May 29 2010
Gianluca Grasso
“I was deeply impressed with the Barolos I tasted this year from Elio and Gianluca Grasso. This is an important vintage for the
Grasso family, and readers will want to get their hands on these exceptionally pure, beautiful wines before they disappear.” – Antonio Galloni, WA Continue Reading »
May 27 2010
| May |
| 28 |
| 4:30 pm |
Claude de Nicolay
CHANDON de BRIAILLES, Cotes des Beaune
Four km from Beaune, in the heart of the Cote de Beaune, DOM. CHANDON de BRIAILLES is a 13-ha estate situated in three villages: Savigny les Beaunes, Pernand-
Vergelesses, and Aloxe- Corton. Run by brother and sister Francois and Claude de Nicolay, the estate has been in their family since 1834. Designed to age, these wines made in the purest Burgundian tradition expressing completely the soil and terroir of their origins. To achieve perfect equilibrium of the grapes, Chandon de Briailles maintains the equilibrium of the soil by using only biodynamic farming methods. Claude says: “For me, 2006 is a classic vintage that should offer much to like in the years to come as it’s balanced and thus the wines should age gracefully.” 2007 & 2008 were challenging vintages, but through their vigilance in the vineyards and rigorous sorting down to the berry during harvest, the de Nicolays were very happy with the resulting ripeness and quality of the grapes. Wines are barrel-aged in the 13th c. cellars below the winery for 18-24 mos. Wines are racked twice and bottled by gravity, unfiltered.
white
2007 CHANDON de BRIAILLES “Ile des Vergelesses” Blanc 1er cru $50
Oldest vines in this blend date from 1938. “Here the nose is more elegant with more of a citrus component to the otherwise similar nose that merges into tight medium-bodied flavors that possess good underlying tension and excellent length on the linear, vibrant and lingering finish. Like the Vergelesses, this is quite dry but not aggressively so. 90 pts. “Outstanding Top value”– Burghound
May 27 2010
2009 LA TOSA “Valnure” Frizzante $14.99 is back!!!
Finally it’s here — and just in time for the long weekend. Party-starter in a bottle, LA TOSA is a summer time essential. What is it? A blend of malvasia, ortrugo & magic.
2008 LA TOSA “Riodeltordo” $14.99 EXCLUSIVE
A “still” version of La Tosa’s famous “Valnure” — same blend of grapes, but vinified tranquilo. Equally delicious, with more flexibility at the table.
2008 LA TOSA “Sorriso di Cielo” Malvasia $25 EXCLUSIVE
Yet another irresistible white from LA TOSA. Fully fruited mango, quince, papaya – a succulent, lush expression of malvasia. A nice afternoon sipper. Great with a cheese course or to finish a meal. Once you taste it, you’ll find more reasons to open it.
May 27 2010
Reviving the varietal heritage of this region
We call them the “Burgundy of Minervois” to characterize the elegant, smooth and perfumed nature of their wines. Yet age-worthy elegance for a bargain price is just not enough for Patricia Boyer-Domergue. With 13 ha and 15 grape varieties, the Boyer-Domergues at CLOS CENTEILLES tirelessly forge ahead with their mission of reviving lost local grapes and wines to the Minervois. This year, a project begun in 1986 has yielded its first wine — the debut of the Clos Centeilles “C” Blanc. All three wines are VINTAGES EXCLUSIVES!
2009 “C” de CENTEILLES Cotes du Brian blanc $19.99 Debut release of this white wine from a new planting of old local grape varieties carefully selected to thrive in this terroir and combine for a harmonious wine! A blend of 25% Araignan Blanc, 30% Riveirenc Gris, 30% Riveirenc Blanc and 15% Grenache Gris. Orchard fruit flavors, rich and ripe, with an intriguing green almond skin finish. Calls to mind a cross between Manzanilla sherry and Arneis. Total production 300 cases.
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2006 CLOS CENTEILLES Campagne de Centeilles $13.99 The classic Cinsault rouge that begins its bottled life as a lithe and lively red, and fleshes out over time. Clos Centeilles was the first estate dedicated to making an age-worthy wine from Cinsault, a notoriously difficult grape to cultivate, requiring a very specific set of conditions and constant vigilance. A delicious, fascination wine at an unbeatable price!
1991 CLOS CENTEILLES “Clos Centeilles” $40 / $80 1.5L Special “Library Release” shipped directly from the cellar to VINTAGES. The estate’s top wine is a traditional blend of Mourvedre, Grenache noir, and Syrah planted in limestone. This wine is designed to mature gradually, evolving in compelling complexity over time. Drinks like an old Barolo, beautiful, elegant and lilting, yet firm and austere in structure with notes of mint, cured meat, soy and mushrooms. Vividly demonstrates the quality and aging potential of Minervois.
May 27 2010
2007 DOM. de FONTSAINTE Corbieres “Reserve la Demoiselle” Reg. $18; Now $14.99! For fans of the “regular” Fontsainte Corbiere, try this amped up model from Bruno Laboucarie. A ripe blend of 60% Carignan (100 yrs old); 30% Grenache Noir & 10% Mourvèdre. Undergoes long maceration and fermentation in vat before aging 12 mos. in French oak barrel. Aromas of red fruit, pepper and nutmeg, along with an undercurrent of garrigue herbs. Elegant and ripe berries in the mouth, with savory tannins and crushed almonds on the finish. Great with charcuterie, grilled skewers and meats.
May 14 2010
2006 PAOLO BEA “San Valentino” Umbria Rosso $30!
Tremendous wine — incredible price.
If you are FAMILIAR with the legendary Montefalco wines of PAOLO BEA and you just received this on your smart phone, then you’re already on your way over to load up! If 
you have even a tiny bit of curiosity about Montefalco or Paolo Bea wines, don’t wait too long. The 2006 Paolo Bea “San Valentino” Umbria Rosso at $30 is a great value — the Bea’s line-up generally starts at $50 for the white and goes up from there.
Giampiero Bea, son of Paolo, pursues a natural, non-interventionalist approach to winemaking – a risky venture that yields tremendous rewards when nature is generous. The San Valentino Rosso is Sangiovese and Montepulciano from a 50+-year-old vineyard in which all the grape varieties are planted together. Aromas of cherries, herbal scrub, tobacco and spice jump
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from the glass; concentrated dark fruits and very elegant tannins offer great appeal. Continue Reading »
May 14 2010
| May |
| 15 |
| 2:00 pm |
Wine Tasting Sat. May 15, 2-5pm, Concord
NEW & EXCLUSIVE FROM ITALY
2008 MASARI Agnobianco $19.99 EXCLUSIVE (special 20% off case!) Elegant blend of Garganega and Durella from the Soave area of the Veneto. Intriguing tangerine rind, papaya and bitter almond notes in a silky delivery system with driving minerality.
2009 LE FRAGHE Bardolino Chiaretto Rose “Rodon” $14.99 From Matilde Poggi at Le Fraghe, this Chiaretto (or rose) is a blend of Corvina and Rondinella. Cherry red with purple highlights, Rodòn offers delicate notes of wild rose followed by wild strawberry and redcurrant. Crisply refreshing with a persistent finish, “Rodon” is a perfect balance of delicate flavors and inviting minerality.
2008 Fra. ALESSANDRIA Verduno Pelaverga $19.99 EXCLUSIVE
Hands down, the most intriguing “summer red” we’ve tasted! But don’t be deceived by the light color of this wine from the Pelaverga grape grown only in the town of Verduno in nort
hern Barolo. This aromatic red develops in the glass showing beautiful plum and currant flavors, with a hint of white pepper on the long finish! molto buono!
2008 LUCIANO SANDRONE Dolcetto d’Alba $22
From one of the modern masters of Barolo, the 2008 Dolcetto d’Alba is a pretty, medium-bodied red with appealing dark fruit, licorice, spices and a characteristic pleasantly bitter note on the finish.
2005 SAN FEREOLO Langhe Nebbiolo “Provinciale” $28 EXCLUSIVE It’s not surprisingthat this debut bottling from Nicoletta Boca at San Fereolo with a little help from her friend Giuseppe Rinaldi, has yielded an amazingly delicious nebbiolo that approaches the depth and complexity of a young Barolo! Dark brick, opaque color, earthy elegance, rich aromas, hint of licorice and blueberry, nice tannins on finish. Let it evolve in your glass, decant, or revisit the next day or three for best results. A drinker & a keeper!
May 14 2010
| May |
| 14 |
| 4:00 pm |
| May |
| 15 |
| 2:00 pm |
Wine Tasting Fri. May 14 4-7pm & Sat. May 15 4-6:30pm, Belmont
New Values from Spain!
Including WINE DOG DEALS for May (20% off case purchase):
2009 GARCIAREVALO Casamaro Blanco $10.99 (Rueda) “Garciarevalo’s 2009 Casamaro Blanco is 90% Verdejo and 10% Viura fermented in tank. Medium straw-colored, it displays a nose of baking spices, mineral, citrus, and pit fruits. Crisp, balanced, and intense in the mouth, this spicy offering will provide pleasure over the next 18 mos. It is an excellent value.” -WA
2009 CAPCANES Mas Donis Rosado $10.99 (Montsant)
“The 2009 Mas Donis Rosado is a blend of 80% Garnacha with the balance 10% Syrah and Merlot. Deep pink, it offers up an intense cherry and peach bouquet. On the palate it has excellent volume and a long, fruit-filled finish. Drink it over the next 18 months.”-WA
2007 ERCAVIO Roble Tempranillo $11.99 (La Mancha)
“Mas Que Vinos’ 2007 Ercavio Roble, made up of 100% Tempranillo and aged for five mos. in French and American oak. Opaque purple in color, it delivers an expressive nose of cedar, earth notes, black cherry, and blackberry liqueur. Thick, dense, and opulent on the palate, it has gobs of savory black fruit, licorice and spice notes, enough structure to evolve for 1-2 years, and a lengthy finish. It totally over-delivers for its humble price. This is one to buy by the case. 90+ pts.”-WA
PLUS MORE!
2008 ARBANTA Rioja $14.99 (Rioja Baja)
Organically farmed, 100% Tempranillo from 20-year old vines planted at the foot of the Sierra Cantabria mountains. Spicy floral aromas with striking mineral notes. Delivers excellent structure along with a solid core of fruit.
2008 BURGANS Albarino $11.99 (Galicia)
Burgans Albarino is made at the famous Bodega Martin Codax winery in Rias Baixas. White flower aromas and juicy pit fruit deliver an appealing mouthful followed by a refreshing citrus finish.
May 11 2010
2009 COTEAUX du VENDOMOIS Lieu-dit Cocagne Rose $9.99 100% Pineau d’Aunis– last year’s fan favorite!
2009 PETIT BOURGEOIS Rose de Pinot Noir $14.99
100% Pinot Noir from Loire Valley; dry, crisp and elegant!
2009 Chat. de LASCAUX Rose $15.99
Blend of Syrah, Grenache from the Languedoc – Refreshing berry fruit!
2009 MAS DONIS Capcanes Rose $10.99
Blend of 80% Garnacha with 10% each Syrah and Merlot. Beautiful intense fruit with a long finish from sunny Spain!
May 05 2010
2007 ERCAVIO Roble Tempranillo $11.99 (La Mancha)
“Mas Que Vinos’ 2007 Ercavio Roble, made up of 100% Tempranillo and aged for five mos. in French and American oak. Opaque purple in color, it delivers an 
expressive nose of cedar, earth notes, black cherry, and blackberry liqueur. Thick, dense, and opulent on the palate, it has gobs of savory black fruit, licorice and spice notes, enough structure to evolve for 1-2 years, and a lengthy finish. It totally over-delivers for its humble price. This is one to buy by the case. 90+ pts.”-WA
2009 GARCIAREVALO Casamaro Blanco $10.99 (Rueda) “Garciarevalo’s 2009 Casamaro Blanco is 90% Verdejo and 10% Viura fermented in tank. Medium 
straw-colored, it displays a nose of baking spices, mineral, citrus, and pit fruits. Crisp, balanced, and intense in the mouth, this spicy offering will provide pleasure over the next 18 mos. It is an excellent value.” -WA
2009 CAPCANES Mas Donis Rosado $10.99 (Montsant)
“The 2009 Mas Donis Rosado is a blend of 80% Garnacha with the balance 10% Syrah and Merlot. Deep pink, it offers up an intense cherry and peach bouquet. On the palate it has excellent volume and a long, fruit-filled finish. Drink it over the next 18 months.”-WA
| 2008 FIORINI Bianchello "Sant Ilario" $12.99 Beautiful pear fruit and refreshing minerality. Special: 20% off 12 btls. | |
| 2008 FIORINI Sangiovese "Sirio" $12.99 Juicy, cherry & berry fruit, soft tannins. Special 20% off 12 btls. |
