In Today’s Newsletter:
Vincent Wine Company
Willamette Pinots With “A Devoted Cult Following”
First Offer
Cavallotto’s Briccho Boschis Barolo
99 Points and Just $75
Subscriber Special
German and Austrian Magnums!
Staff Pick
A Perfect Budget Rose Magnum
C.V.N.E.’s Majestic Imperial Gran Riserva
Mid-Week New Arrivals
Trending Wines
A Stellar Rhone Wine from a Burgundy Superstar
Collector’s Corner
Clos Apalta: Chile’s First Growth
Vincent Wine Company
Willamette Pinots With “A Devoted Cult Following”
“There’s a devoted cult following for Vincent Fritzsche’s graceful Pinot Noirs but the outside world seems blithely unaware of the consistent quality here. Fritzsche sources fruit from some of the Willamette Valley’s most esteemed vineyards and then pretty much leaves it alone. The wines are made with minimal extraction, see no new oak and receive only minimal sulfur additions. The 2017s here are vibrant and pure and, even better, are offered at extremely fair prices.” –Josh Raynolds, Vinous
We’re pleased to highlight a trio of Pinot Noirs made by Vincent Fritzsche from an some of the top dry-farmed vineyards in the Eola-Amity Hills. A former home winemaker who “went pro” as one of the inaugural members of the Southeast Wine Collective, he outgrew his old home but continues to make compelling wines from a few special vineyards. Josh Raynolds just reviewed the Willamette Valley and Vincent’s wines stood out for their high scores and for the exceptional value for their quality.
Vincent worked for several harvests with Russ Raney at Evesham Wood before Russ’ retirement and Vincent’s wines show a through-line of style, with bright fresh fruit that has delicacy but intensity. These really capture the essence of the sites they’re from—and they’re sourced from some of the top sites in the valley, like Zenith, Temperance Hill and Bjornson (which adjoins Seven Springs). We’d love them if they were $50-60 single-vineyard wines, but at the prices that Vincent asks, these are no-brainers.
Arriving Friday, August 21st
Vincent Zenith Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2017 750ML ($47.95) $39 pre-arrival special
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94 points “Dark scarlet. Highly perfumed black raspberry, cherry, exotic spice and floral pastille scents show excellent clarity and pick up a smoky mineral nuance with air. Palate-staining red and dark berry and bitter flavors show excellent clarity and energy thanks to a spine of smoky minerality. Expands steadily and turns sweeter with air, showing fine delineation on an impressively long, red-fruit- and floral-driven finish. “
We’re pleased to highlight a trio of Pinot Noirs made by Vincent Fritzsche from an some of the top dry-farmed vineyards in the Eola-Amity Hills. A former home winemaker who “went pro” as one of the inaugural members of the Southeast Wine Collective, he outgrew his old home but continues to make compelling wines from a few special vineyards. Josh Raynolds just reviewed the Willamette Valley and Vincent’s wines stood out for their high scores and for the exceptional value for their quality.
Vincent worked for several harvests with Russ Raney at Evesham Wood before Russ’ retirement and Vincent’s wines show a through-line of style, with bright fresh fruit that has delicacy but intensity. These really capture the essence of the sites they’re from—and they’re sourced from some of the top sites in the valley, like Zenith, Temperance Hill and Bjornson (which adjoins Seven Springs). We’d love them if they were $50-60 single-vineyard wines, but at the prices that Vincent asks, these are no-brainers.
Arriving Friday, August 21st
Vincent Zenith Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2017 750ML ($47.95) $39 pre-arrival special
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94 points “Dark scarlet. Highly perfumed black raspberry, cherry, exotic spice and floral pastille scents show excellent clarity and pick up a smoky mineral nuance with air. Palate-staining red and dark berry and bitter flavors show excellent clarity and energy thanks to a spine of smoky minerality. Expands steadily and turns sweeter with air, showing fine delineation on an impressively long, red-fruit- and floral-driven finish. “
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $45
The next best price is $45
Vincent Temperance Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2017 750ML ($47.95) $39 pre-arrival special
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94 points “Deep, glistening crimson. Highly expressive, spice-accented cherry, boysenberry and black raspberry aromas are complicated by floral, musky earth and succulent herb nuances. Sappy, appealingly sweet and broad on entry, then showing more tension on the midpalate, offering juicy, mineral-inflected red and blue fruit flavors that become sweeter as the wine opens up. Shows a suave rose pastille quality on the impressively persistent finish, which is framed by smooth, polished tannins.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $44
The average price is $44
Vincent Bjornson Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2017 750ML ($44.95) $34.50 pre-arrival special
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 93 points “Brilliant red. Highly expressive aromas of fresh red fruits, potpourri, exotic spices and candied rose, along with a hint of smoky minerality. Juicy and seamless in texture, offering penetrating raspberry, bitter cherry and spicecake flavors that show fine definition and back-end lift. Intensely flavored and finely delineated, with an impressively long, perfumed finish that delivers firm mineral cut and resonating florality.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Vincent Pinot Blanc, Willamette Valley 2018 750ML ($21.95) $19 pre-arrival special
Winery note “This year’s Blanc shows a bit more richness than ’17, more like the ’16 which was a favorite. Grapes here are now coming from a small plot I lease at Zenith Vineyard in the Eola Hills, vines from the 1990s. As usual, this wine is made just like Chardonnay, naturally fermented in older French oak, on the lees for nearly a year and bottled unfiltered. Bright color, mineral and apple aromas, all variety of apples and citrus flavors, creamy from the lees aging, then fantastic acidity to keep your mouth watering. So good.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
In Stock Now from Vincent Wine Company:
Vincent Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2018 750ML ($24.95) $19 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 90 points “Dark red. Ripe red fruit, musky earth and floral qualities on the deeply perfumed nose, joined by a spicy nuance that builds in the glass. Supple black raspberry, cherry and spicecake flavors are given spine and focus by a core of juicy acidity. Shows very good clarity and a touch of bitter chocolate on the subtly tannic finish, which leaves cherry and bitter chocolate notes behind. The richness of the vintage is hard to miss here, but the wine’s mitigating spiciness definitely lessens the blow.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
First Offer
Cavallotto’s Briccho Boschis Barolo
99 Points and Just $75
“Cavallotto may very well be the greatest Barolo producer few people have ever heard of, something that continues to mystify me. Truth is, it isn’t just the Barolos here that are impressive, the entry-level wines are every bit as delicious and well-priced…Readers who appreciate a firm, classic style of Barolo will want to spend some time getting to know Cavallotto.” – Antonio Galloni
Cavallotto is a top tier, old school producer of Barolo. They make wines that are impressively ageworthy and every bit as good as producers whose wines go for 50%-100% more per bottle than the top wines from Cavallotto, but somehow manage to stay at the edges of the mainstream Barolo drinker. We notice that our customers who buy Cavallotto buy a lot of Piemontese wines—they’re very in the know drinkers.
These are incredibly expressive wines and are very true to their vineyard terroirs. Antoni 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.”
We’ve secured our allocation of the legend-in-the-making 2016—a stunning wine with a 98-point score from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate and a 99-point score from Kerin O’Keefe at Wine Enthusiast. That’s incredible praise for a wine under $100, much less under $80, but we’re able to offer it for just $75. It arrives in October, but likely won’t last until then.
Arriving ETA October:
Cavallotto Bricco Boschis, Barolo DOCG 2016 750ML ($89.95) $75 pre-arrival special
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. – Kerin O’Keefe”
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. – Monica Larner”
Looking for more Cavallotto? Check out these in-stock bottlings:
Cavallotto Bricco Boschis Vigna San Giuseppe, Barolo Riserva DOCG 2011 750ML ($119.95) $99 special, 9 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner – Wine Advocate 95 points “The Cavallotto 2011 Barolo Riserva Bricco Boschis Vigna San Giuseppe is an exceptional wine that really shows the best of Castiglione Falletto, home to some of Barolo’s most consistent and age-worthy wines. This bottle offers enormous complexity coupled by power and linear, classic lines. Maceration stopped at 20 days, otherwise the winemaking team feared the results would be overdone and too bold. The bouquet opens quickly to reveal dark fruit, spice, anise seed and licorice. The effect is ethereal and lasting. It would be hard to pin this wine down as being from the warm 2011 vintage in a blind tasting. The acidity is fresh and nicely folded into the background.”
Wine Spectator 94 points “Balanced and expressive, this Barolo features maturing aromas and flavors of cherry, licorice, tobacco and mineral. Builds to a long, detailed aftertaste. Altogether savory and fresh. Best from 2020 through 2033.”
Cavallotto is a top tier, old school producer of Barolo. They make wines that are impressively ageworthy and every bit as good as producers whose wines go for 50%-100% more per bottle than the top wines from Cavallotto, but somehow manage to stay at the edges of the mainstream Barolo drinker. We notice that our customers who buy Cavallotto buy a lot of Piemontese wines—they’re very in the know drinkers.
These are incredibly expressive wines and are very true to their vineyard terroirs. Antoni 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.”
We’ve secured our allocation of the legend-in-the-making 2016—a stunning wine with a 98-point score from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate and a 99-point score from Kerin O’Keefe at Wine Enthusiast. That’s incredible praise for a wine under $100, much less under $80, but we’re able to offer it for just $75. It arrives in October, but likely won’t last until then.
Arriving ETA October:
Cavallotto Bricco Boschis, Barolo DOCG 2016 750ML ($89.95) $75 pre-arrival special
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. – Kerin O’Keefe”
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. – Monica Larner”
Looking for more Cavallotto? Check out these in-stock bottlings:
Cavallotto Bricco Boschis Vigna San Giuseppe, Barolo Riserva DOCG 2011 750ML ($119.95) $99 special, 9 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner – Wine Advocate 95 points “The Cavallotto 2011 Barolo Riserva Bricco Boschis Vigna San Giuseppe is an exceptional wine that really shows the best of Castiglione Falletto, home to some of Barolo’s most consistent and age-worthy wines. This bottle offers enormous complexity coupled by power and linear, classic lines. Maceration stopped at 20 days, otherwise the winemaking team feared the results would be overdone and too bold. The bouquet opens quickly to reveal dark fruit, spice, anise seed and licorice. The effect is ethereal and lasting. It would be hard to pin this wine down as being from the warm 2011 vintage in a blind tasting. The acidity is fresh and nicely folded into the background.”
Wine Spectator 94 points “Balanced and expressive, this Barolo features maturing aromas and flavors of cherry, licorice, tobacco and mineral. Builds to a long, detailed aftertaste. Altogether savory and fresh. Best from 2020 through 2033.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Cavallotto Bricco Boschis Vigna San Giuseppe, Barolo Riserva DOCG 2012 750ML ($149.95) $119 special, 13 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95 points “Here is another excellent rendition of the celebrated Bricco Boschis cru (one of the best performing vineyards in Castiglione Falletto) from the talented Cavallotto family. The 2012 Barolo Riserva Bricco Boschis Vigna San Giuseppe sees fruit picked only from the central part of the vineyard parcel. This area suffers less stress during the hottest months of summer because it is more protected and isolated. This wine is the proverbial overachiever among this estate’s new releases. The bouquet shows a highly refined and focused quality with extreme varietal precision. The 2012 vintage stands somewhere in between 2010 for its elegance and 2011 for its power. In fact, I tasted this wine next to the 2011 expression and found that the 2012 vintage plays its cards closer to its chest. It has a lot to give in the future as it continues down its evolutionary path. Patience is required. Savory spice and smoke make for an elegant twist on the finish.”
Cavallotto Bricco Boschis Vignolo, Barolo Riserva DOCG 2011 750ML ($119.95) $89 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 94 points “A dark, powerful wine, the 2011 Barolo Riserva Vignolo has nevertheless preserved good freshness for the year. The breadth and amplitude of the vintage comes through, and yet all the elements are impeccably balanced. Readers can look forward to another 20 years of fine drinking. This is very nicely done.”
Wine Spectator 94 points “There are plenty of bass notes in this ripe, broad red, from deep plum and black cherry flavors to licorice and tar notes. An undercurrent of freshness propels the underbrush elements on the finish. Complex and long. Best from 2021 through 2035.”
Monica Larner – Wine Advocate 93 points “2011 Barolo Riserva Vignolo is a dark and succulent expression that showcases the characteristics of the warm vintage. The bouquet puts forth a compelling set of dark fruit characteristics with Morello cherry, dried blackberry, mocha and delicate accents of sweet spice. The vineyard team was careful to keep the clusters under the shade of the canopy for as long as possible during the summer months to prevent the grapes from ripening too fast or bleaching their color pigments. The results are very nice indeed.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95 points “Here is another excellent rendition of the celebrated Bricco Boschis cru (one of the best performing vineyards in Castiglione Falletto) from the talented Cavallotto family. The 2012 Barolo Riserva Bricco Boschis Vigna San Giuseppe sees fruit picked only from the central part of the vineyard parcel. This area suffers less stress during the hottest months of summer because it is more protected and isolated. This wine is the proverbial overachiever among this estate’s new releases. The bouquet shows a highly refined and focused quality with extreme varietal precision. The 2012 vintage stands somewhere in between 2010 for its elegance and 2011 for its power. In fact, I tasted this wine next to the 2011 expression and found that the 2012 vintage plays its cards closer to its chest. It has a lot to give in the future as it continues down its evolutionary path. Patience is required. Savory spice and smoke make for an elegant twist on the finish.”
Cavallotto Bricco Boschis Vignolo, Barolo Riserva DOCG 2011 750ML ($119.95) $89 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 94 points “A dark, powerful wine, the 2011 Barolo Riserva Vignolo has nevertheless preserved good freshness for the year. The breadth and amplitude of the vintage comes through, and yet all the elements are impeccably balanced. Readers can look forward to another 20 years of fine drinking. This is very nicely done.”
Wine Spectator 94 points “There are plenty of bass notes in this ripe, broad red, from deep plum and black cherry flavors to licorice and tar notes. An undercurrent of freshness propels the underbrush elements on the finish. Complex and long. Best from 2021 through 2035.”
Monica Larner – Wine Advocate 93 points “2011 Barolo Riserva Vignolo is a dark and succulent expression that showcases the characteristics of the warm vintage. The bouquet puts forth a compelling set of dark fruit characteristics with Morello cherry, dried blackberry, mocha and delicate accents of sweet spice. The vineyard team was careful to keep the clusters under the shade of the canopy for as long as possible during the summer months to prevent the grapes from ripening too fast or bleaching their color pigments. The results are very nice indeed.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Cavallotto Bricco Boschis Vignolo, Barolo Riserva DOCG2012 750ML ($119.95) $99 special, 25 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 94 points “This wine will be released next September. The 2012 Barolo Riserva Vignolo shows a darkened and enriched side of the graceful Nebbiolo grape. This effort delivers a bit more weight and power with firm structure and balanced but also slightly dry tannins. The wine’s acidity plays an important role in giving this expression such a sharp and focused personality. This wine ages in large oak casks for five years, thus prompting deep complexity and aromatic layering. The Vignolo vines are a bit lower in altitude (from 250 to 310 meters above sea level) compared to San Giuseppe (at 310 to 340 meters above sea level). That lower positioning favors the immediate richness and succulence you taste here.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 94 points “This wine will be released next September. The 2012 Barolo Riserva Vignolo shows a darkened and enriched side of the graceful Nebbiolo grape. This effort delivers a bit more weight and power with firm structure and balanced but also slightly dry tannins. The wine’s acidity plays an important role in giving this expression such a sharp and focused personality. This wine ages in large oak casks for five years, thus prompting deep complexity and aromatic layering. The Vignolo vines are a bit lower in altitude (from 250 to 310 meters above sea level) compared to San Giuseppe (at 310 to 340 meters above sea level). That lower positioning favors the immediate richness and succulence you taste here.”
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
Subscriber Special
German and Austrian Magnums!
Magnums of German and Austrian wines are objectively the best large formats out there. This is a fact, not open to dispute—we refuse to hear any counter-arguments.
Somehow need convincing? Consider the “pouring wingspan” of a German or Austrian mag. From a seated position, a host can easily pour into any glass at a dinner party of eight people—that extra three feet of bottle makes it happen. Unless you’re Mrs. Incredible, you’d have to walk around to pour a magnum of Burgundy, but with that 1.5L of Riesling, anything’s possible.
Furthermore, while it’s on the table, the tall, thin profile of these large formats offers a smaller visual impediment than a comparable bottle from Bordeaux or Burgundy. It’s easier to see around the German bottle, so you can maintain conversation with everyone at the table that much easier. You don’t want your dinner guests to feel like they’re in the obstructed-view seats, do you?
Finally, they’re filled with German and Austrian wines! These are some of the most delicious, joyous wines on the planet! Light, fresh and pairing with seemingly everything, there’s a bottle of German or Austrian wine for every palate and a magnum in stock at Vinopolis.
Magnum Subscriber Special
Buy 3-5 German and Austrian Magnums (Mix and Match), Receive a 5% Discount On Them
Buy 6+ German and Austrian Magnums (Mix and Match), Receive a 10% Discount On Them
Magnum Subscriber Special only valid on in-stock wines
Subscriber Special Discount Will Not Display Online
We Will Manually Adjust Your Order Before Finalizing It
Magnum Subscriber Special Discounts Valid Until Friday, August 21st at 10AM
In Stock Now:
F.X. Pichler M Gruner Veltliner Smaragd, Wachau 2013 1.5L ($219.95) $149 Displayed Price
Wine Advocate 94 points “Lucas Pichler’s monumental 2013 Grüner Veltliner Smaragd M opens with an ultra-ripe, concentrated and slightly speck-y yet still precise and even mineral-scented bouquet on the nose. Very rich and intense on the palate, this elegant, full-bodied, densely textured and powerful Veltliner from late-harvested grapes reveals an aromatic and juicy fruit core along with a stunningly vibrant acidity that gives structure, length and a lifting as well as lingering salinity and piquancy. Maracuya and other tropical fruit flavors dominate the aromatic aftertaste. Although I have no experience with matured samples of this Austrian icon Veltliner, I suspect it has an aging potential of 5-10 years and should be cellared at least for another 2 or 3 years.”
David Schildknecht–Vinous 93 points “Made with fruit from Loibenberg (a 50% share), Kellerberg, Liebenberg, with a small bit of Kollmütz, this installment of “M” enjoyed the longest pre-fermentation skin contact of any Pichler 2013, and was raised in a new large oval, then moved to tank shortly before bottling, which is when I last tasted it. Its impressive features include imposing richness of peach, melon and pineapple; an expansive and flatteringly creamy palate; high-toned inner-mouth allusions to almond extract; peach kernel piquancy; and pronounced smokiness and stoniness that suggest a mingling of Szechuan peppercorn, black tea and ash. The bright, Riesling-like juiciness characteristic of so many Grüner Veltliners from this vintage is absent here. But the finish of this static, statuesque wine (recall that “M,” after all, stands here for “monumental”) glows persistently in its evocation of peach kernel and pepper.”
Somehow need convincing? Consider the “pouring wingspan” of a German or Austrian mag. From a seated position, a host can easily pour into any glass at a dinner party of eight people—that extra three feet of bottle makes it happen. Unless you’re Mrs. Incredible, you’d have to walk around to pour a magnum of Burgundy, but with that 1.5L of Riesling, anything’s possible.
Furthermore, while it’s on the table, the tall, thin profile of these large formats offers a smaller visual impediment than a comparable bottle from Bordeaux or Burgundy. It’s easier to see around the German bottle, so you can maintain conversation with everyone at the table that much easier. You don’t want your dinner guests to feel like they’re in the obstructed-view seats, do you?
Finally, they’re filled with German and Austrian wines! These are some of the most delicious, joyous wines on the planet! Light, fresh and pairing with seemingly everything, there’s a bottle of German or Austrian wine for every palate and a magnum in stock at Vinopolis.
Magnum Subscriber Special
Buy 3-5 German and Austrian Magnums (Mix and Match), Receive a 5% Discount On Them
Buy 6+ German and Austrian Magnums (Mix and Match), Receive a 10% Discount On Them
Magnum Subscriber Special only valid on in-stock wines
Subscriber Special Discount Will Not Display Online
We Will Manually Adjust Your Order Before Finalizing It
Magnum Subscriber Special Discounts Valid Until Friday, August 21st at 10AM
In Stock Now:
F.X. Pichler M Gruner Veltliner Smaragd, Wachau 2013 1.5L ($219.95) $149 Displayed Price
Wine Advocate 94 points “Lucas Pichler’s monumental 2013 Grüner Veltliner Smaragd M opens with an ultra-ripe, concentrated and slightly speck-y yet still precise and even mineral-scented bouquet on the nose. Very rich and intense on the palate, this elegant, full-bodied, densely textured and powerful Veltliner from late-harvested grapes reveals an aromatic and juicy fruit core along with a stunningly vibrant acidity that gives structure, length and a lifting as well as lingering salinity and piquancy. Maracuya and other tropical fruit flavors dominate the aromatic aftertaste. Although I have no experience with matured samples of this Austrian icon Veltliner, I suspect it has an aging potential of 5-10 years and should be cellared at least for another 2 or 3 years.”
David Schildknecht–Vinous 93 points “Made with fruit from Loibenberg (a 50% share), Kellerberg, Liebenberg, with a small bit of Kollmütz, this installment of “M” enjoyed the longest pre-fermentation skin contact of any Pichler 2013, and was raised in a new large oval, then moved to tank shortly before bottling, which is when I last tasted it. Its impressive features include imposing richness of peach, melon and pineapple; an expansive and flatteringly creamy palate; high-toned inner-mouth allusions to almond extract; peach kernel piquancy; and pronounced smokiness and stoniness that suggest a mingling of Szechuan peppercorn, black tea and ash. The bright, Riesling-like juiciness characteristic of so many Grüner Veltliners from this vintage is absent here. But the finish of this static, statuesque wine (recall that “M,” after all, stands here for “monumental”) glows persistently in its evocation of peach kernel and pepper.”
This is the only listing for a magnum in the USA today!
Joh. Jos. Prum Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Auslese, Mosel 2016 1.5L ($119.95) $99 Displayed Price
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2016 Graacher Himmelreich Auslese (AP 09 17) shows very fine botrytis and orange tea character on the delicate and nicely concentrated nose. Very elegant, piquant and lush on the palate, with mineral expression, refreshment and persistent structure, this is a serious and complex Auslese of great class. Highly recommended.”
Wine Spectator 93 points “Well-crafted, showing a bright and suave character, displaying ripe peach, mango and mineral nuances, this auslese sings harmoniously on the palate. Silky and full of energy, with a lingering aftertaste of lime and honey. Very delicious now, but will also age for years. Drink now through 2034.”
This is the lowest listed price for a magnum in the USA today!
Weingut Korrell Johanneshof Kreuznacher Paradies Riesling Trocken, Nahe 2017 1.5L ($99.95) $79 Displayed Price
Grapelive 94 points “The radiant and graceful Korrell Paradies Trocken leads with expressive pure apple tones. [It] impresses for its elegance and subtle character. It’s a wine of great poise and delicacy, especially admirable for such a young Riesling. The monopole estate vineyard, Paradies, is the oldest single site Korrell has and is the flagship wine from winemaker Martin Korrell. It comes from his family’s vines that are set on limestone and clay soils in Bad Kreuznach area of the Nahe region. The Paradies Riesling Trocken is a gorgeous white of depth and precise winemaking that takes advantage of this unique site in the Nahe. This wine is the heart and soul of Korrell and it is product of its unique climat,or terroir. It sees more sunshine and the limestone allows for serious concentration, while retaining acidity, though there is always great attention paid to pick dates to finely tune this signature bottling to place and vintage. Korrell mixes some traditional stainless fermentations with some native yeast and barrel ferments to craft his wines. The Paradies shows a beautiful leesy finesse that reminds me a bit of the Von Winning GG’s, with a long time on the lees adding a beautiful glycerin density to this gorgeous dry Riesling. Coming off Korrel’s incredible Riesling Cup win for his Von den Grossen Lagen (Grand Crus) Riesling Trocken, I was absolutely thrilled to be able to try this wine, and found this particular wine just as intriguing. Martin focuses on preserving heightened aromatics and crisp mineral tones, while allowing the mouth feel and depth to shine through. It is an amazing accomplishment to get it all right, and Korrell deserves his time in the limelight. This is complex and glorious stuff. Layers of green apple, peach, mixed fresh citrus and melon fruits are lifted by liquid rock, steely mineral and faint perfume of white flowers along with a silkiness of mouth feel. While still delightfully crisp, [this delivers] an exciting energy filled performance. This is a winery that about to break out and join some elite company, in fact they are riding high after winning, as mentioned, the famous Riesling Cup award with their unique multi (Grand) cru Von den Grossen Lagen Trocken Riesling. This wine is just extra proof there is real quality here! The lightly golden hued and generously textured Paradies will age well. It’s full of charm, class and potential. Best to let this one have another 3 to 5 years, though it certainly is delicious right now.”
Stuart Pigott 94 points “Very clean and fresh, but behind the effusive, fruit-salad character that makes this so seductive, there is a lot of structure and the finish keeps pumping out the fruit and chalky minerality. Drink or hold.”
Grapelive 94 points “The radiant and graceful Korrell Paradies Trocken leads with expressive pure apple tones. [It] impresses for its elegance and subtle character. It’s a wine of great poise and delicacy, especially admirable for such a young Riesling. The monopole estate vineyard, Paradies, is the oldest single site Korrell has and is the flagship wine from winemaker Martin Korrell. It comes from his family’s vines that are set on limestone and clay soils in Bad Kreuznach area of the Nahe region. The Paradies Riesling Trocken is a gorgeous white of depth and precise winemaking that takes advantage of this unique site in the Nahe. This wine is the heart and soul of Korrell and it is product of its unique climat,or terroir. It sees more sunshine and the limestone allows for serious concentration, while retaining acidity, though there is always great attention paid to pick dates to finely tune this signature bottling to place and vintage. Korrell mixes some traditional stainless fermentations with some native yeast and barrel ferments to craft his wines. The Paradies shows a beautiful leesy finesse that reminds me a bit of the Von Winning GG’s, with a long time on the lees adding a beautiful glycerin density to this gorgeous dry Riesling. Coming off Korrel’s incredible Riesling Cup win for his Von den Grossen Lagen (Grand Crus) Riesling Trocken, I was absolutely thrilled to be able to try this wine, and found this particular wine just as intriguing. Martin focuses on preserving heightened aromatics and crisp mineral tones, while allowing the mouth feel and depth to shine through. It is an amazing accomplishment to get it all right, and Korrell deserves his time in the limelight. This is complex and glorious stuff. Layers of green apple, peach, mixed fresh citrus and melon fruits are lifted by liquid rock, steely mineral and faint perfume of white flowers along with a silkiness of mouth feel. While still delightfully crisp, [this delivers] an exciting energy filled performance. This is a winery that about to break out and join some elite company, in fact they are riding high after winning, as mentioned, the famous Riesling Cup award with their unique multi (Grand) cru Von den Grossen Lagen Trocken Riesling. This wine is just extra proof there is real quality here! The lightly golden hued and generously textured Paradies will age well. It’s full of charm, class and potential. Best to let this one have another 3 to 5 years, though it certainly is delicious right now.”
Stuart Pigott 94 points “Very clean and fresh, but behind the effusive, fruit-salad character that makes this so seductive, there is a lot of structure and the finish keeps pumping out the fruit and chalky minerality. Drink or hold.”
This was the lowest listed price for a magnum in the USA today,
Now it’s even lower!
Now it’s even lower!
Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt Scharzhofberger Riesling Auslese, Mosel 2015 1.5L ($179.95) $149 Displayed Price
Mosel Fine Wines 94 points “This Auslese harvested at 102° Oechsle is still marked by some residual notes from spontaneous fermentation at first. However, these quickly give way to exotic scents of mango and papaya as well as mint, candied grapefruit and pineapple. The wine proves juicy and creamy even if still on the sweet side on the palate at this early stage. However, the finish already hints at greatness to come as grapefruit zest brings freshness in the long finish of this superb Auslese from the Scharzhofberg.”
Mosel Fine Wines 94 points “This Auslese harvested at 102° Oechsle is still marked by some residual notes from spontaneous fermentation at first. However, these quickly give way to exotic scents of mango and papaya as well as mint, candied grapefruit and pineapple. The wine proves juicy and creamy even if still on the sweet side on the palate at this early stage. However, the finish already hints at greatness to come as grapefruit zest brings freshness in the long finish of this superb Auslese from the Scharzhofberg.”
This was the lowest listed price for a magnum in the USA today,
Now it’s even lower!
Now it’s even lower!
Magnum Subscriber Special
Buy 3-5 German and Austrian Magnums (Mix and Match), Receive a 5% Discount On Them
Buy 6+ German and Austrian Magnums (Mix and Match), Receive a 10% Discount On Them
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Staff Pick
A Perfect Budget Rose Magnum
Daniel:
It’s the middle of August and we’re just not so sure that last weekend was the end of our 100-degree days, so I’d like to use this staff pick to combat mother nature’s excess with a bit of our own! The rose I’m highlighting today has been a mainstay in my fridge since its arrival earlier this summer. Please run through the questions below to help yourself decide if this wine is right for you:
1. Do you appreciate a bottle of cold rose on a hot day?
2. Do you at all get excited by the thought of that wine also being a killer deal?
3. Is opening a larger format bottle just a tad more fun in your eyes?
Well friends, let me introduce you to this Mag of 2018 Attems Pinot Grigio Ramato from Friuli!
The grape is Pinot Grigio, but it’s made in the Ramato style, which allows the juice to get contact with the skins for a bit, post crush. The 8 or so hours of skin contact provides that beautiful copper color and lends to its crisp backbone. It shows lean and minerally, with notes of chilled out crushed strawberry.
I packed a bottle with me for a camping trip just North of White Salmon over this last weekend and boy did it provide just the zing we needed to set up camp in our slowest ever recorded time! We just kept finding ourselves popping back to the cooler to grab another glass. Luckily, it’s a 1.5 liter, so we still had the latter half to go with our campfire fare.
The one issue you’re going to face post purchase, is configuring your fridge just right, so the 1.5 liter keeps cold—but it’s worth that little bit of effort! We have 18 magnums in stock now, so you’re going to want to do you and your ‘Quaranteam’ a favor and add one to the cart!
In Stock Now:
Attems Pinot Grigio Ramato, Venezia Giulia IGT 2018 1.5L ($49.95) $21.90 special
Ian D’Agata 90 points “Bright straw-pink. Fresh easygoing strawberry and spice aromas and flavors are long, rich and nicely focused. Sneaky concentration here.”
It’s the middle of August and we’re just not so sure that last weekend was the end of our 100-degree days, so I’d like to use this staff pick to combat mother nature’s excess with a bit of our own! The rose I’m highlighting today has been a mainstay in my fridge since its arrival earlier this summer. Please run through the questions below to help yourself decide if this wine is right for you:
1. Do you appreciate a bottle of cold rose on a hot day?
2. Do you at all get excited by the thought of that wine also being a killer deal?
3. Is opening a larger format bottle just a tad more fun in your eyes?
Well friends, let me introduce you to this Mag of 2018 Attems Pinot Grigio Ramato from Friuli!
The grape is Pinot Grigio, but it’s made in the Ramato style, which allows the juice to get contact with the skins for a bit, post crush. The 8 or so hours of skin contact provides that beautiful copper color and lends to its crisp backbone. It shows lean and minerally, with notes of chilled out crushed strawberry.
I packed a bottle with me for a camping trip just North of White Salmon over this last weekend and boy did it provide just the zing we needed to set up camp in our slowest ever recorded time! We just kept finding ourselves popping back to the cooler to grab another glass. Luckily, it’s a 1.5 liter, so we still had the latter half to go with our campfire fare.
The one issue you’re going to face post purchase, is configuring your fridge just right, so the 1.5 liter keeps cold—but it’s worth that little bit of effort! We have 18 magnums in stock now, so you’re going to want to do you and your ‘Quaranteam’ a favor and add one to the cart!
In Stock Now:
Attems Pinot Grigio Ramato, Venezia Giulia IGT 2018 1.5L ($49.95) $21.90 special
Ian D’Agata 90 points “Bright straw-pink. Fresh easygoing strawberry and spice aromas and flavors are long, rich and nicely focused. Sneaky concentration here.”
This is the lowest listed price for a magnum in the USA today!
The lowest listed price for a 750ml is $18
The lowest listed price for a 750ml is $18
C.V.N.E.’s Majestic Imperial Gran Riserva
Looking for absolutely classical Rioja at outstanding pricing? Look for four letters: CVNE. CVNE (or Cune) was founded in 1879 by brothers Eusebio and Raimundo Real de Asúa after Raimundo moved to the town of Haro (also of Lopez de Heredia fame) for his health. They set up the winery partially as a negociant, much like Bordeaux. Fast forward to today and the family (down the female line) is on its fifth generation of owning and operating the house—still making excellent, classical wines at more than fair prices.
Their stellar 2012 Gran Riserva “Imperial” just arrived and we’re featuring it today. Boasting a pair of mid-nineties scores, it’s a wine that’s one of the icons of collectible Rioja, with rich, deep fruit and the power and structure to age for decades. That’s to go along with two other classics in their 2011 Gran Riserva and 2013 Riserva, both in stock now.
In Stock Now
CVNE ‘Imperial’ Gran Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2012 750ML ($79.95) $69 special
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 95 points “The wine that represents the traditional and serious reds from Haro, the 2012 Imperial Gran Reserva is a classical blend of Tempranillo with 10% Graciano and 5% Mazuelo that matured in barrel for two years. It has a textbook serious Haro nose, with dark spices, ripe fruit, something balsamic and a round, full-bodied palate within the straight and serious style of the wine. 2012 was a warm year, but the wines are fresher than those from 2011. This has fine, slightly grainy tannins with good grip. A textbook Imperial Gran Reserva. 50,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in May 2015.”
Josh Raynolds 94 points “(raised in new and used French and American oak barrels for two years) Vivid ruby-red. An intensely perfumed bouquet evokes ripe raspberry, cherry-cola, potpourri and exotic spices, with a suave vanilla topnote and a smoky mineral flourish. Sweet and broad in the mouth, offering lush red fruit, spicecake, mocha and coconut flavors that steadily tighten up on the back half. Finishes extremely long and spicy, with a resonating floral quality, well-knit tannins and lingering oak spice notes. This one is still quite young.”
James Suckling 94 points “A tight and beautiful wine with blackberries, bramble berries, rose petals and lemon grass. Medium to full body, ultra-fine tannins and a beautiful finish. Very fine-grained. Lovely now. Even better in 2020.”
Also in stock now:
CVNE ‘Cune’ Gran Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2011 750ML ($39.95) $28 special
James Suckling 94 points ” A very powerful CUNE with so much blackberry, fresh mushroom and floral character. Big and tannic yet so polished at the same time. Even structure. It shows wonderful potential for ageing. Better in 2020.”
Their stellar 2012 Gran Riserva “Imperial” just arrived and we’re featuring it today. Boasting a pair of mid-nineties scores, it’s a wine that’s one of the icons of collectible Rioja, with rich, deep fruit and the power and structure to age for decades. That’s to go along with two other classics in their 2011 Gran Riserva and 2013 Riserva, both in stock now.
In Stock Now
CVNE ‘Imperial’ Gran Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2012 750ML ($79.95) $69 special
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 95 points “The wine that represents the traditional and serious reds from Haro, the 2012 Imperial Gran Reserva is a classical blend of Tempranillo with 10% Graciano and 5% Mazuelo that matured in barrel for two years. It has a textbook serious Haro nose, with dark spices, ripe fruit, something balsamic and a round, full-bodied palate within the straight and serious style of the wine. 2012 was a warm year, but the wines are fresher than those from 2011. This has fine, slightly grainy tannins with good grip. A textbook Imperial Gran Reserva. 50,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in May 2015.”
Josh Raynolds 94 points “(raised in new and used French and American oak barrels for two years) Vivid ruby-red. An intensely perfumed bouquet evokes ripe raspberry, cherry-cola, potpourri and exotic spices, with a suave vanilla topnote and a smoky mineral flourish. Sweet and broad in the mouth, offering lush red fruit, spicecake, mocha and coconut flavors that steadily tighten up on the back half. Finishes extremely long and spicy, with a resonating floral quality, well-knit tannins and lingering oak spice notes. This one is still quite young.”
James Suckling 94 points “A tight and beautiful wine with blackberries, bramble berries, rose petals and lemon grass. Medium to full body, ultra-fine tannins and a beautiful finish. Very fine-grained. Lovely now. Even better in 2020.”
Also in stock now:
CVNE ‘Cune’ Gran Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2011 750ML ($39.95) $28 special
James Suckling 94 points ” A very powerful CUNE with so much blackberry, fresh mushroom and floral character. Big and tannic yet so polished at the same time. Even structure. It shows wonderful potential for ageing. Better in 2020.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
CVNE ‘Cune’ Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2013 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 special
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 90 points “Brilliant ruby. Energetic, mineral-accented raspberry and cherry aromas reveal hints of rose, vanilla and woodsmoke. Silky and expansive on entry, offering nicely concentrated red fruit flavors that gain energy and a smoky mineral quality with air. Floral pastille and cracked pepper notes linger on the juicy, focused finish, which shows very good clarity and sneaky, fine-grained tannins. Much of the juice that would normally go into the high-end Imperial bottlings wound up in here this vintage.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Mid-Week New Arrivals
Henriot Brut Souverain, Champagne NV 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
Wine Spectator 91 points “A touch of vanilla-laced pastry cream sweetness accents this fresh and focused Champagne, with a fine mousse. This is well-balanced by crunchy acidity and flavors of lemon peel, green pear and spring blossom. Drink now through 2022. 6,000 cases imported. — AN”
Wine Spectator 91 points “A touch of vanilla-laced pastry cream sweetness accents this fresh and focused Champagne, with a fine mousse. This is well-balanced by crunchy acidity and flavors of lemon peel, green pear and spring blossom. Drink now through 2022. 6,000 cases imported. — AN”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Amavi Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley 2017 750ML ($39.95) $26 special
Case-12 Amavi Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley 2017 750ML ($399.95) $289 special (that’s only $24.08/bottle!)
James Suckling 91 points “A straightforward cabernet blend with currant, light coffee, chocolate and walnut aromas and flavors. Medium-to full-bodied, creamy and chewy with a flavorful finish. 82% cabernet sauvignon, 10% cabernet franc, 6% merlot, 1% malbec and 1% petit verdot. Drink after 2020.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Previously sold out, now re-arrived!
Chateau Marjosse, Bordeaux 2015 750ML ($19.95) $17 special
Case-12 Chateau Marjosse, Bordeaux 2015 750ML ($239.95) $189 special (that’s only $15.75/bottle!)
James Suckling 91 points “Aromas of spices, currants and milk chocolate with fresh-basil undertones. Full-bodied, layered and rich with lots of fruit and character on the finish. Tannins are velvety and dusty in texture. Excellent for this chateau. Needs two or three years to soften. Try in 2020.”
Antonio Galloni “Pierre Lurton’s 2015 Marjosse is a big, bold wine packed with black cherry, tobacco, chocolate, smoke, leather and licorice. This dark, brooding wine should drink nicely upon release. There is plenty going on.”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate “The medium garnet-purple colored 2015 Marjosse has a nose of crushed black raspberries and red plums with touches of blackberries and damp soil. Medium to full-bodied, it has good expression and a chewy frame with nice balance and plenty of fruit.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Trending Wines
A standout even amongst the stellar 2015 Brunello vintage
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
Powerful, rich and lush. Pure Washington.
Charles Smith CasaSmith Cinghiale Sangiovese, Wahluke Slope 2018 750ML ($19.95) $16.60 special
Jeb Dunnuck 91 points “Also terrific, the 2018 Sangiovese Cinghiale has complex, savory notes of dried herbs, new leather, and ripe cherries. Medium-bodied and seamless on the palate, with no hard edges, it’s another wine under this label that delivers the goods at a great price. Drink it over the coming 4-6 years as well.”
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
Powerful, rich and lush. Pure Washington.
Charles Smith CasaSmith Cinghiale Sangiovese, Wahluke Slope 2018 750ML ($19.95) $16.60 special
Jeb Dunnuck 91 points “Also terrific, the 2018 Sangiovese Cinghiale has complex, savory notes of dried herbs, new leather, and ripe cherries. Medium-bodied and seamless on the palate, with no hard edges, it’s another wine under this label that delivers the goods at a great price. Drink it over the coming 4-6 years as well.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average listed price is $21
The average listed price is $21
What more can we say about Cameron’s Chards?
Cameron Winery Reserve Chardonnay, Dundee Hills 2018 750ML ($39.95) $36 special,
Case-6 Cameron Winery Reserve Chardonnay, Dundee Hills 2018 750ML ($289.95) $195 special (that’s only $32.50/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
VinopolNote: The ‘Reserve’ level of Cameron Chardonnay is an incredible deal. Made of declassified barrels of Clos Electrique and Abbey Ridge, so without the new oak that the lower level bottling sees, this wine shows facets of the grace and intensity of Abbey and the Clos without the price tag of those higher end bottlings.
Andre Neveu makes some of our favorite Sancerre bottlings every year. Combining intensity with characteristic minerality, the wines demand your attention while remaining insanely refreshing.
Andre Neveu Sancerre Grands Fricambault, Loire 2019 750ML ($29.95) $26 special
Case-12 Andre Neveu Sancerre Grands Fricambault, Loire 2019 750ML ($359.95) $279 special (that’s only $23.25/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Winery note “From the sauvignon grape whose vines are planted on the Sancerre hillside, a terroir composed exclusively of Silex. Vinification is carried out in temperature controlled inox tanks. Dry and fruity, it shows mineral typicity, and its particular ‘gun flint’ taste over several years. Best served chilled (10-12°C). It goes well with oysters, shellfish, and goat’s cheese, such as the famous ‘Crottin de Chavignol’.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Wine Spectator rated this vintage the best ever of this wine, even higher than their 2009 which was a Spectator Top 100!
Rocca di Frassinello ‘Le Sughere di Frassinello’ Maremma Toscana, Tuscany 2016 750ML ($29.95) $21.90 special
Wine Spectator 93 points “SMART BUY. Wild rosemary, thyme and camphor aromas lead off, with concentrated flavors of blackberry and black currant. An iron edge sinks in as this unfolds to the long, staining finish. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best from 2020 through 2032. 11,000 cases made, 5,500 cases imported.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
A standout from our top selling Oregon producer. The now-stunning 2015 offers an exceptional experience. Red cherry, spice and orange notes linger over a powerful palate that features a beautiful measure of red and black fruit over a beam of mineral energy. It’s gonna age for a while more, but is delicious right now. Marcus has been generous enough to pull a few cases out of the winery’s library, so drink up.
Goodfellow Family Cellars Whistling Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2015 750ML ($49.95) $36 special
Wine Advocate 93 points “From a vineyard planted in 1990, the pale to medium ruby colored 2015 Pinot Noir Whistling Ridge Vineyard has a spicy nose of coriander, warm cinnamon, potpourri and dried leaves over a core of baked cranberry and red cherry fruit with meaty/savory touches. Light to medium-bodied, it has spice-laced red fruits in the mouth, with a great frame of fine-grained tannins and wonderful freshness, finishing very long and very spicy. 270 cases produced.”
VinopolNote “Whistling Ridge has become Marcus Goodfellow’s Cros Parantoux-a vineyard that somehow went overlooked but now produces exceptional wines in the right hands. Nestled on the ridgetop abutting the Beaux Freres Upper Terrace, wines from Whistling Ridge tend to be compact and powerful-built for aging. Lots of spice and floral notes blend with a mix of black and red fruits for a stellar wine that’s one of the best versions yet.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
A Stellar Rhone Wine from a Burgundy Superstar
Lucien Le Moine (the nom de plume for Mounir and Rotem Saouma) is one of the hottest names in Burgundy. The rise has been meteoric due to the scarcity of the wines (Mounir wants to keep production under 100 barrels) and also the fact that they only work with grand and premier cru vineyards (with the exception of a tiny amount of Bourgogne).
The Saouma family also has a Chateauneuf based project and we’ve secured some of their excellent Cotes du Rhone Village “Inopia”—just arrived. It’s a do-not-miss Rhone wine that should appeal to lovers of both powerful Rhone wines and robust Burgundy.
Just Arrived, In Stock Now:
Rotem & Mounir Saouma Cotes du Rhone Villages ‘Inopia’ Rouge, Rhone 2016 750ML ($39.95) $29 special
Case-6 Rotem & Mounir Saouma Cotes du Rhone Villages ‘Inopia’ Rouge, Rhone 2016 750ML ($219.95) $165 special (that’s only $27.50/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 90 points “Bright raspberry and cherry coulis flavors stream through, laced with light floral and lavender notes. Moderate in scale but seductive in feel. Grenache Noir, Mourvèdre, Counoise, Syrah and Cinsault. Drink now through 2021. 150 cases imported.”
The Saouma family also has a Chateauneuf based project and we’ve secured some of their excellent Cotes du Rhone Village “Inopia”—just arrived. It’s a do-not-miss Rhone wine that should appeal to lovers of both powerful Rhone wines and robust Burgundy.
Just Arrived, In Stock Now:
Rotem & Mounir Saouma Cotes du Rhone Villages ‘Inopia’ Rouge, Rhone 2016 750ML ($39.95) $29 special
Case-6 Rotem & Mounir Saouma Cotes du Rhone Villages ‘Inopia’ Rouge, Rhone 2016 750ML ($219.95) $165 special (that’s only $27.50/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 90 points “Bright raspberry and cherry coulis flavors stream through, laced with light floral and lavender notes. Moderate in scale but seductive in feel. Grenache Noir, Mourvèdre, Counoise, Syrah and Cinsault. Drink now through 2021. 150 cases imported.”
Collector’s Corner
Clos Apalta: Chile’s First Growth
The Lapostolle family is synonymous with quality in Chile. Perhaps no other family has produced so many great wines from Chilean soil, year in and out. No matter the grape or the vintage, it seems like everything they put out is a winner—especially their flagship, Clos Apalta. It’s regularly considered one of the top two wines in Chile, a Bordeaux styled blend that combines rich, opulent fruit and the structure to age for a long time.
Alexandra Marnier Lapostolle and her husband Cyril de Bournet founded Lapostolle in 1994. The Marnier Lapostolle family, known for founding Grand Marnier liqueur, drew on long, long roots in wine and spirits within France. Their project in Chile, under the name Lapostolle, delivers world-class wines across every tier. Their flagship wine, the Clos Apalta, is a wine spared no expense (as you’d expect given the names involved). This Bordeaux-style blend combines rich, opulent fruit and the structure to age for a long time, and it’s regularly considered one of the top two wines in Chile. Try finding a First Growth Bordeaux for around $100/bottle these days…
Previously Sold Out, Back In Stock Now:
Casa Lapostolle Clos Apalta, Apalta 2015 750ML ($149.95) $128 special
James Suckling 100 points “There is a subtle complexity on the nose with currant, berry, fresh herb and wet earth aromas. Cut fresh flowers, too. Full body, dense and powerful. Incredible character here with such purity and polish. It goes on for minutes. Formed, sculptured yet soulful. A monumental wine for Chile. Unbelievable. More powerful than the 2014 which was 100 points. A blend of 46% carmenere, 30% cabernet sauvignon, 19% merlot and 5% cabernet franc. Made from biodynamically grown grapes. Better in 2022”
Alexandra Marnier Lapostolle and her husband Cyril de Bournet founded Lapostolle in 1994. The Marnier Lapostolle family, known for founding Grand Marnier liqueur, drew on long, long roots in wine and spirits within France. Their project in Chile, under the name Lapostolle, delivers world-class wines across every tier. Their flagship wine, the Clos Apalta, is a wine spared no expense (as you’d expect given the names involved). This Bordeaux-style blend combines rich, opulent fruit and the structure to age for a long time, and it’s regularly considered one of the top two wines in Chile. Try finding a First Growth Bordeaux for around $100/bottle these days…
Previously Sold Out, Back In Stock Now:
Casa Lapostolle Clos Apalta, Apalta 2015 750ML ($149.95) $128 special
James Suckling 100 points “There is a subtle complexity on the nose with currant, berry, fresh herb and wet earth aromas. Cut fresh flowers, too. Full body, dense and powerful. Incredible character here with such purity and polish. It goes on for minutes. Formed, sculptured yet soulful. A monumental wine for Chile. Unbelievable. More powerful than the 2014 which was 100 points. A blend of 46% carmenere, 30% cabernet sauvignon, 19% merlot and 5% cabernet franc. Made from biodynamically grown grapes. Better in 2022”
Thanks for reading!
