In This Newsletter:
New Arrivals from Sine Qua Non
California Treasure Chest:
New Arrivals and Top Names In Stock Now
Steinmetz: Historic Mosel Riesling
A Perfect Plethora of Picks
Re-Arriving Next Thursday!
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New Arrivals from Sine Qua Non
Sine Qua Non is one of the rarest cult producers in California. Their bottlings are so in demand they are sold exclusively through a mailing list and are almost never seen on the retail market. These are some of the most profound expressions of Californian wine in how they encapsulate developed richness with verve and lift at the same time. Shop our recent new arrivals here or browse below!
Sine Qua Non Le Chemin Vers L’Heresie Grenache, California 2015 750ML ($369.95) $299 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 98+ points “The 2015 Grenache Le Chemin Vers L’Heresie is a blend of 75% Grenache, 13% Mourvèdre, 8% Touriga Nacional and 4% Petite Sirah, coming 35% from The Third Twin (Estate) Vineyard, 9% from Bien Nacido Vineyard, 28% from the Cumulus (Estate) Vineyard, 26% from the Eleven Confessions (Estate) Vineyard and 2% from Molly Aida (Estate) Vineyard. It was produced using 44% whole cluster and aged for around 22 months in French oak, 11% new (bottled August 21, 2017). It has a deep garnet-purple color and fragrant nose of violets, kirsch, blueberry compote and dark chocolate with hints of lavender, smoky bacon, Provence herbs and menthol. Full-bodied, rich, concentrated and bold, the wines bursts with energy, superbly framed by velvety tannins and seamless freshness, finishing with lingering sautéed herbs and black pepper notions. 1,204 cases of 750 milliliter bottles and 600 magnum bottles were made.”
Sine Qua Non Le Chemin Vers L’Heresie Grenache, California 2015 750ML ($369.95) $299 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 98+ points “The 2015 Grenache Le Chemin Vers L’Heresie is a blend of 75% Grenache, 13% Mourvèdre, 8% Touriga Nacional and 4% Petite Sirah, coming 35% from The Third Twin (Estate) Vineyard, 9% from Bien Nacido Vineyard, 28% from the Cumulus (Estate) Vineyard, 26% from the Eleven Confessions (Estate) Vineyard and 2% from Molly Aida (Estate) Vineyard. It was produced using 44% whole cluster and aged for around 22 months in French oak, 11% new (bottled August 21, 2017). It has a deep garnet-purple color and fragrant nose of violets, kirsch, blueberry compote and dark chocolate with hints of lavender, smoky bacon, Provence herbs and menthol. Full-bodied, rich, concentrated and bold, the wines bursts with energy, superbly framed by velvety tannins and seamless freshness, finishing with lingering sautéed herbs and black pepper notions. 1,204 cases of 750 milliliter bottles and 600 magnum bottles were made.”
The average price is $369
Sine Qua Non Distenta I Syrah, California 2019 750ML ($349.95) $279 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 98 points “The 2019 Syrah Distenta I comes entirely from the Krankls’ estate vineyards: 35% from The Third Twin, 33% from Eleven Confessions, 31% from Cumulus and 1% from Molly Aïda. It is a blend of 83.6% Syrah, 6.2% Grenache, 5.2% Petite Sirah, 3% Mourvèdre and 2% white grapes (1.4% Muskat and 0.6% Petit Manseng). Fermented with 33% whole clusters and matured for 23 months in 43% new French oak, it has an opaque purple-black color and takes plenty of time in the glass to reveal a core of cassis and accents of sage, lavender, tar and coffee beans. The full-bodied palate is concentrated and still youthfully coiled. It has a fine, grainy texture, fresh acidity and a long, floral finish. Bottled on July 29, 2021, and tasted on May 24, 2022, 1,999 cases and 600 magnums are set to be released in the spring of 2022.”
The average price is $350
Sine Qua Non The Hated Hunter Syrah, California 2017 750ML ($379.95) $279 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 98+ points “The 2017 Syrah The Hated Hunter (first tasted last year as a barrel sample and before it had been named) is composed of 82.4% Syrah, 5.2% Mourvèdre, 7.8% Petite Sirah, 2% Grenache, 1.2% Petit Manseng and 1.4% Viognier that was fermented with 26% whole cluster. The vineyard sources are 32% Eleven Confessions, 41% The Third Twin, 25% Cumulus and 2% Molly Aida. It was aged for around 23 months in French oak, 59% new.
Deep garnet-black, the nose slowly unfurls to offer a vast array of savory, earthy, meaty notes—peppered salami, black olives, charcoal, wild sage and cast-iron pan—over a core of plum preserves, Morello cherries and boysenberries with wafts of menthol, tobacco leaf, Chinese five spice and aniseed. Full-bodied, the palate reveals surprising elegance, poise and restraint, delivering a mid-palate of exotic spices and a seductively plush texture, finishing with tons of earthy nuances and an invigorating minty lift.
“”1,821 cases and 600 magnums were made. “The Hated Hunter” features an old black and white photo on the label of Manfred Krankl’s grandfather in hunting gear, posing with his rifle and hound. The companion 2017 Grenache to this Syrah is “The Gorgeous Victim,” a reference to the black and white photo of a carefully composed deer trophy on that label. If wines can tell stories—and I firmly believe they can—I would love to revisit this evocative pair of wines after a decade of cellaring. What a dark, soul-searching, complex tale that will be.”
The average price is $334
Sine Qua Non Raven Series Syrah No. 9, Santa Barbara County 2006 750ML ($499.95) $419 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Robert Parker 98 points “2006 Ravens Series (# 6 and 7 Grenache): This blend of 90% Grenache and 10% Syrah, largely from the 11 Confessions Vineyard, with a small amount from Bien Nacido, spent 21 months in barrel. It is really strutting its stuff now, and showing even better than my original note predicted in August of 2009. The wine has loads of meat, licorice, smoke, charcoal and graphite, as well as huge peppery, blackberry and black cherry notes. Full-bodied, with great acidity, nicely integrated tannin, an admirable mouthfeel and tremendous length, this killer Grenache is still young and probably 3-5 years away from prime time drinking. The conclusions I came to about this tasting may seem obvious just by reading the tasting notes. People forget that as famous as Sine Qua Non and both Elaine and Manfred Krankl have become over the last 15 years, their wines really only began to hit full world-class qualitative levels at the turn of the last century (2000). The vineyard sources have largely changed from Alban, Stolpman, Bien Nacido, Shadow Canyon and White Hawk Vineyards to primarily estate vineyards Cumulus Vineyard in Ventura County and 11 Confessions Vineyard in the Santa Rita Hills. In the future, Krankl’s newest vineyard in Alisos Canyon will be an additional component part. His meticulous craftsmanship and phenomenal attention to detail, both in the vineyard and in the winery, have been increasingly noticeable over the last decade. He seemed to hit full stride about eight or nine years ago, and what has unfolded since then is an absolutely brilliant succession of true works of genius, both in his expressive, sometimes slightly abstract artwork on the labels, to the meticulously crafted wood boxes in which the wines are housed. Of course, the most important thing of all, the actual wine itself, is both the beginning as well as the end for consumers, and where 100% of my focus and judgement are centered. Grenache, as Krankl would be the first to say, is by far the most challenging grape varietal to make majestic wine from, and unequaled in difficulty by any other grape in the world except Nebbiolo. That’s why we see so little of it from great terroirs. High quality Grenache exists in northern Spain, southern France, parts of southern Italy and Sardinia, and in southern Australia, but rarely in California. This makes Krankl’s achievement all the more remarkable. Regarding the article’s title, “Wasted” – I was so elated (by their quality) as well as depressed (because I couldn’t drink all of these elixirs) that it seemed as if too much wine had been “wasted.” On a light-hearted note, my condition once I finished the academic part of the tasting could have been described as “wasted” by those who still hold to the notion that alcohol is the demon drink.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $516
Sine Qua Non The Gorgeous Victim, California 2017 750ML ($349.95) $279 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 98 points “The 2017 Grenache The Gorgeous Victim (first tasted last year as a barrel sample and before it had been named) is composed of 76% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre, 9% Syrah, 3.8% Petit Sirah and 1.2% Viognier. The vineyard sources are: are 46% Cumulus Estate, 29% Eleven Confessions Estate, 6% Molly Aida Estate, 17% The Third Twin Estate and 2% Bien Nacido Vineyard. It was aged for around 23 months in 23% new French oak, 48% used oak (various sizes) and 29% concrete. Forty-six percent (mainly Grenache) was fermented using whole clusters.”
“Deep garnet-purple in color, this wine has a very serious nose of game, fertile soil, crushed rocks and new leather over a wonderfully pure, well-defined core of crushed black cherries and ripe blackberries with wafts of unsmoked cigars and Sichuan pepper. Full-bodied, rich, concentrated and built like a brick house, it has a solid backbone of firm, finely grained tannins and great acidity, finishing long and mineral laced.”
“1,212 cases and 600 magnums were made. “The Gorgeous Victim” features an old black and white photo on the label, taken by Manfred Krankl’s grandfather, of a deer brought home, thoughtfully arranged and displayed with personal props in the middle of a floor. The name and, in fact, the style of the wine are intriguingly complementary to the picture, collectively creating a compelling story that I would defy drinkers to say is merely the power of suggestion. The companion 2017 Syrah to this Grenache is “The Hated Hunter”—a reference to Manfred’s grandfather.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $339
Find more below average wines on our web store!
Wait a minute… Strike that.
Find more wines below average national pricing on our web store.
There we go!
California Treasure Chest
New Arrivals and Top Names In Stock Now!
Harlan Estate, Napa Valley 2017 750ML ($1,499.95) $1,199 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 97+ points “Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2017 Harlan Estate needs a little coaxing to reveal captivating iron ore, red currant jelly, cloves and crushed rocks scents with a core of warm cassis, Black Forest cake and boysenberries plus a waft of pencil lead. Medium to full-bodied, it has a firm, grainy texture with a lively backbone and loads of earthy layers, long and mineral laced. This should be one of the longer-lived wines coming out of the 2017 vintage.”
Shafer Vineyards Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap District 2007 750ML ($599.95) $499 special, 5 bottles in stock now
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 100 points “Deep purple-black colored, the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select exudes beautiful notions of violets, dark chocolate, black olives, spice cake and cedar chest with a core of crème de cassis, blackberry pie, plum preserves and fragrant earth plus a waft of unsmoked cigars. Full-bodied, super concentrated and jam-packed with multilayered black and blue fruits, it has a rock-solid frame of grainy tannins and fantastic freshness, finishing long with tons of exotic spice and savory sparks.”
Shafer Vineyards Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap District 2009 750ML ($349.95) $249 special, 5 bottles in stock now
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 98+ points “Made entirely of Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2009 Hillside Select has a deep garnet color. Wow—it explodes from the glass with this atomic nose of crème de cassis, Black Forest cake, baked plums and boysenberries plus hints of licorice, mocha, cedar chest and pencil lead with a waft of garrigue. Full-bodied, the palate is a concentrated, full-on behemoth, possessing fantastic balance and expressiveness, finishing with epic length and a fantastically velvety texture.”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 97+ points “Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2017 Harlan Estate needs a little coaxing to reveal captivating iron ore, red currant jelly, cloves and crushed rocks scents with a core of warm cassis, Black Forest cake and boysenberries plus a waft of pencil lead. Medium to full-bodied, it has a firm, grainy texture with a lively backbone and loads of earthy layers, long and mineral laced. This should be one of the longer-lived wines coming out of the 2017 vintage.”
Shafer Vineyards Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap District 2007 750ML ($599.95) $499 special, 5 bottles in stock now
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 100 points “Deep purple-black colored, the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select exudes beautiful notions of violets, dark chocolate, black olives, spice cake and cedar chest with a core of crème de cassis, blackberry pie, plum preserves and fragrant earth plus a waft of unsmoked cigars. Full-bodied, super concentrated and jam-packed with multilayered black and blue fruits, it has a rock-solid frame of grainy tannins and fantastic freshness, finishing long with tons of exotic spice and savory sparks.”
Shafer Vineyards Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap District 2009 750ML ($349.95) $249 special, 5 bottles in stock now
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 98+ points “Made entirely of Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2009 Hillside Select has a deep garnet color. Wow—it explodes from the glass with this atomic nose of crème de cassis, Black Forest cake, baked plums and boysenberries plus hints of licorice, mocha, cedar chest and pencil lead with a waft of garrigue. Full-bodied, the palate is a concentrated, full-on behemoth, possessing fantastic balance and expressiveness, finishing with epic length and a fantastically velvety texture.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $283
Hundred Acre ‘Kayli Morgan Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2006 750ML ($699.95) $599 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 99 points “Deep garnet in color, the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Kayli Morgan Vineyard jumps out of the glass with red and black cherry preserves, warm cassis and blackberry tart with hints of lilacs, rose hip tea and lamb dripping with rosemary and baking spices. Full-bodied, concentrated and wonderfully layered, it has a rock-solid frame of grainy tannins and great freshness, finishing long and mineral laced.”
Practicing both dry and organic farming, Christian Moueix’s Dominus Estate produces one of the most terroir expressive wines in the entirety of California.
Dominus Estate Christian Moueix Napa Valley 2019 750ML ($359.95) $319 special, 4 bottles in stock now
Lisa Perrotti-Brown- The Wine Independent 100 points “Composed of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Petit Verdot, the 2019 Dominus was harvested from September 29 to October 10. It was aged in 40% new oak. Deep garnet-purple colored, the nose slowly unfurls to unveil beguiling floral notes of candied violets and rose oil over a core of crème de cassis, blackberry pie, and plum preserves, giving way to notions of licorice, Indian spices, iron ore, and crushed rocks. Full-bodied, the palate is jam-packed with taut, muscular black fruit layers, intertwined with gorgeous floral and exotic spice accents, and framed by firm, finely grained tannins with seamless freshness, finishing long and mineral-laced. Tightly coiled with so much latent energy waiting to explode, this is a spectacular expression of the vintage and Napanook vineyard. Still tightly coiled, give it a good 6-7 years in the cellar before broaching, and allow it a few hours in a decanter if consumed before 2032.”
Colgin Cellars IX Estate Syrah, Napa Valley 2017 750ML ($349.95) $319 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 98+ points “Very deep garnet-purple in color, the 2017 IX Syrah Estate opens with the most beautiful nose of crushed black berries, boysenberries, mulberries, chocolate-covered cherries, star anise and red roses with touches of garrigue, mandarin peel and fragrant earth. Medium-bodied, the palate is very firm and elegant with approachably ripe, rounded tannins and layer upon layer of perfumed flavors. It has a long pepper and spice-laced finish. Very impressive!”
Antonio Galloni 96 points “The 2017 Syrah IX Estate is rich and ample on the palate, with tremendous aromatic and flavor intensity. Savory herb, iron, mint, licorice, blood orange and exotic spice infuse the 2017 with tons of character as well as nuance. Inky and sumptuous, with plenty of structural depth, the 2017 hits all the right notes. Like all of the 2017s here, the Syrah needs cellaring. It is such a gorgeous wine.”
Steinmetz: Historic Mosel Riesling
Arriving Next Thursday
Fifth-generation winemaker Stefan Steinmetz and quite possibly the only black woman working in wine in the Mosel, Sammie Steinmetz, have released one of the finest vintages to date from their historic estate. Their wines are from incredibly steep terrain along the banks of the Mosel on vines grown without fertilizers, herbicides or insecticides. The environmentally-friendly mindset is carried into the winery, where the wines are fermented with naturally occurring yeasts and without additives or animal proteins (often found in fining agents). Brauneberger Juffer is easily the most famous vineyard they work with, and one of the best vineyards in the Middle Mosel, known for centuries for its incredible wines from its slate and sandy soils. Across the estate, the vineyard parcels they work with are impressively steep and difficult to farm. (Be sure to check out the winery’s gorgeous and informative vineyard map.) The dedication shows in the glass, resulting in concentrated and breathtaking wines.
“If you’ve never heard of a winery called Gunther Steinmetz, we suggest you look it up… Senior Editor Stuart Pigott first met Stefan Steinmetz, 42, of the Günther Steinmetz estate in Brauneberg/Mosel just over a decade ago and his wines were already very good then with a distinctive style. But he said that nothing prepared him for the recent tastings of the Steinmetz 2019s. He was blown away by the quality.” –James Suckling
Arriving in Thursday, June 30th:
Weingut Gunther Steinmetz Wintricher Geierslay ‘GW’ Riesling, Mosel 2019 750ML ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
Stuart Pigott 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 ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
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.”
Weingut Gunther Steinmetz Brauneberger Juffer Riesling Auslese Gold Capsule, Mosel 2019 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
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.”
“If you’ve never heard of a winery called Gunther Steinmetz, we suggest you look it up… Senior Editor Stuart Pigott first met Stefan Steinmetz, 42, of the Günther Steinmetz estate in Brauneberg/Mosel just over a decade ago and his wines were already very good then with a distinctive style. But he said that nothing prepared him for the recent tastings of the Steinmetz 2019s. He was blown away by the quality.” –James Suckling
Arriving in Thursday, June 30th:
Weingut Gunther Steinmetz Wintricher Geierslay ‘GW’ Riesling, Mosel 2019 750ML ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
Stuart Pigott 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 ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
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.”
Weingut Gunther Steinmetz Brauneberger Juffer Riesling Auslese Gold Capsule, Mosel 2019 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
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.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Weingut Gunther Steinmetz Wintricher Geierslay Riesling Auslese Gold Capsule, Mosel 2019 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Stuart Pigott 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.”
Mosel Fine Wines 94 points “The 2019er Wintricher Geierslay Riesling Auslese GK was made from slightly botrytized fruit harvested at 116° Oechsle, and was fermented down to fully noble-sweet levels of residual sugar. It offers a stunning nose of ginger, elderflower, melon, minerals, and smoky smoke. The wine proves already remarkably open on the palate, where passion fruit zest mingles with minerals and apricot-infused cream. It leaves a great feel of tension and depth in the long and focused finish. The aftertaste is all about raciness and apricot cream. This gorgeous noble-sweet wine proves already quite enjoyable now, but it will only reveal its true colors in a decade, once the nuances will have a chance to emerge. 2029-2059.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
What rhymes with “we have 475 different in-stock German Rieslings”?
Yeah, I still haven’t figured it out. But you can shop ’em here.
A Perfect Plethora of Picks
Re-Arriving Next Thursday!
We’re scooping up more inventory of some of your favorite wines, including Italian and French gems that will be perfect for your next BBQ or tucked away in your cellar.
Steadfastly traditional, Fornacina does their aging entirely in oak botti after a customary long ferment. The 2016 vintage is largely considered to be perfect, with a wet and cold winter transitioning to a luxurious growing season without any of the heat spikes of the previous year. Perfectly ripe with elegant aromatics and acidity to age for decades, you’d be hard pressed to find a better deal for your cellar or dinner table.
Fornacina Brunello di Montalcino DOCG Tuscany 2016 750ML ($54.95) $39 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Fornacina Brunello di Montalcino DOCG Tuscany 2016 750ML ($319.95) $219 special (that’s only $36.50/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
James Suckling 96 points “This is a ripe and full red with complex aromas of cedar, cloves, tobacco and dried mushrooms. Distinct, earthy quality underneath ripe plums and licorice. Layers of chocolatey tannins. Black truffles, too. From organically grown grapes. Better after 2024.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 93 points “The Fornacina 2016 Brunello di Montalcino opens to a darkly saturated appearance and toasted aromas of roasted nut backed by dark blackberry fruit. Made with organic fruit, this Brunello is fermented in stainless steel and aged in large oak casks in a traditional and straightforward manner. Production in this vintage is 10,000 bottles. There is lot of intensity here, and the wine draws its power not only from the fruit, but also in large part from the oak aging. Indeed, its fruit-driven aromas share equal billing with campfire ash and smoked cedar or mahogany.”
Priorat remains one of the most sought after and highly lauded wine producing regions in all of Spain. The high concentration of old vines, cult level producers, high elevation and Mediterranean climate have made it a hotbed for Spain’s fine wine revolution. Priorat wines are largely based around Grenache and Carignan, grapes usually associated with being medium-to-full bodied and fruity. However they take on a whole new dimension on the terraced vineyards of shale. Called llicorella by the locals it’s famous for the savory minerality that’s imparted to the grapes, in addition to ripening grapes faster by heat radiation. Pushing those bold flavors to the next level often involves colonizer grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah which Bobet has since added to their estate bottlings.
The 2016 vintage in Priorat is highly lauded even compared to her sister, the juggernaut of 2015 in that ripeness was also met with elegant levels of acid promising a long life in the bottle. This is beautiful now but promises to become a work of art after more time in the cellar to shed its baby fat.
Ferrer Bobet Priorat DOCa 2016 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Ferrer Bobet Priorat DOCa 2016 750ML ($359.95) $279 special (that’s only $46.50/bottle!)
James Suckling 97 points “Such purity of ripe blackberries and dark cherries, as well as redder, cherry notes, really makes a striking impression on the nose. The fresh florals and leafy nuances are followed by such pure berries and red plums. The tannins are stunning, so polished and perfectly formed, holding super long and fresh. Wow. Drink or hold.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $65
Armando Parusso is an iconic and avant-garde producer in Bussia. He is especially known for his unique methods to produce wines with mature tannins and great fruit. During winemaking, he rests the grapes after harvest for several days to allow them to ripen further and then ferments whole cluster, a la Burgundy. Aging occurs in oak barriques with a generous splash of lees. The wines are racked into new barriques after a year, leaning in to the oak influence. The lees are stirred to help preserve the wine against oxygen exposure. The results are generous wines with tannins moderated by the extended pre-fermentation rest and heavily influenced by the extended lees and oak aging. These are unabashedly modern and winning the hearts & palates of critics.
Parusso Armando ‘Perarmando’ Barolo DOCG 2017 750ML ($64.95) $54.50 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Parusso Armando ‘Perarmando’ Barolo DOCG 2017 750ML ($699.95) $599 special (that’s only $49.92/bottle!)
Antonio Galloni 96 points “The 2017 Barolo Perarmando is a wine Marco and Tiziana Parusso made to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first vintage bottled by their father, Armando. It is a blend of the estate’s vineyards, approximately 50% Bussia, 30% Mosconi and 20% Mariondino. Absolutely stellar from the very first taste, the Perarmando is compelling. Sweet rose petal, mint, sage and red berry nuances lift from the glass. A touch of whole clusters add character without overpowering the wine’s balance, which is magnificent. This is such a glorious Barolo and one of the wines of the vintage.”
James Suckling 96 points “Very exotic Parusso Barolo as always, with dried fruit, strawberries and tangerines. Full-bodied with chewy tannins and a powerful, intense finish. This is really structured. Needs four or five years to soften. Try in 2025.”
“2016 Brunello continues to be the gift that keeps giving, especially considering the somewhat diminished quality and much smaller crop of the 2017’s. Quality this good at a price this low is a luxury one can’t afford to miss!
“Giovanna Neri, daughter of Giovanni Neri, founder of Casanova di Neri, is fast becoming a rising star in her own right, producing an outstanding Brunello and worthy successor to the great wines of her father’s at Casanova di Neri.” –Importer note
Col di Lamo Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2016 750ML ($59.95) $44 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 95 points “A complex nose of dried mushrooms, crushed shells and bark. Hints of dried rosemary and thyme give this mouth-watering savoriness. Juicy dark berries and mushrooms on the palate. It’s full-bodied with firm tannins. Chewy. Drink after 2024.”
Jeb Dunnuck 91 points “The 2016 Brunello has baked aromas of fig, tar and turned earth. The palate is savory with tea leaf, cherry pit, and pine resin. It is full-bodied and rich with ripe tannin and warming spice. Col di Lamo is an organic estate. Drink 2021-2028.”
Did you know the fashion house Cavalli also produces wine? After the initial success of his fashion brand in the 1970’s, Roberto Cavalli purchased the estate to serve as a personal oasis for him and his beloved German shepherd, Degli Dei, who later became the estate’s namesake.
Now run by Roberto’s son Tommaso, operations have expanded into another property in Florence, to further diversify the wine portfolio with a different set of soil types and growing condition. We’re pleased to offer their Toscana IGT, a Bordeaux blend made from both properties. Combining the aromatics and tannin structure of their Florence estate with the richness and minerality of Degli Dei, you have to taste it to fully see how this is a match made in heaven!
Cavalli Tenuta Degli Dei Toscana IGT 2016 750ML ($59.95) $46 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 97 points “What an amazing nose with pure herbs coming to the fore, soon to be joined by fresh brambleberries, blueberries, violets, heather, lavender, pine needles and forest floor. Full body, chewy but incredibly fine tannins, and tons of floral undertones. Elegant and resoundingly beautiful. Delicious now, but better in 2023.”
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 96 points “The 2016 Tenuta Degli Dei is gorgeous. Power, structure and finesse come together in a wine that impresses for its superb balance and sheer class. Medium in body, but with tremendous fruit density and persistence, the 2016 has so much to offer. Sweet floral notes develop on the finish, adding perfume, lift and sensuality. I would cellar it for at least a few years to allow its full aromatic presence to emerge.”
1990 was largely billed as the “Vintage of the Century” in Bordeaux, akin to 2008 in Champagne and 2016 in the Willamette Valley. As you find with premium bottlings, they are just entering their prime drinking window. Wish you’d stocked up back then? Get ready!
Chateau Lagrange Pomerol 1990 750ML ($99.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Chateau Lagrange Pomerol 1990 750ML ($599.95) $449 special (that’s only $74.83/bottle!)
Case-12 Chateau Lagrange Pomerol 1990 750ML ($1199.95) $869 special (that’s only $72.42/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 94 points “Big, rustic and chewy red. Dark garnet color. Aromas of berries, leaves and wet earth. Full-bodied, with big, velvety tannins and a long coffee, ripe fruit aftertaste.–1990 Bordeaux retrospective.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $94.99
If you’re a fan of opulent Italian reds that are perfect for the table today but also worthy of cellaring, we have just the wine for you. Azienda Santa Barbara’s 2017 Pathos is everything we look for in a Super Tuscan, offering generous fruit with oak polish. But since Pathos hails from the less famous region of Marche, it’s a steal when compared to its $100+ Super Tuscan peers. It’s this combination of quality and affordability that make it a no-brainer for any admirer of modern Italian reds.
Santa Barbara Stefano Antonucci ‘Pathos’ Marche Rosso IGT 2017 750ML ($69.95) $49 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 96 points “A dense and rich red with crushed-berry and chocolate character and hints of cedar and sandalwood. Medium to full body. Firm tannins. Extremely polished and opulent. One for the cellar but hard not to drink now.”
Vinopolis is an independent wine shop located in Portland, Oregon that opened in 2004. Our goal has always been to offer the finest, broadest, and largest selection of wines at the best prices to our customers in Portland, in Oregon, across the West Coast, and throughout the United States.
Thank you for reading and for continuing to support our team!
Stay safe, be well, & drink well.
Thank you for reading and for continuing to support our team!
Stay safe, be well, & drink well.
