Dumangin Ratafia Single Barrel 16 Year

$173.24

If you have never tried Ratafia, you are in for a treat. Dumangin is one of our Champagne exclusives and one of the last few producers to make this specialty. The base is half brandy (distilled from Champagne grapes) and half unfermented grape juice from the region, aged for 16 years in a combination of old oak and other vessels via the Ratafia method. Ratafia is an ancestral method of preserving fruit juice in the same way that salting was used to preserve meat. It involves four stages: first, in oak casks from Crozes-Hermitage (Alain Graillot). Second, aged Soléra style - an ancestral method of maturing and gradually assembling different vintages, generally used for the great Port wines. Third, the cask is closed tightly and left outside, where it is subject to changes in temperature. Fourth, in stainless steel tanks. The result is a sweet wine in a mouthwatering style similar to Pineau de Charentes that can be cellared for an additional 25 years. The bouquet shows cinnamon and spices with ripe tropical fruits and figs, nuts, baking and brown sugar. The palate reflects the nose and is clean without being cloying. There's a nice amount of fruit with great richness and nutty notes. The finish delivers a baked character of dry biscotti and vanilla. It makes a beautiful aperitif or as the final touch to a great meal.

Ratio Johnson Vineyard Chardonnay

$61.59

Based at the Carlton Winemakers Studio in Carlton, Oregon, Ratio Wines is the personal project of winemaker Anthony King. Ratio makes Willamette Valley Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and distinctive Northwest white wines.This wine has a Chablis-like charm and has aged gracefully into a really lovely, elegant white wine. The 2015 Johnson Vineyard Chardonnay comes from the certified-organic Johnson Vineyard in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA. Eric Lemelson owns the vineyard, having purchased it from the Johnson family, who famously farm grass seed across the Willamette Valley. I’ve worked with Johnson Vineyard for years and have come to believe in its potential as a great Chardonnay site.

Vitivola Mentridana Uvas de La Ira

$45.59

The Sierra de Gredos is an area of rugged granite peaks, forests and hilltop towns southwest of Madrid. The combination of high altitude, free-draining granitic soils, and a long growing season gives it a unique micro-climate. Vines cling to scree-slopes like mountain goats, many of these sites were abandoned decades ago, but a new generation of growers is rediscovering them. Dani Landi was one of the pioneers working with the old vines here, making elegant, mineral wines, that are redefining what was previously viewed as a workhorse variety into something that can rival the elegance and finesse of some of the world’s most sought-after reds. Curro Barreño, one half of the brilliant Ribeira Sacra project Fedellos, also grew up in this area. He’s a childhood friend of Dani, sharing many bottles together and winemaking influences. Since 2021 Curro has taken over responsibility for Dani’s vineyards in Méntrida and is making wines under the Vitícola Mentridana label. Curro’s building on Dani’s meticulous foundations, interpreting the vineyards, and working with a light touch in the winery.

Laherte Rose de Saignee

$87.49

The Rose de Saignee form Laherte is one of the grower-producer's 100% Pinot Meunier offerings.

Everything you want in a Champagne plus intense aromatics of crunchy red fruit like strawberries and cranberries. Mineral, pastry and citrus support the red fruit characteristics balanced with natural acidity and persistent, delicate bubbles. This is an elegant wine made with passion. The perfect celebration wine for weddings, bridal showers, graduations and milestone birthdays.

Dumangin Vintage 2010 Champagne

$78.39

2010 Vintage. A grower-producer in the heart of Chigny-les-Rose, Giles Dumangin has champagne coursing through his veins. Dating back to the 1650s, the Dumangins have always worked with the vines of Champagne, but it wasn't until 1890 when Hippolyte Dumangin created Champagne Dumangin in the 1er Cru vineyards of Chigny-les-Roses. Five generations later, Champagne Dumangin is producing an array of champagnes, from their classic, feminine style to their newer, high-end cuvees. Their Vintage Cuvee is a blend of Chardonnay (54%) and Pinot Noir (46%), and with 9 years en tirage (on the yeast lees), the wine shows beautiful and elegant complexity. Expect notes of brioche, grilled almonds, blossom and lemon drops, with a bright acidity that extends the finish. Pair with fresh seafood, or simply enjoy as an aperitif. 2010 was a challenging vintage for the region, but Dumangin did some aggressive sorting and managed to deliver a lovely vintage wine.