| Today's new and notable wines include a stunning German Riesling awarded a coveted placement on Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of the Year, an Italian Bolgheri (Bordeaux blend) Robert Parker calls a rare value for under $14/bottle after discount, and two Northern Rhône wines we personally adore which also have great press. |
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| Markus Molitor Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese 2009 |
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| Wine professionals have a serious love affair with Riesling. It's considered to be a noble grape variety capable of developing complexity and aging far longer than most red wines. |
| The experience of drinking a quality Riesling is sort of like trying to describe what happened the first time you read a Ranier Maria Rilke poem. You have one of those “aha” moments when you're filled with clarity, purity, and hauntingly sublime insight. |
| “Vivid violet and black currant aromas lead to apricot, passion fruit and slate flavors in this sleek and flavorful Riesling. Though less intense on the finish, this lingers nicely. Best from 2013 through 2025. 500 cases made.” (Wine Spectator) |
Wine Spectator: 93 points |
Wine Spectator: Top 100 Wines of the Year, 2011: Rank #78 |
| $31.99/bottle or $152.55/6 pack case ($25.59/bottle) or just $25.59/bottle in a mixed case of wine. |
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| Aia Vecchia Lagone 2008 |
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| Bolgheri is the home of the Super Tuscan, with internationally famous bottlings such as Sassicaia and Ornellaia winning competitions in blind tastings against very prestigious Bordeaux wines. If you enjoy a good Bordeaux, then Aia Vecchia is the wine for you. It's a brilliant example of what this region can produce for under $20. |
| "A full, velvety and juicy red, delivering lots of Christmas pudding and dried fruit character on the nose and palate." (Wine Spectator) |
Wine Spectator: 90 points |
Wine Spectator: Smart Buys |
| "The 2008 Lagone is one of the rare values readers will find from Bolgheri. Layers of sweet, dark fruit flow effortlessly from this delicate, feminine wine. In 2008 Lagone is more about subtlety than power. The blend is 60% Merlot, the remainder split between Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon." (Wine Advocate) |
Wine Advocate: 89 points |
| “Lagone is a pleasurable and rich blend of Merlot, Cab Sauvignon, Cab Franc and Sangiovese that opens with rich, dark color and intense aromas of sweet spice, chocolate, cherry and tobacco. The wine feels chewy and smooth in the mouth with a long, velvety feel on the close.” (Wine Enthusiast) |
Wine Enthusiast: 91 points |
| $16.99/bottle or $163.10/12 pack case ($13.59/bottle) or just $13.59/bottle in a mixed case of wine. |
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| Les Vins de Vienne Condrieu 2010 |
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| Les Vins de Vienne was established by three very serious winegrowers in the Northern Rhône valley, each of whom have their own prized vineyards – Yves Quilleron, Pierre Gaillard and François Villard. In 1996, these three friends started a great venture — the renaissance of the ancient vineyard of Seyssuel. |
| “2010 is the best vintage I can remember for the increasingly exciting whites of the northern Rhône. Condrieus, the archetypal Viogniers of the wine world, have real structure and attack.” (Jancis Robinson, MW) |
| "This is juicy and packed, with fig, persimmon, anise and melon all in reserve, wrapped with judicious toast and fine minerality. The long, sleek finish should blossom with cellaring as there is a lot to unwind. Shows the cut and density of the vintage. Best from 2012 through 2014. 583 cases made." (Wine Spectator) |
Wine Spectator: 93 points |
| "Exotic aromas of mango, passion fruit, peach nectar and candied orange, with a spicy overtone. Fleshy and smooth, offering spice-accented tropical and pit fruit flavors with a hint of candied ginger. Finishes with impressive cling and length, leaving notes of honey and peach pit behind." (International Wine Cellar) |
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: 90 points |
$49.99/bottle or $479.90/12 pack case ($39.99/bottle) or just $39.99/bottle in a mixed case of wine. |
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| Les Vins de Vienne St. Joseph 2009 |
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| We recently completed an eight week seminar on the Rhône Valley taught by a Master of Wine with the French Wine Society. It was during this time we fell in love with Northern Rhône Syrah again. While most wines from the Northern Rhône are prohibitively expensive (for example, Hermitage and Côte Rotie) you can really find some great value if you know where to look in St. Joseph and Crozes-Hermitage. Try this wine with roasted chicken and let us know what you think. |
| "Dark and winey, delivering pastis-soaked black currant fruit packed with extra briar, dark tobacco and spice notes. A grippy edge frames the finish. Best from 2012 through 2015. 3,500 cases made." (Wine Spectator) |
Wine Spectator: 91 points |
| $26.99/bottle or $259.10/12 pack case ($21.59/bottle) or just $21.59/bottle in a mixed case of wine. |
