VINTAGES Adventures in wine
Barbaresco Tasting Fri & Sat.; New Arrivals: Cantine del Notaio, Vulture; Terre Nere 2012, J.L. Chave St. Joseph, Giacomo Conterno Nebbiolo, more 2014 Roses!

Barbaresco Tastings at VINTAGES! 
APR. 10 & 11: Daniela Rocca of ALBINO ROCCA  
 
Barbaresco Tastings!
Albino Rocca Daniela wine glass
Winemaker Tasting:
 Ms. Daniela Rocca
ALBINO ROCCA estate Barbaresco, Italy
FRI. APR. 10, 4:30-7pm, Belmont
SAT. APR. 11, 2-5pm, Concord

Join us for a great opportunity to taste a range of wines from one of Barbaresco's top estates, ALBINO ROCCA. Four generations have continued the Rocca family's winemaking traditions in the Piedmont region. We are thrilled to have Daniela Rocca here to present a selection of her estate's stellar wines: Barbaresco, Barbera, Dolcetto, Cortese and Chardonnay!
TASTING SPECIAL: 15% off all wines during Daniela's visit!

2011 ALBINO ROCCA Barbaresco "Ronchi" $50; Special $42.50 (Extra Spec. 20% off case of 12)

100% nebbiolo. This signature vineyard, with 50-70 year-old vines in limestone and clay soils, has the ideal combination of age, soil characteristics and SE exposure, and produces wines with rich aromas, excellent structure, complexity and longevity.  

 

2011 ALBINO ROCCA Barbaresco DOCG "Duemilaundici" $40; Special $34

100% nebbiolo Avg. 15 year vines: aged in large barrel 20 mos. "A juicy, up-front wine, the 2011 Barbaresco possesses good up-front depth and richness. Smoke, leather, tobacco, cloves and cedar flesh out in a supple, radiant Barbaresco. The warmth of the vintage comes through in the wine's intense fruit and voluptuous texture."-Vinous

 

2013 ALBINO ROCCA Dolcetto d'Alba $15.99; Spec. $13.59

Aged in steel for freshness. Dark blue fruit, almonds, spices and dried herbs frame this classic Dolcetto.

 

2013 ALBINO ROCCA Barbera d'Alba $17.99; Spec. $15.29

"Juicy red cherries, plums, tobacco and spices all meld together in the 2013 Barbera d'Alba. This supple, tank-aged Barbera from young vines is another tasty, entry-level offering from Rocca."-Vinous

 

2012 ALBINO ROCCA Chardonnay da Bertu $19.99; Spec. $16.99

100% Chardonnay aged in steel. Refreshing notes of mint, pineapple, and apple blossom make a lively, versatile white.

 

2013 ALBINO ROCCA La Rocca Bianco $30; Spec. $25.50 

100% Cortese from 25-35 year-old vines, aged 4 mos. in barrel. Pineapple and peach on the nose, complicated by quinine, ginger and white flowers. Surprisingly supple and lively in the mouth, with juicy flavors of yellow fruits and gingery spices. Great personality!

 


 
New!
CANTINE del NOTAIO
Jewel of Basilicata
CANTINE del NOTAIO Aglianico del Vulture DOCG, Basilicata

Cantine del Notaio is known for rich, textured wines of extraordinary elegance and finesse. From Aglianico vineyards located on the slopes of Mt. Vulture, an area rich with volcanic soil, these beautiful, traditional wines steeped in history have been unavailable for several years. Certified organic and biodynamic, these elegant reds are shaped in the the estate's 16th c. tufa stone cellars by the most celebrated oenologist in southern Italy, Prof. Luigi Moio.  

 

2013 Cantine del Notaio "L'Atto" $19.99

100% Aglianico. "Offers layers of perfumed fruit. It shows lovely balance in an understated, feminine style of Aglianico that is immensely appealing, especially for near-term drinking. It, too, is an excellent value."--Vinous

 

2010 Cantine del Notaio "La Firma" $55

100% Aglianico. "La Firma" blossoms from the glass with rich dark cherries, menthol, sage and scorched earth. The wilder notes typical of Aglianico have largely been tamed in a wine that stands out for its balance of opulence and freshness. Dark raspberries, sage and rosemary add attractive dimensions of complexity on the finish." --Vinous 

 

2009 Cantine del Notaio "Il Sigillo" $65

100% Aglianico made "appassimento" with dried grapes, similar to the process for Amarone. "Il Sigillo is the richest and most opulent of these offerings. Blackberry jam and melted road tar flow from this super-ripe, flashy Aglianico. Grilled herbs, asphalt and black fruits appear on the finish." --WA 




 
Don't miss out!
Lovers of great Barolo: Run, don't walk -- for the bargain of the century. 


2009 GIACOMO CONTERNO Langhe Nebbiolo Cerretta $80; Special $65

We can see the thought-clouds already: "You want me to spend $65 on a Langhe Nebbiolo?!? And how hard will my friends laugh when I tell them?    

 

OK. Long story short -- here's what you need to know:  

  1. GIACOMO CONTERNO is the ultimate Barolo estate, and one of the greatest wineries on the planet.
  2.  This bottling is declassified Barolo from Conterno's recently-acquired Cerretta vineyard. Roberto Conterno needed a few harvests to get the vines and wines up to his level of atmospheric quality.
  3. 2009 Conterno Ceretta is Langhe Nebbiolo for $65. 2010 Conterno Cerretta is Barolo (not available). 2011 Conterno Ceretta is Barolo and will be available in Fall 2015 for $220 per bottle! 
  4. We just tasted it; as you know, there is no better nose for nebbiolo than Eric's. The 2009 Giacomo Conterno Langhe Nebbiolo is powerful, voluptuous, and deep, more complex and compelling than most Barolos and outclasses all the vaunted 2010 Brunellos.
    No one has ever had a Langhe Nebbiolo that tastes like this!   

At $65 per bottle, Roberto Conterno's 2009 Nebbiolo Cerretta represents an unbeatable (relative) value. Would we steer you wrong? Quantities limited.

 

Email, stop in, or CALL 978-369-2545 or 617-484-2545 to get yours.


 
Terre Nere bottles
TENUTA delle TERRE NERE
Mt. Etna, Sicily
Hot Reds with Altitude: Volcanic vines reach new heights!

 

2012 TERRE NERE Guardiola $40

"An absolutely brilliant Nerello Mascalese from the Guardiola Cru, which sits 800-900 m above sea level and is the highest red-wine producing vineyard in all of Europe. The wine dazzles with its wonderful purity, freshness and elegant personality, offering pretty aromas of ripe strawberries, raspberries, spices, floral and a hint of mint, which are all woven together beautifully. It's well structured backed by gorgeous polished tannins that finesse all the way through the finish. A superb job by Marco de Grazia, and without doubt one of the best values that comes to mind." -- Int'l Wine Report

 

2012 TERRE NERE Santo Spirito $40

95% nerello mascalese. "Captivating aromas of red cherry, graphite, herbs and violets. Rich and dense in the mouth, with ripe red cherry and red berry flavors and extremely silky tannins. Finishes very long and dry, but not drying. An absolute knockout of a wine, power and grace." -- Vinous

 

2012 TERRE NERE Don Peppino Pre-Phylloxera $90

"Terre Nere Etna Rosso 'Prephylloxera' is a remarkable showing in 2012. This outstanding blend of Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio dazzles with its beautiful aromas of fresh strawberries and raspberries which are followed by smoke, minerals and a beautiful dried rose petal character. A completely compelling wine that is elegant and pure showing lovely balance, focus and finesse with a gorgeous inner sweetness. The finish explodes with juicy red fruits before gripping a firm hold and lingering on and on. This is a truly magnificent effort and deserves to be mentioned among the best wines in the world." -- Int'l Wine Report

 



 
 
  NEW! J.L. CHAVE: Elevating Saint-Joseph to a heavenly level

Jean-Louis Chave has gone whole hog to maximize the appellation's potential. In the future, Chave hopes to be remembered as the one who elevated Saint-Joseph to its long-deserved pedestal.

 

2012 J.L. CHAVE Saint-Joseph $80

"Terrific blackberry, ground pepper, crushed rock and underbrush, it's medium to full-bodied, nicely concentrated and has an open, sexy style that's already hard to resist! Drink it over the coming decade. 93 pts." --WA 

 

2012 J.L. CHAVE Saint-Joseph "Offerus" $30

Recommended by Eric Asimov in the January 2015 NYT Wine School column. "Glass-staining ruby. Expressive scents of fresh cherry, violet and smoky Indian spices, complicated by a bright mineral overtone. Juicy and penetrating on the palate, with a silky texture and mineral-driven black and blue fruit flavors sharpened by vibrant acidity and a touch of cracked pepper. 92 pts." --Vinous

 


 
"Sideways" visits VINTAGES!
Gray Hartley
Gray Hartley from HITCHING POST

We were delighted to receive a visit this week from Gray Hartley of the Hartley-Ostini winery in Santa Barbara. The Hollywood hit "Sideways" brought instant popularity to Pinot Noir and Hitching Post, the restaurant and wine featured in the film. Fame allowed Hartley-Ostini to make a lot more Pinot Noir; fortunately, they continue to hew true to varietal character and expression, and deliver these Santa Barbara classics -- simply beautiful, great-drinking Pinot Noir!

 

2012 Hartley-Ostini Hitching Post Pinot Noir "Highliner" $45

"A deep, dense wine, the 2012 Pinot Noir Highliner is laced with pomegranate, dark raspberry, spice and plum. Still tightly-coiled, the 2012 possesses gorgeous understated resonance in the classic, mid-weight style typical of Hitching Post Pinots. 90 pts." -Vinous

 

2012 Hartley-Ostini Hitching Post Pinot Noir "Cork Dancer" $30 (Concord) 

"Smoke-accented cherry and dark berries on the deeply perfumed nose. Palate-coating dark berry fruit flavors. Fleshy and densely packed but energetic as well, finishing with very good spicy persistence and harmonious tannins. 90 pts." Vinous 

 

2013 Hartley-Ostini Hitching Post Pinot Noir "Hometown" $22 (Belmont) 

"Pretty red fruits, spice and hints of underbrush to go with a medium-bodied, lightly textured mouthfeel. With no hard edges and a silky, seamless texture, it's an easygoing, delicious Pinot to drink over the coming handful of years." -- WA



 
New! First 2014 ROSES are in!

What a welcome sight! Three gorgeous southern France "Ro-zays" are radiating that Spring feeling! Brighten your table --and your outlook -- with Pink! 

 

2014 DOM. la MANARINE Cotes du Rhone Rose $15.99  A refreshing blend of Grenache (60%), young vines Mourvedre (20%) and Syrah (20%). A perennial favorite, La Manarine Rose entices with tangy tangerine peel and wild strawberries on a clean, crisp finish.  

 

2014 CHATEAU de VALCOMBE Ventoux Rose $14.99

A blend of old-vine Grenache Noir (60%), Cinsault (20%), Carignan and Clairette. Scented with strawberries, dried herbs, and ripe melon, Valcombe Rose is dry, thrilling and offers of plenty of refreshment.

 

2014 PEUCH-HAUT PRESTIGE Rose $15.99 (Coteaux du Languedoc) 

From one of the Languedoc's top estates, the Prestige Rose is a direct press of 70% Grenache & 30% Cinsault. Very light pink in color, it gives up fresh, crisp aromas of rose petal, white peach and hints of melon in a clean, elegant and hard-to-resist personality. The more you buy, the faster spring will arrive! 



 
CLOS CENTEILLES, Minervois
magical wines from ancient vines 

It was thrilling to have owner/winemaker Patricia Boyer-Domergue visit our store last week and guide us through these incredible wines. As always, CLOS CENTEILLES never ceases to amaze us with their elegance, purity, and just flat-out unique character. In a tough field, CAPITELLE de CENTEILLES stole the show.

Capitelle Centeilles is 100% Cinsault from 100+ year old vines

2005 Capitelle de Centeilles $35

  2004 Capitelle de Centeilles $35

2001 Capitelle de Centeilles $40

 

If you missed the tasting, we recommend grabbing a bottle of Capitelle de Centeilles, just so you know!  

  

2010 Campagne de Centeilles $16.99    

90% Cinsault from 50+ year old vines

 

2010 Carignanissime $15.99  clos centeilles label

100% Carignan from 60-100 year old vines

 

Clos Centeilles is a Cru that is a blend of equal parts Syrah, Mourvedre, and Grenache Noir

2009 Clos Centeilles $25

2004 Clos Centeilles $30 

 

Thank you very much for your interest and support!  

 

 
2010 Brunello!
"The 2010 vintage represents a new point for Brunello di Montalcino...This will be the new standard in quality to judge all Brunello."  --Vincenzo Abbruzzese, owner of Valdicava

 

NEW! 2010 CASANOVA di NERI Brunello Tenuta Nuova 99 pts. $110
; "This is very muscular for the vintage. It shows lots of stones, dark fruits and hints of tar. Full body, firm tannins and a chewy texture. Ripe and rich. Yet shows tension and intensity. This is both racy and structured. Tannic now but will show its greatness in 2018. 99 pts." - James Suckling     

 

NEW! 2010 ALTESINO Brunello "Montosoli" 95pt. $135 

"The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Montosoli possesses gorgeous textural daltesino labelepth and resonance in the classic, mid-weight style of the y  ear. Sweet red cherry, plum, tobacco, spice and savory herb overtones flesh out. Finessed, silky tannins round out a finish laced with rose petal, cherry pit and pipe tobacco  . 95 pts." -- A. Galloni

 argiano brunello

2010 ARGIANO Brunello 98 pts. $60

"An unforgiving and powerfully structured wine with fabulous grilled meat and granite stone character with dried berry and flower petal. Full body, chewy and intense. Great structure and extremely long and intense. Sexy austerity. Best ever from here." --  JS

 

2010 ALTESINO Brunello 95 pts. $68

"Wonderful decadent aromas of musk, orange peel and plum follow through to a full body, with soft tannins and a long and rich finish. Layers of gorgeous fruit." - JS

  

2010 CANALICCHIO di SOPRA Brunello 95+ pts. $90

Dark red cherries, plums, spices, mint, licorice and hard candy jump from the glass. Ripe, juicy and deeply expressive, the 2010 boasts stunning mid-palate density and power. 95+ pts. - Vinous

 

2010 AGOSTINA PIERI Brunello 93+ pts. $50

A deep, pungent wine, the 2010 Brunello wraps around the palate with smoke, black cherry, underbrush and iron nuances. Virile and imposing, it should start to soften in a few years' time. This is a fabulous Brunello from Agostina Pieri. 93+ pts.-- Vinous

 

2010 VALDICAVA Brunello 99 pts. $135

valdicava "Absolutely stunning aromas of nectarine, orange peel, sweet black cherry, plums and flowers. Such beautiful length to this wine. It's powerful and structured yet shows a gorgeous finesse and length. Truly wondrous. So long and refined. The texture is phenomenal. 99 pts." --JS

 

"2010 has turned out to be a superb vintage for Brunello. The 2010s are mid-weight, translucent wines with tons of Sangiovese character, expressive aromatics and silky tannins. As such, they will hold considerable appeal for readers who enjoy Nebbiolo and Pinot Noir.
 

 

978-369-2545 Concord   617-484-4560 Belmont
 
 New from G.D. VAJRA! 
2010 VAJRA Barolo Bricco delle Viole 96+ pts. $80;
Special $68 ea for 6-pak (15% off)

"Dark cherries, plums, tobacco and spices burst from the glass in an intense, structured Barolo that hits all the high notes. Next to the Ravera, the Bricco delle Viole is more floral, lifted and finessed, especially with time in the glass. Rose petals, savory herbs and sweet spices add the  last nuance of complexity. The 2010 is fabulous; it's as simple as that. 96+ pts.-- Antonio Galloni

  

2012 G.D. VAJRA Barbera d'Alba Sup. $38   

Old-vine Barbera planted in two Barolo vineyards: Bricco delle Viole and Bricco Bertone. Gorgeous array of aromas with red fruits, hay, flowers and licorice underlined by mineral notes. This �Barbera Superiore impresses with a smooth, inviting richness all the way from fragrance to finish  !  

 

2012 G.D. VAJRA Langhe Rosso $14.99

Enjoy a panoramic taste of Piedmont in this blend of Nebbiolo, Dolcetto, Barbera with dollops of Albarossa, Freisa and Pinot N  oir. Pretty violet color. Aromas of red fruits, plums, flowers and spice intrigue your senses from the very first moment. On the palate, hints of almond, black pepper and Asian spices come together for a nice refreshing finish!  

 


 

From Serralunga with love: BAUDANA Barolo
Just 4 hectares of impeccable fruit from two prestigious Serralunga vineyards, now vinified by G.D. Vajra. We are very fortunate to engage these Barolos of genuine terroir and power from such an expressive vintage. Highly recommended.

Dazzling, Explosive Power
:

2010 LUIGI BAUDANA Barolo "Baudana" 95+ pts. $75; Special offer $63.75! ENDS MAR 28. 

"The 2010 Barolo Baudana bursts from the glass with tons ofenergy and intensity. Black cherries, smoke, wild herbs, licorice and tar form a compelling backdrop of aromas, flavors and textures as this dazzling, explosive Barolo opens up in the glass. The huge, searing tannins are going to require time to settle, so readers need to be patient. This is a classic Serralunga Barolo built on power and structure. Hints of rose petal lavender and crushed rocks add nuance on the finish. 95+ pts." --A. Galloni, Vinous

 

Serralunga's Softer side: 

2010 LUIGI BAUDANA Barolo "Cerretta" 95 pts. $75;

Special offer $63.75! ENDS MAR 28. 
"A darker and more voluptuous expression of Serralunga em
erges from the 2010 Barolo Cerretta, which presents softer contours than the Baudana and the straight Barolo. Layers of expressive dark red fruit virtually cover the tannins in a Barolo built on texture and roundness. I imagine the Cerretta will drink well relatively young within the context of 2010 Barolo. 95 pts.  " -- A. Galloni, Vinous 


 
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