“These are among the world’s greatest wines.” - Robert Parker

Attending Wine Advocate’s Kings of Rhône online Masterclass next month? Check it out if not, the wine kits are sold out, but $20 “dry tickets” are so worth the experience of hanging out with the Kings: Guigal AND Chapoutier.

And what makes them Kings? Between the two, they are accountable for over 100 x 100-pointers by top critics. (Hint: we’re giving one away in the Store today!) Take ANY other pair of producers out there and none can even come close.

Understandably, finding ‘deals’ on such legends is a true trophy hunt. In nearly 15 years of our existence, this is our FIRST as such. Between one importer to another, we landed a few small stashes in limbo. They needed them gone, and boy did we rise to the task. You reap the benefits.

How about some Hermitage from the mythical Le Méal, Les Bessards & Les Greffieux parcels?

Crazy history here, and a geeky tidbit. Every Chapoutier label comes with Braille, that touch alphabet for the blind to see. Maurice de La Sizeranne developed Braille in the 19th century, and guess what? He also owned this aristocratic vineyard, leading to Chapoutier’s adaptation of Braille labels to honor his legacy.

Robert Parker goes on record in 2012: “Michel Chapoutier finally made the cover of The Wine Spectator. The accompanying article said essentially the same things I had written about over twenty years ago. More importantly, I am thrilled that Chapoutier received this attention because it has long been deserved. History will record that Michel Chapoutier is a revolutionary… a beacon of inspiration and quality for the entire world. In short, every wine consumer in the world should admire his accomplishments.”

And his protégé Jeb Dunnuck zooms further in “Looking specifically at Hermitage, Chapoutier owns a massive 64 acres, mostly on the famed Bessards lieu-dit, yet also with significant portions on Le Meal, L’Ermite and Les Greffieux, with smaller portions in the Beaume and Murets lieux-dits. From this, he fashions five reds and four whites, all of which are brilliant wines, with the best ranking up alongside the top wines in the world.”

Vintage Chapoutier with perfect provenance. Was $185, yours for $67 today?? While it lasts at least.

95 Points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

“The 2015 Hermitage Monier de la Sizeranne is full-bodied, rich and concentrated, with loads of cassis fruit and masses of ripe tannin. To top it off, some meaty, savory notes creep in on the long finish, imparting some intriguing complexity. Drink 2025-2040.”

94 Points – Antonio Galloni’s Vinous

“Inky ruby. Assertive, mineral-accented dark berry, cola and violet pastille scents show outstanding purity and spicy lift and pick up a smoky nuance with air. Juicy and penetrating on the palate, offering intense, spice- and smoke-tinged boysenberry, cherry cola and floral flavors that are given spine and lift by a core of juicy acidity. Finishes sweet, seamless and impressively long, featuring an echo of candied violet and velvety, harmonious tannins that sneak up slowly. Drink 2024-2033.”

94 Points – James Suckling

“Bright, exotic red cherries and blood oranges with a wealth of flinty, peppery and tarry accents. Strong, mineral core to the palate. Very composed. Plenty of salty plums and blackberries. From organically grown grapes. Drink in 2023.”