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zachys WINE AND LIQUOR, INC.
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| Holiday Gazette 2010
zachys
®
WINE AUCTIONS , INC. Lyons Ad
A London Gentleman’s Cellar Historic Wines From the Collection of Graham Lyons Part II Friday, December 3, 2010 DANIEL, New York City
z Welcome To The Zachys Holiday Gazette! By opening and perusing through this issue of the Zachys Gazette you are witnessing “Zachys History”. In the 65+ years of the store’s existence we have NEVER done a catalogue of this size. 88 PAGES!! (That’s right 88 - To get a point of reference our holiday issue is typically 36 pages long). Suffice it to say, we have A LOT TO SAY & A LOT TO OFFER...so why not finish the year with a big bang with our most special catalogue of the year. My father-in-law, Don Zacharia, has been on the front lines of retail for longer than most. The store, our clients and the economy are all in a very different place than in the Fall of 2008 (or even 2009). As Don continues to tell all of us, “I am starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.” As he has lived through more ups and downs in the economy (than all of us) he has set the tone for an encouraging holiday season here at the store. Now that a bit of the “panic” is gone from the market it is time for us to get back to basics and get the Zachys message out that we have been so successful with for so many years: Selection • Staff • Service. In addition to this Holiday Gazette being 88 pages we also have 10 major sections for you to shop through, 30 staff picks, some very special “six pack gifts,” many new releases and discounts up to 58%! I am extremely excited that we have managed to get such a large catalogue out as one of Zachys greatest strengths has always been our depth of selection...and this will give you some GREAT opportunities to shop.
Pictured above: Don Zacharia in front of the original Zachys store, 1964.
LEGEND Contributors AM = Andrew McMurray JZ = Jeff Zacharia JN = Jeremy Noye Tasting Note Attributes WA = the Wine Advocate WS = Wine Spectator
As always, the entire Zachys team wants you to know we are here to serve your holiday shopping needs and wish all of you a safe and happy holiday season.
RP = Robert Parker, the Wine Advocate
All my best,
BH = Burghound
SWJ = Sonoma Wine Journal IWC = International Wine Cellar W&S = Wine & Spirits Magazine WE = Wine Enthusiast
Andrew
RR = the Rhone Report
*Prices in the Holiday Gazette are good from 11/1/2010 until 11:59pm EST 12/21/2010 or while supplies last. Sale items are drastically reduced net prices off the regular bottle price. No additional discounts can be applied. These prices cannot be applied to previous purchases. Not responsible for typographical errors. Prices subject to change without notice.
holiday gazette 2010 / zachys.com / 3
z
CONTENTS F E AT U R E S
5-12
C H A M PA G N E
5 THE YEAR OF AMAZING CHAMPAGNE! Exciting New Packaging, 100 point Wines, Limited Production and Two Amazing New Finds!
13-20
B O R D E AU X
21-30
B U R G U N DY
31-38
RHONE/ SOUTHERN FRANCE
This year we find ourselves extremely excited about all the Bubble options that we have. There are terrific new packaging and gift ideas; plus some tremendous new release that have WOWed us as well as the critics!
21 THE MOST BURGUNDY EVER IN A GAZETTE! We’ve loaded up as many pages with Burgundy as we could fit! From incredible deals on Grand Cru selections under $100 to some extreme values from the highly anticipated 2009 Vintage. Plus an array of White Burgundy that fits all style and price points with two of our new favorites.
31 A NOVEL ON RHONE & SOUTHERN FRANCE
39-50
I TA LY
51-56
SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE
It feels as if we just completed a mini-book dedicated solely to wines of the Rhone & Southern France. The sheer number of selections and coverage that we have amassed here for you has to be our largest and best. There are values abound in this section and plenty of top quality wines.
39 ITALY’S EXPLODING!
57-60
S PA I N / P O R T
We can’t remember a time in the past decade with so many exciting new releases from Piedmont and Tuscany. We have so much to tell you about that we dedicated 10 pages to this Holiday Gazette just on this topic!
61-76
USA
61 THE HOTTEST CATEGORY OF THE YEAR— 2006 & 2007 NAPA VALLEY!
77-80
GERMANY/ AU S T R I A / A L S AC E
81-83
SPIRITS
California and Napa Valley specifically is HOT! It’s just like the good old days when domestic wine was king. With good reason, the 2006 & 2007 Vintages have been stellar and the 2008s are looking just as good even though the quantities available are tiny!
81 WE’RE IN THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT! Although we are best known for our fine wine selection, Zachys should not be passed over for our incredible line up of the best spirits from around the world. With 100+ selections currently available in our premium spirits division we have a little something for everybody.
84 OUR GIFT TO YOU & GO BIG! You’ll want to be sure to read all the way through to page 84 & 85 as there are some VERY special gifts at prices slashed in HALF! Not what you are looking for? Go BIG with just a taste of some of the store’s best large format bottlings.
CHAMPAGNE
z Save 40% On Vintage Krug & Clos du Mesnil...No Joke! It is no joke…we are able to offer you Krug 1998 and Krug Clos du Mensil 1998 at 40% OFF! Yes the wines are still over $200 per bottle, but considering the estate, the quality of the wine, the ageability, the track record and the press on this pair…both wines are double scored at 96 points each…this is still a pretty sweet deal!
Krug
| REG $
SALE $
Clos du Mesnil 1998 (96WS/96WA) {#160616} ... 1250.00
750.00
“A picture of finesse and harmony. Hints of vanilla and warm baking spices and floral aromas introduce flavors of fresh chanterelle, honey, lemon and mineral. The vibrant structure emerges from midpalate through the finish as this unravels its charms. The aftertaste echoes orange peel, spice and woodsy notes…96.” Wine Spectator 6/09
Our #1 Selling Gift! Last year our #1 selling gift was the Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame 1998 with the Riva Gift Box. This stylish presentation on the “Queen” of Champagne; plus the fact that this 1998 Vintage wine was still available made the Riva La Grande Dame our top selling gift and champagne over $100 last year and the year before. As a result, we were on the look-out for more this year and were expecting the winery to roll into the 1999 Vintage. In October, we received word that the local supplier was indeed receiving more and that it was still going to be the 1998 Vintage! With that in mind, we quickly submitted our request and scooped up as much as we could. Once again we have basically one complete wall of our warehouse now stocked full of La Grande Dame Rivas! There is no reason to wait for the holidays to offer out this great packaging on the World’s most recognizable champagne. So here it is…La Grande Dame 1998 Riva Gift Box now at $125 per (that is $10 less than last year!). -JN
Veuve Clicquot
| REG $
SALE $
La Grande Dame Riva Gift Box 1998 (92WS/92+IWC) {#146756} ........................ 175.00
125.00
“There’s plenty of finesse in this sleek Champagne, along with an airy texture and loads of grip. Graphite, lemon, toast, and mineral aromas and flavors prevail, and this takes on a chalky edge on the lingering aftertaste...92.” -WS 12/08 “Orange, lemon, apple, smoky minerals and yeast on the nose. Fleshy orchard fruit flavors coat the palate and are energized by dusty minerals and a fresh jasmine quality. An energetic version of this bottling, with good finishing grip and lingering floral qualities. This gained weight with air: I’d hold off on popping the cork for at least another three years...92.” IWC 12/08
Shipping the Riva Gift Box? Please note there is an additional $5 shipping fee per bottle when shipping the Riva Gift Box. 6 / zachys.com / holiday gazette 2010
“Krug’s 1998 Clos du Mesnil achieves a striking balance of power and elegance. Clos du Mesnil is always a more detailed, finely sculpted wine than the Vintage, as it is again in 1998. Although the fruit is incredibly primary and dense today, the mousse is extraordinarily finessed. While the 1998 Clos du Mesnil requires further cellaring, its first-rate pedigree is amply evident at this early stage. Clos du Mesnil is a Blanc de Blancs (Chardonnay) that emerges from a walled-in parcel in the village of Mesnil. Along with Clos d’Ambonnay, Clos du Mesnil is unique among the Krug wines in that the single-vineyard, single-variety approach had never been used at this house until the first Clos du Mesnil was bottled in 1979…96.” the Wine Advocate 12/08
Brut 1998 (96WS/96W&S) {#160617} ................... 350.00 “Shows gorgeous lemon, peach, toast, leather and spice aromas. The attack is rich and forceful, backed by a racy structure that keeps this pure and drives the finish. Perhaps not as expansive on the aftertaste to match the attack, but long nonetheless, with spice and mineral notes lingering. Still needs time…96.” Wine Spectator 12/09 “The 1998 Krug is less challenging than the ‘96, and it turns in a great performance on its own terms. At ten years of age, the wine’s formidable complexity is still cacophonous, needing a day of air to relax into something like the harmony that will come with bottle age. The effervescence itself is compelling, adding volume and eliciting the pedigree of the flavors as they sweep across the palate, layering mineral stoniness with white truffle and fresh red fruit, hinting at raspberries and cream. Consider decanting the bottle if you open this in the next few years, to serve with something as umami as porcini-crusted halibut. Or place it 20 years from now in a vintage retrospective, at dinner with the equally great 1998 Pétrus...96.” -Wine & Spirits 12/08
210.00
z “...nothing short of magnificent...” Why, it’s just Dom Perignon you say!?! It is not just any Dom Perignon but it is the highly touted and already highly requested 2002 Dom Perignon! Already rated 96 points by Antonio Galloni of the Wine Advocate and 95 points unofficially by Bruce Sanderson of the Wine Spectator, the 2002 Dom Perignon is shaping up to be the greatest release since the 1996 or possibly even the 1990! Wine Spectator Champagne Vintage Chart: 2002
94 The best year since 1996. Complexity and richness backed by firm, lively structures; the finest will repay cellaring
“I was blown away by these four new releases from Moët et Chandon. I confess I have long admired the flagship Dom Pérignon. There is a timeless elegance about Dom Pérignon that I find comforting and reassuring, like a favorite restaurant or food. For that reason, nothing could have prepared me for the Champagnes I tasted recently with Chef de Caves Richard Geoffroy. While the 2002 Dom Pérignon and 1996 Dom Pérignon Œenothèque are both for the most part representative of what readers have come to expect from this house, the 2000 Dom Pérignon Rosé and 1990 Dom Pérignon Rosé Œenothèque are wines that push the envelope and push it hard. I can’t think of another winemaker at a Grande Marque who is willing to take these kinds of risks by turning well-established conventions on their head. Much of what I tasted reminded me of the experimental, searching spirit that defines so many of the smaller-production, artisan Champagnes being made today. As the saying goes ‘no guts no glory’ and there is plenty of both here. These wines are nothing short of magnificent…” Antonio Galloni, the Wine Advocate 3/10
Overnight Sensation at Zachys! “Needless to say, the 2000 Cuvee Speciale ‘Les Chetillons’ is highly recommended...” The 2000 Cuvee Speciale ‘Les Chetillons’ from Pierre Peters is back in-stock!
Dom Perignon
| REG $
SALE $
2002 (96WA) {#336902} ......................................... 225.00
160.00
“...at first intensely floral, with perfumed jasmine that dominates the bouquet. With time in the glass the wine gains richness as the flavors turn decidedly riper and almost tropical. Ripe apricots, passion fruit and peaches emerge from this flashy, opulent Dom Perignon. The wine’s volume makes it approachable today, but readers in search of more complexity will want to cellar this for at least a few years to allow for some of the baby fat to drop off…96.” Antonio Galloni, the Wine Advocate 3/10
Rosé 2000 (96WA) {#335556} ............................... 365.00 “...a flashy, ripe Champagne that screams Pinot to a degree I have never encountered in another vintage of this wine...a Chambolle-like nose followed by endless red berries, flowers and spices, all backed up with plenty of muscle, richness and density. The wine continues to blossom on the palate, with utterly beguiling detail, clarity and polish, all qualities that resonate on the rich, expansive finish. The 2000 Dom Perignon Rose is 45% Chardonnay and 55% Pinot Noir, of which 25% is still Pinot..the 2000 seems to signal a stylistic shift towards a more important, serious style of rose. This superb wine is not to be missed...it is a Champagne that demands serious attention. The 2000 will test the limits of what readers expect from a Dom Perignon Rose, but the wine is simply marvelous. I loved it…96.” Antonio Galloni, the Wine Advocate 3/10
When the news of the Wine Advocate issue broke this last holiday season, the limited amount of Cuvee Speciale we had disappeared. The race to gobble this wine up was very heated and I vividly recall people almost coming to blows over the last few bottles we had on the shelf! Well its back! In fact, its back earlier than planned. When we secured more of this terrific bubbly, we planned on this batch arriving in midDecember. Typically, things rarely arrive early but this one did. It’s been greatly anticipated and we want to make sure that all our Champagne buyers have the chance to secure some now before it disappears! The demand and inquiry for this Champagne has been tremendous and we do expect this to be long gone before late November rolls around.
Pierre Peters
305.00
| REG $
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Cuvee Speciale ‘Les Chetillons’ 2000 (95WA) {#166873} ....................................... 95.00
76.00
“...a sumptuous, opulent wine that flows with layers of smoke, licorice, lime, minerals, ripe fruit and spices, all of which are supported by a gorgeous streak of minerality. This is an exciting, racy wine that I find completely irresistible and sensual...Needless to say, the 2000 Cuvee Speciale ‘Les Chetillons’ is highly recommended...95.” WA 12/09
holiday gazette 2010 / zachys.com / 7
z Is Andre Clouet the Next Jacques Selosse? Ever since Antonio Galloni first tweeted about that Andre Clouet Cuvee Un Jour de 1911 this relatively unknown Champagne House (I was not familiar) has skyrocketed into the spotlight. Also in part due to the terrific reviews that Antonio Galloni has also awarded the Champagnes of Andre Clouet in the December 2009 issue of the Wine Advocate. “Champagne...Andre Clouet 1911...100% Bouzy grand cru pinot...50% 1996, 25% 1995, 25% 1997...absolutely majestic...like silk on the palate...” 5:58 AM Jul 16th, 2009 via TweetDeck As soon as I saw that tweet last summer, I wanted to try the wines. In fact, I even purposely schedule a work dinner at Eleven Madison Park last August just so that I could try a bottle of the Un Jour de 1911. The wine was as billed...“Impressive!”
Limited Edition Andy Warhol Bottles! The 2002 Dom Perignon is out and now in-stock; and now LIMITED EDITION Andy Warhol bottles are available! In an ode to Andy Warhol and his master scheme to stash 2,000 bottles of Dom Perignon away for the Millennium; Dom Perignon has released these colorful limited edition bottles of Dom Perignon a la Andy Warhol. The highly sought after 2002 Dom Perignon rated 96 points in the Andy Warhol Limited Edition Bottles! So whether you’re a Dom Perignon fan, an avid art collector or just looking for an extremely unique gift for someone this year, these bottles are the way to go!
Dom Perignon
| REG $
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Andy Warhol Edition 2000 (94WA) {#38957} ....... 225.00
165.00
“...a gorgeous, seductive wine that floats on the palate with remarkable grace. Toasty aromas meld into freshly cut flowers, apricots and pears, with sweet notes of mint and licorice that linger on the long finish. This perfumed, inviting Dom Perignon is elegance personified, and in this vintage the wine fully merits its lofty reputation...94.” WA 3/09.
Andy Warhol Edition 2002 (96WA) {#338878} ..... 225.00 “...at first intensely floral, with perfumed jasmine that dominates the bouquet. With time in the glass the wine gains richness as the flavors turn decidedly riper and almost tropical. Ripe apricots, passion fruit and peaches emerge from this flashy, opulent Dom Perignon. The wine’s volume makes it approachable today, but readers in search of more complexity will want to cellar this for at least a few years to allow for some of the baby fat to drop off...96.” WA 3/10
8 / zachys.com / holiday gazette 2010
165.00
Since that tasting I went on the offensive tracking down as much Andre Clouet wines as possible acquiring the complete line-up and checking them out. Then the December 2009 issue of the Wine Advocate hit and the wines sold out by February 2010. Luckily, I expected the wines to take off once the Wine Advocate reviews came out as the increasing buzz for Andre Clouet wines continued on Twitter, Facebook and the eRobertParker bulletin board. So with that I secured some additional stocks abroad including more of the 94 point Un Jour de 1911 and they have just arrived. Already my supply has dwindled as the demand for these wines has continued to grow with several of you comparing the wines of Andre Clouet to the likes of Jacques Selosse, the domaine that put the word cult in “Cult Champagne.” In any event, the Andre Clouet wines are worth checking out and yes they are practically half the price of Jacques Selosse!
Andre Clouet
| REG $
SALE $
Brut 2005 {#332948} ................................................ 60.00
43.99
Brut Rosé NV {#329692} ......................................... 55.00
38.99
Cuvee Un Jour de 1911 NV (94WA) {#166875} .... 135.00
99.95
Grand Reserve NV (90WA) 750ml {#328405} .................................................. 49.99 1.5L {#332947} ..................................................... 80.00
33.99 63.00
Silver Brut NV (90WA) {#328406} ........................... 49.99
33.99
z “In a word, wonderful.” Bottle Aged Bubbly— Save $100 per bottle!
Newest rank in the line-up of Zachys Favorite Champagnes— Tribaut-Schloesser
When it comes to Vintage Champagne there are plenty out there and the diversity amongst them is unfathomable. Some drink great on release, some need years of cellaring, some only need a few years. The styles, richness, elegance etc… are ever changing in these wines making them increasingly diverse and intriguing. Today’s offer is one of these Vintage Champagnes that with only a few years in bottle, the wine has evolved and changed into something simply “Wonderful” as Allen Meadow’s of the Burghound has noted.
It would never have happened with out the advice of a good friend. From 2006-2008, Sylvain Allart escaped from his roots growing up in the Champagne region of France to be Zachys’ in-house Champagne expert. We were sad to see him go, but happy he is on the ground again in Champagne as he called us this Spring to alert us that the new Champagne house he was working at was a “must have.” After tasting through samples this Spring, we placed our opening order which arrived just before Memorial Day and is now almost ALL GONE! I guess his advice was right as this has been an overwhelming success. We have re-loaded and are ready to take on the demand of Winter with one of the best price/quality Champagnes in the market today. -AM
The 1995 Cuvee des Enchanteleurs from Henriot is an impressive bottle of Champagne. Also considered to be one of the more elegant fashioned Vintage Champagnes, the Enchanteleurs to me really does take on a more Chablis like charm to it as it ages. In fact, just two weeks ago I had to the pleasure of trying the 1988 out of magnum and the wine was stunning vibrant, clean and pure just like a fine Chablis. This season we are able to offer a limited amount of the 1995 at an extremely aggressive price! The importer needs to make room as the long awaited 1996 is about to hit the US market and they want to clear out the 1995 before it arrives. The fact that they still have the 1995 is impressive to begin with as this wine was probably overlooked by all of us as we were already focusing on the heralded 1996 Vintage from Champagne. But remember the 1995 Vintage was almost as equally impressive in Champagne and as produced some “wonderful” wines!
Champagne Vintage Chart: Vintage
Wine Advocate Score
Wine Spectator Score
1995
95
94
1996
97
96
Henriot
| REG $
SALE $
Cuvee des Enchanteleurs Brut 1995 (94BH/94WS/93IWC) {#165634} ............... 225.00
125.00
Superb Value!
| REG $
SALE $
Tribaut-Schloesser Brut (90WS) {#331320} ........... 36.99
29.75
“The refined texture sets the pace for lemon, apple and bread dough flavors in this firm, elegant bubbly, which is dry in style, with an austerity that begs food... 90.” WS 2009
Tribaut-Schloesser Rosé Brut (90SWJ) {#331321} .. 41.99
33.99
“...Showing aromas of burnt cherry, Brewer’s yeast, juniper berry, burnt orange peel, and sour peach. Subtle flavors of alpine strawberries round out this medium-bodied, elegant Champagne...Drink now...90.” SWJ 7/10
Tribaut-Schloesser Le Millesime Brut 2002 (90WS) {#331325} ....................................... 55.00
44.00
“Graphite, honey and bread dough aromas and flavors are the main themes, with citrus shining through on the finish. A firm, sinewy style, with a mouthwatering impression and fine, chalky length. Drink now through 2022...90.” WS 11/10
“This has added a bit more maturity in the two years that have passed since my last review as the expressive, complex and classy nose is now almost completely mature with the same intensely yeasty character that has a touch of baked apple and spice to it that continues onto the delicious, refined and still rather masculine flavors that continue to pack plenty of power, punch and finishing character on the impressively long backend. A terrific effort that is now fully mature though it should hold at this level for years to come. In a word, wonderful…94.” the Burghound 10/09
holiday gazette 2010 / zachys.com / 9
z The AYs’ Have It! I’m a sucker for Champagnes from AY. I love that rich, powerful and bold style. The house that always pops in my mind when I think of AY is of course Bollinger. The wines are powerful, rich and always, always excellent. However, Bollinger like many great houses has climbed closer and closer to that $100 per bottle price tag these days. Enter…Lallier! One of our local suppliers came to us this past summer and asked us our opinion on this tiny Champagne House they were considering to pick up. As soon as Andrew and I saw the packaging, we both remarked—classy looking. Then we tasted the wines and I was more than pleasantly surprised by the quality in the bottles! It was everything I come to expect from AY Champagnes: Rich, Powerful and Bold yet this was very Classy and in fact dare I say a touch more elegant than my personal favorite Bollinger.
Two 100 point Champagnes from the Same Estate & Same Vintage! Putting together this double issue of the Zachys gazette I was doing some research and confirming vintages with suppliers. In doing so, I realized that I missed two very important 100 point reviews on the 2002 Cristals from Louis Roederer! Both Cristal 2002 and Cristal 2002 Rose were rated 100 points from Wine & Spirits Magazine! How I missed who knows…but one thing is for sure, myself and the Zachys team knew these were tremendous wines and made sure to stock up as the 2002 are disappearing fast from the market! -JN
Louis Roederer
| REG $
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Cristal 2002 (100W&S/96+WA) {#153701} ........... 295.00
195.00
“If a wine could ever make you want to pull the top down on your ‘68 Ferrari convertible, rip off the rearview mirror and take off, this is it. It has a different kind of energy than the ‘02 Cristal Rosé, which is more ethereal, like strawberries at the right hand of some ancient Gallic god. This is more insolent, brash, earth bound. All the scents and flavors seem to emanate from limestone, as does the acidity, which hits at the front of the mouth and powers through the wine with the kind of solar energy that lifts mist off the white chalk on a cool morning in Cramant. The wine goes on for miles. It’s already irresistable, and will only improve with ten, 20, 30 and 40 years of age…100.” Wine & Spirits 12/09
Cristal Rosé 2002 (100W&S/95+WA) {#328709} ..... 550.00 “Levi Dalton at Convivio (NYC) compared this wine to the pianist who hits the right keys at the right moment. He’s referring to the precision of the wine, which is astonishing. There is no singular flavor, but rather a resonant chord, a series of oppositions that create the invisible intensity of an electric current, the power of the charge balanced by the elegance of the flavor and the structure of the wine. You could describe it as light and brisk, or bold and intense; either way, you’ll still be tasting it ten minutes later. As Peter Liem pointed out, ‘You could use any descriptor in the world and apply it to this wine. It is an Ur wine.’ The most exciting thing about it is the thought of what it will become…100.” Wine & Spirits 12/09
10 / zachys.com / holiday gazette 2010
450.00
Laillier is clearly not Bollinger but Lallier is one of my new favorites of AY. The slight more touch of refinement and immediate drink ability that Lallier represents and it’s under $40 price tag for non-vintage wines makes Lallier an exceptional buy that I would recommend all you AY fans to try! -JN
Lallier
| REG $
SALE $
Grande Reserve NV (92WS) {#336001} .................. 43.99
36.25
Rosé NV {#336002} .................................................. 46.99
39.95
Millesime 2002 {#336003} ....................................... 75.00
63.75
z Limited Production & Back In-Stock!
Prosecco— This Is When It ALL Happens!!!!
The limited production Folies de la Marquetterie from Taittinger has just arrived back in-stock! Last year we helped introduce this extremely rare bottling at our annual Grand Tasting; where the wine was a tremendous hit! Needless to say the stock on this did not last past New Year’s Eve and we have not been able to secure more until now. If you love clean, crisp Champagnes this is the one for you.
Nothing beats a cool, crisp and refreshing glass of sparkling Prosecco during warm weather.....But this time of year is UNDENIABLE for this special category. Suffice it to say that 75% of our annual sales of Prosecco occur in the final two months of the year. And why not? When you have a sparkling wine like this that is so tropical— effervescent—and low in alcohol....it is the perfect match for your holiday season. Our two favorites for this season are:
Prosecco
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‘Jeio’ Bisol NV {#138927} ........................................ 15.99
13.99
“Bisol’s NV Prosecco Jeio reveals notable freshness, vibrancy and crispness in its green apples, flowers and sweet spices. There is terrific energy and harmony here...” WA 8/08
Sciarpa NV {#157706} ............................................. 17.99
14.99
Snap, Crackle, Prosecco! Straight from the Treviso area in the Veneto this is a refreshing lively wine…exhibits notions of orange rind and honeyed grapefruit. Light-bodied, effervescent, and packing plenty of flavor! Get ready for the SCIARPA BUBBLES!
“Les Folies de la Marquetterie, made from the vineyard that surrounds the Château de la Marquetterie in Pierry, is the first single vineyard wine to be released by Taittinger. Pierry is premier cru-rated village located just to the southwest of Épernay, in one of the two small valleys tucked between the city and the official start of the Côte des Blancs. Not surprisingly, given its close proximity to the Côte des Blancs, the Les Folies de la Marquetterie relies significantly on chardonnay in its cépage, with the current release a blend of sixty-five percent chardonnay and thirty-five percent pinot noir. The wine first debuted in France in 2006, and has just now begun to reach the New York market. The current release is stellar, as it offers up a deep and complex nose of bread dough, pears, lemon zest, a great base of minerality and a delicate leesy topnote. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, pure and very elegant, with very intense, delicate mousse, lovely focus and great length and grip on the impeccably balanced finish. Just a beautiful new bottling from Taittinger…93+.” - John Gilman A View from the Cellar Issue 23
Taittinger
| REG $
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Folies de la Marquetterie (93+JG) {#327468} ...... 120.00
99.00
Finally Here! That’s right a 1999 Vintage Champagne has finally just arrived! With most major Champagne Houses releasing 2002s right now and some are already on 2004s it may be a shock that Taittinger’s top wine is only on the 1999 Vintage! Our opinion…EXCELLENT! We love properly aged Champagne and what could be better than Champagne that has been aged in their own cellars! Yes, we did have a few magnums of the 1999 late last year, but the 750ml bottles have just finally arrived and let me tell you that this 95 point wine is “SMOKING” right now! -JN
Taittinger
| REG $
SALE $
Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs 1999 (95WA) {#329974} ..................................... 225.00
185.00
“The 1999 is an absolutely delicious Comtes de Champagne that needs to be opened at least an hour or two in advance to show at its finest. Smoke, citrus, mint and flowers are some of the nuances that emerge from this fresh, fragrant Champagne. Deceptively lithe on the palate, the wine blossoms with air as it fills out with endless layers of perfumed fruit. The wine can be enjoyed today, even if it comes across as a touch sweet. With time, that sweetness will develop into the liqueur-like perfume that makes older Comtes de Champagne so irresistibly alluring...95.” WA 12/09 holiday gazette 2010 / zachys.com / 11
z Last Year’s Only Top 100 Champagne!
zachys staff holiday selections!
The Press, Reviews and Amount Sold speak volumes about Louis Roederer’s Brut Premier NV! What more can we say…last year was the year Louis Roederer single handedly became the #1 Grand Marque Champagne House at Zachys and is still riding as the Top Major House this year. Will this once again be in Wine Spectator’s Top 100, not sure, but it is safe to say that Louis Roederer Brut Premier is an exceptional bottle of NonVintage Champagne! “Light and lively, featuring apple, toast, ginger and light vanilla flavors. Balanced and on the dry side, with a creamy texture and a lingering butter pastry aftertaste…91” Wine Spectator 11/09 “Bright yellow with a strong mousse. Fresh lemon and lime zest on the nose, plus a hint of white pepper adding energy. Tightly wound and focused, with energetic citrus and orchard fruit flavors underscored by dusty minerals. Nicely balanced and pure, with very good finishing citric bite and persistence. This leads more with finesse than with power today, which suits me fine...90” IWC 11/08
Blake Jines-Storey IT, 1 year Pierre Peters Cuvee Speciale 2000 (95WA/95WS) {#166873} ............................ 95.00
76.00
“...a sumptuous, opulent wine that flows with layers of smoke, licorice, lime, minerals, ripe fruit and spices, all of which are supported by a gorgeous streak of minerality... an exciting, racy wine...completely irresistible and sensual... the 2000 Cuvee Speciale “Les Chetillons” is highly recommended...95.” WA 12/08
“Riper and richer than the 2002 Cristal, this wine has a substantial structure to hold its sensuous, pearlike fruit in place. Tropical notes of guava contribute to the vinous impression, as does the foresty mushroom savor. Haute couture to drink now, this will develop deeper complexities with age...90” -Wine & Spirits 12/08
Brian Mullaney Sales Manager, 8 years Beaune Clos des Mouches Blanc (Joseph Drouhin) 2008 89.25 (94+JG/91-93IWC) {#336482} ............................ 105.00 “Rich and voluminous, with sexy yellow fruit and herbal tea flavors conveying a strong impression of sucrosite Very complex and brisk wine; minerally and firm but not at all hard or dry. Finishes suave and long, with lingering oily perfume...91-93.” IWC 9/09
Louis Roederer
Gemma Oliviero Wine Buyer, 2 years | REG $
Brut Premier NV (91WS/90IWC/90W&S) {#21204} .................... 48.99 #95 of the Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines of 2009
SALE $
39.99
*Nuits St Georges Les Cailles (Chevillon) 2008 (93+JG) {#331142} .................................... 110.00 “...a stellar wine in the making...deep, very pure and classy... great mid-palate depth, fine-grained, substantial tannins and a very long, soil-driven and tangy finish. Really outstanding backend grip...93+.” JG 11/09 * Pre-arrival
12 / zachys.com / holiday gazette 2010
85.00
BORDEAUX
z What to Buy in 09 Bordeaux... The options are unlimited on what one can buy in terms of 2009 Bordeaux. With so many wines to choose from at exceptional quality, the list can simply just go on and on. Granted, price just maybe an issue but today, we wanted to take a moment and hone in on what we feel are some of the SMART BUYS, DEALS and NOTEWORTHY WINES of the vintage that you may not have considered. These are wines that represent relative value when compared to some of the bigger names and sought after wines of the vintage. We realize everything seems inexpensive when compared to the First Growths at $1,200 plus per bottle. These wines themselves are not the absolute best values of the vintage. However, they are some of the sure bets, smart buys and good deals of the vintage when you consider all the variables— They are highly scored, highly regarded, note-worthy estates in their own right. AND in this vintage, they have turned out exceptional wines that will be perfect for cellaring, drinking and collecting! -JN As Wine Spectator says about buying futures, “If you plan to buy futures, you should work only with reputable merchants who have a history of delivering the wines their customers order...but don’t be tempted by a price that’s too low. If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” Zachys has been selling Bordeaux futures since 1970 and we have thousands of satisfied customers.
2009 Bordeaux
| REG $
Beau Sejour Becot (93-96WS/93-95WA) {#332612} ............... 70.00 A very solid St. Emilion that when compared to its peers has a terrific rating and is priced will under $100 when most are now above.
Domaine de Chevalier Rouge (93-96WS/94-96WA) {#332714} ............................................ 75.00 Another of the Super-Stars of the Graves that have raised their game considerably. Both Robert Parker & the Wine Spectator have commented that this maybe their Greatest Wine yet and its only $75!
Fleur Cardinale (92-95WS) {#332743} ..................................... 37.99 One of the best values every year; not to mention one of the most consistent estates. Great Buy!
Gazin (94-96WA) {#332721} ..................................................... 84.50 To this day, still one of the best values in Pomerol where most estates start at $125 & up. Plus, remember Petrus is right out the back door...literally!
La Fleur (St. Emilion) (91-94WS) {#336008} ........................... 31.99 Hold your horses! This is crazy good for the money. Rich, opulent and a sure bet to drink wine it lands.
Leoville Barton (93-95+WA) {#332773} ................................. 135.00 Once again, Anthony Barton has made a wine for the ages. If you’re looking for one wine to lay in the cellar and age 25+ years then this is your best bet!
Lynch Bages (96-99WS) {#332786} ....................................... 150.00 Hands down one of the Best Lynch Bages ever. Wine Spectator says it’s better than the ’85 that they named Wine of the Year.
Malescot St. Exupery (97-100WS) {#332788} ....................... 115.00 Did you realize that his is the Highest Rated Margaux by the Wine Spectator in 2009!?! Higer than Chateau Margaux!
Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande (95-98WS/96-98WA) {#335609} .......................................... 195.00 When you look at the Super Seconds as a whole, Lalande is clearly one of the Vintages better wines and is priced more obtainable than Cos d’Estournel, Ducru Beaucaillou and Leoville Las Case who are all $275 or more!
Pape Clement (94-97WS/95-97+WA) {#332799} ................... 155.00 A terrific Pessac that clearly is holding its own against Haut Brion and La Mission. In fact Decanter Magazine rates Pape Clement 5 Stars as well! With all the Haut Brions starting out at $900 per bottle, Pape Clement is a solid buy in comparison.
Picque Caillou (90-93WS) {#334530} ...................................... 29.99 The Graves excelled in ’09 making this possibly the best Picque Caillou to ever be offered at Zachys. You love it and we do too!
Smith Haut Lafitte (95-98WS/96-98+WA) {#332825} ............ 105.00 Perhaps one of the best underdogs of the Vintage! Smith Haut Lafitte has once again turned out an exceptional wine. This estate has clearly been on the rise and in 2009 they have turned out a truly great wine that is obtainable. When it comes to highly rated, potential 98 point wines there are very few still priced at around $100.
*All orders subject to written confirmation. Payment is due upon confirmation of order. Delivery of 2009 Bordeaux will be completed by the Fall 2012. Many odd sizes available, if you do not see a odd size that you are looking for, please inquire. Prices are net & not subject to any discounts. Prices are subject to change without notice. Maximum charge on any credit card for Bordeaux futures is $10,000.
14 / zachys.com / holiday gazette 2010
z Mouton Rothschild HALF BOTTLES— It’s Been Decades Since They Last Made Them! Earlier this Fall, Andrew and Jeremy had a meeting with one of our top local suppliers. In that meeting they learned a little known fact. The First Growth, Chateau Mouton Rothschild has produced a very limited amount of half bottles from the their tremendous 2006 Vintage! According to the information that we have obtained, Mouton Rothschild had agree to bottle in 2006 a very small and exclusive amount for this one US based supplier. We are not 100% sure how many bottles were made and if there are other parts of the world that received any but we do know for sure that it has been at least over a decade since we were last permitted to have half bottles made! Add to it that my father and I have not seen any recent Mouton Rothschild half bottles being offered at auction since the early 1990 vintages. This is a very rare format for Mouton Rothschild and an extremely rare opportunity to be able to secure the tremendous 2006 at close to opening price! Not to mention that Mouton Rothschild is the First Growth of the Vintage at 98+ rating from Robert Parker. -JZ
2007 Bordeaux In the March issue of Wine Spectator, James Suckling of the Wine Spectator submits his final reviews on 2007 Bordeaux! Here are some quick highlights that savvy shoppers like you are going to want to know. Leoville Barton 2007 is the #2 Wine in James Suckling’s Top-Scoring 2007 Bordeaux and along with Haut Bailly 2007 they are the only two wines in his Top-Scoring section below triple digits! More news of note: In Margaux, Malescot St Exupery, Palmer, and Giscours all out score Chateau Margaux (88WS)! Pontet Canet once again ties its score with Chateau Latour (90WS). Stay tuned as we will have more news to come but for now we wanted to give you a head start on the stand-outs of 2007! -JN
2007 Stand Outs!
| REG $
SALE $
Giscours 2007 (90WS) {#152115} ........................... 49.99
44.99
Haut Bailly 2007 (91WS) {#152145} ........................ 60.00
55.00
Leoville Barton 2007 (91WS) {#152226} ................ 90.00
80.00
Malescot St. Exupery 2007 (90WS) {#152255} ...... 85.00
60.00
Palmer 2007 (90WS) {#152277} ............................ 190.00
150.00
Pontet Canet 2007 (90WS) {#152317} .................... 85.00
75.00
2006 Bordeaux
| REG $
SALE $
*Mouton Rothschild (98+WA) (375ml) {#338999} ... 550.00
425.00
“A sensational effort...a classic Mouton perfume of creme de cassis, flowers, blueberries, and only a hint of oak. Dalhuin told me that in whisky barrel-tasting vintages such as 1989 and 1990, Mouton was aged in heavily-toasted barrels, and they have backed off to a much lighter toast for the barrels’ interior. I think this has worked fabulously well with the cassis quality fruit they get from their Cabernet Sauvignon. The fullbodied, powerful 2006 possesses extraordinary purity and clarity. A large-scaled, massive Mouton Rothschild that ranks as one of the top four or five wines of the vintage, it may turn out to be the longest-lived wine of the vintage by a landslide. The label will undoubtedly be controversial as a relative of Sigmund Freud, Lucian Freud, has painted a rather comical Zebra staring aimlessly at what appears to be a palm tree in the middle of a stark courtyard. I suppose a psychiatrist could figure out the relationship between that artwork and wine, but I couldn’t see one. This utterly profound Mouton will need to sleep for 15+ years before it will reveal any secondary nuances, but it is a packed and stacked firstgrowth Pauillac of enormous potential. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2060+…98+.” Robert Parker, the Wine Advocate 2/09
Original wood cases of 12 are available. *Wine due to arrive the Zachys warehouse early December 2010.
holiday gazette 2010 / zachys.com / 15
z Dry-Still Perfection from Chateau d’Yquem!
Chateau Latour 70% Less than the 2009 Vintage!
“Y” or better known as Ygrec is the extremely limited, rare dry still white from Chateau d’Yquem. This fabulous dry white Bordeaux rarely hits our shelves is year after year this wine sells out long before it arrives. The 2006 “Y” is bound to be no different as quantities are once again extremely limited and the 2006 White Bordeaux Vintage already has quite the cult following.
Now In-Stock…“one of the longest lived wines of the vintage”
“I rarely get a chance to taste this wine, and I certainly wonder why after tasting this fabulous, full-bodied, dry white Bordeaux. A terrific effort from manager Pierre Lurton and his staff, this totally dry wine offers up exotic tropical fruit notes, especially pineapple, along with some subtle smoky oak and mandarin orange. With terrific texture, a sensational mouthfeel, but with zesty acidity and a subtle use of wood, this is a fabulous effort that will probably last quite a long time, but who is going to age this wine, when it drinks so great at present? A tour de force in dry white winemaking!...94.” Robert Parker, the Wine Advocate 2/09
Y “Ygrec”
| REG $
SALE $
d’Yquem 2006 (94WA) {#165664} ......................... 175.00
125.00
The first growths are clearly a handful of wines that are completely in a realm unto their own. That being said, with the latest releases of 2009, we have never seen release prices as high as these. With first growths starting at over $1,200 per bottle and already climbing to $1,600 per bottle or more…2009 is setting records and demands like we have never seen before. As expected the 2009 “effect” has had a dramatic impact on the 2008s as we have seen our available stocks diminish and diminish in the past several weeks. Plus prices coming out of Bordeaux on additional 2008 stocks is already considerably higher at 50% or more! Where do the smart buys lie within the past 5 or so years in Bordeaux? 2007 just maybe the “SMART BUY” Vintage for 1st Growths now… especially for Chateau Latour! With the second highest rating of any 1st Growth from Robert Parker of the Wine Advocate and considered by the majority of all the critics as “one of the longest lived wines of the vintage,” Chateau Latour 2007 is an impressive steal at 70% less than the recent release of 2009! -JZ
2007 Bordeaux
Extreme Bordeaux Value— Pipeau Back In-Stock! As a loyal Zachys Customer…YOU know that Chateau Pipeau in St. Emilion is one of our fastest and top selling wines each year! This little property has become a standard at Zachys for the excellent value that it consistently represents. A pure hedonistic style and approachability make this wine extremely pleasurable upon arrival; resulting in this wine disappear fast each year once it comes into stock! Last year we made one big mistake. We did not order enough half bottles! This year is not the case, we have made sure to stock up on plenty of half bottles, especially since they are on sale for $10.50 per bottle! When was the last time you could buy good St. Emilion for UNDER $20 a bottle and for that matter under $11 per half bottle!?!? -JZ
Chateau Pipeau 2007
| REG $
SALE $
375ml {#152307} ...................................................... 13.50
10.50
750ml {#152309} ...................................................... 25.99
19.99
16 / zachys.com / holiday gazette 2010
| REG $
SALE $
Chateau Latour (92+WA) {#152216} ..................... 695.00
475.00
“The 2007 Latour (the first wine made in the newly renovated cellars) exhibits a dense ruby/purple color as well as a sweet, expansive bouquet of black fruits and spring flowers interwoven with a striking minerality. The wine’s dense, medium to full-bodied flavors are surprisingly evolved, with soft tannins, an ample, generous mouthfeel, and an endearing texture. Undoubtedly one of the longest lived wines of the vintage, the 2007 Latour should last for two decades or more…92+.” Robert Parker, the Wine Advocate 4/10
z $11 Bordeaux at Zachys... Three Years In the Works! Ever since, I joined the Zachys team over four years ago, we have been working to find YOU a Bordeaux that we can offer Under $12. Seems easy… not really. Bordeaux is by far the world’s largest fine wine producing region. The sheer amount of high quality wine that comes out of the region is more than impressive. However, finding something that retails for under $12 that we could acquire a consistent stock of is very difficult. We have scooped up from time to time a couple hundred cases of Chateau X or Chateau Y but then the following Vintage was not up to our standards or we couldn’t get enough. The three year search is hopefully over. We have been watching and tasting Chateau Pasquet for several years now and have finally sealed the deal to have consistent stock of this GREAT Little GEM!
Palmer 2009—Now 98+ Points! It doesn’t look as if James Suckling is “retired.”. The former lead critic of the Wine Spectator for Bordeaux and Italy has been extremely active since his departure from the world’s leading fine wine magazine. The word on the street is that his own website is due out soon and for those of you that are Twitter and Facebook fans know that James is constantly expressing his wine views and reviews through these mediums. One September night I noticed a several tweets from Suckling as he is in Bordeaux checking in on the 2010 harvest and re-tasting 2009s!
This little Chateau is a labeled simply as Bordeaux but it is a real Chateau. Family owned and produced this little property is located just on the outskirts of the Graves and Entre Deux Mers. Made of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Merlot this wine is all about immediate enjoyment and pleasure. Loaded with deep black cherry and currant fruit that is supported by a good amount of smoky earth and a touch of leathery overtones this wine is the perfect everyday alternative. For those of you that have been buying Bordeaux from Zachys for years, you might remember when Duplessy was under $15—if you do…this is the wine for you as it has all that Duplessy character with much cleaner and balanced fruit! -JN
2008 Bordeaux
| REG $
SALE $
Chateau Pasquet {#332981} ................................... 13.99
10.99
Just Awarded: the Medaille d’Or (Gold Medal) Concours de Bordeaux 2009
His one tweet on Palmer is astonishing...could 2009 be destined to be one of the greatest Palmer’s ever? -JZ Check it out: “Just finished at Palmer. 2009 is amazing and defines the future for this top estate. Nothing shy in Palmer anymore. Love it. 98+.” -James Suckling via Twitter.
Chateau Palmer
|
REG $
*2009 (94-96WA/95-98WS/98+JS) 375ml {#335580} .................................................................175.00 750ml {#332797} .................................................................325.00 1.5L {#335583} .................................................................... 700.00 3L {#335581} ..................................................................... 1395.00 6L {#335582} ..................................................................... 2700.00 “Loaded with exotic fruit, with masses of crushed blackberry and blueberry. Superclear and fruit forward. Full and velvety, with fresh acidity and a long, long finish. This is almost in your face, but reserved in a way. Superseductive...95-98.” WS 4/10 * Pre-arrival
holiday gazette 2010 / zachys.com / 17
z The volume of Bordeaux at Zachys is enough to fill all 88 pages of this special edition Gazette so here is just a handful of in-stock gems! In-Stock Gems!
| REG $
SALE $
Ducru Beaucaillou 2006 (95WS/94WA) {#141895} .......................... 175.00
155.00
Bahans Haut Brion 2006 {#141789} ....................... 80.00
64.00
Beau Sejour Becot 2007 {#151891} ....................... 60.00
48.00
Bellefont Belcier 2006 (89-91WA) {#141792} ......... 39.99
31.99
Bellefont Belcier 2007 (87-90WS) {#151892} ......... 34.99
27.99
Bellevue 2006 (92-94WA) {#141793} ...................... 60.00
48.00
Bellevue 2007 (87-90WS/91-93WA) {#151893} ...... 65.00
52.00
Bellisle Mondotte 2006 (89-91WS) {#142936} ....... 29.99
23.99
Branaire Ducru 2007 (87-90WS/90-92WA) {#151946} ................... 47.99
37.99
Certan Marzelle 2006 (89+WA) {#165492} ............. 85.00
68.00
Clos Fourtet 2006 (89-91WS/91WA) {#141855} ..... 70.00
56.00
Clos Fourtet 2007 (90-93WA) {#152053} ................ 60.00
48.00
Clos les Lunelles 2006 (91WA) {#141852} ............. 49.99
39.99
Cos d’Estournel 2006 (93WS/94WA) {#141865} .. 175.00
140.00
Croix de Labrie 2007 {#154593} ............................. 60.00
48.00
d’Issan 2007 (87-90WA) {#152072} ......................... 41.99
33.50
Destieux 2006 (90WA) {#141882} ........................... 41.99
33.50
Dom de la Solitude 2005 {#154297} ....................... 34.99
27.99
Du Tertre 2007 (87-90WA) {#152096} ..................... 36.99
29.50
Duhart Milon (Rothschild) 2006 (92WA) {#141896} .. 90.00
72.00
Faugeres 2006 (91WS) {#141901} .......................... 47.99
38.50
Faugeres 2007 (87-90WS) {#152109} ..................... 37.99
29.99
Filhot 2007 (87-90WS) {#152766} ........................... 33.99
26.99
Fleur Cardinale 2003 {#128578} ............................. 67.00
50.00
Fleur Cardinale 2004 (91WA) {#132965} ................ 60.00
45.00
Fleur Cardinale 2006 (91WA) {#141970} ................ 44.99
35.99
Fleur Cardinale 2007 (91-93WA) {#152174} ........... 44.99
35.99
Fleur De Jaugue 2006 (89-91WA) {#142987} ......... 24.99
19.99
Fleur Petrus 1998 (94WS/92WA) {#49775} .......... 287.00
215.00
Fombrauge 2006 (89-92WA) {#141906} ................. 39.99
31.99
Girolate 2005 (91-93WA) {#137647} ....................... 85.00
68.00
Giscours 2000 (93WS/92WA) {#62885} ............... 119.00
89.00
Grand Corbin Despagne 2005 (90WA) {#137955} .. 65.00
In-Stock Gems!
| REG $
SALE $
Kirwan 2007 (89-92WA) {#152165} ......................... 49.99
39.99
L’Arrosee 1995 {#120661} ....................................... 92.00
69.00
L’Arrosee 1996 {#80572} ......................................... 73.00
55.00
La Chapelle de La Mission 2006 (89-91WS/89-90WA) {#141960} .................. 65.00
52.00
La Confession 2007 {#154672} ............................... 41.99
33.50
La Croix St. Georges 2007 (90-93WA) {#152173} .. 57.50
46.00
La Gomerie 1995 (93WS/93WA) {#2063} ............. 119.00
89.00
La Gomerie 1996 (92WA) {#62992} ...................... 100.00
75.00
La Gomerie 1998 (94WA) {#51870} ...................... 207.00
155.00
La Grave A Pomerol 2006 (89-91WS) {#141974} ... 49.99
39.99
La Vieille Cure 2007 (87-89WA) {#152195} ............ 22.99
18.39
Lafon Rochet 2006 (89-90WA) {#142038} .............. 44.99
35.99
Langoa Barton 2006 (91WS) {#142042} ................. 75.00
60.00
Langoa Barton 2007 (92WS) {#152208} ................. 75.00
60.00
Larcis Ducasse 2003 (89-91WS/90WA) {#158198} .. 67.00
50.00
Larcis Ducasse 2007 (87-90WS/92-94WA) {#152209} ................... 55.00
44.00
Larmande 2006 {#162147} ...................................... 39.99
31.99
Lascombes 2000 (90WA) {#100859} .................... 113.00
85.00
Lascombes 2004 (93WA) {#132993} ...................... 80.00
60.00
Latour 2005 (99WS/96WA) {#136047} ................ 2500.00 2000.00 Le Gay 2006 (93WA) {#142061} ............................ 130.00
104.00
L’Eglise Clinet 1998 (96WS) {#57828} ................. 333.00
250.00
Leoville Barton 2007 (92WS/87-90WA) {#152226} ....................... 90.00
72.00
Leoville Las Cases 2000 (100WS/99WA) {#2659} ............................ 647.00
485.00
Leoville Las Cases 2006 (95WS/95WA) {#142073} .......................... 265.00
217.30
Leoville Las Cases 2007 (91WS/92-95WA) {#152232} ..................... 160.00
128.00
Leoville Poyferre 2000 (94WS/95WA) {#49759} .... 240.00
180.00
Lucia 2006 (90-93WA) {#142998} ............................ 55.00
44.00
Lucia 2007 (90-92WA) {#152245} ............................ 45.99
36.79
Lynch Bages 2007 (87-89WA) {#152251} ............... 65.00
52.00
Lynsolence 2005 (91WA) {#138209} ...................... 75.00
60.00
Lynsolence 2006 (90+WA) {#142090} .................... 65.00
52.00
Magdelaine 2006 (90+WA) {#165493} ..................... 95.00
76.00
52.00
Malartic La Graviere Rouge 2000 (92WS) {#50005} ........................................ 79.00
59.00
Grand Corbin Despagne 2006 (90WA) {#141922} .. 31.99
25.50
Malescot St Exupery 1998 (90WA) {#134208} ..... 120.00
96.00
Grand Mayne 1996 (90WA) {#80846} ..................... 73.00
55.00
Malescot St. Exupery 1999 (90WA) {#319524} .... 115.00
92.00
Haut Marbuzet 2003 (91WS) {#128693} ................. 67.00
50.00
Haut Mazeris 2003 (91WA) {#129035} .................... 44.99
35.99
Malescot St. Exupery 2000 (93WS/92+WA) {#107326} ........................ 175.00
140.00
Historical XIXth Century Blend L.20.07 {#330436} .. 215.00
172.00
Malescot St. Exupery 2001 (91WA) {#112259} .... 115.00
92.00
Joanin Becot 2006 (90WA) {#141953} .................... 29.99
23.99
Joanin Becot 2007 (88-91WA) {#152163} .............. 25.99
20.75
Malescot St. Exupery 2005 (97WS/97WA) {#136069} .......................... 225.00
180.00
18 / zachys.com / holiday gazette 2010
z | REG $
SALE $
Smart Buy 2008s
Malescot St. Exupery 2006 (92-94WS/91+WA) {#142094} ..................... 65.00
52.00
Marojallia 2006 (91WA) {#142101} .......................... 99.00
If you are looking for a “Smart Buy” in 2008, then best to head straight to Pessac-Leognan.
79.20
Monbousquet 1996 (90WA) {#41269} .................... 87.00
65.00
Monbousquet 1999 (94WA) {#55137} .................. 113.00
85.00
Monbousquet 2000 (95WA) {#46144} .................. 140.00
105.00
Montrose 1996 (95WS) {#80473} .......................... 167.00
125.00
Montrose 2000 (95WS/96WA) {#64444} ............... 327.00
245.00
Montrose 2004 (92WS/91WA) {#132730} ............... 73.00
58.40
Moulin St. Georges 2006 (90WA) {#142213} .......... 44.99
35.99
Olivier Rouge 2005 {#136080} ................................ 36.99
29.59
Palmer 2006 (93WS/92WA) {#142122} ................. 275.00
220.00
Pavie 1998 (96WA) {#47886} ................................ 287.00
215.00
In-Stock Gems!
Pavie 1999 (95WA) {#52290} ................................ 207.00
155.00
Pavie 2000 (96WS/100WA) {#32284} .................... 680.00
510.00
Pavie 2006 (95-100WS/96WA) {#142127} ............. 350.00
280.00
Pavie Decesse 1999 (94WS/93WA) {#53520} ...... 119.00
89.00
Pavie Decesse 2006 (94+WA) {#142129} ............. 235.00
188.00
Pavie Macquin 2005 (96WS/98WA) {#136086} ..... 375.00
300.00
Pavie Macquin 2007 (88-91WS/92-94WA) {#152286} .................. 65.00
52.00
Peby Faugeres 2006 (92WS/93+WA) {#142140} .... 99.00
79.20
Pichon Longueville Baron 2003 (95WS/94+WA) {#128067} ........................ 160.00
115.00
Pichon Longueville Baron 2006 (92WS/92WA) {#142153} .......................... 115.00
92.00
Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 2006 (92WS/95WA) {#142159} .......................... 165.00
132.00
Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 2007 (88-91WS/88-90WA) {#152306} .................. 95.00
76.00
Quinault L’Enclos 2000 (91WS/94WA) {#51243} .. 100.00
75.00
Quinault L’Enclos 2001 (92+WA) {#111814} .......... 73.00
55.00
Quinault L’Enclos 2004 (91WA) {#132654} ............ 60.00
45.00
Rauzan Segla 2005 (97WS/94WA) {#136105} ...... 195.00
155.00
Rol Valentin 2007 (90-92WA) {#152328} ................. 45.99
36.79
Rouget 2006 (90WA) {#142186} .............................. 44.99
35.99
Sociando Mallet 2006 (90WA) {#142198} ............... 55.00
44.00
St. Pierre 2006 (89-91WS/93WA) {#142199} ........... 65.00
52.00
St. Pierre 2007 (90-92WA) {#152345} ..................... 55.00
44.00
Tertre Roteboeuf 1995 (95WA) {#71019} ............. 253.00
190.00
Tertre Roteboeuf 1998 (95WA) {#53744} ............. 287.00
215.00
Tertre Roteboeuf 1999 (91WA) {#37838} ............. 113.00
85.00
Troplong Mondot 2000 (95WA) {#48769} ............. 253.00
190.00
Troplong Mondot 2006 (91WS/93WA) {#142206} 150.00
120.00
Trotanoy 2000 (93WS/92+WA) {#57703} .............. 287.00
215.00
Vieux Chateau Certan 2007 (91WS/89-91WA) {#152359} ..................... 130.00
104.00
With an overall vintage rating of 91 points from Robert Parker of the Wine Advocate, Pessac-Leognan in Graves has once again turned out some exceptional wines for the vintage. The real beauty lies in the fact that Pessac as an appellation performed just as well as the Medoc but once again some of the best values of classified wines lie in Pessac! For the quality to price ratio, these Pessac wines simply deliver more bang for your buck than most of their Medoc peers. -JN
Pessac-Legnan
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*Smith Haut Lafitte 2008 (93-95WA) {#164479} ...... 80.00
60.00
“...sweet cassis, tobacco leaf, earth, and barbecue characteristics in its complex aromatics. The wine reveals ripe, supple tannin, medium to full body, gorgeous fruit, impeccable purity, and a luscious texture...93-95.” WA 4/09
*Picque Caillou 2008 {#326724} ............................... 29.99
23.99
A year after year favorite of ours. Once again, exceptional value with that classic charred earth smoky edge framed by beautiful deep cherry notes with hints of tobacco.
*La Chapelle de La Mission 2008 (88-91WS) {#164354} .................................. 55.00
44.99
“Offers currant and plum on the nose, with hints of young sweet tobacco. Medium- to full-bodied, with a solid core of fruit and silky tannins...88-91.” WS 3/09
*Carbonnieux 2008 (90-92WA) {#164256} ............... 39.99
30.99
“Always a quintessentially elegant-styled offering... outstanding purity in its deep kirsch, black currant, underbrush, and herb notes...exhibits more density than most examples over recent years. Beautiful sweet tannins, luscious red and black fruits, medium body, and a long finish..90-92.” WA 4/09
*Domaine de Chevalier Rouge 2008 (92-94WA) {#164308} .................................. 60.00
49.99
“One of the finest wines made at this estate over the last three decades, Domaine de Chevalier’s 2008 (60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc) achieved 13% natural alcohol...This beautifully textured, dense purple-colored 2008 exhibits notes of graphite, spring flowers, and blue as well as red fruits in an elegant, full-bodied, flavorful, layered mouthfeel. The freshness of the vintage, combined with low yields has given this cuvee an atypical density and richness that is largely unprecedented...This beauty should drink well for 25+ years…92-94.” WA 4/09 * Pre-arrival
holiday gazette 2010 / zachys.com / 19
z Better than their 2005?!?
zachys staff holiday selections!
Rachel Imbrogno Italian Wine Buyer, 4 years *Barolo Bartolo (Mascarello) 2006 (96WA) {#331675} ..................................... 125.00 Unless you have been out of contact with the wine world for that past 2 to 3 years, you know that 2005 Bordeaux is a modern day “LEGEND!” Considered by the major critics as the greatest and possibly superior to the legendary 1961 and 1982 vintages, 2005 Bordeaux produced fantastic wines across all appellations. Most importantly, the Super Seconds and Rising Stars knocked it out of the park; turning out wines that rivaled the First Growths. That is all but ONE according to Robert Parker of the Wine Advocate!
105.00
“...harmonious expression of fruit that emerges from a midweight frame. Silky tannins frame the intensely fragrant, dark red fruit as this exceptionally elegant, refined Barolo shows off its pedigree. The finish is long, clean and refreshing...The 2006 Barolo is fantastic...96.” WA 2/10
Robert Parker rated the 2005 Pichon Lalande a whopping 86 points! For such a historic estate to have under achieved in 2005, the new owners of Pichon Lalande quickly made some dramatic changes and brought in Hubert de Bouard of Chateau Angelus as a consultant. The result with the 2006 Vintage is more than impressive! It is Amazing—95 points Robert Parker, the Wine Advocate! -JN “...The 2006 Pichon Lalande, which blows away the 2005, represents a return to the velvety-textured, rich, sexy style most readers would associate with Pichon Lalande...abundant aromas of chocolate, coffee, cedar, black currants, and a subtle touch of smoke, a rich, savory, full-bodied mouthfeel, plump, fleshy fruit, and a superb finish. This is a 21st century version of the brilliant 1996...95.” Robert Parker, the Wine Advocate 2/09 Robert Parker, Wine Advocate Pauillac 2006
Domaine Sipp Mack Riesling Rosacker Alsace Grand Cru 31.99 2005 {#328265} .................................................... 39.99 Rosacker is one of those hidden gems in Alsace. It shows all the hallmarks of a Grand Cru Riesling with long ageing potential. Medium to full in body, this Riesling is full of slate, minerals, stone and white flowers in the nose. The fruit is here but even at this time it is still quite restrained.
Scores
Mouton Rothschild
98+
Lafite Rothschild
97
Pichon Comtesse de Lalande
95
Latour
95
Pichon-Baron
92
Lynch Bages
92
Duhart Milon
92
Pichon Comtesse de Lalande
John Dawson Wine Consultant, 5 years
Pietro Cavallaro IT, 1 year *Cotes du Rhone Cuvee Romaine (Domaine la Garrigue) 14.39 2009 (92WA) {#339128} ....................................... 17.99
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2006 (95WA) {#142159} ......................................... 165.00
132.00
“...a perennial winner in the values sweepstakes...stunning depth and richness as well as a long finish, this remarkable wine demonstrates what great winemaking and Southern Rhone varietals can achieve in a top vintage. Moreover, the price is ridiculously low for such high quality...92.” WA 8/10 * Pre-arrival
20 / zachys.com / holiday gazette 2010
BURGUNDY & LOIRE VALLEY
z Save $100 per Bottle on Grand Cru! Here’s the quick end of the story. Nicolas Potel took on partners to expand his production and long story short they bought him out. Now the importer here in the USA is looking to move the wines. We are able to offer two 2006 Grand Crus that both scored well with the Wine Advocate and the Burghound. The plus side of stocking up now on 2006 Potel Grand Crus—YOU SAVE $100 per bottle! All wines are in-stock and ready to ship! “Nicolas Potel consistently favors promoting ripeness at low potential alcohol and consistently eschews chaptalization. He is also a fan of freshness and clarity in Pinot, while maintaining notably low levels of sulfur…” David Schildknecht
The “Montrachet” Of Pouilly Fuisse Dubbed the “Montrachet” of Pouilly-Fuisse by Robert Parker in his comprehensive book Burgundy the single vineyard Pouilly-Fuisse’s of Domaine Ferret have long been considered to posses Grand Cru quality. One of the oldest estates still in operation today (founded in 1760) Domaine Ferret controls some of the most historic and prized vineyards in the heart of Fuisse including Les Perrieres, Tournant de Pouilly and Les Clos. Today the estate is now owned and managed by Maison Louis Jadot but retains the same winemaking and vineyard team that has been producing Domaine Ferret for numerous decades. Jadot Director Jacques Lardieres of course brings his expertise to the wines of Ferret and works closely with the team; but from day one Jacques told us that “Jadot’s goal was to keep Ferret ‘Ferret’. The wines, the labels, the vineyards will all stay the same except we may make less single vineyard wines taking the low yields of Ferret even lower.”
Nicolas Potel
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Clos de la Roche 2006 (91WA/90-92BH) {#161450} ..................... 185.00
85.00
“The Potel 2006 Clos de la Roche offers a similarly gripping but more texturally refined and pure-fruited experience than the corresponding Clos St.-Denis. Smoked meat, dark berry concentrate, black tea, and roasted meats fill the mouth, leading to a lingering, saliva-inducing finish. In the final analysis, there is a trade off between the mystery of the Clos St.-Denis and the greater clarity and refinement here. They will make a fascinating pair to follow over the next 6-8 years.” The Wine Advocate 12/09
Clos St Denis 2006 (91WA/91-93BH) {#338762} ... 185.00 “A very ripe yet beautifully fresh nose offers up elegant aromas of dark berry fruit trimmed in a bit of discreet wood spice leads to mouth coating and exceptionally rich flavors that drench the palate with buckets of dry extract on the textured and velvety finish. This is a relatively big Clos St. Denis that delivers outstanding length on the powerful and very firmly structured finale. Recommended.” The Burghound 1/08
22 / zachys.com / holiday gazette 2010
85.00
For the 2007 Vintage you may recall that we jumped all over the 2007 entry level Pouilly Fuisse that turned out to be one monstrous wine that received a 92 point rating from the Wine Spectator. This year we were able to secure almost all of the 2008s production of the Ferret’s prized Les Clos! This single vineyard comes from a walled in vineyard in the heart of Fuisse next to the winery and has long been considered their best. The 2008 is not yet reviewed but we expect that when it does happen that this wine will disappear in a flash. It’s sister vineyard Les Perrieres 2008 was already reviewed by the Wine Spectator and received an astonishing 92 point review. With the more approachable and seductive Perrieres already scoring 92 our expectation that this Tete de Cru Les Clos will once again prove why this is PouillyFuisse’s Grand Cru. -JN
Pouilly Fuisse
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Les Clos Tete de Cru Cuvee Speciale Ferret (Jadot) 2008 {#331740} .................................................... 50.00
36.00
z Grand Cru Red Burgundy for Only $65! I’m sure you are wondering what Grand Cru Red Burgundy is only $65! Actually it is two wines, from one estate that show very diverse and interesting examples of the Cotes de Beaune’s sole Red Grand Cru—Corton. They are the 2006 Corton Clos de Roi and Corton Renardes from the legendary estate of Prince de Merode!
Henri Boillot Whites— Burghound Loves Them and We Do Too! The reviews from the Burghound say it all. Henri Boillot’s whites are truly something special and are excellent examples of their respective villages and vineyards. Not to mention these whites are so clean and fresh that they are just simply delicious now! -JN
Prince de Merode is of course a very historic estate that over the years has become a benchmark for Corton. Recently Prince de Merode has been in all sorts of press, blogs and news because the estate has been sold/leased. But not just sold to anybody but sold to Domaine de la Romanee Conti! This in itself speaks volumes about the quality of the vineyards and terrior of the Merode holdings if DRC lead by the living legend Aubert de Villaine is willing to make their first venture into Cote de Beaune Red with these vineyards. As it stands 2006 is one of the last vintages to be labeled under Prince de Merode. This is your chance to secure some terrific Grand Cru Corton from one of the legendary producers that will no longer exist. At these dramatic prices, you will need to act fast to secure you little piece of Burgundy history as we are able to offer this wines at 35% Off! -JN
Prince de Merode 2006
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Corton Clos de Roi (91WS/88-91BH) {#161451}... 100.00
65.00
“Round, rich and concentrated, this red offers cherry, spice and chocolate notes on a firm frame. The tannins provide grip and texture. Cruises to a long finish...91.” WS Web 2009
Corton Renardes (88-91BH) {#337141} ............... 100.00 “A bright and moderately animale nose features mostly red berry fruit aromas that betray a touch of the vegetal that is not unpleasant and leads to quite rich and full-bodied flavors...impressively long...88-91.” BH 4/08
65.00
Henri Boillot
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Puligny Montrachet Clos de la Mouchere 2008 (94BH) {#329986} ..................................... 100.00
85.00
“Here the nose is a bit more complex than that of the “straight” Perrières with a similar nose that displays just a bit more minerality but also notably more tension and punch on the palate staining and highly textured medium-bodied flavors. The hugely long finish fans out like a peacock’s tail and this delivers grand cru quality...94.” BH 6/10
Meursault Genevrieres 2008 (93BH) {#329992} .... 95.00
75.00
“There is a vaguely exotic character to the superbly elegant nose of white flower, apricot and delicately spiced pear that is in keeping with the cool, precise, intense and stony medium-bodied flavors brimming with both extract and a natural sweetness before finishing with an exceptionally pure and lengthy finale. A classic, and altogether gorgeous, example of a fine Genevrières...93.” BH 6/10
Corton Charlemagne 2007 (96BH) {#163428} ..... 175.00
135.00
“Seemingly like all of Boillot’s wines in this vintage, a strikingly purenose of green apple, white flower and spice aromas complements perfectly the delicious, intense and stony flavors that areamong the ripest in the range yet remain wonderfully vibrant and gorgeously detailed on the taut, transparent and bone dryfinish that bathes the palate in dry extract. This is beautifully balanced and among the best wines of the vintage from Corton. In a word, brilliant...96.” Burghound 7/09
Corton Charlemagne 2008 (96BH) {#329997} ..... 175.00
135.00
“Hints of oak toast add nuance to the green apple, lime and classic dried white flower aromas that precede the well-muscled, firm and impressively broad-shouldered flavors that are clean, dry and ultra intense with real drive on the penetrating and intensely mineral-suffused finish that delivers stunning length. This beautifully chiseled effort does not deliver quite the same length as the Montrachet but it’s perhaps even more complex. In sum, part of why I like this so much is its sense of completeness...96.” BH 6/10
holiday gazette 2010 / zachys.com / 23
z From Soup to Nuts-One of the Best Domaines for Burgundy... “…the entire portfolio of wines produced by Domaine Mugnier are outstanding, from the superb Chambolle AC all the way up through the premier crus to the two grand crus of Bonnes-Mares and Musigny…” John Gilman, A View From the Cellar Issue 23
Les Beaux Monts 93 Points Wine Advocate & Only $80! “...most of these 2006s— especially in their upper-echelons—strike me as exhibiting excellent price:quality rapport...” David Schildknecht, The Wine Advocate 12/09
Dominique Laurent
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Vosne Romanee Les Beaux Monts VV 2006 (93WA) {#332034} ..................................... 105.00
80.00
“Game and dark fruits on the nose...migrate broadly onto a palate of creamy richness, underlain by dark chocolate and forest floor intrigue. As this opens to the air, pungent and exotic spices mount in significance...the impressive expansiveness here persists into an almost adhesive finish. This should prove fine material for a decade or more of enjoyment and contemplation...93.” WA 12/09
The Wines of Jacques-Frederic Mugnier are clearly some of the best wines coming out of Burgundy at this time. Regarded by many as one of the premier estates (if not the premier) in Chambolle-Musigny, it is hard to believe that this estates illustrious history is actually very short and up until 1985 the wines were made and sold under Maison Faively. However, once Jacques-Frederic made up his mind to take control of the family estate and produce wine on their own; clearly the rest all became history. Blessed with magnificent vineyards, a drive for perfection and an unbridled dedication to the land, the Mugnier team has clearly turned the corner and the sky’s the limits here. -JN
2007 JF Mugnier
Chambolle Musigny {#329008} .............................. 95.00
75.00
Chambolle Musigny Les Fuees (89-91BH) {#329153} ......................................... 165.00
Once again, Domaine Ponsot shines in the face of a difficult Vintage! Both Bruce Sanderson and Allen Meadows’ agree that Laurent Ponsot has once again produced a massive line-up of terrific Burgundy. | REG $
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Chapelle Chambertin (92-94BH) {#332277} ......... 170.00
135.00
Clos de la Roche Vieilles Vignes (94-97BH/94-97BS) {#332242} .......................... 355.00
250.00
Clos St Denis Tres Vieilles Vignes (93-96BH/93-96BS) {#332274} .......................... 395.00
315.00 145.00
Griotte Chambertin (91-94BH) {#332278} ............ 170.00
135.00
Morey St Denis Alouettes (91-93BH) {#332279} ... 130.00
95.00
Morey St Denis Clos des Mont Luisants Blanc (92BS) {#332280} .................... 130.00
95.00
130.00
“As it virtually always is, this is notably more complex and a bit riper as well with red and black berry aromas that exhibit wet stone nuances that signals the presence of an intense minerality on the textured and ultra pure medium-bodied flavors that are focused, intense and sneaky long as the finish returns and then returns again. Lovely, understated and impeccably balanced...89-91.” BH 1/09
Nuits St. Georges Clos de Marechale (89-91BH) {#329892} ........................................... 95.00
75.00
“A ripe, fresh and slightly herbal nose combines notes of red and blue pinot fruit, soil tones and a touch of underbrush that can also be found on the fresh, pure and racy silky textured flavors that possess real verve on the dusty, linear and palate staining finish...89-91.” BH 01/09
Bonnes Mares (90-92BH) {#329007} .................... 325.00
Clos Vougeot Vieilles Vignes (91-94BH) {#332281} ........................................ 185.00
24 / zachys.com / holiday gazette 2010
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“A very fresh nose of violets, red raspberry and cherry is in keeping with the equally fresh and energetic middle weight flavors that culminate in a rich, supple, round and detailed finish of moderate length. A classic Chambolle of delicacy and punch...88.” BH 1/10
Domaine Ponsot shines in the face of a difficult Vintage!
Domaine Ponsot 2008s
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“Here the nose offers a clear step up in aromatic elegance with relatively high-toned red pinot fruit, stone, underbrush and warm earth notes merging into rich and exceptionally fresh medium full flavors that are quite forward, indeed even supple and tender, that also culminate in a focused, energetic and lingering finish. An understated Bonnes Mares that is built more along the lines of finesse than power and muscle...90-92.” BH 1/09
255.00
z
Chablis Perfection
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Chablis La Forest (Rene et Vincent Dauvissat) 2008 (93BH/93+IWC) {#329163} ......................... 85.00
68.00
“...the nose explodes from the glass, combining notes of lemon peel, Chablis-style green fruit and oyster shell nuances that can also be found on the rich, energetic and highly intense flavors that are powerful...I really like the balance and overall sense of underlying tension. This should be great in time…93.” BH 10/10 “...Sexy aromas of orange, honeysuckle, hazelnut and toast. Big, silky, rich and deep but not especially showy today as its stony minerality currently dominates the palate. A downright profound premier cru with outstanding persistence...93(+?).” IWC 7/10
SGN - With Remarkable Precision… Selection de Grains Nobles SGNs as they are commonly referred to are some of the most diverse and unique sweet wines that are produced. Hailing from the Loire and Alsace predominately, this SGN offer focuses on the 2006 Delesvaux Coteaux du Layon from the Loire Valley.
Exceptional 2009 Value!
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*Bourgogne Rouge (Pierre Guillemot) {#337421} .. 24.99
20.99
“…These continue to represent excellent values and are good keepers…As Vincent (Pierre’s Son) points out – and bearing in mind that the wines here have been good for much longer than that – the past decade has in several respects found them returning to methods that prevailed in his grandfather’s time. I did not have a chance to taste Guillemot’s 2007s as I used it instead to gain a foretaste of 2009 which will feature a new appellation, and which is promising indeed…” the Wine Advocate 6/10
Selection de Grains Nobles
* Pre-arrival
Burgundian Beaujolais!
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Moulin a Vent La Roche Chateau des Jacques (Louis Jadot) 2007 (92W&S) {#166241} ............. 38.99
21.50
“...a floral and spicy 2007, with scents of jasmine over bright black raspberry flavors. The tannins form a broad expanse, with a moment of chocolate richness in an otherwise earthy finish. A bold Moulin-à-Vent, this is suited to age or teasmoked duck...92.” W&S 4/10
Made from 100% Chenin Blanc, Coteaux du Layons are from vineyards very close to Vouvray that produce some of the most magnificent sweet versions of Chenin Blanc of anywhere. These are wines that can be consumed on the early side or left to age gracefully in the cellar. Sweet versions of Chenin Blanc have been known to stand the test of time and bottling from the 40’s or earlier are still vibrant and seductive today. This could be one of those wines but then again, it is so seductive and delicious now—why wait!?! -JN | REG $
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Coteaux du Layon Delesvaux 2006 (96WS) {#330163} ......................................... 85.00
68.00
An Eye Opener!
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Pinot Noir (d’Autrefois) 2009 {#330885} ................ 17.99
13.99
“Brimming with ripe black cherry and plum flavors, with a hint of whole-cluster spice associated with stem inclusion. Impressively round and smooth mouthful for such a young wine. A medium-bodied Pinot Noir that offers good value...” SWJ 7/10
holiday gazette 2010 / zachys.com / 25
z Lafon Pouilly Fuisse!?! He’s consulting for Evening Land Vineyards! Dominique Lafon has consulted on a 2009 Pouilly Fuisse bottled under the Evening Land Vineyards label and it is hands down one very impressive bottle of wine.
Becky Wasserman & Co. Have Done It Again! Becky Wasserman has clearly become one of the finest agents for Burgundy in the United States. This lady is almost single handedly responsible for introducing so many Americans to fabulous Burgundy. Without Becky and her team we wouldn’t have fallen in love with... Denis Bachelet, J. F. Mugnier, Comte Armand, Liger-Belair, Rene Engel and the list could just go on and on. Well it looks like Becky and her team have done it once again! The next “KID” on the block as already broken out of the gates faster than you can say “Bur-gun-dy!” Olivier Bernstein has fashioned one amazing micro-negociant operation that with its inaugural 2007 Vintage already knocked the socks off of us and the press! The 2007s are long gone but the 2008s have just been released. These highly acclaimed wines are hands down some of the best 2008s we have had the chance to preview! In fact Peter Wasserman told me in the February tasting that Olivier Bernstein’s Mazis was “the best Mazis I have ever tasted out of barrel.” (unfortunately, sold out!) High praise from a man that clearly tastes his share of Chambertins! -JN “I am happy to report that Olivier Bernstein has followed up his auspicious debut with a set of terrific ‘08s that are even better than what he crafted in 2007...As explained in Issue 33, Bernstein was influenced by Henri Jayer...In sum, this is definitely an address to watch carefully as the quality is most impressive as the ‘08s have picked up purity and transparency relative to their ‘07 counterparts.” Allen Meadows’ the Burghound 6/09
Olivier Bernstein 2008
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Meursault 1er Cru Les Charmes {#332107} ........ 165.00
135.30
Puligny Montrachet 1er Cru Champ Gain {#332106} ....................... 165.00
135.30
Gevrey Chambertin {#332108} ............................... 65.00
69.70
Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru Les Lavrottes (88-91IWC/87-90BH) {#332110} ........................ 165.00
135.30
Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru Les Cazetiers (91-93IWC/91-93BH) {#332111} ........................ 165.00
135.30
Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru Les Champeaux (91-93IWC/90-92BH) {#332112} ........................ 165.00
135.30
Charmes Chambertin VV (92-95IWC/91-94BH) {#332114} ........................ 325.00
266.50
Clos Vougeot (91-94IWC/91-94BH) {#332116} ..... 325.00
266.50
26 / zachys.com / holiday gazette 2010
I recently just tasted the wine with Evening Lands’ ambassador and resident Master Sommelier Larry Stone. In a nut shell this is one structured and packed Pouilly Fuisse! The wine is intensely mineral focused with great weight and power behind it. It is not a wimpy Pouilly Fuisse by any means and nor is it a super ripe and decadent fruit bomb like many other 2009s we have seen. The wine actually needs 5 minutes or so in the glass and then it explodes! Let me tell you, if all 2009 whites are this good then 2009 is one tremendous vintage. This may or may not be the case but you could clearly see Lafon’s hand in this wine and immediately appreciate the quality in the glass. For those of you that are not familiar with Evening Land Vineyards here is what they are all about in a nutshell: Evening Land Vineyards is about extracting the spirit and sense of place from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Oregon, California and Burgundy. The team behind Evening Land include wine super-stars Dominique Lafon and Master Sommelier Larry Stone, to name a few. With numerous selections coming from the three hot spots for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay on the globe; Evening Land produces some of the most soulful expressions of each grape and vineyard. Tasting from all their vineyards and terroirs is an education in itself on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. -JN
Pouilly-Fuisse ‘Blue Label’
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Evening Land Vineyards 2009 {#338988} ............... 32.99
27.99
Perfect for on any Holiday table!
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Volnay Chevrets (Henri Boillot) 2008 (91-94IWC) {#329980} ................................ 90.00
69.00
“...Wonderfully sweet and silky but bright, with a creamy small-berry character to the intense flavors of black cherry, iron, dark chocolate and minerals...conveys a juicy quality and considerable elegance...91-94.” IWC 03/10
z A Domaine to Watch… David Duband has been on the Zachys radar for some time thanks in part to one of New York’s most prominent Burgundy experts, Daniel Johnnes. In addition to being the wine director for the Daniel Boulud’s Dinex Group, Johnnes is also an importer of Burgundy and the mastermind behind La Paulee USA. But enough about Johnnes…back to Duband. As one of a handful of producers that is imported by Johnnes, Duband has thankfully been on our radar for years. We have watched the progress of this Domaine and made the trip out to his remote outpost on numerous occasions. Each year David produced better wines and more wines. In 2008 his range has grown tremendously both in the cellar and in bottled wines. On a side note, Duband was able to acquire the vineyards of the legendary Jacky Truchot after his passing adding to his stable of excellent vineyards. With that in mind, Andrew and I made the trip this past Spring out to see David and taste once more. After leaving our tasting and working our way back to Nuits St. Georges Andrew and I discussed how impressed we were with his 2008s. To sum it up, his wines deliver great fruit up front are accessible yet have that underlying elegance and depth of earth behind them. They are wines that appeal to a broad audience yet are very thought provoking. Once back state side we started to work on securing our top 7 favorites but only 5 were available (our picks from Morey St. Denis were already gone.) So here they are our top picks from Duband inlcluding an incredible value on Village Nuits St. Georges! —JN
David Duband
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Chambolle-Musigny 2008 {#338346} ....................... 55.00
44.00
Floral cherry notes wrapped in an already earthy edge make this village Chambolle quit complex and alluring. The elegance is here but the wine is delivering an immediate of supple fruit from the get go.
Chambolle-Musigny Sentiers 2008 (89-92BH) {#338347} .................................. 100.00
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Beaune Les Pertuisots (Domaine des Croix) 2006 (91-92WA) {#161395} ................................ 65.00
39.00
“Exuberant fresh, ripe cherry mingles with the spices and saline and chalky mineral notes on a silken palate, finishing long on refreshment and minerality, with great finesse...91-92.” WA 12/09
80.00
“As one would reasonably expect, this is both more elegant and more complex with a nuanced and expressive nose of primarily red and blue fruit with warm earth and underbrush aromas that lead to supple, refined and pure mineral-driven flavors that are very Chambolle in character, all wrapped in a dusty, sappy and saline-infused finish. A classic Chambolle of finesse that offers really lovely depth and length...89-92.” BH 1/10
Gevrey Chambertin Les Combottes 2008 {#339131} .................................................... 115.00
40% OFF Beaune’s Rising Star
“A more deeply pitched nose of ripe red berries, underbrush, earth and crushed herb complements the round but serious and more somber middle weight flavors that are delicious and while less elegant than the best here, there is really lovely depth...88-90.” Burghound 4/08
92.00
Classic rich fruit up front with a great zip of refreshing acidity in the mid palate that leads you to the earth and power of Combottes. All in all a more elegant Combottes but a delicious one at that!
Clos de la Roche 2008 (90-93BH) {#338348} ........ 160.00
130.00
“Moderate reduction blocks the nose from a proper evaluation but the rich, full and sappy medium weight plus flavors are seductive yet powerful and like the Echézeaux, there is more than enough dry extract to essentially render the tannins invisible, at least for now...90-93.” BH 1/10
35% OFF Old School Charm
“Clos-de-la-Roche Grand Cru we have even more mineral intensity, this wine is also just the slightest bit brutal, but what mastery of vinification and élévage! Bravo...” Revue des Vins de France
Nuits Saint Georges 2008 (88-90BH) {#338344} ..... 49.99 “This is the best of these villages wines with the most aromatic complexity too, offering up a layered and only mildly sauvage nose of fresh red pinot fruit that complements well the rich, round, sappy and seductive medium-bodied flavors that possess surprising refinement, in fact this is a Nuits of finesse rather than power and rusticity. Worth a look...88-90.” BH 1/10
39.99
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Gevrey Chambertin (Lucien Boillot) 2007 {#330472} .................................................... 65.00
42.25
Old School charm is the best way to sum this wine up. Lucien Boillot of the same family of Henri Boillot and JeanMarc Boillot is the one of the three that produces a more ”classic” style of Burgundy. His 2007 Gevrey has all the necessary fruit and earth with balanced structure and depth. A real joy to drink now. Thank you Kermit Lynch for introducing us to these wonderful under the radar wines!
“The most complete of the Villages in our tasting, remarkably aromatic, blessed with a caressing texture, magic, long, accomplished superb savoir faire...” Bettane et Desseauve 2010
holiday gazette 2010 / zachys.com / 27
z We made it to the top of Hameau de Blagny! “The tiny, ancient hamlet straddles the appellations of Puligny and Meursault, high on the hill below the forest. Monks first established the little village and planted vines in the 14th century. This almost magical, lost-in-time corner of the world boasts a unique microclimate, with a slightly different average temperature, exposure to the elements and soil than the rest of Burgundy. In our humble opinion, our friend and vigneron, Laurent Martelet, creates the most haunting masterpieces that emerge from this terroir.” Kermit Lynch.com All Andrew and I have to say it “DITTO!” We have had these wines on rare occasions here in the states before but our first visit this past Spring left us both in awe of this tiny Domaine and their wines. If you like high-tone floral, high acid white Burgundy this is a must try! As much as we are fans of Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey’s wines (page 29) you have to try these as well. The floral nature and backbone of acidity is georgous and uniquely impressive. The 2007s are great but what really caught our attention was the 2008s. The wines are of exceptional quality and unlike any other 2008s that we have tried. Typically only reviewed by the Wine Advocate, we highly recommend getting in now before the Wine Advocate releases their 2008 White Burgundy reviews this winter….we think it’s safe to say they will leave the 2007s in the dust. -JN
“A great Clos des Mouches…”
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Beaune Clos des Mouches Rouge (Joseph Drouhin) 2008 (93JG) {#336499} ........................................ 95.00
80.75
“...clearly one of the very best Beaunes that I tasted on this trip (and the 2008 vintage looks to be particularly successful in this village). The bouquet is deep and beautiful, as it delivers scents of cherries, blood orange, woodsmoke, fresh herbs, coffee and a simply stunning base of minerality. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, complex and wonderfully transparent, with a rock solid core of pure fruit, great focus and a fair bit of tannin to resolve on the very long, tangy and soil-driven finish. A great Clos des Mouches...93.” JG 11/09
Martelet de Cherisey
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Meursault Blagny la Genelotte 2007 (92WA) {#330397} ....................................... 95.00
75.00
“...fresh lime, honeysuckle, and almond extract; coats the palate with soothing liquid flowers and citrus-cream; and finishes with satisfying primary juiciness and subtle salinity and meat or poultry stock character...92.” WA 12/09
Meursault Blagny la Genelotte 2008 {#337157} .... 95.00
75.00
Puligny Montrachet Hameau de Blagny 2007 (91-92WA) {#330399} .................................. 95.00
75.00
“...iris, lemon oil, high-toned green herbal essences, and chalk dust. Scintillating in its combination of textural richness; ripeness of bright citrus and pit fruit; wafting floral perfume; and shimmering expression of salt and chalk, this is an energizing and very treble expression of high-elevation white Burgundy that is apt to thrill lovers of Riesling or Chablis, and apt, too, to be worth following for a half dozen or more years...(91-92).” WA 12/09
75.00
Puligny Montrachet Les Chalumeaux 2007 (92WA) {#330398} ....................................... 95.00
75.00
“...linden flower, honeysuckle, and fresh lime. Its creaminess and richness are complimented by vanilla from (40% new) barrel but harmoniously juxtaposed with fresh citrus juiciness. Citrus zest and chalk add to the sense of cut and to a long, shimmering interchange of fruit, flower, and mineral elements in the buoyant finish of this well-concentrated Puligny...92.” WA 12/09
28 / zachys.com / holiday gazette 2010
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Chambolle Musigny Les Sentiers (Louis Jadot) 2008 (90JG) {#335083} ...................................... 75.00
60.00
“Les Sentiers is a premier cru in Chambolle that lies right on the Morey St. Denis border, and I often think of it as a bit of a highbred between the two villages. The 2008 from Maison Jadot is a very pretty wine, as it offers up a complex nose of raspberries, beetroot, blood orange, woodsmoke and a nice base of soil. On the palate the wine is medium-full, long and classy, with fine complexity, modest tannins and good length on the tangy finish...90.” JG 11/09
Puligny Montrachet Hameau de Blagny 2008 {#337159} .................................................... 95.00
Puligny Montrachet Les Chalumeaux 2008 {#337158} .................................................... 95.00
Chambolle 1er Cru Under $80!?!?
75.00
z White Burgundy Royalty Combined— the Future Is Only Looking Up! One off the newest white Burgundy Domaines in the last decade or so is Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey. Pierre-Yves is the son of Marc Colin and his wife is the daughter of Jean-Marc Morey. Thus the new Domaine name in the village of —Colin-Morey. This husband and wife duo clearly come from some of white Burgundy’s most storied names and already making a name for their own wines. They started with a small amount of vineyards and have slowly expanded that range. One area that they have significant holdings and contracts in is Saint Aubin were they produce some of the finest white Burgundy values the region sees. The wines are of significant quality that merit a very close look and give you an insight as to what this Chassagne Montrachet based Domaine is all about. Other than being an exceptional value and excellent quality producer, Pierre-Yves is a leading proponent of refreshingly brisk wines and low alcohols. This is one Domaine that is well worth checking out! -JN
Domaine Leflaive for Under $50!
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Macon Verze 2007 (90IWC) {#165768} ................... 39.99
31.99
“...Racy aromas of lime, lemon, talc-y minerals, jasmine and green tea...A firm, juicy and refreshing wine that develops greater depth and power in the glass. Finishes with strong minerality and citrus character...90.” IWC 7/09 “A very fresh and bright nose of green fruit, whiteflower and citrus nuances leads to cool, refreshing and vibrant middle weight flavors blessed with a light mineral streak on good detail and punch on the solidly long finish. Very good quality for what this is...” Burghound 7/09
“…As the scores and commentaries suggest, this is an outstanding set of ‘08s and it’s a wine by wine battle as to whether the ‘07 or ‘08 version is superior. However, practically in all cases, both are worth owning…” The Burghound 6/10
Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey
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St. Aubin En Creots 2008 {#338343} ...................... 39.99
31.99
Seductive, floral and loaded with sumptuous fruit upfront. All followed by a zip of freshness and soft round finish. Excellent right now!
St. Aubin Chateniere 2008 (89BH) {#335468} ........ 47.99
Look What Just Snuck In the Door 37.95
“A more intensely floral nose also reveals hints of white peach and pear with a background touch of sulfur. The seductive, pure and mouth coating flavors possess ample amounts of dry extract that buffers the firm acid spine on the punchy but balanced and notably dry finish....89.” BH 1/10
St. Aubin En Remilly 2008 (90IWC/90BH) {#335471} ........................... 47.99
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Pernand Vergelesse Les Vergelesses (Pavelot) 2002 {#328481} .................................................... 55.00
44.00
“Decidedly more elegant black fruit aromas are followed by ripe but pure middle weight flavors of excellent intensity and a sweet, almost chocolate-infused finish. Somewhat peculiar in style for this cru but it is undeniably delicious and should drink well on the relatively young side.” Burghound 4/04
37.95
“Here the citrus influence is even more apparent with a hightoned, airy, pure and almost cold nose that complements the intensely mineral-driven flavors that are palate staining and explosive, all wrapped in an austere and bone dry finish. I quite like this but note that the understated and austere style will not be for everyone...90.” BH 6/10
Chassagne Montrachet Les Caillerets 2008 (92IWC/91-93BH) {#333954} .................... 100.00
80.00
”This is also airy, cool and ultra elegant with a similar nose that has a bit more floral character in evidence. The detailed, driving and wonderfully delineated middle weight flavors are flush with a forceful dose of minerality on the almost painfully intense and lingering finish. A classic Caillerets...91-93.” BH 6/10
Chassagne Montrachet Les Baudines 2007 (91+WA) {#329827} ..................................... 90.00 “From a manifestly excellent if little-known site high up against the Santenay La Comme...is practically an apotheosis of rocks and chalk, allied to refreshing and subtly bitter yellow cherry (and its pits); grapefruit (with its zest); and diverse pit fruit and high-toned herbal distillates. This wine’s overt, adamant mineral expression, when combined with its pungent, bitter elements and almost sharp esters, makes for a formidably concentrated...91+” WA 12/09
Pure Gevrey 69.00
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Gevrey Chambertin Les Champs Chenys (Joseph Roty) 2007 (90BH) {#331839} ....................................... 65.00 50.00 “This is also quite pure with a similar nose to the regular cuvée of this wine that merges into textured, dusty and utterly delicious flavors that possess more depth as the old vine sap is evident on the mouth coating and palate staining finish. Lovely for this level and the toast is more discreet here. Worth considering...90” BH 1/10
holiday gazette 2010 / zachys.com / 29
z zachys staff holiday selections!
The Perfect Alternative to Bordeaux, Rhone & Tuscany... Stocking the world’s finest wines from the greatest regions and producers is what we are known for here at Zachys. As fun, exciting and challenging as it is, we do push ourselves to broaden our selections and find YOU exceptional wines that are “off the beaten path” or from historic regions that are many times overlooked. That brings me to...the Loire Valley; specifically Chinon.
Keronie Blake NYFWS, 3 years Charles Ellner Rosé Brut NV (90WS) {#135586} ... 55.00
44.00
”A racy style, brimming with watermelon, strawberry and citrus notes. The vibrant structure and delicate mousse keep this focused and lively, with a long, crisp finish. Drink now through 2010...90.” WS 10/08
Chinon is as historic as it gets. One of France’s oldest regions, Chinon to this day is still one of the most popular wines served in Paris Bistros and Brasseries. On this side of the pond however, Chinon along with it other Loire Valley counterparts has slowly slipped into the background with a handful of restaurants left to champion the regions’ wines. We want to re-introduce you to Chinon! Based on predominately Cabernet Franc, Chinon can also included a small proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon. Stylistically the wines can range from medium body, floral and aromatic to rich, powerful, full body wine with spice and deep fruit. The stereo-type that Chinon only tastes and smells like green bell peppers is as far off as they come in the wine world. Today the producers in this region are turning out some of the most interesting examples of Cabernet Franc, wines that are made better today and cleaner…showcasing the purity and depth of the Cabernet Franc. -JN
Chinon
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Cuvee Terroir (Domaine Gouron) 2006 (90+SWJ) {#331118} ................................... 24.99
SALE $
19.99
“...Showing an effusive fragrance reminiscent of cherryliqueur, the flavors are ripe, almost tart, with firm, earthy tannins. Gorgeous concentration. A very natural, unmanipulated finish is delicious and pure...Drink 2011-2016...90+.” SWJ 6/10
(Olga Raffault) “Les Picasses” 1985 {#328251} .... 79.99
Jaime Campoli Wine Consultant, 2 years Meursault (Bavard) 2007 (92SWJ) {#328663} ........ 46.99
38.99
“Pale yellow. Seductive aromas of poached pears, nuts, nutmeg, French oak, and freshly cut flowers lead to an intense minerality on the palate, where flavors of Meyer lemons and crushed rocks are expansive and full. Spicy, with a touch of warmth on the backend. Drink now-2012...92.” SWJ 11/09
63.99
Still very youthful. Loads of fruit with ample earth and tar. Super silky but give the wine sometime in the glass to really open and explode!
Vieilles Vignes (Alliet) 2007 (90WA) {#332168} ..... 31.99
25.50
“…smells of game, peat, smoked meats, toasted nuts, and vanilla. Quite richly textured and with lightly-cooked blackberry and dark chocolate serving for bittersweetness and fascinating suggestions of forest floor, stone and mineral salts…90.” WA 8/10
La Croix Boissee (Bernard Baudry) 2007 (91WA) {#331020} ....................................... 34.99 “Peat and black tea smokiness along with nutty piquancy in the nose...lead to a palate with blackberry and Maine blueberry fruit matrix and an invigorating crunch of their seeds that allies itself beautifully to the aforementioned smokiness and pungency as well as to shrimp shell reduction on a firm but polished palate and a long, vivacious, saliva-inducing finish. This is a wine of rarified complexity, beautiful now but worth following for another several years…91.” WA 8/10
30 / zachys.com / holiday gazette 2010
27.99
David Johnson Wine Consultant, 2 years StellaGrey Napa Valley Red 2009 (90 SWJ) {#335682} .................................... 24.99 “...Aromas that call to mind homemade raspberry/blackberry jam, dark baker’s chocolate, fur, and lead pencil. On the palate, wild strawberry and raspberry flavors, along with a touch of cola, are soft in the mouth, and ride upon a backbone of fine structure and a bed of fresh acidity...90.” SWJ 9/10
19.99
RHONE & SOUTHERN FRANCE
z Robert Parker 94 & 93 pt Reviews! We have finally locked in a secure quantity on the most requested Languedoc wine in years…Chateau Puech-Haut Prestige 2009! It started when Robert Parker tasted this little gem in the mix of some Southern Rhone wines and immediately took to Mark Squire’s Bulletin Board on erobertparker.com calling it “One of the Greatest VALUES.” Clearly Robert Parker was moved by the wine rating it 94 points at the time and stating that he intends to buy several cases. Well in August when Robert was creating his list of “Values” for the August issue, he just couldn’t stay away from this wine and went ahead and published an official Wine Advocate review using words like “remarkable” and rating the wine an official 93 points! Either way, 94 or 93 points, Robert Parker is right…the wine is “Astonishing” and “Remarkable” for the price! This is one to buy by the case! -JN “I’m infringing on David Schildknecht’s territory, but he has not yet tasted this wine. From a bio-dynamically farmed estate, this 2009 is a blend of 55% Grenache (from 60- to 75-year-old vines) and 45% Syrah (from 40-year-old vines), all planted in limestone soils, and aged completely in concrete tanks. This remarkable offering is a naked expression of the vivid terroir and excellent fruit found in this region. The incredible aromatics consist of forest floor, spring flowers, sweet black currants, raspberries, licorice, and incense. With a pure, velvety, seamless, full-bodied texture and a finish that lasts 30+ seconds, this wine possesses a stunning integration of acidity, tannin, and alcohol, suggesting this 2009 will age nicely for 3-5 years, possibly as long as a decade. However, it will be hard to resist given its current performance. Bravo! I have followed Chateau Puech Haut for a number of years, and met proprietor Gerald Bru over a decade ago. Bru has employed some extraordinarily talented winemakers, beginning with Michel Rolland, followed by Claude Gros (of Chateau Negly). His current consultant is Philippe Cambie…93.” Robert Parker, the Wine Advocate 8/10
The Most Acclaimed CHATEAU outside of Bordeaux…Chateau Beaucastel Chateau Beaucastel just maybe the most well known Chateau in the world! When people think Chateauneuf du Pape, Chateau Beaucastel comes to mind for sure. With perfect reason. Beaucastel has a family history rich in producing some of France’s best wines. If there is one estate responsible for the Chateauneuf du Pape boom across the globe, Beaucastel is it. “One of the great estates of the Rhone Valley, Chateau Beaucastel has been run by several generations of the Perrin family, beginning with the late Jacques Perrin (who died in 1978), then the brothers Jean-Pierre and Francois, and now their sons Thomas, Marc, Pierre, and Mathieu…Their goal is to become the most recognized name for high quality wines in the southern Rhone…” Robert Parker, the Wine Advocate 10/09 In 2008 Beaucastel worked their magic and produced one amazing Chateauneuf du Pape. The big news about the 2008 Vintage…it is 70% less in production than most average vintages for Beaucastel! Just think they only made 30% of their normal production and the USA normally receives at least 40 to 45% of their annual production per year. That already means that the US market is going to be very short on this magnificent property so if you are a Beaucastel fan now is the time to stock up while supplies last! -JN
Chateau Beaucastel
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Chateauneuf du Pape 2008 (92-94WA) {#330439} .. 105.00
78.95
“…a candidate for one of the top wines of the vintage... scents of creosote, licorice, smoked herbs, black currants, and graphite. This rich, heady, beautifully made 2008 should evolve for 10-15 years...92-94.” WA 10/09
Chateau Puech-Haut
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*Prestige Coteaux de Languedoc 2009 (94RP/93WA) {#338875} .............................. 25.99 * Pre-arrival
SALE $
21.95
Parker thinks this may out-last some Chateauneufs!
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Lirac Clos de Sixte (Domaine Grand Veneur) 2007 (93WA) {#330550} ....................................... 31.99
25.50
“… Abundant licorice, graphite, black cherry, and blackberry characteristics are offered in a full-bodied, deep, fleshy style...this effort is capable of lasting 5-7 years where wellstored as it is a big, impressively endowed wine…93.” Robert Parker, the Wine Advocate 10/09
32 / zachys.com / holiday gazette 2010
z The Best In 2008 Chateauneuf du Pape...
The man with a Midas Touch… Philippe Cambie! Philippe Cambie is the Rhone’s Super-Star winemaker who has crafted some of the Rhone’s most compelling wines over the past two decades. A firm believer in the quality and use of Grenache, Cambie is credited by many as the man that turned the Southern Rhone around. Continually noted by Robert Parker as the premier consultant and enologist in the Southern Rhone, Cambie’s reach through-out the region is massive; leaving no property or project too large or small without his services. Not bad considering Philippe Cambie is credited with helping to craft 4 of the 100 point 2007 Chateauneuf du Papes!!! -JN
Saturdays are my quiet time at Zachys. It is the one day of the week that I have the office to myself and I use this time to catch up on emails, research and just general wine world news. Recently, I was cleaning up some emails and I noticed that I had an email from the Rhone Report with his latest newsletter. For those of you who are not familiar with the Rhone Report, this is a free website and newsletter that is dedicated solely to the Rhone Valley and any other region that works with grapes that are widely considered Rhone varietals. The man behind the Rhone Report is Jeb Dunnuck and his passion for all wines “Rhone” is unparalleled. He is the equivalent to Allen Meadows, the Burghound. All you Parker Bulletin Boarders know who I am talking about as Jeb has long been posting tasting notes and opinions. For those of you who do not know this site, I would highly recommend that you check it out. His writing and opinions are very well thought out. His tasting notes and comments I have always found to be accurate and bit more conservative than Robert Parker; but the two have been known to disagree. All in all, I started following the site a year ago or so and have slowly been integrating into one of the resources that I use at Zachys. Jeb like Robert Parker and many others does travel and taste in the cellars. In the latest newsletter I caught some of his reviews on the 2008 Clos Saint Jean wines. I personally could not agree with him more. I, too, tasted these wines this past Spring and frankly they were some of the best (if not the best) examples of the 2008 Vintage. After my tasting I proceeded to lock up as much of these wines as I could, and can offer you three out of the four cuvees. If you love Chateauneuf du Pape and/or have been a fan of Clos Saint Jean you do not want to skip the 2008 Vintage…you may kick yourself years from now if you do! -JN
2008 CLOS SAINT JEAN
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Chateauneuf du Pape (tradition) (90-92WA) {#331212} ........................................... 60.00
34.95
Philippe Cambie
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Gigondas Halos de Jupiter 2007 (92+SWJ) {#327229} ................................... 44.99
31.99
“…Decadent baked cherry pie aromas...notes of red licorice, black pepper, savory mushrooms, dried herbs, and a hint of cocoa. Effortlessly glides across the tongue, the rich, medium-bodied red fruit flavors are gorgeous at present but only hinting at the ultimate glories to be revealed in the next few years… Brilliant wine…92+.” SWJ 1/09
Vacqueyras Halos de Jupiter 2007 (91WA) {#327227} ....................................... 37.99
27.99
“…intensely-flavored, full-bodied wine with the telltale garrigue, pepper, and lavish dark fruit notes. Very hedonistic as well as pure and well-blanaced…91.” WA 10/09
Cotes du Rhone Village Rasteau Halos de Jupiter 2007 (92WA) {#330158} ....................................... 34.99
24.99
“…classic notes of scorched earth, chocolate-tinged berries and cherries as well as a big, full-bodied, teeth-staining and mouth-filling, powerful style, this cuvee is not for everybody, but it should drink exceptionally well for a decade…92.” WA 10/09
Cotes du Rhone Halos de Jupiter 2007 (90WA) {#330159} ....................................... 24.99
17.99
“…outstanding, sexy...excellent fruit, gorgeous raspberry and black cherry aromas intertwined with subtle notes of herbs, pepper, and spice, a savory, broad, full-bodied mouthfeel…90.” WA 10/09
“...pure, dark black cherry fruit, currant, licorice, herb, earth, and meaty notes. It is an impressively built, rich wine...9092.” WA 10/09
Chateauneuf du Pape Combe des Fous (92-94RR) {#330165} ........... 105.00
78.75
Chateauneuf du Pape Deus-Ex Machina (93-96RR) {#330164} ......................................... 105.00
78.75 holiday gazette 2010 / zachys.com / 33
z 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape— An Already Forgotten Vintage??? Let me say that we have been the first ones to forget about the terrific 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape vintage. With the arrival of the 2007s and the immense praise that Robert Parker has given the vintage it is no wonder that even we got caught up in the 2007 frenzy. We must not forget that without the 2005 vintage the 2007 vintage may not have been as good. The lessons and experiences learned with the 2005 vintage have played a very important role in the evolution of so many of the young winemakers in the Rhone. Plus, 2005 in its own right is a tremendous vintage. Wine Spectator Vintage Chart: Vintage Score 2005
97
Incredible Sleeper of the Vintage... 96 Robert Parker
Drink Rec Description Hold
Third straight year of drought, with well-timed rain & mistral. Great concentration, purity & structure; great cellaring potential. Should rival ‘98 & ‘90.
“2005 Rhones, Best Wines In A Generation” Wine Spectator Cover Story 11/07 Now that my cellar is full of 2007 Rhone, I find myself looking for something with a bit of age on it, rather than sacrifice one of these “young, sleeping gems.” Like many of you, I did not diversify my habits earlier and consumed far too many of my 2005s already (maybe that’s why I am hesitant to crack open so many 2007s now). As a result, I’ve tried to track down as many drink now Chateauneufs that I could find to give all of you the ability to stock up on something for now as we wait for those 2007s to age! -JN
Drink Now 2005s!
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Chateauneuf du Pape les Gallimardes (Domaine Giraud) (93WS) {#328632} ................. 65.00
50.00
“Dark and alluring, with warm fig and ganache aromas pushed by a full-throttle palate of dark bramble, mixed berry, sweet spice and fruitcake notes. Has a long, almost Port-like finish, but the grip and minerality is there to keep this driving along…93.” WS 6/08
Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Papet (Clos du Mont Olivet) (95WS) {#140509} ........... 95.00
75.00
Domaine la Garrigue ‘Vacqueyras La Cantarelle’ (92WA) {#330022} .. 39.99
29.99
When reviewing our 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape inventory I noticed we still had a couple of cases of Le Ferme de Mont’s Cotes Capelan. Who, you ask???? I don’t blame you, this young and tiny estate only jumped on our radar with the 2007 Vintage. The wine does speak for itself as it is a very approachable; yet balanced modern take on Chateauneuf reminding me of Domaine du Clos du Caillou for the richness of fruit and Saint Prefert for the freshness and elegance. -JN
Chateauneuf du Pape
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Cotes Capelan (La Ferme du Mont) 2007 (96WA) {#331904} ....................................... 75.00
60.00
“...an outrageously rich, complex wine exhibiting beautiful creme de cassis, kirsch, licorice, forest floor, and spring flower-like aromas. It is fresh, voluptuous, and opulent in the mouth, but the fresh acids and vibrancy give it exceptional precision as well as a refreshing style despite its weight, richness, and length. This is a superb, young Chateauneuf du Pape from an up-and-coming star of the appellation...2007 and 2008 Chateauneuf du Pape are both incredible sleepers of the vintage. This small estate’s dedicated, conscientious, young proprietor, Stephane Vedeau, appears intent on making a top-flight reputation for himself...96.” -WA 10/09
“The luxury cuvee...(75% Grenache from a single parcel of 100-year-old vines and 25% Syrah) is sensational...Fullbodied, concentrated, but with silky tannins and relatively lofty alcohol, this is a heady, full-bodied, quintessentially Provencal wine...92.” WA 2/08
Chateauneuf du Pape Tres Vieilles Vignes (Mourre de Tendre) (89-91WA) {#339180} ......... 69.00
55.00
“...uncompromisingly classic Chateauneuf du Pape possessing loads of animalistic, meaty flavors intermixed with notions of sandalwood, kirsch, roasted herbs, and spice... full-bodied, tannic, backward effort that requires 5-6 years of cellaring…89-91.” WA 10/07
Cotes du Rhone (Mourre de Tendre) {#339181} .... 19.99 Full of deep dark fruit, spice and tar this is every thing you want from classic Cotes du Rhone, especially one that has been aged in the cellar for us! What a Value!
34 / zachys.com / holiday gazette 2010
15.99
The Burgundy of Cotes du Rhone…
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Cotes du Rhone (Marcoux) 2009 (91RR) {#337154} ....................................... 27.99
21.99
“Luckily, there are 4,000 bottles of the 2009 Domaine Marcoux Cotes du Rhône and the wine offers a brilliantly transparent, ruby color as well as perfumed, spicy aromatics of raspberries and flowers. Silky and elegant with medium body and a balanced feel, this should drink superbly over the next 10 years. It is a fantastic wine that is worth the effort to find...91.” Rhone Report 8/10
z A “Ridiculous Value”!!! The first Vintage (2006—92WA) was a hit with almost 100 cases sold at Zachys. The second Vintage (2007—92WA) was a tremendous hit with over 200 cases sold at Zachys. “Charvin... today... is the closest thing you will find to rayas under the late Jacques Raynaud (1978-1995 vintages)...and at a fraction of the price... but I have been writing this for 10-12 years...” Robert Parker 8/07
Remeber all that Great Rayas?
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Cotes du Rhone (Charvin) 2007 (90WS) {#327306} ....................................... 22.99
18.25
“Juicy, with nice grip underlying the mix of red and black currant fruit, laced with tobacco, hot stone and garrigue notes. Very lively...90.” WS 11/09
Domaine de La Janasse Tucked in around the legendary Chateau Rayas…Domaine de la Janasse has clearly become Chateauneuf du Pape royalty in the past decade or more joining the ranks of Chateau de Beaucastel, Clos des Papes and Chateau Rayas. If you are looking for broad, structured Chateauneuf du Pape with great intensity then Janasse is your estate. “Always one of my favorite stops on my Rhone Valley trips, Domaine de la Janasse is run with incredible passion by Christophe Sabon, his sister Isabelle, and his father, What this family operation has achieved over the last decade is nothing short of remarkable considering the breadth of wines made, from their Vin de Pays, which are among the finest made in France, to their world-class Cotes du Rhones and Chateauneuf du Papes. While this estate is at the top of its game, it is not content to rest on the status quo and continues to push the envelope. Their 2008s are among the finest wines of the vintage, and as the following tasting notes and scores indicate. The 2008 reds are surprisingly strong across the board at Domaine de la Janasse…” Robert Parker, the Wine Advocate 10/09
The third Vintage (2008—NYR) based on our tasting earlier this year...OFF the CHARTS GOOD! Chateau Saint-Roch from Jean-Marc Lafarge is the perfect example of a winery that OVER DELIVERS for the PRICE to QUALITY RATIO! Straight out of the gate, Saint-Roch wines have represented terrific values for exceptionally crafted wines. The 2008 is no different and we would expect that the Wine Advocate team will be reviewing this wine in the upcoming August VALUE issue. Either way, due to this wines extreme popularity and success, we do believe that the 2008 will be over 50% sold before the Wine Advocate review is published. Now is the time to lock in your bottles (cases) of Saint-Roch before they disappear. Plus for the first time, we have the Saint-Roch white. Simply put... WOW! This puts most Chateauneuf du Pape Whites and Bandol Blancs to shame. -JN Here is a reminder as to what the Wine Advocate had to say regarding the 2007 Chimeres: “...It almost seems as though Jean-Marc Lafarge is out to spoil things for every other southern French vintner by treating the consumer to wines of ridiculous value.”
Chateau Saint-Roch
| REG $
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Cotes du Roussillon Chimeres 2008 {#335554} ... 16.99
13.59
Cotes du Roussillon Vieilles Vignes Blanc 2009 {#335597} .................................................... 16.99
13.59
“Back the Truck Up Purchase”
2008 Chateauneuf du Pape
| REG $
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Janasse (92WS) {#331072} ..................................... 65.00
48.75
“This is deliciously ripe, with layers of crushed plum, anise, blackberry and boysenberry fruit, all laced with plenty of spice and fruitcake notes. There’s lots of mulled raisin on the finish, but this stays nicely driven, with well-embedded acidity. Contains the lots that usually go into the Chaupin cuvée...92.” WS 10/10
Cuvee Vieilles Vignes Janasse (94WS) {#331073} .. 125.00
| REG $
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Chateauneuf du Pape (Pierre Usseglio) 2008 (93RR) {#330492} ....................................... 50.00
40.00
“...a blend of 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre, and 5% Cinsault that was aged 50% in cement, 30% in foudre and the rest in barrel. Sporting fantastic aromatics of kirsch, framboise, garrigue, incense, toasted bread, and a touch of roasted meat, this definitely breaks the mold of the vintage and shows fantastic ripeness and an open, lush personality. Medium to full bodied...superb texture, clean, ripe fruit, and perfect balance, this is as good as the 07 and should drink well for just as long. Outstanding and this is a backup the truck purchase! Tasted twice...93.” Rhone Report 8/10
95.00
“This is pure, driven and well-rounded, with a beam of kirsch, crushed plum and bright red currant fruit coursing through, backed by lingering red licorice, violet and sweet tobacco notes. The long finish is still tightly wound...94.” WS 10/10
holiday gazette 2010 / zachys.com / 35
z Coming from the Heralded 2007 Southern Rhone Vintage is the Domaine Bessons Dupre 2007 Vacqueyras! “Last year, after tasting the 2007 southern Rhônes, especially the top wines from Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Côtes du Rhône, and the most hallowed appellation of the south, Châteauneuf du Pape, I stated it was “the vintage of a lifetime.” ...I have never tasted better Côtes du Rhônes, Gigondas, or sumptuous, rich, complex Vacqueyras than the 2007s...” -Robert Parker, the Wine Advocate 10/09 Chateauneuf du Pape, Gigondas, and Cotes du Rhone are all well known established regions with us in the USA. However, Vacqueyras is still to this day a bit overlooked. Mostly left to restaurants, Vacqueyras is slowly gaining a broader popularity in the USA. A big part is due to the tremendous praise that Robert Parker has touted the region with; not to mention the tremendous PRICE to QUALITY RATIO that you can find in exceptional vintages such as 2007! If you are looking for approachable, drink now or cellar moderate Rhone red under $20, then you can not go wrong with Vacquerays! Especially Domaine Bessons Dupre!!! This wine is textbook Vacqueyras: strong Grenache qualities loaded with fruit, spice and earth with an approachable edge and smooth tannins. Garnering dueling 90 point reviews from both the Wine Spectator and the Wine Advocate, we feel that this wine is purely a slam dunk for Fall! -JN
Slide Some 100s Underneath the Tree this Year… Chateauneuf du Pape
| REG $
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Cuvee Vieilles Vignes (Janasse) 2007 (100WA) {#160024} ................................... 450.00
360.00
“The perfect 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes is composed of 85% Grenache, 10% Syrah...a phenomenal nose of spring flowers, creme de cassis, blackberries, boysenberries, licorice, truffles, and spice. Displaying massive body, incredible freshness, laser-like focus from the excellent acids, and a finish that goes on well past a minute...the most extraordinary wine yet made at this estate....100.” WA 10/09
XXL (Janasse) 2007 (98-100WA) {#330496} ........ 450.00
360.00
“...It reminds me of what Henri Bonneau’s utterly perfect 1990 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve des Celestins tasted like at two years of age. It has all the characteristics of the Janasse Vieilles Vignes in addition to a slightly later harvest and riper character...the lucky few who have an opportunity to purchase it, should not pass it up...98-100.” WA 10/09
Cuvee da Capo (Pegau) 2007 (98-100WA/99RR) {#165927} ................... 500.00
400.00
“The 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee da Capo (the first made since 2003) is a whopper!..sweet kiss of charcoal, grilled steaks, beef blood, plums, blackberries, smoked herbs, kirsch, and black currants, fabulous concentration, enormous body, and a finish that lasts over a minute. There is a freshness and vibrancy because of the vintage’s crisp acid levels, and the wine should age well for 30+ years. It reminded me more of the 1998 at a similar stage than the 2000, but that’s splitting hairs given the quality level of this offering...98-100.” WA 10/09
If one could combine the best of the Medoc, Hermitage and Chateauneuf du Pape...YOU would get Grange des Peres! Grange des Peres just maybe one of those “sommelier” secrets that is just starting to make its way out onto the world wide scene. Quickly gobbled up upon release by many of France’s & the USA top restaurants, Granges des Peres is a wine of great consequence that rarely sees retail shelves. The best of the best, who tend to hover this wine up typically cellar this beauty for 5-10 years before even thinking of offering it on their wine lists. A practice that many of us can not afford to do; but if you do the pay off is typically magical!
Grange des Peres Vacqueyras Under $20
| REG $
SALE $
Domaine Bessons Dupre 2007 (90WS/90WA) {#331108} ............................ 24.99
18.75
Wine Spectator & Wine Advocate 90 POINT Reviews: “This displays the sweet, lush, velvety plum and blackberry fruit of the vintage, along with a slightly perky hint of pepper. Stays focused and silky through the finish. Grenache and Syrah...90.” WS 3/10 “...very Provencal in style is the 2007 Vacqueyras Domaine Bessons Dupre. A huge nose of smoked herbs, roasted meats, lavender, pepper, garrigue, and kirsch soars from the glass of this dark ruby/plum-tinged wine. Medium to full-bodied with rich fruit, an endearing attack, and a tannic, long finish, this impressive blend of 55% Grenache and 45% Syrah...90.” Robert Parker, the Wine Advocate 10/09 36 / zachys.com / holiday gazette 2010
| REG $
SALE $
2006 (94-95WA) {#330157} ...................................... 90.00
69.00
“...This is going to need at least 5-6 years in the cellar to even begin to reveal its full potential, and I can imagine a long bottle evolution borrowing elements from the Medoc, Hermitage, and Chateauneuf (much as Vaille’s choice of grapes anticipates)...Cassis, cherry pits, dark chocolate, honey, walnut oil, iodine, roasted meats, resinous and bittersweet herbs, and wet stone are among the flavor elements that implacably stain the palate...94-95.” WA 6/09
z
Back In Black—
| REG $
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Cotes du Rhone Cuvee Lea (Domaine de Givaudan) 2009 (90SWJ) {#332983} ..................................... 17.99
14.50
“Lovely on the nose, where “generalized” fruit and earth scents come into focus over the course of five minutesIn the mouth, the wine becomes slightly more hedonistic than expected, with chocolate-covered cherry flavors presented in a round, soft mouthfeel...a fun wine that will appeal to all lovers of Rhone wines...90.” SWJ 7/10
Fruit Bomb!
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Chateauneuf du Pape Cote Ronde (Paul Autard) 2007 (95WS/95WA) {#160229} ............................ 75.00
59.00
“A stunner, combining the rich currant, fig and boysenberry fruit of the vintage with the region’s characteristic charred applewood, graphite, aged tobacco and black tea notes. The long, invigorating finish is supported by riveting acidity and well-embedded grip. When power and finesse work together, it’s a beautiful thing...95.” WS 2009
| REG $
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Vin de Pays (Domaine de Carobelle) 2009 {#331106} .................................................... 11.99
8.99
Deep garnet-red color with a rich, aromatic bouquet of blackcurrant, fresh grapes, and thyme. ...an incredibly rich and ripe vintage for this region of France and the warmth of the vintage is more than evident in this little fruit bomb!
“...rockin’ old-school version...”
“...it’s a beautiful thing...”
“...This packs it all together...”
| REG $
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Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Reservee (Pegau) 2007 (97RR/95WS/94-96WA) {#160828} ........... 125.00
99.00
“… gorgeous plum and blackberry fruits, meat, roasted garrigue, and earthy, mineral undertones...a perfect mix of the stunning fruit the vintage produced, paired with a more traditional, focused profile. In the mouth, the wine shows considerable structure with medium to full body, a superb, focused texture, ripe tannin, and a very long finish. Possibly one of the more age-worthy 07s, this should drink beautifully over the next 2 decades...97.” Rhone Report 8/10
| REG $
Chateauneuf du Pape (Bois de Boursan) 2007 (92WS) 750ml {#330580} .................................................. 55.00 375ml {#330582} .................................................. 29.99 “...rockin’ old-school version, with warm brick, braised chestnut, tar, grilled herb and lavender notes all weaving around a robust core of dark cherry and currant fruit. There’s lots of stony grip on the finish...92.” WS 2010
SALE $
44.00 23.99
Dueling 91s—As Good as CDP!
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*Cotes du Rhone Villages Cairanne Cuvee Maximilien (Grands Bois) 2009 (91WS/91WA) {#338533} ... 24.99
19.99
“...50% Grenache, 35% Mourvedre, and 15% Syrah) displays the most saturated color...as well as ample blackberry, fresh mushroom, new saddle leather, and meat juice-like aromas. The complex aromatics are followed by a full-bodied, powerful, well-delineated Cairanne with plenty of tannin and depth...91.” WA 8/10 * Pre-arrival holiday gazette 2010 / zachys.com / 37
z The “King” of Chateauneuf! Chateauneuf du Pape has clearly become more than just the Pope’s wine. Sought after the world over, exceptional Chateauneuf du Pape boggles the mind and enthrall people time and time again. One estate over the years has consistently been at that top of the list year in and year out— Clos des Papes. This estate rose to prominence under the late Paul Avril and has long been considered in the village of Chateauneuf du Pape as the “King” of Chateauneuf wines. When I was in Chateauneuf this past May, everyone I spoke with was very complimentary of Clos des Papes’ recent vintages including the 2008. In fact, “Vincent Avril has been making the wines for almost a decade,” Philippe Cambie told me. “The legend of Clos des Papes will live on. Vincent is a magnificent winemaker and the vineyards are exceptional,” Cambie went on to explain. I couldn’t agree more. The 2008 is an exceptional effort for the vintage and I’m willing to bet that the initial barrel scores will be more conservative than they should be. The wine is all about elegance. -JN
Chateauneuf du Pape
| REG $
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Clos des Papes 2008 (95WS) {#330167} .............. 115.00
86.25
“...very alluring, with captivating black tea, charred mesquite and kirsch aromas and flavors allied to a remarkably silky mouthfeel. Superlong, with mineral, violet, pepper and additional crushed cherry and plum fruit notes all gliding through the finish...95.” WS 8/10
Chateauneuf du Pape for Under $35! This drink now 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape is made by Alexandre Favier a young winemaker and estate owner who is located right in the heart of Chateauneuf du Pape.
Better than a Cotes du Rhone for the Same Price! Mas du Bouquet has long been a terrific source for exceptional Rhone wines. Their bread and butter Vacqueyras is one of the most consistent examples of Vaucqueyras year in and year out. Just check out this track record: 2009—91SWJ / 90WS 2008—91WS 2007—89-91WA 2006—90WS This is quality and consistency better than most Cotes du Rhone that is on par with Chateauneuf du Pape! The real plus side here is that the price comparison to Cotes du Rhone does not even exist. This wine sells in the same price range of most Cotes du Rhone or for less! With Cotes du Rhone price and Chateauneuf quality what more could you ask for from this little estate!?!? -JN
Domaine Mas du Bouquet
| REG $
SALE $
Vacqueyras 2009 (91SWJ/90WS) {#335608} ......... 24.99
19.99
“Pure violet. A blend of 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 10% Mourvedre. A dark black fruit profile also shows notes of roasted coffee beans. Admirable for its ample tannins and great grip. A fantastic wine for Thanksgiving, sporting enough “stuffing” for the stuffing, and fine acidity to cut through the gravy...91.” SWJ 9/10 “Dark and mouthfilling, feautring a solid core of plum, fig paste and macerated black currant laced with graphite and bittersweet cocoa. Solid grip is integrated, but needs brief cellaring to stretch out fully. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre...90.” WS 7/10
Now I’m not really supposed to make the connection between Alexandre’s personal estate and his consulting project Reserve des Oliviers but I can tell you that both Robert Parker and the Wine Spectator have been raving about his work for years. The Reserve des Oliviers is a consulting project that this extremely young and talented winemaker has his hands in and in 2007 he produced a wine that rivals his family’s home estate. -JN “Velvety, featuring lush black currant, braised fig, bittersweet cocoa and dark maduro tobacco notes, all laced with a hint of shiso leaf, which helps add balance and length to the finish. Offers a nice encore of dark fruit at the very end. Drink now through 2020...92.” -Wine Spectator 8/10
Chateauneuf du Pape
| REG $
SALE $
Reserve des Oliviers 2007 (92WS) {#334558} ....... 45.99
32.50
38 / zachys.com / holiday gazette 2010
From the Old Guard— Legendary Estate Under $40! Chateauneuf du Pape
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Les Cailloux (Brunel) 2007 (93WA) {#331940} ...... 55.00
39.95
“Two brilliant successes are Brunel’s cuvees of 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape. The 2007 Les Cailloux Tradition (a blend of 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre, 12% Syrah, and 3% other authorized varieties) comes from 60-year-old vines and is aged completely in tank except for the Mourvedre and Syrah components, which are kept in small barrels. Explosively fruity...displays grilled meat notes intermixed with Provencal herbs, spice box, black cherry and black currant, in addition to having a lush, opulent texture. The fi nish goes on and on, and the wine is beautifully pure...93.” WA 10/09
ITALY
z The “King of The Top 100” and It’s Baby Brother Tuscany has been going through a great stretch of vintages as of late...2006 • 2007 • 2008. Maybe it is global warming or possibly improved farming and winemaking techniques. Whatever the case these 3 back-to-back-to-back vintages have produced some deliciously stellar red wines for your drinking pleasure. In early October we received the 10/10 issue of Wine Spectator which came out with a very special emphasis on Tuscany. This issue is CHOCK FULL of great new reviews and releases. Tearing through the pages like a kid on Christmas morning...there were a few wines that leapt off the page as must haves. The first being the new release of ORENO from Sette Ponti. Just look at this estates track record over the last 8 years... SETTE PONTI TOSCANA ORENO Vintage Score
Keeping Up With The BIG BOYS— Let’s Hear It For The Underdog!! Without a doubt, two of the most prestigious IGT “Super-Tuscan” red wines in the marketplace today are SASSICAIA & TIGNANELLO. Each has proven to be a trailblazer for their style and region within Tuscany and both have a tremendous track record. Along with the increased quality and track record over the years we have also witnessed an increase in the price tag. Who isn’t looking for bang for the buck, and in a sensational Tuscan vintage like 2006 we are always looking for a contender that is fighting out of it’s weight class.
Release Price
Wine Spectator Rankings
2008
96
$110
2006
96
$110
WS #15 Top 100 Wines 2008
2001
95
$80
WS #10 Top 100 Wines 2003
2003
95
$95
WS #5 Top 100 Wines 2005
2004
95
$85
WS #45 Top 100 Wines 2006
2005
95
$104
2007
95
$95
You do not have to be a rocket scientist or mathematician to know that with this new review...the 2008 could very well be a Top 100 candidate for 2010. And while speaking of the BIG BOY one should never forget it’s baby brother.
In 2006 MONILE has gone toe-to-toe with the big boys and come out standing at the end with an unrivalled price/quality ratio. Just check it out... Wine
WS Rating
MSRP
Sassicaia (Tenuta San Guido) 2006
94 Points
$215.00
Tignanello (Antinori) 2006
93 Points
$95.00
Monile (Viticcio) 2006
94 Points
$55.00
We are thrilled to still have some remaining stocks of this wine, and if you had to pick one go-to 2006 Super Tuscan for this holiday season the choice is simple...The Underdog: Monile!!
Viticcio
| REG $
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Monile 2006 (94WS) {#162328} ............................... 55.00
45.00
“Currants, berries, lightly toasted oak and light coffee. Full-bodied, with lots of ripe fruit, soft, silky tannins and a rich finish. Ripe and beautiful. Lovely texture too. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot...94.” WS 10/09
Sette Ponti
| REG $
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Oreno 2008 (96WS) {#338825} .............................. 110.00
84.99
“Structured and racy, showing blueberry and chocolate aromas and flavors, with loads of currant. Full and tannic, yet polished and caressing, with an impressive and persistent finish. A marked change from some past vintages, with only Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot in the blend. Interesting development. Best after 2014...96.” WS 10/10
Crognolo 2008 (92WS) {#335498} .......................... 35.99 “Very silky and fine, with currant and berry on the nose and palate. Full-bodied, with a wonderful mouthfeel. Clean, fresh and direct...92.” WS 10/10
40 / zachys.com / holiday gazette 2010
27.99
z Andrew’s Gift/Party Favor Of Choice—
GO MAGNUM! I LOVE magnums!!! Quite a strong statement I realize, but when I know I need to give a gift or am invited to a special dinner or event I have only knee-jerk reaction as to what I want to bring...A GREAT MAGNUM!! Those of you who know me can attest that this is not my first time getting on my soap box to preach the virtues of the magnum. I mean, c’mon, how many of you have finished a great bottle of wine and poured those final drops into the glass with a sense of disappointment that it was all finished (Not the case with magnums). Or, how many of you have been to a great wine tasting/dinner party where wines were poured out of magnums or larger? I bet anybody who has would be hard pressed to remember what your host/ hostess served you for dinner, but would have a lot of clarity on what the wines were (It’s the magic of magnums!) So if you need to give a gift, have a special party/occasion coming up or simply want to sock away a great large format...GO MAGNUM (as most of you know I am VERY partial to Italy...so my choices are somewhat obvious). -AM
Go Magnum!
| REG $
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Go Magnum!
| REG $
SALE $
Brunello di Montalcino (Fuligni) 2005 (96WA) (1.5L) {#330259} ......................... 175.00
130.00
Brunello di Montalcino (Il Poggione) 2004 (95WA) (1.5L) {#165970} ......................... 150.00
115.00
Brunello di Montalcino Manachiara (Nardi) 2004 (93WS) (1.5L) {#164099} ......................... 200.00
135.00
Brunello di Montalcino Montosoli (Altesino) 2004 (95WS) (1.5L) {#162455} ......................... 260.00
199.00
Brunello di Montalcino Pian Delle Vigne (Antinori) 2004 (91WS) (1.5L) {#162621} ......................... 160.00
135.00
Brunello di Montalcino Riserva (Costanti) 2004 (94WA) (1.5L) {#328850} ......................... 260.00
195.00
Barbera d’Alba Riserva Pozzo dell’Annunziata (Roberto Voerzio) 2004 (95WA) (1.5L) {#148594} ......................... 450.00
299.00
Barbera d’Asti Lavignone (Pico Maccario) 2008 (90SWJ) (1.5L) {#329798} .......................... 50.00
39.00
Barolo Big ‘D Big Riserva (Rocche dei Manzoni) 2000 (95WA) (1.5L) {#145806} .......................... 250.00
175.00
Barolo Cascina Francia (Giacomo Conterno) 2003 (94WA) (1.5L) {#140887} .......................... 325.00
240.00
Barolo Cascina Francia (Giacomo Conterno) 2004 (97WA) (1.5L) {#151618} .......................... 425.00
325.00
Barolo Cascina Francia (Giacomo Conterno) 2005 (95WA) (1.5L) {#328499} ......................... 400.00
299.00
Barolo Cicala (Aldo Conterno) 2005 (95WS) (1.5L) {#326494} ......................... 350.00
Brunello di Montalcino Riserva (Fuligni) 2004 (96WA) (1.5L) {#335733} ......................... 295.00
225.00
280.00
Barolo Falletto di Serralunga (Bruno Giacosa) 2004 (96WA) (1.5L) {#149031} ......................... 700.00
Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna I Paganelli (Il Poggione) 2004 (96WA) (1.5L) {#330196} .... 225.00
179.00
350.00
Barolo Lazzarito (Vietti) 2004 (95+IWC) (1.5L) {#151152} ...................... 300.00
Camartina (Querciabella) 2006 (95WA) (1.5L) {#329632} ......................... 250.00
199.00
225.00
Conteisa (Gaja) 2004 (94WA) (1.5L) {#150166} ... 600.00
450.00
Barolo Riserva Vecchie Viti Capalot (Roberto Voerzio) 2003 (93WA) (1.5L) {#148595} ......................... 600.00 250.00
Greppicaia (I Greppi) 2005 (93WS) (1.5L) {#146224} ......................... 160.00
99.00
Barolo Riserva Vigna Cappella Santo (Stefano Rocche dei Manzoni) 2000 (95WA) (1.5L) {#145805} ......................... 285.00
215.00
Greppicaia (I Greppi) 2006 (1.5L) (93WS) {#162348} ......................... 160.00
110.00
Brunello di Montalcino (Brunelli) 2004 (93WS & WA) (1.5L) {#164098} ............... 180.00
119.00
Sassicaia (Tenuta San Guido) 2007 (95WA) (1.5L) {#328677} ......................... 600.00
425.00
Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto (Casanova di Neri) 2004 (98WS) {#162035} .................................... 500.00
399.00
Terra di Lavoro (Galardi) 2007 (97WA) (1.5L) {#332386} ......................... 225.00
179.00
Brunello di Montalcino (Costanti) 2004 (92WS) (1.5L) {#161978} ......................... 165.00
120.00
Testamatta (Bibi Graetz) 2006 (98WS) (1.5L) {#160483} ......................... 400.00
299.00
holiday gazette 2010 / zachys.com / 41
z My Pick Of The Vintage...2004 Barolo That Is! As the cliché goes with many offers/promotions, you typically have some “Good News” and some “Bad News”. In isolating my pick-of-the-vintage for 2004 Barolos I would rather start with the “Bad News” and work my way up. Bad News: 2004 Barolos were released into the U.S. Market in late Spring and Fall of 2008. I am sure I do not have to tell most of you what was going on then...and scooping up high-quality Barolo was probably the furthest thing from most people’s minds (Understandably so!). Good News: This is VERY good news and has many components to it... • The overall quality of the vintage is OUTSTANDING. Just look how it stacks up in the last decade plus in the eyes of The Wine Advocate ITALY: PIEDMONT (BAROLO) VINTAGE: 2009 SCORE:
NT
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
1998
1997
1996
93
92
93
93
96
90
76
96
95
95
92
93
97
• It’s in the company with two other “Classic” vintages...2001 & 1996 • Due to a soft market there are still some decent stocks remaining of some of the finest wines from this vintage!! With one of my personal favorites being...Barolo Aldo Conterno! The Wine Advocate Says: “Aldo Conterno’s 2004 Barolo is simply beautiful. A medium red, it presents a feminine expression of Nebbiolo in its perfumed, spiced red raspberries and cherries. This is a soft, accessible Barolo ideal for near and mid-term drinking that fully captures the essence of this great vintage...91.” WA 12/07 The Wine Spectator Says: “...Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and lots of ripe fruit...Very structured...Best after 2011.-J.S...91.” 4/08 The International Wine Cellar Says: “...Sexy aromas of redcurrant, smoky underbrush and tobacco. A juicy, musky midweight, with lovely perfume and vinosity to the flavors of red fruits, flowers, truffle and smoke. Finishes with fine but firm tannins and good aromatic persistence...90.” 12/07 I firmly believe that this entral level Barolo from this iconic producer and this STELLAR vintage is a must-have for every serious Italian collector. -AM
Aldo Conterno
| REG $
SALE $
Barolo 2004 (91WA/91WS) {#150197} .................. 110.00
69.00
“...simply beautiful. A medium red, it presents a feminine expression of Nebbiolo in its perfumed, spiced red raspberries and cherries...a soft, accessible Barolo ideal for near and mid-term drinking that fully captures the essence of this great vintage...91.” WA 12/07 “Plum and spice aromas, with undertones of meat. Fullbodied, with chewy tannins and lots of ripe fruit. Needs time to mellowand come together. Very structured...91.” WS 4/08
A Juicy Little White To Start Your Evening Off! Gavi di Gavi has proven over time to be a very food-versatile white wine that is the perfect way to start your cocktail party, dinner event or simply a weeknight at home with a piece of grilled fish. The best part....They won’t break the bank!!
Giordano Lombardo
| REG $
SALE $
Gavi di Gavi Vigne di San Martino 2009 {#338960} .................................................... 15.99
12.99
Giordano Lombardo produces this certified biodynamic Gavi di Gavi, that is delicate and floral on the nose, fresh and balanced on the palate with plenty of minerality and crispness. The soils from which the vines grow are volcanic, rich in magnesium and iron. We suggested pairing this lightbodied wine with seafood, particularly sushi or raw fish. A great alternative to Pinot Grigio.
42 / zachys.com / holiday gazette 2010
z Piedmont On The Way— But Oh-So-Worth-The-Wait!!! We have 2 stellar selections that are en route to Zachys from Italy as we go to press...I can not promise they will be here for Thanksgiving (possibly even Christmas) but both of these stellar 2006’s are WELL WORTH THE WAIT as they will be excellent additions to any serious collector’s stash of BAROLO & BARBARESCO. You can be sure a six pack of each will be going into my personal cellar! -AM
“A bottle of white, a bottle of red...” -Billy Joel was Spot On! It’s hard not to conjure up images of relaxed and easy dining when you close your eyes and listen to the words of Billy Joel’s “Scenes From An Italian Restaurant” “A bottle of white, a bottle of red Perhaps a bottle of rosé instead. We’ll get a table near the street in our old familiar place You and I - face to face hmm, hmm A bottle of red, a bottle of white It all depends upon your appetite I’ll meet you any time you want In our Italian Restaurant...” Did we get you started? Are you singing the rest of the words yet? Have you conjured up the image of your favorite little joint and the perfect glass of white or red to go with your salad & slice? We have! These are the perfect choices for everyday, relaxed, easy and delicious food friendly wines for your holiday season.
Bottle of White:
| REG $
SALE $
Assisi Grechetto (Sportoletti) 2009 {#335569} .... 16.99
13.59
“The 2009 Grechetto Assisi Bianco is an absolutely beautiful white graced with generous fruit, expressive aromatics and a long, inviting finish. Drink this crisp Grechetto over the next year or two...89.” WA 6/10
Bottle of Red:
| REG $
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Assisi Rosso (Sportoletti) 2008 {#330129} .......... 19.99
15.99
“Sportoletti’s Assisi Rosso is one of the great values in Italian wine, and the 2008 is another in a long line of gorgeous wines. Ripe red cherries, tobacco, sweet herbs and spices are some of the nuances that emerge from this juicy, plump offering...outstanding for its overall balance and sense of harmony...These new releases are all highly recommended. Even better, they won’t break the bank...89.” WA 6/10
Bottle of Rosé Instead:
| REG $
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*Barbaresco (Produttori del Barbaresco) 2006 (92WA) {#330685} ....................................... 37.99
29.99
“...gorgeous, generous Barbaresco loaded with ripe dark fruit. This is an especially harmonious, refined Barbaresco from the Produttori that is also somewhat unusual for its dark, brooding personality. Licorice, leather and tar linger on the powerful finish. Today the wine is remarkable for its depth and concentration, while the aromatic complexity will develop in bottle...Simply put, this is a marvelous effort...92.” WA 10/09
*Barolo Bartolo (Mascarello) 2006 (96WA) {#331675} ..................................... 125.00
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Monferrato Chiaretto Berro Rosato (Pico Maccario) 2009 {#335102} ................................................... 11.99
9.99
“...emerges from the glass with a high-toned bouquet that leads to a rush of fresh strawberries. Clean, mineral notes balance the finish. This is one of the more unusual rosés readers will come across but the balance is beyond reproach. The Monferrato Chiaretto Berro’ is 85% Barbera and 15% Freisa...” WA 6/10
Piedmont Gems
105.00
“Mascarello’s 2006 Barolo boasts great purity and density in a round, harmonious expression of fruit that emerges from a mid-weight frame. Silky tannins frame the intensely fragrant, dark red fruit as this exceptionally elegant, refined Barolo shows off its pedigree. The finish is long, clean and refreshing, suggesting the wine has many years of very fine drinking in store for readers who are lucky enough to own it...This is the strongest set of new releases I have tasted at Bartolo Mascarello in some time. I would be hard pressed to name another winery that has made such important strides in improving quality and consistency in recent years. The 2006 Barolo is fantastic, as it often is, but this year I was especially taken with the quality of the entry-level wines...96.” WA 2/10
*Wines scheduled to arrive Winter 2010-2011.
holiday gazette 2010 / zachys.com / 43
z Who Doesn’t Like To Get Something For 1/6th The Price???!!! As many of you already know we here at Zachys have been HUGE fans of the Tenuta San Guido estate from Tuscany over the years. And why wouldn’t we be? SASSICAIA...Hello!!!! While Sassicaia has proven themselves year-in and year-out to be a true thoroughbred, it carries a significant price tag that makes it hard to drink on an everyday basis. Enter LE DIFESE. We have been championing this user friendly Sangiovese/Cabernet blend for 3 vintages now and just got word this morning of a great new review on the newest release. Why not drink Le Difese at 1/6th the price of Sassicaia????!!!!! The Review:
The Two Brother’s Barberas—I Think The BEST Piedmont Has To Offer!! Many Piedmont collector’s know of the two “different” Conterno’s in the marketplace today. If you are unfamiliar with the story, the long and short of it is a family difference in opinion and philosophy took one estate and turned it into two, in different parts of Barolo. Each of the two brothers took their own path to create their identity and “style” of wine...
Tenuta San Guido
Aldo Conterno: Poderi Aldo Conterno (Monforte) & Giovanni Conterno: Giacomo Conterno (Serralunga) While they are geographically & philosophically separated, I can not help but see a “genetic link” in their style of Barbera...As these are my TWO FAVORITE Barbera’s from this region/category. Each has tannin, body, depth and follows up with great precision and snap. The end result being Barbera that is delicious, built to age and keeps you coming back for more!! The only downfall with each of these two wines is demand is HIGH, supply is LOW and we tend to be out of stock for most of the year. My advice? Follow my lead and grab them while you can! -AM
Barbera
SALE $
Barbera d’Alba Tre Pile (Aldo Conterno) 2006 (90WA/90WS/91IWC) {#331739} ............... 55.00
38.99
“The 2006 Barbera d’Alba Conca Tre Pile marries ripe fruit with a firm, classic sense of structure. Red cherries, flowers, minerals and licorice linger on the polished finish. This focused, refined Barbera is sure to deliver thrilling drinking over the next few years. I loved it. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2014...These 2006 reds from Aldo Conterno are well worth seeking out...90.” WA 10/09
The wine macerates on skins for an extended period during its 3-week fermentation, which happens in very large casks. The wine then ages for 2 years in large Slovanian barrels.
44 / zachys.com / holiday gazette 2010
| REG $
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Le Difese 2008 (92SWJ) {#332633} ........................ 34.99 That’s a savings of $10/Bottle!! How can you go wrong at 1/6th the price?
24.99
Intrigued by the Tenuta San Guido estate and looking for a special bottle this holiday season than you should not miss out on these two...
Guidalberto 2008 (90WS) {#331732} ...................... 60.00
46.99
39.99
“Balanced, with blackberry, spice and mineral aromas lead to a medium body in this balanced red, with well-integrated tannins and a fresh finish...90.” WS 9/10
Sassicaia 2007 (95WA) {#328624} ........................ 215.0
| REG $
Barbera Cascina Francia (Giacomo Conterno) 2008 {#338974} ................................................... 55.00
“Nearly opaque red-black, with a violet hue. Stellar Bordeauxlike aromas of graphite, tobacco, cassis, black cherries, and a hint of violets emanate from this Super Tuscan blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. The palate is exceptionally well integrated, with a juicy, silken mouthfeel, and fine acidity. Remarkable elegance, with mellow red and black fruit flavors coming through on the long, oak-and-violet inflected finish. Exceedingly well balanced, this should pick up weight with time. A “baby Sassicaia,” without question, and a wine to purchase by the case...Drink now-2015...92.” -SWJ 9/10
“...an especially bold, perhaps slightly uncharacteristic Sassicaia in its extroverted personality, but it is beautiful all the same...The 2007 is more than a worthy follow-up to the profound 2006...the 2007 is immensely appealing today, and should drink beautifully pretty much out of the gate. That said, Sassicaia is always the most restrained of Bolgheri’s heavy hitters. This is a superb effort from Tenuta San Guido...95.” WA 5/10
159.00
z
The Barbera “Tri-Fecta”— The Perfect Testimonial Back in September, as the season was drawing to a close (Quicker for some teams than others!!), we had our final suites wine & food tasting at CitiField for the NY Mets. Jeremy and I thought it would be great fun if we had a larger than life tasting and poured wine only from 3 Liter bottles. the line up contained... 2006 Oreno (Sette Ponti) • 2007 Guidalberto (Tenuta San Guido) 2006 Greppicaia (I Greppi) • 2009 Barbera d’Asti ‘Lavignone’ (Pico Maccario) Although it was the least expensive bottle of the 4 (by far!), the Pico Maccario was the first to be polished off. This really struck me as an impressive feat. Why? Because we had done a similar line up back in July at The Best of Westchester tasting in New Rochelle...and had the SAME result!! I asked one of the clients, who happened to be a Zachys regular, as I hugged the large bottle of Barbera pouring him a taste, “What is it about the Pico Maccario line that you like so much?” - This being after he had told me he just bought a case of EACH of the 3 cuvees from us the prior week. “There’s a wine for all occasions. The red label is great for everyday consumption, the tan label is simply delicious and the brown label is THE BOMB.” To that, I had no argument, and applauded him for boiling it down to such a short and sweet dissection of the brand. Pico Maccario has something for Everyone!
“The Red Label”
| REG $
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Barbera d’Asti Berro (Pico Maccario) 2009 {#334353} .................................................... 11.99
9.99
“...A beautiful melange of cherries, brown spices, and lactic tones. Incredibly round and generous in the mouth for a wine so young, the winemaking at this house could teach the world lessons in tannin management. Dried basil notes add complexity on the finish...Drink now-2015...” SWJ 7/10
“The Tan Label”
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Barbera d’Asti Lavignone (Pico Maccario) 2009 (91+SWJ) {#336264} .................................. 16.99
13.99
“Purple-violet hue. Prolific aromas of the purest Barbera, the effusive nose is reminiscent of black cherries and dark soil. In the mouth, the wine is clearly young and fleshy, and in need of a bit more time to reveal its full glory, but still shows off a fantastically round mouthfeel. On the midpalate, the wine reveals admirable acidity, with a hint of roasted chestnuts. A pure, unadulterated expression of Barbera, and an unparalleled value for lovers of Italian wines, and lovers of all great wine for the matter! Once again, this is a wine to purchase by the case...Drink now-2014...91+.” SWJ 7/10
“The Brown Label - a.k.a. the BOMB”
| REG $
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Barbera d’Asti Tre Roveri (Pico Maccario) 2007 (92SWJ) {#326490} ..................................... 29.99
23.99
“Dark red ruby robe. An enticing bouquet reminiscent of espresso beans, chocolate brownies, macerated cherries, mellow wood tones...leads to a multi-layered wine of phenomenal texture and nuance. On the palate, the wine showcases the splendor of fully-ripened (but not over-ripe) Barbera, with loads of kirsch flavors, great acidity, and a hint of chestnuts on the long finish. Plush and rich, this wine will drink well through 2014...92.” SWJ 2/10
holiday gazette 2010 / zachys.com / 45
z Brunello For The Holidays: A Little Bit Of This... A Little Bit Of That Brunello di Montalcino Has become such an absolute staple of the Italian department here at the store in my 17 years that the ebb and flow is constant. Vintages come and vintages go...There may be a surplus of Rosso di Montalcino at times, other times Riserva and finally Regular, but the one constant (With global warming) is that we always keep the store chocked full of the finest Sangiovese Grosso. We have a lot of great recent vintages in the hopper...with each having it’s own special unique representation of the category and growing season: With the 2004 overall vintage getting Wine Spectator reviews like... Vintage 2004
Score
Drink Rec
Description
97
Drink or hold
Wonderfully perfumed, majestically refined Brunellos with an excellent balance of fruit and refined tannins. Reducing yields was key to quality
And the 2005 vintage, “...Rains during the harvest damped what could have been an amazing year, but still a very good vintage. Many wines for early drinking...” www.winespectator.com We have a wealth of riches in these warm and delicious red wines to choose from this holiday season. -AM
Brunello di Montalcino
| REG $
SALE $
Altesino ‘Montosoli’ 2004 (95WS) {#160801} ..... 115.00
75.00
Casanova di Neri Tenuta Nuova 2004 (96WS) {#161900} ....................................... 85.00
75.00
Castelgiocondo Frescobaldi 2005 (90WS) {#332126} ...................................... 70.00
49.99
Ciacci Piccolomini ‘Riserva’ 2004 (94+ WA) {#330890} .................................. 125.00
95.00
Collemattoni 2004 (95WS) {#163192} .................... 70.00
Brunello di Montalcino
| REG $
SALE $
Livio Sassetti ‘Pertimali’ 2005 (93WS & WA) {#331653} ............................ 55.00
44.00
Livio Sassetti ‘Pertimali Riserva’ 2004 (96WA) {#331233} ..................................... 110.00
79.00
“...a richly-textured, layered expression of Sangiovese that is a marvel to behold...The finesse of the tannins and the luxurious expansiveness of the fruit hint at what is to come. The future can only be bright for a wine of this exceptional pedigree. Might the 2004 be a modern-day version of the 1982...96.” WA 4/10
Poggio Il Castellare 2004 (96WS) {#163173} ......... 59.99 #11 Wine Spectator’s Top 100 2009
49.99
Solaria 2004 (94WS) {#163183} ............................. 70.00
44.99
Talenti ‘Riserva’ 2004 (94WA) {#330249} ............ 100.00
70.00
Valdicava 2004 (95WS) {#163180} ........................ 135.00
85.00
Rosso di Montalcino
| REG $
SALE $
55.00
Fanti 2007 (89+SWJ) {#333069} .............................. 24.99
19.99
Corte Pavone 2004 (95WS) {#163175} ................... 75.00
55.00
La Poderina 2007 (90WA) {#328476} ...................... 39.99
21.99
Fuligni 2005 (93WS & WA) {#331468} ................... 75.00
55.00
Fuligni ‘Riserva’ 2004 (96WA) {#330258} ............. 150.00
109.00
Il Poggione 2004 (95WA) {#165773} ...................... 75.00 55.00 This was one of my personal favorites of the vintage! - Andrew La Poderina 2004 (93WS & WA) {#162140} ........... 75.00
49.99
Lazzeretti 2004 (93WS) {#163140} ......................... 60.00
39.99
Lisini ‘Ugolaia’ 2004 (94WA) {#329002} ............... 150.00
109.00
Livio Sassetti ‘Pertimali’ 2004 (93WS) {#161873} .. 75.00
55.00
46 / zachys.com / holiday gazette 2010
“...This soft-textured, expansive Rosso is simply irresistible for its harmonious and totally engaging personality. Year in year out, this is one of my favorite Rossos, as it is again in 2007... it takes a fair amount of discipline to put the glass down when tasting through these gorgeous offerings....90.” WA 6/09
Livio Sassetti ‘Pertimali’ 2008 (90WA) {#336260} .. 32.99
26.99
“...may well turn out to be one of the finest Rossos of the vintage. Perfumed red cherries, tobacco, licorice and cedar are some the nuances that flow from this elegant wine...the balance, harmony and poise are all first-rate...90.” WA 4/10
San Filippo ‘Lo Scrono’ 2007 {#163430} ................ 24.99
16.99
z Zachys Is Proud To Have The Wines of “The Lion of Bussia”
Aldo Conterno
| REG $
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Barbera d’Alba Tre Pile 2006 (90WS & WA) {#331739} ............................. 55.00
38.99
“...marries ripe fruit with a firm, classic sense of structure. Red cherries, flowers, minerals and licorice linger on the polished finish...sure to deliver thrilling drinking...I loved it...These 2006 reds from are well worth seeking out...90.” WA 10/09 Photographs: © Sandro Michahelles
Barolo 2004 (91WS & WA) {#150197} ................... 110.00
69.00
“...simply beautiful. A medium red, it presents a feminine expression of Nebbiolo in its perfumed, spiced red raspberries and cherries...a soft, accessible Barolo...fully captures the essence of this great vintage...91.” WA 12/07
Barolo 2005 (91WA) {#326492} ............................. 110.00
As I flipped to page 71 of the 10/31/10 issue of Wine Spectator I saw validation of the story I told you about earlier this year from my first visit to Aldo Conterno. It made me very happy to see that their wine critic, Mitch Frank, had the same fascination with the family history, connection to Napa Valley and the legacy the 3 sons are carrying forward in grand fashion. The article tells the story of a young Aldo Conterno (23 years), his journey to Napa Valley to make wine and his eventual recruitment into the U.S. Army to serve his country for 2 years. To boil it all down, “Aldo Conterno’s vision of making wine in Napa Valley died, but he brought the American dream back to Barolo... Conterno never made wine in America. But Napa’s loss was Piedmont’s gain. If not for his time in the United States, he might have spent his life quietly making wine by his brother’s side in the winery that bore their father’s name. Instead, Conterno brought big dreams back to his quiet hill town. A decade after leaving California, he broke with his brother and left his family winery to start his own. Against the warnings of his father and grandfather, Aldo Conterno sidestepped tradition and made wine the way he wanted to. He was a pioneer years before a generation of rebels brought modern techniques and marketing savvy to the Langhe...More than 40 years after striking out on his own, Conterno’s wines continue to set a benchmark for the power and grace only great Barolo can deliver. His single-vineyard Barolos-Cicala, Colonnello and Romirasco-as well as his Barbera, Conca Tre Pile, and his reserve Barolo, Gran Bussia, are highly sought after. What’s more, he has passed his ambition and his courage on to his sons, who continue to improve upon his vision. His iconic Italian winery is an American dream come true...The lion may be growing older, but he is still growing his legacy. And is dream lives on in the business his sons now run. Napa missed out on a great winemaker, but Piedmont gained an icon.” www.winespectator.com As I sit an write this feature for the holiday Gazette (re-reading the article) I am just as struck as I was during my very first visit to the estate this past Spring. Zachys is proud to carry the wines of Poderi Aldo Conterno as they are a true iconic representation of the best that Piedmont has to offer. If for some reason this estate has flown under your radar or you have not taken notice...Now is the time. They are producing some stellar wines that are a MUST for all serious wine collectors.
69.00
“...offers up gorgeous aromas that literally fill the room with intense perfume. This finessed, mid-weight wine reveals superb purity to its primary, fresh fruit in an ethereal style. Finessed tannins round out this complete Barolo...91.” WA 4/09
Barolo Cicala 2005 (95WS) {#326493} ................. 150.00
120.00
Barolo Cicala 2005 (95WS) (1.5L) {#326494} ....... 350.00
245.00
“Strawberry pie and cream aromas lead to a full-bodied palate. Very thick and powerful, with big, velvety tannins and masses of fruit. A blockbuster style...95.” WS 7/09
Barolo Colonnello 2005 (95WS) {#326495} ......... 150.00
120.00
“Enticing aromas of plum tart and vanilla bean aromas follow through to a full body, with a beautiful concentration of ripe fruit and supersilky tannins. A wine with beautiful balance and finesse that’s also concentrated and rich...” WS 7/09
Barolo Romirasco 2005 (94WS & WA) {#326496} .. 220.00
165.00
“...a regal, aristocratic wine that embodies everything a great Barolo should be...reveals awesome density and richness in layers of deeply spiced, mentholated fruit, flowers and minerals that continue to emerge from teh glass in a neverending display of sheer elegance and class. This is one of the few truly complete, multi-dimensional wines of the vintage...94.” WA 4/09
Barolo Gran Bussia Riserva 1999 (95WA) (1.5L) {#331686} .......................... 850.00 675.00 Barolo Gran Bussia Riserva 2000 (96WS) (5L) {#139282} ........................... 2750.00 2100.00 Barolo Riserva Gran Bussia 2001 (94WS) (3L) {#331687} ........................... 1595.00 1200.00 Chardonnay Bussiador 2006 (90IWC) {#331744} .. 55.00
44.00
“Good deep yellow-straw color. Complex aromas of mirabelle, pineapple, apricot, coconut and vanilla, lifted by fresh herbs. Broad, lush and sweet, with the concentration of fruits and minerals to support the oak treatment...This should hold up nicely for eight to ten years in bottle...90.” IWC
Dolcetto Masante 2008 {#338207} ......................... 24.99
19.99
“This has some earth notes, with plenty of ripe fruit as well. Full and juicy, with raspberry and blueberry flavors. Long and flavorful. A very pretty Dolcetto. Drink now. 900 cases made...” WS 12/09
As a fellow LEO, I fully support the efforts/wines of Aldo Conterno and his 3 sons (Giacomo, Stefano and Franco)...BRAVO!!!! -AM
holiday gazette 2010 / zachys.com / 47
z We’re In Tuscany’s Glory Days! A Shoppers Paradise 2006 & 2007 are proving to be two of the finest back-to-back vintages from Tuscany in well over a decade. The 2006’s are built to last with lots of structure and backbone, while the 2007’s have a great sense of warmth and forward fruit profile. As a buyer, these two vintages have provided a SHOPPERS PARADISE for me with so many great wines to choose from. In the October 31st issue of Wine Spectator - “Exploring Italy” these successful vintages from Tuscany had a bright spotlight shown on them accentuating my point. The 2 regions that are commercially available in the marketplace currently are BOLGHERI & CHIANTI CLASSICO (Brunello will be released in February 2011), and the overall vintage reviews were... Tuscany/Chianti and Chianti Classico Vintage
Score
Drink Rec
Description
2007
94
Drink or hold
Aromatic and fresh, with good fruit and tannin backbone
2006
96
Drink or hold
Growers who kept grape crop levels low made racy, rich and wonderful wines
Tuscany/Bolgheri, Maremma Vintage
Score
Drink Rec
Description
2007
95
Drink or hold
Fresh, fruity and racy; firmer and more tannic than 2006
2006
96
Drink or hold
Perfumed and rich yet balanced and refined. A vintage with wonderful harmony
You won’t make a mistake with either vintage (As both are great!). Where you will make a mistake though is if you miss out on these two spectacular back-to-back vintages somehow!! Don’t let these glory days pass you by! -AM
Shopper’s Paradise!
| REG $
SALE $
Chianti Classico Riserva (Viticcio) 2006 (93WS) {#162330} ....................................... 34.99 #35 Wine Spectator’s Top 100 2009
27.99
”Fabulous aromas of blackberry, dark chocolate and flowers follow through to a full-bodied palate, with supersilky tannins and amazing richness and subtlety. Goes on for minutes on the palate...93.” WS 9/09
Torrione (Petrolo) 2007 (94WS) {#328628} ........... 49.99 #37 Wine Spectator’s Top 100 2009 ”Clear and precise, with beautiful aromas of plum, berries and chocolate. Full-bodied and refined, with a dense yet elegant palate of plum, chocolate and cherry. Long and caressing. Wonderfully polished. Very fine. Sangiovese and Merlot. Best after 2010...94.” WS 10/09
48 / zachys.com / holiday gazette 2010
35.00
z Shopper’s Paradise!
| REG $
SALE $
Chianti Classico Don Vincenzo Riserva (Casaloste) 2006 (93WS) {#330982} ....................................... 70.00
44.99
“Displays loads of blackberry and black cherry on the nose. Full-bodied, with ultrarefined tannins, ripe fruit and a long, long finish. Refined and structured. Best after 2010...93.” WS 10/09
Chianti Classico Riserva Lucius (Viticcio) 2006 (91WS) {#162329} ....................................... 39.99
31.99
29.99
26.99
16.99
“Shows a lot of bright cherry and berry character, with hints of coffee. Full-bodied, with fine, well-integrated tannins, clean acidity and a long finish. Drink now...90.” WS 10/09
*Chianti Nipozzano Rufina Riserva Frescobaldi 2007 (91WS) {#338194} ....................................... 24.99
19.99
49.99
49.99
44.99
“Fascinating aromas of blackberry, cedar, tea and red licorice lead to a full body, with firm, polished tannins and a fresh finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Alicante and Petit Verdot. Best after 2012..93.” WS 10/09
44.99
Who needs Brunello when you can have Prunaio???!!!! “Displays very ripe raspberry on the nose, with black cherry. Full-bodied, with supersilky tannins, toasty oak and an aftertaste of chocolate, coffee and fruit. A serious red. Sangiovese Grosso...93.” WS 10/09
44.99
“This full-throttle Sangiovese has attractive berry, chocolate and lemon undertones, with some raisin notes. Full-bodied, with lots of oak and fruit...Best after 2011...92.” WS 10/10
69.00
Giusto di Notri (Tua Rita) 2007 (95WS/95WA) (3L) {#327047} .................. 440.00
280.00
Giusto di Notri (Tua Rita) 2007 (95WS/95WA) (5L) {#327048} ................. 750.00
575.00
“...a gorgeous, dark beauty endowed with layers of sensual black and blue fruits. Soft, seamless and utterly enveloping, the 2007 Giusto dei Notri impresses for its depth and richness, both of which have been achieved without any excess heaviness...make no mistake about it, this is a terrific and highly enjoyable wine...95.” WA 5/10
“...opens with sweet scents of mocha, berries, spices and flowers that lead to a soft, seamless expression of fruit... an unusually harmonious, refined wine that is sure to deliver much pleasure over the coming years...92.” WA 8/09
70.00
“What a nose of crushed blueberry and blackberry on this, with aromas of licorice. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a long caressing finish...Still very young. A Bordeaux blend from Bolgheri...94.” WS 10/10
Prunaio (Viticcio) 2007 (92WS) {#335648} ............. 55.00
Giusto di Notri (Tua Rita) 2007 (95WS/95WA) (1.5L) {#327045} ............... 220.00 138.00
Le Serre Nuove (Ornellaia) 2007 (92WS/92WA) {#328477} ............................ 70.00
“...Deep black cherry aromas, set off with notes of cinnamon and spicy red hot candies. Fine acidity on the entry and midpalate, with racy black fruits taking the foreground and some smoky barrel notes playing the back. The tannins are almost fully melded into the fruit, offering no resistance to present consumption. 100% Sangiovese Grosso de Maremma...91.” SWJ 10/10
Prunaio (Viticcio) 2006 (93WS) {#162331} ............. 55.00
“This delivers hints of treacle tart and raisin, with dried fruits and black licorice. Full and round, showing velvety tannins and a long aftertaste of grilled meat, smoky wood and dark fruits. This is nearly always excellent...92.” WS 9/10
Giusto di Notri (Tua Rita) 2007 (95WS/95WA) {#326893} .......................... 110.00
44.99
“A very ripe, almost New World style, offering big, chewy tannins and dried dark fruits, with treacle tart and raisin notes. Full-bodied. Needs time to mellow...93.” WS 10/10
Poggio Al Lupo (Sette Ponti) 2007 (93WS) {#331429} ....................................... 65.00
“This has a fabulous nose of crushed raspberry and blackberry, with coffee, vanilla bean, tar and spices. Fullbodied, with rich, velvety tannins. There’s plenty of fruit, but this is refined and persistent on the palate, with pretty oak influences. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc...93.” WS 10/09
Greppicaia (I Greppi) 2007 (92WS) {#335651} ....... 65.00
45.00
“Currants, berries, lightly toasted oak and light coffee. Full-bodied, with lots of ripe fruit, soft, silky tannins and a rich finish. Ripe and beautiful. Lovely texture too. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot...94.” WS 10/09
*Orma (Orma) 2007 (94WS) {#335875} .................... 90.00
“A burly Rufina, with dried dark fruits, chewy tannins and a dark chocolate and mineral aftertaste. Full and satisfying. Always the fresh acidity in the back palate. A go to Chianti. Drink now...91.” WS 10/10
Greppicaia (I Greppi) 2006 (93WS) {#162346} ....... 65.00
Monile (Viticcio) 2006 (94WS) {#162328} ............... 55.00
Montecucco Sangiovese La Querciolina (Livio Sassetti) 16.99 2007 (91SWJ) {#336262} ..................................... 19.99
“Subtle currant, cedar and floral aromas follow through to a dense, full-bodied palate of ripe fruits and silky tannins, with a long finish. A little age will soften this just slightly. Really serious. Best after 2010...93.” WS 9/10
Chianti Classico (Viticcio) 2007 (90WS) {#162327} .. 21.99
SALE $
Maremma Toscana Istriciaia La Querciolina (Livio Sassetti) 18.99 2007 {#336263} ................................................... 23.99
Monile (Viticcio) 2007 (93WS) {#335649} ............... 55.00
“Exhibits masses of new oak on the nose and palate, with vanilla and jammy fruit...it’s soft, round-textured and generous. Best after 2010...”WS 10/10
Chianti Classico Riserva (Viticcio) 2007 (93WS) {#335646} ....................................... 34.99
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(80% Sangiovese, 20% Ciliegiolo) The name of the wine means “the place where the porcupine lives” and it’s a wonderful blend of Sangiovese and another indigenous Tuscan grape called Ciliegiolo.
“Intense aromas of plum and blackberry. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins, lots of beautiful fruit and vanilla oak character and a long-to-medium finish. Generous and delicious already...91.” WS 10/09
Chianti Classico Riserva Lucius (Viticcio) 2007 {#335647} .................................................... 39.99
Shopper’s Paradise!
*Sangiovese Toscana Tosco (Poggio Salvi) 2007 (93WS) {#338840} ....................................... 24.99
Tignanello (Antinori) 2007 (95WA) {#332333} ..... 120.00
85.00
“...wonderfully ripe and seductive in its dark cherries, flowers, spices, tobacco, sage, cedar, mint and minerals. This is as opulent a Tignanello as I have ever tasted but there is just enough acidity and structure from the Sangiovese to keep things from going over the top...dense, muscular fruit follows through to an impeccable finish with no hard edges and impossibly fine, silky tannins. Simply put, the 2007 is a magnificent Tignanello...95.” WA 5/10
Toscana Rosso (Cavalli Tenuta degli Dei) 2007 (92WS) {#338958} ....................................... 65.00 49.99
18.99
“Blueberry and tar aromas and flavors follow through to a full body, with silky tannins and an intense licorice and boysenberry finish. Soft and refined...93.” WS 10/10
39.99
“Layered and beautiful, with blackberry, licorice and mineral on the nose and palate. Caressing on the palate. Why wait? From fashion designer Roberto Cavalli. Drink now through 2015..92.” WS 10/10 * Pre-arrival
holiday gazette 2010 / zachys.com / 49
z Really?!?! Am I Seeing “Double 97’s”???!!!!
zachys staff holiday selections!
In preparing this holiday Gazette I felt it important to list one of Campania’s most LUXURIOUS red wines in the market today. So I ran my normal query for available reds from Italy within a certain price range and not one vintage of TERRE DI LAVORO came up but two. Now that in itself was not so strange as we often carry multiple vintages of the better producers from around the world. What struck me as odd...so much so that I threw my glasses on to make sure I was reading the computer screen correctly...was that BOTH wines received a 97 POINT review from Antonio Galloni of The Wine Advocate. Upon verification I quickly realized that I was NOT seeing double, that they both were rated so well and we have plenty of each available for our Zachys Italian aficionados. I can’t think of two better book ends than to have some of each of these 97 pointers in your cellar. -AM
Michael Thomas Wine Consultant, 29 years Barbera d’Asti Tre Roveri (Pico Maccario) 2007 (92SWJ) {#326490} ..................................... 29.99
23.99
“...An enticing bouquet reminiscent of espresso beans, chocolate brownies, macerated cherries, mellow wood tones...a multi-layered wine of phenomenal texture and nuance...showcases the splendor of fully-ripened (but not over-ripe) Barbera...great acidity, and a hint of chestnuts on the long finish. Plush and rich...92.” SWJ 2/10
Marcy Cronk Wine Consultant, 2 years Saint Veran Vers les Monts (Roger Luquet) 2008 (90W&S/90SWJ) {#330996} ....................... 20.99
16.75
“...ripe apple lead to a Chablis-like mid-palate, where flavors of lemons and rocks contend with the brisk acidity for top billing...showcases the fine structure of this young, well balanced Burgundy. This is a star showing from the SaintVeran district in southern Burgundy...90.” SWJ 4/10
Terra di Lavoro
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Galardi 2007 (97WA) {#332385} ............................ 100.00
75.00
“The 2007 Roccamonfina Terra di Lavoro announces itself with a blast of smoke, ash, red berries, flowers and minerals, all of which come together in a heady, exotic expression of Aglianico and Piedirosso, two of Campania’s thoroughbred grapes. There is incredible clarity and nuance in the glass despite the wine’s massive concentration. The 2007 is a very unusual Terra di Lavoro for its open, accessible personality and ripe, silky tannins, both of which are on full display...it is nothing short of glorious...97.” WA 6/10
*Galardi 2008 (97+WA) {#337847} .......................... 100.00 “Galardi’s 2008 Terra di Lavoro is a legend in the making. It is a fabulously ripe, rich and seductive wine endowed with beautifully articulated dark plums, ash, leather, licorice, all of which meld together in an explosive, utterly thrilling display of class and elegance. Clean, mineral notes frame the eternal finish. Today the 2008 is impossibly young and the wine will require considerable patience, but its class, pedigree and potential are all first-rate. Simply put, the 2008 is a monumental Terra di Lavoro...97+.” WA 8/10 * Pre-arrival 50 / zachys.com / holiday gazette 2010
75.00
Georgette Di Leone Customer Service, 5 years Tribaut-Schloesser Rosé Brut NV (90SWJ) {#331321} ........................................ 41.99 “...Showing aromas of burnt cherry, Brewer’s yeast, juniper berry, burnt orange peel, and sour peach. Subtle flavors of alpine strawberries round out this medium-bodied, elegant Champagne...Drink now...90.” SWJ 7/10
32.99
SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE
z
Pefect for Any Night of the Week!
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Casa Marguery Malbec 2009 {#338961} ................ 16.99
12.99
Deep black fruit—full of currant and berries that move to a floral wild blueberry edge. Very pretty spice in the nose and hint of pepper on the palate. Reminds us more of Cotes du Rhone than Malbec aromatically but in the mouth the fruit is pure Malbec!
No Reason to Go All SIDEWAYS On this Wine! Last month we almost had a little problem with our delivery of Santa Ema Reserve Merlot. Our warehouse has been in the midst of several big improvements and needless to say our team was not ready for this very large delivery of Merlot. So when I got the call, I quickly went down to our Store Manager, Brian, to recruit him and a few guys to help out in taking in this large delivery. When Brian realized it was over a 100 cases of Merlot he started needling me, channeling Paul Giamatti’s character in the movie Sideways.
Best of Spain & Argentina In One— Fantastic Wine Under $10!
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Urban Uco Malbec-Tempranillo (O. Fournier) 2008 (90WA) {#330272} ..................................... 11.99
9.50
“...intriguing bouquet of blackberry, blueberry, violets, and ground coffee. Ripe, layered, and sweetly-fruited, this flavorful wine over delivers in a big way...90.” WA 8/09
“Merlot!” “100 cases of Merlot!” “Haven’t you heard…Nobody drinks Merlot!” Hey, there is no reason to go all Sideways on this wine! Already an exceptional value at $16.99 this Reserve Merlot is one of the best Merlot’s that I’ve tried all year, North and South of the equator! Plus when you check out the Wine Advocate commentary on this wine, you realize that not all Merlot is created in-equally. -JN “...glass-coating opaque purple. The nose offers up coffee, mocha, and cherry leading to a wine with no hard edges and plenty of character. If all Merlots offered this much pleasure, Pinot Noir would never have become so popular...90.” WA 6/09
Exceptional Malbec Santa Ema
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Reserve Merlot 2007 (90WA) {#330574} ................ 16.99
13.50
52 / zachys.com / holiday gazette 2010
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Cruz Malbec Lujan de Cuyo Andina 2007 (90WS) {#332978} ....................................... 21.99
17.50
“Dark and ripe, with lots of briar and anise framing the blackberry and macerated black currant frui.t. Anise takes over on the rich, toasty finish. Well-built...90.” WS 9/10
z The Best Pinot Noir Outside of Burgundy & California...Made by a Tuscan!?!? That’s right! You know what we are talking about... Bodegas Chacra, the Patagonia Pinot Noir estate owned by Piero Incisa della Rocchetta of Sassicaia! Tenuta San Guido the famed Tuscan estate from Bolgheri is known worldwide for their Bordeaux Blends, especially for their flagship selection: Sassicaia. As you have seen over the years, Zachys has been a long time supporter of San Guido and as their portfolio of wines has expanded so has our selection with Guidalberto and Le Difese. So it is no surprise to us that Piero decided to branch out and try working with another French grape. The big surprise was his grape of choice and location for producing it. Pinot Noir & from Patagonia!?! Yep, South America; not California, not Burgundy, not even Tuscany. Piero and his team have landed in Patagonia and not for a lack of research. A Burgundy lover by nature, Piero and his team have been traveling the world tasting Pinot Noir and searching for that ideal vineyard. They found what Piero calls an ideal site in Patagonia, where there are blocks of historic Pinot Noir vineyards that were planted in 1932 and 1955! Unfortunately, these wines are very limited in production and are not as readily available as the wines from Tuscany. In fact the 2007 Vintage was basically the first vintage we were able to offer out as our 2006 allocation was just a couple of bottles. Now on to the superior 2008 Vintage, there is a bit more wine available but this little Gem of a property is still under the radar with only a handful of shops in the USA carrying the wine. Zachys along with the Wine Spectator have been there every step of the way tasting and checking in on the progress. -JN Just look at the Treinta y Dos (32) track record with the Wine Spectator! BODEGA CHACRA Pinot Noir Treinta y Dos Vintage Score
2004 92WS
2005 93WS
2006 92WS
2007 91WS
2008 92WS
Here is more Great Praise that Bodegas Chacra received in the Wine Spectator December 2009 Issue regarding the 2008 Vintage! “Bodega Chacra’s Piero Incisa della Rocchetta-whose family owns renowned Tuscan estate Tenuta San Guido-crafts outstanding Pinot Noir at a once-abandoned farm in Patagonia.” “Pinot Noir has only a tiny presence in Argentina, but the grape manages to shine in the country’s Patagonia region, where boutique producer Bodega Chacra has begun to establish a track record. Following the elegantly styled 2007s, from a cool growing season, the winery’s latest releases from the warmer, wind-blown 2008 vintage show greater depth and length. The Bodega Chacra Pinot Noir Rio Negro Treinta y Dos 2008 (92, $120) rivals the winery’s ’05 as its best vintage to date. If the triple-digit price tag is tough to swallow, try the Bodega Chacra Pinot Noir Rio Negro Barda 2008 (90, $25), made from the winery’s youngest vines. The wine shows crushed cherry fruit, spice and mineral notes.” -Wine Spectator 12/09
Bodega Chacra Pinot Noir 2008
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Barda (90WS) {#330907} ......................................... 29.99
23.99
“Shows a nice crushed dark cherry fruit profile, with focused spice, mineral and briar notes laid out on the medium-weight finish. Juicy and racy...90.” WS 11/09
Cincuenta y Cinco (91WS) {#330904} .................. 100.00
80.00
“Young and tight, with a layer of toast still to be absorbed and primal plum and cherry fruit that has yet to stretch out fully. This has plenty of depth, with tangy licorice and mineral notes weaving through the ripe, juicy finish...91.” WS 11/09
Treinta y Dos (92WS) {#330903} ........................... 160.00
130.00
“Deliciously ripe and concentrated, but with great underlying freshness, thanks to a briary edge that frames the blackberry, black cherry and licorice notes. There’s a long, incense-tinged finish...92.” WS 11/09
holiday gazette 2010 / zachys.com / 53
z Mollydooker - Our Fastest and Best Selling estate from Australia! Every year in early Fall, our fastest selling Australian estate’s newest releases arrive and fly off the shelves in no time. MOLLYDOOKER remains our fastest and best selling estate from Australia! The reason why? The BANG FOR YOUR BUCK return is fantastic on over 50% of their range. Yes they do make some stellar mid to top end wines but Mollydooker’s heart and core is all about value! What else would you expect from the duo that created and brought the world Marquis Phillips? Nothing else that is for sure! Even though this estate is less than 10 years old, Mollydooker has already been singled out by Robert Parker of the Wine Advocate as producing some of the “greatest red wine values anywhere and should not be missed.” This belief by Robert Parker that this estate produces some of the World’s greatest values has prompted him to include the estate in his latest book: Paker’s Wine Bargains—The World’s Best Wine Values Under $25! Top praise and respect for what is clearly the HOTTEST property in Australia today! The 2009 Vintage was not as tough as the 2008 and as a result most of the Mollydooker labels are back and available; but as always the case these wines just don’t have enough production for us to stock them all year round. Stock up today before you miss the chance to grab your Mollydooker. -JN
Mollydooker
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The Boxer Shiraz 2009 (90WS) {#338445} ............. 29.99
21.99
“Dense, focused and juicy in the mouth, a powerhouse that brims with blueberry, currant, smoke and spice flavors, segueing seamlessly into the long finish. Drink now through 2016...90.” WS 10/10
The Maitre D’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 (89WS) {#338441} ....................................... 29.99
21.99
“Smooth, rich and powerful, layered with blackberry, licorice, roasted meat and bay leaf flavors that roll easily into the expressive finish. Drink now through 2016...89.” WS 10/10
The Scooter Merlot 2009 {#338443} ....................... 29.99
Mollydooker 21.99
21.99
“Supple and generous, a full-on burst of dark berry, black cherry, licorice and tar aromas and flavors that power through a long and focused finish. Drink now through 2013...90.” WS 10/10
The Violinist Verdelho (White) 2010 {#338444} ..... 29.99
21.99
“A weighty, extracted style, with vibrant greengage plum and spice flavors, lingering on the slightly tart finish...” WS 10/10
Carnival of Love Shiraz 2009 (96WA) {#338450} ... 90.00 “The 100% Shiraz 2007 Carnival of Love has a smoky, toasty perfume with notes of violet, garrigue, blueberry, and plum adding complexity. Opulent on the palate, this glossy Shiraz has serious depth of flavor, great concentration, excellent integration of oak, tannin, and acidity, and a pure, silky finish…96.” – Jay Miller, www.erobertparker.com
54 / zachys.com / holiday gazette 2010
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Velvet Glove Shiraz 2009 {#338447} .................... 200.00
150.99
‘...layers upon layers of rich fruit with raspberry, blackberry, plum, jam and spice seamlessly integrated with ample tannins to make this age gracefully for years to come. Anyone looking for a seductive, rich, viscous, and multi-layered Shiraz powerhouse should taste this wine.’ - Brian Pasch, www.corkd.com
“This boad red brims with dark berry, iodine and pepper flavors, lingering softly against modest tannins. Drink now through 2013..” WS 9/10
Two Left Feet Shiraz/Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 (90WS) {#338449} ....................................... 29.99
| REG $
67.50
Enchanted Path Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 (91WS) {#338442} ..................................... 100.00
75.00
“Broad and generous, with a sandy, spicy edge to the red cherry, blackberry and tar flavors, persisting with real elegance on the long, focused finish. Drink now through 2013...91.” WS 9/10
Gigglepot Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 (90WS) {#338448} ....................................... 55.00 “Firm and fleshy, offering a juicy mouthful of ripe currant and cherry fruit. Gains welcome complexity, with hints of eucalyptus and bay leaf as the finish extends nicely. Neither the fruit nor savory notes prevail, creating a good tension. Drink now through 2013...90.” WS 10/10
40.99
z
There’s a Reason this is your #1 Pick at Zachys!
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Box ‘O Birds Sauvignon Blanc 2009 (91SWJ) {#326418} ..................................... 16.99
13.50
“Shimmering light yellow in color. Swoon-inducing aromas of ripe grapefruit, passion fruit, guava, mineral water, and baby powder gust upward from the glass. Classic “SB” flavors of grapefruit and lime wash across the tongue, while subtle notes of lemon verbena, gardenia, and even a hint of parmesan emanate on the tangy finish. Racy acidity ties the delicious fruit components together. A fantastic, fun, exuberant SB that breaks out from the overly-grassy/green pea/under-ripe mode...91.” SWJ 10/09
A Rhone Super-Star ‘Down Under’
Featured on the Cover of Wine Spectator—90pts and under $10 at Zachys! Sometimes when you taste a wine, see the packaging you just get that feeling that it is going to be a hit.
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Domaine Terlato & Chapoutier Shiraz-Viognier 2008 (90WS) {#337682} ....................................... 15.99
12.75
“Starts off with a blast of dark berry and spice, then expands into nuances of wet earth, crushed stone and coffee, the fruit rejoining the chorus on the finish. Medium-weight, with a sense of refinement underneath...90.” WS 10/10
Then you start to hear the buzz from the press and ratings leak out. This month, the Wine Spectator released their Advance where the Kono Sauvignon Blanc scored 90 points. The 25 or so cases we had in-stock disappeared in a flash. Since then we grabbed more every week with a consistent flow of Kono going out the door. Then, we received our copies of the Wine Spectator October Issue. On the cover and selected as one of the top values out of the 200 featured by the magazine the Kono Sauvignon Blanc is already disappearing fast from our supplier. If you are a Sauvignon Blanc fan then you may want to stock up now…we did! -AM
New Zealand
Leader of South Africa Pinot Noir by far!
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Kono Sauvignon Blanc 2009 (90WS) {#337690} ... 11.99
9.50
“A light and silky white, with refreshing pineapple, peach and green apple flavors in tremendous focus, lingering elegantly. Drink now...90.” WS 6/10
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Hamilton Russell Walker Bay Pinot Noir 2008 (91WS) {#329675} ....................................... 44.99
35.99
“A tangy and racy style, boasting a nice core of mulled cherry, red currant and incense notes backed by a long, iron-tinged finish. Taut but vigorous, this should stretch out a touch with brief cellaring…91.” WS 11/10
holiday gazette 2010 / zachys.com / 55
z zachys staff holiday selections!
Save 25% of the 1st Growth of Chile
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Almaviva Rothschild & Concha Y Toro Red 2006 (93WS) {#159088} ................................... 100.00
75.00
“Muscular and broad-shouldered, with lots of bittersweet cocoa, dark currant and braised fig notes, followed by a long, loam- and coffee-filled finish. There’s also plenty of iron-tinged grip for the cellar. Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère, Cabernet Franc and Merlot...93.” WS 3/09
Ezio Vippolis Wine Consultant, 10 years Barolo (Aldo Conterno) 2004 (91WA/91WS/90IWC) {#150197} .............. 110.00
69.00
“Plum and spice aromas, with undertones of meat. Fullbodied, with chewy tannins and lots of ripe fruit. Needs time to mellowand come together. Very structured.Best after 2011.—J.S...91.” WS 4/08
A Perenial Favorite
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Concha y Toro Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 (95WA) {#328292} ....................................... 91.00
75.00
“...alluring bouquet of toast, tobacco, cedar, leather, mocha, and blackcurrant. Sweet, voluptuous (but not in a fruit bomb kind of way), layered, and complex already, its superb balance will ensure at least a decade of evolution and it should drink well through 2036...95.” WA 4/09
Yanelly Roque Customer Service, 4 years Cooralook Shiraz 2007 (90WA) {#337374} ............. 15.99
12.75
“...absolute bargain at this price...earthy / gamey notes surrounding a core of warm blackberry and black pepper, this is a very well balanced, medium-bodied style. A medium level of fine tannins and high acidity structure the fleshy fruit and support the long spicy finish. Drinking now, it should continue to give pleasure until 2015...90.” WA 6/10
1st Vintage since 2004 of this Wine!
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Achaval Ferrer Malbec Finca Bella Vista 2007 {#327022} .................................................. 115.00
89.00
“The 2007 Finca Bella Vista is the first bottling of this cuvee since the 2004 vintage because 2005 and 2006 were wiped out by hail. The Bella Vista vineyard was planted in 1910 with yields for this wine at a miniscule 0.75 tons per acre. The wine was aged for 15 months in 100% new French oak... alluring bouquet of smoke, scorched earth, incense, violets, black cherry, and blackberry. Medium- to full-bodied, velvetytextured, and surprisingly forward, this voluptuous effort has gobs of layered sweet fruit, earth and spice notes, plenty of concealed fine grained tannin, and a lengthy finish. The temptation will be to drink this hedonistic effort without delay. However, it will reward extended cellaring and should be at its best from 2013 to 2022...Achaval Ferrer makes my short list of Argentina’s top producers of Malbec…96.” WA 8/09
56 / zachys.com / holiday gazette 2010
Linda Marcello Customer Service, 1 year Verdicchio Classico (Sartarelli) 2009 {#334164} ... 16.99 “...offers up dried flowers, peaches and herbs in a midweight, accessible style. This is a very polished and wellbalanced Verdicchio for the money, and is a great value... Sartarelli is one of the premier, reference-point producers of fine Verdicchio. Readers should do whatever they can to taste these fabulous whites from the Marche...” WA 6/10
12.99
SPAIN & PORT
z Tough Choices = Great Wine! The 2007 Vintage has been exceptional across much of Europe. The Rhone Valley and Tuscany have excelled with many other regions in between having a very solid year. Spain, specifically Ribera del Duero… let’s just say that it was not a banner year. In 2007, those with experience, the means, the man power and all around talent made exceptional wines but frankly they are few and far in between. Bodegas Aalto is one of those few! Why? Bodegas Aalto has the experience, the means, the man power and the TALENT as this winery is a partnership between legendary winemaker Mariano Garcia and Javier Zaccagnini! Earlier this year, we featured the 2006 Aalto which was received extremely well. In that offer, we outlined that Aalto, even though a young winery, holds one of the most impressive track records of any winery in Spain. 2000-93WA • 2002-91WA • 2003-92WA • 2004-94WA • 2005-95WA • 2006-94WA and now 2007-95WA! Simply impressive; yet totally expected! Mariano and Javier made the tough choices, and in 2007 decided not to make their highly sought after and regarded PS. Instead, they took the fruit typically reserved for this selection, and used it for the Aalto 2007. The result—one of the most impressive wines of the vintage; a Vintage which the Wine Advocate has over-all only rated 90 points. Mariano Garcia, the former legendary winemaker of Vega Sicilia, is the talent and the experience behind Aalto. After splitting with Vega Sicilia, Mariano went on to found Bodegas Mauro with his sons and later started Bodegas Aalto with Javier Zaccagnini (the means). For a man who started his winemaking career at Vega Sicilia and ran the helm for 30 years, Mariano has crafted many of Spain’s most sought after wines and has clearly seen a thing or two over the years. One thing is for sure—Mariano’s wines have achieved “Cult” status overnight. Pushing the envelope and styles that many used to associate with Ribera del Duero and turning out quite possibly the best track record in the valley and all of Spain; not to mention exceptional wine in a not so exceptional Vintage! -JN
Bodegas Aalto
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2007 (95WA) {#337468} ........................................... 65.00
49.95
“The 2007 Aalto is 100% Tinto Fino aged for 24 months in French and American barriques. A glass-coating opaque purple color, it emits a super-fragrant bouquet of pain grille, pencil lead, Asian spices, black cherry, and blackberry. Dense and opulent on the palate, this loaded effort is succulent, pure, and exceptionally lengthy. It will evolve for 6-8 years and offer a drinking window extending from 2016 to 2032.
For $20 Spanish Whites...It Doesn’t Get Much Better than these TWO! When was the last time you had a 93 point Albarino or a 92 point Godello!?! If you have had one, it was most likely one of these two. When it comes to Albarino, Pazo de Senorans is clearly the leader of the pack. Consistently one of the highest scoring Albarinos Vintage after Vintage, Pazo de Senorans has become a staple at Zachys over the years.
Bodegas y Vinedos Aalto is a partnership between Mariano Garcia and Javier Zaccagnini. The fruit for Aalto is sourced from seven different villages with vines ranging in age from 40 to100 years…95.” Wine Advocate 4/10
From our same source, Eric Solomon of European Cellars, comes the Pena das Donas Godello. This Godello from Ribeira Sacra has great body and texture. Chablis lovers looking for an alternative outside of Chardonnay should check this out and all you Albarino fans won’t be disappointed either. In just a few short years, Pena das Donas has rocketed to the top as one of the premier producers of Godello in Spain from both Valdeorras and Ribiera Sacra.
Spain 2009 WE ARE OPEN 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK AT ZACHYS.COM!
z
Over 6,000 selections available on the web. Sales and Special Offers posted daily!
58 / zachys.com / holiday gazette 2010
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Albarino Pazo de Senorans (93WA) {#334875} ..... 25.99
20.75
“...a splendid bouquet of mineral, honeysuckle, lemon, and tropical aromas. Round, creamy, and remarkably concentrated...93.” WA 4/10
Almalarga Godello Pena das Donas Ribetira Sacra (92WA) {#334877} ....................... 22.99 “...expressive nose of wet stone, damp wool, apple, pear, white peach, and spring flowers...an extra dimension of fruit, great concentration, and a vibrant, nervy character...92.” WA 4/10
18.25
z Sometimes We Get It Right!
A TOP 100 Winner—Still In-Stock!
Tasting wine and judging it before it is bottled is no easy task. It takes a great deal of patience, foresight, consultation with a “Magic 8 Ball”, a Ouija Board and many years of experience. Even then it can still be a crap shoot.
The First Priorat Since 2004 to Hit the Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of the Year—Mas Doix Salanques 2006!
However, we embark on such tasks in attempts to stay ahead of the curve and to find YOU the best wines in the market before the Press and Critics release their reports and scores. Sometimes we get it right and sometimes we really get it right.
When the Top 100 hit last December there was one wine from Spain that we just could not get our hands on. The local supplier was sold out and the initial boom of being the first Priorat since 2004 to make the Top 100 and the only one of 2009, made the Mas Doix Salanques almost impossible to source. It took us some time but when Mas Doix became so hard to find we went directly to the USA source Eric Solomon. With a little time, a few phone calls and of course Eric making us sweat—we got the wine and its bigger brother too!
Mas Doix 2006
Bodegas Valderiz
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Juegabolos Barricas Seleccionadas (4 de 10) 2006 (94WA) {#329004} ...................................... 75.00
56.50
“…A glass-coating opaque purple color, it sends up aromas of pain grille, pencil lead, olives, herbs, violets, licorice, and blackberry. This leads to a complex, savory, plush wine with great volume, serious depth and concentration and impeccable balance. This exceptional lengthy offering will benefit from 5-7 years of cellaring and present a drinking window extending from 2015 to 2031…94.” WA 4/10
At the beginning of October we took the entire Zachys Sales Team out for a dinner to taste some new arrivals in the store. The line-up included some heavy hitters from Burgundy and the Rhone. The stand-out of the tasting and the wine that induced the most WOW responses was the 2004 Marques de Caceres Reserva! When everyone learned the price the WOWs were even louder! | REG $
SALE $
Marques de Caceres Reserva (91W&S) {#337443} .. 32.99
26.25
“This reflects the vintage in its beefy richness, while it follows Cáceres’s modern style in the polish and elegance of its tannin. The fruit develops definition with air, tasting of tiny cherries and red currants. For the cellar, or give it time in a decanter for lamb chops off the grill...91.” Wine and Spirits 12/09
SALE $
Salanques (93WA/92WS) {#330110} ...................... 50.00
39.50
#53 of the Wine Spectator Top 100 0f 2009 “...an enticing nose of cedar, pencil lead, tar, licorice, and black cherry. Dense, layered, and pleasure-bent on the palate, this well balanced wine will provide pleasure ...93.” WA 6/09
Costers de Vinyes Velles (97WA) {#330111} ........ 150.00
115.00
“...yields an enthralling, sexy/kinky bouquet of toasty new oak, liquid minerality, lavender, incense, and wild berries. Complex, elegant, and La Tache-like, it appeals to both the senses and the intellect. It is a remarkable effort...97.” WA 6/09
Best Fortified Wine in the World, Decanter World Wine Awards 2006
An Overwhelming WOW!
Rioja 2004
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Ramos Pinto Retiro 20yr Port NV (90WE/★★★F&W) {#164561} ........................ 75.00
60.00
“Beautiful, beguiling nose. Fruit combined with praline seductive. Palate mirrors the nose. Alluring, opulent and very ripe. Attractive lift. Elegant and very fine.” Decanter 2006 “This single-quinta tawny comes from Ramos-Pinto’s vineyard in the Torto valley in the heart of Port country. It shows the warmth and richness from the super-rich fruit, balanced with wood aging and lively acidity, at the perfect moment to be enjoyed. The finish is fresh, the dry wood lifted by fruitiness…90” WE 2/09 “Light in color, even for a twenty-year Tawny, this brings together orange flavors with nuances of herbs and nuts.” Food & Wine Wine Guide 2008
holiday gazette 2010 / zachys.com / 59
z Vintage Port—2007!
zachys staff holiday selections!
“I rate 2007 overall better than 1977…I give it 98 points…” -James Suckling, the Wine Spectator 5/09 Over 18 months ago, we started to inform you of the terrific 2007 Port Vintage. Many of you heard our call and stocked up but if you have not yet or are already out…Don’t worry we still have many of the Stand-Outs of the Vintage in-stock now! 1977 Vintage Port for many of us is a benchmark but 2007 is a vintage in its youth that is already rivaling the best of 1977.-JN
Anny Chen Wine Consultant, 2 years Henriot Brut Millesime 1996 (94WS) {#135092} .... 89.00
2007 Port
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Fonseca (94WS/94WA) 750ml {#165059} ................................................ 105.00 375ml {#165061} .................................................. 55.00,
SALE $
75.00
”Racy, elegant and harmonious from start to finish. Candied citrus, honey and hazelnut flavors play out on a silky texture, and all is backed by a firm but unobtrusive structure. Lovely expression of the vintage...94” WS 11/04
84.00 44.00
“A subtle yet powerful young Vintage Port, with freshly sliced plum, citrus and mulberry on the nose. Full-bodied and medium sweet, with a solid core of powerful tannins and a long, balanced finish...Muscularly structured...94.” WS 5/10
Graham Port (97WA) 750ml {#165195} .................................................. 95.00 375ml {#165790} .................................................. 49.99
76.00 39.99
“A candidate for wine of the vintage...complete in every way...ethereal perfume of smoke, mineral, Asian spices, incense, an amalgam of ripe black fruits, and a hint of chocolate in the background....dense, super-rich, plush, opulent wine...Vibrant, impeccably balanced, and exceptionally lengthy...97.” WA 2/10
Niepoort Port (95WS) (375ml) {#326889} ............... 65.00
Alex Javadi Wine Consultant, 12 years 52.00 Coustaut 2008 {#331119} ........................................ 16.99
“Very enticing aromas...full body, with medium sweetness, ultrarefined tannins and a very long finish. This just coats the mouth with fabulous fruit and supersilky tannins. Chewy, yet friendly and harmonious. So fine...95.” WS 5/10
Quinta do Noval (96IWC) (375ml) {#165495} ........... 55.00
44.00
“Superripe, high-pitched, rather brooding aromas of black and red berries, bitter chocolate, flowers and spices. Hugely rich, sweet and mouthfilling yet at the same time savory, with uncanny verve for such a thick, silky wine...This saturates every millimeter of the palate with black fruit and spice flavors. Is any other 2007 this dense, deep and ripe? A wine of great intensity and persistence...96.” IWC 1/10
Taylor Fladgate Port Quinta de Vargellas Vinha Velha (97WS/98WA) {#165058} ................................... 225.00
180.00
“...from a single site, the finest of the estate...My nominee for wine of the vintage, this dense, powerful, incredibly concentrated effort is a bit monolithic today but all the ingredients are present for a slow maturation over the next 25-30 years. Succulent, mouth-filling, and altogether captivating...98.” WA 2/10
Taylor Fladgate Port (96WS/95WA) 750ml {#165055} ................................................ 105.00 375ml {#165056} .................................................. 55.00 “This is a giant of a wine lurking behind fresh flowers and ripe fruit. Starts off in a friendly way, then takes hold of the palate, with intense blueberry and blackberry fruit and chewy yet fine tannins. Mouthpuckering, but impressively complex and long. Really kicks in on the finish. The best Taylor since 1994...96.” WS 5/10
60 / zachys.com / holiday gazette 2010
13.50
“A blend of 45% Sauvignon Blanc, 45% Semillon, and 10% Muscadelle. Palest white platinum color. Effusive grapefruit tones on the nose, with notes of kiwi and ripe gooseberries adding complexity. The grassy flavors that define the palate are buttressed by keen acidity, and the long finish reveals the more extractive side of this white Graves...” SWJ 7/10
Soraya Flores Accounting, 1 year 84.00 44.00
Dow Port 1994 (97WS) {#151097} ........................ 150.00 “A blackstrap, powerful Port. Black, with intense aromas of raspberries, raisins, flowers and stems. Full-bodied and medium sweet, with a long, rich finish. Tannins pull at your palate. A wine for the future…97.” WS 12/09
120.00
USA
z It’s Been Years Since We Could Offer YOU this Wine! For numerous reasons and allocation purposes it has been years since Zachys has been able to offer the Staglin Estate Cabernet Sauvignons to YOU. In the past several years, the Zachys allocation was just a couple of six packs if we even got that! Today that has changed. We have been able to secure a much healthier supply of the latest release…the 25th Anniversary Selection Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 that the Wine Spectator has called:
If from France this would be at least a $50 bottle of wine! John Alban’s Viognier is quite possibly the World’s Best Value Viognier on the market today! As consistent as they come, the Alban Viognier has become a staple of the Zachys selection year after year. Yes John Alban is a truly gifted winemaker and his Rhone inspired reds are some of the best of California and the world but his Viognier is just one of those great buys year after year. A perfect alternative to Chardonnay and an excellent example of the heights that Viognier can achieve. If this wine came from France it easily would sell for $50 or more per bottle. This is the one Viognier that you should stock up on, especially now after all the high praise and press Robert Parker has awarded this winery in his latest issue giving several of his red wines 100 point ratings. -JN “One of the pioneers of world-class Rhone varietal-based wines produced in California’s Central Coast, John Alban had the courage and foresight to plant Viognier, Syrah, Grenache, and more recently, Mourvedre, in a region where no one else believed these grapes would thrive. His wines offer off-the-chart levels of concentration, and many of them are capable of lasting three to four decades...” -Robert Parker, 10/09
Alban
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Alban Viognier Central Coast 2009 (90WA) {#335413} ....................................... 28.99
24.99
“The 2009 Viognier is very fresh, with loads of honeyed peach and apricot as well as some exotic lychee and floral notes. The wine has good acidity and medium to full body, with more minerality than most California Viogniers...90.” WA 8/10
We can’t think of a better year to restart offering Staglin…their 25th and from the amazing 2007 Vintage that Wine Spectator gave an overall vintage rating of 94-97 point too. Looks like once again the Staglin’s overachieved! -JN
Staglin
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25th Anniversary Selection Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (98WS) {#338734} ..................................... 225.00 175.00 “A pure and seductive style, with enticing aromas of mocha, baking spices, melted chocolate, ripe plum, black cherry and black licorice that are supple, elegant, balanced, rich and layered, ending with an amazingly long and persistent finish...98.” WS 10/10
Staglin Family Vineyards Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 (96WS) {#330074} ..................................... 225.00
175.00
Staglin Family Vineyards Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 (93WA) {#165520} ..................................... 225.00
175.00
One of Zachys Most Requested Wines! We have fielded more requests for BV Tapestry than anything else recently. It is very surprising that in August there was so much interest in Tapestry. So much so, that I double checked all the major wine publications in case I missed something. I still haven’t found anything new.
Just Reviewed— Is this Top 100 Bound!?!
Is it just as simple as…YOU have all finally run out of what you stocked up on last winter? This must be the case, as I cannot think of another reason. With that in mind, we are stocking up on the 2006 Tapestry, the wine that Robert Parker calls “the finest example of this cuvee I have ever tasted.” -JN
Beaulieu Vineyards 2008 Chalone AVA
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Chalone Estate Chardonnay (92WS) {#339354} ... 33.99
23.99
“A rich, layered style, very Burgundian in style, with complex melon, fig, tangerine and light toasty oak. Full-bodied, deep and concentrated, yet light on its feet…92.” WS11/10
62 / zachys.com / holiday gazette 2010
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Tapestry Reserve 2006 (93WA) {#329790} ............ 50.00
30.00
“The 2006 Proprietary Red Wine Tapestry Reserve (a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot) is the finest example of this cuvee I have ever tasted. Flowery, licorice-infused, cassis notes intermixed with forest floor and lead pencil shavings are followed by a layered, impressively built wine with real opulence, lots of red and black fruits, low acidity, and lush tannin…93.” WA 12/09
z Blends Have More Fun... It’s the Wine Bomb! Catchy subject, huh???? Today’s wine has been the subject of conversation at Zachys for months now. As you well know, we are a store that prides ourselves on stocking a world class wine selection. Sifting through a sea of wine to bring you the best of the best in every category. 99.9% of the time that means we sidestep gimmick wines as the packaging is always far more interesting than the juice in the bottle. However as much as the team and I wanted to sidestep the SEXY WINE BOMB 2007 we could not in good consensus pass it up. What’s in the bottle lives up to the name, the packaging and the vintage! This 2007 California Red is everything you would want from an early drinking, easy drinking red. A blend based on Zinfandel, Petit Sirah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon the juice in this bottle lives up to the richness and concentration of 2007. Yes the name and packaging are a bit out of the norm for us here at Zachys and trust me we have toiled with whether or not to carry the wine. But once I poured it for the staff (without showing them the bottle) they flipped for it as the quality, accessibility and fun was all there. I guess “Blends Really Do Have More Fun” and the Sexy Wine Bomb is “Not Just Sexy Wine…It’s the Bomb!” -AM
Caymus is one of Napa’s most consistent BIG name Cabernet producers! You know the property. You know its track record. Caymus is one of Napa’s most consistent BIG name Cabernet producers.
2007 The Bomb
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Sexy Wine Bomb Red Blend {#335336} ................. 14.99
12.99
“...flavors of warm, juicy red plums, baked cherry spice and cherry cola layered with vanilla and butterscotch. It’s got layers of complexity provided by nearly two years of oak aging and precise blending of quality Mendocino County fruit...”-Winemaker’s Notes
TEN Consecutive Vintages Rated 92pts or Higher! 2008 93pts • 2007 92pts • 2006 92pts • 2005 92pts • 2004 92pts 2003 93pts • 2002 93pts • 2001 92pts • 2000 92pts • 1999 92pts Plus the 2008 Vintage is shaping up to be better than the 2007 Vintage according to most vintners. “…For the past few weeks, I’ve been interviewing Napa winemakers about the 2007 Cabernet vintage, which I think is one of California’s finest ever. Funny thing is, most winemakers I’ve talked to disagree. Sure 2007 is great, but many think 2008 is superior… many winemakers say their 2008s are even more concentrated, with greater depth, richness, and so on…” -James Laube Blog, Wine Spectator.com 8/10
Caymus Vineyards
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Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 (93WS) {#336820} ....... 80.00
68.00
“Open fruit, rich, lush and layered, serving up a complex mix of plum, blackberry, black licorice and spices. Full-bodied and supple-textured, ending with a long, persistent finish that keeps repeating the core flavor themes...93.” WS 9/10
holiday gazette 2010 / zachys.com / 63
z Your First Chance for this Gem...Gemstone 2007s! Another tremendous 2007 Napa Valley Cabernet Offer! Don’t miss your chance to secure the 2007 Gemstone and Gemstone Facets! Just like the name states, this property founded by the lovely Franks is a true GEM of Napa Valley. Situated amongst the prime vineyards of Yountville (just south of Screaming Eagle,) Gemstone has consistently been turning out tremendous wine for years. The recent track record speaks for itself and Philippe Melka who helped craft several of Napa’s 100 point 2007 Cabernets has once again guided Gemstone in producing two terrific limited wines. 2004
2005
2006
2007
95WA
95WA
93WA
95WA
“I hope people discover these great wines made by winemaking consultant Philippe Melka for owners Paul Frank and his wife, Suzie. They sell much of the fruit from their vineyard, which is located on the Silverado Trail side of the Yountville sector. In fact, it is actually just south of Screaming Eagle and closer to Oakville than Yountville. These are stunning wines and all promise long life. The flagship wine is their Gemstone Proprietary Red, which is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, and the other wine, Facets, usually a rather Bordeaux-styled blend dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, but with significant proportions of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot…” -Robert Parker, the Wine Advocate 12/07 Gemstone 2007: “The dense ruby/purple-colored 2007 Gemstone (90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot, and 3% Cabernet Franc) reveals notes of ink, graphite, camphor, and sumptuous amounts of blue and black fruits along with an unmistakable minerality. This is a full-bodied, dense yet elegant red possessing both power and concentration that have not compromised its ethereal characteristics. Drink this beauty over the next 20-25+ years…95.” WA 12/09
Heitz Vertical Offering— Martha’s Vineyard Named First Growth! Fine-America’s Fine Wine Magazine in their 2009 Fall Issue laid out their First Growth Rankings for Napa Valley. Heitz Martha’s Vineyard was named one of six Napa Valley First Growths along the likes of Harlan, Screaming Eagle, Araujo Eisle Vineyard, Colgin Herb Lamb and Bryant Family.
“Wonderfully complex aromas...firm, intense and concentrated flavors, showing a well-structured mix of black licorice, blackberry, plum and black cherry, with touches of graphite and mineral...tight, chewy yet ripe tannins that support the flavors…95.” Wine Spectator 10/10 Gemstone Facets 2007: “… Their second label, Facets, is one of the finest second wines made in Napa. Both the 2007 and 2008 are outstanding efforts.” Robert Parker, the Wine Advocate 12/09 “The dense ruby/purple-tinged 2007 Facets (48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot) offers abundant amounts of sweet black cherry and black currant fruit intertwined with soil and underbrush undertones. It also reveals the opulence and fleshiness of this vintage…93.” WA 12/09
Napa Valley Cabernets
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Gemstone 2007 (95WA/95WS) {#338171} ............ 175.00
135.00
Gemstone Facets 2007 (93WA) {#338170} ............ 89.00
69.00
Heitz Wine Cellars
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Trailside Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 {#329957} ..... 85.00
72.25
Martha’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 (93WS) {#163077} ....................................... 195.00
165.75
“Shows hints of maturity, with chocolate mint, cherry and currant flavors that are intense yet elegant, balanced and stylish. Full-bodied, firm and focused, this is complex and concentrated without being heavy, offering the wine’s classic style and personality...93.” WS 10/09
Trailside Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 {#141046} ..... 105.00
85.00
“Spicy, toasty oak is wrapped around ripe cherry, plum & currant flavors that fold together nicely, gaining depth & complexity & ending with a long, persistent finish...” WS 10/08
Bella Oaks Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 {#139454} ...................................................... 80.00
68.00
The pure elegance and refinement in the balance are amazing. This wine has it all --- classic Cabernet aromas, lush, sweet cherry fruit, and a slow, creamy follow-through on the palate that is mesmerizing. You are in for a treat. The overall softness makes this wine quite drinkable now, but the graceful balance will ensure longevity.
Martha’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 1999 (92WS) {#128827} ....................................... 180.00 64 / zachys.com / holiday gazette 2010
153.00
z 2007 Opus One from Napa’s 96pt Vintage! It is that time of year again! What I am referring to is the pre-sell of “The ONE.” OPUS ONE that is! I just arrived back into the office myself this morning from a short week away and I wasn’t in my seat for more than 20 minutes before one of our suppliers walked through the door. Right away he told me “It is that time of year again…Opus time.” He promptly gave me my allocation and told me that I needed to confirm it ASAP as the production was 20% less this year and people are clamoring for the wine since it is the highly anticipated 2007. Without hesitation, I told him “no problem, we will take it.” So without wasting anytime, I wanted to get YOU first crack at the Opus One 2007. As you know, the 2007 Vintage is being called one of Napa’s finest with Robert Parker of the Wine Advocate rating the overall Vintage 96 points and Wine Spectator giving it a 94-97 point rating!
Opus
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Opus One 2007 (95WA/94WS) {#338020} ............ 225.00
189.00
“Two of the strongest wines ever made at Opus One, the 2007 has terrific black currant fruit, licorice, incense, and subtle smoke, an opulent, even voluptuous mouthfeel, dazzling purity and texture, and a skyscraper-like mouthfeel. This is a sensational Opus One, with sweet tannin and impressive precision and depth. It can be drunk now or cellared for 25+ years…95.” Robert Parker, the Wine Advocate 12/09
Historic, Benchmark Napa Cab— the New Release is 2005! Parker call them “Backwater” & It’s a Complement!
The 2005 Napa Valley Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon is here!
“Todd Anderson and his winemaker, Mac Sawyer, are on top of their game at this backwater winery tucked away in Conn Valley... Anderson’s Conn Valley Vineyards became famous because of their long-lived, impressive 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from their estate vineyards in Conn Valley...Conn Valley’s wine possesses a distinctive singularity as there is not another wine in Napa that is reminiscent of them…” Robert Parker the Wine Advocate 12/09
Anderson´s Conn Valley
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Eloge 2006 (95+WA) {#339217} ............................ 105.00
75.00
“...dark plum/ruby color is followed by a sweet kiss of plum, black cherry, earth, licorice, and spice box, a medium to fullbodied wine, abundant tannin, and impressive concentration, purity, and overall complexity. Reasonably evolved, and extremely seductive aromatically, with a slightly structured finish, it can be enjoyed now and over the next 15 years...a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc, 7% Petit Verdot, and 3% Merlot…95+.” WA 12/09
One of the most historic and noteworthy Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, Silver Oak still has it. This duel valley Cabernet estate is known for showcasing the best of Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley. The Napa bottling is arguably their best wine year after year and with the estate’s extended cellaring plan the current release next month is the 2005 Vintage. This is the added beauty of Silver Oak. The extended cellaring that they put their wines through, gives all of us the chance to have a full body bold Napa Valley Cabernet that has had just enough time to soften and mellow a bit yielding a wine with smoother texture and more complex aromatics. It is clearly a “win win” situation for all of us! -JN
Silver Oak
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Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 (91IWC) {#327639} .................................... 115.00
97.75
“… aromas of cassis, licorice, game, tobacco leaf and subtle brown spices. Velvety-sweet and deep, with hints of tobacco leaf, mint and herbs giving definition to the middle palate. Nicely bright but youthfully tight wine, finishing with broad tannins. Carrying a moderate 13.5% alcohol. Still tight, but then this won’t be released until next winter…91.” IWC 6/09
holiday gazette 2010 / zachys.com / 65
z 91 Point Organic Chardonnay! We just got word that the Benziger Sangiacomo Vineyard Chardonnay received 91 points from the Sonoma Wine Journal. Now if anyone should know Sonoma wines it’s the Sonoma Wine Journal and who better else to weigh in on the latest Benziger Chardonnay than the Sonoma Wine Journal.
Robert Parker says: “Impressive...and reasonably priced!” Did you know that the Antinori Family has an Napa Valley Estate? They sure do! Started in the early 1990’s, Piero Antinori set out to establish a Napa Valley Winery. Based on Atlas Peak, the Antinori’s over the course of a decade plus worked to create Antica Napa Valley. Focused on Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, Antica produces wines that carry the Antinori signature style and finesse that are distinctively Antinori and Napa Valley at the same time. Crafted and overseen by Antinori’s chief enologist, Renzo Cotarella; it is no wonder that Antica even though continents apart, is so similar to Guado al Taso, Solaia and Tignanello. In fact, the 2007 Antica may just out perform its Italian siblings once the Wine Advocate and Wine Spectator 2007 reviews are released. Either way, Antica Napa Valley Cabernet is holding its own ground with a 94 point review from Robert Parker of the Wine Advocate: “The finest wine I have yet tasted from Piero Antinori’s rocky hillside vineyard on Soda Canyon Road in southeast Napa, this 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon boasts a dense purple color along with a rich, sumptuous bouquet of licorice, creme de cassis, and smoky oak. This opulent, fleshy, full-bodied wine exhibits beautiful purity and concentrated fruit. It should age nicely for 15-20 years. Impressive... and reasonably priced!...94.” -Robert Parker, WA 12/09 Here is how Antica stacks up to the current Antinori line-up: Wine:
Score:
Avg. Price:
Antica 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon
94WA
$55-$60
Solaia 2007
97WA
$285.00
Tignanello 2007
95WA
$99.00
Guado al Taso 2007
94WA
$99.00
Clearly Antica is holding its own when you compare the Antinori Cabernet line-up and rightfully so. The 2007 Napa Cabernet Vintage is Tremendous (94-97WS/96WA) and the Antica Vineyards are some of the best in the Valley. The real bonus is that Antica’s release price is only $55 to $60 per bottle! -JN
Antica by Antinori
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Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (94WA) {#332245} ....... 60.00
52.00
66 / zachys.com / holiday gazette 2010
For those of you who are familiar with the Benziger line, you know by now that this family produces some of the best values from Sonoma and are fanatics amongst the wine world’s Green movements. In fact, the Benziger Family has been for years working on converting their vineyards to organic practices and recently has received for many of their vineyards “Certified Sustainable” designations. Don’t you remember the June 2007 cover of Wine Spectator? Titled the “Green Issue,” Mike Benziger is sitting on the cover in a canoe under a heading of “Wine Goes Green…West Coast Vintners Fight for the Environment.” Without getting too deep into Organic vs Biodynamic vs Sustainable, the Benziger Family has long been at the forefront of California Wine’s “Green Movement” producing several wines that are both Organic, Biodynamic and Sustainable across their different ranges. A movement and practices that has long been underway in Europe with hundreds of the world’s best producers following in one way or another. All in all, the “Green Movement” in wine does help the environment and produce good wines. The changes and evolution that is occurring at Benziger are great proof of the results of the “ Green Movement” in wine and the 2007 Sangiacomo Chardonnay is the perfect example. Simply put it’s a great Organic California Chardonnay that is “Certified Sustainable” and most important extremely delicious! -JN
Benziger
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Chardonnay Sangiacomo Vineyard Carneros 2007 (91SWJ) {#160877} ..................................... 24.99
16.99
“Green-tinted yellow. Flamboyant, leesy aromas of lemon oil, ripe lemons, roasted nuts, and oak. Great palate weight and definition, with a Meursault-like richness. The long finish shows an airy minerality and tasty notes of truffle and smoke…91.” the Sonoma Wine Journal 7/10
z Once again, James Hall turns out stellar Pinot Noir— This time from the Amazing 2007 Vintage! Wine Spectator Vintage Chart: 2007 California Pinot Noir Anderson Valley 97
Carneros 94
Monterey
Santa Barbara
Sonoma
Drink Rec
97
93
98
Drink or hold
Grand year. Ideal growing season produced ripe, complex, balanced wines from all regions Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of catching up with James Hall and a handful of other noteworthy Pinot Noir winemakers/growers at a Sonoma County Pinot Noir Roundtable. During that roundtable with James and the other winemakers, the discussion of course touched on the highly lauded 2007 Vintage. The general consensus...WHAT A GREAT VINTAGE! James’ take on the vintage was (as James always is) “humble” and “conservative.” He told me that he believed the vintage was a very strong vintage and produced some very good wines. He was not convinced that it is as many others have hailed the vintage “the GREATEST in the States history.” He did agree that it is was very strong in some areas and felt that Patz & Hall did “OK.” As I said, James is always quite “humble” when it comes to speaking about his wines but one has to agree that 2007 is a very strong vintage and Patz & Hall have turned out some terrific examples of Pinot Noir from across the state. We are pleased to offer James’ top two scoring Pinot Noirs from the 2007 Vintage. The Russian River Valley Chenoweth Ranch and the Santa Lucia Highlands Pisoni Vineyard. Both wines are single vineyard selections from some of the best sites in all of California and are great examples of Northern California versus Southern California from the same producer in the same vintage. With that being said, quantities are very limited and with scores like this, these wines are sure to disappear fast! -JN
Chardonnay Perfection Three Years Running & Under $20! Foxglove Chardonnay, the exceptional value from the minds behind Varner Estates, is clearly Robert Parker of the Wine Advocate’s most consistent ‘Value’ Chardonnay in the whole of California! Featured in his latest list of ‘Value’ wines in the August 2010 issue of the Wine Advocate and also featured in his latest book, Parker’s Wien Bargains, Robert Parker has been signing the praise of Foxglove Chardonnay. But it just has not been the past 12 months it been the past three years! For three years in a row, Foxglove Chardonnay has scored 90 points or greater with Robert Parker receiving glowing commentary each time!
Patz & Hall Pinot Noir 2007
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Pisoni Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands (94WS) {#329940} ................................................ 95.00
75.00
“Intense and structured, this beautifully crafted red offers a core of blackberry, raspberry and blueberry flavors. Fullbodied, pleasantly chewy and gutsy, gaining depth and momentum and finishing with a strong, assertive, flavorful finish...94.” Wine Spectator web only 2010
Chenoweth Ranch Russian River Valley (93WS) {#331668} ................................................ 65.00 “Intense, rich, ripe and vibrant, showing loads of blackberry, wild berry and raspberry fruit, with floral and spicy scents. Full-bodied, balanced, deep and persistent, ending with firm tannins...93.” Wine Spectator web only 2010
50.00
Foxglove
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Chardonnay 2009 (90WA) {#338941} ..................... 18.99
13.99
“This terrific portfolio of values is led by Foxglove’s remarkable 2009 Chardonnay, a non-oaked, stainless steel-fermented and aged white that sees no malolactic fermentation. Moreover, there are 30,000 cases of this beauty, a blend of two-thirds Santa Barbara County fruit and the rest from Paso Robles and further north in Monterey. It exhibits crisp honeyed lemon, citrus, poached pear, and honeysuckle notes intermixed with a hint of pineapple. However, it is the zesty acidity, stunning purity, and delightful balance this naked Chardonnay possesses that make it so appealing. Enjoy it over the next year...90.” -WA 8/10 holiday gazette 2010 / zachys.com / 67
z Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars—The Cabernet House that put Napa Valley Cabernet On the World Scene! Almost single handedly, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars (along with Chateau Montelena’s Chardonnay) put Napa Valley on the world’s fine wine radar. It was the tasting conducted in Paris by Steven Spurrier where Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars was pitted against the best of Bordeaux and came out as the Number One Cabernet Sauvignon in the tasting! It was 1976 and the wine was the 1973 SLV (it’s first vintage) who went head to head against Mouton Rothschild and Haut Brion, the rest is history. Now commonly referred to as the “Judgment of Paris” this tasting along with Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars’ tremendous success catapulted California Wine into the spotlight and thus began a new chapter in Napa Valley’s rich wine history. Since then Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars has been there every step of the way, becoming a staple on the world’s best wine lists. In 2007, Piero Antinori and Chateau Ste. Michelle joined forces to purchase Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars in a move to ensure the wineries health and future; marking an exciting new chapter in one of Napa Valley’s most treasured estates. The 2007 Vintage is already being called one of Napa’s finest and is clearly a transition year for the winery where both the old guard of Stag’s Leap and Piero Antinori’s team worked together crafting the wine—Actually the best of both worlds in our opinion. -JN Wine Spectator Napa Valley Vintage Rating
94-97
Early signs point to a great year of ripe and supple yet rich and concentrated wines. Growing conditions were mild and even, with a good crop size Wine Advocate Napa Valley Vintage Rating
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 2007
96
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Artemis Cabernet Sauvignon {#338265} ............... 50.00
37.99
Fay Cabernet Sauvignon {#338266} ...................... 80.00
61.50
SLV Cabernet Sauvignon {#338267} .................... 115.00
80.00
Cask 23 Cabernet Sauvignon {#338268} ............. 180.00
140.00
“...this flawless wine should drink well for 20-25 years.” Robert Parker Yes, we have another exceptional Napa Valley 2007 Cabernet for you! This time it’s a “flawless wine” that is well under $100. Frankly, this is one of our personal favorites here at Zachys and we are extremely happy with the 2007 and a bit sad at the same time as we know this wine is going to sell out in a blink of an eye this year. Still “under the radar” for most of you, we expect that O’Shaughnessy is finally going to make it onto your radar! The Howell Mountain Cuvee is by far one of the best value High Quality Napa Cabernets that we have found to work with year in and year out and the 2007 is not only a good buy but it is clearly built for the long haul. -JN “The stunning 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain (83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, and the rest Malbec and Petit Verdot) is the finest Cabernet this estate has yet produced from their Howell Mountain holdings. A dense purple color to the rim as well as an exquisite bouquet of black raspberries, blueberries, camphor, creme de cassis, smoke, and crushed rocks are followed by sweet fruit, gorgeous density, a full-bodied mouthfeel, and a layered, multidimensional mid-palate and length. With no hard edges, this flawless wine should drink well for 20-25 years. One of the superstar estates on Howell Mountain, winemaker Sean Capiaux is the force behind these impressive reds…95.” Robert Parker, the Wine Advocate 12/09
O’Shaughnessy
68 / zachys.com / holiday gazette 2010
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Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (95WA) {#338881} ....................................... 90.00
69.00
z
95pt Napa Cabernet—Worth A Look!
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Kobalt Wines Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (95WS) {#330072} ..................................... 110.00
93.50
“Tightly wound, firm and complex, offering a mix of cedar, loamy earth, dried currant and blackberry flavors, with touches of black licorice, mineral and sage. Full-bodied, ending with ripe, chewy tannins that reverberate on the finish...95.” WS 10/10
Merlot with Pride!
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Foxen Bien Nacido Block UU Chardonnay 2008 (93WA) {#338260} ....................................... 39.99
33.99
“Far superior is the 2008 Chardonnay Bien Nacido Vineyard Block UU. This is a seriously endowed effort displaying notes of lemon and orange blossom, spice, and subtle background earth, medium to full body, plenty of minerality and acidity, and a long finish...93.” WA 8/10
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Pride Mountain Vineyards Merlot 2007 (92WA) {#327540} ....................................... 75.00
63.75
“...comes from both Napa and Sonoma fruit (the Pride Mountain vineyards are split by the county line), exhibits a dense purple color as well as abundant chocolate and berry fruit notes, medium to full body, and great freshness, length, and depth. It is a heady, succulent style of Merlot...92.” WA 12/09
A Killer Value!
93 pt Bien Nacido Chardonnay!
90 point Chardonnay for only $15!
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Merryvale Starmont Chardonnay 2008 (90WS) {#335678} ...........................................18.99
15.00
“Fresh and vibrant, with a full-bodied mix of tangerine, nectarine, peach and pear flavors that are intense, complex, layered and cleansing. This holds on to its core fruitiness. Drink now. 90.” WS 7/10
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Heidi Barrett’s Side Project!
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Desert Wind Ruah Wahluke Slope (Washington) 2008 (90WA) {#338827} ....................................... 21.99
16.99
*Revana Cabernet Sauvignon St. Helena 2007 (97WS) {#339178} ..................................... 165.00
135.00
“The purple-colored 2008 Ruah is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc with an already complex nose of cigar box, herbs, olives, cassis, and black cherry. Medium-bodied, ripe, and sweetly-fruited, this pleasurable offering can be enjoyed now and over the next 6-8 years. It, too, is an excellent value…90.” WA 8/10
“Aromas of roasted herb, red pepper and sage are complex, elegant and spicy, joined by ripe currant, plum and black cherry fruit, but this is at its best on the full-bodied palate, where the texture is supple, graceful and polished...97.” WS 10/10 *Pre-arrival
holiday gazette 2010 / zachys.com / 69
z Mini-Insignia Vertical including the Near Perfect 2007! A proven track record…Joseph Phelps Cabernets! Joseph Phelps Winery has been around long before the term “Cult Cabs” ever existed. One of the founders of modern day Napa Valley Cabernets, the Joseph Phelps team has never missed a beat. With one of the best track records in the valley, Insignia has become a benchmark for Cabernet Blends, holding its own along the ranks of Dominus, Opus One, and all the “Cult Cabs.” Through it all, the style and goal at Phelps has remained the same. Produce world class Cabernet Blends that are distinctively Napa; yet have both approachability and age-ability all rolled into one. Not an easy feat by any stretch of the imagination but Phelps Insignia delivers year after year. -JN “In case you think the aging curves I have described are unrealistically long, I have the Joseph Phelps regular Cabernets from the midseventies as well as the Insignias in my cellar, and those wines are still drinking beautifully at 30+ years of age. Today’s wines are better made.” -Robert Parker, the Wine Advocate 12/09
Joseph Phelps Vineyards
Rated Napa Cabernet Under $20... The Fastest Growing Napa Label We’ve Seen In Years! StellaGrey is the fastest growing Napa label we have seen in years! This Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon blend was a huge hit from day one here at Zachys. The 2006 was a real crowd pleaser and the demand for the wine was set. The 2007 was a terrific follow up and was a huge sensational hit. The 2008 was absolutely terrific even though it was a shorter tougher vintage. Now the 2009 has just arrived and already it is causing quite the stir. The wine was just reviewed by the Sonoma Wine Journal and received yet again another 90 point review.
If you have not already tried a bottle of StellaGrey now is the time! This little Napa Cabernet blend is becoming our #1 selling Napa Cabernet. In fact, our projections make us think that this blend will outsell the ever popular BV Tapestry this year as well as the likes of: Mondavi, Groth, Heitz, Turnbull, Napanook, and even Opus One! Why? Along with being extremely popular and having a 90 point review…the PRICE to QUALITY RATIO is HUGE! -AM | REG $
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Napa Valley Red 2009 (90SWJ) {#335682} ............. 24.99
19.99
“Dark violet robe. Aromas that call to mind homemade raspberry/blackberry jam, dark baker’s chocolate, fur, and lead pencil. On the palate, wild strawberry and raspberry flavors, along with a touch of cola, are soft in the mouth, and ride upon a backbone of fine structure and a bed of fresh acidity...90.” SWJ 9/10
70 / zachys.com / holiday gazette 2010
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Insignia 2006 (95+WA) {#327699} ........................ 225.00
189.00
“...95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot; 16,000 cases produced) is a superb effort in this vintage. Another 30+ year wine, it boasts a dense plum/purple color as well as abundant notes of licorice, black currants, charcoal, black olives, and graphite. Full-bodied, pure, and rich with moderately high tannins, it represents a California version of a Bordeaux from Pauillac or St.-Julien...95+.” Robert Parker the Wine Advocate 12/09
Insignia 2007 (97-100WA) {#330080} ................... 225.00
189.00
“… seamless introduction to this flagship cuvee...aromas of creme de cassis, incense, crushed rocks, lead pencil shavings, cedar, and spice box. It possesses a massive, opulent mouthfeel, serious tannins, and no hard edges... stunning effort...I would not be surprised to see it become the greatest Insignia to date and close in on a perfect score…97-100.” Robert Parker the Wine Advocate 12/09
Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 (92WE) {#330222} ....... 60.00
That is four years in a row that StellaGrey has scored 90 points or higher with the Sonoma Wine Journal!
StellaGrey
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“Phelps’ basic Cabernet bottling is dry and elegant and classically balanced. It displays rich flavors of blackberries, black currants and cedar, with notes of violets and herbs. Fancy and impressive now…92.” WE 11/09
48.00
z 2007 Jonata
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El Alma Cabernet Franc (97WA) {#337444} ......... 175.00
125.00
“The finest Cabernet Franc to emerge south of San Francisco is Jonata’s 2007 El Alma de Jonata, a blend of 89% Cabernet Franc, 7% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot cropped at 1.44 to 2.2 tons of fruit per acre. Ethereal floral notes intermixed with notions of black raspberries, blueberries, and graphite are present in the aromas and flavors. Although it exhibits noteworthy concentration as well as endearing texture, richness, and intensity, it is not heavy, but represents a quintessential expression of how Cabernet Franc can provide penetrating aromas and flavors without the sense of force and weightiness of Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. With striking elegance, purity, and balance, it is reminiscent of what Cheval Blanc might taste like if it were located in the Santa Ynez Valley!...97.” WA 8/09
El Desafio Cabernet Blend (95-97WA) {#337445} ......................................... 175.00
125.00
“The profound 2007 El Desafio de Jonata (a 500-case blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, aged in 85% new French oak and 15% old wood) is the reference point for Cabernet Sauvignon in Santa Ynez. Blueberry liqueur, graphite, acacia flower, and creme de cassis aromas are followed by a wine with great stature, medium to full-bodied power, awesome layers of flavor, and a finish that lasts nearly 60 seconds. The tannins are substantial, but well-integrated and velvety, and the wine is impressively long and layered...95-97.” WA 8/09
La Fuerza Petit Verdot (90-92+WA) {#337446} ..... 110.00
80.00
“...92% Petit Verdot and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot is an outstanding effort. While I am not a big believer in Petit Verdot-dominated wines, this cuvee offers a black/ purple color along with notes of flowers (violets), black fruits, charcoal, and a volcanic, earthy character. Deep, full-bodied, and tannic, I don’t know whether the fruit will hold up over the long haul given the fact that it rarely does in a Petit Verdot-dominated wine. However, it is an interesting effort and worth gambling on...90-92+.” WA 8/09
La Sangre Syrah (98-100WA) {#337447} .............. 175.00
First crack at 2007 Jonata (Screaming Eagle’s 2nd Property) By now many of you are familiar with JONATA. The Santa Ynez property that is redefining Southern California’s vineyard landscape and winemaking that is coincidentally the sister property to Napa Valley’s #1 Cult Winery—Screaming Eagle! We just received our allocation late last night of this amazing estate’s upcoming releases from the 2007 Vintage that Robert Parker went “bananas” for. -JN “...Thanks to an infusion of capital by the mega-wealthy Stan Kroenke, and the guidance of the brilliant, Michel Rolland-trained winemaker, Matt Dees, Jonata has been fashioning phenomenal wines since their debut vintage, 2004. The top-notch 2007s are incredible. While some of the following offerings are made from Bordeaux varietals, I have included them in this report since some contain Rhone grapes as well...” Robert Parker the Wine Advocate 8/09
125.00
“A compelling Chapoutier Ermitage look-alike, the 2007 La Sangre de Jonata is composed of 98% Syrah and 2% co-fermented Viognier fashioned from yields of 1 to 2.2 tons of fruit per acre. A prodigious example of Jonata’s style of Syrah, its black color is accompanied by a striking perfume of honeysuckle, white peaches, blackberry liqueur, charcoal, graphite, and pen ink, soft tannins, full-bodied power, a mutlidimensional personality, and a finish that lasts over a minute. This 2007 will flirt with perfection when it is released in 2010...98-100.” WA 8/09
La Tierra de Jonata Sangiovese (93WA) {#337448} .............................................. 110.00
80.00
“The 2007 La Tierra de Jonata (97% Sangiovese and 3% Syrah) was fashioned from yields of 1.2 to 1.9 tons of fruit per acre, which explains why it blows away virtually every other Sangiovese made in California. High quality unsmoked cigar tobacco, cedar, sweet, meaty porcini mushrooms, cassis, cherries, and graphite are all present in the spectacular aromatics and rich, full-bodied flavors. There is not a hard edge to be found in this refreshingly vibrant, fruity red. Enjoy it over the next 3-5 years...93.” WA 8/09
Todos (92-94WA) {#337450} ................................... 95.00
75.00
“Formerly known as El Corazon de Jonata, the 2007 Todos is a proprietary blend of 45% Syrah, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest small amounts of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Viognier, and Sangiovese. Fragrant aromatics (spring flowers, red and blue fruits) are followed by a wine with excellent ripeness, sweet fruit, velvety tannins, and loads of complexity. This, along with the Sangiovese, is the most evolved 2007, and should be drunk in its first decade of life...92-94.” WA 8/09
holiday gazette 2010 / zachys.com / 71
z Never Judge a Book by it’s Cover— “California Syrah?! Really?!” On a recent Friday afternoon (when the store was packed and the phones were ringing off the hooks) we started grabbing our sales staff off the floor for a planned Syrah seminar with Joe Donelan of Donelan Family vineyards. To set the stage I must admit we have never done a stellar job with premium California Syrah’s with our European-heavy inventory mix. So it did not surprise me when I told the individual salespeople to report to the conference room for the tasting that the response by some was...“California Syrah?! Really?!” “Trust me...This is different!!!” One by one as they returned from the conference room upstairs each gave me the “Yeah you were right!” look...just goes to show you that you should never judge a book by it’s cover. Just look what they had to say... “Cali Syrah...Really...Do I have to taste? I find myself always choosing a French Rhone over any California Syrah no matter what vintage whenever I’m out… I say when I’m out because I currently do not have any California Syrah in my cellar at home! Well that is about to change! I recently tasted both Donelan Cuvee Christine North Coast Syrah 2008 93WA and Donelan Walker Vine Hill Syrah 2008 97WA. These will certainly have a place in my cellar moving forward! Ps. Right next to my Rayas and Pegau’s!!” -Brian Mullaney (Sales Manager - 10 years at Zachys) “This wine is one of the warmest and richest syrah I have tasted in a long time. It shows a bouquet of blueberry, cherry with hints of cinnamon and anise. The multilayered elegant fruit starts showing in mid palate and the silky and smooth tannins carries to a long a satisfying finish.” -Ezio Vippolis (Sales - 10 years at Zachys) “I liked the wines because I was expecting big, high alcohol fruit bombs; but instead I loved their elegance, balance and expression of varietal and individual place. Delicious and unique!” -Marcy Cronk (Sales - 2 years at Zachys) “What is most striking about these wines is the utterly silken textures, and purity of balanced fruit that draws to mind great Hermitage such as Jean Louis Chave, and Cote Rotie of Rene Rostaing.” -John Dawson (Sales - 5 years at Zachys) “I was pleasantly surprised by the Donelan wines….California Syrah is not normally my favorite, but these wines are elegant and show true cool climate characteristics. I thought they were all unique and expressed the terroir of the various vineyard sites that he sources from.” -Linda Marcello (Customer Service - 1 year at Zachys) I think the responses from our panel of in-house experts speaks volumes (no pun intended) and was all the validation I needed to know that we had made a smart move by scooping up a whole bunch of all 3 of these special Syrahs. Let the Syrah’s of Donelan change your mind! -AM
72 / zachys.com / holiday gazette 2010
Donelan Cuvee 2008 Syrah
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Christine North Coast (91-93WA) {#334661} ......... 65.00
52.00
“The 2008 Donelan Syrah Cuvee Christine is a St.-Joseph/ Crozes-Hermitage style of Syrah produced from four separate Sonoma County vineyards with 40% whole clusters. It reveals a dark plum/purple color as well as sweet, smoky, meaty, foresty notes with hints of fruitcake, black raspberry, and dark cherries in the background. Fresh, lively, and full-bodied with remarkably delicate, vibrant fruit...this big, chewy red can be drunk over the next 7-10 years...91-93.” WA 2/10
Moriah Sonoma County (89-91WA) {#334650} ...... 65.00
49.99
“The Donelan 2008 Cuvee Moriah is a blend of 65% Grenache and 35% Syrah. Tyler Thomas used most of the stems, just as Pax Mahle did in 2007. The 2008 exhibits a slightly darker color as well as loads of raspberry and kirsch notes intermixed with lavender, earth, pepper, and spice. It, too, should be consumed during its first 4-5 years of life. If the 2007 tastes like a high-class Cotes du Rhone, the 2008 resembles a Chateauneuf du Pape given its denser, fuller style. Both are beautiful efforts...89-91.” WA 2/10
Walker Vine Hill (94-97WA) {#334641} ................... 70.00 “...It represents a hypothetical Euro/California hybrid blend. More concentrated than the 2007, the inky/purple-hued, full-bodied 2008 reveals beautiful blue and black fruits intermixed with hints of graphite, toast, roasted Provencal herbs, meat juices, and pepper. Gorgeous purity, a fabulous texture, and a long, 40+ second, full-bodied finish...94-97.” WA 2/10
56.00
z Wine Spectator Highly Recommended: Hall Cabernet Sauvignon at 94pts & Well Under $40! A few months back, you may recall that we were heavily touting the Hall Cabernet Sauvignon 2006. In case you missed it (or were not sure about our enthusiasm for the wine), I wanted to alert you to the June issue of Wine Spectator. When I returned back to New York from a trip in France this past Spring and on my desk is the June issue of Wine Spectator. The featured wine on the Savvy Shopper page (and is also a Highly Recommended Wine Spectator pick), is none other than the Hall Cabernet Sauvignon 2006! This wine is sure to disappear fast with press like this! With almost half of our allotment already sold, you better act fast if you want to secure some of this wonderful Cabernet for yourself! Clearly, Hall is just hitting their stride and entering the top of their game as all their 2006 Cabernet Sauvignons scored 93 points or higher with Wine Spectator. Not to mention their flagship wine, Katheryn Hall 2006, was #20 on Wine Spectator’s Top 100 of 2010 with a two point higher score at 96 points! Plus, did we mention that David Ramey is the consultant here?!?! We said it last year and we are sticking to it—Hall is one winery on the rise and ONE to WATCH! -JN
“It is the best Talbott Chardonnay in a number of years” Robert Parker
Cabernet Sauvignon
For me, this is a blast from my past. I remember buying cases and cases of the Talbott Chardonnays when I was working in New York City restaurants and then I moved into only Italian focused establishments and naturally shied away from this benchmark producer. However right around the time the Wine Advocate reviews were to be released I was tasting a bunch of new released 2008 Chardonnays in hopes of finding something for a specific client. The Talbott Logan caught my attention immediately and I knew for sure that this wine would score well with the critics. So I rolled the dice and committed to a big chunk of this wine in hopes that the press and my specific client would like the wine.
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Hall Winery Napa Valley 2006 (94WS) {#332628} .. 44.99
34.99
“A rich, dense, concentrated style, this is full-bodied, focused and pure, with hints of mocha and black licorice rounding out the core currant, plum and black cherry flavors. Focused and persistent, with a long finish...94.” WS 6/10
Well it looks like I got one out of two right on this one! The wine scored 92 points from Robert Parker! -JN
“The 2008 Chardonnay Logan (a selection from the Sleepy Hollow Vineyard) is a slightly fruitier, more structured style of Chardonnay from Talbott. Light straw-colored, the wine displays notes of nectarine, kiwi, orange marmalade, honey, and subtle oak. Cutting a broad swath across the palate, it is full-bodied, rich, and impressively endowed. It is the best Talbott Chardonnay in a number of years...92.” WA 8/10
Robert Talbott Vineyards
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Robert Talbott Vineyards Logan Chardonnay 2008 (92WA) {#338971} ....................................... 23.99
19.99
holiday gazette 2010 / zachys.com / 73
z “a Midas touch with Chardonnay” “A multi-tasker, David Ramey’s Healdsburg operation garnered lavish reviews for his Cabernet Sauvignons in issue #186. He also demonstrates a Midas touch with Chardonnay…The 2007 Ramey Chardonnays are all strong efforts…” Robert Parker, the Wine Advocate 2/10 David Ramey has clearly established himself as one of Sonoma’s key Chardonnay producers ranking up there with Steven Kistler and company. The consistency and track record of Ramey chardonnays is almost unparalleled and in a spectacular vintage like 2007, Ramey once again excelled with his single vineyard selections! Arriving next week, we have three of the single vineyard selections from the heralded 2007 Vintage! -JN
Wine Spectator California Chardonnay Vintage Chart:
Last Chance!
Vintage Carneros Napa Sonoma Drink Rec Description
The BV Georges de Latour is in-stock and we received more than anticipated!
2007
96
96
96
Drink
Ripe, complex, balanced and ageworthy wines. Many brilliant bottles from all appellations
This is perfect, as we were basically sold out of our initial allocation. As a result, we are still able to continue to offer the Georges de Latour Private Reserve at the opening pre-sell price of $85 per bottle! This is one of those amazing 2007 Napa Cabernets that Robert Parker of the Wine Advocate virtually “flipped for.” Calling it the “greatest BV Private Reserve made since the 1970 and 1968.” By the way, those two wines are “Legends” in Napa Valley Cabernet History for those of you who didn’t already know that. -JN “One of the most dramatic revelations in my California North Coast tastings was the resurrection/renaissance of Beaulieu Vineyard, one of the historic names in California winedom. This was the source of some extraordinary Cabernet Sauvignons in the fifties, sixties, and early seventies, but the winery fell on hard times and was sold (it is now owned by the gigantic Diageo company). However, they have come back with a vengeance over the last few vintages. Michel Rolland, the brilliant wine consultant, was brought in to help resurrect the Private Reserve program, and it appears his magic has spilled over onto the other wines as well...” Robert Parker, the Wine Advocate 12/09
Beaulieu Vineyards
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Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (95WA) {#329832} ..................................... 125.00 85.00 “...phenomenal...the greatest BV Private Reserve made since the 1970 and 1968...The return of this superb Napa classic is fabulous news, and the brilliance of this wine is evidenced by its opaque purple color and its big, sweet, blackberry, cassis, subtle smoke, graphite, and spicy oak-scented nose. Dense and full-bodied with sweet but substantial tannins, thrilling levels of concentration, texture, and richness, and a heady finish...It’s time to once again fill your cellars with the BV Private Reserve, one of the historic names in California wine folklore…95.” Robert Parker, the Wine Advocate 12/09
74 / zachys.com / holiday gazette 2010
Ramey
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Hudson Vineyard Chardonnay 2007 (94WA) {#337377} ....................................... 70.00
55.00
“The 2007 Chardonnay Hudson Vineyard’s light gold color is followed by sumptuous aromas of buttered citrus, a distinctive spicy apple note, quince, hazelnut, and subtle oak. The wine is rich and full-bodied with admirable purity and length. Enjoy it over the next 3-4 years...94.” WA 2/10
Hyde Vineyard Chardonnay 2007 (94WA) {#337378} ....................................... 70.00
55.00
“The brilliant 2007 Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard reveals lots of nectarine, honeysuckle, orange blossom, and citrus oil notes intertwined with good acidity, considerable minerality, and a full-bodied, fresh finish with no evidence of wood...94.” WA 2/10
Ritchie Vineyard Chardonnay 2007 (93WA) {#337379} ....................................... 80.00 “The most structured and backward is the 2007 Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard, which comes across as slightly tannic. Fullbodied with an earthy, rich minerality, fresh, lively poached pear, honeysuckle, and subtle smoke and tropical fruit notes, this well-delineated Chardonnay reveals laser-like clarity. It will drink well for 5+ years...93.” WA 2/10
60.00
z Second Highest Rated Dominus Ever... Outscores All 2007 Bordeaux! “A legend in the making…Perhaps the finest vintage at Dominus since their historic 1994s and 1991s is 2007…” -Robert Parker, the Wine Advocate 12/09 We have been saying it and saying it all year. 2007 is one of the greatest Napa Cabernet vintages ever! In the December 2009 issue of the Wine Advocate, Robert Parker reviews an array of 2007 Cabernet and Cabernet Blends giving the 2007 Cabernet Vintage 96 points! The highest rated Vintage from the Wine Advocate since 2001. The standouts from the 2007 Vintage are more than numerous with plenty of Big Name “CULT” CABS receiving 98 points or higher. This only issue is that there really is not one Cab 98 points or higher produced in obtainable quantities that retails under $150! Except for DOMINUS! The 2007 Dominus, the second highest scoring Dominus on record from Robert Parker, for only $135.00 per bottle! -JN
Dunn Cabernet Under $50! Long Shadows is the Washington label that brings some of the best in Wine Making to Washington State to showcase its diversity and potential as well as those winemaker’s exceptional talents! The talent includes everyone from Michel Roland, Phillipe Melka and my personal favorite Randy Dunn. Literally I learned about Napa Valley Cabernet by “cutting my teeth” on Randy Dunn’s massively structured Cabernets. It was 1999 and I was the brand new sommelier for the Four Season Hotel’s Café Pierre at the Pierre Hotel. My first task was to re-inventory the neglected wine cellar and put on a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon tasting for a potential clients 40th Birthday bash who wanted a 10 Vintage Vertical Tasting of 10 different Napa Valley Cabernets. The list included, Heitz Martha’s, Rubicon, Mondavi Reserve, Opus One and of course Dunn Howell Mountain. The beauty was the Pierre cellar basically had these verticals and just didn’t realize it. For Rubicon they had 10 vintages and for Dunn there were 12 Vintages in the cellar going back to the first official release of 1981!
2007 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon
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Dominus Estate 2007 (98WA) {#329791} ............. 170.00
135.00
“…It is ironic that Christian Moueix, the practitioner of utterly profound Merlot-based wines from St.-Emilion and Pomerol, eschews Merlot from his Napa vineyard, recognizing that it is Cabernet Sauvignon, and to a lesser extent Cabernet Franc, that hits the high notes in Napa. A prodigious example of Dominus, the 2007 represents a hypothetical blend of a Pomerol, Pauillac, and a Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. Deep ruby/purple-colored with a sweet nose of incense, cedar wood, black currants, black cherries, licorice, and a subtle hint of roasted herbs, it is an expansive, savory, opulent wine with a full-bodied mouthfeel, silky tannins, and sensational concentration. A legend in the making, it should evolve for 25-30 years, possibly longer given the fact that his vintages from the early eighties are still going strong, and the wines today are better made given Moueix-s Napa experience and the estate winery he did not have 25 years ago…98.” Robert Parker, the Wine Advocate 12/09
Since then I have had a special affinity for Randy Dunn’s wines. The structure and sheer power they posses are massive; making them built for the next generation at the earliest. However, his latest project with Long Shadows gives us all that Randy Dunn structure but the ability to grab something now that is a real joy to drink and is under $50! -JN
Long Shadows Feather
| REG $
SALE $
Cabernet Sauvignon (Washington) 2006 (93WA) {#338299} ....................................... 60.00
48.00
“The 2006 Feather is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon cuvee made by Randy Dunn of Napa Valley fame. The wine was sourced from several prime vineyards and aged for 22 months in new French oak. The nose gives up aromas of toasty oak, scorched earth, Asian spices, black currant, and blackberry. Firm and structured yet elegant on the palate, there are layers of fruit and enough tannin to evolve for another 4-6 years. The wine will be at its best from 2013 to 2026...93.” WA 10/09
holiday gazette 2010 / zachys.com / 75
z The Greatest Robert Mondavi Reserve Cabernet Ever?!?!
zachys staff holiday selections!
Tom Donahue Wine Consultant, 2 years Brunello di Montalcino Pertimali (Livio Sassetti) 2004 (90WA/93WS/92IWC) {#161873} ................ 75.00
55.00
“Candied plum notes, with hints of flowers and mushroom, follow through to a full-bodied palate, with very soft, juicy tannins and lightly grilled meat, berry and fresh shiitake mushroom flavors. A decadent style. Best from 2010 through 2015...93.” WS 2009
The 2006 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the finest wines to ever be released from the Robert Mondavi Winery, if not the finest. The classic approach that the Mondavi style is really suited the 2006 Vintage—yielding one tremendous bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon! The 2006 Reserve Cabernet scored 96 points with the Wine Spectator and is the highest rated Mondavi Reserve Cabernet according to Wine Spectator.com! “Pure, rich and concentrated, this bold, graceful wine offers a deep core of earthy currant, blackberry and plum, with hints of herb, mocha and black licorice, giving it uncommon complexity and depth. Ends with firm tannins and a long, persistent finish…96.” Wine Spectator 10/09 That’s right, while everyone is going nuts for Napa’s 2007 Vintage this winery excelled in the already forgotten 2006 Vintage that received an overall vintage score of 95 points from the Wine Spectator, which is not too shabby! If you are looking for an Iconic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon that is built for aging and won’t break the bank the Reserve Mondavi 2006 is a great buy!
Rob Allen Wine Buyer, 1 year Chablis Butteaux (Raveneau) 2007 (92BH) {#327437} ..................................... 165.00
125.00
“This is clearly the best of these left bank 1ers with its refined and ultra elegant nose...powerful, concentrated and very firm medium plus weight flavors...This is a classy effort that is almost painfully intense and it’s clear that the older vines add another dimension. Impressive…92.” BH 10/09
This is turning out to be one of the best Mondavi buys that we have offered in years. Plus, for those of you that are wondering how the Mondavi Reserve 2006 stacked up to its former sister Opus One 2006—Mondavi Reserve comes out on top as Opus scored 88 points with Wine Spectator! -JN Wine Spectator’s Highest Rated Vintages of Robert Mondavi Reserve Cabernet: 2006-96pts • 2004-95pts • 2007-95pts • 1999-94pts 2001-94pts • 1987-93pts • 1973-92pts • 1990-92pts 2005-92pts • 1999-92pts
Robert Mondavi
Brett Murphy IT, 1 year
| REG $
SALE $
Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 (96WS) {#338227} ..................................... 135.00
85.00
76 / zachys.com / holiday gazette 2010
Columbia Crest Reserve Merlot (Washington) 2007 {#337688} .................................................... 24.99 Plum and currant lead into a rich decandent mid-palate that shows good balance and freshness. All supported with ample structure and grip in the finish. Much more impressive than the 2006 vintage. Lots of promise here.
19.99
GERMANY AUSTRIA & ALSACE
z Austria’s Cream of the Crop! 2007 Vintatge: “These are as refreshing and viscerally stimulating as they are fascinating in flavor, the top Rieslings occasionally reminding me of the already near-legendary 1997s…” -David Schildknecht, WA 2/09 Austria is home to some exceptional wines, especially white wines. If you like Riesling but prefer a more powerful, dry style then Austria is one of your best bets! Not only is Austria an exceptional source of dry Rieslings but the Gruner Veltliners and Sauvignon Blancs are equally impressive; not to mention fantastic alternative to all that Chardonnay!
Best of the Best!
| REG $
SALE $
Gruner Veltliner Alte Ruben (Brundlmayer) 2007 (92WA) {#328544} ....................................... 49.99
39.99
Gruner Veltliner Federspiel Loibner (Knoll) 2008 (91WA) {#337244} ....................................... 25.99
20.75
“There’s lots of vibrant acidity to the peach, gooseberry and grapefruit flavors, with hints of white chocolate midpalate. The powerful, crisp and mineral-laden finish features some smoky notes...91.” WS 8/10
Gruner Veltliner Im Weingebirge Federspiel (Nikolaihof) 2008 {#330968} .................................................... 38.99 30.99 Gruner Veltliner Privat (Nigl) 2008 {#328542} ........ 49.99
39.99
Gruner Veltliner Ried Schutt Smaragd (Knoll) 2008 (93WS) {#337248} ....................................... 55.00
44.00
“This complex Grüner features mouthfilling glazed citrus, peach and ruby grapefruit flavors that are backed up by a firm acidity and accented by rich cream and spice notes. The long, plush finish features notes of lentil and almond...93.” WS 8/10
Gruner Veltliner Smaragd Kreutles (Knoll) 2008 {#337247} ..................................................... 39.99
31.99
Gruner Veltliner Smaragd Loibenberg (Knoll) 2008 (94WS) {#337249} ....................................... 55.00
44.00
Riesling Burggarten Jungfernlese (Nikolaihof) 2002 (93WA) {#328552} ..................................... 105.00
84.00
Best of the Best!
“...Lily-like sweet floral perfume, lime zest, and a hint of mothball on the nose set one up for a palate of wafting, almost ethereal elegance, with saline somehow crystalline mineral character shimmering through. Juicy and still very fresh, the finish is in no way disturbed - in fact, all of the flavors seem set in relief - by this wine’s very restrained sweetness. This will be glorious on its own or in many culinary contexts, and given how youthful it shows at this stage, I cannot imagine it worthy of less than an additional 4-5 years in bottle...93.” WA 2/09
Riesling Federspiel (Knoll) 2008 (90WS) {#337252} ....................................... 28.99
22.99
Riesling Gaisberg (Hiedler) 2007 (93WA) {#328548} ....................................... 32.99
26.25
Riesling Gaisberg (Hirsch) 2007 (94WA) {#64993} ........................................ 55.00
44.00
“...peach, persimmon, and brown spices, supported by wellintegrated residual sugar...Glossy richness of texture and a palpable sense of sheer density are augmented by tingling, bright and savory, saline mineral notes, ginger, and certain deep notes...94.” WA 2/09
Riesling Gaisberg (Hirsch) 2009 {#337044} .......... 55.00
44.00
Riesling Heiligenstein (Hirsch) 2007 (94WA) {#162934} ....................................... 48.99
38.99
78 / zachys.com / holiday gazette 2010
| REG $
SALE $
Riesling Kamptaler Terrassen (Brundlmayer) 2008 {#330983} .................................................... 28.99
22.99
Riesling Kellerberg Smaragd (Knoll) 2008 (92WS) {#337255} ....................................... 65.00
52.00
Riesling Loibenberg Smaragd (Knoll) 2008 (92WS) {#337253} ....................................... 55.00
44.00
Riesling Ried Schutt Durnsteiner Smaragd (Knoll) 2008 (93WS) {#337256} ....................................... 75.00
60.00
Riesling Smaragd Loibner Vision (Hogl) 2006 {#328331} .................................................... 37.99
29.99
Riesling Steinhaus (Hiedler) 2002 (91WS) {#337043} ....................................... 30.99
24.75
“Delicious. Firm, elegant and detailed, it evokes floral, apple, peach and mineral notes that persist through the lingering finish. Nicely balanced and harmonious...91.” WS 4/04
Riesling Zobinger Heiligenstein (Brundlmayer) 2008 (375ml) {#328546} ...................................... 24.99
19.99
Rose (Knoll) 2009 {#337257} .................................. 33.99
26.99
Sauvignon Blanc Klassik (Sattlerhof) 2008 {#337889} .................................................... 30.99
24.75
St. Laurent Red Carnuntum (Glatzer) 2007 {#330963} .................................................... 27.99
22.25
Zweigelt (Hofer) 2008 (1L) {#328541} ..................... 14.99
11.99
z 2009 Germany The 2009 Vintage for Germany is just starting to roll in. Now is the time to get in early and secure your favorites before it is too late. The reviews are pending but everyone agrees that the quality and roll that the German Vintners have been on is incredible and that the best of the best are continuing, despite any vintage issue, to turn out spectacular wines. The 2009 Vintage is at least 10% smaller than on average and it looks as if the wines have more body and power behind them, especially from what we have tasted so far! -JN
2009 Germany
From “the finest winemaker in the world” “I don’t know what is more mind-boggling, the quality of Domaine Zind Humbrecht’s wines or Olivier Humbrecht’s complete dedication to quality. This tall, powerful, and intellectual man may well be the finest winemaker in the world.” Robert Parker Domaine Zind Humbrecht is clearly one of the world’s greatest wine estates. Featured in Robert Parker’s, “The World’s Greatest Wine Estates” and complemented the world over by Critics and Fans alike, Domaine Zind Humbrecht has established itself as Alsace’s “greatest estates” if not the world’s. At the helm is Olivier Humbrecht, France’s first Master of Wine and only the second generation to run this already legendary estate. An estate that Robert Parker has all but called the “World’s Greatest White Wine Producer!” With one of the most consistent track records for any wine producer, Olivier Zind Humbrecht has once again turned out a stellar line-up with the 2008 Vintage. Already pre-viewed by the Wine Spectator, the Zind Humbrecht range starts with 92 point ratings and goes up from there! Robert Parker’s team at the Wine Advocate has yet to weigh in on these amazing wines and chances are when they do—there won’t be anything left! 2008 is shaping up to be another tremendous vintage in Alsace and could easily over shadow the 2007 Vintage (95 points Wine Spectator). Last year, we made the mistake and did not place our reservations fast enough and we almost missed out on some of these tremendous wines. This year, we are not making the same mistake especially after tasting the 2008s with Olivier earlier this Spring here at the store. -JN
Zind-Humbrecht 2008
| REG $
SALE $
Diva Estate Riesling Spatlese (Gunderloch) 2009 {#338156} .................................................... 22.99
18.25
*Estate Riesling (Donnhoff) 2009 {#337127} .......... 21.99
17.50
Estate Riesling Dry Bockenauer (Schaefer Frohlich) 2009 {#338151} .................................................... 30.99
24.75
Estate Riesling Medium-Dry Bockenauer (Schaefer Frohlich) 18.99 2009 {#338153} .................................................... 23.99 *Estate Riesling (Willi Schaefer) 2009 {#337120} ... 21.99
17.50
*Gewurztraminer Spatlese (Eugen Muller) 2009 {#337126} .................................................... 28.99
23.25
*Riesling Anrecht Zeltinger Himmelreich (Selbach-Oster) 24.75 2009 {#337115} .................................................... 30.99 Riesling Dry Deidesheimer Herrgottsacker (Von Buhl) 2009 {#334021} .................................................... 29.99
23.99
Riesling Dry Estate (Fritz Haag) 2009 {#338147} .. 28.99
23.25
Riesling Dry Nierstein (Gunderloch) 2009 {#338154} .................................................... 28.99
23.25
*Riesling Kabinett Erdener Treppchen (JJ Christoffel) 2009 {#337130} .................................................... 28.99
23.25
*Riesling Kabinett Halbtrocken Terra Cara Forster Pechstein 16.75 (Eugen Muller) 2009 {#337124} .......................... 20.99 Riesling Kabinett Jean Baptiste (Gunderloch) 2009 {#338155} .................................................... 21.99
17.50
Riesling Kabinett Ockfener Bockstein (St. Urbans-Hof) 2009 {#338112} .................................................... 20.99
16.75
Riesling Medium-Dry Saarburg Feinherb (Zilliken) 2009 {#338149} .................................................... 26.99
21.50
*Riesling Rotlay Zeltinger Sonnenuhr (Selbach-Oster) 2009 {#337117} .................................................... 47.99
38.25 28.75
| REG $
SALE $
*Gewurztraminer Wintzenheim (93WS) {#337221} .. 31.99
25.59
Riesling Spatlese Erste Lage Niederberg Helden (Schloss Lieser) 2009 {#338142} ....................... 35.99
*Pinot Gris Clos Windsbuhl (94WS) (375ml) {#337229} .................................. 38.99
31.19
Riesling Spatlese Erste Lage Saarburger Rausch (Zilliken) 39.99 2009 {#338150} .................................................... 49.99
*Pinot Gris Clos Windsbuhl (94WS) {#337219} ...... 70.00
56.00
*Pinot Gris Heimbourg (93WS) {#337222} .............. 39.99
31.99
*Pinot Gris Vieilles Vignes (94WS) {#337218} ........ 55.00
44.00
*Riesling Clos Windsbuhl (93WS) {#337224} ......... 85.00
68.00
*Riesling Heimbourg (93WS) (375ml) {#337228} .... 30.99
24.79
*Riesling Heimbourg (93WS) {#337223} ................. 55.00
44.00
*Riesling (92WS) {#337226} ..................................... 27.99
22.39
* Pre-arrival
*Riesling Spatlese Feinherb Forster Pechstein (Eugen Muller) 23.25 2009 {#337125} .................................................... 28.99 Riesling Spatlese Nackenheimer Rothenberg (Gunderloch) 38.25 2009 {#338157} .................................................... 47.99 *Riesling Spatlese Norheimer Kirschheck (Donnhoff) 2009 {#337067} .................................................... 42.99
34.25
*Riesling Spatlese Rudesheimer Berg Roseneck (Leitz) 2009 {#337093} .................................................... 44.99
35.99
* Pre-arrival
holiday gazette 2010 / zachys.com / 79
z Grand Cru Hidden Gem!
2007 & 2008 German Rieslings
Rosacker is one of those hidden gems in Alsace. This Grand Cru Vineyard is situated right next door to the more infamous and legendary Clos St. Hune! Now Trimbach Clos St. Hune is legendary for its age-ability and its price but frankly, there are some that argue that Clos St. Hune is simply a sub section of the Rosacker Grand Cru. Either way, the Domaine Sipp Mack 2005 Rosacker Riesling shows all the hallmarks of a Grand Cru Riesling with long ageing potential. -JN
“The main reason to buy German Rieslings of 2008 or 2007 is not as bargains – although, thankfully, many of them still are. It’s that if you crave these wines’ distinguishing virtues, no other grape or other place on earth will satisfy your craving…” —David Schildknecht 2/10
Alsace Grand Cru
| REG $
SALE $
Riesling Rosacker (Domaine Sipp Mack) 2005 {#328265} .................................................... 39.99
31.99
Medium to full in body, this Riesling is full of slate, minerals, stone and white flowers in the nose. The fruit is here but even at this time it is still quite restrained. On the palate the wine grows and broadens with air allowing the right fruit of apple, pear and notes of peach to become more prevalent. Do not be mistaken that the fruit overtakes this wine as the finish is bone-dry and that intense mineral edge lasts and lasts.
In case you have not heard, Germany is enjoying a string of exceptional vintages with 2007 and 2008 being at the heart of them. If you love Riesling, now is the time to stock up on these exceptional wines. We have made the point of sorting through it all to bring you some of the best values and smartest buys that you can immediately enjoy.
2007 & 2008 Rieslings
| REG $
SALE $
Riesling Qualitätswein Trocken Rheinhessen Westhofener (Wittmann) 2007 (93WS) {#328649} ................... 60.00 48.00 #87 of Wine Spectator’s Top 100 of 2009 ”A smooth, peach-infused white, lush and expansive, yet backed by a firm structure. Picks up energy on the long finish, which adds a peppery accent...93.” WS 4/09
Estate Riesling (Gunderloch) 2007 (90WA) {#335036} ....................................... 26.99
21.50
Estate Riesling (Gunderloch) 2008 (90WA) {#327237} ....................................... 26.99
21.50
Estate Riesling Medium-Dry (Schaefer Frohlich) 2008 (90WA) {#327238} ....................................... 23.99
18.99
Graacher Himmelreich Kabinett (JJ Prum) 2007 (91WS) {#158888} ....................................... 38.99
31.19
Gunderloch OFF Spin for Only $13!
Riesling Classic Jon Baptiste (Gunderloch) 2007 (88WA) {#336529} ....................................... 22.99
18.39
Frisch = Fresh & Frisch = Fritz
Riesling Dry Grosses Gewachs Forster Pechstein (Von Buhl) 55.00 2008 (91WA) {#334022} ....................................... 70.00
Frisch Riesling is the side project of famed Riesling winemaker, Fritz Hasslback from Weingut Gunderloch!
Riesling Marienburg Falkenlay Clemens (Busch) 2007 (93WA) {#327904} ....................................... 49.99
Simply translated “Frisch” in English means “Fresh!” That is exactly what this 2009 Rheinhessen Riesling is all about, as Fritz aims to make very clean, light refreshing Riesling. Hand selected and blended by Fritz and US Importer Daniel Johnnes, the famed wine director for Restaurant Daniel and the Dinex Group, the 2009 Frisch is fresher, zippier and all around scrumptious! When it comes to drink now Riesling that won’t break the bank, Frisch is your go to wine! -JN
41.95
“...smells exotically of Persian melon, coconut, buddleia, and heliotrope. Imposingly rich and creamy on the palate, with strong nut paste and coconut milk character and persistent, …93.” WA 6/09
Riesling Piesporter Goldtropfchen Spatlese (Erste Lage Reinhold Haart) 2007 (92IWC) (375ml) {#329960} ....................... 35.99
29.99
Riesling Saarburger Rausch Kabinett (Zilliken) 2007 (91WS) (375ml) {#329959} ......................... 20.99
17.99
Riesling Spatlese Rudesheimer Berg Schlossberg (Leitz) 31.99 2007 (93WA) {#330981} ....................................... 39.99 “...Yellow plum, sweet corn, and lemon zest mingle with brine and both a Nierstein-like note of smoked meat and a Chablislike suggestion of shellfish stock in the nose...93.” WA 10/09
Frisch
| REG $
SALE $
Riesling 2009 {#334351} ......................................... 19.99
13.99
80 / zachys.com / holiday gazette 2010
Riesling Spatlese (Selbach) 2008 {#330971} ........ 20.99
17.99
Riesling (Steinmetz) 2008 {#327905} ..................... 19.99
15.99
Rudesheimer Troken (Leitz) 2008 (90WA) {#328557} ....................................... 19.99
15.99
Scharzhofberger Spatlese (Kesselstatt) 2007 (95WS) {#159733} ....................................... 39.99
31.99
Wehlener Sonnenuhr Kabinett (JJ Prum) 2007 (92WS) {#161922} ....................................... 44.99
37.99
“Floral and smoke aromas give way to peach, apple and lime flavors in this delicate, silky Riesling...bright structure and lingers lazily on the long, mineral-tinged finish…92.” WS 3/09
SPIRITS
Scotch
| REG $
SALE $
Isle of Jura 16 Year Old Single Malt {#336681} ..................... 65.99
55.00
Glenmorangie Single Malt 12year Nectar {#149427} ................ 70.99
59.00
Glenrothes 1994 Single Malt {#329976} ................ 75.99
63.00
Ducan Taylor Royal Lochnagar 18 year Single Malt {#328681} .......................... 130.00
107.00
Glenmorangie 10 Year Old Single Malt {#34926} ....................... 46.99
39.00
Cragganmore 12 Year Old Single Malt {#29736} ....................... 60.00
50.00
Dalwhinnie 15 Year Old Scotch Single Malt {#29942} .......... 65.00
54.00
Glenlivet 18 Year Old Single Malt {#31534} .............. 95.99
79.00
Glenfarclas 21 Yr {#77099} ................................... 115.99
96.00
Glenlivet Archive 21 Year Single Malt {#128212} .......................... 141.00
116.00
Bourbon
| REG $
SALE $
Bulleit (1L) {#145101} .............................................. 33.99
28.00
Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select {#34827} .................................. 36.99
Armagnac & Cognac
| REG $
SALE $
Armagnac Ducastaing 1916 {#329225} ............... 600.00
492.00
Bas Armagnac Laubade 1975 {#141999} ............ 215.00
177.00
Bas Armagnac Laubade 1985 {#142000} ............ 150.00
123.00
Ferrand Reserve Cognac {#31872} ....................... 65.00
54.00
Maison Surrenne Grand Champagne X.O Cognac {#152864} ...................................... 115.00
95.00
Ferrand Selection Des Anges Cognac {#32037} ............................ 130.00
107.00
Delamain Vesper Cognac {#34421} ..................... 135.00
111.00
Briiet Heritage-Tres Rare Cognac NV {#331165} ....................................... 699.00
574.00
Remy Martin Louis XIII Cognac {#107276} ........ 2100.00 1722.00
Tequila
| REG $
SALE $
El Tesoro Paradiso {#29850} ................................ 118.00
97.00
Don Julio 1942 {#136640} ..................................... 145.00
119.00
Patron Platinum {#136639} ................................... 250.00
205.00
Vodka
| REG $
SALE $
30.99
Medea {#328605} ..................................................... 41.99
34.99
Eagle Rare Single Barrel 10 Yr {#118547} ............ 51.99
43.00
Ultimat {#329597} .................................................... 42.99
36.00
Bookers Small Batch {#58693} ............................. 63.99
53.00
Belvedere IX {#165955} ........................................... 46.99
38.50
Jeffersons Presidential 17yr {#339018} .................. 89.00
73.00
Jean Marc XO France {#131558} ............................ 56.99
47.00
Czars Village {#327019} .......................................... 65.00
54.00
82 / zachys.com / holiday gazette 2010
z XOXO—100 Point Cognacs! Cognac Tesseron is one of the most under the radar Cognac companies of today. Owned and Operated by Alfred & Gerard Tesseron (owners of Pontet Canet) Cognac Tesseron specializes in single Lot Cognacs. Founded in 1905 by their Grandfather, Abel Tesseron, Cognac Tesseron has been storing stocks of eaux-de-vie since their inception and not until recently have they decided to bottle and release “Lots.” According to Alfred Tesseron “These ‘lots’ are in fact blends – or perhaps more precisely marriages – taken from our reserve stocks. Although it is not possible to use the term ‘vintage’ with regards to Cognac…these ‘lots’ reflect in the most authentic way, some of the very best years of cognac production.”
Tesseron Cognac XO
| REG $
Lot 90 (94WI) {#153576} ........................................................... 49.99 94 Points and “Star Buy” from Wine International Lot 65 (96-100WE) {#153577} ................................................ 200.00
Tequila for the Holidays— Enjoy the Best with Your Entourage! Any of you who follow “Vinny Chase” and the boys from Queens in HBO’s smash hit ENTOURAGE already know about the explosive new character to crash on the scene this year...TEQUILA AVION. Zachys has never bought into the “gimmicky” brands in the wine and spirit world over the years. For us, first and foremost, it must be about what’s IN the bottle. That’s why when the brand’s co-founder, Ken Austin, came into the store this past Summer and presented the line of Tequilas to our spirits buyer (Michael Thomas) we were sold from moment one. On QUALITY!! I still remember Michael approaching me with a big smile on his face stating that this was a new line of premium Tequilas that people were going to really take note of...and take note of it they did. After 65+ years our clients have come to trust our recommendations... and if we say it is good...there must be something behind it. Sales of AVION were brisk this Summer and then shot off like a rocket when it made cameo after cameo on ENTOURAGE. But what has been most validating for me on this brand beyond the initial sales, is the amount of REPEAT customers that continue to return for Tequila AVION.
“The nosing passes find an oaky/nut paste aroma with fruity notes of berries, dried fruit, plums, pears and soft cheese. The palate entry is composed, succulent and honeyed; by midpalate the flavors deepen to include caramel, rancio and orange rind. Finishes beautifully with depth, finesse and maturity…96-100.” Wine Enthusiast 12/06
Lot 53 (98WA) {#157046} ........................................................ 200.00 1.75L {#153578} .....................................................................550.00 “...their newest release, the 1953, seems close in quality to the 1929. Slightly darker than the 1929, the 1953 is pure silk, which at this alcohol level is very dangerous indeed. The complex aromatics can fill a room....98” Robert Parker, the Wine Advocate Hedonist’s Gazette 2/07
Lot 29 (100WA) {#153640} ...................................................... 395.00 1.75L {#153579} .................................................................. 825.00 “...Although French law does not permit a vintage date to be used, this is all from 1929, and is very limited in availability. I’m not an expert on Cognac, but anything this smooth, silky, potent, and aromatic, is truly great stuff. It is about as ethereal Cognac as anyone could ever hope to drink...100” Robert Parker, the Wine Advocate Hedonist’s Gazette 10/05
Clearly the quality is in the bottle. -AM
Avion
| REG $
Silver Tequila {#336225} .......................................................... 45.99 The agave aroma is intense with herbal tinges of mint and rosemary, delicate hues of flowers and black pepper, hints of grapefruit and pineapple. It is crisp and clean, well balanced and exceptionally smooth.
Reposado Tequila {#336223} .................................................. 47.99 Aged 6 months, with a roasted agave presence, notes of cherry, pear, and peach, flower hues of rose petals and tinges of herbs. Oak aroma is elegant with hints of caramel and vanilla. It is extremely well balanced and sophisticated.
Anejo Tequila {#336224} .......................................................... 51.99 Aged 2 years, with hints of vanilla, caramel, coconut and maple, intense tones of roasted agave, delicate tinges of mint and rosemary, fruity aromas of peach and cherry. It is extraordinarily harmonious, rich and exquisite.
holiday gazette 2010 / zachys.com / 83
HOLIDAY SPECIAL Our Gift To You—14 Amazing 6-Pack Specials!! AT UP TO 50% OFF! What better way to say thank you to the loyal supporters of Zachys from 2010 then to offer them “six pack specials” on 14 of the stores best wines. Throughout the course of Summer and Fall we have done many unique and special e-mail campaigns where we sell wines in six pack increments and give you a chance to save up to 50%. Who doesn’t want a chance to save up to 50%?! Our advice to you on these gifts is ACT FAST as they will not stick around. Simply ask us to wrap up it up with a bow and you’re off to the races. Happy Holidays from Zachys!
6-Pack Special!
| REG BTL$ 6-PACK$ NET BTL$
Cotes du Ventoux Regain (Domaine Vindemio) 51.00 8.50 2008 (90RR) {#330135} ......17.00 “A blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah... with bright cherry, violets, pepper and spice on the nose...this fleshes out beautifully and picks up a touch more southern Rhône flare with hints of garrigue. On the palate, the wine is medium bodied with a silky, light texture, fresh acidity, a solid mid-palate and a long finish where ripe tannins add length. Oh so drinkable, balanced and elegant, this will be a fantastic addition to any dinner table...90.” RR 8/10
6-Pack Special!
| REG BTL$ 6-PACK$ NET BTL$
Finnegan’s Lake Pinot Noir 2008 {#164136} ...................23.00
69.00
“Violet-ruby. Still quite young and primary, this offers aromas and flavors of strawberry-rhubarb pie, black raspberries, autumn leaves, and vanilla. Attractive notes of red berries, walnuts, and lemon zest are slowly revealed on the concentrated and warm finish...” SWJ 7/09
6-Pack Special!
A VALUE PINOT!
120.00
“Deep violet, with shades of ruby within the glycerin-stained rim. Graphite and cassis aromas are followed by mouth-puckering flavors of freshly crushed blackberries and French oak….A blend of 70% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 15% Cabernet Franc...” SWJ 7/10
84 / zachys.com / holiday gazette 2010
11.50
| REG BTL$ 6-PACK$ NET BTL$
Franc Lartigue (St. Emilion) 2005 {#155756} ...................40.00
6-PACK Special 6
UNDER $10/BTL!
20.00
A ZACHYS PICK!
6 BOTTLES 1 GREAT PRICE!
6-Pack Special!
| REG BTL$ 6-PACK$ NET BTL$
Mas del Rey (Cotes du Roussillon Villages) 120.00 2006 (91WA) {#330357} ....40.00 “...concentrated fresh black fruit brightness with creaminess of texture that would be worthy of many of the best 2007s. Saline, chalky, and crushed stone offer almost endless fascination in a finish of lift and refreshing juiciness for all of its prominent minerality and its bitterness of fruit skin...91.” WA 6/09
6-Pack Special!
20.00
9W POINTS! -WA
| REG BTL$ 6-PACK$ NET BTL$
Pouilly Fuisse (Domaine Chalet Pouilly) 120.00 2007 (92WS) {#166705} ......40.00 “Shows fine intensity, with the vivid structure driving its stone, lemon and mineral flavors. This is almost too powerful now, but the long, smooth finish reveals both the harmony and the beauty of this white...92.” WS Web 2010
20.00
92 POINTS! -WS
6-Pack Special!
| REG BTL$ 6-PACK$ NET BTL$
Syrah VV Les Genets (Guilhem Durand) 66.00 2007 (90WA) {#329054} ......22.00 “The 2007 Syrah Vieilles Vignes came in at close to 15% alcohol, yet its wonderfullyconcentrated, brown-spiced, sweetly-ripe cassis, black cherry, and purple plum retain a refreshing brightness and are not in the least marred by bitterness or heat. Anything this wine lacks in complexity it makes up for in seamlessness and generosity, not to mention ridiculously good value. Enjoy it over the next 2-3 years...90.” 8/09
11.00
90 POINTS! -WA
Gazette Special 6-Pack Pricing - UP TO 50% OFF!
HOLIDAY SPECIAL 6-Pack Special!
| REG BTL$ 6-PACK$ NET BTL$
Ace to Five Blend Napa 2007 (92SWJ) {#162876} ....50.00
150.00
“...a blend of 45% Merlot, 35% Cabernet France, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Syrah, and 1% Petit Verdot. Aromas and flavors of cherries, blackberries, chocolate, wet tobacco, and dried herbs are well integrated and generous. The wine’s heady, vinous nature is kept in check by racy acidity. On the palate, the initial smooth and well-rounded mouthfeel gives way to slightly grainy tannins on the finish This is the kind of wine that tastes so good that it is hard not to gulp down the bottle in one sitting...92.” SWJ 9/09
6-Pack Special!
25.00
92 POINTS! -SWJ
| REG BTL$ 6-PACK$ NET BTL$
Anjou Blanc Clos de la Casse (Deux Vallees) 2008 (90+SWJ) {#334478} ..22.00 66.00 11.00 “Pale yellow with a nice sparkle. Showcasing a supreme focus of crisp, floral inflected flavors, which are enhanced by a delightful underpinning of acidity. Medium bodied. A wine to purchase by the case...90+.” SWJ 07/10
6-Pack Special!
| REG BTL$ 6-PACK$ NET BTL$
Verdicchio Classico (Sartarelli) 2009 {#334164} ...................16.99
63.00
“The 2009 Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico offers up dried flowers, peaches and herbs in a mid-weight, accessible style. This is a very polished and well-balanced Verdicchio for the money, and is a great value...Sartarelli is one of the premier, reference-point producers of fine Verdicchio. Readers should do whatever they can to taste these fabulous whites from the Marche..” WA 6/10
6-Pack Special!
10.50
A GREAT VALUE!
| REG BTL$ 6-PACK$ NET BTL$
Chianti Classico (La Castellina) 2007 {#330888} ...................20.99
66.00
“Ruby-purple. Pleasant bouquet of violets, ripe blackberries, grape jam...Ripe, extracted berry flavors ride the zippy acidity to a weighty finish marked by licorice, floral tones, and a hint of basil. A blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo...” SWJ 7/10
6-PACK Special 6
A WINE TO PURCHASE BY THE CASE!! -SWJ
11.00
NEARLY HALF OFF!
6 BOTTLES 1 GREAT PRICE!
6-Pack Special!
| REG BTL$ 6-PACK$ NET BTL$
Bookster Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2007 (90SWJ) {#328006} ....28.99 “...Succulent aromas of spicy black cherries, sassafras, cinnamon, and a hint of vanilla and high-toned resin from the oak barrels. On the palate, the wine displays a soft, fleshy mouthfeel, and flavors of baked Morello cherries...A generous kick of spice on the finish adds complexity. This is an easy-going, seemingly low-acid Pinot Noir from an excellent vintage out along the Sonoma Coast...90.” SWJ 11/09
6-Pack Special!
90.00
15.00
90 POINTS! -SWJ
| REG BTL$ 6-PACK$ NET BTL$
Cotes du Rhone Calendal (Philippe Cambie) 96.00 16.00 2008 (90WA) {#337332} ......32.00 “...One of the vintage’s most noteworthy successes, it reveals a deep ruby/purple color as well as a big, sweet bouquet of blueberries, raspberries, tobacco leaf, and a subtle note of flowers. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy, rich, and pure, it is a wine to drink over the next 2-3 years...90.” WA 10/09
6-Pack Special!
-WA
| REG BTL$ 6-PACK$ NET BTL$
Lirac La Dame Rousse (Mordoree) 2007 (92WA) {#162719} ......25.00 “The 2007 Lirac La Dame Rousse is a pedal to the metal, sensational southern Rhone red. A blend of equal part Grenache and Syrah (both from 40-year-old vines), it boasts a dense purple color along with a sweet perfume of cassis, licorice, incense, spring flowers, and roasted herbs. It is a spicy, ripe, full-bodied red that tastes more like a Chateauneuf du Pape than one might expect...92.” WA 6/09
6-Pack Special!
90 POINTS!
75.00
12.50
92 POINTS! -WA
| REG BTL$ 6-PACK$ NET BTL$
Cotes du Ventoux Les Terrasses (Chateau Pesquie) 84.00 14.00 2007 (91WA) {#165956} ......28.00 “...Made from 60-year-old Grenache and 30-year-old Syrah...aromas of cassis, kirsch, lavender, pepper, and spice. The sweetness of the tannins, abundant glycerin, razor sharp focus, and wonderful depth make for a wine that transcends its humble price and bucolic appellation...Chateau Pesquie has released a number of top-notch, value-priced wines into the American market...91.” WA 6/09
91 POINTS! -WA
Gazette Special 6-Pack Pricing - UP TO 50% OFF!
holiday gazette 2010 / zachys.com / 85
z Large Formats Wow your friends, neighbors and relatives with some of the best large format wines Zachys has to offer. I can guarantee you that anyone who partakes in a format like this with you will have a lasting wine memory for a lifetime.
Big Bottles!
| REG $
SALE $
Tribaut-Schloesser Brut NV (90WS) (3L) {#335778} ............................... 275.00
225.00
“The refined texture sets the pace for lemon, apple and bread dough flavors in his firm, elegant bubbly, which is dry in style, with an austerity that begs food. There’s nice balance and length...90.” WS 2/09
Charles Ellner Cuvee du Reserve Brut NV (91SWJ) (3L) {#135866} ............................. 265.00
215.00
“...a gorgeous bouquet of apples, alpine strawberries, walnuts, and white chalk. Refreshing and crisp, this is teeming with lively honey-lemon and red berry flavors...Dollar for dollar, this is one of the best values in Champage...91.” SWJ 12/09
Terra di Lavoro (Galardi) 2007 (97WA) (3L) {#332387} ............................ 450.00
385.00
Barbera d’Asti Lavignone (Pico Maccario) 2008 (90SWJ) (3L) {#329799} ........................... 130.00
105.00
“...soave and straightforward on the attack, where plum and red berry flavors are slightly grapey, and which pick up black pepper and soil-infused notes on the lengthy finish. Over the course of 48 hours, the wine smoothes out even more, revealing blueberry and mineral notes and even greater refinement...90.” SWJ 10/09
Greppicaia (I Greppi) 2005 (93WS) (3L) {#146228} ............................. 330.00
245.00
Giusto di Notri (Tua Rita) 2007 (95WS & WA) (3L) {#327047} ................... 440.00
340.00
Barolo Storico (Giovanni Rosso) 2004 (89WA) (3L) {#154724} ............................ 275.00
195.00
Fontalloro (Felsina) 2006 (95WS) (3L) {#326898} ............................. 385.00 #13 Wine Spectator Top 100 2009 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva (Costanti) 2004 (94WA) (3L) {#330248} ............................ 550.00
305.00
425.00
Even Bigger Bottles!
| REG $
SALE $
Barolo Storico (Giovanni Rosso) 2004 (89WA) (5L) {#154726} ............................. 500.00
295.00
Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna I Paganelli (Il Poggione) 2004 (96WA) (3L) {#330197} ............................. 450.00 350.00
Brunello di Montalcino Rennina Pieve Santa Restituta (Gaja) 2004 (93WA) (5L) {#164212} ........................... 1175.00 999.00
Il Bosco Tenimenti (Luigi d’Alessandro) 2006 (95WS) (3L) {#327027} ............................. 225.00 #49 Wine Spectator Top 100 2009
Brunello di Montalcino Sugarille Pieve Santa Restituta (Gaja) 2004 (95WS & WA) (5L) {#164207} ................. 1270.00 1099.00
175.00
Chianti Classico (Viticcio) 2007 (90WS) (5L) {#336819} ............................. 180.00
145.00
Greppicaia (I Greppi) 2006 (93WS) (3L) {#162349} ............................. 330.00
225.00
Brunello di Montalcino Pian Delle Vigne (Antinori) 2004 (91WS) (3L) {#162622} ............................. 360.00
Giusto di Notri (Tua Rita) 2007 (95WS & WA) (5L) {#327048} ................... 750.00 575.00
305.00
Greppicaia (I Greppi) 2006 (93WS) {#162350} ..... 500.00
399.00
Chateauneuf du Pape (Clos des Papes) 2005 (98WS/95WA) (3L) {#140544} .................. 1400.00 1120.00
Lynch Bages 2006 (92WS & WA) (6L) {#142088} .. 750.00
640.00
Prieure Lichine 2006 (90WA) (6L) {#144379} ....... 475.00
380.00
Chateauneuf du Pape Hommage a Jacques Perrin (Chateau Beaucastel) 2005 (98WA) (3L) {#150161} ............................. 2500.00 2200.00 Testamatta Bibi Graetz 2006 (98WS) (3L) {#160484} ............................ 800.00
86 / zachys.com / holiday gazette 2010
680.00
Give us a Call, e-mail us cs@zachys.com or simply log on to www.zachys.com to see our 100+ choices of 3L, 5L & 6L format bottles currently available in-stock.
zachys
®
WINE AND LIQUOR, INC.
16 East Parkway, Scarsdale, New York 10583 Tel: 800.723.0241 Out of state orders Tel: 914.723.0241 All other inquiries Fax: 914.723.1033 Store Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-8pm, Sat 8am-8pm, Sun 12pm-5pm Online: zachys.com • E-mail: cs@zachys.com 7.375% sales tax • Major Credit Cards Accepted Not responsible for typographical errors. Prices subject to change without notice.
Take A Drive To Scarsdale From Connecticut: Hutchinson River Pkway S. to Exit 22 (Mamaroneck Rd). Right off exit ramp. 3 miles to Rt. 22. Left turn. 1.5 miles to Popham Rd. Right turn, 2 lights, right turn onto E. Parkway.
From NYC:
Vintage is in at Zachys! Are you looking for that perfect mature or slightly older bottle of wine this winter? Here are some of our top 15 choices for wines that are 10 years old or older that we currently have in-stock! Whether if it is for a gift, special occasion, holiday celebration or just something for you to enjoy, these are some of the best older goody ideas that we have for the end of the year. Keep in mind that these are just 15 of the hundreds of selections that we have at Zachys as we have hundreds of ‘Mature Wines’ with limited availability in-stock now!
In-stock Mature Wines
| SALE $
Charles Ellner Brut Prestige 1999 (91WS) {#143599} ........... 49.99 Clos de la Roche Vieilles Vignes (Domaine Ponsot) 2000 {#1001006256} ............................................................. 236.00 Dom Perignon 1990 (96WA) {#60509} .................................. 316.00
Bronx River Parkway North. Take right-hand fork when road splits at Sprain Brook Parkway. 10 minutes to Exit 12 (Crane Road, Scarsdale). Straight off exit ramp onto East Parkway.
From New Jersey: GWB, stay on I-95 (Cross Bronx Expressway) to the Bronx River Parkway North toward White Plains, follow NYC directions.
From Tappan Zee Bridge: Take I-287 E. to Exit 5, Rte. 119. 0.5 miles on Rte. 119 to Bronx River Pkwy South. Exit 12 Crane Rd. Straight off exit ramp onto E. Parkway.
FREE PARKING For Zachys Customers We are pleased to offer free one hour parking behind the bank (entrance on Overhill Road) for any customer shopN ping at Zachys. Once you’ve made your purchases at Zachys, please ask for your parking voucher.
ZACHYS
La Gomerie 1995 (93WS) {#2063} .......................................... 89.00
East Parkway
Leoville Poyferre 2000 (95WA) {#49759} .............................. 180.00
Scarsdale Train Station
Malescot St. Exupery 1999 (90WA) {#319524} ....................... 92.00
S W
Overhill Road Bank
Henriot Brut Millesime 1996 (94WS) {#135092} ..................... 75.00
Spencer Place
Popham Road
Giscours 2000 (93WS) {#62885} ............................................. 89.00
E
Parking Lot
Monbousquet 2000 (95WA) {#46144} ................................... 105.00 Montrose 1996 (95WS) {#80473} ........................................... 125.00 Salon Blanc de Blancs Le Mesnil 1997 (95WA) {#154390} ...................................................... 340.00 Taylor Fladgate 1997 (96WA) (1.5L) {#336462} .................... 200.00 Tertre Roteboeuf 1998 (95WA) {#53744} .............................. 215.00 Vega Sicilia Valbuena 1999 (91WA) {#318021} ..................... 127.50 Vouvray Moelleux Le Mont Huet 1985 {#146332} .................. 72.00
zachys 16 East Parkway, Scarsdale, New York 10583 800.723.0241 or 914.874.8000 | Fax 914.723.1033 | cs@zachys.com | zachys.com
We make no representation to the legal rights of anyone to ship or import wines into any state outside of New York. The buyer is solely responsible for shipment of alcoholic beverage products. By placing an order, you authorize us to act on your behalf to engage a common carrier to deliver your order to you. Alcoholic beverages may be sold and delivered only to persons who are at least 21 years old and in placing your order you represent to us that you are at least 21 years old and the person to whom delivery will be made is at least 21 years old. All first time orders will be required to submit proof of age via email, fax or in person.
ZACHYS WINE AND LIQUOR, INC. 16 East Parkway Scarsdale, New York 10583
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 334 Mechanicsburg, PA
16 East Parkway, Scarsdale, New York 10583 • Tel: 800.723.0241 • Fax: 914.723.1033 • www.zachys.com • cs@zachys.com