Looking for a special bottle to slip into someone’s stocking?
2011 Pierre André, Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru –La Maltroie $65
Chardonnay
A quality Burgundy from a primier Cru vineyard. Full fruit, slatey minerals, toasty biroche and layered complexity.
2017 Olivier Leflaive, Meursault $83
Chardonnay
Aged in wood, this blend of parcels from across Meursault shows the richness for which the appellation is famed. It contrasts that with acidity, freshness and crisp citrus. The combination has produced a wine that can age further.
2014 Domaine Fontaine-Gagnard, Chassagne-Montrachet Rouge $60
Pinot Noir
If terroir is key in Burgundy, the Domaine Fontaine-Gagnard is ready to unlock every door in Chassagne-Montrachet including Pinot Noir. Developed and ready to drink.
2014 Bouchard, Le Corton Grand Cru $135
Pinot Noir
The Bouchard Père & Fils Le Corton is a classic. This red is marked by ripe, crunchy cherry and raspberry fruit, accented by rich loam and chalky mineral notes. Firm, yet balanced and long on the spice- and smoke-tinged aftertaste.
2011 Muga, Prado Enea Rioja Gran Reserva $85
80% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha
The most structured Prado Enea ever. A reduced center palate that is so compact with dark fruit, dark mushrooms and cedary spice. Full body. Wonderfully polished tannins and a long, long finish. Electric acidity. Muscular and well toned. –99pts James Suckling
2010 Altesino, Brunello di Montalcino $103
Sangiovese
Expressive aromas of eucalyptus, juniper and wild rosemary give way to sweet berry flavors, though the juniper, rosemary and emerging mint accents linger. This is like a walk in the woods, with a fresh, elegant frame. Best from 2017 through 2030
2007 Massolino, Barolo Margheria $140
Nebbiolo
The 2007 Barolo Margheria is fabulously ripe and explosive in its dark red fruit, leather, licorice and anise. Medium to full in body, the Margheria possesses superb delineation and nuance to match its elegant personality. It turns exuberant again on the finish, where floral, minty notes add lift and freshness. The 2007 Margheria is a wonderfully complete, regal Barolo from Massolino. Ready to Rock!
2016 L’Arco, Rúbeo $81
40% Cabernet Franc, 30% Corvina, 15% Rondinella, 5% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Molinara
During the harvest the clusters are selectioned and dried on matts for about 60 days. The Rúbeo is an original mix between traditional and international, with an intense ruby red color, spiced bouquet, great structure and elegance.
2015 L’Arco, Amarone della Valpolicella $120
55% Corvina and Corvinone, 35% Rondinella, 10% Molinara
A wine that exudes strength, unwavering character and unrelenting beauty. Anticipate some smokiness. Aromatics tend toward violets and dark plum – and on the palate and complementary smorgasbord of chocolate-covered cherries, savory herb notes and deep, dark baked berries. Exquisite tannins, lingering finish.
2008 Bertani, Amarone della Valpolicella $140
80% Corvina Veronese, 20% Rondinella
Aged Amarone from one of the big guns. First there are the typical notes of plum, cherry and morello cherry on the nose, followed by a great variety of tones: nuts, tea leaves, licorice and spices. On the palate there are hints of red berry fruits, softened by plush vanilla notes, in perfect harmony with the acidity and tannins
2019 Clos du Caillou, Les Safres Chateauneuf du Papes $77
95% Grenache, 5% Syrah
Caillou’s flagship CNDP. The Les Safres is impressively rich and ripe, delivering velvety layers of black cherries and blueberries, combined with hints of dried spices and dark chocolate. Full-bodied, expansive in the mouth and long on the finish,
2015 Delas Chante Perdrix Cornas $64
Syrah
Big scoring Syrah. Licorice, tarragon and mineral black fruits. Full bodied, juicy and ripe with balancing acidity. Lots of life and a lifted glint on the finish. Drinking Window 2019 – 2029.
2011 Reserve de la Comtesse Pauillac $79
53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc
Pichon Lalande’s second wine, the 2011 Reserve de la Comtesse offers juicy, cherry, red and black currant notes as well as a medium-bodied, elegant, finesse style. It is already drinking well and should continue to evolve nicely for another decade.
2008 Clos du Marquis, Saint Julien $86
55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot
A single parcel owned and made by Léoville-Las-Cases, the Clos du Marquis has a lovely nose of black cherry and violet, complicated by graphite and minerals. Full and sweet on entry, with ripe red and black fruit flavors, smooth tannins and a long, clean finish. A standout wine from 2008.
Was $105 Now $86
2008 Château Rauzan-Ségla, Grand Cru Margaux $142
62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot
Here is 2008 with a velvety texture yet the underlying bright acidity comes through at the same time. Medium to full body, firm and chewy tannins and a fresh finish. Very pretty and energetic.
Magnums (1.5 liters) bigger is better.
2014 Pelissero, Long Now Langhe Tosso $80
50% Nebbiolo, 50% Barbera
Long Now expresses the concept of long-standing. The nose reveals rich aromas of ripe fruit, blackberry, raspberry and red cherry, framing the subtle notes of vanilla. Velvety, enveloping, fruity and elegant, it closes with a finish of great length.
2014 Comte de Lauze Châteauneuf-du-Pape $82
80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 10% Cinsault
Spicy, cedary nose of blackberries and fresh herbs lifted by a note of lavender; medium- to full-bodied, savory black cherry flavors fill the mouth. Ready and willing.
2008 La Fiorita, Bruenello de Montalcino $145
Sangiovese
Alluring from start to finish, this boasts cherry, earth, spice and mineral flavors. Firmly structured, remaining vibrant and long on the finish. Best from 2015 through 2026.