Midweek Vinopolpick 8-25-20

In Today’s Newsletter:

Clos Rougeard Subscriber Sale
New, Lower Prices on Rare, Older Rougeard


New Reviews for Goodfellow’s Finest
By Josh Raynolds of Vinous Media


California Collector’s Corner

#Trending

New Wines from Terre Nere

Domaine du Vissoux
The Forefront of Beaujolais


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Clos Rougeard Subscriber Sale

New, Lower Prices on Rare, Older Rougeard


Clos Rougeard is one of the toughest wines in the world to source—and older vintages even more so.  These are bottles that are some of the most coveted in the world and the only producer of their stature in the Loire. They’re on par with the highest end Burgundy.  Collectors fight to get mere bottles of current releases, so it’s even more exciting to get our hands on a massive collection of back-vintage Rougeard with excellent provenance.  If you love the wines of Rougeard, you owe it to yourself to jump on these while there are still some left.  This is like winning a vinous lottery (if winning the lottery were a result of hard work and careful sourcing).  These wines are directly from the cellar of our importer/distributor for these bottles.  All were bought on release and carefully stored until now—it’s hard to imagine a better source for these outside of buying directly from the cellar of the estate (and good luck with that).

We’ve dropped pricing on a bunch of Rougeard’s finest wines, in addition to the multitude that were on sale previously. You can view all of our Rougeard in our webstore or check out some of the highlights below.

Clos Rougeard Saumur-Champigny Le Bourg 2005 750ML ($899.95) Was $699, Now $679 Subscriber Special, 2 bottles in stock now

This was the lowest listed price in the USA today,
Now it’s even lower!

Clos Rougeard Saumur-Champigny Le Bourg 2006 750ML ($599.95) Was $499, Now $479 Subscriber Special, 1 bottle in stock now

This was the lowest listed price in the USA today,
Now it’s even lower!

Clos Rougeard Saumur-Champigny Le Bourg 2007 750ML ($649.95) Was $519, Now $499 Subscriber Special, 3 bottles in stock now

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Clos Rougeard Saumur-Champigny Le Bourg 2008 750ML ($599.95) Was $519, Now $499 Subscriber Special, 2 bottles in stock now

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!

Clos Rougeard Saumur-Champigny Le Bourg 2009 750ML ($679.95) Was $579, Now $549 Subscriber Special, 2 bottles in stock now

Clos Rougeard Saumur-Champigny 2007 750ML ($319.95) Was $249, Now $228 Subscriber Special, 5 bottles in stock now


This was the lowest listed price in the USA today,
Now it’s even lower!

Clos Rougeard Saumur-Champigny 2008 750ML ($319.95) Was $249, Now $228 Subscriber Special, 6 bottles in stock now

This was the lowest listed price in the USA today,
Now it’s even lower!

Clos Rougeard Saumur-Champigny 2011 750ML ($319.95) Was $249, Now $219 Subscriber Special, 1 bottle in stock now
 
There’s more! We have 16 bottlings from Rougeard in stock now.
Head to our webstore to see them all!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

New Reviews for Goodfellow’s Finest

By Josh Raynolds of Vinous Media


Marcus Goodfellow is one of the premier winemakers in Oregon.  He founded Matello wines, his original label, in 2002 and hasn’t looked back since, making wines that have continually improved—both in bottle and from vintage to vintage.  These are profound wines, both white and red, that are made in a style that’s distinctly savory—no fruit bombs here.  Rather, we love them for their coiled power and Burgundian structure.  These are wines that speak with an Oregon voice, but the tannin and acidity comes from an Old World point of view. In 2012, after the birth of this first child, he created Goodfellow Family Cellars—to focus on single vineyard wines and celebrate his new family.

Goodfellow Family Cellars have been mainstays at the shop for some time now—wines that we carry regardless of vintage, scores or overall hype.  The wines are amongst the best in Oregon and consistently some of the most inspiring wines we taste.  It looks like we aren’t alone in our love—Vinous recently posted a new set of reviews on Oregon Pinot and Marcus’ wines boast some impressive scores. We’ve got those below and an array of the wines in stock now:


In Stock Now:

Goodfellow Family Cellars Pumphouse Block Temperance Hill Pinot Noir 2017 750ML ($59.95) $45 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 95 points
“Vivid garnet. A highly perfumed, complex bouquet evokes fresh red fruits, blood orange and Asian spices, along with a bright mineral overtone. Juicy, lithe and precise on the palate, offering alluringly sweet, mineral-laced raspberry, red currant, rose pastille and spicecake flavors that deepen and spread out steadily with air. Conveys a deft blend of power and finesse and finishes with finely interwoven tannins and outstanding clarity and length.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Goodfellow Family Cellars Long Acre Whistling Ridge Pinot Noir 2017 750ML ($59.95) $45 special, 8 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 95 points
“Brilliant magenta. Vibrant, highly perfumed red fruit, exotic spice and floral pastille aromas show outstanding clarity, and a zesty mineral overtone builds in the glass. Lithe and sharply focused on the palate, offering penetrating raspberry, bitter cherry, spicecake and blood orange flavors that become sweeter as the wine opens up. Juicy, pure and precise, finishing with sharp focus and sneaky, slowly building tannins that add framework and final grip.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Goodfellow Heritage #10 Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2017 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 96 points
“Shimmering red. An expansive, spice- and mineral-accented bouquet evokes fresh red and blue fruits, and a sexy floral nuance builds as the wine stretches out. Sweet and seamless in the mouth, showing a suave marriage of depth and liveliness to the penetrating raspberry, boysenberry, cherry and rose pastille flavors. The spicy note comes back strong on a strikingly long, vibrant finish framed by polished, even tannins.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Goodfellow Family Cellars House Block Whistling Ridge Pinot Noir 2017 750ML ($59.95) $45 special, 8 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 95 points
“Bright scarlet. Sharply focused and complex on the nose, displaying an array of fresh red fruit, floral and spice qualities and an exotic touch of incense. Juicy and penetrating on the palate, offering appealingly sweet raspberry, cherry and mulberry flavors, along with suave rose pastille and spicecake nuances. Concentrated but quite lithe in character, showing superb clarity and floral thrust on an impressively long, subtly tannic finish.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Goodfellow Lewman Vineyard Pinot Noir 2018 750ML ($44.95) $36 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 92 points
“Limpid magenta. A deeply perfumed bouquet evokes ripe red fruits, cherry, candied rose and exotic spices, and a bright mineral overtone gains strength with air. Juicy and precise on the palate, offering alluringly sweet, well-concentrated black raspberry, cherry liqueur, floral pastille and spicecake flavors that flesh out through the midpalate. Delivers a suave blend of power and delicacy and finishes impressively long and smooth, with harmonious tannins and outstanding clarity.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Goodfellow Family Cellars Temperance Hill Pinot Noir 2017 750ML ($47.95) $36 special, 7 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 93 points
“Brilliant red. Vibrant red berry, floral and succulent herb scents pick up a spicy nuance with air. Shows impressive depth of flavor but no excess weight on the palate, which features appealingly sweet raspberry, cherry and rose pastille flavors and an exotic, refreshingly bitter jolt of blood orange. Finishes very long and lively, with resonating spice and floral character and smooth tannins that play nice with the wine’s juicy fruit. 75% whole clusters.”

Goodfellow Family Cellars Whistling Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir 2017 750ML ($44.95) $36 special, 5 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 93 points
“Glistening ruby. Intensely perfumed red fruit, floral and exotic spice scents reveal smoky mineral and savory herb accents as the wine opens up. Sappy raspberry, cherry, red currant, spicecake and candied rose flavors show fine delineation and back-end lift. Displays good definition and mineral thrust on the penetrating finish, which features discreet tannins and resonating floral and red fruit notes.


Bonus New Reviews:

“Old-timer Doug Tunnel’s 2017s are the most impressive set of releases that I’ve ever tasted here, and they more than live up to the promise that they showed when I tasted them with him from barrel last July. There’s a distinctly Old World gracefulness to them but they are deceptively concentrated and well-structured, which I think will allow them to age effortlessly, even if they’re pretty charming already.” –Josh Raynolds, Vinous

Brick House Vineyards Select Pinot Noir 2017 750ML ($41.95) $30.90 special, 7 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 93 points
“Vivid magenta. Highly perfumed, spice-tinged red/dark berries and pungent flowers on the expressive nose. Juicy and energetic on the palate The 2017 Select offers sappy raspberry, bitter cherry and mulberry flavors that slowly deepen through the mid-palate. The spice and floral notes repeat emphatically on a very long, penetrating finish that’s framed by smooth, well-knit tannins.”

Trathen Hall Wines Antiquum Vineyard Pinot Noir 2015 750ML ($47.95) $44 special, 9 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 93 points
“Limpid ruby-red. Seductive raspberry preserve, boysenberry and exotic spice aromas, along with hints of candied flowers and dusty minerals. Juicy, seamless and energetic on the palate, offering pliant red and blue fruit and floral pastille flavors that show excellent clarity and tighten up steadily as the wine gets air. Fine-grained tannins lend shape to a strikingly long, precise finish that shows superb red-fruit- and spice-driven tenacity. 50% whole clusters and all used oak.”

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

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

California Collector’s Corner

OWC available to any 2+ bottle purchase
Colgin Cellars IX Estate Syrah, Napa Valley 2016 750ML ($349.95) $279 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 100 points
“Lastly, the 2016 Syrah IX Estate reminds me of the otherworldly 2010 and is as profound as Syrah gets. Tasting like Guigal’s Côte Rôtie La Mouline (maybe on steroids) with its huge notes of bacon fat, spring flowers, blue fruits, barbecued meats, and incense, it’s full-bodied and massive yet also thrillingly pure, seamless, elegant, and weightless. It’s certainly approachable today yet is going to benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age and keep for two decades.”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 98 points “The 2016 IX Syrah Estate is very deep purple-black colored with gorgeous blackberry preserves, preserved plums, chargrill and licorice with tar, mandarin peel, Sichuan pepper and violets plus a compelling peach blossom note and a waft of wild sage. The palate is full-bodied with fantastic finesse, so plush and light on its feet and very spicy on the long, long finish.”
Antonio Galloni 97 points “The 2016 Syrah IX Estate is dense, super-powerful and concentrated. In 2016, the Syrah is first and foremost a wine of IX Estate. Dark and brooding in the glass, with tremendous fruit intensity, the 2016 is superb. Varietal aromatics carry through to the energetic, vivid finish.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $350

Levy & McClellan Red, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2006 1.5L ($899.95) $699 special, 1 magnum in stock now
Robert Parker 95 points
“The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon displays beautifully sweet blue and black fruits intermixed with espresso roast, smoked meats, chocolate, and scorched earth. Dense purple in color, deep, rich, broad, with plenty of tannin and concentration as well as noticeable oak, this wine is a massive Cabernet meant for long-term cellaring. I wouldn’t touch a bottle for 6 to 8 years, then watch it unfold over the following 25-30.”
Stephen Tanzer 94 points “(includes bits of cabernet franc and petit verdot) Deep red-ruby. Complex, inviting aromas of cassis, graphite, menthol and sexy new oak. Very ripe but bright and classic, with terrific lift to the cassis, mineral and dark chocolate flavors. This boasts remarkably deep fruit for seven-year-old vines and finishes with very sweet, suave tannins and superb length. Husband-and-wife team Bob Levy and Martha McClellan, who are also responsible for making Harlan, Bond, Blankiet and Sloan, consider their 2005 to be a bit more layered and complex, but this one is also a star of its vintage.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

OWC available to any 2+ bottle buyer!    
Sloan Proprietary Red, Rutherford 2003 750ML ($299.95) $249 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Robert Parker 96+ points
“The 2003 was made by Martha McClellan and the viticulture looked over by David Abreu. The 2003 Sloan, if slightly less prodigious than the perfect 2002, remains a young wine. Notes of vanillin, espresso roast, blackberries, scorched earth, camphor and hints of charcoal and barbecue meat jump from the glass of this spicy, rich, provocative Cabernet Sauvignon. With a full-bodied mouthfeel, sweet tannin and adequate acidity, the blend includes 14% Cabernet Franc and 86% Cabernet Sauvignon from this extraordinary hillside vineyard above Auberge de Soleil in mid-Napa Valley. This wine is 2-5 years away from full maturity, and should last for another decade.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $289


Arriving Friday, August 28th:

Discounted price will not display online–we will adjust before finalizing your order
Hundred Acre ‘Wraith’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2013 750ML ($599.95) Displayed price $549, Subscriber price $519 pre-arrival special
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 100 points
“Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Wraith leaps from the glass with gregarious black and red cherries, mulberries, black currant cordial, red roses and lavender scents with layers of crushed rocks and earthy sparks. Faint earth and exotic spice nuances unfurl slowly, growing in intensity and depth. The palate is full-bodied and solidly structured with firm, very finely grained, super ripe tannins and bold freshness. Finishing exquisitely perfumed, jaw-droppingly layered and with bags of sophistication and poise, this wine totally resets the benchmark for 100 points.”

Discounted price will not display online–we will adjust before finalizing your order
Eisele Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley 2018 750ML ($119.95) Displayed price $99, Subscriber price $89
Case-3 Eisele Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley 2018 750ML ($349.95) Displayed price $285, Subscriber price $255 (that’s only $85/bottle!)
James Suckling 97 points
“Sliced apples and limes on the nose with grassy and chamomile notes. But then it turns to honeysuckle, chalk and minerals. Full-bodied with papaya, sliced-pear and green-pineapple flavors. Tight and fresh at the end. Crunchy acidity. Solid density. Energetic finish. Drink now or hold.”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 94+ points “Already bottled, the 2018 Sauvignon Blanc bursts from the glass with energetic notes of fresh grapefruit, lime leaves, green apples and orange blossoms with wafts of dill seed and white pepper. Medium-bodied, the palate is practically electric with vibrant citrus and apple flavors and a wonderfully spicy background, finishing fantastically long, minerally and refreshing.”

This is the lowest price in the USA today!

Cliff Lede Vineyards Poetry Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap District 2016 750ML ($299.95) $249 pre-arrival special
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 99+ points
“A blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, 6% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Poetry needs a little coaxing to begin to unfurl the tightly wound yet exciting scents of blackcurrant cordial, blackberry preserves, warm redcurrants and kirsch plus fragrant nuances of candied violets, underbrush, cigar boxes, menthol and star anise. Full-bodied and built like a brick house in the mouth, the palate features an almost impenetrable structure of super ripe tannins framing the taut, muscular fruit, finishing long. This beauty needs at least 5-6 years to begin to blossom, after which it may well warrant a perfect score.”
Jeb Dunnuck 99 points “Similarly colored, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Poetry comes from shallow, volcanic soils in the Stags Leap AVA and is a blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, 6% Merlot, and 2% Petit Verdot. It offers killer notes of crème de cassis, black raspberries, toasted spices, vanilla, and exotic flowers. These carry to a profound, incredibly intense, layered wine that has no hard edges, perfect balance, building tannins, and a great, great finish. This is another magical wine from this team that ranks with some of the finest wines ever made from this valley. As with most 2016s, it has some upfront charm and accessibility, yet will be at its best with 4-6 years of bottle age and will keep for 3-4 decades.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Trending

Boscarelli’s 2016 Vino Nobile, the product of that legendary vintage, is drinking beautifully today, even as it sheds its baby fat.  But the wine is also structured and complex, a sure sign that it will age beautifully.
Boscarelli Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG, Tuscany 2016 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
Case-12 Boscarelli Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG, Tuscany 2016 750ML ($519.95) $419 special (that’s only $34.92/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 94 points “Expressive and harmonious, this red exhibits cherry, blackberry, violet and mineral aromas and flavors. Pure and elegant, with an underlying tension and intensity that drives the lingering aftertaste of fruit, stone and earth, showing a hint of wild herbs. Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Mammolo and Colorino. Best from 2022 through 2038. 4,200 cases made, 800 cases imported.”
Decanter 94 points “Niccolò and Luca De Ferrari assemble their Riserva from the estate’s oldest vines, essentially 3 or 4 parcels that are more than 20 years old. For ageing, they have moved to slightly larger and used casks in order to preserve freshness and grace. The 2016 is indeed deftly proportioned and refined, though with a firm and muscular backbone. It opens with balsamic notes of cedar and rosemary on a backdrop of strawberry. Nuances of mint and leather chime in on the palate, which is layered with succulent fruit. Full, without being heavy, this will take time to reveal all of its charms.”
Wine Enthusiast 94 points “Editor’s Choice. Wild berry, blue flower, crushed herb, camphor and a whiff of tobacco mingle together on this vibrant red. Made with 85% Sangiovese as well as Canaiolo, Colorino and Mammolo, the radiant palate is loaded with finesse, delivering raspberry compote, Marasca cherry, licorice and Asian spice. Elegant, fine-grained tannins provide the framework while bright acidity keeps it balanced. Drink 2021–2031.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

This would be a great ringer in a Cote-Rotie tasting
Goodfellow Family Cellars Deux Vert Reserve Syrah, Willamette Valley 2015 750ML ($47.95) $31.90 special
John Gilman 91+ points
“Marcus Goodfellow’s 2015 Deux Vert Vineyard (Reserve) bottling of Syrah includes five percent viognier, which grows alongside these syrah vines, which were the first to be planted in the Willamette Valley in 1994. The 2015 version comes in at 13.8 percent octane and delivers a refined and red fruity bouquet of raspberries, pepper, woodsmoke, roasted meats, lovely soil tones, plenty of spice elements and a nice framing of cedary oak. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, tangy and rock solid at the core, with excellent transparency and grip, ripe tannins and a long, focused and nascently complex finish. This will be a lovely bottle in due course, but it needs some time in the cellar to allow its backend tannins to resolve a bit. Fine juice. 2030- 2055+. 91+.”
VinopolNote: The Reserve bottling spent longer in barrel (over 30 months) and was selected for structure, savoriness and power. Like most of Marcus’ wines, there’s a lot of whole-cluster fermentation in this bottling and it definitely reads as more “serious” as a result.  While the wine is rich and intense, don’t expect over-the-top fruit here. This reminds us of high quality Northern Rhone wines, with dark, fresh fruits and a distinct meaty, savory overtone.  One for the table with some air or for the cellar.

This is the only listing in the USA today!

A Washington Cab that needs no introduction
Leonetti Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley 2016 750ML ($129.95) $99 special
Jeb Dunnuck 98 points
“The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon checks in as a blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Petit Verdot, 3% Malbec, and 2% Merlot that spent 22 months in 75% new French oak. Its deep ruby/purple color is followed by a sensational, full-bodied, layered wine that’s overflowing with notions of crème de cassis, crushed rocks, smoked tobacco, and hints of camphor. Seamless, elegant, and layered, yet also powerful, it rates with the top wines of the vintage. Readers should snatch this beauty up.”
James Suckling 98 points “This regal wine really sets the tone for delivering poise, balance and elegance. Such distinctive cabernet redcurrants, cassis and red cherries, framed in cedary oak and tobacco. The palate is cast in noble tannins that deliver elegance and length. Deeply flavorful blackcurrants and dark cherries with chocolate that’s laced into the finish. A blend of 82% cabernet sauvignon, 13% petit verdot, 3% malbec and 2% merlot. Drink for the next decade and then some.”
Wine Advocate 95 points “A blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Petit Verdot, 3% Malbec and 2% Merlot, the 2016 Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon offers up a focus of fruit on the nose that is rarely seen in wine, along with a bold, plush, vibrant core of fruit that exudes power and a velvety roundness. Dark red, black and even hints of blue fruit are found in the mouth, with a rich and vibrant core that gives way to chewy tannins. With a bold spiciness and layers of oak, the bold, full-bodied wine lingers with intensity and a long, thought-provoking, complex finish that is focused and delivers pleasure as the wine puts a smile on my face. Only 2,900 cases were made, and they are worth every penny!”

Last call for this staff favorite, 2018 is a gorgeous blend of lush fruit and poise.
Cameron Winery Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2018 750ML ($29.95) $27 special
Case-12 Cameron Winery Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2018 750ML ($349.95) $315 special (that’s only $26.25/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Grapelive 93 points
“The beautiful and dark profiled Cameron Dundee Hills Pinot is one of the best values of the vintage with gorgeous detail and much less reductive notes than usually show in these young Cameron Pinots showing an array of expressive flavors and floral aromas. The 2018 Cameron Dundee Hills Pinot, by the legendary John Paul, one of Oregon’s hall of fame winemakers is very Vosne-Romannee like and at 13.4% is wonderfully balance and full of energy with layers of black cherry, mulberry, currant, strawberry and plum fruits, crushed rose petals, orange tea, delicate earth and loaminess and red spices. With air this exceptional wine adds mineral, sweet herb and smoky wood notes with touches of vanilla and cedar adding just the right amount of luxurious accents here… Both Clos Electrique and Abbey Ridge use organic treatments and holistic farming methods and have a variety of clonal material with John Paul preferring old heritage clones which he painstakingly collected himself and the yields are limited to produce wines of depth and concentration.  John Paul’s Pinots are always made from non-irrigated vines and in this case was sourced from his own Abbey Ridge and Clos Electrique cru vineyards set of the classic Jory (red iron rich) volcanic soils which give this regions wines their unique personalities and distinction, which I find adds complex and exotic nuances nd makes Dundee special. This 2018 is fresh and has a deep garnet and ruby hue in the glass that beautifully captures the light and the texture is satiny and the length is very rewarding, making it an insanely good value and a wine that will excel with cuisine, especially with seared duck breast, pepper crusted ahi, blackened salmon and even smoked meats…”

The average price is $37

Utterly classic Chinon, with some bottle age
Olga Raffault Chinon Les Picasses, Loire 2008 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
Winery Library Release!
Jason Wilson-Vinous 92 points “Light ruby in color, bright and fresh, featuring aromas and flavors of tomatoes and cherries throughout. Balanced and cool, with a hint of dark minerality on the finish. Incredibly fresh and seamless. Has a long life ahead. Aged one year in foudre. Drink 2020 – 2030.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

New Wines from Terre Nere
 
More than any other winery, Terre Nere is responsible for the modern interest in wines from Etna.  With vineyards in most of the historically important crus of the slopes of Etna and very old vines, Terre Nere was the first to bottle single-parcel wines from the indigenous variety Nerello and brought international focus and admiration to this once-overlooked region. The high altitude and dark volcanic soils help yield distinctive wines from the indigenous grape varieties and the winery hews to a very traditional model inspired by Burgundy. We have their entry level red, white and rosato arriving in a few weeks and these stellar values should go quickly. 


Arriving ETA September 4th:

Tenuta delle Terre Nere Bianco Etna 2019 750ML ($29.95) $24 pre-arrival special
Winery note
“I first made this wine in 2005. I wanted to remove that more or less 5% of white grapes that the local vignerons used to mingle with their red ones, in order to make my Etna Rosso from red grapes alone. The white grapes were a mumbo-jumbo of local varieties: Carricante, Catarratto, Grecanico, Inzolia and Minnella. So that’s what my Etna Bianco was: a field blend of all the above, with Carricante dominating the blend with roughly 65%. And that’s what it still is. All from old vines. And, somehow, it works. A perfectly lovely wine. With the effortless uplift of a dancer, it allows me to let it go freely through life, malo included, without it ever losing its bright demeanor and lively step. Deviously drinkable, still it always clings, leaving one wondering how it delights and where do the goodies come from. In aging, the noblesse of the Etna and its remarkable terroir emerge. And the loveliness turns thoughtful and deepens, still graceful, never redundant. Fish, meat or fowl, all are fine, if very gently cooked. It loves seafood, particularly over pasta: after all, it is Sicilian.”

Tenuta delle Terre Nere Rosato Etna 2019 750ML ($29.95) $24 pre-arrival special
Eric Guido-Vinous 90 points
“The 2019 Terre Nere Etna Rosato is actually quite savory, and especially alluring in the glass, pulling me closer with notes of raw almond, dusty dried flowers, smoky tangerine and marine-inspired minerals. It’s silky with fleshy ripe melon and white orchard fruits, but also a salty character that mixes with its vibrant acids to create tension and poise, resonating on residual acids and inner florals.”
James Suckling 90 points “Medium-bodied with lots of cherry and citrus character, light tannins and a fruity finish. Fun and structured. Drink now.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!

Tenuta delle Terre Nere Rosso Etna 2019 750ML ($29.95) $21.90 pre-arrival special
Winery note
“Made from very fine Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio from low yielding vineyards (35 Hl. Per hectar), both young and old. The grapes are macerated until the end of fermentation. The wine then continues its life in wood until bottled roughly one year after harvest. Even young it is a distinguished wine. Fresh, fragrant, beautifully slender and with a fine grip, it has a natural polish, a stage presence, as it were. And, in aging, as its weave gathers into rich complexity, it is a wine for gentlemen. It is an aristocratically liberal wine: enjoy it with whatever food you wish, as long as its properly cooked.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Looking for the single-vineyard Terre Nere wines?
We have a number, all in-stock now:


Tenuta delle Terre Nere Calderara Sottana Etna 2018 750ML ($59.95) $45 special, 7 bottles in stock now
No reviews yet for the 2018 vintage. The following review is for the 2017 vintage:
Ian D’Agata-Vinous 94 points
“Vibrant deep yellow. Deep, round and complex, this enters sweet then turns mineral and steely, with refined lemony, apple and chamomile flavors. Finishes long, very austere and stony, but manages the neat trick of tasting luscious and ripe at the same time. Deeper and more complex than the other 2017 whites I tasted from Terre Nere this year. This 100% Carricante, mostly from 60 years old vines, may well be the best white wine from owner Marc de Grazia’s Terre Nere estate I have ever tried at a similar stage of development.”

Tenuta delle Terre Nere Santo Spirito Bianco 2018 750ML ($59.95) $45 special, 5 bottles in stock now
No reviews yet for the 2018 vintage. The following review is for the 2017 vintage:
Ian D’Agata-Vinous 93 points
“Luminous golden-tinged straw yellow. Minerals and a hint of white flowers on the saline accented nose. Rich round and smooth, with very deep, complex flavors of honey and pomaceous orchard fruit. Finishes long and vibrant, this is absolutely a knockout. 100% Carricante, the vines of which range from 7 to 60 years of age (but De Grazia uses the youngest vines for the entry-level Etna Bianco blend).”

Tenuta delle Terre Nere ‘Feudo di Mezzo’ Etna Rosso 2017 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 91 points
“Ripe black raspberry and blackberry fruit is accented by wild sage and mandarin orange peel hints in this minerally, medium-bodied red. Plush tannins emerge and become firmer on the finish. Drink now through 2025. 600 cases made, 400 cases imported.”
Ian D’Agata-Vinous 90+ points “Deep red. Ripe red cherry and raspberry aromas are complicated by musk and earth tones. Then rich, ripe and increasingly tannic in the mouth, with a mouthcoating quality on the long but slightly drying finish. Showcases the rich, forward personality of Quadro delle Rose wines in most vintages, but this seems to have slightly tougher tannins than most I remember at a similar stage of development. Closes long and clean. Try cellaring this to allow the tannins to smoothen a bit.”

Tenuta delle Terre Nere Guardiola Rosso Etna 2017 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 7 bottles in stock now
Ian D’Agata-Vinous 93+ points
“Luminous crimson color. Offers minty red fruit and minerals on the captivating nose. Full, dense and rich, with multilayered flavors of red cherry, minerals, exotic spices and aromatic herbs. Finishes long with building mouthcoating tannins and with some alcohol-derived heat. The nose takes longer to open up than in the other 2017 Terre Nere wines, so decant an hour ahead (at least) prior to serving. Better still, cellar it for another five to six years for maximum enjoyment.”
Wine Spectator 91 points “Dense and chewy tannins are swathed in a finely meshed range of black cherry, baked fig, loamy earth and rose hip notes in this expressive, medium- to full-bodied red. A lovely skein of warm spice unravels on the lingering finish. Best from 2021 through 2029. 400 cases made, 250 cases imported.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!

Tenuta delle Terre Nere ‘Moganazzi’ Etna Rosso 2017 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 17 bottles in stock now
Ian D’Agata-Vinous 92+ points
“Bright red-ruby. Clean, very mineral and floral, with juicy red/black cherry aromas and flavors. A refined, mineral wine that is very well balanced and precise. This clocks in at 14.5% alcohol, but doesn’t taste warm at all. In fact, I like this wine’s austere, mineral-tinged, long finish. Will likely improve in the bottle.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!

Tenuta delle Terre Nere Prephylloxera Etna Rosso 2017 750ML ($119.95) $99 special, 8 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 95 points
“A graceful, medium-bodied version, with silky tannins and a pleasing juiciness to the array of plumped cherry, stemmy herb and tangy mineral flavors, accented by fragrant graphite, sandalwood and ground pink pepper notes. Finely knit and focused, with the tannins firming up on the long, spicy finish. Drink now through 2032. 400 cases made, 300 cases imported.”
Ian D’Agata-Vinous 93+ points “Bright red. Pungent flinty and floral nuances to the red cherry and raspberry jam aromas on the inviting nose. Enters rich, dense and almost sweet, with very precise sweet spice and red fruit flavors lingering nicely. An underlying green note remains in the background and adds complexity. Finishes with noteworthy but balanced tannic bite and plenty of freshness on the long juicy finish. A very complex wine with a beautiful nose; the tannins though are on the tough side as in many of these Terre Nere 2017 reds. A very good wine of noteworthy promise, my suggestion is to cellar this for another 4-6 years for full enjoyment.”
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Domaine du Vissoux

The Forefront of Beaujolais


Gamay’s explosion in popularity over the past decade has resulted in an excess of fantastic options from Beaujolais and beyond.  However there is probably no producer anywhere in the world, let alone Gamay’s spiritual home, offering better value than Domaine Vissoux.  The estate has been one of the region’s visionary producers ever since Pierre Chermette took over for his parents in 1982.  During his nearly four decades at the helm, Vissoux has remained at the forefront of Beaujolais’ quality movement.

Neither modern, nor traditional, Vissoux’s wines defy simple categorization.  Like many of their neighbors, they focus on sustainable viticulture, but are less sanctimonious than some of their more famous peers.  And perhaps because they don’t fit easily into a stylistic category, they continue to fly under the radar in a region where a compelling ethos often times trumps quality.  So if it’s deliciousness you’re after, without the side of self-righteousness, these are the Beaujolais wines for you.  See for yourself why they’re our best-selling Beaujolais estate each year.

In stock now, Vissoux’s beautiful 2018s, the perfect reds for late summer—and priced to move.


In Stock Now:

Pierre-Marie Chermette Domaine du Vissoux Coeur de Vendanges, Beaujolais 2018 750ML ($29.95) $24 special
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 92 points
“As I’ve written before, this bottling represents one of the great values in French wine, and the 2018 Beaujolais-Villages Coeur de Vendanges will not disappoint long-time fans of the cuvée. Wafting from the glass with a rich bouquet of dark berry fruit, rose petals and licorice, it’s full-bodied, fleshy and enveloping, its powdery tannins concealed in a lavish core of succulent, lively fruit. A wine to purchase by the case, expect it to offer irresistible drinking for the better part of a decade.”

Pierre-Marie Chermette Domaine du Vissoux Brouilly Pierreux, Beaujolais 2018 750ML ($34.95) $28 special
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 91 points
“Aromas of raspberries, plums and orange rind preface the 2018 Brouilly Pierreux, a medium to full-bodied, fleshy wine with a satiny attack that segues into a fine-boned, elegantly structured mid-palate, with lively acids and a fragrant, expansive finish. This cuvée, which sees six months’ élevage in old foudres, has turned out very well.”

Pierre-Marie Chermette Domaine du Vissoux Fleurie les Garants, Beaujolais 2018 750ML ($39.95) $31.90 special
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 93 points
“Chermette’s 2018 Fleurie Les Garants delivers a striking bouquet of raspberries, peonies, warm spices and candied peel, followed by a medium to full-bodied, satiny but incisive palate that remains lively and tensile, despite its abundant endowment of ripe, succulent fruit. Elegant and precise, this is one of the high points of the portfolio.”

Pierre-Marie Chermette Domaine du Vissoux Fleurie Poncie, Beaujolais 2018 750ML ($39.95) $31.90 special
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 94 points
“Unwinding in the glass with aromas of rose petals, sweet red cherries, dried flowers and ripe strawberries, the 2018 Fleurie Poncié is medium to full-bodied, lively and enveloping, with a charming, fruit-driven profile this year that tends to obscure its elegantly fine-boned tannic chassis. But don’t be fooled, this is reliably one of Chermette’s finest cuvées, and the 2018 rendition should evolve gracefully for 15 years or more.”

Pierre-Marie Chermette Domaine du Vissoux Moulin-a-Vent Les Trois Roches, Beaujolais 2018 750ML ($39.95) $33 special
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 94 points
“The 2018 Moulin-à-Vent Les Trois Roches is also showing very well, exhibiting an inviting bouquet of black raspberries, spices, candied peel and peonies. On the palate, it’s full-bodied, satiny and enveloping, with a deep and concentrated core of fleshy fruit that largely conceals the wines tannins. This is another terrific effort from Chermette in this gourmand, attractively immediate vintage.”

Pierre-Marie Chermette Domaine du Vissoux Saint Amour Les Champs-Grilles, Beaujolais 2018 750ML ($34.95) $28 special
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 92+ points
“The 2018 Saint-Amour Les Champs-Grillés is a serious wine, “not just for Valentine’s Day,” as Jean-Étienne Chermette observes. Revealing attractive notes of raspberries, rose petals and cherries, it’s medium to full-bodied, layered and spicy, with a muscular chassis of fine, powdery tannins. As usual, it’s a cuvée that stands to gain from a couple of years in the cellar.”


Love Beaujolais?

Shop our entire selection of 32 wines from Beaujolais on the webstore now!
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Thanks for reading!