Monday Newsletter 1-4-2021

In This Newsletter:

A Newly Arrived Trio of Well-Priced Champagne Producers:
José  Michel, Thierry Triolet & R. Dumont


New Reviews for Arterberry Maresh & more
From Erin Brooks of the Wine Advocate


New Arrival Featurette:
R. Pouillon’s Hyper-Articulate Champagne


New Arrival Featurette:
Giovanni Rosso 2016s


New Grapelive Review



New Arrival Special Feature:

A Trio of Well-Priced Champagne Producers
 
The key aspects linking these fine growers together? These are not only great values across the board they’re also some of the most food-friendly Champagnes we carry. 

Champagne José Michel

Importer note “José Michel made his first vintage in 1955 and thanks in part to his cellar of very old bottles of Pinot Meunier, he has developed a cult following for his Champagnes. This ‘Maison de Tradition’ began in 1847 and five generations later, José and Nicole carry forward a wonderfully artisanal sensibility to their craft. They are a founding member of the group, ‘Tresors de Champagne’ known as the ‘Special Club’. José Michel is located in Moussy, a small village just south of Epernay. The 11 hectares of vineyards are spread throughout a number of villages, mostly along the Cotes D’Epernay. The vineyard sights with a richer clay soil are planted to Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. The lower slopes which have a calcareous soil are planted to Chardonnay. José Michel was the first in his family to plant Chardonnay which he did beginning in 1958. Fermentations are carried out in old oak casks or enameled steel vats and the wines go through a malolactic fermentation. José Michel is certified ‘Level 3’ the top level of certification in Haute Valeur Environmentale.”

“The two great exceptions that prove the rule about the maturing potential of Pinot Meunier are Krug and José Michel.” – Richard Juhlin, 2000 Champagnes

José Michel & Fils Tradition Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($44.95) $36 special
José Michel & Fils Tradition Brut, Champagne NV 375ML ($27.95) $19.90 special
Importer note
“The non-vintage Brut is a blend in which the 70% Pinot Meunier forms the base and 30% Chardonnay adds complexity and finesse. In addition to the base vintage (typically 2 years old), the NV Brut benefits from being blended with reserve wines that are often 4 or 5 years old. The champagne is typically 2+ years “sur lattes” and carries a dosage of 9 grams.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $41 for the 750ml

A staff favorite from a superb vintage
Jose Michel & Fils Clos Saint Jean Blanc de Blancs Brut, Champagne 2012 750ML ($69.95) $59 special
Importer note
“The Blanc de Blancs is produced in the best vintages. It is made from Chardonnay grown in several of Michel’s best plots that are in and around Moussy. The wine is fermented in stainless steel with an extended period “sur lie”. After the secondary fermentation it rests “sur lattes” for 5 years allowing the Chardonnay qualities to broaden and mature. Dosage is 9 grams. It is a wine of impeccable character, showing both nobility and restraint. It is worthy of cellaring for at least a year after disgorgement.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

José Michel & Fils Special Club Brut, Champagne 2013 750ML ($79.95) $69 special
Importer note
“The Club de Viticulteurs is a group of independent Champagne producers who have come together in order to promote the high quality of their work. The José Michel Special Club was chosen by this group as an ambassador of quality and given the right to use the Special Club label and antique bottle. The Special Club is a blend of 40% Pinot Meunier and 60% Chardonnay. The vines are all at least 35+ years old. The champagne is disgorged according to demand and currently has six years on the lees “sur lattes” with dosage carrying just 6.5 grams.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

Champagne Thierry Triolet

Importer note “The Champagne house of Thierry Triolet is located in the village of Bethon. The vineyards in Bethon are part of the Côtes de Sezanne region of Champagne which begins about 20 miles southwest of Epernay and extends southward from the town of Sezanne. Geologically, this narrow band of hills is a continuation of the more massive Côtes des Blancs. Traditionally,the Sezanne vineyards have been a source of excellent Chardonnay grapes for the large negociant Champagne houses to the north.”

Thierry Triolet Cuvee Grande Reserve Blanc de Blancs, Champagne NV 750ML ($44.95) $34.50 special
Importer note
“The Grande Reserve is made from 95% Chardonnay and 5% of an equal blend of Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. It is is a blend of vintages which includes a large proportion of reserve wines. The champagne stays an average of 3 years “sur lie” before disgorgement. Dosage is 10 grams.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $41

Thierry Triolet Vieilles Vignes Blanc de Blancs, Champagne 2014 750ML ($49.95) $41.90 special
Importer note
“The Vieilles Vignes is a vintage Champagne produced only in the best years. It is made entirely from Chardonnay and is harvested from one parcel with vines that are at least 40 years old. Dosage is 9 grams. This cuvée evolves beautifully over time.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $46

Thierry Triolet Brut Rose, Champagne NV 750ML ($44.95) $36 special
Importer note
“The Rosé Champagne combines a base of Chardonnay with 35% red wine. The red wine is a blend of Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. In very ripe vintages, M. Triolet will keep a vat of “Pinot” and allows it to mature in the cellar. The red wine is blended with Chardonnay and the “assemblage” undergoes the second fermentation followed by an extended period “sur lattes”. It is bottled with the “liqueur de triage”, a blend of sugar and yeasts (11 grams sugar), to produce a charming Rosé Champagne.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $41

Champagne R. Dumont & Fils

Importer note “The Champagne house of the Dumont family is situated in Champignol-lez-Mondeville, a village in the southern Champagne region of the Aube, some 90 miles southeast of Reims and Epernay. Characterized by forested hills, streams and vineyards, it is a natural and reflective environment that has attracted people such as Saint Bernard (Clairvaux) and Renoir (Essoyes). The Dumonts have owned vineyards in this area for over two hundred years and today three Dumont brothers work together to produce champagne exclusively from their own 22 hectares. The soils are a geological extension of those in Chablis, namely kimmeridgian chalky clay. The vineyard is planted with 90% Pinot Noir and 10% Chardonnay. Bernard Dumont’s comments are insightful. ‘We grow grapes on the same soils as the vine growers in the Chablis region. There, they produce white wine from white grapes and here we produce white wine from red grapes.'”

R. Dumont & Fils Tradition Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($39.95) $33 re-arrival special, re-arriving January 8th
R. Dumont & Fils Tradition Brut, Champagne NV 375ML ($27.95) $20.90 special
Importer note
“The Dumont Brut NV is a blend of 90% Pinot Noir and 10% Chardonnay. The grapes from their vineyard have qualities that seem less aggressive and more sumptuous than those from the northern districts. In addition, vinification of whole berries at low temperatures enhances this quality of soft elegance. The NV is a blend of vintages typically between two and five years old. It is aged for two years on the lees before disgorgement. Dosage is 9 grams.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $41

R. Dumont & Fils Cuvee Rose Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
Importer note
“The Dumont Brut Rosé is made exclusively from Pinot Noir. A selection is made in the vineyard from parcels that are particularly ripe and from bunches with deeply colored skins. Fermentation proceeds as with red wines but the wine is drawn off the skins after a day or so with the Dumonts looking carefully at the balance of extraction, color and tannin. This method, known as “saignée”, is a tricky art but one that can produce the most natural and delicately complex style of Rosé champagne. The Brut Rosé NV is aged for two years on the lees before disgorgement and dosage is 10 grams.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $41

R. Dumont & Fils Solera Reserve Blanc de Blancs, Champagne NV 750ML ($54.95) $44.50 special
Importer note
“Dumont is one of the very few Champagne producers who produces a champagne using the solera method. Bernard Dumont has dedicated one stainless steel tank to the project which was first filled in 1991. He works exclusively with chardonnay for this cuvée and has been adding to the tank every year, making it at present, a blend of approximately 20 vintages. This solera system produced its first release in 2010. One of the most striking features of this champagne is the different effect created by producing a champagne from aged wine (the aging occurs after the first fermentation) followed by the typical duration of two years “sur lattes” as contrasted with a champagne produced from relatively young wines which are aged for a long time after the secondary fermentation and thus remain in contact with the lees “sur lattes” for an extended period. The dosage is 6 grams. Production is about 400 cases annually.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $49.45

R. Dumont & Fils Douce Cuvee Demi-Sec, Champagne NV 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
Importer note
“The Douce Cuvée is a true Demi-Sec. It is produced from carefully chosen reserve wines which incorporate at least three vintages. The blend which is 90% Pinot Noir and 10% Chardonnay is matured “sur lattes” for six years before being disgorged. The liqueur used for the dosage, “liqueur d’expédition” is taken from a special glass container of aged wine which has been blended with beet sugar, a local product of the champagne region. The maturing of the liqueur integrates the sweetness into the wine and adds to the balance and harmony of the Douce Cuvée. It is finished at 35 grams of sugar, the minimum for a demi-sec.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $44

Love affordable Champagne?

Browse the selections from André  Clouet


The Vinopolis staff’s “house” Champagne
André Clouet Grande Réserve Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
André Clouet Grande Réserve Brut, Champagne NV 1.5L ($99.95) $79 special, 14 magnums in stock now
André Clouet Grande Réserve Brut, Champagne NV 3L ($319.95) $279 special, 11 double-magnums in stock now
André Clouet Grande Réserve Brut, Champagne NV 6L ($599.95) $519 special, In-Store Pick-Up Only
Case-6 André Clouet Grande Réserve Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($249.95) $189 special (that’s only $31.50/bottle!)
Case-12 André Clouet Grande Réserve Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($479.95) $359 special (that’s only $29.92/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 90 points
“The latest release of André Clouet’s NV Brut Grand Réserve Grand Cru is showing well, exhibiting a nicely integrated bouquet of red apple, ripe citrus fruit, honeycomb and blanched almonds, followed by a medium to full-bodied, enveloping palate with a fine mousse, ripe but racy acids and an elegant, understated profile, concluding with a well-defined finish. This is a stylish, harmonious wine that makes for a fine introduction to the Clouet portfolio.” [Reviewed April 2019]
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
The average price nationally is $44

A non-dosé version of the Vinopolis best-seller
André Clouet Silver Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature, Champagne NV 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
André Clouet Silver Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature, Champagne NV 1.5L ($119.95) $89 special, 23 magnums in stock now
André Clouet Silver Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature, Champagne NV 3L ($349.95) $279 special, 10 double-magnums in stock now
Case-6 André Clouet Silver Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature, Champagne NV 750ML ($249.95) $189 special (that’s only $31.50/bottle!)
Case-12 André Clouet Silver Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature, Champagne NV 750ML ($479.95) $359 special (that’s only $29.92/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Grapelive 92 points
“The beautiful “Silver” André Clouet 100% Pinot Noir non-vintage Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs is one of the best values in Champagne and this recent disgorgement is stunning and luxurious bubbly to enjoy almost guilt free. The Silver is a no dosage Brut Nature, meaning it is exceptional dry and vibrant in style, in a more grower-producer style, but still with regal richness and complexity with plenty of leesy brioche notes and a dense mouth feel showing lemon curd, quince, apple, wet stones, clove spice and hazelnut. With base of 2013 and a blend of réserve wines, this 100% Pinot Noir comes from all estate grown fruit from the mid slopes in the A Bouzy area, famous for Pinot Noir, on chalky limestone and clay soils that highlight the Silver’s mineral notes and ripe flavors. The André Clouet Champagnes are some of my favorite go to bubbly for any occasion, especially their zero dosage Brut offerings that have an additional zesty quality, like this one. The flexible personality, mature profile and charm here makes this Champagne an easy winner for sparkling wine enthusiasts and is also a crowd pleasing bottle for anyone and everyone, from novice to expert and has the substance and crisp detail to go with an array of dishes and flavors… Clouet uses traditional methods from start to finish with this Brut Nature Champagne seeing fermentation and aging in neutral French oak barrels, [and undergoing] full malolactic conversion, which definitely gives this wine added richness and depth. The André Clouet Champagne house is run by Jean-François Clouet, who was born and raised in Bouzy and still lives in the 18th century village house built by his ancestors. [He] strives to continue the regions tradition, but still is driven to elevate the quality levels here. Clouet farms some incredible Grand Cru plots around his home village of Bouzy as well as in the famous and very coveted middle slopes of Ambonnay with many vines in the best lieux-dits in the Champagne region. While great for celebrating events and special occasions, this André Clouet Silver Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature, with its beautiful and vivid mouse, goes sublimely well with food and makes for a noble companion with any meal. I am always impressed by Clouet’s lineup of Champagne(s), but especially so this stylish zero dosage Blanc de Noirs, which I highly recommend!”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
The average price nationally is $45

André Clouet Grand Cru Brut Rose, Champagne NV 750ML ($54.95) $45 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 André Clouet Grand Cru Brut Rose, Champagne NV 750ML ($319.95) $249 special (that’s only $41.50/bottle!)
Case-12 André Clouet Grand Cru Brut Rose, Champagne NV 750ML ($599.95) $469 special (that’s only $39.08/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
André Clouet Grand Cru Brut Rose, Champagne NV 1.5L ($119.95) $99 pre-arrival special
André Clouet Grand Cru Brut Rose, Champagne NV 3L ($379.95) $319 special, 6 double-magnums in stock now
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 90 points
“The latest release of Clouet’s deeply colored NV Brut Rosé No 3 Grand Cru is showing well, opening in the glass with notes of blood orange, red berries, ripe apples and oatmeal. On the palate, it’s full-bodied, broad and vinous, with ripe acids, a frothy mousse and a moderately intense finish. This is an attractive, gastronomic rosé that hails exclusively from Bouzy.” [Review from prior disgorgement]



New Reviews for Arterberry Maresh & more

From Erin Brooks of the Wine Advocate


Bergstrom ‘Old Stones’ Chardonnay, Willamette Valley 2018 750ML ($44.95) $36 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 92 points
“The 2018 Chardonnay Old Stones has soft notes of quince, almonds, saline and white flowers. The palate is rounded and seamlessly fresh with delicately styled fruits and a long, layered finish.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $39

Flâneur Wines Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2018 750ML ($31.95) $24.40 special, 7 bottles in stock now
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 91 points
“The 2018 Pinot Noir is voluptuous and inviting, with intense aromas of cranberry sauce and dark cherries laced with floral perfume. The medium-bodied palate is fresh, supple and full of gregarious, earth-laced fruits that linger on the finish.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

The 3L & 5L cannot be listed online. To order, reply to this email, call, or stop in!
Beaux Frères ‘The Beaux Frères Vineyard’ Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2018 750ML ($109.95) $85 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Beaux Frères ‘The Beaux Frères Vineyard’ Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2018 1.5L ($199.95) $179 special, 6 magnums in stock now
Beaux Frères ‘The Beaux Frères Vineyard’ Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2018 3L ($399.95)
$379 special, 2 double-magnums available
Beaux Frères ‘The Beaux Frères Vineyard’ Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2018 5L ($699.95)
$619 special, 1 five-liter bottle available ***Shipping not available on the 5L***
#9 in Wine Spectator’s Top 100 2020
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 94+ points
“The medium ruby-purple colored 2018 Pinot Noir The Beaux Frères Vineyard opens to lush rhubarb, cranberries and loamy earth with layers of blood orange, tea leaves, charcuterie and flowers. The medium-bodied palate offers broody, concentrated fruits with fine earth and spice accents, with a seamless, silky frame and lifted finish.”

Arterberry Maresh Chardonnay, Dundee Hills 2018 750ML ($29.95) $19 special
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 93 points
“The 2018 Dundee Hills Chardonnay is wonderfully inviting and hedonistic! It has a perfume of spiced apples and quince, hazelnuts and beeswax, with wafts of floral perfume. The palate is broad, creamy and loaded with honeyed fruits, with juicy freshness to help carry the long, powerfully fruited finish.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $20.99

Newly Reviewed & Arriving Friday:

Arterberry Maresh Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2018 750ML ($29.95) $26 pre-arrival special
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 93 points
“Pale ruby-purple, the 2018 Pinot Noir Dundee Hills takes its time to open, unfolding slowly to cherries, boysenberries, floral perfume and earthy nuances. The palate is elegant with pure fruit character framed by dusty tannins and rounded acidity, finishing long and nuanced. How pretty!”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $31

Arterberry Maresh Pinot Noir Maresh Vineyard, Dundee Hills 2018 750ML ($69.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 95+ points
“The 2018 Pinot Noir Maresh Vineyard is an incredible wine. It opens slowly to an arresting perfume of dusty earth, dried rose petals, tea leaves, licorice and amaro with a wealth of bright red berry fruit at the core. The palate is elegant, supple and juicy, with an expansive fan of layered, spicy flavors and a very long finish. It’s hard to resist now, but it will have more to offer with time in bottle.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $64.99

Arterberry Maresh Chardonnay Maresh Vineyard, Dundee Hills 2018 750ML ($79.95) $69 pre-arrival special
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 96 points
“The 2018 Chardonnay Maresh Vineyard manages power and elegance, with gunflint notes that flush out to pure roasted almonds, saline, white flowers and apple fruit on the nose. The palate offers intense, savory flavor layers in an elegant, satin-like frame, with dynamic acidity and a long, ethereal finish. This has the flesh and structure to age very well in bottle.”

Don’t miss the newly reviewed wines from Marcus Goodfellow!

Here’s some highlights arriving Thursday:


Goodfellow Family Cellars Durant Vineyard Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2018 750ML ($44.95) $36 pre-arrival special
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 95 points
“Pale ruby, the 2018 Pinot Noir Durant Vineyard is extraordinarily perfumed this vintage, with scents of rose petals, Earl Grey tea, lavender and loads of intense black fruits. The palate is arresting, seamless and silky and loaded with perfumed flavors that call you back again and again to the glass. It’s one of the loveliest Pinot Noirs I’ve tasted this vintage from the Willamette Valley.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Goodfellow Family Cellars Heritage #14 Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2018 750ML ($69.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 97 points
“Medium ruby in color, the 2018 Pinot Noir Heritage No. 14 Lewman Vineyard echoes the singular perfume of the Old Vine Pommard cuvée from the same vineyard: fir leaves and chocolate, licorice and earth, with intense, savory blackberry fruits that unfold slowly on the nose. The palate is medium-bodied and surprisingly intense, flooding the mouth with detailed fruits and loads of spices, with seamless freshness and a serious, grainy frame that indicates this will age very well in the cellar. Outstanding!”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Goodfellow Family Cellars Lewman Vyd Old Vine Pommard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2018 750ML ($59.95) $46 pre-arrival special
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 96 points
“The 2018 Pinot Noir Old Vine Pommard Lewman Vineyard is an incredibly singular wine! Medium ruby in color, it has an arresting perfume of prosciutto and mint leaves, milk chocolate and dusty earth, with a wealth of dark berry fruit at the core. The medium-bodied palate manages delicacy and intensity with its bright, spicy flavors, and it’s expertly framed to have a long life in the cellar. Wow!”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Goodfellow Family Cellars Heritage #11 Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2018 750ML ($69.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 95 points
“The 2018 Pinot Noir Heritage No. 11 Durant has a haunting beauty, calling you back to the glass again and again. It has lovely scents of red and black berries laced with floral perfume plus accents of tea leaves, aniseed and tobacco. The medium-bodied palate is grainy and very fresh with loads of spices and a very long, detailed finish.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!






New Arrival Featurette:

R. Pouillon’s Hyper-Articulate Champagne


Francois Pouillon is both an innovator and a traditionalist, looking to ancient traditions in Champagne as a way to drive forward the quality of his wines. With an assortment of top-class vineyards in Äy, the Vallée de la Marne, and the Montagne de Reims, which he farms organically (with some biodynamics thrown in) he looks to make pure, crystalline champagnes.

Like most of the very best growers, he’s begun bottling a number of single-vineyard wines, but that doesn’t tell the story of his dedication. He still uses a wooden basket press, which is an extremely gentle (and very low yielding) way to press wines, and he makes sure that all the vineyards’ lots are kept separately until the very last minute. The resulting wines are beautifully complex and detailed, with a vitality that’s really special.

Lovers and explorers of Champagne should take note and act quickly, because there isn’t a lot of each bottling to go around.

Just Arrived, In Stock Now:

R. Pouillon & Fils Cuvee de Reserve Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($59.95) $51.90 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Importer Note
“Each year this is a blend of crus from all of Pouillon’s holdings and is composed of roughly 65% pinot noir, 20% pinot meunier, and 15% chardonnay. This cuvée has evolved over time and improved in quality to better reflect the evolution of the domaine at large. Today the “Réserve” Brut is fermented with native yeasts predominantly in neutral barrique, with 20% fermented in enameled tank. Elevage continues a minimum of 6-8 months before the wine is is blended with the previous vintage and the “perpetual cuvée” to be refermented in bottle. “
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

R. Pouillon & Fils ‘Les Terres Froides’ Premier Cru Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($79.95) $66 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Importer note
“The name of this cuvée is short for “les Valnons Froid Cul”—a famous and seemingly cold hill in Aÿ. This wine embodies a very unique and rare experience: tasting true blanc de blancs from one of the best situated slopes in Aÿ, a grand cru famous for rich, articulate pinot noir. This wine delivers clear mineral verve with distinctive richness and intense texture.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $74.99

Also In Stock Now

R. Pouillon & Fils ‘Les Chataigniers’ Extra Brut, Champagne 2014 750ML ($119.95) $84 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Importer Note
“Les Châtaigniers is a vineyard parcel located in the village of Festigny on the left bank of the Marne valley. Here the concentration of clay in the soil makes this terroir an ideal expression for pinot meunier. François farms meunier vines of 10 and 25 years old with the same organic rigor he applies elsewhere.”
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!

R. Pouillon & Fils Solera Premier Cru Extra Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($89.95) $69 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Importer Note
“The idea of this cuvée is to erase the influence of vintage and focus solely on terroir. It is 50% each chardonnay and pinot noir and all from Mareuil-sur-Aÿ. Every year, 30% is racked off for secondary fermentation and replaced with 30% new wine. Up until the 2010 vintage was added, the entire Solera was aged in steel; it is now aged in oak uprights and undergoes full malolactic.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $80






New Arrival Featurette:

Giovanni Rosso 2016s


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 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). 

Newly Arrived:

Giovanni Rosso Cerretta, Barolo DOCG 2016 750ML ($89.95) $89 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”

Giovanni Rosso La Serra, Barolo DOCG 2016 750ML ($89.95) $89 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) $59 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”

Bonus New Italian Offer!

New case offer
#36 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2020
Marchesi Frescobaldi Tenuta Perano Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany 2015 750ML ($29.95) $24 special
Case-12 Marchesi Frescobaldi Tenuta Perano Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany 2015 750ML ($299.95) $269 special (that’s only $22.42/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 92 points
“The core black cherry and blackberry flavors are shaded by iron, petrol and tar elements, with wild Tuscan scrub accents. This is powerful and tannic, and needs some time to integrate. Best from 2021 through 2033. 2,000 cases imported. — BS”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $80







New Grapelive Review
 
Moussé Fils L’Or d’Eugene Perpetuelle Blanc de Noirs Brut, Champagne NV750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 22 bottles in stock now
Grapelive 94 points
“Happy New Year! The best way to finish off such a difficult and dark year is to celebrate life and small mercies, which I did with this gorgeous grower fizz by the sublimely talented Cedric Mousse, who’s Champagnes are under the radar masterpieces with incredible depth and terroir intensity, like his multi vintage L’Or d’Eugene Perpétuelle Blanc de Noirs. This deep Champagne Mousse Fils L’Or d’Eugene Perpétuelle Brut Blanc de Noirs… was crafted from a perpetual selection of reserve wine that started with 2003. That gives this bottling its fabulous range of flavors and complexity. It has a cepage of 80% Meunier and 20% Pinot Noir that gives a rich and structured palate… This bubbly performed with serious quality and character with rewarding layers of lemony citrus, apple and nectarine fruits along with hazelnut, clove, wet stones, leesy/yeasty brioche and an underlying mineral current in a dry and vivid Meunier driven medium bodied palate. With air and food the delicate aromatic detail comes alive, the refined mousse adding a sense of luxurious class with a compelling white flower element and the mouth feel takes this Champagne to the next level. The maturity that the reserve component brings adds to the thrill of this seductive and rewarding Blanc de Noirs that showcases Mousse’s skills in blending his cuvees, which all have their own personalities and are vibrantly soulful in the glass, these are some of the best Champagnes for the money you can find. Moussé, established as a Champagne house in 1923, uses all organic grapes [and] is based in the Vallée de la Marne area with its unique soils that include a mineral rich schist subsoil under the classic clay. Moussé relies on Meunier, a grape that is now very much in fashion. Even though Meunier (or Pinot Meunier if you like) has struggled until recently to be taken seriously in Champagne, at Moussé Pinot Meunier is celebrated. Cedric has 80% of his vines planted to Meunier with 16% Pinot Noir and just 4% of Chardonnay all of which are carefully farmed by hand using holistic viticulture methods that leads to a more expressive finished product here. Cedric, who’s modern cellars are powered by mainly solar panels, is trying to minimize the estate’s carbon footprint and make the production as environment friendly as possible and his wines are almost all exclusively stainless steel fermented and aged with extended lees contact for two years and see full malolactic conversion for opulence, while still being lively and laser focused. This limited offering, that saw 50% of latest vintage blended with 50% of the reserve selection with the original base, as noted, from 2003 to 2017 and is sourced from distinct parcels in Cuisles, Jonquery, Olizy and Châtillon-sur-Marne where Meunier really thrives.”
[Although blend is the same, the disgorgement date may vary from review] 

Also In Stock Now from Mousse et Fils
Mousse Fils Terre d’Illite Blanc de Noirs Brut, Champagne 2014 750ML ($79.95) $66 special, 5 bottles in stock now
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 93 points
“Disgorged in July 2019 with just two grams per liter dosage, the just-released 2014 Extra-Brut Blanc de Noirs Terre d’Illite is showing beautifully, mingling aromas of yellow orchard fruit and clear honey with hints of beeswax, cherries and mirabelle plums. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and enveloping, it’s textural and elegantly muscular, built around ripe but racy acids and complemented by a pinpoint mousse.” [Disgorgement date may vary]

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!


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