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New Arrivals: 2013 Ridge Zinfandel & Pibarnon Bandol
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Please join us! Winemaker Tasting June 5 & 6 featuring Stefano Pizzamiglio from LA TOSA!
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Vintages presents: LA TOSA!
WINEMAKER TASTING featuring
STEFANO PIZZAMIGLIO, La Tosa estate
Colli Piacentini, Italy
 FRI. JUNE 5, 4-7pm Belmont SAT. JUNE 6, 1-4pm, Concord We are thrilled to welcome Stefano Pizzamiglio of LA TOSA on his first visit to VINTAGES! We have been honored to support these singular wines and share them with our customers for the past 15 years. Located in Colli Piacentini, Stefano continually innovates in pursuit of wine perfection -- achieving precise aromas and exquisite purity of fruit. Why do we love La Tosa? It's simple -- there's no other winery that reveals the essence of a grape variety in such a pure, focused, primary manner -- think of color-field painters that covered large canvases with a single, saturated, gorgeous color that nearly vibrates with intensity and energy. And, we love LA TOSA wines because they are bursting with flavor, yet perfectly balanced. 2014 LA TOSA Terrafiaba Valnure Frizzante $15.99 Blend of malvasia, ortrugo, and trebbiano from Colli Piacentini. Spring blossoms on the nose, fresh vibrant fruit, a lively, witty personality with a lively tiny bubble. 2014 LA TOSA Riodeltordo $14.99 Delightful still version of the Valnure white. 
2012 LA TOSA Sauvignon $25 Opens with classic sauvignon blanc nose, then turns on the intensity. Fresh, rich, crisp gorgeous fruit. Racy, bracing acidity with nice, big gooseberry fruit. Wow! 2012 LA TOSA Sorriso di Cielo Malvasia $25 Beautiful, precise aromas of honeysuckle and peach followed by crystalline notes of lychee, quince, clementine. Silky texture, luscious mouthfeel, dry finish. Incredible concentration of fruit, yet perfectly balanced. Absolutely stunning! 2014 LA TOSA Terrafiaba Gutturnio Frizzante $17.99 Sparkling blend of Bonarda and Barbera. Lovely nose of strawberry blossom, pure wild berry flavors and freshness. Delightful discovery in red sparkling. Perfect aperitif or with cheese, salumi, or pizza. 2012 LA TOSA Vignamorello Gutturnio $30 "Gutturnio" is a traditional blend of Bonarda and Barbera. Aged six months in seasoned oak barrels. Deep, violet color, super-soft, velvety texture, beautiful, sweet tannins; full-bodied, dark plummy fruit highlighted with spices. Bravo! Perennial "5 Grapes" sommelier winner in Italy. 2011 LA TOSA LunaSelvatica Cabernet Sauvignon $40 A truly classic cabernet: power, elegance and structure. Deeply colored, gorgeous fruit on the nose, soft texture with big, juicy tannins and deep blueberry fruit. Pure power and beauty in this incredible Cabernet Sauvignon. Stupendous! La Tosa L'Oro Felice Passito $35 Unctuous dessert wine made with dried malvasia grapes -- perfetto! Don't miss the tasting with Stefano and the singular wines of LA TOSA!
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Eric de St. Victor, Pibarnon
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PIBARNON: The Pinnacle of Provence in Bandol
Blessed with a spectacular setting, Dom. Pibarnon sits atop La Colline Télégraphe at a height of 300m, overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean bay of La Ciotat. Owner
Eric de St. Victor stopped by the shop last week and we are happy to present the estate's the age-worthy classic
Bandol Rose, and the rare
Bandol Blanc, compelling expressions of the more serious side of the appellation.
2014 Pibarnon Bandol Blanc $35
The pinnacle of Provencal whites. White wines are a rarity in Bandol: Pibarnon's Blanc makes the case for more: an elegant, enticing blend of Clairette, Bourbolenc, and other local white grape varietals. Inviting aromas of jasmine, linden & hawthorn; bright, ripe flavors of apricots and white peach. A hint of white pepper and fresh almonds on the finish.
2014 Pibarnon Bandol Rose $30
Blend of 60% mourvedre and 40% cinsault. LIvely red berry and cherry aromas are complemented by notes of lavender and chalky minerals. Juicy, refreshingly bitter redcurrant and strawberry flavors show excellent clarity. Offers a suave blend of power and vivacity, finishing with excellent cut and stony persistence.
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New Arrivals from RIDGE
"Ridge remains one of the most brilliant and consistent wineries in the U.S. This is a fabulous set of new releases from the team of Paul Draper and Eric Baugher." -- Vinous
2013 RIDGE Zinfandel Geyserville 94 pts. $40
2013 RIDGE Montebello Estate Chardonnay $55
2013 RIDGE Zinfandel Dusi Ranch Paso Robles $35
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Hip Sips "Seriously Pink"
2013 CHATEAU SIMONE "Les Grandes Carmes" Provence Rose $45
This Château Simone Rosé is one of the rare age-worthy roses. Enjoy now, or hold for a decade and marvel at the tenacity, vibrancy and complexity of this very serious wine. A blend of old-vine 45% Grenache, 45% Mourvèdre, 30% Cinsault, 5% and Merlot 20%. Aged in barrel, Les Grandes Carmes is powerful and age-worthy with a steely character and a grey-tinted aura to the faded rose-petal color. A total of 1500 bottles are imported for the entire US market.
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New shipment:
2009 VERGET Chablis 1er Cru "Montee de Tonnerre" $55
It's a wonderful and luxurious privilege to drink the exact same wine every year, especially
 when you didn't have to cellar it yourself. A fresh delivery from the cellars of Verget allows this welcome opportunity to revisit this Chablis and enjoy its evolution in bottle. "Classic Chablis nose of oyster shell, citrus peel and spicy floral aromas gives way to rich and full-bodied yet sophisticated flavors... confers a silky mouth feel on the superbly intense and lingering finish that is drier than most '09s. Sweet spot outstanding! 93 pts." -- Burghound
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Final shipment:
2008 Tommaso Bussola Veneto Rosso TB "L'Errante" $70
"A blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2008 L'Errante is a divinely decadent IGT red to pair with roast pork or succulent steak. The wine is massive, with brooding dark fruit followed by dark spice, Spanish cedar, cola, moist chewing tobacco and road tar. Its bold textural fabric is enriched by sweet spice and long smokey flavors. This wine can easily hold ten years or more." -- WA
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Farewell tour for the "Pope of Arbois," JACQUES PUFFENEY
After 52 years of making singular, compelling wines in an isolated, backwater region just 20 miles east of the Cotes d'Or, Jacques Puffeney puts a cork in his legendary career.
 "Jagged wines in a velvety-smooth universe." -- Eric Asimov, NY Times While a few will find love at first sip, for most, the wines of France's Jura region are an acquired taste -- but once acquired, occasional craving sets in. And, they're hard to find. And harder still,  now that Jacques Puffeney has retired; his final vintage was 2014. Without a family member to carry on, Puffeney's traditional methods of an oxidative style may be a relic of the past. NV PUFFENEY Arbois Blanc "Cuvee Sacha" $40 This cuvée is Jacques Puffeney's blend of Savagnin with Chardonnay, vinified in the classic Jura style: aged in foudres, no topping off, bottled two or so years after harvest. The "Sacha" is a compelling wine of great length and complexity. 2013 PUFFENEY Arbois Poulsard $35 Poulsard (also known as Ploussard) is a fascinating grape that is local to the Jura. The wine is a pale in color with intensely mineral character and fine tannins. 2013 PUFFENEY Arbois Trousseau "Les Berangeres" $40 Brambly, ripe raspberries, notes of new leather, black pepper and tea Also available: 2012 PUFFENEY Poulsard $35 2012 PUFFENEY Trousseau $35 2012 PUFFENEY Pinot Noir $35 Click for more on Arbois/Jura
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It's Official: time to drink the pink!
2014 Lieu-dit COCAGNE Coteaux du Vendomois Rose $9.99
Perennial value fave! Made from 100% Pineau d'Aunis, this bargain rose packs a sophisticated punch. Pale salmon color, racy acidity. Mouthwatering!
2014 CHATEAU MOUTETE Provence Rose $13.99
 Classic provencal rose at a bargain price -- be transported!
Call today to reserve your case of Moutete or Cocagne for the weekend! 978-369-2545; 617-484-4560
2014 DOM. du BAGNOL Cassis Rose $30 (Provence)
The ultimate: a refreshing blend of grenache (55%), mourvedre (31%) and cinsault (14%). Planted in the 12th c., the domaine surrounds the town of Cassis, a tiny, ultra-chic fishing village on the Mediterranean. Absolutely stunning (Rose & village)!
2014 LUCIEN CROCHET Sancerre Pinot Rose $35 (Loire Valley)
A rare, 100% pinot noir Rose from Sancerre! Pale coral in color, with an intense nose of strawberry and raspberry. Vibrant and balanced on the palate with spicy red fruits and mineral notes. A wonderful surprise for Sancerre fans.
2014 CHATEAU de PAMPELONNE Provence Rose $22
Blend of 40% grenache, 30% cinsault, 20% syrah and 10% tibouren. Simply outstanding Provence rose -- buy by the case and enjoy all summer! Gorgeous creamy texture, melon and boysenberry fruit with notes of succulent wild herbs. Incredibly luxurious!
2014 CHATEAU ROQUEFORT "Corail" Provence Rose $15.99
The essential summer rose. Domaine du Bagnol takes rose to another level of finesse and complexity. Offers beautiful richness and intensity to stand up to grilled fish or even grilled meats, balanced by crisp acidity to accompany shellfish. Superb!
2014 LE FRAGHE Bardolino Chiaretto "Rodon" $13.99
A blend of local grapes Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara, Chiaretto "Rodon" is a delightfully quaffable rose with flavors of juicy melon & berries followed a crisp finish. Another delicious value from Matilda Poggi at Le Fraghe.
2014 DOM. FENOUILLET Ventoux Rose $13.99
Pitch-perfect rose from the south of France with delectable berry and citrus fruit, refreshing finish. Outstanding value!
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 BANDOL ROSE IS HERE!
2014 PRADEAUX Bandol Rose $35.
The Bandol Rosé from Pradeaux is perhaps the most serious wine in this category. Robust, rich, and complex with an ability to age gracefully, this wine is made from equal parts Cinsault and Mourvèdre. Not surprisingly, this is one of the rare rosés with staying power and exceptional complexity. Seriously pale.
2014 PRADEAUX Cotes de Provence Rose $22
This luscious, elegant rose from a blend of Cinsault and Mourvedre is a classic example of the Provence/Bandol style at a lower price. Fragrant with wild strawberries, watermelon, and herbs, its silky texture and refreshing coastal minerality make it a welcome guest at any summertime gathering.
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Brighten your outlook with Pink!
What a welcome sight! Gorgeous roses are radiating that Spring feeling!
2014 CHATEAU de PEYRASSOL Cotes de Provence Rose $28
An ancient place in the hills of Provence, along the road where Crusaders trod, grapevines have been harvested continuou  sly since 1253. The old-vine blend of Cinsault, Grenache and Syrah, the "Chateau" bottling also contains Tibouren, the ancient and regal Provencale grape. What does history have to do with something so immediate, so refreshing, so of the moment?
2014 COMMANDERIE de PEYRASSOL Cotes de Provence Rose $22
Cinsault, Grenache and Syrah from younger vines, the Commanderie is the epitome of fruit, freshness, fullness and minerality. Fr  uit blossoms on the nose, a hint of stony elegance on the finish, and that pale pink color! The perfect expression of summer's easy luxury.
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 MUGA Rioja Rosado $14.99
Blend of 60% garnacha, 30% viura and 10% tempranillo. Light orange. Spicy strawberry and redcurrant aromas are fresh, focused and lively. Tangy red berry flavors, hint of cherry pit. Finishes gripping and tight, with lingering spiciness and good length.
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2013 Clos Cibonne Rose $25
A pink with a difference!
From its idiosyncratic grape to its unconventional wine traditions, Clos Cibonne rose is in a class of its own. Farmed organically, Clos Cibonne is planted to the local grape Tibouren, a vine that produces juicy, thin-skinned grapes of uneven sizes and ripeness. In fact, some unripe grapes are included in the press to add spice and acidity to the wine. The domaine follows a traditional method of aging Rose wines under flor (surface yeast) that adds body, silky texture, savory and herb flavors, and a bit of sherried character -- not to mention the ability to age. Discover this deliciously different tradition in pink!
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HIP SIPS: Earth, Wind & Fire
Intriguing reds from pocket-sized estates bursting with originality, intensity, and character. These new arrivals are perfect reds for now through summer, with enough acidity and energy to  tame the wildest barbecue.
2013 DANILO THOMAIN Enfer d'Arvier Vallee d'Aoste $35
A pure Petit Rouge from the "hell of Arvier." In 2013 Danilo Thomain produced his finest wine ever from this minuscule sun-trap of a hillside alongside Mont Blanc. Masses of glossy dark fruit burst onto the palate but also display an airy alpine lift that makes the whole feel quite alive in the mouth! Remarkable.
2013 LE BONCIE "5" IGT Toscana $30
Le Boncie "5" is a blend of 70% Sangiovese, and the balance Mammolo, Colorino, Foglia Tonda and Ciliegolo. Radiant color,
juicy, succulent sangiovese unleashed for spring in all its unfettered glory. Hard to imagine a more juicy Chianti Classico.
Le Boncie is a tiny, esteemed estate in the Castelnuovo Berardenga area of Chianti Classico, planted to Sangiovese and other local varieties, and farmed biodynamically by the natural wine dynamo, Giovanna Morganti.
2013 BRUNA Rossese Liguria $19.99
 Fresh and lively red from the hills above the Italian Riviera. A summer staple, the soft cherry fruit and aromas of berries and wild herbs make Rossese a perfect interlude during the season's warmest days and evenings. EARTH, WIND & FIRE SAMPLER PAK $74.99-- Three bottles in a deluxe carrier gift box.
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VALTELLINA: Nebbiolo with Altitude!
The wines of Nino Negri
Established in 1897, Nino Negri is the premier estate producing wine in the Valtellina DOCG in Italy's Lombardy region. The estate specialty is Sfursat, a wine made from grapes dried for 100 days in the cool, dry, alpine air. This winemaking style combines the opulence of Amarone with the elegant complexity of Barolo.
The star varietal here is Chiavennasca, the local name for Nebbiolo. The variety has been cultivated in the area for over 1,000 years; all Valtellina DOCG wines must contain at least 90% Chiavennasca.
2010 NINO NEGRI INFERNO $28
A blend of Nebbiolo (Chiavennasca), Pignola and Pinot Nero from the Sassella sub-zone, the narrowest of which is called Inferno, the local name for the vineyards that are extremely hellish to cultivate. The wine ages for 18 months in large 80-hectolitre Slavonian oak.
2010 NINO NEGRI SFURSAT di Valtellina $50
Made from 100% Chiavennasca (Nebbiolo). Hand-picked grapes are dried for 3 months, followed by lengthy maceration on the skins. Bottled after aging 22 months in French oak casks. Sfursat displays an intense garnet color, and a complex ethereal perfume, with dominant spicy notes of clove, cinnamon, and pepper, and hints of plum jam. On the finish, it offers elegant, and quite persistent underlying flavors of toasted hazelnut and licorice. The delicious offspring of Amarone and Barolo!
More on Valtellina and the Nino Negri estate
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VINTAGES Adventures in wine Copyright © 2015. All Rights Reserved.
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Poderina's 2010 Brunello di Montalcino is a classic wine from this southern edge of Montalcino. Dark red cherry, plum, smoke, spice and leather notes open up in a rich, resonant wine bursting at the seams with personality. The 2010 needs a few years to soften, but it is already striking and absolutely delicious. 94 pts. 
"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