In Today’s Newsletter:
K Vintners Subscriber Special
Back By Popular Demand!
Star of Serralunga
2016 Giovanni Rosso Cru Barolos
Petrolo’s Noble Tuscan History
C&N Hirsch: Beaujolais’ Rising Stars
Trending Wines
Rosé of the Day
The Most Beautiful Spot in Provence?
Collector’s Corner
The Best Ever from La Spinetta?
Back By Popular Demand!
K Vintners Subscriber Special
We ran a Subscriber Special for the K Vintners wines a few months ago that was a wild success—so much so that we’ve been getting requests to bring it back. It seems as though y’all didn’t adequately stock up last time, so here we go: you have until 10AM on Friday to save 5% on 6-11 bottles of K Vintners wines and 10% off any mix of 12+ bottles of K.
The wines of K Vintners need very little introduction, as the wines Charles Smith makes under this label are some of our most popular year in and out. If you’re unfamiliar with the winery, know that Charles Smith fashions himself a bit of a rock star and he ought to—he used to manage them. Then, one day, on a motorcycle trip, he rode through Walla Walla and was struck by the majesty of the terrain and the vineyards. Within a few years, he had returned to open a winery.
His first vintage was 1999 and he produced a mere 300 cases of Syrah under his label ‘K Vintners.’ The winery has grown by leaps and bounds since—by our count, K makes well more than 15 wines, most of them single vineyard Syrah, and all of them are consistently excellent.
At this point, Charles Smith is one of the defining wine makers for what might be the modern Washington style. His wines are big, rich, and ripe but polished. They show distinct differences between the vineyards and always have a hint of that savory, bacony quality that Syrah can bring to the table like nothing else.
5% Off Any Mix of 6-11 K Vintners Wines
10% Off Any Mix of 12+ K Vintners Wines
Offer Ends Friday, August 14th at 10AM
But the Best Selection is Tonight!
Discount Will Not Display Online or In Your Cart
We will adjust your invoice before processing your credit card
Some highlights, in stock now:
K Vintners The Beautiful Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2016 750ML ($89.95) $66 Displayed Price, that’s $62.70 at 5% off and $59.40 at 10% off!
Jeb Dunnuck 98 points “The 2016 Syrah The Beautiful Powerline Vineyard is stunning and one of the finest Syrahs in the vintage. Coming all from Clone 470, co-fermented with 3-4% Viognier in concrete tanks, and brought up in mostly neutral oak, it’s a rich, meaty, smoky, full-bodied Syrah that has classic Northern Rhône-like aromas of black olives, smoked meats, ground, earth, and dark fruits. With a stacked mid-palate and beautiful balance, it’s going to keep for 10-15 years.”
Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2016 Syrah The Beautiful is rich and lush on the nose with an impressive core of sappy fruit, savory essence, olive tapenade and crushed violets. The full-bodied palate is generous and compelling with a robust yet velvety base that demonstrates elegance with power. The wine glides over the palate, connecting structuring tannins and supporting acidity to carry this wine for more than a decade. The wine ends with a long and drawn-out finish, with mineral tension and lingering spice tones on the aftertaste. Just 1,135 cases were produced.”
Stephen Tanzer – Vinous 93 points “Wild, northern Rhône-like aromas of raspberry, game and roasted notes lifted by a note of jasmine that must come from the small Viognier component. Then surprisingly firm on the palate, with juicy but very suave flavors of black raspberry, grilled meat, spices and musky minerality complemented by nuances of flowers, tar and earth. Finishes with substantial dusty, broad tannins and a peppery accent. “A great Rocks vineyard with structure,” is the way winemaker Brennon Leighton describes Powerline. These vines are planted to the 470 Syrah clone from Tablas Creek, which Leighton says is usually more floral and focused than meaty and earthy. (14% alcohol)”
K Vintners The Cattle King Syrah, Snipes Mountain 2016 750ML ($89.95) $69 Displayed Price, that’s $65.55 at 5% off and $62.10 at 10% off!
Jeb Dunnuck 97+ points “The 2016 Syrah Cattle King Upland Vineyard comes from Snipes Mountain and has a singular, pretty, fresh style with more obvious acidity as well as tannins, yet it still stays in the plush, sexy style of the estate. Blue and black fruits, blood orange, violets, and exotic spice notes all define the bouquet and it’s full-bodied, incredibly pure and seamless on the palate. It’s a beautiful wine that’s going to come together nicely for 2-3 years of bottle age and keep for over a decade.”
James Suckling 95 points “From a sloping plot of deep river rock, this has a fresh array of red and blue berries with a fine, stony edge. The palate has a very sleek, composed feel with such length and composure. The purity of blackberry and blueberry flavors is entrancing. Holds so fresh. Drink this now or hold for a decade or more.”
Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2016 Syrah Cattle King leads with expressive red, black and blue fruits on the nose with a density that can be sensed just by nosing the glass. Black cherry, blackcurrant and boysenberry compote all vie for your attention with savory spices and resinous purple flowers. The full-bodied palate is dense with a pedal-to-metal winemaking approach with chewy tannins and supporting acidity. It continues to linger with spice tones as it changes over a 20-30 second period after the wine has left the palate. Just under 500 cases were produced-AM “
Stephen Tanzer – Vinous 94 points “Lively scents of redcurrant, raspberry and dried herbs, plus a whiff of tea leaf. Bright on entry, the pliant but firm in the middle palate, with its dense flavors of red berries and rocky minerality enlivened by penetrating acidity (the pH is actually 3.85). This savory, subtle midweight finishes surprisingly reticent but very long. I never would have guessed the alcohol but it should help this wine age well. Leighton noted that this vineyard was created when “the mountain rose up and pulled the river up the side of the hill”–hence the cobblestones at this altitude. (15% alcohol; from mineral-rich cobblestone soil”
K Vintners The Hidden Syrah, Wahluke Slope 2016 750ML ($99.95) $79 Displayed Price, that’s $75.05 at 5% off and $71.10 at 10% off!
Jeb Dunnuck 99 points “Flirting with perfection, the 2016 Syrah The Hidden is a classic example of the old saying “an iron fist in a velvet glove.” Beautiful notes of dark fruits, damp earth, iron, and crushed rocks as well as ground pepper all emerge from this full-bodied effort that has no hard edges, a terrific mid-palate, sweet tannins, and a finish that goes on for over a minute. It’s a brilliant, brilliant Syrah and one of the wines of the vintage.”
Wine Advocate 96+ points “The nose of the 2016 Syrah The Hidden Northridge Vineyard offers a round, open-knit and voluptuous expression of dark red and black fruit characteristics—dusty plum skin, blackberry jus and cherry compote—over a wet rock minerality and savory black spices with hints of sweet oak. Full-bodied, the palate is generous but still has a rigidity to the mid-palate, with a note of bitter espresso and gripping tannic backbone. Ending with a long, spicy finish, the wine is going to go the distance and live for decades if you can just forget about it in your cellar. It will be a lucky day if you add any of the 684-case production to your cellar.”
James Suckling 95 points “Aromas of sweet earth, pepper, espresso, plums and blackberries follow to the palate. This delivers a big, bold hit of ripe, sweet and round fruit with a very encompassing feel, married with a class and breed that really sets it apart. Nothing pedestrian, but a lovingly familiar syrah. Drink from 2023.”
Stephen Tanzer – Vinous 94 points “Bright red-ruby. Musky dark raspberry, leather, black pepper and a whiff of shoe polish on the complex nose; yet more evidence of how different all these Syrah cuvées are. A seriously vibrant, fine-grained midweight in the mouth, offering terrific perfumed lift to its nuanced flavors of raspberry, spices, lavender and dried oregano. A hint of almost lemony acidity and a suggestion of orange peel contribute to the overall impression of vibrancy and lift. Smooth tannins saturate the front teeth on the very long, spicy aftertaste. (from broken volcanic soils with a bit of limestone)”
K Vintners ‘King Coal’ Stoneridge Vineyard Cabernet – Syrah, Columbia Valley 2016 750ML ($119.95) $99 Displayed Price, that’s $94.05 at 5% off and $89.10 at 10% off!
Jeb Dunnuck 98 points “Always from the Stoneridge Vineyard, the 2016 Cabernet / Syrah King Coal is a ripe, sexy, yet savory effort that has awesome notes of red and black currants, spice box, graphite, and ground herbs. Deep ruby/purple-colored, full-bodied, beautifully layered, and with a blockbuster finish, it’s one of those powerful yet still ethereal wines that gives up tons of richness and depth yet has no sense of heaviness or weight.”
Wine Advocate 94 points “A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, the 2016 King Coal Stoneridge Vineyard starts with the blue fruited tones with stewed plum, boysenberry and Chambord on the nose with inky purple flowers. The palate is full-bodied, rich and generous, with a focused core of bold fruits that are dense and chewy. A high-octane wine, it ends with a long-lasting finish. Only 818 cases were produced in 2016.-AM”
K Vintners ‘Ovide’ Jack’s Vineyard Cabernet – Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2016 750ML ($59.95) $49 Displayed Price, that’s $46.55 at 5% off and $44.10 at 10% off!
Jeb Dunnuck 96 points “Named after Smith’s father, the 2016 Ovide comes from the Walla Walla Valley and is 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Syrah. This savory, full-bodied, earthy blend offers complex red and black fruits intermixed with notes of dried earth, asphalt, baking chocolate, and spice. It has terrific balance and is going to evolve for 10-15 years.”
The wines of K Vintners need very little introduction, as the wines Charles Smith makes under this label are some of our most popular year in and out. If you’re unfamiliar with the winery, know that Charles Smith fashions himself a bit of a rock star and he ought to—he used to manage them. Then, one day, on a motorcycle trip, he rode through Walla Walla and was struck by the majesty of the terrain and the vineyards. Within a few years, he had returned to open a winery.
His first vintage was 1999 and he produced a mere 300 cases of Syrah under his label ‘K Vintners.’ The winery has grown by leaps and bounds since—by our count, K makes well more than 15 wines, most of them single vineyard Syrah, and all of them are consistently excellent.
At this point, Charles Smith is one of the defining wine makers for what might be the modern Washington style. His wines are big, rich, and ripe but polished. They show distinct differences between the vineyards and always have a hint of that savory, bacony quality that Syrah can bring to the table like nothing else.
5% Off Any Mix of 6-11 K Vintners Wines
10% Off Any Mix of 12+ K Vintners Wines
Offer Ends Friday, August 14th at 10AM
But the Best Selection is Tonight!
Discount Will Not Display Online or In Your Cart
We will adjust your invoice before processing your credit card
Some highlights, in stock now:
K Vintners The Beautiful Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2016 750ML ($89.95) $66 Displayed Price, that’s $62.70 at 5% off and $59.40 at 10% off!
Jeb Dunnuck 98 points “The 2016 Syrah The Beautiful Powerline Vineyard is stunning and one of the finest Syrahs in the vintage. Coming all from Clone 470, co-fermented with 3-4% Viognier in concrete tanks, and brought up in mostly neutral oak, it’s a rich, meaty, smoky, full-bodied Syrah that has classic Northern Rhône-like aromas of black olives, smoked meats, ground, earth, and dark fruits. With a stacked mid-palate and beautiful balance, it’s going to keep for 10-15 years.”
Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2016 Syrah The Beautiful is rich and lush on the nose with an impressive core of sappy fruit, savory essence, olive tapenade and crushed violets. The full-bodied palate is generous and compelling with a robust yet velvety base that demonstrates elegance with power. The wine glides over the palate, connecting structuring tannins and supporting acidity to carry this wine for more than a decade. The wine ends with a long and drawn-out finish, with mineral tension and lingering spice tones on the aftertaste. Just 1,135 cases were produced.”
Stephen Tanzer – Vinous 93 points “Wild, northern Rhône-like aromas of raspberry, game and roasted notes lifted by a note of jasmine that must come from the small Viognier component. Then surprisingly firm on the palate, with juicy but very suave flavors of black raspberry, grilled meat, spices and musky minerality complemented by nuances of flowers, tar and earth. Finishes with substantial dusty, broad tannins and a peppery accent. “A great Rocks vineyard with structure,” is the way winemaker Brennon Leighton describes Powerline. These vines are planted to the 470 Syrah clone from Tablas Creek, which Leighton says is usually more floral and focused than meaty and earthy. (14% alcohol)”
K Vintners The Cattle King Syrah, Snipes Mountain 2016 750ML ($89.95) $69 Displayed Price, that’s $65.55 at 5% off and $62.10 at 10% off!
Jeb Dunnuck 97+ points “The 2016 Syrah Cattle King Upland Vineyard comes from Snipes Mountain and has a singular, pretty, fresh style with more obvious acidity as well as tannins, yet it still stays in the plush, sexy style of the estate. Blue and black fruits, blood orange, violets, and exotic spice notes all define the bouquet and it’s full-bodied, incredibly pure and seamless on the palate. It’s a beautiful wine that’s going to come together nicely for 2-3 years of bottle age and keep for over a decade.”
James Suckling 95 points “From a sloping plot of deep river rock, this has a fresh array of red and blue berries with a fine, stony edge. The palate has a very sleek, composed feel with such length and composure. The purity of blackberry and blueberry flavors is entrancing. Holds so fresh. Drink this now or hold for a decade or more.”
Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2016 Syrah Cattle King leads with expressive red, black and blue fruits on the nose with a density that can be sensed just by nosing the glass. Black cherry, blackcurrant and boysenberry compote all vie for your attention with savory spices and resinous purple flowers. The full-bodied palate is dense with a pedal-to-metal winemaking approach with chewy tannins and supporting acidity. It continues to linger with spice tones as it changes over a 20-30 second period after the wine has left the palate. Just under 500 cases were produced-AM “
Stephen Tanzer – Vinous 94 points “Lively scents of redcurrant, raspberry and dried herbs, plus a whiff of tea leaf. Bright on entry, the pliant but firm in the middle palate, with its dense flavors of red berries and rocky minerality enlivened by penetrating acidity (the pH is actually 3.85). This savory, subtle midweight finishes surprisingly reticent but very long. I never would have guessed the alcohol but it should help this wine age well. Leighton noted that this vineyard was created when “the mountain rose up and pulled the river up the side of the hill”–hence the cobblestones at this altitude. (15% alcohol; from mineral-rich cobblestone soil”
K Vintners The Hidden Syrah, Wahluke Slope 2016 750ML ($99.95) $79 Displayed Price, that’s $75.05 at 5% off and $71.10 at 10% off!
Jeb Dunnuck 99 points “Flirting with perfection, the 2016 Syrah The Hidden is a classic example of the old saying “an iron fist in a velvet glove.” Beautiful notes of dark fruits, damp earth, iron, and crushed rocks as well as ground pepper all emerge from this full-bodied effort that has no hard edges, a terrific mid-palate, sweet tannins, and a finish that goes on for over a minute. It’s a brilliant, brilliant Syrah and one of the wines of the vintage.”
Wine Advocate 96+ points “The nose of the 2016 Syrah The Hidden Northridge Vineyard offers a round, open-knit and voluptuous expression of dark red and black fruit characteristics—dusty plum skin, blackberry jus and cherry compote—over a wet rock minerality and savory black spices with hints of sweet oak. Full-bodied, the palate is generous but still has a rigidity to the mid-palate, with a note of bitter espresso and gripping tannic backbone. Ending with a long, spicy finish, the wine is going to go the distance and live for decades if you can just forget about it in your cellar. It will be a lucky day if you add any of the 684-case production to your cellar.”
James Suckling 95 points “Aromas of sweet earth, pepper, espresso, plums and blackberries follow to the palate. This delivers a big, bold hit of ripe, sweet and round fruit with a very encompassing feel, married with a class and breed that really sets it apart. Nothing pedestrian, but a lovingly familiar syrah. Drink from 2023.”
Stephen Tanzer – Vinous 94 points “Bright red-ruby. Musky dark raspberry, leather, black pepper and a whiff of shoe polish on the complex nose; yet more evidence of how different all these Syrah cuvées are. A seriously vibrant, fine-grained midweight in the mouth, offering terrific perfumed lift to its nuanced flavors of raspberry, spices, lavender and dried oregano. A hint of almost lemony acidity and a suggestion of orange peel contribute to the overall impression of vibrancy and lift. Smooth tannins saturate the front teeth on the very long, spicy aftertaste. (from broken volcanic soils with a bit of limestone)”
K Vintners ‘King Coal’ Stoneridge Vineyard Cabernet – Syrah, Columbia Valley 2016 750ML ($119.95) $99 Displayed Price, that’s $94.05 at 5% off and $89.10 at 10% off!
Jeb Dunnuck 98 points “Always from the Stoneridge Vineyard, the 2016 Cabernet / Syrah King Coal is a ripe, sexy, yet savory effort that has awesome notes of red and black currants, spice box, graphite, and ground herbs. Deep ruby/purple-colored, full-bodied, beautifully layered, and with a blockbuster finish, it’s one of those powerful yet still ethereal wines that gives up tons of richness and depth yet has no sense of heaviness or weight.”
Wine Advocate 94 points “A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, the 2016 King Coal Stoneridge Vineyard starts with the blue fruited tones with stewed plum, boysenberry and Chambord on the nose with inky purple flowers. The palate is full-bodied, rich and generous, with a focused core of bold fruits that are dense and chewy. A high-octane wine, it ends with a long-lasting finish. Only 818 cases were produced in 2016.-AM”
K Vintners ‘Ovide’ Jack’s Vineyard Cabernet – Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2016 750ML ($59.95) $49 Displayed Price, that’s $46.55 at 5% off and $44.10 at 10% off!
Jeb Dunnuck 96 points “Named after Smith’s father, the 2016 Ovide comes from the Walla Walla Valley and is 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Syrah. This savory, full-bodied, earthy blend offers complex red and black fruits intermixed with notes of dried earth, asphalt, baking chocolate, and spice. It has terrific balance and is going to evolve for 10-15 years.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
5% Off Any Mix of 6-11 K Vintners Wines
10% Off Any Mix of 12+ K Vintners Wines
Offer Ends Friday, August 14th at 10AM
But the Best Selection is Tonight!
Discount Will Not Display Online or In Your Cart
We will adjust your invoice before processing your credit card
2016 Giovanni Rosso Cru Barolos
Giovanni Rosso makes Barolo that’s synonymous with the perhaps the most prestigious commune in the area: Serralunga d’Alba. The commune is known for powerful, ageworthy versions of Barolo, highlighted by its most famous wines: Conterno’s Francia (and Monfortino), Giacosa’s Rocche del Falletto, Brovia’s Ca’Mia and a number of wines from Vigna Rionda.
Perhaps no winery is more closely associated with the subregion than Giovanni Rosso, a winery that goes back to the 1890’s and has made its mark with powerful, intense Barolos. We’re able to offer you three of the 2016’s today: the Serralunga (village-level) Barolo and their Serra and Cerretta cru bottlings. The 2016 vintage is epic—up there with 2010, ’04 and ’01 in contention for best of the century—and Giovanni Rosso absolutely killed it in the vintage, with bold, traditional-styled wines that are everything we love about Barolo.
The 2015 normale has been a best-seller for us over the last few month and these wines are a clear step up from that value gem. The Serralunga bottling is a blend of a number of vineyards across their home commune—a step up from their entry-level wine. The two crus are absolute stars of the vintage, receiving rave reviews from both Wine Enthusiast and Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate (the only two publications to taste them, so far).
The wines were just released in Italy and we’ve got limited quantities of all three arriving in October: just 36 each of the Serra and Cerretta, plus 60 bottles of the Serralunga. Those sorts of quantities won’t last long, so don’t hesitate in placing your order.
Arriving ETA October:
Only 36 bottles available
Giovanni Rosso Cerretta, Barolo DOCG 2016 750ML ($89.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Wine Enthusiast 97 points “Rose, red-berry, camphor and dark-spice aromas slowly emerge in the glass. Showing Serralunga’s hallmark of firm structure and finesse, the full-bodied, youthfully tense palate delivers juicy red cherry, raspberry compote, dried mint and licorice set against a backbone of noble tannins. Bright acidity keeps it impeccably balanced. Drink 2026–2056. -Kerin O’Keefe”
Wine Advocate 95 points “The Giovanni Rosso 2016 Barolo Cerretta is a tight, focused and high-energy expression of Nebbiolo. Red and purple fruit aromas of cassis, dried cranberry and cherry provide pretty highlights, but ample space is given to those equally pretty aromas of licorice, campfire ash and candied orange peel that so deftly play supporting roles. To the palate, this is a glossy, polished wine with enough tannic kick to carry it forward for another 10 or 20 years of cellar aging. -Monica Larner”
Only 36 bottles available
Giovanni Rosso La Serra, Barolo DOCG 2016 750ML ($89.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Wine Enthusiast 97 points “Underbrush, wild herb, menthol and dark-spice aromas mingle with a whiff of fragrant purple flower on this gorgeous red. It boasts firm structure and finesse in equal measure, featuring juicy morello cherry, raspberry compote, licorice and cinnamon framed in assertive but refined tannins and fresh acidity. A minty note lingers on the finish. Drink 2028–2056. Kerin O’Keefe”
Wine Advocate 96 points “The Giovanni Rosso 2016 Barolo Serra shows a dark and richer quality of fruit (next to the Cerretta) with black cherry and plum, backed by clayey aromas with grilled herb and camphor ash. Both these wines are beautifully characteristic of Serralunga d’Alba, known for its powerful and rich interpretations of Nebbiolo. I very much admire the tannic management shown by this wine from the Serra vineyard. It is a little tight and astringent at this young stage of course, but it also shows an inner silkiness that should serve nicely as the wine continues its bottle evolution. -Monica Larner”
Giovanni Rosso Barolo del Comune di Serralunga d’Alba, Barolo DOCG 2016 750ML ($69.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Wine Enthusiast 96 points “Iris, woodland-berry and pine-forest aromas shape the nose. On the focused, vibrant palate, mint and star anise notes accent a core juicy Marasca cherry. Taut polished tannins and bright acidity provide balance and a firm lithe structure. Drink 2024–2031. -Kerin O’Keefe”
Perhaps no winery is more closely associated with the subregion than Giovanni Rosso, a winery that goes back to the 1890’s and has made its mark with powerful, intense Barolos. We’re able to offer you three of the 2016’s today: the Serralunga (village-level) Barolo and their Serra and Cerretta cru bottlings. The 2016 vintage is epic—up there with 2010, ’04 and ’01 in contention for best of the century—and Giovanni Rosso absolutely killed it in the vintage, with bold, traditional-styled wines that are everything we love about Barolo.
The 2015 normale has been a best-seller for us over the last few month and these wines are a clear step up from that value gem. The Serralunga bottling is a blend of a number of vineyards across their home commune—a step up from their entry-level wine. The two crus are absolute stars of the vintage, receiving rave reviews from both Wine Enthusiast and Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate (the only two publications to taste them, so far).
The wines were just released in Italy and we’ve got limited quantities of all three arriving in October: just 36 each of the Serra and Cerretta, plus 60 bottles of the Serralunga. Those sorts of quantities won’t last long, so don’t hesitate in placing your order.
Arriving ETA October:
Only 36 bottles available
Giovanni Rosso Cerretta, Barolo DOCG 2016 750ML ($89.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Wine Enthusiast 97 points “Rose, red-berry, camphor and dark-spice aromas slowly emerge in the glass. Showing Serralunga’s hallmark of firm structure and finesse, the full-bodied, youthfully tense palate delivers juicy red cherry, raspberry compote, dried mint and licorice set against a backbone of noble tannins. Bright acidity keeps it impeccably balanced. Drink 2026–2056. -Kerin O’Keefe”
Wine Advocate 95 points “The Giovanni Rosso 2016 Barolo Cerretta is a tight, focused and high-energy expression of Nebbiolo. Red and purple fruit aromas of cassis, dried cranberry and cherry provide pretty highlights, but ample space is given to those equally pretty aromas of licorice, campfire ash and candied orange peel that so deftly play supporting roles. To the palate, this is a glossy, polished wine with enough tannic kick to carry it forward for another 10 or 20 years of cellar aging. -Monica Larner”
Only 36 bottles available
Giovanni Rosso La Serra, Barolo DOCG 2016 750ML ($89.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Wine Enthusiast 97 points “Underbrush, wild herb, menthol and dark-spice aromas mingle with a whiff of fragrant purple flower on this gorgeous red. It boasts firm structure and finesse in equal measure, featuring juicy morello cherry, raspberry compote, licorice and cinnamon framed in assertive but refined tannins and fresh acidity. A minty note lingers on the finish. Drink 2028–2056. Kerin O’Keefe”
Wine Advocate 96 points “The Giovanni Rosso 2016 Barolo Serra shows a dark and richer quality of fruit (next to the Cerretta) with black cherry and plum, backed by clayey aromas with grilled herb and camphor ash. Both these wines are beautifully characteristic of Serralunga d’Alba, known for its powerful and rich interpretations of Nebbiolo. I very much admire the tannic management shown by this wine from the Serra vineyard. It is a little tight and astringent at this young stage of course, but it also shows an inner silkiness that should serve nicely as the wine continues its bottle evolution. -Monica Larner”
Giovanni Rosso Barolo del Comune di Serralunga d’Alba, Barolo DOCG 2016 750ML ($69.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Wine Enthusiast 96 points “Iris, woodland-berry and pine-forest aromas shape the nose. On the focused, vibrant palate, mint and star anise notes accent a core juicy Marasca cherry. Taut polished tannins and bright acidity provide balance and a firm lithe structure. Drink 2024–2031. -Kerin O’Keefe”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Vinopolis Wine Shop Curbside Pick Up
Order Online / By Phone / By Email
When you’re ready to pick up, just park in our lot,
give us a call, & we’ll bring your order to your car.
(If another adult is picking up for you,
please let us know their name when placing your order.)
www.vinopoliswineshop.com
info@vinopoliswineshop.com
503-223-6002
When you’re ready to pick up, just park in our lot,
give us a call, & we’ll bring your order to your car.
(If another adult is picking up for you,
please let us know their name when placing your order.)
www.vinopoliswineshop.com
info@vinopoliswineshop.com
503-223-6002
Petrolo’s Noble Tuscan History
The legacy for wine at Petrolo is certainly older than most; there are examples of Etruscan names associated with the area dating back 3000 years. The pedigree on the wines goes back to 1715 when a Medici Duke decreed that the Val d’Arno di Sopra was one of only four specific areas in which grape growing was recommended especially for wine production.
Petrolo is one of the leading proponents of the Val d’Arno di Sopra DOC, a small area in Tuscany that only recently received the DOC designation. Frankly, the designation should have happened a while ago—these are distinctive wines made from unique soils and the quality across the board is very high. If you want proof of Val d’Arno di Sopra’s quality, look no further than Petrolo’s Boggina C, a 100% Sangiovese wine from a vineyard (Boggina) planted in 1952. Fermented in concrete and aged in barrels of varying sizes, it’s freshness, elegance and purity are stunning. The 2016 is one of the best versions ever made and we’re delighted to have it in stock now. Lovers of Italian wine should take notice—this is a statement wine that deserves your full attention.
In Stock Now:
Petrolo Boggina C Classique Valdarno di Sopra, Tuscany 2016 750ML ($59.95) $39 special
James Suckling 96 points “This is so focused and precise with fantastic depth and beauty. A pure definition of sangiovese. Full-bodied, tight and refined. Yet, full of strength and length. Succulent, too. A single-vineyard wine with soul. Better in 2022.”
Wine Advocate 94+ points “The 2016 Val d’Arno di Sopra Bòggina C is a pure expression of Sangiovese from vines planted in 1952. Give the wine a little time to open in the glass; once it does, it offers a beautiful display of forest fruit, spice, leather and earthy tones. Unlike the Bòggina A that is aged in amphorae, the Bòggina C is fermented in concrete vats using ambient yeasts. It sees extended maceration times and is aged in French 40-hectoliter casks and tonneaux. Some 11,000 bottles were made. This single-vineyard expression of Sangiovese reveals impeccable balance and elegance.-ML”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Petrolo is one of the leading proponents of the Val d’Arno di Sopra DOC, a small area in Tuscany that only recently received the DOC designation. Frankly, the designation should have happened a while ago—these are distinctive wines made from unique soils and the quality across the board is very high. If you want proof of Val d’Arno di Sopra’s quality, look no further than Petrolo’s Boggina C, a 100% Sangiovese wine from a vineyard (Boggina) planted in 1952. Fermented in concrete and aged in barrels of varying sizes, it’s freshness, elegance and purity are stunning. The 2016 is one of the best versions ever made and we’re delighted to have it in stock now. Lovers of Italian wine should take notice—this is a statement wine that deserves your full attention.
In Stock Now:
Petrolo Boggina C Classique Valdarno di Sopra, Tuscany 2016 750ML ($59.95) $39 special
James Suckling 96 points “This is so focused and precise with fantastic depth and beauty. A pure definition of sangiovese. Full-bodied, tight and refined. Yet, full of strength and length. Succulent, too. A single-vineyard wine with soul. Better in 2022.”
Wine Advocate 94+ points “The 2016 Val d’Arno di Sopra Bòggina C is a pure expression of Sangiovese from vines planted in 1952. Give the wine a little time to open in the glass; once it does, it offers a beautiful display of forest fruit, spice, leather and earthy tones. Unlike the Bòggina A that is aged in amphorae, the Bòggina C is fermented in concrete vats using ambient yeasts. It sees extended maceration times and is aged in French 40-hectoliter casks and tonneaux. Some 11,000 bottles were made. This single-vineyard expression of Sangiovese reveals impeccable balance and elegance.-ML”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
In addition to their hyper-classic rendition that’s in stock now, they often ferment the Boggina vineyard in a variety of different ways, to show off the inherent quality of the terroir as a through-line between the different bottlings. To highlight that, we’re bringing in mixed three packs of their 2014 Boggina single vineyard Sangiovese, with two bottles fermented in a traditional way and a third done in amphora. We’ve also got a stellar price on their Sangiovese-dominant Super Tuscan, Torrione, from the 2014 vintage. The wines arrive in a few weeks, perfect for summer drinking.we’re bringing in mixed three packs of their 2014 Boggina single vineyard Sangiovese, with two bottles fermented in a traditional way and a third done in amphora. We’ve also got a stellar price on their Sangiovese-dominant Super Tuscan, Torrione, from the 2014 vintage. The wines arrive in a few weeks, perfect for fall drinking.
Arriving ETA August:
Case-3 Petrolo Boggina “Combo Pack” 2014 750ML ($219.95) $119 pre-arrival special
A case of three 750ml bottles
2 bottles 2014 Boggina, 1 bottle 2014 Boggina Anfora
2014 Petrolo Boggina:
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2014 Bòggina is stunning. Although a touch compact in this vintage, the Bòggina impresses for its energy and overall freshness. Red cherry, raspberry, rose petal, tobacco and savory herbs are some of the many notes that continue to open up as the wine takes shape in the glass. It will be interesting to see if the 2014 puts on more weight with time in bottle. It certainly improved over the time I followed it.”
James Suckling 93 points “Very fine and silky with a tight and polished texture that shows wonderful length and definition. Medium body, pretty cherry and citrus character and a long and subtle finish. Well done for a difficult vintage. Delicious now.”
2014 Petrolo Boggina Anfora:
Antonio Galloni 93 points “It’s interesting to taste the 2014 Bòggina Anfora (Bògginanfora), Petrolo’s Sangiovese done in amphora next to the same wine aged in oak. The amphora wine is initially a bit softer and creamier in its contours, but it also offers less development in the glass. Lavender, plum, menthol, sage and sweet herbs lead into the expressive finish. This is another very pretty wine from Petrolo and proprietor Luca Sanjust.”
Arriving ETA August:
Case-3 Petrolo Boggina “Combo Pack” 2014 750ML ($219.95) $119 pre-arrival special
A case of three 750ml bottles
2 bottles 2014 Boggina, 1 bottle 2014 Boggina Anfora
2014 Petrolo Boggina:
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2014 Bòggina is stunning. Although a touch compact in this vintage, the Bòggina impresses for its energy and overall freshness. Red cherry, raspberry, rose petal, tobacco and savory herbs are some of the many notes that continue to open up as the wine takes shape in the glass. It will be interesting to see if the 2014 puts on more weight with time in bottle. It certainly improved over the time I followed it.”
James Suckling 93 points “Very fine and silky with a tight and polished texture that shows wonderful length and definition. Medium body, pretty cherry and citrus character and a long and subtle finish. Well done for a difficult vintage. Delicious now.”
2014 Petrolo Boggina Anfora:
Antonio Galloni 93 points “It’s interesting to taste the 2014 Bòggina Anfora (Bògginanfora), Petrolo’s Sangiovese done in amphora next to the same wine aged in oak. The amphora wine is initially a bit softer and creamier in its contours, but it also offers less development in the glass. Lavender, plum, menthol, sage and sweet herbs lead into the expressive finish. This is another very pretty wine from Petrolo and proprietor Luca Sanjust.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Also ETA August:
Petrolo Torrione Valdarno di Sopra, Tuscany 2014 750ML ($39.95) $21.90 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Petrolo Torrione Valdarno di Sopra, Tuscany 2014 750ML ($449.95) $236 pre-arrival special (that’s only $19.67/bottle!)
James Suckling 92 points “A refined and silky rendition of this wine with pretty berry, citrus and light chocolate. Medium body. Chilled and delicious. Drink now.”
Petrolo Torrione Valdarno di Sopra, Tuscany 2014 750ML ($39.95) $21.90 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Petrolo Torrione Valdarno di Sopra, Tuscany 2014 750ML ($449.95) $236 pre-arrival special (that’s only $19.67/bottle!)
James Suckling 92 points “A refined and silky rendition of this wine with pretty berry, citrus and light chocolate. Medium body. Chilled and delicious. Drink now.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $33.99
The next best price is $33.99
C&N Hirsch:
Beaujolais’ Rising Stars
Céline and Nicolas Hirsch are two of the rising stars of Beaujolais. Their wines are archetypal in terms of freshness; however they are anything but one-dimensional. Instead they offer complexity and structure that belie their reasonable price tags. It’s not easy to find cellarable wines around $20, but the Hirsch’s wines are an exception to the rule.
What make the wines so special are the vineyards from which the fruit hails. All three bottlings include old vines, punctuated by a number of rows in Chenas approaching their 100th birthday. That Chenas offers an elegant expression of Gamay, while the Julienas prefers a darker, meatier translation, by contrast. Finally, true to its reputation, the Moulin-à-Vent offers the most structure and aging potential.
In the cellar, no commercial yeast is used, and the wines are bottled unfiltered. These are serious terroir driven expressions, at prices more akin to commodity bottles wines. The new releases are always one of the Beaujolais highlights of the year and the 2019’s landed this past Friday.
In Stock Now:
Celine et Nicolas Hirsch Chenas, Beaujolais 2019 750ML ($21.95) $18 special
What make the wines so special are the vineyards from which the fruit hails. All three bottlings include old vines, punctuated by a number of rows in Chenas approaching their 100th birthday. That Chenas offers an elegant expression of Gamay, while the Julienas prefers a darker, meatier translation, by contrast. Finally, true to its reputation, the Moulin-à-Vent offers the most structure and aging potential.
In the cellar, no commercial yeast is used, and the wines are bottled unfiltered. These are serious terroir driven expressions, at prices more akin to commodity bottles wines. The new releases are always one of the Beaujolais highlights of the year and the 2019’s landed this past Friday.
In Stock Now:
Celine et Nicolas Hirsch Chenas, Beaujolais 2019 750ML ($21.95) $18 special
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Celine et Nicolas Hirsch Moulin-a-Vent, Beaujolais 2018 750ML ($26.95) $21.90 special
VinopolNote: The Hirschs are some of the best under-the-radar producers in Beaujolais. The style is fresh, complex and delicious, with enough structure to reward short term cellaring. All their wines show off old vines and are very true to the various terroirs.
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Trending Wines
The Case-Specials sold out, but we’ve got more re-arriving Friday!
G.D. Vajra Albe, Barolo DOCG 2016 750ML ($41.95) $33 special, 16 bottles in stock now
Case-12 G.D. Vajra Albe, Barolo DOCG 2016 750ML ($479.95) $369 pre-arrival special (that’s only $30.75/bottle!), re-arriving Friday
Case-6 G.D. Vajra Albe, Barolo DOCG 2016 750ML ($249.95) $189 pre-arrival special (that’s only $31.50/bottle!), re-arriving Friday
Wine Enthusiast 94 points “Aromas of woodland berry, new leather, camphor and pressed rose waft out of the glass. Juicy and delicious, the chewy palate doles out succulent Marasca cherry, crushed raspberry and white pepper. Polished tannins and fresh acidity give it an immediate appeal but this also offers several years of drinking pleasure. Drink through 2028. Editor’s choice. – Kerin O’Keefe”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 94 points “If you were to consider the entire portfolio of wines made in the Barolo appellation, this wine always stands in its own little corner. Albe is a brand on its own, and it represents one of the most versatile, accessible and well-priced Baroli to emerge from the appellation. The G.D. Vajra 2016 Barolo Albe sets off on the right foot, offering forthcoming intensity with forest fruit, wild cherry, crushed stone and blue flowers. Winemaking is straightforward in stainless steel, and the wine finishes in Slavonian oak casks. Some 40,000 bottles are hitting the market now.
Bruna Grimaldi Badarina, Barolo DOCG 2015 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 93+ points “($90) This wine has already evolved to show some tar and savory aromas. The 2015 Barolo Badarina offers pretty color saturation with linear and fresh lines of plum, black fruit, dark spice and tilled earth. The wine delivers much of the heft and power promised by this Badarina cru in Serralunga d’Alba. If you’re looking for a Barolo vintage to pair with a rich meat like liver or game, this could be the one. This is Bruna Grimaldi’s flagship Barolo, as her mother was born in Badarina and this site has always had special meaning to her family. Some 8,000 bottles were produced.”
Our best-selling Chianti is absolutely fantastic in 2018.
Castello di Volpaia Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany 2018 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special
Case-12 Castello di Volpaia Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany 2018 750ML ($299.95) $239 special (that’s only $19.92/bottle —the lowest listed price in the country!)
Importer Note “The Chianti Classico has a vivid ruby color and a strong nose of fresh red fruit with hints of cherry. This is a well-structured wine with a fruity finish. Barrel Aging: 12 months in Slavonian casks. March was warm, but April and May were very cold and rainy. Good weather started from June 10 to the end of the month. The beginning of July was very warm and dry. Intense warmth from mid-July to end of August, interspersed with some rain, guaranteed the right humidity for the soil. September and mid-October brought good weather with some scattered rain. Blooming was delayed for 10 days as well as flowering. In June, the vines started a sudden and vigorous development. Veraison began with some delay and continued fairly slowly. Harvest started a few days later compared to the previous years.”
From one of the grandest vineyards in the Mosel, Selbach-Oster delivered a gem.
Selbach-Oster Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese, Mosel 2015 750ML ($49.95) $36 special, 27 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2015 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese is bright, pure, very fine, floral and flinty on the nose. It is provided with perfectly ripe and concentrated, slate-flavored fruit aromas intermixed with lemon and grapefruit notes. This is a lush, piquant and elegant, filigreed and finessed Auslese. It has great finesse and provided with a lot of Spiel and salt. The finish is pure, piquant and salty, but also lush and generous. This is a very precise, straight and stimulating, highly digestible Auslese with a lot of energy, tension and aging potential. It is very clear and there is no hint of botrytis here.”
Mosel Fine Wines 93 points “This offers a beautiful nose of cassis, grapefruit, greengage, apricot tree flower, white flowers and herbs. A more yellow fruit driven side comes through on the palate with yellow peach playing with acidity to produce a mouth-watering cocktail of Mosel charm. A hint of sweetness in the finish is still in need of integration of this gorgeous Auslese in the making. 2025-2045.”
G.D. Vajra Albe, Barolo DOCG 2016 750ML ($41.95) $33 special, 16 bottles in stock now
Case-12 G.D. Vajra Albe, Barolo DOCG 2016 750ML ($479.95) $369 pre-arrival special (that’s only $30.75/bottle!), re-arriving Friday
Case-6 G.D. Vajra Albe, Barolo DOCG 2016 750ML ($249.95) $189 pre-arrival special (that’s only $31.50/bottle!), re-arriving Friday
Wine Enthusiast 94 points “Aromas of woodland berry, new leather, camphor and pressed rose waft out of the glass. Juicy and delicious, the chewy palate doles out succulent Marasca cherry, crushed raspberry and white pepper. Polished tannins and fresh acidity give it an immediate appeal but this also offers several years of drinking pleasure. Drink through 2028. Editor’s choice. – Kerin O’Keefe”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 94 points “If you were to consider the entire portfolio of wines made in the Barolo appellation, this wine always stands in its own little corner. Albe is a brand on its own, and it represents one of the most versatile, accessible and well-priced Baroli to emerge from the appellation. The G.D. Vajra 2016 Barolo Albe sets off on the right foot, offering forthcoming intensity with forest fruit, wild cherry, crushed stone and blue flowers. Winemaking is straightforward in stainless steel, and the wine finishes in Slavonian oak casks. Some 40,000 bottles are hitting the market now.
Bruna Grimaldi Badarina, Barolo DOCG 2015 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 93+ points “($90) This wine has already evolved to show some tar and savory aromas. The 2015 Barolo Badarina offers pretty color saturation with linear and fresh lines of plum, black fruit, dark spice and tilled earth. The wine delivers much of the heft and power promised by this Badarina cru in Serralunga d’Alba. If you’re looking for a Barolo vintage to pair with a rich meat like liver or game, this could be the one. This is Bruna Grimaldi’s flagship Barolo, as her mother was born in Badarina and this site has always had special meaning to her family. Some 8,000 bottles were produced.”
Our best-selling Chianti is absolutely fantastic in 2018.
Castello di Volpaia Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany 2018 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special
Case-12 Castello di Volpaia Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany 2018 750ML ($299.95) $239 special (that’s only $19.92/bottle —the lowest listed price in the country!)
Importer Note “The Chianti Classico has a vivid ruby color and a strong nose of fresh red fruit with hints of cherry. This is a well-structured wine with a fruity finish. Barrel Aging: 12 months in Slavonian casks. March was warm, but April and May were very cold and rainy. Good weather started from June 10 to the end of the month. The beginning of July was very warm and dry. Intense warmth from mid-July to end of August, interspersed with some rain, guaranteed the right humidity for the soil. September and mid-October brought good weather with some scattered rain. Blooming was delayed for 10 days as well as flowering. In June, the vines started a sudden and vigorous development. Veraison began with some delay and continued fairly slowly. Harvest started a few days later compared to the previous years.”
From one of the grandest vineyards in the Mosel, Selbach-Oster delivered a gem.
Selbach-Oster Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese, Mosel 2015 750ML ($49.95) $36 special, 27 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2015 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese is bright, pure, very fine, floral and flinty on the nose. It is provided with perfectly ripe and concentrated, slate-flavored fruit aromas intermixed with lemon and grapefruit notes. This is a lush, piquant and elegant, filigreed and finessed Auslese. It has great finesse and provided with a lot of Spiel and salt. The finish is pure, piquant and salty, but also lush and generous. This is a very precise, straight and stimulating, highly digestible Auslese with a lot of energy, tension and aging potential. It is very clear and there is no hint of botrytis here.”
Mosel Fine Wines 93 points “This offers a beautiful nose of cassis, grapefruit, greengage, apricot tree flower, white flowers and herbs. A more yellow fruit driven side comes through on the palate with yellow peach playing with acidity to produce a mouth-watering cocktail of Mosel charm. A hint of sweetness in the finish is still in need of integration of this gorgeous Auslese in the making. 2025-2045.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Library Owen Roe Syrah from perhaps their best vineyard—at unthinkably good pricing.
Owen Roe Red Willow Vineyard Chapel Block Syrah, Yakima Valley 2013 750ML ($59.95) $33 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Owen Roe Red Willow Vineyard Chapel Block Syrah, Yakima Valley 2013 750ML ($719.95) $359 special (that’s only $29.92/bottle!)
Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 92 points “Bright medium ruby. Musky, earthy aromas of raspberry, roasted strawberry, smoked meat and charred oak. Fat, sweet and deep, with good spicy lift to the very ripe flavors of plum, blueberry, dark chocolate and spices. A very rich, tactile Syrah with sexy sweetness but plenty of ripe, dusty tannins to support a graceful evolution in bottle. Ultimately richer than the Union Gap Syrah but also more tannic.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price in any vintage is $49.50
The average listed price across all vintages is $55
The next best price in any vintage is $49.50
The average listed price across all vintages is $55
Powerful, classical, Napa Cabernet from a fantastic producer.
Snowden Vineyards ‘Brothers Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2016 750ML ($89.95) $79 special
Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2019
Antonio Galloni 96+ points “The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Brothers is the best wine I have tasted from Diana Snowden-Seysses. Rich, explosive and savory, the 2016 dazzles with intensity in all of its dimensions. Graphite, smoke, savory herbs and spice notes wrap around a core of dark fruit in a vertical, towering Cabernet Sauvignon that captures all the vintage has to offer.”
Wine Spectator 94 points “Offers a tasty core of plum and blackberry fruit, backed by lively anise and apple wood notes. Restrained overall, with an alluring freshness and a subtle charcoal hint lingering deftly at the end. Drink now through 2032. 639 cases made.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Rosé of the Day
The Most Beautiful Spot in Provence?
Cassis is one of the most singularly beautiful places on earth, so it makes (emotional, if not logical) sense that the wines from the village are similarly stunning in their beauty and purity. Perhaps our favorite from the town is the version offered up by the Domain du Bagnol, whose estate is perched on hillside (mountainside, really) that overlooks the village and the sparkling blue waters just beyond. The wine seems to capture this, with elegant, crystalline fruit and a hint of sea-side air. The 2019 version is as wonderful as ever.
In Stock Now:
Domaine du Bagnol Cassis Rose, Provence 2019 750ML ($34.95) $29 special
Domaine du Bagnol Cassis Rose, Provence 2019 1.5L ($69.95) $61.90 special
Importer note “The Rosé is produced from several parcels that comprise slightly less than 7 hectares of vineyards. The vineyards are clay and limestone, situated on a gentle slope with a north – northwest exposure. The blend is Grenache (55%), Mourvedre (31%) and Cinsault (14%). This Rosé is vinified by “pressurage direct, the must is chilled to 12 degrees Celsius, the wine ferments at 18 degrees Celsius until it is completely dry; then, the wine is bottled during the first three months of the following year after a light filtration. Production tops out at about 40,000 bottles per annum; approximately 6000 bottles are allocated to the US market.”
In Stock Now:
Domaine du Bagnol Cassis Rose, Provence 2019 750ML ($34.95) $29 special
Domaine du Bagnol Cassis Rose, Provence 2019 1.5L ($69.95) $61.90 special
Importer note “The Rosé is produced from several parcels that comprise slightly less than 7 hectares of vineyards. The vineyards are clay and limestone, situated on a gentle slope with a north – northwest exposure. The blend is Grenache (55%), Mourvedre (31%) and Cinsault (14%). This Rosé is vinified by “pressurage direct, the must is chilled to 12 degrees Celsius, the wine ferments at 18 degrees Celsius until it is completely dry; then, the wine is bottled during the first three months of the following year after a light filtration. Production tops out at about 40,000 bottles per annum; approximately 6000 bottles are allocated to the US market.”
Collector’s Corner
The Best Ever from La Spinetta?
The Best Ever from La Spinetta?
“These are some of the very best wines I have ever tasted from La Spinetta. Proprietor Giorgio Rivetti and longtime winemaker Stephano Mazzetta have turned out a superb set of wines. The 2015 Barbarescos are racy and intense – as they always are – but the wines are also increasingly translucent and finessed.” – Antonio Galloni
Arriving Thursday:
La Spinetta Vigneto Gallina, Barbaresco DOCG 2015 750ML ($139.95) $99 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 96 points “The 2015 Barbaresco Vigneto Gallina is absolutely gorgeous. Vivid and nuanced on the palate, the 2015 is fresh, juicy and flat-out delicious. The Gallina is often a shy wine that needs time in bottle to truly blossom, but the 2015 seems to have skipped that initial phase of reticence. In two separate tastings, the 2015 has been incredibly sensual and polished. Historically, the Gallina has the most consistent track record in aging of the three top Barbarescos in the range. It will be interesting to see if that is the case here as well. For now, the 2015 Gallina is one of the finest wines I have ever tasted from La Spinetta.”
James Suckling 95 points “This is a big and juicy Barbaresco with soft and velvety tannins and a full body. Lots of dried flowers and fruit at the finish. Needs four or five years of bottle age. Try in 2022.”
La Spinetta Vigneto Starderi, Barbaresco DOCG 2015 750ML ($139.95) $99 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 95 points “The 2015 Barbaresco Vigneto Starderi rounds out this series of Barbarescos from La Spinetta in grand style. I don’t think the Starderi has ever been so elegant or refined as it is in 2015. Medium in body and translucent, the 2015 possesses remarkable purity and nuance in its red-toned fruit and floral aromatics. The oak needs time to fully integrate, but readers should not be planning on opening bottles anytime soon, as the youthful tannins are also imposing. Bright citrus and floral notes add the closing flourishes.”
James Suckling 94 points “This is decadent and very rich with plum and caramel character, as well as fresh flowers. Medium-bodied, tight and focused with a pretty center palate of dark fruit and linear, chewy tannins. Drink in 2020.”
Arriving Thursday:
La Spinetta Vigneto Gallina, Barbaresco DOCG 2015 750ML ($139.95) $99 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 96 points “The 2015 Barbaresco Vigneto Gallina is absolutely gorgeous. Vivid and nuanced on the palate, the 2015 is fresh, juicy and flat-out delicious. The Gallina is often a shy wine that needs time in bottle to truly blossom, but the 2015 seems to have skipped that initial phase of reticence. In two separate tastings, the 2015 has been incredibly sensual and polished. Historically, the Gallina has the most consistent track record in aging of the three top Barbarescos in the range. It will be interesting to see if that is the case here as well. For now, the 2015 Gallina is one of the finest wines I have ever tasted from La Spinetta.”
James Suckling 95 points “This is a big and juicy Barbaresco with soft and velvety tannins and a full body. Lots of dried flowers and fruit at the finish. Needs four or five years of bottle age. Try in 2022.”
La Spinetta Vigneto Starderi, Barbaresco DOCG 2015 750ML ($139.95) $99 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 95 points “The 2015 Barbaresco Vigneto Starderi rounds out this series of Barbarescos from La Spinetta in grand style. I don’t think the Starderi has ever been so elegant or refined as it is in 2015. Medium in body and translucent, the 2015 possesses remarkable purity and nuance in its red-toned fruit and floral aromatics. The oak needs time to fully integrate, but readers should not be planning on opening bottles anytime soon, as the youthful tannins are also imposing. Bright citrus and floral notes add the closing flourishes.”
James Suckling 94 points “This is decadent and very rich with plum and caramel character, as well as fresh flowers. Medium-bodied, tight and focused with a pretty center palate of dark fruit and linear, chewy tannins. Drink in 2020.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
La Spinetta Vigneto Valeirano, Barbaresco DOCG 2015 750ML ($139.95) $99 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 95 points “The 2015 Barbaresco Vigneto Valeirano is another striking wine from La Spinetta. Precise and finely cut, the 2015 shows the slightly austere personality that is typical of this cru. Even so, the 2015 possesses tremendous energy and intensity. Sweet spice, crushed flowers, crushed rocks, leather, spice, mint and sweet tobacco grace this exquisite, wonderfully nuanced Barbaresco. The 2015 finishes with real substance and gravitas, both of which bode well for its future in bottle. This may be the most finessed edition of Valeirano ever here.”
James Suckling 94 points “The roses and sandalwood character to these wines are impressive. Lots of ripe fruit too. Full-bodied, chewy and powerful. This needs two or three years to soften. Better in 2021.”
La Spinetta Vigneto Campe, Barolo 2015 750ML ($159.95) $119 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 97 points “Very distinctive nose with violets and very pure blackcurrants and blueberries, as well as leafy nuances, all of which deliver a fresh impression. The palate has impressive depth and density and the cool, blue fruit at the center sits fresh and vibrant. Smoothly resolved tannins shape a distinguished, balanced and long palate. Drink or hold.”
Thanks for reading!