Organic » Weygandt Wines

Please join us on Saturday, March 5th, from 12pm until 4pm to sample offerings from the 2008 southern Rhone valley, including wines from Costieres de Nimes, Vinsobres, appellation Cotes du Rhone and Cotes du Rhone Villages, Rasteau and Gigondas. Sandwiched between the highly touted 2007 and 2009 vintages, these wines are nonetheless delicious and complete, and are relative bargains. The Lineup:

Domaine Charvin Côtes du Rhône Le Poutet 2008, List Price $~~19.99~~, Sale $16.99 – Orange, Rhône, France – 85% Greanche, 10% Syrah, 5% Carignan – 14% abv – Sustainable - A blend from 40-year-old vines, the 2008 Le Poutet is aged in concrete tanks and bottled unfiltered. It possesses elegant black cherry and strawberry fruit intermixed with notes of garrigue, new saddle leather, and pepper. Drink this elegant, well-balanced, delicious 2008 over the next year. – The Wine Advocate

Domaine Constant-Duquesnoy Vinsobres 2008, List Price $~~23.99~~, Sale $19.99 – Vinsobres, Rhône, France – 75% Grenache, 25% Syrah – 15% abv – Organic - Dark and rich, with ample flesh, particularly for the vintage, as mulled currant, fig paste and blackberry fruit courses along black tea, graphite and bittersweet ganache notes. Delivers nice integrated grip on the applewood-tinged finish. Drink now through 2012. 100 cases imported. – Rated 90 points, Wine Spectator

Domaine Grand Nicolet Côtes du Rhône-Villages Rasteau Vieilles Vignes 2008, List Price $~~19.99~~, Sale $16.99 – Rasteau, Rhône, France – 95% Grenache (70 year old vines), 5% Syrah (50 year old vines) – 15% abv – Sustainable - The 2008 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Rasteau Vieilles Vignes may compete with its brilliant 2007 counterpart. Its dense inky/purple color is followed by a big, rich nose of chocolate, graphite, black currants, spring flowers, and scorched earth. With full body, sweet tannins, and stunning concentration for a 2008, it should drink well for up to a decade. Another superb estate in the Cotes du Rhone village of Rasteau, Domaine Grand Nicolet has the seemingly -can’t miss making great wines- Philippe Cambie as its consultant. Shrewd consumers seeking super high quality at fair prices should check out these offerings. Previously recommended in issue 181: 2007 Cotes du Rhone (90-92), 2007 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Rasteau Les Esqueyrons (92-94), 2007 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Vieilles Vignes (91-93) – Rated 90-92 points, The Wine Advocate

Domaine Les Grands Bois Côtes du Rhône-Villages Rasteau Cuvée Marc 2008, List Price $~~22.99~~, Sale $18.99 – Rasteau, Rhône, France – 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 10% Carignan – 14.5% abv – Sustainable - Ripe and fleshy, with a mix of damson plum, blueberry and red cherry fruit laced with lightly firm tannins and a lingering, violet- and pastis-tinged finish. Drink now through 2011. 50 cases imported. – Wine Spectator

Château Mourgues du Grès Costières de Nîmes Les Capitelles 2008, List Price $~~22.99~~, Sale $18.99 (plus an additional 10% off a solid case of 12 btls) – Costières de Nîmes, Rhône, France – 83% Syrah, 15% Carignan, 2% Grenache – 14.5% abv – Sustainable - The outstanding, dark ruby/purple-tinged 2008 Capitelles du Mourgues offers up abundant aromas of blackberries, licorice, camphor, and forest floor as well as a lush, dense, chewy style. The richest of these reds, it is capable of lasting for 3-4 years. Costieres de Nimes, an appellation centered around the ancient Roman settlement of Nimes, just south of Chateauneuf du Pape, remains one of France’s top sources for value wines. Chateau Mourgues du Gres has been producing successful wines for as long as I’ve been tasting in this region, and their current portfolio includes two strong whites, two strong roses, and a bevy of delicious reds. – Rated 90 points, The Wine Advocate

Domaine Saint-Damien Gigondas Vieilles Vignes 2008, List Price $~~25.99~~, Sale $21.99 – Gigondas, Rhône, France – 80% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre – 15% abv – Sustainable - Dark ruby. Deeply pitched dark berries and dried flowers on the nose, with a brighter red fruit quality emerging with air. Spicy raspberry and blackberry flavors coat the palate, with zesty acidity providing lift. This shows good heft for an ’08. Offers expansive, alluringly sweet dark fruit and floral notes on the finish, leaving a gentle spicy note behind. – Rated 90 points, Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar

Please join us on Saturday, February 19th, from 12pm until 4pm to sample these outstanding expressions of iconic regional French wines. The Lineup:

Richard Leroy Anjou Les Noëls de Montbenault 2007, List Price $29.99, Sale $19.99 – Anjou, Loire, France – 100% Chenin Blanc – 12.5% abv – Organic – Vivid yellow-gold. Honeydew melon, peach and nectarine on the nose, with exotic notes of gingerbread and musky herbs coming up with air. Initially pliant, gently sweet melon and pit fruit flavors turn firmer in the mid-palate and offer excellent palate coverage and strong spice character. Finishes with impressive length and lingering spiciness. Lots going on here but this still seems young. – Rated 91 points, Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar; 90 points, Wine Spectator

Domaine Remi Jobard Meursault En Luraule 2007, List Price $68.99, Sale $42.99 – Burgundy, France – 100% Chardonnay – 13% abv – Sustainable – Lime and crushed stone aromas along with a bit of biscuity reduction. Then juicy and sweet, with enticing flavors of lime and spices. This broad, sweet village wine offers excellent energy and finishes with very good grip. There are five different plantings that go into this cuvee: Jobard bought these vines when they were “very young,” just before the 1994 harvest. – Rated 90 points, Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar

Domaine Sérafin Père & Fils Morey St.-Denis 1er Cru Les Millandes 2007, List Price $104.99, Sale Price $88.99 – Côte-de Nuits, Burgundy, France – 100% Pinot Noir – 13% abv – Organic - A floral red berry and earth inflected nose serves as a relatively elegant introduction to the pure, detailed and lightly mineral suffused medium full flavors that possess good power, focus and intensity on the long and palate staining finish. This is lovely and understated. – Rated 90 points, Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar; 90 points, Wine Spectator; 89-92 points, Burghound

Domaine Dugat-Py Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes 2006, List Price $99.99, Sale $74.99 – Côte de Nuits, Burgundy, France – 100% Pinot Noir – 13% abv – Organic - The Dugat-Py 2006 Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes offers considerable depth of ripe black fruits and toasted meat on a palate so fine-grained it is able to sooth and seduce all the way to a succulently long finish. En route, cocoa powder, sage, iodine, and black pepper add interest and invigoration. It could be enjoyed young but will doubtless hold well for 6-8 years, given the track record at this estate. – Rated 90 points, The Wine Advocate; 90 points, Wine Spectator; 88-90 points, Burghound

Domaine Jean Royer Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Tradition 2007, List Price $43.99, Sale $36.99 – Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France – 90% Grenache, 5% Syrah, 5% Mourvedre – 15% abv – Sustainable - The most drinkable and precocious of the 2007s is the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape, made from essentially the same blend as the Hommage a Mon Pere, but from slightly younger vines (only 40 years old!). Kirsch and floral notes dominate this ruby/purple-tinged effort. Almost Burgundian in its freshness and vivacity, this full-bodied, rich, elegant, gorgeously textured, approachable wine should evolve for 10-15 years. This small estate (just over 12 acres) is run by the Royer family, who can trace its origins in Chateauneuf du Pape back to the 1800′s. However, they have only been estate bottling their wines since the mid-eighties. As the following notes indicate, these are very high quality, artisanal wines made with assistance from consultant Philippe Cambie. All of the vineyards are located in the southern sectors of Chateauneuf du Pape known as Bois de la Ville and Les Grandes Serres, the latter being one of the sources for the superb wines from Isabel Ferrando’s St.-Prefert Chateauneuf du Papes. – Rated 91 points, Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar; 90 points, The Wine Advocate; 90 points, Wine Spectator

Domaine Clos St-Jean Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes 2005, List Price $69.99, Sale $42.99 – Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France – 75% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 4% Mourvedre, 3% Cinsault, 2% Vaccarese, 1% Muscardin – 14.5% abv – Sustainable - The 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes has a dark saturated ruby/purple color and a gorgeous nose of camphor, beef blood, roasted meat, pepper, lavender, spring flowers, and assorted red and black fruits such as kirsch and blackberry. The wine is very Provencal, extremely deep, full-bodied, and ideal for drinking over the next 12-15 years. The tannins are there, but they are nearly obliterated by the wine’s concentration and richness. – Rated 93 points, The Wine Advocate; 93 points, Wine Spectator; 91 points, Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar

Sale pricing for selected wines lasts through the end of Saturday, February 19th, 2011. No other discounts may apply.

It is said that Paris is the “Head” of France, and that Burgundy is its “Stomach.” But Champagne is France’s “Heart.” In this season of romance (amour, amore, liebe), we’re offering a tasting of Champange and a few other tempting sparkling and sweet wines from Italy and Germany that will bring joy and happiness to your Valentine and Valentine’s Day.

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

Yann Chave's Northern Rhone Syrahs - Tasting and Sale - Sat, Feb 5, 12-4 pm

Crozes-Hermitage, Events, France, Grower, Hermitage, Marsanne, Organic, Producer, Red Wine, Rhône, Roussanne, Sale, Sustainable, Syrah, Tasting, Winemaker No Responses »

Feb 032011

Please join us at Weygandt Wines on Saturday, February 5th as we present the wines of rising star Yann Chave, from 12PM-4PM.

You may not have heard of this domaine before, but it won’t be a secret much longer. Chave is making superb wines. – James Molesworth, Wine Spectator

Yann, in his late 30s, has taken over from his father, Bernard Chave, and in 2001 the name of the Domaine became Yann Chave. It consists of 14.77 hectares (35.4 acres) of Crozes-Hermitage Rouge, 1.20 hectares (2.8 acres) of Hermitage, and 0.76 hectares (1.8 acres) of Crozes-Hermitage Blanc.

The Crozes-Hermitage “Classique” is a selection of vines all situated in the sector “Chassis,” ranging from 18 to 40 years old. Elevage is 20% in two-year demi-muids and 80% in tank with micro-oxygenation. The “Le Rouvre” is a single parcel in Chassis, his best parcel of Crozes, lying on “caillouteux” (large rounded stones) and the vines average 50 years-old. It is pure “vin de goutte” and is aged entirely in one- and two-year old demi-muids. The Hermitage is from two parcels, one in Baumes (next to Le Méal) and the other in “Péléat,” with vines averaging 25 years of age. The wine is aged in 100% new demi-muids.

Pumping over is done twice a day, but Yann does very little punching down (pigeage) – only two times altogether during the three weeks of vinification. He works hard in the vineyards – low yields, harvesting later at optimum phenolic maturity, natural viticulture, indigenous yeasts and no filtering – if you like loads of Syrah fruit and lots of texture on the palate, these are wines for you.

Through February 5th, 2010, all Yann Chave wines will be discounted 25% off their regular retail price for single bottles. No other discounts may apply. Please join us on Saturday, February 5th, from 12pm until 4pm to sample these classic expressions of Northern Rhone Syrahs and more! The Lineup:

Yann Chave Crozes-Hermitage Blanc 2008, List Price $27.99, Sale $20.99 – Rhone, France – 70% Marsanne, 30% Roussane – 13% abv – Sustainable - Vineyard composition is of argilo-limestone. All vine treatments are organic, and only indigenous yeast is employed in the long, slow fermentation, the temperature of which is controlled for that purpose, and to preserve the maximum varietal character and richness. Elevage is 100% in tank, also in order to preserve the clarity of the varietal character. An elegant white wine from fully-mature fruit, characterized by complex and powerful notes of stone-fruits; the mouth-feel is structured, fatty and full. Chave recommends this wine as an excellent aperitif, or to be served with fresh water fish in a sauce.

Yann Chave Crozes-Hermitage Classique 2007, List Price $27.99, Sale $20.99 – Rhone, France – 100% Syrah – 13% abv – Sustainable - Bright and open, with tasty black cherry, currant and aged tobacco notes. Fresh finish. Drink now. 5,000 cases made.

Yann Chave Crozes-Hermitage Le Rouvre 2008, List Price $35.99, Sale $26.99 – Rhone, France – 100% Syrah – 13% abv – Sustainable - This lightly firm red offers a core of crushed plum and blueberry fruit laced with cocoa powder and tobacco notes. The long finish is carried by fine-grained tannins and bright acidity. Nicely ripe for the vintage. Drink now through 2011. 100 cases imported. – Rated 90 points, Wine Spectator

Yann Chave Hermitage 2005, List Price $109.99, Sale $82.49 – Rhone, France – 100% Syrah – 13.5% abv – Sustainable - Packed with black currant, fig and black cherry fruit, this is also very refined, with incense, graphite, mineral and spice notes helping to extend the long, silky finish. Has power and grace and should age beautifully. Best from 2008 through 2022. 540 cases made. – Rated 93 points, Wine Spectator; 92 points, Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar; 90 points, The Wine Advocate

Yann Chave Hermitage 2006, Regular Price $79.99, Sale Price $59.99 – Rhone, France – 100% Syrah – 13.5% abv – Sustainable - Really inviting, with crushed currant and blackberry fruit mingling with cassis bush, iron and mineral notes. Has a supple, lingering, violet-tinged finish. Silky. Drink now through 2020. 50 cases imported. – Rated 93 points, Wine Spectator; 92 points, Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar; 90 points, The Wine Advocate

With new vintages on the way, we need to make room. So we’re offering many of our highly-rated wines at unheard of prices–up to 1/3 off or more! Prices listed are net – no further discounts. No rain checks or holds; first come first served. Sale ends March 1, 2011.

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

Artisan Champagne Producers Tasting and Sale - Sat, Dec 11, 12-4 pm

Champagne, Chardonnay, Events, France, Organic, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir, Sale, Sparkling Wine, Sustainable, Tasting, White Wine No Responses »

Dec 082010

Please join us this Saturday, December 11th, from 12PM until 4PM for a tasting of highly-rated and exceptional artisan Champagnes featuring the wines of Nicolas Maillart and Natalie Falmet. The Lineup:

Ployez-Jacquemart Brut NV, List Price $51.99, Sale Price $29.99 – Ludes, Champagne, France – 50% Chardonnay, 42% Pinot Noir, 8% Pinot Meunier – 12% abv – Sustainable - Light yellow with an energetic bead. Delicate, finely etched lemon and green apple on the nose, with a subtle undercurrent of talc and white flowers. Admirably understated wine with finely etched citrus and mineral flavors, snappy back-end acidity and very good grip. The clean, focused finish repeats the talc note. Refined, balanced and pure Champagne that should be great with oysters. – Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar
BH 91, RP 90, ST 90

Nathalie Falmet Brut NV, List Price $39.99, Sale Price $33.99 – Rouvres-Les-Vignes, France – 80% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay – 12% abv – Sustainable - Sweet smoke and spice notes waft through this floral and aromatic Champagne, along with bright, citrusy acidity and layers of tea rose, biscuit, vanilla and candied orange peel. Very charming. Drink now through 2018. 100 cases imported. – Wine Spectator
WS 91, VC 90+

Nathalie Falmet Brut Nature NV, List Price $45.99, Sale Price $38.99 – Rouvres-Les-Vignes, 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. – View From the Cellar
VC 91+

Nicolas Maillart Brut Champagne Platine NV, List Price $49.99, Sale Price $41.99 – Bouzy, Champagne, France – 80% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay – 12.5% abv – Organic - An elegant, aperitif-style Champagne that offers layers of flavor, with notes of Gala apple, tangerine, smoke, biscuit, cumin, honey, lime zest and salted butter. Texturally refined, with a bright juiciness to the acidity. Drink now through 2018. 200 cases imported. – Wine Spectator
WS 92, BH 92, VC 91+, RP 90, ST 90

Nicolas Maillart Brut Rosé Champagne NV, List Price $69.99, Sale Price $58.99 – Bouzy, Champagne, France – 70% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay – 12.5% abv – Organic - The current release of the Nicolas Maillart Brut Rosé is simply a stunning bottle of Rosé. The nose soars from the glass in a blaze of blood orange, cherries, bread dough, chalky minerality and orange peel. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, crisp and complex, with a fine core of fruit, very elegant and vibrant bubbles, impeccable focus and balance and great length and grip on the snappy finish. The acids here are zesty, but beautifully ripe and simply buried in the core of the wine, making this young Brut Rosé already a great drink- though it will have no difficulty aging another ten to fifteen years or more. Very impressive! 2010-2025. – View From the Cellar
VC 93, BH 91, ST 90

BH – Bourghound
RP – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate
ST – Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar
VC – View from the Cellar
WS – Wine Spectator

Sale prices are net, no further discount may apply.

Prelude to Thanksgiving: Alsatian Tasting and Sale - Sat, Nov 13, 12-4 pm

Alsace, Auxerrois, Biodynamic, Events, France, Gewurtztraminer, Organic, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Sale, Tasting, White Wine No Responses »

Nov 132010

Continuing our countdown to Thanksgiving, this week we are ‘traveling’ to France’s Alsace region, featuring wines from Domaine Albert Mann (3 Stars – Revue du Vin de France, it’s highest rating) and Bernard Schoffit (2 Stars – Revue du Vin de France). In Alsace, the diversity of varietals and the character of the wines makes for delicious contrasts. The steep hillside vineyards, the cooler climate, and the nuances of the individual sights yield a tapestry of flavors. Alsatian wines are a longtime favorite at the Thanksgiving table, where versatility is a must!

Domaine Albert Mann Brut Crémant d’Alsace NV, List Price $23.99, Sale $19.99 – Alsace, France – 60% Pinot Blanc, 40% Auxerrois – 12.5% abv – Biodynamic - 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. – Rated 90 points, The Wine Advocate

Domaine Bernard et Robert Schoffit Pinot Blanc-Auxerrois Alsace Vieilles Vignes 2008, List Price $19.99, Sale $16.99 – Alsace, France – 60% Auxerrois, 40% Pinot Blanc – 13% abv – Organic - A round white, with hints of smoke accenting the apricot, orange blossom and grapefruit sorbet flavors. Subtle acidity, well-meshed, enlivens the wine overall. The long finish is infused with notes of candied citrus peel and lanolin. Drink now. 200 cases imported. – Rated 89 points, Wine Spectator

Domaine Albert Mann Pinot Gris Rosenberg 2008, List Price, $26.99, Sale $22.89 – Alsace, France – 100% Pinot Gris – 14% abv – Biodynamic - This light-bodied Pinot Gris has a pleasant smoky undertow, along with tangy acidity, bolstering flavors of white peach, clementine and star fruit. Clean and bright. Drink now. 100 cases imported. – Wine Spectator

Domaine Bernard et Robert Schoffit Gewürztraminer Lie-Dit Harth Cuvée Caroline 2006, List Price $26.99, Sale $22.89 – Alsace, France – 100% Gewürztraminer – 13.8% abv – Organic - Schoffit’s typically and unabashedly high residual sugar as well as high alcohol 2006 Gewurztraminer Harth Cuvee Caroline manages somehow to come off as only moderately sweet, a sweetness that reinforces its honeyed overall cast, while alluring and intriguing notes of sweet pea, peony, and nutmeg waft through a creamy palate and into a soothing finish. Enjoy it over the next 2-3 years. – The Wine Advocate

Domaine Albert Mann Pinot Noir Alsace Grand H 2004, List Price $49.99, Sale $33.99 – Alsace, France – 100% Pinot Noir – 13.5% abv – Biodynamic - A smoke- and black cherry-scented red. Laced with new oak, yet balanced by fruit. Elegant, with cherry and spice flavors and good intensity on the finish. Drink now through 2009. 25 cases imported. – Wine Spectator

Domaine Sérafin Père & Fils' Oustanding 2007 Gevrey-Chambertin - Saturday Tasting and Sale

Burgundy, Chambolle-Musigny, Chardonnay, Charmes-Chambertin, Côte de Nuits, Events, France, Gevrey-Chambertin, Morey-St.-Denis, Organic, Pinot Noir, Producer, Red Wine, Sale, Tasting, White Wine, Winemaker No Responses »

Oct 292010

The laconic Christian Sérafin reports that 2007 was a vintage that had a “lousy start but a great ending. Given the lousy summer that we had, I honestly didn’t believe that it would be anywhere near as good as it is. We began picking on the 3rd of September and while there was some sorting necessary, if you did your vineyard work properly when it needed to be done, it could be minimized. In particular, given the kind of weather and humidity where the pattern was a constant warm/cold, aeration of the grapes through dropping immature bunches, leaf thinning and correct canopy management was the difference between minimal rot and lots of it. We had good sugars that ranged between 12 and 13% with good acidities and phenolic ripeness levels. As such, I did a normal vinification that lasted about 3 weeks and I like the wines a lot as they’re wine of elegance and purity.” – Allen Meadows, Burghound

Please join us this Saturday, October 30th, from 12PM to 4PM for a tasting of the following selection from the portfolio of Domaine Sérafin. The Lineup:

Domaine Sérafin Père & Fils Bourgogne Blanc 2007, List Price $33.99, Sale Price $27.99 – Côte de Nuits, Burgundy, France – 100% Chardonnay – 13% abv – Organic

Domaine Sérafin Père & Fils Gevrey-Chambertin 2007, List Price $54.99, Sale Price $45.99 – Côte de Nuits, Burgundy, France – 100% Pinot Noir – 13% abv – Organic - Medium red. Complex nose melds wild red berries, herbs and spices. Seems more primary in the mouth than the younger 2008, with ripe acids framing the red fruit and spice flavors. Finishes with dusty tannins, firm backbone and lingering notes of red berries and smoked nuts. – Rated 89 Points, Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar; 87-89 points, Burghound

Domaine Sérafin Père & Fils Morey St.-Denis 1er Cru Les Millandes 2007, List Price $104.99, Sale Price $88.99 – Côte de Nuits, Burgundy, France – 100% Pinot Noir – 13% abv – Organic - A floral red berry and earth inflected nose serves as a relatively elegant introduction to the pure, detailed and lightly mineral suffused medium full flavors that possess good power, focus and intensity on the long and palate staining finish. This is lovely and understated. – Rated 90 points, Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar; 90 points, Wine Spectator; 89-92 points, Burghound

Domaine Sérafin Père & Fils Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Les Baudes 2007, List Price $116.99, Sale Price $98.99 – Côte de Nuits, Burgundy, France – 100% Pinot Noir – 13% abv – Organic - A more elegant and refined nose of ripe red and blue pinot fruit with violet and rose petal nuances leads to round, rich, serious and fresh flavors that are at once delicate and punchy on the mid-palate yet interestingly, fairly robust on the solidly long finish where a distinct note of anise surfaces. This is a lovely and understated Chambolle with a veneer of lace but a superstructure of firm tannins. – Rated 91 Points, Burghound; 91 points, Wine Spectator; 90 points Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar

The following wines will not be poured at the tasting, but will be on sale:

Domaine Sérafin Père & Fils Bourgogne Rouge 2007, List Price $35.99, Sale Price $29.99 – Côte de Nuits, Burgundy, France – 100% Pinot Noir – 13% abv – Organic - A pretty but serious dark berry and fresh earth nose introduces equally earthy and fresh flavors that possess good detail and only mild finishing rusticity. – Burghound

Domaine Sérafin Père & Fils Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes 2007, List Price $85.99, Sale Price $72.99 – Côte de Nuits, Burgundy, France – 100% Pinot Noir – 13% abv – Organic - A touch of wood sets off complex, ripe, somber and animale suffused aromas of dark pinot fruit that precedes rich, full and powerful medium-bodied flavors brimming with dry extract, all wrapped in a powerful and impressively persistent finish. Outstanding quality for its level and recommended. – Rated 90 Points, Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar; 90 points Wine Spectator; 90 points, Burghound

Domaine Sérafin Père & Fils Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Les Corbeaux 2007, List Price $104.99, Sale Price $88.99 – Côte de Nuits, Burgundy, France – 100% Pinot Noir – 13% abv – Organic - Good medium red. Serious, somewhat brooding aromas of black cherry and licorice. Suave on entry, then lush and sweet but firmly built, with noteworthy density and a fine-grained texture. This boasts lovely fresh fruit and finishes with lingering perfume and excellent lift. – Rated 91 points, Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar; 90 points, Wine Spectator; 89-92 points, Burghound

Domaine Sérafin Père & Fils Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Les Fontenys 2007, List Price $118.99, Sale Price $99.99 – Côte de Nuits, Burgundy, France – 100% Pinot Noir – 13% abv – Organic - A brooding and serious yet very fresh nose of mostly dark berries with earth, wood spice and forest floor notes that are in keeping with the character of the textured, intense and focused middle weight flavors that culminate in a textured, complex, vibrant and velvety finish. A seductive effort with excellent balance. – Rated 91 points, Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar; 91 points, Burghound

Domaine Sérafin Père & Fils Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Les Cazetiers 2007, List Price $160.99, Sale Price $135.99 – Côte de Nuits, Burgundy, France – 100% Pinot Noir – 13% abv – Organic - Good bright, dark red. Stuffed with very ripe black raspberry, chocolate and oak flavors and quite long on the back end, finishing with firm tannic backbone and noteworthy energy. Give this at least five years. This is a classic Cazetiers with a distinct animale element to the ripe red berry, violet and underbrush tones that continue on the earth-inflected, sappy, precise and moderately concentrated flavors that possess real character and excellent power on the impressively long, balanced and textured finish. This has another dimension relative to all of the prior wines. – Rated 93 points, Wine Spectator; 92 points, Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar; 92 points, Burghound

Domaine Sérafin Père & Fils Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru 2007, List Price $196.99, Sale Price $166.99 – Côte de Nuits, Burgundy, France – 100% Pinot Noir – 13% abv – Organic - Good medium red-ruby. Dark wild berries, violet, licorice and underbrush on the nose. Sweet, lush and deep. Densely packed flavors of wild berries and chocolate. Finishes broad and very ripe, with suave, fine-grained tannins and lingering subtle perfume. This isn’t quite as powerful as the Cazetiers but ultimately, there is just more here in the same fashion as there is more to the Cazetiers than any of the prior 1ers. – Rated 93 points, Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar; 93 points, Burghound; 91 points, Wine Spectator

Special Pricing: Sale prices for individual bottles last through Saturday, October 30th, 2010.

Manfred Tement's Styrian Whites - In-Store Tasting and Sale - Sat, Sept 25, 1-4 pm

Austria, Events, Grower, Muscat, Organic, Pinot Blanc, Producer, Sale, Sauvignon Blanc, Styria, Tasting, White Wine No Responses »

Sep 222010

Southern Styria is a traditional production area which enjoys excellent growing conditions, especially for white grapes. For this reason, 95% of the vineyard area at their Estate is devoted to white varieties and only 5% to red wine grapes (Blauer Zweigelt). The Tement Estate lies on a narrow plateau, into which the slope of the Zieregg cru gently flattens. The Tements aim to make two basic styles of wine at the Estate, of which the majority belongs to the category known as “Steirische Klassik” (“Styrian Classics”).

Tement’s expansion has not stopped at the Slovenian border, and in 2006 he acquired the neighboring holdings of the Carmelites – where his father long worked as winemaker – and since replanted their 90 year old patchwork of vine varieties to insure more Zieregg Sauvignon for the future. Tement has begun using glass stoppers on his wines in lieu of corks. Given the extent of his offerings and given that I travel to Styria only every other year, I cannot pretend to have tasted Tement’s entire 2005 and 2006 collections, but only the subset (perhaps half) that he chose to show me in the time we had available. Tement is modifying his approach with Sauvignon – especially in the top sites – having decided that lower yields and the consequent ability to harvest somewhat earlier are more advantageous (not to mention less risky) than the long hang time he has traditionally practiced with this variety. – David Schildknecht, The Wine Advocate

Please join us on Saturday, September 25, from 1 pm to 4 pm, for an in-store tasting and sale of our line of Manfred Tement’s outstanding Styrian white wines. The Lineup:

Manfred Tement Gelber Muskateller Steirische Klassik 2006, List Price $22.99, Sale Price $19.54 – Styria, Austria – 100% Muscat – 11.5% abv – Organic - Pale green-yellow. Aromas of fragrant elder blossom, grapefruit and ripe Golden Delicious apple. Crisp and dry, with a strong mineral character giving the finish an appetizing quality. Makes an ideal aperitif.

Manfred Tement Weissburgunder Steirische Klassik 2007, List Price $19.99, Sale Price $16.99 – Styria, Austria – 100% Pinot Blanc – 12% abv – Organic - Pale green-yellow. Fresh pear, walnut and lemon verbena on the nose. Medium-bodied, with elegant, harmonious acid giving this charming and food-friendly pinot blanc an attractively light touch. Yellow apple and cool wet rock flavors in the mouth and on the aftertaste. Drink now to 2012. – Rated 89 points, International Wine Cellar

Manfred Tement Sauvignon Blanc Steirische Klassik 2008, List Price $24.99, Sale Price $18.74 – Styria, Austria – 100% Sauvignon Blanc – 12.5% abv – Organic – Pale green-yellow. Intense grapefruit zest, bell pepper and fresh-cut grass on the nose. Light to medium in body and nicely balanced, with refreshing gooseberry flavor lifted by juicy acidity. Wet rock, lemon and elderflower linger on the moderately long finish. Drink now through 2014. – Rated 89 points, International Wine Cellar

Manfred Tement Sauvignon Blanc Grassnitzberg 2007, List Price $39.99, Sale Price $33.99 – Styria, Austria – 100% Sauvignon Blanc – 13% abv – Organic – Pale yellow-green. Inviting aromas of gooseberry, cassis, grapefruit zest and fresh herbs. Concentrated blackcurrant and gooseberry flavors are given definition and a distinctly elegant quality by crisp, refreshing acidity, which extends the wine’s finish. Very nicely balanced and appetizing sauvignon blanc, for drinking through 2012. – Rated 90 points, International Wine Cellar

Manfred Tement Sauvignon Blanc Zieregg 2005, List Price $49.99, Sale Price $42.49 – Styria, Austria – 100% Sauvignon Blanc – 14% abv – Organic – Medium green-yellow. The broad spectrum of aromas and flavors includes cassis, lichee, green mango, red bell pepper and vanilla. Concentrated and creamy, with near-perfect balancing acidity. Very long finish features grapefruit, gooseberry and paprika. Offers excellent potential for further development in the bottle. Drink 2007 to 2015. – Rated 90 points, International Wine Cellar

Manfred Tement Sauvignon Blanc Zieregg 2006, List Price $49.99, Sale Price $42.49 – Styria, Austria – 100% Sauvignon Blanc – 14% abv – Organic – Medium green-yellow. Compellingly complex aromas of gooseberry, orange, cassis and lichee joined by intense, smoky flint and leafy nuances. At once powerful and light on its feet thanks to a filigree acid structure. The abundant, mineral-tinged fruit flavors of orange and grapefruit linger impressively on the vibrant, rich finish. A sauvignon with excellent potential for further development in bottle. Drink now to 2016. – Rated 93 points, International Wine Cellar

Yannick Amirault's Reference Point Loire Valley Reds: Bourgueil and St.-Nicolas de Bourgueil Saturday Tasting and Sale

Bourgueil, Cabernet Franc, Events, France, Grower, Loire, Organic, Producer, Red Wine, Sale, St.-Nicolas de Bourgueil, Tasting, Winemaker No Responses »

Sep 152010

The villages of Bourgueil and neighboring St.-Nicolas de Bourgueil lay just west of Tours almost in the center of the Loire Valley. Here the grape for the red wines is Cabernet Franc grown on limestone vineyards some two kilometers north of the Loire River. At their best, the wines produced in these appellations give, if not the literal structure of Bordeaux, much of the charm, but their own individual character. And 100 years ago, were considered much the equal of Bordeaux. But times and fashions change. However, the quality of Yannick Amirault’s wines speaks for itself. Great quality, very flavorful and attractive wines.

In the last ten years, the wines of this Yannick Amirault’s Pavillon du Grand Clos, have appeared as the most complex and the most consistent of the appellations Bourgueil and St. Nicholas de Bourgueil. The wines of the domaine are characterized by body, cleaness, charm and in a great vintage, by aristocracy…. Amirault’s wines have a maturity of tannins that is rare. When the vintage accentuates this search for maturity, certain cuvées swing towards opulence, but still serve as a reference for the finesse des matieres. – Le Classement, Revue du Vin de France

Join us on Saturday, September 18th from 12PM – 4PM for 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:

Yannick Amirault Bourgueil “La Coudraye” 2008, Regular Price $20.99, Sale Price $17.84 – Bourgueil, Loire, France – 100% Cabernet Franc – 13% abv – Organic - Solid, with dark currant and briar notes backed by flint and iron hints and a lingering maduro tobacco note on the gutsy finish. Drink now through 2011. – Rated 89 Points, Wine Spectator

Yannick Amirault St.-Nicolas de Bourgueil “La Mine” 2008, Regular Price $25.99, Sale Price $22.99 – St.-Nicolas de Bourgueil, Loire, France – 100% Cabernet Franc – 12.5% abv – Organic - Fresh and racy, with alluring black tea and olive notes weaving through the core of black cherry and plum fruit. The polished finish lets a tobacco edge linger nicely. Drink now through 2011. – Rated 90 Points, Wine Spectator

Yannick Amirault Bourgueil “Le Grand Clos” 2007, Regular Price $27.99, Sale Price $23.79 – Bourgueil, Loire, France – 100% Cabernet Franc – 12.5% abv – Organic - Still fresh, despite the mature hints of tea and cedar around the edges. A lively core of mulled red and black cherry fruit is backed by tobacco and olive hints, with a lovely, perfume- and mineral-filled finish. Drink now. – Rated 90 Points, Wine Spectator

Deep, bright red. Vibrant aromas of black cherry, cassis, licorice and smoky minerals. At once dense and juicy, with a medicinal reserve and building minerality giving a serious mien to the sweet dark fruit flavors. Graceful and precise but has solid structure for the vintage. Finishes with silky tannins and very good spicy length. – Rated 90 Points, International Wine Cellar

Yannick Amirault Bourgueil “La Petite Cave” 2007, Regular Price $35.99, Sale Price $30.59 – Bourgueil, Loire, Franc – 100% Cabernet France – 12.5% abv – Organic - This racy red is a chalky spine driving the black cherry and black currant fruit, all backed by liberal tobacco and bittersweet cocoa notes. Grippy but fresh on the lengthy finish. Rock-solid. Drink now through 2012. – Rated 91 Points, Wine Spectator

Yannick Amirault St.-Nicolas de Bourgueil “Les Malgagnes” 2008, Regular Price $31.99, Sale Price $27.19 – St.-Nicolas de Bourgueil, Loire, France – 100% Cabernet Franc – 13% abv – Organic - Lively, with open-knit blackberry, blueberry and cherry fruit, laced with sweet tapenade and spice notes. A bouncy edge on the finish lets the gorgeous, pure fruit play out without losing focus, while a tobacco edge chimes in for added depth. Drink now through 2012. – Rated 91 Points, Wine Spectator

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Domaine Sérafin Père & Fils' Oustanding 2007 Gevrey-Chambertin - Saturday Tasting and Sale

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Yannick Amirault's Reference Point Loire Valley Reds: Bourgueil and St.-Nicolas de Bourgueil Saturday Tasting and Sale

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