Spring Cleaning Sale - 70+ wines 20-60% OFF

Igor_Ivanov · November 14, 2022, 10:18pm

92-point, sub-$15 Chateauneuf-du-Pape as Deal of the Week

Last week we had the 3rd in the pecking order (Vacqueyras) of Southern Rhone’s royalty. This week, it’s the 1st - Chateauneuf-du-Pape from Domaine du Vieux Lazaret.

The origin of the name Vieux Lazaret dates back to the 18th century when there existed in the center of the village a hospice or Lazaret. This offered comfort and shelter for the poor and infirm, provided by the Lazarists, who were a silent order of monks founded in 1625 by St Vincent de Paul to look after the sick and the needy in the French countryside. They took the name Lazarists from the Priory of St Lazare in Paris, where the original order had been formed in 1632. The Lazarists in Chateauneuf-du-Pape played a major role in taking in and looking after the sick during the 1720 epidemic that wiped out a third of the population in 1720. In the 19th century, the Quiot family purchased the site, modernized it and made it the center of their vast winemaking operation.

This Chateauneuf-du-Pape is composed of Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault and Carignan. This cuvee is made from 38 different parcels spread across Chateauneuf and grown on 3 major soil types: rolled pebbles; stony terraces with sand and gravel; clay formed from limestone mother rock.

Tasting Notes
Pale plus dark red with clear purple rim. The nose is warm and beginning to show an attractive complexity characterized by understated red fruits and spice along with leather and tertiary notes. The palate is composed and lighter weight, again exhibiting a measure of bottle development in an appealing mix of red cherry and spice notes. There is a fine, balanced structure. This is an elegant, not heavyweight style expressing Cinsault and Grenache in particular, with the emphasis on finesse rather than power.

Dom du Vieux Lazaret, Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2017 (375ml) - From $20.99 to $14.99

92 points Wine Spectator
“This has a nice mix of loganberry, damson plum and black cherry compote notes that work well against a backdrop of garrigue, sanguine and mineral details. The fruit holds sway through the finish, with the secondary notes adding contrast. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Drink now through 2032.”

Dom du Vieux Lazaret, Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2018 (375ml) - From $20.99 to $14.99

92 points Wine Spectator
“A high-pitched style, with red currant, Bing cherry and raspberry coulis notes racing through, turning darker on the back end, with hints of mulled spice and licorice. Good juicy energy runs underneath. Drink now.”

THESE ARE HALF BOTTLES

Igor_Ivanov · November 22, 2022, 10:22pm

Sub-$50 Puligny-Montrachet as Deal of the Week
Chavy Martin, Puligny-Montrachet 2012 - From $69.99 to $49.99

Puligny-Montrachet is an appellation within Cote de Beaune, in the middle of Burgundy. The commune of Puligny, on the south slope of the Mont Rachet’s hillside is home to the most commended grand cru, Montrachet, and premier cru vineyards that surround it. Making outstanding wines here for centuries. Combination of limestone soil, climate and Chardonnay enable the production of white Burgundies with unparalleled quality. The structure and character of the wines are marked by a full body with a mineral core and rich aromas of elegant fruit.

The names Sauzet, Carillon and Leflaive have become synonymous with Puligny, but one local clan has remained under the radar. The Chavy family has had roots in Puligny for almost 200 years. In 1976, after years of selling grapes to negociants, they began to bottle wine under their own label, and their domaine, Gerard Chavy et Fils, soon established itself as one of the finest domaines in the village. However, in 2003, after a family dispute, the estate was dissolved. The brothers Jean-Louis and Alain Chavy, who had jointly run the domaine, went their separate ways, each determined to build his own legacy.

Alain Chavy is the owner of Chavy-Martin and has some pretty incredible holdings. In addition to the prestigious plots Les Folatieres, Le Champs Gain and Les Pucelles, the domaine owns a precious parcel in Le Clavoillon. Les Pucelles and Les Clavoillons sit adjoined on the slope, but Chavy-Martin is one of only two cellars in Burgundy where you can taste them side by side. Domaine Leflaive owns the vast majority of the 5.59 hectare Le Clavoillon, but the Chavy brothers each claim a small portion, preventing it from being a monopole. Alain farms just under half a hectare of 50 year old vines in Les Clavoillons, and from it he produces a wine of great depth and minerality. This wine emphasizes precision and laser-like acidity, as well as notably rich fruit and great energy.

Deal Ends Sunday

Igor_Ivanov · November 28, 2022, 8:41pm

30% OFF on 10-Year-Tawny

Ferreira, Dona Antonia 10 Year Old Tawny Port

What is Port? A Portuguese wine that is made by adding distilled grape spirit to a wine base. The addition of the high-alcohol spirit stops fermentation and “fortifies” the wine. Made in Portugal’s Douro Valley, only wines that are produced in this region can be labeled Port. The soils of the Douro consist predominately of schist and granite. The region is divided into three zones that sit west to east hugging the river: The westernmost, Baixo Corgo, gets the most rainfall and has the coolest temperatures. Grapes grown in the Baixo Corgo are used largely for tawny Ports. Tawny Port is made from wine aged in wooden barrels. The wood contact allows both evaporation and oxidation, which changes the color of the wines. They appear rusty or tawny, rather than bright red. Oxygen also introduces secondary, nutty flavors to these wines. Once opened, they can stay opened for months.

Ferreira family has been making wine since 1751. They are the first Portuguese-owned Port house and the only great Porto Wine house to have always remained in Portuguese family hands. The estate’s history is intertwined with the evolution of the Douro region.

Tasting Notes
Brick in color with reddish tints, the aroma showcases the balance between the quality of the original grapes and the wine. Floral tones and notes of well-ripened fruit with aromas of spices and dried fruits. This wine is balanced on the palate with a persistent finish. Once opened, preserves its characteristics for 2-3 months. Goes perfectly with nuts, caramel rich desserts and strong cheeses.

91 points Decanter
“Markedly low acidity here contributes to a voluptuous, sweeter style and seemingly fuller body: ripe, rolling, figgy and expressive – very pleasant indeed.”

91 points Wine Spectator
“It has a deep tawny hue with red hints. Its aroma is characterised by an excellent balance between the quality of its original grapes and wine (noticeable in its floral and ripe fruit aromas) and its ageing through oxidation in wood (which gives it spicy and nutty aromas). In the mouth, the classic and fresh style of the Ferreira brand is conspicuous, achieving a fine balance between the different sensations in the wine body and in the long final in the mouth.”

91 points Wine Enthusiast
“This rich wine is balanced and ripe with spice, sweet sultana and raisin fruitiness and a light shot of acidity. The aftertaste brings out fresh red fruits that are cut by the spirit and acidity to leave a full feeling in the mouth.”

Jancis Robinson
“RS 104 g/l.
Mid-deep tawny. Smoky minerality, with a touch of herb stems. A spirity lift to macerated wild strawberries and clove spice. Sweet attack, with spicy, macerated cherries, strawberries and blackberries. Rich and intensely flavoured, with a fairly long, spicy finish and only a touch of alcohol warmth. (TJ)” 16.5/20 points.

Deal Ends Sunday

Igor_Ivanov · December 6, 2022, 9:47pm

20% OFF Rafael Palacios’ Godello

Rafael Palacios, Louro Godello 2020

Rafael Palacios is a scion of a renown Spanish wine family - this almost makes his hard work and achievements seem fated or predetermined. If one were asked to rank the indispensable white wines from the old world, there would be very few on the list originating below 45º in latitude. Yet, in a little over a decade in Valdeorras, it is becoming apparent that Rafa can make wines from warmer climates that have the potential to rival Hermitage Blanc, Corton-Charlemagne, the Mosel or the Wachau.

Godello, potentially great white wine from Valdeorras region, rarely reaches the level of richness, balance, and complexity as it does in Rafael Palacios’s hands. Having left his family’s estate in Rioja in 2004, Rafa settled in the Val do Bibei, a rugged, weathered, and off-the-beaten-path sub-zone of Valdeorras. Bordering Ribera Sacra, the Val do Bibei is a landscape of granitic, terraced slopes dotted with hard-to-reach and hard-to-farm vineyard plots. Whereas most of the rest of the region is at a lower elevation with limestone and schist soils, Rafa works exclusively with Godello planted on granitic soils at much higher elevations - so high that late Spring snow and frost are ever-present dangers to his low yields. The farming is minimalist since the sub-zone has free-draining soils and warm, dry summers. All the vineyard work is done by hand, including harvesting. The Louro is a blend of Godello with a small amount of Treixadura from parcels located in the villages of Chandoiro, Lentellais, Outardepregos and Santa Cruz. This is a great alternative to Chardonnay.

92+ points Wine Spectator
“The 2020 Louro is a little riper than the 2019 and has a softer palate. The process was the same as always, fermentation in 3,500-liter French oak foudres, where the wine matured with lees for four months. It has 14.1% alcohol with a pH of 3.26 and 6.6 grams of acidity. It feels very young and a little closed, reductive perhaps. It’s quite fruit-driven, and there is a sensation of a little more ripeness here, more balsamic. It’s quite round and gentle but with a nice mineral background.”

I’ll have an open bottle to sample Tue-Thu

Igor_Ivanov · December 13, 2022, 10:48pm

Sub-$30 Champagne as Deal of the Week

De Saint-Gall, “Selection” Brut Champagne NV - $38.99 / $29.99

Champagne De Saint Gall is the flagship label of Union Champagne, an Avize-Based “new-generation” cooperative on a meteoric rise to stardom. Historically most of the company’s wine has been sold to the region’s iconic houses to be blended into their top luxury brands, a practice which still accounts for a sizable proportion of Union Champagne’s business. As far as cooperatives go this is without question the wealthiest of its kind, with 615 hectares of Grand Cru vineyard land, 615 hectares of Premier Cru vineyard land, and 135 hectares of “mere mortal” unclassified vineyard land. Most of the firm’s acreage lies in the sought-after Cote des Blancs zone, where they farm more Grand Cru acreage than all other Champagne houses combined.

Now banded together, Union Champagne’s members can be considered the kings of ultra-premium Champagne, as no other firm in Champagne holds close to this amount of elite-level acreage. Their commitment to producing and selling finished wine on their own, is the most interesting thing to happen in Champagne in recent history.

Tasting Notes
55% Chardonnay 25% Pinot Noir 20% Pinot Meunier. Fresh and easy to drink, Selection Brut - toasted cashews, aromas of dried grapefruit and lemon citrus lead to quite a fresh, dry, and crisp palate with apple and pear flavors.

Deal Ends Sunday

Igor_Ivanov · December 26, 2022, 8:27pm

25% OFF Vintage Port as Deal of the Week

Cockburn’s, Vintage Port 2015 - $79.99 / $59.99

Cockburn’s was founded in 1815 by the Scottish brothers Robert and John Cockburn. Originally wine merchants in Scotland, their Port house was founded with the objective of securing a supply of excellent wine at its source in Portugal. In the words of Robert Cockburn himself, “the quality of the wine – that is the first thing to be looked to”. They pioneered vineyard development in the Upper Douro Valley, particularly in the remote Douro Superior sub-region, which is Cockburn’s heartland to this day. Cockburn’s was instrumental in recovering Touriga Nacional from almost certain extinction, a grape variety that is fundamental to Vintage Port. They earned great respect and became one of the greatest names in Port.

Tasting Notes
Great vitality and purity of fruit, focused and precise. Exudes freshness, which springs out of the glass. Aromas of fleshy, black plums and eucalyptus fragrance. Flavors of red cherries on the palate. Well-toned and muscular.

96 points Decanter
“Blend dominated by Touriga Franca (41%) and Touriga Nacional (37%). Mainly picked eight days after the mid-September rain: initially deep, ripe and dense on the nose, opening up to reveal a scented berry fruit bouquet. Lovely plum and berry fruit on the palate supported by fine-grained, gravelly tannins and a long, structured finish. Combines depth and finesse in equal measure.”

Jancis Robinson
'This was the Syms’ second vintage port from this house. From 70% Quinta dos Canais and quite a bit from Quinta do Vale Coelho. South-facing vines. 40% Touriga Nacional, 40% Touriga Franca, 9% old mixed vines (350 g of fruit per vine) and a bit of Alicante and Sousão. 3,500 cases – just 10% of production (very unusual in the world of wine).
Blackish purple. Neat and focused and fresh and luscious. Quite sweet and purple and very charming. Tingling on the finish. Very exciting and energetic. Some black-pepper top note on the sweetness. Quite a dry end. Lots of chew. Very long term and ambitious. Hint of Edinburgh rock." 18.5+/20 points.

Deal Ends Sunday

Igor_Ivanov · April 10, 2023, 11:49pm

Domaine Houchart, Sainte Victoire Rose Cotes de Provence 2021

Today, Domaine Houchart is owned by Genevieve, the wife of Jerome Quiot, having been originally acquired by her great-grandfather. During the period of the 1850’s, Aurelien Houchart was an energetic proprietor and merchant in wine, and created one of the largest Domaines in Provence. Amongst the friends of Aurelien Houchart was the famous painter Cezanne, who frequently came to visit. They reminisced about their time at school together while enjoying some wine .

Subsequently his Domaine was divided between the five children, with Hilaire Houchart, Genevieve Quiot’s grandfather inheriting 123 acres of vines, the cellars and other agricultural buildings. Because of the size of the Domaine, 197 acres, it is possible to take full advantages of a wide variety of soil types, with predominantly sandy, chalky soil and deeper beds of clay and silt. This allows adequate drainage of rainfall and ensures the vines are able to produce the best possible quality.

Tasting Notes
From vines on the lower slopes of Mont Sainte-Victoire, this estate’s principal wine is a ripe, full-bodied blend dominated by Syrah and Grenache. It has a dense texture, with rich fruits, touch of pepper but with freshness at the end.

90 points Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
“The wine to buy from Houchart is the 2021 Cotes de Provence Sainte-Victoire Rose, a pale flamingo-hued blend of 53% Grenache, 23% Syrah, 11% Cinsault, 9% Mourvèdre and 4% Carignan. Hints of crushed stone help to offset the slightly confected scents of cherries, peaches and lime on the nose, while the medium-bodied palate is juicy and mouthwatering, with just enough texture to give it staying power on the finish.”

Igor_Ivanov · April 18, 2023, 6:57pm

Albert Lebrun, Brut Grand Cru Champagne NV - $50.00 / $29.99

Average retail price on the East Coast is $50.

Tasting Notes
An elegant and delicate nose with white peach and citrus fruit notes. Lively and fresh on the palate combining acidity and minerality. Perfect with oysters, scallops or other seafood.

92 points Wine Enthusiast
“The Champagne is mature with some bottle age that has resulted in a rich wine, hinting at minerality and with concentration and fine depths of ripe apple and nutty flavors. The aftertaste has freshness and a fine lift.”

92 points Wine & Spirits
“A hyper-rich Cote des Blancs Champagne, this wine’s brioche scents and spicy jasmine notes have a classical profile, while the bold and generous flavors give it powerful drive. Pour it with meaty snacks in puff pastry, like sauteed wild mushrooms or mini beef Weilllingtons.”

Deal Ends Sunday

Igor_Ivanov · May 1, 2023, 9:02pm

Bedrock, Old Vine Zinfandel 2021 - ~~$32.00~~ / $24.94**

94-point, sub-$25 old-vine zin…sounds like a candidate for Wine Spectator’s Top 100 List.

94 points Wine Spectator
“Spry and briary, this Zinfandel is fun to drink, with lively black cherry, licorice and dried sage flavors, which take on richness and cracked pepper accents toward zesty tannins.”

Igor_Ivanov · May 15, 2023, 7:38pm

Au Bon Climat, La Bauge au Dessus Pinot Noir 2018 - $44.00 / $30.94

A classic Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir. It is a wine of great aromatics and character showing cherry/cranberry fruit, rose petal, earth and spice. It has a lavish structure and rich wood scents. The key word is balance. A balance of oak and fruit, a balance of tannin and acid, and a balance elegance and intensity.

91 points Wine & Spirits
“Scents of plush cherry fruit and sumptuous oak lead in this wine, sourced mainly from Bien Nacido, with a small contribution from Le Bon Climat Vineyard. In 2018 it has a lavish structure and rich wood accents, of the sort that will keep this wine sturdy and intact for years in the cellar.”

91 points Wine Enthusiast
“Quite tart aromas of cherry, sagebrush and forest floor duff converge on the nose of this bottling. There’s a fierce herbal streak to the palate, where thyme, sagebrush and eucalyptus leaf elements decorate the tart cranberry and currant flavors.”

Best Price in CA

Igor_Ivanov · May 24, 2023, 8:30pm

Larner, “Transverse” Syrah Santa Barbara 2018 - $30.00 / $23.94

Larner’s Transverse Syrah is named after the Santa Ynez Transverse Mountain range that runs east west in Santa Barbara’s wine country. A blend of grapes from select vineyard sites across the valley. This is a bright, fruit-forward wine with bursting tones of red cherry, blackberry, leather and dark chocolate. There are tangy notes of exotic spice that drive up the mid-weight mouthfeel and soft tannic structure.

93 points Vinous
“The 2018 Syrah Transverse is dark, racy and absolutely gorgeous. Black cherry, scorched earth, tobacco, leather and spice bring out the darker side of Syrah. The 2018 is powerful and elegant at the same time, with plenty of forward fruit and tons of allure on full display. Michael Larner sources grapes from various sites for this wine, including Dorigo, Estelle, Shokrian and Donnachadh, in addition to a dollop of fruit from Larner itself.”

92 points Jeb Dunnuck
“Moving to the reds, the 2018 Syrah Transverse comes from a mix of vineyards and was brought up all in neutral French oak puncheons. Its deep ruby/purple color is followed by a spicy, peppery Syrah offering lots of ripe dark fruits, some cool-climate, gamey nuances, medium-bodied richness, silky tannins, and a great finish. It’s a beautiful wine and a great value.”

Best Price in US

Igor_Ivanov · August 15, 2023, 7:34pm

Cattin is the largest family-owned winery in Alsace located in Voegtlinshoffen, a small village on the foothills of the Vosges Mountains at 1,091 feet in elevation. The estate is composed of many small plots located in the Southern part of the Colmar region and a staggering 80% of their vineyard land is located on slopes. A broad menu of soils (clay, limestone, sandstone, ferruginous, marl…), combined with big time diurnal shifts, means an exceptional palate of aromas and flavors. Over the past several decades these two Cremants have become the house specialty.

https://www.instagram.com/reel…

Joseph Cattin, Sparkling Brut Cremant d’Alsace NV - from $18.99 to $14.99
https://vinousreverie.com/jose…
Tasting Notes
A bright pale gold color with numerous fine bubbles. A fresh nose with apple, white stone fruits and white flowers perfume. A fresh and dry palate with a lively acidity which perfectly balanced the fruitiness. Fine and creamy bubbles.

91 points Wine Enthusiast
“Subtle notes of ripe apple combine with hints of shortbread on the nose of this wine. The palate adds notions of juicy, ripe, yellow plum. All is fruity but subtle. The fine mousse adds freshness and roundness to this lovely dry sparkler.”

Joseph Cattin, Sparkling Rose Cremant d’Alsace NV - from $18.99 to $14.99
https://vinousreverie.com/jose…
Tasting Notes
A clear and elegant pale salmon color with numerous fine bubbles. The nose is deliciously fruity with notes of freshly squeezed strawberries and raspberries. The palate is refreshing and creamy with fruity aromas such as strawberries and lemon. A clean and long lasting finish.

90 points Wine Enthusiast
“Rounded, balanced and harmonious flavors get top marks on this softly pink sparkler. Strawberries and cream, with shortbread and lemon, all unite in perfect unison. The dryness of the palate gives the flavors center stage and provides a fitting, structured autolytic background. This sparkler is classy and delicious, with an ultraclean and lasting finish.”

Igor_Ivanov · August 22, 2023, 11:24pm

Vollenweider, Felsenfest Riesling Mosel 2020 - ~~$27.99~~ / $19.99

Vollenweider’s vines for Felsenfest grow mostly on unconsolidated parcels that are spread across six hectares on the steep Mosel slopes. They are generally very old, un-grafted Riesling vines that are among the top in the region; impressively demonstrating the potential of the slopes around the traditional wine-trading city Traben-Trarbach - Trabener Burgberg makes up 2/3 of the cuvee and the Trarbacher Schlossberg 1/3.

Tasting Notes
It offers a smoky nose of minty herbs, earthy spices, blackberry, greengage, licorice, and white minerals. The wine has quite some presence and intensity on the palate, where some earthy and broader elements make for a slightly large yet playful and fresh wine. The finish is very long and superbly intense. This is a great dry Riesling. A wine both for everyday enjoyment and gastronomy.

Jancis Robinson
“With a name like solid rock (Felsenfest), your imagination is already in the grip of minerality and so it’s no wonder the nose is almost forced to sneeze with stone dust, but the odd flower has settled on the rocks too. Holy moly on the palate, how does one convert rock into liquid minerality? And Daniel Vollenweider does not spare the acidity either. This is tactile, gravelly, dry Riesling that grabs you by the palate. Of course there is some fruit too and you may have guessed it already: stone fruit. (MS)” 17/20 points.

Deal Ends Sunday

Igor_Ivanov · September 13, 2023, 12:18am

Faiveley, Vieilles Vignes Mercurey Rouge 2019
https://vinousreverie.com/faiv…

A Red Burgundy bargain from one of the great names in the region.

Domaine Faiveley combines the principles of modern winemaking methods with traditions practiced since the 19th century. Each terroir (of which they have many) and each vintage (2019 is considered excellent for red Burgundy), benefits from special attention which makes each cuvee unique. Each bottle therefore becomes the faithful reflection of its terroir.

Mercurey, located in the Cote Chalonnaise is the largest appellation in all of Burgundy with over 1,600 acres under vine. Domaine Faiveley’s village Mercurey is sourced from 5 parcels spread throughout the appellation for a total of 95 acres. Vines date back as far as 1962 and soils are primarily clay and limestone.

Tasting Notes
An exceptionally aromatic wine that offers a reflection Mercurey terroirs. The palate reveals a smooth, fruity attack and evolves towards notes of ripe red berries and a touch of vanilla. An intensely aromatic wine with a delicate structure and silky smooth tannins.

93 points Falstaff
“Medium crimson garnet, ocher reflections, broader edge brightening. Delicately nutty roasted aromas, dark wild berries, black cherries, some caramel, inviting bouquet. Juicy, medium complexity, pleasant fruit sweetness, ripe, integrated tannins, sticks, some nougat in the aftertaste, a substantial companion at the table.”

90 points Wine Advocate
“The 2019 Mercurey Vieilles Vignes offers up inviting aromas of raspberries, plums, spices and rich soil tones. Medium to full-bodied, melting and succulent, with lively acids and powdery tannins, it’s produced from 30 or so hectares of vineyards and sees 13 months in barrels, 10% of which are new.”

Igor_Ivanov · September 18, 2023, 8:11pm

Querciabella, Chianti Classico 2017 (375ml)

THESE ARE HALF BOTTLES

Querciabella is a Chianti Classico estate, near the commune of Greve, which started with a single hectare of land in 1974 and has since grown to 74 ha (183 acres) in the Chianti Classico. The estate was one of the first in Tuscany to be converted to organic viticulture, in 1988, and since 2000 it has been run biodynamically, although a strictly plant-based version - no cow-horns. Ideal for wine-loving vegans.

The Chianti Classico has been the centerpiece of Querciabella’s winemaking operations since beginning. It’s a beautiful balancing act of crisp, inviting acidity, pure varietal fruit flavor and character. A great expression of high-altitude Sangiovese.

Tasting Notes
Aromas of rose, violet, redcurrant cherries and juniper berries with a hint of liquorice. Juicy on the palate, confirming the red berry fruits on the nose. Fine tannins that integrate perfectly with nice acidity. Persistent finish with a pleasant, savory note.

92 points Vinous
“The 2017 Chianti Classico is bright, floral and beautifully lifted, with lovely red berry and rose petal character. Pliant and supple, with terrific balance, the Querciabella 2017 is one of the more refined, restrained Chianti Classicos readers will come across in this vintage, with Radda very much driving the personality of the wine in its aromatic and red fruit profile. The 2017 finishes with terrific energy and nuance. This is the second vintage in which most of the wine was aged predominantly in 500L barrels and 30HL casks.”

92 points Falstaff
“Bright ruby. Wonderful, candid nose, of ripe cherries and raspberries, flamboyant fruit bouquet, delicately savoury, appealing. On the palate fresh cranberries, fruity mouthfeel, juicy and distinct, beautifully coating the palate through to the finish.”

Jancis Robinson
“Youthful ruby. Classy nose of sweet red fruit, oak and stones and hints of mint. Elegant, juicy and almost a little linear. A wine that contradicts the torrid vintage. (WS)” 17/20 points.

Igor_Ivanov · September 26, 2023, 10:50pm

La Bastide Saint Dominique is located at the heart of the Southern Rhone Valley, a stone’s throw away from Chateauneuf du Pape. The estate enjoys optimal climate with the unique Mistral wind and very hot and dry summers. Their vines are planted on soils resting on limestone. The rest of the vineyard is composed of red clay and round pebbles which contribute to maintaining heat and regenerating it when needed.

Chateauneuf-du-Pape is composed of 80% Grenache 10% Syrah 7% Mourvedre 3% Cinsault. It has very intense nose of jammy red fruits, kirsch liqueur and black berries. On the palate, it has notes of laurel, pepper, cardamom and pine forest. Opulent attack in a crunchy style, with full-bodied and elegant tannins. Freshness at the finish with spices notes.

La Bastide Saint Dominique, Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2019
https://vinousreverie.com/la-b…

92 points Jeb Dunnuck
“Classic red and black fruits, peppery herbs, spice, and dried flower notes emerge from the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape, a ripe, sexy, rounded, traditional Châteauneuf du Pape that has medium to full-bodied richness, sweet tannins, and a great finish. It’s going to drink brilliantly for 10-12 years.”

92 points Falstaff
“Strong ruby, purple reflections, faint ochre brightening on the rim. Fresh strawberry confit, sweet dark cherries, soft notes of currants, orange zest. Juicy, medium complexity, fruity, vivid tannins, mineral finish, a versatile food wine.”

Cairanne has been an official cru within the Cotes du Rhone since 2016. La Bastide Saint Dominique has 8 hectares of vineyards in this cru. They are planted with 15-50 year old vines, consisting of equal parts: Syrah, Grenache, Carignan and Mourvedre. This wine has a nose of wild strawberries and redcurrants mixed with rose and peony. Crisp palate, with notes of crushed raspberries and blackcurrant buds, supported by a beautiful volume and sharp tannins.

La Bastide Saint Dominique, Les 2 Arbres Cairanne 2020
https://vinousreverie.com/la-b…
93 points Wine Enthusiast
“This wine is an even blend of Grenache, Syrah, Carignan and Mourvèdre. It offers a dynamic and layered palate of blackberry, rhubarb and cassis liquor over a persistent layer of dried cranberries, fines herbes and black peppercorn, with a stony finish. It is quite impressive and accessible after a short decant.”

Igor_Ivanov · October 10, 2023, 12:02am

Amapola Creek, Jos. Belli Vyd Russian River 2018

Chardonnay is grown a few miles south of Healdsburg on the western end of the Russian River Valley. The vineyard is set just past the edge of the valley floor, where the land starts to lift up into rolling hills. These steep, terraced hillsides provide excellent drainage for the vines, reducing the water available to the roots, which in turn produces tiny berries with intense flavor. Since the vineyard faces the east, the vines receive full sunlight in the morning and early afternoon, while being protected from the more intense late afternoon sun. Two clones of Chardonnay are used in the blend: Rued, a musqué selection of Chardonnay that contributes vibrant tropical aromatics and Dijon, which delivers a classic Chardonnay profile rich in minerality and fruit flavors.
Tasting Notes
The nose opens as a classic Chardonnay, with big aromas of pear and honeysuckle, accented with citrus zest and a tiny bit of flint. As it becomes more open, you’ll notice notes of jasmine woven through with hints of butterscotch and oak. The mouthfeel of this wine is supple and dense, balanced by a crisp, lively acidity. The palate opens with the fresh pear and citrus characters that define the Chardonnay grown at Belli vineyards. Then the fruit evolves into an attractive tropical edge of papaya, blended with a tiny nuance of toasted oak and toffee. The palate leads to a delicate finish of baked apples, spice, and just a touch of honeydew melon.

1849, Au Jus Chardonnay Monterey 2018

90 points Wine Enthusiast
“Aromas of pear flesh, guava and white peach show on the nose of this bottling. There is fine tension to the palate, where baked pear and poached apple flavors meet with gardenia, caramel and light mint, proving rich yet complex.”

Igor_Ivanov · October 18, 2023, 12:13am

Tatomer, Kustennebel Pinot Noir Sta Rita Hills 2021 - ~~$44.99~~ / $34.94

Graham Tatomer began working in the wine business at the age of 16 for Santa Barbara Winery. After two decades he realized that the sites that excited him were the coldest ones, lending to wines of lighter weight, nuanced flavors, and bracing acidity.

Küstennebel means “Coastal fog” in German. It is name thus for the foggy conditions which are prevalent in the Santa Rita Hills. It is made in the style of less-is-more. Meaning low extraction, minimal but careful and intentional handling. However, this wine illustrates that sometimes there just is “more” to certain wines. More fruit, more silky tannins, and a bit more of an exotic note.

“With this wine I am trying to emphasize the Sta. Rita Hills character of supple fruit, velvet texture, and salinity. This cuveé is more on the hedonistic side of things from within our cellar while still remaining firmly in our European sense of balance.” ~ Graham Tatomer.

95 points Wine Enthusiast
“With a name that nods to “coastal fog,” this bottling showcases the freshness, stony minerality and herbal intrigue that comes from this ocean-influenced appellation. Aromas of red raspberry, bay leaf, marjoram and concrete on the nose lead into a tense, bright and brilliantly angular expression. Cherry, strawberry, dried herbs and citrus peel all work in harmony on the palate.”

Jancis Robinson
“Light garnet. Smells of dried flowers, raspberries and dried herbs. Raspberry and redcurrant flavours are silky, and shot through with powdery, athletic tannins that show their muscle as the wine finishes. Notes of dried fennel, dried flowers and herbs linger in the finish with the hint of citrus peel. Excellent acidity. A delicate, ethereal wine. Outstanding. GV good value (AY)” 17.5/20 points.

Igor_Ivanov · November 28, 2023, 9:11pm

Il Poggione, Brunello di Montalcino 2017 - $58.94

95 points Wine Enthusiast
“Underbrush, camphor and new leather aromas get together with grilled herbs. Full-bodied and structured, it also shows restraint, featuring dried black cherry, licorice and tobacco alongside firm, fine-grained tannins.”

94+ points Wine Advocate
“The 2017 Brunello di Montalcino opens to a saturated and shiny dark ruby color. This edition is loaded with black and purple fruits, such as blackberry preserves and plum. Those more robust tones are followed by spice, tar and campfire ash. The tannins are young (but not stemmy or bitter), and you’d be best served by letting this wine age and relax with more cellar aging. Il Poggione always makes some of the smoothest and most texturally enriched wines in the appellation, and this vintage is no exception.”

94 points Wine & Spirits
“Rich flavors of dark cherry and plum glide in a smooth texture, gaining notes of dark chocolate and licorice as the wine sits in the glass. The tannins are firm and compact, like new leather, yet the generous fruit tones are already expressive, supported by a cool mineral layer and vivid acidity that keep the flavors fresh over several days. This is a refined and elegant Brunello from the warm 2017 vintage, with plenty of aging potential.”

Jancis Robinson
“Lustrous deep ruby. Firm, deep cherry fruit on the nose and with an undertow of savoury spice. Lots of perfumed sour-cherry fruit on the palate and with bags of firm, but polished tannins on the finish. A bit austere right now, but with great length as well as potential. (WS)” 17/20 points.

BEST PRICE IN CA

Igor_Ivanov · February 20, 2024, 8:51pm

Mazzei, Castello di Fonterutoli Gran Selezione Chianti Classico 2015 - $24.99

Mazzei family are a Tuscan royalty. In fact, the Mazzeis of Fonterutoli can claim that it was their ancestor Ser Lapo Mazzei who in 1398 first documented a wine called Chianti in correspondence with a merchant in Prato. The current Mazzeis, two brothers and two cousins, certainly aren’t sitting on their laurels but continuing the the family tradition by making better and better wine.

Like this Gran Selezione Chianti Classico which is a new classification of Chianti Classico wine introduced in 2014. It is the highest quality level in the Chianti Classico DOCG system, and is intended to represent the best wines produced in the region. They must meet the following requirements: be produced from 100% Sangiovese; be grown in a single-vineyard; be aged for at least 30 months; and pass a rigorous tasting panel. This leads to wines that have intense aromas and flavors, complex structure and long aging potential.

96 points James Suckling
“Dried violets and lavender, cedar, cloves, vanilla and tobacco. Full body with ripe and chewy tannins, but this remains focused and dialed-in thanks to mouthwatering acidity. Not to mention beautiful blue fruit that comes to the surface, particularly on the long finish.”

94 points Wine Advocate
“The Mazzei family was among the first to embrace the Gran Selezione category of high-end Chianti Classico. Their 2015 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello Fonterutoli shows the sharpness and detail that wine is supposed to evoke in the best vintages. It opens to a dark garnet color and mid-weight texture. There is ample muscle and power here, but the overall emphasis is on grace and elegance. You really taste those authentic Sangiovese flavors of wild cherry, forest berry, blue flower and crushed rock.”

93 points Wine Spectator
“Pretty cherry fruit forms the core of this elegant red, with vivid acidity and refined tannins lifting all the elements. Graphite, leather, tobacco and earth notes lend complexity as this expands on the long, resonant finish. Sangiovese and Malvasia Nera.”

BEST PRICE IN US (by far)
Wine.com price is $69.99