Are You Drinking Organic Wine? see page 124
4th QUARTER post
October:
2,
November: Sunday, November 3, 2024 - Saturday, November 30, 2024
December: Sunday, December 1, 2024 - Saturday, January 4, 2025
The office will be closed on December 25th in honor of Christmas Day The office will be closed on January 1st in honor of New Years Day
Consult your sales rep for the holiday delivery schedule
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
ARGENTINA
ARGENTINA ARMENIA & GEORGIA
ARMENIA & GEORGIA
BODEGA
AUSTRALIA
AUSTRALIA AUSTRIA • BRAZIL CANADA • CHILE
FRANCE •BORDEAUX
CHÂTEAU
FRANCE
VILLA PEREIRE
VINTAGE 2013
ELEGANT
CLARITY
DESCRIPTION & STORAGE
The creation of the 2013 vintage reveals the resonance between the pinots noirs and chardonnays, between acidity and fullbodied.
ELEGANT CLARITY
The creation of the 2013 vintage reveals the resonance between the pinots noirs and chardonnays, between acidity and fullbodied. The precise, elegant and tactile bouquet blooms in an extremely delicate powdery aromatic braid around three nuances: first citrus, then a more vegetal facet and lastly, spices.
This precision reveals a simple and evident elegance where the wine, after an ethereal attack, amplifies and blossoms before ceding to an ineffable sensation of clarity.
A BALANCE BETWEEN ACIDIC & ROUNDNESS
The delicate nose unfolds in swaths of color. The green of eucalyptus, mint and vetiver, the yellow-orange of mirabelle plums, apricot and orange blossom, the brown of pepper, cardamom and licorice sticks, and finally silvery saline and toasty hues. The mouthfeel is elegant, expressing luxuriant simplicity and precision.The refined and silky foundation becomes more pronounced at the heart. The finish is dominated by a salinity that leaves a deep sensation of consistency.
FOOD & WINE PAIRING
For a general approach of the Vintage 2013, wine’s intensity calls upon the work of the acids to reveal its character. Can be paired in a fantastic way with acid-rich fruits or plants such as citrus fruits, green tomatoes, sorrel or rhubarb. Going deeper into food and wine pairing, we can also make the energy and intensity of Dom Pérignon Vintage 2013 react with firm meaty textures combination of iodized and acidic elements.
CHAMPAGNE & SPARKLING WINE
CHAMPAGNE & SPARKLING WINE
CHAMPAGNE & SPARKLING WINE
UNITED STATES
CALIFORNIA
MICHIGAN
FRANCE •CHAMPAGNE
NICOLAS FEUILLATTE
VEUVE
Desloges
Domaine de Haut Fresne
Domaine du Fief aux Dames
CHÂTEAU LA NERTHE
GREECE, MACEDONIA, CYPRUS HUNGARY • ISRAEL
GREECE, MACEDONIA, CYPRUS
Thymiopoulos
ITALY
abruzzo
CANTINE
friuli
lombardia
marche
miscellaneous
FONTANAFREDDA
FRANCO
PRUNOTTO
ZERO PROOF
ADULT NON ALCOHOLIC
RENATO RATTI
Viviano
sicilia / sardegna
Henry
REGALEALI
by Angelo Gaja
Fattoria di Pugliano
POGGIO COSTA
Villa Serafin
VILLA
MEXICO NEW ZEALAND MEXICO
NEW ZEALAND PORTUGAL
- Yamaguchi
Eiko Fuji- Yamagata
Emishiki- Shiga
-Fukui
Jozen- Niigata
Kubota - Niigata
Kaguyahime- Kyoto
Maboroshi Akabako
Miyozakura - Gifu
Nakano- Wakayama
Kaori- Yamaguchi
Nanburyu- Iwate
Nezumi- Tottori
SAKE & MORE
Suijin- Iwate
- Akita
- Hyogo
Tatenokawa- Yamagata
- Hyogo
Yamamoto- Kyoto
SOUTH AFRICA SPAIN SOUTH AFRICA
SPAIN
sherry
ALEJANDRO BULGHERONI Henry Fox
UNITED STATES •CALIFORNIA
BAREFOOT
UNITED STATES
UNITED STATES •CALIFORNIA
CHANDON
COLBY
UNITED STATES •CALIFORNIA
Between The Wines
Retrospective SHAFER
Shafer Vineyards needs no introduction. Very few Napa Cabernet producers enjoy as much critical acclaim, year in and year out. Their ‘Hillside Select’ Cabernet is considered to be a Napa ‘First Growth’ by virtually everyone in the trade. Interestingly, it was Merlot that first brought the spotlight to Shafer, since its Merlot was considered one of Napa’s best (back when Merlot was still cool). But today’s tasting is not about Cabernet or Merlot: Shafer Relentless is Syrah. Sourced from ridgetop vineyards on the Vaca Range (Napa Valley’s eastern border), just south of the Stags Leap District AVA, the wine is always a blend of Syrah & Petit Sirah which then spends a relatively long stay in 100% new French
Oak; not a wine for the faint of heart (always a powerhouse…but with balance). Named in honor of Shafer’s longtime winemaker Elias Fernandez—who was/is relentless in his pursuit of quality.
Though none of Shafer’s wines are inexpensive (quality isn’t cheap), Relentless may be the best value in their stable. Note that one of the earlier vintages—the 2008—was named Wine of the Year by the Wine Spectator in 2012…kind of a big deal! Try the current vintage and you’ll see why.
2015 (90% Syrah, 10% Petit Sirah)
Deep, brilliant ruby red / gorgeous nose of plum, smoke & cedar— very complex / meaty, berry-tainted, spicy palate; very rich wine, but with bright acidity…fabulous balance / long, lovely finish 2.5 *
2018 (76% Syrah, 24% Petit Sirah)
Deep ruby-black / lovely aromatics showing smoke, chocolate and black fruits / dense palate showing smoked meats, berries, and black pepper…but with the bright acidity again / long tight finish; lots of growth ahead 2*
2019 (89% Syrah, 11% Petit Sirah)
Brilliant ruby-purple / brightest nose with scents of smoked bacon, sage and tobacco / rich, intense—but balanced—palate with typical Syrah gaminess and berry notes / long, firm, rich finish 2.5*
‘RELENTLESS’ An extraordinary wine. Complete in every way, as well as possessing that magical, indescribable and elusive quality that makes some wines truly special. An excellent wine, boasting varietal character, ideal balance, a high degree of complexity and some personality. A very good wine, displaying ‘varietal integrity’ or typicity, excellent balance, and no apparent flaws.
Acclaim Recap
It’s the Acclaim! A brief list of scores our portfolio has received over the last few months. We know some don’t care about scores but they can be a good selling tool. If you like a wine but it doesn’t have a score, who cares? Sell it because you know it’s tasty but if indeed it has a score, go ahead and use it!
2019 Antinori Toscana Tignanello 96 Points Top 10 Wine
2019 Ashes & Diamonds Mnt Cuvée Saffron Vnyd 96 Points
2019 Banfi, Chanti Classico 91 Points Top Value Wine
2021 Buehler Cabernet Sauvignon 91 Points
2021 Beyra Red, Portugal 91 Points Top 100 Best Buys
2020 Bodegas Numanthia, Toro Termes 91 Points
2019 Bodegas Peñafiel ‘Miros de Ribera’, Crianza 92 Points
2020 Broadside ‘Blackletter’ Cabernet Sauvignon 95 Points
2019 Ca’ Marcanda ‘Magari’ Rosso, Bolgheri 91 Points
2019 Chateau Ste. Michelle ‘Eroica’ 91 Points Smart Buy
2022 Cloudy Bay, Sauvignon Blanc 93 Points
2019 Cockburn Vintage Port Quinta da Gricha 92 Points
2020 Craggy Range ‘Te Muna’ 92 Points Smart Buy
2019 Darioush ‘Signature’ Chardonnay 91 Points
2019 Decoy Limited Red 91 Points Top Value
2022 Diatom Chardonnay 92 Points Smart Buy
2019 Domaine Carneros 93 Points
2019 Double Diamond, Cabernet Sauvignon 94 Points Top 10
2020 Drouhin Oregon Roserock Chardonnay 94 Points
2019 Drouhin Côte de Beaune 91 Points
2019 Drouhin Santenay ......................................................................................92 Points
2021 Dry Creek Vineyard, Fume Blanc 92 Points Editors Choice
2021 Dry Creek Vineyards, Sauvignon Blanc 91 Points
2019 DuMOL ‘Wester Reach’ Chardonnay 95 Points
2022 Enroute Pinot Noir ‘Les Pommiers’ 93 Points
2021 Grgich Hills Estate, Sauvignon Blanc 95 Points
2019 Grgich Hills Estate, Cabernet Sauvignon 94 Points
2019 Hall Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley 90 Points
2021 Hanna Chardonnay 93 Points
2021 Hess ‘Allomi’ Chardonnay 92 Points
2021 Hess Collection ‘Lion Tamer’ Cabernet Sauvignon 95 Points
Featured Reviews
Quintessa Red Blend 2021
An exquisite wine, relying primarily on Cabernet Sauvignon from a single estate. Aromas of lavender, dried herbs and grapefruit pith combine with flavors of firm fruits and cocoa on a structure of abundant, powder-fine tannin and a mouthwatering finish. This wine is refined, detailed and delicious, with as much elegance as energy.
– Wine Enthusiast
Banfi
2021
2018 Il Poggione, Brunello di Montalcino 94 Points
2021 J Vineyard & Winery Pinot Gris 91 Points Top Value
2021 Joel Gott Sauvignon Blanc 91 Points Top Value
2019 Joseph Phelps, Cabernet Sauvignon 94 Points
2019 Joseph Phelps ‘Insignia’ 98 Points
2019 Kendall Jackson Merlot 90 Points Top Value
2019 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Frenchtown’ Red 90 Points
2023 Martin Ray Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast 93 Points
NV Moët & Chandon ‘Impérial’ Brut 90 Points
NV Moët & Chandon ‘Impérial’ Brut Rosé 91 Points
2019 Mollydooker ‘Blue-Eyed Boy’ Shiraz 94 Points
2019 Mollydooker ‘The Boxer’ Shiraz 92 Points
2019 Mollydooker ‘The Maître D’ .................................................................92 Points
2019 Mollydooker ‘Two Left Feet’ 91 Points
NV Nicolas Feuillatte, Réserve 91 Points Smart Buy
2019 Paul Hobbs Beckstoffer ‘To Kalon Vineyard’ 96 Points
2020 Penfolds Bin 389 90 Points
2020 Pieropan Soave Classico 91 Points Smart Buy
2022 Portlandia Pinot Noir 91 Points
2021 Ridge Zinfandel ‘Pagani Ranch’ 93 Points
2019 Robert Mondavi ‘The Estates’, Cabernet Sauvignon 94 Points
2022 Seaglass Sauvignon Blanc 91 Points Top 100 Buy
2022 Shortbread Chardonnay 90 Points
2020 Six Eight Nine, Red Wine, California 92 Points
2019 Soter Pinot Noir 94 Points
2020 Stags’ Leap ‘The Investor’ 97 Points Cellar Collection
NV Stel + Mar, Rosé 92 Points
2020 Talbott Vineyards Tali Hart Chardonnay 90 Points
NV Valdo Marca Oro Prosecco 91 Points
NV Veuve Clicquot Brut 90 Points
NV Veuve Clicquot Brut Rosé 90 Points
Cum Laude Super Tuscan
Tightly knit and supple, delivering black currant, blackberry, violet and graphite aromas and flavors. This harmonious red shows a wellintegrated structure, with terrific energy and length. Though approachable now, this should really hit its stride in a year or two.
– Wine Spectator 95 POINTS
Domaine Drouhin Pinot Noir
2022 Dundee Hills
An attractively built version, with a vibrant core of acidity and tannins framed by steely flavors of cherry and cranberry, all laced with crushed stone and black tea tones as this finishes with snappy tannins. Drink now through 2032. – Wine Spectator 93 POINTS
4TH QUARTER
2024
DOMAINE CURRY
DAVIS BYNUM Cooper
CANS
CANS
by Duckhorn
DUCKHORN
HALF BOTTLES
FISHEYE
FLOWERS
GALLO FAMILY VINEYARDS
UNITED STATES
HEITZ
The Hilt
UNITED STATES •CALIFORNIA
Jonata
UNITED STATES •CALIFORNIA
MURPHY-GOODE
NAPA CELLARS
The Paring
PASO
QUINTESSA
RAEBURN
Raywood
Robert Biale
ROCKPILE
UNITED STATES •CALIFORNIA
UNITED STATES •CALIFORNIA
SUTTER HOME
TRENTADUE
VIOLET
BLUE DOT FARM
KOSHER
LAKESHORE
UNITED STATES •MICHIGAN
FARM
VERTERRA
APOLLONI
ARGYLE
New York
BEAUX FRÈRES
by Duckhorn
Duckhorn
CIDER COOKING WINE
COOKING WINE
ECONOMY SELECTION
VERMOUTH COCKTAILS & SELTZERS
COCKTAILS & SELTZERS
COCKTAILS & SELTZERS
COCKTAILS & SELTZERS
Holiday Nog
MYX FUSIONS
COCKTAILS & SELTZERS
MODIFIERS
JIMMY
TASTE OF FLORIDA
GREENBAR DISTILLERY
BIODYNAMIC ETC. BIODYNAMIC ETC.
The maze of “green” wine practices is a little overwhelming. Certified organic grapes and/or vineyards don’t necessarily mean that the wine is produced organically. The same with biodynamic grapes. Then there are wineries that follow all of the practices needed for certification but don’t actually get certified, holding out in case of dire circumstance. Add to that the variety of “green” certifications, sustainable farming practices, environmentally safe farming and certification differences from country to country and you might want to throw your hands in the air and give up.
The following is our way of making it just a little bit easier for you to navigate this strange world. As we learn more this list shall grow.
A to Z Wineworks
Certified sustainable winery.
Alexander Valley Vineyards Certified sustainable
Alta Luna.....................................
Sustainably farmed, renewable energy, conservation projects
Angeline...................................... Certified sustainable
Apaltagua ...............................Biodynamically farmed
Araldica ...................................... Sustainably farmed
Argiano Biodynamic, waiting on certification
Argyle ......................................... LIVE certified; “Salmon-Safe” and sustainably farmed; certified sustainable winery and estate vineyards
Beaulieu Vineyards, ................... Certified Fish Friendly Farms and SWP - estate vineyards only
Rutherford
Benziger ..................................... All vineyards are certified sustainable, organic or biodynamic
Bergström .................................. All estate vineyards are certified biodynamic
Bertani........................................ Sustainably farmed, free of pesticides
Bogle .......................................... Sustainably farmed
Broglia ........................................ Sustainably farmed
Ca’ del Bosco ............................. Certified organic
Callia .......................................... Sustainably farmed, renewable energy, conservation projects
Cakebread Cellars ...................Sustainably farmed, Green Metal Award for Business
Camigliano Certified organic (2017)
Campo alle Comete .................... Sustainably farmed; converting to organic processes in winery
Cantina di Caldaro ..................... Organic and sustainable practices
Carmel Road............................... Certified sustainable
Castello dei Rampolla ................ Certified organic grapes
Cataldi Madonna ........................ Certified organic
Cerro .......................................... Sustainably farmed
Change ....................................... Certified organic grapes - Agriculture Biologique
Chateau Grand Traverse ............ MAEAP (Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program) Qualified Farmstead System
Cherries & Rainbows.................. Organic grapes; vegan
Col d’Orcia.................................. Organically farmed, biodynamic, sustainably farmed, free of pesticides, renewable energy, conservation projects
Colosi.......................................... Certified organic
Colpetrone.................................. Sustainably farmed
Dancing Vines .........................Organic grapes
Darioush ..................................... Sustainably farmed
Davis Bynum Sustainably farmed; certified “Fish Safe”; carbon neutral winery
DeLoach...................................... The Estate vineyards are certified biodynamic
Dolce Organic and sustainable, not certified
Domaine Carneros Certified organic
Domaine de la Quilla .................. Sustainably farmed
Domaine Drouhin Biodynamic, not certified; certified “Salmon-Safe”; LIVE certified; certified sustainable winery
Domaine Zind-Humbrecht .......... Certified organic, certified biodynamic
Drappier ..................................... Organically farmed
Drouhin Vaudon .......................... Biodynamically farmed
Dry Creek Vineyard .................... Certified sustainable
DuMol.......................................... Sustainably farmed
Eppa............................................ Certified organic
Etude .......................................... Napa Green Certified Winery; Certified Fish Friendly
Fanetti ........................................ Sustainable practices, uses indigenous yeast.
Far Niente Organic and sustainable, not certified
Faust........................................... Biodynamically, organically and sustainably farmed, not certified
Ferrari Organic farming, free of pesticides
Fontanafredda............................ Sustainably farmed, organic farming, free of pesticides, rewewable energy, conservation projects
Fonterutoli.................................. Sustainably farmed, free of pesticides, conservation projects
Fossacolle .................................. Sustainably farmed
Gagliole ...................................... Sustainably farmed, converting to organic
Gérard Bertrand ......................... All Estates biodynamic
Gianni Gagliardo......................... Certified organic, sustainable practices, indigenous yeast
Giovanni Rosso ........................... Sustainably farmed; Sicilian winery certified organic (2019)
Greenbar .................................... Certified organic; gluten free
Grgich Hills Estate...................... Organic, certified; Demeter certified
Grimaldi ...................................... Sustainable practices
Heitz Cellar................................. Martha’s Vineyard and Trailside Vineyard are certified organic
Illumination Biodynamically, organically, and sustainably farmed - not certified
Il Poggiolo .................................. Sustainable practices, indigenous yeast
Joseph Drouhin ........................... Organic and biodynamic viticulture techniques
Joseph Phelps
Biodynamically farmed - not certified; certified Fish Friendly; sustainably farmed
Kaltern ............................................Organic and sustainable practices
Kamen
Kathryn Kennedy
Lamole di Lamole
Lemelson
Leone de Castris
Certified organic
The Estate vineyard is certified organic; all sustainably farmed.
Certified organic
Certified organic vineyards
Sustainably farmed
Lolea 1 item - Sangria made with organic Garnacha
Loveblock
M. Chapoutier
MacRostie
Maison Joseph Drouhin
Marenco
Martin Ray
Maso Poli
Mazzei
McManis
Natura
Naturalis
Newton Vineyard
Neyers
Nickel & Nickel
Pacific Rim ................................
Certified organic; certified sustainable
The estate wines are certified biodynamic; Belleruche wines are biodynamic - not certified
Certified sustainable; certified Bay Area Green Business
Biodynamically farmed
Organically farmed
Certified sustainable
Sustainably farmed
Sustainably farmed
Certified sustainable winery and farming
Certified organic grapes, vegan friendly
Certified organic grapes; gluten free; vegan-friendly
Sustainably farmed
Sustainably farmed
Organic and sustainable - not certified
Wallula Vineyard is certified biodynamic (the first and only WA State); certified organic producer; offices are LEED Platinum; Salmon Safe
Palladino .................................... Sustainable practice and indigenous yeast
Pecchenino
Pederzana
Penner-Ash
Planet Oregon
Planeta
Produttori del Barbaresco
Purato
Organically farmed
Organically farmed
LIVE certified winery
Certified sustainable
Sustainably farmed, renewable energy, conservation projects
Sustainably farmed
Certified organic wines; vegan
Quintessa Biodynamically, organically, and sustainably farmed - not certified
Castello dei Rampolla
Ramona Wine Spritz
Biodynamic - not certified
Certified organic
Raeburn .................................Sustainably farmed
Ridge
Rodney Strong
Sustainably farmed. East Bench Zinfandel organically farmed from 2015 vintage.
The estate, single vineyard and Symmetry are certified sustainable; certified “Fish Safe”; carbon neutral winery.
Rombauer ...............................Certified California Sustainable Winery
Ronchi di Pietro ......................... Organic practices, sustainable practices, indigenous yeast
Round Barn Winery
MAEAP verified
RoseRock LIVE certified; sustainably farmed
San Leonardo
Santa Margherita
Santa Tresa
Sella & Mosca.............................
Social Sake Cocktails
Sokol Blosser
Soter Vineyards
St. Francis
Certified organic (2018)
Sustainably farmed
Certified organic wines; vegan
Sustainably farmed, organic farming, free of pesticides
Certified organic
Certified organic; certified “Salmon-Safe”
Certified sustainable winery; Mineral Springs Ranch -
certified biodynamic
Certified sustainable
Speri ......................................Certified organic
Spinelli........................................ Sustainable practices
Staglin Family Vineyard
Statti
Sterling Vineyards
Tabor Hill Winery
Terredora di Paolo
Torresella
Tres Agaves Mixers
Tribute
Vie Romans
Wither Hills
ZD
Certified organic vineyard
Certified organic; sustainably farmed; vegan
Certified Fish Friendly Farms and SWP; estate vineyards only
MAEAP verified
Sustainably farmed
Sustainably farmed
Certified organic
Certified sustainable
Sustainably farmed
Certified sustainable; estate vineyards are certified organic.
Estate vineyards are certified organic
Pèppoli
Perriere,
Pouy,
Are You Drinking Organic Wine? Probably Not…
We have addressed on these pages previously the sometimes-confusing terms of Organic Wine, Natural Wine, Biodynamic Wine, Sustainable Wine, not to mention the new discipline of ‘Regenerative Viticulture’ (which is its own rabbit hole). Some recent changes regarding the import of organic wine have brought all this to the fore again, so while its front of mind, we thought we’d address organic wine again.
First & foremost, there is a big difference between organic wine and wine made from organic grapes. In the U.S., organic wine must not only be made from organic grapes (meaning more restrictive, limited-input farming), but must also follow organic winemaking protocols, the biggie being zero added* sulfites. Sulfites are anti-oxidants and a preservative of sorts--used to maintain the flavors and freshness in wines (just like jams & jellies or orange juice). However, if the winemaker forgoes using any sulfites in the winemaking process, in the opinion of this writer, the wines start to spoil minutes after being bottled (note that some folks disagree with this characterization—they like the funky taste of spoiling wine). To give some clarification, imagine cutting an apple in half and leaving it on your kitchen counter. After an hour, the apple will start to brown. After a day, it will be quite brown and start to dry out. After a week, it will start to rot. Wine is made from grapes, and like apples, grapes are fruit. Wine made from organic fruit on the other hand, typically does have small amounts of sulfites added during the winemaking process. So, the wines are sound and are basically the same as most table wines…just with a slightly lower level of sulfites. Note that the regs of the E.U. for organic certification of vineyards are different from the rules in the U.S. (our regs are a bit stricter).
There is a big difference between organic wine and wine made from organic grapes
Now we can add this wrinkle: as of March of 2024, all imported wines claiming organic status will be heavily controlled and scrutinized. Anyone touching the wines (except retailers…for now) must get an organic certification. This means that, in addition to all sorts of paperwork and tracking capabilities, the importer (like us) must confirm any shipping containers are properly sterilized before shipping here. This would be virtually impossible to do. And breaking the rules/making false statements come with hefty fines and the risk of losing your license to import. Some producers
are now omitting the word organic from their labels and invoices. Some will cease making organic wine: unintended consequences.
So…you might be drinking organic wines and not even know it!
*note that tiny amounts of sulfites occur naturally during the fermentation process itself. There is no such thing as a sulfite-free wine. It’s the added sulfites that people scrutinize
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