Micro-wines of Trentino: Soul-o-vino!

Posted on May 7, 2012 by admin

This week we’re featuring two wineries from the ADONNA Imports portfolio, GINO PEDROTTI and EUGENIO ROSSI, both located in Trentino, in northern Italy’s Dolomites. “Small” is too big a word to describe the production of these handcrafted, naturally-made wines. Unfiltered, unsulfered, unbelievable!

GINO PEDROTTI, Lago de Cavadine

Gino Pedrotti

Gino and his son Giuseppe run this small family property in Lago de Cavadine; their production is tiny; all handcrafted. Pedrotti farms and vinifies in a traditional, artisanal manner -”organic” is just the start. In their words: “We are committed winemakers and have organized our life following and respecting the needs of the vine and of wine. We want to create wines with a soul.”

2010 PEDROTTI Nosiola 17.99

Fruit and honeysuckle notes, juicy with nice concentration, followed by sprightly minerality on the finish.

2010 PEDROTTI Schiava Nera 17.99

Reds of the north can be inky in color or more transparent. Pedrotti’s Schiava is paler, yet surprises with alpine herbs and fresh raspberry fruit; very juicy. Tremendous character; lively minerality on the finish.

EUGENIO ROSI, Vallagarina

Eugenio Rosi

Eugenio Rosi makes natural, artisan wines of authentic expression. What’s important? Preserving the history and traditions of the region; producing a “healthy” wine, a true expression of the territory, of the vineyard, of the vintage. Wines that express a natural exuberance, often maintaining a thrilling pinpoint balance of lush and refreshing. Unfiltered, unsulfured, unbelievable.

2008 ROSI “Anisos” Bianco $40; Spec. $34

Blend of Pinot Bianco/Nosiola/Chardonnay grown in limestone soils at 400-500m altitude. Aged one year in large oak barrels and one year in bottle with no filtration. 2,000 bottles. Lush texture; aromas of ripe peach and orange rind; deep colors and flavors, refreshing burst of acidity on finish.

2009 ROSI “Poiema” Marzemino $38; Spec. 32.30

A blend of 30% dried and 70% fresh grapes. Vinification with fresh grapes and re-fermentation of dried grape. Aged one year in large barrels of cherry, chestnut and oak wood plus one year in bottle. Classic vibrant berry nose. Rich texture, black cherry fruit.

2007 ROSI “Esegesi” $35; Spec. $29.75

Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Beautiful sweet, chewy tannins. Voluptuous fruit, yet refreshing on finish. Impressive!

NV ROSI Cabernet Franc $45; Spec. $38.25

A blend of vintages 2007, 2008 & 2009. Aromas of plum, pepper and herbs leads to gorgeous ripe fruit lifted by refreshing minerality on the persistent finish. Superb!

2006 ROSI “Doron” Marzemino V.T. (500ml) $60; Spec. $51

A late-harvest marzemino made using the “passito” method of drying the grapes before fermentation. Rich and balanced dessert red with black cherry and cocoa notes.

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2007 Produttori del Barbaresco Cru Riservas

Posted on April 24, 2012 by admin

WINE TASTING:
FRI. APRIL 27, 5-7PM Belmont store
SAT. APRIL 28, 1-5PM Concord store

2007 BARBARESCO RISERVAS from PRODUTTORI del BARBARESCO

Fans and supporters of Produttori del Barbaresco, please join us for a tasting to celebrate the arrival of the 2007 Barbaresco Riservas! VINTAGES will pour a selection of 2007 Riservas on Friday, Apr. 27 in Belmont and Sat. Apr. 28 in Concord. Please show your support for the Produttori (and us too!) by purchasing a minimum of one bottle of any 2007 Riserva for the special price of $55.25 (except Rabaja). Pre-order customers are more than welcome with no additional purchase, of course!

Scores and descriptions from Antonio Galloni, Wine Advocate

“When the 2007 Riservas were younger, the personality of the vintage was quite apparent, but as the wines have aged the site specificity of these great vineyards has begun to emerge. The 2007 Riservas are big wines that should drink well upon release, but they also appear to have enough structure to develop beautifully in the cellar.” – A. Galloni

TASTING SPECIAL PRICE: $55.25 — valid on April 27 & 28 only.

2007 Produttori del Barbaresco Ris. “Asili” 94 pts. $65

“The 2007 Barbaresco Riserva Asili is a huge wine. In some ways it reminds me of the 2004 because of its silkiness, but the 2007 is a richer wine with more weight, glycerin and body. Sweet cherries, flowers, hard candy and spices are woven together beautifully through to the plush, enveloping finish. Despite the power and richness there is plenty of Asili character in the glass. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2032. 94 pts.” –WA

2007 Produttori del Barbaresco Ris. “Montefico” 93 pts. $65

The 2007 Barbaresco Riserva Montefico is all about energy and sheer power. The Montefico is quite virile, even in this vintage, with a certain austerity in the tannin that will require time in bottle to soften. Dark red fruit, leather, anise and spices are some of the notes that wrap around the insistent, pointed finish. There is plenty of nuance here, but not the early appeal of the year. This is a great showing, but readers will need to be patient. Anticipated maturity: 2017- 2029. 93 pts.” –WA

2007 Produttori del Barbaresco Ris. “Montestefano”  94 pts. $65

“The 2007 Barbaresco Riserva Montestefano is another fabulous wine. It is completely different than the Montefico, even though the vineyards are literally next to each other. The Montestefano shows quite a bit more fruit than the Montefico, with silky, polished tannins that convey an impression of sensual elegance. Crushed flowers, mint, licorice and dark red cherries are some of the notes that wrap around the deep finish. This is a fabulous Montestefano. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2032. 94 pts.” –WA

2007 Produttori del Barbaresco Ris. “Muncagotta” 90 pts. $65

“The 2007 Barbaresco Riserva Muncagotta is the most forward of the 2007 Riservas. Sweet tobacco, leather, dried flowers and dark cherries are some of the notes that emerge from the glass. The Muncagotta comes across as rather feminine, with less of the radiance and lushness of the best wines of the year. The aromas and flavors are already a bit advanced, which isn’t terribly surprising considering the site and year. Ideally the Muncagotta is best enjoyed sooner rather than later. Readers shoud note the new spelling for this wine, which reflects the updated vineyard designations that went into effect in Barbaresco with the 2007 vintage. The Muncagotta is the new name for the wine and vineyards previously known as Moccagatta. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2017. 90 pts.” –WA

2007 Produttori del Barbaresco Ris. “Ovello” 95 pts. $65

“The 2007 Barbaresco Riserva Ovello comes across as cool, inward and reticent. In other words, very Ovello. It is one of the most complete of these 2007s, as the freshness of the site works to counter some of the more extroverted qualities of the year. The Ovello possesses stunning depth in its fruit, expressive inner perfume and firm yet refined tannins that provide the backdrop for all of the elements to come together beautifully in the glass. The Ovello seems to combine the best qualities of the Montestefano and Montefico. The huge, building finish provides a glimpse as to what awaits those who can exercise a measure of patience. This is a stunning Barbaresco on all counts. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2032. 95 pts.” –WA

2007 Produttori del Barbaresco Ris. “Paje” 92 pts. $65

“The 2007 Barbaresco Riserva Paje comes across as a bit simple in this vintage. It shows good fleshiness and lovely inner sweetness in a fairly approachable style. I don’t see the pedigree of the finest 2007 Riservas here. In exchange, though, readers will find a highly attractive, forward Barbaresco that will drink well right out of the gate. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2022. 92 pts.” –WA

2007 Produttori del Barbaresco Ris. “Pora”  94 pts. $65

“The 2007 Barbaresco Riserva Pora is the revelation among the 2007s. Pora is one of the warmer microclimates in Barbaresco owing to its proximity to the Tanaro River. In most vintages Pora is a fairly open wine. The 2007 captures the very best qualities of this site in a radiant, deep expression of fruit. The wine literally covers every inch of the palate as it fleshes out in the glass. The Pora will never be one of the most complex wines here, but today it is immensely enjoyable, not to mention that the 2007 is one of the very finest Poras in recent memory. It will be great to drink young, but also appears to have the stuffing to age well for a number of years. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2027. 94 pts.” –WA

2007 Produttori del Barbaresco Ris. “Rio Sordo” 93 pts. $65

“The 2007 Barbaresco Riserva Rio Sordo is another of the strong wines in this vintage. Rio Sordo tends to yield wines that are soft and perfumed. Those qualities are very much present in the 2007, except that the vintage has added a little more fleshiness than is typically the case. An expressive, open bouquet redolent of crushed flowers, spices and red berries leads to soft fruit in this elegant, harmonious Barbaresco. This looks to be one of the earlier maturing of the 2007 Riservas. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2027+. 93 pts.” –WA

NOT INCLUDED IN WINE TASTING:

2007 Produttori del Barbaresco Ris. “Rabaja” 95 pts. $65 (Please note: this wine is in limited supply; call for details 978-369-2545)

The 2007 Barbaresco Riserva Rabaja is a big, dark wine loaded with dark fruit, menthol, tar, flowers, mint, rosemary and an array of balsamic notes that develop in the glass. The Rabaja possesses stunning depth to match its muscular tannins. It is a dazzling wine endowed with tons of inner perfume and sheer personality as it saturates the palate from start to finish. Today, the Rabaja comes across as huge and almost Barolo like, but it has plenty of Rabaja character. Purists will want to age the wine for a number of years to allow the baby fruit to drop off, but the truth is, it is pretty stunning even today. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2037. 95 pts.”–WA

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Burgundy Tasting VINTAGES Concord April 14, 2-5pm

Posted on April 12, 2012 by admin

2008 & 2009 Burgundy
SAT. APRIL 14, 2-5PM West Concord

SAVE 20% or more on Wines in Tasting:

white
2009 Louis Carillon Puligny Montrachet Reg $65 Spec $52  90 pts.
“A notably ripe yet fresh nose of yellow orchard fruit and floral aromas leads to rich, full and naturally sweet medium-bodied flavors that culminate in a delicious, complex and moderately dry finish. This should offer several years of upside development. 90 pts.”

red
2009 Robert Chevillon Nuits St. Georges 1er Cru “Les Perrieres” Reg $85; Spec. $68  93 pts. Bertrand Chevillon called the 2009 a vintage that created “very powerful, ripe and concentrated wines.  It was one of those rare vintages where there was no stress from start to finish. As to the wines, 2009 reminds me of 2005 or 1999.”
In his review, Burghound adds that 2009 was the best he had ever tasted from this consistently excellent domain. “Nose of ultra fresh red berry fruit and cassis blossom precedes rich, concentrated and palate-staining mineral-driven medium-bodied flavors that are quite serious on the linear, focused and impeccably well-balanced finish. Excellent. Outstanding. 93 pts.” Gushing accolades indeed from the normally careful and restrained “Burghound!”

Antonio Galloni at Wine Advocate noted that Chevillon made some of the top wines of the 2009 vintage; scores will be out this month.

2008 Domaine Fourrier Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru “Cherbaudes” Reg $100 Spec. $80  92 pts. “An elegant, complex and relatively refined nose speaks of red and blue pinot fruit, plum and plenty of Gevrey-style earth notes.  Rich yet beautifully detailed flavors possess a lovely mouth feel on the firm finish that is supported by dense but fine tannins. A sophisticated 1er. Sweet spot outstanding!” 92 pts.” –Burghound

2008 Ghislaine Barthod Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru “Les Cras” Reg $135 Spec $100 94 pts. “The 2009 Chambolle-Musigny Les Cras shows the powerful, muscular side of Chambolle. This is a decidedly broad-shouldered, strapping wine loaded with dark fruit. Sweet spices, tar and menthol add complexity on the finish. The Cras is another wine that needs a number of years in bottle. Its potential, though, is huge. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2029. 94 pts.” –A. Galloni, WA

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BURLOTTO BAROLO Pre-Arrival offer

Posted on April 6, 2012 by admin
BURLOTTO BAROLO Pre-Arrival Offer: Save XX%!

Perhaps no winery better exemplifies the idea of a small, traditional, artisan producer steadfastly fashioning quintessential examples of Barolo with little fanfair than BURLOTTO. A winery whose history dates back to the mid 1800′s and was among the first to bottle Barolo. Burlotto is located in the village of Verduno just to the northeast of La Morra, and is the northernmost commune of the Barolo Appellation. The hallmarks of Verduno wines are unparalleled finesse and elegance, along with beautiful powdery minerallity. (In Burgundian terms, think Chambolle Musigny.)

The most famous grand cru vineyard of Verduno, “Monvigliero,” best exemplifies these qualities of finesse and complexity; Burlotto’s bottling is perhaps the most compelling. To make their Barolo “Monvigliero,” the winery uses the ancient method of crushing the grapes underfoot,  the most delicate way to crush grapes. Then the wine goes through fermentation and mascerates on the skins for two months. Along with the production of Barolo, Burlotto also makes several different wines from indigenous varietals, Dolcetto, Barbera, Nebbiolo, as well as Freisa and Pelaverga. Peleverga is a varietal unique to the village of Verduno, and is in fact the smallest D.O.C. in the Langhe.

We first tasted Burlotto’s Barolo at the annual premiere of newly released Barolo and Barbaresco in Alba, and Burlotto’s stood out for their classical proportions, finely-honed tannins, and beguiling aromatics. After tasting hundreds of over- extracted and over-oaked Barolos that were almost screaming for a critic’s attention, the Burlotto wines stood out for their calm, confident reserve that is the hallmark of all great Barolo.

We are proud to be able to offer the truly distinctive wines of Burlotto to our customers on a “futures” pre-buy. The wines will arrive in May/June 2012.

In order the obtain these extremely favorable prices, wines need to be purchased in solid case lots and paid in full. Thanks! (Futures pricing listed below are the net bottle and case prices.)

2008 Burlotto Barolo ‘Classico’- $36 bt ($432 case/12)

2008 Burlotto Barolo ‘Monvigliero’- $44.65 bt ($535.80 case/12)

2008 Burlotto Barolo ‘Cannubi’- $51 bt ($612 case/12)

2011 Burlotto Dolcetto d’Alba- $13.60 bt ($163.20 case/12)

2011 Burlotto Verduno Pelaverga- $14.66 bt ($175.95 case/12)

2010 Burlotto Langhe Freisa- $15.93 bt ($191.25 case/12)

2011 Burlotto Nebbiolo Rosato- $15.29 bt ($183.49 case/12)

CALL Eric 978-369-2545 or email eric@vintagesonline.com. OFFER ENDS APRIL 14.
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A Pinot Grigio with character?

Posted on April 6, 2012 by admin

Re-thinking “white”

2009 RADIKON Pinot Grigio $40 (Slovenia)
Most people’s idea of Pinot Grigio is a light, crisp, refreshing white wine from northern Italy having slightly more color than water. Years of popularity and an unquenchable thirst by Americans have produced oceans of innocuous swill, so much so that for those actually interested in drinking GOOD wine, Pinot Grigio has become an anathema– light, insipid, characterless, forgettable. Wow! That is a lot to put on a varietal that has no say in where it is planted, how low or high the yields are, and most importantly the quality standards of the vintner. The other thing that many people might not be aware of is that the skin of this grape is actually reddish in color; when  the juice is left in contact with the skins during masceration, Pinot Grigio  can create wines with a range of colors from onion skin to almost the color of Pinot Noir from Burgundy. And when this traditional skin contact method is employed, the resulting wine has many of the same qualities of a red wine, including tannins, earthy tertiary aromas and flavors, and a distinctly deep rose’ color, think of a sunset just before dusk.

Radikon’s 2009 Pinot Grigio $40 is a distinctive wine of undeniable character and unique personality, but is at the same time compellingly delicious as well as versatile at the table.

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JEROME CHEZEAUX: 2009/08 Burgundy Offer

Posted on March 30, 2012 by admin

VINTAGES SPECIAL

Jerome Chezeaux


CONNOISSEUR COLLECTION: JEROME CHEZEAUX Nuits St. George 1er Cru 2009/08

This offering from Jerome Chezeaux in Nuits St. Georges contains two villages AND two vintages. We have created two different CONNOISSEUR COLLECTIONS, one from each village, that contain both 2008 & 2009 1er cru bottlings. Fascinating! Confident collectors will jump at the chance to cellar a selection of vintage and village comparisons, generally only available by purchasing a full case of each. If you’re nervous about the 2008 vintage, you shouldn’t be. A quick review of the scores show great similarities in quality, and in some cases, 2008 exceeds its ’09 counterpart! Bottle prices shown reflect the special discount — up to 25% off!

12 bottles; 3 each village/vintage

3 bts. 2009 Nuits St Georges 1er “Les Pruliers” 92pts. $52.38
3 bts. 2008 Nuits St Georges 1er “Les Pruliers” 92+pts. $49.09
3 bts. 2009 Nuits St Georges 1er “Aux Boudots” 92pts. $52.38
3 bts. 2008 Nuits St Georges 1er “Aux Boudots” 91pts. $49.09

Retail Value $792; PACKAGE PRICE $608.82

2009 Nuits St Georges 1er Cru “Les Pruliers” Reg. $68; CASE PRICE $52.38 The 2009 Nuits St. Georges Les Pruliers bursts from the glass with an explosive, heady array of fruit. The wine reveals gorgeous persistence and fine overall harmony in a relatively accessible style for this house in 2009. A clean, pointed finish balances the fruit nicely. 2017-2029. 92 pts.

2008 Nuits St Georges 1er Cru “Les Pruliers” Reg. $64; CASE PRICE $49.09 The 2009 Nuits St. Georges Les Pruliers is a graceful, feminine wine laced with the essence of rose petals, crushed flowers, mint and red fruit. This is an especially elegant, refined Nuits that impresses for its superb harmony and balance. Today the Pruliers remains naturally rather cool, but there is considerable sweetness in the fruit that will emerge over time. 2018-2028. 92+ pts.

2009 Nuits St Georges 1er Cru “Aux Boudots” Reg. $68; CASE PRICE $52.38 The 2009 Nuits St Georges Aux Boudots is a rather delicate, understated wine laced with crushed berries, spices and flowers. Silky tannins frame the graceful, feminine finish. The open bouquet and accessible personality make the Boudots a touch more pleasurable today than the Chaumes, but both are gorgeous. 2017-2029. 92 pts.

2008 Nuits St Georges 1er Cru “Aux Boudots” Reg. $64; CASE PRICE $49.09 The 2008 Vosne-Romanee Aux Boudots is one of the more open 2008s here. It shows excellent nuance and detail, with pretty layers of fruit and slightly firm tannins. I am not sure the Boudots ultimately has enough fruit to balance the tannins as the wine ages, so my preference is to drink this sooner rather than later. 2016-2024. 91 pts.

VINTAGES SPECIAL:

CONNOISSEUR COLLECTION: JEROME CHEZEAUX Vosne-Romanee 1er 2008/2009

12 bottles, 3 each 1er cru village/vintage

3 bts. 2009 Vosne Romanee 1er “Les Chaumes” 92pts. $54.29
3 bts. 2008 Vosne Romanee 1er “Les Chaumes” 92pts. $52.38
3 bts. 2009 Vosne Romanee 1er “Les Suchots” 94+pts. $84.68
3 bts. 2008 Vosne Romanee 1er “Les Suchots” 95pts. $78.31

Retail Value $1,053; PACKAGE PRICE $808.98

2009 Vosne Romanee 1er Cru “Les Chaumes” 92 pts. Reg. $71; CASE PRICE $54.29 The 2009 Vosne-Romanee Les Chaumes marries an intensely layered expression of dark fruit with a firm sense of structure, a combination that works well here. Sweet mint, flowers and spices follow, adding complexity and textural richness. The finish is imposing, but readers who can be patient will be amply rewarded. This is another dazzling wine from Chezeaux. 2019-2029. 92 pts.

2008 Vosne Romanee 1er Cru “Les Chaumes” 92 pts. Reg. $68; CASE PRICE $52.38 The 2008 Vosne-Romanee Les Chaumes hovers on the palate with a strikingly beautiful expression of subtle, fragrant fruit. The wine acquires darker, burnished tones in the glass. Jerome Chezeaux says the Chaumes has only begun to drink well within the last month or so. If that is the case, this wine has a very bright future. I loved it. 2018-2028. 92 pts.

2009 Vosne Romanee 1er Cru “Les Suchots” 94+ pts. Reg. $110; CASE PRICE $84.68 The 2009 Vosne-Romanee Les Suchots is one of the highlights in this set of 2009s. It is a totally complete, harmonious wine imbued with the essence of dark fruit, sweet spices, menthol and leather, all of which are supported by a firm vein of minerality. Intensely perfumed and mineral through to the finish, the Suchots delivers incredible class and sheer pedigree. The round, harmonious finish completes the wine beautifully. It will be fascinating to see where this goes from here. 2019-2034. 94+ pts.

2008 Vosne Romanee 1er Cru “Les Suchots” 95 pts. Reg. $102; CASE PRICE $78.31 The 2008 Vosne-Romanee Les Suchots sweeps across the palate with endless layers of fruit. This shows tons of clarity and finesse in a totally seductive style. Hard candy and sweet aromatics grace the superb finish. This is Grand Cru quality juice. 2022-2039. 95 pts.

TO ORDER, call Eric Broege 978-369-2545  Or email eric@vintagesonline.com
All orders must be held with a credit card and will be confirmed with the importer.

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