Consejo Regulador is the governing body in Spain for each D.O or fine wine region in the country. In addition to their duties writing the laws governing production in their respective areas, they also rate each vintage for quality and age worthiness. As one of the first established in Spain, there are vintage ratings going back to 1925 in Rioja. The top mark is graded as “Excellent” with the rank being as rare as you’d expect. Since 1980 the rating has only been bestowed 6 times post-2000 with the latest being the 2019 vintage. With such promise we secured as much of our allocation as we could from Cune’s relatively new organic bottling.    

Cune Organic arriving Friday, April 8th:

CVNE ‘Cune’ Ecologico – Organic Rioja DOCa 2019 750ML ($17.95) $12.50 pre-arrival special
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 91 points “There is a new organic red, the debut of which is the 2019 Cune Organic, a blend of 60% Garnacha, 30% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano from external suppliers. That’s quite an unusual blend for them, as they tend to use more Tempranillo, and it brings a different combination of freshness and power. The grapes were handpicked and fermented separately by variety with indigenous yeasts, and the wine matured in used 300-liter oak barrels for six months. I nearly fell off my chair when I put my nose in the glass, as the wine screamed GARNACHA—but traditional Garnacha at its floral and herbal best, with the sweet cherry fruit, red licorice and the chalky tannins from the limestone soils. It’s balanced, tasty and juicy, truly delicious. The idea is to eventually produce this wine with their own grapes, as they are moving toward organic farming and removed herbicides years ago. They have never released a wine like this or such a young red. Amazing young Garnacha for the by-the-glass market. Bravo!”
 

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Cune Wines in stock now: 

CVNE Vina Real Crianza Rioja DOCa 2017 750ML ($19.95) $14.50 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 CVNE Vina Real Crianza Rioja DOCa 2017 750ML ($219.95) $166 special, (that’s only $13.83/bottle!)
*****IN-STORE PICK UP ONLY. SHIPPING NOT AVAILABLE*****
James Suckling 93 points “A Rioja with plum, blackberry, black truffle and hints of chocolate. Some walnut, too. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, chewy tannins and a flavorful finish. Drink or hold.”
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 91+ points “The popular red 2017 Viña Real Crianza is a gastronomical blend produced with grapes from Rioja Alavesa: 90% Tempranillo and the rest Garnacha, Mazuelo and Graciano fermented in stainless steel and matured in oak barrels for 13 to 14 months, during which time it was racked every five to six months. The first thing that is going to catch your attention is the new label, which takes things from the past but put in a new, more modern style, which also reflects what the wine is like. The Viña Real range (white, rosé and Reserva) is gradually going to adopt this same label but with the letters in different colors. The second thing that I also loved is the Garnacha character that clearly comes through, even if it represents a small percentage in the final blend (Garnacha and Graciano like heat and do well in warmer years). The oak is nicely folded and integrated into the fruit. Very enjoyable and fresh, in line with what consumers expect but with an extra spark of red fruit that is quite remarkable for the 2017 vintage. The palate is textured, fine and polished, with very fine tannins and high drinkability. I think this is one of the Crianzas that I have enjoyed the most in recent times. I love it. Remarkable for a year like 2017.”
Wine Enthusiast 91 points “Editor’s Choice. Full berry and plum aromas are complete as they lead to a racy palate with lively acidity and spirit. Cherry, plum and a dusting of cocoa are lead players on the flavor profile, while this crianza finishes long and fresh. This is everything you want from Rioja crianza. -Michael Schachner”
 

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CVNE ‘Imperial’ Gran Reserva Rioja DOCa 2012 750ML ($79.95) $69 special, 7 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 95 points “The wine that represents the traditional and serious reds from Haro, the 2012 Imperial Gran Reserva is a classical blend of Tempranillo with 10% Graciano and 5% Mazuelo that matured in barrel for two years. It has a textbook serious Haro nose, with dark spices, ripe fruit, something balsamic and a round, full-bodied palate within the straight and serious style of the wine. 2012 was a warm year, but the wines are fresher than those from 2011. This has fine, slightly grainy tannins with good grip. A textbook Imperial Gran Reserva. 50,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in May 2015.”
Josh Raynolds 94 points “(raised in new and used French and American oak barrels for two years) Vivid ruby-red. An intensely perfumed bouquet evokes ripe raspberry, cherry-cola, potpourri and exotic spices, with a suave vanilla topnote and a smoky mineral flourish. Sweet and broad in the mouth, offering lush red fruit, spicecake, mocha and coconut flavors that steadily tighten up on the back half. Finishes extremely long and spicy, with a resonating floral quality, well-knit tannins and lingering oak spice notes. This one is still quite young.”
James Suckling 94 points “A tight and beautiful wine with blackberries, bramble berries, rose petals and lemon grass. Medium to full body, ultra-fine tannins and a beautiful finish. Very fine-grained. Lovely now. Even better in 2020.”
 

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We carry a number Reds from across Spain including Lopez Heredia, Telmo Rodriguez and Ferrer Bobet!
 

L’Aventure Cote a Cote Red Paso Robles 2019 750ML ($149.95) $119 pre-arrival special
Jeb Dunnuck 100 points “Another magical wine from this estate is the 2019 Côte à Côte, a blend of 34% each of Grenache and Mourvèdre, with the balance Syrah. Brought up in 29% new French oak, it boasts a dense purple color as well as incredible aromatics of blue fruits, smoked game, violets, black pepper, and spring flowers. One of those incredibly complex, nuanced wines that still brings depth and richness on the palate, it’s perfectly balanced, has ultra-fine tannins, and a gorgeous finish. It’s the finest vintage of Côte à Côte ever produced. Drink it over the coming 15+ years.”

L’Aventure Estate Cuvee Paso Robles 2019 750ML ($149.95) $119 pre-arrival special
Jeb Dunnuck 100 points “Pure perfection from Paso Robles, the 2019 Estate Cuvee checks in as 50% Syrah, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 15% Petit Verdot that was raised in 81% new French oak. Incredible cassis and black berry fruits as well as violets, chocolate, graphite, and who knows what else emerges from the glass, and it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a concentrated yet weightless mouthfeel, building tannins, and a great finish. It’s more seamless and approachable than the more backward, structured 2018 and will have two decades of prime drinking.”

L’Aventure Optimus Paso Robles 2019 750ML ($69.95) $57.50 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 96 points “Extremely aromatic with ripe chery and berry aromas, as well as flowers and citrus. Medium to full body with fine, polished tannins and a long, caressing finish. This is really well done and one of the most balanced L’Aventures I have encountered. Syrah, cabernet sauvignon and petit verdot. Drinkable now, but better in two or three years.”
Decanter 94 points ” Lovely aromatic intensity, spicy and nuanced on the nose but incredibly well defined on the palate which is crisp and precise with flavours that glide across, so linear and straight. There’s a coolness to the fruit profile and a refreshing juiciness. Concentration and structure with good tannic grip – lots on offer here. A blend of 57% Syrah, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Petit Verdot. Wines are aged for 14 months in 89% new French oak and 11% one-year-old French oak with malolactic fermentation in barrel. No fining or filtering.”
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “The 2019 Optimus should be snatched up by savvy readers. Based on 57% Syrah, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Petit Verdot, it just about jumps out of the glass with gorgeous cassis, floral, pepper, and graphite-like aromas and flavors. As seamless as they come, this full-bodied, elegant, pleasure-bent 2019 is going to evolve for a decade.”

 

 

Astounding Albarino from Forja De 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.

Forjas De Salnes 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.”
 

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Other Albarino in stock now: 

Nanclares y Prieto ‘Crisopa’ Branco Tradicional Galicia 2018 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 12 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!”
 

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Shop our full selection of Spanish Whites today! 

 

Weingut Wwe. Dr. H. Thanisch Erben Thanisch is a classic German Riesling producer. Without being hyperbolic they have garnered as many awards as their name has syllables. Named after the widow (wwe being the German abbreviation) who inherited the estate in the 19th century, Thanisch has been producing wine since 1636. As one of Germany’s most exceptional producers, Thanisch was one of the first estates invited to join the VDP Consortium in 1910, has continued to pursue excellence ever since.

Thanisch holds the crown for highest price ever fetched at auction for a German producer thanks to working entirely with old vines and some of the most lauded vineyards in the Mosel. The wine in question? A bottle of 1921 Berncastler Doctor Riesling Trockenbeerenauslese that had been secretly hidden in their underground cellar for decades. It was sold in 1986 for over $16,000.

When one thinks of extreme vineyards, most point to the Northern Rhône, Liguria, or the Canary islands. But the verdant slopes of the Mosel hide some of the most dangerous and challenging sites in the world. Any slope over 30 degrees makes mechanized assistance nearly impossible, further exacerbating backbreaking work for farmhands.

Wwe Dr. Thanisch wines in stock now: 

Wwe Dr. H. Thanisch Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Kabinett Mosel 2016 750ML ($34.95) $24 special, 22 bottles in stock now
David Schildknecht – Vinous 91 points “Ripe pear and apple dominate on the nose as well as on a silken, buoyant palate, supported by subtle sweetness. Mouthwatering salinity and transparency to crystalline stony nuances give the long, refreshingly juicy finish a fascinating and delightful sense of shimmer.”
Mosel Fine Wines 90 points “The 2016er Badstube Kabinett was harvested at 88° Oechsle. It offers a delicately ripe nose of pear, earthy spices, slate and smoke. The wine comes to life on the palate as acidity peps up some succulent pear right into the long finish and gives it a gorgeously lively and well-balanced side. The after-taste is elegantly playful. 2026-2041” 
 

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Wwe Dr. H. Thanisch Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Spatlese Mosel 2019 750ML ($34.95) $28 special, 14 bottles in stock now 
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 93 points ” Vinified in old fuder vats until May and bottled at the end of August this year, the 2019 Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Spätlese is clear, precise and elegant on the flinty and crunchy nose. On the palate, this is a perfectly round, textured, finessed and stimulatingly salty Spätlese of great elegance and finesse. I tried to spit it three times and always failed. There is this very rare reflex that you can’t avoid, and before you even think about it, you want to swallow it. Gorgeous. Tasted at the domain in September 2020.”
Mosel Fine Wines 93 points “The 2019er Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Spätlese is a sweet wine with a refined and floral nose of whipped cream, vineyard peach, smoke, herbs, orange blossom, and fine spices. It proves gorgeously playful and creamy on the palate and leaves a great feeling of energy and finesse in the finish. This is a great and juicy Spätlese in the making. 2029-2049.”
 

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Wwe Dr. H. Thanisch Bernkastel-Kues Alte Reben Mosel 2019 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special, 17 bottles in stock now
Mosel Fine Wines 90 points ” The 2019er Bernkastel-Kues Riesling Alte Reben is a barely off-dry wine (with 12 g/l of residual sugar) made from grapes harvested from 40-year-old vines in the Kueser part of the city. It offers a superbly complex and refreshing nose of anise, pink grapefruit, orange peel, tangerine, mint, lead pencil, and smoke. The wine proves hugely enjoyable thanks its animating presence on the palate and leaves a precise and dry-tasting feel in the long finish. The wine develops more weight and presence with airing, but retains a great sense of grip and playfulness in the animating and beautifully balanced after-taste. Now-2034.”
 

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Wwe Dr. H. Thanisch Bernkasteler Graben Riesling Grosses Gewächs Mosel 2019 750ML ($49.95) $41.90 special, 23 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 91+ points “The 2019 Bernkasteler Graben Riesling GG is adjacent to Thanisch’s Doctor parcel yet a bit less warm. From 60- to 70-year-old-vines, this is a smoky, intense and elegant Riesling with very fine, precise and crunchy gray slate aromas. Medium-bodied, intense and complex on the palate, this is a tight, long and structured dry Graben Riesling with a refreshing lemon aroma on the concentrated and refreshing finish. This is complex but very promising and currently pretty closed, although the bottle was opened two days earlier. Tasted at the domain in September 2020.”
 

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See the complete list of wines in stock now from Thanisch on our web store.

While you’re there, browse other classic Mosel producers such as Max Richter, Merkelbach, JJ Prum and more!
 

 

 

Paolo De Marchi is the winemaker and owner of the legendary Isole e Olena in Tuscany, but he has also retained a small family estate in the foothills of the Italian Alps. Sourced from a combination of vineyards that begin at 1,000 feet above sea level, featuring vines between 30-90 years old, with the varietals being primarily Nebbiolo (or Spanna as it’s called locally) with a splash of Vespolina. Loaded with a plethora of oranges ranging from Seville, blood and mandarin and accentuated by notes of crushed rose petal and white peach. There’s also a slight spice on the finish in addition to a refreshing muskmelon component. Absolutely delicious and incredibly versatile on the table, with this being especially good with fatty fish, fried chicken or South Asian curries.       

Proprieta Sperino ‘Rosa del Rosa’ Rosato Coste della Sesia Piedmont 2020 750ML ($21.95) $19 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Eric Guido Vinous 92 points “The 2020 is an understated and delicate rendition of Rosa Del Rosa. Nuances of peach tea, chamomile, green apple and hints of ginger can all be found with coaxing. It’s silky and pliant in feel, the vibrant acids and mineral tones mixing to create a tug-of-war of sweet and salty tension, as notes of ripe melon give way to pretty inner florals. This tapers off persistent, lightly structured and buzzing with residual energy, completely refreshing the palate with a twang of sour citrus. The Rosa Del Rosa is a blend of Nebbiolo and Vespolina. It’s very enjoyable already, but it will likely blossom further with a bit more time in bottle. “
 

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Schloss Gobelsburg, a Cistercian monastic estate, is one of the oldest wineries in the Austrian Danube area with a documented history that dates back to 1171. All the vineyards are located on slopes and terraces around the valley of the river Kamp near the town of Langenlois and the village of Gobelsburg. 

Gently vinified in steel and gravity fed in the winery, this is a rose that emphasizes the lighter and more delicate character of rose. There’s a mixed plate of fruits ranging from white nectarine and strawberry, with additional notes of cherry blossom, yarrow and cranberry. Compatible with flavorous cuisine at any stage in the meal like Tagines, Tabbouleh, Galbijjim, Ramen or Macarons.   

Schlosskellerei Gobelsburg Cistercien Rose, Niederosterreich 2020 750ML ($21.95) $17 special, 16 bottles in stock now
Winery note “The valley of the Danube and its side-valleys belong to the ‘Cool climate’ areas of Austria. Some vineyards are even too cold for red wine making. Zweigelt, St. Laurent and Pinot Noir grapes grown in the cooler sites of Gobelsburg and Langenlois are used for this wine.”
Skurnik Wines note “Region: Kamptal. Zweigelt, St. Laurent, Pinot Noir. Appellation: Niederösterreich. Vineyard: Multiple cooler site vineyards. Soil Type Loess. Age of Vines (Average) 20 years. Sustainable. Fermentation and elevage in stainless steel.” 
 

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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
 

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

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

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

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Alvear is a house that is synonymous with Spanish history. Family records indicate their first step into the wine industry was in 1729 with the construction of their family bodega in Andalucía. The family’s fame continued to rise for the next century, reaching its apex when Diego de Alvear y Ponce de León established a Spanish colony in what is now Uruguay and Argentina. The family has stayed busy throughout their centuries in business, with their Sherries from Montilla-Morales being some of the best examples of their region’s output. On the eve of the new millennium the Alvear clan decided to expand outside of the Sherry triangle and establish a new winery in the Extremadura, a Spanish desert region famous for her agricultural output.

Planting indigenous clones of Tempranillo and Grenache with other warm-climate varietals like Syrah and Petit Verdot, the idea was to best exemplify the terroir of Extramadura. The Envinate Group of Canary Island and Ribera Del Duero fame were tapped to lead the winemaking and viticulture programs. Their imprint is clearly evident in the finished products, with no pesticides or synthetic inputs used in the vineyard and minimal intervention being practiced in the cellar.  

Alvear Wines in stock now: 

Alvear Pedro Ximenez Solera 1927 Montilla-Moriles 1927 NV 375ML ($39.95) $29 special, 2 half bottles in stock now 
Robert Parker 98 points “[Reviewed 2015] The NV Pedro Ximenez Solera 1927 is non-vintage, but does have some 1927 material in it. This is totally dark brown/amber with notes of figs, toffee, caramel syrup, molasses and coffee. It is dense, super sweet, intense, rich and an amazingly, unctuously textured, thick beverage to consume slowly and introspectively after a meal. Drink now through 2050, or even longer.”
Wine Enthusiast 96 points “[Reviewed 2017] One of the world’s best PX wines is Solera 1927, the pride of Alvear. Whatever solera stocks went into this bottling were well selected. Aromas of maple and fine wood turn to fig and caramel. Saturation and weight on the palate are expected, but this has some (though not a lot) acidic cut. Deep flavors of fig and Nutella finish with nuttiness and warmth. Drink or hold. -Michael Schachner”

Alvear 3 Miradas Ladera de Benavente Montilla-Moriles 2019 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Alvear 3 Miradas Ladera de Benavente Montilla-Moriles 2019 750ML ($324.95) $239 special, (that’s only $19.92/bottle!)
Bianca- 100% pedro jimenez; from one of the crus described below.
The Tres Miradas project is the latest collaboration between Bodegas Alvear & Envinate. It represents a goal of the Alvear family and Envinate to express the terroir that has been historically known as the Sierra de Montilla, with a winemaking approach that focuses more on the vineyard and less on the ageing process in the cellar. The Tres Miradas Vino de Pueblo, classified as a village wine in the Burgundian classification, is a selection of grapes a variety of plots that are directly pressed without maceration and fermented in tinajas, traditional concrete amphora of 4800L. With Tres Miradas, they followed the Burgundian classification by producing one village wine, and three single vineyards or “crus.”
 

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Alvear Palacio Quemado La Raya Vino de la Tierra de Extremadura Spain 2016 750ML ($34.95) $27 special 
Case-12 Alvear Palacio Quemado La Raya Vino de la Tierra de Extremadura Spain 2016 750ML ($419.95) $299 special (that’s only $24.92/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94 points “Dark garnet. Intensely perfumed, mineral-driven red and blue fruit, potpourri and incense scents show excellent clarity and spicy lift. Palate-staining raspberry, boysenberry, spicecake and floral pastille flavors deepen steadily through the back half. Manages to come off powerful as well as lithe and shows no rough edges. Finishes smooth and extremely long, featuring sneaky tannins and lingering red fruit, mineral and floral notes.”
Vinopolnote– A vineyard blend of the rich and dark Port grapes Trincadeira Prieta and Touriga Nacional in addition to Garnacha and Syrah
 

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Alvear Palacio Quemado La Zarcita Vino de la Tierra de Extremadura Spain 2018 750ML ($21.95) $18 special
Case-12 Alvear Palacio Quemado La Zarcita Vino de la Tierra de Extremadura Spain 2018 750ML ($299.95) $199 special (that’s only $16.58/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 91 points “Opaque magenta. Red and blue fruit, floral and spice qualities on the expressive nose. Supple and appealingly sweet, offering spice-accented raspberry and boysenberry flavors and a musky hint of licorice. Finishes long and juicy, with repeating florality and gentle tannins adding final grip.”
Vinopolnote– A vineyard blend of the rich and dark Port grapes Trincadeira Prieta and Touriga Nacional in addition to Garnacha and Syrah
 

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Alvear Palacio Quemado Los Acilates Vino de la Tierra de Extremadura Spain  2016 750ML ($27.95) $24 special 
Case-12 Alvear Palacio Quemado Los Acilates Vino de la Tierra de Extremadura 2016 750ML ($359.95) $259 special (that’s only $21.58/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 93 points “Deep, shimmering ruby. A pungent, mineral-accented bouquet evokes fresh cherry, boysenberry and exotic spices, along with a suave floral overtone. Sappy and expansive on the palate, offering appealingly sweet red and blue fruit and floral pastille flavors and a suggestion of baking spices. The impressively long, sweet, floral-tinged finish is shaped by fine-grained tannins that fold smoothly into the wine’s vibrant fruit.”
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 92 points “The elegant, floral and perfumed 2016 Los Acilates reflected a cooler year with a longer growing season, which resulted in higher yields that achieved perfect ripeness. The aromas and flavors are precise and pure, and there is a sense of harmony that I like very much. The spectrum of aromas is about red fruit and flowers with just a pinch of spices. The palate is very elegant, with fine-grained tannins and a dry, chalky texture that I often associate with limestone soils. Delicious! 7,000 bottles produced.”
Vinopolnote– A vineyard blend of the rich and dark Port grapes Trincadeira Prieta and Touriga Nacional in addition to Garnacha and Syrah
 

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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 wines, Ar.Pe.Pe. is a fantastic introduction to the particular stylings of Chiavennasca in way that 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. 

Ar.Pe.Pe. wines in stock now: 

Ar.Pe.Pe. Buon Consiglio Riserva Valtellina Superiore Grumello DOCG 2013 750ML ($119.95) $99 special, 23 bottles in stock now
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”
 

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Ar.Pe.Pe. Sesto Canto Riserva Valtellina Superiore Inferno DOCG 2013 750ML ($119.95) $99 special, 17 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 93 points “There’s a lovely juiciness to the crushed black raspberry and strawberry fruit on display in this elegant, medium- to full-bodied red, yet sleek tannins are well-integrated and provide fine definition. Fragrant notes of tea leaf, pomegranate and hot stone chime on the silky finish. Drink now through 2033. 500 cases made, 175 cases imported.  –AN”
 

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Ar.Pe.Pe. Vigna Regina – Nuova Regina Riserva Valtellina Superiore Sassella DOCG 2013 750ml ($119.95) $99 Special, 22 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 96 points “Loaded with finesse and energy and still youthfully austere, this linear, structured red offers tart cranberry, blood orange and star anise sensations. A vein of salty mineral provides the backdrop while fine-grained tannins provide elegant structure and support. Racy acidity keeps it balanced. Give it time to fully develop and blossom into even more of a beauty. Drink 2025–2035. -Kerin O’Keefe”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95 points “A release of about 6,000 bottles, the Ar. Pe. Pe. 2013 Valtellina Superiore Riserva Sassella Nuova Regina draws its fruit from terraced vineyards delineated by rocky drywalls. The vines are at least 50 years old and planted in friable metamorphic rock or gneiss shaped by glaciers. This wine is made in a highly traditional manner with extended skin maceration in oak casks, and all the harvest work is done by hand. This is a true beauty with enormous finesse and a deep well of aromatic nuances that center around wild berries, blue flowers and iron ore. The wine is carefully aged with fine and silky tannins. It tastes great, so if you have a bottle you can drink it now or wait longer if that is your pleasure.”
 

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Ar.Pe.Pe. ‘Il Pettirosso’ Valtellina Superiore DOCG 2016 750ML ($54.95) $45 special, 16 bottles in stock now
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”
 

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Ar.Pe.Pe. Grumello Rocca de Piro Riserva Valtellina Superiore Grumello DOCG 2015 750ML ($59.95) $49 special,  12 bottles in stock now
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

 

Led by the brother and sister team Cyril and Catherine Robert, the estate is farmed as organic as possible, with no artificial inputs being used during fermentation. Cyril trained in Champagne originally and his training shines through in the crisp and clean flavors accentuated by the grapes naturally occurring sugar for dosage. Catherine’s specialty is in Loire viticulture, which she’s worked in for over a decade in the field. 

These skillsets converge to create a dead ringer for a blanc de blanc Champagne, delivering a very similar plethora of fruit, nut and mineral flavors. Unlike Chardonnay however, Chenin Blanc tends to deliver a fruit character that is more along the lines of pears, yellow apples and soursop, accentuated by a smokey minerality associated with the tuffeau soils only found in the Loire. 

Alain Robert wines in stock now: 

Alain Robert Vouvray ‘Troglodyte’ Brut, Loire NV 750ML ($24.95) $19 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Rebecca Gibb MW-Vinous 89 points “A finely balanced NV Brut Troglodyte that’s spent around 18–24 months on lees. It’s a well-balanced, gentle style with attractive weight in the mouth and just the right amount of roundness. There’s nice tension on the finish, too, making for a great vinous drink with a fine bubble. Excellent value. (Drink between 2021-2027).”
Importer note “Christiane and Alain Robert founded the domaine in 1973. They are located in Chancay, just east of Vouvray. Their 38 hectares of vineyards, situated around the estate and in the neighboring village of Noizay, are mostly planted with Chenin Blanc, on silex and clay-limestone soil. Chardonnay, Grolleau and Chenin Noir (Pineau d’Aunis) are also cultivated on a few parcels. Their son Cyril, who trained in Champagne, joined them in 2000, followed by his sister Catherine two years later. Catherine brought with her ten years of experience gained in the Loire, including working alongside Jack Blot at Domaine de la Taille aux Loups.”
 

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Prosecco is unfairly maligned for being one note and sickly sweet, but much like Zima and the Rolodex that’s all in the past. After decades of reworking the appellation requirements, the Italian government now labels Prosecco in a pyramidal way, with the best sites and practices now labeled as such. The Prosecco Superiore is now considered the calling card of the region, featuring aspects of the quality revolution at a budget friendly price.

Gasparini’s iteration illustrates this concept in spades, with the wine being sourced from a single vineyard of old vines planted in 1969. Fermented with native yeasts for nine months prior to bottling, there is no sugar added beyond what is left in the juice as it stops fermentation. The confluence of old vines and low fermentation temperature give the finished Prosecco tremendous length and dimension, offering a bouquet of white flowers ranging from pommes, citrus and anise.  

Gasparini in stock now: 

Loredan Gasparini Asolo Prosecco Superiore DOCG, Veneto NV 750ML ($17.95) $14 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
James Suckling 92 points “[Reviewed Oct 2021] Lots of initial froth here, which takes a while to subside and allow the lovely lemon and lemon blossom aromas to rise out of the glass. There are hints of licoricy chalk here, too. On the rather dense palate, the chalk turns to fresh cream and the lemon is absorbed into the creamy mineral texture with enough fizz to keep the sparkle up. Lovely, enduring and creamy yet biting finish. This is very fine Prosecco. Drink now.”   
 

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German Riesling is probably the favorite wine category amongst the staff here at Vinopolis, and for good reason! You’d be hard pressed to find so many styles of wine in one place, with sparkling being the latest to make waves in the wine world! Sekt as it’s called in Germany has been around on the market for a while and has seen a quality revolution alongside the rest of the country’s production. Climate change has also been a notable influence as well with Germany experiencing some of the best yields and growing years ever recorded.

Selbach-Oster Sekt in stock now: 

Selbach-Oster Zeltinger Himmelreich Riesling Sekt Extra Trocken, Mosel 2018 750ML ($34.95) $28 special, 22 bottles in stock now
VinopolNote: Selbach-Oster is known as one of the best Riesling houses in the entire Mosel River Valley. Based in the Mittelmosel they estimate 55% of their grapevines are still ungrafted and entirely planted on mind-bendingly steep slopes. These factors converge with generations of winemaking talent to make some of the most compelling examples of Riesling in the world, be they sweet, dry or sparkling. Their Sekt is no exception, which undergoes champagne-style fermentation in the bottle as opposed to the more standard tank method. This creates a finer bubble, additional complexity and aging potential in the bottle, at half the price of what grower champagne is selling for these days!
 

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One of the most beloved producers amongst the staff, Stein makes incredible wines from abandoned vineyards in the Mosel River Valley. Among these sites, Dr. Stein discovered one of the oldest plantings of Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon in the entire valley and currently uses them as the backbone for his rose program. These are fascinating examples of terroir featuring the ethereal body, slatey minerality and exceptionally long finish of a classic Mosel wine re-interpreted through reds. If that’s not enough there’s even a sparkling version! Fermented in tank so as not to alter the flavors with autolysis, it’s almost too drinkable with notes of cherry juice, fresh cranberries, nasturtium, and rose water. There’s a definite Mosel character on the finish that’s reminiscent of wet river rock and mist, which makes it wholly unique in the literal sea of options on the market. 

Wein-Erbhof Stein Secco Sparkling Rose, Mosel 2020 750ML ($29.95) $26 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Importer note “Steep slate soils. Second fermentation in tank. Pinot Noir with approximately 20% Cabernet and Merlot, élevage all stainless.”
 

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Cesarini Sforza is no beginner operation either, having been founded in 1974 by Count Lamberto Cesarini Sforza of the Duchy of Milan. Working almost entirely with Chardonnay, all of their grapes are grown organically on the traditional pergola trellis. The combination of high altitude and multi-layered soils contribute a crisp and clean minerality in addition to alpine-esque aromatics. Aged for over two years on the lees prior to disgorgement you also get some autolytic notes of brioche and sweetbread dough that bring to mind Key lime pie. The rose presents additional flavors of orange peel, oregano, and cinnamon against green strawberry and white peach.  

Cesarini Sforza in stock now: 

Cesarini Sforza Spumante Metodo Classico Brut Trento doc Trentino-Alto Adige  NV 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Decanter 94 points “Impressive biscuity notes intertwined with lush ripe peaches and apples; smoky and toasty with a mouthwatering freshness and perfect acidity. Drinking Window 2020 – 2024.”
Eric Guido-Vinous 90 points “The NV Brut Metodo Classico wafts up with intensity, as savory spices and incense give way to dried flowers and apricot. This is round and soothing in feel, balancing a pretty inner sweetness with acidic tension. Mineral-tinged apples give way to enriching hints of hazelnut. It leaves the palate completely refreshed, tapering off with medium length. This non-vintage Trentodoc is a value in its category and a pleasure to taste.”
100% Chardonnay
 

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Cesarini Sforza Spumante Rose Brut Trentino-Alto Adige  NV 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 91 points “The NV Brut Rosé Metodo Classico is a pretty and vibrant shade of pink, with a bouquet of smoke and crushed stone that gives way to young peach and a spritz of lime. This fills the palate with silken bubbles and savory minerals which nicely contrast its mix of ripe strawberry and baked apple. It tapers off persistent, with a salty flourish and red inner florals that linger on. Nicely done.”      
 

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Mad for Musar:
Best in Bekka Valley

 

While the Mosel Valley absorbs the majority of press about German wine, the Rheingau was once the face of the entire country’s production! The topographic isolation provided by confluence of the Taunus Mountains and Rhine River creates an oasis for growing Riesling. In contrast to other growing regions that features a high percentage of slate, the Rheingau is characterized by high proportions of sandstone and quartzite, lending a crystallized pineapple and quince flavor to the finished wines. 

The Rheingau is synonymous with German wine history having their wine being first mentioned by writers from the Roman and Holy Roman Empire. Production hit a new scale with the arrival of the Benedictine and Cistercian monks, who found the hillside vineyards they planted beside their monasteries to produce exceptional wine. These events pale in comparison to the economic impact of a visit made by Queen Victoria herself on vacation, sparking a country-wide proclivity for German Riesling that catapulted their prices to above even Burgundy. If that wasn’t enough the Rheingau is also credited with inventing and implementing the the Prädikatswein system that is still in use today throughout Germany.  

Kunstler makes fabulous Rheingau Riesling of grace and openness that “are very pure, clean and precise, without tasting as though they’ve been sanitized and had the character stripped out of them. They are detailed and meticulous, but also delicious and satisfying,” to borrow more from Theise. Kunstler’s best wines reminds us of the days when ‘hock’ wine was prized above Bordeaux.

Kunstler wines arriving September 2022: 

Kunstler Hochheimer Holle Riesling Erste Lage, Rheingau 2020 750ML ($39.95) $33 pre-arrival special
 

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Weingut Kunstler Hochheimer Holle Riesling Grosses Gewächs Rheingau 2020 750ML ($69.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Stuart Pigott 98 points “The deep, peach and apricot nose leads you into this enormously concentrated yet graceful dry riesling that’s got the stature to stand next to almost any Grand Cru white Burgundy. Enormously long, beautifully balanced finish that pulls your hand magnetically back to the glass. Drink or hold.”
 

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Weingut Kunstler Hochheim Kirchenstuck Riesling Grosses Gewächs Rheingau 2020 750ML ($69.95) $59 pre-arrival special

Weingut Kunstler Kostheimer Weiss Erd Riesling Grosses Gewächs Rheingau 2020 750ML ($69.95) $49 pre-arrival special, 36+ bottles arriving 
Stuart Pigott 97 points “A masterpiece from an almost unknown vineyard site. The cool and deep nose pulls you into this very concentrated and supple dry riesling GG that has so much power, packed into a sleek silhouette. Long, silky and chalky finish. Drink or hold.”
 

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New Vintage of Roserock Chardonnay: 

 

Who’s to complain about more Drouhin wine from Oregon? Few winemakers possess the talent, experience, and intuition of Véronique Drouhin, be it State-side or in France. Domaine Drouhin’s latest acquisition, Roserock, gives Véro a chance to tease beauty out of Chardonnay (and Pinot Noir) from the Eola-Amity Hills AVA, whose volcanic soils nourish wines with typically-Oregonian depth. Unsurprisingly the latter AVA is one of the most in-demand around the world, especially as White Burgundy prices continue to climb. 

Roserock Chardonnay 2019 arriving April 5th, 2022

Roserock Chardonnay Eola-Amity Hills 2019 750ML ($39.95) $36 pre-arrival special
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 99 points “The 2019 Chardonnay from Domaine Drouhin Roserock is absolutely stunning, and I simply can’t put it down. It explodes with singular scents of fenugreek, sage and dried flowers streaked with graphite, and it glides across the palate like satin, an integrated tang drawing out lemongrass-like accents that add a touch of exoticism to this cuvée. It finishes with extraordinary length.”
 

 

Château de Vaudieu is one of Chateauneuf’s stars—one of the most exciting producers in the region who have a set of vineyards that are envy to the rest of the appellation. With bold fruit and rich, powerful textures, they’re not wines for the faint of heart, and they deliver outlandish quality for their price. The sapidity and character of the wines far exceed their price point especially when compared to their legendary neighbor, Chateau Rayas. 

Château de Vaudieu is owned and helmed by the dynamic Brechet family—the same clan that run Domaine de Bosquets, one of our best-selling Gigondas. This is a family hell-bent on quality and the pursuit of perfection. The family purchased Vaudieu in the 1950’s in a state of disrepair and has driven the historic Château to the prominence it held in the 18th and 19th centuries.

The estate sits on a confluence of soils and the myriad of terroirs yield exemplary complexity in the wines, which are made by the all-star team of Laurent Brechet and Philippe Cambie. The wines show Cambie’s trademark style, with big, opulent fruit and power to spare. This is one of the truly elite producers in all of the Southern Rhone and it’s always a treat to sell you these wines.

Vaudieu Wines in stock now:

Famille Brechet Chateau de Vaudieu Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rhone 2017 750ML ($49.95) $44.50 special, 27 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “Moving to the 2017s and starting with the base Châteauneuf Du Pape, it’s a blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah that was brought up mostly in demi-muids. Revealing a ruby/purple hue as well as notes of black raspberries, kirsch, garrigue, incense, and loamy soil and earth, this beauty hits the palate with beautiful depth of fruit, a layered, rounded, sexy texture, no hard edges, remarkable purity, and just tons of charm. Drink it any time over the coming decade or more.”
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 91-92 points “Deep red. Highly perfumed red berry and floral aromas are complemented by suggestions of cracked pepper and smoky minerals. Sweet and penetrating on the palate, offering ripe raspberry, cherry and floral pastille flavors braced by a core of juicy acidity. In a seamless, energetic style, displaying a smooth blend of richness and finesse and finishing gently sweet and impressively long, with even tannins and building spiciness.”
 

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Famille Brechet Chateau de Vaudieu Chateauneuf-du-Pape L’Avenue… Rhone 2016 750ML ($119.95) $89 special, 21 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 97+ points “The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape L’Avenue is all Grenache sourced from a single parcel near the estate and aged 18 months in demi-muids. This deeply colored beauty boasts a huge perfume of black raspberries, blackberries, dried flowers, bouquet garni, and sandy/loamy soil notes. With a powerful, concentrated, structured style, incredible purity of fruit, and tons of tannin on the finish, hide bottles for 3-5 years, count yourself lucky, and enjoy over the following decade or more.”
Wine Advocate 96 points “The 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape l’Avenue is entirely Grenache from the lieu-dit Vaudieu, aged in demi-muids. Loaded with black cherries, cedar and vanilla, it’s a full-bodied, plush sexpot of a wine. Velvety, intense, long and layered, this wine has it all. If only there were more than 350 cases of this elixir.”
Wine Spectator 96 points “Intense, with a gorgeous core of crushed plum, boysenberry and blackberry pâte de fruit flavors, inlaid liberally with fruit cake, licorice snap and graphite notes. Fruit pumps through the finish while a graphite edge lends support and a black tea hint checks in. Best from 2020 through 2040. 75 cases imported.”
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 95 points “Glistening ruby-red. Powerful red and blue fruit, floral pastille, exotic spice and incense aromas pick up a smoky mineral nuance as the wine stretches out. Fleshy and expansive in the mouth, offering spice- and smoke-inflected raspberry, boysenberry, lavender pastille and succulent herb flavors and a touch of candied licorice. Finishes seamless, sweet and impressively long, with an echo of juicy red fruit and delicate tannins that add discreet grip.”
 

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We carry a full assortment of Rhone reds, including Jaboulet, Delas and Saint Cosme!

 

The Taittinger Comtes de Champagne is a legendary bottling named after the royal counts who used to reside in the region. With only 17 iterations in it’s 69 year history since the first in 1952, this is one of the rarest of the Tete de Cuvees.

In the classic novel and subsequent film, From Russia with Love, James Bond famously says “I’ll take Taittinger blanc de blancs….. It is not well known, but it is the best Champagne in the world” when asked for his drink order. Representing the top selection from the Tattinger estate vineyards, it is entirely Chardonnay (the favorite grape of the house) and aged for a minimum of ten years before disgorgement. There is also a rose bottling largely comprised of Pinot Noir with a dash of Chardonnay as well, with the inclusion of 15% Pinot Noir added in for color and additional flavor. The Pinot Noir used is a mix of techniques including vinification as a red in addition to a Blanc de Noir style typically employed with non-rose offerings. 

Taittinger describes the house style as emphasizing “Lightness and natural, elegant wines expressive of their origin” with as little dosage added as possible to allow the fullest character of their fruit to come through in the finished product. The house has some of the largest estate holdings of grapevines in all of Champagne, the majority of them predominantly in the illustrious Cote Des Blancs.

2007 was the first vintage that saw the Tattinger family resuming complete control over the operations of the house after repurchasing controlling interest. The dominance of Chardonnay from the Cotes de Blancs combined with the extended time en tirage (on the lees) makes for an incredibly nuanced expression of the varietal, terroir and house. With a lean fruit profile, layers of tertiary character and an electrifying minerality; this is a liquid work of art.

Taittinger Comtes de Champagne in stock now:

Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut Champagne 2004 750ML ($349.95) $279 special, 29 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 96 points “I am thrilled with the way the 2004 Comtes de Champagne continues to evolve in bottle. A few years ago, the 2004 was quite focused and linear, in the style of the vintage, but more recently, the wine has begun to fill out beautifully. The 2004 remains bright, with a full range of citrus, white flower and mineral nuances that dance on the palate. A brisk, saline-infused finish rounds things out beautifully in a Comtes that impresses for its crystalline purity. I expect the 2004 will always remain a bit cool next to the more opulent 2002, but it is still drop-dead gorgeous.”
Decanter 96 points “It was a dry vintage up to August, which turned exceptionally wet and cool. September saved the vintage with the ideal weather conditions – low rainfall and cool nights. The graceful nose opens to white flowers, ripe apricot and citrus hints. It is tense and refined, with a vivid mineral core balanced by pristine acidity and some toasted notes on the finish. It’s not the most expressive today, but wait for it to awaken. This is built for cellaring. Drinking Window 2025 – 2040.”
Wine Spectator 96 points “A rich and enticing aroma of roasted hazelnut heralds this elegant blanc de blancs, with flavors of pastry, poached apple, crystallized honey and candied ginger riding the finely detailed mousse. This is a touch smoky, presenting a resonant minerality on the finish. Drink now through 2029. 500 cases imported. — AN”

Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Brut Rose Champagne 2007 750ML ($299.95) $239 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 97 points “The 2007 Comtes de Champagne Rosé is a total knock-out. Racy and exuberant in the glass, the 2007 wraps around the palate with stunning textural depth and resonance. The 15% still Pinot adds structure and persistence to a creamy, inviting Rosé Champagne that will leave readers weak at the knees. Hints of rose petal, dried cherry, cinnamon and dried flowers meld into the sublime finish. This is about as good as it gets. Wow!”
Decanter 97 points “The Comtes de Champagne Rosé is composed of 30% Chardonnay (Grands Crus from Côtes de Blancs), 70% Pinot Noir (Grands Crus from Montagne de Reims, including 15% Pinot Noir from Bouzy, vinified as red wine). It has strawberry, mint, rose petal and cherry notes on the exuberant nose. The palate is racy and creamy, very compact and fresh, with a delicate salty note on the finish.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 96 points “This bottle of Taittinger’s just-released 2007 Brut Comtes de Champagne Rosé was disgorged in December 2018, and it’s showing brilliantly, unfurling in the glass with a complex bouquet of blood orange, minty raspberries, red plums, dried flowers and warm brioche. On the palate, it’s medium to full-bodied, chalky and tensile, sharing a racy, chiseled profile with its Blanc de Blancs cousin. Deep, concentrated and tightly wound, the wine concludes with a long, sapid finish. This is an intense, racy Comtes Rosé with a long future ahead of it. As has been the norm chez Taittinger for several years now, the blend is based upon 70% Pinot Noir and includes 15% still red wine from Bouzy.”
Wine Spectator 96 points “This harmonious rosé Champagne offers quiet grace, with a pleasing juiciness to the sleek acidity, framing finely knit flavors of raspberry, peach, brioche and candied pink grapefruit zest. Showing a raw silk–like texture, this caresses the palate through to the fresh, ginger-laced finish. Drink now through 2027. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 550 cases imported. — AN”

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 in stock now:

Contrade Di Taurasi Cantine Lonardo Aglianico Rosso Irpinia Campania 2016 750ML ($27.95) $24 special, 27 bottles in stock now
Case-12 Contrade di Taurasi Cantine Lonardo Aglianico Rosso Irpinia Campania 2016 750ML ($319.95) $259 special, 27 bottles in stock now
Ian D’agata-Vinous 92 points “Deep ruby. Lively aromas of red fruits, minerals and herbs. Juicy and fruity in the mouth, showing hazelnutty nuances to the red fruit flavors. Finishes with good acid-fruit balance and nice tannins. A lovely wine that will age well, but provides irresistible drinking right now.”
 

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Contrade Di Taurasi Cantine Lonardo Coste Taurasi DOCG 2011 750ML ($89.95) $69 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Ian D’agata-Vinous 94+ points “Deep ruby. Floral nuances complicate the red and dark berry, ink, sweet spice and flinty aromas and flavors. Dense and seamless, showing a multilayered personality and remarkable complexity of flavor. Finishes very long and with repeating, lingering hints of ink and flint.”
 

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Contrade Di Taurasi Cantine Lonardo Vigne d’Alto Taurasi DOCG 2011 750ML ($89.95) $69 special, 18 bottles in stock now
Ian D’agata-Vinous 94+ points “Deep ruby with a purple tinge. Reticent nose at first, only hinting at dark cherry, sassafras and sandalwood. Then very concentrated and dense, displaying almost opulent, sweet nuances of oaky torrefaction to the coffee, cocoa and dark cherry flavors. This outstanding Taurasi finishes extremely long, rich and seamless. It’s virtually impossible to pick between Lonardo’s two crus in 2011, and both will have many admirers.”
 

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We carry an assortment of Italian wines from throughout the country, available both online and in store!

 

Suzanne:

When I first joined the shop, Jeffrey from Patricia Green would stop by every so often to pour from the extensive line up and watch attentively as we plowed through. I never felt the speedy swirl, sip, and spit tastings did much justice to the extensive lineup, but they were still profound, distinctive, and full of depth. Needless to say, we’ve stocked dozens of wines over the years. Since Patricia Green’s passing, Jim Andersen has helmed the winery with aplomb. He’s a passionate individual and quick to comment on Wine Berserkers if you’re looking for witty insider insight on the state of Oregon wines. We’ve picked up some of the new releases from the beautiful and poised 2019 vintage. They’re an energetic lot and one that we think will surprise and delight from the cellar for years to come.

In Stock Now from Patricia Green:

This is one of the largest and oldest vineyards in Oregon from which many great producers have crafted excellent wines. PGC works with about nine acres, allowing them to craft single-block and single-clone expressions, including the Wadensvil below.
Patricia Green Cellars Freedom Hill Vineyard Wadensvil Clone Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2019 750ML ($44.95) $37 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 95 points “Glistening ruby-red. Assertive, mineral-accented red berries, baking spices, cola and candied flowers on the seductively perfumed nose. Sappy, alluringly sweet and focused on the palate, offering juicy cherry, black raspberry, allspice and mocha flavors that flesh out slowly through the back half. Sharply focused and seamless in texture, finishing with impressive power, a resonating red fruit note and smooth, well-judged tannins. All de-stemmed fruit.”
 

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $41

This Ribbon Ridge property is neighbors to Beaux Freres and Whistling Ridge. First planted nearly 40 years ago on Wellsford soil (marine sedimentary) it now is composed of numerous blocks along its 360 degree planting.
Patricia Green Cellars Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2019 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 93 points “Glistening ruby-red. Fresh red and blue fruit, baking spice and potpourri scents, along with a smoky mineral topnote. Sweet and expansive in the mouth, displaying boysenberry, kirsch, savory herb and exotic spice flavors that slowly firm up on the back half. Shows youthfully intense, fruity character and spicy lift on the persistent finish, which is framed by velvety tannins and leaves suave floral and blue fruit notes behind. 100% Pommard clone; all de-stemmed fruit and 4% new French oak.”
 

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

This is one of the largest and oldest vineyards in Oregon from which many great producers have crafted excellent wines. PGC works with about nine acres, allowing them to craft single-block and single-clone expressions, including the Wadensvil below.
Patricia Green Cellars Freedom Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2019 750ML ($36.95) $33 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds 93 points “Deep, brilliant red. Spice-accented raspberry, boysenberry and candied rose aromas are complicated by suggestions of star anise and incense. Silky, sweet and fleshy in the mouth, offering plush red and blue fruit preserve and exotic spice flavors that pick up floral pastille and botanical herb nuances as the wine opens up. Round, even tannins add shape to a long, supple finish that leaves behind sappy red berry liqueur, floral and spice notes. 5% new French oak.”

Patricia Green Cellars Lia’s Vineyard Pinot Noir, Chehalem Mountains 2019 750ML ($34.95) $30.90 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94 points “Vivid red. Spice-accented raspberry and cherry on the highly fragrant nose, along with hints of incense and baking spices. Silky and focused on the palate, offering vibrant red fruit and floral pastille flavors that deepen as the wine opens up. Fine-grained tannins frame a very long, spicy finish that shows repeating red fruit character and building florality. 15% new French oak.”
 

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $34

Patricia Green Cellars Volcanic Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2019 750ML ($41.95) $37 special, 9 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 93 points “Bright ruby-red. Assertively perfumed aromas of fresh red fruits, cola, candied flowers and baking spices show fine clarity and minerally lift. Sweet and precise on the palate, offering juicy raspberry, cherry and spicecake flavors that deepen as the wine opens up. Closes long and smooth, with rounded tannins framing a resonating red fruit note. No new oak.”
Winery note “This wine has a dynamic set of vineyards that make it up. What comes forth is pure Dundee Hills goodness. Red fruits and spices combine on an incredible textural lattice making this wine both edu-mah-cational and very difficult to not find appealing. Come for the geology, stay for the incredible taste.”
 

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $41

This is one of the estate vineyards for Flaneur whose winemaker, Grant Coulter, is an alumni of Beaux Freres and also makes wine under his Hundred Suns label. It’s a beautiful site with great potential, evident in this bottling and the Flaneur line up.
Patricia Green Cellars La Belle Promenade Pinot Noir, Chehalem Mountains 2019 750ML ($41.95) $37 special, 9 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94 points “Shimmering ruby-red. A hugely perfumed bouquet evokes raspberry, cherry and boysenberry preserves, overlain with building floral and baking spice notes. Shows very good depth as well as energy to the sweet red and blue fruit, candied rose and cola flavors, which betray no rough edges. Melds richness and finesse with a sure hand and finishes on a repeating floral note, with wonderful persistence and rounded tannins adding subtle grip. 8% new French oak.”
 

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Patricia Green “Helen Dusschee” Tempranillo Rosé Freedom Hill Vineyard, Willamette Valley 2021 750ML ($33.95) $29 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Winery note “Years ago we committed to NOT making rosé because we liked drinking it too much to get into the business of crafting it. That was largely in part because of our belief that rosé should be made from red grapes that have more inherent muscularity than Pinot Noir and being up here in the Northern Willamette Valley means that access to grapes such as Mourvedre, Grenache, Carignan or Tempranillo was incredibly limited to non-existent. Little did we know that lurking within Freedom Hill Vineyard was a block of Tempranillo that they had planted in 2012 at the behest of another winery that has since left the scene.  This was picked while there were still berries that had not changed color on the cluster and accordingly this was picked at 20.3 brix (thus the 12.5% alcohol) and a TA of 7.2 which gives the wine its bright, lifted character. These gangly clusters were lightly whole-bunch pressed and racked a few times off the lees before permanently residing in a stainless steel tank for about six months before being bottled before finishing malolactic fermentation. This wine is bone-dry with plenty of acidity!”
 

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Browse our incredible selection of in-stock wines from Oregon from producers such as Bergstrom, Ayoub, Eyrie, and Cristom on our web store now! 
 

 

Tenuta Arcenos Top Tier:
Arcanum 
 

Are you familiar with Tenuta Arceno? In addition to their olive oil and Chianti Classico production, they make some of the best Bordeaux Blends in Tuscany at a variety of price points. While Tuscany is famous for her blends of the indigenous Sangiovese grape and Bordeaux varietals more commonly known as “Super Tuscans”, there have been Bordeaux blends utilized since the 14th century!
  
The combination of rich soil, high elevation and generous Tuscan weather creates a level of ripeness that is almost Napa Valley-esque but with the quintessential Italian rusticity and character. The Tuscan character especially manifests after extensive bottle age, with the house intentionally withholding a portion of every vintage for later release as a library wine. 

Tenuta Arceno Wines in stock now: 

Tenuta di Arceno Arcanum Toscana IGT Tuscany 2015 750ML ($79.95) $69 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Tenuta di Arceno Arcanum Toscana IGT Tuscany 2015 750ML ($479.95) $399 special, (That’s $66.50 per bottle!) 
Monica Larner – Wine Advocate 97 points “It would be impossible to exaggerate the grandeur and majesty of the overachieving 2015 Arcanum. The blend is 74% Cabernet Franc, 10% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Petit Verdot. This full-bodied wine is mostly defined by its texture that is exceedingly rich and smooth with significant infusions of blackberry, plum, spice, tobacco and cured leather. The wine achieves beautiful balance, yet it remains intense and powerful all the while.”

Tenuta di Arceno Arcanum Toscana IGT Tuscany 2008 750ML ($99.95) $79 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Tenuta di Arceno Arcanum Toscana IGT Tuscany 2008 750ML ($599.95) $449 special, (That’s $74.83 per bottle!) 
Monica Larner – Wine Advocate 96 points “The 2008 Arcanum is a monumental achievement and my favorite wine in an already impossibly impressive collection. The blend sees Cabernet Franc (77%), Merlot and a very small part of Cabernet Sauvignon. Like many Tuscany growers, Tenuta di Arceno is betting on Cabernet Franc’s performance in the warmer corners of Tuscany. The integration here is absolutely beautiful and the wine glides smoothly over the palate with the perfect balance of extraction, glycerin, residual sugar and acidity. The aromas span the spectrum, from bright cherry to dark chocolate. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2030.”
 

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Arcanum ‘Valadorna’ Toscana IGT Tuscany 2015 750ML ($79.95) $49 special, only 2 bottles left in stock now 
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95+ points “The 2015 Valadorna (65% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot) is a dark and thickly endowed red wine that boasts a rich and lasting grip on the palate. The bouquet offers depth and complexity with dark fruit, leather, cured tobacco and spice. There are also softer notes of chocolate and ground espresso beans. The wine’s seamless integration of flavors leads to increased momentum and intensity as the wine continues to open in the glass.”

 

Port is ubiquitous in the world of wine, having been a staple in every cellar since its inception in the 17th century. Not only delicious but also one of the most ageworthy and collectible wine styles in the world, port is a mainstay on auction blocks around the world from New York to Hong Kong. Unlike other ports which are multiple vintages blended together to make the various bottlings like ruby or tawny, Vintage Ports are coming from a handful of the best barrels from a singular harvest. Statistically speaking less than 2% of port is ever bottled as a vintage offering, making them some of the scarcest wines in the world.   

No small feats given the unprecedented string of declared vintages especially in recent years, these three are considered the apex of power and elegance. In order for a vintage to be declared it must pass three different evaluations beginning with the individual houses. The next step involves a vote amongst the houses to determine if there’s consensus to declare a vintage. Finally, the houses must submit examples of their vintage to the Institute of Douro and Porto Wines for a tasting evaluation before being allowed to bring the wine to market. 

Perfect gifts, cellar gems or meal accompaniments for now and years to come you should be running to this offer. Even rarer than a vintage offering is a vintage quinta, or single vineyard vintage port. Representing the “Soul” of a Port House, Vintage Quinta Ports are assembled from the oldest blocks of their best vineyards (With the average age often being over a century old!)  

Ports in stock now: 

Kopke Quinta Sao Luiz Vintage Port Portugal 2019 750ML ($89.95) $79 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 94 points “This has some flash, with bright cassis, plum and boysenberry purée flavors that have a nice, caressing feel. Loads of anise, red tea, fruitcake and melted licorice notes entwine themselves to the fruit, leading to a seductive finish. Best from 2040 through 2060. 350 cases made, 10 cases imported. — JM”
    

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Churchill’s Vintage Port Portugal 2003 750ML ($89.95) $69 special, 17 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 92 points “An impressive, finely tannic Port with solid, ripe fruits and great black jelly and fig flavors. -Roger Voss”
 

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W & J Graham’s Vintage Port Portugal 2017 750ML ($119.95) $99 special, 9 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 99 points “Extremely complex aromas that show the classic Graham character of black-fruit marmalade and burnt oranges. Follows through to a full body with great grip at the finish. Lightly sweet. Chewy and powerful. Such a focus at the end.”
Wine Spectator 98 points “This offers a distilled plum and boysenberry essence, with a racy feel, as spearmint and graphite notes drive through. As the finish kicks in, this turns toward the dark side, with ganache, charcoal and tar elements. Has the showy ripeness of the vintage but is backed by a decidedly dry feel on the finish, imparting a sense of precision despite the heft. Best from 2030 through 2055.”
 

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Other Ports in stock now:  

Fonseca Vintage Port Portugal 1985 750ML ($149.95) $119 special, 23 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 95 points “A hard, take-no-prisoners Port, extremely powerful and still closed when last tasted. Deep inky color, with concentrated blackberry and raisin aromas, full-bodied, with massive raisin flavors, a superb backbone and a very long finish.”

Dow’s Vintage Port Portugal 2016 750ML ($119.95) $99 special, 16 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 98 points “This packs a lot of fun, with a wallop of blackberry, fig, boysenberry and açai berry compote flavors working together, laced with a mouthwatering licorice snap note and driven by a fresh, well-detailed finish. A roasted apple wood accent is integrated as well, lending textural contrast through the vivacious finish. Best from 2030 through 2055.”
Wine Enthusiast 97 points “Very floral, intense and ripe, this is a wine that is based around big black fruits as well as fine acidity. It is obviously destined for long aging with its powerful dry tannins and perfumed acidity. Drink this wine from 2028.”

Dow’s Vintage Port Portugal 2017 750ML ($119.95) $99 special, 8 bottles in stock now
Dow’s Vintage Port Portugal 2017 375ML ($69.95) $59 special, 22 half-bottles in stock now
Neal Martin-Vinous 98 points “The 2017 Dow’s Vintage Port showed a slight reduction and required more time to really open in the glass. Typical of Dow’s it has a more backward and introspective bouquet compared to its peers, scents of blackberry, clove, wild mint, cassis and vanilla, gradually gaining more intensity with aeration. The palate is simply glorious. It is built around a compelling tannic frame that seems finer than any Dow’s I have encountered apart from the ethereal 2011. There is so much energy coiled up in this Port, a sense of symmetry that is enthralling and yet you just know that it needs to be cellared for 15-20 years for it to reveal its full potential. For serious Port-lovers. One of the vintages most cerebral offerings. Total production is 5,250 cases.”
James Suckling 98 points “Pure grape aromas that remind me of fermenting must but then goes to stems and dried flowers. Full-bodied, medium sweet with fine-grained tannins that coat your palate. Powerful and muscular yet remains agile and beautiful. Grows on your palate. Wonderful ripe fruit in the middle palate. Try after 2030.”
Decanter 97 points “Based on fruit from the predominantly south-facing Quinta do Bomfim in the Cima Corgo and Quinta Senhora da Ribeira in the Douro Superior, with Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca making up 80% of the blend. This is opaque and closed in but powerfully ripe with underlying pure berry fruit. It’s seemingly quite introverted compared to some of its peers at this stage, but it’s still full, rich and opulent on the palate. It also shows the latent power of the vintage, made as it is in a slightly drier style (3.4 Baumé), with lovely minty fruit and full, ripe sinewy tannins all the way through the finish. Long and lithe, and very fine.”
Jancis Robinson 18/20 points “Black core with purple rim. Very different from the Stone Terraces just tasted, sweet and somehow more lifted as if more volatile. Hedgerow fruits on the nose, floral too, and again that real sweetness of fruit on the palate. Intense, firmly built but very generous in its sweet fruit character even if not analytically sweeter. Fine-grained but still grainy tannins with some hints of dried fruits on the finish. When I tasted this a second time on a different occasion, it seemed much fresher and more vibrant so I increased my score and lengthened the drinking window