In This Newsletter:

The Wide World of Sparkling Wines
Close-Out Featurette: Salvioni



Vinopolis Wine Shop will be closed July 4th
 
This store never closes!



The Wide World of Sparkling Wine
 

 
We offer 143 Champagnes and 42 sparkling wines in-stock now, including:
 
Oregon
 
The original winery of the Dundee Hills crafts a fun and crisp tank-fermented bubbles full of zippy fruit and herbal notes.
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The Eyrie Vineyards ‘Spark’ Sparkling Rose, Willamette Valley NV 750ml $19 special, 20 bottles in stock now
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 90 points “The NV Spark is a blend of 55% Pinot Noir, 37% Chasselas Doré and 8% Pinot Blanc, from 31-year-old vines. It is an “ultra brut,” although this particular bottling is made using forced carbonation instead of méthode Champenois. Medium to deep cherry-pink in color, it has aromas of cantaloupe, strawberries, raspberries and lemon peel with notes of stone and toast. The palate is dry with citrus and red berry flavors, spritely mousse and a refreshing, mineral-driven finish.”
 
A cool pocket in the Yamhill-Carlton is home to the dry farmed Tsai Vineyard. The bubbles are full of energy and depth.
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Goodfellow Family Cellars Tsai Vineyard Blanc de Noir, Yamhill-Carlton NV 750ml $54.50 special, 20 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “So delicious. This wine was originally supposed to be a component of the Willamette Valley Extra-Brut, but from the earliest days in barrel it had an extraordinary energy and vibrancy. Raised in two 820L Acacia foudres it was, and still is, a joy to drink. Electric, vibrant, and sparkly (both having bubbles and in personality). The nose is sea air, pink florals and yellow roses, sweet tarts, apricot blossoms, and ruby red grapefruit. The palate is Rainier cherry skin and raspberry, so vibrant and fresh, and then a wonderful electric finish; must love acid, the balance here is very definitely sweet/tart/dry. 12.1% ABV, 1gram/liter dosage. Bottled April 2023, with 85 cases disgorged this past December.”
 
A rare style indeed, this sparkling Pinot Gris evokes exotic aromas set off by the intense minerality. Stunning.
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Goodfellow Family Cellars Whistling Ridge Blanc de Gris NV 750ml $47.50 special, 21 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “Like walking through an orchard blossoming out in the spring. Then mandarins and orange zest, nectarine and lime leaf, subtle and fine, with a hint of salt & fennel pollen. Kumquats in the palate, stony and dry (not austere), mineral, finishes with citrus skin. The impetus to make traditional method sparkling wines from Pinot Gris came from years of watching the quality of Pinot Gris that has consistently come out of the Whistling Ridge Vineyard, and specifically with tasting some of the older examples of our bottlings with extended barrel aging and with extended skin-contact. Brut Nature (no dose) but with a yeasty textural aspect that suggests otherwise. Delicious. 12.6% ABV. 77 cases produced, bottled April 2023 and disgorged this past December.”
 
A Champagne-styled sparkler with weight and heft.
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Lytle-Barnett Sparkling Blanc de Noirs, Eola-Amity Hills 2018 750ml $49 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Owen Bargreen 93 points “This 2018 ‘Blanc de Noirs’ saw extended tirage and was sourced from the Eola-Amity Hills AVA. Green melon and biscuit notes combine with suggestions of nectarine rind on the nose. The palate is beautifully textured with good weight and finesse. Showing the warmth of the vintage, this very rich and gratifying Pinot Noir sparking wine will be sure to hold well over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2022-2030.”
 
 
California
 
Rodolphe Péters of Champagne’s top-class grower estate, Pierre Péters, consulted on this sparkler, which is stacked with potential.
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Racines Grand Reserve Sparkling Chardonnay, Sta Rita Hills NV (2020 base) 750ml $49 special, 13 bottles in stock now
Matthew Luczy-Wine Advocate 94 points “Sourced from Wenzlau, La Rinconada, Sanford & Benedict and Bentrock, the NV Grand Reserve Sparkling (2020 Base) was disgorged in February of 2023 with a dosage of four grams per liter, after spending 2.5 years on its lees. The nose is effortlessly fragrant and refined, offering citrus peel, green orchard fruit, nougat and crushed stone aromas. The palate is elegantly chalky and succulent, exuding a refinement of mousse that is so difficult to find in domestic sparkling wines. It finishes with fine, chalky details and an ethereal lift, gracefully attaining its intended mission statement: a high-toned Sta. Rita Hills blanc de blancs made with Champenois intentionality and precision.”
 
Roederer Estate Brut, Anderson Valley NV 750ml $26 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 93 points “Dynamic yet sleekly elegant, with rich strawberry and apple flavors that are accented by spiced cinnamon and yeast roll as this dances toward the vibrant finish.”
 
Roederer Estate L’Ermitage Brut, Anderson Valley 2019 750ml $74.50 special, 9 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 100 points “If sunshine could be bottled it would be this. Aromas of fresh succulent stone fruit, a hint of yeast, citrus blossoms and notes of quince on the nose. The mousse is creamy and light with baked red apples, blood orange zest, white grapefruit, sticky caramel and layered salinity with a mouthwatering finish. It will bring a smile to your lips.”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Scharffenberger Cellars Brut Rosé, Mendocino County NV 750ml $24 special, 10 bottles in stock now
The Tasting Panel 93 points “The poppy on the label of this suave blend of 55% Chardonnay and 45% Pinot Noir is a tribute to the superblooms that occur throughout California in springtime but it also hints at the dry wine’s floral subtleties. There’s a faint touch of lilac on a nose brimming with fresh-baked sourdough, cherry, and blood orange, while rose graces the finish, preceded by splashes of wild strawberry, lemon rind, and Gala apple.”
 
 
France – Champagne
 
The aperitif version of Vinopolis’ house Champagne. 100% Pinot Noir / 100% Grand Cru / 100% delicious.
 
Andre Clouet Silver Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature NV 750ml $45 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Andre Clouet Silver Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature NV 3L $299 special, 12 three-liters in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 92+ points “[Reviewed Apr 2021] Clouet’s NV Silver Brut Nature Grand Cru is a pure Bouzy Pinot Noir that was disgorged without any dosage. This disgorgement displays a medium intense golden color and a complex and refined bouquet of ripe and pureed apples and discreet chalky as well as brioche aromas. The palate is elegant, straight and fresh, very pure and salty on the finish. This is a challenging Brut Nature that needs to be aged for two or three years to gain complexity and finesse and to smooth its current edges. The finish is mineral, limestone and salty but also a bit drying at this moment.”
 
If you know, you know. If you don’t, welcome to the Vinopolis Newsletter. We adore Bérêche, and you will, too.
 
Bérêche et Fils Brut Réserve NV (2022 BASE) 750ml $69 special, 18 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 91 points “The NV Brut Réserve (base 2022) is such a classy wine. This release, based on 2022, is all finesse. Cranberry, mint, white pepper, slate and dried flowers all grace the palate. Stylistically, the Brut Réserve has evolved into a more refined Champagne than what was the norm just a few years ago. The one thing that is evident, though, is a slightly harder texture vis-à-vis the other wines in the range, likely because of aging on crown cap rather than cork. Élevage was done 70% in cask and 30% in tank. Dosage is 5.2 grams per liter.”
 
An early cult wine, this single-vineyard Champagne is a dream you’ll never want to end.
 
Cedric Bouchard Roses de Jeanne ‘UR-Les Ursules’ Blanc de Noirs 2020 750ml $299 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 95 points “The 2020 Blanc de Noirs Les Ursules is classy, elegant and supremely polished. Sweet floral and spice notes open first, followed by a burst of red-toned Pinot fruit. Rose petal, cinnamon, dried cherry, mint and orange peel develop, filling out the layers in style. Readers will have a hard time keeping their hands off of this. No dosage. Disgorged: April 2024. (Drink between 2025-2034).”
 
A broad and rich bubbly with a creamy mouthfeel, this blend from Coutier will stand up to heartier summer meals like grilled chicken and rich pastas.
 
R.H. Coutier Cuvee Tradition Grand Cru Brut NV 750ml $44.50 special, 31 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 91 points “The NV Brut Tradition Grand Cru is stellar. Kirsch, dried flowers, spice, dried pear and mint all show a slightly burnished quality that makes me think it is best suited to near term drinking. I don’t imagine ageability will be a problem, however, as most bottles will likely be long gone before that is an issue. The richness and breadth of Ambonnay Pinot are very much in evidence. There are no hard edges to this vinous, heady Champagne from Coutier. This release is 60% 2015 and 40% reserve wines. Dosage is 6 grams per liter. Disgorged: July, 2022.”
 
Diebolt-Vallois Blanc de Blancs Brut 2018 750ml $59 special, 29 bottles in stock now
Decanter 92 points “All from the northern Côte (Cuis and Chouilly), this is a vintage cuvée that reflects the year’s easy charms and open stance. Creamy with white peach and nougat and bright with grapefruit peel and oyster shell. It’s snappy rather than structured or tense, tuned deliciously for mid-term drinking yet still offering the smooth, age-complexed texture expected at this level.”
 
This is apex Champagne, and the 2016 is charming, bold, and layered.
 
Louis Roederer Cristal Millésime Brut 2016 750ml $359 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Owen Bargreen 97 points “A dazzling new edition of this wine, the 2016 Louis Roederer ‘Cristal’ Champagne is a world-class combination of 58% Pinot Noir and 42% Chardonnay. This edition of ‘Cristal’ was given 7G/L dosage. Chalky minerals mark the nose alongside white grapefruit blossom, marzipan, star jasmine and suggestions of kumquat zest that all meld in the glass. The palate is filled with crushed seashells and wet salty stones that combine with rich melon, lemon rind and tangerine zest flavors that combine with suggestions of pastry crust on the palate. Big, round and generous, this exudes class in terms of length, tension and flavor density. A gorgeous wine in its heady youth, enjoy over the next twenty plus years to come.”
 
Pommery’s top bottling is named for Madame Louise Pommery, who commissioned her cellar master to make a Champagne with as little added sugar as possible, creating the category we now know to be “Brut”. This is dry and full of finesse, with character to spare.
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Pommery Cuvee Louise Brut Rosé Millésime 2004 750ml $249 special, 29 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 95 points “This is a new release and shows wonderful finesse and beauty. You know that the moment you see the pale-amber color. It’s medium bodied with freshness and energy and a long, vivid finish. A joy to taste. Drink now.”
 
Frederic Savart consistently crafts impressive, compelling Champagnes. There’s a house style to them (vinous, textural, mineral) that’s immediately recognizable, but the bottlings show vivid uniqueness especially on display in the rosé.
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Frederic Savart Bulle de Rosé Premier Cru Brut Rosé NV 750ml $95 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Decanter 92 points “Another citrus-forward Champagne here, playing its rosé cards close to its chest and leaning more into white territory. A soft fruity palate follows aromas of grapefruit and orange rind, switching gear as the mousse expands into an almost savoury, nut and dried herb finish. It maintains a taut structure and impresses with its elegance. (Drink between 2024-2030).”
 
Vilmart produces some of the most refined grower Champagnes on the market. Employing barrel aging, the wines are delicate and pure with depth that rivals the ocean.
 
Vilmart & Cie Les Blanches Voies Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru Brut 2012 750ml $349 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 95 points “The 2012 Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Les Blanches Voies is elegant, weightless and crystalline in its purity. Lemon peel, white flowers, crushed rocks and marzipan abound. Another six months has done the 2012 wonders. A wine of transparency and crystalline purity. Even with more than two years of disgorgement, the 2012 is very tightly wound. It’s all understatement and class here.”
 
Vilmart & Cie ‘Cuvee Rubis’ Brut Rosé NV 750ml $99 special, 13 bottles in stock now
Audrey Frick-Jeb Dunnuck 92 points “The NV Champagne 1er Cru Cuvee Rubis Brut Rose is a bright pale pink color, and is fruity and inviting on the nose, with notes of strawberries, pastry cream, candied grapefruit, and fresh roses. Medium-bodied, it is refreshing and approachable on the palate, with a refined and rounded mousse and a quaffable nature to drink on its own or at the table. This crowd pleaser will drink well over the coming 5-7 years, but I like it where it is now for its fresh style. (Drink between 2024-2032).”
 
 
France – Other
 
Lambert is a staff-favorite producer that’s a solid budget-friendly find.
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Arnaud Lambert Cremant de Loire ‘1948 Yves Lambert ‘, Loire 2020 750ml $39 special, 23 bottles in stock now
VinopolNote: 100 Percent Chenin Blanc from 70 year old vines grown in clay and limestone. The winemaking practice is ‘method traditional,’ and was aged in oak barrels with 32 months of aging on lees, with zero dosage. Drink now or age for 4-8 years. Compliments seafood platters or a charcuterie board.
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Arnaud Lambert Cremant de Loire Rosé NV 750ml $21.90 special, 32 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “100% Cabernet Franc.”
Becky Wasserman Note “Vine Age: Planted in 1981. Terroir: Lower part of the Clos du Midi, silty sand soil on 1 meter of soft Turonian limestone bedrock. Viticulture: Organic (certified). Vinification: Indigenous yeast fermentation, traditional Champagne method. Aged for 24 months.”
 
Dashingly handsome winemaker crafts devilishly delicious bubbles that are light, refreshing, and loaded with notes of strawberries and cream.
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Gerard Bertrand Cremant de Limoux Brut Rosé, Languedoc-Roussillon 2021 750ml $21.90 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “Beautiful, salmon-pink colour with glimmering reflections. A complex bouquet with longlasting aromas of red fruit – strawberry and raspberry – backed with hints of toasted bread. Delicate bubbles and an extraordinary vivacity on the palate, with a rich, indulgent texture. The Pinot Noir grapes are not macerated, in order to preserve their colour. The must is transferred to the vats for an alcoholic fermentation, using the same process used for still wine. After the malolactic fermentation in the vats, the wine is blended and then transferred to the barrels to mature for 8 months.”
 
 
Italy
 
Dry and precise, this sparkling red has been a Vinopolis favorite for years.
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Denny Bini Lambrusco dell’Emilia IGT, Emilia-Romagna NV 750ml $19 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Importer Note “In case you hadn’t noticed, Emilia, the land of Lambrusco, has a revolution brewing (or fermenting, often in bottle). After too many years of industrially-produced mediocrity, Emilia is now home to a small but growing cell of artisanal producers who are farming carefully and returning to the metodo ancestrale of their grandfathers: secondary fermentation in the bottle, without disgorgement. Denny Bini is one of the humble heroes of this renaissance-revolution.… Denny also makes our FUSO21 Lambrusco dell’Emilia (a.k.a. the Festa! Label) from practicing organic vineyards from family and friends.”
 
An absolute favorite that ages like Champagne. Staff buys this by the case.
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Loredan Gasparini Asolo Prosecco Superiore DOCG, Veneto NV 750ml $16 special, 12 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 92 points “[Reviewed Oct 2021] Lots of initial froth here, which takes a while to subside and allow the lovely lemon and lemon blossom aromas to rise out of the glass. There are hints of licoricy chalk here, too. On the rather dense palate, the chalk turns to fresh cream and the lemon is absorbed into the creamy mineral texture with enough fizz to keep the sparkle up. Lovely, enduring and creamy yet biting finish. This is very fine Prosecco. Drink now.”
 
Hailing from the prestigious subzone in the Veneto, this bottling always overdelivers.
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Nino Franco Rustico, Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG NV 750ml $21.90 special, 23 bottles in stock now
Kerin O’Keefe-Wine Enthusiast 94 points “[Reviewed November 2021] This lovely sparkler never disappoints. It’s fragrant, with delicate scents of white spring flowers and white stone fruits while the dry, refreshing palate offers ripe pear, apple and white peach alongside a hint of fennel seed. An elegant perlage and fresh acidity provide the backdrop.”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Pasqua Prosecco Rosé, Veneto 2020 750ml $19 special, 22 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “The elegance of Glera enhanced by the structure of Pinot Nero. Prosecco rosé has a coppery color and a refined bouquet. On the palate it is fresh and fruity with attractive scents of raspberries.”
 
Moscato d’Asti is a lightly sweet, semi-sparkling wine full of rich floral and fruit notes that is also low in alcohol. It’s the perfect bottle for brunch—hold the orange juice, please—or to pair with a cheeseboard, cream pies, or decadent fruit desserts.
 
Vietti Cascinetta, Moscato d’Asti DOCG 2023 750ml $19 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “Bright straw-yellow color with slightly shimmering hints of gold. Intense aromas of ripe yellow fruit (peach, apricot), floral notes (rose petal) and hints of ginger. Sweet and delicate on the palate, with modest acidity, and good balance and complexity. Hints of fresh apricot on the finish. Drink as an aperitif, perfect accompaniment to Pan-Asian cuisine and lobster as well as pastry, fruit based and creamy desserts and blue cheeses.”
 
 
Germany & Austria
 
This unassuming Pet-Nat hails from the extraordinary Niedermenniger Herrenberg vineyard in the Mosel. It offers rich texture and fascinating aromatics. Allow the bottle to settle for 24 hours before serving for the most complexity.
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Hofgut Falkenstein Pet-Nat, Mosel 2023 750ml $29 special, 16 bottles in stock now
Mosel Fine Wines 92 points “The Non-Vintage Pet Nat with Los Nr. 26-24 comes from Weissburgunder harvested in 2023 in the Niedermenniger Herrenberg and was fermented in cask before completing its fermentation in bottle and being released without disgorgement. This offers a superb nose made of herbs, minerals, and a hint of spices, all wrapped in citrusy fruits. The wine is firmly fizzy on the palate and leaves an incredibly focused and sharp feel in the finish. The aftertaste is pure and vibrating. This is made for lovers of racy expressions of Pet Nat! Now-2028.”
 
Christian Madl’s wines are a true delight for the senses, offering a refreshingly unique take on sparkling wine. Crafted with meticulous attention in the traditional method, these wines are vintage-dated and bottle-aged, utilizing grapes typical of champagne production as well as Austrian varietals.
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Sektkellerei Madl Cuvee Special Brut, Niederosterreich 2015 750ml Was $59, Now $49 special, 5 bottles in stock now
Falstaff Magazine 93 points “Pale green yellow, silver reflections, lively, fine mousse. Yellow tropical fruit, zest, some baked goods, nuances of red berries, a hint of currants, a multi-faceted bouquet. Juicy, good complexity and mineral nuances, delicately fruity, saline nuances, balanced, delicate sweetness on the finish, has length and development, certain ageing potential. “
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Sektkellerei Madl Onothek ‘Von den Weissen’ Sekt Brut, Niederosterreich 2014 750ml Was $69, Now $59 special, 6 bottles in stock now
A blend of Welschriesling, Grüner Veltliner, Riesling with over 60 months en tirage.
Review is for the early release version of this wine, not the extended tirage:
Falstaff Magazine 93 points “Light yellow green, silver reflections. Lively, fine mousse, delicate yeasty note, white fruit nuances of peach and fresh apple, some blossom, and backed by lime zest. Taut, tightly meshed, fine sweet fruit, integrated acidity, finely radiant and very youthful, with a mineral finish. It is a stimulating aperitif.”
 
 
Spain
 
Grown on the moonscape that is the Canary Island of Lanzarote, where the volcanic ash supports high-quality wine grapes, which thrive in marginal conditions. The ash provides unique protective properties, as it prevents phylloxera from taking hold. Grafting is unnecessary under traditional methods. This is like a time capsule in a bottle – offering a glimpse at the world of wine before phylloxera took hold.
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Bodegas Los Bermejos Brut Nature Espumoso, Lanzarote 2019 750ml $39 special, 6 bottles in stock now
No reviews for the 2019 vintage. Recent review provided for reference.
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 90 points “Light gold. Aromas of dried pear, quince, jasmine and green tea, with a mineral overtone and a hint of fig. Chewy and dry on the palate, offering a refreshingly bitter edge to orchard and citrus fruit flavors. The penetrating finish strongly echoes the mineral note and lingers with strong, tangy tenacity. I like the interplay of power and delicacy here.”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Bodegas Los Bermejos Rosado Brut Nature, Lanzarote 2022 750ml $39 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Importer Note “The base wine is 100% Listán Negro from a single vintage. The grapes are very gently pressed in a pneumatic press, resulting in a very pale salmon-hued wine. Aged 15 months sur lie and made using Méthode Champenoise. Zero dosage.”
 
Pares Balta Rosé Brut Cava, Catalonia NV 750ml $19 special, 17 bottles in stock now
Winery Note ” …a coupage of Grenache and the indigenous catalan varieties Parellada and Macabeo made according to the traditional method. A vintage wine carefully matured in underground cellars on its lees during 18 months and finally bottled with zero dosage … Thanks to its aromatic and richness nose with scents of strawberry and raspberry that follow through onto the palate and then develops into a wonderfully intense and concentrated pastry finish and spicy background.”

 
Shop our Champagne and other sparkling selections now!



Vinopolis Close-Out Sale Featurette:
 
Salvioni
 

The Salvioni estate is dedicated to quality by keeping their yields low and their vineyard plantings small enough to allow for focused attention on every vine. Their ten acres of vines lie at over 1,200 feet above sea level. Up here, a near constant breeze reduces disease pressure on the vines and helps grapes retain acidity, ensuring freshness even in hot vintages like 2017. The resulting wines are almost Napa-esque in their combination of jammy ripeness and lifted acidity. In order to maximize the power of their old vines, yields are highly reduced. The wines undergo extended aging, longer than required in vat and bottle.
 
In Stock and On Sale Now:
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Salvioni Cerbaiola Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2017 750ml Was $199, Now $169, 8 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2017 Brunello di Montalcino La Cerbaiola grows in intensity in the glass, with delicate aromas that are especially floral and light in character. Instead of blackberry or blackcurrant, this elegant wine delivers cassis and cranberry. Instead of overt spice, y
ou get licorice, balsam herb and camphor ash. The Salvioni house style is ethereal and light, and although that extra vintage ripeness and concentration does register on the palate, farming and winemaking at this estate puts an emphasis on acidity over power or structure. These choices were particularly important in 2017.”
 
Salvioni Cerbaiola Rosso di Montalcino 2018 750ml Was $89, Now $79, 10 bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 93 points “The 2018 Salvioni Rosso di Montalcino leads off with a zesty, fresh display of Sangiovese fruit, as a mix of cherry and strawberry is complemented by hints of sweet spice, leather and gorgeous exotic florals. On the palate, I’m finding a wonderfully pure expression, focused on ripe red fruits with energizing acids and subtle spice, as pretty inner rose develops toward the close. Hints of fine tannin and minerals mingle throughout the finish, and a staining of black cherry lingers on and on. What a beautiful, feminine, and truly enjoyable vintage for the Salvioni Rosso.”

 
We offer 74 wines on our Close-Out Sale in stock now.
 
Shop the sale on our webstore now!



Don’t miss our additional sale going on now:
 
Westrey
 
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of Westrey
10% off any 6+ or more in-stock bottles of Westrey
 
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
 
Westrey sale ends Wednesday, July 2nd at 9 am Pacific.

In This Newsletter:

New Week – New Arrivals
New Rioja Arrival: Sierra de Tolono
JD Pabiot: Head-Turning Sancerre
Terre Nere’s Sicilian Reds

New Week – New Arrivals
 

France – Beaujolais
 
“Yohan Lardy’s modestly sized domaine comprises seven organically farmed hectares of vines, many of them very old, in some of the best parts of Moulin-à-Vent, Fleurie and Chénas…Lardy has been producing outstanding, finely detailed and energetic wines since his first vintage, 2012. It’s a mystery to me that, at least in the US, they are still relatively unknown…” –Josh Raynolds, Vinous
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Yohan Lardy Moulin-a-Vent Les Michelons 2023 750ml $26 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott (Suckling) 97 points “This youhtful Moulin-a-Vent has explosive berry fruit right across the spectrum of red, black and blue fruit. Stunning concentration and a wonderfully creamy texture on the medium-bodied palate. Extremely long and silky finish with fabulous balance and precision. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.”
 
The crown jewel of Yohan Lardy’s estate is an inherited parcel that was planted in 1903. Hand farmed and without any synthetic inputs whatsoever, this is an incredibly transparent example of Moulin a Vent’s terroir from an increasingly hard to source producer.
 
These are the lowest listed prices in the USA today!
Yohan Lardy “Vieilles Vignes de 1903” Moulin-a-Vent 2023 750ml $36 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Yohan Lardy “Vieilles Vignes de 1903” Moulin-a-Vent 2023 1.5L $69 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott (Suckling) 98 points “It’s hard to wrap your head around this extraordinary Moulin-a-Vent, but give it time, and it will wrap itself around–and into–your head. The ripe forest-berry aromas have incredible depth, giving way to a mouth-filling, full-bodied palate that’s highly structured. Then comes a gigantic wave of mineral freshness, almost perfectly underlined by fine tannins. Lastly, it glides off into the distance, pulling you with it. From organically cultivated vines planted in 1903. Drink or hold.”
 
 
France – Other
 
A Southern Rhone blend based on Syrah, the Deux Albion red is crafted the same way (more or less) as it has been since owner and winemaker Louis Barroul’s grandfather’s time. The grapes are sourced from the “prestigious village appellations of Plan de Dieu, Saint Maurice and Cairanne,” to quote the Wine Enthusiast.
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Chateau de Saint Cosme Cotes du Rhone Les Deux Albion, Rhone 2021 750ml $21.90 special, 36 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 92 points “Textured, layered and focused. It expresses notes of dark berries, roasted meat, warm spices, bay leaves and some dried thyme. Medium-bodied with fine, firm tannins. Plenty of energy, focus and structure. More compact toward the finish. From organically grown grapes. Try after 2025.”
 
Tarlant is a favorite source for impeccable Brut Natures, and La Vigne d’Antan (“the vines of yesteryear”) is a prime example of why. Sourced from ungrafted vines – a rarity in Champagne – that were planted in sand in 1962 – heck, vines that old are a rarity in Champagne, too – the complexity is astonishing. Bottled only in exceptional vintages, the 2006 lives up to its role as one of Champagne’s greatest single-vineyard wines.  
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Tarlant La Vigne d’Antan Blanc de Blancs Brut Nature, Champagne 2006 750ml $349 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 97 points “From ungrafted vines and one of the truly exceptional wines from Tarlant, the 2006 Champagne Blanc de Blancs La Vigne d’Antan Brut Nature is expressive in its bouquet of honeysuckle, toasted brioche, lemon curd, and white peach. Full-bodied, it fills the palate with wonderful depth and purity, offering ripe fruit and fantastic freshness. A complete wine, it has a refined mousse with refreshing acidity and wonderful salinity on the finish. This exceptional wine is my favorite from Tarlant once again, and it will be a treat to revisit over the coming decades. Drink 2023-2043. Disgorged June 2022.”
 
 
Italy – Piedmont
 
Looking for a Barbaresco with plenty of structure and oomph? Check out Ca’ del Baio. This family-owned Barbaresco estate in Treiso has been crafting traditionally-styled wine for over 150 years.
 
Ca’ del Baio Asili, Barbaresco DOCG 2021 750ml $49 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 95 points “The 2021 Barbaresco Asili shows all the pedigree of this great site. Crushed flowers, bright red-toned fruit, mint, cinnamon and rose petals soar from the glass. Medium in body yet wonderfully deep, the Asili has so much to offer. What a pretty and expressive wine it is. Give it a few years in bottle.”
 
The Produttori del Barbaresco Riserva Barbaresco from the Ovello cru demands patience. It’s a dense, full-throttle wine that blossoms in the cellar.
 
Produttori del Barbaresco Ovello, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2020 750ml $89 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Produttori del Barbaresco Ovello, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2020 1.5L $189 special, 3 magnums in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 95 points “The 2020 Barbaresco Riserva Ovello is a massive, packed wine. Graphite, crushed rocks, dried herbs and cedar open first. Ovello tends to produce a more linear style of Barbaresco, and that is very much the case here as well. However, the 2020 also possesses notable depth and layers in the mid-palate. It’s a gorgeous wine in the making.”
 
 
Italy – Tuscany
 
The wines of Il Poggione are ultra-classic. Working with very traditional methods in the subzone of Sant’Angelo in Colle, the resulting wines are both crowd pleasing (rich fruit, up front aromatics) and intellectually stimulating (age-worthy, not obstructed by new oak) in way that is nearly unique in Brunello, outside of names that trade for significantly more money per bottle. 
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Il Poggione Rosso di Montalcino 2022 750ml $21.90 special, 10 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 92 points “Spiced and earthy with ripe red and dark fruit and hints of walnuts and cocoa. Medium- to full-bodied and dry with firm tannins. Polished, velvety aftertaste. Drink or hold.”
 
Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2019 750ml $79 special, 7 bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 96 points “The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino pulls the taster close to the glass with its dark and earthy blend of crushed ashen stones, giving way to rosemary, cedar, exotic spice and a core of raspberry preserves. Enveloping and serene, this flows across the palate like pure silk, steadily building in tension as tart wild berries and orange hints give way to a sweet herbal thrust. The 2019 finishes with tremendous length and is classically structured, as crunchy tannins resonate and violet inner florals slowly fade over a tactile coating of minerality. Il Poggione has captured the radiance of the vintage, yet this is just a baby today.”
 
 
Germany
 
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Julian Haart ‘1,000L’ Riesling, Mosel 2024 750ml $29 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Importer Note “This is legally Trocken and sourced from 25-year-old vines in the Grand Cru Goldtröpfchen vineyard. The “1,000L” is so-named because it is a wine that was, originally, a chosen Fuder–a 1,000L barrel. The entire barrel was bought, and that was that. The wines is always brisk, tense with high-toned citrus, good minerality.”
 
Weingut Keller Limestone Riesling Kabinett, Rheinhessen 2024 750ml $41.90 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Importer Note “This wine is all in the name–Limestone–an absolutely a salty, piquant delight of a wine.”

 

New Arrival Featurette:
 
Sierra de Tolono
 

How do become successful? You reach high. How do you become one of Rioja’s hottest new winemakers? Reach even higher… over 2,100 feet to be precise.
 
In 2012, Sandra Bravo established her winery in Rioja Alavesa, working with some of the oldest and highest altitude vines in the region. With experience in wineries in Bordeaux, Tuscany, New Zealand, and California, she was ready to tackle the near-impossible heights of the foothills vineyards of the Sierra de Toloño, also known as the Sierra de Cantabria.
 
The terroir is what drew her. She came looking for freshness in the high elevation and calcareous soils. As she puts it, “Priorat really influenced me to make artisanal wines, and to understand that the most important is the vineyard, the vineyard with soul.” These are precise, elegantly textured wines featuring great acidity, low alcohol, and a sense of place. The wines seem to capture the energy and drama of the cool northernly winds that whistle through, imparting the sought-for freshness. We’re pleased to announce the arrival of our latest allocation, all available for purchase in-store and online.
 
New Arrivals In Stock Now:
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Sierra de Tolono Blanco, Rioja DOCa 2022 750ml $24 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “Co-planted with Tempranillo, 650 meters high in the mountains of Toloño, this Viura becomes a very energetic wine, with salty, and citrus notes. It is made in tank, with 10% going into used French wood. Bottled without going through malolactic to balance Viura’s natural, more giving, texture.”
 
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Sierra de Tolono Nahikun Blanco, Rioja DOCa 2023 750ml $49 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutiérrez-Wine Advocate 94 points “The white 2023 Nahikun Blanco, now certified organic and biodynamic, was produced with a blend of grapes from vine micro plots in the village of Villabuena de Álava, Viura, Calagraño, Rojal, Garnacha Blanca, etc. from vineyards that also have red varieties, but the varieties are fermented and bottled separately. The grapes fermented in well-seasoned 500-liter barrels that do not give aromas but texture, and the wine matured in these barrels for eight months. It has a moderate 11.5% alcohol and great freshness and acidity from an early harvest, with great balance between freshness and finesse. 2,120 bottles produced. It was bottled in March 2024.”
 
Sierra de Tolono Tempranillo, Rioja DOCa 2022 750ml $24 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Tim Atkin 92 points “The altitude and freshness of Rivas de Tereso were an advantage in the heat of the 2022 growing season. This old-vine Tempranillo really over-delivers at the price, with very little oak, lots of zip and freshness, succulent strawberry and red cherry fruit and undertones of pine and wild thyme. 2024-27.”
 
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Sierra de Tolono ‘Raposo’, Rioja DOCa 2021 750ml $31.90 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Importer Note “In this wine, Sandra wanted to pay homage to the people of Villabuena de Álava where she is originally from. The vineyards are located at 500m altitude within the valley of the Rivas de Tereso. A blend of Tempranillo and a small amount of Graciano the wine is fermented and aged in large foudres. No fining or filtering.”
 
Sierra de Tolono ‘La Dula’ Garnachas de Altura, Rioja DOCa 2022 750ml $31.90 special, 14 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutiérrez-Wine Advocate 93 points “I loved the perfumed and varietal nose of the 2022 La Dula—pure Garnacha from high-altitude vineyards in the village of Rivas de Tereso. It’s ripe without excess, with 14% alcohol, a low pH (3.39) and very good acidity despite the warm year. It’s clean, transparent and precise. It feels young but has an approachable and juicy palate with very fine tannins. Elegant, nuanced and clean. 5,800 bottles produced. It was bottled in August 2023 after it matured in foudres and amphorae for eight months.”
 
Sierra de Tolono ‘Camino de Santa Cruz’, Rioja DOCa 2021 750ml $59 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 91 points “This fluid red shows a pleasing sense of tension and energy, with a lightly chalky sensation from the integrated tannins. Crushed black raspberry, pomegranate puree, wild thyme and mineral flavors expand through the chewy, spiced finish. Drink now through 2035. 98 cases made, 30 cases imported.”

 
Shop our complete selection of in-stock Spanish reds and whites!



Jonathan Didier Pabiot:
 
Style and Flair from the Loire
 

Jonathan-Didier Pabiot is a fifth-generation winemaker in the Pouilly-sur-Loire, which encompasses Pouilly-Fumé. Young, passionate, and exuberant, he crafts an array of bottlings from his family’s small holdings.
 
The domain’s twenty hectares of vines include three soil types: Kimmeridgian, Portlandian, and clay-silex on flint. Vines average thirty years old at the estate and easily show how organic and biodynamic viticulture improves the condition of the vines. (Biodynamics is only practiced by about 1% of Pouilly-Fume grape growers.) Unlike his neighbors, Pabiot’s hardy vines are rarely afflicted by disease or mildew. Funny that…
 
These wines are head-turners, sure to impress newbies and hard-core Sauvignon Blanc fans alike. We have selections from the cool and classic 2021 vintage. This year resulted in wines that harken back to the classics, with the best wines are “vibrant” and “concentrated” with “laser-like acidity,” per Vinous Media.
 
In Stock Now:
 
This is the only listing in the USA today for the magnum!
Jonathan Didier Pabiot Pouilly-Fume ‘Leon’ 2021 1.5L $69 special, 4 magnums in stock now
“The 2021 Léon accounts for most of the domaine’s production (70%). It has a bright, gooseberry and elderflower-like character. Fermented partially in concrete (40%), stainless steel (40%) and barrel (20%), it has a silky charm while remaining light-bodied. This is a really lively number that has charm and brightness. Very easy to like, made with a delicate hand.” -Rebecca Gibb MW, Vinous
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Jonathan Didier Pabiot Pouilly-Fume Aubaine 2021 750ml $44.50 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Rebecca Gibb MW-Vinous 90 points “The 2021 Aubaine is aromatic with floral and gooseberry characters. Having spent 18 months in concrete tank on lees and tasted every two weeks to check the condition, it has taken on a richness of texture and breadth that coats the palate. It is suave and ready to enjoy, with a pretty elderflower scent lingering on the medium-length, lightly savory finish.”
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Jonathan Didier Pabiot Pouilly-Fume ‘Luminance’ 2021 750ml $49 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Rebecca Gibb MW-Vinous 93 points “The 2021 Luminance is pure with tangy green gooseberry and elderflower flavors. While light in body, it initially has a silken texture but ties tight on the finish. The naturally low yields create a highly concentrated style with tension and precision. There’s a touch of attractive phenolics on the drawn-out finish.”
 
Jonathan Didier Pabiot Pouilly-Fume ‘Utopia’ 2021 750ml $66 special, 9 bottles in stock now
VinopolNote: As one of the top wines from this estate, this 100% Sauvignon Blanc hails from one of Pabiot’s best parcels in Les Marnes. The vineyard soils are Kimmeridgian (calcareous clay and limestone), imparting a dense minerality to this generous, long-aging white. This wine was aged in large, oak barrels (demi-muids) with no added sulfites.
Importer Note “Thanks to this terroir and the talent of Jonathan Pabiot, we find here a wine of exceptional purity. We find a slightly oxidized and spicy nose in this wine, with notes of candied quince and pears. This could be paired with ceviche, lobster, and hard cow cheeses like Comté or Beaufort.”

 
We offer 88 in-stock options from the Loire Valley!



Terre Nere’s Sicilian Reds
 

For lovers of volcanic-influenced wines, Sicily’s Mount Etna is a cherished place. One of the finest producers on this volcano is Terre Nere, a domain that offers multiple single-vineyard wines. We have its proprietor, Marc De Grazia, to thank for bringing international attention to this stunning region. He founded Tenuta delle Terre Nere over twenty years ago after falling in love with the unique terroir created (and continually recreated) by the still-active volcano.
 
Fiercely dedicated to the terroir of Etna and preserving old rootstocks, some pre-phylloxera vines date back over 130 years, De Grazia owns vines across ten parcels on the slopes Mount Etna. Most vines are between 50 to 100 years old. The single-vineyard red wines are 100% Nerello Mascalese, a variety known for producing wines of great elegance. The terroir of high altitude and dark volcanic soils combined with the traditional model inspired by Burgundy help yield distinctive wines from the indigenous grape varieties.
 
In Stock Now:
 
Tenuta delle Terre Nere Etna Rosso 2023 750ml $29 special, 14 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 95 points “The brightness, lovely density and focus come through clearly here with an almost pinot sensibility and a long finish. It’s polished with fine tannins and a brilliant texture. Mostly grapes from San Lorenzo and Calderara Sottana vineyards. Drink or hold.”
 
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Tenuta delle Terre Nere ‘Bellacolonna’ 20th Anniversary Calderara Sottana Etna Rosso 2022 750ml $44.50 special, 30 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 95 points ‘This is a special bottling for the 20th anniversary of the estate. It has depth and intensity with a medium to full body, a creamy stone and basalt texture, red fruits and a mushroom and bark undertone. The linear, vivid finish goes on and on. Needs time to open. Be patient.”
 
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Tenuta delle Terre Nere Feudo di Mezzo Etna Rosso 2022 750ml $49 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 93 points “Rosy and perfumed, the 2022 Etna Rosso Feudo di Mezzo opens with a lovely bouquet that blends dried flowers with crushed strawberries and hints of lavender. This displays textures of pure silk with a lifted and finessed feel. Tart wild berry fruits add a lovely inner tension.”
 
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Tenuta delle Terre Nere Santo Spirito Etna Rosso 2022 750ml $49 special, 3 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 96 points “Dark and purple fruits with sliced mushroom and crushed stone, as well as terra-cotta and red-earth character in both the nose and palate. Full and powerful with chewy tannins and muscle. Good depth of fruit. Citrus fruit, too. It turns very perfumed and intense. Chewy at the end. Needs time to soften. Try after 2027.”
 
Tenuta delle Terre Nere Prephylloxera ‘La Vigna di Don Peppino’ Calderara Sottana Etna Rosso 2022 750ml $165 special, 7 bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 96 points “Darkly alluring and youthfully backward, the 2022 Etna Rosso Prephylloxera La Vigna di Don Peppino Calderara Sottana smolders up with a blend of sweet spices, dusty violets and ash, giving way to dried black cherries, sage and cloves. This is velvety yet finessed, with a polished wave of ripe red and blue fruit that flows across a juicy stream of acidity. Hints of sour citrus add contrast toward the close. It finishes remarkably fresh and energetic, still tannic but lively, as crunchy tannins resonate and an air of lavender slowly fades. This is an elegant and genuinely harmonious edition of this cuvée. Simply stunning.”

 
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Don’t miss our additional sales going on now:
 
Mad Men of Meunier:
Champagnes from Dehu, Baron, & Mignon
 
5% off any 3-5 in-stock Champagnes from Dehu, Baron, & Mignon
10% off any 6+ or more in-stock Champagnes from Dehu, Baron, & Mignon
 
Westrey
 
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of Westrey
10% off any 6+ or more in-stock bottles of Westrey
 
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Mad Men of Meunier sale ends Tuesday, July 1st at 9 am Pacific. Westrey sale ends Wednesday, July 2nd at 9 am Pacific.