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Rosé season is here, and we have a new, high-end one to introduce you to just in time for warm, sunny weather - 2020 Donnafugata Rosa di Sicilia Dolce and Gabbana! Their first vintage (2019) debuted last summer, and we’re excited to offer you this delicious Rosé. It comes from a partnership between two iconic Italian brands, the Italian luxury fashion designer, Dolce & Gabbana, and the Sicilian winemaker, Donnafugata.

This designer wine is an ode to Sicily, the Mediterranean’s largest island, and is made of a blend of Nerello Mascalese and Nocera, two Sicilian grape varieties. It’s a bright pale pink color with a bouquet of jasmine and strawberry, peach and citrus notes.

Just as you might expect from Dolce & Gabbana, the packaging on this bottle is absolutely beautiful. Its label features a geometric pattern with colors of red, pink, white, blue and gold and is said to be inspired by the detail on the iconic Sicilian cart.

This delightful wine is priced at $47.95, and production is very small. We have limited quantity available and don’t expect this beauty to last long.

If you’re interested in experiencing a taste of this delicious Sicilian Rosé, act quickly. Even if travel isn’t on your calendar this summer, this wine will transport you to the Italian coast with just one sip!

Cheers!

Many of you are already familiar with Waterstone Cabernet Sauvignon. Over the past decade, Waterstone Winery has built a reputation for its top quality Napa Valley Cabernets. Part of what makes Waterstone so special is that its wines taste like Cali-Cult wines without the Cali-Cult prices, impressing wine aficionados as well as those just discovering the world of wine. We were first introduced to this winery several years ago, and 2001 was the first vintage we sold. Waterstone has been a best-selling wine at Sokolin, year after year.

The 2017 vintage ($34.99 / btl) is now in stock, and it’s delicious! The ‘17 vintage comes from “well-established” hillside vineyards which make the underpinnings of this incredible wine. These vineyards have provided an intense base of luscious dark fruit. It’s noted that the Truchard Vineyard was the primary source for grapes along with vineyard sites extending into the lower hillsides of the Mayacamas mountain range.

This Cabernet, aged in small French oak barrels for 22 months, is densely packed with aromas of super dark fruit, cedar, a little lead pencil and vanilla. At first sip, this wine is fruit forward, powerful and full-bodied, but somehow is able to show off subtle elegance. The fruit and those “Napa dust” tannins are seamlessly integrated to make the wine surprisingly approachable and giving it great drinkability. It’s a magnificent effort by Laurie Hook (formerly of Beringer) on her first start to finish vintage. BRAVO!

2017 Waterstone Cabernet Sauvignon is a phenomenal, under-priced Napa Cab that offers amazing bang for the buck! The same remains true in this vintage as in previous vintages of Waterstone - this wine tastes like it costs 3-4x the price!

Perfect to drink now and for 10+ years and great to serve with steak, burgers or lamb.

If you're a fan of Waterstone, act quickly and order your case today. This is your chance to experience maybe the best bang for the buck in Napa!

Cheers!

“Once in a while a white wine comes out of Italy that beats even the top white Burgundies ... and this is it!” – Dave Sokolin

We’re excited to bring you a 96 point, white wine from the Antinori family, 2018 Antinori Cervaro della Sala. The Antinori family, esteemed and highly regarded, has been making wine since the late 1300s, spanning 26 generations. They have estates in Tuscany and Umbria, as well as other parts of Italy and abroad. Castello della Sala, located in Umbria, is one of the estates owned by the Antinori family, and the name Cervaro comes from the family who owned Castello della Sala during the 14^th century. 1985 was the first vintage of Cervaro produced. The concept behind this wine was to make a white wine that had the ability to age over time.

Cervaro della Sala is made of Chardonnay and a splash of Grechetto and sets the benchmark for Italian white wine. It’s one of our favorite white wines, and it’s certainly adored by our customers. At only $59.99 bottle, this 96 point “Batard Montrachet” from Italy compares to and is even more refreshing than $1,000 bottles! This ’18 vintage has a drinking window of 2020 – 2035.

"Marchesi Antinori's estate in Umbria is a revolutionary force for the region. The amazingly successful Cervaro della Sala has arguably done more to raise the image of Italian white wine than any other single bottle..." - eRobertParker.com

"2018 Cervaro della Sala is a classic edition - it's about as classic as I have ever tasted..." - Robert Parker Wine Advocate

"The Batard-Montrachet of Italy..." - James Suckling

This wine is perfect to serve with chicken, turkey, ham or shrimp scampi.

Cheers!

The #1 Bordeaux of the Year: 2010 Rausan Segla

"2010 Rausan Segla is my #1 Bordeaux for 2020, rated 98 points TWICE and only $149 / bottle. 10-year-old Chateau stock Margaux from Super Second Growths generally cost $300+ / bottle (not only $149). This is the #1 best deal in back-vintage Bordeaux today." - Dave Sokolin

"A wine that could easily be mistaken for a First Growth..." - Jeb Dunnuck

"It has everything in the right place. Best ever?..." - James Suckling

We have very limited quantity of this wine remaining, so order this one before it’s gone!

The #1 White Burgundy of the Year: 2018 Henri Boillot Puligny Montrachet Clos de la Mouchere

“This Puligny Montrachet tastes better than many grand cru Batards! I can’t say enough about this great white!” – Dave Sokolin.  It has a 95 RP rating and is $169 / bottle. It beats out Domaine Leflaive at a fraction of the price. And 2018 is a phenomenal vintage for white Burgundy - “there are certainly several 2018s that surpass their 2017 counterparts.” – RPWA

The #1 Napa Valley Wine of the Year: 2016 Dominus

"My #1 Napa wine of the year is 2016 Dominus - rated 100 points and possibly the best Dominus ever produced. Only $299 per bottle." - Dave Sokolin. "If I could give more than 100 for this one, I would." - Robert Parker Wine Advocate


The #1 Brunello of the Year: 2015 Renieri Brunello di Montalcino

This is a 100 point Brunello for only $95, and it’s a MEGA deal! "Brunellos rarely score 100 points, and when they do, they sell for hundreds+ of dollars per bottle." - Dave Sokolin. "The 2015 vintage is a historical year for Brunello di Montalcino that nobody should miss ...it is tempting to say that 2015 is Brunello di Montalcino's best vintage ever, and it very well may be!..." - James Suckling


The #1 Champagne of the Year: 2008 Louis Roederer Cristal

“This is the best Cristal ever made  - it’s just freaking INCREDIBLE! Cristal doesn’t get enough credit - people think it’s fancy without substance, but it’s actually the best. It’s my #1 Champagne of the best vintage ever, rated 300 pts - 3 x 100 by every important critic.” – Dave Sokolin


The #1 Rhone of the Year: 2015 Mas de Boislauzon Chateauneuf Du Pape ‘Cuvee du Quet’

“This wine is 99 points - yet is only $119 / bottle! I just love ‘15 Chateauneuf Du Papes right now - they are drinking so great; everyone chases the ‘16s, but this is drinking better today.” – Dave Sokolin

The #1 Rosé of the Year: 2019 Domaine Tempier Bandol Rosé

“Domaine De Tempier is my #1 Rosé of the year. It’s actually a very serious wine that happens to be fun! And thus, my #1. It’s the Rosé the sommeliers always drink and adore. The sad part is that it’s so limited that it’s gone by summer. And it’s only $35.95!” – Dave Sokolin

Recognized as one of the top Rosé producers in the world, Robert Parker even said, "Always one of my favorite estates, Domaine Tempier's Bandol Rosé remains one of the world's reference points for how much flavor and character can be built into a rosé wine."

There is no formal score for the 2019 vintage, but the previous scores from the 2015 - 2018 vintages are all 93 - 94 points Vinous Media, usually placing it as highest or 2nd highest scoring French Rosé for the vintage. Considering the consistency of the winery and the strength of the 2019 vintage, it's a "no brainer" to scoop up, especially at our price of $35.95!

Cheers!

We're excited to bring you one of the most highly sought-after and difficult to find rosés on the market - 2019 Domaine Tempier Bandol Rosé!

Domaine Tempier is recognized as one of the top rosé producers in the world. Robert Parker even said, "Always one of my favorite estates, Domaine Tempier's Bandol Rosé remains one of the world's reference points for how much flavor and character can be built into a rosé wine."

Founded in 1834, Domaine Tempier was a working farm with vineyards of Mourvèdre, but when Lucien Peyraud married Lucie ‘Lulu’ Tempier in 1936, the mythic winery truly began.

The focus on Mourvèdre is what separates Bandol form the rest of Provence, especially when discussing rosé. It has the juiciness and freshness to drink nicely on its own or at the start of a meal, as well as the complexity and depth to handle any number of richer foods, delivering everything you could want from a rosé.

Unlike most quaffable rosés that should be drunk upon release Domaine Tempier drinks young, yet can use a few years to come together.

There is no formal score for the 2019 vintage, but the previous scores from the 2015 - 2018 vintages are all 93 - 94 points Vinous Media, usually placing it as highest or 2nd highest scoring French Rosé for the vintage. Considering the consistency of the winery and the strength of the 2019 vintage, it's a "no brainer" to scoop up, especially at our price of $38.95!

Here are the reviews and scores for the two prior vintages.

2018 Vintage: 93 VM | "Shimmering orange. Fresh pit fruit, red berry and floral qualities on the highly perfumed nose, along with suggestions of dusty minerals and orange zest. Juicy, focused and lithe on the palate, offering intense nectarine, red currant, strawberry and candied lavender flavors supported by a spine of juicy acidity. Shows outstanding clarity and mineral cut on a very long, sappy finish that strongly echoes the floral and pit fruit notes." - Vinous Media

2017 Vintage: 93 VM | "Pale peach skin color. Intensely perfumed, mineral- and spice-accented aromas of fresh red berries and citrus fruits are complemented by building peach and floral qualities. Silky, focused and dry, offering concentrated yet lithe pit fruit, strawberry and blood orange flavors that show outstanding clarity and tension. Expands steadily on a very long, focused finish that leaves a sexy floral note behind." - Vinous Media

Order your case of the 2019 vintage today – it will sell out quickly!

Cheers!

Here’s a brand new 93 – 95 RPWA Tuscan wine to add into your wine rotation! We're excited to exclusively offer the latest addition from the Tua Rita family's outstanding line-up, 2018 Tua Rita Lodano Rosso Toscana. Located in a small town, Suvereto, in the Tuscan province of Livorno, Tua Rita is consistently among a small group of first-rate Tuscan producers whose top wines receive critical acclaim.

Tua Rita is well-known for its Redigaffi wine that sells for upwards of $350 per bottle, but its Lodano label is priced at only $42.99. This is an exciting buying opportunity because it allows you to experience the pedigree of a top Tuscan producer for a fraction of the price!

And you can only get the 2018 Tua Rita Lodano Rosso Toscana at Sokolin – we are the only US merchant offering this gem!

This is an easy drinking wine made of 70% Petit Verdot and 30% Merlot, with only 1,000 cases produced. The 2018 vintage received a 93 – 95 point score from Robert Parker Wine Advocate.

It’s a very powerful wine, but not at all overbearing. The nose is full of dark fruit - like ripe raspberry and blackberry, with some chocolate notes. Across the palate, it’s unctuous and rich, but not teeth-staining purple. The finish goes on and on. It’s well-structured and should age very well, but it’s a solid drinker right now.

If you're looking for an interesting wine to gift an Italian wine lover, the 2018 Tua Rita Lodano Rosso Toscana is a perfect choice - it's something your gift recipient has never tried before!

Perfect to pair with steak, a slow cooked roast beef or game.

Cheers!

We love finding inexpensive wines from amazing producers that deliver beyond their price point. It’s one of the most fun and interesting sides of this business! Today, we’re sharing three Italian gems, all priced under $45 that are perfect for gifting - or for yourself. If you’re looking to do holiday gifting, our private wine consultants are happy to assist you. With a surge in online retail sales across many sectors, holiday shipping volume is expected to be much higher this year, which may result in shipping delays. Ordering early will help ensure on-time delivery without delays.

2018 Sette Ponti Crognolo (Tuscany) – You may know Tenuta Sette Ponti for their flagship wine, Oreno, but they also make Crognolo, which consistently ranks among our best-selling value wines. This 94 point, Super-Tuscan style wine is a steal at only $27.95. It’s made of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot and pairs great with spaghetti and meatballs, lamb, steak or pizza.

2016 Le Pianelle Coste Della Sesia Rosso Al Forte (Piedmont) – Our own Dave Sokolin loved this wine. "I popped this bottle this week at dinner and was just so curious what this 95 pointer tasted like since it was only $29.99. It blew me away! It doesn't have the name Barolo on it, but it easily could. As a matter of fact, I prefer this since it drinks so great now. Antonio Galloni calls it a "knockout." I really haven't seen a bottle in this price range taste like this. Blind, I would call it a $100+ Piedmont." - Dave Sokolin

Antonio Galloni has also said that "Readers who have not checked out Le Pianelle owe it to themselves to do so. These are some of the most compelling reds in all of Italy." We couldn’t agree more.

2018 San Guido Guidalberto (Tuscany) – If you’re looking to experience the pedigree of Sassicaia (one of the best wines in the world) for less, Guidalberto is San Guido’s second wine and gives a peek into this top producing estate. Same vines, same winemaker, but at a fraction of the price. For perspective, 2018 Guidablerto is priced at $44.99 compared to recent vintages of Sassicaia priced in the $200 - $300+ range. Guidalberto always offers fantastic value and has been a Sokolin customer favorite for many years. The 2018 vintage is drinking great now - 2025.

Cheers!

It’s time to check wine gifts off of your holiday checklist! If you have a wine lover on your shopping list, you’ve come to the right spot! We have a vast inventory of the world’s greatest wines and amazing, everyday values from Bordeaux, Burgundy, California, Italy, Rhone, Spain, Australia and beyond.

While we are known for our inventory of world-class and highly sought-after wines, we are equally passionate about discovering inexpensive gems that still taste like the world’s greatest wines. We’re highlighting five values from around the world that offer great quality and affordability. These wines are perfect for gifting and are all in stock and ready to ship.

2018 Soalheiro Alvarinho Granit – Soalheiro began planting the first Alvarinho vines in the '70s, and today is an international benchmark for Alvarinho wines. Priced at only $18.99 with a 95 point score, this white wine from Portugal offers so much bang for the buck! This would be a fantastic gift for the wine lover who enjoys trying new, exciting wines.

2016 Owl Ridge Napa Cabernet Sauvignon – This 93+ point Napa Valley Cabernet comes from an outstanding vintage and is only $19.99! This wine is a carefully sourced blend from three coveted, ultra-premium Napa vineyards – two in Oakville and one in Calistoga. This is a fabulous example of how well wines in Napa can be made at this price level. The perfect holiday gift for a Napa Valley Cab lover.

2018 Diatom Chardonnay Bar-M - This $19.99 Chardonnay comes from Greg Brewer, an excellent winemaker in California, who first became well-known for his top-notch Brewer-Clifton label. This wine was released at $30 and has a market high of $45.99. We're excited to be able to offer this 93 pointer from Santa Barbara County at $19.99! It has 93 point scores from both Robert Parker Wine Advocate and Vinous Media.

2017 Graci Etna Rosso – This delicious wine comes from Sicily on the northern slope of Mt. Etna at Passopisciaro. Priced at just $21.99, this 93 pointer delivers beyond its price point. Perfect to gift to the Italian wine lover on your shopping list.

2015 Teyssier – This is an incredible value Bordeaux that’s perfect to gift to the Bordeaux lover on your holiday list. It offers top pedigree at a low price of $22.95. Produced in St. Emilion, Jonathan Maltus is the talented winemaker behind this bottle. This wine brings unparalleled value when it comes to Bordeaux!

Cheers!

It’s holiday season, which also means that it’s Champagne season! Our inventory of bubbly has never been better! Whether you’re looking for values or legends, we have a huge selection to shop from. We also add Champagne selections daily, so if you don’t see what you’re looking for, please contact us at sales@sokolin.com or 800.946.3947, and a private wine consultant will be happy to help you.

As some of you are aware, 2008 was a brilliant vintage for Champagne, producing many top wines with huge scores that we’re excited to have in our inventory. Whether you’re enjoying the holidays at home this year or searching for gift ideas for friends, family and colleagues, 2008 Champagne is a great choice!

We’ve seen so many Champagne fans clamoring for this vintage, which has become the most sought-after since the epic 1996 vintage, and the demand has been off the charts!

Two items to note:

1. The 2008 vintage received a 99 point score from Robert Parker Wine Advocate.

2. Decanter has called 2008 the "Miracle Vintage" for Champagne, awarding it a perfect 5 out of 5 score.

This historic vintage is still available at opening prices. Here are a few favorites from the vintage.

2008 Laurent Perrier Champagne Brut Millesime - The champagne of Laurent-Perrier is made by Michel Fauconnet, chef de cave of Salon, who took over from his predecessor, Alain Terrier, in early 2004. This Champagne has an amazing score (96 WE) at a low price of only $67.95. It offers so much bang for the buck in a top vintage. Don’t fear underpaying for an incredible bottle of vintage Champagne!

2008 Henriot Brut Millesime – This Champagne house is one of the few Champagne houses that have remained in the same family for over 200 years. Established in 1808, Henriot Brut is a premier producer, and this 96 point Champagne is a steal for the price!

2008 Moet Chandon Dom Perignon – Dom Perignon is one of the most recognized labels in the world, and it’s adored by so many Champagne lovers. As for the 2008 vintage, the critics are raving, and the rumors are true! It’s the highest scoring Dom Perignon ever produced. With a 98+ score from Vinous Media, this is a legend in the making. “It really reminds me of the 1990, which I had recently, and it was extraordinary.”  - Dave Sokolin

Cheers!

This holiday, give the gift of wine! Whether you’re searching for legends, values, classics or newcomers, we have a vast inventory of amazing wines for you to gift this holiday.

And it’s never too early to start your holiday shopping. With a surge in online retail sales across many sectors, holiday shipping volume is expected to be much higher this year, which may result in shipping delays. Ordering early will help ensure on-time delivery without delays.

Our dedicated team is happy to assist with single bottle gift orders or large quantity orders that need shipped to multiple clients, colleagues or friends. Just send us the addresses for your gift recipients, your gift note text, and we do the rest!

If you’re looking for what’s hot in the wine world, consider these regions and vintages.

Back-Vintage Bordeaux: We have one of the largest portfolios of back-vintage Bordeaux in the country, including the most sought-after wines from the finest chateaux. Many of these wines will make great trophies or centerpieces for wine cellars.

2015 and 2016 California Cabernet: California continues to produce world-class wines that compete with the best wines in the world. The quality just seems to keep getting better! We have an incredible inventory of California Cabernet from the outstanding, back-to-back 2015 and 2016 vintages.

2008 Champagne: Champagne's 2008 vintage has become the most sought-after since the epic 1996 vintage, and the demand has been off the charts! Many of these wines are still low priced, and we have great stock at release prices, but they will trade up and sell out.

2015 Brunello di Montalcino: 2015 is a brilliant Brunello vintage, and this region offers so much bang for the buck. You can score wines in the $30 – $40 range that have scores ranging from 93 to 97 points.

2017 White Burgundy: We think that 2017 is the best modern vintage since 1989, and our inventory is amazing right now! Whether you’re searching for Chablis, Meursault, Chassagne Montrachet, Puligny Montrachet or Chevalier Montrachet, we’ve got it.

If you’re looking for even more gift ideas or have a specific request, please feel free to contact one our dedicated, private wine consultants at 800.946.3947 or email us at sales@sokolin.com. We’d love to help you find the perfect wines for your holiday needs and holiday gifting!

Cheers!