Three Epic 2019 "Dream Vintage" Southern Rhone Stunners | |
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Dear Artisans,
We have an amazing deal on a "mouthfilling, delicious, gulpable Cotes du Rhone" and two astonishingly rich Chateauneufs from the 2019 "Dream Vintage" in Southern Rhone!
100-Year-Old Vine Grenache is in both Chateauneufs. The Vieilles Vignes is 100% of it, while the Renaissance is 40% Mourvedre. Both have entered their drinking windows, just in time for your Thanksgiving, while also offering another 15 years of evolution and prime drinking!
"Baptiste Grangeon makes a more progressive/modern style of Châteauneuf du Pape with his Domaine de Cristia releases, primarily with his Cuvée Renaissance, which sees some new oak, but both his Traditional cuvée and the Vieilles Vignes releases lean towards the richer, more fruit driven style as well. Nevertheless, all these wines ooze Provencal charm and character." —Jeb Dunnuck
More about the 2019 vintage:
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"[2019] is exceptional in its own way, combining elegance with power, and excelling over neighbouring appellations. ‘Summer was incredible, beautiful, just perfect for Mourvèdre,’ says César Perrin at Château de Beaucastel. This grape variety performed magnificently in 2019, and the Grenache was notably dark and tannic." (Decanter)
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"For the Rhône Valley, the 2019 vintage is looking extremely strong. For the reds, reports suggest that they are extremely concentrated – but very well balanced with great acidity." (Wine-Searcher)
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"Harvest 2019 in the Rhone Valley: An exceptional vintage." (Chapoutier)
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"'There are undoubtedly some stellar wines, and many producers I spoke to were enthusiastically optimistic. Several said that it was the best vintage since 2016, and it is hard to argue with that..." (Jancis Robinson)
Santé,
—James Tran
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2019 Ferraton Pere & Fils 'Samorens' Cotes du Rhone
Jeb Dunnuck:
"Moving to the reds, the 2019 Côtes Du Rhône Samorens reveals a deeper ruby/plum color as well as a meaty, peppery, earthy bouquet that offers plenty of darker fruits, medium-bodied richness, and a soft, supple, elegant texture. It's beautifully balanced and just a mouthfilling, delicious, gulpable Côtes du Rhône that’s ideal for enjoying over the coming 3-4 years."
Wine Spectator:
"This sports a nice blast of cherry and plum puree flavors carried by a subtle graphite hint, ending with flickers of anise and savory. Drink now. 3,000 cases imported."
Only 5 cases left.
Elsewhere: $17.00
Ours:
$14.97 (1-11)
$12.97 (12-23)
$10.97 (24+)
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2019 Domaine de Cristia "Vieilles Vignes"
Chateauneuf-du-Pape
97 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"The 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Vieilles Vignes (100% Grenache) brings more opulence and sexiness, with a more unevolved vibe in its ripe black fruits, violets, toasted spice, and Provençal garrigue-like aromas and flavors. Brought up in equal parts used barrels, new French oak, and demi-muids, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a seamless, incredibly elegant texture, ripe tannins, and one hell of a great finish. This is a Grenache lover's dream, and it should continue drinking brilliantly for another 10-15 years." (Nov 2021)
96 Points - Wine Spectator:
"A strapping young wine, brimming with dark plum paste and boysenberry compote flavors that are carried by racy licorice snap and fruitcake notes. The lively back end shows a hint of bramble and a touch of tar, giving this energy and power as it courses through the finish. Best from 2023 through 2038. 300 cases made, 50 cases imported." - JM (Feb 2022)
Only 36 bottles left.
Elsewhere: $120.00
Ours:
$99.97 (1-5)
$95.97 (6-11)
$89.97 (12+)
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2019 Domaine de Cristia "Renaissance"
Chateauneuf-du-Pape
95 Points - Wine Spectator:
"Dark and winey, with delicious waves of cassis, raspberry paste and plum puree coursing through, laced with licorice and tar notes that help extend the finish. Late flashes of singed anise, bitters and wood spice add an alluring echo. Best from 2023 through 2038. 300 cases made, 50 cases imported." — JM (2/22)
95 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"The 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Renaissance is a bigger, richer wine based off 60% Grenache and 40% Mourvèdre. Deep ruby/purple-hued, it has rock star purity in its cassis and ripe blackberry fruits as well as spicy oak, roasted meats, toasted spice, and chocolate aromas and flavors. A more elegant, polished wine than usual, it already has some up-front appeal. It's going to integrate its oak élevage with 2-4 years of bottle age and should have 10-15 years of prime drinking thereafter. The purity and texture here are spot on." (11/21)
16.5+ / 20 Points - Jancis Robinson:
"60% Grenache, 40% Mourvèdre. Certified organic. Aged for 18 months in demi-muid (67%) and new barriques (33%). Cask sample. Tasted blind. Some smoked bacon and reductive notes with a dense fruit core. The oak is full throttle and weighty in style, but I like the fruit clarity behind it. Well managed and while a big bruising style it shows just enough freshness. 2024" -AC (6/10/20)
Only 36 bottles left.
Elsewhere: $86.00
Ours: $74.97
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We also have 4 bottles—carefully cellared since release—of "undoubtedly one of the top vintages ever" of 2016 Vieux Telegraphe Chateauneuf du Pape. We can remember how this fairy-tale year was also the most fleeting, selling out instantly upon our offer because only 450 cases were imported: | |
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98 Points - James Suckling:
"Impressive, complex array of wild cherries, raspberries, garrigue herbs, lightly spiced pastry and stony, chalky minerals. Super-fresh florals. The palate has superb texture, roundness, completeness, depth and detail. Powerful yet elegant with powdery tannins and essence-like red fruit. Super-fleshy, supple and dense core, then strong at the edges. Layer upon layer peels away on the finish. Resounding finesse and equilibrium, showing the full potential of the plateau La Crau. Drink or hold." - (August 29, 2018)
Ours: $119.98
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We have 6 bottles left of Chateau Rayas Neighbor: 2019 Chateau de Vaudieu "Amiral G" Chateauneuf du Pape, another blockbuster that's blown people out of their seats: | |
99 Points - Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider:
"Make no mistake, this is off the hook! Deep in color, the wine pops with its array of kirsch, black pepper, black cherry, spice, herbs, plum and thyme on the nose. From there the wine coats your palate with layers of opulently textured, silky red fruits with a gorgeous sense of purity and refinement. The wine is made from 100% old vine, Grenache planted in sandy soils not too far from Chateau Rayas. Drink from 2025 - 2040."
Ours: $119.98
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Get in touch!
Text → 650-880-3553
Phone → 650-917-8080
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