{"title":"Private Insider Vault","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Insiders Vault is your gateway to the world of rare and highly coveted wines. Designed for collectors and serious enthusiasts, the Vault provides exclusive access to allocation-only releases, limited-production wines, and expertly curated selections. Members enjoy early access, and insider pricing.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"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":"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":"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":"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":"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. Bring on the Filet Mignon, creamed spinach, and potatoes au\u003cbr\u003egratin!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40733050699830,"sku":"IS2006-SPRGMTN79-750","price":375.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/products\/403e31e402b055fdb0935ed03a4c20bc.jpg?v=1686588889"},{"product_id":"somm2206-mcmzt19crtrgngc-750","title":"Méo-Camuzet, Corton Clos Rognet Grand Cru","description":"","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40733051060278,"sku":"SOMM2206-MCMZT19CRTRGNGC-750","price":420.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/Meo-Camuzet_CortonClosRognetGrandCru2019_MainImage-1800x1800.jpg?v=1690898895"},{"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":"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":"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":"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":"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":"is2108-lafite70gv-375","title":"Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Pauillac Half Bottle","description":"\u003cp\u003eMature First Growths, Barolo heavyweights, and Grand Cru Burgundies have long been touted as the pinnacle of luxury wine, so when we heard whispers about the availability of a private, jewel-box cellar filled with these rare treasures, we lunged at the opportunity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eBecause First Growth Lafite has been idolized and written about ad nauseam over the decades—for good reason—coupled with the fact that we have so little to share, we’ll get right into the important details: Notably, the fill level and condition of each half-bottle was closely checked, and the entire cellar (located in Denver) was carefully shipped to our warehouse. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eWe recommend using an Ah-So or Durand opener to remove the cork. Decant gently for sediment, leaving the last ounce or so in the bottle. Serve around 60-65 degrees in Bordeaux stems and savor it slowly. This is a textbook example of fully mature First Growth Bordeaux, having transformed over time into a deeply savory, smoky beast: aromas and flavors of dried black cherry, black truffle, lead pencil, and humid earth linger on the palate, which has softened to the texture of silk. A long, aromatic finish follows. Drink now; it’s ready to go!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40780053381174,"sku":"IS2108-LAFITE70GV-375","price":450.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/products\/f7cf14720ea5a31c24c3c2943136b9fc.jpg?v=1686587843"},{"product_id":"somm2212-peter14mjoly-750","title":"Pierre Péters, Grand Cru “Les Montjolys” Cuvée Spéciale","description":"\u003cp\u003eTo close out 2022’s tremendous array of Champagnes, I felt shooting for the moon was necessary. And so, it is with great pleasure to offer you not one but \u003cstrong\u003etwo\u003c\/strong\u003e vintages of Pierre Péters thunderous and exceptionally rare “Les Montjolys.” I’ll be the first to say this is far from affordable, but when you’re discussing it alongside Champagne’s cultiest Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs, one must reasonably ask: Is Salon worth 3x more? Is Krug’s Clos du Mesnil worth 6x more? Although I’d never turn either of those down, I think not, especially when considering Antonio Galloni has already called Montjolys the “single most impressive Champagne from Rodolphe Péters.”\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e Keep in mind, that’s against some incredible competition like their universally worshiped “Les Chétillons” and $500+ “L’Etonnant Monsieur Victor” bottlings. Wondering why “Montjolys” is so special? This Grand Cru parcel lies right below the legendary Chétillons vineyard; Rodolphe only selects the purest\/best 10% of juice; and this ’14 aged over seven years before a micro-release that will \u003cstrong\u003enever\u003c\/strong\u003e exceed 165 cases. I’ve now tasted three of the four total releases, and the astounding length, richness, and nuanced depth of each has absolutely shattered my expectations. We are further sweetening today’s thrilling offer with a price that falls below the few others fortunate enough to be retailing it. Despite receiving the single-largest allocation in America (one of the perks of being a free subscriber!), I still only have a few cases of this 2014 to share. Three-bottle max, free shipping on one.\u003c\/p\u003e\\r\\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBONUS:\u003c\/strong\u003e I was also given restricted access to Pierre Péter’s just-released 2015. \u003ca href=\"\\http:\/\/www.sommselect.com\/product\/detail\/SOMM2212-PETER15MJOLY-750\/\\\"\u003eSecure one or two bottles here.\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eMany may be surprised to learn the village of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger was only elevated to Grand Cru status in 1985, but by then it was a simple formality because most vignerons were already in agreement that this was one of the finest terroirs in all of Champagne. The Péters were among them: They’ve been cultivating and selling their crop here since 1858; were among the very first grower-producers in 1919; and they’ve owned a piece of the renowned “Les Chétillons” since 1931. Today, Rodolphe Péters, grandson of Pierre, runs the historic show and has further elevated their brand to “cult” status. \u003c\/p\u003e\\r\\n\u003cp\u003e“Montjolys” doesn’t just reside within the Grand Cru village of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, it’s just a few minutes’ walk south of “Chétillons” and holds denser, deeper chalky clay soils. Rodolphe’s seven distinct parcels produce wonderful phenolic ripeness and concentration while retaining sensational levels of acidity. The handpicked fruit is shuttled to their cellar to undergo a masterclass in precise winemaking: Parcel-specific fermentations occur with partial malolactic and when it comes time for blending, only the best base wine (\u0026lt;10%) is chosen. Once bottling, it’s sent to slumber in their old chalk cellar for 6-7 years of lees aging. This parcel of 2014 was disgorged in 2022 and given a \u003cem\u003edosage\u003c\/em\u003e of approximately four grams. \u003c\/p\u003e\\r\\n\u003cp\u003eWhile buying both vintages on offer would be a sage move, I understand that’s price prohibitive so for those who want a riper, rounder, more supple style, go for the 2015 vintage. Those who want a more tense and mineral-dominant experience, go for the 2014. This is a nervy and taut Grand Cru champagne that requires at least an hour to open before fully revealing high-toned swells of white and yellow flowers, marzipan, baked bread, crushed hazelnut, pure chalk, oyster shell, lanolin, white peach, Anjou pear, Makrut lime blossoms, confit lemon, and kisses of exotic spice. Please, do not open after a night of drinking has started! Give it ample air, a slightly warmer temperature, and a calm environment where its nuances can be studied and savored. Try to save some for day two, as well. Enjoy this rarity. It should age gracefully for 10, 15, even 20 more years.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40780055511094,"sku":"SOMM2212-PETER14MJOLY-750","price":300.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/products\/3dc29b8b5f1a6e53f2b7fc0308b93dd2.jpg?v=1686587839"},{"product_id":"somm2301-remo19gccc-750","title":"Remoissenet Père et Fils, Grand Cru Charmes-Chambertin","description":"\u003cp\u003eEven a highly trained eye wouldn’t know that Remoissenet’s Grand Cru Charmes-Chambertin is one of the rarest wines in Burgundy. To discover why this is such a gobsmacking rarity, one would need a direct line to Remoissenet’s owner, and his two-word intel would be “Pinot Fin.” \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis ancient and nearly extinct strain of Pinot Noir produces incredibly tiny and compact clusters with excruciatingly low yields. As a result, these finicky vines have proven both difficult and expensive to manage which is why only a few can lay claim to possessing any. One such producer is Arnoux-Lachaux, whose own Pinot Fin bottling might just be the most expensive Bourgogne Rouge on the planet—I can’t even bring myself to tell you the price. Another producer is Remoissenet, who owns and biodynamically farms two extremely old Pinot Fin parcels in the finest section of Grand Cru Charmes-Chambertin. The few treasured clusters they’re able to harvest are bursting with concentration, and Remosisenet further dials up the aromas and intensity by way of natural fermentation and brand-new, high-quality French oak. Bottom line: This is an elusive, hedonistic, treasure-hunting dream of wine. Although we’re currently the only ones offering this mindblowing 2019 release, trust me when I say it's a steal at $325 (the previous vintage is being sold for $450). Up to three bottles per person, complimentary shipping on one.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eOur point man at Remoissenet is the absurdly knowledgeable and well-connected Pierre-Antoine Rovani, who, before becoming Remoissenet’s estate manager, covered Burgundy for Robert Parker’s \u003cem\u003eThe Wine Advocate\u003c\/em\u003e. He’s part of a Burgundy dream team that also includes winemaker Claudie Jobard, who continues to display the deftest of touches in the cellar: she does a remarkable job of letting her many far-flung vineyard sources speak for themselves. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe considerable resources of a revived Remoissenet have been poured disproportionately into vineyards: In addition to acquiring a host of carefully selected parcels for themselves—like today’s, which makes this a true-blue “domaine” bottling—they’ve also deepened their relationships with talented vine-growers throughout Burgundy, treating them as true partners rather than just “suppliers.” Whether it’s an estate or a contract vineyard, the Remoissenet team is implementing biodynamic farming practices across the board.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eOut of all the villages in Burgundy, Gevrey-Chambertin is truly the Grand Cru epicenter. This commune houses nine in total, all clustered around each other. Charmes is the largest of Gevrey’s Grand Crus and is home to a who’s who of Burgundy’s best bottlings. Remoissenet owns two tiny parcels in Charmes’ \u003cem\u003ecréme de la créme\u003c\/em\u003e northern section, essentially at the convergence of three other Grand Crus: Le Chambertin, Griotte, and Clos de Bèze. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs discussed earlier, Remoissenet’s two plots are planted entirely to 60+-year-old \u003cstrong\u003ePinot Fin\u003c\/strong\u003e vines, propagated by \u003cem\u003eselection massale\u003c\/em\u003e. Farmed biodynamic, these compact, fit-in-your-palm clusters always prove to be a massive headache for a grower—since airflow is greatly restricted, uneven ripening and mold are extremely common maladies. But when meticulously farmed and cultivated by biodynamic experts, like Remoissenet, they can yield some of the most gorgeous, concentrated Pinot fruit imaginable. In the dry, hot, and fantastic 2019 vintage, their low-yielding crop was hand-harvested and sorted multiple times before entering the cellar. Fermentation was carried out naturally in open-top oak vats and the resulting wine matured in mostly new French barrels. It was bottled unfined and unfiltered.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis is a wine for Pinot hedonists. Big, lush, concentrated, and powerful, Remoissenet’s 2019 Grand Cru Charmes-Chambertin explodes with dense and deep berries followed by disarming aromatics of oak spice, iron, turned earth, and red tea. It’s full-bodied and intoxicating, a Pinot Noir built like a luxurious tank with serious aging capability. Still, you’ll be handsomely rewarded if you pull the cork next year, around its fifth birthday. If you are planning on that, I urge you to buy more than one bottle because this promises to be a jaw-dropping masterwork come 2027 and beyond. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40780056920118,"sku":"SOMM2301-REMO19GCCC-750","price":325.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/products\/87d14cbc53bbcc1c725a1f3526f66bb3.jpg?v=1686587878"},{"product_id":"is2205-roussrc99-750","title":"Domaine Armand Rousseau Ruchottes-Chambertin Grand Cru","description":"","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40780069240886,"sku":"IS2205-ROUSSRC99-750","price":2100.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/DomaineArmandRousseauRuchottes-ChambertinGrandCru1999_MainImage-1800x1800.jpg?v=1690899067"},{"product_id":"is2106-gmasc58-750","title":"Giuseppe Mascarello e Figlio Barolo","description":"","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40780070092854,"sku":"IS2106-GMASC58-750","price":750.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/GiuseppeMascarelloEFiglioBarolo1958_MainImage-1800x1800.jpg?v=1690898941"},{"product_id":"is2107-bartolo82-750","title":"Bartolo Mascarello Barolo","description":"","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40780070912054,"sku":"IS2107-BARTOLO82-750","price":1400.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/BartoloMascarelloBarolo1982_MainImage-1800x1800.jpg?v=1690899022"},{"product_id":"somm2022-brb52rjagr-750","title":"Bodegas Berberana, Gran Reserva “Etiqueta Negra”","description":"\u003cp\u003eYet another rare centenarian estate, Bodegas Berberana broke ground in 1877 and has since evolved into a behemoth on the Rioja scene. Although I did say we were unable to taste any of the four ancient Spanish reds on offer today, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to try this 1952 Gran Reserva—it’s nearly half the age of the estate—so we opened one at the very last minute. Using a Durand, the cork came out almost entirely soak but still fully intact and uncompromised. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eWe poured slowly to avoid most of the sediment and reveled in a savory smokeshow that included dried currant, dried red plum, sandalwood, saffron, horse saddle, varnish, \u003cem\u003esous bois\u003c\/em\u003e, and coconut husk. How this is 70 years old is beyond me: It’s surprisingly fresh and still swells with prickles of acidity that enliven the little fruit that does remain. It’s a gorgeous old Rioja that has aged to absolute perfection. Drink now and over the next two years. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eAgain, proper service is important for wines of antiquity, so please read the following carefully. First, stand your bottle upright for several days (preferably weeks, if you have the time) to allow the sediment and wine to “settle” from its journey. When opening, I strongly recommend extracting the cork with an ah-so opener, and here’s a \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=QsvQeZIVpJ4\" target=\"_blank\"\u003equick demonstration video\u003c\/a\u003e if needed. Better still is a Durand, a must-have for lovers of long-aged wines.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40780081102902,"sku":"SOMM2022-BRB52RJAGR-750","price":350.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/products\/bb994fc37b4335d88176f5b038b70fea.jpg?v=1686588105"},{"product_id":"somm2201-coto94res-750","title":"1994 El Coto, “Coto de Imaz” Rioja Reserva","description":"\u003cp\u003eLast year, between May and July, we rolled out three perfectly preserved Riojas: a savory 1964 Gran Reserva; an ethereal 1976 Crianza; and a terroir-loaded 1988 Reserva. Each old parcel disappeared in an instant, and came with the following notice: “If more exists on the horizon, we are currently unaware of it.” Ever since that final bottle sold out, we’ve been working diligently to uncover more of these jaw-dropping Spanish antiques, and now, six months later, we have a new cellar-direct trove at our fingertips.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToday, we’re starting strong with what must exist as one of the great mature wine values of the world: A 1994 Reserva from El Coto, among the most influential and universally known Rioja producers of contemporary times. With its wonderful elegance, complex tertiary flavors, and savory\/woodsy perfumes, this Tempranillo antiquity is in a sublime (and perfect) drinking window. It probably goes without saying, but the opportunity to acquire a deeply traditional Rioja with perfect provenance and substantial age shrinks with each passing day. In other words: Do not miss out on this $49 masterpiece! \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNOTE:\u003c\/strong\u003e We also secured 18 magnums from the same vintage, \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.sommselect.com\/product\/detail\/SOMM2201-COTO94RES-1500\/\"\u003eavailable here\u003c\/a\u003e for $109 each. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough Bodega El Coto was only founded in 1970, their presence today is truly staggering: They’re the leading brand for Crianza and Reserva categories, they own eight farms, and they’re responsible for the cultivation of hundreds of hectares throughout Rioja. Those culled to craft today’s “Coto de Imaz” Reserva come specifically from their best-performing vines in the famed sub-zones of Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite a massive annual production, El Coto produces resolutely classic Riojas, ones built for decades of evolution, as evidenced by today’s 1994 Reserva. It’s 100% Tempranillo that aged in new and used American oak for no less than 18 months before bottling. Afterward, the wine rested another six months prior to its initial commercial release. This specific parcel was stashed away in a cold Riojan cellar for the next 20+ years before it was packed up in November of 2021 and shipped our way.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe’re always thrilled to uncork old, cellar-stored beauties from Rioja. Upon arrival of this ’94 Reserva, we opened a bottle to see how it held up on its transatlantic journey and it had us swooning. These wines appear to be under their original corks so I strongly recommend using a two-pronged ah-so. If opening with a standard wine key, please gently drive the corkscrew all the way in and pull out as slowly and uniformly as possible. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBefore dipping your nose in, serve this around 65 degrees and allow several minutes for it to open up in a Bordeaux stem. Then, give it a few light swirls and prepare yourself for a sublime and nuanced display of dried cherry, green strawberry, sous bois, plum skin, mushroom stock, coconut husk, sandalwood, redcurrant, damp herbs, and hints of vanilla. The wine is medium-bodied and impossibly graceful, with each layer gliding across the palate without a hard\/angular tannin in sight. We enjoyed our bottle over the course of three hours and the last ounce still showed substantial vigor. Meaning, buy more than one! I anticipate this drinking beautifully over the next 5-7 years. Cheers!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40780081823798,"sku":"SOMM2201-COTO94RES-750","price":49.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/products\/4c729fef52da041952ccd3ce3147e81f.jpg?v=1686588115"},{"product_id":"somm2201-trm97csh-750","title":"F.E. Trimbach, Riesling “Clos Ste. Hune”","description":"\u003cp\u003eChardonnay from the greatest Grand Cru vineyards of Burgundy may command more dollars, but dry Rieslings from exalted Alsace Grand Crus like “Rosacker” (where Trimbach’s “Clos Ste. Hune” is situated) cede nothing in terms of pedigree, longevity, and utter deliciousness. The “rain shadow” effect of the nearby Vosges Mountains helps moderate rainfall and ensure a slow, even maturation cycle for Riesling that epitomizes the power, energy, and exotic aromatic profile that characterizes the very best of Alsace. Incredible purity of fruit and a profound mineral imprint define this incredibly well-priced cellar cornerstone, year in and year out. It’s simply one of the most detailed, definitive white wines you’ll ever have the pleasure to taste—and yes, it ages for decades with ease!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40780082806838,"sku":"SOMM2201-TRM97CSH-750","price":540.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/products\/d21b4ae9ccfdc907e3057e270995a9b0.jpg?v=1686588154"},{"product_id":"somm2105-sold16sangio-750","title":"Case Basse di Gianfranco Soldera","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn the context of contemporary history, there are but a few wines that truly deserve the title of “cult wine,” and Soldera is among them. This excruciatingly allocated and globally respected label is a mandatory trophy wine for avid collectors, and will instantly upgrade the status of any cellar, no matter how grand. \u003cem\u003eThe Wine Advocate\u003c\/em\u003e describes it as one of the great experiences in the world of wine” and \u003cem\u003eVinous\u003c\/em\u003e’ Antonio Galloni writes that these are “some of the most hauntingly beautiful, profound wines anywhere in the world.” If you can fathom the rabid demand generated by such unanimous, full-throated praise, then consider that six yet-to-be-released vintages (2007-2012) of this famously scarce treasure were sabotaged and nearly eradicated nine years ago, leaving only a few hundred cases to satisfy the entire world for much of the decade.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003ePrices skyrocketed practically overnight and acquiring a single bottle became a far-off fantasy for most consumers. The dust has settled a bit since then, and today’s spectacular 2016 marks the fourth full release since the vinous catastrophe. Misfortunes, however, never come alone: The estate’s incorrigible and iconic namesake, Gianfranco Soldera, passed away in 2019, which has only further increased the frenzied demand and intrigue of these truly singular wines. No matter the vintage, few accounts around America are allocated more than a handful of bottles, so if you’re at all interested in securing one of the world’s most beloved cult wines, here’s your rare chance. Up to two bottles per person.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40780090212406,"sku":"SOMM2105-SOLD16SANGIO-750","price":599.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/products\/2ddb69aebeb2add0fcf7ba973d532bcf.jpg?v=1686588243"},{"product_id":"somm2303-lpoy15stjlngv-750","title":"Château Léoville-Poyferré, Saint-Julien, 2nd Grand Cru Classé","description":"\u003cp\u003eWhen offering a Grand Cru Classé as prominent and affordable as Second Growth Léoville-Poyferré, in a blockbuster vintage that’s now equipped with eight years of maturity, I feel its value proposition is self-explanatory. In case it isn’t, I’ll happily go into detail. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eThose who follow the Bordeaux Classification of 1855 know that only five \u003cem\u003echâteaux\u003c\/em\u003e “outrank” Léoville-Poyferré: Lafite, Latour, Margaux, Haut-Brion, and Mouton. Over the past several decades, however, several Second Growths have been increasingly recognized for crafting Grand Vins near and even beyond the First Growths, all while charging substantially less. These overperforming legends have been colloquially coined “Super Seconds,” and you’ll surely recognize their names: Cos d’Estournel, Ducru-Beaucaillou, Pichon Longueville, to name a few. And yes, Léoville-Poyferré also belongs to this prized shortlist. If you need further convincing why this bottle is a must-have investment for a Bordeaux collector, consider that it is a front-runner for the greatest “Super Second” value: While all others fetch between $200-$300, L-P is about half of that despite each new release flirting with perfection. In short, I believe this epic 2015 will one day reach the same transcendent level that their beloved 2000 vintage is currently enjoying, i.e. double the price and triple the pleasure. We only have a handful of cases in our possession. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eAlthough the Cuvelier family had owned Léoville-Poyferré since 1920, they long relied on their immediate neighbor, Leoville Las Cases, to manage the property. It makes more sense than you might initially think: Once a commingling of vines and estates, this massive property was divided into three “Leoville-” \u003cem\u003echâteaux\u003c\/em\u003e in the mid-1800s: Las Cases, Poyferré, and Barton. To this day, Las Cases and Poyferré share the same parking lot!\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe true shift into Léoville-Poyferré’s success as a prominent standalone château came in the 1980s and beyond when Didier Cuvelier took over the operations and tapped Emile Peynaud, the “father of modern Bordeaux,” and legendary consultant Michel Rolland to join his team. Didier also spent decades doing complete overhauls in both the vineyard and cellar. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eToday’s Grand Vin hails from Poyferré’s 80-hectare vineyard which holds vines with an average age of 45 years—although their oldest Cabernet parcel dates back to the 1940s! The grapes are harvested over several passes and twice sorted before entering the cellar. Since parcels are vinified separately, fermentations occur in a small army of stainless steel vats before blending and transferring into French barrels, 75% new, for 18 months.  \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe 2015 edition from Léoville-Poyferré overflows with rich and muscular cassis, smoked plum, black cherry liqueur, and sappy blue fruits alongside cigar wrapper, bay laurel, pencil lead, wet gravel, tar, star anise, and sweet baking spices that are nearing full integration. It’s a big and hearty Grand Vin with the gloss of 2015 serving as a beautiful counterbalance to the formidable structure of Saint-Julien Cabernet. Decant 1-2 hours if enjoying a bottle now and lay down your others until at least 2025. It’s hard not to label this a 30-year wine at the minimum, but that’s not to say it doesn’t offer immense pleasure right now. To summarize it in the château’s own words: “This beautiful vintage shows magnificent complexity, placing it among the great vintages of the estate.” Cheers!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40780091949110,"sku":"SOMM2303-LPOY15STJLNGV-750","price":135.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/products\/5c1d2c0c5132e80cb8ddbbba0cecf0c1.jpg?v=1686588322"},{"product_id":"somm2111-yqm13sat-375","title":"Château d'Yquem, Sauternes Premier Cru Supérieur","description":"\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\u003eAccordingly, the lion’s share of every release seems to immediately disappear into the cellars of the world’s top restaurants, retailers, and collectors. Today, though, we have special access to a small tranche of Yquem’s 2013, in half bottles. At eight years of age, this has just barely entered its drinking window and will age for decades and decades yet. If you, like so many wine lovers, have never gotten the chance to try this legendary nectar, here it is. But act fast—our last Yquem offer was four years ago, and who knows if we’ll ever offer one again! No more than two half-bottles per person. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eSauternes is the premier sweet wine appellation in Bordeaux, and Yquem, with its early 18th-century origins, is widely acknowledged as its greatest producer—it’s also the only château that holds a Premier Cru \u003cstrong\u003eSupérieur\u003c\/strong\u003e title. Situated at the highest elevation in the appellation, its 100 hectares of vineyards are perfectly suited for producing \u003cem\u003ebotrytis\u003c\/em\u003e-”infected” berries. \u003cem\u003eBotrytis\u003c\/em\u003e 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 \u003cem\u003ebotrytis\u003c\/em\u003e growth year after year. The vineyard work here is mind-bogglingly intensive, with teams of over 20 pickers moving through each parcel six times and literally selecting the best individual berries. And in 2013, only 40% of the vineyard production made it into the final wine!\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 extremely high-sugar 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 part of 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 historically served as an aperitif, not a digestif.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt’s honestly difficult to put the experience of Yquem into words. It pours a deep golden, almost orange color and is visibly viscous in the glass. The nose alone is worth the price of entry: fresh yellow peach, dried apricot, candied lemon, orange marmalade, quince paste, ginger, citrus blossom honey,  vanilla, caramel, saffron, brioche, and cinnamon leap out. 2013 is an especially fresh vintage of Yquem, and though the palate is dense and honeyed, the brisk acid slices through 140 grams of residual sugar like a breeze. I’d strongly recommend leaving one of your bottles alone for as long as you can—it'll last decades—but do feel free to enjoy the hedonistic pleasures of the other now while serving at 55-60 degrees in Bordeaux stems (\u003cem\u003enot\u003c\/em\u003e any diminutive sweet wine glasses). No doubt a bottle of Yquem is a rare indulgence, so I like to match it with something equally so, such as seared foie gras. And to stress it further: grab one fast as you can because we don’t have much and won’t have it again any time soon!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40780094177334,"sku":"SOMM2111-YQM13SAT-375","price":225.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/products\/546d0b25b384acbb83e48f5fcbae0ab4.jpg?v=1686588276"},{"product_id":"is2203-chmgx03-750","title":"Château Margaux, First Growth","description":"","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40780094636086,"sku":"IS2203-CHMGX03-750","price":950.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/products\/8871b83e36d47b444ac85f48da4f7a91.jpg?v=1686588319"},{"product_id":"is2201-pvlbl01mgx-750","title":"Pavillon Blanc du Château Margaux","description":"\u003cp\u003eVines have been planted at Château Margaux since the 16th century, but the estate can trace its roots all the way back to the 1100s. As with most \u003cem\u003echateaux, \u003c\/em\u003eownership has changed hands numerous times, but the estate and surrounding vineyards have been largely untouched for centuries. Despite major renovations in recent years, stepping onto the property of Château Margaux still feels old-school. They are even one of few producers in the region who still employ an in-house cooper, who can create up to three barrels per day. Enough to satisfy demand? No, but indispensable when considering their way of life.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e“Pavillon Blanc” is sourced from an 11-hectare vineyard planted entirely to Sauvignon Blanc. Vines in the site are an average of 35 years old and the yields and production are severely restricted—only about 1,000 cases are produced in any given year, with the rest of the fruit sold to others. The wine is aged 18-24 months in 100% new French oak and is known for its longevity and creamy texture. According to the château’s meticulous records, 2001 is hailed as “one of the greatest vintages of Pavillon Blanc.” It’s a powerful expression and is in peak condition right now: This calls for a luxurious seafood preparation from a Michelin-starred chef such as Eric Ripert.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40780095553590,"sku":"IS2201-PVLBL01MGX-750","price":385.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/products\/a1223aa28aa51fc175ddb631fc7ce18b.jpg?v=1686588328"},{"product_id":"is2201-laf97pml-750","title":"Château Lafleur, Pomerol","description":"\u003cp\u003eWith just 4.5 hectares of vineyards (located right across the way from famed Château Pétrus, Lafleur is one of Pomerol’s ultra-exclusive garagiste-scale properties. This elegant and beautifully mature ’97 delivers incredibly complex perfume (thanks at least in part to a relatively high percentage of Cabernet Franc, usually around 50%) and earthy bass notes. And there’s still plenty of life left, as one would expect from elite Bordeaux. This is one of the Right Bank’s greatest treasures!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40780099026998,"sku":"IS2201-LAF97PML-750","price":550.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/products\/cb492f9b268cb40ca6729309ebce559e.jpg?v=1686588283"},{"product_id":"is2112-bvadotgc15-750","title":"Bernard Boisson-Vadot, Meursault “Les Grands Charrons”","description":"\u003cp\u003eFor more than two centuries, the Boisson family has been making wine in Meursault, quietly laboring in the vineyards and the cellar, all the while meting out tiny amounts of over-performing, top-notch Burgundies under their various labels. Domaine Boisson-Vadot, run by father-and-son team Bernard and Pierre Boisson, is laser-focused on realizing the greatest potential in the sites they work. With careful attention in the fields and in the winery, they are beginning to reach cult-like status, even for their \u003cem\u003elieu-dit\u003c\/em\u003e bottlings, like this “Grands Charrons.” They’ve been encouraged by, and regularly converse with, other like-minded \u003cem\u003evignerons, \u003c\/em\u003esuch as Pierre’s childhood friend, Raphael Coche, of Domaine Coche-Dury. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Boisson winemaking shows a similar penchant for pristine fruit from old vines and long primary lees aging, but diverges in the oak regimen, preferring no more than a third new barrels for the top wines. Such a light hand in the cellar marries well with the fruit from their plot of Grand Charrons, which is generally the most intense and expressive of the \u003cem\u003eclimats\u003c\/em\u003e they work—to Bernard’s taste it is, “the most Meursault-y.” A deeply powerful and complete wine, it has all the quintessential hallmarks of the village, showing ripe fruits, white flowers, toasted nuts and a whiff of reduction. Rich texture in the mouth, but showing real finesse, and underpinned by integrated, racy acidity, which portends a long life and additional development. A seamless and outstanding bottle from an under-the-radar producer that competes with the heavyweights!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40780100796470,"sku":"IS2112-BVADOTGC15-750","price":425.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/products\/33860232a22bfc85e050dc2b653ab2bc.jpg?v=1686588360"},{"product_id":"is2108-aldo14cic-1500","title":"Aldo Conterno, Barolo “Cicala” MAGNUM","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Aldo Conterno property is synonymous with the “Bussia” vineyard in Monforte—one of the largest and best-known sites in all of Barolo, of which Cicala, Colonello, and Romirasco are small, contiguous parcels the sit near the crest of the hill. There are subtle differences in soils and aspects among the three, although their overall orientation is south\/southwest and the soils are bluish marls rich in calcium carbonate and iron. These are powerful, concentrated, long-aging wines from old vines—an average of 50 years across the three—and they are treated more or less equally in the cellar, undergoing 28-30 months’ aging in large Slavonian oak casks.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe power of these wines may be unrivaled anywhere in the wine world: they are brooding, smoky, leathery beasts in their youth, evolving beautifully over time to reveal all the toe-curling charms of the Nebbiolo grape: dried cherry, tobacco, blood orange peel, rose petals, anise, and so, so much more. A properly stored bottle will age for 30 years with ease, and we’d recommend forgetting about these for at least ten before diving in. If your budget allows, these are can’t-miss additions to a great cellar.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40780108070966,"sku":"IS2108-ALDO14CIC-1500","price":295.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/products\/2346ce5249b18a31e199d124f4b03868.jpg?v=1686588428"},{"product_id":"somm2211-cchsen02chmp-750","title":"2002 Vincent Couche, Champagne Brut Nature “Sensation” Dégorgement Tardif","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eOn Friday, we introduced a top candidate for Best Value Champagne of 2024, but if you are looking to really blow your valentine away, or are otherwise looking to dismiss any and all challengers for the title of “most profoundly complex wine that happens to have bubbles,” then today’s reboot of Vincent Couche’s late-disgorged 2002 masterpiece is exactly what you’ve been waiting for. Indeed, if you were lucky enough to grab some back in 2022, you are no doubt already heading to the checkout cart. Universally touted as one of the greatest Champagne vintages of the 21st century, 2002 was a year that produced exceedingly age-worthy wines of power and finesse. Over two decades later, prices continue climbing with gusto: On top of four-digit outliers Salon, Selosse, and Krug, all premium labels are now fetching many hundreds of dollars, but not Couche. In fact, this bottle hasn’t budged one penny since we last offered it, inflation be damned! We were shocked that we could grab a few more bottles, but this is almost certainly your last chance to try this revelatory, rarefied Champagne. Don’t miss it! \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eIt was Vincent Couche’s mother who inspired his passion for vineyard work, and especially for maintaining a natural, chemical-free ecosystem. As such, he has spent every waking hour over the past two decades ensuring his wines are free of additives. Because he refuses unnatural methods at every step of the process—from eschewing any and all pesticides and herbicides, to banning chaptalization and sulfur during fermentation, to only using gravity to move the wine—Vincent Couche is leading the charge in the biodynamic grower Champagne movement. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eHe is also a man of calculated genius who masterfully blended Buxeuil Pinot Noir and Montgueux Chardonnay, slowly vinified it in French barrels, and then let it develop for 19 years in bottle before disgorgement. This is his magnum opus, which he named “Sensation,” and as such he only makes it in the most exceptional vintages. 2002 holds court with other legendary years like 1996 and 1988, and many consider it the finest of the 21st century, even ahead of blockbuster vintages like 2008 and 2012. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eCouche’s fruit comes from two choice villages, Buxeuil (Pinot Noir) and Montgueux (Chardonnay). Vines in Montgueux, made famous by Champagne icon Jacques Lassaigne, are perched on an expansive chalky rise that looks down at the farmland below. The wonderfully ripe grapes grown here add immense texture and vibrancy in the final wine. Back at Vincent’s cellar in Buxeuil, fermentation on ambient yeasts was carried out in French oak barrels, without any sulfur, and the final blend was bottled in the first quarter of 2003. This batch was then aged \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003esur lie \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003efor over 19 years before Vincent finally decided it was “the right time” to disgorge in May of 2022. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eChampagne of this quality, age, and pedigree should be treated much the same as you would Grand Cru Burgundy. Serving in an all-purpose stem will preserve the delicate \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eperlage\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e a bit longer, but your best Burgundy bowl will really accentuate the monumental complexity and vinous depth that Couche has achieved. Similarly, it should be served just cool, around 50-55 degrees, ideally out of the cellar or wine fridge instead of a regular refrigerator. The full spectrum of aromas and flavors is astounding, and words won’t do them justice, but be assured that many layers of baked orchard fruit, wild forest berries, crushed flowers, citrus, cream, truffles, and saline minerality will make an appearance. A contemplative masterpiece like this is perfect with a simple plate of aged cheeses, or make it a truly romantic meal with roast chicken and truffles. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBon appétit! \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40780118130742,"sku":"SOMM2211-CCHSEN02CHMP-750","price":150.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/2002VincentCouche_ChampagneBrutSensationDisgorgementTardiff_MainImage-1800x1800.jpg?v=1705076299"},{"product_id":"is2111-cor17cab-750","title":"Corison, Cabernet Sauvignon","description":"\u003cp\u003eAfter an introductory wine course at Pomona College some 40-odd years ago (taught by author John Haeger, no less), Cathy Corison became enamored with the subject (her majoring in biology was perhaps an influential factor). She went on to obtain a Master’s in Enology at UC Davis and followed that up with stints at various wineries including Freemark Abbey, Staglin, and Chappellet. It was during her tenure at the latter when she began purchasing grapes and using rented spaces to craft small-batch wines. After eight years of honing her craft and producing great wines for others, her purchase of Kronos Vineyard—now the source of her top-of-the-line wine—solidified her presence in Napa. Four years later (1999), Cathy and her husband, William Martin, began building their winery\/barn hybrid directly adjacent to Kronos. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor three decades, Corison has sourced from three highly regarded benchland vineyards, considered to have the best terroirs due to their gentle slope, sun exposure, and classic Bale gravelly loam soils. Today, Corison follows organic practices, promotes biodiversity, and is trending toward dry farming—a Napa rarity. In the winery, Cathy intervenes minimally to achieve the purest and most elegant expressions of Cabernet Sauvignon. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40780120293430,"sku":"IS2111-COR17CAB-750","price":109.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/products\/6194050f52d4ae9af06f36ae8f05b098.jpg?v=1686588636"},{"product_id":"somm2112-ggl13amp-750","title":"E. Guigal, Côte-Rôtie “Château d’Ampuis”","description":"\u003cp\u003eAttention! For those who missed the rapid 2008 sellout from several months back, didn’t want to shell out $175, or simply want to add another sensational vintage of Guigal’s iconic Château d’Ampuis to their collection, I strongly advise exercising urgency today because their 2013 release is a more affordable, critically beloved masterpiece—and we have even less to share. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eSourced from seven steeply terraced micro-parcels within a stone’s throw of their “La La” cult cuvées and matured for 38 months in tight-grained new French oak, this luxurious and exceptionally age-worthy Côte-Rôtie powerhouse is a Syrah lover’s dream. It’s also the closest one can get to experiencing their $350-$800+ La Turque, La Mouline, or La Landonne bottlings without shelling out nearly as much. Speaking of, here’s a hot tip: Keep your eyes peeled for our afternoon offering... \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhen you first sit down to learn about the Rhône Valley’s long list of venerated producers, you’ll undoubtedly see two names at the forefront: 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, because their founder Etienne Guigal put down roots here in 1924 and subsequently produced an astounding 67 consecutive vintages. Two 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 and breathtaking 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 Château d’Ampuis.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eOverlooking the Rhône River with Côte-Rôtie’s terraced hills in the immediate backdrop, Château d’Ampuis is a spectacle to behold—but it was in a serious state of decline when Guigal acquired it in 1995. So, they ordered a massive team, led by Jean-Gabriel Mortamet, Chief Architect of Historic Monuments, to fully restore Château d’Ampuis back to its 12th-century glory. It took over a decade, but the payoff was huge. The Guigal family now owns an impressive network of 50-year-old parcels throughout the famed \u003cem\u003elieux-dits\u003c\/em\u003e of Côte Blonde and Côte Brune, several of which were utilized to create today’s 2013. Each one enjoys extremely close proximity to Guigal’s famous “La La” parcels (La Mouline, La Turque, La Landonne) and it shows in the wine. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn the cellar, fermentation occurred in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks followed by 38 months of maturation in new, tight-grained French barrels. In fact, starting in 2003, the Guigals launched their very own in-house cooperage so all of the barrels used for today’s 2013 were dried, built, and toasted by their own team! Upon bottling, the final blend was 93% Syrah, rounded out by Viognier.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eRemember, Guigal’s top wines rest for over three years in new French oak, so they always deliver powerful, spicy, silky layers with an intense ferocity lurking beneath. Use your best judgment, but I would recommend a two-hour decant before slowly savoring this full-throttle 2013 Syrah in Bordeaux stems. Jeb Dunnuck initially called it the “hidden gem [of] the vintage given its fabulous concentration and sweet tannin.” He also labeled it “full-bodied with fabulous purity, high yet integrated acidity, and a big finish,” and gave notice that “it will need 7-8 years of cellaring, but will handsomely reward patient consumers.” That review was back in 2015, and 2022 marks the seventh additional year of cellaring. Meaning, this has entered a remarkable drinking window, one that won’t even consider closing for 15 years. We hope you enjoy this Côte-Rôtie behemoth!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40780127043638,"sku":"SOMM2112-GGL13AMP-750","price":135.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/products\/c19a214782793d0e42f9b5fa2c3fc327.jpg?v=1686588764"},{"product_id":"somm2104-aleo18croz-750","title":"Domaine Aléofane, Crozes-Hermitage","description":"\u003cp\u003eIf you had told us we’d be writing up a Hermitage-adjacent Chave rouge that’s NOT crafted by contemporary cult legend Jean-Louis, we would have laughed into our glass. But here we are, doing just that after tasting today’s brawny, dark-fruited Syrah from a Chave you’ve probably never heard of: Natacha.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo, she’s not part of J-L’s royal family tree, but given the powerful aromatics and brooding fruit that powered out of our glasses, she doesn’t need to be. Her sophisticated, deeply structured Syrah brings all the majesty of Crozes’ storied terroir—which surrounds the fabled hill of Hermitage—with a craftsman's touch and an artist's style, all done using rigorous biodynamic principles. That’s why we’re deeming today’s over-performing bottle one of this year’s most exciting Northern Rhône discoveries. Best of all, \u003cem\u003ethis\u003c\/em\u003e Chave won't break the bank, in fact, ten bottles of Natacha Chave costs the equivalent of one Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage. Load up!  \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eAlthough Domaine Aléofane’s Natacha Chave hails from a winemaking lineage, she has no relation to the legendary Jean-Louis Chave and, quite frankly, we don’t care: Since 2006, she has made a powerful new mark on Northern Rhône’s timeless terroir by promoting a biodynamic, forward-looking philosophy of viniculture. It’s been told that it was her friendship with the famed Clusel-Roch clan in Côte-Rôtie that propelled her to create hearty, soulful wines with as few interventions as possible. Take a thin-skinned berry grown on a pebbly terroir in the Northern Rhône Valley, mix in Natacha’s natural farming and meticulous stewardship in the cellar, and you get today’s Syrah magic. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eNatacha’s domaine gets its name from an island in John Macmillan Brown’s novel “Riallaro, The Archipelago of Exiles.” In this illusory place, fermented drinks are scarce creations with magical healing properties—a perfect analog to the poetic craftsmanship at work in Chave’s organic vineyards and minimalist cellar! From the outset, she was clear on respecting the environment and getting “out of the shackles” of conventional practices. The vineyard work is rigorously organic (certified), the soils are manually tilled, and she employs numerous biodynamic preparations like nettle for composting. The grapes are harvested from vines exceeding 50 years of age grown on alluvial clay and rounded pebbles. In the cellar, she applies the same thoughtfulness by using indigenous yeasts, neutral 500-liter barrels for aging, and minimal additions of sulfur. Her wines are bottled without any fining or filtering.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe 2018 vintage was hot and dry, but because of the methods employed, Chave was able to realize the benefits of her patient and resilient practices. The result is a rich and dark-fruited expression of Northern Rhône Syrah that spills out a classic set of aromas like black cherry, freshly cracked black pepper, blackberry, crème de cassis, licorice, crushed earth, olive, and leather with hints of tobacco and smoked meat. In order to make the most of this powerfully opulent red, I recommend decanting for no less than 60 minutes. If you want to do it exactly right, then please also serve in your largest Bordeaux stems around a steady 60-degree temperature. Then, take it to the next level by pairing it with a rack of lamb with a rosemary finish and roasted new potatoes. You won’t’ regret it!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40780127567926,"sku":"SOMM2104-ALEO18CROZ-750","price":30.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/products\/98980661dfafc13ae01dcaae41e80850.jpg?v=1686588772"},{"product_id":"somm2112-ggl13ltcr-750","title":"E. Guigal, Côte-Rôtie “La Turque”","description":"\u003cp\u003eYou knew it was coming. I mean, we couldn’t offer two top vintages of Guigal’s “Château d’Ampuis” without addressing the three elephants in the room: La Turque, La Mouline, and La Landonne. Having received no less than two dozen perfect reviews, these culty, single-vineyard “La La” rarities have become among the world’s most desirable and highly praised labels.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eMy own experience with them is infrequent but always indelible, as they represent the pinnacle of luxuriously full-bodied, perfumed, ageless Côte-Rôtie. In fact, few labels in the entirety of Northern Rhône (Jamet, Chave, Rostaing, Allemand, Clape) have the guts to stand up to them, but in 2013, none could match the rich, rip-roaring power of “La Turque.” So of course, we couldn’t stand aside when a handful of these Holy Grail bottles were specially allocated to us, and if you have the means, neither should you. This is the rarefied and rarely scaled peak of Syrah!\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNOTE\u003c\/strong\u003e: If you’re salivating over this bottle but don’t want to splurge, take another look at Guigal’s $135 “Château d’Ampuis” \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.sommselect.com\/product\/offer\/SOMM2112-GGL13AMP-750\/?utm_source=email\u0026amp;utm_medium=email_marketing\u0026amp;utm_campaign=daily_offer_a\u0026amp;utm_content=link_product_image\u0026amp;utm_medium=email\u0026amp;utm_campaign=E%20Guigal%20Cte-Rtie%20Chteau%20dAmpuis%20Northern%20Rhne%20Valley%20France%202013\u0026amp;utm_content=E%20Guigal%20Cte-Rtie%20Chteau%20dAmpuis%20Northern%20Rhne%20Valley%20France%202013+Preview+CID_c728465b0e6d94c24a6a384f023ba630\u0026amp;utm_source=Daily%20Email%20Offers\u0026amp;utm_term=SommSelect%20Daily%20Offer%20-%20E%20Guigal%20Cte-Rtie%20Chteau%20dAmpuis%20Northern%20Rhne%20Valley%20France%202013\"\u003eoffer from this morning\u003c\/a\u003e (if it hasn’t yet sold out): it's from the same vintage; it sees nearly the same length of aging in new oak; and three of the seven parcels sourced for the wine immediate flank “La Turque.” \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhen you first sit down to learn about the Rhône Valley’s long list of venerated producers, you’ll undoubtedly see two names at the forefront: 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, because their founder, Etienne Guigal, put down roots here in 1924 and subsequently produced an astounding 67 consecutive vintages. Two 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 and breathtaking 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 Château d’Ampuis.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eOverlooking the Rhône River with Côte-Rôtie’s terraced hills in the immediate backdrop, Château d’Ampuis is a spectacle to behold—but it was in a serious state of decline when Guigal acquired it in 1995. So, they ordered a massive team, led by Jean-Gabriel Mortamet, Chief Architect of Historic Monuments, to fully restore Château d’Ampuis back to its 12th-century glory. It took over a decade, but the payoff was huge. The Guigal family now owns an impressive network of 50-year-old parcels throughout the famed \u003cem\u003elieux-dits\u003c\/em\u003e of Côte Blonde and Côte Brune, with the terraced single vineyard of “La Turque” perched precariously in the latter (Mouline is in Blonde; Landonne is in Brune). With its inaugural vintage in 1985, “La Turque” became the newest of the “La Las,” and each release magically seems to combine the best qualities of Mouline and Landonne. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn the cellar, fermentation occurred in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks followed by a whopping \u003cu\u003e42 months\u003c\/u\u003e in new, tight-grained French barrels. Starting in 2003, the Guigals launched their very own in-house cooperage so all of the barrels used for today’s 2013 were dried, built, and toasted by their own team! Upon bottling, the final blend was 93% Syrah and 7% Viognier.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eRegrettably, we couldn’t open a bottle of this—it’s far too limited—but plenty of fortunate, globally respected critics have. The \u003cem\u003eWine Spectator\u003c\/em\u003e called it a “stunning, modern-styled version, with scintillating raspberry purée, plum confiture, and blackberry reduction flavors gliding over velvety but copious tannins.” Parker’s \u003cem\u003eWine Advocate\u003c\/em\u003e complemented that by declaring it offered “full-bodied, layered, almost decadent notes of blackcurrants, chocolate, cassis, and toasted spice.” Suckling exclaimed it had “an air of deep-set complexity” and was “extremely complex and fragrant [with] supple, plush, and luxuriant texture.” And Jancis Robinson rounded out the magnificent and ubiquitous praise of Guigal’s 2013 La Turque by deeming it “sumptuous and gorgeous, glowing with health and vivacity.” Bottom line: It is destined to be the shining crown jewel in your cellar whether consumed now, in 5-10 years, or on its 30th birthday. Cheers!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40780127797302,"sku":"SOMM2112-GGL13LTCR-750","price":365.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/products\/1fd2bd43575bb1863b5ea008d37c32f7.jpg?v=1686588776"},{"product_id":"somm2111-fay18dionn-750","title":"Domaine Fayolle, Hermitage Rouge “Les Dionnières”","description":"\u003cp\u003eWhenever a scant supply of Fayolle’s Hermitage crosses the Atlantic, we buy it with the mindset that tomorrow is not guaranteed because it's a coveted, affordable, hard-to-find commodity that provides valuable insight into the most fabled Syrah terroir on earth. But after catching wind of their critically acclaimed 2018 release, we knew waiting for the boat’s arrival would be an exercise in futility, so we bought our tiny allocation sight unseen—before it even left Fayolle’s cellar! It has just arrived, and we're all euphoric. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eSourced entirely from a father-son team’s 0.8-hectare plot within “Les Dionnières,” this explodes with the brooding magic of Hermitage at a surprisingly accessible price, one we repeatedly nominate for the region’s finest when considering its caliber and pedigree. As we’ve learned from all previous offers, this wine sells out lightning quick, is made in ridiculously small quantities, and is universally beloved by critics. Why is this towering granite hillside so renowned for producing deep, timeless, and stunningly expressive Syrahs that age alongside the best? If you’re still asking that question, you haven’t had Jean-Louis Chave’s $300 bottling, let alone Fayolle’s spectacular $75 value! As always, our parcel doesn’t come remotely close to meeting the demand. Best of luck!\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eJean-Claude and Nicolas Fayolle (second and third generation, respectively) are crafting superb, small-batch Hermitage in both \u003cem\u003erouge\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eblanc\u003c\/em\u003e incarnations. Nicolas has been alongside his father since 2003, after obtaining a viticulture-enology degree in Mâcon. Previously, Nicolas’ grandfather, who founded the estate in 1958, was tending to apricots in these rows, not grapes. Jean-Claude slowly began the conversion as the estate evolved, but it’s odd to imagine, on such a treasured hillside where Syrah grapes are treated as diamonds, that anything else would be planted. Thankfully, the family is now 100% committed to grape-growing and winemaking. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Fayolle parcel in “Les Dionnières” sits on a soft slope on the eastward continuation of Hermitage’s majestic hilltop (their plot is down the hill and to the left). Their Syrah vines are approximately 40 years of age and are planted in granitic clay soils with a large presence of small pebbles. Due to Fayolle’s \u003cem\u003elutte raisonnée\u003c\/em\u003e (‘reasoned fight’) farming philosophy, along with the steep inclines found on Hermitage, they farm and harvest by hand—the lay of the land makes mechanization impossible anyway. After a whole-bunch fermentation with twice-daily punch-downs, the wine is sent into neutral French oak for 15 months. After a light filtering, the wine is bottled. Out of their already-tiny production, most stays in France, some is sold off to Guigal, and the rest is squeezed out of their importer so we can offer it to you.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eFayolle works vine real estate that neighboring producers charge hundreds for, so what you’re getting in a bottle of their spellbinding Hermitage is simply unrivaled for the price. Although it can certainly be enjoyed now, this 2018 won’t be parading its full spectrum of flavors for another 3-5 years and won’t hit its peak for another 10-15. Do your best to hold onto a couple of bottles, but also feel free to pull the cork on one and decant for two hours for a beautiful sneak preview of what’s to come. If you do, here’s what you can expect, courtesy of Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: “tannic, full-bodied...boasts ebullient aromas of blueberries and boysenberries, leavened by hints of peppery herbs, black tea, and star anise. Expansive on the palate but structured and dusty, with a lingering finish of salted licorice and blackberry pastilles.”\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40780130844726,"sku":"SOMM2111-FAY18DIONN-750","price":75.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/products\/80ccad51d8d30c4a14ebb3c9ccf02f0c.jpg?v=1686588830"},{"product_id":"is2203-rys09cdp-750","title":"Château Rayas, Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge","description":"","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40780132384822,"sku":"IS2203-RYS09CDP-750","price":1975.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/products\/3f518a3cf4107788de2b0d6413aee862.jpg?v=1686588846"},{"product_id":"is2108-arlaudcdlr96-750","title":"Domaine Arlaud Clos de la Roche Grand Cru Cuvee Unique Reserve","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Arlauds have just a single acre of vines in the Clos de la Roche, in a lieu-dit parcel within the Grand Cru called “Les Mochamps.” Clos de la Roche sits at the northern end of Morey-St-Denis, on the border with Gevrey-Chambertin, and its wines are often characterized as ‘Gevrey-like’ in character. That said, the Arlaud version, in the 2016 vintage anyway, has lots of Morey-Saint Denis suavity—deep red cherry fruit, polished tannins, and highly floral aromatics that make you swoon. But it is still taut and youthful at this stage in its life, which, when you feel its structure, is destined to be a very long one.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eDomaine Arlaud dates to the 1940s, when Joseph Arlaud married 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, and these days it’s Hervé’s son, Cyprien, who runs the show (he ‘officially’ took the reins in 2013). Perhaps the hallmark achievement of Cyprien’s tenure has been his conversion of the domaine to biodynamic farming (certified in 2014). The family’s 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.” How’s that for a credential?!\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40780134121526,"sku":"IS2108-ARLAUDCDLR96-750","price":350.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/products\/f33fc6447fc477e9f352e27f2869519d.jpg?v=1686588877"},{"product_id":"is2203-grosf18hcdn-750","title":"Domaine Gros Frère et Soeur Bourgogne Hautes Cotes de Nuits","description":"\u003cp\u003eNever mind the one percent. Richebourg exists in the top \u003cstrong\u003e.\u003c\/strong\u003e01%, 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\u003eFor die-hard Burgundy collectors, just hearing “Richebourg” quickens hearts and conjures up images of liquid gold because those seeking to acquire even one bottle must be mentally and financially prepared for the sticker shock: $1,000 for Hudelot-Noellat; $1,200 for Lucien Le Moine; $1,500 for Jean Grivot; $2,000 for Méo-Camuzet; $4,000 for DRC; and “ungodly” (if it can be located) for Leroy. That’s why I constantly come back to one of my personal favorite Burgundy addresses: Domaine Gros Frère et Soeur. Theirs is the standout value of the entire bunch, easily topping all others in terms of price-to-quality. As forecasted, nearly every producer has hiked their prices up this year, yet we’re still able to offer this glorious 2018 release at the best price in the country, delivered from their cellar to your doorstep with guaranteed perfect provenance. I’ll sign off sounding like a broken record: This one-way ticket to red Burgundy Shangri-La is highly limited and practically exclusive, and while it’s certainly not affordable, it’s among the greatest cellar investments we offer. Purchases must be restricted to two bottles per customer.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eWarning: A complicated family tree lies ahead, so proceed at your own risk. The Gros family arrived in Vosne-Romanée in the 1830s and subsequently began 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 estate holdings from Domaine Gros-Renaudot were split among his sons and daughters (thanks to Napoleon I decreeing that estates must be equally split between the owner’s children). A further subdivision occured when Gustave and Colette’s brother, Jean Gros, divvied up his holdings 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 and today, his son Vincent joins his side. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003ern\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRichebourg is divided into two \u003cem\u003elieux-dits\u003c\/em\u003e, “Le Richebourg” and “Les Véroilles-ou-Richebourg,” 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 \u003cem\u003elutte raisonnée\u003c\/em\u003e principles; they 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 age in 100% new French oak for about 16 months. The wine is lightly fined and always bottled unfiltered. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003ern\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWe simply cannot taste these wines any longer. They are too allocated, too expensive, and too precious. So, as I’ve said with every Richebourg release we’ve offered, I strongly suggest cellaring this as long as humanly possible—the more patient you are, the better it’ll be. However, the profundity and generosity of Gros Frère Richebourgs in their youth have always blown me away, so if you cannot fend off the urge to open one of these Grand Cru titans right now, please decant for 2-3 hours before pouring into bulbous Burgundy stems around 60 degrees. Furthermore, make your bottle stretch throughout an entire evening, ideally saving some for the second day as well. This is the Pinot Noir peak, folks. Age lengthily, open sparingly, and savor slowly. Cheers. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003ern\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40780134383670,"sku":"IS2203-GROSF18HCDN-750","price":49.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/products\/a9b98b3ba9d38d09df41535c109c0b94.jpg?v=1686588882"},{"product_id":"somm2112-arl19ccgc-750","title":"Domaine Arlaud, Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru","description":"\u003cp\u003eMaking exceptional Pinot Noir in Burgundy is hard enough but the stakes rocket skyward when it comes from a slice of vines within the storied Grand Cru of “Charmes-Chambertin.” Unquestionably one of the world’s most famous Pinot vineyards, anyone with this designation on their label is part of a very exclusive club of producers. I’m talking legends like Roumier, Rousseau, Dugat-Py, Dujac, and Bachelet, all of which charge multiples more than Domaine Arlaud’s bottling on offer today.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eBut instead of simply embracing the presence of these blue bloods, Cyprien Arlaud looks to surpass them in the vineyard: By holding both organic and biodynamic certifications—the very first to do so in his home village—his Grand Cru creations have become highly covetable, extremely age-worthy Pinot Noirs of transparency, purity, and majesty. They are also painfully limited to such an extent that we cannot ask for our desired quantity, rather, we are told how much (or little) we can have. And with today’s 2019 release, that translates to no more than three bottles per person. Note: This is for dedicated Burgundy collectors who have the patience and fortitude to keep cellaring it for no less than three years. The payoff will be massive, I promise. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\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 plowed 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.” How’s that for a credential?!\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eCharmes-Chambertin is the largest of the Gevrey-Chambertin Grand Crus. As such, there is a who’s who of Burgundy’s best bottlings from the site, and thanks to meticulous biodynamic farming and a gentle touch in the cellar, Arlaud has emerged as a force to be reckoned with. Charmes-Chambertin produces perhaps the most elegant wines of Gevrey-Chambertin’s cluster of Grand Crus, and Domaine Arlaud’s sliver 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. His parcels are split between vines with 30 years of age and 50+, and the fruit from each is vinified naturally and separately with a small portion of whole clusters left intact. The resulting wine is then aged in French barrels, typically no more than 30% new, and is bottled unfined and unfiltered in accordance with the lunar calendar.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eCyprien’s approach in the cellar is described as “non-interventionist” which can result in some reductive, high-strung wines in their youth. Like many young Grand Crus, today’s 2019 Charmes-Chambertin is not meant for stardom right now, but its perfume, purity, and fine structure all point to one thing: This is destined for greatness. Arlaud’s top Gevrey bottlings often have some of the perfume of great Morey-Saint-Denis or Chambolle-Musigny, while the palate brings me back to the firmer, darker profile of Chambertin. In the glass, today’s 2019 reveals a vibrant ruby-purple with perfumed aromas of wild strawberries, black raspberry preserve, sappy cherry, plum skin, violet, white pepper, \u003cem\u003esous bois\u003c\/em\u003e, forest floor, and finely crushed minerals that outs it as top-flight red Burgundy. I hesitate to further describe this wine because a genuine collector won’t dare touch it until it’s further evolved, around 2025-2029, and by then it will provide an entirely new (think supple and savory) drinking experience. If you absolutely must open one now, decant it no less than two hours before serving in Burgundy stems at 60 degrees. Please, though, stow your others deep away and forget they exist. Cheers! \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40780135759926,"sku":"SOMM2112-ARL19CCGC-750","price":250.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/products\/96fcbd87512a66fe65dd8deedd2aca5e.jpg?v=1686588920"},{"product_id":"somm2107-remo67chmsny-750","title":"Remoissenet Père et Fils, Chambolle-Musigny","description":"\u003cp\u003eTo say that Remoissenet is a historic négociant would be a gross understatement. My first visit in 2007 with my father was an experience I’ll never forget, and has subsequently led to many return visits. Located in the center of Beaune, Pierre takes you through an iron gate and into a building that instantly transports you back to the medieval ages. That’s just the beginning: You then descend a flight of stairs and the temperature begins plummeting with each step until entering a vast cave below. This is Remoissenet’s cellar, originally built in the 1300s, which connects to the medieval walls of Beaune itself. But the other distinguishing feature (if not already obvious by now) of Remoissenet is its immense, museum-like collection of back-vintage bottlings. We’ve seen them firsthand while strolling through the catacombs with Répolt and Rovani—stacks of dusty “shiner” bottles, a miniature chalkboard hanging from one of the necks with the vintage and vineyard inscribed. And that, my friends, is where today’s ancient offer currently resides. For a wine geek, it’s more exciting than an amusement park ride, especially when you get to pull the cork on and literally taste history. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eHere’s how the offer works: For every bottle sold, Pierre and cellarmaster Bernard Répolt will (1) personally remove every ‘shiner’ from their subterranean wine museum, (2) clean, recork, label, and quality check each one, and (3) top off the winners with more of the same wine. They conduct all of these slow, painstaking measures because Remoissenet is a “merchant of pleasure,” meaning the end goal is to deliver a breathtakingly historic, perfectly enjoyable mature red Burgundy. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eNOTE: These wines will be safely shipped via air freight to our Sonoma warehouse in late September, ensuring that there will be no delays getting the wine to your doorstep in October.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40780136185910,"sku":"SOMM2107-REMO67CHMSNY-750","price":350.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/products\/497d9f25267b06ce8af026cf4d925236.jpg?v=1686588911"},{"product_id":"is2203-pousseamour19-750","title":"Domaine de la Pousse d'Or Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru 'Les Amoureuses'","description":"","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40780136546358,"sku":"IS2203-POUSSEAMOUR19-750","price":445.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/products\/a4d92abfb59e885ab52e612228802091.jpg?v=1686588911"},{"product_id":"somm2107-remo69vgt-750","title":"Remoissenet Père et Fils, Vougeot 1er Cru","description":"\u003cp\u003eTo say that Remoissenet is a historic négociant would be a gross understatement. 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