In Today’s Newsletter:
Antonio Galloni on 2017 DRC
A Staff-Pick Local Favorite
Now Under $15 by the Case!
C.V.N.E. Stands for Excellent Rioja
Trending Wines
Rose of the Day
New Deals on Petrolo’s Historic Sangiovese
Subscriber Special Recap
Sales on Gaja Sperss and Domaine Huet End Soon!
Antonio Galloni on 2017 DRC
“2017 is an intriguing vintage, to say the least” – Antonio Galloni
We were excited to see Antonio Galloni’s newly published reviews of the 2017 wines from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti. He’s obviously one of the most respected wine critics in the world and, more importantly, willing to have opinions that are a little different than some other critics. Case in point? His take that the Romanée St Vivant was the highlight of the range.
Galloni wrote that “Leaving price aside, if I could only have one wine in this range, it would unquestionably be the RSV” while praising it (and the rest of the lineup). We’ve got limited stock available (many bottlings have sold out and many more are down to our last bottle), so collector’s should act quickly.
Arriving this month:
Only four bottles available
Domaine de la Romanee-Conti Romanee-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits 2017 750ML ($2,999.95) $2,799 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 98 points “A total stunner, the 2017 Romanée St. Vivant Grand Cru is the most expressive wine in the lineup today. Rich, creamy and so wonderfully textured, the RSV simply has it all. The tannins are present, but they are also matched by tremendous fruit density and pure power. Floral and savory overtones grace the lifted, saline finish. Leaving price aside, if I could only have one wine in this range, it would unquestionably be the RSV. The 2017 is a total knock-out. That’s all there is to it. This fruit was picked on September 10 and 11.”
Only three bottles available
Domaine de la Romanee-Conti Romanee-Conti Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits 2017 750ML ($17,999.95) $16,599 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 96 points “The 2017 Romanée-Conti Grand Cru is dense, ample and also ethereal, as only it can be. Once again, Romanée-Conti elicits thoughts of art forms like cubist paintings or jazz, where themes are implied but never expressly stated. Above all else Romanée-Conti is a Burgundy that engages all the senses. You want answers, but all you get back is more questions. The 2017 is powerful and quite closed initially, yet with some aeration hints of black cherry, lavender and exotic spice start to appear. A closing rush of baritone inflections give it a real sense of gravitas. It’s a shame very few people will ever be able to taste it. Harvest took place on the morning of September 8.”
Only one bottle available
Domaine de la Romanee-Conti La Tache Grand Cru Monopole, Cote de Nuits 2017 750ML ($3,999.95) $3,399 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 96 points “The 2017 La Tâche Grand Cru is another of the more expressive wines in the range. It opens with striking mid-palate pliancy and also possesses a level of inner sweetness the other wines don’t have, and yet there is plenty of the tannic clout that defines the Richebourg as well. Time in the glass allows all of those elements to emerge fully, especially the aromatics that are such a La Tâche signature. Creamy, ample and wonderfully expressive, 2017 is superb today. I would cellar the 2017 for at least a few years, even if it is incredibly alluring right now. Harvest took place on September 6 and 7.”
Only one bottle available
Domaine de la Romanee-Conti Richebourg Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits 2017 750ML ($3,199.95) $2,699 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 95 points “The 2017 Richebourg Grand Cru is a Burgundy of Cistercian austerity. Searing tannins give the Richebourg its trademark sense of energy and vibrancy. White pepper, mint, dried flowers and bright red berry fruit are all beautifully delineated, with underlying beams of minerality and salinity that lend dimension. Richebourg is very rarely finessed, but is more typically a wine of brawn and pure power, as it is here. A range of bright, floral/savory accents suggest a bit more elegance may lie ahead. We will see. My colleagues appreciate the Richebourg more than I do. Harvest began the afternoon of September 8, after Romanée-Conti. Rain on the 9th caused a break in picking for the day. The last of the Richebourg came in on the 10th.”
Only one bottle available
Domaine de la Romanee-Conti Grands Echezeaux Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits 2017 750ML ($2,499.95) $1,999 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 96 points “The 2017 Grands-Echézeaux Grand Cru is a pretty big step up in this range, both in terms of depth, power and energy. Here the flavors are dark, while there is quite a bit of tannin lurking beneath. Black cherry, graphite, leather, smoke, spice and menthol infuse the 2017 with tons of virile, somber character. Readers will have to be very patient. A whole range of sepia-toned aromas and flavors shrouded in tannin add depth to an imposing Grands-Echézeaux built for cellaring. Harvest was on September 12.”
We were excited to see Antonio Galloni’s newly published reviews of the 2017 wines from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti. He’s obviously one of the most respected wine critics in the world and, more importantly, willing to have opinions that are a little different than some other critics. Case in point? His take that the Romanée St Vivant was the highlight of the range.
Galloni wrote that “Leaving price aside, if I could only have one wine in this range, it would unquestionably be the RSV” while praising it (and the rest of the lineup). We’ve got limited stock available (many bottlings have sold out and many more are down to our last bottle), so collector’s should act quickly.
Arriving this month:
Only four bottles available
Domaine de la Romanee-Conti Romanee-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits 2017 750ML ($2,999.95) $2,799 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 98 points “A total stunner, the 2017 Romanée St. Vivant Grand Cru is the most expressive wine in the lineup today. Rich, creamy and so wonderfully textured, the RSV simply has it all. The tannins are present, but they are also matched by tremendous fruit density and pure power. Floral and savory overtones grace the lifted, saline finish. Leaving price aside, if I could only have one wine in this range, it would unquestionably be the RSV. The 2017 is a total knock-out. That’s all there is to it. This fruit was picked on September 10 and 11.”
Only three bottles available
Domaine de la Romanee-Conti Romanee-Conti Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits 2017 750ML ($17,999.95) $16,599 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 96 points “The 2017 Romanée-Conti Grand Cru is dense, ample and also ethereal, as only it can be. Once again, Romanée-Conti elicits thoughts of art forms like cubist paintings or jazz, where themes are implied but never expressly stated. Above all else Romanée-Conti is a Burgundy that engages all the senses. You want answers, but all you get back is more questions. The 2017 is powerful and quite closed initially, yet with some aeration hints of black cherry, lavender and exotic spice start to appear. A closing rush of baritone inflections give it a real sense of gravitas. It’s a shame very few people will ever be able to taste it. Harvest took place on the morning of September 8.”
Only one bottle available
Domaine de la Romanee-Conti La Tache Grand Cru Monopole, Cote de Nuits 2017 750ML ($3,999.95) $3,399 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 96 points “The 2017 La Tâche Grand Cru is another of the more expressive wines in the range. It opens with striking mid-palate pliancy and also possesses a level of inner sweetness the other wines don’t have, and yet there is plenty of the tannic clout that defines the Richebourg as well. Time in the glass allows all of those elements to emerge fully, especially the aromatics that are such a La Tâche signature. Creamy, ample and wonderfully expressive, 2017 is superb today. I would cellar the 2017 for at least a few years, even if it is incredibly alluring right now. Harvest took place on September 6 and 7.”
Only one bottle available
Domaine de la Romanee-Conti Richebourg Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits 2017 750ML ($3,199.95) $2,699 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 95 points “The 2017 Richebourg Grand Cru is a Burgundy of Cistercian austerity. Searing tannins give the Richebourg its trademark sense of energy and vibrancy. White pepper, mint, dried flowers and bright red berry fruit are all beautifully delineated, with underlying beams of minerality and salinity that lend dimension. Richebourg is very rarely finessed, but is more typically a wine of brawn and pure power, as it is here. A range of bright, floral/savory accents suggest a bit more elegance may lie ahead. We will see. My colleagues appreciate the Richebourg more than I do. Harvest began the afternoon of September 8, after Romanée-Conti. Rain on the 9th caused a break in picking for the day. The last of the Richebourg came in on the 10th.”
Only one bottle available
Domaine de la Romanee-Conti Grands Echezeaux Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits 2017 750ML ($2,499.95) $1,999 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 96 points “The 2017 Grands-Echézeaux Grand Cru is a pretty big step up in this range, both in terms of depth, power and energy. Here the flavors are dark, while there is quite a bit of tannin lurking beneath. Black cherry, graphite, leather, smoke, spice and menthol infuse the 2017 with tons of virile, somber character. Readers will have to be very patient. A whole range of sepia-toned aromas and flavors shrouded in tannin add depth to an imposing Grands-Echézeaux built for cellaring. Harvest was on September 12.”
A Staff-Pick Local Favorite
Now Under $15 by the Case!
Nina:
The 2017 Biggio Hamina Van Deuzer Pinot Noir is incredibly aromatic, with scents of cherries and fresh strawberries and herbal notes of basil and eucalyptus. A lovely essence of crushed cherries dominates the palate with soft, very slightly earth laden plum and raspberry curves, the finish long and silky with hints of spice. It is a youthful wine with old world grace and would be the perfect companion with soft ripened cows milk cheese and spicy or mild cured meats.
We bought the rest of the stock on Todd Hamina’s value winner—making an already great deal even better. You don’t see Pinot of this quality under $15 per bottle, and you should act accordingly.
In Stock Now:
Biggio Hamina “Biha” Pinot Noir, Van Duzer Corridor Ava 2017 750ML ($24.95) $17 special
Case-12 Biggio Hamina “Biha” Pinot Noir, Van Duzer Corridor Ava 2017 750ML ($299.95) $179 special (that’s only $14.92/bottle!)
No reviews for the 2017 vintage. Review is for reference.
Josh Raynolds 91 points “[2016 Vintage] Shimmering red. Vibrant, mineral- and spice-accented red fruit and floral scents, along with a savory herb nuance and a hint of smokiness. Appealingly sweet and sharply focused on the palate, offering lively redcurrant, raspberry and rose pastille flavors that deepen slowly on the back half. Silky tannins come on late and support a seamless, floral-driven finish that hangs on with strong tenacity.”
The 2017 Biggio Hamina Van Deuzer Pinot Noir is incredibly aromatic, with scents of cherries and fresh strawberries and herbal notes of basil and eucalyptus. A lovely essence of crushed cherries dominates the palate with soft, very slightly earth laden plum and raspberry curves, the finish long and silky with hints of spice. It is a youthful wine with old world grace and would be the perfect companion with soft ripened cows milk cheese and spicy or mild cured meats.
We bought the rest of the stock on Todd Hamina’s value winner—making an already great deal even better. You don’t see Pinot of this quality under $15 per bottle, and you should act accordingly.
In Stock Now:
Biggio Hamina “Biha” Pinot Noir, Van Duzer Corridor Ava 2017 750ML ($24.95) $17 special
Case-12 Biggio Hamina “Biha” Pinot Noir, Van Duzer Corridor Ava 2017 750ML ($299.95) $179 special (that’s only $14.92/bottle!)
No reviews for the 2017 vintage. Review is for reference.
Josh Raynolds 91 points “[2016 Vintage] Shimmering red. Vibrant, mineral- and spice-accented red fruit and floral scents, along with a savory herb nuance and a hint of smokiness. Appealingly sweet and sharply focused on the palate, offering lively redcurrant, raspberry and rose pastille flavors that deepen slowly on the back half. Silky tannins come on late and support a seamless, floral-driven finish that hangs on with strong tenacity.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
C.V.N.E. Stands for Excellent Rioja
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.
We’ve got their Gran Riserva “Imperial” arriving this coming Friday, from the stellar 2012 vintage. 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.
Arriving Friday, July 17th
CVNE ‘Imperial’ Gran Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2012 750ML ($79.95) $69 pre-arrival 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.”
Can’t wait? Check out the 2011 Gran Riserva and 2013 Reserva, in stock now!
CVNE ‘Cune’ Gran Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2011 750ML ($39.95) $28 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
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.”
We’ve got their Gran Riserva “Imperial” arriving this coming Friday, from the stellar 2012 vintage. 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.
Arriving Friday, July 17th
CVNE ‘Imperial’ Gran Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2012 750ML ($79.95) $69 pre-arrival 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.”
Can’t wait? Check out the 2011 Gran Riserva and 2013 Reserva, in stock now!
CVNE ‘Cune’ Gran Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2011 750ML ($39.95) $28 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
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, 20 bottles in stock now
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!
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 killer value Sangiovese from one of Brunello’s best producers.
Il Poggione Rosso di Montalcino, Tuscany 2017 750ML ($31.95) $18 special
Case-12 Il Poggione Rosso di Montalcino, Tuscany 2017 750ML ($359.95) $189 special (that’s only $15.75/bottle!)
James Suckling 91 points “A Rosso with focus and poise that shows cherry and chocolate character. Lots of new wood now, but plenty of fruit, fine tannins and bright acidity to hold it together. Drink or hold.”
Wine Spectator 89 points “Broad and velvety, with a beam of vibrant cherry accented by iron, sanguine, earth and underbrush notes. Dense and beefy, finishing long and cleansing. Drink now through 2023. 12,000 cases made, 7,500 cases imported.”
“Ripe and racy to the core, Il Poggione’s 2017 Rosso di Montalcino offers tons of richness and intensity from the very first taste. Sweet red cherry, wild flowers, spice and a kiss of new oak are all front and center. In this vintage, the Rosso is decidedly bold. It needs time in bottle to fully come together, for some of that oak to integrate, but it is undoubtedly a very delicious and alluring Rosso that captures the flamboyance of the year.” –Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Il Poggione Rosso di Montalcino, Tuscany 2017 750ML ($31.95) $18 special
Case-12 Il Poggione Rosso di Montalcino, Tuscany 2017 750ML ($359.95) $189 special (that’s only $15.75/bottle!)
James Suckling 91 points “A Rosso with focus and poise that shows cherry and chocolate character. Lots of new wood now, but plenty of fruit, fine tannins and bright acidity to hold it together. Drink or hold.”
Wine Spectator 89 points “Broad and velvety, with a beam of vibrant cherry accented by iron, sanguine, earth and underbrush notes. Dense and beefy, finishing long and cleansing. Drink now through 2023. 12,000 cases made, 7,500 cases imported.”
“Ripe and racy to the core, Il Poggione’s 2017 Rosso di Montalcino offers tons of richness and intensity from the very first taste. Sweet red cherry, wild flowers, spice and a kiss of new oak are all front and center. In this vintage, the Rosso is decidedly bold. It needs time in bottle to fully come together, for some of that oak to integrate, but it is undoubtedly a very delicious and alluring Rosso that captures the flamboyance of the year.” –Antonio Galloni, Vinous
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $22.90
The average price is $25
The next best price is $22.90
The average price is $25
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
“…spiritually aligned with les Amoureuses in Chambolle-Musigny”
Kelley Fox Wines Maresh Vineyard Star of Bethlehem Flower Block Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2018 750ML ($99.95) $79 special
John Gilman 95+ points “The 2018 Star-Of-Bethlehem Flower Block pinot from Kelley Fox is another gorgeous example of the vintage. The wine shows lovely ripeness on both the nose and palate, without every losing that inimitable delicacy that I think of as the calling card for this cuvée. The bouquet wafts from the glass in a refined mix of cherries, wild strawberries, beetroot, a hint of raw cocoa, a refined base of soil, hints of hazelnut, gentle oak, peonies and rose petals. On the palate the wine is full-bodied, refined and elegant, with a superb core of fruit, lovely transparency and grip, suave tannins and a long, complex and light on its feet finish. Though the soil signatures are completely different, this is always the Kelley Fox bottling that strikes me as the most spiritually aligned with les Amoureuses in Chambolle-Musigny. It is a stunning young wine in 2018. 2026-2065+.”
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!
You won’t mistake this for Chianti—it’s 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
Rose of the Day
“I can’t help but laugh at how perfect I am.” – Zlatan
“You can’t coach brilliance like that.” – Zlatan
“Zlatan doesn’t do auditions.” – Zlatan
“I came like a king, left like a legend.” – Zlatan
“Who needs a nickname? To be afraid of me, just watch me play” – Zlatan
“It has to be Zlatan-style.” – Zlatan
*This wine is not affiliated in any way, shape, or form with Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but it is pretty delicious*
In Stock Now:
Zlatan Otok Rose, Island of Hvar 2019 750ML ($19.95) $17 special
Winery Note “Quality dry, clean and fresh rosé made of Plavac Mali grapes grown on the localities of Sv. Nedjelja. The wine is produced from red grapes with processing technology as that of white grapes. Aromas of cherries, ripe and fruity. Fresh on the nose, smooth structure and a pleasant pungent end.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
New Deals on Petrolo’s Historic Sangiovese
“Luca Sanjust of Fattoria Petrolo has long been working with extended skin macerations, amphorae and a non-interventionist’s approach. He is a historian of local wine culture and ampelography. Indeed, he is one of the most vocal proponents of the recently established Val d’Arno di Sopra appellation. These are the best new releases I have yet tasted from Petrolo.” –Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
The legacy for wine at Petrolo is certainly older than most; there are examples of Etruscan names associated with the area dating back 3000 years. The pedigree on the wines goes back to 1715 when a Medici Duke decreed that the Val d’Arno di Sopra was one of only four specific areas in which grape growing was recommended especially for wine production.
Petrolo is one of the leading proponents of the Val d’Arno di Sopra DOC, a small area in Tuscany that only recently received the DOC designation. Frankly, the designation should have happened a while ago—these are distinctive wines made from unique soils and the quality across the board is very high. If you want proof of Val d’Arno di Sopra’s quality, look no further than Petrolo’s Boggina, a 100% Sangiovese wine from a vineyard (Boggina) planted in 1952.
They often ferment this vineyard in a variety of different methods—ways to show off the inherent quality of the terroir as a through-line between the different bottlings. To highlight that, we’re bringing in mixed three packs of their 2014 Boggina single vineyard Sangiovese, with two bottles fermented in a traditional way and a third done in amphora. We’ve also got a stellar price on their Sangiovese-dominant Super Tuscan, Torrione, from the 2014 vintage. The wines arrive in a few weeks, perfect for summer drinking.
Arriving ETA Late July:
Case-3 Petrolo Boggina “Combo Pack” 2014 750ML ($219.95) $119 pre-arrival special
A case of three 750ml bottles
2 bottles 2014 Boggina, 1 bottle 2014 Boggina Anfora
2014 Petrolo Boggina:
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2014 Bòggina is stunning. Although a touch compact in this vintage, the Bòggina impresses for its energy and overall freshness. Red cherry, raspberry, rose petal, tobacco and savory herbs are some of the many notes that continue to open up as the wine takes shape in the glass. It will be interesting to see if the 2014 puts on more weight with time in bottle. It certainly improved over the time I followed it.”
James Suckling 93 points “Very fine and silky with a tight and polished texture that shows wonderful length and definition. Medium body, pretty cherry and citrus character and a long and subtle finish. Well done for a difficult vintage. Delicious now.”
2014 Petrolo Boggina Anfora:
Antonio Galloni 93 points “It’s interesting to taste the 2014 Bòggina Anfora (Bògginanfora), Petrolo’s Sangiovese done in amphora next to the same wine aged in oak. The amphora wine is initially a bit softer and creamier in its contours, but it also offers less development in the glass. Lavender, plum, menthol, sage and sweet herbs lead into the expressive finish. This is another very pretty wine from Petrolo and proprietor Luca Sanjust.”
The legacy for wine at Petrolo is certainly older than most; there are examples of Etruscan names associated with the area dating back 3000 years. The pedigree on the wines goes back to 1715 when a Medici Duke decreed that the Val d’Arno di Sopra was one of only four specific areas in which grape growing was recommended especially for wine production.
Petrolo is one of the leading proponents of the Val d’Arno di Sopra DOC, a small area in Tuscany that only recently received the DOC designation. Frankly, the designation should have happened a while ago—these are distinctive wines made from unique soils and the quality across the board is very high. If you want proof of Val d’Arno di Sopra’s quality, look no further than Petrolo’s Boggina, a 100% Sangiovese wine from a vineyard (Boggina) planted in 1952.
They often ferment this vineyard in a variety of different methods—ways to show off the inherent quality of the terroir as a through-line between the different bottlings. To highlight that, we’re bringing in mixed three packs of their 2014 Boggina single vineyard Sangiovese, with two bottles fermented in a traditional way and a third done in amphora. We’ve also got a stellar price on their Sangiovese-dominant Super Tuscan, Torrione, from the 2014 vintage. The wines arrive in a few weeks, perfect for summer drinking.
Arriving ETA Late July:
Case-3 Petrolo Boggina “Combo Pack” 2014 750ML ($219.95) $119 pre-arrival special
A case of three 750ml bottles
2 bottles 2014 Boggina, 1 bottle 2014 Boggina Anfora
2014 Petrolo Boggina:
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2014 Bòggina is stunning. Although a touch compact in this vintage, the Bòggina impresses for its energy and overall freshness. Red cherry, raspberry, rose petal, tobacco and savory herbs are some of the many notes that continue to open up as the wine takes shape in the glass. It will be interesting to see if the 2014 puts on more weight with time in bottle. It certainly improved over the time I followed it.”
James Suckling 93 points “Very fine and silky with a tight and polished texture that shows wonderful length and definition. Medium body, pretty cherry and citrus character and a long and subtle finish. Well done for a difficult vintage. Delicious now.”
2014 Petrolo Boggina Anfora:
Antonio Galloni 93 points “It’s interesting to taste the 2014 Bòggina Anfora (Bògginanfora), Petrolo’s Sangiovese done in amphora next to the same wine aged in oak. The amphora wine is initially a bit softer and creamier in its contours, but it also offers less development in the glass. Lavender, plum, menthol, sage and sweet herbs lead into the expressive finish. This is another very pretty wine from Petrolo and proprietor Luca Sanjust.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Petrolo Torrione Valdarno di Sopra, Tuscany 2014 750ML ($39.95) $21.90 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Petrolo Torrione Valdarno di Sopra, Tuscany 2014 750ML ($449.95) $236 pre-arrival special (that’s only $19.67/bottle!)
James Suckling 92 points “A refined and silky rendition of this wine with pretty berry, citrus and light chocolate. Medium body. Chilled and delicious. Drink now.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $33.99
The next best price is $33.99
Also Available, In Stock Now:
Petrolo Boggina C Classique Valdarno Di Sopra, Tuscany 2016 750ML ($59.95) $39 special, 24 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 96 points “This is so focused and precise with fantastic depth and beauty. A pure definition of sangiovese. Full-bodied, tight and refined. Yet, full of strength and length. Succulent, too. A single-vineyard wine with soul. Better in 2022.”
Wine Advocate 94+ points “The 2016 Val d’Arno di Sopra Bòggina C is a pure expression of Sangiovese from vines planted in 1952. Give the wine a little time to open in the glass; once it does, it offers a beautiful display of forest fruit, spice, leather and earthy tones. Unlike the Bòggina A that is aged in amphorae, the Bòggina C is fermented in concrete vats using ambient yeasts. It sees extended maceration times and is aged in French 40-hectoliter casks and tonneaux. Some 11,000 bottles were made. This single-vineyard expression of Sangiovese reveals impeccable balance and elegance.-ML”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Subscriber Special Recap
Sales on Gaja Sperss and Domaine Huet End Soon!
Gaja Sperrs
Gaja is one of the most respected names in the world of wine, and the bottles bearing his name remain Barbaresco’s most treasured and collectible. However this weekend only, we’re offering subscriber special pricing on one of his rare bottlings from Barbaresco’s even more famous neighbor, Barolo. The region needs no introduction, however this wine perhaps does. Unlike many other ultra-premium Barolos, Gaja’s 2014 Sperss is already drinking beautifully, even in its relative youth.
2014 is a vintage that is often overlooked thanks to the legendary vintages that immediately preceded and proceeded it. However it is also vintages like 2014, those capable of greatest in the right hands, which separate producers like Gaja from their peers.
Transcending the modernist versus traditionalist categories that remain salient to many Piedmont devotees, Gaja is truly in a class of their own—and the 2014 Sperss is the perfect example. Immediate yet complex, structured yet elegant, beautiful today yet undeniably cellar-able, this wine was deserving of your attention long before this weekend’s subscriber special. But quantities are limited, so immediate action is recommended.
Purchase 3-5 bottles of 2014 Gaja Sperss for 5% off
Purchase 6+ bottles of 2014 Gaja Sperss for 10% off
Offer valid on stock on hand
Discount will not display online
We will adjust your order manually before finalizing
Sale Ends Monday, July 13th at 10 AM
Gaja Sperss Barolo, Piedmont 2014 750ML ($319.95) Displayed price $179, that’s $170.05 at 5% off and $161.10 at 10% off!
James Suckling 95 points “More forward and in a more earthly realm than the dizzying heights of the Conteisa this vintage, but it’s so endearing and immediately delights. The aromas range from elderberries and black cherries to brambleberries and Chinese spices. Full-bodied and structured with powerful tannins that encase bright and forthright blue fruit, which is polished over by a sheen of glimmering acidity. Long finish. Delicious now, but better in 2022.”
Wine Enthusiast 95 points “Underbrush, tobacco, toasted hazelnut, menthol and grilled herb aromas slowly take shape on this focused red. On the structured elegant palate, taut refined tannins and fresh acidity provide an ageworthy framework for raspberry compote, juicy Marasca cherry, orange zest, white pepper and star anise. It already has layers of depth and loads of finesse, but hold for even more complexity. Drink 2022–2030.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 94 points “This is a slightly more subdued vintage of this legendary wine, albeit just as sophisticated as past editions. The 2014 Barolo Sperss opens to gorgeous aromas of dark fruit, wet earth and white truffle. The vineyards in Serralunga d’Alba produced much less fruit than average and suffered from bouts of downy mildew during the rainy seasons. But Serralunga d’Alba fruit is also harvested late, and that extra time was important for achieving grape ripeness targets. The wine presents depth and complexity within the context of a thinner vintage. Having said that, the bouquet is spectacular.”
Decanter 94 points “Sperss comes from two crus in Serralunga, and like Gaja’s Barbarescos it’s aged in a combination of barriques and large barrels. As so often is the case, it’s a wine that combines power and finesse. It has a subdued cherry nose with a touch of oak, leading to a palate which is rich, powerful and tannic, but not too assertive. It’s well balanced and fleshy, with lots of velvety texture and grain, and there’s still an underlying freshness and finesse. Very long finish.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine Huet
“Domaine Huet’ means ‘I make the best damn Chenin Blanc on the planet’ …” Mike Steinberger, Wine Diarist
Huet makes some of the most undervalued great wine in the world. Take any metric you’d use to adjudicate greatness (complexity, age-worthiness, terroir, aromatic intensity, world-wide praise, etc) and Huet’s Vovray is on the list, at prices far below almost anything else in the world of wine. These wines offer near-unmatched flexibility at the table, and Domaine Huet’s reputation guarantees long ageing potential. Made according to tradition and terroir, with utmost respect for nature, Huet wines can keep for over a century. This is one of France’s pioneers in biodynamic viticulture. Horses still plough between the rows. In the winery, the recipe remains relatively simple. Fermentation takes place half in stainless steel, half in old oak, without malo. After only six months, the wines are bottled and then laid to age in a cellar dug from tuffeau rock, no air conditioning required. From here the Huet work is done: the rest is up to nature, Vouvray, and what eventually tastes like divine intervention.
They seemingly age forever, gaining complexity and density, but impressively are priced like low-tier white Burgundy. It’s this last part that’s so perplexing. You can put well-aged Huet on the table with any top tier white Burgundy and it has a chance of being not only in the same league, but the best wine on the table. It often costs 1/2-1/5th that of the Burgs. That’s insane. On sale? Even better.
Who wouldn’t want to get in on some of that?
We offer one of the largest supplies of Domaine Huet wines in stock now. Select from 1,120 bottles in stock now by shopping the full list on our web store or browsing highlights below!
Mix any 6-11 750ml bottles of Domaine Huet wine for 5% off
Mix any 12+ 750ml bottles of Domaine Huet wine for 10% off
Offer valid on in-stock wines
Discount will not display online
We will adjust your order manually before finalizing
Sale Ends Sunday, July 12th at 10 AM
An age-worthy dry Chenin.
Domaine Huet Vouvray Le Mont Sec, Loire 2016 750ML ($47.95) $39 Displayed Price, that’s $37.05 at 5% off and $35.10 at 10% off!
Wine Spectator 94 points “Green plum and verbena notes lead the way for now, with a flash of quinine on the finish. This is juicy, but still a bit compact overall, with the core of ample pear, quince and ginger flavors in reserve. Just wait for everything to knit together and stretch out, as the purity and length are there. Best from 2018 through 2028.”
This was the lowest listed price in the USA today,
Now it’s even lower!
The next best price is $42.99
Now it’s even lower!
The next best price is $42.99
Off-dry, sure, but try this with naturally sweet dishes such as roasted root veggies or rabbit with mustard sauce
Domaine Huet Vouvray Le Haut Lieu Demi-Sec, Loire 2016 750ML ($59.95) $46 Displayed Price, that’s $43.70 at 5% off and $41.40 at 10% off!
Wine Spectator 96 points “This delivers a beautiful display of purity and grace, with creamed Jonagold apple, star fruit, white peach and chamomile notes flowing seamlessly, backed by wet stone and fresh verbena accents. Subtle but persistent energy ripples through the very long finish. Drink now through 2035.”
Domaine Huet Vouvray Le Haut Lieu Demi-Sec, Loire 2016 750ML ($59.95) $46 Displayed Price, that’s $43.70 at 5% off and $41.40 at 10% off!
Wine Spectator 96 points “This delivers a beautiful display of purity and grace, with creamed Jonagold apple, star fruit, white peach and chamomile notes flowing seamlessly, backed by wet stone and fresh verbena accents. Subtle but persistent energy ripples through the very long finish. Drink now through 2035.”
“A stunner” indeed!
Domaine Huet Vouvray Clos du Bourg Moelleux, Loire 2016 750ML ($69.95) $59 Displayed Price, that’s $56.05 at 5% off and $53.10 at 10% off!
Wine Spectator 97 points “A stunner, with beautiful pear, green fig, yellow apple and quince notes that are creamy and flirtatiously sweet, yet seamless and refined in feel. The extremely long finish lets honeysuckle and verbena notes dance throughout, with a light echo of white ginger at the very end. Best from 2020 through 2040.”
Domaine Huet Vouvray Le Mont Premiere Trie Moelleux, Loire 2016 750ML ($89.95) $79 Displayed Price, that’s $75.05 at 5% off and $71.10 at 10% off!
Wine Advocate 97 points “The 2016 Vouvray Le Mont Moelleux Première Trie opens with a very clear, deep and flinty/herbal bouquet of ripe concentrated stone fruits intermixed with chalky/smoky aromas, very complex and truly exciting! Light, fresh and tensioned on the palate, that is very pure and salty but also tight and concentrated. The 2016 Le Mont reveals crystalline acidity, delicate but serious tannin grip and a long, complex, stimulating finish. This is Chenin Blanc full of energy and aging potential, provided with concentration, lingering salinity and vibrancy. This is a fascinating Le Mont, surely the top wine of Huet’s excellent 2016 series. Bottled with 92 grams of residual sugar, it tastes less sweet than the corresponding Clos du Bourg. Tasted February 2018.”
Wine Spectator 96 points “Juicy in feel, with an intense beam of glazed peach, dried apricot, fresh ginger and heather honey notes, backed by baked mirabelle plum accents and a flash of almond cream on the long, rich finish. A wonderful balancing act, keeping the exotic fruit and sweetness fresh and delineated. Best from 2020 through 2035.”
Considered one of the finest Vouvrays, full of pedigree and class, this is an incredibly rare dessert-style wine, only made a few times per decade.
Domaine Huet Vouvray ‘Cuvee Constance’ Moelleux, Loire 2015 500ML ($249.95) $159 Displayed Price, that’s $151.05 at 5% off and $143.10 at 10% off!
Wine Spectator 99 points “Stunning from the start, with a silky and refined feel despite the panoply of dried quince, fig, pear and apricot flavors that are exotic in nature. Lovely green tea, orange blossom and persimmon notes fill in the background. Obviously sweet, but with persistent dry almond and orange extract details that lend latent tension through the seamless and nearly endless finish. The first Cuvee Constance bottling since the 2009 vintage. Drink now through 2060.”
Wine Advocate 96 points “Rarely produced and selected from the vineyards Le Haut-Lieu, Le Mont and Clos du Bourg, Huet’s 2015 Vouvray “Cuvée Constance” offers a deep, clear, intense and concentrated nose of ripe stone fruits, peanut butter cookie, spicy, earthy-mineral and some volatile aromas. Sweet, salty, piquant and mineral with a firm structure and very elegant, concentrated, refined fruit, this is a sweet wine with great purity and mineral finesse on the very long, promising finish. The 2016 is still pretty sweet (142 grams of residual sugar) and should be cellared for at least two or three decades. Total production: 2,800 500-milliliter bottles. Tasted February 2018.”
John Gilman 98 points “I have been looking forward to the release of Domaine Huët’s 2015 Cuvée Constance ever since I tasted a year ago the rest of the stunning range of wines produced here in the vintage. It is a great vintage for Domaine Huët and the Cuvée Constance is everything one could hope for from the confluence of this great estate and a legendary vintage. The wine is still very youthful, but its ultimate brilliance is very easy to see, as the wine wafts from the glass in a celestial constellation of orange, fresh apricot, incipient tea leaves, a nice touch of soil, hints of lanolin, orange peel, barley sugar and a hint of upper register smokiness. On the palate the wine is pure, full and nascently complex, with laser-like focus, a bottomless core, great acids and marvelous balance on the very, very long, zesty and energetic finish. This is still a very young wine and will need years to start to show its secondary and tertiary layers of complexity, but they are lurking here and in the fullness of time, this will be breathtaking in its beauty. (Drink between 2025-2100)
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $174/500ml
The average price is $174/500ml
Mix any 6-11 750ml bottles of Domaine Huet wine for 5% off
Mix any 12+ 750ml bottles of Domaine Huet wine for 10% off
Offer valid on in-stock wines
Discount will not display online
We will adjust your order manually before finalizing
Sale Ends Sunday, July 12th at 10 AM
Mix any 12+ 750ml bottles of Domaine Huet wine for 10% off
Offer valid on in-stock wines
Discount will not display online
We will adjust your order manually before finalizing
Sale Ends Sunday, July 12th at 10 AM
Thanks for reading!
Huet makes some of the most undervalued great wine in the world. Take any metric you’d use to adjudicate greatness (complexity, age-worthiness, terroir, aromatic intensity, world-wide praise, etc) and Huet’s Vovray is on the list, at prices far below almost anything else in the world of wine. These wines offer near-unmatched flexibility at the table, and Domaine Huet’s reputation guarantees long ageing potential. Made according to tradition and terroir, with utmost respect for nature, Huet wines can keep for over a century. This is one of France’s pioneers in biodynamic viticulture. Horses still plough between the rows. In the winery, the recipe remains relatively simple. Fermentation takes place half in stainless steel, half in old oak, without malo. After only six months, the wines are bottled and then laid to age in a cellar dug from tuffeau rock, no air conditioning required. From here the Huet work is done: the rest is up to nature, Vouvray, and what eventually tastes like divine intervention. 
The Durand brothers are making it look easy. It’s hard to find Northern Rhone wines that combine soul and polish—it seems as if most of the new wines we taste are either hyper glossy or very rustic. To hit that sweet spot, where your wines speak very loudly of place but are elegant, drinkable and age-worthy—that’s special indeed. To make those sorts of wines at the prices that the Durands charge seems almost unthinkable.
To say Domaine de la Romanee-Conti, or DRC, is the finest example of Burgundy is an understatement. These are the finest wines produced in the world. Iconic and highly sought after, these are devoted followed and drunk in ecstasy. For the first time we are able to offer the entire range to our newsletter subscribers, arriving mid-July. These are directly from the national importer, Wilson Daniels, through our local distributor.