VVW News - January 2016

Transcription

1 VVW News - January 2016 Happy New Year - January Sales January is always a bit of a challenge in retail. The hangover from the holidays saps the buying spirit. So we have to do our best to make things attractive. We ve put across-the-board discounts on four top vintages in effect for January, to stir up your buying mojo: 2007 Barolos and Barbarescos... 20% off on 3 bottles 2010 Châteauneuf-du-Papes... 20% off on 3 bottles 2011 Red Burgundies % off on 3 bottles 2012 White Burgundies... 20% off on 3 bottles Many of our wines from the vintages above are profiled inside this issue, and seven different tastings this month will feature them, giving you plenty of opportunities to taste before you buy. EXUBERANT PIEDMONT RED 2012 Langhe Nebbiolo (Deltetto) This bottling from Deltetto captures all the fabulous flavor characteristics of Nebbiolo without the fierce structure of Barolo or Barbaresco. It comes from the Roero district just north of Barolo, and even though it is a 2012, it is good to go already. Dark and exuberant with a lovely, tangy black cherry core, it develops a chocolate nuance with air. Its tannins are beautifully rendered, giving it texture and depth without any harshness. It has a dry, substantial, grippy finish. It is quite a heartwarming red at a very reasonable price Langhe Nebbiolo (Deltetto) $25.00 HALF-CASE SPECIAL 15 Percent Off $ ($127.50/6 bottles = $21.25/bottle) VIBRANT BURGUNDIAN CHARDONNAY 2014 Bourgogne Blanc Les Crenilles (Dubreuil-Fontaine) We have become huge fans of Christine Dubreuil s winemaking over the last three years. Her wines are elegant and precise, and always reflect their terroir. And not just the Premier Crus and Grand Crus, but her whole lineup of Burgundies, both red and white. Every wine from Dubreuil-Fontaine seems to be a treat. Here is the newest arrival, a vibrant, delicious 2014 Bourgogne Blanc. Even it has a story. Les Crenilles is a vineyard in Pommard. Since there is no provision for white wines in the Pommard appellation controlee rules, it defaults to Bourgogne Blanc for labeling purposes. But it is clearly above the quality standard for Bourgogne Blanc. Its lemony citrus Chardonnay fruit is very dry and not at all fruity. It has a stony quality, and a feeling of tension, with the depth and refinement of a villages-level Burgundy. It is clearly in a class above its price range Bourgogne Blanc Les Crenilles (Dubreuil-Fontaine) $28.00 HALF-CASE SPECIAL 15 Percent Off $ ($142.50/6 bottles = $23.75/bottle) ZESTY BURGUNDIAN PINOT NOIR 2013 Bourgogne Rouge (Mongeard-Mugneret) This is one of those for us who love to drink young Red Burgundy for its freshness and verve. Its Pinot Noir flavors are bright and juicy, and as fresh as can be. It has almost no tannin. Instead its structure is primarily acidity, like a white wine, with a zesty, mouthwatering finish. It is not complex, just a delicious, straightforward Pinot Noir priced to enjoy with casual meals Bourgogne Rouge (Mongeard-Mugneret) $28.00 HALF-CASE SPECIAL 15 Percent Off $ ($142.50/6 bottles = $23.75/bottle)

2 2 Domaine Tempier Bandols JANUARY SPECIAL - 15 PERCENT OFF on purchases of three or more bottles of Tempier Bandols I have vivid memories of Domaine Tempier vintages starting with their perfect I ve lived with almost all of them over many years from the time each was born. Their 2013s remind me of another of my old favorites, 1981, which was very similar in style to the 1981 Bordeaux vintage, also a personal favorite. In fact, I just had a great bottle of 1981 Château Batailley in a Provençal restaurant for a measly 150 euros. Lucky for me, the press deified The Tempier 2013s are ripe but refined, too. They are balanced with a tight core, a good sign for aging. They are also already aromatic black, black cherry and garrigue. Enjoyable yesterday when I last tasted them, they will develop great complexity with bottle age. In other words, uncork one whenever you are in the mood. - Kermit Lynch, Importer NEWLY ARRIVED 2013s Regular 15% Off 2013 Bandol (Domaine Tempier)... $ $ Bandol (Domaine Tempier)...magnums.. $ $ Bandol La Tourtine (Domaine Tempier)... $ $ Bandol La Tourtine (Domaine Tempier)...magnums.. $ $ Bandol La Migoua (Domaine Tempier)... $ $ Bandol La Migoua (Domaine Tempier)...magnums. $ $ Bandol Cabassaou (Domaine Tempier)... $ $ LA TOURTINE BACK VINTAGES 2012 Bandol La Tourtine (Domaine Tempier)... $ $ Bandol La Tourtine (Domaine Tempier)...magnums.. $ $ Bandol La Tourtine (Domaine Tempier)... $ $ Bandol La Tourtine (Domaine Tempier)... $ $ Bandol La Tourtine (Domaine Tempier)... $ $ Note: These Tempier Bandols will be open at the tasting bar on Friday January 8 and Saturday January White Burgundies JANUARY SPECIAL - 20 PERCENT OFF on purchases of three or more bottles of 2012 White Burgundies Regular 20% Off Price Price 2012 Pernand-Vergelesses Blanc Clos Berthet (Dubreuil-Fontaine)... $ $ Meursault Les Charrons (Jean-Marc Boillot)... $ $ Puligny-Montrachet La Truffière (Vincent Morey)... $ $ Puligny-Montrachet Les Combettes (Francois Carillon)... $ $ Puligny-Montrachet Les Combettes (Vincent Girardin)... $ $ The expressive nose displays moderate exoticism with its ripe mix of nectarine, mandarin orange, spice and Asian tea suffused aromas. There is a beguiling texture to the extract-rich and decidedly succulent flavors that display fine power on the solidly complex finish. (90-92/100) 2012 Puligny-Montrachet Les Referts (Etienne Sauzet)... $ $ There is good volume to the sleekly muscular middle weight flavors that are less obviously mineral-infused but notably complex on the impressively concentrated and highly persistent finish. The balance is impeccable. While there is a trace of mid-palate sweetness the finish is agreeably dry and slightly saline. (91/100) 2012 Corton Charlemagne (Dubreuil-Fontaine)... $ $ Aggressive swirling coaxes the reluctant nose to reveal aromas of citrus, green apple, spice and wet stone nuances. There is a really lovely sense of underlying tension to the intensely mineraldriven medium weight plus flavors that possess outstanding depth on the beautifully wellbalanced and briskly clean and dry finish. This is impressive. (93/100) Note: These 2012s will be open at the tasting bar on Friday January 29 and Saturday January 30. Price Price

3 2011 Red Burgundies The 2011 Red Burgundies are seductively delicious without being banal. Moreover, there is more than enough underlying terroir expression to satisfy even the most demanding burg geeks. While there are several very interesting characteristics of the 2011 vintage the one that I find to be the most intriguing is just how good the phenolic maturities are yet the sugar maturities are remarkably low, in fact 2011 is one of the lower alcohol vintages in some time. This makes for seductively suave textures that avoid any sense of heaviness as there is good freshness and sufficient acid verve to maintain the finishing balance. This seductive character is further enhanced by the fact that not only are the supporting tannins ripe but they are exceptionally fine-grained; indeed this is one characteristic that both 2011 and 2010 share. JANUARY SPECIAL - 20 PERCENT OFF on purchases of three or more bottles of 2011 Red Burgundies Regular 20% Off Price Price 2011 Chassagne-Montrachet Rouge Vieilles Vignes (Thomas Morey)... $ $ Santenay Les Passetemps (Vincent Morey)... $ $ Savigny-les-Beaune Les Serpentieres (Vincent Girardin)... $ $ Beaune Les Grèves (Thomas Morey)... $ $ Santenay Grand Clos Rousseau (Thomas Morey)... $ $ Beaune Les Avaux (Mongeard-Mugneret)... $ $ Beaune Les Montrevenots (Dubreuil-Fontaine)... $ $ A pretty, fresh and agreeably complex nose features a mix of various dark berry scents that display top notes of spice and floral hints. There is good volume to the moderately austere and serious middle weight flavors that possess a cool and firm mouth feel before terminating in a compact, rustic and lingering finish. This is distinctly old school and while it won't wow you with charm, there is plenty of character though note that patience will be required (90/100) 2011 Volnay Les Santenots (Matrot)... $ $ This is cool and restrained with ripe and attractively elegant red currant, spice and plum aromas leading to supple, round and utterly delicious middle weight flavors that exude a fine minerality on the notably long and complex finish where some earth character appears (90/100) 2011 Gevrey-Chambertin La Croix des Champs (Liger-Belair)... $ $ There is a marked floral character to the very fresh and wonderfully airy nose of cool red berry fruit that is liberally laced with Gevrey style earth and humus. There is really lovely detail to the energetic middle weight flavors that possess fine precision on the delicious finish that really fans out in the mouth. A quality villages (88-91/100) 2011 Gevrey-Chambertin Champeaux (Maume)... $ $ Gevrey-Chambertin Les Combottes (Arlaud)... $ $ Here the nose displays much more of a floral character along with agreeably fresh and bright red pinot fruit. There is a strikingly refined quality to the delicious and elegant flavors that are supported by dense but fine tannins, all wrapped in a dusty and almost delicate finish. I very much like this as it's a textbook Combottes, which is to say a polished Gevrey 1er that should amply repay extended aging if desired yet be approachable young (90-93/100) 2011 Gevrey-Chambertin Lavaux-Saint-Jacques (Maume)... $ $ Mazis-Chambertin (Maume)... $ $ Charmes-Chambertin (Liger-Belair)... $ $ Here the nose is exceptionally fresh with a distinctly floral character to the earthy and slightly sauvage red currant and underbrush suffused aromas. The broad-shouldered flavors also exude a distinct earthiness that carries over to the intense, precise and tension-filled finish that delivers excellent length. This is complex, serious and powerful yet the dense tannins are relatively refined." (91-93/100) Note: The Gevrey-Chambertins will be open at the tasting bar on Thursday January 7. The Cote de Beaune wines will be open on Tuesday January 26 and Wednesday January 27. 3

4 2007 Barolo & Barbaresco 2007 BAROLO: GREATNESS IN THE MAKING The 2007 Baroli are some of the most viscerally thrilling young wines I have ever tasted. The 2007s are similar to the 2004s, but with more substance. The wines are radiant, intensely perfumed and totally seductive, yet not at all heavy, in a style that offers the textural richness of a warm vintage with the aromatics of a cool year. In 2006 and 2007 readers will find the finest back to back Barolo vintages since 1989 and JANUARY SPECIAL - 20 PERCENT OFF on purchases of three or more bottles of 2007 Barolos & Barbarescos Regular Price 20% Off Price 2007 Barolo Castelletto (Manzone)... $ $ The 2007 Castelletto is an elegant, perfumed wine. Polished and elegant throughout, the Castelletto reveals attractive inner perfume and lovely red fruit, all framed by silky tannins (90-92/100) 2007 Barolo (Renato Corino)... $ $ Renato Corino s 2007 Barolo is an excellent choice for near-term drinking. An open, inviting bouquet leads to ripe fruit and dried flowers in this forward, attractive Barolo (89/100) 2007 Barbaresco Brich Ronchi (Rocca)... $ $ The 2007 Barbaresco Vigneto Brich Ronchi is a seductive Barbaresco endowed with superb purity and definition in its dark red fruit. Texturally brilliant and refined, the Bric Ronchi impresses for its fabulous concentration and equally remarkable finesse. There is a weightless elegance to the Brich Ronchi in this vintage that I find particularly appealling, and in a big way (94/100) 2007 Barbaresco Bric Balin (Moccagatta)... $ $ The 2007 Barbaresco Bric Balin is simply gorgeous. This is a decidedly fat, generous Bric Balin endowed with layers of red fruit, cinnamon, cloves and crushed flowers. The oak is very nicely balanced. In 2007 the Bric Balin possesses an unusual amount of depth and textural richness. The tannins are also a bit backward, suggesting the wine needs another 2-3 years to fully open up. This is an impressive effort from Moccagatta (93/100) 2007 Barolo La Villa (Seghesio)... $ $ The 2007 La Villa is a beautiful, subtle wine. Dark wild cherries, plums, tobacco, licorice and smoke are some of the nuances that emerge from the glass. The wine shows gorgeous richness and concentration, yet never comes across as heavy. A textured, vivid finish provides the last impressions of this fine, highly pleasing Barolo (93/100) 2007 Barolo Marenca (Luigi Pira)... $ $ The 2007 Vigna Marenca flows with layers of sensual dark fruit, menthol and tar in a typical expression of Serralunga richness and power. The wine s intensity carries through beautifully to the enveloping, textured finish (93-96/100) 2007 Barolo Brunate (Mario Marengo)... $ $ Barolo Rocche dell Annuziata (Renato Corino)... $ $ The 2007 Vigneto Rocche strikes a beautiful balance between the juicy style of the vintage and the vibrant, well-delineated aromatics that are typical of this historic vineyard. Dark red fruit, licorice, minerals and French oak are some of the nuances that flow from the glass as the Rocche shows off its considerable pedigree (94/100) Note: These 2007s will be open at the tasting bar on Friday January 15 and Saturday January 16. For a complete list of our 2007 Barolos and Barbarescos, please inquire or visit 4

5 2010 Châteauneuf-du-Papes JANUARY SPECIAL - 20 PERCENT OFF on purchases of three or more bottles of 2010 Châteauneuf-du-Papes Regular 20% Off Price Price 2010 Châteauneuf-du-Pape (Cuvée du Vatican)... $ $ Bright purple. Powerful aromas of black and blue fruits, cola and allspice. Deeply pitched blackberry and blueberry flavors are impressively concentrated but are carrying no excess fat. Finishes sweet and intense, with the blackberry and spice notes repeating. I suspect that this seductive wine will be enjoyable soon after bottling. (90/100) - Josh Raynolds, Vinousmedia.com 2010 Châteauneuf-du-Pape (Clos du Mont Olivet)... $ $ Châteauneuf-du-Pape (Olivier Hillaire)... $ $ Châteauneuf-du-Pape (Mas de Boislauzon)... $ $ Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes (Clos Saint Jean)... $ $ Production is down considerably because of the loss of 25-30% of the Grenache crop due to poor flowering, but the levels of concentration, freshness and focus of these wines are remarkable. The 2010 Vieilles Vignes is fashioned from Grenache vines planted in This massive, sexy Chateauneuf offers tremendous notes of balsam wood, tobacco leaf, kirsch liqueur, bouquet garni and a beef blood-like component. Rich and full-bodied with sweet tannin, and huge fruit, glycerin and density, this wine will also benefit from 2-3 years of cellaring, and keep for years (95/100) - Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate 2010 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Safres (Clos du Caillou)... $ $ Châteauneuf-du-Pape Chateau Sixtine (Cuvée du Vatican)... $ $ Glass-staining ruby. An explosively perfumed bouquet evokes dark berry preserves, incense, licorice and candied flowers. Stains the palate with sweet, pliant blackberry and cassis flavors. Closes on a sappy note, with resonating spiciness and lingering dark berry qualities. (92/100) - Josh Raynolds, Vinousmedia.com 2010 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Gloire du mon Grand Père (Bosquet des Papes)$ $ Châteauneuf-du-Pape (Vieux Donjon)... $ $ Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Crau (Vieux Télégraphe)... $ $ Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Crau (Vieux Télégraphe)...Magnums. $ $ Châteauneuf-du-Pape Renaissance (Cristia)... $ $ An impressive display of blueberries, blackberries, graphite, incense, acacia flowers and garrigue accompanied by a hint of new oak is offered by the full-bodied, rich, massive 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Renaissance. Noticeable tannins suggest 4-5 years of cellaring will be necessary, and it should drink well over the following two decades (92-95/100) - Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate 2010 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Quartz (Clos du Caillou)... $ $ Châteauneuf-du-Pape (Chateau de Beaucastel)... $ $ This is a gorgeous wine, a classic blend of 30% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre, 10% Syrah, 10% Counoise and the balance the other permitted varietals in the appellation. Deep purple, with loads of bouquet garni, beef blood, blackberry, kirsch, smoke and truffle, this wine is fullbodied, rich and showing even better than it did last year. I still think it needs 3-5 years of cellaring, and it should last for years, as most of the top vintages of Beaucastel do (95/100) - Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate 2010 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Papet (Clos du Mont Olivet)... $ $ Possibly the finest example of the Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee du Papet since Mont Olivet s unreal 1990, the 2010 is a blend of 75% Grenache, 15% Mourvedre and 10% Syrah, all aged in foudre. The grapes come from the estate s oldest vines (50- to 105-years-old), which were planted in the famous sites of Mont Olivet and Bois Dauphin. A extraordinarily deep plum/purple color is followed by notes of balsam wood, raspberries, black currants, lavender, garrigue, kirsch, licorice and underbrush. This quintessential Chateauneuf du Pape smells like an open-air Provencal market. It is a full-bodied, full-throttle, multilayered wine with exceptional concentration, power and precision. While it can be approached now, it should last for two decades. (99/100) - Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate 2010 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Jacques Perrin (Chateau de Beaucastel)... $ $ Note: These 2010 Châteauneuf-du-Papes will be open at the tasting bar in two tastings, the first on Tuesday January 12 and Wednesday January 13, and the second on Friday January 22 and January 23. 5

6 6 TASTING BAR SCHEDULE - JANUARY 2016 For more complete information, please visit and click Tasting Bar. WHITE BURGUNDY GREATS: 2010 & 2011 SATURDAY 1/2 White Burgundies improve very significantly in their first few years after release. The 2010s and 2011s are now in their prime. Here are three compelling examples from each vintage, French Chardonnay at its best Chassagne-Montrachet Vide Bourse (Thomas Morey); 2010 Puligny-Montrachet Les Champs Gains (Carillon); 2011 Chassagne-Montrachet Les Dents de Chien (Thomas Morey); 2011 Puligny-Montrachet Les Combettes (Sauzet); 2011 Corton-Charlemagne (Girardin); 2010 Puligny- Montrachet Les Combettes (Sauzet) CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHETS TUESDAY 1/5 & WEDNESDAY 1/6 It is not easy to draw buying interest in the lee of the holidays. We ll try a tried and true method a big discount. This tasting showcases seven beautiful 2012 Burgundies from in and around Chassagne-Montrachet. Chassagne is world-renowned for its Chardonnays, and this flight includes six one villages and five Premier Crus. Less wellknown are Chassagne s Pinot Noirs, most of which never leave France. We ll have one, from the Premier Cru vineyard Morgeot, considered one of Chassagne s best sites for Pinot Noir. All are available for 20 percent off on purchases of three or more bottles Saint Aubin Les Charmois (Vincent Morey); 2012 Chassagne-Montrachet Vieilles Vignes (Vincent Morey); 2012 Chassagne-Montrachet Les Embrazées (Thomas Morey); 2012 Chassagne-Montrachet Les Caillerets (Vincent Morey); 2012 Chassagne-Montrachet Clos du Cailleret (Vincent Girardin); 2012 Chassagne-Montrachet Les Dents de Chien (Thomas Morey); 2012 Chassagne-Montrachet Rouge Morgeot (Vincent Girardin) GEVREY-CHAMBERTINS THURSDAY 1/7 Continuing our post-holiday sale theme, today we ll show a superb collection of six 2011 Gevrey-Chambertins. Gevrey was the star of the 2011 vintage in the Cote de Nuits. Included are one villages, three Premier Crus, and two magnificent Grand Crus. All are available for 20 percent off on purchases of three or more bottles Gevrey-Chambertin La Croix des Champs (Thibault Liger-Belair); 2011 Gevrey-Chambertin Champeaux (Maume); 2011 Gevrey-Chambertin Les Combottes (Arlaud); 2011 Gevrey-Chambertin Lavaux Saint Jacques (Maume); 2011 Mazis-Chambertin (Maume); 2011 Charmes-Chambertin (Thibault Liger-Belair). DOMAINE TEMPIER BANDOLS FRIDAY 1/8 & SATURDAY 1/9 Like clockwork, every January we have the new vintage of Domaine Tempier s Mourvèdre-based Bandols. This tasting has two parts. The first consists of the four newly-arrived 2013 bottlings, so we can all get a look at them in their youth. Then we ll show the four prior vintages of La Tourtine, comprising a vertical of five consecutive vintages. This will be big fun for us Tempier fans Bandol (Tempier); 2013 Bandol La Tourtine (Tempier); 2013 Bandol La Migoua (Tempier); 2013 Bandol Cabassaou (Tempier); 2012 Bandol La Tourtine (Tempier); 2011 Bandol La Tourtine (Tempier); 2010 Bandol La Tourtine (Tempier); 2009 Bandol La Tourtine (Tempier) CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPES TUESDAY 1/12 & WEDNESDAY 1/ was a sensational vintage for red wines throughout Europe. Châteauneuf-du-Pape was no exception. The 2010s have every bit of the depth and complexity of the heralded 2005s and 2007s, but with more energy and length. All they need is age. We have a bunch on hand. Here are seven exciting examples, all available at 20 percent off on purchases of three or more bottles Châteauneuf-du-Pape (Cuvee du Vatican); 2010 Châteauneuf-du-Pape (Clos du Mont Olivet); 2010 Châteauneuf-du-Pape (Olivier Hillaire); 2010 Châteauneuf-du-Pape (Mas de Boislauzon); 2010 Châteauneuf-du- Pape Vieilles Vignes (Clos Saint Jean); 2010 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Mon Grand Père (Bosquet des Papes); 2010 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Renaissance (Cristia). COTE-ROTIES THURSDAY 1/14 Anyone who sees the terraced slopes of Cote-Rôtie never forgets them. Frighteningly steep and rocky, they are remarkably arduous to cultivate. It has been used as a vineyard site since Roman times, when Pliny praised the wines of Vienne. And today it yields some of the most compelling Syrahs in the world. Here are six examples, two each from three top producers Cote-Rôtie Boisselèe (Louis Barruol); 2010 Cote-Rôtie Barbarine (Yves Gangloff); 2009 Cote-Rôtie Boisselèe (Louis Barruol); 2009 Cote-Rôtie Barbarine (Yves Gangloff); 2006 Cote-Rôtie Les Viallieres (Pierre Gaillard); 2005 Cote-Rôtie Les Viallieres (Pierre Gaillard) BAROLO & BARBARESCO FRIDAY 1/15 & SATURDAY 1/16 The 2007 Baroli are some of the most viscerally thrilling young wines I have ever tasted. The wines are radiant, intensely perfumed and totally seductive, yet not at all heavy, in a style that offers the textural richness of a warm vintage with the aromatics of a cool year. In 2006 and 2007 readers will find the finest back to back Barolo vintages since 1989 and 1990.

7 This tasting showcases two 2007 Barbarescos and six 2007 Barolos. All are available for 20 percent off on purchases of three or more bottles Barolo Castelletto (Manzone); 2007 Barolo (Renato Corino); 2007 Barbaresco Brich Ronchi (Albino Rocca); 2007 Barbaresco Bric Balin (Moccagatta); 2007 Barolo La Villa (Seghesio); 2007 Barolo Marenca (Luigi Pira); 2007 Barolo Brunate (Mario Marengo); 2007 Barolo Rocche dell Annunziata (Renato Corino). PINOT NOIR: PEAY VS. DUBREUIL-FONTAINE TUESDAY 1/19 & WEDNESDAY 1/20 Over the last three years, Peay and Dubreuil-Fontaine have become two of our favorite Pinot Noir producers. Peay, with vineyards on the Sonoma Coast, makes some of California s most intricate and classy Pinot Noirs. Dubreuil-Fontaine, with vineyards in the northern Cote de Beaune, makes some of Burgundy s most intricate and classy Pinot Noirs. We ll put up four wines from each, and see how they compare Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast (Peay); 2012 Volnay (Dubreuil-Fontaine); 2012 Beaune Les Montrevenots (Dubreuil-Fontaine); 2013 Pinot Noir Ama (Peay); 2013 Pinot Noir Savoy (Peay); 2012 Pernand-Vergelesses Ile de Vergelesses (Dubreuil-Fontaine); 2013 Pinot Noir Scallop Shelf (Peay); 2012 Corton Les Perrieres (Dubreuil-Fontaine) GERMAN RIESLINGS THURSDAY 1/21 We tend to think of red wines first in the wintertime. But the right sort of white can work just as well. Something about their vibrant acidity and minerality makes German Rieslings particularly delicious wintertime drinks. Here are eight of the best 2013s, including four from Nahe superstar Helmut Dönnhoff Riesling Kabinett Longuicher Herrenweg (Schmitt-Wagner); 2013 Riesling Kabinett Oberhäuser Leistenberg (Dönnhoff); 2013 Riesling Kabinett Graacher Domprobst (Willi Schaefer); 2013 Riesling Kabinett Dhron Hofberg (A.J. Adam); 2013 Riesling Spätlese Ürziger Wurzgarten #9 (Merkelbach); 2013 Riesling Spätlese Norheimer Kirschheck (Dönnhoff); 2013 Riesling Spätlese Oberhäuser Brücke (Dönnhoff); 2013 Riesling Spätlese Niederhäuser Hermannshöhle (Dönnhoff) CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPES FRIDAY 1/22 & SATURDAY 1/23 Here is our 2010 Châteauneuf-du-Pape main event, our second tasting this month, this one focused on bottles for ageing. Each one of these an exceptional example, and destined for a long, eventful evolution. If you don t have enough 2010 in your collection, here is a chance to correct that. All are available at 20 percent off on purchases of three or more bottles Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Safres (Clos du Caillou); 2010 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Château Sixtine (Cuvee du Vatican); 2010 Châteauneuf-du-Pape (Vieux Donjon); 2010 Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Crau (Vieux Télégraphe); 2010 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Quartz (Clos du Caillou); 2010 Châteauneuf-du-Pape (Chateau de Beaucastel); 2010 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Papet (Clos du Mont Olivet) COTE DE BEAUNE REDS TUESDAY 1/26 & WEDNESDAY 1/27 This flight of Red Burgundy bargains. All 2011s from the Cote de Beaune, they are on sale for 20 percent off on purchases of three or more bottles, with discounted prices ranging from $30 to $55. Buy a stash of these and it will be easier to keep your hands off those more expensive Burgs you bought to age Chassagne-Montrachet Rouge Vieilles Vignes (Thomas Morey); 2011 Santenay Les Passetemps (Vincent Morey); 2011 Savigny-les-Beaune Les Serpentieres (Vincent Girardin); 2011 Beaune Les Grèves (Thomas Morey); 2011 Santenay Grand Clos Rousseau (Thomas Morey); 2011 Beaune Les Avaux (Mongeard- Mugneret); 2011 Beaune Les Montrevenots (Dubreuil-Fontaine); 2011 Volnay Les Santenots (Matrot). CHEVILLON NUITS-SAINT-GEORGES VERTICAL THURSDAY 1/28 We try to do this every few years, and it is always very interesting a vertical tasting of Robert Chevillon s Nuits- Saint-Georges old vines cuvee. This time we ll line up eight vintages between 2013 and It is a great way to compare and contrast recent Burgundy vintages Nuits-Saint-Georges Vieilles Vignes (Robert Chevillon); 2012 Nuits-Saint-Georges Vieilles Vignes (Robert Chevillon); 2011 Nuits-Saint-Georges Vieilles Vignes (Robert Chevillon); 2010 Nuits-Saint-Georges Vieilles Vignes (Robert Chevillon); 2008 Nuits-Saint-Georges Vieilles Vignes (Robert Chevillon); 2007 Nuits-Saint-Georges Vieilles Vignes (Robert Chevillon); 2006 Nuits-Saint-Georges Vieilles Vignes (Robert Chevillon); 2005 Nuits-Saint-Georges Vieilles Vignes (Robert Chevillon) WHITE BURGUNDIES FRIDAY 1/29 & SATURDAY 1/30 The 2012s are showing awfully well now. It is proving to be a serious vintage for White Burgs, and a rival to We ll start off with two lovely villages wines, move into four magnificent Puligny-Montrachet Premier Crus, and finish with a superb Corton-Charlemagne. All are available at 20 percent off on purchases of three or more bottles Pernand-Vergelesses Blanc Clos Berthet (Dubreuil-Fontaine); 2012 Meursault Les Charrons (Jean-Marc Boillot); 2012 Puligny-Montrachet La Truffière (Vincent Morey); 2012 Puligny-Montrachet Les Combettes (Francois Carillon); 2012 Puligny-Montrachet Les Combettes (Vincent Girardin); 2012 Puligny-Montrachet Les Referts (Etienne Sauzet); 2012 Corton-Charlemagne (Dubreuil-Fontaine). 7

8 HAPPY NEW YEAR! TEMPIER BANDOLS 2007 BAROLOS & BARBARESCOS!"#$%&'()$$&*)"( +,$,&-.$%)/0 -)"1 -)(.&)(%.2&') -0#*"%&3.,&456 Return Service Requested 2010 CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPES 2011 RED BURGUNDIES 2012 WHITE BURGUNDIES DIRECTIONS: From I Exit at Page Mill Road and head east on Page Mill into Palo Alto. Turn left (north) on El Camino Real. Turn right at the first traffic light on El Camino, which will be S. California Avenue. We will be on your right about halfway down the first block. From US Exit at Oregon Expressway, and head west on Oregon Expressway into Palo Alto. Turn right (north) on El Camino Real. Turn right at the first traffic light on El Camino, which will be S. California Avenue. We will be on your right about halfway down the first block. PARKING: Free parking along S. California Avenue, in the Palo Alto Public Parking Garage on Cambridge Avenue, and in the Palo Alto Public Parking Lot on Sherman Avenue. HOURS: Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 11 am - 7 pm 11 am - 7 pm 11 am - 7 pm 11 am - 8 pm 11 am - 7 pm VVW News January info@vinvinowine.com (650) FAX: (650)