ROSENTHAL IMPORTS WINE TASTING
featuring MICHAEL KANE of Rosenthal
SAT. DEC. 6, 2-5pm, BELMONT store

Please join us for a taste of the distinctive, terroir-driven wines of Rosenthal Wine Merchant. For thirty years, Neal Rosenthal has carefully selected artisanal wines that profoundly express their origins and traditions — “the best of wines will always proudly tell you from where they come.”
The informative and inspiring MICHAEL KANE of Rosenthal will be at VINTAGES’ Belmont shop 2-5pm to present the wines. Michael is a veritable fountain of precise and passionate knowledge about what’s in your glass! No “tasting notes” necessary!

2007 KEN WRIGHT PINOT NOIR!
JUST ARRIVED– Limited quantities.
“Ken Wright Cellars has long been one of the reference points for Pinot Noir fanatics.” –Robert Parker

KEN WRIGHT CELLARS was founded in 1993. Located in rural Carlton, Oregon, Ken Wright is the ultimate terroirist: he views pinot noir as the perfect vehicle for expressing the characteristics of a particular vineyard site. Ken has been instrumental in elevating Willamette Valley pinot noir to one of the most sought-after wines in the world.

The 2007 vintage in Oregon produced classically styled wines; wines that favor freshness and purity, length and elegance, over brooding dark fruit and concentration –exactly what pinot noir excels at.
VINTAGES is pleased to offer the following 2007 Ken Wright bottlings –quantities extremely limited. A great Thanksgiving wine!

2007 KEN WRIGHT Abbott Claim $60
2007 KEN WRIGHT Savoya 60
2007 KEN WRIGHT McCrone $60
2007 KEN WRIGHT Guadalupe $60

WINE DOG DEAL! 2005 Dom. Monpertuis “Cuvee Counoise” $11.99!
Delightfully fresh and juicy red made from Counoise, one of the 13 lucky grapes that can be grown in Chateauneuf du Pape. Wild berry and cherry liqueur flavors and aromas. Delicious!

CHATEAUNEUF du PAPE and Rhone Valley Wine Tasting
Traditional wines– the heart & soul of the Rhone

Sat. Nov. 1, 2-5p West Concord & Belmont stores
Belmont: featuring a selection of Clos du Mont Olivet
Concord: Mont Olivet, Monpertuis, and Vieux Donjon

2006 VIEUX DONJON Chateauneuf-du-Pape $69
Established in 1966, the 14 ha estate is run by Marie & Lucien Michel. Their rouge is a blend of 75% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre and 5% Cinsault. “Powerful, seriously-endowed effort for the vintage, displaying more structure and muscle than most wines in this forward, fruit-friendly year. Classic Provencal characteristics of garrigue, licorice, lavender, pepper, and kirsch soar from the glass… In the mouth, it is masculine, tannic, medium to full-bodied, and powerfully built. Potentially one of the longest lived wines of the vintage, it will require 4-5 years of bottle age, and should evolve for two decades. 92+ pts.“–WA

2006 DOM. MONPERTUIS Chateauneuf-du-Pape $45
Seven generations have farmed lands in the Rhone valley, with 17 ha in Chateauneuf. Blend of 70% Grenache and from Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault and other varieties. “Ruby-red. Spicy raspberry and cherry aromas are complicated by fresh lavender and rose, with a suave mineral quality building in the glass. Vibrant red fruit flavors are concentrated and impressively brisk, picking up silky tannins on the close. The finish is strikingly fresh and long, repeating the vivid red fruit character. 93 pts.”–IWC

CLOS du MONT OLIVET Chateauneuf du Pape
Tradition combined with vision is the foundation of Thierry Sabon’s winemaking philosophy-under his guidance the family’s cuvées have reached new heights, with lower yields, more dynamic blending and earlier bottling.
“From one of the archconservative bastions of traditionalism in Chateauneuf du Pape, these are classic old-style Chateauneuf du Papes bursting at the seams with sweet cherry notes, roasted Provencal herbs, licorice, and resiny, loamy, earthy scents. These wines age surprisingly well; certainly the 1990 Cuvee du Papet in my cellar is one of the most monumental Chateauneuf du Papes ever made. 2006 looks to be a very good vintage for the Sabon brothers.” — Wine Advocate

2006 CLOS du MONT OLIVET Chateauneuf-du-Pape “Cuvee Papet” $68 “Ruby-red. Intensely perfumed, floral-dominated bouquet of red and dark berries, kirsch, rose and incense; if the ‘05 smells like Chambolle, this one is more Vosne-Romanee. Velvety flavors of raspberry and blackberry betray no rough edges, and offer a deep, sweet personality. Leaves a wake of floral pastille and dark berry liqueur on the extremely long finish. 95 pts.“–IWC

2007 CLOS du MONT OLIVET Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc $39 The 2007 Blanc has just arrived with great expectations, following the much-acclaimed 2006 Blanc from this estate. Beautiful, compelling blend of all six allowed white Rhone varietals.
“Perhaps the most remarkable progress has been with the dry white wines. Each year the wines exhibit much more aromatic intensity, and far more personality and character. Moreover, they have gotten so good that I have actually been buying many of them because of their exceptional flexibility with food.”–Wine Advocate

2006 CLOS du MONT OLIVET Chateauneuf-du-Pape $35 “Explosive, spicy raspberry and dark cherry liqueur aromas and flavors show striking purity. From a five-year-old Allier barrique: Darker fruits, with solid grip. From a three-year-old Vosges barrel: Red berries, cinnamon and vibrant cherry flavors. The final blend should be superb. 93 pts.” -IWC

2006 CLOS du MONT OLIVET Cotes du Rhone “Serre de Catins” $19.99 This unique, single-vineyard 100% Grenache cuvée hails from a warmer slope just past the border of Châteauneuf. Always a knock-out, “Serre de Catin” in 2006 starts out quietly but comes on strong with powerful, punchy red fruit. Dried garrigue, warm earth, wildflowers and cranberries in the nose, followed by a mouth full of pepper and baking spices. Could be a “Wine Dog” deal simply because the 2006 price is still the same: $19.99!

Eric Broege “Uncorked!”
PROFILE by Fred Bouchard, published in Massachusetts Beverage Business, October 2008

ERIC BROEGE · 44 · Owner, Buyer · Vintages, West Concord and Belmont

Still a painter and musician, Eric Broege is today a discerning buyer for his two small shops, one in formerly dry Belmont Center. Eric defends his passion for individualistic wines of distinctive terroirs (mainly in Italy, Spain, France) with strong opinions, articulate explanations and a simple, bold business plan.
(following are excerpts from the full interview)
“Part of this is totally personal. I want to take pride in what I’m doing here, as a sort of wine curator.”
“If you have a small space, every inch is valuable. I don’t have room for anything I don’t want or wouldn’t recommend.”
“My idea is that I’m in business to help my customers, not distributors. My obligation is to put the best products in my customers’ hands.”
“If somebody’s selling an oaky wine for ten bucks, I ask, “How’d the oak get in there?” If somebody says, “Sell me a $15 Cab that tastes like Silver Oak,” I say, “Please go bug the guy down the street.”
“I want a wine that I don’t fully understand, that shows me something I never noticed the last time.”

Click on the “BEST IN SHOW” button on the left to scroll through some of our latest offerings. Burgundy is first; Barolo and Barbaresco follow. Enjoy!

LÓPEZ DE HEREDIA, Rioja, Spain
Authentic, traditional Rioja from a legendary estate
Fri. Oct. 24, 4:30-7:30p BELMONT
Sat. Oct. 25, 2-5p West Concord

VINTAGES is very pleased to offer the wines of BODEGAS LÓPEZ de HEREDIA from Rioja, Spain. Established in 1877, R. Lopez de Heredia is now run by the fifth generation of descendants, but little has changed in the wine cellars. “We’re proud of not changing,” says Maria Jose Lopez de Heredia, who co-manages this legendary bodega with her father.

Heredia was one of the earliest pioneers in Spain to adopt “modern” technologies of French winemaking, including the use of French oak barrels for aging wine, and racking wine off its sediment. Here, patience is a virtue; Heredia continues to use the painstakingly slow process of hand-racking their wines, and ages their Tondonia vineyard wines at least 60 months in barrel before bottling.

Lopez de Heredia wines represent the highest expression of traditional, authentic Rioja. Join us Friday in Belmont & Saturday in Concord Oct. 24 & 25 as we taste these exceptional wines– white, rose and rioja reservas.

Wines for tasting:
White/Rose
1998 LOPEZ de HEREDIA Viña Gravonia Crianza Blanco $25 “100% viura. Light yellow-gold. Complex bouquet melds ripe melon, peach, poached pear, marzipan and honeycomb; reminds me of a white Bordeaux, or maybe a Hunter Valley semillon. Deep, fleshy flavors of firm orchard fruits and melon, picking up sweet nuts and floral honey on the back end. A velvety-smooth wine, with the concentration to handle the richest dishes, or pungent cheeses. 91 pts.”–IWC

1997 LOPEZ de HEREDIA Viña Tondonia Rosé $25
“Blend of 60% garnacha and 20% tempranillo and 20% viura. Copper-tinged pink. Smoky redcurrant and dried cherry aromas are complicated by dried rose, cinnamon, cured meat, iodine and mocha; this is one crazy nose. Fleshy dried red fruit flavors gain sweetness with air, picking up deeper cherry, toasted nut and candied anise qualities on the back end. The smooth finish features a late mineral kick. Utterly singular wine, and rose in name and color only. 91 pts.”– IWC

Red/Rioja
2002 LOPEZ de HEREDIA Viña Cubillo Rioja Crianza $25 “Woodsy, earthy scents of dried cherry, strawberry and bitter rhubarb. Light, silky and tangy, the rhubarb note and a hint of white pepper perking up the dried red fruit flavors. Finishes taut and racy, with zesty acids and good length. Classic old-school Rioja.”–IWC

2000 LOPEZ de HEREDIA Viña Bosconia Rioja Reserva $30 Blend of 80% tempranillo, 15% garnacha, 3% graciano and 2% mazuelo. “Smoky red berries and cherry on the nose, with suave floral and mineral qualities adding complexity. Light-bodied redcurrant, pomegranate and smoked meat flavors are energized by tangy acidity. Finishes a touch tart, with clinging flavors of sweet red fruits.”–IWC

1999 LOPEZ de HEREDIA Viña Tondonia Rioja Reserva $40 Blend of 75% tempranillo, 15% garnacha and 5% each of graciano and mazuelo. “Musky aromas of redcurrant, cherry, herbs and flowers, with a subtle mineral undertone adding lift. A medium-boded wine with red fruit flavors complicated by sweet chewing tobacco, succulent herbs and exotic Indian spices. Gains sweetness and power on the long, sappy finish. This is delicious and pretty complex now, but has the balance to age.”–IWC

WINE DOG DEAL! Basque Cider $10.99
Tantalizing, refreshing dry cider from ESPANA!

ISASTEGI “Sagardo naturale” Natural Cider $10.99 Basque Country, Spain
Sagardo naturala, or natural cider, has been produced in the Basque Country for over 2,000 years. The Sagardo is made from native apple varieties and fermented in large oak barrels until the spring, when it is bottled unfiltered. No sugar is added; the cider is lightly spritzy, very dry and refreshing, and low alcohol at 6% Perfect for fall; a great Halloween refresher! 

PODERI ALDO CONTERNO: Legend of Piedmont & Barolo
The wines of ALDO CONTERNO possess a towering reputation not only in Barolo, but among the greatest wines of the world. Founded in 1969, the estate is centered in the Bussia zone of Monforte and is run by brothers Franco and Giacomo. The first release of the estate’s signature wine, Barolo Riserva “Granbussia,” was in 1971. “Granbussia” continues to be an icon wine of Barolo; we are proud to offer these wines from excellent vintages.

2001 ALDO CONTERNO Barolo Riserva “Granbussia” $248.20/bottle case price ($292) 95 pts.
“This wine expresses to the highest degree what Barolo is all about. Austere and elegant at the same time, it is intense and superlatively built. An effortless Three Glasses.”–Gambero Rosso

“Fat, sweet, rich and deep; at once succulent and seamless, with a wonderfully layered texture and great early appeal. Very full without coming across as weighty. The slow-building finish features substantial sweet tannins. “Shows the magic side of 2001,” Franco offers. “It can keep for a long time but it’s great right now. 95 pts.” –IWC

“Wonderfully harmonious in its sweet, expressive aromatics and perfumed, ripe red fruit. Medium in body, this delicate Granbussia is surprisingly open at this stage. It is impossible to resist now, although it may start to close up in bottle. This is a remarkably fresh and vibrant Granbussia that should develop beautifully over the following years and decades. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2026. 94 pts.”–Wine Advocate

Note: 2001 is the last vintage of Granbussia until the 2005 is released several years from now. No Granbussia was made in 2002, ‘03, or ‘04.

2000 ALDO CONTERNO Barolo “Granbussia” Special 20% off 6-btl purchase $220/bottle “The 2000 Barolo Riserva Granbussia is long and powerful, with a generous quality to its ripe fruit and a sweet, opulent texture. It offers notable persistence on the palate and a pretty note of freshness on the finish that provides balance to the wine’s very ripe, forward style. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2020. 93 pts.“–Wine Advocate

1999 ALDO CONTERNO Barolo “Bussia” 90 pts. ($85/bottle case price) “The 1999 Barolo Bussia, is fresh garnet in color, smoky and tarry in aroma, medium in weight, but with fine sustaining tannins and a silky texture. It is a wine to drink between 2005 and 2015. 90 pts.“–Wine Advocate

DOMENICO CLERICO: Modern Marvels
“One of the most gifted winemakers in Piedmont…these are wines of extraordinary richness, amazing aromatics, that satiate both the hedonistic and the intellectual senses.” -Robert Parker

“Clerico’s stunning 2004s are shaping up to be among the best wines of the vintage. These Barolos are aromatically compelling and packed with layers of fruit, with much depth, complexity and personality. They are really something to marvel over and are well worth the wait.”–Wine Advocate

2004 DOMENICO CLERICO Barolo Ciabot Mentin Ginestra 97 pts. $93.50/bottle cs price ($110) “The 2004 Barolo Ciabot Mentin Ginestra sweeps across the palate with stunning depth and expansiveness in its dark cherries, menthol, spices, chocolate and sweet toasted oak. It offers exceptional length and delineation, with a note of freshness that provides lift on the close. It is a profound effort from Domenico Clerico. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2024. 97 pts.”