In This Newsletter:

 

With a special focus on the Pinot Meunier grape, Serveaux Fils crafts crowd-pleasing and exotically flavored Champagnes to delight any palate. The winery is based in Passy sur Marne, a village on the north bank (Rive Droite) of the Marne River in the Vallée de la Marne. We’ve slashed prices on this fun estate, so stock up on these crowd pleasing cuvees for your holiday parties!

In Stock & On Sale Now:

Serveaux et Fils Cuvee Meunier Blanc de Noirs Brut NV 750ml Was $54.50, Now $48 super special, 14 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 94 points “[Reviewed 2017] This small production wine showcases the qualities of Pinot Meunier. It’s rich and smooth, with plenty of white fruit and an intense streak of lime crispness. Having already had time to mature, it hints at toastiness on the finish. Drink now. -Roger Voss”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Serveaux et Fils Carte d’Or Brut NV 750ml Was $41.90, Now $36 super special, 21 bottles in stock now
60% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Meunier, 20% Pinot Noir. Partial malolactic fermentation. 
Winery note “This cuvee with its pale color has a beautifully mature bouquet. In the mouth, the delicacy of the Chardonnay rubs shoulders with the ample, mineral Meunier and the overall impression is enhanced by a structure marked by the Pinot Noir.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Serveaux et Fils Carte Noire Brut NV 750ml Was $41.90, Now $36 super special, 15 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 90 points “[Reviewed 2020] A lithe and mouthwatering Champagne, with a light plushness to the mousse as it carries well-knit notes of melon, raspberry and chopped almond. Hints of chalk and spice play on the lively finish. Disgorged November 2019. Drink now through 2022. 2,000 cases made, 170 cases imported.  –AN”

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The wine industry is overwhelming dominated by white producers. Of the more than 11,000 wineries in the United States less than 1% of them are Black-owned or has a Black winemaker. The intentional exclusion of minority groups has led to a narrow development of the industry, limiting the fullest potential of diverse, creative, and progressive winemaking. The loss is immeasurable. Fortunately the industry is taking steps to create a more equitable system. Various initiatives, some old, others more recently established in response to mass cultural reckonings of systemic racism in 2020, aim to expand opportunities for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) in the wine industry. 

One such initiative is The Urban Grape Wine Studies Award, created in June of 2020. The developmental program combines education, work experience, and mentorship to people of color to advance their careers in the wine industry. The educational component is core to the program, providing recipients with a full scholarship to Boston University’s Certificate Program in Wine Studies. To learn more about The Urban Grape Wine Studies Award, follow this link. 

Other notable organizations actively working to dismantle systemic inequity in the wine industry include
Association of African American Vintners, Black Vines, The Roots Fund, The Hue Society, Sip Consciously, and Soul of Sonoma.

Here is a list highlighting BIPOC producers in stock now at Vinopolis!

Sandhi Wines 

Sandhi Zuni Café Chardonnay Santa Barbara County 2019 750ML $19 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Winery note “If you’ve ever sat at San Francisco’s iconic Zuni Café with a plate of oysters in front of you while you wait for the iconic whole roast chicken, you may have had a glass or two of this collaboration between longtime friends Rajat Parr of Sandhi and Zuni wine director Thierry Lovato.  The wine is a barrel selection from some of Sandhi’s iconic Sta. Rita Hills sites, (think Mt. Carmel, Sanford & Benedict) with enough own-rooted, 1973 Wente selection Bien Nacido Chardonnay blended in to warrant a Santa Barbara County designation.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Salem Wine & Co.

Salem Wine & Co. Chardonnay, Eola-Amity Hills 2020 750ml $19 special, 18 bottles in stock now
Somm Select “The wine is a glistening yellow-gold, with aromas and flavors of yellow apple, pear, salted lemon, white flowers, fresh cream, almond skin, wet stones, and bread dough. It is medium-bodied but broadens nicely in the glass, with a textured, concentrated mouthfeel well-balanced by citrusy acidity. Pair with roast chicken and you might think you’re in a wine bar in Burgundy!”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Evening Landing

Evening Land ‘Seven Springs Vineyard’ Rose of Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2020 750ml $20.90 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Winery note “The Seven Springs Rosé comes from the young Pinot Noir vines planted up on the vineyard’s East Ridge. These densely planted vines grow in well-drained soils and receive a full day of sunshine during the growing season. This cuvée offers a lively acidity, fresh fruit flavors and subtle floral characteristics.”

Klinker Brick

Klinker Brick Winery Albarino, California 2019 750ml $14 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 88 points “Dry, bracing and light, this nervy wine is powered by crisp fruit acidity and subtle flavors of peach skin and lemon.”

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Stuart Pigott 98 points “What an amazing nose with devastating, peachy intensity and an overtone of saffron. Staggering concentration and colossal acidity give this incredible Mosel Auslese great tension. Patience will be rewarded by this highly structured, enormously complex wine that might live a century! Only a hint of grape sweetness. Drinkable now, but better from 2024.”

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Weingut Gunther Steinmetz Wintricher Geierslay ‘Riesling Auslese, Mosel 2019 750ml $49 special, 19 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 98 points “Totally seductive nose with all manner of exotic fruits but primarily pineapple and papaya. Mind-blowing concentration and mineral brilliance on the palate. Just keeps pumping the exotic fruit out at the very long, super fresh finish. Drink or hold.”

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Weingut Gunther Steinmetz Wintricher Geierslay ‘GW’ Riesling, Mosel 2019 750ml $39 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Stuart Piggot 97 points “This is an amazing dry Mosel with breathtakingly intense minerality and herbal freshness that makes the flavors so vibrant and finely etched. That it’s only medium-bodied makes it even more delightful. Cascading stone fruit and minerals at the super long finish. Drink or hold.”

Weingut Gunther Steinmetz Wintricher Ohligsberg ‘GW’ Riesling, Mosel 2019 750ml $39 special, 5 bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott 97 points “A very striking dry riesling with a wonderfully ripe mini-banana note, but also an intense smoky quality. Full body and enormous concentration, the super-vibrant acidity illuminating all its facets like a spotlight on a huge diamond. Very long, silky finish that makes this Mosel masterpiece delicious right now. Drink or hold.”

Mijita Wine Co.

Mijita Wine Co. Zenith Vineyard Skin-Contact Pinot Gris, Eola-Amity Hills 2021 750ml $26 special, 13 bottles in stock now
VinopolNote: The dark side of skin-contact Pinot Gris, in terms of color at least. This is a beautiful rosy-amber in the glass, evoking flavors of semi-dried rose petals, freshly sliced melons, and lemon zest wrapped around a savory core. 
Decanter Magazine, Micheal Alberty -“Lizzy Esqueda’s first wine for her Mijita label is a skin-contact Pinot Gris aged in neutral oak and old acacia barrels. It is absolutely brilliant juice: I wish Pinot Gris lovers everywhere could taste it.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Mijita Wine Co. Abbey Road Farm Vineyard Gamay Noir, Willamette Valley 2021 750ml $28 special, 31 bottles in stock now
VinopolNote: A shout out to the trending style of Gamay produced by such illustrious and fan-favorite Beaujolais as Anne-Sophie Dubois and Daniel Bouland, who in turn take their inspiration from Burgundy. This is no saccharine fruit-bomb, but a serious and seriously drinkable Gamay that will astound. This, folks, is the wine we’ve been waiting for. It’s exciting, bold, and fresh, with a prickly acidity that lingers on the finish. 

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Kumusha 

Kumusha Pinotage, Swartland 2020 750ml $20.90 special, 9 bottles in stock now
Tasting notes- Uniquely South African wine. A wine with depth, balance, and delicious aromas reminiscent of dark cherries and mulberries on the nose. Notes of ripe plums and hints of spice on the palate with a savory finish. Pairs well with game, turkey, spicy dishes and curries.
Winemaking notes- This wine was made from bush vine Pinotage from the Swartland planted in the early 1990’s and is dryland farmed. 80% was destemmed and 20% left whole bunch through fermentation and maceration. Only gentle actions through fermentation as to not over extract tannins and rather create an elegant and fine example of Pinotage. Aged for 12 months in big French casks and old 500L neutral barrels. No additions and minimal intervention is the philosophy here.”

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Kumusha Cabernet Sauvignon – Cinsault, Slanghoek 2021 $19.90 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Winemaking notes- “76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Cinsault. Handpicked grapes. Destemmed into open top fermenters; Cinsault in cement and Cabernet Sauvignon in old oak casks. Cinsault (of which 25% is wholebunch) spontaneously fermented for 10 days after which it is pressed and racked to concrete tank. Cabernet Sauvignon underwent extended maceration in the oak casks for 30 days after which it was pressed and the wine returned to the oak casks for 8 months. After the 8 month period the two components were blended and rested for a month before bottling and rested in bottle for another 4 months.”
Tasting notes- “Ripe cherries and plums flavours, with hints of pomegranate and strawberry. Complements all types of juicy red meat dishes, especially slow cooked ones. Drinks best for up to 10 years.”

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Sun Goddess

Sun Goddess Pinot Grigio Ramato Friuli, Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2019 750ml $11.90 special, 16 bottles in stock now
Falstaff- “Restrained fruit aromas on the nose followed by hints of ripe apple and pear as well as honeydew melon and citrus plus papaya and a fine herbal spiciness. On the palate rather broad with soft acid and hints of ripe pome fruit and citrus. Medium-long mineral finish.”

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Sun Goddess Sauvignon Blanc Friuli, Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2019 750ml $9.90 special, 27 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 90 points “A white with dried-lemon and mineral character, as well as some sliced green apple. It’s medium-bodied. Crisp and bright at the finish. Drink now.”
Falstaff- “Enticing fruity-fresh bouquet with notes of ripe apple and pear, citrus fruit, apricot as well as white flowers and a dash of caramel. On the palate fresh acidity, light and filigree with ample yellow fruit, apple, apricot and citrus nuances. Long finish.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

 

France- Bordeaux

Chateau Saint-Pierre, Saint-Julien 2018 750ml $79 pre-arrival special, 24 bottles available 
Antonio Galloni 95 points “The 2018 Saint-Pierre (Saint-Julien) is a powerful, muscular wine. Black cherry, gravel, dark spice, menthol, licorice and espresso add to an impression of brooding intensity. Saint-Pierre was so compelling from barrel. It is all that and more from bottle. The tannins are going to need a number of years to soften, but there is so much to look forward to here. Readers should expect a virile, imposing Saint-Julien.”
Jane Anson 95 points “Creamy blackberry and loganberry fruits with touches of brioche, and flaky pastry. Young, needs time, still in the plump early fruit phase, more exuberant than a young Saint Pierre in most vintages, but this will close back up as there are plenty of tannins. I suggest giving it the full ten years to really show just how good this wine is. Layers of bitter chocolate, charcoal, liqourice, grilled cedar, smoked caramel. Great stuff, with a mint leaf finish. 50% new oak, harvest September 20 to October 1.”

France- Burgundy

Philippe Colin Les Combes, Saint-Aubin Premier Cru 2017 750ml $59 pre-arrival special, 36 bottles available
Wine Spectator 93 points “A sleek, supple white, with a velvety texture complementing the white peach, lemon tart, pastry and vanilla flavors. Harmonious and long, this ends with subtle, woody tannins and toast and spice elements. Fine intensity. Drink now through 2025. 225 cases made, 50 cases imported. “

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Bret Brothers La Soufrandiere Pouilly-Vinzelles, Maconnais 2019 750ml $49 pre-arrival special, 12 bottles available
William Kelley- Wine Advocate 90 points “A cuvée of declassified Les Quarts, the 2019 Pouilly-Vinzelles offers up aromas of sweet orchard fruit, meadow blossom and clear honey. Medium to full-bodied, satiny and layered, with fine concentration and bright acids, it’s charming and expressive.”

Bret Brothers La Soufrandiere Pouilly-Vinzelles Climat Les Longeays, Maconnais Maconnais 2019 750ml $59 pre-arrival special, 12 bottles available
William Kelley- Wine Advocate 91 points “The 2019 Pouilly-Vinzelles Les Longeays opens in the glass with notes of pear, almonds, white flowers, mint and citrus zest. Medium to full-bodied and textural but tightly wound, with a sweet core of fruit and lively acids, it has turned out well.”

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France- Rhone

Paul Jaboulet Aine Hermitage La Petite Chapelle – La Maison Bleue, Rhone 2019 750ml $59 pre-arrival special, 36+ bottles available
Joe Czerwinski- Wine Advocate 94-96 points “Even richer, darker and more powerful than the 2018 version, the 2019 Hermitage La Maison Bleue offers up some lifted, minty notes to accent its potent cassis fruit. Dark, dense, and Port-like without being overly heavy or dense, this full-bodied effort is long, intense and concentrated, with softly dusty tannins on the finish.”

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Paul Jaboulet Aine Hermitage La Chapelle, Rhone 2019 750ml $199 pre-arrival special, 36+ bottles available
Joe Czerwinski- Wine Advocate 98-100 points “Might this be the next vintage of La Chapelle to crack triple digits? Knockout aromas of crushed stone, violets, blueberries, and cassis mark the nose of the 2019 Hermitage La Chapelle, while the full-bodied palate is undeniably more intense and powerful than the more elegant 2018. Rich and velvety, it coats the mouth with dark fruit and creamy-textured espresso, yet retains remarkable length and licorice-derived peppery freshness on the finish. Wow!”

Domaine Raymond Usseglio & Fils Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Imperiale, Rhone 2019 750ml $79 pre-arrival special, 18 bottles available
James Suckling 96 points “Deep, spicy and fragrant, this is a very concentrated and elegant Chateauneuf-du-Pape with remarkably fine tannins and floral delicacy alongside its earthy primacy. Mainly produced from grenache vines planted in 1901 and 1902. From Demeter-certified biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or hold.”
Jeb Dunnuck 95+ points “The 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Impériale is almost all Grenache (there’s 5% of other varieties), and it’s another gorgeous wine from this estate. Reminding me of a great Gevrey-Chambertin with its darker red and black fruits, peppery herbs, earth, and flowery incense, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness and has ripe tannins, wonderful balance, and a great finish. This pure, unadulterated, incredibly compelling Grenache needs 2-4 years of bottle age and will deliver the goods for upwards of two decades”

Italy – Tuscany

Rocca di Castagnoli Stielle Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2016 750ml $49 pre-arrival special, 36+ bottles available
Antonio Galloni 95 points “The 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Stielle is a beautiful and distinctive wine, but it also needs time to come together. Sangiovese bristles with energy and cut as this nervy, tightly wound wine shows off its personality. The combination of a high altitude site and whole clusters in fermentation yields a Chianti Classico endowed with notable power and intensity.”

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Vecchie Terre di Montefili ‘Vigna Vecchia’ Gran Selezione, Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany 2016 750ml $49 special, 36+ bottles available
Antonio Galloni 95 points “The 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Stielle is a beautiful and distinctive wine, but it also needs time to come together. Sangiovese bristles with energy and cut as this nervy, tightly wound wine shows off its personality. The combination of a high altitude site and whole clusters in fermentation yields a Chianti Classico endowed with notable power and intensity.”

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Petrolo Torrione Valdarno di Sopra, Tuscany 2019 750ml $28 pre-arrival special, 36+ bottles available
James Suckling 95 points “Very perfumed with sweet-berry and fresh-flower aromas that already show brightness and beauty. Perfumed. Full-bodied with very well-integrated tannins and pure, vivid fruit at the finish. This is all in finesse and depth. Drinkable now, but better in a couple of years.”

Germany- Mosel

Markus Molitor Graacher Domprobst Riesling Auslese, Mosel  ** GK 2019 750ml $49 pre-arrival special, 24 bottles available 
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 95 points “The golden-yellow colored 2019 Graacher Domprobst Auslese ** (Golden Capsule) is intense yet very clear and fresh with lemon juice aromas  and dark-toned notes of crushed flint stone. Lush and refined on the vivacious and remarkably finessed palate, this is a light, round and fleshy, textured and mouth-filling Domprobst with very fine tannins, delicate mineral acidity and lingering salinity. Promising and with stimulating, crystalline grip but still far too young. Tasted from AP 92 20 in May 2021.”

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Markus Molitor Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Auslese, Mosel ** GK 2019 750ml $59 pre-arrival special, 24 bottles available
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 96+ points “The yellow-golden 2019 Graacher Himmelreich Auslese ** (Golden Capsule) is brilliantly clear yet also intense and concentrated on the pure, fresh, finely raisined and herbal (rosemary), slightly honeyed nose that is complex and ambitious. Dense and juicy, with a vivacious purity and great finesse, this is a concentrated, vibrantly fresh and tightly structured Auslese with a remarkably digestible finish. There might be some percentage of botrytis that gives this Auslese a lush texture that is otherwise terribly clear and vital. I’d keep it for at least 7 years and up to 40, if only I could. Attention, though, the wine has serious acidity. Tasted from AP 39 20  in May 2021.”

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Markus Molitor Kinheimer Hubertuslay Riesling Auslese, Mosel, *** GK 2019 750ml $119 pre-arrival special, 24 bottles available
Stephan Reinhardt- Wine Advocate 97+ points “The 2019 Kinheimer Hubertuslay Auslese *** (Golden Capsule) is utterly intense as well as refined on the subtle, finely slatey and crunchy nose. Piquant and fresh on the first attack, this is a crystalline, finely grippy and lingering salty Auslese with great tension, finesse and terroir expression. This is an Auslese to keep for another 5-10 years. This is very precise and piquant and still grippy, but it will smoothen with time. Tasted in May 2021. Drink: 2028-2070.”

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Markus Molitor Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Auslese, Mosel, *** GK 2019 375ml $66 pre-arrival special, 24 bottles available
Stephan Reinhardt- Wine Advocate 98 points “Filled in 375-milliliter bottles, the 2019 Bernkasteler Badstube Auslese *** (Golden Capsule) opens with a fascinating, refined and aromatic bouquet of broken slate and botrytized raisins. Lush and fresh, with very fine grip, this is an utterly finessed and aromatic Auslese that is as rich and intense as it is weightless, frisky and salivating. Surely a picture-book Auslese from the Badstube. Tasted in May 2021.”

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Germany- Nahe

Weingut Emrich-Schonleber Monzinger Halenberg Riesling Auslese, Nahe 2020 750ml $66 pre-arrival special, 36 bottles available
Stuart Pigott 98 points “Very intense, candied yellow-grapefruit nose. Super-concentrated, but the most important thing about this Auslese is the incredibly tight focus on the palate and the purity of the dried apricot and mango. Super-succulent and vibrant finish that doesn’t want to stop. Drink or hold.”
John Gilman 95 points “The 2020 Halenberg Auslese from Frank Schönleber is a gorgeous wine and fully underscores just how great the smattering of Auslesen can be in this vintage. The wine has a touch of botrytis, but is inherently delicate in nature and utterly refined on both the nose and palate. The bouquet wafts from the glass in a celestial blend of ripe pear, fresh apricot, just a hint of the mango to come, a gorgeous base of slate, lilacs, iris blossoms and violets. On the palate the wine is bright, medium-full and supremely elegant in profile, with a lovely core, fine soil undertow, bright acids and a very, very long, complex and utterly seamless finish. This is simply beautiful wine. 2022-2085.”
Stephan Reinhardt- Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2020 Halenberg Auslese is intensely aromatic, precise and fresh on the nose that reveals tropical (passion) fruit aromas intertwined with flinty notes. Lush and generous but precise and elegant on the palate, this is a very dangerous (digestible) Auslese that is so generous but also so precise and crystalline that it is impossible to spit out. A gorgeous Halenberg. Tasted at the domain in July 2021. Drink: 2021-2070.”

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Germany- Pfalz

Muller-Catoir Haardt Sauvignon Blanc Trocken, Pfalz 2020 750ml $26 pre-arrival special, 36 bottles available
Winery note “The Haardt Sauvignon Blanc is focussed on soft aroma, completely without obtrusiveness. The bouquet has elements of cassis and freshly cut hay. The taste is impressive with a rich and multi-layered woven body and a delicate finish.”

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Muller-Catoir Haardter Riesling Trocken, Pfalz 2020 750ml $24 pre-arrival special, 36+ bottles available
Stuart Pigott 94 points “Still a bit closed, but beautifully proportioned. With aeration, this medium-bodied dry Pfalz riesling develops so many delicate spicy and floral notes. Compact structure and a long, tight finish suggest this has quite some aging potential. Drink or hold.”
John Gilman 93 points “The 2020 Haardt Riesling Trocken AP #3 from Weingut Müller-Catoir includes older vines in its constituent components than the Gimmeldingen bottling, as the oldest vines in this bottling are nearly forty-five years of age. It is just a touch lower in acidity as well, coming in at 6.9 grams per liter and carries 4.4 grams per liter of residual sugar and an octane level of 12.5 percent. The wine delivers a refined aromatic constellation of apple, sweet grapefruit, tart orange, a beautifully elegant base of minerality, a touch of wild yeasts, spring flowers, lemongrass and just a hint of beeswax in the upper register. On the palate the wine is vibrant, full-bodied and nascently complex, with an excellent core, superb soil undertow, zesty acids, laser-like focus and a long, zesty and extremely promising finish. This is more refined in personality than the slightly more powerful Gimmeldingen, though qualitatively, they are certainly equivalent. Fine juice in the making. 2028-2065.”

 

 In This Newsletter:

 
Prinz was originally started as a “garagiste” or home winemaker operation in 1991 as a hobby for the founder Fred Prinz. The critics were immediately enamored and an invitation to join the legendary VDP consortium followed in 2005. Their estate vineyards are farmed organically, with a house style that aims for “minerality, elegance, finesse and ageing ability and they reflect their origins perfectly”. 

With holdings in the Rheingau that are relatively high elevation they’re able to produce a full range of Riesling’s including the rarest style of them all: Eiswein. Eiswein is among the hardest wines to make on the entire planet, and is becoming rarer as climate change advances. This is on account of the time the Riesling grapes must spend on the vine as decreed by German law. There’s an endless list of things that could go wrong for the selected clusters during this time. Between the risks of rotting, not freezing sufficiently (it must reach at least -7 degrees Celsius), or simply eaten by hungry birds you can see why production quantities are minuscule to say the least.

Johannes Selbach, winemaker-owner of Selbach-Oster and tastemaker extraordinaire of German wines (he helped Terry Theise launch his portfolio and connect to new producers), was kind enough to connect us with the winery, so these releases are near-exclusive to our humble shop.

Weingut Prinz Wines in stock now: 

Weingut Prinz Riesling Trocken, Rheingau 2020 750ml $16 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott 92 points “Very cool herbal, reine-claude plum and green-apple nose. Firm and racy with a firm mineral core. Mountain freshness at the finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold. Screw cap.”

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The next best price is $19.95

Weingut Prinz Vom Bunten Schiefer Riesling Feinherb, Rheingau 2020 750ml $16 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott 92 points “Very clean, crisp and slatey, this has wonderful brightness and lightness of touch. Sleek and tight with a very dry balance for this (theoretically) medium-dry category. Firm finish that doesn’t let go. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold. Screw cap.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Weingut Prinz Hallgartener Riesling Trocken, Rheingau 2020 750ml $19.50 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott 93 points “Still a bit closed, but this has serious depth and quite some weight for 12.5% alcohol. Complex mint, tarragon and candied-lime aromas, married to fine tannins and crisp acidity. Intense, but quite austere finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.”

 
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Weingut Prinz Hendelberg Riesling Trocken, Rheingau 2020 750ml $28 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott 94 points “Quite funky nose that needs some air to open up, then ripe-quince, apricot and lilac notes develop. Excellent structure behind the ripeness and creaminess, the herbal and mineral notes cascading over the palate at the firm, dry finish. From organically grown grapes.”

 
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Weingut Prinz Hallgartener Jungfer Riesling Grosses Gewachs, Rheingau 2020 750ml $49 special, 34 bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott 97 points “Very cool and reserved, but with great underplayed power, this is in every sense a very serious wine. Major structure crammed into a sleek package. Stunning depth at the very long, herbal and mineral finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $59.94

Weingut Prinz Jungfer Riesling Kabinett, Rheingau 2020 750ml $21.90 special, 34 bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott 94 points “A stunning Kabinett that’s brimming with red apple, white peach and pomegranate. Very tense interplay of fruit, racy acidity and mountain-stream freshness. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.”

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Weingut Prinz Hallgartener Jungfer Riesling Spatlese, Rheingau 2019 750ml $34.50 special, 23 bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott 97 points “Give yourself a holiday and forget all your cares! This super fine Spätlese has a stunning floral-honey, white-currant and dried-herb nose. Very succulent and concentrated with super bright acidity that interlocks beautifully. At the very mineral finish it’s almost dry. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.”

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Weingut Prinz Hallgartener Wurzgarten Riesling Eiswein, Rheingau 2016 375ml $99 special, 12 half-bottles in stock now

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Need ideas? Shop our top picks below:

Domaine de Triennes Rosé, IGP Var 2021 750ml Displayed price $16, Sale price $14.40, 36+ bottles in stock now
Two of Burgundy’s greatest names – Jacques Seysses, founder of Domaine Dujac, and Aubert de Villaine, co-owner of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti – are the partners behind this pioneering property in Provence, northeast of Marseille and due east of Aix-en-Provence. In less than two decades, they have transformed this stunning 46-hectare site into one of the top wine estates in Southern France.

Domaine Les Aphillanthes Rosé Nyphea, Côte du Rhône 2021 750ml Displayed price $14, Sale price $12.60, 24 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 88 points “Bright orange. Ripe cherry, orange pith and floral qualities on the nose. Offers juicy red fruit and blood orange flavors. The warm, smooth finish echoes the cherry note and hangs on with good tenacity.”

Chateau Pradeaux Bandol Rosé, Provence 2021 750ml Displayed price $36.50, Sale price $32.85, 36+ bottles in stock now
Joe Czerwinksi-Wine Advocate 91-93 points “Not bottled yet at the time of my spring visit to the region, the 2021 Bandol Rose nevertheless showed exceptional promise in my blind tasting. A blend of 80% Mourvèdre and 20% Cinsault, it’s a coppery flamingo-pink in color, with more extraction and tannin than your typical Bandol rosé. It’s round and ripe on the palate, medium to full-bodied, with cherry and lime notes and a long, softly dusty finish. The 2020 version, tried at the estate, is still going strong and might be even a little bit better. Don’t skip it just because it’s not called out on this list.”
Rosenthal Wine Merchant importer note “The Bandol Rosé from Pradeaux is perhaps the most serious wine in this category. Robust, rich, and complex with an ability to age gracefully, Etienne Portalis insists that the Domaine’s rosé is a gastronomic experience, not just an easy-drinking wine. We could not agree more, and tastings at Château Pradeaux have repeatedly demonstrated the graceful, profound future this wine encounters if not swallowed in its infancy.”

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Chateau Soucherie Cuvee L’Astree Rosé, Loire 2021 750ml Displayed price $26, Sale price $23.40, 36 bottles in stock now
Rosenthal Wine Merchant importer note “This dry, mineral-driven Rosé is produced from Grolleau (70%) and Gamay (30%). The vines are planted to clay, sandstone and schist soils. The wine is a product of the direct press method of vinification and the elevage is in cuve with bottling occurring usually in April of the spring following harvest. We purchase approximately 7800 bottles for the US market.”

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Clos Sainte Magdeleine Cassis Rosé, Provence 2018 3L Displayed price $199, Sale price $169.15, 1 three-liter bottle in stock now
Grapelive 93 points “The beautiful and richly flavored Clos Ste. Magdeleine Cassis Rosé from the 2018 vintage proves why it is one of the best with its fabulous array of wild strawberries, seeped rose petals, grapefruit, racy peach and sour cherries along with its seductive vinous quality and liquid mineral feel on the dense, but lively palate, this is serious stuff that delivers everything you could want from a Provence Rosé! Brilliant pale salmon/pink in the glass, this crisply refreshing Clos Ste. Magdeleine Rosé is a blend of 40% Grenache, 40% Cinsault and 20% Mourvèdre, which gives this gorgeous wine its complexity and nature. It comes from 15 to 40 year old vines on the region’s classic clay and limestone soils. Set in the picturesque ancient Provence fishing village of Cassis on the Mediterranean sea, Clos Ste. Magdeleine is a small family run estate winery that renown the world over for their white and rosé bottling, which are always delightful and profound wines that intensely sought after and limited, making them cherished treats that go especially well with seafood dishes.…This 2018 is ripe and generous and has stylish presence in the glass and has a touch of saline, stony and savory elements that sharpens the detail and enhances the pleasure, both for drinking now and for the future, for this Rosé can be short term aged as well. Drink this textured Clos Ste. Magdeleine Rosé over the next 3 years, and though hard to get and rare, it is really worth searching out!”

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Domaine du Vissoux Les Griottes Rosé, Beaujolais 2020 750ml Displayed price $16.60, Sale price $14.94, 36+ bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 90 points “Translucent orange-pink. Lively and sharply focused on the nose, presenting ripe red berry and floral scents and a hint of botanical herbs. Smooth and broad on the palate, offering bitter cherry, red currant and candied rose flavors that firm up and become spicier with air. Closes long and silky, with resonating floral and spice notes and strong cling.”

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Chateau des Sarrins Rosé, Côtes de Provence 2021 750ml Displayed price $16, Sale price $14.40, 31 bottles in stock now
Winery note “Les Sarrins Rosé set out to leverage Bruno Paillard’s expertise in the region, to produce a wine that is pure Provence. A wine that shows off the best attributes of this appellation, making it synonymous with the greatest rosé in the world. Only grapes from the top parts of the AOP are selected for our production. The grapes are gently pressed producing a beautiful light pink color and vinification takes place in stainless steel tanks at moderate temperatures to reduce malolactic fermentation. The result is a fresh, bright, floral rosé of beautiful balance.  Tasting notes: color pale pink in color, pale rose petals, bright and clear aroma fine and delicate, with white fruit aromas combined with citrus notes and floral nuances. Taste: the attack is ample and fresh with notes of peach, strawberry, and a long finish with violet notes. Mourvèdre, Rolle, Cinsault, Grenache. Alcohol 13%.”

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Proprieta Sperino ‘Rosa del Rosa’ Rosato Coste della Sesia, Piedmont 2021 750ml Displayed price $24, Sale price $21.60, 36+ bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 93 points “Good luck pulling away from the 2021 Rosa del Rosa, with its sweetly scented bouquet that mixes notes of dusty rose and ripe strawberries with enriching hints of butter cream and vanilla bean. This sets off all of the pleasure indicators with soft textures complemented by sweet red fruits, then contrasted by sour citrus and, finally, a bump of juicy acidity that keeps the energy high. There’s plenty of length to keep the palate reeling with mouthwatering pleasure, as the Rosa del Rosa, a varietal Nebbiolo Rosato, tapers off wickedly fresh and long. This is, yet again, one of the top Italian Rosès of the vintage.”

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Kopke, founded in 1638, makes what might be the most vibrant and long lived port wines available. Like many of their neighbors, they’ve been through adverse times in their near 400 year history, seeing dramatic shifts in the climate, swings in the popularity of their product, and the rise and fall of populist dictators. Through all of this, they’ve been consistent in their commitment to making the greatest Tawny and Colheita (vintage Tawny) Port available. 
 
We’re fortunate to have a tremendous lineup available: Colheita vintage selections dating back to 1937, and the 30 Year and 40 Year Tawnies. The vintage wines are stuffed with aromatics from across the spectrum; floral notes, fresh citrus, walnuts and fig with substantial but surprisingly silky tannins. You can experience the unbelievably youthful aged examples with concentration and depth, but the traditional Kopke freshness that keeps these so vibrant. Flickers of warmth are reminiscent of Cognac, but the clarity of the fruit and spice dominate the balance. We would strongly recommend this for the long haul (perhaps as a gift!), but if you can’t resist, take your time with it. Allow it to develop and fill your glass to the fullest. All of these will continue to show their highlights and develop rich spice and dried fruit characteristics for years to come. 
 
In Stock Now:
 
Kopke 30 Year Old Tawny Port 750ml $128 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 94 points “A very inviting, open style, with butterscotch and caramel notes framing the core of glazed pear, caramelized peach, golden raisin and warm fig flavors. The lush finish lets crème brûlée and ginger cream details hang, showing a flash of honeysuckle for lift. Drink now. 200 cases imported.”
Wine Enthusiast 94 points “Dark gold in color, this Port relishes its age. Like an aged tawny, it has lost its fruit at this mature stage, while gaining the rich, intense character that comes from long wood aging. It has concentrated acidity and a long, lingering aftertaste. Drink now.”
Wine Advocate 93 points “The NV 30 Year Old Tawny Port  was bottled in 2017 with a bar-top cork and 130 grams per liter of residual sugar. The last release I saw of this was pretty fine. So, too, here. This adds a layer of depth and more complexity to the Burmester, although it lacks the Burmester’s elegance and sex appeal. While the finish here is bigger and more gripping, it is no more flavorful (actually, less so). Still, as this rolls around the mouth, it is impressive, not necessarily more exciting than the Burmester, but definitely different stylistically. They are good examples of the diversity you can get in one portfolio. As always, these last indefinitely, barring cork failures, but they are not really meant to be held.”

Kopke 40 Year Old Tawny Port 375ml $119 special, 5 half-bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 95 points “This offers a dreamy mix of caramelized pear, fig and peach flavors at the core, while caramel, sesame oil and date notes fill in through the expansive finish. At first glance this is quite lush, but the finish lingers with cut and drive. Drink now. 200 cases imported.”
Wine Advocate 93 points “The NV 40 Year Old Tawny Port was bottled in 2016 with a bar top cork and 145 grams per liter of residual sugar. This adds a bit more brandy as a nuance on the finish to the 30, reviewed this issue, but it still seems much like the 30 Year Old, surprisingly fresh and easy, beautifully balanced and on the lighter side in terms of mid-palate concentration. It is a lovely tawny on its own terms–I’m just not sure it delivers enough of an uptick to justify the price spike from the 30 (or, perhaps even the 20). On its own, though, it won’t disappoint. The price references a 750 milliliter bottle.”

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Kopke Colheita Tawny Port 1937 750ml $799 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Mark Squires-Wine Advocate 94 points “The 1937 Colheita Tawny Port comes in with 156 grams per liter of residual sugar. This is surprisingly fresh and surprisingly elegant for its age. It demonstrates its age when it finishes with power, showing remarkable grip and length, plus all those old Tawny flavors you want, the molasses, baked caramel. There’s a touch of brandy lurking here and there. While this has far more power and complexity than the 1967 this issue, it does lack that wine’s elegance and balance. The hard edge here is pretty hard, even if that intensity is sometimes very admirable. (I suspect it will show better if you come back in three days after opening it. They do change a little after pulling that cork, just a little, after that first rush.) At times, though, that hard edge makes it less attractive. The texture is smooth and unctuous. Overall, this is a fine experience in a blockbuster style. In some ways, I liked it no more than the 1967, though, perhaps less. To be sure, they are very differently styled as this, of course, emphasizes its power and that extra bit of complexity. Don’t drink this too warm—that can make all the difference.”

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Kopke Colheita Tawny Port, Portugal 1957 750ml $489 special, 5 bottles in stock now
Mark Squires-Wine Advocate 95 points “The 1957 Colheita Tawny Port was seen before, but it’s worth revisiting in the USA, since it’s a great wine. This is also the new 2015 bottling. It has 127 grams per liter of residual sugar. It is stunning how youthful this is. Lush and rich on opening, it has mature flavors that emerge, easily demonstrating the complexity and concentrated aromatics one expects. Gripping on the finish, this delivers fruit flavor and seems to linger indefinitely. When I first saw this, it was tasted next to even more brilliant Colheitas and a bit overshadowed. On its own, it is even more stunning. It was pretty fine next to some other greats here as well.”
Wine Enthusiast 95 points “There is a great balance between acidity and impressively fresh fruit considering the age of this venerable Port. Of course there are many flavors from the wood aging, but they are combined with orange marmalade, fig and raisin flavors in a riot of complex flavors that have created a very great wine. It comes from a year that was not generally declared as a vintage. -Roger Voss”
Wine Spectator 95 points “Baked pear, dried apricot and roasted apple flavors dominate in this mature yet fresh-tasting version. White pepper and lightly smoky notes show on the fresh finish. Rich and complex. Drink now. 200 cases imported. — KM” 

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Kopke Colheita Tawny Port, Portugal 1967 375ml $139 special, 10 half-bottles in stock now
Mark Squires Wine Advocate 95 points “The 1967 Colheita Tawny Port comes in with 142 grams per liter of residual sugar. This is a nice step up compared to the younger parts of the lineup, elegant and focused, with a precise finish, a fresh feel, little discernible brandy and a long, long finish. The classic old tawny flavors of molasses and caramel wash over the palate. This isn’t big and thick, but some may very well prefer its elegant and brighter feel. In many ways, it is fresher than the 1981 or 1999 reviewed this issue, and it is better balanced than the 1937. It is very pretty.”

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Kopke Colheita Tawny Port 1978 750ml $119 special, 21 bottles in stock now
Mark Squires-Wine Advocate 94 points “The 1978 Colheita Tawny Port was bottled in 2015 with 119 grams per liter of residual sugar and a bar top cork (typical for the house). It is very graceful for its age, finishing with a wave of sweetness, fruit and sugar. Emphasizing the caramel more than the molasses, this is irresistibly delicious, but it becomes more complex and puts on weight as it airs and warms. The wine shows off its power and hints of Brandy on the rather tense finish, too. Overall, this is a beauty that becomes more impressive the longer you sit with it. Then, you realize that its balance is simply perfect, yet it stands out in most every category. This is very fine and the price is pretty nice for the age and the quality.”
Roger Voss-Wine Enthusiast 94 points “Not one of the generally declared vintages for Port, this year produced some ripe, sweet single quinta vintages. It also was a good year for rich, sweet tawnies. This is ripe, toffee-like in character packed with ripe raisin and sultana flavors. It is a luxurious wine, of course ready to drink.” 

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Kopke Colheita Tawny Port, Portugal 2005 750ml $49 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Wine & Spirits 93 points “Cool and refined upfront, this is polished and posh with sweet plum and vanilla scents in the middle. Then it gets a sunny lift in the end, lasting on honeycomb and notes of dried apricots. A gracious and refined way to end a holiday meal.”

Kopke Colheita Tawny Port 2007 750ml $49 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 91 points “Warm toffee, cinnamon and ginger notes glide through, enhanced by a light streak of juniper. Ends with accents of dark tea and a flash of bitter almond. Drink now.”

Kopke Colheita Tawny Port 2011 750ml $33 special, 6 bottles in stock now
No reviews available. 2011 vintage report from Vinous: ” Near-perfect weather conditions yielded concentrated, powerful yet elegant vintage Ports with outstanding aromatic complexity and the acid backbone and tannic grip for a glorious, slow evolution in bottle. One of the half dozen finest port vintages of the past 50 years.”

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Kopke Colheita White Port 2010 750ml $41.90 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Kopke Colheita White Port 2010 375ml $28 special, 11 half-bottles in stock now
Winery note “An orangey-straw colour. Rich and intense on the nose, with notes of fresh tropical fruit, orange blossom and honeycomb enveloped in notes of smoke from its ageing in wood. In the mouth flavours of molasses, tangerine, apricot and raisins stand out, with a spicy edge making the finish balanced and lingering.”

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Looking for red Ports?

Kopke Vintage Port 2016 750ml $89 special, 9 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 96 points “This is a luscious wine, with tannins that are cushioned by the ripe plum and prune fruits. That doesn’t mean it is likely to develop too quickly, but is ready to take its time, bringing out the opulent character of the wine as well as its structure. Drink from 2028. -Roger Voss”

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Kopke Quinta Sao Luiz Vintage Port 2015 750ml $59 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 92 points “A flattering style, with a generous feel to the mix of raspberry, boysenberry and blackberry puree flavors that glide through. Light fruitcake and red licorice accents infuse the finish, which has a nice kick of freshness. Best from 2028 through 2045. 200 cases imported. — JM”
Mark Squires-Wine Advocate 90-92 points “The 2015 Vintage Port Quinta S. Luiz is a single-quinta Porto that is a 50/50 blend of Touriga Nacional and a field blend from old vines (over 50 years old). It comes in at 102 grams per liter of residual sugar. This is elegant and shows excellent finesse. There’s not a lot of concentration, perhaps, but this delicious Kopke does have fine structure. It finishes with tension and increasingly assertive tannins as it airs out. Nicely done overall, this shows the potential to age well and improve in the cellar. This single-quinta Porto is more or less as good as its declared vintage sibling (the Cálem, this issue, also from Sogevinus). This is a bit pricier, though, and the styles are rather different, that Cálem feeling fuller in the mouth, while this feels harder edged. This was a tank sample, out of barrel and the final blend, when tasted.”

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Kopke Quinta Sao Luiz Vintage Port 2019 750ml $79 special, 4 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 94 points “This has some flash, with bright cassis, plum and boysenberry purée flavors that have a nice, caressing feel. Loads of anise, red tea, fruitcake and melted licorice notes entwine themselves to the fruit, leading to a seductive finish. Best from 2040 through 2060. 350 cases made, 10 cases imported. — JM”

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Please note that bottling year may vary from reviews.

Love Port? We have 35+ different options in stock. Shop the entire selection, including famous names like Taylor Fladgate and Dow, on our web store now.

 

Kumeu River is one of New Zealand’s preeminent Chard producers and always a fan favorite at the shop. 

Kumeu River Coddington Chardonnay, Kumeu 2021 750ml $51.90 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Rebecca Gibb MW 93 points “Jazz hands at the ready, the Kumeu River Chardonnay Coddington is always ready to welcome you in with its full, svelte figure and no hard edges, and the 2021 is no different. However, this year there’s an additional touch of purpose that keeps it fresh and full of intention. Good depth and weight here, perhaps due to the lower crop after frost made for small yields. There’s a sense of feel, a sense of wanting to chew on the finish. Savory characters, festive spices and nutty notes, likely derived from its 25% new oak and time on lees in barrel, join the restrained white stone fruit.”

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Kumeu River Estate Chardonnay, Kumeu 2021 750ml $33 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Rebecca Gibb MW 90 points “The 2021 Chardonnay Estate is an open, flowing white. It has a rich fragrance speaking of its time in the cellar – oak-derived nutty notes and vanilla meet sweet pastry characters often found when wines are left on their lees. The lightly cooked apple fruit in this young wine sits underneath. Gentle acidity leaves a tender rather than taut finish.”

Kumeu River Hunting Hill Chardonnay, Kumeu 2021 750ml $64.50 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Rebecca Gibb MW 95 points “The 2021 Chardonnay Hunting Hill is its usually sinewy, taut and lightly floral self. Often in the shadow of Maté’s Vineyard, Hunting Hill seems to be becoming more and more serious as the vines age – they’re around 20 years old. Expect a muscular, unyielding wine that has lemon and lime bitter notes, nectarine and even a whiff of seaside – all salty and briny.”

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Kumeu River Mate’s Vineyard Chardonnay, Kumeu 2021 750ml $69 special, 8 bottles in stock now
Rebecca Gibb MW 97 points “The 2021 Chardonnay Maté’s Vineyard offers greater tension and sapidity compared with how the more relaxed 2020 did upon release. It will need time in bottle to shake off the rawness of youth. It is focused, concentrated and precise. There’s sophisticated use of oak, which integrates seamlessly within the package. I got a cold the day after this was first opened, and almost a week later, when my senses returned, it remained impeccable, focused and compact.”

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Kumeu River Rays Road Chardonnay, Hawke’s Bay 2021 750ml $39 special, 10 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 93 points “Mangoes, lemon curd, baked apples, hazelnuts, custard and some salted caramel. Ripe and creamy with a full body. Tropical fruit and buttery layers balanced by bright acidity. Drink now. Screw cap.”
Rebecca Gibb MW 90 points “The 2021 Chardonnay Rays Road is bright, refreshing and almost salty. I’m even tempted to say mineral; it’s certainly not a fruity Chardonnay. The finish is lightly savory with fresh white pear and floral notes. There’s a sense of pithiness and citrus line followed up with an almost chalky texture.”

 

Hubert Lignier is one of the finest names in Burgundy. The wines have been a core of the Neal Rosenthal portfolio since the 1978 vintage and have always been one of its jewels. These are some of the defining wines of Morey-St. Denis, different from Dujac stylistically but no less profound.

In Stock Now from Domaine Hubert Lignier:

Domaine Hubert Lignier Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits 2017 750ml $299 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Tim Atkin MW – Decanter 95 points “Laurent Lignier’s Charmes comes from a tiny 0.1ha parcel in Mazoyères, close to the Aux Combottes premier cru. It’s an intensely perfumed, come-hither Pinot that’s floral, silky and svelte, with 20% whole-bunch spice and 30% new wood adding further complexity. 2024-2029. (Nov 2018)”
Neal Martin – Vinous 92-94 points “The 2017 Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru includes 20% whole bunches, matured in one-third new oak. It has a gorgeous bouquet of cranberry and raspberry fruit with veins of cassis; later, brown spices emerge. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannin, good depth and fine grip, perhaps just missing a little precision toward the finish but still very fine.”

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The average price is $382

Domaine Hubert Lignier Clos de la Roche Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits 2018 750ml $519 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Domaine Hubert Lignier Clos de la Roche Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits 2018 1.5L $1,049 special, 1 magnum in stock now
Decanter 96 points “Laurent Lignier uses 0.8ha of his two holdings in the climats of Les Fremières and Monts Luisants to produce this refined expression of Clos de la Roche. Savoury and sweet, with 30% whole clusters adding aromatic spices and extra structure in 2018, this is graceful, subtle and concentrated with palate-caressing summer berry fruit and refreshing palate length. Drinking Window 2026 – 2036.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 95+ points “Revisited in bottle, Lignier’s 2018 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru lives up to its fine performance in barrel, wafting from the glass with aromas of dark berries, cherries and orange rind mingled with truffle, espresso roast, loamy soil and dark chocolate. Full-bodied, concentrated and seamless, it’s layered and vibrant, with a deep core of pure fruit that largely conceals impressive reserves of fine, powdery tannins. Concluding with a long and saline finish, it will merit and reward at least a dozen years’ patience, likely hitting its stride around age 20.”
Neal Martin-Vinous 94-96 points “The 2018 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru comprises one-third whole bunch and 30% new oak. The nose is uncharacteristically backward, though with coaxing it offers enticing dark cherries, blackberry, sous-bois and pine aromas that gain intensity with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red berry fruit and a fine bead of acidity. Taut and linear, leading to a very precise, persistent finish that is a pure joy. Divine.”

Domaine Hubert Lignier Gevrey-Chambertin, Cote de Nuits 2017 750ml $81.80 special, 7 bottles in stock now
Rosenthal Note “The Ligniers purchased the fruit for this wine, but they oversee the vineyard work from July onward, as well as the harvest itself. Produced from parcels in two lieu-dits—15-year-old vines in “Epointures” and 60-year-old vines in “Reniard”—this is pitch-perfect Gevrey-Chambertin: meaty and succulent, with classic Lignier poise and a long, mineral-drenched, driving finish.”

Domaine Hubert Lignier Gevrey-Chambertin Les Seuvrees, Cote de Nuits 2017 750ml $89 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Neal Martin – Vinous 89-91 points “The 2017 Gevrey-Chambertin Les Seuvrées contains around 20% whole bunch fruit. It has a fresh, generous bouquet, hints of brown spice infusing the red fruit. The palate is well balanced with sappy red fruit laced with orange peel, quite firm grip in the mouth and a slightly austere finish at the moment. Give this three or four years.”
William Kelley – Wine Advocate 89-91 points “The 2017 Gevrey-Chambertin Les Seuvrées is showing very well, unfurling in the glass with suggestions of cassis, raspberries, sweet soil tones and spices. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, ample and nicely concentrated, with good depth at the core and fine-grained but firm, even chalky, structuring tannins. This should evolve well in bottle.”

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Domaine Hubert Lignier Griotte-Chambertin Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits 2016 750ml $459 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Stephen Tanzer 91-94 points “(the Ligniers do not do the harvest here; made from 50-year-old vines; 100% destemmed): Healthy full red. Pungent aromas of purple fruits, menthol and crushed rock. Quite pliant on entry, then precise and perfumed in the middle palate, showing noteworthy energy and lift to its flavors of small wild red fruits, minerals and spices. Not a particularly tannic wine but juicy, refined and long.”
William Kelley-Decanter 92 points “This year’s Griotte is an elegant middle-weight, offering up notes of creamy red cherry and meaty soil tones, followed by a supple, reserved wine with nice detail and a chalky, mineral finish. A pretty wine but, like the Charmes, this very much plays second fiddle to the superb Clos de la Roche in 2016.”

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Domaine Hubert Lignier Griotte-Chambertin Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits 2017 750ml $519 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Neal Martin – Vinous 91-93 points “The 2017 Griotte-Chambertin Grand Cru comes from purchased fruit. It has a well-defined bouquet of blackberry, raspberry coulis and light cassis aromas, and the one-third new oak is neatly integrated. The fleshy, generous palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin and fine acidity, leading to a smooth, sensual finish. This might be earlier-drinking than Lignier’s other two Grand Crus.”

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Domaine Hubert Lignier La Riotte, Morey St Denis Premier Cru 2017 750ml $159 special, 1 bottle in stock now
William Kelley – Wine Advocate 90-93 points “The supplest, most open-knit of Lignier’s premiers crus from Morey, the 2017 Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru La Riotte bursts with aromas of plummy fruit, red currants, subtle spices and rose hip. On the palate, it’s medium to full-bodied, supple and expansive, with a layered mid-palate, fine but chalky tannins and a saline finish. This will win friends in its youth.”
Neal Martin – Vinous 90-92 points “The 2017 Morey-Saint-Denis La Riotte is aged in one-third new oak and includes 20% whole bunches. It has an expressive bouquet with touches of mint that infuse the vibrant red fruit. The dense, fresh palate is medium-bodied with gentle grip on the entry and hints of sour cherry toward the edgy finish. Good potential here.”

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Domaine Hubert Lignier Morey-Saint-Denis Tres Girard, Cote de Nuits 2017 750ml $89 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Neal Martin – Vinous 89-91 points “The 2017 Morey-Saint-Denis Très Girard has a refined bouquet of ample red berry fruit, nicely defined and revealing hints of orange blossom. The palate is well balanced with supple tannin, nice focus and a caressing texture toward the finish. Lovely.”

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Domaine Hubert Lignier Nuits-Saint-Georges Les Poisets, Cote de Nuits 2017 1.5L $199 special, 1 magnum in stock now
Tim Atkin MW – Decanter 92 points “This is comparatively new to the Lignier portfolio as the family only bought this vineyard in 2010. The impressive village site sits below the Les Cailles premier cru on the south side of Nuits-St-Georges. Old-vine concentration, 25% whole bunches and 20% new wood all contribute to the quality of this sappy, intense, mineral-edged red. Drink between 2021-2027.”
John Gilman 91+ points “The 2017 les Poisets includes twenty-five percent whole clusters this year and is a superb Nuits villages. The bouquet is deep and very precise, wafting from the glass in a fine blend of roasted black cherries, gamebird, dark soil tones, bitter chocolate, a nice touch of spice from the stems, gently savory elements and a bit of cedary oak. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, soil-driven and quite elegant in structural chassis, with a fine core of fruit, lovely soil signature, ripe tannins and a long, complex and very well-balanced finish. Laurent noted that tis wine was one of the few to have a fairly late malo, as it finished up in June, so the wine was a bit behind the others in evolution and may well be hiding a bit of the sappiness that is so much on display in the other villages level wines this year. In any event, this is going to be excellent. 2025-2060.”

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Rosé Sale Ends Sunday 12-4-2022!

In This Newsletter:
 
Subscriber-Only Special: 
10% off 750ml rosé & 15% off large format rosé

New Weekend – New Arrivals

Moulin-à-Vent

Nicknamed “The Lord of Beaujolais wines” Moulin-à-Vent is a spectacular appellation located in the Northern region of Beaujolais, known for highly expressive, sophisticated Gamays with excellent cellaring suitability. Considered one of the most desired crus of Beaujolais, Moulin-à-Vent is an easy choice for your next exploration into this region.

Château du Moulin-à-Vent

The exceptional microclimate of Château du Moulin-à-Vent was first discovered by Madame Philiberte Pommier (1763-1862). Understanding the extraordinary potential of this site, she designated plots around the chateau, accentuating individual parcel characteristics, a terroir driven philosophy still guiding the winemakers of Château du Moulin-à-Vent today. With three-hundred years of tradition combined with modern innovation, and extensive winery renovations completed in 2009, Château du Moulin continues to prove themselves as a producer of consistent quality. 

The first record of the Chateau, encapsulated in an old proverb from 1732 richly describes what is waiting to be discovered from Château du Moulin-à-Vent:
“Every wine is good with a meal, but a meal can not be enjoyed without Thorins. The merit of this wine is that it is firm, but supple, it has good body but also has lightness, it is ruby colored and transparent, with a flattering nose and a delicate taste. . .”

Our newly arrived, Château du Moulin-à-Vent 2019, stays true to this narrative, showcasing an expressive bouquet, with concentrated fruit flavors, and structured tannins. A gorgeous wine as we head into the winter.

In Stock Now from Château du Moulin-à-Vent:

Château du Moulin-à-Vent ‘Moulin-à-Vent’ 2019 750ml $33 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 93 points “A selection of fruit from the three best parcels of the estate, this wine shows great ripeness, solid tannins and impressive berry fruits. It is developing into a fine wine that needs more aging. Drink from 2024. Roger Voss” 
James Suckling 91 points “Crushed-stone minerality on top of fresh red berries and herbs. Soft and medium-bodied with refined tannins. Ethereal and drinkable style with lots of elegance. Tasted in a vertical lineup of ten vintages in Hong Kong. Drink now”
Winemaker Notes “A handsome, deep red color with purple tints and lovely aromas, with perfectly mature red and black fruit, hints of spice and floral notes of rose, peony and violet. Good body with fine tannins and good length. Rich, opulent and complex, finishing on a spicy note.”

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Château du Moulin-à-Vent ‘Moulin-à-Vent’ Couvent des Thorins 2018 750ml $26 special, 18 bottles in stock now
Wine & Spirits 92 points “[Wine & Spirits Winery of the Year in 2021 Featured Wine] A selection from 40-year-old vines growing in granite soils with manganese, this wine fermented with some whole clusters (20 percent) and then aged for 16 months in stainless steel. That élevage preserved the generous depths of fruit in the wine, floral up front, edged with bright tannins and green-peppercorn spice in the end. A bold and zesty 2018, this will benefit from a year of bottle age.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 91 points “Shimmering ruby. Powerful blackberry, cherry and licorice aromas are complicated by suggestions of smoky minerals and violet. Well-concentrated and broad in the mouth, offering bitter cherry and dark berry flavors enlivened by a snap of cracked pepper. Slowly building tannins frame the finish, which lingers with very good, dark-fruit-driven persistence.”

More recommendations from the Moulin-à-Vent In Stock Now:

Domaine de la Bruyere Moulin-à-Vent 2019 750ml $21.90 special, 18 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 91 points “Limpid ruby. Spice-tinged cherry and black raspberry on the nose, with licorice and cola nuances emerging as the wine opens up. Juicy and energetic on the palate, offering bitter cherry and dark berry flavors that show sharp definition and a hint of candied violet. Closes long and spicy, with sneaky tannins adding shape and final grip.”

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Domaine Anita Moulin-à-Vent ‘Les Caves’ Tres Vieilles Vignes 2020 750ml $24 special, 12 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 94 points “What a beautiful nose of violets and ripe (but not overripe) blackberries this has! So succulent, with a wonderful interplay of creaminess, fine tannins and mineral freshness on the concentrated, medium-bodied palate. Very long, velvety finish with so much finesse! Drink or hold.”

Domaine Anita Moulin-à-Vent La Rochelle 2020 750ml $31.90 special, 6 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 96 points “This Beaujolais masterpiece is so concentrated and so pure, with lush, velvety sensuality that reminds me of great Pomerol. But there’s also almost breathtaking brightness, thanks to the magical combination of gamay and granite. Great mineral freshness at the ripe yet pristine finish. Drink or hold.”

Fleurie 

Situated just west of Moulin-à-Vent “The Lord of Beaujolais”, lies Fleurie, nicknamed “The Queen of Beaujolais”. This appellation offers some of the most delicate fruit forward wines from Beaujolais, with pleasant acid and soft tannins. “Fleur” in French means, flower, a good indication of the pronounced floral notes you can expect from this terroir. 

Here are a few recommendations we have in stock now from Fleurie:

Domaine Anita Fleurie Les Moriers 2020 750ml $24 special, 35 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 93 points “Stunning black-cherry fruit is married to generous, fine tannins and very lively acidity that lights up this rather bold wine. So many violets and ripe blackberries that this well-structured wine slips down very easily. Quite some allspice character at the long finish. Drink or hold.”

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Domaine Anita Fleurie Poncie 2020 750ml $24 special, 25 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 93 points “Dense violet and sour-cherry nose with just a hint of licorice. Very fresh and vital with quite a serious tannins structure for a Beaujolais Cru, this is still very young with tremendous energy. Quite dry finish, but in a very positive way, and one that reminds me of wines from cooler locations in the Northern Rhone. Drink or hold.”

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Chiroubles 

This appellation, boasts the highest altitude in Beaujolais, contributing concentrated sunlight to the terraced, granite rich vines. Chiroubles’s growing conditions support honest expressions of Gamay. Expect bright, exuberant fruit with well integrated acidity, and structural soundness. Chiroubles is the perfect wine to accommodate a range of palates, a solid option to bring to upcoming holiday festivities, including our selections below. 

In Stock Now:

Guy Breton Chiroubles 2018 750ml $33 special, 22 bottles in stock now
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 92 points “The 2018 Chiroubles is a particular success, bursting with aromas of cherries, strawberries, dried flowers and licorice. On the palate, it’s medium to full-bodied, melting and succulent, with an ample core of mouthwatering fruit and only the most ephemeral of structuring tannins, making for unimpeded drinkability—indeed, in a dark glass, this might be mistaken for a white wine.”

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Famille Dutraive Chiroubles 2020 750ml $38 special, 9 bottles in stock now
VinopolNote ” Jean-Louis Dutraive is one of the hottest names in the world of Natural Wine. His Domaine de la Grand’Cour is turning out some of the most impressive wines in Beaujolais, with big, rich textures and really vivacious personalities. His father bought the Domaine de la Grand’ Cour in 1969, and Jean-Louis took over eight years later, with great success. Both the winegrowing and winemaking remain in the tradition of Fleurie, where the family owns 22 of its 26 acres (the rest lying in Brouilly). Organic viticulture has kept the vines in healthy shape for decades now, and vine age hovers around fifty years old, with some over seventy. Harvesting by hand, low-temp carbonic maceration with only indigenous yeast, and no fining or filtering round out the prized recipe. These Beaujolais offer substance, and can age for a long time.”

Tan Fruit Maresh Vineyard Chardonnay, Dundee Hills 2019 750ml $69 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 97 points “The 2019 Chardonnay Maresh Vineyard comes from Dijon clones planted in 1991, and it was matured in about 35% new oak. This vintage is pure and tensile, with scents of tarragon and fragrant herbs, beeswax and almonds, with plush white peach fruit. The palate combines intense ripe fruit with a spine of tangy, tense acidity, and it finishes with tremendous length. Allow it another 3-5 years in bottle.”

Perkins Harter Bracken Vineyard Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2021 750ml $49 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Distributor note “Shelby Perkins and Peter Harter founded Bracken Vineyard with an eye for sustainable land management. Shelby & Peter farm organically and began utilizing biodynamic practices in 2019. Bracken Vineyard is perched on the western benchlands of the Eola Hills, with elevations of 630-730 feet and views that stretch up and down the Willamette Valley. Here, the soils are predominantly Nekia, Ritner, Witzel and Jory—all of volcanic origin but with varying depths.”

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Bucklin Old Hill Ranch Ancient Field Blend 2020 750ml $39 special, 36 bottles in stock now
VinopolNote: Looking for a chance to see how epic the 2020 vintage could have been across California? Will Bucklin was spared smoke taint on this wine (confirmed by laboratory tests). 15.3% ABV
Winery note “12 Acres, 35 grape varieties, 1 wine. Our “Ancient Field Blend” comes from the original vines that were planted on Old Hill Ranch in the 1880’s.  Approximately 65% Zinfandel with the remaining varieties co harvested and fermented together.  Includes Grenache, Alicante Bouschet, Petite Sirah, Grand Noir, Syrah, Carignan, and Mourvedre to name a few.”

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Beau Marchais Clos Pepe Vineyard Est Pinot Noir 2020 750ml $85 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 94-96 points “The 2020 Pinot Noir Clos Pepe Est Vineyard saw 25% stems, 48 days on stems, and aging all in new barrels. Lots of mulberry, chocolate covered strawberries, and plum fruits as well as notes of orange blossom and spice emerge from the glass, and it’s a rich, full-bodied, textured beauty that packs one heck of a mid-palate. With ripe tannins and an expansive, supple texture, drink this hedonistic, sexy Pinot Noir on release and over the following 7-8 years.”

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Melka CJ Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 750ml $79 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 91 points “Open-knit, offering a gush of steeped plum and açaí berry flavors laced with licorice and ganache hints. Lightens up just a bit through the finish, as the structure is on the modest side, but the fruit is a joy to drink. Drink now through 2027. 1,300 cases made.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $96

Peter Michael ‘Les Pavots’ Estate Red 2019 750ml $219 special, 13 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 99 points “This is very perfumed with blackberry and pine-cone aromas, as well as raspberries and black cherries. Full-bodied with firm, velvety tannins that are tight-grained. Creamy and beautiful. Currant and graphite flavors come through. Lightly chewy at the end. 60% cabernet sauvignon, 21% merlot, 14% cabernet franc and 5% petit verdot. Drink after 2025.”
Winery note “The brilliant ruby-garnet 2019 ‘Les Pavots’ showcases an olfactory symphony of blackberry, dark chocolate, black cherry, and vanilla aromas, with supporting notes of tobacco, violets, and garrigue. A refined, elegant entry leads to a broad, graceful mid-palate with silky tannins, hints of black tea, blackberry pie, caramel, and cocoa powder, with a long, lingering finish. Approachable young, the 2019 ‘Les Pavots’ will reward four years of cellaring and continue to blossom for two decades.”

Castello di Verduno Barbaresco DOCG 2018 750ml $47 special, 22 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 92 points “The 2018 Barbaresco from Castello di Verduno is a very pretty, gracious wine with effusive aromatics, bright fruit and mid-weight structure. In other words, classic Barbaresco. Time in the glass brings out hints of sweet tobacco, mint, cedar and dried red cherry. The 2018 is such a gorgeous wine. Drink it over the next decade.”

 

In This Newsletter:

Vinopolis Super Sale: 10% Off
In-Stock German, Italian, & Rhône Magnum Sale!

Pie Rupestris: 
Masterpiece Barolo from Cappellano
Plus Burlotto Monvigliero Offer

Château Pesquie is one of the hidden gems of the greater Rhône. Based in Ventoux, the estate is best known for its excellent value bottling Terrasses, but today we’re featuring their higher end wines, Artemia and Ascensio. These are absolutely stunning (and deals compared to nearby Châteauneuf). They have depth, complexity and power to spare, with a balance and earthiness that’s unique to Pesque. 

Chateau Pesquie Ventoux Artemia, Rhone 2017 750ml $39 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “A blend of 75% Syrah and 25% Grenache that saw roughly 20% stems and a year in 50% new, larger format oak, the 2017 Artemia has a Côte Brune-like perfume of dark fruits, smoked meats, black olives, and chocolate. Full-bodied, smoky, meaty, and powerful, it’s another rock star of a Syrah from the Chaudière family that has incredible character.”
Wine Advocate 92-94 points “A tank sample of the 2017 Ventoux Artemia looked promising, although a bit different in character from previous vintages. It’s 75% Syrah and only 25% Grenache, with peppery, cool-climate Syrah notes, blueberryish fruit, ample weight and a clean, crisp, lively finish.”

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Ambriel Classic Cuvee Sparkling, Sussex, England NV 750ml $29 special, 18 bottles in stock now
Decanter 95 points “A refined, elegant style of English sparkling wine with subtle nuances of green apple and floral notes on the nose. A gentle, persistent, mousse with fresh and driving acidity on the palate. Elegant finish with a hint of sweet fruit. Drinking Window 2021 – 2030.”

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Nin-Ortiz is probably best known for their “Nit de Nin” single vineyard bottling, however their ‘Planetes’ releases are also excellent. Stylistically they are gentler and more elegant, perfect for drinking now. And unlike the estate’s top wines you don’t have to spend a lot to enjoy some of the most exciting wines coming out of Spain today.

Familia Nin-Ortiz ‘Planetes de Nin’, Priorat DOCa 2017 750ml $49 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Familia Nin-Ortiz ‘Planetes de Nin’, Priorat DOCa 2017 750ml $279 special (that’s only $46.50/bottle!)
Case-12 Familia Nin-Ortiz ‘Planetes de Nin’, Priorat DOCa 2017 750ml $539 special (that’s only $44.92/bottle!)
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2017 Planetes de Nin comes from the four hectares of 20-year-old Garnacha and 11-year-old Cariñena in the Planetes vineyard in Porrera at 450 meters in altitude. It’s 60% Garnacha (some of it Peluda) and the rest Cariñena, harvested early. It fermented with indigenous yeasts and matured in 3,200-liter oak vats and one 1,000-liter amphora for 17 months. It has depth and harmony, and the vines are getting older and seem to be better and better balanced. This is not that different from the 2016; it feels quite stable and has its style and character, especially since the 2015 vintage. 9,704 bottles were filled in April 2019.”

You cannot talk about Lebanese wine without mentioning Chateau Musar – a standard bearer!
Chateau Musar ‘Hochar Pere et Fils’ Red Bekaa Valley 2017 750ml $28 special, 27 bottles in stock now
Decanter 91 points “This single-vineyard wine, from Aana, is made in a modern style: concentrated and slightly reductive. It shows notes of new oak barrels, lovely red berry fruit (reminiscent of Grenache) and garrigue aromas. So Mediterranean on the palate, with sweet tannins, spices and a meaty hint on the aftertaste. A very friendly, easy-to-drink and enjoyable wine. It becomes even better and more refined a day after the bottle is opened. I would recommend decanting it.”
Antonio Galloni 90 points “The 2017 Hochar is powerful and dense in the glass. Ripe flavors and incisive tannins give the 2017 much of its brooding personality. Readers should plan on opening the 2017 at least an hour or two in advance, as the tannins are rather grainy at the outset. With time ripe black cherry, spice, leather and licorice flavors emerge nicely. The blend is 55% Cinsault, 35% Grenache and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon.”

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The average price nationally is $35

You’d be hard pressed to find a winery more committed to sustainability than Ostatu. Based in the Cantebrian Mountains of Rioja Alavesa, they are one of the few carbon neutral wineries in the entire world. Their portfolio is comprised entirely of old vines grown organically in high elevation.

Bodegas Ostatu Escobal, Rioja DOCa 2018 750ml $24 special, 15 bottles in stock now
De Maison Selections note “In their continual push for sustainability and regenerative farming, the Saenz de Samaniego siblings have been working towards their organic farming certification. As a start, they have organically certified one of their larger contiguous vineyards, called Escobal, which lies at 550m in Rioja Alavesa with clay-calcareous soils under a layer of sand and gravel, and made a single-vineyard wine from there aged in a large foudre. Made from 100% destemmed tempranillo grapes, fermented with indigenous yeast in temperature-controlled stainless steel. Aged in a large foudre until bottling after one year with minimal sulfur dioxide.”

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Bright & nuanced
Tenimenti Angelini Val di Suga Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2015 750ml $49 special, 9 bottles in stock now
Decanter 92 points “As of the 2015, all of Val di Suga’s wines spend less time in wood to curb Sangiovese’s tendency to oxidise. This wine brings together grapes from all three of Val di Suga’s distinct vineyard sites in equal proportions. Fragrant orange and raspberry notes progress into darker, earthier nuances. There is a saline edge and a gentle grip holding together lush fruit. It’s a touch short but still bright and tangy on the finish.”
James Suckling 92 points “A dense and linear red with medium to full body, chewy tannins and a slightly extracted finish. Needs time to soften. Better after 2022.”

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A staff favorite producer, this is a stunning white sure to over deliver!
Thibaud Boudignon Anjou Blanc, Loire 2020 750ml $44 special, 26 bottles in stock now
Rebecca Gibbs MW-Vinous 91 points “Unlike his Savennières, the fruit for Boudignon’s 2020 Anjou Blanc is purchased. The result is a pure, clean wine with delectable purity. There are delicate flavors of just-ripe pineapple, citrus, nettles and a subtle hint of vanilla. It is fermented and aged in both 500-liter barrels and oval Stockinger ‘cigars’. A line of acidity pulls this wine through to a refined conclusion. It can be approached now for its fine fruit but will go on.”

Trendy new estate that just landed – this is the most requested wine of the week!
Te Mata Estate ‘Awatea’ Cabernets – Merlot, Hawke’s Bay 2018 750ml $36.50 special, 14 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 95 points “This is an excellent bottling of Awatea, the younger brother of Te Mata’s top red, Coleraine. From a long, warm growing season, this feels like a complete wine. Winter warming notes of plump plums, dark cherries and chocolate are complemented by a bounty of dried herbs, spices and graphite. The palate is similarly dense and structured but with elegance and balance. Tannins are powdery and fine, winding through dark, tangy fruit and herbs. Like many of Te Mata’s wines, it has an old school Bordeaux vibe that will appeal more to some than to others. Christina Pickard”
Rebecca Gibbs MW-Vinous 92 points “From the home of New Zealand’s most famous Bordeaux-style blend, Coleraine, its sibling Awatea is always consistent in offering classic Bordeaux aromas and flavors with the rich vibrancy of the Southern Hemisphere – and with a reasonable price tag. This offers classy, primary fruit with cassis, dried raspberries and plum richness allied with a cool Cabernet Sauvignon expression that’s herbal, verging on spearmint, while the Franc proportion offers pencil-lead-like characters. Integrated oak-derived flavors of cedar from 16 months in French oak, as well as tobacco, ensure this is a more serious expression. Fine, grainy tannins linger on the lengthy finish. The final blend is 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, and 15% Cabernet Franc.”
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 92 points “A blend of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, the 2018 Awatea Cabernets-Merlot is a bit leafy on the nose, with herbal, tobacco-tinged aromas accenting cassis and black cherries. It’s medium to full-bodied and supple on the palate, finishing long, silky and mouthwatering.”

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Arriving in December
 
Edmond Vatan Sancerre Clos la Neore, Loire 2018 1.5L $799 pre-arrival special, only 9 magnums available

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $1,015

 
Winery cellar release!
Edmond Vatan Sancerre Clos la Neore, Loire 2010 750ml $599 pre-arrival special, only 3 bottles available

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!