Blue Chips & Brooding Value

Today’s offer might appear less focused than usual, but we’re trying to cover a wide spectrum. From one end to the other, the common thread is this: these are all word class wines, regardless of price tag. Many of our personal favorites are present today, thankfully including two categories that have been regretfully underrepresented this year—notably Champagne and Italy—due to scarcity. 

From the top, we have rarities and trophies galore, including the extraordinary Jean-Louis Chave Cuvée Cathelin and Coche-Dury Corton-Charlemagne, both from the ‘90s. We also have especially exciting selections of Dom Pérignon (including Rosé!), Roumier, Keller, Ghislaine Barthod, and Méo-Camuzet. Still at the same level of prestige, only one lucky collector each will get hold of this week’s one-offs from Vogüé, Bartolo Mascarello, Giacomo Conterno, Lorenzo Accomasso, Bollinger, and Realm’s newest Absurd release. We wish we had more of those gems to go around, but alas. 

For those seeking values this week, we have some thrilling standouts from German Pinot Noir sensation Enderle & Moll. We’re huge fans, as they’ve been consistently making some of the best Pinots on Earth for $50 and under, and they’re as tasty and easily enjoyable as they are sophisticated. Seriously, if you’re unfamiliar, check them out today. Another German producer, Emrich-Schönleber, is achieving similar rising stardom for Germany’s classic dry Riesling category. Unfortunately, as their star rises, these fantastic and overdelivering wines are quickly becoming difficult to find. And completing this trifecta of small but highly respected producers, we have a great selection from Loire superstar Guiberteau, whose expressions of Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc are adored by restaurants and collectors around the globe. These wines are the complete package, with tremendous energy that perfectly matches late summer weather (try the blancs pool- or beachside), as well as seasonal menus all year round. 

Finally, we close with the second generation of American winemaking royalty: the Krankl family of Sine Qua Non fame. Son Nikolas grew up helping and learning from his legendary father, Manfred, and has recently taken flight with his own brand, Fingers Crossed. These wines are remarkably small production (fewer than 300 cases per year, across the board), and as artisanal as you’d expect from a Krankl project. Today we have the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th releases of this already vaunted young brand. And as their reputation grows, expect demand to outpace supply, making Fingers Crossed about the most aptly named producer you’ll soon need serious luck in finding wines from. If you love SQN or California Rhône varieties, you won’t want to miss these.