Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Barolo-A String of Good Vintages

Nebbiolo drinkers are in the middle of an embarrassment of riches. Over the last decade, Barolo and Barbaresco have experienced some of their best vintages, and some, in succession.

Just take out 2002 because of hail storms and 2003 because of abnormally hot conditions and you have an amazing string of top quality years. Most people will talk about 2001, 2004 and 2006 but 2000 has its merits for earlier drinking. 2005 is sandwiched between two great years so it will always be in the shadows, but it offers some nice drinking and good value. And now with 2007's starting to hit the market we have another fleshy, drinker-friendly vintage. Take advantage of our excellent spot in history.

We are happy to have a varied selection of Barolo in stock at the moment. Take a look at this short list and happy shopping.

Barolo In Stock
2004 Damilano Barolo Lecinquevigne $44.99
(88+ Points: Wine Advocate)
2004 Mascarello Barolo Monprivato $119.99
(96 Points: Wine Advocate)
2005 Ettore Germano Barolo Serralunga $54.99
(89+ Points: Wine Advocate)
2005 Germano Angelo Barolo Vigna Rue $59.99
(94 Points: Wine Enthusiast)
2006 Asceri Barolo $29.99
2006 Revello Barolo La Morra $39.99
(90 Points: Wine Advocate)
2006 Renato Corino Barolo $47.99
(92 Points: Wine Advocate)
2006 Giovanni Manzone Barolo Castelletto $52.99
(91+ Points: Wine Advocate)
2006 Seghesio Barolo La Villa $61.99
(93 Points: Wine Advocate)
2006 Cavallotto Barolo Bricco Boschis $61.99
(91 Points: Wine Advocate)

Monday, May 9, 2011

Arcadian Winery

When I first read about winemaker Joe Davis and his Arcadian Winery in the 90's what stood out to me was his epiphany wine, a Grand Cru Burgundy, Dujac Clos St Denis. This is a legendary wine that is both ethereal and highly sought-after.

I liked the fact that he emphasized the idea of wine with food and styling his wines accordingly. He picks a little earlier than most anyone else, which results in a wine that focuses more on elegance than brawn. This is not always in line with the majority of the wine-buying public but it does show his commitment.

We have always been a supporter of Joe's since his inception of Arcadian in 1996 and have bought his wines both personally and now for the last five years that Rosso Wine Shop has been open.

And we are happy to announce the following new releases are now in stock. You will notice that these are vintages that most producers have gone through. This is another benefit of enjoying Arcadian wines, that Joe is able to release his wines later than most, which means they are more integrated.

Please do yourself a favor and try one of these wines, or any Arcadian wine, you won't be disappointed.

2006 Arcadian Winery Dierberg Chardonnay $39.99
(91 Points: International Wine Cellar) Bright gold. Fresh apple and pear aromas are deepened by notes of honey and smoky lees. Tightly wound citrus and orchard fruit flavors unfurl with aeration, giving way to deeper peach pit and melon character. Leaves zesty mineral and lemon pith qualities behind on the impressively long, focused and chewy finish. Showing a more serious side than the Sleepy Hollow and balanced to age.

2005 Arcadian Winery Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills $27.99
(90 Points: International Wine Cellar) Light, bright red. Red berry, cherry and musky herb aromas are underscored by lively minerality. Light in body, offering spicy raspberry and bitter cherry flavors firmed by dusty tannins. The tannins gain strength with air, but so does the fruit. Finishes with good grip and a suave, lingering cherry note.

2005 Arcadian Winery Gold Coast Pinot Noir $27.99

(91 Points: International Wine Cellar) Vivid red. Spicy red berries, cherry and musky underbrush on the nose, with a suave floral quality adding interest. Tangy redcurrant and bitter cherry flavors show medium body and pack solid punch, with fine-grained tannins adding grip. Finishes sweet and silky, with excellent clarity and persistence.

2005 Arcadian Winery Syrah Stolpman $59.99
(94 Points: International Wine Cellar) Bright red. Lovely, floral-dominated scents suggest fresh red berries, kirsch and Asian spices, with sexy rose and magnolia adding complexity; seems to expand in the glass while maintaining focus. Silky and packed with sweet red fruit flavors, picking up floral pastille and bitter chocolate character with air. A very grown-up style of Syrah that finishes with superb clarity and persistence. This doesn't hit you upside the head, it hits you inside it.

2004 Arcadian Winery Pinot Noir Pisoni Vineyard $69.99
(92 Points: International Wine Cellar) Deep red. Roasted cherry and plum on the nose, with a slow-building mineral quality adding energy. Sweet boysenberry and blueberry flavors are strikingly fresh, with supple tannins adding support. Very round, suave and luscious, with excellent finishing thrust. This won't let go of the palate.

Some of the wine pricing represents 15%-25% off suggested retail.