courtesy of calvertwoodley.com
Calvert Woodley Wine and Spirits is an institution in Washington D.C., with a history dating back to 1949. Every fall the store publishes a wine catalog chock full of great values and lots of information about all kinds of wine. Click here to download your copy.
For a long time I despaired of finding good Bordeaux for under $20. Last year Calvert Woodley turned me on to the power of the petit chateau, small producers whose wine isn’t well known but delivers quality and value. According to Calvert Woodley, 2009 and 2010 were incredible back to back years in Bordeaux, much stronger than 2011 or 2012.
Not only is the selection immense at Calvert Woodley, the prices are great as well. I usually find wine for $4-5 less than at other stores, sometimes much less. The fall sale is a good time to buy favorites we’ve had over the spring and summer and stock back up.
Here are some of the wines on my shopping list, a mix of personal favorites and staff recommendations:
2009 L’Estang Cotes de Castillon — a petit chateau favorite from last year
2010 Caronne Ste. Gemme Haut Medoc — ditto and hoping the 2010 is as good
2010 Chateau Canteloup Cotes de Bordeaux — staff pick and a new petit to me
2012 Domaine de la Becassonne Cotes du Rhone Blanc – my Mom likes floral whites like Viognier, so this wine could be a hit for the upcoming holiday season
2012 Complices de Loire Touraine Pinot Noir, Les Collines Rouges – Burgundy has replaced Bordeaux in my book as hopeless at a value price, so if this strong staff pick delivers I’ll be amazed and excited
2008 Terrabianca Campaccio – a dynamite Super Tuscan Gabriele and I have enjoyed before, available here for a good bit less
2010 Zenato Valpolicella Superiore — Valpolicellos are usually solid performers and most places offer a paltry number of choices
2011 Tamaral Crianza – would like to find another good Ribera del Duero and trusting the staff pick here
2011 Lemelson Thea’s Selection Willamette – a favorite bigger style Pinot Noir
2011 Hartford Court Russian River — another Pinot but from California and closer to Burgundy in style
That’s it so far, but I’ll probably add some things once I’m in the store. Calvert Woodley is the place to stock up on your favorites and find new ones. Grab your own catalog and have fun.