VVW News - September 2016 PINOT NOIR STEAL 2014 Cheverny Rouge (Pascal Bellier) It is remarkably difficult to find Pinot Noirs for under $20. All sorts of faults dominate this territory too clumsy, too ripe, too dilute, an absence of any discernable Pinot Noir character, etc., etc. Even the $20 to $25 range is fraught with subpar versions. Here is an exception, from Cheverny, a backwater district in France s eastern Loire Valley. It is actually 80 percent Pinot Noir and 20 percent Gamay (such blends are the custom in Cheverny). The majority Pinot Noir provides a fresh and zesty structure and delicious Pinot flavor, and the Gamay adds fruit and depth. It may not be complex or profound, but it displays true Pinot Noir character and style, and is an easy drinking, casual bottle at an unbelievable price. 2014 Cheverny Rouge (Pascal Bellier) $14.00 HALF-CASE SPECIAL 15 Percent Off $71.50 ($71.50/6 bottles = $11.92/bottle) VERSATILE SOUTHERN RHONE WHITE 2015 Cotes-du-Rhone Blanc Cote Dentelles (Redortier) The southern Rhone Valley is justly famous for its reds, but its often overlooked whites can be superb as well. This lovely version comes from high in the Dentelles de Montmirail, the rocky peaks above Gigondas and Beaumes de Venise on the eastern edge of the valley. A blend of Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Bourboulenc, Marsanne, and Viognier, it has notably pure flavors of fresh pears and melons, framed by a stony mineral quality. It s delicious with all sorts of seafood, but hardy enough for chicken and pork dishes as well. 2015 Cotes-du-Rhone Blanc Cote Dentelles (Redortier) $24.00 HALF-CASE SPECIAL 20 Percent Off $115.50 ($115.50/6 bottles = $19.25/bottle) BURGUNDIAN CHARDONNAY BARGAIN 2014 Bourgogne Blanc (Francois Carillon) Francois Carillon s has become one of our most sought-after Bourgogne Blancs over the last few years because it has been so consistently fine. And now we have the superb 2014. It s Chardonnay fruit is very dry, and not all that fruity. It has a stony quality, and a feeling of tension. There is just the barest hint of oak. It is precise and remarkably fine for a Bourgogne Blanc, but it is also just plain delicious. It lets us White Burgundy enthusiasts enjoy the real deal at a modest price. 2014 Bourgogne Blanc (Francois Carillon) $28.00 HALF-CASE SPECIAL 20 Percent Off $134.50 ($134.50/6 bottles = $22.42/bottle) RICHLY FLAVORED SPANISH RED 2008 Priorat Templari (Noster) Priorat is the source of Catalonia s greatest red wines. It is quite isolated and a bit mysterious, despite its proximity to Barcelona, as it is reachable only on tiny, tortuous mountain roads. And its wines are unique among Spanish reds, because of its unusual slate-based soils and its distinctive blend of varietals. This impressive 2008 Templari bottling from Noster is 60 percent Garnacha (i.e. Grenache) with the balance Carignan, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah. It displays very deep, ripe fruit flavors complemented by a prominent earthy component. Despite its richness on the palate, it is nicely supple, and quite delicious. It is a real bargain for Priorat. 2008 Priorat Templari (Noster) $28.00 HALF-CASE SPECIAL 15 Percent Off $142.50 ($142.50/6 bottles = $23.75/bottle) SPECIAL EVENING TASTING EVENT NEW ARRIVALS La Pousse d Or 2013 Red Burgundies Two Iconic Volnays, Four Chambolle-Musignys, and One Corton Grand Cru TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 13 7pm & WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 14 7pm PRE-PAID RESERVATIONS REQUIRED COST $145 (no additional cost for two people to share one tasting)
2 Saint Aubin White Burgundies Saint Aubin is ascendant. Tucked into the hills behind Chassagne-Montrachet and Puligny-Montrachet, it is off the beaten track, and was long overlooked. But over the last two decades its potential has been recognized, and the overall quality of its Chardonnay-based white wines has skyrocketed. Many Saint Aubin Premier Crus offer more depth and complexity than villages wines from Meursault, Puligny, and Chassagne, but usually sell for far less. Here are eight superb examples from 2014 and 2013. SEPTEMBER SPECIAL - 15 PERCENT OFF on purchases of six or more bottles of Saint Aubins Regular 15% Off Price Price 2014 Saint Aubin (Thomas Morey)... $ 40.00 $ 34.00 2014 Saint Aubin Les Charmois (Vincent Morey)... $ 45.00 $ 38.25 The aroma shows citrus, petrol and white-fleshed fruit scents. I very much like the racy mouth feel of the attractively intense and well-detailed medium-bodied flavors that possess not only good volume and solid power as well, on the balanced and ever-so-mildly austere finale. Good quality here. 2020+ (90/100) 2014 Saint Aubin Les Charmois (Francois Carillon)... $ 45.00 $ 38.25 A discreet application of wood serves as a relatively neutral backdrop for the citrus-inflected white orchard fruit and soft floral scents. There is a lovely sense of freshness and intensity to the stony and detailed medium-bodied flavors that possess an appealing plumpness on the midpalate before terminating in a clean, dry and balanced finish where a hint of bitter lemon appears. 2019+ (88-91/100) 2013 Saint Aubin Les Charmois (Vincent Morey)... $ 45.00 $ 38.25 2013 Saint Aubin Les Murgers des Dents de Chien (Vincent Girardin)... $ 48.00 $ 40.80 2014 Saint Aubin Les Murgers des Dents de Chien (Francois Carillon)... $ 50.00 $ 42.50 2014 Saint Aubin Les Castets (Marc Colin)... $ 55.00 $ 46.75 2014 Saint Aubin En Montceau (Marc Colin)... $ 58.00 $ 49.30 A cool nose reflects notes of green apple, citrus peel, white flower and pear nuances. There is excellent delineation and vibrancy to the refined and understated middle weight flavors that are almost aggressively mineral-driven, all wrapped in a moderately austere and serious finish. This is really quite good. 2019+ (90/100) Brunello di Montalcinos SEPTEMBER SPECIAL - 15 PERCENT OFF on purchases of three or more bottles of Brunello di Montalcinos Regular 15% Off Price Price 2011 Brunello di Montalcino (Uccelliera)... $ 58.00 $ 49.30 The 2011 Brunello di Montalcino shows an impressive level of richness and density that starts with a long succession of black fruit aromas, dried cherry, spice, leather and tobacco. There are evident hints of the warm vintage that become apparent thanks to the blackness of the fruit and the general softness of the aromas. The wine's texture is yielding and dense with extra layers of plump fruit and chewy richness. This the proverbial "restaurant Brunello" that will drink beautifully in the near and medium-term. It already tastes spectacular and is beautifully fleshed out. 2017-2030 (95/100) - Monica Larner, TheWineAdvocate 2011 Brunello di Montalcino (Le Chiuse di Sotto)... $ 65.00 $ 55.25 2011 Brunello di Montalcino (Casanova di Neri)... $ 68.00 $ 57.80 2010 Brunello di Montalcino (Brizio)...... $ 70.00 $ 59.50 Podere Brizio's 2010 Brunello di Montalcino is an excellent choice for near and medium-term drinking. Cedar, worn-in leather, smoke, tobacco, game and licorice are some of the notes that jump from the glass. Rich, ample and expressive on the palate, the 2010 has plenty of personality and character. The 2010 is a bit rustic and rough around the edges, but it nevertheless possesses plenty of character. 2015-2022 (90/100) - Antonio Galloni, Vinousmedia.com 2010 Brunello di Montalcino (Voliero)...$ 75.00 $ 63.75
2010 Brunello di Montalcino (Caprili)...$ 78.00 $ 66.30 The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino is soft, supple and delicious, with lovely fruit and outstanding overall balance. The flavors are bright and polished throughout. Sweet red cherry, pomegranate, spice and mint add nuance on the pliant, expressive finish. This pretty, forward Brunello should drink well upon release and for another decade or more. 2015-2025 (91/100) - Antonio Galloni, Vinousmedia.com 2007 Brunello di Montalcino (Brizio)...... $ 80.00 $ 68.00 The 2007 Brunello di Montalcino wafts from the glass with an expressive bouquet redolent of pine, savory herbs, menthol, sweet spices, licorice and tobacco. Silky tannins frame the fruit through to the finish. This is an attractive, subtle 2007 that emphasizes finesse more than size. 2014-2024 (92/100) - Antonio Galloni, Vinousmedia.com 2011 Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova (Casanova di Neri)... $ 115.00 $ 97.75 This is another fabulous wine from Giacomo Neri. The 2011 Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova is a deeply layered expression with bold tones of dark fruit that are softened and enhanced by spice, leather, tobacco and balsam herb. The wine is very beautiful and polished. This is a wine of enormous pedigree and importance. It is generous and confident with a presentation that offers purity, intensity and persistence. 2017-2030 (95/100) - Monica Larner, TheWineAdvocate Rhone Valley Reds SEPTEMBER SPECIAL - 15 PERCENT OFF on purchases of three or more bottles of these eight Rhones Regular 15% Off Price Price 2014 Vacqueyras Doucinello (Sang des Cailloux)... $ 35.00 $ 29.75 2013 Crozes-Hermitage (Domaine Combier)... $ 36.00 $ 30.60 Youthful violet. Smoke-accented cherry and cassis aromas pick up a peppery nuance and a touch of licorice with air. Taut bitter cherry, licorice and dark chocolate flavors show good energy and lift thanks to a spine of juicy acidity. Finishes on a subtly tannic note, offering solid punch and good length. 2018-2022 (89/100) - Josh Raynolds, Vinousmedia.com 2013 Saint Joseph Offerus (Jean-Louis Chave)... $ 36.00 $ 30.60 Inky ruby. Heady aromas of raspberry liqueur, cola, potpourri and smoky bacon are lifted by a vibrant mineral quality. Deep-pitched red fruit and violet pastille flavors stain the palate and become sweeter and more lively with air. Silky, focused and very nicely balanced, with excellent finishing thrust; silky, even tannins add grip. This is as fine a version of this bottling as I have ever tasted and shows a distinctly graceful touch for Syrah. 2019-2025 (92/100) - Josh Raynolds, Vinousmedia.com 2014 Crozes-Hermitage Tiercerolles (Louis Barruol)... $ 36.00 $ 30.60 The collaboration between Louis Barruol of Gigondas and Kermit Lynch continues to evolve, and if these most recent releases are a sign of the direction this project will take in the future, we are in for a real treat. Pay attention to this Crozes cuvée: all of the fruit is sourced from the prized hillside terroirs of the appellation. These hillsides represent a very small percentage of its planted surface and bear more resemblance to Hermitage than Crozes Hermitage and Côtes-du- Rhône. You ll find the classic northern Rhône Syrah floral aromatics, a texture of velvet, and a wine of class, finesse, and complexity. - Dixon Brooke, Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant 2014 Hermitage La Pierrelle (Louis Barruol)... $ 78.00 $ 66.30 This Hermitage is true to its school: deep, smoky, intensely fragrant, powerful, and finegrained, with a regal presence on the palate. It can be enjoyed young with some decanting, yet promises to blossom into a spectacular expression of this exalted slope. - Anthony Lynch, Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant 2013 Saint Joseph (Jean-Louis Chave)... $ 95.00 $ 80.75 2013 Cornas Renaissance (Auguste Clape)... $ 105.00 $ 89.25 2013 Cornas Chaillot (Thierry Allemand)... $ 170.00 $ 144.50 Deep ruby. Assertive, mineral- and spice-accented aromas of black and blue fruit, candied flowers and licorice, accented by slowly building smoky notes. Sappy, focused and pure, offering intense blackberry and boysenberry flavors that put on weight and become spicier with aeration. Shows outstanding vivacity and power on the penetrating finish, which features building tannins and an emphatic mineral quality. 2021-2029 (94/100) - Josh Raynolds, Vinousmedia.com 3
2014 Red Burgundies Domaine Arlaud Cyprien Arlaud, who directs this domaine which owns 15 ha and farms a total of 18 ha, describes 2014 as a vintage that finally had a good and even flowering that ultimately gave us pretty good yields and in any event the best since 2009. In fact I did a green harvest for the first time in 2004. The growing season was decidedly advanced and I thought that we might have an end of August beginning of September harvest, but the cooler and wet July and August conditions slowed the vegetative cycle. We chose to begin picking on the 16th of September and there was surprisingly little sorting necessary as the fruit was clean and ripe. In terms of the vinifications I used a small amount of whole clusters in the 1ers and grands crus, which is to say between 20 and 30%. I really like the style of the wines. SEPTEMBER SPECIAL - 15 PERCENT OFF on purchases of six or more bottles of 2014 Red Burgundies Regular 15% Off Price Price 2014 Bourgogne Rouge Roncevie (Arlaud)... $ 38.00 $ 32.30 A hint of herbal tea sits atop the red berry fruit and earth-scented nose. There is fine punch and solid density to the delicious flavors that exhibit a mild touch of rusticity on the lingering finish. 2017+ (85-88/100) 2014 Chambolle-Musigny (Arlaud)... $ 80.00 $ 68.00 There is a more refined mouth feel to the attractively delineated and lightly mineral-inflected medium weight flavors that deliver more depth and length on the well-balanced finish. This is very Chambolle in style with its lacy palate impression. 2020+ (87-90/100) 2014 Gevrey-Chambertin (Arlaud)... $ 80.00 $ 68.00 As is usually the case there is more size, weight and power to the medium-bodied flavors that also exude a fine bead of minerality on the slightly rustic but equally well-balanced finale that offers even better complexity. Lovely. 2021+ (88-91/100) 2014 Morey-Saint-Denis Les Ruchots (Arlaud)... $ 110.00 $ 93.50 There is yet again excellent volume to the solidly concentrated medium weight flavors that possess more refinement but less muscle and power before culminating in a lingering and harmonious finish where the supporting tannins are dense but fine. Good stuff and worth a look. 2026+ (91-93/100) 2014 Gevrey-Chambertin Les Combottes (Arlaud)... $ 120.00 $ 102.00 A strikingly elegant and gorgeously pure nose presents a pretty array of various red berries, tea, spice and a hint of smoke. The restrained, intense and well-detailed medium weight flavors display a subtle minerality before culminating in a harmonious and linear finish that delivers first-rate length. The supporting tannins are like those of the Ruchots in that they re dense but fine. In short this is a classic Combottes of grace and refinement. 2026+ (91-94/100) 2014 Charmes-Chambertin (Arlaud)... $ 200.00 $ 170.00 A more deeply pitched and notably earthier nose also displays plenty of sauvage character. This gamy element continues onto the concentrated medium weight plus flavors that possess a caressing mouth feel despite the evident muscularity of the austere and explosive finish. This is very Mazoyères in character yet it is a bit less rustic than usual. Worth a look provided that you have the patience to cellar it. 2029+ (92-95/100) 2014 Clos-Saint-Denis (Arlaud)...$ 280.00 $ 238.00 A perfumed and dazzlingly elegant nose displays aromas of essence of red pinot fruit with plenty of spice and floral elements in evidence. This too possesses a caressing mouth feel as there is an abundance of dry extract that buffers the moderately firm tannins on the dusty and superbly persistent finale. This is notably finer than the Charmes but not more complex. 2029+ (92-95/100) Note: Arlaud s 2014 Red Burgundies will be open at our tasting bar on September 23 and September 24. 4
PRE-ARRIVAL SALE Mongeard-Mugneret 2014 Red Burgundies 2014 Fixin Vieilles Vignes (Mongeard-Mugneret)... $ 40.00 2014 Gevrey-Chambertin (Mongeard-Mugneret)... $ 52.00 2014 Vosne-Romanée (Mongeard-Mugneret)... $ 52.00 2014 Nuits-Saint-Georges Les Plateaux (Mongeard-Mugneret)... $ 52.00 The 2014 Nuits Saint-Georges Les Plateaux has a clean and quite precise bouquet: raspberry and strawberry fruit, hints of marmalade tucked in just behind. The palate is medium-bodied, perhaps just a little rustic on the entry, but one can appreciate the freshness and the fineness of the tannin here, with tart red cherry and white pepper intermingling towards the bright and quite vivid finish. This is a very sound, well-crafted village cru that should offer a decade of drinking pleasure. (90/100) 2014 Chambolle-Musigny (Mongeard-Mugneret)... $ 56.00 The 2014 Chambolle-Musigny Village has a pretty, very pure raspberry and maraschino cherry nose, nicely detailed with good intensity. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, the acidity well judged, rounded in the mouth with a touch of white pepper spicing up the satisfying finish. This comes recommended - a very wellcrafted village cru punching above its weight. (90/100) 2014 Vosne-Romanée Les Orveaux (Mongeard-Mugneret)...$ 78.00 The 2014 Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru Les Orveaux comes from vines aged between 25 to 52. It has impressive delineation and terroir expression on the nose, quite feminine and understated at first, but unfurling in the glass to reveal attractive redcurrant, wild strawberry and cold limestone scents. The palate is medium-bodied with fine, quite firm tannin, crisp and tensile red berry fruit, and a taut, quite saline finish. This is worth seeking out - a Vosne-Romanée endowed with confidence. (91/100) 2014 Vougeot Les Cras (Mongeard-Mugneret)... $ 80.00 The 2014 Vougeot 1er Cru Les Cras comes from 35 year-old vines. It has a very able bouquet with vivid raspberry coulis, wild strawberry and mineral scents; there is a hint of mint developing in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, quite tensile in the mouth, plenty of sappy red berry fruit and a long, sustained finish. This would be one of my picks from the domaine in this vintage. (92/100) 2014 Nuits-Saint-Georges Les Boudots (Mongeard-Mugneret)... $ 82.00 The 2014 Nuits Saint-Georges 1er Cru Les Boudots has a timid bouquet at first, one that demands encouragement from the glass. It eventually unfurls to reveal a precise, pretty, almost Vosne-like bouquet. The palate is very refined, again quite Vosne-like (which is no surprise as it is located on the same vein of terroir as Malconsorts), filigree tannin segueing into a precise, minerally finish. This is excellent and it may merit a higher score down the line. (92/100) 2014 Vosne-Romanée Les Petits Monts (Mongeard-Mugneret)... $ 95.00 2014 Vosne-Romanée Les Suchots (Mongeard-Mugneret)... $ 98.00 2014 Echezeaux (Mongeard-Mugneret)... $ 115.00 2014 Clos Vougeot (Mongeard-Mugneret)... $ 155.00 The 2014 Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru comes from the domaine's 45 to 50 year-old vines located in the lieu dit "Grand Maupertui" and "Quatier des Marei Haut" close to the château. It has a punchy, redcurrant, cranberry and raspberry-scented bouquet with a touch of leather originating from the new oak that will need three or four years to fully integrate. The palate is medium-bodied with chewy tannin on the entry, good depth, quite muscular for a Clos Vougeot, but with impressive persistence on the finish. I still found myself wanting just a little more to come through, so afford this a few years in bottle. (91+/100) 2014 Echezeaux Grand Complication (Mongeard-Mugneret)... $ 159.00 2014 Grands-Echezeaux (Mongeard-Mugneret)... $ 185.00 The 2014 Grands Echézeaux Grand Cru comes from 40 to 68 year-old vines and is matured entirely in new oak. It has a clean, pure and quite intense bouquet with dark plum, raspberry and rose petals scents that are beautifully defined. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, good depth, a slight earthiness underneath the dark berry fruit mixed with black pepper and sage, fanning out gently towards the sturdy, truffle-tinged finish. Give this several years in the cellar, because it is a very well crafted and sophisticated Grands-Echézeaux. (94/100) 2014 Richebourg (Mongeard-Mugneret)... $ 325.00 PRE-ARRIVAL TERMS: Minimum pre-arrival order is 6 bottles. Half-payment due with order; balance due on arrival. 5
6 TASTING BAR SCHEDULE - SEPTEMBER 2016 For more complete information, please visit www.vinvinowine.com and click Tasting Bar. NORTHERN RHONE SYRAHS THURSDAY 9/1 Here we showcase some big boy Rhone Syrahs with a little bit of age, with wines from 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2009, including both of Yves Gangloff s superb 2009 Cote-Rôties. If you want something special for a Labor Day weekend BBQ, you might find it here. 2007 Cornas Renaissance (Auguste Clape); 2009 Cote-Rôtie La Boisselèe (Louis Barruol); 2009 Cote-Rôtie La Barbarine (Yves Gangloff); 2006 Cote-Rôtie La Viallieres (Pierre Gaillard); 2005 Hermitage Emilie (Les Remizières); 2009 Cote-Rôtie La Serene Noire (Yves Gangloff). 2013 MONGEARD-MUGNERET RED BURGUNDIES FRIDAY 9/2 & SATURDAY 9/3 We rarely show new arrivals on a holiday weekend, because all the distractions tend to affect our tasting bar traffic. But it does give us the opportunity to take another look at some of our favorites, like this collection of exciting 2013s from Mongeard-Mugneret. They were very showy when we first tasted them last November. Lets see how they are now. 2013 Fixin (Mongeard-Mugneret); 2013 Vosne-Romanée (Mongeard-Mugneret); 2013 Nuits-Saint-Georges Les Plateaux (Mongeard-Mugneret); 2013 Gevrey-Chambertin (Mongeard-Mugneret); 2013 Vosne-Romanée Les Orveaux (Mongeard-Mugneret); 2013 Nuits-Saint-Georges Les Boudots (Mongeard-Mugneret); 2013 Clos Vougeot (Mongeard-Mugneret). SAVIGNY-LES-BEAUNE & PERNAND-VERGELESSES TUESDAY 9/6 & WEDNESDAY 9/7 Long-time VVW patrons are quite familiar with the Red Burgundy values to be had from Savigny-les-Beaune and Pernand-Vergelesses. North of Beaune and well off RN74, the wines of both villages tend to be overlooked, especially in comparison to those of more famous ones like Volnay, Pommard, and Aloxe-Corton. But if you are interested in Burgundy bargains, here are eight well-priced examples. And to make them as attractive as possible, we ll offer discounts of 20 percent off on purchases of six or more bottles. 2012 Savigny-les-Beaune Les Pimentiers (Camus-Bruchon); 2013 Savigny-les-Beaune Les Serpentieres (Vincent Girardin); 2013 Savigny-les-Beaune Les Jarrons (Pierre Guillemot); 2012 Savigny-les-Beaune Les Serpentieres (Vincent Girardin); 2013 Pernand-Vergelesses Clos Berthet (Dubreuil-Fontaine); 2012 Pernand- Vergelesses Les Vergelesses (Mongeard- Mugneret): 2010 Savigny-les-Beaune Les Serpentieres (Vincent Girardin); 2009 Savigny-les-Beaune Les Peuillets (Ecard). DRY AUSTRIAN RIESLINGS THURSDAY 9/8 For that contingent of you who love these wines as much as we do, here is an all-star lineup of zesty, mouthwatering, bone-dry Austrian Rieslings, from Hirsch, Nigl, Brundlmayer, and Alzinger. 2013 Riesling Gaisberg (Hiedler); 2013 Riesling Hochäcker (Nigl); 2012 Riesling Heiligenstein (Brundlmayer); 2012 Riesling Heiligenstein (Hirsch); 2009 Riesling Heiligenstein (Hirsch); 2008 Riesling Federspiel Durnsteiner (Alzinger); 2008 Riesling Smaragd Steinertal (Alzinger). BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO FRIDAY 9/9 & SATURDAY 9/10 Montalcino has been Tuscany s most successful district for a long time, establishing its kingpin wine Brunello as the most consistently excellent Sangiovese in Italy, and routinely outperforming Chianti Classico. This tasting showcases wines from Montalcino s two most recently released Brunello vintages, the opulent, accessible 2011s and the more structured, ageworthy, 2010s (along with one superb 2007). Why pay big dollars for good Napa Cabernet when you can have great Brunello for less? 2011 Brunello di Montalcino (Uccelliera); 2011 Brunello di Montalcino (Le Chiuse di Sotto); 2011 Brunello di Montalcino (Casanova di Neri); 2010 Brunello di Montalcino (Brizio); 2010 Brunello di Montalcino (Voliero); 2010 Brunello di Montalcino (Caprili); 2007 Brunello di Montalcino (Brizio); 2011 Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova (Casanova di Neri). PINOT NOIRS FROM ALL OVER TUESDAY 9/13 & WEDNESDAY 9/14 Here is a lineup that compares Pinot Noirs from its hotspots around the world. Included are two each from Burgundy and California, along with excellent examples from the Loire Valley, Oregon, and New Zealand. Let s see how the various terroirs show in comparison with each other. 2014 Sancerre Rouge Silex (Delaporte); 2013 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido (Ojai); 2013 Pinot Noir Shea (Ken Wright); 2012 Fixin (Mongeard-Mugneret); 2010 Pinot Noir Central Otago Mature Vine (Rippon); 2012 Beaune Les Montrevenots (Dubreuil-Fontaine); 2013 Pinot Noir Savoy (Peay). RED BURGUNDIES: POMMARD THURSDAY 9/15 Of all the famous Red Burgundy villages, Pommard seems to get the least respect. Its neighbor Volnay has a much sexier reputation, as do virtually all the villages in the Cote de Nuits. It s puzzling. There are tremendous Pommards available, from a variety of producers and vintages. We offer this lineup as proof.
2013 Pommard Vieilles Vignes (Vincent Girardin); 2013 Pommard Les Epenots (Vincent Girardin); 2011 Pommard Les Epenots (Dubreuil-Fontaine); 2012 Pommard Les Jarollières (Jean-Marc Boillot); 2011 Pommard Les Rugiens (Jean-Marc Boillot); 2012 Pommard Les Jarollières (La Pousse d Or); 2009 Pommard Les Fremiers (Nicolas Rossignol). WHITE BURGUNDIES: SAINT AUBIN FRIDAY 9/16 & SATURDAY 9/17 Saint Aubin is ascendant. Tucked into the hills behind Chassagne-Montrachet and Puligny-Montrachet, it is off the beaten track, and was long overlooked. But over the last two decades its potential has been recognized, and the overall quality of its Chardonnay-based white wines has skyrocketed. Many Saint Aubin Premier Crus offer more depth and complexity than villages wines from Meursault, Puligny, and Chassagne, but usually sell for far less. Here are eight superb examples from 2014 and 2013. 2014 Saint Aubin (Thomas Morey); 2014 Saint Aubin Les Charmois (Vincent Morey); 2014 Saint Aubin Les Charmois (Francois Carillon); 2013 Saint Aubin Les Charmois (Vincent Morey); 2013 Saint Aubin Les Murgers des Dents de Chien (Vincent Girardin); 2014 Saint Aubin Les Murgers des Dents de Chien (Francois Carillon); 2014 Saint Aubin Les Castets (Marc Colin); 2014 Saint Aubin En Montceau (Marc Colin). FRENCH REDS: PROVENCE, LANGUEDOC & CORSICA TUESDAY 9/20 & WEDNESDAY 9/21 Here are eight reds from the sunny South of France. The first four are everyday bargains, with plenty of character and distinctiveness. Then four Mourvèdre-based Bandols, two villages wines from the excellent 2013 vintage, and two 2011 vineyard-designates from Tempier. 2014 Pays d Oc (Mas Champart); 2014 Pic Saint Loup Carra (Lascaux); 2012 Coteaux Varois en Provence Champs de la Truffière (Deffends); 2013 Corse Calvi E Prove (Maestracci); 2013 Bandol (Gros Noré); 2013 Bandol (Tempier); 2011 Bandol La Tourtine (Tempier); 2011 Bandol La Migoua (Tempier). PULIGNY-MONTRACHET PREMIER CRUS THURSDAY 9/22 Interested in a high-end White Burgundy fix? Here we go. We ll start with sexy 2012s from Vincent Morey and Vincent Girardin, then move into a three vintage vertical of Etienne Sauzet s iconic Les Combettes. 2012 Puligny-Montrachet La Truffière (Vincent Morey); 2012 Puligny-Montrachet Les Folatières (Vincent Girardin); 2012 Puligny-Montrachet Les Combettes (Etienne Sauzet); 2011 Puligny-Montrachet Les Combettes (Etienne Sauzet); 2010 Puligny-Montrachet Les Combettes (Etienne Sauzet). 2014 RED BURGUNDIES: DOMAINE ARLAUD FRIDAY 9/23 & SATURDAY 9/24 Ready to turn the page and start the Red Burgundy cycle all over again? Here they are, the first of the 2014 Red Burgundies, the northern Cote de Nuits wines of Domaine Arlaud. They cover the full spectrum one Bourgogne, two villages, two Premier Crus, and two Grand Crus. Delicious and informative, this one promises to be big fun. 2014 Bourgogne Rouge Roncevie (Arlaud); 2014 Chambolle-Musigny (Arlaud); 2014 Gevrey-Chambertin (Arlaud); 2014 Morey-Saint-Denis Les Ruchots (Arlaud); 2014 Gevrey-Chambertin Les Combottes (Arlaud); 2014 Charmes-Chambertin (Arlaud); 2014 Clos Saint Denis (Arlaud). 2010 RED BURGUNDIES TUESDAY 9/27 & WEDNESDAY 9/28 2010 needs no introduction to Red Burgundy fanatics. Only 2005 rivals it since the turn of the century, and the 2010s have never shut down like the 2005s. Here are two gorgeous villages wines and five Premier Crus. 2010 Beaune Les Teurons (Bouchard); 2010 Santenay Clos Tavannes (La Pousse d Or); 2010 Gevrey- Chambertin (Confuron-Cotetidot); 2010 Nuits-Saint-Georges Vieilles Vignes (Robert Chevillon); 2010 Morey- Saint-Denis Les Millandes (Arlaud); 2010 Volnay Les Caillerets (La Pousse d Or); 2010 Gevrey-Chambertin Les Cazetiers (Vincent Girardin). BORDEAUX ROUGES VS. SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS THURSDAY 9/29 These sorts of comparisons are always fun. Here we line up excellent examples of Margaux, Graves, and Pomerol against two local icons, Ridge s estate Merlot and Mount Eden s estate Cabernet Sauvignon. 2011 Margaux (Chateau Deyrem-Valentin); 2013 Merlot Santa Cruz Mountains (Ridge); 2005 Graves Heritage (Chateau du Seuil); 2010 Margaux (Chateau Deyrem-Valentin); 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Santa Cruz Mountains (Mount Eden); 2010 Pomerol (Chateau Gombarde-Guillot). RHONE VALLEY REDS FRIDAY 9/30 & SATURDAY 10/1 As Indian Summer fades into Fall, big red wines come into their own and start to taste really good again. Here is a lineup of fabulous Rhone Valley reds. Years ago Rhone Valley reds were tannic monsters in their youth, but the state of the art has evolved, and young Rhone reds today are far less fierce and far more enjoyable in their youth. All are current releases, either 2013 or 2014, the first from the south, the remaining seven from the north. 2014 Vacqueyras Doucinello (Sang des Cailloux); 2013 Crozes-Hermitage (Combier); 2013 Saint Joseph Offerus (Jean-Louis Chave); 2014 Crozes-Hermitage Tiercerolles (Louis Barruol); 2014 Hermitage La Pierrelle (Louis Barruol); 2013 Saint Joseph (Jean-Louis Chave); 2013 Cornas Renaissance (Auguste Clape); 2013 Cornas Chaillot (Thierry Allemand). 7
SEPTEMBER BARGAINS: 2014 Bellier Cheverny Rouge 2015 Redortier Rhone Blanc 2014 Carillon Bourgogne Blanc 2008 Noster Priorat!"#$%&'()$$&*)"( +,$,&-.$%)/0 -)"1 -)(.&)(%.2&') -0#*"%&3.,&456 Return Service Requested SEPTEMBER FEATURES: Saint Aubin Burgundies Brunello di Montalcinos Rhone Valley Reds NEW BURGUNDY ARRIVALS: 2013 La Pousse d Or Reds 2014 Arlaud Reds PRE-ARRIVAL SALES: 2014 Mongeard-Mugneret Red Burgundies SPECIAL TASTING 2013 La Pousse d Or Red Burgundies 9/13 7pm and 9/14 7pm $145 DIRECTIONS: From I-280 - 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-101 - 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 September 2016 www.vinvinowine.com info@vinvinowine.com (650) 324-4903 FAX: (650) 324-4976