Siduri Tasting This Saturday!

Saturday Tasting: Siduri Winery 12 to 4pm At the Bar This Siduri tasting will cover two wines we have in stock, and six others that are available for pre-sale. We only have one bottle each of these six wines for the tasting, so come early! In Stock 2011 Siduri Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir On Sale $25.99 "The 2011 Pinot Noir (Santa Rita Hills) shows marvelous complexity in its sweet, ethereal fruit. Dried cherries, crushed flowers and spices waft from the glass as this delicate, perfumed Pinot shows off its class. The 2011 has the potential to develop into a superb appellation wine. The vineyards sources are approximately 41% Clos Pepe, 35% Cargasacchi and 11% Sebastiano. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2016." 89-91 Points The Wine Advocate 2011 Siduri Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir On Sale $25.99 The 2011 Pinot Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands) comes across as fleshy, open and accessible. It is an undeniably attractive entry-level wine to drink over the next few years. Dark red cherries, flowers and menthol wrap around the finish. In 2011, the blend is 27% Sierra Mar, 25% Rosella's, 18% Pisoni, 18% Soberanes and 12% Garys'. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2016." 87-89 Points The Wine Advocate

Available for Pre-Order (Tasting Quantities Limited) 2011 Siduri Rosella's Vineyard Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands Pre-Sell $36.99 "One of the more promising 2011s, Siduri's 2011 Pinot Noir Rosella's shows the freshness of the year in its lip-smacking acidity, although there is more than enough fruit to provide balance. Sweet dark red cherries, flowers and spices come together in this impeccable, refined Pinot. This is a terrific showing for the year. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2016." 90-92 Points The Wine Advocate 2011 Siduri Soberanes Vineyard Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands Pre-Sell $36.99 "Siduri's 2011 Pinot Noir Soberanes is another soft, fleshy Pinot laced with attractive dark fruit. The Soberanes appears to be best suited for drinking over the next few years, given its mid-weight personality. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2016." 88-90 Points The Wine Advocate 2011 Siduri Clos Pepe Vineyard Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands Pre-Sell $39.99 "Another promising wine, the 2011 Pinot Noir Clos Pepe shows lovely density and depth for the year. There is a purity to the fruit that is quite striking. This is another pretty 2011 Pinot from Siduri. In 2011, the Clos Pepe has a bit of whole clusters (something of a stylistic departure for Siduri) that adds an attractive, floral dimension on the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016." 90-92 Points The Wine Advocate 2011 Siduri Parson's Vineyard Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley Pre-Sell $36.99 "The 2011 Siduri Parsons' Vineyard Pinot Noir combines the best characteristics of the a ripe site and a cool vintage. It is intense, deep, and focused Pinot Noir that remains lively and balanced due to notable levels of acid and tannins. Flavors of blackberry, raspberries and plums intermingle with spice and minerality to make this a truly compelling Pinot Noir. We truly believe that this wine, as good as it is now, is only just beginning to show the full depth of character that it possesses and that it will only be more compelling with additional time in the cellar." Winemaker's Notes 2011 Siduri Sonatera Vineyard Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast Pre-Sell $35.99 "The 2011 Siduri Sonatera Vineyard Pinot Noir shows a rich profile, with a mix of red and black fruits, hints of Christmas spice, and pine needles. The wine is expansive on the palate, finishing lively with just a hint of tannins helping balance out the final sip." Winemaker's Notes

Killer Press on Keenan Cabs, Philip Togni

Philip Togni has been a favorite at the Merch for years, but his wines require patience. Robert Keenan has been generating fantastic press for several vintages and his Cabs are amply rewarding. Check out the list to see all of these fabulous bottlings!

2010 Philip Togni Cabernet Sauvignon Spring Mountain District

On Sale $92.99

The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon impresses for its length and total class. Mocha, game, smoke, graphite and plums are all supported by veins of cool, insistent minerality. This isn’t a blockbuster Cabernet, rather it is a wine that impresses for its finesse and precision. Sweet red cherries, mint, pencil shavings and violets are some of the notes that are layered into the super-refined finish. As always, Togni’s Cabernet Sauvignon is distinguished for an extraordinary bouquet that recalls some of the great wines of the Medoc and the structure to age gracefully for years. It will be interesting to see if the 2010 blossoms in bottle. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2040. 

95+ points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

2009 Cliff Lede "Poetry" Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

On Sale $149.99

Lede’s 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Poetry brings together the aromatic nuance and overt florality of the Landslide Fire with the heft and concentration of the Songbook, a pretty appealing combination in my book. Power and richness dominate in a wine that nevertheless retains considerable finesse. Over time, the more silky, gracious side of the Poetry emerges as layers of fruit appear to blossom in all directions. This is another totally delicious, compelling wine from Cliff Lede. The blend is 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Malbec. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2028.

94 points The Wine Advocate

2009 Robert Keenan Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Spring Mountain

On Sale $108.99

The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve shares much of the same aromatic flavor profile as the 2010, but it is a bit less tannic and structured. Layers of fruit build to an effortless, huge finish long on texture and pure class. This voluptuous, highly expressive Cabernet Sauvignon is likely to drink well earlier than the 2010, but it also has the pedigree to age gracefully for years. The blend is 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc. Anticipated maturity:2017-2029

94 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

2009 Robert Keenan Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

On Sale $47.99

Keenan’s 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the highlights in this portfolio. Rich and voluptuous, it totally saturates the palate from start to finish. Dark fruit, violets, spices and licorice all flesh out in this large-scaled, dramatic Cabernet Sauvignon. Everything simply works. The 2009 is a great wine. Even better, it is extremely fairly priced considering the quality of what is in the bottle. Readers will have a hard time keeping their hands off this jewel of a wine. I imagine another few years of bottle age will only help the 2009 develop even more complexity. In this vintage the Cabernet Sauvignon is 73% from Spring Mountain and 27% from Pope Valley. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024. 

93 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

2009 Robert Keenan Merlot Mailbox Vineyard Spring Mountain

On Sale $63.99

Sweet, dark cherries, tobacco, flowers and leather all come to life in the 2009 Merlot Reserve Mailbox Vineyard. The 2009 is a terrific wine with plenty of mid-palate pliancy and depth, although it can’t match the energy or vibrancy of the 2010, unfair as that comparison may be. The 2009 Reserve should enjoy a fairly wide and long drinking window. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2029.

92 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

2009 Robert Keenan Merlot Napa Valley

On Sale $37.99

The 2009 Merlot is a bigger, richer wine than the 2010, but it doesn’t have that wine’s finesse or vibrancy. Still, there is an immediacy and a juiciness in the 2009 that is highly appealing. Hints of sweet tobacco, crushed flowers and incense are layered into the expressive finish. The tannins remain a bit rough and polished within the context of the estate’s finest wines. The Merlot is made from a combination of Spring Mountain and Carneros Merlot. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024. 

91 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

2008 Groth Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville

On Sale $85.99

A huge Cabernet, in the best sense of the word. It wasn’t the easiest vintage, as 2007 was, but meticulous winemaking did the job, resulting in this amazingly rich, impressively ripe wine that’s drinkable now and will develop for many years. The fruits veer toward blackberries, cherries and cola, and the tannins are soft and refined. One hundred percent new French oak isn’t at all heavy, lending nuances of buttered toast and sweet wood tannins. Will easily age for 15 years.

96 points Wine Enthusiast

2009 Groth Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville

On Sale $85.99

From the winery’s estate vineyard, on the eastern side of the Oakville appellation, this Cab is incredibly lush and delicious. It dazzles with rich blackberry, cherry pie, currant and cassis liqueur flavors, perfectly accented by sweet, smoky oak. It’s soft in tannins, yet ageworthy. Drink now–2020.

93 points Wine Enthusiast

Cali Syrah to Knock Your Socks Off

      Back in the late 60's, a few California winemakers decided to do something different, something big. What with all these wineries trying to create the perfect Cabernets and Chardonnays, they thought, "There must be some other grapes that would flourish in the misty hills and warming stretches of this great state." And so began the legend of the Rhone Rangers. Brave men and women who planted varieties like Syrah, Grenache, Viognier, Roussane, Mourvedre in the far reaches of the state. These are their wines.

2010 Lucia Syrah Santa Lucia Highlands Susan's Hill Vineyard
On Sale $37.99
"Another stunning example of this Syrah that will certainly stand toe to toe with the ’05, ’07, ’08, and ’09, the 2010 Lucia Syrah Susan's Hill has a incredible liquid mineral/damp earth quality to go with pure blackberry, cassis, wood smoke, wild herbs, and pepper on the nose. Full-bodied, rich, and powerful, yet with a deft, clean feel and chewy tannin on the finish, this beauty shines with an hour in the decanter (even better on the second day), and will continue to impress for over a decade."
95 Points, the Rhone Report

2010 Lucia Syrah Santa Lucia Highlands Gary's Vineyard
On Sale $37.99
"Slightly more gamey and wild, with notions of smoked black fruits, sage, bacon fat, pepper, and olive, the 2010 Lucia Syrah Garys' Vineyard is a seriously concentrated, full-bodied effort that has thrilling richness, gorgeous purity, and an elegant, perfectly proportioned profile that has nothing out of place. More supple and approachable than the Susan’s Hill, with a touch less tannin, it nevertheless will have at least 8-10 years of prime drinking, possibly more. It is almost impossible to pick a favorite between these two Syrahs and both represent some of the top Syrahs coming out of California today!"
95 Points, the Rhone Report
2009 Samsara Syrah Santa Rita Hills Melville Vineyard
On Sale $36.99
"A dazzling wine, the 2009 Syrah Melville bursts from the glass with black cherries, pepper, mint, violets and spices. It possesses striking varietal nuance and tons of character in an exuberant, flashy style I find highly appealing. Waves of fruit saturate the palate on a rich, creamy finish buffered by cooling veins of minerality. This is a wonderfully complete, harmonious wine from Samsara. The Melville is 100% Syrah, Estrella clone, fermented with 50% whole clusters and aged in French oak barrels, 25% new. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2019."
94+ Points, the Wine Advocate

2010 Carlisle Syrah Russian River "Papa's Block"
On Sale $43.99
The 2010 Syrah Papa's Block wraps around the palate with plums, black cherries, spices, mint, tobacco and sweet wild herbs. There is plenty of varietal character in the glass. I especially admire the interplay of minerality and fruit in this beautifully balanced Syrah. The Papa's Block was made with 33% whole clusters. It saw 20 days on the skins and was aged in French oak barrels, 26% new. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2021."
91-93 Points, the Wine Advocate

2010 Carlisle Syrah Sonoma Bennett Valley On Sale $36.99
"Inky ruby.  An explosively perfumed bouquet evokes dark berry preserves, black tea, licorice and smoky Indian spices.  Lush, palate-staining black and blue fruit flavors show noteworthy intensity and focus and pick up a floral pastille nuance with air.  Finishes broad and sweet, leaving smoke and licorice notes behind."
92 points, Stephen Tanzer

2008 Ojai Syrah Santa Barbara Roll Ranch Vineyard
On Sale $35.99
"the 2008 Syrah Roll Ranch fleshes out beautifully on the mid-palate. All the elements are in symmetry. This is a more radiant, ripe style of Syrah within the Ojai portfolio. The wine’s textural finesse compensates for a bouquet that is not especially varietal, at least today. The Roll Ranch stands apart from the rest of their Syrahs. It emerges from a warmer, earlier ripening site that is typically harvested in early September, a good month (or more) earlier than the rest of the Syrahs. The 2008 was co-fermented with 2% Viognier. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2023."
93 Points, the Wine Advocate

Classic Napa Cabs for Great Prices

Believe it or not, Great Napa Cabernet can still be found without breaking the bank. Check these guys out. Classic Napa wines like Chateau Montelena, Mount Veeder Winery, and, welcome back Eric Titus!

2009 Titus Vineyards Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

On Sale $54.99

Very rich and fleshy without being weighty, with dense currant, black licorice, sage and dried herb. Unfolds in a graceful manner with a long, persistent finish. Drink now through 2026. 408 cases made.

93 points Wine Spectator

2009 Titus Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

On Sale $39.99

Pure, rich, dense and structured, with a deep core of dark berry, black licorice, espresso and dried herb. Gains depth and holds focus. Long on the finish. Drink now through 2024. 2,065 cases made.

91 points Wine Spectator

2009 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

On Sale $42.99

The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon is wonderfully supple and fragrant. Silky tannins frame a core of expressive dark red fruit. Floral and spice notes are nicely woven throughout. This textured, gracious Cabernet Sauvignon  should continue to age gracefully for another 7-10 years, but it is awfully good right now. The blend includes 7% Merlot and 1.5% Cabernet Franc in 2009. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019.

91 points The Wine Advocate

2009 Frank Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

On Sale $39.99

Juicy red berries, crushed flowers, cloves and a hint of French oak all come together nicely in the 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon. A gracious, mid-weight wine, the 2009 should drink well pretty much upon release. Sweet floral notes reappear to frame the feminine, expressive finish. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019.

90 points The Wine Advocate

2010 Mount Veeder Winery Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley...LIMITED!

On Sale $24.99
This is one of Napa's first Cabernets from the famed Mount Veeder area (today it includes other Napa sources).  This is one of the first 2010 Napa Cabernet releases we have seen.  Here is what Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate has to say about the overall vintage for Napa Valley Cabernet...."Fans of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon will find a lot get excited about with the 2010 vintage. The 2010s are magnificent, viscerally thrilling wines loaded with character and personality."  

Merch Staff
2009 Sean Minor Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

On Sale $16.99

Our Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, deep ruby in color, has ripe cherry, cassis and blackberry fruit aromas. On the palate, flavors of blackberries and raspberries, hints of roasted coffee and an earthy, savory spiciness coat the palate. The soft tannins and sweet oak balance lead to a long and lingering finish.

Winemaker's Notes

2008 Vin Ver'Ray Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford Napa Valley

On Sale $19.99

This classic, Rutherford Cabernet has aromas of black cherry, black current, cassis, blackberry, and cherry cola. It also exhibits that dusty, earthy quality that Rutherford Cabs are so well known for, along with pencil shavings, spice box, sweet vanilla, cinnamon and tobacco.

Winemaker's Notes

2010 Galevan Chateauneuf-du Pape 95 Points Robert Parker!!!

Happy New Year! 

To start 2013 on a great note, we have an awesome deal on a 95 point Chateauneuf-du-Pape. We've also included other CdPs in stock that have been re-rated with higher scores by the Wine Advocate and the Rhone Report.  Quantities are very limited so please let us know if you're interested...

Cheers!
The Wine Merchant Staff!!!

"A microscopic estate owned by Coralie Goumarre, Domaine Galevan was established, remarkably, in 1780, but the first estate-bottled wine did not emerge until 1968. I was blown away by these four red wine cuvees, and both of the 2010s have jumped dramatically in score since I tasted them from barrel last year."
-Robert Parker, the Wine Advocate

Domaine Galevan Chateauneuf-du-Pape AOC
Pre-Arrival Price $42.99
"The 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape is one of the finest traditional cuvees I have tasted as well as a sleeper of the vintage. Made from 90% Grenache and 10% Mourvedre from 55-year-old vines, it exhibits a dense ruby/purple color as well as a stunning perfume of creme de cassis, kirsch, incense, licorice and a vague notion of beef blood and roasted Provencal herbs. All of the fruit comes from vines planted in the northern end of the appellation. This exquisite, full-throttle Chateauneuf du Pape should drink well for 15 or more years. It is a major star of the vintage, and probably is reasonably priced as well."
95 Points, Robert Parker

Other Chateauneuf-du-Papes available (all with new Parker & Rhone Report reviews):

2010 Domaine Ferrand Chateauneuf-du-Pape AOC

On Sale $62.99

"Another great success from Bravay, the 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape possesses a dense inky/purple color along with pure notes of kirsch liqueur, Asian spices, blackberries, plums, black cherries and garrigue. Full-bodied with more noticeable tannin and acidity, this concentrated, dense Chateauneuf is nearly as profound as the estate's 2007. Give it 2-3 years of cellaring and drink it over the following two decades."

96+ Points Robert Parker

2010 Pierre Usseglio Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rouge "Tradition"
Pre-Arrival Price $43.99 750 ml

The 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Tradition was cropped at 23 hectoliters per hectare (overall it was a small crop in 2010), and is a blend of mostly Grenache and 20% Syrah, with 80% aged in old wood foudres and 20% in small barrels. The alcohol level came in at 15.5%. Classic black raspberry, black cherry, garrigue, and lavender notes hit the palate with considerable authority. The Syrah component provides a slightly deeper purple hue to the color than is apparent in some other vintages. The extra level of concentration due to the tiny yields has resulted in a full-bodied, rich wine with super purity. It is already accessible, and should keep for 10-15 years.

93 points, Robert Parker

2010 Domaine Charbonniere Chateauneuf-du-Pape "Mourre des Perdrix"On Sale $53.99 750 ml

A big step up and the best vintage of this cuvee I’ve tasted to date, the 2010 Domaine de la Charbonnière Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Mourre des Perdrix is a knockout effort! A blend of 69% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 15% Mourvedre, and 1% Cinsault that is aged in wooden tanks, it boasts a decidedly mineral-driven bouquet of sweet cherries, kirsch liqueur, rolled stones, garrigue, and spice-box that has both complexity and intensity. This full-bodied, powerful, yet elegant wine has a gorgeous texture, excellent acidity, and very fine tannin that emerge on, and frame, the finish. Classically proportioned, with a traditional feel, this brilliant 2010 will drink well for 15-20 years. "95 Points, the Rhone Report

2010 Raymond Usseglio Chateauneuf-du-Pape "Cuvee Girard"
On Sale $39.99"A blend of 80% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre, 6% Syrah, and 2% each of Cinsault and Counoise (Grenache aged all in concrete and the Syrah/Mourvedre in barrel), the 2010 Domaine Raymond Usseglio & Fils Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a full-bodied, rich, and slightly rustic effort that gives up plenty of red and black fruit characteristic, licorice, toasted spice, and hints of charcoal on the nose. Beautifully textured, with excellent concentration and grippy tannins coming though on the finish, it will benefit from short-term cellaring, and drink nicely for 10-12 years. "
91 Points, the Rhone Report

-- 

Saturday Tasting:
Grower Champagnes
12 to 4pm
At the Bar

NV Mousse Fils Blanc de Noirs "Cuvee Or Tradition"
On Sale $42.99
"With just the right amount of acidity and tiny, perfect bubbles, the Mousse delivers flavors of cherry, mango, and a hint of spiced biscuits on the palate. Disgorged June 2012. Drink now through 2017. Only 50 cases imported."
Wine Merchant Notes

NV Chartogne-Taillet Cuvee Sainte-Anne Brut 
On Sale $42.99
"(60% chardonnay and 40% pinot noir, 80% from 2007 and 20% each from 2006 and 2005; disgorged June, 2011): Light gold. Deeply pitched aromas of orchard fruits and redcurrant, with a hint of pungent herbs. Dense and chewy on the palate, offering broad pear and bitter cherry flavors braced by tangy acidity. Shows very good clarity and energy on the finish, which leaves a spicy note behind."
90 Points Stephen Tanzer

2004 Gaston Chiquet Special Club Brut 
On Sale $75.99
"The 2004 Brut Special Club bursts from the glass with terrific energy and sheer class. It captures all of the potential of a year that was especially favorable to Chardonnay. There is plenty of nuance and detail in the glass. The 2004 shows off tons of personality and sheer class. Mint, sage and eucalyptus are some of the notes that wrap around the finish. This is first-class all the way. It is also one of the very finest wines I have ever tasted from Chiquet. The 2004 Special Club is 70% Chardonnay (from Dizy), 30% Pinot Noir (from Ay and Hautvillers). Dosage is 8 grams per liter. Disgorged July 2011. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019."
94 points The Wine Advocate

NV Chartogne-Taillet Cuvee Sainte-Anne Brut 
On Sale $41.99 
"(60% chardonnay and 40% pinot noir, 80% from 2007 and 20% each from 2006 and 2005; disgorged June, 2011): Light gold. Deeply pitched aromas of orchard fruits and redcurrant, with a hint of pungent herbs. Dense and chewy on the palate, offering broad pear and bitter cherry flavors braced by tangy acidity. Shows very good clarity and energy on the finish, which leaves a spicy note behind."
90 Points Stephen Tanzer

NV Henri Goutorbe Cuvee Prestige Brut 
On Sale $48.99
"(70% pinot noir, 25% chardonnay and 5% pinot meunier, mostly from 2005; disgorged June 20, 2011): Light yellow-gold. Orchard fruits, rose and minerals on the nose, with notes of gingerbread and rhubarb that come up with aeration. Sappy and focused on the palate, with very good depth and vivacity to its blood orange and candied floral flavors. Picks up a spicy quality on the back end and finishes with impressive cling and mineral-driven persistence."
92 Points Stephen Tanzer

H. Billiot Fils Brut Rose Grand Cru
On Sale $62.99
"The NV Brut Rose Grand Cru is a deeply colored, powerful wine that showcases the richness of Ambonnay at its finest. The Rose needs some time in the glass to find its inner balance, but when it does the fruit gains delineation and intensity through to the dramatic, sweeping finish. The NV Brut Rose Grand Cru is predominantly Pinot Noir (including 6% still Pinot) with a dash of Chardonnay from the estate's oldest vineyards." 92 Points The Wine Advocate

Saturday 12.8.12 Tasting

Saturday Tasting:  Barolos & Barbarescos 12 to 4pm At the Bar Tomorrow's tasting will feature Barolos and Barbarescos from two producers in Piedmont, Italy, Moccagatta and Luigi Piri. Robert Parker has hailed both labels as producing some of the best wines in Piedmont. Robert Parker on Luigi Piri: "This is an impressive set of wines from Giampaolo Pira. The wines aren't as massive as they sometimes are, but that is just fine. I also noted that the use of oak was much more polished than in some recent vintages." Robert Parker on Moccagatta: "This is one of the strongest sets of wines I can remember from Moccagatta. The entry-level offerings are absolutely delicious and reasonably priced. The Barbareschi are elegant and polished, with less overt oakiness than was once common. Moccaggatta's 2008s are among the best Barbareschi in what has proven to be a highly irregular vintage. Simply put, I can't say enough good things about these wines."

2005 Moccagatta "Bric Balin" Barbaresco On Sale $49.99 The 2005 Barbaresco Bric Balin is a wine of notable freshness and overall harmony. Sweet red cherries, menthol and spices emerge from this beautifully-balanced, feminine Barbaresco. The oak is particularly well-integrated in this vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2021. 92 Points The Wine Advocate 2008 Moccagatta "Bric Balin" Barbaresco On Sale $49.99 The 2008 Barbaresco Bric Balin wafts from the glass with crushed flowers, dried cherries, tobacco and cedar. It is less overt than the Basarin, with the structural components playing a greater role in the wine's balance. The energy and focus here are both attractive, while the oak seems to have come down, all of which adds up to a wine with terrific overall balance. The Bric Balin can be enjoyed with minimum cellaring, but it will require some air for the fruit to flesh out. It is a fine effort from the Minuto brothers. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2020. 94 Points The Wine Advocate 2008 Moccagatta "Basarin" Barbaresco On Sale $49.99 The 2008 Barbaresco Basarin is impeccable from start to finish. Sweet rose petals, dark cherries, spices and mocha are some of the notes that emerge from the Basarin. Constantly changing in the glass, the Basarin is at first quite rich in its fruit, but then turns quite a bit more elegant and ethereal with time in the glass. In 2008 the Basarin impresses for its superb overall harmony and balance. This is a fabulous showing from Moccagatta's entry-level Barbaresco. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2020. 92 Points The Wine Advocate 2008 Luigi Pira "Marenca" Barolo On Sale $64.99 The 2008 Barolo Vigna Marenca boasts a center of bright red berries that is surprisingly supple and elegant. Sweet red cherries, freshly cut flowers, spices and mint take shape in the glass as the 2008 shows off a refined, high-toned register that is rarely found in this wine. The 2008 boasts striking inner perfume and a long, chalky yet seamless finish that is the essence of harmony. A hint of dried roses and sweet cherries linger in the empty glass. This is another dazzling showing. The Marenca was aged in a combination of cask and tonneaux. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2028. 95 Points The Wine Advocate 2008 Luigi Pira "Margheria" Barolo On Sale $49.99 Pira's 2008 Barolo Vigna Margheria has developed very nicely since I first tasted it in November, 2011. The typical power and weight of this site comes through, but in 2008 the Margheria has an extra dimension of sexiness that makes it highly appealing. Dark cherries, plums, asphalt, melted road tar, dried rose petals and licorice are some of the many notes that come to life in the glass. The weight and tannic finish is pure Margheria, even if the 2008 isn't quite the bruiser it often is. Pira aged the Margheria in 20-hectoliter casks. This is a terrific showing. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2026. 93 Points The Wine Advocate 2008 Luigi Pira "Vigna Rionda" Barolo On Sale $89.99 The 2008 Barolo Vigna Rionda possesses striking inner perfume and sweetness as it wraps around the palate. Raspberries, hard candy, flowers, mint and sweet spices are some of the many notes that flow from this effortless, sensual Barolo. Silky tannins are present, but they are nearly covered by the pure sensuality of the fruit. Today the Rionda is supple, sweet and totally inviting. The finish is intense and totally haunting. This is an exceptional, hugely promising Barolo from Giampaolo Pira. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2028. 95 Points The Wine Advocate