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.

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

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

Georg Mosbacher Forster Elster Riesling Kabinett Trocken 2007,  Regular Price $26.99, Sale Price $19.99 – Pfalz, Germany – 100% Riesling – 12% abv – Organic - “Rich, round and spicy, offering grapefruit, nutmeg and white pepper aromas and flavors, with a savory aftertaste. Nicely balanced and long. Drink now through 2015. 50 cases imported.” – Rated 90 Points, Wine Spectator.

Tement Sauvignon Blanc Steirische Klassik 2007, Regular Price $24.99, Sale Price $18.99 – Sytria, Austria – 100% Sauvignon Blanc – 12.5% abv – Organic - Southern Styria is a traditional production area which enjoys excellent growing conditions, especially for white grapes. For this reason, 95% of the vineyard area is devoted to white varieties and 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. Tement’s ‘classic’ Sauvignon Blanc shows ripe tropical fruit flavors with sweet herbs in the finish.

Chateau Castigno Saint-Chinian Blanc 2007, Regular Price $25.99, Sale Price $19.99 – Languedoc, France – 90% Grenache Blanc, 10% Roussanne – 14% abv – Organic - With an average of 25 years for the vines, these grapes are grown on clay and limestone soils. Vinification is in 100% new oak barrels. The color is golden-yellow. The nose is of exotic fruits and an and impression of candied citrus. The palate is strong, round, well-balanced by firm acidity.

Domaine du Vissoux Beaujolais Rosé “Les Griottes” 2009, Regular Price $16.99, Sale Price $13.99 – Beaujolais, France – 100% Gamay – 12.5% abv – Organic - A light-bodied, cherry-scented rosé made from 100% Gamay. Domaine du Vissoux may just be the most perfect expression in my whole portfolio of what I seek, for the very ability to be natural and great, at once.

Giovanna Ciacci Rosso di Montalcino 2005, Regular Price $26.99, Sale price $22.99 – Tuscany, Italy – 100% Sangiovese – 14% abv – Organic - The Ciacci family has been growers in the area of Sant’Antimo for centuries. The estate dates back 800 years and once totaled 700 hectares (nearly 1700 acres) in size. It has been divided over the generations (there are several producers named Ciacci, now). Giovanna markets most of her production under another label, through another importer and the style there is fairly modern. But Giovanna is at heart a traditionalist and produces, under the name Giovanna Ciacci, a limited quantity of traditionally crafted wines. A perfect fit for us. The Rosso is younger vines, less ideally situated parcels of Brunello di Montalcino. The 2005 is beautifully balanced and long, and a value.

Chateau Castigno “Secret des Dieux” Saint-Chinian 2007, Regular Price $25.99, Sale price $19.99 – Languedoc, France – 50% Syrah, 30% Carignan, 25% Grenache, 5% Mourvedre – 13.5% abv – Organic - Secret des Dieux is grown on clay and limestone soils (mainly limestone for the Grenache). The average age of the vines here is 25 years (but for the Carignan the vines are 100 years old). Deeply saturated dark red color. The nose gives refined impressions of red fruit and garigue. The palate is rich and generous with well-integrated tannins.

Sale prices last through July 31st. No other offers may be applied.

Let’s face it. It’s hot outside. Really hot. And summer’s only just begun! So maybe we should take a moment to rethink this whole idea of grilling hunks of red meat and serving them on the back porch alongside a full-bodied red wine (we can rethink this but certainly not dismiss the idea!)

Something more refreshing, chilled, dry and white is in order to partner with good food that’s just a bit lighter. Grilled seasonal vegetables, seafood sausages, white meat, fish and shellfish. Austrian whites, Rieslings and Gruner Veltliners are ideal accompaniments. Their complex flavors give them the richness to stand up to a variety of foods, and their crisp dryness make them especially refreshing.

So when choosing your menu for this weekend, spend a few moments pondering the perfect wine selection. Or, better yet, come in to the shop and sample some excellent, limited production wines and pick up a few bottles or a case.

Through June 26, 2010, all Austrian wines will be discounted 15% off their regular retail price for single bottles, and 20% by the case, mixed or matched. SALE ENDS 8PM JUNE 26, 2010. The Lineup:

Josef Schmid Riesling Vom Urgestein Bergterrassen 2007, Regular Price $24.99, Sale Price $21.24 – Kremstal, Austria – 100% Riesling – 13% abv – Sustainable – Offers a floral, spicy aroma, with intense Granny Smith apple, peach and pear flavors. Slate and pepper flavors fill the finish. Drink now through 2012. 833 cases made.

Josef Schmid Riesling Pfaffenberg Reserve 2007, Regular Price $29.99, Sale Price $25.49 – Kremstal, Austria – 100% Riesling – 13.5% abv – Sustainable – Rich, well-concentrated flavors of peach and apricot, with hints of tropical fruit, give this plenty of punch. The long, spice-filled finish features notes of mineral and cream. Drink now through 2012. 250 cases made.

Kurt Angerer Riesling Ametzberg 2007, Regular Price $26.99, Sale Price $22.94 – Kamptal, Austria – 100% Riesling – 14% abv – Sustainable - Concentrated tropical fruit flavors of mango and pineapple fill this rich Riesling. There’s a ripe appley note as well, with intriguing savory herbal elements. This really hums on the creamy finish. Drink now through 2015. 267 cases made. – Rated 93 points, Wine Spectator

Nothnagl Grüner Veltliner Ried Steinborz Federspiel 2007, Regular Price $16.99, Sale Price $14.44 – Wachau, Austria – 100% Grüner Veltliner – 12% abv – Sustainable - Medium-bodied, with pear and green peach flavors. Finishes with plenty of vanilla and spice. Drink now.

Buchegger Grüner Veltliner Gebling 2008, Regular Price $21.99, Sale Price $18.69 – Kremstal, Austria – 100% Grüner Veltliner – 13% abv – Sustainable - Starts off a little fat, but gains focus with concentrated flavors of Fuji apple, pear, lentil and spice. Cream-filled finish. Drink now. 50 cases imported.

Pichler-Krutzler 2007 Grüner Veltliner Superin, Regular Price $57.99, Sale Price $49.29 – Wachau, Austria – 100% Grüner Veltliner – 13.5% abv – Organic - From sandy, eroded Urgestein vineyards just upstream but very different in character from the gravelly, alluvial Klostersatz – combines rich pit fruits, a glossy texture, and a plush sense of stuffing with piquant nuttiness, white pepper, and saline and wet stone minerality. This should prove versatile and satisfying for at least 4-5 years in bottle.

And on Saturday, June 12, from 1-4 pm, please join our importer, Peter Weygandt, in the shop to taste some of the perfect hot weather wines. All of these wines will be discounted 15% off their regular retail price for a single bottle and 20% off a mixed or matched case. In addition to the sale on the bottles that we are pouring tastes of, we are extending the special pricing to any of the wines of the producers that we are featuring. The entire portfolios of Bonnet-Huteau, Marof, Birgit Eichinger, Clos de l’Origine and Pascal et Nicolas Reverdy will be on sale. So stop by and taste some great summer sippers with Peter Weygandt! The Lineup:

Bonnet-Huteau Muscadet de Sevre et Maine Sur Lie La Levaudiere 2009, Regular Price $12.99, Sale Price $11.04 – Loire, France – 100% Muscadet – 12% abv – Biodynamic - 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. – Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar

Marof Renski Rizling, Regular Price $18.99, Sale Price $16.14 – Mackovci, Slovenia – 100% Riesling – 12% abv – Sustainable - Marof’s 2007 Renski Riesling is simply one of the ten or dozen finest Riesling wines I can recall tasting from outside of the greater Rhine basin or Austria. A gorgeous aromatic display of smoke-tinged apricot, Meyer lemon, apple blossom, and rowan leads to a silken-textured, infectiously juicy palate that makes a virtue of its relative looseness by conveying an airy elegance. Apricot kernel, lime zest, and an amazingly savory underlying sense of meat broth add complexity, and the interchange of flavors with which this wine finishes is positively vibratory. I suspect it will be best relished over the next 12-18 months, but there’s really no way of knowing absent any track record. – Rated 91 points, David Schildknecht, The Wine Advocate

Birgit Eichinger Grüner Veltliner Qualitätswein Trocken Kamptal Wechselberg 2008, Regular Price $22.99, Sale Price $19.54 – Kamptal, Austria – 100% Gruner Veltliner – 12.5% abv – Organic - Powerful, with concentrated grapefruit, Asian pear and gooseberry flavors that are supported by plenty of crisp acidity. Very vibrant and rich on the buttercream- and spice-filled finish. Drink now through 2015. 50 cases imported. – Rated 90 points, Kim Marcus, Wine Spectator

Clos de l’Origine Les Quilles Libres Vin de Pays des Cotes Catalanes Blanc 2007, Regular Price $23.99, Sale Price $20.39 – Roussillon, France – 80% Grenache Gris, 20% Grenache Blanc – 13% abv – Organic - The l’Origine 2007 Les Quilles Libres white is from Grenache Gris in both schist and chalk-clay terroirs of Maury (plus whatever bit of Grenache blanc may have been unavoidably harvested along with it), and was fermented for two months and aged in used barriques. 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, invigorating zest, but without the clarity or depth of the l’Original cuvee, and with an aura of oxidative evolution that some tasters may find slightly off-putting. This will demand careful pairing and I would advise exploring the options within the coming year. Inexperienced as I am with this estate I could easily end up being fooled by this wine’s potential. But given its low sulfur, it definitely requires vigilant, cool care. – Rated 88 points, David Schildknecht, The Wine Advocate

Pascal et Nicolas Reverdy Sancerre Terre de Maimbray Rose 2009, Regular Price $24.99, Sale Price $21.24 – Burgundy, France – 100% Pinot Noir – 13% abv – Organic - Medium red color. Mineral-driven aromas of redcurrant, strawberry and rose, with notes of orange peel and herbs adding complexity. Dry, focused and pure, with tangy red fruit flavors and good mineral bite. Impressive for its elegance and understatement; the finish is brisk and focused but just a touch dry. – Stephen Tanzer, 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.

Stay tuned for details of this coming Saturday’s Sancerre and Firefly Farms Goat Cheese Tasting. Other than Champagne and caviar or white Burgundy and lobster, we can’t think of a more classic combination than Sancerre with cheese made from goat’s milk. We’ll let you know exactly what we’re pouring and spreading as soon as we get details.

As for this shortened work week (for some of you), we’ll pour a couple of surprising whites and 4 reds we think most of you have not tried as of yet. (Two of which are rated 90 points or higher from The Wine Advocate!) The lineup:

Josef Schmid Riesling Vom Urgestein Bergterrassen 2007, 24.99/btl – Kremstal, Austria – 100% Riesling – 13% abv – Offers a floral, spicy aroma, with intense Granny Smith apple, peach and pear flavors. Slate and pepper flavors fill the finish. Drink now through 2012. 833 cases made. – WS 89 points

Domaine Schoffit Chasselas Vieilles Vignes 2008, $23.99/btl – Alsace, France – 100% Chasselas – 13% abv – Originating in Colmar, the historic cave is still situated in the city – the domaine owns lovely parcels in Harth, situated right outside the city. In 1986 the domaine purchased the Clos St. Theobald in the famous Rangen de Thann, and more recently a parcel in (Grand Cru) Sommerberg. The domaine is then divided into three relatively distant terroirs – with gravel of the Harth, the granite of Grand Cru Sommerberg and the volcanic in Rangen de Thann … with the opulent v.t.’s and s.g.n.’s of anthology, the immense notoriety of Rangen tends to eclipse the other terroirs. The other wines though are more accessible with, in particular, a lovely range of Pinot Blanc and Auxerrois, always well balanced. More rare the Chasselas Caroline presents a density little found in this varietal. The Riesling Sommerberg shows great promise. – Le Classement, 2003 Revue du Vin de France

Weingut Trapl St. Laurent 2007, $21.99/btl – Carnuntum, Austria – 100% St. Laurent – 13% abv – Young Johannes Trapl – who took over his family’s property (supplemented by rental acreage) and constructed a winery in 2000 – is one of four growers serious about Blaufrankisch in the Spitzerberg (for more about which, see my reports on Muhr-Niepoort in this issue and in issue 177). On my first visit, I did not attempt to canvass Trapl’s entire line, which includes also St. Laurent, Zweigelt, and even a bit of the Bordelaise varieties. Clearly, he is on a steep learning curve. Early in its evolution, a basic 2007 Blaufrankisch from young vines in the Spitzerberg and nearer the winery tasted promising, even if tartness of fruit and notes from barrel were somewhat at odds, and a dedicated 2007 bottling from some impressive Blaufrankisch grown in Stixneusiedel was also envisioned. – David Schildknecht, The Wine Advocate

Domaine La Berangeraie Cahors Malbec Les Traversets 2007, $16.99/btl – Cahors, France – 100% Malbec – 13% abv – This has spicy and fruity aromas, with dense, ripe flavors of blackberry, dark plum and chocolate. The short, tannic finish features spiced cherry notes. Drink now through 2012. 50 cases imported. – WS 87 points

Domaine L’Oustal Blanc Naick 6 Rouge 2006, $20.99/btl – Languedoc, France – 100% 60% Cinsault, 20% Carignan, 20% Syrah and Grenache.- 14% abv – Aromas of nutmeg, sandalwood, pungent herbs, and ripe cherry distinguish the 2006 vintage Naick 6. Bitter hints of cherry pit, black tea, and herbs, along with an undertone of wet stone mark this wine’s palate personality as cooler, more aloof than its year-younger counterpart. But there is a similarly impressive sheer persistence of fresh fruit and herbs, and this should give a whole lot of pleasure for at least a couple more years. – WA 90 points

Chateau Mourgues du Gres Capitelles des Mourgues 2007, $24.99/btl – Rhone, France – 83% Syrah, 17% Carignan and Grenache – 14.5% abv – A sensational red wine is the 2007 Capitelles du Mourgues, a Cote Rotie look-alike from the treasure-trove of values, Costieres de Nimes. A combination of 83% Syrah and the rest Carignan and Grenache, all aged in 600 liter demi-muids, it boasts an opaque purple color as well as an extraordinary nose of blackberries, creme de cassis, licorice, and spring flowers. Sensational purity, full-bodied richness, good underlying freshness and vibrancy, and an amazingly long finish suggest a wine that costs 2-3 times as much. This exceptional effort should evolve for a decade. – WA 92 points