I’d say that this last one is for all y’all high rollers…if you were paying regular price. But with the insane closeout deals we received, Italian luxury is for all of us (and I’m definitely including myself here, as I’ve got to score a few of these!). We’ve got a red and a white for you; they’re almost never seen on shelves, they both have 90+ ratings, and they’re phenomenal deals! First, the big boy…
2016 Galardi Roccamonfina Terra di Lavoro-This stunning, ageworthy (don’t even think about drinking this without a lengthy decant and it will last for many years!) red wine is a blend of 80% Aglianico and 20% Piedirosso. This northern Campanian producer makes just one wine (this one!) from a tiny 25-acre plot of low-yielding vines planted on the shoulders of an extinct volcano. This is a true diamond-in-the-rough find (which so many of Campania’s best ageworthy reds are) and the price….just…woah. Oh, and Parker’s Wine Advocate is a big fan, as well…
“Cabernet Sauvignon is not in the blend, but the aromas in the 2016 Terra di Lavoro are very similar to what you would get with that grape, with bright notes of green pepper corn with blackberry and exotic spice. The declared blend is 80% Aglianico and 20% Piedirosso. This is a balanced vintage with lots of depth, precision and density. This is a beautifully made wine. For sure, I am not the first to say that the wine is more characteristic of a house style, a Bordeaux-inspired house style, rather than a territorial expression of Campania. In truth, I’d say that this wine has feet in both those words. I recommend waiting at least five more years before drinking this vintage.” 95pts
Regularly $67.99/bottle, they closed this out for $25.99/bottle. Are. You. KIDDING. Me?!
2018 Livio Felluga Sauvignon Blanc-The winery named after the family patriarch, Livio Felluga (who sadly passed away in 2016 at the age of 102) is well-known for making some of the most distinguished whites in Friuli, though they’re rarely seen on shelves. We were so impressed with the quality of their 2020 Pinot Grigio that we brought it in even though we didn’t strictly speaking have a place for it. Then I saw a single case of the 2018 Sauvignon Blanc sitting in inventory at closeout pricing. Yeah, but it’s a 2018, you say…kinda old, isn’t it? I did some research, saw Suckling’s “drink or hold” review, and did a bit more research. I decided to pull the trigger, and am so glad I did. It’s still full of life, with gooseberries, melon, grassy herbs, and subtle florals on the nose, with lots of bright acids, white peach, citrus, and a strong, stony mineral undertow underpinning the whole package. We received a single case (all they had left) and it’s just delicious. Check out the review!
“Aromas of green papaya, lemon grass, dried herbs and crushed stones. It’s medium-to full-bodied with tangy acidity and a waxy texture. Concentrated and layered with a spiced, mineral finish. Drink or hold.” 93pts
Regularly $28.99/bottle, we have this on closeout for $14.99/bottle. That’s like ‘big name, grocery-store staple Sauvignon Blanc’ pricing!!
We didn’t get a ton of either of these wines (4 six-packs of the red, 1 twelve-pack case of the white) so get ’em while they’re hot! The red is on our Crazy Closeout endcap right across from the register in Wine and Spirits, and the white is on the shelf in our Italian section. Come and get ’em!
Cheers,
Dan
Rock Bridge Wine and Spirits 