In Today’s Newsletter:
Schafer-Frohlich GG’s at National Best Pricing
Biggio Hamina
Value Star of the Willamette Valley
Rose of the Day!
Newly Arrived Budget-Bandol Favorite
A New Vintage of the Popular
Zuni Chardonnay
The Singular Eisele Sauvignon Blanc
Trending Wines
Including a Few New Arrivals (and Re-Arrivals)!
First Offer:
Rare Vintage Colheita Ports from Kopke
Collector’s Corner:
A Perfectly Cellared Magnum of Fourrier Clos St. Jacques
We are back open for in-store shopping
Properly worn masks over the nose and mouth
will be required at all times.
Our maximum capacity will be six customers at one time.
Curbside pickup still availible
Including a Few New Arrivals (and Re-Arrivals)!
First Offer:
Rare Vintage Colheita Ports from Kopke
Collector’s Corner:
A Perfectly Cellared Magnum of Fourrier Clos St. Jacques
We are back open for in-store shopping
Properly worn masks over the nose and mouth
will be required at all times.
Our maximum capacity will be six customers at one time.
Curbside pickup still availible
Schafer Frohlich GG’s at National Best Pricing
Schafer-Frohlich is a star in the Nahe, making some of the most coveted dry Riesling in Germany. Powerful, mineral-drenched and resolutely bright, these are some of the finest white wines in the world, at a fraction of the price of their peers in Burgundy or Alsace. As a result, allocations are tiny: Michelin-starred restaurants fight over them and European collectors stash as many in their cellars as possible.
Current winemaker Tim Frohlich took over his family’s estate at the impressive age of 19 and hasn’t looked back, becoming the youngest person in the history of Germany to be named the winemaker of the year after the estate was invited to join the VDP consortium.
They have continued to impress and amaze, winning award after award for the quality of their wines. Tim’s goal for his wines is to exemplify finesse, elegance and the character of the site where the grapes were grown. Their holdings encompass 47 acres in 6 different GG areas, making their quality consistently high across their portfolio.
We have stellar pricing across the board, including on the hard-to-find GG wines, which are the pinnacle of the Schafer-Frohlich lineup—and only make it to the US in tiny amounts.
In stock now from Schafer-Frohlich:
Schafer-Frohlich Felsenberg Riesling Grosses Gewachs 2017 750ML ($99.95) $89 special
Case-6 Schafer-Frohlich Felsenberg Riesling Grosses Gewachs 2017 750ML ($599.95) $499 special (that’s only $83.17/bottle!)
John Gilman 96 points “The 2017 Felsenberg GG is a masterpiece in the making, with the bouquet soaring from the glass in a youthful and very elegant constellation of pink grapefruit, wild yeasts, tart peach, plenty of smokiness, a great base of salty soil tones, dried flowers and a topnote of citrus peel. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied and rock solid at the core, with ripe, snappy acids, superb complexity and great length and grip on the poised and perfectly balanced finish. This is a stunning young vintage of Felsenberg!”
James Suckling 96 points “Despite the ample concentration and power, this is really filigree with great delicacy and breathtaking freshness at the finish.”
Mosel Fine Wines 95 points “This Schlossböckelheimer Felsenberg GG is quite smoky and reductive at first, and only gradually reveals its complexity as notes of thyme, orange zest, black tea and a hint of fennel emerge from the glass. The nose expands by the minute yet remains highly smoky. The wine proves beautifully fruity and delicately smooth side on the palate, where some cream and pineapple juice add to the overall charming yet complex side of this Riesling. The finish proves still quite compact and beautifully linear, which gives a gorgeously focused and restrained feel to the wine. . This is in need of aging, but the potential at maturity is huge. 2027-2047.”
Current winemaker Tim Frohlich took over his family’s estate at the impressive age of 19 and hasn’t looked back, becoming the youngest person in the history of Germany to be named the winemaker of the year after the estate was invited to join the VDP consortium.
They have continued to impress and amaze, winning award after award for the quality of their wines. Tim’s goal for his wines is to exemplify finesse, elegance and the character of the site where the grapes were grown. Their holdings encompass 47 acres in 6 different GG areas, making their quality consistently high across their portfolio.
We have stellar pricing across the board, including on the hard-to-find GG wines, which are the pinnacle of the Schafer-Frohlich lineup—and only make it to the US in tiny amounts.
In stock now from Schafer-Frohlich:
Schafer-Frohlich Felsenberg Riesling Grosses Gewachs 2017 750ML ($99.95) $89 special
Case-6 Schafer-Frohlich Felsenberg Riesling Grosses Gewachs 2017 750ML ($599.95) $499 special (that’s only $83.17/bottle!)
John Gilman 96 points “The 2017 Felsenberg GG is a masterpiece in the making, with the bouquet soaring from the glass in a youthful and very elegant constellation of pink grapefruit, wild yeasts, tart peach, plenty of smokiness, a great base of salty soil tones, dried flowers and a topnote of citrus peel. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied and rock solid at the core, with ripe, snappy acids, superb complexity and great length and grip on the poised and perfectly balanced finish. This is a stunning young vintage of Felsenberg!”
James Suckling 96 points “Despite the ample concentration and power, this is really filigree with great delicacy and breathtaking freshness at the finish.”
Mosel Fine Wines 95 points “This Schlossböckelheimer Felsenberg GG is quite smoky and reductive at first, and only gradually reveals its complexity as notes of thyme, orange zest, black tea and a hint of fennel emerge from the glass. The nose expands by the minute yet remains highly smoky. The wine proves beautifully fruity and delicately smooth side on the palate, where some cream and pineapple juice add to the overall charming yet complex side of this Riesling. The finish proves still quite compact and beautifully linear, which gives a gorgeously focused and restrained feel to the wine. . This is in need of aging, but the potential at maturity is huge. 2027-2047.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Schafer-Frohlich Stromberg Grosses Gewachs Riesling 2017 750ML ($99.95) $85 special
Case-6 Schafer-Frohlich Stromberg Grosses Gewachs Riesling 2017 750ML ($599.95) $479 special (that’s only $79.83/bottle!)
David Schildknecht-Vinous 96 points “White peach, gooseberry and lime are laced in the nose with chamomile, peppermint and pennyroyal. Those juxtapositions anticipate the dynamic of ripeness and citricity as well as of soothing and pungently invigorating elements that characterize this entire amazing performance. There is remarkable sheer succulence and intensity of glowingly pit-tinged white peach, zesty lime and crunchy, seedy gooseberry on the surprisingly silken palate. It’s as if concentration of fruit flavors were inversely proportional to the Stromberg’s rocky, virtually topsoil-free surface. But this is not to suggest that mineral flavor elements are short-changed. Far from it! That “dark minerality” that Fröhlich deems can be unpacked as some combination of smoky peat and black tea with stone suffusion and alkaline accents. “As ripe as they might get,” notes Fröhlich, “the berries on these old vines never lose their greenish tint or make the transition to deep gold,” and that is reflected in the vivid freshness and juicy animation of a long, fugal finish that tingles the tongue and tugs at the cheeks. If Bockenau’s virtues went virtually unnoticed until the 21st century, those of today’s Stromberg sites were almost completely unknown until Schäfer-Fröhlich produced their first, vintage 2012 Grosses Gewächs showcasing them. “When we had to demonstrate to the VDP with historical evidence that this site was Grosses Gewächs-worthy,” relates Fröhlich, “we uncorked a [nearly-dry] 1957 Spätlese from my grandfather that was unbelievably fresh and fine.””
Mosel Fine Wines 96 points “The 2017er Bockenauer Stromberg GG proves rather reduced and smoky at first. It then gradually reveals riper notes of pineapple, orange, yellow peach, tangerine and gingerbread, all wrapped into spices and residual scents from the spontaneous fermentation. The wine proves coats the palate with juicy and lightly flavors. The finish is however focused and even racy thanks to a pure and lime driven acidity kicking in. A slightly tart side in the after-taste still needs to melt into the wine but the wine is hugely impressive. 2025-2037”
Decanter 95 points “The customary reduction resulting from a spontaneous, slow ferment still clouds the nose of this Riesling. From porphyry soils on a rocky, elevated site we get almost piercing freshness that presses all of the pleasure buttons of dry Riesling fans. Bundled around a central, bright shaft of acid are alluring notes of citrus and juicy passion fruit. A most wonderful, stony, precise juxtaposition of exactitude and juiciness.”
Case-6 Schafer-Frohlich Stromberg Grosses Gewachs Riesling 2017 750ML ($599.95) $479 special (that’s only $79.83/bottle!)
David Schildknecht-Vinous 96 points “White peach, gooseberry and lime are laced in the nose with chamomile, peppermint and pennyroyal. Those juxtapositions anticipate the dynamic of ripeness and citricity as well as of soothing and pungently invigorating elements that characterize this entire amazing performance. There is remarkable sheer succulence and intensity of glowingly pit-tinged white peach, zesty lime and crunchy, seedy gooseberry on the surprisingly silken palate. It’s as if concentration of fruit flavors were inversely proportional to the Stromberg’s rocky, virtually topsoil-free surface. But this is not to suggest that mineral flavor elements are short-changed. Far from it! That “dark minerality” that Fröhlich deems can be unpacked as some combination of smoky peat and black tea with stone suffusion and alkaline accents. “As ripe as they might get,” notes Fröhlich, “the berries on these old vines never lose their greenish tint or make the transition to deep gold,” and that is reflected in the vivid freshness and juicy animation of a long, fugal finish that tingles the tongue and tugs at the cheeks. If Bockenau’s virtues went virtually unnoticed until the 21st century, those of today’s Stromberg sites were almost completely unknown until Schäfer-Fröhlich produced their first, vintage 2012 Grosses Gewächs showcasing them. “When we had to demonstrate to the VDP with historical evidence that this site was Grosses Gewächs-worthy,” relates Fröhlich, “we uncorked a [nearly-dry] 1957 Spätlese from my grandfather that was unbelievably fresh and fine.””
Mosel Fine Wines 96 points “The 2017er Bockenauer Stromberg GG proves rather reduced and smoky at first. It then gradually reveals riper notes of pineapple, orange, yellow peach, tangerine and gingerbread, all wrapped into spices and residual scents from the spontaneous fermentation. The wine proves coats the palate with juicy and lightly flavors. The finish is however focused and even racy thanks to a pure and lime driven acidity kicking in. A slightly tart side in the after-taste still needs to melt into the wine but the wine is hugely impressive. 2025-2037”
Decanter 95 points “The customary reduction resulting from a spontaneous, slow ferment still clouds the nose of this Riesling. From porphyry soils on a rocky, elevated site we get almost piercing freshness that presses all of the pleasure buttons of dry Riesling fans. Bundled around a central, bright shaft of acid are alluring notes of citrus and juicy passion fruit. A most wonderful, stony, precise juxtaposition of exactitude and juiciness.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Schafer-Frohlich Felsenberg Riesling Grosses Gewachs 2018 750ML ($99.95) $89 special
Wine Advocate 95+ points “The 2018 Felsenberg Riesling GG opens with a deep, intense and rich, concentrated and aromatic but also flinty bouquet full of ripe Riesling fruits and coolish herbal/vegetal as well gooseberry aromas. On the palate, this is a lush, intense, very mineral, salty-piquant and tightly structured dry Riesling from volcanic rocks. It’s a powerful but elegant, fresh and precise Riesling with great complexity and lingering salinity. A fabulous Felsenberg with lots of vitality and youthful grip. 13% alcohol. Natural cork. Tasted in August and October 2019.”
John Gilman 94+ points “By picking early in the Felsenberg, Tim Fröhlich was able to keep around 7.5 grams of acidity in his GG here this year, and he estimates that the wine will end up just about 12.5 percent octane. It is an absolutely superb bottle in the making, with the nose delivering a beautiful young constellation of tart orange, pink grapefruit, flint, smoke, lemongrass, wild yeasts, citrus peel and a delicate topnote of white flowers. On the palate the wine is pure, fullbodied and very elegant and seamless in balance, with a superb core of fruit, lovely backend mineral lift, bright acids and a very long, complex and extremely promising finish. Great juice. 2024-2065.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $105
The next best price is $105
Schafer-Frohlich Fruhlingsplatzchen Riesling Grosses Gewachs 2018 750ML ($99.95) $89 special
John Gilman 95 points “The 2018 Frühlingsplätzchen Grosses Gewächs is going to be closer to 8.5 grams per liter of acidity in this vintage, as is the Halenberg, and this gives the wine just a touch more precision and backend lift than the lovely Felsenberg this year. The bouquet is stellar, wafting from the glass in a blaze of lime, pink grapefruit, a touch of herb tones, salty minerality, citrus peel and a smoky topnote. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied, laser-like and gloriously transparent, with a superb core, zesty acids, laser-like focus and a very long, very minerally and complex finish. This is stunning young wine! 2024-2070.”
John Gilman 95 points “The 2018 Frühlingsplätzchen Grosses Gewächs is going to be closer to 8.5 grams per liter of acidity in this vintage, as is the Halenberg, and this gives the wine just a touch more precision and backend lift than the lovely Felsenberg this year. The bouquet is stellar, wafting from the glass in a blaze of lime, pink grapefruit, a touch of herb tones, salty minerality, citrus peel and a smoky topnote. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied, laser-like and gloriously transparent, with a superb core, zesty acids, laser-like focus and a very long, very minerally and complex finish. This is stunning young wine! 2024-2070.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $99
The next best price is $99
Schafer-Frohlich Halenberg Riesling Grosses Gewachs 2018 750ML ($199.95) $99 special
Stuart Pigott – jamessuckling .com 99 points “This has discreet aromatics, showing very fine stones and yellow grapefruit with a delicate, lemon-blossom perfume. The palate has a scintillatingly intense and focused feel with laser-guided acidity, driving a very long, pure and thrilling palate. Yellow citrus fruit abounds. Such precision is really special and the concentration in 2018 is immense. Drink or hold.”
John Gilman 96 points “The 2018 Halenberg GG from Tim Fröhlich is also stunning, with just a bit more elegance than the Frühlingsplätzchen. The bouquet is flat out beautiful already, delivering a gorgeous constellation of pink grapefruit, a touch of quince, fresh lime, smoky overtones a beautifully refined and salty base of slate, a touch of wild yeasts and a topnote of dried flowers. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied and supremely refined in profile, with a lovely core of fruit, great mineral drive, racy acids and impeccable focus and balance on the very, very long, complex and seamless finish. Pure magic. 2024-2070.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Schafer-Frohlich Kupfergrube Riesling Grosses Gewachs 2018 750ML ($199.95) $99 special
Stephan Reinhardt – Wine Advocate 96 points “The 2018 Kupfergrube Riesling GG is clear and precise on the aromatic nose that displays enormously ripe and concentrated Riesling fruit that reflects the heat of the vintage, especially in south-facing vineyards like this. Almost raisin flavors here. Crystalline and elegant on the palate, this is a linear and mineral but lush, rich and powerful Riesling with grip and tension and lingering salinity that indicates very good aging potential. 13% alcohol. Natural cork. Tasted from a bottle declared as Fassprobe (a sample) in October 2019.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Schafer-Frohlich Riesling Trocken, Nahe 2017 750ML ($31.95) $26 special
Case-6 Schafer-Frohlich Riesling Trocken, Nahe 2017 ($159.95) $149 special
Stuart Pigott-jamessuckling 92 points “A seriously racy and minerally dry riesling that has serious depth at the long, sleek finish, where it achieves lift off! Drink now.”
David Schildknecht-Vinous 91 points “Here is one of those Nahe Rieslings from a vintage that leads with unusually Chablis-like animal and mineral elements. Saffron and sea breeze mingle with lemon rind, struck flint and chicken stock on the nose as well as on a polished, infectiously juicy palate, where an influx of ripe white peach serves for succulence and the piquancy of peach kernel and lemon pip for further counterpoint. The buoyant finish – by no means for the first time in a Schäfer-Fröhlich Gutsriesling – gets a remarkable purchase on the salivary glands while both enthralling and refreshing the lucky consumer. In its own way, arguably, this wine testifies as vividly to the value of Bockenau terroir as do Schäfer-Fröhlich’s two Grosse Gewächse from his home village, because nowadays this entry-level offering labors under the handicap of being sourced almost entirely from very young vines. Yes, the “Vulkangestein” and “Schiefergestein” bottlings that serve as the estate’s middle-tier dry Rieslings are more overtly concentrated. But in vintage 2017, they aren’t more complex than this ostensibly lesser sibling, and lack its sheer charm, buoyancy and infectious drinkability.”
John Gilman 91 points “The 2017 Estate Riesling Trocken here was really showing beautifully, having been bottled six weeks before my visit and having bounced back completely. This is really stunning in 2017, as the relatively low yields have given this extraordinary depth for its level, with the bouquet offering up a precisely ripe blend of grapefruit, tart orange, salty minerality, white flowers and a smoky topnote. On the palate the wine is crisp, fullish and racy, with an excellent core of fruit, fine cut and grip and outstanding backend minerality on the long, complex and utterly refined finish. This is made from the younger vines in all the top grand crus and with the reduced yields of 2017, this is approaching Grosses Gewachs quality! The wine is twelve percent octane and carries five grams per liter of residual sugar in 2017 and is an absolute steal! 2018-2040.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Schafer-Frohlich Riesling Trocken, Nahe 2018 750ML ($27.95) $26 special
John Gilman 90+ points “The 2018 Estate Riesling Trocken is also an excellent bargain from Tim Fröhlich this year. The wine is twelve percent in alcohol and carries an impressive 8.5 grams of acidity this year, with all of the fruit for this bottling hailing from volcanic soils. The bouquet is beautifully expressive out of the blocks, offering up scents of lemon, tart orange, wild yeasts, an excellent mineral underpinning, white flowers and citrus zest. On the palate the wine is pure, elegant and medium-full, with lovely focus and grip, outstanding cut and grip and a long, complex and dancing finish. A stunning value this year! 2019-2040+.”
John Gilman 90+ points “The 2018 Estate Riesling Trocken is also an excellent bargain from Tim Fröhlich this year. The wine is twelve percent in alcohol and carries an impressive 8.5 grams of acidity this year, with all of the fruit for this bottling hailing from volcanic soils. The bouquet is beautifully expressive out of the blocks, offering up scents of lemon, tart orange, wild yeasts, an excellent mineral underpinning, white flowers and citrus zest. On the palate the wine is pure, elegant and medium-full, with lovely focus and grip, outstanding cut and grip and a long, complex and dancing finish. A stunning value this year! 2019-2040+.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Schafer-Frohlich Vulkanstein Riesling Trocken 2018 750ML ($41.95) $36 special
Decanter 94 points “This wine is effectively made from declassified fruit from Tim Fröhlich’s volcanic grand cru sites of Felsenberg and Kupfergrube, and it’s a hot tip for lovers of thrilling Riesling. Like all his wines, this has a reductive cloud for now but underneath lies a tropical allure with pristine flavours of passion fruit and mango. The body is slender and concentrated, with a stony, long and crystalline finish. Lovely now but this also ages well.”
John Gilman 92 points “Tim Fröhlich’s 2018 Vulkangestein Riesling Trocken is also absolutely stellar in this vintage, with a touch more ripeness than the Estate Riesling Trocken (approximately 12.5 percent) coupled to the same purity, cut and backend lift. The wine is very mineral in personality on both the nose and palate this year, with the bouquet delivering scents of tart orange, grapefruit, wild yeasts, a very complex base of minerality, lemongrass and a topnote of dried flowers. On the palate the wine is pure, medium-full, racy and complex, with a lovely touch of salinity to its backend mineral signature, excellent focus and balance and a very, very long, classy finish. Great juice. 2023-2060.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Schafer-Frohlich Bockenauer Felseneck Riesling Kabinett 2018 750ML ($39.95) $34.50 special
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Schafer-Frohlich Bockenauer Felseneck Riesling Spatlese 2017 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
Case-6 Schafer-Frohlich Bockenauer Felseneck Riesling Spatlese 2017 ($299.95) $219 special
David Schildknecht-Vinous 93 points “Elder flower and peony, ripe quince and white peach on the nose presage a lusciously-fruity and profusely floral inner-mouth performance. The feel is glossy but buoyant. The succulent and superbly-concentrated finish remains transparent to floral nuances as well as revealing a shimmering sense of crystalline and flinty stoniness.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Schafer-Frohlich Bockenauer Felseneck Riesling Spatlese Goldkapsel 2018 750ML ($59.95) $59 special
John Gilman 93+ points “The 2018 Goldkapsel Spätlese from the Felseneck vineyard was made solely with shriveled golden berries and there is not a trace of botrytis in this beautiful wine this year. The bouquet is nicely youthful at the present time and takes a bit of coaxing to offer up a gorgeous blend of pear, white cherries, wild yeasts, a lovely undertow of salty slate, white flowers and a whisper of upper register smokiness. On the palate the wine is very pure, medium-full and racy, with a lovely core, superb filigree and bounce and a very long, vibrant and complex finish. This just dances across the palate. 2024-2070.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Biggio Hamina
Value Star of the Willamette Valley
Value Star of the Willamette Valley
Biggio Hamina is one of the best Pinot houses in the Willamette Valley, sourcing fruit from a multitude of AVAs within the valley. We managed to secure a number of different vintages from him, offering a snapshot of some of Oregon’s best vintages. Whether you’re looking for the minerality of Eola-Amity, the umami of Chehalem or the earthiness of Ribbon Ridge, Biggio Hamina makes a Pinot for you! A perfect encapsulation of the Oregon style of Pinot Noir in that there is a marriage between fruit and tertiary expression. These are fantastic examples of Pinot Noir’s transparency in the vineyard.
Todd Hamina is one of the most respected winemakers in the Willamette Valley—think of him as your favorite winemaker’s favorite winemaker. After a decade working for other people, including Beaux Frères, Archery Summit, and Maysara, he launched a label with his wife, Caroline Biggio—and has been making some of the most exciting Pinot Noir in the valley ever since.
His wines are perfumed, elegant and site-expressive: exactly what we look for in Willamette Valley Pinot. Stylistically, Todd loves to use whole clusters and extended macerations to provide savory undertones that balance out his rich fruit. Think of them as a less-delicate, more fruit-forward version of the wines that Marcus Goodfellow makes.
Most importantly, his wines deliver outstanding value. Based their quality, vineyard sources, and critical praise, these should easily be $15–20 more expensive. These are wines that lovers of Oregon Pinot need to have in their cellars and on their tables. With enough fruit and richness to remind you that they’re from the new world, but with a savory, elegant edge that echos Burgundy, they’re classic Willamette Valley. And for the prices that we’re offering them at, they’re tough to beat.
In Stock Now:
Biggio Hamina Cellars Claygate Vineyard Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2016 750ML ($39.95) $28 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Biggio Hamina Cellars Claygate Vineyard Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2016 750ML ($199.95) $159 special (that’s only $26.50/bottle!)
Case-12 Biggio Hamina Cellars Claygate Vineyard Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2016 750ML ($399.95) $299 special (that’s only $24.92/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94 points “Bright red. An exotically perfumed bouquet displays intense red fruit, potpourri and incense qualities. Spice and savory herb nuances build as the wine opens up. Bright and energetic in the mouth, offering densely packed and appealingly sweet raspberry liqueur, cherry and spicecake flavors that pick up a smoky mineral note on the back half. Plays power off of finesse deftly and finishes extremely long and floral, with sneaky, fine-grained tannins and a touch of exotic spices.”
Todd Hamina is one of the most respected winemakers in the Willamette Valley—think of him as your favorite winemaker’s favorite winemaker. After a decade working for other people, including Beaux Frères, Archery Summit, and Maysara, he launched a label with his wife, Caroline Biggio—and has been making some of the most exciting Pinot Noir in the valley ever since.
His wines are perfumed, elegant and site-expressive: exactly what we look for in Willamette Valley Pinot. Stylistically, Todd loves to use whole clusters and extended macerations to provide savory undertones that balance out his rich fruit. Think of them as a less-delicate, more fruit-forward version of the wines that Marcus Goodfellow makes.
Most importantly, his wines deliver outstanding value. Based their quality, vineyard sources, and critical praise, these should easily be $15–20 more expensive. These are wines that lovers of Oregon Pinot need to have in their cellars and on their tables. With enough fruit and richness to remind you that they’re from the new world, but with a savory, elegant edge that echos Burgundy, they’re classic Willamette Valley. And for the prices that we’re offering them at, they’re tough to beat.
In Stock Now:
Biggio Hamina Cellars Claygate Vineyard Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2016 750ML ($39.95) $28 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Biggio Hamina Cellars Claygate Vineyard Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2016 750ML ($199.95) $159 special (that’s only $26.50/bottle!)
Case-12 Biggio Hamina Cellars Claygate Vineyard Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2016 750ML ($399.95) $299 special (that’s only $24.92/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94 points “Bright red. An exotically perfumed bouquet displays intense red fruit, potpourri and incense qualities. Spice and savory herb nuances build as the wine opens up. Bright and energetic in the mouth, offering densely packed and appealingly sweet raspberry liqueur, cherry and spicecake flavors that pick up a smoky mineral note on the back half. Plays power off of finesse deftly and finishes extremely long and floral, with sneaky, fine-grained tannins and a touch of exotic spices.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Biggio Hamina Cellars Claygate Vineyard Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2017 750ML ($39.95) $28 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 93 points “Shimmering magenta. Displays perfumed red fruit preserve aromas, along with suggestions of licorice, cola, earth and candied flowers. Seamless and focused on the palate the Claygate Vineyard offers concentrated raspberry, boysenberry and cherry flavors that slowly unfurl and become spicier through the mid-palate. Round, even tannins build slowly on a very long, floral-tinged finish that leaves cherry and baking spice notes behind. All de-stemmed fruit.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Biggio Hamina Cellars Holmes Gap Vineyard Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2014 750ML ($39.95) $27 special, 14 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92 points “Light bright red. Highly perfumed aromas of red berry preserves, Asian spices and mocha take on a bright mineral overtone as the wine opens up. Lively, appealingly sweet and penetrating in the mouth, offering fresh raspberry, cherry and spicecake flavors that gain weight with aeration. Cola and floral pastille nuances appear on a very long, spice-tinged finish framed by silky, well-knit tannins.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Biggio Hamina Cellars Johnson Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2017 750ML ($39.95) $26 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94 points “Vivid garnet. Highly perfumed red fruit, potpourri, incense and a hint of succulent herbs on the assertively perfumed nose, which is lifted by a vibrant mineral quality. Silky and energetic on the palate, offering alluringly sweet, spice-tinged cherry and raspberry liqueur and rose pastille flavors and a hint of five-spice powder. Becomes deeper with air, with no loss of urgency, and finishes with firm, spicy thrust, well-knit tannins and a floral pastille note that lingers with strong tenacity. 100% whole clusters.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Biggio Hamina Cellars Lia’s Vineyard Pinot Noir, Chehalem Mountains 2017 750ML ($45.95) $27 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94 points “Limpid red. Highly expressive aromas of fresh red berries, Asian spices and smoky minerals, plus a sexy floral nuance that builds quickly with air. Sharply defined bitter cherry, raspberry, blood orange, spicecake and rose pastille flavors show excellent depth but no excess weight. Gentle, well-integrated tannins frame a strikingly long, spice- and floral-driven finish that conveys a suave blend of power and delicacy. 100% whole clusters.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Biggio Hamina Cellars Youngberg Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir, McMinnville 2014 750ML ($39.95) $26 special, 28 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92 points “Ruby-red. Deep-pitched aromas of cherry pit, black raspberry and licorice are energized by a bright floral topnote. Sappy, concentrated and expansive in the mouth, offering sweet red and blue fruit and lavender pastille flavors plus a touch of spicecake. Smoothly combines richness and vivacity and finishes very long and subtly tannic, with a lingering sweet floral pastille note.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Rose of the Day!
Newly Arrived Budget Bandol Favorite
This is Portland’s favorite non-sparkling pink and Bandol rosé at its crisp-est. This is always the first rosé we sell out of each year. Partly because our supply is limited… but mostly because it’s just so damn delicious. We have under ten cases in stock. For this wine, that’s not a lot.
In Stock Now:
Le Galantin Bandol Rose 2020 750ML ($21.95) $19.90 special
Importer note “Classic Provençal rosé with delightful tree-fruit and citrus notes (peach, nectarine, grapefruit) and a crisp finish. Structured and complex, with citrus and red fruit on the palate. Around 5850 cases produced. Around 50% Mourvèdre, 25% Cinsault and 25% Grenache, from vines planted on southwest facing hillsides, with clay/limestone soil.”
Importer note “The ancient steep vineyards of Bandol – first planted by Phocaean Greeks c.600BC – are the perfect home for Mourvèdre. This variety produces wines that can age at least three decades. As at le Galantin, the best vineyards are planted on poor clay and sandy soil on old terraces, known locally as restanques. The appellation’s 1400 hectares of largely south facing vineyards get an extraordinary 3,000 hours of sun a year, but the heat is tempered by constant wind and also humidity from the sea. Following the steps of her father Achille, who bought the land in 1960 and produced his first vintage in 1972, Céline Pascale took over the domaine in 1999. She is helped by her brother Jérôme, who takes care of the vineyards. Today, Domaine le Galantin farms 30 hectares of terraced vineyards located in Le Plan du Castellet. Everything is hand-harvested and done with organic methods.”
In Stock Now:
Le Galantin Bandol Rose 2020 750ML ($21.95) $19.90 special
Importer note “Classic Provençal rosé with delightful tree-fruit and citrus notes (peach, nectarine, grapefruit) and a crisp finish. Structured and complex, with citrus and red fruit on the palate. Around 5850 cases produced. Around 50% Mourvèdre, 25% Cinsault and 25% Grenache, from vines planted on southwest facing hillsides, with clay/limestone soil.”
Importer note “The ancient steep vineyards of Bandol – first planted by Phocaean Greeks c.600BC – are the perfect home for Mourvèdre. This variety produces wines that can age at least three decades. As at le Galantin, the best vineyards are planted on poor clay and sandy soil on old terraces, known locally as restanques. The appellation’s 1400 hectares of largely south facing vineyards get an extraordinary 3,000 hours of sun a year, but the heat is tempered by constant wind and also humidity from the sea. Following the steps of her father Achille, who bought the land in 1960 and produced his first vintage in 1972, Céline Pascale took over the domaine in 1999. She is helped by her brother Jérôme, who takes care of the vineyards. Today, Domaine le Galantin farms 30 hectares of terraced vineyards located in Le Plan du Castellet. Everything is hand-harvested and done with organic methods.”
A New Vintage of the Popular
Zuni Chardonnay
Zuni Chardonnay
After the explosive popularity of our exclusive Evening Land/Brasserie 19 offer last year, we jumped at the chance to offer another exclusive wine from Rajat Parr’s Sta. Rita Hills winery, Sandhi. Oregon wine fans may best know Parr for his Willamette Valley winery Evening Land and their pioneering Seven Springs vineyard. Some years before signing on to Evening Land, Parr’s founded Sandhi, an elite, small production winery that highlights the terroirs of Santa Barbara County. He and co-founder Sashi Moorman eschew extremes of ripeness, oak, or alcohol, instead crafting wines of elegance and restraint. Vineyard sources for the Sandhi lineup include the legendary cool climate Bien Nacido, best known by the single vineyard bottlings produced by the Bien Nacido estate, Au Bon Climat, and Qupe Winery, and the world-classic, historic Sanford & Benedict.
This Chardonnay is a barrel selection from these illustrious vineyards. It was crafted with the wine director at one of SF’s finest restaurants, Zuni Café. We knew it would be a charming and food-friendly wine, but we were stunned by the quality when we tasted a sample bottle last week. Fans of Evening Land will be dazzled by the beauty and elegance through a Californian lens, fans of Sandhi will be impressed by the price.
The 2016 has been such a rousing success that we recently acquired another vintage of the fantastic Chardonnay—the bright and zippy 2019. Tasting the two side by side was a study in the potential of Santa Barbara whites, with the older wine showing off a softer, more open feel, while its younger brother was edgy and more energetic. There’s limited stock of the ’16 left, so fans should stock up now, but both offer outstanding value.
In Stock Now:
Newly Arrived!
Sandhi Zuni Cafe Chardonnay, Santa Barbara County 2019 750ML ($34.95) $24 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
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.”
Sandhi Zuni Cafe Chardonnay, Santa Barbara County 2016 750ML ($34.95) $21.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Sandhi Zuni Cafe Chardonnay, Santa Barbara County 2016 750ML (399.95) $239 special (that’s only $19.92/bottle!)
From the winery: “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. Add to that the favorable 2016 vintage in which a very warm spring and early summer gave way to cool nights and moderate daytime temperatures in July & August. These conditions allowed the medium-sized crop to mature perfectly with small berries in pristine condition and yield a remarkably balanced wine with fine depth and intensity.”
This Chardonnay is a barrel selection from these illustrious vineyards. It was crafted with the wine director at one of SF’s finest restaurants, Zuni Café. We knew it would be a charming and food-friendly wine, but we were stunned by the quality when we tasted a sample bottle last week. Fans of Evening Land will be dazzled by the beauty and elegance through a Californian lens, fans of Sandhi will be impressed by the price.
The 2016 has been such a rousing success that we recently acquired another vintage of the fantastic Chardonnay—the bright and zippy 2019. Tasting the two side by side was a study in the potential of Santa Barbara whites, with the older wine showing off a softer, more open feel, while its younger brother was edgy and more energetic. There’s limited stock of the ’16 left, so fans should stock up now, but both offer outstanding value.
In Stock Now:
Newly Arrived!
Sandhi Zuni Cafe Chardonnay, Santa Barbara County 2019 750ML ($34.95) $24 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
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.”
Sandhi Zuni Cafe Chardonnay, Santa Barbara County 2016 750ML ($34.95) $21.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Sandhi Zuni Cafe Chardonnay, Santa Barbara County 2016 750ML (399.95) $239 special (that’s only $19.92/bottle!)
From the winery: “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. Add to that the favorable 2016 vintage in which a very warm spring and early summer gave way to cool nights and moderate daytime temperatures in July & August. These conditions allowed the medium-sized crop to mature perfectly with small berries in pristine condition and yield a remarkably balanced wine with fine depth and intensity.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
The Singular Eisele Sauvignon Blanc
Eisele is one of the most hallowed terroirs in the Napa Valley. Tucked into the foothills in Calistoga, it has produced incredible wines since 1971 for Phelps, Araujo and now (indirectly) Chateau Latour, who bought the property a few years ago.
Their Sauvignon Blanc is one of Napa’s landmark whites, with a power and complexity rarely seen in the grape. That’s a testament to the site, and also to some of the best winemaking talent in the valley. We’re offering an email subscriber special on this magical wine—just $89 per bottle, and even cheaper on three-packs.
In Stock Now:
Eisele Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley 2018 750ML ($119.95) $89 special
Case-3 Eisele Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley 2018 750ML ($349.95) $255 special (that’s only $85/bottle!)
James Suckling 97 points “Sliced apples and limes on the nose with grassy and chamomile notes. But then it turns to honeysuckle, chalk and minerals. Full-bodied with papaya, sliced-pear and green-pineapple flavors. Tight and fresh at the end. Crunchy acidity. Solid density. Energetic finish. Drink now or hold.”
Their Sauvignon Blanc is one of Napa’s landmark whites, with a power and complexity rarely seen in the grape. That’s a testament to the site, and also to some of the best winemaking talent in the valley. We’re offering an email subscriber special on this magical wine—just $89 per bottle, and even cheaper on three-packs.
In Stock Now:
Eisele Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley 2018 750ML ($119.95) $89 special
Case-3 Eisele Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley 2018 750ML ($349.95) $255 special (that’s only $85/bottle!)
James Suckling 97 points “Sliced apples and limes on the nose with grassy and chamomile notes. But then it turns to honeysuckle, chalk and minerals. Full-bodied with papaya, sliced-pear and green-pineapple flavors. Tight and fresh at the end. Crunchy acidity. Solid density. Energetic finish. Drink now or hold.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $98.99
The next best price is $98.99
Trending Wines
Including a Few New Arrivals (and Re-Arrivals)!
Including a Few New Arrivals (and Re-Arrivals)!
Challenges Tempier as the best in Provence, at 2/3rds of the price.
Chateau Pradeaux Bandol Rose 2020 750ML ($37.95) $31.90 special
Rosenthal Wine note “The Bandol Rosé from Pradeaux is perhaps the most serious wine in this category. Robust, rich, and complex with an ability to age gracefully, this wine is based on Cinsault (50%) and Mourvèdre (50%), taking its slight orange tint from the latter cépage. The younger vines of the domaine (average age: 25 years) are utilized to produce a rare rosé with staying power and exceptional complexity. The Rosé is vinified by a direct pressing for 24 hours followed by fermentation in cement tanks at a controlled temperature of 18 degrees Celsius for about 15 days; the malo-lactic fermentation is blocked and the wine is usually bottled in mid-April of the following year. We import approximately 600 cases (7200 bottles) annually of this exceptional wine.”
It’s hard to not be effusive about the values that Marietta is turning out these days.
Marietta Cellars ‘Roman’ Estate Grown Zinfandel 2019 750ML ($24.98) $18.75 special
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2019 Román Zinfandel (blended with 4% Barbera and 2% Petite Sirah) has a medium ruby-purple color and gregarious scents of candied peach, wild berry preserves, orange peel and tar. The palate is deeply fruited but light on its feet with bright freshness and loads of perfume on the long finish.”
R. Usseglio continues to be one of the best—and most overlooked—producers in Chateauneuf.
Raymond Usseglio & Fils Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Girard 2018 ($49.95) $36 special
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Girard hadn’t been blended when I visited the estate last year, so this bottled sample was my first look at the cuvée for the American importer. It closely mirrors the regular bottling, but typically includes a bit more old-vine Grenache. The nose is similar, offering up hints of dried spices, earth and black cherries, but the feel on the full-bodied palate is richer and more enveloping, with a creamy-velvety texture that flows seamlessly onto the long, plush finish.”
Jeb Dunnuck 93 points “A custom cuvée put together by their importer, the 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Girard from Raymond Usseglio generally includes slightly more Mourvèdre but, by and large, normally tracks the base cuvée pretty closely. Deep ruby/purple, with a meaty, powerful bouquet of black raspberries, ground pepper, cured meats, and flowery garrigue, this beauty is medium to full-bodied and has a wonderful, supple mouthfeel, silky tannins and a great finish. I actually like it a little more than the base cuvée, but it should age similarly, with a solid 10-12 years or more of prime drinking.”
From the Vendee, right on the Atlantic coast of France, this has brightness to spare.
J. Mourat O.V.N.I. Rose, IGP Val de Loire 2020 750ML ($21.95) $17 special
Winery Note: 100% Grolleau Gris, Average age of vines-15 years. The Mourat name has always been associated with wine: from wine makers and salt makers on the Ile de Ré until the end of the 19th century, then as wine merchants on the Sables d’Olonne for three generations. It wasn’t until 1974 that Jean Mourat created the vineyard which would become the Chateau Marie du Fou. In 1998 Jéremie joined him to pursue the adventure by creating two new vineyards: Le Clos Saint André, which was established in 2006; followed by Le Moulin Blanc, in 2011. The past 10 years have also seen all the vineyards converted, or in the process of being converted, to organic production. A.O.C. Fiefs Vendéens: Mareuil-sur-Lay is situated on an ancient fault-line at the point where three ecosystems meet: the Lucon lowland, the Marais Poitevin and the Bocage Vendéen. The land is composed of schistes and rhyolites, influenced by the Maritime climate. The Vendée benefits from a cosmopolitan vineyard which traditionally combines a mixture of vine varieties from the Loire Valley and the South-West of France.”
One of the true insider secrets in Corton-Charlemagne
Domaine Rollin Père et Fils Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru, Côte de Beaune 2017 750ML ($179.95) $149 special, 17 bottles in stock now
Jancis Robinson 17.5/20 “Bottled. Seems subtle at first but opens up to a complex if embryonic combination of lemon and orange fruit, stony freshness and the suggestion of the round creamy character of lees and barrel.”
Rosenthal Note “The Rollin family for many years has exploited two separate parcels totaling about one-half hectare within the appellation of Corton Charlemagne. One parcel is on the Aloxe-Corton side within “Le Charlemagne” and the other piece is on the Pernand side of the hill known as “En Charlemagne”. The grapes from each parcel are harvested and vinified separately and are then assembled prior to bottling (after more or less fifteen months of elevage). From our personal perspective, the Corton Charlemagne from Rollin is one of the finest white wines in our portfolio, a true Grand Cru. We purchase two barrels a year … and a small amount of magnums are drawn for us annually.”
Chateau Pradeaux Bandol Rose 2020 750ML ($37.95) $31.90 special
Rosenthal Wine note “The Bandol Rosé from Pradeaux is perhaps the most serious wine in this category. Robust, rich, and complex with an ability to age gracefully, this wine is based on Cinsault (50%) and Mourvèdre (50%), taking its slight orange tint from the latter cépage. The younger vines of the domaine (average age: 25 years) are utilized to produce a rare rosé with staying power and exceptional complexity. The Rosé is vinified by a direct pressing for 24 hours followed by fermentation in cement tanks at a controlled temperature of 18 degrees Celsius for about 15 days; the malo-lactic fermentation is blocked and the wine is usually bottled in mid-April of the following year. We import approximately 600 cases (7200 bottles) annually of this exceptional wine.”
It’s hard to not be effusive about the values that Marietta is turning out these days.
Marietta Cellars ‘Roman’ Estate Grown Zinfandel 2019 750ML ($24.98) $18.75 special
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2019 Román Zinfandel (blended with 4% Barbera and 2% Petite Sirah) has a medium ruby-purple color and gregarious scents of candied peach, wild berry preserves, orange peel and tar. The palate is deeply fruited but light on its feet with bright freshness and loads of perfume on the long finish.”
R. Usseglio continues to be one of the best—and most overlooked—producers in Chateauneuf.
Raymond Usseglio & Fils Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Girard 2018 ($49.95) $36 special
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Girard hadn’t been blended when I visited the estate last year, so this bottled sample was my first look at the cuvée for the American importer. It closely mirrors the regular bottling, but typically includes a bit more old-vine Grenache. The nose is similar, offering up hints of dried spices, earth and black cherries, but the feel on the full-bodied palate is richer and more enveloping, with a creamy-velvety texture that flows seamlessly onto the long, plush finish.”
Jeb Dunnuck 93 points “A custom cuvée put together by their importer, the 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Girard from Raymond Usseglio generally includes slightly more Mourvèdre but, by and large, normally tracks the base cuvée pretty closely. Deep ruby/purple, with a meaty, powerful bouquet of black raspberries, ground pepper, cured meats, and flowery garrigue, this beauty is medium to full-bodied and has a wonderful, supple mouthfeel, silky tannins and a great finish. I actually like it a little more than the base cuvée, but it should age similarly, with a solid 10-12 years or more of prime drinking.”
From the Vendee, right on the Atlantic coast of France, this has brightness to spare.
J. Mourat O.V.N.I. Rose, IGP Val de Loire 2020 750ML ($21.95) $17 special
Winery Note: 100% Grolleau Gris, Average age of vines-15 years. The Mourat name has always been associated with wine: from wine makers and salt makers on the Ile de Ré until the end of the 19th century, then as wine merchants on the Sables d’Olonne for three generations. It wasn’t until 1974 that Jean Mourat created the vineyard which would become the Chateau Marie du Fou. In 1998 Jéremie joined him to pursue the adventure by creating two new vineyards: Le Clos Saint André, which was established in 2006; followed by Le Moulin Blanc, in 2011. The past 10 years have also seen all the vineyards converted, or in the process of being converted, to organic production. A.O.C. Fiefs Vendéens: Mareuil-sur-Lay is situated on an ancient fault-line at the point where three ecosystems meet: the Lucon lowland, the Marais Poitevin and the Bocage Vendéen. The land is composed of schistes and rhyolites, influenced by the Maritime climate. The Vendée benefits from a cosmopolitan vineyard which traditionally combines a mixture of vine varieties from the Loire Valley and the South-West of France.”
One of the true insider secrets in Corton-Charlemagne
Domaine Rollin Père et Fils Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru, Côte de Beaune 2017 750ML ($179.95) $149 special, 17 bottles in stock now
Jancis Robinson 17.5/20 “Bottled. Seems subtle at first but opens up to a complex if embryonic combination of lemon and orange fruit, stony freshness and the suggestion of the round creamy character of lees and barrel.”
Rosenthal Note “The Rollin family for many years has exploited two separate parcels totaling about one-half hectare within the appellation of Corton Charlemagne. One parcel is on the Aloxe-Corton side within “Le Charlemagne” and the other piece is on the Pernand side of the hill known as “En Charlemagne”. The grapes from each parcel are harvested and vinified separately and are then assembled prior to bottling (after more or less fifteen months of elevage). From our personal perspective, the Corton Charlemagne from Rollin is one of the finest white wines in our portfolio, a true Grand Cru. We purchase two barrels a year … and a small amount of magnums are drawn for us annually.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
“Just. Magic.”
Château Cos d’Estournel, Saint-Estèphe 2016 750ML ($319.95) $299 special, 23 bottles in stock now
Lisa Perrotti-Brown – Wine Advocate 100 points “The 2016 Cos d’Estournel is blended of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc aged in 65% new and 35% two-year-old French oak for 15 months. Bottled in July 2018, it is deep garnet-purple colored and starts off a little closed and reticent, opening out slowly and seductively to reveal beautiful lilacs, rose hip tea, crushed stones and camphor nuances over a core of crème de cassis, kirsch, wild blueberries and mocha plus wafts of incense and wood smoke. The palate is simply electric, charged with an energy and depth of flavors that seem to defy the elegance and ethereal nature of its medium-bodied weight, featuring super ripe, densely pixelated tannins that firmly frame the myriad of fruit and floral sparks, finishing with epic length. Just. Magic.”
Neal Martin – Vinous 100 points “The 2016 Cos d’Estournel was a bona fide showstopper out of barrel, the best that I had encountered in over 20 years of visiting the estate during en primeur, so my expectations were piled high when I returned to find out how it performs in bottle. Deep, almost opaque in color, it sports a very intense but broody bouquet with fathomless deep black fruit tinged with blueberry and violet. The aromas almost seem to envelop the senses. The palate is medium-bodied with ultra-fine tannin that I have never witnessed in any other vintage of Cos d’Estournel. There is a beguiling symmetry to this Saint-Estèphe, as well as unerring mineralité. The persistent, tobacco-tinged finish can be felt 60 second after the wine has departed. This is a monumental, benchmark Cos d’Estournel that will give not years but decades of pleasure, though I suspect it will close down for a period in its youth, hence my drinking window. 13.07% alcohol.”
First Offer:
Rare Vintage Colheita Ports from Kopke
Rare Vintage Colheita Ports from Kopke
You simply cannot go wrong with these as a gift for someone who’s been with you through the long haul, or as a toast to your own endurance and ability to get through this year+. Kopke, founded in 1638, makes what might be the most vibrant and long lived port wines available. They too have been through adverse times in their near 400 year history, seeing dramatic shifts in the climate, swings in the popularity of their product, and the rise and fall of populist dictators. Through all of this, they’ve been consistent in their commitment to making the greatest Tawny and Colheita (vintage Tawny) Port available.
We’re fortunate to have a tremendous lineup available:, including Colheita vintage selections from ’41, ’57, ’67, ,78, and more, plus their 30- and 40-year old tawny ports. Highlights from the vintages include the powerful 1981 – stuffed with aromatics from across the spectrum; floral notes, fresh citrus, walnuts and fig with substantial but surprisingly silky tannins. You can experience the unbelievably youthful 1957 or 1967 – these are perfect examples of age adding concentration and depth, but the traditional Kopke freshness that keeps these so vibrant. Flickers of warmth are reminiscent of Cognac, but the clarity of the fruit and spice dominate the balance.
Whether you’re buying for yourself or as a gift, make sure you take your time with these once they’re open. Allow it to develop and fill your glass to the fullest. All of these will continue to show their highlights and develop rich spice and dried fruit characteristics for years to come.
Arriving ETA Mid-November:
[Date of bottling may vary from reviews]
Only two bottles available
Kopke Colheita Tawny Port 1941 750ML ($749.95) $599 pre-arrival special
Mark Squires-Wine Advocate 97 points “The 1941 Colheita Tawny Port Port, bottled in November 2015 with 126 grams per liter of residual sugar, is a marvel. The acidity here makes this very lively, startlingly fresh and young. Add the endless finish and lingering flavors to the very fine structure, and this becomes irresistible. Penetrating and intense, it is also simply delicious, the intensity of flavor matching the structure easily. The aromatics are fabulous, too. Put this next to an open window and walk towards it. You should probably be able to smell it from about ten feet away. It is also perfectly balanced. The first time around, at the beginning of my note I wrote “gorgeous” and then repeated it. At the end, I wrote “love, love this.” That still seems to sum it up nicely.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Only three bottles available
Kopke Colheita Tawny Port 1957 750ML ($499.95) $399 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 95 points “Baked pear, dried apricot and roasted apple flavors dominate in this mature yet fresh-tasting version. White pepper and lightly smoky notes show on the fresh finish. Rich and complex. Drink now. 200 cases imported.”
Mark Squires Wine Advocate 95 points “The 1957 Colheita Tawny Port Port was seen before, but it’s worth revisiting in the USA, since it’s a great wine. This is also the new 2015 bottling. It has 127 grams per liter of residual sugar. It is stunning how youthful this is. Lush and rich on opening, it has mature flavors that emerge, easily demonstrating the complexity and concentrated aromatics one expects. Gripping on the finish, this delivers fruit flavor and seems to linger indefinitely. When I first saw this, it was tasted next to even more brilliant Colheitas and a bit overshadowed. On its own, it is even more stunning. It was pretty fine next to some other greats here as well.”
Roger Voss Wine Enthusiast 95 points “There is a great balance between acidity and impressively fresh fruit considering the age of this venerable Port. Of course there are many flavors from the wood aging, but they are combined with orange marmalade, fig and raisin flavors in a riot of complex flavors that have created a very great wine. It comes from a year that was not generally declared as a vintage.”
Kopke Colheita Port 1967 375ML ($149.95) $119 pre-arrival special
Mark Squires Wine Advocate 95 points “The 1967 Colheita Tawny Port Port comes in with 142 grams per liter of residual sugar. This is a nice step up compared to the younger parts of the lineup, elegant and focused, with a precise finish, a fresh feel, little discernible brandy and a long, long finish. The classic old Tawny Port flavors of molasses and caramel wash over the palate. This isn’t big and thick, but some may very well prefer its elegant and brighter feel. In many ways, it is fresher than the 1981 or 1999 reviewed this issue, and it is better balanced than the 1937. It is very pretty.”
Kopke Colheita Tawny Port 1978 750ML ($149.95) $119 pre-arrival special
Kopke Colheita Tawny Port 1978 750ML – Gift Set w/ Glasses *Shipping Not Available* ($149.95) $119 pre-arrival special
Mark Squires-Wine Advocate 94 points “The 1978 Colheita Tawny Port Port was bottled in 2015 with 119 grams per liter of residual sugar and a bar top cork (typical for the house). It is very graceful for its age, finishing with a wave of sweetness, fruit and sugar. Emphasizing the caramel more than the molasses, this is irresistibly delicious, but it becomes more complex and puts on weight as it airs and warms. The wine shows off its power and hints of Brandy on the rather tense finish, too. Overall, this is a beauty that becomes more impressive the longer you sit with it. Then, you realize that its balance is simply perfect, yet it stands out in most every category. This is very fine and the price is pretty nice for the age and the quality.”
Roger Voss – Wine Enthusaist 94 points “Not one of the generally declared vintages for Port, this year produced some ripe, sweet single quinta vintages. It also was a good year for rich, sweet tawnies. This is ripe, toffee-like in character packed with ripe raisin and sultana flavors. It is a luxurious wine, of course ready to drink.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Kopke Colheita Tawny Port 1981 750ML ($149.95) $99 special
Roger Voss-Wine Enthusiast 95 points “The beautiful old gold color of this wine sets the scene for a Port that is rich, lusciously sweet but also shot through with acidity. It is this balance that makes for a gorgeous wine, ripe and fresh, rich and mature. Drink now.”
Jamie Goode-Wine Anorak 96 points “This is quite special. Wonderfully spicy and raisiny with some fresher citrus and mineral characters, as well as cedary notes. Direct, thrilling and intense.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Kopke Colheita Tawny Port 2007 750ML ($51.99) $49 special
Wine Spectator 91 points “Warm toffee, cinnamon and ginger notes glide through, enhanced by a light streak of juniper. Ends with accents of dark tea and a flash of bitter almond. Drink now.”
Mark Squires-Wine Advocate 90 points “The 2007 Colheita Tawny Port comes in with 112 grams per liter of residual sugar. This is a friendly and easy ten-year Tawny, with a bright feel and an elegant mid-palate. It finishes well, tasty and fresh. There’s nothing overly complicated here, but it is impossible to dislike.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Can’t Wait? We have a small selection of Kopke in stock now:
Kopke 40 Year Tawny Port 750ML ($219.95) $199 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 95 points “This offers a dreamy mix of caramelized pear, fig and peach flavors at the core, while caramel, sesame oil and date notes fill in through the expansive finish. At first glance this is quite lush, but the finish lingers with cut and drive. Drink now. 200 cases imported.”
Wine Advocate 93 points “The NV 40 Year Old Tawny Port was bottled in 2016 with a bar top cork and 145 grams per liter of residual sugar. This adds a bit more brandy as a nuance on the finish to the 30, reviewed this issue, but it still seems much like the 30 Year Old, surprisingly fresh and easy, beautifully balanced and on the lighter side in terms of mid-palate concentration. It is a lovely tawny on its own terms–I’m just not sure it delivers enough of an uptick to justify the price spike from the 30 (or, perhaps even the 20). On its own, though, it won’t disappoint. The price references a 750 milliliter bottle.”
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Kopke 30 Year Tawny Port 750ML ($179.95) $128 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 94 points “A very inviting, open style, with butterscotch and caramel notes framing the core of glazed pear, caramelized peach, golden raisin and warm fig flavors. The lush finish lets crème brûlée and ginger cream details hang, showing a flash of honeysuckle for lift. Drink now. 200 cases imported.”
Wine Enthusiast 94 points “Dark gold in color, this Port relishes its age. Like an aged tawny, it has lost its fruit at this mature stage, while gaining the rich, intense character that comes from long wood aging. It has concentrated acidity and a long, lingering aftertaste. Drink now.”
Wine Advocate 93 points “The NV 30 Year Old Tawny Port was bottled in 2017 with a bar-top cork and 130 grams per liter of residual sugar. The last release I saw of this was pretty fine. So, too, here. This adds a layer of depth and more complexity to the Burmester, although it lacks the Burmester’s elegance and sex appeal. While the finish here is bigger and more gripping, it is no more flavorful (actually, less so). Still, as this rolls around the mouth, it is impressive, not necessarily more exciting than the Burmester, but definitely different stylistically. They are good examples of the diversity you can get in one portfolio. As always, these last indefinitely, barring cork failures, but they are not really meant to be held.”
Wine Spectator 94 points “A very inviting, open style, with butterscotch and caramel notes framing the core of glazed pear, caramelized peach, golden raisin and warm fig flavors. The lush finish lets crème brûlée and ginger cream details hang, showing a flash of honeysuckle for lift. Drink now. 200 cases imported.”
Wine Enthusiast 94 points “Dark gold in color, this Port relishes its age. Like an aged tawny, it has lost its fruit at this mature stage, while gaining the rich, intense character that comes from long wood aging. It has concentrated acidity and a long, lingering aftertaste. Drink now.”
Wine Advocate 93 points “The NV 30 Year Old Tawny Port was bottled in 2017 with a bar-top cork and 130 grams per liter of residual sugar. The last release I saw of this was pretty fine. So, too, here. This adds a layer of depth and more complexity to the Burmester, although it lacks the Burmester’s elegance and sex appeal. While the finish here is bigger and more gripping, it is no more flavorful (actually, less so). Still, as this rolls around the mouth, it is impressive, not necessarily more exciting than the Burmester, but definitely different stylistically. They are good examples of the diversity you can get in one portfolio. As always, these last indefinitely, barring cork failures, but they are not really meant to be held.”
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Kopke Colheita Tawny Port 1966 750ML ($299.95) $249 special, 4 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 96 points “The 1966 Colheita Tawny Port was bottled in 2015 with 126.3 grams per liter of residual sugar, and comes with a bar top cork (as is typical here). As we start getting seriously old in the lineup from Sogevinus this issue, this shows what you get with increasing age: the superb concentration of flavor, the long, intense finishes and the complex medley of flavors that old Tawnies deliver effortlessly. That, to me, is what makes them worth the extra bucks. If some of the youngsters lean more to caramel, this adds more molasses with a touch of Brandy in the background. The concentrated flavors linger more or less endlessly, driven into the palate by the wine’s power and acidity. You can smell and taste this for a long time. The graceful mid-palate is deceptively friendly at first. It sure does grip the palate at the end, though, finishing with juicy bursts of fruit and sugar. Over several days, it acquired a bit more harmony and shed a touch of aggression. The alcohol, speaking relatively, is not as well integrated here as with the 1965, also reviewed, but that is relative. I tended to like this just slightly better anyway for its complexity and concentration on several fronts. The freshness on the 1965 is quite enticing, though. It tastes younger. It depends on what you want: that old-wine complexity and depth or a livelier feel. They both have plenty of power on the finish. You can’t go wrong, really.”
Wine Enthusiast 95 points “Bottled in 2015, this wine from a great Port vintage is dark in color and so concentrated. It is powered by intense acidity from the wood aging as much as any residual fruit. Spice, dried fruits and a perfect balance give this great wine elegance and surprising freshness. Drink now.”
[Bottling year may vary from reviews.]
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Collector’s Corner:
A Perfectly Cellared Magnum of Fourrier Clos St. Jacques
A Perfectly Cellared Magnum of Fourrier Clos St. Jacques
Just Arrived:
Domaine Fourrier makes some of the most captivating wines in Burgundy. To Burgophiles, this isn’t much of a claim—the wines that Jean-Marie has produced since taking over from his father have become hot tickets in the Burgundy world.
When young they’re among the most impressive in Burgundy, combining succulent fruit with minerality and a complexity that’s nearly unmatched in newly released wines. They improve with age, as well, and this newly-arrived magnum of 2014 Clos St. Jacques has a long life ahead of it. Fourrier works exclusively with old massale vineyards (anything from vines younger than 30 years is sold off) and that sort of soul really makes it into the bottle.
In Stock Now:
Fourrier Clos St Jacque, Gevery-Chambertin Premier Cru 2014 1.5L ($1499.95) $1,099 special, 1 magnum in stock now
Stephen Tanzer-Vinous 94 points “Healthy medium red. Sexy, complex aromas of strawberry, crushed stone and rose petal convey a captivating combe coolness. Wonderfully concentrated and bright, combining classic 2014 salty minerality with superb fruit intensity. Boasts the kind of restrained generosity of fruit that reminds me of the ’99s in the early going. A compelling, saline vin de terroir but not a powerhouse. The long, rising finish features very suave tannins.”
Wine Advocate 93 points “Tasted blind at the Burgfest 2014 tasting, Jean-Marie Fourrier’s 2014 Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru Clos St Jacques (labelled with “Vieilles Vignes”) has a very pure bouquet, almost coulis-like fruit, dark cherries intermingling with blueberry and light marmalade scents. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, a fine line of acidity, quite sensual in the mouth with good depth on the finish. Perhaps what it is missing is that peacock’s tail—it sort of ends in the wrong key. There is great potential here though not best in the (Clos Saint-Jacques) show this year. Like a television with its contrast turned up a bit too high when compared to its peers. Tasted September 2017.”
Domaine Fourrier makes some of the most captivating wines in Burgundy. To Burgophiles, this isn’t much of a claim—the wines that Jean-Marie has produced since taking over from his father have become hot tickets in the Burgundy world.
When young they’re among the most impressive in Burgundy, combining succulent fruit with minerality and a complexity that’s nearly unmatched in newly released wines. They improve with age, as well, and this newly-arrived magnum of 2014 Clos St. Jacques has a long life ahead of it. Fourrier works exclusively with old massale vineyards (anything from vines younger than 30 years is sold off) and that sort of soul really makes it into the bottle.
In Stock Now:
Fourrier Clos St Jacque, Gevery-Chambertin Premier Cru 2014 1.5L ($1499.95) $1,099 special, 1 magnum in stock now
Stephen Tanzer-Vinous 94 points “Healthy medium red. Sexy, complex aromas of strawberry, crushed stone and rose petal convey a captivating combe coolness. Wonderfully concentrated and bright, combining classic 2014 salty minerality with superb fruit intensity. Boasts the kind of restrained generosity of fruit that reminds me of the ’99s in the early going. A compelling, saline vin de terroir but not a powerhouse. The long, rising finish features very suave tannins.”
Wine Advocate 93 points “Tasted blind at the Burgfest 2014 tasting, Jean-Marie Fourrier’s 2014 Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru Clos St Jacques (labelled with “Vieilles Vignes”) has a very pure bouquet, almost coulis-like fruit, dark cherries intermingling with blueberry and light marmalade scents. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, a fine line of acidity, quite sensual in the mouth with good depth on the finish. Perhaps what it is missing is that peacock’s tail—it sort of ends in the wrong key. There is great potential here though not best in the (Clos Saint-Jacques) show this year. Like a television with its contrast turned up a bit too high when compared to its peers. Tasted September 2017.”
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