In Today’s Newsletter:
As Close to Margaux as You Can Get
And Under $17
Featured New Arrival
Nin-Ortiz: Priorat Stars
94-Point, Under $30 Super Tuscan
Vie di Romans – Friuli Stars
Trending
Rose of the Day
Grapelive Reviews a Classic
Fossacole’s 97-Point Brunello, Arriving Friday
Plus, More Highlights From a Dream Brunello Vintage
Collector’s Corner
New Wines from Emidio Pepe
As Close to Margaux as You Can Get
And Under $17
Thin lines separate legendary deals from standard-issue value. Case in point? Saint Jacques de Siran—technically the third wine from the legendary Chateau Siran—is made entirely from vines that immediate border their main vineyard. Chateau Siran is in Margaux, Saint Jacques de Siran is not—they’re separated by a line on a map, and not much else.
As a result, the wine we’re featuring today is a mere $16.60 per bottle (and just $14.92 on cases), despite the fact that it’s an ageworthy, serious wine, made with the same care as the much more famous bottlings from the main vineyard.
2016 is one of our favorite Bordeaux vintages in recent memory—a classical year that nonetheless provided an extra layer of richness and texture. It’s a year that raised the floor of all the entry level wines—to the great benefit of bottlings like today’s Saint Jacques de Siran. This arrives Thursday and would make for a fine addition to the cellar (it’ll age for a decade) if you can keep from drinking it all over the fall and winter.
Arriving Thursday:
Saint Jacques de Siran, Bordeaux 2016 750ML ($19.95) $16.60 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Saint Jacques de Siran, Bordeaux 2016 750ML ($239.95) $179 pre-arrival special (that’s only $14.92/bottle!)
Wine Enthusiast 88 points “This spicy wine with firm tannins is setting out well. Black-currant flavors are balanced with generous tannins and a rich character that will give the wine a full and juicy character. Drink from 2022.”
As a result, the wine we’re featuring today is a mere $16.60 per bottle (and just $14.92 on cases), despite the fact that it’s an ageworthy, serious wine, made with the same care as the much more famous bottlings from the main vineyard.
2016 is one of our favorite Bordeaux vintages in recent memory—a classical year that nonetheless provided an extra layer of richness and texture. It’s a year that raised the floor of all the entry level wines—to the great benefit of bottlings like today’s Saint Jacques de Siran. This arrives Thursday and would make for a fine addition to the cellar (it’ll age for a decade) if you can keep from drinking it all over the fall and winter.
Arriving Thursday:
Saint Jacques de Siran, Bordeaux 2016 750ML ($19.95) $16.60 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Saint Jacques de Siran, Bordeaux 2016 750ML ($239.95) $179 pre-arrival special (that’s only $14.92/bottle!)
Wine Enthusiast 88 points “This spicy wine with firm tannins is setting out well. Black-currant flavors are balanced with generous tannins and a rich character that will give the wine a full and juicy character. Drink from 2022.”
Featured New Arrival
Nin-Ortiz: Priorat Stars
Familia Nin-Ortiz is one of the leading lights of New Priorat. Both Ester Nin and Carles Ortiz are renowned viticulturists (Ester, notably, was the vineyard guru behind Clos Erasmus) and some of the earliest proponents of biodynamics in Priorat, but what they’re doing together on the winery side is stunning indeed. Their wines are some of the most compelling in Priorat, combining the power inherent in the terroir with a stunning sense of energy and vitality.
They’re best known for their “Nit de Nin” single vineyard bottlings—wines which the top restaurants in Spain fight over. Both the “Mas d’En Cancador” and “La Coma d’En Romeu” are monuments of Priorat and channel the power of the appellation into focused beams of schist-based energy. Their “Planetes” releases offer a gentler, more elegant approach to the wines, perfect for drinking now.
The only complaint about these excellent bottles is the quantities. Every notable restaurant in Barcelona, Madrid and London is trying to put these on their wine lists, so often there’s not a lot available by the time the US gets access to them.
Newly Arrived from Nin-Ortiz:
Familia Nin-Ortiz ‘Planetes de Nin’ Blanc 2018 750ML ($99.95) $75 special
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 94 points “Cariñena Blanca has finally been added to the registry of varieties in Spain, which means it should soon be allowed by the Priorat appellation, so they could start putting it on the labels of the 2018 Planetes de Nin Carinyena Blanca. This fermented and matured in used 300-liter oak barrels for seven months. It’s 13% alcohol and has a pH of 3.2 with 6.5 grams of acidity (tartaric); they struggled to get the minimum 13% alcohol required by the appellation, as the year was very cold and they lost a lot of grapes waiting for the alcohol level. It’s a year with lots of freshness, and the wine, which feels really young and undeveloped, needs some time in the glass to open up. This is an exceptional year that is going to develop slowly in bottle. The palate is vibrant, focused and dry, with citrus freshness and a mineral finish. 1,948 bottles were filled in April 2018.”
Familia Nin-Ortiz ‘Planetes de Nin’ Garnatxes en Amfora Priorat 2018 750ML ($49.95) $41.90 special
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 93 points “Produced with Garnacha grapes from their four hectares in Finca Planetes in Porrera, the 2018 Planetes de Nin Garnatxes en Amfora fermented with indigenous yeasts for four weeks and matured in 700- and 1,000-liter terracotta amphorae for seven months. The nose jumps out of the glass with very clean aromas that are expressive, floral and pure, with a profile of juicy fruit, like biting into a bunch of ripe Garnacha. Delicious! 6,200 bottles were filled in June 2019.”
They’re best known for their “Nit de Nin” single vineyard bottlings—wines which the top restaurants in Spain fight over. Both the “Mas d’En Cancador” and “La Coma d’En Romeu” are monuments of Priorat and channel the power of the appellation into focused beams of schist-based energy. Their “Planetes” releases offer a gentler, more elegant approach to the wines, perfect for drinking now.
The only complaint about these excellent bottles is the quantities. Every notable restaurant in Barcelona, Madrid and London is trying to put these on their wine lists, so often there’s not a lot available by the time the US gets access to them.
Newly Arrived from Nin-Ortiz:
Familia Nin-Ortiz ‘Planetes de Nin’ Blanc 2018 750ML ($99.95) $75 special
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 94 points “Cariñena Blanca has finally been added to the registry of varieties in Spain, which means it should soon be allowed by the Priorat appellation, so they could start putting it on the labels of the 2018 Planetes de Nin Carinyena Blanca. This fermented and matured in used 300-liter oak barrels for seven months. It’s 13% alcohol and has a pH of 3.2 with 6.5 grams of acidity (tartaric); they struggled to get the minimum 13% alcohol required by the appellation, as the year was very cold and they lost a lot of grapes waiting for the alcohol level. It’s a year with lots of freshness, and the wine, which feels really young and undeveloped, needs some time in the glass to open up. This is an exceptional year that is going to develop slowly in bottle. The palate is vibrant, focused and dry, with citrus freshness and a mineral finish. 1,948 bottles were filled in April 2018.”
Familia Nin-Ortiz ‘Planetes de Nin’ Garnatxes en Amfora Priorat 2018 750ML ($49.95) $41.90 special
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 93 points “Produced with Garnacha grapes from their four hectares in Finca Planetes in Porrera, the 2018 Planetes de Nin Garnatxes en Amfora fermented with indigenous yeasts for four weeks and matured in 700- and 1,000-liter terracotta amphorae for seven months. The nose jumps out of the glass with very clean aromas that are expressive, floral and pure, with a profile of juicy fruit, like biting into a bunch of ripe Garnacha. Delicious! 6,200 bottles were filled in June 2019.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Only four bottles remaining!
Familia Nin-Ortiz ‘Nit de Nin’ Mas d’en Cacador Priorat 2017 750ML ($119.95) $99 special
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 97+ points “The 2017 Nit de Nin Mas d’en Caçador is a vintage they talk about like this: “We will remember this vintage as one of the most extreme of the decade, along with that of 2012. It is in years like these that the work we do in the field is rewarded. In spite of the climatic exceptionality, we have acidity and pH that seem like a miracle to us. Our vines did not suffer the severe frosts of this 2017.” The wine has lower alcohol than the 2016 but the same pH of 3.3; insultingly young and tender, it doesn’t feel like the wine had a long élevage in oak. It has kept very good freshness and great balance. It’s tasty, pungent and long, with power and elegance and all the components to develop nicely in bottle. 1,440 bottles were filled in April 2019.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Only one bottle remaining!
Familia Nin-Ortiz ‘Nit de Nin’ La Coma d’en Romeu Priorat 2017 750ML ($179.95) $149 special
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 98+ points “The 2017 Nit de Nin La Coma d’en Romeu is from an extremely dry and early harvest that delivered just five hectoliters per hectare! That means they only produced 1,330 bottles from the 1.5 hectares of Garnacha on those slate terraces at 350 meters in altitude. It was bottled in April 2019. It has a beautiful and subtle nose that’s very spicy (cloves and cumin, curry and pink pepper) and floral, with a palate that feels light but has great depth and inner power, with pungent flavors and subtle minerality.”
Also In Stock Now from Nin-Ortiz
Familia Nin-Ortiz ‘Nit de Nin’ Priorat 2012 1.5L ($199.95) $169 special, 1 magnum in stock now
Wine Advocate 97 points “If the Planetes was impressive, wait for the 2012 Nit de Nin, which is a similar wine but at two levels of intensity, depth and elegance above. It’s also a single-vineyard wine from a very old plot in Porrera in the Mas d’en Caçador vineyard at some 500 meters altitude on an impressive slope planted with very old vines on slate soils. It’s approximately 60% Garnacha Peluda (which is a different strain producing lighter-colored wines with higher acidity than the regular Garnacha) and the rest Cariñena. The wine is pure, perfumed, intoxicating even, floral and spicy, intense and captivating. The palate is highly refined, with pure flavors, great freshness, completely focused, nothing blurry at all in there, generous but fine at the same time. It ends very tasty, with a saline minerality. I had the chance to visit the vineyard on my last night in Priorat, and when you see it you understand that it HAS to produce great wine. Simply superb. Drink or keep. 4,000 bottles were filled in March 2014.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Familia Nin-Ortiz ‘Planetes de Nin’ Garnatxes en Amfora Priorat 2016 750ML ($44.95) $33 special
Case-12 Familia Nin-Ortiz ‘Planetes de Nin’ Garnatxes en Amfora Priorat 2016 750ML ($499.95) $359 special (that’s only $29.92/bottle!)
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 92 points “The 2016 Planetes de Nin Garnatxes en Amfora was produced with biodynamically farmed Garnacha that fermented with indigenous yeasts and matured in 700- and 1,000-liter terracotta amphorae for seven months. They do two versions, one with a little SO2 and the other without, and the difference is minimal. At first one was more closed, but when it opened up, they were very similar and showed some herbal and raspberry leaf aromas intermixed with wild berries and notions of earth, aromatic and balanced. It has fine tannins and a velvety texture. 7,395 bottles were filled in April 2017.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Familia Nin-Ortiz ‘Planetes de Nin’ Priorat 2017 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2017 Planetes de Nin comes from the four hectares of 20-year-old Garnacha and 11-year-old Cariñena in the Planetes vineyard in Porrera at 450 meters in altitude. It’s 60% Garnacha (some of it Peluda) and the rest Cariñena, harvested early. It fermented with indigenous yeasts and matured in 3,200-liter oak vats and one 1,000-liter amphora for 17 months. It has depth and harmony, and the vines are getting older and seem to be better and better balanced. This is not that different from the 2016; it feels quite stable and has its style and character, especially since the 2015 vintage. 9,704 bottles were filled in April 2019.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
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
A 94-Point, Under $30 Super Tuscan
Looking for a high scoring Super Tuscan under $30 from the owner of Chateau Giscours? We’ve got you covered. (If you weren’t looking for one, perhaps you should be). This stunner arrives this Friday and is ready for your table (or cellar!) This coastal Tuscan estate was founded in 1998. A thoughtful exploration of the land’s terroir let the original owners to subdivide the vineyard into 12 parcels as defined by their soil type, carefully selecting the ideal varieties for each parcel’s planting. Even in the cellar is thought and respect given to the grapes: new oak is kept to a minimum to highlight rather than overwhelm terroir. The results are impressive, especially for the price we’re able to offer this for.
Arriving ETA Friday:
Caiarossa ‘Pergolaia’ Toscana IGT 2016 750ML ($29.95) $26 pre-arrival special
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.”
Arriving ETA Friday:
Caiarossa ‘Pergolaia’ Toscana IGT 2016 750ML ($29.95) $26 pre-arrival special
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 in the USA today!
Vie di Romans – Friuli Stars
“Year after year, Vie di Romans makes some of my favorite Italian Chardonnays… Gianfranco Gallo’s Vie di Romans is one of the most accomplished, quality-minded estates in Italy. I am always impressed by their offerings” –Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
“Gianfranco [Gallo], who has managed the estate since 1978, introduced radical and far-reaching viticultural programmes and has devoted painstaking attention to winemaking practices; these initiatives have given the stamp of unique personality to the wines of Vie di Romans over the last 20 years. ” –Winery note
“[These are] some of the premier wines in the entire peninsula. The 57 hectares of vineyards are located in a niche microclimate that benefits from soil rich in alluvial fans and minerals that have been carried there by glaciers over the millennia, as well as, the Bora winds from the east that result in large, daily temperature fluctuations.” –Vias Wine Imports
Vie di Romans In Stock Now:
Vie di Romans Ciampagnis Vieris Chardonnay Friuli Isonzo, Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2017 750ML ($39.95) $21.90 special, 21 bottles in stock now
“Gianfranco [Gallo], who has managed the estate since 1978, introduced radical and far-reaching viticultural programmes and has devoted painstaking attention to winemaking practices; these initiatives have given the stamp of unique personality to the wines of Vie di Romans over the last 20 years. ” –Winery note
“[These are] some of the premier wines in the entire peninsula. The 57 hectares of vineyards are located in a niche microclimate that benefits from soil rich in alluvial fans and minerals that have been carried there by glaciers over the millennia, as well as, the Bora winds from the east that result in large, daily temperature fluctuations.” –Vias Wine Imports
Vie di Romans In Stock Now:
Vie di Romans Ciampagnis Vieris Chardonnay Friuli Isonzo, Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2017 750ML ($39.95) $21.90 special, 21 bottles in stock now
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $29
The average price is $29
Arriving Friday, September 18th:
Vie di Romans Dessimis Pinot Grigio Friuli Isonzo, Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2018 750ML ($33.95) $29 pre-arrival special
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Vie di Romans Flors di Uis Friuli Isonzo, Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2018 750ML ($31.95) $27 pre-arrival special
Pre-Arrival ETA October:
Vie di Romans Chardonnay Friuli Isonzo, Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2018 750ML ($34.95) $29.50 pre-arrival special
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Vie di Romans Vieris Sauvignon Friuli Isonzo, Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2017 750ML ($39.95) $33 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Vie di Romans Vieris Sauvignon Friuli Isonzo, Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2017 750ML ($399.95) $349 pre-arrival special (that’s only $29.08/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
James Suckling 95 points “Extremely fresh and intense with waxy and lemony character, as well as candied apples. Full body. Lots of fruit and flavor. Layered and powerful. Excellent depth and flavor intensity. Drink now.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Pre-Arrival ETA November
Vie di Romans ‘Dolee’ Friulano Friuli Isonzo, Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2018 750ML ($39.95) $33 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Vie di Romans ‘Dolee’ Friulano Friuli Isonzo, Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2018 750ML ($449.95) $349 pre-arrival special (that’s only $29.08/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Trending
Well priced and delicious. It’s a smooth and fresh-tasting red that’s even delicious with a slight chill.
Celler del Roure ‘Safra’, Valencia 2017 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 93 points “The third vintage of my favorite red, the 2017 Safrà is from an early and low-yielding year when they got larger grapes that delivered fresher and more fluid wines than a normal warm year. It fermented with 30% full clusters in stainless steel vats, and like all of these wines, it didn’t see any oak; it matured exclusively in 2,600-liter clay “tinaja” for six months. It’s floral and subtle, super elegant, without any excess, expressive and perfumed. The palate is equally elegant, with very fine tannins, good freshness and very tasty, almost salty flavors. This has to be the finest vintage for this wine. Even if 2017 can be similar to 2015, this feels more balanced and complete. Most of the wines are a bargain, and this is a steal. 16,500 bottles were filled in July 2018.”
Celler del Roure ‘Safra’, Valencia 2017 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 93 points “The third vintage of my favorite red, the 2017 Safrà is from an early and low-yielding year when they got larger grapes that delivered fresher and more fluid wines than a normal warm year. It fermented with 30% full clusters in stainless steel vats, and like all of these wines, it didn’t see any oak; it matured exclusively in 2,600-liter clay “tinaja” for six months. It’s floral and subtle, super elegant, without any excess, expressive and perfumed. The palate is equally elegant, with very fine tannins, good freshness and very tasty, almost salty flavors. This has to be the finest vintage for this wine. Even if 2017 can be similar to 2015, this feels more balanced and complete. Most of the wines are a bargain, and this is a steal. 16,500 bottles were filled in July 2018.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Always a classic and exceptionally delicious young in the ’17 vintage.
Saint Cosme Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone 2017 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
Wine Advocate 94-96 points “Still awaiting bottling during my June visit, the 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape features bold notes of black cherries, cassis and spice cake. Owner Barruol says the Christmas cake is typical of La Crau. Full-bodied and voluptuous, with a long, fine and silky finish, this great effort provides one intense ride from start to finish.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
A stellar deal for a quite-dry Prosecco.
Loredan Gasparini Asolo Prosecco Superiore DOCG NV 750ML ($17.95) $13.50 special
Loredan Gasparini Asolo Prosecco Superiore DOCG NV 1.5L ($49.95) $31.90 special
James Suckling 90 points “Delicious combination of pear and biscuit on the palate with medium body, bright acidity and a fresh finish. Fresh and satisfying. A different style of Prosecco that you should check out.”
Decanter 89 points “Loredan Gasparini’s Asolo Prosecco Superiore is grown on mineral soils that give the wine structure. This wine uses wild yeasts, providing a beautiful range of flavours; elderflower and peaches are supported by a lovely, soft mousse.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average listed price is $16
A rich, robust blend that kicks Sangiovese up to 11.
Colpetrone Montefalco Rosso, Umbria 2015 750ML ($18.95) $16 special
Case-12 Colpetrone Montefalco Rosso, Umbria 2015 750ML ($219.95) $169 special (that’s only $14.08/bottle!)
Eric Guido – Vinous 92 points “The 2015 Colpetrone Rosso di Montefalco is much more refined and perfumed than I would have expected from this warm vintage, showing peppery herbs and dusty florals, plus crushed red wild berries and a hint of dusty earth. On the palate, silky textures envelop all that they touch in ripe cherry fruit and sweet spices, made juicy through vibrant acidity and minerals, as round tannins slowly settle in. The finish is medium in length, leaning more toward the tart black fruit spectrum, yet with a salty twang that makes the mouth water. The 2017 is really quite stunning today. A blend of 70% Sangiovese with equal parts Merlot and Sagrantino.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Rose of the Day
Grapelive Reviews a Classic
Domaine de la Bastide Blanche Bandol Rose, Provence 2019 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Domaine de la Bastide Blanche Bandol Rose, Provence 2019 1.5L ($59.95) $49 special, 3 magnums in stock now
Grapelive 93 points “The Domaine La Bastide Blanche… is one of the great producers in Bandol, along with Domaine Tempier and Pradeaux. This Domaine is well known for their intense reds and this full bodied Rosé, having a high proportion of Mourvèdre. This 2019 is, like Tempier, a ripe and expressive example of Bandol, delivering mouth filling layers of fresh squeezed raspberry, sour cherry, plum water, strawberry and blood orange along with dry extract. [There’s] an array of spices, wet stone and some leesy density. This version is, as always, mostly the powerful Mourvèdre with about equal parts Cinsault and Grenache, which gives some generous fruit and fresh zestiness from all hand-harvested grapes on clay-limestone and cailloux (stony) soils. This Bandol Rosé is gripping stuff, certainly not a whimpy or dull wine, making good use of its impressive structural quality. It’s a wine that performs best with more robust cuisine. The La Bastide Blanche Rosé was crafted with the saignee process using fully ripe and flavorful grapes. While lush and with a natural alcohol above 14%, this vintage has plenty of lift and crisp minerality that adds some classic charm. Owners of three estates, Michel and Louis Bronzo have a very tidy collection of Bandol vines, and here they are farming with organic methods, utilizing small yields to add to the impact and concentration they achieve in their wines. The 2019 Rosé was a blend of about 71% Mourvèdre, 14% Grenache, 12% Cinsault and 3% Clairette, a white grape that is co-fermented into main lot. It should be noted that this cuvée is assembled by Peter Weygandt, of Weygandt-Metzler, at the domaine with the talented help of Stéphane Bourret, the winemaker, and the Bronzo family. This is delicious and very rewarding dry pink wine and, selling at almost half the price of Tempier’s Bandol Rosé, it is a real bargain!”
Domaine de la Bastide Blanche Bandol Rose, Provence 2019 1.5L ($59.95) $49 special, 3 magnums in stock now
Grapelive 93 points “The Domaine La Bastide Blanche… is one of the great producers in Bandol, along with Domaine Tempier and Pradeaux. This Domaine is well known for their intense reds and this full bodied Rosé, having a high proportion of Mourvèdre. This 2019 is, like Tempier, a ripe and expressive example of Bandol, delivering mouth filling layers of fresh squeezed raspberry, sour cherry, plum water, strawberry and blood orange along with dry extract. [There’s] an array of spices, wet stone and some leesy density. This version is, as always, mostly the powerful Mourvèdre with about equal parts Cinsault and Grenache, which gives some generous fruit and fresh zestiness from all hand-harvested grapes on clay-limestone and cailloux (stony) soils. This Bandol Rosé is gripping stuff, certainly not a whimpy or dull wine, making good use of its impressive structural quality. It’s a wine that performs best with more robust cuisine. The La Bastide Blanche Rosé was crafted with the saignee process using fully ripe and flavorful grapes. While lush and with a natural alcohol above 14%, this vintage has plenty of lift and crisp minerality that adds some classic charm. Owners of three estates, Michel and Louis Bronzo have a very tidy collection of Bandol vines, and here they are farming with organic methods, utilizing small yields to add to the impact and concentration they achieve in their wines. The 2019 Rosé was a blend of about 71% Mourvèdre, 14% Grenache, 12% Cinsault and 3% Clairette, a white grape that is co-fermented into main lot. It should be noted that this cuvée is assembled by Peter Weygandt, of Weygandt-Metzler, at the domaine with the talented help of Stéphane Bourret, the winemaker, and the Bronzo family. This is delicious and very rewarding dry pink wine and, selling at almost half the price of Tempier’s Bandol Rosé, it is a real bargain!”
Fossacole’s 97-Point Brunello
Arriving Friday
Plus, More Highlights From a Dream Brunello Vintage
Arriving Friday
Plus, More Highlights From a Dream Brunello Vintage
“This is a standout group of new releases from Montalcino. What impresses most about 2015 is the consistently high quality delivered across the board. As a whole, the wines are homogenous and uniform in terms of their intensity, depth and generosity. House styles may differ from producer to producer, but these wines are united by the energy, exuberance and radiance that come naturally to a beautifully warm and sunny vintage like 2015. That distinctive vintage signature is applied evenly across the board, leaving no wine untouched by its magic.” – Monica Larner, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
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.
The critics have been raving about it as well, with Eric Guido at Vinous saying that “It’s a vintage of power and purity, the result of a long growing season with no extreme events” before citing Andrea Mantengoli, who called it “A vintage made by God.”
Monica Larner, writing for Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, exclaimed “Ask anyone who farmed Sangiovese that year. They will tell you: Fruit has never been more beautiful than it was in the picture-perfect 2015 vintage.” She called the wines “a standout group of new releases from Montalcino” with “consistently high quality delivered across the board.”
In short, this is a vintage to buy broadly and deeply. Not since 2010 have we seen this sort of widespread praise and we all wish we have more 2010 Brunello in our cellars. We’ve got some of the highlights of our 2015 Brunello selection below, but we’ve got new wines added to our webstore every week and you can see all the Brunello options there.
Arriving Friday:
Fossacolle Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2015 750ML ($69.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Fossacolle Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2015 750ML ($479.95) $336 pre-arrival special (that’s only $56/bottle!)
James Suckling 97 Points “Excellent ripeness of fruit here with glazed strawberries, blood oranges, red licorice and dried spices. Superb density and focus to the centre palate, which is layered, ornate, plush but balanced. The finish goes on and on with nutmeg, tar and saffron. Wonderful length and intensity. Drink from 2024.”
Can’t wait? These highlights are in stock now:
Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona Pianrosso, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2015 750ML ($149.95) $119 special
James Suckling 100 points “Lots of ripe and rich fruit with a decadent undertone of meat and spice that turns to pure fruit and licorice. Medium to full body, refined tannins and a fresh and bright finish. All about harmony. Better after 2021.”
Kerin O’Keefe-Wine Enthusiast 98 points “Cellar Selection. Intense aromas of berry, iris, underbrush, botanical herb and camphor shape the enticing nose. Firmly structured, the taut, full-bodied palate offers juicy black cherry, raspberry, licorice and tobacco set against tightly knit, fine-grained tannins. Drink 2025–2035.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 96 points “The Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso is distinguished by a unique aromatic profile that brings out mineral notes of crushed limestone or chalk. This adds a greater sense of focus and delineation that not only characterizes the bouquet but also applies to the way the wine hits the palate in a fuller and more determined way (compared to the slightly softer classic Brunello). Instead, this single-vineyard Brunello shows an upright and direct approach with soft salinity on the close followed by forest fruit, spice and medicinal herb. The mouthfeel makes a big impact thanks to its streamlined and polished texture. Some 37,000 bottles were released in January 2020.”
Tenuta Fanti Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2015 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
James Suckling 95 points “There’s a beautiful interplay between bright, primary florals, such as rose petals and tulips and dust, hay bale and dried raspberries. The palate suggests a ripe, powerful persona with chewy, juicy tannins and a fine line of pretty acidity. Best ever. Drink in 2022
La Fortuna Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2015 750ML ($59.95) $45 special
Case-6 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.”
Caprili Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2015 750ML ($59.95) $45 special
Wine Spectator 95 points “Offering cherry, plum, iron, earth and floral aromas and flavors, this is vibrant and beautifully balanced. Well-structured, with the harmony and concentration to develop. Best from 2023 through 2043. 4,000 cases made, 3,000 cases imported.”
Ian D’Agata-Vinous 95 points “Vibrant red. Minerals and violet complement lively red cherry and raspberry aromas on the incisive nose. Then enticingly fresh and well-balanced, with captivating violet inner-mouth perfume to the steely red and black fruit flavors that linger impressively. The delicately peppery finish features polished if youthful tannins and noteworthy purity of fruit. Knockout 2015 Brunello, one of the top half dozen of the year.”
James Suckling 95 points “This is a very decadent Brunello with dried stems, charcuterie, bay leaf, Thai basil and earth. Full-bodied and dense, the deeply interlocked layers of dark fruit nearly tripping over the ropey, chewy tannin structure. Drink from 2026.”
Castiglion del Bosco Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2015 750ML ($69.95) $49 special
James Suckling 97 points “Wonderful aromos of flowers, plums, terracotta and white pepper. Intense, yet ever so subtle. Medium to full body, firm and silky tannins, and a long and intense finish. Shows excellent length. Drink after 2021.”
Antonio Galloni 94 points “Good deep red. Complex aromas of redcurrant, raspberry, graphite, mocha, and mint. Focused and suave with very attractive sweetness and standout purity to its flavors of red berries and candied flowers. Finishes with polished tannins and outstanding length.”
La Gerla Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2015 750ML ($69.95) $55 special
La Gerla Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2015 1.5L ($149.95) $119 special
Wine Spectator 94 points “Black cherry and black currant fruit is accented by tobacco, earth and mineral flavors in this sleek yet dense red. Balsamic elements of juniper, thyme and olive add depth as this cruises to a long finish. The potential lies in the excellent length. Best from 2023 through 2042. —B.S.”
Eric Guido – Vinous 94 points “La Gerla’s 2015 Brunello di Montalcino is gorgeous, showing depths of earthy moist soil, minerals and hints of animal musk up front, giving way to crushed strawberry and cherry, getting spicy with lifting minerals yet retaining a rich character throughout. On the palate, silky textures are matched by cool-toned acids and refreshing moist mineral tones, as zesty cherry and cedar come forward. It’s so balanced and smooth, with high energy lasting into the long finish, showing saturating spice and salty minerals, yet remaining cool-toned and precise. The 2015 is a beautifully balanced wine that’s firmly rooted in the earth.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Collector’s Corner
New Wines from Emidio Pepe
Arriving Friday
Abruzzo is an Italian wine region best known for two standout producers: Valentini and Emidio Pepe. Both deliver world-class bottlings, but we’re focusing on the latter today, with two new offerings for you.
Pepe’s wines are known for their unique blend of rusticity, power and just enough polish to highlight their remarkable vibrancy and complexity. The Montepulciano is a wine that has powerful, rich fruit and beautiful, spicy/gamey aromatics and is seemingly capable of aging forever. The Trebbiano is made from old selections of Trebbiano Abruzzese—a rare clonal selection that provides wines of depth and complexity rarely found in their neck of the woods. It’s hard for us to acquire these wines and we’re excited to offer them to you today.
Arriving Friday:
Emidio Pepe Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2017 750ML ($89.95) $75 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Emidio Pepe Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2017 750ML ($499.95) $419 pre-arrival special (that’s only $69.83/bottle!)
Italian Release
Monica Larner – Wine Advocate 94 points “This is one of the cornerstone producers of the Abruzzo, a winery that follows strict tradition but that also appeals to every new generation of wine drinker that encounters a bottle. The wines of Emidio Pepe are in a word, timeless. The 2017 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo flaunts its pedigree with elegant aromas of black fruit, smoke, tar and powdery licorice. Montepulciano d’Abruzzo fares well in the hot vintages such as 2017 thanks to the cool mountain climates of the region, and not only do you get deep textural richness here, the acidity is beautifully preserved and fresh as well. The tannins are firm and polished, all followed by delicate little accents of dried herb and crushed stone.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Emidio Pepe Trebbiano d’Abruzzo 2017 750ML ($79.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Italian Release
Ian D’Agata – Vinous 93 points “Bright yellow. Apple jelly, lime, lemon curd and sweet herbs on the captivating nose. Then mellow and suave, featuring flavors similar to the aromas and a hint of gingery spiciness on the long, juicy finish. A lovely result from a very hot year, and one of the better Trebbiano d’Abruzzo wines from Emidio Pepe in recent memory.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
