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Browne Trading Market has an extensive wine offering, something for everyone. From newbie to the enthusiast, we have over 1300 skews in the store and can do custom orders also. Joel Hatch is the wine director and can assist you with whatever your wine needs are. Please contact him at, jhatch@brownetrading.com or you can call the store 207-775-7560. The wines listed on the website are only a sampling of what is available. Please stop in and see us. Thank You!
brick & mortar Manchester Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir 2019
Husband and wife team Matt and Alexis Iaconis source this Pinot Noir from the Manchester Ridge Vineyard, which sits at 2,000 feet above sea level and is part of the tiny and unique Mendocino Ridge AVA, a high-altitude coastal wine growing district that is beginning to catch the attention of critics and consumers alike. Their Pinot Noir from this site is ethereal and refreshing, with a now-unheard-of a.b.v. of only 12%. Lifted and aromatic, yet thorough and satisfying, bright red fruits with notable intensity are accented by notes of cedar and brambly spices.
Liquid Farm Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay Golden Slope 2018
A relatively new concern in the Sta. Rita Hills AVA (est. 2009), Liquid Farm seeks to capture the region with a wide angle lens, creating cuvées of several vineyard sites in order to express what is special about Sta. Rita Hills with a broader brush. The results, both red and white, are as delicious as they are impressive. The Golden Slope Chardonnay is a tribute to Meursault, with 15% new oak aging and fruit selected for its bolder, more full bodied style, and yet the signature chalky mineral, sea breeze, and lifted acid that are the regions hallmarks are here as well. SKU:20171
Liquid Farm Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay White Hill 2019
If the Golden Slope Chardonnay is meant to channel Meursault, the White Hill is a nod to Chablis, and here the focus shifts fully towards the limestone, racy acid, and crisp green apple, paying proper homage to its spiritual sister in the northernmost reaches of Burgundy. SKU: 20170
Forge Cellars Finger Lakes Riesling Caywood Vineyard 2020
The most gourmand of the estate’s single vineyard bottlings, the Caywood is deeply salty, mouthwatering, and possesses a firm and crystalline mineral profile. The wine has fantastic energy, shimmering with notions of lemon zest and green apple skins and laser-like acidity. SKU: 19886
Gallica Oakville Ranch Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
The 2017 Gallica Oakville Ranch Cabernet, blended with 16% Cabernet Franc, has really started to come together now, showing layers of savory details, such as sage, tobacco, and warm spices, folded into the finely balanced but full-bodied dark blue fruits on the palate. Aromatically enticing, the wine’s dusty tannins and dry extract add textural layering, nuance, and length. While this wine will clearly continue to develop for years to come, it is very attractive already. SKU: 20000
Nickel & Nickel Branding Iron Oakville Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Branding Iron is an eight and a half acre vineyard of loamy clay at the foot of the Mayacamas Mountains in western Oakville. The wine sees about three weeks of skin contact and is raised in French oak, half new and half second-use. A powerful, full-bodied, and iconic Napa Cabernet (100%), with wood spice, vanilla, and significant density of fruit, it has bold but rounded tannins and a richly complex finish. SKU: 19999
I. Brand & Family Bayly Ranch Paicines Cabernet Franc 2019
The Bayly Ranch benefits from some coastal influences and significant diurnal temperature shifts. These factors pair well with the lighter winemaking touch- all the oak used here is neutral and the grapes are harvested with moderate sugars. The result is a west coast Cabernet Franc with Loire-like sensibilities, exhibiting lovely cut grass and white pepper on the nose and sitting more lightly on the palate. At the same time, the wine is energetic and still delivers lovely and lifted red fruits and blackberry, finishing with a zesty flourish. SKU: 20002
I. Brand & Family Fellom Ranch Santa Cruz Mountains Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Fellom Ranch is on the Montebello Ridge, adjacent to the legendary Montebello Vineyard and sharing its unique soil composition. Lightly crushed whole berries are fermented with native yeasts with a three week maceration and the wine is aged in one new puncheon and one neutral barrel, for a tiny production of just 63 cases. Like its famous neighbor the wine displays a very Pauillac-like nose, with prominent blue fruits and graphite up front. Beautifully textured on the palate, it is full bodied but graceful, with elegant but assertive tannic structure, fresh toast, blueberries, plums, and fine sous bois accents coming in towards the back. An outstanding performance that does justice to its noteworthy terroir. SKU: 20004
Calera Central Coast Pinot Noir 2018
Easily one of the best performers at this appellation level and price-point, Calera’s Central Coast Pinot Noir delivers satisfying depth of dark berries and zesty spice on a supple palate that is pure and expressive. SKU: 19692 California
Etude Carneros Pinot Noir Grace Benoist Ranch 2018
“The 2018 Pinot Noir Grace Benoist Ranch captures all the personality of this site in its wild character. Sweet red cherry, dried herbs, game, licorice, iron and soil-driven tones all run through the 2018. Medium in body, yet quite potent, the 2018 has plenty to offer.” Antonio Galloni, Vinous 90 pts SKU: 17519 California
Brea Central Coast Pinot Noir 2021
A collaboration project between Chris Brockway of Broc Cellars and importer Tim Elenteny, Brea’s focus is varietal purity and accessibility. With native yeast fermentation and aging in neutral French oak, this gem delivers on its promise, with expressive and elegant dark cherry notes, slightly floral fragrance, and clean, zesty finish. SKU: 19706 California
Mount Eden Vineyards Santa Cruz Mountains Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
“The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon is going to need a number of years to come around. The only question is how many. In 2017, the Mount Eden Cabernet is shockingly opulent. Inky black fruit, bittersweet chocolate, spice, leather and incense are all dialed up in this super-sized Cabernet. Even so, there is plenty of structure lurking beneath. I can’t wait to see how it ages.” Antonio Galloni, Vinous 97 pts SKU: 19799 California
Drew Anderson Valley Chardonnay Bahl Briney 2019
Sourced from the Valenti and Clow Ridge Vineyards in Anderson Valley, this cool-climate, coastal Chardonnay spends about a year in French oak (12% new) and is bottled unfined and unfiltered. Crisp and lively, with a fine but assertive thread of savory marine character running throughout the poached pear, apple tart, and toasted ginger palate, this middle-weight Chardonnay has good texture and a salty, juicy finish. SKU: 19781 California
Lyric Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir 2019
Lyric is the Santa Barbara extension of Carneros icon Etude, and their SBC Pinot Noir lives up to this lineage, offering silky ripe cherry sensations laced with baking spices, soft tannins, and a bright, fresh structure. SKU: 17718 California
Liquid Farm Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir 2019
Deceptively light in color, this Pinot delivers surprising depth, with crisp raspberry and pomegranate gradually revealing layers of rooibos, bergamot, and cherry stone as it opens with air. The aromatics also blossom as the wine gains momentum, with everything framed by fine lines of tart acid and berry skins. SKU: 19782 California
Hall Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2019
Not your typical grassy Napa Sauv Blanc, Hall is more forward with the ripe stone fruits, flashes of lemon thyme, and a satisfyingly compact mineral core of wet stone. It will be perfect with goat cheeses, white fish, or crudo. SKU: 19783 California
Elk Cove Vineyards Yamhill-Carlton Chardonnay Goodrich Vineyard 2017
With less than two acres of Chardonnay planted in the Goodrich Vineyard, this is tiny parcel, boutique Chardonnay to be sure. Gently whole-cluster pressed and aged in a mixture of new and used French oak, it offers generous heaps of lemon citrus and apples on a silky textured frame with lovely acid and hints of spice. SKU: 19719 Oregon
Terre Rouge Ascent Sierra Foothills Syrah 2014
Winemaker’s notes: “Each year Bill Easton, an original Rhône Ranger, crafts his top Syrah named ASCENT from several Sierra Foothills vineyard sites ranging up to 3,000 feet in elevation. All of the grapes are grown in granite and volcanic-based soils. Only 8 barrels are produced and spend 22 months in 100% new French oak barrels before bottle ageing. This is a deeply concentrated wine with dense layers of aromatic complexity. In the mouth, you'll find riotous smoky wood tones, exotic spices, minerality and fine tannins. This wine has great structure and ageing potential.” SKU: 19952 California
Patricia Green Cellars Chehalem Mountain Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021
This brand new release from Jim Anderson is a glorious come-back after the unfortunate 2020, whose fires prevented this estate from bottling any single vineyards releases. Though it is entirely primary and just minted, with air it is delightfully apparent that we are dealing with a great vintage for this wine. Glorious and thorough fruit is held up by a wonderfully energetic backbone of acid, fruit skins, orange rind, and spice, with perfectly harmonic tannins offering tensile definition now and the promise of real longevity and development. Not to be missed. SKU: 19924 Oregon
Cristom Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir Jessie Vineyard 2019
“The 2019 Pinot Noir Jessie Vineyard offers notable layering and purity this vintage. Intense, savory cranberry fruit is accented by tones of charcuterie and sweet balsamic on the nose, and the palate combines that sweet, savory and earthy character in a silky frame, finishing with a flourish of spices and great length.” Erin Books, Wine Advocate 96 pts SKU: 19607 Oregon
Burgess Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Contadina 2016
A nicely developed bouquet of red and blue fruits infused with lavender and warm earth tones greets the nose, leading to a medium-bodied palate with lush, rounded fruit, lightly spiced vegetal details, and fine tannins. The wine finishes long, with highly perfumed echoes of floral and red fruit tones. SKU: 19355 California
Arrowood Sonoma Estates Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Intense and saturated tart red fruits with ripe cherry and cranberry flavors make for a vivid impression on the palate. Youthful and racy at this point, the tannins and acidity are well tuned to this core of substantial fruit, which is at once juicy and compact. SKU: 19356 California
Barboursville Viognier Reserve 2019
This mineral-driven Viognier keeps the white plum and dragon fruit well in hand, while showing off a full and firm mouthfeel, with textures that are at once plush and well defined by background suggestions of white peppercorn and refreshing acidity. SKU: 19106 Virginia
Austria
Steininger Riesling Ried Steinhaus 2019
This Riesling from the steep terraced south-facing vineyard of Steinhaus, which is rich in quartz and feldspar, has remarkable tension and structure, with a firm core of white plum pit and polished stone minerality flecked with prominent saline and flint notions. True to the vintage, this vertical frame is matched by vibrant acidity and a lengthy, thrilling finish. Really outstanding. SKU: 19911
Tscherne Strauss Ried Hundsberg Südsteiermark Sauvignon Blanc 2020
The Hundsberg vineyard in Südsteiermark is one of the warmest vineyards in the region, with SSW exposure and lime-marl soils. The wine, which macerates for 4 weeks and spends 6 months on the lees in large, neutral oak foudres, is a powerhouse. Forward aromas of gooseberry and citrus oil are repeated on the palate with impressive intensity and concentration, providing a tactile sensation that is at once lush and refreshing, with a beautifully lengthy finish. SKU: 19751 Austria
Australia
D’Arenberg McLaren Vale Shiraz “The Dead Arm” 2017
This wine takes its name from a condition resulting from a fungal infection that afflicted the vines here, leaving one half, or “arm” withered and dead, but thereby concentrating all of the plant’s energy- and flavor- into the remaining half. This is a dense, powerful, and deeply structured Shiraz capable of long cellar aging, but rich, spicy, and sensuous in its youth. Dark blue and black fruits, black olives, and smoky earth-tones are pervaded with firm tannic grip and persistent texture. Decanting is strongly recommended. Wine Advocate 92+ pts SKU: 1356 Australia
Torbreck Barossa Valley Woodcutter’s Semillon 2020
With moderate aeration this value-driven Semillon deepens out and expands in the glass, offering honeyed richness to the classic profile of stone fruits, beeswax, herbs and spices. Retaining fresh acidity, it is at once lively, rich, and lingering on the finish. SKU: 19186 Australia
France
J. Vignier Silexus Sezannensis Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut NV
This 100% Chardonnay from the Côte de Sézanne (south of the Côte des Blancs), is made with the primary fermentation in stainless steel tanks, after which the base wines undergo full malolactic conversion. After it is bottled for the second fermentation it receives 7 years of lees aging, and is disgorged with a dosage of 4.6 g/L. SKU: 20254
Pascal Doquet Diapason Grand Cru Le Mesnil Sur Oger Extra Brut NV
Made with 100% Chardonnay from the Grand Cru village of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger fermented in enamel and neutral barrels. The cuvée is assembled from the 2012, 2013, and 2014 vintages, it spends 6+ years on the lees for the secondary fermentation, and is disgorged with a dosage of 3.5 g/L. SKU: 20253
Andre Clouet Un Jour de 1911 Brut NV
This unique cuvée is meant to be a call-back to a style the house produced during the Belle Epoque. Made from 100% estate grown Pinot Noir from the Grand Cru village of Bouzy, 50% of the base wine was fermented in stainless steel and 50% in Sauternes barrels. Rather than blending successive vintages, as is the general practice with non-vintage Champagne, this cuvée is made up of 50% 2004, with the remainder being equal parts 2007 and 2008. The result is a rather breathtaking and enveloping wine, with deep and expansive Pinot character, thoroughly spiced and toasty, with a profound mousse and a sweeping peacock’s tail finish. SKU: 20276
Domaine Bony Gachot Nuits-Saint-Georges Les Damodes 2020
The lieu dit “Les Damodes” is actually a continuation of the Premier Cru of the same name, in the northernmost part of Nuits-Saint-Georges, just before Vosne-Romanée begins. With the hot 2020 vintage, this extra elevation and slightly thinner soil was advantageous, resulting in a powerful but balanced N-S-G with every bit as much backbone as a 1er Cru. It doesn’t hurt that the domaine’s holdings here are 30 to 60 year old vines. Dark fruits with notable black tea, spice, and sous bois inclusions inform a palate with impressive core density and thoroughgoing tension. The wine spent 15 months in barrel (30% new). SKU: 19965
Château Pédesclaux Pauillac 2018
“Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Pedesclaux comes charging out of the gate with rambunctious baked plums, warm cassis and Morello cherries scents plus hints of spice cake, menthol and fragrant earth. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers mouth-coating black fruits and spicy accents, with a soft, fine-grained frame, finishing long.” Lisa Perrotti-Brown, WA (92-94) pts SKU: 19907
Réserve de la Comtesse Pauillac 2016
“Sensual, racy and inviting, the Réserve de la Comtesse is one of the very finest wines readers will find in its peer group. Sweet dark plum, rose petal, spice and chocolate notes build into the silky, beautifully resonant finish. The 2016 has so much to offer. Moreover, it is flat-out delicious.” Antonio Galloni, Vinous 94 Pts SKU: 17371
Picque Château Caillou Pessac-Léognan 2019
A blend of 60% Cabernet, 35% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot aged for 12 months in barrels, about 30-40% new. The vineyard, in the heart of the Pessac-Léognan appellation, sits at the edge of the city of Bordeaux. Still very youthful, it presents boysenberry and spice on the nose, followed by an elegant, medium-bodied palate with nicely structured textures and a lingering finish of cherries and wood-spice. SKU: 20192
Clos du Gravillas Côtes du Brian Rouge 2021
A cooler vintage in an area prone to over-ripeness has produced what may be the best rendition of this wine that I have tasted yet. A blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, Carignan, and four other grapes grown in gravel and limestone in the tiny Languedoc appellation of Côtes du Brian, this is beautifully limpid and gracile, with easy going berry fruits, light touches of spice, and an impeccable freshness that does not sacrifice intensity or length of flavor. SKU: 19995
Thierry & Pascal Matrot Meursault-Charmes 1er Cru 2020
Made from grapes selected from three parcels in the premier cru, with fermentation on native yeasts followed by 15 months on the lees in 1 to 3 year old barrels. The lees contact and full malolactic conversion contribute a rich creaminess to the wine, but the expressive acid and freshness give it excellent cut. In the words of Neal Martin of Vinous: “Razor-sharp Meursault!” Neal Martin, Vinous (92-94) pts SKU: 20224
Laura Lardy Chénas “La Fayarde” 2019
An irresistible cru Beaujolais, this Chenas has that aching tension between mouthwateringly ripe blue fruits and earthy grip, sewn up with a perfect bead of acid, that keeps you pouring more into your glass, unable to move on. The aromatics follow suit, even if the wine is still in its infancy. SKU: 20256
Jean Pernet Brut Rose NV 1.5L
Chardonnay from Les Mesnil sur Oger is blended with Pinot Noir and Meunier from the western side of Epernay, with delicate pressing and temperature controlled primary fermentation, after which the wine spends a minimum of 30 months en tirage. Precise, vivid, and brilliant on the nose and palate, this wine has lovely acidity outlining brilliant berry fruits and mouth-watering saline-inflected minerals. Best served from a magnum, as it is downright impossible to put this wine down! SKU: 19798 France
Fluteau Blanc de Blanc Extra Brut Millésime 2012
This extraordinary value in vintage Champagne comes from the grower-producer Fluteau in the Aube. 100% Chardonnay from 2012, a vintage that is not only shaping up to rival 2008 and 2002 in its own way, but is also showing beautifully already, the wine has a completeness and length that delivers all the crunchy orchard fruit and orange blossom of the varietal, served up on a precise and effortless mousse and closing with distinctive vinosity. SKU: 19689 France
Jean Bourdy Crémant du Jura Blanc Brut NV
A delicious and easy-drinking Crémant made from 100% Chardonnay and with two years on the lees, with aeration this non-vintage brut reveals surprising details of soil and earth inflected orchard fruits, dried fruit peels, and a savory finish. SKU: 19712 France
Pépière Muscadet Sevre et Maine Monnières-Saint Fiacre 2018
With two years on the lees, this Monnières is gorgeously plush and textured, with dried white flowers, lemon curd, seashell, and salted tangerine accents balanced by just enough acid to keep it poised. SKU: 19819 France
Thibault Liger-Belair Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Les Saint Georges 2018
It is generally agreed that if there were a premier cru in Nuits-Saint-Georges worthy of being elevated to Grand Cru status it would be Les Saint Georges, in the southern part of the village. Liger-Belair’s house style is defined by densely woven and finely textured wines with deeply expressive profiles, wine that are made for the long haul, making them ideal collector’s items. With 40% whole cluster inclusion and 22 months in 50% new oak, this is a formidable wine from a powerful vintage. SKU: 19923 France
Jean-Paul Brun Morgon Côte du Py-Javernières 2021
“The 2021 Morgon Côte du Py Javernières is a taut, structured wine that will demand a little patience, even in this giving vintage. Offering up aromas of plums, red berries, sweet spices and licorice, it's medium to full-bodied, deep and vibrant, with powdery tannins and tangy acids.” William Kelley, WA 92+ pts SKU: 19871 France
Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Saint-Joseph 2019
“Bottled in late July 2021, Chave's 2019 Saint Joseph boasts copious floral scents of violets and lavender set against a backdrop of purple raspberries. In the mouth, it's medium to full-bodied, with a wonderfully rich yet silky feel and plenty of airy, refreshing length on the finish. It should drink well on release and for at least a decade after that.” Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate 94pts SKU: 19714 France
Jean Bourdy Côtes du Jura Blanc 2018
This Savagnin is aged sous voile, that is, with a thin covering of flor that develops on the surface of the wine, similar to fino Sherry, but without fortification or the multi-vintage solera system. The result is a white of penetrating salty and bready aromatics, with a firmly textured palate that delivers quince, apple, and pungent savory herb and spice details, backed up by bracing acidity and a fully dry finish. SKU: 19715 France
Vincent Girardin Volnay 1er Cru Les Santenots 2019
“Notes of peonies and rose, mingled with aromas of wild berries and warm spices, introduce the 2019 Volnay 1er Cru Les Santenots, a medium to full-bodied, ample and perfumed wine that's supple and charming, with melting tannins and lively acids. It's an especially sensual rendering of this site.” William Kelley, Wine Advocate 92 pts SKU: 19587 France
Michel Caillot Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Pucelles 2019
The 1er Cru Les Pucelles is essentially a continuation of the Montrachet Grand Cru, following the slope of Bienvenues and leading in turn to the premier crus of Clavoillon, les Perièrres, and les Referts. The house style here is defined by wines of power and pervasive minerality, loaded with savory details of hazelnut and saline, poached pear, and apple skins, with a mounting sensation of tension and structure as the wine builds across the palate to a show-stopping finish. SKU: 19796 France
Dufouleur Fréres Côte de Nuits Villages Le Vaucrains 2018
In the ongoing struggle to find those corners of Burgundy capable of producing outstanding wines of character that have not yet been “discovered” by the general public, we come to Côte de Nuits Villages. Dufouleur’s Le Vaucrains comes from a climat of that name in the village of Comblanchien, just south of Nuits-Saint-Georges. Dark red fruits deeply informed by spice and forest floor are presented here on a frame of surprising structure, texture, and length. This could easily be mistaken for a Nuits-Saint-Georges – even a 1er cru – for twice the price. SKU: 19752 France
Louis Moreau Chablis Grand Cru Valmur 2018
The estate’s vines in the Valmur Grand Cru are over 50 years old, and the fruit is hand harvested, with fermentation taking place in 500L barrels before the wine matures for 18 months in 5th or 6th use barrels. Rich and embracing, it offers waves of ripe apple inflected with subtle spices and pervasive mineral textures, finishing long with well-judged acidity and a faint echo of honey. SKU: 19705 France
Domaine Rostaing Condrieu La Bonnette 2020
“Always beautiful, and a wine you don’t hear enough about, Rostaing’s 2020 Condrieu La Bonnette has vibrant notes of ripe peach, flowers, honeyed minerality, and even a kiss of green almond. More medium-bodied on the palate, it has the fresher, pure style of this estate, yet this is no mid-weight Condrieu either, and it has classic Viognier texture and length. It’s beautifully done.” Jeb Dunnuck 92 pts SKU: 19677 France
Domaine Blain-Gagnard Chassagne-Montrachet La Boudriotte 1er Cru 2018
La Boudriotte is one of the named single parcels within Morgeot that is permitted to be labeled as its own 1er cru. Situated within the grounds of the abbey, this vineyard tends to produce more refined and elegant expressions of Morgeot, and Blain-Gagnard’s 2018 is no exception. Precise and detailed from the nose to the delicately spiced finish, this Chassagne offers poached pear and baked apple with marine inflections and fine mineral details, supported by ample but refined acidity and a polished inner tension. SKU: 19547 France
Domaine Weinbach Clos des Capucins Pinot Gris 2020
The Clos des Capucins sits just below the Kaysersberg Schlossberg Grand Cru, and the 2020 Pinot Gris is entirely primary at this point, opening with characteristic bitter herbs and crisp orchard fruits. With air, the texture begins to deepen and gather alluring savory details along with textural richness, while retaining its freshness and acidity, finishing dry and long. SKU: 19593 France
Pol Roger Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill 2013
“The 2013 Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill has turned out especially well, wafting from the glass with aromas of orange oil, confit lemon and crisp golden orchard fruit, complemented by subtle hints of brioche and clear honey. Medium to full-bodied, pillowy and seamless, with a deep core of fruit, bright acids and a beautifully refined mousse, this is an elegant, penetrating rendition of Churchill that stands out for its charm and effortlessness.” 96 pts William Kelley, Wine Advocate SKU: 20348 France
Domaine des Lambrays Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru Les Loups 2020
The 2020 vintage marks the Domaine’s second year in organic and first year in biodynamic certification. Yields were very low for 2020, so precious little has made it out into the market. Here is Neal Martin on the 2020 Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru: “Blended with 50% whole bunch, this has a clean, quite precise bouquet with brambly red fruit, chalk and light sous-bois/damp mossy scents. The palate is quite detailed with finer tannins than in recent years, resulting in a silkier texture and more cohesive, sensual finish. This is worth seeking out.” Neal Martin, Vinous (91-93) pts SKU: 20398 France
Domaine Henri Gouges Nuits-Saint-Georges Clos des Porrets St.-Georges Monopole 2020
The Clos des Porrets Premier Cru is a family-owned monopole of 3.6 hectares located just under les Perrières and characterized by pink limestone and rocky Premeaux, with high clay content in the soil. The wines from this climat are long-lived and highly finessed. Alan Meadows of Burghound gave it 90-93 pts and wrote: “Very ripe yet still reasonably fresh aromas are comprised by notes of roasted plum, black cherry, cassis and earth. The dense, powerful and muscular broad-shouldered flavors are supported by a very firm tannic spine on the robust, serious and very compact finale. This is quite impressive though certainly not typical.” SKU: 20362 France
Château Lafon-Rochet Saint-Estèphe 2016
“The 2016 Lafon-Rochet has a very engaging bouquet, a mixture of red and black fruit laced with pencil shavings and loamy scents. In fact, the more you nose this wine, the more its complexity becomes apparent. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins and a fine line of acidity, ripe and generous yet maintaining outstanding tension and revealing a judicious touch of peppercorns on the finish, which fans out gloriously. This is a fabulous Lafon-Rochet and certainly the best bottle of 2016 that I have encountered.” Neal Martin, Vinous 95 pts SKU: 20181
Domaine Belargus Ronceray Anjou Blanc Sec 2018
Domaine Belargus is currently making some of the most compelling Chenin Blancs in the Loire Valley. The Ronceray is a bold and innovative wine that also embodies so much that is classic about Chenin Blanc from this area. Sourced entirely from the four vineyards of the Quarts-de-Chaume Grand Cru, famous for its intense and fully botrytised dessert wines, this wine is fermented fully dry. The result is a Chenin with authoritative mineral power, with tightly coiled white flower, almond, apple skins, and stone fruit, built on a frame of towering acid. Built for the long-haul, Stephan Reinhardt of the Wine Advocate gave it 94 pts. SKU: 19571
Domaine Raspail-Ay Gigondas 2019
Although this wine is made in the most traditional way possible- vinified in concrete and aged in old, large foudres- it has a distinctly signature personality, probably stemming in part from the fact that this is the only wine the estate makes (with the exception of a little rosé). A captivatingly vinous bouquet greets the nose with notions of cherry cordial, raspberry coulis, and fine warm spices. The palate is succulent and complete, with richly expressed red fruits and excellent delineating acidity, accented by some classic touches of bitter herbs and raspberry seed zest before coasting to a lengthy finish. SKU: 20186
Château Pradeaux Bandol Rouge 2015
This densely textured and extracted Bandol is just beginning to enter its drinking window, with deep, punchy dark purple and black fruits, damson plum, blackberry, and pungent garrigue, the tannins are supple and grippy, with satisfying outlines of spice and undergrowth. The blend is not less than 95% Mourvedre from vines 25 years or older, whole cluster fermented and raised in large oak foudres sometimes up to four years. All of the classic Bandol notes are sounded here in a very old-school sort of way. SKU: 20236
Alberto Orte Escalada do Bibei Valdeorras 2016
A blend of Mencia, Merenzao (Trousseau), Brancellao, and splashes of Grau Negro and Garnacha Tintorera grown near the cliffs of the river Bibei in Valdeorras, this unique wine sees extended maceration (4 weeks) and 18 months in French oak. The result is poised between intensity and elegance, with highly complex aromatics of violets and roses, charcuterie and rust, the palate has a vertical and chiseled frame covered with lovely raspberry and strawberry red fruits. The tannins, acid, and wood are all fully integrated and harmonious and the finish is resounding. This is one of my favorite of Alberto Orte’s singular creations. SKU: 19861
Pascal Doquet Vertus Premier Cru Coeur de Terroir Extra Brut 2009
Always one of the top wines from Pascal Doquet, the Vertus Premier Cru Coeur de Terroir comes from seven lieux dits composed of chalk and clay soils in the Premier Cru village of Vertus. The base wines, made up of 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir, are matured for 11 months in neutral oak barrels. It spends a whopping 12 years sur latte before disgorgement, when a very modest dosage of 2 g/L is added. Deep, profound even, and richly satisfying, this is a texturally enveloping Champagne with finely assertive spice and brioche and a plush mousse. SKU: 20041
Jean-Paul Brun Terres Dorées Côte de Brouilly 2021
Jean-Paul Brun Terres Dorées Côte de Brouilly 2021 “One of the more introverted wines in the range is the 2021 Côte de Brouilly, a medium-bodied, lively and somewhat compact effort redolent of plums, cherries, licorice and spices. I suspect it simply needs a bit of time to unwind after its recent bottling.” William Kelley, WA 90 pts SKU: 19870
Domaine Dujac Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru 2019
“The 2019 Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru is very promising indeed, mingling aromas of raspberries and plums with scents of rose petals, dark chocolate and baking spices. Medium to full-bodied, perfumed and tightly wound, with fine depth at the core, lively acids and a long, saline finish, I increasingly think that this cuvée is the most underrated wine in the Domaine Dujac portfolio.” Wine Advocate (92-94)+ pts SKU: 168 France
Chéreau Carré Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Le Clos du Château Oiselinière 2014
This wine is sourced from the oldest vines in the Clos (80 years old) and after a spontaneous fermentation in stainless steel it spends 31 months on the lees in underground cement vats. Still very youthful (despite the vintage), it combines power and energy, delivering layers of seashell and umami notes on a richly compact frame, driven by electrifying acidity that promises at least a decade of further development. From the cru of La Haie Fouassière. SKU: 19314 France
Chéreau Carré Muscadet Sèvre et Maine L’Orée du Château la Turmelière 2016
With 43 months of sur lie aging, L’Orée has a broader attack on the palate, with richly fruited suggestions of mandarin inflected stone fruits surrounded by signature stony and chalky mineral qualities. Like its counterpart Le Clos, this wine shows tremendous development with extended aeration, as new textures and sensations continue to unfurl over time. From the cru of Chateau-Thebaud. SKU:19315 France
Domaine de l’Epinay Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Clisson 2017
Sourced from a tiny 2.5 hectare parcel in the Cru Communaux of Clisson, this wine spends almost 3 years on the lees after a lengthy 2-3 week fermentation. Rich, textured and lengthy, the wine shows ripe yellow apples, subtle herbal inflections, and a deeply savory expression of the Clisson terroir, which is composed of gravel and silt over granite bedrock. SKU: 19262 France
Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge 2019
“Saturated violet color. Powerful, mineral-accented cherry, blackberry, licorice and -garrigue- scents, along with a hint of candied flowers. Deep, penetrating and alluringly sweet, offering cherry liqueur, dark berry, lavender, exotic spice and cola flavors that are given spine by a core of juicy acidity. In a concentrated yet lively, fluid style. Finishes extremely long and precise, with building tannins and a powerful echo of spiciness and florality.” Josh Raynolds, Vinous 95 pts SKU: 5916 France
Yohan Lardy Moulin-a-Vent Les Michelons 2021
In warmer vintages, this wine requires a few years to soften up, but the 2021 is immediately open and irresistible, with fresh and satisfyingly lengthy raspberries and other red berry suggestions gliding across the palate. Seamless, refreshing, and vivifying, this is lip-smacking and alluring cru Beaujolais that recalls the wines of decades past, before the trend of back-to-back hot vintages became the norm. SKU: 18675 France
Olivier Guyot Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru Les Sorbets 2019
The Morey-Saint-Denis is the most immediately swoon-worthy of the estate’s 2019 1er crus, dishing out the sour cherries, spiced orange rind, rose hips, and lush red fruit textures with abandon. Vivid, intense, and already satisfying, it has an achingly gorgeous finish that goes on for minutes. It’s clear that this wine will richly reward anyone who cellars it for a while, but it is so appealing right now that it will be hard to keep your hands off! SKU: 19382 France
Olivier Guyot Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Les Champeaux 2019
Les Champeaux is the northernmost cru on the slope that contains Gevrey-Chambertin’s finest premier crus, such as Clos St.-Jacques and Cazetiers. Olivier Guyot owns 1 hectare of this precious terroir, and the 2019 soars from the glass with powerful aromatics and promise of future development. Totally primary in the glass right now, this is a layered Gevrey-Chambertin, with dark fruits, notes of black tea and brush, dried violets, and firm tannic structure. As it opens with air the interplay of blackberries, plum, and black cherry with more earthy tones deepens and creates a wonderful complexity on the palate. While this will develop beautifully with time in the cellar, it can be enjoyed now for a more primal experience, and with sufficient aeration. SKU: 19381 France
Domaine Laroche Saint Martin Chablis 2020
This village-level Chablis exhibits forward tart orchard fruits, good concentration and texture from its 6 months on the lees, and excellent overall tension. About 15% of the wine was raised in 30 year old oak foudres, which also contributes to the beautiful intensity and length of the wine. SKU: 19388 France
Egly-Ouriet Grand Cru Extra Brut NV
Formerly labelled as Ambonnay, this wine has become a reference point for grower Champagne, and these bottlings have become more and more sought-after, and thus more and more allocated. The search is always worth the effort, however, as the quality here is of a very high order, and more importantly the estate’s bottlings deliver consistency year after year, which something that cannot always be said of the independent growers. No small part of the magic is the estates holdings in three of the most enviable Grand Crus of the Montagne de Reims: Ambonnay, Bouzy, and Verzenay. All three are blended here, and the wine spends no less than four years on the lees before receiving a very low dosage of 2 g/L. Here is William Kelley’s review of this release (disgorged in July of 2022), from the Wine Advocate, issue 262: 92 pts “Based on the 2017 vintage, Egly's NV Brut Grand Cru unwinds in the glass with aromas of pear, freshly baked bread, lemon zest, tangerine and praline. Full-bodied, layered and elegantly muscular, with terrific concentration, racy acids and chalky structure, it concludes with a long, gently honeyed finish. Egly has always been enthusiastic about the quality of his Ambonnay fruit in 2017, and this bottling certainly validates his early confidence.” SKU: 4605 France
Billecart-Salmon Cuvée Nicolas François Brut 2007
“Disgorged with six grams per liter dosage, the 2007 Brut Cuvée Nicolas François is showing very nicely, offering up aromas of fresh bread, citrus oil, crisp yellow orchard fruit, white flowers, verbena, macadamia nut and hints of biscuity complexity to come. Full-bodied, chiseled but fleshy, its vinous core of fruit cloaks the vintage's brisk acids to achieve real plenitude in a year that's sometimes rather tautly austere. Long and penetrating and complemented by a pretty, pinpoint mousse, this is a real success.” William Kelley, Wine Advocate 97 pts SKU #19286
Château Guiraud Sauternes 2017 (375ml)
“The 2017 Guiraud is brimming with pineapple, passion fruit, spice and vanillin. Rich, structured and racy, it shows tremendous character as well as personality. Readers should expect a bold, extroverted Sauternes. I loved it.” Neal Martin, Vinous 95 pts SKU: 19135 France
Moulin Touchais Coteaux du Layon 1996
“This 1996 Coteaux du Layon illustrates the striking combination of mineral and nobly sweet characteristics that were possible in this unusual vintage, though its notoriously high acidity is scarcely noticeable thanks to the balance lent by high sugar and the harmony conveyed by time in bottle. Alkaline and wet stone aromas here approach the effect of sticking one’s head down a moss- and algae-covered cistern, accompanied by scents of lily, narcissus, quince preserves, stale bread, musk, and sweat. The rich quince character is carried and complimented by a juicy and not at all heavy palate impression, and this finishes with remarkable refreshment and pronouncedly alkaline and stony minerality, as well as snuffed candle wick smokiness and bitterness of quinine.” David Schildknecht, Wine Advocate 90 pts SKU: 18435 France
Germany
Heinrich Spindler Forster Ungeheuer Riesling Trocken 2019
The town of Forst, in the heart of the Pfalz, is surrounded by vineyards of exceptional quality, with varying amounts of volcanic basalt in the soil, imparting a distinctly salty and vigorous quality to the wines. Spindler’s lives up to the vineyard’s name (ungeheuer = “monstrous”), as it is powerful, compact, and deeply woven with those saline and flint-like impressions penetrating the intensely dry pear and lime pith fruit. While bracing and thrilling now, this wine has a very long aging curve ahead of it. SKU: 19721 Germany
Enderle & Moll Muschelkalk Weissburgunder 2020
Made from old vine Pinot Blanc grown on limestone soils, after a four day maceration on the skins the wine is raised in a combination of neutral oak and stainless steel, with 25% skin inclusion, for 10 months. The result is a deeply textured wine, with almost pungent aromas of stone fruits, yellow plum, tea, and citrus rind, leading to a lengthy finish with excellent acidity. SKU: 19942 Germany
Carl Ehrhard Rüdesheim Berg Roseneck Spätburgunder Trocken
This absurdly underpriced Pinot Noir from one of the top crus of Rüdesheim is an absolute steal. Youthful, nervy, and filled with potential energy, like trapped sunshine, it offers a classic profile of tart cherries, detailed earth, spice, and stone notes, and firm but refined tannic grip. With moderate aeration it is irresistible in the glass right now, but I have a feeling it will richly reward even a few years further in the bottle. SKU: 19323 Germany
Maximin Grünhaus Riesling Herrenberg Kabinett 2020
This classic Mosel Riesling from the Grosse Lage Herrenberg vineyard lives up to the potential of both the site and the vintage. Pineapple, white fruits, and peonies deliver forward aromas, leading to a full-bodied palate of succulent fruit jacketed in brilliant acidity and followed by waves of the purest slate and saline minerality. The finish is very lengthy, and it’s difficult to decide if it is this or the nose that keep coaxing you back for another swirl, another sip. SKU: 19240 Germany
Italy
Dal Forno Romano Valpolicella Superiore Monte Lodoletta 2014
Dal Forno’s Valpolicella Superiore is a unicorn in any vintage, but the challenging 2014 vintage prompted the difficult decision not to make any Amarone at all that year. This means all the best fruit and all the cellar’s attention was directed toward making this singular Valpolicella. The result is breathtaking, a wine of great aromatic and palate intensity and complexity exalted by haunting acidity, as dried blueberries, prune, and black tea extractions meet filigreed tannic and earthy textures, with threads of fine new oak fully integrated into a tensile framework, with a lengthy, meditative finish. Eric Guido, Vinous 94 pts, James Suckling 95 pts, Wine & Spirits 95 pts
G. D. Vajra Barolo Bricco Delle Viole 2018
The Bricco delle Viole is a wine that transcends the difficult 2018 vintage in a way that only the better growers and producers do in Barolo. The high altitude of this particular cru (400-480 meters above sea level) helped in this regard, providing plentiful wind and ventilation, as the southern exposure contributed to ripening. Aged for 30 to 42 months in large Slavonian oak casks, it is a study in power and grace, with heady aromatics announcing the robust dark cherries and spice that inform a robust palate, infused with earthy and floral accents. Yet the wine is never ponderous, with lifting acid and balanced tannins and a classic, echoing finish. 95 pts Monica Larner, WA; 93 pts Antonio Galloni, Vinous SKU: 20196
Sanguineto I e II Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2019
Dora Forsoni only began bottling the estate wines in 1997, and we should all be thankful. Her wines have an honesty and immediacy that is undeniable, and if, as one critic observed, they are not the most long-lived Vino Nobiles, they are immensely well made and enjoyable. This is Vino Nobile I would drink over many a Brunello, as it offers all the beauty of the local Sangiovese, with harmonious and aromatic fruit, signature earthy notes, and fine, spicy details. SKU: 13637
Cigliuti Barbera d’Alba Vigna Serraboella 2020
Made with grapes sourced from several parcels of 25 year old vines in the Serraboella vineyard in Neive, Barbaresco, this Barbera is fermented with native yeasts and raised in neutral barrels for 18 months. In the words of Antonio Galloni of Vinous Media, who gave it 93 pts: “bright, effusive, and full of character. A burst of dark red/purplish fruit, spice, rose petal and pipe tobacco makes a strong first impression. Ripe, silky tannins add to the wine’s considerable appeal.” SKU: 19091
Planeta Eruzione 1614 Sicilia Carricante 2018
Named after the famous eruption on Mount Etna that lasted ten years and reach right up to the boarder of the Sciaranuova Vineyard, where the Carricante (90%) and Riesling (10%) for this wine were grown, this brilliantly expressive Sicilian Bianco has a beautifully structured stony and salty mineral character that is wonderfully filled out with floral and citric aromas and flavors. The palate is firm but also racy, with lively, mouthwatering acid yet substantial depth that comes from about 6 months of lees agng with batonnage. SKU: 20198
Pascal Doquet Vertus Premier Cru Coeur de Terroir Extra Brut 2009
Always one of the top wines from Pascal Doquet, the Vertus Premier Cru Coeur de Terroir comes from seven lieux dits composed of chalk and clay soils in the Premier Cru village of Vertus. The base wines, made up of 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir, are matured for 11 months in neutral oak barrels. It spends a whopping 12 years sur latte before disgorgement, when a very modest dosage of 2 g/L is added. Deep, profound even, and richly satisfying, this is a texturally enveloping Champagne with finely assertive spice and brioche and a plush mousse. SKU: 20041
E. Pira & Figli Chiara Boschis Dolcetto d’Alba 2021
Dark red with purple inflections, the nose presents a signature profile of violets, dry earth, boysenberry, and blackberry, leading to lighter-bodied palate where the crisp berries shimmer with bright acid and delicate but firm and youthful tannins. The fruit comes from the celebrated crus of Mosconi, Ravera, and Le Coste in the commune of Monforte d’Alba. SKU: 19903
Benanti Contrada Cavaliere Etna Rosso 2019
A deeply spiced single-contrada Etna from the southwest side of the volcano, the Cavaliere presents impressive intensity and concentration on the attack and throughout the mid-palate, with almost dense but very lively red fruits and underpinnings of dried florals as well as some hints of tobacco leaf. SKU: 19863
New Zealand
Greywacke Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2021
“The 2021 Sauvignon from Greywacke is classic yet classy. It is richly aromatic yet not flamboyant, with good purity of fruit: expect flavors of black currant and nectarine alongside subtle tropical fruit and citrus. Due to a naturally low-yielding season, it offers impressive concentration and a ripe, succulent midpalate. The fine, mouthwatering acidity provides length and line on the zesty, passionfruit-infused, lightly structured finish. Delightful in youth, but it will evolve and provide a different Sauvignon experience in five to seven years.” Rebecca Gibb, Vinous 93 pts SKU: 11946 New Zealand
Portugal
Quinta do Vesuvio Vintage Porto 2016
“The 2016 Quinta do Vesuvio from Symington’s has a slightly more savoury bouquet than its fellow 2016 releases – earthier, almost nuttier with some lovely grilled walnut scents percolating through with time in the glass. The palate is sweet and candied on the entry, notes of marmalade and dried quince infusing the cassis and black cherry fruit with high notes of blueberry and a slight saline tincture towards the well balanced, quite persistent finish. Very fine.” Neal Martin, Vinous 92 pts SKU: 19183 Portugal
Spain
Alberto Orte Escalada do Bibei Valdeorras 2016
A blend of Mencia, Merenzao (Trousseau), Brancellao, and splashes of Grau Negro and Garnacha Tintorera grown near the cliffs of the river Bibei in Valdeorras, this unique wine sees extended maceration (4 weeks) and 18 months in French oak. The result is poised between intensity and elegance, with highly complex aromatics of violets and roses, charcuterie and rust, the palate has a vertical and chiseled frame covered with lovely raspberry and strawberry red fruits. The tannins, acid, and wood are all fully integrated and harmonious and the finish is resounding. This is one of my favorite of Alberto Orte’s singular creations. SKU: 19861
Ameztoi Primus Getariako Txakolina 2021
The Ameztoi Primus is sourced from very old vines of Hondarribi Zuri (70 to 120 years old!) and, after fermentation on the indigenous yeasts, it spends six months on the lees with batonage, imparting a pervasively creamy texture and savory chalky mineral richness that is simultaneously lifted by the grape’s naturally intense acidity and retained CO2. Irresistible, it is “next level” Txakolina. SKU: 19918
Gonzalez Byass Tio Pepe Fino En Rama
The difference between the En Rama bottling and the regular, filtered bottling of Tio Pepe could not be more striking. From the extra layers of dried apricot and pungent levain on the nose to the richer saline and briny textures on the palate, the En Rama has so much more depth. Graceful and well composed throughout, it winds up with a lengthy and savory finish. SKU: 20073
Valdespino Manzanilla Deliciosa
This Manzanilla is about 5 or 6 years old on average, offering a generous bouquet of sea spray, olive brine, herbs, and citrus and apple on the nose. The palate is expansive and layered, with great definition and persistent savory and umami flavors. Overall, it is on the bolder end of the Manzanilla spectrum, but thoroughly dry. SKU: 19263 Spain
Valdespino Amontillado Tio Diego
This single vineyard Amontillado is on average about 18 years old when it’s bottled, producing an Amontillado with a broad and complex bouquet of bread dough, almonds, and dried white fruits. On the palate there is an invigorating, citric crispness that outlines the deep and thorough oxidative characteristics and gives the wine a sense of terrific length and completeness. Once open, this Amontillado improves noticeably for at least a week, after which it will hold for at least another two to three weeks. SKU: 19268 Spain
Albamar Rías Baixas Albariño 2020
This Albariño was fermented and raised in stainless steel and large (neutral) oak foudres, yielding a particularly expansive wine, with a compelling combination of stone fruits, stony mineral textures, and surprising depth. Savory and expansive, there is a thrilling vinosity here, coupled with good delineation from the acidity, which draws the finish out beautifully. Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate 93 pts SKU: 15683 Spain
CVNE Imperial Rioja Reserva 2017
“Saturated garnet. Ripe cherry, red currant and pungent flowers on the expansive nose, along with vanilla and tobacco nuances that build in the glass. Sweet and broad on the palate, offering oak-spiced red and dark berry and fruitcake flavors and a hint of candied flowers. Slowly building tannins frame the clinging finish, which shows excellent clarity and repeating cherry and vanilla notes.” Josh Raynolds, Vinous 93 pts SKU: 19325 Spain
CVNE Viña Real Rioja Gran Reserva 2012 (1.5L)
“The classical 2012 Viña Real Gran Reserva is produced with 95% Tempranillo and 5% Graciano, fermented in stainless steel with neutral dry yeasts and aged in new oak barrel for two years. It's very spicy and creamy, with developed aromas, open and expressive. The palate feels very polished, with a fine thread of acidity going through its core. There is good balance between power and elegance. It should develop nicely in bottle, even if it's approachable now.” Luis Gutierrez, Wine Advocate 93 pts
Champagne
Champagne
Check out the Champagne Rack! Overflowing!! Will be adding descriptions and notes soon.
Port Wine
Port Wine
A whole shelf dedicated to port wine! Will be adding descriptions and notes soon!
Saki
Saki
Two shelves dedicated to Saki! Notes and descriptions soon to be added!
Sherry
Sherry
One whole shelf dedicated to Sherry! adding notes and descriptions soon!
