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Greetings!
Let's put this winter to bed with some Vini Buoni, good wines from Italy, seven of which are from single vineyards. This is only a small sampling from our Italian portfolio, which includes over 20 other selections in stock now.
As always we quote by the bottle, but exclusive of the $0.20 bottle deposit. We can only sell by the unmixed case and we do offer delivery. Please visit us on the web for all our wines, price lists and blog, and if you have any friends or colleagues who love wine as much as we do, please pass this along.
My best,
Chris.
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La Giustiniana Gavi di Gavi "Lugarara" 2012
$24.95 per bottle, twelve bottles per case
One of my all-time favourites, this Gavi di Gavi is from the single vineyard Lugarara. The grape is Cortese, grown only in Piedmont and it drinks like a fine Chablis.
In 1625 the Giustiani family took control of this property which had been producing grapes since the 10th century, and the neoclassical villa they erected still stands to this day.
The flavours are delicate and bright - with Chablis you think apple, with a good Gavi like this there's more pear character but with a lovely hint of exotic spice and a light, lemony tang and the Lugarara vineyard imparts an almost liquid rock minerality to the wine. There's texture here which plays well with food but also makes for great a la carte drinking. The acidity is refreshingly bright and provides the wine a lattice for ageing. If you can keep your hands off a few bottles, you could lay this wine down for up to ten years.
The 2012 is not yet reviewed, but the 2011 received 2 glasses from Gambero Rosso and 90 points from Wine Spectator.
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Lis Neris "Gris" Pinot Grigio 2010
$40.95 per bottle, twelve bottles per case
Gris (pronounced Griss) is a single vineyard in Friuli and is simply the best Pinot Grigio I've ever had. Barrel fermentation and barrel ageing (in the same barrel) provides a mouthfeel like no other. It is at once rich yet refreshing, dense yet light. Like drinking Grand Cru Chablis but with a shift in flavour from the green part of the flavour spectrum to pinkish-grey. Truly one of a kind!
"Succulent sweet-cherry nose, with touches of rose petal and a hint of underlying coconut from the oak. Silky-smooth palate with great body but also lovely freshness and balance. Long and pure on the finish."
95 points (18.5/20) Decanter magazine, Jan 2013
3 glasses - Gambero Rosso 2013
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Lis Neris "Jurosa" Chardonnay 2010
$39.95 per bottle, twelve bottles per case
Jurosa is also a single vineyard wine produced by Lis Neris, and like the Gris (above) it is barrel fermented and barrel aged. Jurosa is the last vineyard to be harvested but often comes in with the highest acids of the whites the estate produces. Stylistically it reminds me of the far-Sonoma coast. Some may say premier cru Burgundy. Either way it represents outstanding value for high-end Chardonnay.
Wine Advocate has not reviewed the 2010; but the 2008 received 93 points, and the 2009 received 94.
4/5 bunches - AIS, Associazione Italiana Sommelier
2 glasses - Gambero Rosso 2013
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Tiefenbrunner
Lagrein "Castel Turmhof" 2012
$29.95 per bottle, six bottles per case
Lagrein is a descendant of Teroldego and is grown predominantly in Northern Italy and by a few adventurous growers in Australia and California. But then again, with their pioneering spirit they'll try growing anything in Australia and California, so no surprise there.
The best of the best come from northern Italy. Typically, Lagrein produces wines that have higher acidity than most reds, rustic tannins and well defined minerality. They are refreshing reds that have palate impact but aren't exhausting.
With this example, winemaker Christof Tiefenbrunner, has tamed the rusticity of the tannins so that they are much finer and give the mid-palate lovely texture. This wine is deep garnet in colour, with a delicate bouquet showing the cherry and violet notes characteristic of the varietal. Subtle wood tones complement its fruit flavours. It is an excellent wine to enjoy with rabbit ragu or with characterful, hard cheeses
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Brigaldara "Il Vegro" Ripasso 2010
$23.95 per bottle, twelve bottles per case
Ripasso is created by taking young Valpolicella wine and allowing it to referment in contact with the skins from Amarone production. This slow fermentation changes the character of the Valpolicella, which takes on aromas and flavours from the skins.
Il Vegro is unlike any Ripasso you've had. You may expect a "baby Amarone". Il Vegro comes across much more dry and elegant.
"The 2010 Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore Il Vegro exhibits a dark ruby colour and bright aromas of cherry, blackberry and creme de cassis. The Ripasso factor is decidedly underplayed because the wine manages a surprisingly high level of elegance and finesse. Forest floor and button mushroom help flesh out the mouthfeel. Drink 2014-2018. "
89 points, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, Oct 2013
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Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco 2009
$49.95 per bottle, six bottles per case
"The 2009 Barbaresco shows personality and good cheer with a good dose of dried fruit and savory spice. There are some elements that make the wine seem more aged than it really is. Cured meat and old leather emerge. But then the wine suddenly surprises you with an entourage of Nebbiolo-based tones like dried mint and licorice that tell you it still has loads of life within. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2022. Produttori del Barbaresco is like that long-lost friend who always picks up a lively conversation no matter how many years have passed since your last meeting. It's the ultimate fallback wine: It's never intimidating or awkward. It's always a pleasure to drink."
92 points, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, June 2013
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Brigaldara Amarone della Valpolicella Classico
2009, $53.95 per 750ml, six bottles per case
2008, $27.95 per 375ml, twelve bottles per case
"The 2009 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico is a savoury and sophisticated red with dusty notes of terracotta and flint backed by pressed plum, prune, dark smoke, leather and tobacco. This is a fabulous effort that will appeal to those who don't like the overblown style normally exhibited in Amarone. The wine radiates elegance. Pair it with succulent steak marinated in rosemary and olive oil. Drink 2015-2027. Brigaldara holds the Valpolicella banner high and makes some of the best Amarone available today. The 50-hectare estate is owned by the Cesari family and is home to extensive vineyards and olive groves. This beautiful collection of wines is absolutely unbeatable thanks to the excellent vintages (2010, 2009 and 2007) on offer now."
93 points, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, Oct 2013
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Falchini "Paretaio" IGT 2009
$28.95 per bottle, six bottles per case
arriving mid-March 2014
"Falchini's 2009 Paretaio (Sangiovese 95% and 5% Merlot) is rich, deep and powerful. Layers of black fruit, grilled herbs, tobacco, smoke and graphite emerge from a big, broad-shouldered frame as the wine opens up in the glass. Sweet floral notes appear later, adding an element of lift that complements the generally dark aromas and flavours. The 2009 can be enjoyed today with some air, but it is best cellared for another few years."
92 points, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, Aug 2013
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Fontodi "Vigna del Sorbo"
Chianti Classico Riserva 2009
$72.95 per bottle, six bottles per case
only six cases in stock
If you subscribe to vinous.com, Antonio Galloni's webpage, you can watch his recent posting of a twenty-year vertical tasting of this amazing wine. In February 2014 he wrote, "Readers who aren't familiar with Vigna del Sorbo owe it to themselves to check it out what is without question one of the great reds of Italy."
"Lovely ruby shade, fresh red fruit on the nose with lots of nuance - violets, white pepper and a hint of sweet oak. Great volume on the palate, progressing through round and soft to long and grippy, with classic sour cherry and then just a touch of earthiness in the finish. Drink 2014-2025."
96 points (19/20) Decanter magazine, Nov 2013
"The 2009 Chianti Classico Riserva Vigna del Sorbo is impressive. The overtness of the year is nicely balanced by the inherent freshness and acidity of Sangiovese. Hints of tobacco, cedar, licorice and spices are layered into the insistent finish. This is a terrific showing. I very much like the energy, length and focus of the fruit. I can't wait to see how this develops over the coming years. The Vigna del Sorbo is a bit overlooked in the Fontodi stable, but it is often striking, especially after a few years in bottle. This historic vineyard is planted to 90% Sangiovese and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. The Sorbo has an element of freshness that the Flaccianello doesn't have. I will not be surprised if over time it enjoys a more gradual and finessed evolution in bottle. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2027. "
94+ points, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, June 2012
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Altesino
"Montosoli" Brunello di Montalcino 2008
$114.95 per bottle, six bottles per case
Another of Italy's greatest reds is the single-vineyard Montosoli, made only in great years. It is aged in large Slovenian casks which impart no oak flavours and simply allow the wine to "round out" and soften. The ageability is profound, between 20 and 30 years. The Montosoli and Riserva Brunello from Altesino in recent years have been some of the best wines I've ever had the pleasure to drink.
"Intense balsamic and mint notes make this red distinctive, along with currant, raspberry and floral touches. Silky, ripe and impressive, this shows elegance and a vibrant structure. Offers excellent length and resonance on the finish. Best from 2016 through 2032. 1,250 cases made."
95 points and #96 Wine of the Year, Wine Spectator, June 2013
"The unique microclimate, limestone soils and position of the cru vineyard 'Montosoli' are the foundation of this special Brunello. The 2008 is absolutely gorgeous, offering lovely aromas of bing cherries, raspberries, spices, earthy tones with vanilla and floral notes adding another layer of complexity. This classy Brunello is balanced and focused with wonderful purity and a lovely inner sweetness. The fine tannins make a graceful transition into the silky finish. A stunning wine from Altesino that truly shows the unique character and quality of the vineyard."
95 points and #42 Wine of the Year, International Wine Report, March 2013
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Chris McLean
416 961 2294 x 29
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