FREE SHIPPING Ends December 31
FINAL HOLIDAY OFFERS!
LAST-MINUTE HOLIDAY SPECIALS
Last Chance to Order for the Holidays It’s go time, holiday revellers. Get those glasses ready and stack your rack with wines that wow – for special dinners, New Year’s, friends dropping by and more. Start below with a fantastic deal on three bottles of triplegold-medal Prosecco – and (speaking of wines that impress), see page 4-5 for our first-ever Wines of the Year. And more, if you’re quick. Cheers! Andy Baker, Wine Director
FREE SHIPPING On All Orders Over $149 Offer Ends December 31 Use code NOSHIP149
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The Wines of the Year
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Italian Reds Taste Tour
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Holiday Essentials – Only $12.50 a bottle
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Blockbuster 2012 California Reds
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Argentine Malbec Showcase
p. 14
Super-Fresh Whites – Europe To New Zealand
p. 16
SAVE $51 on World-Class Cabernet
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Luxurious Châteauneuf-du-Pape
p. 19
Premium Red Six-Packs
p. 20
Delectable Dessert Wines
p. 22
Festive Fizz
100% MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE If a wine ever fails to live up to your expectations – for whatever reason – simply let us know and receive a full refund.
SAVE over 35% On ‘Exquisite’ Fizz
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Special price on triple-gold Prosecco Prosecco is Italy’s favorite celebration fizz – and few do it like Marco Rabino. For a limited time only, he’d like to wish you a happy holiday with a jaw-droppingly good deal on his BIG award winner. Enjoy three bottles (normally $47.97) for only $29.99. “Light effervesence … white blossom scent and mouthwatering apple aromas. Exquisite in its simplicity and purity of flavor … truly versatile.” – Best in Class, IWSC Essential bubbly for just $10 a pop. Order now and pour generously all the way to New Year’s.
Ca’ Bolani Prosecco 3 btls normally $47.97 Today only $29.99 code J00641
JUST
$10
a bottle
Limited to three bottles per household at this price
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91-Point ‘Best Buy’
Rich 91-Point Blockbuster The first of our Wines of the Year UNDER $12 a bottle In Portugal, “prices are superb and quality has never been better” (Wine Spectator). This rich find from star winemaker José Neiva shows why. It’s one of our Wines of the Year, and we’re not the only ones smitten. Wine Enthusiast rates it 91 points, and a December 2013 ‘Best Buy.’ The Alicante Bouschet grape is prized for its inkyblack color and deep flavors. Usually, it’s reserved for use in fine red blends, but José’s so innovative that he decided to bottle his Alicante Bouschet solo – and is the first man in Portugal to attempt it! Everyone thought he was aluado (‘moonstruck’ or ‘crazy’), but with all the acclaim, he’s obviously proven his point. And José’s smooth, dark-fruitpacked 2012 is just the kind of red to stock up on for big gatherings this festive season. Hurry to taste this top-value red. And, flip the page for our full Wines of the Year round-up.
JUST
Aluado 2012 Lisboa
$11.67 a bottle
6 btls $89.94 $74.99 code B1549712 12 btls $178.99
$139.99 code C1549712
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The Wines of the Year Thousands of wines tasted – and the six top values that really took the cake From brand-new bottles to the next vintage of old favorites, the world of wine is always ripe for discovery. So, each year, our wine team visits hundreds of estates, tasting thousands of wines to bring you the best. While we’ve got great things to say about every wine we choose for you, there are always a handful of discoveries that REALLY stand out. Maybe they’re extra delicious, or awesomely different, or an amazing value … or all of the above. They’re the finds that we’re especially proud to share with you – and just in time for the holidays, here they are. Enjoy special deals on each, or try the full collection for only $11.67 a bottle.
The Best White Trophy Goes to … Thirty-year Aussie veteran Sam Trimboli defintely stole the spotlight with this aromatic take on Vermentino, a rare Italian variety. Crisp yet rich, with tons of citrus and tropical fruit, this newly released 2013 snagged “Best White Wine” at a top regional show. Spotlight Vermentino 2013, New South Wales 6 btls $89.99 12 btls $169.99
code B1596513 code C1596513
Small-Estate Game-Changer Most liquor store Pinot Grigio’s blended in bulk. Allow this small-batch, boutique beauty to save your wine and cheese party from that snoozeville. Crafted with the Zonin family’s premium, estate-grown fruit, it’s full of vibrant lemon and apple, with classic almond notes. Ca’ Vescovo Pinot Grigio 2012, Venezie 6 btls $74.99 12 btls $139.99
code B1633212 code C1633212
Top-Vintage Chardonnay “Secret” 2012 is “one of the best vintages California has seen for decades” (JancisRobinson.com) – and cool-climate Clarksburg is a still-secret source for the state’s classic white. This holiday dinner party delight parades lovely stone fruit, lifted by a kiss of fine French oak. Ticker Tape 2012, Clarksburg 6 btls $79.99 12 btls $149.99
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code B1680712 code C1680712
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The Wines of the Year
The Pioneering Blockbuster EXACTLY the type of wine we love to find for you. An intrepid winemaker (José Neiva, left) trying something cool and unusual, with excellent, 91-Point, ‘Best Buy’ results (Wine Enthusiast). See page 3 for details – and get ready for glorious, glass-staining, dark fruit. Aluado 2012, Lisboa 6 btls $74.99 12 btls $139.99
code B1549712 code C1549712
6 btls $94.99 12 btls $179.99
code B0619410 code C0619410
6 btls $79.99 12 btls $149.99
code B0547411 code C0547411
A Really Good Decision … This barrel-aged Cabernet-Syrah-Malbec is the masterful Germán Lyon’s ‘Winemaker’s Selection.’ Clearly, he chose right. Commended at Decanter and winner of gold and ‘Best in Show’ at Virgin’s London Wine Awards, it’s rich, chocolaty and guaranteed to impress. Perez Cruz 2010, Maipo Valley
Pride of a Renowned Family Hands down, the best examples of Spain’s most famous red come from family estates who really care. The Fernández de Manzanos clan has done their thing for nearly 120 years – and your (of age!) family’s sure to love this berry-laced, lightly oaked red. Sip with lamb. Viña Berri 2011, Rioja
The wines you (absolutely) need to taste – JUST $11.67 a bottle.
Wines of the Year 2013 12 bottles (2 of each) normally $182.99 Today only
$139.99 code M00634
Reds of the Year
Whites of the Year
12 btls (4 of each) only
12 btls (4 of each) only
$139.99 code M00637
$139.99 code M00639
ORDER NOW 1-866-426-0336 virginwines.com/joy
SAVE
$ 43
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Italian Reds – Top to Toe
Take a Taste Tour of Italy – Delicious Reds at SAVE $40 on feast-worthy favorites from Piedmont, Tuscany and beyond
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Star Winemaker’s Barolo
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NEW Piedmont Exclusive
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Velvety Valpolicella Ripasso
Nebbiolo reaches its height in Barolo. You’ll taste why with this gem from Bruno Cordero and ripe-fruited 2009. Aged in fine oak for a mellow smokiness.
Just like your Barolo, this boutique, oak-aged red hails from Piedmont (Alba specifically), and is crafted from the Nebbiolo grape. Drinking beautifully.
Daniele Ardelini ‘re-passed’ his wine over dried Amarone grape skins, then gave it a long slumber in barrel and bottle. Deliciously rich and complex.
Cordone Barolo 2009
Pietro Disarti 2011
Poggio al Lago 2010
Aristocratic Super Tuscan
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Acclaimed Montepulciano
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Southern ‘Gold Selection’
Working his magic at Prince Girolamo Strozzi’s 1,000-year-old estate, Franco Bernabei blends Sangiovese, Cab and Merlot from prime sites near Bolgheri.
The Wine Advocate has called Filippo Baccalaro’s silky red “a hugely enjoyable everyday red that can be had for a song.” His 2011 offers ample proof.
With its chocolaty Negroamaro twist, this step-up to Angelo Maci’s regular Primitivo is also a big customer and judge favorite. Latest win: IWC silver.
Principe Strozzi ‘Selvascura’ 2010
Villa Farnia di Farnese 2011
Pillastro Selezione d’Oro 2009
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Italian Reds – Top to Toe
Every Stop JUST
$14.09 a bottle
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VENEZIE
PIEDMONT
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Medal-Winning Chianti
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Tuscan maestro Paolo Masi is praised by critics and customers alike. His cherry-packed Chianti took silver in Germany and is famously food friendly.
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Collezione di Paolo 2011 8
Gold-Medal Dark Horse Made with Puglia’s rare Uva di Troia (named after local town Troia), Mario Ercolino’s heady ‘Black Steed’ is full of wild blackberry. Top honors in Berlin.
Corsiero Nero 2011
TUSCANY
ABRUZZO
Classic Italian Reds 12 btls $208.99 Today only
$168.99 code M00526
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CAMPANIA
SAVE
$ 40
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PUGLIA
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Holiday Essentials
The Perfect Wine for Every Holiday Occasion Festive picks for dinner parties, gift-swaps and more
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Silky Pinot Noir to double-gold Sauvignon … this great case covers all your holiday bases.
JUST
$12.50 a bottle
Silky French Pinot Noir Made to look and taste like top red Burgundy, this find was crafted with fruit grown in France’s sun-baked south. Filled with fresh raspberry notes. Great with turkey. Le Champ des Etoiles 2011
Top Italian Pinot Grigio This classic apéritif comes from Pinot Girgio’s spiritual home in northern Italy, where maestro Alessandro Gallici captures every tongue-tingling, peachy nuance. Vina Baccana 2012
Acclaimed Spanish Cabernet Aged in American oak, Marcelo Morales’ “attractive” Cabernet won silver at the 2012 IWC for its “vibrant red berry fruit.” It’s also a big winner with lamb, pork and duck. Castillo de Aguaron 2011
A-List Spanish Albariño We scored this über-stylish Albariño at one of the hottest producers in premium Rías Baixas. Full of peachy-citrus flavor, it’s a mouthwatering partner for shellfish. Sendero des Santos 2011
Deep, Dark California Red Taste why top critic Robert Parker loves Reed Renaudin’s reds with this exclusive Petite Sirah/Carignan/Malbec blend. Rippling with black berries and cocoa. RJR Reserve Special Cuvée 2010
Fine French Chardonnay This southern French find from the renowned Michel Cambon was hand-harvested at night to lock in super-fresh citrus and melon flavor. A hit with ham. Domaine Saint Cerisse 2011
Gold-Medal Argentine Malbec International Wine Challenge judges loved the “inviting red and black fruit” in this “rich, powerful and ageworthy” Argentine Reserve. The red for hearty beef roasts. Alma Andina Reserve 2012
Double-Gold New Zealand Sauvignon New Zealand makes seriously fine Sauvignon Blanc. You’ll serve the 5-star virginwines.com favorite that won double-gold in San Francisco. Zingy, fresh and tropical. Stonewall 2011
Virgin Wines Holiday Essentials
SAVE
$ 39
12 btls (as shown left) normally $188.99 Today only
$149.99 code M00699
Holiday Essentials Reds 12 btls only $149.99 code M00701 ( 3 bottles of each red detailed above)
Holiday Essentials Whites 12 btls only $149.99 code M00700 ( 3 bottles of each white detailed above)
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California Reds
An Exceptional Year for California’s Classic Taste the reds that have us most excited right now – top finds in Cabernet, Pinot, Merlot and
“Simply put, 2012 will be one of the best vintages California has seen for decades.” 10
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California Reds
Reds SAVE
more
OVER
20%
CALIFORNIA 2012 Critics are cooing, winemakers are celebrating – and so are we, with festive deals on a range of limited-edition collections. Sumptuous NEW Cabernet
Winery of the Year Zinfandel
Discovered 2,300 ft. up in the Sierra Foothills, where the Kautz family proudly farm the land of their great grandfather. Blackberry, cassis, chocolate and more.
Taste why this grand old Napa estate was named Wine Enthusiast’s 2012 American Winery of the Year. Sweet red-berry fruit and lovely spice notes. Perfect turkey red.
Christine Andrew 2012, Sierra Foothills ••
Raymond ‘The Inaugural’ 2012, California ••
NEW Monterey Meritage
Parker Favorite Strikes Gold
From fashionable Monterey County, this silver-medal winner (a classic Meritage blend of Cab and Merlot) offers layers of ripe blackberry and espresso.
Robert Parker calls Reed Renaudin’s cult reds “exceptional bargains.” This powerhouse blend of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Malbec and Syrah shows why.
Lockwood 2012, Monterey County •
The Prospector 2012, California ••
Super-Cool Pinot Noir
Smooth NEW Crowd-Pleaser
In California’s coolest region, Eric Hickey gets “serious about quality” (Parker) and crafts famously smooth Pinot Noir. This extra-ripe 2012 might just be his best yet.
Have fun guessing the grapes in this rich, velvety, proprietary red. A bit of Zin? Perhaps a dash of Cab? A great red to have on hand for the holidays.
Laetitia Vineyard Select 2012, Arroyo Grande •
Doohickey 2012, California ••
NEW Sonoma Merlot
NEW Monterey County Pinot
Alexander Valley on the label promises great things in the glass. This ‘stellar’ find wowed us with its dark cherry and smoky vanilla. Everything Merlot fans look for.
With one of California’s longest growing seasons, Monterey is home to complex, full-bodied Pinot Noir. Loaded with red berries, pomegranate, black tea and cola.
Starmaker 2012, Alexander Valley •
Pinot d’Oro 2012, Monterey County •
California’s Rich 2012 Reds 12 bottles normally $233.99, today only
$179.99
” — JancisRobinson.com
code M00433
• denotes number of bottles in your case
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SAVE
$ 54
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Argentine Malbec Showcases
Mighty Malbec – Choose the Right Case for Enjoy the crowd-pleasing classics, the rich Reserves – or a delicious mix of both
Top-Value Malbec Collection 12 btls (as shown right) normally $181.99 Today only
$149.99 code M00312
SAVE
$ 32
OPTION 2: Take three bottles of these crowdpleasing favorites for JUST $12.50 a bottle. 12
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Argentine Malbec Showcases
You
“The quality of Malbec at all price ranges in Argentina continues to be one of the great wine stories in the world.” – Robert Parker
SAVE UP TO
$69
This new showcase is perfect for holiday entertaining. It highlights four of Argentina’s finest Malbec producers – with tastes of their everyday classics, plus their rich, Reserve-level releases. Start with Opi Sadler’s hugely popular signature release, then step up to his sumptuous 2010 Reserve (a quadruple-silver-medalist). Francisco Puga’s gold-medal Ascención hails from some of the world’s highest vineyards – and he only makes 1,000 cases of his barrel-aged Reserve. San Lucas’ Malbec is “pure class had for a fabulous price” (Wine Advocate) – just wait until you taste their mouthfilling Reserva. The Zuccardi family’s Alambrado Malbecs are adored by critics (and customers), not least their “silky and refined” 90-Parker-Point 2011 Gran Selección. OPTION 1: Enjoy these everyday classics and their ‘big brother’ Reserves for JUST $14.09 each.
The Full Malbec Collection 12 btls (as shown left) normally $210.99 Today only
$168.99 code M00314
SAVE
20 %
Malbec Reserve Collection 12 btls (as shown right) normally $268.99 Today only
$199.99 code M00313
SAVE
$ 69
OPTION 3: Get the richest wines (and the best savings) – three bottles of each Reserve release for JUST $16.67 each.
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New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc
Fine New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc At a rarely seen (and very refreshing) $12.50 a bottle If you like your white wine with a wake-up-your-taste-buds citrus intensity, you’ve come to the right place. (And if you’re looking to fill your fridge for the festivities, you’ll be happy to see the price – it’s our lowest of the year.) There’s nothing quite like New Zealand Sauvignon. And there are few styles enjoying a bigger surge in popularity here in the U.S. The finest come from the neighboring regions of Marlborough and Nelson, and at Virgin Wines
we’re proud to work with the best estates – on full display in this invigorating new collection. Taste exclusive releases from the pioneers who put ‘Kiwi Sauvy’ on the map – Dr. John Forrest, Phil Rose and Hermann Seifried. Google them and you’ll see how long they’ve been working their magic (and how respected they are). Then hurry to virginwines.com/joy to enjoy firstclass holiday refreshment for just $12.50 a bottle.
Unlimited Member? Don’t forget, your wine ships FREE to up to five different addresses – ideal for sending holiday gifts.
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Fine New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc 6 btls $102.94 $79.99 code X00501 12 btls (3 of each) $205.99
$149.99 code M00460
ORDER NOW 1-866-426-0336 virginwines.com/joy
SAVE $56 on 12 bottles
Fresh Holiday Whites
The Wonderful Whites of Europe Chic French Classics You’ll need a fine Burgundy and the Dampt brothers’ crisp, apple-fresh Tonnerre delivers in style. Top Loire pick? A classy (grassy) Sancerre-like Sauvignon from the Coteaux du Giennois. Then two southern stars: opulent Côtes-du-Rhône and the lush Grande Réserve of iconic estate Mas de Daumas Gassac. If you love French whites, the only decision is six or 12.
SAVE $64 on 12 bottles
6 btls (as shown) $118.94
$84.99
12 btls (3 of each) $223.99
X00470
$159.99 M00467
Modern Spanish Marvels They’re popping up on top wine lists everywhere. Albariño leads the charge and Ruth Chavarri’s 2011 is a peachy, refined stunner. Close behind is Rueda. Electrifying, limeladen Verdejo is the grape and Ricardo Sanz and Javier Murúa are the masters. End on an ever-so-slightly sweet note with Pamela Geddes’ deliciously grapey Moscato. All just $11.67 bottle.
SAVE $51 on 12 bottles
6 btls (as shown) $98.94 only 12 btls (3 of each) $190.99
$74.99
X00471
$139.99 M00468
Crisp Italian Aperitivos Start with a delicate-yet-complex new Soave Classico from one of the top vineyards in this historic region. Taste why Wine Spectator praises Tuscany’s Strozzi family for their “wonderful Vernaccia.” Serve citrusy Sicilian Vermentino (as fashionable as it gets). And don’t think we forgot the topnotch Pinot Grigio: Vina Baccana rounds your case off perfectly. Salute!
SAVE $27 on 12 bottles
6 btls (as shown) $85.94 only 12 btls (3 of each) $166.99
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$74.99
X00472
$139.99 M00469 15
NEW Châteauneuf Collection
“The wine that I find myself turning to most often is …
Châteauneuf-du-Pape” – Robert Parker The world’s top wine critic isn’t the only one smitten. Whenever we offer Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Virgin Wines customers snap up every last bottle. And who can blame them. Few wines offer such richness, complexity and age-worthiness at so reasonable a price. Just in time for holiday enjoyment, this limited-edition six-pack gives you an increasingly rare
taste of 2010 (a blockbuster of a year), plus two new releases from 2011. Both wonderfully succulent and fruit-forward – the calling card of 2011 – and both sporting gold from top French wine guide Gilbert & Gaillard. All three make very smart-looking (and tasting) gifts – if you can bear to part with them.
Festive Châteauneuf-du-Pape Six 6 btls (2 of each) Today only $169.99 code X00461 18
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ONLY
200 cases
Premium Red Six-Packs
First-Class Reds in Festive Sixes Top-Vintage Sonoma Pinot Sonoma’s 2012 vintage “looks excellent across the board, particularly Pinot Noir” (Wine Spectator). This terrific case gives you Russian River and Sonoma Coast exclusives, plus a Sonoma County release from DeLoach (2012 winners of The Pinot Cup). These are ripe, velvety wines with layers of classic cherry, cola and spice flavor. A must-have for Pinot fans, with a smooth 20% savings.
2012 Sonoma Pinot Noir 6 btls $165.94 $129.99 code X00385
SAVE
$ 35
A-List Italian Reds Start in Piedmont, with the new vintage of Bruno Cordero’s rich, complex Barolo (a treat to have this back). Next stop, Tuscany for the last of the Barbanera family’s 98-Point Vecciano 2008: “one of the all-time Super Tuscan greats.” (Luca Maroni) End with a real Sicilian rarity — the Russo family’s elegant, Burgundian-style red, grown on the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna. 160 cases only — please hurry.
A-List Italian Reds 6 btls $189.94 $138.99 code X00465
SAVE
$ 50
Rich Spanish Treasures Your Priorat is an exclusive 2008 made by Gilles Pauquet (of Cheval Blanc fame) and has “attractive notes of spice box, lavender, incense and black fruits.” (Wine Advocate) Your Rioja is a smooth, barrel-aged Gran Reserva from Ruth Chavarri and 2001 (vintage). Your extra-mature treat is a rare 1993 Gran Reserva that’s seriously mellow at 20 years old. And the 30% savings? Our holiday gift to you.
Rich Spanish Treasures 6 btls $199.94 $139.99 code X00464
SAVE
$ 59
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Last Chance to Order for the Holidays
On
Revealed
The Wines of the Year
JUST
$10
a bottle
Essential Bubbly page
2
World-Class Cabernet – Napa and Beyond page 16
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