Category Archives: Newsletter Archive

Gerard Boulay Sale 6-3-25

In This Newsletter:

Gerard Boulay Sale
Close-Out Featurette: BOND


 
Put the Savvy in Your Springtime!
 
Stock Up & Save On:
 
Gerard Boulay
 
There’s nothing quite like Sauvignon Blanc from its home in the Loire Valley in France, and Gerard Boulay makes some of the best. His aromatic whites hail from his vineyards in the Sancerre region, specifically the village of Chavignol. This town is the beating heart of Sancerre and home to top names in the region (including Vatan, Cotat, and Boulay). From his parcels in La Grande Côte, Monts Damnés, and Clos Beaujeu, all of his wines ring with terroir and the unique minerality.
 
The wines of Gerard Boulay are exceptionally age-worthy, collectible, and profound: a rare combination in Sauvignon Blanc. This is a cult level producer at accessible pricing. It’s remarkable that these wines are available on the open market, considering the Boulay family has been known for exceptional quality since its founding in 1380.
 
Gerard Boulay takes his own motto, “nature makes the wine,” to heart. He constantly strives for perfection with minimal intervention and farms organically. The soils are Kimmeridgian, the white chalky soil that runs through Chablis, parts of Champagne, and the white cliffs of Dover. Production is classic, with wines fermented using natural yeast and aged in a mix of oak foudres and used 300L barrels. If that isn’t enough, he also makes an incredible red wine from Pinot Noir small plantings on his holdings.
 
Now’s your chance to explore the range and stock up for all your springtime soirées!
 
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of Gerard Boulay
10% off any 6+ or more in-stock bottles of Gerard Boulay
 
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
 
Sale ends Friday, June 6th at 9 am Pacific.
 
We offer sixteen in-stock Gerard Boulay options on sale now, including:
 
Gerard Boulay Sancerre Clos de Beaujeu 2021 1.5L Displayed Price: $119, that’s $113.05 at 5% off and $107.10 at 10% off, 2 magnums in stock now
Rebecca Gibb MW-Vinous 91 points “The 2021 Clos de Beaujeu reflects the vintage with its tension and precision. It sits with focus in the mouth but doesn’t become heavy. There’s a sense of silky texture before pulling in tight like a belt. Just-ripe pineapple, violet and citrus linger on the finish. (Drink between 2023-2028).”
 
This is the only listing in the USA today for the magnum!
 
Gerard Boulay Sancerre Clos de Beaujeu 2023 750ml Displayed Price: $62.50, that’s $59.38 at 5% off and $56.25 at 10% off, 20 bottles in stock now
Gerard Boulay Sancerre Clos de Beaujeu 2023 1.5L Displayed Price: $128, that’s $121.60 at 5% off and $115.20 at 10% off, 2 magnums in stock now
Importer Note “The Clos de Beaujeu is among the most historic sites in the village of Chavignol. In the 14th century the Clos de Beaujeu supplied the Cathedral of Bourges with white wine. At that time, Sancerre was famous for its red wines. Boulay’s Clos de Beaujeu is a richer, denser step up from the Chavignol village wine.”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
 
Gerard Boulay Sancerre Comtesse 2022 750ml Displayed Price: $74.50, that’s $70.78 at 5% off and $67.05 at 10% off, 4 bottles in stock now
Gerard Boulay Sancerre Comtesse 2022 1.5L Displayed Price: $149, that’s $141.55 at 5% off and $134.10 at 10% off, 1 magnum in stock now
Rebecca Gibb MW-Vinous 91 points “The 2022 Comtesse is a mid-weight Sancerre with rich, ripe fruit and a savory autolysis-derived character that comes from spending a year on lees in barrel. It has some chew to it. A chalky finish will leave you licking your lips, such is its texture. (Drink between 2024-2029).”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
 
Gerard Boulay Sancerre Comtesse 2023 750ml Displayed Price: $77.50, that’s $73.63 at 5% off and $69.75 at 10% off, 7 bottles in stock now
Gerard Boulay Sancerre Comtesse 2023 1.5L Displayed Price: $159, that’s $151.05 at 5% off and $143.10 at 10% off, 2 magnums in stock now
Importer Note “The most powerful and complex wine from Boulay’s lineup, with an incredible intensity of fruit and a strong mineral core. Definitely one to put away and follow for years to come.”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
 
Gerard Boulay Sancerre La Côte 2022 750ml Displayed Price: $64.50, that’s $61.28 at 5% off and $58.05 at 10% off, 6 bottles in stock now
Gerard Boulay Sancerre La Côte 2022 1.5L Displayed Price: $129, that’s $122.55 at 5% off and $116.10 at 10% off, 2 magnums in stock now
Rebecca Gibb MW-Vinous 92 points “The 2022 La Côte is a meal of a wine with its sinew, richness of fruit and substance. Its natural muscle gives it grip, and the finish has a chewy, gourmand character and chalky texture. A touch more persistence would make it even better. Give this one time…and perhaps a knife and fork. (Drink between 2025-2033).”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today for the magnum!
 
Gerard Boulay Sancerre La Côte 2023 750ml Displayed Price: $66.50, that’s $63.18 at 5% off and $59.85 at 10% off, 4 bottles in stock now
Gerard Boulay Sancerre La Côte 2023 1.5L Displayed Price: $136, that’s $129.20 at 5% off and $122.40 at 10% off, 2 magnums in stock now
Importer Note “First crafted in the 2010 vintage, Gerard’s old vine parcel in La Cote (referred to by the Cotat brothers as La Grande Cote) produces a wine of incredible precision, power and lazer sharp minerality…Boulay’s signature style!”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
 
Gerard Boulay Sancerre Monts Damnés 2023 750ml Displayed Price: $66.50, that’s $63.18 at 5% off and $59.85 at 10% off, 15 bottles in stock now
Gerard Boulay Sancerre Monts Damnés 2023 1.5L Displayed Price: $128, that’s $121.60 at 5% off and $115.20 at 10% off, 2 magnums in stock now
Importer Note “Old vines located on a steep slope in the Mont Damnes vineyard that Boulay began farming in 2004. Vines average 45 years old. Aged on the lees in a combination of barrel and tank then bottled unfiltered.”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
 
Gerard Boulay Sancerre Oriane Rouge 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $49, that’s $46.55 at 5% off and $44.10 at 10% off, 7 bottles in stock now
Rebecca Gibb MW-Vinous 91 points “The 2020 Oriane is a young, richly fruited mouthful of suave, aromatic Pinot Noir. It is somewhat atypical on the nose with agave and wormwood-like characters – a result of half of the wine undergoing whole bunch fermentation – joining cola, wood smoke and licorice. Round with good concentration and a veil of powdery, chalky tannins coating all sides of the palate, reflecting the Kimmeridgian soils of the vineyards. Fine length and line.”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
 
Shop our sixteen Gerard Boulay selections now!



Vinopolis Close-Out Sale Featurette:

BOND
 
Imagine you’re a world-class winemaker crafting bottles that sell for thousands on the secondary market. Now imagine deciding to sell wines from a specific vineyard only after you’ve made at least ten vintages of wines from said vineyard to test. Now imagine that only 5% of vineyards you test make the cut. After a decade. That’s ridiculous, right? That’s Bill Harlan’s BOND.
 
Described by Antonio Galloni as a “once in a generation, modern day classic,” these are prestigious wines from Napa Valley. And the resulting wines? A “viscerally thrilling” experience of five single-vineyard wines from unique micro-climates in Napa Valley. These astonishing beauties can be yours at our lowest markdowns ever on these wines!
 
In Stock & On Sale Now:
 
BOND Melbury, Napa Valley 2015 750ml Was $649, Now $599, 1 bottle in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 98 points “The more time passes, the more I think Melbury may turn out to be one of the most complete wines in the BOND range. The 2016 and 2015 both make a very strong case for that view. Tasted from bottle, the 2015 is exceptionally beautiful and vivid. Blood orange, mint and floral notes add nuance to an unbelievably polished, refined Cabernet Sauvignon. Put simply, the 2015 Melbury is a total stunner and every bit as captivating as it was last year.”
 
BOND Quella, Napa Valley 2015 750ml Was $649, Now $599, 1 bottle in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 97 points “The Quella is somber and brooding in 2015. Dark cherry, plum smoke, tobacco, leather, spice and scorched earth give the 2015 distinctive baritone inflections. There is quite a bit of density and textural resonance, but at the same time, the Quella is not particularly expressive. Perhaps bottling has affected the Quella more than it has the other wines in the range, as it was quite showy from barrel. I have seen Quella go through a period of reticence after bottling, so I won’t be at all surprised if all it needs is time.”
 
BOND Quella, Napa Valley 2018 750ml Was $819, Now $599, 1 bottle in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 97 points “The 2018 Quella is rich, ample and beautifully resonant in the glass. There’s terrific depth here and tons of class. Blood orange, game, licorice, tobacco, lavender and dried herbs give the Quella beguiling aromatic presence to play off its muscular, brooding personality. The 2018 needs a few years to soften, but it is already compelling, to say the least.”
 
BOND St. Eden, Napa Valley 2015 750ml Was $699, Now $599, 1 bottle in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 100 points “Moving to the 2015s tasted from bottle, this is an incredible vintage for this estate and there are two perfect wines in the lineup. First up, the 2015 St. Eden, from a hillside of red volcanic soils near Oakville, boasts a saturated purple color and heavenly notes of blackcurrants, scorched earth, lead pencil shavings, and huge crushed rock-like minerality. It’s full-bodied, deep, and layered on the palate, with incredible concentration, yet it stays seamless, pure, and perfectly balanced. It’s a magical wine to drink over the coming 2-3 decades.”
 
BOND St. Eden, Napa Valley 2018 750ml Was $819, Now $619, 1 bottle in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 97 points “The 2018 St. Eden is impressive. Dense and powerful in the glass, the 2018 is done in a style that emphasizes freshness and vibrancy, reflecting a generational transition in all of these wines that is most apparent here. Dark fruit, licorice, mocha, spice and chocolate begin to emerge with time, but the St. Eden is much less forthcoming than in the past. In fact, the 2018 might very well be the most reticent St. Eden I have ever tasted. That energy will serve it well in the cellar. Readers accustomed to the voluptuous, lush St. Edens of the past will not find that in the 2018. As much as the style has changed in this wine, I am not surprised to see that. A complete vertical of the Bond wines a few years ago showed the St. Eden to have the most condensed arc of peak drinkability of the Bond wines.”
 
BOND Vecina, Napa Valley 2018 750ml Was $819, Now $619, 1 bottle in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 99 points “A regal, soaring wine, the 2018 Vecina is immediately captivating. Red fruit, iron, dried rose petal and exotic spice all soar out of the glass. Over the last two months the Vecina has acquired stunning aromatic presence to play off its deep, layered fruit. The 2018 is an absolute gem in the making. As a reminder, Vecina is sourced from Vine Hill Ranch, at the southern end of Oakville, where the Cabernets are distinguished by a beguiling combination of power and savory/earthy intensity.”
 
We offer seventy-nine 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:
 
Lafon
 
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of Lafon
10% off any 6+ or more in-stock bottles of Lafon
 
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
 
Lafon sale ends Wednesday, June 4th at 9 am Pacific.

New Arrivals, Ulysses & more! 6-2-25

In This Newsletter:

Ulysses
New Week – New Arrivals
Château Peyrassol
June Pre-Arrivals:
Including Bérêche, Evesham Wood, and SuperUco



Hot Offer Arriving Tomorrow:
 
Ulysses
 
You’ve heard of Christian Moueix’s Petrus, an illustrious Bordeaux domaine in Pomerol, and Dominus, a multi-award-winning Cabernet, but are you familiar with his Oakville estate that’s just as adored by critics? Ulysses is a single vineyard owned by Christian Moueix located in Oakville at the foot of the Mayacamas Mountain Range. Just like Dominus, the Ulysses vineyard is organically farmed with no irrigation, no small feat given climate change.

We’ve secured an allotment of the 2019 arriving Tuesday, but as you can expect quantities are in short supply. Secure you allotment before someone else does…
 
Arriving Tuesday:
 
Ulysses Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville, Napa Valley 2019 750ml $144.50 pre-arrival special, 18 bottles on the way!
Jeb Dunnuck 97 points “The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon (90%) with the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Incredible aromatics of red and black currants, spring flowers, graphite, camphor, and cedar define the aromatics, and it’s incredibly polished and elegant on the palate, with medium to full body, gorgeous tannins, and a great finish. This is another awesome 2019 that matches ample richness and depth with a terrific sense of finesse. Drink bottles over the coming two decades.”
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 95 points “The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is a very pretty Oakville Cabernet. Bright acids and lifted aromatics meld into a core of dark red-fleshed fruit laced with attractive exotic overtones. A wine of linear intensity, the 2019 impresses with its persistence and overall drive. It will be interesting to see if the 2019 develops a bit more mid-palate richness and overall depth. I suspect the heavy rains in spring and two heat spikes in late summer had some effect in a site, which was entirely replanted in 2008.”
 


New Week – New Arrivals
 
Oregon
 
Benton-Lane ‘Estate Grown’ Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2023 750ml $24 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Winery Notes “The nose reveals vibrant red fruit and hints of unripe blueberries, complemented by savory herbs such as thyme and sage. Subtle spices and a touch of delicate violets add complexity, alongside a nuanced minerality. The mid-palate is lush and well-balanced, supported by refined, firm tannins and a rich, textural intensity. The wine demonstrates exceptional cohesion, with tension and freshness, culminating in a bright, lingering finish.”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
 
Kelley Fox Wines Willamette Valley Chardonnay 2024 750ml $26 special, 35 bottles in stock now
Winery Notes “The 2024 is a pale, shining gold and brilliantly transparent. The rich, creamy tropical fruit nose with powdery minerals continues in the mouth with a pleasing heft without the weight. Like a beautiful raindrop shaped by our Earth’s gravity but in a texture. Long finish. This Chardonnay is unadorned with new wood but still benefits from oak tree energy and the cool minerality of concrete amphora tanks.”
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!
 
 
California
 
Roederer Estate L’Ermitage Brut, Anderson Valley 2019 750ml $74.50 special, 18 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.”
 
 
France – Champagne
 
Bérêche et Fils Brut Réserve, Champagne (2022-base) NV 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.”
 
Billecart-Salmon Brut Le Réserve, Champagne NV 750ml $59 special, 9 bottles in stock now
Billecart-Salmon Brut Le Réserve, Champagne NV 375ml $39 special, 11 half-bottles in stock now
Billecart-Salmon Brut Le Réserve, Champagne NV 3L $349 special, 2 three-liter bottles in stock now
Winery Note “Harmony and purity combine together in this light and subtle champagne. Its blend is made up of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Meunier sourced from the very best sites of the Champagne region. It is the ideal partner to delight your guests on every occasion, both as an aperitif and throughout the entirety of a meal.”
 
Billecart-Salmon ‘Cuvée Nicolas Francois’, Champagne 2012 750ml $219 special, 6 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 97 points “This complex Champagne has delicious aromas of waffle cones, vanilla beans, apricots and pastry with touches of white chocolate and salted caramel. It’s electric on the palate, which is creamy yet structured and focused, with a fine bead of bubbles and a zesty, tangy backbone of acidity. Long and tense finish. 60% pinot noir and 40% chardonnay (all premier and grand cru), 10% of wines are vinified in oak casks. 10 years on lees. 3.8 g/L dosage. Disgorged in the second half of 2024. Drink or hold.”
 
 
France – Beaujolais
 
Jean-Paul Brun Domaine des Terres Dorees Beaujolais l’Ancien, Beaujolais 2022 750ml $21.90 special, 5 bottles in stock now
Winemaker Notes “Made from Jean-Paul’s oldest vines, which grow in tighter bunches with fewer and smaller, thicker-skinned berries, yielding more concentrated flavor. The grapes are harvested late with a naturally high sugar level. The wine is vinified using traditional Burgundy techniques. Deeply colored with rich red-fruit aroma and flavor and soft tannins.”
 
 
France – Jura
 
Benedicte & Stephane Tissot Arbois ‘Rose Massale’ Chardonnay, Jura 2022 750ml $64.50 special, 28 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutiérrez-Wine Advocate 91+ points “From four vines of pink Chardonnay that Tissot found planted on one hectare in his vineyards, he produced the 2022 Rose Massale, which shows larger and less reductive than some years. Not all 2022s Chardonnays are in bottle. It’s going to be a more immediate vintage of rounder wines with more ripeness and less acidity. Whereas 2021 was a complicated year for the variety, but the results were very good. The Pink Chardonnay is a little more aromatic, and this year, it’s a little more exotic but keeps the freshness, poise and balance.”
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!
 
Benedicte & Stephane Tissot Poulsard Sur Lias, Jura 2022 750ml $44.50 special, 14 bottles in stock now
VinopolNote: Crafted in place of the Poulsard VV, this bottling was composed of vines in a cooler portion of the vineyard in the Lias section, where the north-facing slopes offer clay-rich soils. This red was macerated for three months before pressing. It was aged in demi-muid and bottled unfined, unfiltered, and with no added sulfur.
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!
 
Benedicte & Stephane Tissot Arbois Trousseau Singulier, Jura 2022 750ml $49 special, 21 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutiérrez-Wine Advocate 93-94 points “The 2022 Trousseau Singulier, still unbottled, was harvested a little later and also destemmed by hand, pressed and put into 600-liter barrels, but unlike Poulsard that likes cold, Trousseau likes heat. This has the textbook earthiness and the slightly dusty tannins that call for food.”
 
 
Italy – Piedmont
 
G.D. Vajra Barbera d’Alba 2023 750ml $21.90 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 90 points “The 2023 Barbera d’Alba is packed with succulent dark red fruit. Plush, silky contours add to its immediacy and overall appeal. Plum, mocha and cedar build into the soft, succulent finish.”
 
G.D. Vajra Viola delle Viole Barbera d’Alba Superiore 2021 750ml $31.50 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 93+ points “Just bottled, the 2021 Barbera d’Alba Superiore is fabulous. Rich and inky, with tremendous depth, the 2021 is so vibrant in the glass. Red/purplish fruit, lavender, sweet spice and mocha are all dialed up, with a kiss of French oak that adds raciness.”
 
G.D. Vajra Langhe Rosso 2023 750ml $15.90 special, 7 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “Description: Our Langhe Rosso is a hug from Piedmont. It’s an invitation to explore its different varieties and to get to know its personality. From young vineyards, it is a fruity delicately complex wine: an ideal companion at the table. Variety: Predominately Nebbiolo, Barbera and Dolcetto. Smaller quantities of Freisa, Albarossa, Pinot noir.”
 


Château Peyrassol
 
Now certified organic and focused on old vines, the picturesque Provence estate of Peyrassol is at the top of their game. The vines planted reflect Provencal wine as a whole, including Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah and Tibouren (an ancient variety native to the area). Their rosé portfolio encapsulates the essence of the region, featuring both highly age-worthy and collectable examples that are supremely easy-drinking, especially at our easy-to-swallowing pricing.
 
In Stock Now:
 
Peyrassol ‘Chateau Peyrassol’ Rosé, Cotes de Provence 2022 750ml Was $41.90, Now $39 special, 8 bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 92 points “The 2022 Rosé opens with a savory bouquet, blending dusty dried flowers with ginger, cardamom and a touch of dried peaches. This washes across the palate with opulent textures while remaining remarkably fresh and light on its feet. Sweet spices and ripe orchard fruit swirl throughout. The Château Peyrassol cleans up beautiful, pure, fresh and perfumed. It ends on a salty flourish.”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
 
Peyrassol ‘Le Clos’ Rosé, Cotes de Provence 2019 1.5L Was $129, Now $99 special, 5 magnums in stock now
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 93 points “Predominantly Tibouren, with the balance of the blend being Grenache and Rolle, Peyrassol’s super pale 2019 Cotes de Provence Rose Le Clos Peyrassol offers up scents of crushed stone, garrigue, white peach and lime, all tinged with tart red berries. It’s medium-bodied on the palate, with a silky-wet stone feel and a lingering finish that seems to build in red fruit intensity while remaining citrusy and refreshing at the same time. One of the best wines in this year’s tasting, this is a limited-production cuvée from a walled vineyard located on the estate.”
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!
 
Peyrassol ‘Le Clos’ Rosé, Cotes de Provence 2021 750ml Was $59, Now $54.50 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Peyrassol ‘Le Clos’ Rosé, Cotes de Provence 2021 1.5L Was $119, Now $99 special, 10 magnums in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94 points “Vivid onion skin color. A highly perfumed and complex bouquet evokes fresh citrus and pit fruits, strawberry and pungent flowers, along with building mineral and succulent herb elements. Shows excellent clarity and depth to its juicy red fruit, nectarine and mango flavors, which are sweetened by a background of vanilla note. Finishes impressively long and silky, with the mineral and floral note resonating. “
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
 
Peyrassol ‘Le Clos’ Rosé, Cotes de Provence 2022 750ml Was $77, Now $71.90 special, 7 bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 93 points “The 2022 Rosé Le Clos Peyrassol keeps the glass in constant motion. Swirling unlocks depths of dried apricot and peaches, complicated by sweet smoke and mint. This is deeply textural, creamy yet lively all the same, with tantalizing acidity and vividly ripe orchard fruits perfectly contrasted by ginger. Cooling and poised, yet still juicy on the palate, the 2022 finishes with admirable length, leaving green melon and inner florals to fade slowly.”
 
Peyrassol ‘Chateau Peyrassol’ Rouge, Cotes de Provence 2020 750ml $51.90 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Importer Note “60% Syrah, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Grenache. With its purple tints, this wine gives off notes of ripe Syrah from the first nose: licorice, pepper, and peony then give way to a beautiful procession of small red and black fruits. The palate is beautifully mature, supported by velvety tannins and smooth acidity. Intense flavors of red fruit, blackberry, and spices caress the palate until the round, fleshy finish. A vintage of fine balance and noble elegance.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
 
Shop our complete selection of in-stock wines from Peyrassol!



June Pre-Arrivals
 
Bérêche et Fils
 
As one of the Vinopolis staff’s favorite producers, the Bereche Champagnes enchant us with near-magical tension and overwhelming complexity. They’ve mastered the art of dosage at this estate and the wines show incredible balance. This used to just be a label that professionals in the wine business knew about and adored, but now the cats out of the bag and these bottlings are earning followers far and wide. Stock up before we run out!
 
Bérêche et Fils Ambonnay Grand Cru Millésime, Champagne 2019 750ml $199 pre-arrival special, 3 bottles available
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 94 points “The 2019 Extra-Brut Ambonnay Grand Cru, 100% Pinot Noir, is creamy, ample and quite seductive. Dried red cherry fruit, dried flowers, tobacco, cinnamon and subtle earthy notes are all laced together. This is an especially open-knit, soft Champagne for Ambonnay.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
 
Bérêche et Fils Cramant Grand Cru, Champagne 2019 750ml $199 pre-arrival special, 3 bottles available
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 95+ points “The 2019 Extra-Brut Cramant Grand Cru is a heady, explosive wine. Lemon confit, chamomile, slate and crushed rocks stain the palate. The 2019 was picked at 12.1% alcohol, dangerously high for Champagne because the wines can gain 1.5% alcohol in fermentation, where natural yeasts stop working. This is essentially white wine with bubbles. It is compelling juice by any measure. The 2019 was bottled with very low pressure and finished with no dosage.”
 
Bérêche et Fils Le Cran Premier Cru Brut Nature Millesime, Champagne 2017 750ml $169 pre-arrival special, 3 bottles available
Bérêche et Fils Le Cran Premier Cru Brut Nature Millesime, Champagne 2017 1.5L $399 pre-arrival special, 1 magnum available
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 93 points “The 2017 Extra-Brut Le Cran is a bit soft in this release. Apricot, chamomile, dried flowers and spice open first, followed by tropical overtones and a kiss of reduction. Overall, this is a fine effort in a very challenging vintage.”
 
Bérêche et Fils Mailly-Champagne Grand Cru, Champagne 2019 750ml $199 pre-arrival special, 1 bottle available
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 96 points “The 2019 Extra-Brut Blanc de Noirs Mailly-Champagne Grand Cru is another fabulous wine in this range from Bérêche et Fils. This north-facing site handled the intense heat of the year especially well. Chalk, licorice, mint, white pepper, cranberry and dried flowers all run through this potent, driving offering. In 2019, the Mailly-Champagne is very clearly a standout. Impressive, and that is an understatement.”
 
Emmanuel Darnaud
 
In Crozes-Hermitage, Emanuel Darnaud crafts spectacular wines, which were some of the best deals in red we stock. From top to bottom, the Darnaud wines over perform, with density, power and drinkability. They are Syrah with soul and immediate appeal. A passionate advocate for terroir-specific wines, Emmanuel Darnaud has been crafting robust reds from individual parcels in the northern Rhone since 2001.
 
Emmanuel Darnaud Crozes-Hermitage Blanc, Rhone 2022 750ml $145 pre-arrival special, 6 bottles available
Yohan Castaing-Wine Advocate 94+ points “Entirely crafted from Marsanne planted on granite soils facing southwest, the 2022 Hermitage Blanc is one of the most imposing white wines of the year. Unfurling from the glass with notes of flowers, pear, spices, lemon oil and a deft touch of youthful reduction, it’s full-bodied, layered and multidimensional, with a hugely concentrated, deep core of fruit framed by racy acids, granite dry extracts and a long, flinty, slightly smoky finish. This wine will require patience and should be decanted before serving. Only three barrels were produced.”
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!
 
Emmanuel Darnaud Crozes-Hermitage Les Trois Chênes, Rhone 2022 750ml $29 pre-arrival special, 36 bottles available
Nicolas Greinacher-Vinous 90 points “The 2022 Crozes-Hermitage Les Trois Chênes starts with red cherry, red plum, spicy aspects and a touch of graphite on the aromatic profile. Touching the palate with solid flavor concentration, the 2022 is built around fine-grained tannins and checks out with a persistent cadence on the savory finish.”
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!
 
Emmanuel Darnaud Hermitage, Rhone 2021 750ml $145 pre-arrival special, 6 bottles available
Nicolas Greinacher-Vinous 92 points “The inaugural 2021 Hermitage is a terrific result from this challenging vintage. Darnaud owns two tiny parcels, one in Les Greffieux and one in Les Bessards, from which the grapes are sourced. Checking in at 13.46% alcohol, the fully destemmed 2021 wafts up with fragrant orange rind, raspberry, cranberry, discrete cedar and leafy elements. Medium- to full-bodied and concentrated, it is neatly framed by polished tannins and ends with persistence on the elegant finish.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
 
Evesham Wood & Haden Fig
 
Erin Nuccio took over as winemaker and owner of Evesham Wood in 2010 while developing his own original label, Haden Fig. Under Erin’s stewardship, the already topnotch winery has continued to improve, showcasing the profound terroir of the land. While the Evesham Wood wines tend toward elegance and the Haden Fig wines towards more fruit-forward notes, both are expressive examples of their (all dry-farmed) vineyards. Erin’s aim is to continue in the style of minimal intervention at optimal (not over-) ripeness and reduced yields to allow vineyards to express themselves.
 
Evesham Wood Le Puits Sec Chardonnay, Eola-Amity Hills 2023 750ml $36 pre-arrival special, 24 bottles available
Winery Note “Our mere quarter of an acre of 1991-planted Chardonnay in Le Puits Sec might be small, but it produces a mighty Chardonnay—often a favorite of each and every vintage. This micro-block of Chardonnay is at the top of our Le Puits Sec (facing east), on a mix of volcanic Nekia and Jory soils. Barrel fermented and aged in one neutral barrel and a younger half-barrel. 45 cases produced.”
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!
 
Haden Fig Juliette Chardonnay, Willamette Valley 2023 750ml $24 pre-arrival special, 24 bottles available
Winery Note “Our hidden gem, Mahonia vineyard, takes the stage and plays a symphony of Chardonnay brilliance. We don’t mean to boast but Juliette Chardonnay is a magnificent wine and we can’t help it! But it’s not just us. Notes on CellarTracker include ‘Reminiscent of a Domaine Leflaive I had recently. I like this better.’ From 40 year-old vines, this harmonious Chardonnay offers layered fruit, texture, balance, mineral drive, age-worthiness—we’ll admit, it’s so tasty right now that you’ll be hard-pressed to keep any for the long haul (which you should). Juliette Chardonnay represents a full circle for Erin. When he began making Haden Fig in 2008, his Chardonnay was aged exclusively in stainless steel. But Erin wanted more—bright, balanced Chardonnay plus the textural richness from barrel aging. Now, both Haden Fig Chardonnays (WV and Juliette) are aged in barrel. The circle goes round again: beginning with the ’22 vintage, after 14 months in barrel Erin racks the Juliette Chardonnay back into steel for 2 months before bottling. 100 cases produced.”
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!
 
Domaine de la Pépière
 
One of our favorite budget-friendly picks from the Loire Valley. These dry, salty whites drink like still Champagne. One of the best kept secrets among wine nerds is the ageability of these wines, especially the Clisson. Snag a case and open a bottle a year. You’ll be quiet surprised at the results.
 
Domaine de la Pépière ‘La Pépie’, Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine Sur Lie 2023 750ml $18 pre-arrival special, 36 bottles available
John Gilman-A View From the Cellar 92 points “The Muscadet ‘la Pépie’ from Domaine de la Pépière is the first example from this appellation that I have tasted from the 2023 vintage and fully underscores just how favored Muscadet was in this difficult growing season. The vibrant bouquet hops from the glass in a complex combination of green apple, lime, lovely minerality, briny notes of ocean breeze and a topnote of dried flowers. On the palate the wine is zesty, precise and full-bodied, with an excellent core of fruit, lovely mineral drive and cut, a fine spine of acidity and lovely precision on the long, impeccably balanced and complex finish. This is excellent Muscadet and a stunning value! 2024- 2045.”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
 
Domaine de la Pépière ‘Clisson’, Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine 2022 750ml $31.90 pre-arrival special, 36 bottles available
Domaine de la Pépière ‘Clisson’, Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine 2022 1.5L $69 pre-arrival special, 4 magnums available
Importer Note “100% Melon de Bourgogne. The Clisson bottling comes from a 50-100-year-old section of vines in Pepière’s core vineyard near the winery in the cru of Clisson. Besides vine age, the distinguishing factor is the granite de Clisson, a very hard, compact form of granite. The very poor top soils are decomposed granite de Clisson with very little clay and a lot of quartz and mica over hard mother rock of granite de Clisson. The farming is certified-biodynamic. The hand-harvested bunches are direct-pressed and the juice settled naturally overnight. It is then fermented spontaneously with natural yeasts and aged on its lees for a minimum of 2 years in underground vats. The wine is bottled without fining or filtering.”
 
Also Arriving Early June:
 
Tenuta delle Terre Nere Rosso Etna, Sicily 2023 750ml $29 pre-arrival special, 36 bottles available
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.”
 
Kopke Colheita Tawny Port 2008 750ml $49 pre-arrival special, 18 bottles available
Winery Note “Golden-brown colour, with reddish hues. Intense and rich on the nose, with aromas of syrup fruit well-matched with notes of spice and dried fruit. On the palate it is delicate, its sweetness perfectly matching its tannins and acidity, making it a balanced wine. A long and appealing finish. Served chilled, it reveals all its finesse and sophistication, especially when drunk with desserts made with caramel, dried fruit and spice, such as caramel fondant with apple and ginger jelly, tarte tatin, crème brulée and medium-strength cheeses. Best served at a temperature between 12 and 14°C.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
 
Kopke Colheita Tawny Port 1975 750ml $149 pre-arrival special, 2 bottles available
Decanter 96 points “A legion of complexity encapsulating glorious rich fruitcake, seaweed and bonfire smoke; sweet and luscious with an engaging finish that goes on forever. Super!”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
 
Kopke Colheita White Port 2002 750ml $69 pre-arrival special, 11 bottles available
Winery Note “Kopke White Colheita 2002 shows a straw yellow colour, and an intense and rich bouquet, with predominant aromas of dried fruit and light notes of exotic fruit wrapped in delicate hints of honey. On the palate it is fresh and intense, with the flavours of ageing in wood, such as spice, perfectly combined with the sweet notes of fruit in syrup. It unfolds into a long and enduring finish. Enjoy it with an almond, lemon and poppy seed cake, or milk and hazelnut chocolate nocciolato with basil ice cream. Wonderful just on its own, after a meal. Best served at a temperature between 8 and 10 degrees.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
 
Superuco ‘Calcareo’ Coluvio de Altamira Cabernet Franc, Uco Valley, Argentina 2020 750ml $21.90 pre-arrival special, 36+ bottles available
Case-12 Superuco ‘Calcareo’ Coluvio de Altamira Cabernet Franc, Uco Valley, Argentina 2020 750ml $228 pre-arrival 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!
The next best price is $29.95
 


Don’t miss our additional sales going on now:
 
Saint Cosme & Chateau de Rouanne
 
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of Saint Cosme & Chateau de Rouanne
10% off any 6+ or more in-stock bottles of Saint Cosme & Chateau de Rouanne
 
Lafon
 
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of Lafon
10% off any 6+ or more in-stock bottles of Lafon
 
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
 
Saint Cosme & Chateau de Rouanne sale ends Tuesday, June 3rd at 9 am Pacific. Lafon sale ends Wednesday, June 4th at 9 am Pacific.

Lafon Three Ways at 10% Off! 6-1-25

 
 
Lafon family team
 

Few names in Burgundy command the same quiet reverence as Dominique Lafon. As the steward of his family’s historic domaine, Comte Lafon, Dominique has long been a benchmark producer in Meursault and beyond—crafting white Burgundies that balance richness with piercing minerality. But his story doesn’t stop there. Today, through three distinctive labels—Comte Lafon, Les Héritiers du Comte Lafon, and his personal label Dominique Lafon—he offers a remarkably complete vision of Burgundy, from Côte de Beaune grand crus to the value-rich hills of the Mâconnais.

The flagship estate, Comte Lafon, is centered in Meursault, where Dominique has overseen a quiet revolution—converting the vineyards to biodynamic farming in the 1990s and dialing in a style that marries the power of the terroir with extraordinary precision. These wines, especially from premier cru sites like Perrières, Charmes, and Genevrières, are long-aging and profoundly complex, with subtle oak integration and thrilling mineral energy. The estate’s reds from Volnay and Monthélie, often overlooked, show remarkable depth and finesse.

Recognizing the untapped potential of the Maconnais, Dominique foundedLes Heretiers de Comte Lafon in 1999. Sourced from biodynamic vineyards around Milly-Lamartine, Uchizy, and Viré-Clessé, these wines have become a reference point for what is possible in southern Burgundy. They offer crystalline expressions of Chardonnay at a fraction of Côte d’Or prices—bright, clean, and terroir-driven, perfect for both collectors and everyday drinkers looking for value without compromise.

Finally, the Dominique Lafon  label allows him to work on a smaller, more personal scale. These are micro-cuvées from leased parcels in Meursault, Puligny, and Volnay—crafted with the same philosophy as his estate wines, but with a more nimble, artisanal feel. In some vintages, these bottlings can rival the grandest wines of Comte Lafon, offering a more immediate snapshot of his winemaking brilliance. Whether you’re cellaring Meursault Perrières or sipping Mâcon-Uchizy on a weeknight, Dominique Lafon’s wines are unified by clarity, integrity, and an unwavering sense of place.
 

Buy any 3- 5 bottles for a 5% discount

Buy any 6+ bottles for a 10% discount

Sale ends Wednesday, June 4th at 9AM PST

Discounts will be applied after orders are received.


 
Wines on sale now from Lafon:

Comte Lafon Volnay-Santenots 1er Cru Du Milieu 2020 750ml $219 special, 8 bottles available now
Wine Advocate 93-95 points “The 2020 Volnay 1er Cru Les Santenots-du-Milieu is excellent, wafting from the glass with a deep bouquet of wild berries, plums and cassis mingled with hints of spices, grilled meats and rose petals. Medium to full-bodied, layered and concentrated, it’s deep and tightly wound, with powdery structuring tannins and lively acids. This is a serious Santenots that will require some bottle age, and it’s among the best that I can remember tasting chez Lafon over the last decade.”

Dominique Lafon Beaune Les Avaux 2020 750ml $108 special, 3 bottles available now
Jasper Morris 92 points “A new cuvée this year to replace the Grèves and Vignes Franches grapes where agreement with the owner could not be reached. Medium deep purple, slight spritz and fermentation aromas on the nose make the bouquet hard to judge – but this has not yet been racked. Medium deep purple, plump and gorgeous ripe raspberry fruit, just the right structure behind, some orange peel, very pretty and certainly long.”

Dominique Lafon Beaune Volnay 2021 750ml $95 special, 2 bottles available now
Wine Advocate “Aromas of orange zest, sweet red berries, loamy soil and spices introduce the 2021 Volnay Village, a medium-bodied, ample and seamless wine with melting tannins and a succulent, open-knit personality.”
Vinous “The 2021 Volnay Village which includes fruit from Les Lurets and underwent a year long malo, has a simple raspberry and dark cherry nose that just needs a little more amplitude. The palate offers sappy red berries and is quite peppery in style with a bit of sinew on the finish.”

Dominique Lafon Beaune Volnay Les Lurets 2020 750ml $149 special, 1 bottles available now
Wine Advocate 91-93 points “Aromas of dark berries, rich spices, loamy soil and rose petals preface the 2020 Volnay 1er Cru Les Lurets, a medium to full-bodied, deep and nicely concentrated wine built around chalky tannins and tangy acids. It’s turning out very nicely.”

Domaine des Heritiers du Comte Lafon Mâcon-Chardonnay Clos de la Crochette 2023 750ml $49 special, 2 bottles available now
Domaine des Heritiers du Comte Lafon Mâcon-Chardonnay Clos de la Crochette 2023 1.5L $99 special, 1 magnum available now
Neal Martin-Vinous 91 points  “The 2023 Mâcon-Chardonnay Clos de la Crochette has one of the best aromatics of the range: crushed stone, sea cave and light Granny Smith scents with good focus. The palate is well balanced with a crisp entry. This has fine weight and density but is more backward and perhaps befits a couple of years in bottle.”

Domaine des Heritiers du Comte Lafon Mâcon-Chardonnay Clos de la Crochette 2022 1.5L $89 special, 1 magnum available now
Neal Martin-Vinous 90 points “The 2022 Mâcon-Chardonnay Clos de la Crochette has a quite backward nose that needs more tension. The palate is well-balanced with fine acidity, much more expressive than the aromatics, with a peachy, seductive finish. Lovely. But the nose needs to step up a gear.”
 
Domaine des Heritiers du Comte Lafon Mâcon-Prissé 2023 750ml $44.50 special, 3 bottles available now
Vinous note from 2022 Vintage: “The 2022 Mâcon-Prissé, bottled in June, has a refined bouquet with touches of peach skin and Mirabelle. The palate is well-balanced with a fine bead of acidity with a light saline finish.” -Neal Martin, Vinous
 
Domaine des Heritiers du Comte Lafon Viré-Clessé 2022 750ml $59 special, 8 bottles available now
Neal Martin-Vinous 89 points “The 2022 Viré-Clessé comes from several parcels that, unlike the previous vintage, includes “younger” vines around 20 years old. It has an attractive bouquet of yellow flowers and a touch of peach skin. Fine delineation. The palate is well-balanced with a saline entry. Fine depth with impressive persistency. Recommended.”

Domaine des Heritiers du Comte Lafon Viré-Clessé 2023 750ml $54.50 special, 6 bottles available now
Neal Martin-Vinous 90 points “The 2023 Viré-Clessé has a lively bouquet with more yellow fruit than the other cuvées and touches of beeswax that develop in the glass. The palate is poised on the entry, lightly spiced with impressive harmony, a “fluid” Viré-Clessé with a persistent finish. A notch above the 2022.”
 
Domaine des Heritiers du Comte Lafon Mâcon-Milly-Lamartine 2023 750ml $44.50 special, 12 bottles available now
Domaine des Heritiers du Comte Lafon Mâcon-Milly-Lamartine 2023 1.5L $89 special, 2 magnum available now
Jasper Morris 89-90 points “From foudre. This one had finished fermenting. Mid lemon yellow a mix of apples and pears on the nose. More generous than usual but still with its more typical white fruit with some minerals. Fine length. Drink from 2024-2026. Tasted Mar 2024.”

Domaine des Heritiers du Comte Lafon Mâcon-Bussieres 2023 750ml $49 special, 6 bottles available now
Vinous “The 2021 Mâcon-Bussières, a blend of different parcels, has a strict and more focused nose compared to the other cuvées. Airy with Granny Smiths and pear. The palate is well balanced with a tangy, marmalade and pear-tinged opening, spicy, almost Rhône-like towards the finish with plenty of extract. Very fine.”

Saint Cosme Sale 5-31-25

In This Newsletter:

Saint Cosme Sale
Rosé of the Day


 
Fans For Life!
 
Stock Up & Save On:
 
Saint Cosme & Chateau de Rouanne
 
If there is a single producer in the Rhône that embodies that rare combination of affordability and luxury, it is Château de Saint Cosme. Considered a benchmark in its home town of Gigondas, Saint Cosme is a historical gem, founded in the 1500s. Louis Barroul heads the estate as the 14th generation of his family to do so. Professionals and reviewers consider him one of the region’s greatest winemakers who offers consistently excellent quality and value across the entire portfolio.
 
Barroul crafts rich and powerful wines with undeniable terroir signatures. To highlight these varying terroirs, the estate bottles a handful of single-vineyard Gigondas, which are the most interesting and coveted wines in the portfolio. It’s no wonder that Saint Cosme has been our most popular Rhône producer for some time, and we’re always thrilled to feature their wines. Longtime fans: now is the chance to snag a great deal on your daily drivers and cellar treasures. Soon to be fans: now’s a great chance to explore our offerings during our three-day sale!
 
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of Saint Cosme & Chateau de Rouanne
10% off any 6+ or more in-stock bottles of Saint Cosme & Chateau de Rouanne
 
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
 
Sale ends Tuesday, June 3rd at 9 am Pacific.
 
We offer thirty-four in-stock Saint Cosme & Chateau de Rouanne options on sale now, including:
 
Saint Cosme Condrieu 2021 750ml Displayed Price: $69, that’s $65.55 at 5% off and $62.10 at 10% off, 27 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 94 points “Hefty, modern and lush, with an enticing cascade of creamed pear, mango and papaya flavors cut through with dried herbs and chamomile, backed by a refreshing kick of bitter quinine. A brioche accent adds warmth, but the vein of tangy acidity keeps this clean. Drink now through 2027. 90 cases imported.”
 
Chateau de Saint Cosme Cotes du Rhone Hominis Fides Blanc 2022 750ml Displayed Price: $59, that’s $56.05 at 5% off and $53.10 at 10% off, 20 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “Limestone sand from the Miocene sea, in the ‘Hominis Fides’ named vineyard. Fermentation in used casks and ageing on fine lees for 10 months. Gunflint, anise, pear and quince. The young massal selection vines in Hominis Fides are growing, developing, putting down deep roots and producing beautiful fruit. Every year, we can see the identity of the vineyard asserting itself and differentiating itself from Le Poste. It is true that the Miocene sea sand offers a truly remarkable foundation both for Grenache and Clairette. We prune the vines as bush vines and lift them on stakes so that we never have to top the shoots in spring. I am against the use of topping in a Mediterranean climate – it makes no sense to use this mini-pruning technique and force vines to grow secondary buds just when they need their fruit to flower.”
 
Chateau de Rouanne ‘Les Cotes’, Vinsobres 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $59, that’s $56.05 at 5% off and $53.10 at 10% off, 26 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 93 points “Winey and muscular, with cassis and bitter plum reduction notes leading the way, while baker’s chocolate, tobacco and warm humus fill in behind. Grippy and dark on the finish, with an old-school edge lingering. Syrah, Mourvèdre and Grenache. Best from 2023 through 2030. 350 cases made, 200 cases imported. — JM”
 
Chateau de Rouanne ‘Rouanne et Les Crottes’, Vinsobres 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $64.50, that’s $61.28 at 5% off and $58.05 at 10% off, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 93 points “Rich and well-built, this offers up a serious dark core of black currant and plum reduction flavors supported by graphite, humus and cast iron notes, with sweet bay leaf, violet and tobacco notes filling in the background. A wine with a smoldering intensity. Grenache and Syrah. Best from 2023 through 2032. 350 cases made, 200 cases imported. — JM”
 
Chateau de Rouanne Vinsobres ‘Guerin’, Vinsobres 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $69, that’s $65.55 at 5% off and $62.10 at 10% off, 18 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 93 points “Moving to the single vineyard releases, the 2020 Vinsobres Guerin comes from lower down on the hillside and more pebbly soils. It has lots of meaty red and black fruits as well as exotic notes of ground pepper, orange blossom, and licorice. This full-bodied, ripe, opulent beauty is going to evolve nicely through 2032.”
 
Chateau de Saint Cosme Les Deux Albion, Cotes du Rhone 2020 1.5L Displayed Price: $39, that’s $37.05 at 5% off and $35.10 at 10% off, 16 magnums in stock now
Wine Spectator 92 points “Ripe and polished yet fresh, this red seduces with ripe, generous anise, vanilla-laced blackberry and cherry flavors, then turns dark and brooding on the palate, with smoldering iron, garrigue, menthol, black pepper and dark earth notes framed by fine-grained tannins. Syrah, Grenache, Carignan, Mourvèdre and Clairette. Drink now through 2027”
 
Saint Cosme Crozes-Hermitage 2021 750ml Displayed Price: $33.50, that’s $31.83 at 5% off and $30.15 at 10% off, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 92 points “Fresh, earthy and inviting, with tasty red currant and violet perfume melded with smoked bacon fat, tobacco, turmeric and forest floor freshness. Reveals hints of iodine and singed alder on the snappy, medium-length close. Drink now through 2038. 268 cases imported.”
 
Saint Cosme Côte-Rôtie 2021 750ml Displayed Price: $69, that’s $65.55 at 5% off and $62.10 at 10% off, 21 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 94 points “A very refined and delicate Cote-Rotie with wonderful floral complexity. Graceful palate that feels almost weightless. Lovely mineral freshness carries the medium-bodied palate through to the very long, clean finish.”
 
Saint Cosme Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $54.50, that’s $51.78 at 5% off and $49.05 at 10% off, 33 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 93 points “Modern and stylish, offering an engaging mix of raspberry puree, warm baking spices and red licorice, with vanilla highlights. A beam of iron minerality brings shape and balance to this version, while invigorating acidity and tannins drive the energy. Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah and Cinsault. Drink now through 2035. —J.M.”
 
Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas 2018 1.5L Displayed Price: $79, that’s $75.05 at 5% off and $71.10 at 10% off, 15 magnums in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 93 points “Moving to the wines from bottle, the base Gigondas from this estate is a perennial winner and readers can safely buy bottles of this in just about every vintage. Giving up a Provençal bouquet of red and black currants, peppery herbs, leather, and loamy soil, the 2018 is medium to full-bodied, has a forward, sexy style, no hard edges, and a great finish. It’s terrific today yet still has enough tannins to evolve for 10-15 years if you’re so inclined.”
 
Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas 2021 1.5L Displayed Price: $99, that’s $94.05 at 5% off and $89.10 at 10% off, 34 magnums in stock now
Wine Spectator 94 points “Powerful, with steeped plum and cherry coulis merging with potpourri and charred garrigue on a ripe, lush palate. Packs a wall of iron that provides a ballast for the ripe fruit, while refined tannins build in intensity. Long and complex, with a gorgeous expression of place. Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah and Cinsault. Drink now through 2040”
 
Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas Le Claux Rouge 2021 750ml Displayed Price: $125, that’s $118.75 at 5% off and $112.50 at 10% off, 32 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 95 points “Opulent and broad, with a generous cascade of ripe plum and winey cassis notes wrapped in talc-fine yet sturdy tannins. Chewy, with strappy black licorice and cast iron moving in. A seductive, concentrated Gigondas, with impressive harmony as every element hums along toward the seemingly endless finish. Outstanding. Best from 2025 through 2040.”
 
Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas Hominis Fides 2022 750ml Displayed Price: $108, that’s $102.60 at 5% off and $97.20 at 10% off, 30 bottles in stock now
Nicolas Greinacher-Vinous 96 points “The 2022 Gigondas Hominis Fides is an intricate elixir, bursting with ripe black fruits, blueberries, rose water, dried herbs and a bite of forest strawberry. The full-bodied and firmly structured Hominis Fides retains impressive freshness and boasts stunning verticality on its seamless palate. This is a truly stunning 2022 crafted to stand the test of time.”
 
Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas Le Poste 2021 750ml Displayed Price: $125, that’s $118.75 at 5% off and $112.50 at 10% off, 24 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 95 points “Densely packed and incredibly complex, with layers of sappy raspberry, dusty earth, black pepper, olive tapenade and singed rosemary. Shows tannins that are chalky-fine in feel, yet muscular enough to support a core of rich fruit, all grounded by cast iron underpinnings. Needs time to unfurl. Best from 2025 through 2040.”
The Piedmontese village of Gattinara is a name to know. Those Barolo and Barbaresco may have the fame and glory, the wines of Gattinara can be equally serious and complex. If you need another argument to pay attention to this overlooked region, know that Giacomo Conterno bought the historic Nervi estate in the heart of the DOCG.  Nervi has some of the best holdings in the village and was an underperformer—at least until Roberto Conterno started making the wines.  These are now some of the most compelling wines made in all of the Piemonte.  They have all the skill and depth of Conterno, but in a distinctly Gattinara package.
 
This rosé is crafted from 100% Nebbiolo from Gattinara. The wines of the region tend to be more compact and more aromatic than Barolo (Volnay vs Nuits, in Burgundy, is a good comparison). They age well, including this exceptional pink. The 2023 is the current release available in the US since the winery was kind enough to do the aging for you! So pop, pour, and enjoy!
 
In Stock Now:
 
Nervi Conterno ‘Il Rosato’ 2023 750ml $28 special, 16 bottles in stock now
No reviews for the 2023 vintage. 2022 review provided for reference.
Eric Guido-Vinous 94 points “Airy and fresh yet complex as well, the 2022 Il Rosato impresses with its lifting notes of rose, crushed stone, peach skins and lemon oil. Refined yet juicy and fruit-forward, this casts lime-tinged apple and green melon easily across the palate, energized by vibrant acidity. The 2022 buzzes with residual tension. The medium-length finish ends with a crunchy sensation as sour cherry nuances fade. The magic of Nebbiolo Rosato.”
 
Browse our forty-five in-stock rosé selections now!


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

Campania Sale 5-30-25

In This Newsletter:

Campania Sale
Collector’s Corner: Montevertine


 
Italy’s Under-The-Radar Source for Power, Value, and Charm
 
Stock Up & Save On:
 
Campania
 
Campania, one of Italy’s oldest wine regions, has been famous for its wines since the Greeks settled it. Located near Naples, there are numerous references to the quality of the wines in Roman writings. Yet despite its history, lauded grape varieties, and world-class wines, it is considered an obscure region today.
 
Campania’s crown jewel is the indigenous red wine grape Aglianico. Though they are aromatically different, like Cabernet Sauvignon, Aglianico is a thick-skinned red variety that creates full-bodied wines with rich tannins, ample acidity, and plenty of aging potential. The DOCG region of Taurasi, a subregion of Campania, it’s the place to look for the best examples. And among these, our favorite is Cantine Lonardo.
 
Sandro Lonardo makes some of the best values in powerful, Italian red wine. Based in Taurasi, he works primarily with Aglianico to craft wines that combine power and intensity with site-specific nuance that rival the best wines in Barolo and Brunello at a more modest price.
  
Lonardo’s Taurasi wines are made from ancient Aglianico vines planted at 1300 feet above sea level, grown organically in a tall pergola in ancient volcanic ash with a base of limestone and clay. The very best lots are kept separate and released as single vineyard bottlings.
 
In the winery, he limits the use of barrique and new wood, yet the wines aren’t rustic monsters. There is a unique freshness and approachability, especially given the reputation of the grape and the warm climate it calls home. Give his reds a try and explore our other Aglianico offerings from Campania.
 
Looking for whites? Campania has your back there, too. We offer classic whites crafted from Greco and Falanghina. Greco, here grown on clay- and volcanic ash-rich soils, offers perfumed and mineral whites that are light and crisp. The exotic perfume calls to mind preserved lemons, orchard fruit, and a nutty hint, with ripe pineapple and papaya notes in warmer years. Falanghina is also an aromatic white, which exudes layers of heirloom citrus, spice, and pine. Both grapes offer delicious pairings with seafood, roast chicken, pasta in a cream sauce, or woodfired pizza. They’ll elevate your weeknight sipping without breaking the bank, especially during our three-day sale.
 
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of Campania
10% off any 6+ or more in-stock bottles of Campania
 
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
 
Sale ends Monday, June 2nd at 9 am Pacific.
 
We offer ten in-stock Campania options on sale now, including:
 
Feudi di San Gregorio Falanghina, Campania 2022 750ml Displayed Price: $16, that’s $15.20 at 5% off and $14.40 at 10% off, 19 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 90 points “Textbook. Falanghina 101. Bitter lemon, tonic, strewn fennel seed, pistachio and a pithy stone fruit pucker at the seams. Dutifully fresh, impeccably poised, far from profound, but dangerously easy to drink. Drink now.”
 
Feudi di San Gregorio Cutizzi, Greco di Tufo DOCG 2022 750ml Displayed Price: $21.90, that’s $20.81 at 5% off and $19.71 at 10% off, 15 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 92 points “Packaged in a ribbed glass bottle, this is a delightful wine that offers both elegance and accessibility. The Feudi di San Gregorio 2022 Greco di Tufo Cutizzi is just the ticket for a plate of raw fish with spicy wasabi sauce or tuna tartare. Made only in stainless steel, it has the subtle power and firmness to support generous aromas of pear, quince and honeydew melon. The wine’s mineral signature is very developed. An ample 120,000 bottles were made.”
 
Feudi di San Gregorio Serpico Rosso Irpinia 2015 750ml Displayed Price: $69, that’s $65.55 at 5% off and $62.10 at 10% off, 22 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 94 points “There are darker tones of purple and black fruit and some savory chocolate flavors as well in the 2015 Irpinia Aglianico Serpico. This is an ambitious and deeply layered wine that peels back to reveal more spice, tar and volcanic ash hidden deep within its core. I would suggest some more bottle age with this wine, however, as the mouthfeel is sharp and etched in its youth. The wine needs a little more time to flesh out and put on more volume. Serpico goes through an 18-month aging regime in medium-toast French oak. Some 15,000 bottles were made. Drink 2020-2035 (Oct 2019).”
 
Feudi di San Gregorio Serpico Rosso Irpinia 2016 750ml Displayed Price: $49, that’s $46.55 at 5% off and $44.10 at 10% off, 24 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 93 points “Available in a dark, frosted bottle, the Feudi di San Gregorio 2016 Irpinia Aglianico Serpico has taken the proverbial turn toward tertiary aromas, or at least an initial turn, showing pressed blackberry and blackcurrant surrounded by tarry smoke, campfire ash and toasted spice. The 2016 vintage will be remembered for its power and its inner elegance, and those are exactly the traits that have carried this wine so far, and that will continue to shape its bottle-aging trajectory. There are dusty volcanic tones on the close, and the tannins are dry over a mid-weight mouthfeel. Only 8,000 bottles were made.”
 
Contrade di Taurasi Cantine Lonardo Coste, Taurasi DOCG 2011 750ml Displayed Price: $69, that’s $65.55 at 5% off and $62.10 at 10% off, 21 bottles in stock now
Ian D’Agata-Vinous 94+ points “Deep ruby. Floral nuances complicate the red and dark berry, ink, sweet spice and flinty aromas and flavors. Dense and seamless, showing a multilayered personality and remarkable complexity of flavor. Finishes very long and with repeating, lingering hints of ink and flint.”
 
Contrade di Taurasi Cantine Lonardo Vigne d’Alto, Taurasi DOCG 2012 750ml Displayed Price: $59, that’s $56.05 at 5% off and $53.10 at 10% off, 3 bottles in stock now
Kerin O’Keefe-Wine Enthusiast 95 points “Perfumed and loaded with finesse, this single-vineyard wine opens with enticing scents of violet, ripe black-skinned fruit, new leather and baking spice. Made with 60- to 100-year-old plants, the smooth, delicious palate delivers succulent Marasca cherry, plum, licorice and nutmeg framed in velvety tannins, making it one of the more elegant expressions of Taurasi out there. A mineral note energizes the lingering finish. Drink through 2032.”
 
Contrade di Taurasi Cantine Lonardo Taurasi Riserva DOCG 2011 750ml Displayed Price: $119, that’s $113.05 at 5% off and $107.10 at 10% off, 21 bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 96 points “The 2011 Taurasi Riserva pulls you close and holds your attention firm with its deeply alluring bouquet of crushed black cherries, plum sauce, autumnal spices, woodland herbs and hints of animal musk. This fills the palate with rich, pliant textures and ripe red and blue berries, as nervous acidity maintains wonderful freshness, and sweet notes of cinnamon, clove and tobacco form toward the close. There’s plenty of tannic grip here, yet it’s balanced by the 2011’s mix of opulent, concentrated fruit and contrasting sour citrus tones that resonate for what feels like a full minute. Even as you contemplate the experience, minerals, hints of iodine and rosy inner florals can still be sensed upon the palate. Make no mistake, this is a full-throttle expression of Taurasi, but it will win the hearts of collectors who enjoy a bigger and old-school style.”
 
Contrade di Taurasi Cantine Lonardo “T31”, Taurasi DOCG 2012 750ml Displayed Price: $119, that’s $113.05 at 5% off and $107.10 at 10% off, 12 bottles in stock now
Importer Note “The new T31 is from 100+ year old ungrafted vines on a mix of limestone and volcanic soils, elevage 3 years in tonneau with another 5 years aging in bottle.”
 
Luigi Tecce Poliphemo Vecchie Vigne, Taurasi Riserva DOCG 2015 750ml Displayed Price: $95, that’s $90.25 at 5% off and $85.50 at 10% off, 6 bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 95 points “A spicy mix of crushed black cherries, cloves, mint leaf and smoke form a seductive display as the 2015 Taurasi Riserva Poliphemo Vecchie Vigne slowly blossoms in the glass. It’s silky and pliant upon entry, quickly gaining a more tactile feel, as tart berries laced with sour citrus and minerals saturate the senses. The sheer mass and concentration here is something behold, yet more impressive is how harmonious it remains, as vibrant acidity battles fine tannins for supremacy. The end result is a finale that’s structured yet leaves the mouth watering for more, as violet florals, cocoa and an inner animal muskiness slowly fades. In my opinion, the 2015 vintage has firmly placed Luigi Tecce on the map in Taurasi.”
 
Shop our ten Campania selections now!



Collector’s Corner

Montevertine
 
We don’t usually have much to say about Montevertine’s wines: those that know, know. These are iconic Tuscan reds from Chianti, but you won’t find a DOC or DOCG on the label: the estate left the consortium in 1981 rather than include Trebbiano in his wine. The wines consistently wow critics and fans alike, including in the 2020 and 2021 vintages.
 
In Stock Now:
 
Montevertine (Montevertine Rosso) Toscana IGT 2020 750ml $99 special, 5 bottles in stock now
Montevertine (Montevertine Rosso) Toscana IGT 2020 1.5L $249 special, 1 magnum in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2020 Montevertine shows a generous, open-knit presentation with dark fruit, blue flower and delicate mineral highlights. The wine is 90% Sangiovese with small additions of Canaiolo and Colorino. It shows a medium-rich core of fruit but also offers a filigree of background nuances that renders it all the more enticing and interesting. The is a true beauty, showing the subtleties and nuances that can be achieved with native Tuscan grapes in a warm vintage.”
 
Arriving Soon:
 
Montevertine Le Pergole Torte Toscana IGT 2021 750ml $245 pre-arrival special, 12 bottles available
Montevertine Le Pergole Torte Toscana IGT 2021 1.5L $625 pre-arrival special, 1 magnum available
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 98+ points “The 2021 Le Pergole Torte is a real stunner. Rich, deep and beautifully layered in the glass, the 2021 is captivating from the very first taste. In bottle, this is quite a bit more reticent than it was as a barrel sample, which, in my view, is a positive. Even so, readers should be prepared to cellar the 2021 for a number of years at a minimum.”
 

 
Don’t miss our additional sale going on now:
 
Donnhoff
 
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of Donnhoff
10% off any 6+ or more in-stock bottles of Donnhoff
 
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
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Donnhoff sale ends Saturday, May 31st at 9 am Pacific.