Fred’s 2014s are scheduled to dock in mid-August, yet the rude reality of this truly delicious vintage is there’s very little to go around. For many of Fred’s premier and grand cru wines, we can count the cases we’ve been able to import on two hands. Yet this early call to reserve the wines you want is one that should be heeded: 2014 is a vintage to please equally those who enjoy Burgundy in its youth and those who don’t mind waiting a decade or so for time to work its magic.
North Berkeley Imports for the second year in a row was at the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, one of the country’s premier gourmet events. In addition to some top wines showcased at the many excellent seminars, our team knocked it out of the park in the Grand Tasting Pavilion with some two dozen bottles that wowed the crowd.
Josh Raynolds of Vinous Media awarded significant scores to and lauded both of our rosé selections from Château de Pibarnon. The estate’s ‘Nuances’ in particular is worth attention: this amphora-fermented, 100% Mourvedre wine takes the intensity and age-ability of Pibarnon rosés to a whole new level.
This arrival is a big deal for a number of reasons. First, it marks some of the first 2015s in the door, and really there has never been a better time to go long on the Loire. While 2014 was stellar, 2015 is better still, with critics heaping early praise on 2015’s “excellent quality.” Well, that’s a phrase that sticks to Vacheron wines every vintage—so get ready to be wowed.
Josh Raynolds of Vinous Media recently reviewed the 2014 vintage of Châteauneuf-du-Pape reds and awarded very high marks and serious praise for the wines of Le Clos du Caillou, our partners for over 20 years in the southern Rhône valley.
These are some of the more expressive and elegant Burgundies we’ve ever tasted from the family! Even notoriously hard-grader Stephen Tanzer gave the 2014s rave reviews, a nod to both a great vintage and the even greater talents behind these extraordinary bottles. This vintage is the perfect reason to start your own collection!
Amid the flood of rosé wines this summer, pick out a bottle (or a case) of pink that will dazzle, not just quench a quick thirst. NYTimes’ Eric Asimov recommends Pibarnon and Mas de Gourgonnier as his top choices for this season’s rosé sipping.
