April 29, 2012

Flora Springs Trilogy Napa 2008 ($59.95) $29 vinopolflash special SOLD OUT

 Wine Enthusiast 94 points “A flashy, classy wine grown in the estate vineyard in the benchlands and hills above Rutherford. Shows lots of sweet, ripe cherry fruit and toasty oak, but enough of an acid-tannin structure to dry it out for balance. Should hold and develop over the next 6-8 years”

 Robert Parker 91 points “[$65 list] One of the first proprietary Bordeaux blends made in Napa was Flora Springs’ Trilogy. The 2008 (79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, 2.5% Petit Verdot and 2.5% Malbec) exhibits a beautiful deep ruby/purple color along with sweet blueberry, black raspberry and black currant fruit intermixed with some floral notes, well-integrated oak and spice, medium to full body and silky tannins.… Read the rest

March 31, 2012

let’s say ciao (hello-goodbye) to some great Gaja:

Gaja Barbaresco 2005 ($219.95) $149 vinopolflash special SOLD OUT

Antonio Galloni 94 points “Floral aromatics give way to bright spiced red fruits, menthol and licorice as the 2005 Barbaresco opens in the glass. This is a firm, classically built wine of notable elegance. The tannins are substantial yet beautifully woven into the wine’s mid-weight frame. This is another beautiful Barbaresco from Angelo Gaja, but it will require patience as it is tightly wound today. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030.” 

lowest listed price anywhere else in USA is $173.99/ bottle – average listed price in USA is $202/ bottle

Gaja Sori San Lorenzo 2006 ($479.95) $279 vinopolflash special SOLD OUT

Antonio Galloni 94 points, Stephen Tanzer 95 points “Good deep red.… Read the rest

March 25, 2012

Belle Glos Pinot Noir Los Alturas Vineyard 2009 ($49.95) $29 vinopolflash special SOLD OUT

Wine Spectator 92 points “Bold, rich and layered, exhibiting dense dark berry fruit that shows touches of spice, wild berry and blackberry, with attractive floral scents. Full-bodied, this expands on the finish, where the flavors fan out. Best from 2012 through 2020.” Wine Enthusiast 92 points “A big, rich, full-bodied wine, flashy and dramatic. Floods the mouth with cherry-berry flavors, yet somehow feels light and elegant despite the weight and tannins, which is a kind of magic. You’ll find all kinds of raspberries, cherries, sandalwood and exotic spices, but the wine isn’t really ready. Give it 3–4 years in the cellar” 

lowest listed price anywhere else in USA is $39.95/ bottle- save 25%+

average listed price in USA is $41/ bottle

Paul Avril Clos des Papes Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc 2006 ($69.95) $39 vinopolflash special SOLD OUT

Case-12: Clos des Papes Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc 2006 $399 vinopolflash special ($33.33 / bottle) SOLD OUT

Wine Spectator 95 points “Supertight and pure, with blanched almond, star fruit, acacia and lemon verbena notes all gliding along a bright, minerally frame.… Read the rest

March 17, 2012

Brilliant Winery, Brilliant Vintage, Brilliant Sale:

Clos du Caillou Chateauneuf du Pape Les Safres 2009 ($79.95) $44 vinopolflash special SOLD OUT

Case-12 Clos du Caillou Chateauneuf du Pape Les Safres 2009 $499 vinopolflash special ($41.59 / bottle) SOLD OUT

Josh Raynolds 91 points “Bright red.  Very fresh and intensely aromatic, projecting scents of red berries, lavender and spices, along with a hint of white pepper.  Juicy and incisive, offering nervy strawberry and raspberry flavors lifted by a zesty spice nuance.  This silky, seamless, lithe Chateauneuf finishes with impressive clarity and snap and might well pass for a ripe New World pinot noir.”

lowest listed price elsewhere in USA is $65.99/ bottle

Clos du Caillou Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Quartz 2009 ($99.95) $66 vinopolflash special SOLD OUT

Case-12 Clos du Caillou Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Quartz 2009 $744 vinopolflash special ($62 / bottle) SOLD OUT

Robert Parker 94 points “The opaque ruby/purple-colored 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Quartz is a blend of 85% Grenache and 15% Syrah from one of the appellation’s more obscure lieu-dits.… Read the rest

February 5, 2012

doin’ what her big sister done:

Zanzibar Cellars ‘Casima’  Columbia Valley 2006 ($49.95) $17 vinopolflash special SOLD OUT

Wine Spectator 91 points “Smooth and velvety. A supple style that lets the tobacco- and black olive-tinged cherry and spice flavors emerge easily, lingering on the generous finish. 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Sangiovese and 5% Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2014.”

trans andean price war: 

Cheval des Andes Mendoza 2007 ($79.95) $49 vinopolflash special SOLD OUT

Wine Advocate 95 points “There are no doubts about the 2007 Cheval des Andes, always a candidate for wine of the vintage. Composed of 60% Malbec, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the balance Merlot and Petit Verdot, it spent 18 months in new French oak.… Read the rest