{"title":"Reserve Vault Wine Collection","description":"\u003cp\u003eOur Reserve Wines program is your gateway to the world of rare and highly coveted bottles. Designed for collectors and serious wine enthusiasts, it offers exclusive access to reserve wines, allocation-only releases, and limited-production vintages from top-tier wineries.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"somm2201-trm04rscfe-1500","title":"F.E. Trimbach, Riesling “Cuvée Frédéric Emile” MAGNUM","description":"\u003cp\u003eTo complement its incredible “Clos Ste. Hune” bottling (sourced from the “Rosacker” Grand Cru), the legendary Trimbach estate produces another other-worldly Riesling cuvée, “Cuvée Frédéric Emile.” This bottling, most famous in dry form but also made in late-harvest sweet styles when vintage conditions allow, hails from the Grand Cru “Geisberg” and “Osterberg” vineyards. The combination of explosive fruit and profound earthiness (especially with some age) in nearly unparalleled in the world of Riesling—and you’ll be amazed by how much freshness and electricity the sweet styles maintain. These are white wine benchmarks any collector would be proud to have in his\/her cellar.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40733043392566,"sku":"SOMM2201-TRM04RSCFE-1500","price":445.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/products\/c72bbbc4080c7887b6b081aab1ad7f24.jpg?v=1686588139"},{"product_id":"somm2202-yqm91sat-750","title":"Château d’Yquem, Sauternes, Premier Cru Supérieur","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cu\u003eIt’s about time.\u003c\/u\u003e We offered this 1991 Yquem back on Valentine’s Day while it was still maturing in a cold Bordeaux cellar. Our limited parcel has just arrived and we have a few extra bottles to sell for those who missed out the first time around! \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eHow many people in the world can say they’ve experienced a bottle of Château d’Yquem, let alone one over 30 years old? I think “not many” is accurate. Its price alone has been the ultimate gatekeeper, hoisting it into a lofty ivory tower where it has held permanent court with the most desirable and renowned sweet wines of all time. Yquem’s profoundly age-worthy Sauternes truly are the be-all and end-all of liquid gold: Bottles have sold for $10,000, $50,000, even $100,000, and a handful of cognoscenti have experienced ancient vintages like 1945, 1899, 1811, and, if you can believe it, a \u003cstrong\u003e1784\u003c\/strong\u003e originally purchased by Thomas Jefferson. I lead with all this because today offers a fleeting chance to acquire one of Château d’Yquem’s pristine, decades-old bottlings for $499. No, it doesn’t have the staggering age (or a 4+-digit price), but this 1991 does provide a breathtakingly rich and brilliant snapshot of Yquem’s singular beauty. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNOTES:\u003c\/strong\u003e I personally opened one of the OWCs to check the integrity of these rare ’91 gems and found them to be flawless with perfect fills. These are in stock and ready to ship for the holidays. Purchases are strictly limited to two bottles. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eTruthfully, there’s nothing new to say about Château d’Yquem. That’s not a failing on our part, it’s just that Yquem is the single most praised, coveted, and treasured sweet wine on the planet. It’s a wine that entire books have been written about, and it earns every descriptor you could throw at a blue-chip bottle. Iconic? Check. Luxurious in both price and taste? Certainly. Age-worthy? Maybe the longest-lived wine in the world. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eSauternes is the premier sweet wine appellation in Bordeaux, and Yquem, with over 400 years of history, is widely acknowledged as its greatest producer—it’s also the only château that holds a Premier Cru Supérieur title. Situated at the highest elevation in the appellation, its 100 hectares of vineyards are perfectly suited for producing botrytis-infected berries. Botrytis is, of course, the distinguishing feature of Sauternes. This so-called “noble rot” withers the grapes and concentrates their sugars. It needs humid, but not wet, conditions and so Yquem’s elevation ensures healthy botrytis growth year after year. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe vineyards are planted to 80% Sémillon and 20% Sauvignon Blanc, on a mixture of clay, sand, and gravel over limestone. The vine work here is mind-bogglingly intensive, with teams of over 20 pickers moving through each parcel several times and literally selecting the best individual berries. While 1991 was certainly not one of their “legendary” vintages—of which there have only been a few—the little fruit that did remain after a spring frost far exceeded their expectations and thrived throughout a fine summer season. In short, a microscopic but high-quality crop made it into their winery. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe deeply concentrated, sugary juice is fermented in 100% new French oak barrels, and fermentations are stopped with temperature control when the correct balance of sugar and acidity is reached. This is what sets Yquem apart: despite its high level of residual sugar—the main reason it can age seemingly forever—there is always a perfect balance, a sense of genuine freshness and verve that keeps it from ever being cloying. In truth, it’s wrong to think of Yquem as strictly a “dessert” wine. Certainly, it’s sweet and right at home at the end of a meal. But the heady combination of richness, sweetness, and acidity, and its kaleidoscopic array of aromas and flavors, make it an incredible pairing with savory food as well. In fact, Yquem was traditionally served as an apéritif, not a digestif.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40733045129270,"sku":"SOMM2202-YQM91SAT-750","price":475.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/products\/2cde1f6ce7b7d064de12c7bcaccfcd5a.jpg?v=1686588310"},{"product_id":"is2201-gmasc61-750","title":"Giuseppe Mascarello e Figlio Barolo","description":"","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40733046112310,"sku":"IS2201-GMASC61-750","price":855.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/products\/379d5c18e5694660bfc4708b37a16e31.jpg?v=1686588472"},{"product_id":"is2201-grinaldi70-750","title":"Giuseppe Rinaldi Barolo","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe provocative, staunchly traditionalist Giuseppe “Beppe” Rinaldi—the modern face of this historic Barolo property—passed away in 2018, leaving his two daughters, Marta and Carlotta, to carry on producing some of the most perfumed, soulful, long-lasting Barolo in existence. And before there was Beppe, who took over the estate in 1993, there was another Giuseppe (Beppe’s grandfather, for whom he was named), who started the whole shebang way back in the 1920s. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eWell-stored and still quite full of life, this ’70 is a “bucket list” wine experience (especially if it happens to be your birth year). It’s hard to do justice in words to the riot of aromas and flavors this wine throws at you as it takes on air: dried cherry, orange peel, leather, tobacco, potpourri, smoke, tar, rose petals…the list goes on and on. Rather than decanting this, stand the bottle upright several days before serving. Gently extract the cork (a Durand opener may be required) and pour gently, as if decanting the wine into your glass. Drink now!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40733046145078,"sku":"IS2201-GRINALDI70-750","price":1150.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/products\/cb9488b431f4baf8d72084808a1e83a8.jpg?v=1686588457"},{"product_id":"is2201-gmasc64-750","title":"Giuseppe Mascarello e Figlio Barolo","description":"\u003cp _msthash=\"357136\" _msttexthash=\"746473\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40733046374454,"sku":"IS2201-GMASC64-750","price":855.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/products\/f577a8d3ae85f8a23427838b63aebb3c.jpg?v=1686588437"},{"product_id":"is2112-voerziofoss15-750","title":"Roberto Voerzio, Barolo 'Fossati Case Nere'","description":"\u003cp\u003eTo hardcore Barolo fans, Roberto Voerzio is known as one of the “Barolo Boys,” an infamous cadre of producers who looked beyond the boundaries of their home region for inspiration and created a “new” style of Barolo wine that wasn’t exactly welcomed by the Old Guard. But it’s been more than 30 years since Voerzio and his contemporaries (Elio Altare; Giorgio Rivetti) first shook up the scene, so you might say that they’re the Old Guard now—or, at the very least, the Old Guard within the “modernist” wing of the Barolo party.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat we have now, after several decades, is irrefutable evidence that Voerzio and his fellow travelers were on to something: by severely restricting yields of his late-ripening Nebbiolo grapes, then fermenting\/aging their wines in newer, cleaner vessels, they brought international acclaim to the tiny, insular Barolo region. Voerzio’s Barolos are known for their polish, their concentration, and yes, their longevity, however tantalizing they can be when just released. They are also nearly impossible for us to offer on SommSelect, thanks to limited quantities and overwhelming demand among serious collectors. We managed to eke out enough of this 2015, from the acclaimed “Rocche dell’Annunziata” vineyard, to put out on the airwaves, but it’ll be gone in an instant. The combination of vintage, vineyard, and producer here is the stuff of legend: If you’re quick, you can take up to two bottles until our stock disappears.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Voerzio name is synonymous with the village of La Morra and its most prized single vineyard sites, including not just “Rocche dell’Annunziata” but “Brunate,” “Cerequio,” “La Serra,” and “Torriglione.” Roberto Voerzio grew up in a family of \u003cem\u003evignaioli\u003c\/em\u003e and worked at first alongside his brother, Gianni, before they decided to go their own ways in the 1980s. Like his fellow “Barolo Boys,” one of the things Roberto became famous for was severely restricting yields to produce more concentrated fruit (“green harvesting” was frowned upon back then, to the point where many vineyard workers refused to do it). Aging in newer, smaller barrels (often French oak \u003cem\u003ebarriques\u003c\/em\u003e, although that has evolved over time) resulted in more deeply colored wines with lots of sweet spice layered over the earthy, gamey notes Nebbiolo is famous for. The village of La Morra is known for some of the Barolo region’s most delicate styles (“delicate” being somewhat relative when it comes to the high-tannin, high-alcohol Nebbiolo grape), but Voerzio’s wines have tended to break that mold: These are long-aging powerhouses that really don’t start showing their true colors until they’ve had a good five years of bottle age.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs we’ve noted repeatedly in Barolo offers over the past few years, 2015 was a warm, generous vintage in Barolo, but it wasn’t as hot as other parts of Europe. Critic Antonio Galloni observed that the 2015s “…don’t have the intense warm-vintage profile of wines from years such as 2003, 2007 or 2011,” which is a good way to describe Voerzio’s 2015—if anything, it’s still a rigid, densely packed, youthful wine.  Like most of the best vineyards in the commune of La Morra, the Rocche dell’Annunziata cru faces southeast, a “morning” exposure that allows for optimal ripeness and, relatively speaking, approachability. This 2015 was fermented on ambient yeasts in stainless steel, after which it aged 24 months in a mix of used French oak \u003cem\u003ebarriques\u003c\/em\u003e and 20-hectoliter Slavonian oak \u003cem\u003ebotti\u003c\/em\u003e. It was returned to tank for eight month before bottling, then aged eight more months in bottle before its initial release.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt may still be a little early for this ’15, but then again, life is short: Decant it at least an hour before serving at 60 degrees in your best Burgundy stems and you’re in for a long, ever-evolving thrill ride. The oak and tannins are both nicely integrated already, although there’s still more knitting together to come: In the glass, it’s a deep ruby moving to garnet and a hint of orange at the rim, with a nicely perfumed nose of wild black and red berries, brandied cherries, spiced plum, rose petal, cocoa, vanilla bean, and tobacco. It is full-bodied and dense, unfolding in layers and in need of food to tame it and bring out its best. This is a wine for which the traditional \u003cem\u003eBrasato al Barolo\u003c\/em\u003e (basically Piedmontese pot roast) is a necessity. If you manage two bottles today, I’d say enjoy one soon and forget the other one for at least five years, and preferably ten. This is epic stuff. Enjoy!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40733046538294,"sku":"IS2112-VOERZIOFOSS15-750","price":299.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/products\/d5e0958a52c09215cdb12088ae653763.jpg?v=1686588446"},{"product_id":"is2201-grinaldi67-750","title":"Giuseppe Rinaldi, Barolo","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe provocative, staunchly traditionalist Giuseppe “Beppe” Rinaldi—the modern face of this historic Barolo property—passed away in 2018, leaving his two daughters, Marta and Carlotta, to carry on producing some of the most perfumed, soulful, long-lasting Barolo in existence. And before there was Beppe, who took over the estate in 1993, there was another Giuseppe (Beppe’s grandfather, for whom he was named), who started the whole shebang way back in the 1920s. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis ’67 is a beautifully preserved piece of history, exhibiting a healthy color for a wine of this age and the incredibly complex perfume aged Nebbiolo is so famous for. A special-occasion wine for those who crave the best of the best. Rather than decanting this, stand the bottle upright several days before serving. Gently extract the cork (a Durand opener may be required) and pour gently, as if decanting the wine into your glass. Drink now!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40733046603830,"sku":"IS2201-GRINALDI67-750","price":1050.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/products\/e2050a2deec1a4204bc8a8d6bbdd5e3b.jpg?v=1686588484"},{"product_id":"is2203-gmax18-750","title":"Weingut Keller G-Max Riesling Trocken","description":"\u003cp\u003eA dry Riesling with immense energy and depth with its youthful nose that plays off pink grapefruit, citrus rind, and roasted lemongrass. Smoky and racy on the mid-palate leaves your mouth cleansed and dry wanting more. Still an infant with the ability to lay down for another 10 to 15 years\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40733048012854,"sku":"IS2203-GMAX18-750","price":2150.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/products\/97c49d169e1f970f0300f322b81b7d65.jpg?v=1686587883"},{"product_id":"somm2304-erz15chdk-750","title":"Errazuriz, Viñedo Chadwick","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe most premium label under the Errázuriz estate—and all of Chile—Viñedo Chadwick is named in homage to Eduardo’s father, Alfonso Chadwick Errázuriz. However, the story behind Viñedo Chadwick is not steeped in centuries of winemaking history or a hallowed, time-honored terroir: It’s a contemporary success through and through focused on expert farming, precise harvesting, and master craftsmanship in the cellar. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn 1945, Alfonso, among Chilé’s most accomplished polo players, built a pitch on his estate grounds while also laying out a vision for a new winery. Decades of success followed before his son assumed control, and in the early 1990s, Eduardo made his boldest move yet by converting the family’s polo field into a vineyard that now serves as the sole source for today’s epic wine. Clearly, Eduardo Chadwick’s ambitious project has paid off. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn 2015, fermentation occurred in small stainless steel tanks with thrice-daily pump-overs. Upon completion, the resulting wine was transferred into French barrels (73% new) and a smaller portion into used Stockinger \u003cem\u003efoudres\u003c\/em\u003e. After 22 months of maturation, the wine was blended and bottled. While this vintage was scored one point shy from perfection, it’s yet another radiant example of Cabernet Sauvignon in its most premium and elegant form, and at eight years old, it’s beginning to enter its prime drinking years.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40733048700982,"sku":"SOMM2304-ERZ15CHDK-750","price":399.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/products\/c28a9692a1681bf68f346c04db57d7f6.jpg?v=1686587985"},{"product_id":"somm2304-erz17chdk-750","title":"Errazuriz, Viñedo Chadwick","description":"\u003cp\u003e“100 Point Wine.” What are you visualizing? I’m sure it’s iconic Brunello and Super Tuscan producers; Cult Napa in the realm of the Harlan-Bond-Promontory triumvirate; Northern Rhône labels such as Guigal’s “La Las” and Chave’s L’Hermitage; and certainly Bordeaux titans like Margaux, Lafite, Pétrus, and Cheval Blanc. In essence, all members of this highly exclusive and exalted club are considered the créme de la créme of luxury wine in the eyes of critics. Conversely, I know what you’re not visualizing: Chilean wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eSo what if I told you the sleeping giant that is Viñedo Chadwick has routinely bested First Growths in blind tastings (more on that below) and is the proud owner of multiple 100-pointers, including today’s heavenly 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon? We know it’s priced beyond the reach of most casual drinkers, but the rare opportunity to offer a perfect-scoring white whale, from such an unlikely place, could not be ignored. There is very little to go around—I can hold our entire parcel with two hands—and much more to say about the wine, so I suggest securing a precious bottle or two and coming back to read the extraordinary story behind this flawless, First-Growth-toppling Cabernet. Complimentary shipping on one bottle. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBONUS:\u003c\/strong\u003e Because we enjoyed a private vertical tasting courtesy of Michel Couttolenc, we can also part with a single bottle of Viñedo Chadwick’s 2015 release. \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/sommselect.com\/product\/detail\/SOMM2304-ERZ15CHDK-750\/\"\u003eAvailable here.\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003c\/em\u003eIn 2004, a single Berlin event changed the landscape of luxury wine forever, and I’d wager only a few of you are even aware it happened. Co-hosted by Steven Spurrier, of 1976’s \u003cem\u003eJudgment of Paris\u003c\/em\u003e fame, three dozen of Europe’s finest palates blind tasted an embarrassment of Cabernet-based riches from the 2000\/01 vintages with one objective in mind—single out the best bottle. Here are a few labels that were in attendance: \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eLafite 2000 | Margaux 2000 | Margaux 2001 | Latour 2000 | Latour 2001 | Solaia 2000\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs the results were announced from lowest rank to best, a stunned and perhaps nervous silence filled the room before a frenetic roar of applause: Coming in at first place was Errázuriz’s “Viñedo Chadwick,” a Chilean Cabernet enjoying just its second-ever release. ¡Increíble!\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eOver the next decade, proprietor Eduardo Chadwick held no less than 20 blind tastings to see how his First Growth-toppler matured against the competition. Time and again, it continued coming out on top. During these years, the startling results were disseminated throughout the wine industry, yet the airwaves still remained relatively unclogged. And then, in 2016, Viñedo Chadwick earned its golden stripes when James Suckling called the ’14 release “the La Mission Haut Brion of Chile” and awarded it a perfect triple-digit score, a first for Viñedo Chadwick and the country as a whole. Further adding to the fame, Eduardo went on to become \u003cem\u003eDecanter Magazine’s\u003c\/em\u003e “Man of the Year” in 2018, and Robert Parker’s \u003cem\u003eWine Advocate\u003c\/em\u003e awarded his estate “Best Chilean Winery” in 2017. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe most premium label under the Errázuriz estate—and all of Chile—Viñedo Chadwick is named in homage to Eduardo’s father, Alfonso Chadwick Errázuriz. However, the story behind Viñedo Chadwick is not steeped in centuries of winemaking history or a hallowed, time-honored terroir: It’s a contemporary success through and through focused on expert farming, precise harvesting, and master craftsmanship in the cellar. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn 1945, Alfonso, among Chile’s most accomplished polo players, built a pitch on his estate grounds while also laying out a vision for a new winery. Decades of success followed before his son assumed control, and in the early 1990s, Eduardo made his boldest move yet by converting the family’s polo field into a vineyard that now serves as the sole source for today’s epic wine. Clearly, Eduardo Chadwick’s ambitious project has paid off. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe vineyard today spans 15 hectares that are perched at over 2,100 feet of altitude. In 2017, the grapes were harvested a full month earlier than the year prior, yields were halved, and the crop was double-sorted at the cellar. In other words, what little fruit emerged was among the most precious and balanced they’d ever harvested. Fermentation occurred in a combination of stainless steel and concrete tanks with thrice-daily pump-overs. Upon completion, 80% of the resulting wine was transferred into brand new French barrels with the remainder being fed into used Stockinger \u003cem\u003efoudres\u003c\/em\u003e. After 22 months of maturation, it was meticulously blended and bottled.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhile today’s 2017 did in fact receive a coveted “100 point” review, we didn’t let it cloud our judgment: We tasted four vintages, 2015-2018, and the perfect scoring wine wasn’t revealed until after we’d selected a favorite. Two of us chose 2017, and the other chose 2015 (which is also being offered here). Truly, it’s impossible not to get wrapped up in its beauty. If you think you know Chilean Cabernet, I simply must disagree if this wine has never graced your lips. What cannot be overlooked or overstated is the elegance, balance, and brilliant savor of this red—and the fact that it clocks in at just 13.5% alcohol! It is a complete, exceedingly polished Cabernet Sauvignon that is in perfect harmony…full of deep, silky layers that stretch and last for 30 seconds. It’s a seductive, graceful smoke show that’ll easily cellar for 15+ years, and likely keep taking down First Growths and Super Tuscans along the way!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40733048733750,"sku":"SOMM2304-ERZ17CHDK-750","price":399.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/products\/3fed3d9350462fe81880f74d6442b80a.jpg?v=1686587954"},{"product_id":"is2112-unico09-750","title":"Bodegas, Vega Sicilia 'Unico'","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe 2009 Unico has had plenty of time to develop with over six years of barrel and bottle aging behind it. The result is a harmoniously blend of elegance, power, and refinement. The 2017 dishes out powerful mineral-laced blackberry, blueberry, and a dark cherry note that is complemented by vanilla, wood smoke, incense, violet pastille, and espresso seasoning. Let this effort open in the glass or decanter for 60 to 90 minutes before diving in. Built to cellar for multiple decades. This blue chip deserves to be in your cellar!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40733048864822,"sku":"IS2112-UNICO09-750","price":480.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/products\/5e41e4c3542ec2a6c88d90f81283a478.jpg?v=1686588017"},{"product_id":"is2201-chb97pscfg-750","title":"Château Haut-Brion, Pessac-Léognan First Growth","description":"","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40733049716790,"sku":"IS2201-CHB97PSCFG-750","price":575.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/products\/665047e9b25f50f1e7b995a54914ab7d.jpg?v=1686587902"},{"product_id":"is2210-ausone04-1500","title":"Chateau Ausone, Saint-Emilion MAGNUM","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis Bordeaux Blue Chip will bolster any serious collector's collection, especially in magnum format. With nearly 20 years of beauty sleep, this bottling is poised for immediate enjoyment with a 60-minute decant or cellar it away for another decade. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlong with Château Cheval-Blanc, Ausone is at the pinnacle of St-Émilion’s quality hierarchy and is regularly included with the Left Bank’s five “First Growths” in most experts’ rankings of the very best wines in all of Bordeaux. Further, with just seven hectares of vines on the limestone plateau of St-Émilion, Ausone is considerably smaller than most of the Bordeaux élite—a jewel-box property of similar scale to the boutique Le Pin in neighboring Pomerol.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40733049815094,"sku":"IS2210-AUSONE04-1500","price":1269.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/products\/0ac345879e14544f11f15359f569c520.jpg?v=1686587833"},{"product_id":"somm2210-guigal13exvoto-750","title":"E. Guigal, “Ex-Voto” Ermitage Rouge","description":"\u003cp\u003eWhen first learning about Rhône Valley producers, two of the most venerated are Guigal and Chapoutier. Both are family-run enterprises that purchase fruit from the valley’s greatest appellations while also maintaining their own enviable collection of vineyards. Guigal is largely synonymous with the Northern Rhône, specifically Côte-Rôtie (and their legendary “La La” trio), because their founder Etienne Guigal buried his roots here in 1924 and subsequently produced an astounding 67 vintages. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo generations have passed since then, and each has added to the empire’s fame: First, it was the acquisition of Vidal-Fleury, followed by the historic Château d’Ampuis, then Domaines Jean-Louis Grippat and de Vallouit. More recently, there have been several other property investments too, but today we’re focused on Grippat and de Vallouit in 2001. These new additions came with vine real estate on the fabled hill of Hermitage, which fulfilled a lifelong dream for the Guigals. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Guigal family now own vines ranging from 40-90 years old in the storied lieux-dits of “Les Murets,” “L’Hermite,” “Bessards,” and “Greffieux.” Their parcels are on steep slopes with soils ranging from gravel to sandy loam to Hermitage’s classic granite. In the cellar, fermentation and routine pump-overs for today’s 2012 “Ex-Voto” occurred in temp-controlled stainless steel tanks. Then, the wine matured 42 months in new, tight-grained French barrels. In fact, starting in 2003, the Guigals launched their very own in-house cooperage so most, if not all, of the barrels used for today’s 2012 were dried, built, and toasted by their own team! \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40733050011702,"sku":"SOMM2210-GUIGAL13EXVOTO-750","price":290.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/products\/82e0b31636de3cc75477d0546c3ef8bb.jpg?v=1686587822"},{"product_id":"is2203-rys10cdpblnc-750","title":"Château Rayas, Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc","description":"\u003cp\u003eLovers of Rhône Valley whites—you know who you are—need to jump on this 2010, which critic Robert Park called the greatest white Rayas made since 1990. A luxuriously textured blend of Grenache Blanc and Clairette, this is an explosive mélange of white peach, tropical fruits, orange oil, white flowers, and wet stones. Despite its palate-coating viscosity, there's also an amazing backbone of freshness and minerality. An amazing white wine, as one would expect from such a storied estate.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eIndeed, it’s difficult to produce a “capsule” review of Rayas, given the historical importance of the estate and the consistent excellence of its wines, but its importer, Martine’s Wines, did as good a job as we’ve seen. Here’s how they describe it:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe spirit of Jacques Reynaud, the godfather of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, is always present at the storied estate of Château Rayas. When this legendary founder died suddenly in 1997, his wife asked their nephew, Emmanuel Reynaud, to take the reins at both Château Rayas and Château de Fonsalette. Already making wines at his father’s Château des Tours, Emmanuel agreed.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSomewhat reclusive and to be found working his vineyards at most any time of day, every day, Emmanuel does not revel in the fame and notoriety that come with making such sought-after and acclaimed wines. Instead, he continues to quietly but successfully carry the mantle of his famous forebears, producing hauntingly aromatic wines at his three estates: Château Rayas, Château des Tours, and Château de Fonsalette.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRayas is a secluded estate northeast of the village, not far from Courthézon. It is unusual because its 13 hectares of vines are north facing and contain none of the fabled round pebbles (galets roulés), and the vineyard is surrounded by forest. During vinification, each varietal of every vineyard is fermented separately in oak casks, with assemblage taking place in enamel-lined tanks before bottling. Fermentation begins naturally with no inoculation of yeasts in 80-100-year-old foudres. “These foudres were around when my grandfather was alive, and he bought them secondhand,” says Emmanuel.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThere is a clear through-line in all the wines produced by Emmanuel — a unique weighty, aromatic, complex, and savory signature of all the wines that places them among the most well-regarded, sought-after bottles of the appellation.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40733050044470,"sku":"IS2203-RYS10CDPBLNC-750","price":899.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/products\/17a5e92e9590cffc7c119ca2b02b1a1d.jpg?v=1686588003"},{"product_id":"somm2203-guig94crmln-750","title":"E. Guigal, Côte-Rôtie La Mouline","description":"","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40733050110006,"sku":"SOMM2203-GUIG94CRMLN-750","price":385.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/products\/463cea44dee20516c0ef6a38d7b05ce0.jpg?v=1686588833"},{"product_id":"is2108-lrx16bmgc-1500","title":"Benjamin Leroux, Bonnes Mares Grand Cru MAGNUM","description":"","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40733050404918,"sku":"IS2108-LRX16BMGC-1500","price":799.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/products\/61ab6f8040e6104687956cc28acaf28c.jpg?v=1686588883"},{"product_id":"is2110-voguemus19-750","title":"2019 Domaine Comte Georges de Vogüé, Musigny Grand Cru","description":"\u003cdiv\u003eDomaine Comte Georges de Vogüé's Musigny Grand Cru is incredibly distinctive—in some eyes the pinnacle of Pinot Noir. Burgundy authority Clive Coates describes it as both complete and profound but never heavy. The 2018 will go down as one of the greatest Vogüé Musigny bottlings in the modern era. It’s about power, precision and sheer complexity. Ethereal aromas of crushed black and blue fruit interlaced with minerals and asian spice seasoning. The palate brings on brambly  of black plum, boysenberry, blueberry and black currants. Hints of black tea, orange blossom and sea spray add to the complexity. The bone-dry finish last for two to three minutes with depth, precision and tension all wrapped into one. This deserves 15-30 years of beauty rest in the cellar. This will bolster any serious Burgundy collection. \u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40733050503222,"sku":"IS2110-VOGUEMUS19-750","price":899.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/products\/ffe5852605317ee1a41bb5054d3b377c.jpg?v=1686588875"},{"product_id":"is2112-labetcv10-750","title":"Labet \u0026 Dechelette Chateau de La Tour Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru","description":"","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40733050535990,"sku":"IS2112-LABETCV10-750","price":355.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/products\/f650dbbbfe7445ac568f617a6652eac0.jpg?v=1686588878"},{"product_id":"somm2202-dgtpy19mzygc-750","title":"Dugat-Py, Mazoyères-Chambertin Grand Cru 2019","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe celebrated estate of Dugat-Py, located at the base of the Combe de Lavaux in Gevrey-Chambertin, has been producing world-class wines for decades. While the exterior of the house impresses with its mid-16th century architecture, it is the aging cellar that is truly spectacular. The cellar, or L'Aumônerie, is essentially a small abbey that was built by the Diocese of Dijon in the 11th century — making it the oldest cellar in Burgundy today.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 2019 Mazoyères is a masterful example of how incredible Pinot can be. It's seamless and refined with nuances of incense, orange rind, raspberries, and rose petals.. Firm tannins and cleansing acidity will allow this bottling to slumber in the cellar for another 15 to 20 years. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40733050568758,"sku":"SOMM2202-DGTPY19MZYGC-750","price":515.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/products\/1cb0b609cd55b8d8ff17840364ef4801.jpg?v=1686588879"},{"product_id":"is2210-remo69cmchar-750","title":"Remoissenet Père et Fils, Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Charmes","description":"","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40733050601526,"sku":"IS2210-REMO69CMCHAR-750","price":1050.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/products\/7806340423028b93cbe475faf03bafcb.jpg?v=1686588881"},{"product_id":"somm2207-grosf19riche-750","title":"Domaine Gros Frère et Soeur, Richebourg Grand Cru","description":"\u003cp\u003eDo you know why, when it comes to legendary Richebourg, we only offer Domaine Gros Frère? Sure, it’s the extreme totality of Pinot Noir and one of the world’s most fiercely coveted cellar magnets, but it’s also a tremendous luxury that’s currently enjoying one of wine’s most jaw-dropping ROIs. In the span of five vintages, the price of Gros Frère’s Grand Cru Richebourg has increased by 70%, and still, it’s the greatest pound-for-pound value by a country mile.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eLet’s dive deeper. This hallowed site, shared by an all-star cast, is world renown for producing some of the most complex, perfumed, and intoxicating “pipe dream” Pinot Noirs. For die-hard Burgundy collectors, just hearing “Richebourg” conjures images of liquid gold, but one must be mentally and financially prepared for the competition’s obscene sticker shock: $1,000 for A.F. Gros; $1,800 for Hudelot-Noellat and Pierre Girardin; $2,000 for Jean Grivot; $3,400 for Méo-Camuzet; “ungodly” for DRC. That’s why I constantly return to Gros Frère, one of my personal favorite Burgundy addresses. Theirs is the standout value of the bunch, coolly topping all others in terms of price-to-quality. And while it’s certainly the antithesis of affordable, this elite 2019 release will undoubtedly be among the top cellar investments we can hope to feature. 1-3 bottles per person. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBONUS\u003c\/strong\u003e: For those who want to experience a Gros Frère Grand Cru for \u003cu\u003enearly three times less\u003c\/u\u003e, we also have a literal handful of their 2019 “Clos de Vougeot.” \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.sommselect.com\/product\/detail\/SOMM2207-GROS19VOUG-750\/\"\u003eSecure 1-2 bottles here\u003c\/a\u003e. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eWarning: A complicated family tree lies ahead. The Gros family arrived in Vosne-Romanée in the 1830s and subsequently launched a winemaking dynasty in Burgundy. Gros Frère et Soeur was formed in 1963 when brother and sister (frère et soeur) Gustave and Colette combined their land inheritance after their father’s holdings from Domaine Gros-Renaudot were split amongst his sons and daughters. A further subdivision occurred when Gustave and Colette’s brother, Jean Gros, divvied up his parcels between his own offspring, Michel Gros, Anne-Françoise Gros (not to be confused with famed Anne Gros, who is their cousin), and Bernard Gros. Instead of forming his own domaine, Bernard Gros took over for Uncle Gustave at Gros Frère et Soeur when he passed away in 1984. Bernard now represents the sixth generation of Gros winemakers. Today, his son Vincent works alongside him. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eRichebourg is divided into two lieux-dits, “Le Richebourg” and “Véroilles,” with Bernard and Vincent’s 1.7-acre parcel lying in the latter. Soils are the classic limestone-clay blend and Gros Frère et Soeur farms according to lutte raisonnée principles. They also drastically restrict yields and pruning is done to an almost neurotic extent in order to achieve the greatest levels of ripeness and concentration. In the winery, de-stemmed grapes ferment in stainless steel vats, and the resulting wine ages in 100% new French oak for roughly 16 months. It is always bottled unfiltered and allowed further rest in the cellar before release. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs some of you may know, since 2016, we simply are not allowed\/able to taste these wines: they are too allocated, too expensive. As I’ve said with every Richebourg release we’ve offered, I strongly suggest cellaring this as long as humanly possible because the more patient you are, the better it’ll be. However, the profundity and generosity of youthful Gros Frère Richebourg has always blown me away, and I expect the same for the hot and sunny 2019 growing season: “a lovely but tiny vintage,” says Bernard Gros. This should be sweet music for those who simply cannot resist the urge to open one of these Grand Cru beauties soon. If you do decide to open one within the next few years, please decant for no less than two hours before pouring into bulbous Burgundy stems around 60 degrees. Furthermore, make your bottle stretch throughout an entire evening, ideally saving some for day two. This is the peak of Pinot Noir peak, folks: Age lengthily, open sparingly, and savor slowly. Cheers. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40733050634294,"sku":"SOMM2207-GROSF19RICHE-750","price":675.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/products\/ec47853d9142799ac6bab3b0cf4cb183.jpg?v=1686587896"},{"product_id":"is2006-sprgmtn79-750","title":"Spring Mountain Vineyard, Estate Cabernet Sauvignon","description":"\u003cp\u003eProduced by a time-tested and globally respected Napa Valley winery, Spring Mountain’s 41-year-old Cabernet Sauvignon has never moved, and each bottle sports a pristine vintage label that was hand-applied three decades ago, essentially making today’s rarity an\u003cbr\u003eexquisite piece of art that can be touched, opened, and enjoyed—especially enjoyed. We were astonished by its vibrant, youthful garnet core. While it may look like an antique on paper, it’s anything but in the glass. The palate suggests dried black and blue fruits with licorice, crushed volcanic rock, worked leather, old cedar box, and cigar ash. Like a fine well-aged Left-Bank Bordeaux, this effort showcases lengthy fine-grained tannins that finishes\u003cbr\u003eelegantly bone-dry. Leave upright for a full day stored at cellar temperature. Decant for sediment. 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Richebourg exists in the top .01%, and that extends beyond Grand Cru Burgundy: This is the extreme totality of Pinot Noir, the be-all and end-all of vinous luxury, and one of the world’s most fiercely coveted cellar magnets. This hallowed vineyard site, shared by an all-star cast of legendary domaines, is world renown for producing some of the most complex, perfumed, deeply mineral, and shockingly desirable\/unobtainable wines on the planet.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis 1953 Richebourg direct from the domaine is a revelation in Burgundy collecting!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40733051224118,"sku":"IS2210-REMO53RICHE-750","price":2900.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/products\/237519a81cb20fe7e53c379a0162852a.jpg?v=1686588966"},{"product_id":"is2210-remo67vol-750","title":"Remoissenet Père et Fils, Volnay","description":"\u003cp\u003eRemoissenet’s antique cellar collection takes “mature Burgundy” and “flawless provenance” to the highest, most literal level. This perfectly preserved 1953 Grand Cru still rests in their cold cellar beneath the cobblestone streets of Beaune.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis 1967 Volnay direct from the domaine is a revelation in Burgundy collecting! It’s five decades of beauty sleep and still has some youthful vigor: That’s what perfect storage, a top vineyard, and a legendary Burgundian domaine will get you!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40733051289654,"sku":"IS2210-REMO67VOL-750","price":345.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/products\/2d6032eb3ab291e24b4996d0d6ce8ff5.jpg?v=1686588960"},{"product_id":"is2210-remo566vol-750","title":"Remoissenet Père et Fils, Volnay","description":"\u003cp\u003eRemoissenet’s antique cellar collection takes “mature Burgundy” and “flawless provenance” to the highest, most literal level. This perfectly preserved 1953 Grand Cru still rests in their cold cellar beneath the cobblestone streets of Beaune.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis 1966 Volnay direct from the domaine is a revelation in Burgundy collecting!\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn the glass, slow-churning waves of red and black cherry, wild strawberry, hibiscus, damp violet, and Damson plum are coaxed out with ample air, all of which are propped up on a soft bed of crushed stone, iron, moss, baking spice, and aged tea leaf. The palate is medium-bodied and wonderfully graceful with a delicate profundity that’s present in every sip. This still has energy and lift after multiple decades of aging in the cellar.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40733051453494,"sku":"IS2210-REMO566VOL-750","price":385.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/products\/069b4794dc819f61e32059eec8f42393.jpg?v=1686588949"},{"product_id":"is2209-arl20chamgc-750","title":"Domaine Arlaud, Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru","description":"\u003cp\u003eCharmes-Chambertin produces perhaps the most elegant wines of Gevrey-Chambertin’s Grand Cru vineyards, and Domaine Arlaud’s sliver of it is particularly choice: it sits at the highest section of the ‘Mazoyères’ portion of Charmes, just across the road from the start of the Latricières portion (more specifically still, Domaine Leroy’s piece of Latricières, from which they make a wine costing $1,500-$2,000 a bottle, if you can find it). The Arlaud vines on Charmes-Chambertin are divided into three parts—one section of 80+-year-old vines; one of 50+-year-old vines; and one of 25+-year-old vines—which are vinified separately. The wine is aged in only 30% new barrels and typically incorporates around 30% whole grape clusters in the fermentation, depending on the vintage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the glass, the 2020 is a brilliant ruby-red with violet reflections, with highly perfumed aromas of wild strawberries; black raspberries; rose petals; white pepper; and that ‘sous bois’ forest-floor\/undergrowth note that outs it as top-flight red Burgundy. It starts out with glycerol-rich, perfumed, sweet red fruit, utterly delicious and charming, then firms up with some silty Gevrey tannin and crushed-stone minerality. Medium-plus in body and boasting a long, penetratingly aromatic finish, this is quite drinkable in its youth. Even after just a half-hour open we were amazed by its silken generosity, and I can only imagine how mind-blowing it’ll be 5-7 years from now.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40733051519030,"sku":"IS2209-ARL20CHAMGC-750","price":299.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/products\/cfd8c8f2803e0711317fcefce25824af.jpg?v=1686588956"},{"product_id":"is2111-arlbm19-750","title":"Domaine Arlaud, Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru","description":"\u003cp\u003eDomaine Arlaud began with the WWII-era marriage of Joseph Arlaud to Renée Amiot, whose family owned several prime Burgundy vineyards, including pieces of the Clos St. Denis and Bonnes Mares Grand Crus. Joseph’s son Hervé followed, expanding the domaine’s holdings further, then in 1997 it was Hervé’s son Cyprien’s turn to run the show. Perhaps the hallmark achievement of Cyprien’s tenure has been his conversion of the domaine to biodynamic farming (certified in 2014). His cherished vineyards are ploughed by horse, and as one of Arlaud’s importers has noted, Cyprien’s sister, Bertille, has become “one of the most important horse-ploughers in France.” This Grand Cru 2019 is a magnificent expression of Pinot Noir from a single acre of biodynamically farmed vines. Arlaud is a rising-star producer who delivers precision and perfume from the top to the bottom of his extensive lineup.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40733051584566,"sku":"IS2111-ARLBM19-750","price":525.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/products\/63e7d8e08dd21f192c8f497f0596cb91.jpg?v=1686588953"},{"product_id":"is2010-lefpmclav18-750","title":"Domaine Leflaive, Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru, Clavoillon","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe white Burgundies of Domaine Leflaive have achieved mythical status; they exist largely in the abstract for most wine lovers. Even those with the resources and access required to drink these wines don’t typically get to do so as often as they’d like, given the worldwide demand for them. I consider myself extremely lucky to have enjoyed my share of Leflaive over the years, and yet I’ve never been able to share a bottle with SommSelect subscribers—until today.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40733051715638,"sku":"IS2010-LEFPMCLAV18-750","price":299.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/products\/b7aeaf0bab0df1d867a05ed3a0d39ee5.jpg?v=1686589001"},{"product_id":"is2205-pycmmp10-750","title":"Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey, Meursault Perrieres 1er Cru","description":"","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40733051912246,"sku":"IS2205-PYCMMP10-750","price":890.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/products\/c0633f174316ef405489e777400b3743.jpg?v=1686589052"},{"product_id":"is2205-ramruch08-750","title":"Jean-Claude Ramonet, Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Ruchottes","description":"","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40733052010550,"sku":"IS2205-RAMRUCH08-750","price":815.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/products\/5c53ab22f32bf7bc52d78f6b92b27914.jpg?v=1686589030"},{"product_id":"is2204-carm02pmdepnx-750","title":"Domaine Comte Armand, Pommard 'Clos des Epeneaux' Monpole","description":"","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40733052207158,"sku":"IS2204-CARM02PMDEPNX-750","price":290.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/products\/fa7949c0374068ca032c95906d01c830.jpg?v=1686589046"},{"product_id":"is1908-rpf78vlcdc-750","title":"Remoissenet Père et Fils, Volnay 1er Cru, “Clos des Chênes”","description":"\u003cp\u003eWe’ve regaled you many times over with tales of our visits to Remoissenet Père et Fils, the historic Burgundy négociant house in Beaune—and, more specifically, to its snaking network of caves filled with the kinds of rare treasures that make collectors swoon. Touring these cellars with charismatic cellar master Bernard Répolt is more than a little Wonka-esque, with stunning surprises around every corner.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e“Oh, look, there’s a perfectly preserved cache of Grand Cru wine from my birth year” is a refrain you might hear. And there isn’t a top cru in all of Burgundy that isn’t represented down here. Our latest direct-from-the-cellar acquisition from Remoissenet is today’s Volnay from the acclaimed “Clos des Chênes” Premier Cru—a vineyard typically listed among the best of Burgundy. Then there’s the 1978 vintage, most definitely “the” vintage of the decade for ageworthy reds. This is a big-deal, big-event wine that needs only a short period of rest in your cellar before you find an appropriately grand event for its unveiling. After we tasted this in Beaune a few months back we ordered all we could (not much), and the wine has just arrived. We can only parcel out a single bottle each to our most devoted Burgundy buyers, but it’s a single—and singular—bottle well-worth snatching up. It delivers on every level, I can assure you!\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eThis is the latest in a string of hand-picked rarities we’ve offered from Remoissenet, which has been enjoying a modern renaissance since its acquisition by a new ownership group in 2005. Along with Répolt, the team includes longtime journalist-turned-GM Pierre Rovani and winemaker Claudie Jobard, who’ve re-established the property as a quality leader primarily through investments in vineyards and farming (Remoissenet-owned vineyards are farmed biodynamically, and all contact growers are now more closely managed with an eye toward sustainability). They are, like many of their modern contemporaries, re-defining what it means to be a \u003cem\u003e‘négociant’ \u003c\/em\u003ein Burgundy: Most people think of them as ‘merchant-bottlers’ purchasing either grapes or wine from other growers and putting them out under their own label. But the best négociants of the modern era are much more hands-on than that, managing the process carefully at every step by focusing heavily on sustainable farming and wines from estate-owned vineyards.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eBut the other distinguishing feature of Remoissenet is its museum-quality collection of back-vintage bottlings, which is stunning in its breadth and geographic reach. Especially in the Côte de Beaune, there isn’t a great vineyard this house hasn’t worked with, and of course “Clos des Chênes” is one of the great vineyards of not just Volnay but of the entire region. Situated at the southwest end of Volnay near the border with Monthélie, Clos des Chênes is often mentioned alongside the “Taillepieds” Premier Cru as producing perhaps the most seductive and elegant wines in the appellation. And in a vintage like 1978, consider by most lovers of mature red Burgundy as an “it” vintage, Clos des Chênes blew us away.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eIndeed, whether you’re a relative novice or a seasoned Burghound, what this perfectly sound 1978 offers is a master class in the longevity of great red Burgundy. Hand-picked by Répolt from a cache of bottles that have never moved from Remoissenet’s cellars, our parcel was cleaned up, labeled, and sent directly to our temperature-controlled warehouse in Sonoma, California. The benefits of this impeccable storage are evident in the wine’s still-healthy color, which has evolved into a medium garnet-red moving to brick orange at the rim. It’s health and physical soundness is confirmed on the seductive nose and palate, where highly perfumed fruit aromas of dried black cherry, raspberry blossoms, and preserved wild strawberry meld with deeply savory notes of dried mushroom, beef bouillon, and damp underbrush. The aromas are exactly what one expects from a perfectly stored bottle from a top vineyard in a great vintage. The wine is rich and dense, the finish is long and soulful, and there is no drop-off whatsoever after extended time in the glass. It only seemed to gain strength over the few hours we drank it, which of course is the mark of a great mature wine. \u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eAlthough I believe it still has enough structure for further aging, your move with this wine should be to find a special occasion sometime over the next year or two to pull the cork. Stand the bottle upright in a cool place the day before opening and pull the cork about 15 minutes before service at 60 degrees in Burgundy stems. Do not decant, unless you quickly \u003ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/vinepair.com\/wine-blog\/what-is-double-decanting-and-should-i-care\/\"\u003edouble decant\u003c\/a\u003e (instructions in link) the wine back into the bottle to remove sediment; you do not want to lose the delicate aromas. If you pour slowly and gently, you should manage to avoid any intrusion of sediment until the very last ounce, so be careful not to pour it in your glass (unless you plan to floss afterwards). It will unfold and evolve over the course of a meal, which, if you’re feeling fancy, might well be your Thanksgiving dinner—or something resembling it, as in the attached recipe. It will make for the most special of special occasions. Cheers!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40733052600374,"sku":"IS1908-RPF78VLCDC-750","price":425.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/products\/1b16d4b7ee64c4f3422a3e297bd56af5.jpg?v=1686587831"},{"product_id":"is2210-marcassin13-750","title":"Marcassin 'Marcassin Vineyard' Pinot Noir","description":"","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40733052698678,"sku":"IS2210-MARCASSIN13-750","price":395.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/products\/b0d3247d831071ebc416c0cd96531b8f.jpg?v=1686587680"},{"product_id":"somm2206-leflv15cmntgc-750","title":"Domaine Leflaive, Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru","description":"","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40733053583414,"sku":"SOMM2206-LEFLV15CMNTGC-750","price":1850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/products\/195385228e939c9c8d531428e6846545.jpg?v=1686587917"},{"product_id":"is2201-ltr82plc-2-750","title":"Château Latour, Pauillac First Growth (Very Top Shoulder)","description":"","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40780040470582,"sku":"IS2201-LTR82PLC-2-750","price":2250.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}]},{"product_id":"is2112-remo66vnchvrt-750","title":"Remoissenet Père et Fils, Volnay 1er Cru 'Chevrets'","description":"","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40780041257014,"sku":"IS2112-REMO66VNCHVRT-750","price":450.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}]},{"product_id":"is2110-landonne09-750","title":"E. Guigal, Côte-Rôtie La Landonne","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe impact and influence of the Guigal family across the Rhône\u003cbr\u003eValley, France, and all the world of fine wine is so immense. Their wines are\u003cbr\u003ethe benchmarks for every Rhone appellation, especially their single-vineyard\u003cbr\u003eCôte-Rôties. Over the last forty years. they have become arguably the most\u003cbr\u003elauded producer in the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ch2\u003e“La Landonne” is a remarkable expression of\u003cbr\u003eterroir. Situated on one of the steepest vineyards in the appellation. It is\u003cbr\u003etypically the last vineyard to ripen in the area and this translates to\u003cbr\u003eexplosive power and dark fruited concentration. From a good vintage, the wine\u003cbr\u003ecan cellar beautifully for multiple decades. The 2009 release was near\u003cbr\u003eperfection. While some would say the 2010 is a collector’s wine, the 2009 is a\u003cbr\u003ewine lover’s wine. Massively concentrated with dark berry fruit, crushed\u003cbr\u003eviolets, smoke, and wild game take center stage. Allow 60 to 90 minutes of\u003cbr\u003eaeration to start to peel back the layers of this monumental Syrah. This\u003cbr\u003elibrary 2009 is in mint condition with perfect provenance with another 20 years\u003cbr\u003eof life to it. \u003c\/h2\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40780042731574,"sku":"IS2110-LANDONNE09-750","price":655.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}]},{"product_id":"somm2209-cont85boca-750","title":"Conti, Boca","description":"\u003cp\u003eRemember the 2018 Conti Boca offer from a month ago—when I said these spectacular and deeply stimulating Alpine Nebbiolos have the stuffing to age for decades? Well, today’s 1985 library release is the knee-weakening, distressingly limited proof. We only have a few dozen bottles to share, and while they’re most certainly categorized as “expensive,” they will have no problem matching up against \u003cu\u003eany\u003c\/u\u003e 30+-year-old Piedmont bottling.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor the uninitiated, a bottle of Boca Nebbiolo vinified at Conti remains some of the most expressive, infinitely intriguing, and limited wine in this resurgent corner of Italy—with a \u003cstrong\u003eheavy\u003c\/strong\u003e emphasis on limited. They only farm a few hectares of vines and I’ve personally seen the cramped confines of their tiny cellar, which makes it all the more shocking\/impressive that any of these ’85 beauties remain. Maximum of two bottles per person. I doubt we’ll ever lay eyes on these ancient library releases again… \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eNOTE: As always, provenance is guaranteed. This microscopic parcel left Conti’s cellar for the very first time earlier this year. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eOnce part of the epicenter of Nebbiolo production, the microscopic, high-altitude haven of Boca is one of the smallest wine regions of our times. It became largely abandoned after the Second World War and almost fell into complete oblivion by the ‘90s, but a few steadfast winemakers, Conti included, dug in their heels and persevered. Today, the region is in the middle of an explosive and deeply rewarding renaissance, yet the wines remain ridiculously hard to track down. The village of Boca is made up of only a handful of hectares split between a couple of dozen producers. Like Barolo 90 minutes to the south, the Nebbiolo grape reigns supreme here and soils are dominated by limestone and clay. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eHowever, there are some small details that set Boca, and especially the wines of the Conti family, apart from the pack. First, the blending varieties Vespolina and Uva Rara play a quiet but masterful supporting role behind Nebbiolo in today’s wine. Next, if you look closely while walking the Conti vineyards, you’ll notice some of the most exotic-looking soil ever planted to Nebbiolo. Their tiny holdings are full of porphyry and crystals held together by reddish sand and clay. The soil literally twinkles in the sunlight and its unique mineral composition is evident in every sip.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Conti sisters understand that such unique terroir and their combined years of perfecting organic and biodynamic practices (herbicides have never been introduced to their vines) means they need not fuss too much in the cellar. There is very little in the way of technology or modern gadgetry at Conti. The minuscule amount of juice produced from their vineyards is fermented in a stainless steel tank. There are twice-daily punch-downs during fermentation and after malolactic fermentation is complete, the wine is transferred to old, handmade, Slavonian oak botti. It rests here for a minimum of three years before bottling and sees further maturation before exiting the cellar doors. This parcel of ’85 obviously stayed behind much longer: It was only just released from their cellar this year. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhen serving, make sure the bottle is around 60 degrees and that your Burgundy stems are well-polished. My cork came out just fine without the use of an ah-so or Durand, but I’d still suggest using one for a bottle of this antiquity. So how does Conti’s 37-year-old Boca taste? Not dissimilar to some of the ancient Burgundies and Riojas we’ve doled out over the years. Still, there is a distinctiveness to this perfectly stored Nebbiolo: Decades of evolution have smoothed out the tannins while beautifully preserving the acidity. You can expect dried-fruit aromas of cherry, currant, and red plum along with loose tobacco, antique wood, roasted espresso, varnish, and light herbal components. Each sip is soft-spoken yet sneakily persistent, finishing with a savory mélange of earth, spice, and herbs. It’s a \u003cem\u003evino da meditazione\u003c\/em\u003e of the highest order that I find too delicate\/ethereal to pair with food. I suggest enjoying your bottles within the first 2-3 hours. Cheers.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40780043616310,"sku":"SOMM2209-CONT85BOCA-750","price":350.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/products\/7570c99d5f787d7d8fb6014129988d92.jpg?v=1686587857"},{"product_id":"is2109-pepemont00-750","title":"Emidio Pepe, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo","description":"","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40780045582390,"sku":"IS2109-PEPEMONT00-750","price":375.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}]},{"product_id":"is2201-gcont71-750","title":"Giacomo Conterno Barolo","description":"","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40780046598198,"sku":"IS2201-GCONT71-750","price":950.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}]},{"product_id":"is2301-eglyrose-1500","title":"Egly-Ouriet, Brut Rosé Grand Cru MAGNUM","description":"\u003cp\u003eFor me, and a lot of our subscribers, the mere mention of Egly-Ouriet Rosé has a Pavlovian effect. It is one of the most profound, ‘vinous’ rosé Champagnes on the market, and yet, relatively speaking, it’s an affordable luxury.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eWe managed to get an allocation of most recent shipment of the wine to the US, which we’re sharing with our top customers. Stated blunty, there are few surer bets in the world of wine. In all honesty, this is one of my favorite Rosé Champagnes on earth regardless of price.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eLongtime SommSelect subscribers know the Egly-Ouriet story well: This is the standard-setting estate for the ever-expanding legion of Champagne houses who grow and vinify their own grapes. These “grower-producers” (from the French \u003cem\u003erécoltant-manipulant,\u003c\/em\u003e indicated by a tiny ‘RM’ on the label) have seized the moment with sommeliers and retailers, as the story of a scrappy, small-scale, family-owned vineyard doing battle with Champagne’s \u003cem\u003egrandes marques\u003c\/em\u003e—many of them owned by luxury-goods conglomerates—is an easy one to get behind. The thing with Egly-Ouriet is that it’s now a formidable “brand” in its own right, with as much cachet as any in Champagne. It has transcended its humble ‘RM’ moniker and become a grande marque (albeit an under-priced, under-marketed one).\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eFrancis Egly, who has been in charge here since 1980, is the fourth generation to work his family’s vineyards. Their holdings have expanded to about 12 hectares, most of them in the Grand Cru-classified village of Ambonnay—home to some of Champagne’s, if not all of France’s, greatest Pinot Noir. Yes, there’s Chardonnay in there, too, but organically farmed, old-vine Pinot Noir is at the heart of every Egly-Ouriet \u003cem\u003ecuvée. \u003c\/em\u003eThe well-traveled Champagne writer Peter Liem dubbed Egly-Ouriet “Burgundy with bubbles,” and indeed Egly has inspired many new-generation Champagne producers to shift the focus away from blending and ‘branding’ and toward a more vineyard-specific model in the Burgundy mold (i.e., treat it like wine, not whisky).\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eThe vineyards that produce the grapes for this Brut Rosé are in the Grand Cru villages of Ambonnay, Bouzy and Verzenay—all on the Pinot-dominated Montagne de Reims. Unlike other grower Champagne producers, Francis harvests the grapes at a slightly riper point than most producers do; while others fear that they will lose the acidity in doing this, he has proved that the slightly riper harvest of low-yielding old vines can create luscious bubbles with intensely concentrated flavors that linger forever. He is a true artisan in the world of Champagne, with admirable dedication that shows in every sip.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eThis wine is the latest release, or disgorgement, of the Brut Rosé. Although it is a Pinot Noir-dominated blend, there is some Chardonnay in there as well, and the wine typically incorporates about 40% oak-aged ‘base’ wines from previous vintages to lend depth and a touch of vinosity. As many of you know, Egly-Ouriet is known for one of the best ‘still’ Pinot Noirs in Champagne, and a small amount of this wine (known as ‘Ambonnay Rouge’) is included in the cuvée for color. The Brut Rosé typically ages on its lees (the spent yeast cells that precipitate from the wine’s secondary bottle fermentation) for about 48 months.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eAll of which leads to a powerful, lush, lustrous rosé Champagne experience—Burgundy with bubbles, indeed! The wine has a concentrated dark salmon pink color with fine bubbles throughout. Assertive aromas of red currants, strawberry, wild flowers, rose petals, chalk and a hint of exotic spice burst from the glass. The palate is dense and opulent, yielding ripe flavors of wild berries, pink peppercorns, damp flowers, and an incredibly fine minerality. It is powerful and forward, yet balanced with great acidity—just about perfect for drinking now, although it will age well for the next 5+ years if kept well. Ideally serve it at just below cellar temp at roughly 50 degrees in an all-purpose white wine stem, unless you have specialty Champagne stems (not flutes) which leave room for the wine to aerate. For me, this is a Champagne for red meat, with all the acid and structure you could ask for to break down fat: I love it with lamb, in fact, and encourage you to try it with this Nancy Silverton lamb chop recipe—the addition of \u003cem\u003epimentón\u003c\/em\u003e should pair well with the exotic spice in the wine. Enjoy!\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40780047712310,"sku":"IS2301-EGLYROSE-1500","price":399.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}]},{"product_id":"somm2203-jlc98hrm-750","title":"Domaine Jean-Louis Chave, Hermitage","description":"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs one drives north through the Rhone valley toward Burgundy, the hill of Hermitage dominates the horizon. This towering granite hillside looms over the small village of Tain and is world renown for producing deep, timeless and infinitely cellar-worthy Syrahs. And in this historic appellation, one family estate has been producing elite wines longer than any other: \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40780049580086,"sku":"SOMM2203-JLC98HRM-750","price":775.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}]},{"product_id":"is2201-laf99pml-750","title":"Château Lafleur, Pomerol","description":"","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40780049973302,"sku":"IS2201-LAF99PML-750","price":725.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}]},{"product_id":"is2201-ltr82plc-1-750","title":"Château Latour, Pauillac First Growth","description":"","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40780050268214,"sku":"IS2201-LTR82PLC-1-750","price":2150.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}]},{"product_id":"somm2306-eglycray-750","title":"Egly-Ouriet, Grand Cru “Les Crayères” Blanc de Noirs","description":"\u003cdiv\u003eHot on the heels of Francis Egly’s 2008 Grand Cru, a future unicorn wine that was bestowed an elusive triple-digit score by Robert Parker’s \u003cem\u003eWine Advocate\u003c\/em\u003e, is his new “Les Crayères” Blanc de Noirs. In my eyes, his precise mastery of 100% Grand Cru Pinot Noir is on full, cinematic 4K display tonight: This legendary bottling transcends what I previously thought was possible in Champagne and is flirting dangerously close with perfection. With Egly’s unrivaled, bordering-on-mythical skills, the epic 2012 vintage leading the charge, and the rarefied raw material of a 70+-year-old Grand Cru vineyard, tonight’s new release reigns as Champagne’s most vinous and jaw-droppingly powerful bottle of Pinot Noir. If Grand Cru Burgundy sparkled, this would be the gold standard. Why all this furor over one bottle? Francis Egly isn’t “arguably” or “one of” the best grower-producers in Champagne; he’s in everyone’s top two or three, end of story. He organically farms to a fanatical degree, harvests at absolute perfect levels of ripeness, barrel vinifies, and ages his wines for an absurd amount of time. As such, Egly stands far apart from the competition, and with each passing year, one can expect intensified acclaim, higher prices, and tighter allocations—his just-released “Crayères” is no exception. Out of the 100 cases that trickled into America, SommSelect managed a tiny fraction. Only thee bottles per person and two gets you complimentary Ground Shipping. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e[\u003cstrong\u003eNOTE\u003c\/strong\u003e: If this is your first time seeing our Friday night series, welcome. My name is Mark Osburn, writer and sommelier at SommSelect, and you’re likely familiar with the many Champagnes I’ve waxed rhapsodic about for over the years. My goal is simple: to offer you rare Champagne exclusives and\/or highly allocated sparkling gems that have to be pried out of an iron grip. These special offers don’t happen every week, but they will always be on a Friday night...stay ever-vigilant.]\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40780051742774,"sku":"SOMM2306-EGLYCRAY-750","price":299.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}]},{"product_id":"is2210-mouton91-750","title":"Château Mouton-Rothschild, Pauillac","description":"","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40780052168758,"sku":"IS2210-MOUTON91-750","price":1100.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/ChateauMouton-Rothschild_Pauillac1991_MainImage-1800x1800.jpg?v=1690898983"},{"product_id":"somm2210-guigal12exvoto-750","title":"E. Guigal, “Ex-Voto” Ermitage Rouge","description":"\u003cp\u003eFor those on a mission to secure the world’s most iconic labels, Guigal’s “Ex-Voto” is one of those treasures. This voluptuous Syrah is a wine of immense power; a quintessential Hermitage Rouge that shatters the Richter scale in aromatic intensity, textural richness, and ageability. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe legend of Maison E. Gugial aside, the reason for this wine’s fame is three-fold. First, the historic and hallowed hill of Hermitage has long been a paradise for profound bottlings of Syrah. Second, Guigal meticulously sources their old-vine fruit from four of the hill’s most coveted parcels. And third, they mature their high-value, high-powered juice in all-new French oak for a staggering \u003cu\u003e42 months\u003c\/u\u003e. The result is always a strikingly opulent and powerful \u003cem\u003eGrand Vin\u003c\/em\u003e that reconfirms its deeply celebrated status. What’s more, the wines also have incredible cellar appeal, and you’ll taste that in today’s decade-old gem. This 2012 is just getting started, and if stored properly, I expect its drinking window won’t begin closing until 2040. Here’s your chance to secure one of the most coveted bottlings in the world of Syrah! Quantities are very limited.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNOTE\u003c\/strong\u003e: After this sellout, keep your eyes peeled for a second Gugial offering later today. I promise it’ll be worth the wait. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhen first learning about Rhône Valley producers, two of the most venerated are Guigal and Chapoutier. Both are family-run enterprises that purchase fruit from the valley’s greatest appellations while also maintaining their own enviable collection of vineyards. Guigal is largely synonymous with the Northern Rhône, specifically Côte-Rôtie (and their legendary “La La” trio), because their founder Etienne Guigal buried his roots here in 1924 and subsequently produced an astounding 67 vintages. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eTwo generations have passed since then, and each has added to the empire’s fame: First, it was the acquisition of Vidal-Fleury, followed by the historic Château d’Ampuis, then Domaines Jean-Louis Grippat and de Vallouit. More recently, there have been several other property investments too, but today we’re focused on Grippat and de Vallouit in 2001. These new additions came with vine real estate on the fabled hill of Hermitage, which fulfilled a lifelong dream for the Guigals. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Guigal family now own vines ranging from 40-90 years old in the storied \u003cem\u003elieux-dits\u003c\/em\u003e of “Les Murets,” “L’Hermite,” “Bessards,” and “Greffieux.” Their parcels are on steep slopes with soils ranging from gravel to sandy loam to Hermitage’s classic granite. In the cellar, fermentation and routine pump-overs for today’s 2012 “Ex-Voto” occurred in temp-controlled stainless steel tanks. Then, the wine matured 42 months in new, tight-grained French barrels. In fact, starting in 2003, the Guigals launched their very own in-house cooperage so most, if not all, of the barrels used for today’s 2012 were dried, built, and toasted by their own team! \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis 2012 “Ex-Voto” was just too limited and expensive for us to sample, so we’ll have to take the word of publications like \u003cem\u003eWine Advocate\u003c\/em\u003e who called it “a big, voluptuous beauty that’s loaded with fruit and texture,” then went on to say “it will age effortlessly for 25 or more years.” \u003cem\u003eWine Spectator\u003c\/em\u003e, too, poured on the praise with notes like “tightly focused,” “a lovely bolt of iron through the finish,” and “tons of fruit in reserve.” I suggest decanting for no less than one hour—multiple hours won’t hurt it either—and serving around 60-65 degrees in your largest Bordeaux stems. Enjoy this rare treasure now and over the next two decades.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40780052201526,"sku":"SOMM2210-GUIGAL12EXVOTO-750","price":325.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/products\/eedbc0021c701c1a727a553bc28482b7.jpg?v=1686587872"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/collections\/wine-insiders-club_19cdce3e-6621-4b92-bf65-266f82b022f0.png?v=1770822780","url":"https:\/\/sommselect.com\/collections\/insiders-vault-wine-collection.oembed?page=9","provider":"SommSelect","version":"1.0","type":"link"}