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International Wines
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 "Tignanello" Toscana Proprietary Red, Italy
Sold Out
New release of the cult Super Tuscan Tignanello! One of Italy's
97 Points Wine Spectator: "A big, lush style, this red delivers pure aromas and flavors of black currant, cherry, violet, flint, tobacco and baking spices. This is supple, yet backed by a firm, dense matrix of tannins, so all the components are there, but this
needs time to integrate. Lovely sweet, ripe finish. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2022 through 2040. From Italy.—B.S.."
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
$ 365.99
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 2016 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 2014 "Occultum Lapidem" Cotes du Roussillon-Villages, France ($34.00) 96 Points Parker - awesome Rhone red
- Terrabianca 2015 Campaccio Toscana Rosso, Italy - $29 - 93 point Super Tuscan 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 2015 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
$ 34.99
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 2013 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.
91 Points Robert Parker: "The Cotes du Rhone Cercius Vieilles Vignes from the Plateau de Domazan, is a blend of 85% Grenache and 15% Syrah aged six months in concrete. Cercius is the Latin name for the legendary north/south whipping winds called the Mistral that dominate the southern Rhone Valley for one hundred or so days a year. The deep ruby/purple-colored 2013 Cercius boasts a stunning nose of camphor, incense, blackberries, cassis, kirsch and licorice. This full-bodied, opulent, saturated, fruit-dominated red wine is super-pure, incredibly well-balanced, full and stunning. Drink it over the next 2-3 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 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 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)
$ 399.99
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 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 2010 St. Estephe, Bordeaux
$ 289.00
One of the top-scoring Bordeaux of the 2010 vintage. Limited.
100 Points Parker: "This is considered to be among the greatest vintages ever made in Montrose, right up with the 1929, 1945, 1947, 1959, 1961, 1989, 1990 and 2009. Harvest was October 15 to 17. The wine has really come on since I last tasted it, and it needs at least another 10 years of cellaring. The blend was 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. The wine is opaque black/blue, with an incredible nose of blueberry and blackberry liqueur, with hints of incense, licorice, and acacia flowers. Tannins are incredibly sweet and very present. The wine is full-bodied, even massive, with great purity, depth and a finish that goes on close to a minute. This is a 50- to 75-year-old wine that will repay handsomely those with good aging genes. (Note: The Chateau Montrose website gives an aging potential of 2020-2100.)"
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 2009, Pauillac
$ 399.00
Perfect 100 points!
Extremely limited 100-Point Bordeaux.
100 Points Robert Parker: "An absolutely amazing wine, from grapes harvested between the end of September and October 17, this blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot has close to 15% natural alcohol. It comes from one of the few biodynamic vineyards in Bordeaux, but you are likely to see many more, given the success that Tesseron seems to be having at all levels, both in his vineyards and in his fermentation/winemaking. An astounding, compelling wine with the classic Pauillac nose more often associated with its cross-street neighbor, Mouton-Rothschild, creme de cassis, there are also some violets and other assorted floral notes. The wine has off-the-charts massiveness and intensity but never comes across as heavy, overbearing or astringent. The freshness, laser-like precision, and full-bodied, massive richness and extract are simply remarkable to behold and experience. It is very easy, to become jaded tasting such great wines from a great vintage, but it is really a privilege to taste something as amazing as this. Unfortunately, it needs a good decade of cellaring, and that’s assuming it doesn’t close down over the next few years. This is a 50- to 75-year wine from one of the half-dozen or so most compulsive and obsessive proprietors in all of Bordeaux. Is there anything that proprietor Alfred Tesseron is not doing right? Talk about an estate that is on top of its game! Pontet-Canet’s 2010 is a more structured, tannic and restrained version of their most recent perfect wine, the 2009. Kudos to Pontet-Canet!
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
96+ Points Robert Parker: "The 2008 Dom Pérignon comes from a very rich vintage with an early ripeness that brought a lot of aromatic maturity. The white-golden prestige cuvée contains a bit more Chardonnay than Pinot Noir and opens with a deep and seductive, pretty accessible nose with intense yet fresh fruit aromas of pineapples, with peaches and tangerines. Lively and elegant on the palate, this is a full-bodied, unusually aromatic and fruity DP with a long and tension-filled expression."
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.
Domaine de Bila Haut 2014 "Occultum Lapidem" Cotes du Roussillon-Villages
$ 34.99
A stunning value from the South of France! The Domaine de Bila Haut "Occultum Lapidem" Cotes du Roussillon-Villages now available - limited.
92 points Robert Parker: "Another terrific vintage for this cuvee, the Syrah and Grenache-dominated 2014 Cotes du Roussillon Villages Latour de France Occultum Lapidem was harvested between the 12th of September and the 3rd of October with miniscule yields of 28 hectoliters per hectare. Completely destemmed and aged all in concrete tanks, its ruby opaque color is followed by complex notes of garrigue, leather, plums and violets. Medium to full-bodied, elegant and layered, with a great texture, this fruit-forward, balanced Roussillon is already hard to resist, but will continue drinking nicely for 6-7 years....
...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 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 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 Rose (6L bottle)
$ 799.00
**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 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 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 2016 Barbaresco, Piedmont, Italy
$ 225.00
It is nearly impossible to overstate the influence of Angelo Gaja on Italian wine and its lofty reputation among connoisseurs. New release!
98 Points Wine Enthusiast "Cellar Selection": "This isn't just a great wine for what was a notoriously cool, wet vintage, it's quite simply a magnificent wine. Perfumed and loaded with finesse, it opens with scents of woodland berry, iris and baking spice while the vibrant, balanced palate doles out Marasca cherry, dark culinary spice, crushed herb and menthol. Refined tannins and fresh acidity provide the taut framework while a licorice note wraps around the finish. Gorgeous. Drink 2022-2034."
96 Points Antionio Galloni (Vinous): "Gaja's 2014 Barbaresco is rich, super-dense, and inviting, with serious underpinnings of structure and the same classicism that made the 2013 so compelling. Dense and powerful in the glass, with explosive energy and tons of tannin, the 2014 is built for extended cellaring. Expressive floral and savory notes hover out of the glass in this super-expressive Barbaresco. This is one of the most tightly wound, intense versions of Gaja's Barbaresco I can remember tasting. Don't miss it."
96 Points Wine Spectator: "This gorgeous red evokes rose, strawberry, raspberry and cherry fruit, shaded by tobacco, tar and wild thyme notes. Pure, sleek and intense, with a firm base of tannins and vibrant acidity for support. This should evolve beautifully. Be patient. Best from 2022 through 2043. From Italy."
Hacienda Monasterio 2015 Ribera del Duero
$ 46.99
95 Points - Spanish gem
One of our top picks from Spain and the Ribera del Duero - don't miss this gem from Pingus winemaker Peter Sisseck.
95 Points Jeb Dunnuck: "The 2015 Crianza from Hacienda Monasterio is a blockbuster effort that’s a blend of 75% Tinto Fino, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the balance Merlot, all of which spent 18 months in 30% new French oak. Its deep ruby/purple color is followed by terrific notes of blueberries, violets, graphite, and crushed rocks. Full-bodied, deep, concentrated, and elegant, with a traditional style and building tannin…. It’s no doubt beautiful today yet will keep for a decade or more. Even at $50, it’s a smoking value!”
94 Points Robvert Parker: "The flagship Crianza is now simply referred to as 2015 Hacienda Monasterio. It's mostly Tempranillo, with 10% each Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, fermented with indigenous yeasts and with long and soft macerations. It has a balanced nose, with nuance and subtleness, with the oak nicely folded into the fruit, incipient perfume, and even if young, you can almost see where it can go in bottle. The foreign varieties are not really noticed; they are very integrated. The palate has terrific balance and refined tannins. There is no heat or excess ripening whatsoever. For a moment, I thought I was tasting the 2014. This is one of the best and most widely available wines from Ribera del Duero. It should evolve nicely in bottle."
Hacienda Monasterio has a special place in our hearts and cellars. Having remained at the vanguard of the evolution of the DO of Ribera del Duero since its founding in 1991, Hacienda Monasterio continues to innovate and seek new ways to make wines that embody the region’s potential for power as well as elegance and finesse. Guiding this evolution is Peter Sisseck, who joined the estate shortly after its inception and while he has pushed the envelope in the DO with his own wine Pingus, he’s remained at the helm of Hacienda Monasterio: overseeing the purchase and planting of new vineyards, grafting over existing vines to the local Tempranillo, Tinto Fino, and incrementally improving vinifications by championing native fermentations, experimenting with whole clusters and employing larger 500L French oak barrels for aging.
Hamilton Russell 2017 Pinot Noir, Walker Bay
$ 44.99
Stellar new release from South Africa's finest Pinot Noir producer! Limited.
previous vintage 92 Points Robert Parker: "The Pinot Noir was a season with a long hang time with an above-average size of crop – a season with no ups and downs," Hannes Storm explained. It has a perfumed, floral bouquet with wilted rose petals infusing the red cherries, bergamot and fresh strawberry scents. The palate is clean and pixelated on the entry, adorned with a satin-like texture, extremely well-judged acidity and superb poise on the finish. This has gained a little weight over the next 12 months and while I do not think it has the substance for serious long-term aging, it is absolute charmer at this stage."
Isole e Olena 2016 Cepparello, Toscana Rosso
$ 89.99
97 Points - limited Super-Tuscan
Cepparello is one of Italy's most iconic wines and a reflection of Paolo De Marchi's career. Today Cepparello, named after a small seasonal stream among the vineyards, is a selection of the estates best fruit. Soils primarily Galestro, vineyards orientated Southwest and are 400 meters above sea-level. Paolo believes that vintage is part of terrior and wines of origin reflect the vintage. Limited.
97 Points Robert Parker: "The beautiful Isole e Olena 2016 Cepparello is a gorgeous and precise expression of Sangiovese. This is one of the icon wines of the vintage that shows a naked and transparent portrait of the grape on the one hand, with the complexity of the vintage and its territory on the other. Cepparello is like a crystal ball into the heart and soul of Sangiovese, Tuscany's mighty red grape. It is fermented in conical oak casks and later aged 20 months in 95% French and 5% American oak, of which only one-third is new wood. The wine delivers ample structure and contouring, with a firm and silky consistency at its core. This wine should age over the better part of the next 20 years."
97+ Points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2016 Cepparello is dense, dark and also very closed in on itself. Those qualities bode well for the future, but readers will have to be patient, as the 2016 is going to need at least a few years to come into its own. Black cherry, plum, lavender, spice and new leather gradually open up in the glass, but the 2016 is not ready to show all of its cards. This fruit was brought in during the second week of October, which is pretty much optimal at Isole e Olena. The 2016 spent 20 months in French oak, with a bit less than 30% new oak, and a few months in cask prior to bottling. An explosion of floral and spice notes punctuates the super-refined finish. The 2016 is shaping up to be epic. Don't miss it!
Juan Gil 2016 Jumilla Red, Spain
$ 17.99
A phenomenal value
A phenomenal red from Spain that sells for a song. Big and full-bodied, California wine lovers will take to this wine easily.
91 Points Robert Parker: "The 2016 Juan Gil (silver label) is pure Monastrell from old, non-irrigated vines that was aged in French oak barrels for 12 months. They had to do a severe selection, as the year was quite challenging (but later 2018 was even a more difficult year); they discarded a lot of grapes, and they told me that they had never sold so much wine in bulk. That seems to have paid off, and the wine is quite harmonious and clean.\ The oak is very well integrated, folded into the fruit."
The Gil family from Jumilla have built a brand new winery that has 100% renewable energy, and all the waste is reused (water goes to humus, etc.). All of their vineyards are organically farmed even though they don't have a full certification in order to avoid bureaucracy. 2017 was a Mediterranean year in the style of 2015, and 2018 was cooler, more in the style of 2016, both very challenging harvests. The Juan Gil Silver Label Red is one of our favorite buys from Spain!
Le Vieux Donjon 2017 Chateauneuf-du-Pape, France
$ 65.00
95 Points Parker - limited
A great wine from France's Rhone Valley.
95 Points Jeb Dunnuck: "The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape won’t match the 2016, yet nevertheless, it’s a beautiful, elegant, classic wine. Garrigue, pepper, assorted dark fruits, and lavender notes all emerge from this balanced, medium to full-bodied effort that shines for its purity and elegance. It will come into its own with just short-term cellaring and keep for 10-15 years...Domaine Vieux Donjon is another reference point estate for classic, traditionally made Châteauneuf-du-Pape. These rich, powerful wines are simply loaded with Provençal aromas and flavors of meaty black fruits, spice, and garrigue. Traditional Châteauneuf-du-Pape rarely gets better.
95 Points Robert Parker: "A prospective blend of Vieux Donjon's 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape looked particularly strong. At 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah and the balance Mourvèdre and Cinsault, it reflects the vintage's poor fruit set in the Grenache and the strength of the Mourvèdre. It shows amazingly fresh, floral notes, bright strawberry and raspberry fruit, matched by full body, ample richness and length."
Leeuwin 2011 Prelude Vineyard Chardonnay, Australia
$ 34.99
Our favorite Chardonnay from "Down Under"! Any California Chardonnay fan will love Leeuwin's Prelude Chardonnay. Limited in production and not much is imported to the US so try it while its still available!
91 Points Wine Spectator: "Fresh and lively, with vibrant acidity to balance the ripe pear and floral flavors, hinting at clotted cream as the finish lingers. Drink now through 2015. 500 cases imported."
Leeuwin 2015 "Art Series" Chardonnay Margaret River, Australia
$ 79.99
96 points - limited
Our favorite Chardonnay from "Down Under"! Any California Chardonnay fan will love Leeuwin's Art Series Chardonnay. Limited in production and not much is imported to the US so try it while its still available!
95 Points Wine Spectator *Highly Recommended*: "Supple and creamy up front, with precision to the nutmeg, lemon curd, verbena and mandarin orange flavors, which are intense and harmonious. The elegant body and lingering accents of ginger and citrus zest elevate this white to something special. Drink now through 2028."
Luca 2015 Malbec, Uco Valley Argentina
$ 29.99
Laura Catena, proprietor of Luca Winery, is a fourth generation vintner, who also happens to be a Harvard and Stanford educated emergency medicine physician. Following the birth of her first child, Luca, she felt compelled to create a legacy of small production Argentine wines. This Malbec is from fruit grown in the Uco Valley, and is, in typical Luca style, a big, broad shouldered, structured powerhouse of a wine.
93 Points Robert Parker: "Fom new plantings in Gualtallary, the Malbec has increased the proportion of fruit coming from this cool place to make it approximately a 50/50 blend of Malbec fruit from Gualtallary and La Consulta, both in the Valle de Uco. There is a big jump in precision and harmony along with more freshness and elegance. The expansive palate has great depth and fruit with very good freshness. This could well be the best vintage of Luca Malbec and I think the best might be yet to come, as the new vineyard matures...Luca is the personal project of Laura Catena."
93 Points James Suckling: "Beautiful aromas of blackberry, black licorice and spice follow through to a full body, with ultra-fine tannins and a blueberry, dark chocolate and light nut aftertaste. Drink or hold."
Luce Della Vite 2011 Brunello di Montalcino
$ 139.99
100 Points James Suckling: "Very powerful aromas of blackberry, fresh mushroom, iron, spice and lightly grilled meat. Full body with layers of fruit and earth character. Decadent and intense. It's a phenomenal wine. Incredibly layered and muscular. Better than the legendary 2006? Built for aging."
Luce was the first wine created in Montalcino by blending Sangiovese and Merlot. Combining the roundedness and softness of Merlot with the structure and elegance of Sangiovese might seem a rather obvious idea, and yet it took the insight and collaboration of the Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi and Robert Mondavi Families to launch this innovative project in the land of the world renown Brunello di Montalcino, a wine made strictly from Sangiovese.
Luce Della Vite 2015 Luce, Tuscany
$ 119.99
92 Point Wine Spectator: "A powerful version, with a coating of toasty, vanilla-accented oak wrapped around blackberry and black plum flavors. Shows a hint of tar, and the tannins are assertive now, yet this stays vibrant and long. Better with air, but still a unique style. Sangiovese and Merlot. Best from 2021 through 2033."
Luce was the first wine created in Montalcino by blending Sangiovese and Merlot. Combining the roundedness and softness of Merlot with the structure and elegance of Sangiovese might seem a rather obvious idea, and yet it took the insight and collaboration of the Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi and Robert Mondavi Families to launch this innovative project in the land of the world renown Brunello di Montalcino, a wine made strictly from Sangiovese.
M. Chapoutier 2015 Chateauneuf-du-Pape Barbe Rac, France
$ 129.99
96 Points - limited
Rare top-rated Chateauneuf from Chapoutier. Limited.
96 Points Robert Parker: "The 2015 Chateauneuf du Pape Barbe Rac is 100% Grenache, but this parcel is located on the western edge of the appellation, in what Chapoutier describes as a hot, dry location—even in the context of the appellation. From vines planted in 1901-1902, this is a dense, plummy wine, oozing with concentrated fruit and even turning a bit fudge-like on the long, supple finish. I don't expect it to age quite as well as the Croix de Bois, but it's still a thrilling wine."
96 Points Wine Spectator: "Very silky and refined, but with ample depth and drive, as the core of kirsch, plum sauce and raspberry coulis flavors is focused and lengthy, while light tea, incense, mineral and shiso leaf notes dart throughout. The long finish has well-embedded, latent grip. Should cruise in the cellar. Best from 2020 through 2040."
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