Collection: August Newsletter

$31.99 bottle / $179.34($29.89) six-pack Willamette Valley growers and winemakers have been talking up the 2024 vintage for the last two years and this wine demonstrates why they are so excited.  Comprised of Weber, Durant and Stater fruit, this is classic Kelley Fox Dundee Hills Pinot Noir. Aromas of Hood strawberries and a hint of cinnamon from the partial whole-cluster ferment segue to the Chambolle-Musigny-like palate that is grace personified. Silky, seamless and delicious! “The Mirabai 2024 is a youthful, rich red with blue undertones and brilliant transparency. The nose is full of abundant Hood strawberries and red raspberries with subtle warm spices. The 2024 is utterly fresh. As fresh as the cool, rain-air. The mouth becomes quite focused after the almost lush beginning, but maintains its juiciness throughout. The extended, silky finish has beautiful tension and balance. This is a serious Mirabai, and in the past, I would have loved for any of my single vineyard Pinots to be as well-composed as this one is.” - Kelley Fox

$55.99 bottle / $311.94($51.99) six-pack Lancelot-Royer is a tiny grower in the grand cru village of Cramant that is somehow overlooked by most of the national press and instagram somm stars. That’s great for both of us since it keeps the price from unnaturally inflating.  What’s so special about high-end Cote de Blanc Champagne? Besides expressing a chalky minerality, the Cuvée des Chevaliers offers a sense weight and richness that escapes most other Blanc de Blancs anywhere near this price point. Aromas of just baked croissants and lemon cream rise from the glass and segue to the opulent palate where flavors of crème brûlée, crystalline Chardonnay fruit, lemon zest, and a lashing of chalky minerality await. While the Cuvée des Chevaliers is already showing uncommon depth, it will only gain in complexity for several years to come. Warning: It’s very hard to put your glass down once you’ve tasted this delicious Champagne.

The region that most frequently competes with the quality and complexity of Champagne's sparkling wines is the Jura. Stéphane and Bénédicte Tissot continue their run of impressive bottlings with their latest Crémant release by blending 50% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir and 5% each of Poulsard and Trousseau. Heady aromas like persimmon, baked red apple, and creme fraiche compliment the beautiful golden color. The intense palate ups the ante with flavors of tangy yellow fruit, crisp apple, toasted hazelnuts, and quince. Super fine bubbles compel the long and persistent finish with an incredible interplay between the dry, mineral complexity and rich, delicious generosity. Amaze, Amaze, Amaze.  -Lance's Pick

In more vintages than not, Rancia is usually my favorite wine of Tuscany. It runs circles around other Chianti Classicos and Brunellos costing three times as much, making it one of the greatest values in Italian wine - period. In terms of Tuscan wine age-worthiness and complexity only the very best Brunello di Montalcinos can stand alongside Rancia after 15-30 years or more in the cellar. I’m still enjoying the 1985 and 1990 Rancia in my cellar. “The 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Rancia is the first vintage in which Rancia moves from Riserva to Gran Selezione. More importantly, Fèlsina appears to be back on track after two years, during which Rancia underperformed because of the inclusion of a parcel that did not work in the blend and contributed a slight vegetal character. The 2021 marries power and finesse in the way only Rancia can. Black cherry, leather, game, spice, licorice, tobacco and grilled herbs are all finely knit in a brooding yet elegant Gran Selezione that delivers the goods. Superb. Drink 2026-2046.” - 95+ Vinous

Along with La Rioja Alta, Lopez de Heredia is the greatest source of age-worthy traditional Rioja. Viña Cubillo is comprised mainly of 40+ year old Tempranillo vines with a little Garnacha, and a touch each of Mazuelo and Graciano. Even though it is released as a Crianza, it meets the requirements of a Reserva and almost Gran Reserva. This red is highly aromatic with notes of baking spices, leather, orange peel and dried cherries. Super delicious now, it will age beautifully for many years. “Aged for three years in 225-liter American oak, the 2018 Crianza Viña Cubillo (70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha, 5% Graciano, 5% Mazuelo) displays deeper black fruit than is typical for the house. On the nose, sandalwood, cedar and delicate vanilla intertwine with intense field herbs and pine. The palate is defined by chalky tension and agile freshness, supported by light grip and a persistent, savory finish. Drink 2026-2040.” - 91 Vinous & 94 Wine Advocate

$24.99 bottle / $131.94($21.99) six-pack If you're unfamiliar with Loire Cabernet Franc or have had your interest peaked by Washington or California Cab Francs and want to take the step to more complex and food-friendly wines, then here's the ticket! The Le Domaine is Baudry's Chinon cuvée is made for near to medium term drinking and it can't be beat for its price-to-quality ratio as a bistro style red. The 2023 offers elegant aromas of berry, wet stone, and herbs, with supple, fresh red fruit and mineral flavors carrying through the palate. It’s very aromatic with ripe Cab Franc fruit that sidles up nicely next to soil-driven notes. It drinks well now but has the structure to reward another five to ten years in the cellar. Pair it with game, roasted duck, or a plate of wild mushrooms. Enjoy with burgers, steaks, mushroom dishes and all manner of pork. A great deal.

$31.99 bottle / $179.94($29.99) six-pack First off, we love the 2024 Loire Valley vintage as it is a return to an era of more classic wines with its warm as opposed to blistering hot growing season.  This wine is all about Sancerre terroir. Textbook Sancerre aromas of lime zest, pink grapefruit, and smoky minerals explode from the glass. The palate shows excellent balance with an intense mineral vein complementing the wine's almost perfect fruit expression. So refreshing as an aperitif and so versatile at the table. How about some halibut with beurre blanc sauce?  Fan-freakin’-tastic.

As much wine as we feature from the Langhe and the Alto Piemonte, it’s been a few years since we’ve featured a Dolcetto. This isn’t just any Dolcetto though - in the cooler 2024 vintage, this bottling contains all of the fruit from Vajra’s Coste & Fosatti vineyards, two highly regarded Barolo vineyards which are, of course, more expensive.  The 2024 Vajra Dolcetto rises far, far above the average quaffable Dolcetto. This is so much more complex, balanced and interesting than typical Dolcetto. This is ready to go and it’s so versatile at the table.

$54.99 / $299.94($49.99) six-pack Here's a chance for a serious and transparent Bourgogne rouge from a classic estate. The Les Vergelesses is an excellent premier cru site where 40+ year old vines grow on clay, limestone, and light gravelly soil. Aromatics unfurl nicely over a couple hours expressing ripe red berries, blood orange citrus, currants, rose petal that are grounded by a brooding earthy component. The palate has nice verve and good structure that mesh easily with the pure Pinot fruit. Decant, spatchcock a chicken for the grill and enjoy! -Lance's Pick