**BREAKING NEWS**

Impromptu/informal tasting featuring Jules Dressner (Louis / Dressner Selections) at the store. This Monday (May 21st) $25pp. 7:30-9:00pm. Sign up now!

For more info, visit the SPECIAL EVENTS section at https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/ASP/home.asp?studioid=26380

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I’m excited to announce the release of the newest “6 for $120-Something” Sampler! The concept is simple; in the course of my tastings each month, I put together a mix of what I think are the best wines I’ve tasted in that $20-ish range.  It is true that I used to simply call this the “6 for $120,” but in the interest of me having more flexibility, I’ve decided to not be so exact.

All of these wines are available by the bottle as well as the case, but the idea here is to give you a selection of wines that you will want to have stocked in your wine rack at home!

So email me to order your sampler, and pick it up at your convenience.  They are in stock and ready to go!

In other news – I am getting read to travel to Italy at month’s end.  Huge will be in the house to assist while I’m gone.

The store will still remain open (abbreviated hours) while I’m in Italy (May 27-June 7). The times are as follows:

Tuesday, May 29: Closed
Saturday, June 2: 11am to 7pm
Weekdays from May 30 to June 7: 1pm to 7pm

Regular business hours will resume on Friday, June 8th.

Have a great weekend,

Craig

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2011 LES PALLIÈRES “AU PETIT BONHEUR” GIGONDAS ROSÉ

Rosé fans are going to freak over this new arrival from the Brunier family, owners of the esteemed Domaine Les Pallières and Vieux Télégraphe!

Spring and Summer means rosé-time for a lot of folks, including myself.  Some of the world’s best examples come from the south of France.  This rosé comes from young-vine fruit in the estate vineyards of Les Pallières in the Southern Rhône appellation of Gigondas.

It is a blend of Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault and Clairette grapes, pressed immediately after picking and fermented together in 650-liter demi-muids (old-oak barrels).

It is rare to see this rosé as they only produce about 6,000 bottles annually!

It is a delicate, vibrant style of rosé, ideal as an apéritif, with salads or simple fish dishes.  I received only 5 cases and it will be gone before the heat really cranks up!
$21.00 BTL. / $252.00 CASE

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2011 CASA SILVA “COOL COAST” SAUVIGNON BLANC
Every year I do a tasting in the store called “France vs. the Rest of the World.”  It pits a great example of a classic French varietal against that from another country.  This Sauvignon Blanc from Casa Silva is my answer to the question of whether another country can make a wine to rival Sancerre.

Casa Silva is a historic producer in the Colchagua Valley of Chile.  I often feature their value-driven wines in my “6 for $60-Something Sampler.”  Just a few years ago they began a project that many in the country saw as risky.  The Paredones Estate, which produces the grapes for this wine, is a small vineyard located just 5.5 miles from the sea.  This is one of, if not the, closest vineyard in Chile to the Pacific Ocean.  The vineyard has sandy-clay soil which is perfect for root development and drainage.  The temperature at this vineyard never gets above 77 degrees F in the summer or below 48 degrees F in the winter.  The climate is perfect for grapes such as Sauvignon Blanc, that enjoy the cooling breezes of the ocean and the moderate temperatures.

The result is one of Chile’s greatest examples of Sauvignon Blanc, and a real competitor to many of the delicious Sancerres that I taste.

Extremely aromatic notes of grapefruit and lemon, fine herbs, and sea spray.  Flamboyant fruit on the palate that never tastes candied, rather just vibrant and focused.  This dances on the palate, and makes you want to come back sip after sip.

Grab some oysters, get some goat cheese, or drink this all by itself.
$24.00 BTL. / $288.00 CASE

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2006 SALICUTTI ROSSO DI MONTALCINO
I’ll make it simple – this is probably the best deal on Rosso di Montalcino that I’ve ever offered!  If you love Sangiovese, whether it be from Montalcino, Chianti Classico or Chianti Ruffina, you should not miss this.

Those buying this sampler will be treated to this beautiful wine from Poderi Salicutti.  With only 4 hectares of vines, this is a small property owned by Frencesco Leanza.  His attention to detail in the vineyards through organic farming are admirable and lead to truly detailed wines.

I keep using words like detailed, elegant, and beautiful when it comes to Salicutti because while their is a common thought that Montalcino is about power, the truth is that Sangiovese, even those that come from this area, is a grape that offers great finesse.

The 2006 vintage of this Rosso is drinking exceptionally well, and will continue to do so for a few years to come.  It offers classic red fruit notes of cherry and strawberry, with hints at leather, sage and spice.  It never conveys a sense of heaviness, but does have quite a bit of depth and length.

Enjoy this with red-sauced pastas, grilled meats such as lamb and beef, or with some simple hard cheeses.  This is being offered at quite an exceptional price as it normally goes for around $27.  So taste it, and if you like it, stock up on some while it lasts!
$19.00 BTL. / $228.00 CASE

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2009 DOMAINE PETITOT CÔTE DE NUITS-VILLAGES “TERRES BURGONDES”
Red Burgundy may be one of the most well-liked, but least-drunk wines known to man.  I field lots of inquires for some of the great names from Premier and Grand Cru vineyards.  These wines meant for the cellar will give the drinker great pleasure once the wines have been aged.  Many of these bottles are priced routinely between $50-$300 per bottle, not your everyday stuff for most.

As a wine lover, you can and should drink Burgundy much more frequently.  There are lots of lovely wines like the one I’m featuring today that offer great pleasure young, and are much more affordable – you know, for everyday drinking!

Domaine Petitot is a great recent discovery of mine.  A small 9 hectare estate run by the husband and wife team of Hervé and Nathalie Petitot.  Their family has been growing grapes for three generations in the villages of Corgoloin, Premeaux-Prissey, Nuits-St.-Georges, Ladoix and Pommard.

This producer does things the right way, hand harvesting, low-yields, careful selection of the grapes, and and eye towards elegant, but structured wines.

This Côte de Nuits-Villages “Terres Burgondes” is a terrific wine that is just starting to drink well now.  The grapes come from the village of Corgoloin, with soil composed of marls and chalky clay.

It has lovely Pinot Noir aromas of raspberry and black currants. This isn’t an overly soft style of Pinot; it has lovely depth and richness.  It has great length and balance, and as I’ve tasted this since its release late last year, it is continuing to improve in bottle.  You can enjoy it now with smoke-roasted chicken or squab.  Terrific “everyday” Burgundy.
$25.00 BTL. / $300.00 CASE

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2010 GLATZER GRÜNER VELTLINER “DORNENVOGEL”
Through the Six for $120-Something sampler I get a chance to “force” you to try something you might not normally pick off a shelf if you were walking through a store.  Over my almost 5 years here at Perman Wine Selections, I’ve converted many of you into big time Austrian wine fans.

The work continues, and I offer you a truly delicious and complex Grüner Veltliner from the Carnuntum region of Austria.  Walter Glatzer is a revered winemaker in this region, which sits southeast of Vienna.  The region is historically significant going back to Roman times, as Carnuntum was the capital city of the Upper Pannonia province.

Today, it is a hilly, agricultural region that produces both white and red grapes.  Among those grapes is the Austrian original – Grüner Veltliner.

This is the top Grüner Veltliner from Walter Glatzer.  It is a selection of their very best Veltliner grapes, harvested in the middle of October.  It is fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks.

One of the reasons why I love Austrian white wines in general is that they are very flexible at the dinner table.  A wine such as this, can easily pair with simple sashimi, but since it has weight and texture, it can go with more Austrian-centric dishes based around the pig.
$15.00 BTL. / DUE TO LIMITED AVAILABILITY, ONLY OFFERED WITH THIS MONTH’S SAMPLER

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2009 MERLIN MÂCON-LA ROCHE-VINEUSE
This is a fantastic White Burgundy value!  I love the wines of Olivier and Corinne Merlin.

In 1987, Olivier Merlin purchased an old estate called Vieux Saint-Sorlin and went about to restore it. Through the years he slowly added land and purchased the Touziers winery.

As a graduate of the Lycée Viticole in Beaune, he has a Burgundian approach to vineyard management and winemaking. Plots are all vinified separately, lees are stirred once a week to keep them in suspension and malolactic fermentation is encouraged.

The 2009 Mâcon-La Roche-Vineuse is an outstanding, rich vintage for this wine.  The grapes come from a plot composed of clay-limestone soil, and it undergoes alcoholic fermentation in a mixture of stainless steel and 15% oak barrels.  It is aged for 18 months before bottling.

Break out the Coquilles St. Jacques!  This is a great wine paired with richer shellfish dishes, and of course that lovely presentation of scallops!  This wine won’t be around for long!
$17.00 BTL. / $204.00 CASE

NV Montbourgeau Crémant du Jura – $26.99 btl.

One of the best and most delicious Crémant du Jura!  We get two shipments a year of this in Illinois each year and it quickly sells out, so grab some today!  A great sparkling wine!

2011 Soucherie Rosé de Loire “L”Astrée” – $17.99 btl.

Wow, always one of my favorite delicate Cabernet Franc-based Rosé!  Soucherie is a standout producer in the Loire and “Cuvée l’Astrée” is about as thirst quenching as it gets.

2011 Fenouillet Côtes de Ventoux Rosé – $14.99 btl.
Didn’t know that a Rosé could show a lot of mineral notes?  Try this excellent example from the Côtse du Ventoux.  Delicate strawberry, mineral and herbs leap from the glass!

Tomorrow (Saturday, May 12th) at the store, I’ll be having an impromptu, informal “walk-around” tasting.  You can stop in any time from 12:00pm to 3:00pm to taste 10 different wines (***annotated below).  The cost of the tasting is only $10 per person!  Please RSVP via email, as only 12 people will be able to participate.

Everyone loves a good sale, and this week I took advantage of an amazing “end of bin” sale from a local distributor.  Offers like this don’t come around very often.  An outstanding group of wines from Austria, Germany, France and Italy were being offered at ridiculously low prices!

To incentivize you to buy now, I’m offering these at crazy low prices, and will raise the prices to their normal retail price at month’s end.  So do yourself a favor and grab as much as you can!

Those attending the tasting will have first crack at the wines that are being poured.  The wines being poured on Saturday are annotated with ***.

If you have any questions about the wines below, please let me know!  I’ve kept the descriptions short, which is difficult for me to do, since I’m passionate about each one!

Hope to see you tomorrow!

Cheers,

Craig

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***2009 HIRSCH GRÜNER VELTLINER “HEILIGENSTEIN”
A richer style of Grüner Veltliner that pairs with so many foods.  25-year-old vines from loess and loam soils in Kammern.
PLEASE INQUIRE / NORMALLY $23.99 BTL. – ONLY 29 BOTLES AVAILABLE

***2009 HIRSCH RIESLING “ZÖBING”
This is a ridiculous DRY Riesling value.  Young vines fruit from the rocky terraces around Zöbing.  Such a refreshing wine. PLEASE INQUIRE / NORMALLY $26.99 BTL. – ONLY 12 BOTTLES AVAILABLE

***2009 HIEDLER RIESLING “URGESTEIN”
At this price any DRY Riesling fan should be standing in line for this!  A weightless, lip-smacking style of Riesling.  My pool wine for the summer!
PLEASE INQUIRE/ NORMALLY $23.99 BTL. – ONLY 50 BOTTLES AVAILABLE

2010 GLATZER GRÜNER VELTLINER
$11 Grüner of this quality doesn’t exist – ok, 12 bottles of it does!
PLEASE INQUIRE/ NORMALLY $15.99 BTL. – ONLY 12 BOTTLES AVAILABLE

***2009 GLATZER GRÜNER VELTLINER “DORNENVOGEL”
Walter Glatzer is one of the stars of the relatively unknown Carnuntum region.  Dornenvogel is his top Grüner Veltliner, and I don’t think there is a better value on this newsletter.
PLEASE INQUIRE/ NORMALLY $18.99 BTL. – ONLY 37 BOTTLES AVAILABLE

2010 GLATZER GRÜNER VELTLINER “DORNENVOGEL”
See above – this is a steal!  Drink this now, or hold for several years!
PLEASE INQUIRE/ NORMALLY $19.99 BTL. – ONLY 24 BOTTLES AVAILABLE

2009 PRIELER BLAUFRÄNKISCH “LEITHABERGE”
I wish that the wine world would catch on to the exciting red wines being made in Burgenland in Austria.  Here is one of the finest.  People trample each other to get their allocations from Prieler.  Age-worthy magnums from Leithaberg!
PLEASE INQUIRE/ NORMALLY $112.99 MAGNUM – ONLY 12 MAGNUMS AVAILABLE

2010 ALZINGER GRÜNER VELTLINER “MÜHLPOINT” FEDERSPIEL
Alzinger is one of the gems of the Wachau.  This comes from the hillsides just below Steinertal.  The 2010 is so refined!
PLEASE INQUIRE / NORMALLY $33.99 BTL. – ONLY 12 BOTTLES AVAILABLE

2010 ALZINGER RIESLING “LOIBENBERG” SMARAGD
Ummm amazing!  A wine for the decades.  Mad street cred!
PLEASE INQUIRE / NORMALLY $68.99 BTL. – ONLY 3 BOTTLES AVAILABLE

2010 ALZINGER RIESLING “STEINERTAL”SMARAGD
Please see “Loibenberg” above.  Have a baby born in 2010 – I do, and that is where the other 3 bottles are – in waiting!
PLEASE INQUIRE/ NORMALLY $65.99 BTL. – ONLY 3 BOTTLES AVAILABLE

2007 NIKOLAIHOF RIESLING STEINER HUND RESERVE
Not only one of Austria’s greatest white wines, one of Europe’s!  This is the epitome of dry Riesling.
PLEASE INQUIRE / NORMALLY $88.99 BTL. – ONLY 17 BOTTLES AVAILABLE

***2007 LONDER PINOT NOIR “PARABOLL”
If you liked the Londer in this past month’s sampler, you should rush down to grab some of this beautiful wine blended from two vineyards located in Anderson Valley.
PLEASE INQUIRE / NORMALLY $53.99 BTL. / ONLY 19 BOTTLES AVAILABLE

***2008 THIERRY LAFFAY CHABLIS “VAILLONS,” PREMIER CRU
If I could drink a bottle of Premier Cru Chablis from a classic producer every day I would.  Wait – I can!  This will sell out in 2 seconds.
PLEASE INQUIRE / NORMALLY $31.99 BTL. – ONLY 30 BOTTLES AVAILABLE

***2009 SPREITZER RIESLING “101″Whether you frequent BYOB sushi restaurants or know some one that likes just that kiss of sweetness in their white wine, don’t miss this crazy bargain from Spreitzer!  Buy this by the case!
PLEASE INQUIRE / NORMALLY $15.99 BTL. – ONLY 84 BOTTLES AVAILABLE

2010 MERKELBACH ÜRZIGER WÜRZGARTEN RIESLING SPÄTLESE
An under the radar Mosel estate.  A Spätlese for the ages, this will evolve over the course of a couple decades.
PLEASE INQUIRE / NORMALLY $22.99 BTL. – ONLY 24 BOTTLES AVAILABLE

2010 MERKELBACH ÜRZIGER WÜRZGARTEN RIESLING AUSLESE
If the Spätlese is two decades add another for this tremendous Auslese.  Don’t be fooled, you can also drink this now with creamy cow’s milk cheese.
PLEASE INQUIRE / NORMALLY $24.99 BTL / – ONLY 9 BOTTLES AVAILABLE

***2009 CHRISTOFFEL ÜRZIGER WÜRZGARTEN RIESLING KABINETT
Directly in the center of the radar, Christoffel’s wines are coveted throughout the world.  Don’t be fooled, this Kabinett also can age in your cellar, or be enjoyed now for its apricot flavors.
PLEASE INQUIRE / NORMALLY $26.99 BTL. – ONLY 23 BOTTLES AVAILABLE

2010 CHRISTOFFEL ERDENER TREPPCHEN RIESLING SPÄTLESE
Why does know one talk about Treppchen as a great terroir in the Mosel?  Iron-infused, red slate soils – both powerful and elegant at the same time.  A beauty.
PLEASE INQUIRE / NORMALLY $28.99 BTL. – ONLY 12 BOTTLES AVAILABLE

2006 SALICUTTI ROSSO DI MONTALCINO
Graceful, complex, with amazing length.  This is a Rosso only in name as it outshines many Brunello di Montalcino that I taste.  A steal!
PLEASE INQUIRE / NORMALLY $25.99 BTL. – 10 CASES AVAILABLE

2004 SALICUTTI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO “PIAGGIONE”
Salicutti is in my top five of the best Brunello di Montalcino producers.  This winery is small, only 15,000 bottles produced among all the wines.  Power and grace, from the great 2004 vintage. THIS IS A STEAL!
PLEASE INQUIRE / NORMALLY $99.99 BTL. – ONLY 60 BOTTLES AVAILABLE 

***2006 ALBINO ROCCA BARBARESCO
A terrific Barbaresco estate, producing very accessible wines.  This 2006 is a beauty, and a value even at the regular price.
PLEASE INQUIRE / NORMALLY $45.99 BTL. – ONLY 12 BOTTLES AVAILABLE

***2005 ANTONIO CAGGIANO TAURASI “VIGNA MACCHIA DEI GOTI”
Aglianico doesn’t get enough respect.  It has been called the Nebbiolo of the South, and those that appreciate the great wines of Piedmont will find a connection with the great appellation of Taurasi.  This is one of Taurasi’s finest.  The top bottling of Caggiano.  Drink it young for a full-bodied treat or age it for a decade.
PLEASE INQUIRE / NORMALLY $56.99 BTL. – ONLY 34 BOTTLES AVAILABLE

2006 CANTINE DEL NOTAIO AGLIANICO DEL VULTURE “LA FIRMA”
The rockstar of the Basilicata region, and here is one of its top wines.  If you ever thought tannic wines don’t exist any more, try this.  Enjoy with a side of beef now, or age for 10-15 years in the cellar.
PLEASE INQUIRE / NORMALLY $112.99 MAGNUM – ONLY 10 MAGNUMS AVAILABLE  

Here is all the exciting news of the day.

2009 Araujo Estate “Altagrácia” Napa Valley

One of the big guns of California.  This is their blend of predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, with a little Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec.  I only get one six-pack.

$665.94 Six-Pack Case – Only one case available

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2010 Domaine de l’Ecu Muscadet Sèvre et Maine “Expression de Granite”

Oh yeah baby!  I got magnums of one of the most under the radar but delicious, mineral bombs in France.  I love Muscadet, and Guy Bossard is the maestro of the Melon de Bourgogne grape.  This is a terroir specific, utterly fabulous wine.  It is available in 750ml’s, but here is the magnum offering!

$49.99 PER MAGNUM – THE STEAL OF THE CENTURY! – STOCK UP, THERE AREN’T MANY OF THESE BAD BOYS.

There’s a lot happening at Perman Wine Selections these days.

Last week, I announced a new series of tastings being held at Perman Wine Selections.  I’ve teamed up with prominent wine writer Bill St. John to offer a wide range of classes and wine tastings.  Highlights include a winemaker tasting with Oregon superstar Marcus Goodfellow of Matello Wines, a tasting of the great distillates from St. George Distillery, and my new series on educating you on French wines entitled France A-to-Z.

Signing up for these tastings is easier than ever. Click here for further details (info and pricing) or visit http://stjohnonwine.permanwine.com to enroll today!  Regulars to wine tastings are rewarded as the more “tickets” you buy, the per class fee goes down.  This is also a great gift for your wine-loving loved ones!

In other news, I’m getting ready to travel to Italy at the end of the month (May 27th to June 7th).  I’m heading to Piedmont and Northern Tuscany for a wine and food adventure. I’ll be sure to bring back lots of new finds!

Please note that the store will still be open, albeit with limited hours.

1pm to 7pm – Weekdays from May 30 to June 7

11am to 7pm – Saturday, June 7

Regular hours will resume on Friday, June 8th.

Last but not least, today’s Friday Feature should excite any Spanish wine enthusiast.  You can be among the first to try the new wines from a project from my friend Albert Jané in the Priorat region.  These are truly exciting wines that offer tremendous value for their quality!

Have a great weekend,

Craig

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2010 ACÚSTIC CELLER “RITME BLANC” PRIORAT

Albert Jané’s wines have a cult-like following here at my store, and they are gaining notoriety city-wide and nationally.

His story has been told many times before on these pages, so I will begin with the newest chapter.  A nice video has been posted which you can check out here – http://vimeo.com/39276231

Priorat is a magical land, so special it is one of two regions in Spain to have Denominació d’Origen Qualificada (D.O.Q.) status, with the other being Rioja.

How this relatively “newer” region achieved that status so quickly speaks volumes about the quality it has achieved in such a short time. Winemakers have flocked to the region because of its plethora of old-vines and ability to make truly rich and complex wines.

Before we talk about red wines, I must mention that Priorat is slowing becoming known for its white wines.  There is still less than 2% of white grape varietals planted, but the majority of those vines are Garnatxa Blanca and Macabeu (also known as White Grenache and Macabeo/Viura).

For Ritme Blanc, Albert blends 70% Garnatxa Blanca with 30% Macabeu.  Fermentation and aging is in a mixture of French oak and stainless steel tanks.

White Priorat is one of the most complex wines to make because the wine can easily get too big, too alcoholic and quite boring.  The answer lies in your terroir, your treatment of the vines, harvesting, and work in the cellar.  Albert is as adept with white wines as red, and his work to show the beauty of his old-vines doesn’t go unnoticed by this taster.

Very pretty aromatics, with waxy notes, hints at tropical fruit and citrus peel, wild thyme and spice.  Medium weight, while retaining freshness, the length on this wine really lasts.  This is a fantastic wine for the table, as its weight stands up to salty, cured meats or fish, and even veal.  A tremendous value for a white Priorat.

$28.99 BTL. / $173.94 SIX-PACK CASE
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2010 ACÚSTIC CELLER “RITME NEGRE” PRIORAT

When you visit the region of Priorat you are stunned by its extremely steep slopes, sharp curves, and innate beauty.  Growing grapes here is like planting vines in Telluride or Whistler – it’s that dramatic.

Garnatxa and Carinyena (Grenache and Carignan) are the star red varietals in the region.  Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot are planted, but I have yet to be moved by their inclusion in the wines of the region.  The old-vines, clinging dramatically to the steep slopes often made of Llicorella, a soil that resembles slate, must dig deep into the soil for nutrients.  They are also naturally low-yielding, creating an intensity of fruit and earth that can’t be imitated by young vines.

Albert has sourced some very old Carinyena (70%) and Garnatxa (30%) vines for his Ritme red.  The vines come from different parts of the Priorat region, near the communes of Cornudella, Porrera, Poboleda, El Lloar, and Bellmunt.  The elevation of the vineyards range from 300 to 750 meters of altitude.

Like the Ritme Blanc, there is a severe selection of the hand-harvested grapes.  This wine was aged entirely in French oak barrels for 10 months.

I’ve sampled this wine a few times already, and each time it continues to evolve in bottle.  Very aromatic, with red berry aromas, and hints at savory herbs.  There is great purity of fruit and balance on the palate.  Red berry notes continue without ever getting heavy or candied.  It finishes fresh and long, and is the type of wine that you will want to stock up on.

There are very few wines from the Priorat that are offered in this price point.  It is a costly region to produce wine, and at this price, this is simply the best Priorat value available.  So break this out any time you are grilling up some duck breast, sausages or steak.  Get this while it lasts!

$23.99 BTL. / $287.88 CASE

1999 Salon Champagne Brut, Blanc de Blancs

In the world of Champagne it doesn’t get much better than this!  Surely there are a couple other big names that command more attention, but Salon is in that category, and one of the few wines in the world priced in this category that I can truly say is 100% worth it.

1999 is a spectacular vintage, and the newest release of Salon.  Any collector should do themselves a favor and buy as much as they can to lay day, maybe sneaking one to try now!

This is very limited, please contact me asap if interested!

$349.99 per bottle / $1013.79 3-Pack (special 3-pack discount)

$715 per magnum

Champagne Léclapart

Highly sought-after, very unique and personal wines from rising start David Léclapart.  From Trépail, biodynamically farmed, and meant for aging in bottle.  These are very limited, done on first come first serve basis.  All packaged in six-packs.

“L’Amateur” Extra Brut, Blanc de Blancs – $82.99 btl.

“L’Artiste” Extra Brut, Blanc de Blancs – $153.99 btl.

“L’Apotre” Extra Brut, Blanc de Blancs – $169.99 btl.

“L’Alchimiste” Extra Brut Rosé – $172.99 btl.

2009 Trépail Rouge (Coteaux Champenois) – $91.99 btl.

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2008 Dalla Valle “Maya” Proprietary Red Wine

One of the legendary wines of Napa Valley – and I got my whopping three-bottle allocation.

Selling this as a three-pack only.  This will go quick!

$911.97 – 3-Pack Case

“The 2008 Maya boasts an inky/blue/purple color as well as a sumptuous bouquet of blue, black and red fruits, crushed rock, spice box, licorice and subtle wood. Full-bodied, multilayered, pure and deep, this is a striking, seamless wine with flawless balance and great concentration as well as length. Multiple dimensions, incremental richness and a 45-second finish suggest this beauty is one of the top wines of the vintage. 96 Points, Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate.”

It is time to introduce the newest “Six for $60-Something” Sampler!

Never heard of this sampler and want to know what it’s about?

Six wines, hand-selected by me, that represent a range of styles – all hovering around the $10 price point.  Each wine is available by the bottle or case, but as I often say, for maximum pleasure you should take the whole sampler.

The “Six for $60-Something” is highly recommended to those learning about wines, trying to stock their wine rack with affordable and tasty adult beverages, or wanting to bring a gift to someone hosting a party.

So how does this work? To order, simply e-mail me back and say “Hey Craig, hook me up.” To join the devoted legions of fans who receive them every month you can just say “and keep ‘em coming!” Some people are challenged by some of the wines that I put in to my sampler. If Greco reminds you of your wrestling days, Carbonic Carignan is not allowed in your house in May, or any other interesting reason why you can not drink one of the following wines, then I will substitute and try to get the sampler as close to $60 as possible.

A suggestion to those folks trying to learn from this as well as get a buzz – print out a copy of the newsletter to keep with your sampler. That way when you are in the mood for a bottle you have your own mini-wine lesson on hand.  So what are you waiting for?  Order yours today!

The “6 for $60-Something” is in stock and ready to be picked up any time!

Thanks again for all your support!

Cheers,
Craig

*****

2009 CANTINA DEL TABURNO GRECO

We can all claim to be a little guilty when it comes to ignoring the wines of Campania.  There is a wealth of excellent producers in this vast region, producing local grapes, many of which brought there by the ancient Greeks.

Campania – I apologize to you and hope to make amends by including your delicious Greco varietal in my latest sampler.

This example of Greco comes from the producer Cantina del Taburno.  A unique producer in the fact that it is owned by the Agricultural Union of the Province of Benevento.  300 viticulturists take part in growing grapes for Taburno, and are then produced in its modern cellars.  The focus is on quality, and in particular it is dedicated to working with local varieties and offering the consumer a glimpse of their “terroir.”

This delicious white wine is composed of 100% Greco planted on southeast-facing vineyards.  Cold fermentation and aging in stainless steel preserve the integrity of the varietal.

A textbook example of Greco with hints at apricot and citrus on the nose.  This medium-bodied variety offers both freshness and intensity.  It never feels heavy, but does offer some impact of flavor on the palate.

A very good pairing for shellfish, prosciutto, or risotto.

$11.50 BTL. / $138.00 CASE

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2010 VIGNERONS DE CARAMANY COTES DU ROUSSILLON “CARMAGNOLE CLASSIQUE”

This wine is the perfect reflection of life in a sleepy mountain town nestled in the Pyrénées-Orientales in France.  Caramany is a village of 150 people with 80 growers that have come together to form a high quality cooperative.

Part of the Côtes du Roussillon, the name of Caramany means “Great Rock” and explains the soil structure that grapes like Carignan, Grenache and Syrah thrive in.  With its mixture of Mediterranean climate, and cool nights due to high elevation, it is a good growing climate for grapes, and the reason why virtually all those that live in the village are involved in wine.

“Carmagnole Classique” is a blend of 60% Carignan, with the remainder coming from Syrah and Grenache that was fermented and aged in vat.  By appellation standards the Carignan must undergo carbonic maceration, which lends an aromatic, fruity edge to the wine.

A delicious, easy drinking red with black and red berry notes, hints at wild thyme and pepper.  It will be a nice wine to bring out for grilled poultry or meats.  A great value!

$9.00 BTL. / $108.00 CASE

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2009 PALAZZONE “RUBBIO” UMBRIA IGT

The central Italian region of Umbria is home to the famous appellation of Orvieto.  Known for its aromatic white blends based on Grechetto and Procanico, red grapes have historically been planted and produced often into red blends.

Giovanni Dubini continues the tradition of red wine making in the region with his limited production red wine called “Rubbio.”  The blend is composed of the traditional varietal Sangiovese (60%) with the rest coming from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.  The Bordeaux varietals are a natural fit given the sedimentary clay soils in the vineyard.

Produced using whole-cluster fermentation in stainless steel tanks for ten days, with frequent plunging of the cap. The fermentation takes places in a mixture of barrel, vats and stainless steel.  After malolactic, the wine is blended and bottled.

The result is an aromatic, fruit forward red with notes of cherry, strawberry, and spice.  A natural pairing for porchetta or a fricassée of rabbit.

$10.00 BTL. / $120.00 CASE

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2007 LONDER PINOT NOIR, ANDERSON VALLEY

Coming on the heels of the last Pinot Noir value I offered on my sampler a couple months ago, I’ve once again worked an incredible deal to offer this delicious wine at a third of its normal price.

Larry and Shirlee Londer turned their passion for wine into a career when they decided to purchase a property in the Anderson Valley in 1997.  They were drawn by its cool climate, perfect to grow Pinot Noir and Gewürtztraminer, grapes they were passionate about,.  With the help of famed California winemaker Greg LaFollette, they were able to get on track and create the winery of their dreams.

Their 15 acres of Pinot Noir is planted in the southwestern corner of Mendocino, a vineyard bordered by the Navarro River to the south. Fog plays a huge influence in the slow ripening of the grapes as it builds at night, and slowly burns off during the day.  This gradual warm up and gentle exposure creates balanced Pinot Noir grapes.

The 2007 Londer Anderson Valley Pinot Noir is really drinking well right now.  Bright strawberry, raspberry, and floral aromas lead into a textured and nuanced palate.  The red fruits carry out on the palate, and it finishes with soft structure.

A great match for squab or roasted chicken with spring vegetables.

This wine is well worth its normal price tag of $31.  With the local distributor parting ways with the winery, they allowed me to purchase it at a price that would fit into my sampler this month.  I have a very limited amount and it will only be available with the entire sampler.  If I have some left over at the end of the sampler offer I will the additional bottles available for purchase.

$13.00 BTL. / ONLY AVAILABLE WITH THE SAMPLER, ADDITIONAL BOTTLES GO ON SALE IN ONE MONTH

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2009 DOMAINE LES HAUTES NOËLLES MUSCADET SUR LIE

Muscadet is just one of those wines that puts a smile on the drinker’s face.  There is plenty of “serious” Muscadet, long-lasting, terroir specific, and complex.  Ultimately though, it is a wine that must be referred to as a “vin de plaisir” or wine of pleasure.

For those of you new to my Muscadet “rants,” I should mention that Muscadet is a broad region located near Nantes, on the Atlantic side of the Loire Valley.  The name of the region often elicits the question whether it has something to do with Muscat, which many know as a sweet wine.  The answer is NO!  Melon de Bourgogne, a cousin to Chardonnay, has been planted in the region since the 1700’s and is the varietal you will be tasting when trying this delicious Muscadet.

Serge Batard is the proprietor of Domaine Les Hautes Noëlles sitting in Côtes de Grand Lieu sub-zone of Muscadet.  Grand Lieu is influenced by its lake, which has a tempering effect on the weather and issues like frost.  Serge is one of the leaders of quality in the region, with his domaine having been established in the 1930’s.  His 24 hectares of vineyards are farmed without chemicals and he is in the minority of farmers that is willing to reduce yields for the benefit of the grapes.

This ’09 Muscadet Sur Lie is a really delicious bottle of wine that will demonstrate why it is so popular in the bistros of Paris.  Bright, defined citrus flavors, are accompanied by classic minerality.  The wine is light on its feet, yet not without depth of complexity.  I enjoy Muscadet as an aperitif, but also love to pair it with smoked trout or oysters.

$11.00 BTL. / $132.00 CASE

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2011 CHÂTEAU HAUT-RIAN BORDEAUX BLANC

Spring brings new arrivals.  I’m always excited for the new vintage of one of my favorite values in White Bordeaux from Michel Dietrich of Château Haut-Rian.

White Bordeaux ranges in style, with some really incredible and full-bodied examples on the high end.  In the everyday price category, one can expect a light-bodied, zingy style, perfect for sitting out on the porch with a glass or enjoying with oysters or shellfish.

Château Haut Rian Blanc is exactly in that latter style.  A blend of 2/3 old-vine Semillon and 1/3 Sauvignon Blanc, from Michel’s property 18 miles southeast of the city of Bordeaux.  The limestone soil is a perfect terroir for this style of Bordeaux Blanc.

Lots of that bright grapefruit, lime and floral notes on the nose lead into a vibrant and refreshing mouthful of citrus fruit and fine herbs.  This wine crushes many other producers in its category – a great value!

$10.00 BTL. / $120.00 CASE

For one night only, please join Perman Wine Selections and X-marx on a guided wine tour through the Northern Spain countryside as we celebrate Basque cuisine, txakoli and hard Basque cider, aka sidra.

This is our fourth year of  Txakoholika (Choc-o-hol-i-ka), where the store will be transformed into a Basque-style pintxos bar offering a selection of small bites and a tasting of 4 different Txakolina and 2 ciders. This is a great opportunity to experience these new vintages of txakoli, learn a little something about Northern Spain’s food and wine culture and to eat and drink how the Basque do.

I will be your personal tour guide through Northern Spain’s wine and sidra country, stamping your passport with a sample glass of each of the 6 varieties for you to enjoy -either from the glass to the lips, or if you prefer, at arm’s length from the porrón! Attendees will also be able to purchase these very limited txakolis and sidra for all of your summer drinking needs!

 The talented folks at X-marx will also be guiding your taste buds on a journey through an eclectic mix of bold and interesting flavors built to complement the bright acidity and slight effervescence of the txakoli in the traditional finger food-style of the region the wines originate from. And no Basque celebration is complete without sidra; we will taste new vintages from two artisan producers.

 This event has been a blast every time we’ve done it, and we’re looking forward to rocking the west loop once again!

We look forward to seeing you there!

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS

Perman Wine Selections
802 West Washington Blvd
Chicago, IL 60607

Parties will be admitted on the hour, please indicate the time you would like to arrive when purchasing your ticket. Primetime ‘seatings’ sell out quickly, so act fast!!!

Please note: this is an all white wine/sidra tasting – no red wines allowed!

I’m excited to announce the release of the newest “6 for $120-Something” Sampler! The concept is simple; in the course of my tastings each month, I put together a mix of what I think are the best wines I’ve tasted in that $20-ish dollar range.  It is true that I used to simply call this the “6 for $120,” but in the interest of me having more flexibility, I’ve decided to not be so exact.

All of these wines are available by the bottle as well as the case, but the idea here is to give you a selection of wines that you will want to have stocked in your wine rack at home!

So email me to order your sampler, and pick it up at your convenience.  They are in stock and ready to go!

In other  news – please pardon the dust outside of my store.  I have no clue what the city is doing, but they may be ripping up a part of the sidewalk.  If you have a problem getting into the store, now or anytime in the future, I’m happy to provide “curbside service.”  Call ahead of time with payment, and honk or call me from your cell phone and you won’t have to even leave your car!  It is the closest I can get to a drive-through window!

Have a great weekend,

Craig

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2004 I CLIVI “GALEA” ROSSO, COLLI ORIENTALI DEL FRIULI
I’m thrilled to be able to offer this outstanding Italian red from the hills of Friuli.

I Clivi is one of the most important estates in the region, a historic property purchased by Ferdinando Zanusso in the early 90’s.  He purchased two ancient vineyards, planted on steep hillsides, with very old-vines.  After carefully nurturing these back to health, I Clivi began producing its first wine to instant acclaim.

“Galea” is a magnificent vineyard, primarily planted with the white grape varietals of Friulano and Verduzzo. A small part of the vineyard contains Merlot averaging 60 years old.  Merlot has been planted in this region for over 150 years, and is well suited to the climate and soil.  Comparisons to Pomerol and Saint-Émilion are often mentioned.

I’m really excited for you to try this outstanding red.  It is rich and deep with dark cherry, mineral and spice notes.  It can be paired with game birds or beef.  It is drinking well now, but also has the potential to age for another 5 years. Only 3,000 bottles are produced per vintage, and only during the best vintages.

I special-ordered the “Galea” Rosso from the winery, as very little is ever shipped to the United States.  I am the only retailer in the State of Illinois to offer this, and in order to fit it into this sampler I am running it for a limited time at the special price of $28.  It will return to its normal price of $31.99 after one month.  Get it while it lasts!

$28.00 BTL. / ONLY 36 BOTTLES AVAILABLE – WILL RETURN TO ITS REGULAR PRICE OF $31.99 IN ONE MONTH

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2006 LUIGI FERRANDO ERBALUCE DI CALUSO SPUMANTE BRUT
It’s that time of the year when celebrations take center stage.  Whether it is a school graduation or a wedding, many of us celebrate with sparkling wine.

With that in mind, I wanted to offer this excellent sparkling wine from the Canavese region of Northwest Italy.  Luigi Ferrando is a legendary producer in this distinct part of Piedmont.  Well-known for his red wines from the appellation of Carema, this sparkling wine is the hidden gem in his portfolio.

Hidden because he only makes 2000 bottles of this sparkling, produced in the same exacting manner as Champagne.  Erbaluce is the grape varietal used in this sparkling, an ancient variety that can only be found in the rolling hills around Caluso.  It is aged on its lees for over 18 months, gaining complexity and richness.

This is a real crowd-pleasing style of sparkling wine.  Aromatic notes of both stone and orchard fruits lead into a bright, refreshing, and long finish on the palate.  There is enough fruit here to keep it delicious, but it finishes dry with complex mineral and spice notes.

Let this become part of your next celebration, or if you like to drink sparkling on a more regular basis, this is a great value to become part of your “everyday” arsenal.

$23.00 BTL. / $138.00 SIX-PACK CASE

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2009 ACÚSTIC CELLER “ACÚSTIC” MONTSANT
Long-time Perman Wine Selections fans will instantly recognize the name of Acústic Celler.  Albert Jané, a good friend of mine for over a decade, started his winery in the Montsant region, beginning with the 2004 vintage.  Albert grew up around wine, as his family owns Jané Ventura in Penedès.  His family had always focused primarily around local varieties, eschewing the fashion of growing international varieties and transforming them in to a style that could have come from anywhere.

Spain is a country that has incredible terroir.  This is often ignored as importers have been known to direct their wineries to produce a wine in a certain style, which does great disservice to the whole concept of terroir and the identity of the winery.  This is done to make “American-ized” wines.

It is important to support winemakers of integrity, like Albert, that continue the history and identity of a region, and aren’t looking to make “designed, perfect wines” rather making “the best quality from the area using only the old vineyards, indigenous varieties.”

Albert’s range of wines is stunning.  Soon, his new white and red Priorats will land on our shores, a surefire bet to find shelf space in my store.

To get to know this winery, it is important to start with his flagship wine, “Acústic.”  It is a blend of Garnacha and Samsó (a synonym for Carignan) from vines between 30 and 80 years of age.  Aged for 10 months in first and second use 225-liter French oak.

The 2009 Acústic is spectacular, and a must for any Rhône varietal fans.  A very fragrant nose with notes of ripe red berries and spice.  Medium-bodied, with great impact of flavor, but finishes with great clarity, length and balance.

Enjoy this with lamb or beef.  This is an outstanding value!

$19.00 BTL. /$228.00 CASE

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2009 EDMUNDS ST. JOHN “BONE-JOLLY” GAMAY
After a short absence from the market, I’m thrilled that Edmunds St. John’s wines are back in Chicago, and while limited, available for wine fans like yourself.  So excited, that this is the second straight month I’ve offered one of his wines on the sampler.

Since I spoke about the winery last month, I won’t go into great detail.  The “Cliff’s Notes” version is that Steve Edmunds is a brilliant winemaker dedicated to producing wines with a sense of place.  For over 25 years, he has produced a range of wines from places like El Dorado County, San Luis Obispo County, Napa, and Mendocino.

“Bone-Jolly” Gamay is the type of wine I like to drink on an everyday basis.  Steve works with Ron Mansfield who owns Witters Vineyard in El Dorado County.  This vineyards sits at 3,400 feet of elevation and is composed of north-facing volcanic clay-loam soil.

The 2009 “Bone-Jolly” is so aromatic, with notes of raspberry, flowers and pepper spice.  True to the varietal, it offers a wonderful, soft texture on the palate, with more red fruits, refreshing acidity and good length.

Gamay is one of the greatest varietals we have for pairing with food.  Salmon, chicken, spicy Indian cuisine, the matches are endless.  Stock up this for your summer drinking!  With less than 300 cases produced, it goes quick!

$19.00 BTL. / $228.00 CASE

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2009 KURT ANGERER GRÜNER VELTLINER “KIES”

Austrian white wines continue to impress virtually everyone who comes in contact with them.  Let me tell you a little secret – the Austrians don’t need us!  It is actually kind of a hobby for most producers to sell around the world.  The fact is, Austria doesn’t produce THAT much wine.  The locals have a large appetite for the current vintage wines, and drink the majority of the annual production.

Luckily for us, we have many importers that go to great lengths to do a little pleading with Austrian producers on our behalf.   I’m glad they do because otherwise we wouldn’t have great wines like this delicious Grüner Veltliner from Kurt Angerer.

Based in the Kamptal region of Austria, Angerer is a family business that dates back to the the mid-1800’s.  The focus of the winery is on site-specific wines.  Grüner Veltliner, one of the most delicious varietals known to man, is very site-specific.  This bottling from Angerer comes from the Kies Vineyard, which is composed of red gravel and soil over bed rock.  It is fermented and aged all in stainless steel tank.

The result is a beautiful wine, with hints of apple and pear, along with spice and mineral.  This has enough texture to work with a wide range of foods.  In my humble opinion, you can’t have Spring without having Grüner Veltliner.  All those Spring vegetables will sing with this wine.  Just make sure you have a second bottle on hand because this goes down easily!

$19.00 BTL. / $228.00 CASE

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2011 BODEGAS PEIQUE BIERZO ROSADO
Delicious, delicious Rosé – how could I ignore you this month?

Rosé comes in all shapes and sizes, and the influence of the varietal can have a dramatic impact on the aromas, flavors and body of the wine.  In an effort to make you an authoritative figure on Rosé I bring you one that almost no one you know will have tried before.

This Rosado, as the Spanish like to call it, is comprised entirely of the grape varietal called Mencía.  On last month’s sampler, you tasted a Mencía made in the region of Ribeira Sacra.  Here you travel farther northeast, to the warmer climate of Bierzo.  Home to many old vines, and a beautiful landscape, Bierzo is distinctly the bigger, brooding brother to Ribeira Sacra.

Bodegas Peique is a terrific, family-run producer located in the heart of the appellation.  The style of their Rosado is very fresh, fun and fruit-driven, with notes of wild strawberry, raspberry and a hint of herbs.

I implore you to not be a Rosé-hater, and give this delicious wine a try.  It can be drunk on its own, but also works well with grilled foods, fish, chicken or even beef.

$14.00 BTL. / $168.00 CASE