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

August/September 2010

CHARDONNAY

2007 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 comments.

2007 Chablis Vailons 1er Cru Fevre - $250.00 cs/6
    89-92 points, Burghound, "This is almost as ripe as the Mont de Milieu with a fruit compote nose that displays a hint of exoticism that merges into extremely rich, full, frank and overtly powerful flavors that possess excellent volume, punch and vivacity on the exceptionally pure and driving finish. The acid backbone is firm and despite the ripeness of the fruit, this finishes quite dry and with a seductive texture."   90 points, Robert Parker,"Fevre’s 2007 Chablis Vaillons – incorporating adjacent Chatains – evinces crushed stone from nose to finish as well as salinity, but not the savory mineral nuances that make the best wines in this collection so appealing. There is admirable concentration and purity here, but in a compact form whose sense of austerity fruit pit notes only serve to accentuate. Yet, there is a sense of delicacy to the finish. This will need time (even short term) to unclench somewhat, but precisely its underlying density should then contribute to greater textural allure and help insure a 5-7 year future."

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."

2007 Pouilly Fuisse Michel Dutour La Roche SALE $150.00 cs/12 

2007 Puligny Montrachet Olivier Leflaive-Retail $69.99–SALE $599.99cs/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 (98 pts. Wine Spectator and Robert Parker) 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."

2008 Clarendelle Blanc (Haut Brion) - $22.00*bot. "Pale gold in colour with hints of green. Subtle aromas of white flowers and white fruits with touches of mineral notes. The palate is rich and offers a beautiful fresh finish."

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 -$19.99*bot.(375mls.) - 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*bot.(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." 

2007 Roquefort Blanc Bordeaux - $19.99*bot.  84% Sauvignon, 15% Semillon, Average age of vines: 20 years A wine with an intense white gold hue with green tinges. On the nose it is clean and very expressive, with citrus hints. In the mouth it is immediately clear, refreshing. This elegant wine is a perfect accompaniment to aperitifs, seafood and fish. "Meant for early drinking (2008 - 2010). A very good continuation after the delicious Roquefort 2006. The 2007 (still) comes across lean and clean - especially compared to the somewhat broader 2006 - and with a little youthful sweetness in the nose. In the mouth the 2007 is very refreshing showing a little more acidity than the 2006. Lovely wine, again.

2008 Sancerre Belle Vignes Dom.Fournier - $24.00*bot.
"Produced from 100% Sauvignon Blanc of 15-25 years of age. Grown on chalk and flint laden hills side vineyards. A touch of salt in the bouquet with clean, rich, dry, flinty elegance which finishes with soft citrus flavors." Wine Spectator 88pts.

2007 Sancerre Grand Cuvee Dom.Fournier - $32.00*bot.
"Produced from 100% Sauvignon Blanc of 30-50 years of age. Grown on chalk laden hills side vineyards. This special cuvee utilizes a process to chill the must before fermentation, and allowing it to rest on the lees for up to 12 hours which contributes to a rich and elegant depth of flavor in the wine." Wine Spectator 91pts.

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 

2007 Beaucastel Blanc - $599.99 cs/6
Parker 95pts."Meriting the same rating as I gave it last year, it is a delicious, beautifully textured, light gold-colored white revealing plenty of white peach, apricot, nectarine, and honeysuckle notes as well as a distinctive florality and minerality. More honeyed and fuller-bodied than its 2008 counterpart, it should drink beautifully for 7-8 years, then go into an oxidative state. It is somewhat of a gamble as to what will happen thereafter. Beaucastel’s limited production luxury cuvee first produced in 1986 is their 100% Roussanne Vieilles Vignes offering. Fifty percent is barrel-fermented in one-year-old barrels, but no new oak is utilized."

n/v Blason Rose Champagne by Perrier Jouvet - Retail $80 - SALE $50 bot.
"pale pink with subtly perfumed nose of red currants, strawberry, and pear. This is a very suave red fruit flavored Rose Champagne with a gentle texture and lengthy and lingering finish reminiscent of blood orange leaving a mouth watering impression." WS 92pts., Parker and Tanzer 90pts.  MD'A 95pts.

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." 

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 - $39.99 bot. SALE $29.99 bot. - 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 Guigal Hermitage Ex Voto Blanc  - $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 Guigal St. Joseph Lieu Dit Blanc  - $69.99*bottle -Parker 90-92pts."exhibits more smoke, honeyed grapefruit, and floral scents along with terrific acidity and excellent depth."

Henri Abele Champagne Brut - Retail $39.99 - SALE $175.00 cs/6

Wine Spectator 90pts. "A medium-weight style, with an elegant mousse and a crisp structure. Mineral, lemon and apple notes interplay, and the mineral theme echoes on the finish. Subtle but persistent. Drink now through 2010. 855 cases imported."  Established in Reims in 1757, Henri Abelé is the region’s fifth oldest Champagne house. Following time-honored tradition, we harvest grapes for our cuvée from each of the prime grape growing areas of the Marne Valley, including Villers­-Marmery, Vaudemange, Bisseuil, Bouzy, Villedommange, Charmery and Noget l’Abbesse. Henri Abelé cuvée is 90 and 100 percent cru, as classified by the Committee Interprofessional du Vin du Champagne. Tasting notes: Bright golden in hue, delicate aromas of citrus andbaked bread precede focused flavors of green apple, strawberry and toasted almonds. Graceful with a crisp, youthful edge and a lingering close, a glass of Henri Abelé complements any occasion. Technical notes
Blend 34% Chardonnay 33% Pinot Noir 33% Pinot Meunieur Analysis Cru Selection: 90-100% Alcohol: 12.4% Total Acidity: .765 grams/ 100ml Dosage: 14 grams/liter Time on yeast: 4 years minimum

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

n/v Mumm Cordon Rouge Brut - Retail $39.99 - SALE $199.99 cs/6
An OLD name with a NEW TASTE, mostly from Cramant vineyard grapes which is the richest cru in the Cote de Blancs on the mountain of Reims. The blend is 60% Pinot Noir, with 30% Chardonnay, and 10% Pinot Meunier. These grapes come from vineyards with a 98 out of 100 rating which is even higher than many GRAND MARQUE Champagnes." 

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."

2007 Sant'Elena Sauvignon Blanc - $239.99 cs/12
"the Sant'Elena estate was founded in the Friuli region of Italy in the late 19th century by the Klodic family. In the mid 1990s, Sant'Elena was acquired by Dominic Nocerino, a leading importer of Italian wines into the United States. His aim to this day is simple: to promote the extraordinary potential of this zone and to bring out the characteristics of the terroir. Backed by the talents of winemaker Maurice Drascek, and internationally renowned winemaker and consultant Carlo Ferrini, Sant’Elena has clearly reached this goal. The estate covers 30 hectares of planted vines along the Isonzo River, which imparts a unique minerality to all of Sant’Elena’s wines. Painstaking attention in the vineyard, meticulous hand-harvesting of only the best fruit, and scrupulous care in the cellar, all result in wines that are both top quality and beautiful expressions of the region. The Sant’Elena Sauvignon Blanc 2007 is a perfect example of this careful approach to winemaking. Luscious, richly perfumed and succulent in the mouth, the wine jumps out of the glass with huge aromas of honeysuckle, juicy pear and citrus. The Sant’Elena Sauvignon Blanc boasts extraordinary depth and balance, with a mouth-watering freshness that complements its silky mouthfeel.  It is a stunning example of Sauvignon Blanc, possessing a character that is unmistakably Friulian. This wine pairs well with a wide range of seafood dishes, but is also capable of standing up to richer, more complex flavors. Citrus-based sauces, fruit salsas or ingredients like ginger and lemongrass would all play nicely off of the heady aromatics of the wine."

2008 Santa Marghrerita Pinot Grigio - $225.00 cs/12 BEST PRICE in NAPLES !

2008 Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG Geografico  $120.00 cs/12 "The bouquet is fresh, with pleasing honeysuckle mingled with some brambly accents and almond, with underlying hints of tropical fruit, in particular honeydew melon. Welcoming on the palate, medium bodied, with fairly rich mineral laced citrus fruit supported by acidity." 2 stars.

2007 Vermentino SoloSole Poggio al Tesoro - Retail $25 - SALE $199.99 cs/12

"a silky, generous white loaded with expressive, perfumed fruit supported by an underlying vein of acidity that provides balance and length. For its Vermentino the estate chose a clone originally from Corsica that allows for a late harvest without sacrificing acidity. This unoaked Vermentino offers uncommon richness and depth. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2010."-Antonio Galloni Wine Advocate 88 Points.  "Apples and cream on the nose, with hints of lime. Medium-bodied, with plenty of flavor and a lively finish. A delicious and vivid white. Drink now."-Wine Spectator 87 Points

2006 Weinbach Gewurtztraminer Cuvee Laurence - $69.99*bottle

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

2008 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: 

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."

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."

*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!

2007 Vernaccia Terre di Tufi - Retail $22 - SALE $199.99 cs/12
"blend of Vernaccia, Chardonnay, Malvasia, and Vermentino is barrel-fermented, yielding a wine full of bright and vivid fruits ranging from pineapple to peach. Made in a lush, medium-bodied style, the barrel ageing adds an undercurrent of vanilla and lovely toasty nuances than permeate the wine. A great match for baked sea fish."