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$25.98
This zero dosage Brut is a blend of 90% Chenin Blanc, 5% Chardonnay, and 5% Cabernet Franc. All the fruit is drawn from old (50 years average age) vines planted on limestone slopes Read More...
which were organically farmed. The first fermentation was took place in 3 to 4 year ols oak barrels and was dirven by indigenous yeasts. This sparkler opens with facinating bakery and stone fruit aromas while the palate is all about taught melon fruit overlain with notions of fossils and chalk.
$6.99
After going through about two dozen wines in search of “The One”®, the bottle exuding a certain je ne sais quoi, the vin extraordinaire with the astounding quality and reasonable Read More...
pricing to become our Wine of the Month, we tasted this 1749 2010 Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire. Ahhh. This was and is it.
With a forward nose of vivid fruits, from gooseberry to white peach and white grapefruit, melded with a touch of river water, lanolin and nougat, the palate on 1749 continued and expanded on the initial fruit-laden theme. Sweet yet almost tart, notes of star fruit, more gooseberry and white grapefruit merged with a lush mouthfeel, counterbalanced by good acidity to keep it clean and buoyant. Hints of apricots, orange blossoms and clover honey furthered the delicious depth on the palate. The finish is fresh and quick but with a lingering fruit essence and mixed floral touch that reverberates nicely.
This wine is perfect for the warm weather we’ve been having and has a classic Loire Valley profile with a nice dollop of New Zealand-esque citrus-- it’s balanced, clean, fresh, uplifting and clearly a worthy Hi-Time Wine of the Month. Enjoy!
With a forward nose of vivid fruits, from gooseberry to white peach and white grapefruit, melded with a touch of river water, lanolin and nougat, the palate on 1749 continued and expanded on the initial fruit-laden theme. Sweet yet almost tart, notes of star fruit, more gooseberry and white grapefruit merged with a lush mouthfeel, counterbalanced by good acidity to keep it clean and buoyant. Hints of apricots, orange blossoms and clover honey furthered the delicious depth on the palate. The finish is fresh and quick but with a lingering fruit essence and mixed floral touch that reverberates nicely.
This wine is perfect for the warm weather we’ve been having and has a classic Loire Valley profile with a nice dollop of New Zealand-esque citrus-- it’s balanced, clean, fresh, uplifting and clearly a worthy Hi-Time Wine of the Month. Enjoy!
$32.99
Abbatucci’s red is otherworldly. Like nothing you’ve ever tried, the native Sciacarellù planted in granite screams out of the glass in a blaze of wild glory. Fresh and supremely textured, Read More...
long and complex, this is a medium-bodied red that is guaranteed to evoke “wows.” It has a spirit and character all its own.
$15.99
This nose is complex, intense, and powerful. Dominate floral notes are acacia and jasmine. There are also hints of vanilla and spices.The palate is fresh and tangy. With hints of pepper Read More...
and spice.
100% Vermintino
100% Vermintino
$74.95
WINE ADVOCATE 93 POINTS - "The 2004 Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru L’Avizoise is another explosive, full-bodied wine bursting at the seams with fruit. This, too, Read More...
shows wonderful shades of dimension in a style that deftly balances exuberance with cool, reserved minerality. Agrapart crafts the Avizoise from two parcels of 50-year-old vines in the lieu-dits of Les Robarts and La Voie d’Epernay. Fermentation took place in neutral oak barrels and dosage was 5 grams per liter. Disgorged: January, 2010. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020."
Rating: ** The chalky-clay soils of the Avize hillside give this wine a certain body and breadth, as well as a darkly spicy minerality that drives the flavors on the palate. Part of that breadth, though, could also be coming from the wine’s lees-aging on cork instead of capsule, as it also demonstrates toasty, mocha-like notes that are often common to cork-aged champagnes. This shows a greater subtlety and nuance than the Minéral does, even if it hasn’t got quite the same piercing clarity of expression, and it’s more reserved at the moment as well, needing some time in the cellar to bring out its full range of flavor. The finish is outstanding, persisting with confident, baritone presence. Last tasted: 10/10. -Peter Leim
Rating: ** The chalky-clay soils of the Avize hillside give this wine a certain body and breadth, as well as a darkly spicy minerality that drives the flavors on the palate. Part of that breadth, though, could also be coming from the wine’s lees-aging on cork instead of capsule, as it also demonstrates toasty, mocha-like notes that are often common to cork-aged champagnes. This shows a greater subtlety and nuance than the Minéral does, even if it hasn’t got quite the same piercing clarity of expression, and it’s more reserved at the moment as well, needing some time in the cellar to bring out its full range of flavor. The finish is outstanding, persisting with confident, baritone presence. Last tasted: 10/10. -Peter Leim
$124.95
Brothers Arthur and Fabrice Agrapart have guided the rise of their family’s Champagne estate since 1984. Blessed with a patrimony of outstanding Côte des Blancs vineyard parcels (mostly Read More...
Grand Cru rated) the duo has maximized the potential of their land through rigorous biodynamic viticulture practices and non-interventionist winemaking techniques. Their hard work and skill has resulted in consistently high critical acclaim and, as one would expect, a burgeoning fan base. While it is great to see the family’s dedication and hard work pay off, their success has caused our allocations to grow smaller with each new release. These latest vintage bottlings are in particularly short supply. All the quoted remarks below are those of Peter Leim from his Champagnequide.net website. Peter’s ratings follow the Michelin Guide style where even a single star “...denotes a wine of particular quality and distinctiveness of character, one that stands out among its peers in some significant way.”
“Compared to Agrapart’s other wines the Vénus always shows a greater dimension and subtlety, with a complexity not only of fruit, but also of minerality. Here, the apple, pear and green citrus flavors are ripe and fragrant, yet they feel nearly incidental against the backdrop of pure chalk that envelops the palate, deep and profound in its expression, appearing both richly expansive and precisely detailed. This feels three-dimensional in its resonant, gripping aroma, persisting with brilliant clarity and long, nuanced length. Last tasted: 11/11. 3 Stars.”
“Compared to Agrapart’s other wines the Vénus always shows a greater dimension and subtlety, with a complexity not only of fruit, but also of minerality. Here, the apple, pear and green citrus flavors are ripe and fragrant, yet they feel nearly incidental against the backdrop of pure chalk that envelops the palate, deep and profound in its expression, appearing both richly expansive and precisely detailed. This feels three-dimensional in its resonant, gripping aroma, persisting with brilliant clarity and long, nuanced length. Last tasted: 11/11. 3 Stars.”
$65.98
Brothers Arthur and Fabrice Agrapart have guided the rise of their family’s Champagne estate since 1984. Blessed with a patrimony of outstanding Côte des Blancs vineyard parcels (mostly Read More...
Grand Cru rated) the duo has maximized the potential of their land through rigorous biodynamic viticulture practices and non-interventionist winemaking techniques. Their hard work and skill has resulted in consistently high critical acclaim and, as one would expect, a burgeoning fan base. While it is great to see the family’s dedication and hard work pay off, their success has caused our allocations to grow smaller with each new release. These latest vintage bottlings are in particularly short supply. All the quoted remarks below are those of Peter Leim from his Champagnequide.net website. Peter’s ratings follow the Michelin Guide style where even a single star “...denotes a wine of particular quality and distinctiveness of character, one that stands out among its peers in some significant way.”
“This is blended from two vineyards of similar terroir: Le Champ Bouton in Avize, which is fermented in tank, and Bionnes in Cramant, vinified in 600-liter oak casks. While it shows the depth and amplitude of the vintage, its flavors of apple, white peach and orange citrus are unusually high-toned, feeling delicately poised despite their concentration. It’s all pinned down by laser-like acidity, producing a clean, kinetic tension on the palate, and it’s thoroughly saturated by aromas of chalk, particularly on the long, finely-detailed finish. It’s an excellent 2005, and should be long-lived. Last tasted: 11/11. 2 Stars”
“This is blended from two vineyards of similar terroir: Le Champ Bouton in Avize, which is fermented in tank, and Bionnes in Cramant, vinified in 600-liter oak casks. While it shows the depth and amplitude of the vintage, its flavors of apple, white peach and orange citrus are unusually high-toned, feeling delicately poised despite their concentration. It’s all pinned down by laser-like acidity, producing a clean, kinetic tension on the palate, and it’s thoroughly saturated by aromas of chalk, particularly on the long, finely-detailed finish. It’s an excellent 2005, and should be long-lived. Last tasted: 11/11. 2 Stars”
$239.95
2 STARS CHMPAGNEGUIDE.NET-"This is the first commercial release of this cuvée, although Agrapart has been experimenting with it since 2002. It's a blend Read More...
of equal parts Avizoises and Minéral, and made without chaptalization or dosage, using all indigenous yeasts for both the first and second fermentations. It feels broad and visceral, with a mouthfilling fragrance and a certain sweetness of fruit, and in its burnished, textural richness and expansive depth, it's more reminiscent of Vénus than of any of the estate's other cuvées—both of these were aged on cork and released without dosage, which could also be a factor in this regard. It's brilliantly pure in its clarity and expression, and while you can't say that it's more or less so than other Agrapart wines, it's a different kind of purity, one that's more individual and somehow more corporeal in character. It has a lot of finesse, supported and enlivened by its minerality, and it has a great deal to say: this is a wine to spend some time with, and one that every champagne aficionado should experience."
$38.98
With the latest disgorgement, Agrapart has reduced the dosage of the 7 Crus from 10 g/l to 7 g/l. This suits the wine very well, seemingly giving it more brightness and liveliness, Read More...
and it places more emphasis on the stony, chalky minerality that supports the floral aromas of pear, apple and green citrus. With its 50 percent of reserve wine from 2006, it shows excellent mid-palate depth and complexity, and it’s a perfect example of how a good non-vintage brut balances character and authenticity with sheer, delicious drinkability. Last tasted: 10/10 -Peter Leim
$37.98
WINE ADVOCATE 92 POINTS -"The NV Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Terroirs emerges from the glass effortlessly with layers of fruit. This is an especially Read More...
large scaled, generous Terroirs that impresses for its sheer depth and body. Clean mineral notes frame the striking finish. This, too, is a breathtaking expression of pure Chardonnay fruit. The Terroirs is equal parts 2006 and 2007 juice from the Grand Cru villages of Avize, Oger, Cramant and Oiry. Disgorged July 2011. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2015."
$15.95
Riesling is considered the signature wine of the Albrecht family. The wine is bone dry and delicious. The Riesling is considered the signature wine of the Albrecht family. Quick, floral Read More...
and mineral smell, it reveals itself slightly spiced and elegant in the mouth.
$39.98
WINE SPECTATOR 91 POINTS-"Subtle, with savory dried thyme and ground ginger notes playing off of flavors of glazed apple and candied lemon zest, while Read More...
a streak of smoky mineral and finely wrought acidity and texture push through on the finish. Drink now."
$62.99
BURGHOUND 88 POINTS - "This is aromatically quite similar to the Aloxe villages except that here there is no prune influence. The rich, concentrated Read More...
and quite serious medium-bodied flavors are robust, powerful and more firmly structured on the lingering and slightly heavy finish where a hint of prune does surface. This may pick up energy in time but at present, it's a bit flat." 2016+
$52.99
BURGHOUND 88 POINTS - "A highly complex and patently ripe nose offers up notes of black raspberry, plum and prune aromas that are in keeping with the Read More...
equally ripe, rich, full and naturally sweet flavors that possess fine mid-palate sap that helps to buffer the firm, robust and mildly rustic finish that delivers moderate length. This is riper than I prefer."
$77.99
BURGHOUND 88-91 POINTS: "Strong reduction. The vibrant and beautifully well-detailed medium-bodied flavors possess an almost pungent minerality and Read More...
culminate in a linear, persistent and balanced finish. The finale is on the austere side and while this stops short of being strict, it would be fair to say that this isn't generous at present yet the underlying material is such that it should flesh out with a few years of bottle age."
$900.00
ROBERT PARKER 97 POINTS - "What can you say about Hubert de Bouard and Angelus? Each year they seem to turn out one great wine after another, and the Read More...
2000 showed its merit in two different tastings. A wine of great intensity, bluish/black, with a big, sweet kiss of graphite, crushed rocks, blueberry, spring floral garden and blackberry liqueur, unctuously textured as well as pure, dense, and stunningly rich, this full-bodied wine can be drunk now or cellared for another 25-30 years."
$379.99
ROBERT PARKER 99 POINTS - "A candidate for one of the finest Angelus produced to date (and there have been many, including 1989, 1990, 2000 and 2005), Read More...
this blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc was fashioned from tiny yields of 20 hectoliters per hectare. It boasts a black/purple color along with a gorgeous perfume of blueberry liqueur, spring flowers and graphite. In the mouth, notes of incense and cassis also emerge from this velvety-textured, full-bodied, intensely concentrated 2009. With silky tannins, low acidity and spectacular purity, texture and depth, it is already approachable (although I’m sure proprietor Hubert de Bouard would think drinking it now is akin to infanticide), but should keep for 20-30+ years."
$488.99
ROBERT PARKER 98 POINTS: "An absolutely spectacular wine from this estate, run with meticulous precision by Hubert de Bouard, the opaque bluish/purple Read More...
2010 Angelus offers up a beautifully sweet smorgasbord of aromas ranging from blueberry pie to espresso roast, white chocolate, creme de cassis, licorice, truffle and a touch of lead pencil shavings. There is even a floral underpinning to this extraordinary, highly-scented, full-bodied wine. Rich, layered and built like a skyscraper, this multi-dimensional Angelus has lavish concentration and moderately high tannin, but it is sweet and well-integrated, as is the oak. Just enough acidity provides focus and delineation to this exceptionally well-endowed wine, which should hit its prime in 7-10 years and last 30-40."
WINE SPECTATOR 97 POINTS: "Got patience? You'll need it to wait this brute out fully. A chunk of tar sits between you and the core of black currant, hoisin sauce and roasted Black Mission fig fruit flavors, while the back end is a road-paving machine laying down a smoldering tarry track of tobacco and freshly ground coffee. And there's an iron note too, as if this needed it. One of the most backward wines of the vintage. Best from 2017 through 2040." –JM
WINE SPECTATOR 97 POINTS: "Got patience? You'll need it to wait this brute out fully. A chunk of tar sits between you and the core of black currant, hoisin sauce and roasted Black Mission fig fruit flavors, while the back end is a road-paving machine laying down a smoldering tarry track of tobacco and freshly ground coffee. And there's an iron note too, as if this needed it. One of the most backward wines of the vintage. Best from 2017 through 2040." –JM
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