CHAMPAGNE TASTING: EGLY-OURIET Grand Cru and more!

FRIDAY, DEC. 18, 4:30-7:30pm Concord

POP THOSE CORKS! Join us for this festive tasting featuring grand cru champagne from top grower EGLY-OURIET. Francis Egly’s outstanding, outsized grand cru champagnes have earned a cult following and raised the bar for distinctive bubbly with extended aging on the lees and disgorgement date on every bottle. Did we mention they’re amazingly delicious???

ROGER COULON Brut “Tradition” $50
“the rare Delicious! wine - that is, a wine that is not only tasty but truly exciting . . . this is the kind of wine you could give to or serve to a wine lover and have a friend for life.” - wsj

PIERRE PETERS BRUT Blanc de Blancs “Grand Cru” $58
“Vivid citrus and green apple aromas are complicated by subtle lees, spice and brioche qualities, as well as a slow-building floral quality. Firm and focused, offering tangy orange and orchard fruit flavors along with anise and sweet butter.”–IWA

GASTON CHIQUET Blanc de Blancs ‘Grand Cru’ $60
Exotically perfumed, smoky bouquet of pungent flowers, pear skin, orange, lime, sweet butter and minerals; smells like a Meursault. Fleshy orchard fruit flavors are complicated by musky herbs, turning nuttier with air.”- IWA

EGLY-OURIET Brut Tradition ‘Grand Cru’ $72  92 pts.
“The blend for the Tradition bottling is 75% pinot noir and 25% chardonnay, all from the grand cru villages Ambonnay, Bouzy and Verzenay. “Energetic lemon, peach pit, pear, redcurrant and honeysuckle on the nose. Spicy, finely etched orchard fruit flavors are given depth and a refreshingly bitter edge by fruit skin and quinine. Gains weight on the broad, chewy, impressively persistent finish.” - IWA

EGLY-OURIET Brut Rose ‘Grand Cru’ $105  92 pts.
“Wild strawberry, cherry skin and potpourri on the nose, which is complicated by candied ginger and gentle leesiness. Supple red fruit flavors are firmed by dusty minerals and given bite by a late note of white pepper. A juicy, deeply flavored pink Champagne that could handle rich fish dishes or aged cheeses.”–IWA

WINE TASTING: Grower Champagnes from the Thierry Thiese Portfolio Fri. Dec. 18, 5-7:30pm, Belmont.

Nothing says “CELEBRATE” like the explosive sound of a champagne cork! Tom Modica from Atlantic Imports will present select grower champagnes from the Thierry Thiese collection. Champagnes for this tasting may include:

PIEDMONT/BOCA Nebbiolo Wines: Older Vintages from 1984-1991
WINE TASTING Thurs. Dec. 16, 4:30-7:30, Belmont
Presented by JEANNIE ROGERS

The Boca DOC region in eastern Piedmont was once a thriving wine production region, focused on nebbiolo-based wines. By the 1990’s, Antonio Cerri was one of the last remaining winemakers using traditional methods to make these delicious, age-worthy Boca wines. Swiss winemaker Christoph Kunzli purchased the estate from Cerri with additional properties, and has revived the production of BOCA DOC wines.

A number of Cerri’s older vintages from the 1980’s, aged in large barrel for 10+ years before bottling, have been shipped directly from the cellar and have just arrived in Boston. Importer Jeannie Rogers of Adonna Imports will present these wines and tell the fascinating story behind these wines.

These wines will be available at the tasting:

1984 ANTONIO CERRI Boca “Campo delle Piane”$58

1985 ANTONIO CERRI Boca “Campo delle Piane” $58

1987 ANTONIO CERRI Boca “Campo delle Piane” $58

1989 ANTONIO CERRI Boca “Campo delle Piane” $58

1991 ANTONIO CERRI Boca “Campo delle Piane” $58

BAROLO & BARBARESCO: “Seven Villages of the Langhe”

FRIDAY, DEC. 11, 5-7pm: Belmont
SATURDAY, DEC. 12, 12-5: Concord (or until wine runs out)

Wine Director and Piedmont expert ERIC BROEGE will be your guide through the distinctive villages of the Langhe, Piedmont’s wine-growing region.  Taste and discover the unique flavors and characteristics of the Langhe’s cru vineyards transferred through its signature grape, NEBBIOLO, which reaches its great expressiveness only in the Langhe.

Seven villages — seven outstanding wines! Please join us!

VINTAGES Online Store is a more convenient way to purchase VINTAGES Gift Cards for family & friends. Just click on the VINTAGES Store tab!

NEW RELEASE: CONTERNO BAROLO

2005 GIACOMO CONTERNO BAROLO “Cascina Francia” 95+ pts. $138

The annual release of the legendary MONFORTINO is always a vinous highlight - however, Roberto Conterno told us during our May 2009 visit to his cellar that the 2002 edition of MONFORTINO would not be ready this year. So instead, we celebrate the newly-arrived 2005 GIACOMO CONTERNO Barolo Cascina Francia, a truly exceptional wine.

CELLAR SELECTION:
2005 GIACOMO CONTERNO BAROLO “Cascina Francia” 95+ pts · $138
“The question of succession is always an issue in small, family-run wineries, but this is one example where the younger generation is building on past success by taking things to an entirely new level. I can only imagine how proud Giovanni Conterno would be if he could see (and taste!) the sublime wines that have emerged from this property in recent years.”

“The recently-bottled 2005 Barolo Cascina Francia is, as expected, somewhat closed down at this stage from an aromatic perspective. That said, it is impossible to ignore the wine’s richness and depth, both of which are impressive. With time in the glass hints of sweet roses, cherries, spices and tar emerge, all framed by impeccably silky tannins. … It is another superb Barolo from Giacomo Conterno. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2030. 95+ pts.”–Galloni, WA

BAROLO, READY TO DRINK!
While we’re on the subject of outstanding wine, may we tempt you with another Giacomo Conterno Barolo, recently evaluated and READY TO DRINK? This 2003 Barolo Cascina Francia is stunning; rich, yet beautifully balanced, with complex aromas and flavors emerging over the course of an evening. Decanting recommended; and take your time with this wine– as difficult as it may be–otherwise you’ll miss the amazing display of tertiary aromas and flavors!

2003 GIACOMO CONTERNO BAROLO “Cascina Francia” 94 pts. Special $88
“The 2003 Barolo Cascina Francia is a remarkable wine for the vintage. This deep, powerful Barolo reveals awesome richness and an almost liqueur-like quality to its fruit that is balanced by the chalky mineral notes that provide freshness on the finish and help convey an impression of notable balance. In 2003 there is no Monfortino, and the Cascina Francia surely benefits from the addition of that juice which is mostly felt in the wine’s depth…Simply put, this is a stunning Barolo made all the more notable by the challenging conditions the vintage presented. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2023. 94 pts.” –WA

CANTINA del PINO: Barbaresco to cellar and savor from Renato Vacca

CELLAR: Sublime!

2005 CANTINA del PINO Barbaresco “Albesani” $65 95 pts.  “Tre Bicchieri” - Gambero Rosso
“The sublime, gorgeous 2005 Barbaresco Albesani is laced with the essence of dark cherries, flowers, spices, minerals on a rich, textured frame. With time in the glass, the wine’s inner perfume emerges more fully in a dazzling, totally polished style. Cantina del Pino’s Barbaresco Albesani is a new bottling from a parcel that also contains Santo Stefano, one of the most storied vineyards in the world. The microclimate here is quite warm, which contributes to the wine’s richness and body. Readers will not want to miss this superb effort, which is easily one of the finest 2005 Barbarescos. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025. 95 pts.”-WA

SAVOR: Outstanding Value $32 (35% off)
2005 CANTINA del PINO Barbaresco Special $40 (Reg. $49) Case price: $32/btl! (35% off!)
“The 2005 Barbaresco is a gorgeous, captivating Barbaresco that reveals superb depth in its sweet red cherries, menthol, pine, spices and minerals. The wine is vibrant and poised, with firm tannins that give it a somewhat austere personality. With some time in the glass its perfumed core of sweet fruit emerges, and a few years in bottle should help it come together even more. This is a very pretty Barbaresco from Cantina del Pino. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2023. 92 pts.” -Wine Advocate

WINE DOG Loves to Party!
Spice up your holidays with party selections from VINTAGES! This week, Ferdy the Wine Dog has sniffed out two new favorites from FIORINI, red and white:

2008 FIORINI Sirio Sangiovese $12.99  Juicy, vibrant cherry and red berry fruit, soft tannins.

2008 FIORINI Sant Ilario Bianchello $12.99
Delicate aromas, ripe pear and citrus flavors with refreshing minerality.

By the case, $11.04/bottle!

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS!
for the adventurous oenophile on your list!

1997 GIUSEPPE CORTESE Barbaresco “Rabaja” Special $55 net (was $75)
The highly-touted 1997 vintage created some very sumptuous Barbaresco! We are thrilled to offer this perfectly-cellared, ready-to-drink Barbaresco from this small, traditional family estate that has always taken great care with their wines. “The 1997 Rabaja is the finest Cortese Barbaresco I have tasted in over a decade. Aged completely in old foudres, it is a traditionally made Piedmontese exhibiting notes of root vegetables, raspberry and cherry jam, cedar and balsam wood, smoke, and minerals. The wine is full-bodied, powerful yet elegant, supple-textured, and surprisingly deep as well as delineated. Drink this hedonistic as well as intellectually satisfying Barbaresco now thru 2013. 92 pts.“-Robert Parker

* * *

AGED TO PERFECTION:
LE PIANE/CERRI BOCA LIBRARY RELEASE
Christoph Kunzli, a Swiss winemaker, was searching for the right property to begin a winery –his search ended at the historic ANTONIO CERRI estate in Boca, located in eastern Piedmont, with old vines of nebbiolo and vespolina, and a cellar full of  age-worthy Boca wines. Kunzli started his LE PIANE winery with the 1997 vintage.

The cellared CERRI BOCA DOC wines, a traditional blend of 85% Nebbiolo and 15% Vespolina aged in large barrels for 10+ years, have just arrived in Boston! VINTAGES previewed these wines months ago and made our selections of these exceptionally enjoyable, yet complex wines to offer to our customers. This is a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enjoy a selection of age-worthy Boca Nebbiolo wines, hand-selected and shipped directly from the cellar in Piedmont, Italy. Following are the selected CERRI BOCA DOC library wines:

1984 ANTONIO CERRI BOCA DOC $58
1985 ANTONIO CERRI BOCA DOC $58
1987 ANTONIO CERRI BOCA DOC $58
1989 ANTONIO CERRI BOCA DOC $58
1991 ANTONIO CERRI BOCA DOC $58

2004 LE PIANE BOCA DOC $58
 
LE PIANE/CERRI BOCA SIX-PACK includes one bottle of each:  Price $313 for six. 

From Adonna Imports. Very limited quantities: order now for arrival next week. 978-369-2545 or email info@vintagesonline.com

Join us for a tasting of CERRI & LE PIANE wines on THURS. DEC. 17 with Jeannie Rogers of Adonna Imports.

JOIN US for a tasting of BORDEAUX and BURGUNDY selected from VINTAGES’ stellar collection for holiday dining and gifts! 

FRI. DEC. 4: Belmont 4-7pm
SAT. DEC. 5: Concord 2-5pm

Featured wines include:

Bordeaux
2003 CHAT. d’ARMAILHAC Pauillac Grand Cru Classe $65 “The deep ruby/purple-hued 2003 d’Armailhac exhibits notes of Asian plum sauce interwoven with creme de cassis, licorice, and roasted herbs. With moderately high yet sweet tannin, an earthy character, and chewy, muscular, deep fruit as well as medium to full body, it should be drunk between 2008-2019. 90 pts.”-WA

2006 CHAT. CANTERMERLE Haut-Medoc $35
“Quality has improved dramatically at this estate, and the 2006 is a quintessentially elegant Bordeaux displaying a dark ruby/purple color, a lovely bouquet of forest floor, sweet cherries, cranberries, and black currants, medium body, a textured, sweet, tannic mouthfeel, and a long finish. Everything is beautifully pure as well as perfectly balanced in this outstanding effort. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2025. Excellent value. 90 pts.” -Parker, WA

2006 CHATEAU PIPEAU St. Emilion Grand Cru $35 “What can one say about this richly fruity, exuberant St.-Emilion that is designed to provide enormous pleasure? Although not as concentrated as the top vintages can be, the 2006 Pipeau exhibits sweet cassis and black cherry fruit intertwined with notions of earth, spice box, and fruitcake. Medium-bodied and round with plush tannin and a good finish, it can be enjoyed over the next 3-4 years. Good value.” -WA

2006 CHATEAU de BRONDEAU Bordeaux Superieur $15.99 Blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Pretty cherry fruit and soft tannins.

White Burgundy
2007 LOUIS CARILLON Puligny-Montrachet $60
“A highly aromatic nose of green fruit, acacia blossom and citrus leads to racy, pure and vibrant middle weight flavors that possess a discreet touch of minerality and excellent length for a villages level wine. This delivers first-rate quality for its level. Outstanding! 91 pts.” - Burghound

2006 CHANDON de BRIAILLES Pernand de Vergelesses “Ile de Vergelesses” $60  Long a VINTAGES favorite, Chandon de Briailles and winemaker Claude de Nicolay craft ultra-elegant burgundy from pristine, organic fruit. “Elegant and complex nose with more of a citrus component that merges into medium-bodied flavors that possess good underlying tension and excellent length on the linear, vibrant and lingering finish. 90 pts. Outstanding Top Value!“– Burghound

2007 CHAT. du CHATELARD Beaujolais Blanc $19.99

Owned by Sylvain & Isabelle Rosier, this estate was completely rebuilt in the 1700’s after the French Revolution. “My favorite of all the whites was a 2008 Beaujolais blanc from Château du Chatelard. This fresh, stony chardonnay was one I could drink for hours …”
–Eric Asimov, NY Times, Nov. 2009.