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BISSON "Abissi:" Bubbly Under the Sea
 BISSON "Abissi" Methodo Classico $90; ($76.50 six bottle case. very limited quantities) With "Abissi," winemaker Pierluigi Lugano solved a practical problem -- not enough storage -- with an elaborate, watery solution: aging his sparkling "methodo classico" wines underwater off the coast of Portofino. Lugano says: "It's better than even the best underground cellar, especially for sparkling wine. The temperature is perfect, there's no light, the water prevents even the slightest bit of air from getting in, and the constant pressure keeps the bubbles bubbly. Moreover, the underwater currents act like a crib, gently rocking the bottles and keeping the lees moving through the wine." Made from a blend of local grapes Vermentino and Bianchetti Genovese, "Abissi" offers entrancing aromas of wildflower blossoms, hay, and wild herbs. In the mouth, very fine bubbles float the notes of citrus peel, peach, spice, and chalk. As the wine opens up in the glass, flavors deepen and become more layered and complex. This fascinating and delicious sparkling will make any occasion even more memorable! Find out more about this fascinating process with the link below: Abissi in New York Times. Enjoy the story, but don't wait to get yours -- bottles have been flying out the door already! Quantities very limited! | |
FLOR de PINGUS Ribera del Duero $100 ($85 ea case price)
 The "second" wine of Peter Sissek's legendary PINGUS is always 100% old-vine tempranillo in Ribera del Duero, aged in oak, half new. "Ripe cherry, cassis, potpourri and cracked pepper on the intensely perfumed nose, with subtle licorice and woodsmoke qualities adding complexity. Deep, sweet and expansive, offering explosive dark berry compote, floral pastille and anise flavors. A spicy quality gains strength on the finish, which leaves smoke and mineral notes behind. This bottling has been going from strength to strength in recent years and offers superb value relative to its ritzy Pingus sibling. 94 pts." -- IWA | |
2009 DALLA VALLE Cabernet Sauvignon
96 pts. Reg. $220; Now $179.35 net!
 "Dalla Valle's 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon opens with the most exquisite bouquet imaginable. A picture perfect example of the vintage, the Cabernet Sauvignon is endowed with expressive, silky fruit and fabulous overall balance. Bright red berries, savory herbs, espresso, cedar, mint and sweet spices all flow through to the finish. 96 pts." -- WA Dalla Valle Cabernet, a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Cabernet Franc, has been a Napa classic for nearly 30 years. With outstanding structure, enticing aromatics, and gorgeous fruit, the 2009 edition is one for the ages! | |
SHAFER CABERNET One Point Five 2010 94 pts. $90; SPECIAL $74.45 net
"In particular, this year I was impressed with the Cabernet Sauvignon One Point Five, which for my money is one of the best wines in Napa Valley in its price range." -- WA
What's in a name? One Point Five takes its name from the term "a generation and a half," coined by John and Doug Shafer to describe their long father-and- son partnership. Since 1983 they have worked side by side to manage their Stags Leap District winery. The 2010 One Point Five celebrates their 30th anniversary as a team.
"Mocha, tar, spices and tobacco all flow from the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon One Point Five. A rich, intense wine, the 2010 impresses for its depth and sheer power. This is far from an easygoing Cabernet. I imagine the 2010 might still be going strong at age 20. The cold, late season yielded an utterly magnificent Cabernet that will challenge the top labels of many other properties. 94 pts."
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Attenzione Piedmont wine lovers:
2007 Barbaresco from ROAGNA: special pricing through 3/15
 | | Luca Roagna |
With a family viticultural history that extends 150 years, Luca Roagna is the fifth generation to make wine from his family's prime vineyards in the Langhe. As always, the winemaking style at Roagna is deeply imbued in tradition. Late harvests, extended macerations and long aging in neutral oak inform wines of great personality.
2007 Roagna Barbaresco "Paje" $65 ($55.25 special through March 15th) 660 cases produced
"A rich, broad-shouldered Barbaresco, the Paje flows with  the essence of tobacco, smoke, plums and orange rind. There is an exotic quality to the Paje that is deeply intriguing. Although appealing today, the 2007 should also continue to drink well for a number of years. 93 pts." --WA
2007 Roagna Barbaresco "Paje" Vecchie Vigne $125 ($100 special through March 15th) 100 cases produced
"The 2007 Barbaresco Paje Vecchie Vigne is a serious wine. Juicy dark cherries, tar, mint, licorice and menthol burst from the glass in this exuberant, intensely perfumed wine. As open and seductive as this is, there is plenty of underlying structure. The 2007 is wonderfully alive and vivid in the glass. The finish is at once powerful and weightless in the way only Pinot Noir and Nebbiolo can be. This is an exemplary wine in every way. 95 pts." -WA
2007 Roagna Barbaresco "Montefico" Vecchie Vigne $125 ($100 special through March 15th) 100 cases produced
"All the best elements of the house style come together in the 2007 Barbaresco Montefico Vecchie Vigne, a wine that is at once open because of the year yet also structured. Mint, freshly cut flowers and red berries all come to life in this precise, chiseled Barbaresco. The firm Montefico tannins support the finish, giving the wine much of its focus and sense of proportion. As always, Montefico shows the vibrant, nuanced side of Barbaresco. 94 pts." -WA
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EVOLUTION & other sold-out whiskeys were just re-ordered!
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 Rums. We are also happy to announce that individual bottles can be special ordered and arrive in 2-3 weeks time. SILVANO SAMAROLI SCOTCH WHISKEY & RUM Click for a list of Samaroli bottlings available to order. A selection of SAMAROLI whiskeys have just been re-ordered!
Or 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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2008 Monprivato: Quintessential Barolo
2008 GIUSEPPE MASCARELLO Barolo Monprivato $90 (Quantity discounts apply)
There are few producers whose name and vineyards are so inextricably connected as Mascarello and Monprivato, in Castiglione Falletto. Giacomo Conterno's Cascina Francia and Bruno Giacosa's Falletto di Serralunga are two other monopole Grand  Cru vineyards that are singularly associated with legendary cellars. But for over forty years, the cantina Mascarello has produced one of the quintessential examples of traditional Barolo from the exquisite Monprivato Cru. It would be hard to find a Barolo, as consistently top notch, produced to the same exacting standards, for such an unprecedented number of decades. Monprivato produces a classic example of the fragrant elegance and finesse that are hallmarks of great Barolo from Castiglione Falletto. Only Rocche di Castiglione, perhaps, eclipses the elegance and intensely fragrant Nebbiolo fruit of Monprivato. Always traditionally styled, always balanced and understated, and always extremely age-worthy.
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Italy North-South
Wine Tasting Fri & Sat
March 15 & 16, Belmont
| Four "go-to" wines that go-with everything!
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white:
2011 VIETTI Roero Arneis $22 (Piedmont)
red:
2010 MASCARELLO Dolcetto d'Alba $25 (Piedmont)
2010 TERREDORA Aglianico $17.99 (Campania)
2010 COLOSI Nerello Mascalese $16.99 (Sicily)
Stop in VINTAGES Belmont shop for a taste this weekend:
Fri. 4-7pm and Sat. 2-5pm
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WINE DOG DEAL:
"Three
Glasses"
Winner
for only $11.99!
| 2009 CANTELE Salice Salentino Ris. $11.99
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Special: 20% off case of 12!
| VINTAGES has always been a fan of the incredible value offered by the CANTELE wines of Italy's Puglia region. For 2013, Italy's top Wine  Review, the Gambero Rosso, honored this wine with the prestigious "Three Glasses" award for "Best Quality for Price" -- I think that means "Value" in Italian! Many of our customers are already fans of this great "pizza" wine made with the Negroamaro grape, and won't care what awards it wins. It's just one more reason people come to VINTAGES for great wine at any price. Ernie the Wine Dog says: "I like the sleek, black packaging."
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NEW SHIPMENT: Aficionados of Ribera del Duero and Tempranillo!
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2010 VILLACRECES Ribera del Duero "Pruno" 94 pts. $19.99
($16.99 ea for 12 bottle purchase)
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"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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Congratulations on a successful journey into uncharted waters/terroir!
| | Jura Adventure: JACQUES PUFFENEY |
No surprise -- the wines at last week's tastings were spectacular! Wine lovers of all stripes embraced these exquisite wines, and we were thrilled with the response! You don't need to be an expert to enjoy the vibrant character in the Arbois wines from Jacques Puffeney. THANK YOU!
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JACQUES PUFFENEY, Arbois
2011 Arbois Chardonnay $30
This classic Jura Chardonnay transforms this grape into an entirely different and compelling taste experience. The concentration of all elements is exceptional with brisk acidity underlying a honeyed-texture and notes of hazelnut, beeswax, and the fresh mountain air that infuses the great wines of this region. (We ordered plenty of the Chardonnay -- it was a big hit, and we have more in stock if you want to try it!)
2009 JAQUES PUFFENEY Arbois Savagnin $35 -SOLD OUT!
The Savagnin grape of the Jura is a one-of-a-kind variety; a fickle grape, not easy to ripen, that does best in clay soils infused with marl. Pungent aromas of toasted nuts and citrus peel; flavors of sappy peach, lemon, salinity and smoky notes.
2010 JACQUES PUFFENEY Arbois Poulsard $30--SOLD OUT!
The Poulsard (also known as Ploussard) is a fascinating grape that is local to the Jura. Its skin is often a pale rose color which can result in wines with a light red, almost grey- tinted color. The old-vine Poulsard for this cuvée expresses cherry fruit with an intensely mineral character with great persistence on the palate and fine tannins in the finish.
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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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