Xavier Vignon
"Arcane - Le Fou" Vin de France Rouge NV
96/100 - Jeb Dunnuck (8/16/2019) "The NV Vin de France Arcane Le Fou is another unique wine from this incredible winemaker. This cuvee focuses on different clones of Grenache as well as just about every permitted variety out there (although it's 85% Grenache). It has a big, sweet nose of blueberries, black cherries, lavender, and peppery incense as well as a full-bodied, layered, powerful yet seamless style on the palate. With no hard edges, silky tannins, and a big finish, it's a singular wine (it's mostly from vines in Chateauneuf Du Pape) to enjoy over the coming 10-15 years. Maturity 2019 - 2034." (France)
Wonderwall
"Spanish Springs Vineyard" Edna Valley Pinot Noir 2018
90/100 - Our Score (2/2020) Andrew Jones sources the fruit for this powerfully delicious Pinot Nor from a vineyard literally one mile from the Pacific Ocean, just outside of Pismo Beach. That's about as close as close to the coast as you'll find vineyards in Calfornia! We've carried the Wonderwall and its ever-changing label for a quite a few years, and this bright Pinot Noir has gotten fresher and even more graceful as the Spanish Springs vines have gained age. Look for mouthwatering flavors of strawberry, red plum, balsamic and tomato leaf along with a juicy acidity that keeps things in perfect balance. Pop the cork and this excellent single-vineyard Pinot is ready to go! (California)
Castaño
"Solanera" Yecla 2016
93/100 - Jeb Dunnuck (4/3/2019) "The 2016 Solanera is up with the finest vintages I've tasted of this cuvée (and I've had most of them). A blend of 65% Monastrell, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 15% Grenache, all from more limestone and higher elevation soils (and the Monastrell vines are 70 years old), it reveals a saturated purple color as well as full-bodied notes of blue fruits, cedarwood, spiced cherries, and peppery herbs. It's deep, rich, and textured, yet also balanced and beautifully pure. It's a steal at the price." (Spain)
Prisoner Wine Company
"Saldo" California Zinfandel 2018
The new vintage of this powerful Zinfandel from the Prisoner Wine Company team has just arrived. Check it out before the scores are released! (California)
Bodega Norton
"Privada" Mendoza Red Blend 2016
93+/100 - Vinous, Stephen Tanzer (9/2019) "Bright, dark ruby. Very pure aromas of cassis, blackberry, licorice and dark chocolate are lifted by a building violet topnote. Dry but flavorful black fruit and dark chocolate flavors are still youthfully tight but already display a very sophisticated texture. There's a coolness and clarity here from the 2016 vintage but also very good fruit ripeness and chalky minerality. Finishes with strong but refined tannins and a note of salty minerality. This juicy, penetrating, very long blend is youthfully primary now and needs more time in bottle to expand. It may well eventually merit an even higher rating. (6.22 g/l acidity; aged in 50% new and 50% once-used French oak barrels; made from several low-yielding blocks around Luján de Cuyo)" (Argentina)
Canneto
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
90/100 - Our Score (7/2020) A hot opportunity on this certified organic Vino Nobile from Canneto. This extremely pretty and classic wine from the challenging 2014 vintage is singing with acidity and bursting with flavors of red cherry, violet, balsamic and brown spice. A touch of air really gets things going, so best bet is to splash it in a decanter 20 to 30 minutes before serving. With no hard edges, this silky Sangiovese is positively ready to rock. Where's the lasagna? (Italy)
Francois Le Saint
"Calcaire" Sancerre 2018
90+/100 - Our Score (8/2020) Here's a certified organically-grown Sauvignon Blanc from micro-vigneron Francois Le Saint. Presenting a "natural" flavor profile, this high energy Sancerre satisfies all your cravings for citrusy tension and chalky minerality. Artisan Loire Valley whites at this price are fleeting. Grab a few bottles, some fresh goat cheese and a just chill. (France)
Enfield Wine Co.
"Citrine" Chardonnay 2017
Reminding us of Chassagne-Montrachet, this serious Chardonnay typically sells for $30. Our price is well below that! Gains depth and intensity the longer its open. Not to be missed!
92/100 - Our Score (4/2019)
91/100 - Wine Advocate (12/19/2019) "The 2017 Chardonnay Citrine was barrel fermented with full malolactic. It has a savory nose of bruised apples, wet hay and wool with a core of ripe green melon, peaches and accents of clover honey, crushed hazelnuts and mushroom. It's medium-bodied, rounded and silky in the mouth with intense, savory flavors, well-woven juicy acidity and a surprisingly long, honey-nut finish. Drink Date: 2019 - 2025." (California)
Famille Lafage
"Côté Est" Côtes Catalanes Blanc 2019
89/100 - Our Score (8/2020) Jean-Marc Lafage and importer Eric Solomon craft this perfectly refreshing French white from grapes growing just a few kilometers from the Mediterranean Sea, not far from the border with Spain. Offering tangy citrus, white peach, summer melon and spring flower flavors atop a zippy-fresh frame, this hand harvested blend of Grenache Blanc, Chardonnay and Rolle (Vermentino) is perfect with fish tacos, salad Niçoise or while zooming at your virtual book club! (France)
Domaine le Capitaine
"Les Perrieres" Vouvray 2018
90/100 - Our Score (7/2020) Smartly priced dry Vouvray is a rarity these days. Here's a fine example from Alain & Christophe Le Capitaine. This mineral-driven 100% Chenin Blanc presents lime, tangerine, green apple and yellow pear notes along with a subtle chalk structure and fresh acidity. Better than just about any dry Vouvray at this price. (France)
Mary Taylor
Saint-Pourçain Rosé 2019
90/100 - Our Score (8/2020) American micro-negociant Mary Taylor is one our favorite people in the wine biz. She's smart, hard working and especially talented at finding authentic, fairly priced wines from some of Europe's most undervalued vineyards. This delightful pink juice comes from the obscure Loire Valley appellation of Saint-Pourçain. Drinkers of this Rosé of Gamay will find tangy red fruits, lively minerals and a brisk, taut finish. Nice one, Mary! (France)
Balan
Brut Prosecco 2019
90/100 - Our Score (7/2020) A new vintage of Vin Chicago's favorite vintage-bottled, Prosecco is here! Drier and more serious on the palate than your average Prosecco, the 2019 Balan clocks in at a bright and breezy 11% ABV. Notes of apple blossom, almond, orange zest, white peach and waxy green apple lead the way in this delightfully well-made sparkler. A creamy palate feel leads to a lengthy finish that wraps up the high-quality experience. Such a charmer! (Italy)
