Search Results
Kuleto Estate "Frog Prince" North Coast Red Blend 2016
Winemaker's Notes
"When selecting those vineyard blocks or rows or vines that might be appropriate for the Frog Prince blend, we look for the more subtle characteristics of the varieties, e.g. fresh fruits versus cooked, red fruits versus blue or black, a bit less alcohol, a bit more acid, and perhaps a bit of dried herbs. In many cases, the different varieties are fermented together to create something wholly unique. The 2016 Frog Prince puts it all together in a classic Old World style wine. Aromas of raspberry, ripe cherry and dried herbs entice your senses. The nose leads into the palate filled with layer upon layer of red fruit. A vigorous acidity carries throughout, and is further accentuated by firm tannins that taper off hand in hand on the finish. This classic wine pairs with a juicy grilled steak."
"When selecting those vineyard blocks or rows or vines that might be appropriate for the Frog Prince blend, we look for the more subtle characteristics of the varieties, e.g. fresh fruits versus cooked, red fruits versus blue or black, a bit less alcohol, a bit more acid, and perhaps a bit of dried herbs. In many cases, the different varieties are fermented together to create something wholly unique. The 2016 Frog Prince puts it all together in a classic Old World style wine. Aromas of raspberry, ripe cherry and dried herbs entice your senses. The nose leads into the palate filled with layer upon layer of red fruit. A vigorous acidity carries throughout, and is further accentuated by firm tannins that taper off hand in hand on the finish. This classic wine pairs with a juicy grilled steak."
$
2199
Discount:
750 ML
Chateau Thivin "Reverdon" Brouilly 2017
93
Wine Advocate
(9/22/2018) "The 2017 Brouilly Reverdon bursts from the glass with lovely aromas of blackberries, cassis, plums and potpourri. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, bright and juicy, with sweeter fruit than the 2016 rendition but a shared sense of crunchiness and vivacity. It was only bottled three weeks before I tasted it, but it was already showing very well."
(9/22/2018) "The 2017 Brouilly Reverdon bursts from the glass with lovely aromas of blackberries, cassis, plums and potpourri. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, bright and juicy, with sweeter fruit than the 2016 rendition but a shared sense of crunchiness and vivacity. It was only bottled three weeks before I tasted it, but it was already showing very well."
$
2179
Discount:
750 ML
Bodegas Palacios Remondo "Placet Valtomelloso" Rioja Blanco 2014
Our weekday price on this special-feeling $45 reference priced bottle makes it a must-buy!
91
James Suckling
92+
Wine Advocate
(8/30/2016) "The white 2014 Placet Valtomelloso is sourced from a specific four-hectare plot within La Montesa vineyard that was planted with Viura vines. It fermented and matured in oval 2,000-liter oak vats for ten months. The harvest was quite late and the grapes achieved higher ripeness; there are some aromas of yellow fruit, hints of fennel and aniseed. There is also more volume on the palate, without being heavy. This feels superb. Well done!"
(8/30/2016) "The white 2014 Placet Valtomelloso is sourced from a specific four-hectare plot within La Montesa vineyard that was planted with Viura vines. It fermented and matured in oval 2,000-liter oak vats for ten months. The harvest was quite late and the grapes achieved higher ripeness; there are some aromas of yellow fruit, hints of fennel and aniseed. There is also more volume on the palate, without being heavy. This feels superb. Well done!"
$
1999
Discount:
750 ML
Julien Pilon "Les Maisons de Victor" Saint Peray 2016
91
Vinous, Josh Raynolds
92
Wine Spectator
(5/31/2018) "Offers delightful peach, quince and yellow apple fruit flavors, with bright flashes of verbena and chamomile. The rounded finish lets a melon note linger. Marsanne and Roussanne. Drink now through 2019. 408 cases made."
(5/31/2018) "Offers delightful peach, quince and yellow apple fruit flavors, with bright flashes of verbena and chamomile. The rounded finish lets a melon note linger. Marsanne and Roussanne. Drink now through 2019. 408 cases made."
$
1999
Discount:
750 ML
Obscura Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
Winemaker's Notes
"Raspberry, blackberry, and boysenberry flavors meld together with a hint of baking spice and earth in this new vintage of our California Cabernet Sauvignon. Firm tannins and a full body lend this wine to pair beautifully with a ribeye steak. Top with Gorgonzola cheese for added decadence"
"Raspberry, blackberry, and boysenberry flavors meld together with a hint of baking spice and earth in this new vintage of our California Cabernet Sauvignon. Firm tannins and a full body lend this wine to pair beautifully with a ribeye steak. Top with Gorgonzola cheese for added decadence"
$
1999
Discount:
750 ML
Minimus "Illegal Rose" Oregon Rose Blend 2016
New low price! Regular Vin Chicago retail - $26.99!
Winemaker's Notes
"The American wine industry struggles with an identity crisis - we don't have ancient vines and traditions passed on throughout generations upon which to rely. However, we also lack the strict regulations of European appellations and without these stringent regulations, we are, in essence, free to experiment and create wines like this one: a Rosé created from multiple single lots of red, pink, and white wines. It's dynamic, and deliciously juicy and we think you're going to love it. Blend of Pinot Gris, Syrah, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Tempranillo."
"The American wine industry struggles with an identity crisis - we don't have ancient vines and traditions passed on throughout generations upon which to rely. However, we also lack the strict regulations of European appellations and without these stringent regulations, we are, in essence, free to experiment and create wines like this one: a Rosé created from multiple single lots of red, pink, and white wines. It's dynamic, and deliciously juicy and we think you're going to love it. Blend of Pinot Gris, Syrah, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Tempranillo."
Tatomer Edna Valley Pinot Noir Rose 2017
New low price! Regular Vin Chicago retail - $26.99!
90
Our Score
(5/2018) Tatomer's Rose is 100% Pinot Noir from a small site planted on granite soils in the Edna Valley of the Central Coast. This is lively with great energy. Pretty red fruits are balanced out by tense mineral tones and a slight watermelon rind bitterness towards the finish. Only 200 cases of this beauty were made, we only managed to snag a handful. This is always a staff favorite, better grab this one before it's gone. Do yourself a favor and try to hold on to it for a year. It will be worth the effort.
(5/2018) Tatomer's Rose is 100% Pinot Noir from a small site planted on granite soils in the Edna Valley of the Central Coast. This is lively with great energy. Pretty red fruits are balanced out by tense mineral tones and a slight watermelon rind bitterness towards the finish. Only 200 cases of this beauty were made, we only managed to snag a handful. This is always a staff favorite, better grab this one before it's gone. Do yourself a favor and try to hold on to it for a year. It will be worth the effort.
Giesen "Brookby Rd" Marlborough Pinot Noir 2012
A superb steal on the single-vineyard Pinot with a $75 reference price!
90
Wine Advocate
92
Wine Enthusiast
(12/31/2016) "It's taken some time for many of Marlborough's 2012 Pinot Noirs (the product of a cool season) to come around, but this is one that's worth the wait. It's evolved into something quite round and soft, with a long, silky finish. Yet it's not a fruit-forward wine by any stretch, showing more earth, soy and mushroom notes and just enough plum and black cherry fruit to carry those savory complexities. Drink now-2020."
(12/31/2016) "It's taken some time for many of Marlborough's 2012 Pinot Noirs (the product of a cool season) to come around, but this is one that's worth the wait. It's evolved into something quite round and soft, with a long, silky finish. Yet it's not a fruit-forward wine by any stretch, showing more earth, soy and mushroom notes and just enough plum and black cherry fruit to carry those savory complexities. Drink now-2020."
$
1999
Discount:
750 ML
Smoke Tree Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2016
Winemaker's Notes
"Smoke Tree Pinot Noir has tones of black cherry, plum and cola with hints of allspice and rusticity. The palate is silky and well-framed with a clean finish. It is true to the varietal, savory and refined. Smoke Tree Pinot Noir is delicious whenever wine comes to mind. For a more creative pairing, consider richly spiced barbecue or a charcuterie and cheese plate. For a vegetarian option, our winemaker recommends falafel -- a personal favorite!"
"Smoke Tree Pinot Noir has tones of black cherry, plum and cola with hints of allspice and rusticity. The palate is silky and well-framed with a clean finish. It is true to the varietal, savory and refined. Smoke Tree Pinot Noir is delicious whenever wine comes to mind. For a more creative pairing, consider richly spiced barbecue or a charcuterie and cheese plate. For a vegetarian option, our winemaker recommends falafel -- a personal favorite!"
$
1899
Discount:
750 ML
Halcyon Contra Costa County Rose of Cabernet Franc 2017
New low price! Regular Vin Chicago retail - $25.99!
91
Our Score
(9/2018) Though a little late to the party this year we are nonetheless thrilled to have Halcyon's Cab Franc Rose back! This cult producer is gaining widespread recognition and their wines are getting harder to source outside of California. 100% Cab Franc from an organically farmed vineyard in Contra Costa County this is equal parts serious Rose and pool pounder. The texture is slightly creamy yet the fruits are tart and snappy. Notes of citrus, ocean spray cranberries, dried strawberries and spiced honeydew melon lead into a long and very satisfying finish.
(9/2018) Though a little late to the party this year we are nonetheless thrilled to have Halcyon's Cab Franc Rose back! This cult producer is gaining widespread recognition and their wines are getting harder to source outside of California. 100% Cab Franc from an organically farmed vineyard in Contra Costa County this is equal parts serious Rose and pool pounder. The texture is slightly creamy yet the fruits are tart and snappy. Notes of citrus, ocean spray cranberries, dried strawberries and spiced honeydew melon lead into a long and very satisfying finish.
