The Friday List - 8/4/2023

A Focus on Four

Hello Collectors,

We’ve run throwback offers before, but never one quite like this. This week, as we showcase 4 exemplary producers, we’re returning to The Friday List’s old format. Some longtime readers might recognize this layout, which is perfect for showing off the depth Domaine brings you with our offers. And today we’re going deep on some true icons, including rarities you may not be able to find elsewhere. 

 

The Other Side of Lafon 

While Dominique Lafon is best known for his virtuosic work with white wines, his equally masterful work in Volnay and Monthelie should not be overlooked. His reds are rich and charming, with remarkable depth and an equivalent sense of place as in his whites. They’re fantastic wines, and really should not live in the shadows of Lafarge or d’Angerville, especially considering Lafon’s Volnays sell for considerably less than the village’s giants. Fans of Volnay and Lafon should absolutely check these out. 

 

Dunn, with Conviction 

“Dunn takes forever to come around.” Trust us: if you’ve heard this once, we’ve heard it a thousand times. While it may be a frustrating truism upon release for fans of this Howell Mountain legend, the patience pays off in multitudes. Upon reaching maturity, Dunn Cabernets are some of the most memorable, transporting wines around. And their famed longevity is an amazing testament to this family winery’s legacy: even the earliest vintages (back to 1979!) are still alive and drinking well. Today, we’re thrilled to showcase Dunn as Dunn intended, with every selection at least a decade old. Especially noteworthy is the highly limited Trailer Vineyard bottling, a wine that’s worth every penny you can pay and more. Trust us, if you’re a Dunn fan and you’ve never tasted this, it is an absolute must-have. 

 

If all that glitters is gold, then all that sparkles is Ultramarine 

It’s not hyperbole to proclaim that Ultramarine has no equal among American wine brands. And if you were forced to name a potential producer of parity, it would undoubtedly be a Champagne house. Through extraordinary talent, terroir, and attention to detail, Michael Cruse has established Ultramarine as the ultimate New World sparkling wine. Each bottle captures the singular intersection of time, place, and variety so clearly and cleanly, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were drinking a top Grower Champagne. While this extensive collection frankly deserves its own offer, Ultramarine’s towering presence in American winemaking demanded a seat at today’s table. 

 

Greatness stands alone: Domaine de la Romanée-Conti 

Like Bordeaux, it’s hard to write anything new about DRC. But the eternal truth is this: Romanée-Conti is likely the best glass of wine you’ll ever taste. Books have been written to elaborate that claim and its justifications, but there’s really not much of a secret as to why it holds up. Between farming some of the world’s greatest vineyards and being managed for half a century by one of the hardest working and most talented people in the industry, of course DRC sits atop the global wine hierarchy. And with each passing vintage, the lore and quality behind this famed producer only continue to grow.