2012 Côtes-du-Rhône "Cuvee Antique" Vieilles Vignes - $28.90

"Also rock-solid, the 2012 Cotes du Rhone Vieilles Vignes is a blend of 90% Grenache, 6% Syrah, and 2% each of Mourvedre and Cinsault. Aged all in concrete, it offers up a pretty, perfumed bouquet of sweet berry fruit, crushed flowers and hints of herbs that flows to a medium-bodied, elegant and seamless Cotes du Rhone that has loads of character. Finesse and balance are the buzzwords here and it will impress for 4-5 years. Drink now-2017."

- The Wine Advocate #209     87-89 points

"A blend of 100% Syrah that's aged all in foudre, the 2012 Cotes du Rhone La Ferrande is a perfumed, floral effort that gives up loads of blueberry, raspberry, licorice and spice to go with a medium-bodied, pure and lively profile on the palate. It's a balanced, delicious effort that will drink nicely for 3-4 years. Drink 2014-2017."

- The Wine Advocate #209     88-90 points

"A ripe, voluptuous wine that's loaded with sweet kirsch, plum, licorice and garrigue aromas and flavors, Bravay's 2011 Chateauneuf-du-Pape is a great example of the vintage. A field blend that's close to 90% Grenache and aged all in tank (it sees no wood whatsoever), it's a gorgeous, naked expression of Grenache that delivers medium to full-bodied richness, no hard edges and a supple, downright sexy profile. While it won't make you run out and sell off your 2007s and 2010s, it's a great wine meant for drinking over the coming 8-9 years. Drink now-2023."

- The Wine Advocate #209     92 points

While officially established in 1960 by Charles Bravay, this estate can trace its history back to 1760 but today it is guided by Philippe Bravay who took over the estate from his father in 1997.  Since that time, Philippe has established himself as one of Châteauneuf's premier winemakers.  The domaine is tiny with only 5 ½ hectares under vine, all situated in the lieu-dit "Ferrand". He uses organic growing techniques, limits yields strictly with his Côtes-du-Rhône at less than 2.5 tons to the acre and he keeps the Châteauneuf-du-Pape yields even lower. The Côtes-du-Rhône vines were planted between 1933 and 1946 while the vines for the Châteauneuf range between 60 to 100 years in age. Bravay aims to obtain superb natural ripeness and he does a traditional vinification with the majority of the aging done in large oak foudres while the rest of the wine is aged in barrique, but never any new oak.  While the wines from estate can be somewhat reticent while young, they have tremendous aging potential and can be easily be enjoyed in the early part of their life if decanted for a short while. 

E-Offer Discount

Domaine du Pegau 2008 Chateauneuf-du-Pape "Cuvee Reserve"

Regular Price $94.90     E-Offer Discout Price $69.90

"Saturated ruby. A wild, highly expressive bouquet displays red and dark berries, Asian spice and musky garrigue, accented by smoke and game notes in the background. Juicy and precise, with sweet raspberry and cherry flavors that take a bitter turn with air. Tannins come on late and add grip to a long, sappy finish."

- Vinous, March 2011     91 points

Maison Tardieu-Laurent 2006 Hermitage

Regular Price $99.90     E-Offer Discout Price $74.90

"Opaque purple. Intensely perfumed bouquet of ripe blackberry and cassis, with complicating licorice and floral qualities. Lush and impressively sweet, with pliant dark berry flavors, velvety tannins and excellent juicy persistence. I suspect that this will drink well young."

- Vinous, January 2008     90-92 points