Kill The Turkey, Not Yourself!

Yep, it’s that time of year.  And rather than bore you with yet another Turkey Day post extolling the virtues of gewurztraminer or pinot noir, we’re going to tell it to you like it is.  Are you ready? There is no perfect wine match for Thanksgiving meals.

It’s something we as retailers have known for years (glorified in amusing detail by our friend Alder Yarrow at Vinography.com last year), but somehow, some way, this time of year causes everyone – retailers and consumers alike – to get their swirling arms in a collective twist over what to stock and what to serve.  Therefore, JJ Buckley Fine Wine Specialist/Buyer Chuck Hayward has come up with some tips and recommendations to make the day if not painless, then at least vinous!  So before you give… ahem, serve everyone the bird, check out his tips and recommendations. And enjoy!

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Mmm...tasty turkey!

** Turkey Day means relatives. It’s good to find out whether Mom likes cabernet or if U ncle Mario drinks riesling.  To keep the peace, ask the rellies what they like and make sure there is something on hand to suit.

** While food traditions vary from region to region and family to family, most Thanksgiving platters will host some kind of tasty turkey. Almost anything will go with the bird itself, so pay attention to the stuffing and the gravy.  A rich sauvignon blanc works with breast and white gravy, whereas a rich stuffing with meats or nuts and dark gravy may work better with a Cotes du Rhone or a soft cabernet.

** Just like the Norman Rockwell painting, the turkey dinner is guaranteed to bring many different dishes and people to the table, all with unique tastes and palates. Your wine choices can be just as varied and don’t need to follow any hard and fast rules.  A few whites, a few reds and a sticky or two should do the trick.

** Lastly, if you have relatives that can’t be pleased, drink what YOU like and tell them to bring their own!

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Here are 7 ideas for wines to serve on the big day:

#1 Sauvignon Blancs make a light aperitif to sip on as you work in the kitchen or meet and greet the guests. A great match for salads or fish courses as well.

2006  Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc Cellar Selection $18.99
2008  Cakebread Cellars Sauvignon Blanc $34.99

#2 When serving turkey breast, nothing beats a light, fresh chardonnay such as a crisp white burgundy. Pour a richer, oakier style when you’ve got dark meat on the plate.

2006  Girardin Rully “Vieilles Vignes” $21.99
2007  Melville Chardonnay Estate $20.99

#3 Nothing says party like pink wine!! A great drink to have with salmon or game birds, a rose is a great link between courses or to start the festivities.

2008  Festival Rose (Chateau Le Gay) Bordeaux $14.99

#4 A softer red is essential for the table and pinot noir is where it’s at. Think of the style you might want: a softer Burgundy from France or experiment with a rich pinot from the New World!!

2006  Faiveley Mercurey “Clos des Myglands” Premier Cru $39.99
2006  Pegasus Bay Pinot Noir $39.99 (coming by November 17th!)

#5 Not everyone eats turkey on Thanksgiving. A crown roast or large cuts of lamb will also grace many a table this holiday.  JJBuckley has plenty of Bordeaux and Rhones to drink with these hearty meats!!

2002 La Vieille Cure Bordeaux $21.99 (a light claret style)
2005 Haut Brisson La Grave $37.99 (for more structure)

2007  Cuvee du Vatican Chateauneuf du Pape ‘Reserve Sixtine’ $48.99
2007 Domaine de Cristia Chateauneuf du Pape $27.99

#6 Have a little fun! It’s nearly summer in Australia, and they love sparkling shiraz with their bird. In the States, it’s popular to pair with barbecue or ribs – or maybe one of those fried turduckens we keep hearing about.

NV “Fox Creek Vixen” Sparkling Shiraz $17.99

#7 Don’t forget dessert and after dinner drinks. Some sauternes is perfect for lighter sweets, a tawny port is great with pecan pie or enjoyed solo in the big chair when all is said and done.

2005  Chateau Doisy Daene Sauternes  $21.99 (375ml)
NV Penfolds Club Reserve Tawny Port $13.99 (750ml)

Bordeaux Buy: 2005 Chateau Bolaire

“. . .stunning depth, richness and texture, this sleeper of the vintage is a terrific buy.” – Robert Parker, August 2008

2005 Château Bolaire Bordeaux Supérieur – SALE $12.99 (Reg. $20.99)

The value buy opportunities from Bordeaux just keep on coming. Today’s email brings you a fresh and friendly 2005 Bordeaux Supérieur from Château Bolaire at nearly 40% off regular retail!

What is unusual about Bolaire is its high percentage of petit verdot (31% in the 2005) much of which comes from an 80-year old block of vines. Petit verdot lends a gorgeous floral/woodsy perfume of violets and black currant to the blend, the balance of which is merlot (40%) and cabernet sauvignon (39%). Full-bodied and fleshy on the palate yet soft in structure, the 2005 also displays notes of licorice and cigar box – everything you want in a classically styled Bordeaux for only $12.99!

Founded in 1860, Château Bolaire remained in the same family until 2003 when it was purchased by the Société Civile de la Gironville, owners of the more well-known Château Belle-Vue. Recognizing the amazing potential of their new property, a qualitative revolution began primarily in vineyard and harvesting practices. Grape yields at Bolaire are very low for a Supérieur – under 3 tons per acre – and each vintage since 2003 has been harvested and sorted by hand to ensure quality.

Bolaire transcends its appellation and is vibrant proof that Bordeaux definitely has the stuff to go head to head not only with ultra-premium wines, but with the world’s best value wines. From an excellent vintage, at this price you will definitely want to stock up and savor through the cold winter months and beyond. Enjoy!

In Stock: Ready To Ship

FRANCE – BORDEAUX – BORDEAUX SUPÉRIEUR

2005 Château Bolaire Bordeaux Supérieur – SALE $12.99 (Reg. $20.99)

Robert Parker, August 2008: “An amazing percentage of Petit Verdot (39%), combined with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon has resulted in one of the more distinctive wines of Bordeaux. There are 2,000 cases of this dense ruby/purple-colored effort. It exhibits wonderful aromas of charcoal, incense, black currant liqueur, and licorice. Medium-bodied with stunning depth, richness, and texture, this sleeper of the vintage is a terrific buy. It should drink well for 10 years.”

The Wine Spectator, November 2008: “Aromas of licorice, blackberry and chocolate follow through to a full body, with soft tannins and a coffee bean, espresso and ripe fruit aftertaste. Best after 2010. 2,300 cases made. –JS”

JJ Buckley, October 2009: “A classically styled Bordeaux. The color is dark ruby at the core, lightening slightly at the rim. On the nose, dark red fruits mingle with licorice, cigar tobacco and a touch of new oak. The palate is full, fleshy and concentrated. A tremendous value for 2005 Bordeaux. Drink now after a good decant or cellar for the next 5+ years.” – John Sweeney

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Once a year, Penfolds Winery goes to the major cities of Australia and offers customers a free inspection and analysis of any Penfolds wine over 15 years of age. A team of Penfolds winemakers, including senior winemaker Peter Gago, perform this function and if necessary, will open, taste, top-up, recork and recapsule wines that might require a more detailed assessment because of low fill levels or leaking corks. A certifcate is attached to any bottle that passes these tests and is entered in a database to further guarantee the authenticity of the recorking process. There is no winery on the planet that performs this free service for their customers.

Peter and the senior winemaking staff of Penfolds recently visited San Francisco for the only recorking clinic in the US market. I have had the fortune to see many clinics in Australia but this clinic was extra special as I brought a 1959 Grange from one of JJ Buckley consignors to be assessed… and possibly rejected!! It was a nerve-racking experience as the wine was uncorked and then tasted.

You will find out what happened when you read my detailed blog on the Penfolds Recorking Clinic very soon!!

Chief Winemaker Peter Gago explains the recorking process to the group at Cellar 360 in San Francisco.

La Massa Tuscan Trio

“Great vintages seldom come in pairs in Tuscany. . . That’s why 2006 and 2007 are so exceptional for Italy’s most famous wine region. Every Tuscan area seems to have made outstanding wines in both vintages.” – The Wine Spectator

2006 and 2007 were indeed excellent vintages in Tuscany, and today we’re excited to offer you a trio of wines from the esteemed estate, Fattoria La Massa.  A perennial winner of Italy’s most prestigious wine honor, the Gambero Rosso Tre Bicchieri rating, La Massa continues to ratchet up the quality of its super Tuscan offerings and these three wines reflect the fruit of those labors.

If you like big, Bordeaux-styled wines built to last, then Giorgio Primo is for you. Absolutely loaded with dark fruit and featuring ample texture, this is a wine that will blossom in your cellar, providing years of drinking enjoyment. The 2007 Giorgio Primo ($63.99) achieved magnificent expression, earning 97 points from The Wine Spectator – its highest score ever and also the highest rated Tuscan wine for the price.  In fact, only two other wines from Tuscany earned higher scores (98 points) and these both retail well over $100!  It would be a special experience to taste the 2007 alongside the 2006 Giorgio Primo ($48.99, WA/WS 94 points) as this was the last vintage to include sangiovese in the blend.

And if you’re in the market for a little weeknight Tuscan sun, check out the well-priced 2007 La Massa Toscana Red at only $22.99. La Massa Toscana was recently named “Wine Of The Week” by the LA Times, having already been lauded with 91 point scores from Robert Parker and The Wine Spectator.

So whether you’re looking for a great, everyday Tuscan wine to spice up Tuesday night’s pasta dinner or something for un’occasione speciale, one of these jewels from La Massa will surely fit the bill. Enjoy!

Pre-Arrival: Arrives Late November 2009

ITALY – TUSCANY

2007 La Massa ‘Giorgio Primo’ Proprietary Red Blend- SALE $63.99 (Reg. $69.99)

The Wine Spectator, Oct 2009, 97 Points: “Dark and brooding color. Intense aromas of lead pencil, blackberries, black cherries and licorice. Full-bodied, with velvety and polished tannins. Vanilla, berry and currants on the finish. Powerful and complex. Built like a brick house. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Best after 2013. 1,750 cases made.”

Robert Parker, Aug 2009, 91-94 Points: “The 2007 Giorgio Primo (from barrel) is 50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot aged in 100% new oak with frequent batonnage. It is a big, rich wine loaded with vibrant dark fruit, violets, graphite and minerals, all of which come together in a richly-textured, sensual style. The wine possesses great balance and is very promising at this stage. This is a very Bordeaux-like Giorgio Primo.”

2006 La Massa ‘Giorgio Primo’ Proprietary Red Blend- SALE $48.99, (Reg. $52.99)

The Wine Spectator, Oct 2008, 94 Points: “Offers blackberry, toasty oak and milk chocolate aromas. Full-bodied, soft and velvety, with a long, rich finish. Concentrated and pretty. Layered and serious. Best after 2011. 2,150 cases made.”

Robert Parker, Aug 2009, 94 Points: “The 2006 Giorgio Primo is a totally different animal. It is a powerful, rich and intense wine loaded with dark fruit, earthiness, tobacco, tar and smoke, all of which come to life on a structured frame. Despite its size, the wine reveals tons of clarity and precision, all it needs is a few years to come together. In 2006 Giorgio Primo is 30% Sangiovese, 30% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Petit Verdot. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2021.”

2007 La Massa Toscana Proprietary Red Blend- $22.99

L.A. Times, Oct 2009: “Wine Of The Week – Los Angeles Times, October 21, 2009: “This is a beautiful Tuscan blend of 70% Sangiovese with 15% each Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon from Giampaolo Motta in Panzano in Chianti, Italy. Luscious and velvety, it tastes like ripe, dark cherries with touches of tobacco and earth. The brilliant thing is that this bottle doesn’t carry the price tag of a Super Tuscan. It costs less than some top Chiantis. With its smooth, yet firm tannins, it’s perfect for a rich ragù. Or meats from the grill — this is the one to pour with a big 2-inch-thick bistecca. Put some halved fingerlings in the oven with a splash of olive oil, sauté up some cavolo nero or kale, and dinner’s on. A vegetarian alternative: pasta e fagioli with thick slabs of grilled bread.”

Robert Parker, Aug 2009, 91 Points: “The 2007 La Massa reveals unusual harmony and grace. This expansive, generous La Massa offers plenty of perfumed red fruit, licorice, new leather and spices in a seamless, opulent style. The wine’s balance and sheer class are impeccable. In 2007 La Massa is 70% Sangiovese, 20% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon that spent 12 months in oak, 10% new. La Massa remains one of the top relative values in Tuscany. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2017.”

The Wine Spectator, Oct 2009, 91 Points: “Delicate, subtle aromas of Indian spices, berries and flowers follow through to a full body, with fine, silky tannins and a fresh, caressing finish. Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best after 2011. 8,300 cases made.”

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2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Offering

“…this is a truly historic and profoundly great vintage. As the following tasting notes and commentary suggest, this may be the most compelling vintage of any viticultural region I have ever tasted.” – Robert Parker

Below please find a terrific compilation of some of our best values from the 2007 vintage in Châteauneuf du Pape. This is an opportune time to put together a mixed case or two of some serious, world-class wines. The vintage produced rich and complex wines with extraordinary freshness – a combination that will provide drinking pleasure from now and over the following 20+ years. Included today, is the profound Beaucastel ‘Hommage a Jacques Perrin’ – one of the world’s greatest wines. Enjoy!

2007 Château Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape ‘Hommage a Jacques Perrin’ – $473.99

Robert Parker, Oct 2009, 100 Points: “”No Hommage a Jacques Perrin was made in 2008, but the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Hommage a Jacques Perrin is an utterly perfect wine. Composed of 60% Mourvedre, 20% Syrah, and the rest Counoise and Grenache, this prodigious effort boasts an inky/blue/purple color to the rim in addition to an exceptional bouquet of camphor, roasted meats, blueberries, black cherries, black currants, truffles, beef blood, pepper, and incense. The sumptuous aromatics are followed by a wine of compelling intensity, full-bodied power, perfect balance, laser-like focus, and a finish that lasts more than a minute. The 2007’s texture reminds me of the 1998 Jacques Perrin, and the freshness of the fruit and explosive aromatics are to die for. There are only 500 cases of this legend in the making, but for those lucky enough to find any, it will last for 40-60 years.”

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2007 Domaine de Cristia Châteauneuf du Pape – $27.99

Robert Parker, Oct 2009, 90 Points: “The dense ruby/purple 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape (90% Grenache and 10% Syrah) is very sexy and rich, with a beautiful nose of blueberry, blackberry, charcoal, and tapenade. Fabulously concentrated, with silky tannins and a layered, rich mouthfeel, this stunning effort is already irresistible, and should drink well for a decade or more.”

The Wine Spectator, Sep 2009, 90 Points: “Ripe and seamless, with a gorgeous mouthfeel to the raspberry, mulled spice, crushed currant and melted licorice notes. Long and fleshy, with a buried minerality extending the finish. Grenache and Syrah. Drink now through 2025. 3,330 cases made. –JM”

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2007 Domaine Grand Veneur Châteauneuf du Pape ‘Les Origines’ – $47.99

Robert Parker, Oct 2009, 96 Points: “The 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Origines (50% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre, and 20% Syrah aged in small new oak barrels) is somewhat of an anomaly with such an amount of new oak, but it never seems to show given the wine’s concentration and richness. This may be the estate’s finest example of this cuvee, which generally represents 1,200-1,500 cases, all from their holdings in the northern sector of the appellation. A saturated purple color is accompanied by aromas of smoke, camphor, creme de cassis, licorice, and blueberries, amazing concentration, a full-bodied texture, and a stunningly long finish. The tannins are present, but silky, and the vintage’s freshness and vibrant fruit are evident. Powerful and loaded with substance, but at the same time endearingly elegant and ethereal, it will benefit from another 2-3 years of bottle age, and should drink well for 15+.ruit. Finishes long and clean, but also a little dry, with mounting tannins.”

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2007 Domaine Olivier Hillaire Châteauneuf du Pape ‘Les Petits Pieds d’Armand’ – $69.99)

The Wine Spectator, Nov 2009, 96 points: “Shows the ripeness of the vintage, with a touch more intensity than most, as a wide range of inviting blueberry, plum, fig and boysenberry flavors are spiked with sweet spice, graphite and licorice notes. The long, rounded finish has great buried grip. Drink now through 2030. 450 cases made. –JM.”

Robert Parker, Oct 2009, 96 Points: “A blockbuster effort displaying lavish richness as well as extraordinary finesse, elegance, and freshness, the dark ruby/purple-tinged 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Petits Pieds d’Armand was fashioned from ancient vines planted in 1899 in the famed sector known as La Crau. Aged in tank and a few demi-muids, it exhibits sumptuous aromas of kirsch liqueur, spring flowers, licorice, the seaweed wrapper used in sushi restaurants called Nori, and hints of pepper and spice. Revealing enormous richness, purity, finesse, elegance, and impeccable balance, this stunning wine is one of the vintage’s most compelling examples of ancient vine Grenache made in an unmanipulated style with no make-up. It can be drunk now or cellared for two decades.”

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2007 Domaine de la Solitude Châteauneuf du Pape – $32.99

Robert Parker, Oct 2009: “The deeply-colored 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape is a blend of 55% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 15% Mourvedre aged 80% in tank and 20% in small barrels. The 2007 is the finest traditional Chateauneuf since the glorious 1967. Its dense ruby/purple color is followed by a sensational perfume of kirsch, cassis liqueur, plums, licorice, roasted herbs, and meat juices. Seriously endowed, full-bodied, broad, savory, and layered, this is a huge, rich, massive wine that will benefit from 2-3 years of cellaring, and last for two decades or more. A sleeper of the vintage, it is one of the region’s best bargains if measuring dollars per points.”

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2007 Domaine Roger Sabon Châteauneuf du Pape ‘Les Olivets’ – $29.99

The Wine Spectator, Nov 2009, 90 Points: “An elegant, stylish version, with mulled red cherry and red currant fruit hanging gracefully through the tea-, sandalwood- and mineral-infused finish. Nice latent grip checks in at the very end. Drink now through 2019. 1,965 cases made. –JM”

Robert Parker, Oct 2009, 90 Points: “A blend of 80% Grenache and the rest Syrah and Cinsault from 50-year-old vines, the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Olivets is a beautiful sleeper of the vintage. This sexy, full-bodied wine possesses a dark plum/purple color, abundant aromas of pepper, lavender, forest floor, and roast beef, a lush, layered style, and 10-12 years of drinkability.”

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2007 Paul Autard Châteauneuf du Pape ‘La Côte Ronde’ – $47.99

Robert Parker, Oct 2009, 95 Points: “The 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee La Cote Ronde (a blend of equal parts Grenache and Syrah from 60-year-old vines, with the Syrah enjoying malolactic fermentation in barrel and aging in new oak) possesses smoky, roasted herb, seaweed wrapper, licorice, cassis, and black cherry characteristics. The oak component is beautifully integrated, and the wine has superb concentration, a full-bodied style, and a true Chateauneuf du Pape personality in spite of the new oak. It should drink well for 15+ years.”

The Wine Spectator, Sept 2009, 95 Points: “A stunner, combining the rich currant, fig and boysenberry fruit of the vintage with the region’s characteristic charred apple wood, graphite, aged tobacco and black tea notes. The long, invigorating finish is supported by riveting acidity and well-embedded grip. When power and finesse work together, it’s a beautiful thing. Drink now through 2025. 400 cases imported.”

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2007 Clos Saint-Jean Châteauneuf du Pape – $39.99

Robert Parker, Oct 2009, 94 Points: “The fact that there are nearly 6,500 cases of the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape, a great sleeper of the vintage, should ensure that many consumers will have the chance to taste this extraordinary effort. It is a blend of 75% Grenache, 15% Syrah, and the rest Mourvedre, Cinsault, Muscardin, and Vaccarase, all from 70-year-old vines, aged in tank (the Grenache) and small barrels and demi-muids. Its dense plum/ruby/purple color is followed by a rich, sumptuous bouquet of crushed dried flowers, sweet black cherry and blackberry fruit, a voluptuous mouthfeel, broad, deep, concentrated flavors, and unbelievable purity, depth, richness, freshness, and vibrancy (a hallmark of this special vintage). Accessible and palate saturating, but never heavy or overbearing, this amazing wine should drink well for 15 or more years.”

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2007 Tardieu-Laurent Châteauneuf du Pape ‘Cuvée Speciale’ – $57.99

Robert Parker, Oct 2008, 94-96 Points: “A 100% Grenache cuvee from the sandy soils of a 106-year-old, biodynamically farmed La Crau vineyard, and aged in both foudre and tank, the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Speciale is amazing. Abundant notes of melted licorice, kirsch liqueur, and flowers is followed by a full-bodied, seamlessly constructed wine with sensational purity, texture, depth, and length. The bad news is there are only 2,000 bottles. This 2007 should drink well for two decades or more. Michel Tardieu, assisted by the brilliant oenologist, Philippe Cambie, has fashioned gorgeous low-end Cotes du Rhones that merit serious attention.”

Wine Spectator, Nov. 2009, 95 Points: “This is gorgeous, with wood spice and tobacco notes leading the way for a massive core of black Mission fig and warm currant preserve flavors. This has the opulent fruit of the vintage, but maintains an edgy minerality as well. The long finish ripples with lavender and black tea. Grenache. Best from 2010 through 2023. 1,250 cases made. –JM”

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2007 Domaine Olivier Hillaire Chateauneuf du Pape – $38.99

The Wine Spectator, Oct 2009, 93 Points: “Fresh and driven, with a delicious core of intense blackberry and raspberry fruit laid over licorice-tinged structure, followed by a long finish of spice and graphite. Nicely focused from beginning to end. Drink now through 2020. –JM”

Robert Parker, Oct 2009, 93 Points: “The superb 2007s include a sleeper of the vintage, the reasonably priced 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape. Composed of 90% Grenache and equal parts Syrah and Mourvedre from 60-year-old vines, and aged primarily in tank with a small amount kept in 600-liter demi-muids, it exhibits a deep ruby/purple color as well as sweet, candied berry aromas intermixed with hints of boysenberries, black raspberries, kirsch, and lavender. Opulent, luscious, full-bodied, pure, and impressively built with soft tannins and good acids, it should drink well for 12-15 years.”

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2007 Bosquet des Papes Châteauneuf du Pape – $28.99

Robert Parker, Oct 2009, 91 Points: “The 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape, a sleeper of the vintage, is one of the finest traditional cuvees they have made. Its dark ruby/purple color is followed by a medium to full-bodied wine revealing classic Provencal aromas of pepper, garrigue, black cherries, plums, and a hint of earth. Pure, broad, and savory with silky tannins and a lush personality, this fruit-filled Chateauneuf is ideal for drinking over the next 10-12 years.”

The Wine Spectator, Nov 2009, 90 Points: “Very solid, with fig and raspberry ganache flavors allied to a graphite spine. Perfumy incense and mulled spice notes fill out the slightly taut finish. Best from 2010 through 2018. 6,000 cases made.”

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2007 Domaine de la Vieille Julienne Châteauneuf du Pape – $58.99

Robert Parker, Oct 2009, 95 Points: “While the beautiful 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape is already accessible, it will benefit from 2-3 years of cellaring, and should last for two decades or more. It exhibits an inky/ruby/purple color, a great texture, and a gorgeous nose of boysenberries, blueberries, blackberries, acacia flowers, licorice, and incense. There is wonderful freshness and vibrancy (because of the good acids) as well as a terrific finish. Jean-Paul Dauman is one of a handful of Chateauneuf du Pape proprietors who believes his 2005s are better than what he produced in 2007, and I find it difficult to disagree relative to this estate-s wines. True lovers of Chateauneuf du Pape will probably want to have both vintages in their cellars.”

The Wine Spectator, Nov 2009, 94 Points: “Very ripe, but focused and pure, with a gorgeous core of crushed plum, pastis and raspberry ganache notes stitched together with long, velvety tannins. Spice, fruitcake and melted licorice notes echo through the superlong finish. Drink now through 2020. 2,000 cases made. –JM”

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2007 Domaine Roger Sabon Châteauneuf du Pape ‘Cuvée Réserve’ – $32.99

Robert Parker, Oct 2009, 92 Points: “Revealing a deeper, more saturated ruby/purple color, the full-bodied 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Reserve exhibits plenty of glycerin, a multilayered texture, and a sensational combination of rich black currant and kirsch fruit intermixed with licorice, roasted herb, and forest floor notes. A blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 10% Cinsault aged in both foudre and old demi-muids, it should drink well for 12-15+ years.”

The Wine Spectator, Nov 2009, 92 Points: “This is elegant, with incense and raspberry notes up front, followed by red plum, roasted vanilla bean and black tea. The finish is long and silky. A very perfumy style, with gorgeous mouthfeel. Drink now through 2019. 1,580 cases made. –JM”

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2007 Cuvée du Vatican Châteauneuf du Pape ‘Réserve Sixtine’ – $48.99

Robert Parker, Oct 2009, 94 Points: “The blockbuster 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve Sixtine (55% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 15% Mourvedre from 50- to 105-year-old vines) boasts an inky/purple color as well as a sensational perfume of camphor, graphite, black currants, black cherries, licorice, and smoke. Built like a young Bordeaux with its tannic structure, this full-bodied, intensely flavored wine reveals a meaty character in the mouth. As with most vintages since 1998, the 2007 requires cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2028+.”

The Wine Spectator, Oct 2009, 93 Points: “Lush and inviting, with crushed plum, currant and blackberry fruit flavors laid over velvety tannins. The long, graphite- and licorice-filled finish glides along beautifully, with solid grip in reserve. Best from 2010 through 2024. 1,500 cases made. –JM”

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2007 Beaucastel Châteauneuf du Pape – $84.99

Robert Parker, Oct 2009, 96 Points: “Beaucastel’s 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape has turned out even better out of bottle than I predicted. An inky/ruby/purple color is followed by a glorious nose of blue and black fruits, truffles, pen ink, licorice, and meat juices as well as glorious levels of acidity and sweet tannin, buttressing the fruit’s fabulous freshness and vibrancy. This full-bodied effort still displays considerable tannin, no doubt because of the relatively high Mourvedre content. It should resolve its tannins in 2-4 years, and last for 25 or more.”

The Wine Spectator, Nov 2009, 96 Points: “Extremely dense, with layer upon layer of melted fig, mulled boysenberry and black currant fruit, all laced with notes of charred mesquite, hoisin sauce and Kenya AA coffee. The long, silky mouthfeel belies the latent power in reserve¿and there’s a lot of it, with waves of grip driving the finish. Best from 2010 through 2030. 15,000 cases made. –JM”

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2007 Domaine La Milliere Châteauneuf du Pape ‘Vieilles Vignes’ – $31.99

Robert Parker, Oct 2009, 92 Points: “The beautiful 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes (from 80- to 100-year-old vines) is a blend of 60% Grenache and the rest equal parts Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault, and Counoise aged in concrete tanks and old wood foudres. An effusively fruity, exuberant effort, it reveals plenty of juicy black currants and black cherries intermixed with lavender, licorice, incense, and forest floor. Full-bodied, dense, and seductive with silky tannins and a long, lush, opulent finish, it is impossible to resist at present, and should continue to evolve for 10-12+ years.”

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2007 Domaine de Cristia Châteauneuf du Pape ‘Cuvée Renaissance’ – $64.99

Robert Parker, Oct 2009, 94 Points: “The monster wine is the inky purple-colored 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Renaissance. This wine has only been made by Baptiste in 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2007. It is a blend of 60% Grenache and 30% Mourvedre, with the balance Syrah from 50- to 100-year-old vines. Despite the fact that there is only 30% Mourvedre in the blend, it seems to be the Mourvedre that dominates the wine at this stage of its development. It is very tannic, but the tannins are sweet and ripe, and the color an opaque purple. The wine displays notes of roasted meats, incense, and flowers, in a super-powerful, layered, multi-dimensional style. However, patience is required, despite the fact that this is a softer, more supple version of the behemoth that Cristia produced with this cuvee in 2005. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030.”

The Wine Spectator, Sep 2009, 95 Points: “Very plump and ripe, with black cherry, plum and blackberry fruit flavors that verge on jammy, before fresh spice, star anise and floral notes chime in to give added definition and length. Flaunts the showy side of the vintage. Grenache and Mourvèdre. Drink now through 2025. 500 cases made”

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2007 Domaine Raymond Usseglio Châteauneuf du Pape – $29.99

Robert Parker, Oct 2009, 90 Points: “The 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape (a blend of 75% Grenache, 15% Mourvedre, and the rest Counoise, Cinsault, and Syrah) had a traditional upbringing in tank and old wood foudres, with less than 10% kept in small barrels. It offers classic Provencal notes of ground pepper, roasted herbs, sweet black cherries, meat juices, truffles, and kirsch. Enjoy this upfront Chateauneuf over the next decade.”

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2007 Domaine Bois de Boursan Châteauneuf du Pape – $29.99

Robert Parker, Oct 2009, 90 Points: “The brilliant 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape offers classic Provencal aromas of garrigue (that roasted herb, windswept smell of Provence), truffles, ground pepper, and kirsch. This full-bodied, rich, fleshy, complex wine is already drinking well. It should evolve nicely for 10-15 years.”

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2007 Bosquet des Papes Châteauneuf du Pape ‘Chante le Merle Vieilles Vignes’ – $46.99

Robert Parker, Oct 2009, 95 Points: “The 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Chante Le Merle Vieilles Vignes comes from extremely old vines (90-100 years of age), includes 100% whole clusters, and was aged in both neutral foudres and demi-muids. Exhibiting the deepest color as well as the greatest concentration of this quartet, it appears to be the finest example of this cuvee since the prodigious 1990. Terrific notes of licorice, incense, seaweed wrappers, black raspberries, blackberries, and cherries are present in the incredibly complex aromatic display. Deep and full-bodied with lots of roasted herb and meat juice-like characteristics, this big, extravagantly rich, full-bodied wine possesses silky tannins as well as a finish that lasts nearly 50 seconds. It should drink well for two decades.”

The Wine Spectator, Nov 2009, 93 Points: “This has range and depth, with mesquite, iron and shiso leaf notes up front, followed by a dense core of crushed plum, fig sauce and Kenya AA coffee notes. There’s nice smoke-tinged grip on the finish. Best from 2010 through 2034. 1,200 cases made.”

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2007 Domaine Roger Sabon Châteauneuf du Pape ‘Cuvée Prestige’ – $64.99

Robert Parker, Oct 2009, 95 Points: “The brilliant 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Prestige (60% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre, and the balance almost every other authorized red grape of the appellation) is produced from parcels that average 90 years of age or older. It reveals the essence of Provence in its dense plum/purple color and powerful aromatics of sweet creme de cassis, black cherries, licorice, lavender, pepper, and incense. The wine possesses terrific depth, a blockbuster, opulent, multilayered texture, and a finish that lasts nearly 50 seconds. This sensational Chateauneuf du Pape should drink well for 15-20 years.”

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2005 Simi Cabernet ‘Landslide Vineyard’

“Classic and elegant now, it should develop bottle complexities for the next six years.” – WE 94 Points

2005 Simi Cabernet Sauvignon ‘Landslide’ – SALE $26.99 or $23.99 on 6 or more! (Reg. $34.99)

A couple of weeks ago we put out an offering on the 2005 Robert Mondavi Oakville Cabernet and the response from our clients positively blew us away! Unfortunately, we sold through all we had in a matter of just a couple of hours and were not able to obtain more.  That’s why we were overjoyed to secure a similarly compelling offer on another Cali cab with equal prestige – a 94-point, single-vineyard cab from prime Alexander Valley fruit that we could sell to our clients for just $23.99 per bottle!

The wine is the 2005 Simi Cabernet ‘Landslide Vineyard’. We had the opportunity to taste the wine twice in the past 2 weeks – once side by side with the Mondavi Oakville and once again on its own. The wine definitely has the structure, tannin, and power indicative of its vineyard location near Chalk Hill. On the palate, blackberry and plum flavors are accented with cocoa and spice giving layers of complexity and depth.  Ripe tannins lead to lasting flavor and a lengthy finish. We actually sampled this wine over four days and it was equally good on day four as on day one!

The 170-acre Landslide Vineyard in Alexander Valley was divided by forces of nature into three, distinct sections and elevations. Each section produces wines that reflect the extraordinary diversity of the vineyard and its dramatic geologic history.

The Simi Landslide is indeed different to the Mondavi, but variety is the spice of life! In our opinion, the Landslide is equally good and the deal is equally compelling. If once you have tasted the Simi, you are not totally in agreement or totally satisfied, just let us know. Enjoy!

In Stock: Ready To Ship

CALIFORNIA – SONOMA – ALEXANDER VALLEY

2005 Simi Cabernet Sauvignon ‘Landslide’ – SALE $26.99 or $23.99 on 6 or more! (Reg. $34.99)

The Wine Enthusiast, Apr 2009, 94 Points: “This bottling has been a star for Simi since its inception, and the ’05 is among their best ever. It shows Alexander Valley’s softness and slight herbaceousness, along with decadently rich red currant, mocha and oak flavors. Classic and elegant now, it should develop bottle complexities for the next six years. This is a good price, especially compared to what’s going on in Napa Valley. – S.H. (5/1/2009) – 94″

JJ Buckley, Oct 2009: “Color is deep purple. The nose is showing dark, black fruits and potpourri with a hint of vanilla and toast from French oak. On the palate, the fruit is laced with bakers chocolate and spice leading to a long finish. This wine has quite a lot of structure, therefore decanting or cellaring is recommended.” – Paige Granback

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2006 Chateau Lascombes (375ml)

“This property has exploded in quality. . .one of the top wines of Margaux” -Robert Parker

2006 Chateau Lascombes Bordeaux 375ml – SALE $22.99 (Reg. $38.99)

Here’s a great price on half bottles of 2006 Chateau Lascombes. If you can resist consuming for 2-3 years, they will provide some excellent drinking and value over the next 10+ years!

Chateau Lascombes has been on fire since 2001 when the new ownership made huge investments in the vineyards and the winemaking. It has since received 90+ ratings in every vintage. Indeed, bringing aboard the skills of consultants Dr. Alain Raynaud and Michel Rolland has revolutionized this property and it “has now become one of Margaux’s top wines, even challenging Palmer and Chateau Margaux” according to Parker.

On our annual trip to Bordeaux last April, we had the pleasure of tasting through a vertical of recent vintages of Lascombes. This was part of a larger flight of nearly 50 wines and the Lascombes really stood out for its freshness and perfumed nose of flowers, minerals and berry fruit – classic Margaux attributes. Yet the wine also combines a modern flair with its full-bodied richness and opulence. In a nutshell, this wine is a winner that combines the best of old and new world traits!

We love a good bottle of Bordeaux with most any meal, but it’s not always, shall we say, expedient to open and consume an entire bottle! The half bottle format is the ideal solution, allowing you to satisfy a craving for a terrific wine without having to wait for a special occasion. Enjoy!

In Stock – Ready To Ship

FRANCE – BORDEAUX – MARGAUX

2006 Chateau Lascombes Bordeaux 375ml- SALE $22.99 (Reg. $38.99)

Robert Parker, Feb 2009, 90 Points: “One of the more modern-styled wines from the appellation of Margaux, always with a prominent overlay of toasty new oak, espresso roast, and sweet black fruits, this wine seems more restrained and has backed off its concentration with the 2006. It is a mid-weight, elegant wine with notes of licorice and black currants as well as a hint of tobacco leaf. The wine is concentrated and obviously outstanding, but the moderate tannins in the finish suggest cellaring it for 2-3 years and drinking it over the following 15-20.”

Stephen Tanzer, May 2009, 90 Points: “($80-$89) Deep red-ruby. Wild nose combines currant, blackberry, coffee, mocha, cedary oak and a light weedy quality. Lush and rather exotic in the mouth, with the liqueur-like quality carrying through. Not at all overly sweet but a distinctly supple and fine-grained style of 2006. Finishes with very ripe tannins and lovely persistence. Accessible already but with the stuffing to age.”

The Wine Spectator, Mar 2009, 90 Points: “Displays blackberry and blueberry aromas, with a hint of cappuccino. Full and silky, with a lovely texture of ripe tannins and an aftertaste of dark chocolate, berry and light vanilla. This is a solid estate making solid wines now.”

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2007 Forefront Cabernet Sauvignon

An exciting, new project from Napa’s Pine Ridge!

2007 Forefront Cabernet Sauvignon – Just $18.99!

A great little wine at a great little price! We tasted this rich, voluptuous styled Cab in a blind format amongst other much higher priced cabs and it was the winner. The fruit is top notch – mostly Napa (Stag’s Leap and Oakville) that you would expect in a $30-50 bottle of Cab. But heck, who needs to spend that kind of money when you get all you want for just $18.99?

Forefront is a brilliant new project from Pine Ridge Vineyards meant to give people more bang for their buck in these tough economic times. Indeed, you get all the quality of the Pine Ridge estate wines for half the price – great for indulging on a Monday night, or any night!

The 2007 Forefront Cabernet takes a twist on the norm by blending Cabernet with a dose of Syrah from El Dorado County and San Louis Obispo. The wine shows voluptuous aromas of blueberry, red cherry and raspberry, accented by darker notes of coffee bean, spicy bramble and hints of caramel. The palate is equally intriguing, opening with fresh, sweet dark berry and baked cherry fruit with firm tannins supporting the long and delicious finish.

We’ve tasted the Forefront on several occasions and love it for its accessible, opulent, and easy-drinking nature. Pair with roasted meats and rich sauces or savor on its own. Enjoy!

In Stock – Ready To Ship

USA – CALIFORNIA – NAPA (87%), EL DORADO (10%), SAN LUIS OBISPO (3%)

2007 Forefront Cabernet Sauvignon – $18.99

JJ Buckley, Oct 2009: “This wine is a deep purple color at the core with a dark ruby rim. On the nose, notes of blueberry, cassis, raspberry, and pencil lead. The wine is bright and quite balanced for a young Cali cab. On the palate pretty juicy, with smooth powdery tannins. This wine finishes quite pleasantly for close to a minute and notes of black cherry, chocolate, coffee and a bit of new oak will make you reach for another sip.” – John Sweeney

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The Australian wine industry is famous for its system of wine shows which hand out gold, silver, and bronze medals for top rated wines as well as trophies for those wines deemed to be the best of class or best of exposition. In many cases, winning a trophy can bring increased wine sales. But what really counts is the publicity for those winners and more importantly, the recognition from their peers in producing a top quality wine.

The wine show system is not without controversy. Critics claim that by tasting so many wines, only the big and bold styles are recognized. Conspiracy theorists say that wineries submit entries that are not actually the “official” bottling released to the general public. Others argue that there are simply too many wine shows. Be that as it may, the Australian show system isn’t going away.

I am currently judging at The Sydney International Wine Competition 2010 as one of 12 judges tasked with assessing almost 2000 wines. The panel includes five Masters of Wine, winemakers, journalists, and even a doctor. Over four days, we have sipped, slurped, and bemoaned the state of our purple teeth. Tonight after the judging is officially over, we all get dressed up for a formal thank you dinner and speeches- a tradition in the Australian wine industry. I’ll have more to say about the Sydney show as well as some comments about the show system in a later blog. Cheers!

But one of many flights...

Same Great Wines – Even Better On Sale!

Below are some really nice wines with new sale pricing.
Stock up on your favorites!

2006 Livio Felluga “Terre Alte” – $29.99 on sale (reg $69.99)

An exquisite Italian white with a retail price of $70, on sale today for just $29.99! Wine Spectator says “A fantastic blend, this is now one of the best whites in Italy”.

Wine Enthusiast 92 points, Aug 2009: “This blend of Friulano, Pinot Bianco and Sauvignon delivers impressive aromatic intensity and a beautifully creamy texture. Youll get peach, apricot and soft citrus tones backed by subtle oak shadings and toasted nut. The wine is smooth and polished with an elegant and sophisticated style.”

Wine Spectator 92 points, Aug 2008: “($65)This sneaks up on you with lemon, apple, orange and mango aromas and flavors. Full and rich, yet delicate and lively, with a very, very long and flavorful finish. Tocai Friulano, Pinot Bianco and Sauvignon. Drink now. 200 cases imported.”

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2004 Poliziano Vino Nobile di Montepuliano “Asinone” – $32.99 on sale (reg $59.99)
We just tried it last week and it is drinking just beautifully now – really a special wine for just $32.99. Lots of complexity and stuffing here!

Robert Parker 92 points, Oct 2008: “The single-vineyard 2004 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Asinone reveals beguiling aromatics. With air, layers of vibrant dark fruit, tar, smoke, graphite and licorice develop in the glass as this beautifully-balanced wine struts its stuff. Ideally a few years of bottle age are warranted, but this wine is so appealing at the moment that readers might have a hard time waiting. I am confident that in a few years this wine will be even better. The wine’s finesse, tannins and texture are clearly those of a first-class wine. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2024.”

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2005 Doña Paula Malbec “Seleccion de Bodega”- $29.99 on sale (reg $35.99)
Big rating from the Wine Advocate. With lots of backbone and structure, lay this one down in the cellar for about 2-3 years, at which point this wine will be singing!

Robert Parker 94 points, Dec 2008: “The 2005 Malbec Seleccion de Bodega received 24 months in new French oak. It has a splendid nose of pain grille, pencil lead, plum, black cherry, and earth notes. This is followed by an opulent, rich wine with gobs of flavor, incipient complexity and a 45-second finish. This wine will develop for another 6-8 years with prime drinking from 2015 to 2035.”

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2006 Chapoutier Ermitage “Le Meal” Syrah – $118.99 on sale (reg $169.99)
A terrific buy at $118.99 and 30% off. Only a few hundred cases were produced of this collectible that can cellar for 25+ years.

Robert Parker 94 points, Apr 2009: “From a warm micro-climate, Le Meal, (Michel Chapoutier says that the full phenolic maturity of the Syrah grapes at Le Meal can be achieved three weeks earlier than the grapes grown on the top of the appellation in the l’Ermite vineyard. Keep in mind that these two areas are within a ten minute walk of each other. This explains the French obsession with terroir, and how micro-climates can vary so dramatically.), the 2006 Ermitage Le Meal exhibits surprisingly tart acidity for a wine from such a warm site, a dense purple color, and sweet notes of boysenberries, black raspberries, blackberries, lead pencil shavings, pain grille, and spice. Medium to full-bodied, elegant, and lighter than Les Greffieux, it is tight and closed at present, but it displays the potential for 20-25 years of evolution.”

The Wine Spectator 96 points, Jun 2009: “Superdense but really fresh, with a wild array of zesty blackberry, loganberry, linzer torte and briar notes laid over perfectly embedded tannins. Long and pure through the finish, with lots of minerality waiting in reserve. Great length. Best from 2010 through 2025. 511 cases made.”

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2000 Delaforce Vintage Port – $27.99 on sale (reg $38.99)
A relative bargain for a vintage Port. Original release price was about $45!

Robert Parker 90 points, Oct 2002: “Made in a sweet, open-knit, precocious style, Delaforce’s 2000 reveals a dense ruby/purple color as well as sweet, accessible black cherry/blackberry fruit with hints of smoke, earth, and truffles. This lush, medium to full-bodied, juicy, succulent effort will last for 15+ years.”

Stephen Tanzer 90 points, Jan 2003: “($56) Full medium ruby. Roasted black raspberry and cassis lifted by musky espresso and an exotic smoky, peaty element. Dense and rich; sweet and approachable but with shape and grip. A bit youthfully grapey in the mouth, with smoke and earth notes. Finishes with building, slightly austere tannins and very good length.”

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2006 Pessagno Pinot Noir “Spring Grove” – $14.99 on sale (reg $26.99)
A very good Pinot for just $14.99! Lots of nice spice and red fruits.

Spring Grove Vineyards is a group of extremely small properties located in the Spring Grove District of San Benito County. Complex and elegant, this Pinot Noir offers aromas of red berries and fresh plums. The mouth feel is full and finely textured with subtle tannins and a touch of high natural acidity. French oak aging provides hints of vanilla and smoke as well as a slight perception of sweetness on the finish. Stylistically classic, this wine can be paired with various types of seafood, game, and spicy entrees.

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2005 Goulee Bordeaux – $19.99 on sale (reg $24.99)
A special wine for just $20. This comes from the folks at Chateau Cos d’Estournel and is a lot of wine for the price. Really tasty now and ageable, too!

JJ Buckley, Sep 2009: “Dark, dense, opaque red to cherry red rim. Dusty nose full of spice, licorice, soft blackberry and cherry fruit with a touch of oak, earth, and eucalyptus. Soft entry onto the palate , this modern wine is full-bodied with complex, dark flavors that carry through to medium-length finish. Shows great balance between acid, tannins, and alcohol. Drink now and over the next 10 years.”

Robert Parker, April 2008: “Proprietor Michel Reybrie and his winemaker, Jean-Guillaume Prats, have fashioned a brilliant blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot. The dark purple-hued 2005 reveals a sumptuous bouquet of licorice, black currants, black olives, smoke, and damp earth. Fleshy and supple-textured with good tannin as well as decent acidity, this seriously-endowed, complex effort can be consumed over the next 12-14 years.”

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2006 Laboure Roi Meursault “Clos de la Baronne” – $28.99 on sale (reg $58.99)
A spectacular price for such a good wine. Rich with minerality, it also has nice acidity to go great with food. A terrific buy!

The Wine Spectator, Jul 2008: “($67) Rich and sumptuous, but with character. Honey, butterscotch and a hint of hazelnut permeate the fleshy texture as this white remains mouthfilling from start to finish. Drink now through 2012. 200 cases imported.”

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2001 Ste Michelle Luxe – $9.99 on sale (reg $17.99)
This sparkling wine is a no-brainer at $9.99. You dont have to think twice about popping the cork – any occasion will do at this price!

Winemaker’s notes: “This bottle fermented wine, produced by traditional Méthode Champenoise techniques, exhibits explosive aromas of toasted almonds and hazelnuts accentuated by delicate citrus, honey and apple top notes. Rich and toasty flavors of vanilla, citrus, ginger and nutmeg saturate the palate and mesh nicely with the wine’s smooth texture and lively structure. This sparkling wine is a great match with clam chowder, planked salmon, cracked crab and many other seafood delicacies.”

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