Mid-Week VinopolPick – June 17th

Wednesday, June 17th, 2015

New Arrivals; Burgundy Bargains – Arriving Late June; Italian Wines Arriving Friday; Bodega Rio Elorza and Argentinian Wines; Great Deals – Best Prices – From Around the World
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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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Repricement

Bodegas Emilio Moro Finca Resalso, Ribera del Duero 2012 750ML ($21.95) Was $18, Now $14, 36+ bottles available
Case-12 Bodegas Emilio Moro Finca Resalso, Ribera del Duero 2012 750ML ($249.95) Was $192, Now $149, 3 cases available (that’s only $12.42/bottle!)
Stephen Tanzer 91 points “Vivid purple. Ripe boysenberry and blueberry aromas and an undercurrent of mocha on the nose, with candied licorice and vanilla qualities coming up with air. Lush, weighty and round, showing good thrust to its dark berry liqueur and cocoa flavors. Finishes creamy, round and long, with soft tannins and building notes of plum and dark chocolate.”

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Mid-Week New Arrivals

FRANCE-BURGUNDY
Domaine du Clos des Quarts Pouilly-Fuisse Clos des Quarts 2012 750ML ($89.95) $69 special

(Olivier Merlin/Dominique Lafon)
Wine Advocate 92 points “The 2012 Pouilly-Fuissé “Clos des Quarts” has a wonderful bouquet with ethereal floral notes: touches of white chocolate and almond, all with outstanding precision and mineralité. The palate is tense on the entry, very focused with layers of ripe citric fruit, a lot of minerality and a touch of orange zest on the tensile finish. This marks an impressive debut (in terms of control of the vineyard) but there is much much more to come.”

 

Domaine Marc Colin et Fils Bourgogne Rouge 2013 750ML ($21.95) $18 special
Wine Advocate 86-88 points “The 2013 Bourgogne Rouge, which was taken from barrel, has a bright tart red cherry and cranberry-scented nose that is bright and lively. The palate is crisp with racy acidity, bright ‘n’ bouncy with a fresh tart finish that is almost clinical. Lovely.” WA

Domaine Marc Colin et Fils Chassagne-Montrachet Les Encegnieres 2013 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Wine Advocate 88-90 points “The 2013 Chassagne-Montrachet les Encegnieres, which has a little more new wood than Colin’s other premier crus albeit only at 20%, offers a expressive honeycomb and apricot scents on the bouquet that delivers intensity if not quite the complexity of its fellow premier crus. The palate is comparatively richer in style with lightly honeyed fruit married with good acidity, leading to a weighty finish with plenty of “roundeur.” Flattering in style, I would drink this over the next 5 or 6 years.” WA

This is the only listing in the USA today!

ITALY-TUSCANY
Piancornello Rosso di Montalcino 2013 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special
Antonio Galloni 90 points “Piancornello’s 2013 Rosso di Montalcino is powerful and intense, as wines from this part of Montalcino often are. Savory and ferrous notes dominate in an expressive Rosso built for the dinner table. Dark stone fruit, iron, lavender and smoke notes round out the tightly wound finish. Ideally the 2013 should be cellared for at least another 6-12 months or at the very least given an hour or two of aeration if opened young. This is a gorgeous Rosso with real pedigree and fabulous overall balance.” AG

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Piancornello Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2010 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino is deceptive in its mid-weight structure, but there is plenty going on in the glass. Dried rose petal, tobacco, iron, dried cherries and cinnamon open up in an insistent Brunello loaded with personality. Fruit is pushed to the back, while intensely ferrous and savory notes are quite expressive. The lifted finish adds attractive overtones in a powerful yet mid-weight Brunello that impresses for its balance and class.” AG

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $45.99

Casanova di Neri Cerretalto, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2008 750ML ($279.95) $199 special
Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2008 Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto comes from a more challenging vintage for Casanova di Neri with a cooler growing season and more moisture. In fact, the mouthfeel here is noticeably thinner compared to the stunning wines made from this vineyard in 2007 and 2006. Cerretalto is so immensely soft and luscious it is almost too much of a good thing. Rich spice, cherry, chocolate and crushed granite wrap thickly around the palate. Drink: 2017-2026.” WA

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $234

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Outstanding Burgundies, Arriving Late June
All Are the Lowest Listed Price in the USA Today!

Domaine Jacques-Frederic Mugnier Les Amoureuses, Chambolle-Musigny Premier Cru 2012 750ML ($999.95) $799 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 95-97 points “There are seven barrels of the 2012 Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Les Amoureuses. It has a show-stopping bouquet that brims over with bright red fruits and minerals – one of the most intense aromatic experiences out of barrel apropos this vintage. The palate is sublime with succinct focus and precision. The minerality is very pronounced with a strict, linear finish that is razor-sharp and just thrilling. This has the potential to be spectacular once in bottle.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $950

Domaine Jacques-Frederic Mugnier Les Fuees, Chambolle-Musigny Premier Cru 2012 750ML ($279.95) $219 pre-arrival special

Domaine Jacques-Frederic Mugnier Chambolle-Musigny 2012 750ML ($149.95) $119 pre-arrival special

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $123

Domaine Jacques-Frederic Mugnier Clos de la Marechale, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru 2012 750ML ($119.95) $88 pre-arrival special
Domaine Jacques-Frederic Mugnier Clos de la Marechale, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru 2012 1.5L ($249.95) $189 pre-arrival special
John Gilman 93 points “Despite the brutally short yields here in 2012, the wine has turned out splendidly. The deep and complex nose wafts from the glass in a fine blend of cherries, pomegranate, nutskin, a beautiful base of soil tones, violets, cocoa and a smoky topnote. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, and very pure on the attack, with lovely soil signature, a sappy core and impressive complexity and grip on the suavely tannic and perfectly balanced finish. 2020-2050+. (Nov/Dec 2013)”
Fine Wine Review 91-95 points “The red Nuits-Clos de la Maréchale is salty, dense, and powerful with good acidity and richness. The fruit is dark here. This is real Nuits style — an answer to those who say that Mugnier has been making this wine in a Chambolle style. (Issue #141; 2014)”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price for the 750ML is $119
The next best price for the 1.5L is $225

Domaine des Croix Les Bressandes, Beaune Premier Cru 2012 750ML ($79.95) $69 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 92-94 points “The 2012 Beaune Bressandes boasts tremendous power, intensity and length. Today, the flavors are remarkably undeveloped and primary. Here, it is the wine’s texture that impresses most of all. There is plenty of depth in the glass, but the 2012 needs at least a few years in bottle for all the elements to come together fully. The dark, resonant finish is particularly appealing.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $74.95

Domaine des Croix Cent Vignes, Beaune Premier Cru 2012 750ML ($69.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 90-92 points “Violets, tobacco and sweet spices open up in the 2012 Beaune Cent Vignes. Here the style is floral and lifted, with silky tannins that underpin the fruit. The wine’s total sense of grace and mid-weight structure both suggest it will drink nicely with minimum cellaring. I tasted the 2012 from tank right before bottling.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $59.95

Domaine des Croix Pertuisots, Beaune Premier Cru 2012 750ML ($79.95) $69 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 92-94 points “One of the more aromatic, lifted wines in the range, the 2012 Beaune Pertuisots is laced with dark red berry, cinnamon and spiced notes, all supported by silky, finely-knit tannins. The 2012 is super-impressive for many reasons, including its exceptional balance, overall brilliance and open, alluring personality. This is a fabulous showing.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Domaine Bruno Clair Chambertin-Clos de Beze Grand Cru 2012 750ML ($479.95) $399 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 95-97 points “The 2012 Chambertin Clos de Beze Grand Cru has a tight but focused bouquet with mineral-rich red cherry and crushed strawberry fruit, citrus peel and almost a touch of flint. The palate is silky smooth on the entry with very fine tannins. It is reticent at first but it unfurls wondrously in the month with effervescent red fruit infused with orange zest and fabulous nervosite that keep the mouth tingling long after the wine has bid adieu. This is one of the finest Clos de Beze that I have encountered from the domaine. Bon vin!”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $438

Domaine Bruno Clair Gevrey-Chambertin 2012 750ML ($119.95) $89 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 90-92 points “The 2012 Gevrey-Chambertin bursts from the glass with energy and tons of pure salinity, both in support of expressive dark black fruit, crushed rocks, mint, licorice and spices. Bright floral notes give the 2012 much of its focus. I very much like the sense of tension and vibrancy. There is a lot to look forward to. In 2012, the village Gevrey is 2/3rds Carougeot plus dollops of Bel Air and Fontenys.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Domaine Bruno Clair Marsannay Les Grasses Tetes 2012 750ML ($69.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 90-92 points “Dark red cherry, plums, smoke, licorice and incense meld together in the 2012 Marsannay Les Grasses Têtes. Here the clay-rich soils yield a dark, sumptuous Marsanny built on textural volume and pure resonance. A broad, rich, explosive wine, the 2012 boasts exceptional balance and tons of class.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $59.99

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Italian Wines Arriving Friday

Contrade di Taurasi Cantine Lonardo Taurasi DOCG, Campania 2007 750ML ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 92 points “The 2007 Taurasi is a gorgeous, round Taurasi with impeccable class and elegance. Ripe dark fruit, smoke, minerals and ash flow from this graceful, elegant wine. The Taurasi here can at times be a touch rustic, but not in this vintage. The 2007 impresses for its sensual personality and harmony. It is a brilliant effort that makes me look forward to the Riserva with great anticipation. The Taurasi saw 30 days of contact on the skins and was subsequently aged for 18 months in 500-liter French oak barrels. The wine was bottled unfiltered and unfined.” AG

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $41.99

Contrade di Taurasi Cantine Lonardo Coste, Taurasi DOCG 2009 750ML ($89.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2009 Taurasi Coste will reward readers with glorious drinking over the next 15-20 years, perhaps longer. Rich, ample and racy on the palate, the 2009 shows the more voluptuous side of Taurasi, with layers of dark fruit that continue to open up in the glass. Earthy, leathery notes add nuance on the powerful finish. The 2009 is very much old school in style, but with a touch of early approachability that is a positive for such a big wine.” AG

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $69

Pian dell’Orino Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2008 750ML ($119.95) $89 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 94 points “One of the very best wines of the year, Pian dell’Orino’s 2008 Brunello di Montalcino is drop-dead gorgeous. Sweet dark cherries, cloves, menthol, tar and licorice are some of the many notes that are woven into fabric of superb elegance and finesse. All the elements are in perfect balance in this utterly harmonious Brunello. Deeply layered and spiced throughout, the 2008 is simply stunning. The 2008 isn’t as explosive as the very best vintages, but it is still a remarkable achievement for the year. Hints of orange peel and cloves add an exotic flair on the finish. This is a dazzling effort.” AG

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

For the Mid-West, East, and South during the summer season we are offering UPS Three Day Select Service for the price of UPS Ground for shipments that would normally travel four or more business days to their destination.

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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Bodega Rio Elorza

For much of its winemaking history, wines from Argentina were produced mainly for local consumption, but more and more in recent history the industry has begun focusing on quality production that has gained international marketability. The region of Patagonia is located in the southernmost part of Argentina, which also happens to be the coolest part of this country. This is quite advantageous for the winemaking region, allowing a slow and lengthy ripening of the grapes, due to the high elevations ranging from 900-1600ft above sea level.

An outstanding representative of Patagonia is the region of Río Negro, which has a unique landscape allowing Patagonian wines to really show their well-defined personality. The wines show a nice balance of alcohol, tannin structure and acidity, resulting from the slow ripening of fruit, which also adds complexity. All these characteristics grant Patagonia wines elegance, intense flavors and aromatics, along with a purity of environment. In addition to these features, the value of these wines is exceptional, contributing to the region achieving worldwide recognition.

Verum is a small boutique winery with 45 acres of high-density vineyards in the Alto Valle del Rio Negro, Patagonia. With internationally renowned Alberto Antonini and locals Mariano Vignoni and Agustín Lombroni as winemakers, Verum has been a shining example of the amazing winemaking potential in Patagonia. Production is focused on premium wines, using only grapes from its own vineyards. Their experience and understanding of this unique area, along with Marcelo Casazza’s precise vineyard management, impart great personality to the wines. All work is done manually with very little intervention, producing the highest expression of Patagonian terroir and wines that are celebrated both for their vibrancy and fresh fruit character.

Bodega Rio Elorza Wines Available Here Now

Bodega Rio Elorza Verum Chardonnay Patagonia 2012 750ML ($19.95) $10.90 special, 36+ bottles available
Case-12 Bodega Rio Elorza Verum Chardonnay Patagonia 2012 750ML ($199.95) $99 special, 4 cases available (that’s only $8.25 / bottle!)
Stephen Tanzer and Wine Advocate 88 points “Bright pale yellow. Slightly liqueur-like tropical fruits dominate the nose. Bright, subtle stone fruit flavors are lifted by flowers and complicated by a touch of vanillin oak. Supple, pliant, moderately concentrated chardonnay with understated stone fruit flavors and a slightly edgy finish.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $17.56

Bodega Rio Elorza Verum Pinot Noir Patagonia 2012 750ML ($24.95) $16 special, 38 bottles available
Case-12 Bodega Rio Elorza Verum Pinot Noir Patagonia 2012 750ML ($249.95) $159 special, 2 cases available, (that’s only $13.25 / bottle!)
Wine Advocate 89 points “The 2012 Verum Pinot Noir Classic shows a light translucent ruby color, and a clean, fruity nose with notes of cranberry, acid raspberry and some leafy aromas. It has very polished tannins, good acidity, persistence and length. A pleasure to drink. Drink now-2016.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $19.99
Other Argentinian Wines Available Here Now

Ernesto Catena Vineyards Padrillos Malbec, Vista Flores 2013 750ML ($14.95) $9.90 special, 12 bottles available

Renacer Punto Final Clasico Malbec, Mendoza 2013 750ML ($14.95) $11.90 special, 11 bottles available
“A fruity style, with good snap to the raspberry jelly, cherry tart and damson plum flavors. Bittersweet chocolate and mineral accents show on the finish, which features an appealing tartness. Drink now through 2016.”–Wine Spectator

Antucura Cabernet Sauvignon, Vista Flores 2012 750ML ($19.95) $14 special, 36+ bottles available
Case-12 Antucura Cabernet Sauvignon, Vista Flores 2012 750ML ($219.95) $159 special, 4 cases available
Stephen Tanzer 89 points “Good deep red. Musky aromas of redcurrant, raspberry, fresh herbs and tobacco leaf. Sweet, gentle and fat with fruit; more open-knit in the middle than the malbec. Then tightens up on the back end, finishing with a more classic dryness.” ST

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Vina Cobos Felino Malbec, Mendoza 2013 750ML ($19.95) $16 special, 6 bottles available
James Suckling 92 points “This intense Malbec has been rounded out with small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon (4%) and Merlot (3%), sourced from the same sites in Luján de Cuyo, Maipú and Valle de Uco that the winery uses for all Felino wines. The wine is aged 8 months in American and French oak barrels (20% new) to further integrate aromatics and flavors.” JS

Vina Cobos Felino Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendoza 2013 750ML ($19.95) $16.60 special, 9 bottles available
James Suckling 91 points “This shows such beautiful fruit with currant, walnut and light chocolate character. Full body, with firm tannins and a fruity finish. Reserve and balanced.” JS

Renacer Punto Final Reserva Malbec, Mendoza 2012 750ML ($24.95) $19 special, 12 bottles available
“Cherry, spice and paprika flavors dominate this open-textured red. The finish features raspberry jelly notes. Drink now.”–Wine Spectator

Bodega Colome Estate Malbec, Calchaqui Valley 2012 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 special, 11 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 90 points “Dark ruby-red. Aromas and flavors of bitter cherry and bitter chocolate are complicated by a whiff of game. Silky-sweet and supple, with beautifully integrated tannins contributing to an impression of suavity and carrying the fruit through a rather powerful, gripping finish. This should evolve gracefully.” ST

Renacer Enamore, Mendoza 2011 750ML ($31.95) $26 special, 8 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 91 points “(a joint venture with the Amarone producer Allegrini; a blend of 45% malbec, 40% cabernet sauvignon, 10% bonarda and 5% cabernet franc; aged 12 months in new French oak; made partly from grapes dried on the vine by wind): Good bright red. Sexy aromas of redcurrant and tobacco are more European than New World. Lush and sweet, almost roasted, but with harmonious acidity leavening the wine’s 8 grams per liter of residual sugar. Wonderfully gentle, smooth wine with very good length and lift. Held up very well in the recorked bottle.” ST

Achaval Ferrer Finca Bella Vista Malbec, Perdriel 2010 750ML ($119.95) $79 special, 2 bottles available
Wine Spectator 95 points #10 TOP 100 2012 “Dark and powerful, yet elegant, with a delicious core of crushed raspberry, blackberry and damson plum notes tightly woven with silky tannins. The minerally finish lingers on with layered flavors of wildflowers, melted licorice and spice box. Drink now through 2020.”WS

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $92

Achaval Ferrer Finca Mirador Malbec, Maipu 2011 750ML ($119.95) $79 special, 36+ bottles available
Wine Spectator 96 points “This pure, racy red exhibits a dark side, with layers of spice, graphite and maduro tobacco to the crushed raspberry, blackberry and concentrated cassis fruit. Needs time in the cellar. Best from 2015 through 2022.” WS

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $119

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Featured Selections from Around the World
All at the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Meyer Fonne Vignoble de Katzenthal Riesling, Alsace 2012 750ML ($29.95) $21.90 special, 24 bottles available
Case-12 Meyer Fonne Vignoble de Katzenthal Riesling, Alsace 2012 750ML ($349.95) $219 special, 4 cases available (that’s only $18.25/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 90 points “Minerally, with mouthwatering acidity and expressive flavors of star fruit, dried papaya, lemon curd and smoke. Lightly floral and vibrant. Drink now through 2020. 25 cases imported.” WS

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Round Pond Estate ‘Kith & Kin’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2011 750ML ($29.95) $26 special, 36+ bottles available
“Offers an easy-drinking allure, with vivid, snappy notes of berry, light oak, dried herb and fresh tannins. Drink now through 2022.”–Wine Spectator

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Jean-Louis Tribouley Les Orchis, IGP Cotes Catalanes 2011 750ML ($31.95) $28 special, 36 bottles available
Wine Advocate 93 points “Offering a knockout (if not slightly feral/wild) bouquet of sweet blackberry, currants, resinous scrub brush, violets and pepper, Tribouley’s 2011 Cotes Catalanes Orchis is an incredible value that hits the palate with full-bodied richness and depth, fantastic mid-palate richness and sweet tannin that starts to emerge on the finish. Reminding me of a release from Gauby, with a slightly exotic, hard-to-describe quality that’s enhanced by loads of fruit and texture, this beautiful effort makes the most of the vintage and should put a smile on everyone’s face over the coming decade.” WA

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Produttori del Barbaresco Muncagota, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2008 750ML ($59.95) $41.90 special, 20 bottles available
Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2008 Barbaresco Riserva Muncagota is arguably the most open and expressive of the 2008 Riservas. It presents a gorgeous soft core of fruit to match an open personality. Although I wouldn’t suggest opening any of the 2008 Riservas for pleasure anytime soon, readers who want to get an early look at the wines should start with the Muncagota. Sweet rose petals add nuance to the vibrant fruit on the structured finish. This is a great showing from the Muncagota. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2038.” WA

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Alvaro Palacios Finca Dofi, Priorat DOCa 2012 750ML ($79.95) $59 special, 24 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 94 points “(100% garnacha): Brilliant ruby. Potent red berry liqueur and floral scents are complemented by deeper notes of licorice, cola and licorice, with a mineral nuance adding lift and focus. Sweet and expansive on the palate, offering concentrated but lively spice-tinged raspberry and bitter cherry flavors and a touch of candied flowers. Silky tannins add shape to the extremely long, fruit-driven finish, which leaves a sexy spicecake note behind. In the context of elite Priorat wines this is a serious value.” ST

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!