In This Newsletter:
 
ArPePe
&
Vinopolis Close-Out Sale Featurette: Bodegas Maranones
 

 
ArPePe
 
Your Three-Day Discount Starts Now

As the Alps dramatically ease their way from the north of Italy to Switzerland, the small wine region of Valtellina is nestled between snow-peaked mountains, rolling hills, and meandering rivers. With regard to northern Italian wine and Nebbiolo-at-large, Valtellina is one of those best-kept-secrets. It is home to some of the most ethereal and mineral driven expressions of wine in the world. Naturally insulated from the rest of the country due to the topography, the villagers practice winemaking exactly as they have for centuries.
 
One of the region’s finest wine producers – and likely the best-known – is ArPePe. Arturo Pelizzatti Perego (who went by ArPePe) family’s winemaking roots in the area go back centuries, but they were forced to sell off their winery and some vineyards due to illness. ArPePe re-established his family’s estate in 1984 under his nickname. In the ensuing thirty years, he helped elevate the winery and region alike to global recognizance and appreciation before his passing in 2004. This was a dramatic shift for the region considering that in the 1990s, most Valtellina never traveled further than Switzerland.
 
Within the cellar the winery carved out of a mountain in the subzone of Grumello, the family follows the time-tested script of traditional winemaking. ArPePe’s three children continue his legacy of crafting incredibly expressive wines with poise, grace, and some serious age worthiness.
 
The Rosso is 100% Nebbiolo, offering an easy-drinking ready-to-go style while the other wines cellar. They craft several Valtellina Superiore and Riserva wines identified by their subzone (Grumello, Sassella, and Inferno), all from the heart of the region. Grumello, ArPePe’s home subzone, has steep and rocky terraces ranging from 350 to 600 meters above sea level. Sassella is the most famous and largest subzone, with steep terraces winding from 270 to 600 meters in elevation. Inferno, likely named for the summer heat it experiences, is the smallest subzone ArPePe works with but offers a wide diversity of slopes and aspects despite a narrower elevation. From these regions, ArPePe crafts magnificent offerings of Nebbiolo that rival Piedmont’s finest.
 

5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of ArPePe
10% off any 6 or more in-stock bottles of ArPePe
 
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
 
Sale ends Saturday, May 25th at 9 am Pacific.

 
We offer seven options from ArPePe on sale now, including:
 
ArPePe Rosso di Valtellina, Lombardy 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $38, that’s $36.10 at 5% off and $34.20 at 10% off, 2 bottles in stock now
100% Nebbiolo from 50-100 year old vines on the lower slopes of the Sassella and Grumello vineyards.
 
ArPePe Inferno Fiamme Antiche Riserva, Valtellina Superiore DOCG 2017 750ml Displayed Price: $59, that’s $56.05 at 5% off and $53.10 at 10% off, 16 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 94 points “A graceful, mineral-driven red, with seamless integration of the firm, fine-grained tannins and concentrated flavors of ripe raspberry, star anise, Earl Grey and red licorice. Light on its feet, this red boasts complexity and depth. Drink now through 2030. 500 cases made, 150 cases imported.”
 
ArPePe Grumello Rocca de Piro Riserva, Valtellina Superiore DOCG 2017 750ml Displayed Price: $59, that’s $56.05 at 5% off and $53.10 at 10% off, 22 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 95 points “A fresh, focused red, with a subtle yet persistently fragrant thread of tobacco and spices winding through dried cherry and strawberry, tea rose, stone and smoke notes. Reveals supple tannins that firm the creamy, lasting finish. Tightly meshed yet still expressive, this should show well with short-term cellaring. Best from 2024 through 2034. 1,900 cases made, 170 cases imported.”

ArPePe Grumello Sant’Antonio Riserva, Valtellina Superiore DOCG 2013 750ml Displayed Price: $99, that’s $94.05 at 5% off and $89.10 at 10% off, 1 bottle in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 95 points “The 2013 Valtellina Superiore Grumello Riserva Sant’Antonio is a bold, pungent wine. Dark red and purplish fruit, lavender, spice, menthol and licorice race across the palate. A deep, vertical Riserva, the 2013 is very young today, but it is so impressive. Time in the glass brings out the wine’s striking inner perfume, sweetness and sheer pedigree.”
 
ArPePe Inferno Sesto Canto Riserva, Valtellina Superiore DOCG 2013 750ml Displayed Price: $99, that’s $94.05 at 5% off and $89.10 at 10% off, 7 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 93 points “There’s a lovely juiciness to the crushed black raspberry and strawberry fruit on display in this elegant, medium- to full-bodied red, yet sleek tannins are well-integrated and provide fine definition. Fragrant notes of tea leaf, pomegranate and hot stone chime on the silky finish. Drink now through 2033. 500 cases made, 175 cases imported. –AN”
 
ArPePe Sassella Nuova Regina Riserva, Valtellina Superiore DOCG 2013 750ml Displayed Price: $99, that’s $94.05 at 5% off and $89.10 at 10% off, 3 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 96 points “Loaded with finesse and energy and still youthfully austere, this linear, structured red offers tart cranberry, blood orange and star anise sensations. A vein of salty mineral provides the backdrop while fine-grained tannins provide elegant structure and support. Racy acidity keeps it balanced. Give it time to fully develop and blossom into even more of a beauty. Drink 2025–2035. -Kerin O’Keefe”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95 points “A release of about 6,000 bottles, the Ar. Pe. Pe. 2013 Valtellina Superiore Riserva Sassella Nuova Regina draws its fruit from terraced vineyards delineated by rocky drywalls. The vines are at least 50 years old and planted in friable metamorphic rock or gneiss shaped by glaciers. This wine is made in a highly traditional manner with extended skin maceration in oak casks, and all the harvest work is done by hand. This is a true beauty with enormous finesse and a deep well of aromatic nuances that center around wild berries, blue flowers and iron ore. The wine is carefully aged with fine and silky tannins. It tastes great, so if you have a bottle you can drink it now or wait longer if that is your pleasure.”

ArPePe Sassella Ultimi Raggi Riserva, Valtellina Superiore 2013 750ml Displayed Price: $99, that’s $94.05 at 5% off and $89.10 at 10% off, 6 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 93+ points “The 2013 Valtellina Superiore Sassella Riserva Ultimi Raggi is a bit austere. Red purplish fruit, dried herbs, orange peel, spices, rose petals and cinnamon are layered in this exotic, beguiling Valtellina Superiore. Readers will find a wine of terrific energy, with bright acids that run through a tight finish. It’s hard to say for a wine that is nearly ten years old, but the 2013 might still need time!”

 
Shop all seven wines on our webstore now!
 

 
Vinopolis Close-Out Sale Featurette:
 
Bodegas Maranones

The wines of Madrid have developed a devoted following in recent years. The entire plateau seems to be drenched in the intense sunlight of Spain, but the high elevation results in dramatic diurnal swings. Soils feature primarily decomposed granitic, sandy soils – the quintessential stomping ground for well-built Garnacha, such as this budget-friendly example from Bodegas Maranones. This 2016, the 30,000 Maravedíes, has an elegance and brightness that reflects its extreme growing conditions. The wine is generous but balanced, and will stun at table any time this decade.
 
In Stock & On Close-Out Sale Now:
 
Bodegas Maranones 30,000 Maravedíes, Madrid 2016 750ml Was $24, Now $20.90 special, 15 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutiérrez-Wine Advocate 91+ points “The fully developed, aromatic and open 2016 30.000 Maravedíes, with nice aromatics and a very pleasant palate. It’s fragrant and elegant, with pungent flavors and very good persistence. This is a superb showing for this bottling.”

 
This is the only listing in the USA today!
 
We offer 212 wines on our close-out sale, including gems from the Mosel producer Merkelbach, Chianti producer Meleto, and Spanish producer Nin-Ortiz. Shop the list here!
 

 
Don’t miss our additional sale going on now:
 
Bründlmayer
 
10% off any 6-11 in-stock bottles of Bründlmayer
15% off any 12 or more in-stock bottles of Bründlmayer
 
G.D. Vajra & Luigi Baudana
 
5% off any 4-8 in-stock bottles of G.D. Vajra and/or Luigi Baudana
10% off any 9 or more in-stock bottles of G.D. Vajra and/or Luigi Baudana
 
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
 
Bründlmayer sale ends Thursday, May 23rd at 9 am Pacific. G.D. Vajra & Luigi Baudana sale ends Friday, May 24th at 9 am Pacific.

G.D. Vajra & Luigi Baudana
 
Your Three-Day Discount Starts Now
 

It’s rare to find benchmark wines that remain affordable from one of a wine-growing region considered one of the finest in the world for centuries, but not impossible. Well, if you’ve read the title of this newsletter, there’s no surprise who we have in mind: G.D. Vajra and the now-sister estate of Luigi Baudana.
 
Check the purchase record of any staff member, and you’ll know why we call G.D. Vajra one of our favorite producers in the Piedmont. The estate responsible for some of the finest Barolos we offer and also excels with their more entry-level options. The lineup as a whole is quite simple the best in Piedmont today. At all price points they are benchmark wines against which all others are judged.
 
The entry-level wines consist of often unique regional blends and varietal wines. The wide selection of equally interesting options (red, white, and sparkling) all make for winning pizza- or pasta-night pairings. They’re wines that are so utterly charming, that you’ll want to buy by the case.
 
As we climb the latter, there are small-production wines from rare grapes (Freisa) and the cellar-defender Langhe Nebbiolos and village-level Barolos. At the top end, we find single-vineyard Barolos including the Ravera, which goes for triple digits from others addresses. The Bricco delle Viole is the highest vineyard in Barolo, named for the violets that blossom across its southern exposure. In its position above the thick fogs, it receives the most sunlight with the earliest sunrise and latest sunset, as well as a wildly dramatic diurnal temperature swing. The wines are lifted with refined tannins and minerality. Coste di Rose is home to a wide range of soil types, including sandstone. Per Monica Larner of the Wine Advocate, this results in unique aromatics and a darker fruit profile than the Bricco delle Viole.
 
If you’re not familiar with the Luigi Baundana estate, here’s a quick primer: In 2009, G.D. Vajra was entrusted by Luigi and Fiorina Baudana to carry on the legacy of their cherished garagiste operation upon their retirement. The estate’s holdings don’t exceed seven acres, making them one of the smallest wineries in all of Piedmont. As a result, these are wines made in highly limited qualities and offer a wholly unique interpretation of the varietal. The technical skill of Vajra is on full display with these old vines, resulting in wines that live up to the heritage of the estate and a wholly different interpretation of Nebbiolo in terms of aromatic lift and fruit profile. Their two estate vineyards offer perfumed and fruit driven expressions of Nebbiolo against minerality with clear aging potential.   
 
Across the line, reviewers praise the complexity and value offered by these two estates. We’re proud to offer multiple vintages of these excellent Barolos and a wide range of the varietal wines and region blends. You can browse the selections below and shop the range on our webstore now!
 

5% off any 4-8 in-stock bottles of G.D. Vajra and/or Luigi Baudana
10% off any 9 or more in-stock bottles of G.D. Vajra and/or Luigi Baudana
 
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
 
Sale ends Friday, May 24th at 9 am Pacific.

 
We offer twenty options from G.D. Vajra & Luigi Baudana on sale now, including:
 
2017 Barolo In Stock Now:
 
“[In 2017, the] Vajra family produced a bevy of stellar wines from both their estates, G.D. Vajra in Barolo and Baudana in Serralunga. The 2017s are deep, fleshy and impeccably balanced.” -Antonio Galloni
 
G.D. Vajra Bricco delle Viole, Barolo DOCG 2017 750ml $69 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Kerin O’Keefe-Wine Enthusiast 96 points “Aromas of underbrush, pine forest, woodland berries and cedar form the enticing nose. Full-bodied and savory, the structured palate delivers ripe Morello cherry, raspberry compote, star anise and cinnamon before closing on pipe tobacco notes. Tightly knit but refined tannins provide the backbone, while surprisingly fresh acidity for the hot vintage keeps it balanced. Drink 2024–2032.” 

 
2018 Barolos In Stock Now:
 
“Once again, I was blown away by the consistency of the range, starting from the simplest offerings in the lineup. The 2018 Barolos show the mid-weight, nervy side of the year, which emphasizes some of the classic austerity the wines can display in their youth. It will be interesting to see how the 2018s evolve in bottle.” -Antonio Galloni
 
#9 Top 100 Cellar Selections 2022 – Wine Enthusiast
G.D. Vajra Bricco delle Viole, Barolo DOCG 2018 750ml Displayed Price: $69, that’s $65.55 at 5% off and $62.10 at 10% off, 9 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 
Kerin O’Keefe-Wine Enthusiast 95 points “Cellar Selection. Heady aromas of violet, camphor, leather and tobacco lead the way on this fragrant red. On the palate, tightly knit, fine-grained tannins accompany ripe Marasca cherry, crushed raspberry and licorice. Fresh acidity keeps it balanced. Drink 2025–2035. -Kerin O’Keefe” 

Wine Spectator 95 points “An elegant version, this red features rose, black currant, cherry, mineral and a hint of eucalyptus aromas and flavors. Linear in profile, this is solidly built on a graceful frame, with finely woven tannins and vibrant acidity. Best from 2026 through 2045. —B.S.”
 
G.D. Vajra Coste di Rose, Barolo DOCG 2018 750ml Displayed Price: $57.50, that’s $54.63 at 5% off and $51.75 at 10% off, 21 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 92 points “The 2018 Barolo Coste di Rose is a delicate, understated Barolo that will need a bit of time to fully emerge. There’s lovely purity to the fruit here, but also some angular contours that need to resolve. The 2018 is a mid-weight wine in the style of the vintage, and yet there is fine balance.”
 
G.D. Vajra Ravera, Barolo DOCG 2018 750ml Displayed Price: $79, that’s $75.05 at 5% off and $71.10 at 10% off, 36+ bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 93 points “The 2018 Barolo Ravera is a powerful, tightly wound wine. Gravel, smoke, cured meats, spice, leather, tobacco and menthol emerge, but only with quite a bit of reticence. This deceptively mid-weight Barolo has a good bit of brawn. It will be interesting to see if the fruit emerges from behind the tannins.” 

James Suckling 93 points “Rich, ripe mixed berries and perfumed bark on the nose. Medium-to full-bodied with some lightly firm tannin giving support to the fruit. Lacks the complexity of recent vintages, but has a promising core. Give it a while to broaden out. Try from 2024.”
 
Luigi Baudana ‘Baudana’, Barolo DOCG 2018 750ml Displayed Price: $69, that’s $65.55 at 5% off and $62.10 at 10% off, 26 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 94 points “With fruit from Serralunga d’Alba, the 2018 Barolo Baudana is a very different wine when compared to the other single-vineyard expressions from this estate. This has to do with site and soil, and in the case of this celebrated subzone, the wines are always more powerful, more structured and mineral-driven. Dark fruit is followed by rusty notes of iron ore and crushed clay. This wine offers good substance both in terms of finish and texture. Cascina Adelaide does a great job with the Baudana”.
Wine Spectator 94 points “Rich, exuding cherry, raspberry, plum and floral notes, with iron, tobacco and tar accents lending complexity. Shows terrific balance and depth, with a tightly wound structure that bodes well for future development. Best from 2025 through 2043. —B.S.”
 
“G.D. Vajra earns top scores for its perfectly designed portfolio of Piedmont wines. Well balanced against various price points (and all very reasonable), the estate offers excellent high-end Barolos from single vineyards, the super accessible and charming Barolo Albe, and a whole range of lower-end wines that are all creative in terms of graphics and design and extremely innovative in terms of winemaking, blends and overall approach. The G.D. Vajra portfolio should be a model for all sorts of up-and-coming wineries.” -Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
 
Luigi Baudana Cerretta, Barolo DOCG 2018 750ml Displayed Price: $69, that’s $65.55 at 5% off and $62.10 at 10% off, 18 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 93 points “The 2018 Barolo Cerretta is a potent, searing wine, its mid-weight structure notwithstanding. Scorching tannins wrap around a core of dark red/black fruit, gravel, smoke, crushed rocks, menthol, licorice and game. The 2018 is going to need a number of years to come around and for those formidable tannins to soften.”
 
2019 Barolos In Stock Now:
 
“The 2019 Barolos at Vajra are seriously impressive. These wines need a ton of air to show all they have to offer, something readers who want to taste them at this stage should bear in mind. The classicism of these wines is quite appealing for the future.” -Antonio Galloni
 
G.D. Vajra Albe, Barolo DOCG 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $33.50, that’s $31.83 at 5% off and $30.15 at 10% off, 31 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 94 points “This is certainly one of the most popular and versatile wines made in Italy, and deservedly so. The well-priced G.D. Vajra 2019 Barolo Albe shows some ripe fruit and softness with cherry, dried raspberry and crushed rose. This vintage is similar in character to the 2016 release in that both vintages offer a linear style with good structure at the back. The mouthfeel is polished and long, affording accessibility and complexity too.”
 
G.D. Vajra Coste di Rose, Barolo DOCG 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $69, that’s $65.55 at 5% off and $62.10 at 10% off, 30 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95 points “Compared to Bricco delle Viole, Coste di Rose is distinguished by sandstone soils at lower elevations of 340 to 350 meters above sea level. There is a lot of variability in the soils, and as they change, Nebbiolo behaves differently, picking up new aromas and textural qualities along the way. The G.D. Vajra 2019 Barolo Coste di Rose shows a darker core of fruit with dusty earthy tones and campfire ash. The grape skins were quite thick in 2019, meaning that less work was done with submerged cap and other extractive methods. The beauty of this wine is the mouthfeel, which feels rich, tight and silky. Coste di Rose was first made in 2015.”
 
G.D. Vajra Ravera, Barolo DOCG 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $89, that’s $84.55 at 5% off and $80.10 at 10% off, 36+ bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 97 points “The organic G.D. Vajra 2019 Barolo Ravera (with fruit from the most sought-after cru in the village of Novello) reveals gorgeous tonality and color. The wine shines bright with dark ruby and garnet gemstone. Healthy Nebbiolo colors like this can be admired across the 2019 vintage. Ravera represents a union of different geologies from Barolo and Castiglione Falletto. The site has shown extraordinary versatility, especially in the face of climate change, to make wines of both strength and elegance. It is softly textured but also strong in fiber, with silky sensations followed by dark fruit and concentration. Ravera has a character all its own, and the operative word here is power.”
 
Luigi Baudana ‘Baudana’, Barolo DOCG 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $89, that’s $84.55 at 5% off and $80.10 at 10% off, 20 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 96 points “The 2019 Barolo Baudana is absolutely captivating. Effusive and bright in the glass, with tons of freshness and remarkable fruit purity, the Baudana offers up generous dark red fruit, spice, leather, kirsch, hard candy, cedar, tobacco and underbrush. There’s terrific depth here and exceptional balance, too. Rose petal, white pepper and chalk lift the high-toned, intensely saline finish.”

 
Luigi Baudana Del Comune Di Serralunga d’Alba, Barolo DOCG 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $59, that’s $56.05 at 5% off and $53.10 at 10% off, 7 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 93 points “This wine is a blend of fruit from Baudana, Cerretta and Costabella. The Luigi Baudana 2019 Barolo del Comune di Serralunga d’Alba shows the firmness and structure that this village is known for with pretty perfumes of rose, rusty nail, autumnal leaf, licorice and tar. Costabella is an early-ripening site, and fruit is sourced from the youngest vines in Cerretta and Baudana (leaving a selection from the older vines for the single-vineyard wines).” 

Antonio Galloni-Vinous 93 points “The 2019 Barolo del Comune di Serralunga d’Alba shows all the breadth of Serralunga, but in the somewhat austere style that runs through all the wines this year. Dark red fruit, sage, mint, leather and spice fill out the layers effortlessly. Rich and ample, yet super-classic,the Serralunga Barolo hits all the right notes. It may very well be the hidden gem in the entire Vajra range.”

 
Shop all twenty wines on our webstore now, including varietal and regional wines from G.D. Vajra!
 


Don’t miss our additional sale going on now:
 
Jaboulet
 
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of Jaboulet
10% off any 6 or more in-stock bottles of Jaboulet
 
Bründlmayer
 
10% off any 6-11 in-stock bottles of Bründlmayer
15% off any 12 or more in-stock bottles of Bründlmayer
 
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
 
Jaboulet sale ends Wednesday, May 22nd at 9 am Pacific. Bründlmayer sale ends Thursday, May 23rd at 9 am Pacific.

In This Newsletter:
 
Bründlmayer
&
Vinopolis Close-Out Sale Featurette: Thanisch
 


Bründlmayer
 
Your Three-Day Discount Starts Now
 

Somms and Austrian wine fans get EXCITED when they see our selections. That joy is what we live for.
 
It’s a shocking statement to point out that Austrian winemakers produce some of the greatest wines made anywhere in the world. They count among their ranks such luminaries as FX Pichler, Gobelsburg, and Nikolaihof. But despite the love of diehard fans, the wines don’t always get the attention they deserve. If these wines came from France, those biodynamic, single-vineyard, Grand Cru, food-friendly, and ridiculously underpriced gems from thousand-year-old wineries would they be three times as expensive. These are the source of the best value high end whites in the world.

The Kamptal region in Austrian is the slightly less famous brother to the Wachau. As a result, their best wines are an even better value. The quality is on par, so the wines from the likes of Bründlmayer end up being the best deals across the Old World. (The bottlings from the Heiligenstein vineyard, likely the Kamptal’s most famous, are in a class by themselves.)
 
Bründlmayer’s wines are somewhere in the middle between the fruit-forward style of Hirsch and the heft and contemplative nature of Gobelsburg. These are probably the most subtle when young, but blossom with age. The wines reward attention and aging in spectacular ways.
 

10% off any 6-11 in-stock bottles of Bründlmayer
15% off any 12 or more in-stock bottles of Bründlmayer
 
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
 
Sale ends Thursday, May 23rd at 9 am Pacific.

 
We offer seven options from Bründlmayer on sale now, including:
 
Weingut Bründlmayer Ried Steinmassl Chardonnay 1ÖTW, Kamptal, Kamptal 2021 750ml Displayed Price: $69, that’s $62.10 at 10% off and $58.65 at 15% off, 12 bottles in stock now
Falstaff 95 points “Light golden yellow, silver reflections. Fine wood spice, a touch of caramel, blossom honey and orange peel, vanilla echo as well as some papaya and spicy nuances. Juicy, elegant, salty, white tropical fruit, tobacco finish, mineral echo, very good persistency, reductive finish, will benefit from bottle age.”
 

This is the only listing in the USA today!

 
Weingut Bründlmayer Ried Käferberg Gruner Veltliner, Kamptal DAC 2021 750ml Displayed Price: $79, that’s $71.10 at 10% off and $67.15 at 15% off, 12 bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott (Suckling) 96 points “What a lovely nose of apricots, lemons, nutmeg, orange zest and white chocolate. It’s creamy and medium- to full-bodied, with zesty acidity cutting through. Fantastic balance, length and intensity. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.”
Anne Krebiehl MW-Vinous 94 points “The 2021 Grüner Veltliner Ried Käferberg is from an east-facing site at 330 meters of elevation on calcareous gravels with a loess cover, picked from vines that are around 35 years old. It was made in large used barrel and stayed on gross lees until the following September, then for another year in stainless steel, finally bottled in spring 2023. The nose has just a touch of fir honey, verging into a slight waxiness, with a notion of hazelnut and smoke. The palate is immediately fresh, full, contoured and generous but absolutely outlined by freshness—poised and serene. On the mid-palate, ripe lemon brightness teases out zestiness and yeasty savoriness, with gentle after-tones of mossy freshness and expansive resonance where that lovely smoky flavor returns. (Bone-dry).”
 

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

 
Weingut Bründlmayer Ried Steinmassl Riesling 1ÖTW, Kamptal 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $37, that’s $33.30 at 10% off and $31.45 at 15% off, 23 bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott (Suckling) 95 points “At once intense and mellow, which is a weird thing to write, but this is a special wine. Delicate white-fruit aromas. Excellent structure and racy minerality make this really exciting. Very long, crystalline finish that promises a very long life. Drink or hold.”
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 94+ points “The 2019 Ried Steinmassel 1ÖTW Kamptal Riesling opens clear, intense and snappy on the nose, quite open and with floral fruit aromas but also a very ripe and dried raisin aroma intermingled with crystalline (para-gneiss and amphibolite) and black pepper notes. Dense and juicy on the palate, this is a concentrated, firmly structured, crystalline, very elegant and tensioned Riesling with a dried stone fruit aroma and very firm phenolics. A wine to age for at least 5-6 years. There are crunchy tannins on the finish that might come from the reduction rather than the pressing, which was whole clusters and pressed at 6 p.m. when they started to fill at 11 a.m. Picked on October 17th. 12.5% alcohol. Tasted at Schloss Gobelsburg in June 2021.”
 

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

 
Weingut Bründlmayer Ried Steinmassl Riesling 1ÖTW, Kamptal 2021 750ml Displayed Price: $37, that’s $33.30 at 10% off and $31.45 at 15% off, 17 bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott (Suckling) 94 points “Eye-poppingly fresh nose of ferns and savory notes with underlying, lemony fruit. Very tightly wound and energetic, this is a radically racy dry riesling for Austria. Very long, whiplash finish that will either turn you off or drive you wild, like us. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.”
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 93+ points “From a south-southeast-facing cru on Gföhler gneiss soils and ranging from 240 to 340 meters in altitude, the 2021 Riesling Ried Steinmassl 1ÖTW was picked on October 18 and 19, then macerated and fermented in stainless steel tanks. The wine shows a clear and intense, pure and elegant nose with ripe and elegant fruit aromas intertwined with spicy and saline notes. Crystalline and savory on the palate, this is a medium-bodied yet supple and tightly structured Steinmassl with clear, defined fruit and fine tannins intermingled with the saline acidity. Very long and complex finish. It’s still on its way but very promising. 12.5% stated alcohol. Natural cork. Tasted in October 2022.”
 

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

 
Weingut Bründlmayer Ried Zöbinger Heiligenstein Riesling 1ÖTW, Kamptal 2015 750ml Displayed Price: $99, that’s $89.10 at 10% off and $84.15 at 15% off, 6 bottles in stock now
David Schildknecht-Vinous 93 points “Buddleia, lemon blossom and ocean spray rush from the glass, then provide alluring inner-mouth perfume and mineral nuance on a luscious, surprisingly buoyant palate saturated with ripe white peach and lime. This finishes with vibrant tingling of crystalline mineral impingements, an invigoratingly reductive hint of struck flint, seductive liquid floral perfume and saliva-drawing salinity. 2017-2028.”
 

This is the only listing in the USA today!

 
Weingut Bründlmayer Ried Zöbinger Heiligenstein Riesling 1ÖTW, Kamptal 2016 750ml Displayed Price: $99, $89.10 at 10% off and that’s $84.15 at 15% off, 12 bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott (Suckling) 94 points “Although this is still very young it begins dramatically with an intensely herbal and white fruits nose. Mineral power kicks in on the palate and drives it forward at a brisk clip. A slightly austere finish, but one that’s full of stony character and is very long and bright. Drink now.”
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 92-93 points “Sourced from the younger, 15- to 35-year-old vines, the 2016 Ried Zöbinger Heiligenstein 1ÖTW Riesling has a super clear, deep and flinty bouquet of super precise and well concentrated citrus fruits. Fermented in stainless steel and bottled without any further movements, this is a highly elegant, gorgeously fresh and finessed dry Heiligensten that is pure, mineral and salty as well as intense and long, with lovely marjoram flavors. A great dry Riesling!”
 

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

 
Weingut Bründlmayer Ried Zöbinger Heiligenstein Riesling 1ÖTW, Kamptal 2022 750ml Displayed Price: $59, that’s $53.10 at 10% off and $50.15 at 15% off, 12 bottles in stock now
Anne Krebiehl MW-Vinous 96 points “The 2022 Riesling Heiligenstein is from core parcels of the site, where cool Waldviertel air meets the warm Pannonian influence. This 2022 vintage is the first where the Lyra- and Guyot-trained vines were co-harvested and co-fermented. The nose has a subtle note of cypress, with a touch of smokiness and a suspicion of green citrus peel. The palate adds a riper notion of juicy white peach, but remains framed with tingling citrus. Both elements together result in immense juiciness, showing a svelte exuberance that, for now, skips over stony minerality, which will take time to reveal itself. This is beautiful, taut, long and serene. (Bone-dry).”
Stuart Pigott (Suckling) 94 points “Enticingly nose with complex aromas of fresh garden flowers and dried flowers, also dried and fresh pear. Racy and driving with an exciting cassis freshness on the very focused palate. Very stony finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.”

 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
 
Shop our seven selections on sale now on our webstore!


 
Vinopolis Close-Out Sale Featurette:

Dr. H. Thanisch Erben Thanisch
 

Weingut Wwe. Dr. H. Thanisch Erben Thanisch is classic Germany: a spectacular Riesling producer that is a mouthful to say. Named after the widow (Wwe. being the German abbreviation) who inherited the estate in the 19th century, Thanisch has been producing wine since 1636. Already considered one Germany’s most exceptional producers, Thanisch was one of the first estates to join the VDP Consortium in 1910, and the estate has continued to pursue excellence ever since.
 
The verdant slopes of the Mosel hide some of the most dangerous and challenging sites in the world. Any slope over 30 degrees makes mechanized assistance nearly impossible, further exacerbating backbreaking work for farmhands. If that wasn’t difficult enough, the various types of slate found in the Mosel become dangerously slippery when wet, oftentimes requiring safety winches and harnesses for laborers. About half of the estate vineyards farmed by Thanisch have aspects of 60 degrees or more, offering mind-bending views of the village of Bernkastel and the Mosel River. And the resulting wines are absolute marvels across the board.
 
In Stock & On Sale Now:
 
Wwe Dr. H. Thanisch Erben Thanisch Bernkasteler Doctor Riesling Spätlese 2016 750ml Was $49, Now $41.90 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2016 Berncasteler Doctor Riesling Spätlese shows a complex, smoky, fresh and elegant bouquet but is still slightly reductive. Piquant and mineral on the palate, with generous fruit, this is an elegant, crystalline and complex Doctor Spätlese with a dense, salty, very expressive and persistent finish. Keep this wine for at least a decade. Tasted March 2018.”
 

This is the only listing in the USA today!

 
Wwe Dr. H. Thanisch Erben Thanisch Bernkasteler Graben Riesling Grosses Gewachs 2019 750ml Was $41.90, Now $36 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 91+ points “The 2019 Bernkasteler Graben Riesling GG is adjacent to Thanisch’s Doctor parcel yet a bit less warm. From 60- to 70-year-old-vines, this is a smoky, intense and elegant Riesling with very fine, precise and crunchy gray slate aromas. Medium-bodied, intense and complex on the palate, this is a tight, long and structured dry Graben Riesling with a refreshing lemon aroma on the concentrated and refreshing finish. This is complex but very promising and currently pretty closed, although the bottle was opened two days earlier. Tasted at the domain in September 2020.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!
 
We offer 207 wines on our close-out sale, including gems from the Barolo producer G.D. Vajra, Austrian producer Hirtzberger, and Brunello producer Mastrojanni. Shop the list here!
 


Don’t miss our additional sale going on now:
 
Rosé
 
5% off any 6-11 bottles of in-stock non-sparkling rosé wines
10% off any 12+ bottles of in-stock non-sparkling rosé wines
 
Jaboulet
 
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of Jaboulet
10% off any 6 or more in-stock bottles of Jaboulet
 
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
 
Rosé sale ends Tuesday, May 21^st at 9 am Pacific. Jaboulet sale ends Wednesday, May 22nd at 9 am Pacific.