It's been a huge year for Chianti Classico. Benchmark vintages and eye-popping ratings from every critic have put the best Chiantis where they belong: among the best of Italy's red wines.
Two prime examples--two exceptional values--take the stage today. The first, Il Molino di Grace Riserva 2016, is a brand new arrival with the kind of 95 point/sub-$30 rating/price combo we fully predict will land it high up in Wine Spectator's Top 100 of 2020. The second, Castellare di Castellina 2017, is no stranger, having landed at #17 on Spectator's Top 100 of 2019 (which we predicted). We thought it was long gone but, surprise, another last handful of cases arrived this week. They'll be gone in a flash!
$29.65 in any 12 bottle or Build a Case order ($32.95 regular)
95 points Wine Spectator, Highly Recommended: "A sheen of vanilla and toasty oak complements the lush, ripe black cherry and plum fruit in this suave Chianti Classico. Focused and well-structured, showing fine balance and a long finish that brings tobacco and orange peel hints into play. Best from 2022 through 2040. 4,500 cases made, 350 cases imported."
Us:Expressive right out of the gate, showing the delicious cherry and plum flavors noted above. Definitely decant if drinking in the shorter term; an outstanding value for an age-worthy Riserva.
$22.45 in any 12 bottle or Build a Case order ($24.95 regular)
#17 Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of 2019, 94 points Wine Spectator, Highly Recommended: "A beam of pure cherry and blackberry fruit defines this intense, racy red, which is firm and tensile, with fine balance and a lingering aftertaste of vibrant fruit, graphite and tobacco flavors. Sangioveto and Canaiolo. Drink now through 2033."
Us: A beautiful wine with far more class than the price would indicate. It was fantastic right when opened and even better after a few hours and the next day. Pure cherry goodness, my mouth is watering thinking about that last sip.
In addition to the superb Chiantis above, we received a tiny second stash of 2018 Dolcetto, Palaverga, and Sauvignon Blanc fromBurlotto. A case each of the reds, two cases of white to go around, too little to list in our normal way. Suffice it say, when a producer of 100-point Barolo makes other wonderful wines from the Langhe region for under $30 bucks, you just grab what you can. I can tell you I did! I highly recommend you email or call to add a few to your stash. I promise you will thank me. - Marcus
Temporary hours (Covid) We're available by phone 503.206.8589 from 9 am to 5 pm Pacific time, Monday through Friday, by appointment Saturday, and closed Sunday.
The shop is temporarily not open to the public. You may always reach us by email:
andy@northwest-wine.com and marcus@northwest-wine.com
Build a Case
Make sure you always get a discount by using Build a Case. How it works:
If you haven't found a full case (12 bottles) to buy today, start your Build a Case now by purchasing a few bottles online, by phone or email. If you order online, select the Build a Case option. If by phone or email, just ask us to add the bottles to a Build a Case for you. You'll receive order confirmation and we'll cellar the wines for you at no charge.
Add to your case whenever you see wines you can't resist. Each time you add to your Build a Case, you'll be charged the discounted price.
When you complete your case, we'll apply a shipping rate and contact you to schedule your case for shipment.
Because of finite space in our warehouse, we kindly ask that you complete your Build a Case within six months. Please email or call us with any questions.
