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.

Please join us

The Barthelme brothers, two giants in physical stature, benefit from the ideal micro-climate of Colmar, producing wines that are rich, onctuous, endowed with significant residual sugar but well integrated in concentration. . . . – Le Classement, Revue du Vin de France

Please visit Weygandt Wines this Saturday, February 25th from 12pm-4pm to sample six fine examples and new releases from Domaine Albert Mann. The Lineup:

Domaine Albert Mann Pinot Blanc 2009, List Price $17.99,  Sale $15.29 – Wettolsheim, Alsace, France – 70% Auxerrois, 30% Pinot Blanc – 12.5% abv – Biodynamic - Straw-yellow. Musky soft citrus fruits, hazelnut and spring flowers on the nose. Fat, supple and slightly sweet, but with good shape to its creamy stone fruit and spice flavors. A persistent, easygoing midweight with modest complexity. – Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar

Domaine Albert Mann Auxerrois Vieilles Vignes 2009, List Price $19.99, Sale $16.99 – Wettolsheim, Alsace, France – 100% Auxerrois – 13% abv – Biodynamic - Pale yellow-green. High-pitched aromas of lime, orange blossom and mint, with a whiff of coconut emerging with air. Juicier and drier than the pinot blanc, conveying less body but more cut and clarity. Tighter on the back end, with a suggestion of elevated alcohol giving it a slightly aggressive character. But there’s good grip too. – Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar

Domaine Albert Mann Riesling Cuvee Albert 2009, List Price $27.99, Sale $23.79 – Wettolsheim, Alsace, France – 100% Riesling – 13% abv – Biodynamic - A pretty, aromatic white, this finds a fine fit for its delicate flavors of honeydew melon, peach, orange zest and spice. Dry and tangy, with lovely purity of flavor and balance. Drink now through 2016. 150 cases imported. – Rated 90 points, Wine Spectator

Domaine Albert Mann Gewurztraminer 2009, List Price $25.99, Sale $22.09 – Wettolsheim, Alsace, France – 100% Gewurztraminer – 14% abv – Biodynamic - Pale, green-tinged yellow. Varietally expressive aromas of lichee, smoked meat, brown spices and rose petal. Silky-smooth and sweet, with spice and meat flavors similar to the aromas. An easygoing and open-knit wine of good but not outstanding clarity and intensity, finishing with a light dusting of tannins and alcohol under control. – Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar

Domaine Albert Mann Riesling Grand Cru Schlossberg 2009, List Price $39.99, Sale $33.99 – Wettolsheim, Alsace, France – 100% Gewurztraminer – 14% abv – Biodynamic - There’s a lovely purity and transparency to this elegant white, showcasing its minerality, which drives the spring blossom, white peach and grapefruit zest flavors. The citrusy acidity shows precision and adds a streamlined quality, with a long, white pepper-laced finish. Drink now through 2025. 100 cases imported. – Rated 93 points, Wine Spectator; 90 points, Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar

Domaine Albert Mann Gewurztraminer Grand Cru Steingrubler 2007, List Price $34.99, Sale $29.79 – Wettolsheim, Alsace, France – 100% Gewurztraminer – 14% abv – Biodynamic - Bright pale yellow. Exotic orange blossom, curry powder, spices, wild herbs and a whiff of earth on the nose. Fat, rich and very sweet, with fairly low acidity but the fruit to handle its alcohol. This concentrated, gently styled gewurztraminer is broad and full without being heavy. – Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar

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

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

The Barthelme brothers, two giants in physical stature, benefit from the ideal micro-climate of Colmar, producing wines that are rich, onctuous, endowed with significant residual sugar but well integrated in concentration as is typical of Hengst and Furstentum. – Le Classement, 1999 Revue du Vin de France

The Barthelme brothers, winemaker Jacky and viticulturist Maurice, have now attained the recognition they deserve. Rated by The Wine Advocate, Robert Parker placed them in the top tier of Alsace producers and they have a One Star Rating in The Classement by Revue du Vin de France. From the Pinot Auxerrois, through all their expressive Grand Crus, to their rich, Selection Grains Noble, they portray their unique style consistently; beautiful delineation of flavors and precise textures, never heavy, clumsy or out of balance.

Please visit our Domaine Albert Mann producer page at the link above to view all Mann wines, prices and reviews. The Lineup:

Domaine Albert Mann Cremant d’Alsace Non Vintage,$23.99 $19.99/btl – 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. – 88 point, The Wine Advocate

Domaine Albert Mann Pinot Blanc 2008,$17.99 $15.29/btl – Alsace, France – 60% Pinot Blanc, 40% Auxerrois – 12.5% abv – Biodynamic - Soft, fuzzy yellow fruit flavors with strong minerality. Suprisingly rich for a Pinot Blanc, it has a creaminess that belies this often lean varietal. (This has something to do with the blend of almost half Auxerrois.) Great as an aperitif or with hors d’oeuvres, but equally at home paired with fish and chicken or similarly light fare.

Domaine Albert Mann Pinot Gris Grand Cru Hengst 2007, $34.99 $29.74/btl – Alsace, France – 100% Pinot Gris – 13.5% abv – Biodynamic - Yellow golden colour with clear glints of beautiful intensity. The frank, pleasant nose, of beautiful intensity, shows a fruity dominance, fruit with white flesh and quince, very complex. The airing unveils pear and a slightly earthy character but shows a nice aromatic concentration. First contact is ample, mellow, and heady; there’s a beautiful freshness. It develops to a fine vivacity where flavors reveal quince fruit and smoke. The finish shows beautiful length and a frank vivacity. This wine goes very well with grilled veal chop and chanterelle mushroom.

Domaine Albert Mann Riesling Grand Cru Furstentum 2007, $44.99 $38.24/btl – Alsace, France – 100% Riesling – 12.5% abv – Biodynamic - A black licorice note wraps around ripe flavors of apple, yellow peach and pineapple in this rich white, which is just off-dry and juicy, with a honeyed, lightly smoky finish. Drink now through 2019. 160 cases made. – 91 points, Wine Spectator

Domaine Albert Mann Gewurztraminer Grand Cru Steingrubler 2007, $34.99 $29.74/btl – Alsace, France – 100% Gewurztraminer – 12.5% abv – Biodynamic – Yellow straw golden colour, of beautiful intensity with clear glints. The nose is frank and racyand it unveils dominant fruity aromas–citrus fruit, grapefruit, floral perfume, rose, laurel, litchi, spices. The airing intensifies the floral character, rose, revealing a fine smoky touch, flint, mineral. The nose shows a beautiful maturity of the grape in an exuberant and sensual style, very pleasant. The first contact is both rich and soft and the wine develops to a frank vivacity and the aromatic scale reveals the candied, exotic, floral note, litchi, as well as secondary perfumes. It finishes with a beautiful length and a fine, refreshing vivacity. The structure is rich, fleshy, tasty; the subjacent vivacity refreshes well the richness of the wine, beautiful aromatic purity. Reserve it for tasty, rich dishes, as a crab gratin with ginger and citrus fruit, soft cheeses with rind or simply drink it for itself with good friends.

Domaine Albert Mann Pinot Noir Clos de la Faille 2006, $46.99 $39.94/btl – Alsace, France – 60% Pinot Blanc, 40% Auxerrois – 12.5% abv – Biodynamic - Cherry red colour with purplish glints with a beautiful intensity; the disk is brilliant, limpid, transparent. Pleasant nose unveiling fine flavours of ripe fruit, red fruit, red currant, blackcurrant, cherry as well as a slight woody touch. The airing intensifies the fruity character, blackberries, fruit of the forest as well as a slight animal and spicy character, including cinnamon. The nose is remarkably deep and precise. It’s ample and fleshy and the alcohol is well balanced though a tense vivacity develops. The range of flavours is delicate with a dominance of red fruit, blackberry, blackcurrant,  blueberry, fruit of the forest and a delicately woody note. Tannins are soft, ripe and delicately astringent. The finish shows a beautiful medium length, extraction is perfect and the aromatic range pure. It’s a natural match with a lamb loin.

Sale Ends at Closing on Saturday, May 1, 2010.

Domaine du Vissoux Cremant de Bourgogne NV – Beaujolais, France – 100% Chardonnay – 12% abv – A terrific alternative to pricey Champagne, this Blanc de Blanc  made by star Beaujolais winemaker Pierre Chermette is made in the methode tradtionelle. Hand crafted and hand riddled, this 100% ORGANIC sparkling wine offers outstanding structure and weight, with notes of green apple and spiced pear, all in a crisp, well-balanced package. EVENT PRICE, $20.99/btl

Chateau de La Bonneliere Touraine Les Devants Cepage Sauvignon 2008 – Loire, France – 100% Sauvignon Blanc – 12.5% abv – Marc Plouzeau’s BIODYNAMIC bottling of his 2008 Touraine Sauvignon is redolent of citrus and herbs; lean and unusually bright on the palate even for its genre, and finishes with a combination of fresh lemon, salt, peppermint, and nettles that will leave your palate both scoured and invigorated! EVENT PRICE, $12.99/btl

Domaine Albert Mann Pinot Blanc 2008 - Alsace, France – 50% Pinot Blanc, 50% Auxerrois – 12.5% abv – Jacky and Maurice Barthelme’s BIODYNAMIC 2008 Pinot Blanc portrays their unique style consistently; beautiful delineation of flavors and precise textures, never heavy, clumsy or out of balance. A lovely mineral-scented nose is followed by palate coating pear, white peach and apricot. EVENT PRICE, $14.99/btl

Domaine David Clark Bourgogne Au Pelson 2006 – Burgundy, France – 100% Pinot Noir – 12.5% abv – Scottsman David Clark’s ORGANIC is firm and complex, with a mix of smoke, herb, dried currant and wild raspberry flavors that expand to ripe cherry and plum. Full-bodied and well-structured, gaining depth and picking up a nice fresh earthy edge. The finish is long and persistent. EVENT PRICE, $16.99/btl

Domaine Duseigneur Lirac Antares 2007 – Rhone, France – 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 20% Mourvedre – 14.5% abv – Jean and Frederic Duseigneur’s 2007 Lirac Antares is a big rich offering. In keeping with the style of this vintage, it possesses plenty of freshness and ripeness in addition to deep black raspberry and black cherry fruit, licorice and smoky notes. This dense, medium to full-bodied, elegant as well as substantial BIODYNAMIC Lirac should drink well for 5-6 years. EVENT PRICE, $18.99/btl

Clos de L’Origine Cotes du Roussillon Villages Latour de France Les Quilles Libres Rouge 2007 - Roussillon, France – 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 10% Carignan – Marc Barriot’s ORGANIC 2007 Les Quilles Libres is loaded with 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. EVENT PRICE, $23.99/btl

While the lineup may change a couple of times this week, this is what we’re starting off with (all sale items are good for this week only or while supplies last):

Domaine Albert Mann Pinot Blanc 2008 – Regular Price $17.99, Sale Price $14.99 – Alsace, France – 100% Pinot Blanc, 12.5% abv – The Barthelme brothers, winemaker Jacky and vitiiculturist Maurice, have now attained the recognition they deserve. Rated by Robert Parker of the Wine Advocate as in the top tier of Alsace producers, and One Star Rating in The Classement by Revue du Vin de France. From the Pinot Auxerrois, through all their expressive Grand Crus, to their rich, Selection Grains Noble, they portray their unique style consistently; beautiful delineation of flavors and precise textures, never heavy, clumsy or out of balance.

A bit of history. Maurice Barthelme married Albert Mann’s daughter, Marie-Claire, and gradually took over the domaine. He brought his brother Jacky into the operation In 1990. From Mann, there were Grand Cru Vineyards, Hengst, Steingrubler, Pfersigberg (for Tokay VV) and the wonderful Rosenberg Vineyard. From their mother (a member of the Blanck Family of Kaysersberg) they inherited the Schlossberg and Furstentum Vineyards (as well as the Altenbourg, adjoining the Furstentum).

Beginning in 1993, the Barthelme’s started a string of dazzling successes. The 1998′s continue this tradition, adding the character of the 1998 vintage to the Barthelme style: even more brilliant delineation from a more challenging, but in turn, rewarding “vintage of the vigneron.”

“The Barthelme brothers, two giants in physical stature, benefit from the ideal micro-climate of Colmar, producing wines that are rich, onctuous, endowed with significant residual sugar but well integrated in concentration as is typical of Hengst and Furstentum.” – Le Classement, 1999 Revue du Vin de France

Domaine de Poulvarel Costieres de Nimes Rose 2008 – Regular Price $12.99, Sale Price $10.99 – Rhone, France – 90% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 13% abv – Round and floral, this rose has hints of currant and strawberry fruit finish.

A single domaine Kir Royale consisting of:

Domaine du Vissoux Cremant de Bourgogne Brut Blanc de Blancs – Regular Price $25.99, Sale Price $21.99 – Burgundy, France – 100% Chardonnay, 12% abv – This sparkler is straw-yellow with golden tints. The bubbles are fine and form a delicate pearls around the rim of the glass. Citrus, floral and mineral aromas and flavors are partnered by a fresh elegant mouth feel, making a perfect balance between the strength of the aromas and the lightness required of this celebration drink. The limestone-clay soil the vines grow in is perfectly adapted to the Chardonnay grape variety.

and

Domaine du Vissoux Creme de Cassis – Regular Price $18.99, Sale Price $15.99 – Burgundy, France – 100% Black Currants, 19.85% abv – This cassis liqueur is home-made in a totally natural way from Pierre Chermette’s own plot of blackcurrants. On it’s own, the best Creme de Cassis we’ve ever tasted. With a nice sparkler, as good a Kir Royale as you can find.

Daniel Bouland Chiroubles 2008 – Regular Price $20.99, Sale Price $17.99 – Beaujolais, France – 100% Gamay, 13% abv – “The 2008 Chiroubles shows what a difference terroir can make: even though Bouland’s parcel of Chiroubles is immediately adjacent to his Morgon, soil and exposure are different, and the result is a bright, exuberant, white wine-like, terrifically vivacious tonic of salt- and citrus zest-tinged red raspberry and purple plum. This light, lithe wine is palate-staining in its concentration, but I would be inclined to enjoy it over the next couple of years.

“This year, not just one wine but an entire family of Daniel Bouland’s as yet still little-known wines is coming to the U.S., and they should not be missed!” – WA 91 points

Domaine Collotte Bourgogne Cuvee de Noble Souche 2007 – Regular Price $19.99, Sale Price $16.99 – Burgundy, France – 100% Pinot Noir, 12.5% abv – “It was at the 2005 Grand Jours de Bourgogne. I was looking for excellent Burgundies at equally excellent value. Marsannay came to mind as a good candidate, but aside from a couple of well-known producers, I was disappointed in the quality of many. That is until I came upon Philippe Collotte. A tall, quiet man, looking a bit like Gary Cooper, but with a lot of passion to make superb wines just waiting to be unleashed. His 2004′s were good, especially the Marsannay Champsalomon, but his 2005′s are special. And it is not just the vintage that explians it. One can see lower yields, more selection before and at harvest, and for us he bottled everything unfiltered. The Marsannay Clos de Jeu 2005 is the top Marsannay I have ever tasted – I put 6 magnums into my personal cellar.

“As I alluded to above, 2005 is no fluke – Philippe’s were some of the best 2006′s I tasted in February 2007 and when you taste his 2006 Rosé de Marsannay, it will be hard to argue that one who got that much fruit in his Marsannay Rosé, must have done something special that vintage.

“On the technical sheets we will be more specific but with special note is his Bourgogne parcel, planted in 1947 (bottled unfiltered for us) and there are 4 parcels of 50 + year vines in his super-value Marsannay VV. It is fun to find people like Philippe Collotte.” – Peter Weygandt

Domaine des Soulanes Maury 2006 – Regular Price $24.99, Sale Price $21.99 – Roussillon, France – 100% Grenache Noir, 16% abv – Pipe tobacco and plummy dark fruits make up the aromatic profile of the 2006 Maury. Broad, softly-textured, and sweet, it reveals a personality that is redolent with chocolate-covered raspberries, plums, and cherries. This medium to full-bodied wine is produced entirely from Grenache Noir and was aged for five years in 600-liter barrels before being bottled unfiltered. This beauty should be drunk after a meal on its own or with dark fruit-based desserts or dark chocolate.