With the price of Burgundy climbing to new heights, sometimes it pays to look just outside the expensive Cote D’Or region… One of my favorites is the Mâconnais which is well-known for producing extraordinary values in Chardonnay, including Pouilly-Fuisse which is found in a sub-region of the Mâconnais. The 2017 Domaine de Grand Pre Macon-Lugny Les Charmes is vivid, precise and energetic. Upon aeration the wine unwinds layers of white peach, caramelized pear, lemon drop, and minerals. The wine effortless caresses your palate with beautiful weight and lovely acidity. With a mere 50 cases imported into the US, this truly rare Mâcon will certainly leave a long lasting impression for those lucky enough to taste it.
Perched on a plateau made of clay, limestone and chalky soils, the Les Charmes vineyard produces fruit of remarkable qualities. The nearly 1/2 century old vines yield a stunning expression of Mâcon Chardonnay. The quality is transparent from the first sip and a keen line of acidity perfectly compliments the mineral-core, tropical fruits and honeyed ginger. With the limited number of cases imported into the US, and the excitement surrounding the 2017 vintage in Burgundy… don’t wait to secure your case of this gorgeous white Burgundy.
DOMAINE du GRAND PRE
2017 MÂCON-LUGNY
LES CHARMES (CHARDONNAY)
Your Price: $29.99/btl
Winery Notes: “Great nose of minerals and white flowers. Nice richness, balance, acidity and structure in the mouth, with flavors of honeydew, pear, spice and a cleansing salinity on the finish. A harmonious, vibrant wine. ‘Les Charmes’, an 11 hectare vineyard with vines averaging 35 years of age, is located in the prime growing area of Mâcon on clay and limestone soils on east facing slopes, farmed organically. Fermented with native yeasts, aged 8 months in stainless steel tanks. 50 cases imported.”
Customers that enjoy Domaine du Grand Pre Macon-Lugny Les Charmes may also enjoy these two terrific Chardonnays…
2015 Chateau Vieux Potana Lalande-De-Pomerol Bordeaux, France
CHATEAU VIEUX POTANA
2015 LALANDE-DE-POMEROL
BORDEAUX, FRANCE
Did you know that one of the most expensive wines in the world upon release is Chateau Petrus, and that it’s made from 100% Merlot grapes grown in the Pomerol region in Bordeaux? Lalande-de-Pomerol borders the Pomerol region to the north and of the two main villages Lalande-de-Pomerol and Néac, Néac has clay and gravelly soils commonly seen in Pomerol. Chateau Vieux Potana comes from Néac and exhibits the dusty, chalky tannins, dark berries and gravely undertones that are classic to the region. The winery’s consulting winemaker is Michel Rolland, one of the most influential winemakers in the world with hundreds of clients spanning 13 countries… At $33/btl, I strongly recommend securing a case.
Marrying 85% Merlot from 35 year old vines with 15% Cabernet Franc, Vieux Potana’s 2015 perfectly showcases the elegance and supple berries of Merlot with the power and aromatics of great Cabernet Franc. Most people likely have never heard of Chateau Vieux Potana and with the tiny number of cases imported into the US, neither had I until I tasted it…
CHATEAU VIEUX POTANA
2015 LALANDE-DE-POMEROL
BORDEAUX, FRANCE
Your Price: $33/btl
Tasting Notes: “This wine displays a shimmering garnet/ruby color, with an elegant nose of tart cherry pie filling, cocoa dusted chocolate truffles, forest ferns and freshly turned earth. The palate is beautifully focused with concentrated red cherry, liquid minerals, fresh currants with a mouth quenching freshness that triggers your swallow reflex. The finish is long and complex with the perfect combination of power and elegance.”
Customers that enjoy Chateau Vieux Potana Lalande-de-Pomerol, may also enjoy these two terrific French Reds…
PAUL JABOULET AINÉ
2013 GIGONDAS
PIERRE AIGUILLE
Retails at: $35.00/btl
Your Price: $27.99/btl
From Vinous: “Limpid ruby. Perfumed aromas of ripe red berries, peppery spices and potpourri, complicated by a woodsmoke nuance. Silky, expansive and gently sweet, offering concentrated raspberry liqueur and lavender pastille flavors and an allspice quality that builds on the back half. Finishes sweet, sappy and persistent, with firming fine-grained tannins adding grip.”
90 Points
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MOULIN DE TRICOT
2013 MARGAUX
BORDEAUX, FRANCE
Retails at: $65.00/btl
Your Price: $39.99/btl
Tasting Notes: “With striking aromas of crushed violets, black raspberry, wild rose and plum, Moulin de Tricot’s 2013 Margaux
is deep, plush and remarkably elegant. Well-integrated and precise flavors of dark red fruits, spices, floral components and minerals all intermingle effortlessly throughout the looonnnng and highly-pleasurable
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2015 Domain Bouard-Bonnefoy Chassagne-Montrachet Premier Cru, Les Petits Clos
DOMAINE BOUARD-BONNEFOY
2015 CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET
PREMIER CRU, LES PETITS CLOS
Did you know that all white Burgundies are 100% Chardonnay and that many people believe that the greatest Chardonnay vineyards in the world surround the Montrachet Vineyard in Burgundy? One of the best white wine growing villages is named Chassagne-Montrachet and includes the Montrachet Vineyard. Within that village is a Preimere Cru vineyard named Morgeot, that includes an even smaller parcel called Les Petit Clos, which sits at around 750 elevation and is très magnifique… The hillside vineyards and those at the base of the hills produce some of the best fruit due to better drainage and other factors. The 2015 Domaine Bouard-Bonnefoy Chassagne-Montrachet has laser focus, breathtaking detail and dazzles your taste buds with intriguing orchard fruits, hints of cinnamon and rocky minerals. At under $100/btl this wine performs at the absolute highest level for Premier Cru Chassagne-Montrachet.
Made from vines greater than 60 years old, Domaine Bouard-Bonnefoy’s Les Petit Clos is indescribably magnificent. With around 50 cases imported, chances are you might not have heard of it and it’s not easy to find, and with the price of Montrachet costing hundreds to thousands of dollars per bottle, this is the perfect introduction to ultra-high quality white Burgundy at a relative value price.
DOMAINE BOUARD-BONNEFOY
2015 CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET
PREMIER CRU, LES PETITS CLOS
Retails at: $90.00/btl
Your Price: $69.99/btl
You Save 22%
Tasting Notes: “Brimming with elegance combined with a linear style and enough tension and focus to surprise your palate on the first sip. Complex flavors of ripe orchard fruits including red apple, ripe peach and citrus notes, intermingling with liquid mineral and a breath of vanilla and hint of cinnamon further entice you. The finish is long and lingering, just begging you to take another sip. Beautiful!” 95 Points
Customers that enjoy Domaine Bouard-Bonnefoy Chassagne-Montrachet Les Petits Clos may also enjoy these two terrific white wines…
DUBOIS BERNARD & FILS
2016 CLOS MARGOT
CHOREY LES BEAUNE
RED BURGUNDY
Uncovering value in one of Burgundy’s most sought after vintages can make you lots of friends… It’s as simple as uncorking a bottle of 2016 Chorey-les-Beaune Clos Margot from Dubois Bernard & Fils. Just make sure you have a second bottle on hand because this wine opens up to irresistible velvety red fruits, subtle spices, and classic Burgundian flavors that induce an immediate smile. The wine originates from 30+ year old Pinot Noir Vines, grown in a single vineyard in the Chorey-Lès-Beaune in Burgundy’s iconic Côte de Beaune region. 90% of Chorey-Lès-Beaune production is Pinot Noir, and in a vintage like 2016, there are some seriously great wines. At $34.99 per bottle, you’ll want a case of this…
Domaine Dubois Bernard is a microscopic producer in Chorey-Les Beaune, owning less than 18 acres of vineyards. It’s owned by 5th generation winemaker Jacques Dubois who works to produce terroir-pure wines form their tiny parcels. Their 2016 Clos Margot comes from a 5 hectare vineyard, planted in clay and limestone soils with just 77 centimeters of soil, before hitting pure limestone. The wine is remarkably expressive, soft and velvety with lovely depth and persistence… It’s absolutely delicious and overachieves at this price.
DUBOIS BERNARD & FILS
2016 CLOS MARGOT
CHOREY LES BEAUNE
RED BURGUNDY
Retails at: $40.00/btl
Your Price: $34.99/btl
YOU SAVE 12%
Tasting Notes: “Aromas of redcurrant, strawberry and violet. Lythe and silky, offering expressive flavors of blueberry, licorice and spices.”
Customers that enjoy Dubois Bernard & Fils Clos Margot Red Burgundy, may also enjoy these two terrific wines..
PAUL JABOULET AINÉ
2013 GIGONDAS
PIERRE AIGUILLE
Retails at: $35.00/btl
Your Price: $27.99/btl
From Vinous, “Limpid ruby. Perfumed aromas of ripe red berries, peppery spices and potpourri, complicated by a woodsmoke nuance. Silky, expansive and gently sweet, offering concentrated raspberry liqueur and lavender pastille flavors and an allspice quality that builds on the back half. Finishes sweet, sappy and persistent, with firming fine-grained tannins adding grip.” 90 Points
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Tasting Notes: “The 2015 Morey-Saint-Denis from Domaine Tortochot was matured in toasty French oak and has an elegant, fresh, yet minerally bouquet with wild forest mushrooms and white flower scents swirling through the red and black fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with subtle tannins, supple blackberry and delicate raspberry fruit. It then finishes with a very pretty touch of cola and hints of sweet vanilla during the very satisfying, complex finish.”
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2013 Paul Jaboulet Aîné Pierre Aiguille Gigondas
PAUL JABOULET AINÉ
2013 GIGONDAS
PIERRE AIGUILLE
Paul Jaboulet Aîné is considered by many to be one of the greatest producers in the Rhone Valley in France. You’ll even find their 1961 Hermitage La Chapelle included on the Wine Spectator’s list of the top 12 wines of last Century, alongside Chateau Latour, Domaine de la Romanée Conti, Chateau d’Yquem and other absolutely iconic wines. Jaboulet’s 2013 Gigondas Pierre Aiguille made a lasting impression on me at our recent tasting. I was struck by the overall balance of the wine, and intermixed were classic notes of white pepper, vivid red berries, subtle smoke and wild game. Gigondas is located in the Southern Rhone Valley of France where Grenache is reigns superior. If you’re looking for an easy drinking, classic Rhone red wine to enjoy, this is it… Especially at under thirty bucks…
The Pierre Aiguille is a textbook combination of 80% Grenache blended with equal parts Syrah and Mourvedre and comes from nearly 1/2 century old vines grown in the shadows of Les Dentelles de Montmirail. In the glass, the wine opens up to wild berries, liquid floral, cured meats and subtle woodsmoke. The wine is firm and persistent with plenty of well integrated, finely grained tannins that support the plush, round mouthfeel. At $27.99, you may want to get enough to share.
PAUL JABOULET AINÉ
2013 GIGONDAS
PIERRE AIGUILLE
Retails at: $35.00/btl
Your Price: $27.99/btl
YOU SAVE 20%
From Vinous:“Limpid ruby. Perfumed aromas of ripe red berries, peppery spices and potpourri, complicated by a woodsmoke nuance. Silky, expansive and gently sweet, offering concentrated raspberry liqueur and lavender pastille flavors and an allspice quality that builds on the back half. Finishes sweet, sappy and persistent, with firming fine-grained tannins adding grip.” 90 Points
Customers who enjoy Paul Jaboulet Ainé Pierre Aiguille Gigondas may also enjoy these two terrific Reds…
Made in a magnetic style that draws you in with lavish aromas that become increasingly compelling with aeration, Sans Liege’s Southern Rhone inspired blend The Offering is wine that I simply love. A remarkable fusion of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre, the 2015 saturates your taste buds with a velvety texture, intermixed with vibrant red fruits, crème de cassis, juicy blackberries, and savory spices that you coming back for more.
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WESTWOOD
2015 LEGEND
PROPRIETARY RED
Retails at: $44.00/btl
Your Price: Join Our Email List to Unlock Special Offers
From Tasting Panel: “… (25% Syrah, 25% Grenache, 25% Mourvèdre, 15% Zinfandel and 10% Tannat) … The perfume is primarily floral: gardenia, red rose petals – with accents on red plum and an echo of black pepper. The palate is a silk road with gritty chocolate tannins. But the ruby slippers that carry you down the path bursts with red plum, dark chocolate cherries, exotic jasmine and grilled meat with soy sauce. The finish is pleasurable with a creamy cedar note.” 95 Points
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2017 Châteu Des Garcinières Côtes De Provence Provence Rosé
CHÂTEAU DES GARCINIÈRES
2017 PROVENCE ROSÉ
CÔTES DE PROVENCE
More often then not, the best wines that we discover come from close friends in the wine industry. When Roger Roessler, whom you might know from Black Pine first told us about this Rosé that he was importing from France, his excitement was so contagious that we immediately tasted it. It seems like Roger found a wine that has bottled excitement and intermixed it with vivid coastal breeze, bright, sun-drenched acidity, warm red fruits and soft, delicate flavors. At $23/btl the quality is unrivaled.
Provence is a region in Southeastern France which is perfectly suited for producing profound Rosé wines. Chateau des Garcinieres has been family owned and operated since 1898 and their family has been caring for the grapes for four generations. Their 2017 Rosé combines Grenache, Cinsaut and Rolle varietals and on the palate the balance of warm Orchard fruits, bright acidity and delicate sea-like nuances bring a smile to my face every time I taste it.
CHÂTEAU DES GARCINIÈRES
2017 PROVENCE ROSÉ
CÔTES DE PROVENCE
Your Price: $23/btl
Importers Tasting Notes: “St. Tropez lies just around the corner from the birthplace of this wine on 44 acres tended by just one family since 1898. Blessed by the same sun and sea breezes as Tahiti Beach, Cap 21, and the memory of Voile Rouge, it embodies the delicate, romantic taste of 45% Grenache, 45% Cinsault and 10% Rolle, marrying the refreshing flavors of strawberry and cherry, mixed with mineral nuances into one glass…”
Customers who enjoy Chateau Des Garcinieres Rosé, may also enjoy these two outstanding Rosés…
2017 Domaines Ott Chateau de Selle Provence Rosé
DOMAINES OTT
2017 PROVENCE ROSÉ
CHATEAU DE SELLE
As much as I love finding new, unknown wineries, I also enjoy bringing you producers that are dominating their category. Domaines Ott is one of the most iconic producers of Rosé, and their Chateau de Selle recently earned a monster 95 Point score. Château de Selle was the first estate acquired by Marcel Ott in 1912 and they’ve continued to create some of the most detailed and intellectually profound Rosé on the market. Emerging from Provence France where greater than 50% of the wine output is Rosé, Domaines Ott’s Chateau de Selle might start out light and bright, but it will win you over with striking minerality, brilliant depth and crystalline structure. With the 95 Point score, don’t wait too long to secure yours.
With attention to every minute detail that begins with the terroir and follows through with stunning perfume bottle like packaging, Domaines Ott is the epitome of classic Provençal Rose. While there might be a lot of Rosé’s in the $20-$30 range that are easy to love, Domaines Ott will have you infatuated from the moment it touches your lips. Rosé simply doesn’t get any better…
DOMAINES OTT
2017 PROVENCE ROSÉ
CHATEAU DE SELLE
Your Price: $46.99/btl
From 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.“ 95 Points
Customers who enjoy Domaines Ott Chateau de Selle Rosé, may also enjoy these two outstanding Rosés…
2015 Domain Tortochot Morey-Saint-Denis Red Burgandy
DOMAINE TORTOCHOT
MOREY-SAINT-DENIS
2015 RED BURGUNDY
Jacques Devauges of Clos de Tart, says, “To make bad wine in 2015, one must wake up and say to yourself, ‘I will make bad wine’.”
What’s all the buzz about? Vintages like 2015 are as rare as they are extraordinary, and after a mild winter and Spring rains, the vines flowered early allowing the grapes near perfect conditions to develop profound flavors. At Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, not a single grape was de-stemmed and there was virtually no sorting needed. The region of Cote du Nuits produced many profound wines, earning an overall vintage rating of 98 Points from the Wine Spectator.
Domaine Tortochot’s 2015 Morey-Saint-Denis Red Burgundy romanced our palates seductive red fruits and sensual charm, opening up to baked raspberries, holiday spices, fresh unsweetened cherry cake and sappy minerality. Embodying all of the hallmark characteristics that lure me in to Morey-Saint-Denis, Tortochot’s 2015 is round and alive with enthusiastic red fruits, breadth and energy. With very few cases of this wine available in the US, here’s a chance to own a stunning 2015 Burgundy at a price that will make you smile.
Tasting Notes: “The 2015 Morey-Saint-Denis from Domaine Tortochot was matured in toasty French oak and has an elegant, fresh, yet minerally bouquet with wild forest mushrooms and white flower scents swirling through the red and black fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with subtle tannins, supple blackberry and delicate raspberry fruit. It then finishes with a very pretty touch of cola and hints of sweet vanilla during the very satisfying, complex finish.”
Customers that enjoy Domaine Tortochot Morey-Saint-Denis, may also enjoy these two terrific wines..
2016 G of Château Guiraud Bordeaux White
G of CHÂTEAU GUIRAUD
2016 BORDEAUX WHITE
BORDEAUX, FRANCE
Variety is the spice of life and while California, Sancerre and New Zealand offer Sauvignon Blancs with bright, sometimes searing acidity and super-crisp flavors, Bordeaux brings a more rich, opulent and lime-infused style that’s impossible to ignore. Detailed, round and broad are all perfect descriptors for Chateau Guiraud’s Bordeaux White which opens up to limestone-scented baked yellow-apples, mandarin orange, tangerine, wet stone and crème brûlée. A palate quenching kaleidoscope of finely detailed flavors keeps you coming back for more, and with a 90-93 Point score from the Wine Spectator, I wouldn’t hesitate to secure a case.
Château Guiraud isn’t just one of Bordeaux’s preeminent producers of First Growth Sauternes, they also produce stunning dry whites wines. A blend of both Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, the 2016 is remarkably expressive, rich and assertive. If you haven’t experienced a dry white from this renowned wine region, here’s a terrific opportunity to try one of the best.
G of CHÂTEAU GUIRAUD
2016 BORDEAUX WHITE
BORDEAUX, FRANCE
Your Price: $19.99/btl
From The Wine Spectator: “This is still a bit tight, with a racy lemon pith frame around the core of white peach, tangerine, chamomile and straw flavors. Shows weight and zip, and should fill out nicely.” 90-93 Points
Customers that enjoy G of Chateau Guiraud’s Bordeaux Blanc may also enjoy these two terrific white wines…
ALMA de CATTLEYA
2017 SAUVIGNON BLANC
SONOMA COUNTY
Your Price: $19.99/btl
Immeasurable talent… gifted… Midas touch… These would all be fitting descriptors of winemaker Bibiana Gonzalez Rave. Her artistry has allowed her to climb the ranks and become winemaker at Pahlmeyer… She’s also made wines at Lynmar and has extensive experience making wine in France. Bibiana applies her vast skill-set and remarkable abilities and crafts wines that exceed all expectations…
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DOMAINE LA CROIX
2017 SANCERRE
SAINT-LAURENT
Your Price: $29.99/btl
Created from nearly half-century old vines, this wine bursts onto your palate with textural bliss, and a well balanced, keen thread of acidity that leaves your palate craving another sip. A pure expression of Sancerre, this immensely appealing 100% Sauvignon Blanc (as all white Sancerre’s are) is highly nuanced, intriguing and loaded with pristine fruit and rocky minerals.
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2017 Domain La Croix Saint-Laurent Sancerre
DOMAINE LA CROIX SAINT-LAURENT
2017 SANCERRE
LOIRE VALLEY, FRANCE
The best Sancerre white wines are fresh, bright and full of energy, which is why they complement such a wide variety of foods. While Chardonnay can sometimes be too heavy as a cocktail wine, Sancerre offers a great solution. Old Vine Sancerre adds another dimension of complexity, with even more dynamic and intriguing flavors and Domaine La Croix Saint-Laurent is an absolutely perfect example. Created from nearly half-century old vines, this wine bursts onto your palate with textural bliss, and a well balanced, keen thread of acidity that leaves your palate craving another sip.
A pure expression of Sancerre, this immensely appealing 100% Sauvignon Blanc (as all white Sancerre’s are) is highly nuanced, intriguing and loaded with pristine fruit and rocky minerals. If you’re searching for a delicious World-Class white wine that will set the standard for a non-Chardonnay… this is it.
DOMAINE LA CROIX
SAINT-LAURENT
2017 SANCERRE
LOIRE VALLEY, FRANCE
Retails at: $34.00/btl
Your Price: $29.99/btl
Winery Note: “Very pungent nose, floral, stony, stone fruits. Supple, full and nervy mouthfeel, very complex, with flavors of tangerine, kumquat, nectarine. Complex, structured and balanced, with a super long finish. A wine of great energy, brightness and vibrancy.”
Customers that enjoy Domaine La Croix’s Sancerre Blanc may also enjoy these two terrific white wines…