Category Archives: Newsletter Archive

Vinopolpick Monday Bonus 12-14-20

In Today’s Newsletter:

6 Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of 2020
Available Now!

Italian Subscriber Specials

A Popular Subscriber Special Encore
Durand’s Distinguished Northern Rhônes

Staff Pick
Artuke Pies Negro

Santa Duc’s Regal Gigondas

Brovia’s Old-School Barolos

6 Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of 2020

Available Now!

Each year the Wine Spectator’s top 100 list is one of the industry’s most eagerly awaited announcements. And with one of the nation’s widest selections of fine wine, we always have a number of the fortunate wines in stock on announcement day. This year is no different, and we’re proud to offer several at national best pricing.

In Stock Now:

#9 in Wine Spectator’s Top 100 2020
Beaux Frères ‘The Beaux Frères Vineyard’ Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2018 750ML ($109.95) $84 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 95 points “Brilliant ruby. Intense red and blue fruit, floral and spice qualities on the highly perfumed nose, along with hints of cola and licorice. Juicy and precise, offering concentrated raspberry, boysenberry and floral pastille flavors that take on a five-spice-powder nuance with air. Plays power off delicacy with a sure hand and finishes extremely long and silky, with polished tannins framing lingering red fruit and candied rose notes. 45% new oak.”
Wine Spectator 95 points “A wine of presence and expression, impeccably structured yet elegantly layered, with evocative raspberry, rose petal and brown baking spice notes that pick up richness and tension toward fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2029. 3,088 cases made.”
James Suckling 96 points “This is a trademark, deeply rich impression with an unctuous, violet-flower layer, together with blueberries, cherries and sweetly toasty woody spices, as well as forest wood and fresh, leafy and sappy nuances. The palate has a very succulent, fresh and lithe, almost tangy feel, delivering such succulent, mouthwatering energy at the finish. Ready now, but better from 2024.”

#20 in Wine Spectator’s Top 100 2020
Caiarossa ‘Pergolaia’ Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2016 750ML ($29.95) $26 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 94 points “Flavors of black cherry and blackberry stand up to the dense tannins in this fresh, deep and intense red, but this is equally about the vibrant acidity driving the fruit, wild herb nuances and spice-infused aftertaste. Sangiovese with Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best from 2022 through 2040. 4,700 cases made, 1,200 cases imported.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 92 points “Mostly Sangiovese with the other 30% composed of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, the 2016 Pergolaia is all about matching grapes to soils, a tribute to Tuscany from a French-owned estate better known for its international approach. This vintage has slightly less Sangiovese than usual in order to create a more accessible wine, with more freshness and juiciness. It’s almost crunchy in texture, a full-bodied red that covers the whole mouth. The aging is spread out evenly between botte and tonneaux, as they reserved the big wood for the more delicate Sangiovese grape. The fruit here shows perfect ripeness with lots of primary intensity and freshness. It’s a versatile red to match with all kinds of pastas and meats. It’s ready to open now or to age for just a few more years.”

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

#39 in Wine Spectator’s Top 100 2020
Boscarelli Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG, Tuscany 2016 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Boscarelli Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG, Tuscany 2016 750ML ($519.95) $419 special (that’s only $34.92/bottle!)
Decanter 94 points “Niccolò and Luca De Ferrari assemble their Riserva from the estate’s oldest vines, essentially 3 or 4 parcels that are more than 20 years old. For ageing, they have moved to slightly larger and used casks in order to preserve freshness and grace. The 2016 is indeed deftly proportioned and refined, though with a firm and muscular backbone. It opens with balsamic notes of cedar and rosemary on a backdrop of strawberry. Nuances of mint and leather chime in on the palate, which is layered with succulent fruit. Full, without being heavy, this will take time to reveal all of its charms.”
Wine Spectator 94 points “Expressive and harmonious, this red exhibits cherry, blackberry, violet and mineral aromas and flavors. Pure and elegant, with an underlying tension and intensity that drives the lingering aftertaste of fruit, stone and earth, showing a hint of wild herbs. Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Mammolo and Colorino. Best from 2022 through 2038. 4,200 cases made, 800 cases imported.”
Kerin O’keefe-Wine Enthusiast 94 points “Editor’s Choice. Wild berry, blue flower, crushed herb, camphor and a whiff of tobacco mingle together on this vibrant red. Made with 85% Sangiovese as well as Canaiolo, Colorino and Mammolo, the radiant palate is loaded with finesse, delivering raspberry compote, Marasca cherry, licorice and Asian spice. Elegant, fine-grained tannins provide the framework while bright acidity keeps it balanced. Drink 2021–2031.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

#55 in Wine Spectator’s Top 100 2020
R. Lopez de Heredia Viña Tondonia Gran Reserva Rosado, Rioja DOCa 2009 750ML ($299.95) $149 special, 3 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 95 points “Attractive, sweetly aromatic, red-floral perfume with dried red cherries and some dried strawberries, too. Only hints of leather here. The palate has a beautifully fresh, succulent and elegantly focused feel with a long sleeve of dried-cherry flavor and gently nutty notes to close. Dry, long and mouthwatering finish. Drink now.”
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 94 points “Light bright amber-hued orange. Mineral- and spice-accented red currant and cherry scents, joined by building herb and floral nuances. Shows noteworthy depth as well as energy to the bitter cherry, succulent herb, spicecake and blood orange flavors, which turn sweeter as the wine stretches out. Finishes extremely long and chewy, with resonating floral and red fruit character and a lingering suggestion of fennel. Aged for four years in neutral American oak barrels and racked twice a year.”
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 93+ points “The unique and personal 2009 Viña Tondonia Rosado Gran Reserva is a little darker than the 2008 I tasted next to it. It also feels a little riper and nuttier, with some traces of ripe apricots and flowers. It’s also fuller and not as sharp as the 2008 and has a dry, chalky/stony palate. These are unique wines that develop in bottle for a long time. 14,200 bottles were filled in April 2015.”

#86 in Wine Spectator’s Top 100 2020
Château Thivin Brouilly ‘Reverdon’, Beaujolais 2018 750ML ($34.95) $24.50 special, 19 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds 92 points ” Deep, bright-hued violet. Fresh dark berries, candied flowers, allspice and a hint of blood orange on the expansive nose. Sappy and appealingly sweet, offering pliant cherry and black raspberry flavors that deepen and spread out quickly with air. Delivers a suave blend of power and finesse and finishes very long and smooth, with bright, mineral-driven thrust, silky tannins and lingering floral and spice notes.”
William Kelley – Wine Advocate 91 points “Richer, more voluptuous and larger-scaled than its 2017 counterpart, the 2018 Brouilly Reverdon unfurls with a ripe bouquet of mulberries, blackberries and licorice. On the palate, it’s full-bodied, ample and fleshy, with broad shoulders and a generous, expressive profile. Richer, more voluptuous and larger-scaled than its 2017 counterpart, the 2018 Brouilly Reverdon unfurls with a ripe bouquet of mulberries, blackberries and licorice. On the palate, it’s full-bodied, ample and fleshy, with broad shoulders and a generous, expressive profile.”

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

Pre-Arrival ETA Winter 2020-21:

#90 in Wine Spectator’s Top 100 2020
Schäfer-Fröhlich Felsenberg Riesling Grosses Gewächs, Nahe 2018 750ML ($99.95) $89 pre-arrival 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!

Italian Subscriber Specials

Calabretta ‘Piede Franco’ Ungrafted Rosso, Sicily 2015 750ML ($54.95) Was $46, Now $39, 31 bottles in stock now
Ian D’agata-Vinous 91+ points “Bright dark red. Camphor and herbs complicate red cherry and berries on the nose. Dense and youthfully chewy with brooding flavors of red fruit and spicy herbs. Finishes long and savory with a tactile mouthfeel. This is deeper than the regular (not made from ungrafted vines) Rosso, but is also currently less well delineated. (12.5% alcohol)”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best listed price for any vintage is $54.99!

Tenuta delle Terre Nere ‘Moganazzi’ Etna Rosso, Sicily 2017 750ML ($59.95) Was $49, Now $37, 17 bottles in stock now
Ian D’agata-Vinous 92+ points “Bright red-ruby. Clean, very mineral and floral, with juicy red/black cherry aromas and flavors. A refined, mineral wine that is very well balanced and precise. This clocks in at 14.5% alcohol, but doesn’t taste warm at all. In fact, I like this wine’s austere, mineral-tinged, long finish. Will likely improve in the bottle.”
Wine & Spirits 92 points “Marco de Grazia first bought a tiny plot of vines in the Moganazzi contrade in 2007, dedicating its production to a charity project. He’s since expanded his holdings to nearly five acres, and this is the first release of some 3,000 bottles under the new label. A steeply terraced site with deep volcanic ash soils anchoring 80-year-old vines, Moganazzi produced a wine that feels more earthbound than some of Terre Nere’s more ethereal wines in the warm, dry 2017 growing season. With dense black-rock tannins and ripe and fleshy plum and black raspberry flavors, this ought to benefit from a year or two of cellaring before pairing with braised lamb shanks.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Tenuta delle Terre Nere Calderara Sottana Rosso Etna, Sicily 2017 750ML ($59.95) Was $66, Now $49, 16 bottles in stock now
Wine & Spirits 95 points “According to Marco de Grazia, Calderara Sottana is one of only two contrade with soils fully derived from lava flows and deposits that came out of the Ellittico eruptive center, dating back some 15,000 to 60,000 years (the other is San Lorenze, which produced a wine also recommended here). Fist-sized black pumice stones dot his vineyard, and the vines that produce this wine have survived on the stony soils for 50 to 100 years. In the warm and dry 2017 vintage, they gave a wine redolent of red roses and Bing cherries, with hints of tarragon. Rich, ripe tannins wrap around its juicy fruit while racy acidity draws the flavors upward, picking up notes of warm spice on the way to a long, harmonious finish.”
Wine Spectator 93 points “A fragrant red, offering lilac and sandalwood notes that lace the ripe raspberry, iron and Earl Grey tea flavors, echoing on the finish. Deftly knit, with a sense of grace and poise to the interaction of the fine-grained tannins and mouthwatering acidity. Drink now through 2030. 1,300 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.”
Ian D’agata-Vinous 91+ points “Bright deep red. Flinty floral nuances complement red cherry and herbal notes on the enticing nose. Bright, juicy and round on entry, then showcases a stiff tannic spine and building alcohol-derived warmth with red cherry nectar and smoky flavors lingering nicely. Repeating, vibrant red cherry and sweet spice notes add complexity on the close. Currently lacks a little balance: I would have scored this higher if it didn’t taste so hot (the bottle’s label declares 14.5% alcohol).”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
The average listed price nationally is $61

Cordero di Montezemolo Monfalletto, Barolo DOCG 2014 750ML ($49.95) Was $39, Now $33, 36+ bottles in stock now
James Suckling 93 points “A little lift with woody and floral aromas here. The base line red cherries run from nose to palate seamlessly. There’s also an attractive, compressed density to the tannins here. Good polish. This is promising. Try from 2022.”
Antonio Galloni 92 points “The 2014 Barolo Monfalletto is a powerful, deep wine, especially considering that it was bottled not long before this tasting. A somber, dark Barolo, the 2014 is laced with the essence of black cherry, spice, leather and underbrush. Although not massively tannic, it is inward, closed and also unusually potent. I would give it at least a few years to be at its best. The 2014 is a decidedly serious Monfalletto that speaks in a baritone register.”
Wine Enthusiast 92 points “Intense aromas of raspberry compote, forest floor, eucalyptus and oak-driven spice drive the nose on this fragrant red. On the firm, youthfully austere palate, assertive, fine-grained tannins provide support for Marasca cherry, licorice, mint and a note of French oak. Drink 2021–2026.”
Decanter 92 points “From this long established La Morra estate comes this imposing wine, heralded by its intense and pungent sour cherry nose. It’s rich, broad and fleshy, highly concentrated and spicy, showing admirable force and power without being aggressive. Despite the grip on the long finish, there’s a soft core of fruit at the heart of the wine.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next lowest listed price is $69.99

A Popular Subscriber Special Encore

Durand’s Distinguished Northern Rhônes

The Durand brothers are making it look easy. It’s hard to find Northern Rhône wines that combine soul and polish—it seems as if most of the new wines we taste are either hyper glossy or very rustic. To hit that sweet spot, where your wines speak very loudly of place but are elegant, drinkable and age-worthy—that’s special indeed. To make those sorts of wines at the prices that the Durands charge seems almost unthinkable. Yet we’ve taken those prices and made them even better!

“Consistently brilliant wines emerge from Domaine Durand, which is run with incredible talent and passion by Eric and Joël Durand. Located in the tiny village of Châteaubourg, they pull from roughly 22 hectares of vines, 8.5 hectares in Saint Joseph, 9.5 hectares in Cornas and tiny amounts in Saint-Péray and Vin de Pays. The brothers took over the estate in 1991, and while the winemaking is relatively modern, these are classic, pure, beautifully made wines that speak clearly to their region and terroir.“ – Jeb Dunnuck

In Stock Now:

Domaine Eric et Joël Durand Cornas Empreintes 2017 750ML ($49.95) Was $39, Now $35.10, 11 bottles in stock now Jeb Dunnuck 95 points “One of the flagship releases is the 2017 Cornas Empreintes, which comes from the steep, granite hillsides of Cornas, sees 25% stems, and is brought up in 20% new French oak. This full-bodied, concentrated effort boasts a deep purple hue, notes of peppery herbs, plums, blackberries, and smoked game, building tannins, and just about overflowing amounts of character. It’s a stunning, brilliant Cornas that’s going to benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age and cruise for 15+ years. Bravo!”
Wine Spectator 93 points “Solidly built, with a strong chalky spine buried deep in the core of dark plum and blackberry fruit. Smoldering tobacco, dark olive and warm cast iron accents fill in throughout. Frankly grippy, so some patience in the cellar is required. Best from 2022 through 2040. 800 cases made, 90 cases imported.”

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

Domaine Eric et Joël Durand Cornas Prémices 2015 750ML ($39.95) Was $33, Now $29.70, 22 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 95 points “The 2015 Cornas Prémices comes from a mix of granite terroirs and was mostly destemmed (75%) and aged in 20% new barrels. It offers an incredibly rich, opulent style in its plum, blackberry liqueur, lavender and peppery herb aromas and flavors. Thick, unctuous, and incredibly broad and expansive on the palate, with sweet tannin, it’s the largest production cuvée from this estate and is going to be an incredible value! Don’t miss it.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 91 points “Brilliant purple. Mineral- and spice-accented aromas of cherry pit, cassis and olive, along with a subtle floral quality that expands as the wine stretches out. Juicy, appealingly sweet black and blue fruit flavors show very good clarity, and a suggestion of cracked pepper adds spicy bite. Conveys a suave blend of power and delicacy and finishes with building sweetness and velvety, even tannins.”

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

Domaine Eric et Joël Durand Cornas Prémices 2016 750ML ($39.95) Was $33, Now $29.70, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 94 points “Warm fig, blackberry and black currant fruit gives this a decidedly dark profile, while licorice root, dark olive and bay leaf notes score the finish. A tarry edge adds grip and length. Shows range and depth, and begs for cellaring. Best from 2021 through 2035.”
Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2016 Cornas Prémices, from relatively young vines, has turned out well. Menthol, leather and plum combine on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is supple and charming. Already easy to drink, it offers decent concentration and a long finish lined with soft, dusty tannins.”-JC

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

Domaine Eric et Joël Durand Cornas Prémices 2017 750ML ($39.95) Was $33, Now $29.70, 36+ bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 93 points “Lots of blueberries, jammy blackberries, violets, licorice, and floral notes emerge from the 2017 Cornas Prémices. This fleshy, sexy, full-bodied beauty is a quintessential, hedonistic Cornas that’s already hard to resist. Nevertheless, it has enough sweet tannins to keep for over a decade. This cuvée comes from slightly younger vines (15 to 30-year-old vines) and is aged in 20% new French oak.”
Wine Spectator 92 points “Offers a ripe, slightly toasty profile, featuring plum and blackberry fruit, tinged with ganache and alder notes. Shows some heft, with the toast clinging to the finish. A light violet echo gives this some needed lift at the end. Best from 2020 through 2030. 875 cases made, 120 cases imported.”

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

Domaine Eric et Joël Durand Saint-Joseph Les Coteaux 2017 750ML ($39.95) Was $29, Now $26.10, 16 bottles in stock now
Decanter 93 points “Sourced from 15- to 30-year-old vines on granite soils towards the south of the appellation, the fruit for this wine is all destemmed, spending 12 months maturing in barriques and demi-muids, 15% new. It has a lovely purity of expression, the fruit using the oak for support, not influence. It’s a medium-bodied, very fresh expression with no overextraction and an elegant finish. It has refined tannins and good persistence. An unforced, easy to drink with with good typicity.”
Wine Spectator 92 points “Bright and juicy, with lots of blackberry and plum compote flavors, inlaid with licorice and singed apple wood notes. A lively briar accent through the finish offsets the toast. Best from 2021 through 2030. 2,000 cases made, 450 cases imported.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 91 points “Bright purple. Spice-accented blue fruit and floral scents, along with hints of cured tobacco and olive. Broad and fleshy in the mouth, offering sappy boysenberry and bitter cherry flavors that turn sweeter on the back half. Youthful, gripping tannins add shape to the finish, which hangs on with strong, dark-fruit-driven tenacity.”

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

Domaine Eric et Joël Durand Saint-Joseph Lautaret 2017 750ML ($39.95) Was $33, Now $29.70, 17 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 93 points “Fleshy and forward in feel, with a hint of ganache leading steeped plum and raspberry fruit along, accented by singed alder and licorice root notes. The solidly grippy finish pulls everything together. Needs a touch of cellaring. Best from 2022 through 2032. 340 cases made, 50 cases imported.”
Jeb Dunnuck 92+ points “The top Saint Joseph, the 2017 Saint Joseph Lautaret comes from older vines from the southern part of the appellation (near the village of Châteaubourg) and was brought up in 15% new French oak. It has a juicy, fresh, yet concentrated style to go with vivid dark berry fruits, crushed rock, graphite, and ground pepper notes. This terrific wine will benefit from short-term cellaring and keep for over a decade.”

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

Vinopolis Wine Shop Curbside Pick Up

Order Online / By Phone / By Email

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

(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

Staff Pick

Artuke Pies Negro

Andy:
Rioja can be a tough call for someone who loves traditional, lighter wines. Recent vintages and modern techniques have put forth jammy, over the top wines which can be delicious, but tiresome. Treading the fine line between traditional and modern is the 2018 Artuke Pies Negros. It’s a fun wine that shows the earthiness and lightness of old-world producers while simultaneously offering a little more fruit and tannin that move the wine into something slightly more hedonistic. Superb cherry and red berry notes swirl with light cocoa and violets. The tannins are substantial yet silky, and they will likely mellow out with a few years’ time.

The Artuke was a great pair with dried chorizo, good olives, and jamon. The second night, the wine continued to show full gas, and we had it with a spicy mezze platter that also played well with the fruit. It is a wine that will definitely be easier to enjoy if you’re looking to fall towards the modern palate, but if one takes the time to really taste through the layers, there is a lovely snap to this wine. I consider the vintage to be a big difference, too. 2018 had an overall lightness that treated this wine well. The 2015 I had a couple of years ago was definitely a bit rich, so this was a great surprise.

In Stock Now:

Bodegas y Viñedos Artuke ‘Pies Negros’, Rioja DOCa 2018 750ML ($24.95) $19.50 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Bodegas y Viñedos Artuke ‘Pies Negros’, Rioja DOCa 2018 750ML ($299.95) $215 special (that’s only $17.92/bottle!)
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2018 Pies Negros was produced with grapes from the Sierra Cantabria in the village of Ábalos, so another village wine, even if it won’t get the official qualification, as they don’t have a winery in Ábalos! It’s a blend of Tempranillo with 15% Graciano fermented with destemmed but uncrushed grapes with indigenous yeasts, and it matured in 500-liter oak barrels for 12 months, except for 10% of the volume that was kept in concrete for that time. This didn’t stop growing in the glass, and the aromas are subtle and elegant. Since they started working with larger oak containers, they had to learn to work under more reductive conditions; they now seem to have mastered it, at least in some of the wines, like this one. The wines are subtler and less immediate than the wines aged in barrique, and this long-cycle vintage has a tendency toward this profile of wines. The palate is very balanced and fresh, with a core of red fruit, with bright flavors and very good precision. 70,000 bottles produced.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Santa Duc’s Regal Gigondas

We’ll save you the Kris Kringle pun and get straight to the point. Gigondas is the finest source of value for profound wine in the Rhône. The top estates deliver wines that compete with the very best wines in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, but at prices that are a fraction of their competition. Our feature today, Santa Duc, is one of the very best in the region, and our pricing on most of their wines is the best in the country—a killer combination.

Santa Duc is perhaps the only estate who can match Saint Cosme as the “Most Important Winery in Gigondas”. Owners of some of the finest vineyards in the Southern Rhône, Santa Duc is a legendary producer that more than lives up to their reputation. Unlike Saint Cosme, though, their top wines aren’t yet commanding triple-digit pricing. In fact, their most expensive Gigondas bottling is still under $50—and is an absolute stunner.

These are wines that manage the neat trick of being absolutely delicious now while having a track record of aging gracefully. Recent notes for older bottles like the 1995 and 1998 Hautes Garrigues are glowing, yet the wines will impress on your table tonight. We recommend buying in quantity—you’re going to want to drink a lot of these now, while still having some in your cellar a decade from now.

In Stock Now:

Domaine Santa Duc Gigondas Clos Derrière Vieille, Rhône 2015 750ML ($49.95) $41.90 special, 20 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 94 points “Mostly (80%) grenache with 10% each of mourvèdre and syrah. There’s a very impressive, sheer and crunchy texture to the palate and a peppery edge. Tannins drive a long, powerful finish. Best from 2020.”
Jeb Dunnuck 92-94 points “The 2015 Gigondas Clos Derrière Vieille (80% Grenache and 10% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre) comes from the wall vineyard located just beside the village. It offers terrific notes of dusty earth, dried cherries and herbes de Provence, medium to full-bodied richness, silky tannin and a beautiful texture. Like the other 2015s, it’s going to drink nicely for 10-15 years.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92-93 points “Deep ruby. Ripe raspberry, cherry liqueur, violet and a hint of garrigue on the deeply perfumed nose. Fleshy, appealingly sweet and expansive in the mouth, offering plush red and blue fruit flavors and a subtle note of candied licorice that builds in the glass. Becomes more energetic with air and finishes on a sweet red berry note, showing powerful thrust, harmonious tannins and impressive persistence.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Domaine Santa Duc Gigondas Prestige des Hautes Garrigues, Rhône 2012 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92 points “Saturated ruby. Powerful, deeply pitched black and blue fruit aromas are complicated by suggestions of licorice, woodsmoke and incense. Broad, palate-coating blackberry and cherry compote flavors open up slowly with aeration. Distinctly rich but showing surprising vivacity, with velvety tannins coming in late to shape the wine’s sweet finishing fruit.”
Wine Spectator 92 points “This has a solid core of raspberry, bitter cherry and plum fruit, liberally laced with iron, violet and bay leaf notes. The long, sleek finish lets the iron edge play out, revealing a hint of blood orange in the background. Best from 2016 through 2020. 100 cases imported.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Domaine Santa Duc Gigondas Prestige des Hautes Garrigues, Rhône 2015 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 22 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 94-97 points “Lastly, the 2015 Gigondas Hautes Garrigues (60/40 Grenache and Mourvèdre) is a beauty boasting killer notes of dark fruits, crushed rocks, pepper, garrigue and scorched earth. This seriously good 2015 has building richness, a stacked mid-palate and a huge finish, all suggesting short-term cellaring will be your friend. It will keep for two decades of more.”
James Suckling 93 points “Mourvèdre steps up to one third of the blend while the balance is grenache. This has an attractive array of ripe dark cherry and blue plum fruits. The tannins are framed up with a deeper, wider shape. Try from 2020, this needs time.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 93-95 points “Full ruby. Smoke-accented aromas of red and dark berry liqueur, incense, spicecake and candied flowers show outstanding energy and clarity. Sweet, seamless and broad in the mouth, offering concentrated black raspberry, boysenberry and lavender pastille flavors that fan out steadily with air. Rich but nervy and precise as well, carrying no excess fat. Velvety tannins frame an extremely long, incisive finish that leaves behind notes of sweet dark berries and candied flowers.”
Wine Advocate 92-95 points “I loved the 2015 Gigondas Hautes Garrigues and this flagship cuvee is made from 65% Grenache and 35% Mourvèdre that’s brought up in foudre. It’s a full-bodied, concentrated, yet brilliantly proportioned Gigondas that has classy notes of blackberries, plums, garrigue and leather. It’s going to need 3-5 years of cellaring.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Domaine Santa Duc Gigondas Aux Lieux-Dits, Rhône 2015 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 12 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 93 points “A fluid, fleshy and deeply structured wine with dark cherry and blackberry fruit flavors amid sturdy yet supple tannins. Good weight and presence. Drink now.”
Wine Spectator 93 points “Ripe but fresh, with a slightly high pitch to the mix of damson plum, cherry and rooibos tea aromas and flavors, backed by singed vanilla, tobacco and licorice root notes that give this a darker shade through the finish. Best from 2020 through 2030. 2,400 cases made, 700 cases imported.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 90-92 points “Ruby-red. Ripe red fruit and floral pastille aromas show very good detail and an energizing suggestion of white pepper. Palate-caressing raspberry and bitter cherry flavors blend depth and energy with a smooth hand and show no rough edges. Fine-grained tannins lend shape to a very long, red-fruit-dominated finish that features a subtle touch of star anise.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Love Rhône reds? We have over 170 red wines from the Rhône Valley in stock now. Shop the entire selection, including famous names like Château de Vaudieu, Henri Bonneau, Vieux Télégraphe and more, on our web store now!

Brovia’s Old-School Barolos

For traditionally made Barolo, Brovia makes some of the best wines you can buy at any price. Made and farmed using traditional methods, they hit all the right notes in terms of thoughtful vineyard management and unapologetically old-school winemaking. Brovia’s superb assortment of vineyard holdings include household names like Rocche and Villero, but don’t sleep on other gems like Brea “Ca’Mia”, a vineyard which produces wines with a distinctive combination of power and elegance.

Brovia’s wines are consistently excellent; however the 2015 Barolos are true standouts. Their normal style is lean and coiled, so the extra warmth of the vintage pushed the wines to be a little grander than usual. The 2015s are shaping up to be epics, the type of wines that you’ll look back and wish you’d purchased more of. And this is especially true as we watch Brovia’s star/prices continue to soar with each passing year.

In Stock Now:

Brovia ‘Brea Vigna Ca’ Mia’, Barolo DOCG 2015 750ML ($99.95) $88 special, 16 bottles in stock now
Brovia ‘Brea Vigna Ca’ Mia’, Barolo DOCG 2015 1.5L ($249.95) $199 special, 6 magnums in stock now
Antonio Galloni 94+ points “The 2015 Barolo Brea Vigna Ca’ Mia captures all the best the vintage has to offer. Black cherry, plum, espresso, sage, menthol, licorice and leather are all kicked up a few notches in a decidedly dark, strapping Barolo that screams with Serralunga character. Exotic, dark and totally alluring, the 2015 has a very bright future, but readers should be prepared to be patient, as the tannins clearly need time to soften.”
Monica Larner – Wine Advocate 93 points “The Brovia 2015 Barolo Brea Vigna Ca’ Mia offers good balance and an authentic representation of the vintage. You can sense some of the heat of the growing season here, thanks to the wine’s open and accessible persona; it enters the palate with softness and elegance. This was the first of the single-vineyard wines from Brovia released this year that I tasted in a flight meant to increase in intensity.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Brovia Garblet Sue Barolo DOCG, Piedmont 2015 750ML ($89.95) $79 special, 16 bottles in stock now
Brovia Garblet Sue Barolo DOCG, Piedmont 2015 1.5L ($219.95) $189 special, 6 magnums in stock now
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2015 Barolo Garblèt Sue’ is dense and powerful in the glass. A rush of black cherry, plum, lavender, iron and sage literally burst from the glass. Ample, full-bodied and intense, the Garblèt Sue’ is another stellar wine in this range. The typically incisive Garblèt Sue’ tannins are nearly buried by the sheer richness of the fruit. Today, the Garblèt Sue’ is distinguished by its wild, feral profile and huge core of fruit. In this vintage, the Garblèt is the overachiever in the range relative to how it shows in most vintages.”
Monica Larner – Wine Advocate 94 points “Showing some immediate softness, the 2015 Barolo Garblèt Sue’ is beautifully approachable and generously accommodating, even at this early stage in the wine’s drinking window. Bring it out with a selection of goat cheeses. It’s interesting to note that, at 40 years old, the vines of this cru in Castiglione Falletto actually rank as some of the youngest held by the Brovia estate, founded in 1863, before the unification of Italy.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Brovia Rocche di Castiglione, Barolo DOCG 2015 750ML ($119.95) $99 special, 23 bottles in stock now
Brovia Rocche di Castiglione, Barolo DOCG 2015 1.5L ($269.95) $219 special, 3 magnums in stock now
Monica Larner – Wine Advocate 95 points “The Brovia 2015 Barolo Rocche di Castiglione (the last wine I tasted in this series of cru expressions) opens to the darkest color of this series, with a firm core of black fruit. This wine is silky and satiny in terms of texture—one of the trademarks of this sandy-soil cru in Castiglione Falletto—but don’t underestimate that structural firmness that holds it tightly together. It would take nicely to veal involtini with asparagus.”
Antonio Galloni 94 points “Brovia’s flagship 2015 Barolo Rocche di Castiglione is a decidedly full-bodied wine. The richness of this warm vintage comes through loud and clear in an ample, resonant Barolo endowed with serious textural depth. Lifted floral and spice notes add an attractive upper register as the 2015 starts to open up in the glass. Even so, the Rocche stands out for its volume and sheer size, both of which are unusual for this Castiglione Falletto site, where the wines tend to be more lithe. The Rocche appears to be the Barolo most shaped by the growing season in this range.”

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

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

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Love Barolo? We have 85 Barolos in stock now. Shop the entire selection, including additional options from Brovia, on our web store now!

Thanks for reading!

Vinopolis Thursday Newsletter 12-10-2020

In Today’s Newsletter:

Special Sale on Cameron’s 2018 Arley’s Leap

New Week – New Arrivals

Gatinois’ Glorious Äy Champagne

Bordeaux Re-Stocked

Cameron Arley’s Leap

Arriving Friday

Pre-Arrival Special Sale – Limited Case-6 Offer!

Deep and concentrated. This wine pulls at you. It’s no surprise that John Paul announced to us that it is his favorite wine of the vintage. He referred to it as basically the Julia bottling, but with some Clos Electrique added. Just as this site shares the vineyard material with the estate vineyard, it also includes a barrel of Clos Electrique this year…

Arriving Friday, December 11th:

Cameron Winery ‘Arley’s Leap’ Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2018 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Cameron Winery ‘Arley’s Leap’ Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2018 750ML ($319.95) $275 pre-arrival special (that’s only $44.83/bottle!)
Winery Note “Arley’s leap harkens from a block of Pinot noir planted in 1990 at Abbey Ridge Vineyard. The eponymous hero was Bill and Julia Wayne’s old dog Arley, who survived a jump from a second story balcony when startled by a cat.”

Vinopolis Wine Shop Curbside Pick Up

New Week – New Arrivals

California

Ramey Claret, Napa Valley 2017 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 30 bottles in stock now
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 92 points “The 2017 Claret is a blend of 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 14% Malbec, 12% Petit Verdot, 8% Syrah and 2% Cabernet Franc. It opens with classic scents of chocolate-covered cherries, cedar, bay leaves and tobacco with a very classy frame of sweet spices. In the mouth, it’s medium-bodied and plushly fruited with a fine grain and great freshness, finishing long. 4,482 cases produced.”

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

Italy – Piedmont

Giuseppe Mascarello e Figlio Monprivato, Barolo DOCG 2015 750ML ($199.95) $159 special, 7 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 97+ points “This is a true beauty. The Giuseppe Mascarello 2015 Barolo Monprivato borrows from the best of the Nebbiolo playlist. You get precision, abundance, focus and depth presented in proud and elegant fashion. Monprivato in Castiglione Falletto shows its worth as one of the best-performing sites in both 2015 and 2016. This warmer growing season presents red and purple fruit with cherry, plum and dried blackberry. A second wave of aromas washes over the senses with spice, licorice, tar and crushed limestone. The mouthfeel is stitched tightly together with interwoven layers of acidity, tannin and fleshy fruit.”

Spain

Bodegas Ordonez Nisia Verdejo, Rueda 2017 750ML ($17.95) $11.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 89 points “Coming from 40- to 80-year-old ungrafted vines of Verdejo, the 2017 Nisia was barrel fermented and spent 7 months on lees before bottling. It has a richer bouquet of golden apple, pineapple, and Meyer lemons as well as a medium-bodied, nicely textured, mouthfilling style on the palate. It has good acidity, plenty of fruit, and a clean finish. It’s rock solid.”

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

Gatinois’ Glorious Äy Champagne

Arriving Friday

Äy is an easy village to love in Champagne—and also a place that’s easy to have never heard about. It’s Pinot country but its biggest and most famous landowner, Bollinger, doesn’t have anything on their labels to let you know where they’re based. Nevertheless, that richer, more powerful style that everyone associated with Bollinger (and the other big producer in the town, Gosset) is very much the flavor of Äy. The Champagnes from the village show tons of rich fruit and opulent, impressive textures to match their cepage—there’s no doubt they’re Pinot based bubbles.

Of the producers in Äy, Gatinois might be the most undervalued. The family farms some of the best land in the town and works with a very high proportion of a massale selection of Pinot Noir called “Petite Pinot d’Äy” that has extremely small berries. These small berries ensure an exceptionally flavorful base wine that translate into the finished product—Gatinois’ wines are rich, textured and powerful. We’re excited to carry them again and they arrive Friday, just in time for New Year’s and other holiday celebrations.

Arriving Friday, December 11th:

Gatinois Aÿ Grand Cru Reserve Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($64.95) $49 pre-arrival special
70% 2015 vintage
Winery note “Attractive yellow hue with honeyed reflections. The complex nose offers white flowers, yellow fruits and candied citrus. 3 years of ageing in our cellars allows the champagne to develop a rich, smooth texture on the palate, with notes of stewed fruit, brioche and honey complemented by the generosity of Pinot Noir. Pinot Noir (80%), Chardonnay (20%). Terroir: Aÿ Grand Cru 100%. Aged “sur lattes“: 3 years.”
Peter Liem note “All Gatinois wines are labeled grand cru, as they are all pure Aÿ fruit, and while pinot noir is naturally predominant, all of the wines include a small proportion of chardonnay, anywhere between five and 20 percent. These are bold, hearty wines, with a mouthfilling depth of flavor, and due to the ripe pinot noir fruit, the wines always have a little color. “It’s a full-bodied style, with a lot of flavors and a lot of aroma,” said Pierre Cheval, the first time I ever visited him. “They’re wines for gastronomy, not for sitting around the swimming pool.” They serve as an excellent reference point for Aÿ, demonstrating a remarkable sense of place. The Gatinois range begins with the Tradition, blended from three vintages and released after three years of aging; a portion of the Tradition is held back for an additional year on the lees and released as the Réserve. The rosé is also based on a non-vintage blend, but it contains a higher content of pinot noir.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Gatinois Aÿ Grand Cru Rosé Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($69.95) $55 pre-arrival special
70% 2015 vintage
John Gilman 92 points “[Review is for previous release, provided for reference.] The Gatinois non-vintage Brut Rosé currently in the market is its customary blend of ninety percent pinot noir and ten percent chardonnay, with all of the fruit hailing from the village of Aÿ. It is from the base year of 2014, with all of the vins clairs having undergone malolactic and the still red wine added to the bottling hailing from sixty year-old vines in Aÿ (after a full year of barrel aging for the red wine). It was aged sur latte for three years prior to disgorgement and finished with a dosage of six grams per liter. The wine offers up an outstanding bouquet of cherries, rhubarb, gentle spice tones, wheat toast, chalky soil tones and a bit of upper register smokiness. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, focused and rock solid at the core, with lovely mineral drive, elegant mousse and fine length and grip on the complex and very nicely balanced finish. This is first class Aÿ Rosé! 2020-2035+.”
Peter Liem note “All Gatinois wines are labeled grand cru, as they are all pure Aÿ fruit, and while pinot noir is naturally predominant, all of the wines include a small proportion of chardonnay, anywhere between five and 20 percent. These are bold, hearty wines, with a mouthfilling depth of flavor, and due to the ripe pinot noir fruit, the wines always have a little color. “It’s a full-bodied style, with a lot of flavors and a lot of aroma,” said Pierre Cheval, the first time I ever visited him. “They’re wines for gastronomy, not for sitting around the swimming pool.” They serve as an excellent reference point for Aÿ, demonstrating a remarkable sense of place. The Gatinois range begins with the Tradition, blended from three vintages and released after three years of aging; a portion of the Tradition is held back for an additional year on the lees and released as the Réserve. The rosé is also based on a non-vintage blend, but it contains a higher content of pinot noir.”
Winery note “Intense hue with salmon-coloured highlights. Our Grand Cru Brut Rosé displays the characteristic elegant style of Gatinois Champagnes. The nose and palate offer up a subtle bouquet of red fruit (strawberries, blackberries, cherries) and a dash of spice which evolves into lingering notes of morello cherries on the rich finish. The dosage remains discreet at 6g/l. A pleasurable champagne, a champagne with heart, characterised by elegance and warmth, ideal for an impromptu aperitif with friends and perfect for gift giving. It is also excellent with food, try it paired with seared Atlantic salmon, pink on the bones, or with desserts such as a red fruit gaspacho.”

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

Gatinois Aÿ Grand Cru Tradition Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($54.95) $44 pre-arrival special
70% 2016 vintage
Antonio Galloni 91 points “The NV Brut Grand Cru Tradition is gorgeous, but it really needs another 6-12 months on the cork, as it is very reticent today. Dried flowers, red plum, mint and chalky notes add aromatic intrigue to play off the natural richness of the Pinot fruit, which is also evident in the wine’s copper-toned color. A Champagne of power and resonance, the Gatinois Brut Tradition has so much to offer. Best of all, it is a superb value. The blend is 90% Pinot Noir and 10% Chardonnay, all from estate holdings in Aÿ. Dosage: 7 gr/L. Disgorged: July, 2019.” [Disgorgement date may differ from review]
John Gilman 90 points “The new release of Brut Tradition from Louis Gatinois is from the base year of 2016 and was disgorged in September of 2019. It is its customary blend of eighty percent pinot noir from Aÿ and twenty percent chardonnay. The vins clairs all go through full malo and the blend includes thirty percent reserve wines. The bouquet is deep, youthful and classic Aÿ in personality, offering up scents of peach, apple, hazelnut, chalky soil tones, bread dough and a smoky topnote. On the palate the wine is full-bodied, broad-shouldered, bright and zesty, with a fine core of fruit, frothy mousse, very good depth and complexity and a long, well-balanced finish. The thirty percent reserve wines give this wine a nice patina of age on both the nose and palate. Good juice. 2020-2035.”
Winery note “Predominantly Pinot Noir (80%) which brings richness, structure and a delicious character. The 20% of Chardonnay adds a feminine touch to the blend. There is also a significant proportion of reserve wines in the blend (30%). The champagne is aged “sur lattes” (horizontally on racks) in our cellars for 2 years before the yeasts are disgorged.”

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

Bordeaux Re-Stocked

Featured Bordeaux Wines Arriving Friday, December 11th:

Château Rauzan-Ségla, Margaux 2010 750ML ($179.95) $149 pre-arrival special
Jeb Dunnuck 98 points “A wine that could easily be mistaken for a First Growth, the 2010 Rauzan-Ségla is an incredibly powerful, full-bodied wine by this estate’s standards, yet it nevertheless holds onto a terrific sense of elegance as well as perfect balance. A huge nose of blackcurrants, smoked earth, tobacco, lead pencil, and spice give way to a concentrated, blockbuster styled Margaux that has thrilling depth of fruit, masses of ripe tannins, and great length and finesse on the finish. This brilliant wine is just now seemingly on the edge of its drink window and offers immense pleasure, yet it has another 30-40 years of life ahead of it. Along with the 2015 and 2016, it’s the greatest wine made at this estate in the past two decades.”
James Suckling 98 points “Beautiful clarity of fruit with raspberries and currants on the nose. Roses and other flowers too. It’s almost hard to describe, but there’s a real purity. Full body, with fabulous balance and depth. It has everything in the right place. Best ever? Try it in 2018.”
Wine Enthusiast 96 points “One of the top Margaux wines, this is in top form, finely balanced and as elegant as it is powerful. It is darkly structured, dense yet balancing tannins with ripe black plums. It expresses the complexity of the vintage. A wine for serious, long-term aging.
Wine Advocate 95+ points “To reiterate, the 2010 Rauzan Segla is like a super-duper version of the 1986. Displaying fabulous density, an inky purple color and a superb nose of forest floor with a hint of menthol as well as loads of creme de cassis, mocha and touches of chocolate and subtle oak, this full-bodied, deep, concentrated wine represents only 45% of the estate’s production. It is certainly not for those who can’t wait a few years for it to round into shape, as I suspect it needs at least 5-8 years of bottle-age, but it should last for half a century or more…a timeless classic from the appellation of Margaux.”
Neal Martin-Vinous 95 points “The 2010 Rauzan-Ségla is simply one of the finest releases in recent years. It has a heavenly bouquet with wild strawberry, subtle floral notes and great precision. The palate is nothing powerful, less flamboyant than the 2010 Palmer, yet endowed with incredible precision and length. All you could really want from a Margaux. Tasted from an ex-château bottle at the BI Wines & Spirits 10-Year On tasting.”
Wine Spectator 94 points “Flashy style of Margaux, with alluring warm cocoa and black tea aromatics followed by cashmere-textured plum sauce, steeped fig and blackberry confiture notes. The well-integrated structure makes this seem almost accessible now, but the ample length and a smoldering tobacco note make a case for cellaring. Best from 2014 through 2030.”

Chateau Tour De Pez, Saint-Estephe 2016 750ML ($34.95) $28 pre-arrival special
“The 2016 Tour de Pez is a tasty, mid-weight Saint Estèphe. Nothing in particular stands out, as all the elements are very nicely balanced. Sweet red cherry, smoke, plum, and white pepper all grace this impeccable balanced wine” –Antonio Galloni, Vinous
“The 2016 Tour de Pez comes sprinting out of the blocks on the nose with precocious black cherries and blueberry fruit, violets and iris following just behind. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp tannin, quite tensile in the mouth with good acidity, flecks of brown spice and meat juices imparting a savory vein on the finish. There is plenty of character to this Saint Estèphe and it should age with style.” –Neal Martin, Wine Advocate

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

Chateau Palmer Alter Ego de Palmer, Margaux 2015 750ML ($119.95) $89 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 96 points “This is sensational, characterized by such purity and beauty and with aromas of blackberries, dark chocolate, walnuts, cedar and lavender. Full-bodied, tight and focused – in part thanks to sensational tannin tension that is intense yet polished. Needs five to six years of bottle age to come together. Great second wine of Palmer.”
Wine Cellar Insider 94 points “Rocks, stones, flowers, wet earth and inky, dark cherry, plum and even darker chocolate notes are all over the place. From the nose to the palate, you find the same expressions and complexities. The wine is richly textured, sensuous, silky and sweet. There is length and purity, This is better than any vintage of Palmer from the 70’s, most of the 80’s and the 90’s! This is the best vintage of Alter Ego ever produced.”

Thanks for reading!

Vinopolis Tuesday Newsletter 12-8-2020

In Today’s Newsletter:

Congratulations to Beaux Frères
#9 in Wine Spectator’s Top 100 of 2020

Markus Molitor’s Epic 2017s

The Dueling Vouvray of Foreau and Huet

Smart Buys from the Southern Hemisphere

I Fabbri’s Beautiful Tuscan Reds

Modern Classics from Ribera del Duero

Congratulations to Beaux Frères

#9 in Wine Spectator’s Top 100 of 2020

Beaux Frères is one of the great names in Oregon wine—a producer that helped put the Willamette Valley on the map. Big, rich wines with lots of character (plus a familial relation to the Mayor of Monkton) mean that these wines were some of the first collectable bottles from our corner of the wine world.

Beaux Frères’ continued excellence was recently rewarded by Wine Spectator, who recognized the 2018 Beaux Frères Vineyard Pinot Noir as its #9 wine of 2020. Here at the shop Beaux Frères’ wines always generate a lot of interest, and considering the praise that this particular bottle has garnered it’s unlikely that our limited allocation (arriving Friday) will last long.

Arriving Friday, December 11th:

Beaux Frères ‘The Beaux Frères Vineyard’ Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2018 750ML ($109.95) $84 pre-arrival special
#9 in Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2020
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 95 points “Brilliant ruby. Intense red and blue fruit, floral and spice qualities on the highly perfumed nose, along with hints of cola and licorice. Juicy and precise, offering concentrated raspberry, boysenberry and floral pastille flavors that take on a five-spice-powder nuance with air. Plays power off delicacy with a sure hand and finishes extremely long and silky, with polished tannins framing lingering red fruit and candied rose notes. 45% new oak.”
Wine Spectator 95 points “A wine of presence and expression, impeccably structured yet elegantly layered, with evocative raspberry, rose petal and brown baking spice notes that pick up richness and tension toward fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2029. 3,088 cases made.”
James Suckling 96 points “This is a trademark, deeply rich impression with an unctuous, violet-flower layer, together with blueberries, cherries and sweetly toasty woody spices, as well as forest wood and fresh, leafy and sappy nuances. The palate has a very succulent, fresh and lithe, almost tangy feel, delivering such succulent, mouthwatering energy at the finish. Ready now, but better from 2024.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Love Oregon Pinot Noir? We have 115 Oregon Pinot Noirs in stock now. Shop the entire selection, including local favorites like Cameron, Sequitur and White Rose Estate, on our web store now!

Markus Molitor’s Epic 2017s

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

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

The critical praise backs this up—Marcus Molitor’s wines are some of the most lauded in the world. Whether white capsule (dry), green capsule (off-dry), or gold capsule (fruity to nobly sweet), he manages to produce wines that captivate and astound. 2017 is among the best vintages he’s produced—probably better across the board than the lauded 2015s and 2016s.

The first tranche of his 2017s arrive this month, with more to follow.

Pre-Arrival ETA December:

Gold Capsule (Off-Dry) Wines

Markus Molitor Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Spätlese GK, Mosel 2017 750ML ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2017 Riesling Ürziger Würzgarten Spätlese (Golden Capsule) is complex and mineral on the densely woven yet fresh and crunchy-herbal nose. It’s a dense, concentrated, piquant and structured Spätlese with lush and ripe fruit whose sweetness is nearly completely absorbed by the Würzgarten raciness and iron-rich terroir character. This is a fabulous Spätlese! Tasted in April 2019.”

Markus Molitor Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Auslese *** GK, Mosel 2017 375ML ($69.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 98 points “Molitor’s 2017 Riesling Bernkasteler Badstube Auslese *** (Golden Capsule) offers a deep, pure, precise, smoky, highly concentrated yet refined and coolish nose of stewed stone fruits, candied lemons and grapefruits that intermingle with crushed stone and some leathery aromas. Lush and round on the generous but precise and highly finessed palate, this is an almost weightless Auslese with a honey-sweet yet piquant and salty finish. This is another laser-sharp but also sensual highlight of the vintage, not only at Markus Molitor. Tasted at the domain in April 2019.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

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

Markus Molitor Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Auslese *** GK, Mosel 2017 750ML ($149.95) $119 pre-arrival special
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 98+ points “The 2017 Riesling Ürziger Würzgarten Auslese *** (Golden Capsule) is a very intense and concentrated yet pure and fruity Auslese provided with refreshing crunchy, herbal and iron-rich, clayey slate aromas. This displays perfect botrytis on a bright, pure, fresh and delicate bouquet full of ripe stone and citrus fruits as well as notes of crushed stones. It is fascinatingly fresh and salty-piquant on the palate, with pronounced acidity; this is a sweet but weightless Auslese with acidity that cuts through fruit and slate and tickles the tongue. This is a highly stimulating and crystalline Auslese that is impossible to spit out. Simply amazing! Tasted at the domain in April 2019.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Markus Molitor Erdener Treppchen Riesling Auslese *** GK, Mosel 2017 750ML ($139.95) $128 pre-arrival special
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 98+ points “The 2017 Riesling Erdener Treppchen Auslese *** (Golden Capsule) is bright and even floral (hyacinths) on the clear, slatey, highly refined but aromatic nose with its precise stone fruit and delicate flinty aromas. Silky, sweet and round, with great finesse, elegance and seamless, perfectly balanced texture, this is a lean but lush, incredibly fine and filigreed Auslese with a long, fresh, piquant and salty finish. A divine Riesling whose acidity is perfectly intermingled with the fruit and texture. Tasted at the domain in April 2019.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Markus Molitor Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese *** GK, Mosel 2017 750ML ($149.95) $128 pre-arrival special
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 99 points “The 2017 Riesling Wehlener Sonnenuhr Auslese *** (Golden Capsule) is subtle and discreet yet concentrated and deep on the delicate nose, with clear (white) peach, spicy lemon chutney and crystalline slate notes. Lush, piquant and silky, with very clear, elegant fruit and great finesse, this is a rich but lean and precise Wehlener Sonnenuhr whose acidity is terribly fine but defined and merciless as a laser beam. This is a gorgeous and already stimulating Wehlener Sonnenuhr Auslese of great class and style. Tasted at the domain in April 2019.”

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

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

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

Markus Molitor Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese *** GK, Mosel 2017 750ML ($399.95) $299 pre-arrival special
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 100 points “As always, Molitor’s 2017 Riesling Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Auslese *** (Golden Capsule) is one of the ripest and most concentrated Auslesen of the vintage. Incredibly clear and intense notes of ripe peaches and mangoes on the nonetheless delicate and fresh nose intertwine with noble slate, fine oak and nougat aromas. The wine is round and elegant on the palate, with stunning vivacious, filigreed acidity that gives it lightness, great finesse, lots of salt and tension and stimulating grip. This is still a baby, but in terms of complexity and finesse, it’s one of the finest wines Markus Molitor has produced in 2017. I cannot remember having tasted a three-starred Auslese from the Zeltinger Sonnenuhr that was so fresh, lean and filigreed. This 2017 Sonnenuhr is precise as a Swiss watch. Tasted at the domain in April 2019.”

White Capsule (Dry) Wines

Markus Molitor Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Auslese Trocken ** WK, Mosel 2017 750ML ($69.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 96+ points “Bottled with moderate 11% alcohol, the 2017 Riesling Ürziger Würzgarten Auslese ** (White Capsule) is crystalline and super precise on the clear and flinty nose that exhibits crunchy, iron-rich stone and lime zest aromas. It is lean and fresh but dense and intense on the palate, with ripe, round and concentrated Riesling fruit, some sweetness and refined acidity. This is an elegant, highly finessed and stimulating Würzgarten with a lingering, salty-piquant finish. This wine pairs its moderate alcohol level with great complexity and mineral tension. It’s a fabulous yet still very young Würzgarten of extraordinary class and style. Tasted in March and April 2019.”
Note from Mosel Fine Wines “The 2017er Ürziger Würzgarten Auslese ** (White Capsule) comes from the Estate’s parcel in the prime Kranklay sector.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Markus Molitor Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese Trocken ** WK, Mosel 2017 750ML ($89.95) $66 pre-arrival special
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 97 points “From 80- to 120-year-old vines, the intensely citrus-yellow colored 2017 Riesling Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Auslese ** (White Capsule) offers an absurdly deep, highly intense, complex and concentrated bouquet with lime confit, perfectly ripe white stone fruits and flinty notes of crushed stones and lemon zest. On the palate, this is a dense, rich and powerful yet highly elegant and seamlessly textured Sonnenuhr with very fine tannins and a tightly woven structure that channels the immense power of this dry Riesling. “Physical drinking starts here,” Markus Molitor says with a smile, and indeed, this is a spectacularly strong and concentrated Riesling. Despite its power, density and tension, the 2017 is super elegant and silky and reveals perfectly ripe, interwoven acidity and spicy piquancy. This is a fascinating Riesling with outstanding finesse and a very long, promising finish. This is one of the finest two-starred Auslesen I have tasted from Markus Molitor, and it kisses the three-star level. I can only recommend buying some cases and enjoying this beauty over the next 20 to 30 years. Tasted in March and April 2019.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Dessert Wines

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

This is the only listing in the USA today!

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

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Markus Molitor Kinheimer Hubertuslay Riesling Beerenauslese, Mosel 2017 375ML ($179.95) $149 pre-arrival special
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 99 points “The 2017 Riesling Kinheimer Hubertuslay Beerenauslese is very concentrated and fresh and needs time to open up and unfold its flavors. Salty-piquant and terribly fresh on the palate, this is another exciting discovery from the Hubertuslay, a former highly regarded cru that Molitor has brought back onto the track of the Mosel’s finest terroirs. His 2017 BA is, of course, sweet and concentrated but also stunningly precise and fresh, crystalline and salty and reveals great energy and finesse. It’s a gorgeous wine and almost too good to be true. Tasted at the domain in April 2019.”
Mosel Fine Wines 96+ points “The 2017er Kinheimer Hubertuslay Beerenauslese (Golden Capsule) offers a hugely complex and big nose of pear, grapefruit, orange blossom, candied pineapple and fine spices. The wine is beautifully playful and superbly precise on the palate, where gorgeous fruity and exotic flavors of pear, mango and apricot mingle with some almond paste and minerals. The finish is long, suave and above all very precise. Sweetness still dominates the after-taste. But give this beauty ideally more than a decade and it will prove utterly irresistible. 2032-2067.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Love German Riesling? We have over 300 (not a typo!) German Rieslings in stock now. Shop the entire selection, including staff favorites like Donnhoff, Peter Lauer and Willi Schaefer, on our web store now!

The Dueling Vouvray of Foreau and Huet

When it comes to the top of Vouvray, there are two names that really matter: Foreau and Huet. Both producers are the pinnacle of quality for the appellation (and therefore some of the best values in truly world-class wine) though their styles and approaches differ. We’ve got a broad selection of both producers in stock now and anyone who loves world class white wines needs to have both in their cellar.

When you compare the two producers, side by side, two things jump out immediately. The first is that Foreau definitely produces wines with a razor sharp edge and more intense minerality at any given sweetness level compared to the rounder, richer wines of Huet. As a result, we often find that they require more time to come around in the cellar (with the notable exception of the stellar 2015s). The Huet’s seem to be richer, more flamboyant and packed with fruit—they’re easy to love and the complexity is obvious, right in front of you to see.

The other main distinction has to do with terroir—Huet makes three single vineyard wines that all display unique personalities, from the softer, drink-now Le Haut Lieu to the dense and age-worthy Le Mont (and the in-between Clos du Bourg). Foreau, by contrast, makes a single wine from his estate, the Clos Naudin. We try to buy as many of all of these wines as we can, because we love both estates, and we think anyone who likes world class whites at reasonable prices should be exploring both producers. We’ve highlighted some of their world class-class sweet wines below, but you can see all of the Huet and all of the Foreau in stock in our webstore, as well.

Highlights, In Stock Now:

Philippe Foreau

Philippe Foreau Domaine du Clos Naudin Vouvray Moelleux, Loire 2009 750ML ($99.95) $89 special, 4 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 96+ points “The golden yellow 2009 Vouvray Moelleux offers an awesome rich bouquet of a full basket of super ripe white and yellow-fleshed fruits with pure and mineral highlighted aromas as well as colored blossoms, yellow paprika, ginger, coriander, white pepper, toasted peanuts and speck. Bottled with 80 grams of residual sugar, this is a full-bodied, complex, and very elegant almost perfect moelleux à la Foreau, a really rich, ripe, sweet and perfectly balanced wine of great finesse and a persistent freshness due to the lingering salinity and piquancy. This great Moelleux is surely made from healthy berries and for all Chenin lovers and their following generations this is a must buy.”

Philippe Foreau Domaine du Clos Naudin Vouvray Moelleux, Loire 2010 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 7 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 93+ points “Straw yellow the 2010 Vouvray Moelleux offers a rather pure but rich nose with aromas of tuffeau, mushrooms, yellow-fleshed plums, honeydew melon, super ripe pears, cooked peaches, ripe and succulent mangos as well as hints of caramel, honey and new oak. On the full-bodied palate this is an extremely elegant and superbly balanced Chenin of great finesse, piquancy and precision with aromas of figs, cooked peaches and pears along with a lingering salinity. To those of you who love the incomparable nature of 2010 this is a wine you should buy.”

Philippe Foreau Domaine du Clos Naudin Vouvray Moelleux, Loire 2015 750ML ($79.95) $66 special, 14 bottles in stock now
Neal Rosenthal tasting note “The 2015 Moelleux is really a step up in concentration and complexity from the Sec and Demi-Sec. It is at this level where the ultimate potential of Vouvray begins to reveal itself. The dense aromas lean bitter, with notes of pear, pit fruits, and fresh honey. On the palate, the fruit is warm and leans toward plum and quince, with an undercurrent of sea foam and Indian spices. Wearing 70 grams of sugar, this wine’s intense minerality keeps it fresh and structured, which adds to its incredible persistence and surprisingly dry finish.”

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

Philippe Foreau Domaine du Clos Naudin Vouvray Moelleux Réserve, Loire 2009 750ML ($119.95) $79 special, 22 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 97 points “What there was in this vintage of botrytis, Foreau reports, essentially went into his 2009 Vouvray Moelleux Réserve. Brown-spiced pear liqueur and quince preserves dominate the proceedings – wreathed in perfume of freesia and lily – and there are buoyancy and elegance, despite viscosity, enormous richness of texture and residual sweetness, that indeed point to the magic nobility rot can convey. Its sense of lift – when combined with luscious, still juicy suggestions of grapefruit and blood orange familiar from the corresponding demi-sec – wards off any risk of palate fatigue. Mysterious botrytis manifestations of stale bread, truffle, and white raisin emerge from the empty glass. This extraordinary achievement will stand with such past great Foreau moelleux réserves as 2005, 2003, and 1989-90 and is likely to merit 30 or more years of consideration. In direct comparison, what strikes one about the 2005 today is its more obvious sense of botrytis and its slightly diminished sense of acidity and lift. But it maintains the edge in sheer complexity.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Philippe Foreau Domaine du Clos Naudin Vouvray Moelleux Réserve, Loire 2015 750ML ($129.95) $105 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Neal Rosenthal tasting note “This wine is not made every year, but only in vintages that have the ultimate conditions for making sweet wines. In fact, this is the first Moelleux Réserve made by Foreau this decade. Weighing in at 120 grams of sugar, this wine shows unbelievable concentration. It is impossible to describe all the layers of dense flavor packed into the glass. The aromas are dense with a warm potpourri of plum, dried citrus, rose petals, and hints of sea water. The Moelleux Réserve is massive on the palate. Its glycerol texture plays perfectly with the wine’s intense mineral structure to create a fine silkiness. The potential and power of the wine seems to warm the juice from within, giving the wine a flavor of black cherry and fig. This wine is impressive in its youth, but will also ultimately reward those willing to squirrel it away for years, if not decades.”
Importer note “It is the rare vintage that is blessed with the conditions necessary for Foreau to release a Moelleux Réserve. Wines so declared frequently have levels of residual sugar that are in excess of 150 grams of residual sugar. It is not, however, simply the level of ripeness that creates the Moelleux Réserve; it is as much the conditions of the growing season that produce grapes that have a level of complexity and ripeness that demand this sort of classification. An error that many make in assessing and utilizing these wines is to consider the sugar quotient as a disqualifier for use of this wine during any stage of a meal. Our experience is such that these wines can marry well with a wide range of dishes served at the beginning, middle or end of a meal.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Domaine Huet

Domaine Huet Vouvray ‘Clos du Bourg’ Première Trie Moelleux, Loire 2016 750ML ($89.95) $79 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 96 points “This is ripe and broad, taking a slightly more power-driven approach, with a mix of tropical mango and papaya fruit, backed by orchard fruit accents of yellow apple and peach. The long, heather honey–accented finish has light piecrust and crystalized ginger hints. Best from 2020 through 2035.”
Wine Advocate 94 points “Huet’s bright golden colored 2016 Vouvray Clos du Bourg Moelleux Première Trie is clear, fresh and intensely fruity on the remarkably precise nose. Medium-bodied yet concentrated, elegant and sweet on the palate, this is a salty, piquant, mineral Chenin Blanc with intense, elegant and well-structured fruit. The wine reveals a chalky finesse and long tensioned finish. Bottled with 84 grams of residual sugar, this is still a pretty sweet but doubtlessly promising Vouvray. Tasted February 2018.”

Domaine Huet Vouvray ‘Le Mont’ Moelleux, Loire 2015 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 96 points “The apricot/golden colored 2015 Vouvray Le Mont Moelleux shows a very intense, elegant and also subtle bouquet of ripe fruit intermixed with flinty aromas. Dense, piquant and concentrated on the palate, this is a great and tension-filled Chenin with grip and persistence, but also great finesse and elegance. This is a highly complex and energetic, but also light-footed and stimulating wine with lots of mouthwatering salinity. A fascinating Chenin with great aging potential.”
John Gilman 95 points “The 2015 Vouvray “Le Mont” Moelleux from Domaine Huët is yet another brilliant wine from the estate in this vintage, soaring from the glass in a nicely botrytized blend of apple, quince, honeycomb, dried flowers, a touch of dusty chalkiness, orange peel and an exotic topnote of sweet corn in the upper register. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied, focused and more primary in personality than the Le Haut Lieu Moelleux, with a rock solid core, great focus and grip, lovely framing acids and impeccable balance on the very, very long and stunning finish. This is less developed than the 2015 Le Haut Lieu Moelleux, but it seems to have even superior potential for the long haul! Great juice. 2020-2085. 95.”
Wine Spectator 94 points “Offers ginger- and hibiscus-infused creamed yellow apple, quince and pear notes, gilded with a whiff of piecrust. All the elements meld through the long, rippling finish. Drink now through 2035.”

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

Domaine Huet Vouvray ‘Le Mont’ Moelleux, Loire 2017 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 14 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 96 points “A beauty, with an inviting display of succulent yellow apple, green plum, pear, persimmon and quince flavors that ripples lengthily through the finish, while light verbena, ginger and honeysuckle notes dart around. A long green tea echo runs through the finish. Shows terrific range and purity, with the sweetness easily harnessed for balance. Best from 2019 through 2040.”
Jeb Dunnuck 96 points “The 2017 Le Mont Moelleux shows the classic progression from the vibrancy of the Sec to the more layered, slightly honeyed Demi-Sec to this richer, sweeter, yet no less impressive Moelleux release. Brilliant notes of quince, honeyed tangerines, apple peel, and orange liqueur all emerge from this full-bodied, layered Vouvray that has a stacked, dense, concentrated mid-palate, high yet integrated acidity, impeccable balance, and a great finish. I couldn’t pick a favorite between this and the Demi-Sec, and both are brilliant wines. Smart readers will buy a handful of bottles of each (a six pack of each is what I intend to do) for drinking over the coming 2-3 decades.”
John Gilman 95+ points “The 2017 Le Mont Moelleux is a beautiful wine in the making, with less overt botrytis in evidence and more of a concentrated bouquet from passerillage and perfect ripening. The nose drifts from the glass in a very refined and classy blend of sweet quince, pineapple, apple chalky minerality, hints of honeycomb and a lovely topnote of orange blossoms. On the palate the wine is pure, racy and full, with superb mid-palate depth, outstanding focus and grip, a very youthful personality and a very, very long and classy finish. This is extremely 1989-like in personality and a great wine in the making. 2027-2075+. 95+.”
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 94 points “The golden-apricot colored 2017 Vouvray Le Mont Moelleux is perfectly ripe and elegant on the intense but refined nose, with stone fruit and very fine raisin aromas intertwined with yeasty notes. On the palate, this is a generous, highly elegant, finessed and juicy Vouvray with fine tannin grip, salty-piquant acidity and good concentration of dried and stewed stone fruits. The wine is compact and tight but vital and full of energy and aging potential. Very tight, firm and salty, with good tension and expression but far too young to be enjoyed within the next five years. Tasted in March 2019.”

Domaine Huet Vouvray ‘Le Mont’ Première Trie Moelleux, Loire 2015 750ML ($99.95) $79 special, 8 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 98 points “The 2015 Vouvray Le Mont Moelleux Première Trie is super clear, ripe and aromatic on the nose, highly elegant and with lovely flinty flavors. Intense and concentrated, with great finesse and vitality, this is a highly elegant and perfectly balanced wine with a persistent grip and salinity. Great balance and harmony.”
John Gilman 97 points “The 2015 Vouvray ‘Le Mont’ Moelleux Première Trie from Domaine Huët is utterly brilliant wine, which is at least fifteen years away from truly blossoming, but is so good right now that it is going to be next to impossible not to drink this wine in the blush of youth! The stunning nose shows a gorgeous glazing of botrytis in its constellation of pineapple, honeyed quince, sweet grapefruit, lovely minerality, orange blossoms, a hint of lavender, citrus oils, dried flowers and just a whisper of the new leather that will arrive with bottle age. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied and utterly seamless in balance, with a great core, laser-like focus, superb nascent complexity and lovely grip on the endless, vibrant and dancing finish. Magical juice. 2025-2085. (Sep/Oct 2016)”

Love Loire wine? We have over 90 wines from the Loire Valley in stock now. Shop the entire selection, including famous names like Clos Rougeard, Dagueneau and Thibaud Boudignon, on our web store now!

Vinopolis Wine Shop Curbside Pick Up

Smart Buys from the Southern Hemisphere

It’s been an open secret amongst wine professionals and savvy consumers for some time that the world’s best wine values come from south of the equator. However, despite the efforts of the converted to spread the good word, most Americans continue to disregard them. Consider this another one of our occasional nudges to take notice. Both your taste buds and your wallet will thank you.

New Zealand

A Kiwi classic
Oyster Bay Pinot Noir, Marlborough 2018 750ML ($17.95) $11.90 special, 36 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 90 points “This wine has a pretty nose with some strawberries and cranberries. Floral and toffee notes, too. Medium-bodied with a vibrant sour-cherry character on the palate. Light tannins. Tangy acidity. Clean and refreshing finish. Drink now. Screw cap.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

A real crowd pleaser
Kumeu River Village Chardonnay, Kumeu 2017 750ML ($24.95) $19 special, 4 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 90 points “A generous array of ripe pears and poached peaches with a ripe and forward feel. This has a lot of flavor. Nicely resolved at the finish. Drink now. Screw cap.”
Wine Advocate 89 points “Incorporating approximately 20% Hawke’s Bay fruit from a recently acquired vineyard, the 2017 Village Chardonnay is one of the strongest I can recall, despite a challenging vintage. Mainly fermented and aged in older barrels, it’s medium-bodied and plump in the mouth, with notes of peach and pineapple. Creamy, soft and custardy in texture, it picks up a crisp, citrusy edge on the finish.”

Top class Chardonnay for the price
Kumeu River Estate Chardonnay, Kumeu 2018 750ML ($37.95) $29 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
James Suckling 93 points “This has attractive fresh peaches and grilled pears with intensity and focus, as well as gently complex, spice and flinty nuances. The palate delivers so much supple and vibrant stone-fruit flavor. Drink now. Screw cap.”

South Africa

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a sub-$10 Chardonnay with more depth
Excelsior Chardonnay, Robertson 2018 750ML ($11.95) $9.90 special, 19 bottles in stock now
Neal Martin-Vinous 91 points “The 2018 Excelsior was 25% fermented in new French oak and 25% fermented with wild yeast. It has a detailed, fresh citrus peel and light passion fruit bouquet, the oak neatly integrated. The palate is taut and fresh, offering a lovely twist of sour lemon on the entry, moderate depth and a taut, quite saline finish. Excellent.”

“World-class wine that gives Yquem a run for its money”
Klein Constantia Vin de Constance Natural Sweet Wine, Constantia 2007 500ML ($119.95) $99 special, 16 bottles in stock now
Neal Martin – Wine Advocate 97 points “Although I have tasted the 2007 Vin de Constance on several occasions, this was the first time professionally. It has an explosive bouquet that sprints out of the blocks with a more effervescent, vivacious personality than the 2008. Citrus lemon, Seville orange marmalade, touches of mandarin and a dash of spice all vie for attention. The aromatics are more Sauternes-like than the 2008. The palate is very well-balanced with a viscous opening, a keen thread of acidity and a bewitching sense of poise and focus. This is probably the finest Vin de Constance to date as it fans out marvellously on the multi-layered finish. This is a startling, world-class wine that gives Yquem a run for its money.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Argentina

This bottling used to be reserved for the family’s private cellar
Bodega Norton Privada Red, Lujan de Cuyo 750ML ($24.95) $16 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Bodega Norton Privada Red, Lujan de Cuyo 2013 750ML ($299.95) $168 special
Tim Atkin, 91 Points Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2013 Privada Proprietary Red Wine is composed of 40% Malbec and 30% each Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon from their three vineyards close to the winery in Luján de Cuyo. The wine fermented in cement vats and matured in French oak barrels (new and second use) for some 14 months. Bright cherry-colored, with clean flavors and aromas mixing wild berries and aromatic fruits, the palate has a very fine texture and fresh acidity. There is also good depth and persistence. 300,000 bottles produced per vintage.”

Smooth and classy
Finca Decero Remolinos Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Agrelo 2013 750ML ($21.95) $16 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Finca Decero Remolinos Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Agrelo 2013 750ML ($249.95) $169 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
James Suckling 92 points “A full-bodied wine with ultra-fine tannin and a caressing finish. Lots of fruit yet reserved, balanced and stylish. Well-made cabernet sauvignon. Drink or hold.”
Michael Schachner-Wine Enthusiast 90 points “Mellow earthy aromas of mossy black fruits, vanilla and licorice feed into a smooth palate with moderate depth and layering. Blackened flavors of coffee and dark chocolate accent black-fruit and mushroom notes, while this finishes with prune, pepper and toasty flavors along with a glassy feel. Drink through 2019.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Chile

Big and concentrated
Vina Haras de Pirque ‘Hussonet’ Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon, Maipo Valley 2015 750ML ($17.95) $14 special, 36+ bottles re-arriving Friday, December 11th
Wine Spectator 90 points “Big and fresh-tasting, with concentrated dark plum, dark currant and black olive flavors. Asian spice and dark chocolate notes on the muscular finish. Drink now through 2024. 2,500 cases imported.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

“Simply delicious”
Montsecano Pinot Noir, Casablanca Valley 2016 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 94+ points “One of the best vintages of the grand vin here has to be the eponymous 2016 Montsecano, produced 100% with Pinot Noir from the zone of Las Dichas in Casablanca. The vines were planted in 2006 on red clay and granite soils and, as all the wines here, sees no oak whatsoever; it fermented in stainless steel with indigenous yeasts and was kept in egg-shaped cement vats until bottling in February 2017. This is simply delicious. This is not a Burgundy Pinot Noir, there is always a touch of rusticity here, an earthy touch. This is a pure Pinot Noir; it slowly opens up in the glass to an intoxicating mixture of wild flowers and herbs, with that rustic touch. The palate has very fine-grained tannins, tasty and long. I think this captures the intensity of the people that work here. 8,000 bottles produced.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

I Fabbri’s Beautiful Tuscan Reds

Based in the tiny hamlet of Lamole, I Fabbri is committed to maintaining what’s special about their particular part of Tuscany—the goal is to exalt the local and the particular. As a result, their wines are from their beautiful estate property which is dotted with large groves of olives among their rolling hills. Aside from a small amount of Merlot (which is delicious and recently arrived), they work exclusively with Sangiovese and Canaiolo—Tuscan through and through.

We had the opportunity to taste through the wines earlier this year and were very impressed. Elegant, pure and classical, they’re old-school representations of Chianti and outrageous values. From their entry level Chianti to their Riserva and Gran Selezione, these are wines that over-deliver classic character—stock up accordingly.

In Stock Now:

I Fabbri Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG, Tuscany 2015 750ML ($39.95) $34.50 special, 35 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “100% Lamole Sangiovese grosso. Intense ruby red color; ample scent of good intensity and persistence with typical notes of red fruits combined with floral hints of violets. The taste is harmonious, of great structure; red fruit and oak combined in a pleasant and persistent finish. Aging is in 500-liter barrels of French oak from the central massif for 12 months.”

I Fabbri – Grillo ‘Susanna Anna Duedonne’ Rosso NV 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special, 33 bottles in stock now
Winery Note ” 50% Sangiovese grosso di Lamole, 50% Schioppettino di Prepotto [from Friuli]. Vinification and aging take place in the place of origin, the assembly is carried out 6 months before bottling. Bright ruby red color with good intensity, intense aroma with strong spicy notes of black pepper and an elegant bouquet of red fruits and slight notes of oak, recognizable on the palate, it is harmonious, of good freshness with balanced tannins.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

I Fabbri Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2015 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 23 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “100% Sangiovese di Lamole. Extremely elegant wine with an intense ruby red color and light garnet reflections, a typical, persistent aroma with hints of red and purple fruit and hints of oak. Great harmony, finesse and elegance. Aging in a 1500-liter tonneau of French oak from the central massif for 24 months”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

I Fabbri ‘Il Doccio’ Merlot Toscana IGT 2015 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “100% Merlot. Ruby red color, intense aroma with hints of plum and red fruit, good structure, harmonious and elegant with notes of red and balsamic fruits, an incredible expression of the Lamole area. Aging is carried out in 500-liter barrels of French oak from the central massif for 18 months.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

I Fabbri Lamole, Chianti Classico DOCG 2018 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “100% Sangiovese. Ruby red color, typical aroma of small red fruits, round and harmonious to the taste of medium structure with delicate notes of red fruit. Aging is carried out in a cement tank for 12 months.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

I Fabbri Terra di Lamole, Chianti Classico DOCG 2017 750ML ($29.95) $26 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Winery Note ” 90% Sangiovese grosso from Lamole, 10% Canaiolo old vineyards cultivated at 550 mts. Ruby red with light purple reflections. Intense perfume, with fragrant notes of violets and red fruits; on the palate it has an excellent drink with mild and sweet tannins followed by a long finish of red fruits. Aging is carried out partly in cement and partly in tonneaux of 500 liters of French oak.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Love Chianti? We have 39 Chiantis in stock now. Shop the entire selection, including famous names like Castello di Ama, Felsina and Fontodi, on our web store now!

Modern Classics from Ribera del Duero

Not long ago, any discussion regarding fine, age-worthy Tempranillo began and ended with Rioja. During the second half of the 20th century however, a region emerged as a worthy rival. In embracing modern winemaking techniques (often resulting in bigger, bolder wines), Ribera del Duero developed a dedicated following within Spain and beyond. All the while, the region attracted some of Spain’s top winemaking talent, including many famous names from the aforementioned Rioja.

Today, Ribera del Duero is universally considered to be one of Spain’s preeminent regions for fine wine, and has cemented its more modern interpretation of Tempranillo in the country’s wine canon. For those more accustomed to hardy reds from Washington and California, but looking to dip your toes into European wine, Ribera del Duero is as good a starting point as you will find.

In Stock Now:

“Harmonious and energetic”
Bodegas Resalte de Penafiel ‘Origen de Resalte’, Ribera del Duero 2015 750ML ($34.95) $26 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Bodegas Resalte de Penafiel ‘Origen de Resalte’, Ribera del Duero 2015 750ML ($399.95) $279 special
Wine Spectator 93 points “Firm and polished, this solid red shows loamy earth, espresso and clove notes framing a core of currant and dried fig flavors. The muscular tannins are well-integrated and balanced by lively acidity. Harmonious and energetic. Drink now through 2035. 10,620 cases made, 2,340 cases imported.”

“This is a classic”
Goyo Garcia Viadero Joven de Viñas Viejas, Ribera del Duero 2018 750ML ($34.95) $28 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 92 points “There is an unoaked red, the 2018 Joven de Viñas Viejas (young from old vines), produced with Tempranillo from vines planted in 1982; such grapes are usually destined for oak-aged wines, as they provide more complexity and concentration. There is some creaminess in the nose, which showed a combination of red and black fruit, clean and aromatic. The palate is medium-bodied, and there is good ripeness without excess, fine tannins and good freshness, with a lifted and dry finish. 20,000 bottles produced.-LG”
Importer Note “Joven de Viñas Viejas is from a single vineyard planted entirely to Tempranillo on sandy clay & limestone soils at high elevation. The grapes are hand-harvested, destemmed, fermented with wild yeasts in steel tank with light extraction, then raised over the winter entirely in tank. Bottling is without fining or filtration, and only a tiny addition of SO2 if needed. This is a classic, young Ribera del Duero with an extra shade of vibrancy and fabulous tension between dark fruit, florals, mineral, and acidity. In short, the way Ribera should taste. Pair with blood sausage, charcuterie, and grilled lamb chops.”

Powerful yet elegant
Hacienda Solano ‘Finca Peña Lobera’, Ribera del Duero 2012 750ML ($67.95) $51.90 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2012 Hacienda Ernestina Solano Finca Peña Lobera is a noteworthy follow-up of the 2010 vintage (the wine was not produced in the warm 2011). The grapes come from a single vineyard, a small plot of very old plants with a lot of white vines and some dead ones, so the yields are very low. The soil is very poor, very stony, and shallow with a calcareous subsoil equating to fresh soils and also a fresh climate, as the vineyard is surrounded by forests. The vines only yield two or three bunches per plant. The final blend includes 5% Albillo in the bottled wine. The wine was raised exclusively in used barrels in this vintage and there are bare traces of oak-related aromas after 18 months in barrel. The wine is ripe, aromatic, expressive and showy with notes of blueberries; it’s a little heady, with aromas of decayed violets and perhaps hints of malt whisky. The palate is powerful and elegant at the same time with a very fine, silky texture, great balance and length, plus a fresh, mineral finish. Great Ribera and a good value for the quality it delivers. There was only two barriques of this wine, so only 568 bottles were produced.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

A stunner for the cellar
Goyo Garcia Viadero Finca Valdeolmos, Ribera del Duero 2014 750ML ($89.95) $66 special, 13 bottles in stock now
John Gilman 93+ points “The 2014 vintage of Finca Valdeolmos from Goyo Garci´a is the new release of this single vineyard bottling. Readers may recall that these vines are well over eighty years of age, with the soils here a red sand topsoil over a hard base of limestone. The 2014 version of Finca Valdeolmos is a beautiful young wine, coming in at 13.5 percent octane and offering up stunning purity on both the nose and palate. The bouquet is still fairly primary, offering up a lovely blend of black cherries, plums, raw cocoa, a bit of lead pencil, a touch of clove, lovely, chalky soil tones and a hint of vanillin oak. On the palate the wine is full-bodied, focused and beautifully balanced, with an excellent core of fruit, fine soil signature, ripe, well-integrated tannins and a long, nascently complex and very, very promising finish. As always, this is a supremely elegant example of Ribera del Duero that will age very long and gracefully, but really deserves some time in the cellar to stretch its wings and start to blossom. 2023-2065”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Full-bodied and intense
Valtostao Legon Premium, Ribera del Duero 2015 750ML ($29.95) $21.90 pre-arrival special, 3 bottles in stock now
Decanter 96 points “Very good expression of Tempranillo from Ribera, the wine has pronounced intensity on the nose with red and black fruits, spices, oak and chocolate. The palate is full-bodied with a black cherry expression. It finishes impressively with just a touch of supportive liquorice. Bravo!”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Love Spanish reds? We have over 125 red wines from Spain in stock now. Shop the entire selection, including famous names like Comando G, López de Heredia, Raul Perez and more, on our web store now!

Thanks for reading!

Monday Bonus 12-7-20

In Today’s Newsletter:

Featured New Arrival
The Legendary Tawny & Colheita Ports from Kopke

#Trending

New Reviews for Saint Cosme / Louis Barruol
From Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate

Arriving Tomorrow
Chezeaux’s 2017 Burgundies
“Potentially Career-Making”

Pre-Arrival Offer
Francois Merlin’s Magical Norther Rhones

Featured New Arrival

The Legendary Tawny & Colheita Ports

From Kopke

While we might yet be waiting for winter in Portland (considering 2020 has three weeks left, expect a snowmageddon) it is certainly time for Port. The temperatures have dropped and we’ve still got every excuse to stay home and enjoy the full breadth of a wine that will warm you, head to toe. There are a million reasons to close out the year with the amazing wines of 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: Colheita vintage selections from ’57, ’58, ’66, ’78, ’81, ’89, ’99, and 2000, and the 30 Year and 40 Year Tawnies. 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 1966 – 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. Finally, the 1999 might be the best Tawny I have had in the past 20 years. I find the aromatics showing some of the complex spice notes of the best vintages I have ever had. I would strongly recommend this for the long haul (perhaps as a gift!), but if you can’t resist, take your time with it. 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.

Newly Arrived from Kopke

Kopke 30 Year Old Tawny Port 750ML ($179.95) $128 special
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.”
[Bottling year may vary from review]

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $155

Kopke 40 Years Old Tawny Port 750ML ($219.95) $199 special
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.”
[Bottling year may vary from review]

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $256.99

Kopke Colheita Port 1957 750ML ($479.95) $379 special
Jamie Goode-Wine Anorak 96 points “There’s a hint of treacle here. It’s rich and dense with old furniture notes and lovely concentration and intensity. Nice depth.”
Wine Advocate 95 points “The 1957 Colheita Tawny 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.”
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 1958 750ML ($399.95) $319 special

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $368

Kopke Colheita Port 1966 750ML ($299.95) $249 special
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.]

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $299.99

Kopke Colheita Port 1978 750ML ($149.95) $99 special
Mark Squires-Wine Advocate 94 points “The 1978 Colheita Tawny 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.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $116

Kopke Colheita Port 1981 750ML ($144.95) $99 special
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 Port 1989 750ML ($69.95) $59 special

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $69

Kopke Colheita Port 1999 750ML ($59.95) $39 special
Jamie Goode-Wine Anorak 94 points “Complex, spicy and raising with an appealing saline edge. Some lovely savoury notes developing here. Has warmth and complexity.”

Kopke Colheita Port 2000 750ML ($79.95) $59 special
Mark Squires-Wine Advocate 93 points

This is the only listing in the USA today!

#Trending

Cameron remains a special winery—one of our favorite houses in Oregon and one of the capital-g Great Pinot Noir producers in the US. Owner and winemaker, John Paul, has been producing fun and flavorful Italian-inspired whites for years. This is rounded, and highly aromatic with zippy acidity, making it a great all-around pairing for food.

Cameron Winery ‘Giovanni’ Pinot Bianco, Willamette Valley 2019 750ML ($21.95) $17.70 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Winery Note “The Italian side of our clan (the Cameronis) also influences part of our white wine program. In this case the wines of Friuli and Alto Adige offer a model that works exquisitely with much of our fruit. The Pinot Bianco (given the nomer “Giovanni”) is fermented in stainless steel, typically in 3 different lots with appropriate aromatic yeasts, and bottled in its exuberant youth in the early spring.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

K Vintners’ day-to-day winemaker is Brennan Leighton. A super-talented voice in the world of Washington wine, Brennan also has his own label, B. Leighton, which is the focus today. These are do-not-miss wines for anyone who loves the K wines and old school, Rhone inflected Washington State reds. Full of generous fruit and beautiful earthy and floral tones, these are wines that are powerful and delicious on release, but have the track record and pedigree to age.

B. Leighton Olsen’s Brothers Vineyard Gratitude, Yakima Valley 2017 750ML ($59.95) $45 special, 34 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 96 points “A cuvée made for winemaker Brennen Leighton’s wife and a field blend of 70% Mourvèdre, 25% Grenache, and 5% Syrah, the 2017 Gratitude ranks with the finest Mourvèdres to come from the state. Awesome notes of black raspberry liqueur, incense, ground pepper, and forest floor give way to a medium to full-bodied, ripe, powerful yet weightless 2017 that does everything right. It’s already just about impossible to resist, yet my money is on it evolving for a solid decade.”

B. Leighton Olsen’s Brothers Vineyard Petit Verdot, Yakima Valley 2016 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 34 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “Lastly, the 2016 Petit Verdot comes from a higher elevation block and was brought up in 40% new French oak. It has a great bouquet of white pepper, chocolatey dark fruits, tobacco, and a kiss of violets to go with a full-bodied, incredible elegant profile on the palate. You don’t find Petit Verdot with this level of finesse very often, and it has silky tannins, good mid-palate concentration, and a great finish. It’s another stunning wine from Leighton I’d be thrilled to drink over the coming 10-15 years.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

B. Leighton Olsen Brothers Vineyard Syrah, Yakima Valley 2017 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “The 2017 Syrah comes all from the Olsen Brothers Vineyard in the Yakima Valley and is a mix of the 383 and Phelps clones of Syrah. It was not destemmed and was brought up in just 15% new French oak. Ground pepper, meat, smoked game, and decayed flower notes all emerge from this Northern Rhone look-alike. It’s beautifully balanced, medium to full-bodied, and a rock star expression of Syrah to enjoy over the coming 8-10 years.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

The Vinopolis staff’s “house” Champagne
Andre Clouet Grande Reserve Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Andre Clouet Grande Reserve Brut, Champagne NV 1.5L ($99.95) $79 special, 4 magnums in stock now
Andre Clouet Grande Reserve Brut, Champagne NV 3L ($319.95) $279 special, 11 double-magnums in stock now
Andre Clouet Grande Reserve Brut, Champagne NV 6L ($599.95) $519 special, IN-STORE PICK UP ONLY
Case-6 Andre Clouet Grande Reserve Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($249.95) $189 special (that’s only $31.50/bottle!)
Case-12 Andre Clouet Grande Reserve Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($479.95) $359 special (that’s only $29.92/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 90 points “The latest release of André Clouet’s NV Brut Grand Réserve Grand Cru is showing well, exhibiting a nicely integrated bouquet of red apple, ripe citrus fruit, honeycomb and blanched almonds, followed by a medium to full-bodied, enveloping palate with a fine mousse, ripe but racy acids and an elegant, understated profile, concluding with a well-defined finish. This is a stylish, harmonious wine that makes for a fine introduction to the Clouet portfolio.” [Reviewed April 2019]

The average price is $42

From the family behind Beaucastel, a Gigondas winner
Famille Perrin Gigondas Domaine du Clos des Tourelles, Rhône 2015 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 97 points “The finest vintage to date, the 2015 Gigondas Le Clos des Tourelles comes from a tiny vineyard located just inside the village of Gigondas. Incorporating a touch of Syrah, this Grenache dominated beauty reveals a deep ruby/purple color as well as off the chart notes of black raspberries, black cherries, pepper, garrigue, and tons of that classic Gigondas spice. I wrote “Wow” more than once in my notes and this full-bodied 2015 has ultra-fine tannin, perfect balance, and a stacked mid-palate. Give bottles 2-3 years and drink over the following 15+ years.”
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 95 points “Brilliant ruby color. Powerful cherry, blackberry and floral pastille aromas are energized by building spice and floral notes. Stains the palate with sappy red/dark berry preserve, candied lavender and spicecake flavors and shows a touch of licorice on the back half. Refuses to let up on the powerful finish, which features gently chewy tannins and resonating cherry and floral notes.”

La Fortuna is one of the top producers of Brunello, having turned their small (11 hectare) estate into one of the most consistently excellent in all of Tuscany. The winery leans modern, with rich, ripe fruit and plush textures, but the wines all maintain an earthiness that keeps them grounded and allows them to age beautifully.
La Fortuna Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2015 750ML ($59.95) $45 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 La Fortuna Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2015 750ML ($719.95) $489 special (that’s only $40.75/bottle!)
James Suckling 95 points “The sliced plums and peaches are plentiful here on the nose. Full-bodied and dense with round and rich tannins and a long, long finish. Shows structure and intensity. Serious Brunello. Better after 2022.”
Wine Spectator 94 points “This is round and full of sweet, ripe cherry, strawberry, graphite and earth flavors. Firms up as the finish plays out, echoing an essence of fruit. Best from 2022 through 2039. —B.S.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $59.99

New Reviews for Saint Cosme / Louis Barruol

From Joe Czerwinski at the Wine Advocate

Saint Cosme is one of the notable estates of the Southern Rhone. Louis Barroul is a talented winemaker and is the 14th generation of his family to make wines in the domaine that was founded in the 1500’s. The wines he makes are rich and powerful, with undeniable terroir signatures. The 2018’s are some of the best wines they’ve yet made.

Chateau de Rouanne Comte de Grignan Brut Nature, IGP Méditerranée 2019 750ML ($31.95) $26 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
“Louis Barruol has turned out an innovative rosé sparkling from his new estate. The 2019 IGP Méditerranée Comte de Grignan Brut Nature is a blend of 55% Mourvèdre, 20% Cinsault, 10% Syrah, 10% Marselan and 5% Grenache. Vibrant flamingo-pink in color, it’s fresh and apple-y on the nose and medium-bodied on the palate, while hints of red berries creeping in on the crisp, refreshing finish. Without much time on the lees, it’s a fruit-driven sparkler that should be enjoyed on the young side.” – Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

Saint Cosme Cotes du Rhone 2019 750ML ($17.95) $14 special, 9 bottles in stock now
Saint Cosme Cotes du Rhone 2019 1.5L ($34.95) $27 special, 33 magnums in stock now
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 91 points “While the 2019 Cotes du Rhone is not a single-estate wine (it’s labeled simply Saint Cosme, without the “Château de”), this 100% Syrah is a perennial bargain—and this could be its best vintage to date. Aromas of violets, cracked pepper, cassis and blueberries leap from the glass, while the medium to full-bodied palate is ripe but silky, leading into a long, mouthwatering finish. A blend of fruit from the Gard (the right bank of the Rhône) and Vinsobres (the left bank, about 400 meters above sea level), it retains a sense of freshness not often found in Syrahs from the Southern Rhône.”

Chateau de Saint Cosme Côtes du Rhône Les Deux Albion, Rhône 2018 750ML ($24.95) $18 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Chateau de Saint Cosme Côtes du Rhône Les Deux Albion, Rhône 2018 1.5L ($49.95) $39 special, 24 magnums in stock now
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 90 points “Mainly Grenache, with smaller portions of Mourvèdre and Syrah, the 2018 Cotes du Rhone Les Deux Albions matured in wooden and concrete vats. Black cherries and blueberries mark the nose, picking up hints of garrigue and black olives along the way. Medium to full-bodied, plush and expansive, it turns almost velvety on the finish. It’s another terrific bargain from Barruol.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas, Rhone 2018 750ML (44.95) $38 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas, Rhone 2018 750ML ($269.95) $219 special (that’s only $36.50/bottle!)
Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas, Rhone 2018 1.5L ($99.95) $79 special, 36 magnums in stock now
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 93 points “Saint Cosme’s 2018 Gigondas is a blend of 70% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre, 14% Syrah and 1% Cinsault, aged in a combination of new and used oak, with 30% of the volume matured in concrete. Full-bodied and generous, it’s round and supple, with no hard edges to hamper the easy flow of asphalt, red raspberries and black cherries across the palate. Boasting ample but not excessive concentration, it’s a lovely, seductive example of Gigondas to enjoy over the next decade or so.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $52

Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas Le Claux, Rhone 2018 750ML ($119.95) $99 special, 21 bottles in stock now
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 96 points “From a single parcel of old-vine Grenache, the 2018 Gigondas le Claux matured in a mix of new, one- and two-year-old barrels. Full-bodied, rich and expansive, it combines notes of black cherries, roses, black tea and asphalt with vanilla and hints of cigar box. Ripe, supple and velvety, it’s a seductive example of Gigondas that should drink well for more than a decade.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas Le Poste, Rhone 2018 750ML ($119.95) $99 special, 4 bottles in stock now
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 98 points “Up there among the best Gigondas I’ve ever reviewed, the 2018 Gigondas le Poste combines considerable complexity with incredible intensity and adds a seductive measure of suppleness without sacrificing length or focus. Violet and aniseed aromas accent plums and black cherries on the nose, while the palate is full-bodied and velvety in texture, with a long, silky finish that folds in notes of salted licorice.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $133

Always a classic and exceptionally delicious young in the ’17 vintage.
Saint Cosme Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone 2017 750ML ($49.95) $45 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Saint Cosme Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone 2017 750ML ($299.95) $249 special (that’s only $41.50/bottle!)
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 94 points “Saint Cosme’s 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape is a blend of 50% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, 15% Syrah and 5% Cinsault, from the lieux-dits of La Crau, Varoli and Le Cristia. Aged two years in used barrels, it gracefully melds traces of vanilla and baking spices with seductive cherries and toasted almonds. Medium to full-bodied, it’s silky in feel, with a prolonged, softly dusty finish. While some 2017s need additional cellaring, this one looks ready to go, but capable of aging well for more than a decade.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Vinopolis Wine Shop Curbside Pick Up

Arriving Tomorrow

Chezeaux’s 2017 Burgundies

“Potentially Career-Making”

“From the moment we encountered Chezeaux’s 2017s, shortly after they completed malolactic fermentation, we knew this was a special, potentially career-making collection. The wines, which had been neither racked nor sulfured at that point, raised goosebumps with their purity of fruit, their startling transmission of site character, and their haunting equilibrium; these are wines into which one can peer deeply. From a relatively problem-free growing season whose warmth expressed itself in the fruit much differently than the similarly solar 2015 and 2016, the 2017s “found their structure over some élevage,” Jérôme remarks, calling it a “very Pinot” vintage…

“These 2017s are uniformly ultra-fine and lifted, with remarkably well rendered and supple tannins, and an underlying mineral freshness, and they are quite accessible at this youthful stage—even the typically colossally stern Clos de Vougeot—though their impeccable balance will allow them to develop beautifully. Worth emphasizing is the almost shockingly sane pricing in effect at this domaine, which makes these wines irresistible for the prudent collector, especially given their current level of quality.” –Neal Rosenthal

Jerome Chezeaux makes wines that epitomize our favorite sort of Burgundy. Age-worthy, fine and built on a core of minerality, but priced a tier below what the wines deliver. Make no mistake about it—Chezeaux makes wines that can be poured with the finest producers in Nuits, but cost 25% less. In a vintage like 2017 he really shines, as the warm year buttresses his mineral style with a bit broader shoulders and more fruit. The three Premier Cru Nuits-St. George wines are of particular note—they’re incredible values and are only slightly more expensive than some producer’s village bottlings.

Arriving Tuesday, December 8th:

Only two bottles available
Jerome Chezeaux Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru 2017 750ML ($199.95) $169 pre-arrival special
Importer note “Chezeaux owns a 0.17-hectare sliver of this outsized grand cru, in the prime sector just above and next to the castle. From these old vines, Jérôme produces a wine that does justice to the immense power and complexity this site is capable of at its best. Rivetingly wild, gamy, and structured, it presents a forceful, iron-dominated mineral core flanked by dark fruit and shot through with muscular tannins. Always the most impenetrable wine in the cellar in its youth, it demands significant cellaring but pays enormous dividends in time.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Only seven bottles available
Jerome Chezeaux Nuits-Saint-Georges Les Vaucrains Premier Cru 2017 750ML ($99.95) $85 pre-arrival special
Importer note “Nuits-Saint-Georges famously possesses no grand cru vineyards, but Les Vaucrains is widely considered one in all but name. Always the most complete of Chezeaux’s premier crus, Vaucrains rumbles with tension—an authoritative wine that exudes an impression of depth and solidity. Here, the fruit, mineral, and savory elements bind together more tightly, more seamlessly. Jérôme owns just over a quarter-hectare of east-facing vines in Vaucrains, and his conservative oak regimen—never more than one-third of the barrels are new—highlights the power of the terroir itself.”

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

Only ten bottles available
Jerome Chezeaux Nuits-Saint-Georges Rue de Chaux Premier Cru 2017 750ML ($89.95) $75 pre-arrival special
Importer note “Located almost dead-center in the appellation, Rue de Chaux is perhaps the most quintessentially “Nuits-Saint-Georges” among Chezeaux’s premier crus. Jerome owns a mere 0.29 hectares in this steep, topsoil-deficient vineyard, and his ever-elegant touch yields a wine of both grace and power. Darkly fruited, dense, and slightly brooding, it also offers an enchanting savory-spicy perfume.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Only twelve bottles available
Jerome Chezeaux Nuits-Saint-Georges Les Prulieres Premier Cru 2017 750ML ($99.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Importer note “The smallest-production premier cru in Chezeaux’s cellar, Les Pruliers lies near the border of Nuits-Saint-Georges and Premeaux-Prissey in the southern part of the appellation. Jerome works a mere tenth of a hectare here—a parcel of extremely old vines that produce a wine of warmth and generosity. More full-bodied than the Rue de Chaux above, its fruit is pitched toward the black, and, while not heavy-handed in the slightest, it emphasizes robustness over sleekness.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Only ten bottles available
Jerome Chezeaux Vosne-Romanee Chaumes Premier Cru 2017 750ML ($99.95) $89 pre-arrival special
Importer note “Les Chaumes lies at the southern edge of Vosne-Romanée, immediately below the hallowed premier crus Aux Malconsorts and La Tache on a vein of limestone and marl. Chezeaux owns four-tenths of a hectare here, producing a wine that marries the exotic spice and succulent fruit of Vosne-Romanée with the mineral force of Nuits-Saint-Georges in ravishing fashion.”

Only ten bottles available
Jerome Chezeaux Nuits-Saint-Georges Les Charbonnieres Vieilles Vignes 2017 750ML ($69.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Importer note “With the 2011 vintage, and with our encouragement, Jérôme began separating out his oldest villages-level parcel—a 0.67-hectare holding of 80-year-old vines in Les Charbonnières, situated just below the premier cru Aux Corvées on the slope in the appellation’s southern sector. Boasting true old-vines power, this is always thicker-fruited and more exuberantly spicy than its counterpart above, with greater length. Its lusciousness, however, does nothing to mask the underlying complexity that sets this cuvée apart.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Only thirty-six bottles available
Jerome Chezeaux Nuits-Saint-Georges 2017 750ML ($69.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Importer note “Chezeaux’s holdings of villages-level Nuits-Saint-Georges encompass 3.3 hectares spread throughout the appellation, with a significant proportion from the vineyards of Aux Saint Julien and Chaliots. In keeping with the spirit of the underlying terroir, this is wilder in character than the Vosne-Romanée, marked by notes of iron, and with a rambunctious bent to its tannins. Never deficient in fruit, it offers plenty of earth and sous-bois elements as well, all in a driving fashion.”

Pre-Arrival Offer

Francois Merlin’s Magical Northern Rhones

After studying under Rene Rostaing, Francois Merlin planted his first vineyard in the late 1980s. Since then, he’s been meticulously caring for his tiny acreage and making exquisite if under-the-radar Rhone wines. Preferring to let the grapes speak for themselves, he ages the wines in mostly neutral oak and steel. These are fresh and vibrant wines that, coming from the warm 2018 vintage, are beautiful now with grippy tannins and balanced acids indicating a long life ahead of them, particularly the Cote Rotie and the Saint Joseph. The IGP Syrah is a winner and a staff pick for winter meals.

Arriving Friday, December 11th

Domaine Francois Merlin Cote Rotie, Rhone 2018 750ML ($79.95) $54.50 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Domaine Francois Merlin Cote Rotie, Rhone 2018 750ML ($479.95) $299 pre-arrival special (that’s only $49.83/bottle!)
Decanter 93 points “A very soft style, very ripe and juicy. Fairly tannic, but they’re ripe and yielding with flavours of black fruit coulis and touch of liquorice. It has fairly high alcohol with a saline finish – there’s freshness despite the very ripe fruit. This is a palate-coating, fairly opulent style but will be good when it’s ready – has length.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Domaine Francois Merlin Saint-Joseph, Rhone 2018 750ML ($39.95) $29 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Domaine Francois Merlin Saint-Joseph, Rhone 2018 750ML ($479.95) $299 pre-arrival special (that’s only $24.92/bottle!)
Decanter 91 points “An approachable wine that has lifted cedar and incense on the nose. Very plush with soft fruits, slightly lacking in acidity perhaps, but it’s an authentic representation of the vintage, not overly corrected. Good natural sense to the fruit, it’s expressive, unrestrained. Not overly marked by oak spice. South-facing granite terroir, 70% of vines are 45-years-old, the rest are 15-years-old. All destemmed, 12 months in barriques and demi-muids, from 1 to 4 years-old.”

Domaine Francois Merlin Syrah Broceliande, IGP Collines Rhodaniennes 2018 750ML ($79.95) $19 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Domaine Francois Merlin Syrah Broceliande, IGP Collines Rhodaniennes 2018 750ML ($479.95) $199 pre-arrival special (that’s only $16.58/bottle!)
Staff pick! Shows dark fruit, spice, and warm iron on the nose. Leather and black cherries leads into gingerbread and dried cherries with air. On the palate, the wine is impactful with flavors of spice and black berries. The light astringency of the tannins and solid acidity keep everything in check. There’s an aroma of black tea, plum and dark chocolate on the finish. A fantastic wine to pair with roast meats, game, or ratatouille.

Thanks for reading!

Wednesday Newsletter 12-2-20

In This Newsletter:

Andre Clouet

Mid-Week New Arrivals

New Wine Spectator Insider Reviews

2015 Brunello
Recent Arrivals

Collector’s Corner New Arrival
Castello di Ama: Chianti First Growth

Andre Clouet

The Champagne House That Keeps Other Importers Up At Night

While Vinopolis does not have a “house” Champagne, if there was one that we recommend more than any other it might well be the Grand Réserve and the Silver Brut Nature, both from Andre Clouet. These have been stalwarts of our bubble section for quite a while and are that against which we measure new value-minded Champagnes. These wines to consistently over deliver. After all this time, it still seems shocking to find a sub $40 bottle of Champagne that doesn’t disappoint. We try to keep a couple of examples of bottles from other producers in the same price point, but the consensus winner is Clouet. What makes the Grand Réserve and the Silver so good? These two wines are purely Grand Cru Pinot Noir (despite not being labeled as Blanc de Noirs); the essence of the gorgeous citrus and apple fruit and a lifted finish will have you already reaching for the second sip. The perfect balance between being supple and overly lively, the wines are a good reflection of the winemaker Jean-François Clouet. Jean-François says that to be a good winemaker one must be “very self-centered, a little bit paranoid and a touch schizophrenic…” The push pull of his personality lends itself to creating wine that has energy and personality, even at this level.

The Grand Réserve is an easy to love Champagne. It’s lightly toasty, citrusy, with a little texture to the palate that adds a little tension with the bright acidity. With air, the wine develops some light tropical notes and mellows slightly – this is why I prefer to drink this from a traditional wine glass instead of a flute. I have found this to be delicious (and still nicely effervescent!) over three days. It is an incredible wine to pair. We’ve had this with anything from oysters to Merguez sausage, and it never fails to add something to the dinner.

The Sliver Brut Nature is a different, but equally intriguing animal. While the Grand Réserve is drawing 50% from solera and reserve, the Silver is 2/3 vintage with limited reserve blended in. Jean-François selects complimentary vintages and makes certain that the personality of this wine is very direct and delicious. While many zero dosage wines can seem austere and nothing but attack, the Silver has clear notes of dried fruits and warm pie crust. The Pinot shines through with aplomb. While this wine is not shy, it is quite well balanced and surprising in how it delivers so much flavor without seeming flabby. When selecting Champagne for those who look for subtle strength, this is a winner.

Another reason these are such a great value at Vinopolis? Since we scoop up the lion’s share from the local importer, we’re able to offer these to you at some of the best prices in the country. Look for these year round. We’ll be stocking these for our own consumption and to always have an absolute stunner to recommend.

In Stock Now from Andre Clouet

Andre Clouet Grande Reserve Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Andre Clouet Grande Reserve Brut, Champagne NV 1.5L ($99.95) $79 special, 4 magnums in stock now
Andre Clouet Grande Reserve Brut, Champagne NV 3L ($319.95) $279 special, 12 double-magnums in stock now
Andre Clouet Grande Reserve Brut, Champagne NV 6L ($599.95) $519 special, IN-STORE PICK UP ONLY
Case-6 Andre Clouet Grande Reserve Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($249.95) $189 special (that’s only $31.50/bottle!)
Case-12 Andre Clouet Grande Reserve Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($479.95) $359 special (that’s only $29.92/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 90 points “The latest release of André Clouet’s NV Brut Grand Réserve Grand Cru is showing well, exhibiting a nicely integrated bouquet of red apple, ripe citrus fruit, honeycomb and blanched almonds, followed by a medium to full-bodied, enveloping palate with a fine mousse, ripe but racy acids and an elegant, understated profile, concluding with a well-defined finish. This is a stylish, harmonious wine that makes for a fine introduction to the Clouet portfolio.” [Reviewed April 2019]

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $43

Andre Clouet Silver Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature, Champagne NV 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 24+ bottles in stock now
Andre Clouet Silver Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature, Champagne NV 1.5L ($119.95) $89 special, 13 magnums in stock now
Andre Clouet Silver Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature, Champagne NV 3L ($349.95) $279 special, 10 double-magnums in stock now
Andre Clouet Silver Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature, Champagne NV 6L ($699.95) $599 pre-arrival special ETA December, IN-STORE PICK UP ONLY
Case-6 Andre Clouet Silver Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature, Champagne NV 750ML ($249.95) $189 pre-arrival special (that’s only $31.50/bottle!)
Case-12 Andre Clouet Silver Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature, Champagne NV 750ML ($479.95) $359 special (that’s only $29.92/bottle!)
John Gilman 90 points “I believe that this bottle of André Clouet “Silver” Blanc de Noirs non-vintage Brut Nature is from the base year of 2013, as it has a small code printed on the back of the neck label that says “LS13”. In any case, the wine is quite good, showing that lovely structural rounding from a bit of additional aging in the cellars. The bouquet offers up scents of apple, nectarine, bread dough, a good base of soil and a smoky topnote. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, complex and nicely balanced, with refined mousse, bright, nicely-integrated acids and a long, complex finish. This is a quite good bottle of Brut Nature. 2019-2030+.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price nationally is $47

Highlights Also In Stock Now from Andre Clouet:

Andre Clouet Un Jour de 1911… Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($99.95) $79 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Antoni Galloni 93+ points “[Review is for a prior disgorgement] The NV Grand Cru Cuvee 1911 emerges from the glass with the most haunting of perfumes. Sweet rose petal and jasmine are some of the nuances that emerge over time. Despite recent disgorgement, the purity of the fruit and the extraordinary elegance of the mousse are hard to miss. This is an exceptional, elegant version of the 1911 that should drink beautifully for years to come. The bottle I tasted needed quite a bit of air to open up, so readers should be patient with the wine at this stage.”

100% Grand Cru fruit
André Clouet ‘Le Clos’ Bouzy Grand Cru Brut, Champagne 2007 1.5L ($319.95) Was $279, Now $249, 13 magnums in stock now
VinopolNote: A limited production bottling, all from one of the four walled Grand Cru vineyards in Champagne. 100% Pinot Noir.

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Arriving in December

Andre Clouet Grand Cru Brut Rosé, Champagne NV 750ML ($54.95) $45 pre-arrival special
Andre Clouet Grand Cru Brut Rosé, Champagne NV 1.5L ($119.95) $99 pre-arrival special
Andre Clouet Grand Cru Brut Rosé, Champagne NV 3L ($379.95) $319 special, 6 double-magnums in stock now
Case-6 Andre Clouet Grand Cru Brut Rosé, Champagne NV 750ML ($319.95) $249 pre-arrival special (that’s only $41.50/bottle!)
Case-12 Andre Clouet Grand Cru Brut Rosé, Champagne NV 750ML ($599.95) $469 pre-arrival special (that’s only $39.08/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 90 points “The latest release of Clouet’s deeply colored NV Brut Rosé No 3 Grand Cru is showing well, opening in the glass with notes of blood orange, red berries, ripe apples and oatmeal. On the palate, it’s full-bodied, broad and vinous, with ripe acids, a frothy mousse and a moderately intense finish. This is an attractive, gastronomic rosé that hails exclusively from Bouzy.” [Review from prior disgorgement]

The average price nationally is $52

Andre Clouet ‘Dream Vintage’ Brut, Champagne 2004 750ML ($89.95) $69 pre-arrival special
100% Chardonnay, bottled one year after harvest. Disgorged on order.
Antonio Galloni 91 points “The 2004 Brut Dream Vintage is elegant, polished and medium in body, as wines in this vintage tend to be. Nicely balanced and harmonious, the 2004 will drink well for at least a handful of years.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Shop all Andre Clouet Champagnes on our web store!

Mid-Week New Arrivals

Oregon

Domaine Drouhin Oregon is one of the landmark names in Willamette Pinot. They were the original “French import,” long before Meo-Camuzet, Jadot or Liger-Belair thought the region was worth investing in and they’ve been an important player ever since. While they’re best known for their bottlings off of their original vineyard in the Dundee Hills, their “RoseRock” estate in the Eola-Hills has quietly been making some of the best wines in the DDO portfolio over the last few years.

The top wine that Drouhin Oregon makes under the RoseRock label is called Zephrine and it’s a monument to everything we love about Willamette Valley Pinot, especially from the Eola-Amity Hills. Dark fruited, with beautiful floral and spice accents, it’s a wonderful wine that’s only going to get better in your cellar.

Domaine Drouhin Arthur Chardonnay, Dundee Hills 2017 750ML ($34.95) $29.90 special
James Suckling 93 points “This has a lightly spiced, fresh pear and lime edge with a sense of restraint and freshness. The palate has a lightly creamy feel with fresh, driving clarity of pears and light peaches. Lemons to close. Some stainless and some oak here, keeping it fresh. Drink in the next five years.”
Wine Advocate 92+ points “The 2017 Chardonnay Arthur was aged 10 months in about 15% new oak and has pure aromas of golden apples, quince, toast, honey, almonds and notions of elderflower, hay and chamomile. The light to medium-bodied palate is silky and delicate with mouthwatering acidity and a long, lively finish. This restrained, elegant Chardonnay will benefit from another year in bottle.”
Wine Enthusiast 92 points “This cuvée is sourced from the Dundee Hills estate vineyard. It’s a pretty wine with pleasing flavors of apple, spice, toast and sandalwood. All Dijon clones, it’s not quite as ripe as recent vintages, but nicely focused and balanced through the long finish.”

Domaine Drouhin Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2017 750ML ($44.95) $38.90 special
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 93 points “Deep scarlet. Highly fragrant red and dark berries, baking spices, vanilla and candied flowers on the seductively perfumed nose. A smoky mineral accent adds definition and lift to sappy, alluringly sweet cherry cola, black raspberry and spicecake flavors that show very good depth and fine definition. Smooth and seamless in texture, finishing with impressive power, a hint of smokiness and discreet, well-knit tannins.”
Wine Advocate 93 points “Pale to medium ruby-purple, the 2017 Dundee Hills Pinot Noir has lovely, layered aromatics of crushed boysenberries, red currant jelly, cinnamon stick, autumn leaves, violets, orange peel and amaro. It’s light to medium-bodied with a silky texture, oodles of spice, a grainy frame and seamless freshness, finishing spicy.”

Domaine Drouhin Laurene Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2017 750ML ($79.95) $66 special
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 95 points “Shimmering ruby-red. High-pitched red fruit, floral and exotic spice aromas are complemented by suave incense and vanilla flourishes. Sweet, seamless and penetrating on the palate, offering vibrant raspberry, boysenberry, cherry preserve and spicecake flavors that convey a deft blend of power and delicacy. Finishes extremely long and precise, with resonating floral character and well-judged, polished tannins that sneak in late.”
James Suckling 95 points “A selection of around 100 barrels from the Dundee Hills estate pinot, this has a deeply grounded and confidently defined feel on the palate with density of tannin and a strong, noble core that carries long and builds so convincingly. Long, sustained, seamless quality to the finish. Drink over the next decade.”
Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2017 Pinot Noir Laurene is a selection of the best barrels from Domaine Drouhin fruit. Pale to medium ruby, it has an open-knit nose of crushed blackberries, spiced cranberry sauce, forest floor, allspice, citrus peel and tree bark. It’s medium bodied with intense, spicy fruits, a grainy frame and seamless freshness, finishing very long.”

Domaine Drouhin Roserock Zephirine Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2017 750ML ($64.95) $52.50 special
James Suckling 96 points “This has a very impressive sense of density and power with such immaculate detail and definition, in terms of tannin and fruit. The aromas are in the spicy and floral zone with blue-fruit and leafy nuances. Deceptively elegant and convincingly excellent pinot noir. Drink across the next decade.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94 points “Limpid ruby-red. Highly perfumed, mineral- and spice-accented red fruit liqueur, incense and potpourri scents show fine definition and assertive lift. Appealingly sweet and penetrating on the palate, offering vibrant raspberry, cherry, red currant and blood orange flavors that deepen and take on spicecake and floral pastille nuances on the back half. Shows outstanding focus and solid thrust on a long, floral-tinged finish shaped by subtle, polished tannins.”
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2017 Zéphirine Pinot Noir is a selection of the best barrels from the Roserock vineyard. Pale to medium ruby-purple, it’s scented of crushed boysenberries, blackberries, cranberries, bergamot and forest floor with touches of dried rose petals and violets. Medium-bodied and über silky, it offers great intensity and flavor layers, grainy and fresh with a long, layered finish.”
Wine Spectator 94 points “A dynamic wine, showing both grace and structure, this opens like a flower bloom, revealing notes of raspberry, crushed stone, fresh violet and savory tea. Builds richness and tension toward refined tannins. Drink now through 2027. 1,830 cases made.”

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

France – Bordeaux

While most reasonably priced Bordeaux is commercial and unremarkable, this wine bucks the trend. Hands on farming and winemaking make this a wine of place and personality. It’s no wonder why it remains beloved in France. The only outstanding question is how long this open secret across the pond will remain under the radar in the United States.

Chateau La Bastienne, Montagne-Saint-Emilion 2016 750ML ($34.95) $21.90 special
James Suckling 93 points “Very rich blackberry and vibrant fruit aromas in the mulberry and dark-plum spectrum with a concentrated palate that offers a very fleshy and attractive set of supple fruit, framed in ripe, sturdy tannins. Try from 2022.”
Wine Advocate 90 points “The 2016 La Bastienne is medium to deep garnet-purple colored and features fragrant roses, oolong tea and baking spices scents with touches of warm plums, black cherries and raspberry pie. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is packed with expressive red berry and floral layers with a fine-grained frame and long, lively finish.

Lascombes has been one of the biggest over-performers in Margaux, with a string of successes since the 2000 vintage—but the 2010 might be their best ever. Boasting a 96-point Robert Parker score, it’s a fantastic wine from a vintage that Vinous called a “modern classic” and Wine Spectator rated 99-points, their highest ever score for a Left Bank year. As you might expect, decade-old Bordeaux isn’t growing on trees, so now’s the time if you’re looking to stock up.

Chateau Lascombes, Margaux 2010 750ML ($149.95) $119 special
Wine Advocate 96 points “The wine hits all cylinders in 2010. The average alcohol for the bottled wine is 14%. It has a gorgeously sweet nose of creme de cassis, spring flowers, subtle barbecue smoke and charcoal followed by full body, beautiful intensity, great purity, stature and length. The influence of any oak is minimal, despite the fact that 90% new French oak was used. Needless to say, this is an example of modern-styled winemaking at its finest, and arguments that such wines will not age well, do not represent their terroir , and are soul-less, are totally groundless. Give it five or so years of cellaring and drink it over the following 25-30 years. This is one of the great Margaux wines of the vintage.”
Decanter 94 points “Lascombes in 2010 has exuberance and precision and confidence, and a sense of fun. At the 10 year mark the power of the tannins is clear and evident. It’s a big, concentrated, exuberant wine but it has delicacy and construction and persistency. Drinking Window 2020 – 2042.”

Monbousquet’s second wine is a prime drinker right now
Angelique de Monbousquet, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2016 750ML ($39.95) $30.90 special
Case-6 Angelique de Monbousquet, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2016 750ML ($239.95) $175 special (that’s only $29.17/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
James Suckling 93 points “Unique aromas of cherries, ash and grilled meat. Full body with juicy tannins and round texture. Delicious finish. Very soft and approachable. Hard not to drink now. Better in 2024.”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 90 points “The 2016 Angelique de Monbousquet is deep garnet-purple colored and features bold scents of crushed blackberries, warm plums and raspberry pie with hints of dried herbs, underbrush and tobacco. Medium to full-bodied, the palate reveals loads of minerally sparks interspersed with the vibrant red and black fruit layers, finishing pleasantly chewy.”
Jeb Dunnuck 90 points “From the stellar team at Château Pavie, the 2016 Angélique de Monbousquet is a sexy, medium to full-bodied, incredibly delicious Saint-Emilion that boasts a huge nose of blackcurrants, chocolate, tobacco leaf, and graphite. It has outstanding purity, ripe tannins, and is one seriously good mouthful of wine. Drink it over the coming decade.”

There’s never a bad time for tasty and affordable Bordeaux
Chateau Goubau, Cotes de Castillon 2015 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 special
Case-12 Chateau Goubau, Cotes de Castillon 2015 750ML ($299.95) $228 special (that’s only $19/bottle!)
Importer note “It is well known that gifted winemaker Jacques Thienpont has a knack for sourcing unique and exceptional properties. His latest acquisition reaches beyond the ultra-premium micro-cuvees he is known for with Chateau Le Pin and Chateau L’If. Chateau Goubau (to be renamed Chateau l’Hetre with the 2016 vintage) matches exception quality with value, and naturally, a unique microclimate within the Cotes de Castillon appellation. At 100m on the Saint Philippe d’Aiguilhe plateau, the property is situated at the highest point in Bordeaux. Produced from 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc, the clay and chalk subsoil is perfectly suited to the biodynamically-farmed vines. Here is an exclusive opportunity to explore M. Theinpont’s first vintage with the property, which is all but certain to go up in value in vintages to come… as demonstrated by Thienpont’s l’If, which has more than tripled in price since the first release in 2012.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Portugal

Niepoort Vintage Port 2017 750ML ($119.95) $99 special
Wine Advocate 99-100 points “The 2017 Vintage Port is a field blend from old vines (80 to 100 years old). It comes in with 89 grams per liter of residual sugar. This was set for bottling in two weeks, but it was the final blend. Even when open for a couple of days, this was still tight, muscular and concentrated, grabbing the palate and never letting go. On opening, it was fragrant and delicious, but even then, there was plenty of muscle and evident concentration. The concentration and power merely improved as it aired out—unlike a lot of 2016s (which year Niepoort did not declare). Tasting it after several days open showed that it shut down and closed up in terms of expressiveness, but it definitively proved that it’s an old-school, long-haul wine. Dry, stern and long on the finish, this is brilliant. It is hard to think of any basis on which this is not perfection just now—Niepoort says it is the best he’s ever made. It’s certainly the best I’ve seen from him, and it is a leading candidate for “Wine of the Vintage,” although certainly not the only one. Finally, this is going to require patience. Nothing about it says “drink me now.” It should age brilliantly. If you lack a cellar and patience, look away.”
James Suckling 98 points “Wow. Smoky and intense on the nose with dried fruits and slate undertones. Lots of wet earth too. Full body, sweet yet dry and tannic on the palate. Very powerful and focused. Racy and powerful. A fantastic center palate of fruit. A blend of touriga franca, tinto cao, tinta francisca, tinta amarela, sousao, tinta roriz and others. Drink in 2025 and onwards.”
Neal Martin-Vinous 96 points “The 2017 Vintage Port was picked early to obtain optimal ripeness, commencing 24 August and finished 26 September. Yields are some 30% below the previous year. The fruit was foot-trodden in granite lagares and matured in large barrels in Vila Nova de Gaia. It has a refulgent purple colour. The nose is explosive, a heady cornucopia of blueberry, black cherries and crème de cassis, later just a touch of lavender. There is no holding back on these aromatics. The palate follows suit with sumptuous black fruit, quite tannic but simultaneously rounded and lavish/velvety in texture. Touches of fresh fig and raisin appear towards the finish. Drop dead gorgeous.”

Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port 2003 750ML ($119.95) $99 special
Robert Parker – Hedonist’s Gazette 100 points ” I noticed the Chinese love to have both a sweet wine and a vintage port at the end of a meal, which is pretty much over-kill for me. However, I was blown away by the 2003 Taylors vintage port. The Great Wall of China, Black Tie Dinner.”
Pierre Ravoni – Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2003 Taylor’s has a lovely ripe, primal bouquet of blackberry, raspberry, vanilla and marmalade that shows slightly better delineation than the Fonseca. The palate is medium-bodied with very composed, refined tannins that belie the heat of that summer. There is wonderful focus here and fine tension, the finish offering precise notes of black cherries, mulberry, cloves and white pepper. This is one of the finest Ports of a precocious vintage. Tasted May 2013.”

New Wine Spectator Insider Reviews

Cavallotto Bricco Boschis Vigna San Giuseppe, Barolo Riserva DOCG 2012 750ML ($149.95) $119 special, 13 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 97 points “This is full of sweet, ripe plum, cherry, leather, soy and tobacco aromas and flavors, with smoky notes of autumn woods. Though firmly structured, there’s energy here that carries through the long, detailed finish. Evokes both strength and elegance. Drink now through 2040.—B.S.”

Cavallotto Bricco Boschis Vignolo, Barolo Riserva DOCG 2012 750ML ($119.95) $99 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 96 points “Perfumed, revealing rose, strawberry, cherry, hay and eucalyptus aromas and flavors, with a mineral underpinning and a lean, taut frame that keeps this red focused through the long aftertaste. Beginning to open up aromatically, but the tannins indicate there’s no rush to drink this. Drink now through 2036.—B.S.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

Saint Cosme Saint-Joseph, Rhone 2018 750ML ($37.95) $28 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 94 points “Juicy and still youthfully compact, with singed mesquite and incense wrapped around a core of lightly mulled cherry, plum and blackberry fruit flavors. Incense note curls around the finish too. Should blossom with a touch of cellaring. Best from 2022 through 2030. —J.M..”

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

2015 Brunello

Recent Arrivals

You can tell a lot about a Brunello vintage by how early we start getting asked about it. In the case of the 2015s, well, let’s just say this is a pretty anticipated set of wines. ’15 was a warm year across Europe and the vintage produced Brunello di Montalcino of exceptional concentration. Even for a region known for richer wines, these are powerful—yet they maintain an expressiveness that’s delightfully fresh to go along with their intensity.

Lazzeretti Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2015 750ML ($59.95) $44.50 special
Case-6 Lazzeretti Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2015 750ML ($319.95) $249 special (that’s only $41.50/bottle!)
James Suckling 96 points “This is a very, very intense Brunello with explosive spices, cedar, leather, tar and a plethora of dried plums and berries. The full-bodied palate is incredibly dense and bold, swathed in vast, comprehensive tannins and layer upon layer of plums and cherries. There’s marvelous length and decadence to the finish, where the dried-spice character goes on and on. Stunning richness. Drink from 2025.”
International Wine Report 96 points “An incredible wine from Lazzeretti, this Brunello is lively and intense with exuberant character, showing notes of hibiscus flowers and lavender along with notes reminiscent of blueberries and star anise. It possesses incredible energy with a wonderful fresh character through its full bodied texture. It displays outstanding overall quality and a pure territorial expression which is wrapped up in velvety tannins and an incandescent finish. Balanced and harmonious, this maybe the finest wine yet from Lazzeretti, even surpassing the excellent 2010.”

Simply put, Brunello di Montalicino would not be the wine that we know and love today without the Sassetti family. Livio Sassetti is one of the founding fathers of Brunello and the wines coming off of his “Pertimali” estate define the genre. This is a Grand Cru site in Montalcino and the wines are thrilling whenever you get a chance to taste them. We’ve worked hard to acquire some of both the ’14 and ’15 Brunello and have their standout bottles from both vintages in stock now.

These are wines that define what “traditional” means within the context of Brunello—robust personalities with delicate aromatics, long aging in botti and the capacity to age for a long time in a cool cellar. The 2014 is the vintage to drink early—the year yielded wines that have a bit less power but an approachable personality. The 2015, on the other hand, is a wine that’s surprisingly soft for how much depth there is, but is really something to hang onto for a while. We’d stock up on both.

Sassetti Livio Pertimali Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2015 750ML ($89.95) $69 special
Case-6 Sassetti Livio Pertimali Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2015 750ML ($549.95) $399 special (that’s only $56.50/bottle!)
Sassetti Livio Pertimali Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2015 1.5L ($189.95) $159 special
Case-3 Sassetti Livio Pertimali Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2015 1.5L ($599.95) $449 special (that’s only $149.67/magnum!)
James Suckling 98 points “There’s something ethereal in the nose with flowers, cherries, strawberries and shitake mushrooms. Full body. This grows on the palate with super tannin and fruit structure. So much berry flavor and round, caressing tannins that fill your mouth. Tight at the end. This needs four to five years to show its true greatness. Try after 2023.”

Sassetti Livio Pertimali Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2014 750ML ($89.95) $49 special
Case-6 Sassetti Livio Pertimali Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2014 750ML ($419.95) $279 special (that’s only $46.50/bottle!)
James Suckling 94 points “Some earthy and savory aromas dominate the dried red cherries initially, then dried wild herbs and quite intense notes of spicy dried red cherries emerge. The palate has a very taut, structured feel with handsomely proportioned tannins carrying gently leathery dried red cherries. Long finish. Drink or hold.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $59.99

Vinopolis Wine Shop Curbside Pick Up

Collector’s Corner New Arrival

Castello di Ama: Chianti First Growth

Castello di Ama has emerged as a true First Growth of Chianti. Modern and focused on quality in both the vineyard and in the cellar, Castello di Ama makes rich, textural wines that rival the most famous names in Tuscany. One notable signal of Castello di Ama’s commitment to quality has been their championing of the new Chianti Gran Selezione DOCG. A level above Riserva, the designation requires longer aging and is designed to let producers highlight their tip-top wines from Sangiovese. Castello di Ama’s La Casuccia is the one we’re highlighting today, along with their 2016 L’Apparita Merlot.

First, the 2016 La Casuccia is another stunner from Castello de Ama’s collection of Gran Selezione bottlings. Full-bodied, rich and surprisingly silky for this stage in its young life, this is really special stuff. If you haven’t yet been convinced of the merits of Chianti’s Gran Selezione designation, this bottle is sure to win you over.

As for the 2016 L’Apparita Merlot, it represents everything we love about modern Tuscan wine. Unapologetically international in style, it has critics raving. Antonio Galloni described it as “a breathtaking, riveting wine that captures all the potential of the vintage” and “wonderfully complete and magnificently beautiful” while rewarding it a perfect 100-point score.

Newly Arrived from Castello di Ama:

Castello di Ama Vigneto La Casuccia,Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2016 750ML ($219.95) $189 special, 18 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 97 points “The 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto La Casuccia is rich, sensual and inviting, as it so often is. The addition of Merlot to Sangiovese yields a Chianti Classico built on textural resonance, with silky tannins, soft curves and tons of sheer allure. The 2016 won’t be ready to drink anytime soon, but it is unquestionably a great wine in the making. Succulent dark cherry, red plum, menthol, licorice, cloves and new oak infuse the creamy, voluptuous finish.”
Kerin O’Keefe-Wine Enthusiast 97 points “Mature black-skinned berry, rose, tilled soil and a balsamic whiff of eucalyptus shape the nose. The bright, elegant palate has energy, tension and depth, delivering ripe wild cherry, red plum, licorice and crushed botanical herb. Taut, fine-grained tannins lend polished support while fresh acidity keeps it balanced. A gorgeous wine. Drink through 2031.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 96 points “From the small vineyard facing Castello di Ama from the north, the 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto la Casuccia shows a dark and hearty side with rich fruit that flows steadily from the bouquet. Like the other new releases from this iconic estate, this wine shows a pretty earthy note that is particularly well defined and fine-tuned in this vintage. The fruit is broad, thick and horizontal. This is a Sangiovese painted with broad brush strokes. It’ll stand another decade or two, or open it sooner with a pappardelle al cinghiale.”
Wine Spectator 95 points “This aromatic Chianti Classico features violet, black cherry, leather, earth and spice flavors. A laser of bracing acidity and muscular tannins runs underneath. The balance tips toward the tannins today, but put this in your cellar for another few years. Sleek and very long. Sangiovese and Merlot. Best from 2023 through 2042. 315 cases made, 40 cases imported.”
James Suckling 95 points “A dense and layered red with spice and berry character. Medium to full body. Blueberry, wet-earth and walnut undertones. Iodine. Shows structure and intensity. Drink in 2020 and onwards.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $197

Castello di Ama L’Apparita Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2016 750ML ($289.95) $249 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 100 points “The 2016 L’Apparita, 100% Merlot, is a breathtaking, riveting wine that captures all the potential of the vintage. In this vintage, L’Apparita is especially silky and refined. Layered, perfumed and wonderfully nuanced, L’Apparita is simply epic. Lavender, mint, sage, spice, new leather and cloves develop with time, but more than anything else, L’Apparita is wonderfully complete and magnificently beautiful.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 99 points “The 2016 L’Apparita is a standout wine. A true symbol of the vintage, the wine shows the classic lines and extreme precision we can expect from 2016, with the plump, ripe generosity of the Merlot grape (when farmed in the right hands of course). The wine is profound, rich and beautifully concentrated with power but no residual heaviness. I went back to this sample a few times in the 12 hours after I popped the cork, and the wine was more beautiful each time. It offers a profound sense of beauty, harmony and Merlot purity now, and it should evolve slowly and softly in the coming years.”
James Suckling 97 points “Extremely perfumed with violets and crushed raspberries, as well as wet earth and spice. Full body. Linear and chewy with racy tannins and fruit tension. Wild finish. Pure merlot. Needs time to open. Try after 2021.”

Love Tuscany?
We offer over 150 Tuscan wines in stock now, including picks from Castell’in Villa, Fontodi, and Isole e Olena. Shop the entire selection on our web store.

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.