No-Brainers

  • Dalla Valle 2012 Maya

    Dalla Valle 2012 Maya

    $499.99

    Napa Valley California
    Wine Advocate 98 Rating
    Dalla Valle was the first winery to demonstrate what heights Cabernet Franc could reach in the valley with their Maya proprietary blend, which averages 50-55% Cabernet Franc and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2012 Maya is a spectacular offering. I recently had the 1991 (made by Tony Soter) and it is still drinking exceptionally well. In fact, it could still be called an adolescent at 23 years of age. The 2012 Maya is already revealing great complexity with notes of forest floor, licorice, truffles, red and blackcurrants and a hint of graphite. The beautiful aromatics are followed by an equally majestic, full-bodied, multidimensional wine of great class and elegance. This sensational effort should drink well for 25-30 years. SP26-3

  • Argentiera 2022 Villa Donoratico Red Blend

    Argentiera 2022 Villa Donoratico Red Blend

    Price range: $49.99 through $396.00

    Bolgheri Tuscany Italy
    James Suckling 94 Rating
    I like the currant and tar aromas with some bayleaf that follow through to a medium body, with creamy and polished tannins that give this depth and intensity. Very polished palate. Drink or hold.
    Must be ordered.
    Valid while supplies are available
    Buy this one by the 12pk for $33.00 per bottle

  • Peter Michael 2019 Les Pavots

    Peter Michael 2019 Les Pavots

    $227.99

    Knights Valley
    James Suckling 99 Rating
    This is very perfumed with blackberry and pine-cone aromas, as well as raspberries and black cherries. Full-bodied with firm, velvety tannins that are tight-grained. Creamy and beautiful. Currant and graphite flavors come through. Lightly chewy at the end. 60% cabernet sauvignon, 21% merlot, 14% cabernet franc and 5% petit verdot. Drink after 2025. SP11-4

  • Patrizi Gavi di Gavi

    Patrizi Gavi di Gavi

    Price range: $16.99 through $180.00

    Piedmont Italy
    Straw yellow color, delicate and distinctive floral perfume, fresh and fruity on the palate with hints of honey and nuts, crisp dry finish with zesty acidity. Gavi di Gavi, made from the Cortese, grape is one of Italy’s finest and classic white wines. The Gavi DOCG zone is in the southeast corner of Piedmont, North West Italy. The vineyards surround the city of Gavi.
    Must be ordered.
    Valid while supplies are available
    Buy this one by the 12pk for $15.00 bottle

  • Simonnet-Febvre Cremant de Bourgogne Brut

    Simonnet-Febvre Cremant de Bourgogne Brut

    Price range: $19.99 through $216.00

    Burgundy France
    Wine Enthusiast 90 Rating
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    This sparkling wine is the only one made in the Chablis region. That's a shame, because with its great toasty character, crisp yellow fruit flavors and its beautifully delicate mousse, there should be more like it in Chablis.
    Must be ordered.
    Valid while supplies are available
    Buy this one by the 12pk for $18.00 bottle

  • Caparzo 2013 Brunello di Montalcino

    Caparzo 2013 Brunello di Montalcino

    $49.99

    Tuscany Italy
    Wine Spectator 95 Rating
    This cuts more of a broad swath than its peers, yet remains graceful, evoking strawberry, cherry, tobacco and stony mineral flavors. Long and dense in structure, with a tobacco- and underbrush-tinged finish. Best from 2021 through 2033. R5-1

  • Chapelle St. Theodoric 2020 Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Guigasse

    Chapelle St. Theodoric 2020 Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Guigasse

    $99.99

    Southern Rhone Valley France
    Wine Advocate 95-97 Rating
    Scents of roses, garrigue and blackberries mark the nose of the 2020 Chateauneuf du Pape La Guigasse, still aging in demi-muids at the time of my visit. It's one of those special wines that manages to be full-bodied and concentrated, yet also pillowy-soft, nearly ethereal in the mouth. A bit more tannic and stern on the finish than the 2020 Le Grand Pin, it finishes long, with a lingering note of licorice. 100% Grenache. R18-2

  • Paul Hobbs 2020 George Menini Estate Chardonnay

    Paul Hobbs 2020 George Menini Estate Chardonnay

    $79.99

    Russian River Valley
    Jeb Dunnuck 95 Rating
    The 2020 Chardonnay George Menini Estate is lifted with fresh tarragon, flint, and candied green apple. The palate is all about its chalky mineral texture and vibrant energy. Not to confuse this with losing balance or feeling underripe, it has plenty of fruit, with lemon confit, fresh green apple, and a touch of warming baking spice. Allow another year or two in cellar and drink 2023-2034. R34-4

  • Camigliano 2010 Gualto Brunello di Montalcino Riserva

    Camigliano 2010 Gualto Brunello di Montalcino Riserva

    $99.99

    Tuscany Italy
    Wine Spectator 96 Rating
    A fluid, expressive style, full of cherry, plum, truffle, eucalyptus and tobacco flavors. Fine balance and a lively structure keep this focused and long on the finish. Decant now or cellar another year or two. Best from 2018 through 2032. R3-2