“Given the crystalline purity of his Sauvignon Blancs, he has become one of my favorite producers of the central Loire. If you want to know what true Sancerre tastes like, try one of his single-vineyard bottlings. It does not come any better!”-Joel Payne, Vinous.

You’ve heard of Didier Dagueneau and his $150+ Sancerre’s, but have you heard of Gerard Boulay?  Gerard Boulay is one of a handful of producers in the world that makes exceptionally age worthy, collectible and profound Sauvignon Blancs. This is a cult level producer that’s still at an accessible price point. It’s remarkable that these wines are available on the open market, considering the Boulay family has been known for exceptional quality since the 14th century as the Cathedral of Bourges “Church white”. 

We were able to secure a complete assortment of their portfolio, ranging from their entry level wines to their rarest and most collectible labels. For the prices that Boulay charges, these are some of the most electric and profound whites in all of France. While low-tier Sancerre always seems overpriced, the top producers in the region make extraordinary wines that seem to be completely undervalued. 2019 and 2020 were fantastic years in the Loire and Boulay has had some of the best bottles in his career during this unprecedented streak of “Good to Exceptional” vintages. 

Boulay’s estate vineyards are based in Chavignol, the true beating heart of Sancerre and the host of all the top names in the region (Vatan, the Cotats, Boulay, Dagueneau, etc.) and Boulay owns some of best situated sites in some of the finest vineyards in the town.  From his parcel in La Grande Cote to Monts Damnes to the famed Clos Beaujeu, all of his wines ring with terroir and the unique minerality that’s inherent to Chavignol. Gerard Boulay says “Nature makes the wine” and strives for age worthiness above all else, having examples of his work dating back to the 1960’s still drinking beautifully. The estate’s farming is entirely chemical free, and was one of the first producers in the region to convert to organics. If that isn’t enough, he also makes a Rosé and Pinot Noir from small plantings on the same vineyards! Expect a completely different expression of Pinot Noir that’s largely unseen in today’s market dominated by powerhouse region’s like Burgundy, Germany and the United States.  

The whites and rosé land at the end of the month, but tend to go quickly. Secure your allocation now!

Arriving ETA Late July: 

Gerard Boulay Sancerre Chavignol 2020 750ML ($39.95) $33 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Gerard Boulay Sancerre Chavignol 2020 750ML ($219.95) $189 pre-arrival special (that’s only $31.50/bottle!)
Importer note “Blend of young vine parcels on kimmeridgian slopes in the village of Chavignol.”

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

Gerard Boulay Sancerre Chavignol Rosé 2020 750ML ($37.95) $29 pre-arrival special 
Importer note “Practicing organic. From 35-40 year old Pinot Noir vines on the steep hillsides in front of the Boulay home in Chavignol. Soil: Steep clay hillside. Viticulture: Gerard works the soil manually and lets nature make the wine. Vinification: Tank fermented. Boulay adds no yeast and minimal amounts of SO2. Aging: Tank aged. Production: 200 cases annually. Notes: Unlike many Sancerre Roses, Gerard harvests his Pinot specifically to make rose by direct press, then into tank. It is not a selection of young vines as he has no young Pinot vines. What makes the rosé one year could make red another, and vice versa, depending on what the vintage gives.”

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Gerard Boulay Sancerre Clos de Beaujeu, Loire 2019 750ML ($79.95) $51.90 pre-arrival special
Gerard Boulay Sancerre Clos de Beaujeu, Loire 2019 1.5L ($179.95) $105 pre-arrival special
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 92 points “The unfiltered 2019 Sancerre Clos de Beaujeu comes from vines averaging 45 years of age in a southeast-facing vineyard on loamy Kimmeridgian chalk and opens with an herbal and brightly fruity bouquet. On the palate, this is a clear, fresh, round, fruity and structured Sancerre with bright fruit, some hazelnut nuances and long grip and salinity. Entirely vinified in used barriques for 12 months. Tasted in February 2021.”

Gerard Boulay Sancerre Comtesse, Loire 2019 750ML ($99.95) $61.90 pre-arrival special
Gerard Boulay Sancerre Comtesse, Loire 2019 1.5L ($219.95) $128 pre-arrival special
Importer Note “From 50-75 year old vines located in the sweet spot of the Mont Damnés vineyard (bottom of the slope, near Clos La Neore of Vatan), this is often the most powerful wine from Boulay’s lineup. Vintage 2005 was the inaugural release.”

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Gerard Boulay Sancerre Les Monts Damnes, Loire 2019 750ML ($79.95) $55 pre-arrival special
Gerard Boulay Sancerre Les Monts Damnes, Loire 2019 1.5L ($179.95) $119 pre-arrival special
Importer Note “Boulay began farming the steeply sloped Mont Damnés vineyard in 1982. His plot has an average vine age of 45 years. Mont Damnés’ reflective soils and south-facing exposition make it one of Chavi­gnol’s warmest sites. Overall, Gerard Boulay’s ‘terre blanche’ vineyards produce some of the most distinctive and soil-inflected Sauvignon Blancs in the Loire, with a delineation and minerality often reminiscent of a top Chablis. Boulay is certainly among the top examples of the appellation, including Boulay’s neighbors (Cotat Bros., Vatan). These are gorgeous, highly complex wines that are a clear step above ‘regular’ Sancerre, and can age easily for 10-20 years or more. In fact, we have had them all the way back to the 1959 which was magnificent! They confirm Boulay’s place in the top ranks of Loire Valley vignerons.”

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Gerard Boulay Sancerre La Cote, Loire 2019 750ML ($85.95) $55 pre-arrival special
Gerard Boulay Sancerre La Cote, Loire 2019 1.5L ($189.95) $115 pre-arrival special
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate93 points “From a southeast-facing plot, the 2019 Sancerre La Côte is pure, deep and intense yet also fresh on the iodine-scented nose, with grip, lemon and tropical notes. The wine opens bright, clear and almost tropical on the nose and then shows tight, tense and lingering salinity and firm grip. Tasted in February 2021.”

Can’t Wait? In Stock Now from Gerard Boulay:

Gerard Boulay Sancerre Rouge Oriane 2015 750ML ($59.95) $37 special, 23 bottles in stock now
Importer Note “Boulay makes tiny amounts of still red Pinot Noir from these same vineyards as the rose, which are 35-40 year old Pinot Noir vines located on the steep hillsides in front of the his home in Chavignol. Aged in used 300-liter casks.

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We’ve carried Domaine du Pegau for a number of years here at Vinopolis, and this year we’ve been able to snatch the best price we’ve seen for it in 7 years! Being one of the few houses that uses all of the 13 permitted varietals in the Chateauneuf De Pape appellation, this caliber of producer quality are normally wines that sell for $100 or more. With an average vine age of 60 years old, biodynamic practices and some of the best sites in Chateauneuf under their banner, this is among the most cellar-worthy out of the entire appellation!

Domaine du Pegau was founded in 1987 by father/daughter team Paul and Laurence Feraud (the family was formerly bottling the wine under the name of Domaine Feraud). Their family has farmed the area since the 17th century. Their Cuvee Reservee is hand-picked blend of 80% Grenache, 6% Syrah, 4 % Mourvedre and 10% other permitted varieties (not destemmed). The grapes are grown in stony soils with a mix of clay, chalk and iron rich sand. The wine is fermented with the stems in cement vats with natural yeast and without temperature control.  The wine is aged for two years in old oak barrels.

Pre-Arrival ETA Late July:

Domaine du Pegau Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Reservee, Rhone 2018 750M ($69.95) $54.50 pre-arrival special
Decanter 96 points “Grown on varied lieux-dits around the appellation on a mix of soils, this was fermented in concrete then aged for 24 months in foudre. All whole bunch, which is evidenced by the pleasantly stemmy aromatics. Very full-bodied and concentrated, savoury despite the oak, with bay leaf and thyme. Very tannic, quite hard on the palate in fact. It’s well balanced despite the alcohol, thanks to its concentration and intensity. It’s an outlying style due to its darkness, hardness and brooding character. It will be fantastic in time however. But wait.”
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 92-95 points “The 2018 Châteauneuf du Pape Cuvée Réservée is full-bodied but quite approachable and easy to drink, loaded with black cherries and plummy fruit and tinged with licorice. A blend of 80% Grenache, 6% Syrah, 4% Mourvèdre and 10% other permitted varieties, it finishes long and silky.”
Jeb Dunnuck 91-94 points “Not yet bottled, the 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Réservée continues to show beautifully and is a soft, charming example of this cuvée that’s going to drink nicely right out of the gate. Loads of blackcurrants, peppery herbs, bloody meat, and violet notes emerge from the glass and it’s medium to full-bodied, has a seamless, elegant texture, ripe tannins, and a great finish. It reminds me of an improved 2014, and despite its upfront appeal, it’s going to evolve nicely for 15 years or more. This estate has a long track record of off vintages aging and drinking beautifully far longer than anyone would predict, and I’m sure the same will be the case with the 2018.”

 

Looking for the primal delight of a super Tuscan, but at a Spanish price point? Then look no further beyond the Can Feixes 2008 Negre Traditional. Priced like a current release, but with the bottle age of a library wine, this is a steal for its price point! 

Entirely estate grown, organically farmed and coming from the northern mountains of Catalonia, the negre is 45% Tempranillo, 26% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Petit Verdot. For an area known more for cava and indigenous Spanish varietals, this is an outlier that demands the spotlight. Beautifully ripe flavors of boysenberry, marionberries and black raspberry intermingle with aromas of seco tobacco leaf, cedar and terra cotta. Well integrated with high tannins, medium plus acid and a medium body with a long finish evocative of toasted oak, café leche and dried cherries. The extended bottle aging before release has harmonized all the elements together without being discordant and shockingly vibrant for it’s age. This is a perfect wine for grilling, picnicking or binge watching tv at home. Fried chicken, pulled pork or a brisket would make this wine dance a sardana on your palate.

Can Feixes Huguet Negre Tradicio, Penedes, Spain 2008 750ML ($29.95) $19 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Importer note “Certified organic. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, with 8% Petit Verdot, aged for one year in French oak and four years in bottle before release. A concentrated wine with soft, ripe tannins, the Petit Verdot noticeably enhancing complexity.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

If you’re looking for more Spanish wine, we carry a whole selection of reds, Cava and even Sherry!   

Order Online / By Phone / By Email

When you’re ready to pick up, just park in our lot,
give us a call, & we’ll bring your order to your car.

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please let us know their name when placing your order.)

www.vinopoliswineshop.com

info@vinopoliswineshop.com

503-223-6002

 

Vincent Gamay Noir, Willamette Valley 2019 750ML ($21.95) $19 special, 15 bottles in stock now
Grapelive 90 points ” the Gamay has loads of personality and very naturally styled with zesty pure fruits and a touch of raw savory tones with fresh strawberry, plum, cranberry and macerated cherries leading the way on the light and tangy palate. Vincent Fritzsche…has a delicious collection of wines, all of which are incredibly well priced, especially this one. This unfiltered ruby hued Gamay, best served with a chill, opens nicely with floral detail, some blue fruits, earthiness, a herbal crunch and an almost old work funk, reminding me of Clos de la Roilette Fleurie, impressive, less fruity and fun stuff that goes well with simple cuisine….Fritzsche employs a natural and traditional winemaking with all of his wines, with his Gamay seeing partial whole cluster, vintage dependent, non carbonic fermentation with gentle pigeage and all native yeast, allowing things to get going before doing daily punch downs and a light wetting of the cap during the maceration. Once dry, usually after 18 to 24 days the wine is pressed and settled for close to three days before going into well used barrels, some up to ten years old, with the elevage lasting about a year in the oak. Very little is done in the cellar, except for ultra small doses of sulfur for stability as these wines are bottled without filtration.… This is an exciting winery to start following, joining a ever expanding set of new generation labels in Oregon that are hand crafting wines of passion and terroir.”

Ovum Old Love White Blend, Oregon 2020 750ML ($24.95) $18.50 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Grapelive 93 points “The Ovum Old Love dry white wine is a blend of grapes that sing in the glass with a range of heady and perfumed scents along with a brisk salty palate that will remind people of the beautiful and textural mixed varietal Alsatian wines of Marcel Deiss, Marc Tempe and Albert Boxler’s… The Old Love is about 45% Riesling, 35% Gewürztraminer, 10% Pinot Blanc and 10% (Dry) Muscat, though maybe 1% is other varietals depending on the year and what is co-planted in the vineyards, which are located throughout Oregon on a unique combination of soils, it is certainly one of the most eccentric of the state’s white wines and the better for it. The 2019 Old Love is fresh and lively with green apple, white peach, tangerine and dried apricot fruits on the lithe and crystalline palate, which is racy, saline and mineral laced with a bracing kick of acidity and showing hints of wet stone, ginger, rosewater and wild herbs. This white gives quite a rush to the senses and has a feeling of grip to it with crisp extract lingering well on in the aftertaste, very impressive and a great wine with food, in particular white fish, poultry, light pork dishes and even fresh briny oysters. The straw and light golden Old Love white keeps you guess throughout the glass, but drinks impeccably well balanced and rewarding without any obvious varietal domination taking charge, it truly is a wine that is better because of the sum of all parts, consider me intrigued! I am looking foward to exploring the rest of the Ovum lineup and the new vintages that have just now been released.”

Chateau Les Mesclances Cotes de Provence Cuvee Saint Honorat Rose 2020 750ML ($29.95) $26 special
Joe Czerwinski – Wine Advocate 90 points “A blend of 65% Grenache, 22% Cinsault and 13% Mourvèdre, the 2020 Cotes de Provence Rose Cuvee Saint Honorat features delightful scents of crushed stone, rose petals and barely-ripe peaches. Medium-bodied, silky and savory, with fine length and a sense of elegance, it’s another fine offering from this AB and EU certified-organic producer.”

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

Chateau Les Mesclances Cotes de Provence La Londe Cuvee Faustine Rose 2020 750ML ($39.95) $34.50 special
Joe Czerwinski – Wine Advocate 92 points “A slightly darker-hued offering (the Grenache received 20 hours of skin contact prior to pressing), the 2020 Cotes de Provence la Londe Rose Faustine is a blend of 81% Grenache, 13% Syrah and 6% Mourvèdre (the Syrah and Mourvèdre are made via saignée). It features intensely stony and earthy aromas balanced against hints of citrus, peach and raspberry, making for an exciting, largely savory style. Medium to full-bodied, it’s silky from six months on the lees and boasts a lingering, elegant and mouthwatering finish of crushed stone and citrus.”

Peter Lauer Senior Fass 6 Riesling, Mosel 2020 750ML ($31.95) $28 special, 35 bottles in stock now
Mosel Fine Wines 92 points “The 2020er Ayler Riesling “Senior” N°6 is a barely off-dry wine (with 13 g/l of residual sugar) made from fruit harvested from the original Kupp hill on a west-facing section towards Wawern. It offers a beautifully reductive and refreshing nose of grapefruit zest, herbs, cassis, lime, herbs, nettle, and smoke. The wine proves full of grip and energy on the superbly balanced palate and leaves a beautifully precise, spicy, and refreshing feel in the nicely dry-tasting finish. This dry-tasting Riesling proves a huge success and has more in common with a Grand Cru that its nominative ranking as Ortswein (Village)! 2023-2035.”

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Weiser-Kunstler Riesling Feinherb, Mosel 2020 750ML ($27.95) $26 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Mosel Fine Wines 90 points “The Riesling Weiser-Künstler, as it is referred to on the main label (the reference to the vintage is left for the back label), is a barely off-dry wine (with 15 g/l of residual sugar) made from Estate’s holdings and from grapes sourced at a befriended organic grower in the Enkircher Steffensberg. It offers a stunning and pure nose which screams Mosel as beautifully scents of freshly cut flowers, white peach, a dash of whipped cream, a hint of blood orange, and slate emerge from the glass. The wine proves delicately off dry on the delicious and well-balanced palate and leaves a subtly ample feel of ripe fruits, zest of citrusy fruits, slate, and smoke. This is a truly remarkable Estate wine! Now-2030.”

 

Just a stunning bottle of Barolo from one of the traditionally-minded masters.
Elvio Cogno Bricco Pernice Barolo 2015 750ML ($149.95) $119 special, 28 bottles in stock now
Case-6 Elvio Cogno Bricco Pernice Barolo 2015 750ML ($719.95) $619 special (that’s only $103.17/bottle!)
Kerin O’Keefe-Wine Enthusiast 97 points “Cellar Selection. Enticing scents of rose, iris, perfumed berry and an earthy whiff of truffle shape the fragrant nose on this dazzling wine. The delicious, full-bodied palate boasts structure and a weightless elegance, delivering juicy Marasca cherry, cherry compote, cinnamon and star anise. Taut polished tannins and fresh acidity provide balance and an elegant structure. It’s already irresistible but will also age well for years. Drink 2022–2035.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 96 points “The Elvio Cogno 2015 Barolo Ravera Bricco Pernice delivers the depth, richness and concentration that are a hallmark of this pretty vintage. This wine is a pure expression of the productive Lampia clone of Nebbiolo. Generous layers of blackberry, wild cherry, rose hip, ferrous earth and campfire ash are neatly folded together to build the wine’s intensity. Like the other wines from this estate, the tannic management is spot-on. You are aware of the wine’s youthful structure, but it is delivered without hard edges or sharp points. A mere 4,000 bottles were produced.”

Entering its drinking window now, this blockbuster is a beautiful expression of Tuscany.
La Gerla Riserva gli Angeli, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2012 750ML ($99.95) $69 special, 30 bottles in stock now
La Gerla Riserva gli Angeli, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2012 3L ($499.95) $319 special, 2 double magnums in stock now
Ian D’agata-Vinous 95 points “Bright medium ruby. Very clean and fresh aromas and flavors of red currant, cherry pit, flowers and blood orange jelly. Bright, juicy and very light on its feet, offering superb vinosity and clarity of flavor, this conveys an impression of real underlying density and a multilayered mouthfeel. A knockout wine of outstanding energy and class, finishing with polished tannins, uncanny sweetness and lovely subtle persistence, not to mention outstanding balance (it hides its 14.5% alcohol very well).”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95 points “Here is a dense and meaty Tusan red that flaunts its immediate power, structure and intensity. The 2012 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva gli Angeli is robust and deep thanks to a generous offering of dark fruit, spice and tar-like aromas. Fruit is carefully selected for this wine, and the grapes are fermented in stainless steel. Post fermentation, the wine goes into large Slavonian oak casks for four years. The finish is soft and supple with sweet berry flavors. This wine has made an impressive jump forward in this vintage.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $94.93

Von Winning has been on a hot streak, and this wine is pushing GG quality.
Von Winning Deidesheimer Paradiesgarten Riesling Trocken, Pfalz 2018 750ML ($37.95) $29 special, 19 bottles in stock now
Stephen Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 90 points “The 2018 Riesling Deidesheimer Paradiesgarten “VDP. Erste Lage” opens with a clear and fragrant bouquet of white and yellow-fleshed fruits and floral and delicate fresh oak aromas. On the palate, this is a medium-bodied, tight, fresh and lush dry Riesling with edges and a grippy character. Green apples on the aftertaste. Tasted in Deidesheim, December 2019.”
Terry Theise note “The best vintage I recall of this surprising wine; curvaceous and leafy, the often-noted caraway seed nuance, along with ‘18s beaming plum-blossom aromas and the fennel and mirabelle-drenched palate could hardly be more fetching. The salty finish also doesn’t hurt!”

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Complex, focused & polished
Castiglion del Bosco Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2015 750ML ($69.95) $46.50 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
James Suckling 97 points “Wonderful aromos of flowers, plums, terracotta and white pepper. Intense, yet ever so subtle. Medium to full body, firm and silky tannins, and a long and intense finish. Shows excellent length. Drink after 2021.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Shea vineyard is legendary for a reason, and Hundred Suns’ bold example is a standout.
Hundred Suns Shea Vineyard Pinot Noir, Yamhill-Carlton District 2019 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Winery note “Winemaking & Tasting: 2019 was a return to familiar Oregon vintages as we dodged rainstorms to pick in late September. By keeping yields low, full ripeness was achieved. Fruit was divided into two native yeast fermentations: one destemmed and one 33% whole cluster. Floral aromatics mix with pops of refreshing cherry and raspberry, carried by undertones of spice. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. Vineyard: In the late 1980s, Dick and Deirdre Shea planted what is now one of Willamette Valley’s most esteemed and iconic vineyards. Our 1 acre block of Dijon Clone 777 sits at 450 feet on a south/southwest exposure. This warm site in Yamhill-Carlton AVA is planted on Marine Sedimentary soil. 40% whole clust. Elevage: 10 months in neutral wood. Farming practices: dry farmed.”

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It’s surprising we have any Brovia in stock at all, but given recent activity, we might not for long.
Brovia Villero, Barolo DOCG 2015 750ML ($99.95) $88 special, 27 bottles in stock now
Brovia Villero, Barolo DOCG 2015 1.5L ($249.95) $199 special, 6 magnums in stock now
Monica Larner – Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2015 Barolo Villero offers richness and darkness with fruit from Castiglione Falletto, and it’s one of the more intense wines I tasted within this selection. The Villero is a balanced and polished Barolo that opens to nicely integrated fruit and spice tones, expertly interwoven and united. The wine has a beautiful entry to the palate. Indeed, this pretty wine presented a united front, with seamless and graceful integration.”
Antonio Galloni 93+ points “The 2015 Barolo Villero is a very pretty, mid-weight wine. Silky tannins and beautifully expressive aromatics give the Villero considerable finesse. On the palate, though, the 2015 is far less expressive. That is not entirely surprising, as the Villero often needs a few years to truly blossom. Sweet floral and spice notes start to open with time in the glass, but the Villero is not an especially forthcoming 2015 Barolo.”

 

Scavino is one of the truly great estates in Barolo, a region with no shortage of famous names. Despite a recent trend towards a more traditional approach, the wines still skew modernist. Rich and powerful in their youth, their true greatness develops after time in the cellar – something that can’t be said about all of Scavino’s modernist peers. Complex and nuanced upon release, the wines are built to age. With access to some of Barolo’s most prized vineyards and a winemaking team that embraces the best of both modern and traditional techniques, the wines are arguably the smartest buys in Barolo today.
 
In Stock Now from Paolo Scavino:
 
Paolo Scavino Rocche dell’Annunziata Riserva, Barolo DOCG 2013 750ML ($219.95) $199 special, 23 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 97 points “The 2013 Barolo Rocche dell’Annunziata Riserva was released in January of 2019, and once again it looks to be a top prize. Licorice and flowers dominate the bouquet, and its beautiful red fruit is generous throughout. This wine has always been a beauty and consistently has had a high price tag to reflect that quality, going back to the first vintages of the 1990s. It has regularly sold for about $200 every year for the last decade. These vines are old, some of them very old (reaching the ripe age of 60 years old in 1990s, when many of them were replanted with carefully selected clones), producing an elegance and concentration that brings intensity and a high standard of aromas. This Barolo without a doubt shows its pedigree and a quality of noble perfumes that demonstrate characteristics of the greatest Nebbiolo vintages, all delivered with excellent concentration. The magic lingers on the palate, right up to the finish.”
James Suckling 95 points “Aromas of white truffles and dried red cherries here with an earthy nuance that makes for a complex and compelling nose. The palate has a deep and dense shape and delivers a wide array of rich cherry and plum flavors. Some handy spice here, too. Drink or hold.”
 
Paolo Scavino Barolo DOCG, Piedmont 2016 750ML ($49.95) $41.90 special
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95 points “Showing Enrico Scavino’s signature at the bottom of the label, this is a classic expression of Barolo. The Paolo Scavino 2016 Barolo offers impeccable balance and an all-pleasing approach. There is something for everyone, especially die-hard Nebbiolo lovers, with energy, power, aromatic finesse and elegant tannins. Fruit for this wine is sourced from a half-dozen vineyard sites from across the appellation, so you get some of the power of Serralunga d’Alba and the precision of Castiglione Falletto. The scope of this wine is wide and broad, offering sweeping panoramic views of this unique grape from Piedmont. This is a terrific value.”
Wine Enthusiast 95 points “Fragrant blue flower and perfumed berry aromas mingle with whiffs of dark culinary spice and forest floor. Tightly knit and loaded with finesse, the full-bodied palate features juicy cherry, strawberry compote, star anise and a hint of white pepper alongside taut, polished tannins. Fresh acidity keeps it balanced. Drink 2022–2030. -Kerin O’Keefe”
James Suckling 95 points “A very pretty, floral Barolo with rose petals, cedar and sandalwood, as well as strawberries and cherries. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, very fine and silky tannins and a flavorful finish. Needs three or four years to soften a little. Try after 2022.”
 
 
Arriving ETA July:
 
Paolo Scavino Bricco Ambrogio, Barolo DOCG 2017 750ML ($69.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “Located in Roddi, the 2017 Barolo Bricco Ambrogio is marked by perfume of chalky earth, violets, and kirsch. The palate moves into dark fruits, with ripe currant, sweet tobacco, and tannins that emerge on the finish. Hold for 2-4 years and drink 2024-2042. Helmed by fourth generation winemaker Elisa Scavino, the estate owns and manages 30 hectares spanning eight of the 11 communes of the Barolo region and is based in Castiglione Falletto. Since 2007, they have implemented the use of a netted, submerged cap cylindrical system developed by Elisa’s father, Enrico, which achieves a delicate extraction during fermentation. They have moved to slower, longer fermentation periods, and as of 2018 will only be utilizing large casks. In the vineyard, there is great attention to the compression of the soils, creating a healthy ecosystem rich in oxygen and microorganisms and a sustainable approach.”
Antonio Galloni 90 points “The 2017 Barolo Bricco Ambrogio is laced with succulent black cherry, mocha, licorice, dark spice and lavender. The Bricco Ambrogio is usually a bit juicier, while the 2017 is decidedly on the lighter side.”
 
Paolo Scavino Bric del Fiasc, Barolo DOCG 2017 750ML ($99.95) $88 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 95+ points “The 2017 Barolo Bric del Fiasc is another gorgeous wine in the line up from the Scavino family. Readers will find a Barolo that is more nuanced and less bombastic than in the past. Bric del Fiasc has plenty of power on its own, so this style works so well. Dried rose petal, mint, spice, kirsch and iron all blossom with a bit of coaxing. I can’t wait to see how it ages.”
Jeb Dunnuck 95 points “The 2017 Barolo Bric Del Fiasc has pure aromatics of stony graphitic earth, licorice, violets, and cherry liqueur. The palate is balanced, with a full structure, noted by dried apricot, blood orange, and cinnamon. The Bric del Fiasc has both floral lift as well as noble structure and has a refreshing nature. Drink 2024-2046.”
 
Paolo Scavino Carobric, Barolo DOCG 2017 750ML ($79.95) $66 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 95 points “The 2017 Barolo Carobric is one of the standouts in this range, as it often is. It has an extra dimension of depth and volume that works so well here. Sweet red cherry, cedar, sweet pipe tobacco, anise and brambly notes build as this striking, expressive Barolo shows off its considerable charm. What a pretty wine it is.”
 
Paolo Scavino Monvigliero, Barolo DOCG 2017 750ML ($79.95) $66 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2017 Barolo Monvigliero is classy and polished right out of the gate. Sweet dark cherry, rose petal, mint and cinnamon are some of the nuances that open in the glass. Even with all of its immediacy, the 2017 has plenty of tannin. I would prefer to cellar it for at least a few years. The 2017 is undoubtedly an attractive wine, but its best days lie ahead.”
Jeb Dunnuck 93 points “From the northern MGA within Verduno, the 2017 Barolo Monvigliero is soft and floral, with crushed violets, ripe black raspberry, and licorice candy. The palate is drying, with cherry pit, sweet herbs, and turned earth. Ripe yet balanced, drink or hold 2022-2040.”
 
Paolo Scavino Prapo, Barolo DOCG 2017 750ML ($79.95) $69 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 95+ points “The 2017 Barolo Prapò is yet another stellar wine in this range. Dark and brooding in the glass, the Prapò expresses all of the natural weight of this Serralunga cru, but with more overt fruit and a bit less tannic heft than is often the case. That should make the 2017 a real pleasure to drink, with just a handful of years in the cellar. Succulent black cherry, licorice, menthol, gravel and cured meats build into the heady finish.”
 
Paolo Scavino Ravera, Barolo DOCG 2017 750ML ($79.95) $69 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 96 points “The 2017 Barolo Ravera is dazzling. Deep, potent and virile, the 2017 has a lot to say, but it won’t be ready to drink anytime soon. Black cherry, graphite, licorice, smoke, game, lavender and licorice convey a real impression of gravitas that is reinforced by the wine’s overall feel. This powerhouse Barolo is magnificent today in a sort of old-school meets new-school style.”

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Vinopolis is an independent wine shop in Portland 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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Your Backyard BBQ Red

Les Vignerons de Tautavel Silex

There are wine cooperatives, and then there are wine cooperatives. Much of the world’s forgettable, bottom-shelf plonk is produced in Europe’s numerous wine co-ops, and as result serious wine drinkers look at co-op produced wines with suspicion. Fortunately there are exceptions to every rule, and great co-ops do exist (think Produttori), and often offer some of the fine wine world’s smartest buys. Les Vignerons de Tautavel, one of France’s most respected co-ops, is one such example.

The outcrop of a merger between two of Southern France’s best co-ops, Tautavel and Vingrau, Les Vignerons de Tautavel makes classically apportioned wines from the country’s sunny southern coast. We’re anticipating the arrival of this Grenache-based blend, a wine that is destined to rank as one of the shop’s best values. Order your case today, because this perfect summer red is set to arrive Friday, just in time for backyard BBQ season.

Arriving Friday, July 9th:

Les Vignerons de Tautavel Silex, Côtes du Roussillon Villages 2017 750ML ($27.95) $24 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Les Vignerons de Tautavel Silex, Côtes du Roussillon Villages 2017 750ML ($159.95) $136 pre-arrival special (that’s only $22.67/bottle!)
Case-12 Les Vignerons de Tautavel Silex, Côtes du Roussillon Villages 2017 750ML ($319.95) $259 pre-arrival special (that’s only $21.58/bottle!)
Jeb Dunnuck 93-95 points “The 2017 Côtes Du Roussillon Villages Tautavel Silex might end up matching (or even surpassing) the 2016. The same 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 10% Carignan brought up in tank, it offers a ripe, medium to full-bodied, straight-up sexy style to go with complex notes of kirsch, black olives, black licorice, and dried garrigue. It’s a powerful yet elegant red that has tons of potential.”
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 93 points “A blend of 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 10% Carignan from old vines, the 2017 Côtes du Roussillon Villages Tautavel Silex is partly aged in barrel and part in tank. It delivers just enough cedar on the nose to let you know there’s barrel influence, without overwhelming the terroir-derived hints of crushed stone or the varietal notes of dark berries. Full-bodied, concentrated and supple, it’s a terrific bottle of Roussillon wine, with a long, elegant finish.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Shop the entire selection, including more from Roussillon, on our web store now.

 

 

Vinopolis is an independent wine shop in Portland 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 continuing to support our team!



Stay safe, be well, & drink well.