Category Archives: Newsletter Archive

Delas Sale 6-18-25

In This Newsletter:

Delas Sale
Nerd Alert Featurette: Carl Loewen


 
“Delas Frères has been on a roll for a good decade or more, and the quality has improved since they moved to their new, state-of-the-art winery in the heart of Tain l’Hermitage just before the 2019 harvest. I consider the 2019s and 2020s to be the strongest sets of wines here. Especially the 2020s, which are impressively fresh and balanced across the board, with the energy to reward patience. The Hermitage bottlings are the winery’s pride, and in recent vintages, they can be counted among the appellation’s top wines.” -Josh Raynolds, Vinous
 
Stock Up & Save On:
 
Delas
 
Bold and beautiful is the name of the game at Delas Frères. They craft some of the most powerful, intense wines in the Northern Rhône at prices that make them one of the superior values in the region. Drawing from their extensive holdings in every major region, they craft dense and rich impactful wines. We turn to them for wines that show well young yet reward tenfold in the cellar—a remarkable combination.

As the Northern Rhône becomes one of the hottest markets in the wine world, finding value becomes more and more difficult. Not here. At least, not yet. With the quality of recent vintages and the scores involved, we definitely see it happening soon, though, so if you love these wines our three-day sale is the time to stock up.
 
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of Delas
10% off any 6+ or more in-stock bottles of Delas
 
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
 
Sale ends Saturday, June 21st at 9 am Pacific.
 
We offer thirteen in-stock Delas options on sale now, including:
 
Delas Freres Cornas Chante Perdrix 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $69, that’s $65.55 at 5% off and $62.10 at 10% off, 32 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 93 points “A core of juicy red currant and bitter plum pāte de fruit flavors is brought into nice focus by a racy, chalk-edged structure and an iron spine, while subtle savory and dark olive accents dart in the background. Best from 2022 through 2034. 1,083 cases made, 60 cases imported. –JM”
 
This is the only listing in the USA today by-the-bottle!
 
Delas Freres Cornas Chante Perdrix 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $69, that’s $65.55 at 5% off and $62.10 at 10% off, 23 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94-95 points “Inky ruby. Assertive, smoke-accented aromas of ripe black and blue fruits, candied flowers, olive and exotic spices show excellent clarity and mineral lift. Sweet, pliant and lush on the palate, offering concentrated blackberry, cherry liqueur, smoky bacon and violet pastille flavors that show a peppery note on the back half. The impressively long, youthfully tannic finish shows fine detail and leaves behind repeating smoke and floral notes.”
 
Delas Freres Cote Rotie Seigneur de Maugiron 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $99, that’s $94.05 at 5% off and $89.10 at 10% off, 36+ bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94-95 points “Saturated ruby-red. Deeply pitched dark berry, cherry liqueur, licorice and woodsmoke scents show fine clarity and acquire oak spice and floral pastille qualities with air. Juicy and expansive on the palate, offering intense blackberry, cherry-vanilla, fruitcake and salty olive flavors that are sharpened by a jolt of spicy cracked pepper. Shows excellent depth and power; finishes smoky and very long, with youthfully gripping tannins sneaking in late.”
 
Delas Freres Hermitage Domaine des Tourettes 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $99, that’s $94.05 at 5% off and $89.10 at 10% off, 36+ bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94-96 points “Inky ruby. Smoke- and mineral-accented black and blue fruits, violet, licorice and an olive nuance on the deeply perfumed nose. Stains the palate with intense cherry, blueberry and fruitcake flavors that are sharpened by a spicy touch of cracked pepper. Youthfully chewy tannins frame an impressively long, penetrating finish that leaves candied dark berry and floral pastille notes behind. These are still young days for this wine but, as usual, it already screams ‘Hermitage’.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
 
Delas Freres Saint-Joseph Sainte-Epine 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $79, that’s $75.05 at 5% off and $71.10 at 10% off, 23 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 94 points “This flows beautifully, with a ripe, pure and steady beam of cassis and dark cherry preserves that shows good brightness and delineation through the finish, picking up light floral and mineral accents along the way. Seductive in style, with a lovely mouthfeel and sneaky length. Best from 2022 through 2032. 500 cases made, 155 cases imported. –JM”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
 
Delas Freres Hermitage Les Bessards 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $219, that’s $208.05 at 5% off and $197.10 at 10% off, 36+ bottles in stock now
Delas Freres Hermitage Les Bessards 2019 1.5L Displayed Price: $449, that’s $426.55 at 5% off and $404.10 at 10% off, 4 magnums in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 99 points “My favorite release from this estate is consistently their Les Bessards Hermitage, and their 2019 is no exception. Coming from the western part and pure broken granite soils on the west side of this magical hill, it sports a dense purple hue to go with a brilliant perfume of cassis, graphite, scorched earth, burning embers, spring flowers, and peppery herbs. Incredibly complex, layered, and nuanced, with classic Hermitage characteristics, it still stays firmly planted in the ripe, sunny, sexy vintage. Full-bodied, concentrated, and structured on the palate, it has a wealth of tannins, flawless balance, and a great finish. This is pure Hermitage magic that needs to be forgotten for 4-5 years and will evolve for 20-30 years in cold cellars. Hats off to the team at Delas for another incredible wine.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today for the magnum!
 
Delas Freres Hermitage Les Grandes Vignes ‘Ligne de Crete’ 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $299, that’s $284.05 at 5% off and $269.10 at 10% off, 6 bottles in stock now
Delas Freres Hermitage Les Grandes Vignes ‘Ligne de Crete’ 2019 1.5L Displayed Price: $619, that’s $588.05 at 5% off and $557.10 at 10% off, 2 magnums in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 96-98 points “Powerful, highly perfumed aromas of black/blue fruit liqueur, licorice, olive and potpourri are complemented by an exotic suggestion of incense. Stains the palate with intense boysenberry, cherry, cassis and spicecake flavors that deepen steadily through the midpalate. Shows a suave blend of power and delicacy and betrays no rough edges. Youthfully chewy tannins add shape to an extremely long, mineral-driven finish that delivers outstanding clarity and floral thrust.”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
 
Shop our thirteen Delas selections now!



Nerd Alert!

Carl Loewen
 
Looking for love in all the wrong places? Check out this staff favorite estate: Carl Loewen. The Kabinetts are some of the most precise and balanced, the dry options are filigreed and fantastic, and the elite cuvées might also be hidden in our cellars (okay, might have drunk it already).
 
What’s behind this magic? The vine age is mind-blowing and the wine-making is hands-off and on-point. These are some of the oldest vineyards in the entire Mosel, including ancient, ungrafted parcels – a notable challenge since Germany ripped out a bunch of the vineyards to modernize. We’re talking over 125-year-old vines. That’s Riesling vines planted during the Victorian era.
 
In the winery, the approach is gentle. Pressing is whole cluster with no breaking up of the pomace (grape solids left behind). Nothing is added – enzymes, yeast, or yeast nutrients – during fermentation, which mostly is done in fuder.
 
These profound wines are worth your attention and will reward for years to come.
 
In Stock Now:
 
Weingut Carl Loewen Leiwener Laurentiuslay Alte Reben Riesling Trocken 2021 750ml $33 special, 17 bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott (Suckling) 93 points “I love the delicate lemon balm and Amalfi lemon nose of this very elegant and filigree dry Mosel riesling. Long racy and lemony finish. Just 11.5% alcohol, but it’s still clearly medium-bodied, perhaps because of the up to 100 year old vines. Vegan. Drink or hold.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
 
Weingut Carl Loewen ‘1896’ (Grey Label) Longuicher Maximin Herrenberg Alte Reben Riesling 2023 750ml $119 special, 8 bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott (Suckling) 100 points “The beauty of this great dry Mosel wine is both overwhelming and seemingly timeless. Unbelievable concentration, yet everything about this wine is fine and precise, so that you wonder how such density and delicacy can coexist. And the brilliance of the finish is the most amazing thing about this great Mosel masterpiece. Vegan. Limited production. Drink or hold.”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
 
Weingut Carl Loewen ‘1896’ (White Label) Longuicher Maximin Herrenberg Alte Reben Riesling Trocken 2023 750ml $52.50 special, 34 bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott (Suckling) 96 points “Brimming with ripe peaches, wildflowers and herbs, this is extroverted for a young dry Mosel riesling. What a juicy and joyful wine it is on the medium-bodied palate. At once intensely spicy and very well structured in the long, expressive finish. Vegan. Drink or hold.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
 
Weingut Carl Loewen Longuicher Herrenberg Riesling Kabinett 2022 750ml $26 special, 28 bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott (Suckling) 93 points “It’s hard to resist the warm peach fruit and baking spice aromas of this succulent Kabinett. However, on the palate this has an exciting twist of cassis freshness. Excellent vitality. From up to 100-year-old ungrafted vines.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
 
Weingut Carl Loewen Longuicher Herrenberg Riesling Kabinett 2023 750ml $27.50 special, 30 bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott (Suckling) 94 points “Very juicy and spicy, this light-bodied, off-dry Mosel riesling has terrific peachy fruit and slatey freshness. Such a beautifully clean finish. From a high-altitude parcel with 100-year-old vines. Vegan. Drink or hold.”
 

 
Don’t miss our additional sale going on now:
 
Steinmetz
 
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of Steinmetz
10% off any 6+ or more in-stock bottles of Steinmetz
 
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
 
Steinmetz sale ends Friday, June 20th at 9 am Pacific.

Steinmetz Sale 6-17-25

In This Newsletter:

Steinmetz Sale
First Offer: 2020 Produttori



“What a stunning and faceted collection. Wilhelm Steinmetz founded this Brauneberg-based estate in the 1920s. Today, Stefan Steinmetz and his American wife, Sammie, run the operation… Steinmetz sets store by reduced yields and absolute delineation of his sites. All the dry Rieslings go through malolactic conversion, yet their clarity and freshness would never make you guess that. This is masterful winemaking. Lovers of Pinot Noir should also remember the Steinmetz name, as these delicate yet resonant wines are compelling renditions of this fascinating grape.” -Anne Krebiehl MW, Vinous
 
Stock Up & Save On:
 
Steinmetz
 
Stefan and Sammie Steinmetz’s excellent cuvees hail from incredibly steep terrain along the banks of the Mosel. Their vines grow without fertilizers, herbicides or insecticides. Their environmentally-friendly mindset is carried into the winery. The wines are fermented with naturally occurring yeasts and without additives or animal proteins (often found in fining agents). Their commitment to organic viticulture on such challenging, steep slopes and while using minimal intervention is impressive. Their dedication shows in the glass, resulting in concentrated and breathtaking wines.

Despite hailing from some of Europe’s best and oldest terroir, our selections all clock in at under $50/bottle, which is near criminal when compared to what Burgundy and even Alsace get away with for their great whites. This makes our three-day sale almost embarrassing for how inexpensive these beauties are.
 
The whites range from bone dry to nobly sweet, though lean towards dry in their respective categories. The Pinot Noirs are equally exciting and well-priced (try finding a single-vineyard Oregon Pinot that’s slumbered in DRC barrels for under $40/bottle).
 
Don’t let the low prices scare you off – these are highly respected, delicious wines that deserve center stage on your table and a generous footprint in your cellar.

5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of Steinmetz
10% off any 6+ or more in-stock bottles of Steinmetz
 
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
 
Sale ends Friday, June 20th at 9 am Pacific.
 
We offer nine in-stock Steinmetz options on sale now, including:
 
Weingut Gunther Steinmetz Dhroner Hofberg Riesling Trocken, Mosel 2022 750ml Displayed Price: $29.50, that’s $28.03 at 5% off and $26.55 at 10% off, 14 bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott (Suckling) 95 points “This properly dry 2022 Mosel riesling has a wealth of stone fruit aromas, but also notes of grapefruit, Amalfi lemon and fresh almonds. However, in contrast to many wines from this site, there’s a compact core and the wine has impressive drive at the bold and spicy finish. Limited production. Very good aging potential, but can be drunk from release.”
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!
 
Weingut Gunther Steinmetz Wintricher Geierslay ‘Sur Lie’ Riesling, Mosel 2022 750ml Displayed Price: $29.50, that’s $28.03 at 5% off and $26.55 at 10% off, 24 bottles in stock now
“The 2022er Wintricher Geierslay Riesling Sur Lie was fermented in stainless-steel tank down to off-dry levels of residual sugar (14 g/l). The nose shows plenty of minty freshness, but also a green streak of greengage, freshly cut herbs, fennel, laurel, green apple, and lime blossom. The wine is quite light on the palate, with a hint of smoothness, which quickly gives way to tension with the arrival of a slightly sharp acidity and a fair amount of tartness. The finish is a little sharp and abrupt for the moment, which suggests that this wine should be left to age a little bit. 2025-2030+.” -Mosel Fine Wines
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
 
Weingut Gunther Steinmetz Brauneberger Juffer Riesling Kabinett Feinherb, Mosel 2022 750ml Displayed Price: $33, that’s $31.35 at 5% off and $29.70 at 10% off, 12 bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott (Suckling) 93 points “Flinty and yeasty nose, but the white tree fruit aromas quickly blast through. Racy and structured, the balance barely off-dry. So much character and depth. Very much a wine for the dining table! Drink or hold.”
 
Weingut Gunther Steinmetz Piesporter Treppchen Kabinett Riesling, Mosel 2023 750ml Displayed Price: $39, that’s $37.05 at 5% off and $35.10 at 10% off, 18 bottles in stock now
Anne Krebiehl MW-Vinous 94 points “The 2023 Riesling Piesporter Treppchen Kabinett comes from almost 60-year-old vines. The nose is subtle, but the concentration is immense. The palate offers herbal tisane, soothing and cooling, brimming with aroma. Lemony tanginess edges the flavors, complemented by subtle sweetness. This wine is a beautiful and touching expression of stone, herb and citrus. Flowing, super-smooth and so soothingly cool.”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
 
Weingut Gunther Steinmetz Wintricher Geierslay Riesling Kabinett, Mosel 2022 750ml Displayed Price: $33, that’s $31.35 at 5% off and $29.70 at 10% off, 19 bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott (Suckling) 97 points “Some people say that Riesling Kabinett must be sleek and very acidic, but this wine shows why this is narrow-minded. Fabulous nose of white flowers, ripe pear and white peach, then on the seriously concentrated palate this is so succulent and so precise you don’t want to think about anything else! Almost perfect balance at the long super-silky finish. From 60-year-old vines. Drink or hold.”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
 
“If you’ve never heard of a winery called Gunther Steinmetz, we suggest you look it up… Senior Editor Stuart Pigott first met Stefan Steinmetz, 42, of the Günther Steinmetz estate in Brauneberg/Mosel just over a decade ago and his wines were already very good then with a distinctive style. But he said that nothing prepared him for the recent tastings of the Steinmetz 2019s. He was blown away by the quality.” –James Suckling
 
Weingut Gunther Steinmetz Brauneberger Juffer Riesling Auslese Gold Capsule, Mosel 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $49, that’s $46.55 at 5% off and $44.10 at 10% off, 5 bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott (Suckling) 98 points “What an amazing nose with devastating, peachy intensity and an overtone of saffron. Staggering concentration and colossal acidity give this incredible Mosel Auslese great tension. Patience will be rewarded by this highly structured, enormously complex wine that might live a century! Only a hint of grape sweetness. Drinkable now, but better from 2024.”
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!
 
Weingut Gunther Steinmetz Wintricher Geierslay Riesling Auslese Gold Capsule, Mosel 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $49, that’s $46.55 at 5% off and $44.10 at 10% off, 28 bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott (Suckling) 98 points “Totally seductive nose with all manner of exotic fruits but primarily pineapple and papaya. Mind-blowing concentration and mineral brilliance on the palate. Just keeps pumping the exotic fruit out at the very long, super fresh finish. Drink or hold.”
Mosel Fine Wines 94 points “The 2019er Wintricher Geierslay Riesling Auslese GK was made from slightly botrytized fruit harvested at 116° Oechsle, and was fermented down to fully noble-sweet levels of residual sugar. It offers a stunning nose of ginger, elderflower, melon, minerals, and smoky smoke. The wine proves already remarkably open on the palate, where passion fruit zest mingles with minerals and apricot-infused cream. It leaves a great feel of tension and depth in the long and focused finish. The aftertaste is all about raciness and apricot cream. This gorgeous noble-sweet wine proves already quite enjoyable now, but it will only reveal its true colors in a decade, once the nuances will have a chance to emerge. 2029-2059.”
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!
 
Weingut Gunther Steinmetz Pinot Noir, Mosel 2022 750ml Displayed Price: $29.50, that’s $28.03 at 5% off and $26.55 at 10% off, 11 bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott (Suckling) 94 points “For an entry-level pinot noir from a cool region like the Mosel, this is absurdly good. Wonderful rooty complexity on the deep and subtle nose. Impressive concentration and a velvety texture that’s hard to resist. I love the vitality in the long, plush finish. Excellent aging potential. Drink or hold.”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
 
Weingut Gunther Steinmetz Kestener Paulinsberg Pinot Noir, Bernkastel 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $39, that’s $37.05 at 5% off and $35.10 at 10% off, 10 bottles in stock now
Importer Note “Easily the most showstopping Pinot we tasted with Stefan in April 2024. WOW! A luscious red teeming with sweet cherry fruit, exemplary of the warm year; but slate soils, steep slopes (70% in some parcels!) and 50% stem inclusion keep this wine focused, fresh, and riveting. From French clones, 30+ year old vines, aged in used Burgundy barrels, some of which came from Romanee-Conti.”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
 
Shop our nine Steinmetz selections now!



First Offer Alert!
 
2020 Produttori
 
“Aldo Vacca and Luca Cravanzola presented a stellar set of wines at Produttori del Barbaresco. The 2020 Riservas offer an intriguing mix of the bold fruit of the year tempered by traditional winemaking.” -Antonio Galloni, Vinous

Produttori del Barbaresco is revered for producing classically-styled Barbaresco and Riservas of uncompromising quality and transparency. You’d be hard-pressed to find such consistent quality and complexity out of such an extensive range of single-vineyard Nebbiolos anywhere else.
 
In Stock & On Sale Now:
 
Produttori del Barbaresco Asili, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2020 750ml $89 pre-arrival special, 24 bottles available
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 96 points “The 2020 Barbaresco Riserva Asili is gorgeous. It offers a beguiling mix of intense fruit and supporting structure. A wine of depth and complexity, Asili has a lot of everything. It is clearly a step or two above many of the wines in this range. Today, the 2020 comes across as a bit somber, but that may partly be a reflection of its recent bottling. There’s gorgeous depth and resonance in the Asili.”
 
Produttori del Barbaresco Montestefano, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2020 750ml $89 pre-arrival special, 24 bottles available
Produttori del Barbaresco Montestefano, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2020 1.5L $189 pre-arrival special, 2 magnums available
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 97 points “The 2020 Barbaresco Riserva Montestefano is one of the most elegant, polished wines in this range. Bright red-toned fruit, blood orange, spice, mint and cedar are beautifully lifted. The tannins are remarkably polished for a young, recently bottled Riserva. I admire its poise and elegance. This is an especially refined edition of the Montestefano. In 2020, the mix of vineyards is a bit younger than in the past, as one of the blocks of older vineyards was replanted and not used. If I could have only one of the Riservas in 2020, this would be it!”
 
Produttori del Barbaresco Montefico, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2020 750ml $89 pre-arrival special, 24 bottles available
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 96+ points “Two standouts from the 2020 vintage are Montefico and Asili. The Produttori del Barbaresco 2020 Barbaresco Riserva Montefico comes from a site that is distant from the warm air that travels through the Tanaro River Valley and is closed within an amphitheater. This is a beautiful vineyard that looks toward the village of Neive and has active limestone soils. The wine is especially compact in texture and has a distinctly herbal note, with dried rosemary and lavender, that gives it a Mediterranean or botanical feel. The palate delivers a brief moment of softness, but otherwise the wine is structured and rich.”
 
Produttori del Barbaresco Muncagota, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2020 750ml $85 pre-arrival special, 18 bottles available
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 94 points “The Produttori del Barbaresco 2020 Barbaresco Riserva Muncagota is quite powerful and ample but not fully integrated as of yet. This vineyard site is located in a warm growing area, and you do feel the heat of the vintage in terms of the ripeness of the bouquet and the softness of the tannins. This wine paints with broad brush strokes, offering blackberry, plum and spice. It needs another year or two to find better focus.”
 
Produttori del Barbaresco Ovello, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2020 750ml $89 pre-arrival special, 24 bottles available
Produttori del Barbaresco Ovello, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2020 1.5L $189 pre-arrival special, 3 magnums available
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.”
 
Produttori del Barbaresco Pajè, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2020 750ml $89 pre-arrival special, 24 bottles available
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 95 points “The 2020 Barbaresco Riserva Pajè is a classic wine from this site. Deeply spiced and balsamic notes meld into a core of dark, sepia-toned Nebbiolo fruit. A Barbaresco of real presence and substance, the Pajè makes itself felt. It’s one of my early dark horse favorites in this range from Produttori del Barbaresco.”
 
Produttori del Barbaresco Pora, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2020 750ml $85 pre-arrival special, 24 bottles available
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 93 points “The 2020 Barbaresco Riserva Pora is aromatic, effusive and quite charming. Crushed flowers, spice, leather, tobacco and cedar lend notable inner sweetness. Medium in body and gracious, the Pora is pretty approachable today, although it will be better with a few years in bottle. This is a very beautiful, vivid Pora and a fine introduction to the Riservas.”
 
Produttori del Barbaresco Rabajà, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2020 750ml $89 pre-arrival special, 24 bottles available
Produttori del Barbaresco Rabajà, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2020 1.5L $199 pre-arrival special, 2 magnums available
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 97 points “The 2020 Barbaresco Riserva Rabajà is another stellar wine in this range. Dark and explosive, the 2021 possesses notable richness to match its dark, brooding personality. Black cherry, plum, leather, cloves, menthol, licorice and gravel explode onto the palate. The 2020 will require a measure of patience, but it has a ton of potential.”
 
Produttori del Barbaresco Rio Sordo, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2020 750ml $89 pre-arrival special, 10 bottles available
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 94 points “The Produttori del Barbaresco 2020 Barbaresco Riserva Rio Sordo comes from an area that is further removed from the Tanaro River and has southwestern exposures. It shows a typical profile for Nebbiolo with rich fruit, a velvety mouthfeel and textural volume that is delivered with ample blackberry, blackcurrant and spice. The character of this wine is generous and rich. There is plenty of meat on these bones.”
 
Can’t wait?
 
We offer twenty-two in-stock Produttori del Barbaresco options!



Don’t miss our additional sale going on now:
 
Vie di Romans
 
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of Vie di Romans
10% off any 6+ or more in-stock bottles of Vie di Romans
 
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
 
Vie di Romans sale ends Wednesday, June 18th at 9 am Pacific.

New Arrivals, Screaming Eagle, Graillot & more! 6-16-25

In This Newsletter:

Jump Start Sale: Screaming Eagle
New Week – New Arrivals
On-The-Way-Wines from Graillot, Joly & Nozay!



Jump Start Sale:
 
Screaming Eagle
 
We dropped our pricing on Napa Valley’s most precious wine. Take it home tonight and watch your sense soar!
 
Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2022 750ml Was $2,199, Now $1,995, only 3 bottles available!
Jeb Dunnuck 95-97 points “While I wasn’t able to taste the 2021s, the 2022s from Screaming Eagle are undeniable successes. Tasted from multiple barrels, the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon has medium to full-bodied, richness, beautiful purity of fruit and ripe, building tannins, as well as a good spine of acidity. This estate did an incredible selection, and it certainly shows in all the samples I was able to taste.”
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 95 “Floral and silky in the glass, with lovely forward fruit, the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon is a decidedly delicate, elegant wine. It offers terrific freshness and verve. Floral and citrus overtones lift a core of red-toned fruit. The low-ish tannins of the vintage are evident in the wine’s mid-weight structure. In the 2022, it’s the wine’s freshness I admire most. I imagine the 2022 is a rare Screaming Eagle that will drink well with minimal cellaring.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $2,513



New Week – New Arrivals
 
Oregon

The Eyrie Vineyards ‘Spark’ Sparkling Rose, Willamette Valley NV 750ml $19 special, 24 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.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
 
The Eyrie Vineyards Trifolium Red, Dundee Hills 2020 750ml $20.90 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 95 points “This blend of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Trousseau is the poster child for balance. The show starts with blackberry and thyme aromas, along with notes of earth and citrus. The Trifolium’s zingy acidity and optimal tannic structure support flavors like black cherry, cocoa nibs and a nice pot roast. Best trio since Rush. “
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
 
Cristom Louise Vineyard Viognier, Eola-Amity Hills 2023 750ml $29 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Owen Bargreen 93 points “The 2023 ‘Louise Vineyard’ was sourced from this location set on basalt soils. Stored in all neural oak barrels, this delivers honeysuckle and juicy peach aromatics that combine with salty soils and shades of ginger on the nose. The palate is fresh and lithe with a smooth texture and good sense of length. Nervy and intense, enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next eight plus years.”
 
Cristom Chardonnay, Eola-Amity Hills 2022 750ml $39 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Owen Bargreen 93 points “The 2022 ‘Eola-Amity Hills’ Chardonnay is a beautiful wine that was stored for 11 months in oak and then five months in stainless steel before bottling. The wine shows beautiful freshness and tension wit ha soft mouthfeel. Loads of Meyer lemon and orchard fruits combine with shades of salted green melon on the palate.”
 
Cristom Louise Vineyard Chardonnay, Eola-Amity Hills 2021 750ml $54.50 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Owen Bargreen 95 points “The exceedingly good 2021 Cristom Vineyards ‘Louise Vineyard’ Chardonnay is a stunning effort from this warm vintage in the Willamette Valley. Chardonnay was planted in the lower part of this site which was first planted back in 1993. It is nicely concentrated but also very nicely poised. Kumquat rind, Japanese pear and honeydew melon flavors combine with shades of hazelnut topped shortbread on the palate. Only 100 cases made of this brilliant Chardonnay.”
 
Cristom Seven Springs Vineyard Chardonnay, Eola-Amity Hills 2021 750ml $54.50 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 95 points “The 2021 Chardonnay Seven Springs Vineyard is highly expressive and complete with layers of pure fruit and mineral-tinged aromas, noted by gunflint, fresh tangerine, well-managed oak spice, and fresh pear. Medium to full-bodied, with great energy, it’s lush up front but has a great tension-driven core, with a touch of pithy texture and a bit of yellow floral tone on the finish. It’s going to drink well over the next 8-10 years.”
 
Cristom Royer Vineyard Chardonnay, Eola-Amity Hills 2021 750ml $54.50 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Owen Bargreen 95 points “The ‘Royer Vineyard’ is located southwest edge of the Eola Hills. This 15 acre site is planted to Riesling and Chardonnay. This 2021 Chardonnay is a deep and concentrated wine that is irresistible in its youth. Heady, and laden with its core of starfruit, Pink Lady apple and baking spice and buttered French bread flavors, it is a stellar wine to consume right now and over the next ten plus years.”
 
Cristom ‘Mt. Jefferson Cuvee’ Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2023 750ml $41.90 special, 6 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 95 points “Very firm, focused and concentrated, showing pure black cherries and blackcurrants on a lively frame of nervy acidity and moderate tannins. Mouthwatering acidity, with fruit expanding on the palate and spices like cloves and cinnamon developing. Drink now or hold.”
 
Cristom Louise Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2022 750ml $79 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Owen Bargreen 95 points “The 2022 ‘Louise’ was given 58% whole cluster fermentation. The site is usually picked a touch on the earlier side to harness the tannins of the Pinot Noir at this eastern-aspect location. Black florals and seaweed combine with shades of black licorice on the nose. The palate is plush and refined with serious weight and tension. Rich and refined, with serious texture and mouth-watering acidity, this really needs another year of bottle age to come together–but you can see the potential!”
 
Cristom Paul Gerrie Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2022 750ml $79 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Owen Bargreen 96 points “A total knockout wine the 2022 Cristom ‘Paul Gerrie Vineyard’ Pinot Noir was given 50% whole cluster fermentation and was stored in only 17% new French oak before bottling. This wine comes from the northern end at the Cristom Estate that was fist planted back in 2014. The nose is alluring with beautiful violets, menthol, wild blackberry and suggestions of cardamom. The palate is plush and soft wit ha refiled texture. Strangely this powerful wine is the most evolved of the single vineyards. A total stunner, enjoy over the next twenty years.”
 
Beaux Freres Les Cousins Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2023 750ml $39 special, 12 bottles in stock now
VinopolNote: A secret blend of barrels from one of the Willamette Valley’s Great Estates. This is a crazy bargain next to the single vineyard wines that run at roughly three times the price. A true insider value!
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!
 
 
California
 
Continuum Proprietary Red, Oakville, Napa Valley 2021 750ml $335 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Case-6 Continuum Proprietary Red, Oakville, Napa Valley 2021 750ml $1,899 special (that’s only $316.50/bottle!)
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 99 points “Continuum’s 2019 Proprietary Red is 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Cabernet Franc, 7% Petit Verdot and 6% Merlot, all from the estate vineyard on Pritchard Hill. Aged in two-thirds new French oak, with the balance in second or third-use barrels and a single concrete amphora, it’s remarkably dark in hue, a deep, saturated purple in the glass. On the nose, it’s floral and herbal yet fruit-driven, with violets, sage and bay leaf adding nuance to black cherries, while the palate is full-bodied, plush and silky. There’s an enticing yin-yang to the interplay between high-toned herbals and bass notes of dark chocolate in this dense, concentrated effort that finishes lush and long. It’s a magnificent wine that should drink well for at least two decades. Drink: 2025-2045.”
 
 
Southern France & Rhone
 
Gerard Bertrand Picpoul de Pinet, Languedoc-Roussillon 2021 750ml $19.50 special, 12 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 90 points “A fresh and crisp picpoul with mineral, green apples, lime and white pepper. It’s light and crisp, but has volume and texture. Zesty and bright. A solid picpoul. Drink now.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
 
Gerard Bertrand Saint-Chinian Syrah – Mourvedre, Languedoc-Roussillon 2018 750ml $16 special, 23 bottles in stock now
No reviews for the 2018 vintage. Recent review provided for reference.
Wine Enthusiast 90 points “Solid, rich and ripe red raspberries and brambly berries are upfront on the nose of this attractive wine, with seductive tones of sweet oak and cured meat in the back. Medium in weight, with spicy, structured tannins and ample acidity, the oak is well-integrated into the plush fruit core.”
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!
 
Gerard Bertrand Corbieres Heresie Rouge, Languedoc-Roussillon 2019 750ml $20.50 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “The color is a deep purple red. The nose is beautifully complex, with notes of red fruits and spices. The Syrah brings the aromas of fruits and spices, the Mourvèdre the notes of licorice. The palate is balanced with great freshness and velvety tannins. To be enjoyed with a roast rack of lamb, game birds or mature cheeses.”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
 
Clos Cibonne Cuvée Tradition Tibouren Rosé, Côtes de Provence 2023 750ml $41.90 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Importer Note “Clos Cibonne’s iconic Cuvée Tradition stands uniquely apart from other rosés as a classic, one-of-a-kind Côtes de Provence rosé featuring the tibouren grape in the lead role. Cuvée Tradition is legendary amongst experienced French wine collectors for its texture, substance, and ability to age gracefully for a decade or more. It is a limited wine made exclusively with estate-grown, organic tibouren grapes, and a bit of grenache to meet Côtes de Provence blending guidelines. The vineyard, one of 18 Crus Classés of Côtes de Provence, consists of traditional goblet trained vines located close to the Mediterranean Sea in the foothills of the Maures mountains, overlooking Toulon’s harbor. The microclimate of Clos Cibonne is especially important to the uniqueness of the wines, as the proximity of the ocean brings much needed cool air to the vineyards in the summer months. Their location at the foot of the Maures mountains ensures good east-west ventilation, which is ideal for the health and balance of the vineyard.”
 
Chateau de Rouanne Vinsobres, Rhone 2020 750ml $21.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 92 points “A blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, the classic 2020 Vinsobres from this château is beautiful and has a round, supple, elegant, medium to full-bodied style as well as textbook blackberry and black raspberry fruits, some peppery herb and floral nuances, remarkable purity, and a great finish. It’s one heck of an impressive Vinsobres to drink over the coming 8-10 years.”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
 
 
Spain
 
Nanclares y Prieto ‘Dandelion’ Albarino, Rias Baixas 2023 750ml $28 special, 22 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 92 points “A lovely albarino with aromas of sea breeze, brine, oyster shells and grapefruit zest. The palate is crisp with a fresh saline profile and a fresh, clean finish. The grapes are from 13 parcels in the Salnes area (Ribadumia, Meano and Cambados). Fermented and aged in vats on the lees for seven months. Does not undergo malolactic fermentation. Drink now.”
 
 
Portugal – Port
 
Fonseca Vintage Port 2016 750ml $89 special, 4 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 98 points “Lots of ripe fruit here with raisins and wet earth that turn to violets and hot stones. Full-bodied, tannic and powerful with fantastic grip and intensity. Grabs you. Impressive. Drink in 2025.”
 
#4 Wine of the Year in 2018 – James Suckling
Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port 2016 750ml $89 special, 13 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 100 points “OMG. This is really the most amazing young Taylor’s I have ever tasted. Full-bodied and lightly sweet with super power and intensity. So racy and focused. Yet this has such muscle and intensity. Needs at least eight years to show you everything it has to offer. Drink in 2025.”
 
Warre’s Vintage Port 2016 750ml $89 special, 16 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 98 points “Gorgeous, with warm plum reduction and gently steeped raspberry, blackberry and boysenberry fruit flavors forming the core, all inlaid with warm ganache and smoldering tobacco accents. Very plush in feel, but has no lack of energy, as everything sails beautifully through the long finish. A late echo of anise completes the seduction. *No. 14, Top 100 Wines of 2018*”
 
 
Argentina
 
Superuco ‘Calcareo’ Coluvio de Altamira Cabernet Franc, Uco Valley 2020 750ml $21.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Superuco ‘Calcareo’ Coluvio de Altamira Cabernet Franc, Uco Valley 2020 750ml $228 special (that’s only $19/bottle!)
Joaquin Hidalgo-Vinous 94 points “The 2020 Cabernet Franc Calcáreo Coluvio, from Altamira in the Uco Valley, is garnet red in color. The nose consists of ash, green pepper, blackcurrant and hints of sour cherry. Delivering full-bodied flavor in the mouth, with sour cherry especially prominent on the palate, it grows more vigorous and light-footed as it goes on with good freshness and a hint of chalk. The alcohol lends structure. The 2020 is an unusual wine in that it’s both ripe and very fresh. Drink: 2022-2034.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
 


Alain Graillot
 
Elegance in the Northern Rhone
 
The Graillot clan is synonymous with the northern Rhone region of Croze-Hermitage. After working at the legendary Domaine Dujac in Burgundy, Alain Graillot came home to Crozes-Hermitage in 1985. Until his recent passing, Alain used the same techniques that have made Dujac wines iconic. Practices include chemical-free farming, use of whole clusters during fermentation and long élevage in old oak. Graillot’s two sons Maxime and Antoin have continued in his footsteps, producing wines that are among the most transparent and elegant expressions of Syrah in the world, let alone the Northern Rhône.
 
Newly Arrived:
 
Domaine Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage Blanc 2023 750ml $44.50 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Nicolas Greinacher-Vinous 90 points “Mixing 80% Marsanne with 20% Roussanne from over 40-year-old vines growing on sandy soils, the 2023 Crozes-Hermitage Blanc launches with zesty lemon flesh, yellow apple, white flowers and a slice of pear. Medium-bodied and sapid, the 2023 leaves the spotlight with phenolic bitterness on the nuanced finish. (Drink between 2025-2028).”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
 
Domaine Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage Rouge 2022 750ml $44.50 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Domaine Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage Rouge 2022 1.5L $89 pre-arrival special, 3 magnums arriving in June
James Suckling 94 points “A textural, balanced and harmonious red with such patina already. The nose shows notes of dark cherries, fresh plums, forest floor and warm spices. Medium-bodied with fine tannins. Dense and velvety, with a kick of peppercorns. Juicy, vivid and fresh finish. Drink or hold.”
 
Arriving in June:
 
Domaine Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage La Guiraude 2022 750ml $69 pre-arrival special, 12 bottles available
James Suckling 95 points “A remarkable Crozes-Hermitage with drive, structure and plenty of texture. The nose reveals notes of cassis, dark cherries, currants, violets and warm spices. Medium-bodied with fine tannins. Chalky and focused, with a juicy core of cherries mingling with the violets. Lively and precise with a serious, compact finish at this stage. Try after 2026.”
 
Domaine Alain Graillot Saint-Joseph Rouge 2022 750ml $54.50 pre-arrival special, 12 bottles available
James Suckling 93 points “A lively, vertical and peppery syrah with notes of forest berries, wild herbs, white pepper and crushed stones. Medium-bodied with fine, firm tannins. It’s focused, chiseled and crisp with a pulpy character on the palate. Juicy crushed dark-cherry character with a flavorful finish. Drink or hold.”
“Le Nozay is a small 17th-century castle near Sainte Gemme en Sancerrois in Sancerre. In 1970, Baron Philippe de Benoist and his wife Marie-Hélène settled in Château du Nozay and created Domaine du Nozay. They planted the first hectare of Sauvignon Blanc in 1971, which they later expanded to 15 hectares. Philippe was joined by his son Cyril, who now heads the estate. The Domaine du Nozay has been certified in Organic Agriculture since 2011 and in Biodynamics since 2017. It is a family wine estate in Sancerre, surrounded by peace and tranquility. The resulting wines reflect this.” -Importer Note
 
Domaine du Nozay Sancerre 2023 750ml $59 pre-arrival special, 12 bottles available
Importer Tasting Note “A brilliant and intense color with golden reflections distilling elegant and discreet aromas of pink grapefruit, lychee, lemon, and especially of sliced yellow peach. With an ideal acidity carried by an admirably structured body, its refreshing notes of pear in syrup, give it a certain pleasure on the palate.”
 
Domaine du Nozay Clos du Nozay Sancerre 2023 750ml $79 pre-arrival special, 12 bottles available
Importer Note “Considered one of the Domaines top cuvées from 50 year old vines grown in Kimmeridgian marls, 220 meters high at the bottom of the Nozay’s valley with slight eastern facing slopes.This terroir is very rich in shell fossils and has the particularity of whitening as it dries, hence its local name of Terres Blanches white lands’. Tasting Notes: A golden yellow color, very luminous which will allow the dazzling of our palate and will release all its length. On the nose, white flowers and sweet citrus fruits are raised very slightly by the airy and pure sides of the jar and on the palate we find an explosion of flavors of pear, mango, and lychee, marking a concentration of Sauvignon Blanc and a balanced acidity.”
 
“Nicolas Joly, and his revolutionary approach to winegrowing and winemaking, is synonymous with both Savennières specifically and Loire Chenin Blanc in general. Coulée de Serrant, Joly’s monopole 7-hectare vineyard, is one of the few appellations in France owned by a single estate (the other two being Romanée Conti and Château-Grillet). It was first planted in 1130 by Cistercian monks. The vines here are mostly 35 to 40 years old, with the oldest planted in 1935. But Joly also holds the 3-hectare Clos de la Bergerie in the Roche aux Moines AOC. Joly’s wines can be big and powerful — almost hedonistic — nudging up to 15% abv. He doesn’t shy away from botrytis, like his neighbors at Domaine du Closel or Roche aux Moines. ‘Some people think Savennières should be austere,’ he says. ‘But I disagree.’” -Jason Wilson, Vinous
 
Nicolas Joly ‘Clos de la Coulee de Serrant’ 2021 750ml $141.90 pre-arrival special, 6 bottles available
Rebecca Gibb MW-Vinous 95 points “The 2021 Clos de la Coulée de Serrant is a dry, floral Chenin Blanc produced from late-picked grapes, done in 3 passes with around 1/10th affected by botrytis. Grown biodynamically and vinified with minimal intervention, the resulting wine is intriguing and idiosyncratic. With a rich golden color, there’s a sensation of sweetness allied with honeyed fruit and fullness of high alcohol. Low yields are reflected in the intense concentration. It is a serious, structured style with well-handled phenolics providing grip and contributing to its length, while the season’s bright acidity ensures freshness and tension. It is a much cleaner, less oxidative style in 2021, and for that, you have to be thankful. This will be a long-lived wine that would need decanting.”
 
Nicolas Joly ‘Clos de la Coulee de Serrant’ 2022 750ml $159 pre-arrival special, 6 bottles available
Winery Note “7 hectares (lha = 2.471 acres). The vineyard was planted in 1130 by Cistercian monks. It is an ‘appellation controlee’ of 7 hectares only. Located on very steep slopes, dominating the Loire, the vines are more than 35 to 40 years of average age; oldest having more 80 years [and is used for selection massale to perpetuate] the originality of the place. Partly cultivated with the horse, or the hand, the average output is with 20/25 hectolitres per hectare (up to 40 is authorized). The ground is far from thick (20 with 40 cm on average), and is on a red schist oblique base obliques which drains the vines perfectly. The grape harvest is done in 5 times over 3 to 4 weeks to obtain the most colour possible in maturity and the most botrytis. Wine making: out of barrel of 500 liters (never more than new wood 5%). Production: approximately 20/25000 bottles per annum. [Revised for clarity].”
 
Shop our complete selection of in-stock wines from the Loire!



Don’t miss our additional sales going on now:
 
California Pinot Noir
 
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of Cali Pinot Noir
10% off any 6+ or more in-stock bottles of Cali Pinot Noir
 
Vie di Romans
 
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of Vie di Romans
10% off any 6+ or more in-stock bottles of Vie di Romans
 
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
 
California Pinot Noir sale ends Tuesday, June 17th at 9 am Pacific. Vie di Romans sale ends Wednesday, June 18th at 9 am Pacific.

Vie De Romans Summer Sale 6-15-25

Up to 10% Off!

 

Vie di Romans Vineyards in Friuli Isonzo
 
Oh man. Where do I start when it comes to the wines of Friuli. Is there even a need for prose after taking one glance at the photo above? This is one of the most criminally underrepresented and relatively unknown wine regions in the entire world and that’s not an exaggeration. Tucked in the top Northeastern corner of Italy, this region is bordered by Austria to the North and Slovenia to the East, making the people of this land a distinctly complex blend of cultures, and this is reflected in the wines. Complexity, while beautiful and precious to those that view wine as a lifetime journey, is often overwhelming to most consumers. Within the sub-DOC of Friuli Isonzo alone there are 17+ permitted grape varietals that can end up in the final bottle. The microclimate created by the influences of the Alps and the Adriatic is perfect for the development of exotic white wines that taste like nothing else.

Isonzo is ruled by the producer we’re featuring for you today: Vie di Romans. The Gallo family (not the same as the California one) has a history with wine that dates back over a century and three generations. Gianfranco has managed the estate since 1978 and taken it to dramatically high levels of quality with a focus on vineyard expression and precise winemaking practices. The 57 hectares of vineyards have soil rich in alluvial fans and minerals carried there by glaciers and a daily diurnal temperature shift that creates ample freshness for the grapes.

Describing Gianfranco’s wines and those of Friuli broadly is a dazzlingly difficult task. In no other white wines do I encounter so much spice (think ginger, sumac) and lavish fruit expressions like candied nectarine, lemon curd, and tropical citrus. The common denominator is bold flavor combined with elegant acidity. These wines are built to entertain and steal the attention of those that drink them; you simply cannot stop putting your nose in the glass. In addition I think they’re the perfect transition wine for people that love Sauvignon Blanc (Vie di Romans makes that too) and Pinot Grigio, but are ready to drink something more challenging and unforgettable.

These wines are so opulent and fresh, they will dazzle in the sunlight of Summer and leave you begging for a second glass. I’ll bet a half case won’t even last through the end of June once you get your first taste.
 
5% off any 3-5 bottles of in-stock Vie di Romans wines
10% off any 6+ or more bottles of in-stock Vie di Romans wines
 
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
 
Discount ends Wednesday, June 18th at 9am Pacific
 

In Stock and On Sale Now from Vie di Romans:
 
Vie di Romans Chardonnay Friuli Isonzo, Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2022 750ml Displayed Price: $44.50 special, that’s $42.28 at 5% off and $40.05 at 10% off, 36+ bottles in stock now
Vinous 94 points  “The 2022 Chardonnay mixes richness with energy and savory with sweetness, as crushed yellow apples and gingery spice combine with minty herbs and wet stone. This is soothingly round and enveloping, quite textural, with waves of ripe
green melon and mineral-tinged apricots coasting across a stream of zesty acidity. The 2022 nishes youthfully tense, structured and spicy, with hints of baked pear and cardamom that resonate. While a bit backward today, the potential here is o the charts. Vie di Romans has decided to begin holding back their wines longer in the cellar to allow them to develop further before release, and I think this is a perfect example of how insightful that decision was.”
Wine Advocate 93 points “With nine months of élevage on the lees in barrique, the 2022 Friuli Isonzo Chardonnay Vie di Romans is a generous white with plenty of fruit weight. Prominent aromas of ripe peach and orchard fruit steal the show, but there are sweet notes of calla lily and hibiscus. There is even a savory hint of lavender, but the wine ends on a decidedly sweet note with a 14.5% alcohol content. Both attest to the hot 2022 growing season. This is an ample production of 66,500 bottles.”

Vie di Romans Chardonnay Caimpagnis Friuli Isonzo, Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2022 750ml Displayed Price: $39.50 special, that’s $37.53 at 5% off and $35.55 at 10% off, 36+ bottles in stock now
Vinous 93 points  “The 2022 Chardonnay Ciampagnis is a seductress, tempting the imagination with a beguiling array of crushed nectarines infused with tropical citrus, hints of curry leaves and sweet, sweet spice. It impresses further with a balance of contrasts, mixing tart orchard fruits and notes of green citrus with cooling acidity and a ourish of apricot toward the close. Incredibly fresh and
dramatically long, the Ciampagnis nishes with staining length and gently tannic, leaving a pleasantly tart sensation that lingers.”

Vie di Romans Dolée Friulano Friuli Isonzo, Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2021 750ml Displayed Price:$44.50 special, that’s $42.28 at 5% off and $40.05 at 10% off, 31 bottles in stock now
Vinous 92 points “The 2021 Friulano Dolée is exotically spiced and vibrant in the glass, with an intense burst of lemon meringue complemented by sweet mint and crystallized ginger. Silky and supple on the palate, this boasts ultra-ripe citrus and orchard fruits balanced by stimulating acidity. This nishes with outstanding length and is spicy with lingering tropical melon notes. While the 2021 comes across as sweet, it’s just a trick of the acidity and fruit, as this nished at only 1.2 grams of residual sugar.”

Vie di Romans Flors di Uis Friuli Isonzo, Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2022 750ml Displayed Price: $41.90 special, that’s $37.71 at 5% off and $33.94 at 10% off, 36 bottles in stock now
Vinous 93 points “Understated yet beautifully refined, the 2022 Bianco Flors di Uis keeps the taster coming back to the glass with its pretty blend of lime sorbet, chamomile, spring flowers and white smoke. It flows across the palate with a sensation of liquid stone and minerals, elevated by lively acidity as a core of candied lemon is contrasted by tart green apple fruit. The 2022 finishes with a lingering concentration and tart citrus pith bitterness, yet through it all, the mouth is left salivating for more. Readers may have a hard time keeping their hands off in its youth, yet I advise patience. This Flors di Uis is still just a baby in its development and has bloomed beautifully with further bottle age. A fantastic showing. This is a blend of 55% Malvasia Istriana, 31% Rhein Riesling and 14% Friulano.”

Vie di Romans Sauvignon Blanc Piere Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2021 750ml Displayed Price: $49 special, that’s $46.55 at 5% off and $44.10 at 10% off, 11 bottles in stock now
Vinous 92 points “The 2021 Sauvignon Blanc Piere is a spice bomb, holding my attention firm with a blast of ground ginger, cardamom, flint stone and curry before arriving at dried nectarines. It’s luxuriously silky yet lifted in style, with cooling minerality and acidity that motivates its floral-laced green citrus and melon tones. For all of its intensity, the 2021 finishes crisp and with a classically dry feel, as savory herbal tones resonate on. There is so much pleasure in this upfront, fruitfocused, yet truly seductive Sauvignon. “

Vie di Romans Sauvignon Blanc Piere Friuli Isonzo, Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2022 750ml Displayed Price: $44.50 special, that’s $42.28 at 5% off and $40.05 at 10% off, 28 bottles in stock now
Vinous 92 points “The 2022 Sauvignon Blanc Piere is wildly fresh, with a vivid blend of crushed nectarines and lime zest complemented by hints of rosemary and crushed stone. It’s silky smooth yet full of zesty tension, with masses of mineral-drenched green apples and hints of spice propelled by vibrant acidity. The 2022 leaves the palate staining in primary concentration, youthfully intense and gently tannic, leaving a spicy sensation that lingers on and on. The balance here is otherworldly, as is its drinkability factor.”

Vie di Romans Sauvignon Blanc Vieris Friuli Isonzo, Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2021 750ml Displayed Price:$44.50 special, that’s $42.28 at 5% off and $40.05 at 10% off, 21 bottles in stock now
Vinous 94+ points “The 2021 Sauvignon Blanc Vieris opens slowly in the glass, holding back in its youthful state, with hints of lemon oil, rosemary and wet stone accentuated by sweet spice. This is seamlessly silky, almost oily in feel, with sapid yellow citrus
and savory herbal tones enriched by vibrant acidity. It nishes potent and spicy, leaving the palate saturated in an intense staining of primary concentration. The potential here is o the charts, but today, the Vieris is one of the most backward wines out of the 2021 portfolio.”
Wine Advocate 94 points “This is a beautifully expressive wine that benefits from lees aging in oak barrel. The Vie di Romans 2021 Friuli Isonzo Sauvignon Blanc Vieris (with 35,200 bottles released) has floral tones, plumeria, a touch of white pepper and ashy mineral notes. The Vieris shows less of the jalapeño that I got in the zesty Piere rendition of this same grape. This wine also offers some elegant petroleum-like hints that add to the overall complexity.”

Cali Pinot Noir Sale 6-14-25

In This Newsletter:

California Pinot Noir Sale
Grape of the Week


 
CA + OR = BFF
 
Stock Up & Save On:
 
California Pinot Noir
 
We love the Willamette, but what’s not to love about our neighbor to the south? California has been crafting world class Pinot Noir for quite some time. We adore these precious reds for their class and texture. With prestigious names like Hirsch, Merry Edwards, Racines, and Rhys in stock, you’re certain to fall in love with these magnificent wonders.
 
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of Cali Pinot Noir
10% off any 6+ or more in-stock bottles of Cali Pinot Noir
 
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
 
Sale ends Tuesday, June 17th at 9 am Pacific.
 
We offer twenty-seven in-stock California Pinot Noir options on sale now, including:
 
Beau Marchais Clos Pepe Vineyard Est Pinot Noir, Sta Rita Hills 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $85, that’s $80.75 at 5% off and $76.50 at 10% off, 10 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 94-96 points “While there won’t be any releases from Santa Lucia due to smoke, they were able to release their Clos Pepe Pinot Noirs. The 2020 Pinot Noir Clos Pepe Est Vineyard saw 25% stems, 48 days on stems, and aging all in new barrels. Lots of mulberry, chocolate covered strawberries, and plum fruits as well as notes of orange blossom and spice emerge from the glass, and it’s a rich, full-bodied, textured beauty that packs one heck of a mid-palate. With ripe tannins and an expansive, supple texture, drink this hedonistic, sexy Pinot Noir on release and over the following 7-8 years.”
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!
 
Hirsch Vineyards Block 8 Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $79, that’s $75.05 at 5% off and $71.10 at 10% off, 3 bottles in stock now
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 93 points “At this stage, the 2020 Pinot Noir Block 8 seems to have escaped impact from the season’s devastating heat and wildfires. It has complex aromas of strawberry jam, rhubarb, hibiscus, black tea, mushroom and mossy bark. The medium-bodied palate is silky and refreshing and boasts highly concentrated flavors and a very long, perfumed finish.”
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!
 
Littorai Les Larmes Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley 2021 750ml Displayed Price: $99, that’s $94.05 at 5% off and $89.10 at 10% off, 1 bottle in stock now
No reviews for the 2021 vintage. 2020 review provided for reference.
Wine Spectator 93 points “A bright, fresh, racy version, showing pomegranate and blood orange fruit laced with a mouthwatering mineral edge, with light savory and sanguine hints adding range on the finish. Might be on the skinny side for some, but this is balanced and persistent. There’s no rush either. Best from 2023 through 2030. 1,367 cases made.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
 
Merry Edwards Meredith Estate Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley 2018 750ml Displayed Price: $79, that’s $75.05 at 5% off and $71.10 at 10% off, 6 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 95 points “This wine is exuberantly layered in bright tones of pomegranate and strawberry, while textured with integrated tannins and oak. Complementary elements of forest floor, black tea and clove play well with the fruitiness and enduring lushness on the palate.”
 
Morlet Family Vineyards En Famille Pinot Noir, Fort Ross-Seaview 2018 750ml Displayed Price: $124, that’s $117.80 at 5% off and $111.60 at 10% off, 2 bottles in stock now
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 96 points “The En Famille Pinot Noir comes from a vineyard planted in 1990 to Goldridge soils, right next door to the “Coteaux Nobles” vineyard in Fort Ross-Seaview. Medium ruby-purple colored, the 2018 Pinot Noir En Famille sashays out of the glass with gorgeous scents of cranberry jelly, pomegranate and raspberry preserves, leading to suggestions of underbrush, dried lavender and orange peel. The full-bodied palate is densely laden with red fruit preserves and earthy layers, supported by very finely grained tannins and tons of freshness, finishing with a refreshing lift. 360 cases were made.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
 
Racines Sanford & Benedict Vineyard Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $115, that’s $109.25 at 5% off and $103.50 at 10% off, 8 bottles in stock now
Decanter 94 points “From organic vineyards along the Santa Rosa Road corridor, this Pinot Noir from Racines is a straightforward cooler site Pinot Noir from Sta Rita Hills. Aromas of strawberry fruit leather give way to notes of turned earth and crushed black basalt. The palate is savoury, with underlying dried fruit flavours. Montmorency cherries, garden soil and clove, evolve into notes of savoury herbs and streaks of graphite minerality.”
 
Racines Sta. Rita Hills Cuvée Pinot Noir 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $54.50, that’s $51.78 at 5% off and $49.05 at 10% off, 19 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 93 points “The 2020 Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills Cuvée is a terrific introduction to the range. Crushed red berry fruit, mint, spice, rose petal and a touch of whole cluster savoriness are all beautifully delineated. This is suh a gorgeous and expressive Pinot.”
 
Racines ‘Sainte Rose’ Pinot Noir, Sta Rita Hills 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $79, that’s $75.05 at 5% off and $71.10 at 10% off, 8 bottles in stock now
Decanter 94 points “From organic vineyards along the Santa Rosa Road corridor, this Pinot Noir from Racines is a straightforward cooler site Pinot Noir from Sta Rita Hills. Aromas of strawberry fruit leather give way to notes of turned earth and crushed black basalt. The palate is savoury, with underlying dried fruit flavours. Montmorency cherries, garden soil and clove, evolve into notes of savoury herbs and streaks of graphite minerality.”
 
Rhys Vineyards Family Farm Vineyard Pinot Noir, San Mateo County 2018 750ml Displayed Price: $79, that’s $75.05 at 5% off and $71.10 at 10% off, 2 bottles in stock now
Matthew Luczy-Wine Advocate 93 points “Within the impressively structured Rhys lineup, the 2018 Pinot Noir Family Farm Vineyard is relatively accessible in its youth. It is dark, meaty and savory on the nose, with aromas of black fruit, mortadella, plums and cardamom. The palate is rich and forward, with a velvety texture and deft concentration, leading to a fresh and floral finish that rounds the wine out beautifully.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
 
Rhys Vineyards Horseshoe Pinot Noir, Santa Cruz Mountains 2018 1.5L Displayed Price: $279, that’s $265.05 at 5% off and $251.10 at 10% off, 2 magnums in stock now
Matthew Luczy-Wine Advocate 96+ points “As is consistent at this site, the 2018 Pinot Noir Horseshoe Vineyard is aromatically slow to open but unstoppable once it starts. After coaxing, the nose combines captivating aromas of cured meat, brown sugar, spice box and truffle. The palate is svelte and generous, coating the palate with a core of polished fruit flavors, silky texture and mouthwatering acidity. The finish features precise, powerful tannins and a refined frame, concluding this beautifully complex wine and urging the taster to start again. While I found this surprisingly accessible at this stage, it will undoubtedly continue to pay dividends to those who avoid the temptation to pull corks.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today for the magnum!
 
Rhys Vineyards Mt. Pajaro Vineyard Pinot Noir, Santa Cruz Mountains 2018 750ml Displayed Price: $89, that’s $84.55 at 5% off and $80.10 at 10% off, 1 bottle in stock now
Rhys Vineyards Mt. Pajaro Vineyard Pinot Noir, Santa Cruz Mountains 2018 1.5L Displayed Price: $199, that’s $189.05 at 5% off and $179.10 at 10% off, 1 magnum in stock now
Matthew Luczy-Wine Advocate 93+ points “This is only the second vintage of a Mt. Pajaro vineyard-designate Pinot Noir, and the immense potential of this site is on full display. The 2018 Pinot Noir Mt. Pajaro Vineyard opens with aromas of black cherry, compacted soil, fruitcake and charcoal. The palate is lively, tense and generously textured, leading to a sturdy, dense, blooming finish. While this immensely structured vintage dictates the necessity of time in the cellar, this is an impressive showing from a young site with a bright future.”
 
Rhys Vineyards Mt. Pajaro Vineyard Pinot Noir, Santa Cruz Mountains 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $87, that’s $82.65 at 5% off and $78.30 at 10% off, 4 bottles in stock now
Matthew Luczy-Wine Advocate 94 points “Lovely and coniferous on the nose, the 2019 Pinot Noir Mt. Pajaro Vineyard opens with black cherry, blueberry, redwood duff and evergreen aromas. The palate perfectly summarizes the Corralitos region’s medium-bodied, seamless red-fruited profile and lifted saline energy. The elegant finish is already beginning to integrate, showing a solid tannic grip but emphasizing refreshing acidity. The Rhys team is confident that this site will produce Pinot Noir on par with its flagship Horseshoe and Alpine sites with time, and this vintage provides some foreshadowing of that future.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
 
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Grape of the Week
 
Weissburgunder
 
You might know Weissburgunder better by its French name “Pinot Blanc.” This is a mutation of Pinot Noir that produces white grapes. Unlike Alsatian wines labeled Pinot Blanc, Weissburgunder wines from Germany are single-varietal. Our collection is full of wines that offer concentrated aromatics with a lighter body, including a fun Pet-Nat from Falkenstein!
 
In Stock Now:
 
Hofgut Falkenstein Pet-Nat, Mosel 2023 750ml $29 special, 17 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.”
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!
 
Weingut Donnhoff Weissburgunder Trocken, Nahe 2022 750ml $24 special, 26 bottles in stock now
Weingut Donnhoff Weissburgunder Trocken, Nahe 2023 750ml $24 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Importer Note “Soil Type: Weathered volcanic soil and loess loam. Fermentation & Élevage: Fermentation in large used barrel, then 4 months maturing in a classic large barrel made of local oak.”
No reviews for the 2022 or 2023 vintage. 2020 review provided for reference.
Stuart Pigott (Suckling) 91 points “Excellent interplay of citrus and pear fruit with some nice creaminess on the medium-bodied palate, all this supported by a touch of tannin. Nice citrusy freshness at the bright, elegant finish. From organically grown grapes with Fair’n Green certification. Drink now. Screw cap.”
 
These are the lowest listed prices on the West Coast!
 
Muller-Catoir Haardter Herrenletten Weissburgunder, Pfalz 2018 750ml $28 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 92 points “Entirely fermented in oak (500-liter barrels), the 2018 Weissburgunder Herrenletten ‘VDP. Erste Lage’ is intense and fruity on the bright and elegant yet deep nose that displays some ginger and hazelnut blossom notes. Intense and round on the palate, this is a dense, structured and still extremely young Pinot Blanc with lush fruit, good freshness and mineral grip. Very elegant, persistently salty and very long and promising. Tasted in Haardt, December 2019.”
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!
 
Muller-Catoir Haardt Weissburgunder Trocken, Pfalz 2020 750ml $24 special, 21 bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott (Suckling) 93 points “Cool yet effusive nose of garden peas and a wide range of white fruit, with the emphasis on pear. Only medium-bodied with spot-on balance of ripeness and elegance. The same level of balance at the long, silky finish. Drink or hold.”
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!
 
Okonomierat Rebholz Pinot Blanc Dry, Pfalz 2021 750ml $24 special, 4 bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott (Suckling) 92 points “Wonderful spring meadow aromas with notes of warm hay and fresh nuts. Bone dry on the palate, but the ample fine tannins and the touch of chalkiness harmonize the acidity beautifully. Long supple and fine-grained finish. From biodynamically grown grapes with Respekt certification. Drink now. Screw cap.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
 
Okonomierat Rebholz ‘Im Sonnenschein’ Weissburgunder Grosses Gewachs, Pfalz 2020 750ml $119 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott (Suckling) 98 points “A real Grand Cru pinot blanc that has everything you expect from a Grand Cru white Burgundy, in terms of subtle, buttery richness, chalky concentration and stunning balance through the awesome, wide-screen finish. From biodynamically grown grapes with Respekt certification. Drink or hold.”
Decanter 97 points “Pinot Blanc has become Germany’s second great white variety. The best examples come from the Pfalz, where Rebholz makes benchmark wines. Im Sonnenschein, literally ‘in the sunshine’, as Pinot Blanc prefers warmer sites, boasts subtle yellow stone fruit, a floral hint of orange blossom and a spicy hint of oak supporting its long finish. This all harmonises into an alluring roundness, with everything integrating beautifully. (Drink between 2021-2035).”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
 
Want to explore German wines outside of Riesling?

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Don’t miss our additional sale going on now:
 
Von Winning
 
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of Von Winning
10% off any 6+ or more in-stock bottles of Von Winning
 
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Von Winning sale ends Monday, June 16th at 9 am Pacific.