Euro All-Stars

Your blogger spent yesterday on jury duty, well, waiting to be called for an actual jury, so we missed our usual posting time. But with our inventory closure this week and most of our wholesale distributors going on shut-down next week, we're all off schedule.

One other scheduling note. This Monday, January 18, is the Martin Luther King Day Federal holiday. Both of our stores will be open regular hours that day.

Today, we'll look at several new and returning products, all with scores of 91 points or higher.

Donnachiara Falanghina Beneventano 2013. This one is returning to our shelves. Donnachiara's new Concept Winery is located in Montefalcione, an ancient small village in Avellino province. The location is south-central Italy, east of Naples. This ancient land was a specific choice of the  Petitto family for the production of the three DOCG wines of Irpinia: Fiano di Avellino,Taurasi and Greco di Tufo, in addition to the DOC wines: Aglianico, Falanghina, and Coda di Volpe. The vineyards have been in the  the family for 150 years.

James Suckling rates this 92 points: "Beautiful aromas of mangoes, dried papaya and hints of cream follow through to a full body with dried apples and minerals. Lots of lemon zest. Excellent Falanghina. Drink now."

Made from 100% Falanghina grapes, this pairs with pasta with light sauces, seafood and fresh cheese. Only $9.99 in the Bottle Club®.

Pinino Brunello Di Montalcino 2010. The Pinino wine estate was founded in 1874, and the Pinino philospophy is very simple. Brunello and Rosso are produced according to the old traditions of Montalcino and finished in large oak wood barrels from Slavonian oak. A clear focus on achieving the highest possible quality for both the vineyard and the wine-cellar will allow Pinino to reach the objective of becoming one of the leading Italian winemakers.

One characteristic of the Pinino Brunello di Montalcino is the long obligatory aging (four years) before it can be sold. Production, refinement and bottling must take place in the municipality of Montalcino. According to the best of traditions our Brunello matures in large oak barrels.

93 points from Wine Advocate: "Pinino's 2010 Brunello di Montalcino sees fruit sourced from the northern half of the appellation near the Montosoli single-vineyard. The wine opens to medium consistency and a pretty ruby color with dark garnet hues. It takes a few minutes to start its engines, but once it does it operates with a slow, steady pace that promises longevity over immediacy. This cellar-worthy Brunello should continue its evolution over the next ten years. The tannins are tight, but they already deliver attractive silkiness on the long finish. This promises to be a very enjoyable wine after 2017."

$34.99 in the Bottle Club®.

Jean-Marc Brocard Chablis Ste.-Claire 2014. 91 points from Wine Spectator, and #47 on their Top 100 of 2015. "A textbook flinty aroma gives way to green apple, lemon and mineral flavors in this white, which shows fine depth and richness, offset by vibrant acidity. Excellent length. Drink now through 2020." 100% Chardonnay.

Located near the city of Auxerre, in the valley of the Serein river, Chablis is the center of one of France's oldest wine-growing regions. We place the vine at the heart of its environment and use preparations made from beneficial plants to stimulate its immune system. The work in the vineyards and in the cellars is carried out according to the lunar cycle.

The principles of biodynamic and organic culture are applied to the majority of our vineyards. We continue our work always with the aim of improving the quality of our products.

The release price was $22, but it's available in the Bottle Club® for only $15.99.