In This Newsletter:
New Week – New Arrivals
Staff Selections: Pete’s Picks
K Vintners
Hubert Lignier
New Arrival Featurette:
Hundred Suns
Hundred Suns Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir 2023 750ml $41.90 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “As always, the wind-swept Eola-Amity Hills delivered a wine packed with dark fruit, profound mouthfeel, and the striking acid that this pile of rock is known for. Look for black cherries, mocha, petrichor, and floral notes with hints of earth, licorice and sage. The mouthfeel has fine grain, cocoa-like tannins with dense, dark berry finish that will make this wine fantastic now and for years to come. The Eola-Amity Hills, where this collection of dry farmed vineyards grows, is comprised of soils formed from ancient volcanic rock. A cooler than average spring moved quickly into hot summer days. Hand harvested and fermented with natural yeast this wine has a core of blue fruit layered over brilliant acidity born from the cool diurnal shifts resulting from the Van Duzer Corridor wind. 75% Big Cheese Vineyard. 25% Holmes Hill Vineyard.”
Hundred Suns Bednarik Vineyard Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2023 750ml $59 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “One of our perennial favorites, this old, own-rooted site shows aromas of sour cherry, hibiscus tea, and tangerine. The palate of pure red fruit and the spine of tannins from marine sedimentary soils make this wine both serious and playful. Rooted in marine sedimentary soil deep in the cool coastal foothills, this 6-acre, own-rooted vineyard was planted in 1988 by William Bednarik to Pommard and Wädenswil clones of Pinot Noir. A late flowering and the cool conditions of this special site led us to pick this fruit almost two weeks after all our other pinot sites. The extended hang time created a stunning wine with pure Mt. Hood strawberries, cranberry sauce, and fresh, silky tannins. Fermented with natural yeast and bottled unfined and unfiltered.”
Hundred Suns Carson Phillips Vineyard Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2023 750ml $59 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “Candied cherries and raspberry preserve mix it up with a crazy aroma of…gummy peach rings. Really. The first sip delivers cherries dusted in cocoa powder with fruit that is present and full, and it carries a beautiful acid streak that is born from this cool vineyard in the northwest corner of the Dundee Hills. Planted 23 years ago, this site is farmed sustainably without the use of synthetic chemicals or herbicides. Dry-farmed and deep-rooted, the vines express the intensity of the volcanic soils from which they draw their nutrients and water. A cool spring and late bud break quickly transitioned to warm weather. Persistent summer heat allowed us to harvest fully ripe fruit on September 17th. Fermented with natural yeast and 25% whole cluster, this gorgeous wine layers dark cherry, candied strawberries and a rich palate. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.”
Hundred Suns Lone Feather Vineyard Pinot Noir, McMinnville 2023 750ml $59 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “Clinging to western reaches of the McMinnville AVA, this old, own-rooted site once again set a meager crop, but the resulting wine is incredible. Marionberry and dark blueberry fruits mingle with tart cherries. Naturally a high acid site, the deep crimson color is a visual cue to what lies beneath: ripe and sweet on the palette the tannins from these thick skinned, tiny berries give the wine the structure to hold it all together. This wine will drink well now and deep into the future. The Lone Feather Vineyard is planted on rocky basalt soils on the edge the McMinnville AVA. Cool, coastal breezes and rocky volcanic soil help to focus the deep flavors of these own rooted vines established in the late 1980’s. Under the stewardship of Warren and Jennifer Feather, this site is meticulously farmed with the goal of sustaining this legacy vineyard for years to come. The warm growing season in 2023 gifted tiny berries with deep concentration of dark fruit. Paired with the site’s natural acidity, this wine will continue to grow in complexity and be delicious for years to come.”
Arriving Next Week from Hundred Suns:
Hundred Suns ‘Own-Rooted’ Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2023 750ml $74.50 pre-arrival special, 12 bottles available
Winery Note “Walking the tightrope between marine sedimentary and volcanic soils, our third version of this profound wine has floral notes that wind around a core of dark cherries and black raspberries. A seam of black licorice and juicy dark currant matches with a savory earthiness, which can only come from the old, own-rooted vines struggling against time and Mother Nature. This special bottling is a barrel selection from three distinct vineyards, all planted with ungrafted or “own rooted” Pinot Noir vines. Due to the root louse, phylloxera, these plantings have become increasingly rare, and this selection shows the beauty and elegance that can be achieved when Pinot Noir is planted without rootstock. 50% Lone Feather- Volcanic soil. 40% Noren Vineyard- Marine Sedimentary soils. 10% Bednarik Vineyard- Marine Sedimentary soils. A cool spring moved into warm summer days allowing us to pick these dry-farmed vineyards at the peak of maturity.”
Hundred Suns ‘Sequitur Vineyard’ Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2023 750ml $64.50 pre-arrival special, 12 bottles available
Winery Note “Over their 10 and 11 years of age, these vines have gradually inched deeper into the marine sediments of the Ribbon Ridge. Red cherries, black currant, and licorice wind around a core of sweet plum. The mouthfeel shows the classic earthy tannins that define this soil series, yet sappy tannins from the whole cluster give this wine a long and trailing finish. The Sequitur vineyard was planted in 2012-13 by Mike Etzel and Carey Critchlow in the Ribbon Ridge AVA. Rising 450 feet above sea level, this site is planted to a diverse mixture of Pinot Noir clones and farmed with organic principles. The warm conditions of 2023 enabled us to pick Sequitur on September 15th. 12 years of vine age help express the dark fruits, bramble, savory earth and umami that is representative of marine sedimentary soils. A single vat was filled and fermented with 33% whole clusters and natural yeast. Aged 11 months in 25% new oak and bottled unfined and unfiltered.”
New Week – New Arrivals
New Week – New Arrivals
Staff Selections: Pete’s Picks
K Vintners
Hubert Lignier
New Arrival Featurette:
Hundred Suns
Renée Saint-Amour and Grant Coulter’s love of adventure and Oregon wines brought them to the Valley. Grant worked as winemaker at Beaux Freres and Flâneur before this wife-and-husband team launched Hundred Suns as a boutique winery and purchased Breaker Vineyard, a fifty-year-old site in the Eola-Amity Hills and now home to them, their kids, and their winery. They do everything by hand, from crafting their wines, distributing in town, and even their stunning label-design.
Their Pinots drink like a love letter to the Willamette Valley. These are unique, from an assortment of some of the most interesting vineyards in the Willamette Valley including one of our favorites, Bednarik, which rose to fame via Ken Wright’s bottlings, and Sequitur, Mike Etzel’s estate (Mike is best known as the founding winemaker of Beaux Freres).
Hundred Suns represents one of the most exciting new labels in the Willamette Valley. Lovers of Oregon wines, and Beaux Freres in particular, should stock up now on Hundred Suns wines before they become hard to find.
“A cool, damp spring in 2023 led to a late budbreak. Summertime temperatures quickly climbed, and we were able to harvest our collection of dry farmed vineyards in a perfect window from September 15th through the 23rd. Slow natural fermentations flowed by aging on fine lees produced a wine with dark red fruit, incredible depth, and drinkability.” -Winery Note
Newly Arrived from Hundred Suns:
Hundred Suns ‘Old Eight Cut’ Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2023 750ml $31.90 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “Black cherries, a hint of red currant, and a dusting of dark chocolate. The first sip shows a center point of sweetness that is buttressed by ripe tannins and a hint of nori that give the wine a serious edge. With air and time, the sappy spicy notes that come from partial whole cluster fermentation resonate on the finish, making this wine that will drink well now and over the next 10 years. The Old Eight Cut refers to a diamond cut dating back to the 1400s using simple tools and few cuts to enhance the natural brilliance of the stone without disguising its true nature.”
Their Pinots drink like a love letter to the Willamette Valley. These are unique, from an assortment of some of the most interesting vineyards in the Willamette Valley including one of our favorites, Bednarik, which rose to fame via Ken Wright’s bottlings, and Sequitur, Mike Etzel’s estate (Mike is best known as the founding winemaker of Beaux Freres).
Hundred Suns represents one of the most exciting new labels in the Willamette Valley. Lovers of Oregon wines, and Beaux Freres in particular, should stock up now on Hundred Suns wines before they become hard to find.
“A cool, damp spring in 2023 led to a late budbreak. Summertime temperatures quickly climbed, and we were able to harvest our collection of dry farmed vineyards in a perfect window from September 15th through the 23rd. Slow natural fermentations flowed by aging on fine lees produced a wine with dark red fruit, incredible depth, and drinkability.” -Winery Note
Newly Arrived from Hundred Suns:
Hundred Suns ‘Old Eight Cut’ Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2023 750ml $31.90 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “Black cherries, a hint of red currant, and a dusting of dark chocolate. The first sip shows a center point of sweetness that is buttressed by ripe tannins and a hint of nori that give the wine a serious edge. With air and time, the sappy spicy notes that come from partial whole cluster fermentation resonate on the finish, making this wine that will drink well now and over the next 10 years. The Old Eight Cut refers to a diamond cut dating back to the 1400s using simple tools and few cuts to enhance the natural brilliance of the stone without disguising its true nature.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Hundred Suns Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir 2023 750ml $41.90 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “As always, the wind-swept Eola-Amity Hills delivered a wine packed with dark fruit, profound mouthfeel, and the striking acid that this pile of rock is known for. Look for black cherries, mocha, petrichor, and floral notes with hints of earth, licorice and sage. The mouthfeel has fine grain, cocoa-like tannins with dense, dark berry finish that will make this wine fantastic now and for years to come. The Eola-Amity Hills, where this collection of dry farmed vineyards grows, is comprised of soils formed from ancient volcanic rock. A cooler than average spring moved quickly into hot summer days. Hand harvested and fermented with natural yeast this wine has a core of blue fruit layered over brilliant acidity born from the cool diurnal shifts resulting from the Van Duzer Corridor wind. 75% Big Cheese Vineyard. 25% Holmes Hill Vineyard.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Hundred Suns Bednarik Vineyard Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2023 750ml $59 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “One of our perennial favorites, this old, own-rooted site shows aromas of sour cherry, hibiscus tea, and tangerine. The palate of pure red fruit and the spine of tannins from marine sedimentary soils make this wine both serious and playful. Rooted in marine sedimentary soil deep in the cool coastal foothills, this 6-acre, own-rooted vineyard was planted in 1988 by William Bednarik to Pommard and Wädenswil clones of Pinot Noir. A late flowering and the cool conditions of this special site led us to pick this fruit almost two weeks after all our other pinot sites. The extended hang time created a stunning wine with pure Mt. Hood strawberries, cranberry sauce, and fresh, silky tannins. Fermented with natural yeast and bottled unfined and unfiltered.”
Hundred Suns Carson Phillips Vineyard Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2023 750ml $59 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “Candied cherries and raspberry preserve mix it up with a crazy aroma of…gummy peach rings. Really. The first sip delivers cherries dusted in cocoa powder with fruit that is present and full, and it carries a beautiful acid streak that is born from this cool vineyard in the northwest corner of the Dundee Hills. Planted 23 years ago, this site is farmed sustainably without the use of synthetic chemicals or herbicides. Dry-farmed and deep-rooted, the vines express the intensity of the volcanic soils from which they draw their nutrients and water. A cool spring and late bud break quickly transitioned to warm weather. Persistent summer heat allowed us to harvest fully ripe fruit on September 17th. Fermented with natural yeast and 25% whole cluster, this gorgeous wine layers dark cherry, candied strawberries and a rich palate. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.”
Hundred Suns Lone Feather Vineyard Pinot Noir, McMinnville 2023 750ml $59 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “Clinging to western reaches of the McMinnville AVA, this old, own-rooted site once again set a meager crop, but the resulting wine is incredible. Marionberry and dark blueberry fruits mingle with tart cherries. Naturally a high acid site, the deep crimson color is a visual cue to what lies beneath: ripe and sweet on the palette the tannins from these thick skinned, tiny berries give the wine the structure to hold it all together. This wine will drink well now and deep into the future. The Lone Feather Vineyard is planted on rocky basalt soils on the edge the McMinnville AVA. Cool, coastal breezes and rocky volcanic soil help to focus the deep flavors of these own rooted vines established in the late 1980’s. Under the stewardship of Warren and Jennifer Feather, this site is meticulously farmed with the goal of sustaining this legacy vineyard for years to come. The warm growing season in 2023 gifted tiny berries with deep concentration of dark fruit. Paired with the site’s natural acidity, this wine will continue to grow in complexity and be delicious for years to come.”
Arriving Next Week from Hundred Suns:
Hundred Suns ‘Own-Rooted’ Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2023 750ml $74.50 pre-arrival special, 12 bottles available
Winery Note “Walking the tightrope between marine sedimentary and volcanic soils, our third version of this profound wine has floral notes that wind around a core of dark cherries and black raspberries. A seam of black licorice and juicy dark currant matches with a savory earthiness, which can only come from the old, own-rooted vines struggling against time and Mother Nature. This special bottling is a barrel selection from three distinct vineyards, all planted with ungrafted or “own rooted” Pinot Noir vines. Due to the root louse, phylloxera, these plantings have become increasingly rare, and this selection shows the beauty and elegance that can be achieved when Pinot Noir is planted without rootstock. 50% Lone Feather- Volcanic soil. 40% Noren Vineyard- Marine Sedimentary soils. 10% Bednarik Vineyard- Marine Sedimentary soils. A cool spring moved into warm summer days allowing us to pick these dry-farmed vineyards at the peak of maturity.”
Hundred Suns ‘Sequitur Vineyard’ Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2023 750ml $64.50 pre-arrival special, 12 bottles available
Winery Note “Over their 10 and 11 years of age, these vines have gradually inched deeper into the marine sediments of the Ribbon Ridge. Red cherries, black currant, and licorice wind around a core of sweet plum. The mouthfeel shows the classic earthy tannins that define this soil series, yet sappy tannins from the whole cluster give this wine a long and trailing finish. The Sequitur vineyard was planted in 2012-13 by Mike Etzel and Carey Critchlow in the Ribbon Ridge AVA. Rising 450 feet above sea level, this site is planted to a diverse mixture of Pinot Noir clones and farmed with organic principles. The warm conditions of 2023 enabled us to pick Sequitur on September 15th. 12 years of vine age help express the dark fruits, bramble, savory earth and umami that is representative of marine sedimentary soils. A single vat was filled and fermented with 33% whole clusters and natural yeast. Aged 11 months in 25% new oak and bottled unfined and unfiltered.”
New Week – New Arrivals
Washington & Walla Walla
Horsepower Vineyards Sur Echalas Vineyard Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2022 750ml $179 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Owen Bargreen 100 points “A world-class Syrah, the 2022 ‘Sur Echalas Vineyard’ is without a doubt one of the finest wines I have tasted over the past year. A stunning achievement by Horsepower Vineyards Director of Winemaking, Elizabeth Bourcier, this takes the lead with black truffle shavings and oyster sauce notes on the nose alongside cured meats, coffee grounds and wet stone accents. This has excellent power considering the coolness of the vintage, but the mouth-watering acidity really holds things neatly in place. The palate is plush and beautifully textured, showing beautiful weight and verve. Seamless throughout the drinking experience, with a gracious core of black and red fruits, alongside the salty and stony nuances, this is delicious, beautifully-textured Syrah that will cellar well over the next decade.”
No Girls ‘Double Lucky 8’, Walla Walla Valley 2021 750ml $47.50 special, 24 bottles in stock now
International Wine Report 96 points “The tech sheets didn’t specify what exactly is in this wine in terms of fruit, but it’s a delicious bottle of wine from the team at Cayuse for a very reasonable price for what you get. Aged for 21 months in 100% neutral French oak barrels, it boasts notes of dark cherries, blue plums, dried flowers, and noticeable peppercorn spice on the nose. Smooth tannins merge with the mouthwatering acidity and spicy finish that goes on for minutes. If bottles are still available, I recommend buying as many as you can and drinking them over the next 10 years or more. Highly recommended.”
Wine Enthusiast 95 points “Editor’s Choice. If you roll the dice with this mysterious blend, prepare to get lucky with aromas of Bing cherry, orange zest, pine needles and caraway seeds. This is a balanced wine, with restrained alcohol and a smooth texture. Dark raspberry and bay leaf flavors dance with a note similar to oven-roasted eggplant. Yum.”
Horsepower Vineyards Sur Echalas Vineyard Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2022 750ml $179 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Owen Bargreen 100 points “A world-class Syrah, the 2022 ‘Sur Echalas Vineyard’ is without a doubt one of the finest wines I have tasted over the past year. A stunning achievement by Horsepower Vineyards Director of Winemaking, Elizabeth Bourcier, this takes the lead with black truffle shavings and oyster sauce notes on the nose alongside cured meats, coffee grounds and wet stone accents. This has excellent power considering the coolness of the vintage, but the mouth-watering acidity really holds things neatly in place. The palate is plush and beautifully textured, showing beautiful weight and verve. Seamless throughout the drinking experience, with a gracious core of black and red fruits, alongside the salty and stony nuances, this is delicious, beautifully-textured Syrah that will cellar well over the next decade.”
No Girls ‘Double Lucky 8’, Walla Walla Valley 2021 750ml $47.50 special, 24 bottles in stock now
International Wine Report 96 points “The tech sheets didn’t specify what exactly is in this wine in terms of fruit, but it’s a delicious bottle of wine from the team at Cayuse for a very reasonable price for what you get. Aged for 21 months in 100% neutral French oak barrels, it boasts notes of dark cherries, blue plums, dried flowers, and noticeable peppercorn spice on the nose. Smooth tannins merge with the mouthwatering acidity and spicy finish that goes on for minutes. If bottles are still available, I recommend buying as many as you can and drinking them over the next 10 years or more. Highly recommended.”
Wine Enthusiast 95 points “Editor’s Choice. If you roll the dice with this mysterious blend, prepare to get lucky with aromas of Bing cherry, orange zest, pine needles and caraway seeds. This is a balanced wine, with restrained alcohol and a smooth texture. Dark raspberry and bay leaf flavors dance with a note similar to oven-roasted eggplant. Yum.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
France
Champagne Clandestin Les Revers Brut Nature, Champagne (2020) NV 750ml $99 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Importer Note “100% Chardonnay. Vineyard: South-facing mid-slope parcels in the Cote des Bars. Clay limestone with kimmeridgian bands. Vineyards farmed naturally – no herbicides or synthetic fertilizers used. Vinification: Direct press, then racked into barrels. Indigenous yeast fermentation. Aging: 15 months sur lattes followed by 6 months in bottle before release, zero dosage.”
No review for the current disgorgement. Review for last year’s release provided for reference.
Anne Krebiehl MW-Vinous 90 points “The NV (2019) Brut Nature Les Revers is a pure Chardonnay from north-facing vineyards in the Aube, fermented and aged in barrel. The nose is intense with creaminess and dried corn husk and a slight echo of smoke. Sprightly mousse underlines the fact that this is less about fruit than about texture and soil, expressing deeper creaminess and the smoothness of pillowy brioche. Light, bright and yet with substance. A blanc de blancs but not as you know it. Lovely. Zero dosage. Disgorged: July, 2022. (Drink between 2023-2030).”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Arnaud Lambert Domaine de Saint-Just ‘1948’ Cremant de Loire, Loire Valley 2020 750ml $39 special, 12 bottles in stock now
VinopolNote: 100 Percent Chenin Blanc from 70 year old vines grown in clay and limestone. The winemaking practice is ‘method traditional,’ and was aged in oak barrels with 32 months of aging on lees, with zero dosage. Drink now or age for 4-8 years. Compliments seafood platters or a charcuterie board.
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Chateau de Campuget Costieres de Nimes ‘Tradition de Campuget’ Rosé, Rhone 2024 750ml $14 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Producer Note “The Rosé has a nice appearance with a light and fresh pink color. This particularly fruity taste of raspberries and strawberries, typical of the Campuget style, has a good and refreshing acidity. Since 1942, pur sole aim has been to produce Rhône Valley Grands Vins, respecting the heritage of our soil and our identity. The round Rhône stones, the Southern sun, the Mistral winds and the Syrah and Grenache grapes are the basic elements which form the identity of Campuget.”
Domaine de la Solitude Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone 2022 750ml $49 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott (Suckling) 94 points “Very attractive nose of raspberries, licorice and oranges with a touch of summer flowers. Round and silky on the full-bodied palate, the ample tannins are beautifully integrated, making the long, refined finish velvety. A cuvee of 65% greanche, 20% syrah, and 5% each of mourvedre, counoise and cinsault from biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or hold.”
Italy – Piedmont
ArPePe Grumello Riserva ‘Buon Consiglio’, Valtellina Superiore DOCG 2016 750ml $119 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 93 points “Dense and tightly meshed, with taut, chalky tannins and a racy streak of minerality married to flavors of dried black cherry, medicinal herbs, orange peel and milled pepper. Reveals savory hints of tobacco and smoke that push through and linger on the persistent finish. Let this open in the glass or decant for full enjoyment. Drink now through 2031. 1,050 cases made, 150 cases imported. –AN”
ArPePe Inferno Riserva ‘Sesto Canto’, Valtellina Superiore DOCG 2016 750ml $119 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 94 points “There are lovely accents of eucalyptus and lavender to the rich fruit and spice character in this silky red, which delivers a generous beam of mulled cherry flavors. Finely balanced and long on the palate. A beauty. Drink now through 2036. 1,050 cases made, 75 cases imported. –AN”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
ArPePe Sassella Riserva ‘Nuova Regina’, Valtellina Superiore DOCG 2016 750ml $119 special, 3 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 95 points “Intense floral nose of red and dark fruit, with a slightly peppery, almost meaty character. There is a lot of stony minerality. Tight-knit structure with fruit and acidity that are crisp and zesty, ripe tannins, a velvety texture and a medium body. Good cherry fruit finish. Drinkable now, but best from 2026.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
ArPePe Sassella Riserva ‘Ultimi Raggi’, Valtellina Superiore 2016 750ml $119 special, 3 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 95 points “Aromas of graphite, game, earth, red cherries and dark berries. Dense palate with dusty yet ripe tannins, refreshing acidity and a medium to full body. A lot of good substance that still needs time to integrate and gain complexity. Drinkable now, but best from 2026.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Italy – Other
San Giorgio Pinot Grigio Rose delle Venezie IGT 2024 750ml $11.90 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Importer Note “Incredibly pale colour with a youthful, fresh, pear, lemon and delicate raspberry aroma. The palate is pretty and lively with a suggestion of cherry stones and cherry blossom. Dry and delicate.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Feudi di San Gregorio Serpico Rosso Irpinia, Campania 2016 750ml $49 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 93 points “Available in a dark, frosted bottle, the Feudi di San Gregorio 2016 Irpinia Aglianico Serpico has taken the proverbial turn toward tertiary aromas, or at least an initial turn, showing pressed blackberry and blackcurrant surrounded by tarry smoke, campfire ash and toasted spice. The 2016 vintage will be remembered for its power and its inner elegance, and those are exactly the traits that have carried this wine so far, and that will continue to shape its bottle-aging trajectory. There are dusty volcanic tones on the close, and the tannins are dry over a mid-weight mouthfeel. Only 8,000 bottles were made.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Casa Emma Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany 2022 750ml $24 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Decanter 90 points “In the western township of San Donato in Poggio, Casa Emma’s vineyards extend over 28 hectares on predominantly limestone-rich Alberese soil. Altitudes reach 430 metres. The annata is decidedly red fruited, with cranberry and redcurrant at the fore. Persistent accents of forest growth recall the surrounding woodlands. Midweight yet concentrated, the palate exhibits dense fruit countered by tart acidity and an astringent tug of tannins. Finishes on a stony mineral note.”
Spain
Envinate ‘Palo Blanco’, Tenerife, Canary Islands 2023 750ml $51.90 special, 36 bottles in-stock now
Luis Gutiérrez-Wine Advocate 98+ points
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Envinate La Santa de Úrsula, Tenerife, Canary Islands 2023 750ml $49 special, 24 bottles in-stock now
Luis Gutiérrez-Wine Advocate 96 points
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Envinate ‘Lousas’ Viñas de Aldea, Ribeira Sacra 2023 750ml $41.90 special, 36 bottles in-stock now
Envinate ‘Lousas’ Viñas de Aldea, Ribeira Sacra 2023 1.5L $99 special, 3 magnums in-stock now
Luis Gutiérrez-Wine Advocate 94-96 points
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Envinate ‘Lousas’ Doad, Ribeira Sacra 2023 750ml $45 special, 24 bottles in-stock now
Luis Gutiérrez-Wine Advocate 94-96 points
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Envinate ‘Lousas’ Parcela Camiño Novo, Ribeira Sacra 2023 750ml $99 special, 6 bottles in-stock now
Luis Gutiérrez-Wine Advocate 97-99 points
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Envinate ‘Lousas’ Rosende, Ribeira Sacra 2023 750ml $49 special, 24 bottles in-stock now
Luis Gutiérrez-Wine Advocate 96-98 points
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Staff Selections Featurette:
Pete’s Picks
Value in the world of wine can be understood using relatively simple metrics, largely surrounding high demand for limited quantities of wine. On the higher end, these wines represent the bottles you open for special occasions, the gifts you send your most esteemed friends, and the bottles you aim to save for the next generation to drink. In short, the best wines are seldom “everyday wines” that we won’t feel guilty opening up on a Tuesday night. As a young man of limited means and resources, I aim to try to find wines that represent outstanding value. While a $20 bottle of wine will rarely drink as well as a $100 bottle, it’s not too uncommon the find a bottle that drinks like it should be twice as expensive. These “cellar savers” have become known to me as those constant companions whose company you enjoy when you’re simply looking to unwind.
Domaine la Remejeanne Cotes du Rhone Un Air de Remejeanne, Rhone 2023 750ml $19 special, 35 bottles in stock now
When I first began exploring the world of wine, I was drawn to the Rhone Valley fairly early on. Looking for both good value and something not too far out of the comfort zone for someone who grew up drinking Oregon Pinot Noir, I found that the wines of the Southern Rhone often represented just that. Embarrassingly, I was initially drawn to this specific wine by its label; bright red with a vinyl record on it. I had brought it home and opened it up with a couple of friends who worked in the restaurant industry, and I kept noticing that after their first glass, all of my guests were content to try more. I too found myself tempted to try more, and I had realized that I may have found a winner. This Cotes du Rhone has an appealingly fruit forward approach, subtle layers of complexity, and a surprising amount of freshness, making it eminently quaffable both by itself, as well as paired with food. To this day, I still find myself keeping a bottle or two on hand for those wonderful “just in case” moments in life.
Domaine la Remejeanne Cotes du Rhone Un Air de Remejeanne, Rhone 2023 750ml $19 special, 35 bottles in stock now
When I first began exploring the world of wine, I was drawn to the Rhone Valley fairly early on. Looking for both good value and something not too far out of the comfort zone for someone who grew up drinking Oregon Pinot Noir, I found that the wines of the Southern Rhone often represented just that. Embarrassingly, I was initially drawn to this specific wine by its label; bright red with a vinyl record on it. I had brought it home and opened it up with a couple of friends who worked in the restaurant industry, and I kept noticing that after their first glass, all of my guests were content to try more. I too found myself tempted to try more, and I had realized that I may have found a winner. This Cotes du Rhone has an appealingly fruit forward approach, subtle layers of complexity, and a surprising amount of freshness, making it eminently quaffable both by itself, as well as paired with food. To this day, I still find myself keeping a bottle or two on hand for those wonderful “just in case” moments in life.
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Weingut Erich & Maria Berger Gruner Veltliner, Niederosterreich, Austria 2023 1 Liter $18 special, 20 bottles in stock now
Early in my wine career, I found myself feeling uninspired by many of the white wines I had been drinking, and simply didn’t understand the appeal of a wine driven by acidity. At a shop like Vinopolis, I was fortunate to get a good deal of exposure to the tastes of many of the sommeliers that frequent the shop. I was always surprised by how many of these experts in their field would frequently purchase what I saw then as an obscure Austrian grape variety: Grüner Veltliner. In an effort to expand my horizons in wine, I decided to follow suit and see what all of the fuss with Grüner truly was. With a decent chill, I poured my first glass and was greeted with a puckeringly tart approach of lemon, and much to my confusion, white pepper. I understood that a white wine could taste like lemon, but savory white pepper, even a bit of bread in the finish? I simply didn’t understand that white wines could be this complex, and Grüner Veltliner made sure to change my mind. While I soon learned that not all Grüner Veltliners are made equal, I found that the E&M Berger Grüner Veltliner was a fantastic bottle to bring with me to game nights, dinner parties, as well as a favorite to pair with potato salad at a Memorial Day barbeque. Of course, in the one-liter format, there was always plenty to go around.
August Kesseler ‘R’ Riesling Kabinett, Rheingau, Germany 2023 750ml $16.50 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
As with anyone who aspires to become a sommelier, I am bound to declare that Riesling is among the finest of the white grapes. I’ve certainly been fortunate to spend a great deal of time around some of the finest Rieslings that the world has to offer. So much so that I have certainly been spoiled by these amazing wines that I can hardly even bear to even see a bottle of Liebfraumilch (a quality designation for inexpensive sweetened German whites) anymore. While I (and most of the worlds wine drinking market) generally tend to prefer the drier styles of Riesling, I find that a bottle of off dry Riesling can be a fantastic addition to almost any meal. This August Kesler Riesling ‘R’ Kabinett, in my own humble opinion, drinks just as well as wines up to three times its price. Luscious and fruity, while not too sweet, this Kabinett is a must for anybody wanting to add a bit of sweetness to their Tuesday nights.
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
New Arrival Featurette:
K Vintners
Big on character and low in price, these are wines that perfectly encapsulate the spirit of the regions production. Much like Washington State wine in general, the portfolio is Syrah-heavy. Charles Smith founded the winery with a mere 300 cases in 1999. Today, it’s one of Washington’s leading wineries rolling out bold, rich wines that are polished and savory.
By our count, K makes well more than 15 wines, most of them single vineyard Syrah, and the demand for them every vintage makes them one of our best-selling estates.
In Stock Now:
K Vintners ‘The Boy’ Grenache, Walla Walla Valley 2021 750ml $44.50 special, 12 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 99 points “Super smooth and mouth-filling but also lacy and filigreed, the wine combines powerful, broad and ripe strawberries, red plums and cedar on a full body blanketed in soft tannins but with fresh acidity. Aged 18 months on the lees in neutral, large-format barrels. Drink now or hold.”
K Vintners ‘The Deal’ Sundance Vineyard Syrah, Columbia Valley 2021 750ml $36 special, 24 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 96 points “Rich, fruity and generous, but also spicy, smoky and well-braced by acidity and moderate tannins. It’s a syrah that has it all, deep blackberry and blueberry flavors laced with white pepper, singed rosemary and black cherries that expand on the palate and linger on the finish. Drinkable now, but best from 2028.”
K Vintners ‘MCK–Motor City Kitty’ Syrah, Goldfield-Boushey Vineyard, Yakima Valley 2021 750ml $41.90 special, 24 bottles in stock now
#7 Wine of the Year in 2024 – James Suckling
James Suckling 99 points “The aromas leap out of the glass. Wet earth, tapenade, green peppercorns, volcanic ash and tea leaves. Hints of orange peel. It’s electric on the palate, so savory, so earthy and so minerally, with stemmy and tea-like tannins. The freshness and energy are astounding, and the finish just keeps going. Delicious syrah. Drink or hold.”
By our count, K makes well more than 15 wines, most of them single vineyard Syrah, and the demand for them every vintage makes them one of our best-selling estates.
In Stock Now:
K Vintners ‘The Boy’ Grenache, Walla Walla Valley 2021 750ml $44.50 special, 12 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 99 points “Super smooth and mouth-filling but also lacy and filigreed, the wine combines powerful, broad and ripe strawberries, red plums and cedar on a full body blanketed in soft tannins but with fresh acidity. Aged 18 months on the lees in neutral, large-format barrels. Drink now or hold.”
K Vintners ‘The Deal’ Sundance Vineyard Syrah, Columbia Valley 2021 750ml $36 special, 24 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 96 points “Rich, fruity and generous, but also spicy, smoky and well-braced by acidity and moderate tannins. It’s a syrah that has it all, deep blackberry and blueberry flavors laced with white pepper, singed rosemary and black cherries that expand on the palate and linger on the finish. Drinkable now, but best from 2028.”
K Vintners ‘MCK–Motor City Kitty’ Syrah, Goldfield-Boushey Vineyard, Yakima Valley 2021 750ml $41.90 special, 24 bottles in stock now
#7 Wine of the Year in 2024 – James Suckling
James Suckling 99 points “The aromas leap out of the glass. Wet earth, tapenade, green peppercorns, volcanic ash and tea leaves. Hints of orange peel. It’s electric on the palate, so savory, so earthy and so minerally, with stemmy and tea-like tannins. The freshness and energy are astounding, and the finish just keeps going. Delicious syrah. Drink or hold.”
During the height of the phylloxera epidemic, Jacques Lignier, a viticulturist from Morey-Saint-Denis, bought up abandoned vineyard sites and a neglected wine estate with the hope of restoring the decimated glory of the land.
Over the 150 years of the estate’s history, they have become one of Burgundy’s most revered domaines, with exceptional holdings in Gevrey-Chambertin, Pommard, Morey-Saint-Denis, and Nuits-Saint-Georges. The wines are classically styled and supremely age-worthy, no surprise given the careful and sustainable farming alongside the delicate handling in the winery.
We’re receiving our allocation of the 2022s shortly. The vintage was sunny and warm with mid-season rains that tempered the dryness. The results are exceptional Burgundies with purity and character.
“Virgile Lignier is an adept of whole bunches and looks for gentle extraction during vinification, followed by maturation in increasingly discreet cooperage. I left impressed by a winery that’s clearly made appreciable progress over the last few years, delivering a range of sauve, fleshy 2022s with good depth and balance.” -William Kelley, Wine Advocate
Domaine Hubert Lignier Wines Arriving May 23rd:
Domaine Hubert Lignier Gevrey-Chambertin Les Seuvrées, Côte de Nuits 2022 750ml $128 pre-arrival special, 12 bottles available
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 89-91 points “Aromas of spices, wild berries, smoke and loamy soil introduce the 2022 Gevrey-Chambertin Les Seuvrées, a medium to full-bodied, pure and charming wine that’s ample and fine-boned, with melting tannins and a saline finish.”
Domaine Hubert Lignier Monthélie Rouge, Côte de Beaune 2022 750ml $76.50 pre-arrival special, 6 bottles available
“The 2022 Monthélie Village comes from two lieux-dits and includes 20% whole bunches. It has a very appealing bouquet with crushed limestone infusing red berry fruit. Vibrant and energetic. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins. There is admirable transparency here – very stony and mineral-driven with a sapid finish. This is far superior to the previous vintage and is worth seeking out. (Drink between 2025-2033).” -Neal Martin, Vinous
Domaine Hubert Lignier Pommard En Brescul, Côte de Beaune 2022 750ml $128 pre-arrival special, 6 bottles available
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 88-90 points “The badger that has frequently ravaged this small parcel was deterred this year by means of a sound cannon, yet he nonetheless produced a small crop of the 2022 Pommard En Brescul, a taut, tightly wound young wine redolent of plums, dark berries and spices. It will reward a bit of patience.”
Domaine Hubert Lignier Morey-Saint-Denis Très Girard, Côte de Nuits 2022 750ml $119 pre-arrival special, 2 bottles available
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 88-90 points “Offering up aromas of plums, spices, smoked meats and orange rind, Lignier’s 2022 Morey-Saint-Denis Très Girard (négoce) is medium-bodied, round and supple, with a charming, somewhat open-knit personality.”
Domaine Hubert Lignier Sur la Velle, Monthélie Premier Cru 2022 750ml $108 pre-arrival special, 6 bottles available
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 88-90 points “The 2022 Monthélie 1er Cru Sur la Velle is seamless and charming, offering up notes of plums, sweet berries, smoke and spices, followed by a medium to full-bodied, supple and charming palate. This will offer expressive drinking on release.”
Domaine Hubert Lignier La Riotte, Morey-Saint-Denis Premier Cru 2022 750ml $219 pre-arrival special, 5 bottles available
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 90-93 points “Notes of dark berries, cherries, licorice, smoked meats and spices introduce the 2022 Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru La Riotte, a medium to full-bodied, supple and sapid wine with a sweet core of fruit that’s framed by powdery tannins.”
Domaine Hubert Lignier Morey-Saint-Denis Premier Cru Vieilles Vignes 2022 750ml $269 pre-arrival special, 6 bottles available
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 92-94 points “The 2022 Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru Vieilles Vignes unwinds in the glass with aromas of rich, smoky berry fruit mingled with notes of rose petals, spices and grilled squab. Medium to full-bodied, layered and concentrated, with a fleshy core of fruit framed by sweet, powdery tannins, it concludes with a perfumed finish. As usual, it’s one of the high points of the range.”
Domaine Hubert Lignier Clos de la Roche Grand Cru 2022 750ml $749 pre-arrival special, 6 bottles available
Jasper Morris 95-98 points “Two thirds is in the Mont Luisants sector, one third Fremières. Fine mid purple. The nose is not vastly demonstrative but it is very fine. Then, afterwards, the wine expands enormously on the palate, almost as if there was some seductive Clos St Denis in the mix, but otherwise the wine is classic Clos de la Roche with perfect poise. Lovely. Drink from 2032-2045. Tasted Nov 2023.”
Over the 150 years of the estate’s history, they have become one of Burgundy’s most revered domaines, with exceptional holdings in Gevrey-Chambertin, Pommard, Morey-Saint-Denis, and Nuits-Saint-Georges. The wines are classically styled and supremely age-worthy, no surprise given the careful and sustainable farming alongside the delicate handling in the winery.
We’re receiving our allocation of the 2022s shortly. The vintage was sunny and warm with mid-season rains that tempered the dryness. The results are exceptional Burgundies with purity and character.
“Virgile Lignier is an adept of whole bunches and looks for gentle extraction during vinification, followed by maturation in increasingly discreet cooperage. I left impressed by a winery that’s clearly made appreciable progress over the last few years, delivering a range of sauve, fleshy 2022s with good depth and balance.” -William Kelley, Wine Advocate
Domaine Hubert Lignier Wines Arriving May 23rd:
Domaine Hubert Lignier Gevrey-Chambertin Les Seuvrées, Côte de Nuits 2022 750ml $128 pre-arrival special, 12 bottles available
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 89-91 points “Aromas of spices, wild berries, smoke and loamy soil introduce the 2022 Gevrey-Chambertin Les Seuvrées, a medium to full-bodied, pure and charming wine that’s ample and fine-boned, with melting tannins and a saline finish.”
Domaine Hubert Lignier Monthélie Rouge, Côte de Beaune 2022 750ml $76.50 pre-arrival special, 6 bottles available
“The 2022 Monthélie Village comes from two lieux-dits and includes 20% whole bunches. It has a very appealing bouquet with crushed limestone infusing red berry fruit. Vibrant and energetic. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins. There is admirable transparency here – very stony and mineral-driven with a sapid finish. This is far superior to the previous vintage and is worth seeking out. (Drink between 2025-2033).” -Neal Martin, Vinous
Domaine Hubert Lignier Pommard En Brescul, Côte de Beaune 2022 750ml $128 pre-arrival special, 6 bottles available
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 88-90 points “The badger that has frequently ravaged this small parcel was deterred this year by means of a sound cannon, yet he nonetheless produced a small crop of the 2022 Pommard En Brescul, a taut, tightly wound young wine redolent of plums, dark berries and spices. It will reward a bit of patience.”
Domaine Hubert Lignier Morey-Saint-Denis Très Girard, Côte de Nuits 2022 750ml $119 pre-arrival special, 2 bottles available
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 88-90 points “Offering up aromas of plums, spices, smoked meats and orange rind, Lignier’s 2022 Morey-Saint-Denis Très Girard (négoce) is medium-bodied, round and supple, with a charming, somewhat open-knit personality.”
Domaine Hubert Lignier Sur la Velle, Monthélie Premier Cru 2022 750ml $108 pre-arrival special, 6 bottles available
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 88-90 points “The 2022 Monthélie 1er Cru Sur la Velle is seamless and charming, offering up notes of plums, sweet berries, smoke and spices, followed by a medium to full-bodied, supple and charming palate. This will offer expressive drinking on release.”
Domaine Hubert Lignier La Riotte, Morey-Saint-Denis Premier Cru 2022 750ml $219 pre-arrival special, 5 bottles available
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 90-93 points “Notes of dark berries, cherries, licorice, smoked meats and spices introduce the 2022 Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru La Riotte, a medium to full-bodied, supple and sapid wine with a sweet core of fruit that’s framed by powdery tannins.”
Domaine Hubert Lignier Morey-Saint-Denis Premier Cru Vieilles Vignes 2022 750ml $269 pre-arrival special, 6 bottles available
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 92-94 points “The 2022 Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru Vieilles Vignes unwinds in the glass with aromas of rich, smoky berry fruit mingled with notes of rose petals, spices and grilled squab. Medium to full-bodied, layered and concentrated, with a fleshy core of fruit framed by sweet, powdery tannins, it concludes with a perfumed finish. As usual, it’s one of the high points of the range.”
Domaine Hubert Lignier Clos de la Roche Grand Cru 2022 750ml $749 pre-arrival special, 6 bottles available
Jasper Morris 95-98 points “Two thirds is in the Mont Luisants sector, one third Fremières. Fine mid purple. The nose is not vastly demonstrative but it is very fine. Then, afterwards, the wine expands enormously on the palate, almost as if there was some seductive Clos St Denis in the mix, but otherwise the wine is classic Clos de la Roche with perfect poise. Lovely. Drink from 2032-2045. Tasted Nov 2023.”
Shop our complete selection of Hubert Lignier in-stock and on the way now!
Don’t miss our additional sales going on now:
Cornas
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of Cornas
10% off any 6+ or more in-stock bottles of Cornas
Dominus
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of Dominus
10% off any 6+ or more in-stock bottles of Dominus
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Cornas sale ends Tuesday, May 20th at 9 am Pacific. Dominus sale ends Wednesday, May 21st at 9 am Pacific.