2021 North Valley Vineyards Pinot Noir Classic Willamette Valley
Our friend and former co-worker James Cahill moved northwest to Oregon back in the mid to late 1990s, following his dream to produce fine Pinot Noir. He worked for a good while with Mike Etzel at Beaux Frères, then briefly with his friend Adam Campbell at Elk Cove Vineyards before finally landing the work that would come to define his career there alongside Tony Soter at Soter Vineyards. More recently,
James, with Tony's full blessing and every assistance, has taken the helm as founder/winemaker/managing partner at North Valley Vineyards, a continuance of work that he had performed for Soter Vineyards for some time. And their classic Willamette Valley Pinot Noir continues to be among our favorites from Oregon: deep, yet still translucent ruby in color with fleshy ripe fruit aromas suggesting dark cherry, blackberry and Italian blue plum, baking spices and a hint of reglisse (or is it simply the true deep deep blue Oregonian Pinot noir grape expressing itself in the rather classic, picture-perfect harvest of a 2021 vintage); at once ample and silky onto the tongue, juicy, nicely rounded but at the same time demonstrating the snap of taut crisp berryish acidity and freshness of flavor long to the finish.
$32.50 the bottle $331.56 the case
View more of our selection of Oregon wines on the Oregon page of our website.
2021 Ponzi Vineyards Pinot Noir Laurelwood
The 2021 Pinot Noir Laurelwood District has a pale ruby-purple color and slowly unfolding aromas of cranberries, tangerine peel, pipe tobacco and forest floor. The medium-bodied palate is powerful and generous with concentrated fruit, grainy tannins, plenty of refreshing acidity and a long, spicy finish. Drink 2024‑2034. Rated
96. - Erin Brooks,
robertparker.com May, 2023
$42.50 the bottle $433.56 the case
2021 Domaine Drouhin Oregon Pinot Noir Dundee Hills
Domaine Drouhin Oregon was among the first Oregon Pinot Noir wines we worked with following our opening back in 1991. One of our favorite customers, a Mr. John St. Lawrence, brought along some Riedel Vinum Pinot Noir wine glasses and a bottle of the premier vintage of the wine (1988, if memory serves) along with his friendly advice: 'you need to buy this glass and you need to buy this wine!' Um, we did. Both the glass and the wine. And Domaine Drouhin Oregon Pinot Noir has been a fixture among our offerings and a favorite of our discerning clientèle since. Famed wine critic Robert Parker has for years compared it to the red wines of the town of Beaune, the heart and soul of Burgundy and where Maison Joseph Drouhin are based. And Véronique Drouhin herself now oversees production of this wonderfully successful experiment melding Burgundian savoir faire and Oregonian raw material — her Burgundian instincts, her careful hand and delicate touch are apparent in the wine. Lovely limpid, vivid ruby in color with complex if somewhat restrained aromas suggestive of dark ripe cherries, blackberries, baking spices, a hint of toasted baguette and, of course, the Dundee Hills basaltic vineyard floor (with more air there was also suggestion of cranberry and petrichor); supple in texture, ample if gently firm, medium in body, demonstrating more of its structure, its nerve and gentle intensity of flavor at this early stage in its development with taut berry flavors and hints of baking spices stretching out long on the finish. Give this one the benefit of a nice, splashy decanting for best result.
$50.00 the bottle $255.00 the case of 6
2021 Elk Cove Vineyards Pinot Noir Estate Willamette Valley
Produce of 100% estate grown Pinot Noir fruit from all 6 of the Elk Cove vineyard sites: The Winery Estate, Mount Richmond, Five Mountain, Clay Court, Goodrich and Windhill. These sites are planted to both Pommard and Dijon clones of Pinot Noir and comprise all three of the major Willamette Valley soil types: Willakenzie (marine sedimentary), Laurelwood (windblown loess) and Jory (clay/volcanic), all of which is to say that one is getting a pretty good look here at what the Willamette Valley might offer in terms of (oh, let's use the French word) typicité. Alluring translucent ruby in color to just fuchsia at the edges with fresh fermentive Pinot Noir aromas suggesting cherry, blackberry bramble and spice along with grape pomace itself; supple on entry then both rounded and crisp on the palate with vivifying acidity and crunchy taut berry fruit, gentle structure from fine-grained, melting granular tannins and a freshness and energy on the finish that gives lift and appeal and surely beckons another pull. This is a quite simply gorgeous example of Oregon Pinot Noir.
$29.99 the bottle $305.88 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!
$22.50 the bottle $229.56 the case
View more of our selection of Crémant de Bourgogne on the Sparkling Wine page of our website.
Louis Picamelot Crémant de Bourgogne Brut Les Terroirs Rosé
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!
$22.50 the bottle $229.56 the case
Louis Picamelot Crémant de Bourgogne Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Cuvée Jeanne Thomas
Dedicated to Jeanne Thomas Picamelot, Louis' wife, this cuvée is said to combine a feminine elegance and strong personality. We can but smile and nod in complete and utter agreement. 'Happy wife, happy life' comes to mind. This is a vintage‑dated sparkling wine, but we tend not to focus on that. Produce of mostly Chardonnay with a slight admixture of Aligoté, all hand‑harvested from the Côte Chalonnaise, Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits (the best addresses for white grapes from this part of Burgundy). Vivid green/gold in color with generous and persistent tiny bubbles and aromas ever so fresh and inviting, suggesting white flower, citrus zest and fine wine‑friendly limestone‑rich soils; full and round, powerful, yes, and eventually sumptuous on the palate, this wine both refreshes and satisfies. Picamelot themselves recommend it as a perfect
Crémant pour le gastronome (it works especially well at the dinner table, that is). Our wine buyer simply adores this Crémant with the dim sum (everything, really) at
Lin Asian Bar + Dim Sum and
Qi Austin.
$24.99 the bottle $127.44 the case of 6
Crémant de Bordeaux Brut Éxclusive Les Cordeliers
Produce of 100% Cabernet Franc fruit from the Entre-Deux-Mers, a bucolic region to the east of the city of Bordeaux, south of Saint-Émilion and between the rivers Garonne and Dordogne. The wine is produced in the catacomb-like caves beneath the town of Saint-Emilion; lovely platinum to light gold in color with a wealth of fine bubbles, fresh aromas suggestive of just-ripened orchard fruits, strawberry and cherry blossom; fresh and delicate on the palate with a gentle, mouthfilling and refreshing froth. Simply splendid value in sparkling wine, too!
$14.99 the bottle $76.44 the case of 6
2019 Raventós i Blanc Conca del Riu Anoia Blanc de Blancs
Raventós i Blanc are part of a movement in Spain to further quality in the category of sparkling wines. And, as have a number of other fine producers there, they have chosen not to use the DOC 'Cava' for their fine sparkling wines. Their excellent Blanc de Blancs is produce of a typical mix of Xarel·lo, Macabeu and Parellada fruit planted to the clay and limestone soils of the Conca del Riu Anoia in the Penedès in northeastern Spain. Ultra-fresh aromas that suggest stone and orchard fruits and the wonderful work of the yeast genus Saccharomyces that gives a kind of toasty quality on the nose; fresh on the palate, too, with a wealth of fine bubbles, a building power and a kind of stony underpinning melded with a freshness of flavor. While discussion of the source(s) of the best sparkling wine in the world can be spirited and devolve into a mere accounting of so many opinions, it is safe to say that if a wine of this quality were produced in Champagne, it would cost at least twice as much.
$19.99 the bottle $203.88 the case
Champagne Le Mesnil Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru
Produce 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 2⁄3 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 delicious pull.
$40.00 the bottle $408.00 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
$250.00 the 3-litre double magnum
View more of our selection of Champagne on the Champagne page of our website.
Champagne Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé
In the year 1818, Nicolas François Billecart and Elisabeth Salmon were married, following which they decided to found Maison Billecart-Salmon in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, the family’s home town. Subsequently, Nicolas François joined forces with Louis Salmon, his wife’s brother. He oversaw all the commercial activity whilst his brother-in-law, who was passionate about oenology, dedicated himself to the creation of the wines. In the 1970s, Jean Roland-Billecart began to pursue the production of a Brut Rosé, his objective to create a Champagne pale in colour with flavour distinguished by its freshness and subtle notes of red berries. The gamble paid off and their Brut Rosé has since become the flagship cuvée of the house. And Champagne Billecart Salmon Brut Rosé is now long a favorite of our discerning clientèle. Attractive copper pink to silver at the rim in color with cool come hither aromas suggestive of fresh berries and cream, a hint of wintergreen and toasted baguette; an immediate presence on the tongue, ample in body and nicely rounded with a generous froth engaging, almost embracing the palate; chalky dry and intensely fresh and flavorful to the finish, an absolute joy of a sparkling wine.
$100.00 the bottle $1,020.00 the case
Champagne Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé Brut
Laurent-Perrier are one of only a few houses with such a high reputation for their sparkling rosé production. Tasting this for the first time in too, too long, we now understand the pourquoi of it more completely. Produce of 100% Pinot Noir fruit from 10 different crus mainly in the Montagne de Reims, the wine demonstrates a brilliant array of pinks in color like some of those available in the finest 'city of the violet crown' sunsets; alluringly fresh and decidedly red berry fruits on the nose; Henry noted crunchy red fruits on the palate, too, and a blood orange like citrus quality; Ian noted a saline and citrus quality; and there is an overarching sense of equilibrium with this wine that makes it a most affable and quaffable affair, finishing with a flourish of freshness and flavor. Strange as it may seem for us to say, pink Champagne is no sure thing. Champagne Laurent‑Perrier, on the other hand, make it look like une promenade dans le parc. Laissez couler le Champagne rosé!
$87.50 the bottle $446.28 the case of 6
$212.50 the 1.5-litre magnum $541.89 the case 3
Champagne Jean Laurent Brut Blanc de Blancs Réserve
Jean Laurent is a grower‐producer in the tiny village of Celles‐sur‐Ource, south of Epernay in the Côte des Bar. The estate is comprised of 35 acres of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc vines planted to the distinctive kimmeridgian chalky soils. These vineyards average 25 to 30 years in age, with the oldest parcels planted more than 60 years ago. While Jean’s family has grown wine in Celles‐sur‐Ource for many generations, his grandfather Pierre was the first to start making Champagne. Jean’s father Raymond took production to the next level and began commercializing their sparkling wines in earnest in 1952. Now third‐generation owner of the estate, Jean is committed to sustainable agriculture, carefully limiting his vineyard treatments, using solar panels to generate electricity and reclaimed rainwater for winery operations. His delicious Blanc de Blancs is platinum/yellow in color with a fine stream of the tiniest bubbles; alluring aromatic freshness suggestive of orchard fruits, candied lemon peel, pristine fresh hazelnut cream and gently toasted pastry dough; nice nerve and energy on the tongue, chalky stone and grape, then a gentle creaminess and certain breadth of texture (Henry noted it was 'poised, but not too challenging on the palate'), finishing mouthwateringly fresh and flavorful.
$50.00 the bottle $255.00 the case of 6
Champagne Ayala Brut Majeur
Champagne Ayala was established in Aÿ in 1860 in the heart of the vineyards of Champagne. Independent and family‑owned, it is still today an archetype of a great and historic house, producing top quality sparkling wines which are enjoyed throughout the world for their freshness and elegance. Produce of 40% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir and 20% Pinot Meunier, Champagne Ayala's calling card Brut Majeur offers aromas suggesting oven-fresh buttered biscuit with a dash of the best lemon curd, crisp green apple and le miel de fleurs blanches all on a backdrop of wine-moistened chalk; ample on entry, round, tactile, with presence and power in reserve but retaining a certain lightness of being, then crisp and chalky dry with flavors a delicate reprise of its alluring aromatic sweep.
$40.00 the bottle $408.00 the case
Champagne Taittinger Brut La Française
Taittinger utilize some 40% of Chardonnay fruit in crafting their maison Brut La Française, lending a certain refinement to the wine, characteristic of the house style. Subtle, pale gold in color with a fine steady bead of ultra fine bubbles; delicate lemon and limestone aromas, with nuance of stone fruits and pastry dough; a fine froth broadens out balanced and well-rounded, almost spherical on the tongue with delicate toast and citrus flavors; finishing deliciously crisp and dry. Très élégant, trés raffiné, très Taittinger!
$57.50 the bottle $293.28 the case of 6
Champagne Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve
Champagne Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve is produce of about 1⁄3 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
2021 Costières de Nîmes Cuvée Tradition Blanc Mas des Bressades
Founded by Roger Marès in the 1960s, the Mas des Bressades is located in the Costières de Nîmes, in the southern Rhône Valley of France. It extends across 45 hectares to the north of the Camargue, where the vines are planted at an elevation of 70 meters on what the French call galets roulés or rolled pebbles (medium sized stones, really) rolled and rounded by glacial action and the great Rhône River. The name «Bressades» comes from the Provençal patois and, fittingly, means to rock. While the estate has long been cultivated with respect for nature and the soil, in 2017 Cyril Marès requested certification in organic farming. After three years of conversion, it is now official. Produce of an inspired south of France mingling of 50% Roussanne, 30% Grenache Blanc, 10% Marsanne and 10% Viognier, their Costières de Nîmes Blanc is a vivid pale platinum/yellow in color with aromas suggestive of white pepper, fresh salt sea breezes, cool green/gold berries and crisp cool melon blanc d'Antibe (Henry noted a floral tone like chamomile, Glenn noted flesh of white peach); both ample and bright with its mineral edge on keen display, mouthwateringly fresh and vibrant on the tongue and just oh so deliciously refreshing and quaffable.
$13.75 the bottle $140.28 the case
2020 Costières de Nîmes Cuvée Tradition Rouge Mas des Bressades
Rich, dense, almost opaque ruby in color with aromas that suggest sun and sea and berry and stone (Henry noted a peppery/savory quality as well); deep-pitched, pulverized stone and spicy fleshy berry on the tongue, potent, generous, (Henry noted that for all of this, the vibrancy of the wine was still apparent); and while we might tend to compare this to its Rhône Valley neighbor Châteauneuf-du-Pape (less than an hour's drive to the northeast), this remains more upfront, juicy and pliant if still stony/mineral, potent red wine.
$13.75 the bottle $140.28 the case
2020 Mas des Bressades Les Cinq Sens
Produce of 100% Cinsault fruit from the galets roulés‑strewn soils of this southern Rhône Valley vineyard, aged in concrete for one year and produced without the addition of added sulfites. Dense purple/ruby in color with aromas of forward ripe fleshy berry, earth and wet stone; vibrant and alive on the palate, full-throttle, with lift and berryish acidity keeping things fresh and flavorful long to the finish.
$19.99 the bottle $203.88 the case
2020 Côtes du Rhône Villages Cuvée Vieilles Vignes Domaine Roger Perrin
Produce of 75% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 5% Mourvèdre grapes hand‑harvested from vines averaging 60 years in age from vineyards near Châteauneuf‑du‑Pape in the southern Rhône Valley. Each cluster is carefully sorted and the grapes are entirely destemmed then chilled to 12°C to undergo a cold soaking, extracting as much fruit flavour and colour as possible. They are then put into stainless steel vats and undergo pigéage and a slow, temperature‑controlled fermentation for some 15 to 20 days, yielding more robust, round, persistent tannins and body. The wine is then aged in concrete vats for 12 to 15 months before bottling. Lovely translucent cherry skin red with aromas of pulverized stone, wild strawberry, cherry, rosemary, lavender and more; supple on entry, then expansive on the palate to a generous mouth‑filling medium‑full in body with fine dusty jittery ripe tannins keeping everything fresh and flavorful long on the finish.
$17.50 the bottle $178.56 the case
2019 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Domaine Roger Perrin
The 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape has some rustic, old wood notes as well as solid darker cherry and assorted berry fruits, medium to full body, a beautifully seamless, elegant texture, and nicely balanced tannins. It cleans up nicely with time in the glass, and the elegance and balance here are superb. Rated
90. - Jeb Dunnuck,
jebdunnuck.com November, 2021
$40.00 the bottle $408.00 the case
2019 Gigondas Domaine de Piaugier
The 2019 Gigondas is straight-up terrific, offering ripe red and black fruits as well as notes of ground pepper, loamy earth, and new leather. Based off 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre, and the rest Syrah, the Mourvèdre really shines, and this medium to full-bodied Gigondas has ripe tannins, a polished, elegant texture, and a great finish. This cuvée is vinified all in concrete and aged 18 months in foudre, and I see no reason it won’t evolve for 15+ years if stored properly. Drink 2022‑2038. Rated
93. - Jeb Dunnuck,
jebdunnuck.com January, 2022
$32.50 the bottle $331.56 the case
2020 Côtes du Rhône Villages Sablet Domaine de Piaugier
Produce of 75% Grenache and 25% Syrah fruit from vines an average age of 25 years and planted to sand, clay and silt soils. The Grenache is fermented in cement tank, the Syrah in 3- to 4-year old barrels. Importer Charles Neal notes aromas of black fruits and pepper, we noted ripe berry with suggestion of reglisse and just the faintest hint of garrigue; slippery smooth on entry, then building in volume and presence to a more robust and generous, stone-tinged berry, full-throttle flavorful and satisfying red wine with fine-grained jittery Grenache tannins carrying flavor long. Henry underscored the excellent push/pull tension between juicy ripe fruit and those ultra-fine tannins, noting this is a whole heckuva lot of wine for just the scrawniest amount of scratch.
$17.50 the bottle $178.56 the case
2020 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge Domaine du Vieux Lazaret
The Domaine du Vieux Lazaret, dating from 1748, is one of the more venerable of properties in this the most venerable of all the wine appellations of France. The domaine covers around 100 hectares (that's about 250 acres) spread over the 3 typical terroirs where all 13 grape varieties allowed in the appellation are cultivated on varying soils of
galets roulés, stony terraces with sand and gravel sub‑soils and clay soils formed from the limestone mother rock. At the beginning of the 19th century, the Quiot family purchased
Le Vieux Lazaret, an hospice run by
Lazarists who played a very important role at the time of the 1720 plague. The « Domaine du Vieux Lazaret » has been built up over three centuries by marriage, purchase and distribution, and has been known by this name since 1915. One-hundred-plus years later, their superb 2020 Châteauneuf‑du‑Pape rouge is alluringly deep crimson/ruby in color with aromas suggestive of earth and iron, a mélange of berries red and black and blue along with subtle hints of the garrigue and baking spices; full, generous and warming on the palate with structure of finely resolved stony tannins extending spicy berry flavor long and fresh on the finish.
$40.00 the bottle $408.00 the case
View more of our selection of Rhône Valley wines on the Rhône Valley page of our website.
2019 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Domaine du Vieux Lazaret
Produce of predominantly Clairette and Grenache blanc together with Bourboulenc and Roussanne from vines planted to a combination of soil types including clay/limestone and sand; shimmering platinum to bright yellow/gold in color with aromas suggestive of fresh hops, reglisse, mirabelle plum and cool sliced tropical fruits (La Famille Quiot themselves note aromas of white flowers, peach and lemon); fresh and vibrant on the palate, just ample in body with a gently rich and wholly tactile presence on the tongue, all the while maintaining a freshness and poise on the palate with dusty/stony/nervy intensity and length of fresh flavor on the finish.
$40.00 the bottle $408.00 the case
2020 Chateauneuf-du-Pape Le Vieux Donjon
The 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape is another winner from this team, and readers can’t go wrong here. Based on 75% Grenache, 10% each of Syrah and Mourvedre, with the balance Cinsault, it was partially destemmed and brought up all in foudre. This beauty just about jumps out of the glass with its Provençal aromatics of ripe cherries, ground pepper, saddle leather, garrigue, and spice. These carry to a medium to full-bodied wine that has the vintage’s charming, pure character front and center, yet still brings good mid-palate density and ripe tannins. Buy a case, count yourself lucky, and enjoy bottles any time over the coming 10-15 years. Drink 2022‑2037. Rated
95. - Jeb Dunnuck,
jebdunnuck.com November, 2022
$67.50 the bottle $688.56 the case
2019 Châteauneuf-du-Pape les Hauts-lieux Domaine de la Vieille Julienne
The 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Les Hauts-Lieux includes slightly more Mourvèdre and comes from a cooler parcel in the northern part of the appellation. It has another level of purity and precision compared to the Trois Sources and has extraordinary notes of blueberries, cassis, black licorice, violets, and crushed stone-like minerality. Incredibly concentrated, massive, and yet perfectly balanced, it has no hard edges and is just an incredible tasting experience. Hide bottles for 4-5 years and enjoy over the following 20-25 years. Drink 2025‑2051. Rated
98+. - Jeb Dunnuck,
jebdunnuck.com November, 2021
$100.00 the bottle $1,020.00 the case
2020 Côtes-du-Rhône Coudoulet de Beaucastel
A year-in, year-out winner, the 2020 Côtes Du Rhône Coudoulet De Beaucastel offers outstanding quality as well as classic notes of darker fruits, roasted herbs, truffly earth, and some meaty, peppery, gamey nuances. With wonderful purity of fruit, ripe tannins, and a balanced, elegant mouthfeel, it will have over a decade of longevity. Rated
(90‑92). - Jeb Dunnuck,
jebdunnuck.com November, 2021
$29.99 the bottle $305.88 the case
2020 Vin de Pays de Vaucluse Rouge Le Pigeoulet
Produced at Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe in Châteauneuf‑du‑Pape, this is, as they say, a 'gateway' to the more 'elevated' wines of the southern Rhône Valley. Only, in this case, the Ventoux appellation is actually higher still in elevation, and more elevation in this part of the winegrowing world tends to give more freshness and more of an easygoingness and, you'll notice, a little lighter touch in terms of price. Produce of about 55% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 15% Carignan, 8% Cinsault and 7% Mourvèdre all hand-harvested from two vineyard sites, 3 hectares of Côtes‑du‑Rhône on the left bank of the Rhône river 15 km north of Avignon, and 7 hectares in the commune of Caromb, at the foot of Mont Ventoux in the appellation of Ventoux itself. The wine is fermented in temperature‑controlled cement tanks, then aged in a combination of the same and foudres (read, large neutral oak barrels). Lovely ruby in color with aromas suggestive of fleshy berries (fraises des bois, myrtille, framboise), spice, black pepper, with subtler hints of garrigue and crushed limestone; medium in body, both fresh and firm with a Châteauneuf‑du‑Pape‑like generosity and energy on the tongue and with fine‑grained pulverized stone‑like tannins giving structure, then mouthwatering and fresh long on the finish. Put this one in a nice bowl‑shaped Burgundy glass and pretend to yourself that you paid a lot more for it. And it'll get better still with air.
$19.99 the bottle $203.88 the case
2020 Côtes-du-Rhône La Muse Papilles Domaine Montirius
Produce of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah fruit organically/biodynamically farmed and hand-harvested from vines an average of 25 years old and planted to the garrigues and Helvetian sand and sandstone soils in the Mediterranean climes of the southern Rhône Valley near Vacqueyras. Winemaking is traditional, the fruit is completely destemmed, there is a light crushing of the berries and fermentation on natural indigenous grape yeasts, the wine is aged in cement for one winter, then bottled. Vibrant and glowing translucent ruby to fuchsia at the edges in color with exotic almost perfumed aromas suggestive of wild strawberry conserve and grape pomace (it is, of course, biodynamically farmed grapes) with maybe just a hint of reduction (almost like roasted coffee beans; Henry noted the scent of garrigue after a bit of time in the glass); silken smooth onto the palate, then fresh and crisp, almost crunchy in texture (crunchy red berries), with pulverized stone-like, chalky dry jittery tannins building, carrying at once delicate and vibrant flavors long and fresh on the finish. An amusement for the tastebuds, indeed.
$17.50 the bottle $178.56 the case
2021 Côtes-du-Rhône Roussanne Château du Trignon
There is a certain restraint on the nose here that finally gives way to something more discernably varietal, then more mineral and nutty (Andrea noted white grapes and hot rocks); there is a certain aloof highwire equilibrium on the palate, a minerality (Henry noted fleur de sel, a certain stoniness and subtle but intense palate feel); then everything echoing, resonating, reverberating long and fine on the finish.
$13.75 the bottle $140.28 the case
2021 Côtes-du-Rhône Viognier Château du Trignon
From the frankly refreshing, cooler 2021 vintage and produce of 100% Viognier from vineyards of medium-sized rolled pebbles (gravel and clay) in Plan de Dieu and fully gravel soils near the town of Violès; aromas suggestive of pithy sea salted melon blanc d'Antibe, apricot, pulverized stone, paraffin and white flowers; slippery smooth on the tongue, tactile, poised, nicely balanced, then salty, tangy, mineral, tantalizing and long on flavor.
$13.75 the bottle $140.28 the case
2020 Crozes-Hermitage Domaine de Thalabert Paul Jaboulet Aîné
The 2020 Crozes Hermitage Domaine De Thalabert is terrific as well. Coming from old vines in the Chassis region, it has a darker ruby/purple hue as well as classic Thalabert black and blue fruits, black olive, smoke, and ground pepper. Medium to full-bodied, it offers fine tannins, nicely integrated acidity, and a great finish. It will evolve for over two decades. Drink 2022‑2042. Rated
93. - Jeb Dunnuck,
jebdunnuck.com December, 2022
$32.50 the bottle $331.56 the case
2020 Corbières Domaine Faillenc Sainte-Marie
Domaine Faillenc Sainte‑Marie is a small property, with eight hectares of vineyards stubbornly clinging to the rocky foothills of Mont Alaric near Douzens, Corbières, Languedoc, France. The terroir is that of inhospitable, rocky limestone terraces, buffeted by the northwesterly Tramontane wind or the southerly Autan breezes coming off the nearby Mediterranean. Only olive trees, scraggly brush and, yes, grapevines survive under the harsh, dry conditions. Yields are naturally low. The harvest is only partially destemmed before going into the fermentation tanks. The different cépages are fermented together and benefit from a long maceration period to extract the maximum of flavor. The resulting wine is, well, not necessarily for those who prefer them more straight of lace. Importer Neil Rosenthal says "this is a wine with enormous character" and that, in our estimation, is putting it way mildly. Produce of about 1⁄3 each Grenache, Syrah and Carignane fruit: deep, almost opaque ruby at the core in color with inviting if primary and feral aromas that would recall ripening grapes hovering above a limestone rich vineyard floor, just cracked black pepper and not so subtle suggestion of wild berries black and blue, bramble and a certain fleshy fruit quality; quite rich on entry and then noticeably building in power and intensity of flavor — warming, satisfying, stony intensity of flavor; one might reasonably wish for a long winter with a glass or few or a case or two of this in front; even Lucinda was impressed: 'if someone wants a bold red wine … ' yeah, this is it. Serve it up with a whole spread of foods like charcouterie, olives, strong cheeses alongside fall and winter greens in extra virgin olive oil with garlic, cassoulets, heady fall/winter stews, and more.
$17.50 the bottle $178.56 the case
View more of our selection of Languedoc‑Roussillon wines on the Languedoc‑Roussillon page of our website.
2021 Côtes de Provence Blanc Domaine Houchart
Produce of Clairette, Rolle (a.k.a. Vermentino) and Sémillon fruit; pale platinum/yellow in color with aromas suggesting citrus, cool ripe melon, peach and pear along with a touch of figue verte from the Sémillon; quite fresh and crisp on the tongue with a substantial mineral underpinning that gives the wine a certain power and push/pull and gently pithy intensity of melon-like fruit on the finish.
$13.75 the bottle $140.28 the case
2018 Côtes de Provence Rouge Domaine Houchart
Domaine Houchart Côtes de Provence Rouge is a workhorse of a Provençal red wine. Produce of an inspired Provençal mingling of Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Grenache noir and Syrah fruit from vines planted to these coarse textured clay/limestone soils, a result of decomposition of the bedrock of the surrounding mountains, including the literally and figuratively imposing Mont Sainte-Victoire. Lovely, limpid ruby in color with alluring aromas of fleshy red berries and stony earth along with suggestion of baking spices and reglisse; slippery smooth onto the tongue with a building warmth and intensity of flavor, gentle tannins and long, fresh finish.
$13.75 the bottle $140.28 the case
2016 Barolo La Villa Fratelli Seghesio
The 2016 Barolo La Villa is a beguiling wine that needs a bit of time in bottle to fully open up. Then again, it is a young Barolo, so that is very much to be expected. Dried herbs, mint, licorice, dark cherry, underbrush and a whole range of spiced/balsamic notes fill out the layers. Next to the straight Barolo, La Villa has more body, depth and texture. It is another fine effort from Seghesio. Drink 2024‑2036. Rated
94. - Antonio Galloni,
vinous.com October, 2020
$67.50 the bottle $688.56 the case
2021 Malvasia Pètris Collio Venica
Shimmering, pristine yellow/gold in color with immediate and alluring aromas of yellow fruits like prugna mirabella (both Chris and Henry both sensed tropical fruit like guava; Venica themselves note apricot and aromatic herbs such as sage and thyme) and, for us, an almost palpable minerality; fully engaging on the palate, at once both tender, firmly mineral and gently saline, stirring the salivary glands and staying fresh with remarkable intensity of flavor long on the finish.
$27.50 the bottle $140.28 the case of 6
2016 Montefalco Sagrantino Scacciadiavoli
Founded in 1884, Scacciadiavoli (from scacciare, to banish, and diavoli, devils) takes its name from an exorcist that lived in a town at the borders of the property who used wine for his rituals. Scacciadiavoli is today managed by the 3rd and 4th generations of the Pambuffetti family, who specialize in the profound and somewhat under the radar DOC of Montefalco Sagrantino. Sagrantino is a grape variety thought by many to be indigenous to Umbria and Montefalco. Produce of 100% Sagrantino fruit, the superb 2016 Montefalco of Scacciadiavoli offers sweet sanguine Sagrantino aromas suggestive of blue fruits, teaberry, brilliant winegrowing soils (Glenn picked up red fruits, sotto bosco and bramble with air); structured, fully dry and fully engaging with broad resinous tannins with firm but gentle grip causing some serious salivation; vino profondo davvero.
$37.50 the bottle $191.28 the case
Olio Extra Vergine di Oliva Veneto Valpolicella Bonamini
Multi-awarded in major Italian and international oil competitions, this bottling represents the flagship of the Frantoio Bonamini. Production from the fruit of some 6,500 trees planted on terraces and hillsides just north of Verona where the cooler climate and native varieties Grignan and Favarol yield a sublime olive oil with delicate green fruit and vegetable flavors that allow for this oil to be slathered on just about anything, but it excels on seafood risotto, pesce crudo, vegetable pasta, roasted chicken, salads and even lemon gelato.
$24.99 the 500ml bottle
2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna Paganelli Tenuta il Poggione
A beguiling mix of camphor and minty herbs, along with crushed stone, blows off slowly to reveal dark depths of black raspberry, licorice, autumnal spice and worn leather as the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna Paganelli unfolds in the glass. Its textures are unexpectedly soft and velvety-smooth, coupled with depths of intense red fruits that make an appearance just before a mix of brisk acids and tannins creates a more tactile and youthfully clenching expression toward the finale. This leaves the palate aching under the 2016’s structural heft, yet with plenty of primary concentration to balance, as wild savory herbs and earthy mineral tones linger for up to a minute. The potential here is off the charts, but readers will need to be very patient. The Riserva Vigna Paganelli is a cru selection of old vines that refines for 48 months in large French oak barrels of 33‑52 hectoliters. Drink 2028‑2042. Rated
98. - Eric Guido,
vinous.com November, 2021
$125.00 the bottle $637.50 the case of 6
View more of our selection of Tuscan wines on the Italia page of our website.
2017 Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Il Poggione
Long a favorite among our very favorite of Brunello di Montalcino wines and from the very warm 2017 vintage, deep pitched dried cherry/roasted dark berry fruit, saddle leather, parched vineyard floor, macchea mediterranea; full, velvety/rich on entry, lots of volume/density without heaviness, powerful and very present on the palate, with finely resolved almost velvety tannins, then warm and flavorful long on the finish. Henry called it 'Brunello ready to go'.
$87.50 the bottle $446.28 the case of 6
2020 Rosso di Montalcino Tenuta Il Poggione
Produced entirely from hand-harvested Sangiovese grapes, sourced from the estate's younger vineyards, Rosso di Montalcino is aged in a combination of botti grandi and barriques of 350-litre capacity before a period of bottle aging. Translucent ruby garnet in color with aromas suggestive of sanguine roasted red berry fruit, singed earth, saddle leather, macchea mediterranea and more; just plump on entry with shape and volume, then demonstrating a gentle structure of rounded tannins and nerve and a push of fruity intensity leaving the mouth fresh and pleasingly challenged.
$27.50 the bottle $280.56 the case
2016 Brunello di Montalcino Canalicchio di Sopra
The 2016 Canalicchio di Sopra Brunello di Montalcino is flat-out stunning, remarkably vibrant and an almost-ethereal expression. There’s an exotic citrusy tinge to its ripe black cherries, taking on hints of sage, cedar and allspice, all grounded by moist earth tones. It’s focused and remarkably pure with a noticeable inner sweetness to the red and hints of blackberry fruit, all cast across a silky, feminine frame. The structure builds like a crescendo, as minerals fade to youthful tannins. Juicy acids maintain perfect balance from start to finish, making for a surprisingly fresh expression yet with amazing length. There’s simply so much going on here, and there are promises of more good things to come. Drink 2024‑2038. Rated
95. - Eric Guido,
vinous.com November, 2020
$125.00 the bottle $1,275.00 the case
2019 Toscana Tignanello Marchesi Antinori
The 2019 Tignanello is one of the most reserved, understated young wines I can remember tasting here. In so many vintages Tignanello is quite showy, but in 2019 the nervous energy and brightness of Sangiovese takes center stage. That’s intriguing, because the 2019 blend has a bit more Cabernet Sauvignon than normal, a decision made to compensate for some of the lighter qualities in the Sangiovese. With air the 2019 shows gorgeous depth and captivating inner perfume, even if it is clearly still coming together. The 2019 spent about 14 months in oak, with 50% new wood. Things are always in constant evolution at Antinori. This is the first vintage to incorporate some larger 500L barrels, an approach I think will work brilliantly. Drink 2027‑2041. Rated
95. - Antonio Galloni,
vinous.com February, 2022
$150.00 the bottle $765.00 the case
2015 Toscana Montebello Badia a Coltibuono
Produce of nine historical grape varieties, namely, Mammolo, Ciliegiolo, Pugnitello, Colorino, Sanforte, Malvasia Nera, Canaiolo, Fogliatonda and, of course, Sangiovese from vines now 20 to 30 years in age and planted to the clay/limestone soils of Monti in Chianti with brilliant exposures on the hill of Montebello. The fruit is hand-picked and sorted at the winery set in the heart of the vineyards. Each variety is then vinified and aged separately in 500-litre open-top barrels utilizing indigenous yeasts and natural fermentations. Medium ruby to garnet at the edges in color, with utterly enticing aromas that just sing Toscana, sanguine Sangiovese, the perfectly singed crust of bistecca alla fiorentina, the patina of the annata solare of 2015, tanned leather, sun‑roasted herb (Henry noted sage and bay leaf), or is it just the macchia mediterranea itself (all these bits left to the imagination are just tantalizing); lithe on entry, its structure immediately apparent, with finely resolved granular tannins that give the wine push and pull and tension that, for us, defines the very finest of such red wines; calmly, comfortably building in presence and in flavor on the palate and all the while holding something more in reserve, oh had we the time or the remaining volume of wine to give this a proper decanting and …
$62.50 the bottle $159.39 the case of 3
2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Grosso Sanese Podere Il Palazzino
Il Palazzino's Chianti Classico Grosso Sanese is often one of the great wines of Chianti Classico, as it is once again in 2016. Dark, somber and explosive, the 2016 possesses off the charts intensity to match its brooding personality. Black cherry, scorched earth, tobacco, licorice and incense hit the palate. Deep and layered in the glass, the 2016 is superimpressive. What a wine! Il Palazzino is, inexplicably, one of the most under the radar estates in all of Chianti Classico. Alessandro and Andrea Sderci craft, rich, large‑scaled Chianti Classicos that capture all of the natural intensity of Monti in Chianti, where the estate is located. Readers who have not tasted these wines owe it to themselves to do so. Drink 2022‑2031. Rated
96. - Antonio Galloni,
vinous.com June, 2022
$50.00 the bottle $510.00 the case
2020 Etna Rosso Tenuta delle Terre Nere
Etna Rosso is, for us, a most wonderful if somewhat recent discovery of some, um, magmatude. And Tenuta delle Terre Nere have emerged a favorite producer of the wine among our discerning clientèle. This Etna Rosso, their opening salvo among a number of delicious bottlings, is produced from a preponderance of Nerello Mascalese along with a dash of Nerello Cappuccio fruit from the young vines of the estate cropped at low yields of around 35 hectolitres per hectare and growing on the hillsides of the famous volcano on the eastern edge of the island of Sicily. Absolutely gorgeous translucent deep ruby in color with a certain vinosità what with almost almost fermentive aromas of crushed ripe berries, rose petals and stone; deceptively supple on entry then building in body with a steady crescendo of substantial ripe tannins, power and volcanic warmth on the tongue. While there has been a good deal of comparison of Etna Rosso to Burgundian Pinot Noir, the aromatic profile is really quite different and the silken-textured opening quickly gives way, builds into somewhat more of a southern powerhouse on the tongue, with fine-grained tannins seemingly carrying bursting flavors right on up that hill, potent and long to the finish. Maybe a comparison to a mythical marriage of Chambolle‑Musigny and Châteauneuf‑du‑Pape would be more apt but, then again, no. Etna Rosso is sui generis. One might say it enters on silken slippers, all carefree, island‑hopping light on its feet, but goes out with a firm and forceful resolve, as one might reasonably expect of a wine whose vines' dance partner is the stuff of an active volcano.
$19.99 the bottle $203.88 the case
View more of our selection of Etna wines on the Italia page of our website.
2020 Cannonau di Sardegna Costera Argiolas
Produce of about 85% Cannonau, 10% Carignano and 5% Bovale Sardo planted to pebbly, calcareous clay-loam soils with southeastern exposures on the island of Sardegna. Cannonau is also known as Garnacha in Spain, as Grenache in France and elsewhere. It is unclear from where it originated but, suffice to say, it is very much at home in Sardegna. Pale translucent ruby to just tawnier at the edges with alluring aromas of red berries and spice, a gentle scent of
macchia mediterranea and a certain overarching
vinosità; supple on entry, almost silky in texture, medium-full in body with a warming grip of jittery fine granular tannins carrying a gentle intensity of spicy berryish flavors long on the finish.
$14.99 the bottle $152.88 the case
2018 Bolgheri Superiore Ornellaia La Grazia
The 2018 Ornellaia is an introvert at this stage. Medium in body, with terrific persistence and impeccable balance, the 2018 is not in any mood to show all its cards today. Hints of red berry fruit, mocha, spice, licorice and dried flowers emerge with a bit of coaxing. I won’t be surprised to see it put on weight with more time in bottle. There is certainly plenty to look forward to. Readers should expect a silky, aromatic Ornellaia in line with vintages such as 2004 that are more about finesse than raw power. This is the first time in which Merlot drives the blend in Ornellaia. Drink 2025‑2040. Rated
97. - Antonio Galloni,
vinous.com January, 2021
$237.50 the bottle $1,211.28 the case of 6
2021 Valpolicella Brigaldara
Produce of 55% Corvina, 25% Corvinone and 20% Rondinella fruit hand-harvested from 45 hectares of vines planted from 1970 to 1980 at 150 to 200 mètres in elevation at Marcellise near Verona. The vines are trained in both the Guyot and the
Pergola Veronese methods. Limpid ruby red in color with subtle yet alluringly complex aromas suggesting rose petals, black and red berries, dried cherries and an inkling of orange peel, spice and earth; supple on entry, then expanding to almost velvety in texture, demonstrating a certain spine and presence without weight and the gentlest tannins carrying delicate but persistent flavors long on the finish. In a word,
vinosità.
$14.99 the bottle $152.88 the case
2019 Valpolicella Superiore Case Vecie Brigaldara
The 2019 Valpolicella Superiore Case Vecie is a deep red color with a purple hue. It wafts up spicy with an attractive sour citrus tangerine note that gives way to bright cherries and dusty rose. It’s silky-smooth and decidedly savory, with saline-minerals up front giving way to tart red berries and hints of sour citrus. This is incredibly perfumed and long, yet it also maintains amazing freshness. The Case Vecie is a beautiful wine, reminding me of cru Beaujolais. Drink 2022‑2029. Rated
92. - Eric Guido,
vinous.com January, 2022
$27.50 the bottle $280.56 the case
2019 Valpolicella Classico Superiore Sanperetto Roberto Mazzi e Figli
Produce of 65% Corvina, 5% Corvinone, 20% Rondinella and 10% Molinara fruit from the Calcarole, Poiega, Sanperetto and Villa vineyards near Negrar. The soils here are calcareous clay and loam, the exposures are to the southwest. Pale ruby/garnet to just tawny at the edges with delicate aromas suggesting floral (rose petal) tinged dark berries with a hint of cracked pepper, aromas that speak of carefully hand-made wine of place; supple and fine, silken in texture, tactile to be sure on entry with mouthwatering berryish acidity keeping things fresh and vibrant long to the finish. Lovely, if undeniably elevated entry level Valpolicella.
$22.50 the bottle $229.56 the case
2017 Valpolicella Classico Superiore Poiega Roberto Mazzi e Figli
Produce of 65% Corvina, 5% Corvinone, 25% Rondinella and 5% Molinara fruit harvested late in the season (mid‑November) from 2½ hectares of vines in the Poiega vineyard near Negrar. Alluring medium translucent ruby in color to just lighter tawnier at the edges with rich blue‑fruited berry and rose petal aromas; ample and, if the Sanperetto is silken in texture, the Poiega goes somewhere between silk and satin and velvet, ultra tactile wine, this, with gentle but palpable intensity and persistence of flavor carried long on the finish by jittery fine‑grained tannins.
$29.99 the bottle $305.88 the case
2021 Colterenzio Chardonnay Altkirch Alto Adige
Produce of 100% Chardonnay from deep sandy soils on gravelly deposits in the otherworldly gorgeous Südtirol-Alto Adige of northeastern Italia. Temperature‑controlled (read cool) fermentation in stainless steel tanks (read unoaked), the new wine subsequently matures for several months on the fine lees. The result is a brilliant, shimmering lemon yellow/gold with glints of green in color; ultra‑fresh aromas suggestive of vines in flower, flesh and skin of fresh green apple, melon and mango; supple and nicely rounded on the tongue with just a hint of citrus and saline mineral tang; both satisfying and refreshing, and all for a price so gulpably easy on the pocketbook.
$17.50 the bottle $178.56 the case
2021 Soave Brigaldara
We've recommended Brigaldara for years for the quality and value of various of their red wines from Valpolicella. Their splendid white wine from Soave is a more recent discovery. Produce of 100% Garganega fruit hand‑harvested from vines in Marcellise east of Verona and trained in the Pergola veronese fashion, the fruit undergoes temperature-controlled fermentation including selective cryoextraction (a partial freezing of the grapes) that protects from oxidation and furthers the eventual wine's aromatic potential; brilliant light yellow/platinum in color with hyper-fresh aromas that conjure a cool morning harvest of just ripened green grapes with further suggestion of straw, chamomile, peach and citrus; supple and just rounded in texture with all the nerve of fresh acidity keeping everything lively and tantalizing on the tongue. Remarkable value, too!
$14.99 the bottle $152.88 the case
2020 Orvieto Classico Superiore San Giovanni Castello della Sala Marchesi Antinori
Produce of Grechetto, Procanico, Pinot Blanc and Viognier from the vineyards of the Marchesi Antinori estate of Castello della Sala in Orvieto, Umbria in central Italy, about an hour's drive southeast from Montalcino, Toscana. Pale straw yellow in color with glints of green in color; aromas suggesting floral, citrus and pesca della vigna, at last it is, of course, mineral and grape; spherical in shape, this is a wine that demonstrates a high pedigree what with its brilliant balance, ripe fruit and restraint, holding shape long on the tongue, this is a tactile wine, both supple and persistent, poised, delicious and fresh, almost irresistible — no, it surely is irresistible. Sì, sì, sì!
$22.50 the bottle $114.78 the case of 6
2020 Orvieto Classico Superiore 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 irresistible fruit aromas and flavors with an oh-so stony backdrop and nerve; produce of 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.
$14.99 the bottle $152.88 the case
2021 Terre Siciliane Bianco Pomice Tenuta di Castellaro
Produce of 60% Malvasia delle Lipari and 40% Carricante fruit handpicked from bush vines planted to the sandy, volcanic soils of the island of Lipari just north of Etna. Shimmering platinum/yellow in color with aromas suggesting sweet salt sea air, stone fruits and orange/lemon zest (Castellaro themselves suggest almond and the Mediterranean maquis as well); ultra‑fresh, almost weightless, poised and delicious on the tongue with lovely contrast of delicacy and salty tangy minerality; makes this taster wish he lived on such an island near the coast and a restaurant specializing in shellfish.
$29.99 the bottle $152.94 the case of 6
2021 Douro Branco Vale do Bomfim Dow
A new white wine bottling by the Symington Family and the House of Dow from the Douro River valley of Portugal, a blend of soon sure to be household names in white wine grape varieties: 45% Malvasia Fina, 25% Rabigato, 20% Viosinho and 10% Arinto grown in higher elevation sites that give freshness and acidity to the eventual wines. It may be that the Malvasia Fina dominates the initial aromatic impression giving suggestion of mildly exotic citrus the likes of kumquat or bergamot orange along with quince and uma mistura de flores (Symington themselves suggest apricot, peach and pineapple with some subtle honeysuckle fragrance in the background); ample and rounded on the tongue, a tactile white wine, to be sure, but with an engaging freshness and zing and not insignificant mouthwateringly saline quality that quite simply titilates the tastebuds. Our winebuyer has noted that the Douro Valley can seemingly successfully grow most anything it chooses. It is, just the same, thrilling that one of our favorite sources for fine dry red table wines (and, of course, Porto) can also produce such delicious, fresh and so clearly useful a dry white wine. Olé !
$11.99 the bottle $122.28 the case
2020 Douro Tinto Vale do Bomfim Dow
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 Nacional, 30% Tinta Roriz, 20% Touriga Franca and 10% Tinta Barroca, hand‑selected and vinified at the Quinta do Sol, among the most modern winemaking facilities in Portugal; deep dark ruby in color with plump ripe red and dark berry aromas (one can almost sense the ripening clusters of grapes hanging in the vineyard just prior to harvest) along with suggestion of the lifted floral/resinous scent of the rock rose (known as
Esteva in the Douro) and underpinned by the schistous vineyard floor itself; supple on entry, just this side of velvety in texture, medium to just medium‑full in body with a certain vibrancy and balancing edge of fruity acidity with just the gentlest tannins lending structure; then, long on flavor, fresh and mouthwatering to the finish. Among our best-selling popularly-priced red wines for years now and getting even better as the vintages roll by.
$11.99 the bottle $122.28 the case
2018 Douro Prazo de Roriz Quinta de Roriz Prats & Symington
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 35% Touriga Franca, 20% Touriga Nacional, 15% Tinta Roriz, 10% Tinta Barroca and the remaining 20% 'mixed black' varieties 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 almost opaque purple/ruby in color with alluring saturated aromas redolent of mineral soils‑influenced ripe berries and dried cherries, cacao, baking spices, grape pomace and graphite; then, at once, cool and classy, fresh, intense and vibrant on the palate, its mineral edge on keen display with fine ripe stony, but pliant tannins carrying penetrating flavors that remain fresh, long and mouthwatering to the finish.
$14.99 the bottle $152.88 the case
2018 Alentejo Portalegre Quinta da Fonte Souto
A nice, seductive wine, with a velvety-textured core of warmed cherry and plum puree, backed by singed vanilla and a subtle sanguine thread on the finish. Delivers a late flicker of violet. Syrah, Alicante Bouschet and Alfrocheiro. Drink now through 2024. 2,469 cases made, 250 cases imported. Rated 90. - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, December, 2021
$22.50 the bottle $114.78 the case of 6
2019 Alentejo Alfrocheiro Sierra de São Mamede Quinta da Fonte Souto
Of uncertain origin, the grape Alfrocheiro appeared in the early part of the last century in Portugal and is valued for its adaptability and for producing structured, deep‑colored wines. This Alfrocheiro of Quinta da Fonte Souto embodies all of the strengths of the property’s unique terroir: the freshness and balance afforded by elevation and the complexity and structure provided by mature, low‑yielding vines. Produce of 100% Alfrocheiro fruit sourced from two of its highest vineyards (at just over 500 metros, that's 1,640 feet in elevation) and not at all far beyond which lies the border with España, about 80% of the blend was aged 11 months in 2nd‑year 400‑litre French oak barrels. Deep, midnight ruby/purple in color with unique aromatic qualities that at once suggest the vinosity/complexity of the old world but the richness of new world fruit what with aspects of stony schistous soils and vibrant fresh fermentive scents of dark berries and spice (Symingtom themselves also note the influence of the nearby forest); plush and rich on entry, almost completely enveloping the palate, holding its shape well with gentle but present "peppery" tannins and berryish acidity and a warmth, a generosity, a persistence and freshness of flavor long on the finish. More rock solid evidence of the Alentejo advancing, amplifying, augmenting … The Alentejo is on the rise!
$35.00 the bottle $178.50 the case of 6
2019 Douro Tinto Duas Quintas Ramos-Pinto
Produce of 51% Touriga Nacional, 26% Touriga Franca and 23% other traditional Douro varieties harvested from the Quinta de Ervamoira and Quinta dos Bons Ares vineyards. The grapes are harvested by hand into 150 kg boxes, then fermented in a combination of granite lagares, large oak, concrete and stainless steel vats. After malolactic fermentation, 20% of the wine is aged in French oak barrels, 30% in large oak and the remainder in stainless steel for about 12 months. Saturated ruby/purple in color with suggestion of fleshy ripe wild berry and plum along with notions of baking spices and dusty summer sun-baked schistous soils; ample, just rich in texture on the palate, demonstrating a certain Iberian balance with nicely resolved tannins holding everything in shape good and long on the flavorful, slow-melting and mouthwatering finish. And, simply splendid value at its oh so modest price.
$13.75 the bottle $140.28 the case
2011 Douro Barca Velha Casa Ferreirinha
Terrific structure, depth of colour and flavour articulate an outstanding year. Great warp and weft of ripe fruit (blackberry, strawberry, plum, dried fig and jam) and signature savoury roast chestnut, smoky clove and leather notes, with hints of bergamot and white flowers. Unerring acidity and impeccably judged iron-filing tannins underpin and fan the flavours. Exceptionally long, retro-nasal finish. Prodigious. Drink 2021‑2045. Rated
98. - Sarah Ahmed,
decanter.com March, 2021
$625.00 the bottle $1,593.75 the case of 3
2018 Rioja Reserva Viña Alberdi La Rioja Alta
Produce of 100% Tempranillo hand-harvested from the Mayorita, Rebollar and Bardal vineyards, as well as selected plots in El Palo, Rodezno and Alto del Rey, Labastida. These vineyards are located at altitudes of 500 to 600 metres (that's 1,600 to 2,000 feet) above sea level and were planted in these chalky-clay soils more than 40 years ago. The Bordeaux winemaking model is in use here, involving destemming and crushing the grapes before putting them in tanks, where they undergo alcoholic and malolactic fermentation under controlled conditions. The wine is then matured for two years in American oak barrels manufactured in‑house; the first year in new oak and the second year in four year‑old barrels. Four rackings are carried out in the traditional way, under candlelight, from barrel to barrel, carefully separating the wine from the lees. Deep crimson to just tawny at the edges with myriad old world leaning aromas suggestive of rhubard, plum, red, black and blue berry fruits with a bit of air, stone and dried herb, then vanilla and a kind of dulce de leches/freshly picked dill quality from aging in American oak; velvety in texture, medium to almost full in body with gentle dusty tannins and taut berry flavors that remain fresh long on the finish. Is this perhaps our favorite popularly priced Rioja? In a word, sí.
$18.75 the bottle $191.28 the case
2017 Rioja Crianza Cune®
CVNE, aka, Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España, was founded in 1879 in the town of Haro in Rioja by the Real de Asúa brothers, Eusebio and Raimundo and today is still controlled by direct descendants of the founding family. Their first wine was named after its initials, CVNE, later its verbal diminutive, Cune® (pronounced KOO-nay). Produce of 85% Tempranillo and 15% Garnacha tinta and Mazuelo (Carignane) fruit harvested from their own vineyards in Rioja Alta, the wine is fermented in stainless steel at controlled temperatures, then aged for one year in American oak barrels. Ruby/garnet in color fading to just tawny at the edges; aromas of dark, ripe berries and spice with a kiss of sweet oak and a sense of parched and arid vineyard floor; round and supple on the tongue, medium to medium full in body with just the gentlest underpinning of ripe round tannins to lend structure; and, with just a little air, this opens up nicely to reveal a far more complex wine than its price would ever suggest.
$11.99 the bottle $122.28 the case
2019 Montsant Garnatxa Altaroses Familia Joan d'Anguera Darmós
Produce of hand-harvested Garnatxa fruit from vines 10 to 35 years old planted to sandy clay/limestone soils and certified biodynamically-farmed. The fruit is whole-cluster fermented on its own indigenous yeasts in concrete vats then aged for a time in neutral French oak barrels prior to release. Limpid ruby in color just fading at the edges with aromas suggestive of red berries, grape pomace, spice, dried herb and an arid dusty dry vineyard floor (Henry noted that, with air, the wine revealed an even more joyous red berry fruit character along with a certain floral quality); ample and rounded on entry, then full and completely dry with a nice bursting berryish fruit quality and excellent intensity of lasting flavor leaving the mouth fresh and gently salivating.
$24.99 the bottle $254.88 the case
2016 Montsant Espectacle Spectacle Vins
A project of Christopher & Charlotte Cannan, René & Isabelle Barbier and Fernando & Marta Zamora, from a single very steep vineyard of 2 hectares (5 acres) planted to 100 plus year old Garnacha vines in the clay-limestone soils of the commune of La Figuera on the northern edge of Montsant looking onto the famous
Serra de Montsant itself as well as having spectacular views of the Ebro valley and even the distant Pyrenees 200 kilometres away (hence the name
Espectacle). Lovely translucent medium-ruby in color with an alluring, subtly perfumed red-fruited quality
à la Chambolle-Musigny or Domaine Charvin (Lindsay noted a savory quality and strawberry fruit leather, she said it reminded her of being back on the farm, not the barnyard, but the carrot field; Henry noted bilberry, dried violet and anise; our winebuyer noted rhubarb); supple on entry, almost Burgundian cool, sophisticated, smooth and silken in texture, but then generating a more southerly warmth with sapid, mostly red berry flavors both elegant and intense with fine pulverized stony jittery tannins stretching the whole thing out long, long on the fine and gently mouthwatering finish. All in all, we are wholly impressed. This is ultra-fine wine on the world stage.
$112.50 the bottle $1,147.56 the case
View more of our selection of Spanish wines on the España page of our website.
2020 Les Fleurs du Lac Bordeaux Blanc
From the fruit of 75% Sauvignon Blanc, 19% Sauvignon Gris and 6% Sémillon vines planted to 11 hectares located in the communes of Cussac‑Fort‑Médoc and Saint‑Laurent du Médoc. These vineyards are located on two distinct soils of gravelly sand and limestone clays. The blend is oriented to produce an elegant and delicate wine, well‑proportioned in body and without excessive acidity. Shimmering pale platinum/yellow in color with aromas that tend to express the higher proportion of Sauvignon Blanc with suggestion of a pinch of mint, peach, clay and pebbly earth and, eventually, the smell of fresh green/gold grapes in the cool of the early morning late summer's harvest; both ample and fresh on the tongue, demonstrating poise and a brilliant equilibrium along with a refreshing and innervating intensity of flavor.
$22.50 the bottle $114.78 the case of 6
2018 Château Roquegrave Médoc
From 30 hectares of vines (50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot) averaging 25 years in age and planted to clay and gravel soils at one of the highest points near the commune of Valeyrac in the far northern Médoc. Deep almost opaque ruby in color with aromas that quietly suggest the joy of grapes transformed with aspects of soil, berry, spice, toasted baguette, nothing jutting out, all in its happy, happy place; Henry noted its excellent balance on the palate, our winebuyer noted its easy drinkability and freshness to the finish; everybody will take notice of its value. This is simply a brilliant best buy in everyday Bordeaux.
$13.75 the bottle $140.28 the case
2019 Château Rollin Haut-Médoc
Located about 10 km to the west of Pauillac at Saint-Sauveur in the Haut-Médoc, Château Rollin is officially classified as a Crus Bourgeois. This 2019 vintage is our first taste from this property and we are wholly impressed. Produce of the fruit of 50% Merlot, 48% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Petit Verdot vines planted to silty gravelly soils of the various plots of vineyard located within 1½ kilomètres around the cellars; medium deep ruby in color with aromatics suggestive of fleshy berry, ripe plum, spice and vineyard floor (Henry noted suggestion of roasted red pepper); poised and structured on the tongue, ample, mouthfilling, almost spherical in shape with a crunchy, innervating fruit quality and fine, resolved tannins delivering a nice wollop of classic, if modern and ripe claret flavor. Oh, and do check the price. This is simply stunning value in good left bank Bordeaux red wine.
$13.75 the bottle $140.28 the case
View more of our selection of Bordeaux wines on the Bordeaux page of our website.
2019 Château Roc de Bécot Puisseguin-Saint-Émilion
Sister and brother Caroline and Pierre Bécot learned the winegrowing ropes on the family’s Saint‑Émilion Grand Cru Classé estate, Château Beau‑Séjour Bécot, where they were initiated into high quality standards, hard work and the rigorous attention to detail required to make un grand vin. On the 1st of April, by a nice stroke of luck, they purchased this property in Puisseguin‑Saint‑Émilion, a satellite appellation of Saint‑Émilion itself. Their wish was to remain in the same area where their family and their father, Dominique, had been settled for a long time. Produce of 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc fruit of vines an average age of 35 years and planted to the clay/limestone soils on the plateau of Puisseguin (5km from the village Saint‑Emilion); deep translucent ruby in color with rather straightforward aromas suggesting spiced plum, taut red berries, bing cherry, earth (good winegrowing earth) and stone; at once both firm and smooth on the tongue, with a gentle kirsch‑like astringency and fine, polished, well‑resolved dusty tannins carrying delicate flavors on the long, fine, gently warming finish. Henry noted a "through‑line" with the wine, that the wine was identifiably Roc de Bécot (we adored the previous vintage), 'a firmer but more filigreed expression of Merlot with bright bursting off‑the‑vine berry fruit'. Our wine buyer recalled that Puisseguin‑Saint‑Émilion (along with a nice piece of Brie) was among his first introductions to high‑quality red Bordeaux. Delicious memory at that.
$17.50 the bottle $89.28 the case of 6
2019 Château Croix de Mai Médoc
Produce of 60% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Malbec and Petit Verdot vines averaging over 50 years in age and grown on gravel soils over a rare outcropping of limestone near the town of Bégadan north of Lesparre on the Médoc peninsula. Dense purple/ruby in color with aromas suggestive of dark ripe berries, ripe blue plum, baking spices and more; this is the more modern vintage-driven fruit-bomb version of Bordeaux, well-endowed on the palate with dense dark ripe fruit flavors, ample, generous with ripe rounded tannins giving shape and sustaining dark ripe berry flavors long on the finish. Impressive effort from the far reaches of the northern Médoc.
$17.50 the bottle $178.56 the case
2018 Château Mauvesin Barton Moulis en Médoc
In 2011, Lilian Barton (of Châteaux Léoville-Barton and Langoa-Barton) and her husband, Michel Sartorius, purchased Château Mauvesin, a 220-hectare property which, as Lilian herself puts it « has a real soul that envelops you when you visit, casting a spell as you discover the unique charm of the place ». The vineyard is situated in the Moulis‑en‑Médoc appellation to the north of the city of Bordeaux and on the left bank of the Gironde estuary. The 46 hectares of vines comprise 54% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Cabernet Franc. A portion of the vineyards are planted to clay/gravel soils, perfectly suited for the growing of Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Another portion is planted to fine gravel and sandy soils, on which the Cabernet Sauvignon may reach full ripeness. Lovely medium ruby in color; classic (and classy) restraint on the nose with aromas suggestive of cassis, violet and earth (more petrichor than just dirt; with more air there is also a hint of reglisse, always a welcome feature of fine European red wine); our wine buyer found it gently austère on the palate, whereas both Andrea and Henry found it more giving, with fine dusty tannins, then finishing in a flourish of intense earthy berry flavor and mouthwatering minerality; this is clearly a fine if more reasonably priced Bordeaux from folks that have long possessed the savoir‑faire to produce the very finest.
$24.99 the bottle $254.88 the case
2015 Château Léoville Barton Saint-Julien
The 2015 Léoville Barton has one of the richest bouquets in the appellation, boasting almost ostentatious blackberry, raspberry and bilberry scents on the nose, suffused with crushed
limestone and light graphite aromas. The medium-bodied palate is taut and crisp, delivering a fine bead of acidity and freshness from beginning to end. Mainly black fruit here, with suggestions of leather and mocha toward the finish. Superb. Tasted blind at the Southwold 2015 Bordeaux tasting. Rated
95. - Neal Martin,
vinous.com January, 2019
$137.50 the bottle $1,402.56 the case
2012 Château Léoville Barton Saint-Julien
The 2012 Léoville-Barton has a touch more precision and drive compared to 2012 Langoa-Barton, blackberry and raspberry, cedar and mint, almost Pauillac in style. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit, quite feisty and vibrant with good concentration on the finish. This is quite a serious Saint-Julien, and it has the substance to age well in bottle. Excellent. Tasted twice at Bordeaux Index's Ten Year-On tasting and blind at the Southwold Ten-Year On tasting. Drink 2023‑2040. Rated
93. - Neal Martin,
vinous.com February, 2022
$125.00 the bottle $1275.00 the case
2018 Château Léoville Las Cases Saint-Julien
Pure magic and one of the finest expressions of this estate I could imagine, as well as a perfect wine, the 2018 Château Léoville Las Cases comes from a mix of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, and 9% Cabernet Franc that spent 19 months in (I believe) all new French oak. Its dense purple color is followed by a profound wine loaded with notions of crème de cassis, lead pencil shavings, melon, crushed stone, tobacco, and violets. Full-bodied, concentrated, and massive on the palate, yet also incredibly well delineated and precise, it has a wonderful mix of seemingly ripe, sunny fruit from a warm year yet the minerality, purity, and precision of a cooler year. This wine is going to be just about immortal; however, do your best to hide bottles for a solid 10‑15 years. Drink 2031‑2081. Rated
100. - Jeb Dunnuck,
jebdunnuck.com March, 2021
$350.00 the bottle $3,570.00 the case
2016 Les Forts de Latour Pauillac
The second wine of this great château, the 2016 Les Forts de Latour continues to impress. I commented on release that it was the best wine in the vintage, and my opinion hasn't changed. This beauty offers plenty of classic Latour character as well as notes of blackcurrants, saddle leather, lead pencil shavings, and dried flowers. Full-bodied, concentrated, and perfectly balanced, it's just now starting to round into form and will no doubt continue drinking well for another 2+ decades. It's a gorgeous Pauillac. Drink 2022‑2044. Rated
95. - Jeb Dunnuck,
jebdunnuck.com August, 2022
$295.00 the bottle $752.25 the case of 3
2014 Château Latour Pauillac
The 2014 Château Latour is still a baby and relatively closed and backward, offering darker, meaty black fruits, tobacco, truffly earth, and graphite on the nose. It's much more dense and structured than I would have imagined from tasting on release and offers full‑bodied richness, a beautiful mid‑palate, fabulous overall balance, and no shortage of tannins on the finish. This vintage was terrific for the Médoc, particularly the northern Médoc, and this beauty warrants another 7‑8 years of bottle age, after which I suspect it will have well over 3 decades of overall longevity. The blend is 89.9% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9.2% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot that hit 12.8% alcohol. Drink 2030‑2055. Rated
96+. - Jeb Dunnuck,
jebdunnuck.com August, 2022
$700.00 the bottle $1,785.00 the case of 3
2018 Château Bélair-Monange Saint-Émilion 1er Grand Cru Classé
An incredible expression of Merlot grown on limestone soils, the 2018 Château Belair-Monange (90/10 Merlot and Cabernet Franc) sports a dense purple hue as well as powerful notes of blackcurrants, kirsch liqueur, flowery incense, chalky minerality, and white truffle. Rich, full-bodied, and beautifully concentrated, it's a serious 2018 offering integrated oak, ripe yet building tannins, and one hell of a great finish. The finest vintage of this cuvée I've tasted, it's a wine to seek out and hide in the cellar for a good 5-7 years. It's going to evolve for 30-40 years. Drink 2026‑2056. Rated
98. - Jeb Dunnuck,
jebdunnuck.com March, 2021
The 2018 Bélair‑Monange races across the palate, showing its exuberant, flamboyant personality. Ripe plum, mocha, blood orange, star anise and cinnamon fill out the layers effortlessly. Sumptuous and generous, with striking balance, Bélair‑Monange hits all the right notes. It can be enjoyed with minimal cellaring, but also has the pedigree to age effortlessly for decades. Drink 2026‑2058. Rated
96. - Antonio Galloni,
vinous.com March, 2021
$212.50 the bottle $1,083.78 the case of 6
2018 Clos La Madeleine Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé
Coming from the Moueix team, the 2018 Clos La Madeleine checks in as 76% Merlot and 24% Cabernet Franc from a tiny vineyard (2.3 hectares) on the hillsides of Saint-Emilion, near Belair-Monange. This vineyard was purchased by the Moueix family in 2017, and the 2018 saw malolactic fermentation in barrel and was raised in 40% new French oak. It has classic Saint-Emilion minerality as well as a great nose of blackcurrants, black cherries, chocolate, crushed stone, and graphite. This carries to a powerful, medium to full-bodied 2018 with chalky tannins, terrific mid-palate depth, and a juicy, lively, complex style that keeps you coming back to the glass. Give it a few years and enjoy over the following 15-20 years. It's the finest vintage of this cuvée I've tasted, and I expect the best is still to come. Drink 2024‑2044. Rated
94. - Jeb Dunnuck,
jebdunnuck.com March, 2021
$150.00 the bottle $765.00 the case of 6
2016 Château Figeac Saint-Émilion 1er Grand Cru Classé
Another brilliant wine from the genius of Frédéric Faye, the 2016 Château Figeac checks in as 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc that spent 19 months in new French oak. Roughly 75% of the production made it into the grand vin. This deeply colored beauty is a legendary wine in the making and offers ultra-pure aromas and flavors of crème de cassis, smoke tobacco, dried herbs, chocolate, truffle, and graphite. Showing more violets notes with time in the glass, it builds incrementally on the palate, with flawless balance as well as incredible elegance, no hard edges, and a finish that won't quit. Readers will have a blast comparing the 2016 and 2015 vintages over the coming 3‑4 decades and this estate is firing on all cylinders. This will most likely merit a triple‑digit rating in 7‑8 years and keep for 4 decades or more. Drink 2026‑2066. Rated
98+. - Jeb Dunnuck,
jebdunnuck.com February, 2019
$362.50 the bottle $1,848.78 the case of 6
2019 Château Marjosse Bordeaux Rouge
Produce of about 60% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and 10% Malbec; dense full ruby in color; aromas suggestive of warm vineyard floor dusty berry and № 2 pencil shavings with something more in calm reserve identify this almost immediately as claret (with air the wine revealed a touch of reglisse; Henry noted a confectionary cherry tone); structured and herbal onto the tongue with gentle, almost chewy tannins that give a sense of mouthfilling breadth and rondeur and gentle but persistent intensity of flavor; Henry summed it nicely noting that 'all the classic claret elements were in place here' with additional notes of blonde tobacco and cocoa, but, to be sure, these are typically elements of far more expensive wine …
$14.99 the bottle $152.88 the case
2019 Château Carbonnieux Pessac-Léognan Blanc
Château Carbonnieux is a legendary white wine. It is said that in the 18th century it was introduced into the palace of the Sultan of Constantinople because of its clarity and was called «d’eau minérale de Carbonnieux» thus skirting the law of the land against beverage alcohol. The clay/limestone of Garonne gravel found in the Pessac‑Léognan appellation of the Graves near the city of Bordeaux itself certainly produces the best dry white wines in the region. Vivid platinum in color with glints of green/gold; both ripe and fresh in aroma with suggestion of apple and mirabelle plum, one can sense the roughly ⅓ Semillon in the wine with a touch of mint, figue verte and hints of toast and summer rain‑moistened pebbly vineyard floor (the wine really shows its complexity with a bit of air); there is a generosity and rondeur on the palate without sacrificing freshness and vibrancy, a nice mineral streak along with fresh grapey acidity wipes the slate clean and leaves the mouth just watering away, waiting for another delicious pull.
$42.50 the bottle $433.56 the case
2019 Château d'Yquem Sauternes
The 2019 vintage of Château d'Yquem has the highest proportion (45%) of Sauvignon Blanc in any modern Yquem. The Sauvignon Blanc adds to the freshness, acting as a great balance to the succulent, sweet and voluptuous palate. Intense peach and apricot, combined with lemon and orange zest, make this highly appealing to drink right away – an ideal vintage with which to start Yquem’s ‘lighthouse’ project. However, it would be a shame not to give this 10+ years maturation to see how it develops. Very well, I suspect. The growing season was both warm and wet, with mildew a big threat. After a mostly dry September, 40mm rain came at the end of the month, leading to a very short harvest window. All of the Yquem grapes were picked in two tries within a one-week period. Residual Sugar: 138g/L. Drink 2025‑2060. Rated
97. Andy Howard, MW,
decanter.com February, 2022
$425.00 the bottle $1,083.75 the case of 3
$212.50 the 375 ml half-bottle $1,083.78 the case of 6
2019 Chorey-lès-Beaune Louis Jadot
The commune of Chorey-lès-Beaune is located just northeast of Beaune, on the east side of the Route Nationale 74 opposite Savigny-lès-Beaune. The 100% Pinot Noir fruit for this wine is hand‑harvested into small containers and is then transported the short distance to the state of the art Louis Jadot production facility on the northwest side of Beaune proper. There the fruit is sorted by hand and destemmed, maceration of from 3 to 4 weeks then occurs in open wooden vats or in stainless steel tanks. During fermentation,
pigeage is performed twice per day. The wine ages for 18 months in air‑dried 228‑litre oak barrels from Louis Jadot's own cooperage,
Tonnellerie Cadus. The resulting wine is, we feel, quite correct, most useful and, most importantly, completely delicious red Burgundy. Lovely, translucent ruby in color with fine, subtle, delicately perfumed Pinot Noir aromas suggestive of ripe cherry, a light toast from barrel aging, shaved dark chocolate and the hallowed Burgundian soils (Henry also noted the subtle
bergamot orange scent of Earl Grey tea); supple and silky in texture on entry, then demonstrating a building presence on the palate with gentle grip of fine tannins and crisp grapey acidity carrying complex Burgundian Pinot Noir flavors charmingly, elegantly long to the finish. Regularly $42.50 the bottle, on sale now at:
$29.99 the bottle $152.94 the case of 6
View more of our selection of Burgundy wines on the Burgundy page of our website.
2019 Santenay 1er Cru Maladière Domaine Prieur-Brunet (Louis Jadot)
The 2019 Santenay La Maladière 1er Cru, from a large 5‑hectare vineyard out of which Jadot selects the most propitious plots, is crisp and edgy on the nose, here offering darker fruit than the Clos de Malte and a light sea spray influence. The palate is medium‑bodied with lithe tannins, a rounded texture and good depth. Red plum and cranberry sauce, and a little white pepper sprinkled over a quite tender finish. Recommended. Drink 2023‑2033. Rated
(89-91) - Neal Martin,
vinous.com, October, 2020. Regularly $50.00 the bottle, on sale now at:
$40.00 the bottle $204.00 the case of 6
2020 Bourgogne Rouge Joseph Drouhin
Attractive if just translucent deep ruby in color with bolder than normal Bourgogne Pinot Noir aromas suggesting dark ripe cherry, baking spices, orange peel and a sense of petrichor from those celebrated clay/limestone Burgundian soils; smooth in texture on entry, then rather more powerful and fuller in body than previous vintages of the wine with solid stony underpinning and a gentle warmth on the deceptively long and mouthwatering finish.
$22.50 the bottle $229.56 the case
2020 Santenay Joseph Drouhin
Reassuringly medium ruby in color, red-fruited, too on the nose, with hallowed ripe Burgundian Pinot noir berries suggestive of rhubarb, mandarin orange peel and petrichor (both Henry and Brian noted fine white pepper); polished on entry (more polished than silken in this 2020 vintage), holds it shape nicely on the tongue if holding back just a bit following travel, saline, tangy red-fruited on the finish.
$37.50 the bottle $382.56 the case
2019 Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Clos Saint-Jacques Domaine Louis Jadot
The 2019 Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Clos Saint-Jacques (Domaine Louis Jadot) is very promising, wafting from the glass with aromas of raspberries, cherries, warm spices, candied peel, rose petals and smoke. Medium to full-bodied, layered and muscular, with serious concentration and rich reserves of ripe, powdery tannin, it concludes with a bright, precise finish. Rated
(93‑95+). - William Kelley,
robertparker.com January, 2021
Slightly more subtle, though still moderately prominent, wood sets off the very spicy, cool and elegant aromas that consist mostly of red and dark currant and iron-inflected earth. There is very good volume and verve suffusing the refined and classy middle weight flavors that brim with minerality and dry extract where the latter helps to buffer the very firm tannic spine shaping the compact, powerful and strikingly long finale. This excellent effort will likely need a minimum of 10 years before it can be reasonably approached and should reward up to 20 years of keeping. Drink 2036+. Rated
(92‑95). ♥.
Outstanding. - Allen Meadows'
burghound.com April, 2021
The 2019 Gevrey-Chambertin Clos Saint-Jacques 1er Cru is surprisingly reticent at first, offering quite strong earthy aromas and gradually opening with sage, thyme and mint. I feel that compared to the other Clos Saint-Jacques, the aromatics never quite click into fifth gear. The palate is medium-bodied with the best backbone of the four Gevrey Premier Crus tasted from Jadot. Spicy black pepper and clove notes furnish the middle and the finish, which feels sustained and persistent, yet I wonder whether it will have the unadulterated charm of the Les Cazetiers when in bottle. We will find out soon. Drink 2024‑2042. Rated
(92‑94). - Neal Martin,
vinous.com December, 2020
$225.00 the bottle $1,147.50 the case of 6
$457.50 the 1.5‑litre magnum $1,166.64 the case of 3
$1,000 the 3-litre double magnum
2018 Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Clos Saint-Jacques Domaine Louis Jadot
I continue to just love these 2018 Red Burgundies, and the 2018 Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Clos Saint-Jacques doesn't disappoint, offering an incredibly pure, focused, yet concentrated style carrying ample bright berry fruits, spring flowers, spice, and graphite-like aromas and flavors. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it has a terrific spine of acidity, ripe, yet ultra-fine tannins, and just about flawless balance. It shows the ripe style of the vintage yet is pure, fresh, and focused. Enjoy bottles any time over the coming 20 years or more. Drink 2021‑2041. Rated
95. - Jeb Dunnuck,
jebdunnuck.com April, 2021
The 2018 Gevrey-Chambertin Clos Saint-Jacques 1er Cru has a wonderful bouquet that just pips the Cazetiers for precision and poise. This is detailed and very finely tuned, the oak married perfectly with the fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and very well-judged acidity, almost sorbet-fresh. The vivacious blood-orange-infused finish seems to shimmer. This is a great Clos Saint-Jacques from Louis Jadot. Drink 2024‑2050. Rated
(94‑96). - Neal Martin,
vinous.com January, 2020
$225.00 the bottle $1,147.50 the case of 6
$450.00 the 1.5‑litre magnum $1,147.50 the case of 3
2019 Beaune 1er Cru Clos des Ursules Domaine des Héritiers Louis Jadot
The 2019 Beaune Clos des Ursules 1er Cru has a fragrant bouquet featuring a mélange of red and black fruit intermingled with orange blossom and iodine aromas. Good intensity. The palate is medium-bodied with a stocky opening, fine structure and symmetry and a fine bead of acidity. There’s a dark fruit flourish toward the finish, which leaves behind a subtle marine-themed aftertaste. Excellent. Drink 2023‑2038. Rated
(91‑93). - Neal Martin,
vinous.com December, 2020
$95.00 the bottle $484.50 the case of 6
$195.00 the 1.5‑litre magnum $497.25 the case of 3
2018 Beaune 1er Cru Clos des Ursules Domaine des Héritiers Louis Jadot
The 2018 Beaune Clos des Ursules 1er Cru has the finest bouquet out of Jadot’s Beaune Premiers, featuring copious dark cherry, crushed strawberry and blueberry aromas that are very well defined. The fleshy, rounded palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, fine acidity and a fine-boned, quite persistent and certainly elegant finish. Excellent.
Drink 2022‑2040. Rated
(91‑93). - Neal Martin,
vinous.com January, 2020
$95.00 the bottle $484.50 the case of 6
$195.00 the 1.5‑litre magnum $497.25 the case of 3
2020 Beaujolais-Lantignié Château du Basty
Château du Basty is an historic property in the hands of the same family for 15 generations since 1482. The Varenard family was succeeded by the Varenard de Billys, then the Ronys and finally today La Famille Perroud. The property has commanding views of the area including the imposing Mont Brouilly to the south and The Alps themselves to the east. The domain is farmed under culture raisonnée translating to sustainable agriculture, demonstrating respect for the environment — « the earth is there, living, silent and faithful » according to propriétaire/vigneron Gilles Perroud. The domaine consists of 18 hectares situated within the communes of Lantignié and Régnié at an elevation of about 400 mètres. The subsoil is granitic, sometimes sandy, sometimes stony depending on the parcels. Their superb Beaujolais-Lantignié is produce of 100% hand-harvested Gamay grapes vinified in the cool cellars there and aged briefly in quite large neutral oak foudres. Dense, deep ruby/purple in color in this 2020 vintage with pure fresh/fleshy grapey aromas suggestive of unspoilt wide open spaces with beautiful views, cherry blossom, bing cherry and granitic earth; medium‑full in body, mouthfilling with excellent intensity of crunchy berry flavor and a nice gentle astringency that refreshes the palate, causing the mouth to water and ever so gently cajoling one to take another pull.
$14.99 the bottle $154.88 the case
2020 Mâcon-Lugny Les Charmes Chardonnay Cave de Lugny
The « Les Charmes » vineyard near the village of Lugny in the Mâconnais region of southern Burgundy is prized for its exceptional southern exposure and for the age of its vines, averaging some 40 years of age on the whole. Around here, we prize its production as among the surest of bets for value in dry white wine. Vinified entirely in stainless steel and bottled sans bois, that is, unlumbered, 100% unencumbered by oak, at the nearby Cave de Lugny; green/gold in color, the wine is fresh and vibrant with aromas that would suggest hazelnut, citrus flower and acacia honeys on a foundation of refreshing summer rains on limestone; medium-bodied, ample in weight, with a clean, crisp and lasting flavor on the finish. Given the consistently excellent quality and its extremely fair price, it’s not much wonder that Mâcon-Lugny Les Charmes Chardonnay is among the best-selling of white Burgundies in the United States!
$14.99 the bottle $152.88 the case
2020 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 at once discreet, pure and vibrant 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.
$21.25 the bottle $216.72 the case
2021 Sancerre Domaine Daulny
Etienne Daulny owns 15 hectares of vines that are divided into about 50 different plots within the Sancerre wine region. Daulny combines diverse plots from varying types of soil, including clay and flint, Portlandian and Kimmeridgian, into his cuvée normale of Sancerre, but the Étienne Daulny Sancerre cuvée normale is clearly quite above the norm. To be sure, fruit from some of the appellation’s most revered vineyards makes its way into this cuvée, including old vine plantings at Les Monts Damnés, Les Bois Butteux and La Perrière. Platinum/green/gold in color with discreet Sauvignon aromas suggestive of the beguiling sweet smell of a grapevine in flower, melon, orchard fruits and citrus oil, then spearmint and gunflint (or is it a hint of the petrichor following rainfall on parched limestone-rich vineyard soils); supple in texture on entry, then building in presence and flavor with the push/pull of gently mouthwatering citrusy Sauvignon pith and minerality.
$27.50 the bottle $280.56 the case
2021 Pouilly-Fumé Château Favray
Étienne and Marguerite David purchased the property of Favray at auction in 1957 and soon set about its renovation. The modern era vineyard and winery began during the early 1980s when Quentin, the second of their four children, became involved in the property, making, as they say, the crazy bet of waking up the sleepy terroirs of Favray (it must have been, in our estimation, a pretty sure thing by then). Today, Quentin is joined by his son, Augustin, in the day to day work of the vineyard and winery. The main cuvée is a blend of all of the various vineyard plots of the property, 100% Sauvignon Blanc vines on varying limestone soils: luminous yellow/gold with green reflections in color with aromas suggestive of cool ripe melon, stone fruits, gooseberry preserve, a fine green herbal quality like chervil or spearmint and, underneath it all, wine-moistened limestone; both ample and fresh on the tongue, rounded in texture but with a stony intensity and a kind of citrusy pith underpinning and cajoling the palate with presence and flavor, long and fresh.
$22.50 the bottle $229.56 the case
A nice video introduction to the property is available at vimeo.com.
2022 Picpoul de Pinet Saint-Peyre Les Costières de Pomerols
Produce of 100% Piquepoul Blanc — a very popular, traditional local variety — this wine is sourced from vineyards planted on sun‑drenched «costières» (broad hillside terraces) in the Mediterranean garrigue near the Etang de Thau, a salt lagoon also home to oyster farming and situated between the port of Sète and Marseillan in the south of France. The garrigue is the name given to open scrubland made up of low‑growing, dwarf bushy shrubs including holm oak, juniper, broom and wild herbs such as rosemary, thyme and sage which are held to inform the aromatics and flavors of the wines produced here. Vivid platinum/yellow in color with ultra‑fresh aromas suggestive of a whole panoply of orchard fruits (Andrea particularly noted pear and apple) and fresh stone fruits like peach and apricot, citrus and the subtle scent of moist limestone and salt sea salinity; at once, supple in texture (Lucinda noted a certain 'creaminess'), fresh and vibrant on the tongue with crisp acidity and tangy salinity stirring the salivary glands and so suggesting another pull. And so it goes …
$14.99 the bottle $152.88 the case
2020 Vin de Savoie Apremont Les Rocailles Pierre Boniface
A true earthly paradise nestled in the French Alps, Les Rocailles is owned and managed by boyhood friends and native Savoyards Guillaume Durand and Alban Thouroude, who purchased the estate and négociant business from Pierre Boniface upon his retirement in 2006. Produce of 100% Jacquère fruit grown in stony, clay/limestone dominant soils in well-exposed south/southeast-facing hillside vineyards situated on the lower slopes of
Mont Granier in the
French Prealps. Indeed, purity is the byword here, the wine is seemingly «pure as the driven snow», like fresh mountain air in your nose and mouth and eyes and ears, this is, to be sure, an Alpine wine; the iconic wine critic Robert Parker once described it as tasting as "clean, refreshing, and vibrant as a mountain stream" (minus the giardia, we trust); nostril titillating aromas of fresh mountain herb, hyper-clean, gently coniferous/piney, cool green grapes (Glenn picked up hints of vanilla bean and white flowers); airy light on the tongue with the gentlest kiss of cool fresh grapey flavor (Henry found it refreshingly bracing and nervy; Andrea noted a white wine that makes you want to be in the snow); at the end of the day, it is ultra-refreshing, oh so quaffable and just, um, pure …
$15.75 the bottle $160.68 the case
2020 Grüner Veltliner Ried Sandgrube Weingut Rainer Wess
Der Name ist ein Omen: Sandgrube translates directly as «sand pit». Nevermind we buy this wine from an avid golfer and the name also means sand trap. Deep sand and loess soils shape the vineyard Sandgrube — extensive loess and sand deposits form the basis for the calcareous, well-aerated humic soils. The loess itself consists of fine dust derived from calcareous rocks mixed with dolomite, feldspar, quartz, mica and clay minerals carried by the wind during the cold stages of the Ice Age and deposited on the foothills of the Alps when there was little by way of vegetation. Vivid yellow/gold in color; fresh (eventually even after days of having been opened), one can even smell the lift on the nose with aromas suggestive cool green grapes, kiwi fruit, fresh snow pea greens, yellow plum and a hint of white pepper; easy vibrant appeal on the palate, just rounded with a delicate viscosity, an elegant underlying minerality and perfectly balancing mouthwatering acidity that keeps everything fresh on the finish.
$17.50 the bottle $178.56 the case
View more of our selection of Grüner Veltliner wines on the Austria page of our website.
William Chris Vineyards Mourvèdre Cabernet Sauvignon Wanderer Series Relief Project III
The first Wanderer Series wine in 2020 was born out of the winery's desire to give back to the industry and to offer a measure of community support. This year, William Chris has partnered with former Austinites Mark Sayre and June Rodil (nowadays with
Goodnight Hospitality in Houston) to support Chef José Andrés’
World Central Kitchen and their efforts to build resilient food systems in the wake of crises. Inspired by a certain favorite
vin rouge languedocien of our hero and heroine, produce of 60% Mourvèdre and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon from Moonlight Vineyard, Alta Loma Vineyard, Farmhouse Vineyards and Dell Valley Vineyard, the wine is translucent ruby to just tawny at the edges in color with a kind of old‑world
vinosité (or wineyness, should you prefer) wafting from the glass, suggesting dried rose petals and plum, seasoned wood and baking spices; ample but gentle on the palate with nicely resolved tannins lending structure and carrying flavor of spicy Texan berries transformed long and warming on the finish. Bravo!
$40.00 the bottle $408.00 the case
2021 Duckhorn Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc North Coast
Produced from a blend of mostly Sauvignon Blanc with a dollop of Sémillon fruit from vineyards in Sonoma County and Napa Valley plus a touch from Mendocino; shimmering platinum with glints of green in color; delicate aromas suggesting crisp honeydew melon, fig, and the grapevine leaf itself; light and fresh on entry then gently rounded and just ample on palate with a refreshing intensity of flavor causing gentle salivation. Regularly $27.50 the bottle, on sale now at:
$22.50 the bottle $254.88 the case
2020 Silverado Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc Miller Ranch Yountville Napa Valley
Produce of 93% Sauvignon Blanc and 7% Semillon estate grown fruit from silty, cool and deep Yolo loam and Clear Lake clay drained soils of Miller Ranch Vineyard south of Yountville, between the Napa River and Hopper Creek. Open to the south, the vineyard enjoys the benefit of bay breezes and fog which contribute to the wine’s aromatic complexity and bright minerality. Bright yellow/gold in color with springtime fresh aromas suggestive of cool fresh melon blanc d'Antibes (er, that's a honeydew), gooseberry, kiwi fruit, citrus zests and more; cool, almost minty fresh, crisp yet pliant, an absolute textural delight on the tongue and, importantly, so delicious, have another glass kind of stuff. And, in the full 1‑liter bottle, well, the party just lasts that ⅓ more longer.
$17.50 the 1-liter bottle $178.56 the case
2021 Bonny Doon Vineyard Le Cigare Volant Red Wine of the Earth
As the story goes, back in 1954, the village council of Châteauneuf-du-Pape was quite perturbed and apprehensive that flying saucers or 'flying cigars' might do damage to their vineyards were they to land therein. So, right-thinking men all, they passed an ordinance prohibiting the landing of flying saucers or flying cigars in their vineyards. The ordinance further states that any flying saucers or flying cigars that did land were to be taken immediately to the pound. Well, Le Cigare Volant may be a flight of fancy in the mind of winemaker/poet and among the first of the Rhône Rangers, Randall Grahm, but it is also one heck of an original all-American take on France's very first
Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée, namely, Châteauneuf‑du‑Pape. Produce of 65% Grenache, 18% Syrah, 15% Cinsaut and 2% Petite Sirah fruit from California's Central Coast. Medium ruby in color with come hither aromas of a mixture of berries from red to blue to black, a touch of cracked white peppercorn, petrichor (Bonny Doon themselves note a spicy, licorice component from the Syrah and griotte cherry from the Cinsaut); silken in texture on entry, with building spine of fine-grained tannins lending structure and carrying/extending gently bursting California berry flavors right on target and onto the spacious landing-pad of a finish.
$14.99 the bottle $152.88 the case
The story of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and flying cigars, whimsical as it may sound, is real, and is more or less paraphrased from right off the back label of the wine itself. The re‑telling of the story here is presumably the work of Randall Grahm himself.
The Whole Shebang Fifteenth Cuvée California Red Wine
The Whole Shebang is a wine made entirely by the crew at Bedrock Wine Co., intended to offer "authentic Californian deliciousness" at a most reasonable price. The fruit comes from old vineyards that Bedrock are rehabilitating along with younger vine parcels and barrels of Bedrock wines that do not make the cut for their spiffier/spendier bottlings. Produce of an inspired mingling of Zinfandel, Carignan, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Mataro, and other compatible varieties, this Fifteenth Cuvée of The Whole Shebang is a limpid ruby in color to just garnet at the edges with aromas suggesting berries, spice and the parched northern California vineyard floor (Henry noted one could smell the very California sunshine in the glass); medium to medium full in body, nicely rounded in texture the discreetly grapey and gently grippy on the tongue, warm and impactful, long and flavorful, too; this is a real red wine that will appeal to folks who prefer honesty in wine production over marketing puffery and frippery. And at its very modest price, it will give a boost to the old wine budget as well.
$14.99 the bottle $152.88 the case
View more of our selection of California wines on the California page of our website.
2021 Chalone Vineyard Chardonnay Estate Grown
Perched in the remote Gavilan Mountain Range, about 1,800 feet above the Salinas Valley, the Chalone Vineyard sits at the base of an extinct volcano bordering the Pinnacles National Park in Monterey County. Chalone Vineyard is one of the few wineries in the United States growing grapevines on limestone‑based soils, the same type of soils as found in Burgundy. The spare, well‑drained ground, limited rainfall and low crop levels attracted Dick Graff, who wanted to make top‑flight Burgundian‑styled Chardonnay. Graff made his first vintage under the Chalone Vineyard label in 1966, producing what would become a benchmark for California Chardonnay. Nowadays, Chalone Vineyard is owned by Foley Family Wines who have placed renewed emphasis on the inherent quality possible given this climate and these soils. Vivid platinum/yellow in color with aromas suggestive of green/gold Chardonnay berries hanging in the cool of a late California summer's morning, wine‑moistened limestone, flesh of green apple, lemon preserves on toasted baguette, white flowers; rounded on entry, slippery smooth, ample, with an enveloping richness, full in body without excessive weight, then mineral and fresh long on the finish. Bravo!
$19.99 the bottle $203.88 the case
2021 Chalone Vineyard Pinot Noir Estate Grown
Limpid ruby in color with alluring suggestion of concentrated cherry and baking spice and a hint of toast atop notes of dusty stony earth; seductive, silken smooth in texture on the tongue, with gentle structure from powdery crushed stone-like tannins and delicate but penetrating flavor lingering long and fresh on the finish; this is a brilliant California Pinot Noir and a brilliant value in an otherwise all too often too expensive category.
$27.50 the bottle $280.56 the case
View more of our selection of west coast Pinot Noir wines on the California and Oregon pages of our website.
2019 Martinelli Pinot Noir Bella Vigna Sonoma Coast
The Martinelli family has been farming their estate vineyards since the 1880s and are today 6th generation winegrowers. Their reputation as such in Sonoma County has been and remains solid. Their Bella Vigna Pinot Noir is a selection from the Martinelli estate vineyards in the Sonoma Coast appellation meant to offer a wine that reflects the characteristics of these vineyards and also the Martinelli style. It has become go-to Sonoma Coast stuff for us over the last few vintages. Medium translucent ruby in color with glints of fuchsia in color; alluring highly-perfumed Pinot Noir aromas suggestive of grape confiture, black cherry, Italian blue plum, candied orange peel and baking spices; silken-textured on the tongue, just medium in body, both supple and gently rich, with lovely ripe berry flavors and excellent nerve giving voice to the jittery intensity of flavors that carry on long on the warming mouthwatering finish. As per usual, Martinelli Bella Vigna is indeed a lovely Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir.
$42.50 the bottle $433.56 the case
2018 Domaine Anderson Pinot Noir Estate Bottled Anderson Valley
Produce of 100% Pinot Noir hand-harvested during the cool nights of late summer from three vineyard sites spanning the Anderson Valley, from the warmer Boonville climes to cooler locations in the Deep End near the Pacific Ocean. The soils are light clay mixed with alluvial loam and sand. Limpid light ruby fading to garnet at the edges in color with come hither Pinot Noir aromas suggestive of dark ripe cherry, distant winter woodsmoke (Domaine Anderson themselves note bramble, blackberry and rose petal); slippery smooth on entry with subtle pith of fine tannins lending structure, stirring salivation and carrying gentle Pinot Noir flavors long and fresh on the finish.
$40.00 the bottle $408.00 the case
2018 Inglenook Zinfandel Edizione Pennino Rutherford Napa Valley
With great admiration for his maternal grandfather and namesake, Francesco Pennino, Francis Coppola produced the first vintage of Edizione Pennino Zinfandel in 1988, replicating the name and logo of the music publishing company begun by Mr. Pennino after he immigrated to New York from Naples in 1905. According to Inglenook's historical records, Zinfandel is the oldest variety planted on the estate, pre-dating Captain Niebaum's arrival. The Coppolas were advised to remove these vineyards when they first purchased the property in 1975, but because Francis Coppola said that he enjoyed drinking Zinfandel, the vineyards remained. The wine's iconic label features two images: the Bay of Naples and the Statue of Liberty, reflecting Francesco Pennino's mutual love for Italy and for America. Adding an even more nostalgic note, each vintage has one of Mr. Pennino's song titles imprinted on the bottle's cork (this 2018 vintage «Sicilianella» from 1919). The wine remains a favorite of ours here: rich, almost midnight ruby in color with aromas suggesting fleshy California sun-drenched berries and a sense of vinosity (or is it just chicks and hens?), the parched vineyard floor and reminiscence of Rutherford dust (Andrea noted baking spices; Henry noted savory dried herbs); almost velvety rich in texture with gentle broad tannins lending structure and carrying dusty berry flavors that freshen as they fade into that not far from the long Pacific sunset of a finish. Mmmm. Here's to simpler times, when money wasn't the only object. And kudos to Mr. Coppola for helping preserve a part of California's (and America's) greater wine heritage, that is Napa Valley Zinfandel.
$50.00 the bottle $255.00 the case of 6
- with information paraphrased from the Inglenook website.
2017 Inglenook Rubicon Rutherford Napa Valley
The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Rubicon is another wine that has turned out very well. In this vintage, the Cabernet Sauvignon and Rubicon aren't that materially different. Red fruit, cedar, sweet pipe tobacco, menthol and licorice all develop in the glass. Here, too, I am quite impressed with the wine's freshness. Drink 2020‑2042. Rated
95. - Antonio Galloni,
vinous.com January, 2020
This is absolutely delicious. Powerful, intense and concentrated with seductive black cherry and raspberry leaf aromatics. It slowly and steadily pulls you in and compares to the very greatest Cabernets in its excitement, structure and grip. As the liquorice, chocolate and cassis notes stretch out, it comes to a mouthwateringly slow conclusion. This keeps the savoury edge of Cabernet and the tannins give focus and poise. Opulent and concentrated, and very good. 100% new oak. Drink 2022‑2050. Rated
98. - Jane Anson,
decanter.com August, 2020
$175.00 the bottle $892.50 the case of 6
2018 Michael Mondavi Family Cabernet Sauvignon Emblem Napa Valley
Known as the «quiet icon» among friends and colleagues, Michael Mondavi is widely credited with helping establish and build the Napa Valley wine industry as we know it, traveling tirelessly to promote the region and Mondavi wines. Drafted into the family business at a young age, his first lesson from his grandfather, Cesare Mondavi, was to leave the soil in his vineyards in healthier condition than when he received it from his father and uncle. That early advice guided Michael's approach to winegrowing. Farmed sustainably and organically, certified Napa Green and Fish Friendly, the Michael Mondavi Family vineyards exemplify a generational commitment to responsible farming.
The Emblem Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon comes from estate vineyards nestled along the northeastern hillsides of Napa, high above Saint Helena. Deep yet still just translucent ruby in color with aromas that hearken back to fermenting berries, spiced plum, a touch of toasted oak and earth, and a certain vinosity (that is, it smells like wine and not some sort of grape liqueur); classy, supple, almost velvet textured on the tongue, expanding with aeration to an even fuller, more potent and satisfying version of itself, with both oomph and complexity to the finish.
$32.50 the bottle $331.56 the case
2019 Gundlach Bundschu Mountain Cuvée Sonoma County
Based on Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, the ruby/purple-hued 2019 Mountain Cuvee gives up a juicy, lively style reminiscent of Bordeaux with its red and black currants, tobacco leaf, and cedar aromas and flavors. With beautiful fruit, medium-bodied richness, and silky tannins, it's an undeniably delicious red to enjoy over the coming decade or more. Drink 2021‑2032. Rated
93. - Jeb Dunnuck,
jebdunnuck.com July, 2021
$17.50 the bottle $178.56 the case
2021 País Viejo by Bouchon
País Viejo ('Old País') is a wine with history. According to Jancis Robinson, País is almost certainly the first vitis vinifera to be introduced to the new world, having been brought to the Americas in the 1500s and 1600s ostensibly from Castilla‑La Mancha in Spain. País Viejo by Bouchon is made with 100% País (also known as Mission or Misión) grapes from 100‑plus year‑old bush vines planted to soils of granitic, sandy loam in the coastal region of Maule, Chile, sustainably/dry‑farmed and hand‑harvested, then fermented with native yeasts in concrete tanks to preserve the wine’s authentic expression of terroir: translucent medium cherry skin ruby red to fuchsia in color at the edges with nice fermentive earth and berry aromas/a kind of working person's everyday red quality on the nose (Bouchon themselves note wildflowers, rosehips, cherries and wild strawberries); easy onto the palate with a vibrancy and dusty soil‑inflected sun‑singed berry fruit, chalky dusty tannins and mouthwatering berryish acidity lending freshness to the finish. This is a light red that could take a bit of a chill and work even better as a foil to our warm early evening weather 'round here. In its own way, it might call to mind a southern Côtes‑du‑Rhône or Spanish Garnacha but, suffice to say, there is a decidedly old‑world quality to this new‑world transplant and an easygoing surefootedness that are hard to resist. And, yeah, we just love rooting for the underdog. Drink more País!
$14.99 the bottle $152.88 the case
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.
$12.00 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!
$15.00 the stem, boxed sets of 6 at 15% off
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
View more of our selection of Sherry wines on the España page of our website.
Miles 10 Year Old Rich Malmsey Madeira
Limpid amber/mahogany in color with aromas an oblique suggestion of roasted fruit (singed raisined Malvasia berries, really; Andrea noted dried apricot and orange blossom, as well), old wood, old leather, caramel, the scent of time passing/the scent of a time gone by, oh dear, one could spend all the moments of the late evening just nosing this; silken on entry onto the tongue, then, demonstrating more impact and warmth and concentration of flavor; even the intense heat of an Atlantic summer (or Texas summer, for that matter) leaves this wine unperturbed. How best to enjoy such? Well … this is a contemplative wine, for sure. So, to quote Supertramp, even in the quietest moments, yes, especially in the quietest, most contemplative moments or, perhaps, following the evening meal, with a bit of
Queijo Serra da Estrela and a spot of
marmelo alongside Marcona almonds or walnuts.
Saboroso! Regularly $32.50 the bottle, on sale now at:
$24.99 the bottle
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.
$22.50 the bottle $229.56 the case
View more of our selection of Porto wines on the Portugal page of our website.
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!
$57.50 the bottle
Taylor Fladgate 10 Year Old Tawny Porto
This is a lovely, if seemingly youthful, 10 year tawny, translucent garnet at the core in color to just sunset brickish orange-red at the edges with complex aromas suggestive of crystallized red and blue fruits, dried rose petals, rhubarb, walnut, almond, all underpinned with a most welcome hint of the spirit that captured the fermentation in the first place; the texture is a very satisfying rich and silky with long, long flavors that conjure caramel, nuts and crisp dried red fruits with vivid nerve of ultra-fine tannins and the spirit itself serving as foundation. Mmmm. A much to be savored tender sweet kiss of a bevy goodnight.
$32.50 the bottle
2016 Dow's Vintage Porto
The 2016 Dow’s Vintage Port is based around the Vinha dos Ecos vineyard behind Bomfim, populated predominantly by mature Touriga Franca vines that were cropped at just 0.68kg per vine. It has a quite astonishing bouquet with layer upon layer of intense black cherry and cassis fruit, touches of clove, leather and a hint of over-ripe Satsuma. This is a mercurial bouquet that keeps changing in the glass, revealing smoky/burning ember scents with time. The palate is quite magnificent – perfectly balanced with a killer thread of acidity slicing through such pure intense black fruit that there is no heaviness at all. There is a sense of thrust on the finish as it fans out with almost careless abandon, a Vintage Port so self-assured that you can only sit back in amazement. Simply one of the best Dow’s ever made. Drink 2030‑2086. Rated
98. - Neal Martin,
vinous.com June, 2018. Regularly $112.50 the bottle, on sale now at:
$80.00 the bottle
Contratto Aperitif Liqueur
You might be familiar with that other quite popular aperitivo which also has a bit of an orange hue and label. The Contratto take on apéritif is rather a favorite of ours here with its emphasis on complexity of flavor and less overt sweetness. Alcohol, water, sugar and extracts from 28 natural botanicals: herbs, spices, roots and seeds (aloe, angelica, wormwood, safflower, cinchona, bitter orange, sweet orange, lemon, mandarin, hawthorn, cloves, cardamom, licorice, juniper, mint, rhubarb, sage, nettle and ginger to name quite a few, and more of which are kept secret), with carrot and beetroot extract for color. The liqueur is produced with a fine crushing of the botanicals with a hammer mill, then a cold extraction following the traditional Piemontese method to keep intact the characteristics of the botanicals. A hydroalcoholic solution irrigates the powders of the botanicals for about 35 days to extract the available aromatic substances. The extract is then mixed with the alcohol and sugar, refrigerated and filtered to remove all solid residues. Finally it is aged in steel tanks for about 40 days. While this fine apéritif could certainly be enjoyed neat or over ice, we suggest using it with sparkling water (or club soda), sparkling wine or both. Our winebuyer is known to quite enjoy a certain spritzer at the end of his day. We've given it a name:
The Burnt Orange. It could also be called the delicious thirst‑quenching solvent for taking the edge off of the working day. And, unlike Longhorns football, it can be enjoyed in all four seasons of the year.
$24.99 the 1-litre bottle
The Burnt Orange
In a bowl-shaped (Burgundy) glass: 1 (quite) large ice cube or ice sphere, pour in 6.8 ounces (the entire contents of a 200 ml bottle) of Fever Tree Club Soda, then 4 or more ounces (depending on the sharpness of the edge of the day) Crémant de Bourgogne or other preferred dry sparkling wine, and 1½ to 2 ounces of Contratto Apéritif. Stir gently/briefly. Garnish, if you like, with a nice swath or large twist of fresh orange peel. Et voilà ! Consume with or without a sunset. Guaranteed to refresh all those who would be refreshed.
Louis Roque La Vielle Prune Réserve Brandy
Distillerie Louis Roque have been operating in Souillac in southwestern France from father to son since 1905. The pinnacle of their production — La Vieille Prune (literally "The Old Prune") — is a plum brandy produced from three varieties of fresh plums: Ente (a red plum used for Pruneau d’Agen), Mirabelle (a yellow plum most famous in the Lorraine) and Reine-Claude (a green plum grown all over France). The pits are mostly removed, the plums are crushed and the resultant juice is fermented into a plum wine. The wine is then distilled twice in a copper pot still à la Cognac. After the second distillation, the clear brandy reaches 70% alcohol by volume. The spirit is then placed in 400-liter oak casks; with time, it begins to gain color and lose its alcohol. Little by little, water is added to the spirit to further reduce its alcohol level to 42% by volume. After being aged for a minimum of four years, it is bottled with a cork, and the bottles are then waxed by hand. The finished brandy is light amber in color with deliciously complex aromas of the orchard fruit distilled and cinnamon-stick like spice from the oak aging; slippery smooth on entry, with a gentle and supple texture and then a warmth and presence and remembrance of those orchard fruits transformed along with suggestion of vanilla, orange peel and spices. Simply superb brandy!
$57.50 the bottle
View more of our selection of spirits on the Spirits page of our website.
Armagnac XO Domaine des Cassagnoles Famille Baumann
Produce of a distillate of wine of fruit from 60 hectares of vineyard cultivated sustainably and certified
Haute Valeur Environnementale since 2016. Lovely amber in color with alluring and nostril-titillating aromas of dried orange peel, caramel, holiday baking spices, seasoned wood, fine winegrowing earth and, eventually, the indomitable spirit of the grape; slippery smooth entry onto the palate, then building in intensity and warmth, finishing long, contemplative and flavorful. Splendid value in fine wine brandy, too!
$37.50 the bottle
Clément Rhum Vieux Agricole Martinique XO
Throughout the 19th century, sugarcane was the dominant agricultural product of Martinique, an island highly regarded for its terroir and thus, appropriately originally named «Madinina», that is, the island of flowers. But the once soaring sugar economy plunged heavily due to overproduction in South America, and the growing availability in Europe of much cheaper beet sugar, eventually driving sugar factories of Martinique into bankruptcy. Necessity, once again proving herself the mother of invention, the surviving distilleries began to make other products from sugarcane. An obvious option was to make rum directly from fresh sugarcane juice and not from molasses, avoiding the sugar production process altogether — Rhum Agricole was born. Pale amber with glints of gold in color; aromas of singed sugar cane and caramel with suggestion of cinnamon, vanilla bean and a hint of wood; cool and sophisticated on the palate, near weightless and fine, but with some kind of building impact and exceptional warmth on the finish. Rhums Agricole de Martinque have understandably and, we feel, quite rightly been dubbed the «Cognacs of the Caribbean». Put this one in a snifter and set sail.
$52.50 the bottle
Tesseron Cognac Lot № 90 X.O Ovation
Alfred Tesseron is the class-act owner of the now ever over-performing Château Pontet-Canet in the commune of Pauillac in the northern Médoc, Bordeaux as well as Cognac Tesseron over the Gironde river estuary and à travers le bois in Cognac. Tesseron are now bottling an increasing amount of their own production, having cultivated a certain demand for their more pure and classic style of brandy. Produce of a blend of eaux-de-vie from the finest terroirs in Cognac, namely Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne and Fins Bois and aged for about ten years, Lot № 90 X.O Ovation owes its freshness and purity to the vivacity of the eaux-de-vie, displaying an especially attractive combination of vigour and complexity. Alluring vivid gold in color with subtle and refined aromas suggestive of stick cinnamon, vanilla bean, a subtle sear on crème caramel, orange peel and (the imagination could literally run wild), at last, and overarchingly, the spirit of the grape; supple and fine on the palate, tactile with a sense of sweetness and harmony on the tongue and long remembrance of all that has come before on the finish; oh dear, this is good …
$67.50 the bottle
Delamain Grande Champagne Cognac Pale & Dry X.O.
Delamain Pale & Dry was introduced as Delamain’s standard-bearer in 1920, and today represents some 80% of the firm’s production. The label is a reproduction of a 17th century engraving of the town of Jarnac and its Château by Claude Chastillon. Named after its taste, to reflect its clean, dry purity of flavor, it is blended from a range of Cognacs averaging 25 years of age. True to its name, brilliant pale gold in color, this superb Cognac is distinguished by its remarkable delicacy and refinement; aromas suggest a wisp of vanilla from old wood, cinnamon, clove and notions of candied orange peel and raisin; carries itself elegantly, almost floats onto the tongue with a gentle richness of texture and rondeur and just a whole panoply of complex flavors that burst on the palate and then linger welcome, warm and engaging on the long flavorful finish.
$112.50 the bottle
All orders subject to confirmation. All wines subject to prior sale.
