Weingut Wohlmuth 2022 Sauvignon Blanc “Ried Steinriegl” Erste Lage STK Kitzeck im Sausal is a village that deserves high praise. That’s because it boasts the highest-in-elevation wine estates in Austria. But it takes more than a mountaintop to create great wine. It takes many generations of the Wohlmuth family who have been making 100% single-estate-grown wine here since 1803! Steinriegl is a very steep (up to 78% inclination), top single vineyard that is in a high altitude location. This vineyard produces highly flavor-intense wines with pronounced minerality. It has been referred to as one of the best single vineyards of Styria for centuries. Since vintage 2018 this special single vineyard is classified as STK Premier Cru, a high quality designation. Wine is aged on the lees for 11 months, producing a savory, dense, minerally, spicy, wine with a great interplay of cool flavors from the slate and warm flavors of the ripeness, with a huge life ahead—pure slate deliciousness.

Domaine Vincent Wengier 2022 Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons Vincent Wengier is a fourth-generation Chablis winemaker who, along with his wife, Sophie, has produced wine under his name since 2018. Domaine Vincent Wengier was first established in 1950 and is located in the southwest region of the appellation, in the village of Préhy, two hours southeast of Paris. This is organic Chablis from Vincent Wengier’s small domain in Prehy, made in stainless steel tanks on fine lees to bring more roundness and aromatic complexity. Young and typical nose, floral flavors linden, hawthorn, white fruits and delicate minerality. Palate round, enveloping, endowed with a fruity freshness of gourmet youth. Style without artifice, marked Chablis imprint.

Domaine Guy & Yvan Dufouleur 2020 Santenay “Clos Genêts” Domaine Guy & Yvan Dufouleur was established on the slopes of Nuits-Saint-Georges in 1596, and is currently managed by Yvan Dufouleur and his uncle Xavier. Four hundred years is a long time for any winery, and through the centuries the family has acquired a whopping 28 hectares of prime vineyard sites extending from Fixin to Santenay. Clos Genets is located on a 3.3 acre plot on top of the village of Santenay. The plot is on a sloped hill with eastern-facing sun exposure. The 40+-year-old vines produce very small yields. Farming is natural, and cellar work is hands-off. These sensory, revelatory wines are a must for anyone interested in distinctive Burgundy. Dark purple in color. Its bouquet is reminiscent of rose petals, peony, violet, red fruits on a hint of licorice. Intense attack on the palate, firm tannins, smooth body and robust. Nice aromas of blueberry on a lingering finish.

Marchesi Incisa Della Rocchetta “Sant’Emiliano” 2018 Barbera d’Asti Superiore Sant’Emiliano is a cru of Rocchetta Tanaro, a hill and a vineyard well known for its ideal south-facing exposition. The history of the Monferrato area and that of Marchesi Incisa della Rochetta, a family whose origins date back to before the eleventh century, are very closely linked. For centuries, their family has owned vineyards and produced its own wine, an activity most likely started by the Benedictine monks, who were given the right, by the family, to plant vines in the hills of their property in Rocchetta Tanaro. You can still see traces of their presence in the Saint’Emiliano votive chapel, which stands in their vineyard bearing the very same name, still owned by the family after so many centuries. Great care is taken during the harvest in order to select only the best and perfectly matured fruits. Very complex with fruity notes of violet, plum, dark cherry, developing notes of tobacco, chocolate, leather and licorice with aging in the bottle. A well-balanced wine, with a long and elegant finish.

Clos du Mont-Olivet 2018 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge Cuvée Unique The family estate of Clos du Mont-Olivet is the collector’s choice for traditional, aromatic and age-worthy Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The Sabon family’s ancient, three-story stone house looks directly upon the ruins of the papal “châteauneuf” that gives the town its name. Their cellars are stacked high with dusty bottles—many without labels—stashed by winemaker Thierry Sabon’s grandfather when he first started making wine.“Clos du Mont Olivet is one of the great estates of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. They have been estate bottling for over 80 years, and readers looking for classic, old-style, traditional as well as long-lived Châteauneuf-du-Papes have a beacon of reassurance with the Sabon family, who have run this domain so impeccably well.” – WA This is a very special selection, aged exclusively in older foudre passed down from generation to generation in the Sabon family, and bottled unfined and unfiltered. A wine that can and will age with grace for 15 years or more. Enjoy!

Six Peaks Winery Chehalem Mountain Brut Rosé John and Lynn Albin planted their first vineyard in 1981, the Laurel Vineyard located in Laurelwood AVA, OR. This estate vineyard sits atop Bald Peak, which offers a stunning panoramic view of five cascade mountains. Add up all of these peaks and you have 6 Peaks Winery. The Albin’s bring with them many decades of experience in viticulture and winemaking in the Pacific Northwest. Their second label, Lorelle, became an immediate hit when we first brought it in and we jumped at the chance to carry their original winery, Six Peaks Winery. The rosé is from 100% from old vine Coury and Pommard Pinot Noir clones originally planted in 1981. It is rare to find 40 year old vines in the Willamette Valley and they have yielded a refined focused sparkling wine. Aromatics of fresh strawberries, kirsch cherries and jasmine. Delicate yet rich and creamy flavors.