2020 Gainey Vineyard Chardonnay Santa Rita Hills Santa Barbara County
Santa Rita Hills is becoming, for us, an area of extreme interest for California Chardonnay (and Pinot Noir) — there is clearly something going on here — and there clearly exists the possibility for both ripeness and signature of place, together with minerality and intensity of flavor. Gainey Vineyard Chardonnay excites not only for fulfilling against all of this promise, but also for its value. Pale platinum/yellow in color with nostril titillating aromas suggestive of saline seaside air, mineral, mirabelle plum, flesh of golden apple and lemon curd on toasted and liberally buttered baguette; at once soft and creamy textured and yet intensely mineral, vivid palate feel and flavors that reverberate long and excitedly on the finish.
$22.50 the bottle $229.56 the case
2021 Gainey Vineyard Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills Santa Barbara County
Produce of 100% Pinot Noir fruit harvested from vineyards at the western edge of the Santa Ynez Valley. Lovely medium translucent ruby in color with upfront aromas redolent of sappy bramble and berry, ripe cherry, cola and a hint of toasted baguette (Gainey themselves suggest pomegranate and a whiff of rose hips as well); at once supple and energetic on the tongue, nervy, tense, with splendid equilibrium and flavor that builds joyfully on the tongue and then melts away only ever so slowly, contemplatively into a most pleasant organoleptic memory, tantalizing and fresh long on the finish.
$32.50 the bottle $331.56 the case
2022 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!
$22.50 the bottle $229.56 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
2019 Donnachadh Family Wines Chardonnay
Family owned and organically farmed, Donnachadh (um, let's get this out of the way quickly, it's pronounced DON-nuh-kuh) Vineyard is located in the Santa Rita Hills viticultural area of Santa Barbara County. The vineyard was planted in 2013, the culmination of a dream for erstwhile Austinite owners Drew Duncan and his wife, Laurie. The property is 285 acres with approximately 40 acres under vine. The climate here is dominated by the Pacific Ocean, which lies about 7 miles from the vineyard. Morning fog cools the grapes and consistent afternoon ocean breezes keep heat from building up over the course of the day. Quite pure Chardonnay aromas suggest the salt sea, orange zest, mirabelle plum and green/golden berries hanging in the cool of the maritime morning; quite tactile on the palate, caressing in texture with a gentle minerality and flourish of flavor on the finish that suggest a judicious use of toasty oak and those same now delicious green/golden berries along with a fully mouthwatering hint of salinity.
$67.50 the bottle $688.56 the case
2020 Donnachadh Family Wines Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills
The Pinot Noir vines (California heritage clones Swan, Calera and Pommard) are planted midslope on a north-facing hillside where fog and strong winds provide cooling and prolong the growing season. Well-drained soils derived from marine shale provide a lean nutrient diet and just the right amount of moisture. The fruit was hand harvested at ripeness levels to retain bright acidity and intense flavors. At the winery, the fruit was destemmed and crushed while still cool, then fermented with its own native yeasts. Translucent medium ruby in color with aromas that are at once sappy, savory and brambley, with notions of Asian five spice, candied orange peel, a hint of wood smoke and, with some air, ripe bing cherry; at once, both supple and nervy on the tongue, with just an inkling of fine-grained grape skin and stem tannins, a touch of salinity and a gentle mouthwatering acidity on the laid back west coast sunset of a flavorful finish.
$67.50 the bottle $688.56 the case
2021 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
2022 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.
$27.50 the bottle $280.56 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 Sixteenth 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 Sixteenth 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
2021 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
2021 Siduri Pinot Noir Santa Barbara County
Siduri blends fruit from Santa Maria Valley and the Sta. Rita Hills to produce this superb Santa Barbara County wine: Pinot Noir from Santa Maria Valley provides crunchy fresh fruit laden with spice notes, whilst fruit from the Sta. Rita Hills provides opulent and energetic red and black fruits. Lovely translucent ruby in color with deep pitched, contemplative aromas that suggest dark ripe berries, cinnamon, clove, tea leaf and dried orange peel (with some air there was also a hint of reglisse); ample and broad on the palate, gently structured with dusty tannins carrying deliciously complex spicy berry flavors on the finish.
$27.50 the bottle $280.56 the case
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
2022 Vermentino Maremma Toscana Ben Nittardi
Ben is short for the Italian forename Beniamino, which is often bestowed upon the youngest and most beloved son. Ben is produce of 100% Vermentino, a grape varietal indigenous to Toscana and found along the entire Mediterranean coast. Maremma, with its sand/stone/clay soils not at all far from the Tyrrhenian coast is an ideal climate for the varietal and gives the wine its refreshing taste and saline minerality. Pale yellow/gold in color with ultra-fresh aromas suggestive of golden berries, citrus flower and the salt sea looming to the west; vibrant and alive onto the tongue (Henry found it shimmering) with an entirely refreshing saline quality that stirs the palate something seaside wonderful.
$14.99 the bottle $76.44 the case of 6
View more of our selection of Italian wines on the Italia page of our website.
2021 Chianti Classico Belcanto Nittardi
Produce of a blend of certified organically farmed fruit (about 90% Sangiovese with the remainder Canaiolo, Colorino, Malvasia Nera and other local grape varieties) half each from vineyards at Castellina in Chianti at 450 meters above sea level and at San Quirico, located south of Castellina at 270 meters. The soils of both vineyards are a mix of Albarello (limestone) and clay with a rich skeleton of schist which gives the wine a pleasant minerality. On the label of Belcanto, Michelangelo is portayed in a mosaic of Galestro stones, typical of the soil of this terroir. Medium-deep ruby in color fading to a more sanguine garnet at the edges with aromas that are at once a kind of vinous fusion of minerality (indeed, galestro) and dark ripe Sangiovese berries with the telltale scent of the macchia mediterranea and a hint of rose petals after some air (by all means, give this wine the benefit of a good decanting); chiseled and potent on the tongue, holding its shape impeccably well (Darcie called it seamless; Henry noted the tension, the interplay between dark ripe fruit and typical Tuscan Sangiovese astringency) and well‑demonstrating the class and power of the already highly regarded 2021 vintage in Tuscany. Undeniable value in fine Chianti Classico.
$19.99 the bottle $203.88 the case
2019 Montecucco Rosso Marleo Leonardo Salustri
The Salustri Leonardo estate is located less than 10 miles from the borders of Montalcino on the slopes of Monte Amiata. It’s the combination of elevations, up to 380 meters, and the moderating air currents that blow in from the Tyrrhenian Sea that allow them to produce Sangiovese with such character in this warm location. The soils mix sandstone and limestone in varying proportions throughout their vineyards, most of which were planted in the 1950s and 1960s (old by Sangiovese standards) and have all been farmed organically since 1990. In fact, Leonardo Salustri has been one of the leaders of natural and sustainable practices in Montecucco, a region that can now boast as many as 85% of its producers being fully certified organic. The winemaking here is pretty straightforward in an attempt to communicate the inherent qualities of Sangiovese through the finished wines. Spontaneous fermentations and refinement of the juice are completed all in large-capacity oak casks, with the exception of the freshly-styled Marleo, which is finished all in stainless steel and is a serious bargain …
90% Sangiovese, 10% Ciliegiolo. The 2019 Rosso Marleo Montecucco opens with a display of cedar spice box and roses giving way to black cherries and hints of leather. It’s silky in texture, with polished, ripe red fruits that flow effortlessly across the palate. This leaves sweet tannins to linger, as residual acids keep the mouth watering, and hints of blueberry and licorice slowly fade. Such balance and so complete, the 2019 Marleo is a beauty and a remarkable value. Drink 2022‑2025. Rated
91. ‑ Eric Guido,
vinous.com October, 2021. Regularly $17.50 the bottle, on sale now at:
$11.99 the bottle $122.28 the case
2019 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Avignonesi
The 2019 Nobile di Montepulciano is a total pleasure on the nose. Sweet spice complements bright raspberry and cherry aromas. This envelopes the palate with silky textures balanced by juicy acidity as rose-tinged red berries cascade across the palate. It leaves a gentle coating of fine tannins while maintaining a lovely energy as hard red candy hints fade. Drink 2023‑2029. Rated
91. ‑ Eric Guido,
vinous.com July, 2023.
$19.99 the bottle $203.88 the case
2016 Chianti Classico Riserva Villa Cerna
Produce of 95% Sangiovese and 5% Colorino fruit from vines planted to the stony soils at about 280 meters near Castellina in Chianti in the southern part of the Chianti Classico zone; discreet sanguine Sangiovese aromas suggestive of stony soils, sottobosco, saddle leather and a hint of wintergreen; smooth and finely polished onto the tongue, then building in volume, potency and warmth with fine pulverized stony dusty tannins carrying ever more complex flavors long on the finish and well-demonstrating the preeminence of the 2016 vintage in Toscana.
$37.50 the bottle $382.56 the case
2022 Rosso di Montalcino Canalicchio di Sopra
The 2022 Rosso Di Montalcino is ripe and inviting, with beautiful aromas of cherry liqueur, tobacco leaf, crushed flowers, and sweet herbs. Medium to full-bodied, it moves seamlessly to the palate with a velvety texture and has a sunny feel with lovely clarity. A gorgeous Rosso offering a ton of enjoyment now, with ripe tannins, delicate mineral undercurrents, and a clean finish, it’s a very appealing wine to drink over the next 10 years. Drink 2024‑2034. Rated
91+. ‑ Audrey Frick,
jebdunnuck.com February, 2024
$40.00 the bottle $408.00 the case
2019 Brunello di Montalcino Canalicchio di Sopra
Dusty violets, lavender and cloves accentuate dried black cherries as the dramatic 2019 Brunello di Montalcino smolders up from the glass. This is impossible to ignore, bursting with energy as depths of ripe red fruits, chalky minerals and exotic spices saturate all they touch, balanced by textures of pure silk. The 2019 finishes with fantastic length and concentration, leaving a staining of tart blackberry and hints of orange that curl the tongue as crunchy tannins tug at the palate. It's rare to see such a combination of vibrancy and power. Canalicchio di Sopra nailed it in 2019. Wow. Drink 2026‑2042. Rated
96. - Eric Guido,
vinous.com November, 2023
$100.00 the bottle $1,020.00 the case
2019 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna La Casaccia Canalicchio di Sopra
The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna La Casaccia is impossible to ignore; it is earthy and mineral, almost smoky and animal in nature. Ashen stones, violets and balsam herbs complicate depths of dried black cherries, sage and clove. This is deeply textural and seductive, balancing ripe red and black fruits with sweet spice and minty herbal tones that create a kaleidoscope of sensation on the palate. A salty flourish shines through the finale, along with a crunchy tinge of blackberry seeds to contrast, as fine-grained tannins wrap the senses with youthful poise and a bitter twang resonates. The 2019 may be immortal. La Casaccia is a showstopper. Drink 2026‑2040. Rated
100. - Eric Guido,
vinous.com November, 2023
$200.00 the bottle Limited
2019 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Montosoli Canalicchio di Sopra
The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Montosoli is coy in the glass, youthfully restrained and requires coaxing to reveal its delicate bouquet. With time, a dusty display of dried roses, licorice, cherries, cloves and camphor emanates from the glass. This model of purity is polished, silky and refined with savory spice and mineral-laden red fruits that saturate, all perfectly guided by brisk acidity. It leaves the palate stained in primary concentration, turning inward upon itself. Tart currant and mentholated herb notes add freshness to a web of fine-grained tannins. The 2019 is a breathtaking interpretation of Montosoli fruit. Drink 2027‑2042. Rated
97. - Eric Guido,
vinous.com November, 2023
$225.00 the bottle Limited
2018 Barolo Elio Altare
The 2018 Barolo is a gorgeous entry‑level wine. Actually, it is an entry‑level wine just in name. Racy and pliant, with terrific purity and fine balance, the 2018 is positively stellar. Crushed red berry fruit, flowers, mint, licorice and rose petal flesh out in this gorgeous, captivating Barolo from the Altare family. Vineyard sites are Sarmassa, Badarina and Novello. Drink 2028‑2043. Rated
92. - Antonio Galloni,
vinous.com November, 2021
$80.00 the bottle $408.00 the case of 6
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
2016 Barolo Brunate Marcarini
Marcarini's 2016 Barolo Brunate captures much of the mystique of this La Morra site in its beguiling aromatics. Deep, layered and so expressive, the 2016 has a lot to offer. Time in the glass brings out an exotic quality to the red toned fruit, with spice, menthol and floral overtones that linger. I would not be in a rush to open bottles. Drink 2026‑2036. Rated
92. - Antonio Galloni,
vinous.com February, 2021
$75.00 the bottle $382.50 the case of 6
2021 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, grape pomace, 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.
$22.50 the bottle $229.56 the case
2021 Etna Rosso Pietradolce
Seductive from the first tilt of the class, the 2021 Etna Rosso slowly opens to reveal dried strawberries, lavender, incense and spice. This is luxuriously round and soothing, with ripe red and blue fruits that easily flow across the palate. The 2021 finishes long and potent but only lightly structured. Candid citrus and licorice notes slowly fade. It’s a lovely introduction to Etna and the Pietradolce house style. Drink 2023‑2028. Rated
91. Eric Guido,
vinous.com June, 2023
$22.50 the bottle $229.56 the case
2020 Etna Contrada Santo Spirito di Passopisciari Animardente Feudo Maccari
The Contrado Santo Spirito di Passopisciari is located at about 700 metres of elevation on the slopes of Mount Etna and has comparatively deep, rich soils of pebbles, gravel and volcanic ash. The elevation allows for the diurnal cycle swing of warm days and cooler nights enabling the vines' respiration that makes fine winegrowing a possibility and even a thing of beauty indeed. Alluring translucent ruby to just tawnier at the edges in color with floral scents suggestive of roses and violets, then fermenting berries and notions of a calmer version of the once violent volcanic earth, albeit with the lurking hint of smoldering rock (Darcie also detected the scent of mountain laurel); almost Burgundian silken on entry then demonstrating a firmer more vigorous and broadly stone-like tannic underpinning rising up on the tongue; eventually, this is a quite powerful rendition of one of our favorite of the Etna contradas, not your cocktail variety Etna Rosso, give this one a good decanting and serve it up with more substantial winter fare.
$42.50 the bottle $216.78 the case
2021 Chianti Rùfina Selvapiana
Selvapiana in medieval times was one of the watch towers along the river Sieve built with the purpose of protecting the city of Florence on the northeast border. During Renaissance the building was enlarged and transformed into a Villa as a summer residence of noble Florentine families and of the bishops of Florence. In 1827 it was acquired by Michele Giuntini, a successful banker and ancestor of Francesco Giuntini, the present owner and 5th generation to run the property. Since 1997, Selvapiana is run by Francesco’s adopted sons, Federico and Silvia, themselves sons of the former estate manager, Franco Masseti, who worked with Francesco from 1953 to 1990. The property covers 250 hectares in the municipalities of Rùfina, Pontassieve and Pelago, 58 ha of which are planted to vines, 36 ha in olives (Selvapiana produce one of the world's finest extra virgin olive oils). The soils are dry and stony with a well‑drained mixture of clay and limestone. Their situation near the Apennines at elevations of 750 to 900 feet allows for greater daytime/nightime swings in temperature and longer hangtime, slower ripening and a certain freshness in the wines. And their Chianti Rùfina is just exceptional. Produce of about 95% Sangiovese with an admixture of Canaiolo, Colorino and Malvasia Nera; translucent ruby/garnet in color with aromas suggestive of a mixture of wild berries, tanned leather and a fresh herbal macchia mediterranea kind of thing, a hint of roasted coffee bean, then, underneath it all, stone; slips onto the tongue with a certain suppleness, then demonstrates nerve and spine of juicy fruity acidity, gentle chalky tannins and stony underpinning, with length of discreet and delicious mouthwatering flavor.
$17.50 the bottle $178.56 the case
2019 Chianti Rùfina Riserva Vigneto Bucerchiale Fattoria Selvapiana
Produce of 100% Sangiovese fruit from vines planted in 1968 and 1992 to the clay and limestone soils here in the Chianti Rùfina zone northeast of Florence; certified organically‑farmed, fermented with ambient yeasts and aged in a combination of French barriques and large casks for some 32 months prior to release: medium translucent ruby to just garnet at the edges with aromas of sanguine red and blue berries, saddle leather, salumi pregiati, ginestra in flower and crushed rocks; cool on entry, then full and potent; velvet in texture on the tongue with vigorous but pliant tannins carrying taut berry and earth flavors long and deep on the finish; this one is just begging for a well‑prepared bistecca alla Fiorentina with, of course, a bit of high‑quality Tuscan olive oil slathered atop.
$37.50 the bottle $191.28 the case
2016 Chianti Classico Tocca Stelle Dievole
Dievole covers an area of 600 hectares within the Chianti Classico territory in Vagliagli, about 12 km north of Siena. Beginning from 450 meters above sea level, the medieval hamlet where Villa Dievole is perched, overlooking the valley in which the estate slopes down to the southeast in gentle rolling hills ending at an altitude of around 300 meters. A long cypress-lined avenue leads to the heart of the estate; a stunning Tuscan panorama opens, and from there a dense network of strade bianche alternates with olive trees, vineyards and farmhouses. It is an unforgettable landscape in which nature, history and culture together with centuries of man’s work have created a beautiful land that enchants all who would be enchanted. Here wine and extra virgin olive oil have been produced for nearly a thousand years. Tocca Stelle was born from a desire to produce a high-quality classically Tuscan wine using a vineyard planted 40 plus years ago. Produce of 85% Sangiovese, 10% Canaiolo and 5% Colorino from the arguably brilliant 2016 vintage in Tuscany and in a such a good place for drinking right now as almost fully mature wine with just oodles of typicity; limpid ruby to just garnet at the edges with sanguine Sangiovese aromas suggest singed dark berries, leather and the Tuscan underbrush (Henry noted a touch spice like cardamom and nutmeg); dusty dry with a sweet inner core of fruit transformed, almost weightless on the tongue with gentle length of highly complex flavor. It has this taster craving a classic Bistecca alla Fiorentina prepared with the very highest quality salt. Regularly $40.00 the bottle, on sale now at:
$29.99 the bottle $152.94 the case of 6
2019 Chianti Classico San Giusto a Rentennano
The 2019 Chianti Classico is a deep, fleshy wine with a good deal of tannin that will need time to soften. The San Giusto Classico has a track record of aging very well. I have no doubt that will be the case here as well. Time in the glass brings out Sangiovese aromatics, but readers will have to patient here. This classically austere Chianti Classico needs time to be at its very best. Drink 2024‑2029. Rated
91+. - Antonio Galloni,
vinous.com September, 2021
$42.50 the bottle $433.56 the case
2020 Toscana Tignanello Marchesi Antinori
The 2020 Tignanello is so primary, so intensely fruit-driven, that it almost tastes like a barrel sample. A burst of red Sangiovese fruit opens first, followed by hints of blood orange, cinnamon, spice, dried flowers and mocha later. Time in the glass brings out striking dimension. In 2020, Tignanello is wonderfully sleek and racy, with fine tannins that lie below a core of bright, sculpted fruit. The balance here is just sublime. I can't wait to revisit the 2020 with age. "We are gradually increasing the Cabernet Franc in Tignanello to balance the greater richness that today's warmer seasons are giving to our Sangioveses," Antinori CEO Renzo Cotarella told me. Drink 2028‑2045. Rated
96. - Antonio Galloni,
vinous.com June, 2023
$157.50 the bottle $803.28 the case of 6
2018 Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Il Poggione
While tasting through the 2018 Brunellos, I couldn’t help but notice that quality in the southwest (in this case, Sant'Angelo in Colle) were generally higher across the board than in the north. This is not to say that every estate made a great wine, but that many more than usual made very balanced wines in the context of the growing season. However, Il Poggione made one of the top wines of 2018. What makes their Brunello so special is its balance of depth and structure that is seldom seen in this vintage, yet married to the exotic aromatics that many 2018s are noted for. So how did they succeed? Once again, this shows the importance of place in Montalcino. Alessandro Bindocci, manager and winemaker at Il Poggione, described 2018 in the southwest as having heavy precipitation throughout the spring that built up water supplies in the soils, which helped to mitigate the hot temperatures in May through July. Average August temperatures and light precipitation followed, with a cooling trend leading into September. While there was more rain in September, the strong Mistral winds maintained the health of the vines. In the end, production at Il Poggione was down due to strict selection of bunches to deal with the humid conditions. For this reason, Bindocci decided to use all of the fruit from the Paganelli vineyard in the estate Brunello, instead of producing a Riserva. The result is easily one of the top wines of the vintage and a bottle that collectors should not miss. As for looking to the future, the estate has begun organic conversion as of 2022 as well as upgraded irrigation across 100 hectares of vineyards.
Impressing from the first tilt of the glass, the 2018 Brunello di Montalcino makes itself known, with a heady burst of exotic spice and crushed ashen stone giving way to dried black cherries and grilled herbs. This combines the energy of the vintage with the dark balsamic-tinged fruits of Montalcino’s southern reaches, as zesty acidity maintains balance throughout, and flinty minerals saturate toward the close. It finishes long, savory and structured, yet its tannins are more rounded than anticipated, creating both a classic feel, but also leaving a mouthwatering sensation that tricks the taster back to the glass for more. Easily one of the top wines of the vintage, the 2018 is not to be missed. Rated
96+. - Eric Guido,
vinous.comOctober, 2022
$87.50 the bottle $446.28 the case of 6
2021 Rosso di Montalcino Tenuta Il Poggione
Produced entirely from hand‑harvested Sangiovese grapes, sourced from the estate's younger vineyards, this perennially excellent and emblematic Rosso di Montalcino is aged in a combination of botti grandi and tonneau 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
2018 Montefalco Rosso Tenuta Alzatura
Produce of fruit of 70% Sangiovese, 15% Merlot and 15% Sagrantino vines planted to clay/limestone/sandy soils at 250 meters of elevation in Umbria in central Italia; ruby red to just garnet at the edges in color with typical Sangiovese aromas suggestive of sweet cured meats, cherries, macchea mediterranea and the dusty summertime vineyard floor (eventually, with air, there was the scent of rose petals and a hint of liquirizia); slips smoothly onto the tongue with gentle Sangiovese astringency (the more fierce tannins of the Sangiovese and Sagrantino are ameliorated here by the softer Merlot); simply lovely Italian picnic red, perfect to cut against the oil of a good salami or to foil hard cheeses, and perfect for mid-week pasta and pizza, too.
$17.50 the bottle $178.56 the case
2022 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, yes, both supple and persistent, poised, delicious and fresh, almost irresistible — no, it surely is irresistible. Sì, sì, sì!
$24.99 the bottle $127.44 the case of 6
2022 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.
$17.50 the bottle $178.56 the case
2022 Pecorino Colline Pescaresi La Valentina
La Valentina is a leading example of the modern renaissance of winemaking in Abruzzo. The region has a history as a source of inexpensive bulk wine production, but a new generation of winemakers have dedicated themselves to harnessing the excellent terroir to produce high quality rather than high quantity — and La Valentina is at the forefront of this movement. The di Properzio brothers, proprietors of La Valentina, remain true to the traditional varieties associated with Abruzzo: Montepulciano d'Abruzzo and Trebbiano d'Abruzzo, along with a time‑honored but almost forgotten variety, Pecorino. The shift in focus is not in the grapes but in the way they are grown and vinified. La Valentina has acquired several vineyard sites that are located at higher elevations in the foothills of the Apennines, near a national park in pristine condition. In all of their vineyards, La Valentina have made a strong commitment to sustainability, avoiding the use of artificial or chemical products, ensuring maximum biodiversity and relying on minimal intervention in the land’s natural processes. To this end, all the estate vineyards have been certified organic since 2016. The name of the Pecorino grape is derived from Uve delle Pecora, a reference to the sheepherders who ate the grapes while accompanying their flocks across the hills and valleys of Abruzzo and the Marche. The wine is produced from 100% Pecorino fruit from vines planted to the clay soils of the communes of San Valentino, Scafa, and Spoltore in the province of Pescara, some 150 to 350 meters in elevation. Pale yellow/gold in color with initially reticent, eventually enticing aromas suggestive of stone fruits and salt sea air; silken smooth, tactile and viscous onto the tongue with a wellspring of energy, engaging the palate with a fresh saline minerality and hyper-refreshingness.
$17.50 the bottle $178.56 the case
2021 Vermentino di Gallura Superiore Jankara
Vermentino is the workhorse white wine grape variety grown around the span of southeastern France and the northwestern and western coasts of Italy down to Tuscany and to the islands of Corsica and Sardegna. It seems especially well adapted to the coastal vineyards of the Ligurian and Tyrrhenian seas (this wine is more clear evidence). Produce of 100% Vermentino hand harvested from vines planted in 2008 to the primarily crushed granite soils of microclimate of Vena di San Leonardo in the Alta-Gallura; vivid yellow/platinum in color with glints of green and ultra fresh aromas that make this taster want to travel again with reminiscence of sweet ripe green gold berries kissed with the fresh salt sea air and a hint of ginestra and the vine leaf itself lending pith (Jankara themselves suggest aromas of Sardinian mandarin and white almond flowers); just ample on entry, then fresh and vibrant on the tongue, almost as though the wine inherently wants to bubble, with an intensity of flavor and saline minerality that stir the salivary glands long and fresh on the finish.
$19.99 the bottle $101.94 the case of 6
2020 Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore Bucci
Produce of 100% organically-farmed Verdicchio grapes from vines on average 35-plus years in age and planted to the clay/limestone soils in this golden zone of the Marche in northeastern Italia; shimmering yellow/gold in color with aromas immediately suggestive of lemon or bergamot-like citrus flower, orchard fruits and the flesh of yellow/golden apple (a number of experts have historically noted bitter almond as well; Carol noted its Adriatic salinity); ample, full, rounded and satisfying on the tongue yet with vibrant citrusy acidity and pithiness that serve to amplify the wine's considerable volume and intensity of flavor on the finish.
$22.50 the bottle $229.56 the case
2022 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 Sauvignon Ronco del Cerò Venica
Dusty, floral and sweetly satisfying, the 2021 Sauvignon Ronco del Cerò opens with incense and exotic spice, giving way to grapefruit and sour melon zests. This is deeply textural yet focused on purity, with cooling minerality and herbal-tinged orchard fruits motivated by zesty acidity. It leaves the cheeks puckered while tapering off with a twang of sour citrus offset by sweet chamomile. The Ronco del Cerò is so pretty today, yet the best is undoubtedly yet to come. Drink 2023‑2030. Rated
92+. - Eric Guido,
vinous.com January, 2023
$24.99 the bottle $254.88 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
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
2020 Valpolicella Superiore Case Vecie Brigaldara
Spicy, floral and citrus-tinged, the 2020 Valpolicella Superiore Case Vecie is impossible to ignore. Soft-textured and open-knit, this impresses with a core of mineral-tinged red fruits
under an air of violets and lavender. This finishes remarkably fresh and with a salty flourish as residual acids maintain a lovely freshness. Drink 2023‑2026. Rated
92. - Eric Guido,
vinous.com December, 2022
$29.99 the bottle $305.88 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
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
2021 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
2021 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
View more of our selection of Burgundy wines on the Bourgogne page of our website.
2021 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.
$27.50 the bottle $280.56 the case
2020 Viré-Clessé Chanson Père et Fils
Produce of Chardonnay and Chardonnay Muscaté fruit from southeast facing vineyards near the communes of Viré and Clessé in the Mâconnais district of southern Burgundy. The soils here are a typical Burgundian chalk/clay with an admixture of liasic marls and oyster fossils in Clessé, lending that revered mineralité to the eventual wine. Pale platinum/yellow/gold in color; vivid and fresh, almost transportive aromas that had this taster imagining cool of the morning Chardonnay berries awaiting their transformation into Bacchus' own glass of everyday white Burgundy; pristine aromas offer suggestion of citrus-flower, baguette a-baking and wine-moistened Burgundian limestone; at once both ample and fresh, supple and satisfyingly smooth in texture with fine lasting fresh flavors. A most delicious dry white Burgundy wine.
$22.50 the bottle $229.56 the case
2020 Pouilly-Fuissé Domaine J. A. Ferret
Pouilly-Fuissé is surely one of the most picturesque and, frankly astonishing areas in terms of its commanding views of and around les deux roches Solutré and Vergisson in the Mâconnais in southern Burgundy. It also produces some of the most sumptuous and exciting of Chardonnay wines in all of Burgundy. Louis Jadot purchased Domaine J. A. Ferret in 2008 following the passing and with the blessing of the widow, Mme. Collette Ferret, who wanted the domaine to remain in good stead. Attractive platinum/yellow/gold in color with alluring aromas that are both floral and mineral (les fleurs blanches and summer's rain-moistened limestone) and a hint of something like freshly baked baguette with a slather of sweet unsalted French butter and, of course, ripe green/gold Chardonnay berries transformed; slips seamlessly onto the tongue, ample, gently rich and at the same time without apparent weight, then fresh and flush with flavor of fleshy pithy berry and a vibrancy and mouthwateringness to the finish. This is for sure some 1st class and 2nd glass kind of white Burgundy. And, it's on sale. (!) Regularly $47.50 the bottle, on sale now at:
$40.00 the bottle $225.00 the case of 6
2022 Mâcon-Villages Chardonnay Louis Jadot
Produce of 100% Chardonnay fruit from the Mâconnais area in southern Burgundy; vinified without oak to retain the wine’s elegant aromas and clean, fresh character; pale yellow/gold in color with ultra-fresh aromas suggesting, flesh of crisp apple and pear, just a hint of citrus and a fresh delicate green herbal quality (comme cerfeuil); cool and crisp on the tongue, ultra-refreshing, chalky dry with an easy-going minerality and refreshing berryish acidity; a completely delicious quaff of crisp, clean Burgundian Chardonnay.
$14.99 the bottle $152.88 the case
2022 Chablis Vieilles Vignes Gérard Tremblay
Produce of 100% Chardonnay fruit from vines an average age of over 40 years and planted to the limestone marl soils typical of Chablis; vibrant yellow/gold with glints of green in color, aromas redolent of ripe orchard fruits, sweet citrus, crushed sea shells and a freshening summer's rain on limestone; a touch richer than a typical vintage of the wine with an easygoing intensity and purity of flavor and a smooth texture on the tongue; delicious, if also entirely gulpable dry white wine.
$24.99 the bottle $254.88 the case
2021 Rully En Villerange Claudie Jobard
From old Chardonnay vines (an average age of 70 years) planted to the clay/limestone soils of a small hillside plot of just over 2 hectares well exposed to the south/southeast. Vivid yellow/gold in color with aromas suggestive of toasted baguette, crisp pippin apple, lemon preserve and wine-moistened limestone; both supple and ample on entry, then demonstrating nerve and spine of crisp acidity, chalky dry and mouthwateringly crisp; deliciously compelling Burgundian Chardonnay!
$37.50 the bottle $382.56 the case
2020 Saint-Amour Vieilles Vignes Stéphane Aviron
The late great man of wine, Alexis Lichine, once described the folks of Beaujolais as « convivial, round-faced, rosy cheeked people » who « seem to have been created for the making of wine ». And, although we wouldn't necessarily describe him as round-faced, we've been following the work of Stéphane Aviron for the last few years with increasing interest and appreciation. He seems to be able to translate the specific qualities of the various Beaujolais crus with a focus on deliciousness and urgency and that certain je ne sais quoi. The cru Saint-Amour is located in the north of Beaujolais where the soils begin their transition from granitic to clay and limestone and where you begin to see more Chardonnay under cultivation. This Saint-Amour is, of course, produce of 100% Gamay fruit; deep, just translucent ruby in color with almost irresistible aromas that all but blurt out Beaujolais what with spice and berry and bramble and a certain drink me — now (!) — quality; full, frontal, fleshy Gamay fruit that happily fills the mouth, tantalizes and vivifies the palate with crunchy berryish acidity that causes some serious salivation, warms the very cockles of the heart and could likely even change one's disposition from gloom to glee.
$27.50 the bottle $280.56 the case
2022 Côte de Brouilly Château Thivin
The vineyard parcels of Château Thivin Côte de Brouilly are predominantly south-facing and are planted entirely with Gamay vines that average 50 years of age on steep (48% grade) slopes of blue volcanic rock comprised of plagioclase and biotite on the Mont Brouilly. Importer Kermit Lynch has famously described the wine as resembling "a country squire who is not afraid to get his boots muddy. Handsome, virile, earthy, and an aristocrat." Château Thivin Côte de Brouilly is long among our favorite of the Beaujolais crus. Translucent purple ruby to fuchsia at the edges in color with fermentive and fleshy, gently reduced post‑volcanic Gamay fruit suggestive of a compote de baies mélangées together with notions baking spices, violet and an underpinning of crushed stone (graphite and granite); crunchy berry Beaujolais again (Henry found it more lithe and taut and all the while silky) on the palate, with a refreshing, bursting, vibrant mouthwatering intensity of flavor that is just irresistible.
$32.50 the bottle $331.56 the case
2017 Monthélie 1er Cru Champs-Fulliots Domaine Potinet-Ampeau
Monthélie is just off the beaten path in the Côte de Beaune, just a bit above and between Meursault and Volnay on the slope and with 34+ hectares of premier cru vineyards dedicated to the production of red wine (from Pinot Noir, of course). It bears mentioning, too, the Domaine Potinet-Ampeau are among a very few producers to release their wines comparatively late, preferring to hold them in their quite cool cellars until they feel they are more ready to drink. We feel this lends a touch of spice to our selection of fine Burgundy wines, as a bit of bottle age can certainly make for a more contemplative affair at the table. Delicate translucent ruby fading to just garnet at the edges in color with subtle perfumed Pinot Noir aromas suggesting ripe cherry, baking spices and dried orange peel (with air there came more complexity still with notes dried cherry and rhubard); silken in texture on entry, then displays the nerve and spine of fruity acidity, a kirsch-like warmth and solid limestone underpinning with gentle but bonafide premier cru length of complex and gently intense Burgundian Pinot Noir flavor. Regularly $50.00 the bottle, on sale now at:
$37.50 the bottle
2020 Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Clos Saint-Jacques Domaine Louis Jadot
The 2020 Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Clos Saint-Jacques (Domaine Louis Jadot) is shaping up brilliantly, wafting from the glass with aromas of raspberries and plums mingled with sweet spices, orange rind and peonies. Medium to full-bodied, velvety and concentrated, it's bright and precise, with a layered core of fruit and a long, penetrating finish. Rated
(93‑95). - William Kelley,
robertparker.com January, 2022
The 2020 Gevrey-Chambertin Clos Saint-Jacques 1er Cru has a well-defined bouquet with crisp blackberry, briary, crushed stone and light eucalyptus aromas that blossom with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, fine acidity, fleshy and harmonious with a touch of spice towards its very cohesive and sustained finish. Classy. Drink 2026‑2055. Rated
(93‑95). - Neal Martin,
vinous.com November, 2021
$250.00 the bottle $1,275.00 the case of 6
$500.00 the 1.5‑litre magnum $1,275.00 the case of 3
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
$250.00 the bottle $1,275.00 the case of 6
$500.00 the 1.5‑litre magnum $1,275.00 the case of 3
$1,000 the 3-litre double magnum
2017 Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Clos Saint-Jacques Domaine Louis Jadot
The 2017 Gevrey-Chambertin Clos Saint-Jacques 1er Cru clearly has the finest bouquet of seven wines that I tasted from the appellation by Jadot. It is very precise and focused, showing superb edginess and impressive terroir expression. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin. This is quite linear in style, the fruit just a little muted toward the finish, but there is fine structure and detail on this more masculine Clos Saint-Jacques than anticipated. Drink 2022‑2040. Rated
(91‑93). - Neal Martin,
vinous.com January, 2019
The 2017 Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Clos Saint-Jacques (Domaine Louis Jadot) unfurls in the glass with an incipiently complex bouquet of sweet red berries, coffee roast, raw cocoa, candied peel and cedary new wood. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, ample and layered, with an abundance of satiny structuring tannin, juicy acids and a long, pure finish. As usual, this will require some bottle age, but it's one of the high points of the collection. Rated
(92‑94). - William Kelley,
Wine Advocate January, 2019
$225.00 the bottle $1,147.50 the case of 6
2020 Corton-Pougets Domaine des Héritiers Louis Jadot
The 2020 Corton-Pougets Grand Cru (Domaine des Héritiers Jadot) is excellent, mingling aromas of cherries and raspberries with notions of raw cocoa, orange rind, warm spices and smoke. Full-bodied, velvety and layered, it's deep and concentrated, with powdery tannins, bright acids and a long, resonant finish. Rated
(93‑95). - William Kelley,
robertparker.com January, 2022
The 2020 Corton-Pougets Grand Cru is often one of Jadot’s strongest cards amongst the Côte de Beaune reds and this is no different. It has a captivating bouquet with earthy red fruit, graphite, just a faint hint of menthol that emerges with time. The palate is medium‑bodied with sappy red fruit, lightly spiced with a dash of white pepper towards the sustained finish. It will require several years in bottle to show its best, but it will be worth waiting for. Drink 2027‑2050. Rated
(94‑96). - Neal Martin,
vinous.com November, 2021
$137.50 the bottle $701.28 the case of 6
$275.00 the 1.5‑litre magnum $701.25 the case of 3
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
View more of our selection of Rhône Valley wines on the Rhône Valley page of our website.
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
2021 Côtes-du-Rhône Coudoulet de Beaucastel Famille Perrin
From 30 hectares in the Coudoulet neighborhood of the southern Côtes‑du‑Rhône, located just east of and otherwise contiguous with the vineyard of Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf‑du‑Pape on the opposite (east) side of the A7 motorway and it's vineyard being on the same plateau of Molasse seabed covered by diluvial alpine deposits. These stones called «galets roulés» play a big, er, role, as it were — they famously take in the heat during the day and let it go slowly at night which gives the vines a good running start come springtime. Produce of a somewhat atypical southern Rhône Valley blend of 30% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre (Famille Perrin tend to emphasize Mourvèdre a bit), 20% Syrah and 20% Cinsault; deep, vibrant, almost magenta/ruby in color with fresh and penetrating spice and dark berry‑inflected aromas along with underlying pulverized limestone‑like minerality and hints of the ever‑present garrigue; although from the cooler 2021 vintage, the wine retains a power and a density typical of Coudoulet; stony firm on entry with gentle powdery tannins demonstrating structure from the get go, then with intensity of flavor of taut Grenache and the more feral Mourvèdre, the blue fruit of Syrah along with the rounding, freshening qualities of the Cinsault; all in all, another sweet (if completely dry) success from Famille Perrin.
$32.50 the bottle $331.56 the case
2020 Côtes-du-Rhône Réserve Domaine de La Janasse
Produce of 55% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 10% Carignan, 5% Cinsault and 5% Mourvèdre grown on 20 acres adjacent to the Châteauneuf‑du‑Pape vineyards of Domaine de La Janasse. This superb Côtes‑du‑Rhône has been a go‑to bottle for us for some years now: deep ruby red, with hints of garrigue and pulverized stone almost wholly subsumed by sun‑drenched, almost new-world ripe grapey aromas; rich, round, generous and powerful on the tongue, with ripe kirsch‑like Grenache flavors and fine chalky/stony ripe tannins building on the palate, giving shape and structure on to the warm and invigorating finish.
$17.50 the bottle $178.56 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 Châteauneuf-du-Pape les Trois Sources Domaine de la Vieille Julienne
Moving to the Chateauneuf du Papes from barrel, the 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape Les Trois Sources comes from more sandy soils. In general, this cuvée is the closest in style to the Reserve release and offers a more opulent style compared to the more structured Les Hauts-Lieux release. Gorgeous black and blue fruits, violets, black licorice, and sappy garrigue emerge on the nose, and it’s full-bodied, with ultra-fine tannins, no hard edges, and a great finish. Rated
94-96+. - Jeb Dunnuck,
jebdunnuck.com November, 2021
$75.00 the bottle $765.00 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
2020 Ventoux Silica Château Pesquié
The 2020 Ventoux Silica is beautiful, with ripe strawberry and framboise fruit notes as well as notes of sappy garrigue, chalky minerality, and white flowers. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it's as seamless as they come and offers richness without weight, beautiful balance, and a great finish. I like it today yet it will certainly have 10-15 years of overall longevity. Drink 2022‑2037. Rated
95. - Jeb Dunnuck,
jebdunnuck.com, March, 2023
$47.50 the bottle $242.28 the case of 6
2022 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; 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.
$14.99 the bottle $152.88 the case
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
2019 Minervois La Livinière La Touge Château Maris
Produce of 60% Syrah, 35% Grenache and 5% Carignan fruit from
Demeter certified biodynamically farmed vines, fermented on its native yeasts, bottled unfined and unfiltered into recycled glass bottles (Château Maris is also a
Certified B Corp); deep just tranlucent plum skin/ruby in color with south of France Syrah dominant aromas suggestive of ripe berries and bramble, a hint of cracked black peppercorn, earth and pulverized stone with notions of garrigue almost entirely subsumed by the ripeness of the vintage (Henry noted its wild and primary fruit qualities); smooth and winey onto the tongue, savory, then ample if not downright full in body with refreshing fruity acidity and ripe rounded tannins lending structure and carrying fine fresh Syrah flavor long on the finish.
$22.50 the bottle $229.56 the case
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
2022 Corbières Rosé Gris de Gris Domaine de Fontsainte
The first vineyards at Domaine de Fontsainte, in the Corbières appellation, were planted by the Romans. Artifacts found in these vineyards such as an old coin dating from the time of Marcus Agrippa in 25 A.D. are a testament to its antiquity. The original domaine was built around a thermal spring, which was later named for the local, twelfth-century patron saint, Saint Siméon; hence Fontsainte — the saint's fount. Yves Laboucarié's family has been making wine here since the seventeenth century. The Fontsainte vineyards surround the hamlet of Boutenac in the area known as «The Golden Crescent». This swath of land is one of the sunniest in the appellation of Corbières, enjoying south/southeast exposures, and protection from the cold, northeast winds by a large 500-hectare forest. The cool sea breezes from the Mediterranean help this sun-soaked terroir achieve balance as well. Their Gris de Gris rosé has been an important part of our rosé offerings here for years now. Produce of the hand-harvested fruit of 90% Grenache Gris, 5% Carignan and 5% Mourvèdre vines planted to silica, clay and gravelly limestone soils with large galets (rounded stones). A portion of the juice destined for red wine production is drawn off while still only pink in color (this is known as the saignée method of rosé production). After a 24-hour débourbage or settling of the must, alcoholic fermentation takes place at cool temperatures for 35 days. Malolactic fermentation is blocked and the wine is allowed to rest for one month before bottling to preserve freshness and aromatic intensity: pale sunset orange copper pink in color with fresh powdery citrus and red berry aromas; very primary intense vivid berry flavors burst wildly on the tongue leaving the palate both stimulated and refreshed.
$17.50 the bottle $178.56 the case
2022 Dão Branco Encruzado Quinta das Marias
Produce of 100% Encruzado grapes grown in the Dão about an hour's drive almost due south of the heart of the Douro. Encruzado yields a wine that when, as in this case, is well-made can perform much like a fine white Burgundy and, yet, there is a more tactile quality and a breadth to be enjoyed (even moreso with bottle age) that perhaps Chardonnay (anywhere near this wine in price) is more hard-pressed to give. Discreet aromas that hint at citrus flower, lemon peel and pith, white peppercorn and stone; at once both full and mineral crisp on the palate with impressive intensity of flavor and breadth and outright power in reserve; one can easily sense the benefit of aging a bit of this a good bit longer but, then, all of a sudden, we find the bottle is already empty.
$17.50 the bottle $178.56 the case
View more of our selection of vinhos portugueses on the Portugal page of our website.
2019 Dão Tinto Lote Quinta das Marias
Produce of a typical Dão blend (Lote means blend or batch in Português) of Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo), Jaen (Mencía) and Alfrocheiro; rich almost sanguine ruby red in color with an old world allure and vinosidade what with aromas at once both resinous and floral and suggestion of spiced plum and plump berries hanging above an arid vineyard floor at the peak of season; sophisticated and smooth, fully dry, but still country onto the tongue with both complexity and generosity of flavor and an embracing warmth on the finish.
$17.50 the bottle $178.56 the case
2022 Nortico Alavarinho Vinho Regional Minho
Produce of 100% Alvarinho (aka Albariño in España) fruit from the "garden vineyards" planted to granitic soils on the southern banks of the river Minho in far northern Portugal (across from Galicia in northwestern Spain); rather immediate aromas suggestive of wine-moistened stone, flowers and orchard fruits like peach and apple (Darcie noted honeysuckle and fresh green herbal qualities); crisp, mineral tang on the tongue and then a gentler
redondeza and salt-sea salinity (the Atlantic is a beautiful thing indeed from this perspective), finishing innervating and fresh and just begging another pull. This one will compliment both the freshest catch or the finest tin of Iberian conservas and is so highly recommended to beat this dog days heat.
$14.99 the bottle $152.88 the case
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
2021 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
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 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
2021 Clarete Negra Mole Vinho Regional Algarve Morgado do Quintão
From the Algarve, Portugal with all apparent and attendant love; produce of 100% Negra Mole fruit from 40+ year old vines planted to iron-rich sandy loess mixed with limestone (known locally as arenitos) at 250+ feet above sea level, with the cool maritime influence of the Atlantic Ocean only some 5 miles away and warmed by the Levante winds from Africa. The fruit is harvested by hand into small 20 kilogram crates, crushed gently by foot before undergoing a pre-fermentation maceration for 5 days. It is then fermented slow and cool in stainless steel and aged for 10 months prior to bottling. Oh so translucent ruby at the core to garnet/ruby/fuchsia toward the edges with alluring fragrance suggestive of cherry and wild strawberry, prickly pear, rose petals/rose hips and notions of damp earth; Pinot Noir or Grenache-like supple and silky on the tongue (the wine takes on more volume and breadth with air) but with an underlying nerve and fine granular tannins that keep things balanced and energized. Vinho muito delicioso do Algarve, Portugal. To be sure, we find this a most unique and delicious wine sure to appeal to lovers of more delicate southern Rhône Valley wines, Burgundy, Etna et al.
$32.50 the bottle $165.78 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.
2012 Rioja Reserva La Antigua Clásico Alberto Orte
La Antigua Clásico is one of Alberto Orte's most enduring history projects and shows off a relatively unexplored region part of Rioja, the western mountain range of Sierra de la Demanda. Inspired by the style of winemaking that was popular in the first half of the 20th century, Alberto’s winemaking emphasizes freshness and minerality, leading to balanced, long-lived wines. To that end, he has found old vine Garnacha, Tempranillo and Graciano in Sierra de la Demanda, south of the Ebro river in La Rioja Alta. The north‑facing, high‑altitude vineyards receive far less sunshine than those in the valley, resulting in grapes that ripen slowly, showcasing intense flavors of greater balance and focus. This poses quite a risk that only hands‑on viticulture can remedy: this area is one of the last to harvest in all of western Europe, usually in early November. In addition to the cool climate, Sierra de la Demanda's vineyards are extremely scattered and steep. This terrain is impossible to mechanize and all vineyard work must be done by hand. The result is a handcrafted wine of precision and elegance — fresh and beautiful to drink now, with built‑in longevity. Produce of 60% Garnacha, 30% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano vines planted from 1940 to 1955 in limestone and red silica sandy soils at 700
metros (2,296 ft) of elevation. Ruby garnet in color to just tawnier at the edges; mmmm, this wine smells delicious from the start with an overarching
vinosidad of fruit magically transformed, with suggestion of dried cherry, violet, tanned leather, sweet oak,
regaliz and more (one could admire these fine complex aromas all the day long); cool onto the tongue (the late, great Josh Raynolds called it "seamless and focused"), medium-bodied with complex and contemplative flavors a welcome reprise of those sublime aromatics, all wrapped in notable velvety tannins and the apparentness of its considerable time aging in oak (Henry noted its its impressive combination of both development and impeccable energy on the palate); yes, a nicely‑aged Rioja can be a thing of beauty, indeed. This wine is the delicious evidence.
$27.50 the bottle $280.56 the case
2022 Grüner Veltliner Niederösterreich Weingut Berger
Light yellow/gold with glints of green in color; fresh, spring-infused aromas hint at things like orchard fruits, chervil and fresh snow pea shoots; lovely equilibrium, easy and refreshingly light on its feet, but somehow also just ample in body and oh so satisfying. Talk about yer perfect porch-pounder. And — this is a full 1-litre bottle. Delicious and longer-lasting, too.
$14.99 the 1-litre bottle $152.88 the case
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
2022 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
2021 Résonance Pinot Noir Willamette Valley
When Maison Louis Jadot looked for its first project outside Burgundy, Oregon’s Willamette Valley and its distinctive terroir stood out. The French house staked its claim in Oregon’s Yamhill-Carlton AVA, building a new brand around Résonance Vineyard, which was originally planted in 1981. The winemaking team consists of Guillaume Large and Jacques Lardière, who was Jadot’s chief winemaker for 42 years until he "retired" in 2012. Thibault Gagey is director of operations. The Willamette Valley 2021 is a blend from Résonance and other estate vineyards as well as other top sites in the Willamette Valley. The wine aged 15 months in French oak, of which 30 percent was new.
Precise and elegantly structured, with detailed raspberry, savory tea and crushed stone accents that gather richness and tension toward refined tannins. Drink now through 2031.
Smart Buy. (#9 among
Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of 2023). Rated
94. - Tim Fish,
Wine Spectator June, 2023, November, 2023
$40.00 the bottle $408.00 the case
2021 Siduri Pinot Noir Willamette Valley
The 2021 Siduri Willamette Valley Pinot Noir comes from vineyards in Yamhill-Carlton and Eola-Amity, along with a splash of fruit from a vineyard in the southern Willamette Valley, Maple Grove, that adds structure and richness; alluring translucent ruby in color with redolent aromas suggesting Oregon blackberry and bramble, dark ripe cherry, a hint of cola and holiday baking spices; at once, both sturdy and silken on the tongue with crisp acidity and soft, ripe, rounded tannins carrying fresh taut spicy berry flavor long on the finish
$35.00 the bottle $357.00 the case
2021 Massaya Blanc Sauvignon Blanc Obeïdi Beqaa Valley
Produce of 70% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Obeïdi grapes grown in chalky clay soils on the foothills of the Mount Lebanon mountain range between 1,200 and 1,600 metres above sea level in the Beqaa Valley of Lebanon. Vivid yellow/gold in color with discreet aromas that are fresh and floral along with suggestion of yellow orchard fruits (Massaya themselves note an eastern twinkle thanks to the local Obeïdi grape, Henry noted suggestion of star anise); fresh, cool and delicately tactile onto the tongue, ultra-refreshing with an emerging minerality, potency and intensity of flavor; undeniable white wine deliciousness from Beqaa Valley of Lebanon.
$19.99 the bottle $203.88 the case
2020 Massaya Le Colombier Grenache Cinsault Tempranillo Beqaa Valley
Produce of 35% Grenache, 35% Cinsault and 30% Tempranillo grapes grown on the hillsides of the Beqaa Valley at 900 to 1,200 metres above sea level; the fruit is hand-picked, conveyed in crates, and sorted on tables outside the vat room, fully destemmed, then fermented in stainless-steel for 20 to 30 days; lovely medium ruby in color with aromas of plump, ripe, juicy red and blue berries along with hints of the Beqaa Valley scrub; juicy and rounded on the tongue with nerve of gentle dusty tannins keeping things flavorful, fresh, and moving along nicely (Massaya themselves note a fresh, thirst-quenching wine for everyday drinking, distinguished by hints of spice and pepper; they suggest drinking this young to take full enjoyment of its fruit. We fully concur).
$19.99 the bottle $203.88 the case
2022 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
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.
2017 Dow's Late Bottled Vintage Porto
Produce of Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Sousão, Tinta Barroca and Tinta Roriz fruit from Dow's Quinta do Bomfim and Quinta da Senhora da Ribeira vineyards. Dense, midnight ruby in color alluring spiced plum and dark berry fruit served up on a backdrop of firm schistous soils and a touch of petrichor with a freshening hint of mint and alcaçuz; cool on entry, full in body with power and presence on the tongue and firm chewy tannins (Dow themselves refer to them as "peppery") lending structure and balancing the characteristic minimal sweetness of the house of Dow, finishing with notions of semi-dried wild berries and plums in brandy; wholly satisfying, fully fortifying Porto.
$24.99 the bottle $254.88 the case
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
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
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
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.
