Great Italian Reds From Piedmont to Sicily!!!

Buongiorno! Italy, for all of it's fame and household name wine regions, is still full of undiscovered buys. Even famous Tuscany and Piedmont holds delights in good price points that will please your palate and not hurt your wallet. 

2009 Vietti Barolo "Castiglione"

On Sale $42.99

The 2009 Barolo Castiglione delivers a radiant but subdued quality with polished notes of dry mineral, black fruit, tar, licorice, leather and many more levels of complexity. This entry-level Barolo demonstrates that great results are achieved in 2009. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025.

​94 points, The Wine Advocate​

2008 Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino

On Sale $62.99

The 2008 Brunello di Montalcino is one of the best wines of the year. A relatively big, voluptuous wine for the year, the 2008 impresses for its inner perfume, silky tannins and terrific overall balance. Hints of leather, tobacco and dried herbs add complexity. The 2008 isn’t immediately showy, as so many recent vintages have been; instead, it is a wine built for the cellar. Still, with time in the glass, the wine’s exquisite perfume begins to emerge. In 2008, Il Poggione did not bottle a Riserva, all the juice went into the regular bottling. Brunello di Montalcino is highly vintage dependent in the market, especially in the United States. Most people won’t look at this wine because of the vintage. Let others make that mistake. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2033.

93+ points, The Wine Advocate ​

2010 Isole e Olena Chianti Classico

On Sale $19.99

Good ruby-red. Lovely floral aromas of plum, redcurrant, sweet spices and violet. Sweet, lush and round, with a slightly high-toned quality that adds appeal to the red fruit flavors. Finishes broad and long, with ripe tannins.

​91 points, Stephen Tanzer

2010 Tasca d'Almerita Lamuri, Sicilia IGT

On Sale $13.99

Tasca’s 2010 Nero d’Avola Lamuri is flat-out gorgeous. Sweet floral and minty notes meld in a seamless core of deep, expressive red fruit in this impeccable, totally gracious wine. In 2010 the Lamuri impresses for its overall balance and pure class. This is one of the more refined, polished Nero d’Avolas readers will come across. It is also a fabulous value. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2020.

91 points, The Wine Advocate

Xavier Monnot Burgundies Arriving Soon

 

 Xavier Monnot is easily one of our favorite producers of affordable, amazing quality Burg for the price. His whites have also shown that they can age gracefully. These are enjoyable now or can be consumed with a few years of aging.

"Xavier Monnot is a 17-hectare estate, all family-owned, located in Meursault. About 50% of the vineyards are planted in white, 50% in red. The production though is 65% white. Domaine Xavier Monnot’s vineyards are very spread out, covering most of the Côte de Beaune starting in Beaune 1er Cru “Cent Vignes” and stretching all the way to Maranges 1er Cru in the Côte Chalonnaise. All the vines are hand-harvested and new oak is used with a lot of caution."

Importer Bobby Kacher

 

2011 Xavier Monnot Bourgogne Blanc

Pre-Arrival Price $25.99

"Bourgogne Chardonnay is made from 25 year-old Meursault vines. It is barrel-fermented and aged in 20% new oak for 12 months. It displays a fine golden color and beautiful flower aromas. This balanced wine has an intense and firm taste backed by fruit notes."

​Bobby Kacher​

2011 Xavier Monnot Monthelie Rouge

Pre-Arrival Price $45.99

"The vineyard for this wine is located at the foot of a slope on draining gravel soils. Monthélie rouge is an unctuous wine, filled with ripe red fruits. This is a beautiful expression of Pinot Noir."

​Bobby Kacher​

2011 Xavier Monnot Monthelie Blanc "Les Duresses"

Pre-Arrival Price $45.99

"Monthélie “Les Duresses” is aged in 25% new oak for 12 months. This wine shows a gorgeous color with bright highlights. Its bouquet is elegant and delicate, with aromas of candied fruits. The taste is firm and structured."

Bobby Kacher

2011 Xavier Monnot Meursault 1er Cru "Les Charmes"

Pre-Arrival Price $99.99

"Meursault-Les Charmes is a 1er Cru is made from 1.25 hectares in one of the most well-known 1ers Crus areas. Two-third of the vines are 60 years old, the wine is aged in 40% new oak for 14 months. This 1er Cru is a delicate but firm wine showing woody and almond notes. Elegant and silky, it has a gorgeous bright color."

​Bobby Kacher​

2010 Xavier Monnot Meursault 1er Cru "Les Charmes"

Pre-Arrival Price $99.99

2011 Xavier Monnot Meursault 1er Cru "Le Limozin"

Pre-Arrival Price $59.99

Meursault “Le Limozin” comes from a 1 hectare vineyard that borders “Les Charmes” and “Les Poruzots”. Displaying delicate aromas of flowers and fruits, this wine has bright color and an ample mellow taste.

​Bobby Kacher​

2011 Xavier Monnot Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru "Les Folatieres"

Pre-Arrival Price $99.99

In the very heart of Puligny is a one-hectare vineyard which produces the Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru “Les Folatières”. 40% new barrels are used for the fermentation. This generous and opulent wine displays fine aromas of apricots and citrus fruits of bright golden color.

​Bobby Kacher​

2010 Xavier Monnot Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru "Les Folatieres"

Pre-Arrival Price $89.99

Casanova di Neri Brunelli-New Arrivals!

 

 

 On offer today are wines from whom we consider to be one of the greatest producers of Brunello....Casanova di Neri. The ultimate in balance between earth and fruit! We've received a small allocation of these age-worthy gems so if you're a fan of Brunello, don't miss out!

"Proprietor Giacomo Neri makes some of the richest, most textured Brunellos readers will come across. The house style favors a lush expression of fruit with a softness that makes the wines very appealing upon release. In recent years the wines have become more elegant, with less of the excessive heaviness that characterized prior vintages."

-The Wine Advocate

 

2007 Casanova di Neri "Tenuta Nuova" Brunello di Montalcino, Tuscany

Sale Price $79.99

"The 2007 Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova saturates the palate with masses of super-ripe dark fruit, tar, licorice and new leather. The Tenuta Nuova is an especially full-bodied, seamless Sangiovese deeply influenced by the Mediterranean climate of this warm site in the south of Montalcino. Layers of fruit build to an effortless, resonant finish laced with considerable aromatic nuance. This is another terrific showing from Giacomo Neri and his talented team. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2027."

-Rated 95+/100 by The Wine Advocate

 

2006 Casanova di Neri "Cerratalto" Brunello di Montalcino, Tuscany

Sale Price $219.99 750ML

"The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto emerges from the glass with layers of beautifully delineated dark fruit, flowers, mint, licorice and violets. It possesses terrific richness and nuance in a full-bodied, structured style that captures the essence of this great vintage. Big, powerful tannins provide the backdrop for expressive, super-ripe aromas and flavors. The 2006 needs time to soften, but it is immensely promising. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2026."

-Rated 95/100 by The Wine Advocate

2007 Casanova di Neri "Cerratalto" Brunello di Montalcino, Tuscany

Sale Price $232.99

"The 2007 Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto is racier and more polished at this stage than the 2006. It boasts superb aromatics, silky tannins and extraordinary textural finesse. I imagine the 2007 will be immensely appealing upon release. Today it is stunning. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2027."

-Rated 96/100 by The Wine Advocate

 

New Whiskies from Around the World-Tasting This Thursday!

Just a reminder about this Thursday's whiskey tasting. We're pouring a excellent slate of malts so don't miss out!

It Ain't Scotch But I Like It!-New Whiskies From Around the World
Thursday, May 30th
6-7:30pm
$20.00 per person
Call 314.863.6282 for reservations

We're catching up here at the Merch with loads of new arrivals in the last few months. Dave Davis, the Merch's resident "whiskey dude" will be pouring all sorts of malts including a nice slate of Japanese whiskies. We're also featuring one new single malt scotch from the famed Glenrothes distillery, Here's the lineup for the evening:

8 Year Greenore Single Grain Irish Whiskey 40% ABV
Cooley Distillery

12 Year Hibiki Blended Whiskey 43% abv
Suntory

12 Year Taketsuru Pure Malt 40% abv
Nikka

12 Year Hakushu Single Malt Whiskey 43% abv
Suntory

15 Year Yoichi Single Malt Whiskey 45% abv
Nikka

NV Amrut Single Malt Whiskey "Fusion" 46% abv
Bangalore, India

1995 Glenrothes Single Malt Scotch 43% abv
Distillery Bottling, Speyside

New Releases from Bedrock!

Bedrock is a fascinating winery founded in a converted chicken coop. A CHICKEN COOP! The son of Ravenswood founder Joel Peterson, their wines are fantastic! The new vintages have just been reviewed. Here are the details...

The Wine Advocate on Bedrock's Winemaker Morgan Twain-Peterson:

"Morgan Twain-Peterson is one of the most impressive young winemakers I have ever met, and it’s not just because he grew up the son of a famous producer. Making wines at this level requires talent, passion, hard work and a great palate, none of which is easily inherited."

2011 Bedrock Wine Co. Syrah "Kick Ranch Vineyard," Sonoma
On Sale $33.99
The 2011 Syrah Kick Ranch bursts from the glass with a rush of expressive dark fruit. Creamy and resonant, the 2011 impresses for how open it is, especially within the context of the year. Savory herb and floral notes develop in the glass, but the Kick Ranch is really an immediate wine built on fruit. My impression is that it will drink well pretty much upon release and for at least another decade beyond. Today, it is a treat to gain an early glimpse into the potential of the wine. The 2011 was made with the inclusion of 5% Viognier. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2025.
92 points, The Wine Advocate

2011 Bedrock Wine Co. Syrah "Griffins Lair," Sonoma Coast
On Sale $39.99
The 2011 Syrah Griffin’s Lair wraps around the palate with great intensity. There is a raw, animal power to the Griffin’s Lair that is impossible to miss. The addition of 12% Viognier with 60% whole clusters gives the wine a dimension of aromatic lift and vibrancy that is hugely appealing. A multitude of red fruits, tobacco, smoke, new leather and iron are layered into the finish. A gorgeous, complete wine, the 2011 Griffin’s Lair is stunning. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2021.
93 points, The Wine Advocate

2011 Bedrock Vineyard "Pagani" Heritage, Sonoma Valley 
On Sale $35.99
The 2011 Pagani Ranch Heritage Wine is huge. Black fruit, tar, smoke, licorice and asphalt burst from this deep, muscular, Zinfandel-based wine. Imposing and intense, the Pagani boasts stunning depth and richness for the year. This is a serious red that will require considerable patience. Seemingly endless layers of fruit open up over time, followed by suggestions of violets, cloves and mint that add complexity. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2031.
93 points, The Wine Advocate

2012 Bedrock Rose of Mourvedre "Ode to Lulu," Sonoma
On Sale $20.99
"The usual base of the wine is centered around the Mourvedre planted at Bedrock Vineyard in 1888, along with an additional 10% from Mourvedre planted in 1922 at Pagani Ranch.  All lots were picked between 19 and 21.2 brix, whole-cluster pressed, and fermented with native yeasts.  The finished rose is, in my estimation, the best I have made. Vibrant, delicate, and perfumed, the wine should be a great pairing for a food but also have some serious guzzleability."
-Winemaker's Notes

It Ain't Scotch But I Like It!-New Whiskies From Around the World

Thursday, May 30th

6-7:30pm

$20.00 per person

Call 314.863.6282 for reservations

We're catching up here at the Merch with loads of new arrivals in the last few months. We're focusing this tasting on all sorts of malts including a nice slate of Japanese whiskies. We're also pouring one new single malt scotch from the famed Glenrothes distillery, Here's the lineup for the evening:

8 Year Greenore Single Grain Irish Whiskey  40% ABV

Cooley Distillery

12 Year Hibiki Blended Whiskey 43% abv

Suntory

12 Year Taketsuru Pure Malt 40% abv

Nikka

12 Year Hakushu Single Malt Whiskey  43% abv

Suntory

15 Year Yoichi Single Malt Whiskey  45% abv

Nikka

NV Amrut Single Malt Whiskey "Fusion"  46% abv

Bangalore, India

1995 Glenrothes Single Malt Scotch 43% abv

Distillery Bottling, Speyside

Billecart-Salmon Tasting This Thursday 3/14

Thursday Tasting:
Billecart-Salmon Champagnes
5 to 7pm
At the Bar

Join us Thursday, March 14th as we welcome Geoffrey Loisel, Director North America for Champagne Billecart-Salmon. He will be pouring five different selections from their portfolio including their classic Brut Rose and will answer all of your questions about this famous region. The tasting lineup is below:

"The Billecart-Salmon house style is defined by class, elegance, and a sublime freshness to the wines. Long fermentations at cold temperatures with no malolactic fermentation are the rule at this small, family-owned property in Mareuil-sur-Ay."
The Wine Advocate

NV Billecart-Salmon Brut Reserve
On Sale $49.99
"The Brut Reserve is a light, fine and harmonious Champagne. Its blend is made with Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier from three different years, sourced from the best sites in the Champagne region."
Winemaker's Notes

NV Billecart-Salmon Brut Blanc de Blancs
On Sale $79.99
"This Chardonnay cuvee has been elaborated from the five grand cru vineyards of the Cote des Blancs: Avize, Chouilly, Cramant, Mesnil-sur-Oger and Oger. it is a blend of the two different years, revealing the special quality of the Chardonnay. Creamy bubbles, aromas of buttered brioche and minerals, and a long finish."
Winemaker's Notes

2004 Billecart-Salmon Vintage
On Sale $82.99
"Light, bright gold. Mineral-accented aromas of orange, white flowers, ginger and white pepper, with a leesy overtone. Juicy, penetrating orchard fruit and orange zest flavors gain flesh and and spiciness with air. Packs a solid punch but carries no excess weight and finishes with impressive clarity and chalky, mineral-driven persistence. I'd give this youthful Champagne a few years to unwind."
92 Points, Stephen Tanzer

NV Billecart-Salmon Brut Rose
On Sale $79.99
"Light orange. Tangerine, pear and flowers on the nose, which is complicated by a note of fennel. Broad and sappy but dry, with lively orange and strawberry flavors and a subtle note of spice cake. Weightier on the finish, which features an exotic note of spicy herbs. This Champagne's delicate touch will make it work well with simple seafood dishes or even sashimi."
92 Points, Stephen Tanzer
1999 Billecart-Salmon Cuvee Nicolas Francois Billecart
On Sale $99.99

Also available from Billecart-Salmon
(Not Included in Thursday Tasting)

NV Billecart-Salmon Extra Brut
On Sale $75.99
"Charming biscuity flavor with white fruits and a full, harmonious minerality resulting in a sensationally balanced finish."
Winemaker's Notes
2002 Billecart-Salmon Cuvee Elisabeth Salmon Rose
On Sale $199.99
"This is a beautifully balanced, elegant and mature sparkler. There is fruit-ripe strawberry-but the main character is its fine balance and richness. It can age, though it is at its best now."
94 Points, The Wine Enthusiast

Small and Large Format:

NV Billecart-Salmon Brut Reserve
375ml $27.99

NV Billecart-Salmon Brut Rose
375mL $45.99, 1.5L $169.99

Special Whiskey Class-Parker's Heritage!

Special Class: Rare Bourbons-Parker's Heritage Edition

Wednesday, March 6th

6-7:30pm

$40 per person

14 seats available

Call 314.863.6282 for reservations

In this special edition class, we're featuring a wide range of expressions from Parker's Heritage. These rare bottlings are from casks hand-picked by Parker Beam, Master Distiller for Heaven Hill Distillery in Bardstown. Class is limited to 14 spots so get your reservations in ASAP! Here's what we're featuring:

2nd Edition 27 Year

3rd Edition-Golden Anniversary Ed.

4th Edition-10 Year Wheated Bourbon

5th Edition-10 Year Cognac Finish

11 Year Double Mash (Rye & Wheat)

6th bourbon TBD

Weekend Tastings!

Today's Tasting: Louis Latour New Releases 5 to 7pm At the Bar Louis Latour has a reputation as one of the greatest winemakers in Burgundy. Today we have three new releases on sale. Taste them Friday at the bar! "The olfactory nuances of the red wines can be found in red fruits and fresh fruits. These very perfumed wines also present a nice cherry red colour. On the palate, they unveil silky tannins and a pleasant harmony between acidity and roundness. The persistent sensation of freshness perfectly translates the expression of the Pinot Noir in Burgundy." Winemaker's Notes on 2010 Vintage 2010 Louis Latour Marsannay Rouge On Sale $16.99 "Of a ruby red colour, this wine is characterized by a complex nose with aromas of cherry, pepper and cloves. It is a balanced, elegant and very fruity wine." Winemaker's Notes 2011 Louis Latour Pouilly Fuisse On Sale $16.99 "The wine shows beautiful pale gold color and a discrete nose which bears notes of acacia flowers. On the palate it is well balanced, fat and sappy at the same time with floral aromas accompanied by a peppery finish." Winemaker's Notes 2010 Domaine de Valmoissine Pinot Noir Voteaux de Verdon On Sale $12.99 "Sparkling ruby-coloured with garnet tints, the Domaine de Valmoissine 2010 has a bouquet redolent of raspberry, blackberry and game. In the mouth it is round with supple tannins and subtle dried flower notes." Winemaker's Notes

Saturday BIG Tasting: Wines of Argentina 12 to 4pm At the Bar Join us for a BIG Argentine tasting with Darryl Vennard of Wine Pros Midwest. Most of Argentina's vineyards are located in the foothills of the Andes. When the snow caps melt in the spring, the water is fed through a complex series of irrigation channels. Because of the reversal of seasons in the S. hemisphere, Argentine vintages are released much earlier than in N. hemisphere, so it's not surprising to see a few 2012s on this list! 2012 Crios Torrontes, Mendoza On Sale $11.99 "The 2012 Crios Torrontes comes from Cafayate in Salta, Altamira and La Rioja from 33-year-old vines. It has much more presence and vivacity than the Chardonnay, with scents of lime, peach and melon that are well-defined. The palate is well-balanced with a prickle of white pepper on the entry. It displays moderate length in the mouth, while the finish is crisp and taut. with notes of pear, bruised apple and dried orange peel. This is worth seeking out for the price. Drink now-2014." 88 Points, The Wine Advocate 2011 Bodini Chardonnay, Mendoza On Sale $8.99 "Bodini's 2011 Chardonnay saw 70% of the wine aged in stainless steel and 30% aged for 3 months in second use French oak. Aromas of pear, apple, melon, and mineral lead to a savory, spicy, intensely flavored wine with excellent depth and concentration for its humble price. This excellent value will provide plenty of pleasure over the next 2-3 years." 89 Points, The Wine Advocate 2010 Luca Chardonnay, Mendoza On Sale $26.99 "Rich, ripe and spicy, this offers overtones of butterscotch, pastry cream and spice to the pineapple and cantaloupe puree notes, leading to a broad finish. For fans of the style. Drink now. 800 cases imported." 88 Points, The Wine Spectator 2012 Crios Rose of Malbec, Mendoza On Sale $10.99 "A beautiful, deep, vibrant rosé color. Has a surprising amount of body for a rosé wine, and beautiful aromas of fresh, ripe wild strawberries. On the palate, the flavors of strawberries and young cherries come rushing in, accompanied by some spice notes and a clean, dry finish. This is the perfect chicken wine and a charming companion to mildly spicy Asian cuisine. Keep one in the fridge at all times and you'll always have a delicious wine to enjoy with light snacks and cheeses. Best consumed in its youth." Winemaker's Notes 2009 La Posta Pinot Noir "Glorieta Vineyard," Mendoza On Sale $14.99 "Medium ruby, good varietal character, spicy red fruits, savory, well-balanced, lengthy." 88 Points, The Wine Advocate 2011 BenMarco Malbec, Mendoza On Sale $15.99 "A rich, inviting red, with overtones of roasted coffee bean, licorice and smoke to the juicy blackberry, cassis and plum skin fruit character, leading to a Mocha Java aftertaste. Drink now. 19,000 cases imported." 89 Points, The Wine Spectator 2010 Tikal Patriota Malbec/Bonarda, Mendoza On Sale $18.99 "The 2010 Patriota is a blend of 60% Malbec and 40% Bonarda aged for 12 months in French and American oak. A glass-coating opaque purple color, it sports an enticing nose of Asian spices, incense, lavender, plum, and blueberry. In the glass it opens to reveal a ripe, plush, savory wine with no hard edges. Drink this well-balanced, lengthy wine over the next 5-6 years. It is also an outstanding value." 91 Points, The Wine Advocate 2010 Susana Balbo Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendoza On Sale $21.99 "Susana Balbo's new releases begin with the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, which has 10% Malbec in its blend. It was made from 33-year-old ungrafted vines and aged for 13 months in 80% new French oak before bottling without fining and filtration. Aromas of wood smoke, spice box, tobacco, coffee, and assorted black fruits inform the nose of a supple, easygoing, relatively forward wine that will deliver plenty of pleasure over the next 5-7 years." 92 Points, The Wine Advocate 2011 Domingo Molina Hermanos Cabernet Sauvignon/Malbec, Salta On Sale $12.99 "The 2011 Hermanos Cabernet Malbec is a blend of 70% and 30% respectively from 16-year old ungrafted vines. It has a potent, smoky nose of bacon and hung game, whiffs of smoke developing in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with a very savory entry. There are crisp tannins, brisk black fruit infused with dried blood and gravel notes, leading to a focused, satisfying, fresh finish. This is another fine wine from Hermanos. Drink now-2015." 89 Points, The Wine Advocate 2006 Anoro Malbec, Mendoza On Sale $21.99 "The 2006 Malbec was sourced from ungrafted vineyards with an average age of 22 years. The wine spent 14 months in 50% new French oak and was bottled without fining or filtration. Purple-colored, it offers an enticing bouquet of wood smoke, spice box, violets, black cherry and plum. Medium-bodied, on the palate it exhibits excellent focus and delineation, a claret-like personality, excellent depth, and enough structure to evolve for 2-3 years. Drink this classy Malbec from 2010 to 2021." 90 Points, The Wine Advocate

2010 Serafin Red Burgundies!!!

We have a small allocation of these fantastic red burgundies arriving soon from Domaine Serafin. We at the Merch are big fans of Christian Serafin's offerings from the Cote de Nuits especially the Gevrey-Chambertin Vieille Vignes which out-performs most producers Premier Cru offerings. This is Wish list only-we will contact you when your order is confirmed. There is limited quantity available so please let us know if you're interested...

2010 Serafin Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru 

On Sale  $259.99

"The 2010 Charmes-Chambertin blossoms on the palate in every direction. It is at once incredibly long yet also totally spherical on the palate. Bright red fruit, freshly cut flowers and spices are all woven together gracefully, but this is really a wine of textural finesse above all else. Rich layers of fruit stain the palate on the intense, deeply satisfying finish. This is a dazzling showing from Christian Serafin. Anticipated maturity: 2025-2040.."

94-96 Points, the Wine Advocate

2010 Serafin Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru  "les Cazatiers"

On Sale $184.99

"A somber, cool and very restrained nose offers up notes of plum, dark berries, pungent earth and that distinct sauvage character of a fine Cazetiers. There is a lovely mineral streak to the powerful and almost painfully intense big-bodied flavors that offer excellent richness and drive on the strikingly long finish. This is a terrific effort but I underscore that it's unapologetically built for the long haul and cellaring is an absolute must."

93 Points, Burghound.com

2010 Serafin Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru "Les Fonteny"

On Sale $135.99

"Reduction completely dominates the nose but it does not extend to the rich, round and relatively suave middle weight flavors that enjoy fine mid-palate concentration. There is excellent volume with really lovely delineation as well as a real sense of underlying tension on the lightly mineral-inflected, dusty, sappy and superbly long finish. This beauty is very Gevrey but not rustic."

91-93 Points, Burghound.com

2010 Serafin Morey-st. Denis 1er Cru "Les Millandes"

On Sale $135.99

"Mild reduction does not significantly impair an appreciation for the ripe red berry fruit and wet stone suffused nose. There is fine power and focus to the medium-bodied and again, overtly muscular flavors that possess ripe shaping tannins and excellent verve on the robust and very firmly structured finish that delivers impressive persistence. This large-scaled effort possesses an abundance of buffering extract and it should amply reward 12 to 15 years of cellar time."

91-93 Points, Burghound.com

2010 Serafin Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru "Les Corbeaux"

On Sale $115.99

"Here too there is heavy reduction. There is excellent mid-palate concentration and plenty of sap that imparts a velvety mouth feel to the muscular flavors that possess a distinct Gevrey style sauvage character that continues onto the long if mildly rustic finish. There is outstanding length to this very firmly structured effort and while it won't win any awards for refinement, it quite correctly speaks of its roots."

90-92 Points, Burghound.com

2010 Serafin Gevrey-Chambertin AOC Vieilles Vignes

On Sale $99.99

"From 55+ year old vines, a portion of which abut Griotte-Chambertin. This is also quite reduced. The large-scaled flavors are notably denser and more powerful than the straight villages cuvée that are underpinned by a very firm but ripe tannic spine. There is a taut muscularity to the driving finish that delivers outstanding length for its class and this should age extremely well, indeed it will need up to a decade to shed its considerable tannins.Outstanding. "

89-91 Points, Burghound.com

"One of my favorite burgundies, the Gevrey-Chambertin VV is  consistently excellent every vintage. Serafin's 2002 was my wine of the vintage, having out-perforned many Grand Crus at 1/2 the price"

Dave Davis, the Wine Merchant, Ltd.

2010 Serafin Gevrey-Chambertin AOC 

On Sale $67.99

"Reduction renders the nose difficult to evaluate but there is good ripeness to the vibrant and well-detailed medium-bodied flavors that exude a fine minerality on the precise, pure and lingering finish. This is a quality villages that is a bit more forward than the old vines cuvée."

87-90 points, Burghound.com

--

Tastings this Week!

Tuesday Double Tasting!

Today's Tasting #1: Tenuta Monteti Wines from Italy 5 to 7pm At the Bar Tenuta Monteti is located in Tuscany in the southern part of the Tuscan Maremma, in the surroundings of the small town of Capalbio, on the hills, just behind the hill named Monteti. Javier Pedrazzini, a family member, will be the representative attending and pouring two fantastic selections. 2009 Monteti Caburnio Maremma IGT, Tuscany  On Sale $15.99 "(65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Aliconte Bouschet, 10% Merlot) This has been one of our fastest moving Super Tuscans whenever we have it, which isn't often as it sells out fast. While there is no press on this yet, past vintages have received 90 to 92 points from The Wine Advocate." Merch Staff 2007 Monteti Monteti Maremma IGT, Tuscany  On Sale $27.99 (55% Petite Verdot, 25% Cabernet Franc, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon) "A dense, fruity red, bursting with blackberry, violet, vanilla and toasty spice notes. Very modern, with the focus on fruit more thanterroir. Bright and long, only the earthy finish and tannins give this away as Tuscan. Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2020. 2,833 cases made." 92 Points, The Wine Spectator

Today's Tasting #2: Australian Wines with Ryan Davis of Vine Street Imports 5 to 7pm At the Bar This tasting will feature some rich, fruity wines from Australian producer Zonte's Footstep and one selection from Shinas Estate. Ryan Davis of Vine Street Imports will be here to answer questions and talk about Australian winemaking. 2011 Zonte's Footstep "Sea Mist" Langhorne Creek Verdelho  On Sale $17.99 "Green-tinged straw. Fresh lemon and pear aromas are complemented by notes of anise and honeysuckle. Fleshy and smooth in texture, offering broad orchard fruit flavors with a touch of warmth. Finishes on a refreshingly bitter note, with good energy and grip." 88 Points, Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 2010 Zonte's Footstep "Violet Beauregard" Clare Valley Malbec  On Sale $17.99 "Inky purple. Potent aromas of cherry pit and cassis, with licorice and smoke accents building with air. Chewy and focused on the palate, offering intense dark fruit flavors and a hint of cracked pepper. Finishes with good power and length, leaving a spicy note behind." 88 Points, International Wine Cellar 2010 Zonte's Footstep "Lake Doctor" Langhorne Creek Shiraz  On Sale $17.99 "Full ruby. Exotically perfumed bouquet evokes blueberry and boysenberry, dried violet and cracked pepper. Lush, seamless and gently sweet, offering weighty dark berry flavors and supple texture. The blueberry note repeats on the velvety, very persistent finish." 90 Points, International Wine Cellar 2009 Shinas Estate "The Guilty" Victoria Shiraz  On Sale $17.99 "Ripe shiny blackberry red. Voluptuous cherry, vanilla and peppery spice aromas and full-bodied flavours packed with smoky vanillin oak, cherry and strawberry fruits, chocolate and mocha all wrapped up in a big, rich, velvety smooth package. A juicy wine with fine tannins, the pepper detected on the nose kicks in again to make a welcome reappearance on the powerful finish. Made from low yielding old vines dating back to 1898 and aged in older French oak, the fruit is sourced from Mildura on the north west Victorian border." Tasting Notes

Thursday Tasting: Wines from Importer Kysela Pere et Fils 5 to 7pm At the Bar Thursday's tasting will feature a collection from Importer Fran Kysela. Chateau Gaudrelle's winemaker Alexandre Monmousseau and Hugues Beaulieu, Sales manager for Kysela Pere et Fils will join us for this event. Don't miss the opportunity to taste with a winemaker! Loire Valley Whites from Chateau Gaudrelle 2011 Chateau Gaudrelle Clos Le Vigneau Vouvray On Sale $17.99 "The 2011 Clos Le Vigneau, from a more challenging vintage, is just as good. Aromatics of spring flowers, poached pears, honeyed melon and some buttered citrus jump from the glass of this medium-bodied, very pure, fresh and nicely concentrated wine, which is the epitome of a dry Chenin Blanc meant to go with a cornucopia of cuisines." 91 Points, Robert Parker NV Chateau Gaudrelle Cremat de Loire Brut On Sale $20.99 "The two sparkling wines should not be missed. They're both terrific examples of how good sparkling Vouvray can be. Both are 100% Chenin Blanc cuvees. Even better is the slightly richer, more honey and lemon-scented and flavored non-vintage Cremant de Loire. A blend of equal parts Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay aged for a minimum of 18 to 24 months in their cellars before disgorgement, this is a real beauty and a superb wine. Unfortunately, just under 100 cases are imported to the United States." 92 Points, Robert Parker NV Chateau Gaudrelle "Le Petit Chenin" On Sale $11.99 "100% Chenin Blanc. Aged in stainless steel tanks with temperature controlled fermentation." Winery Notes Red Wines 2010 Domaine Grand Veneur Cotes du Rhone Villages "Les Champauvins"  On Sale $17.99 "The single-vineyard Cotes du Rhone, the 2010 Les Champauvins, is a smaller cuvee made largely from Grenache (70%) and the rest Syrah and Mourvedre. This is the poor person's Chateauneuf du Pape, with notes of garrigue, lavender, black cherry jam, licorice, and a hint of blacker fruits. Rich, full-bodied, ripe, with sweet tannin and lots of concentration, this is a beauty to drink over the next 8-10 years - it is that rich and concentrated." 92 Points, Robert Parker 2009 Chateau Bellevue Cotes de Castillon "Cuvee Vielles Vignes"  On Sale $17.99 "Mint and tannins feature in the initial flavor, then it opens out to show delicious blackberry juice fruit. The tannins are dry but integrate with acidity to give more serious aspect to this balanced wine." 89 Points, The Wine Enthusiast 2009 Maurice Ecard "Les Serpentieres" 1er Cru Savigny-Les-Beaune  On Sale $32.99 "A lush, vibrant red, with sweet vanilla shading rich cherry and plum flavors. There's a touch of earth and tannins that provide grip on the finish. Best from 2013 through 2020. 600 cases made." 89 Points, The Wine Spectator 2009 Aticus Crianza Rioja  On Sale $15.99 "(100% tempranillo, raised in American oak): Saturated ruby. Aromas and flavors of dark cherry, blackcurrant and vanilla, with a hint of peppery spices lending vivacity. Sappy and expansive, with strong finishing cut, gentle tannins and lingering spiciness. This wine has the depth to age." 90 Points, Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

Saturday Spanish Tasting! 90-94 Point Deals

Saturday Tasting:
High-Scoring Spanish Wines
12 to 4pm
At the Bar

Spain's supply of great wines at great prices seems neverending. Saturday's tasting will feature five highly-rated bottles good enough to stand up to a serious weekend meal, and they're all under $20!

2011 Burgans Albarino, Rias Baixas 
On Sale $12.99
"Pale gold. Powerful scents of pineapple, mango and white flowers, with a chalky overtone. Supple and round in the mouth, offering juicy tropical fruit flavors and a bracing note of lemon zest. The floral note comes back on the long, broad finish."
90 Points Stephen Tanzer

2010 Espelt Old Vines Garnacha, Emporda
On Sale $9.99
"A magnificent custom cuvee for Eric Solomon, this 2010 was made from high-elevation vineyards in the Costa Brava planted in granite. It was fashioned by the brilliant Jean-Marc Lafage, whose wines are reviewed elsewhere in this article. Composed of 100% Grenache aged 3 months in new French oak, it reveals copious aromas of raspberry jam, black currants, kirsch, flowers and forest floor, full body, terrific fruit, lots of complexity already, and a multidimensional mouthfeel. Drink this stunning red over the next 4-5 years."
92 Points The Wine Advocate

2010 El Chaparral Old Vines Garnacha, Navarra
On Sale 13.99
"Bright ruby. An expansive bouquet displays blueberry, cola, violet, cracked pepper and woodsmoke. Palate-staining black and blue fruit flavors are enlivened by zesty mineral and spice qualities, making the whole impressively powerful. The finish strongly echoes blueberry and spice notes that linger on."
91 Points Stephen Tanzer

2010 Bodegas Teso La Monja Ramanico Tinto de Toro
On Sale $15.99
"The 2010 Romanico (100% Tinta de Toro aged in 100% new French oak for six months) exhibits a sensational bouquet of licorice, unsmoked cigar tobacco, blackberries and cassis. Full-bodied, smoky, rich, complex, big and dense without being heavy or awkward, this beauty will drink well for 5-7 years. "
92 Points Robert Parker

2010 Finca Villacreces Pruno Ribera Del Duero
On Sale $16.99
"Wow! From a vineyard adjacent to Spain's greatest as well as most expensive red wine, Vega Sicilia, this 2,500-case cuvee made for Eric Solomon is spectacular. Full-bodied with an opaque purple color in addition to an extraordinary bouquet of charcoal, wood smoke, creme de cassis and blackberries intermixed with hints of acacia flowers and licorice, this stunning, multidimensional 2010 is loaded. Its texture, richness, complexity, purity and length result in a wine that considerably over-delivers. Normally, one would expect to pay $75 to $150 for a wine that tastes like this, but this beauty can be yours for $20 or less! Moreover, it will keep for a decade."
94 Points Robert Parker

07 Guigal Chateauneuf & 2010 Domaine Pallieres Gigondas!!

We are taking orders for E. Guigal's 2007 Chateauneuf (due to arrive in April) as well as offering more spectacular Rhone deals. Puech Haut is tearing up the wine press again with their latest release and we still have more Pallieres Gigondas. The magnum of their Terrases du Diable is the ultimate deal. Let us know how many you might like to reserve. Here are the details...

Cheers,

The Merch Staff

2007 Guigal Chateauneuf-du-Pape

Pre-Sale $39.99 750mL

One of the finest Chateauneufs made by Guigal, the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape is a blend of 85% Grenache and the rest Syrah and Mourvedre. Full-bodied with lots of kirsch, blackberry, raspberry, camphor and licorice, this is a classic example of both Chateauneuf du Pape and Provencal viticulture. It is aged in both tank and foudre for 3-4 years prior to being released. Drink it over the next 20 years. It is amazing that Guigal can consistently produce a wine of this majesty.

93 points, Robert Parker

2010 Chateau Puech-Haut Cuvee Prestige Coteaux du Languedoc

On Sale $16.99 750mL

Even better than the brilliant ’09, with more elegance and freshness, the 2010 Château Puech-Haut Coteaux du Languedoc Saint-Drézéry Cuvée Prestige is a custom cuvee made by Philippe Cambie and Eric Solomon. An absurd value and a blend of 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre, and 5% Carignan that’s aged half in concrete and half in neutral barrel, it possesses a vivid, semi-opaque purple color to go with captivating aromas of raspberry liqueur, cassis, fresh flowers, sappy underbrush, and licorice-like qualities that simply soar from the glass. On the palate, this impeccably put together Languedoc has a pure, polished profile, with a sappy, resinous tactile sensation in its full-bodied texture, perfect balance, and a long, seamless finish. While no lightweight, it is in no way over the top and has real poise and elegance that is married to plenty of power and depth. While it has the balance and tannin structure to evolve gracefully for upwards of a decade, I see no reason to hold off.

94 points, The Rhone Report

2010 Domaine Les Pallieres Gigondas "Terrasse du Diable"
On Sale $44.99 750mL
On Sale $95.99 1.5 L Magnum 
Revealing more minerality and a subtle, incremental building of flavor intensity, the 2010 Gigondas Terrasse du Diable offers lots of black raspberry, kirsch and floral characteristics along with an undeniable crushed rock minerality. Medium to full-bodied and elegant as well as impressively built, rich, pure and beautifully balanced, it can be enjoyed now and over the next 15 years."
93 Points, Robert Parker

2010 Domaine Les Pallieres Gigondas "Les Racines"
On Sale $44.99 750mL
On Sale $24.99 375mL
"the 2010 Les Racines (85% Grenache and the rest a mix of Syrah, Cinsault, and white Clairette) has classic kirsch liqueur, rolled stone, iron, and licorice aromas and flavors. It’s a big, full-bodied effort that has a decadent texture, beautiful balance, and blockbuster length. It should be given 2-3 years of bottle age, and then followed over the following decade or longer.
93+ Points, the Rhone Report

Mamma Mia, Tasty Barolo & Ornellaia!

Famously called the king of Italian wines, Barolo offers a depth and richness that belie its pale complexion. Single vineyard sites are of the utmost importance, much like Burgundy. We have culled just a few of these magnificent wines to offer here. In addition, there are still some bottles of 2009 Ornellaia to be had, a 97 point gem. 

2007 Poderi Rocche Manzoni Valentino Big d'Big

On Sale $59.99

The 2001 Barolo Big 'd Big is initially powerful and tarry, then turns more delicate in the glass and its layers of fruit begin to emerge. It is a superbly balanced wine with stunning length to match the opulence of its fruit. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2025. 

93 points, Robert Parker

2007 Cogno Barolo Ravera 

On Sale $59.99

The 2007 Barolo Ravera shows marvelous depth and richness, but is not hugely different from the Cascina Nuova, perhaps because the vintage has such a strong influence in both wines. It is a big, muscular Barolo endowed with layers of dark fruit, mocha, leather, licorice and smoke. A large, scaled dramatic finish rounds out this compelling, totally delicious Barolo. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025. 

93+ points Robert Parker

2008 Damilano Barolo Cannubi 

On Sale $33.99

The 2008 Barolo Cannubi emerges from the glass with freshly cut roses, sweet raspberries and spices, all supported by French oak. It is a very pretty, attractive wine with plenty of vineyard character and personality. The Cannubi is also the most feminine of the 2008s I tasted from Damilano. A silky, refined finish rounds things out in style. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2026.

92 points Robert Parker

2007 Damilano Barolo Lecinquvigne $59 cost

On Sale $72.99

The 2007 Barolo Lecinquevigne is a delicious entry-level Barolo. Sweet red cherries spices and French oak are some of the notes that waft from the glass in this supple, silky offering. Sweet hints of tobacco, cedar, candied fruit and crushed flowers linger on the round, silky finish. There is plenty of underlying structure to suggest the wine will drink well for a number of years. This is far from an easygoing entry-level Barolo. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2022.

91 points Robert Parker

2009 Tenuta del Ornellaia Ornellaia, TuscanyOn Sale $179.99
The 2009 Ornellaia caresses the palate with layers of seamless, radiant fruit. Sweet red berries, mocha, flowers, new leather and spices are some of the many notes that are layered in this sumptuous, totally beautiful wine. The 2009 stands out for its silky tannins and phenomenal overall balance. This is one of those wines that will probably enjoy a long drinking window. There is little question the ability to blend grape varieties was a huge help in this vintage. In my opinion, that is the main reason Ornellaia is a slightly more complete wine than Masseto in 2009. In one of my blind tastings, the 2009 made a very eloquent case for itself as the wine of the vintage. The blend is 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. In 2009 winemaker Axel Heinz used the highest percentage of Cabernet Franc ever in Ornellaia and gave the wine less time in oak, both with the goal of preserving as much freshness as possible. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2029. 
97 points The Wine Advocate

2007 Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino

On Sale $72.99

Medium red. Reticent nose hints at red berries, marzipan and nutty oak. Fine-grained, fleshy and highly concentrated, without any undue impression of weight. Lovely sappy sweetness accentuates the wine's inner-mouth perfume. Really builds on the very long, even, sweetly tannic back end, which stains the palate with red fruits, flowers, and complex soil tones. This strikes me as more typical perfumed sangiovese than the darker, more locked-up, more obviously structrued 2006 riserva. 

95 Points Stephen Tanzer