Category Archives: Newsletter Archive

Monday Newsletter 1-24-2022

In This Newsletter:

ArPePe & Isole e Olena Land Early!

New Arrivals from Jean Foillard

New Week – New Arrivals:
Alsatian Wines from Agape & Furlotti Malbec

New Arrivals from Donnhoff

Markus Molitor Three Day Sale!

Collector’s Corner:
Sir Winston Churchill
Arriving Friday

ArPePe & Isole e Olena Land Early!

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. 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.

Newly Arrived from ArPePe:

ArPePe 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”

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

ArPePe Sesto Canto Riserva Valtellina Superiore Inferno DOCG 2013 750ML ($119.95) $99 special, 18 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”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

ArPePe Nuova Regina Riserva Valtellina Superiore Sassella DOCG 2013 750ML ($119.95) $99 special, 24 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.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
The average price nationally is $111

ArPePe ‘Il Pettirosso’ Valtellina Superiore DOCG 2016 750ML ($54.95) $45 special, 18 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”

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

ArPePe Grumello Rocca de Piro Riserva Valtellina Superiore Grumello DOCG 2015 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 21 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”

ArPePe Rosso di Valtellina Lombardy 2019 750ML ($44.95) $36 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 ArPePe Rosso di Valtellina Lombardy 2019 750ML ($269.95) $199 special (that’s only $33.17/bottle!)
Wine Enthusiast 93 points “Showing the youthful side of Nebbiolo, this fantastic red from the mountains opens with heady scents of fragrant blue flower, ripe wild berry and camphor. Lithe and bright, the vibrant, delicious palate offers pristine fruit sensations of juicy red cherry, ripe strawberry and baking spice alongside glossy tannins and fresh acidity. A salty mineral note lingers on the close. Enjoy through 2024. -Kerin O’Keefe”

ArPePe Stella Retica Riserva Valtellina Superiore Sassella DOCG 2015 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 18 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 94 points “From Sassella, one of the most celebrated villages in the greater Valtellina appellation on the northern bank of the Adda River, this is the quintessential mountain Nebbiolo. Named for the “star of the Rhaetian Alps,” the Ar. Pe. Pe. 2015 Valtellina Superiore Nebbiolo Sassella Stella Retica opens slowly to reveal wild berry, cassis, smoke, tar and crushed granite. The wine is gentle and polished, wrapping smoothly over the senses. It has has ample time to soften in the bottle and is drinking beautifully right now with some Alpine cheese wedges. Some 42,000 bottles were made.”
Wine Enthusiast 93 points “Woodland berry, camphor, wild rose and wet stone aromas shape the nose. The chiseled palate delivers red cherry, cranberry, Alpine herb and star anise set against taut, ultrafine tannins. Fresh acidity keeps it balanced. Drink 2022–2030. -Kerin O’Keefe”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
The average price nationally is $57

Isole e Olena

No winery symbolizes the modern quality of Tuscany like Isole e Olena. Since the arrival of Paolo de Marchi in 1976, Isole e Olena has been a quality leader in the region. Stylistically, Isole e Olena occupies a place that is at once traditional and modern. Their flagship Cepparello is firmly rooted in the primacy of Sangiovese and the idea of Tuscan typicity. Elegance wedded to power, this shows the nuance and bright fruit you’d expect from a classic wine of the region combined with the density and complexity of top tier, noble wines.

Newly Arrived from Isole e Olena:

Isole e Olena Collezione Privata Chardonnay Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2019 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 22 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2019 Chardonnay Collezione Privata is a real achievement, especially in its natural ability to showcase varietal purity and textural importance in equal measure. The wine is fermented in oak and spends some time on the fine lees with frequent stirring. Aromas of poached pear, honey and stone fruit segue to a glossy note of latex or natural rubber that I personally find very attractive. The bouquet shows very light toast with some sweet nuttiness and almond paste. Drying mineral tones add a touch of linearity and extra elegance on the close.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average listed price is $56

Isole e Olena Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany 2018 750ML ($29.95) $24 special, 25 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 91 points “With 114,000 bottles produced, this is a terrific value buy from one of the best performing estates in the appellation. The 2018 Chianti Classico is made with 82% Sangiovese that has been blended with 15% Canaiolo and 3% Syrah from a mix of sandstone, galestro and alberese soils. The wine is fresh and fruit forward with bright berry aromas over easy spice and smoky tar.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Isole e Olena Cepparello Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2018 750ML ($99.95) $89 special, 21 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 96 points “A pure expression of Sangiovese, the 2018 Cepparello is a beautiful expression that speaks to the classic and most exemplary side of this versatile and deeply expressive grape. This vintage is especially bright and ethereal with a true sense of luminosity and clarity that radiates from both the wine’s appearance and its fragrant bouquet. Tart cherry and cassis segue to balsam herb and wild violets. To the palate, the wine shows muscle and determination with sweet tannins and impressive depth of favor. Cepparello remains true to its unique identity in this vintage.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
The average price nationally is $99

New Arrivals from 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.

Newly Arrived & In Stock Now from Jean Foillard:

Domaine Jean Foillard Beaujolais-Villages 2019 750ML ($34.95) $24 special, 15 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92 points “Brilliant violet. Incisive, mineral-accented cherry and black raspberry aromas are complemented by suggestions of pungent flowers and allspice. Sappy and focused on the palate, offering bitter cherry and dark berry flavors that deepen slowly and become sweeter with air. The mineral note repeats on a very long, smooth finish shaped by fine-grained, even tannins.”

Domaine Jean Foillard Fleurie, Beaujolais 2019 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Domaine Jean Foillard Fleurie, Beaujolais 2019 1.5L ($139.95) $119 special, 1 magnum 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.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today for the magnum!
The next best price is $139

Domaine Jean Foillard Morgon Cuvee Corcelette, Beaujolais 2019 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 18 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 2019 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 18 bottles in stock now
Domaine Jean Foillard Morgon Cote du Py, Beaujolais 2019 1.5L ($119.95) $99 special, 6 magnums 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.”

Arriving Late January from Jean Foillard:

Domaine Jean Foillard Morgon Les Charmes Eponym, Beaujolais 2019 750ML ($57.95) $46 pre-arrival special
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 Morgon, Beaujolais 2019 750ML ($34.95) $28 pre-arrival special
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 Cote du Py, Beaujolais 2017 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
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.”

Shop our incredible selection of Beaujolais on our web store now from producers such as Domaine de Vissoux, Anne-Sophie Dubois, Daniel Bouland and more!

New Week – New Arrivals

France – Alsace

“Domaine Agape was founded a decade ago by fourth-generation Alsatian winemaker Vincent Sipp. The domaine comprises approximately 10 hectares spread across some of Alsace’s top vineyard sites, including over three hectares of grand crus. Sipp’s winemaking philosophy emphasizes sustainable, organic methods in the vineyard and true expression of Alsace’s native varietals, with the entire domaine converting to Bio-Organic methods in 2017. All of Domaine Agape’s wines are made from estate-grown grapes and are authentic representations of Alsace’s varied terroirs.” -Importer note

Domaine l’Agape Emotion Cremant d’Alsace NV 750ML ($24.95) $19 special, more stock arrived!
Wine Enthusiast 92 points “Wet chalk, tender apple and lot of lemon freshness appear on the nose of this wine. These notions are bound up on the palate in a mellow creaminess. It’s understated and elegant, with lots of fine fruit. The finish is dry and very moreish in its rounded way. -Anne Krebiehl MW”
Importer note “Domaine Agape was founded a decade ago by fourth-generation Alsatian winemaker Vincent Sipp. The domaine comprises approximately 10 hectares spread across some of Alsace’s top vineyard sites, including over three hectares of grand crus. Sipp’s winemaking philosophy emphasizes sustainable, organic methods in the vineyard and true expression of Alsace’s native varietals, with the entire domaine converting to Bio-Organic methods in 2017. All of Domaine Agape’s wines are made from estate-grown grapes and are authentic representations of Alsace’s varied terroirs.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Domaine l’Agape Expression Pinot Gris, Alsace 2018 750ML ($24.95) $19.90 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Importer note “Produced from owned plots in Riquewhir dominated by granite soils. The vines vary from 15-33 years old. Aged in large wood barrels to allow for aeration. This rich and honeyed, barely off-dry Pinot Gris is draws the very best out of this grape. Apricot notes and orange peel combine with earth and spices. (normally 50% stainless, 50% wood). Approx 500 cases produced annually.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Domaine l’Agape Expression Riesling, Alsace 2018 750ML ($24.95) $19.90 special, 36 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 90 points “The reine-claude plum and mirabelle aromas pull you into this charming, light and bright Alsace dry riesling that’s so refreshing and has the balance to be an all-rounder with lighter dishes. Drink now.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Argentina

Familia Furlotti Malbec, Mendoza 2017 750ML ($19.95) $17.50 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Familia Furlotti Malbec, Mendoza 2017 2017 750ML ($219.95) $189 special (that’s only $15.75/bottle!) **In-store pick up only, shipping not available on the case discount
James Suckling 92 points “Plum, dried blueberry, sandalwood and walnut husk on the nose. Some nutmeg and tar. It’s medium-bodied with rounded tannins and a soft, silky finish. Turns slightly chewy at the end. Drinkable now but better in a year or two.”
Joaquin Hidalgo-Vinous 91 points “The 2017 Malbec Familia Furlotti is a blend of grapes from Lunlunta, Maipú and Paraje Altamira, Uco Valley. This wine was 30% aged in used French barrels for eight months. Purplish-red in the glass. An accomplished Mendoza Malbec, it has a subtle, fruity nose of fresh plum, fragrant violets and notes from the aging process along with a hint of white pepper. Broad and juicy in the mouth with tannins that gently enhance the volume, this is an easy-drinking, flavorful wine.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

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New Arrivals from Donnhoff

Weingut Donnhoff Norheimer Dellchen Riesling Grosses Gewächs, Nahe 2020 750ML ($99.95) $85 special, 4 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 99 points “Such a wide spectrum of super fine yellow-fruit aromas and a floral note that you struggle to take it in all at once. So sensual and silky that descriptors like “full” and “light” become redundant. Then the finish literally takes your breath and leaves you breathless for a long time. From organically grown grapes with Fair’n Green certification. Drink or hold.”
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 96 points “From slate and porphyry soils, the Norheim 2020 Dellchen Riesling GG is clear, pure, fresh and flinty on the nose that reveals a ripe and concentrated seed-fruit aroma. Full-bodied, intense and salty on the palate, this is a pure, rich, elegant and powerful but refined Dellchen with a long, intense and sustainable finish. A great wine that just needs some years to shine in full brightness. 13% alcohol. Tasted at the domain in July 2021.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
The average price nationally is $95

Weingut Donnhoff Felsenberg Riesling Grosses Gewächs, Nahe 2020 750ML ($89.95) $69 special, 8 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 98 points “If you are a terroir fundamentalist, then this enormous depth of smoky and wild-herb character will light your fire, but otherwise approach with caution. With the second and third sip you feel the attractive, grapefruity side of the wine. Then comes the paradox. There is also a touch of grapefruit-pith bitterness at the radically mineral finish, and this adds to the excitement. From organically grown grapes with Fair’n Green certification. Drink or hold.”
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2020 Felsenberg GG is deep, intense and complex on the pure and elegant, well-defined and slightly flinty nose. Pure, intense and juicy on the palate, this is a crystalline, refined and salty Felsenberg with great terroir expression and length, even though the wine is still puristic or even ascetic in the finish. Not as charmingly fruity as Crusius’s interpretation but with the same length and tension. 13% alcohol. Tasted at the domain in July 2021 and again six weeks later in Wiesbaden during the GG tastings.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
The average price nationally is $80

Weingut Donnhoff Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Grosses Gewächs, Nahe 2020 750ML ($119.95) $99 special, 17 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 100 points “The greatest wines are clear right from the very beginning, because not only is there a super abundance of perfect ripeness, but everything fits so beautifully that you’re instantly captivated. That’s exactly the way this dry riesling masterpiece is. The most ravishing, peachy fruit and the most perfect balance. Then comes the totally compelling, salty finish that just doesn’t want to stop. From organically grown grapes with Fair’n Green certification. Drink or hold.”
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 97 points “The Niederhäuser 2020 Hermannshöhle Riesling GG opens with a pure and fascinating mix of melting or crushed slate and ripe, concentrated white fruits. Vital and fresh on the palate, this is a racy, piquant and tensioned, almost irritatingly nervous but terroir-driven Riesling with stimulating salinity and a crystalline, very pure and challenging structure. 13% alcohol. Tasted at the domain in July 2021.”

Weingut Donnhoff Kreuznacher Kahlenberg Riesling Trocken, Nahe 2020 750ML ($44.95) $36 special, 4 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 94 points “This is the right wine for anyone who thinks that dry riesling is always austere, Very generous and juicy with chalky character that neatly counterpoints the full, citrusy fruit. Long finish that’s stony, but far from tart. From organically grown grapes with Fair’n Green certification. Drink or hold.”
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2020 Kreuznacher Kahlenberg Riesling trocken is from a steep vineyard on loess-loam soils with gravel and quartzite. Pure and fresh yet also fruity on the nose, with dusty lemon and wet earth and stone aromas, this is a medium-bodied, round and piquant dry Riesling with juicy fruit, fine grip, fine tannins and grapefruit bitters on the finish. 12.5% alcohol. Tasted at the domain in July 2021.”

Shop our complete selection of Donnhoff wines on our web store now!

Markus Molitor Three Day Sale!

Extravagance & Elegance from the Mosel

There may be no more ambitious winemaker in the world than Markus Molitor. His determination and drive to make the best possible wines has made him a towering figure in the Mosel, with an impressive, modern winery and holdings in almost every important vineyard in the region. This drive also means there are a lot of different bottlings—Molitor believes that every single sub-parcel and selective pick should be vinified to its utmost potential.

Most winemakers would pick a vineyard once or twice and vinify the lots together—it’s easier and the wines are good. Molitor, though, asks what each parcel and pick would be like on its own—treated as if it were a wine of distinction rather than a blending component. This is a lot of extra work and requires time and space that most winemakers would rather not spend, but the result is a dizzying number of bottlings that all strive toward perfection.

The critical praise backs this up— Markus Molitor’s wines are some of the most celebrated in the world. We have a dazzling selection of Markus Molitor’s wines in stock, and are eager to share them with you. Whether white capsule (dry), green capsule (off-dry), or gold capsule (fruity to nobly sweet), you can’t really go wrong with any of the numerous bottlings. So pick your favorite style and discover for yourself why we insist on carrying so many of these brilliant wines, with select bottlings on sale until Wednesday evening!

In Stock and On Sale Now:

Markus Molitor Erdener Treppchen Riesling Beerenauslese, Mosel 2017 375ML ($99.95) Was $89, Now $79 special, 15 half-bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 99 points “The 2017 Riesling Erdener Treppchen Beerenauslese shows a beautiful nose of white and juicy peaches intermixed with a delicate and crunchy slate aroma. What precision, finesse and purity here! The palate is correspondingly lush, highly refined and endlessly salty, with tickling crystalline acidity. A fabulous, precise and weightless Beerenauslese of great class and style. Tasted at the domain in April 2019.”
Mosel Fine Wines 97 points “The 2017er Erdener Treppchen Beerenauslese (Golden Capsule) offers a gorgeous nose of strawberry, coconut cream, almond paste and earthy elements. The wine is comparatively slender on the delicately oily palate but leaves a stunning feel of almond, grapefruit and ripe pear in the precise and pure finish. The whole thing finishes on the powerful side but everything is focused and superbly precise. This is a stunning BA in the making. 2027-2057.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Markus Molitor Graacher Domprobst Riesling Kabinett Trocken (White Capsule), Mosel 2018 750ML ($34.95) Was $26, Now $21.90 special, 21 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 90 points “The 2018 Riesling Graacher Domprobst Kabinett (White Capsule) is deep and flinty on the terroir-driven, dark and smoky nose. Full, round and juicy on the palate, this is a rich yet pure and slatey Domprobst with crunchy grip and fruity intensity. Tasted at the domain in September 2020.”
Decanter 90 points “South-southwest-facing steepness defines the Domprobst, as does some water-holding clay in the Devonian slate. An exquisitely aromatic nose combines ripe Amalfi lemon and Granny Smith with a floral notion of white summer blossom. The nose alone delivers refreshment. The palate bursts with the same fresh, pristine but notably ripe fruit. This is a mellow Kabinett with bright but tame acidity, not typical maybe, but nonetheless compelling. The finish is dry and beautifully stony.”
Mosel Fine Wines 90 points “The 2018er Graacher Domprobst Riesling Kabinett (White Capsule) offers a delicate nose of vineyard peach, tangerine, smoke, almond cream, and spices. The wine is nicely dynamic and fresh on the creamy and juicy palate and leaves a superbly light and elegant feel in the fully dry finish. 2022-2033”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Markus Molitor Graacher Domprobst Riesling Spatlese Trocken (White Capsule), Mosel 2018 750ML ($37.95) Was $31.90, Now $28 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Decanter 94 points “Here, the first notion is not of fruit but of slate. That lovely, reduced, stony precision that could not hail from anywhere else in the world. Bit by bit apple starts shining through and takes over with bright, apple-scented, citrus-edged luminosity. This sits at a most lovely junction of ripeness where fully ripe fruit was captured at just the right moment, so it brings vivid but ripe freshness that strikes a natural, unforced beautiful balance. Texture, concentration and that tangy slateyness combine to make this irresistible. Long citrus finish.”
Stephen Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2018 Riesling Graacher Domprobst Spätlese (White Capsule) offers a concentrated, very intense and flinty bouquet. Crystalline and round on the palate, this is a full-bodied, dense and juicy, intense yet not really dry Spätlese with elegance and a nervy mineral acidity. Tasted at the domain in September 2020.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Markus Molitor Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Spatlese Feinherb (Green Capsule), Mosel 2018 750ML ($44.95) Was $33, Now $29 special, 21 bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott-Jamessuckling 95 points “The stunning aromas of cassis, fresh garden herbs and Amalfi lemons make this a very expressive, mid-weight wine that’s barely off-dry and extremely food-friendly. Great interplay of tannins, minerals and live-wire acidity at the very long finish. Drink or hold.”
Stephen Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2018 Riesling Graacher Himmelreich Spätlese (Green Capsule) is crystalline on the coolish, pure and refreshing nose with its white fruit and crunchy slate aromas. Crystalline and piquant on the palate, this is an intense and round yet finessed and elegant Himmelreich with perfectly ripe and juicy fruit, delicate slate grip and tension on the finish. This is a classic with juicy-refined Riesling fruit. Bottled with AP number 13 19. Tasted at the domain in September 2020.” [AP number may vary from review]
David Schildknecht-Vinous 92 points “Golden Delicious apple mingles with lime and grapefruit on the nose, while on the polished, silken, buoyant palate, brightness of citrus takes the lead. Bruised apple skin and citrus peels serve for bittersweet counterpoint on an infectiously juicy, vibrant, stone-kissed finish.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Markus Molitor Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Auslese *** Feinherb (Green Capsule), Mosel 2017 750ML ($119.95) Was $99, Now $89 special, 18 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 98 points “The 2017 Riesling Graacher Himmelreich Auslese *** (Green Capsule) is intensely yellow in color and, straight from the bottle, still has prominent smoky oak aromas but also highly intense yet refined fruit on the nose as it opens. This aromatic bouquet combines perfectly ripe and concentrated Riesling scents with the crunchy-coolish slate notes of the Himmelreich and, after a couple of days of aeration, adds concentrated lemon zest and pink grapefruit aromas. Rich and lush but highly elegant on the palate, this is a precise, finessed, nobly textured and juicy Himmelreich with very fine tannins and a long, complex and elegant finish. This is a nearly perfect, nearly dry Auslese, and the seamless texture makes this highly concentrated and refined Riesling flow down your throat without any effort. Give it air, give it time, give it years! This Auslese just flows. And one day, it will stay in your memories forever. Fabulous. Divine. Unforgettable. Tasted three times in April 2019.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Markus Molitor Kinheimer Hubertuslay Riesling Auslese *** (Gold Capsule), Mosel 2017 750ML ($179.95) Was $149, Now $119 special, 15 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 99 points “The 2017 Riesling Kinheimer Hubertuslay Auslese *** (Golden Capsule) is clear and concentrated, on the deep and complex nose with stewed peach aromas intertwined with spicy notes of a fleeting kiss of oak and nougat. It has a highly elegant, refined and salty-piquant palate with fine grip and mineral tension. This Hubertuslay is rich, lush and sweet, with remarkable concentration but also weightless finesse and a lean, salty-piquant finish that tickles the palate. Lemon chutney flavors intertwined with the crystalline salinity characterize the long finish of this beauty. Tasted at the domain in April 2019.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Markus Molitor Kinheimer Hubertuslay Riesling Beerenauslese, Mosel 2017 375ML ($99.95) Was $89, Now $79 special, 32 half-bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 99 points “The 2017 Riesling Kinheimer Hubertuslay Beerenauslese is very concentrated and fresh and needs time to open up and unfold its flavors. Salty-piquant and terribly fresh on the palate, this is another exciting discovery from the Hubertuslay, a former highly regarded cru that Molitor has brought back onto the track of the Mosel’s finest terroirs. His 2017 BA is, of course, sweet and concentrated but also stunningly precise and fresh, crystalline and salty and reveals great energy and finesse. It’s a gorgeous wine and almost too good to be true. Tasted at the domain in April 2019.”
Mosel Fine Wines 96+ points “The 2017er Kinheimer Hubertuslay Beerenauslese (Golden Capsule) offers a hugely complex and big nose of pear, grapefruit, orange blossom, candied pineapple and fine spices. The wine is beautifully playful and superbly precise on the palate, where gorgeous fruity and exotic flavors of pear, mango and apricot mingle with some almond paste and minerals. The finish is long, suave and above all very precise. Sweetness still dominates the after-taste. But give this beauty ideally more than a decade and it will prove utterly irresistible. 2032-2067.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Markus Molitor Kinheimer Rosenberg Riesling Auslese *** (Gold Capsule), Mosel 2017 750ML ($119.95) Was $99, Now $89 special, 17 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 98+ points “The 2017 Riesling Kinheimer Rosenberg Auslese *** (Golden Capsule) is super fine and delicate on the concentrated and peach-scented nose, which reveals an unexpected subtleness for this terroir that normally leans toward ruthless opulence. On the palate, this is a lush, highly refined and salty Auslese with amazing purity, piquancy, finesse and elegance. The acidity is pronounced but also delicate and gives this very fine Auslese piquancy and precision. Tasted at the domain two times in April 2019.”

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

Markus Molitor Kinheimer Rosenberg Riesling Kabinett Feinherb (Green Capsule), Mosel 2018 750ML ($29.95) Was $24, Now $21.90 special, 28 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2018 Riesling Kinheimer Rosenberg Kabinett (Green Capsule) displays an intense yet pure and mineral bouquet with fully ripe Riesling and mirabelle aromas that intertwine with very fine slate aromas. Very fine and delicate on the palate, this is a lush yet crystalline, fresh and intense, persistently mineral and sustainable Rosenberg with a slightly sweet but elegant and structured finish. This Kabinett could be served as a Spätlese as well. 9.5% alcohol. Delicious and perfectly balanced. Tasted at the domain in September 2020.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Markus Molitor Ockfener Bockstein Riesling Auslese *** Trocken (White Capsule), Mosel 2017 750ML ($129.95) Was $119, Now $99 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 98 points “The 2017 Riesling Ockfener Bockstein Auslese *** (White Capsule) is bright, deep and elegant on the nose, with perfectly ripe white-fleshed stone fruit and pineapple scents intertwined with very fine toast aromas. Concentrated, intense and juicy on the palate, with lots of flesh and the crystalline precision of broken slate, this is a generous but pure, close-meshed, highly elegant and finessed Auslese with pink grapefruit and raisin flavors on the persistently salty finish. This concentrated and densely textured Bockstein reveals great energy and finesse with filigreed mineral tension and lingering, mouthwatering salinity. The finish is intense and delicate at the same time. A fabulous, not really dry but dry-styled Riesling of great complexity. Tasted several times in March and April 2019.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Markus Molitor Saarburger Rausch Riesling Auslese ** (Gold Capsule), Mosel 2017 750ML ($89.95) Was $79, Now $69 special, 22 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 98 points “The 2017 Riesling Saarburger Rausch Auslese ** (Golden Capsule) is intense and concentrated on the fresh and piquant nose that indicates fine botrytis with lemon confit and pumpernickel notes. Lush and smooth as well as refined and piquant on the palate, this is an incredibly fruity and mouth-filling Auslese with great finesse and a lightweight but intense and aromatic body. The finish is intense but delicate, full of layers and finesse. A gorgeous Auslese from the Rausch in Saarburg. Tasted in April 2019.”

Markus Molitor Saarburger Rausch Riesling Auslese *** (Gold Capsule), Mosel 2017 750ML ($179.95) Was $149, Now $119 special, 18 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 99 points “Like the Bockstein, the 2017 Riesling Saarburger Rausch Auslese *** (Golden Capsule) is also enormously concentrated on the nose, where fine botrytis aromas intermingle with dried apricots, peaches, notes of quince, lime and lemon chutney and even fig mustard. Concentrated and velvety on the viscous palate, this is a pretty sweet but highly refined and salty-piquant Auslese with an enormously long and concentrated finish. This is a wine to be served in 20 or 30 years, unless you like this bigger but balanced style at this early age. The wine seems to be less racy because the acidity is already integrated and provides structure for the sweet, stewed fruit, but it comes back on the finish and reveals the piquancy and precision of an Eiswein with botrytis. Tasted at the domain in April 2019.”

Shop our complete selection of 116 Molitor wines on our web store now!

Collector’s Corner:

Sir Winston Churchill

Arriving Friday

As the story goes, Sir Churchill had a lifelong taste for Champagne that started during his service in WW1. He is quoted with saying “Remember, gentlemen, it’s not just France we are fighting for, it’s Champagne,” when on the frontlines of Epernay. After the World Wars, Odette Pol Roger became personal friends with Sir Winston Churchill and they remained friends for decades until his death. He was reputed to be one of the largest buyers of Pol Roger in the world, drinking an average of two bottles of Vintage Pol Roger per day.

His passing sparked the creation of the Sir Winston Churchill cuvee, meant to serve as their new Tête de Cuvee. In honor of its namesake the cuvee is made in the style that Churchill preferred; with at least 10 years of aging on the lees, a Grand Cru assemblage that is Pinot Noir dominant, and built to age. Judging from critical reception, this bottling is only getting better with age. This Tête de Cuvee is perfectly suited for holiday meals, special gifts, cellaring or personal consumption if you’re feeling aristocratic.

Pol Roger Cuvee Sir Winston Churchill Brut, Champagne 2006 750ML ($359.95) $319 pre-arrival special
Wine Enthusiast 98 points “[Reviewed 2018] Editor’s Choice. This is the latest release of this legendary wine. A blend, although with a majority of Pinot Noir (Churchill’s preference), the wine is rich, just beginning to show wonderful signs of maturity. It still has intense fruit along with the taut mineral texture that will allow the wine to age further. It is a standout Champagne from this vintage. Drink now, although this Champagne will age for many years. -Roger Voss”
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 95 points “[Reviewed 2018] Made in the very best vintages, Pol Roger’s white-golden colored 2006 Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill offers a very clear, precise, ripe and complex bouquet with fruity and refreshingly chalky, nutty and brioche notes. Full-bodied and complex on the palate, the 2006 is supple, round and rich but also fine, elegant, fresh and well structured. It has a harmonious yet tight, persistent and very promising finish that puts this silky textured, Pinot-dominated cuvée (the exact blend is a closely guarded family secret) on the border of fatty richness. But the mousse gives so much freshness and finesse that everything seems lifted here. Though I have very limited experience with matured Champagnes from Pol Roger and namely Churchill, I suppose the 2006 will benefit a lot from further bottle aging. But don’t get me wrong: the wine is already gorgeous.”
Wine Spectator 95 points “[Reviewed 2017] This dances gracefully on the palate, with rich and expressive flavors of peach tart, raspberry sorbet, candied ginger and orange peel, and sleek acidity that leaves a mouthwatering impression on the satiny finish. Drink now through 2031. 600 cases imported. — AN”
James Suckling 95 points “[Reviewed 2017] Some reductive meaty notes of bacon fat and flint, with lemon cream and butter too, as well as a light forest berry edge and toasted hazelnuts. The palate has attractive lemon citrus cream flavor. Super pure, there’s power amongst the charm. This is a great ’06. Drink now.”

Friday Newsletter 1-21-22

In This Newsletter:

New Arrival Special Feature: Hirtzberger

New Arrivals:

Fontodi Friday:
Benchmark Chianti

Sekty-Time!
Method-Champenoise Riesling

Sweet like Nonna:
Italian Dessert Wine Selections

Waris-Larmandier Champagne

New Grower Champagne:
Pertois-Lebrun

Collectors Corner:
Huet’s Cornucopia of Chenin

This Shop Never Closes: www.vinopoliswineshop.com
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10AM – 6PM Daily
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Order Online / By Phone / By Email

New Arrival Special Feature: Hirtzberger

Did you know that Central Europe was one of the first regions in Europe that saw widespread viticulture? Archeological evidence shows that the Smaragd was making wine as early as the 9th century with the arrival of the Roman Empire. Much like the Languedoc in France and Campania in Italy you can still see the stone terraces that were built by the Romans to prevent erosion. Hirtzberger has dedicated themselves to restoring and maintaining these sites, as the vast majority were abandoned due to the extensive labor required to farm them.

Despite of this storied history and, as well as being the birthplace of Biodynamic farming and the strictest farming standards in the European Union, the wines of Austria remain critically undervalued. With the strictest production laws in the world, Austrian wines are required to show no oak influence and reach a minimum alcohol level depending on their classification. These laws were drafted by a consortium of producers not unlike the VDP in Germany.

The Vinea Wachau as its known recognizes 3 quality levels and can include Riesling, Grüner Veltliner, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris. Hirtzberger produces wines across all quality levels recognized by law entirely from their terraced vineyards. With the minimum slope of 33 degrees and going as high as 90, the vines are quite literally clinging to the rocks. These precipitous conditions create a level of mineral expression paired with phenolic ripeness in a way that is wholly unique. These juxtaposing characteristics make them perfect for a variety of cuisines, with vegetable courses being the traditional pairing.

Hirtzberger wines in stock now:

Weingut Franz Hirtzberger Pluris Grauburgunder Smaragd Wachau 2018 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 92 points “The 2018 Ried Pluris Grauburgunder Smaragd comes from deep and clayey soil and shows a clear and coolish, fine and elegant bouquet. Picked on September 17, this is a delicate, very elegant, lush and salty Pinot Gris with remarkable purity, elegance and finesse. It’s an aromatic and crystalline cool-climate version of the grape variety. Tasted at the domain in September 2019.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Weingut Franz Hirtzberger Wosendorfer Kirchweg Gruner Veltliner Smaragd Wachau 2018 ($49.95) $39 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 92 points “The 2018 Ried Kirchweg Wösendorfer Grüner Veltliner Smaragd is clear, deep, intense and slightly crystalline and flinty on the elegant nose. Full-bodied and sweetish on the palate but fresh and elegant, with fine mineral grip, this is a charming Veltliner with a refined and elegant, aromatic and nicely grippy finish. Tasted at the domain in September 2019.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Weingut Franz Hirtzberger Rotes Tor Gruner Veltliner Federspiel Wachau 2018 ($39.95) $29 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 90 points “Assembling the fruit from several vineyards that were picked in the first half of October, the 2018 Spitz Grüner Veltliner Federspiel Rotes Tor offers a clear, ripe and elegant nose of tropical fruits intermixed with elegant and flinty terroir notes. Ripe and piquant on the crystalline and salty palate, this is an elegant and already pretty complex Veltliner with an aromatic and refreshing, elegant finish with good grip. 12.5% alcohol. Tasted at the domain in September 2019.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Weingut Franz Hirtzberger Rotes Tor Gruner Veltliner Smaragd Wachau 2018 ($69.95) $59 special, 21 bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott 94 points “The nose here has a very restrained and rocky feel with such intense aromas of ripe citrus fruit, pepper and pears. The palate is dry, sheer and linear with good, fresh acidity drive and a smoothly rendered finish. Drink or hold.”
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2018 Grüner Veltliner Smaragd Rotes Tor is entirely based on the fruit from Spitz (the vineyards below the red gate) and opens with a deep, precise and flinty bouquet that shows a coolish-mineral and darker-toned character with rather discreet fruit aromas. On the palate, this is a lush and mouth-filling, very fine and elegant Grüner with a long, intense and refreshing crystalline and salty finish. Excellent grip. From pure, weathered gneiss soils. Tasted at the domain in September 2019.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Weingut Franz Hirtzberger Spitzer Donaugarten Gruner Veltliner Steinfeder Wachau 2018 ($29.95) $24 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt, Wine Advocate“Hirtzberger’s 2018 Spitz Grüner Veltliner Steinfeder was picked between October 17 and 19 and opens with a ripe and elegant, fruit-intense and charming nose with delicate crystalline aromas. Round and salty-piquant on the palate, this is a mouth-filling and refreshing Grüner bottled with 11.5% alcohol. Tasted at the domain in September 2019.” –

Weingut Franz Hirtzberger Setzberg Riesling Smaragd Wachau 2018 ($69.95) $59 special, 21 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 93+ points “From the Spitzer Graben, and thus picked pretty late on October 21, the 2018 Ried Setzberg Riesling Smaragd is intense and concentrated but coolish and spicy on the elegant and promising nose that represents the weathered gneiss soils and its coolish terroir perfectly. Precise ripe apricot aromas on the nose lead to an elegant fine and balanced, almost silky-textured, full-bodied palate, with lush and ripe but precise and elegant fruit and a long and intense, well-structured and salty finish. Tasted at the domain in September 2019.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Weingut Franz Hirtzberger Singerriedel Riesling Smaragd Wachau 2018 ($99.95) $89 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott 96 points “Stunning depth, but also purity to this complex riesling that is bursting with life. Cascades of honeysuckle, melon and prosciutto, green mangoes, riper papaya, crushed gunpowder and asphalt. Dense layers of peaches and citrus fruit ride the creases of the palate, filling every corner in bright colors of flavor and acidity. Long, structured and focussed. Drink now or hold.”
Wine Enthusiast 96 points “Mandarin orange, clementine and tangerine vie for attention on the nose with their ripe, aromatic and almost heady juiciness. The palate adds a note of peach and pith to those citrus aromas, adding flesh and direction. The pithiness has a welcome textural element that, along with aromatic, citric freshness, gives both outline and backbone that seems to have corralled all of this fruit into the bottle. Drink 2025–2045. -Anne Krebiehl MW”
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 95 points “Picked between October 5 and 31, the 2018 Ried Singerriedel Riesling Smaragd is clear, deep, pure, precise and flinty on the concentrated and piquant apricot nose with aromas of broken gneiss. Lush and round on the palate, this is a very elegant and balanced Singerriedel with immensely fine and juicy fruit, very fine tannins and great finesse. The acidity is ripe and refined and perfectly integrated and delivers persistent and stimulating salinity. A gorgeous Riesling and perhaps the finest 2018 I tasted in Austria last year. Tasted at the domain in September 2019.”

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

Weingut Franz Hirtzberger Steinterrassen Riesling Federspiel Wachau 2018 ($41.95) $36 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 91 points “From the fruit grown in terraced single vineyards and predominantly from younger vines, the 2018 Riesling Federspiel Steinterrassen is still somewhat untamed and reductive but very clear on the nose that reminds me of the Rieslings from Tim Fröhlich (Weingt Schäfer-Fröhlich, Nahe). Flinty, fresh, very precise and refined, this is a remarkably fine and elegant Riesling with intense and elegant, really refined and piquant apricot fruit. Excellent! Tasted at the domain in September 2019.”

Weingut Franz Hirtzberger Ried Steinporz Riesling Smaragd Wachau 2018 ($79.95) $59 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 96 points “Tangerine and peach unite on the nose in a quite disarming fashion. The palate comes in with more peachy juiciness and adds overtones of ripe passion fruit with both its tartness and tropicality. A lovely seam of vivid, zesty freshness cuts through the generous, abundant and juicy fruit, always with exotic highlights, always with zesty aromas. This has life and drive, energy and brio. Enjoy 2025–2045. -Anne Krebiehl MW”
Decanter 95 points “Franz Hirtzberger is the most esteemed grower in Spitz, and his wines can be surprisingly voluptuous. Often Singerriedl is the source of his top Riesling, but in 2018, I prefer the Steinporz, which grows on weathered gneiss soils. The stone-fruits nose is rich and opulent without being blowsy. Creamy, very ripe, it’s a touch broad but that ripeness is cut by a stony minerality. Resplendent fruit, fine depth and impressive length. Drinking Window 2020 – 2035.”
Stuart Pigott 94 points “So much going on here from the outset, the nose suggesting mango pastries, papaya dessert and then fresher sensations of gin and tonic and jasmine. Full-bodied, very intense and oily, but linear and vertical at the same time. The acidity crafts a wiry shape, amidst powerful tropical notes. Drink now.”
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 93+ points “Picked on September 24, so a month earlier than in 2017, the 2018 Ried Steinporz Riesling Smaragd is intensely aromatic and spicy on the concentrated nose that is reminiscent of apricot chutney. Round and lush on the mouth-filling palate, this is an intense and juicy, very charming and generous but still elegant and refined Riesling with a long and complex, tightly woven and spicy-flavored finish. Tasted at the domain in September 2019.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Weingut Franz Hirtzberger Steinporz Weissburgunder Smaragd Wachau 2018 ($54.95) $41.90 special, 7 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 93 points “Grown on loess and picked on September 19, the 2018 Ried Steinporz Weissburgunder Smaragd offers a coolish and precise bouquet with flinty aromas of crushed stones. Lush and round but precise, piquant and elegant on the palate, this is another impressive Pinot Blanc from Franz Hirtzberger. Everything is finely interwoven and perfectly balanced, while the finish is crystalline, salty-piquant and provided with fine tannins. Tasted at the domain in September 2019.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

We carry a number of producers from Austria including Alzinger, Schloss Gobelsburg and Pichler!

New Arrivals:

Oregon- Eola Amity Hills

Cristom ‘Marjorie Vineyard’ Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills 2015 375ML ($37.95) $33 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 95 points “Brilliant red. Powerful red berry liqueur, Asian spice and incense aromas are brightened by a smoky mineral nuance that builds steadily in the glass. Sappy, sweet and penetrating in the mouth, offering vibrant raspberry, cherry and floral pastille flavors joined by lively five-spice powder and white pepper accents. Spicy and seamless on the finish, showing silky, harmonious tannins and superb, floral-dominated persistence.”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 94 points “Pale to medium ruby-purple, the 2015 Pinot Noir Marjorie Vineyard leaps from the glass with notes of cherry cordial, violets, rose hip tea and chocolate box plus wafts of forest floor and black pepper. Medium-bodied, the palate is tautly structured with firm, grippy tannins and a great backbone of lively acidity, finishing with lingering earthy notes.”
Decanter 93 points “Unusually, the rows in the 3.44ha Marjorie vineyard, planted in 1983 at a lower density, run north to south and are planted on their own rootstocks. Native yeasts and 50% whole-cluster fruit are both part of the winemaking approach, and this is another impressive, pure and profound effort. The 2015 has vivid freshness, with sweet raspberry and cream coulis notes alongside a dusting of spice box. The tannins are chalky and fine but provide plenty of flesh and structure. Drinking Window 2018 – 2026.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Cristom ‘Paul Gerrie Vineyard’ Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills 2019 750ML ($89.95) $75 special, 17 bottles in stock now
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 97 points “Paul Gerrie is the newest vineyard at Cristom, planted from 2016–2019; it’s 28 acres of mostly Pinot Noir and smaller portions of Chardonnay and Gamay. The 2019 Pinot Noir Paul Gerrie Vineyard combines power and precision. It opens with a pleasant touch of sweet balsamic, with Morello cherries, bergamot and loamy earth. The medium-bodied palate is surprisingly intense, all that powerful fruit accented by swirls of savory and spicy nuance. It flows through the mouth with a silky, weightless texture and finishes very long and layered.”

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

Cristom ‘Estate’ Chardonnay Eola-Amity Hills 2019 750ML ($44.95) $36 special, 23 bottles in stock now
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2019 Chardonnay Eola-Amity Hills is characterized by broad, intense flavors foiled by tangy acidity. It offers aromas of apple pie, honeycomb, toast and white blossoms and is intensely flavored, ripe and textural, finishing with energetic freshness.”
Wine Enthusiast 92 points “Wonderfully floral on the nose, sappy and rich on the palate, this expressive wine is packed with flavorful fruits perfectly set against tangy acidity. White peach, Asian pear and a touch of lime combine on a full-bodied midpalate. The juicy fruit flavors energize the wine and set the taster up for sip after sip. -Paul Gregutt”

Cristom Louise Vineyard Chardonnay, Eola-Amity Hills 2019 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 94+ points “The 2019 Chardonnay Louise Vineyard is scented of white peaches, spring honey and hazelnuts, which seem in 2019 to capture the alluring essence of just-ripe Willamette Valley Chardonnay, tinged with tones of graphite and mushroom powder. The palate is youthfully citrusy and tangy, gaining volume and depth on the extended, honeyed finish. That racy acidity will help this age gracefully, and it will benefit from 2-3 more years in bottle.”
Wine Enthusiast 93 points “This wine is from a vineyard that sports 25-year-old Dijon clones. The flavors range from citrus to peach to pineapple, with bright natural acidity heightening the impact. It’s crystal clear, fresh and crisp, with a penetrating finish that brings a touch of wet stone. -Paul Gregutt”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Cristom Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2020 750ML ($29.95) $27 special, 24 bottles in stock now

France – Alsace

Domaine l’Agape Expression Pinot Gris Alsace 2018 750ML ($24.95) $19.90 special, 36 bottles in stock now

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Domaine l’Agape Expression Riesling Alsace 2018 750ML ($24.95) $19.90 special, 36 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 90 points “The reine-claude plum and mirabelle aromas pull you into this charming, light and bright Alsace dry riesling that’s so refreshing and has the balance to be an all-rounder with lighter dishes. Drink now.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

France- Rhone

Le Clos du Caillou Chateauneuf-du-Pape ‘Le Caillou’ Rhone 2017 750ML ($49.95) $44.50 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case- Le Clos du Caillou Chateauneuf-du-Pape ‘Le Caillou’ Rhone 2017 750ML ($299.95) $249 special, (That’s only 41.50 per bottle!)
Case-12 Le Clos du Caillou Chateauneuf-du-Pape ‘Le Caillou’ Rhone 2017 750ML ($499.95) $479 special, (that’s only $39.92/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 91-92 points “Glistening ruby-red. Pungent cherry pit and black currant aromas, along with hints of licorice, musky herbs and cracked pepper. Chewy and focused on the palate, offering slow-to-open bitter cherry and dark berry flavors braced by an undercurrent of juicy acidity. Shows firm tannic grip on the persistent finish, which leaves suggestions of candied licorice and cherry preserves behind. This is a pretty serious example of a “basic” bottling, and it deserves some patience.”
Jeb Dunnuck 90 points “Kirsch, blackberry, ground pepper, and incense notes all dominate the bouquet of the medium to full-bodied 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape Le Caillou. It offers beautiful purity of fruit, a rounded, mouthfilling texture, and a great finish. Drink it over the coming decade.”

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Spain – Catalonia

Agusti Torello Mata Brut Reserva Cava Catalonia 2018 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Decanter 90 points “A blend of Macabeo, Parellada and Xarel·lo from organic vines aged 30-40 years. Subtle aromas of green apple, apricot pastries and ripe lemon. Evolved honeyed notes on the palate, alongside fresh apple and lemon citrus, with a creamy texture, gentle bubbles and a fresh lift of grapefruit acidity on the finish. Good value for money. Organic and suitable for vegans. Drinking Window 2021 – 2023.”

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Agusti Torello Mata Trepat Rosat Brut Cava Catalonia 2019 750ML ($27.95) $24.40 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Winery note “Vintage 2019: One of the best harvests with the right amount of rain that led to an excellent sugar and acidity balance giving notes of red fruit to this vintage. Tasting notes: Notes of strawberry, wild berries and cherries. An aromatic, fresh and agile cava to accompany appetizers, starters, fruits, fresh cheeses, or puff pastry sweets.”

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Germany – Mosel River Valley

Weingut Willi Schaefer Graacher Domprobst Riesling Auslese 11 Mosel #11 20 375ML ($59.95) $49 special, 6 half bottles in stock now
Mosel Fine Wines 97 points “The 2020er Graacher Domprobst Riesling Auslese AP 11 was made from fully ripe grapes harvested with little botrytis in the Fergert sector of the vineyard and was fermented down to noble-sweet levels of residual sugar. It offers a backward yet stunningly airy nose made of pear, quince, whipped cream, carraway, and subtly honeyed elements. The wine is gorgeously light-footed on the palate and leaves the most incredibly complex, discreet yet intense feel in the long and hugely persistent finish. A hint of almond enhances the flavors in the aftertaste. This Auslese is a huge success and shines through its marvelous delicate style! 2030-2060.”
James Suckling 97 points “In spite of the ripeness, which edges in a caramelized direction, this retains dramatic freshness that builds and builds as it flows across the palate. The concentration is underplayed, so that the whole composition comes across as extremely delicate. Lime freshness and floral delicacy at the finish. Who can resist these charms? Drink or hold.”
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 96 points “Picked on October 17, the 2020 Graacher Domprobst Riesling Auslese #11 represents the finish of the harvest and is the only Auslese and the highest predicate that was produced last year chez Willi Schaefer. Based on ripe, intense and concentrated yet healthy berries, this Auslese opens with a very clear, precise and fresh, finely flinty bouquet. Lush and round on the palate, this is a dense yet filigreed and beautifully balanced Auslese with a long, intense and stringent finish. The acidity is highly finessed and stimulatingly salty. A gorgeous Riesling filled into 375-milliliter bottles. 7.5% alcohol. Natural cork. Tasted in September 2021.”

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Italy – Montalcino

Caparzo Brunello di Montalcino DOCG Tuscany 2016 750ML ($49.95) $44.50 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 96 points “Ripe, sweet cherry and raspberry fruit are accented by floral, mineral and wild herbs in this alluring red. A backbone of dense, dusty tannins provides support, and the ripe fruit returns on the savory finish. Excellent length. Best from 2023 through 2043. 15,000 cases made, 8,500 cases imported. — BS”

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Italy- Tuscany

Tenuta di Arceno Arcanum Toscana IGT Tuscany 2008 750ML ($99.95) $79 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Case-6 Tenuta di Arceno Arcanum Toscana IGT Tuscany 2008 750ML ($599.95) $449 special, (That’s only $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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New Zealand – Marlborough

Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2020 750ML ($29.95) $24 special, 33 bottles in stock now
Decanter 94 points “Powerful, precise and classic Dog Point Sauvignon: stylish and mineral nose of citrus and tropical fruit and an abundance of fresh herbs. All the attributes displayed in the bouquet come alive on the silky, fresh, salivating and fruity palate. A lively, refreshing example; well made, lengthy and tasty. Drinking Window 2021 – 2026.”

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Vermouth – Italy

Antica Distilleria Quaglia ‘Vermouth Del Professore’ Chinato Italy 2018 750ML ($37.95) $31.90 special, 6 bottles in stock now

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Antica Distilleria Quaglia ‘Vermouth del Professore’ Classico Bianco Italy NV 750ML ($27.95) $24 special, 6 bottles in stock now

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Antica Distilleria Quaglia ‘Vermouth Del Professore’ Rosso Italy NV 750ML ($29.95) $26 special, 6 bottles in stock now

Fontodi Friday:
Benchmark Chianti

The ancestral home of Sangiovese, Chianti produces the widest array of styles in part due to stratified geological, topographical and administrative processes. As one of the first established wine regions in Italy after the country’s unification in the 30’s, Chianti is synonymous with Italy’s quality revolution in recent decades.

The top offerings of Chianti Classico are sourced from hilltop plantings, which allow for temperature mitigation during the occasionally sweltering growing season in addition to providing a higher degree of ripeness. Often featuring older vines and élevage in new oak these are among the most bold and age worthy examples of Sangiovese in the world and are the blueprint for domestic efforts by producers like Leonetti. The Flaccianello by Fontodi exemplifies that perfectly, being a cuvee of the best blocks from the Fontodi estate. Organically farmed on the Conca d’Oro hill at an average height of 1,000 feet above sea level, these would be cult wines selling for thousands if the vineyard was in Napa or Bordeaux. Built for the long haul not unlike a Brunello, this is a perfect Sangiovese for a long-term cellaring.

In stock now:

Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT Tuscany 2017 750ML ($199.95) $149 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 97 points “The 2017 Flaccianello della Pieve is fabulous. Dark, sensual and enveloping, the 2017 captures the essence of the house style in its textural richness and baritone inflections. Black cherry, plum, spice, new leather, licorice and chocolate infuse the 2017 with tremendous richness. The 2017 spent 18 months in barrique followed by 6 months in cask, the same aging regime as the Vigna del Sorbo, but with a bit more new oak. That approach worked very well, as the Flaccianello stands out for its exceptional textural elegance and finesse. It is a positively stellar wine.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 96 points “The Fontodi 2017 Flaccianello della Pieve is a standout wine of the dry vintage. This pure Sangiovese opens to a dark garnet color with more visible concentration and density compared to recent past editions. This is a beautiful wine with pliant tannins, dark fruit richness, balanced acidity and a fruit-forward 15% alcohol content. The wine is big and bold when weighed on the Flaccianello scale (and even more so when weighed on the Sangiovese scale) with dark cherry, plum, spice, violet, chalk and campfire ash. Despite that power and inner opulence, this wine adds that zesty Sangiovese character with fresh acidity and an energized approach. This Flaccianello is whole and complete with the natural firmness and structure to hold it steady during the aging process. A small part of amphorae-aged fruit is added to the blend.”
Wine Spectator 95 points “There’s fine purity to the black cherry, black currant and blackberry flavors in this expressive red, with refined tannins. Everything is in the right proportion as this remains vibrant and focused, with iron and oak spice accents adding depth as this builds to a lingering aftertaste. Best from 2022 through 2040.”
James Suckling 95 points “Very high-toned and muscular red with crushed cherries, blackberries and walnuts. Some dried earth. It’s full-bodied and chewy with solid tannins that form the wine. Beautiful ripe fruit in the center palate. Needs time to soften. Try after 2022.”

Sekty-Time!
Method-Champenoise Riesling

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 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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Sweet like Nonna:
Italian Dessert Wine Selections

Have you ever experienced the traditional Italian digestif of sweet wine and Biscotti? Much like olive oil and wine production it is one of the great “unifiers” of Italian culture, with examples seen from Sicily to the northern reaches of the Veneto. Traditionally sourced from local varietals, there are a number of techniques that have been developed over the centuries to make these wines, with their use largely being confined to celebrations and welcoming guests.

The main styles are Passito, Recioto and Vin Santo with the latter being first mentioned by Ancient Roman writer Pliny the Elder. There is a dizzying assortment of producers, sweetness levels, and varietals used with only a handful making it to the United States. Most examples feature medium-to-high levels of residual sugar, with a medium of acidity and an incredibly full body that can be almost syrupy.

In addition to all three being late harvested wines another shared characteristic is the drying that happens pre fermentation. Passito and Recioto wines involve adding dried or raisinated grapes to a batch of wine that’s still fermenting. This results in a wine high in alcohol with a healthy dose of residual sugar, and a dollop of tannins to round out the whole thing. Vin Santo in comparison is much more variable, with the final sugar content being determined by when the fermentation stops. This variance is on account of the use of wild yeasts, which stop fermenting at unpredictable times.

Across the board the wines tend to be medium to full bodied, with flavors becoming more textured and nuanced as they age in bottle. After 5-10 years after their vintage date they take on flavors like hazelnut, almond, dried orange peel, cloves and earth with their color darkening from gold to bronze. The time needed to late harvest, dry the grapes, slowly press and ferment make these some of the most labor intensive dessert wines in the entire world.

Highlights in stock now:

Arnaldo-Caprai Sagrantino di Montefalco Passito DOCG Italy 2016 375ML ($69.95) $59 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Wilson Daniels tasting note “AROMA: The sweetness arrives first to the nose with scents of blackberry and strawberry jam, revealing vanilla and cinnamon. TASTE: warm and sweet, soft and intense. The tannins work to balance the sugars and leave the palate cleansed, ready for another taste.”

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Feudo Montoni Passito Rosso, Cantabria NV 375ML ($39.95) $33 special, 26 bottles in stock now
Ian D’Agata-Vinous 94 points “Bright deep red with an orange rim. The nose really opens with aeration to offer sweet red plum, dehydrated red cherry, cinnamon and raisins. Then similar flavors to the aromas lifted by juicy, harmonious acidity. Finishes very long and suave with saline nuances and repeating notes of raisins. Lovely, light on its feet dessert wine that seems less sweet than it really is thanks to its piercing acidity. One of the best sweet wines I have tasted so far this year. This is a blend of air-dried Nero d’Avola and Perricone aged in wood barrels for seven months and then twelve months in bottle prior to going on sale.”

Vin Santo in stock now:

Avignonesi Vin Santo di Montepulciano Tuscany 2001 375ML ($219.95) $169 special, 20 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 98 points “The 2001 Vin Santo di Montepulciano (375 milliliters) is a divine and superbly delicious sweet blend of Trebbiano, Malvasia and Grechetto. The results are super concentrated and simmered down to a virtual reduction sauce of deliciousness. There are so many aromas to name, but some of the most evident highlights include candied orange peel, almond marzipan, caramel, toasted coffee bean, vanilla stick, mocha, dark honey and fragrant yellow rose. The mouthfeel is creamy, rich and deeply layered. I’m suggesting a slightly shorter drinking window here compared to the Occhio di Pernice. But, the truth is: I have no idea. I’m pretty sure these wines will outlive anyone of legal drinking age.”

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Rocca di Montegrossi Vin Santo del Chianti Classico Tuscany 2006 375ML ($149.95) $119 special, 4 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 94 points “Rocca di Montegrossi often makes one of the richest Vin Santos in Chianti Classico. The 2006 is a bit less opulent than is often the case, but that just means the Vin Santo is not a blockbuster. Voluptuous and beautifully layered throughout, the 2006 offers an attractive infusion of dried herbs, wild flowers, coconut, mint and leather, all wrapped around a core of dark, deeply spiced fruit.”

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Rocca di Montegrossi Vin Santo del Chianti Classico Tuscany 2009 375ML ($99.95) $89 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2009 Vin Santo is a rich, exotic wine, as it always is. Readers will find one of the richest most intense Vin Santos being made today. Plush, tropical and ample in feel, Rocca di Montegrossi’s Vin Santo is bold and racy to the core. The 350 grams of residual sugar leave the wine with tremendous textural plushness.”

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Castello di Volpaia Vin Santo del Chianti Classico Tuscany 2015 375ML ($69.95) $59 special, 16 bottles in stock now
Wilson Daniels tasting note “Scintillating amber. It is a full, balanced wine with intense flavors of cane sugar, apricot jam and sultan grapes. Warm and luscious with an almond finish.”

We carry a wide variety of dessert wines in stock including Port, Sauternes and Tokaji

Waris-Larmandier Champagne

Avize is one of the smallest villages in the Côte des Blancs. One of the original Grand Cru villages, it plays a role in some of the most recognizable Champagnes: Dom Perignon, Heidsieck’s Blanc des Millenaires, Veuve Clicquot’s La Grande Dame, Selosse, and Agrapart. The wines are deeply influenced by the chalky soils and clay of the region, expressing a core of minerality.

Waris-Larmandier is a tiny estate founded in 1989. You’ll be forgiven for not having heard of it. It encompasses just over five hectares (all 32+ year old vines) and most of its understated production is snapped up in France and the UK. But the family is in good company, with close familial ties to Larmandier-Bernier, Pierre Gimonnet, and Guy Larmandier. Based in Avize, they tend vines in several Cote des Blanc villages as well as tiny parcels of Pinot Noir and Meunier in the Montagne de Reims, Côte des Bar, and the Aube. The base wines are aged in neutral barrels with liqueur de tirage and dosage made exclusively from estate vines, if added at all. Officially certified biodynamic just last year, these are structured wines bottled at a lower pressure to best showcase Chardonnay’s skill at conveying terroir.

Larmandier-Bernier ‘Longitude’ Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru Extra Brut Champagne NV ($69.95) $59 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The NV Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Longitude 1er Cru sizzles with tension and energy. Chalk and limestone soils in the villages of Vertus, Cramant and Oger give birth to a Champagne endowed with so much vibrancy. Citrus, yellow flowers, spice and baked apple tart add aromatic nuance, but it is the wine’s pure drive and texture that stand out most. This is a fabulous showing. The current release is based on 2016, with 40% wines from a perpetual reserve that dates back to 2004. Dosage is 4 grams per liter. Disgorged: October, 2019.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 93 points “Another lovely wine from Larmandier-Bernier, the 2017-base NV Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru Longitude was disgorged in April 2020 with three grams per liter dosage. Mingling aromas of citrus oil, green apple and pear with hints of white flowers and fresh bread, it’s medium to full-bodied, elegantly enveloping and precise, with a more mineral, chiseled profile than the Latitude bottling, reflecting its origins in optimally situated parcels in Vertus, Oger, Avize, Cramant. As I’ve written before, this is one of the finest non-vintage bottlings to be found in Champagne, and it comes warmly recommended.”

Waris-Larmandier Particules Crayeuses Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Champagne NV ($89.95) $73.50 special, 20 bottles in stock now
Importer note “Particules Crayeuses is Waris-Larmandier’s flagship Blanc de Blancs cuvée, sourced from the estate’s biodynamically farmed, old-vine chardonnay plots in the Grand Cru villages of Chouilly, Cramant, Avize, Oger, and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger in the Côte des Blancs. The Waris-Larmandier family utilizes natural and regenerative agricultural practices. Particules Crayeuses is certified organic and biodynamic Champagne. The Waris-Larmandier style is terroir-focused, understated, structured, and ultra-elegant.”

Waris-Larmandier ‘Racine de Trois’ Brut Champagne NV 750ML ($79.95) $59 special, 19 bottles in stock now
Importer note “Cuvée Racines de Trois represents the “three roots” of Waris-Larmandier: the contribution of the three siblings to the project, and their use of three grape varieties (chardonnay, pinot noir, and meunier), coming from three regions of Champagne (Côte des Blancs, Montagne de Reims, and Côte des Bar). Together they form the base of Waris-Larmandier’s entry-level Champagne, which combines the structure of chardonnay with the red-fruit characteristics from the two pinots in an incredibly food-friendly, drinkable package. The Waris-Larmandier family utilizes natural and regenerative agricultural practices to cultivate their old-vine Grand Cru vineyards near their village of Avize in the Côte des Blancs. Racines de Trois is certified organic and biodynamic Champagne. The Waris-Larmandier style is terroir-focused, understated, structured, and ultra-elegant.”

Waris-Larmandier ‘L’Istant de Passion’ Brut Rose Champagne NV ($89.95) $75 special, 8 bottles in stock now
Importer note “L’Instant de Passions Rosé is sourced from the estate’s biodynamically farmed, old-vine chardonnay plots in the Grand Cru villages of Chouilly, Cramant, Avize, Oger, and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger in the Côte des Blancs and pinot noir from the Côte des Bar. The Waris-Larmandier family utilizes natural and regenerative agricultural practices—L’Instant de Passions Rosé is a certified organic and biodynamic Champagne. The Waris-Larmandier style is terroir-focused, understated, structured, and ultra-elegant. L’Instant de Passions Rosé is a very limited, complex œil de perdrix rosé with mellow, earthy mushroom nuances, melting into strawberries, pink grapefruit, saline notes, and baking spices. The harmonious palate has a savory, smooth and creamy texture and a long, elegant and supple finish. A rosé that can be enjoyed before a meal but also has the tension to pair beautifully with food.”

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Larmandier wines arriving Mid-February:

Larmandier-Bernier Les Chemins d’Avize Grand Cru Extra Brut Champagne 2013 750ML ($179.95) $149 pre-arrival special
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 96 points “Revisited from the October 2019 disgorgement, Larmandier-Bernier’s 2013 Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Les Chemins d’Avize continues to show brilliantly, offering up complex aromas of argan oil, fresh apricot and crisp yellow orchard fruit, complemented by hints of fresh walnuts and almond paste. Full-bodied, deep and vinous, it’s layered and elegantly fleshy, with a concentrated core of ripe fruit, racy acids and a long, mineral finish. As I wrote last year, Pierre Larmandier invariably excels in cool, late-growing seasons, so the 2013 vintage was perfectly adapted to his talents.”
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2013 Extra Brut Les Chemins d’Avize Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru is floral and gracious, much more so than is common in Avize Champagnes, which tend to have more body. The 2013 is beautifully perfumed and ethereal from start to finish, with striking beams of salinity that confer tension. Candied lemon peel, white flowers, spice, hazelnut, dried flowers and chamomile are some of the many notes that are laced together. This subtle, wonderfully nuanced Champagne has so much to offer. It is the most restrained wine in this range. The Chemins d’Avize is a blend of fruit from Chemin de Plivot and Chemin de Flavigny, done in neutral oak. Dosage is 2 grams per liter. Disgorged: October, 2019.”

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Larmandier-Bernier Vieilles Vignes du Levant Grand Cru Extra Brut Champagne 2011 ($149.95) $119 pre-arrival special
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 97 points “Revisited from the June 2019 disgorgment, Larmandier-Bernier’s 2011 Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Vieille Vigne du Levant continues to drink superbly, bursting from the glass with aromas of pear, peach, toasted almonds, white flowers, fresh bread and oyster shell. Full-bodied, layered and concentrated, it’s deep and fleshy, with superb concentration, racy acids and a long, saline finish. I have previously contended that Pierre Larmandier produced Champagne’s wines-of-the-vintage in 2011, and every bottle I open seems to confirm that. Indeed, if one were to taste only his wines, along with those produced by a small handful of other growers, one could easily think very differently about this unheralded year.”
Decanter 95 points “This masterful Champagne comes from the superb Bourron du Levant vineyard, whose oldest vines were planted more than 80 years ago. Brown butter, hazelnut and brioche lead the initial attack, but this never loses sight of freshness and purity, with a crystalline depth and harmonious balance. Fermented in cask with eight years on the lees, this should last for decades. Drinking Window 2020 – 2050.”

Larmandier-Bernier Terre de Vertus Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru Non-Dose Champagne 2014 750ML ($89.95) $79 special, 24 bottles in stock now
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 94+ points “Disgorged in January 2020, the 2014 Brut Nature Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru Terre de Vertus is a fine follow-up to the excellent 2013 and 2012 renditions. Unwinding in the glass with scents of white flowers, citrus oil, crisp orchard fruit, fresh pastry and almonds, it’s full-bodied, layered and vinous, with more richness and mid-palate amplitude than the tauter 2013, underpinned by racy acids and chalky structuring extract.”

New Grower Champagne:

Pertois-Lebrun

Members of the family started making champagne in the early 20th century. Pertois-Lebrun was created with the marriage of Paul Pertois of Cramant with Françoise Lebrun of Le Mesnil sur Oger. When they retired, their daughter Odile took over, but significantly reduced the amount of wine she bottled. In 2007, her nephew Clement, born in 1979, arrived at the domaine, followed in 2013 by his younger brother Antoine. Together, they decided to push the quality to new levels by working the soils ( they no longer use synthetic herbicides or insecticides), separating parcels, using only the cuvee juice for the wines that they sell in bottle, and ageing the bottles for at least 4 years on the lees.

The domaine has 44 parcels spread over 9 hectares of vineyards all in Grand Crus vineyards in the Côte des Blancs : Cramant, Le Mesnil-Sur-Oger, Chouilly, Oiry, and Oger. While in the past they produced “traditional” blends, they have released their first single vineyard cuvee, Le Fond du Bateau(Chouilly) . Bettane & Dessauve : “From the harvest 2009, this is a real achievement for this new cuvée with a broad attack typical of Chouilly and a nice energetic and saline finish.” They will be releasing a Le Chetillon cuvee from Le Mesnil in the future. With their vineyard holdings, their enthusiasm, and their desire to produce top-quality champagnes, this is a domaine that will quickly gain international recognition.

Lebrun wines in stock now:

Pertois-Lebrun L’egoiste Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Champagne 2013 750ML ($79.95) $66 special, 12 bottles in stock now

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Petrois Lebrun L’extraverie Blanc des Blancs, Champagne NV 750ML ($54.95) $47.50 special, 12 bottles in stock now

Pertois-Lebrun ‘Derrire le Mont Aigu’ Chouilly Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Champagne BDB NV ($99.95) $79 special, 12 bottles in stock now

Collectors Corner:
Huet’s Cornucopia of Chenin

“Domaine Huet’ means ‘I make the best damn Chenin Blanc on the planet’…” – Mike Steinberger, Wine Diarist

Huet makes some of the most undervalued great wine in the world. Take any metric you’d use to adjudicate greatness (complexity, age-worthiness, terroir, aromatic intensity, world-wide praise, etc) and Huet’s Vouvray is on the list, at prices far below almost anything else in their class.

The estate has long been ahead of its time. This is one of France’s pioneers in biodynamic viticulture. Today, horses still plough between the rows, and in the winery the recipe remains relatively simple. Fermentation takes place half in stainless steel, half in old oak, without malolactic fermentation. After only six months, the wines are bottled and then laid to age in a cellar dug from tuffeau rock, no air conditioning required. From here the Huet work is done: the rest is up to nature, and what eventually tastes like divine intervention.

Few producers anywhere in the world make better off-dry to sweet white wines than Domaine Huet. These are wines that offer near-unmatched flexibility at the table, and Domaine Huet’s reputation guarantees long ageing potential. Made according to tradition and terroir, with utmost respect for nature, Huet wines can keep for decades.

Huet wines in stock now:

Domaine Huet Vouvray ‘Clos du Bourg’ Demi-Sec Loire 2016 750ML ($59.95) $39 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 95 points “Gorgeous, with creamy-edged nectarine, yellow and green apple, pear and quince flavors that are brightly defined from start to finish, flecked with verbena and honeysuckle hints and backed by a off-dry edge on the finish. Stays fresh and pure throughout. Tempting now but there’s no rush. Drink now through 2032.”
Wine Advocate 93 points “From 30-year-old vines on calcareous loam soils, the 2016 Vouvray Clos du Bourg Demi-Sec offers a clear, pure, fine and intensely aromatic bouquet with tropical fruit and chalky aromas. Round, lush and exotic on the palate, with a silky texture and salty piquancy on the finish, the 2016 needs up to a decade to integrate the 19 grams of residual sugar. The finish is lovey, concentrated, juicy and well structured, with a lingering and stimulating salinity. Tasted February 2018.”

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Domaine Huet Vouvray ‘Clos du Bourg’ Demi-Sec Loire 2020 750ML ($49.95) $44 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Rebecca Gibbs Mw-Vinous 97 points “Drinking the 2020 Clos du Bourg Demi-Sec is like taking your shoes off at the end of a long day of walking and soaking them in warm water: there’s just satisfaction and relaxation. The 2020 has a sense of volume but not weight, filling the mouth with depths of pure fruit before the acid pours forth like a canal lock being opened. You can expect a hint of spice and crème caramel alongside apple and florals. I am utterly seduced.”
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2020 Vouvray Clos du Bourg Demi-Sec is concentrated, deep and still somewhat untamed on the clear, fresh and lemon-fruity yet darker-toned nose compared to the Haut-Lieu. Round and refined yet still with a pretty firm tannin structure, this is a rich and powerful yet elegant and persistently salty Chenin with tension, grip and a sustainable, highly promising finish. The 2020 Clos du Bourg pairs juiciness with finesse and purity with complexity. Tasted as a tank sample shortly before bottling in April 2021.”

Domaine Huet Vouvray ‘Le Haut Lieu’ Moelleux Loire 2016 750ML ($59.95) $39 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 95 points “Gorgeous crystallized ginger, dried quince, glazed pear and warm persimmon notes are seamlessly interwoven here, gliding through a lengthy finish that picks up a lilting green tea accent. Frankly off-dry but wonderfully pure. Drink now through 2035.”

Domaine Huet Vouvray ‘Le Mont’ Sec Loire 2020 750ML ($49.95) $41.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Rebecca Gibbs Mw-Vinous 96 points “White flowers, pineapple and just-ripe pear combine in the 2020 Le Mont Sec from Huet, which offers just enough youthful puppy fat on the concentrated midpalate before finishing with mouthwatering acidity providing precision and line. It delivers intensity of fruit, yet it’s light on its feet. Fine phenolics offer a delicate but self-assured sense of structure and poise. Delightfully balanced, and better a day after opening.”
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 95 points “The only dry wine from the vintage is the 2020 Vouvray Le Mont Sec, whose tank sample shows a classy, pure, precise and chalky/lemony bouquet with bright and perfectly healthy fruit and some herbal as well as yeasty aromas. On the palate, this is a dense, fabulously juicy, fruity and elegant Chenin whose immediate attraction and pure finesse initially reminds me of Riesling, whereas the texture is too rich and the salty and finely tannic finish too intense and powerful for Riesling. With more aeration, the Le Mont gets more and more intense and complex but also, tannic-wise, more wild. The 2020 has great tension, energy and grip and is highly promising. Tasted a few days before bottling in April 2021.”

Check out our full assortment of wines by Huet today!

Vinopolpick 01-19-22

In This Newsletter:

South African Selections:
Wines from the Cradle of Civilization

Trending Spanish Gems

The Exponent of Épernay:
Charles Ellner Champagne

Zany for Zuni:
2019 Zuni Chardonnay

Ciao Bella to Ciro:
Indigenous Calabrian Excellence

Valdespino: The Apex of Andalucía

Collector’s Corner:
Perfection from the Golden Bell: 100 Point 2016 Angelus

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South African Selections:
Wines from the Cradle of Civilization

South Africa is one of the most underrepresented countries in the current wine market. Historically most famous for Klein Constantia’s Vin De Constance, the republic has since become the “second home” for Chenin Blanc and a world leader in bold red blends. First planted to grapevines in 1655 by the Dutch East India Company, the country has been a major wine exporter since the 18th century.

The climate is definitively Mediterranean, with the day’s heat being mitigated by the mixing of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans offshore. The soils are some of the oldest on earth and largely comprised of decomposed granite, shale and mica. These mineral rich soils contribute an iron spine to the wine’s character beyond assisting with water retention and vine nutrition. The soils’ advanced age also puts grapevines in contact with bedrock due to erosion, imbuing the wines with a distinctive minerality.

Bold reds are largely based around Stellenbosch, one of the wine capitols of South Africa. Mostly planted to French varietals like Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot the area is often compared to Napa in terms of wine styles production. Stellenbosch was home to some of the first European colonists, and has practiced viticulture for almost as long, with the area being the birthplace of Pinotage at Stellenbosch University. A crossing of Pinot Noir and Cinsault the varietal is rarely seen planted outside of the country. Being the country’s flagship grape, Pinotage is famous for its chameleonic expression depending on pruning style, growing conditions and vinification practices. The best expressions encapsulate the character of both parent grapes, incorporating Pinot Noir’s ethereal aromatics with the juiciness of Cinsault.

Beyond Stellenbosch is the Hemel-En-Aarde Valley. The region is one of the coolest growing regions in all of South Africa due to being located directly in the path of the South Atlantic Ocean’s cool air as it travels to Table Mountain in Cape Town. As a result the area is famous for its elegant expressions of Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinotage.

South African Wines in stock now:

Morgenster Lourens River Valley Stellenbosch 2014 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Neal Martin-Vinous 92 points “The 2014 Lourens River Valley is a Bordeaux blend that offers light blackberry, tobacco and smoky scents on the nose; a hint of hickory develops with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied, fleshy and ripe, with supple tannins and a pinch of sour cherry and balsamic toward the finish. Quite mellow, so much so that you almost overlook the concentration here. Excellent.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Meerlust Rubicon Stellenbosch 2017 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Neal Martin-Vinous 92 points “The 2017 Rubicon, Meerlust’s flagship Bordeaux blend (68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot) offers attractive blackberry, raspberry coulis and floral scents on the nose, plus just a touch of glycerol. The palate is harmonious and medium-bodied with supple tannins, fine acidity and an almost understated but long finish. Not a show-stealer, but one of the bottles that you will finish quicker than intended.”

Southern Right Pinotage Hemel-en-Aarde Valley 2020 750ML ($49.95) $30.90 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Importer Note: Southern Right is re-defining Pinotage with this intense classically styled, clay-grown wine, packed with complex berry fruit, beautiful tannins, and subtle spice. Full ripeness and the longer hang-time afforded by cooler sites, combined with the complex, more classic fruit aromas and structure resulting from clay-rich soil, make this wine a highly individual expression of South Africa’s unique grape variety

Klein Constantia Vin de Constance Natural Sweet Wine Constantia 2007 500ML ($119.95) $99 special, 4 bottles in stock now
Neal Martin – Wine Advocate 97 points “Although I have tasted the 2007 Vin de Constance on several occasions, this was the first time professionally. It has an explosive bouquet that sprints out of the blocks with a more effervescent, vivacious personality than the 2008. Citrus lemon, Seville orange marmalade, touches of mandarin and a dash of spice all vie for attention. The aromatics are more Sauternes-like than the 2008. The palate is very well-balanced with a viscous opening, a keen thread of acidity and a bewitching sense of poise and focus. This is probably the finest Vin de Constance to date as it fans out marvellously on the multi-layered finish. This is a startling, world-class wine that gives Yquem a run for its money.”

Trending Spanish Gems

In Michel Bettane’s definitive book “The World’s Greatest Wines” there were only four sparkling wines selected. Champagne made up the lion’s share, with Kripta being the only non-Champagne sparkling wine that was included in the entire book. Beyond this anecdote Kripta is a benchmark producer in Spain. Their commitment to excellence starts with sourcing from organically farmed, indigenous varietals, which have an average vine age of 47 years old.

Further borrowing from the techniques of high end champagnes, Kripta ages their Gran Riserva for a minimum of seven years (Compared to the 2.5 years required by Spanish law). The combination of exceptional fruit and extended lees aging creates a veritable masterpiece that will make you say “This is Cava??” Much like a well-wrought Champagne there’s an inexhaustible list of pairings that would complement the Kripta.

In stock now:

Agusti Torello Mata Kripta Gran Reserva Cava Catalonia 2011 750ML ($99.95) $75 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez “It’s a blend of the thee classical Cava grapes—Macabeo, Xarello and Parellada—from three old vineyards in the Penedès, in the villages of Sant Pau d’Ordal, Sant Sadurni d’Anoia and Sant Joan de Mediona; it aged in contact with the lees in bottle for seven years.”

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

In stock now:

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

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

Celler del Roure ‘Safra’ Valencia 2017 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 93 points “The third vintage of my favorite red, the 2017 Safrà is from an early and low-yielding year when they got larger grapes that delivered fresher and more fluid wines than a normal warm year. It fermented with 30% full clusters in stainless steel vats, and like all of these wines, it didn’t see any oak; it matured exclusively in 2,600-liter clay “tinaja” for six months. It’s floral and subtle, super elegant, without any excess, expressive and perfumed. The palate is equally elegant, with very fine tannins, good freshness and very tasty, almost salty flavors. This has to be the finest vintage for this wine. Even if 2017 can be similar to 2015, this feels more balanced and complete. Most of the wines are a bargain, and this is a steal.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Looking for a wine that is equal parts refreshing and compelling? Check out our selections from Do Ferreiro. Coming from the picturesque Salnes region on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, this is the ancestral home of Albarino and shows in the wine’s character across the portfolio. 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 degrees. As a result of these challenges, there has been very little deviation from the traditional growing practices. Do Ferreiro is a local champion of these methods, and is known for their devotion to rehabilitating abandoned sites and refusing to use synthetic chemicals in any way.

In stock now:

Bodegas Gerardo Mendez Albarino Do Ferreiro Rias Baixas 2020 750ML ($39.95) $28.50 special, 12 bottles in stock now
De Maison note “Highly regarded for crafting albariño, Do Ferreiro has become a reference point for the grape. They farm over 175 tiny plots of albariño by hand, all located in the Salnés subzone of Rías Baixas. This valley’s proximity to the ocean, ideal climate due to the natural protection by mountain ranges, and decomposed granitic soil have gained the reputation for being the best zone in Rías Baixas for growing profound albariño. The blend of these plots is what makes up Do Ferreiro Albariño. No other grape varieties or regions are blended into Do Ferreiro, as is common with many albariño wines. Fermentations are exclusively carried out by native yeasts.”

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Looking for a rose that drinks like a light red? Easily the most full bodied rose I’ve tried in a long while, this is a deliciously rustic rosado made from another nearly extinct grape called Prieto Picudo. Traditionally farmed in a pruning style native to the village called rastra, which involves the grapes growing without any trellising just above the ground. This proximity reduces the amount of water lost during the incredibly dry growing season and helps the grapes ripen due to heat radiating from the ground. The vines used in this rosado are over 80 years old and grown at almost 3,000 feet above sea level at the base of the Cantabric Mountains. Grilled strawberry, cherry juice, copal resin and fennel flower make this a perfect accompaniment for BBQ, Smoked fish or Middle Eastern cuisine.

In stock now:

Raul Perez ‘Los Arrotos del Pendon’ Rosado Leon 2020 ($24.95) $19.90 special, 5 bottles available
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92 points “Light, amber-hued red. Pungent cherry, raspberry and floral aromas take on spice and smoky mineral nuances with air. Shows very good heft and chewy texture, offering sappy red berry, bitter cherry and spicecake flavors and a hint of licorice. As much a light red wine as a rosé. Finishes long and floral, with the spicy note adding final cut. – Josh Raynolds”
Skurnik Wines note “100% Prieto Picudo. Very old vines in stony clay at high altitude (800m ASL). Macerated for two days on the skins before bleeding off. Fermented with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel. Raised on the fine lees for four months in tank. Bottled without fining or filtration.”

Priorat remains one of the most sought after and highly lauded wine producing regions in all of Spain. The high concentration of old vines; cult level producers, high elevation and Mediterranean climate have made it a hotbed for Spain’s fine wine revolution. Priorat wines are largely based around Grenache and Carignan, grapes usually associated with being medium bodied and fruity. However they take on a whole new dimension on the terraced vineyards of martian-esque shale. Called llicorella by the locals it’s famous for the savory minerality that’s imparted to the grapes, in addition to ripening grapes faster by heat radiation.

In stock now:

Ferrer Bobet Priorat DOCa 2016 750ML ($59.95) $44.56 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Ferrer Bobet Priorat DOCa 2016 750ML ($359.95) $249 special (That’s only $41.50 per bottle!)
James Suckling 97 points “Such purity of ripe blackberries and dark cherries, as well as redder, cherry notes, really makes a striking impression on the nose. The fresh florals and leafy nuances are followed by such pure berries and red plums. The tannins are stunning, so polished and perfectly formed, holding super long and fresh. Wow. Drink or hold.”

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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.

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.”

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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. 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.

Alvear Wines in stock now:

Alvear Palacio Quemado La Raya Vino de la Tierra de Extremadura Spain 2016 750ML ($34.95) $27 special, 20 bottles in stock now
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

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Alvear Palacio Quemado La Zarcita Vino de la Tierra de Extremadura Spain 2018 750ML ($21.95) $18 special, 29 bottles in stock now
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

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

Alvear Palacio Quemado Los Acilates Vino de la Tierra de Extremadura Spain 2016 750ML ($27.95) $24 special, 29 bottles in stock now
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

This is the only listing in the USA today!

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 the 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.

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 Grande Reserve Brut Champagne NV 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 5 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 92 points “[Reviewed 2016] Deliciously balanced, this wine is on the dry side while keeping its fruitiness up front. A blend of 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir, it has both minerality and rich apple and pear fruits with a tangy texture. It is ready to drink. -Roger Voss”

This is the only listing 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, 19 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!

We carry over 204 different bottlings of Champagne both online and in-store including Chartogne Taillet, Bollinger and Pommery!

Zany for Zuni:

2019 Zuni Chardonnay

After the explosive popularity of our exclusive Evening Land/Brasserie 19 offer, we jumped at the chance to offer another exclusive wine from Rajat Parr’s Sta. Rita Hills winery, Sandhi. Oregon wine fans may best know Parr for his Willamette Valley winery Evening Land and their pioneering Seven Springs vineyard. Some years before signing on to Evening Land, Parr’s founded Sandhi, an elite, small production winery that highlights the terroirs of Santa Barbara County. He and co-founder Sashi Moorman eschew extremes of ripeness, oak, or alcohol, instead crafting wines of elegance and restraint. Vineyard sources for the Sandhi lineup include the legendary cool climate Bien Nacido, best known by the single vineyard bottlings produced by the Bien Nacido estate, Au Bon Climat, and Qupe Winery, and the world-classic, historic Sanford & Benedict.

This Chardonnay is a barrel selection from these illustrious vineyards. It was crafted with the wine director at one of SF’s finest restaurants, Zuni Café. We knew it would be a charming and food-friendly wine, but we were stunned by the quality when we tasted a sample bottle. Fans of Evening Land will be dazzled by the beauty and elegance through a Californian lens, fans of Sandhi will be impressed by the price.

In Stock Now:

Sandhi Zuni Chardonnay Santa Barbara County 2019 750ML ($34.95) $24 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Sandhi Zuni Chardonnay Santa Barbara County 2019 750ML ($399.95) $249 special (that’s only $20.75/bottle!)
Winery note “If you’ve ever sat at San Francisco’s iconic Zuni Café with a plate of oysters in front of you while you wait for the iconic whole roast chicken, you may have had a glass or two of this collaboration between longtime friends Rajat Parr of Sandhi and Zuni wine director Thierry Lovato. The wine is a barrel selection from some of Sandhi’s iconic Sta. Rita Hills sites, (think Mt. Carmel, Sanford & Benedict) with enough own-rooted, 1973 Wente selection Bien Nacido Chardonnay blended in to warrant a Santa Barbara County designation.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

We carry over 20 different bottlings of California Chardonnay, including Rombauer, Freemark Abbey and Hartford Court!

Ciao Bella to Ciro:
Indigenous Calabrian Excellence

Have you ever tried a Calabrian wine? What about from their “Grand Cru” village of Ciro? Once a major producer and exporter of wine for the entire Mediterranean during antiquity, Ciro has changed hands but never her principal grapes. The village of Ciro’s proximity to both the Mediterranean and Adriatic help mitigate the otherwise sweltering climate, not unlike the effect that the Ionian Sea does on Sicily. These ideal conditions create wines with a mineral driven spine, multidimensional fruits and bright acidity.

Reds and rosé are based around the Gaglioppo grape, with the whites being vinified from Greco Bianco. Scala has rapidly established themselves as the champions of these grapes, working exclusively with their organically grown estate vineyard. Vinification takes place in either concrete or stainless steel, making the resulting wine an unobstructed picture of the varietal character.

The genetic relationship to Nerello Mascalese is evident in Scala’s Gaglioppo, without any of the hard edges you’d usually associate. The Gaglioppo red is deliciously plush with a spectrum of red and black fruits including Italian plum, blueberries and Amarena cherry with a spicy and smoky backbone reminiscent of myrrh, copal resin and pink peppercorn. Incredibly quaffable with a slight chill, and a match made in heaven with pizza!

The rosato presents a completely different aspect of Gaglioppo in comparison to the red, featuring an acid driven spray of red cherry, cinnamon dusted strawberry, rosehips, and hibiscus. There is an additional frankincense and fresh picked rosemary note combined with ocean spray that makes it incredibly food friendly.

Are you a fan of linear, refreshing white wines that feature a mineral core and lasting finish? The Greco from Sala is about to be your new favorite. Featuring a light body but ripe fruit flavors, there’s levity to the wine that brings to mind summer peaches, yellow apple, fresh pear, Meyer lemon peel, lupine flower and seashell. Scala’s bianco is absolutely perfect with sushi, fish and chips, bouillabaisse or anything else from the sea.

In stock and available now:

Scala Bianco Ciro Calabria 2020 750ML ($19.95) $16.60 special, 9 bottles in stock now
Importer note “100% Greco, from vineyards located in Cirò (Crotone district), 100 to 150 meters above sea level. The vines were planted in 1997 and face south/south-east. They are trained in espalier. The grapes were manually harvested around the 20th of August (20 to 30 days earlier than usual, as 2017 was a very hot vintage). They were destemmed, softly pressed, and fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks – 16° to 18° C (61 to 64F) in order to preserve the aromas. After the fermentation, the wine was racked and left in tanks for 4 months. Nose of white flowers. 12% alcohol.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Scala Rosato Ciro Calabria 2020 750ML ($19.95) $16.60 special, 4 bottles in stock now
Importer Tasting Note (Victor Schwartz) “The 2020 is a vibrant wine as always. The color is particularly striking, an electric copper-gold, like a ramato that’s been amped up. The nose and palate are delicious if elusive. There is a deep fruit quality that is a mix of apricots and red fruits, the varietal character of gaglioppo is evident along with a distinctive savory note in the background. The wine offers a fruitful acidity keeping it fresh and alive.”
100% Gaglioppo from estate vineyards

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Scala Rosso Ciro Classico Calabria 2018 750ML ($19.95) $16.60 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Importer note “100% Gaglioppo, a medium-sized, thick-skinned grape indigenous to Southern Italy and best known for the production of Ciro DOC. The grapes comes from a vineyard called “Franza”, in Contrada Franza (municipality of Ciro), in the region of Calabria. The ownership of the land goes back to the 17th century. It was previously cultivated with olive trees and citrus groves, and turned into a vineyard in 1965. The soil is clay and sand, with a South/South East exposure and 10 year old vines trained as espaliers. The grapes are de-stemmed, then macerate at 77F until the fermentation is completed. After a soft pressing, the wine is racked and left in cement tanks for a minimum of 10 to 12 months. 13.5% Alcohol.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Valdespino: The Apex of Andalucía

Sherry is one of the most underappreciated wine styles in the entire world, and is one of the best buys in the market as a result! Valdespino is no different, in spite of being one of the most pedigreed and critically lauded in the entire Sherry Triangle. Records found onsite indicate that Valdespino was founded in 1264, making them one of the first Bodegas to make sherry in the entire region.

Production has largely stayed the same throughout it’s almost 800 year history, and is the last producer still fermenting in oak using wild yeasts from a single vineyard. This approach marries perfectly to their estate holdings in the Macharnudo Alto, the highest elevation vineyard in The Sherry Triangle (And nicknamed “The Romanée-Conti of Jerez”). The site’s reputation is so lauded that Valdespino was contracted to the Royal families of Spain and Sweden to provide their respective households with Sherry.

The vineyard is comprised almost entirely of chalk, or albariza as it’s called locally which imparts a distinctive, pervasive and saline minerality to the finished wine. The commitment to quality does not stop after harvest and initial vinification, with the average time spent in solera being twice the required minimum. Take for instance their Fino sherry, which traditionally spends the least amount of time in the solera but still has an average of 10 years old (Compared to the legally required 2 years in cask). The aging commitment reaches its apex with Valdespino’s VORS range (Very Old Rare Sherry), with the VOR Amontillado having an average age of 60 years old!

Due to the inherent saline minerality that is part of Valdespino’s house style these are incredibly food friendly Sherries. The traditional pairing of paella or charcuterie or even something along the lines of sushi, oysters in half shell or lobster. Given the fortification that Sherry undergoes, it is also perfect suited for slowly enjoying over the course of a week and will continue to evolve in your refrigerator.

Valdespino Wines in stock now:

A.R. Valdespino Amontillado Tio Diego Sherry Andalucia 750ML ($29.95) $20.90 special, 1 bottles in stock now
Wine & Spirits 93 points “Extremely dry, this austere Amontillado comes from the white chalky albariza soils of the famed Macharnudo vineyard. It aged under flor for about eight years, and then spent eight more years aging oxidatively before being bottled. At first, it shows only the classic flavors of iodine and salt, with enchanting sea breeze notes. You have to wait for the fruit flavors to emerge, notes of roasted white fruit and nuts emerging in the midst of its cool flavors. Only for fans of super-dry Sherry, this is ideal for mojama, cured tuna belly.”
Wine Spectator 92 points “Smoky and taut, featuring date, dried orange peel, clove, singed sandalwood and salted caramel notes. The dry, nervy finish has lots of tension. Begs for salted almonds. Drink now.” WS

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

A.R. Valdespino Coliseo Amontillado VORS Sherry Andalucia VORS 375ML ($249.95) $179 special, 4 half-bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 99 points “The NV Amontillado Coliseo VORS, is an extremely old (much older than the 30 years certified by the VORS classification) and concentrated wine. It is unique, as its origin is from Sanlucar de Barrameda, mainly from the Pago Miraflores, which produced very sharp wines. Dark mahogany colored, with a bright green border, is very aromatic, balsamic and complex, with wild herbs, candied orange rind, spices and dates. The palate is extremely concentrated, dry, and intense but it has no edges, with lively acidity and an eternal finish. It’s an extreme wine, some might find it too much, but it’s certainly unique and among the greatest wines in the world, to be sipped slowly and in tiny quantities. One of the greatest Amontillados in existence today. Drink 2013-2025.” WA

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A.R. Valdespino Inocente Single Vineyard Fino Sherry Andalucia 375ML ($14.95) $11.90 special, 6 half-bottles in stock now
Wine & Spirits 95 points “Best Buy. Inocente is Valdespino’s flagship, a wine from the Macharnudo Alto vineyard, where the soil is pure white albariza. It ferments in 600-liter wooden casks without added yeasts, a practice that has become increasingly rare in Jerez. The intensity of the wine’s salinity is remarkable – iodine and salt – coming together with ripe white fruit, scents of nuts and exotic spices. The structure is dry and austere, like drinking the juice of stones. This will last for a decade in the cellar, but it’s impossible to hold onto a bottle if there’s raw seafood nearby.”
Wine Advocate 94 points “The NV Fino Inocente must be one of the few wines in Jerez that is still fermented in 600-liter American oak botas, which is an incredible amount of work compared with fermenting tens of thousands of kilos of grapes (or even more) in a big stainless steel tank. This method was the norm of yesteryear, but is so labor intense that it was discontinued in most wineries, and gives a big diversity of wines, as each barrel has its own character, which contributes to the complexity of the blend. Furthermore, the bottled wine is on average 8 to 10 years old. One other thing that makes it apart from other Finos is that the grapes are exclusively from the high part of the Macharnudo vineyard, so this is a single-vineyard Fino. The nose is very complex, showing the effect of the long lees contact: chalk, dried hay, aromatic herbs and salty almonds. The palate is full, but at the same time elegant and balanced, powerful and fine, with the texture of a Meursault rather than a Puligny. A very complex wine, that manages to be both powerful and elegant. Inocente is great value for money. Drink 2013-2016.”

A.R. Valdespino Manzanilla Deliciosa Sherry Andalucia 750ML ($19.95) $17 special, 18 bottles in stock now
Decanter 94 points “About five to six years old, from La Guita bodega. Bright astringency and vivid intensity, with a long, refreshing finish. Not subtle, or washed out; and in this case, I preferred this to the en rama version.”
Wine & Spirits 92 points “Deliciosa grows at the Pago Miraflores in Sanlucar de Barrameda and it’s typically aged for five years under flor. This latest saca shows a lovely mix of almond flavors, salt and white fruit, all melding into the wine’s deep mineral notes. It’s substantial enough to serve in the company of blackened redfish.”

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A.R. Valdespino Viejo C.P. Calle Ponche Single Vineyard Palo Cortado Dry Sherry Jerez 750ML ($52.95) $38 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Wine & Spirits 96 points “The wines that make up this Palo Cortado have an average age of more than 25 years. Originally, it was aged in Calle Ponce in the city of Jerez; hence the initials still printed on the label. During aging, the wine is refreshed with Fino Inocente and Amontillado Tío Diego, two other top bottlings in Valdespino’s portfolio. The end result is a wine that smells smoky and rich in caramelized flavor, but tastes dry to the bone; all those ripe flavors become the purest mineral impressions. A sense of chalky albariza soil floods the palate as the acidity tingles along the tongue, leading the way into a vertical wine, intense and vibrant.”
Wine Advocate 93 points “The NV Palo Cortado Viejo C.P. produced from Palomino from the Macharnudo Alto is feed with specific casks of Fino Inocente and Amontillado Tio Diego. It was traditionally aged in the Calle Ponce (Ponce Street), and if has kept the C.P. initials since then. It’s not age-certified, but the average age of the bottled wine is 25 years. The color is old gold or light amber, and the nose hints at a relatively old wine, with plenty of lactic notes, sweet vanilla, iodine, bitter oranges and spices. The palate is clean and delineated, subtle and on the elegant side of Palo Cortado, ending very dry.”

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

A.R. Valdespino El Candado Pedro Ximenez Sherry Andalucia 375ML ($17.95) $14 special, 6 half-bottles in stock now
Wine & Spirits 92 points “A PX from ten-year-old soleras, this is deliciously creamy. It combines raisined grape flavors with scents of figs and chestnuts, while subtle acidity plays in the background. The complexity develops further in the glass, building toward notes of chocolate, cinnamon and exotic spices.”

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We carry a wide range of Sherry producers including Toro Albala, La Guita and Alvear!

Collector’s Corner:

Perfection from the Golden Bell: 100 Point 2016 Angelus

The de Bouard family, owners and stewards of Angelus, is synonymous with Bordeaux, with family records showing a presence in the region as early as 1544. Over the centuries their reputation for producing some of the best wine on the Right Bank has ebbed and flowed but never budged from the upper echelon. This stellar reputation can be attributed to the family’s acumen for combining tradition with modern technology.

Hubert de Bouard has especially championed this within his family’s holdings. Undertaking massive renovations to their estate and vinification practices, Angelus is now farmed organically and uses gravity-feeding during fermentation. Hubert borrowed techniques from Burgundian producers like de-stemming by hand, fermenting parcels separately and extended contact with the lees with elevage in 100% new French oak.

The 2016 vintage is legendary in Bordeaux, with Roger Voss of Wine Enthusiast entitling his vintage summary “The Perfect Bordeaux?”. The vintage is often compared to her sister 2015 in terms of being consistently warm throughout the summer but with a luxuriously wet spring allowing for ample water supplies within the soil. Combined with a long and dry summer, Angelus was able to deliver exceptional purity, elegance and freshness in spades. After seeing the critical reception, we secured an allotment of magnums.

In Stock Now:

Chateau Angelus Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2016 1.5L ($1049.95) $899 special, 6+ magnums in stock now
Case-6 Chateau Angelus Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2016 1.5L ($5999.95) $5099 special (That’s only $849.83/ magnum)
Wine Enthusiast 100 points “Top 100 Cellar Selection In 2019. This is a rich, perfumed wine, with dense tannins and intense layers of black plum and spice. The palate is firmly built yet broadened out by plump dark-fruit tones and honed by a solid, dry core. Drink from 2025. -Roger Voss”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 98+ points “Sporting a deep garnet-purple color, the 2016 Angélus erupts from the glass with powerful notes of blackberry pie, ripe black cherries and juicy black plums with an undercurrent of star anise, rose petals, chocolate mint, pencil shavings and woodsmoke plus a waft of allspice. The palate is pure decadence. Medium to full-bodied, rich and generously fruited, this wine is by no means heavy—it positively glimmers with freshness and vivacity, lending an ethereal nature to all that richness and power, beautifully framed by velvety tannins and finishing with epic length. The generosity, layers and plushness make for an absolutely DELICIOUS drink right now, but I’d suggest waiting 3-5 more years for the fireworks to really begin.”
Neal Martin-Vinous 97 points “The 2016 Angélus has an intense, powerful bouquet with copious black cherries, boysenberry, orange pith and iodine scents that threaten to overwhelm the senses. The medium-bodied palate offers supple tannins, a fine bead of acidity, a dash of black pepper and impressive detail and persistence on the finish. This is an outstanding Angélus that clearly requires several years in bottle to realize its full potential. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.”
Jeb Dunnuck 97 points “The 2016 Château Angélus is incredibly elegant and finesse-driven, with a soaring perfume of crème de cassis, white flowers, crayon, forest floor, and spice. Compared to the 1996 by the Angélus team, it has a deep, layered style, its oak is beautifully integrated, there are ample tannins, and despite leaning toward the finesse-driven side of the spectrum, it has thrilling depth of fruit and length. It’s a brilliant wine from this estate that will benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and keep for 30+ years or more. The blend of the 2016 is 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc, brought up all in new French oak.”
Wine Spectator 96 points “This goes for the gusto, with a deep and broad swath of well-roasted tobacco, espresso and loam out front. The core of dark currant and fig fruit will have to catch up, but this red has the energy and juicy drive to eventually do so. When it melds fully, this will be a smoky, alluring, tobacco-fueled wine. Best from 2024 through 2040. 8,333 cases made. — JM”

Shop our vast selection of red Bordeaux on our web store now!

Vinopolis is an independent wine shop located in Portland, Oregon that opened in 2004. Our goal has always been to offer the finest, broadest, and largest selection of wines at the best prices to our customers in Portland, in Oregon, across the West Coast, and throughout the United States.

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Monday Bonus Newsletter 1-17-22

In This Newsletter:

Franco Serra: Spectacular and Storied

All about Alsace:

Mad for Musar: Best in Bekka Valley

Burklin Wolf:

Mistress of the Madiran:

Winners from the Willamette: Top scoring Oregon selections

Staff Pick :
San Leonardo’s Mountain Red

Down the Dordogne: Bordeaux for all

Franco Serra: Spectacular and Storied

Who said that established wineries had to be expensive? Franco Serra has been making wine for over 100 years and still is one of the best buys in Piedmont. Founded in 1911 by Antonio Sperone, the wineries goal since their founding was to offer affordable wine. These goals reached their apex with the purchase of 75 acres in Piedmont, where they planted Pinot Noir, Nebbiolo and Dolcetto. Their wines offer a budget friendly exploration into the region, with each of the wines featuring Piedmont’s classic “warm brick” minerality. These are perfect for wine education, gifting or a night with pizza.

Franco Serra Wines Arriving Friday, January 21st:

Franco Serra Barbaresco DOCG Piedmont 2018 750ML ($37.95) $30.90 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 91 points “Plenty of pretty, wild strawberries and boysenberries, as well as raspberries and spice undertones. Medium to full body, some attractive tannin bite and a medium-chewy finish. Drink from 2020.”

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

Franco Serra Barolo DOCG Piedmont 2016 750ML ($41.95) $38 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 94 points “Aromas of plums, cherries and ash with hints of tea and toffee follow through to a full body with layered, chewy tannins and lots of chocolate and walnuts at the finish. Needs a number of years to soften and come together, but I am impressed. Try after 2022.”

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Franco Serra Langhe Nebbiolo Piedmont 2019 750ML ($17.95) $16 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 91 points “Pure, nebbiolo fruit with strawberry and light cherry character. Medium to light body and a nice texture and finish. Drink now and enjoy.”

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

Franco Serra Pinot Noir Piedmont 2020 750ML ($15.95) $14 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Franco Serra Pinot Noir Piedmont 2020 750ML ($189.95) $149 pre-arrival special, (that’s only $12.42/bottle!)
*Case price for in-store pickup only*
James Suckling 91 points “A nice core of red fruit here, together with some floral and fresh-herb notes. Medium-bodied with firm, slightly chewy tannins that close down the fruit a little for now. But shows promise and should even out with a little time. Try in 2022”

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Love Northern Italian Reds? We have over 214 bottlings available.

All about Alsace:

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. Ranging from bone dry to lusciously sweet, there’s something for every palate and cuisine.

The primary grapes of the area combine the winemaking traditions of Germany and France, with Riesling, Pinot Gris and Gewürztraminer being standouts. 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.

Alsatian Wines in stock now:

Domaines Schlumberger Pinot Gris Les Princes Abbes Alsace 2018 750ML ($24.95) $19 special, 20 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 92 points “With plenty of floral-honey, caramelized-pear and some melon aromas, medium-full body and a creamy texture, this is a very classic Alsace pinot gris. But it is drier than most with a nice touch of positive tannin at the clean finish. Rather food-friendly. Drink now.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Domaines Schlumberger Riesling Les Princes Abbes Alsace 2018 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 special, 23 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 91 points “Notes of ripe lemon have a honeyed, herbal lift, with a hint of candied lemon peel. The palate of this wine comes with concentration and a lemon freshness that radiates ripeness, brightness and intensity in equal measure. The finish is long, lemony, waxy and dry. Lovely now the wine is certain to evolve. Drink now–2030. -Anne Krebiehl MW”

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”

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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”

Domaine Weinbach Sylvaner, Alsace 2019 750ML ($39.95) $36 special
(Formerly labeled ‘Reserve’)
James Suckling 93 points “Although this was made from the least “popular” of the Alsace grape varieties, this is a beauty, with a wide spectrum of white and yellow fruit, the kind of concentration you expect from old vines and quite some power at the long, fresh finish. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or hold.”

Schoffit Chasselas Vieilles Vignes Alsace 2019 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 special, 10 bottles in stock now
John Gilman 91 points
Wine Spectator 89 points “A lovely, lithe white, with a delicate spine of lightly mouthwatering acidity and a pretty range ripe apricot, ruby red grapefruit sorbet, pickled ginger and almond blossom, followed by a stony finish. Drink now. 100 cases imported. –AN”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Schoffit Pinot Blanc Auxerrois Vieilles Vignes Alsace 2019 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 special, 24 bottles in stock now
John Gilman 91 points
Importer note “A well-balanced, old vines Pinot Blanc blend generally offering, depending on the vintage, around 5g/L residual sugar and 6g/L natural acidity. Entirely hand-harvested, fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks .”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Schoffit Pinot Gris Cuvee Tradition Alsace 2019 750ML ($29.95) $24 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Importer note “Grown in the vineyards of Colmar, the capital of Alsatian wines, the Pinot Gris is a grape varietal with a thousand facets that gives drastically different wines depending on the conditions in which it grows and the hand of the winemaker. In this case, Schoffit made a choice to create a dry, gastronomic Pinot Gris that has as little as 3g/L residual sugar and high 8g/L acidity for the 2014 vintage. Those who prefer a more velvety touch will still enjoy this dry-styled Pinot Gris in other vintages that usually contain around 12g/L residual sugar for about 6g/L natural acidity.”

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Domaine l’Agape Emotion Cremant d’Alsace France NV 750ML ($24.95) $19 special, 12
Wine Enthusiast 92 points “Wet chalk, tender apple and lot of lemon freshness appear on the nose of this wine. These notions are bound up on the palate in a mellow creaminess. It’s understated and elegant, with lots of fine fruit. The finish is dry and very moreish in its rounded way. -Anne Krebiehl MW” bottles in stock now

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Schoffit Riesling Rangen de Thann Clos Saint-Theobald 2019 Alsace Grand Cru 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 10 bottles in stock now
John Gilman 93 points
Importer note “Known all over Europe at least since the 12th century, the Rangen vineyard was first exploited by the monks of the church of Saint-Théobald, an important place of pilgrimage at that time. Rangen is a mountain of volcanic schiste, ideal for Riesling. Its stunning volcanic terroir, unique in Alsace, makes it a magical Grand Cru. But, among all of the Alsatian Grands Crus, it is also the southern most, has the highest elevation (culminating at 450m), is the steepest (up to 55 degrees), and everything contributes to heighten its powerful and mysterious aura. Incredibly hard to work, it is a very demanding terroir that has to be earned all year long. But when it receives the appropriate level of affection, it gives as a reward some of the top Riesling of the world: smoky, stony, mineral. Depending on the vintage, the final balance is usually around 7g/L residual sugar and 7g/L acidity, but its unique personality is always captivating.”

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

Mad for Musar: Best in Bekka Valley

Looking for a cult producer that’s still affordable? There are very few producers who are synonymous with the production of their entire region’s output. Dal Forno in Valpolicella, Dönnhoff and the Nahe, Cayuse and Walla Walla, the list is as long as there are production zones. In that same vein you cannot talk about Lebanese wine without mentioning Chateau Musar.

Founded by Gaston Hochar in 1930, his son Serge took the world by storm in the late 1970’s after leaving Bordeaux for the Bekka Valley. Lebanon is one of the world’s first producers of wine that dates back over 6,000 years and was mentioned throughout antiquity for its quality, but has seen almost constant unrest since World War 2.

In spite of that, Musar has consistently delivered exceptional reds, whites and rose year after year to the international market. This is in part from their vineyards located in the Bekka Valley of Lebanon, 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.

Working exclusively with old vines that have always been farmed organically, Musar makes a fantastic single village wine named after Gaston in addition to their Cuvee that’s made them world famous. Working with a blend of varietals including Cinsault, Carignan, Grenache, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvigion for reds, the reds are built for serious aging and collecting.

Expect all the power and nuance of a super Tuscan, with the lift of Bandol and a totally unique frankincense, oud and cumin character that is definitively Middle Eastern. We were only able to secure limited quantities of the reds, with these wines usually being snapped up by restaurants in New York before they can reach our market, so get these while you can!

Musar Wines in stock now:

Chateau Musar Bekaa Valley 2015 750ML ($69.95) $54.50 special, 30 bottles in stock now
VinpolNote: Intensely aromatic and flavorful, and from one of the lowest yielding years ever reported by the estate. Concentrated and dense, there are layers of spice and black fruits underscored by the classic Musar styling.

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

Chateau Musar ‘Hochar Pere et Fils’ Red Bekaa Valley 2017 750ML ($34.95) $28 special, 31 bottles in stock now
Decanter 91 points “This single-vineyard wine, from Aana, is made in a modern style: concentrated and slightly reductive. It shows notes of new oak barrels, lovely red berry fruit (reminiscent of Grenache) and garrigue aromas. So Mediterranean on the palate, with sweet tannins, spices and a meaty hint on the aftertaste. A very friendly, easy-to-drink and enjoyable wine. It becomes even better and more refined a day after the bottle is opened. I would recommend decanting it.”
Antonio Galloni 90 points “The 2017 Hochar is powerful and dense in the glass. Ripe flavors and incisive tannins give the 2017 much of its brooding personality. Readers should plan on opening the 2017 at least an hour or two in advance, as the tannins are rather grainy at the outset. With time ripe black cherry, spice, leather and licorice flavors emerge nicely. The blend is 55% Cinsault, 35% Grenache and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon.”

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

Also from the Bekka Valley:

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.”

Burklin Wolf:

Does Germany have growing regions other than cool climate? The Pfalz and her 1800 hours of sunshine during the growing season would make a strong argument for just that. Closer to Strasbourg than Berlin; the Pfalz is nestled between the Haardt Mountains and the Rhine River in a veritable oasis of forests and hills. Archeological records show that the district was one of the first areas in the entire world to have widespread consumption and production of wine, dating back to 550 B.C.E.

The beneficial growing conditions make for some of the most interesting and diverse expressions of German wine, with Riesling still being the crown jewel. The warmer average temperature creates Rieslings with less acidity and concentrated fruit flavors like apricot, mango and nectarine. Aromas usually feature a headier and effusive quality in comparison to other regions that brings to mind daffodils, yarrow and lilies. Burklin Wolf is no exception, with their family holdings dating back to 1597 and historically matching Burgundy in price. Much like the rest of the Pfalz their specialty has been in drier styles with the current generation of owners focusing exclusively on the category. Their vineyards could not be more suited for this production style, producing Rieslings with a structure you rarely see.

Burklin Wolf in stock now:

Dr. Burklin-Wolf Wachenheimer Altenburg P.C. Riesling Trocken Pfalz 2017 750ML ($39.95) $24 special, 35+ bottles in stock now
David Schildknecht-Vinous 92 points “Piquant notes of apple and citrus pith mingle on the nose with crushed stone and struck flint, suggesting this interpretation of Altenburg will likely reflect the austerity and rigor of its gravelly soil and coolest of all Bürklin-Wolf microclimates. On top of that, I suspect this wine is suffering the most from its recent bottling of any Bürklin’s vintage 2017 P.C.’s. Even so, the site’s character is irrepressible. The firm palate musters more than enough primary juiciness to guarantee refreshment, and its piquant, pithy combination of hickory nut, lemon seed and stone carries into a mouthwateringly saline, formidably gripping, practically mouth-shaking finish. Give this time! (It already responds well to a good shaking.)”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Dr. Burklin-Wolf Wachenheimer Riesling Trocken Pfalz 2017 750ML ($24.95) $18 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
James Suckling 92 points “Slightly funky (from wild ferment) but also great citrus, pear and peach aromas. Good concentration for a village wine with quite a linear profile. Very clean finish. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or hold.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Love German Riesling? We carry 505 different bottlings from across the country!

Mistress of the Madiran:

Madiran remains a wine region often read about but is rarely seen in our market. With wines based around the varietal Tannat, it’s often blended with her sister grapes Malbec and Fer Servadou. By itself or even in concert together, the wines from the Madiran tend to be bold, rustic and featuring a mountainous influence from the nearby Pyrenees. The wines from Labranche Laffont are labors of love, with Christine Dupuy taking over her family’s estate at 23 after the unexpected passing of her father.

The Domaine’s style is textbook for the area, with an additional elegance that Christine strives to emphasize in her wines. Labranche delivers on all counts, with her Vielles Vignes especially featuring a refreshing herbaceousness akin to bergamot that combine beautifully with the trademark Assamese tea, violets, black raspberry, anise and redcurrants. Combine that with a lifted acidity and a fabulously long finish, this is a wine that continues to evolve hours after being in the glass.

Tannins are definitely the leader when ranking the body, acid and aromatics but everything is still in balance. Considering the relative youth of this wine, it will only improve through cellaring. This is a perfect reset for someone looking to switch it up from their regular bold red from Bordeaux, Washington State, California or Spain and vastly over delivers on the price to quality ratio.

Labranche Laffont wines in stock now:

Domaine Labranche-Laffont Madiran 2017 750ML ($19.95) $16 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Wine & Spirits 91 points “Christine Dupuy makes this wine mainly in concrete vats, from 60 percent tannat blended with equal parts cabernets sauvignon and franc. It feels like a young colossus (the giant mecha you’d pilot to fight Godzilla, if you’ve ever seen Pacific Rim…). Thelength of its smoky, dark fruit suggests a few more years of bottle age will scale it down to a savory, delicious red for greens braised in duck fat. (W&S 06/21)”
Importer note “Based on Tannat with 20% Cabernet Franc and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. Made mostly in concrete vats, with around 1/3 raised in older barrels. A wine that responds well to air.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Domaine Labranche-Laffont Vieilles Vignes Madiran 2015 750ML (26.95) $24 special, 4 bottles in stock now
Decanter 92 points “This old-vine bottling receives a long maceration so it has ample extraction, allowing an ageing in just one-third new oak to be sufficient. Opaque in colour, it has a savoury nose packed with black-fruits aromas. It’s dense and forceful, but the tannins are very ripe, and although thickly textured, it has fine acidity and no trace of heaviness. Long, with some liquorice on the finish. Drinking Window 2019 – 2030.”
Wine & Spirits 91 points “The fruit for this brambly, rich and round wine comes rom vines that are at least 50 years old. It calls to mind all sorts of grilled meats—Korean barbecue, Brazilian steakhouse, smoked pork—and, with a vigorous decant, it would be an easy match for any of them. (W&S 06/21)”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Domaine Labranche-Laffont Vieilles Vignes Madiran 2017 750ML ($27.95) $24 special, 8 bottles in stock now
Importer note “100% Tannat. From several parcels that total 7.5 acres. One parcel of roughly 2 acres is of pre-phylloxera vines in the neighborhood of 150 years old; the other parcels support vines that are at least 50 years old. Grapes are de-stemmed and the wine is raised in Bordeaux barrels, roughly 20% of which are new each year. Given several hours of aeration, this Tannat blossoms. In exceptional years, Christine will vinify the block of pre-phylloxera vines separately and bottle the wine as her cuvée Préphylloxérique. In all other years, the wine from these ancient vines goes into the vieilles vignes cuvée.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Winners from the Willamette:
Top scoring Oregon selections

Given how prices for Burgundy are stratospheric and trending towards the ionosphere, Oregon wines have never been more in demand. With some of the best farming and winemaking in the United States, there has never been a better time to acquaint yourself with the best in brightest in the Willamette Valley. We’ve compiled some of our favorite bottlings that the critics equally enjoyed, with the exception of our Cameron bottlings (Which transcend the point system entirely).

In stock now:

Bergstrom ‘Bergstrom Vineyard’ Pinot Noir Dundee Hills 2018 750ML ($129.95) $105 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds- Vinous 95 points “Limpid ruby-red. Highly perfumed aromas of ripe red fruits, candied flowers, incense and Asian spices; cola and licorice notes add deeper character. Juicy and focused on the palate, offering energetic Chambord, cherry, blood orange and rose pastille flavors and exotic spice flavors that show superb definition. In a fresh, exuberant style for the year, with smooth tannins sneaking in slowly to add shape and grip to the impressively long, focused finish. All whole clusters and 15% new oak.”
Wine Enthusiast 95 points “Cellar Selection. Black fruits shine brightly here, with an ample foundation of drying stone. There are details of licorice and espresso, and the wine extends into a long finish, with the sweet berry flavors fully in focus. It will surely reward further cellaring. Drink through 2030. -Paul Gregutt”

Bergstrom ‘Sigrid’ Chardonnay Willamette Valley 2017 750ML ($119.95) $99 special, 5 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 95 points “Pale yellow. A suave, intensely perfumed bouquet features tangerine, pear, iodine, buttered toast and fresh fig scents, and spicy ginger and floral notes emerge as the wine opens up. Penetrating, concentrated and focused on the palate, with ripe acidity bracing powerful citrus and orchard fruit, honeysuckle and saffron flavors. Rich but minerally and lithe, with superb finishing energy and floral-tinged persistence.”
Wine & Spirits 95 points “In Sigrid, Bergström’s flagship chardonnay, Josh Bergström manages to pack his wine with flavor but no excess weight. From three of his biodynamically farmed vineyards, the wine starts out high-toned and tense, with an angular structure and bright, saline flavors that turn nutty, generous and succulent with air. It has the stuffing to age for a half-dozen years at least, if you can resist.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Cameron Winery ‘Abbey Ridge’ Chardonnay Willamette Valley 2018 750ML ($89.95) $69 special, 38 bottles in stock now
VinopolNote: Abbey Ridge sits high atop the Dundee Hills; a collection of vines planted on their own roots in the mid-70’s. It’s unquestionably one of the most special sites in the Willamette Valley and though it’s better known for Pinot Noir, the Abbey Chard is fantastic. This is the most limited of the Chardonnay bottlings from Cameron and isn’t produced every year.

Cameron Friulano Dundee Hills 2020 750ML ($49.95) $35.50 special, 5 bottles in stock now
Winery note “An ode to wines of Vodopivec, our Clos Electrique Friulano was fermented on its skins for 60 days in a clay amphora, then transferred to a neutral barrel for 14 months. Red grapefruit rind, melon and a slight dustiness in the nose. The mouth has a chalky mid palate from the amphora, moderate to high acidity and flavors of persimmons and almonds (but not from cyanide!).”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Tan Fruit Dux Vyd Chardonnay Willamette Valley 2019 750ML ($79.95) $59 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 98 points “The aromas of the 2019 Chardonnay Dux Vineyard are alluring and savory, with ripe peach layers, beeswax, roasted almonds and pastry. The palate has a singular satiny texture and impressive concentration, enlivened by tangy acidity and streaks of graphite and finishing with tremendous length and energy. Wow!”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Tan Fruit Vojtilla Vyd Chardonnay Willamette Valley 2019 750ML ($79.95) $59 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 97 points “Vojtilla is a small, four-acre vineyard in the Chehalem Mountains that sits at around 500 to 600 feet in elevation and, says Jim Maresh, is influenced by the nearby Willamette River. Harvested in October this vintage, the 2019 Chardonnay Vojtilla Vineyard comes from Dijon clone vines planted in 1991, and it was matured in about 25% new Damy barrels. It has a stunning perfume of quince paste and mushrooms, pastry and flowers, and the palate is satiny, plush and pure, with a seamless tangy streak and long, powerful finish.”

Staff Pick :
San Leonardo’s Mountain Red

Looking for a Cabernet blend that combines the ripeness of Napa with the rusticity of Italy and the elegance of Bordeaux? Check out San Leonardo’s offering, which encapsulates the latter qualities in spades. Sourced from a single estate vineyard in the Dolomite Mountains of Italy, the alpine influence is evident from the first pour with a crushed evergreen and mint character that fills the room. While botanical flavors are present there is still a plush fruit character evocative of Marasca Cherry, redcurrants and strawberry jam.

San Leonardo in stock now:

Guerrieri Gonzaga Tenuta San Leonardo ‘San Leonardo’ Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT Trentino-Alto Adige 2013 750ML ($79.95) $66 special, 9 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 96 points “The flagship wine from this celebrated Trentino estate was not produced in 2012. We do have the stunning 2013 San Leonardo on the market now. This vintage is large in scale and has immediate intensity, and I am somewhat surprised by the volume and seamless bouquet that appears this early in the game. This vintage shows balanced ripeness with plummy fruit aromas that are carefully contrasted against spice, leather and fine tobacco. The blend is Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère and Merlot, and San Leonardo is always aged in barrique for four years (of which only 25% of the barrels are new). This is a bottle to keep long (extra long) in your cellar.”

San Leonardo arriving Friday, January 21st:

Guerrieri Gonzaga Tenuta San Leonardo ‘San Leonardo’ Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT Trentino-Alto Adige 2015 750ML ($79.95) $69 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Guerrieri Gonzaga Tenuta San Leonardo ‘San Leonardo’ Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT Trentino-Alto Adige 2015 750ML ($479.95) $389 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Guerrieri Gonzaga Tenuta San Leonardo ‘San Leonardo’ Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT Trentino-Alto Adige 2015 750ML ($959.95) $745 pre-arrival special
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 97+ points “The 2015 San Leonardo pours forth with a beautiful velvety appearance and sultry dark garnet color. This wine shows a lot of life and dark fruit purity with black plum, blackberry, cassis and tarry prune. There is a delightful note of black pepper that is specific to this warm and sunny vintage. The fruit shows softer and richer concentration compared to past vintages and more pulpy density that gives this edition a bigger profile in terms of mouthfeel. Production is 75,000 bottles. San Leonardo is a wine made for long aging, but the nice thing about this vintage is that the bouquet remains quite accessible at this young age. Nevertheless, I’d still suggest keeping this bottle in your cellar so that it can calmly finish its evolution.”
Decanter 96 points “San Leonardo is the iconic wine of the estate, and one of the most celebrated Bordeaux blends of Italy with its cool climate profile. The warm 2015 vintage doesn’t differ from the leaner style of the wine (compared to other Bordeaux blends), which is a good benchmark to understand the sense of elegance here. The nose sees purity of fruit (cassis) typical of Trentino Alto Adige, finely melted with leather and green pepper aromas. If you dislike wines with a slightly herbal aroma is understandable but here this touch adds another layer and the wine on the palate shines with silky, super elegant tannins. Refreshing and amazingly savoury, it plays well even with brasato or other powerful dishes of red meat. Drinking Window 2020 – 2040.”
Eric Guido-Vinous 95 points “The 2015 San Leonardo is a classic in the making. The bouquet is wonderfully perfumed with peppery florals, mixing tart cherry and blueberry with white smoke, hints of graphite and shaved cedar. Silky textures race across a core of juicy acids and minerals, making for a ripe yet cool-toned and pleasurably tactile expression. Youthful tannins slowly make themselves known toward the close. Long, structured and spicy, the 2015 finishes with a crescendo of tart blue and black fruits, tapering off to notes of subtly sweet spice. As good as this is today, it will only get better over time. That said, it doesn’t appear that this is going to shut down anytime in the immediate future, so it’s certainly worth checking on a bottle or two before forgetting the rest in your cellar.”

Down the Dordogne: Bordeaux for all

Bordeaux has hundreds of exceptional producers in the $100-10,000 price range, with one of the highest production volumes in the entire world. Never ones to turn down a challenge, we’ve rounded up our top selections from our stocks. Sourced from some of the best estates throughout the Left and Right Banks there is something for everybody, regardless if you prefer your Bordeaux to be botanical and fruity or aged and dimensional.

In stock now:

Chateau Clos de Bouard La Dame de Bouard Montagne-Saint-Emilion 2016 750ML ($29.95) $21.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
James Suckling 93 points “This has very attractive violets, plums and purple fruit on offer with a very plush and elegant feel on the palate, as well as a polished and long aftertaste. Super long and elegant. Very polished. 60 per cent merlot and 40 per cent cabernet franc. Try from 2023.”

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

Esprit de Pavie Bordeaux 2015 750ML ($27.95) $24 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Esprit de Pavie Bordeaux 2015 750ML ($169.95) $136 special, That’s only $22.66 per bottle)
James Suckling 93 points “A juicy and rich red with blackberry and black-truffle aromas and flavors. Layered and beautifully toned. Full-bodied, round and juicy. Beautiful wine. Really well done. Drink or hold.”
Wine Advocate 90 points “This vintage is a blend of 65% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and was aged for 15 months in one-year-old barrels. Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2015 Esprit de Pavie (a blend of vines in Côtes do Castillon and young vines from Pavie and Monbousquet) opens with expressive red and black plums notes plus touches of baking spices, vanilla pod, dark chocolate and dried Provence herbs. Medium to full-bodied, the bright fruit fills the mouth with plenty of spicy red and black fruits, supported by chewy tannins and finishing with a refreshing lift.”

Chateau Grand Corbin Saint-Emilion 2016 750ML ($49.95) $41.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Chateau Grand Corbin Saint-Emilion 2016 750ML ($299.95) $239 special,
Case-12 Chateau Grand Corbin Saint-Emilion 2016 750ML ($599.95) $449 special, (that’s only $37.42/bottle!)
93 Points James Suckling “Attractive dark-stone aromas with graphite and ripe dark berries sit fresh on the nose. The palate has a riper feel with very rich, dense fruit presence and a heavier, tannin line weight. Full body. Try from 2022.”
92 Points Antonio Galloni “The 2016 Grand Corbin has grown into a powerful, dense Saint-Émilion. This is a fairly rich, bombastic style, and yet all the elements fall into place. I would give the 2016 a few years in bottle to allow the tannins to soften, but there is good depth and plenty of potential. A rush of chocolate, leather, licorice, smoke and black cherry meld into the potent finish. Tasted three times with consistent notes.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Duffau-Lagarrosse Croix de Beausejour Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2016 750ML ($59.95) $44 special, 20 bottles in stock now
Croix de Beausejour Saint Emilion Grand Cru – Second Wine of Beausejour Duffau
James Suckling 94 points “The clarity and freshness to this is most impressive with fresh herbs and hints of tobacco on the nose and palate. Medium to full body, firm and silky tannins and a radiant finish. Second wine of Château Beauséjour. Drink in 2023.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Chateau Clinet Pomerol 2010 750ml ($219.95) $189 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Reviews Dated 2020:
Decanter 97 Points “The definition of poised and confident, this has pretty much consistently delivered since the very first taste during En Primeur. Deeply layered, textured, confident and powerful, both very Pomerol and very 2010. Coffee beans and bitter chocolate are the dominant flavours alongside cassis and blackberry autumnal berry fruits. Both gourmet and restrained. Just about ready to go but will hugely benefit from three to four hours in carafe first, and will further improve over the next few years, and indeed over the decades to come”
Vinous 95 points “The 2010 Clinet has a very pure and seductive bouquet with layers of black plum, wild strawberry, hints of black truffle and morels. It is fresh and focused with plenty of energy. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grain tannins, silky smooth in texture with a poised, soy-tinged finish that fans out wonderfully. This is an outstanding Pomerol from Ronan Laborde and his team that should age with style. Tasted at the BI Wines & Spirits 10-Year On tasting”. — Neal Martin
Wine Advocate 95 points “Deep garnet colored, the 2010 Clinet rolls sensuously out of the glass with notes of Black Forest cake, blueberry compote and plum preserves plus hints of cigar box, cardamom and cloves. Medium to full-bodied, the palate reveals pleasant poise with loads of savory sparks on the finish.”

Chateau Canon Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010 750ML ($199.95) $179 special, 23 bottles in stock now
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 96+ points “[Reviewed in 2020] Deep garnet colored, the 2010 Canon features wonderfully expressive notes of dried mulberries, stewed plums and baked black cherries with hints of mocha, bay leaves and fallen leaves. Full-bodied, opulent and super spicy, it has a plush texture with a racy line supporting the hedonic fruit, finishing with jaw-dropping persistence.”
Decanter 96 points “[Reviewed in 2020] You know you are on the Right Bank limestone plateau with this wine not by the fruit character, which is savoury, dark and concentrated, but by the juicy finish, which remains a little austere even after 10 years. After 15 minutes in the glass it opens up to be gloriously appetising and sapid (a word that is used much more frequently in French, and that sums up why limestone soils can transmit such appetising, drinkable and mouth watering flavours and textures, and why wines of this type work so well with food). At this stage it is the 2009 that delivers a readier-to-drink wine, but this is subtle and complex and has pulsating sense of purpose. Drinking Window 2022 – 2042.”

Chateau Angelus Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2016 1.5L ($1049.95) $899 special, 8 magnums in stock now
Wine Enthusiast “Top 100 Cellar Selection In 2019 100 points. This is a rich, perfumed wine, with dense tannins and intense layers of black plum and spice. The palate is firmly built yet broadened out by plump dark-fruit tones and honed by a solid, dry core. Drink from 2025. -Roger Voss”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 98+ points “Sporting a deep garnet-purple color, the 2016 Angélus erupts from the glass with powerful notes of blackberry pie, ripe black cherries and juicy black plums with an undercurrent of star anise, rose petals, chocolate mint, pencil shavings and woodsmoke plus a waft of allspice. The palate is pure decadence. Medium to full-bodied, rich and generously fruited, this wine is by no means heavy—it positively glimmers with freshness and vivacity, lending an ethereal nature to all that richness and power, beautifully framed by velvety tannins and finishing with epic length. The generosity, layers and plushness make for an absolutely DELICIOUS drink right now, but I’d suggest waiting 3-5 more years for the fireworks to really begin.”
Neal Martin-Vinous 97 Points “The 2016 Angélus has an intense, powerful bouquet with copious black cherries, boysenberry, orange pith and iodine scents that threaten to overwhelm the senses. The medium-bodied palate offers supple tannins, a fine bead of acidity, a dash of black pepper and impressive detail and persistence on the finish. This is an outstanding Angélus that clearly requires several years in bottle to realize its full potential. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.”
Jeb Dunnuck 97 points “The 2016 Château Angélus is incredibly elegant and finesse-driven, with a soaring perfume of crème de cassis, white flowers, crayon, forest floor, and spice. Compared to the 1996 by the Angélus team, it has a deep, layered style, its oak is beautifully integrated, there are ample tannins, and despite leaning toward the finesse-driven side of the spectrum, it has thrilling depth of fruit and length. It’s a brilliant wine from this estate that will benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and keep for 30+ years or more. The blend of the 2016 is 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc, brought up all in new French oak.”
Wine Spectator 96 points “This goes for the gusto, with a deep and broad swath of well-roasted tobacco, espresso and loam out front. The core of dark currant and fig fruit will have to catch up, but this red has the energy and juicy drive to eventually do so. When it melds fully, this will be a smoky, alluring, tobacco-fueled wine. Best from 2024 through 2040. 8,333 cases made. — JM”

We carry over 85 different bottlings of Bordeaux in house and online.

Thank you from the team at Vinopolis!

Be well & drink well.

Monday Newsletter 1-17-22

In This Newsletter:

New Week – New Arrivals

2020 Donnhoff Arrives Friday

New Grapelive Review for Yann Chave

New Grapelive Review for Thevenet Morgon VV

Isole e Olena:
Tuscan Excellence
New Offers Arriving in February

New Week – New Arrivals

Oregon

Lingua Franca Estate Chardonnay, Eola-Amity Hills 2019 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Decanter 93 points “This superb Chardonnay is produced from the Estate vineyard in the Eola-Amity hills across the street from Seven Springs. 2019 produced a wine with vibrant acidity and a well-developed fruit with a lemon peel and passionfruit nose that is also informed by the full malo and long, reductive aging in cask (20% new). The wine has an elegant balance between the freshness of the vintage and a ripe, dense fruit character that will allow it to age for years to come. Drinking Window 2021 – 2031.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

St. Innocent Freedom Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2017 750ML ($47.95) $35.50 special, 6 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 93 points “A soft, friendly pinot with a solid line of fine tannins that run through the center palate. It’s medium-to full-bodied with bright, linear fruit and a delicious finish. Tight at the end. Drink after 2023.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Ayres Perspective Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2020 750ML ($33.95) $26.50 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Winery note “[2019 vintage] A true snapshot of the Ribbon Ridge AVA! Our estate vines pair perfectly with neighboring vines from Armstrong and Lichtenwalter vineyards. Enjoy notes of boysenberry, cinnamon, and dried tobacco.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

France – Champagne

Lombard & Cie Premier Cru Extra Brut, Champagne NV 375ML ($24.95) $19.90 special, 24 half-bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 91 points “[Review for prior disgorgement.] A vibrant, balanced version, with a detailed mousse the texture of raw silk and finely meshed flavors of ripe cherry, lemon zest, chalky mineral and toast point. Disgorged February 2018. Drink now. 10,000 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.”
30% Pinot Noir (Sermier and Villedommange), 30% Pinot Meunier (Coulommes-la-Montagne), 40% Chardonnay (Cote des Blancs villages of Grauves & Vertus). Disgorged 12/2/2019. 4 g/L dosage. Aged for 3-4 years sur lattes.

This is the only listing in the USA today for the half-bottle!

Italy

La Fortuna Fortunello Rosso Toscana IGT 2019 750ML ($19.95) $16 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
VinopolNote: Savory and light-bodied with classic aromas of red cherries.

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Cantina Terlano-Kellerei Terlan Quartz Terlano Sauvignon, Trentino-Alto Adige 2017 750ML ($69.95) $66 special, 15 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2017 Alto Adige Terlano Sauvignon Quarz is a wine that travels at two speeds. It is firm and compact on the one hand, but generous and large on the other. Those contrasting themes come from the youthful tension the wine emits now but also from the generous and texturally rich fiber that is associated with this warm and dry vintage. The Sauvignon Blanc grape shines brightly with varietal tones of passion fruit, summer peach and honeysuckle. This is a profoundly elegant expression from Northern Italy. Some 50,000 bottles were made.”
James Suckling 93 points “The varietal sauvignon aromas of pomelo, gooseberries and guava peel are evident straight away, and they are juxtaposed expertly with undertones of apricot pie and pie crust. Full-to medium-bodied and very textured, it can still confidently deliver driven acidity and lemony freshness.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Spain

Do Ferreiro Albarino Rias Baixas 2020 750ML ($39.95) $28.50 special, 12 bottles in stock now
De Maison note “Highly regarded for crafting albariño, Do Ferreiro has become a reference point for the grape. They farm over 175 tiny plots of albariño by hand, all located in the Salnés subzone of Rías Baixas. This valley’s proximity to the ocean, ideal climate due to the natural protection by mountain ranges, and decomposed granitic soil have gained the reputation for being the best zone in Rías Baixas for growing profound albariño. The blend of these plots is what makes up Do Ferreiro Albariño. No other grape varieties or regions are blended into Do Ferreiro, as is common with many albariño wines. Fermentations are exclusively carried out by native yeasts.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

Germany – Mosel

“Merkelbach’s wines are like the world before anyone wrote poems about it.” – Terry Theise

Weingut Alfred Merkelbach Estate Riesling Trocken, Mosel 2020 750ML ($24.95) $19 special, 8 bottles in stock now

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $21.99

Weingut Alfred Merkelbach Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Kabinett, Mosel 2020 750ML ($34.95) $29 special, 4 bottles in stock now
Mosel Fine Wines 92 points “The 2020er Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Kabinett AP 1 was made from fruit picked at 82° Oechsle and was fermented down to fruity-styled levels of residual sugar (44 g/l). The wine proves still slightly non-saying at first and only gradually reveals some discreet elements of white peach, apricot blossom, herbs, and fine spices. It is nicely lively yet also quite subtly creamy on the palate and leaves an absolutely gorgeous and light-footed feel in the long finish. The overall presence is that of a light Spätlese (certainly by Merkelbach standards) but this fruity-styled wine is no less beautiful. While enjoyable now, on its primary flavors, this Kabinett will gain significantly from bottle aging. 2030-2050.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

Weingut Alfred Merkelbach Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Spatlese #4, Mosel 2020 750ML ($41.95) $33.50 special, 5 bottles in stock now
Review for AP 6.
Mosel Fine Wines 94 points “The 2020er Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Spätlese AP 6 was made from fruit picked at 89° Oechsle and was fermented down to barely sweet levels of residual sugar (60 g/l). It immediately captures one attention with some truly remarkable scents of strawberry, cassis, pear, vineyard peach, citrusy fruits, chalky minerals, and smoke. This simply screams of Würzgarten. The wine is subtle, playful, animating, light-footed, and yet packed with flavors on the palate. It leaves a gorgeous feel with a touch of Auslese creaminess but firm yet ripe zesty acidity comes through in the long and focused finish. The mouthwatering aftertaste makes you want to go for more. This wine gains significantly from airing and is really best left alone. 2030-2050.”
Importer note “This is superb. Mineral, archetypal, with rapturous fruit. Eternal youth in a bottle!”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $37

Weingut Alfred Merkelbach Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Auslese, Mosel 2020 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 7 bottles in stock now
Mosel Fine Wines 94+ points “The 2020er Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Auslese AP 2 was made from essentially clean fruit picked at 94° Oechsle and was fermented down to sweet levels of residual sugar (80 g/l). It offers a most engaging nose made of pear, white peach, smoke, strawberry, smoke, and fine spices. The wine is stunningly fresh, subtly creamy, and incredibly intense on the palate. Yet the flavors are precise, focused, impactful, and then again playful. The finish is focused, finely chiseled, and incredibly persistent. The aftertaste is as light as mineral water and yet so full of flavors. This is a truly remarkable Riesling in the making, with ample Schmelz but also an incredible raciness and lightness which more than reminds us of the glorious Auslese from the 1990s! This Auslese is a great success, and even has upside potential, it is that good! 2030-2060.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

Carl Loewen Maximin Herrenberg 1896 (Grey Label) Riesling Feinherb, Mosel 2020 750ML ($119.95) $99 special, 5 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 99 points “A moment of stillness in the midst of a crazy world. Take only a quick sip and you’ll understand rather little. But if you allow yourself to sink into this deep riesling chasm, you’ll discover an underworld of mineral fascination, married to super-ripe stone fruit. Enormously long and refined finish. Drinkable now, but best from 2023.”
Mosel Fine Wines 95 points “The 1896, as it is simply referred to on the front dark-grey label (the reference to the vintage and the vineyard is left for the back label), is a just offdry wine (with 11 g/l of residual sugar) picked on century-old un-grafted vines (planted in 1896) in the Longuicher Maximiner Herrenberg, and was made using traditional winemaking methods dating back to the early 1900s. It immediately catches one’s attention through a refined yet very complex and layered nose of fine spices, aniseed herbs, pear, fresh pineapple, almond, greengage, and a dash of passion fruit. The wine is hugely delicate and creamy on the smooth and suave palate packed with flavors of almond, coconut milk, and fine spices. It leaves one with an immense sense of focus in the hugely long and gorgeously intense finish. A touch of off-dry sweetness still needs to integrate in the spicy and salty aftertaste. This is a magnificent and playful Riesling mixing delicacy with intensity and focus. 2024-2040.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Weingut Carl Loewen Longuicher Herrenberg Riesling Kabinett, Mosel 2020 750ML ($29.95) $24 special, 8 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 93 points “Very juicy with tons of peach, apricot and guava. However, this also has so much minty and tarragon freshness, the balance of fruit and mineral acidity joyfully spot-on. Drink or hold.”

Germany – Pfalz

Von Winning Riesling Trocken, Pfalz 2020 750ML ($24.95) $19.50 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Importer note “Limestone, Loam, & Red Sandstone. Fermentation & Elevage: Stainless Steel.”

Von Winning Ozyetra Riesling Trocken, Pfalz 2019 750ML ($249.95) $199 special, 5 bottles in stock now
No scores for the 2019 vintage. 2018 review provides information on the 2019 and is below:
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 97-99 points “Named after the caviar from Ossetra, the 2018 Ozyetra is a selection of the best barrels of the Forster Pechstein (don’t ask me why Attmann started this with the 2017 vintage except for hedonistic and monetary reasons) that ages on the lees for two years… Stephan Attmann has bottled a terrific selection of 2019 Rieslings, and I am sure it is the best series he has ever presented since his beginning here in 2008. Kirchenstück, Pechstein, Jesuitengarten and Ungeheuer are highlights in this lineup but are also some of the finest Rieslings produced in all Germany last year. However, there is one wine outshining all the others: Ozyetra, the very best part of the Pechstein GG.”
Skurnik Imports note “Ozyetra is a selection of spectacular barrels from the Pechstein. Similar to MarMar, this wine is incredibly complex and concentrated, with great tension and length. Noble reduction, grilled lemons, fine wood. Fermentation & Elevage: Spontanenous fermentation in 500L barrels, left on the gross lees for 24 months. Pechstein (Forst) Vineyard.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Von Winning ‘500’ Sauvignon Blanc, Pfalz 2019 750ML ($89.95) $79 special, 4 bottles in stock now
Importer note “‘500’ = Selection of the best 500 liter barrels and sourced from vineyards with a vine density of 9,500 plants per hectare.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $86.99

2020 Donnhoff

Arriving Friday, January 21st

“…the 2020s produced not only another excellent series of Grosses Gewächs but, above all, wonderfully clear, precise, finely fruity and spicy Kabinett and Spätlese Rieslings, as well as some fine Auslese wines.” –Stephan Reinhardt, Wine Advocate

Interested in a style of Riesling that combines the elegance and minerality of the Mosel and the heft of the Rheingau? In spite of being one of the smallest growing districts in the country, the new generation of producers has jockeyed international attention from stalwarts like the Mosel. The Nahe is one of the most compelling growing regions in the entire country for a multitude of factors.

Easily the favorite district amongst the staff, these are some of the most “Bulletproof” wines you’ll ever find. It goes without saying that Dönnhoff is the King of the Nahe, with every single one of their wines being a work of art. Consistently delivering quality with every vintage, 2020 is shaping up to be no different. While not as powerful as the historic 2019 vintage, 2020 is being lauded as having more elegance and lift. This speaks well to long-term cellaring opportunity in addition to current enjoyment potential. If the success of our 2019 Germany Riesling is any indication, you’d better act quickly if you’re looking to experience the vintage.

2020 Donnhoff Wines Arriving Friday, January 21st:

Dry

Weingut Donnhoff Estate Riesling Trocken, Nahe 2020 750ML ($26.95) $20.90 pre-arrival special
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 92 points “Predominantly from the Oberhausen Kieselberg and Felsenberg, the 2020 Riesling Trocken opens with a clear, ripe, elegant and flinty bouquet of ripe Riesling fruit. Pure, linear and fresh on the palate, this is an intense and vital dry Riesling with stunning mineral expression, grip and salty length. A fabulous wine for small pockets. 11.5% alcohol. Tasted at the domain in July 2021.”
James Suckling 92 points “Very fresh, sleek and straight with a slew of summer-fruit and citrus aromas and a super-refreshing, crisp finish. Mostly from little-known vineyard sites in Oberhausen. From organically grown grapes with Fair’n Green certification. Drink now. Screw cap.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $26

Weingut Donnhoff Felsenberg Riesling Grosses Gewachs, Nahe2020 750ML ($89.95) $69 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 98 points “If you are a terroir fundamentalist, then this enormous depth of smoky and wild-herb character will light your fire, but otherwise approach with caution. With the second and third sip you feel the attractive, grapefruity side of the wine. Then comes the paradox. There is also a touch of grapefruit-pith bitterness at the radically mineral finish, and this adds to the excitement. From organically grown grapes with Fair’n Green certification. Drink or hold.”
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2020 Felsenberg GG is deep, intense and complex on the pure and elegant, well-defined and slightly flinty nose. Pure, intense and juicy on the palate, this is a crystalline, refined and salty Felsenberg with great terroir expression and length, even though the wine is still puristic or even ascetic in the finish. Not as charmingly fruity as Crusius’s interpretation but with the same length and tension. 13% alcohol. Tasted at the domain in July 2021 and again six weeks later in Wiesbaden during the GG tastings.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $79

Weingut Donnhoff Norheimer Dellchen Riesling Grosses Gewachs, Nahe 2020 750ML ($99.95) $85 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 99 points “Such a wide spectrum of super fine yellow-fruit aromas and a floral note that you struggle to take it in all at once. So sensual and silky that descriptors like “full” and “light” become redundant. Then the finish literally takes your breath and leaves you breathless for a long time. From organically grown grapes with Fair’n Green certification. Drink or hold.”
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 96 points “From slate and porphyry soils, the Norheim 2020 Dellchen Riesling GG is clear, pure, fresh and flinty on the nose that reveals a ripe and concentrated seed-fruit aroma. Full-bodied, intense and salty on the palate, this is a pure, rich, elegant and powerful but refined Dellchen with a long, intense and sustainable finish. A great wine that just needs some years to shine in full brightness. 13% alcohol. Tasted at the domain in July 2021.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $94

Weingut Donnhoff Kreuznacher Kahlenberg Riesling Trocken, Nahe 2020 750ML ($44.95) $36 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 94 points “This is the right wine for anyone who thinks that dry riesling is always austere, Very generous and juicy with chalky character that neatly counterpoints the full, citrusy fruit. Long finish that’s stony, but far from tart. From organically grown grapes with Fair’n Green certification. Drink or hold.”
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2020 Kreuznacher Kahlenberg Riesling trocken is from a steep vineyard on loess-loam soils with gravel and quartzite. Pure and fresh yet also fruity on the nose, with dusty lemon and wet earth and stone aromas, this is a medium-bodied, round and piquant dry Riesling with juicy fruit, fine grip, fine tannins and grapefruit bitters on the finish. 12.5% alcohol. Tasted at the domain in July 2021.”

Weingut Donnhoff Roxheimer Hollenpfad Riesling Trocken, Nahe 2020 750ML ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 95 points “Intensely herbal and tightly wound, this tastes like a GG, thanks to the firm and complex structure. Long, ultra-mineral and herbal finish. This needs some time to unwind, but has great potential. From organically grown grapes with Fair’n Green certification. Drinkable now, but best from 2022.”
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 94 points “From an open, south-facing vineyard on red sandstone, the 2020 Roxheimer Höllenpfad Riesling trocken is pure but ripe and intense on the nose that reveals ripe and stewed apple aromas with a fine phenolic spiciness and reductive richness. Juicy-piquant and salty-crystalline on the palate, this is an intense yet very elegant and still slightly astringent dry Riesling with fine tannic grip and good tension. 12.5% alcohol. Tasted at the domain in July 2021.”

Off-Dry to Sweet

Weingut Donnhoff Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Spatlese, Nahe 2020 750ML ($74.95) $69 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 100 points “Hit me with a flower! This starts very delicately with an incredibly subtle nose of fresh and dried flowers. Then comes the enormously concentrated yet totally filigree palate, which dazzles the senses with its thousand nuances and almost endless, super-silky finish. Decades of aging potential. From organically grown grapes with Fair’n Green certification. Drink or hold.”
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 97 points “The 2020 Niederhäuser Hermannshöhle Riesling Spätlese is magic. Pure, refined and aristocratic on the flinty, slate-dominated and slightly herbal nose that is populated by crushed stones and tiny mint leaves, while the bright fruit is perfectly interwoven with terroir-driven flavors. Racy, juicy-piquant and intense on the palate, this is a noble, highly elegant and complex Hermannshöhle with a long, intense and complex yet again very refined and floating finish. A genius of a Spätlese where everything is perfectly interwoven to an unspeakable beauty. “What is it that is so beautiful? That is the magic!,” says Helmuth Dönnhoff, describing his philosophy of beauty. 8.5% alcohol. Tasted at the domain in July 2021.”

Weingut Donnhoff Oberhauser Brucke Riesling Spatlese, Nahe 2020 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 97 points “Wonderful white-peach, mandarin and orange-blossom nose that also has something dark and “earthy” behind all the charm. So much depth and energy that it makes your bones rattle! Staggering intensity at the vibrant, lemony finish. The grape sweetness is there, but way in the background. From organically grown grapes with Fair’n Green certification. Drink or hold.”
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 96 points “The 2020 Oberhäuser Brücke Riesling Spätlese is super clear, refined and fresh on the rather coolish but fruit-intense and elegant, slightly flinty nose. Salty-piquant and highly stimulating on the palate, this is a gorgeous, very elegant and juicy Riesling with a crystalline, laser-sharp acidity that is highly refined as well and carries this Spätlese to a long and intense finish. 8.5% alcohol. Tasted at the domain in July 2021.”

Weingut Donnhoff Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel, Nahe 2020 750ML ($109.95) $99 pre-arrival special
Weingut Donnhoff Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel, Nahe 375ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 99 points “What a nose! This smells like essence of peach with a delicate, floral-honey overtone. Seems to vibrate on the palate, thanks to the staggering minerality and totally vibrant acidity. Extremely complex and energetic finish that goes on and on. Very limited production. From organically grown grapes with Fair’n Green certification. Drink or hold.”
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 98 points “The 2020 Niederhäuser Hermannshöhle Riesling Auslese is another beauty of the domain that has probably bottled one of the finest vintages in history with the 2020s. The nose is pure, fresh and concentrated, with ripe fruit and very fine raisin and citric aromas that are intertwined with sugared grapefruit and crushed slate notes. Mouth-filling, round and delicate on the palate, this is a rich and concentrated yet filigreed and seemingly fragile Auslese that reveals a firm and sustainable mineral structure on the finish that stays on the palate for minutes. Another fantastic, persistently crystalline and salty Auslese from the Hermannshöhle. 8% alcohol. Tasted at the domain in July 2021.”

2020 Donnhoff Wines In Stock Now:

Weingut Donnhoff Estate Riesling, Nahe 2020 750ML ($26.95) $20.90 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 92 points “Sourced in Oberhausen and Niederhausen (so from weathered slate and volcanic stones), the Dönnhoff estate 2020 Riesling is pure and refreshingly mineral on the nose that shows clear, bright and spicy fruit with crunchy slate aromas. Virtually a classic Kabinett, this is a round, only gently sweet Riesling with clear lemon fruit, a silky texture and very elegant, ripe and piquant acidity. This is a gorgeously fruity and stimulating Riesling to start with after a long night if you don’t have fresh fruit on the table. “We have to be careful that it doesn’t get too good for the price range,” says Helmut Dönnhoff, and he is right, because this is a Nahe classic or, as Dönnhoff puts it, “This is the light, pure optimism, a children’s choir. That is joie de vivre.” 10.5% alcohol. Tasted at the domain in July 2021.”
James Suckling 92 points “So effusive thanks to the cornucopia of white peach and yellow apple, but also floral notes. Super fresh and juicy on the medium-bodied palate and the brilliant finish is barely off-dry. From organically grown grapes with Fair’n Green certification. Drink now. Screw cap.”

Weingut Donnhoff Kreuznacher Krotenpfuhl Riesling Kabinett, Nahe 2020 750ML ($34.95) $25.50 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2020 Kreuznacher Krötenpfuhl Riesling Kabinett is bright and finely stony on the clear and elegant nose with its ripe, almost tropical fruit notes. Lush and round on the palate, this is a mouth-filling Kabinett with delicate acidity and a stimulatingly salty finish and very good length. A wine to keep. 9% alcohol. Tasted at the domain in July 2021.”
James Suckling 93 points “Lovely fruit-salad and fresh-mint nose. Juicy and joyful, this has so much freshness, the hint of green apple at the crisp finish accentuating this. Good length. From organically grown grapes with Fair’n Green certification. Drink now. Screw cap.”

Weingut Donnhoff Oberhauser Leistenberg Riesling Kabinett, Nahe 2020 750ML ($34.95) $26 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 93 points “Dönnhoff’s 2020 Oberhäuser Leistenberg Riesling Kabinett from a south-east facing site in the side valley of the Nahe opens with a very ripe, bright fruit aroma. The palate is round and lush as well as structured and driven by the fundamental minerality of this gorgeous Dönnhoff classic. 9% alcohol. Tasted at the domain in July 2021.”
James Suckling 94 points “Some people think only the Mosel can produce stunning Kabinetts, but this is pristine and pure, so racy and uplifiting. You barely feel the natural grape sweetness, but its a vital element of this wine. Super-clean finish. From organically grown grapes with Fair’n Green certification. Drink or hold. Screw cap.”

Shop the full selection of Donnhoff wines on our web store now!

New Grapelive Review for Yann Chave

Yann Chave Crozes-Hermitage (Classique), Rhone 2019 750ML ($37.95) $31.90 special, 35 bottles in stock now
Grapelive 93 points “My very first quality Crozes-Hermitage was this Yann Chave’s basic no oak version and it really opened my eyes to Northern Rhone Syrah. I quickly became a huge fan of this region and still am today. It is one of my go to areas for great value in Northern Rhone Syrah with many delicious options like this one, plus the wines of the other Chave (Jean-Louis), Yves Cuilleron, Alain Graillot, Saint Cosme and Vincent Paris to name a few. So, coming back to Yann’s Crozes always brings a smile and a delight to the senses, especially in vintages like this dark purple/ruby 2019 with its gorgeous and pure bouquet and palate of blue fruits, violets, earth and spice. The full bodied mouth feel is vinous and shows boysenberry, blueberry, damson plum and creme de cassis along with camphor, iron, fresh cut violets, anise and cracked peppercorns accents in a youthfully firm, but fruit forward and joyously expressive wine. Yann took over from his father, Bernard Chave, and released his first solo effort in 2001, when the name of the Domaine also changed to Yann Chave. He instantly became a star and gained a cult like following with Syrah enthusiasts. While at that time, mostly what we saw coming from Crozes was pretty rustic and lean, but Chave’s wines had a richness and depth that set them apart and pushed the region to make higher quality stuff. He also has a tiny section of vines on the legendary Hermitage hill, though those bottlings are unicorn wine and almost impossible to find, while this one is a bit easier to get and a superb value.

“Yann Chave’s The traditional (Classique) Crozes cuvée, 100% de-stemmed Syrah, is produced from vines grown around the three villages of Mercurol, La Roche de Glun and Pont de l’Isère with large round pebbles over loess soils. There are several plots of Syrah used here and they were planted at different times, but the winery says the average age of vines is close to 20 years. The farming of all of the Yann Chave vineyards is done with organic methods and the leaves of the canopy are trimmed around the fruit clusters for optimal exposure to sunlight. Grapes are harvested by hand and these picks are late to give ripe density to the wines. As with Yann’s white wines, he does not use selected yeasts, relying on indigenous yeasts to ferment his reds. Grapes as mentioned, are de-stemmed, and Chave then allows the vinification temperature to warm up gradually from 20° to 30°C, which he carefully maintains to achieve optimal extraction and coax out beautiful aromatics from the Syrah. Vatting or maceration lasts about three weeks on average, with pump-overs done twice a day, and Chave always tries to wet the whole surface of the cap. The aging is very short on this Crozes-Hermitage lasting only a few months and is exclusively in tank to preserve the fresh fruit character and avoiding any wood influence. This inky dark purple/black Crozes will appeal to Northern Rhone fans certainly, though it will equally impress even New World wine drinkers and it gets better and better in the glass, it is an exceptional vintage to stock up on and have with a robust winter meal.”

Shop our selections of Yann Chave wines in stock now on our webstore!

New Grapelive Review for Thevenet Morgon VV

Jean-Paul Thevenet Morgon Vieilles Vignes, Beaujolais 2019 750ML ($39.95) $35.50 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Grapelive 92 points “The 2019 Thevenet Old Vine Morgon is vibrant and zingy with loads of natural acidity, mineral notes and subtle fruit density, highlight the lively personality of the vintage that reminds me of 2010 and 2014, or a more classic year, but as it opens it turns on the charm and gets much more rounded and exciting with dark fruits bursting from the glass with air. Thevenet just makes one wine and only 2,000 cases per year are made, making this a treat, especially with the demand for top notch Gamay these days. The Morgon Vieilles Vignes, which shows a delicate floral note, pecan husk, crushed raspberry and earthy elements on the nose, reveals zesty currant, plum, strawberry and citrusy fruits on the taut medium bodied palate. The old vine concentration shines especially when you give this wine time to awaken and it gets more entertaining and pretty, losing some of its rustic sharpness with food. There is more of a reserved quality here and a savory edginess that time with resolve, so if you do lack the patience it deserves (like me), I suggest decanting and a leisurely meal to allow all the best comes out here. The Thevenet’s employ long fermentations in cement cuve, with 100% whole clusters, for 15-25 days at low temperatures to allow for longest skin contact possible, delivering depth, extract and firm tannins. Made with all indigenous yeasts, with punch downs and pressing uniquely only after primary fermentation is complete and then it is aged on the lees for about 8 months in used Burgundy barrels. This is pure and raw in style, but the fruit ultimately leads to pleasure here and it is vivid terroir driven example of the Morgon cru.”

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

Love Beaujolais from Morgon? Shop our selections from Daniel Bouland, Desvignes, Jean Foillard, Grange Cochard, Guy Breton, and Maison Remy Passot on our webstore now!

Isole e Olena:

Tuscan Excellence

No winery symbolizes the modern quality of Tuscany like Isole e Olena. Since the arrival of Paolo de Marchi in 1976, Isole e Olena has been a quality leader in the region. Stylistically, Isole e Olena occupies a place that is at once traditional and modern. Their flagship Cepparello is firmly rooted in the primacy of Sangiovese and the idea of Tuscan typicity. Elegance wedded to power, this shows the nuance and bright fruit you’d expect from a classic wine of the region combined with the density and complexity of top tier, noble wines.

Highlights In Stock Now:

Isole e Olena Cabernet Sauvignon Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2016 750ML ($99.95) $66 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 98 points “The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon is among the finest Cabernet Sauvignons in Italy. High altitude sites in Barberino yield a distinctly mid-weight, elegant, savory Cabernet that is all about reserve. Dark plum, espresso, licorice, menthol and sage start to emerge with a bit of air, but the 2016 is a wine that demands cellaring. Over the years, I have had the good fortune to taste every vintage of the Isole e Olena Cabernet. It is one of the great under the radar wines of Tuscany. The 2016 takes its place with the very finest editions.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $88

Isole e Olena Cepparello Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2015 1.5L ($179.95) $149 special, 6 magnums in stock now
James Suckling 96 points “Shows lots of black cherries, cranberry tea, caramelized orange peel, roasted herbs and citrus peel. Full-bodied with ripe and quite round tannins that frame layers of cherries. Bright and fresh, yet rich and long at the same time. The sangiovese character really springs out of the glass. Drink in 2020.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $185 for the magnum

Isole e Olena Cepparello Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2016 750ML ($99.95) Was $79, Now $74.50 special, 20 bottles in stock now
Isole e Olena Cepparello Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2016 1.5L ($219.95) $169 special, 5 magnums in stock now
Decanter 98 points “Paolo de Marchi’s ‘study in Sangiovese’ is a selection of the vintage’s finest grapes from Isole e Olena’s oldest vineyards, high up in Chianti Classico’s western sector of Barberino Tavarnelle. Harvested in mid-October, it is a captivating tangle of earth, spring blossom, coffee, tobacco and cedar. Perfumed lavender and violet lift the generous dark fruit and the brilliantly tactile powdery texture lends further dimension. This reaches great depths while simultaneously soaring effortlessly to heady heights. Positively succulent and moreish on the finish.”
Antonio Galloni 97+ points “The 2016 Cepparello is dense, dark and also very closed in on itself. Those qualities bode well for the future, but readers will have to be patient, as the 2016 is going to need at least a few years to come into its own. Black cherry, plum, lavender, spice and new leather gradually open up in the glass, but the 2016 is not ready to show all of its cards. This fruit was brought in during the second week of October, which is pretty much optimal at Isole e Olena. The 2016 spent 20 months in French oak, with a bit less than 30% new oak, and a few months in cask prior to bottling. An explosion of floral and spice notes punctuates the super-refined finish. The 2016 is shaping up to be epic. Don’t miss it!”
Monica Larner – Wine Advocate 97 points “The beautiful Isole e Olena 2016 Cepparello is a gorgeous and precise expression of Sangiovese. This is one of the icon wines of the vintage that shows a naked and transparent portrait of the grape on the one hand, with the complexity of the vintage and its territory on the other. Cepparello is like a crystal ball into the heart and soul of Sangiovese, Tuscany’s mighty red grape. It is fermented in conical oak casks and later aged 20 months in 95% French and 5% American oak, of which only one-third is new wood. The wine delivers ample structure and contouring, with a firm and silky consistency at its core. Some 42,000 bottles were made. This wine should age over the better part of the next 20 years.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $93

Isole e Olena Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG, Tuscany 2013 750ML ($249.95) Was $219, Now $199 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Isole e Olena Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG, Tuscany 2013 1.5L ($699.95) Was $449, Now $399 special, 4 magnums in stock now
Antonio Galloni 98+ points “The 2013 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione is breathtaking. Beautifully ripe, deep and expressive, the 2013 has it all: deep fruit, stunning aromatic presence and tremendous structure. Black cherry, pomegranate, rose petal, mint and lavender all meld together in this super-expressive, resonant Chianti Classico. An absolutely killer wine, the Gran Selezione is a fabulous, contemporary expression of Chianti Classico at its very finest. Drops of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah round out the blend. Paolo De Marchi gave the 2013 a year in barrique and second year in cask.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95 points “Dark, saturated and rich, the 2013 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione delivers savory tones of spice and smoke that are folded into dark fruit, prune and dried blackberry. Despite the darkness of the bouquet, this wine shows tartness and freshness in terms of its flavor profile. There is a lot of Sangiovese typicity here, thanks to the delineated character of those wild berry aromas and the crispness of the wine’s natural acidity. In fact, the wine is mostly composed of Sangiovese, although very small percentages of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot are added to the blend. A mere 2,400 bottles were produced.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $257 for the 750ml
This is the only listing in the USA today for the magnum!

Arriving in Early February from Isole e Olena:

Isole e Olena Collezione Privata Chardonnay Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2019 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special, only 34 bottles available
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2019 Chardonnay Collezione Privata is a real achievement, especially in its natural ability to showcase varietal purity and textural importance in equal measure. The wine is fermented in oak and spends some time on the fine lees with frequent stirring. Aromas of poached pear, honey and stone fruit segue to a glossy note of latex or natural rubber that I personally find very attractive. The bouquet shows very light toast with some sweet nuttiness and almond paste. Drying mineral tones add a touch of linearity and extra elegance on the close.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $55

Isole e Olena Cepparello Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2018 750ML ($99.95) $89 pre-arrival special, only 21 bottles available
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 96 points “A pure expression of Sangiovese, the 2018 Cepparello is a beautiful expression that speaks to the classic and most exemplary side of this versatile and deeply expressive grape. This vintage is especially bright and ethereal with a true sense of luminosity and clarity that radiates from both the wine’s appearance and its fragrant bouquet. Tart cherry and cassis segue to balsam herb and wild violets. To the palate, the wine shows muscle and determination with sweet tannins and impressive depth of favor. Cepparello remains true to its unique identity in this vintage.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $97

Thank you from the team at Vinopolis!

Be well & drink well.