Vinopolpick Mid-Week August 25, 2015

August 25, 2015

Rose Sale!; Corsican Reds; Domaine Tempier; Bodegas Toro Albalá; Region in Context: Eola-Amity Hills; Sesti Brunello 2010 – Newly Arrived; Last Chance Sale Ends Tuesday

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Rose: Flash Sale!

Pierre-Marie Chermette Domaine du Vissoux Les Griottes Rose, Beaujolais 2014 750ML ($19.95) Was $16, Now $14, 36+ bottles available
Wine Advocate 88 points “A delicious effort, the light salmon/pink colored 2014 Les Griottes Beaujolais Rose has pretty orange blossom, framboise, citrus and underbrush characteristics in its soft, forward, supple and highly quaffable profile. Dry and clean on the finish, it’s about as easy-drinking as they come and should be consumed over the coming summer months.”

Domaine Collotte Marsannay Rosé, Cote de Nuits, Burgundy 2014 750ML ($21.95) Was $18, Now $16, 36+ bottles available
Wine Advocate 88 points “Collotte’s 2014 Marsannay Rose is a pretty, perfumed release that offers ample black cherry, strawberry and wild herb characteristics to go with a medium-bodied, supple, lightly textured and juicy style on the palate. More pretty and delicate than rich and textured, it’s shines for its sheer drink-ability and should be consumed over the coming 6-12 months.” WA

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Domaine Les Grands Bois “Les Trois Soeurs” Rosé, Cotes du Rhone 2014 750ML ($19.95) Was $14, Now $11.90, 24 bottles available
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 88 points “Light, lurid pink. Dried red berries and orange pith on the incisive, spice-accented nose. Dry and refreshingly bitter, offering tangy redcurrant and pomegranate flavors and a subtle hint of tarragon. Finishes dry and tense, with a building mineral note and good tangy persistence.” JR

Domaine Charvin Cotes du Rhone Rosé 2014 750ML ($19.95) Was $16, Now $14, 16 bottles available
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 88 points “Pale pink. Fresh red berries and flowers on the fragrant nose, with a hint of white pepper adding lift. Supple and broad on entry, then more taut in the mid-palate, offering redcurrant and bitter cherry flavors and a touch of orange pith. Closes on a tangy, slightly rigid citrus zest note, with good cut.” JR
Wine Advocate 88 points “Laurent Charvin’s 2014 Cotes du Rhone Rose is a forward, deliciously quaffable rosé that sports a light pink/salmon color to go with upfront notes of candied cherries, melon, lavender and Provençal herbs. Forward, supple and straight-up delicious, it’s a bottle that will be quickly emptied at the dinner table.”

Domaine Saint Damien Gigondas Rosé, Rhone 2014 750ML ($29.95) Was $24, Now $21.90, 4 bottles available
Wine Advocate 89 points “One of my favorite Gigondas estates, Domaine St Damien has turned out a fabulous rosé in 2014. Made from Cinsault, Syrah and Mourvedre, the 2014 Gigondas Rose is loaded with ripe strawberry and raspberry fruits. Medium-bodied, fruit forward, supple and balanced, it is loaded with Provencal charm. Drink it over the coming 5-6 months.”

Eric Chevalier Domaine de l’Aujardiere Grolleau Rosé, Loire 2014 750ML ($17.95) Was $14, Now $11.90, 19 bottles available
“Made from 100% Grolleau (a red variety common in the Loire), the 2014 Grolleau Val de Loire Rose has an orange-ish/pink color to go with a complex bouquet of underbrush, dried spices, tart cherries and orange rind. This gives way to a medium-bodied, juicy, racy rosé that has good fruit and lip-smacking levels of tangy acidity that comes through on the finish. It’s too acidic for me, but acid lovers will find more enjoyment I’m sure, and it would benefit from food. It’s best drunk over the coming summer months.”–Wine Advocate

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Mid-West, East & South

Summer Shipping Saver

Whisk your wine through warmer weather!
Beginning now, for the summer season we are offering UPS Three Day Select Service
for the price of UPS Ground for shipments normally travelling 4 or more business days.

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Island Wine:
Reds from Corsica

In the space of thirty years, Corsican wine has gone from being overproduced and yet largely ignored to earning respect for its distinctiveness, purity, and versatility. Though it may occupy a smaller place in the cellars and minds of wine drinkers, Corsica will surely continue to become a larger player in the world of wine as drinkers continue their search for gems and epiphanies.

As an island, Corsican wine is marked by a sense of discovery – for one, the French camp out there for August vacations just as tourists flock along its beautiful Mediterranean coastline. In terms of wine, however, it’s the many native varietals which evoke such a feeling. Nielluccio, the principal grape within the Patrimonio AOC, is genetically similar to Sangiovese. The grape is known for its robust tannins, high acidity, and ability to achieve high alcohol levels.

Nielluccio is often blended with Sciacarello, which is very fragrant and balances out the tannin and acidity within the blend. Far rarer is the Carcajolhu nero grape, once found throughout southern Corsica but limited to small pockets due to a crippling blow from phylloxera in the late 1800’s and the changing wine scene in Corsica and France as a whole. The grape is known for high acidity, lush spice, and fruity piquancy. Grenache and Carignan are also grown and used in blends alongside the native varietals.

Corsica is divided into eight appellations, virtually encircling the island along its rocky coastline. The best known are Ajaccio and Patrimonio, though Vin de Corse and Vin de Corse Calvi have both been known to produce esteemed wines. Though the wines vary greatly from grape to grape and producer to producer, many of the red wines from Corsica are known for their aromatics and textural qualities; they’re often served at cellar temperature and can benefit from some time in the cellar.

Below are a handful of reds from Corsica which are very well-suited to the late summer and early autumn months; they’re rather serendipitous company to barbecues and potluck dinners.

Corsican Reds Available Here Now:

Domaine Comte Abbatucci C N 750ML ($84.95) $69 special, 2 bottles available
Wine Advocate 90 points (2011 base vintage) “Abbatucci’s 2011 cn (whose name indeed appears in lower-case letters on this wine’s label) issues from six-year-old vines of the traditional, but now rare variety, Carcajolhu Nero, part of his ongoing project to restore cepage diversity and re-propagate ancient genetic material, building on his father Antoine’s rescue work begun in the early 1960s. The result – raised in demi-muids and tank – is nothing less than fascinating and delicious; although, on the evidence at hand from this early essay with young vines, Carcajolhu Nero’s personality will appeal most to those with relatively high tolerance for acidity and astringency. Imagine red currant and cherry macerated on their pits and pips as well as on mustard seeds. The effect is infectiously juicy and invigorating, with almost implacable bite and piquancy that have at least some distant yet useful analogy in a peppery Gruner Veltliner. I can only suggest that one pair some bottles with cuisine short-term, but also hold one or two simply to see what becomes of this after a few years in bottle.” WA

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Alain Courreges Domaine de Vaccelli Ajaccio Unu 2010 750ML ($27.95) $16 special, 14 bottles available
Importer’s note: Vaccelli was founded in 1962 by Roger Courrèges, and taken over by his son Alain in 1974. Alain has replanted the vineyards with native Corsican varietals, which are well suited to the decomposed granite soil in the Ajaccio appellation. This wine is composed of 65% Sciaccarellu, 20% Niellucciu, 10% Grenache, 5% Carignan. Plenty of red fruits with notes of cracked pepper and rich leather.

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Alain Courreges Domaine de Vaccelli Ajaccio Granit Rouge 2010 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 3 bottles available
Le Figaro: “Selected from the finest grapes of Roger Courreges cuvee, the wine is composed of 95% Sciaccarello/5% Nielluccio. Like other wines within the estate, prolonged maceration and repeated batonnage. 1/3 of this cuvee was aged in concrete egg-shaped vessels for 12 months, allowing freshness and prevents the lees from settling. The other two-thirds of the cuvee rest in small barrels, softening the wine. “Granit Rouge” is only released in the finest vintages. A beautiful ruby color, the wine opens with aromatics evoking spice and crushed strawberries. The palate is elegant, with beautiful notes of red fruits – quite a friendly local wine to discover alongside leg of lamb.”

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Alain Courreges Domaine de Vaccelli Ajaccio Cuvee Roger Courreges Rouge 2009 750ML ($34.95) $29 special, 5 bottles available
Le Figaro: “Named after the grandfather of Gerard, the founder of the domaine , this medium-bodied cuvée is a blend of Sciaccarello, Nielluccio, and Grenache .Harvest was perfomed at maturity, though many samples were taken plot-by-plot prior to harvest. After 30 days of macerations on the skins in order to express the terroir, a very small portion of the wine was left to rest in 600-liter barrels for 12 months while the rest rested in vats. A garnet-hued wine, with aromas of wild strawberries and spicy red fruit. On the palate, the wine is deeply structured, round, and mature. Ideal to be drunk alongside game bird.

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Rereading the Classics:
Domaine Tempier

Few stories between winemaker and importer are more romantic than that of the Peyraud family and Kermit Lynch; Mr. Lynch, for one, is quite smitten if his writing is of any indication. Therein lie the stories of Kermit and Robert Parker and Lulu and Luicien Peyraud, guzzling their Tempier rosé. Of his many trips across France, too, when Kermit always seemed to linger longest in his beloved Bandol. And – at the very least – a contributing factor to Mr. Lynch building a home fifteen minutes away from the Peyraud family’s domaine.

Of course, there is the hype to contend against. Domaine Tempier’s wines – be they the powerful, perennial Bandol rouges, the roses which come trickling in each year, or the small amount of white wine the domaine produces – have made their rounds in the finest restaurants, across the tasting panels and critics’ desks, and within every nook a wine geek has been known to occupy in print and online. Even so, Domaine Tempier seldom seems to disappoint.

In the wake of the phylloxera outbreak, Léonie Tempier replanted vines on rootstocks, built a cellar, and constructed cement fermentation tanks. Come crisis in 1929, many vines were replaced with peach and apple trees. In 1940, though, the newly-married Lucien Peyraud and Lucie Tempier moved into the domaine and the story began again. Mourvèdre, Cinsault, and Grenache were replanted and their first rosé was bottled in October of 1943. Lucien was active in agricultural organizations and fought hard to establish Bandol’s recognizance as a premier winegrowing area.

The domaine’s “cuvées de terroir” are bottled with the intent to showcase the individuality of their vineyards and terroirs; Tempier eschews chemical fertilizers and herbicides, uses only indigenous yeasts with the reds and neutral yeasts with the rosé, and errs on the side of caution with sulphur and copper.

Each spring, the iconic rosé returns and Kermit’s book comes to mind. Come summer’s end, the few bottles which might somehow evade purchase conjure the same thoughts of Kermit’s adventures and how exciting it must have been to be seated at the table with them in those early days. Then, long after the workday expires, a bottle from Tempier may come uncorked and a similar sense of discovery fills the glass – from the sloping soils of Bandol to the importer, the importer to the distributor, the distributor to the shop, and from the shop back home. Romantic, isn’t it?

Domaine Tempier Wines Available Here Now

Domaine Tempier Bandol Rose 2014 750ML ($44.95) $39 special, 1 bottle available
Domaine Tempier Bandol Rose 2014 375ML ($27.95) $24 special, 5 bottles available
Wine Spectator 92 points “Bright and high-pitched, this features a talc note that gives way to rosemary and white cherry hints, while the finish races along with sea salt and blood orange details. Long, chiseled and pure. A delicious rosé that should unwind further with some cellaring. Drink now through 2016.” WS
Wine Advocate 92 points “Domaine Tempier’s 2014 Bandol Rose continue to show why it’s considered one of the best rosés in the world. Made with a hefty chunky of Mourvedre, it offers beautifully crisp and precise notes of orange blossom, crushed rock, mineral water and white flower that flow seamlessly to a medium-bodied, balanced, lively and fresh style on the palate. While this doesn’t have the heft of sheer fruit of a top Tavel, it has more tension and focus, and I suspect it will put on weight with another 3-4 months in bottle. In short, it’s a beautiful Bandol rosé that delivers everything you could want from a rosé. It has the juiciness and freshness to drink nicely on its own or at the start of a meal, as well as the complexity and depth to handle any number of richer foods.”

Domaine Tempier Bandol Cuvee Speciale La Migoua 2012 750ML ($79.95) $69 special, 9 bottles available
Wine Spectator 93 points “Offers a grippy, tarry feel, with blackberry and plum compote flavors at the core, lined with lots of dried anise and fruitcake notes. Pretty violet and lavender details fill in on the finish, with a serious bolt of iron pinning everything down. Will need time to stretch out fully. Best from 2016 through 2026.” WS

Domaine Tempier Bandol Rouge Cuvee La Tourtine 2011 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 5 bottles available
Wine Advocate 94 points “Larger scaled and more textured and ripe, the 2011 Bandol La Tourtine is always a rough blend of 80% Mourvedre, 10% Grenache and 10% Cinsault. Possibly the wine of the vintage, it offers up blockbuster notes of black raspberry, currants, licorice and ground Provencal herbs to go with a medium to full-bodied, layered feel on the palate. Made in a forward, delicious (if not hedonistic) style, with loads of texture and a big finish, it too can be enjoyed anytime over the coming 15 years or more.” WA

Domaine Tempier Bandol Rouge Cuvee La Tourtine 2012 750ML ($79.95) $69 special, 11 bottles available
Wine Spectator 93 points “Well-packed but very fresh in feel, with a violet edge to the core of currant and plum fruit. Singed rosemary and licorice snap notes underscore the finish. Best from 2016 through 2026.” WS

Domaine Tempier Bandol 2012 750ML ($49.95) $38 special, 1 bottle available
Wine Spectator 92 points “Tightly coiled, with an iron note around the core of red currant, raspberry and damson plum fruit. Lovely bay, alder and lavender details pervade the finish. Best from 2018 through 2026.” WS

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Bodegas Toro Albalá
Vintage Sherries

Bodegas Toro Albalá had its start in 1844 at the helm of Antonio Sánchez Prieto. Winemaking began in a small village called La Noria, with a focus on fino sherries. By 1922, the company had grown, prompting Prieto’s grandson, José María Toro Albalá, to relocate. Albalá found and renovated an out-of-commission electric power station and promptly resumed production.

The Spanish Civil War began in 1936, leading to the death of Albalá’s brother. José María took custody of his deceased brother’s son, Antonio Sánchez, who went on to study winemaking in both Jerez and Bordeaux. Upon returning from his studies, Sánchez became a consulting enologist in the region before assuming control of the family business. To this day, Sánchez continues the tradition in that same old electric power station under the Toro Albalá name – only the third person over the bodega’s 171 years to do so.

We’re fortunate to have some vintage Pedro Ximénez from Toro Albalá, some with quite a bit of age. There is still a cask from 1844 sitting in the cellar, though we doubt it will ever get past the Albalá family’s dinner table. Even so, we’re fortunate to possess some vintage Pedro Ximénez from Toro Albalá here in the shop.

Bodegas Toro Albalá Available Now

Bodegas Toro Albala Don Px Convento 1955 750ML ($379.95) $299 special, 6 bottles available
Wine Advocate 98 points “One more single-harvest, old sweet wine, the 1955 Don PX Convento Selección was bottled in September 2014 and it had been aged slowly in very old American oak barrels and getting thick and concentrated through evaporation. It’s 320 grams of sugar are (partially) compensated by 6.5 grams of acidity. It has a nose and palate of chocolate-covered candied orange, spices, molasses. I’d say the dominant aromas in the nose are dark chocolate. It’s very dense, developing notes of very concentrated licorice and balsamic, mint, camphor and evolving notes of petrol with time. Complex, rare and unique.”

Bodegas Toro Albala Don Px Reserva Especial 1949 750ML ($249.95) $219 special, 1 bottle available
Wine Advocate 97 points “The 1949 Don PX Reserva Especial differs from the other old wines from the winery as it is less dark, it even has a (very dark) translucent tone compared with the others, maybe because it has 2% more alcohol. It feels incredibly elegant and balanced, fresher in comparison than the beasts from 1962 and 1946, medicinal, full of spicy notes of cinnamon, cloves, a touch of ash, and the smell of an antique shop. The palate is fluid, sweet and fresh. Putting a drinking window to these wines feels a bit silly. You should drink it whenever you have the occasion. Drink 2013-2040.” WA

Bodegas Toro Albala Don Px Convento 1929 750ml ($459.95) $359 special, 1 bottle available
Wine Advocate 95 points “The extreme 1929 Don PX Convento Selección is a thick, dense and unusual, rare sweet beast. It is very dark with a green border, dense, oily and serious full-bodied palate with the profile of a PX from Jerez. With 500 grams of residual sugar per liter, it is a little monolithic, a little heavy and not so easy to drink. Still it is an impressive, very sweet wine that is really unique”

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Region-in-Context:
Eola-Amity Hills

Just northeast of Salem, the Eola-Amity Hills AVA boasts roughly 2,800 acres (1,133 hectares) of vines. Located within the Willamette Valley AVA, the region was registered as its own independent AVA in 2006. The region boasts 95 vineyards and 30 wineries, with many more producers buying fruit for their own productions (including a few urban wineries based here in PDX!).

The valley-floor soils here include volcanic deposits, basalt beds, and marine sediment – ideal for growing Oregon’s hallmark Pinot Noirs. In addition, there are Chardonnay, Pinot gris, and Pinot blanc plantings along with a smaller amount spread across varietals such as Gamay, Grüner Veltliner, Dolcetto, and Sauvignon blanc

The borders of Eola-Amity Hills form a thin rectangle south of McMinnville, east of Perrydale, west of Brooks, and lying just west of Salem at its southern border. The Willamette River flows not far from the eastern limits, with creeks and reservoirs sprinkled throughout. Those early to arrive in the area discovered the soft, cooling winds which blew through the coastal range – allowing ventilation and cooling the vines during the summer months.

Though vines were planted in the mid-1800’s, they were for table grapes meant to be eaten. Come the 1960’s, pioneers of Oregonian wine movement made history with the first Vitis Vinifera plantings. In 1961, the first Willamette Valley vines were planted. Ten years later, the first Vinifera grapes made their way to what would become Eola-Amity Hills with the establishment of Amity Vineyards. Cattrall Vineyard, Eola Hills Vineyard, and Feltz Vineyard all followed suit. By 1983, there were 273 acres of vines.

Eola-Amity Hills has grown to become a community of winemakers whose wines have achieved acclaim well beyond the borders of the Valley, Oregon, and the west coast at large. We’re proud to offer a wide range of wines from the AVA, as seen below.

Eola-Amity Hills Wines Available Now

White Wines:

Evesham Wood Blanc du Puits Sec 2014 750ML ($19.95) $16 special, 8 bottles available
Winemaker’s note: Lucky for us, the 2014 vintage delivered significantly higher yields than those of 2013. Even better, the quality was outstanding and the 2014 Blanc du Puits Sec is a prime illustration. Referred to as “the white of the vineyard” Blanc du Puits Sec is comprised of mostly Pinot Gris with a smaller measure of Gewürztraminer. Both grapes originate from the 1986 planting on the estate. The nose leaps from the glass with bright jasmine, honeysuckle and rose followed by a flavor of pear, balanced weight on the palate and bright acidity. It finishes with spice from the Gewürztraminer. Evesham Wood Blanc du Puits Sec is certified organically grown. 450 cases produced.

Evesham Wood Le Puits Sec Chardonnay 2013 750ML ($29.95) $26 special, 7 bottles available
Winery note: “We thought the single barrel of Chardonnay from the estate in 2012 was a low yield, but 2013 gave us even less; only a half barrel of estate Chardonnay. Lighter in body than the 2012, bright citrus mixes with honey and mineral notes. Only 12 cases produced. (certified organically grown)”

Evening Land Gold Label Seven Springs Vineyard La Source Chardonnay 2012 750ML ($99.95) $89 special, 1 bottle available
Wine Spectator 96 points “Fresh, elegant and expressive, with a lovely open texture that lets the spicy, minerally pear and pineapple flavors glow brightly as the finish gains momentum. Has depth and sinuous shape. Drink now through 2020.” WS

Red Wines:

Holden Pinot Noir Bjornson Vineyard 2013 750ML ($34.95) $29 special, 12 bottles available
Winemaker’s note: “From a vineyard Mark and Patty Bjornson planted in the mid-2000’s off of Bethel Heights Road, in a prime spot near Bethel Heights, Cristom, Witness Tree, and Walter Scott. Live-certified vineyard – all Pommard, with 30% whole cluster, sponteneous fermentation – only native yeasts. Displays quintessential high toned and austere red Eola-Amity fruit with spiced and savory-charred earth notes. Bottled unfiltered and unfined. 75-ish cases made.”

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Omero Cellars Eola Amity Pinot Noir 2012 750ML ($39.95) $24 special, 2 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 89 points “Vivid ruby-red. Fresh raspberry and floral pastille aromas are complicated by orange zest and white pepper. On the palate, vibrant red berry and bitter cherry flavors firm up with air and show solid energy. Finishes with good cut and spicy persistence.” ST

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Vincent Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills 2013 750ML ($27.95) $24 special, 3 bottles available
Winery note “As with our Ribbon Ridge AVA bottling in the fall, this blend includes all barrels produced from the Eola-Amity Hills AVA that did not make the cut for our single vineyard bottlings. Thus, this wine blends Crowley Station Vineyard with Zenith and Bjornson, including all the press wine, for a slightly softer, broad flavored wine for drinking over the next several years. This fragrant, medium bodied wine shows all the bright fruit of the 2013 growing season tempered by end of season cool weather that allowed for ripeness at moderate sugar levels in the grapes. Nine barrels.”

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Violin Pinot Noir Eola Amity Hills 2013 750ML ($49.95) $33 special, 6 bottles available
Winemaker’s note “A wine of intense power and perfume that highlights the best characteristics of this AVA in the North Willamette Valley. The moderating impact of marine breezes is a result of its vicinity to the Van Duzer Corridor, the low point in the Coast Range that funnels weather from the Ocean, providing superior acid retention and consistency in the quality and maturity of fruit. This three barrel selection consists of two barrels from Eola Springs Vineyard and one barrel from Methven Family Vineyard. Floral perfume and dark berry fruits come out of the glass first with smokey spice and strawberry coursing underneath. Mouthwatering, juicy attack with fantastic concentration and dark cherry flavors coating the palate. Finish turns a bit more savory with oak spice, wild brambly fruits and earth mixing well. Firm, structural tannins persist throughout, and give the wine great poise and nerve on the lengthy, fruit driven finish. Aged on lees for 15 months in 100% French oak barrels, 33% new.”

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J. Christopher ‘Lumiere’ Pinot Noir 2012 750ML ($41.95) $36 special, 11 bottles available
Matt Kramer ‘My Wines of the Year’–“Oregon Pinot Noir continues to surprise if only because, as a still youthful and hugely ambitious category, it continues to evolve. J. Christopher is a formerly tiny producer that has grown in size thanks to a partnership between founder and winemaker Jay Somers and his new, deep-pocketed partner, German winegrower Ernst Loosen. A new winery was built, and Somers, who is one of Oregon’s finest wine-makers, is now issuing multiple Pinot Noirs, all fashioned in his signature austere, detailed, low-oak style. The 2012 Pinot Noir called Lumiere leaped out when I tasted it for its rich fruit allied with an unusual degree of flavor delineation and easily discerned mineral notes. I was surprised by its exquisiteness in a vintage that trades more in dramatic fruitiness.”
Wine Advocate 92 points “The 2012 Pinot Noir Eola Amity Hills Lumiere includes 10% cluster fruit, although Jay Somer told me that there is no intention to rank it up much higher at the moment. It comes from the northeastern flank of the Eola-Amity hills on volcanic soils with a lot of basalt and sees 20 months in 25% new French oak. It has a clean and precise bouquet with red cherries, kirsch and touches of orange sorbet that gain intensity with aeration – great clarity here and a great expression of “the dirt.” The palate is medium-bodied with sappy ripe, slightly saline fruit, a little grainy texture with good density toward the finish that is a little terse and strict, but displays very fine tension. Superb.”
Wine Enthusiast 92 points “A selection of Pinot Noir from three small vineyards in the Eola-Amity Hills showing a silky texture, dark fruits, with a distinct stoney and mineral character, layered with fine tannins and perfectly balanced acidity.”

Evesham Wood Eola-Amity Pinot Noir 2013 750ml ($27.95) $24 special, 9 bottles available
Winery note: “Each and every spring, we set out to taste our Eola Amity Hills barrels with the idea of selecting and reserving the best offerings within. Once chosen, they are racked in to caves to rest for an additional ten months. Consistently one of our favorite bottlings, the 2013 Eola Amity blend will greet the front end of the palate with a rich, dense profile that marries pure black and red cherry with hints of cinnamon. The cherry follows through to the lively mid-palate where fresh herbs and plum flavors join and are followed by a silky finish.”

Evesham Wood Le Puits Sec Pinot Noir 2012 1.5L ($89.95) $79 special, 5 magnums available
Winery note: “2012 produced a darker bottling, both in color and flavors. Dark cherry with hints of blackberry, typical Le Puits Sec plum flavors with a silky, creamy texture. Very forward and showing great now, I expect it to improve handsomely for the next 7-10 years. 500 cases produced. Certified organically grown.”

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Evesham Wood Cuvee J Pinot Noir 2012 750ML ($49.95) $41.90 special, 37 bottles available
Winery note: “Every Spring I still drag Russ into the caves to taste through our Le Puits Sec barrels to determine the Cuvée J blend. Named in honor of Henri Jayer, the legendary Burgundian winemaker that Russ modeled much of his winemaking after we intend it to be our top cuvée worthy of the longest cellaring and capturing the vintage. Again this year’s blend is 6 barrels selected from Le Puits Sec. Certainly the most closed of our 2012 special cuvées, it’s easy to see the layers and complexity that are packed in the glass. This will easily age for a decade plus. 150 cases produced. Certified organically grown.”

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Cristom Eileen Vineyard Pinot Noir 2012 750ml ($69.95) $59 special, 7 bottles available
Wine Advocate 92 points “The 2012 Pinot Noir Eileen is the youngest estate-vineyard cuvee that debuted in 2000, so the vines are now around 15 years old, located at the highest elevation (it was once a Christmas tree farm.) It is planted with Dijon clones at 2,300 vines per acre. The nose is very attractive with refined red cherry, wild strawberry and red plum fruit that gently unfolds in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with a pert entry, crisp acidity and lip-smacking salinity. This is nicely structured with firm backbone that neatly offsets that black fruit toward the grippy finish. Give this a year in bottle and then it should continue drinking nicely over the next decade.”
Wine Spectator 90 points “Firm in texture, with a sleek feel to the spicy plum flavors as they glide into a long and expressive finish, trailing hints of toast and iron as they linger. Best from 2016 through 2020.” WS

Evening Land Silver Label ‘Seven Springs Vineyard’ Pinot Noir 2012750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 4 bottles available
Wine Spectator 96 points “Sleek and silky, brimming with raspberry, blackberry, pear and licorice flavors that come together seamlessly on the long, polished finish. This has depth and presence. Drink now through 2022.” WS

Westrey Justice Vineyard Pinot Noir 2012 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 4 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 92 points “Ruby-red. Intensely perfumed red and dark berry, cola and potpourri scents are given en exotic twist by notes of incense and smoky Indian spices. Offers palate-staining black raspberry and cherry liqueur flavors that are sharpened and lifted by juicy acidity and a touch of white pepper. Becomes livelier on the penetrating finish, which shows excellent clarity and depth and gentle tannic grip.” ST

Owen Roe ‘Sojourner’ Eola – Amity Hills Pinot Noir, 2012 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 10 bottles available
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 92 points “Vivid ruby. Intensely perfumed aromas of fresh blackberry, smoky minerals and incense, along with a suave floral overtone. Pure, expansive red and dark berry flavors put on weight with air and pick up a candied rose quality while maintaining impressive clarity. This rich yet energetic pinot finishes with excellent back-end thrust, supple tannins and lingering smokiness.” JR

Vincent Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills 2013 750ML ($27.95) $24 special, 3 bottles available
Winery note: “As with our Ribbon Ridge AVA bottling in the fall, this blend includes all barrels produced from the Eola-Amity Hills AVA that did not make the cut for our single vineyard bottlings. Thus, this wine blends Crowley Station Vineyard with Zenith and Bjornson, including all the press wine, for a slightly softer, broad flavored wine for drinking over the next several years. This fragrant, medium bodied wine shows all the bright fruit of the 2013 growing season tempered by end of season cool weather that allowed for ripeness at moderate sugar levels in the grapes. Nine barrels.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Haden Fig Bjornson Vineyard Pinot Noir 2013 750ML($29.95) $27 special, 11 bottles available
Winery note: “Set in the heart of the Eola Amity Hills, just south of the Seven Springs Vineyard, Bjornson Vineyard never fails to impress. Pattie and Mark Björnson’s meticulously managed, LIVE-certified sustainable operation continues to be our most fruit-forward source for Haden Fig and it leverages every bit of the liveliness at play in the slopes of Eola Amity. Reflecting the character of its environment, the 2013 Haden Fig Pinot Noir Bjornson Vineyard designate hints of wild berries, subtle earth, and fresh rosemary while delivering great length.”

Haden Fig Croft Pinot Noir 2013 750ML ($29.95) $27 special, 10 bottles available
Winery note: “The storied vines of the Croft family are located in the southern aspect of the northern Willamette Valley and nestled in the coastal foothills. Organically-farmed for 30 years and certified Salmon Safe since 2008, three generations of the Croft family continue to carry on a legacy of responsible growing and management that dates back to its earliest days. This bottle is about black cherry, and raspberry preserves and extends a firm grip to the finish. Wonderful. The Haden Fig 2013 Pinot Noir Croft Vineyard is certified organic.”

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Just Arrived!

Castello di Argiano Sesti Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2010 750ML ($99.95) Was $79, Now $75 special
Case-6 Castello di Argiano Sesti Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2010 750ML ($479.95) $419 special (that’s only $69.83/bottle!)
Wine Enthusiast 95 points “This pure expression of Sangiovese opens with aromas of rose petal, leather, game, Mediterranean herb and wild berry. The vibrant, full-bodied palate delivers layers of crushed Morello cherry, raspberry, cinnamon and grilled herb alongside firm, polished tannins and bright acidity. It boasts character and depth. Drink 2017–2030.”
Antonio Galloni – Vinous 94 points “Sesti’s 2010 Brunello di Montalcino is a wine of real class and personality. In fact, the 2010 is one of the best wines I have tasted from this estate in Sant’Angelo in Colle. Iron, sweet red cherries, wild flowers and earthiness are some of the many notes that inform a juicy, plump Brunello that already drinks well. The 2010 is quite forward and fruit-driven, but there is good underlying complexity as well as enough acidity to ensure a decade-plus of fine drinking. My only quibble is that the aromatics could be a little more focused, but that is a relatively small critique for a wine that delivers this much pleasure.”
James Suckling 94 points “Wonderful aromas of dried flowers and fruit. Hints of mushrooms and earth. Full body, ripe and juicy fruit and a berry, spice and cherry aftertaste. Delicious now. Why wait?”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $78.99
The average price is $89

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Last Chance Sale!
This super pricing ends August 31.

Two Hands Wines Bella’s Garden Shiraz, Barossa Valley 2012 750ML ($69.95) $47 special, 36+ bottles available
Case-6 Two Hands Wines Bella’s Garden Shiraz, Barossa Valley 2012 750ML ($299.95) $259 special, 5 six-packs available (that’s only $43.17/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 95 points “Utterly seamless, focused, powerful and elegant, layered with cherry, boysenberry and red plum fruit, revealing glints of coffee, jasmine and cardamom that add extra nuances. Delivers complexity without extra weight. The finish won’t quit. Drink now through 2022. 6,000 cases made.” WS
Wine Advocate 93+ points “Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2012 Bella’s Garden Shiraz has a nose of blackberry preserves and warm cassis with hints of menthol, dark chocolate, cardamom and cedar. Full-bodied and richly fruited in the mouth, the abundant fruit is well matched by firm, rounded tannins and refreshing acid before finishing with great length. Drink it now to 2024+.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 93 points “Brilliant violet color. Powerful, deeply pitched aromas of blue fruit preserves, licorice, incense and mocha are lifted by a sexy Indian spice quality. Stains the palate with sweet dark fruit and cocoa flavors that gain energy and lift with aeration. Rich and expansive but lively as well. Closes velvety and very long, with lingering smokiness and smooth, harmonious tannins.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $53.95

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