2019 Château de Beaucastel, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, France ($105.00)

Predominantly Grenache and Mourvèdre, with Syrah and other permitted varieties

Château de Beaucastel is a crown jewel of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, synonymous with tradition, innovation, and exceptional quality. One of the first estates in the Rhône Valley to adopt organic farming, Beaucastel’s commitment to sustainability and its use of all 13 permitted grape varieties make it a standout in the region. The 2019 vintage showcases the estate’s unparalleled ability to craft wines of richness, complexity, and depth.

The wine exudes layers of ripe black cherry, raspberry, and blackberry compote unfold on the nose, complemented by nuances of garrigue, black pepper, smoked meat, and leather. The palate is full-bodied yet impeccably balanced, with velvety tannins and vibrant acidity supporting flavors of dark fruit, savory herbs, and a touch of earthiness. The finish is long and refined, leaving echoes of spice and minerality. While delicious now with proper decanting, this wine will continue to develop complexity over the next 20 years, rewarding those who cellar it.

Critical Acclaim:

• 96 Points - Decanter: "A benchmark for Châteauneuf-du-Pape, this vintage offers remarkable richness and balance. Aromas of black cherry, wild raspberry, and garrigue evolve into a palate of savory herbs, smoked meat, and spice. The finish is refined and endlessly complex—a true testament to Beaucastel's legacy."

• 96 Points - Wine Advocate: "A tour de force, showcasing the full potential of the 2019 vintage. Dense and layered, with flavors of blackberry, black pepper, and leather, supported by vibrant acidity and fine tannins. This is a wine of exceptional depth and longevity."

• 95 Points - James Suckling: "A powerful yet polished Châteauneuf-du-Pape, with layers of ripe red and black fruits, underpinned by nuances of graphite, earth, and lavender. Silky, structured, and incredibly harmonious."

• 95 Points - Vinous: "Complex and balanced, with aromas of dark plum, licorice, and wild herbs. The palate is expansive yet precise, delivering a long, mineral-driven finish. A vintage that will captivate for decades."

2019 Casanova Di Neri, “Tenuta Nuova” Brunello di Montalcino, Italy ($165.00)

100% Sangiovese Grosso

Casanova di Neri is a benchmark producer in Montalcino, lauded for its innovative practices and meticulous attention to detail. “Tenuta Nuova” represents a bold vision of Brunello, sourced from vineyards chosen specifically for their ability to enhance Sangiovese’s purity and finesse. The 2019 vintage is already being compared to the legendary 2016 for its precision and depth.

The bouquet on this wine is dazzling, with aromas of red cherry, blackberry, and plum intertwined with violet, cedar, and hints of truffle. On the palate, this wine is elegant and layered, with fine-grained tannins framing flavors of ripe red fruit, dried herbs, anise, and a touch of smoky minerality. The finish is exceptionally long, showcasing both vibrant acidity and a seamless balance of power and grace. This wine is already approachable with aeration, but its structure and complexity will allow it to reach peak expression between 2025 and 2040.

Critical Acclaim:

• 97 Points - Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate: "An extraordinary Brunello that combines power and finesse. Aromas of red cherry, plum, and violet lead to a palate brimming with layers of ripe red fruit, cedar, and a touch of truffle. Fine-grained tannins and vibrant acidity provide exceptional balance and longevity."

• 97 Points - James Suckling: "A wine of extraordinary purity and precision. Red berries, floral notes, and hints of anise unfold into a finish of remarkable length and grace. Seamlessly integrated and destined for decades of enjoyment."

• 96 Points - Wine Spectator: "Silky yet structured, this Brunello exudes elegance, with flavors of blackberry, dried herbs, and smoky minerality. A stunning representation of Sangiovese’s potential in 2019."

• 95 Points - Decanter: "A dazzling expression of Brunello di Montalcino, showcasing vibrant acidity, refined tannins, and a long, harmonious finish. This is a standout from an exceptional vintage."

2019 Vega Sicilia, Alion, Ribera Del Duero, Spain ($154)

100% Tempranillo

If you know, you know … Vega Sicilia needs no introduction, as Spain’s most iconic estate with a legacy of crafting wines that balance tradition with modern elegance. Alion is a more contemporary take on Ribera del Duero’s Tempranillo, aged in French oak to highlight its vibrant fruit and polished structure. The 2019 vintage reflects the region’s excellent growing conditions, producing wines of incredible depth and aging potential.

Aromas of ripe black plums, blueberries, and wild blackberries dominate the nose, with layers of vanilla, clove, mocha, and a subtle hint of toasted oak. On the palate, it is rich and velvety, with finely tuned tannins and a core of dark fruit accented by sweet spices and a touch of cocoa. The finish is enduring and luxurious, leaving impressions of graphite and black pepper. Enjoyable now with decanting, this wine has the structure and depth to develop beautifully over the next 10–15 years.

Critical Acclaim:

• 95 Points - James Suckling: "Deeply impressive, with vibrant blackberries, violets, and sweet spices. Rich and full-bodied, yet balanced and fresh, with a long, velvety finish."

• 94 Points - Wine Advocate: "A modern interpretation of Tempranillo with precise craftsmanship. Richly textured and beautifully layered, with aging potential to spare."

• 94 Points - Vinous: "Intense and polished, with concentrated dark fruit and an elegant, mineral-driven finish."

• 94 Points - Decanter: "A fresh and approachable style of Vega Sicilia, offering immediate pleasure with the structure to age gracefully."

More from Vega Sicilia …

• Premium Cellar Selection: Vega Sicilia 2010 Único, 2014 Valbuena 5°, and 2019 Alión 3-Bottle Set

• Premium Cellar Collection: Vega Sicilia 2010 Único + 2014 Valbuena 5° 2-bottle Set

• Premium Cellar Collection: 2010 Vega Sicilia, Único, Ribera del Duero, Spain

• Premium Cellar Collection: 2019 Vega Sicilia, Alion, Ribera del Duero, Spain 3-bottle Set

PLEASE NOTE

• Purchasers must be 21 years of age or older and be present with an ID upon delivery.

• Price includes 5.50% Maine State sales tax and Maine’s fifteen-cents redemption deposit per bottle.

• If your billing address is different from your delivery address, please include your delivery address in the comments section at checkout.

• *Delivery is by Wine Wise—not third-party carriers. Our delivery area is Cape Elizabeth, Cumberland Foreside, Falmouth, Old Orchard Beach, Portland, Saco, Scarborough, South Portland, and Westbrook. We have a larger delivery area for Wine Club deliveries.