Special Small French Parcel: La Mission Haut Brion 2007

Posted on March 18, 2013 by

It was simply a matter of time that I take a dive into selling French wine. We will not have a big portfolio, but carefully selected ones that are of great quality and a great price, at very limitedLMHB images quantities. As our sources (Bordeaux direct) have limited parcels of these wines, we may not be able to get the same wine at the same price later. So to kick off our first French adventure, the first parcel we delightfully found is La Mission Haut Brion. Acquired by Chateau Haut Brion, there are more historical connections between them than their origin, despite being divided by a road between the estates. The 2007 vintage was a dramatic one, where the season was long and discouraging at times, and rules were broken. It took 130 days between flowering and harvesting and Cabernet Sauvignon was harvested before Merlot.  Nonetheless, it is a vintage of excellent approachability, notably aromatic and soft elegance, particularly for Chateau La Mission Haut Brion.

Chateau La Mission Haut Brion 2007
(48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc) Notes: Deep, near opaque in the glass with mineral, graphite and cool ripe fruit on the nose. On the palate, there is a fragrant, leafy elements too. More compact than many in this vintage, this has pleasing harmony and gentle direction lent to the fruit by soft, round tannins. A forward and attractive La Mission.

“Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, April 2009 The 2007 La Mission Haut Brion, a candidate for wine of the vintage, exhibits a dense ruby/purple hue along with notes of melted licorice, blueberries, cassis, burning embers, and charcoal, sweet tannin, medium to full body, a fleshy mouthfeel, and an endearing succulence as well as lushness. Already appealing, it should continue to evolve and drink well for 15+ years. It is a great success for the vintage.” – 92 points

Price: $350 nett/btl and $320 nett/btl for purchase of 6 bottles and above
(Note: Vinum sells $440, and Crystal Wine sells $695)
Availability: 48 bottles (750ml format). Stock available for delivery and on a first come first serve basis.

Our California Bin End list has been updated, with addition of three labels available at special prices. A Napa Valley designated Cabernet Sauvignon for less than $50, a single and biodynamic vineyard Pinot Noir for $80 and a lively Blanc de Noir for less than $60. Pick up a few bottles before they are all gone, and for one of them….PERMANANTLY. Simply click on the link for the Bin End List within the Bin End tab on the HOME page.

For further details (sales/delivery schedule), please contact us at enquiries@straitscellars.com or 65 6469 7633

Standard Sales Terms and Conditions apply.

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A “Shiok” Bordeaux Blend

Posted on February 4, 2013 by

09_Affinity_Label_highresRobert Craig, 2009 Affinity, Napa Valley 

(86% Cab Sau, 6% Petit Verdot, 5% Merlot, 2% Malbec & 1% Cab Franc)

The winemaker described this wine to have complex fragrance of dark fruits with an underlying crushed granite and floral notes, a flavour that is rich and concentrated, silky and sleek, and a finish that the tannin strided with cigar box spice and pronounced mineriality. Here in Singapore, we felt it was just simply very “SHIOK”. It was delicious to the last drop, although it required our patience in the glass. If you are not, decant it twice will probably do. We are not the only ones that thoroughly enjoyed this wine:

92 points Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
“The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Affinity bursts from the glass with an exciting array of dark red berries, flowers, licorice and sweet spices. Floral notes reappear on the finish, adding brightness and lift. This gorgeous, mid-weight Cabernet Sauvignon should continue to drink beautifully for at least a handful of years. In 2009 the blend is 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, 5% Merlot, 2% Malbec and 1% Cabernet Franc. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2017.” (12/ 2011)

91 points Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar “(includes some merlot, petit verdot, cabernet franc and malbec): Good full ruby-red. Crystallized black cherry, coffee, mocha and loam on the nose, lifted by spices. Broad, smooth and tight-grained, with lovely intensity and lift to the flavors of black fruits, licorice and dark chocolate. Finishes with dusty tannins and a firm spine of acidity.” (5/ 2012)

90 points Wine & Spirits
“Grown in the foothills of Mount George, this is mostly cabernet sauvignon (82 percent) with petit verdot, merlot and small amounts of franc and malbec. It’s a broad, richly oaked wine, packed with cherry-scented fruit holding robust tannins. Unyielding for now, this needs two or three years for the tannins to mellow.” (4/ 2012)

Wine Spectator
“Tight, with a gritty edge to the tannins. Offers refined flavors of intense dark berry, spice, herb and cedar. Best from 2013 through 2023.” (11/ 2012)

Enjoy this “shiokness” with this really good deal: $82 nett/btl or $79 nett/btl (for purchase of 6 btls and above) (UP: $89)

For further details (sales/delivery schedule), please contact us at enquiries@straitscellars.com or 65 6469 7633

Standard Sales Terms and Conditions apply.

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Buying in Bulk just got more fun

Posted on January 10, 2013 by

We have not only added more labels to the Bin End Promotion, we have made it more value for your purchase. No reasons for the party to end early, or to dive deeper into your wallet with these wines that are also of great quality (excellent reviews). And you can mix your purchases (note below).

SchramsbPRT_B09_Big_20121113_170713erg 2009 Blanc de Blanc, Calistoga
“Elegant and sleekly style…” Wine Spectator: 90pts
12 bottles @ $62/btl and get the 13th bottle FREE ($57/btl)

Groth 2009 Chardonnay, Napa Valley
“…This full-bodied white ends with a long, detailed finish.” Wine Spectator:  89pts
12 bottles @ $49/btl and get the 13th bottle FREE ($45/btl)

Miura 2008 Pisoni Vineyard Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highland
“…with distinctive richness, full-bodied power, and an underlying earthiness..” Robert Parker Jr.: 94pts.
8 bottles @ $98/btl and get the 9th bottle FREE ($87/btl)

Groth 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville
“..loaded with color and flavour that is expressive…” Wine Enthusiast: 94pts
12 bottles @ $79/btl and get the 13th bottle FREE ($73/btl)

Viader_label_reviewsViader 2008 Proprietary Cabernet Blend, Napa Valley
“…broad, lush and smooth…” Stephen Tanzer: 92pts
6 bottles @ $139/btl and get the 7th bottle FREE ($119/btl)

Whitehall Lane 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
“…full bodied, big, rich, concentrated…” California Grapevine: Highly Recommend
12 bottles @ $63/btl and get the 13th bottle FREE ($58/btl)

NOTE: Mix purchase possible for 6, 8 and 12 bottles per case. Free bottle will be from the lesser value of the purchased selection. Please find below a link for several mix case combinations for your reference. Perfect for gifts or small party gatherings.
7th, 9th & 13th Free Btl Mix Case Combination

Alternatively, you can create your own combination and let us know. Availability of the combination will be based on the availability of the wines.

For details or orders, please contact us at: enquiries@straitscellars.com or 6469 7633

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Whitehall Lane Cabernet Sauvignon “Highly Recommended”

Posted on November 29, 2012 by

We recently found several reviews about Whitehall Lane 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon that simply reinforced the consistency of quality that you might find interesting.

” Highly Recommended” -
“medium dark ruby, forward, ripe dark berry fruit aroma with notes of vanilla, smoked meat, and charred oak; full body, big, rich, concentrated, extracted, dark cherry and berry fruit flavors with notes of vanilla; full tannin, lingering aftertaste.” California Grapevine

From http://www.cellartracker.com:
July 2012: “Dark ruby color. Earthy blackberry nose. Tastes of blackberry, cherry, currant, and leather. Fine tannins. Fruit forward finish with nice complexity in the finish. Textbook Napa Cabernet Sauvignon.” 90pts

November 2012: “Nice nose. Finishes well with or without food. Will buy again.” 92pts

A brilliant wine at an even more brilliant price.
$63 nett/btl or $59 nett/btl for purchase 6 bottles & above.
Purchase 12 bottles and get the 13th bottle FREE. (UP: $78)

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Dramatic 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon

Posted on October 25, 2012 by

There were hard frost, and heat wave and wild-fire smoke, but still the little Cabernet Sauvignon grapes hunkered down, although in smaller numbers, they survive brilliantly to harvest which saw perfection in condition. The saying what doesn’t kills you makes you stronger couldn’t apply more for the Cabernet Sauvignon of 2008 vintage in California. Such is the survival of the strongest and fittest to produce wine that is intensely dark and full in power and texture, with characters of black olive, ripe black cherry and dark chocolate. Tannins are firmer than 2007, but with soft suppleness in texture. That just means that it will age rather well within the next 3 to 4 years. Here are two of the best examples of consistent tenacity and characters for their Cabernet Sauvignon style are Groth Vineyard & Winery and Whitehall Lane Winery. At a great price that you can’t pass:

Groth 2008 Groth Cabernet SauvginonCabernet Sauvignon, Oakville   
A vintage of low yields from smaller grapes and clusters that ripened at lower sugar that provides great balance, flavors and aromas to the wine. It is loaded with color and flavor that is expressive of sweet vanilla character derived from 22 months in the barrels; that blends well with the black cherry and blackberry notes. A wine of soft suppleness that is distinctive of the Oakville AVA. (Wine Enthusiast: 94pts. James Suckling: 92pts)

$75 nett/btl for 6 bottles & above or $79 nett/btl (UP:$95)

Whitehall Lane 2008 Cabernet SauvignonWhitehall Lane, 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 
With intense color and aromas of raspberry, and toasty oak that leap forth. The berry and plum flavors are concentrated with a rich, mouth-coating texture. With loads of fruit and velvety tannins, this beautiful blend is enjoyable now but will age gracefully.

$59 nett/btl for 6 bottles & above or $63 nett/btl (UP:$78)

Available while stock indicated last. To Place order, please contact: enquiries@straitscellars.com or call 65 64697633

Check out our updated Bin End as attached.
Still available: two Laguiole Wine Openers to give away with purchase of 8 bottles and above of Flowers Pinot Noir listed in the promotion.

 All prices indicated are NETT. Payment in Cash or Cheque or Internet Banking Transfer.
Free Delivery within Singapore for purchase of $500 & above per invoice per delivery address.
Saturday morning delivery not available. Delivery charge is S$20 per trip.
Loose bottles purchases and self collection can be done at our Office/Showroom by appointment only.
Wine Sold Not Returnable. Stock available on a first come first serve basis.
Standard Sales Terms and Conditions apply.

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Flowers & Laguiole

Posted on September 18, 2012 by

One of the most special comments that I have been told of Flowers Pinot Noir is that it’s wine is one of the closest in style to Burgundy. One of the key reasons for this mutual comparison is the fact the Flowers Vineyards & Winery is in Sonoma Valley, specifically in a very unique area, sitting majestically on a high ridge with a microclimate that is absolutely ideal for Pinot Noir grapes. I was fortunate enough (because I woke up at 3am) to witness thick fog rolling in from the Pacific Ocean into the Russian River rising gently over the hills into the Sonoma Valley. It is this fog, among other reasons, that makes Sonoma Pinot Noir fans to love it for life.
We are offering some of their best single vintage Pinot Noir at attractive price. Furthermore, receive a very special Laguiole Wine opener free with purchase of 8 bottles and above (value at USD 170, Flowers Engraving: Priceless).

Flowers, 2007 Andreen-Gale Pinot Noir   …”Inviting flavors, redolent of dark fruit, crushed stone and delicate orange peel provide
a finish that is long and luscious…”
$79/btl(for purchase of 6 btls and above) OR $85/btl(UP: $108)(6 bottles available)

Flowers, 2008 Seaview Ridge Pinot Noir (estate bottle)  “Deep vibrant red color. Fresh summer bramble fruit aromas with hints of earth and forest floor. Flavors emerge with red plum, cherries and hints of graphite…The wine texture is elegant and smooth across the palate with refined tannins for an enduring finish…”.
$93/btl(for purchase of 4 btls and above) OR $99/btl(UP: $129)(24 bottles available)

Flowers, 2008 DZ Pinot Noir (estate bottle)
“…bursting with dark fruit aromas of plum, black cherry and cassis, this wine is fresh and attractive; straight forward and rewarding…chewing texture and flavors of ripe stone fruits, toasted bread and tobacco…affirming tannins lends to a long and delicious finish.”
$80/btl(for purchase of 4 btls and above) OR $85/btl(UP: $109)(24 bottles available)

We have 5 Laguiole Wine Openers available. Minimum purchase applies as per invoiced quantity.
Call us at 6469 7633 or email (enquiries@straitscellars.com) to place an order. Available while stock indicated last

All prices indicated are NETT. Payment in Cash or Cheque or Internet Banking Transfer.
Free Delivery within Singapore for purchase of $500 & above per invoice per delivery address.
Saturday morning delivery not available. Delivery charge is S$20 per trip.
Loose bottles purchases and self collection can be done at our Office/Showroom by appointment only.
Wine Sold Not Returnable. Stock available on a first come first serve basis.
Standard Sales Terms and Conditions apply.

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Methode Champenoise…90 pts…Under $40

Posted on September 6, 2012 by

Methode Champenoise…90pts…UNDER $40

While not all Sparkling wines are Champagne, but there are those that are made in the tradition of Methode Champenoise.

The people at Gloria Ferrer respects and follows the process closely, but it definitely does not follow the pricing of Champagne.

We negotiated and brought in a small batch of this excellent value Sparkler that will not put a hole in the pockets and will always be available for any celebratory occasions.

So how excellent and great value is this?  How about….

90 points…Wine Enthusiast (Dec 2010)
“A wonderfully drinkable sparkling wine that appeals immediately for its balanced texture and rich flavours”

88 points…Wine Spectator (Jan 2011)
“This bubbly bursts with fresh apple and citrus fruit and lively, spicy lemon, tart pear and anise flavours”

#78 at 90 points for Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines (2009)
“Lively and fun to drink with creamy Asian pear and citrus aromas that lead to crisp, easygoing apple, yeasty cinnamon and mineral flavours.”

2012 Gold Award…Taster Guild International

Gloria Ferrer Sonoma Brut Non Vintage, Sonoma…S$39 nett/btl
(6 cartons available) (UP: $46)
91.2% Pinot Noir and 8.8% Chardonnay

 Call us ASAP at 6469 7633 if you like to place an order.
Available while stock indicated last

Please share this if you have enjoyed this promotion. Thank you.

All prices indicated are NETT. Payment in Cash or Cheque or Internet Banking Transfer.
Free Delivery within Singapore for purchase of $500 & above per invoice per delivery address.
Saturday morning delivery not available. Delivery charge is S$20 per trip.
Loose bottles purchases and self collection can be done at our Office/Showroom by appointment only.
Wine Sold Not Returnable. Stock available on a first come first serve basis.
Standard Sales Terms and Conditions apply.

Posted in California, Promotion, Reviews, Sonoma, Sparkling Wine, White Wine | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Riesling and Pinot Gris…ALMOST FREE!!!

Posted on August 30, 2012 by

Image
We were overstocked on the purchase of this Washngton State Pinot Gris and Riesling. We still have a few cases left that we need to move them out of the warehouse. Priced almost FREE, it is perfect for warm evening sips and savoring.

Firesteed 2008 Riesling, WIllamette Valley: $15 nett/btl (UP: $33) (60 bottles available) Bronze – 2011 Decanter World Wine Award, Wine Enthusiast: 90pts

Firesteed 2008 Pinot Gris, WIllamette Valley: $15 nett/btl (UP: $33) (12 bottles available)

At this price, call us ASAP at 6469 7633 if you like to place an order.

Available while stock indicated last

All prices indicated are NETT. Payment in Cash or Cheque or Internet Banking Transfer.
Free Delivery within Singapore for purchase of $500 & above per invoice per delivery address. Saturday morning delivery not available. Delivery charge is S$20 per trip.
Loose bottles purchases and self collection can be done at our Office/Showroom by appointment only. Wine Sold Not Returnable or Exchange for credit.
Stock available on a first come first serve basis.
Standard Sales Terms and Conditions apply.

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Understanding the Concept of Cain Concept

Posted on August 19, 2012 by

ImageUnderstand the concept of Cain Concept

You will not find any ratings and reviews on Cain’s Vineyard & Winery Bordeaux-inspired blends. Since 2000, Cain Vineyards & Winery decided to stop sending their wines to critics. It is a good thing because Cain’s wines do not fit into the big powerhouse box that these critics have set as benchmark. Their wines may not be over-extracted and heavily styled, but you will find finesse, balance, chocolate-like roundness and an elegance that glides. If you have had Cain Five, you know that Cain wines are wines that you need to discover for yourself and you would be proud of yourself when you did. And you would be proud to share it with your wine loving friends. The Concept is an excellent introduction to the Five.

I shared a bottle of the Cain 2007 Concept this week at a small group of friends over dinner. It was tasted initially to determine the order of which it will be drunk. We decided that we will have to start with a Sauvignon Blanc, a Chardonnay, a Pinot Noir and a unusually light Cote du Rhone before Cain Concept. The moment we were done with the Pinot Noir, some of us just could not wait to pour the Cain Concept. The fruit structure is elegant and attractive, well-balanced for easy approachability without losing complexity and finesse.

 With a few cases (42 bottles available) of the CONCEPT, we decided to make a special offering so that you too can be proud of yourself for discovering it.

 Cain, 2007 Concept, Napa Valley  (6X750ml)
57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc, 12% Petit Verdot.
The core of Cain Concept – The Benchland is about Cabernet Sauvignon from the classical “benchland” of the Napa Valley. The 2007 saw moderate yields, uniform ripening, a warm May followed by a moderate summer and a warm September. This is a blend that has build-up complexity with every sip, added nuances, well-spoken structure, and a generous length to the finish.
$72 nett/btl for purchase of 6 bottles & above or $76 nett/btl (UP: $96)

 Extra: Cain 2006 Five, Napa Valley (375ml): $59 nett/btl (8 bottles avail)

Our Bin List has been updated. click on the Bin End tab for the full list.

For orders and further enquiries, contact us at enquiries@straitscellars.com

 

 

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Bin End Promotion Updated List

Posted on July 9, 2012 by

We have updated our Bin End List with REALLY EXCELLENT DEALS. Some wines have been further discounted, up to 65%. We have added new wine such as below

Whitehall Lane 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
$60 nett/btl (UP: $78)
“graceful aromas of black cherry and toasty oak, plush with pleasing flavors…” Wine Enthusiast: 92pts.

Darioush 2009 Signature Chardonnay, Napa Valley
$62 nett/btl (UP: $75)
“exceptionally graceful and persisitent  mouthfeel defined by Fuji Apple and white peach…”
Connossieur’s Guide to CA Wine: 90pts

Robert Craig
2008 Affinity, Napa Valley
$59 nett/btl (UP: $89)
(for 6 btls & above)
“affirming tannins lends to a long and delicious finish…a seductive vintage of forward fruit…these mid-weight wines exhibits loads of charms and silkiness…” Wine Advocate: 89pts

There are more wines at really really good price in our Bin End page.
Or simply click:
http://straitscellars.com/bin-end/

For orders or details, contact us at enquiries@straitscellars.com

Posted in California, Napa, Promotion, Red Wine, Sonoma, Sparkling Wine, White Wine | Leave a comment