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MA Exclusive!
SILVANO SAMAROLI: The return of a Scotch whiskey master
 Years ago we were introduced to a remarkable independent Scotch bottler, Silvano Samaroli, in Italy, of all places. Not being a scotch connoisseur, but having an educated palate, I quickly came to the conclusion that Silvano was producing some of the finest examples of whiskey on the planet. The elegance, balance, complexity, finesse,  and depth of flavor were without rival. One of the seminal bottlings and indeed one of the most exquisite spirits I've ever tasted was a vatted Scotch simply named "No Age" (now called "EVOLUTION"). This whiskey was a blend of single malts from countless distilleries, all traditional production, and from ages of 10 to over 40+ years of age. So deftly and seamlessly were these single malts integrated that the whiskey almost transcended into the realm of art. We sold everything we could get some 6 years ago and have had many converts inquiring from time to time if we could still get Samaroli Whiskey. We are happy to announce the new releases of Samaroli Scotch Whiskey's and Caribbean Rum's. We are also happy to announce that individual bottles can be special ordered and arrive in 2-3 weeks time. SILVANO SAMAROLI RUM Caribbean Rum 2003 $95 bottle Vatted rums of different maturity and regions. Notes of vanilla , brown sugar, nutmeg, citrus fruit and roasted nuts. Matured in Scotland, where the cooler climate allows a longer, more harmonious maturation. Yehmon "EVOLUTION" Rum $150 bottle The "No Age" of aged rums. Vatted rums of various ages and maturities, from different regions and influences. The goal? Simply perfection. "Strength, Elegance, Sweetness, Character, Sharpness, Smoothness, Ampleness, Depth ... " SCOTCH WHISKEY Bunnahabhain 1990 "selezione" $200 bottle One of the "softer" Islay malts; distillery founded in 1881. Very penetrating refined bouquet.
Impetuous but at the same time clear. Mature but lively. Hard and also smooth, clean and at the same time ample. Has great character -- as deep as the ocean. "EVOLUTION" (formerly "No Age") Pure Malt Whiskey $305 bottle -- the ultimate scotch  Samaroli's radical approach results in the ultimate scotch whiskey experience. Created from vatted single malt whiskies aged from ten to over forty years in special sherry and oak casks, produced exclusively by Scotland's last artisan distilleries, using the long-abandoned, traditional methods from 100 years ago. An exceptional, one-of-a-kind whiskey for the connoisseur.
Linkwood 1983 "selezione" $325 Built in 1821 by Peter Brown. Harmonious, comple x bouquet with the typical elements of Speyside malts, such as honey, ether, pears and vanilla at the finish. Well balanced. This bottling revives a "lost" whiskey of days gone by. Tomintoul 1967 "selezione" $435 Single malt scotch. Experience otherwise incomparable emotions. Very elegant pear extract backed up by a vein of pleasant smooth alcohol that prolongs the multidimensional sensation endlessly. This bottling teleports you to the peak of absolute quality -- extremely rare. This 45 year old single malt is the pinnacle of perfection! ORDER NOW! Call VINTAGES Concord store to order: 978-369-2545. Samaroli Whiskey and Rum can be picked up in the Concord store; local delivery and shipping are also available. Orders will arrive in 2-3 weeks. | |
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LIBRARY RELEASES & LARGE BTLS
DOM. PIBARNON BANDOL OFFER
Featuring Library Releases and Large Format Bottles
Bandol, the pinnacle of Provencal wine, is revered for its depth, complexity, and long-aging potential. A great deal of patience is required
for its deep, rich, penetrating inkiness to emerge. Known as "The Petrus of Bandol," Domaine Pibarnon sits atop La Colline du Télégraphe at a height of 300m, overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean bay of La Ciotat. This vineyard is one of the few terroirs that can ripen and sculpt the surly Mourvèdre into the kind of fine, supple and fragrant wine that has made Pibarnon's reputation. The surly, muscular and tannic norm of many Bandols gives way here to a perfumed, refined and altogether more elegant expression. What could offer more enjoyment than a fully matured, elegant expression of BANDOL in the depths of winter???
VINTAGES is pleased to offer these library and large format releases for you to order-- case purchases only.
Questions? To order, call the stores: Concord 978-369-2545 or Belmont 617-484-4560.
DOM. PIB ARNON BANDOL ROUGE
Library Release - Bandol Rouge 750ml
2004 PIBARNON Bandol Rouge $51 ($612/case)
2003 PIBARNON Bandol Rouge $51 ($612/case)
2001 PIBARNON Bandol Rouge $61.20 ($734.40/case)
2000 PIBARNON Bandol Rouge $56.95 ($683.40/case)
1990 PIBARNON Bandol Rouge $167.50 ($2010/case)
Large Format Bandol Rouge
2010 3L $273 6L $531 9L $804 12L $1047
2009 3L $250 6L $486 9L $735
2008 3L $254 6L $490
2007 3L $258 6L $500
2006 3L $254 6L $490 9L $752 12L $993
2005 3L $287 6L $557
2004 3L $276 6L $531 9L $804
2003 3L $276 6L $531
2002 3L $276 6L $537
2001 6L $584
2000 3L $300 6L $584
white
2012 Bandol Blanc $40 ($34 case purchase)
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Questions? To order, call the stores: Concord 978-369-2545 or Belmont 617-484-4560.
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"A GREAT WINE OF THE WORLD"
-- Robert Parker2009 Dunn Cabernet Howell Mountain 96 pts. $85
 Powerful Napa Cab that makes no apologies
"[Dunn Vineyards] are some of the most powerful, age- worthy Cabernets being made in Napa Valley today. (Winemaker) Randy Dunn is very much an iconoclast who follows his own convictions. As always, the Dunn Cabernets stand apart from the vast majority of wines being made in Napa Valley for their huge, tannic structures and aging potential, something that is especially true for the flagship Howell Mountain bottling." -- Robert Parker
Not for faint of heart
"Iron, graphite, red fruits, dried flowers are some of the many notes that take shape in this deep, complex, powerful wine. I imagine the 2009 will still be spectacular at age 30. For now, it needs at least another handful of years of cellaring to drink well. ... Make no mistake about it, in top vintages the Howell Mountain is one of the great wines, not just of California, but of the world. 96 pts." --Robert Parker
CALL WITH CREDIT CARD TO RESERVE. 978-369-2545 or 617-484-4560 | |
Customer favorite
CASTELVECCHIO: gotta have "karst"
Taste Fri & Sat. in Belmont
 What is "karst?" Karst is the geological "X-factor" in these distinctively deliciestate of CASTELVECCHIO estate in Italy's Venezia-Friuli-Giulia region, in the district known as "Carso" on the Slovenian border. What's so appealing about the wines from CASTELVECCHIO? It's not only about the grapes --they include some familiar varieties, some "native" -- really, it's the land, the climate, and particularly the Carso soils. The windy, cool, inhospitable climate, with thin, rocky, mineral-laden "karst" soils, the natural aquifers deep below the surface -- all the characteristics that make a place difficult to cultivate-- or inhabit -- create wines loaded with personality and character. Castelvecchio is also proud that their winemaker, Gianni Menotti, received 2012 Winemaker of the Year at the annual Bibenda awards held in Rome! VINTAGES just received a new shipment of Castelvecchio estate wines. Our BELMONT store will open the Sauvignon, Pinot Grigio and the Cabernet Sauvignon this Friday & Saturday for you to taste -- join us and find out why we can't get enough of "karst!" WINE TASTING: Belmont Fri. Feb. 1, 4-7p Sat. Feb. 2, 2-5p white 2011 CASTELVECCHIO Pinot Grigio $19.99 2011 CASTELVECCHIO Sauvignon $19.99 red 2009 CASTELVECCHIO Cabernet $30 | |
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Barolo? Simply the Best
2008 Giacomo Conterno Barolo Cascina Francia $150
2008 GIACOMO CONTERNO Barolo "Cascina Francia" $150
15% off ($127.50) six bottle purchase
20% off ($120) 12 or more bottles
SPECIAL ENDS JAN. 31, 2013.
There are f ew things as exceptional and reliable as Giacomo Conterno Barolo. People spend a lot of time researching, cross-referencing, looking at Wine Spectator, Wine Advocate or other worthy critical reviews. They don't realize how simple it really is. Roberto Conterno's cellar in Monforte d'Alba produces arguably some of the finest examples of wine in the world. He produces singular examples of Barolo, Cascina Francia and Monfortino Riserva, which express the full dynamic range of Nebbiolo's power, complexity, elegance and finesse. When you visit Roberto and taste from his ancient barrels, you see a fiercely committed man whose single greatest challenge is living up to the stratospheric standards of quality  and rigorous, uncompromising traditional values exemplified by his father and grandfather. Giacomo Conterno wines are noble & reserved, with a clenching intensity that draws you in and commands your at tention.
For people who simply use "like" or "don't like" as their barometer for wine consumption, they are likely denying themselves some of the single greatest pleasures in the known wine world.
2008 Giacomo Conterno Barolo "Cascina Francia" $150 per bottle
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15% off ($127.50) six bottle purchase
20% off ($120) 12 or more bottles
SPECIAL ENDS JAN. 31, 2013
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2010 VILLACRECES Ribera del Duero "Pruno" 94 pts. $19.99
($16.99 ea for 12 bottle purchase)
If you're a Tempranillo fan, this wine is a no-brainer. And if you're not, "Pruno" may make you a convert!" Wow! From a vineyard adjacent to Spain's greatest as well as most expensive red wine, Vega Sicilia, this 2,500-case cuvee made for Eric Solomon is spectacular. Full-bodied with an opaque purple color in addition to an extraordinary bouquet of charcoal, wood smoke, creme de cassis and blackberries intermixed with hints of acacia flowers and licorice, this stunning, multidimensional 2010 is loaded. Its texture, richness, complexity, purity and length result in a wine that considerably over-delivers. Normally, one would expect to pay $75 to $150 for a wine that tastes like this, but this beauty can be yours for $20 or less! Moreover, it will keep for a decade. 94 pts." --Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
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BARBARESCO TASTING SAT. FEB. 9. with Daniela Rocca of ALBINO ROCCA
| Mark your calendar...
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ALBINO ROCCA Barbaresco Tasting
Sat. Feb. 9, 2-5pm VINTAGES Concord store
Wines open in BELMONT on Fri. Feb. 8, 4-7pm
We are thrilled to host
DANIELA ROCCA from  the
ALBINO ROCCA winery at VINTAGES for a Barbaresco tasting in the Concord store on Sat.
Feb. 9, 2-5pm. Featured wines include Barbaresco, Nebbiolo, Barbera, and Chardonnay. Please join us!
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Amarone Case Special ends SAT. FEB. 2
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2006 LE SALETTE Amarone Classico $45; 12 bottle case special -- $33.75/bottle!
SPECIAL ENDS Feb. 2
Just outside of Verona, Franco Scamperle of Le Salette crafts Valpolicella and Amarone his way -- lush, concentrated flavors from dried grapes in a silky, elegant, refined style -- never heavy, overripe, or cumbersome. Floral notes on the nose lead to chocolate-covered dark cherries, fig pudding, spices and licorice. Corvina, Molinara and Rondinella grapes are dried on pallets in the cellar and aged in cask for three years before release. This delicious wine makes a wonderfully warming winter interlude.
Special case offer ends Sat. Feb. 2.
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Chateauneu du Pape Special: reg. $65; Now $48.75 net!
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2006 Clos du Mont Olivet Chateauneuf "Cuvee Papet"
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Great deal on a Rhone Classic!
In case you missed it, we are offering the 2006 Clos du Mont Olivet Chateauneuf du Pape "Cuvee Papet" reg. $65; now $48.75!
That's 25% off its regular price!
Why the big discount? There is nothing wrong with the wine other than the importer is tired of looking at the inventory. It is one of the most iconic Chateauneuf bottlings, from a very good vintage 2006, that was sandwiched between two great vintages 05 and 07, and had the misfortune of being released the year of the greatest economic collapse since the great depression. And oh by the way, it is drinking beautifully!
Quantities are limited--Act now!
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DID YOU KNOW?
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VINTAGES' website
 There are a lot of "Vintages" on the internet, but don't be confused -- there's really only one that counts: www.VINTAGESONLINE.COM.
What will I find? Check out the Featured Wines at the bottom of the home page --
New Arrivals, Best Sellers, Seasonal, Specials.
FIND a previous email newsletter! Look on the upper right for NEWSLETTERS -- most emails (like this one), are saved in their original format, and it's easy to find what you're looking for. SEARCH our inventory through the search or the "Shop By" button. BUY A GIFT CARD! We'll mail it out right away, or hold for your recipient.BLOG has more information on certain wines and producers, incisive commentary on wine and even what's for dinner. PURCHASE WINE! Yes, you can buy wine right on the website and pay with a credit card or PayPal. Pick up in the store, or ship it. VINTAGES ships within Massachusetts and you can do it all from the comfort of your couch!
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