Spring Celebrations! Wine Tasting: Concord
SAT. MAR. 30, 2-5pm
Hop to it! Whether your Sunday gathering is a brunch, early supper or formal dinner, these wines boldly proclaim that SPRING IS HERE! Set the stage with a festive sparkling: BISOL Prosecco "Crede" $25. Dry, with hints of wildflowers and a delightfully creamy texture. Ham & cheese frittata? Pair with this aromatic, lush, round& refreshing 2010 Collio Sauvignon Blanc from DORO PRINCIC $30. If you can't decide between red and white, choose this remarkable, deeply-colored VIE de ROMANS Pinot Grigio $45. Yes, it's a deep rosy onion-skin, lush and delicious. Stunning! Fans of Valpolicella will be doubly rewarded: 2010 CA' la BIONDA Valpolicella Sup. "Casal Vegre" $25 is a single-vineyard wine with gorgeous layers of fruit, agile frame, concentrated yet complex. Totally different yet equally desirable, 2008 TOMMASO BUSSOLA Valpolicella Ripasso "Ca del Laito" $25 offers rich, plummy fruit and dark chocolate in an exuberant, broad-shouldered red.
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Wines for Easter, Wines for Spring!
Wine Tasting BELMONT
MAR. 29, 4-7p & MAR. 30, 2-5p 
Join us for a brilliant line-up of Easter wines that take you from start to finish.
Start the celebration on a sparkling note with
PUNTA CRENA "Lumassina" Frizzante $19.99 from the Italian Riviera. With appetizers, brunch or country ham, nothing beats the 2007 SAN FEREOLO Langhe Bianco $25! Tantalizing aromas of wild flowers and honey, notes of dried apricot and a waxy, oily texture -- outrageous! If grilled lamb is on your menu, the
2011 LA TOSA Gutturnio "Terredellatosa" $17.99, a juicy yet nicely structured blend of barbera and bonarda grapes. Perennial Easter favorite, 2008 TOMMASO BUSSOLA Ripasso "Ca del Laito" $25 is a classic with ham or any number of dishes when you want a full-throttle, concentrated wine that is still superbly balanced. And finally, 2011 La Tosa Malvasia $35 dessert wine is the perfect ending to the feast.
Join us in Belmont Fri & Sat. March 29 & 30!
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Benchmark Super Tuscans
Three flagship reds from top Tuscan estates: Castellare, Antinori and Isole e Olena. All three wines have evolved and flourished under the care and devotion of long-time winemakers and committed estate owners. There's never been a better time to enjoy these signature super tuscans.
2008 ISOLE e OLENA Cepparello Reg. $70; Now $60!
Spring Special: 15% off six pack = $51/bottle! (thru April 30)
This benchmark "Super Tuscan" is 100% Sangiovese aged in French oak barrels. A cooler growing season produced a finer, more high-toned and mineral-driven Cepparello, more classically Burgundian in style. Deliciously demonstrates the innate elegance of pure sangiovese from top vineyards in the right hands. (93 pts. WA)
2007 CASTELLARE I Sodi di San Niccolo 95+ pts. $75 (quantity discounts apply)"I Sodi di San Niccolo is 85% Sangioveto and 15% Malvasia Nera aged in French oak barrels, 50% new. Dark , powerful and brooding in this vintage. Black fruit, smoke, tar and incense are some of the many notes that flow from a structured, tense frame. A great wine in the making. Kudos to proprietors Paolo and Nicoletta Panerai, and their long-time winemaker Alessandro Cellai, on these spectacular wines. 95+ pts." -- WA 2009 ANTINORI Tignanello 94 pts. $104. Pre-Buy Special:
$79 ea for six bottle case  "The 2009 Tignanello is quite beautiful. Cedar, graphite, sweet herbs, licorice and leather add complexity to a core of highly expressive red fruits. The 2009 impresses for its energy, drive and focus. There is a silkiness and polish that is reminiscent of the 2004. Tignanello is 75% Sangiovese, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc. Longtime winemaker Renzo Cotarella has done a fabulous job with the flagship Tignanello in 2009. 94 pts." --WA CALL with cc # to order at pre-buy price of $79 ea for six-bottle case. 978-369-2545 or 617-484-4560 | |
Rare Spanish gems
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Knock-out Spanish Whites from Galicia!
Albarino from DO FERREIRO and
Ribeiro from EMILIO ROJO
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2011 DO FERREIRO Abarino "Cepas Vellas" $45
(Rias Baixas)
All the ingredients for an exceptional Albarino are here: "ancient" vines-- some over 200 years old-- growing in an ocean-facing valley in the most favorable terroir the region has to offer. Organic cultivation, natural yeasts, and aging on the lees are the icing on the cake! | |
2011 EMILIO ROJO Ribeiro $65
One man, one wine. This singular white wine comes from Emilio Rojo's 4 acres of heavily granite soil planted with ancient, native grape varieties: Treixadura, Loueiro, Lado, Albarino, and Torrontes. Organically farmed, aged in steel, unfiltered. Wild herbs and white fruit; savory, spicy, and complex with incredible volume, and remarkable, pinpoint balance. A singular sensation -- a rare experience.
Quantities extremely limited -- call to reserve 617-484-4560.
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A bargain in traditional Barbaresco
2007 Barbaresco from ROAGNA
Special pricing thru 3/31
 | | 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 31st) 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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BISSON "Abissi:" Bubbly Under the Sea
 BISSON "Abissi" Methodo Classico $90; ($76.50 six bottle case. very limited quantities) With "Abissi," winemaker Piero 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 Bianchetta 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
 "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! | |
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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 "EVOLUTION" No-Age Scotch $305 Samaroli's radical approach results in the ultimate scotch whiskey experience. "Evolution" is created from 28 rare, vatted single malt whiskies spanning from 1957 to 1989, produced exclusively by Scotland's last artisan distilleries, using the long- abandoned, traditional methods from 100 years ago. Aged in special sherry and oak casks. An exceptional, one-of-a-kind whiskey for the connoisseur. Click for a list of Samaroli bottlings available to order. | |
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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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Easter Ham Special!
| The "un-red" for Ham!
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2012 CASTELLO di NEIVE GRIGNOLINO $19.99
We were thrilled to get this 2012 (!) bottling of this little-known red. Fragrant aromas of rose petals and red berries, super-fine yet gripping tannins that, while marveling at the beautiful rose-like color, remind you that you are actually drinking a red! Perfect with cured meats of all kinds -- and thrilling with Easter Ham. A rare, traditional piemontese delight. 125 cases produced. | | | | |
MATTHIASSON: Artisan wines of Napa Valley
| Nature, craft & simplicity
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"One of the most interesting California producers is also one of the most unusual, and alas, microscopically small. It is Matthiasson Family Vineyards.
.. it's a family operation, set unexpectedly in the heart of Napa Valley."
Inspired artisanal wines by top vineyard consultant, Steve Matthiasson
Steve's current clients include Araujo Estate, Spottswoode, Chappellet, Hall, David Arthur, Robert Sinskey Vineyards, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars.
2011 MATTHIASSON Linda Vista Chardonnay $35
This wine is 100% Chardonnay from the Linda Vista Vineyard behind house. Showing green and yellow apples, peaches, melon, and honey on the nose and through to the palate, the high acidity is balanced by pleasant fleshiness, finishing very clean with a hint of minerality. Refreshing and with moderate alcohol, this wine is all about pleasure. 850 cases produced.
2011 MATTHIASSON Napa Valley White $40 Inspired by an ideal of a mythical old world wine. An attempt to get to the core of an archetypal white wine, what it's all about. The 2011 version is a blend of 56% Sauvignon blanc, 20% Ribolla gialla, 18% Semillon, and 8%Tocai friulano. Lightness and richness, focus and complexity. 895 cases produced 2011 MATTHIASSON Napa Valley Red $80Bordeaux-inspired red blend of 67% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet franc, 2% Malbec, and 2% Petit verdot. Red and black cherries, dark chocolate, ripe blackberries, and notes of black tea and bay leaf. Very juicy, with chocolate, dark fruit, and black tea on the finish. 180 cases produced.
Extremely limited! Available in both stores while they last.
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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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SHAFER Cabernet One Point Five 2010
94 pts. $90
"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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A little Tuscan magic!
| | These Tuscan classics were a big hit! | |
If you missed the tasting last weekend, don't miss these wines!
Visiting the hilltowns of Tuscany can be a storybook experience, and these wines from the estates of SELVAPIANA, VILLA ROSA, and MONTENIDOLI capture that magic in every glass.
white 2010 MONTENIDOLI Vernaccia di San Gimignano "Tradizionale" $17.99 Everyone who visits the picturesque hilltop village of San Gimigiano enjoys the local white Vernaccia. Yet until you've tasted Montenidoli's wines, you haven't truly experienced what Vernaccia can achieve in the glass. Be prepared to be surprised! 2010 MONTENIDOLI Vernaccia di San Gimignano "Fiore" $25 Is it Vernaccia, or white Burgundy? A stunningly beautiful white that takes it's place among Italy's best. Layers of pure, impeccable fruit, perfumed and textured. Truly a revelation of what Vernaccia can do in the right hands.
red 2010 VILLA ROSA Chianti Classico $25 The pure warmth and elegance of sangiovese blossoms in this traditionally- made, classic Chianti from Castellina. The 2010 vintage offers ripe, balanced fruit that is remarkably silky and aromatic -- enjoyable now! 2009 SELVAPIANA Chianti Rufina Ris. "Bucerchiale"$35 This classic Tuscan fattoria, with equal acreage devoted to vines and olive groves, has been making Chianti for more than 180 years. Chianti "Bucerchiale" is 100% old-vine, single-vineyard sangiovese, with some vines dating to the 1960's. A wine of tremendous character, complexity, and longevity. |
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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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