Spring Cleaning Sale - 70+ wines 20-60% OFF

[Igor_Ivanov]

Barmes-Buecher, Rosenberg Riesling 2012 - From $35.99 to $19.99
https://vinousreverie.com/barmes-buecher-rosenberg-de-wettolsheim-riesling-2012/

Located between the river Rhine and the Vosges mountains, and at the Swiss and German borders, Alsace offers a diverse landscape of plains, forests, valleys, peaks and of course, vineyards. In the shelter of the Vosges mountains, the Alsace vineyards benefit from a dry and sunny micro-climate, especially in summer and autumn, which is perfect for cultivating vines. The patchwork of different soils and reliefs makes the terroir all important, and each winemaker chooses their vines to best express the potential of each plot.

Barmès-Buecher is one the pioneering, biodynamic wine producers in the world of wine (at the end of the newsletter is an excerpt about their practices). The family’s most famous cuvees come from several Grand Cru vineyards: Hengst, Steingrubler and Pfersigberg. As well as a not-quite-Grand Cru vineyard of note for Barmès-Buecher is the Rosenberg vineyard, where this extraordinary, nuanced Riesling comes from. The soil is a mix of clay and limestone, which lends more body and richness to the wines because of more nutrient retention.

Tasting Notes
This is not a feather-weight, delicate and fruity German-style Riesling. It’s a big, full-bodied wine that just palpitates with energy. A common belief in the wine world is that Riesling reflects the soil better than any other grape. And this one tastes like you are licking rocks, in the best possible sense. It has energy that you cannot describe with adjectives. In fact, the scores below do not do justice to how good this wine is. An unquestionably delicious wine.

91 points Wine Spectator
“A lively white, with fresh acidity and sea salt-laced minerality imparting a clean, snappy quality to the crunchy pear, white peach, blanched almond, floral, smoke and citrus notes.”

90 points Vinous
“Bright straw. Ripe white stone fruits and flowers on the nose and palate. Much riper and fruitier than the Clos Sand, but neither heavy nor over the top thanks to harmonious acidity. The long finish features peppery stone fruit nuances and juicy acidity. The acidity is really the key here, as it lifts and extends the ripe fruit flavors.”

Deal Ends Sunday

[Igor_Ivanov]

Prunier Bonheure, Les Sizies 1er Cru Beaune 2008 - From $46.99 to $29.99

Dom Prunier Bonheure, Les Sizies 1er Cru Beaune 2008

While the city Beaune represents the epicenter of wine production in Burgundy, the term, “Beaune” also refers to the specific sub-appellation of the greater Cote de Beaune, whose vineyards climb up the slopes that border the city to its west. Originally founded as a Roman camp by Julius Caesar, the city of Beaune eventually became the seat of the dukes of Burgundy until the 13th century. The appellation, dominated by Pinot Noir plantings, represents a good starting point to begin to understand red Burgundy. Its sandy soils create light and supple, floral driven Pinot Noir.

Pascal Prunier-Bonheur took over at the Domaine in 1983 as the fifth generation of this quality-driven winegrowing family. With 6 hectares of vines over the Cote de Beaune, Pascal’s aim is to reflect the vineyard and allow the grapes to speak for themselves. His Beaune Premier Cru “Les Sizies” comes from the name of the property’s owner in the 18th century, Renaud de Sessie. This vineyard is 1.62 hectares, planted on clay-driven soils at the foot of the slope.

Tasting notes
It has a perfumed, floral bouquet with dried rose petal scents littered over the red cherry and wild strawberry fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with a gentle grip in the mouth, tart red cherries mixed with strawberry and a hint of spice towards the vibrant finish.

Deal Ends Sunday

[Igor_Ivanov]

Lothar Kettern, Piesporter Goldtropfchen Riesling Spatlese 2009 - From $23.99 to $17.99

Lothar Kettern, Piesporter Goldtropfchen Riesling Spatlese Mosel 2009

Lothar Kettern estate was founded in the 1950’s by Lothar, but son Philipp has been in charge since 2009. To describe him as iconoclastic is an understatement. There is a paradox at work in Piesport (a municipality within Mosel) which is that the easy-to-cultivate but inferior flatland vineyards on one side of the river cost much more than the fabled steep slopes of the Goldtropfchen bowl on the other. But Philipp is a maniac for quality, so he traded almost all the land bought by his father for more challenging but infinitely more rewarding parcels in the Goldtropfchen (droplets of gold) vineyard including some in the great Falkenberg portion and other higher parts whose cooler micro-climates accord better with his aims. He has converted the estate to something approaching organic viticulture. He has also converted most of his production to dry and off-dry wines, while maintaining the noble tradition of classically sweet Mosels. This wine with its heady, blossomy scent evokes the Middle Mosel in an unmistakable way, while its cunning balance of sweetness and acidity simply could not be improved upon.

Mosel Fine Wines on the 2009 vintage: “It produced some of the most exciting Spätlese and Auslese bottlings ever.”

Tasting notes
Delicately refined and refreshing spring notes of fresh yellow flowers, green apple, and bergamot, with addition scents of herbs coming through. The wine has a zesty and refreshingly light side on the palate. There is quite some energy in the very long finish. This is a fantastic deal on a mature Mosel Spatlese of this quality.

Deal Ends Sunday

[Igor_Ivanov]

Courbissac, Les Farradjales Minervois 2017
https://vinousreverie.com/courbissac-les-farradjales-minervois-2017/

Domaine de Courbissac benefits from its location near La Montagne Noire, the southern edge of the Massif Central, and the terminus of the Cevennes. At the far western border of the Languedoc, Minervois has a semi-Mediterranean climate. While the growing season is warm and dry, winters typically bring plenty of precipitation to recharge the soils and sustain the vines throughout the growing season. Daytime temperatures in summer are moderated by the mountains’ influence, allowing the grapes to reach ripeness in sync with their physiological maturity. This allows for not only freshness and balance but makes whole cluster fermentations possible. The primary soil of the region is clay-limestone, which was laid down millions of years ago. This terroir is fractured with gravel and sandstone bands – glacial debris and outwash from the mountains to the north.

Rarely does Cinsault grape get its due. It certainly shows up in small percentages in various French Mediterranean reds and frequently in higher percentages in many rosés, but seldom does it take the stage solo. Farradjales in made from 70-year-old Cinsault planted on a west-facing hillside at an elevation of 1,100 ft and on gravelly marl and limestone soils. This already expressive and aromatic variety shines with velvety red fruits and winsome spice notes. This will make a nice Pinot Noir alternative - a great Summer red!

92 points Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
“A rarely seen varietal Cinsault, the 2017 Minervois les Farradjales comes from 70-year-old vines planted on a west-facing slope. Aged in foudre, it shows the enchanting and soaring floral and spice aromatics the variety is known for, with hints of roses, violets, cracked pepper and star anise, among others. Medium-bodied, it’s crisp and silky, immediately accessible yet concentrated enough to last 5-6 years. The Burgundy of the Minervois?”

Jancis Robinson
“A high vineyard at 450 m of 70-year-old Cinsault. Small production.
Lovely stuff with masses of character and structure. Pale crimson. Packed full of sweet juiciness and appeal. Ready to enjoy at a wide range of temperatures with or without food. Lovely persistence even though I guess this is the entry-level bottling. Real substance here. In the Grenache/Cinsault spectrum (I wrote this before looking the wine up), I assume, though there’s a little grip on the end.” 17/20 points.

The Australian Financial Review
“Brunnhilde Claux is particularly passionate about the local cinsault grape. The variety can crop heavily, and most Minervois winemakers use it for rosé or to bulk out cheaper red blends. But from her low-yielding vines, Claux’s cinsault is a different wine altogether: fresh, juicy red berry perfume, intensely flavoured but elegant and silky fruit, spicy, brambly tannins. Just gorgeous.”

[Igor_Ivanov]

Dom Chapel, Charbonnieres Fleurie 2020 - From $49.99 to $34.99

Dom Chapel, Charbonnieres Fleurie 2020

Michele Smith and David Chapel started their first vintage in 2016 while still searching for their own cellars. In 2017, with their new cellar in, they started to increase production with cuvees coming from Julienas, Chiroubles, Moulin-a Vent and Fleurie - all made from fruit grown in organically farmed vineyards.

In 2018, they began working 1.2 hectares of vines in the Beaujolais Cru, Fleurie. The wine is from the single lieu-dit [specific part of a vineyard recognized for its own topographic specificities], Charbonnières, which sits at 1,500 ft in altitude. The parcel is planted to high density, free-standing, gobelet vines. The Charbonnières site is formed as an amphitheater high up in the mountains of Beaujolais and bordered by the forest which forms a natural wall around the parcel. This is an east facing parcel with part of the vineyard facing north and the other side facing south. The land has been farmed organically for 20 years and is worked entirely by hand. The vine age varies and the oldest vines are over 60 years old. Granite rock forms the bedrock and the soil is a mix of granitic sand, weathered rock fragments, and igneous rock. The result are nothing short of breathtaking.

Tasting Notes
Fine fragrant red fruits, cherry, strawberry, wild raspberry and red current form an alluring nose. These mineral shining underneath, smoke and rock. The palate is a web of complexity. Super fine tannins and a flavor that expands on the palate.

[Igor_Ivanov]

Fess Parker, West Vineyard Chardonnay Sta. Rita Hills 2018 - From $39.99 to $29.99

Fess Parker, West Vineyard Chardonnay Sta. Rita Hills 2018

I’ve been familiar with Fess Parker’s wines for some time but until last week, I was not aware that his claim to fame came from playing Davy Crockett in a popular, serialized Disneyland show in the 1950s. When he decided to get into winemaking in the 1980s, he was only the 11th member of the Santa Barbara vintners association. Here is his 100% Chardonnay from Parker West Vineyard located in the Sta. Rita Hills. The Parker West vineyard is a dynamic site planted in sandy soils on a windswept hillside several miles from the Pacific Ocean.

Tasting Notes
This Chardonnay offers up generous notes of golden delicious apples, pear, wet stone and hazelnut all backed by bright, refreshing acidity.

95 points Vinous
“The 2018 Chardonnay Parker West is laced with the essence of crushed rocks, lemon peel, white flowers and white pepper. This is an especially taut style, but there is also plenty of fruit depth to keep things in balance. This is such a gorgeous wine and also a terrific example of the style that comes so natural on the western edge of the Sta. Rita Hills.”

[Igor_Ivanov]

Wegeler, Riesling QBA Mosel 2011 - $17.99 / $12.99

Wegeler, Riesling QBA Mosel 2011

Weingut Wegeler dates back to the middle of the 19th century, when they purchased the vineyards in Rudesheim within the Rheingau region. In 1900, Wegeler then founded the Bernkastel estate within the Mosel. They had a wine press house built according to the principle of gravity. In this wine press house, production was to be spread over three floors, making use - as the name suggests - of the principle of gravity. The idea was to do away with additional equipment such as pumps and steps such as decanting and let gravity do the work.

Today, the Wegeler estate vineyards in the Rheingau and Mosel regions cover a total of 60 hectares (75/25 percent split). The philosophy of the Wegelers can be summed up in a phrase they coined as early as 1882: “Qualität ist unsere Philosophie” (Quality is our philosophy). This claim has not changed until today. The wines are produced exclusively by hand, aged in the winery’s own cellars and bottled in its own bottling facilities. This means that the entire production process, from the planting of the vineyard to the bottled wine, can be monitored without interruption.

Over the course of 4 generations, the Wegelers have made possible the expression of Riesling in all its forms. There is no specific Wegeler style other than that of an excellence and passion for the pure expression of Riesling. This grape variety is revealed in the exquisite cuvees of the estate, including this Qba - a wine for everyday drinking.

[Igor_Ivanov]

Boutari, Naoussa 2016 - From $19.99 to $14.99
https://vinousreverie.com/boutari-naoussa-2016/

The Naoussa appellation is exclusively for reds made from probably Greece’s greatest red variety, Xinomavro and nowadays there’s a range of styles, from the traditionally tannic (reputation for wines that can age for decades, with some similarity to Nebbiolo), to the softer versions intended for earlier drinking, as well as those that split the difference or try to do both. There is also significant clonal variation, six having been identified. Limiting yields, dense clusters of big berries, is critical for wine quality.

Boutari was established in Naoussa in 1879. They own 250 acres across several estates from Crete and Santorini in the islands to Naoussa in the north. Their Xinomavro wines are traditional in style with pronounced tannins, like this one which is a blend of several vineyard sites. You get very ripe plums on the nose with some spice notes. Soft and smooth on the palate but still has firm rounded tannins and pretty crisp on the finish. Best with food.

93 points Wine & Spirits
“Boutari’s basic Naoussa is a bargain in 2016, a vintage that started off hot and fast but mellowed by September. It’s lean and elegant, with tangy, spicy plum-skin flavors and notes of fresh earth adding breadth. The tannins feel long and buffed, firm enough to allow this to age well for another five to ten years in the cellar, but fine enough to enjoy the wine now, with roast leg of lamb.”

[Igor_Ivanov]

40% OFF Super (Duper?) Tuscan…

Michele Satta, Bolgheri Rosso 2018
https://vinousreverie.com/michele-satta-bolgheri-rosso-2018/

An important difference between Michele Satta and other big names like Ornellaia or Sassicaia is that the determined wine producer in Bolgheri runs the oldest winery that belongs to a winemaker. Satta founded the winery in the comune of Castagneto Carducci at a time when grape growing in the Tuscan region was in its infancy and great successes were still to come. His innovative path was new in Bolgheri at the time. Thus he, supported by his wife Lucy from the very beginning in his decisions, not only focused on the international varieties Cabernet, Merlot and Syrah, but also on the regional staple - Sangiovese.

Tasting notes
This Bolgheri Rosso has an intense ruby red color with intense and fresh notes of red and black fruit with perceptions of scents of leather and tobacco. The palate is wonderfully harmonious and accessible, fresh fruity with a solid backbone of tannin, finishing with persistence and elegance. Food pairing: Main dishes featuring red or white meats, mushroom-based pasta or rice dishes.

91 points Falstaff
“Lots of cool wild berry fruit on the nose. Concentrated notes of blackberry, red currant and sour cherry. In addition, spicy hints of cinnamon and laurel. Juicy, elegant acidity and fine-grained tannins on the palate. Lots of dark berry fruit and sour cherries. Long finish.”

Jancis Robinson
“30% Sangiovese, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 10% Syrah, 10% Teroldego – quite a blend, a blend of all the varieties grown on the estate, from Bolgheri’s champion of Sangiovese – a rare beast! This well-established domaine of 23 ha is now tended by Michele’s son Giacomo. Ten years’ ageing is promised.
Mid to deep crimson. Rather a sweet nose that appeals a little less to me than Satta’s Sangiovese-dominated wines. But on the palate there’s a lovely counterbalancing tang. There is real energy here – this is a wine that cries out for food. I’m won over – especially by the nervy balance of fruit, acid and tannin on the palate. With its sweetness, it could be just the thing for our Chinese takeaway tonight.” 16.5/20 points.

[Igor_Ivanov]

Dog Point Vineyard, Chardonnay Marlborough 2018

Dog Point Vineyard, Chardonnay Marlborough 2018

“…with its light reduction/struck match whiff, it was very similar in some respects to how many of us remember the Coche-Dury wines of the first decade of this century. Except of course for the price.” ~Jancis Robinson

Dog Point’s Chardonnay is a head-turner because of the immense reputation they have as a Sauvignon Blanc producer. Their Chardonnay is not just good – it’s one of the very best in New Zealand. The intensive vineyard work they carry out to produce distinctive Sauvignon Blanc results in fantastically complex Chardonnay fruit as well - when carried out in clay hillsides of Marlborough. And, in turn, their use of wild yeasts and long aging gives the wine a generosity and integration that provides easy pleasure.

This wine is distinctive due to extraordinary vineyard holdings, intense vineyard management geared towards low yields and hand-picked fruit (rarity in New Zealand) and long, low intervention winemaking. The effect this work has on Chardonnay is wild – the wine is intensely expressive, with loads of fruit, leesy character and chalky minerality that is almost textural.

Tasting Notes
The nose opens with gunflint, smoke and gravelly tones that sit alongside the citrus core of fruit flavors. The extended barrel ageing shows nutty flavors and creamy texture with saline and crisp palate structure.

94 points James Suckling
“A complex chardonnay with guava, lime and lightly grilled-peach aromas, as well as flint and toasted hazelnut. The palate has an impressively taut and concentrated feel with praline, hazelnut, peach and lemon flavors all intertwined. Good depth here. Drink now.”

93 points Wine Spectator
“Rich and toasty upfront, with hazelnut, nutmeg and cardamom details that mingle with peach, poached pear and green apple flavors and a hint of gunpowder tea on a supple and juicy frame. Drink now through 2030. 1,000 cases made, 50 cases imported.”

Jancis Robinson
“Yet again, there’s some reductive character – aiming at Coche? Real beginning, middle and end to the fresh, leesy, super-clean fruit. Bone-dry, smoky finish. Invigorating.” 17/20 points.

[Igor_Ivanov]

Off the beaten path jewel as Deal of the Week

Hetszolo, ‘Late Harvest’ Tokaj 2016 (500ml) - From $18.99 to $12.99**

Hetszolo, ‘Late Harvest’ Tokaj 2016 (500ml)

Heading a little off the beaten path, here is one of Tokaj’s best kept secrets - an organic, late harvest sweet wine from the same ownership as 2nd Growth Ch Cos d’Estournel.

There is a jewel in every crown. On the southern side of Mount Tokaj, Tokaj-Hetszolo owns the most fertile land with exceptional vines, and since 1502 nature has generously given more of its fruits here than anywhere else. At the creation of the Estate, the Garai family selected the best 7 parcels of the Tokaj Mountain, hence the name – Het / Szolo means “7 parcels of vineyard” in Hungarian. These parcels were classed as Tokaj Premier Grand Cru as early as 1772, when the Estate still belonged to the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

The famous Tokaji Aszú is a sweet wine much like Sauternes; but this late harvest wine is not as sweet and is meant to be consumed younger than its botrytized siblings to enjoy its bright fruit intensity. Made from Furmint but more comparable to a good Spätlese Riesling from Germany in sweetness. The naturally high acidity of Furmint makes it perfect for this style of wine as it balances the sweetness and leaves the finish refreshing. Overall, an excellent food-wine that pairs particularly nicely with spicy/highly seasoned food, or even as an aperitif!

90 points Wine Spectator
"Tropical pineapple, passion fruit and guava notes mix with hints of white truffle and honeycomb in this lightly sweet, lithe white backed by vibrant acidity. Features a lingering, juicy finish. Drink now through 2024.

[Igor_Ivanov]

30% Off Burgundy 1er Cru as Deal of the Week

*[Derey Freres, Les Hervelets 1er Cru Fixin 2017 - From $59.99 to $39.99

Derey Freres, Les Hervelets 1er Cru Fixin 2017

Fixin appellation, which received official recognition in 1936, is abutting Gevrey-Chambertin in the Cote de Nuits district of Burgundy. Producing red wines that are similarly flavored and structured to Gevrey, though currently of lesser fame. There are several Premier Cru vineyards: like this bottlings of Les Hervelets in addition to Clos de la Perriere, Clos Napoleon, and Clos du Chapitre. These Crus are on reasonably homogenous brown limestone soils with east to south-east exposures and at 1,200 ft of altitude although Les Hervelets soil is more marly.

The Derey Frères estate has been in the family since 16580 and covers 50 acres, spread over a string of sites from Dijon to Gevrey-Chambertin. This historical presence is just a stone’s throw from the Burgundy metropolis is its added value.

The estate undertook an organic conversion on its entire property and is now High Environmental Value (HVE) certified with the thought that good material can only be born a good wine. Vinification process for Pinot Noir: slow maceration with 50% whole bunch fermentation, indigenous yeasts and low sulphite additions.

Tasting Notes
Fixin are typically known as “winter wines” because they need to spend some time in bottle. High-colored - brilliant deep purple or what the Burgundians call “deep mid-red”. The bouquet comprises flower scents (violet, peony), fruits (blackcurrant, Morello cherry, quince), animal scents, musk and pepper. The tannins are still firm and if cellared will become more rounded. There is palate fullness that is complimented with delicate texture. A great candidate for inventive food pairings like paella, spring rolls as well as luscious cheese like Comte.

[Igor_Ivanov]

Gastronomic Grand Cru Pinot Gris as Deal of the Week

Maurice Schoech & Fils, “Mambourg” Pinot Gris Grand Cru 2016

Maurice Schoech & Fils, "Mambourg" Pinot Gris Grand Cru Alsace 2016

A brief overview of Alsace. Located in the northeast corner of France, flanked by the Vosges mountains, the Rhine and Germany’s Black Forest. Six rivers rise in the Vosges, flowing through the 60-mile strip of vineyards into River Ill. Protected from the full effect of Atlantic influences by the mountains, the vineyards are furnished with an exceptional amount of warm sunshine and a very low rainfall; nestle on the lower east-facing slopes of the mountain at high altitude between 600–1,200 feet; with the best of them having a south or southeast exposure.

Also, Alsace has the most complex geological situation of all the great wine areas of France. The three basic morphological and structural areas are: the siliceous edge of the Vosges; limestone hills; and the hydrous alluvial plain. The reputation Mambourg cru has been documented since 783, at the time known as the “Sigolttesberg.” Located within limestone hills - limestone coteau with calcareous clay topsoil, Mambourg stretches for three-quarters of a mile, penetrating farther into the plain than any other spur of the Vosges foothills. Its vineyards are the warmest in Alsace, producing wines that tend to be rich and warm, mellow and liquorous. Leading the Pinot Gris have plenty of smoky-rich spice in them.

The Schoech family can trace its roots in the vineyards of Ammerschwihr back to 1650. The current estate was established in 1971 on the edge of the village. The estate produces 25 different cuvees from 25 acres of vines, 70% of which are located in prime hillside locations and harvested manually including 2.5 acres in Mambourg. This Mambourg Pinot Gris is a wine of opulence, with rich fruit that seems to lift off the palate on a mineral base. The deep color, compelling nose and satisfying balance truly affect the senses and can be explored on its own or with rich foods.

93 points Wine Enthusiast
“Ripe notes of russet pear are tinged with lemon freshness on the nose. The palate comes in with concentrated and generous juiciness. Lots of pear fruit swirls and is amplified by spirited warmth, but both these elements are framed with lemon freshness, pulling it all into a balanced, even and just off-dry finish. Drink until 2028.”

[Igor_Ivanov]

25% OFF Cru-Level Nebbiolo as Deal of the Week

Conterno Fantino, Ginestrino Nebbiolo Langhe 2018
https://vinousreverie.com/conterno-fantino-ginestrino-nebbiolo-langhe-2018/

Conterno Fantino was founded in 1982 by two friends, Guido Fantino and Claudio Conterno, whose parents and grandparents had all earned their livelihood working in vineyards. The reputation they have built for themselves is based on their vineyard management which is focused on authenticity and respect for the soil and terroir. Ginestra is the estate’s original cru and it is a historic one for Barolo, documented as far back as the 1800s. The younger, organically certified vines (15-year-old) from this Cru go into the Langhe blend.

Made from the Michet and Lampia Nebbiolo sub-varieties grown in a young vineyard in Monforte d’Alba, in sand and clay soil from about 650-1,450 feet above sea level. Vineyards are south-, southwest- and southeast-facing, on a 25%-40% gradient. This produces an elegant wine with lighter structure and all the freshness and crisp primary fruity and floral aromas a young Nebbiolo is known for.

Tasting Notes
Very lively ruby color with garnet reflections; persistent and appealing bouquet with notes of brier rose and peach pit; on the palate, roundness is balanced by characteristic tannins and structure.

93 points Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
“The Conterno Fantino 2018 Langhe Nebbiolo Ginestrino opens to fragrant and delicate aromas straight from the Nebbiolo playlist. The wine opens to pretty aromas of wild cherry, rose, blood orange and iron ore. Winemaking starts with stainless steel and concludes with 10 months in French oak. The vines are planted in clay soils, and when you study the bouquet in depth, you do perceive a tad more structure and concentration as a result.”

[Igor_Ivanov]

40% OFF Gloriously sweet Vouvray as Deal of the Week
Le Clos de la Meslerie, Moelleux Vouvray 2015
https://vinousreverie.com/le-clos-de-la-meslerie-moelleux-vouvray-2015/

Peter Hahn’s Vouvray captures the unique terroir of its site overlooking the village of Vernou-sur-Brenne, located directly east of the village of Vouvray yet still situated within the appellation. The Clos de la Meslerie has a winemaking history that dates back to the eighteenth century, but when Peter Hahn acquired the estate in 2002, no wine had been bottled there for many years. Peter diligently began renovating the dilapidated chateau and chai (wine cellar), and earned his oenology certificate while waiting for the existing sharecropping agreements on his land to expire. He regained control in 2007 and undertook the herculean task of revitalizing his poorly-tended vineyards. Peter is a passionate practitioner of “natural” winemaking techniques, using organic and biodynamic practices in the vineyards, managing vine and grape growth manually, picking by hand and, most remarkably, using a meticulously restored decades-old basket press which extracts only “first-run” juice from his grapes. The result of this precision and dedication is wine of the very highest quality, true to its appellation and distinctive in its character.

He produces just one wine from his estate which, in its breadth and clarity, expresses the specific ‘terroir’ of the Clos de la Meslerie - effectively a single vineyard wine with a marked identity. As such, he doesn’t categorize his wines as Sec (dry), Demi-Sec (off-dry) or Moelleux (sweet), in the belief that the critical definition is provided by the “Clos” where the vineyard and vintage conditions with define the character of the wine. With 2015 vintage having 65 g/l of residual sugar, it is clearly a Moelleux. Moelleux wines always sport a lightning bolt of acidity, which counterbalances the intense sweetness and makes the wines ageable for decades.

Jancis Robinson
“Full bottle 1,271 g. Certified Ecocert organic. 75-year-old Chenin vines on clay and flint. Hand-picked. 12 months in oak barrels on lees. No malo. RS 65 g/l.
Lime-pickle dry and sorrel sharp compared with so many of these much sweeter moelleux. This has the lime and stone and petrichor power of a Grosses Gewachs Riesling but with the underlying wax and lanolin and lazy-flower strata of Chenin. Hay, chamomile, pears cut from stone, stone carved from honey. A wine that, utterly, tastes of the earth. I feel as if I am licking late summer soil and cellar air and cellar stone steps in every lime-tangelo-candied-lemon-peel mouthful. The texture is wax thick, but the acidity is needle sharp. A fascinating wine. A sommelier could have so much fun with this! (TC)” 17/20 points.

Karen MacNeil - The Wine Bible
“In the first decade of the 2000s, expat American Peter Hahn restored by hand a rundown old stone house built in the 1600s, and the few hectares of clay-chalk vineyard surrounding it, naming the vine Le Clos de la Meslerie. Hahn’s Vouvrays are massive, intense, very ripe, full-bodies wines, yet they manage to have an amazing tightness and through-line energy. And while energy may seem like an odd word, there’s no better term for their explosive quince, citrus, honey cake, and minerally character.”

[Igor_Ivanov]

Southern France’s best? as Deal of the Week
Cebene, Ex Arena Vin de Pays d’Oc 2016
https://vinousreverie.com/cebene-ex-arena-vin-de-pays-doc-2016/

In 10+ years of reading Jancis Robinson, I can’t recall her trying to highlight any wine producer more than Brigitte Chevalier of Domaine Cebene (to what seems like a lost cause) who makes wines in the distinctive Faugères appellation in the northern Languedoc. In the article, Insisting on schist, “I asked Chevalier’s US importer Eric Solomon of European Cellars why I could find so few listings of her wines on the generally trustworthy Wine-Searcher.com, and then only older vintages. He emailed his frustration…: ‘the wines are brilliant but in a strange middle price point. The market here in recent years has not embraced Languedoc wines except for the cheap and (not very) cheerful candidates.’” Since than apparently the frustrations with sales have boiled over and European Cellars have ended their relationship with Domaine Cebene. And yes, as of now, this is the only one of Domaine Cebene’s wines you can find anywhere is US - here at Vinous Reverie (on a bright side, you can also find it in Singapore as well).

Ex Arena is Latin for “From the Sand,” an homage to the terroir from which this wine originates. Located in Corneilhan about 20km from the Mediterranean and at an elevation of 40m above sea level, It’s a blend of primarily Grenache, with a small addition of Mourvedre. The average age of these vines is 35 years old. The freely draining sandy soil is deep and rocky and was once an ancient beach eons ago – a terroir that results in extremely low yields.

92 Points Jeb Dunnuck
“A wine that always seems to deliver incredible bang for the buck, the 2016 Ex Arena is a tank-aged blend of 90% Grenache and 10% Mourvèdre. It has gorgeous bouquet of saddle leather, black cherries, garrigue, lavender, and pepper. Complex, elegant, yet pure southern France gorgeousness, with good freshness and a great finish…”

Jancis Robinson
“… on a distinctive deep alluvial terroir north of Béziers in Corneilhan.
Pale ruby. Heady sweet perfume with beguiling strawberry fruit. Great lift and freshness. Fruit at first and then a dry, appetising finish, but overall so very juicy and appealing. I think you could serve this at at a wide range of temperatures. Long.” 17/20 points."

Jancis Robinson - Wine of the Week
“Wine made by a relatively old hand – and a new producer in Faugères.
This is one of the most accessible of the brilliant wines of Brigitte Chevalier, pictured at the entrance to her vat room above. Ex Arena is grown 15 km (9 miles) from Faugères in the first vineyard she bought, so is very much part of the history of her Domaine de Cébène. Soils here are sandy (hence ‘ex arena’ from the Latin) rather than the characteristic schist of the Faugères appellation, and this Grenache-based blend has to be sold as a ‘mere’ IGP Pays d’Oc but, the product of particularly gentle extraction, it’s certainly not second best. All the wines she makes are certified organic.
I recently tasted all the latest releases from Dom de Cébène, mostly 2019s plus the 2020 vintage of Chevalier’s relatively new early-drinking À La Venvole.
Here’s my note on the most recent vintage, 2020 bottled spring 2021, of Ex Arena, which gives some idea of this cuvée’s likely longevity and its relatively moderate alcohol (13.5%) for a Grenache:
This can’t be sold as Faugères because it’s grown not on schist but on Villafranchian soil (a 40-m deep bed of sea sediment and alluvial deposits of stone, pebbles, red sand and gravel – hence the name which means ‘out of the sand’). 90% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre. Tiny yields. 35-year-old vines. Certified organic.
Transparent ruby. Gamey nose that’s quite savoury and serious. Then delightfully, flirtatiously sweet on the palate yet structured and with excellent acidity. Brigitte Chevalier’s wines just get better and better. This one has a seriously long finish, and is obviously made with such delicacy. Very fine tannins on the end. Probably best kept until next year but it would certainly not be painful to drink it now with food. 17 2022–28
All Chevalier’s wines are red and generally blends of the Languedoc staples Syrah, Grenache and, a special favourite of hers, Mourvèdre with her cuvée Belle Lurette dominated by Carignan. You can read how she went from selling Jean-Luc Thunevin of St-Émilion’s wines to establishing one of the most admired estates in Faugères in Insisting on schist.
Her recuperated parcels of vines are all within easy reach of her home in the northern, higher sector of the appellation, many facing north, and she is keenly aware of this very special environment in the wilds of the Haut-Languedoc.
Now that she has her own underground wine cellar, beneath her house on a windy hill (pictured above), her wines do seem to be getting subtler and more satisfying with every vintage. Her UK importer is Vine Trail and in the US it is Eric Solomon of European Cellars. Each vintage sees a slightly different blend and she believes in giving the wines bottle age before releasing them – which is just as well as the recent US tariffs on French imports put paid to keeping up with the latest vintages in the US. And even in the UK, 2016 seems to be the most recent vintage of Ex Arena on Vine Trail’s website. James Nicholson of Northern Ireland seems to be able to offer more recent vintages.
Whichever vintage you can find, I feel confident on the basis of our many tasting notes in recommending any wine of Domaine de Cébène. Bancèls is based on Syrah and comes from the extraordinary old north-facing ‘escargot’ vineyard on schist. Felgaria is a rarity, dominated as it is by Mourvèdre grown on schist.
The prices are so extremely reasonable – possibly too reasonable, I argued in Insisting on schist, to create American demand. Until that bubbles up, the rest of us can benefit from the value on offer here.”

[Igor_Ivanov]

Double 90±point, sub-$10 Mosel Riesling as Deal of the Week

Max Ferd. Richter is one of the most traditional Estates in the Mosel. Its roots go as far back as the 17th century. Thanks to smart buys (and marriages!) by the different Richters at the helm of this Estate, its current owners have the privilege of working almost every grand terroir in the Middle Mosel - where all the historic glory of German Riesling rests. Vineyards like Wehlener Sonnenhur, Brauneberger Juffer-Sonnenuhr and the Graacher Himmelreich comprise some of the most heralded sites in the world for Riesling and no estate has better holdings than Max Ferd. Richter. Below are two great examples: Graacher Himmelreich and Estate Rieslings.

Max Ferd Richter, Graacher Himmelreich Kabinett 2017 - $18.99
https://vinousreverie.com/max-ferdinand-richter-riesling-graacher-himmelreich-kabinett-2017/

The Graacher Himmelreich (translates to “kingdom of heaven”) vineyard is situated south east. The steep slope of Graach connects directly to the Wehlen sundial, but has a much deeper and stronger ground. Although blue slate predominates, the Graach wines are often stronger and broader than their neighbors. This is due to the comparatively high proportion of clay and the associated alluvial stone and river pebbles. In addition to citrus notes, herbal, floral notes often dominate, as well as complex minerality of slate and flint.

93 points Mosel Fine Wines
“The 2017er Graacher Himmelreich Kabinett was harvested at 84-85° Oechsle from very old un-grafted vines in the Goldwingert part of the vineyard. It displays a most beautiful nose made of white flowers, whipped almond cream, vineyard peach, tangerine and candied grapefruit. The wine is very delicate and beautifully light-weighted on the palate, layers upon layers of smoke, grapefruit zest and spices add presence and complexity. This is a marvelous Kabinett in the making.”

92+ points Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
“From 70- to 80-year-old vines, the 2017 Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett is clear, bright, cool and flinty on the crystalline and reductive nose. The attack on the palate is racy-piquant, and the wine reveals lush and delicate fruit with lingering salinity and a frisky character as well as serious ambitions. The wine is slightly creamy (though not as much as the Juffer #4) yet tensioned, vital and highly stimulating, but it needs some years to soften its playful aggressions. Tasted in March 2019.”

Max Ferd Richter, Riesling Estate 2018 - $9.99
https://vinousreverie.com/max-ferdinand-richter-riesling-estate-2018/

Estate Riesling comes from young vines in the Brauneberg Juffer, Erdener Herrenberg and Graacher Himmelreich. The wine offers a nice nose of mirabelle, laurel, a hint of camphor, fine smoke, and spices. The wine proves rather ripe and slightly sweet on the ample palate but leaves a comparatively crisp and tart feel in the long and intense finish.

91 points Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
“From younger parcels (30+ years old) in premier and grand crus, the 2018 Richter Estate Riesling opens with a very delicate, bright, remarkably elegant, refined and floral bouquet of iron-rich slate and perfectly ripe, concentrated Riesling fruit. Mainly sourced in the Juffer but also in the Himmelreich and Treppchen, this is a lush and generous but highly delicate and filigreed Riesling with a salty-piquant, intense and mouth-filling finish. The acidity is stunningly fresh but tartaric. This is a gorgeous Mosel Riesling, and I guess this wine has never been any better. Bottled in early March and tasted in late March 2019.”

90 points John Gilman
“The Estate Riesling this year is not a Trocken, as it settled into a fine point of balance with still twenty grams of residual sugar. The wine is made from a selection of younger vines in the estate’s top grand cru vineyards and is very elegant in profile in 2018, offering up 10.5 percent alcohol; it had been bottled just ahead of Prowein. The wine was still showing a touch timidly on the nose after its mise, but with a bit of coaxing showed elements of pear, slate, wild yeasts and a lovely topnote of white flowers. On the palate the wine was much more on form, displaying a medium-full format, bright, zesty acids, fine focus and grip and lovely backend mineral drive on the long, balanced and classy finish. This is going to be a fine value and it is too bad it was bottled under screwcap, as it would have aged very long and gracefully.”

[ky1em1ttskus]

Finally got me, Igor. In for a case to split with my dad.

[Igor_Ivanov]

Thank you for the order. I really appreciate it. I hope you guys enjoy it.

Have a nice weekend.

[Igor_Ivanov]

40% OFF - 92-point, sub-$15 Vacqueyras as Deal of the Week

Domaine de l’Oiselet, Vacqueyras 2016 - From $24.99 to $14.99
https://vinousreverie.com/domaine-de-loiselet-vacqueyras-2016/

The 3rd in the pecking order of Southern Rhone communes (only behind Chateauneuf-du-Pape and Gigondas), Vacqueyras and its wines continue to fly under the radar of its more famous neighbors. In Vacqueyras, the inclusion of a high percentage of complementary varieties generally gives Grenache a bit more up-front structure in the early going than most other wines in the southern Rhone - these wines then tend to hold up well until ages 8-10. Typically not as flamboyant as Chateauneuf-du-Pape, they are generally lower alcohol levels with a more modest oak influence. They are also extremely food-friendly, and pair well with strongly seasoned foods as well as lighter fare and pair especially well with mushroom dishes.

Domaine de l’Oiselet is located right in the heart of Provence, at the foot of Mont Ventoux and of the Dentelles de Montmirail, right in the middle of the Vacqueyras appellation. They have been tending grapes for 5 generations. All of their vineyards are organically certified (Ecocert) - only use products of natural origin on their vines.

Tasting Notes
Deep ruby color, with an intense nose and notes of cassis and figs and a spicy nuance. On the palate, this wine is powerful, warm, with silky tannins.

92 points Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
“More structured than the 2015, this estate’s 2016 Vacqueyras is a full-bodied, richly textured and firm wine that should drink well over the next 5-8 years. Hints of rosemary and cola accent the mixed-berry fruit, finishing dry and savory.”