98 Point Massolino

Stunning Values From Barolo - Vigna Rionda Massolino

We are very excited to be bringing you this offer today after recently receiving the very last allocation of Massolino's highly rated Barolos.

Antonio Galloni, Italian wine reviewer for Robert Parker's Wine Avocate, has said that "Massolino’s Vigna Rionda remains another of Piedmont’s best kept secrets...and a terrific value..." and that their "wines exemplify the characteristics that define Serralunga Barolos at their finest."

Furthermore, Wine Spectator awarded the 2000 Vigna Rionda Riserva a whopping 98 points! There aren't many Barolos that have rated so highly, let alone for such a great value.

Massolino's vineyards are located at a high altitude with optimal south-westerly exposure. The family has long understood the importance of respecting terroir, and it shows in their single vineyard offerings. The regular Barolo is another amazing value from this winery and is made from estate-grown grapes sourced from various vineyards on the property.

Their wines possess pure, ripe fruit and great structure with well-integrated tannins and a generous amount of sweetness. They really do seem to have it all! They are extremely age-worthy wines as well, able to be cellared for at least another five to ten years.

We have a very limited quantity of these wines and once we sell out, we won't be getting anymore. Take advantage of this rare offer and, as always...enjoy!

Limited Quantity

ITALY - PIEDMONT

2003 Massolino Barolo Nebbiolo 750ml - $38.99
Wine Advocate, Jan 2007, 92 points: "Massolino decided against bottling their single-vineyard Barolos in 2003, opting instead for a blend, which consumers will be able to enjoy at a very reasonable price considering today's market environment. The estate's 2003 Barolo is made in a soft approachable style. It reveals notable depth in its core of vibrant black cherries with lovely purity and well-integrated tannins. This is a terrific effort from Massolino. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2018."

2001 Massolino Barolo Vigna Parafada Nebbiolo 750ml - $57.99
Wine Spectator, Oct 2005, 93 points: "A wine with lots of berry, meat and earth character on the nose and palate. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a long, rich aftertaste. Velvety Barolo. Best after 2008. 500 cases made. –JS"

1998 Massolino Barolo Vigna Rionda Riserva Nebbiolo 750ml - $72.99
Wine Advocate, Oct 2006, 94 points: "The very complete and immensely enjoyable 1998 Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda presents a superbly elegant nose of violets, menthol, spices, licorice, smoke and underbrush. It comes across as soft yet persistent, and displays beautifully delineated flavors of rich dark fruit, with a balsamic note that develops in the glass, finishing with great length and overall balance. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2018."

2000 Massolino Barolo Vigna Rionda Riserva Nebbiolo 750ml - $89.99
Wine Spectator, Dec 2006, 98 points: "Gorgeous nose of cut roses, raspberry, strawberry and Spanish cedar. Full-bodied, with powerful yet refined tannins. Incredible structure yet wonderful finesse. Goes on and on. A brick house. Best after 2010. 750 cases made. –JS"

Sweet Deals

Selection of High Quality Sweet Wines

Sweet wines are always a treat to enjoy and should be a part of anyone's holiday meal. Below are some of the best deals in sweet wine that we have, including high-end Sauternes, a beautiful sweet wine from the Alsace region, and a Hungarian Eszencia - all at reduced pricing.

You can also click here to view all of our sweet wine in addition to what you see below.

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FRANCE - BORDEAUX

2003 De Suduiraut Sauternes Blend 375ml - ON SALE $30.99 (reg $32.99)
Wine Advocate, Apr 2006, 95 points: "No tasting note was given."
Wine Spectator, Mar 2006, 93 points: "Intense aromas of pecan pie, dried apricot, apples and syrup. Full-bodied, medium-sweet, with a dense mouthfeel of very ripe fruit and a long, powerful and spicy aftertaste. Very, very impressive. Not quite the 2001, but who's arguing? Best after 2010. 6,500 cases made."

2003 Rieussec Sauternes Blend 375ml - ON SALE $31.99 (reg $35.99)
Wine Advocate, Apr 2006, 96 points: "No tasting note was given."
Wine Spectator, Jun 2004, 95 - 100 points: "This is a bodybuilder of a wine. Massive. Full-bodied, very sweet, yet you don't feel it. It seems almost tannic, but there is great sweetness and power. Ginger and honey. Fantastic wine. Score range: 95-100 (JS)"

1994 Yquem, Chateau d' Sauternes Blend 750ml - ON SALE $167.99 (reg $174.99)
Wine Spectator, May 2000: "...Yellow-gold color. Intense aromas of petrol, spice and honey, with dried apricot. Full-bodied, very sweet, with a green apple and honey character; petrol character comes through on the finish...(JS)"

1985 Chateau Gilette Sauternes Blend 750ml - ON SALE $94.99 (reg $179.99)

1985 Chateau Gilette Sauternes Blend 375ml - ON SALE $47.99 (reg $94.99)

HUNGARY

1997 Disznoko Tokay Aszu Eszencia Proprietary Blend 500ml - ON SALE $64.99 (reg $119.99)

FRANCE - ALSACE

2002 Weinbach, Domaine Pinot Gris Altenbourg Selection de Grains Nobles 375ml - ON SALE $84.99 (reg $104.99)
Wine Spectator, Oct 2005, 95 points: "The scent of chanterelles sautéing in butter leads into a racy dessert white sporting orange marmalade, dried pear and quince notes that just won't quit. Great balance and expressive, with a mouthwatering finish. Drink now through 2025. 128 cases made. (BS)"

A 95 Point Wine at an Incredible Price

2006 Mitolo G.A.M. - Only $35.99

The Mitolo G.A.M. easily has one of the best track records in terms of ratings of any wine on the market. From 2001 to 2006, it has an average rating of 96 points by Robert Parker and hasn't rated below 94 points!

The G.A.M. is a big, juicy Shiraz with full throttle pepper and blueberry flavors and loads of character and complexity. It also has pedigree - a partnership between the Mitolo family and Ben Glaetzer, who make some of the best Shiraz in the world. This is a phenomenal wine from a standout producer, no questions about that.

This just came in and, judging by its amazing value, will go out just as fast. Where else can you find something like this? It is certainly one of the highest quality affordable wines out there.

The other wines from Mitolo listed below, Reiver and Savitar, are also great values and boast a stunning track record with Robert Parker. Each of these wines will be sure hits at your holiday table, so hurry and stock up now before they inevitably sell out. Enjoy!

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AUSTRALIA - SOUTH AUSTRALIA

2006 Mitolo Shiraz GAM Syrah 750ml - $35.99
Wine Advocate, Jan 2007, 95 points: "The 2006 Shiraz "G.A.M." (the initials of the Mitolo children) was aged in French and American oak, 60% new. Opaque purple in color, it has an aromatic array of roasted coffee, violets, lavender, pepper, Asian spices, blueberry, and blackberry liqueur. In the mouth it is velvety-textured, deep, concentrated, opulent, and altogether hedonistic. It will evolve for 5-7 years and drink well through 2026. Mitolo, which began operations in 1999, is a partnership of the Mitolo family and winemaker Ben Glaetzer. The focus is on McLaren Vale fruit from Willunga, the most southern part of the district. All of the wines below are from the 2006 vintage which Glaetzer characterizes as "a mild growing season with no problems. It ranks with 2002 as my favorite vintage."

2006 Mitolo Shiraz Reiver Syrah 750ml - $36.99
Wine Advocate, Jan 2007, 94 points: "The 2006 Shiraz "Reiver" is sourced from a single vineyard in the Greenock region of the Barossa Valley. The average age of the vines is 60 years. Opaque purple in color, it has a enthralling perfume of saddle leather, truffle, violets, pepper, blueberry, toast, and blackberry. This leads to a full-bodied wine which manages to retain elegance. Opulent, ripe, and layered with spicy blue and black fruits, the wine has enough underlying structure for extended cellaring. Nicely integrated and long in the finish, it can be enjoyed over the next 12-15 years. Mitolo, which began operations in 1999, is a partnership of the Mitolo family and winemaker Ben Glaetzer. The focus is on McLaren Vale fruit from Willunga, the most southern part of the district. All of the wines below are from the 2006 vintage which Glaetzer characterizes as "a mild growing season with no problems. It ranks with 2002 as my favorite vintage."

2006 Mitolo Shiraz Savitar Syrah 750ml - $47.99
Wine Advocate, Jan 2007, 94 points: "The 2006 Shiraz "Savitar" was aged in 100% new oak, predominantly French. Purple-colored, the aromatics are a bit reticent initially, but soon scents of toasty oak, tar, licorice, scorched earth, and blueberry emerge. This leads to a wine which is more structured and less opulent than its peers. It will evolve for a minimum of 8-10 years and drink well through 2040. As a point of reference, the 2002 Savitar (rated 95) was presented. It is considerably more developed aromatically but still has a significant distance to travel prior to reaching its peak. Mitolo, which began operations in 1999, is a partnership of the Mitolo family and winemaker Ben Glaetzer. The focus is on McLaren Vale fruit from Willunga, the most southern part of the district. All of the wines below are from the 2006 vintage which Glaetzer characterizes as "a mild growing season with no problems. It ranks with 2002 as my favorite vintage."

A 91 Point Wine at an Incredible Price

2005 Ambullneo Big Paw Chardonnay - Only $19.99 (reg $54.99)

Don’t ask, don’t tell...just buy.

Nicely packaged in an oversized, heavy bottle, the '05 Ambullneo Big Paw is simply a beautiful wine, rated 91 points by Robert Parker. A rare example of all aspects of a Chardonnay at full throttle while in total balance and harmony, you can enjoy this now or over the next 5-10 years.

It has everything in spades – bright fruit and nice minerality, dancing on a bed of acidity. Hands down, this can be mistaken for a top flight Burgundy – it’s that good! Many California producers should stop and take a sip of this to see just how tasty this noble varietal can be.

Ambullneo wines can be found at some of the finest restaurants in the US, including the French Laundry, Michael Mina, Montrachet, and Per Se. Robert Parker has awarded 90 points or better to 16 of the 19 wines he has rated from Ambullneo, including 7 wines 93 points or higher. Simply put, Ambullneo makes seriously great wines.

This leaves us with our last promise - JJ Buckley guarantees you will like this wine, or it’s on us.**

Limited quantities available.

**If you are not satisfied with the wine, your opened bottle is on us and you may return any unopened bottles for a full refund.

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USA - CALIFORNIA

2005 Ambullneo Vineyards Chardonnay Big Paw 750ml - ON SALE $19.99 (reg $54.99)
Wine Advocate, Jan 2007, 91 points: "The 2005 Chardonnay Big Paw is a vastly superior wine. Huge notes of honeyed mango, orange marmalade, peach oil, and minerals, with little evidence of oak emerge from this full-bodied, fruity white. With a Burgundian-like minerality as well as a beautiful finish, it should be drunk over the next 3-4 years."

New and Exciting Find

R Wines Green Lion - Brand New!

Winemaker Chris Ringland and importer Dan Philips do Napa! Responsible for four perfect, 100 point scores from Robert Parker, Chris is one of the most brilliant and well-respected winemakers from around the world. Dan, who's palate Robert Parker refers to as 'brilliant', has been creating and importing top Australian wines for over a decade.

Together, they have formed R Wines and have begun producing wines in California and around the world. Check your latest Wine Advocate (Issue 173, 10-31-2007, page 52-53): R Wines has 32 wines 90 points or higher, including 7 wines 96 points or higher!

Jay Miller from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate says "the packaging of these wines is amazingly creative but, more importantly, what is in the bottle consistently over-delivers from low-end to high-end".

It has been a long time since something really exciting has come out of Napa that is really good and and really low priced. Somehow, it is almost impossible to find a combination of those criteria these days. You know these won't stay well priced for long.

The fruit source is Pritchard Hill (of Bryant Family fame) and Diamond Mountain (Lokoya wines), high atop the Napa Valley. It doesn't get much better than that!

To boot, this wine has a really cool, interesting label designed by Alan Aldridge, who's famous artwork includes album covers for Rolling Stones, the Beatles, Elton John, Jimmy Hendrix, and Pink Floyd. When you open this bottle, it is sure to spark a lively conversation!

However, you will need to act quickly, as we have a very small allocation that is sure to disappear fast.

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USA - CALIFORNIA

2005 R Winery Green Lion Cabernet Sauvignon 750ml - $17.99
JJ Buckley, Dec 2007: "Intense black core in the glass with a bright purple and crimson rim. Cool dark fruit aromas of blueberry, blackberry and cassis are backed by a hint of blue slate and a lighter anise spice. Subtle entry onto the palate. Dark, rich and full bodied. The tannins are ripe and present, yet very round and approachable. Cinnamon and bakers chocolate support the rich dark fruits. Great balance and long, lingering finish. A screamingly great Napa Cab that truly over delivers for the price." - Mike Supple

2005 R Winery Green Lion Merlot 750ml - $12.99
JJ Buckley, Dec 2007: "Dark purple core with a fuchsia rim. Big fruit and spice on the nose - fresh anise surrounded by rich black cherry and raspberry with warm vanilla and nutmeg. On the palate it is smooth and full with very fine tannins. The flavors are rich and juicy without getting heavy and jammy. Dark fruits are surrounded by bright cinnamon spice. This is a big wine yet remains very well balanced. A top quality merlot." - Mike Supple

Flowers and Bubbles - The Perfect Gift

Perriet-Jouet Fleur de Champagne Magnum - only $219.99 (reg $249.99) Plus Free Shipping**

When the moment is to be treasured, only the very best will do. While each house has their top of the line, or tete de cuvee, we find ourselves going back time and again to Perrier-Jouet.

When launched in 1969, it was called Belle Epoch, or the beautiful time, in reference to the era of the original art work enameled on the bottle. When released in the United States in 1975, it was referred to as Fleur de Champagne.

Perrier-Jouet, in true romantic fashion, created Fleur de Champagne in a marriage of the very best that the vineyards of Champagne can produce: wines from Cramant, Avize, Ay, Mailly and Verzenay, the region's most highly-rated vineyards. One half of the blend is Chardonnay of surpassing finesse and delicacy. The other half is Pinot Noir of noble richness and complexity.

The blend of these wines yields a Champagne of ravishing fragrance and style, offered in the famous 'Flower Bottle'. The wine's aromatic, elegant style coupled with its unique hand-painted bottle have established Fleur as the 'Champagne of Romance'. Craftsmen individually paint anemone on each bottle with enamel.

To truly take your experience to the limit, we recommend to serve your Champagne from magnum. The slightly larger format allows for a slower and more refined development of the bubbles and a truly divine experience. Enjoy!

**Any Champagne or Sparkling wine orders placed until December 31, 2007 ship via Ground service at no cost! Click here for more information.

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FRANCE - CHAMPAGNE

1996 Perrier Jouet Fleur de Champagne Brut Champagne Blend 1500ml - ON SALE $219.99 (reg $249.99)
Wine Spectator, Nov 2004, 92 points: "Reticent aromas and flavors hinting at vanilla pastry, peach, citrus and ginger, all beautifully integrated with its firm structure and supple texture. A roasted, nutty element emerges on the finish. Drink now through 2010. –BS"
Stephen Tanzer, Nov 2003, 92 points: "($120) Very subtle, floral nose combines minerals, nuts and butter. Bright, concentrated and seamless, with lovely harmonious acidity; very smooth for the vintage. At once rich and racy; has weight without being heavy. Finishes long and fine."