2013 Valadorna by Tenuta di Arceno Super Tuscan Tuscany

2013 Valadorna by Tenuta di Arceno Super Tuscan Tuscany

with No Comment $50-$60ChiantiItalyKevin VogtTuscany

Valadorna

by Tenuta di Arceno
Super Tuscan
Tuscany 20132013 Valadorna by Tenuta di Arceno Super Tuscan Tuscany

Some wines age gracefully, and others seem to defy time altogether. The 2013 Valadorna belongs firmly to the latter. It’s a luminous example of how meticulous craftsmanship and patient cellaring can sculpt a wine into a timeless masterpiece. More than a decade after harvest, it remains astonishingly vibrant, capturing the essence of Tuscany with grace, poise, and authenticity.

Behind this remarkable longevity stands Pierre Seillan, the Bordeaux-born master whose touch defines some of the world’s most revered wines. His deep understanding of micro-crus, perfected at Vérité, finds a new voice here in Tuscany. In Valadorna, Seillan channels Merlot’s supple depth and marries it to the verve of Cabernet Franc, the backbone of Cabernet Sauvignon, and the finesse of Petit Verdot.

Drawn from the estate’s cooler Valadorna and Capraia parcels, where sandy-clay soils meet morning mists, the 2013 unfolds with haunting precision. Firm yet silken, expansive yet composed, it culminates in a finish that lingers like memory itself. The 2013 Valadorna is a rare alignment of time, terroir, and talent: a wine not merely crafted, but composed, into something enduringly profound.

Valadorna
by Tenuta di Arceno
Super Tuscan
Tuscany 2013
Retails at: $75

Your Price: $58

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“The 2013 Valadorna (mostly Merlot with Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot) is yet another home run in this blockbuster collection of new releases from Tenuta di Arceno in the southern part of Chianti Classico (Castelnuovo Berardegna). This is a firm and tightly knit expression that is packed tight with black fruit, tobacco, tar and dark chocolate. The wine shows enormous aromatic intensity, but then it slims down just a touch in the mouth to offer an elegantly tapered finish.”

95 Points

2020 Bibbiano Gran Selezione Chianti Classico Tuscany Italy

2020 Bibbiano Gran Selezione Chianti Classico Tuscany Italy

with No Comment $40-$50ChiantiChiantiItalyKevin VogtTuscany

Bibbiano

Gran Selezione
Chianti Classico
Vigna del Capannino
Tuscany, Italy 2020

2020 Bibbiano Gran Selezione Chianti Classico Tuscany Italy

From a mere seven hectares of the storied 19th-century estate of Bibbiano rises the 2020 Vigna del Capannino: an extraordinary expression of Tuscany’s soul. Perched atop a compact, clay-rich plateau, this vineyard captures the drama of one of Italy’s most revered terroirs. The naturally dense soils lend the wine profound structure and a chiseled mineral backbone, while the west-facing exposure coaxes the depth and intensity that define this vintage.

The power of Vigna del Capannino begins with its singular focus: 100% Sangiovese Grosso. This clone, selected and refined over decades, produces fruit that embodies both the energy of the vintage and the elegance of its lineage. In 2020, the grapes achieved perfect balance, allowing the wine to capture a full spectrum of flavor.

After harvest, the wine underwent a patient élevage of 24 months, divided between neutral cement and fine French and Slavonian oak, followed by a half-year of bottle rest. This unhurried maturation refined the wine’s natural intensity into harmony. The result is a Chianti Classico of rare depth, with tannins that are taut yet silken, framing a finish that lingers with quiet authority.

Bibbiano
Gran Selezione
Chianti Classico
Vigna del Capannino
Tuscany, Italy 2020

Your Price: $42

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“Ripe strawberries, raspberries, red licorice, moist bark and wet stones on the nose. Medium- to full-bodied, tense and juicy with crunchy tannins and chalky texture. Vivid acidity keeps the wine nervy. Racy finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.”

94 Points

2020 Castello di Ama Gran Selezione Chianti Classico

2020 Castello di Ama Gran Selezione Chianti Classico

with No Comment $60-$70ChiantiChiantiItalyKevin VogtTuscany

Castello di Ama

Gran Selezione
Chianti Classico
San Lorenzo 2020

2020 Castello di Ama Gran Selezione Chianti Classico

Castello di Ama stands as a pillar of excellence in Chianti Classico, redefining the boundaries of this celebrated region. Renowned for crafting Sangiovese-dominant blends that consistently earn high-90s scores, the estate’s legacy reflects the visionary spirit of its founders.

In 1976, four Roman families recognized the untapped potential of a magnificent 55-hectare estate in Tuscany. Marco Pallanti, who joined in 1982 as Viticulturist and Winemaker, became a cornerstone of its success. His innovative approach propelled Castello di Ama to global acclaim. Notably, during his presidency of the Chianti Classico Consortium (2006-2012), he spearheaded the creation of the “Gran Selezione” category, setting a new benchmark for quality within the appellation.

The 2020 San Lorenzo Gran Selezione embodies the brilliance of its terroir. Crafted primarily from Sangiovese, with subtle accents of Malvasia Nera and Merlot, this wine achieves a sublime balance of vibrancy, elegance, and structure. Blessed by a near-perfect growing season, the 2020 vintage yielded fruit of exceptional character. The result is a wine of profound depth and poise, where juicy acidity and a seamless texture converge with a powerful yet graceful expression of Tuscany’s finest vineyards.

Castello di Ama
Gran Selezione
Chianti Classico
San Lorenzo 2020

Your Price: $69.99

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“The 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello di Ama San Lorenzo is fabulous. It offers up a compelling mix of blackberry, graphite, crushed rocks, spice, lavender and black pepper, showing striking inner sweetness, gorgeous mid-palate pliancy and mid-blowing balance, all in a medium-bodied style that will be approachable with minimal cellaring. San Lorenzo remains an archetype for contemporary Chianti Classico. Production is down about 30% in 2020 because of stringent selection.”

95 Points

2021 Antinori Tignanello Tuscany Italy

2021 Antinori Tignanello Tuscany Italy

with No Comment $100 and overChiantiItalyKevin VogtTuscany

Antinori 

Tignanello 2021
Tuscany, Italy

2021 Antinori Tignanello Tuscany Italy

Tenuta Tignanello, a pioneer of the Super Tuscan movement, has redefined Italian winemaking with its bold innovations. The estate’s pioneering spirit, evident in its early adoption of barrique aging for Sangiovese and its masterful blending of Bordeaux varieties, has shaped the future of Italian viticulture.

Tignanello and Solaia, the estate’s iconic wines, stand as benchmarks of Italian excellence. The 2021 Tignanello, recently ranked #3 on Wine Spectator’s Top 100 list, beautifully reflects this legacy.

The 2021 vintage is a masterpiece of balance and complexity, born from an extended growing season that allowed the grapes to reach optimal ripeness. This wine offers a harmonious blend of power and finesse, with deep, layered flavors and a polished structure. Aged for 16 months in a combination of French and Hungarian oak, the wine showcases the estate’s signature Sangiovese-dominant blend, complemented by Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.

With exceptional critical acclaim and immense aging potential, the 2021 Tignanello is a must-have for collectors and showcases Tenuta Tignanello’s enduring vision.

Antinori 
Tignanello 2021
Tuscany, Italy

Your Price: $169.99

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“Laced with pure cherry, strawberry, graphite and tobacco aromas and flavors, this red is beautifully supported by a backbone of vibrant acidity and taut, refined tannins. Everything is framed by vanilla and toasty oak in the best sense, revealing harmony, with a long, orange-tinged finish and, yes, even drinkability at this stage. Best to give this a few more years in the bottle. Best from 2027 through 2045.”

97 Points, #3 Top 100 Wines of 2024

2017 San Vicenti Chianti Classico Podere Di Stignano

2017 San Vicenti Chianti Classico Podere Di Stignano

with No Comment $30 and underChiantiChiantiItalyKevin VogtTuscany

SAN VICENTI

2017 CHIANTI CLASSICO
PODERE DI STIGNANO

2017 San Vicenti Chianti Classico Podere Di Stignano
As Chianti wines increased in popularity throughout the centuries, Chianti’s borders expanded, including land that didn’t have the same terroir as historical Chianti, therefore Chianti Classico DOCG was created to protect the original wine’s identity. San Vincenti is in the region’s heart, overlooking villas and farmhouses among vines planted on gently rolling hills protected by the Patron Saint of Wine, St. Vincent, whom the winery was named after.
 
San Vincenti Chianti Classico Podere di Stignano is an authentic example from this ancient wine-producing district, encompassing the region’s cultural commitment to crafting world-class wines. By law, Chianti Classico must be at least 80% Sangiovese. San Vincenti’s Chianti Classico is 100% single varietal and displays the pure integrity of Sangiovese in a crowd-pleasing and memorable style that exceeds expectations at this price level.
 
SAN VICENTI
2017 CHIANTI CLASSICO
PODERE DI STIGNANO
 
Your Price: $29.99
 
 
“The San Vicente Podere di Stignano Chianti Classico 2017 begins with an alluring nose of tart cherries, licorice, Christmas cake, and geraniums. The palate mirrors the nose and includes focused red currants, red plums, dried sage, cocoa powder, and spice. The finish is bright and fresh, with a satisfying, lingering finish.”
92 Points
2016 Bibbiano Gran Selezione Chianti Classico Vigna Del Capannino

2016 Bibbiano Gran Selezione Chianti Classico Vigna Del Capannino

with No Comment $30-$40ChiantiChiantiKevin VogtTuscanyUSA

BIBBIANO

GRAN SELEZIONE
2016 CHIANTI CLASSICO
VIGNA DEL CAPANNINO 

2016 Bibbiano Gran Selezione Chianti Classico Vigna Del Capannino
Bibbiano cemented its spot on my top 5 wines-of-the-year list in 2020 with its explosive richness, deep-seated power, and captivating elegance. A month later, it earned a monstrous 95 point score in the Wine Spectator, which referenced the wine’s escalating power. Each time I taste it, the wine not only stands up to Italian, French and American producers, but it dominates just about everything in its path. If you want to taste an exceptionally high-quality Chianti at a great price, this is it. 
 
Making a dramatic entrance from one of Tuscany’s best vintages in nearly two decades, this stunning wine was created from 100% Sangiovese Grosso and aged for 30 months before bottling. On the palate, the wine is intensely captivating and with a satin texture and long resonant finish. 
 
Production requirements for Gran Selezione wines insist on sourcing the grapes from 100% Estate grown fruit or selecting the Estate’s best parcels. It also has higher extract restrictions and extended oak aging requirements. Gran Selezione, which means Great Selection, is the pinnacle of quality for Chianti Classico.
 
BIBBIANO
GRAN SELEZIONE
2016 CHIANTI CLASSICO
VIGNA DEL CAPANNINO
Retails at: $42
 
Your Price: $39.99
 
 
“This red starts out smooth, displaying ripe black cherry and plum flavors, along with earth, iron and woodsy elements. Gains power as this builds on the palate, ending in an extended aftertaste of loam, iron and wild herb accents… 250 cases imported.”
95 Points
 
“Restrained, fresh pomegranate fruit with slightly nutty character, earthy-strawberry depth and minerality. Bright acidity and savoury character, firm and chalky, with natural and integrated freshness. Andrew Jefford: A gorgeously teased, poised aromatic ripeness here: subtle incense spice just hidden behind the refined, perfumed plums; a hint of orange peel. Shapely, fresh, vivid and vigorous: super purity, admirable finesse.” 
95 Points
 
“…shows classic lines and balanced intensity with a nice spot of acidity and plenty of dark berry fruit to soften it out. The 2016 vintage is a classic one in Tuscany, and that’s why you get so much cooling cherry, forest berry and cassis on this versatile Gran Selezione wine. Drink 2021-2032”
94 Points
2016 Badia Di Morrona I Sodi Del Parentaio Chianti Riserva

2016 Badia Di Morrona I Sodi Del Parentaio Chianti Riserva

with No Comment $30 and underChiantiChiantiItalyKevin VogtTuscany

BADIA DI MORRONA 

I SODI DEL PARETAIO
2016 CHIANTI RISERVA

2016 Badia Di Morrona I Sodi Del Parentaio Chianti Riserva
Badia di Morrono is an historic Estate in Tuscany dedicated to farming their land and balancing technology with traditional techniques. Their land near the village of Morrona was once undersea, and is now rich in marine nutrients. The vines are grown in well-drained clay, minerally and sandy soils that make their wines recognizable with a clear sense of place. Their 2016 Chianti Riserva is classically styled, harmoniously balanced, and at $26, it’s a stunning value. 
 
This 2016 enters from one of Tuscany’s greatest vintages in the last two decades, and one the Wine Spectator rates 97 points and describes as producing, “Vibrant, elegant wines; grapes harvested under ideal conditions”
 
The winemaking team fermented the Riserva for ten months in concrete and stainless steel tank, preserving the natural flavors of the fruit. The blend is predominantly Sangiovese, balanced with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah, and was aged for 18 months in oak.
 
BADIA DI MORRONA 
I SODI DEL PARETAIO
2016 CHIANTI RISERVA 
 
Your Price: $26
 
 
“Quite reductive at first, but this later opens up with notes of brambleberries, red cherries, oranges and herbs. Medium body, firm tannins and a nutmeg-flavored finish. Drink now.”
91 Points
 
“Ruby red with garnet colored undertones when aged. Bouquet: scent of balm and with more finesse as it ages; Harmonious, savory, slightly tannic; soft and velvety. Pleasing and versatile to the palate with a well-balanced acidity and soft, mature tannins.”
2018 Rocca Di Montegrossi Chianti Classico Tuscany Italy

2018 Rocca Di Montegrossi Chianti Classico Tuscany Italy

with No Comment $30 and underChiantiChiantiItalyKevin VogtTuscany

ROCCA DI MONTEGROSSI

2018 CHIANTI CLASSICO
TUSCANY, ITALY 

2018 Rocca Di Montegrossi Chianti Classico Tuscany Italy
Each decision that Marco Ricasoli-Firidolfi of Rocca di Montegrossi makes in his vineyard has the laser-focused goal of balancing growth and production, with his wine’s quality paramount. Together with consultant agronomist Dr. Stefano Dini, he cares for 20 hectares of vines grown in one of the finest sections of Chianti. His flagship 2018 Chianti Classico has explosive aromas of rich dark fruits, wet slate, and wildflowers. It’s, as Vinous writes, “a fabulous wine for the money,” so don’t miss it.
 
The richness of this wine is matched equally by the Estate’s history, which dates back to the 7th century AD. In 1141, the property was passed to the Ricasoli family. To this day, Marco Ricasoli-Firidolfi is dedicated to crafting the best wine from the Estate, and International fame has followed. 
 
The Estate is planted primarily to Sangiovese (13 hectares), followed by Merlot, while the remaining 4.5 hectares includes Canaiolo, Colorino, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pugnitello, and Malvasia Bianca del Chianti. Marco blends 8% Canaiolo and 2% Colorino with 90% Sangiovese to make a more complex and serious wine. If you’re looking for a killer bottle of Italian wine for under $30, this is it. 
 
ROCCA DI MONTEGROSSI
2018 CHIANTI CLASSICO
TUSCANY, ITALY
 
Your Price: $28
 
 
“The 2018 Chianti Classico opens with a burst of sweet red berry fruit, spice and wild flowers. Exuberant and racy, the 2018 is endowed with tremendous energy and tons of personality. Time in the glass brings out the wine’s inner sweetness and radiance, with a closing flourish of red flowers. This is a fabulous wine for the money. Don’t miss it. Drink 2022-2038.”
93 Points
 
“A red with blackberries, black cherries and hints of sliced dark mushrooms that follow through to a medium body, chewy tannins and a flavorful finish. Some bark, too. Always a serious Chianti Classico. Drink now.”
92 Points
 
“It is very youthful with great energy and freshness on the palate but still fairly tightly wound. I’d give it a few more months in bottle before approaching. Drinking Window 2021 – 2027.”
91 Points
 
“Rocca di Montegrossi’s Chianti Classico is the estate’s flagship wine; it is a blend of about 90% Sangiovese, with Canaiolo and Colorino, and is produced every year. It ages mainly in large casks and barrels made with oak from Allier, for 12-14 months. It is unfiltered, and after bottling it ages another 6 months prior to release. In the glass it is lively ruby, with bright violet reflections, and on the nose displays the rich fruity aromas typical of the varietals, particularly forest berry fruit and sour cherries.”
2016 Bibbiano Gran Selezione Chianti Classico Vigna Del Capannino

2016 Bibbiano Gran Selezione Chianti Classico Vigna Del Capannino

with No Comment $30-$40ChiantiItalyKevin VogtTuscany

BIBBIANO 

GRAN SELEZIONE
2016 CHIANTI CLASSICO
VIGNA DEL CAPANNINO 

2016 Bibbiano Gran Selezione Chianti Classico Vigna Del Capannino
Bibbiano cemented its spot on my top 5 list with its explosive richness, deep-seated power, and captivating elegance. It’s a Chianti on steroids, and each time I taste it, the wine not only stands up to Italian, French and American producers, but it dominates just about everything in its path. I wasn’t the least bit surprised to find out it had already earned a 95 Point score from Decanter. After all, Gran Selezione, which means Great Selection, is the pinnacle of quality for Chianti Classico. 
 
Making a dramatic entrance from one of Tuscany’s best vintages in nearly two decades, this stunning wine was created from 100% Sangiovese Grosso (Brunello) and aged for 30 months before bottling. On the palate, the wine is remarkably powerful and with a satin texture and long resonant finish.  
 
Production requirements for Gran Selezione wines insist on sourcing the grapes from 100% Estate grown fruit or selecting the Estate’s best parcels. It also has higher extract restrictions and extended oak aging requirements. If you want to taste an exceptionally high-quality Chianti at a great price, this is it.  
 
BIBBIANO 
GRAN SELEZIONE
2016 CHIANTI CLASSICO
VIGNA DEL CAPANNINO
 
Your Price: $39.99
 
“Restrained, fresh pomegranate fruit with slightly nutty character, earthy-strawberry depth and minerality. Bright acidity and savoury character, firm and chalky, with natural and integrated freshness. Andrew Jefford: A gorgeously teased, poised aromatic ripeness here: subtle incense spice just hidden behind the refined, perfumed plums; a hint of orange peel. Shapely, fresh, vivid and vigorous: super purity, admirable finesse. Monty Waldin: Nose-tingling peppery notes; the fruit on the palate is slightly faded already, although the wine is by no means drying out. Drinking Window 2020 – 2028″ 
95 Points

Inventory Reduction ~ All Red Other Than Cabs & Cab Blends

with No Comment BaroloBordeauxBrunelloCarménèreChiantiGrenacheMalbecMeritageMerlotNebbioloOld Vine ZinfandelPetite SirahPinot NoirRed BurgandySyrahZinfandel
 
We have an absolutely spectacular array of reds that don’t fit into the Cabernet realm, from plush and juicy Merlots to rich and spicy Syrahs, firm and gripping Barolo to silky and complex red Burgundies and everything in between. Helping to clear room for next year’s new releases, our 2018 Inventory Reduction is the biggest ever. 
 
With thousands of bottles of wine that have to move, this is the last of 3 days of dramatic discounts, making this a wonderful opportunity to try out some new amazing wines and re-stock your cellar for 2019. 
 
Each day we’ve focused on a specific area of the warehouse, and today is all the reds of the world that don’t include Cabernet and Cab blends…  
 
Offer valid through 12-31-18 at 12:00PM PST and only while supplies last.