Pinot Noir » Weygandt Wines

This weekend’s tasting features a red Burgundy that is beyond scarce. Join us on Friday evening June 3rd, between 5PM and 7:30PM, then again on Saturday, June 4th, from 12PM to 4PM for our tasting and enjoy discounted prices on David Clark’s 2007 Morey-Saint-Denis Les Porroux, and get a chance to taste it alongside some distinguished company: a diverse group of outstanding 90-Point wines from Austria, Germany and France. The Lineup:

Georg Mosbacher Riesling Spatlese Forster Elster 2007, List Price $~~34.99~~, Sale $29.99 – Pfalz, Germany – 100% Riesling – 10% abv – Organic - Plenty of tangy grapefruit, clove and white pepper notes match a bright structure, making this harmonious and tasty. It could use a little time to integrate more fully. Best from 2010 through 2020. 30 cases imported. – Rated 90 Points, Wine Spectator

Buchegger Gruner Veltliner Pfarrweingarten 2007, List Price $~~29.99~~, Sale $24.99 – Kremstal, Austria – 100% Gruner Veltliner – 13.5% abv – Sustainable - This is buttery-tasting, like a fruity hot toddy. The supple finish is very ripe, with touches of cream. Drink now through 2012. – Wine Spectator

Domaine L’Oustal Blanc Naick 7, List Price $~~34.99~~, Sale $29.99 – Minervois, France – 95% Grenache Gris, 5% Macabeu – 14% abv – Sustainable - The white Naick 7 of 2007 (this qualifying only as vin de table, no vintage date is permitted on the label) displays a richness of fruit, a body, and meaty, chewy, texture that I am sure would have led me to say “red wine,” if served from a jet-black glass. It’s as though a lot of veal bones and lobster shells had been cooked down to a demi-glace essence. Not that this wine is lacking for brightness, lift, or refreshment, though: there is a citrus streak enlivening its stock pot reduction of bones, marrow, and shells, almost as if this were Chablis. The finish won’t quit, and I imagine the wine will show stamina if cellared, too. Since this was just bottled when I tasted, and Fonquerle elected to filter for safety’s sake, it should prove yet more intensely expressive and more organized when you read this. - Rated 92+ Points, The Wine Advocate

Domaine David Clark Morey-Saint-Denis Les Porroux 2007, List Price $~~59.99~~, Sale $49.99 – Burgundy, France – 100% Pinot Noir – 13% abv – Organic - ONE BARREL ONLY of this lovely, classic Morey for the WORLD! Harvested at 22 hectoliters per hectare, and the fruit sorted bunch by bunch. Roughly translated, that means that David Clark’s 0.25-acre Morey-Saint-Denis parcel, named “Les Porroux,” produced only 60 gallons of juice! Or one barrel full! Aged for 18 months in a one-year-old Damy barrel. Malolactic fermentation finished on September 2008, then bottled on March 28, 2009, direct from the barrel. All of the vineyards at Domaine David Clark are farmed organically: All vineyard work is done by hand with the exception of ploughing which is done by tractor or by horse. Low yields; ploughing and mowing to control weeds – never any herbicides; extreme rigour in all aspects of hand-tending the vines; hand de-leafing to promote grape ripeness and color; organic certified spray program to control diseases and pests; minimal use of heavy machinery in order to reduce soic compaction and thus respect the native flora dn fauna. “…builds nicely towards the more harmonious finish with smooth raspberry and cherry. Very fine.” - Neal Martin “…cool yet moderately earthy red berry fruit aromas that complement well the rich, full and detailed middle weight plus flavors that possess solid depth and punch on the energetic, tangy and sappy finish that is impeccably well balanced.” - Allen Meadows

Clos Marie L’Olivette Pic Saint Loup 2009, List Price $~~21.99~~, Sale $18.69 – Languedoc, France – 40% Grenache, 40% Syrah, 20% Mourvèdre and Cinsault (from vines 15 to 50 years of age) – 13.5% abv – Biodynamic - The vines are worked according to the principles of the biodynamy and the grape harvest is always by hand. The aging is carried out out of barrels. Tasting notes of winemaker Christophe Peyrus: ‘The bottling was carried out three weeks ago. 2009 made rich and concentrated wines. A vintage for aging, even on Olivette, which one will need to wait 3 or 4 years for the wine to reach it’s peak. Olivette is a wine very ‘charged’ right now, but it will gain purity and smoothness with time. It has a discrete nose right now, but an a more generous palate, and decanting will be needed absolutely because I always leave carbonic gas (as a way of protecting the wine). The tannins are thick with beautiful spices and sweetness in the finish.”

Clos de l’Origine Les Quilles Libres Cotes-du-Roussillon 2007, List Price $~~28.99~~, Sale $23.99 – Roussillon, France – 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 10% Carignan – Organic - 14.5% abv – 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

Sale prices last through Saturday, June 4th. No further discounts may apply.

Please join us on Friday, April 15th from 5PM until 7:30PM, and again on Saturday, April 16th, from 12PM until 4PM to sample delicious wines from France’s Savoie, Rhone and Languedoc regions, Austria’s Kremstal and Carnuntum regions, and Italy’s Piedmont. The Lineup:

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 Friday, April 8th from 5PM until 7:30PM, and again on Saturday, April 9th, from 12PM until 4PM to continue our trip through France’s Loire – an ancient valley full of fascinating castles, villages and vineyards. This week we explore more Muscadet, a dry Anjou, two unusual wines from Sancerre (one a dry rose, and the other a beautiful Piont Noir), and finally a mature Cabernet Franc from St.-Nicolas de Bourgueil. The Lineup:

1. Bonnet-Huteau Muscadet Sevre et Maine Sur Lie Cuvee La Levraudiere 2009, List Price $10.99, Sale $9.34 – Muscadet, Loire, France – 100% Melon de Bourgogne – 12% abv – Sustainable - Light, bright straw. Dusty minerals, quince and lemon zest on the nose, with a hint of white flowers adding complexity. Dry, sharply focused citrus and mineral flavors show a weightier aspect in the mid-palate and pick up a hint of musky herbs with air. Finishes clean and brisk. – International Wine Cellar

2. Domaine Richard Leroy Anjou Blanc Le Clos des Rouliers 2007, List Price $26.99, Sale $17.99 – Anjou, Loire, France – 100% Chenin Blanc – 12.5% abv – Organic - Pale Gold. Lemon curd, dried pear, melon and vanilla bean on the nose. Fairly bright and lush and creamy, offering gently sweet and weighty citrus and pit fruit flavors and bracing saline notes. Pliant and broad on the finish, which repeats the lemon and pear notes and lingers with very good spicy intensity. – Rated 90 points, International Wine Cellar

3. Pascal et Nicolas Reverdy Sancerre Rose Terre de Maimbray 2010, List Price $21.99, Sale $18.69 – Sancerre, Loire, France – 100% Pinot Noir – 13% abv – Organic - Offers juicy strawberry and mixed red fruit aromas, with a hint of yellow peach. Dry and refreshing.

4. Gerard & Pierre Morin Sancerre Rouge 2008, List Price $24.99, Sale $21.24 – Bue, Loire, France – 100% Pinot Noir – 13% abv - Sustainable - This Pinot Noir is planted in different parcels all situated in the commune of Bue. The roots of the vines draw from two particular terroirs to imbue the wine with its unique characteristics: “Les Caillottes,” predominantly limestone, brings finess and fruits notes. “Les Marnes,” deeper and with more clay, gives the wine structure and excellent potential as a “vin de garde.” Morin’s manner of working the soil and natural weed-control enhances the effect of the two soils, particularly through their harvesting entirely by hand.

5. Yannick Amirault, Pavillon du Grand Clos, St.-Nicolas de Bourgueil Les Malgagnes 2006, List Price $31.99, Sale $25.99 – St.-Nicolas de Bourgueil, Loire, France – 100% Cabernet Franc – 13.5% abv – Organic - Produced from vines planted originally in 1936, with portions of the vineyard replanted in 1973 and 1994. Vinified in wooden vats and then aged in once-used oak demi-muids. Only 583 cases produced. With vibrant flavors of plum, cassis and black berry, tinged by coffee and bittersweet chocolate, and notes of game, minerals and olive, held together by bright acidity.

Please join us on Friday, April 1st from 5PM until 7:30PM, and again on Saturday, April 2nd, from 12PM until 4PM to taste an eclectic lineup of regional French wines spanning the Loire Valley, the Rhone and Burgundy. Representing both outstanding values and superb quality, this is a tasting you will not want to miss! The Lineup:

1. Chateau de la Bonneliere Touraine “Cepage Sauvignon – Les Devants” 2008, List Price $14.99, Sale $12.69 – Touraine, Loire, France – 100% Sauvignon Blanc – 12.5% abv – Organic - Pale yellow. Assertive bouquet of lime zest, lemongrass and wet stone. Dry, nervy, tightly wound citrus and green apple flavors are underscored by dusty minerality and expand on the back half. Leaves a trail of mineral and citrus notes behind on the nicely persistent finish. This is a very good value and can compete with plenty of Sancerres. – Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar

2. Domaine Pascal Bonhomme Vire-Clesse Vieilles Vignes 2009, List Price $23.99, Sale $19.99 – Macon, Burgundy, France – 100% Chardonnay – 13% abv – Sustainable - A throw back to classic and artisanal wine making, we are very excited to have recently found this treasure in southern Burgundy. Pascal Bonhomme has some of the best situated sites in Vire-Clesse and he makes every effort in his vines to convey that in the bottle. Similar to vignerons in the Cot D’Or, Pascal harvests completely by hand and vinifies meticulously using pneumatic pressing. The estate is 2.5 hecates in size with most of it’s production being sold cellar door and, now, to the U.S. 60 year old vines; vinification is 20% in oak barrels and 80% in stainless steel tanks, 100% malolactic fermentation.

3. Domaine Mourgues du Gres Terre d’Argence Blanc Vin de Pays du Gard 2008, List Price $17.99, Sale $14.99 – Costieres de Nimes, Rhone, France – 50% Viognier, 30% Roussanne, Marsanne, Grenache Blanc – 12% abv – Sustainable - Slightly fuller, with undeniable minerality as well as a more exotic character. . . . Approximately one-fourth of this cuvee is aged in French oak, and the rest in vat. More honeysuckle, white peach, and currant notes make an appearance in this medium-bodied, elegant, authoritatively fruity, stylish wine. Drink it over the next year. – The Wine Advocate

4. Domaine Serafin Pere & Fils Gevrey-Chambertin 2007, List Price $54.99, Sale $46.99 -Burgundy, France – 100% Pinot Noir – 13% abv – Organic - A hint of wood spice frames moderately sauvage, earthy and layered currant and dark pinot fruit aromas that merge into rich, full and serious medium weight flavors underpinned by ripe tannins and a balanced, intense and persistent finish. A classic Gevrey with fine quality for a villages wine. – Burghound

5. Domaine des Soulanes “Cuvee Jean Pull” Vin de Pays de Cotes Catalanes 2007, List Price $18.99, Sale $15.99 – Roussillon, France – 60% Grenache, 40% Carignan – 14.5% abv – Organic - Intense kirsch, red plum and raspberry flavors give this southern French red real character and power. The finish is spicy, with plenty of finesse to the black licorice notes. Grenache and Carignane. Drink now through 2012. – Wine Spectator

6. Domaine Georges Vernay Cote-Rotie “Blonde du Seigneur” 2006, List Price $69.99, Sale $49.99 – Northern Rhone, France – 100% Syrah – 12.5% abv – Sustainable - Bright ruby-red. Finely etched red and dark berry, floral, herbal and mineral aromas, plus a slow-building anise quality. Tangy and focused, offering sweet raspberry and blueberry flavors and showing no obvious tannins. Finishes lush and creamy, but with a jolt of zesty minerals adding vivacity and cut. Extremely fresh and delicious right now. These vines are planted entirely in the Cote Blonde, at Lancement and Coteaux des Semons. Incidentally, Paul Amsellem describes 2006 as a “subtle, smooth and classic vintage for red wines,” adding that they will be best in their youth, like the ’04s. “The 2007s, though, are agers.” – Rated 91 Points, Wine Spectator; 91 points, Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar

Sale pricing for selected wines lasts through the end of Saturday, April 2, 2011. No other discounts may apply.

Jean-Louis Tribouley stands amongst some of his ancient Grenache vines

Please join us on Saturday, March 12th, from 12pm until 4pm to sample a grab bag of staff picks. “Grab bag” could not give the wines selected any sort of justice. But no matter how we label the tasting the diverse selections are all unique and utterly delicious. We look forward to seeing you Saturday at Weygandt Wines. The Lineup:

Domaine Albert Mann Cremant d’Alsace Brut 2008, List Price $~~22.99~~, Sale $18.99 – Wettolsheim, Alsace, France – 60% Auxerrois, 40% Pinot Blanc – 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. – The Wine Advocate

Heymann-Lowenstein Riesling Winningen Rottgen 2006, List Price $~~29.99~~, Sale $24.99 – Winnigen, Mosel, Germany – 100% Riesling – 13% abv – Organic - Dry and spicy, with more saline and savory flavor elements than fruit. There are hints of peach, grapefruit and yellow plum, but more smoke and a firm, chalklike sensation. Fine length. Drink now through 2016. 20 cases imported. - Rated 90 Points, Wine Spectator

Jobard-Chabloz Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 2007, List Price $~~129.99~~, Sale $79.99 – Meursault, Burgundy, France – 13% abv – Sustainable – A relatively high-toned nose of green apple, rose petal and a hint of spice leads to very fresh, cool and reserved big-bodied flavors that brim with a fine minerality and excellent linearity and drive on the palate staining finish. This is not a massive example as it doesn’t have better than average concentration but the focus and energy are impressive. This should be quite good in time. – Rated 92 points, Burghound, 92 points, The Wine Advocate

Domaine Chevillon-Chezeaux Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Aux Champs-Perdrix 2006, List Price $~~48.99~~, Sale $39.99 – Nuits-Saint-George, Burgundy, France – 13% abv – Sustainable - Philippe Chezeaux is related to Jérôme Chezeaux and his father-in-law is the cousin of Robert Chevillon. Philippe’s style is rather unique in that he is adamant about finding the balance between fruit, acidity, and terroir in his wines, especially in an appellation that is more commonly associated with wines that trade on power first. The 2006 Aux Champs-Perdrix, sourced from a tiny, highly perched, southeast facing vineyard on the Vosne-Romanee side of Nuits-Saint-George, displays very pronounced red Pinot Noir fruit – cherries, red currant, mineral. Fine-grained tannins and lively acidity, and a lingering spiciness in the finish. – Todd Ross, Weygandt Wines

Jean-Michel Gerin Saint-Joseph 2008, List Price $~~29.99~~, Sale $24.99 – Saint-Joseph, Rhone, France – 100% Syrah – 12.5% abv – Sustainable - A piercing iron note runs through the mix of red cherry, currant and pomegranate fruit flavors in this red, keeping it all lively and fresh. Drink now through 2011. 100 cases imported. – Wine Spectator

Jean-Louis Tribouley Orchis Vin de Pays de Cotes Catalanes 2008, List Price $~~29.99~~, Sale $24.99 – Roussillon, France – 80% Grenache, 10% Carignan, 5% Cinsault, 3% Grenache Gris, 2% Grenache Gris – 14.5% abv – Biodynamic - The following are the tasting notes for the 2007 Orchis by David Schildknecht in The Wine Advocate (there are no independent tasting notes as yet for the 2008). The main difference between the two vintages is that the 2008 shows an even more vibrant focus and perhaps “bluer” fruit. – Tasted assembled from tank Tribouley’s 2007 Orchis is the latest vintage of what was formerly called “Serrat den Franc.” Its explosive nose of black raspberry and blueberry confiture incorporates overtones of almond extract, prunelle eau de vie, wood smoke and cocoa powder. Liqueur-like and loaded with distilled berry inner-mouth esters, this nevertheless retains clarity and purity, avoiding even the slightest temptation toward superficial sweetness or confectionary stickiness. Deep roasted meat and wet stone flavors emerge in a long, smoke-tinged finish founded on a veritable ocean of concentrated blue and black fruit. Despite offering abundant immediate gratification, their well-covered tannins encourage the belief (absent any track record to which I can point) that the amazing Tribouley trio under present consideration possess enough structure and stamina for mid-term cellaring. Unfortunately, I have yet to track down a bottle of the 2006 Orchis; Tribouley indicated that he had sold them all.

Tribouley – an outsider who understudied with Gauby and then began his own estate in 2002 – farms roughly 30 acres (biodynamically) and sells no grapes. That statistic shocked me when I entered his cramped and tiny cellar. Where in the world does he find room there for wine from 30 acres? The solution to this seeming mystery is that he has all the room he requires given his pathetically low yields. In a quantitatively good vintage, he bottles 1,700 cases. But it is fruit from his 10 acres near Maury (variously on reddish Marne chalk, and quartzite-rich schist and sandstone) that are the focus for the two cuvees (both matured in older barrels, favoring demi-muids) that are sold in the U.S. Both his parcels in the Les Bacs just east of Maury and in the Coume du Roi (the basis for his Orchis) are around 75:25 Grenache-to-Carignan; northwestern in exposure; and, he says, almost perpetually windy. (I had to crouch down like a head-pruned vine just to walk against the gusts in Les Bacs on a December afternoon.) 2007 – Rated 93-94 points, The Wine Advocate

Sale pricing for selected wines lasts through the end of Saturday, March 12th, 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

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.

Domaine Thierry Glantenay's Classic Volnays and Pommards - Saturday Tasting and Sale

Burgundy, Events, Pinot Noir, Pommard, Red Wine, Tasting, Volnay No Responses »

Oct 132010

Thierry Glantenay has taken over at his family domaine and is now producing exquisite, ethereal Volnay and full, powerful Pommard from many of the best terroirs. Thierry also has a small but brilliantly sited plot of Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Folatières that has 80 year old vines. He only produces a few hundred bottles a year though and has loyal customers for it; I have put up my hand as the wine is fabulous, he poured it for me at the end of our tasting and I could still taste it as I drove the car back down the hill out of Volnay and back to Beaune.

Unfortunately they don’t have much to offer as the domaine is only 7 hectares but importantly they farm their own vines and make their own wines ensuring the best available quality. Such is this domain’s reputation that grapes and juice have regularly been sold to some of the top Burgundy negociant houses (including Dominique Laurent). Thierry would like to eventually bring an end to this as he would prefer to bottle everything himself – and all his customers would like more wine!

A reserved and gentle character, he was at pains to explain that he doesn’t practice extreme viticulture, preferring to achieve balance and harmony in the vineyard. Likewise in the winery, everything is done gently but with perfection. Thierry trained as an engineer and so is always asking questions of himself and his methods, perfecting things with each effort.

Across the board these wines are precise, focused and reflective of their underlying terroir, with great sappiness and depth in the mid-palates, coupled with brilliant structural integrity that makes them, to me, amongst the finest wines made in the southern half of Burgundy.

Thierry is a meticulous and talented winemaker, who uses no more than twenty-five percent new oak for any of his top wines, allowing for a beautiful synthesis of pure fruit, delicate framing and a beautifully transcribed expression of terroir in each and every wine. There is a refined elegance and perfumed precision to the Glantenay wines that is very special, and is most impressive when working with the sometimes rather youthfully “sauvage” elements that can be found in young Pommard. Thierry is one of the stars of the Côte de Beaune, and because he is working in the village of Volnay, rather than Vosne-Romanée or Gevrey-Chambertin, his brilliant wines also offer extraordinary value in today’s crazy world of Burgundy pricing.

Please join us this Saturday, October 16th, from 12PM to 4PM for a tasting of a selection from the portfolio of Domaine Thierry Glantenay in which we will explore it’s pure form, with six wines from the northern Rhone, southern Rhone and the Languedoc. The Lineup:

Domaine Bernard et Thierry Glantenay Bourgogne 2008, List Price $25.99, Sale Price $21.99

Domaine Bernard et Thierry Glantenay Volnay 1er Cru Les Santenots 2008, List Price $64.99, Sale Price $54.99

Domaine Bernard et Thierry Glantenay Volnay 1er Cru Clos des Chenes 2008, List Price $66.99, Sale Price $56.89

Domaine Bernard et Thierry Glantenay Volnay 1er Cru Les Caillerets 2008, List Price $68.99, Sale Price $58.59

Domaine Bernard et Thierry Glantenay Volnay 1er Cru Les Brouillards 2008, List Price $54.99, Sale Price $46.69

Domaine Bernard et Thierry Glantenay Pommard 1er Cru Les Sassilles 2008, List Price $66.99, Sale Price $56.89

Domaine Bernard et Thierry Glantenay Pommard 1er Cru Les Rugiens 2008, List Price $78.99, Sale Price $66.99

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Domaine Thierry Glantenay's Classic Volnays and Pommards - Saturday Tasting and Sale

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