In Today’s Newsletter:
Magnum Subscriber Special
Torbreck’s Perfect RunRig Shiraz
New West Coast Arrivals
Trending Wines
It’s Tempier Rosé Time
Scavino’s Stunning 2016 Barolos
Magnum Subscriber Special
We’re offering you discounts on magnums on top of our already outstanding pricing. Buy 3-5 mags, get 5% off those wines. Want to buy more than 5? Take 10% off 6+ magnums purchased—at least until Tuesday Morning at 10AM (when we open). From grand wines like Voerzio Riserva and d’Yquem to humble magnums of rosé—if it’s in stock and in a 1.5L bottle, it’s on sale.
Magnum Subscriber Special
Buy 3-5 Magnums (Mix and Match), Receive a 5% Discount On Them
Buy 6+ 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 Tuesday, August 4th at 10AM
We have 172 different magnums available for purchase in our webstore. From Schaefer to Dönnhoff, Sine Qua Non to Kapcsandy, Produttori, Cascina delle Rose, Nit de Nin, Vieux Telegraphe and more, you can view them all online.
Some Highlights:
“Clos Blanc” is generally a dead ringer for excellent white Burgundy after 5+ years in the cellar.
Cameron Winery Clos Electrique Blanc, Dundee Hills 2017 1.5L ($219.95) $179 Displayed Price, $170.05 at 5% Off, $161.10 at 10% Off
VinopolNote: The Clos Electrique is Cameron’s estate vineyard, named after the electric deer fence that surrounds it. This is planted to a mix of clones and is vinified traditionally—no racking and all in older barrels. This is crisp and coiled, with distinct minerality and a lot of power in a lithe frame. Like most vintages of the Electrique Blanc, this is quite good now but will be stellar in a few years.
Magnum Subscriber Special
Buy 3-5 Magnums (Mix and Match), Receive a 5% Discount On Them
Buy 6+ 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 Tuesday, August 4th at 10AM
We have 172 different magnums available for purchase in our webstore. From Schaefer to Dönnhoff, Sine Qua Non to Kapcsandy, Produttori, Cascina delle Rose, Nit de Nin, Vieux Telegraphe and more, you can view them all online.
Some Highlights:
“Clos Blanc” is generally a dead ringer for excellent white Burgundy after 5+ years in the cellar.
Cameron Winery Clos Electrique Blanc, Dundee Hills 2017 1.5L ($219.95) $179 Displayed Price, $170.05 at 5% Off, $161.10 at 10% Off
VinopolNote: The Clos Electrique is Cameron’s estate vineyard, named after the electric deer fence that surrounds it. This is planted to a mix of clones and is vinified traditionally—no racking and all in older barrels. This is crisp and coiled, with distinct minerality and a lot of power in a lithe frame. Like most vintages of the Electrique Blanc, this is quite good now but will be stellar in a few years.
This is the lowest listed price for a magnum in the USA today!
Clouet over delivers at all prices, including this magnum-only single vineyard.
Andre Clouet ‘Le Clos’ Bouzy Grand Cru Brut, Champagne 2006 1.5L ($379.95) $319 Displayed Price, $303.05 at 5% Off, $287.10 at 10% Off
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2006 is the first release of Clouet’s Clos de Bouzy, a 100% Pinot bottled only in magnum. Considering the year and the richness of Pinot from Bouzy, the Clos de Bouzy is surprisingly bright and floral in its aromas and flavors. The Pinot is mostly felt in the wine’s richness and texture. Dried pears, flowers, spices and anise emerge over time, but the 2006 is first and foremost a wine of subtlety. It will be interesting to see if the 2006 puts on additional weight in bottle. (Magnum only)”
VinopolNote: A limited production bottling, all from one of the four walled Grand Cru vineyards in Champagne. 100% Pinot Noir.
Bereche’s signature wine, this is a powerhouse and a perfect table Champagne.
Bereche et Fils Reflet d’Antan Brut, Champagne (2014) NV 1.5L ($299.95) $279 Displayed Price, $265.05 at 5% Off, $251.10 at 10% Off
Importer Note “Arguably the most original of all in this lineup of singular Champagnes is the Reflet d’Antan, one-third each of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay, drawn from a perpetual reserve of 600-liter barrels begun by Jean-Pierre in 1985. Every year two-thirds of the wine in each barrel is drawn off and replaced with that from the latest vintage. After 4 years on the lees, the result is a rivetingly complex Champagne that seamlessly marries richness, texture and depth and with startling freshness and lift. Each parcel of vines is vinified and aged separately in barrel with its ambient yeasts. Raphaël and Vincent make certain that the wines do not go through malolactic to balance their richness and depth with bright acidity. And aging en tirage is under cork for the enhanced development of character and aromatic complexity that this brings to the wines. Finally, each bottle is disgorged by hand and minimally dosed to preserve the purity of its expression.”
This is the lowest listed price for a magnum in the USA today!
2015 remains an immaculate vintage for many growers and St. Damien is no exception.
Domaine Saint Damien Gigondas ‘Les Souteyrades Vieilles Vignes’, Rhone 2015 1.5L ($109.95) $89 Displayed Price, $84.55 at 5% Off, $80.10 at 10% Off
Jeb Dunnuck 97 points “The most opulent and voluptuous of the 2015s, the 2015 Gigondas Les Souteyrades is heavenly juice that, again, drinks well past its humble price point. Just loaded with notions of strawberries, framboise, spring flowers, dried orange peels and spice, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a thick, unctuous texture, sweet tannin and a great, great finish. This cuvee is the normal 80/20 split of Grenache and Mourvèdre, aged all in foudre, and there’s just 750 cases made.”
Wine Advocate 94 points “Like the La Louisiane, the 2015 Gigondas les Souteyrades spent a year in foudres prior to bottling. It a similar blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Mourvèdre, but grown on north-facing gray clays. There’s more pepper and herb here, still wonderfully ripe raspberries but less chocolate. Full-bodied, it’s still silky and refined, with tremendous length on the finish.”
This is the lowest listed price for a magnum in the USA today!
The king of ageworthy rose, the ’16 is just starting to turn a corner.
Chateau Simone Palette Rose, Provence 2016 1.5L ($139.95) $119 Displayed Price, $113.05 at 5% Off, $107.10 at 10% Off
Importer Notes “The Château Simone Rosé is a wine that belies the notion that rosés are simple wines to be drunk up young. We have indulged ourselves with 10-year old Château Simone Rosé and have marveled at the tenacity, vibrancy and complexity of this very serious wine. The blend is identical to the rouge: 45% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, 5% Cinsault, 20% Syrah, Castet, Manosquin, Carignan, Muscat Noir & Blanc. Aged in barrel, it is powerful and age-worthy with a steely character and a grey-tinted aura to the faded rose-petal robe.”
This is the lowest listed price for a magnum in the USA today!
The next best price is $160
The next best price is $160
One of the best values in the Rhone, this is in a prime drinking spot right now.
Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas, Rhone 2014 1.5L ($99.95) $79 Displayed Price, $75.05 at 5% Off, $71.10 at 10% Off
Wine Spectator 92 points “Sports solid, charcoal-edged grip from the get-go, with roasted alder and savory notes forming a robust frame around the chewy-edged currant, plum and bitter cherry paste flavors. The long, dark, smoldering finish lets the woodsy and herb accents stride through. Shows the cool-weather profile of the vintage. Best from 2018 through 2024. 3,700 cases made.”
This is the lowest listed price for a magnum in the USA today!
Brovia needs no introduction among Barolo lovers, but magnums are a rare thing from them.
Brovia Rocche di Castiglione, Barolo DOCG 2015 1.5L ($269.95) $219 Displayed Price, that’s $208.05 at 5% Off, $197.10 at 10% Off
Monica Larner – Wine Advocate 95 points “The Brovia 2015 Barolo Rocche di Castiglione (the last wine I tasted in this series of cru expressions) opens to the darkest color of this series, with a firm core of black fruit. This wine is silky and satiny in terms of texture—one of the trademarks of this sandy-soil cru in Castiglione Falletto—but don’t underestimate that structural firmness that holds it tightly together. It would take nicely to veal involtini with asparagus.”
Antonio Galloni 94 points “Brovia’s flagship 2015 Barolo Rocche di Castiglione is a decidedly full-bodied wine. The richness of this warm vintage comes through loud and clear in an ample, resonant Barolo endowed with serious textural depth. Lifted floral and spice notes add an attractive upper register as the 2015 starts to open up in the glass. Even so, the Rocche stands out for its volume and sheer size, both of which are unusual for this Castiglione Falletto site, where the wines tend to be more lithe. The Rocche appears to be the Barolo most shaped by the growing season in this range.”
This is the lowest listed price for a magnum in the USA today!
Go big or go home, right?
Chateau d’Yquem, Sauternes 2015 1.5L ($1099.95) $879 Displayed Price, that’s $835.05 at 5% Off, $791.10 at 10% Off
Wine Advocate 100 points “Following a very long harvest stretching nearly two months, the 2015 Château d’Yquem came in at 13.9% alcohol and 144 grams per liter of residual sugar, sporting a pH of 3.65 and six grams per liter of tartaric acid. None of these numbers, however, even remotely begin to tell you how profound this wine is. The nose opens with electric notes of ripe pineapples, green mango, orange blossoms and lemon tart with hints of fungi, lime zest, crushed rocks and jasmine. The freshness on the palate is just astonishing, permeating and lifting layer upon layer of tropical fruits and earthy notions, all encased in a sumptuous texture and culminating in a very, very long, mineral-tinged finish. Truly, this is a legendary vintage for d’Yquem. I’ve been conservative with my drinking window here, and I would not be at all surprised if our descendants are drinking this vintage well into the next century.-LPB”
James Suckling 99-100 points “This is an incredible young Yquem that is so vinous like a great vintage of Montrachet but then on the palate it turns to Yquem with spice, dried fruit and mushroom as well as sweet fruit. Last for minutes. Acidity is all there giving it a dynamic vibrance that jolts your senses. Special wine. It has a little more than than 140 grams of residual sugar, less than the legendary of 2001. But is very close in greatness. Let’s wait and see.”
Antonio Galloni 98 points ” The 2015 d’Yquem is without question one of the wines of the vintage. Just as alluring from bottle as it was from barrel, the 2015 is a wine that engages all of the senses, from the intellectual to the more hedonistic. Lilting notes of pineapple, mint, orange peel and white flowers grace the palate, but it is the wine’s sense of balance and total harmony that impress most. In 2015, Yquem had its earliest start to the harvest since 1893. Even so, the winemaking team did a magnificent job of preserving freshness. The 2015 was fermented in 100% new oak, and residual sugar is 145 grams per liter, but great wine is never about numbers. Above all else, the 2015 Yquem is a wine of energy and class. Don’t miss it!”
We have 172 different magnums available for purchase in our webstore. From Schaefer to Dönnhoff, Sine Qua Non to Kapcsandy, Produttori, Cascina delle Rose, Nit de Nin, Vieux Telegraphe and more, you can view them all online.
Torbreck’s Perfect RunRig Shiraz
Torbreck is one of the truly iconic Australian producers. Producing wines at every price-point, they’re known in their native land for their “Run Rig” Shiraz—a towering bottling that sits with Penfold’s Grange and Henschke’s Hill of Grace as one of the best wines made in any given vintage. The 2016 is one of the best iterations yet, a Wine Advocate 100-pointer that combines the raw power of the Barossa with enough polish to take the wine into transcendent realms. Our limited allocation arrives this week, but likely won’t last long.
Arriving August 3rd:
Torbreck RunRig Shiraz – Viognier, Barossa Valley 2016 750ML ($219.95) $189 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 100 points “A blend of 98% Shiraz and 2% Viognier made just prior to bottling, the 2016 RunRig is a complete masterpiece. It kicks off with elegant notes of pencil shavings accenting blueberries and blackberries on the nose, then shows incredible, palate-staining intensity of fruit in the mouth. It’s full-bodied, plush and velvety without being unstructured and manages to be fruit-forward yet savory on the long-lasting finish, where it picks up hints of mocha and black olives. This should be drinkable with pleasure throughout its entire two-decade life (it may live longer from cold cellars or in larger formats), but if I were lucky enough to have a bottle or two, I’d try the first one about 10 years out.”
Arriving August 3rd:
Torbreck RunRig Shiraz – Viognier, Barossa Valley 2016 750ML ($219.95) $189 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 100 points “A blend of 98% Shiraz and 2% Viognier made just prior to bottling, the 2016 RunRig is a complete masterpiece. It kicks off with elegant notes of pencil shavings accenting blueberries and blackberries on the nose, then shows incredible, palate-staining intensity of fruit in the mouth. It’s full-bodied, plush and velvety without being unstructured and manages to be fruit-forward yet savory on the long-lasting finish, where it picks up hints of mocha and black olives. This should be drinkable with pleasure throughout its entire two-decade life (it may live longer from cold cellars or in larger formats), but if I were lucky enough to have a bottle or two, I’d try the first one about 10 years out.”
New West Coast Arrivals
The best value in Duckhorn’s lineup doesn’t come from their historic Three Palms Vineyard in Napa—or even from the Napa Valley at all. No, their Canvasback bottlings, from their vineyards in Red Mountain, Washington, are a gateway to the Duckhorn style at a much more reasonable price than their California offerings—and are fantastic wines on their own merit. Classic Red Mountain style at an attractive price.
Canvasback Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain 2016 750ML ($39.95) $26 special
James Suckling 92 points “Quite complex yet contained aromas of cassis, mulberries, leaves and bracken here, leading to a palate that has a smooth, sleek and softly approachable feel. Fresh dark berries sit in gentle tannins. A blend of 88% cabernet sauvignon, 8% merlot, 2% petit verdot and 2% cabernet franc. Drink over the next six years.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 91 points “Bright red-ruby. Aromas and flavors of plum, redcurrant, blueberry, mocha, tobacco leaf, menthol, cardamom and sandalwood. Surprisingly soft in the mouth, with a silkiness of texture that feels more like Merlot than Cabernet. This broad, easygoing wine finishes with lovely length–and very smooth, harmonious tannins for Red Mountain. (14.5% alcohol; 41% new oak)”
Jeb Dunnuck 91 points “Deep ruby/purple-colored, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain checks in as 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, and 2% each of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, all aged 20 months in 41% new French (and a small amount of American) oak. Blackcurrants, black cherries, spice box, dried herbs, and earthy notes all emerge from the glass, and it’s medium-bodied, elegant, and seamless on the palate, with beautiful fruit. It’s good today but has good underlying tannins, and I suspect it will keep for 10+ years.”
Canvasback Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain 2016 750ML ($39.95) $26 special
James Suckling 92 points “Quite complex yet contained aromas of cassis, mulberries, leaves and bracken here, leading to a palate that has a smooth, sleek and softly approachable feel. Fresh dark berries sit in gentle tannins. A blend of 88% cabernet sauvignon, 8% merlot, 2% petit verdot and 2% cabernet franc. Drink over the next six years.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 91 points “Bright red-ruby. Aromas and flavors of plum, redcurrant, blueberry, mocha, tobacco leaf, menthol, cardamom and sandalwood. Surprisingly soft in the mouth, with a silkiness of texture that feels more like Merlot than Cabernet. This broad, easygoing wine finishes with lovely length–and very smooth, harmonious tannins for Red Mountain. (14.5% alcohol; 41% new oak)”
Jeb Dunnuck 91 points “Deep ruby/purple-colored, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain checks in as 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, and 2% each of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, all aged 20 months in 41% new French (and a small amount of American) oak. Blackcurrants, black cherries, spice box, dried herbs, and earthy notes all emerge from the glass, and it’s medium-bodied, elegant, and seamless on the palate, with beautiful fruit. It’s good today but has good underlying tannins, and I suspect it will keep for 10+ years.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Day describes their Momtazi bottling as their “our flagship Pinot Noir from one of Willamette Valley’s most prized biodynamic vineyards and our most age-worthy wine.” It‘s normally the most expensive Pinot in the Day Wines lineup at $54, but we’re able to offer it for just $33 per bottle and $28.75 per bottle on case purchases.
Day Wines ‘Momtazi Vineyard ‘ Pinot Noir, McMinnville 2016 750ML ($53.95) $33 special
Case-6 Day Wines ‘Momtazi Vineyard ‘ Pinot Noir, McMinnville 2016 750ML ($299.95) $189 special (that’s only $31.50/bottle!)
Case-12 Day Wines ‘Momtazi Vineyard ‘ Pinot Noir, McMinnville 2016 750ML ($599.95) $345 special (that’s only $28.75/bottle!)
John Gilman 93 points “The 2016 Momtazi Vineyard bottling of Pinot Noir from Day Wines is the ripest of these 2016s, as it comes in at fourteen percent octane. It is beautifully black fruity on the nose (as all the examples from Momtazi have been that I have been fortunate enough to taste), offering up scents of black plum, sweet dark berry, black tea, balsam bough, a beautiful base of soil tones, chicory, gentle spice tones and a bit of cedar. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, complex and beautifully balanced, with a fine core of fruit, great mineral drive and grip, ripe, well-integrated tannins and a long, tangy and promising finish. While this is the ripest of the 2016 pinots from Brianne Day, it is no less pure or precise and is a great bottle in the making. 2024-2055.”
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 92 points “Limpid red. A highly aromatic bouquet evokes fresh dark berries and baking spices, along with smoky mineral and musky earth overtones. Juicy and broad on the palate, offering alluringly sweet black raspberry, cherry, rose pastille and spicecake flavors that deepen steadily with air. Delivers a suave blend of power and energy and finishes with finely woven tannins and strong, floral-driven persistence.”
Winery Note “Momtazi Vineyard is a certified biodynamic site nestled in the foothills of the Cascade Range, composed primarily of uplifted marine sedimentary loams and silts with alluvial overlays and an underlying base of basalt. One of the revered vineyards in Willamette, this is our cornerstone source for Pinot noir. We are always thrilled to work with this fruit, as it’s some of the most coveted in in the Valley. Many people wish they could get their hands on it, and we’re fortunate that we do. Easily our most intense and deeply fruited Pinot noir, the wine displays hallmark Momtazi notes of black cherry and black raspberry, both on the nose and on the palate. Additional notes of sandalwood spice and forest floor emerge with air, giving a glimpse at the complexity to come. It’s a moody, broody teenager at present, which is no surprise given the vineyard’s reputation for structure. The tannins are suave but sturdy, and the well-integrated acidity holds everything together seamlessly in an enchanting marriage of power and finesse. As flagship wines go, the 2016 Momtazi is a worthy standard-bearer.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Compare to $54 directly from the winery!
Compare to $54 directly from the winery!
Goodfellow Lewman Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2018 750ML ($44.95) $36 special
VinopolNote: Lewman is a tiny vineyard that sits between Bethel Heights and Temperance Hill—absolutely prime territory for Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir. This wine is a perfect reflection of the vineyard, with pretty black-chery and raspberry flavors leaning into a savory, soil driven edge. Fruitier and more floral than Temperance, it’s still chiseled and powerful, as is typical of the region.
VinopolNote: Lewman is a tiny vineyard that sits between Bethel Heights and Temperance Hill—absolutely prime territory for Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir. This wine is a perfect reflection of the vineyard, with pretty black-chery and raspberry flavors leaning into a savory, soil driven edge. Fruitier and more floral than Temperance, it’s still chiseled and powerful, as is typical of the region.
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Leonetti Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley 2016 750ML ($129.95) $99 special
Jeb Dunnuck 98 points “The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon checks in as a blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Petit Verdot, 3% Malbec, and 2% Merlot that spent 22 months in 75% new French oak. Its deep ruby/purple color is followed by a sensational, full-bodied, layered wine that’s overflowing with notions of crème de cassis, crushed rocks, smoked tobacco, and hints of camphor. Seamless, elegant, and layered, yet also powerful, it rates with the top wines of the vintage. Readers should snatch this beauty up.”
James Suckling 98 points “This regal wine really sets the tone for delivering poise, balance and elegance. Such distinctive cabernet redcurrants, cassis and red cherries, framed in cedary oak and tobacco. The palate is cast in noble tannins that deliver elegance and length. Deeply flavorful blackcurrants and dark cherries with chocolate that’s laced into the finish. A blend of 82% cabernet sauvignon, 13% petit verdot, 3% malbec and 2% merlot. Drink for the next decade and then some.”
Wine Advocate 95 points “A blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Petit Verdot, 3% Malbec and 2% Merlot, the 2016 Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon offers up a focus of fruit on the nose that is rarely seen in wine, along with a bold, plush, vibrant core of fruit that exudes power and a velvety roundness. Dark red, black and even hints of blue fruit are found in the mouth, with a rich and vibrant core that gives way to chewy tannins. With a bold spiciness and layers of oak, the bold, full-bodied wine lingers with intensity and a long, thought-provoking, complex finish that is focused and delivers pleasure as the wine puts a smile on my face. Only 2,900 cases were made, and they are worth every penny!”
Leonetti Cellar Merlot, Walla Walla Valley 2017 750ML ($99.95) $79 special
Wine Spectator 94 points “Polished and multilayered, with expressive red currant, smoky spice and green olive accents that take on richness toward fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2025. 1,866 cases made. — TF”
James Suckling 94 points “Notes of iodine and some smoky nuances, as well as sappy, foresty freshness to the red plums and darker berries. The palate has rich tannins and dark-plum flavors pervade the assertive finish. A blend of 94% merlot, 4% cabernet franc and 2% cabernet sauvignon. Try from 2023.”
Jeb Dunnuck 93+ points “The only 2017 I was able to taste from this terrific estate, the 2017 Merlot reveals a saturated purple color as well as a terrific perfume of black cherries, cassis, toasty oak, and graphite. It’s medium to full-bodied, plump, and rounded, with ample tannins as well as purity of fruit. It needs 2-4 years of bottle age but is a beautiful, outstanding, incredibly promising Merlot. The blend is 94% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon and it spent 15 months in 60% new French oak.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price is $92
The average price is $92
Leonetti Cellar Reserve, Walla Walla Valley 2016 750ML ($189.95) $149 special
Jeb Dunnuck 99 points “The 2016 Reserve is similar in color (it might be even inkier at the rim) and is a blend of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Malbec, and 5% Cabernet Franc that spent 22 months in a mix of 75% new and 25% once-used French oak barrels. It offers sensational notes of crème de cassis, graphite, crushed rocks, smoke tobacco, and perfectly integrated oak. These all flow to a ripe, powerful, yet seamless and incredibly elegant wine that has nothing out of place, building tannins, awesome purity of fruit, and a massive finish. Reminding me of the 2010, yet made in a more elegant style, this magical wine is drinkable today but will benefit for 4-5 years of bottle age and keep for 3-4 decades. Hats off to Chris Figgins for another awe-inspiring wine.”
James Suckling 97 points “Beautifully stylish, this is a complex, youthful red with attractive, barrel-derived charcuterie, built around precisely ripe blackcurrants, red plums and dark cherries, as well as cedary-tobacco nuances and dark chocolate. So classic. The palate has a succulent, smooth and astutely groomed texture with tannins that are so nicely worked and deliver length with elegance. Black-cherry, blood-plum and dark-chocolate flavors abound. A blend of 73% cabernet sauvignon, 22% malbec and 5% cabernet franc. Try from 2024.”
Wine Advocate 96 points “A blend of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Malbec and 5% Cabernet Franc, the 2016 Walla Walla Reserve is the king of the range with expressive, bold fruit that demonstrates finesse and power, with crème de cassis, blackberry skin and dark cherry jus that connects with a spiced core and oaky essence on the nose. Full-bodied on the palate, the wine bursts with flavor teeming with tension and ripe tannins that will carry this for decades to come. Lush and round, it ends with a long, thought-provoking finish with impeccable balance. 911 cases produced.”
Stephen Tanzer – Vinous 96 points “Bright red-ruby. Very dark, vibrant scents and flavors of blackberry, cassis, boysenberry, licorice and violet. Incredibly silky and concentrated on the palate, with terrific mineral lift intensifying the wine’s fruit. The remarkably long, slowly building finish features noble tannins. It’s hard to scrape this off the palate, and yet this brilliant wine shows no excess weight. Incidentally, this wine is made from all four of the estate’s vineyards plus some old vines in Seven Hills. Should be very long-lived.”
Wine Spectator 95 points “Graceful, polished and dynamic, with layered blackberry, toasty allspice and espresso flavors that take on richness toward refined tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2028. 911 cases made.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $176
The average price is $176
Figgins Estate Red, Walla Walla Valley 2014 750ML ($119.95) $89 special
Wine Advocate 94 points “Chris makes a single Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated red that’s brought up all in small new and used barrels. The 2014 Estate Red Wine is a blockbuster that comes from estate vineyards in Walla Walla and incorporates a splash of Merlot and Petit Verdot. Cassis, blackcurrant, roasted herbs, graphite and scorched earth all give way to a full-bodied, structured, impressively balanced red that has polished tannin (and lots of them), a core of sweet fruit and a great finish. Give it a few years of bottle age and drink over the following 10-15+ years. JD”
Stephen Tanzer – Vinous 93+ points “(the Figgins Estate is at a very high 1,500 to 1,700 feet above sea level, which Chris Figgins noted is great in hotter years but was a challenge in the very cool summer of 2011; these vines were just finishing their flowering on the day of my visit this year, June 29): Bright medium ruby. Less of a fruit bomb than the 2014 Leonetti Cellars Reserve Red Wine, also made by Figgins, offering aromas of cassis, redcurrant, licorice, fig and cocoa powder. Quite plush on entry, then powerful and dry in the middle, with the Petit Verdot component contributing focus and verticality (the Merlot makes a more horizontal wine, notes Figgins), not to mention a note of dried fig. Finishes with strong black fruits and real mountain-style tannins. This wine does not offer quite the breadth or thickness of the Leonetti Reserve Red but it’s more tightly wound and energetic, not to mention very long and alive.”
James Suckling 93 points “Impressive ripeness and freshness with violets, black olives and tarry notes across ripe plum and blackberry fruits. Sinewy tannins that deliver sleek power and carry ripe red- and black-fruit flavors long and even. Blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot and petit verdot. Drink or hold.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $115
The average price is $115
Vinopolis Wine Shop Curbside Pick Up
Don’t want to stop in?
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.
#503-223-6002
Don’t want to stop in?
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.
#503-223-6002
Trending Wines
A blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet, this is one of the best pizza/pasta night wines we’ve seen in a while.
Il Poggione Rosso Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2017 750ML ($24.95) $14 special
Case-12 Il Poggione Rosso Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2017 750ML ($299.95) $149 special (that’s only $12.42/bottle!)
Winery Note “A younger, more fruity wine, it is produced from Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet grapes. After the fermentation it ages in large French oak barrels and barriques. The winemaking and the combination of these three varieties, make this wine soft and ideal for the everyday enjoyment. Ruby red in colour; on the nose it is intense, with notes of red fruit, sweet spices and vanilla. On the palate it is soft and with a good and pleasant acidity. A wine for every meal, ideal with white meats, pasta and medium strength cheeses, and even a casual pizza.”
Il Poggione Rosso Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2017 750ML ($24.95) $14 special
Case-12 Il Poggione Rosso Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2017 750ML ($299.95) $149 special (that’s only $12.42/bottle!)
Winery Note “A younger, more fruity wine, it is produced from Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet grapes. After the fermentation it ages in large French oak barrels and barriques. The winemaking and the combination of these three varieties, make this wine soft and ideal for the everyday enjoyment. Ruby red in colour; on the nose it is intense, with notes of red fruit, sweet spices and vanilla. On the palate it is soft and with a good and pleasant acidity. A wine for every meal, ideal with white meats, pasta and medium strength cheeses, and even a casual pizza.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $15.99
The average listed price is $18
The next best price is $15.99
The average listed price is $18
Taurasi is one of Italy’s grandest wines and Mastroberardino’s Taurasi “Radici” has been a standard bearer for the region since the 60’s (the ’69 is still a legendary wine) on the level of Conterno or Mascarello, but you can take home a six-pack for the cost of a bottle of Barolo Francia (and have enough left over to go to dinner).
Mastroberardino Radici, Taurasi DOCG 2015 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
Case-6 Mastroberardino Radici, Taurasi DOCG 2015 750ML ($299.95) $219 special (that’s only $36.50/bottle!)
Decanter Magazine 96 points “A benchmark for Aglianico, Radici was first produced in 1986. A wine to age for decades, yet surprisingly approachable now. Great density with concentration and depth. Aged two years in oak and two in bottle, this has intense, pure fruit allied to subtle oak, fine tannins and elegance. Some smoky, mineral flavours starting to appear. Ultra refined. A wine with real sense of place.
Camigliano is one of our favorite producers of Brunello (we have their excellent Brunello arriving next month and their Rosso di Montalcino in stock now), but their entry-level Super Tuscan “Poderuccio” is perhaps the best value in their entire lineup. This powerful 90 point Bodeaux+Sangiovese blend is a quarantine special—under $20 and ready to drink now.
Castello di Camigliano Poderuccio Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2018 750ML ($21.95) $18 special
Case-12 Castello di Camigliano Poderuccio Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2018 750ML ($249.95) $189 special (that’s only $15.75/bottle!)
James Suckling 90 points “Lots of blackberries and tar, together with black-olive character on the nose and palate. Full-bodied and structured. A little raw, but should come around nicely with bottle age. Drink from 2020.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Baby Numanthia, basically! This under $20 powerhouse is rich, textured and very bold.
Jorge Ordonez Triton Tinta de Toro 2016 750ML ($21.95) $18 special
Jeb Dunnuck 93 points “The larger production cuvée from Ordonez, the 2016 Tinta de Toro Tritón (100% Tinta de Toro) comes all from very old, ungrafted vineyards and was brought up mostly in used barrels. This beautifully sexy red boasts smoking good notes of ripe plums, black cherries, liquid violets, and loads of scrub brush and dried earth. Full-bodied and silky on the palate, with fine, fine tannin, it has remarkable purity, no hard edges, and enough structure to warrant another year in bottle. It’s a seriously impressive wine.”
James Suckling 92 points “Plenty of bright and attractive fruit on the nose with summer berry compote and complementary meaty and spicy oak. The palate has attractive plush sweet fruit presence in an easy-drinking mode. Drink now.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Ameztoi Rubentis Rosado, Getariako Txakolina 2019 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special
Case-12 Ameztoi Rubentis Rosado, Getariako Txakolina 2019 750ML ($319.95) $239 special (that’s only $19.92/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Grapelive 93 points “My Summer has definitely taken a Spanish turn and I’m perfectly okay with that,
especially when sipping on the fresh and zippy Ameztoi Rubentis Rosé from the Basque region not far from San Sebastian, which is one of the world’s most unique and exciting pink wines and one of my favorites along with Clos Cibonne and of course Domaine Tempier, these are wines that really capture the season in the glass. This vintage is ultra zesty and refreshing with a pop of spritz and tart layers of red citrus, strawberry, distilled raspberry essence, wet stone, saline and delicate floral tones all in an incredible light and steely form that begs to be quaffed. The iconic Rubentis Getariako Txakolina Rosé, as noted in my prior reviews, was the region’s first pink wine, made from native grapes, both red and white, it is naturally fermented in refrigerated stainless steel tanks utilizing indigenous yeasts from the vineyard. The tanks are closed to preserve natural carbonation from fermentation, which is the preferred style of Getaria. The fermentation tanks, according to importer De Maison Selections, are kept chilled to near 32 degrees Fahrenheit before bottling, which preserves the wine’s delicate, effervescent character and signature electric (spritzy) mousse. Ameztoi does a fantastic lineup of Txakolina wines, White, Red, this thrilling Rosé and a true and seriously rare Champagne style cork finished Rosé as well, all are must try wines from this remote Atlantic influenced region. This Ameztoi Rubentis Rosé is a hyper addictive wine that I will glad push on anyone that is in search of the dry pink high…. This is a wine, as I’ve said before, that proves a wine doesn’t have to be heavy or dense to have a serious impact on the palate, and it delivers a wonderful performance that leaves you always wanting more.”
Baudry’s Chinons are some of the finest in the region. This single-vineyard bottling comes from one of their grandest sites, with limestone soils and a fine, elegant edge to it.
Bernard Baudry Chinon Le Clos Guillot, Loire 2016 750ML ($37.95) $33 special
Jason Wilson-Vinous 92 points “Same aging and vinification as the 2017, but this is even fruiter, with more oak influence. More floral than savory, and purple in all ways: purple color, purple flowers, purple fruit. In the mouth, there’s black cherry and plum and big, wild acidity, almost white-wine-like acidity, and a cool, fresh finish. Should be interesting to see how this has developed in a year or two. Drink 2021 – 2046.”
Case-12 Ameztoi Rubentis Rosado, Getariako Txakolina 2019 750ML ($319.95) $239 special (that’s only $19.92/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Grapelive 93 points “My Summer has definitely taken a Spanish turn and I’m perfectly okay with that,
especially when sipping on the fresh and zippy Ameztoi Rubentis Rosé from the Basque region not far from San Sebastian, which is one of the world’s most unique and exciting pink wines and one of my favorites along with Clos Cibonne and of course Domaine Tempier, these are wines that really capture the season in the glass. This vintage is ultra zesty and refreshing with a pop of spritz and tart layers of red citrus, strawberry, distilled raspberry essence, wet stone, saline and delicate floral tones all in an incredible light and steely form that begs to be quaffed. The iconic Rubentis Getariako Txakolina Rosé, as noted in my prior reviews, was the region’s first pink wine, made from native grapes, both red and white, it is naturally fermented in refrigerated stainless steel tanks utilizing indigenous yeasts from the vineyard. The tanks are closed to preserve natural carbonation from fermentation, which is the preferred style of Getaria. The fermentation tanks, according to importer De Maison Selections, are kept chilled to near 32 degrees Fahrenheit before bottling, which preserves the wine’s delicate, effervescent character and signature electric (spritzy) mousse. Ameztoi does a fantastic lineup of Txakolina wines, White, Red, this thrilling Rosé and a true and seriously rare Champagne style cork finished Rosé as well, all are must try wines from this remote Atlantic influenced region. This Ameztoi Rubentis Rosé is a hyper addictive wine that I will glad push on anyone that is in search of the dry pink high…. This is a wine, as I’ve said before, that proves a wine doesn’t have to be heavy or dense to have a serious impact on the palate, and it delivers a wonderful performance that leaves you always wanting more.”
Baudry’s Chinons are some of the finest in the region. This single-vineyard bottling comes from one of their grandest sites, with limestone soils and a fine, elegant edge to it.
Bernard Baudry Chinon Le Clos Guillot, Loire 2016 750ML ($37.95) $33 special
Jason Wilson-Vinous 92 points “Same aging and vinification as the 2017, but this is even fruiter, with more oak influence. More floral than savory, and purple in all ways: purple color, purple flowers, purple fruit. In the mouth, there’s black cherry and plum and big, wild acidity, almost white-wine-like acidity, and a cool, fresh finish. Should be interesting to see how this has developed in a year or two. Drink 2021 – 2046.”
It’s Tempier Rosé Time
Little introduction is needed for Domaine Tempier, our most in-demand rosé. Their pink wine from Bandol is considered to be one of the finest examples of the genre, and the wine that sparked the craze for dry rosé in the United States (thanks largely to Kermit Lynch, Tempier’s importer). We’re excited to finally be able to announce that our allocation of the ’19’s arrives on Friday next week. Prices are up a bit due to tariffs, but the wine remains sui generis and one of the best editions in years.
Arriving Friday, August 7th:
Domaine Tempier Bandol Rose, Provence 2019 750ML ($59.95) $55 pre-arrival special
Domaine Tempier Bandol Rose, Provence 2019 1.5L ($149.95) $119 pre-arrival special, only two magnums remaining!
Arriving Friday, August 7th:
Domaine Tempier Bandol Rose, Provence 2019 750ML ($59.95) $55 pre-arrival special
Domaine Tempier Bandol Rose, Provence 2019 1.5L ($149.95) $119 pre-arrival special, only two magnums remaining!
Scavino’s Stunning 2016 Barolos
“Scavino is one of the great, established families in Piedmont…the Scavino Barolos are defined by their textural richness and opulence. When they are young, the wines are decidedly powerful and intense, but they have also proven to age exceptionally well.” –Antonio Galloni
Paolo Scavino is once again one of the top producers in Barolo. At one point, Scavino was considered one of the preeminent producers of modernist Barolo, favoring barriques, exceptionally short macerations and a style that emphasized winemaking over terroir. These days, though, they’ve shed their overtly modernist ways, moving their style towards a more traditional approach.
While you aren’t going to confuse them with Mascarello or Burlotto, the current incarnation of Scavino seems to combine some of the best parts of modernism (i.e., approachable wines with rich fruit and sensual textures) with a more traditional sensibility in regards to terroir and oak flavors. 2016 was an epic year in Barolo and Scavino made some of the best wines we’ve tasted from the house.
Arriving ETA August:
Paolo Scavino Bricco Ambrogio, Barolo DOCG 2016 750ML ($69.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2016 Barolo Bricco Ambrogio is very pretty in 2016. Medium in body and supple, the Bricco Ambrogio captures all of the personality of the year in a mid-weight style that makes it easy to drink and enjoy young. The balance of fruit, acid and structure is just superb here. Pretty floral and spice overtones add nuance. Bricco Ambrogio is always the most accessible of the Scavino cru Barolos. The 2016 is the finest wine from this site yet.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 94 points “From the comune or village of Roddi, the Paolo Scavino 2016 Barolo Bricco Ambrogio offers an open-knit and accessible personality. The bouquet of this wine is very distinctive, offering some cedar, spice and toasted hazelnut that you don’t get in the other Baroli in the collection from the Scavino family. Those nutty aromas cede to dark fruit, plum, spice and grilled herb. The wine is beautifully put together, showing the classic balance and energy of the vintage.”
Paolo Scavino Carobric, Barolo DOCG 2016 750ML ($79.95) $69 pre-arrival special
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 97 points “Sadly, we are seeing the last vintages of this wine that is expected to be discontinued after the 2018 vintage. The Paolo Scavino 2016 Barolo Carobric represents a historic blend of fruit from Rocche di Castiglione, Cannubi and Bric dël Fiasc. Because the lease on Cannubi was not renewed, Carobric lost one of its fundamental building blocks. Cannubi brought richness, generous flavors and textural suppleness to the final blend. If you are a fan of this wine, I suggest you stock up on this vintage that is poised to be one of the most memorable and age-worthy among this group of final releases. This classic vintage is rich with dark fruit, licorice, truffle-infused earth and a pretty touch of sweet hazelnut cream.”
Antonio Galloni 95+ points “The 2016 Barolo Carobric is fabulous. Nervous and tightly wound, the Carobric offers up a beguiling mix of crushed flowers, herbs, mint and red berry fruit. There is a feeling of explosive energy that runs through the 2016 that gives its tremendous appeal. Carobric, a blend of fruit from Rocche di Castiglione, Cannubi and Bric del Fiasc, is a bit less showy than some of the other Barolos in the Scavino range, but it has historically aged beautifully. I expect that will be the case here as well.”
Paolo Scavino Prapo, Barolo DOCG 2016 750ML ($79.95) $69 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 96 points “The 2016 Barolo Prapò is an exotic, beguiling beauty. Dark cherry, black plum, cloves, new leather, spice and menthol infuse the 2016 with captivating nuance and inner sweetness. In 2016, the Prapò is a wine of substantial depth and intensity. It is also the first wine in this range with a fruit profile decidedly on the riper side of things.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 96 points “The Paolo Scavino 2016 Barolo Prapò (with fruit from Serralunga d’Alba) opens to a beautifully saturated appearance with bold fruit aromas of black cherry, plum and dried currant. Those rusty mineral notes that are so distinctive of this growing area come through loud and clear. This is the second harvest to emerge from this plot of land in Prapò that the Scavino family purchased in 2008 and replanted two years later. We’re off to a great start with high-scoring and cellar-worthy wines from both 2015 and 2016. I’d give a slight edge to this vintage, thanks to the sharp precision and linearity of its aromas.”
Paolo Scavino Ravera, Barolo DOCG 2016 750ML ($79.95) $69 pre-arrival special
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 97+ points “Continuing in a tour de force presentation of some of the best growing sites in Barolo, the Scavino family introduces this, their second vintage, from the Ravera cru of Novello. The Paolo Scavino 2016 Barolo Ravera draws its fruit from an east-facing parcel that is one of the last to be harvested each year. The site shows cool climate conditions even in the warmer years. In a classic vintage such as this, the wine delivers pretty balance and integration. The character of the wine reflects the dark, sultry fruit qualities that we associate with Ravera—prune, plum, blackberry, tilled earth, truffle and an appetite-arousing touch of smoked bacon. That compilation of aromas is simply fantastic, and the wine shows a terrific quality of tannins, imparting inner tension, sharpness and precision.”
Antonio Galloni 97 points “Scavino’s 2016 Barolo Ravera is another highlight in this range. Tense, brilliant and finely sculpted, the 2016 has so much going on. Crushed flowers, iron, mint and cedar add beguiling aromatic breadth to a core of translucent, intense Nebbiolo fruit. The 2016 really captures the energy that makes wines from this site so distinctive. The 2016 was fermented in stainless steel and aged entirely in cask.”
Paolo Scavino Rocche dell’Annunziata Riserva, Barolo DOCG 2013 750ML ($219.95) $199 pre-arrival special
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 97 points “The 2013 Barolo Rocche dell’Annunziata Riserva was released in January of 2019, and once again it looks to be a top prize. Licorice and flowers dominate the bouquet, and its beautiful red fruit is generous throughout. This wine has always been a beauty and consistently has had a high price tag to reflect that quality, going back to the first vintages of the 1990s. It has regularly sold for about $200 every year for the last decade. These vines are old, some of them very old (reaching the ripe age of 60 years old in 1990s, when many of them were replanted with carefully selected clones), producing an elegance and concentration that brings intensity and a high standard of aromas. This Barolo without a doubt shows its pedigree and a quality of noble perfumes that demonstrate characteristics of the greatest Nebbiolo vintages, all delivered with excellent concentration. The magic lingers on the palate, right up to the finish.”
James Suckling 95 points “Aromas of white truffles and dried red cherries here with an earthy nuance that makes for a complex and compelling nose. The palate has a deep and dense shape and delivers a wide array of rich cherry and plum flavors. Some handy spice here, too. Drink or hold.”
Paolo Scavino is once again one of the top producers in Barolo. At one point, Scavino was considered one of the preeminent producers of modernist Barolo, favoring barriques, exceptionally short macerations and a style that emphasized winemaking over terroir. These days, though, they’ve shed their overtly modernist ways, moving their style towards a more traditional approach.
While you aren’t going to confuse them with Mascarello or Burlotto, the current incarnation of Scavino seems to combine some of the best parts of modernism (i.e., approachable wines with rich fruit and sensual textures) with a more traditional sensibility in regards to terroir and oak flavors. 2016 was an epic year in Barolo and Scavino made some of the best wines we’ve tasted from the house.
Arriving ETA August:
Paolo Scavino Bricco Ambrogio, Barolo DOCG 2016 750ML ($69.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2016 Barolo Bricco Ambrogio is very pretty in 2016. Medium in body and supple, the Bricco Ambrogio captures all of the personality of the year in a mid-weight style that makes it easy to drink and enjoy young. The balance of fruit, acid and structure is just superb here. Pretty floral and spice overtones add nuance. Bricco Ambrogio is always the most accessible of the Scavino cru Barolos. The 2016 is the finest wine from this site yet.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 94 points “From the comune or village of Roddi, the Paolo Scavino 2016 Barolo Bricco Ambrogio offers an open-knit and accessible personality. The bouquet of this wine is very distinctive, offering some cedar, spice and toasted hazelnut that you don’t get in the other Baroli in the collection from the Scavino family. Those nutty aromas cede to dark fruit, plum, spice and grilled herb. The wine is beautifully put together, showing the classic balance and energy of the vintage.”
Paolo Scavino Carobric, Barolo DOCG 2016 750ML ($79.95) $69 pre-arrival special
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 97 points “Sadly, we are seeing the last vintages of this wine that is expected to be discontinued after the 2018 vintage. The Paolo Scavino 2016 Barolo Carobric represents a historic blend of fruit from Rocche di Castiglione, Cannubi and Bric dël Fiasc. Because the lease on Cannubi was not renewed, Carobric lost one of its fundamental building blocks. Cannubi brought richness, generous flavors and textural suppleness to the final blend. If you are a fan of this wine, I suggest you stock up on this vintage that is poised to be one of the most memorable and age-worthy among this group of final releases. This classic vintage is rich with dark fruit, licorice, truffle-infused earth and a pretty touch of sweet hazelnut cream.”
Antonio Galloni 95+ points “The 2016 Barolo Carobric is fabulous. Nervous and tightly wound, the Carobric offers up a beguiling mix of crushed flowers, herbs, mint and red berry fruit. There is a feeling of explosive energy that runs through the 2016 that gives its tremendous appeal. Carobric, a blend of fruit from Rocche di Castiglione, Cannubi and Bric del Fiasc, is a bit less showy than some of the other Barolos in the Scavino range, but it has historically aged beautifully. I expect that will be the case here as well.”
Paolo Scavino Prapo, Barolo DOCG 2016 750ML ($79.95) $69 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 96 points “The 2016 Barolo Prapò is an exotic, beguiling beauty. Dark cherry, black plum, cloves, new leather, spice and menthol infuse the 2016 with captivating nuance and inner sweetness. In 2016, the Prapò is a wine of substantial depth and intensity. It is also the first wine in this range with a fruit profile decidedly on the riper side of things.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 96 points “The Paolo Scavino 2016 Barolo Prapò (with fruit from Serralunga d’Alba) opens to a beautifully saturated appearance with bold fruit aromas of black cherry, plum and dried currant. Those rusty mineral notes that are so distinctive of this growing area come through loud and clear. This is the second harvest to emerge from this plot of land in Prapò that the Scavino family purchased in 2008 and replanted two years later. We’re off to a great start with high-scoring and cellar-worthy wines from both 2015 and 2016. I’d give a slight edge to this vintage, thanks to the sharp precision and linearity of its aromas.”
Paolo Scavino Ravera, Barolo DOCG 2016 750ML ($79.95) $69 pre-arrival special
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 97+ points “Continuing in a tour de force presentation of some of the best growing sites in Barolo, the Scavino family introduces this, their second vintage, from the Ravera cru of Novello. The Paolo Scavino 2016 Barolo Ravera draws its fruit from an east-facing parcel that is one of the last to be harvested each year. The site shows cool climate conditions even in the warmer years. In a classic vintage such as this, the wine delivers pretty balance and integration. The character of the wine reflects the dark, sultry fruit qualities that we associate with Ravera—prune, plum, blackberry, tilled earth, truffle and an appetite-arousing touch of smoked bacon. That compilation of aromas is simply fantastic, and the wine shows a terrific quality of tannins, imparting inner tension, sharpness and precision.”
Antonio Galloni 97 points “Scavino’s 2016 Barolo Ravera is another highlight in this range. Tense, brilliant and finely sculpted, the 2016 has so much going on. Crushed flowers, iron, mint and cedar add beguiling aromatic breadth to a core of translucent, intense Nebbiolo fruit. The 2016 really captures the energy that makes wines from this site so distinctive. The 2016 was fermented in stainless steel and aged entirely in cask.”
Paolo Scavino Rocche dell’Annunziata Riserva, Barolo DOCG 2013 750ML ($219.95) $199 pre-arrival special
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 97 points “The 2013 Barolo Rocche dell’Annunziata Riserva was released in January of 2019, and once again it looks to be a top prize. Licorice and flowers dominate the bouquet, and its beautiful red fruit is generous throughout. This wine has always been a beauty and consistently has had a high price tag to reflect that quality, going back to the first vintages of the 1990s. It has regularly sold for about $200 every year for the last decade. These vines are old, some of them very old (reaching the ripe age of 60 years old in 1990s, when many of them were replanted with carefully selected clones), producing an elegance and concentration that brings intensity and a high standard of aromas. This Barolo without a doubt shows its pedigree and a quality of noble perfumes that demonstrate characteristics of the greatest Nebbiolo vintages, all delivered with excellent concentration. The magic lingers on the palate, right up to the finish.”
James Suckling 95 points “Aromas of white truffles and dried red cherries here with an earthy nuance that makes for a complex and compelling nose. The palate has a deep and dense shape and delivers a wide array of rich cherry and plum flavors. Some handy spice here, too. Drink or hold.”
Thanks for reading!
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online at www.vinopoliswineshop.com or
at our convenient NW Glisan and 16th location
in Portland, OR.
It seems nearly impossible for any winery to have collected the scores and praise that Clos Erasmus has, while still being available for purchase in the open market. Since the turn of the century, their flagship wine has scored over 96 points fifteen times—from the Wine Advocate alone! That’s across multiple critics (Robert Parker to Luis Guitierrez) who have all recognized the impressive class and iconic power of one of Spain’s greatest wines.
Chris Bilbro was one of California wine’s unsung heroes. He founded and grew Marietta Cellars into one of the preeminent producers of excellent value, honestly made California wine. Although his son Scot now runs the winery (Chris sadly passed away), the wines are as good as they’ve ever been—delicious, gutsy wines that deliver exceptional value at all prices. These are fantastic wines from their sub-$20 Zinfandel and Cabernet bottlings all the way through their “Gibson Block” Syrah, which hails from a parcel of Syrah planted in the 1880’s and still producing (tiny quantities) of fruit today.
The Cote des Blancs region in Champagne is home to some of the most sought after and exquisite sparkling wine in the world. In the Cote des Blancs village of Cramant, Diebolt-Vallois is a star player, in part due to the quality of their vineyard holdings in the region and nearby Epernay. These are very classic representations of Champagne in general. Fortunately, we were able to acquire a large quantity of two bottlings, the entry-level Tradition, which is one of the finest under $40 Champagnes, and the drinking perfectly now Vintage bottling. The Tradition is a blend of Chardonnay from the Cote des Blancs villages of Cuis and Chouilly with Pinot Noir and Meunier from the villages of Epernay and Marfaux. It elegantly captures the grace and structure of Chardonnay with the red fruit and forward-drinking appeal of the Pinots. The Vintage wine, made from Chardonnay from Cuis, Epernay and Cramant, is richly textured with generous orchard fruit notes that’s drinking beautifully now. 
Leonetti Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley 2016 750ML ($129.95) 
Perhaps no vigneron exemplifies the New Champagne like Ulysse Collin. Born to a family of grape-growers, he worked tirelessly to free the family land from contracts selling fruit to negociants and now vinifies all of his wines as single-vineyard/vintage bottlings. His wines are profoundly introspective and challenge preconceived notions about what Champagne should be. At the forefront of the new wave of ultra-terroir-driven Champagnes, Olivier produces deeply vinous, mineral and hyper-concentrated wines. True to their terroir, these are reflections of the individual parcels.