Easily the most famous of the Mosel’s sub- regions is Bernkastel or Middle Mos. Called the “heart” of the Mosel Valley; it is the most planted in terms of acreage and also production. Some of Germany’s most famous vineyards are nested in this area including Ürziger Würzgarten, Bernkasteler Doctor, and Wehlener Sonnenuhr. The confluence of slope and refraction create a richer and fuller bodied style of Riesling that defines the area and also acts as a measuring rod for the rest of the country. 

These vineyards feature vast percentages of the trademark blue and gray slate which also aids in ripening, and contributes a clean slate-like character to the wine. The more favorable growing conditions allow for the entire spectrum of Riesling to be produced ranging from dry to lusciously sweet (Sometimes from the same vineyard). Bernkastel also holds the crown for highest price ever fetched at auction for a German wine. The bottle in question? A bottle of 1921 Berncastler Doctor Riesling Trockenbeerenauslese that had been secretly hidden in their underground cellar for decades. It was sold in 1986 for over $16,000.

The thorough line of the village is the bed of slate that makes up the backbone of the villages wine, contributing clean minerality and heightened aromatics not unlike chalk limestone in Champagne and the Côte d’Or in Burgundy. In some cases the topsoil composition makes a particular vineyard stand apart from the others, such as in the case of Ürziger Würzgarten. Translating to “The Spice garden of Ürzig” the high amount of iron oxide contributes a spicy character against a richer fruit profile than neighboring vineyards. The latter is on account of the precipitous elevation that maximizes UV refraction from the river nearby. Much like the Grand Cru vineyards of France there are multiple owners sourcing from the same vineyard, creating a tapestry of interpretations from the same vintage and site. 

Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling’s in stock now: 

Weingut Alfred Merkelbach Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Auslese Mosel #7 2017 750ML ($44.95) $33 special, 
Mosel Fine Wines 93 points “The 2017er Ürziger Würzgarten Auslese was harvested at 97° Oechsle. It displays a superbly aromatic, ripe and fruity nose of yellow peach, pineapple, honey, anise and smoke. The wine coats the rather intense palate with juicy yellow and honeyed fruits pepped up by a nice whiff of acidity. The finish is delicately smooth and long. This gorgeous “Auslese GK” in all but name only needs a decade to blossom. 2027-2047.”
Wine Spectator 93 points “A light, zesty style, with jellied lemon, yellow apple and crème brûlée notes. Very refreshing and mouthwatering, featuring a lithe profile that makes this easy to drink now. Rose water and mineral aromas echo on the finish. Drink now through 2035.—A.Z”
David Schildknecht – Vinous 91 points “This bottling reflects the only two fuders from 2017 – both harvested in the sector above their press house known as Lang Pichter – that the Merkelbachs considered worthy of designating as Auslese (though the must weights in question were only one degree Oechsle higher than that of this year’s Urglück Spätlese). On the nose, fresh strawberry and kiwi, garlanded in ultra-fragrant freesia, rest on a bed of wet stone, and that description pretty much sums up this wine’s entire winsome performance. The glossy, subtly creamy feel generates a delightful sense of caress, but there is more than enough tangy juiciness of surprisingly fresh strawberry and kiwi to animate and refresh, while a pinch of salt stimulates the salivary glands.”
Terry Theise note “All from the great cadaster Lang Pichter, this is really remarkable; huge fruit served by positive botrytis, classic “big-vintage” mien; a grand conversation among strawberry and kiwi and licorice and all with lovely surging fruit.”
 

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Markus Molitor Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Auslese Mosel ** GK 2017 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 34 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 97 points “According to Markus Molitor, the 2017 Riesling Ürziger Würzgarten Auslese ** (Golden Capsule) is made from entirely healthy grapes. It displays a highly attractive bouquet of fine grapefruit and raisin aromas intermixed with flinty-crystalline slate notes. Juicy on the palate, this is a dense, sweet, intense yet piquant, highly delicate Auslese with a long, refined and salty-crunchy finish. Tasted at the domain two times in April 2019.”
 

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Markus Molitor Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Kabinett Feinherb Mosel  2019 750ML ($34.95) $28 special, 
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 94+ points “Molitor’s 2019 Ürziger Würzgarten Kabinett (Green Capsule) opens pure and flinty on the deep and complex, very intense yet bright and fascinating, seductive and terroir-driven nose. Lush and round on the palate yet with salty-piquant and vibrantly fresh acidity, this is a structured, even somewhat tannic Kabinett to cellar for at least 2-3 more years. Very long and endlessly salty. Tasted in May 2021.”   

Weingut Jos. Christoffel Jr. Christoffel-Prum Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Auslese Mosel 2014 750ML ($39.95) $21.90 special, 34 bottles in stock now
 

This is the only listing in the USA today!

We carry over 39 different bottlings from the Ürziger Würzgarten!

 

If you’re a fan of Catalonian whites or Cava you might have heard of Xarel-Lo, an aromatic white grape that’s often compared to Chardonnay due to its versatility during vinification. Being an indigenous varietal in Spain since 1548 it mutated at some point and also has a red skinned clone called Xarel-lo Vermell. Less than 300 acres of this varietal are still in existence in the entire world, with Gramona dedicating part of their production to preserving the varietal. Expect the acidity, structure and stonefruit character of Xarel-Lo with a definitive red fruited element not unlike Goji , fresh cranberries and redcurrants.

Gramona in stock now: 

Gramona ‘Mart’ Xarel-lo Vermell Rosat Penedes 2020 750ML ($37.95) $29.50 special, 28 bottles available
Eric Solomon Imports note “Xarel-lo Vermell Certified organic CCPAE and biodynamic DEMETER. The pale color of this rosé comes from a 48-hour maceration before pressing. With this additional skin contact, combined with the already high levels of antioxidants present in the juice of this variety, Mart cannot only be enjoyed in its youth (peaches and strawberries) but it has the capacity to develop for several years in the bottle as more pink peppercorn nuances emerge.”
 

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!

Sourced entirely from organic, estate grown Monastrell or Mourvèdre as it’s known elsewhere in the world this is a delightfully refreshing yet dimensional rose featuring juicy red fruit, a plethora of citrus and a good finish. Perfect for those who prefer their wine to have more body and texture while still having aromatic lift.  

Spanish Mourvèdre Rose in stock now: 

Bodegas Bleda Castillo de Jumilla Rosado Jumilla 2020 750ML ($12.95) $10.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Winery note “From a harvest in early September, this Monastrell rosé displays an intense array of strawberry and rose notes, woven between a harmony of crisp, blood-orange acidity and a giving, mineral texture. Fresh, tasty and well balanced. Good acidic structure. Excellent with seafood and all types of fish and light meats.”
 

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Pago Casa Gran ‘Casa Benasal’ Rosado Valencia ($14.95) $11.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Staff pick! Our favorite vintage yet.
Winery note “Refreshing wine, young and dry. It’s pleasant with enough body to sustain it. Great acidity. 60% Monastrell and 40% Syrah.”
 

Drappier might sound like a Grande Marque, but they’re really a grower producer at heart having been founded in the 12th century and still under family ownership.  They own 53 hectares of vines in the Aube (where they were the first to plant Pinot Noir) and make forward thinking wines at a very friendly price-point.  As one of the only carbon-neutral houses in the entire world, they place as much care in the cellar as they do in the vineyards—and the wines show it. 

Forbes placed the estate’s Carte d’Or, as the #3 “Best Champagne You’ve Never Heard Of” for good reason.  Drappier makes big, flamboyantly rich Champagne that is always a crowd pleaser—at prices that mean you can actually pour it for crowds.  It’s hard to find better bubbly under $40/btl, so if you’re a Champagne drinker you should stock up now. Drappier recently made waves in Europe after refusing to rename their Champagne to “Sparkling Wine” costing them several lucrative contracts with the Russian Federation, including one with the National Airline for the country. 

Drappier in stock now: 

Drappier Carte d’Or Brut Champagne  NV 750ML ($49.95) $35 special 
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 91 points “Disgorged in April 2021, Drappier’s new NV Brut Carte d’Or delivers attractive aromas of golden orchard fruit, stone fruit, honeycomb and white flowers. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and enveloping, it’s charming and elegantly vinous, with a flavorful core of fruit, lively acids and a chalky finish.” 
Wine Spectator 90 points “Racy acidity enlivens this crisp and lacy Champagne. Well-knit, with the delicate mix of ripe white cherry, blanched almond, yellow plum and grated ginger flavors. Drink now. 3,000 cases imported. — AN”
[Disgorgement date may vary from reviews]

 

Soothsayer of Swartland: 

Johan Meyer’s Mother Rock wines 
 

Johan Meyer is one of the biggest names in the “New School” of South African wine. Working exclusively with old vines in Swartland, he strives to be as low intervention as possible. That philosophy is present from grape to glass as it were; with irrigation and chemical input not practiced in the vineyard and the finished wines receiving no filtration, fining and minimal sulfur. As you can expect after almost a year of not exporting, South African wine has become a rarity in the United States market with what remains being in highly limited quantities.

The Holocene is a blend of Cinsault, Carignan and Mourvèdre sourced from a single vineyard in Malmesbury. Dry farmed and practicing organic this could be seen as South Africa’s riposte to the GSM blends of the Southern Rhone. Very easy to enjoy in that Holocene is perfectly juicy with a minerality that brings to mind crushed lava rock with the classic fynbos you find with South African wine. 

Cinsault is rapidly becoming one of the top red varietals in South Africa and the world on account of it’s drought tolerance and ability to retain acidity during heat waves. As a single varietal there is often a spectrum of blue and red fruits with high acidity and perfumed aromatics. Cinsault pairs beautifully with various cuisines including Nigerian, Lebanese, Greek and barbeque on account of the fruit tea esque tannins and refreshing acidity.     

Most unique out of the Mother Rock wines is their Pet-Nat. Comprised of Chenin Blanc and Pinotage sourced from a single farm. Grown at over 1,000 feet above sea level, the wine is bottled before fermentation completes, creating bubbles from the last of the remaining sugars. Pinotage takes on a spectrum of blue, black and purple fruits underscored by a tertiary plethora of smoke and earth, with the Chenin contributing beeswax, honeysuckle, chamomile, quince and yellow apple. If one had to summarize the wine in a word: Crushable.

Mother Rock wines in stock now: 

Mother Rock ‘Force Majeure – Force Celeste’ Cinsault Swartland 2020 750ML ($19.95) $16 special
Importer note “A medium-bodied red with ripe tannins, depth and drinkability from whole bunch fermentation. A great addition to the Force Majeure range.”
 

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Mother Rock ‘Holocene’ Swartland 2018 750ML ($37.95) $31.90 special
Wine Spectator 91 points “Fragrant and distinctive, this tangy red is light- to medium-bodied and racy, offering an expressive profile of steeped raspberry and peach fruit flavors meshed with notes of dried flowers, blood orange zest and medicinal herbs. Lingering, zesty finish. Carignan, Mourvèdre and Cinsault. Drink now through 2025. 222 cases made, 56 cases imported. — AN”
 

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Mother Rock ‘Force Majeure – Force Celeste’ Cuvee PN Pet Nat Swartland  2021 750ML ($27.95) $24 special
Importer note “A Pet-Nat that puts Pinotage in the spotlight. South Africa’s native grape is best known for its bright fruit and deep earthy character, which translate beautifully in this joyful rosé fizz. Slightly hazy salmon-pink in the glass, with aromas of raspberries, blood orange and earthy rhubarb. Fresh in the mouth, with crunchy cranberry fruit and a savoury edge. Delicious and dangerously drinkable at only 11%!”
 

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This is the lowest listed price in the world today!

 

Tête de Cuvees are the crown jewel of any Champagne producer, and that goes double for a Grande Marque due to their roles as the region’s metaphorical “Face”. Of these houses, few are as synonymous with Chardonnay as Perrier-Jouët. Their first vintage of the Belle Époque was in 1964, and has only been made 30 times in decades since. In comparison Dom Perignon has been made 74 different times between Brut and Rose bottlings. Sourced from 5 different villages and aged for 6 years prior to disgorgement, there is meant to be both fruit and tertiary character present. We have released our final allotment of the 2011 bottling with no ETA on our next vintage, with a minuscule amount of the Rose bottling playing second chair to our offer. 

Perrier-Jouët in stock now: 

Perrier-Jouet Belle Epoque – Fleur de Champagne Millesime Brut Champagne 2011 750ML ($179.95) $149 special, 17 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 94 points “Always a light, ethereal style of wine, this is also very fresh and still young. It will age with its taut minerality from the Chardonnay in the blend. A softer background will become toasty over the next few years. The vintage date on this bottle is 200 years after the foundation of this producer. Drink from 2021.”
 

High Sierra Gredos: 

Telmo Rodriguez wines 
 

Telmo Rodriguez is one of the unsung heroes of the Spanish wine revolution, having dedicated his life to rehabilitating some of the most compelling vineyards in the country. After studying at the University of Bordeaux and working throughout France, he returned home to Basque Country. 

With the rise in higher production farming and urbanization there are vast swaths of vineyards across Spain abandoned simply because no one is around to work them. This happened even in Rioja, where Telmo began his work, eventually expanding beyond the region to incorporate 43 different native varietals spread across 355 plots. Given the precipitous conditions of many of the sites, labors of love to not begin to cover how much work goes into the finished wines. Due to the majority of the vineyards being located high in the Sierra Gredos Mountains, mechanized labor and harvesting is impossible. This light touch combined with the mountainous conditions lend themselves to incredibly elegant and transparent expressions of “Old Spain”. 

Telmo Rodriguez in stock now: 

Compania de Vinos Telmo Rodriguez ‘Pegaso Barrancos de Pizarra’ Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y Leon Spain 2013 750ML ($44.95) $33 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Compania de Vinos Telmo Rodriguez ‘Pegaso Barrancos de Pizarra’ Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y Leon Spain 2013 750ML ($259.95) $185.50 special, That’s only $30.91 per bottle) 
James Sucking 96 points “Exuberant red berries and cherries with a fine, rose-like edge and some coal smoke. Very juicy, fleshy, rich and ripe mid-palate with a dense, long and showy, glossy black-cherry finish. Drink or hold.”
Wine Advocate 94 points ” Cropped from a cooler and late ripening vintage, the 2013 Pegaso Barrancos de Pizarra resulted in fresh wines and certainly worked well with the slate soils of these old Garnacha vines in Cebreros. This has a very good balance between ripeness and freshness, power and elegance, with the character of the soils slowly coming through in the shape of fresh meat and beef blood, with the iron-like notes still pretty shy. This should develop nicely in bottle. 8,931 bottles produced.”
 

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Compania de Vinos Telmo Rodriguez ‘Pegaso Barrancos de Pizarra’ Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y Leon Spain 2017 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 7 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 95+ points “The explosive nose of the 2017 Pegaso Barrancos de Pizarra is all thyme and flowers, really expressive, aromatic and redolent of the herbs found in the surroundings of the Gredos Mountains. It’s especially representative of the Mediterranean character of the year. It has powerful aromatics that keep growing in the glass, floral and spicy, with notes that are reminiscent of curry, nutmeg and Jamaica pepper. It’s very showy and intoxicating, with the tight tannins of the slate soils—they are chalky and finer grained than the slightly coarser tannins from granite. I am really impressed by this 2017, which is as good or better than the 2016. Bravo! 2,800 bottles were filled in July 2018.”
 

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
 

 

There are only a handful of producers that are as legendary as Pingus. From their very first vintage in 1995, their wines have been described by Robert Parker as “One of the greatest and most exciting wine’s I’ve ever tasted”. The popularity of Pingus exploded when half of the latter vintage sank in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean in transit to the United States. Due to the incredibly small volume of bottles produced by Pingus the price of the bottling doubled literally overnight, with Pingus still being one of the crown jewels of high end wine investment. 
    
Sourced from some of the oldest Tempranillo vines in the entire Ribera del Duero and farmed biodynamically by visionary founder Peter Sisseck, meticulous doesn’t begin to cover the pedigree of these wines. Aggressively pruned to produce only 1-2 buds per bushvine, each hand sorted berry is loaded with concentrated flavor. As you can expect with such an aggressive farming regimen, production volumes are minuscule to say the least. We were only able to secure a 3 bottle allotment of this wine, so you’d better act fast!    

Dominio de Pingus ‘Pingus’ Ribera del Duero 2019 750ML ($1499.95) $1199 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 99 points “I tasted the bottled 2019 Pingus two weeks after bottling. Even at this early stage and after the operation, the wine is super harmonious and elegant. They really outdid themselves here and produced an amazingly fresh, aromatic and harmonious wine in a warm vintage. It’s incredibly textured, with refined, very fine-grained and chalky tannins. It’s very balanced, and there’s no excess of anything; it has 14% alcohol, perfect ripeness and a velvety mouthfeel. It gets more floral with time in the glass, getting nuanced and really interesting. It delivers what the barrel sample promised one year ago, when the wine already surprised me. I think the word that best describes this wine is precision—it’s clean, focused, balanced and delineated. Bravo! It was bottled in September 2021.”


 

Joe Czerwinski “A terrific bottle of Roussillon wine, with a long, elegant finish” Jeb Dunnuck “A powerful yet elegant red”

Les Vignerons de Tautavel Cotes du Roussillon Villages Tautavel Silex France  2017
Ownership: Coop Terres Plurielles
Jeb Dunnuck 93-95 points “The 2017 Cotes Du Roussillon Villages Tautavel Silex might end up matching (or even surpassing) the 2016. The same 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 10% Carignan brought up in tank, it offers a ripe, medium to full-bodied, straight-up sexy style to go with complex notes of kirsch, black olives, black licorice, and dried garrigue. It’s a powerful yet elegant red that has tons of potential.”
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 93 points ” A blend of 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 10% Carignan from old vines, the 2017 Côtes du Roussillon Villages Tautavel Silex is partly aged in barrel and part in tank. It delivers just enough cedar on the nose to let you know there’s barrel influence, without overwhelming the terroir-derived hints of crushed stone or the varietal notes of dark berries. Full-bodied, concentrated and supple, it’s a terrific bottle of Roussillon wine, with a long, elegant finish.”

Single Bottles Listed Price: $24 you’ll pay: $21.60 
Case-6 Listed price: $138 ($23 per bottle) You’ll pay: $124 ($20.70 per bottle) 
Case-12 Listed price: $259 ($21.60 per bottle) You’ll pay: $233.10 ($19.40 per bottle)  
 

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

How does the special work? 

If you’re purchasing online, the discount will be applied to the listed price before processing your order. Or, if you’re making your order over the phone we will apply the discount at the time of invoicing. And, if you’re shopping with us in-store just mention that you’re a newsletter subscriber to have us apply the discount during checkout. 

When does the Sale end?    

Midnight Wednesday, June 8th, 2022  

Looking for meticulously farmed Chardonnay that walks the line between the Côte-d’Or and Chablis? Check out our offerings from Soufrandiere, a biodynamic producer based in the village of Vinzelles in the Mâcon. Located in Southern Burgundy, the wines are classified by their climat or vineyard and bottled accordingly, with all production taking place in neutral oak cask.

Some of the best offerings are sourced from the Les Quarts climat, which features exceptionally old vines over 80 years old and the perfect mix of red clay and limestone soils. While demonstrating the shyness of youth that’s found in current release Burgundy, there’s still a full spectrum of orchard fruit, white flowers, lemon oil and saline minerality. The exceptionally long finish and high acid make this something to cellar or decant prior to serving, with additional notes of grapefruit pith, Pomelo rind and Cara Cara orange emerging with patience.   

Soufrandiere wines in stock now: 

Bret Brothers La Soufrandiere Pouilly-Vinzelles Maconnais 2019 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 12 bottles in stock now
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 Quarts Cuvee Millerandee Maconnais 2019 750ML ($99.95) $85 special, 4 bottles in stock now
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 93+ points “The 2019 Pouilly-Vinzelles Les Quarts Cuvée Millerandée is even more reserved, opening in the glass with scents of clear honey, orange oil, white flowers and pear. Full-bodied, layered and textural, it’s concentrated and tightly wound, with tangy acids and chalky structuring extract. This will warrant a bit of patience.”
Neal Martin-Vinous 93 points “The 2019 Pouilly-Vinzelles Climat “Les Quarts” Cuvée Millerandée” comes from the upper part of the vineyard on shallow soils, combined with vine age and massal selection that produced millerandé bunches and smaller berries. It has a wonderful, very pure and mineral-driven bouquet with red apple, peach skin and yellow plum scents and soar from the glass. The palate is very well balanced with fine delineation, a superb line of acidity and more nervosité compared to the regular cuvée. Pure class.”

 

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Soufrandiere wines arriving June 24th: 

Bret Brothers La Soufrandiere Pouilly-Vinzelles Climat Les Longeays Maconnais 2019 750ML ($69.95) $59 pre-arrival special
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.”
Neal Martin-Vinous 91 points “The 2019 Pouilly-Vinzelles Climat “Les Longeays”, the most precocious climat of the domaine according to the Brets, comes from the middle of the slope on four-metre deep clay soils. This offers enticing orchard fruit on the nose mixed with Vervane tea, honeysuckle and jasmine scents. The palate is tensile on its opening, full of energy that counterbalances the richness that comes through on the finish. There is just a hint of white chocolate lingering on the aftertaste. Excellent.”

Bret Brothers La Soufrandiere Pouilly-Fuisse Climat au Vignerais Maconnais 2019 750ML ($69.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Neal Martin-Vinous 93 points “The 2019 Pouilly-Fuissé Climat “Au Vignerais” has the most Zen-like bouquet that demands the most coaxing from the glass, eventually revealing green apple and crushed rock scents. The nose is very well defined. The palate is taut and fresh, quite saline and tensile, building in concentration towards a very harmonious, orange pith and pear-tinged finish. This is a lovely, cerebral Pouilly-Fuissé.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 92 points “Aromas of pear, citrus zest, toasted almonds and vanilla pod introduce the 2019 Pouilly-Fuissé Au Vignerais, a medium to full-bodied, satiny and ample wine that’s lively and saline. Seamless and elegant, it’s already showing well.”

 

Featured New Arrival: 

Cameron Wines 
 

Cameron is synonymous with the Willamette Valley and her wines, producing some of the best iterations of the Dundee Hills and Ribbon Ridge AVA’s. Transcending varietal, price point and vintage there is something to be enamored by in every bottling in how they express terroir and John Paul’s winemaking mastery. Each bottling represents a different facet of Oregon’s terroir with a thorough line of elegance. The 2021 bottlings of the Giuliano and Ramato exhibit the intense flavors brought on by the low yields and warm growing conditions.   

His winemaking magic isn’t constrained to just Chardonnay and Pinot Noir either, with Cameron winery being one of the few producers in Oregon utilizing white grapes for field blends. Stylistically drawing from Northern Italy, these are among the most refreshing and food friendly wines in the valley. The only drawback is their limited production volumes, given that John Paul rarely sources beyond his estate vineyards.

Cameron Wines in stock now: 

Cameron Winery Pinot Noir Dundee Hills 2020 750ML ($44.95) $33 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
 

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Cameron Winery Giuliano White Oregon 2021 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Vinpol Note: A field blend of Friulano, Auxerrois, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Grigio and Muscat grapes that takes inspiration from the multidimensional white blends of Northeastern Italy with it’s perfumed aromatics and delightful texture.  
 

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Cameron Winery Pinot Gris Ramato Dundee Hills 2021 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Vinpol Note: Pinot Gris that spent time on it’s skins, contributing the barest hint of tannin, a dollop of color and a completely different interpretation of the classic Oregon varietal. 
 

This is the only listing in the USA today!

 

When looking for premium offerings in the world of wine Spain is without a doubt the biggest “Bang for your buck”. With grapevines planted from tip to tail and a beautiful assortment of styles, there are also large amounts of old vines still planted throughout the country. As stewards of these old vines, Bodegas Avancia cultivates their vines just as their ancestors did; eschewing any synthetic inputs whatsoever including irrigation as well! 
    
Based in the Valdeorras, or the Valley of Gold region, their champion grape is the indigenous Godello grape. A rarity in that the varietal is shared by both Portugal and Spain, the grape reaches its apex in the high elevation hills of pure schist and black slate. Sourced from a single vineyard planted in 1939 these are among the oldest vines still utilized for commercial production. The flavors include a plethora of orchard character such as apple and pear blossom against a delightful pear skin, quince, nectarine and summer peach flavor. The judicious use of new French oak brings additional structure against the slatey minerality not unlike well-crafted White Burgundy or Savennieres. 

The Mencia is equally compelling. Primarily the latter varietal there is also being small amounts of Garnacha Tintorera (The same cultivar of Grenache used in Priorat to the south) and indigenous varietals Mouratón (Juan García), Gran Negro, Sousón, Cariñena. As a traditional field blend aged in neutral oak this is a Mencia inspired by iterations of centuries past, while still delivering a clean and refreshing red fruited character. The exceptional terroir is evident throughout, with pervasive aromatics and a refreshing finish evocative of slate. 

Bodegas Avancia Wines in stock now: 

Bodegas Avancia Nobleza Old Vines Godello Valdeorras 2020 750ML ($69.95) $56.50 special, 29 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94 points “Pale gold. Intensely perfumed pear nectar and orange zest qualities on the nose; honeysuckle and mineral notes add lift. Juicy, penetrating and sharply focused on the palate, offering concentrated citrus and orchard fruit and floral flavors along with suggestions of salty minerals and bitter quinine. Deftly melds depth and vivacity and finishes extremely long and briny, with outstanding clarity and repeating florality.”
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 92 points “A new top-of-the-range white, the 2020 Nobleza Godello is a barrel selection from the wine from the Finca Aeiroá, which was planted in 1939 on schist and slate soils above the village of O Barco. They selected 900 liters from three 600-liter barrels, one of them new. It’s textured, voluptuous and ripe at 14% alcohol but with balancing acidity. It’s peppery and spicy and a little marked by the oak, with a dry, slightly astringent finish. It should improve with time in bottle. 1,148 bottles were filled in July 2021.”
 

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Bodegas Avancia Mencia Valdeorras 2019 750ML ($37.95) $31.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
James Suckling 92 points “Dark plums, blackcurrants, grilled herbs, roasted coffee and smoked meat on the nose. Medium-to full-bodied with firm, velvety tannins. Smoky, rich and concentrated. Very smooth-textured. Drink or hold.”
 

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!

 

You’ve heard of Concha Y Toro and their work establishing Chile as a major wine hub but did you know that they have one of the most awarded Chilean wines in their portfolio as well? Don Melchor is their top cuvee from the Puente Alto region, a high elevation growing area at the foot of the Andes Mountains. Sourced from 30 year old vines (Mostly Cabernet Sauvignon) planted in alluvial runoff from the latter mountains, this is a perfect snapshot of Chile’s best terroir. If that wasn’t enough, the 2018 vintage is considered one of the best in recent memory, with no adverse weather and ideal conditions throughout the season. With an élevage entirely in French Oak (75% new) this is a collector’s item built for the long haul.     

Don Melchor in stock now: 

Concha y Toro Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon Puente Alto 2018 ($139.95) $108 special
100 points james suckling “This is amazing. The vibrancy and energy in this wine is stunning. The complexity of aromas are breathtaking with flowers, blackcurrants, raspberries and peaches. Full-bodied, yet ever so refined and polished with impeccable texture and beauty. The length is marvelous. This is a testimony to balance, harmony and transparency in a great red. Drink after 2023.”



Cellar Del Roure: Rarity of Valencia 
 

Founded by Pablo Calatayud in 1995, Cellar Del Roure has made a name for itself by bucking tradition. This is no better illustrated than by Safra, made with the indigenous varietal Mando, using traditional lagar and amphorae during fermentation to preserve the natural structure and earthy flavors. Mando is described as being similar to Pinot Noir or Mencia and is largely extinct even within Valencia. This is largely due to Valencia’s history as breadbasket for Spanish agriculture, producing massive quantities of wine, olive oil and most famously oranges. This led to  massive plantings of grapevines meant for bulk wine production, at the cost of historically premium sites and varietals. 

Celler del Roure ‘Safra’Valencia 2019 750ML ($29.95) $24 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 94 Points “The 2019 Safrà was produced with a base of Mandó, but it’s a different Mandó from Parotet, livelier and more fluid. They say it’s a red with the soul of a white. In any case, both wines change in 2019 with the addition of Arcos. They harvest the grapes early and use some 30% stems for the vinification in stainless steel with indigenous yeasts. This 2019 is a blend with 30% Arcos, an almost forgotten grape they are recovering and to which they are paying very much attention. Like many of the other wines, it matured in ancient buried 2,600-liter tinajas in their impressive 17th-century cellar. I’ve always liked the floral and aromatic expression of this wine, which has nice aromas and complexity, developing beautiful notes of sour cherries; and in the palate, it’s more serious than you expect, longer, deeper and very tasty. This is more ethereal than Vermell and less spicy that Parotet. I think it has gained in freshness and complexity with the addition of Arcos, which is part of the blend for the first time in 2019. In fact, this is better than ever! 20,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in June 2020.”
Decanter 93 Points “Mainly Mandó grapes with Arcos (rather than Garnacha Tintorera as in previous blends) – a change that brings greater finesse to this aromatic wine. Bright, mid-weight, juicy, with sour cherries and cranberries and the faintest rasp of tannin. Fermented in stainless steel and matured in buried clay amphorae in the remarkable cellar. Organic. Drinking Window 2021 – 2024. -Sarah Jane Evans MW.”
 

Trending Rose: 

German Excellence 
 

One of the most beloved producers amongst the staff, Stein makes incredible wines from abandoned vineyards in the Mosel river valley. Among these sites, Dr. Stein discovered one of the oldest plantings of Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon in the entire valley and currently uses them as the backbone for his Rose program. 

These are fascinating examples of terroir featuring the ethereal body, slatey minerality and exceptionally long finish of a classic Mosel wine re-interpreted through red varietals. If that’s not enough it’s even sparkling! Fermented in tank so as not to alter the flavors with autolysis, it’s almost too drinkable with notes of cherry juice, fresh cranberries, nasturtium, and rose water with a mineral finish. We’re lucky enough to offer both sparkling and still bottlings of this rose, just in time for summertime get-togethers!  

In stock and available now:

Wein-Erbhof Stein Rose Trocken Mosel 2021 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Vom Boden importer note “Our favorite rebel/activist in the Mosel, Ulli Stein is one of the world’s most soulful growers. This is one of the few rosés from the Mosel and has become a cult favorite. Shimmering, dry with rigorous acidity.”
 

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Wein-Erbhof Stein Secco Sparkling Rose Mosel 2021 750ML ($29.95) $26 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Vom Boden importer note “Steep slate soils; second fermentation in tank; Pinot Noir with approximately 20% Cabernet and Merlot, élevage all stainless.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!

“The National drink of Swabia, Now available in pink”
Known more by its Italian name Schiava, Trollinger is the most planted varietal in the German region called Swabia and nicknamed the areas “National Drink”. Vinified by local celebrity winemaker Jochen Beurer with a biodynamic field blend of other red grapes including Pinot Noir, Zwigelt, and Portugieser; this is the epitome of easy drinking rose. Made from the saignée method with no filtering or sulfur added, the rose walks the line between fleshy and fresh. With a medium body and a plethora of fruits, citrus and herbs that reminds one of maraschino cherry, fresh squeezed orange juice, and basil. The finish is refreshing and incredibly food friendly, to the point where you don’t want to share.

In Stock Now:

Beurer Rose Trocken Wurttemberg 2020 750ML ($24.95) $20.90 special, 8 bottles in stock now
A saignée blend of Trollinger, Portugieser, Zweigelt and Spätburgunder in an eye-popping bottle. Certified biodynamic.
 

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Beurer Rose Trocken Wurttemberg 2021 750ML ($24.95) $20.90 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Vom Boden importer note “Beurer makes a rosé that drinks like biodynamic Gatorade – this wine zings: it is pure energy. It is fresh like a spring garden around 6am just as the overeager sun pokes its gonzo eye above the horizon, pushing away the wet dew. This rosé is a saignée of Trollinger, Portugieser, Zweigelt and Spätburgunder, all farmed biodynamically and fermented with native yeast.”
 

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!

Made entirely from one of Germany’s indigenous strains of Pinot Noir, Frühburgunder is known for earlier ripening than other Pinot Noir cultivars. In spite of this, the strain is famed for being even harder to grow than Spätburgunder (The later-ripening cultivars that make up the face of German Pinot Noir). This is due to the lower yields and propensity to predation by a plethora of local fauna ranging from hornets to wild boar as well as demanding near-constant attention in the vineyard to grow successfully.

Closer to Strasbourg than Berlin; the Pfalz is nestled between the Haardt Mountains and the Rhine River in a veritable oasis of forests and hills. Archeological records show that the district was one of the first areas in the entire world to have widespread consumption and production of wine, dating back to 550 B.C.E. . In spite of being one of the largest growing districts the soils are relatively uniform, with sandstone, limestone and loess being the most commonly found, further boosting the organoleptic qualities of the finished wine and leaving a distinctive salinity to wines that hail from this verdant section of Germany.

Muller Ruprecht Blanc De Noir Trocken Rose, Pfalz 2021 750ML ($21.95) $19.90 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Vom Boden importer note “This is an estate KP Keller introduced us to in 2020 and we took a small flyer on the rosé last year, based solely on the extreme cut of the basic Riesling and, well, we were blown away. This is from the limestone Pfalz, where Pinot Noir does quite well. We’ve secured a bit more of this for 2021 and we expect fireworks. If you haven’t heard of Frühburgunder it is an early ripening, delicate and elegant cousin to Pinot Noir. A very soft crushing to not get too much color, with as little skin contact as possible to make it ultra light. Very aromatic, soaring red fruit, lots of citrus, a salty minerality.”
 

Maloof Wines:
Oregon Revolution
 

Oregon is in the midst of a winemaking revolution, with a new generation of talent flooding in from all parts of the world to put down roots in Oregon. Ross and Bee Maloof are certainly part of that generation, with a portfolio of entirely natural, organically produced wines from sites throughout the Willamette and Applegate Valley. Vineyard sources include Temperance Hill, Johan and Steelhead Run in addition to their estate vineyard “No Clos”. These are the epitome of natural winemaking, and truly are a benchmark for the style across the board.

Maloof Wines in stock now:

Ross & Bee Maloof L’Eau Epicee Willamette Valley 2021 750ML (33.95) $29 special, 5 bottles in stock now
Distributor note “Riesling and Gewürztraminer were direct-pressed and fermented separately in neutral oak. A little under a quarter of the Gewürztraminer was fermented in open bins on the skins until dry, then pressed off into barrels. When the Riesling was pressed, some must was put into 5 gallon buckets to freeze. Just after primary fermentation of the Riesling the wine was racked into tank. From there, frozen must held back from crush was thawed out, thrown into tank, stirred up and bottled. No added sulfur and a snazzy updated label to boot!”

Ross & Bee Maloof ‘No Clos Radio’ Pinot Gris Willamette Valley 2020 750ML ($31.95) $26 special, 5 bottles in stock now
Winery note “Vineyard History – Estate vineyard and winery site for Maloof Wines and Fossil & Fawn. Originally planted in the early 70s by Harvey Shafer. Location – Forest Grove, OR (Tualatin Hills AVA) Vineyard stats- 27 acres, 500ft elevation Farming – Own rooted, dry farmed, planted in 1972. Organic farming program since January 2020 (previously sustainable), beginning organic certification process through CCOF in spring 2022. Soil – Jory & Loess, with pisolitic deposits of iron and manganese, that are particular to the newly minted Tualatin Hills AVA. Harvesting – By hand, harvested on September 20th. Winemaking – Pressed, and then fermented and aged in neutral burgundy oak barrels, on the lees with no batonnage. Bottled without fining or filtration. 30ppm total Sulfur.”
 

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!

Ross & Bee Maloof Johan Vineyard Ribolla Gialla Van Duzer Corridor  2020 750ML ($29.95) $26 special, 5 bottles in stock now
Winery note from the 2018 vintage “I swear to god I was there, I was like “Ribolllaaaaaa”.  First vintage of this after a Friulian grafting project at Johan two years prior, and we couldn’t be more stoked.  Passion fruit, orange peel, and celery.  Direct pressed after a short in-bin maceration, then barrel fermented. So anyways, you guys wanna make-out or what? Drink aside a tomato pie with anchovies. Grapes: 100% Ribolla Gialla. Vineyard(s): Johan Vineyard, Van Duzer Corridor AVA. Alcohol: 12.5%. Winemaking: Foot stomped in picking bins and left macerating for six hours before being pressed. Fermented and aged in neutral oak. Bottled without fining or filtration. 18ppm sulfur. Production: 24 cases.”
 

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Ross & Bee Maloof Johan Vineyard ‘Scrambled Sticks’ Van Duzer Corridor 2020 750ML ($37.95) $33 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Winery note “We made six lots of wine from this special plot within Johan for the 2020 vintage, and blended them all together in the summer before bottling. We utilized amphora made by Andrew Beckham for portions of the wine, which makes up about 40% of the final blend. Typically we do extended skin contact in the clay pots, however given the vintage, we opted to make a slightly lighter wine, and reserved the amphora for fermented juice or aged skin contact wine (after pressing). Two of the lots this year that went into the pots were skin contact pinot gris (after we pressed off the skins from a larger ferment in a standard macrobin), and a mixture of Ribolla Gialla and Tocai Friulano (pressed juice fermented and aged directly in the clay). In addition to those lots, we did a ~30 day skin contact in an open fermenter of Pinot gris, another of Ribolla/Tocai, which were both aged in neutral Burgundy barrels. Lastly, we also pressed some Chardonnay and some Pinot Gris, which were both fermented and aged in neutral oak. The final makeup based off of grape variety was… -35% Ribolla Gialla, -30% Pinot Gris, -20% Tocai Friulano, -15% Chardonnay. Bottled without fining or filtration. 30ppm total Sulfur.”

Maloof Where Ya Pjs At Blend 2021 750ML ($27.95) $24 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Distributor note “Get into those soft pants and pour a glass! Is it orange wine? Yes. Is it pink? Also, yes. The Maloofs call it “rosé-ish.” I call it tasty-sunshine-I’m-done-for-the-day wine (it’s a mouthful, but it’s true). [Love ya, Chris!] Winemaking – 80% Skin contact Pinot Gris 15% Direct pressed, barrel fermented riesling 5% Skin contact Schönburger. All of the Pinot Gris lots were fermented in open top fermenters on the skins with daily punch downs until dry (20 days on average). About 20% of each lot of pinot gris was fermented carbonically in sealed containers, for the same length of time as the open top ferments. The two methods from each vineyard were pressed off together, and then moved into neutral french oak. Riesling was fermented and aged in neutral oak barrels. Schonbürger was fermented on the skins until dry (18 days), and then pressed and aged in neutral french oak. All of the lots were blended in the early spring, and bottled unfined and unfiltered in late March. 30ppm total added sulfur. Additional Notes: This is sort of a “rosé” for us. As you’ll see on the back of the bottle it states “rose-ish”. We wanted to have the playfulness and functionality of a rosé without actually using any red fruit. Whether you call it white wine, orange wine, or rose, Where ya PJs at?, cause this thing is a slumber party!”
 

This is the only listing in the USA today!

We carry a variety of natural wine producers from Oregon including Ovum, Vincent and Kelley Fox!

Collector’s Corner

Priorat’s Crowning Glory:  

Clos Erasmus
 

Priorat or Tarraconensis as it was once called has cultivated winegrapes since the Roman Empire first occupied the area, but it was Clos Erasmus and their collegues who transformed Priorat from sleepy backwater to a global wine powerhouse in the 1980’s and 90’s. Farming biodynamically since their inception Clos Erasmus has maintained very low production throughout the stratospheric rise of the region, and rarely exceeds 140 cases per year from their 25 acres in production. Limited does not begin to describe the scarcity of these wines, with these bottles being the crown jewel of wine lists around the world. Daphne Glorian, the estate’s founder and winemaker describes Priorat as “Burgundy in reverse, same soils and different climate versus different soils and the same climate” 

Clos Erasmus Wines in stock now: 

Clos i Terrasses Clos Erasmus Priorat DOCa 2018 1.5L ($699.95) $579 special only 1 magnum in stock now
Clos i Terrasses Clos Erasmus Priorat DOCa 2018 750ML ($249.95) $219 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate Luis Gutierrez 99 points “A blend of 85% Garnacha and 15% Syrah, 2018 Clos Erasmus comes from a year with good yields and enough rain for good ripeness of the grapes. The vines are now 36 years old on average, and the grapes fermented after a cold soak in 1,000-, 1,500- and 2,000-liter oak vats with indigenous yeasts and a five-week maceration. It matured in new and second use Burgundian 228-liter oak barrels, with around 40% new oak. This is a very elegant and perfumed vintage for Clos Erasmus, a wine that reveals a bright ruby color and a exotic nose that mixes flowers with tons of sweet spices. It is still very young and influenced by the élevage in oak, with something herbal and fresh, reminiscent of pine needles. The palate is textured and velvety, lace and dust, with fine-grained tannins that bring back the memories of the slate rocks; it is pure and detailed and has terrible balance, focus, inner strength, filigree and subdued minerality. I’d wait a little bit for the oak to get integrated before pulling the cork. It has the ingredients, stuffing and balance to develop nicely in bottle for a long time. 3,319 bottles and 100 magnums produced. It was bottled in May 2020.”

Clos i Terrasses Clos Erasmus ‘Laurel’ Priorat DOCa 2018 1.5L ($179.95) $149 special, 4 magnums in stock now 
Clos i Terrasses Clos Erasmus ‘Laurel’ Priorat DOCa 2018 750ML ($79.95) $59 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 96 points “The second wine here and one that is easier to drink, the 2018 Laurel was produced with fruit from the younger vines, a couple of barrels that are declassified from Clos Erasmus and the Cabernet Sauvignon, more or less 70% Garnacha and 15% each Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. It has good ripeness and still a pH of 3.3. It fermented mostly in oak vats and 2,000-liter concrete vats with indigenous yeasts and matured for 18 months in 20,000-liter oak and concrete vats, second use barriques and some clay amphorae. It’s a bright translucent ruby color and has a perfumed and delicate nose with notes of orange peel and flowers; this is the most elegant and ethereal vintage of Laurel as far as I can remember, with red rather than black fruit and a kind of cranberry quality. The palate is medium-bodied, textured and fluid, with subtleness, balance and very fine tannins. The oak is perfectly integrated, and the wine is easy to drink, approachable and very pleasurable right now. It’s a fresh vintage with energy and finesse, quite different from previous vintages. I love it. 22,825 bottles and 515 magnums produced. It was bottled in May 2020.”