Category Archives: Newsletter Archive

05-31 Newsletter

Ygay? Okay!

New Vintage of Marques De Murrieta incoming

Marqués de Murrieta is one of the great pillars of classical Rioja—a titan of the region that’s responsible for some of the greatest wines ever produced in Spain. They resemble more polished, powerful versions of López de Heredia while sharing their age-worthiness. However they also offer a distinctly more fruit driven profile in their youth. Murrieta’s wines have always been favorites amongst critics and consumers alike.

Marques Murrieta Riserva Arriving June 10th:

Marques de Murrieta Reserva Rioja DOCa 2017 750ML ($29.95) $26 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Marques de Murrieta Reserva Rioja DOCa 2017 750ML ($179.95) $149 pre-arrival special, (That’s $24.83 per bottle!)
James Suckling 96 points “Incredible depth and intensity on the nose with chocolate, walnut, blackberry and wet-earth aromas. Some iodine, too. All this follows through to a full body with very silky tannins that give the wine depth and length. It’s really framed beautifully. Reserved and tight at the finish. A terrific wine for the cellar. Give this three to five years to open.”
Decanter 94 points “A great classic, with a unique Rioja character, bursting with chewy red fruits, counterpointed by minerality. Reconciling power and finesse, pleasure and style. Warm and intense. Benchmark for wines of style, high-end brands. Leaves a vibrant memory.”
Luis Gutierrez – Wine Advocate 93 points “The red 2017 Rioja Reserva is their flagship wine, of which they produce 900,000 bottles exclusively from grapes from their 300 hectares of estate vineyards. It’s a blend of 83% Tempranillo, 9% Graciano, 6% Mazuelo (Cariñena) and 2% Garnacha and has the character of the vintage, ripe and warm but without excess. The varieties fermented separately, even different plots fermented separately, and they also aged in barrel on their own. The blend is done at the end, after 20 months in American oak barrels. 2017 was a challenging year that they still consider a better vintage than 2018, as they see more concentration and power. The wine is quite lactic and creamy, still showing very young. It does feel undeveloped and in need of some time in bottle. The wine has concentration and clout, and I always consider it an ultimate example of an updated classical Reserva from Rioja. 2017 was the earliest harvest (started and finished in September), a warm and dry year when the Ygay estate miraculously escaped the terrible frost that decimated most of Europe. The challenge for this wine was to contain the ripeness and power, and they have done it. This will be released in spring 2021, so it should be a lot more integrated by then. This is always a sure value. Volumes are lower this year.”

Fabulous Foradori

“It was really a breath of fresh air tasting through the new releases. These are wines that communicate such purity and prestige from top to bottom. It’s easy to forget the amazing value to be found in their Teroldego” –Eric Guido, Vinous Media

Elisabetta Foradori’s wines occupy a singular place in the world of wine. She’s a Biodynamic and natural wine icon whose wines don’t taste Natural—just classic and pure. Likewise, her adventurous and questioning spirit has lead her down a number of different (now trendy) roads long before anyone else in her region, including the use of amphora, return to the traditional pergola trellis and emphasis on polycultural farming practices.

Foradori wines in stock now:

Foradori Teroldego Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT, Trentino-Alto Adige 2019 750ML ($39.95) $29 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Case-6 Foradori Teroldego Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT, Trentino-Alto Adige 2019 750ML ($199.95) $159 special (that’s only $26.50/bottle!)
No reviews for the 2019 vintage. 2018 review provided for reference.
James Suckling 94 points “A subtle yet complex red with blackberry, blueberry, mineral and black-tea aromas and flavors. It’s full-bodied, yet very polished and refined. Lightly chewy and very focused. All in balance. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drinkable now, but better in 2023.”

Foradori Fontanasanta Nosiola Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT, Trentino-Alto Adige 2020 750ML ($49.95) $47.50 special
No reviews for the 2020 vintage. 2019 review provided for reference.
James Suckling 95 points “Complex nose of toasted nuts and chocolate, but this is so much fresher than that sounds, thanks to the intense, wild-herb character that expands with aeration. Just a hint of funk. The stunning interplay of oxidative (mature) and reductive (fresh) character makes this so animating and fascinating. Very long, delicate finish. Drink or hold.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

Foradori ‘Fuoripista’ Pinot Grigio Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT, Trentino-Alto Adige 2020 750ML ($59.95) $55 special, 6 bottles in stock now
No reviews for the 2020 vintage. 2019 review provided for reference.
James Suckling 95 points “Skin fermentation has given this pinot grigio a rosé color, but also a lot of peach-skin, rose-petal and candied-orange character. Notes of wet earth and umami, which you normally associate with red wines, develops as it aerates in the glass. Then comes the surprisingly delicate, medium-bodied palate that is so fresh, the delicate tannins and rose-petal notes lifting the long, almost weightless finish. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drink or hold.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

Foradori Vigneto Sgarzon Teroldego Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT, Trentino-Alto Adige 2020 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 12 bottles in stock now
No reviews for the 2020 vintage. 2019 review provided for reference.
James Suckling 94 points “This red has an extreme mountain-wine personality that’s expressed through a ton of wild-herb and cranberry aromas, crisp acidity and a tightly wound body. Somehow the generous and slightly sappy tannins neatly fold into the wine’s sleek profile. Long, crisp and mineral finish. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drink or hold.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Foradori ‘Morei’ Teroldego Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT, Trentino-Alto Adige 2020 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 12 bottles in stock now
No reviews for the 2020 vintage. 2019 review provided for reference.
James Suckling 97 points “Incredibly deep wild-berry nose that has just a whiff of funk, but this also gives the wine enormous energy. Sleek, but densely concentrated with a stunning interplay of fruit and fine tannin, the dangerously lively acidity whipping this into a mineral and herbal frenzy at the breathtaking, long finish. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drink or hold.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Foradori Granato Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT, Trentino-Alto Adige 2019 750ML ($89.95) $79 special, 12 bottles in stock now
No reviews for the 2019 vintage. 2018 review provided for reference.
James Suckling 97 points “Enormously deep and subtle wild-blackberry aromas with a thousand herbal nuances lead you into this concentrated and beautifully proportioned red that is so delightful and fascinating. Very long finish that’s crisp and very mineral. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drink or hold.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $85

Sloshed in Schlossburg:

Domaine Weinbach’s Delightful Dry Whites

Looking for the meticulous quality of French wine but at German pricing? Check out Alsace, a region famous for her syncretism. Alsace features some of the most diverse soils in the wine world, ranging from fossilized limestone, granite, alluvial sand and even clay marl. Primarily growing white wines, the wines of Alsace are famous for their structure and texture.

The primary grapes of the area combine the winemaking traditions of Germany and France, with Riesling, Pinot Gris and Gewürztraminer and Muscat being standouts as the “Grand Cru Grapes”. The latter two are widely considered to reach their magnum-opus in Alsace, offering years of development in the bottle and an expression unlike anywhere else in the world.

At the foot of the breathtaking Schlossburg hill lies Domaine Weinbach, producer of some of the most elegant wines in Alsace. Established as a Capuchin monastery in 1612, the Domaine was purchased in 1989 by the Faller brothers, who eventually left the property to Theo Faller, a pioneer who worked tirelessly to elevate Alsatian winemaking. Since 1998, Domaine Weinbach has tended their vines using biodynamic practices, and in 2010 attained Demeter certification. Vinification is a balancing act of minimal intervention and meticulous attention to detail. They begin by gently pressing their hand-picked fruit, then fermenting in ancient oak casks with native yeasts. The result is wines that are balanced, complex, and showcase the unique characteristics of each grape and terroir.

Domaine Weinbach wines in stock now:

Domaine Weinbach Pinot Gris Clos des Capucins Alsace 2019 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 29 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 90 points “A light-bodied version, with snappy acidity creating a lively frame for the flavors of nectarine, Asian pear, rose petal and spicy mineral. A hint of almond shows on the juicy finish. Drink now. 300 cases imported. –AN”

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

Domaine Weinbach Pinot Gris Cuvee Sainte Catherine, Alsace 2019 750ML ($69.95) $45 special
Wine Spectator 92 points “A compact version, creamy and light- to medium-bodied, with a spine of sleek acidity enlivening the finely knit flavors of apricot, green almond and star fruit. Hints of pink grapefruit zest and ground ginger play on the stony, mineral-driven finish. Drink now through 2019. 100 cases imported. –AN”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Domaine Weinbach Riesling Cuvee Theo, Alsace 2019 750ML ($44.95) $39 special
Wine Spectator 89 points “A lively, balanced Riesling, with ripe and snappy Honeycrisp apple, peach skin and honeysuckle notes and a mouthwatering, stone-tinged finish. Drink now through 2024. 150 cases imported. –AN”

Riesling Worthy of a Kaiser:

Weingut Prinz

Did you know that the Rheingau was once the face of Germany’s wine production? The topographic isolation provided by confluence of the Taunus Mountains and Rhine River creates an oasis for growing Riesling. The region’s wines were once priced higher than Burgundy, with Queen Victoria sparking a proclivity for German Riesling across the British Empire after a visit to the Rheingau in 1850. In contrast to other growing regions that feature a high percentage of slate, the Rheingau is characterized by high proportions of sandstone and quartzite, lending a crystallized pineapple, quince and yellow daffodil character to the finished wines.

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. During the extended hang time the grapes will freeze and thaw multiple times, further concentrating the sugars and acids. 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 enough to be harvested as eiswein or simply eaten by passing birds and deer you can see why production quantities are minuscule to say the least.

Weingut Prinz Wines in stock now:

Weingut Prinz Hallgartener Jungfer Riesling Eiswein Rheingau 2016 375ML ($149.95) $119 special

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Weingut Prinz Riesling Trocken Rheingau 2020 750ML ($29.95) $24 special
James Suckling 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.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Weingut Prinz Hendelberg Riesling Trocken Rheingau 2020 750ML ($34.95) $28 special
James Suckling 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.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Weingut Prinz Jungfer Riesling Kabinett Rheingau 2020 750ML ($29.95) $24 special
James Suckling 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.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Weingut Prinz Hallgartener Jungfer Riesling Spatlese Rheingau 2019 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
James Suckling 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.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Check out our 531 different German Rieslings available now including Dönnhoff, Mueller-Catoir and Molitor!

The Exponent of Épernay:

Charles Ellner Champagne

Considering the market dominance formerly held by the Grand Marques, there is much to be said about smaller negociants. Often combining their family’s holdings with purchased fruit from other vineyards, negociant champagne represents the juxtaposition of art and science that is assemblage. You’d be hard pressed to find a better example of this expertise than the Charles Ellner portfolio. Originally working as a riddler for other houses, Charles Ellner decided to hold back some of his family’s production for his own project, and the rest is history!

Charles Ellner’s origin as a passion project is clearly evident even to this day, with the estate fruit being grown organically and without synthetic inputs whatsoever. This commitment to quality does not stop in the vineyard however; the minimum time his Champagnes receive on the lees is double the required time. The resulting wines capture the beauty of autolysis and the freshness of a current vintage along with the juxtaposing toast, fruit and mineral character. Their Tête de cuvee is named Seduction and is aged for over 8 years on the lees prior to disgorgement, with the 2007 vintage encapsulating the acidity of a recent disgorgement against the maturity expected from a vintage from the late 2000’s.

Charles Ellner wines in stock now:

Charles Ellner Carte Blanche Blanc de Blancs Brut Champagne NV 750ML ($39.95) $31.90 special, 23 bottles in stock now
Importer note “This elegant and subtle blend offers an attractive freshness. On the palate, it is fruity and round with floral hints and citrus notes.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Charles Ellner Brut Rose Champagne NV 375ML ($27.95) $21.90 special, 16 half bottles in stock now
Charles Ellner Brut Rose Champagne NV 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 33 bottles in stock now
Winery note “Soft pink: an invitation to the eyes, strong on the nose with hints of strawberry, this champagne offers intensive fruity aromas. The chardonnay that represents half of the blend gives freshness, but also longevity.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Charles Ellner Seduction Brut Millesime Champagne 2007 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 14 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 92 points “A toasty hint of grilled nut adds savory richness to this bright, light-footed Champagne. The firm acidity is well-meshed to notes of yellow plum, candied ginger and lemon curd. Not a powerhouse, but fresh and balanced. Drink now through 2027. — AN”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Amazing Abruzzo:

New Vintage of Emidio Pepe arriving this summer

Abruzzo is an Italian wine region best known for two standout producers: Valentini and Emidio Pepe. Both deliver world-class bottlings, but we’re focusing on the latter today. Pepe’s wines are known for their unique blend of rusticity, power and just enough polish to highlight their remarkable vibrancy and complexity. The Trebbiano is made from old selections of Trebbiano Abruzzese—a rare clonal selection that provides wines of depth and complexity rarely found in this neck of the woods. It’s hard for us to acquire these wines and we’re excited to feature them again today.

Emidio Pepe arriving September 2022:

Emidio Pepe Trebbiano d’Abruzzo Italy 2018 750ML ($89.95) $79 pre-arrival special

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Collector’s Corner:

Daniel Landi

When discussing the Grenache Revolution in Spain, you have to mention the work of Daniel Landi. One of the two founders of the cult label “Commando G” he has built his career around elevating Grenache to new heights. Originally hailing from Méntrida, a rural village in the Castille-La-Mancha Daniel Landi has been surrounded by Grenache practically from birth. With en masse wine production dating back to the 15th century, there are vineyards everywhere you look.

The historical prevalence of viticulture extends into the Sierra de Gredos Mountains, where Daniel sources his best fruit. Planted amongst the granite boulders and scrub vegetation, vines are 50 years old at the youngest and farmed biodynamically. The mineral rich soil, high elevation and extensive root networks make irrigation unnecessary and for one of the most compelling iterations of Grenache you’ll ever find. With the exception of his entry level cuvee, every wine that Daniel Landi makes is a single-vineyard expression to highlight the nuance of each parcel.

Daniel Landi wines in stock now:

Daniel Gomez Jimenez-Landi ‘Las Uvas de la Ira’ Garnacha Mentrida 2018 750ML ($37.95) $31.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 93 points “The red 2018 Las Uvas de la Ira has been produced with Garnacha from the same five vineyards since the initial vintage (2012) in the village of El Real de San Vicente, which is one of the villages from Méntrida (Toledo) that are part of the Gredos Mountains. The vines range between 40 and 65 years of age, and they are located at around 750 meters in altitude on sandy granite soils with lots of silt. The different vineyards are fermented separately in oak vats with indigenous yeasts and a very gentle vinification, one-third with very long macerations to provide structure and depth, one-third with a very short maceration to provide fragrance, and the remaining third finished the fermentation without skins (like a white) to add juiciness. The élevage is in oak foudres of different sizes, from 1,500 to 4,000 liters. This is a little less aromatic and more austere but very focused and bright, from a village where the wines are serious and have a chalky texture, less floral but more citrus, a bit more backward. It has a compact palate, with very fine tannins and a more chalky finish. It’s interesting to taste it next to wines from other villages, as you clearly see the difference. 18,700 bottles produced. It was bottled in August 2019.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Daniel Gomez Jimenez-Landi ‘Cantos del Diablo’ Mentrida 2017 750ML ($119.95) $79 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 94+ points “The single-vineyard 2017 Cantos del Diablo was produced with the grapes from 0.35 hectares in the village of El Real de San Vicente (Toledo), the highest vineyard in the Méntrida appellation. It’s a north-facing plot at 900 meters in altitude that was planted some 70 years ago on sandy granite soils rich in silt and is worked biodynamically. The grapes, with all the stems, fermented with indigenous yeasts in oak vats, and the wine matured in a 1,200-liter oak foudre for 12 months. This was one of the few villages from Gredos that escaped the hail and frost, and it was a dry year, so harvesting was early (10 to 15 days earlier compared with a “normal” vintage!). It’s aromatic and floral but has the austerity of the wines from El Real de San Vicente as well as a texture like liquid chalk and very fine, powdery tannins. It’s clean and ripe without excess, with a nice combination of fruit and minerality, really balanced, with intensity and finesse. Excellent 2017! 1,362 bottles were filled in March 2019.”

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

Daniel Gomez Jimenez-Landi ‘Cantos del Diablo’ Mentrida 2018 750ML ($149.95) $119 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 95 points “The single-vineyard 2018 Cantos del Diablo was produced with the grapes from 0.35 hectares of 70-year-old Garnacha in the village of El Real de San Vicente (Toledo) at 900 meters in altitude, the highest vineyard in the Méntrida appellation. It’s a north-facing plot on sandy granite soils with lots of silt that deliver chalky tannins and a citrus freshness in the wine. The whole clusters fermented with indigenous yeasts in oak vats with a long maceration followed by an élevage in a 1,400-liter oak foudre for 12 months. This was extremely closed, even after a long time in the glass. It’s a vineyard that delivers more reductive wines (matchstick) with a strict palate and a strong mineral sensation. 1,620 bottles were filled in March 2020.”

05-30-2022 Newsletter

In This Newsletter:

Final Additions to the May Sale

New Vintage Alert:
Ameztoi Rubentis Txakoli Rose

Producer Spotlight:
Jean Foillard

California’s New Gold:
Christian Moueix’s Exceptional Cabernet

Astounding Albarino from Val do Salnes

Ar.Pe.Pe’s Alpine Nebbiolo

Featured Producer:
Ruwer roundup with Karlsmuhle

We’re Open for In-Store Shopping!

10AM – 6PM Daily
Properly worn masks are appreciated but no longer required.
We also offer Curbside Pickup
Order Online / By Phone / By Email

Final Additions to the May Sale

Diamond Creek Gravelly Meadow Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2018 750ML ($299.95) was $259 now $249 special, 7 bottles in stock now
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 97 points “The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Gravelly Meadow is a blend of 78.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8.4% Merlot, 8% Malbec and 5.1% Petit Verdot. Deep garnet-purple in color, it slips effortlessly from the glass, singing of ripe black cherries, black raspberries and cassis, plus hints of red currants, roses, cinnamon stick and garrigue. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers lovely freshness, offering bags of perfumed black fruits in the mouth, beautifully supported by fine-grained tannins, finishing long with lots of soft-spoken floral and mineral whispers. This perfumed beauty wears the 2018 vintage stamp well, presenting a more delicate expression of this vineyard—one that I love! 647 cases were made.”
Wine Spectator 94 points “Ripe and a bit showy in feel, with a blast of cassis and plum purée notes liberally laced with violet, singed applewood and red licorice notes. Then a nice mix of iron and warm stone accents cuts in on the finish, pulling everything together as the violet note takes an encore. Best from 2022 through 2038. 647 cases made. — JM”

This is your last chance to secure the best price in the country for our May Sale wines including Sandhi Chardonnay, Beau Marchais and Venoge’s Louis the14th cuvee from 2006!

New Vintage Alert:

Ameztoi Rubentis Txakoli Rose

Basque Country is famous for a great many things, with a thriving food and wine scene taking the foreground. Ubiquitous as the porrón from which it’s traditionally served from, Txakoli is a slightly fizzy wine grown in the highlands around the villages made from two closely related grapes. Hondarrabi Zuri and Beltza are white and red grapes respectively that bring to mind the salinity of the nearby sea with electric minerality and bright, citrus flavors. Ameztoi is particularly blessed with family holdings dating back to the 1840’s with some of the oldest Hondarrabi Beltza still in production.

The 2021 vintage is described as “elegant with a definitive Atlantic character” with a primary fruit character of Pomello, Grapefruit rind and white cherry against sea salt and flinty minerality. Slightly spritzy due to the natural fermentation that allows for minimal sulfur application, the wine is also harvested early enough to keep alcohol levels low. The aromas bring to mind basil flower, citrus rind and a sea breeze making it a perfect summer quaffer.

Ameztoi Rubentis Rosado Getariako Txakolina 2021 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
De Maison importer note “The iconic Ameztoi Rubentis rosé is a field blend of the local, indigenous hondarrabi zuri and hondarrabi beltza varieties, grown on traditional trellises high on the slopes rising above Getaria, an ancient Basque fishing village on Spain’s rugged northern coast. In the 2000s, when almost all of the other local wineries gave up on the indigenous red hondarrabi beltza vines, the Ameztoi family retained their old vines, in turn, lending their rosé such exceptional vibrancy and complexity. Rubentis, the region’s first pink wine, was inspired by the historic claret style wines which were once produced in the area long before the current global craze made rosé famous. The backbone of the blend comes from an old hondarrabi beltza vineyard planted in 1840, preserved by the Ameztoi family for generations. Ameztoi Rubentis is an authentic original, a wine that is often imitated but never replicated.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Also in stock by Ameztoi:

Ameztoi Rubentis Rosado Getariako Txakolina 2020 750ML ($24.95) $19 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 92 points “Shimmering orange-pink. Pungent cherry and red berry scents take on floral and spice nuances with air. Shows silky texture and good depth to the zesty red currant and bitter cherry flavors, which turn sweeter through the midpalate. Smoothly blends heft and energy and finishes long and nervy, with a hint of bitter orange pith adding final bite.”
Importer note “The pink sibling of Ameztoi’s flagship white, this vibrant rosé is made from a mix of red and white indigenous grapes and is bottled with a little residual carbonation to give it a light spritz.”
Region: Getariako Txakolina, Pais Vasco (Basque Country), Spain.

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Ameztoi Primus Txakoli di Getaria Hondarribi Zuri Getariako Txakolina 2019 750ML ($29.95) $21.90 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Winery note “[Edited for clarity] A white wine from the Hondarrabi Zuri grape. Naturally lightly sparkling. Pale with a touch of green, its bright tone has fine and elegant bubbles. Has a delicate and sophisticated fragrance, reminiscent of green apples and grapes, with a minty note. Opens dry, and is harmonious in the mouth. It has a broad and aromatic finish, which is cheerful because of its bubbles.”
Note on the 2018 vintage by Luis Gutierrez (provided for reference) “The white 2018 Primus is 100% Hondarribi Zuri and was selected with the idea of aging potential. It has 11% alcohol and seven grams of acidity balanced by three grams of sugar, which resulted from fermenting the must in stainless steel at low temperature and keeping the wine with the lees at zero degrees to preserve the dissolved gas. This has a more traditional style with quite a lot of gas, closer to the light, sharp and citrus style, finishing dry with notable tart acidity.”

Producer Spotlight:

Jean Foillard

Foillard is one of the members of the “Gang of Four”, a group of young producers who catapulted Beaujolais onto the world stage with their incredible re-interpretation of traditional winemaking . Sourcing from organically farmed, old-vines with no intervention during fermentation and élevage these are among the most transparent expressions of Gamay Noir on the market. Irresistibly delicious on release, these are wines that reward the patient but won’t scold you for opening one now.

Foillard Wines in stock now:

Domaine Jean Foillard Morgon Les Charmes Eponym Beaujolais 2019 750ML ($57.95) $46 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94 points “Glistening ruby. Powerful, mineral-accented cherry, black raspberry, violet and black cardamom scents pick up a spicy nuance as the wine opens up. Chewy and tightly wound on entry, offering juicy dark berry, bitter cherry and floral pastille flavors that deepen and slowly spread out through the back half. Shows firm tension and impressive energy on a very long, mineral-driven finish framed by polished, even tannins.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 93 points “Aromas of sweet red berries, plums and smoke introduce the 2019 Morgon Eponym, a medium to full-bodied, supple and charming wine that’s fine boned and elegant, with powdery tannins and lively acids, concluding with a perfumed finish. This is a pretty rendition of this cuvée derived from climat Les Charmes.”

Domaine Jean Foillard Fleurie Beaujolais 2019 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94 points “Dark, bright-rimmed ruby. Incisive, spice-accented red and blue fruit and allspice scents show excellent clarity and pick up floral and smoky mineral flourishes with air. Juicy and alluringly sweet, offering vibrant black raspberry, boysenberry and five-spice powder flavors that deepen through the midpalate. Shows impressive energy and finishes seamless and impressively long, with discreet tannins and a strong echo of juicy red fruit.”

Domaine Jean Foillard Morgon Beaujolais 2019 750ML ($34.95) $28 special, 29 bottles in stock now
Kermit Lynch note “This estate comprises nearly fourteen hectares. Foillard’s Morgons are deep, structured, and complex, with a velvety lushness that makes them irresistible when young despite their aging potential. Jean raises his wines in older barrels sourced from top estates in Burgundy, a logical decision for someone crafting Gamay in a Burgundian style. It is the passion and dedication of vignerons like this that have brought pride back to the crus of the Beaujolais.”

Domaine Jean Foillard Morgon Cuvee Corcelette Beaujolais 2019 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 27 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94 points “Saturated magenta. Expressive aromas of red and dark fruit preserves, star anise and potpourri pick up a smoky mineral topnote with air. Juicy and energetic in the mouth, offering concentrated raspberry and cherry liqueur, fruitcake and floral pastille flavors supported by a core of smoky minerality. At once powerful and lithe, finishing on a gently tannic note with superb, floral- and mineral-driven tenacity.”

Domaine Jean Foillard Morgon Cote du Py Beaujolais 2017 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 14 bottles in stock now
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 94 points “Tasted at the domaine, Foillard’s 2017 Morgon Côte du Py is much the same as it showed from my cellar earlier this year. Unwinding in the glass with aromas of cherries, red berries, grilled meats, rose petals and orange rind, it’s medium to full-bodied, velvety and fleshy, with fine and powdery tannins, lively acids and a ripe core of fruit. It’s a touch richer and more sun-kissed than the stunning 2016 rendition, but this is a very fine Côte de Py from Foillard.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94 points “Vivid ruby. A highly complex bouquet evokes ripe red/blue fruits, candied flowers and exotic spices, and a smoky mineral nuance builds as the wine opens up. Stains the palate with appealingly sweet black raspberry and cherry flavors that become livelier and spicier on the back half. Conveys an impressive blend of power and finesse and lingers with superb persistence on the finish, which features sneaky tannins and lingering florality.”
Neal Martin-Vinous 94 points “We finished with a 2017 Morgon Côte du Py from Jean Foillard, which showed up the Kiwi Pinot. The color was iridescent, the bouquet pure Gamay in full flight: copious blueberries, cassis, crushed violets and blood oranges, all delivered with superb delineation and brightness. The palate harnessed the vivacity and unpretentiousness of Gamay with fine tannins, pure, tart black and red fruit and veins of blueberry. There was a gentle but insistent grip on a finish of supreme length. An outstanding Beaujolais wine, but frankly, I expected nothing less from this producer.”

Domaine Jean Foillard Morgon Cote du Py Beaujolais 2019 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 95 points “Deep, shimmering violet. Powerful, spice-tinged red and blue fruit preserve and floral pastille aromas are complemented by suggestions of musky earth and licorice. Alluringly sweet and seamless in the mouth, offering sappy, mineral-driven black raspberry, cherry liqueur, lavender and five-spice powder flavors that expand through the back half. Finishes extremely long and nervy, with harmonious tannins building steadily and adding solid grip to reverberating cherry and floral notes.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 94+ points “The most reserved wine in the range is the 2019 Morgon Côte du Py, a terrific effort that unwinds in the glass with notes of sweet berry fruit, peonies, loamy soil and sweet spices. Medium to full-bodied, deep and concentrated, with ultra-fine tannins and lively acids, it’s sapid and mouthwatering. Stylistically, this sits somewhere between the richer, riper register of 2018 and 2017 and the fragrant classicism of 2016. As ever, it’s one of the most dependably delicious purchases to be made in the region.”

California’s New Gold:

Christian Moueix’s Exceptional Cabernet

“To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield” – Alfred Lord Tennyson, Ulysses

You’ve heard of Dominus and their multi-award winning Cabernet, but did you know that there’s a sister label just as storied? Ulysses is another single vineyard owned by Christian Moueix located in Oakville at the foot of the Mayacamas Mountain Range. Just like her sister, the Ulysses vineyard is organically farmed with no irrigation (No small feat given the rising temperatures as a result of climate change) and given as much pampering in the cellar as Dominus.

Primarily composed of Cabernet Sauvignon with a sprinkling of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, the resulting wine from 2018 has been called “Dark enough to write a letter with” by some reviewers. We’ve secured an allotment of various formats, but as you can expect quantities are in short supply given the restrictive growing conditions. The vintage was described as “Picture Perfect” with no heat spikes and cooler evenings that hadn’t been seen in years. Even fire season seemed to wait until harvest was complete, making this an especially kismet vintage.

Ulysses in stock now:

Ulysses Vineyard Napa Valley 2018 750ML ($179.95) $169 special
Ulysses Vineyard Napa Valley 2018 375ML ($99.95) $79 special
Ulysses Vineyard Napa Valley 2018 1.5L ($399.95) $319 special
James Suckling 98 points “Aromas of terra cotta, chocolate and hazelnut with iron and ink. Dusty. Full-bodied and round. Layered. Flamboyant and juicy. Rather soft and gorgeous. Some walnut and chocolate at the end. persistent. Always there. Drinkable now, but will age wonderfully.”
Antonio Galloni 97 points “The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is the best wine off Christian Moueix’s Oakville ranch so far. Deep, creamy and generous, the 2018 captures the unqiue blend of fruit in a savoriness that is typical of the southern sector of Oakville where cooling winds from the south lend palpable freshness and vivacity to the vines. Black fruit, chocolate, spice, lavender and new leather are some of the many notes that build into the sumptuous finish.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Don’t forget the Dominus!

Astounding Albarino from Val do Salnes

The DO Rias Baixas is famous for her exquisite seafood and spectacular vistas of where mountains meet the Atlantic Ocean. Consisting of several growing regions, the Val do Salnes is the closest to the sea out of the five sub-appellations. Some of the biggest contributors to the terroir of Salnes are the granitic mountains and blankets of sea fog found throughout the area, creating the building blocks for an invigorating and savory wine with surprising aging potential.

These features also have a meteorological effect, creating an exceptionally cool and oftentimes wet growing season with the average temperature being 55-60 degrees Fahrenheit. As a result of these challenges, there has been very little deviation from the traditional growing practices. The winemaker for Leirana named Rodrigo Mendez exemplifies this in spades, farming ancestral plots just as his family has done for five consecutive generations. Previous vintages have garnered worldwide attention, with the New York Times naming the 2012 vintage the best in the entire region!

With the average planting date being in 1967 the influence from the granitic bedrock is evident from first pour. Vinified in a combination of steel and neutral foudre, there’s a plethora of highly aromatic fruit and floral elements underscored by a saline and mineral finish. The fruit character ranges from green pineapple, papaya and guava with a topknot of geranium, honeysuckle and ‘ōhi‘a lehua. The extended hang time practiced by Rodrigo pays off in a richer texture than your standard Rias Baixas without overstaying or being cloying.

Val Do Salnes Albarino in stock now:

Bodegas Forjas del Salnes Leirana Albarino Rias Baixas 2020 750ML ($39.95) $26.60 special
Case-12 Bodegas Forjas del Salnes Leirana Albarino Rias Baixas 2020 750ML ($479.95) $299 special, (that’s only $24.92/bottle!)
Wine Advocate 94 points “The vibrant 2020 Leirana was produced with a blend of 60% wine matured in used oak foudre and the rest stainless steel, as the wine has very high acidity (9 to 9.5 grams with a pH of 2.99!) and doesn’t go through malolactic; so, it is very sharp, and the higher percentage of oak makes it a little rounder. It’s powerful and pungent, serious and with granite minerality, showcasing the serious style of the whites from 2020. It has moderate alcohol (12.9%) and an electric palate that is clean and tasty, with a stony finish.”

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

Nanclares y Prieto ‘A Grana’ Galicia 2020 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2020 A Graña has a more fruit-driven nose and a round palate, perhaps because it has retained some five grams of residual sugar and the wine has less acidity. It might have had some partial malolactic. 1,200 bottles were produced. It feels like a 2020 nose and a 2019 palate.”

Nanclares y Prieto ‘Crisopa’ Branco Tradicional Galicia 2018 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez – Wine Advocate 94 points “The completely unusual “orange” wine is a bright amber Albariño macerated with skins during the fermentation. The 2018 Crisopa, produced with grapes from the same vineyard as Soberrivas, has a completely different nose and a brighter and deeper color than any previous vintage. Perhaps the grapes were smaller and there might be more skins for the juice, and the wine underwent malolactic (at least partially). There are notes of apple liqueur, pollen and beeswax, and the palate is finely tannic. Here, the process overpowers the variety and place. It has lower acidity than most of the wines from the winery, but this is one of the finest examples of the type. It should develop nicely in bottle. 636 bottles were filled in August 2019.”
Importer note “Crisopa Branco Tradicional comes from the same parcel as “Soverribas” (Paraje Manzaniña) but is picked one day earlier to select the best bunches. After a wet and cool spring and summer, it turned dry and hot in August, with hand-harvesting on Sept. 10th through Oct. 6th. The grapes were foot-trodden in open plastic vats with 100% whole-clusters, and then skin-fermented for 20 days in a steel vat. After a vertical press the wine is racked into a used 500L French oak cask, where it rests for 11 months on the lees with battonage for first 3 months, before being bottled on Aug. 21st (fruit day) without clarification, filtration and only modest amounts of SO2. A fascinating and extremely textured Vinho Branco made in the style of the ancients!”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Ar.Pe.Pe’s Alpine Nebbiolo

You’ve heard of sister regions Barolo and Barbaresco but did you know that there is a third sibling that also specialized in Nebbiolo? The Italian Alps are home to some of the most ethereal and mineral driven expressions of wine in the entire world. Naturally insulated from the rest of the country due to the topography, the villagers practice winemaking exactly as they have for centuries. Alto Piemonte as it’s known by the locals was formed during the shift of the African and European tectonic plates millions of years ago, creating one of the most diverse mix of soils in the world.

You see everything from prehistoric marine sediment, schist, fractured limestone, granite and even sandstone. There is so much complexity that only the locals have dared to try classifying the contents of their soil. Located near the Italian-Swiss border Arpepe does exactly that, producing Chiavennasca (The local name for Nebbiolo) from terraced vineyards that have been in their family for generations. Known as a benchmark producer for the regions expression of nebbiolo , Ar.Pe.Pe. is a fantastic introduction to the particular stylings of Chiavennasca. Their style draws comparisons to Barolo and Barbaresco of years past. Considering the advancement of climate change these wines are well on their way to becoming the next hotbed for Nebbiolo in Italy, as freshness and elegance become more elusive further south. We’ve also just secured our allocation for their late harvest wine, the Ultimi Raggi. A true rarity in that most examples of the style are perceptibly dry due to the varietals high tannins and acidity. Arpepe takes this artistry to the next level by allowing the grapes to dry on the vine, allowing for even more sugar accumulation and further ripeness in the flavors. The site’s high altitude at over 2,000 feet elevation maintains acidity and wild botanical character.

Ar.Pe.Pe. wines in stock now:

Ar.Pe.Pe. Ultimi Raggi Valtellina Superiore Sassella 2009 750ML ($119.95) $99 special
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 95 points “The 2009 Valtellina Superiore Sassella Ultimi Raggi is beguiling, rich, dense and powerful. Cinnamon, dried dark cherry, leather, smoke and licorice come together in a full-bodied, somewhat rustic wine with no shortage of character. The Ultimi Raggi is made from the last fruit on the vine to ripen, and is therefore sweeter and richer through the mid-palate, with more palate weight and overall density than is found in most of these wines. I loved it.”
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 95 points “The 2009 Valtellina Superiore Sassella Ultimi Raggi is beguiling, rich, dense and powerful. Cinnamon, dried dark cherry, leather, smoke and licorice come together in a full-bodied, somewhat rustic wine with no shortage of character. The Ultimi Raggi is made from the last fruit on the vine to ripen, and is therefore sweeter and richer through the mid-palate, with more palate weight and overall density than is found in most of these wines. I loved it.”

Ar.Pe.Pe. Buon Consiglio Riserva Valtellina Superiore Grumello DOCG 2013 750ML ($119.95) $99 special,
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95+ points “One of two late-release wines from Ar. Pe. Pe., the 2013 Valtellina Superiore Grumello Riserva Buon Consiglio is a beautifully light and delicate expression of Nebbiolo with a lean, ruby-tinged appearance. The wine ages to silkiness and extreme suppleness, and I cannot help but notice the unique aromas of toasted hazelnut, mountain flower and balsam herb that rise so delicately from the bouquet. These results are exquisite and ultra delicate, giving the wine a lithe or ethereal personality. What a beauty. Only 6,000 bottles were released.”
Wine Spectator 94 points “A perfumed red, exuding aromas and flavors of crushed raspberry and pureed strawberry, exotic spice and graphite, dried marjoram and thyme. It’s finely knit, with silky tannins and mouthwatering, citrus peel acidity. A graceful version with a lasting, mineral-laced finish. Drink now through 2028. 500 cases made, 175 cases imported. –AN”
Wine Enthusiast 93 points “Camphor, wild rose and botanical herbs mingle with a whiff of wet granite. On the elegantly structured, still youthfully austere palate, tight, refined tannins lithely support sour cherry, orange zest and star anise. It’s vibrant and balanced, with bright acidity. Drink 2023–2033. -Kerin O’Keefe”

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

Ar.Pe.Pe. Sesto Canto Riserva Valtellina Superiore Inferno DOCG 2013 750ML ($119.95) $99 special
Wine Spectator 93 points “There’s a lovely juiciness to the crushed black raspberry and strawberry fruit on display in this elegant, medium- to full-bodied red, yet sleek tannins are well-integrated and provide fine definition. Fragrant notes of tea leaf, pomegranate and hot stone chime on the silky finish. Drink now through 2033. 500 cases made, 175 cases imported. –AN”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Ar.Pe.Pe. Vigna Regina – Nuova Regina Riserva Valtellina Superiore Sassella DOCG 2013 750ml ($119.95) $99 Special
Wine Enthusiast 96 points “Loaded with finesse and energy and still youthfully austere, this linear, structured red offers tart cranberry, blood orange and star anise sensations. A vein of salty mineral provides the backdrop while fine-grained tannins provide elegant structure and support. Racy acidity keeps it balanced. Give it time to fully develop and blossom into even more of a beauty. Drink 2025–2035. -Kerin O’Keefe”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95 points “A release of about 6,000 bottles, the Ar. Pe. Pe. 2013 Valtellina Superiore Riserva Sassella Nuova Regina draws its fruit from terraced vineyards delineated by rocky drywalls. The vines are at least 50 years old and planted in friable metamorphic rock or gneiss shaped by glaciers. This wine is made in a highly traditional manner with extended skin maceration in oak casks, and all the harvest work is done by hand. This is a true beauty with enormous finesse and a deep well of aromatic nuances that center around wild berries, blue flowers and iron ore. The wine is carefully aged with fine and silky tannins. It tastes great, so if you have a bottle you can drink it now or wait longer if that is your pleasure.”

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

Ar.Pe.Pe. ‘Il Pettirosso’ Valtellina Superiore DOCG 2016 750ML ($54.95) $45 special
Decanter 93 points “Il Pettirosso, or ‘robin redbreast’, is a dedication to Ar Pe Pe’s founder, Arturo who first created this bottling in 1997. A selection of casks ready to be bottled after relatively minimal ageing, it brings together parcels in the subzones of Sassella and Grumello. Piercing pure rose, cherry blossom and tobacco lead the way to a nucleus of sweet raspberry, red cherry and subtle flintiness. It’s fine-boned in frame and zesty in acidity, with silky-smooth tannins that glide effortlessly across the palate. The epitome of elegance. Drinking Window 2021 – 2028.”
Antonio Galloni 92 points “The 2016 Valtellina Superiore Il Pettirosso is a terrific choice for readers who want to explore the Ar.Pe.Pe. wines before delving into some of the more pricey bottlings. Dried autumn leaves, cedar, pipe tobacco, herbs and licorice are some of the many notes that grace this wonderfully expressive, super-classic Valtellina Nebbiolo. Aging in cask brings out the nuances of these old vines so well. The transparency of Nebbiolo comes through beautifully.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 92 points “Here’s a beautiful wine with a great human story behind it. Fruit from 50-year-old vines planted in friable granitic mountain soils is carried down to the winery in small cassettes on the hearty shoulders of the harvesters. With some 24,000 bottles made, the Ar. Pe. Pe. 2016 Valtellina Superiore Nebbiolo Il Pettirosso is perfumed with rosebud, wild berry, sour cherry and crushed stone. All that backbreaking human labor leads to a soft and gently polished red wine to pair with a classic buckwheat pasta from this ski-loving region.”
Wine Enthusiast 92 points “Bright and tangy, this fragrant wine offers head scents of red rose, pine forest, wet flint and Alpine herb. Vibrant and savory, the racy palate has lovely mineral energy and tension, doling out juicy Marasca cherry, ground clove and a hint of hazelnut alongside taut, refined tannins and bright acidity. Drink through 2026. -Kerin O’Keefe”

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

Ar.Pe.Pe. Grumello Rocca de Piro Riserva Valtellina Superiore Grumello DOCG 2015 750ML ($59.95) $49 special,
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 93 points “Fruit for this wine comes from the high altitudes of the Rhaetian Alps, where decomposed granite soils make for a dark contrast against brilliant white ice and snow falls. The Ar. Pe. Pe. 2015 Valtellina Superiore Nebbiolo Grumello Rocca de Piro reveals a long succession of dried raspberry, cassis, pressed violets, iron ore and crushed stone. This wine promises to make a terrific pairing with a simple plate of thinly sliced Valtellina bresaola. Some 30,000 bottles were made.”
Wine Enthusiast 92 points “Initially shy, the subtle nose eventually reveals new leather, Alpine herb and wild berry. The savory palate has an understated elegance, offering Marasca cherry, pomegranate and graphite alongside refined tannins. Drink through 2027. -Kerin O’Keefe”
Wine Spectator 92 points “An elegant light- to medium-bodied red, with fine tannins creating a supple frame for flavors wild strawberry, black tea leaf and a ferrous, minerally underpinning. It’s fresh and focused, with a lingering, lightly spiced finish. Drink now through 2030. –AN

Featured Producer:

Ruwer roundup with Karlsmuhle

Thanks to the recommendation of Johannes Selbach, we were able to find a local gem that’s rarely discussed outside of German wine media. The Ruwer is one of the most unique of the Mosel sub-regions, in that it does not receive the benefits of refracted sunlight off the surface of the river like her sisters Bernkastel or Terrassenmosel due to the smaller size of the Ruwer river. Climatologically speaking this slows ripening and requires longer hang time on the vine, as seen in the wines produced with higher sugar levels and pronounced floral aromatics. You’d be hard pressed to find a producer that better exemplifies these qualities than Peter Geiben’s work at the Karlsmuhle estate.

Karlsmuhle is based in the Ruwer and has an estate blessed with exceptionally steep vineyards and old vines. These factors considered it’s little surprise that his wines have won “Best in Germany” multiple times and have been mentioned by the likes of Terry Theise. In four years of competing, Karlsmuhle won nine medals across multiple categories. Karlsmuhle is one of only a handful of producers in all of Germany that make Riesling at all levels of the Prädikatswein ladder.

This was one of the most favored winegrowing areas by the Romans, with archeological sites showing wine production dating back to the first century (making it one of the first colonized and planted by the empire!) If you appreciate the delicate and ethereal qualities of Riesling, this is a sub-region to try! The soil here is deeper than other sub-regions and contains veins of iron but still featuring a base of slate like the rest of the Mosel. Examples from this area usually feature generous amounts of fruit, refreshing herbaciousness, high acidity and a slightly spicy finish.

Karlsmuhle wines in stock now:

Weingut Karlsmuhle Lorenzhofer Riesling Kabinett Trocken Mosel 2019 750ML ($24.95) $19 special

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Weingut Karlsmuhle Kaseler Nies’chen Kabinett Riesling Mosel 2019 750ML ($24.95) $19 special

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Weingut Karlsmuhle Kaseler Nies’chen Spatlese Riesling Mosel 2019 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 special

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Weingut Karlsmuhle Kaseler Nies’chen Riesling Auslese Lange Goldkapsel Mosel 2019 750ML ($44.95) $38 special

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Sunday Night Newsletter 5-29-2022

In This Newsletter:

May Sale Grand Finale:
Beau Marchais Pinot Noir

New Week – New Arrivals

Trending

Giovanna Neri’s 2016 Brunello:
Arriving in June

Collector’s Corner:
Roederer’s Vinothèque – The Pinnacle of Champagne

May Sale Grand Finale:

Beau Marchais Pinot Noir

May Sale ends Tuesday, May 31st at midnight!

Beau Marchais, a collaboration between Adam Lee and the late Philippe Cambie of France, builds off Lee’s work done at Siduri. Beau Marchais is sourced entirely from the Santa Rita Hills. One of the vineyard sources is right next door to the legendary Gary’s Vineyard and is managed by the same family. Stylistically these are Pinot Noirs that walk the line of Californian ripeness with an almost French elegance. As you can expect with their limited sourcing, these are highly allocated wines that are only being supplied to retail wine shops chosen by the winery.

Limit 4 bottles each per customer!

Beau Marchais wines in stock now:

Beau Marchais Clos Pepe Vineyard Est Pinot Noir Sta Rita Hills 2020 750ML ($99.95) Was $89, Now $79, 12 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 94-96 points “While there won’t be any releases from Santa Lucia due to smoke, they were able to release their Clos Pepe Pinot Noirs. 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.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Beau Marchais Clos Pepe Vineyard Ouest Pinot Noir Sta Rita Hills 2020 750ML ($99.95) Was $89, Now $79, 11 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 95-97 points “The 2020 Pinot Noir Clos Pepe Ouest Vineyard comes from the western side of the vineyard, which sees slightly smaller berries and yields due to being hammered by the winds. It tends to be a riper Pinot Noir yet always seems more structured and focused than the Est Pinot Noir. Similarly deep purple-hued, with a beautiful bouquet of blue fruits, iron, candied orange zest, and spice, it’s another rich, full-bodied, concentrated Pinot Noir that stays beautifully balanced and has ripe, building tannins as well as a great finish. While it’s not for the Burgundy lovers out there (although you might be surprised), it has depth, structure, and is a brilliant Pinot Noir!”
Vinous-Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2020 Pinot Noir Clos Pepe Vineyard Ouest is terrific. Powerful and ample in the glass, the 2020 possesses tremendous richness right out of the gate. Luscious red/purplish berry fruit, blood orange, spice and pomegranate are all dialed up. The super-sized Santa Barbara Pinot offers tons of immediacy and yet retains a good deal of energy as well. The Ouest is a noticeably bigger wine than the Est. “

This was the lowest listed price in the USA today,
Now it’s even lower!
The next best price is $99.95

Beau Marchais Soberanes Vineyard Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands 2019 750ML ($99.95) Was $89, Now $79, 12 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 96 points “I loved these wines from barrel last year, and they didn’t disappoint from bottle. Starting with the Santa Lucia Highlands release, the 2019 Pinot Noir Soberanes Vineyard has a deep, nuanced yet powerful style that offers impressive black raspberry and red currant fruits to go with lots of spice, loamy soil, spring flower, and earthy forest floor notes. Gorgeously textured on the palate, this medium to full-bodied Pinot has ripe, polished tannins, a great mid-palate, and the fruit and opulence to drink nicely today yet also evolve for a good 7-8 years, if you’re so inclined.”
Wine Enthusiast 96 points “This collaboration between California’s Adam Lee and the Rhône Valley’s Phillipe Cambie yields a rich, spicy wine. Heavy aromas of cola, root beer, baked cherry and boysenberry gummies lead into a multi-layered palate of cardamom, clove, nutmeg and baked fruit, framed by polished tannins.”
Wine Advocate-Erin Brooks 92-94 points “I tasted the 2019 Pinot Noir Soberanes Vineyard as a final blend while still in barrel, aging in about 90% new oak. Medium ruby-purple, it’s loaded with dark fruits and nuances of bitter chocolate, mint leaves, charcuterie and fragrant earth. In the mouth, it’s medium-bodied with a firm, grainy frame and good freshness, opening up to brighter fruits on the long finish. This is shaping up to be a concentrated, savory and structured Pinot Noir. This is due to be bottled sometime around August 2020.”

This was the lowest listed price in the USA today,
Now it’s even lower!

Shop our complete May sale, including deals on Peyrassol pink, Aldo Conterno, and Volpaia!

We’re Open for In-Store Shopping!

10 AM – 6 PM Daily

Masks are no longer mandatory
But they are appreciated, thanks!
We also offer Curbside Pickup & Shipping

Order Online / By Phone / By Email

Thank you from the team at Vinopolis!

Be well & drink well.

New Week – New Arrivals

We’re gearing up for the summer with new patio-friendly Provence rosés, local light whites, natural (and naturally low alcohol) California & Sicilian stars, fizzy lighting drinks from France, and more!

Rosé

Clos Cibonne Tibouren Cuvee Speciale des Vignettes Rosé, Cotes de Provence 2020 750ML ($49.95) $39.90 special, 12 bottles in stock now
De Maison importer note “Clos Cibonne’s iconic Cuvée Spéciale des Vignettes stands uniquely apart from other rosés as a classic, one-of-a-kind Côtes de Provence rosé featuring the tibouren grape in the lead role. Legendary amongst experienced French wine collectors for its texture, substance, and ability to age gracefully for a decade or more, Cuvée Spéciale des Vignettes is aged under fleurette (a thin veil of yeast, similar to the process in Sherry or Jura wines) in 120-year-old, 5,000L foudres for one year. Clos Cibonne crafts a wine that is completely its own through combining a rare grape with a unique aging process.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

Peyrassol ‘Chateau Peyrassol’ Rosé, Cotes de Provence 2021 750ML ($41.95) $38 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Importer note “50% Cinsault, 25% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 8% Mourvèdre, 4% Tibouren, 3% Rolle and Ugni Blanc. Very pale, lychee pink in color. The nose is fine and elegant. Complex, releasing white fleshed fruit and citrus fruits aromas, along with white floral notes. The palate is straightforward and clean. Fine and silky, it is soft, delicate and lively. The freshness of the finish is balanced with a subtle hint of saltiness.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

Oregon

Brooks Sparkling Riesling Extended Tirage, Willamette Valley 2017 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 4 bottles in stock now
Owen Bargreen 92 points “Aged for 40 months on the lees, this reveals honey and marzipan notes alongside green apple and shades of kumquat on the palate. Nicely textured, with serious weight, this finishes long with stony minerals and melon fruits. Drink 2022-2029.”
Winery note “A stunning Champagne method sparkling Riesling with bright acid and ripe notes of golden apple, preserved lemon and brioche from time on the lees with a salty, sand dollar finish. This is our third vintage of Extended Tirage Sparkling Riesling. The wine was aged on the lees for 40 months before being disgorged. Now that’s extended tirage!”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Brooks Gewürztraminer Oak Ridge Vineyard Columbia Gorge 2021 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special, 6 bottles in stock now
1983 planting of Gewurztraminer in the Columbia Gorge.

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Ovum ‘Keeper of the Flame’ Gerber Vineyard Gewurztraminer, Rogue Valley 2020 750ML ($29.95) $19 special, 7 bottles in stock now
Winery note “2020 KEEPER OF THE FLAME Gewurz is not what you’ve come to expect from Gewurz, but you probably already knew that about OVUM. Our Gewurz is not about sweet canned fruit or rose extract – [this] is about restraint, elegance and purity of place. The 2020 offering is particularly unusual for its dominant blood orange aromatics, and length of minerality on the palate. Yes, somehow this Gewurz shows gobs of minerality. Unfined, Unfiltered (for the first time), native yeast, nothing added except sulfur…this is a magical mystery wine for the ages. Aromatics: Flamed orange peel, lemon curd, flint, restrained tropical notes. Medium bodied with a wet stone/airy texture – the streak of minerality running through the wine is alluring (no doubt obtained from these older vines).”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Clos Griotte Momtazi Vineyard Pinot Noir Blanc, McMinnville 2018 750ML ($31.95) $23.50 special, 20 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 92 points “Editor’s Choice. Sourced once again from the biodynamic Momtazi vineyard, this exceptional wine is lightly tawny in color and scented with sweet straw and cocoa. In the mouth it’s rich and full-bodied, with apple fruit flavors that have an autumnal cast. The length and overall power are outstanding. Drink now and over the next three or four years. -Paul Gregutt”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

J.K. Carriere Clarion Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2021 750ML ($29.95) $25.50 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Jim Prosser note “Radiant. Berry. Supple. Juicy. This Wonka burst of blue is a perfect fresh note in your glass.”

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Arterberry Maresh Old Vines Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2019 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 97+ points “The 2019 Pinot Noir Old Vines comes from Wadenswil clone vines planted in 1970, and it was matured in barrel for 20 months. Medium garnet, it has a distinct mineral character, with tones of flint and iodine complementing spicy cranberry and blackberry preserves. The palate is silky and layered, with intense, dark red fruit and a very long, flavorful finish. It’s got some inherent power that will allow it to develop well in bottle.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 95 points “Vivid ruby-red. A complex, sharply focused bouquet evokes fresh raspberry, boysenberry and Asian spices, along with a sexy floral nuance that gains strength with aeration. Sweet, seamless and incisive on the palate, displaying a deft blend of heft and focus to the concentrated red and blue fruit, floral pastille and spicecake flavors. Shows noteworthy energy on a subtly tannic, penetrating finish that hangs on with superb, floral-driven tenacity. For this vintage, the fruit for this bottling came entirely from the Maresh vineyard.”

California

Populis Macerated Chardonnay, Mendocino County 2021 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Distributor note “The maceration on the skins lends this wine exceptional texture and mouthfeel. The gentle tannins work in harmony with the full texture that Chardonnay can contribute. Notes of apricot and stone fruit stand out on the nose, but a fine streak of minerality, plushness and acid carries the wine through the finish.”

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Populis Wabi-Sabi White, Mendocino County 2021 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Distributor note “58% Chardonnay, 17% Sauvignon blanc, 15% French Colombard, 5% Pinot Blanc, & 5% Muscat. A Cheverny-inspired blend, the mouthfeel is characterized by laser-like acidity, while the aromas and flavors strike a balance between greenness and riper opulence, resulting in a style that is uniquely Californian, yet with an old-world approach. The old-vines give this wine an additional dimension of depth and complexity. The minimalistic approach in the cellar lends a wine that is highly drinkable and digestible.”

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Populis Reversee Red, Mendocino County 2021 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Distributor note “72% Zinfandel, 14% Carignan, & 14% Barbera. This wine is a quintessential bistro wine. There are loads of bright and juicy red fruit on the nose and mouth. Plenty of acid on the attack and a touch of structure on the finish keeps this wine taught and oh-so drinkable. A lighter style that is delicious with lighter meats and vegetable, or straight out of the bottle with a slight chill.”

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Les Lunes Wine Cosmic Blend, California 2021 750ML ($29.95) $24 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Distributor note “45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Zinfandel, 17% Chardonnay, 13% Merlot. The Cosmic blend is a chillable red wine, like our Astral blend, but made with primarily Bordeaux varieties. Normally these Cabernet Sauvignon wines are structured and rich, but this wine is defined by its juicy fruit character on the palate with tons of aromas of blue fruit and mountain berries.”

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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.”

France – Sparkling

Louis Roederer Collection 241 Champagne NV 1.5L ($149.95) $119 special, 3 magnums in stock now
Importer note “2016, the base wine for Collection 241, was characterised by particularly varied weather conditions which proved good for the quality of the grapes. After what was a cold, wet spring, summer got off to a late start and was warm and dry with a heatwave in late August. The weather was dry and sunny for the harvest which resulted in excellent ripeness in the grapes. These dry, sunny conditions were ideal for the Pinot noir grapes and gave them their intense fruity character and silky texture. Not to be outdone, the Chardonnays gave us a more classic, well-honed and saline character. The harvest took place from the 15th September to the 1st October 2016. The Collection 241 blend is based on the intensity of the Pinot noir grapes from the Montagne de Reims which were particularly outstanding in 2016 with their bouquet of tangy, yellow fruit combined with lightly toasted, saline notes. The palate is round and juicy with a chalky, mineral and saline freshness and a very distinctive structure. The overall impression is of a linear, elegant and fresh wine.”

Arnaud Lambert Cremant de Loire Blanc NV 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special, 10 bottles in stock now
50% Chardonnay / 50% Chenin blanc
Importer note “Vine Age: Planted in 1990. Terroir: From the Clos of the Château, 60 cm deep silt and clay sand soil on a soft Turonian limestone bedrock. Viticulture: Organic (certified). Vinification: Indigenous yeast fermentation. Aged for 24 months.”

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Arnaud Lambert Chateau de Breze Cremant de Loire Rosé NV 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Winery note “100% Cabernet Franc.”
Becky Wasserman note “Vine Age: Planted in 1981. Terroir: Lower part of the Clos du Midi, silty sand soil on 1 meter of soft Turonian limestone bedrock. Viticulture: Organic (certified). Vinification: Indigenous yeast fermentation, traditional Champagne method. Aged for 24 months.”

Domaine Renardat-Fache Bugey Cerdon Rosé, Savoie 2020 750ML ($27.95) $24 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Importer note “58% Gamay/42% Poulsard. The certified-organic fruit is picked by hand, pressed and fermented in cold vats until it reaches about 6% alcohol. After a light filtration that leaves most of the active yeast in the unfinished wine, it is bottled and continues its fermentation, finishing at about 7.5-8% alcohol and a fair quantity of residual sugar (42 grams in the 2020, 10-15 Less than in the past). The wine is disgorged and released in December each year.”

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Italy

Vigneto Saetti ‘Il Cadetto’ Rosato dell’Emilia IGT, Emilia-Romagna 2020 750ML ($25.95) $21.90 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Importer note “100% Lambrusco Salamino (a particular sub-variety of Lambrusco known for thick skins, dark color, high acidity and tight bunches). Certified-organically farmed, hand-harvested fruit from 50-year-old vines, crushed, juice removed from the skins and spontaneously fermented in small steel tanks to complete dryness. Secondary fermentation takes place in bottle, initiated by the addition of fresh grape must. The bottles are hand-riddled and -disgorged. No sulfur is added at any stage of the process.”

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Vigneti Massa Timorasso Derthona, Piedmont 2018 750ML ($41.95) $34.50 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2018 Timorasso Derthona is a dense, opulent wine. Orange confit, pineapple, spice, dried flowers, chamomile and honey and strong petrol notes all build in this decidedly large-scaled white. Creamy and resonant, the 2018 is a total knock-out.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $36

Vigneti Massa Timorasso Piccolo Derthona, Piedmont 2019 750ML ($21.95) $19 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Note from a previous vintage: “The 2018 Piccolo Derthona is a gorgeous introduction to these distinctive whites. Lemon oil, sage, almond, mint and dried flowers are finely knit in this delicious, alluring white from Massa. This pretty, inviting white will drink well over the next few years.” -Antonio Galloni

Frank Cornelissen ‘Susucaru’ Rosso Terre Siciliane IGT, Sicily 2020 750ML ($39.95) $36 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Review for prior release: James Suckling 92 points “Spices, dried berries and hints of orange peel follow through to a medium-to full-bodied with round, creamy tannins and a succulent finish. Cedar and dried cherries at the end. Low sulfur. Drink now.”

Spain

Winery library release!
R. Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2004 750ML ($99.95) $89 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2004 Viña Tondonia Reserva is a completely different story. It is a worthy follower of the 2001, the greatest of the Viña Tondonia Reservas of recent times. It has the usual blend and usual levels of alcohol and acidity, bottled after six years in oak barrels. The nose feels savory (if that’s possible–umami?) and developed, with tertiary aromas and good balance between spices, leathery notes, cherries and balsamic notes of cigar box and incense. The palate is both round and crisp, with refined tannins. It has very good balance with subtle acidity and very good persistence. 260,000 bottles produced.”

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R. Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Gran Reserva Rosado, Rioja DOCa 2012 750ML ($149.95) $119 special, only 3 bottles available

Love Lopez de Heredia?
Don’t miss the new library releases arriving Friday:

R. Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Gran Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2001 750ML ($219.95) $199 pre-arrival special, only 4 bottles available
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 98 points “The 2001 Viña Tondonia Gran Reserva is the follow-up of the 1995. There is a sense of harmony and elegance, of nuance and subtleness that wasn’t quite the same in the Bosconia, as comparing both wines is inevitable. They started picking the red grapes the 15th of October, and the last grapes were picked the 29th of October with good weather. The grapes ripened properly and thoroughly, and the wine has great balance for a long aging in bottle. This is 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacho and 5% each Graciano and Mazuelo that fermented in their 153-year-old oak vats with indigenous yeasts and matured in used barrels for 10 years. It has 13% alcohol, a pH of 3.4 and 6.4 grams of acidity (tartaric). The nose shows young (tasting it blind, you’d guess a 10-year old wine, not a 20-year-old wine!). It has a nose of sweet spices, underbrush and cigar ash, somewhat balsamic, bramble fruit with perfect ripeness, integrated and young but starting to show some tertiary complexity. The palate is velvety and medium-bodied, with fine-grained, chalky tannins denoting a limestone soil that brings finesse and texture and a sapid, tasty, almost salty finish. This is going to make a beautiful bottle of old Rioja in 30 years’ time! 25,000 bottles produced. It was bottled after being fined with egg whites in July 2012.”
James Suckling 97 points “Wow. This is really something on the nose, offering ripe plums that are highlighted with old and used leather, walnut and cedar, reminiscent of the interior of a fine vintage sports car. Full-bodied with very fine tannins and delicious, ripe fruit that continues on for minutes. Tile and dark berry at the end. Still tight and fresh for the vintage. A great wine. Drink or hold.”

R. Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2010 1.5L ($149.95) $119 pre-arrival special, only 2 magnums available

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $124.99

Trending

France – Champagne

Jose Dhondt is a tiny producer in the Cote des Blancs village of Oger with some holdings in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. He rubs shoulders with other growers such as Pierre Gimonnet (who also produces a lovely Oger bottling at almost twice the price) and Pierre Peters (in Le Mesnil).

Importer note “Domaine José Dhondt is comprised of 5 hectares of vineyards, mostly in the Grand Cru villages of Oger and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, but also some small holdings in the Côte de Sézanne village of Saudoy. Third-generation winemaker José Dhondt, whose grandfather immigrated from Belgium in 1924, has been managing the estate and making the wine since 1976. The domaine is farmed according to the precepts of lutte raisonée, a system of vine cultivation that is essentially organic and non-interventionist. Dhondt gently presses his fruit in a traditional Coquard vertical press and, following a débourbage of 12-24 hours, decants the must into small (25hl, 58hl, 82hl) thermo-regulated stainless steel vessels for a 3 week controlled fermentation over selected CIVC yeasts, followed by malolactic fermentation. Dhondt doses with traditional liqueur.”

Jose Dhondt Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut NV 750ML ($54.95) $41.90 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 92 points “[Reviewed 2021] Ripe nectarine and melon flavors are backed by a firm spine of acidity in this graceful blanc de blancs. It’s plush and creamy in texture, with accents of smoked almond, candied ginger, preserved lemon and spun honey riding adding complexity to the juicy fruit profile. Disgorged January 2021. Drink now through 2024. 2,000 cases made, 250 cases imported. –AN”

Jose Dhondt Mes Viellies Vignes Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut 2014 750ML ($99.95) $66 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 94 points “Hints of toasted hazelnut and fleur de sel are enmeshed with a ripe, juicy mix of melon, baked white cherry, candied ginger and verbena in this lovely blanc de blancs. Vibrant and mouthwatering, but impeccably balanced, wrapping the vivid acidity in the fine, silky mousse, ending with a long, minerally finish. Disgorged January 2021. Drink now through 2034. 550 cases made. –AN”

Jose Dhondt Rose de Saignee Brut NV 750ML ($79.95) $59 special, 32 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 93 points “[Reviewed 2021] An understated version, with a waft of pretty cherry blossom and spice notes on the nose drawing you into the glass, where a backbone of chiseled acidity is aligned with flavors of ripe red apple and raspberry fruit, pickled ginger and an underpinning of chalky mineral. Fine and vibrant in texture, this expands slowly, so give it time. Disgorged January 2021. Drink now through 2025. 200 cases made, 70 cases imported. –AN”

Italy – Piedmont

The Elia family purchased their vineyards in 1796. From atop the hill where the winery sits, you can overlook the two main vineyard sites and understand the difference in microclimate, soil type and techniques for farming. The Bricco di Nieve side of the hill is steep, breezy and has beautiful older vines that produce the gorgeous sori Paitin Barbaresco. The other side of the hill has the looser iron rich soil that is the Serra vineyard. Tasting the two Barbaresco side by side is a lesson in site location and the unique qualities that can be shown, just a stone’s throw away. The wines are solid, deep, and built to last – echoing the family and their tie to their home and spectacular vineyards. These wines are no-brainers for fans of traditionally made Nebbiolo.

Paitin di Pasquero-Elia ‘Serra’ Barbera d’Alba Piedmont 2019 750ML ($24.95) $20.90 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 92 points “You get tremendous value from the Paitin 2019 Barbera d’Alba Serra, which is fruity and bright but beautifully elegant as well. Barbera is known for its rich black fruit flavors and accessible personality, so it’s a real treat to taste a wine that puts so much emphasis on the smaller details offered by the grape. These include tart blueberry, white cherry, exotic spice and crushed stone. There is some softness on the close, but the wine will be remembered for the linear and pristine nature of its fruit.”
Antonio Galloni 91 points “The 2019 Barbera d’Alba Serra is fresh, floral and fruity, all of which make it an excellent choice for drinking over the next handful of years. Short aging in cask really exalts the fruit in this translucent, classically built Barbera. Red berry fruit, blood orange, mint, spice and orange peel linger.”

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Paitin di Pasquero-Elia ‘Bonina’ Langhe Freisa Piedmont 2019 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 special, 22 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 91 points “The 2019 Freisa Bonina is a nervy, focused wine. Bright red berry fruit, white pepper, mint, crushed rocks and dried herbs give this classically austere Freisa terrific aromatic brightness and energy. The 2019 will appeal most to readers with classically leaning palates.”

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Italy – Tuscany

Torre dei Beati makes one of our favorite food friendly rosés. We’ve branched out and scooped up some sweet deals on their red Montepulciano and white Trebbiano.

Torre dei Beati ‘Cocciapazza’ Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2017 750ML ($39.95) $34.50 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 93 points “An alluring bouquet of smoky minerals, crushed blackberries, exotic spice and flowery undergrowth lifts up from the 2017 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Cocciapazza. This elegant, polished yet powerful effort displays silky textures with ripe black fruits, giving way to notes of licorice and lavender. Fine-grained wood tannins come forward toward the close, as this tapers off youthfully structured, resonating on purple-tinged florals and a note of bitter almond. The 2017 Cocciapazza is simply stunning, but will need some time to flesh out and fully show the gorgeous Montepulciano fruit within.”
Wine Enthusiast 92 points “This rich Montepulciano offers dense aromas of brandy-soaked black cherry and blackberry, blended with integrated accents of clove, menthol, tobacco and worn leather. It’s plush in feel on the full-bodied palate, showing fully fleshed out berry flavors etched in a bevy of warm and savory spice tones. Despite all that richness, there’s ample lift and intensity to the acidity and a gentle grip to the rounded, polished tannins. It’s accessible now but would hold well through 2028. -Alexander Peartree”

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Torre dei Beati ‘Bianchi Grilli per la Testa’ Trebbiano d’Abruzzo 2019 750ML ($31.95) $26 special, 36+ Bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 93 points “The 2019 Trebbiano d’Abruzzo Bianchi Grilli Per la Testa pulls you close to the glass with a display of spiced yellow apple and geranium, evolving into a mix of curry leaf, crushed stone and almond paste. This is silky with medium-bodied weight, ushering in a dense and textural mix of apricot and mineral-tinged pear. There’s so much going on here and so much more to come, as this tapers off long, staining the senses with a nutty richness under an air of honeysuckle and sage. The Bianchi Grilli Per la Testa spends eleven months on the lees in a combination of stainless steel, neutral tonneaux and acacia wood barrels. It’s quite a wine.”

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Germany

With so many options available it’s rare to find a producer like Clemens Busch who can deliver quality at every tier of the Prädikatswein ladder. The most tantalizing thing about their wines is how they taste perceptibly much drier than they are, on account of the high acids across the board, considerable vine age, and generations of meticulous farming. Converting the estate to in the 1980’s, Clemens and Rita are considered leaders of biodynamics in Germany and the European Union as a whole. This is a great introductory producer or a new favorite in German Wine.

Weingut Clemens Busch Marienburg Riesling Kabinett Mosel 2018 750ML ($34.95) Was $24, Now $19.50, 36+ bottles in stock now
James Suckling 92 points “Lightly smoky with some lemon pith and dried spices. There’s some light sweetness here, but it’s nicely balanced out by the edgy acidity. Taut and very precise on the finish. Drink now.”
David Schildknecht-Vinous 91 points “White peach, apple, honeydew melon and lime are tinged with lemongrass and cilantro on the nose, and with nippy cress on an otherwise polished, lusciously fruited and subtly soothing palate. Nearly 60 grams of sugar manage to come off as entirely supportive, and the lingering finish both soothes and stimulates. (This year’s village-level Busch Kabinett seemed oddly out-of-sorts on the sole occasion – side by side with this Marienburg – that I was able to taste it, so I have left it un-reviewed.)”
Wine Spectator 91 points “Shows yeasty notes at first, with accents of jasmine and hops, followed by electric acidity that fuels the green apple, lemon and nectarine flavors. Balanced and beautiful in terms of texture, exhibiting substance. Smoky details emerge on the well-defined finish. Best from 2021 through 2033. 550 cases made, 60 cases imported. — AZ”
AP #11

Weingut Clemens Busch Pundericher Marienberg Riesling Spatlese Mosel 2018 750ML ($49.95) Was $33, Now $28, 36 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 94 points “Rich and exotic, featuring mango, brown spice, slate, smoke and citrus notes. Open and fluid in style, crafted with precision and intensity. The submerged acidity reveals itself on the finish, along with a tactile sensation on the palate. Best from 2022 through 2038.”
James Suckling 95 points “A very impressive Spätlese that’s so aromatic and expressive; it leads with dried apricots, passion fruit, melon sorbet, milk ice cream and earth. Sweet and powerful for this category, but the acidity runs right through the center palate, bringing the stone-fruit and tropical flavors to life and leaving the mouth with wicked resolve. Drink now.”
AP #14

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A deliciously slatey and elegant Riesling that’s an excellent introduction to German Riesling.
Weingut Leitz Rudesheimer Klosterlay Riesling Kabinett Rheingau 2018 750ML ($29.95) $20.90 special, 20 bottles in stock now
Importer note “‘Lay’ is a very old word meaning slate and “Kloster” is the German translation of Abbey. The Klosterlay sits beneath the Benedictine Abbey of St. Hildegard, above the eastern edge of the village. Here, the Rüdesheimer Berg begins to gently undulate as it levels out toward the village of Geisenheim. Josi believes this site is destined for a fruity style and therefore always makes Kabinett from this vineyard.”
“The first Rieslings of the very dry and warm as well as early 2018 vintage are also promising and stunningly precise and elegant due to the conditions of the vintage that brought nothing but perfectly ripe and healthy grapes. Leitz pressed the grapes in fractions, so he was able to keep the acidity fine and fresh even though it is naturally lower than in 2017… Doubtlessly, Leitz is one of the region’s best Riesling producers. Having said that, he is also one of the best Riesling ambassadors in the wine world, with regular tastings in the US as well as in Norway, two of his most important export markets.” Stephan Reinhardt, Wine Advocate
Sustainable, Fair ‘N Green

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Argentina

“José Lovaglio, the son of famous Argentine winemaker Susana Balbo, earned his enology degree at UC Davis in 2008 and in recent years has made the Bodini and Crios de Susana Balbo wines at the Dominio del Plata winery. The objective of his own project, Vaglio, launched in 2014, is to showcase a range of different Malbec terroirs; he takes the same approach to extraction with all of these wines and, except for the limited Miperal bottling, they all carry the same gentle price tag. Lovaglio makes his wines in a refurbished dairy in El Peral in the northwest corner of Uco Valley. Thanks to his use of concrete vats and the facility’s thick walls, he is able to ferment his wines without refrigeration.” — Stephen Tanzer, Vinous Media

Vaglio Wines Aggie Malbec, Uco Valley 2019 750ML ($21.95) $18 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Vaglio Wines Aggie Malbec, Uco Valley 2019 750ML ($249.95) $199 special (that’s only $16.58/bottle!)
James Suckling 94 points “Such beautiful aromas of blackberries and minerals with chalk and salt. It’s medium-bodied with fine, integrated tannins and a pretty finish. Refined, silky texture. Drink or hold.”

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Giovanna Neri’s 2016 Brunello

Arriving in June

“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.”

Love Brunello?
We offer the largest selection of in-stock Brunello in the city (over 80 options!). Shop our complete collection on our webstore now!

Collector’s Corner:

Roederer’s Vinothèque – The Pinnacle of Champagne

Arriving in June

Roederer’s Cristal is one of the premier bottlings in Champagne—a tete du cuvee that always lives up to the hype. Even better than Cristal? Cristal Vinothèque —a late released bottling that represents the absolute pinnacle of what Roederer is capable of.

Only three bottles available!
Louis Roederer Cristal Vinothèque Brut, Champagne 1999 750ML ($1,499.95) $1,245 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 98 points “The nose has such beautiful, autolysis character with brown-mushroom and toasted-almond aromas. The nose has still-fresh lemons and oyster shell. Very smooth, pastry-like texture on the palate with even layers and a core of fresh lemons and peaches. The striking thing here is the balance and melted-together complexity. In a very great place. This spent seven years sur latte, seven sur pointe and was disgorged in 2014. Drink now.” [Reviewed 2019]
Antonio Galloni 97 points “Roederer’s 1999 Cristal Vinothèque is endowed with tremendous power and concentration, especially for a Champagne of its age. Palate staining minerals, chalk, white pepper, mint, citrus and orchard fruit soar out of the glass. Tasted next to the Rosé the Blanc has a slightly more toasty character along with more body and a stronger presence of the mousse, which in this wine wraps around the fruit. At the time, Cristal was made from 37 parcels. The Pinots were a blend from Aÿ (where the wines are naturally riper) and Verzenay, Verzy and Beaumont-sur-Vesle, (where Pinots are nervy and taut), while the Chardonnay was sourced from Avize, Mesnil and Cramant. Dosage is 7-8 grams per liter.” [Reviewed 2020]
Disgorgement dates may vary from reviews

Shop our complete selection of over 150 Champagnes in stock now on our webstore!

VinopolPick 05-27-2022

Friday Newsletter

In This Newsletter:

New Arrivals

Cantina Lonardo:
New Vintage incoming from Captain of Campania

Cult Wine Release:
Treasures from the Collector’s Vault

Collector’s Corner
Pommery: The “other” Madame

We’re Open for In-Store Shopping!
10AM – 6PM Daily
We also offer Curbside Pickup
Order Online / By Phone / By Email

New Arrivals

Rose –

Domaine Saint Damien Gigondas Rose Rhone 2021 750ML ($34.95) $28 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Importer note “From the lieu dit “La Moutte” this tiny production rosé is from mostly 45 year old Cinsault planted in 1970, and 10-15 year old Mourvèdre and Syrah. Cold maceration for 6 hours in the press and slow pneumatic pressing. Fermentation in stainless steel tanks with occasional lees stirring. 70% Cinsault, 15% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre. Soil: Red sandy clay soil with broken round stones (cailloux). Organic.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Pascal et Nicolas Reverdy Sancerre Terre de Maimbray Rose Loire 2021 750ML ($31.95) $26 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Importer note “100% Pinot Noir. The soil here is almost pure Terres Blanches – fossilized Marne/Kimmeridigian limestone and clay. The yields are low, about 50 Hl/Ha, with excellent natural ripeness and concentration of mineral character.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Italy- Alto Adige

Cantina Terlano-Kellerei Terlan ‘Cuvee Terlaner’ Alto Adige Trentino-Alto Adige 2020 750ML ($29.95) $25.50 special, 6 bottles in stock now

Cantina Terlano-Kellerei Terlan Classico Muller Thurgau Alto Adige Trentino-Alto Adige 2019 750ML ($39.95) $29 special, 6 bottles in stock now

Cantina Terlano-Kellerei Terlan Tradition Pinot Bianco Alto Adige Trentino-Alto Adige 2020 750ML ($29.95) $24 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 93 points “This is lovely in its streamlined purity and simplicity. The entry-level 2020 Alto Adige Pinot Bianco Tradition is redolent of citrus, crushed stone and tangy grapefruit. Fresh and lively, this Pinot Bianco shows lots of life and energy. It’s very pretty. Drink it young with a buttery linguine and shrimp scampi.”
James Suckling 92 points “A very striking pinot bianco that combines concentration and elegance with stony minerality. Hints of exotic fruit, flowers and spices make this a fascinating expression of this still underrated grape. Drink or hold.”

Cantina Terlano-Kellerei Terlan ‘Vorberg’ Riserva Pinot Bianco Alto Adige Trentino-Alto Adige 2019 750ML ($59.95) $41.90 special, 6 bottles in stock now
No reviews for the 2019 vintage. 2018 vintage provided for reference.
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95 points “If I were stranded on a deserted island with just one bottle of wine of my choosing, it very well might be Cantina Terlano’s Vorberg. The 2018 Alto Adige Terlano Pinot Bianco Riserva Vorberg is a case study in creaminess and texture, although the bouquet holds back just a tad, with a bit of stone fruit. That subtle shyness is a known characteristic of the grape. The wine is as steady and clear-minded as one of those high-wire daredevils, navigating a tightrope between two Dolomite mountain peaks. This expression is salty and firm and with so much energy, and yet it is also relaxed with a touch of softness to the finish. Thankfully, an ample 55,000 bottles were made.”

Cantina Terlano-Kellerei Terlan Tradition Pinot Grigio Alto Adige Trentino-Alto Adige 2020 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special, 12 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 93 points “This is such a sophisticated and subtle pinot grigio that lies well outside the mainstream for this popular grape, the melon, peach and wild-herb aromas filling out the medium-bodied palate neatly, the long, supple finish tingling with mineral freshness. Drink or hold.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 91 points “The 2020 Alto Adige Pinot Grigio Tradition is luminous and bright with finely tuned aromatic intensity. The bouquet reveals citrus, white peach and crisp apple. This is a zesty and crisp white to pair with specialty finger foods or vegetable tempura. I just love this freshness and the tonic, energetic quality displayed in this well-priced production.”

Domaine de la Charbonniere Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Vieilles Vignes Rhone 2019 750ML ($69.95) $54.50 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 97 points “The 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Vieilles Vignes (90% Grenache and 10% Mourvèdre) comes all from the stony, pebbly soils of La Crau and was brought up in tank and demi-muids. Ripe black cherry fruits, iodine, ground pepper, and bloody, meaty nuances all emerge on the nose, and it’s full-bodied, with a seamless, multi-dimensional texture, ultra-fine tannins, and a rock star of a finish. It’s just a brilliant, elegant, pure, lengthy wine that does everything right. Drink this classic, traditional, structured wine over the coming two decades.”
Decanter 96 points “Touch of liquorice behind the damson and plum fruit. This has searing intensity, very high acidity with fine tannins and a good internal framework. The alcohol is high, but the other elements are even more prominent. Very long. 3,900 bottles made. 120-year-old vines planted on north-facing clay and sand lieux-dits of Charbonnières and Esquières. Fermented in concrete, aged in foudre. Drinking Window 2027 – 2045.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Domaine de la Charbonniere Chateauneuf-du-Pape ‘Cuvee Mourre des Perdrix’ Rhone 2019 750ML ($54.95) $47.50 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 95 points “The 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Mourre Des Perdrix comes from sandier soils around the estate and is a blend of mostly Grenache, along with 15% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre, and a splash of Cinsault. Its ruby/plum hue is followed by a soft, supple, seamless 2019 (this uvee is always the most elegant in the lineup) with lots of kirsch and toasted spice aromas and flavors, medium to full-bodied richness, silky, polished tannins, and a great finish. It’s another incredibly seamless wine from this team that can be drunk today or cellared for 15 years or more.”
Decanter 93 points “Restrained nose of bramble and plums, with sweet spices undertones and savoury hints. Rich concentration, ripe with a crunchy acidity and firm tannins. Drinking Window 2023 – 2044.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Italy – Tuscany

Argiano NC Non Confunditur Toscana IGT Tuscany 2018 750ML ($24.95) $18 special,
Case-12 Argiano NC Non Confunditur Toscana IGT Tuscany 2018 750ML ($299.95) $199 special, (that’s only $16.58/bottle!)
James Suckling 93 points “The ripe berries with delicate chocolate and hazelnut undertones are very attractive, as are the dusty tannins and herbal, berry and light tobacco undertones at the finish. Just a little more time will make it all the better. Try after 2021.”
Wine Spectator 90 points “A bit reserved, with ample black cherry, black currant and spice flavors set within a solid structure. Fresh and focused, it lingers, echoing the fruit and adding an iron note. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Sangiovese. Drink now through 2032. 12,500 cases made, 12,500 cases imported. — BS”

California –

Calera Central Coast Chardonnay California 2018 750ML ($29.95) $19 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 92 points “Aromas of baked peach, nectarine and butternut squash in lemon-butter sauce make for a warm and approachable nose in this bottling. There’s a firm, lemony grip when the wine hits the palate, and then it broadens to pome fruit, with zesty citrus flavors popping into the finish. -Matt Kettmann”

Duckhorn Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2019 750ML ($79.95) $59 special, 12 bottles in stock now

Cantina Lonardo:

New Vintage incoming from Captain of Campania

Aglianico, also known as “The Nebbiolo of the south” has largely flown under the radar since its heyday in the Ancient Era. Thought to have been imported by Greek visitors to Campania, the Roman Empire used Aglianico to create an exclusive wine consumed by Rome’s elite. This particular wine called Falernum was mentioned by Pliny, Aurelius and Horace in literature and can even be seen advertised in the ruins of Pompeii’s bars.

Fast forward a few thousand years and we have Contrade di Lonardo, one of the best kept secrets of Campanian wine, known for their commitments to traditional varieties and farming practices. Lonardo’s Taurasi is made from 35-81 year old Aglianico planted at 1300 feet above sea level, grown organically in a tall pergola in ancient volcanic ash with a base of limestone and clay. Even with these rigorous growing standards, Lonardo will only keep around 50% of his Aglianico for use in Taurasi. The very best lots are kept separate and released as single vineyard bottlings.

This commitment is evident in the finished product, featuring aromatics of violets, pipe tobacco, cedar and Bing cherries that command your full attention. There’s a characteristic “Italian Rusticity” to the wine that is evocative of new leather and antique wood, not unlike a high end cologne. These are wines made for anything roasted, braised or red sauce based. Peking duck, Grilled Cabbage, Lasagna or bbq pork ribs would all perform incredibly with this wine. Get at least two of these wines, one for short term consumption and the other for longer aging.

Cantina Lonardo wines arriving this fall:

Contrade di Taurasi Cantine Lonardo Taurasi DOCG Campania 2016 750ML ($49.95) $41.90 pre-arrival special

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Contrade di Taurasi Cantine Lonardo Taurasi Riserva DOCG Campania 2011 750ML ($134.95) $119 pre-arrival special
Eric Guido-Vinous 96 points “The 2011 Taurasi Riserva pulls you close and holds your attention firm with its deeply alluring bouquet of crushed black cherries, plum sauce, autumnal spices, woodland herbs and hints of animal musk. This fills the palate with rich, pliant textures and ripe red and blue berries, as nervous acidity maintains wonderful freshness, and sweet notes of cinnamon, clove and tobacco form toward the close. There’s plenty of tannic grip here, yet it’s balanced by the 2011’s mix of opulent, concentrated fruit and contrasting sour citrus tones that resonate for what feels like a full minute. Even as you contemplate the experience, minerals, hints of iodine and rosy inner florals can still be sensed upon the palate. Make no mistake, this is a full-throttle expression of Taurasi, but it will win the hearts of collectors who enjoy a bigger and old-school style.”

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

We carry a number of other bottlings from Cantina Lonardo as well, including single vineyard bottlings!

Cult Wine Release:

Treasures from the Collector’s Vault

We’ve compiled a list of some our most collectible wines currently on the shelf, with the majority of them being newly restocked. Thanks to our decades in business we’ve been able to secure allocations with a number of the best wines in the world, at a competitive price.

Collectors Vault wines in stock now:

Bodegas Vinicola Real 200 Monges Reserva Seleccion Especial Rioja DOCa 2004 750ML ($149.95) $119 special, 4 bottles in stock now
Jay Miller-Wine Advocate 97 points “Even better is the extraordinary 2004 200 Monges Reserva Especial, a cuvee of 100% Tempranillo, that was aged for 18 months in new French oak and held for 20 months in bottle prior to release. Deep purple in color (but not as dense as the 2005), it offers up a breathtaking bouquet of exceptional complexity. Sandalwood, a hint of balsamic, exotic spices, lavender, incense, black cherry, and black raspberry aromas inform the nose of a multi-dimensional, complex, plush, layered offering with superb volume and impeccable balance. This lengthy effort is likely to drink well through its 40th birthday in the manner of great Bordeaux. Drink 2011-2044.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

One of the most allocated and in-demand producers from Washington State, Cayuse has been making waves for their bold reds for over 20 years. Representing the best in the state’s production with Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache and red blends these are widely considered among the best in the state’s production.

Cayuse Vineyards Wallah Wallah Special Series Syrah Walla Walla Valley #12 2018 1.5L ($319.95) $289 special, 3 magnums in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 96 points “Christophe often releases a special blend in magnum (he never says which vineyards it’s from), and the 2018 Syrah Special #12 is another gorgeous wine. Revealing a deep ruby/plum hue as well as classic Rocks notes of blue fruits, ground pepper, bacon fat, lavender, and violets, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a seamless, elegant texture, ripe yet certainly present tannins, and a great finish. It needs 4-5 years of bottle age and will cruise for two decades.”

Cayuse Vineyards ‘Widowmaker’ En Chamberlin Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley 2019 750ML ($179.95) $149 special, 3 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 94 points “Blackcurrant, black licorice and sliced plum on the nose. Medium-to full-bodied with soft, velvety tannins. The steady balance here is great, so even-keeled and articulate. Lifted notes of black fruit and chocolate with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or hold.”

Cayuse Vineyards God Only Knows Armada Vineyard Grenache Walla Walla Valley 2018 750ML ($199.95) $179 special, 7 bottles in stock now
Case-3 Cayuse Vineyards God Only Knows Armada Vineyard Grenache Walla Walla Valley 2018 ($599.95) $479 special, (That’s $159.67 per bottle!)
Jeb Dunnuck 98 points “Gorgeous rose petals, wildflowers, cured meats, wild strawberries, and framboise-like notes emerge from the 2018 Grenache God Only Knows, another ethereal, sensationally complex, nuanced, medium-bodied Grenache that’s as unique and singular as they come. Blossoming with time in the glass, it has ripe, present tannins, a layered, building mouthfeel, and a gorgeous, smoky, meaty finish. It needs 3-5 years in the cellar (it’s far from unapproachable today) to integrate its tannins and structure and will deliver the goods over the following 10-15 years.”
Anthony Mueller-Wine Advocate 96 points “Erupting from the glass with spiced cherry and smoked plum tones, the 2018 Grenache God Only Knows Armada Vineyard offers up notions of dusty roses, red peppercorn and dried potpourri. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is balanced with energetic acidity, a spicy, red-fruited expression and fine-grained, succulent tannins. The wine concludes with a dusty essence and a lingering flavor of red pepper skin. The wine rested for 22 months in neutral French demi-muids and foudre. It’s stunningly good, and I have no choice but to finish the glass. Just over 6,200 bottles produced.”
Grapelive 96 points “The amazing 2018 God Only Knows Grenache from Cayuse’s legendary winemaker Christophe Baron, whose roots are from the Champagne region in France, is an absolute rock star wine and one of the most unique Grenache based wines in the world. This vintage with its deep purple/garnet hue, fruit density and a raw earthy sex appeal is close to perfection, but not over worked and with loads of umami with a sultry spicy edginess. Some Grenache fans, and maybe rightly so, compare Barron’s Grenache to Chateau Rayas, standing head and shoulders above all the rest in its own style, especially as it has such depth and truly distinct singular character, unlike almost any other wine made from this varietal. This vintage has layers of black raspberry, brambly huckleberry, creme de cassis, tree picked plum, pomegranate and kirsch all accented by an array of spices, dried flowers, minty herbs, leathery notes and woodsy elements that all make this wine incredibly compelling, along with the year’s bright acidity, stony/savory expression and cool toned mineral charm. The bouquet perks up as the wine unfolds in the glass, fading the more rustic edginess and allowing the inner beauty of this taut God Only Knows Grenache to shine through its youthful intensity with peony florals, anise, cinnamon and sweet smoke coming through. Baron, who originally came to America to make Oregon Pinot but ended up turning to Rhone and Bordeaux grapes, has an amazing touch for Syrah and Grenache, as this bottling proves. He makes riveting wines that combine power, sensuality and texture, again proven majestically in this wine and of course in his epic Bionic Frog Syrah, the flagship Cailloux Vineyard Syrah and the awesome Flying Pig, which I also tasted recently, made from a right bank collection of grapes led by Cabernet Franc, think Cheval Blanc! I was lucky to taste with Christophe before he got famous and was blown away by his En Cerise Vineyard Syrah in the early 2000s, a wine I compared to Chapoutier’s Le Meal ‘Ermitage in presence. It was an experience I didn’t soon forget and his current set of wines [is] even more memorable and monumental!”

Cayuse Vineyards Impulsivo Tempranillo Walla Walla Valley 2019 750ML ($179.95) $149 special, 17 bottles in stock now
Case-3 Cayuse Vineyards Impulsivo Tempranillo Walla Walla Valley 2019 ($549.95) $419 special, (That’s $139.67 per bottle)
Grapelive 96 points “While renowned for his Syrah and Grenache based wines, Cayuse’s Christophe Baron also does some fantastic Bordeaux blends, Cabernet Sauvignons, and this awesome Tempranillo, called the Impulsivo, which is very much in the mold of a great Ribera del Douro, with incredible fruit density and thrilling palate impact. It’s a real head turner, something you’d not want to miss…This 2019 Impulsivo has a seductive inky blue/black and garnet hue in the glass and a sultry dark and smoky nose that leads to a complex array of flavors on the concentrated full bodied pale with blackberry coulis, black cherry, plum and grilled orange fruits that are accented by graphite, cedar, sweet pipe tobacco, caramelized fennel, mineral tones and a subtle floral dimension. Think of this wine as an American Pingus! Thick and opulent for sure, but with some nice lift from natural acidity and an earthy and transparent personality, along with a young taut structure and balance that certainly gives the impression that it will age well… These new releases from Cayuse are tight and powerful wines that should be decanted and paired with hearty cuisine, but they also possess a raw beauty and finesse that truly make them so alluring, especially the God Only Knows Grenache, which has a soulful expression, reminding me of Rayas and Sadie Family, and this very sexy Tempranillo that should drink well for decades to come. Cayuse employs all organic and biodynamic farming and minimal intervention in the cellar to make wines influenced by place first and foremost, which has made them incredibly hard to get, but well worth the effort!”
James Suckling 95 points “Rounded aromas of cherries, plums, blackcurrants, nutmeg and violets. Medium-to full-bodied with supple tannins. Rich black fruit turns savory with notes of tobacco and espresso as the palate evolves. Roasted rosemary and thyme, too. Great complexity and balance. A hint of sea salt at the finish. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or hold.”

Cayuse Vineyards Cailloux Vineyard Syrah Walla Walla Valley 2019 750ML ($149.95) $128 special, 4 bottles in stock now
Case-3 Cayuse Vineyards Cailloux Vineyard Syrah Walla Walla Valley 2019 ($449.95) $359 special (That’s $119.67 per bottle!)
James Suckling 97 points “An expressive nose of cracked black pepper, black cherry and an array of dried herbs. Medium-to full-bodied with incredible spicy character. So much going on here. Silky, fruit-soaked tannins. The supple dark fruit is accented by peppercorn, dried ginger, bay leaf, basil and oolong. Umami. Superb. Co-fermented with 4% viognier. Drink or hold.”

Cayuse Vineyards Camaspelo Walla Walla Valley 2019 750ML ($149.95) $128 special, 4 bottles in stock now

Cayuse Vineyards En Chamberlin Vineyard Syrah Walla Walla Valley 2019 750ML ($149.95) $128 special, 8 bottles in stock now
Case-3 Cayuse Vineyards En Chamberlin Vineyard Syrah Walla Walla Valley 2019 ($499.95) $259 special, (That’s $86.33 per bottle)
James Suckling 96 points “An intriguing nose of hot stone, rosemary and sliced plum. Medium-to full-bodied with soft tannins. Excellent spiced, herbal complexity. Pure, ripe red and black fruit that’s expertly balanced and expressive. Delicious finish. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or hold.”

Collector’s Corner:

Pommery: The “other” Madame

You’ve heard of the Champagne widow and pioneer Madame Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin (also known as Madame Clicquot), but have you heard of Madame Pommery? While you can be forgiven for not knowing her, Champagne as we know it would not exist without her contributions. In the 1870’s Champagne was one of the sweetest wines of the world for a number of reasons. The first and foremost was to balance out the otherwise searing acid that was seen in Champagnes of the period. The second was to cater to commercial preferences of the era, particularly from the Russian royal family and their contemporaries who loved exceptionally sweet wines.

This all changed when Madame Louise Pommery commissioned her cellarmaster to make a champagne with as little added sugar as possible, creating the category we now know to be “Brut”. The debut vintage in 1874 was an overnight success in England, who had developed a preference for drier styles of wine. It was so popular in fact, that it set records in London for the highest ever paid for champagne at auction. The Brut style clearly outlived its sweeter contemporary, given the latter is rarely seen on the market anymore.

The Tête de cuvee from Pommery is named after Madame Louise and in honor of her legacy has the barest amount of sugar added. Comprised of 3 Grand Cru vineyard sources Avize, Cramant and Aÿ and aged for 11 years on its lees before disgorgement. The blend itself is predominantly Chardonnay but has 40% Pinot Noir inclusion as well. The grand cru sources for the fruit are clearly evident in the concentrated flavors, strong mineral character and high acidity with notes of toasted brioche, blackcurrant preserves, hazelnut paste, pine nuts and lemon curd. With the “Current” release being the 2004, this is a Champagne built for the long haul to say the least. We also carry a number of magnums, back vintages and the elusive Rosé bottling!

In stock and available now:

Pommery Cuvee Louise Brut Millesime 2004 750ML ($149.95) $125 special, 14 bottles in stock now
Pommery Cuvee Louise Brut Millesime 2004 1.5L ($299.95) $279 special, 4 magnums in stock now
James Suckling 95 points “A very fine-textured Champagne with lovely density and finesse. The bubbles roll off the palate. Full body. Extremely creamy and flavorful. Shows wonderful finesse and a lovely, chalky, lemon-curd and brioche aftertaste. Drink now.”
Wine Enthusiast 94 points “Pommery’s prestige Champagne is named after one of the great Champagne widows of the 19th century who took over when her husband, Alexandre Pommery, died. It is a rich, mature wine, with toast and almond flavors as much as fruit. Full of mineral Chardonnay (60% of the blend), this ripe wine is very ready to drink.”
Wine Spectator 93 points “Bright and minerally, featuring smoke and pastry dough notes layered with lemon curd and pureed black currant details, riding the lively bead. Offers a creamy finish, with a lightly floral overtone. Drink now through 2024. 16,666 cases made.”

This is the only listing for a magnum in the USA today!

Pommery Cuvee Louise Brut Nature 2004 750ML ($199.95) $149 special, 34 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 97 points “A creamy and refined 2004 with a very reserved and tight palate of ultra fine tannins that lend the wine beautiful creaminess and finesse. Subtly floral, offering lightly cooked apples and lemons. Flavorful, yet always hiding behind the fine bubbles. Drink now.”

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

Pommery Cuvee Louise Brut Rose Millesime 2004 750ML ($299.95) $219 special, 25 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 95 points “This is a new release and shows wonderful finesse and beauty. You know that the moment you see the pale-amber color. It’s medium bodied with freshness and energy and a long, vivid finish. A joy to taste. Drink now.”

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

Pommery Grand Cru Brut Millesime 2008 750ML ($99.95) $79 special, 30 bottles in stock now
Winery note “It was a must for Pommery not to miss out on one of the greatest vintages of champagne. One single term to characterise 2008: unexpected! After a difficult summer, nature succeeded in aligning its stars and allowed us to have an exceptional harvest. 2008 has already conquered aficionados from all over the world, but it is a special vision of 2008 in the pure style of our Maison that we propose to you. Only originating from grands crus, with an exceptional ageing potential, slowly brought to maturity in the freshness of our 18 kilometres of galleries, it is necessary to wait to taste a Pommery vintage at its zenith: the precise moment when all the components are in harmony and when maturity, freshness and complexity come together. This moment has come for our 2008 vintage. The nose presents the patina of the Pommery vintages: elegance, minerality, freshness. First of all intense floral notes reach us: the peony floats around the hawthorn. Maturity is expressed by fruity notes of pear and fresh apricot. The great Pinot Noir present themselves with notes of crushed fresh strawberries. On the palate, the tasting is floating, with a great uprightness. A mineral structure fills the palate from the attack to the finish like a spine. Notes of acacia honey and Mirabelle underline the central element of the tasting. The finish is punctuated by a nice sweetness, marked by flavours of blood orange.”

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

05-25-2022 Wednesday Newsletter

In This Newsletter:

Blending with Bolgheri:
Italy’s Bordeaux playground

Touring the Bekka Valley with Domaine Des Tourelles

Kia Ora to North Canterbury’s Natural wine gem:
Hermit Ram

Trending Rose

Castello di Ama’s
Refined & Quintessential Tuscan Treasure

Winning with Von Winning

Collector’s Corner:
Last Call on Vega Sicilia

We’re Open for In-Store Shopping!

10AM – 6PM Daily

Masks are no long mandatory, but are appreciated!
We also offer Curbside Pickup
Order Online / By Phone / By Email

Blending with Bolgheri:

Italy’s Bordeaux playground

Bolgheri is unique amongst other Tuscan appellations in a number of ways. The most standout of these in the appellation requirements, which do not require any influence from native Italian varietals in stark contrast to other villages that require at least a dollop of Sangiovese. Tempered by breezes from the Mediterranean with soils rich in fossilized sea-life and minerals, these are among the most plush and ripe wines in the entire region. Featuring the plush richness of Napa with quintessential Tuscan earthiness, these are fantastic alternatives to more in-demand appellations at comparable or better return!

Bolgheri Wines in stock now:

Tenuta Argentiera ‘Argentiera’ Bolgheri Superiore Tuscany 2016 750ML ($99.95) $79 special, 21 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 97 points “The 2016 Bolgheri Superiore Argentiera is 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, and the Cabernet Sauvignon logically feels and tastes most prominent. This is a dark and penetrating Tuscan red that is beautifully elevated, thanks to the extremely elegant and buoyant quality of the aromas. They lift gracefully from the glass with light-footed, almost fleeting character. However, don’t underestimate the power and the concentration of the wine, because this vintage delivers both with abundance. I’ve had my eye on this estate since the vineyards were first planted some 20 years ago, and there is no doubt that this vintage brings Tenuta Argentiera into a new era as a Bolgheri protagonist. Some 80,000 bottles were made.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Castello di Bolgheri Bolgheri Superiore Tuscany 2015 750ML ($89.95) $69 special, 5 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 96 points “Very tightly wound, with a dense bed of tannins providing support for the black currant, black cherry, wild herb, mineral and earth flavors. Ripe, yet lively, showing fine intensity on the fruit-, mineral- and tar-filled aftertaste. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Best from 2022 through 2040.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Marchesi Antinori Tenuta Guado al Tasso Bolgheri Superiore Tuscany 2018 750ML ($149.95) $135 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 95+ points “The 2018 Guado al Tasso is silky, delicate and exceptionally polished. I can’t remember tasting another Guado like it. Medium in body and gracious, the 2018 offers up a compelling mélange of dark fruit, chocolate, cedar, licorice and dried herbs, all in a mid-weight style that is incredibly appealing. The 2018 has just been bottled, so it needs time to bounce back. I can’t wait to taste it with a bit more time in bottle.”

Check out our other Bordeaux Blends from Tuscany including Tenuta Arceno, Isole E Olena’s Cepparello and Bibi Graetz’s Testamatta!

Touring the Bekka Valley with Domaine Des Tourelles

Domaine Des Tourelles is based in the Bekka Valley, A high elevation region between Mt. Lebanon and Anti-Lebanon mountains. The elevation and mountainous conditions allows for massive temperature shifts during the evenings, allowing for the grapes to slowly ripen with good acidity. The Rouge is comprised of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Syrah and the remainder being split between Cinsault and Carignan, all grown at high elevation and practicing organic. The French influence from their expat winemaker and owner is evident, with the flavors being reminiscent of red blends from the Languedoc Roussillon but with the distinctive frankincense and sumac character I find in most Lebanese reds.

The wine itself is solid and well structured. The Syrah is blended in nicely for some more complexity with herbaceous and spice notes. This wine would be a great pairing with a lamb dish or even with your everyday burger.

Domaine Des Tourelles in stock now:

Domaine des Tourelles Rouge Bekaa Valley 2019 750ML ($19.95) $16 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
No reviews for the 2019 vintage. 2018 vintage review provided for reference.
Decanter 93 points “Mediterranean-like character with lots of vibrant redcurrant, raspberry and herbal notes. Floral, restrained and quite finely textured on the palate. Drinking Window 2021 – 2026.”

We also carry wines from Chateau Musar as well, including their single-village bottling from Aana!

Kia Ora to North Canterbury’s Natural wine gem:

Hermit Ram

It’s no secret that we love Pinot Noir and Burgundian varietals as a whole here at Vinopolis. While Oregon holds our hearts, there’s something to be said about what our siblings in Aotearoa (New Zealand) are doing across the Pacific. Blessed with high levels of spectral radiation that boost ripening against the otherwise chilly growing conditions from the nearby Pacific Ocean, these are wines unlike anywhere else on the planet. The old saying of “Beautiful places make beautiful wines” is particularly apropos with the visually spectacular Southern Alps comprising the appellation’s spine.

North Canterbury has especially caught our eye with their reputation for cool-climate experimentation, and a hotbed of new winemaking talent. “The coolest little wine region in the country” as the region bills is home to clay-limestone soils that are a dead ringer for top tier Burgundy, and a climate particularly conducive to bright and ageworthy wines. Hermit Ram is taking the wine world by storm with their field blends and Pinot Noir, hybridizing traditional Burgundian practices with “New wave” techniques like low intervention in the cellar, amphora for fermentation and stem inclusion over new oak.

Their field blend Rose is a completely unique and compelling iteration of the style. Primarily Riesling with Gewürztraminer, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon there’s tremendous aromatic punch and length that speaks to the limestone rich growing conditions of North Canterbury Reminiscent of a rose from Tavel there’s a deep color and pervasive aromatics that speak to the component grapes in a way that doesn’t wash the individual elements out. Presenting a symphony of red fruits like fresh raspberry, cranberries and redcurrants against saline minerality and rosehip tea this is a rare bottling that’s equal parts compelling and compatible with a variety of food. Perfect as a “Red wine drinkers Rose” or something for the natural wine fan in your life.

The Pinot Noir is beautifully structured and derives its tannins entirely from skin, stems and seeds as opposed to new oak. This combined with the marginal growing conditions seen in North Canterbury creates a plethora of flavors ranging from Assamese black tea, fresh rhubarb, black raspberry, lavender and redcurrants. Beyond the fruit and floral components there is also a mineral component redolent of crushed stone and turned loam.

Hermit Ram wines in stock now:

The Hermit Ram Whole Bunch Zealandia Pinot Noir North Canterbury 2019 750ML ($49.95) $41.90 special
Winery Note: “This Pinot Noir comes from two vineyards, one a small close planted vineyard on the Omihi slopes and the other on the valley floor. The soil in Omihi is predominantly clay with bands of limestone and iron oxide, and the valley floor has glacial gravels with layers of silt and the odd bit of broken limestone dispersed throughout the profile. The clay parcel brings a richness and flesh to this wine whilst the gravel site adds spice and finesse. The use of whole bunches helps to add floral aromatics and length to balance out these textures and to knit the whole wine together. The structural elements and aroma gained from using whole bunches in Pinot Noir from North Canterbury also serves to promote longevity in the wine. It’ll make for fascinating drinking over the coming years. This wine has approximately 50% whole bunches in the ferment. It was fermented with indigenous yeasts. It underwent natural malolactic fermentation. It has no Sulphur added until bottling. It is unfined and unfiltered. 20 ppm SO2 Total.”

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The Hermit Ram Field Blend Rose North Canterbury 2020 750ML ($44.95) $39 special
Riesling/Pinot Noir/Cab Sauv/Gewurz
Winery note “The act of fermenting which ever varieties are planted in your vineyard together is intriguing and the results can be delicious and a really unique picture of a particular vineyard site and region. This wine is a field blend of Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Gewurztraminer. It comes from one of North Canterbury’s earliest planted vineyards. It presents itself like a delicate pinot with insane aromatics. The fruit was picked on the proportions it grows in the vineyard. It was destemmed and naturally fermented on skins for 6 weeks. Pressed off in to Amphora and allowed to go through a natural malolactic ferment. This wine was bottled with no fining, filtration or Sulphur.”

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The Hermit Ram Amphora Salty White North Canterbury 2020 750ML ($44.95) $38 special
Julia Harding MW 17 points “Slightly cloudy very pale gold. Intensely citrus with a light herbal quality. Sour apricot and dried grasses are very subtle. This is complex, creamy, extremely salty. Great complexity and a lovely blend with nothing dominating. Dry, finely tannic, the best flavours of Sauvignon at the core, citrus and herbal and finally green fruits like greengage. Deep, long, salty, a wine for the evening. Good value. Drink 2021–2024”

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Trending Rose

You’ve heard of the Rosso and Bianco wines coming from the legendary Mt. Etna, but did you know that Rosato is also produced from the same basaltic vineyards? Representing a fraction of the production in the region, Terra Nere makes a unique rosato that features both the legendary volcanic terroir and the beauty of Sicily’s indigenous varietals.

Coming from a parcel of younger vines on the northern slope the Rosato is described as having “The body of a white but the soul of a red; A wine that is joyful without frivolity and bright without being superficial”. Farmed organically without any synthetic input at high elevation, there is a fabulous purity to this wine that speaks to the meticulous practices of Terra Nere.

The Rosado delivers a full spectrum of fresh white peach and assorted oranges ranging from blood, Cara-Cara and Dekopon with a subtle note of hibiscus and papaya with a finish of valerian flower. Perfect for any type of day and even more so paired with something crunchy like wakame, caprese or a green salad.
In stock and available now:

Tenuta delle Terre Nere Rosato Etna Sicily 2020 750ML ($29.95) $24 special
Kerin O’Keefe Wine Enthusiast 92 points “Lightly hued, this refined, onion-colored rosato, made with organically grown Nerello Mascalese grapes, has delicate aromas suggesting Mediterranean scrub and wild berries. The dry, savory palate offers pomegranate, peach and citrus before a tangy mineral finish suggesting oyster shell. – “
Eric Guido-Vinous 91 points “The 2020 Etna Rosato lifts up wonderfully fresh and perfumed, offering notes of sweet peach and white smoke backed by honeyed florals and wedges of candied lime. It’s silky-smooth and round yet spry, washing nuances of ripe pear and nectarine across a core of saturating saline-minerality. There’s simply so much going on here for a Rosato as the 2020 punches well above its class, finishing incredibly long yet juicy, and fizzling out to hints of sour citrus and cheek-puckering green apple.”

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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, 10 bottles in stock now
A saignée blend of Trollinger, Portugieser, Zweigelt and Spätburgunder in an eye-popping bottle. Certified biodynamic.

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Working with some of the oldest Pinot Noir vines in the Baden, Enderle and Mole eschew any synthetic inputs in their vineyards. The result across all of their bottlings are exceptionally ageworthy wines that transmit their growing environment perfectly. Expect the classic botanical driven flavors that German Pinot Noir delivers against baking spices and a chalky finish.

Enderle & Moll Spatburgunder Rose Baden 2020 750ML ($29.95) $27 special, 7 bottles in stock now
Vom Boden importer note “The estate known as Enderle and Moll is really just a tiny cellar, a basket press, a few hectares of old vines and a hell of a lot of buzz. Absolutely no use of insecticides/pesticides; demeter-approved spraying for fungus with minimal copper
use (1/3 amount as allowed by organic certifications), minimal plowing, excess vegetation is trimmed, otherwise the soil is left alone.
All vineyard work and harvesting is done by hand.”

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Castello di Ama’s

Refined & Quintessential Tuscan Treasure

Looking for a single village Chianti that’s priced and labeled as a Classico? Consider Castello di Ama, one of our in house favorites from the village of Ama. If you were to put a bullseye over the Chianti Classico region, Castello di Ama would be almost dead center, at an average elevation of 1600 feet above sea level. Climatically perfect for growing Sangiovese, the area was first cultivated by the Etruscans before becoming a famous wine village in 1773. As the legend goes, the Grand Duke of Tuscany was so impressed with the wine and sightseeing that he wrote a poem to commemorate the occasion.

Founded in 1978, Castello di Ama was also instrumental in the region’s promotion from DOC to DOCG in 1984. They haven’t been content to sit on their laurels however, and have undergone major overhauling of their vineyards and fermentation facilities. These changes are clearly paying off, with the wines exhibiting the quintessential sour cherry, dark chocolate, terra cotta and sage character of a good Chianti. Made from Sangiovese accented with a sprinkle of Merlot, this is drinking beautifully now but would also be right at home in the cellar for 5-7 years.

Castello di Ama in stock now:

Castello di Ama ‘Castello di Ama’ – ‘Ama’ Chianti Classico DOCG 2015 1.5L ($69.95) $39 special, 24 magnums in stock now
James Suckling 92 points “So much sweet tobacco and cherry character here with hints of smoked meat. Medium body, fine tannins and a bright and fruity finish. Acid tension give this definition. Tangy. Drink now.”
Wine Spectator 90 points “The raspberry and cherry flavors are immediate in this elegant, balanced red, followed by accents of earth and spice. Not excessively long, but well-proportioned. Drink now through 2022. 900 cases imported.”

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Castello di Ama Vigneto La Casuccia Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2016 750ML ($219.95) $179 special, 15 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 97 points “The 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto La Casuccia is rich, sensual and inviting, as it so often is. The addition of Merlot to Sangiovese yields a Chianti Classico built on textural resonance, with silky tannins, soft curves and tons of sheer allure. The 2016 won’t be ready to drink anytime soon, but it is unquestionably a great wine in the making. Succulent dark cherry, red plum, menthol, licorice, cloves and new oak infuse the creamy, voluptuous finish.”
Kerin O’Keefe-Wine Enthusiast 97 points “Mature black-skinned berry, rose, tilled soil and a balsamic whiff of eucalyptus shape the nose. The bright, elegant palate has energy, tension and depth, delivering ripe wild cherry, red plum, licorice and crushed botanical herb. Taut, fine-grained tannins lend polished support while fresh acidity keeps it balanced. A gorgeous wine. Drink through 2031.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 96 points “From the small vineyard facing Castello di Ama from the north, the 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto la Casuccia shows a dark and hearty side with rich fruit that flows steadily from the bouquet. Like the other new releases from this iconic estate, this wine shows a pretty earthy note that is particularly well defined and fine-tuned in this vintage. The fruit is broad, thick and horizontal. This is a Sangiovese painted with broad brush strokes. It’ll stand another decade or two, or open it sooner with a pappardelle al cinghiale.”
Wine Spectator 95 points “This aromatic Chianti Classico features violet, black cherry, leather, earth and spice flavors. A laser of bracing acidity and muscular tannins runs underneath. The balance tips toward the tannins today, but put this in your cellar for another few years. Sleek and very long. Sangiovese and Merlot. Best from 2023 through 2042. 315 cases made, 40 cases imported.”
James Suckling 95 points “A dense and layered red with spice and berry character. Medium to full body. Blueberry, wet-earth and walnut undertones. Iodine. Shows structure and intensity. Drink in 2020 and onwards.”

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Winning with Von Winning

Von Winning makes some of the most profound white wines on the planet. The combination of incredible vineyard sites, meticulous winemaking and a commitment to producing only the finest wines yields exactly what you’d hope: white wines of depth and complexity, with grace and mineral power. The Rieslings are dry, but unlike some of their neighbors, powerful fruit isn’t the goal here. No, the Von Winning’s Rieslings offer floral and mineral flavors that are both intense and furtive.

But what really separates Von Winning from their peers in Germany are their Sauvignon Blancs. Germany is of course not where you’d expect to find some of the best Sauvignon Blanc in the world, but the wines will make a believer out of anyone. These are rich, textural examples that move beyond varietal characteristics and into unique territory. Their closest comparison is probably the top Sauvignon of Friuli (eg, Miani, Ronco del Gnemiz), or the very best estates in Austria.

“The fact that this estate is crafting some of the very best dry wines in Germany is no fluke, rather a result of nearly obsessive winemaker Stephan Attman’s commitment to both dedicated cultivation of Deidesheim and Forst’s best sites and meticulous work in the cellar. Von Winning maintains some of the oldest parcels in Grosses Gewächs vineyards smattered across Forst, Deidesheim, and Ruppertsberg. Attman’s every decision is informed by great enthusiasm and experiences at estates in the Cote d’Or and abroad.” – Skurnik Wines

Von Winning in stock now:

Von Winning Riesling Trocken Pfalz 2020 750ML ($24.95) $19.50 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Importer note “Limestone, Loam, & Red Sandstone. Fermentation & Elevage: Stainless Steel.”

Von Winning Deidesheimer Paradiesgarten Riesling Trocken Pfalz 2020 750ML ($41.95) $33 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Winery note “Paradiesgarten is located on top of the slope right underneath the forest, growth on sandstone and is our coolest, nest and most elegant site. Completely barrel fermented and aged on the lees for one year, it has a silky texture but a firm structure and great length.”

Von Winning Sauvignon Blanc II – Royale Trocken Pfalz 2020 750ML ($24.95) $19.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Importer note “Multiple vineyards in Deidesheim, mostly Paradiesgarten, but there is also fruit from Deidesheimer Herrgottsacker and Kallstadter Steinacker. Soil: sandy loam, red sandstone, basalt, & löss. Fermentation & Elevage: Fermented entirely in stainless steel.”

Check out our 17 different bottlings from Von Winning, available both online and in-store!

Collector’s Corner:
Last Call on Vega Sicilia

If Spain had an aristocracy of wines, Vega Sicilia would be king. Founded in 1864, over a century before creation of the Ribera del Duero DOC, the estate’s various owners have made singular wines ever since. In fact, Vega Sicilia can hardly be compared to other Spanish wines, not even the greats of Rioja. For one thing, the grape varieties originally planted and still grown in Vega Sicilia’s 500-acre limestone-soil vineyard include Bordeaux varieties, though eighty percent of the vines are Tempranillo. As a result, Vega Sicilia doesn’t taste like other Tempranillo-based wines from Spain.

They’re dense and sumptuous, intense but full of finesse, complex and long-lingering on the palate, with the individuality of a monarch. Vega Sicilia is one of the rare instances were a singular producer is synonymous with the entire region as a whole, not unlike Biondi-Santi in Brunello, Dönnhoff and the Nahe and Ridge Vineyards in Sonoma. Prized and often fought over by celebrities, collectors and the best restaurants in the world these are “Blink and you’ll miss it wines” given the exceedingly low production. We only receive this allocation once per year and are one of the few accounts in Oregon to be offered the wines!

Vega Sicilia in stock now:

Vega Sicilia Tinto Valbuena 5 Ribera del Duero 2016 750ML ($219.95) $179 special
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 96 points “The 2016 Valbuena was produced with a blend of 94% Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) and 6% Merlot from 140 hectares dedicated to this wine. It fermented with indigenous yeasts, and the first year it matured in barrels (75% French, 25% American) and the second year in large oak vats. This is again a floral and elegant vintage of Valbuena, very much in line with what has happened in the best vintages since 2010. 2016 is going to be a wine that the public is going to like; it has an extroverted personality and is perfumed and generous, juicy and tasty and nicely textured, with fine-grained tannins and very focused and clean flavors. 2016 was a year of very good freshness in Ribera del Duero, a year they like even better than 2018.
Wine & Spirits 96 points “This is the second vintage of Valbuena for Gonzalo Iturriaga, the Rioja-born technical director of Vega-Sicilia. And if it is any indication of his talents, the young Iturriaga has a lot to contribute to this iconic Castilian estate. The fruit for Valbuena comes from vines on Vega-Sicilia’s north-facing hillside in Valladolid, below the parcels that go into Unico, and above the road that separates the hillside from the bodega itself and the richer soils approaching the Duero river. In 2016, it has the exuberant energy of spring, cool and sunny with scents of Queen Anne’s lace and wild anise. The floral fruit ranges from the high-toned brightness of an August tomato to the deeper tones of green figs and dark plums. Then, the spicy note of crystalized ginger in the finish has an earthiness that calls to mind the crystalized gypsum in the soil on this hill. A remarkably elegant take on Valbuena, this is a wine to covet for your cellar.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 95 points “Dark violet. Powerful red and dark fruit preserve, pipe tobacco and potpourri aromas are complemented by exotic spice, mocha and incense flourishes. Sappy and energetic in character, offering palate-staining blackberry, cherry liqueur, floral pastille and spicecake flavors underscored by a vein of juicy acidity. Gently chewy tannins build steadily on an impressively long, focused and penetrating finish that leaves smoky mineral, floral and juicy dark berry notes behind.”
Wine Spectator 94 points “This red shows both power and finesse, with generous flavors of ripe red plum and currant accented with anise, cedar, olive and wild herb. Spice and loamy earth notes fine-tune the finish. Tinto Fino and Merlot. Drink now through 2040.