AUSTRALIA, CHILE, FRANCE, New ZEALAND, & other Whites

June-July 2009

CHARDONNAY

2006 Bourgogne Blanc 'Les Setilles' Olivier Leflaive - $250.00 cs/12($20.84) "Bourgogne Blanc "les Setilles" comes from a blend of vineyards in the villages of Puligny-Montrachet (60%) and Meursault (40%).The vineyard, in which we own certain parcels, adjoin communal appellations.The calcareous clay vineyards face southeast to south on flatter land.Thanks to our loyal suppliers for many years, this wine has been very successful, probably owing to the finesse and elegance it offers - a sign of its Cote d'Or origins." - Winery

2007 Chardonnay de Chardonnay - $15.00*bottle - "Conveniently Silvan Screw Capped.  In the heart of the Maconnais, lies the village of Chardonnay, birthplace of the Chardonnay grape. Truly, it could not have found a better home. Burgundy is the finest place in the world for this noble fruit. The Cave de Lugny, which also produces one of the best selling white wines in the U.S.A. (Macon Lugny Les Charmes), has 260 acres with soils composed of limestone and clay on rocky sub soils. The vines are an average 25 yrs.old, and yields are carefully controlled with the practice of sustainable agriculture. This new cuvee is 100% pure un-oaked Chardonnay, it is full of fresh citrus fruits, pear, apple with undertones of croissant and mineral aromas, as well as hints of acacia and honey. Crisp and round, it has a light creamy texture on the palate and an elegant, fruity finish while remaining totally dry. This wine is full of delicious and pure Chardonnay character."

2006 Chablis Faiveley - $39.99*bottle - Burghound 87pts."a fruity, clean and expressive nose leads to crisp lemon-infused middle weight flavors that retain a fine sense of detail complemented by ample minerality, plus zippy finishing acidity that is quite refreshing. This is not overly complex but attractive for its energy and punch. I personally wouldn't age this, but drink it now for its youthful vitality, although it should repay a year or two of cellar time if you ar so inclined." 

2006 Le Montrachet DRC - $7,500.00 cs/3 - Burghound 93-96pts. " In contrast to the hugely expressive 2005 version, the 2006 Montrachet is a good deal more discreet with almost shy white flower, citrus, mildly exotic fruit and subtle spice notes trimmed in just the right amount of wood leading to beautifully textured, pure, intense and focused big-bodied flavors wrapped around a firm acid spine and culminating in a wonderfully racy, dry and mineral-driven finish. This is much more of an elegant and sophisticated wine than the 2005 and while it's true that it doesn't possess the sheer amounts of dry extract and raw power, the 2006 is not without considerable appeal as well though I suspect that it will always be more of a Montrachet of finesse rather than muscle. We'll see as it develops because the '06s is actually more primary than it usually is at this time of year and thus it will clearly continue to evolve before it's bottled."

2007 Macon Villages Faiviley – Retail $25 - SALE $195.00 cs/12(16.25). Pale, limpid yellow color, nose is fresh and open, with golden fruit scents. This wine is round and voluptuous in the mouth."

2005 Ponsot Morey St.Denis Clos des Monts-Luisants 1er Cru White $89.99*bottle - Burghound 87-90pts."The nose is quite ripe with natural spice and mildly exotic fruit aromas that lead to delicious, ripe, rich and racy flavors that possess excellent detail and a fine underlying minerality, all wrapped in an impressively long finish. It's rare to find this kind of quality for a pure Aligoté outside of Bouzeron. Wonderful even if you're not a fan of the grape.Drink through 2009+

2007 Pouilly Fuisse Michel Dutour La Roche - $19.99*bottle.

2006 Puligny Montrachet Olivier Leflaive – Retail $69.99 – SALE $499.99 cs/12 - "A subtle touch of reduction knocks down the white flower and pear-infused nose at present though no such effect occurs for the delicious, sweet and intense flavors underpinned by an attractive touch of minerality on the stylish and persistent finish. A lovely villages and worth a look." Burghound 89pts.

SAUVIGNON-SEMILLON 

2007 Brancott "Festival Block" Sauvignon Blanc. Terroir Series - Retail $25.00 - SALE $120.00 cs/6(20.00) - Wine Spectator: "Complex and intense, with a burst of oyster shell, grass, sea salt and peach flavors enlivened by fresh lime acidity. Lemon blossom and guava add interest, with a hint of fresh herb bitterness tingeing the finish. Drink now. 1,000 cases made." and Stephen Tanzer: "Bright, pale yellow. Slightly oily aromas of capsicum, lemon and minerals; this called to mind a very dry Savennieres. Then densely packed but a bit sharp, with a sweet/sour quality to the lemon and spice flavors and a faint suggestion of cat piss. Distinctly idiosyncratic wine with plenty of material."

2001 Castelnau de Suduiraut Sauternes - $400.00 cs/12 - "This second wine of famed Ch. Suduiraut (which got 98 points from the Wine Spectator and Robert Parker for the 2001) is also made by successive pickings in the ideally situated vineyards. The blend is 90% Semillon and 10% sauvignon blanc with vinification in barrels as well as stainless steel and aging in oak for 12 months. Intense and complex, with orange rind, flowers and ripe apricot, this offers a vary close (and much more affordable) approximation to the first wine. Try it with foie gras or along side a fruit tart."

2002 De Fargues Sauternes (d’Yquem owned) - $899.99 cs/12(75.00) - Parker 92-94pts."I suspect most readers will find it hard to get excited about the 2002 vintage for the sweet wines of Barsac and Sauternes after what appears to be a prodigious 2001. However, 2002 is a very fine year for this region, possibly superior to any of the vintages between 2000 and 1991. The wines possess plenty of botrytis, but neither the impressive definition nor supreme elegance of the 2001s. This is a sweet, full-bodied, fat, concentrated, intense effort that was showing well in Sept. 2003." 

2002 De Cosse Sauternes 375mls.-$19.99*bottle. Selected from barrels that have the same base of the Grand Vin Chateau Rieussec. It has similar characteristics, but with shorter ageing in barrels. It may be enjoyed at a younger age than its counterpart. It possesses the typical characteristics of a fine Sauternes. This vintage is characterized by a weak overall yield, whose quality diminished for later harvests. Indeed, the fine early harvest, with developed botrytis on ripe grapes, was unfortunately followed by rain. The selection was made essentially from the early sorts. This vintage is lively on the palate, and its juice will only be fully appreciated after some time. Semillon 95%, Muscadelle 2% & Sauvignon 3%. 

2003 Rieussec Sauternes - $49.99*bottle(375mls.) - Parker 94-97pts."It is against my better judgment to taste the sweet wines of Barsac and Sauternes at such an early age, as I find they typically require at least 12 months to reveal the definition/delineation so essential in these creamy, creme brulee, and honeysuckle-flavored offerings. Nevertheless, because this vintage is so highly regarded, I tasted through most of the top estates. The 2003s appear to be somewhat in the style of the 1990s, with high levels of residual sugar (higher than 2001 for the most part) as well as botrytis, low acidity, and fat, full-bodied personalities. This region’s harvest began extremely early (early September), and was completely finished within three weeks. It does not appear that the nobleness and racy richness of the 2001 vintage will be found in the 2003s, but readers who like the big, flamboyant, over the top style of the 1990s will enjoy the 2003s even more than I did." 

2005 Suduiraut Sauternes - $99.99*bottle - Stephen Tanzer  92-94pts."Full, bright yellow-gold. Discreet but ripe and rich nose offers apricot, marzipan and honey. Wonderfully plump, sweet and full, with uncommon depth and concentration to its flavors of soft ripe apricot, pineapple and spices. Offers an exhilarating combination of silky texture and sheer intensity. The nectar-like, rot-ennobled finishing flavors stain the palate and go on and on. This should evolve in bottle for three or four decades."

2005 Suduiraut Sauternes - $59.99*bottle (375ml.)

More WHITE, ROSE, & SPARKLING 

N.V. Delamotte Brut Champagne by Salon - $250.00 cs/6 Parker "High quality at realistic prices, somewhat of an "insiders" Champagne."

1997 Delesvoux Selection de Grains Nobles Coteaux du Layon 500 mls. - $59.99*bottle - "sweet white form the Loire (Anjou) where the noble rot is almost common-place. In great years such as 1997 the Chenin Blanc grapes shrivel, losing much of their water content and become raisin-like concentrating both sugar and flavors. The producer, Philippe Delesvaux, has been called the "wizard of Layon". He does not come from a long line of vintners, moreover he is new (1983 his first vintage) to the trade. However his is a true steward of the land having been schooled in farm management. With this wine he has very successful created a benchmark for the best wine of the region. Perfectly served as an aperitif, or with its most natural companion food, foie gras." 

2005 Domaine de Triennes Ste Fleur Viognier or Rose - $19.50*bottle - "In the 80's Jacques Seysses, Aubert de Villaine (DRC), and their friend Michel Macaux looked for a vineyard site in the southwest of France.  They found what they believed to be the perfect south-facing slope which stood about 1,000 ft in elevation. This wine has an explosive nose of apricot, honeysuckle and honey. Its great power and intensity combine with a beautiful balance between richness, acidity, and minerality."

2004 Ermitage L'Oree Chapoutier - $225.00*bottle. Parker 96-98pts."The Chapoutier single vineyard whites for 2004 all possess 15% alcohol and are not far off the 2003s but they possess completely different aromatic and flavor profiles." and By Josh Raynolds plus, Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar "Light gold color. Explosively aromatic nose offers floral honey, passion fruit, lichee and ripe plantain. Initially quite oily and thick on the palate, but quickly picked up a vibrant mineral tone that enlivened the exotic, almost tropical flavors. Finishes with superb lift and length. A dense powerhouse of a white with uncanny energy and focus. 94-96 points"

n/v Gossett Brut Excellence - $399.99 cs/12(33.34) - Tanzer 89pts."Light yellow with a powerful, frothy bead. Gentle orange and orchard fruit aromas are complicated by toasty lees and sweet butter. Plump and creamy, with supple poached pear and soft citrus flavors deepened by buttery brioche and given vibrancy by gentle clove and cinnamon. I prefer the verve and clarity of this bottling to the Grande Reserve this year." 

2005 Hermitage Ex Voto Blanc Guigal - $275.00*bottle - Parker 96-98pts. "(a blend from 50- to 90-year-old vines mostly from the Hermitage vineyard called Les Murets, with about 10% of the blend from the top of Hermitage, a vineyard called l’Hermite), is phenomenally intense and a sort of white Hermitage on steroids. Honeysuckle, quince, peach liqueur, and white truffles are all part of this mineral-based, powerful, massive style of dry white wine that should drink well for 4-5 years and then go into its dormant stage and not re-emerge for 10-20 years. From a longevity perspective, it is certainly a 50-year white wine."

2006 St. Joseph Lieu Dit Blanc Guigal  - $69.99*bottle -Parker 90-92pts."exhibits more smoke, honeyed grapefruit, and floral scents along with terrific acidity and excellent depth."

2005 Kreydenweiss Pinot Blanc - $19.99*bottle - "Burgundy type with the fullness of a varietal harvested at the limits of over-ripeness."

n/v Krug Cuvee Champagne - $150.00*bottle.  

N.V. Oudinot Rose Champagne $39.99*bottle.

1995 Perrier Jouet Flower bottle $125.00*bottle.

N.V. Pommery "POP" Extra Dry Champagne - Retail $39.99 SALE $150.00 cs/6(25.00) - "When Pommery POP Champagne was introduced in 1999, it was only available in a small single-serving size. Connoisseurs were taken aback by the break with tradition, and especially the sight of people quaffing the high-class drink directly from the 187ml bottle or through a straw like a soda pop. But as POP caught on around the world with more and more style-conscious customers, other Champagne houses followed suit, offering small bottles of their wares. Now the Product Of Pommery (POP) is also sold in a full 750ml bottle, all the better to share with friends during the holiday season. The genuine AOC Champagne is a blend of 90 percent Chardonnay and 10 percent Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Even though the large cobalt blue bottle is marked “Extra Dry,” its yellow-hued contents are sweeter than a typical Brut. But that just makes it even more appropriate to POP open a bottle to ring in a sweet New Year."

2006 Weinbach Gewurtztraminer Cuvee Laurence - $69.99*bottle

2006 Weinbach Pinot Blanc Reserve - $35.00*bottle

2006 Weinbach Riesling Schlossburg St. Catharine  - $95.00*bottle.

2006 Whispering Angel Rose Chateau d'Esclans - $25.00*bottle - "Very light pastel-pink reflections of rose pedal turning lighter near the edge of the glass. Bright, shiny and highly attractive while the nose translates into a delicate and subtle aromatics of fresh peach flowers. In the mouth, dry but not austere, notes of ripe wild strawberries, peach, and a touch of raspberries, roses, and white flowers. Pure finesse would best describe this impressive round and supple rose." OUTSTANDING WINE!  "Grown on chalky-clay soils with a gentle slope and south exposure for optimum sun. A blend of Consult (50%), Grenache (34%), Rolle and Syrah grapes. The grapes are harvested in small crates in the morning to avoid high temperatures and sorted twice, before being destemmed and again before being crushed. Their temperature is then brought down to 10-12 Centigrade to extract the aromas from the Grenaches and Syrahs, while the Cinsaults and Rolles are directly pressed. This blending was made only from unwooded wines to the freshness and all the fruity flavors."  Sacha Lichine, proprietor and Patrick Leon (previously at Mouton-Rothschild) winemaker.

AUSTRIA, GERMANY, HUNGARY, ITALY: 

2004 Dr. Loosen "L" Riesling - $14.99*bottle.

2007 Gavi de Gavi Ascheri - $99.99 cs/6($16.67) - "Cantine Giacomo Ascheri has quietly become a destination winery with the opening of a hotel and restaurant on-premise in Bra (the capital of the Roero area and the center of the Slow Food Movement). Owned by Cristina Ascheri, the winery is under the direction of her son Mateo. They own three vineyards in Bra, Serralunga d’Alba and Verduno. In Bra they grow Viognier and Syrah. In Verduno and Serralunga they grow the indigenous Nebbiolo, Barbera and Dolcetto. They also buy grapes to make Gavi and Moscato d’Asti. "

2005 Gerwurztraminer Kolbenhof Hofstatter – Retail $49.99 – SALE $29.99 - Gambero Rosso 2 Cup award. "elegant aromas of wild roses, lychees, and mango are followed by intense full-flavored palate with well-intergreted acidity and an almost interminable finish of minerals and almonds."

2007 Pinot Grigio Trentino L'aristocratico Ca Montini (cs-10%) - $14.95 bottle - #1 by Wall Street Journel "It unfolds into a seductive, fruit driven wine, with aromas of apple, pineapple, and honey. The structure, opulent texture and crisp acids leave you with a flavorful finish."

2007 Pinot Grigio Livio Felluga Map Label – Retail $29.99 – SALE $239.99 cs/12($19.99)

n.v. il Prosecco – Retail $18.40 – SALE $15.00

N.V. Prosecco Collalbrigo Sparkling - $199.99 cs/12(16.67) - "Collalbrigo was founded by Alberto Cosulich in 1967 and since 1996 his son Francesco has run the winery. The estate of Collalbrigo is located in the first hill outside of Conegliano, its beautiful steep slopes having been treasured by noble Venetian families and devoted to viticulture for centuries."

2005 Vermentino Guado Tasso ANTINORI - retail $25.00 - SALE $19.99*bottle. "Melon, lemon and green apple flavors with succulent minerality highlight this tasty number, and in keeping with the vineyard’s proximity to the ocean, it’s a perfect match for seafood." 

1998 Vin Santo by Felsina 500ml. - $39.99*bottle – “The Holy Wine!”

*Deduct 5% on assorted 12 bottle purchases. 

OUR SATISFACTION GUARANTEE: When you purchase any FULL CASE from our inventory, you may return unused bottles for refund, NO QUESTIONS ASKED, valid for 60 days from purchase!