In This Newsletter:
Vinopolis Super Subscriber Sale
Hot New Price Reductions of Top Name Rhone Producers!
New Week – New Arrivals
Alzinger
Giovanni Rosso:
Another New Wine Spectator Insider Review
Trending
Collector’s Corner:
Coche-Dury
Super Deals on Superb Wines
Arriving February 12th
Vinopolis Super Subscriber Sale
Hot New Price Reductions of Top Name Rhone Producers!
This was the lowest listed price in the USA today,
Now it’s even lower!
The average price is $51
Château de Vaudieu is owned and helmed by the dynamic Brechet family—in this case by Laurent (brother of Dom. Bosquet’s Julien). This is a family hell-bent on quality and the pursuit of perfection. The family purchased the property in the 1950’s in a state of disrepair and has gradually restored the historic Château to the prominence it held in the 18th and 19th centuries.
The estate sits on a confluence of soils and the myriad of terroirs yield exemplary complexity in the wines, which are made by the all-star team of Laurent Brechet and Philippe Cambie. The wines show Cambie’s trademark style, with big, opulent fruit and power to spare. This is one of the truly elite producers in all of the Southern Rhone and it’s always a treat to offer you these wines.
Famille Brechet Chateau de Vaudieu Chateauneuf-du-Pape Amiral G, Rhone 2017 750ML ($119.95) Was $99, Now $89 Super Subscriber Special, 15 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 98 points “The 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape Amiral G. is, as always, all Grenache brought up all in demi-muids. It’s unquestionably the most opulent, sexy, and expansive in the lineup, with overflowing notes of kirsch and blackberry fruits, incense, dried garrigue, and spice, full body, and no hard edges. Its incredible opulence and decadence are delivered with no sensation of weight or heaviness. This magical, thrilling beauty needs to be tasted to be believed. It’s going to benefit from short-term cellaring and keep for 15+ years or more.”
Wine Advocate 96 points “Like the l’Avenue, the 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape Amiral G is 100% Grenache aged in demi-muids. Unlike the l’Avenue, the Amiral G is more about opulence and power. It’s full-bodied, ripe and plush, with impressive layers of black cherries, stone fruit, licorice and chocolate spice cake. Concentrated and chewy on the finish, it has all the ingredients for greatness—and it should get there relatively quickly, then drink well for at least a decade.-JC”
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 95-96 points “Lurid ruby-red. Assertive red berry and cherry liqueur aromas are complemented by building Asian spice, incense and vanilla accents. Concentrated and fleshy in the mouth, offering alluringly sweet raspberry, cherry pie, cinnamon and star anise flavors and hints of bitter chocolate and cola. Becomes more energetic with air and finishes with fabulous, floral-tinged persistence and velvety tannins that fold smoothly and quickly into the wine’s sweet, clinging fruit.”
This was the lowest listed price in the USA today,
Now it’s even lower!
Famille Brechet Chateau de Vaudieu Chateauneuf-du-Pape Amiral G, Rhone 2016 1.5L ($299.95) Was $219, Now $199 Super Subscriber Special, 11 magnums in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 99 points “The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Amiral G. is based all on Grenache and comes from a single plot of very old Grenache vines (all rolled stone soils) that was destemmed and brought up in demi-muids. Just screaming “Grenache!” at the top of its lungs with its sweet bouquet of black raspberries, candied violets, baking spices, and crushed rock-like minerality, this beauty hits the palate with full-bodied richness and density, a weightless texture, no hard edges, and awesome length. It’s a sensational, borderline perfect wine that has everything you want from a bottle of wine. Give it a year or three, and it’s going to cruise for 15+.”
Wine Advocate 96 points “This exemplary estate, owned by Laurent Brechet, has been on a roll. The 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Amiral G, 100% Grenache aged in demi-muids, is a full-bodied, lush wine jammed with complex notions of tree bark, cola, allspice, anise and plummy fruit. At 15.4% alcohol, there’s plenty of power, but the wine never seems warm or heavy, instead feeling rich and velvety on the palate and ending long and spicy. With just 5,000 bottles produced, it may be tough to find, but it will be worth the search.”
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 96 points “Lurid ruby. A highly complex bouquet evokes red and dark berry preserves, candied lavender, sandalwood and smoky minerals, with Asian spice and vanilla notes in the background. Sappy and alluringly sweet, displaying palate-staining raspberry, boysenberry and spicecake flavors and slow-building florality. Shows impressive power on the sappy, penetrating finish, where the lavender and spice notes come back emphatically.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Famille Brechet Chateau de Vaudieu Chateauneuf-du-Pape L’Avenue, Rhone 2016 750ML ($119.95) Was $99, Now $89 Super Subscriber Special, 15 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 97+ points “The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape L’Avenue is all Grenache sourced from a single parcel near the estate and aged 18 months in demi-muids. This deeply colored beauty boasts a huge perfume of black raspberries, blackberries, dried flowers, bouquet garni, and sandy/loamy soil notes. With a powerful, concentrated, structured style, incredible purity of fruit, and tons of tannin on the finish, hide bottles for 3-5 years, count yourself lucky, and enjoy over the following decade or more.”
Wine Advocate 96 points “The 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape l’Avenue is entirely Grenache from the lieu-dit Vaudieu, aged in demi-muids. Loaded with black cherries, cedar and vanilla, it’s a full-bodied, plush sexpot of a wine. Velvety, intense, long and layered, this wine has it all. If only there were more than 350 cases of this elixir.”
Wine Spectator 96 points “Intense, with a gorgeous core of crushed plum, boysenberry and blackberry pâte de fruit flavors, inlaid liberally with fruit cake, licorice snap and graphite notes. Fruit pumps through the finish while a graphite edge lends support and a black tea hint checks in. Best from 2020 through 2040. 75 cases imported.”
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 95 points “Glistening ruby-red. Powerful red and blue fruit, floral pastille, exotic spice and incense aromas pick up a smoky mineral nuance as the wine stretches out. Fleshy and expansive in the mouth, offering spice- and smoke-inflected raspberry, boysenberry, lavender pastille and succulent herb flavors and a touch of candied licorice. Finishes seamless, sweet and impressively long, with an echo of juicy red fruit and delicate tannins that add discreet grip.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $115
Back when the shop was in its old location, Hillaire was one of our two or three best-selling producers—there were stacks of those wines and they flew out the door by the case. They deliver exceptional value at each price level, from the entry level to the top end. We’ve been unable to source them for the last few years but are excited to bring them back in force.
Domaine Olivier Hillaire Chateauneuf-du-Pape Les Petits Pieds d’Armand, Rhone 2016 750ML ($99.95) Was $79, Now $69 Super Subscriber Special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 96 points “The 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Petits Pieds d’Armand comes from a parcel of Grenache originally planted at the end of the 19th century in a sandy part of La Crau. It’s Hillaire’s flagship, and it merits its status this vintage, where it shines with raspberry fruit and layers of dried spice complexity. It’s full-bodied and rich yet silky, elegant and long on the finish, epitomizing the delicious contradictions that Grenache can present.”
Josh Raynolds 95 points “Vivid ruby. An exotically perfumed bouquet evokes red fruit preserves, spicecake and incense, and a minerally element adds urgency. Impressively energetic on the palate, offering intense raspberry, cherry compote and lavender pastille flavors that deepen slowly on the back half. The floral note repeats emphatically on the impressively long, youthfully tannic finish, which leaves a smoky mineral note behind.”
This was the lowest listed price in the USA today,
Now it’s even lower!
The next best price is $85
Domaine Olivier Hillaire Chateauneuf-du-Pape ‘Les Terrasses,’ Rhone 2016 750ML ($89.95) Was $69, Now $59 Super Subscriber Special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Terrasses is a fine example of old-vine Grenache from a parcel of vines near La Nerthe. Rose petals and black tea accent pristine cherry and raspberry fruit in this full-bodied but silky-lacy, delicate wine. Long, briny and refreshing on the finish, it’s deceptively drinkable but undoubtedly packs a wallop.”
Josh Raynolds 94 points “Brilliant violet. Lively, mineral-accented red and blue fruit aromas are complemented by suggestions of lavender and vanilla. Silky and energetic on the palate, offering concentrated raspberry and boysenberry flavors that deepen and become spicier as the wine opens up. Closes sweet, energetic and very long, displaying harmonious tannins and lingering smoke and red berry liqueur notes.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Alain Jaume’s Domaine Grand Veneur is a trailblazer in Chateauneuf du Pape that continues to make some of the finest wines in the appellation. Year in year out they are some of the most dramatic, powerful and opulent bottlings made in the Southern Rhone, and the prices they charge make them a steal compared to their nearest competitors. The 2017 Vieilles Vignes is a must buy for anyone who appreciates a more modern interpretation of Chateauneuf du Pape.
Alain Jaume & Fils Domaine Grand Veneur Chateauneuf-du-Pape Le Miocene Rouge, Rhone 2017 750ML ($49.95) Was $39, Now $36 Super Subscriber Special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine & Spirits 93 points “This is named for the period of time when the Rhone River sluiced its way from the Alps through Chateauneuf, leaving behind a plateau paved with the baseball-sized stones as the water retreated. Those “galets” are said to help the vines ripen their fruit in this northern sector of the appellation, the stones emanating the sun’s heat. This wine reflects both a spring-like coolness in its spicy, savory herbal notes and a warmth in its lush purple fruit. It’s spicy and firm, with a little bit of grip to the tannins that suggests this could benefit from aging in bottle for a few more years.”
Jeb Dunnuck 91 points “The traditional cuvée at this great estate is the 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape Le Miocene, and in 2017 it’s a classic blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 10% Mourvèdre, brought up mostly in concrete (there’s a small amount in older barrels). It has a wonderful fresh, forward, delicious style as well as notes of black raspberries, garrigue, pepper, and hints of flowers. Pure, medium to full-bodied, upfront and ready to go, it’s a beauty geared for drinking over the coming 8-10 years.”
This was the lowest listed price in the USA today,
Now it’s even lower!
The average price is $51
Alain Jaume & Fils Domaine Grand Veneur Chateauneuf-du-Pape Les Origines, Rhone 2017 750ML ($69.95) Was $52.50, Now $48 Super Subscriber Special, 36 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 95+ points “The 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape Les Origines takes things up a notch on the serious scale and has a much more concentrated, focused, structured style. A blend of 50% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, and the rest Syrah that saw 50% new barrels, it offers a rich, concentrated, focused texture, notes of black raspberries, roasted garrigue, pepper, and tons of minerality, building tannins, and outstanding length. The new oak is beautifully integrated, it’s perfectly balanced, and it’s one of those wines that has a kiss of modern character yet stays firmly planted in the Southern Rhône.”
This was the lowest listed price in the USA today,
Now it’s even lower!
The average price is $75
Alain Jaume & Fils Domaine Grand Veneur Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes, Rhone 2017 750ML ($119.95) Was $89, Now $75 Super Subscriber Special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 97+ points “The 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape Vieilles Vignes is a bigger, richer, more opulent wine. Beautiful notes of blackcurrants, scorched earth, graphite, and crushed violets, all flow to a full-bodied, Châteauneuf Du Pape that has a voluptuous, sexy texture, brilliant depth of fruit, fine tannins, and a purity of fruit that’s hard to find in this vintage. It’s a thrill a minute, and while it’s approachable today, it will keep for 15-20 years. 416 cases.”
Wine & Spirits 96 points “The Jaume family has been growing grapes in Chateauneuf-du-Pape since 1826; they now own four Rhone wineries, including Domaine Grand Veneur, established in 1976. This wine comes off the estate’s oldest vines, a blend of half Grenache, the rest mourvedre, syrah and small bits of other varieties, all the parcels farmed organically. It’s a stunning wine, exuberantly fresh in its red-berry flavors while sophisticated in its detail, weaving in notes of licorice and pepper, flowers and wood spice. Even after the bottle has been open for a couple of days, the wine’s freshness doesn’t flag, the smooth, fine tannins holding it steady. This should age well for a decade at least.”
Decanter 96 points “Grown on galets, the fruit for this wine is all destemmed and fermented in stainless steel before being aged for 16 months, half in concrete and half in new barriques. The strong Mourvèdre component comes through as deep, ripe dark fruits and violets. It’s full-bodied and dense with soft, lush tannins, and is held together by a beam of strong acidity, finishing long. A lithe, muscular, impressive wine that will last the course. Just 5,000 bottles made.”
This was the lowest listed price in the USA today,
Now it’s even lower!
The average price is $115
If you love big, powerful red wines and you’ve never had the top wines of Domaine de Fondreche, you need to rectify that situation now. These are some of the gutsiest, most expressive wines in the Rhone, with incredible critical praise and a price tag that’s equivalent to mid-tier CdP. From their mostly Syrah “Divergente” puts a lot of $80 Hermitage to shame. Because of the obscurity of Ventoux, these aren’t as expensive as they probably should be, despite a multitude of high scores and high praise.
Domaine de Fondreche Ventoux Divergente, Rhone 2016 750ML ($79.95) Was $66, Now $59 Super Subscriber Special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 97 points “Reminding me of one of the Sélections Parcellaires Hermitage from Michel Chapoutier, the 2016 Ventoux Divergente is 90% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre that was mostly destemmed and brought up in foudre. Crème de cassis, black raspberries, peppered meats, graphite, and liquid rock notes all flow to a fat, unctuous, sexy Syrah that has beautiful acidity, fine tannin, and a huge finish. It’s a true “Wow” wine that needs to be tasted to be believed. Put this in a blind lineup of top Hermitage and shock all your friends.”
Wine Advocate 94 points “Less immediately showy and approachable than the 2016 Persia, the 2016 Ventoux Divergente is tight and focused, deserving of a couple of years in the cellar. Smoke, black olive and plum notes dominate this full-bodied wine, picking up hints of espresso on the long, tannic finish.-JC”
This was the lowest listed price in the USA today,
Now it’s even lower!
The average price is $75
Bonus Sale Wine!
Arriving in February
From one of the Piedmont’s finest producers…
Vietti Lazzarito, Barolo DOCG 2016 750ML ($299.95) Was $219, Now $199 Super Subscriber Special, 29 bottles available ETA February
Antonio Galloni 98 points “The 2016 Barolo Lazzarito is another stunning wine in this range. The 2016 is the first vintage of the Lazzarito I can remember tasting in which intensely mineral notes accompany the more savory, earthy notes that are so typical of this site. Graphite, sage, dried flowers, crushed rocks, menthol, dried rose petal, mint, licorice and blood orange race out of the glass in a breathtaking, towering Barolo that hits all the right notes from the start to its chiseled, strikingly detailed finish. The 2016 Lazzarito is one of the most classically austere wines in this range. In a word: Magnificent.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 98 points “Drawing its fruit from Serralunga d’Alba, the Vietti 2016 Barolo Lazzarito is built like a pyramid. It is grounded by a thick base of robust fruit and power and soars upward in intensity thanks to its beautifully lifted bouquet. It reveals direct and solid lines with blackberry, plum, spice, tar, licorice, candied orange peel and truffle-infused earth. A second wave of aromas offers dark minerals and ferrous qualities such as iron ore and rust. Baroli from Serralunga d’Alba are often in a category apart thanks to their richness and sheer fruit weight. With extra aeration, Lazzarito delivers mint, balsam herb or Fernet-Branca. Production is 9,293 bottles and 300 magnums. This is the finest, most complete set of wines I have ever tasted from Vietti. Congratulations.”
Wine Spectator 95 points “Juniper, sage, green tea, cherry and tar flavors mark this savory red, which is rich, backed by a bracing structure, yet remains balanced and long on the finish. Very pure and vibrant, with a fine matrix of tannins. Best from 2024 through 2043.”
New Week – New Arrivals
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Back in stock!
Brick House Vineyards Chardonnay, Ribbon Ridge 2018 750ML ($26.95) $21.90 special
Certified biodynamic
Winery note “Our Chardonnays are a homage to the ways of the Old World…specifically the great white wines of Burgundy. Fresh fruit is fully pressed and run into a variety of French oak barrels where it is allowed a native fermentation under the careful eye of the winemaker. Because we strive to reveal the essence of this exceedingly malleable grape, the juice sees few manipulations…a majority of the barrels are seasoned from use year after year…the percentage of new wood is kept decidedly low. The resulting wine completes malolactic fermentation and remains on its gross lees for a full year, after which it is moved to tank for another six months when it is bottled by hand in the farm winery.”
Back in stock!
Brick House Vineyards Select Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2018 750ML ($41.95) $30.90 special
Certified biodynamic
Wine Spectator 91 points “Like velvet in a glass, this appealing red has a fleshy, lingering texture, offering delicate notes of fresh raspberry and brambly cherry, with orange peel and violet accents. Drink now through 2027. 500 cases made. — TF”
Back in stock!
Ayres Vineyard Gamay Noir, Chehalem Mountains 2019 750ML ($24.95) $20.90 special
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Flaneur Wines Cuvee Constantin Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2017 750ML ($49.95) $37 special
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92 points “Vivid magenta. Fresh black raspberry, cherry, baking spices and a hint of mocha on the highly perfumed nose. Sweet, palate-caressing red and blue fruit and spicecake flavors show good depth and pick up floral pastille and smoky notes with aeration. Shows a seamless, velvety texture and turns spicier on a long, subtly tannic finish that echoes the red fruit and floral notes. 31% new oak.”
Back in stock!
Evesham Wood Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2018 750ML ($29.95) $24 special
Grapelive 92 points “The special nine barrel Evesham Wood Dundee Hills Pinot Noir from Winemaker and owner Erin Nuccio is one of the best hand crafted and small lot Pinots from the vintage, especially for the price, in Oregon, with its beautiful details and texture it is a class act and joins Evesham’s stellar and value priced lineup. For the last twelve years I’ve been following this label after my first visit to the Willamette Valley wine country and the Portland wine scene when a friend up there clued me in on some underwear the radar wineries, if you are into Oregon Pinot and looking for bargains, Nuccio’s wines are a must try collection, especially the Evesham Wood’s basic Willamette Valley cuvee and this one if you can still find it. With classic Dundee Hills, Jory soil (volcanic and iron rich) influence showing, the Evesham Wood Dundee Hills Pinot delivers layers of dusty red spiced black cherry, plum and strawberry fruits along with a touch of earthy reduction, rose petals, snappy herbs, moro orange tea and delicate wood accents, all of which caresses the medium bodied palate. With air the ruby/garnet 2018 Dundee Hills Pinot gains a darker almost blue fruit tone and becomes wonderfully expressive and pure in a performance that you’d expect from a wine two or three times the cost, I knew I should have bought a few more bottles. Nuccio says his Dundee Hills Cuvée, which came from a very famous single vineyard, is most likely one-time only wine for Evesham Wood and came about when a friend who is the winemaker this well known, but can’t be named, winery in the Dundee Hills asked if Erin was interested in some Dundee Hills fruit and as she adds, after initially saying he had enough grapes booked, he came back with a price that was too good to pass up. The plan was to have it go into the regular Willamette Valley blend, but when Nuccio started seriously tasting the barrels it became apparent he had some special barrels, so made the choice to do this bottling from those 9 barrels, which in hindsight was an awesome decision.”
VinopolNote: A rare, one-off bottling from Evesham Wood. Erin Nuccio crafted this wine from [cough, cough] estate fruit. A one of a kind wine and an exceptional value. Evesham Wood meets a prime Dundee site for one vintage and magic happens.
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Back in stock!
Evesham Wood Pinot Noir Select Cuvee, Willamette Valley 2018 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special
VinopolNote: A special bottling produced for a local restaurant that has since closed during the pandemic. This is a forward-drinking style made mostly with Dundee Hills fruit.
Back in stock!
Evesham Wood Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2019 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special
Winery note “Zesty, powerful, yet beautifully balanced, welcome to the 2018 vintage. Black and red fruits, slight creaminess with bright acid and some chewy tannins. This is always one of our favorite wines to produce as the techniques are all old-school and the wines are very representative of our region and winemaking.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $23
Kelley Fox Wines ‘Mirabai’ Pinot Noir, McMinnville 2019 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
Winery note “Oh, I love 2019. The Mirabai 2019 is a light-to-medium, youthful blue-red with brilliant transparency. Like all of my other 2019 bottlings, it is certainly lighter in colour and more nuanced than my 2018. True to the Dundee Hills, this Mirabai begins with a beautiful, fresh strawberry nose with subtle spices and tastes of the same carried by the lightest drape of silk. To me, this luminous Mirabai is both heart-warming and uplifting.”
Biggio Hamina Claygate Vineyard Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2017 750ML ($39.95) $28 special
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!
Italy – Piedmont
Francesco Rinaldi & Figli Gavi DOCG, Piedmont 2019 750ML ($21.95) $18.50 special
Winery note “The color of the wine is pale straw-yellow; the aroma is fresh and fruity. The taste is dry and delicate.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Cascina Melognis Colline Saluzzesi Pelaverga “Divicaroli,” Piedmont 2018 750ML ($29.95) $24 special
Importer note “The grapes for “Divicaroli” are sourced from 30-year-old pelaverga vines. Pelaverga (distinct from the pelaverga piccolo variety of Verduno) is characteristic of the area around Saluzzo. Here it was long a staple in blends, but its importance shrank over time, until it nearly vanished in the 1970s. Today, careful site selection and pruning are bringing about a small and welcome renaissance for the grape. Its peppery, high-toned freshness, and delicate floral and herbaceous notes are quintessentially Alpine. It is still rare to find monovarietal pelaverga from anywhere in the Piedmont, let alone the Colline Saluzzesi. This wine is macerated for ten days before undergoing spontaneous fermentation in stainless steel, where it remains for 6 months before being bottled. “Divicaroli” means “belonging to Saint Charles” in Latin and is named such because the pelaverga comes from a vineyard named after St. Charles.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Ferdinando Principiano made one of the most remarkable sets of Barolos in 2016—and we’ve secured a pair of absolute stunners. Powerful, energetic, and finely detailed, these are traditionally made wines with a firm sense of place—and deservedly high scores. Unfortunately, quantities are exceptionally limited, so grab these while you see them.
Ferdinando Principiano Serralunga, Barolo DOCG 2016 750ML ($69.95) $52.50 special
Case-6 Ferdinando Principiano Serralunga, Barolo DOCG 2016 750ML ($349.95) $299 special (that’s only $49.83/bottle!)
Case-12 Ferdinando Principiano Serralunga, Barolo DOCG 2016 750ML ($699.95) $569 special (that’s only $47.42/bottle!)
Kerin O’Keefe-Wine Enthusiast 96 points “Editor’s Choice. Rose petal, camphor, perfumed berry and forest floor are just some of the aromas you’ll find on this gorgeous, radiant red. It’s delicious and loaded with an earthy finesse, delivering succulent red cherry, ripe strawberry, licorice, game and almost salty mineral notes. Taut, refined tannins and fresh acidity keep it impeccably balanced. Drink through 2031.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $58
Pecchenino Bussia, Barolo DOCG 2015 750ML ($79.95) $69 special
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2015 Barolo Bussia is a very pretty, effusive wine that will drink well right out of the gate. Spice and floral notes open first. Silky and pliant, with lovely depth, the 2015 is so expressive today. Fine mineral notes extend the finish effortlessly while adding freshness and cut to balance the open-knit fruit. Readers looking for a Barolo to drink now will find so much to admire in the 2015 Bussia.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2015 Barolo Bussia offers a deeper level of identity, grit and structure compared to the estate’s Barolo from San Giusepppe. This wine reveals a tight inner core of fruit with lovely contours of spice, leather, tar, licorice and dried violets. You get a clean sense of the grape without too many bells or whistles. The finish is elegant and fine. Pair it with an authentic tajarin and white truffle shavings.”
Wine Spectator 93 points “A sleek red, displaying cherry, strawberry, floral, earth and tobacco flavors. Starts out with a fleshy feel, firming up as this winds down on the finish. Balanced and refreshing, lingering with earth, tobacco and spice notes in the end. Best from 2022 through 2038. 500 cases made, 200 cases imported. — BS”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $72
Spain
Condado de Haza Crianza, Ribera del Duero 2016 750ML ($24.95) $19 special
James Suckling 93 points “Lovely aromas of crushed berries, cola and chocolate follow through to a medium body, integrated and refined tannins and a flavorful finish. Complex and beautiful. Consistently outstanding red. Drink now.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
R. Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia ‘Vina Cubillo’ Crianza, Rioja DOCa 2011 750ML ($34.95) $27 special
James Suckling 95 points “Cubillo spends three years in barrique and then in larger cask to await bottling, which happens two years before the expected release. This is very fresh on the nose with quite fresh, ripe blackberries and dark cherries, mahogany and dry, woody spices. The palate is very powerful, juicy and fresh with clear black cherries and plums in abundance. So fresh, fleshy and deep. The freshness is impressive. Long, shell-like tannins. Drink or hold.”
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 92 points “It’s not easy to follow a 2010, but the 2011 Viña Cubillo Tinto Crianza improves with time in the glass, showing much better than expected. 2011 was a warmer year than the 2010, and the wine is a little riper but has great balance and very good harmony. It’s a noteworthy red for the price asked. 90,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in April 2017.”
Collector’s Corner:
Coche-Dury
Super Deals on Superb Wines
Arriving February 12th
Vinopolis Super Subscriber Sale
Hot New Price Reductions of Top Name Rhone Producers!
Delas makes some of the most powerful, intense wines in the Northern Rhone at prices that make them one of the superior values in the region. Density and richness are a hallmark—there are no shrinking violets in the lineup. Star Champagne house Louis Roederer owns Delas and has been pushing the quality upwards each year. For whatever reason, the market has yet to catch up to the quality coming out of Delas’ cellar. The Northern Rhone has turned into one of the hottest markets in the wine world, with many wineries getting expensive overnight. That hasn’t happened to Delas—yet.
Delas Freres Saint-Joseph Francois de Tournon, Rhone 2015 750ML ($44.95) Was $36, Now $28 Super Subscriber Special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Delas Freres Saint-Joseph Francois de Tournon, Rhone 2015 750ML ($279.95) Was $199, Now $156 Super Subscriber Special (that’s only $26/bottle!)
Wine Advocate 93 points “Inky and concentrated, the 2015 Saint-Joseph Francois de Tournon is no easy-drinking Saint-Joseph. It’s smoky, herbal and ashy all at once, yet it’s buoyed by ample black cherry fruit and vibrant acidity. This medium to full-bodied Syrah has plenty of tannins, but they’re ultimately silky and most apparent on the long, licorice-tinged finish. This is approachable now but should be even better in 3 years and should drink well for at least another 10 after that.”
Jeb Dunnuck 93 points “Both Saint Joseph releases are brilliant in 2015. The 2015 Saint Joseph François De Tournon comes vines around Tournon, Mauves, Saint-Jean-de-Muzols, and Vion, and is always destemmed and aged in 30% new barrels. This full-bodied, rounded, sexy beauty shows the power and fruit of the vintage. With classic notes of black and blue fruits, violets, incense and pepper, drink this textured, expansive, terrific Saint Joseph over the coming 10-15 years.”
Delas Freres Saint-Joseph Francois de Tournon, Rhone 2015 750ML ($44.95) Was $36, Now $28 Super Subscriber Special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Delas Freres Saint-Joseph Francois de Tournon, Rhone 2015 750ML ($279.95) Was $199, Now $156 Super Subscriber Special (that’s only $26/bottle!)
Wine Advocate 93 points “Inky and concentrated, the 2015 Saint-Joseph Francois de Tournon is no easy-drinking Saint-Joseph. It’s smoky, herbal and ashy all at once, yet it’s buoyed by ample black cherry fruit and vibrant acidity. This medium to full-bodied Syrah has plenty of tannins, but they’re ultimately silky and most apparent on the long, licorice-tinged finish. This is approachable now but should be even better in 3 years and should drink well for at least another 10 after that.”
Jeb Dunnuck 93 points “Both Saint Joseph releases are brilliant in 2015. The 2015 Saint Joseph François De Tournon comes vines around Tournon, Mauves, Saint-Jean-de-Muzols, and Vion, and is always destemmed and aged in 30% new barrels. This full-bodied, rounded, sexy beauty shows the power and fruit of the vintage. With classic notes of black and blue fruits, violets, incense and pepper, drink this textured, expansive, terrific Saint Joseph over the coming 10-15 years.”
This was the lowest listed price in the USA today,
Now it’s even lower!
The average price is $51
Château de Vaudieu is owned and helmed by the dynamic Brechet family—in this case by Laurent (brother of Dom. Bosquet’s Julien). This is a family hell-bent on quality and the pursuit of perfection. The family purchased the property in the 1950’s in a state of disrepair and has gradually restored the historic Château to the prominence it held in the 18th and 19th centuries.
The estate sits on a confluence of soils and the myriad of terroirs yield exemplary complexity in the wines, which are made by the all-star team of Laurent Brechet and Philippe Cambie. The wines show Cambie’s trademark style, with big, opulent fruit and power to spare. This is one of the truly elite producers in all of the Southern Rhone and it’s always a treat to offer you these wines.
Famille Brechet Chateau de Vaudieu Chateauneuf-du-Pape Amiral G, Rhone 2017 750ML ($119.95) Was $99, Now $89 Super Subscriber Special, 15 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 98 points “The 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape Amiral G. is, as always, all Grenache brought up all in demi-muids. It’s unquestionably the most opulent, sexy, and expansive in the lineup, with overflowing notes of kirsch and blackberry fruits, incense, dried garrigue, and spice, full body, and no hard edges. Its incredible opulence and decadence are delivered with no sensation of weight or heaviness. This magical, thrilling beauty needs to be tasted to be believed. It’s going to benefit from short-term cellaring and keep for 15+ years or more.”
Wine Advocate 96 points “Like the l’Avenue, the 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape Amiral G is 100% Grenache aged in demi-muids. Unlike the l’Avenue, the Amiral G is more about opulence and power. It’s full-bodied, ripe and plush, with impressive layers of black cherries, stone fruit, licorice and chocolate spice cake. Concentrated and chewy on the finish, it has all the ingredients for greatness—and it should get there relatively quickly, then drink well for at least a decade.-JC”
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 95-96 points “Lurid ruby-red. Assertive red berry and cherry liqueur aromas are complemented by building Asian spice, incense and vanilla accents. Concentrated and fleshy in the mouth, offering alluringly sweet raspberry, cherry pie, cinnamon and star anise flavors and hints of bitter chocolate and cola. Becomes more energetic with air and finishes with fabulous, floral-tinged persistence and velvety tannins that fold smoothly and quickly into the wine’s sweet, clinging fruit.”
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Now it’s even lower!
Famille Brechet Chateau de Vaudieu Chateauneuf-du-Pape Amiral G, Rhone 2016 1.5L ($299.95) Was $219, Now $199 Super Subscriber Special, 11 magnums in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 99 points “The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Amiral G. is based all on Grenache and comes from a single plot of very old Grenache vines (all rolled stone soils) that was destemmed and brought up in demi-muids. Just screaming “Grenache!” at the top of its lungs with its sweet bouquet of black raspberries, candied violets, baking spices, and crushed rock-like minerality, this beauty hits the palate with full-bodied richness and density, a weightless texture, no hard edges, and awesome length. It’s a sensational, borderline perfect wine that has everything you want from a bottle of wine. Give it a year or three, and it’s going to cruise for 15+.”
Wine Advocate 96 points “This exemplary estate, owned by Laurent Brechet, has been on a roll. The 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Amiral G, 100% Grenache aged in demi-muids, is a full-bodied, lush wine jammed with complex notions of tree bark, cola, allspice, anise and plummy fruit. At 15.4% alcohol, there’s plenty of power, but the wine never seems warm or heavy, instead feeling rich and velvety on the palate and ending long and spicy. With just 5,000 bottles produced, it may be tough to find, but it will be worth the search.”
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 96 points “Lurid ruby. A highly complex bouquet evokes red and dark berry preserves, candied lavender, sandalwood and smoky minerals, with Asian spice and vanilla notes in the background. Sappy and alluringly sweet, displaying palate-staining raspberry, boysenberry and spicecake flavors and slow-building florality. Shows impressive power on the sappy, penetrating finish, where the lavender and spice notes come back emphatically.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Famille Brechet Chateau de Vaudieu Chateauneuf-du-Pape L’Avenue, Rhone 2016 750ML ($119.95) Was $99, Now $89 Super Subscriber Special, 15 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 97+ points “The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape L’Avenue is all Grenache sourced from a single parcel near the estate and aged 18 months in demi-muids. This deeply colored beauty boasts a huge perfume of black raspberries, blackberries, dried flowers, bouquet garni, and sandy/loamy soil notes. With a powerful, concentrated, structured style, incredible purity of fruit, and tons of tannin on the finish, hide bottles for 3-5 years, count yourself lucky, and enjoy over the following decade or more.”
Wine Advocate 96 points “The 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape l’Avenue is entirely Grenache from the lieu-dit Vaudieu, aged in demi-muids. Loaded with black cherries, cedar and vanilla, it’s a full-bodied, plush sexpot of a wine. Velvety, intense, long and layered, this wine has it all. If only there were more than 350 cases of this elixir.”
Wine Spectator 96 points “Intense, with a gorgeous core of crushed plum, boysenberry and blackberry pâte de fruit flavors, inlaid liberally with fruit cake, licorice snap and graphite notes. Fruit pumps through the finish while a graphite edge lends support and a black tea hint checks in. Best from 2020 through 2040. 75 cases imported.”
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 95 points “Glistening ruby-red. Powerful red and blue fruit, floral pastille, exotic spice and incense aromas pick up a smoky mineral nuance as the wine stretches out. Fleshy and expansive in the mouth, offering spice- and smoke-inflected raspberry, boysenberry, lavender pastille and succulent herb flavors and a touch of candied licorice. Finishes seamless, sweet and impressively long, with an echo of juicy red fruit and delicate tannins that add discreet grip.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $115
Back when the shop was in its old location, Hillaire was one of our two or three best-selling producers—there were stacks of those wines and they flew out the door by the case. They deliver exceptional value at each price level, from the entry level to the top end. We’ve been unable to source them for the last few years but are excited to bring them back in force.
Domaine Olivier Hillaire Chateauneuf-du-Pape Les Petits Pieds d’Armand, Rhone 2016 750ML ($99.95) Was $79, Now $69 Super Subscriber Special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 96 points “The 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Petits Pieds d’Armand comes from a parcel of Grenache originally planted at the end of the 19th century in a sandy part of La Crau. It’s Hillaire’s flagship, and it merits its status this vintage, where it shines with raspberry fruit and layers of dried spice complexity. It’s full-bodied and rich yet silky, elegant and long on the finish, epitomizing the delicious contradictions that Grenache can present.”
Josh Raynolds 95 points “Vivid ruby. An exotically perfumed bouquet evokes red fruit preserves, spicecake and incense, and a minerally element adds urgency. Impressively energetic on the palate, offering intense raspberry, cherry compote and lavender pastille flavors that deepen slowly on the back half. The floral note repeats emphatically on the impressively long, youthfully tannic finish, which leaves a smoky mineral note behind.”
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The next best price is $85
Domaine Olivier Hillaire Chateauneuf-du-Pape ‘Les Terrasses,’ Rhone 2016 750ML ($89.95) Was $69, Now $59 Super Subscriber Special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Terrasses is a fine example of old-vine Grenache from a parcel of vines near La Nerthe. Rose petals and black tea accent pristine cherry and raspberry fruit in this full-bodied but silky-lacy, delicate wine. Long, briny and refreshing on the finish, it’s deceptively drinkable but undoubtedly packs a wallop.”
Josh Raynolds 94 points “Brilliant violet. Lively, mineral-accented red and blue fruit aromas are complemented by suggestions of lavender and vanilla. Silky and energetic on the palate, offering concentrated raspberry and boysenberry flavors that deepen and become spicier as the wine opens up. Closes sweet, energetic and very long, displaying harmonious tannins and lingering smoke and red berry liqueur notes.”
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Alain Jaume’s Domaine Grand Veneur is a trailblazer in Chateauneuf du Pape that continues to make some of the finest wines in the appellation. Year in year out they are some of the most dramatic, powerful and opulent bottlings made in the Southern Rhone, and the prices they charge make them a steal compared to their nearest competitors. The 2017 Vieilles Vignes is a must buy for anyone who appreciates a more modern interpretation of Chateauneuf du Pape.
Alain Jaume & Fils Domaine Grand Veneur Chateauneuf-du-Pape Le Miocene Rouge, Rhone 2017 750ML ($49.95) Was $39, Now $36 Super Subscriber Special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine & Spirits 93 points “This is named for the period of time when the Rhone River sluiced its way from the Alps through Chateauneuf, leaving behind a plateau paved with the baseball-sized stones as the water retreated. Those “galets” are said to help the vines ripen their fruit in this northern sector of the appellation, the stones emanating the sun’s heat. This wine reflects both a spring-like coolness in its spicy, savory herbal notes and a warmth in its lush purple fruit. It’s spicy and firm, with a little bit of grip to the tannins that suggests this could benefit from aging in bottle for a few more years.”
Jeb Dunnuck 91 points “The traditional cuvée at this great estate is the 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape Le Miocene, and in 2017 it’s a classic blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 10% Mourvèdre, brought up mostly in concrete (there’s a small amount in older barrels). It has a wonderful fresh, forward, delicious style as well as notes of black raspberries, garrigue, pepper, and hints of flowers. Pure, medium to full-bodied, upfront and ready to go, it’s a beauty geared for drinking over the coming 8-10 years.”
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Now it’s even lower!
The average price is $51
Alain Jaume & Fils Domaine Grand Veneur Chateauneuf-du-Pape Les Origines, Rhone 2017 750ML ($69.95) Was $52.50, Now $48 Super Subscriber Special, 36 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 95+ points “The 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape Les Origines takes things up a notch on the serious scale and has a much more concentrated, focused, structured style. A blend of 50% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, and the rest Syrah that saw 50% new barrels, it offers a rich, concentrated, focused texture, notes of black raspberries, roasted garrigue, pepper, and tons of minerality, building tannins, and outstanding length. The new oak is beautifully integrated, it’s perfectly balanced, and it’s one of those wines that has a kiss of modern character yet stays firmly planted in the Southern Rhône.”
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The average price is $75
Alain Jaume & Fils Domaine Grand Veneur Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes, Rhone 2017 750ML ($119.95) Was $89, Now $75 Super Subscriber Special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 97+ points “The 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape Vieilles Vignes is a bigger, richer, more opulent wine. Beautiful notes of blackcurrants, scorched earth, graphite, and crushed violets, all flow to a full-bodied, Châteauneuf Du Pape that has a voluptuous, sexy texture, brilliant depth of fruit, fine tannins, and a purity of fruit that’s hard to find in this vintage. It’s a thrill a minute, and while it’s approachable today, it will keep for 15-20 years. 416 cases.”
Wine & Spirits 96 points “The Jaume family has been growing grapes in Chateauneuf-du-Pape since 1826; they now own four Rhone wineries, including Domaine Grand Veneur, established in 1976. This wine comes off the estate’s oldest vines, a blend of half Grenache, the rest mourvedre, syrah and small bits of other varieties, all the parcels farmed organically. It’s a stunning wine, exuberantly fresh in its red-berry flavors while sophisticated in its detail, weaving in notes of licorice and pepper, flowers and wood spice. Even after the bottle has been open for a couple of days, the wine’s freshness doesn’t flag, the smooth, fine tannins holding it steady. This should age well for a decade at least.”
Decanter 96 points “Grown on galets, the fruit for this wine is all destemmed and fermented in stainless steel before being aged for 16 months, half in concrete and half in new barriques. The strong Mourvèdre component comes through as deep, ripe dark fruits and violets. It’s full-bodied and dense with soft, lush tannins, and is held together by a beam of strong acidity, finishing long. A lithe, muscular, impressive wine that will last the course. Just 5,000 bottles made.”
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Now it’s even lower!
The average price is $115
If you love big, powerful red wines and you’ve never had the top wines of Domaine de Fondreche, you need to rectify that situation now. These are some of the gutsiest, most expressive wines in the Rhone, with incredible critical praise and a price tag that’s equivalent to mid-tier CdP. From their mostly Syrah “Divergente” puts a lot of $80 Hermitage to shame. Because of the obscurity of Ventoux, these aren’t as expensive as they probably should be, despite a multitude of high scores and high praise.
Domaine de Fondreche Ventoux Divergente, Rhone 2016 750ML ($79.95) Was $66, Now $59 Super Subscriber Special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 97 points “Reminding me of one of the Sélections Parcellaires Hermitage from Michel Chapoutier, the 2016 Ventoux Divergente is 90% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre that was mostly destemmed and brought up in foudre. Crème de cassis, black raspberries, peppered meats, graphite, and liquid rock notes all flow to a fat, unctuous, sexy Syrah that has beautiful acidity, fine tannin, and a huge finish. It’s a true “Wow” wine that needs to be tasted to be believed. Put this in a blind lineup of top Hermitage and shock all your friends.”
Wine Advocate 94 points “Less immediately showy and approachable than the 2016 Persia, the 2016 Ventoux Divergente is tight and focused, deserving of a couple of years in the cellar. Smoke, black olive and plum notes dominate this full-bodied wine, picking up hints of espresso on the long, tannic finish.-JC”
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The average price is $75
Bonus Sale Wine!
Arriving in February
From one of the Piedmont’s finest producers…
Vietti Lazzarito, Barolo DOCG 2016 750ML ($299.95) Was $219, Now $199 Super Subscriber Special, 29 bottles available ETA February
Antonio Galloni 98 points “The 2016 Barolo Lazzarito is another stunning wine in this range. The 2016 is the first vintage of the Lazzarito I can remember tasting in which intensely mineral notes accompany the more savory, earthy notes that are so typical of this site. Graphite, sage, dried flowers, crushed rocks, menthol, dried rose petal, mint, licorice and blood orange race out of the glass in a breathtaking, towering Barolo that hits all the right notes from the start to its chiseled, strikingly detailed finish. The 2016 Lazzarito is one of the most classically austere wines in this range. In a word: Magnificent.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 98 points “Drawing its fruit from Serralunga d’Alba, the Vietti 2016 Barolo Lazzarito is built like a pyramid. It is grounded by a thick base of robust fruit and power and soars upward in intensity thanks to its beautifully lifted bouquet. It reveals direct and solid lines with blackberry, plum, spice, tar, licorice, candied orange peel and truffle-infused earth. A second wave of aromas offers dark minerals and ferrous qualities such as iron ore and rust. Baroli from Serralunga d’Alba are often in a category apart thanks to their richness and sheer fruit weight. With extra aeration, Lazzarito delivers mint, balsam herb or Fernet-Branca. Production is 9,293 bottles and 300 magnums. This is the finest, most complete set of wines I have ever tasted from Vietti. Congratulations.”
Wine Spectator 95 points “Juniper, sage, green tea, cherry and tar flavors mark this savory red, which is rich, backed by a bracing structure, yet remains balanced and long on the finish. Very pure and vibrant, with a fine matrix of tannins. Best from 2024 through 2043.”
New Week – New Arrivals
Oregon
We offer over 200 wines from the Willamette Valley in stock now (that’s 2,000+ bottles in the shop). We aim to be the best price in the country, and are matchless in our depth and breadth of in-stock wines. We’re not brokers: we’re invested in our suppliers in that we actually purchase and carry large inventories here now. We put our money where our mouths (and hearts) are to offer you the greatest selection of local and international wines available.
Colene Clemens Vineyards ‘Dopp Creek’ Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2019 750ML ($39.95) $28 special
No reviews for the 2019. 2018 review provided for reference.
Wine Spectator 94 points ” Defined by a brisk and refreshing minerality that brings focus to refined and expressive raspberry, rose petal and toasty spice flavors and builds intensity toward fine-grain tannins. Drink now through 2029. 3,241 cases made. — TF”
Colene Clemens Vineyards ‘Margo’ Pinot Noir, Chehalem Mountains 2017 750ML ($49.95) $36 special
Wine Spectator 94 points “Distinctive for the elegance, yet with subtle power simmering underneath, this offers raspberry and crushed stone notes, with hints of cardamom, building tension toward medium-grained tannins. Drink now through 2029. 1,073 cases made. — TF”
We offer over 200 wines from the Willamette Valley in stock now (that’s 2,000+ bottles in the shop). We aim to be the best price in the country, and are matchless in our depth and breadth of in-stock wines. We’re not brokers: we’re invested in our suppliers in that we actually purchase and carry large inventories here now. We put our money where our mouths (and hearts) are to offer you the greatest selection of local and international wines available.
Colene Clemens Vineyards ‘Dopp Creek’ Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2019 750ML ($39.95) $28 special
No reviews for the 2019. 2018 review provided for reference.
Wine Spectator 94 points ” Defined by a brisk and refreshing minerality that brings focus to refined and expressive raspberry, rose petal and toasty spice flavors and builds intensity toward fine-grain tannins. Drink now through 2029. 3,241 cases made. — TF”
Colene Clemens Vineyards ‘Margo’ Pinot Noir, Chehalem Mountains 2017 750ML ($49.95) $36 special
Wine Spectator 94 points “Distinctive for the elegance, yet with subtle power simmering underneath, this offers raspberry and crushed stone notes, with hints of cardamom, building tension toward medium-grained tannins. Drink now through 2029. 1,073 cases made. — TF”
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Brick House Vineyards Chardonnay, Ribbon Ridge 2018 750ML ($26.95) $21.90 special
Certified biodynamic
Winery note “Our Chardonnays are a homage to the ways of the Old World…specifically the great white wines of Burgundy. Fresh fruit is fully pressed and run into a variety of French oak barrels where it is allowed a native fermentation under the careful eye of the winemaker. Because we strive to reveal the essence of this exceedingly malleable grape, the juice sees few manipulations…a majority of the barrels are seasoned from use year after year…the percentage of new wood is kept decidedly low. The resulting wine completes malolactic fermentation and remains on its gross lees for a full year, after which it is moved to tank for another six months when it is bottled by hand in the farm winery.”
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Brick House Vineyards Select Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2018 750ML ($41.95) $30.90 special
Certified biodynamic
Wine Spectator 91 points “Like velvet in a glass, this appealing red has a fleshy, lingering texture, offering delicate notes of fresh raspberry and brambly cherry, with orange peel and violet accents. Drink now through 2027. 500 cases made. — TF”
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Ayres Vineyard Gamay Noir, Chehalem Mountains 2019 750ML ($24.95) $20.90 special
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Flaneur Wines Cuvee Constantin Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2017 750ML ($49.95) $37 special
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92 points “Vivid magenta. Fresh black raspberry, cherry, baking spices and a hint of mocha on the highly perfumed nose. Sweet, palate-caressing red and blue fruit and spicecake flavors show good depth and pick up floral pastille and smoky notes with aeration. Shows a seamless, velvety texture and turns spicier on a long, subtly tannic finish that echoes the red fruit and floral notes. 31% new oak.”
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Evesham Wood Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2018 750ML ($29.95) $24 special
Grapelive 92 points “The special nine barrel Evesham Wood Dundee Hills Pinot Noir from Winemaker and owner Erin Nuccio is one of the best hand crafted and small lot Pinots from the vintage, especially for the price, in Oregon, with its beautiful details and texture it is a class act and joins Evesham’s stellar and value priced lineup. For the last twelve years I’ve been following this label after my first visit to the Willamette Valley wine country and the Portland wine scene when a friend up there clued me in on some underwear the radar wineries, if you are into Oregon Pinot and looking for bargains, Nuccio’s wines are a must try collection, especially the Evesham Wood’s basic Willamette Valley cuvee and this one if you can still find it. With classic Dundee Hills, Jory soil (volcanic and iron rich) influence showing, the Evesham Wood Dundee Hills Pinot delivers layers of dusty red spiced black cherry, plum and strawberry fruits along with a touch of earthy reduction, rose petals, snappy herbs, moro orange tea and delicate wood accents, all of which caresses the medium bodied palate. With air the ruby/garnet 2018 Dundee Hills Pinot gains a darker almost blue fruit tone and becomes wonderfully expressive and pure in a performance that you’d expect from a wine two or three times the cost, I knew I should have bought a few more bottles. Nuccio says his Dundee Hills Cuvée, which came from a very famous single vineyard, is most likely one-time only wine for Evesham Wood and came about when a friend who is the winemaker this well known, but can’t be named, winery in the Dundee Hills asked if Erin was interested in some Dundee Hills fruit and as she adds, after initially saying he had enough grapes booked, he came back with a price that was too good to pass up. The plan was to have it go into the regular Willamette Valley blend, but when Nuccio started seriously tasting the barrels it became apparent he had some special barrels, so made the choice to do this bottling from those 9 barrels, which in hindsight was an awesome decision.”
VinopolNote: A rare, one-off bottling from Evesham Wood. Erin Nuccio crafted this wine from [cough, cough] estate fruit. A one of a kind wine and an exceptional value. Evesham Wood meets a prime Dundee site for one vintage and magic happens.
This is the only listing in the USA today!
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Evesham Wood Pinot Noir Select Cuvee, Willamette Valley 2018 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special
VinopolNote: A special bottling produced for a local restaurant that has since closed during the pandemic. This is a forward-drinking style made mostly with Dundee Hills fruit.
Back in stock!
Evesham Wood Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2019 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special
Winery note “Zesty, powerful, yet beautifully balanced, welcome to the 2018 vintage. Black and red fruits, slight creaminess with bright acid and some chewy tannins. This is always one of our favorite wines to produce as the techniques are all old-school and the wines are very representative of our region and winemaking.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $23
Kelley Fox Wines ‘Mirabai’ Pinot Noir, McMinnville 2019 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
Winery note “Oh, I love 2019. The Mirabai 2019 is a light-to-medium, youthful blue-red with brilliant transparency. Like all of my other 2019 bottlings, it is certainly lighter in colour and more nuanced than my 2018. True to the Dundee Hills, this Mirabai begins with a beautiful, fresh strawberry nose with subtle spices and tastes of the same carried by the lightest drape of silk. To me, this luminous Mirabai is both heart-warming and uplifting.”
Biggio Hamina Claygate Vineyard Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2017 750ML ($39.95) $28 special
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.”
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Italy – Piedmont
Francesco Rinaldi & Figli Gavi DOCG, Piedmont 2019 750ML ($21.95) $18.50 special
Winery note “The color of the wine is pale straw-yellow; the aroma is fresh and fruity. The taste is dry and delicate.”
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Cascina Melognis Colline Saluzzesi Pelaverga “Divicaroli,” Piedmont 2018 750ML ($29.95) $24 special
Importer note “The grapes for “Divicaroli” are sourced from 30-year-old pelaverga vines. Pelaverga (distinct from the pelaverga piccolo variety of Verduno) is characteristic of the area around Saluzzo. Here it was long a staple in blends, but its importance shrank over time, until it nearly vanished in the 1970s. Today, careful site selection and pruning are bringing about a small and welcome renaissance for the grape. Its peppery, high-toned freshness, and delicate floral and herbaceous notes are quintessentially Alpine. It is still rare to find monovarietal pelaverga from anywhere in the Piedmont, let alone the Colline Saluzzesi. This wine is macerated for ten days before undergoing spontaneous fermentation in stainless steel, where it remains for 6 months before being bottled. “Divicaroli” means “belonging to Saint Charles” in Latin and is named such because the pelaverga comes from a vineyard named after St. Charles.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Ferdinando Principiano made one of the most remarkable sets of Barolos in 2016—and we’ve secured a pair of absolute stunners. Powerful, energetic, and finely detailed, these are traditionally made wines with a firm sense of place—and deservedly high scores. Unfortunately, quantities are exceptionally limited, so grab these while you see them.
Ferdinando Principiano Serralunga, Barolo DOCG 2016 750ML ($69.95) $52.50 special
Case-6 Ferdinando Principiano Serralunga, Barolo DOCG 2016 750ML ($349.95) $299 special (that’s only $49.83/bottle!)
Case-12 Ferdinando Principiano Serralunga, Barolo DOCG 2016 750ML ($699.95) $569 special (that’s only $47.42/bottle!)
Kerin O’Keefe-Wine Enthusiast 96 points “Editor’s Choice. Rose petal, camphor, perfumed berry and forest floor are just some of the aromas you’ll find on this gorgeous, radiant red. It’s delicious and loaded with an earthy finesse, delivering succulent red cherry, ripe strawberry, licorice, game and almost salty mineral notes. Taut, refined tannins and fresh acidity keep it impeccably balanced. Drink through 2031.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $58
Pecchenino Bussia, Barolo DOCG 2015 750ML ($79.95) $69 special
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2015 Barolo Bussia is a very pretty, effusive wine that will drink well right out of the gate. Spice and floral notes open first. Silky and pliant, with lovely depth, the 2015 is so expressive today. Fine mineral notes extend the finish effortlessly while adding freshness and cut to balance the open-knit fruit. Readers looking for a Barolo to drink now will find so much to admire in the 2015 Bussia.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2015 Barolo Bussia offers a deeper level of identity, grit and structure compared to the estate’s Barolo from San Giusepppe. This wine reveals a tight inner core of fruit with lovely contours of spice, leather, tar, licorice and dried violets. You get a clean sense of the grape without too many bells or whistles. The finish is elegant and fine. Pair it with an authentic tajarin and white truffle shavings.”
Wine Spectator 93 points “A sleek red, displaying cherry, strawberry, floral, earth and tobacco flavors. Starts out with a fleshy feel, firming up as this winds down on the finish. Balanced and refreshing, lingering with earth, tobacco and spice notes in the end. Best from 2022 through 2038. 500 cases made, 200 cases imported. — BS”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $72
Spain
Condado de Haza Crianza, Ribera del Duero 2016 750ML ($24.95) $19 special
James Suckling 93 points “Lovely aromas of crushed berries, cola and chocolate follow through to a medium body, integrated and refined tannins and a flavorful finish. Complex and beautiful. Consistently outstanding red. Drink now.”
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R. Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia ‘Vina Cubillo’ Crianza, Rioja DOCa 2011 750ML ($34.95) $27 special
James Suckling 95 points “Cubillo spends three years in barrique and then in larger cask to await bottling, which happens two years before the expected release. This is very fresh on the nose with quite fresh, ripe blackberries and dark cherries, mahogany and dry, woody spices. The palate is very powerful, juicy and fresh with clear black cherries and plums in abundance. So fresh, fleshy and deep. The freshness is impressive. Long, shell-like tannins. Drink or hold.”
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 92 points “It’s not easy to follow a 2010, but the 2011 Viña Cubillo Tinto Crianza improves with time in the glass, showing much better than expected. 2011 was a warmer year than the 2010, and the wine is a little riper but has great balance and very good harmony. It’s a noteworthy red for the price asked. 90,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in April 2017.”
Alzinger
The beauty of Austria is something to experience, but there is one area that truly stands out, both for its charm and the amazing wine: the Wachau. These are the tiny towns that dot the shores of the Danube, steep hillsides terraced with hand cut stone walls, and wines that strike a perfect balance between power and elegance. The Wachau sits on the edge of the eastern Pannonian (warmer) and western Atlantic (cooler) climatic regions allowing for a wide range of styles depending on the pocket microclimate you happen to be harvesting. Austrian whites are dry unless indicated otherwise, but you’ll experience three levels of ripeness: Steinfeder (lightest body and alcohol at 11.5% max) Federspiel (slightly richer and extremely food friendly, 12.5% max) and Smaragd (most ageable and richest, minimum 12.5%). The Rieslings are especially fun to compare against the lighter styles from the Mosel and the rich styles from Alsace. They have a style and sense of place that makes them stand out in a crowd.
A Newcomer, A Standout
In Loiben there are the stars of the Wachau, where one will find F.X Pichler and Weingut Knoll within strolling distance of one another. There is little doubt that having Knoll across the street, creating one of the most iconic white wines in the world, inspired a young Leo Alzinger to change his family’s fortunes by starting to make wine himself. Weingut Alzinger is only in its second generation of winemaking; the family had been selling their fruit to the local co-op for years prior to Leo Alzinger Senior’s decision to start bottling. He developed a style reflecting his analytical and precise nature that allowed each parcel to shine through individually. The subtle, but clear differences in each of his wines created a stir, and the demand started to grow. The wines would soon start to rival the more famous neighbors in quality, though stylistically the wines could be said to stand out for their leanness and tight acidity. Leo Alzinger Jr. watched his father, studying at his elbow in the vineyard and the cellar, then went on to study in Klosterneuburg and interned both in New Zealand and in the Pfalz at Müller Catoir before coming home to Austria. His decision to continue making the wine in the style of his father speaks to their shared belief that the character of the individual vineyards of the Wachau are clear and deserve their place among the best white wine growing areas of the world.
The vineyards throughout the Wachau are dominated by gneiss soils. Its similar origins to slate and schist help it with excellent drainage while still retaining enough water to keep the plants healthy with good skins. The healthy fruit reduces the chance of rot and allows the fruit to hang longer maintaining acidity but developing the full ripeness that gives the wine the powerful body. Alzinger showcases this with spectacular finesse and care.
Highlights In Stock Now from Alzinger:
Weingut Leo Alzinger Durnstein Gruner Veltliner Federspiel, Wachau 2019 750ML ($29.95) $24 special, 32 bottles in stock now
Skurnik Wines note “Inviting and lively, often stone fruit and fine vegetable aromas; delicate, filigree and subtle texture. Never pushy, always direct, straightforward & digestible. Animating and juicy finish. The Danube makes its mark on the plain in Loiben and Dürnstein. Gravel, sand and sediments form the basis for the village Grüner Veltliner , which is juicy and elegantly exemplary for a classic spring game version.”
A Newcomer, A Standout
In Loiben there are the stars of the Wachau, where one will find F.X Pichler and Weingut Knoll within strolling distance of one another. There is little doubt that having Knoll across the street, creating one of the most iconic white wines in the world, inspired a young Leo Alzinger to change his family’s fortunes by starting to make wine himself. Weingut Alzinger is only in its second generation of winemaking; the family had been selling their fruit to the local co-op for years prior to Leo Alzinger Senior’s decision to start bottling. He developed a style reflecting his analytical and precise nature that allowed each parcel to shine through individually. The subtle, but clear differences in each of his wines created a stir, and the demand started to grow. The wines would soon start to rival the more famous neighbors in quality, though stylistically the wines could be said to stand out for their leanness and tight acidity. Leo Alzinger Jr. watched his father, studying at his elbow in the vineyard and the cellar, then went on to study in Klosterneuburg and interned both in New Zealand and in the Pfalz at Müller Catoir before coming home to Austria. His decision to continue making the wine in the style of his father speaks to their shared belief that the character of the individual vineyards of the Wachau are clear and deserve their place among the best white wine growing areas of the world.
The vineyards throughout the Wachau are dominated by gneiss soils. Its similar origins to slate and schist help it with excellent drainage while still retaining enough water to keep the plants healthy with good skins. The healthy fruit reduces the chance of rot and allows the fruit to hang longer maintaining acidity but developing the full ripeness that gives the wine the powerful body. Alzinger showcases this with spectacular finesse and care.
Highlights In Stock Now from Alzinger:
Weingut Leo Alzinger Durnstein Gruner Veltliner Federspiel, Wachau 2019 750ML ($29.95) $24 special, 32 bottles in stock now
Skurnik Wines note “Inviting and lively, often stone fruit and fine vegetable aromas; delicate, filigree and subtle texture. Never pushy, always direct, straightforward & digestible. Animating and juicy finish. The Danube makes its mark on the plain in Loiben and Dürnstein. Gravel, sand and sediments form the basis for the village Grüner Veltliner , which is juicy and elegantly exemplary for a classic spring game version.”
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The average price nationally is $29
Weingut Leo Alzinger Loibner Steinertal Gruner Veltliner Smaragd, Wachau 2019 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 7 bottles in stock now
Skurnik Wines note “Steinertal is an extremely complex location that offers optimal terrain for both Grüner Veltliner and Riesling. The situation turns a little to the southwest, so in the evening always gets some heat, which are relativized by air currents from the north accordingly. The ground thickness varies considerably, as does the temperature within the location. The foundation of the Grüner Veltliner lies in the lower and deeper terraces, although here too, despite a slightly creamier texture, vital acidity and profound minerality set the tone.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $62
Weingut Leo Alzinger Durnsteiner Riesling Smaragd, Wachau 2015 750ML ($44.95) $33 special, 9 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 91 points “From the bottom of the Loibenberg and preselections of the single-vineyard Rieslings, the 2015 Riesling Smaragd Dürnsteiner opens with a very clear, intense and aromatic bouquet of crushed stones, smoke, herbs and white fruits. Medium to full-bodied, cool and fresh on the palate, this is a very mineral but also aromatic and fruit-driven Riesling with great elegance and finesse and a long and salty finish with purity and stimulating grip.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $39.99
Weingut Leo Alzinger Ried Hohereck Riesling Smaragd, Wachau 2018 750ML ($64.95) $49 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 91+ points “From a very small cru between Hollerin and Loibenberg and cultivated in pretty shallow soils, the 2018 Riesling Smaragd Ried Höhereck is concentrated and warm on the nose, with dried white fruit aromas intermixed with lovely herbal and stony aromas. Rich and concentrated on the lush and fleshy palate, this is a full-bodied, dense and firmly structured Riesling that combines warmth and ripeness with the coolish mineral drive of the terroir. The acidity is remarkably fresh, and the wine develops a long, tensioned finish that is still a bit drying. Keep for three or so years before drinking.”
Terry Theise note “How inconvenient that my usual-favorite of Alzinger’s Rieslings is the one they barely make. It’s a tiny plot and they get “around 800 bottles” in a good year. Yes—bottles. All I can say, after all these years, is—from this tiny place comes one of the earth’s great wines, the terminus of every great facet of Wachau Riesling, the herbs from this, the peaches and plums from that, the mangoes from another, the smoke from yet another—all there. This `18 has its spells and angles and salts and roasts and smokes and incenses. But my shaman-riesling is still waking up from his psilocybin dream. Patience….”
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The average price is $55
Weingut Leo Alzinger Hollerin Riesling Smaragd, Wachau 2018 750ML ($69.95) $51.90 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 90 points “The 2018 Riesling Smaragd Ried Hollerin is the most charming, fruity and powerful Riesling of the domain. From the vineyard looking onto the coolest part of the Kellerberg and cultivated on large terraces with deeper soils, the 2018 opens with an intensely fruity and only slightly flinty nose. Rich, round and massive but still elegant, with delicate tannins and pretty sweetish stone fruit, this is the dry dessert wine of Leo Alzinger. Tasted at the domain in September 2019.”
Terry Theise note “Essentially the lower slopes of Höhereck (and Kellerberg, obliquely) it usually gives the most stone-fruit driven among these Rieslings, appealing but not always complex. But wow, this `18. It’s a fluid dream of blossoming apricot trees; lapidary, as if it were fined with oxytocin. Sink safely into the flowering world, the bed is made of petals, and the evening birds will sing you to sleep. It’s a wine of delicious limbs, and a bed that was never so sweet.”
Weingut Leo Alzinger Loibenberg Riesling Smaragd, Wachau 2015 750ML ($69.95) $49 special, 2 bottles in stock now
David Schildknecht–Vinous 90-91 points “Last tasted in June 2016 from tank (after having briefly sojourned in cask), this is tight, firm and bright in a way one doesn’t typically associate with its site, much less from an unremittingly warm vintage. “With our higher, east-facing Riesling sites,” noted Alzinger, “you could say that our Loibenberg Riesling is really not all that Loibenberg-typical,” though he acknowledged that acid retention seemingly specific this year to the Loibenberg and Dürnstein sectors is something of a mystery. All of that having been noted, the midpalate impression here is also expansive, with its ripe peach and pear accompanied by eau de vie-like inner-mouth esters. Stone and peach kernel lend slightly austere counterpoint to a pithily concentrated, seriously sustained finish.”
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Giovanni Rosso:
New Wine Spectator Insider Review
The La Serra was a hit from last week’s Insider. Don’t miss the new review for the Cerretta!
Giovanni Rosso Cerretta, Barolo DOCG 2016 750ML ($119.95) $89 special, 18 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 94 points “Fragrant and rich, this red offers a core of strawberry, cherry, floral, mint and hay aromas and flavors plying the solidly-built frame. The spine of acidity and tannins quickly shuts down the finish, yet the balance is there. It’s long and satisfying. Best from 2023 through 2040. —B.S.”
Shop the full selection of Giovanni Rosso wines on our web store!
Giovanni Rosso Cerretta, Barolo DOCG 2016 750ML ($119.95) $89 special, 18 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 94 points “Fragrant and rich, this red offers a core of strawberry, cherry, floral, mint and hay aromas and flavors plying the solidly-built frame. The spine of acidity and tannins quickly shuts down the finish, yet the balance is there. It’s long and satisfying. Best from 2023 through 2040. —B.S.”
Shop the full selection of Giovanni Rosso wines on our web store!
Trending
Biggio Hamina Claygate Vineyard Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2016 750ML ($39.95) $28 special
Case-6 Biggio Hamina Claygate Vineyard Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2016 750ML ($199.95) $159 special (that’s only $26.50/bottle!)
Case-12 Biggio Hamina 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.”
Case-6 Biggio Hamina Claygate Vineyard Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2016 750ML ($199.95) $159 special (that’s only $26.50/bottle!)
Case-12 Biggio Hamina 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.”
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Patz & Hall Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2016 750ML ($39.95) $21.90 special
Wine Enthusiast 93 points “Rich and brooding with intensely perfumed oak, this is a layered white made from grapes grown throughout the appellation. It delivers medium-bodied weight and grip, with lush apple and gingersnap flavors. -Virginie Boone”
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The average listed price is $38
Familia Nin-Ortiz ‘Planetes de Nin’ Garnatxes en Amfora, Priorat DOCa 2016 750ML ($44.95) $33 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Familia Nin-Ortiz ‘Planetes de Nin’ Garnatxes en Amfora, Priorat DOCa 2016 750ML ($499.95) $359 special (that’s only $29.92/bottle!)
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 92 points “The 2016 Planetes de Nin Garnatxes en Amfora was produced with biodynamically farmed Garnacha that fermented with indigenous yeasts and matured in 700- and 1,000-liter terracotta amphorae for seven months. They do two versions, one with a little SO2 and the other without, and the difference is minimal. At first one was more closed, but when it opened up, they were very similar and showed some herbal and raspberry leaf aromas intermixed with wild berries and notions of earth, aromatic and balanced. It has fine tannins and a velvety texture. 7,395 bottles were filled in April 2017.”
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The average price is $36
Domaine Comte Abbatucci Cuvee Faustine Vieilles Vignes Blanc 2017 750ML ($49.95) Was $29 Now $26, 18 bottles in stock now
Importer Note “Summing up Jean-Charles Abbatucci’s contagious energy in just a few lines is virtually impossible. The best way to experience it is to stand in his vineyards in central Corsica and feel it radiate through your body from the ground up. Luckily, that energy finds its way into every bottle he makes, and this gentle, breezy white from old-vine Vermentinu delivers it without compromise—each sip is like a gust of warm Mediterranean air flooding your senses with a perfume of flowers and wild maquis.”
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The average price is $37
Trending Tuscan Offer:
Buy 3+ bottles of 2018 Testamatta
Receive a 10% discount on them
Pay only $80.99 per bottle
Discount will not display online
We will adjust your order manually before finalizing
Sale ends Friday, January 29th at 10AM PST
Pre-Arrival ETA March:
Bibi Graetz Testamatta Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2018 750ML ($99.95) $89.99 pre-arrival special
Jane Anson – Decanter 100 points “Finely textured, with a nuanced perfume that fills the glass and takes you to the intense underbrush of Tuscany. Succulent and yet savoury, this has a lilting freshness that is overlaid with ripe berry fruits, sage and white pepper spice, and clear minerality in terms of its scraping texture that makes your mouth water on the finish. Feels light and sculpted and yet has an intensity that skewers you to the spot. This is a great wine, with scope and imagination that doesn’t want to let you go. Genuinely stands out among the wines of this tasting, and these are a fine array of wines. As with Colore, Bibi Graetz selects only old vines, the youngest 50 years old from five different vineyard sites across Tuscany, all farmed organically. Fermentations in open 225l barrels with natural yeasts and manual punch downs.”
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When you’re ready to pick up, just park in our lot,
give us a call, & we’ll bring your order to your car.
(If another adult is picking up for you,
please let us know their name when placing your order.)
www.vinopoliswineshop.com
info@vinopoliswineshop.com
503-223-6002
Collector’s Corner
Super Deals on Superb Wines
Coche-Dury Arriving February 12th
Coche-Dury Corton Grand Cru, Cote de Beaune 2017 750ML ($1,999.95) Was $1,799, Now $1,499 Super Deal, only 1 bottle available
An extremely rare red wine from Coche-Dury
An extremely rare red wine from Coche-Dury
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Coche-Dury Caillerets, Meursault Premier Cru 2017 750ML ($1,999.95) Was $1,499, Now $1,299 Super Deal, only 1 bottle available
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 95 points “Aromas of citrus zest, crisp green pear, white flowers, grapefruit and pastry cream introduce the 2017 Meursault 1er Cru Les Caillerets, a medium to full-bodied, satiny and layered wine that’s deep, concentrated and incisive, concluding with a long and pronouncedly chalky finish. This is one of the high points of Coche-Dury’s 2017 portfolio and will be worth special effort to seek out.”
Neal Martin-Vinous 94 points “The 2017 Meursault Les Caillerets 1er Cru has an extremely defined bouquet of perfumed orange blossom, rosewater, crushed stone and pressed white flowers. You could nose this all day! The palate is well balanced and powerful, with intense salinity toward the pretty finish. One of Coche-Dury’s most mercurial 2017s, this opened in awesome fashion in the five minutes I spend with it.”
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Now it’s even lower!
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.
Stay safe, be well, & drink well.
Giovanni Rosso makes Barolo that’s synonymous with the perhaps the most prestigious commune in the area: Serralunga d’Alba. The commune is known for powerful, age worthy versions of Barolo, highlighted by its most famous wines: Conterno’s Francia (and Monfortino), Giacosa’s Rocche del Falletto, Brovia’s Ca’Mia and a number of wines from Vigna Rionda. Perhaps no winery is more closely associated with the sub region than Giovanni Rosso, a winery that goes back to the 1890’s and has made its mark with powerful, intense Barolos. 
Peter Lauer Ayler Fass 4 Riesling Feinherb, Mosel 2019 750ML ($39.95) 
Crowley Entre Nous Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2017 750ML ($39.95) 
Bereche et Fils Brut Reserve, Champagne NV 750ML ($59.95) 
Grenache versus Chardonnay seemed very Jets versus Sharks to me. Why would you even want to try and draw any similarities between two? It isn’t so much the flavors, but the way that the wines draw out the mineral freshness from the soils. Consider Chardonnay you’ve had from subpar vineyards: flabby, overripe, overpowering flavors that dull the elegance and potential vibrancy of the fruit. Grenache, too, draws vibrancy from the soil that transforms it into something more elegant and alive. The right location makes Grenache swirl with light and verve – aromas drawn right from the hillsides that surround the vineyards. Burgundy might have the reputation as the best representation of terroir, but when you experience the vineyards of St Cosme, you know how the wines came to have their unmistakable profile.
Marie Courtin Efflorescence Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut, Champagne 2014 750ML ($99.95) 
Arterberry Maresh Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2018 750ML ($29.95) 
Biggio Hamina Claygate Vineyard Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2016 750ML ($39.95)