Join us on Friday evening May 20th, between 5PM and 7:30PM, then again on Saturday, May 21st, from 12PM to 4PM for our tasting and enjoy discounted prices on our special selections. The Lineup:

Domaine du Vissoux/Pierre-Marie Chermette Beaujolais Rosé Les Griottes, List Price $15.99, Sale $13.59 – Beaujolais, France – 100% Gamay – 12% abv – Sustainable - Pale pink. Light floral and fruity aromas on the nose. Lip-smacking and round, notes of wild strawberry, blackberry, raspberry and loganberry ending with a touch of star anise. Open with any variety of salads, grilled meats, barbecue, seafood, savoury pastries and fish. Ideal with exotic cuisines including West Indian and Asian, desserts and fruit sorbets. Recommended for the hottest days of the year!

Domaine Charvin Vin de Pays Principauté d’Orange à Côté 2008, List Price $14.99, Sale $9.99 – Rhône, France – 58% Merlot, 42% Grenache – 13.5% abv – Sustainable - Rustic red exhibiting red and black fruit characteristics intermixed with notions of herbs and earth. There is good structure to this very enjoyable table wine. Drink it over the next 1-2 years.

Jean-Michel Gerin Cote Rotie Champin Le Seigneur 2006, List Price $59.99, Sale $49.99 – Côtes Rotie, Rhône, France – 100% Syrah – 13% abv – Sustainable - Vibrant and racy, with good drive to the red licorice, red currant and damson plum notes, backed by hints of fruitcake, roasted vanilla and iron. The long, silky finish is finely tuned. Drink now through 2016. 3,750 cases made. – Rated 91 points, Wine Spectator

Domaine Les Grands Bois Côtes du Rhône-Villages Rasteau Cuvée Marc 2008, List Price $22.99, Sale $19.54 – 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.

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

This estate, located in the village of Travaillan, and run by perfectionist Daniel Boulle, has quickly emerged as one of the most serious Cotes du Rhone producers. – Robert M. Parker, Jr.

Finding this secluded chais (and the glorious wines inside) is one of the great discoveries of my career as an importer. As Robert Parker stated in Issue 131 of The Wine Advocate, the wines of Daniel Boulle “may be the richest Cotes du Rhone I have tasted”. Certainly for me they are. Daniel had, prior to the 1999 vintage, sold virtually his entire production to the cooperative, but urged on by friends and family, he experimented with vinification and bottling for the first time that vintage. The results were very promising, to say the least. What makes Daniel Boulle so special, in my opinion, is his absolute perfection in growing. His yields are minute and the fruit is perfect.

One cuvee of Cotes du Rhone Villages called Cuvee des Galets, 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 20% Mourvedre, from yields of only 20-22 hl/ha (less than half of what he is allowed to produce), possesses a physiological ripeness, concentration and texture unlike any other Cotes du Rhone I have experienced. And that is the least ambitious of his cuvees. He makes another, called Cuvee 3 Cepage of equal parts Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre where all the grapes are harvested at the same time, in October, the time for harvesting Mourvedre. This made the Grenache and Syrah super ripe, and the blend is nearly 15% natural. In discussing it with Daniel Boulle it is clear that this cuvee is very dear to him, being the most difficult to achieve. A third cuvee called Le Cros is 100% Syrah from yields of 17-18 hl/ha. Aged in barrique and demi-muids, much in the fashion of a great Northern Rhone, but with the ripeness and character of the Southern Rhone. The evolution of this wine should be fabulous. His fourth cuvee, in minuscule quantities, is of Mouvedre pur, yields of 15-16 hl/ha and ripeness of over 14.5% (virtually unheard of for Mourvedre in France). – Peter Weygandt

The Lineup:

Domaine Les Aphillanthes Vin de Pays de Vaucluse 2009, List Price $12.99/btl, Sale Price $10.99 – Travaillan, Rhone, France – 30% Grenache, 25% Merlot, 25% Syrah, 20% Mourvedre – 14% abv – Biodynamic - Composed of nearly equal parts Merlot, Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre, the 2009 Vin de Pays is dominated by its berry fruit, but it also offers notions of earth, spice box, and tobacco leaf. Drink it over the next year.

Domaine Les Aphillanthes Cotes-du-Rhone 2009, List Price $17.99, Sale Price $14.99 – Travaillan, Rhone, France – 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre – 14.5% abv – Biodynamic - The impressively endowed 2009 Cotes du Rhones fashioned by proprietor Daniel Boulle from his bio-dynamically farmed vineyard will be hitting the market this fall. The generic 2009 Cotes du Rhone (80% Grenache and the rest Mourvedre and Carignan) achieved nearly 15% natural alcohol. Its dark ruby hue is followed by abundant aromas of berry fruit, earth, cherries, and herbs. Very Provencal/Mediterranean in style, this gutsy, slightly rustic wine is perfect for bistros and wine bars. Consume it over the next 1-2 years. – Rated 89 Points, The Wine Advocate

Domaine Les Aphillanthes Cotes-du-Rhone Villages Le Cros 2007, List Price $25.99/btl, Sale Price $21.99 – Travaillan, Rhone, France – 100% Syrah – 14.5% abv – Biodynamic - The 2007 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Le Cros (100% Syrah) reveals complex notes of creme de cassis, road tar, gamey meat, licorice, and flowers. In the mouth, the wine is pure fruit, with loads of glycerin, sweet tannin, and adequate acidity. While not a classic example of Provence, it is a very successful, mono-cepage offering. Enjoy it over the next 4-5 years. As I have written in the past, this biodynamically farmed estate is a treasure-trove of excellent as well as value-priced wines. Proprietor Daniel Boulle offers a multitude of cuvees, and his 2007s seem to hit all the sweet spots on the palate. – Rated 90 Points, The Wine Advocate.

Domaine Les Aphillanthes Cotes-du-Rhone Villages Vieilles Vignes 2007, List Price $28.99/btl, Sale Price $23.99 – Travaillan, Rhone, France – 100% Grenache – 14.5% abv – Biodynamic - Bold and very ripe, with delicious, almost gushing layers of blackberry, fig compote and boysenberry, all held together by a strong minerally spine and a long, racy graphite finish. Rock-solid and very impressive for the appellation. Drink now through 2011. 500 cases made. - Rated 92 Points, Wine Spectator; 92 Points, The Wine Advocate

Sale prices are net, no further discount may apply.

Saint-Damien Cotes du Rhone “La Bouveau” 2008, List Price $14.99, Sale Price $12.69 – Rhone, France – Syrah, Cinsault – 14% abv – Sustainable - The 2008 Cotes du Rhone Le Bouveau (a blend of Syrah and Cinsault) offers a vibrant assortment of black fruit, herb, and earthy aromas and flavors in a medium-bodied, silky package.

Domaine de Fontenille Cotes du Luberon 2007, List Price $14.99, Sale Price $12.69 – Provence, France – 70% Grenache, 30% Syrah – 14% abv – Sustainable - “This has been a consistent winner from importer Peter Weygandt since he first brought the Domaine du Fontenille to the attention of American wine consumers in the early nineties. A blend of 70% Grenache (50- to 60-year-old vines) and 30% Syrah, yields are kept modest, and the wine is aged in concrete tanks for over a year prior to being bottled without filtration. A super-aromatic example of the vintage, the 2007 exhibits loads of pepper, earth, black cherry, and dusty, loamy soil notes. The wine’s fruit, earthiness, and spiciness are all classic characteristics of Provence. Seriously endowed and medium to full-bodied with excellent purity and depth, this Cotes du Luberon should drink well for 2-3 years. ” Rated 88 Points, The Wine Advocate

Les Aphillanthes Vin de Pays de Vaucluse 2007, List Price $13.99, Sale Price $11.89 – Rhone, France – 40% Merlot, 30% Syrah, 30% Grenache – 14% abv – Biodynamic - “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.” Rated 87 Points, The Wine Advocate

Domaine Font Sarade Ventoux 2009, List Price $13.99, Sale Price $11.89 – Vaucluse, Rhone, France – 60% Syrah, 40% Grenache – 14.5% abv – Sustainable - From the heart of the Vaucluse, inviting aromas of red fruit intertwined with Provencal herbs and subtle spice, with a supple texture. Excellent value here, cleanly made with no rusticity.

Domaine Alary La Grange Daniel 2007, List Price $14.99, Sale Price $12.69 – Rhone, France – Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Mourvedre, Cabernet Sauvignon, Counoise – 14% abv – Sustainable - It is a classic Mediterranean-styled red revealing loads of lavender, roasted Provencal herbs, licorice, and sweet blackberry and black currant fruit. The greatness of the vintage, even at this low pedigree and bargain-basement price point, comes through brilliantly with the purity, freshness, and deep kirsch, blackberry, and cherry flavors. This is a seamless, medium to full-bodied, beautifully pure, character-filled vin de pays.” Rated 89 Points, The Wine Advocate

Domaine Gardies Mas Las Cabes Cotes du Roussillon 2008, List Price $16.99, Sale Price $13.99 – Roussillon, France – 60% Syrah, 30% Grenache, 10% Carignan – 13.5% abv – Organic - Fermented in cement tanks and older barriques. Loads of focused, juicy red raspberry and cherry fruit aromas, along with hints of chocolate and cedar, and the region’s distinctive spice character greet the palate. An excellent all-around table wine.

Tement Sauvignon Blanc Grassnitzberg 2007, $39.99/btl – Styria, Austria – 100% Sauvignon Blanc – 13% abv – Fermented in tank and matured in larger barrels, Tement’s 2007 Sauvignon Blanc Grassnitzberg is cooling and minty in personality yet with a glossy texture and lovely cling. Another year in bottle may bring more complexity, but this very proportional and refreshing Sauvignon should be worth following for 2-3 years. – WA 87 points

Chateau Mourgues du Gres Vin de Pays du Gard Blanc Terre d’Argence 2007, $15.99/btl – Rhone, France – 50% Viognier, 50% Roussanne – A blend of equal parts Viognier and Roussanne, a small percentage fermented in new wood, the very good 2007 Terre d’Argence blanc is surprisingly restrained compared to the Galets Dores. It offers abundant amounts of white currant, honeysuckle, and apricot notes in a medium-bodied, dry, refreshing style. – WA 87 points

Chateau Pont de Brion Graves Rouge 2005, $20.99/btl – Bordeaux, France – 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot – 12% abv – Classic Left Bank Bordeaux from a classic vintage. Dark fruit and cedar with a long, balanced finish.

Clos Marie Coteaux du Languedoc L’Olivette Pic Saint Loup 2008, $26.99/btl – Languedoc, France – Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault – 13.5% abv – Displaying aromas not only of ripe black fruits but of spiced apple cider such as one would more expect in a white wine, and a soothingly-textured and fruit-forward palate, this also hints at the sort of saline, iodine, and stony mineral dimensions that help make Clos Marie’s wines so fascinating as a group.

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