Thinking Big

Is it just us, or has this year flown by? With Labor Day now behind us, we’re mourning summer’s close, but also know that before too long family will be knocking at the door for the holiday season. And we can’t think of a better way to prepare than with some big bottles. Even if you’re not one to plan that far ahead, it’s always okay to be selfish and shop for yourself. And if you’re anything like me, these large formats always pack a little (or a lot) extra something that you just can’t find in 750s. 

Today’s spread is wide, across both size and selection. Our centerpiece today is a pair of verticals from d’Angerville: their flagship Clos des Ducs and Champans, both personal favorites. And while that may draw immediate attention, your eye will surely get grabbed by Burgundy’s other big names in this list, including Comtes Lafon, Domaine Leflaive, Dujac, Ponsot, Arnoux, and Olivier Bernstein. Savvy collectors will jump on the Climats du Coeur bottlings, made from donated grapes from Burgundy’s top producers and vinified at Domaines Dujac and Romanée-Conti. France is rounded out appropriately with wines from Lafite, Jamet, Pierre Péters, and Pontet-Canet. 

From America, the Pacific Northwest is nicely represented, with some of the most sought-after names from Washington (Cayuse and Quilceda Creek) and Oregon (Thomas and Beaux Frères). California offers an embarrassment of riches, with Dunn, Harlan, Dominus, Phelps, Maybach, Peter Michael, Saxum, Far Niente, Silver Oak, Caymus, and others. Finally, Italy closes this week’s list with a small but mighty selection from Antinori, Banfi, Ornellaia, Poggio Antico, Montevertine, and Il Caberlot.