January 29, 2012

Clos Saint Jean Chateauneuf du Pape Veilles Vignes 2008 ($49.95) $29 vinopolflash special SOLD OUT

The Rhone Report 92 points “Consistent with prior showings, the 2008 Clos Saint Jean Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes is a superb ’08, and perhaps one of the few that possess a fair bit of flesh and baby fat at the moment. Licorice, minerals, and loads of black cherry fruit, medium to full body, and a deft, balanced profile all characterize this beauty and it should continue to show gorgeously for another decade.”  

best listed price elsewhere in USA is $34.99 / bottle – average listed price elsewhere in USA is $49 / bottle

Cave de Tain Hermitage ‘Gambert de Loche’ 2003 ($89.95) $27 vinopolflash special SOLD OUT

Wine Spectator 92 points Terrific fruit–fig, blackberry and boysenberry– with licorice, dark chocolate and tar notes as well.… Read the rest

January 14, 2012

 Palazzo Wine Napa Red 2006 ($59.95) $35 vinopolflash special

Robert Parker 94 points “Palazzo’s deep ruby/purple-tinged, full-bodied 2006 Proprietary Red Wine (68% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon) reveals a sumptuous perfume of white chocolate, fruitcake, black cherries, black currants, and subtle toasty oak. Displaying a luscious texture, a broad, savory mid-palate, and gorgeous length, it should drink nicely for 10-15+ years. This serious, small, artisinal operation is owned by Scott Palazzo, who, along with his winemaker, Peter Franus, is turning out some complex, French-inspired offerings.” 

average listed price elsewhere in USA is $53 / bottle

Zanzibar Cellars  Sandra 2006 ($49.95) $18 vinopolflash special

Wine Spectator 92 points “Dense, dark and chewy, this is beautifully aromatic, showing impressive depth to its black cherry, pepper and bay leaf flavors, hinting at licorice as the finish sails on against well-modulated tannins.… Read the rest

January 7, 2012

another outstanding trio sings for us this week:

FLASH SALE

Fontanabianca Barbaresco Sori Burdin 2005 $33 vinopolflash special

Wine Spectator 93 points “This has a wonderful nose of crushed strawberry and plum. Full-bodied, with loads of ripe fruit and velvety tannins. Long and chewy. A big, generous Barbaresco. Best after 2012. 650 cases made.”

Antonio Galloni 93 points  The estate’s 2005 Barbaresco Sori Burdin is a darker and more brooding wine than the Barbaresco. A generous, expansive wine, it flows with layers of dark fruit, smoke, tar, licorice and sweet toasted oak. The tannins are firm, but beautifully integrated in this very pleasing wine from Fontanabianca. It is a commendable effort. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020” 

 next best listed price in the USA is $50.40 / bottle- average in USA $60.20 / bottle

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Angelo Gaja Barbaresco 2006 375ml $69 vinopolflash special

 Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2006 Barbaresco reveals terrific concentration, depth and purity.… Read the rest

 January 1, 2012

Happy New Year to our Wine Friends

We are starting 2012 with a trio of special sales feature offers:

FLASH SALE

 Perrier-Jouet Fleur de Champagne Brut Belle Epoque 2002 ($119.95) $79 vinopolflash special (Wine Spectator 94 points) “Hints of burnt sugar and toffee accent this bright Champagne, along with notes of apple pie, bread dough, cream and candied lemon peel. There’s a fine balance between the wine’s finesse and its lively character, with a long, smoke-tinged finish. Better than previously reviewed. Drink now through 2024.”

next best listed price in the USA is $99 / bottle- average listed price in USA is $139 / bottle

Quintessa Illumination Sauvignon Blanc 2010 ($39.95) $19 vinopolflash special    (Winery notes) “Illumination Sauvignon Blanc blends a small plot of Sauvignon Blanc from Quintessa with low yielding hillside grapes sourced from the southern ends of Napa Valley and great vineyards across the mountains in Sonoma County to create a distinctive wine.… Read the rest

One of our best and brightest Oregon winemakers joins us here to talk about the 2011 vintage of Willamette Valley Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.  While Josh is already an accomplished wine-maker and not at all without recognition for his wines, what many may not know is that Josh has never stopped gaining knowledge and appreciation of the best of the wine world at large, and applying his evolving insights to his own craft. So, here is Josh Bergstrom – in his own write….

If you follow West Coast winemaking news, you have probably heard by now that 2011 is the prelude to the Apocalypse……right? Oh, ye of little faith.  In my humble opinion, 2011 could turn out to be one of the more interesting vintages in Oregon’s recent history, and could quite possibly change how we feel about late, cool and wet harvests vis-à-vis Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.… Read the rest