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International Wines
Almaviva 2017 Proprietary Red, Puente Alto Chile MAGMUM (1.5L)
$ 329.99
100 Points - limited
One of Chile's finest wines, the Almaviva is a delicious Cabernet blend.
Almaviva is a joint venture between Concha Y Toro and the Rothschild family, begun in 1998. Like her father before her saw in the Opus One project, Baroness Philippine de Rothschild saw the potential to create a world-class claret from these own-rooted, 37 year old vines on purely alluvial soils high in the “Puente Alto” zone of the Maipo Valley.
100 Points James Suckling: "The aromas of blackberry leaves and iodine are wild and exotic here with mussel shells and earth underneath. Full-bodied, tight and chewy with powerful tannins that show muscle. It’s structured and powerful. Dense and very, very deep. Don’t touch this until 2025."
Altesino 2012 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva, Tuscany
$ 119.99 $ 150.00
98 points - limited
One of the top-scoring Brunello Riservas from the stellar 2012 vintage! Limited.
98 Points Wine Spectator: "This delivers intense balsamic notes of juniper, wild rosemary and sage, along with rose, cherry and berry aromas and flavors. Elegant and saturated with flavor, supported by a vibrant structure. Ends with energy and refined tannins. Best from 2022 through 2040. From Italy."
A Cellar Selection
Altesino is a reference point producer in Brunello di Montalcino, sought after in every vintage, especially in the top vintages. Brunello Riserva offers a solid, full body and excellent aging potential. Its ample and complex bouquet is reminiscent of violets, wild berries, cedar, leather, tobacco and spices. On the palate, it is austere and seductive with a perfect blend of fruit, acidity and mouth coating tannins. This is the perfect bottle for Brunello lovers. Pair with Steak au poivre, rack of lamb or beef carpaccio.
Antinori 2016 "Solaia" Toscana Proprietary Red, Italy
$ 349.99
New release of the cult Super Tuscan Solaia from Antinori! One of Italy's finest.
100 Points Robert Parker: "I fussed over scoring this wine more than I'd like to admit-tasting through three samples under different conditions at various intervals and testing my impressions blind against wines in its peer group. Most importantly, I tasted this 2016 vintage against the 2015 vintage over and over again. I confess to a few nights of restless sleep as a result. Ultimately, my decision to award 100 points to the 2016 Solaia came on impulse and with the most natural sense of purpose. I had also given the 2015 vintage a perfect score, and intellectually, it seemed impossible not to pick a favorite among these two stunning expressions. I will also state, outright, that the wines are very different, principally because the 2015 vintage shows more overall opulence and sweetness that extends to the pronounced textural richness of the mouthfeel. The 2016 vintage, on the other hand, is more chiseled and sharp with mineral shadings of campfire ash and graphite at the rim of its dark fruit. The mouthfeel is more streamlined and tight at its core, suggesting that the wine will unfold and soften beautifully with time. I feel like 2015 is the Dolce & Gabbana of the situation and the 2016 is the Armani Privé. The personalities of the two wines are distinct, yet my admiration for each is identical."
99 Points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "Like Tignanello, the 2016 Solaia is a wine of extraordinary nuance and finesse. Super-ripe blackberry, plum jam, espresso, menthol, licorice and sweet spice build as the sublime 2016 shows off its personality and breeding. The 2016 somehow manages to be incredibly deep and also light on its feet. Sweet floral and spice notes add the closing shades of nuance to an exotic, beguilingly beautiful Solaia endowed with an eternal finish and mind-blowing beauty. The 2016 is an epic Solaia. That’s all there is to it."
98 Points Wine Spectator: "This red leads off with a slight oaky edge, featuring vanilla and resin accents that meld with the black cherry and blackberry fruit flavors on the palate. This is all about purity and finesse, featuring a vibrant structure that fits harmoniously with the flavors. Cedar, iron, tobacco and fruit elements converge on the finish, which is very long, fresh and satisfying. Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc."
The Antinori family of Florence, one of the world's oldest and most distinguished wine producers, has lived in Tuscany since the 14th century and celebrated its 625th anniversary as wine makers in 2010.
Antinori 2016 "Tignanello" Toscana Proprietary Red, Italy
$ 129.99
New release of the cult Super Tuscan Tignanello! One of Italy's top wines. Limited.
98 Points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2016 Tignanello is flat out stunning. Dark, dense and resonant, the 2016 is a wonderfully complete wine that will provide readers with decades of pure drinking pleasure. The 2016 is especially dark and brooding, and yet the tannins are incredibly polished to the point of being perceptible. In the glass, the 2016 is complete and regal, perhaps because of the super-classic blend of 80% Sangiovese, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc. The pedigree of the vintage comes through in the wine's extraordinary balance and total sense of finesse. I don't think there is another wine anywhere in the world made entirely from estate fruit that can match Tignanello for quality, consistency and value within its peer group of top-flight reds."
97 Points Robert Parker: "Tasted from barrel, the 2016 Tignanello will be released next year in April. This celebrated red blend is of course mostly Sangiovese with about 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc. If 2015 is an ideal vintage for Tuscan blended reds made with the great Bordeaux varieties, the 2016 vintage is better suited to Italian grapes such as Sangiovese. This classic vintage of Tignanello has a leg up, albeit slim, over the previous vintage precisely because the protagonist here is Sangiovese. This wine shows a high caliber of fresh primary fruit that is direct and intense. In the mouth, the wine is focused and sharp. Ultimately, the 2016 Tignanello is slightly more streamlined compared to the more fleshy 2015. This adds to the firm elegance you get here."
The Antinori family of Florence, one of the world's oldest and most distinguished wine producers, has lived in Tuscany since the 14th century and celebrated its 625th anniversary as wine makers in 2010.
Arbalest 2015 Red Bordeaux
$ 19.95
Best buy
From esteemed Napa Winemaker, Benoit Touquette, the 2015 Arbalest Bordeaux Rouge is one of the best buys in Red Bordeaux we've discovered! A fruit-forward wine oozing juiciness and deep, dark flavors. On the nose, the slight scent of cedar and truffle tell you it’s predominantly Merlot. Drink now through 2022.
91 points Jeb Dunnuck: "Mostly Merlot blended with 14% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Petit Verdot, the 2015 Arbalest was brought up 16 months in tank and 30% new oak. It offers a perfumed, gorgeous bouquet of plums, incense, spice and hints of forest floor. Full-bodied, ripe and rounded, with a sexy, opulent style, lots of mid-palate depth, and a great finish, it's well worth your time and money and is a smoking deal at 20 bucks. This wine comes from a collaboration between winemaker Benoit Touquette and importer/distributor Kimberly Jones."
Best Boutique European Reds - 12-Pack
$ 359.99
We've scoured the European continent in the search of great buys, tasting through dozens of small-producers and hand-selected our favorites for this mixed case. A great way to try our current red discioveries from France, Italy, Spain and Portugal! 10% discount already built into price.
Each 12-pack includes 2 bottles each of the following wines:
- Domaine Jerome Gradassi 2017 Chateauneuf-du-Pape, France ($49.99) An exclusive
- Pecchenino 2015 Dolcetto di Dogliani 'San Luigi' Italy ($24.99) A fantastic "big red" discovery from Italy
- St Cosme 2017 Cotes du Rhone "Les Deux Albions" France ($24.99) 92 Parker - from one of the Rhone's finest producers
- Quinta do Crasto 2014 Riserva Old Vines Red, Duoro (Portugal) ($41.99) 93 Points - From one of Portugal's top wineries
- Domaine de Bila Haut 2015 "Occultum Lapidem" Cotes du Roussillon-Villages, France ($34.00) 96 Points Parker - awesome Rhone red
- Black Slate 2016 Gratallops Red, Spain - $23 - 93 point Spanish Best Buy
Binigrau 2015 Obac Vi de la Tierra Red Mallorca, Spain
$ 29.99
On a recent trip to the island of Mallorca in Spain, we discovered this great regal red blend and are excited to bring it to the US - California Cabernet fans will love it.
An elegant, dark-ruby colored wine with a subtle shade of garnet. Aromas of spice, nuts, fennel and licorice, combined with a well-integrated underlying taste of mature fruit and wood. 65% Manto Negro, 15% Callet, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Syrah, 5% Merlot
Hurry - we are one of the few US retailers to have this gem for our US customers.
Black Slate 2016 Gratallops Red, Priorat
$ 23.00
One of the best buys from Spain we've discovered. Limited.
90+ points Robert Parker: "The Gratallops wine from the Black Slate series is produced for American importer European Cellars. The 2016 Black Slate Gratallops is a blend of 75% Cariñena, 19% Garnacha and 6% Syrah that fermented with natural yeasts and with only 20% of the volume put in new oak barrels for 12 months. This feels more elegant than the other reds here, representative of the house style, with character and appeal for the general public like the 1990s Priorats; there is also something earthy and a little volatile with hints of wet slate."
Based in the village of Gratallops, Celler Cecilio blends Garnacha, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cariñena, and Syrah, primarily from old vines planted to the region's famed llicorella (schist) soils. August Vicent is not only the proprietor Celler Cecilio, the oldest registered estate in Priorat (established in 1942), but he happens to be a neighbor of Daphne Glorian and Eric Solomon in the small village of Gratallops. He makes characterful, lush and exotically-spiced wines from his vineyards in the village and has been persuaded to sell us some for our Black Slate Gratallops. It is a blend of Garnatxa Negra, Carinyena, and Syrah from vines ranging in age from 20 to 65+ years old. Fermented entirely with indigenous yeasts, it is aged in a combination of concrete and French oak barrels
Black Slate 2016 La Vilella Alta, Priorat
$ 23.00
93 points - best buy
One of the best buys from Spain we've discovered. Limited.
93 Points Wine Spectator: "This generous red features a round, soft texture that carries ripe black fruit flavors, laced with licorice, toast and loamy earth notes. Offers well-integrated tannins and gentle acidity. Pretty floral and cinnamon details emergeon the finish. Drink now through 2028."
previous vintage 94 points Jeb Dunnuck: "Part of the Black Slate label that focused on the different villages of Priorat, the Black Slate La Vilella Alta is a blend of 39% Cariñena, 23% Garnacha, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Syrah and Merlot that spent 14 months in 30% new French oak, with a good portion of the blend brought up all in concrete. Incredible notes of blackcurrants, wood smoke, iris flowers, chocolate, and obvious minerality all emerge from this full-bodied, beautifully pure, elegant red that knocks it out of the park on the value front. You just don’t find this level of quality at this price point anywhere in the wine world today...readers should not miss this sensational wine.."
The inspiration for the Black Slate Project is a Burgundian concept of village nomenclature, applied to the Priorat. One region, nine historic villages, each with its distinct character, but all unmistakably Priorat. Sun-scorched vines cling to breathtakingly steep hillsides with their roots deeply plunged in the llicorella soils of this pristine, ancient region.
Bodegas Mas Alta is a joint project with renowned Rhone negociant and winemaker, Michel Tardieu, and noted French enologist, Philippe Cambie. It is located in the middle of D.O.C. Priorat, based in the village of Vilella Alta. The estate vineyards are high density plantings at approximately 1050 feet above sea level, in front of Serra del Montsant, a mountain range that reaches 3300 feet. Very steep and abrupt, the altitude, inclination, and slopes make a decisive influence on grape's maturity. The vineyards of La Viella Alta are situated on steep slopes of slates alongside of what once was the river of Escaladei. The heat of south-facing vineyards combing with the cooler north-facing parcels to create a well-balanced wine with ripe fruit and softness.
Breca 2016 Old Vines Garnacha Aragon, Spain
$ 15.99
Best buy
One of the best red buys from Spain we've found this year!
92 Points Wine Spectator *#29 Wine of 2018*: "Round, smooth and dense, this red shows harmony and balance. Plum and blackberry flavors mingle with black olive, toast and mineral notes, supported by well-integrated tannins and fresh acidity, leaving a lovely floral finish. Drink now through 2027."
Casa Lapostolle 2012 Clos Apalta, Chile
$ 124.99
Casa Lapostolle's 'Clos Apalta' is perhaps the finest wine ever to come out of Chile. Truly hand-crafted, Clos Apalta is hand-harvested at night, enhancing the fruit used to make wine, while also reducing energy use at the winery, since there is no need for additional cooling in the cellar. Limited.
93 Points Wine Spectator: "A dense, ripe and powerful style, with concentrated flavors of dark plum, blackberry and chocolate. Very plush and creamy midpalate, with a rich finish loaded with espresso notes, along with medium-grained tannins. Carmenère, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2020."
Castello di Ama 2014 Chianti Classico San Lorenzo
$ 44.99
95 points
A fantastic new Chiantico Classico from one of Italy's best producers, and an amazing buy for the price. Limited.
95 Points James Suckling: "Tight and super silky with a gorgeous density and precision that gives great polish to the tannins. Makes them almost dusty. Lots of subtle dark berry, mineral and spice. Drink or hold."
93+ Robert Parker: "The 2014 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione San Lorenzo flaunts its importance. It boasts confidence and an outward-looking personality that comes as a refreshing surprise. Like all Gran Selezione wines, it is released 30 months after January 1st following the harvest. This expression of Sangiovese shows depth and power with ripe fruit tones of cherry and forest berry. I am delighted and surprised by the elegant and soft nature of the mature tannins. The wine’s finish offers bright freshness with layers of dark fruit, wet earth and forest floor."
91 Points Wine Spectator: "Shows fine purity to the cherry, strawberry and leather notes, with a hint of licorice. Ripe, sweet fruit and a juicy texture collide as this plays out on the long finish. Drink now through 2025."
Castello Di Volpaia 2016 Chianti Classico Riserva
Sold Out
97 Points - limited
Wine Spectator’s Highest Rated Chianti Ever from Castello di Volpaia - Limited.
97 Points Wine Spectator: "Enticing aromas of black cherry, black currant and violet are allied to flavors of iron, wet earth and spice. This is loaded with fruit, vibrant acidity and well-mannered tannins. Shows terrific harmony now, yet possesses the structure to age. The long, mouthwatering finish extends the dark fruit and minerally elements. Best from 2021 through 2040." (Nov. 2019)
Castello Di Volpaia 2016 Chianti Classico Riserva
Cercius 2016 Cotes du Rhone Rouge, France
$ 17.99
Simply put, the bang-for-the-buck factor on this huge Rhone wine is way off the charts. Robert Parker has called this wine "one of the greatest Cotes du Rhones I have ever tasted" and you won't need more than one sip to see why. No matter the vintage, the Cercius is always loaded to the brim with big, sexy fruit, but it is never overpowering.
93 Points Jeb Dunnuck: "Michel commented that he’d made his best wines ever in 2016, and certainly the quality of the 2016 Côtes du Rhône Cercius, as well as the entire lineup, back up that statement. A blend of 85% Grenache and 15% Syrah that sells for a song, it offers outstanding notes of blackberries, black raspberries, violets and peppery garrigue in its rounded, sweetly fruit, incredibly satisfying profile. It’s another winner more than worth checking out."
90 Points Robert Parker: "A joint venture between Michel Gassier, Philippe Cambie and American importer Eric Solomon, the 2016 Cotes du Rhone is a full-bodied, lush example that shows just how sexy Grenache can be, even on a budget. The black cherry fruit comes in waves, showing just a bit of warmth on the finish. It should be ready to drink on release (this review is based on a tank sample) and be consumed over the next couple of years....
...Michel Gassier is receiving copious press (all positive and deservedly so) from French wine journalists, and he has been favorably reviewed in The Wine Advocate for nearly a decade. In this joint project with Philippe Cambie and Eric Solomon, he produces what may be his best value."
Chapoutier 2015 Ermitage Blanc L'Ermite, Rhone Valley
$ 730.00
100 Points - limited
Extremely limited new white from Rhone Valley master Chapoutier.
100 Points Jeb Dunnuck: "One of the most singular wines I’m able to taste each year is unquestionably the l’Ermite Blanc from Chapoutier and it certainly lives up to the billing in 2015. Offering what I can only describe as a liquid rock (a liqueur of rocks?) character intermixed with notes of buttered citrus, pineapple, smoked meats, charcoal and toast, the 2015 Ermitage l’Ermite is full-bodied, decadent and locked and loaded on the palate. It needs 2-3 years of cellaring and I suspect will keep for half a century."
98 Points Wine Spectator: "Bright and pure, with a beautiful core of white peach, heather, yellow apple, star fruit and mirabelle plum notes backed by light citrus oil and verbena threads on the finish. Shows energy and tension throughout, with depth in reserve thanks to a long quinine echo at the end. Really stunning. Drink now through 2040. 204 cases made."
Chateau Clinet 2016 Pomerol, France
$ 155.00
100 Points - top Bordeaux
A rare 98-point Bordeaux from the heralded 2016 vintage. Extremely limited.
99 Points Jeb Dunnuck: "Tasted on four separate occasions, the 2016 Château Clinet is another brilliant wine from this estate. Showing slightly more freshness and purity than the 2015, its saturated purple color is followed by a thrilling array of crème de cassis, graphite, ground herbs, and a terrific sense of minerality. Deep, full-bodied, with building tannins, and a magical sense of purity and elegance paired with real density and depth, it needs short term cellaring and will keep for three decades. "
98 Points Robert Parker: "The 2016 Clinet is a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon that was picked from 22 September for the young vines, the older vines picked 1 and 2 October, finishing with the Cabernet Sauvignon the following day. It was cropped at 49 hectoliters per hectare and matured in 70% new oak and the remainder in second-fill barrels. It has 14.15% alcohol and a record-breaking 94 IPT. It has a very linear bouquet, quite strict and intense with a light iodine and marine scent merging with the black fruit. This is a more "aristocratic" nose for Clinet, sophisticated and one of the most nuanced I have encountered. The palate is medium-bodied with filigree tannin that forms the foundation of a more masculine Clinet, complex and focused with a subtle spiciness coming through on the finish, which fans out with confidence and leaves a disarming, saline tang in the mouth. Yes, this is a magnificent Clinet, cool and mineral-soaked, both cerebral and lip-smackingly delicious."
Chateau Cos D'Estournel 2016 St. Estephe (Bordeaux), France
$ 299.99
100 Points - top Bordeaux
A rare 99-point Bordeaux from the heralded 2016 vintage. Extremely limited.
100 Points Robert Parker: "The 2016 Cos d'Estournel is blended of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc aged in 65% new and 35% two-year-old French oak for 15 months. Bottled in July 2018, it is deep garnet-purple colored and starts off a little closed and reticent, opening out slowly and seductively to reveal beautiful lilacs, rose hip tea, crushed stones and camphor nuances over a core of crème de cassis, kirsch, wild blueberries and mocha plus wafts of incense and wood smoke. The palate is simply electric, charged with an energy and depth of flavors that seem to defy the elegance and ethereal nature of its medium-bodied weight, featuring super ripe, densely pixelated tannins that firmly frame the myriad of fruit and floral sparks, finishing with epic length. Just. Magic."
100 Points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2016 Cos d’Estournel was a bona fide showstopper out of barrel, the best that I had encountered in over 20 years of visiting the estate during en primeur, so my expectations were piled high when I returned to find out how it performs in bottle. Deep, almost opaque in color, it sports a very intense but broody bouquet with fathomless deep black fruit tinged with blueberry and violet. The aromas almost seem to envelop the senses. The palate is medium-bodied with ultra-fine tannin that I have never witnessed in any other vintage of Cos d’Estournel. There is a beguiling symmetry to this Saint-Estèphe, as well as unerring mineralité. The persistent, tobacco-tinged finish can be felt 60 second after the wine has departed. This is a monumental, benchmark Cos d’Estournel that will give not years but decades of pleasure, though I suspect it will close down for a period in its youth, hence my drinking window. 13.07% alcohol."
Chateau de Beaucastel 2017 'Hommage a Jacques Perrin' Chateauneuf-du-Pape
$ 489.00
100 Points
One of the top-rated Chateauneufs from the vintage - limited. *Pre-order now for delivery in November*
98-100 Points Robert Parker: "As this was bottled only a week before I tasted it, I suspect this rating will prove to be conservative once a few months have passed. The 2015 Châteauneuf du Pape Hommage à Jacques Perrin is another prodigious version of this wine. How many wines in this world can be so huge yet so lacking the feeling of weight? There's plenty of layered spice but also a core of raspberries; rich tannins, yet no real astringency; and a long finish without any apparent heat. Wow!"
100 Points James Suckling: "A more savory, moody, strong expression. Deeply rich nose with minerals, flowers, wild herbs, tar, toasted spices and pepper. The dark berries have a smoky edge. Minerally edge, too, thanks to the 60 per cent mourvèdre. The palate has glossy, ripe and super-fine tannins in sheets. Deep-set, dark plums and blueberries in the finish. Noble tannins. Age-worthy ."
100 Points Jeb Dunnuck: "The flagship is the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Hommage A Jacques Perrin, 75% Mourvèdre and 10% Syrah, 10% Grenache, and the rest Counoise, brought up all in foudre. Blueberries, Peking duck, new saddle leather, black cherries, scorched earth, and an incredible sense of minerality all flow to a massive, concentrated, pure, perfectly balanced 2016 that is a prime example of the old saying, “an iron fist in a velvet glove.” It's a heavenly, perfect wine that's going to live for 30-50 years. One of the old guards of the region, Château de Beaucastel is nevertheless one of the most progressive and forward-thinking estates out there. They have a wealth of old vine Mourvèdre planted in the northern part of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and have purchased heavily in the cooler appellation of Gigondas. They’ve broken the lineup into their Château de Beaucastel releases for the estate wines from Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and several additional cuvées released under their Famille Perrin label. Looking at the 2016s, these wines remind me of how the 2001s tasted on release. They are some of the finest wines in the vintage as well as ever made at the estate. These are classic, concentrated, yet perfectly balanced wines that will benefit from bottle age. In contrast, the 2017s are also brilliant but more forward and charming, and I suspect the preponderance of clay soils at this estate helped dramatically with keeping the vines ripening grapes as opposed to shutting down during this hot, dry vintage."
Chateau de Beaucastel 2017 Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rouge
$ 79.99
One of the top-rated Chateauneufs from the vintage - limited.
95 Points Jancis Robinson: "At Beaucastel the Grenache and Cinsault are fermented in cement while the Syrah and Mourvèdre are fermented in foudre. The result features finely pixellated fruits of the forest on the nose, with a full-bodied but mightily fresh and lively palate. The Mourvèdre element is strong this year, bringing vibrancy and power. It's firmly savoury, very dry and dramatic. A very tannic year has produced a seriously structured Beaucastel for the long term."
Robert Parker: "...One of the standout tasting while I working in the southern Rhône, the Perrin family, now largely under the helm of Thomas, Marc, Pierre, and Mathieu, continues to produce some of the top wines, at numerous price points, in the southern Rhône."
Chateau de Vaudieu 2016 Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rouge
$ 54.99
94 Points
A great new discovery from Chateauneuf-du-Pape. One of the best buys of the great 2016 vintage. This is quickly becoming a winery with a cult-like following.
94 Points Wine Spectator: "Gorgeous, with a lush core of raspberry, blueberry and boysenberry puree flavors gliding through, flecked with anise, violet and incense notes. Carried by fresh, well-embedded acidity, this is lush and beguiling through the lengthy finish. Best from 2020 through 2035. 500 cases imported."
93 Points Robert Parker: "Even Vadieu's "regular" CdP is excellent. The 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape, an 80-20 blend of Grenache and Syrah mostly aged in concrete, offers ripe red raspberry and apricot notes alongside delicate hints of spice and garrigue. Full-bodied and lush, it shows off wonderfully ripe Grenache fruit without much in the way of other adornment or artifice, finishing long and silky...
...Located just next to Rayas, this large, historic estate has been run with incredible precision and passion by Laurent Bréchet since 1990. Today he’s aided by superstar Rhône consultant, Philippe Cambie, and the lineup has grown to include numerous new single parcel cuvées, both in red and white. In addition, during my visit I was able to taste a bottle of the 2010 Châteauneuf du Pape Amiral G., which I rated 99 points on release. I’m happy to report it lived up to every one of those points, plus one more."
Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou 2009 St. Julien (Bordeaux)
$ 389.99
One of the top Bordeaux of the 2009 vintage - limited.
100 Points Robert Parker: "The 2009 Ducru Beaucaillou will eclipse the brilliant wines produced in 2005, 2003 and 2000. It will be interesting to see how the 2009 fares against the 2010 after twenty years of aging, but my money is on the 2009. A blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot that achieved 13.5% natural alcohol, this inky purple, unctuous wine possesses classic aromas of graphite, creme de cassis, blueberries, violets, licorice and Christmas fruitcake. Full-bodied and intense with Ducru’s inimitable elegance and purity, it should firm up in the bottle after 7-10 years of cellaring and last for 40-50 years. Magnificent!
Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou 2016 St. Julien (Bordeaux)
$ 299.00
Ducru-Beaucaillou is one of the top Bordeaux of the stellar 2016 vintage - limited.
100 Points Jeb Dunnuck: "Reminding me of the 2010 with its incredible stature and class, the 2016 Château Ducru-Beaucaillou is a legendary wine from the genius of Bruno Borie, who has managed this estate brilliantly since he arrived in 2003. A blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot brought up all in new oak, the 2016 has a mammoth bouquet of crème de cassis, espresso, camphor, crushed violets, toasty oak, and graphite. Full-bodied, concentrated, and backward on the palate, it nevertheless has perfectly integrated acidity and building tannins, a concentrated, layered texture, off-the-charts purity of fruit, and a finish that won't quit. Give this powerful, concentrated wine a solid 7-8 years of bottle age and enjoy it over the following 50 years or more.”
99 Points James Suckling: “Super perfumed, attractive violets with a thread of fresh blueberries, cassis, blackberries and dark plums, delivering a very enticing impression. Beautiful ripeness here. The tannins are perfectly ripe and layers meld into each other, carrying deep, graceful and plush, velvety dark fruit long into the vibrant and seductive, chocolate-laced finish. Great potential. Try from 2024.”
98 Points Robert Parker: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Ducru-Beaucaillou features a wonderfully savory, earthy/meaty nose, delivering well-defined notes of tapenade, truffles, charcuterie and sautéed herbs over crème de cassis, wild blueberries and kirsch with wafts of pencil lead and menthol. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is built like a brick house with the taut, muscular fruit well framed by very firm yet very ripe and finely grained tannins, offering a quiet intensity of red fruit and mineral sparks and finishing with epic length.
Chateau Le Pin 2009 Pomerol, Bordeaux
$ 4,999.00
The rare, 100-Point Chateau Le Pin 2009 Pomerol from Bordeaux now available - limited.
100 Points Robert Parker: "Exceptional purity and a blockbuster nose of mocha, black cherry liqueur, mulberries and plums are followed by an extravagantly rich wine that seems to have a nearly endless finish. Truly haute couture of Merlot, so to speak, this wine has a finish that goes well past a minute, with wonderfully sweet tannins and a provocative, concentrated, broad mouthfeel that is remarkably luxurious. This is amazing stuff! It should drink well for 20-25 years."
Chateau Montrose 2015 St. Estephe, Bordeaux
$ 189.00
One of the top-scoring Bordeaux of the vintage. Limited.
95 Points Parker: "The deep garnet-purple colored 2015 Montrose opens with broody black fruits, menthol and anise notes with a core of cassis, blueberries and mulberries plus a touch of cedar chest. The medium-bodied mouth is firm and chewy with a good core of muscular fruit and a long, earthy finish."
Château Montrose is one of the leading wine properties of St.Estéphe, and produces some of the longest-lived wines in the Médoc. Montrose had been owned by Jean-Louis Charmolue from 1962 until 2006, when it was sold to Martin and Olivier Bouygues, owner of the eponymously named construction firm Bouygues, is located in the east of the appellation, just north of the hamlet of Marbuzet, on a gravel knoll only 800 metres from the Gironde estuary. The proximity of the estuary ensures a microclimate that protects against frost, and the vines, which lie on deep clay-gravel soils, benefit from a south-easterly aspect.
Chateau Peby Faugeres 2010 St. Emilion, Bordeaux
$ 199.99
97 Points Parker
One of the top-rated 2010 Bordeaux - limited.
97 points Robert Parker: "A very limited production cuvee, the 2010 Peby Faugeres is sold in a specially designed bottle from Silvio Denz, who also owns Lalique Crystal. It comes from the oldest portion of the Faugeres vineyard, which is actually more of a completely separate entity under Denz than it was under the previous owners. The 2010 is 100% Merlot and again 15% natural alcohol. The vines were cropped at 20 hectoliters per hectare, but harvested about a week before the harvest finished for the main Faugeres vineyard. Most observers would tend to look at this wine as a modern-style, massive, intense St.-Emilion, with an opaque purple color, a floral nose shaded by notes of blueberry liqueur intermixed with black raspberries, vanillin, subtle smoke and barrique smells. It is full-bodied and built for two decades of longevity, but should be reasonably drinkable in 5-6 years because of the 100% Merlot content. This is a thrilling wine, as it has been in nearly every vintage where it has been produced...
...Acquired by Swiss native Silvio Denz a number of years ago, this property continues to overachieve in virtually every vintage. Behind the scenes, Stephan von Neipperg, the proprietor of La Mondotte, Clos de l’Oratoire, and a number of other properties, consults on viticultural matters, while harvesting, winemaking and elevage are guided by Michel Rolland." ."
Chateau Peby Faugeres 2015 St. Emilion, Bordeaux
$ 184.99
99 Points
One of the top-rated 2015 Bordeaux - limited.
99 points James Suckling: "A very intense yet playfully ripe and balanced expression of dark plums, dark stones and blackberries. Then wait for the dark, leafy notes of dark tea and charcoal as well as deeply integrated wood aromas of violets and cloves. The palate moves on a very energized and fluid bed of tannin that builds very smoothly into an ascending finish. Plush, impressive and very composed. Super long and focused finish. Try from 2022."
...Acquired by Swiss native Silvio Denz a number of years ago, this property continues to overachieve in virtually every vintage. Behind the scenes, Stephan von Neipperg, the proprietor of La Mondotte, Clos de l’Oratoire, and a number of other properties, consults on viticultural matters, while harvesting, winemaking and elevage are guided by Michel Rolland." ."
Chateau Pontet-Canet 2016, Pauillac
$ 229.99
Perfect 100 points!
Extremely limited 100-Point Bordeaux.
100 Points Wine Enthusiast: "A voluptuous wine, this is rich and fruity yet properly balanced by a magnificent structure. Pure, crisp and packed with a black currant flavor, this will be a remarkable wine as it develops. Still young, it needs many years to develop. Don't think about drinking before 2025"
99 Points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2016 Pontet-Canet is absolutely breathtaking. Powerful, ample and racy in the glass, the 2016 is one of the most exquisitely well-balanced young Pontet-Canets I can remember tasting. Savory, high-toned aromatics and brisk mineral notes lend energy and delineation as this vivid wonderfully alive wine opens up in the glass. The flavors are dark and incisive, but it is the wine's total sense of harmony that is most compelling. All of the elements are simply in the right place. The 2016 is tremendous. It's as simple as that. As is often the case, Pontet-Canet is one of the most singular wines in Bordeaux. Alfred Tesseron could have chosen to play things safe when he took over the management of the estate in the mid-1990s. Instead, he chose a very different path. No proprietor in Bordeaux has taken more risks over the last two decades than Alfred Tesseron. A commitment to biodynamic farming, sustainability across the entire estate more broadly, and the adoption of new concepts for Bordeaux, such as aging a portion of the wine in terra cotta, set Pontet-Canet apart from other properties in Pauillac and the Left Bank. Not surprisingly, the wine is also starkly different from the wines of neighboring estates."
98 Points Robert Parker: 'The blend of the 2016 Pontet-Canet is 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Around 55% of the wine was aged in new French oak barrels, 15% in two-year-old barrels and 35% in cement amphorae for 16 months. Deep garnet-purple colored, it opens with opulent scents of plum preserves, spice cake, hoisin and crème de cassis with fragrant wafts of potpourri, wood smoke and rose hip tea. Medium to full-bodied, rich and decadent, with loads of spicy layers, it has a firm, velvety texture with great freshness and incredible depth, finishing very long and on a compelling mineral note."
De Martino 2015 "Vigno" Old Vines Carignan, Chile
$ 44.99
96 points Parker
The name Vigno holds a special place in the hearts of Chilean winemakers. This is a dedication to old vine Carignan grapes. The De Martino Vigno was harvested from Carignan planted on granite fields with some vines dating back to 1955. We really love the texture and red berry earth notes. Super tasty and powerful. Love it!
96 Points Robert Parker: "Surprisingly enough, the 2015 Vigno Single Vineyard la Aguada was bottled at the same time as the 2014 vintage, so I also got to taste it even though the wine won't see the light for some time. Even if 2015 was a warmer year, it was also the year the dry-farmed vineyards of Maule saw more rain than in the last three years. This helped the plants to regain balance, but the ripening was heterogeneous, which they think helped this field blend to keep the acidity. In fact, the wine is only marginally higher in alcohol and also higher in acidity than the 2014. The difference here is that the élevage in second use 5,000-liter oak foudres was shortened to 21 months. This feels very austere, incredibly young and vertical, with a texture clearly influenced by the granite; they thought the wine didn't need any more time in oak, and it has kept fantastic freshness. However, this won't be sold until early 2018, so it will have time to rest in bottle. It seems like the rains of 2015, even if the year was a little warmer, helped the dry-farmed vines to produce fresher wines. The nose shows more the character of the vintage while the palate is angular and with marked acidity. I believe this is going to age superbly."
Derived from the Spanish word for wine, “vino,” with the letter “g” borrowed from Carignan, which makes up majority of the blend. Vigno is a single-vineyard Carignan produced from a 70-year-old, dry-farmed, head-trained, and non-grafted vineyard called La Aguada situated in the Maule Valley. A beautiful, perfumed nose with elegant, yet rustic touches of cured meats, tree bark, smoke, ripe cherries, and subtle sweet baking spices.
Descendientes de J. Palacios 2017 Petalos de Bierzo, Spain
$ 19.99
93 Points Parker
One of our favorite discoveries from Spain that sells for a song!
93 Points Robert Parker: "There are more white grapes in the 2017 Pétalos del Bierzo, almost 10%, not because they wanted to lower the alcohol, because the alcohol was similar to 2016, but because the white grapes achieved perfect ripeness (Ricardo Pérez Palacios told me he's never seen such beautiful white grapes). The wine had been bottled the day before I tasted it, so they also showed me a tank and a barrel sample they had saved for the purpose of comparison. However, the bottled wine, the first produced at their new facilities, was really singing and didn't show any fatigue. The palate was vibrant, with acid strawberry flavors. It is very immediate, approachable, round and juicy, really pleasant and drinkable."
Dom Perignon 2008 Brut Champagne, France
$ 199.00
Dom Perignon is of the highest-rated and best Champagnes anywhere. Forget Cristal and the others, this is the one to buy while it's still available! Very Limited
98 Points Jeb Dunnuck: "The 2008 Dom Pérignon is the first time the estate has released a wine out of order (the 2009 was released before the 2008) but the estate loved the wine so much they felt it warranted additional aging. This is a rich, powerful wine that still shows incredible purity and elegance, with a stacked, concentrated feel on the palate. It’s rare to find such a mix of ripe, pure, concentrated fruit paired with this level of purity, focus, and precision. This is a legendary Dom that surpasses all the great vintages of Dom I have experience with, including the 1990, 1996, and 2002."
98 Points James Suckling: "The best Dom since 2002. A vintage with very restrained, powerful style that has been released non-sequentially after the 2009. This has a lighter stamp of highly curated, autolytic, toasty aromas than many recent releases. Instead, this delivers super fresh and intense aromas of lemons, grapefruit and blood-orange peel. Incredible freshness here. The palate has a very smoothly delivered, berry-pastry thread with light, sweet spices, stone fruit and fine citrus fruit. This really delivers. Drink now or hold."
98 Points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2008 Dom Pérignon is once again stunning. More than anything else, I am surprised by how well the 2008 drinks given all the tension and energy it holds. Then again, that is precisely what makes 2008 such a unique vintage – namely that the best wines are so chiseled and yet not at all austere. Lemon peel, almond, mint, smoke and crushed rocks are all finely sculpted, but it is the wine’s textural feel, drive and persistence that elevate it into the realm of the sublime. The 2008 will be even better with time in the cellar, but it is absolutely phenomenal even today, in the early going. Three recent bottles have all been nothing short of magnificent."
The Dom Perignon 2008 Brut Champagne is the latest release from this venerable Champagne house and can easily be aged 20+ years, if you can wait that long.
Is this a gift? You can choose a gift card message of your choice during checkout and the wine will be wrapped in tissue paper and accompanied by tasting notes.
Dom Perignon 2008 Lenny Kravitz Limited Edition Gift Box
$ 225.00
Limited
Dom Pérignon Vintage 2008 has been distinguished globally as an exceptional champagne. This unique limited edition of Dom Pérignon Vintage 2008, designed by Lenny Kravitz, marks the second year of his collaboration with Dom Perignon. Lenny Kravitz elevates the iconic label on the Vintage 2008 bottle by borrowing from the craft of goldsmiths to work hammered metal on the surface of the shield.
Dom Pérignon only creates vintage wines; it is an absolute commitment. Only the best grapes from the most exceptional years are used, making each vintage distinct. It is the perfect embodiment of the Power of Creation – an act of creation that elevates the mind and enlightens the world.
Is this a gift? You can choose a gift card message of your choice during checkout and the wine will be wrapped in tissue paper and accompanied by tasting notes.
Domaine de Bila Haut 2015 "Occultum Lapidem" Cotes du Roussillon-Villages
Sold Out
95 points
A stunning value from the South of France! The Domaine de Bila Haut "Occultum Lapidem" Cotes du Roussillon-Villages now available - limited.
95 points Robert Parker: "A blend of 50% Syrah, 40% Grenache and 5% each of Carignan and Mourvèdre, the 2015 Haut Cotes de Roussillon Villages Latour de France Occultum Lapidem is another fabulous effort that’s overflowing with ripe fruit (cassis, black raspberry), licorice and smoked herbs characteristics. These all give way to a full-bodied Roussillon that has a big mid-palate. This medium to full-bodied, layered and beautifully textured red is an incredible value and will be impossible to resist over the coming 4-5 years, and I’m sure it will keep even longer.
...I continue to be blown away by the quality coming from Domaine de la Bila Haut, which is run with the Chapoutier team. They’ve continued to grow these Roussillon releases, and even at the entry-level price point, the quality is stunning. The straight Les Vignes de Bila Haut, at $14, is a no-brainer purchase, and it’s made in enough quantity that readers should have no problem finding a bottle or more. The quality of the l’Esquerda continues to improve and I think the 2015 will be the best vintage of this cuvee to date. The top single parcel bottles of RI and VIT are made in tiny quantities, but these are up with the finest wines coming from the south of France. In short, these are fabulous wines that show classic characters (most are aged all in concrete) and represent incredible values. Don’t miss them."
Domaine de la Janasse 2017 Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vielles Vignes
$ 89.99
98 points
Over the last quarter century, Domaine de la Janasse has become one of the most highly-regarded estates in Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Led by siblings Christophe and Isabelle Sabon, the estate combines the best of both traditional and modern techniques to craft a collection of truly riveting wines.
98 Points Jeb Dunnuck: "The 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Vieilles Vignes is another killer effort from this estate. Coming from the La Janasse and La Crau lieux-dits and brought up in foudre, its deep purple color is followed by blockbuster notes of crème de cassis, blackberries, chocolate, graphite, and earthy, rocky, mineral-like nuances. It's deep and full-bodied, with a ripe, powerful yet balanced style and a great finish. A classic example of this cuvée. it's going to benefit from short-term cellaring and keep for two decades or more."
97 Points Robert Parker: "The 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Vieilles Vignes derives from parcels planted on classic clay and galets roulés soils. It's 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah and 5% other varieties. Tight, intense, even clenched, it's in need of several years' cellaring before it becomes truly enjoyable to drink. For now, those gorgeous black cherries are restrained behind a firm wall of tannins. Full-bodied and rich, this is ripe, it just requires patience."
Domaine des Bosquets 2015 Gigondas, France
$ 29.99
94 Points - Great New Discovery
A great new discovery from the Southern Rhone! One of the top wines of the vintage.
94 Points Robert Parker: "Looking at the classic cuvee, the 2015 Gigondas is a wine that readers should buy by the case. A blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and the balance Mourvèdre and Cinsault, it offers up gorgeous notes of black raspberry, fruit tart, spice and incense in a medium to full-bodied, ultra pure, seamless style that just begs to be drunk. It will keep for over a decade. Readers wanting to get a hold of the best of the 2015 vintage need to latch onto these wines from Domaine des Bosquets. This estate has been brought up to the pinnacle of Gigondas, and the Southern Rhône, by the talent and drive of the Brechet family, namely the young Julien Brechet, and consultant Philippe Cambie
...Owned by the Brechet family (of Chateau Vaudieu in Chateauneuf du Pape) Domaine des Bouquet covers 75 acres (65 of which are in Gigondas) and is run by the young, yet incredibly talented, Julien Brechet. Philippe Cambie also consults here, and while the style emphasizes fruit and texture, these never lose their southern Rhone style. These are easily some of the top 2011s I was able to taste, and the ‘12s are just as strong. This is an estate that needs to be on every reader’s radar!"
This 26 hectare estate is one of the top Domaines in Gigondas. The winemaker here is Laurent Brechet who displays the same attention to detail and emphasis on quality as he does for the wines he makes at Château de Vaudieu in Châteauneuf du Pape. Located at the south west of the appelation, the ‘Lieu Dit‘ lies on exceptional sandy soils which give the Grenache its fine tannins, airy flavours and wonderful acidity which balances its power so well.
Domaine des Bosquets 2016 "le Lieu Dit" Gigondas, France
$ 54.99
95 Points - Great New Discovery
A great new discovery from the Southern Rhone! One of the top wines of the vintage.
97 Points Jeb Dunnuck: "From a cooler terroir of sandy soils just beside the domaine, the 2016 Gigondas Le Lieu Dit is another tour de force from this brilliant estate. It sports a medium ruby color as well as a rocking bouquet of kirsch, blackberry liqueur, rose petals, damp earth, incense, and spice. Ultra-fine, seamless, elegant, and pure, it's nevertheless powerful and rich, with awesome intensity. Readers need to snatch up this blockbuster....
..Under the helm of the young Julien Brechet, with aid from omnipresent Philippe Cambie, Domaine des Bosquets has quickly risen into the top handful of estates in Gigondas, as well as in all of the Southern Rhône. The 2015s shine for their purity and finesse, but the 2016s have everything you could want in wine. You can’t go wrong with any of these."
95 Points Wine Spectator: 'Deliciously ripe, featuring a bright and lively display of red currant, raspberry and blackberry coulis flavors that race along, underscored by fine but persistent chalky tannins and backed by lilac, violet, rooibos tea and savory notes along the way. The long finish ripples with fresh acidity. Best from 2020 through 2036. 417 cases made, 100 cases imported."
94 Points Robert Parker: "Big, rich and full-bodied, the 2016 Gigondas le Lieu Dit is old-vine Grenache from a sandy part of the property, aged in demi-muids. It's got huge black cherry, berry and plum fruit, yet remains fresh and vibrant, showing a bit of warmth without going over the top. It should drink well for a decade...
...Owned by the Brechet family (of Chateau Vaudieu in Chateauneuf du Pape) Domaine des Bouquet covers 75 acres (65 of which are in Gigondas) and is run by the young, yet incredibly talented, Julien Brechet. Philippe Cambie also consults here, and while the style emphasizes fruit and texture, these never lose their southern Rhone style. This is an estate that needs to be on every reader’s radar!"
This 26 hectare estate is one of the top Domaines in Gigondas. The winemaker here is Laurent Brechet who displays the same attention to detail and emphasis on quality as he does for the wines he makes at Château de Vaudieu in Châteauneuf du Pape. Located at the south west of the appelation, the ‘Lieu Dit‘ lies on exceptional sandy soils which give the Grenache its fine tannins, airy flavours and wonderful acidity which balances its power so well.
Domaine Dublere 2013 Beaune "Les Blanches Fleurs", Burgundy
$ 49.99
A fantastic buy in Red Burgundy - very little imported to the US. Limited.
The Beaune Blanches Fleur 1er cru is a quite rare bird coming from a relatively unknown terroir neighboring Beaune Clos du Roi. This wine is produced from the upper and sandy part of this triangular vineyard. This terroir makes a quite interesting wine with a lovely full pinot expression. In the bouquet pure vibrant fruit with notes of dark cherries, raspberries – with hints of pomegranate. On the palate quite weighty and refined fruit – very finely focused by the powerful 2013 acidity – contrastful. Lovely nerve and energy.
This wine is made by the rare American to make it in the close-knit world of Burgundy: Blair Pethel was a journalist in Washington D.C. before getting bit by the wine big and moving to Burgundy to make wine. Kudos.
Domaine Grand Veneur 2016 Côtes du Rhône “Les Champauvins”
$ 22.99
94 Points - great discovery
A fantastic discovery from France that sells for a song!
Full-bodied and dense, the Alain Jaume Domaine Grand Veneur 2016 Cotes du Rhone tastes more like a "baby Châteauneuf." A complete wine, rich and elegant, thanks to the harmony of all the elements which make it up. Highly recommended.
94 Points Jeb Dunnuck: "One of the finest vintages of this cuvée to date, the 2016 Côtes du Rhône Les Champauvins (70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 10% Mourvèdre) is a brilliant, sexy, medium to full-bodied Côtes du Rhône that offers a spectacular bouquet of garrigue, peppery herbs, pine, and sweet red and black fruits. With beautiful complexity, a layered, seamless texture, notable tannins, and a great finish, it easily competes with any number of more expensive Châteauneuf-du-Papes and Gigondas. It’s great today yet will keep for 7-8 years."
92 Points Robert Parker: "Now that it's in the bottle, the 2016 Cotes du Rhone les Champauvins is looking as good as I predicted last year. It's a full-bodied, concentrated wine that could mop the floor with many Châteauneufs. Rich black cherry fruit is joined by complex herb and spice notes, a creamy mid-palate and a lingering finish. Worth buying by the case."
Domaine Jerome Gradassi 2017 Chateauneuf -du-Pape
$ 49.95
An exclusive Chateauneuf-du-Pape that is one of our favorite discoveries from the Rhone Valley. Tiny producer, great price and delicious bottle of wine make this a real winner.
The new 2017 was rated by the Revue du Vin de France (France’s most respected wine publication) as one of the 4 best Châteauneuf du Pape of the vintage – alongside Rayas, Capo de Pegau and Clos du Mont Olivet (at a price far less than those)!
We continue to hunt in the Rhône Valley for exciting emerging talent, and in Jérôme Gradassi we have struck the jackpot. Jérôme, 50 years old, was the boss and chef of a Michelin starred restaurant, L’Isle Sonnant in Avignon, until he sold it in 2003 to take up a mere 3½ hectares of vines left to him by his grandfather. In the cellar it’s all very traditional - into old stone tanks for the vinification, then a short ageing in old barrels. 75% Grenache. Scented, perfumed - very herbal and sweet on the nose - and with well-integrated fruits with a hint of cumin and white pepper. Much more accessible than most young Châteauneufs. This has the freshness of the vintage and is really a very accessible example. No rough edges. This has come on very nicely in bottle. Well done!
Domaine Lafage 2016 "Bastide Miraflors" Cotes du Rousillon
$ 14.99
94 pts - best buy
One of the Best Buys of the year from France! A fantastic value.
94 Points Robert Parker: "A wine that almost always over-delivers, the 2016 Côtes du Roussillon Bastide Miraflors is, I suspect, the finest vintage for this cuvée to date (it’s in the same league as the off-the-charts 2015). A blend of 80% Syrah and 20% Grenache from Lesquerde and Saint Martin de Fenouillet (both in the northern part of the Roussillon), aged all in older barrels and concrete tanks, it boasts rockstar notes of ripe blackberry fruits, spice, dried garrigue, and hints of chocolate. Possessing a full-bodied, layered mouthfeel, sweet tannins, and sensational purity, it’s another one of those values that almost seems too good to be true. Drink it any time over the coming 3-4 years."
Jean-Marc Lafage has knocked it out of the park once again with this high-quality, low-cost stunner of a wine. Domaine Lafage is housed in their facility just outside the city of Perpignan. One of the most advanced wineries in the region, Jean-Marc and his wife Elaine are crafting "must buy" wines from the region of Roussillon. The Bastide Miraflors is a blend of Syrah and old-vine Grenache. The vineyards for this wine are practicing organic with an average vine age of 55 years. The last three years, this has been one of our ten best sellers of the year. We expect no less again.
Domaine Tempier 2017 Bandol Rouge, France
$ 55.99
New release - 92 pts
One of our favorite reds from the South of France, always sells out early. Highly recommended.
92 Points Robert Parker: "An impressive barrel sample, the 2014 Bandol Cuvee Classique shows surprising depth and concentration in the vintage. Notes of dark fruits, mineral and peppery, Provencal herbs all emerge from this medium to full-bodied, beautifully pure, elegant 2014 that should drink reasonably well on release."
Domaines Ott 2017 Chateau de Selle Clair de Noirs Rose (3L bottle)
$ 359.00
*This is an extremely rare 3L large format bottle*
Domaines Ott is the king of French roses. This is the wine The New York Times dubbed "the summer drink to be seen with!" Order while supplies last.
95 Points Wine & Spirits: "The Château de Selle sits on a limestone slope in the forested inland reaches of Provence. The soil is nearly half rock and the sun is intense, an imposing landscape for cultivating anything, yet this rosé is one of the most elegant we tasted from the 2017 vintage. The concentration of the fruit comes through in the wine’s luxurious satin texture, while the flavors remain restrained—hints of melon, lemon and red cherry highlighting its earthy savor. It’s very pale, but don’t let the hue fool you: It’s structured and mineral, a firm rosé that wouldn’t be out of place at Le Bernardin."
Hand-picking, extremely selective sorting and delicate pressing of the grapes, and finally maturing in oak barrels, are just some of the reasons why Domaine Ott Rose has a reputation of being "the finest rose in the world." A delicious blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache and Cinsault. Domaines Ott's winery is located on a former dwelling of the Counts of Provence, a superb 18th century country house in Provence. The surrounding estate, entirely carved into the rocky land by Marcel Ott, his children and grandchildren, has been remodeled and replanted several times over.
Domaines Ott 2018 Chateau de Selle Rose (6L bottle)
$ 879.00
**This is an extremely rare 6L large format bottle**
Domaines Ott is the king of French roses. This is the wine The New York Times dubbed "the summer drink to be seen with!" Order while supplies last.
95 Points Wine & Spirits: "The Château de Selle sits on a limestone slope in the forested inland reaches of Provence. The soil is nearly half rock and the sun is intense, an imposing landscape for cultivating anything, yet this rosé is one of the most elegant we tasted from the vintage. The concentration of the fruit comes through in the wine’s luxurious satin texture, while the flavors remain restrained—hints of melon, lemon and red cherry highlighting its earthy savor. It’s very pale, but don’t let the hue fool you: It’s structured and mineral, a firm rosé that wouldn’t be out of place at Le Bernardin."
Hand-picking, extremely selective sorting and delicate pressing of the grapes, and finally maturing in oak barrels, are just some of the reasons why Domaine Ott Rose has a reputation of being "the finest rose in the world." A delicious blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache and Cinsault. Domaines Ott's winery is located on a former dwelling of the Counts of Provence, a superb 18th century country house in Provence. The surrounding estate, entirely carved into the rocky land by Marcel Ott, his children and grandchildren, has been remodeled and replanted several times over.
Domaines Ott 2018 Chateau de Selle Rosé MAGNUM (1.5L)
$ 119.99
*Rare Big Bottle (1.5L Magnum) of one of the most popular rosés available!*
Domaines Ott is the king of French rosés. This is the wine The New York Times dubbed "the summer drink to be seen with!"
Hand-picking, extremely selective sorting and delicate pressing of the grapes, and finally maturing in oak barrels, are just some of the reasons why Domaine Ott Rose has a reputation of being "the finest rose in the world." The 2018 Chateau de Selle is a delicious blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache and Cinsault. Domaines Ott's winery is located on a former dwelling of the Counts of Provence, a superb 18th century country house in Provence. The surrounding estate, entirely carved into the rocky land by Marcel Ott, his children and grandchildren, has been remodelled and replanted several times over.
Domaines Ott 2018 Chateau de Selle Rosé, France
$ 46.99 $ 52.00
Domaines Ott is the king of French rosés. This is the wine The New York Times dubbed "the summer drink to be seen with!" Order while supplies last.
Hand-picking, extremely selective sorting and delicate pressing of the grapes, and finally maturing in oak barrels, are just some of the reasons why Domaine Ott Rose has a reputation of being "the finest rose in the world." The 2018 Chateau de Selle is a delicious blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache and Cinsault. Domaines Ott's winery is located on a former dwelling of the Counts of Provence, a superb 18th century country house in Provence. The surrounding estate, entirely carved into the rocky land by Marcel Ott, his children and grandchildren, has been remodelled and replanted several times over.
Domaines Ott 2018 Clos Mireille Rosé, France
$ 44.99 $ 48.00
Domaines Ott is the king of French rosés. This is the wine The New York Times dubbed "the summer drink to be seen with!" Order while supplies last.
93 Points Robert Parker: "The archetypal pale Mediterranean rosé, the Cotes de Provence Rose Clos Mireille boasts briny aromas evocative of the sea, with pink grapefruit, cherry and lime notes. A blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah, it's medium-bodied but feels lighter, with a clean, refreshing finish that includes hints of wet stones, peach and citrus. It's a terrific rosé for drinking this summer (or anytime)."
Hand-picking, extremely selective sorting and delicate pressing of the grapes, and finally maturing in oak barrels, are just some of the reasons why Domaine Ott Rose has a reputation of being "the finest rose in the world." A delicious blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache and Cinsault. Domaines Ott's winery is located on a former dwelling of the Counts of Provence, a superb 18th century country house in Provence. The surrounding estate, entirely carved into the rocky land by Marcel Ott, his children and grandchildren, has been remodelled and replanted several times over.
F. Thienpont 2011 Bordeaux Rouge, France
$ 19.99
From the family reponsible for some of Bordeaux's top wines like le Pin and the 100-point Vieux Chateau Certan, this is a fantastic $20 Bordeaux. A Brix26 exclusive.
The red wine from Thienpont comes from a clay and limestone plateau in the Entre-Deux-Mers The grapes are 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon fermented in stainless steel and aged for 7 months. This is a perfect every day red with beef and barbecue.
Gaja 2014 Conteisa Barolo, Italy
$ 249.99
It is nearly impossible to overstate the influence of Angelo Gaja on Italian wine and its lofty reputation among connoisseurs. New release!
98 Points James Suckling: "The nose opens with a startling play between white truffles, bark and tea leaves and then crushed violets, lavender, blueberry peel, lemon rind and sour cherries. Full body, ultra-fine tannins, acidity as sharp as a razor and a long, ethereally mineral finish. The length but sheer clarity and accuracy in the delivery is remarkable. Perhaps hard to believe that this better than the 2013, but it is. Drink in 2022."
95 Points Robert Parker: "The 2014 Barolo Conteisa is an impressive wine that defies the odds of the vintage. Although the Cerequio vineyard did not suffer hail in 2014 (it did in 2016), grape production was reduced by half anyway. The remaining grapes delivered their best with intense flavors and crisp contours. Gaia Gaja tells me that the clusters harvested were perfect in appearance. This is a perfumed wine that offers defined aromas of wild cherry that rise to the top with intensity. The wine's tonality is dark and thick, and the tannins are full and structured."
Gaja 2015 Barolo Sperss, Langhe
$ 299.99
Perfect 100 points!
Rare 100 Points score! It is nearly impossible to overstate the influence of Angelo Gaja on Italian wine and its lofty reputation among connoisseurs.
100 Points Jeb Dunnuck: "The 2015 Barolo Sperss is another smoking good 2015 that shows the sunny warmth of the vintage in its massive bouquet of blackcurrants, kirsch liqueur, red plums, Asian spices, violets, and flowery incense. It reminds me of the incredible 1997, and Barolo doesn't get any more sexy or opulent. This brilliant, full-bodied wine has ripe, velvety tannins, beautiful depth of fruit, and a great finish. It needs a solid hour in a decanter if drinking any time soon and will benefit from 5-7 years of bottle age. It should drink brilliantly over the following 25-30 years."
98 Points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): " The 2015 Barolo Sperss shows all of the darkness and muscle that are so typical of Serralunga. Black cherry, plum, licorice, incense, gravel, cured meats and scorched earth infuse this potent, backward wine with tremendous character. My impression is that the extraction and oak are all a bit more pushed here relative to the other wines in the range."
97 Points Robert Parker: "In the 2015 Barolo Sperss, you can taste the iron rust and minerality that is so specific to the soils of Serralunga d'Alba where this wine is born. It is very bold and represents the more powerful of these two wines from Barolo. Cerequio is always the more floral, while the Sperss has an immediate cherry and some lingering, bold, blackberry aromas that make a strong impact. However, this wine does not have the austerity of a classic Barolo. Instead it shows a richer texture and it casts a wider net of flavors. Serralunga d'Alba fruit is marked by stronger concentration and ripeness, with a very firm and unyielding quality of tannin that should hold the wine steady as it moves through its aging evolution. This is a truly beautiful albeit brawny Nebbiolo."
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