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Jump Start Sale
One of the greatest names in Tuscany, Fattoria di Fèlsina produces arguably the finest range of ageworthy and complex Chianti-Sangiovese bottlings in all Tuscany. Fèlsina has never succumbed to the temptation to produce “new age†wines from their fine Chianti vineyards. Their elegant yet intensely flavored Chiantis place them firmly among the top handful of Chianti producers, and, in fact, often exceed much of Brunello di Montalcino in terms of complexity and potential for longevity. In addition to their distinct bottlings of Chianti Classico, Fèlsina also produces one of Italy’s top Vino di Tavola’s (or IGTs), called Fontalloro. Fontalloro is also Sangiovese, with the wine sources from old vines (in excess of 50 years) in three top vineyards that straddle the border between two of Chianti’sub-regions: “Classico†and “Colli Senesiâ€. For many toscanaphiles, the Fontalloro is most often Felsina's finest wine.
Felsina Berardenga Fontalloro Toscana 2008 ($59.95) $37.50 jump start special
Antonio Galloni 94 points: "The 2008 Fontalloro is the yin to the Rancia’s yang. It is also characteristically beautiful, open and expressive at this stage. Layers of sweet red fruit, flowers and spices blossom effortlessly from the 2008 Fontalloro. The intensely saline finish that is present in the Rancia is found in Fontalloro as well. I am usually not the biggest fan of Fontalloro, but there is no denying the superb pedigree and sheer class of the 2008. This is a wonderfully, sophisticated, polished wine from Felsina. In 2008 the slightly drier microclimate at Fontalloro vis-a-vis Rancia is the main reason this wine is such a huge success in 2008. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2026." Ian d’Agata 93 points: “(100% sangiovese): Good full, deep red. Sexy nose offers bitter red cherry, raspberry, rose petal and a whiff of loam. Juicy, sweet and enticing, with lovely elegance and energy to the flavors of red fruits and candied ginger. Firm but harmonious tannins stand out on the rising, very pure finish. This essence of sangiovese is a remarkably successful wine in this vintage.â€
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today
The average listed price elsewhere in the USA is $49 / bottle
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new week –new arrivals
USA:
Belle Pente Estate Reserve Pinot Noir 2009 ($44.95) $37 special
Josh Raynolds 93 points ‘Vivid ruby-red. An intensely perfumed bouquet evokes candied dark berries, Asian spices and potpourri, with a bright note of blood orange gaining strength with air. Juicy, expansive and seamless, offering open-knit black raspberry and cherry flavors and a suggestion of candied rose. Shows excellent clarity and power on the finish, leaving notes of singed orange and cherry-cola behind. This exotic pinot is complex enough to drink now with little guilt, but I suspect that it will be even better with another three to five years of bottle age.’
Brooks Janus Pinot Noir 2010 ($34.95) $27 special
Josh Raynolds 93 points ‘Bright ruby-red. Heady, mineral-accented aromas of red berry preserves, potpourri and Asian spices, with a hint of blood orange adding an exotic twist. Offers an array of red and dark berry flavors brightened by notes of allspice and fresh rose, along with a hint of vanilla that emerges with air. Closes sweet and very long, with resonating spiciness and smooth, well-knit tannins.’
Harlan Estate Napa 2007 ($999.95) $749 special only 5 bottles available
Robert Parker 100 points “The prodigious 2007 Harlan Estate reminds me of a hypothetical blend of the 2002 with a touch of the controversial 1997. Dense plum/purple-colored with sweet aromas of barbecue smoke, blueberries, blackberries, cassis, licorice, hot rocks and subtle oak, it is a splendidly opulent, pure wine with a skyscraper-like texture as well as stunningly deep fruit that expands gracefully across the palate. The finish lasts nearly a full minute. Because of its overwhelming richness and sweet tannins, this brilliant wine seems to be approachable now, but I suspect further nuances and complexity will emerge after 4-5 years in the bottle. This wine will still be going strong at age 25-30. Like the offerings from its sister estate, Bond, these Harlan Estate offerings are uncompromisingly brilliant examples of Napa viticulture and winemaking at its finest. Kudos to proprietor Bill Harlan.â€
Bond Quella Napa 2009 ($349.95) $299 special only 3 bottles available
Robert Parker 96 points “The darker, more virile side of the vintage comes through in the 2009 Proprietary Blend Quella. A dark brooding wine, the 2009 saturates the palate with black cherries, plums, smoke and incense, all in a firm, brooding style that is highly appealing. Vivid and constantly changing in the glass, the Quella impresses for its multi-dimensional personality and potential. Hints of smoke, ash and scorched earth are layered into the powerful, structured finish.â€
Bond Melbury Napa 2009 ($349.95) $279 special only 3 bottles available
Robert Parker 94 points “The estate’s 2009 Proprietary Blend Melbury presents an intriguing combination of pure sensuality in its aromas and flavors, but backed up by serious tannins. Dark raspberry jam, flowers, sweet spices and crushed rocks all come to life in this deeply expressive, resonant wine. Sweet floral notes reappear on the finish, adding lift and perfume. In 2009, the Melbury is dazzling. It is also one of the more delicate wines in the lineupâ€
Rochioli Estate Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2011 ($59.95) $49 jump start special
Antonio Galloni 95 points “The 2011 Chardonnay Estate is an excellent introduction to the Rochioli wines. In this vintage, the Chardonnay has gorgeous intensity and energy. White flowers, lemon and crushed rocks all come to life in a vibrant Chardonnay that should drink nicely for a handful of years. Bright saline notes add tension on the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2021. Tom Rochioli describes 2011 as a cold vintage with lower ripeness and alcohol levels than the norm. Considering these are usually fairly rich, bold wines (the style Rochioli prefers), the combination of a cooler year and the inherent depth that is the house signature is particularly appealing.â€
FRANCE:
Krug Grand Cuvee Champagne Brut NV magnums ($399.95) $349 special only 3 available
Wine Spectator 95 points "A smoky, intense wine, with layer upon layer of coffee, roasted nut, golden piecrust, ripe apple, honey and spice flavors. The richness is balanced by a focused freshness, perfectly poised like a high diver about to jump, standing above the crowd and showing the interplay of power and control in an elegant package. Drink now through 2026."
Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut 2002 ($199.95) $179 special
Wine Advocate – Antonio Galloni 98 points ‘Taittinger’s 2002 Brut Blanc de Blancs Comtes de Champagne is off the charts. I have tasted the 2002 now many times, and it has never been less than thrilling. A vivid kaleidoscope of pure Chardonnay aromas and flavors opens up in the glass. The 2002 is at once incredibly rich yet also totally weightless and impeccable in its balance. All the classic Comtes notes are there, but with a level of detail and nuance I don’t think I have ever seen before. The 2002 is breathtakingly beautiful today, but also appears to have the stuffing to age for decades. Personally, I would be looking to buy the 2002 in magnums if at all possible. Sadly, there is little wine to go around as 2002 was a very short crop. Readers who can track down the 2002 are in store for something truly great. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2042.’
William Fevre Chablis Bougros Grand Cru 2010 ($89.95) $79 special
John Gilman 95+ points "The 2010 Bougros was bottled at the same time as the Vaulorent, but it too was showing very, very well at the time of my visit. The simply beautiful bouquet offers up a complex and classy mélange of apple, tart orange, lime, chalky soil tones, spring flowers and a smoky topnote. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, pure and racy, with great focus and balance, brisk acidity, a rock solid core of fruit and great length and grip on the still very youthful finish. 2018-2050."
Henri Boillot Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Chaumes 2010 ($89.95) $69 special
Burghound 91 points "A hint of pain grillé adds nuance to the slightly yeasty white and yellow orchard fruit aromas that complement well the rich, generous and plump medium-bodied flavors that possess good punch and energy before terminating in a relatively fine and graceful finish. This should amply reward mid-term cellaring."
Henri Boillot Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Embrazees 2010 ($99.95) $79 special
Burghound 92 points "An elegant and attractively cool nose of stone, pear and citrus nuances gives way to well-delineated and energetic flavors that terminate in a cuts-like-a-knife and mineral-inflected finish. This is also very dry with fine complexity and almost Chablis-like salinity on the balanced backend."
Henri Boillot Pommard 2010 ($59.95) $49 special
Stephen Tanzer 88-90 points "Saturated dark red. Reticent aromas of mocha, coffee and bitter chocolate, with a black cherry quality emerging with air. Then surprisingly full and broad in the mouth, but with a rather monolithic quality to its cooler black cherry, licorice and menthol flavors. Tannins are fine but a bit dusty following the monumental Volnay Caillerets. Made from vines in a cold combe, picked at the end of the harvest."
Janasse Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Chaupin 2010 ($149.95) $119 special
Robert Parker 98 points "The 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Chaupin rivals the 2007 Chaupin (to date the best Chaupin I have yet tasted). Made from 100% Grenache (3/4 destemmed), it boasts a dense black/purple color as well as unbelievable notes of raspberries, black cherries, licorice, truffles, camphor, forest floor and garrigue. This wine is stunningly concentrated, incredibly noble, precise and expansive on the palate with mouth-saturating intensity, glycerin and extract. It is an amazing example of impeccably grown old vine Grenache translated into a natural yet full-throttle red.â€
JL Chave Saint Joseph Rouge 2010 ($69.95) $59 special
Robert Parker 93 points "The stunning 2010 St.-Joseph ranks alongside the finest wines of the appellation, including Guigal’s l’Hospice and Chapoutier’s Les Granits. It boasts a dense purple color along with scents of kirsch, blackberries, crushed rocks, spring flowers and licorice. It needs 2-3 years of bottle age and should drink well for 15+ years thereafter." Stephen Tanzer 93 points “Inky purple. Musky blackberry and cherry aromas, with slow-building Indian spice and floral nuances. Lively, sharply defined dark berry flavors are refreshingly bitter and show superb depth. Gains strength and a powerful cola quality on the clinging, mineral-driven finish, which is broad, deep and sharply focused.â€
JL Chave Hermitage Rouge 2010 ($499.95) $399 special
Robert Parker 100 points "Pure perfection, the 2010 Hermitage reminds Jean-Louis Chave of their 1990. It appears to be a richer, fresher example of what I remember the 1990 tasting like in 1992. The wine exhibits an opaque purple color along with an extraordinary bouquet of sweet blackberry fruit intermixed with creme de cassis, lead pencil shavings, acacia flowers, bouquet garni, meat and crushed rocks. Full-bodied and stunningly rich with laser-like precision, this is a powerful, massive yet exceptionally well-balanced wine that should be forgotten for a decade and drunk over the following 30-40 years. "
Andre Perret Saint Joseph Rouge Les Grisieres 2010 ($59.95) $49 special
Robert Parker 93 points “The 2010 St.-Joseph Les Grisieres is brilliant. A spectacular wine, it boasts a dense ruby/purple color as well as an exceptional bouquet of lead pencil shavings, black currants and black cherries. It is a fuller-bodied, denser, richer cuvee produced from Perret’s finest parcels. The wine has sweet enough tannin to be consumed now, or cellared for 10-12 years. One of my (as well as insiders’) favorite Northern Rhone producers is Andre Perret. His red wine offerings are among the most seductive, elegant and complex in the North, and his white wines, especially his Condrieus, are at the top of that appellation’s hierarchy.â€
Andre Perret Condrieu Chery 2011 ($89.95) $79 special
Robert Parker 96 points “As usual, a prodigious effort, the 2011 Condrieu Coteaux du Chery comes from one of the appellation’s great terroirs. It offers an intense, expansive perfume of honeysuckle, tangerine, lychee nut, white peach and spring flower notes, followed by an elegant, full-bodied white. In each vintage, this cuvee is consistently one of the top three or four wines made in Condrieu. Enjoy the 2011 over the next 3-5 years.â€
Château Giscours Margaux 2009 ($89.95) $79 special
Wine Spectator 93 points "This is alluring, with lots of incense, warm espresso and roasted mesquite notes leading the way for a sleek core of mouthwatering black currant and blackberry fruit. The long finish lets the mesquite edge linger, with well-embedded grip. Rock-solid. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2014 through 2029. Tasted twice, with consistent notes"
Château Leoville-Barton Saint Julien 2009 ($179.95) $149 special
Wine Spectator 95 points #6 Top 100 2012 "This is powerful Cabernet, with gutsy weight, but also polished feel to the fresh plum, warm blackberry sauce, bittersweet ganache and roasted apple wood notes. Long and tarry through the finish, but still invigorating despite its heft. Needs some time to round fully into form. Best from 2017 through 2035. Tasted twice, with consistent notes." Wine Enthusiast 98 points #3 Cellar Selections 2012 ‘A major success of the vintage. The wine exhibits extreme richness of the fruit, with all its sweet blackberry flavors. It also has underlying firm structure, density and solid tannins. Bring in the acidity at the end, and this is both impressive and ready for long-term aging.’ James Suckling 96 points "Very floral, with fresh mushrooms and currants on the nose. Full body, with powerful tannins, yet polished and refined. Lovely length. Vibrant acidity. Well structured...96"
ITALY:
Cantine dell’Angelo Greco di Tufo 2011 ($22.95) $19 special Vinopolpick
Great Greco. White fruits, florality, minerality. A certain sappiness, but still refreshing. Best Campania Greco that I’ve tasted; the ubiquitous Feudi San Gregorio, whose vineyard is alongside dell’Angelo should be questioning themselves.
Scarpa Freisa 2009 ($39.95) $29 special
Scarpa Rouchet 2007 ($49.95) $39 special
Scarpa Barbaresco Tettineive 1999 ($69.95) $59 special
Scarpa Barolo Tettimora 1999 ($99.95) $79 special
Fornacina Rosso di Montalcino 2010 ($24.95) $21.90 special
Sassotondo Tufforosso Maremma 2011 ($14.95) $11.90 special
Ian d’Agata 88 points : ‘(sangiovese and ciliegiolo): Full red. Aromas of maraschino cherry, licorice and scorched earth, with a cherry liqueur quality. Then supple, sweet and fruit-driven, with moderate intensity and grip to its cherry and pepper flavors. In a bright, juicy style, finishing with modest nuance and light tannins. This is awfully easy to drink.’
Passopisciaro Guardiola Sicilia 2011 ($37.95) $31.90 special
Antonio Galloni 91 points : ‘The 2011 Guardiola (Chardonnay) boasts impeccable richness and class in its juicy peaches, lemon, white flowers and spices. Insistent veins of minerality frame the long, finish. The 2011 is a gorgeous, totally pure expression of Chardonnay from the slopes of the Etna. I would not be surprised if the 2011 opens over the next 6-12 months, as it had just been bottled at the time of my tastings. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2016.’
Passopisciaro Rosso Passopisciaro Sicilia 2010 ($39.95) $34 special
Antonio Galloni 94 points : ‘The 2010 Passopisciaro is deceptively mid-weight, but behind the light color and seeming fleeting structure lies a deeply expressive core of perfumed red berries, crushed rocks, flowers and mint. A burst of deep salinity frames the bracing finish. Quite simply, this is a stunning wine. Think of the Passopisciaro as a cross of Chambolle-Musigny and Gevrey-Chambertin and Gattinara. The Passopisciaro bottling is made from parcels in Guardiola and smaller pieces that aren’t large enough to be bottled separately. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2020. Andrea Franchetti describes 2010 as a cold year on the Etna that yielded wines of energy and cut. That is certainly the recurring theme in this set of new releases. Once again, Franchetti has produced a number of wines that set the bar for what can be achieved on the Etna. This is a stunning set of new releases.’
Passopisciaro Contrada Chiappemacine Sicilia 2010 ($69.95) $59 special
Antonio Galloni 94 points : ‘The 2010 Contrada Chiappemacine C reveals a more immediate expression of fruit. Dark red berries, tobacco and mint flesh out on the radiant mid-palate. This is still an energetic style because of the vintage, but the Chiappemacine C is a bit richer than some of the other 2010s as this site sits on the lower end of the slope. Like all the Passopisciaro reds in this vintage, the Chiappemacine C is impeccably refined and harmonious. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2020’
La Maschera Prosecco NV ($17.95) $14 special
Cleto Chiarli Lambrusco Vecchia Modena NV ($17.95) $14 special
Quintarelli Rosso Ca de Merlo 2003 ($99.95) $79 special
SPAIN:
Valdespino Manzanilla Deliciosa En Rama NV 375ml ($13.95) $9.90 special Vinopolpick
Good; so good. Deliciosa!
Huguet Can Feixes Cava Brut Nature 2007 ($31.95) $26 special
John Gilman 93 points "The 2007 Gran Reserva Brut Nature is made up of a blend of sixty percent Parellada and twenty percent each of Macabeo and Pinot Noir. It probably has about one gram per liter of dosage in this vintage. The nose is deep, complex and really vibrant, jumping out of the glass in a very refined blend of grapefruit, bread dough, lovely, salty minerality, lemon peel and a very gentle smokiness in the upper register. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and rock solid at the core, with great focus and balance, elegant mousse and superb length and grip on the still quite youthful finish. This wine will age beautifully."
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Flash Sales
Arrives tomorrow:
Domaine Ponsot Clos de la Roche Vieilles Vignes 2010 ($699.95) $499 flash sale special
Burghound 95-97 points "There is superb size and weight to the imposing and overtly muscular flavors that also enjoy an incredible amount of dry extract that confers a supple and seductively textured mouth feel to the highly concentrated mid-palate. The presently buried tannins are intense and markedly firm though not hard on the explosively long finish that seems to go on and on. This should be something very special if given sufficient time to reach its apogee."
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today
The next best listed price in the USA today is $549
The average of listed prices in the USA today is $661
Alvaro Palacios Camins del Priorat 2011 ($24.95) $15.70 flash sale special
Josh Raynolds 91 points "Bright purple. Aromas and flavors of ripe red berries, cola and spicecake, with a deeper note of licorice emerging with air. Lush and seamless, with very good finishing breadth and spicy persistence. Shows plenty of upfront appeal but this wine has the concentration and balance to reward at least mid-term aging."
final 50 cases just arrived, this is the lowest listed price in the USA today
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today
The average of listed prices in the USA today is $21 / bottle
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Staff Picks
Vaccelli Roger Courreges Blanc 2011 ($34.95) $29 special
"Pale yellow in color, this Corsican beauty would have had me stumped in a blind tasting for sure. While the nose is bright and mineral driven with beautiful floral edge and hints of a saline quality, the mouth took me by surprise. It showed much more depth and density then I expect out of most of the white quaffers that I have come to expect from many of the Mediterranean Islands. The minerality balanced out the power wonderfully while I enjoyed it in my friend's backyard earlier this week over dinner. While it may not be replacing White Burgundy, it was a welcome and immensely enjoyable outside of my normal realm of go-to wines."
~Kurt
Donnhoff Riesling Roxheimer Hollenpfad Trocken 2011 ($41.95) $32 special
“This is a recent vineyard acquisition for Donnhoff and this wine represents his first release of it. For the fans of dry Riesling or Donnhoff, this is a must try. The wine has a lively mouth feel, with a little citrus, salty, and tea in its profile. A great pairing for grilled pork or spicy Asian cuisine.“
~Travis
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More Pinot Pride
New reviews from Josh Raynolds
all wines here now
Cristom Marjorie Pinot Noir 2010 ($69.95) $59 special
Stephen Tanzer 93 points "Vibrant ruby-red. Fresh, intensely fragrant scents of redcurrant, strawberry and potpourri, with a subtle undercurrent of vanillin oak spices. Brisk and incisive red berry and spicecake flavors pack solid punch and gain flesh and sweetness with air. A decidedly elegant, graceful pinot, with impressive finishing clarity and thrust."
Et Fille Kalita Pinot Noir 2010 ($42.95) $36 special
Stephen Tanzer 92 points "Bright red. Spicy cherry and black raspberry aromas are deepened by notes of cola and black tea. Offers vanilla-accented dark berry flavors, with a floral nuance adding complexity. Nicely concentrated but lithe, with impressive finishing clarity, silky tannins and lingering sweetness."
Et Fille Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2010 ($24.95) $21 special
Stephen Tanzer 90+ points "Bright red. Pungent, smoke-accented aromas of dried cherry, blood orange and candied rose. Taut and linear on entry, then fleshier and more broad in the mid-palate, offering gently sweet red fruit flavors and a hint of peppery spices. Shows very good clarity and lift on the finish, which echoes the floral and cherry notes. This nervy, incisive wine improves a lot with aeration, by the way."
Harper Voit Strandline Pinot Noir 2010 ($34.95) $29 special
Stephen Tanzer 90 points "Ruby-red. Pungent cherry and black raspberry aromas are complicated by notes of sassafras, anise and mocha. Fleshy but lively on the palate, offering sweet red and dark berry flavors, a hint of bitter chocolate and a velvety texture. Closes with appealing sweetness and very good, subtly tannic grip."
J Christopher Dundee Pinot Noir 2010 ($34.95) $29 special
Stephen Tanzer 90 points "Bright violet color. Blackberry, white pepper, licorice and potpourri on the fragrant nose. Dense, supple and sweet, with lush flavors of black raspberry, candied rose and mocha. Fleshy, appealingly sweet and tactile pinot, finishing with lingering dark fruit and very good tenacity."
Lundeen Pinot Noir Ana Vineyard 2010 ($44.95) $36 special
Stephen Tanzer 90 points "Bright red. Smoky aromas of black raspberry and cola, with a peppery note adding lift. Sappy, gently sweet dark berry flavors are braced by gentle acidity and show very good depth. Becomes spicier with air, picking up a star anise quality that carries through a long, sweet, subtly oak-spiced finish. Drinking very well right now, especially with some aeration."
Lundeen Reserve Pinot Noir 2010 ($29.95) $26 special
Stephen Tanzer 90 points "Bright red. Ripe red berries, woodsmoke and dried rose on the fragrant nose. Juicy and focused on the palate, offering tangy redcurrant and bitter cherry flavors and a hint of vanilla. Finishes energetic and long, with a resonating floral note and soft, even tannins. This drinks very well now."
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future visions –more Jadot 2010- here early August
Jadot Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru l’Abbaye de Morgeot 2010 ($79.95) $69 pre-arrival special
John Gilman 91+ points “The l’Abbaye de Morgeot bottling is the domaine’s own holdings in Morgeot, as opposed to those that they produce from the Duc de Magenta’s parcels in the vineyard. This bottling tends to be the more reserved and minerally of the two Morgeot uvees, and this is certainly the style of this lovely 2010. The fine bouquet offers up a deep and complex mélange of apple, tangerine, deep, stony soil tones, almond butter and vanillin oak. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and nascently complex, with a fine core of fruit, a fairly primary profile, with fine cut and focus on the very long, transparent and youthful finish. This will need at least a few years in the cellar to blossom. Fine juice.†Stephen Tanzer 92 points “Bright lemon yellow. Pure aromas of pear and spices. Moderately rich and fine-grained, with excellent intensity and lovely cut to its flavors of citrus fruit, crushed rock, white flowers and anise. Very suave.â€
Jadot Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Caillerets 2010 ($79.95) $69 pre-arrival special
John Gilman 93 points “The 2010 Caillerets from Maison Jadot is another excellent premier cru. The deep and very classy nose wafts from the glass in an elegant blend of lemon, pear, apple,spring flowers, a beautiful base of terres blanches and a deft base of new oak. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and seamless, with a beautiful core of silky fruit, great intensity of flavor, brisk acids and a very long, pure and classy finish.†Stephen Tanzer 92 points “Bright, light yellow. Perfumed aromas of pear, grapefruit and white flowers, plus a whiff of tobacco. Suave, fine-grained and light on its feet, with bright acidity giving definition to the lightly leafy flavors of lemon and blond tobacco. Shows an element of medicinal herbs from start to long finishâ€
Jadot Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 2010 ($169.95) $129 pre-arrival special
Stephen Tanzer 96 points “Brilliant pale yellow. Precise, penetrating aromas of green melon, ginger, quinine and dusty stone. Silky on entry, then sappy and deep in the middle, with a powerful crushed stone character and strong limey acidity combining to give the wine uncanny energy. This is almost painful today. This extremely dense, long wine may ultimately surpass Jadot’s Chevalier-Montrachet.â€
Jadot Corton Clos du Roi 2010 Grand Cru ($99.95) $79 pre-arrival special
John Gilman 92 points “an exceptional example of Clos du Roi, as the wine offers up a complex and transparent blend of red currants, dark berries, bonfires, venison, stony soil tones, coffee and spicy wood. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, complex and classy, with a fine core of fruit, firm tannins and excellent length and grip on the well-balanced and youthful finish.â€
Jadot Corton Greves Grand Cru 2010 ($119.95) $89 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 93-96 points, John Gilman 93+ points “The 2010 Corton ‘Grèves’ from Maison Jadot is the most broad-shouldered and potentially complex of these three excellent Cortons, as it offers up a deep and very precise bouquet of red and black cherries, coffee, iron-like soil tones, woodsmoke, coriander seed and cedar. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and quite reserved,with a rock solid core of fruit, outstanding transparency, firm tannins and excellent focus and grip on the very long, very young and soil-driven finish. This is a classic young Corton that will need some patience, but which should be absolutely stellar at its apogee.â€
Jadot Pommard 1er Cru Clos de la Commaraine 2010 ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 89-91 points "The 2010 Pommard Clos de la Commaraine is a little fleshier and deeper than the villages, but it remains relatively airy and delicate. Sweet red berries, flowers, licorice and tobacco are some of the notes that are woven together in this gorgeous Burgundy." Burghound 89-92 points “An exceptionally ripe nose speaks of menthol, wood toast, black berries, earth and a top note of red raspberry. There is a high level of ripeness to the very rich and full-bodied flavors that display plenty of Pommard muscle on the mouth coating and impressively persistent finish. This is one of the ripest wines in the range and if this can add depth in bottle it should merit the upper end of my predicted rangeâ€
Jadot Pommard 1er Cru Epenots 2010 ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Burghound 90-93 points “In contrast to a number of the preceding wines, this is almost devoid of wood influence which allows the ripe and very earthy cassis and black raspberry aromas to enjoy center stage. The rich, full-bodied and enveloping middle weight plus flavors possess a suave, even silky mouth feel though the typical Pommard-like tannins arrive just at the very end of the exceptionally persistent finish. This is really quite good and well-worth considering though note that it will require extensive cellar timeâ€
Jadot Savigny Les Beaune 1er Cru La Dominode 2010 ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
Burghound 89-92 points “While there is visible wood treatment it is much more discreet and already well-integrated into the complex and enticing plum, cassis and pungently earthy nose. This is also quite seductively textured as there is abundant tannin-buffering sap that imparts a suave mouth feel to the cool, pure and well-balanced finish that tightens up considerably to suggest that this will need at least a decade of cellar time to realize its full potential.â€
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Future visions –mighty miscellanea- here mid August
cellar released:
Clos des Papes Chateauneuf du Pape 2005 ($179.95) $149 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 98 points #1 WOTY 2007 “Really tight now, but packed with dark fig, currant, espresso, licorice and chocolate notes. Superfleshy but seriously structured, there's layer after layer of sweet spice, fruit and minerality pumping through the finish, with lots of latent depth and power. Far more backward than the 2003 or 2004 on release, but since this red typically puts on weight as it ages, it should be a monster--à la the 1990--when it reaches its peak. Best from 2009 through 2030â€
Chateau Figeac Saint Emilion 2005 ($189.95) $159 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 95 points "This is subtle and complex, showing blackberry, fresh tobacco and light vanilla, with a hint of Indian spices. Full-bodied, with super well-integrated tannins and a finish that lasts for minutes. Refined and classy. The best modern wine from this producer. Best after 2015."
Chateau Le Dome Saint Emilion 2010 ($299.95) $249 pre-arrival special
Robert Parker 100 points "A full-bodied wine, but ethereal in its elegance and finesse, the wine has a strikingly provocative bouquet of camphor, blueberry jam, violets, new saddle leather, white chocolate and spice. Extremely full-bodied, but again, not showing any weighty fatigue or any type of aggressiveness, this wine has extraordinary purity and richness as well as a blockbuster finish of close to a minute, yet is so flawless, seamless and compelling, it’s hard to believe the wine is this concentrated and rich. It will be interesting to see how it evolves, but it certainly can be drunk in 3-4 years and, I’m sure, cellared for as long as 25-35 years from now."
Altesino Brunello di Montalcino 2007 ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 92 points “The 2007 Brunello di Montalcino is beautiful in this vintage. Layers of dark red cherries, flowers, licorice and tobacco caress the palate in this generous, expressive Brunello. The 2007 presents an intriguing combination of classic Sangiovese aromas and flavors with the generosity and radiance of the vintage. The 2007 Brunello was made from vineyards in several sub-zones in Montalcino and was aged in cask. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2022â€
Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve 2009 ($119.95) $89 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 96 points "The first impression of this red is purity and finesse, as black currant, raspberry and violet aromas and flavors stay focused and persistent. An earthy leather element and mineral notes chime in on the finish, backed by a vibrant structure. Sangiovese. Best from 2015 through 2032."
Fattoria Petrolo Torrione 2009 ($49.95) $28 pre-arrival super special
James Suckling 94 points "Aromas of lightly stewed fruit, with hints of fresh herbs and spices. Full bodied, with soft tannins and a fruity finish. This is balanced and long, with a caressing finish. Best ever. Mostly Sangiovese, with a hint of Merlot. Better after 2013" Antonio Galloni 91 points “The 2009 Torrione impresses for its sensual inner perfume, silky tannins and gracious overall balance. Sweet red cherries, strawberry jam, crushed flowers, herbs and spices meld together in this tasty red. Torrione (@$50ish SRP) isn’t the great bargain it once was, but is still a great introduction to the wines of Petrolo. This medium-bodied, feminine Sangiovese-based red is best enjoyed over the next 5-7 years, while the fruit is vibrantâ€
looking out for your wine interests:
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future visions – Quintarelli- here late August
Quintarelli Bianco Secco Ca del Merlo 2012 ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
Quintarelli Bianco Primafiore 2009 ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Quintarelli Rosso Ca del Merlo 2004 ($99.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Quintarelli Valpolicella Superiore 2004 ($99.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Quintarelli Alzero 2004 ($449.95) $399 pre-arrival special
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time to say goodbye
Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto 2006 ($249.95) $199 special
James Suckling 99 points “Aromas of ripe strawberries, sandalwood, and flowers follow though to a full body, with soft tannins and a fruity finish. This is so long and gorgeous, with intense fruit and a defined and beautiful structure. Amazing fruit at the finish. Gorgeous now, but will age beautifully. The palate builds and show such depth. So wonderful now, but better in 2015."
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today
The average listed price elsewhere in the USA today is $233 / bottle
This shop never closes:
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