In Today’s Newsletter:
New Champagne Arrival:
Aubry
Sequitur – Restock
Trending
New Review for Foradori
Clos de la Roilette New Releases:
“Fragrant and beautifully balanced” 2019s
Luce della Vite ‘Lucente’
&
Bonus Artuke Exclusive!
Collector’s Corner
Paolo’ Bea’s Iconic Wines
New Champagne Arrival:
Aubry
Aubry is an interesting estate, in that stylistically (and from a zeitgeist perspective) they’re very much thought of as a “classical” producer, but when you look at the wines they make, they appear very avant-garde. That’s largely due to a desire to work with what might be termed as “heirloom” varieties (Pinot Blanc, Arbanne, Petit Meslier) which goes back to time before that might have been seen as cool (and was instead thought of as crazy). The winemaking, though, is classic.
Their “other” wines are what they’ve become known for recently—field blends that incorporate the old grapes that aren’t planted anymore. The bubbles produced from these grapes are the opposite of their basic wines—you recognize them instantly as Champagne, but as though through a filter or mirror that subtly distorts what you expect to be there. The wines are delicious and approachable but you leave with the impression that the world of Champagne has a few more layers than you’d previously assumed were there.
“…Finesse and understatement are two of the signatures that run through these brilliant Champagnes. As always, a number of the wines incorporate some or all of Champagne’s nearly forgotten heritage varities. Aubry’s Sablé series wines are bottled with 4 atmospheres of pressure as opposed to the more typical 6, an approach that seems add further textural delicacy.” -Antonio Galloni, Vinous
“The essential point of Aubry is to limn the very fine line between a kind of country classicism and an absolute embrace of the avant-garde… When I first introduced the wines I was thrilled to highlight all the heirloom varieties, and the many ways Aubrys were true originals. I still am, and they still are. But what’s striking me more and more of late is the dignity these wines have been showing. My marketing side—as pathetic as that is—keeps wanting to be playful about the novelties of the wines, but my human side keeps pausing before them, noticing their basic and unfussy truths.” –Terry Theise
On Sale Now from Aubry:
Aubry ‘Ivoire et Ebene’ Premier Cru Brut, Champagne 2013 750ML ($59.95) Was $49, Now $45 special, 23 bottles in stock now
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 93 points “Offering up a lovely bouquet of blanched almonds, citrus oil, white flowers and subtle hints of peat, Aubry’s 2013 Brut Ivoire et Ebene is medium to full-bodied, taut and incisive, with racy acids, a vibrant core of fruit and a penetratingly saline finish. The wine’s delicate, low-pressure mousse sets off its racy profile to fine effect. This new release was disgorged in November 2018.”
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2013 Ivoire et Ebène is a blend of 50% Chardonnay, 25% Pinot Noir and 25% Meunier done in oak. Still very reticent, the 2013 needs time to soften. It is another wine in this range built on serious power and textural resonance, both of which make it a wine for the dinner table.”
Their “other” wines are what they’ve become known for recently—field blends that incorporate the old grapes that aren’t planted anymore. The bubbles produced from these grapes are the opposite of their basic wines—you recognize them instantly as Champagne, but as though through a filter or mirror that subtly distorts what you expect to be there. The wines are delicious and approachable but you leave with the impression that the world of Champagne has a few more layers than you’d previously assumed were there.
“…Finesse and understatement are two of the signatures that run through these brilliant Champagnes. As always, a number of the wines incorporate some or all of Champagne’s nearly forgotten heritage varities. Aubry’s Sablé series wines are bottled with 4 atmospheres of pressure as opposed to the more typical 6, an approach that seems add further textural delicacy.” -Antonio Galloni, Vinous
“The essential point of Aubry is to limn the very fine line between a kind of country classicism and an absolute embrace of the avant-garde… When I first introduced the wines I was thrilled to highlight all the heirloom varieties, and the many ways Aubrys were true originals. I still am, and they still are. But what’s striking me more and more of late is the dignity these wines have been showing. My marketing side—as pathetic as that is—keeps wanting to be playful about the novelties of the wines, but my human side keeps pausing before them, noticing their basic and unfussy truths.” –Terry Theise
On Sale Now from Aubry:
Aubry ‘Ivoire et Ebene’ Premier Cru Brut, Champagne 2013 750ML ($59.95) Was $49, Now $45 special, 23 bottles in stock now
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 93 points “Offering up a lovely bouquet of blanched almonds, citrus oil, white flowers and subtle hints of peat, Aubry’s 2013 Brut Ivoire et Ebene is medium to full-bodied, taut and incisive, with racy acids, a vibrant core of fruit and a penetratingly saline finish. The wine’s delicate, low-pressure mousse sets off its racy profile to fine effect. This new release was disgorged in November 2018.”
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2013 Ivoire et Ebène is a blend of 50% Chardonnay, 25% Pinot Noir and 25% Meunier done in oak. Still very reticent, the 2013 needs time to soften. It is another wine in this range built on serious power and textural resonance, both of which make it a wine for the dinner table.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $52
Champagne Aubry ‘Sable’ Premier Cru Brut Rose, Champagne 2014 750ML ($119.95) Was $89, Now $79 special, 15 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2014 Rosé Sablé Nicolas Francois Aubry is a real pleasure to taste. It is also much more giving than the 2013 at this stage. Crushed flowers, cranberry and chalk all flesh out in a Rosé that offers terrific depth as well as energy. It is another classy, polished Champagne from the Aubry brothers.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 93 points “Disgorged in October 2018, Aubry’s 2014 Brut Nature Rosé Sablé Premier Cru is showing very well, wafting from the glass with a complex bouquet of oatmeal, fresh peach, woodsmoke, orange oil and dried linden blossom. On the palate, it’s medium to full-bodied, vinous and crisply textural, with racy acids, a delicate low-pressure mousse and a long, penetrating finish. While I found the 2013 rendition—reviewed last year—a little austere, the more generous 2014 vintage is more naturally giving and inviting in the wine’s chiseled, bone-dry register. A saignée of Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier gives the wine its color and amounts to some 30% of the unusual blend, complemented by fully 20% Arbanne and 25% Petit Meslier, the balance coming from Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $85.93
Champagne Aubry Le Nombre d’Or Campanae Veteres Vites Brut, Champagne 2014 750ML ($89.95) Was $69, Now $59 special, 35 bottles in stock now
Importer note “Cépages: 25% Chardonnay, 25% Arbanne, 25% Petit Meslier, 25% Pinot Blanc. Vineyard/Village: Jouy-lès-Reims 1er Cru. Malo: yes. Elevage: Stainless steel. En Tirage Aging: 48 months.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $77
Champagne Aubry Le Nombre d’Or Sable Blanc de Blancs Brut, Champagne 2013 750ML ($99.95) Was $79, Now $69 special, 14 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 95 points “The 2013 Blanc des Blancs Sablé Le Nombre d’Or Sable is a Champagne of extraordinary precision and class. Bright, lifted and wonderfully nuanced, the 2013 toes the line between Champagne and wine because of the low pressure Aubry uses in bottling this cuvée. In a word: dazzling.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 94 points “Disgorged in April 2019, Aubry’s 2013 Brut Nature Sablé Blanc de Blancs Le Nombre d’Or Campaniae Veteres Vites is showing well, opening in the glass with scents of grapefruit oil, white flowers, crisp green apple and rock salt. On the palate, it’s full-bodied, vinous and elegantly textural, with terrific tension at the minimalist but multidimensional core, ripe but racy acids and a mineral finish. As usual, this represents an unusual field blend of 25% Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc, 25% Petit Meslier, 20% Arbanne, 20% Pinot Noir and 10% Chardonnay.”
Arriving in November from Aubry
Aubry Premier Cru Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($44.95) $39 pre-arrival special
Aubry Premier Cru Brut, Champagne NV 1.5L ($119.95) $89 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 91 points “A creamy viscosity complements the texture of this harmonious version. An accessible crowd-pleaser, with lightly juicy acidity and delicate flavors of chopped almond, baked pear, saline and citrus. Disgorged January 2019. Drink now through 2022.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today for the magnum!
Aubry Cuvee ‘Aubry de Humbert’ Premier Cru Millesime Classique, Champagne 2014 750ML ($69.95) $59 pre-arrival special
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Aubry Premier Cru Brut Rose, Champagne NV 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Please note: disgorgement dates may vary from reviews.
Explore all of our Champagne selections,
including picks from Pierre Peters, Bereche et Fils, Krug & more
on our web store!
Sequitur – Restock
Mike Etzel, the founder and winemaker of Sequitur, is a living legend in the Willamette Valley. He co-founded Beaux Freres in the late 80’s and was the winemaker there until recently passing the duties to his son. Never one to rest on his laurels or stay still, though, he began planting a vineyard adjacent to Beaux Freres in 2010—a project that became what we know as Sequitur.
The winemaking style is exactly what you’d expect—these are wines that are made by the same hand that delivered so many high scores to Beaux Freres (though his son, Mikey, is the day-to-day winemaker). Big, powerful and bold, these nevertheless have energy and grace that we think comes from the extra-attentive farming and unique clonal selection in the vineyard. In short order, they’ve established themselves as one of the very best producers in the Willamette Valley and deserve your attention as such.
“Willamette Valley stalwart Mike Etzel, who established Beaux Frères as one of the New World’s top sources for serious Pinot Noir, purchased this site in Ribbon Ridge and adjacent to Beaux Frères’ Upper Terrace vineyard with his wife, Carey Critchlow, in 2010. They planted 12 acres to 17 different clones of Pinot Noir in 2012 and 2013 so the vines are still young, even if their intensely perfumed and deeply flavored wines belie that fact. Early results here are stunning, which should come as no surprise given Etzel’s success at Beaux Frères. Sequitur should already be counted as among Oregon’s top sources for Pinot Noir.” – Josh Raynolds, Vinous
In Stock Now from Sequitur:
Sequitur Chardonnay, Ribbon Ridge 2018 750ML ($89.95) $69 special, 25 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 95 points “Glistening straw-yellow. Vibrant, mineral-accented aromas of white peach, Anjou pear, melon and Meyer lemon carry a bright floral overtone. Juicy and densely packed, displaying a suave blend of richness and vivacity to the mineral-drenched citrus and orchard fruit and floral flavors. Picks up smoky lees, honey and iodine notes with air and shows outstanding clarity on a strikingly long, penetrating finish that echoes the mineral and citrus fruit notes.”
Winery Note “The 2018 growing season was warm and dry, resulting in yet another remarkable vintage on Ribbon Ridge. Towards the end of the summer, just before harvest, Jack was born. With the arrival of our first grandchild, we felt for the first time the presence of a new generation on the farm, reminding us of the cycle of renewal and growth. This vintage has the bright freshness of new breath—we hope you enjoy it! “
The winemaking style is exactly what you’d expect—these are wines that are made by the same hand that delivered so many high scores to Beaux Freres (though his son, Mikey, is the day-to-day winemaker). Big, powerful and bold, these nevertheless have energy and grace that we think comes from the extra-attentive farming and unique clonal selection in the vineyard. In short order, they’ve established themselves as one of the very best producers in the Willamette Valley and deserve your attention as such.
“Willamette Valley stalwart Mike Etzel, who established Beaux Frères as one of the New World’s top sources for serious Pinot Noir, purchased this site in Ribbon Ridge and adjacent to Beaux Frères’ Upper Terrace vineyard with his wife, Carey Critchlow, in 2010. They planted 12 acres to 17 different clones of Pinot Noir in 2012 and 2013 so the vines are still young, even if their intensely perfumed and deeply flavored wines belie that fact. Early results here are stunning, which should come as no surprise given Etzel’s success at Beaux Frères. Sequitur should already be counted as among Oregon’s top sources for Pinot Noir.” – Josh Raynolds, Vinous
In Stock Now from Sequitur:
Sequitur Chardonnay, Ribbon Ridge 2018 750ML ($89.95) $69 special, 25 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 95 points “Glistening straw-yellow. Vibrant, mineral-accented aromas of white peach, Anjou pear, melon and Meyer lemon carry a bright floral overtone. Juicy and densely packed, displaying a suave blend of richness and vivacity to the mineral-drenched citrus and orchard fruit and floral flavors. Picks up smoky lees, honey and iodine notes with air and shows outstanding clarity on a strikingly long, penetrating finish that echoes the mineral and citrus fruit notes.”
Winery Note “The 2018 growing season was warm and dry, resulting in yet another remarkable vintage on Ribbon Ridge. Towards the end of the summer, just before harvest, Jack was born. With the arrival of our first grandchild, we felt for the first time the presence of a new generation on the farm, reminding us of the cycle of renewal and growth. This vintage has the bright freshness of new breath—we hope you enjoy it! “
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $72
Sequitur Chardonnay, Ribbon Ridge 2017 750ML ($89.95) $69 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 95 points “Translucent yellow. A highly complex, oak-spice-laced bouquet evokes fresh citrus and orchard fruits, iodine, toasted brioche and white flowers, and a tarragon nuance emerges with air. Shows superb depth and fine delineation, offering vibrant orange, pear, honeysuckle, sweet butter and anise flavors that tighten up slowly on the back half. Powerful yet graceful in character, displaying superb focus and thrust on an impressively long finish that features lingering floral, spice and mineral flourishes.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Sequitur Chardonnay, Ribbon Ridge 2016 750ML ($89.95) $69 special, 21 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 94 points “Pale yellow-gold. Fresh and incisive on the nose, displaying intense citrus and orchard fruit scents complemented by suggestions of toasty lees, iodine and sweet butter. Sappy, penetrating and seamless in texture, offering concentrated pear nectar, peach, tangerine and honeysuckle flavors that deepen slowly on the back half while maintaining energy. Finishes with repeating pear and floral notes, with a late jolt of dusty minerality pulling things together.”
Wine Advocate 93+ points “The 2016 Sequitur Chardonnay has a gregarious nose of spiced, baked yellow apples and warm pineapple with notes of toast, honey, hazelnut and hay. Medium to full-bodied, it fills the mouth with warm orchard and tropical fruits accented by nuances of baking spice, nuts and honey, with a touch of creaminess to the texture, juicy acidity and a long, mineral-laced finish. 85 cases produced.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Sequitur Chardonnay, Ribbon Ridge 2015 750ML ($89.95) $69 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 94+ points “The 2015 Sequitur Chardonnay delivers toasted almonds, baker’s yeast, fresh ginger and coriander seed on the nose with a core of grapefruit, white peaches and spiced apples. Light to medium-bodied, it gives a great intensity of savory flavor layers intermingled with stone fruit and citrus notions, finishing long with great freshness and mineral notes.”
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 94 points “Light, brilliant yellow. Powerful, spice-accented orchard and pit fruit aromas pick up lemon pith, honey and floral nuances with air. Fleshy and broad on entry, offering white peach and pear nectar flavors that steadily firm up on the back half. Blends power and finesse with a smooth hand and finishes very long and precise, with resonating mineral and floral notes.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Sequitur Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2014 750ML ($119.95) $79 special, 22 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 94 points “Limpid ruby-red. Smoky, mineral-accented aromas of black raspberry, cherry cola and incense carry a strong spicecake overtone. Stains the palate with sappy red berry liqueur, spicecake and floral pastille flavors that are lifted and given definition and tension by juicy acidity. At once rich and nervy, with no excess fat but showing excellent depth and intensity of flavor. Finishes with sexy notes of candied violet and smoky Indian spices and superb, gently tannic persistence. This wine’s Beaux Freres bloodline is very clear to see.”
Wine Spectator 94 points “Broad and spicy, open-textured and generous, with ripe plum and currant flavors, shaded by pepper, sage and coffee notes as the finish sails past fine-grained tannins. Completely harmonious and made to age. Drink now through 2024.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $89
Sequitur Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2015 750ML ($119.95) $79 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 95 points “Deep brilliant red. A strikingly complex bouquet evokes ripe, mineral-accented red berries, cherry cola, vanilla, five-spice powder and sandalwood. Alluringly sweet, seamless and expansive on the palate, offering concentrated black raspberry, cherry liqueur, spicecake and lavender pastille flavors that are given spine and lift by a core of juicy acidity. Delivers a compelling blend of power and delicacy and finishes extremely long and smooth; rounded tannins frame the lingering red fruit preserve notes.”
Wine Advocate 94 points “Pale to medium ruby purple in color, the 2015 Sequitur Pinot Noir has a very provocative nose of Bing cherries and cranberries over a core of red roses, game, yeast extract and underbrush. Medium-bodied, with wonderful energy and freshness, it has a lively backbone and long finish paved with very fine, ripe tannins.”
Winery note “Sequitur 2015 Pinot Noir “Two fold,” a collaboration between our Mother, the earth, those of us who “play” in the vineyard and winery, and you, the wine lover.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $99.95
Sequitur Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2016 750ML ($119.95) $79 special, 31 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 96 points “Glimmering red. A hugely aromatic bouquet evokes fresh red fruits, Asian spices and potpourri, along with a bright mineral overtone and a touch of smokiness. Juicy, seamless and precise on the palate, offering potent, mineral-laced raspberry preserve, rose pastille and spicecake flavors that deepen and spread out steadily on the back half. Delivers a compelling blend of power and finesse and finishes with silky tannins, outstanding clarity and floral- and mineral-driven persistence.”
Wine Advocate 94+ points “Pale to medium ruby-purple in color, the 2016 Sequitur Pinot Noir has a lovely, open nose of black and red cherries and blackberries with notions of wood smoke, turned earth, autumn leaves, cardamom and potpourri. Medium-bodied, it floods the mouth with ripe black and red fruits with wonderful earthy/spicy accents, very fine, grainy tannins and mouthwatering acidity, finishing long with spice and floral layers. 480 cases produced.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $89.99
Sequitur Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2017 750ML ($119.95) $79 special, 16 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94-95 points “Lurid red. Spice-tinged blackberry and cherry aromas are complicated by suggestions of cola, incense and smoky minerals. Sweet and expansive on the palate, offering concentrated dark berry and spicecake flavors and suggestions of rose pastille and mocha that build with air. Concentrated but also vibrant and precise in style, delivering superb finishing cut, well-knit tannins and impressive, fruit-driven persistence. (30% new French oak).”
Nick Stock 96 points “Beautifully deep, blueberries and plums on offer with notes of fresh violets and moist, fresh-tilled earth. This is full of life and very pure. The palate has focused and fresh tannins that sit in very vibrant style with a deep push of concentrated blue fruit, holding the finish in superb style. So fresh and long, this will age well. Drink across the next decade or more.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Sequitur Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2018 750ML ($99.95) $79 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
James Suckling 97 points “A very succulent, concentrated pinot with a strong (40%) whole-cluster influence, delivering sappy, fresh and aromatic lift to the blueberry and ripe-cherry aromas. The palate has such succulent and assertive tannin drive, yet the textural interface remains silky and fluid. It has depth and volume and a very commanding finish. Give this some time. Try from 2024.”
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 95 points “Bright ruby-red. A highly perfumed bouquet evokes ripe red and blue fruits, cherry pie, potpourri and exotic spices, all sharpened by a smoky mineral overtone. Deeply concentrated and energetic in the mouth, offering sappy, mineral- and spice-drenched black raspberry, cherry cola and rose pastille flavors that spread out steadily on the back half. Shows fine definition and finishes extremely long and sappy, with polished tannins and lingering floral and blue fruit liqueur notes. 25% new oak.”
Winery Note “The 2018 growing season was warm and dry, resulting in yet another remarkable vintage on Ribbon Ridge. Towards the end of the summer, just before harvest, Jack was born. With the arrival of our first grandchild, we felt for the first time the presence of a new generation on the farm, reminding us of the cycle of renewal and growth. This vintage has the bright freshness of new breath—we hope you enjoy it! “
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $89
Love Oregon Pinots?
Shop our 123 selections on our web store!
Shop our 123 selections on our web store!
Trending
“Owner/winemaker Todd Hamina has an admirable track record for producing ageworthy Pinot Noir and his 2016s are no exception.” –Josh Raynolds
Biggio Hamina Claygate Vineyard Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2016 750ML ($39.95) $28 special
Case-6 Biggio Hamina Claygate Vineyard Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2016 750ML ($199.95) $159 special (that’s only $26.50/bottle!)
Case-12 Biggio Hamina Claygate Vineyard Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2016 750ML ($399.95) $299 special (that’s only $24.92/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94 points “Bright red. An exotically perfumed bouquet displays intense red fruit, potpourri and incense qualities. Spice and savory herb nuances build as the wine opens up. Bright and energetic in the mouth, offering densely packed and appealingly sweet raspberry liqueur, cherry and spicecake flavors that pick up a smoky mineral note on the back half. Plays power off of finesse deftly and finishes extremely long and floral, with sneaky, fine-grained tannins and a touch of exotic spices.”
Biggio Hamina Claygate Vineyard Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2016 750ML ($39.95) $28 special
Case-6 Biggio Hamina Claygate Vineyard Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2016 750ML ($199.95) $159 special (that’s only $26.50/bottle!)
Case-12 Biggio Hamina Claygate Vineyard Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2016 750ML ($399.95) $299 special (that’s only $24.92/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94 points “Bright red. An exotically perfumed bouquet displays intense red fruit, potpourri and incense qualities. Spice and savory herb nuances build as the wine opens up. Bright and energetic in the mouth, offering densely packed and appealingly sweet raspberry liqueur, cherry and spicecake flavors that pick up a smoky mineral note on the back half. Plays power off of finesse deftly and finishes extremely long and floral, with sneaky, fine-grained tannins and a touch of exotic spices.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $34.50
Azienda Dei, another third generation producer, makes reference point Vino Nobile. Today the estate is managed by Caterina Dei, one of the region’s rising stars, who recently moved all of the Dei’s production into a new state of the art facility. Both the 2018 Rosso and 2016 Vino Nobile are outstanding wines on their own merit, both for the prices that we’re able to offer, they’re can’t miss bottles.
Maria Caterina Dei Rosso di Montepulciano, Tuscany 2018 750ML ($19.95) $17 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Maria Caterina Dei Rosso di Montepulciano, Tuscany 2018 750ML ($219.95) $179 special (that’s only $14.92/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 90 points “Balanced, featuring bright cherry and raspberry fruit flavors, with light flourishes of earth and iron, all supported by well-integrated tannins. Sangiovese, Canaiolo and Merlot. Drink now. 8,300 cases made, 3,000 cases imported.”
Wine Enthusiast 90 points “Aromas of red berry, dark culinary spice and earthy whiffs of humid soil lift out of the glass. It’s bright, smooth and savory, doling out ripe Morello cherry, crushed raspberry and clove alongside polished tannins. Tangy acidity keeps it vibrant and balanced. Drink through 2023.”
Maria Caterina Cantina Dei Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG, Tuscany 2016 750ML ($34.95) $28 special, 19 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 95 points “Fragrant blue flower, crushed aromatic herb and wild berry aromas form the nose on this smooth, full-bodied red. A blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo Nero, it’s savory and loaded with finesse, delivering juicy black cherry, ripe blackberry, truffle and cocoa before a star anise finish. Supple tannins and bright acidity provide seamless support and balance. Drink 2021–2031.”
Drappier might sound like a Grande Marque, but they’re really a grower producer at heart. They own 53 hectares of vines in the Aube (where they were the first to plant Pinot Noir) and make forward thinking wines at a very friendly price-point. A carbon-neutral house, they place as much care in the cellar as they do in the vineyards—and the wines show it. Forbes placed the estate’s Carte d’Or, as the #3 “Best Champagne You’ve Never Heard Of” for good reason. Drappier makes big, flamboyantly rich Champagne that is always a crowd pleaser—at prices that mean you can actually pour it for crowds. It’s hard to find better bubbly under $36/btl, so if you’re a Champagne drinker you should stock up now.
Drappier Carte d’Or Brut Champagne NV 750ML ($49.95) $36 special, 24+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Drappier Carte d’Or Brut Champagne NV 750ML ($299.95) $199 special (that’s only $33.17/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 92 points “[Reviewed Nov 2017] This bright and zesty Champagne is lightly juicy and appealing, offering flavors of Honeycrisp apple, ripe white cherry, biscuit and pickled ginger. Balanced and lacy in texture, with a lingering, spiced finish. Drink now through 2022. 2,200 cases imported.”
Decanter 91 points “[Reviewed Oct 2019] Described by Drappier as ‘almost a blanc de noirs’, this Pinot Noir-dominant wine sourced from the Côte des Bar is the house’s calling card. 5% of the cuvée is matured in barrels for a year for added complexity and texture, and it’s bottled unfiltered with a fairly low dosage of 7g/l. There are some melon and apple scents on the nose along with a splash of red fruits, while the palate is intense, with notes of apple, quince and grape wrapped in a red-fruit veil. It’s full-bodied and long, with a lovely texture from the red wine tannins and oak-matured portion.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 90 points “[Reviewed Apr 2020] Disgorged in June 2019, the latest rendition of Drappier’s NV Brut Carte d’Or is showing well, bursting with pretty aromas of peach, honeyed orchard fruit and white flowers. On the palate, it’s medium to full-bodied, chalky and incisive, with fine depth and tension and a penetrating finish.”
[Disgorgement may vary from reviews]
Trending Pre-Arrival
Cavallotto is a top tier, old school producer of Barolo. They make wines that are impressively age-worthy, rivalling some of the region’s most expensive wines. These are incredibly expressive wines and are very true to their vineyard terroirs. Antonio Galloni describes them as “made in a style that offers the fruit density of contemporary Barolos with the structural underpinnings that are found in more traditionally made wines.”
Pre-Arrival ETA November 20th:
Cavallotto Bricco Boschis, Barolo DOCG 2016 750ML ($89.95) $75 pre-arrival special
Kerin O’Keefe-Wine Enthusiast 99 points “Aromas of woodland berry, underbrush, hazelnut and camphor form the nose along with a whiff of rose petal on this captivating, delicious wine. The full-bodied structured palate is still young and primary but already shows raspberry compote, ripe Marasca cherry, star anise, tobacco and the barest hint of game. Tightly knit noble tannins and fresh acidity provide the firm frame and impart serious aging potential. Hold for even more complexity. Drink 2026–2056.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 98 points “All of these wines from Cavallotto deliver a very floral and perfumed subtext that gives lift and delicate buoyancy to the overall bouquet. This is the Castiglione Falletto magic that shows so well in this classic vintage. The 2016 Barolo Bricco Boschis offers dried cherry, sandalwood, bramble and forest floor. The wine reveals a slightly wild and untamed character that adds to its interest and personality. Overall, this is an elegant wine with a streamlined and elegant finish. The aromas are focused and bright. I can’t wait to taste the Riserva expression from this site when it is released in three years’ time.”
We offer 84 wines from Barolo in stock now,
Shop our selections on our web store!
Maria Caterina Dei Rosso di Montepulciano, Tuscany 2018 750ML ($19.95) $17 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Maria Caterina Dei Rosso di Montepulciano, Tuscany 2018 750ML ($219.95) $179 special (that’s only $14.92/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 90 points “Balanced, featuring bright cherry and raspberry fruit flavors, with light flourishes of earth and iron, all supported by well-integrated tannins. Sangiovese, Canaiolo and Merlot. Drink now. 8,300 cases made, 3,000 cases imported.”
Wine Enthusiast 90 points “Aromas of red berry, dark culinary spice and earthy whiffs of humid soil lift out of the glass. It’s bright, smooth and savory, doling out ripe Morello cherry, crushed raspberry and clove alongside polished tannins. Tangy acidity keeps it vibrant and balanced. Drink through 2023.”
Maria Caterina Cantina Dei Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG, Tuscany 2016 750ML ($34.95) $28 special, 19 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 95 points “Fragrant blue flower, crushed aromatic herb and wild berry aromas form the nose on this smooth, full-bodied red. A blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo Nero, it’s savory and loaded with finesse, delivering juicy black cherry, ripe blackberry, truffle and cocoa before a star anise finish. Supple tannins and bright acidity provide seamless support and balance. Drink 2021–2031.”
Drappier might sound like a Grande Marque, but they’re really a grower producer at heart. They own 53 hectares of vines in the Aube (where they were the first to plant Pinot Noir) and make forward thinking wines at a very friendly price-point. A carbon-neutral house, they place as much care in the cellar as they do in the vineyards—and the wines show it. Forbes placed the estate’s Carte d’Or, as the #3 “Best Champagne You’ve Never Heard Of” for good reason. Drappier makes big, flamboyantly rich Champagne that is always a crowd pleaser—at prices that mean you can actually pour it for crowds. It’s hard to find better bubbly under $36/btl, so if you’re a Champagne drinker you should stock up now.
Drappier Carte d’Or Brut Champagne NV 750ML ($49.95) $36 special, 24+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Drappier Carte d’Or Brut Champagne NV 750ML ($299.95) $199 special (that’s only $33.17/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 92 points “[Reviewed Nov 2017] This bright and zesty Champagne is lightly juicy and appealing, offering flavors of Honeycrisp apple, ripe white cherry, biscuit and pickled ginger. Balanced and lacy in texture, with a lingering, spiced finish. Drink now through 2022. 2,200 cases imported.”
Decanter 91 points “[Reviewed Oct 2019] Described by Drappier as ‘almost a blanc de noirs’, this Pinot Noir-dominant wine sourced from the Côte des Bar is the house’s calling card. 5% of the cuvée is matured in barrels for a year for added complexity and texture, and it’s bottled unfiltered with a fairly low dosage of 7g/l. There are some melon and apple scents on the nose along with a splash of red fruits, while the palate is intense, with notes of apple, quince and grape wrapped in a red-fruit veil. It’s full-bodied and long, with a lovely texture from the red wine tannins and oak-matured portion.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 90 points “[Reviewed Apr 2020] Disgorged in June 2019, the latest rendition of Drappier’s NV Brut Carte d’Or is showing well, bursting with pretty aromas of peach, honeyed orchard fruit and white flowers. On the palate, it’s medium to full-bodied, chalky and incisive, with fine depth and tension and a penetrating finish.”
[Disgorgement may vary from reviews]
Trending Pre-Arrival
Cavallotto is a top tier, old school producer of Barolo. They make wines that are impressively age-worthy, rivalling some of the region’s most expensive wines. These are incredibly expressive wines and are very true to their vineyard terroirs. Antonio Galloni describes them as “made in a style that offers the fruit density of contemporary Barolos with the structural underpinnings that are found in more traditionally made wines.”
Pre-Arrival ETA November 20th:
Cavallotto Bricco Boschis, Barolo DOCG 2016 750ML ($89.95) $75 pre-arrival special
Kerin O’Keefe-Wine Enthusiast 99 points “Aromas of woodland berry, underbrush, hazelnut and camphor form the nose along with a whiff of rose petal on this captivating, delicious wine. The full-bodied structured palate is still young and primary but already shows raspberry compote, ripe Marasca cherry, star anise, tobacco and the barest hint of game. Tightly knit noble tannins and fresh acidity provide the firm frame and impart serious aging potential. Hold for even more complexity. Drink 2026–2056.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 98 points “All of these wines from Cavallotto deliver a very floral and perfumed subtext that gives lift and delicate buoyancy to the overall bouquet. This is the Castiglione Falletto magic that shows so well in this classic vintage. The 2016 Barolo Bricco Boschis offers dried cherry, sandalwood, bramble and forest floor. The wine reveals a slightly wild and untamed character that adds to its interest and personality. Overall, this is an elegant wine with a streamlined and elegant finish. The aromas are focused and bright. I can’t wait to taste the Riserva expression from this site when it is released in three years’ time.”
We offer 84 wines from Barolo in stock now,
Shop our selections on our web store!
New Review for Foradori!
The Elisabetta Foradori’s wines occupy a singular place in the world of wine. She’s a natural wine icon whose wines don’t taste Natural—just classic and pure. Likewise, her adventurous and questioning spirit has lead her down a number of different (now trendy) roads long before anyone else in her region, including the use of amphora and long skin contact on white (and grey) grapes. None of her wines taste “experimental” though—there’s an effortless grace that suffuses everything coming out of her cellar.
“It was really a breath of fresh air tasting through the new releases. These are wines that communicate such purity and prestige from top to bottom. It’s easy to forget the amazing value to be found in their Teroldego” –Eric Guido, Vinous Media
Foradori Teroldego Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT, Trentino-Alto Adige 2018 750ML ($29.95) $27 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 91 points “The Foradori Teroldego always makes for a wonderful introduction to the brand. In fact, it was a vertical tasting of the Teroldego, a wine created in a fresh style from younger vines, yet still noble and age-worthy, that first won my heart – not the top-shelf Granato. The 2018 is no different. Here I’m finding a display of wild berry, fresh peppery herbs, violets, and crushed stone. It’s silky in texture, complemented by cool-toned red fruits and minerals, with just a hint of round tannin that provides grip. Inner florals resonate, while residual acids pinch at the taste buds. This is perfectly balanced, wonderfully pleasing today yet able to mature over the medium term in a cold cellar.”
“It was really a breath of fresh air tasting through the new releases. These are wines that communicate such purity and prestige from top to bottom. It’s easy to forget the amazing value to be found in their Teroldego” –Eric Guido, Vinous Media
Foradori Teroldego Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT, Trentino-Alto Adige 2018 750ML ($29.95) $27 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 91 points “The Foradori Teroldego always makes for a wonderful introduction to the brand. In fact, it was a vertical tasting of the Teroldego, a wine created in a fresh style from younger vines, yet still noble and age-worthy, that first won my heart – not the top-shelf Granato. The 2018 is no different. Here I’m finding a display of wild berry, fresh peppery herbs, violets, and crushed stone. It’s silky in texture, complemented by cool-toned red fruits and minerals, with just a hint of round tannin that provides grip. Inner florals resonate, while residual acids pinch at the taste buds. This is perfectly balanced, wonderfully pleasing today yet able to mature over the medium term in a cold cellar.”
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
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
Arriving Friday
Clos de la Roilette New Releases:
“Fragrant and beautifully balanced” 2019s
The Clos de la Roilette is a remarkable place to grow Gamay—technically in Fleurie, but on the border with Moulin-a-Vent. The trees that demark the far end of the estate are basically the boundary and, as Mr. Coudert is quick to tell you, for years and years the Roilette wines didn’t carry an appellation (as they were associated with Moulin-a-Vent before the creation of the Fleurie AOC, which irked the original owner). The wines seem to be a cross between the two, as you might expect, with depth and power, but the floral lightness of Fleurie riding across and giving the wines a vibrancy that makes them aggressively delicious.
The winery makes a set of outstanding wines, starting with the “basic” Fleurie, which isn’t basic at all. It’s a perfect embodiment of the estate, and if you plan on drinking your Beaujolais younger than 5 years old, is the one you should be buying out of the lineup.
The somewhat confusingly named “Cuvee Tardive” is from older vines and is meant to be aged longer—this is a wine I buy for people to celebrate their weddings, or kids, or any year that’s important to them. It’s not going to go 30 years like a classic Burgundy, but for drinking from 5-20 years from vintage, it’s stellar, resembling Pinot more and more as it ages. The ’18 is significantly more approachable young than any since the ’11, but given how that wine is aging, should go as long as you’d like in the cellar.
Finally, we have the “Griffe du Marquis,” a wine honoring Alain’s father. The Griffe is the most powerful wine out of the lineup, structured like the Tardive but with more fruit richness. This is a relatively new bottling and it should age well; it’s explosive out of the gate. It’s the Roilette equivalent of the Lapierre “Cuvee Marcel” or Foillard’s “3.14.”
“As I’ve written before, the Coudert family acquired Fleurie’s famous Clos de la Roilette—which neighbors Moulin-à-Vent formerly traded under that name—in 1967, and Alain has been at the helm since 1991. The soils here are rich in clay and manganese, and that, combined with a classical approach to maceration, results in muscular, structured wines that age very well. Vinified largely with whole clusters and the traditional submerged cap, these are typically deeply colored wines with plenty of fruit and tannin. The 2019 vintage has turned out especially well, and it’s the most overtly Fleurie-styled vintage—in the sense that this appellation is identified with perfume and finesse—that Coudert has produced in a decade. If the gourmand generosity and wealth of fruit of 2018 will win the domaine new friends, then the fragrant and beautifully balanced 2019 will exercise special appeal over Beaujolais purists.” –William Kelley, Wine Advocate
Arriving November 6th
Clos de la Roilette Fleurie, Beaujolais 2019 750ML ($34.95) $24 pre-arrival special
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 94 points “Bottled only a week before I tasted it, Alain Coudert’s 2019 Fleurie from the Clos de la Roilette is showing beautifully, wafting from the glass with aromas of rose petals, red cherries, raspberries, spices and orange rind. Medium to full-bodied, deep and velvety, it’s elegant and fine-boned, with lively acids, refined structuring tannins and a long, perfumed finish. Readers who gravitate toward classical styles of Beaujolais will prefer the 2019 to the richer, more gourmand 2018, but both are lovely vintages for this reference-point address.”
Clos de la Roilette Fleurie Cuvee Tardive, Beaujolais 2019 750ML ($39.95) $29 pre-arrival special
Clos de la Roilette Fleurie Cuvee Tardive, Beaujolais 2019 1.5L ($69.95) $59 pre-arrival special, only 6 magnums available
The winery makes a set of outstanding wines, starting with the “basic” Fleurie, which isn’t basic at all. It’s a perfect embodiment of the estate, and if you plan on drinking your Beaujolais younger than 5 years old, is the one you should be buying out of the lineup.
The somewhat confusingly named “Cuvee Tardive” is from older vines and is meant to be aged longer—this is a wine I buy for people to celebrate their weddings, or kids, or any year that’s important to them. It’s not going to go 30 years like a classic Burgundy, but for drinking from 5-20 years from vintage, it’s stellar, resembling Pinot more and more as it ages. The ’18 is significantly more approachable young than any since the ’11, but given how that wine is aging, should go as long as you’d like in the cellar.
Finally, we have the “Griffe du Marquis,” a wine honoring Alain’s father. The Griffe is the most powerful wine out of the lineup, structured like the Tardive but with more fruit richness. This is a relatively new bottling and it should age well; it’s explosive out of the gate. It’s the Roilette equivalent of the Lapierre “Cuvee Marcel” or Foillard’s “3.14.”
“As I’ve written before, the Coudert family acquired Fleurie’s famous Clos de la Roilette—which neighbors Moulin-à-Vent formerly traded under that name—in 1967, and Alain has been at the helm since 1991. The soils here are rich in clay and manganese, and that, combined with a classical approach to maceration, results in muscular, structured wines that age very well. Vinified largely with whole clusters and the traditional submerged cap, these are typically deeply colored wines with plenty of fruit and tannin. The 2019 vintage has turned out especially well, and it’s the most overtly Fleurie-styled vintage—in the sense that this appellation is identified with perfume and finesse—that Coudert has produced in a decade. If the gourmand generosity and wealth of fruit of 2018 will win the domaine new friends, then the fragrant and beautifully balanced 2019 will exercise special appeal over Beaujolais purists.” –William Kelley, Wine Advocate
Arriving November 6th
Clos de la Roilette Fleurie, Beaujolais 2019 750ML ($34.95) $24 pre-arrival special
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 94 points “Bottled only a week before I tasted it, Alain Coudert’s 2019 Fleurie from the Clos de la Roilette is showing beautifully, wafting from the glass with aromas of rose petals, red cherries, raspberries, spices and orange rind. Medium to full-bodied, deep and velvety, it’s elegant and fine-boned, with lively acids, refined structuring tannins and a long, perfumed finish. Readers who gravitate toward classical styles of Beaujolais will prefer the 2019 to the richer, more gourmand 2018, but both are lovely vintages for this reference-point address.”
Clos de la Roilette Fleurie Cuvee Tardive, Beaujolais 2019 750ML ($39.95) $29 pre-arrival special
Clos de la Roilette Fleurie Cuvee Tardive, Beaujolais 2019 1.5L ($69.95) $59 pre-arrival special, only 6 magnums available
These are the lowest listed prices on the West Coast!
Clos de la Roilette Fleurie Griffe du Marquis, Beaujolais 2018 750ML ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special, only 18 bottles available
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Luce della Vite’s ‘Lucente’
Arriving Friday
The second wine of Luce, the ‘Lucente’ is a delicious and approachable. We’re offering the 2016 vintage, a complete knockout year in Tuscany, and even more delicious at the lowest price in the USA…
Luce della Vite ‘Lucente’ Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2016 750ML ($29.95) $24 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Luce della Vite ‘Lucente’ Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2016 750ML ($359.95) $249 pre-arrival special (that’s only $20.75/bottle!)
James Suckling 92 points “Ripeness and intensity here with dark berries, dark chocolate, walnuts and sage on the nose, following through to a full body, round and chewy tannins and a ripe-fruit finish. Better in 2020.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 91 points “The 2016 Lucente is a blend of Sangiovese and Merlot and represents the estate’s second wine. This is an attractive and accessible mid-weight wine to pair with grilled meats or aged cheese. The primary fruit is bright and vibrant with layers of fresh cherry, plum and blackberry. Those fruit tones are tied together by lighter tones of spice and leather.”
Wine Spectator 90 points “Light-bodied and elegant yet intense, displaying cherry, black currant, violet, graphite and spice aromas and flavors. Firm and fresh on the long finish. Drink now through 2028. 7,500 cases imported.”
Wine Enthusiast 90 points “This blend of Merlot and Sangiovese opens with aromas of dark-skinned berry, violet, mocha and Mediterranean brush. The savory palate offers juicy Marasca cherry, star anise and a hint of espresso alongside velvety polished tannins.”
Luce della Vite ‘Lucente’ Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2016 750ML ($29.95) $24 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Luce della Vite ‘Lucente’ Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2016 750ML ($359.95) $249 pre-arrival special (that’s only $20.75/bottle!)
James Suckling 92 points “Ripeness and intensity here with dark berries, dark chocolate, walnuts and sage on the nose, following through to a full body, round and chewy tannins and a ripe-fruit finish. Better in 2020.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 91 points “The 2016 Lucente is a blend of Sangiovese and Merlot and represents the estate’s second wine. This is an attractive and accessible mid-weight wine to pair with grilled meats or aged cheese. The primary fruit is bright and vibrant with layers of fresh cherry, plum and blackberry. Those fruit tones are tied together by lighter tones of spice and leather.”
Wine Spectator 90 points “Light-bodied and elegant yet intense, displaying cherry, black currant, violet, graphite and spice aromas and flavors. Firm and fresh on the long finish. Drink now through 2028. 7,500 cases imported.”
Wine Enthusiast 90 points “This blend of Merlot and Sangiovese opens with aromas of dark-skinned berry, violet, mocha and Mediterranean brush. The savory palate offers juicy Marasca cherry, star anise and a hint of espresso alongside velvety polished tannins.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $26
Speaking of great values arriving Friday, don’t miss this elegant & newly reviewed red from Rioja!
Bodegas y Vinedos Artuke ‘Pies Negros’, Rioja DOCa 2018 750ML ($24.95) $19.50 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Bodegas y Vinedos Artuke ‘Pies Negros’, Rioja DOCa 2018 750ML ($299.95) $215 pre-arrival 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!
Collector’s Corner
Paolo’ Bea’s Iconic Wines
New Releases from the Umbrian Master
Paolo Bea is an iconic producer—a virtual one-winery symbol of Umbrian wine and it’s potential. No winery in the region produces wines as profound, interesting and delicious as the Italian masters (son Giampero is the winemaker these days).
If you’ve had these before, keep scrolling to check out the new releases—if not, pay attention. These are wines that capture the wildness of Umbrian wine and its signature grape, Sagrantino, in a way that captivates even the most jaded palates. They’re naturally made, but have classical proportions, with an almost savage ferocity to the flavors (and in the Sagrantino, the tannins as well). They’ve become quite hard to acquire in recent years (we guess the word’s gotten out), but we have some of the new wines arriving Friday.
Arriving ETA Friday:
Only nine bottles available
Paolo Bea Cerrete, Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG 2012 750ML ($179.95) $149 pre-arrival special
Importer Note “It is difficult to believe that Montefalco Sagrantino can get any more profound than Bea’s beloved “Pagliaro,” but indeed it can. The family has owned a parcel in Cerrete, the highest-altitude vineyard in Montefalco, for some time, but it wasn’t until the 2007 vintage that Giampiero deemed the vines old enough to do justice to the cru’s potential. With its poor, mineral-rich soils and its acidity-preserving altitude (450 to 500 meters), Cerrete yields a wine not more powerful than “Pagliaro”—in fact, it comes across as lighter on its feet—but with greater nuance, as if the settings on a microscope were dialed up to render even more detail. In acknowledgment of its stature, Giampiero gives it an additional year in large Slavonian oak, making for an astonishing five-year elevage before the requisite long resting period in Bea’s dark, cool bottle cellar.”
If you’ve had these before, keep scrolling to check out the new releases—if not, pay attention. These are wines that capture the wildness of Umbrian wine and its signature grape, Sagrantino, in a way that captivates even the most jaded palates. They’re naturally made, but have classical proportions, with an almost savage ferocity to the flavors (and in the Sagrantino, the tannins as well). They’ve become quite hard to acquire in recent years (we guess the word’s gotten out), but we have some of the new wines arriving Friday.
Arriving ETA Friday:
Only nine bottles available
Paolo Bea Cerrete, Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG 2012 750ML ($179.95) $149 pre-arrival special
Importer Note “It is difficult to believe that Montefalco Sagrantino can get any more profound than Bea’s beloved “Pagliaro,” but indeed it can. The family has owned a parcel in Cerrete, the highest-altitude vineyard in Montefalco, for some time, but it wasn’t until the 2007 vintage that Giampiero deemed the vines old enough to do justice to the cru’s potential. With its poor, mineral-rich soils and its acidity-preserving altitude (450 to 500 meters), Cerrete yields a wine not more powerful than “Pagliaro”—in fact, it comes across as lighter on its feet—but with greater nuance, as if the settings on a microscope were dialed up to render even more detail. In acknowledgment of its stature, Giampiero gives it an additional year in large Slavonian oak, making for an astonishing five-year elevage before the requisite long resting period in Bea’s dark, cool bottle cellar.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $170
Paolo Bea Pipparello Montefalco Rosso Riserva 2015 750ML ($89.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Importer Note “The Pipparello vineyard is a hilltop site in Montefalco at 1300 feet above sea level. The soil is clay and gravel. The vines in the Pipparello vineyard are a minimum of 20 years old. Harvest takes place normally during the middle of October. The ultimate wine is a blend of roughly 60% Sangiovese, 25% Montepulciano and 15% Sagrantino. The cuvaison extends for a period between 40 to 50 days. After the alcoholic fermentation this wine spends a year in stainless steel tanks and then two years in large oak barrels and is released after an additional year of bottle-aging.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Paolo Bea San Valentino Rosso Umbria IGT 2015 750ML ($64.95) $52.50 pre-arrival special
Importer Note “This wine is sourced from the San Valentino vineyard in Montefalco the soil of which is dominated by clay. The vineyard is at 1300 feet altitude. The composition of the Montefalco Rosso is 70% Sangiovese, 15% Sagrantino and 15% Montepulciano, all from a 50-year old vineyard containing the constituent grapes. Harvest usually occurs in the final ten days of October. Bea puts all the dry reds through extensive cuvaison. In this instance, the wine usually macerates for approximately 30 days before being racked and prepared for the malolactic fermentation. The wine is aged for 3 years in stainless steel and an additional 4 to 12 months in bottle before release.”
Shop our extensive selection of Umbria wines,
including in-stock picks from Paolo Bea, 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.
“I could not live without Champagne. In victory I deserve it, in defeat I need it.”
-Sir Winston Churchill
Stay safe, be well, & drink well.
“I could not live without Champagne. In victory I deserve it, in defeat I need it.”
-Sir Winston Churchill
Domaine Auguste Clape Cornas, Rhone 2008 750ML ($219.95) Was $179, 
Domaine A. & P. de Villaine Bouzeron (Aligote), Cote Chalonnaise 2018 750ML ($49.95)