Category Archives: Newsletter Archive

Cordero di Montezemolo

Cordero di Montezemolo Enrico VI
December 14, 2021

An Unbeatable Deal!
Cordero di Montezemolo was founded in 1340.  We’ll let that sink in for a second. That’s a long time, by any measure, and when you have one family, in the same place, farming the same land, generation after generation, they are bound to become really good at it.  That’s very true here.  The Montezemolo wines have always been really wonderful, classic examples of Piedmontese wines in their respective categories.  With reviews off the charts for the 2017, now’s the time to stock up, especially since our pricing beats the competition out of the park!

Arriving in Friday, December 17th:

Cordero di Montezemolo Enrico VI, Barolo DOCG 2017 750ML ($119.95) $89 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Cordero di Montezemolo Enrico VI, Barolo DOCG 2017 750ML ($579.95) $512 pre-arrival special (that’s only $85.33/bottle!)
Case-12 Cordero di Montezemolo Enrico VI, Barolo DOCG 2017 750ML ($1489.95) $969 pre-arrival special (that’s only $80.75/bottle!)
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 94+ points “Made with certified organic grapes, the 2017 Barolo Enrico VI represents a selection of fruit from a two-hectare parcel in Villero (Castiglione Falletto). Enrico VI steps down with power and an especially robust footprint in this hot and dry vintage that produced thickly concentrated fruit. The power overlaps and maybe masks some of the complexity of the fruit, especially at this young age. The wine presents aromas of dark plum and spice that are slightly soft and sweet and do not repeat the extremest focus that we saw in the previous 2016 vintage. It needs a little extra time.”
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2017 Barolo Enrico VI, from the Villero cru, is striking. In 2017, the Villero shows a level of translucence I don’t remember seeing in this wine for as long as I have followed the domaine. Whether that is a reflection of the year or a move towards organic farming will only become evident in future vintages. Dark cherry, spice, new leather, menthol and licorice all run through this wonderfully transparent Barolo from Cordero di Montezemolo.”
James Suckling 96 points “Aromas of ripe berries with dark mushrooms, wet earth and some tar. It’s full-bodied with creamy and chewy tannins that are polished and rather bold, but still held back. The finish is very long and caressing, if a little austere. From organically grown grapes. Needs four or five years to soften. Try in 2025.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $99
That’s 22% above our by-the-case price!

Monday Bonus Newsletter 12-13-21

In This Newsletter:

New Arrivals from Around the World!

Trending

Wine & Spirits’ 2021 Best Buy Wines by Category

IWSC’s Club Oenologique
2021 Champagnes of the Year 

New Releases from Cantina del Pino


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New Arrivals from Around the World!

Oregon 

Mellen Meyer Brut Sparkling Willamette Valley NV 750ML ($39.95) $31.90 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Winery note: 60% Pinot Noir & 40% Charodonnay. Disgorged March 20, 2021. Aged 30 months on the lees. Produced from non-irrigated vines.
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!

Mellen Meyer Whistling Ridge Blanc de Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2017 750ML ($69.95) $53.50 special, 13 bottles in stock now
Winery note: 100% Pinot Noir form the North Block of Whistling Ridge Vineyard, Ribbon Ridge. Aged 34 months on the lees. Disgorged November 18th, 2020. Produced from non-irrigated vines.

This is the only listing in the USA today!

St. Innocent Freedom Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2016 750ML ($47.95) $35.50 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94 points “Vivid red. Powerful, smoke- and mineral-accented red fruit preserve, exotic spice and potpourri aromas show superb clarity and lift. Sweet and energetic on the palate, offering vibrant black raspberry, cherry liqueur, spicecake and floral pastille flavors that show outstanding definition and back-end thrust. Weighty yet elegant as well, closing extremely long and appealingly sweet, with powerful, mineral thrust and slinky, slow-building tannins that fade steadily away.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

St. Innocent Justice Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2017 750ML ($69.95) $49 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Winery note “2017, after three very warm and early harvests, brought a welcome change with cooler temperatures during the summer and a normal harvest window. All of the Pinot noir was picked in a two-week window beginning on 9/26 with continued pleasant temperatures and no rain. The wines have more aromatic and flavor nuances with balanced acidity and moderate alcohols.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

St. Innocent Shea Vineyard Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2017 750ML ($69.95) $49 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Winery note “Shea Vineyard Pinot noirs emphasize weight with good acidity, layered flavors, concentrated fruit, and terroir specific flavors. The Shea Pinot noirs Mark has produced consistently out-age wines from other sites. He also considers them to be the most complex and detailed wines he makes. The best wines of Burgundy are exceptionally detailed wines that age very well. If we apply that standard to Oregon, Shea is a great vineyard. Shea is actually two vineyards separated by a steep ravine. Both of the blocks used for St. Innocent are located in the East Field. Block 6 was planted in 1998 with Dijon clone 115 and a small amount of Pommard (11 rows). It lies on a long SE slope at about 600′ in elevation. The Terrace Block faces SW, is planted with the Pommard clone, and gets its name from the terraces carved into its steep slope.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!


California

Winery cellared release!
(Domaine de la Terre Rouge) Easton Rinaldi Vineyard Old Vine Zinfandel, Fiddletown 2014 750ML ($39.95) $30.90 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 95 points “#10 Top 100 in 2017. Editor’s Choice. A gorgeous aroma like roses and blackberries meets richly concentrated and ripe black-fruit flavors in this full-bodied, luxuriously textured wine. While extremely ripe and bold, the wine is also smooth and voluptuous, balanced out by silky tannins that keep the mouthfeel lively and fresh sip after sip. -Jim Gordon”


France – Champagne

The Remy heritage began as grower in Bouzy in the Montagne de Reims since 1829. Beginning in 2014, with holdings expanded into Ambonnay, Louvois, and Tauxieres, Georges Remy began diverting a selection of his vines into the production of his namesake Champagnes. Meticulously vinified and with low dosage, these bottlings are pure and bright. If you’ve enjoyed the Champagnes from Georges’ colleagues in Bouzy, (Paillard and Lahaye) you will be pleased to have added Remy to your Champagne experiences.

Georges Remy Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs, Champagne 2016 750ML ($89.95) $79 special, 9 bottles in stock now
Georges Remy ‘Le Mont de Tauxieres’ Grand Cru Brut Nature, Champagne 2015 750ML ($119.95) $99 special, 9 bottles in stock now 
Georges Remy ‘Les Muits’ Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru Brut Nature, Champagne 2016 750ML ($89.95) $79 special, 9 bottles in stock now
Georges Remy ‘Les Quatre Terroirs’ Premier Cru, Champagne NV 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 9 bottles in stock now

These are the lowest listed prices in the USA today!

Pierre Gimonnet et Fils Cuvee Fleuron Premier Cru Brut 2014 750ML ($79.95) $66 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2014 Brut Blanc de Blancs Fleuron is rich and effusive in the glass. Freshly cut flowers, mint, citrus confit and white pepper soar with notable intensity as the Fleuron shows off its alluring, inviting personality. The Fleuron is one of the most elegant and refined wines I have ever tasted from Gimonnet. Cut like a diamond, the Fleuron dazzles from start to finish.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 93 points “To be released this year, Gimonnet’s 2014 Brut Blanc de Blancs Cuvée Fleuron derives from lieux-dits in Cramant and Chouilly that produce more reserved wines, and there are no vins clairs from Oger in the blend. It’s showing brilliantly, unwinding in the glass with aromas of crisp green orchard fruit, lemon oil, freshly baked sourdough and pastry cream, followed by a medium to full-bodied, layered and textural but tensile palate, built around an incisive spine of acidity and concluding with a long, mineral finish.”

Nicolas Maillart Platine Premier Cru Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($49.95) $38.50 special, 18 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “Golden in colour with a fine, lingering bead Nose: Intense with notes of fruit and hazelnuts and a slight toastiness Palate: The initial impact is wonderfully fresh and vinous, followed by great finesse. Slow, gentle pressing using gravity-flow techniques. Vinification in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats and a period in the barrel for a certain volume of reserve wines. Average two-year maturing period in the bottle. Disgorged by hand and laid down for at least three months before sale.”


France – Alsace

Schoffit Chasselas Vieilles Vignes, Alsace 2019 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 special, 24 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.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Schoffit Riesling Rangen de Thann Clos Saint-Theobald, Alsace Grand Cru 2019 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 12 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!


Portugal – Port

Cockburn’s Vintage Port, Portugal 2015 750ML ($89.95) $49 special, 13 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 92 points “Distinctive, with mint and blueberry notes leading the way before plum, pastis and blackberry cobbler flavors fill in behind them. Rounded and open in feel, with modest grip, putting this on course to come around a little sooner than the rest of the pack. Shows a light woodsy echo on the finish. Best from 2025 through 2035. — JM”
Mark Squires-Wine Advocate 91+ points “The 2015 Vintage Port is mostly a (Douro Superior) blend of Touriga Franca 41% and Touriga Nacional 37%, with old vines, Sousão and Alicante Bouschet making up the rest. It comes in at 104 grams per liter of residual sugar. This is the Bicentenary Edition of this old house. Focused and tight—probably the tightest of the Symington 2015s—it is hard-edged and precise, but it does seem to have streaks of alcohol and baked, slightly roasted fruit. This is the one in the Symington 2015 stable that most obviously fits the old Port stereotype—massive and impenetrable when young. It easily needs the most time. Big, deep and a bit harsh and astringent just now, it is a little hard to evaluate fully. It may well improve with cellaring, but it will likely be the least attractive to drink young. It was also, to me, the least convincing for the moment, but it certainly has some upside potential. If it comes around well and integrates its parts, it should easily age gracefully for several more decades. This has been released.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $82
(No, really!!)

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Don’t miss our December Burgundy sales:

Pierre Gelin

Pierre Bouree &

Francois Gay

Shop the sales on our web store!

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Trending

#22 Wine Spectator Top 100 in 2021
Arterberry Maresh Old Vines Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2018 750ML ($47.95) $37 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 94+ points “Pale ruby-purple, the 2018 Pinot Noir Old Vines has an alluring perfume of blueberries, violets and dark cherries with accents of earth and amaro. The medium-bodied palate offers intense, broody fruits framed by muscular tannins and bright freshness, and it finishes long and full of flavor. It’s still youthfully coiled and may improve with another year or two in bottle.”
Wine Spectator 93 points “Structured yet elegantly layered, with pretty violet, raspberry and spiced tea accents that build tension and toward polished, medium-grained tannins. Drink now through 2029. —T.F.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Forbes placed the estate’s Carte d’Or, as the #3 “Best Champagne You’ve Never Heard Of” for good reason.  Drappier makes big, flamboyantly rich Champagne that is always a crowd pleaser—at prices that mean you can actually pour it for crowds.
Drappier Carte d’Or Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($49.95) $38 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Drappier Carte d’Or Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($299.95) $219 special (that’s only $36.50/bottle!)
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 91 points “Disgorged in April 2021, Drappier’s new NV Brut Carte d’Or delivers attractive aromas of golden orchard fruit, stone fruit, honeycomb and white flowers. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and enveloping, it’s charming and elegantly vinous, with a flavorful core of fruit, lively acids and a chalky finish.” 
Wine Spectator 90 points “Racy acidity enlivens this crisp and lacy Champagne. Well-knit, with the delicate mix of ripe white cherry, blanched almond, yellow plum and grated ginger flavors. Drink now. 3,000 cases imported. — AN”

The 2018 Freemark Abbey Napa Chardonnay is a prime example of the new era. It’s full-bodied, rich and textural—a monument to Napa’s original glory days.
Freemark Abbey Chardonnay Napa Valley 2018 750ML ($34.95) $21.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Freemark Abbey Chardonnay Napa Valley 2018 750ML ($199.95) $123 special (that’s only $20.50/bottle!)
Case-12 Freemark Abbey Chardonnay Napa Valley 2018 750ML ($299.95) $236 special (that’s only $19.67/bottle!)
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2018 Chardonnay is a very pretty, nuanced wine that deftly balances textural richness and vibrancy. Lemon peel, orchard fruit, mint and bright floral notes are finely sculpted in this classy, wonderfully polished Chardonnay from Freemark Abbey.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $29.99

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.
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!

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Wine & Spirits’

2021 Best Buy Wines by Category
 
Best Rioja Wine of 2021:

Also named #1 Wine of the Year by Wine Spectator in 2020!
Marques de Murrieta Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial, Rioja DOCa 2010 750ML ($249.95) $219 special, 17 bottles in stock now
Wine & Spirits 96 points “The city of Logroño is surrounded by several high mesas, pieces of the original plateau that still stand above the cliffs and the Ebro River valley below. The Pago La Plana is one of them, a flat mesa at an elevation of 1,590 feet, with close to 100 acres of vines at the top of Finca Ygay. On the north side of the plateau, the soil is limestone that hits solid rock five feet below, limiting the penetration of water; the soil shifts to round river stones to the southwest, where the tempranillo and mazuelo vines, planted in 1950, have been the exclusive source for Castillo Ygay since 2001 (prior to that, the wine included other parcels on the 740-acre estate). Great vintages of this wine can thrive for more than 50 years, and this vintage appears to be pretty great. It’s grand and dynamic, a youthful ten-year-old. Initially austere, gripped by bitter plum-skin tannins and mouthwatering strawberry acidity, the wine opens with exposure to air and the fruit begins to blossom with an energy that defines what is great about Rioja.”

Best California Sparkling Buy of 2021: 

True to Roederer’s house style the Brut Excellence is mostly Chardonnay with enough Pinot Noir to contribute red fruited character. Scharffenberger’s Brut Excellence undergoes complete malolactic fermentation, contributing a fuller and creamier texture.
Scharffenberger Cellars Brut Mendocino County NV 750ML ($21.95) $16.60 special, 36+ bottles in stock now 
Case- 12 Scharffenberger Cellars Brut Excellence Mendocino County NV 750ML ($249.95) $179 special (that’s only $14.92/bottle!) ***In-store pick up only available for the case special 
Wine & Spirits 91 points “This is clean and crisp with rich undertones of brioche and lemon custard. It offers a balance of the soft and the lively, a refreshing sparkling wine to kick off a dinner party. —J.G.”

Best Spanish Sparkling Buy of 2021:

Sourced from 40+ year old vines, biodynamically farmed from the creator of the appellation. It’s refreshingly pretty. And, while you could compare it to Champagne for its quality, lees character, and length, its aromatics are decidedly Spanish: leaning more towards floral and spice than Champagne.

Staff favorite!
Raventos I Blanc ‘Blanc de Blancs’ Espumoso Conca del Riu de Arnoia, Catalonia 2018 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special, 21 bottles in stock now
Wine & Spirits 94 points “Pepe Raventós adds depth and a touch of color to this estate-grown sparkler with fruit from monastrell vines planted in 1974. That addition lays a smoky note and red-fruit hints over a base of xarel-lo, macabeo and parellada. You could contemplate the narcissus scents, the peach fuzz, the brisk clarity of flavor for hours if you had some oysters, and if you didn’t immediately race through the bottle, as its elegance is hard to resist.”

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We’re Open for In-Store Shopping!

10AM – 6PM Daily
Properly worn masks are required at all times.
We also offer Curbside Pickup
Order Online / By Phone / By Email

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IWSC’s Club Oenologique

2021 Champagnes of the Year

Reviewed by Essi Avellan MW
 
In our search for top notch publications specializing in fine wines, we stumbled across the London-base Club Oenologique, a sister publication for the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC). Launched in 2018, their mission is to explore and promote fine wines as a lifestyle magazine authored by some of the UK’s top wine professionals (and those from around the world, too!). In their latest issue, they wrote up the top Champagnes in 2021. Here are two of Essie Avellan’s, Master of Wine & Champagne expert, top picks in stock now:

Krug Grande Cuvee 169th Edition Brut, Champagne 750ML ($249.95) $199 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Essi Avellan MW-Club Oenologique 96 points “Based on the 2013 vintage, the 169th Grande Cuvée really wears the year’s signature in its radiant and racy fruit profile and amplified, saline length. The fine base year is supported by 40% of reserve wines from 10 different vintages all the way down to 2000. The expressive, stylishly oak-lined nose comes with a delicious fresh, fruity profile; complex and overt already. The palate is tighter, with real vibrancy to it. Pure fruitiness and firm structure of tension, this edition is a keeper.”

Louis Roederer Cristal Millesime Brut, Champagne 2013 750ML ($319.95) $289 special, 18 bottles in stock now
Essi Avellan MW-Club Oenologique 96 points “The 2013 vintage was sculpted by its late season, with grapes finally harvested in October. But ripe they became, with heaps of delicious cool and crunchy fruit. The Cristal Blanc is racy and pure, with huge, salty mineral tanginess to the fore. Look beyond that, and you’ll be dazzled by its fruity power. Lemon, lime, white currant and Granny Smith apple, with chalky tones and gunpowder whiffs arising over time. Focused and saline on the mouthwateringly zingy palate.”

Shop our complete selection of Champagnes in stock now and arriving soon on our web store!

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New Releases from Cantina del Pino

Arriving Friday, December 17th

Though Cantina Del Pino has only been producing since 1997, the Vacca family and their estate vineyard have been a part of Italian winemaking for over 100 years. Domizio Cavazzo established the vineyard in 1894, becoming one of the first winemakers to produce Nebbiolo under the name Barbaresco. Keep in mind this was 72 years before the creation of the official appellation in 1966. An advocate for Langhe farmers, Cavazzo’s vineyard was well known, recognizable by the large Mediterranean pine tree he planted on the day his first son was born. In 1912, the Vacca family took over the estate and have worked the land for four generations, becoming known for world class wines from the historic vineyard. They use the pine tree as inspiration for their label, giving the vineyard the name Cantina Del Pino, or ‘winery of the pine’. Like Wine Advocate will tell you, year after year “Cantina del Pino is a great source for top-notch wines from Barbaresco.” 2016 is no different, with critics and growers alike both waxing poetically at length about the vintage’s perfection. 

Marked by a perfect confluence of timely rain, consistently low humidity, and no heat spikes, this is a vintage for the history books on its meteorological factors alone. When one considers the exacting practices in both the vineyard and cellar, this is a staple for anyone’s cellar. The most standout feature of this wine is the exceptionally developed fruit character, which ordinarily plays second fiddle to the tannins (especially when young). Serving heaps of black and sour cherries, black and red raspberries that finish with a beautifully long finish implicative of Piedmontese black truffle. The tannins are subtle and ambrosial in how they gently balance and emphasize the fruit while still making their presence known.

Cantina del Pino Wines Arriving Friday, December 17th:

Cantina del Pino Ovello, Barbaresco DOCG 2017 750ML ($69.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 94+ points “Considering the untimely passing of Renato Vacca in March of 2020, there is a lot of emotion coming back to this wine: It has always been an expression of Barbaresco nostalgia and romanticism, even when its creator was alive and well, working in these vines located directly under his family house. The Cantina del Pino 2017 Barbaresco Ovello bears his winemaking imprint with balance and elegance that never misses a beat. This vintage offers more density and concentration for sure, and the positioning of the Ovello cru overlooking the Tanaro River Valley sets the wine up for open-knit characteristics and suave softness. Those impressions are amplified in this vintage but are not overblown.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $64

Cantina del Pino Albesani, Barbaresco DOCG 2017 750ML ($69.95) $55 pre-arrival special
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 94 points “Fruit from Albesani shows nice sharpness and a compact or complete profile that is typical of Nebbiolo. This site has fared well in this hot and dry vintage with intact aromas of wild berry, mineral and blue violets. The Cantina del Pino 2017 Barbaresco Albesani turns in a strong showing in terms of aromas but tapers out a bit in the palate. In this release of 3,000 bottles, the wine is driven largely by the textural and structural power of the vintage, and the fruit is a bit leaner on the finish right now. It will likely flesh out with time.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $60

Shop wines in stock now from Cantina del Pino on our web store!

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

Thank you for reading and for your continuing support!



Stay safe, be well, & drink well.

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Cantina del Pino – 2017s Arriving Friday!

Cantina del Pino

December 13, 2021

Though Cantina del Pino has only been producing since 1997, the Vacca family and their estate vineyard have been a part of Italian winemaking for over 100 years. Domizio Cavazzo established the vineyard in 1894, becoming one of the first winemakers to produce Nebbiolo under the name Barbaresco. Keep in mind this was 72 years before the creation of the official appellation in 1966. An advocate for Langhe farmers, Cavazzo’s vineyard was well known, recognizable by the large Mediterranean pine tree he planted on the day his first son was born. In 1912, the Vacca family took over the estate and have worked the land for four generations, becoming known for world class wines from the historic vineyard. They use the pine tree as inspiration for their label, giving the vineyard the name Cantina Del Pino, or ‘winery of the pine’. Like Wine Advocate will tell you, year after year “Cantina del Pino is a great source for top-notch wines from Barbaresco.” 2016 is no different, with critics and growers alike both waxing poetically at length about the vintage’s perfection. 

Marked by a perfect confluence of timely rain, consistently low humidity, and no heat spikes, this is a vintage for the history books on its meteorological factors alone. When one considers the exacting practices in both the vineyard and cellar, this is a staple for anyone’s cellar. The most standout feature of this wine is the exceptionally developed fruit character, which ordinarily plays second fiddle to the tannins (especially when young). Serving heaps of black and sour cherries, black and red raspberries that finish with a beautifully long finish implicative of Piedmontese black truffle. The tannins are subtle and ambrosial in how they gently balance and emphasize the fruit while still making their presence known.

Cantina del Pino Wines Arriving Friday, December 17th:

Cantina del Pino Ovello, Barbaresco DOCG 2017 750ML ($69.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 94+ points “Considering the untimely passing of Renato Vacca in March of 2020, there is a lot of emotion coming back to this wine: It has always been an expression of Barbaresco nostalgia and romanticism, even when its creator was alive and well, working in these vines located directly under his family house. The Cantina del Pino 2017 Barbaresco Ovello bears his winemaking imprint with balance and elegance that never misses a beat. This vintage offers more density and concentration for sure, and the positioning of the Ovello cru overlooking the Tanaro River Valley sets the wine up for open-knit characteristics and suave softness. Those impressions are amplified in this vintage but are not overblown.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $64

Cantina del Pino Albesani, Barbaresco DOCG 2017 750ML ($69.95) $55 pre-arrival special
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 94 points “Fruit from Albesani shows nice sharpness and a compact or complete profile that is typical of Nebbiolo. This site has fared well in this hot and dry vintage with intact aromas of wild berry, mineral and blue violets. The Cantina del Pino 2017 Barbaresco Albesani turns in a strong showing in terms of aromas but tapers out a bit in the palate. In this release of 3,000 bottles, the wine is driven largely by the textural and structural power of the vintage, and the fruit is a bit leaner on the finish right now. It will likely flesh out with time.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $60

Shop wines in stock now from Cantina del Pino on our web store!

Sunday Night Newsletter 12-12-21

In This Newsletter:

Featured New Arrival:
Selbach-Oster

New Beaujolais Arrivals

December Sales:
Pierre Bouree

Cordero Enrico 
An Unbeatable Deal!

Wine & Spirits
Top 100 Wineries & The Wines That Got Them There

New Releases from Vouette et Sorbee 

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Featured New Arrival:

Selbach-Oster

Let’s cut to the chase: Selbach-Oster makes wine every bit as good as the ‘name’ producers like Prüm or Molitor, but because they aren’t quite as famous (and because Johannes Selbach isn’t a grand self-promoter) the wines are much less expensive than their peers. They represent some of the best buying opportunities for German wine lovers in the Mosel today. We’re excited to receive another drop of these charming wines in September. The allotment is unsurprisingly dominated by Riesling (including their delicious Sekt), but also includes one of the world’s best Pinot Blanc.

Just Landed from Selbach-Oster:

Selbach-Oster Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Auslese *, Mosel 2019 750ML ($59.95) $45 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 96 points “The 2019 Bernkastler Badstube Riesling Auslese * is deep and concentrated on the still reductive, flinty and stony nose. Piquant, racy, dense and rich on the palate, this is a laser-sharp, salty-piquant and crunchy Auslese with concentrated lemon chutney notes and lingering salinity and grip. It is stunningly precise and like an ice wine because everything is concentrated due to the perfectly clear and clean botrytis. Tasted at the domain in September 2020.”
Mosel Fine Wines 95 points “The 2019er Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Auslese * comes from a parcel of old un-grafted vines in the Bernkasteler Graben situated next to the Bernkasteler Doktor and was fermented down to noble-sweet levels of residual sugar (117 g/l). It offers a superbly attractive and complex nose of grapefruit, yellow peach, honeyed pear, spices, flowers, and mint. The wine coats the palate with ample juicy and yellow honeyed fruits, almond cream, and a touch of nut paste and leaves one with a sense of herbal flavors reminiscent of great Doktor wines in the crystal clear and very long finish,. The after-taste of this truly magnificent Auslese feels sweet rather than noble-sweet. 2029-2059.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Selbach-Oster Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese **, Mosel 2017 750ML ($69.95) $54.50 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 96 points “From the lower part of the site and made with more botrytis grapes than the regular Auslese, the 2017 Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese ** is clear and elegant on the perfectly ripe, intense and spicy nose. Lush and generous on the mouth-filling palate, this is a vibrantly fresh, salty-piquant and sensual Auslese with remarkable tannin structure and expression. A great, food-friendly wine that should be cellared for 10 to 15 years, even though it already drinks extremely well. Tasted in March 2019.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Selbach-Oster Pinot Blanc Reserve, Mosel 2019 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 19 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt Wine Advocate 93+ points “Selbach’s 2019 Pinot Blanc Réserve from a west-facing plot in the Schlossberg in Zeltingen is only the second vintage but already a little masterpiece. The nose is clear, fresh and intense, and its pure, soil-driven spiciness and precision of fruit represents the cooler slate terroir more than any ambitious, Burgundy-copying winemaking. After one and a half years on the lees in three-year-old barriques, very fine sur lie aromas intertwine with the fruit after a little while to add further complexity. Silky, round and highly elegant on the palate, this is a full-bodied, rich and perfectly balanced yet seriously structured Pinot Blanc with an enamel texture, fine tannins and the crystalline and salty acidity grip of a great Mosel terroir. It is highly stimulating on the salty, mouth-watering and aromatic finish. This is a pleasant Pinot Blanc all along the line. Total production: 1,487 bottles. Do not enjoy this excellent wine too cold: 14 degrees Celsius (or 57 degrees Fahrenheit) would be ideal. Tasted in September 2021.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Selbach-Oster Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese, Mosel 2019 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 16 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2019 Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese is very clear and intense, provided with very fine raisin and flinty aromas. Lush and crystalline on the palate, this is a salty-piquant, juicy and razor-sharp yet delicate Auslese with great finesse and precision. A highly promising wine. Tasted at the domain in September 2020.”
Mosel Fine Wines 94 points “The 2019er Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese was made from fruit harvested at 104° Oechsle and fermented down to noble- sweet levels of residual sugar (109 g/l). It proves quite reserved and restrained at first, and needs a couple of minutes in the glass to reveal some refined and perfumed scents of whipped almond cream, white flowers, orange blossom, candied grapefruit, and anise. The wine is beautifully creamy and dense on the palate, and leaves a focused and zesty feel in the well-delineated and remarkably persistent finish. This is a beautiful Auslese in the making. 2029-2069.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $45

Selbach-Oster Estate Riesling Feinherb, Mosel 2019 750ML ($21.95) $18 special, 22 bottles in stock now
Winery note “Selbach-Oster Rieslings are not ‘Zeitgeist’-trendy wines that change according to the whims of fashion. Nor are they ‘made’ according to a recipe. Though they are deeply delicious, they do not seek to ‘seduce’ with short-term exotic aromas from specially cultured yeasts, aromatic enzymes or ice-cold fermentations. They are true characters, wines with structure, wines that display their heritage, rooted deep into the slate rock like our old vines – many of which are still on their own vitis vinifera roots.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

Selbach-Oster Zeltinger Schlossberg Riesling Kabinett, Mosel 2019 750ML ($29.95) $26 special, 22 bottles in stock now
Case-12 Selbach-Oster Zeltinger Schlossberg Riesling Kabinett, Mosel 2019 750ML ($359.95) $279 special (that’s only $23.25/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2019 Zeltinger Schlossberg Riesling Kabinett is pure and flinty on the pure, elegant, terroir-driven nose. Piquant and crystalline on the palate, this is a crunchy and crispy, well-concentrated and nicely phenolic Schlossberg with juicy fruit but a crystalline and refined finish. Very long and stimulatingly salty. Tasted at the domain in September 2020.”
John Gilman 92 points “The 2019 Schlossberg Kabinett from Selbach-Oster is really a very pretty example of the vintage, but this is more Spätlese in terms of weight and breadth of shoulder than classical Kabinett. However, this takes away nothing from the charm here on both the nose and palate, with the bouquet delivering a lovely blend of white cherry, white peach, a touch of wild yeasts, a refined base of slate, bee pollen and a topnote of apple blossoms. On the palate the wine is medium-full, complex and nicely filigreed, with good acids, fine focus and grip and a long, complex and very nicely balanced finish. Think of this as a hybrid between Kabinett and Spätlese, but with personality to burn! 2020-2040+.”

The average price is $28

Shop our full selection of Selbach-Oster wines in stock now and arriving this month on our web store!
 

New Beaujolais Arrivals

France – Beaujolais

Staff favorite!
Anne-Sophie Dubois Fleurie l’Alchimiste, Beaujolais 2019 750ML ($37.95) $31.90 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Stephen Tanzer-Vinous 93 points “Glistening ruby. Vibrant, spice-accented red and blue fruits and pungent flowers on the highly perfumed nose. Sappy and seamless in the mouth, the spine of juicy acidity adding energy to plush boysenberry and raspberry preserve flavors. Shows sharp definition and repeating florality on the persistent, gently tannic finish, which leaves sweet red fruit and smoky mineral notes behind.”
Importer note “From southwest facing vineyards in Fleurie AOC. Soils are highly granitic. Dark berried fruits, tempered by mineral and black tea nuances. Seamless and very elegant.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $33

Anne-Sophie Dubois Fleurie Les Labourons, Beaujolais 2019 750ML ($39.95) $36 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Stephen Tanzer-Vinous 94 points “Brilliant violet. Vibrant, mineral- and spice-accented red and blue fruit and floral scents convey outstanding purity and sharp focus. Silky and penetrating on the palate, offering sappy raspberry, boysenberry, candied rose and smoky mineral flavors that deepen and turn sweeter with aeration. Closes impressively long and precise, with resonating florality and polished tannins that sneak in late.”
Importer note “Formerly known as `Clepsydre`, now re-named and carrying the name of its Lieu Dit starting with the 2017 vintage. Whereas previously the wine was a selection of the oldest fruit, Anne-Sophie has decided to take the selection one step farther and make it a selection of the best fruit from the old vine parcel. Les Labourons is the name of the lieu dit in Fleurie. In 2017, after recieving her organic certification, she wanted to rename the wine and have a new label drawn to showcase the new chapter in her winemaking. Despite the label and name change, Anne Sophie’s approach to vinification is the same as vintages past. It is 100% destemmed and aged for around 13 months in 228L neutral oak barrels.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Domaine des Bruyeres Chenas, Beaujolais 2019 750ML ($21.95) $18 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 90 points “Bright violet. Lively cherry and red currant scents, along with building floral and spice flourishes. Juicy, focused and lithe on the palate, offering zesty red and blue fruit flavors that slowly deepen through the back half. Shows a refreshing bitter note on the persistent, focused finish, which is firmed by dusty, even tannins.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Domaine des Bruyeres Julienas, Beaujolais 2019 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 91 points “Light ruby-red. Vibrant raspberry, cherry and violet scents show excellent clarity and pick up smoky mineral and spice accents with air. Juicy and focused on the palate, offering lively bitter cherry and red berry flavors that convey an appealing bland of depth and energy. The floral note repeats strongly on a long, seamless finish that features silky tannins and a touch of mocha.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Domaine des Bruyeres Moulin-A-Vent, Beaujolais 2019 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 91 points “Limpid ruby. Spice-tinged cherry and black raspberry on the nose, with licorice and cola nuances emerging as the wine opens up. Juicy and energetic on the palate, offering bitter cherry and dark berry flavors that show sharp definition and a hint of candied violet. Closes long and spicy, with sneaky tannins adding shape and final grip.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Pierre-Marie Chermette Domaine du Vissoux Moulin-a-Vent Les Trois Roches, Beaujolais 2019 750ML ($34.95) $28 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 93 points “Bright ruby-red. Pungent red and blue fruits and candied violet on the lively, mineral- and spice-accented nose. Bright, spicy and energetic in character, offering sappy black raspberry and boysenberry flavors that show fine clarity and deepen slowly with air. Displays subtle chewiness on the gently tannic finish, which hangs on with strong, spicy tenacity and a repeating floral note.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 93 points “Exhibiting aromas of raspberries, wild berries and orange rind, the 2019 Moulin-à-Vent Les Trois Roches is medium to full-bodied, velvety and perfumed, with a delicate core of fruit, lively acids and melting tannins. This is an especially elegant, harmonious rendition of Les Trois Roches, and I can’t wait to see how it develops.”

Pierre-Marie Chermette Domaine du Vissoux Fleurie les Garants, Beaujolais 2019 750ML ($34.95) $28 special, 33 bottles in stock now
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2019 Fleurie Les Garants has turned out beautifully, wafting from the glass with aromas of plums, raspberries and pomegranate mingled with hints of rose petals and subtle spices. Medium to full-bodied, pure and precise, it’s seamless and delicate, with sneaky concentration, striking balance and a long, penetrating finish.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 93 points “Saturated garnet. Mineral- and spice-accented red and blue fruit aromas pick up a sexy floral quality with air. Concentrated yet lively in style, offering juicy raspberry, bitter cherry and boysenberry flavors that show fine clarity and back-end cut. The floral note repeats emphatically on the gently tannic finish, which lingers with strong persistence.”

“This is one serious “basic” Beaujolais for the money.” –Josh Raynolds, Vinous
Pierre-Marie Chermette Domaine du Vissoux Griottes, Beaujolais 2020 750ML ($21.95) $17 special, 36 bottles in stock now

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
 

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December Sales

Pierre Bouree

We’re doubling down on our Bouree sale!

Looking for a Burgundy that walks the line between elegance and extraction? Look no further than the wines of Pierre Bourée. Just like their cult neighbor Domaine Dujac, the reds are vinified entirely with whole clusters in foudre and raised in oak for two years. New oak is only used to retire barrels too old for production, allowing for the full character of their winemaking practices to be seen.

Founded in 1864 the Domaine has always done mixed production between estate holdings and négociant purchasing from long-term contracts. Currently run by Brothers Bernard and Jean-Christophe Vallet, intervention in the vineyard is limited to pruning in the spring and organic compost for fertilizer. 

We’ve put our extensive selection on an even DEEPER sale for a limited time to offer our readers the best opportunity to explore the producer.   

Pierre Bouree in Stock and On Sale Now:

Village:

Pierre Bouree Fils Gevrey-Chambertin Cote de Nuits 1990 750ML Was $119, Now $99, 1 bottle in stock now

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Monopole:

Pierre Bouree Fils Gevrey-Chambertin Clos de la Justice Monopole Cote de Nuits 2013 750ML Was $119, Now $89, 2 bottles in stock now
Pierre Bouree Fils Gevrey-Chambertin Clos de la Justice Monopole Cote de Nuits 2014 750ML Was $119, Now $89, 3 bottles in stock now
Pierre Bouree Fils Gevrey-Chambertin Clos de la Justice Monopole Cote de Nuits 2015 750ML Was $149, Now $125, 3 bottles in stock now

These are the lowest listed prices in the USA today!

Premier Cru:

Pierre Bouree Fils Les Cazetiers Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru 1990 750ML Was $219, Now $189, 1 bottle in stock now
Pierre Bouree Fils Les Cazetiers Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru 2010 750ML Was $149, Now $125, 2 bottles in stock now
Pierre Bouree Fils Les Cazetiers Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru 2012 750ML Was $119, Now $89, 2 bottles in stock now

These are the only listings in the USA today!

Pierre Bouree Fils Les Champeaux Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru 2013 750ML Was $119, Now $89, 2 bottles in stock now
Pierre Bouree Fils Les Champeaux Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru 2014 750ML Was $119, Now $89, 3 bottles in stock now
Pierre Bouree Fils Les Champeaux Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru 2015 750ML Was $149, Now $119, 2 bottles in stock now  

These are the only listings in the USA today!

Pierre Bouree Fils Epenots Pommard Premier Cru 2009 750ML Was $119, Now $89, 3 bottles in stock now

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Grand Cru:

Pierre Bouree Fils Le Chambertin Grand Cru Cote de Nuits 2010 750ML Was $279, Now $235, 2 bottles in stock now
Pierre Bouree Fils Le Chambertin Grand Cru Cote de Nuits 2012 750ML Was $219, Now $189, 3 bottles in stock now

These are the only listings in the USA today!

Pierre Bouree Fils Chambertin Clos de Beze Grand Cru Cote de Nuits 2009 750ML Was $289, Now $249, 1 bottle in stock now
Pierre Bouree Fils Chambertin Clos de Beze Grand Cru Cote de Nuits 2014 750ML Was $289, Now $249, 1 bottle in stock now
Pierre Bouree Fils Chambertin Clos de Beze Grand Cru Cote de Nuits 2015 750ML Was $289, Now $249, 1 bottle in stock now

These are the only listings in the USA today!

Pierre Bouree Fils Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru Cote de Nuits 2010 750ML Was $199, Now $179, bottles in stock now
Pierre Bouree Fils Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru Cote de Nuits 2014 750ML Was $219, Now $179, 3 bottles in stock now
Pierre Bouree Fils Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru Cote de Nuits 2015 750ML Was $219, Now $199, 3 bottles in stock now

These are the only listings in the USA today!

Shop our December Burgundy sales on Pierre Gelin & Francois Gay on our web store!



Cordero Enrico 

An Unbeatable Deal!

Cordero di Montezemolo, in Barolo, was founded in 1340.  We’ll let that sink in for a second. That’s a long time, by any measure, and when you have one family, in the same place, farming the same land, generation after generation, they are bound to become really good at it.  That’s very true here.  The Montezemolo wines have always been really wonderful, classic examples of Piedmontese wines in their respective categories.  With reviews off the charts for the 2017, now’s the time to stock up, especially since our pricing beats the competition out of the park!

Arriving in Friday, December 17th:

Cordero di Montezemolo Enrico VI, Barolo DOCG 2017 750ML ($119.95) $89 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Cordero di Montezemolo Enrico VI, Barolo DOCG 2017 750ML ($579.95) $512 pre-arrival special (that’s only $85.33/bottle!)
Case-12 Cordero di Montezemolo Enrico VI, Barolo DOCG 2017 750ML ($1489.95) $969 pre-arrival special (that’s only $80.75/bottle!)
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 94+ points “Made with certified organic grapes, the 2017 Barolo Enrico VI represents a selection of fruit from a two-hectare parcel in Villero (Castiglione Falletto). Enrico VI steps down with power and an especially robust footprint in this hot and dry vintage that produced thickly concentrated fruit. The power overlaps and maybe masks some of the complexity of the fruit, especially at this young age. The wine presents aromas of dark plum and spice that are slightly soft and sweet and do not repeat the extremest focus that we saw in the previous 2016 vintage. It needs a little extra time.”
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2017 Barolo Enrico VI, from the Villero cru, is striking. In 2017, the Villero shows a level of translucence I don’t remember seeing in this wine for as long as I have followed the domaine. Whether that is a reflection of the year or a move towards organic farming will only become evident in future vintages. Dark cherry, spice, new leather, menthol and licorice all run through this wonderfully transparent Barolo from Cordero di Montezemolo.”
James Suckling 96 points “Aromas of ripe berries with dark mushrooms, wet earth and some tar. It’s full-bodied with creamy and chewy tannins that are polished and rather bold, but still held back. The finish is very long and caressing, if a little austere. From organically grown grapes. Needs four or five years to soften. Try in 2025.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $99
That’s 22% above our by-the-case price!



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Local mandates require properly worn masks for all regardless of vaccination status.
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Wine & Spirits

Top 100 Wineries &

The Wines That Got Them There

Also named #25 Wine of the Year in 2021 by Jeb Dunnuck!
Cadence Winery Camerata Cara Mia Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain 2018 750ML ($79.95) $59 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine & Spirits 93 points “An estate-grown blend of roughly three-quarters cabernet sauvignon, with the balance merlot and cabernet franc, Camerata is dusty and black, with dark purple cassis fruit and a red-berry lining. It’s wildly intense, as Red Mountain can be, with a concentrated but suave tannic structure that gives it the stuff to age. —P.J.C.”

Lingua Franca has made quite the name for itself in a very short period of time and has spared no expense in pursuit of quality. The wines show this. The Estate Pinot hails from the heart of the Eola-Amity hills (and right next to famed sites like Seven Springs).  Like its neighbors, the vineyard shows classic Eola-Amity structure, perfume and concentration.
Lingua Franca Estate Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2018 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Wine & Spirits 94 points “The soils at Lingua Franca are shallow, impoverished and challenging. Most of what goes into the Estate wine is from the upper blocks where topsoil is at its shallowest, the vine roots reach basalt that much more quickly. Larry Stone thinks that’s one reason for the power in this wine, derived from such small berries, with a skin-to-juice ratio that leads to uncanny concentration. This took days to open, evolving toward smoky, foresty pinot noir fruit that’s darker than almost any in Oregon. And yet there’s a vinous savor here to brush against the fruit. Built to cellar. —P.J.C.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $54

Displaying the broodier side of Gamay, this Moulin-a-Vent has intense aromas of blackberry and licorice with a hint of smoke. Polished and dark, with deep fruit character of charred strawberry, pomegranate, and cherry with a granitic finish. The acid and tannin are firmly medium, and have a pervasive minerality in both the aromas and finish. The finish is structured yet supple and slightly tannic.
Chateau du Moulin-a-Vent ‘Moulin-a-Vent’ Couvent des Thorins, Beaujolais 2018 750ML ($34.95) $26 special, 29 bottles in stock now
Wine & Spirits 92 points “A selection from 40-year-old vines growing in granite soils with manganese, this wine fermented with some whole clusters (20 percent) and then aged for 16 months in stainless steel. That élevage preserved the generous depths of fruit in the wine, floral up front, edged with bright tannins and green-peppercorn spice in the end. A bold and zesty 2018, this will benefit from a year of bottle age.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

Also rated best rosé Champagne of 2021 by Wine & Spirits!
Louis Roederer Cristal Brut Rose, Champagne 2012 750ML ($699.95) $599 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Wine & Spirits 98 points “ome wines have an inherent energy, so their flavors not only align in a recognizable pattern, but also interact in a recognizable way. Perhaps that recognition is a signal that the wine is more than just a delicious drink. The energy in Cristal Rosé converts the umami power of its black-skinned grapes into bright raspberry freshness; it transforms the earthiness of those grapes into a limestone veil, creating delicacy out of pale rock. The energy extends the flavors of the wine so that each time you return to the glass, the transparent fruit continues to deepen, from thimbleberry to strawberry and raspberry, gaining intensity while remaining transparent. It’s the kind of dynamic energy that can survive in an eight-year-old wine if the fruit is farmed in a sweet spot—in the case of Cristal Rosé, pinot noir planted in the 1960s in Aÿ, and chardonnay from Avize, all from midslope parcels, all from chalk soils. The wine’s color comes from the grape skins, macerated just long enough to infuse the juice without adding perceptible tannins. Concentrated and ripe, this is a nourishing vintage of Cristal Rosé. Its subtle power will sustain the wine for decades.”

Also rated best Nahe Riesling of 2021 by Wine & Spirits!
Weingut Donnhoff Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel, Nahe 2019 750ML ($119.95) $99 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Weingut Donnhoff Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel, Nahe 2019 375ML ($69.95) $54.50 special, 3 half-bottles in stock now
Wine & Spirits 97 points “This comes from the Dönnhoffs’ most prized vineyard, a steep slope of dark slate and igneous rock. The mineral-rich site once supported a Höhle (a mine); it’s also thought to have been a site of worship in ancient times, as the name is said to be a derivation of Hermes, the Roman god. The 2019 captures the lyrical grace of great Dönnhoff riesling, building in waves of bright, succulent apple, herb and berry flavor, soaring acidity refreshing the palate even as the sweetness keeps coming on. It lasts, singing, ready to drink now or in another 30 years.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

There are only a handful of wines in the world considered “Immortal” in terms of its life in the bottle. The most famous of these is without a doubt Tokaji. The confluence of high acid, prodigious sugar levels, perfect terroir and masterful cellarwork is what makes these wines so long lived, with bottles that are hundreds of years old still being drinkable.  Royal Tokaji Co is credited with reintroducing Tokai to the world of fine wine after the elimination of the Iron Curtain. These are benchmark wines that you should try at least once in your lifetime, and have at least one in the cellar.

Royal Tokaji ‘Betsek’ Single Vineyard Aszu 6 Puttonyos, Tokaj, Hungary 2016 500ML ($149.95) $119 special, 4 500ml-bottles in stock now
Wine & Spirits 95 points “Royal Tokaji’s portion of the crescent-shaped Betsek vineyard is toward the bottom of the slope, where cool air collects and the rich clay soil holds that chill. Perhaps you can taste the contrast of rich and cool in this 2016, the wine filled with creamy apricot-and-peach density of flavor, yet lifted by brisk spice, citrus and floral notes. It feels vivacious and pretty, carrying itself with an ease that belies its sweetness (it’s the richest of Royal Tokaji’s 2016 aszús, at 185 grams per liter of residual sugar).”

Royal Tokaji ‘Nyulaszo’ Aszu 6 Puttonyos, Tokaj, Hungary 2016 500ML ($149.95) $119 special, 3 500ml-bottles in stock now
Wine & Spirits 91 points “This feels youthful and lean, the peach and lemon flavors pinned to the wine’s broad texture by sharp acidity. While it’s succulent and almost refreshing now, this is sure to build in complexity with time in bottle.”

Elvio Cogno was instrumental in putting the Ravera cru on the map. Born and raised in Novello, the village associated with the famous vineyard, he purchased Cascina Nuova, an underperforming but historic estate, and started making classically-styled wines under his own name. The resulting wines have been stupendous ever since, prompting a rush on land in Novello (and Ravera in particular), but no wineries have surpassed the original master and his son-in-law (winemaker since 1996 Valter Fissore—who is arguably even more talented than Elvio).  From their entry level “Cascina Nuova” Barolo up to his Riservas from the choicest parts of his holdings, these are wines that will appeal to every lover of Barolo.

Elvio Cogno Barolo Cascina Nuova, Barolo DOCG 2016 750ML ($69.95) $54.50 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Elvio Cogno Barolo Cascina Nuova, Barolo DOCG 2016 750ML ($419.95) $299 special (that’s only $49.83/bottle!)
Wine & Spirits 94 points “Fruit from Valter and Nadia Fissore’s younger vines in the Ravera cru yielded a dynamic wine in 2016. It opens with scents of fresh roses and brims with flavors of juicy black cherry and plum, all of it laced with fennel pollen and orange zest. The snappy fruit tones have a pristine ripeness, propelled by brisk acidity toward a vibrant, balanced finish.”

Lopez de Heredia is one of the world’s elite wine estates.  This statement isn’t a surprise to anyone who reads at all about Spanish wines, but it bears repeating.  “Why?” you might ask, “would you tell us something we already know?” The answer to that question is that for all of the grace, complexity, age-worthiness, and profundity of the wines, the prices are shockingly low.  
R. Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2008 750ML ($59.95) $47.50 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Wine & Spirits 91 points “This is a lean and fragrant vintage of Viña Tondonia, the López de Heredia family’s prime Rioja Alta vineyard above a meander along the Ebro River. In 2008, the wine is gamey up front, with sour cherry flavors and a delicate, lasting richness. The wine defines Rioja’s traditional elegance.”

We stock other producers on the Top 100 Wineries list, including Bergstrom, Muga, Dow’s, G.D. Vajra, Vietti, Tenuta delle Terre Nere, Paolo Scavino, Delas Freres, and more! 
 


New Releases from Vouette et Sorbee 

Arriving Friday, December 17th

After some gentle nudging from Anselme Selosse, grape grower and recent convert to biodynamics, Bertrand Gautherot, decided to produce Champagnes from his vineyard holdings under the name Vouette et Sorbee. The cuvee Fidele is all Pinot Noir. It is primarily a blend from two vineyards grown in Kimmeridgian marl: Vouette and Biaunes. It’s mostly from one vintage, with roughly 5% reserve wine from a perpetual reserve begun in 2001. The wine has been fantastic long before it was discovered, and discovered it was. Ever since the 2012-base Fidele garnered 95 points from Antonio Galloni, this producer has had a rabid following at the shop. The Blanc d’Argile is a beautiful Chablis-esque Champagne, expressing intensive saline and mineral notes. It’s always one of the most distinctive and stunning examples of Chardonnay from Champagne.

“The champagnes of Vouette et Sorbée are uncompromisingly original, possessing deep, vinous aromas and assertive personalities, and their intensity of character makes them more suitable to contemplative drinking or to accompanying food than to casual sipping. They are clearly the products of a natural philosophy of viticulture, with all that that implies in the French wine world, and while this may put some tasters off, those wine aficionados who enjoy the wines of other natural growers in France such as Emmanuel Houillon, Marcel Lapierre or Claude Courtois will find an affinity here. These are not champagnes that will please everyone, but there is not enough quantity to go around anyway, and those of us who do appreciate Gautherot’s wines will seek them out wherever and whenever possible.” –Peter Liem, Champagne Guide

Arriving Friday, December 17th:

Vouette et Sorbee Cuvee Blanc d’Argile Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut, Champagne (2017) NV 750ML ($99.95) $89 pre-arrival special
No reviews available for the 2017-base (R17). Recent review provided for reference.
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 93 points “From a rather young vineyard (less than ten years old) planted with nothing but Chardonnay, the NV Brut Nature Blanc d’Argile—here, the “R14,” which is entirely based on the 2014 harvest—is an intensely citrus colored, white-golden shimmering beauty. Intense yet fine and floral on the nose, this oak-fermented (you don’t really get that aromatically!) Blanc de Blancs shows an iodine and almost floral (think of broom!), intense and vinous nose like a fine Chablis. The palate is round yet dry, firm and mineral until the long, tensioned, well-structured and very salty finish. This is a great mix of ripe, lush fruit, elegance, finesse and iodine flavors—so, where are the oysters?” 

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today for the 2017-base! 
The average price is $106 for all releases

Vouette et Sorbee Fidele Extra Brut, Champagne (2018) NV 750ML ($89.95) $71.90 pre-arrival special
No reviews available for the 2018-base (R18). Recent review provided for reference.
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 94 points “The NV Brut Nature Fidèle (R14) is a Blanc de Noirs from Pinot Noir on Kimmeridgian soils and is entirely based on the 2014 vintage. Disgorged in October 2017 the oak-fermented wine shows a golden-reddish apricot color and opens with a very delicate, floral and herbal yet intense and vinous bouquet of red fruits, with warm, dry earth and spices and just a hint of oak. Bone dry (of course), fresh and elegant on the palate, this is an impressively delicate and filigreed Champagne to be enjoyed as a still wine rather than a fizz. The finish is long, clear, dry and well-structured (even with fine tannins) and reveals discreet salinity. In fact, Fidèle drinks like a Burgundy-inspired Coteaux Champenois with very fine but not effervescent bubbles, persistent lemon juice and a touch of oaky flavors. Don’t use a flute to enjoy this young, gastronomic wine; instead, use a wine glass or one of the rounder, more voluminous Champagne glasses like the Lehmann Jamesse (which stresses the finesse rather than the vinous character). Don’t serve the Fidèle too fresh, either, but if you must, wait a bit and don’t worry if the wine is suddenly 12 or even 14 degrees Celsius—it’s still delicious and even more vinous then! (To be honest, when tasted at 15 or 16 degrees Celsius, I even got some Gewürztraminer notes (lychees) on the nose…!)”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast for the 2018-base! 
The average price nationally is $86 for all releases

Also Arriving Friday, December 17th:

Christian Bourmault Champagnes are cask-aged with lees stirring to offer a voluptuous body and texture. The Clos is a small vineyard enclosed in walls and hedges. This is a truly rare wine, and an incredible value when compared to other Cote des Bancs Clos bottlings, such as Krug’s Clos du Mesnil.

Christian Bourmault Clos Grand Cru Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($119.95) $99 pre-arrival special, only 18 bottles available
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 93 points “Disgorged in October 2018 with five grams per liter dosage, the NV Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Clos Bourmault exhibits aromas of buttered brioche, dried citrus rind, yellow apple, English walnuts and dried white flowers. On the palate, it’s medium to full-bodied, with ripe but racy acids, a delicate core of fruit and a youthfully frothy mousse. This derives from a 0.8-hectare parcel in Avize located above the church.” [Disgorgement date may vary from review]

Shop our complete selection of 170+ in-stock Champagnes on our web store now!


Thank you from the team at Vinopolis!

Be well & drink well.

Dr. H. Thanisch Mosel Masterpieces

November 11, 2021

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

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

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

If that wasn’t difficult enough, the various types of slate found in the Mosel become dangerously slippery when wet, oftentimes requiring safety winches and harnesses for laborers. About half of the estate vineyards farmed by Thanisch have aspects of 60 degrees or more, offering mind-bending views of the village of Bernkastel and the Mosel River. And the resulting wines are absolute marvels across the board.

Germany’s 2019 vintage is expected to be an instant classic, having already been hailed as “Germany’s Breakout Vintage” by British critic Jancis Robinson. While Robert Parker of the Wine Advocate has declared that the 2019s “are worth cellaring for decades”. Thanks to almost perfect weather conditions, 2019 yielded marvels across the Prädikat spectrum, and Thanisch’s are unsurprisingly some of the finest. Don’t count out the 2018 or 2017 vintages however considering the sucess of Bernkastel (The Mosel village where Thanisch hangs her hat). In all three of the vintages the village made some of the finest wines in the whole Mosel River Valley. Wwe Thanisch combines the elegance and minerality of the Mosel with the heft of a warmer vintage.  

Highlights in stock now: 


Wwe Dr. H. Thanisch Erben Thanisch Bernkastel-Kues Alte Reben, Mosel 2019 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special, 21 bottles in stock now
Mosel Fine Wines 90 points “The 2019er Bernkastel-Kues Riesling Alte Reben is a barely off-dry wine (with 12 g/l of residual sugar) made from grapes harvested from 40-year-old vines in the Kueser part of the city. It offers a superbly complex and refreshing nose of anise, pink grapefruit, orange peel, tangerine, mint, lead pencil, and smoke. The wine proves hugely enjoyable thanks its animating presence on the palate and leaves a precise and dry-tasting feel in the long finish. The wine develops more weight and presence with airing, but retains a great sense of grip and playfulness in the animating and beautifully balanced after-taste. Now-2034.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Wwe Dr. H. Thanisch Erben Thanisch Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Kabinett, Mosel 2016 750ML ($34.95) $24 special, 23 bottles in stock now
David Schildknecht – Vinous 91 points “Ripe pear and apple dominate on the nose as well as on a silken, buoyant palate, supported by subtle sweetness. Mouthwatering salinity and transparency to crystalline stony nuances give the long, refreshingly juicy finish a fascinating and delightful sense of shimmer.”
Mosel Fine Wines 90 points “The 2016er Badstube Kabinett was harvested at 88° Oechsle. It offers a delicately ripe nose of pear, earthy spices, slate and smoke. The wine comes to life on the palate as acidity peps up some succulent pear right into the long finish and gives it a gorgeously lively and well-balanced side. The after-taste is elegantly playful. 2026-2041”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

Wwe Dr. H. Thanisch Erben Thanisch Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Spatlese, Mosel 2017 750ML ($34.95) Was $29, Now $24 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt – Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2017 Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Spätlese is still pretty reductive but clear and elegant on the crunchy slate and floral nose. Lush and salty on the pure, refined and elegant palate, this is a concentrated, densely woven and sensual Badstube with the mineral grip and tension of this often underrated Grosse Lage. Tasted from AP 8 18 in March 2019.”
Mosel Fine Wines 91 points “The 2017er Bernkasteler Badstube Spätlese offers a gorgeously ripe and fruity nose of pineapple, candied grapefruit, melon and pear, all wrapped into a touch of aniseed herbs. It displays quite some ripe yellow fruits on the structured and quite intense palate often found in Auslese rather than Spätlese. The finish is driven by zesty acidity and spices, so that the feeling of sweetness is well packed into a racy structure. 2025-2037.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Wwe Dr. H. Thanisch Erben Thanisch Bernkasteler Doctor Riesling Spatlese, Mosel 2017 750ML ($54.95) Was $46, Now $39 special, 31 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt – Wine Advocate 95+ points “The coolish, precise and elegant 2017 Berncasteler Doctor Riesling Spätlese (AP 3 18) opens to very fine tropical fruit aromas intermixed with the smoky scents of crushed black rocks. Lush and finessed on the palate, this is a firmly structured, very elegant and persistently mineral Doctor Spätlese whose salty-piquant finish and fine, crystalline structure develops enormous length and tension but also finesse and a highly elaborate style. Highly stimulating. Tasted in March 2019.”
Mosel Fine Wines 93 points “The 2017er Berncasteler Doctor Spätlese offers a ripe nose of yellow peach, orange blossom, apricot, coconut cream, pear and smoke, all wrapped into some toffee. The wine is compact and still on the sweet side and intense on the palate. Riper fruits including apricot, mango and melon kick in and make for a delicately creamy and still rather sweet feel in the finish. This big backward offer will need more than a decade to absorb its sweetness and develop the inherent finesse of Doctor wines. 2032-2057.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Wwe Dr. H. Thanisch Erben Thanisch Bernkasteler Doctor Riesling Auslese, Mosel 2019 750ML ($79.95) $69 special, 29 bottles in stock now
Mosel Fine Wines 95 points “The 2019er Berncasteler Doctor Riesling Auslese was made from fruit harvested at approx. 100° Oechsle and was fermented down to sweet levels of residual sugar. It offers a hugely restrained, aniseed, and smoky nose of honeyed yellow peach, minty herbs, pear, melon, quince jelly, and vanilla touch. The wine coats the palate with ample juicy and exotic fruits, as well as apricot, black berry, and a hint of smoky raisin. The finish is still on the smooth and creamy side, even if the after-taste more than hints already at the depth, complexity, and freshness to come. Patience will be needed for this beautiful Auslese to come around and deliver all its nuances. But the wait will be more than worth it! 2034-2069.”

Wwe Dr. H. Thanisch Erben Thanisch Bernkasteler Graben Riesling Grosses Gewachs, Mosel 2019 750ML ($49.95) $41.90 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 91+ points “The 2019 Bernkasteler Graben Riesling GG is adjacent to Thanisch’s Doctor parcel yet a bit less warm. From 60- to 70-year-old-vines, this is a smoky, intense and elegant Riesling with very fine, precise and crunchy gray slate aromas. Medium-bodied, intense and complex on the palate, this is a tight, long and structured dry Graben Riesling with a refreshing lemon aroma on the concentrated and refreshing finish. This is complex but very promising and currently pretty closed, although the bottle was opened two days earlier. Tasted at the domain in September 2020.”

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

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