut Extra Cuvée de Réserve Champagne Pol Roger Brut Extra Cuvée de Réserve

Founded in 1849, Pol Roger is one of only a few Grande Marque Champagne houses that remain family owned and operated. Pol Roger Brut White Foil is produced from the first pressing only of fruit from Premier and Grand Cru Vineyards, about ⅓ each Chardonnay from Cote des Blancs, Pinot Noir from Montagne de Reims, and Pinot Meunier from Vallee de la Marne and Petite Valle d'Epernay: pale gold in color with an ultra fine bead; flowery, delicately toasty aroma; creamy textured, then supremely balanced on the tongue with a dry, well-rounded and harmonious finish that so elegantly cajoles another pull. We find it delectable. And, if it is true that a Champagne house be judged by the quality and consistency of their House Brut, then the house of Pol Roger, in our humble estimation, ranks among those at the very top.

$47.50 the bottle  $484.56 the case

Champagne Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs

Champagne Taittinger is today proprietor of approximately 752 acres of vines in 34 different vineyards. The Taittinger estate is one of the three most extensive in the Champagne district, and the firm's major holdings in Chardonnay vineyards are the physical expression of the Taittinger philosophy and style. The Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs is the pinnacle of their estimable production, produced from 100% Chardonnay fruit from vines in the Côte des Blancs. Quite fine platinum silvery beads of bubbles with aromas suggestive of lime blossom, lemon peel and delicate brioche dough just in the oven; ultra fine on the tongue with a broad froth of delicate and persistent bubbles and fine toasty yeasty Chardonnay flavors; opulence, just this side of vinous largesse and, at once, supreme freshness and delicate length of flavor on the finish. Superb!

$137.50 the bottle  $701.28 the case of 6

Champagne Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve Champagne Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve

Champagne Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve is produce of about ⅓ each Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier from a selection of approximately 60 different crus individually vinified in stainless steel. The blend contains a high proportion of about 40% reserve wines an equal mix of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and between 5 and 15 years of age. Luminous yellow golden in color with a wealth of fine bubbles; full, toasty, doughy aromas; rich and round on the palate, sumptuous even, with a freshening zest of citrus on the finish. Brut Réserve is the splendid calling card of Champagne Charles Heidsieck.

$50.00 the bottle  $255.00 the case of 6

2004 Champagne Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millénaires< 2004 Champagne Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millénaires

Charles Heidsieck founded his own Champagne house in Reims in the year 1851. He understood the United States an important emerging market, so he invested a good deal of time here, traversing our country north to south repeatedly promoting his new brand. He eventually became known here, lovingly, as «Champagne Charlie». Blanc de Millénaires is the ultimate in the range of fine sparkling wines of Champagne Charles Heidsieck. Produced only in certain vintages where conditions allow of 100% Chardonnay from four Grands Crus, namely Cramant, Avize, Oger and Le Mesnil sur Oger and one Premier Cru, that of Vertus. Delicate aromas suggesting citrus, apple blossom and orchard fruits, particularly mirabelle plum; supremely balanced on the tongue with a fine, fine mousse; there is complete and total engagement on the palate with delicate flavors poised and projecting, fresh and invigorating on the finish long after the wine itself has passed. In this taster's humble opinion, this is absolute perfection in sparkling wine.

$212.50 the bottle  $541.89 the case of 3


Schott Zwiesel Cru Decanter

Our choice for classic shape and utility for professional decanting of fine red (or, for that matter, fine white) wines. Brilliant Tritan® crystal clear; well-grounded with a low center of gravity and a large surface area for maximum aeration; easy to pour and with drip protect lip. This is the item! Regularly $75.00 the piece, on sale now at ⅓ off:

$50.00 the piece


Schott Zwiesel Forté

After long years of intensive research and development, in collaboration with the University of Erlangen, Schott Zwiesel has succeeded in creating a new type of crystal glass: Tritan®. The use of unique ingredients, including Titanium instead of lead, combined with an advanced manufacturing process, has created an incredibly pure, hard and clear crystal glass — crystal glass that is highly resilient to accidental breakage and chipping in the dishwasher. Tritan® is a unique, patented crystal glass that sets a new high standard. And the Schott Zwiesel Forté series is our choice for classic elegance and durability in everyday stemware at an even better than everyday price.

$10.00 the stem, boxed sets of 6 at 15% off


Schott Zwiesel Pure

The Pure line of stemware by Schott Zwiesel brings the pursuit of pleasure in wine to the point. The bowls of the various shapes both allow a fine wine to breathe and to focus the bouquet for those discerning of aroma, taste, texture ... And they clearly do it all with a certain style. Tritan®, too!

$14.00 the stem, boxed sets of 6 at 15% off

2016 Alheit Cartology Bush Vines Chenin Blanc Semillon Naturally Fermented

With a wine list that extends to thousands of labels you can easily get lost, so since I will soon be in the Cape, I scoured the South Africa list. I was pleased to find a selection of lesser-known names such as Restless River and Thorne & Daughters, and chose the 2016 Cartology Bushvine from Alheit Family. Chris Alheit’s Chenin Blanc-based white blend showed brilliantly: taut and focused on the nose, perhaps stricter than previous vintages, with scintillating tension and energy on the palate. Drink 2018-2030. Rated 93. - Neal Martin, vinous.com June, 2018

$42.50 the bottle  $216.78 the case of 6

2018 Saint-Véran Joseph Drouhin

The lovely village of Saint-Vérand (note the different spelling) is located half-hidden amongst the hills in the Mâconnais region of southern Burgundy, between Pouilly-Fuissé and the Beaujolais. Its Jurassic chalky soils are a continuation of the limestone strata found in the Côte d'Or and are ideal for growing Chardonnay grapes. Harvested by hand the grapes are immediately and gently pressed, then passed into stainless steel to undergo a slow and cool fermentation. The wine is bottled the following spring to retain its inherent freshness, fruitiness and roundness. Green-gold in color with discreet and pure Chardonnay aromas suggesting flesh of crisp green apple, citrus and stone; fine, elegant Chardonnay flavors are refreshingly crisp and mineral, but at the same time broadening on the tongue, becoming more sumptuous and satisfying, delivering a nice wallop of excellent dry white Burgundy wine for the price of mere everyday Chardonnay.

$17.50 the bottle  $178.56 the case

2017 Irancy David Renaud

This is Burgundian Pinot Noir, if from a source a bit north of where we usually find it. An hour or more northwest from the Côte d'Or, this is Yonne Pinot Noir, from just southeast of Chablis itself, an area known as Irancy. Deep ruby in color; highly mineral, if somewhat restrained dusty, stony, taut cherryish Pinot Noir aromatics; supple on entry, then ample and rounded before demonstrating a certain structure; crisp, chalky dry with an easy airy lightness of being, and length of subtle and delicious flavor on the finish. Our wine buyer's wife finds it more earthy. Mitch found it savory. Brian McIndoo thought it crunchy. All in all, we're ever so pleased to have another source for viable red Burgundy at ever so reasonable a price.

$22.50 the bottle  $229.56 the case

2017 Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Les Cazetiers Domaine Faiveley

The 2017 Gevrey-Chambertin Les Cazetiers comes from Faiveley’s substantial four-hectare parcel. I find this has more gumption and detail than the Lavaux Saint-Jacques at the moment. The nose features layers of blackberry, raspberry and crushed stone aromas, and the sweet, candied palate is medium-bodied with fine-grained tannin. Blood orange and quince infuse the red fruit toward the finish. Excellent. Drink 2022-2038. Rated (91-93). - Neal Martin, vinous.com January, 2019

$127.50 the bottle  $650.28 the case of 6

2018 Orvieto Classico Terre Vineate Palazzone

"Unquestionably the number one small estate of Orvieto" according to Stephen Tanzer, Palazzone produces delicious white wines from indigenous grape varietals of Umbria, balancing irresistable fruit aromas and flavors with an oh-so stony backdrop and nerve; 50% Procanico, 30% Grechetto and 20% of Verdello, Drupeggio and Malvasia, vinified in stainless steel to keep things fresh; medium-bodied, supremely-balanced white wine with aromas that speak clearly of cool of the morning harvest fresh grapes and notions of floral honey, beeswax and something like hazelnut and elderflower and, yet again, stone; at once, just ample and round, crisp and dusty, citrusy dry and alive with fresh grapey flavor; our Italian wine-loving pal Jerry Reid sez "slap and tickle." C'mon downtown 'n get yourself some of this delicious wine!

$14.99 the bottle  $152.88 the case

2016 Antinori Tenuta Tignanello

The 2016 Tignanello is flat out stunning. Dark, dense and resonant, the 2016 is a wonderfully complete wine that will provide readers with decades of pure drinking pleasure. The 2016 is especially dark and brooding, and yet the tannins are incredibly polished to the point of being perceptible. In the glass, the 2016 is complete and regal, perhaps because of the super-classic blend of 80% Sangiovese, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc. The pedigree of the vintage comes through in the wine's extraordinary balance and total sense of finesse. I don't think there is another wine anywhere in the world made entirely from estate fruit that can match Tignanello for quality, consistency and value within its peer group of top-flight reds. Drink 2022-2046. Rated 98. - Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com August, 2019

$132.50 the bottle  $675.78 the case of 6
$67.50 the 375ml half-bottle  $688.56 the case of 12
$300.00 the 1.5-litre magnum


2016 Château Marjosse Bordeaux Rouge

The 2016 Marjosse is an absolutely gorgeous, everyday wine from Pierre Lurton's home estate. Tobacco, cedar, mint and dried flowers add an attractive savory quality to this delicious, affordable, no-frills Bordeaux. Drink 2018-2023. Rated 88. - Antonio Galloni, vinous.com January, 2019

$14.99 the bottle  $152.88 the case

2016 Château Chapelle d'Aliénor Bordeaux Supérieur Rouge

Produce of mostly Merlot with a good dollop of Cabernet Franc and just a skosh of Cabernet Sauvignon fruit grown in vineyards over the hills but not far away from Saint-Emilion. The property has been owned since 2001 by la famille Malet-Roquefort of Château La Gaffelière Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé. Chapelle d'Alienor represents what is possible by way of merely bon vin de Bordeaux, hinting at the greatness of the category of the finest red Bordeaux, but not at all involving a call to one's banker when considering investing in a case. While the opulent and sun-drenched 2015 vintage was our introduction to this wine, the comparitvely more fresh and vibrant 2016 is now on the scene and a delicious follow-on. Deep ruby in color with aromas of fleshy Merlot fruit holding sway, suggesting dark ripe bing cherry, spiced plum, shaved dark chocolate, toasted baguette and a hint of the dusty dry vineyard floor; supple and polished on entry, with gentle intensity of flavor that rings true to the promise of the aromas with emerging ripe round crisp tannins lending a freshness, mouthwateringness and gentle energy that so invite another pull.

$13.75 the bottle  $140.28 the case

2016 Château Rauzan-Ségla Margaux

The 2016 Rauzan-Ségla is simply stunning. Ample and generous in the glass, the 2016 is a positively stellar wine that will leave readers weak at the knees. The flavors and textures are generous as this sublime Margaux shows off its alluring personality. Sweet red cherry, plum, pomegranate, blood orange, spice and rose petal are some of the many notes that run through this absolutely exquisite wine. The 2016 is just as impressive from bottle as it was from barrel, maybe even more! Tasted three times. Rated 97+. - Antonio Galloni, vinous.com January, 2019

$117.50 the bottle  $1,198.56 the case

2016 Chateau Pontet-Canet Pauillac

The 2016 Pontet-Canet is absolutely breathtaking. Powerful, ample and racy in the glass, the 2016 is one of the most exquisitely well-balanced young Pontet-Canets I can remember tasting. Savory, high-toned aromatics and brisk mineral notes lend energy and delineation as this vivid wonderfully alive wine opens up in the glass. The flavors are dark and incisive, but it is the wine's total sense of harmony that is most compelling. All of the elements are simply in the right place. The 2016 is tremendous. It's as simple as that. As is often the case, Pontet-Canet is one of the most singular wines in Bordeaux. Alfred Tesseron could have chosen to play things safe when he took over the management of the estate in the mid-1990s. Instead, he chose a very different path. No proprietor in Bordeaux has taken more risks over the last two decades than Alfred Tesseron. A commitment to biodynamic farming, sustainability across the entire estate more broadly, and the adoption of new concepts for Bordeaux, such as aging a portion of the wine in terra cotta, set Pontet-Canet apart from other properties in Pauillac and the Left Bank. Not surprisingly, the wine is also starkly different from the wines of neighboring estates. Drink 2026-2066. Rated 99. - Antonio Galloni, vinous.com January, 2019

$195.00 the bottle  $994.50 the case of 6

2017 Côtes-du-Rhône Coudoulet de Beaucastel

Produce of about 40% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, 20% Syrah, 10% Cinsault from 30 hectares in the Coudoulet neighborhood of the southern Côtes-du-Rhône, located just east of the vineyard of Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape on the opposite side of the A7 motorway. Coudoulet is often referred to as baby Beaucastel, it's vineyard being the same Molasse seabed covered by diluvial alpine deposits. These stones called «galets roulés» play a big, er, role, as it were—they take in the heat during the day and let it go slowly at night which gives the vines a good running start come springtime. Dark ripe berry (reminds this taster of the grape jujubes of his youth) with just a trace hint of garrigue given the warmth of the growing season again submerged beneath the ripeness and roundness and overall amplitude and voluminosity of the vintage; generous and then, somehow, firm, almost crunchy on the palate in evidence of its stoney origins in close proximity to Châteauneuf-du-Pape itself (laissez les galets rouler); and while this smacks of a Côtes-du-Rhône that should age nicely, we would suggest it gregarious enough for enjoying even now.

$26.25 the bottle  $267.72 the case

2017 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Dark bright-rimmed ruby. Ripe black and blue fruit liqueur, incense, smoked meat and candied lavender qualities on the deeply perfumed, spice-accented nose. Broad and fleshy in the mouth, offering intense black raspberry, bitter cherry and fruitcake flavors that tighten up and turn livelier with air. Shows plenty of energy for a hot-vintage wine and finishes impressively long and chewy, with mounting tannins and repeating smoke and floral notes. Rated (93-94). - Josh Raynolds, vinous.com December, 2019

$80.00 the bottle  $408.00 the case of 6

2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Vieilles Vignes Domaine de La Janasse

The 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Vieilles Vignes derives from parcels planted on classic clay and galets roulés soils. It's 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah and 5% other varieties. Tight, intense, even clenched, it's in need of several years' cellaring before it becomes truly enjoyable to drink. For now, those gorgeous black cherries are restrained behind a firm wall of tannins. Full-bodied and rich, this is ripe, it just requires patience. Drink 2022-2035. Rated 97. - Joe Czerwinski, The Wine Advocate Issue 244, August 2019

$100.00 the bottle  $1,020 the case

2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Chaupin Domaine de la Janasse

Mostly grown on the sandy soils of lieu-dit Chapouin, with some Crau and Janasse components too, the oldest vines were planted way back in 1912. Two-thirds of the wine are aged in foudre, one-third in demi-muid. It's very lush and opulent, showing black fruits with prune, plum and loganberry. It has a good weight of tannin, and the ripe acidity helps to pull it into focus, leading onto a long finish. An authentic expression of quintessential Châteauneuf - loud, proud and high fidelity. Drink 2020-2029. Rated 94. - Matt Walls, decanter.com (tasted October 31, 2018)

$75.00 the bottle  $765.00 the case

2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Le Vieux Donjon

One of the few estates where the 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape actually eclipses the 2016, this is a top-flight effort. Black cherries and red raspberries combine with dried spices in a complex swirl of fruity and savory elements, garnished with sprigs of garrigue. Full-bodied, round and rich, this velvety wine should drink well through at least 2035. Drink 2019-2035. Rated 95. - Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate August 30th, 2019

$67.50 the bottle  $688.56 the case

2016 Douro Dow Vale do Bomfim 2016 Douro Dow Vale do Bomfim

From Douro Valley vineyards of the Symington family in northern Portugal, including the Quinta do Bomfim and Quinta da Senhora da Ribeira, which have traditionally supplied the famed Porto House of Dow. Vale do Bomfim represents a new style of table wine from the Upper Douro Valley, where the region's wealth of grape varieties, mature vineyards and modern winemaking have been successfully combined. Produce of 40% Touriga Franca, 20% Touriga Nacional and the remainder a field blend of typical and local (once called mixed black) varieties, hand-selected and vinified at the Quinta do Sol winery, one of the most modern winemaking facilities in Portugal. Deep purple red in color with aromas suggestive of fleshy wild berries, let’s say mulberry, ripe plum, blonde tobacco and a woodsy, cinnamon stick-like spice; polished texture on entry, medium in body with balancing structure of firm ripe tannins that fan out broadly on the tongue, yielding delicious flavors of berries and spice that linger long and warm on the finish. Absolutely splendid value at its regular price of $11.25 the bottle, on sale now at:

$9.99 the bottle  $114.72 the case

2016 Douro Prats & Symington Quinta de Roriz Prazo de Roriz 2016 Douro Prats & Symington Quinta de Roriz Prazo de Roriz

While the art of creating Port wine was being perfected, Bordeaux—another region with a talent for satisfying the thirst of the English—was inventing vinification using a process of prolonged maceration, allowing for the gradual and gentle extraction of tannins. This gave rise to the balance and finesse of the great red wines of the Médoc. The attempt to apply Bordeaux winemaking methods to grapes which are traditionally destined for the production of vintage Port is the essence of this exciting Prats & Symington project. Prazo de Roriz is produce of a classic mingling of Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Amarela, Tinto Cão and Sousão fruit hand-harvested from the vineyards of Quinta de Roriz and Quinta da Perdiz. Quinta de Roriz is situated in a natural amphitheatre facing north on the banks of the Douro. Its mineral-rich schistous soils give highly aromatic wine of red-fruited, mineral-driven character. Quinta da Perdiz lies on a steep gradient on the other side of the same mountain in the relatively closed-in Rio Torto Valley and produces ripe, soft, velvety wines from this warmer climate. Altogether, Prazo de Roriz is an exceptional Douro Valley red wine: deep ruby red with glints of almost bluish purple in color with alluring saturated aromas redolent of mineral soils-influenced ripe berries and dried cherries, baking spices, grape pomace and graphite; then, at once, fresh, intense and vibrant on the palate, its mineral edge on keen display with fine ripe tannins carrying penetrating flavors that remain fresh, long and mouthwatering to the finish.

$13.75 the bottle  $140.28 the case

2015 Prats & Symington Quinta de Roriz Chryseia Douro

In 1999 the Symington family formed a partnership with the Prats family of Bordeaux to make top-quality Douro wines after the fashion of fine claret. The 2000 vintage of Chryseia was the first of their production and received widespread national and international acclaim. Chryseia was the first Portuguese non-fortified wine in the Wine Spectator’s annual Top 100 Wines and has now appeared three times in this influential list. In 2014, the 2011 vintage of Chryseia was ranked at #3 in the Top 100, the highest ever placing of a Douro wine.

Prats & Symington wines are made at one of the Douro’s greatest estates, the beautiful Quinta de Roriz. This historic vineyard dates from 1565 and has long been famous for the quality of its wines. The 103 acre Roriz vineyard is complemented by the 56 acre Quinta da Perdiz in the neighboring Rio Torto valley. Quinta da Vila Velha owned by James and Rupert Symington, directly adjoins Roriz and some of its best grapes are also used to make Chryseia and the second wine of the property, Post Scriptum. In addition to Chryseia and Post Scriptum, Prats & Symington also make Prazo de Roriz, a red wine produced from younger vines. In exceptional years, very small quantities of a Quinta de Roriz Vintage Port are produced.

Abundant rainfall at the start of the viticultural year contributed to the replenishment of soil water reserves. This was crucial due to the very dry winter, spring and summer that followed. The spring was one of the hottest and driest of the last three decades. Some timely rain showers in May were of enormous benefit and helped sustain the vines during the very hot, dry months of June and July. August days and nights were relatively cool, mitigating the effects of the drought; the cooler nocturnal temperatures proving decisive in preserving the acidity in the berries and paving the way for balanced maturations. The grapes were picked in excellent condition, resulting in a very fine Chryseia 2015.

- with information from https://www.premiumport.com/

A great Douro vintage with grapes sourced from Quintas de Roriz, da Perdiz and da Vila Velha. A rich and velvety red showing warm spices and dried herbs on the nose, florality and freshness on the palate, and a long, beautifully lifted finish. Drink 2019-2035. Rated 95. - Steven Spurrier, decanter.com December 13, 2017

$75.00 the bottle  $382.50 the case of 6

2018 Excelsior Cabernet Sauvignon Robertson

Ruby red in color with lovely aromas suggestive of cassis and violet, fleshy ripe grape and earth; medium-bodied, crisp and compelling, invigorating even with mouthwatering Cabernet berry fruit and balancing fresh acidity, nice polished palate feel and soft chalky tannins; holds it shape on the tongue, at once both fresh and vibrant, toothsome and satisfying. And, by all means, note the price. This is simply superb value in Cabernet Sauvignon!

$7.99 the bottle  $81.48 the case

2015 Col Solare Red Mountain Red Wine 2015 Col Solare Red Mountain Red Wine

A partnership between Chateau Ste. Michelle of Washington state and Marchesi Antinori of Toscana, Italia, Col Solare is Italian for 'shining hill' (actually, it's Red Mountain in Yakima Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington state). Produce now of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from their own estate vineyards on Red Mountain, with a healthy chunk of fruit from Shaw/Quintessence Vineyard, an admixture from Corliss Red Mountain Vineyard and Kiona Heart of the Hill Vineyard, and just a skosh from Klipsun Vineyard. Deep dense midnight ruby in color with ripe pitted fruit aromas suggestive of black cherry and spiced plum, shaved dark chocolate, a parched vineyard floor and good old-fashioned (graphite) pencil shavings; cool on entry, suave and sophisticated on the tongue, rich, warming, with refined polished tannins, and all the while firm in flavors that last long and ring true to the promise of the first whiffs. Regularly $70.00 the bottle, on sale now at:

$62.50 the bottle  $357.00 the case of 6

Lustau East India Solera Sherry

In centuries gone by, casks of sherry were lashed to ships sailing for the Indies as ballast and were found to develop an extraordinary smoothness and complexity. Lustau has revived this style of sherry in the East India Solera wine, an inspired mingling of about 85% aged dry (20 years old) Oloroso with about 15% aged (10 years old) sweet Pedro Ximenez blended then aged an additional 5 years in the warmest part of the bodega, la sacristia. Raisined fruit, candied citrus peel, macerated cherries, caramel and roasted almonds are common descriptors that we might put forward, but somehow there is something left to be described – an ineffable – as if a benevolent form of alchemy were having its way with an already wonderful raw material. Richly textured and flavorful; just sweet; assuages the tongue whilst giving all its wonderful complexity of flavor.

$22.50 the bottle  $229.56 the case

2016 Graham's Vintage Porto 2016 Graham's Vintage Porto

Super-ripe with an expressive plum and dark chocolate aroma. Rich opulence backed by dark chocolate intensity and spicy tannic grip – big and bold on the finish. Voluptuous with fabulous richness, big and bold on the finish. This is one for the long haul but it’s already very impressive. Production of 6,325 cases. Drink: 2030-2055. Rated 98. - Richard Mayson decanter.com December, 2018

$112.50 the bottle  $573.78 the case of six

Graham’s Six Grapes Reserve Porto Graham’s Six Grapes Reserve Porto

In the Graham’s cellars the depiction of bunches of grapes on the cask ends has been used to signify a wine of Vintage Porto quality. Amongst these, six bunches denote the darkest and most full‑bodied of such wines. One of Graham’s original Porto blends, Six Grapes is a true expression of the Graham’s house style with great richness and complexity — Graham's themselves refer to it as 'everyday Porto for the lover of full-on Vintage Porto.' Midnight ruby red in color with very primary aromas of ripe plum, prune, cherry, grape pomace, dried fig, tea leaf, bergamot, anise, cracked pepper, whoo, we could go on; rich, voluptuous even, on the tongue, then shows its warming grip with structure from velvety tannins; invigorating, fortifying, flavorful to the finish.

$19.99 the bottle  $203.88 the case

2004 Warre's Late Bottled Vintage Porto 2004 Warre's Late Bottled Vintage Porto

Warre's Late Bottled Vintage Porto, a.k.a. «LBV» for short, remains among the very best of its type. Unfiltered and bottle-matured (to be sure, it's bottled four years after the vintage, two years later than vintage Porto, and then held in bottle until fit and ready for consumption. So much of what is so wonderful about mature vintage Porto, but, sans the wait and at about one-third or less the price, Warre's '04 LBV is just on the scene, just in time for the autumnal nip. Deep, deep purple in color with aromas of dried stone fruits, say dark cherry and black plum, and just a wisp of grape spirit; on aeration, there's nuance of dark chocolate and baking spices, too; composed and complete on the tongue, medium-full in body with easy, broad chalky tannins; an engaging, fortifying wine, warm, potent and flavorful to the finish.

$22.50 the bottle  $229.56 the case

Graham's Tawny Porto Aged 20 Years Graham's Tawny Porto Aged 20 Years

While vintage Porto is bottled some 18 months following the vintage, Tawny Porto is aged almost entirely in cask, during this process throwing off its dark purple color in favor of a more "tawny" hue, leaving its sediments in cask rather than in the bottle, it’s once grapey, plummy fruit transformed into something far more complex and, frankly, sublime — a veritable cornucopia of aromatic richness: bitter almond, caramel, walnut, citrus peel, raisin, prune, dried berry and cherry and perhaps a hint of brandy by campfire; oh so silken-textured, at once voluptuous and fiery, challenging and satisfying, with deliciously complex flavors that somehow so discreetly reprise those first highly suggestive aromas. Absolutely superb!

$50.00 the bottle

Belle de Brillet Extra Liqueur Poire Williams au Cognac Belle de Brillet Extra Liqueur Poire Williams au Cognac

This is one of France's great classic liqueurs, an original blend of Brillet Cognac and the essence of Poire Williams. Perfectly matured Bartlett pears are carefully selected, then picked at their peak of ripeness, macerated then blended with fine Brillet Cognac. A most flavorful, contemplative and, to be sure, irresistible liqueur  —  absolutely delicious!

$45.00 the 750ml bottle

González Byass Lepanto Brandy de Jerez Solera Gran Reserva Oloroso Viejo

Given a certain resurgence in the business for Sherry, Brandy de Jerez, a venerable and viable category unto itself, would seem poised to move beyond its currently more discreet station in the spirits world to become comparatively more the rage. And the likes of González Byass Lepanto Brandy de Jerez could well help lead such a charge. Produce of a distillation of pure palomino Sherry wine from Jerez de la Frontera in southwest España, Lepanto Brandy de Jerez demonstrates complex and alluring aromas of vanilla, the singed crust of crème caramel, baking spices, dried orange peel and the essence of the grape itself; then, rich, almost voluptuous in texture, polished and round with suavity, sumptuousness, warmth and generosity to spare, finishing dry and pure, if filigree in flavor, stirring a certain contemplation of the finer things in life. Regularly $57.50 the 750ml bottle, on sale now at:

$42.50 the bottle

Ragnaud-Sabourin Grande Champagne 1er Cru de Cognac № 10 V.S.O.P.

The world's best VSOP Cognac? Some of the, er, more venerable of our discerning clientèle will remember this fine brandy as the Marcel Ragnaud VSEP, from back in the days when we operated from inside of 650 square feet a block or so away. Times change. Packages change. Markets move. Heck, bottle shops move. But the quality and allure of this Grande Champagne 1er Cru de Cognac Ragnaud-Sabourin remains. The № 10 VSOP is distilled from wine of Saint-Émilion grapes harvested from the 50 hectares of vines planted in the favored chalky soils of Grande Champagne at the Domaine de La Voute at Ambleville. Aged for about 10 years for remarkable aromatic allure, the № 10 VSOP is an hommage to the spirit of the grape and the soil, with complex and compelling aromas that conjure a sweet and delicate sense of slow maturation in wood, the singed sugar atop crème brulée, baking spices, raisined fruit, toasted hazelnut and at last a freshening zest of tangerine peel; smooth, rounded, elegant and rich on entry, almost voluptuous on the tongue and all the while fresh and invigorating with dazzling intensity and length of flavor. A remarkable Grande Champagne Cognac, indeed. Welcome back!

$75.00 the 750ml bottle

All bottles are 750ml in size and all cases are of 12/750ml bottles unless otherwise indicated. All orders subject to confirmation. All wines/spirits/merchandise subject to prior sale.

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The Austin Wine Merchant
512 West Sixth Street  Austin, Texas 78701-2806  USA
Telephone: (512) 499-0512   Facsimile: (512) 499-0531
https://www.theaustinwinemerchant.com/