New Arrivals, Screaming Eagle, Graillot & more! 6-16-25

In This Newsletter:

Jump Start Sale: Screaming Eagle
New Week – New Arrivals
On-The-Way-Wines from Graillot, Joly & Nozay!



New Week – New Arrivals
 

Oregon

The Eyrie Vineyards ‘Spark’ Sparkling Rose, Willamette Valley NV 750ml $19 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 90 points “The NV Spark is a blend of 55% Pinot Noir, 37% Chasselas Doré and 8% Pinot Blanc, from 31-year-old vines. It is an “ultra brut,” although this particular bottling is made using forced carbonation instead of méthode Champenois. Medium to deep cherry-pink in color, it has aromas of cantaloupe, strawberries, raspberries and lemon peel with notes of stone and toast. The palate is dry with citrus and red berry flavors, spritely mousse and a refreshing, mineral-driven finish.”
 

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

 
The Eyrie Vineyards Trifolium Red, Dundee Hills 2020 750ml $20.90 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 95 points “This blend of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Trousseau is the poster child for balance. The show starts with blackberry and thyme aromas, along with notes of earth and citrus. The Trifolium’s zingy acidity and optimal tannic structure support flavors like black cherry, cocoa nibs and a nice pot roast. Best trio since Rush. “
 

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

 
Cristom Louise Vineyard Viognier, Eola-Amity Hills 2023 750ml $29 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Owen Bargreen 93 points “The 2023 ‘Louise Vineyard’ was sourced from this location set on basalt soils. Stored in all neural oak barrels, this delivers honeysuckle and juicy peach aromatics that combine with salty soils and shades of ginger on the nose. The palate is fresh and lithe with a smooth texture and good sense of length. Nervy and intense, enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next eight plus years.”
 
Cristom Chardonnay, Eola-Amity Hills 2022 750ml $39 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Owen Bargreen 93 points “The 2022 ‘Eola-Amity Hills’ Chardonnay is a beautiful wine that was stored for 11 months in oak and then five months in stainless steel before bottling. The wine shows beautiful freshness and tension wit ha soft mouthfeel. Loads of Meyer lemon and orchard fruits combine with shades of salted green melon on the palate.”
 
Cristom Louise Vineyard Chardonnay, Eola-Amity Hills 2021 750ml $54.50 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Owen Bargreen 95 points “The exceedingly good 2021 Cristom Vineyards ‘Louise Vineyard’ Chardonnay is a stunning effort from this warm vintage in the Willamette Valley. Chardonnay was planted in the lower part of this site which was first planted back in 1993. It is nicely concentrated but also very nicely poised. Kumquat rind, Japanese pear and honeydew melon flavors combine with shades of hazelnut topped shortbread on the palate. Only 100 cases made of this brilliant Chardonnay.”
 
Cristom Seven Springs Vineyard Chardonnay, Eola-Amity Hills 2021 750ml $54.50 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 95 points “The 2021 Chardonnay Seven Springs Vineyard is highly expressive and complete with layers of pure fruit and mineral-tinged aromas, noted by gunflint, fresh tangerine, well-managed oak spice, and fresh pear. Medium to full-bodied, with great energy, it’s lush up front but has a great tension-driven core, with a touch of pithy texture and a bit of yellow floral tone on the finish. It’s going to drink well over the next 8-10 years.”
 
Cristom Royer Vineyard Chardonnay, Eola-Amity Hills 2021 750ml $54.50 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Owen Bargreen 95 points “The ‘Royer Vineyard’ is located southwest edge of the Eola Hills. This 15 acre site is planted to Riesling and Chardonnay. This 2021 Chardonnay is a deep and concentrated wine that is irresistible in its youth. Heady, and laden with its core of starfruit, Pink Lady apple and baking spice and buttered French bread flavors, it is a stellar wine to consume right now and over the next ten plus years.”
 
Cristom ‘Mt. Jefferson Cuvee’ Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2023 750ml $41.90 special, 6 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 95 points “Very firm, focused and concentrated, showing pure black cherries and blackcurrants on a lively frame of nervy acidity and moderate tannins. Mouthwatering acidity, with fruit expanding on the palate and spices like cloves and cinnamon developing. Drink now or hold.”
 
Cristom Louise Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2022 750ml $79 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Owen Bargreen 95 points “The 2022 ‘Louise’ was given 58% whole cluster fermentation. The site is usually picked a touch on the earlier side to harness the tannins of the Pinot Noir at this eastern-aspect location. Black florals and seaweed combine with shades of black licorice on the nose. The palate is plush and refined with serious weight and tension. Rich and refined, with serious texture and mouth-watering acidity, this really needs another year of bottle age to come together–but you can see the potential!”
 
Cristom Paul Gerrie Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2022 750ml $79 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Owen Bargreen 96 points “A total knockout wine the 2022 Cristom ‘Paul Gerrie Vineyard’ Pinot Noir was given 50% whole cluster fermentation and was stored in only 17% new French oak before bottling. This wine comes from the northern end at the Cristom Estate that was fist planted back in 2014. The nose is alluring with beautiful violets, menthol, wild blackberry and suggestions of cardamom. The palate is plush and soft wit ha refiled texture. Strangely this powerful wine is the most evolved of the single vineyards. A total stunner, enjoy over the next twenty years.”
 
Beaux Freres Les Cousins Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2023 750ml $39 special, 12 bottles in stock now
VinopolNote: A secret blend of barrels from one of the Willamette Valley’s Great Estates. This is a crazy bargain next to the single vineyard wines that run at roughly three times the price. A true insider value!
 

This is the only listing in the USA today!

 
 
California
 
Continuum Proprietary Red, Oakville, Napa Valley 2021 750ml $335 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Case-6 Continuum Proprietary Red, Oakville, Napa Valley 2021 750ml $1,899 special (that’s only $316.50/bottle!)
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 99 points “Continuum’s 2019 Proprietary Red is 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Cabernet Franc, 7% Petit Verdot and 6% Merlot, all from the estate vineyard on Pritchard Hill. Aged in two-thirds new French oak, with the balance in second or third-use barrels and a single concrete amphora, it’s remarkably dark in hue, a deep, saturated purple in the glass. On the nose, it’s floral and herbal yet fruit-driven, with violets, sage and bay leaf adding nuance to black cherries, while the palate is full-bodied, plush and silky. There’s an enticing yin-yang to the interplay between high-toned herbals and bass notes of dark chocolate in this dense, concentrated effort that finishes lush and long. It’s a magnificent wine that should drink well for at least two decades. Drink: 2025-2045.”
 
 
Southern France & Rhone
 
Gerard Bertrand Picpoul de Pinet, Languedoc-Roussillon 2021 750ml $19.50 special, 12 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 90 points “A fresh and crisp picpoul with mineral, green apples, lime and white pepper. It’s light and crisp, but has volume and texture. Zesty and bright. A solid picpoul. Drink now.”
 

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

 
Gerard Bertrand Saint-Chinian Syrah – Mourvedre, Languedoc-Roussillon 2018 750ml $16 special, 23 bottles in stock now
No reviews for the 2018 vintage. Recent review provided for reference.
Wine Enthusiast 90 points “Solid, rich and ripe red raspberries and brambly berries are upfront on the nose of this attractive wine, with seductive tones of sweet oak and cured meat in the back. Medium in weight, with spicy, structured tannins and ample acidity, the oak is well-integrated into the plush fruit core.”
 

This is the only listing in the USA today!

 
Gerard Bertrand Corbieres Heresie Rouge, Languedoc-Roussillon 2019 750ml $20.50 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “The color is a deep purple red. The nose is beautifully complex, with notes of red fruits and spices. The Syrah brings the aromas of fruits and spices, the Mourvèdre the notes of licorice. The palate is balanced with great freshness and velvety tannins. To be enjoyed with a roast rack of lamb, game birds or mature cheeses.”
 

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

 
Clos Cibonne Cuvée Tradition Tibouren Rosé, Côtes de Provence 2023 750ml $41.90 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Importer Note “Clos Cibonne’s iconic Cuvée Tradition stands uniquely apart from other rosés as a classic, one-of-a-kind Côtes de Provence rosé featuring the tibouren grape in the lead role. Cuvée Tradition is legendary amongst experienced French wine collectors for its texture, substance, and ability to age gracefully for a decade or more. It is a limited wine made exclusively with estate-grown, organic tibouren grapes, and a bit of grenache to meet Côtes de Provence blending guidelines. The vineyard, one of 18 Crus Classés of Côtes de Provence, consists of traditional goblet trained vines located close to the Mediterranean Sea in the foothills of the Maures mountains, overlooking Toulon’s harbor. The microclimate of Clos Cibonne is especially important to the uniqueness of the wines, as the proximity of the ocean brings much needed cool air to the vineyards in the summer months. Their location at the foot of the Maures mountains ensures good east-west ventilation, which is ideal for the health and balance of the vineyard.”
 
Chateau de Rouanne Vinsobres, Rhone 2020 750ml $21.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 92 points “A blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, the classic 2020 Vinsobres from this château is beautiful and has a round, supple, elegant, medium to full-bodied style as well as textbook blackberry and black raspberry fruits, some peppery herb and floral nuances, remarkable purity, and a great finish. It’s one heck of an impressive Vinsobres to drink over the coming 8-10 years.”
 

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

 
 
Spain
 
Nanclares y Prieto ‘Dandelion’ Albarino, Rias Baixas 2023 750ml $28 special, 22 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 92 points “A lovely albarino with aromas of sea breeze, brine, oyster shells and grapefruit zest. The palate is crisp with a fresh saline profile and a fresh, clean finish. The grapes are from 13 parcels in the Salnes area (Ribadumia, Meano and Cambados). Fermented and aged in vats on the lees for seven months. Does not undergo malolactic fermentation. Drink now.”
 
 
Portugal – Port
 
Fonseca Vintage Port 2016 750ml $89 special, 4 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 98 points “Lots of ripe fruit here with raisins and wet earth that turn to violets and hot stones. Full-bodied, tannic and powerful with fantastic grip and intensity. Grabs you. Impressive. Drink in 2025.”
 
#4 Wine of the Year in 2018 – James Suckling
Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port 2016 750ml $89 special, 13 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 100 points “OMG. This is really the most amazing young Taylor’s I have ever tasted. Full-bodied and lightly sweet with super power and intensity. So racy and focused. Yet this has such muscle and intensity. Needs at least eight years to show you everything it has to offer. Drink in 2025.”
 
Warre’s Vintage Port 2016 750ml $89 special, 16 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 98 points “Gorgeous, with warm plum reduction and gently steeped raspberry, blackberry and boysenberry fruit flavors forming the core, all inlaid with warm ganache and smoldering tobacco accents. Very plush in feel, but has no lack of energy, as everything sails beautifully through the long finish. A late echo of anise completes the seduction. *No. 14, Top 100 Wines of 2018*”
 
 
Argentina
 
Superuco ‘Calcareo’ Coluvio de Altamira Cabernet Franc, Uco Valley 2020 750ml $21.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Superuco ‘Calcareo’ Coluvio de Altamira Cabernet Franc, Uco Valley 2020 750ml $228 special (that’s only $19/bottle!)
Joaquin Hidalgo-Vinous 94 points “The 2020 Cabernet Franc Calcáreo Coluvio, from Altamira in the Uco Valley, is garnet red in color. The nose consists of ash, green pepper, blackcurrant and hints of sour cherry. Delivering full-bodied flavor in the mouth, with sour cherry especially prominent on the palate, it grows more vigorous and light-footed as it goes on with good freshness and a hint of chalk. The alcohol lends structure. The 2020 is an unusual wine in that it’s both ripe and very fresh. Drink: 2022-2034.”
 

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

 

Alain Graillot
 
Elegance in the Northern Rhone
 

The Graillot clan is synonymous with the northern Rhone region of Croze-Hermitage. After working at the legendary Domaine Dujac in Burgundy, Alain Graillot came home to Crozes-Hermitage in 1985. Until his recent passing, Alain used the same techniques that have made Dujac wines iconic. Practices include chemical-free farming, use of whole clusters during fermentation and long élevage in old oak. Graillot’s two sons Maxime and Antoin have continued in his footsteps, producing wines that are among the most transparent and elegant expressions of Syrah in the world, let alone the Northern Rhône.
 
Newly Arrived:
 
Domaine Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage Blanc 2023 750ml $44.50 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Nicolas Greinacher-Vinous 90 points “Mixing 80% Marsanne with 20% Roussanne from over 40-year-old vines growing on sandy soils, the 2023 Crozes-Hermitage Blanc launches with zesty lemon flesh, yellow apple, white flowers and a slice of pear. Medium-bodied and sapid, the 2023 leaves the spotlight with phenolic bitterness on the nuanced finish. (Drink between 2025-2028).”
 

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

 
Domaine Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage Rouge 2022 750ml $44.50 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Domaine Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage Rouge 2022 1.5L $89 pre-arrival special, 3 magnums arriving in June
James Suckling 94 points “A textural, balanced and harmonious red with such patina already. The nose shows notes of dark cherries, fresh plums, forest floor and warm spices. Medium-bodied with fine tannins. Dense and velvety, with a kick of peppercorns. Juicy, vivid and fresh finish. Drink or hold.”
 
Arriving in June:
 
Domaine Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage La Guiraude 2022 750ml $69 pre-arrival special, 12 bottles available
James Suckling 95 points “A remarkable Crozes-Hermitage with drive, structure and plenty of texture. The nose reveals notes of cassis, dark cherries, currants, violets and warm spices. Medium-bodied with fine tannins. Chalky and focused, with a juicy core of cherries mingling with the violets. Lively and precise with a serious, compact finish at this stage. Try after 2026.”
 
Domaine Alain Graillot Saint-Joseph Rouge 2022 750ml $54.50 pre-arrival special, 12 bottles available
James Suckling 93 points “A lively, vertical and peppery syrah with notes of forest berries, wild herbs, white pepper and crushed stones. Medium-bodied with fine, firm tannins. It’s focused, chiseled and crisp with a pulpy character on the palate. Juicy crushed dark-cherry character with a flavorful finish. Drink or hold.”

 
Shop our complete selection of in-stock red wines from the Rhone!



Arriving This Month from Joly & Nozay
 

“Le Nozay is a small 17th-century castle near Sainte Gemme en Sancerrois in Sancerre. In 1970, Baron Philippe de Benoist and his wife Marie-Hélène settled in Château du Nozay and created Domaine du Nozay. They planted the first hectare of Sauvignon Blanc in 1971, which they later expanded to 15 hectares. Philippe was joined by his son Cyril, who now heads the estate. The Domaine du Nozay has been certified in Organic Agriculture since 2011 and in Biodynamics since 2017. It is a family wine estate in Sancerre, surrounded by peace and tranquility. The resulting wines reflect this.” -Importer Note
 
Domaine du Nozay Sancerre 2023 750ml $59 pre-arrival special, 12 bottles available
Importer Tasting Note “A brilliant and intense color with golden reflections distilling elegant and discreet aromas of pink grapefruit, lychee, lemon, and especially of sliced yellow peach. With an ideal acidity carried by an admirably structured body, its refreshing notes of pear in syrup, give it a certain pleasure on the palate.”
 
Domaine du Nozay Clos du Nozay Sancerre 2023 750ml $79 pre-arrival special, 12 bottles available
Importer Note “Considered one of the Domaines top cuvées from 50 year old vines grown in Kimmeridgian marls, 220 meters high at the bottom of the Nozay’s valley with slight eastern facing slopes.This terroir is very rich in shell fossils and has the particularity of whitening as it dries, hence its local name of Terres Blanches white lands’. Tasting Notes: A golden yellow color, very luminous which will allow the dazzling of our palate and will release all its length. On the nose, white flowers and sweet citrus fruits are raised very slightly by the airy and pure sides of the jar and on the palate we find an explosion of flavors of pear, mango, and lychee, marking a concentration of Sauvignon Blanc and a balanced acidity.”
 
“Nicolas Joly, and his revolutionary approach to winegrowing and winemaking, is synonymous with both Savennières specifically and Loire Chenin Blanc in general. Coulée de Serrant, Joly’s monopole 7-hectare vineyard, is one of the few appellations in France owned by a single estate (the other two being Romanée Conti and Château-Grillet). It was first planted in 1130 by Cistercian monks. The vines here are mostly 35 to 40 years old, with the oldest planted in 1935. But Joly also holds the 3-hectare Clos de la Bergerie in the Roche aux Moines AOC. Joly’s wines can be big and powerful — almost hedonistic — nudging up to 15% abv. He doesn’t shy away from botrytis, like his neighbors at Domaine du Closel or Roche aux Moines. ‘Some people think Savennières should be austere,’ he says. ‘But I disagree.’” -Jason Wilson, Vinous
 
Nicolas Joly ‘Clos de la Coulee de Serrant’ 2021 750ml $141.90 pre-arrival special, 6 bottles available
Rebecca Gibb MW-Vinous 95 points “The 2021 Clos de la Coulée de Serrant is a dry, floral Chenin Blanc produced from late-picked grapes, done in 3 passes with around 1/10th affected by botrytis. Grown biodynamically and vinified with minimal intervention, the resulting wine is intriguing and idiosyncratic. With a rich golden color, there’s a sensation of sweetness allied with honeyed fruit and fullness of high alcohol. Low yields are reflected in the intense concentration. It is a serious, structured style with well-handled phenolics providing grip and contributing to its length, while the season’s bright acidity ensures freshness and tension. It is a much cleaner, less oxidative style in 2021, and for that, you have to be thankful. This will be a long-lived wine that would need decanting.”
 
Nicolas Joly ‘Clos de la Coulee de Serrant’ 2022 750ml $159 pre-arrival special, 6 bottles available
Winery Note “7 hectares (lha = 2.471 acres). The vineyard was planted in 1130 by Cistercian monks. It is an ‘appellation controlee’ of 7 hectares only. Located on very steep slopes, dominating the Loire, the vines are more than 35 to 40 years of average age; oldest having more 80 years [and is used for selection massale to perpetuate] the originality of the place. Partly cultivated with the horse, or the hand, the average output is with 20/25 hectolitres per hectare (up to 40 is authorized). The ground is far from thick (20 with 40 cm on average), and is on a red schist oblique base obliques which drains the vines perfectly. The grape harvest is done in 5 times over 3 to 4 weeks to obtain the most colour possible in maturity and the most botrytis. Wine making: out of barrel of 500 liters (never more than new wood 5%). Production: approximately 20/25000 bottles per annum. [Revised for clarity].”

 
Shop our complete selection of in-stock wines from the Loire!



Don’t miss our additional sales going on now:
 
California Pinot Noir
 
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of Cali Pinot Noir
10% off any 6+ or more in-stock bottles of Cali Pinot Noir
 
Vie di Romans
 
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of Vie di Romans
10% off any 6+ or more in-stock bottles of Vie di Romans
 
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
 
California Pinot Noir sale ends Tuesday, June 17th at 9 am Pacific. Vie di Romans sale ends Wednesday, June 18th at 9 am Pacific.