1.  Domaine de L’Aigle à Deux Têtes Côtes du Jura En Griffez Vieilles Vignes 2007, List Price $23.99, Sale $19.99 – Jura, France – 100% Chardonnay – 11.5% abv – Organic – A very firm white, with impressive structure to the lemon curd and green apple flavors that also feature intense notes of sea salt and hints of iodine. This is a powerful and distinctive style. Needs time in the cellar to fully develop. Best from 2013 through 2020. 75 cases imported. – Rated 91 points, Wine Spectator

2.  Weingut Buchegger Grüner Veltliner Pfarrweingarten 2007, List Price $29.99, Sale $24.99 – Kremstal, Austria – 100% Grüner Veltliner – 13.5% abv – Sustainable - Buttery and full of wild flowers and caramel-like notes–like a fruity hot toddy. The supple finish is ripe, with touches of cream.

3.  Château Mourgues du Grès Costières de Nîmes Rosé Fleur d’Eglantine 2009, List Price $11.99, Sale $9.99 – Costières de Nîmes, Rhône, France – 50% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah, 10% Carignan – 13.5% abv – Sustainable - Very pale pink. High-pitched aromas of red currant, blood orange and rhubarb, plus a strong kick of white pepper. Dry and nervy in the mouth, offering zesty red berry flavors and incisive acidity. An emphatically dry, slightly austere wine. – Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar

4.  Markowitsch Pinot Noir Qualitätswein Trocken Carnuntum 2006, List Price $25.99, Sale $19.99 – Carnuntum, Austria – 100% Pinot Noir – 13% abv – Sustainable - Light- to medium-bodied, with delicate cherry and Santa Rosa plum flavors and plenty of bright spicy notes. The finish is crisp and juicy. Drink now. 150 cases imported – Wine Spectator

5.  Domaine Gardies Côtes du Roussillon Mas Las Cabes 2008, List Price $16.99, Sale $13.99 – Roussillon, France – 60% Syrah, 30% Grenache, 10% Carignan – 13.5% abv – Organic - Red raspberry, cherry, mocha, vanilla, and toasted pecan rise from the glass of the 2008 Cotes du Roussillon Mas Las Cabes Rouge, a blend vinified in cement and older barriques. Marjoram and cedar as well as a subtle smokiness and a refreshing note of salinity join the red fruits on a rather firm palate which barely suggests the sweeter, nuttier notes in the nose. A bright, savory, red fruit- and herb-filled finish hints also at anchovy, calling forth the next sip and promising a versatile performance at table for at least the next couple of years.

6.  Simone Scaletta Barolo Chirlet 2004, List Price $58.99, Sale $49.99 - Piedmont, Italy – 100% Nebbiolo – 14% abv – Organic - Pretty. floral, elegant and quite complete. Well-balanced and fine. Ripe fruits with a dry finish. Drink from 2009. – Decanter

Please join us on Saturday, February 12th, from 12pm until 4pm to sample these tempting sparkling and sweet wines! The Lineup:

San Giovanni Prosecco Superiore Brut, List Price $18.99, Sale $15.99 – Veneto, Italy –100% Prosecco –11.5% abv –Sustainable –Sparklingly clean, pleasantly fruity fragrance of apple and slightly reminiscent of roses. Thanks to its soft and harmonious taste, it is suitable as an aperitif, with fish and cheese snacks, but fits perfectly with chocolate!

Domaine de La Chapelle Cremant de Bourgogne 2007, List Price $26.99, Sale $22.99 –Maconais, France –100% Chardonnay – 12.5% abv – Organic – A rich sparkling wine, with a creamy texture supporting baked apple, citrus and honey flavors. It all wraps up in a fresh, lingering finish.

Nathalie Falmet Brut Nature NV, List Price $45.99, Sale $38.99 – Rouvres-Les-Vignes, Champagne, France – 100% Pinot Noir – 12% abv – Sustainable – I really like the balance and zesty complexity of the Nathalie Falmet Brut Nature, which does not come off sharp or austere, but is perfectly poised and focused. The bouquet is a classy blend of apple, bread dough, an exotic touch of cinnamon, stony minerality and a bit of lemon peel in the upper register. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, complex and classy, with lovely focus, a good core, refined mousse and crisp acids perking up the low fat chassis on the very long and pure finish. This is a lovely bottle right out of the blocks, which should drink very well over the next decade and may gain in complexity with a bit of bottle age. 2010-2020. – Rated, 91+ points, View From the Cellar

Cascina Noto Moscato d’Asti, List Price $17.99, Sale $14.99 – Piedmont, Italy – 100% Moscato – 5.5% abv – Sustainable – Clean and crisp, with peachy character. Medium-bodied and lightly sweet, with a simple finish. There’s lots of pear, peach and lemon on the palate.

Weingut Georg Mosbacher Riesling Auslese Pfalz Forster Ungeheuer 2007, List Price $39.99, Sale $33.99 – Pfalz, Germany – 100% Riesling – 10% abv –  Organic – Very pure, exhibiting vivid passion fruit, ruby grapefruit and stone flavors. A lighter style of auslese that’s balanced and ideal for Asian dishes that have some heat. Drink now through 2030. 15 cases imported. – Rated 92 points, Wine Spectator

Domaine Remi Jobard Meursault “Les Chevalieres” 2007, List Price $64.99, Sale Price $43.99 – Rated 91 Points, Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar; 91 Points, The Wine Advocate; 90 Points, Wine Spectator; 90 Points, Burghound
Domaine Remi Jobard Meursault 1er Cru “Genevrieres” 2007, List Price $89.99, Sale Price $59.99 – Rated 93 Points, Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar;  92 Points, The Wine Advocate; 92 Points, Burghound; 90 Points, Wine Spectator
Domaine Remi Jobard Meursault “En Luraule” 2007, List Price $68.99, Sale Price $42.99 – Rated 90 Points, Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar; 90 Points, The Wine Advocate
Domaine Remi Jobard Meursault 1er Cru “Poruzot-Dessus” 2007, List Price $74.99, Sale Price $49.99 – Rated 91 Points, Wine Spectator; 91 Points, Burghound; 90 Points, Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar; 90 Points, The Wine Advocate
Domaine Remi Jobard Meursault “Sous La Velle” 2007, List Price $64.99, Sale Price $41.99

Maison Jobard-Chabloz Puligny-Montrachet “Les Nosroyes” 2007, List Price $54.99, Sale Price $38.99 – Rated 90 Points, The Wine Advocate
Maison Jobard-Chabloz Auxey-Duresses 2007, List Price $38.99, Sale Price $25.99 – Rated 87 Points, Wine Spectator; 87 Points, Burghound
Maison Jobard-Chabloz Meursault “Le Limozin” 2007, List Price $49.99, Sale Price $32.99 – Rated 91 Points, The Wine Advocate; 91 Points, Burghound; 90 Points, Wine Spectator
Maison Jobard-Chabloz Meursault “Clos du Cromin” 2007, List Price $46.99, Sale Price $29.99 – Rated 91 Points, Wine Spectator; Rated 90 Points, Burghound
Maison Jobard-Chabloz Meursault 1er Cru “Les Charmes” 2006, List Price $91.99, Sale Price $59.99 – Rated 89-92 points, Burghound
Maison Jobard-Chabloz Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru “Morgeot” 2007, List Price $69.99, Sale Price $46.99 – Rated 91 Points, Burghound
Maison Jobard-Chabloz Grand Cru Corton-Charlemagne 2007, List Price $129.99, Sale Price $79.99 – Rated 92 Points, The Wine Advocate; Rated 92 Points, Burghound

Tement Sauvignon Blanc Grassnitzberg 2007, List Price $39.99, Sale Price $25.99 – Rated 90 Points, Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar
Tement Sauvignon Blanc Zieregg 2005, List Price $49.99, Sale Price $32.99 – Rated 90 Points, Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar

Henri et Philippe Gallet Cote-Rotie 2006, List Price $59.99, Sale Price $39.99 – Rated 92 Points, Wine Spectator

Domaine Gauby Vieilles Vignes VdP des Cotes Catalanes Blanc 2005, List Price $44.99, Sale Price $29.99 – Rated 92 Points, The Wine Advocate

Domaine La Bastide Blanche Bandol Blanc 2007, List Price $26.99, Sale Price $16.99

Domaine Gardies La Torre Cotes du Roussillon Villages 2006, List Price $49.99, Sale Price $32.99 – Rated 93 Points, Wine Spectator; 90 Points, The Wine Advocate

Schiavenza Barolo Prapo 2001, List Price $54.99, Sale Price $37.99
Schiavenza Barolo Bricco Cerretta 2001, List Price $59.99, Sale Price $49.99
Schiavenza Barolo Riserva 1999, List Price $79.99, Sale Price $49.99 – Rated 92 Points, The Wine Advocate
Schiavenza Barolo Bricco Cerretta 2004, List Price $58.99, Sale Price $34.99 – Rated 92 Points, The Wine Advocate
Schiavenza Barolo DOC 2004, List Price $63.99, Sale Price $54.99
Schiavenza Barbera d’Alba 2004, List Price $24.99, Sale Price $15.99

In addition, we will pour a selection of wines that will be included in the Winter Clearance Sale. The Lineup:

Domaine du Vissoux Beaujolais Blanc Cepage Chardonnay, List Price $19.99, Sale Price $12.99 – Beaujolais, France – 100% Chardonnay – 12.5% abv – Organic - High-toned, ester-rich citrus and distilled pit fruit aromas; piquant nuttiness; and a soft, oily texture characterize Chermette’s 2008 Beaujolais Blanc. An overly lactic note jars with the juiciness of citrus in the finish, but there is a satisfying underlying chalkiness as well as excellent sheer length.

Clos de L’Origine Vin de Pays des Côtes Catalanes Les Quilles Libres Blanc 2007, List Price $23.99, Sale Price $15.99 – Roussillon, France – 80% Grenache Gris, 10% Grenache Blanc, 10% Macabeo – 13% abv – Organic - An overlay of barrel-engendered lanolin and coconut in the nose segues into toasted nuts and grain and musky, narcissus-like scents. Firm and refreshing on the palate, it displays toasted nut, coconut, lanolin, lemon zest and brine, finishing long on piquant nuttiness, and invigorating zest.

Domaine Gardies Cotes du Roussillon Les Glaciaires 2007, List Price $19.99, Sale Price $13.99 – Roussillon, France – 40% Grenache Blanc, 40% Roussanne, 20% Macabeo – 13.5% abv – Organic - This rich, exotic white shows ripe tropical fruit flavors of mango and pineapple, with notes of baked peach. The finish is spicy, with plenty of firm acidity and a juicy freshness. Roussanne, Grenache Blanc and Macabeo. Drink now through 2012. 50 cases imported.

Domaine Piron-Lameloise Chenas Quartz 2008, List Price $22.99, Sale Price $15.99 – Beaujolais, France – 100% Gamay – 12.5% abv – Sustainable - Based on a small parcel that the estate holds dear, hail reduced its crop to the point where no assembly will be needed – there is but one small tank (although a portion of its contents briefly sojourned in older barriques). Sour cherry; musky, pungent floral perfume; and salinity inform this bright, lithe wine, which should merit following from at least 4-5 years.

Domaine Piron-Lameloise Moulin A Vent Vieilles Vignes 2008, List Price $21.99, Sale Price $14.99 – Beaujolais, France – 100% Gamay – 12.5% abv – Sustainable - There’s a suppleness to this spiced red, mixing lightly chewy tannins and understated acidity with the dark blackberry, damson plum, dried cranberry, sandalwood and cedar notes. Drink now through 2012. 50 cases imported.

Clos de L’Origine Cotes du Roussillon Villages Latour de France Les Quilles Libres Rouge 2007, List Price $28.99, Sale Price $19.99 – Roussillon, France – 80% Grenache Noir, 10% Syrah, 10% Carignan – 14.5% abv – Organic - Barriot’s 2007 Cotes du Roussillon Villages Latour de France Les Quilles Libres is according to his own account overwhelmingly Grenache (including some white grapes), so how it qualified for its appellation is a mystery to me. Wood smoke, tobacco, brown spices, soy, peanuts, and ripe red fruits mingle in the nose. On a sappy, palpably extract-rich palate, lightly cooked red raspberry and strawberry are dusted with cardamom, cinnamon, and white pepper, and underlain with toasted praline and peanuts, and there is no hint of finishing heat or roughness from the wine’s nearly 15% alcohol, but rather a sense of exuberant brightness that brings you back for the next sip. I can imagine this evolving fascinatingly for at least 3-5 years, but only in a proper cellar. – Rated 91 points, The Wine Advocate

“The youthful Simone Scaletta is making his first marks in the wine world with some admirably distinctive offerings.” – Gambero Rosso

Located in the lower section of Monforte, which has beautiful views, the vines are young and he does all the work in the vineyard and cellar himself. He uses only 600 litre and older barrique for aging and no filtering.

The beauty of the hills of Monforte, his passion for wine, the warmth of the Langhe region and the feeling that he could live in harmony with the rhythm of winemaking contributed to Simon Scaletta’s decision to restore an abandoned vineyard where it had already existed, respecting the surrounding woods and the balance of nature.

Research, respect and acceptance of the values of a territory which is strongly connected to the delicate rhythms of both nature and people not only were the leading principles of his personal choice, but also define the style of Simone Scaletta’s wines. The position of the land, the climate and hard work give each single wine its unique character. There are five hectares in total. This small dimension gives Scaletta the opportunity to dedicate great attention and care to each stage of the vine’s life. Pruning, staking and wiring, the process of thinning, the special selection of grapes are all done in total respect of natural cycles and are based on a technical knowledge aimed at the production of the highest quality wines.

Join us on Saturday, September 11th from 12PM – 4PMfor what promises to be an excellent tasting. Like all of our Saturday, In-Store Tastings, this event is free and all are welcome (must be 21 years of age to sample wines). The Lineup:

Simone Scaletta Dolcetto d’Alba Viglione 2007, Sale Price $15.99, (list price $18.99) Crisp, refreshing and delicious . . . Gambero Rosso. Pure Dolcetto from Monforte d’Alba with an intense ruby violet color. Vinuous aromas combine with fresh violets and blueberries, with a note of almond in the finish. Medium-bodied and easy-drinking to be appreciated in the warmer months. An excellent, everyday wine which will cellar for several years.

Simone Scaletta Barbera d’Alba Sarsera 2007, Sale Price $21.99, (list price $26.99) Appealingly fruity . . . Gambero Rosso. Vibrant, deep red color, open nose with fresh aromas of ripe plum and spices. Full-bodied, with a generous high acidity balanced by the complexity typical of Barbera with a lovely freshness and good persistence. Will gain complexity with cellaring.

Simone Scaletta Langhe Nebbiolo Autin ‘d Madama 2006, Sale Price $22.99, (list price $27.99) Made from young vines from appellation Barolo. A pure Nebbiolo from Monforte d’Alba with an intense ruby color with garnet reflections, and fresh aromas of roses and red fruits; medium-bodied. Round, delicate and balanced, with the typical complexity of Nebbiolo and a pleasant freshness as a result of aging in wood. Can cellar for up to a decade.

Simone Scaletta Barolo Chirlet 2005, Sale Price $49.99, (list price $59.99); and Simone Scaletta Barolo Chirlet 2004, Sale Price $48.99, (list price $58.99) First rate, expansive, elegant. . . . Gambero Rosso. A pure Nebbiolo of intense red color with garnet tints. Its smell is of woodland fruits and roses with a hint of balsamic sweetness and spices. Full and complex, the Barolo Chirlet mirrors the characteristics of Monforte.

Sale prices last through Labor Day, September 11, 2010.

Please join us on Saturday, July 24, from 1-4pm for an in-store tasting and sale on 6 terrific wines at equally outstanding prices. The Lineup:

Verace Pinot Grigio 2009,  Regular Price $11.99, Sale Price $9.99 – Veneto, Italy – 100% Pinot Grigio – 12.5% abv – Sustainable - Crisp green apple is at the core of this delicious, refreshing white with good definition, focus and clarity. This tasty Pinot Grigio offers good length and balance.

Strele Soave 2007, Regular Price $19.99, Sale Price $15.99 – Veneto, Italy – 100% Garganega – 12.5% abv – Sustainable - There’s a touch of gold in the color, with ripe, citrus and honey notes. Medium-bodied, with good clean fruit, turning to fresh lemon and almond on the finish.

Chateau Mourgues du Gres Les Galets Roses 2009, Regular Price $15.99, Sale Price $12.99 – Rhone, France – 50% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre, 10% Carignan, 10% Syrah – 13.5% abv – Sustainable - Silver-pink. More floral than the Rose Fleur, displaying scents of yellow rose, Lily of the Valley and raspberry, with building spiciness. Despite its punchy depth of red fruit flavor, this comes off almost weightless. The spiciness carries assertively through the long, focused finish. – Rated 90 points, International Wine Cellar

Domaine du Vissoux Beaujolais Pierre Chermette, Regular Price $16.99, Sale Price $13.59 – Beaujolais, France – 100% Gamay – 12% abv – Sustainable - The basic bottling (incorporating purchased fruit), 2008 Beaujolais Pierre Chermette could be mistaken for a Pinot Noir given its bright cherry fruit and almond extract high tones; chalky, salty, smoky mineral inflections; and a subtly silken texture that beautifully complements the fresh, slightly piquant edge to its fruit. It is an exuberant wine to drink within a year or two – as always – but one that will change the opinions of Beaujolais among those who taste it for the first time. – David Schildknecht, The Wine Advocate

Monte La Sarda Garnacha Viñas Viejos, Regular Price $10.99, Sale price $9.99 – Bajo Aragon, Spain – 100% Grenache – 14.5% abv – Sustainable - This supple, medium-bodied red offers sweet blackberry and dark chocolate flavors, with modest tannins and lively acidity.

Simone Scaletta Barbera d’Alba Sarsera DOC, Regular Price $26.99, Sale price $19.99 – Piedmont, Italy – 100% Nebbiolo – 14% abv – Organic -A rather intense nose which is flowery and fruity at the same time, with nice light overtones of spices and vanilla and a certain freshness. Round and delicate, it gives harmony to the typical complexity of Barbera. The flavour is full, persistent, nicely dry and velvety as well as strong bodied. Further time in bottle will define its peculiar taste and complexity for approx. 10 years. Simone Scaletta’s vines are all situated in Monforte d’Alba, home of some the greatest domaine names in Barolo. He tends all of his vines himself–he only has 4 hectares total, including 1 hectare of Barbera, single vineyard Sarsera. Aging of this Barbera was all done in older foudres and barriques. A full, complex Barbera, well worth its regular price. Decanting recommended.

Sale prices last through July 24th. No other offers may be applied.

Both Dolcetto and Barbera originate in Italy’s Piedmont region. And while sometimes overshadowed by its powerful Nebbiolo-based wines (Barolo and Barbaresco) Dolcetto and Barbera nevertheless produce distinctive and incredibly versatile wines in their own right.

Dolcetto produces ruby-purple colored wines with rich cherry and bitter-cherry fruit character, firm acidity, and soft tannins. Barbera produces wines of ripe plum and cherry fruit character with spice notes, and fine natural acidity. The Lineup:

Schiavenza Dolcetto d’Alba “Vughera” 2005, Regular Price $21.99, Sale price $16.49 – Piedmont, Italy – 100% Dolcetto – 14% abv – Organic

Schiavenza Dolcetto d’Alba “Vughera” 2006, Regular Price $21.99, Sale price $16.49 – Piedmont, Italy – 100% Dolcetto – 14.5% abv – Organic

Schiavenza Barbera d’Alba 2004, Regular Price $24.99, Sale price $18.69 – Piedmont, Italy – 100% Barbera – 14% abv – Organic

Simone Scaletta Barbera d’Alba “Sarsera” 2007, Regular Price $26.99, Sale price $19.99 – Piedmont, Italy – 100% Barbera – 14% abv – Organic

Simone Scaletta Dolcetto d’Alba “Viglioni” 2007, Regular Price $18.99, Sale price $13.99 – Piedmont, Italy – 100% Dolcetto – 13.5% abv – Organic

Boeri Barbera d’Asti Martinette 2005, Regular Price $18.99, Sale price $13.99 – Piedmont, Italy – 100% Barbera – 14% abv – Sustainable

On Saturday, February 13, between noon and 5 pm, Bailey Kasten from Double Premium Confections will be in the shop to offer tastes of her exquisite chocolates. And to make your Valentine’s Day that much more special, we’ll be offering tastes of six of our fabulous sparkling wines from France and Italy, along with a special surprise that will be unveiled at the event.

We’re not going to sit back and try to tell you what the perfect gift is for Valentine’s Day. To the contrary, if you need advice from us, you’re probably in pretty bad shape to begin with. However, we will tell you that be it Valentine’s Day or Arbor Day or Groundhog Day, sumptuous sparkling wines and captivating chocolates are a match made in gastronomic heaven. And they make a pretty good Valentine’s Day gift…The Lineup:

Boeri Moscato d’Asti Ribota 2008, $17.99/btl – Piedmont, Italy – 100% Moscato – 5.5% abv – Clean and crisp, with lemony character. Medium-bodied and lightly sweet, with a simple finish. There’s lots of melon and lemon on the palate. Drink now. 250 cases imported.

San Giovanni Prosecco Brut, $18.99/btl – Veneto, Italy – 90% Prosecco, 10% Chardonnay – 11.5% abv – Sparklingly clean, pleasantly fruity fragrance of apple and slightly reminiscent of roses. Thanks to its soft and harmonious taste, it is suitable as an aperitif, with fish and cheese snacks, but fits perfectly with chocolate!

Hubert Clavelin et Fils Cremant du Jura Brut Comte Chardonnay Tete de Cuvee NV, $20.99/btl – Jura, France – 100% Chardonnay – 12% abv – For over two decades, Hubert Clavelin and his importer have been promoting non-vintage Cremant du Jura Brut-Comte Chardonnay Tete de Cuvee, and this latest batch (lot number LBRC05, in tiny print on the back label) – based on the 2005 vintage, and having spent 36 months sur lattes – is as fine as any I can recall, and a wine that deserves to be taken seriously at the dinner table. A hint of Jura-typical pungency figures amid aromas of buckwheat, lime zest, and apple cider. With fine mousse and impressive vinosity, this coats the palate with zesty piquancy and saline, mineral-meaty savor of scallops and bacon. Both fascination and versatility are guaranteed for the coming year. – WA 90 points

Domaine des Aubuisieres Vouvray Brut Methode Traditionnelle NV, $20.99/btl - Loire, France – 100% Chenin Blanc – 13% abv – The latest rendition of Aubuisieres Non-Vintage Vouvray Brut Methode Traditionelle smells of ripe melons and narcissus, with a whiff of snuffed candle wick. Pineapple and lime join the melons on a juicy, delicate palate, with hints of salt as well as pungent citrus zest and smoke adding to the invigoration conveyed by a fine stream of bubbles. I was surprised to find the finish entirely satisfying and fruit-filled despite there being a mere 2 grams of residual sugar. The latest installment of what is surely the consistently best value in its appellation. – WA 89 points

Domaine Albert Mann Cremant d’Alsace NV, $23.99/btl – Alsace, France – 60% Pinot Blanc, 40% Auxerrois – 12.5% – Based on the same varietal blend as their Pinot Blanc, the Barthelme’s non-vintage Cremant d’Alsace (the lot under review is L34) offers citrus zest and floral aromas, delicate mousse, and a salty, chalky, wet stone-inflected and subtly bitter finish. Enjoy this admirably clear, pure traditional sparkling wine over the next 6-9 months. Compared with it, most Alsace Cremant is sadly lacking in concentration or personality. – WA 88 points

Domaine de La Chapelle Cremant de Bourgogne 2007, $26.99/btl – Burgundy, France – 100% Chardonnay – 12.5% abv – New to the shop, a deliciously fruit forward sparkler!

1. Wear a coat.

2. Don’t go outside.

3. While not outside, eat hearty stews and drink Barolo.

While #’s 1 and 2 might fall into the categories of either obvious or not possible, #3 is what we would like to highlight. And with that in mind, we present to you the wines of Luciano Pira:

One doesn’t go into a renowned area like Barolo to find something ordinary for one’s clients. We had the good fortune to find not only a top quality producer, but a like-minded one, as well, in Luciano Pira. There are no barriques in Luciano’s cellar for Barolo. He has only 8 hectares total of Dolcetto, Barbera, Barolo. He works the vine himself and has a high proportion of old vines near Serralunga and crafts traditional Barolo, with great depth and balance. Moreover, Luciano has parcels in Il Prapo and Terruzza, two of the top single vineyards around Serralunga. I personally love great Barolo and so it was easy to love Luciano Pira’s wines. – Peter Weygandt

On Saturday, January 9, between noon and 4 pm, we’ll open 5 of our flagship Piedmontese wines. In addition, all of these wines will be on sale for 25% off! For one day only, come in, taste and go home with some truly special wines at a terrific price. Just make sure you start the stew before you come into the store. The lineup:

Schiavenza Barolo 2004, Sale Price $44.99 (Regularly $58.99) – Piedmont, Italy – 100% Nebbiolo – 14.5% abv – The 2004 Barolo is a floral mid-weight Barolo with terrific delineation and clarity in its dark fruit, menthol and spices. The tannins remain a touch firm, but the wine’s balance is impeccable, particularly at this level. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2020. Proprietor Luciano Pira is typically among the last producers to bottle his Barolos, so these 2004s are the current releases. Incidentally, the Schiavenza family also runs an informal trattoria in the center of town that features authentic regional cooking at very fair prices. – WA 89+ points

Schiavenza Barolo Bricco Cerretta 2004, Sale Price $49.99 (Regularly $67.99) – Piedmont, Italy – 100% Nebbiolo – 14.5% abv – The 2004 Barolo Bricco Cerretta is a gorgeous wine redolent of cherries, plums, spices and minerals in a layered, delicate expression of Serralunga Nebbiolo. Sweet scents of tar, smoke and leather make an appearance on the vibrant, pure finish. This gorgeous wine from Schiavenza is more approachable today than the imposing Prapo. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2022. Proprietor Luciano Pira is typically among the last producers to bottle his Barolos, so these 2004s are the current releases. Incidentally, the Schiavenza family also runs an informal trattoria in the center of town that features authentic regional cooking at very fair prices. – WA 92 points

Schiavenza Barolo Vigneto Bricco Cerretta 2001, Sale Price $44.99 (Regularly $59.99) – Piedmont, Italy – 100% Nebbiolo – 14% abv – Complex, intense ruby red with garnet reflections fruity, fine, ample and ripe red fruits, note of liquorice and spice. Full-bodied, fresh, lusty tannins, balanced, very long persistence. Fermented and macerated in cement for 15-20 days and aged in Slovenian barrels from 30 to 40 hectoliters for three years. Great with grilled and braised red meat as well as aged cheeses, A big wine with great aging potential.

Schiavenza Barolo Vigneto Prapo 2001, Sale Price $41.99 (Regularly $54.99) – Piedmont, Italy – 100% Nebbiolo – 14% abv – Complex, intense ruby red with garnet reflections, this Barolo has ripe fruit with hints of rose and violas. Very intense and typical for this cru. Good structure, well defined with big tannins, excellent acidity and long after taste. This is a wine with character and personality. Fermentated and macerated in cement for 15-20 days (25-30 degrees) and aged in Slovenian barrels from 20 to 40 hectoliters for three years. Perfectly suitable with red meat, game and seasoned cheese – recommended with typical Piemonte dishes.

Schiavenza Barolo Riserva 1999, Sale Price $59.99 (Regularly $79.99) – Piedmont, Italy – 100% Nebbiolo – 14% abv – Medium ruby. This Riserva is the finest wine I have tasted from this estate. It displays a fresh, floral nose that opens onto the palate, revealing highly attractive layers of sweet red fruit and toasted oak nuances with exceptional length and fine tannins. It is surprisingly medium-bodied for a wine from Serralunga in this vintage; in fact its flavors are much more typical of a Barolo from La Morra. It should drink well to age 15. Drink after 2007. – WA 92 points

Domaine Alary La Grange Daniel Blanc 2008, $14.99/bottle – The 2008 La Grange Daniel blanc (100% Roussanne) could easily be compared to a top vintage of Beaucastel’s renowned white Chateauneuf du Pape (which is dominated by Roussanne). Honeysuckle, rose petal, and apricot notes emerge from this tank-fermented and aged white. It exhibits surprising body and flavor intensity along with beautiful richness and length. I wouldn’t age it beyond a year, but it is ideal for current drinking with intensely flavored shellfish and poultry dishes. – WA 90 points

Soellner Grüner Veltliner Hengstberg 2007, $21.99/bottle – Ripe peach flavors dominate this medium-bodied white, which features some almond notes and a smoky finish. Drink Now. 500 cases made. – WS 85 points

Schiavenza Dolcetto d’Alba Vughera 2005, $21.99/bottle – Medium bodied with dark plums and cherries, good with pasta and pizza. Drink young. A classic Dolcetto d’Alba.

Domaine Charvin Vin de Pays à Côté 2007, $14.99/bottle – I don’t know why Laurent Charvin never shows me this wine when I taste with him as the 2007 is a brilliant effort. A blend of 42% Grenache, from 60-year-old and 45-year-old parcels, and 58% Merlot from much younger vines, aged for 18 months in concrete tanks, and bottled without filtration, it represents a gorgeous bargain. A deep ruby/purple-tinged color is followed by sweet black cherry, spice box, pepper, and unsmoked cigar tobacco notes. The wine possesses a ripe, round texture, and a long, lusty finish. This is pure hedonism at its best combined with the unmistakable character of Provence. Drink it over the next 1-2 years. – WA 90 points

Domaine les Aphillanthes Vin de Pays 2007, $13.99/bottle – A blend of Syrah, Merlot, and Grenache, the 2007 Vin de Pays possesses straightforward, crunchy, chunky, juicy notes of kirsch, black currants, licorice, and loamy soil undertones. This fresh, lively, bistro-styled red sells for a song. Consume it over the next year. – WA 87 points

Domaine Font-Mars Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, $7.99/bottle – Firm, with plum and berry flavors, and some herbal notes on the finish. Drink now. 1,250 cases imported. – WS 83 points