Mid-Week VinopolPick – January 6th

Wednesday, January 6th, 2015

Il Poggione; Staff Pick Feature: Casa Lapostolle; Burgundy Special Highlight; 99 & 100 Point Wines Arriving This Month; New 2010 Italian Deals Arriving This Month; Il Marroneto; Lopez de Heredia; Tuscan Case Deals

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Il Poggione

One of the original producers of Brunello di Montalcino, Tenuta Il Poggione was established at the end of the 19th century by Lavinio Franceschi and is still owned today by the 5th generation of the family, siblings Leopoldo and Livia Franceschi. Many of the vines are grown at more than 1,315 feet above sea level and are among the oldest in the appellation, with cool maritime breezes from the southwest the Sangiovese grape reaches its maximum ripeness here, giving fuller and richer wines than anywhere else in Tuscany.

A historic winery in harmony with its territory, Il Poggione’s guiding principle is to pay meticulous attention to their vineyards. Regular monitoring of vineyard conditions is a priority along with constant efforts to preserve the typical characteristics yet improve grape quality through research and selection. Father and son winemaking team Fabrizio and Alessandro Bindocci coax the best from their privileged vineyard sites, conducting harvest entirely by hand. The wine is made in the traditional method, though modern, state-of-the-art equipment is used, aging the wines in large French oak casks before bottling. The degree of cask aging will vary depending on the vintage, but on average, the Brunello receives 36 months in cask. The Riserva Paganelli, made only in the finest vintages, receives at least one year extra ageing in French oak casks. A benchmark wine capable of ageing, Il Poggione’s typical style is full-bodied and powerful, packed with dark fruit, sweet smoke, and spice flavors.

We are pleased to offer the 2010 Brunello, which was the Wine Spectator’s #4 wine of 2015, as well as the high-scoring 2004 Brunello and the 2006 Paganelli Riserva. More of the 2010 is arriving in late January along with magnums and the 2010 Paganelli Riserva will arrive in May.

Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2010 750ML ($99.95) $69 special (was $78), 5 bottles here now, and 60 more arrival late January!
Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2010 1.5L ($199.95) $179 pre-arrival special, ETA late January
#4 Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines Of 2015
Wine Advocate 98 points “The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino is a striking wine that shows uncompromising varietal pureness, albeit in a most concentrated and elaborate form. This is what great Sangiovese is all about. There’s so much happening on the nose and the wine brings you to cherry, spice, licorice, cured meat, pressed rose and grilled meat in equal measure. No one element overpowers the next. The mouthfeel is also tight and bright with the kind of fruit intensity that promises long cellar aging. This Brunello is only at the beginning of a long road ahead. The longer the wine stays in the glass, the more it offers in terms of complexity and intensity. This is a true standout that can be enjoyed for up to 20 years ahead.” ML
Wine Spectator 95 points “Rich, with excellent density, ripe cherry and plum fruit, and a well-integrated structure. Licorice, earth and tobacco notes add depth while this cruises to a long, tobacco- and mineral-tinged finish. Shows balance and grip. Best from 2018 through 2033.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $85

Il Poggione Vigna Paganelli, Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 2006 750ML ($119.95) $79 special (was $89), 2 bottles here now, and 23 arrive next week!
Antonio Galloni 97 points “The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna Paganelli is huge, powerful and totally implosive. The seductive allure of the 2007 is nowhere to be found. Instead, the 2006 is built on a serious spine of formidable tannin and dark red/black fruit. Hints of tar, licorice, rose petals and tobacco inform the powerful, virile finish. The 2006 is going to require considerable patience, but it is clearly a jewel of a wine, even at this early stage. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2046.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2004 750ML ($119.95) $79 special (was $89), 36+ bottles available
Antonio Galloni 95 points “The 2004 Brunello di Montalcino is awesome. This finessed, regal Brunello flows onto the palate with seamless layers of perfumed fruit framed by silky, finessed tannins. The wine remains extremely primary at this stage, and its full range of aromas and flavors have yet to emerge, but the sheer pedigree of this Brunello is unmistakable. The elegant, refined finish lasts an eternity, and subtle notes of menthol, spices, licorice and leather add final notes of complexity. The estate’s 2004 Brunello is a wine to buy and bury in the deepest corner of the cellar. Brunello is never inexpensive, but this is the real deal, and in relative terms, it is one of the world’s great values in fine, cellar worthy wine. Incredibly, there are 18,000+ cases of the 2004 Brunello, so it should be fairly easy to source in various markets. The Brunello is made from four vineyards ranging from 250 to 400 meters in altitude, all in Sant’Angelo in Colle. The wines from the various vineyards were aged separately in French oak casks prior to being assembled and bottled.” AG

Arriving in May

Il Poggione Vigna Paganelli, Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 2010 750ML ($149.95) $99 pre-arrival special, ETA May
Il Poggione Vigna Paganelli, Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 2010 1.5L ($249.95) $219 pre-arrival special, ETA May
James Suckling 97 points, Antonio Galloni 94-96 points “A dark, intensely brooding wine, the 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Paganelli bursts from the glass with an exotic tapestry of lavender, menthol, smoke, plums, tar, smoke and licorice, all framed by huge, massive tannins. There is plenty of fruit though, which suggests, the 2010 is going to age effortlessly for several decades. The Riserva won’t be released until next year, but it should not be opened until it is at least 10-12 years old, and even then it is likely to be a strapping youngster.” AG

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Just a reminder about our current shipping specials during this season:

We offer flat rate shipping on any size single order / single shipment
-to Oregon for $17,
-Washington & Idaho for $20,
-and California for $25

These rates do not apply to orders held in storage here for any reason.
Multiple orders consolidated into one shipment do not qualify for flat rate shipping.

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Staff Pick: Lapostolle Cabernet

Casa Lapostolle ‘Casa’ Grand Selection Cabernet Sauvignon, Rapel Valley, Chile 2012 750ML ($11.95) $8.80 special, 18 bottles available
Case-12 Casa Lapostolle ‘Casa’ Grand Selection Cabernet Sauvignon, Rapel Valley, Chile 2012 750ML ($119.95) $79 special, 4 cases available (that’s only $6.58/bottle!)
“This is a vibrant and fresh expression of Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile offering incredible value for the price. It opens with a delightful peppery and herbal note and shows a hint of blackberry on the palate. Supple and round, the wine has a refreshingly bitter-chocolate finish. While enjoyable on its own, it would make a great pairing with grilled meats and vegetables or seared chicken. The value is no surprise here given its pedigree: the winery was founded by Alexandra Marnier Lapostolle of Grand Marnier fame and her husband Cyril de Bournet. The wine is produced from three vineyards that line the coast, and each sees excellent sun exposure with cooling ocean breezes.”
-Suzanne

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Additional Lapostolle Wines Available Here Now

Casa Lapostolle ‘Casa’ Grand Selection Chardonnay, Casablanca Valley 2012 750ML ($11.95) $8.80 special, 12 bottles available
Case-12 Casa Lapostolle ‘Casa’ Grand Selection Chardonnay, Casablanca Valley 2012 750ML ($119.95) $79 special, 8 cases available
Importer’s note: The Lapostolle Casa tier of wines are young and expressive, bright and vivid, and made to capture the freshness of the fruit. Casa Grand Selection Chardonnay comes from the breezy, coastal Casablanca Valley, which has cool and dry summers, allowing the Chardonnay to ripen slowly and maintain its natural acidity. Hand-harvesting at night enhances the fruitiness and crispness of the grapes, and also helps reduce the use of energy at the winery. Casa Grand Selection Chardonnay is satisfying on its own, and also goes well with many seafood dishes and white meat.

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Casa Lapostolle Canto de Apalta, Rapel Valley, Chile 2010 750ML ($21.95) $16.60 special, 5 bottles available
Wine Spectator 90 points “A rich, smoky red, sporting dark cassis, grilled fig and macerated cherry notes to the iron, smoke and dark spice flavors that linger through the mocha-tinged finish. Carmenère, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.”
Wine Enthusiast 91 points “This is a new wine from Lapostolle, bearing a nose that’s intense and compact, with mineral and dark fruit aromas. It feels rich and muscular but not heavy, with berry, licorice, buttery oak and vanilla flavors. The finish is minty and chocolaty tasting. Carmenère, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah make up the blend.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Casa Lapostolle Clos Apalta, Colchagua Valley 2009 1.5L ($249.95) $189 special, 6 magnums available
Wine Spectator 96 points “This gorgeous wine deftly balances polished cassis, dark cherry reduction and blueberry notes on a compact frame. Structured, with silky tannins lining the long finish that lingers on with hints of apple wood, spice box and underbrush. Carmenère, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Best from 2014 through 2020.” WS

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Burgundy Special Highlight:

Domaine Rene Leclerc

Pinot Noir is at its most intense in Gevrey-Chambertin. Its gamey notes give it a particular affinity for meats such as steak or lamb and, when aged to its prime, it has an unrivaled earthiness. In all Gevrey today boasts of an impressive 9 Grands Crus, the most Grands Crus of any village in Burgundy, including the less-well known though highly sought after Griotte-Chambertin. The tiny Griotte-Chambertin boasts a velvety texture and rich fruit with a fresh style attributed to its north-eastern aspect. It is generally denser than the other larger vineyards on the lower portion of the slope, Chapelle-Chambertin and Charmes-Chambertin.

Domaine Rene Leclerc was founded in 1962 and is owned and run by Rene and his son, Francois. Their passion is for wine of purity and balance, a hands-off style that allows the fruit to fully express the magnificent terroir of the region. The wines undergo cold soaks before a light and short pressing to extract only the best juice. What follows is a long, traditional fermentation in stainless steel tanks with natural yeasts. The Griotte Chambertin, their only Grand Cru bottling, is aged in vat for six months and then for 1 year in 50% new French oak. It is an excellent candidate for long term cellaring, a serious wine that expresses notes of red and black berries, chocolate, game and spice as it opens in the glass. The Domaine owns 9.5 hectares of vines and works the Griottes vineyard portion (the portion being owned by Domaine des Chezeaux) and leased to R. Leclerc long term or ‘en fermage’).

Domaine Rene Leclerc Griotte-Chambertin Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits 2010 750ML ($199.95) $149 special, 36+ bottles available
As well as making this wine under his own label, Leclerc bottles some to be sold under the label of the vineyard owner, Domain des Chezeaux. Here is a review of the Chezeaux bottling from Burgundy report.com: “Medium, medium-plus colour. The nose is a fine advertisement for ‘Griotte’ with a very pretty core of shiny red fruit – more cranberry/redcurrant than cherry – relatively simple in its youthfulness, but lovely. A hint of cushioning to the texture and an understated lick of tannin too. The acidity, like the tannin, seems rather understated but bubbles through as the mid-palate intensity grows, and becomes more mouth-watering. Subtly long. This is a very pretty wine that is also very ‘young Griotte’ in terms of its beauty yet lack of complexity – a perfectly balanced wine to wait for.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $50 more @ $199!

Don’t miss these other great under-the-radar deals from

Burgundy’s Cote de Nuits

All in-stock and available here now:

Domaine Gachot-Monot Cote de Nuits-Villages 2012 750ML ($37.95) $21.90 special, 36+ bottles available
Case-12 Domaine Gachot-Monot Cote de Nuits-Villages 2012 750ML ($349.95) $219 special, 4 cases available (that’s only $18.25/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
“The 2012 Cote de Nuits Village comes from 40- to 45-year-old vines. It has a deep, almost broody bouquet with brambly black fruit, hints of wet tobacco and damp soil. The palate is well-balanced with pleasant, quite rounded tannins. The acidity is well judged here, lending this Cote de Nuits Village a natural, refined finish. This is a delicious Burgundy wine, a perfect introduction to the delights of region. Drink now-2017.”–Wine Advocate

Domaine Jacques-Frederic Mugnier Clos de la Marechale, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru 2011 750ML ($119.95) $77 special, 36+ bottles available
Burghound 90-92 points “A pure and appealingly fresh nose of relatively elegant red berry fruit is liberally laced with earth and spice hints. There is a lilting mouth feel to the energetic, intense and equally pure medium-bodied flavors that possess plenty of that beguiling sense of underlying tension that makes wines like this so refreshing. There isn’t the class of the Fuées but this is really very good plus I very much like the balance and harmony of the firm and lingering finish.” BH

Domaine Robert Chevillon Les Cailles, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru 2011 750ML ($139.95) $99 special, 36+ bottles available
Burghound 92-94 points “As complex as the Pruliers is, the Les Cailles ratchets it up yet another notch with its spicy and pure blend of cassis, plum, violet and distinct iron-infused earth. There is excellent richness to the cool and equally pure medium-bodied flavors that possess excellent focus on the explosively long finish. The tannins are dense but quite fine and this offers outstanding upside development potential.” BH

Philippe Charlopin Gevrey Chamb Morceaux Vieilles Vignes 2012 750ML ($99.95) $66 special, 35 bottles available
Wine Spectator 93 points “Exhibits fine purity to the cherry, berry and floral aromas and flavors. Elements of tobacco and earth add depth and the silky texture is backed by harmonious acidity and tannins. Excellent length. Best from 2017 through 2028.” B.S.

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Domaine Faiveley Les Saint-Georges, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru 2008 750ML ($129.95) $99 special, 36+ bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 92-94 points & Burghound 91-93 points “Palish medium red. Medicinal red cherry, minerals, crushed stone, violet, rose petal and white pepper on the noble nose. Wonderfully silky and pure, with ineffable flavors of red fruits, spices, flowers and minerals. This is wonderfully delicate, and not a fleshy wine, yet saturates every square millimeter of the palate with flavor. The long, sweet, rising finish offers terrific cut and floral lift. Should make a worthy successor to the outstanding 2007, which also transcends its village. Hervet says that this will be bottled by hand, without filtration.”ST

Serafin Pere & Fils Gevrey-Chambertin 2012 750ML ($99.95) $59 special, 35 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 88-90 points “Medium red. Smoky strawberry and a whiff of gibier on the nose. The palate shows an almost liqueur-like sweetness to the creamy flavors of red fruits, coffee and mocha. Sappy acidity and substantial tannins give shape to this lush village wine.” ST

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $75

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99 & 100 Point Wines Arriving This Month

M. Chapoutier Ermitage de l’Oree Blanc 2011 750ML ($249.95) $199 pre-arrival special, ETA January
Robert Parker 100 points “The 2011 Ermitage Cuvee de l’Oree comes from a lieu-dit known as Les Murets planted with 80- to 90-year-old Marsanne vines. The bouquet offers up scents of Asian spices, lychee nuts, white currant liqueur and peach and apricot marmalade. This stunning, honeyed, flamboyant white is perfection in a glass. Drink it over the next half century.” RP

M. Chapoutier Ermitage Le Meal Blanc 2011 750ML ($219.95) $159 pre-arrival special, ETA January
Jeb Dunnuck – Wine Advocate 99 points “Surprisingly, I preferred the 2011 Ermitage le Meal Blanc over the 2012 on this occasion and it showed a more flamboyant, sexy style in its caramelized pineapple, tropical, honeyed and floral personality. Big, rich and decadent, with fabulous fruit intensity and length, this rock star flirts with perfection and will keep for another 3-4 decades.”

M. Chapoutier Ermitage Le Pavillon 2011 750ML ($349.95) $289 pre-arrival special, ETA January
Jeb Dunnuck – Wine Advocate 100 points “Even better and a prodigious effort that hits all my sweet spots, the 2011 Ermitage Le Pavillon comes from one of the top terroirs on Hermitage hill, the granite soils of the Les Bessards lieu-dit. Spectacularly perfumed, with raspberry, blackberry, licorice, toasted spices and assorted floral nuances, this full-bodied effort has massive depth and richness, no hard edges and masses of finely polished tannin that emerge on and frame the finish. It will be approachable at an earlier age than either the 2009 or 2010, yet should nevertheless have 2-3 decades of ultimate longevity.” Dec 2013
Robert Parker – Wine Advocate 97-100 points “Flirting with perfection, the 2011 Ermitage Le Pavillon is the most remarkable of these four cuvees. Intense blackberry liqueur notes intermixed with notions of creme de cassis, charcoal, licorice and black truffles are followed by a monumentally sized wine with colossal concentration. It is another masterpiece of richness, power, symmetry and complexity. Give it 3-5 years of cellaring and drink it over the following 25-30 years.” Dec 2012

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $354

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New 2010 Italian Deals Arriving This Month

Tenuta Sette Ponti Podere Orma ‘Orma’ Bolgheri 2010 750ML ($69.95) $59 pre-arrival special, ETA January
James Suckling 96 points “There is something so subtle and rich here with chocolate, red chilies and ripe plums on the nose. Full body, with velvety tannins and a juicy finish. This is so delicious now but better in 2017. Best ever from here. A blend of 50% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc. From Bolgheri. Just next door to Ornellaia.”JS

Marchesi di Barolo Barbaresco DOCG 2010 750ML ($39.95) $28 pre-arrival special, ETA January
Wine Advocate 92 points “The 2010 Barbaresco offers a classic portrait of a beautiful wine in a celebrated vintage. There’s not much to criticize here: The fruit is fleshy and lively, the aromas are intense and well-defined, and the finish is long and juicy. There’s a playful dusting of white pepper that works exceptionally well to add focus and overall sharpness. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $32.09
The average price is $43

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Il Marroneto

“Il Marroneto is a Brunello far removed from the fleshy, ripe-fruit versions from warmer Montalcino sectors such as Sant’Angelo Scalo or Castelnuovo dell’Abate. So, for example, think of it as a wine more along the lines of those made by Biondi-Santi and Costanti, rather than Poggio di Sotto or Uccelliera… Since the 2000 vintage Il Marroneto’s wines have ranked with the best. Today, you’ll be hard-pressed to find more vibrant, precise and pure examples of monovarietal sangiovese anywhere in Italy.” –Ian D’Agata – Vinous Media

Since 1974 the Mori family has produced rich and traditionally-styled Brunellos. From the vineyard through bottling, there is a practice of minimalism: no sprays or herbicides, gentle pruning in March, and the growing of grass to control vine vigor naturally. During harvest, bunches are picked only when the stems have reached maturity, and much of these stems are retained during fermentation. In the cellar, the wine slowly matures in large oak barrels to retain the lush fruit flavors and the elegance of the wine. We are pleased to offer a selection of wines including older vintages from Il Marroneto:

Il Marroneto Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2010 750ML ($79.95) $69 special, 8 bottles available
Wine Enthusiast 97 points “Multifaceted fragrances suggest violet, rose, red berry, baking spice, savory herb and a balsamic note. Elegant with great intensity, the radiant palate delivers juicy wild cherry, crushed berry, cinnamon and a note of star anise alongside a backbone of assertive, fine-grained tannins and bright acidity. It’s a gorgeous wine with breeding and class that needs time to bloom fully. Drink 2020–2035.” WE
Antonio Galloni 95 points “Dark red cherries, mint, sage, tobacco, licorice and new leather blossom in Il Marroneto’s 2010 Brunello di Montalcino. Savory and lifted in the glass, the 2010 possesses stunning overall balance and tons of nuance. The tannins are firm and incisive, yet also remarkably polished. Ideally, readers should cellar the 2010 for at least a few years, but it is going to be very hard to resist the temptation of drinking the 2010 young.” AG

Il Marroneto Madonna delle Grazie, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2006 750ML ($119.95) $99 special, 12 bottles available
James Suckling 93 points “What purity of fruit on the nose with dried berries, cherries and blueberries. Lilacs too. Minerals too. Dried flowers. Full bodied, with dried dark fruits that turn to raisins and sultanas. Fruity and balanced. Give it two or three years. ” JS

Il Marroneto Madonna delle Grazie, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2008 750ML ($119.95) $99 special, 12 bottles available
Ian D’Agata–Vinous 93 points “Bright ruby. Subtly perfumed aromas of red cherry, dark plum, violet, mint and sweet spices. Smooth, sexy and sweet on the palate, with harmonious acidity giving a light touch to the ripe red fruit, mineral and mocha flavors. Perhaps best today on the very long aftertaste, which features serious but ripe tannins and lingering rich, ripe red and black fruit flavors. This is one of the stars of the vintage and is much better than the Brunello normale; it’s everything you could ask of a Brunello in 2008.”

Il Marroneto Madonna delle Grazie, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2009 750ML ($119.95) $89 special, 10 bottles available
Wine Enthusiast 94 points “This gorgeous Brunello proves that top producers can make outstanding wines even in challenging vintages like 2009. It opens with an elegant bouquet of violet, red berry, spice and a whiff of new leather. The delicious palate delivers fleshy black cherry layered with mint, licorice, balsamic herbs and cinnamon-spice. It’s impeccably balanced with firm tannins and fresh acidity that give it an age-worthy structure. Drink 2016–2024.” WE

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Lopez de Heredia

“Perhaps no winery in the world guards it’s traditions as proudly and steadfastly as López de Heredia does,…it is paradoxically a winery in the vanguard, its viticulture and wine-making a shining, visionary example for young, forward-thinking producers all over the world…At López de Heredia, there is serenity that comes with adherence to core principles…” -Eric Asimov

When speaking of R. López de Heredia, nothing comes to mind more than ‘tradition’. As with other regions around the world, many winemakers have chosen to abandon traditional methods in favor of more modern approaches and techniques in order to please the average consumer. With almost no change at all and for over 137 years, three generations of the López de Heredia family have continually devoted themselves to producing some of Rioja’s most interesting wines, and of superlative quality.

In 1877, founder Don Rafael López de Heredia discovered Rioja Alta’s ideal combination of soil and climate, offering the perfect environment for what would eventually become world-famous wines. Since the beginning, López de Heredia has continued to produce 100% estate, single vineyard wines from their four vineyards; Viña Tondonia, Viña Bosconia, Viña Zaconia and Viña Cubillas.

Bodegas López de Heredia is one of the few family-run bodegas regulated by the Denominación de Origen Calificada Rioja – DOC. The winery is now currently operated by Don Rafael’s great-grandchildren; Maria José, Mercedes, and Julio César Lopez de Heredia. Each succeeding generation has adhered to the founder’s philosophy: “old vines, low yields and careful, gentle handling.”

One of the many ways R. López de Heredia maintains their tradition is by continuing to use their own cooperage. Fermentation takes place in their 72 large oak vats, some of which are 139 years old, followed by the aging process in the hand-crafted American oak barrels. Extended barrel aging plays an important role in the development of the wine’s distinctive bouquet, creating a particular silkiness and a complex range of aromatic nuances, flavors and impressive lengths. This iconic producer expresses their traditions and cherishes their heritage in some of the most well respected ways. We encourage you to take the opportunity to try these iconic wines of incredible value.

Lopez de Heredia wines available here now

R. Lopez de Heredia Vina Bosconia Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2004 750ML ($47.95) $38 special, 30 bottles available
Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2004 Vina Bosconia Reserva is a blend of 80% Tempranillo, 15% Garnacho and the remaining 5% Mazuelo and Graciano aged for five years in used barrels, racked twice per year and fined with egg whites before being bottled unfiltered. Dark ruby-colored, with notes of beef blood, iron, antique shop, incense, blood orange and a touch of volatile acidity, the palate is very fresh, with good concentration, clear flavors and enough grip and fruit to age gracefully. A perfumed and feminine great Rioja. The Bosconia vineyard wines are the only ones from Lopez de Heredia bottled in Burgundy bottles. Drink now-2024.” WA

R. Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2003 750ML ($47.95) $33 special (was $38), 36+ bottles available
Wine Spectator 91 points “Cigar box, cedar and balsamic notes frame cherry, raisin and licorice flavors in this lean, firm red. Displays grip and focus. A traditional style. Drink now through 2023.”

We offer 64 additional wines from Spain, including these selections from other top Rioja producers:

Bodegas Muga ‘Prado Enea’ Gran Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2006 750ML ($79.95) $59 special, 6 bottles available
Wine Advocate 96 points “The 2006 Prado Enea is a phenomenal bottle of traditional Rioja at its best. A blend of 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha and the remaining 10% Mazuelo and Graciano aged for a long time in oak and bottled before release. This is a practice quite common from yesteryear, but that is a true rarity today. The technical data provided talks about incredible parameters, 14% alcohol and a pH of 3.39, both extremely low for a warm vintage like 2006. The grapes are sourced from higher-altitude terraced plots where the climate is cooler and drier and the soils are rich in clay. This is a wine that is not automatically produced every year. The wine spends its elevage in oak containers of different size, origin and age for no less than three years. The nose is intoxicating with a superb mixture of tertiary and more primary aromas like old furniture, cloves, cracked pepper, incense and cigar ash plus cherries in liqueur (that Garnacha!). The palate is medium-bodied, with great freshness (Jorge Muga tells me the pH is stabilized with aging in barrel), acidity and balance, with a silky texture, ultra-fine tannins and great persistence and length. This wine feels younger than it is, and seems to be aging at a glacial pace. With the stuffing and balance it has this should make very old bones, and drink greatly throughout its life. Superb! At this quality level the price seems like a bargain. 90,000 bottles produced. The next Prado Enea will be 2009 as they didn’t get what they look for in this wine in either 2007 and 2008. Those were two cold vintages, and 2007 had 100 liters of rain during the harvest. Prado Enea is harvested in November and in 2008 there was frost at the end of October.” LG

Bodegas Muga Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2011 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special, 36+ bottles available
Case-12 Bodegas Muga Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2011 750ML ($299.95) $236 special, 10 cases available (that’s only $19.67/bottle!)
Wine Advocate 91+ points “The 2011 Reserva is mostly Tempranillo complemented with some 20% Garnacha, 10% Graciano and 5% Mazuelo. There are no stainless-steel vats at Muga, so everything is fermented in oak vats and this wine is then aged for one year in new French oak barrels and a further year in used ones (three to six years old), fined with egg white and bottled. It is a Rioja that mixes the traditional and modern character with ripe fruit and contains oak aromas that are quite spicy and have some toast and smoke that should integrate with a bit of time in bottle. The palate is medium-bodied, has clean flavors that are balanced with sweet tannins. This is easy to drink, pleasant but not banal, and delivers a lot for its price. An impressive half-million bottles are produced of this wine, which is sold as Crianza in Spain and as Reserva in the rest of the world. Year after year, one of the most reliable and affordable Reservas.” LG

Bodegas Muga Seleccion Especial Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2010 750ML ($59.95) $39 special, 26 bottles available
Case-12 Bodegas Muga Seleccion Especial Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2010 750ML ($499.95) $439 special, 2 cases available (that’s only $36.58/bottle!)
Wine Enthusiast 94 points “Tight as a drum on the nose, this rambunctious Rioja is throbbing with blackberry, plum and floral aromas. Intense and staunch on the palate, with plum, raspberry, cherry, herb and chocolate flavors, this runs long on the finish, with power and acidity to spare. Hold until 2017, then drink through 2035. Cellar Selection.” WE
Stephen Tanzer 93 points “(70% tempranillo, 20% garnacha, 7% mazuelo and 3% graciano; fermented in large oak vats and aged for 28 months in small French and American oak barrels of varying age): Inky purple. Flamboyant aromas of ripe berries, incense, potpourri, smoky oak and pungent minerals. Lush, fleshy and alluringly sweet, offering intense black and blue fruit flavors that coat the palate. Smooth, seamless and impressively concentrated but also lively, with sneaky tannins giving shape to the long, spice-accented finish.” ST

Bodegas Riojanas Monte Real Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2006 750ML ($29.95) $21.90 special, 29 bottles available
Case-6 Bodegas Riojanas Monte Real Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2006 750ML ($179.95) $119 special, 6 six-packs available (that’s only $19.83/bottle!)
Case-12 Bodegas Riojanas Monte Real Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2006 750ML ($319.95) $219 special, 3 cases available (that’s only $18.25/bottle!)
Stephen Tanzer 92 points “(100% tempranillo; aged for 30 months in American oak): Ruby-red. Sexy smoke- and spice-accented red fruit and floral pastille scents show impressive clarity and energy. Smooth, sweet and expansive on the palate, offering intense cherry-cola and blackberry flavors and an exotic rose pastille quality. Closes very long and sweet, with sneaky tannins and lingering spiciness. These are far and away the freshest bottles from this historic bodega that I’ve ever tasted stateside.” ST

Bodegas Remelluri ‘Lindes de Remelluri Vinedos de Labastida’, Rioja DOCa 2010 750ML ($34.95) $29 special, 18 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 92 points “Saturated ruby. Blackcurrant, smoky minerals and potpourri on the highly perfumed nose. Silky and sweet on entry, then packed with juicy dark fruit complicated by floral pastilles and a hint of blood orange. Powerful but lithe, with seamless texture, fine-grained tannins and impressive energy on the finish.” ST

Bodegas Remelluri ‘Lindes de Remelluri Vinedos de San Vicente’, Rioja DOCa 2010 750ML ($34.95) $29 special, 23 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 92 points “Glass-staining ruby. Heady aromas of boysenberry, cassis, fennel and pipe tobacco, with a sexy vanilla undertone. Lush, velvety and sweet in the mouth, with sexy flavors of black and blue fruit preserves, licorice and floral pastilles. A fleshy, powerful but shockingly energetic Rioja, with supple tannins framing a long, sweet finish.” ST

Remelluri, Rioja DOCa 2008 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 11 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 92 points “(mostly tempranillo, with garnacha, graciano, viura and malvasia): Ruby-red. Redcurrant, cherry, rose pastille and spicecake on the highly perfumed nose and in the mouth. Silky, sweet and penetrating, with slow-building tannins and excellent finishing cut and length. A very successful wine for this difficult vintage, and it’s built to reward at least another ten years of aging.”ST

CVNE Compania Vinicola del Norte de Espana ‘Imperial’ Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2008 750ML ($47.95) $29 special, 26 bottles available
Case-12 CVNE Compania Vinicola del Norte de Espana ‘Imperial’ Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2008 750ML ($499.95) $299 special, 3 cases available (that’s only $24.92/bottle!)
Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2008 Imperial Reserva is my favorite of the three Imperial Reservas that I tasted together as it has the perfect balance between ripeness, acidity and tannins, in a wine that is eminently elegant, but will require some time in bottle to gain complexity. The fruit leans more towards the red varieties (raspberries and strawberries), it is very spicy but the wood is almost fully integrated. Very balanced palate, with high-toned flavors that make it vibrant. Drink 2015-2021.” WA

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

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Case Deals

Tuscan Deals by the Dozzina

Below are the Tuscan wines we offer at case prices. Browse the other 134 case deals we offer online: www.vinopoliswineshop.com

Case-12 Fattoria dei Barbi Cinelli Colombini Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2010 750ML ($599.95) $479 special, 2 cases available (that’s only $39.92/bottle!)
Fattoria dei Barbi Cinelli Colombini Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2010 750ML ($59.95) $44.50 special, 6 bottles available
James Suckling 96 points “Aromas of burnt orange peel and cherry with hints of dried bark and mahogany. Full-bodied and very tight and dense, with a beautiful fruit, tannin and acid balance. Finesse and strength. Best wine from here for ages. Needs until 2018 to show its true quality.” JS
Wine Advocate 94 points “Fattoria dei Barbi’s 2010 Brunello di Montalcino starts with a tightly wound personality that begins to unravel slowly, one delicate layer at a time. As it does, you become aware of dried fruit, cigar box, crushed mineral, plum, tar and cola. The wine puts on a beautiful display. I also loved the mouthfeel of this beautiful wine: It is tonic, tight and brimming with energy. Well-integrated oak notes give the wine a spot of softness and velvety spice. This is one beautiful Sangiovese.” ML

Case-12 Caprili Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2010 750ML ($549.95) $419 special, 2 cases available (that’s only $34.92/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Caprili Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2010 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 17 bottles available
Wine Advocate 93 points “Caprili’s 2010 Brunello di Montalcino shows unique aromas with undertones of forest floor and wet earth with grilled herbs and dark fruit. You also get a heavier tone of dried fig and Graham cracker that distinguishes this particular expression of Sangiovese. The wine is smooth and polished with a nice sense of inner elegance. Silky tannins give Giacomo Bartolommei’s Brunello more immediacy and a more approachable drinking window. I very much appreciated the wine’s overall elegance.” ML

Case-12 Castell’in Villa Chianti Classico DOCG 2010 750ML ($249.95) $219 special, 2 cases available (that’s only $18.25/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Castell’in Villa Chianti Classico DOCG 2010 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 special, 10 bottles available
Ian D’Agata–Vinous 91 points “Bright red. Flinty red cherry and smoky underbrush on the refined nose. Classically dry and firm, this midweight Chianti delivers plenty of pure sangiovese flavor (licorice, flint, red cherry) and seems slightly more accessible to me than past versions of this wine, which usually started out life tough as nails but evolved beautifully and showed rare ageworthiness. Chianti Classico does not get any better or any more traditional than this.” ID

Case-12 Felsina Berardenga Chianti Classico DOCG 2012 750ML ($299.95) $249 special, 2 cases available (that’s only $20.75/bottle!)
Felsina Berardenga Chianti Classico DOCG 2012 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special, 24 bottles available
James Suckling 93 points “There are mushrooms on the nose of this Chianti Classico, but these soon give way to subtle, deep aromas of blackberry crumble with hints of mint and ivy. It soon fills up the mouth with beautifully dense fruit and fine tannins, nutty, woody undertones and long finish. Gorgeous now, but better in 2016.”
Antonio Galloni 89+ points “The 2012 Chianti Classico is a great introduction to the wines of Felsina. Deeply varietal and expressive to the core, the 2012 graces the palate with the essence of Sangiovese from the southern part of the Chianti Classico zone. Sweet tobacco, underbrush, menthol, licorice and black cherries flow through to the finish, but it is the wine’s sheer balance that impresses most of all. This is a gorgeous mid-weight Chianti Classico to drink over the next decade plus.” AG

Case-12 Felsina Berardenga Rancia, Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 2011 750ML ($499.95) $469 special, 4 cases available (that’s only $39.08/bottle!)
Felsina Berardenga Rancia, Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 2011 750ML ($59.95) $41.90 special, 36+ bottles available
Felsina Berardenga Rancia, Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 2011 1.5L ($99.95) $89 special, 9 magnums available – these are the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Wine Advocate 94 points “From the 6.25-hectare Rancia vineyard, the 2011 Chianti Classico Riserva Rancia shows a more elaborate and stylized personality with ripe fruit tones, bursting cherry, perfumed violets and rose petal. Those floral notes add a feminine touch to what is in fact a wine of power and determination. It shows a beautiful evolution in the glass as well, with dusty mineral notes that add to the overall elegance of the dry, polished finish. This is one of the best Riservas of 2011.” ML
Antonio Galloni 94+ points “A wine of incredible density, the 2011 Chianti Classico Riserva Rancia is virtually impenetrable, but dazzling just the same. Rose petal, mint, sage, rosemary, leather and smoke hit the palate in a voluptuous, racy Rancia. The 2011 should drink well earlier than many other recent vintages, but it should also age nicely. The fine, silky tannins are a bit uncharacteristic for a young Rancia. Over the last few years, the 2011 has really started to come together. It will be interesting to see where things go from here.”

Case-12 Felsina Berardenga Fontalloro Toscana IGT 2009 750ML ($579.95) $519 special, 2 cases available (that’s only $43.25/bottle!)
Felsina Berardenga Fontalloro Toscana IGT 2009 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 36+ bottles available
Antonio Galloni 94 points “There is a lot to like in the 2009 Fontalloro (Sangiovese). For starters, the wine is rich, broad and ample on the palate. Hints of tobacco, savory herbs, licorice and menthol all add complexity over time. The over juiciness of the fruit is nicely balanced by clean veins of underlying acidity that give the 2009 much of its freshness. This is another wine endowed with superb balance and class.” AG

Case-12 Felsina Berardenga Fontalloro Toscana IGT 2010 750ML ($579.95) $519 special, 1 case available (that’s only $43.25/bottle!)
Felsina Berardenga Fontalloro Toscana IGT 2010 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 36+ bottles available
Antonio Galloni 94+ points “The 2010 Fontalloro (Sangiovese) is impeccable. A sweet, open bouquet melds into expressive red fruits. Compared to the 2010 Rancia, Fontalloro is a decidedly more delicate, feminine wine. All the elements are very nicely balanced. I expect the 2010 will enjoy a fairly broad window of drinkability. Today I give the 2010 a very slight nod over the 2009, only because I think the 2010 will age a little longer, but both are striking.” AG

This great deal is arriving next month:

Case-12 Felsina Berardenga Fontalloro Toscana IGT 2011 750ML ($699.95) $519 pre-arrival special (that’s only $43.25/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!), ETA February
Felsina Berardenga Fontalloro Toscana IGT 2011 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special, ETA February
Wine Spectator & Antonio Galloni 94 points “Felsina’s 2011 Fontalloro is wonderfully expressive today. Dark red cherry, plum, smoke, rose petal and sweet spices all blossom in the glass. Impeccably layered and sensual, the 2011 captures all the best qualities of the year. Sweet floral and red-toned notes burst with great energy on the structured finish. Fontalloro seems to have come a long way over the last few years. The 2011 is another drop-dead gorgeous beauty.” AG

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Thank you for reading!