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CAPPELLANO Barolo:
a new era begins
Cappell ano from Serralunga is
one of the few remaining great, historic, "traditional" Barolo producers. Augusto's father, Teobaldo, returned to manage the estate after the death of his uncle in the late 1950's. Teobaldo rebuilt the cantina and the image of Cappellano as well - this time much smaller in size (four hectares) but far grander in quality. He also revived production of the extraordinary Barolo Chinato using the ancient family recipe, all the while becoming one of the most admired and respected figures in the Barolo district. In February 2009, Teobaldo Cappellano passed away, and under great duress and uncertainty, his son Augusto, then in his mid-twenties, was left to carry on this venerable cellar's legacy.
We met Augusto Cappellano at the estate in May of 2009; it was a moving visit in which we drank a bottle of '85 Barolo Gabutti in memory of his father. Augusto shared with us his concern and doubt that he'd be able to live up to the standards that his father had established, but also told us of his father's last words of encouragement: "Don't worry, go with your intuition and instincts, and everything will work out fine." Augusto hit the ground running in the winery, but  lost his American importer last year. The good news is that Cappellano is now represented in the U.S. by one of the true champions of traditional artisanal wine, Neal Rosenthal. Because of our commitment to many of Neal's producers, (Montevertine, Brovia, Lignier, Barthod, Fourrier, and Larmandier, to name a few), we have been offered New England's largest allocation of Cappellano wines. Which is to say there's very little wine available.
Because of the slight gap in representation, Cappellano had a
 | | Augusto Cappellano |
few previous vintages available, such as the 2005 and 2006 vintages of Barolo. I would imagine that starting next year the offer will likely be limited to 2008 Barolo Rupestris and 2008 Barolo Franco, and that the quantities of those two wines may be larger. For now, this release should be viewed as an opportunity to sample a tremendous string of outstanding, singular vintages as well as having a window into another time that is slowly vanishing.
Cappellano Barolo Special OfferFor a limited time, Cappellano wines will be sold at a special introductory price of 15% off!
2010 Dolcetto D'Alba $30; Spec. $25.50 net 2008 Nebbiolo d'Alba $40; Spec. $34 net 2007 Barbera D'Alba Gabutti $35; Spec. $29.75 net 2005 Barolo Pie Rupestris $80; Spec. $66.30 net 2006 Barolo Pie Rupestris $85; Spec. $72.25 net 2007 Barolo Pie Rupestris $85; Spec. $72.25 net 1.5L $195 ($165.75 net) 2007 Barolo Pie Franco $145; Spec. $117.30 net 1.5L $325; Special $276.25 net Note: "Vertical Variety Package" orders have first priority; bottle orders will be filled with remaining stock. However, we anticipate being able to fill most orders. Please let us know what you would like! Cappellano Vertical Variety Package (21 bottles) 3 bt 2010 Dolcetto d'Alba @ $25.50 3 bt 2008 Nebbiolo d'Alba @$34 3 bt 2007 Barbera d'Alba Gabutti @ $29.75 3 bt 2005 Barolo Pie Rupestris @ $66.30 3 bt 2006 Barolo Pie Rupestris @ $72.25 3 bt 2007 Barolo Pie Rupestris @ $72.25 3 bt 2007 Barolo Pie Franco @ $117.30 Total Package: $1,252.05 Barolo Chinato, the legendary "aromatized vino meditazione" invented by the Cappellano family, is also available. Cappellano Barolo Chinato 750ml $78; Special $66.30 500ml $58; Special $49.30 Have a question? Please call or email. 978-369-2545 or eric@vintagesonline.com. THANK YOU VERY MUCH! | |
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Now in stores:
2007 Brunello from Valdicava & Salvioni
Extremely limited quantities. Don't wait! Call 978-369-2545.
There are many, many Brunello producers in Montalcino, dozens of grand, expansive estates with lots of land, big tractors, big marketing machines, tasting rooms for tourists --they've got it all. But if you really want to experience the pinnacle of this iconic Tuscan wine, what it can really achieve, it would be one of these small, modest-looking wineries in the center of Montalcino: Salvioni and Valdicava.
Yes, these estates have the high scores and gushing reviews from top critics. Yet they answer to no one; only to the land, its traditions, and their own commitment to an uncompromising level of quality.
2007 SALVIONI Brunello di Montalcino 97 pts. Reg. $195; Special $165.75 Temporarily out of stock. Please call and reserve.
" The 2007 Brunello di Montalcino is a pure, rapturous beauty. Layers of sweet red fruit meld into rose petals, licorice, spices and mint as the 2007 seduces all of the senses. The ripe, open personality of the year is present, but there is more than enough  structure to provide balance. Floral notes reappear on the vibrant, beautifully articulated finish. The 2007 is more than a worthy follow up to the epic 2006. This is a magical Brunello in every way. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2032. 97 pts." --A. Galloni, Wine Advocate Also, don't miss the U.S. exclusive 2009 SALVIONI Rosso di Montalcino Reg. $65; Special $48.  Interesting note from Antonio Galloni's latest article on his visit to Montalcino: "Later that evening I had dinner at a local restaurant (in Montalcino). A simple place. We ordered the 2009 Salvioni Rosso di Montalcino, a wine that never makes it to the U.S. that I was curious to try." -A. Galloni Hmm. Too bad Galloni doesn't shop at VINTAGES -- we have the 2009 Salvioni Rosso di Montalcino on the shelf in both stores! Available now. SPECIAL $48 net."Giulio Salvioni is one of the great producers of Italy's old guard. I am convinced that Salvioni's small vineyard, and that of his neighbor Diego Molinari, are among the most privileged spots for Sangiovese in Tuscany. If we were in Burgundy, these vineyards would be considered the grandest of the grand crus." -- A. Galloni, WA 2007 VALDICAVA Brunello di Montalcino 95 pts. Reg. $125; Special $106.25
 " The 2007 Brunello di Montalcino is gorgeous. Dark red cherries, plums, spices, leather and tobacco wrap around the palate as this dense, powerful wine starts to open up. Finessed, suave tannins reinforce an impression of elegance. The 2007 can be enjoyed with minimum cellaring, but it will also age gracefully for many years. Hints
 | | Vincenzo at VINTAGES Belmont |
of tobacco, crushed flowers and spices wrap around the sensual finish. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2027. 95 pts." ALSO, 2009 VALDICAVA Rosso di Montalcino $35; ($29.75 case price). The 2009 Valdicava Rosso di Montalcino offers pure, lush fruit, floral and red fruit aromas. " Vincenzo Abbruzzese (Valdicava) has been one of Montalcino's most consistent producers over the last few years, an impression that was reinforced during my visit earlier this year. " --A. Galloni, WA In summary, stunning wines from two of the top wineries in Montalcino. Very limited. Call now: 978-369-2545SPECIAL PRICING OFFER ENDS SAT. MAY 19.
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2009 Hubert LIGNIER
Master of Morey St. Denis
 | | Hubert LIgnier |
With our great love and historical understanding of Barolo and Barbaresco, we like to think of Hubert Lignier as one of the last great masters of Traditional Burgundy, similar to the late great Bartolo Mascarello, or Bruno Giacosa, Hubert has worked his land decade after decade with a steadfast commitment to quality and traditional expression of vineyard through vine, that is quite simply unmistakable when take your first whiff of these startlingly authentic examples of ageless Burgundy. We have great admiration for people who know what needs to be done and are not looking externally for answers. Great wine is really a simple proposition: noble varietal, viticultural region uniquely suited for said varietal, in the hands of a true master.
2009 LIGNIER Pommard "Le Chanlins" (premiere vintage) $58.86 net
2009 LIGNIER Morey St. Denis "Clos Baulet" $107.30 net
Extremely limited qty:
2009 LIGNIER Morey St. Denis "V.V." $143.52 net
2009 LIGNIER Clos de la Roche Grand Cru $233.54 net (1.5L $518.92 net)
Questions? Orders? Please call Eric 978-369-2545 or email eric@vintagesonline.com
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The passing of a Barolo maestro
| In memory of Aldo Conterno, one of the greats
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We got word this morning from our friend, Aldo Vacca, director of the Produttori del Barbaresco, about the recent passing of Aldo Conterno, legendary Barolo producer, at the age of 81.
"He was a huge personality, a figure of enormous importance to the rebirth of Barolo," says Enzo Brezza, Barolo producer and president of the Albeisa wine association. "He existed in a special place between modernism and tradition. He was a man of clear ideas and determin-ation, and he was a beacon of light who shined on the path the rest of us would take."
VINTAGES Concord shop will open a bottle of Aldo Conterno Barolo Gran Bussia for tasting Friday and Saturday in his memory. Please join us. | Aldo Conterno Wine Special
All Aldo Conterno wines in stock are 25% off this weekend, June 1 & 2.
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