Category Archives: Newsletter Archive

Italian Magnum Sale 3-18-25

In This Newsletter:
 
Italian Magnums Sale
Champagne Featurette: A. Margaine

 
The Big Bold Italian Magnum Sale
 
Stock Up & Save!

 
It’s time for one of our favorite sales events: Italian magnums are on our three-day sale! With picks from Produttori del Barbaresco, Felsina, Cavallotto, Isole e Olena, and more, you’re sure to find the perfect Italian magnum for your party.
 
5% off any 3-5 in-stock Italian magnums and/or large format
10% off any 6 or more in-stock Italian magnums and/or large format

 
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.

 
Sale ends Friday, March 21st at 9 am Pacific.
 
We offer thirty in-stock Italian Magnums options on sale now, including:
 
Benanti Serra della Contessa ‘Particella No. 587’ Etna Rosso Riserva, Sicily 2016 1.5L Displayed Price: $249, that’s $236.55 at 5% off and $224.10 at 10% off, 5 magnums in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 95 points
“The 2016 Etna Rosso Serra della Contessa Particella No. 587 Riserva is dark and savory in the glass, grumbling up with notes of crushed rocks and ash that evolve further to reveal musky black currants, hints of licorice and dried violets. This is velvety-smooth, yet not weighty in feel. Instead, the 2016 seems to glide effortlessly across the palate, yet what it leaves behind is a saturation of primary fruit and mineral tones, as well as silky tannins that penetrate deeply. The Serra della Contessa finishes structured yet long and unexpectedly fresh, with balsam herbs and a touch of salted licorice that slowly fades. This Etna Rosso is a powerhouse, but it is in need of cellaring to reveal all of its charms.”
 
This is the only listing in the USA today for the magnum!
 
Brovia Villero, Barolo DOCG 2019 1.5L Displayed Price: $289, that’s $274.55 at 5% off and $260.10 at 10% off, 1 magnum in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 96 points
“With fruit from one of the top growing sites in Castiglione Falletto, the 2019 Barolo Villero shows a slightly ripe and soft side with cherry and dried raspberry followed by licorice, tar and rusty metal. This is an elegant expression, with a terrific sense of focus, that delivers complexity and depth, especially in this excellent vintage. Only 5,000 bottles were released.”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
 
Cavallotto Bricco Boschis Vigna San Giuseppe, Barolo Riserva DOCG 2016 1.5L Displayed Price: $399, that’s $379.05 at 5% off and $359.10 at 10% off, 2 magnums in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 98 points
“A certified organic wine, the Cavallotto 2016 Barolo Riserva Bricco Boschis Vigna San Giuseppe is born in vineyards on a beautiful ridge in Castiglione Falletto with wide views of both the sunrise and the sunset. From this magical site at the heart of the Barolo appellation comes a wine that represents the very best of vintage and territory. Dark fruit, dried cherry, wild plum, rose and iron ore meet a perfect intersection that gives this Barolo a beautiful sense of balance and inner energy. Fruit comes from a 2.4-hectare plot with southwest-facing vines that are 60 years old. After destemming, the grapes see 28 days of skin contact (semi-submerged caps) in steel tanks. Secondary fermentation occurs in cement in the spring following the harvest. The wine is aged in Slavonian oak for 60 months. Production is 8,794 bottles and other larger formats.”
 
Antichi Vigneti di Cantalupo Collis Breclemae, Ghemme DOCG 2013 1.5L Displayed Price: $119, that’s $113.05 at 5% off and $107.10 at 10% off, 6 magnums in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 96 points
“The 2013 Ghemme Collis Breclamae is fabulous. Deep, dark and also translucent, the 2013 possesses magnificent clarity as well as structure. Black cherry, lavender, truffle, mint, spice and new leather all develop in an ample, resonant Ghemme that hits all the right notes. A rich, substantial finish rounds things out in style. The 2013 can be enjoyed with minimal cellaring, but it also has the pedigree to develop in the cellar for many years to come. Each time I come back to the 2013 it is more impressive.”
 
This is the only listing in the USA today for the magnum!
 
Felsina Berardenga Fontalloro Toscana IGT 2018 1.5L Displayed Price: $128, that’s $121.60 at 5% off and $115.20 at 10% off, 7 magnums in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 95 points
“The 2018 Fontalloro is bright, floral and full of energy. In most vintages, Fontalloro is quite open, but the 2018 is especially nervy and taut. That won’t be an issue in time, of course, but readers should plan on being patient. Sangiovese is so expressive here. A whole range of floral and savory accents lingers on the close.”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
 
Giacomo Conterno Francia Barolo DOCG 2018 3L Displayed Price: $1,349, that’s $1,281.55 at 5% off and $1,214.10 at 10% off, 1 double-magnum in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 95+ points
“The 2018 Barolo Francia is powerful, deep and also a touch austere. It shows the edginess of all the 2018s, but also has a feeling of textural creaminess that adds tons of character. Spice, menthol, leather and a whole range of balsamic overtones build into the deep, imposing finish. Roberto Conterno decided to forego his Barolo Monfortino in 2018, opting instead to blend all the casks into his Francia bottling. When that happens, Francia often surprises down the road. That could very well turn out to be the case here.
 
Isole e Olena Cepparello Toscana IGT 2017 3L Displayed Price: $379, that’s $360.05 at 5% off and $341.10 at 10% off, 2 double-magnums in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 97 points
“The 2017 Cepparello is another in a series of stunningly beautiful Cepparellos from Paolo de Marchi. Bright and beautifully focused in the glass, with tremendous depth, the 2017 is positively stellar from the very first taste. Succulent dark cherry, plum, licorice, spice, menthol and coffee all open up with a bit of air. Here, too, Paolo De Marchi has done a tremendous job in preserving freshness in the wine. Readers who can muster the patience will be rewarded with a spectacular wine.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
 
Isole e Olena Cepparello Toscana IGT 2019 1.5L Displayed Price: $219, that’s $208.05 at 5% off and $197.10 at 10% off, 1 magnum in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 96 points
“The 2019 Cepparello is super-impressive, even though it has just been bottled. Ample and creamy, with its classic sense of mid-weight structure, the 2019 has so much to offer. Silky tannins wrap around a core of red/purplish berry fruit. New leather, spice and a hint of oak meld together effortlessly in the glass. I can’t wait to check in on it in another 6-12 months or so. The 2019 is shaping up to be positively stellar. Drink: 2027-2049. (Sep 2021)”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
 
Il Paradiso di Frassina MozArt, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2014 1.5L Displayed Price: $89, that’s $84.55 at 5% off and $80.10 at 10% off, 3 magnums in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 92 points
“Deep bright red-ruby. Oriental spices and botanical herbs complicate rich red fruit and balsamic oil aromas and flavors. Rich, ripe and suave, with a glyceral mouthfeel and strong hints of bitter herbs to the repeating ripe red cherry notes on the long thick, mouthcoating back end. A very good showing for 2014.”
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!
 
La Gerla Riserva gli Angeli, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2016 1.5L Was $219, Displayed Price: $189, that’s $179.55 at 5% off and $170.10 at 10% off, 3 magnums in stock now
La Gerla Riserva gli Angeli, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2016 3L Was $449, Displayed Price: $399, that’s $379.05 at 5% off and $359.10 at 10% off, 2 double-magnums in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 96 points
“Smoldering with remarkable depth, the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Gli Angeli makes itself known with a blend of spicy citrus peels and minty herbs giving way to masses of black cherry, strawberries, hints of iodine and smoke. This is a textural thrill ride, velvety and almost weighty in feel, while finding wonderful balance in its vibrant acidity and the tart wild berry fruits and savory spices that are unleashed upon the palate. Hints of mocha combine with sour cherry and almond paste through the impressively long and classically structured finale. In the end, the 2016 Gli Angeli is the total package. This Riserva is a single-vineyard bottling from La Gerla’s northern Montalcino vineyard, which was planted by Biondi-Santi in 1968.”
 
These are the only listings in the USA today for the magnum and double-magnum!
 
Montevertine Rosso Toscana IGT 2020 1.5L Displayed Price: $249, that’s $236.55 at 5% off and $224.10 at 10% off, 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.”
 
Produttori del Barbaresco Montestefano, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2017 1.5L Displayed Price: $169, that’s $160.55 at 5% off and $152.10 at 10% off, 5 magnums in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 96 points
“The 2017 Barbaresco Riserva Montestefano is darkly concentrated and among the richest wines in this series of single-vineyard Riservas. Montestefano is angular, textured and bold with dark fruit aromas, dried blackberry, toasted almond and cured tobacco. With this vintage, you get an age-worthy wine that offers brawn and power for drinking in the medium term, but it will become increasingly silky and slender with time. Dusty tannins and crushed stone appear on the long finish. There were 14,486 bottles produced.”
 
Produttori del Barbaresco Ovello, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2017 1.5L Displayed Price: $169, that’s $160.55 at 5% off and $152.10 at 10% off, 6 magnums in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 94+ points
“One of the bigger productions (with 17,744 bottles) in the Produttori del Barbaresco’s portfolio is the 2017 Barbaresco Riserva Ovello. All of the Riservas in this vintage are characterized by especially exuberant and bold aromas, and this bottle is a prime example. Cassis, wild cherry, tobacco, rusty nail and licorice build intensity. The wine is tapered and silky in texture, but it also offers a good amount of power (and 15% alcohol) to carry it through the aging process.”
 
Produttori del Barbaresco Rabaja, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2019 1.5L Displayed Price: $199, that’s $189.05 at 5% off and $179.10 at 10% off, 3 magnums in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 94 points
“The 2019 Barbaresco Riserva Rabajà is redolent of dark fruit, crushed rocks, graphite, sage, menthol and lavender all race across the palate, supported by bracing, young Rabajà tannins that make themselves felt. This mid-weight, powerhouse Barbaresco packs quite a punch.”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast for the magnum!
 
Rocca di Montegrossi ‘Ridolfo’ Toscana IGT 2015 1.5L Was $179, Displayed Price: $159, that’s $151.05 at 5% off and $143.10 at 10% off, 15 magnums in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 98+ points
“The 2015 Ridolfo is a new Cabernet Sauvignon/Pugnitello blend from Marco Ricasoli bottled only in magnum. Vibrant and finely sculpted, the 2015 impresses right out of the gate. A whole range of savory aromatics, lavender, spice, licorice and mocha open with time in the glass. Sweet rose petal and cinnamon appear later, adding brightness and lift. Cabernet Sauvignon and Pugnitello are not obvious varieties to blend, as they are, on paper, more similar than complementary. Even so, the combination works so well. I can’t wait to see how this ages. The 2015 is a total knock-out!”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
 
Paolo Scavino Bric del Fiasc, Barolo DOCG 2019 1.5L Displayed Price: $249, that’s $236.55 at 5% off and $224.10 at 10% off, 4 magnums in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 98 points
“The 2019 Barolo Bric del Fiasc is the hallmark wine of the estate, and it shows. Taking on more concentration, it is pure and generous with kirsch, star anise, nutmeg, and menthol and moves impressively to the palate with ease and nobility. It offers fantastic depth while remaining true to the vintage and propels forward through an arch of acidity, while having grounded notes of Earl Grey tea, black cherry, and crushed stones as well as ripe tannins. Drink 2026-2046.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
 
Sassetti Livio Pertimali Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2015 1.5L Displayed Price: $159, that’s $151.05 at 5% off and $143.10 at 10% off, 3 magnums in stock now
James Suckling 98 points
“There’s something ethereal in the nose with flowers, cherries, strawberries and shitake mushrooms. Full body. This grows on the palate with super tannin and fruit structure. So much berry flavor and round, caressing tannins that fill your mouth. Tight at the end. This needs four to five years to show its true greatness. Try after 2023.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today for the magnum!
 
Shop our thirty Italian Magnums selections now!


 
Champagne Featurette:

A. Margaine
 
Arnaud Margaine has helmed his family’s estate in the Premier Cru village of Villers-Marmery in the Montagne de Reims since 1989. He sells some of his estate’s fruit to Clicquot, Bollinger and Lanson. He’s not one to rest on his laurels, and still experiments with vinifying in used barrel or using cover crops in the vineyard to make the roots dig deeper, all with the goal of improving quality over the long term.
 
Today, the estate is being increasingly taken over by his energetic and incredibly knowledge daughter, Mathilde Margaine, who is the fifth generation to run the estate and the first woman. The wines are light and ethereal, and will only improve in the cellar for several years.
 
In Stock Now:

A. Margaine ‘Le Brut’ Premier Cru, Champagne NV 750ml $54.50 special, 13 bottles in stock now
Audrey Frick-Jeb Dunnuck 90 points
“The NV Champagne Le Brut is 86% Chardonnay and the rest Pinot Noir, with 40% from the 2021 vintage. That was a complicated year for the estate since they lost most of the crop due to mildew, so this has almost 70% reserve wine. In the glass, it pours a bright silver straw color and reveals a clean and focused nose, with refreshing aromas of bread dough, fresh pear, attractive citrus, and peach blossom. It’s approachable and easy-drinking, with a refreshing and fully dry feel, a fine mousse, and a crispy, fresh finish. Drink over the next several years.”
 
Shop all 144 of our in-stock Champagne selections here!


 
Don’t miss our additional sales going on now:

Albariño
 
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of Albarino
10% off any 6 or more in-stock bottles of Albarino
 
Chateau de Rouanne
 
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of Chateau de Rouanne
10% off any 6 or more in-stock bottles of Chateau de Rouanne

 
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.

 
Albariño sale ends Wednesday, March 19th at 9 am Pacific. Chateau de Rouanne sale ends Thursday, March 20th at 9 am Pacific.

Vinopolis Newsletter 3-17-25

In This Newsletter:


Arriving Tomorrow, March 18th
Giacomo Conterno

New Arrivals
Screaming Eagle, Leonetti Cellar, Steinmetz, and more!

New Sake Arrivals
Three new Sakes for your enjoyment

 
Arriving Tomorrow
 
 
Giacomo Conterno

 

Named for Aldo and Giovanni’s father and helmed by Giovanni until his death in 2004, the wines are made using traditional Barolo methods like slow fermentation and aging in giant, used barriques. Unlike the fresher, fruitier Aldo Conterno wines, a Giacomo Conterno Barolo is a dense, powerful, and muscular experience. It needs much time to tame down.
 
The winery is currently owned and operated by Giovanni’s son Roberto, who has remained faithfully married to the ultra-traditional style of his Father and Grandfather. There is a great legacy riding on his shoulders, but according to his own importer Polaner, Roberto is “the most annoying and perfectionist winemakers we have experienced,” who has “nonetheless taken the winery to even greater heights than his predecessors.”
 
Giacomo Conterno ‘Francia,’ Barolo DOCG, Italy 2020 750ml $299 special, 3 bottles arriving
Jeb Dunnuck 98 Points “Bright red pale in color, the 2020 Barolo Francia is gorgeous with a bit more structure and depth, though it remains elegant all the way through. Its ripe, pure notes of fresh cherries, roses, incense, and spice are followed by a medium-bodied red with structured, ripe tannins, energetic lift, and gorgeous notes of apricot and tea leaf on the incredibly long finish. While it certainly boasts more depth compared to the 2018, its elegant profile harkens to the gracefulness expressed in many of the best wines in that vintage. It’s outstanding all the way through and is going to offer a tremendous amount of pleasure over the next 20 or more years. Drink 2025-2045.”
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 98 Points “The 2020 Barolo Francia is fascinating to taste next to the 2021. A substantial young Barolo, the 2020 oers notable mid-palate density and tons of pure explosive energy. Savory and mineral notes abound, but at this stage, the 2020 is a Barolo of fruit and texture. Practically seamless tannins pull it all together. I have a slight preference for the 2021, but it is neck and neck between these two great Barolos. A second bottle enjoyed in a local restaurant a few days after this tasting was every bit as memorable.”
 
Average listed price $308
 
Giacomo Conterno Nebbiolo d’Alba Vigna Arione, Piedmont, Italy 2021 750ml $189 special, 12 bottles arriving
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 94 Points “The 2021 Nebbiolo d’Alba Vigna Arione is all class. Perfumed and silky on the palate, with medium-bodied structure, the 2021 embodies the virtues of elegance and class. Crushed flowers, white pepper and mint play off a core of vibrant, red-toned fruit. What a beautiful wine this is. As a reminder, the Nebbiolo d’Alba Vigna Arione emerges from a section in Arione that is just outside the Barolo appellation. Vines here were replanted after the 2015 harvest. The Nebbiolo was vinified in wood and then spent 31 months in cask, a classic Barolo élevage.”
 
Average listed price $191
 
…currently available from Giacomo Conterno
 
Giacomo Conterno ‘Arione,’ Barolo DOCG, Italy 2020 750ml $299 special, 3 bottles available
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 97 Points “The 2020 Barolo Arione is a wine of extreme delicacy and finesse. Lavender, sage, mint, cedar and rose petal are some of the many notes that lift from the palate. Deceptive in its mid-weight structure, the 2020 impresses with its inner sweetness and sublime balance.”
 
Giacomo Conterno ‘Cerretta,’ Barolo DOCG, Italy 2020 750ml $299 special, 2 bottles available
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 96 Points “The 2020 Barolo Cerretta is a potent, packed wine. Today, the tannins are especially imposing and also larger in scale than the other Barolos in this range. Dark red-toned fruit, orange peel, white pepper and crushed rocks all race out of the glass. This is a wine for those with patience.”
 
 
New Arrivals
 

California
 
Screaming Eagle
 

The original cult Napa winery, Screaming Eagle’s quality was already a poorly kept secret among oenophiles before a perfect 100 point review by Robert Parker launched its reputation into the stratosphere!
 
Screaming Eagle Cabernet, Napa Valley 2022 750ml $2,199 special, 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.”
 
Lowest listed price on the West Coast
Average price $2,294!
 
…also currently available from Screaming Eagle:
 
Screaming Eagle The Flight, Napa Valley 2019 750ml $999 special, 3 bottles available
James Suckling 99 Points “Extremely floral and aromatic with violets and lavender throughout. Black olives, too. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, very fine-grained tannins that run the length of the wine. Goes on for minutes. A greenish undertone comes out at the end with some spearmint, green tea and green olive. About two-thirds merlot. Best after 2028, but already stunning.”
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 97 Points “The 2019 The Flight, the estate’s Merlot-based wine, is dark, powerful and brooding in demeanor, almost shockingly so. The natural concentration of a year with low yields and small berries is very much in evidence. A rush of black cherry, plum, graphite, lavender and blue/purplish fruit builds as this virile, explosive wine shows off its arresting beauty. In a word: impressive.”
 
Average price $1,129
 
Screaming Eagle The Flight, Napa Valley 2020 750ml $919 special, 5 bottles available
James Suckling 98 Points “Aromas of blackberries, red and black currants. Green olives, too. Dark roses and perfume. Medium-bodied with super crunchy energy and brightness. Very fine tannins. Elegant and precise. So subtle and complex, it’s really something. A blend of 64% merlot and 36% cabernet sauvignon. Needs four to five years to open and come together.”
 
Average price $1,129
 
Washington
 
Leonetti Cellar
 
“The 2021s from Leonetti Cellar are to die for.” –Eric Guido, Vinous Media
 
Leonetti Cabernet, Walla Walla 2021 750ml $119 special, 19 bottles available
Jeb Dunnuck 97+ Points “The classic 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon from this reference point estate checks in as 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot, 5% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and the balance Malbec raised 22 months in once-filled oak and neutral oval botti. Its vivid purple hue is followed by a perfumed, youthful bouquet of cassis and blue fruits that give way to more graphite, chalky minerality, violets, and spicy oak. It’s deep, rich, and medium to full-bodied on the palate, with a gorgeous mid-palate, ripe, building, polished tannins, and fabulous length on the finish. This absolutely brilliant Cabernet Sauvignon needs to be forgotten for 2-4 years and will evolve gracefully over the following two decades. It’s another sensational wine from the talents of Chris Figgins.”
 
Leonetti Cellar Merlot, Walla Walla 2022 750ml $95 special, 8 bottles available
Jeb Dunnuck 94 Points “All Merlot aged in once-filled and neutral oak, the 2022 Merlot sports a vivid ruby/purple hue as well as solid aromatics of ripe black cherries, cedary herbs, dried flowers, and a kiss of background oak. It’s medium to full-bodied, has a pure, elegant mouthfeel, polished tannins, and a great finish. It will keep from 10-12 years with ease.”
 
France
 
Domaine Daniel-Etienne Defaix Chablis Vieilles Vignes, Burgundy, France 2021 750ml $39 special, 36+ bottles available
Importer Notes “This cuvée is sourced from vines the age of which is between 45 and 70 years. A wine of exceptional concentration for a village level appellation, this wine is always a true expression of the kimmeridgian soils that make Chablis so distinctive. Aged for thirty months before release, Defaix’s old vines Chablis is richly dense with a classic “pierre a fusil” bouquet and long mineral-infused finish.”
 
Lowest listed price on the west coast

Germany
 
Steinmetz Kabinett Piesporter Treppchen, Mosel, Gemrnay 2023 750ml $39 special, 24 bottles available
Anne Krebiehl-Vinous 94 Points “The 2023 Riesling Piesporter Grafenberg Kabinett, grown on reddish slate, presents wet stone on the nose with a touch of red apple and lemon. The palate combines lightness, red apple verve and naked slate with a contained, dollop-like sweetness at the core, surrounded by layers of freshness. This is absolutely lively, exciting and deliciously bracing, with around 40 g/L of residual sweetness against 10 g/L of acidity.”
 
 
New Sake Arrivals!



 
A Junmai or “pure rice” sake made exclusively from rice, water, yeast, and “koji” (a kind of fermented rice and yeast starter—think of sourdough or sour mash starter as an analogue— used in miso, sake, soy sauce) without additives like sugar or neutral spirits.

Koshitsukano Hirai Junmai Sake 720ml $26 special, 12 bottles available
Importer Tasting Note “HIRAI Junmai Sake is clean, crisp, dry, and elegant. Named for the swans that migrate to the local lake, HIRAI is an ideal sake for those who are new to sake but appreciate a quality hand-crafted style. Local ingredients include wild yeast that the brewery propagates itself and very soft water from the on-site well. The savory aroma of freshly cooked rice with hints of tropical fruit leads to a balanced mouthfeel and a clean and crisp finish. The brewery was established in 1781 in the Niigata prefecture on the west coast of Japan. The purity of HIRAI Junmai Sake is a reflection of freshly fallen snow covering beautiful Niigata villages.”
 
Minakata Karakuchi Extra Dry Junmai Sake 720ml $33 special, 12 bottles available
Winery Note “This is a classic dry style Junmai sake with restrained fruit balanced with a light nutty and umami earthiness. An easy-drinking sake with a crisp and bone-dry finish, perfect with seafood.”
 
A Nigori or “cloudy” sake is a minimally filtered sake, still containing residual rice solids, providing a smooth and rich mouthfeel and typically fall on the fruitier and sweeter side of the spectrum. For this reason, they pair especially well with spicy foods. Like a Spatlese Riesling.

Tengu No Doburoku Mountain Warrior Nigori Sake 720ml $27 special, 13 bottles available
Winery Note “A full-bodied unrefined sake that retains the rice Umami with a rich sweetness. You can enjoy the good old plain Umami of Japanese Sake and its authentic taste.”

Rhone’s Rouanne Sale 3-17-25

In This Newsletter:
 
Chateau de Rouanne Sale
Vinopolis Champagne Featurette: Marc Hébrart 

 
Stock Up & Save On
 
Chateau de Rouanne

 
Château de Saint Cosme is an iconic producer in Gigondas. Its vineyard sites can be traced back to Roman times, and its current ownership, the Barruol family, traces their holding on the lands over five centuries. Louis Barruol, the 14th generation of winemakers for this historical estate, is not one to rest on his laurels. He’s had a hand in several projects both Old World and New. One such estate is Chateau de Rouanne.
 
Barruol has sourced fruit from this ancient estate for many years. It is a phenomenal site that also dates to Roman times. The vineyards were replanted in the 1960s and have been maintained with massale selection of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre. The soils are rich in limestone and sandy marl. In early 2019, he purchased the estate and began overseeing wine production.

One of his notable accomplishments with the estate was to produce single-parcel bottlings. Look for beauty and elegance in the Guerin, bold power in Les Cotes, and richness and intensity in the Rouanne et les Crottes.

The village-level bottling is no sleeper, either. It reminds us of Saint Cosme’s own Gigondas with a more rustic aromatic profile reminiscent of garrigue in Provençal wine. It’s absolutely gorgeous and an incredible value for only $24, made even better on our three-day sale.
 
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of Chateau de Rouanne
10% off any 6 or more in-stock bottles of Chateau de Rouanne

 
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.

 
Sale ends Thursday, March 20th at 9 am Pacific.
 
We offer seven in-stock Chateau de Rouanne options on sale now, including:
 
Chateau de Rouanne Vinsobres 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $24, that’s $22.80 at 5% off and $21.60 at 10% off, 34 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 92 points
“Delivers a nice saturated feel without being heavy, letting cherry and plum paste notes unfurl slowly, along with violet, licorice root and warm humus accents, which all blossom steadily through the savory finish.”
 
Chateau de Rouanne Vinsobres ‘Guerin’ 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $59, that’s $56.05 at 5% off and $53.10 at 10% off, 30 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 92 points
“The Grenache-dominated single vineyard 2019 Vinsobres Lieu-Dit Guerin is brilliant as well. Concentrated, medium to full-bodied, and opulent, it has lots of red and black fruits, plenty of peppery herbs and meaty nuances, terrific balance, and outstanding length. It’s another gorgeous wine from this talented winemaker, and this is an estate to watch.”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
 
Chateau de Rouanne Vinsobres ‘Guerin’ 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.”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
 
Chateau de Rouanne Vinsobres ‘Les Cotes’ 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $59, that’s $56.05 at 5% off and $53.10 at 10% off, 12 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”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
 
Chateau de Rouanne Vinsobres ‘Les Cotes’ 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $69, that’s $65.55 at 5% off and $62.10 at 10% off, 24 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points
“My favorite in the lineup (although these are all brilliant) is the 2020 Vinsobres Rouanne Et Les Crottes, which comes from the middle of the hillside vineyard and more clay and iron soils. Lots of darker, almost blue fruits, violets, smoked herbs, and iron nuances define the bouquet, and it’s medium to full-bodied, has ultra-fine tannins, and offers a beautiful mix of both richness and elegance.”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
 
Chateau de Rouanne Vinsobres ‘Les Crottes’ 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $69, that’s $65.55 at 5% off and $62.10 at 10% off, 23 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 ‘Les Crottes’ 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $69, that’s $65.55 at 5% off and $62.10 at 10% off, 24 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points
“My favorite in the lineup (although these are all brilliant) is the 2020 Vinsobres Rouanne Et Les Crottes, which comes from the middle of the hillside vineyard and more clay and iron soils. Lots of darker, almost blue fruits, violets, smoked herbs, and iron nuances define the bouquet, and it’s medium to full-bodied, has ultra-fine tannins, and offers a beautiful mix of both richness and elegance.”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
 
Shop our seven Chateau de Rouanne selections now!


 
Vinopolis Champagne Featurette:
 
Marc Hébrart

 
Marc Hebrart wines have been on a stealthy climb up the ladder of producers to know. The house style has always emphasized balance over power, and while there is plenty of complexity in his bottlings, they’re always drinkable and delightful. Peter Liem, author of the authoritative book Champagne, writes, “Hébrart’s wines have a broad appeal: if you like to think about your wines, they’re intellectually engaging enough to satisfy you; on the other hand, if you’re just looking to drink, they’re simply delicious. The wines are full and generous without being weighty, complex and soil-driven without being demanding. Overall, the entire range is of consistently high quality, and represents excellent value for the money.”
 
We’re proud to carry a wide selection of Hebrart’s wines, including the limited non-sparkling Coteaux Champenois and the old-vine Champagne “Mes Favorites.”
 
In Stock Now:
 
A non-sparkling wine from the Champagne region!
Marc Hébrart Blanc Le Leon 1er Cru Blanc Coteaux Champenois 2016 750ml $219 special, 2 bottles in stock now
“Hebrart’s 2016 Coteaux Champenois Blanc Le Leon 1er Cru is a very pretty wine. Soft and curvy, the 2016 offers plenty of immediate appeal. Lemon confit, white flowers and mint all grace this super-expressive, inviting Coeaux Champenois that will drink well right out of the gate.” -Antonio Galloni, Vinous
 
Marc Hébrart Premier Cru Mes Favorites Vieilles Vignes Brut NV 750ml $79 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Audrey Frick-Jeb Dunnuck 93 points
“The NV Champagne 1er Cru Mes Favorites Vieilles Vignes Brut is 80% Pinot Noir with rest Chardonnay and is an even split of 2019 and 2018 from vine selections over 50 years old from Hebrart’s favorite sites. A bright yellow color, it boasts delicate toasty, reductive notes initially (but not from oak), followed by notes of Mirabel, cherry blossoms, orange citrus, and shortbread. It’s approachable and fully dry on the palate, with a clean and peachy finish. It is a highly appealing wine with a refined and spritely mousse that frames the wine nicely. Drink over the coming 10 years. 5 grams per liter dosage. Disgorged March 2023.”
 
Marc Hébrart Cuvée de Réserve Premier Cru Brut NV 750ml $54.50 special, 26 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 90 points
“[Reviewed Mar 2024] The NV Brut Cuvée de Réserve is a tasty entry-level offering from Marc Hébrart. Green orchard fruit, flowers, chalk and mint give this airy, high-toned Champagne its bright aromatic profile. The resonance of Pinot Noir comes through on the mid-palate and into the finish. This is a gorgeous NV Champagne. Dosage is 7 grams per liter.”
 
Marc Hébrart Sélection Premier Cru Brut NV 750ml $69 special, 14 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 91 points
“[Reviewed Nov 2023] The NV Brut Sélection is a blend from Mareuil-sur-Ay, Avenay-Val-d’Or and Bisseuil. Aromatic and vibrant, the Brut Sélection impresses with its balance and sensuality. Lemon confit, white flowers, apricot, mint, chamomile and plum meld together in an understated, classy Champagne ready to go now. I loved it.”
 
Marc Hébrart Rosé Premier Cru Brut NV 750ml $69 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 92 points
“[Mar 2024] The NV Brut Rosé has so much to offer. Creamy and resonant in the glass, with striking persistence and fine balance, Hébrart’s Rosé is pure class. Cranberry, white pepper, chalk, mint and grapefruit abound. The blend of equal parts Chardonnay and Pinot Noir works so well. What a delight. Dosage is 6 grams per liter.”
 
Shop all 144 of our in-stock Champagne selections here!


 
Don’t miss our additional sales going on now:

Delas
 
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of Delas
10% off any 6 or more in-stock bottles of Delas
 
Albariño
 
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of Albarino
10% off any 6 or more in-stock bottles of Albarino

 
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.

 
Delas sale ends Tuesday, March 18th at 9 am Pacific. Albariño sale ends Wednesday, March 19th at 9 am Pacific.

Delas Sale 3-15-25

In This Newsletter:
 
Delas Sale
Close-Out Featurette: Jérôme Chezeaux

 
For the Love of Dense, & Rich Rhône Reds
 
Stock Up & Save On
 
Delas

 
Looking for power in Northern Rhône Syrahs? Look to Delas. This esteemed estate creates some of the most powerful, intense reds at prices that, despite their well-respected name, make them one a top value in the region. Drawing from their extensive holdings in every major region, they craft dense and rich impactful wines at their recently renovated winery. We turn to them for big, bold wines that show well young yet reward tenfold in the cellar—a remarkable combination for French wines.
 
The Delas family has crafted wines in the Northern Rhone since 1835 and founded the winery in 1924. Champagne Deutz acquired it in 1977 before the star Champagne house of Louis Roederer purchased both in 1993. Their team brought much needed renewal to the brand. Since then, quality has been nearly unrivaled. But for whatever reason, the market has yet to catch up. Just look at Jamet, Guigal, and Chapoutier prices in comparison, not to mention the heights of Bordeaux, Napa, and even once humble Priorat.
 
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. So, if you love these wines, now 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 Tuesday, March 18th 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, 33 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”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92-94 points “Powerful, mineral- and spice-accented aromas of ripe black/blue fruits, candied flowers, olive and allspice. Supple and energetic on the palate, offering bitter cherry, blueberry and fruitcake flavors that tighten up slowly with air and show fine delineation. The cherry note drives a long, spicy finish that’s given shape by fine-grained, even tannins. There’s a quite graceful quality here that defies the old stereotype of Cornas being necessarily rustic.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
 
Delas Freres Cornas Chante Perdrix 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $69, that’s $65.55 at 5% off and $62.10 at 10% off, 36 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.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
 
Delas Freres Côte-Rôtie La Landonne 2019 1.5L Displayed Price: $549, that’s $521.55 at 5% off and $494.10 at 10% off, 2 magnums in stock now
Decanter 97 points
“Immediately this has the darkness and aromatic austerity of La Landonne. Very full-bodied, expansive on the palate with mouthcoating flavour and tannin but not heavy. This is seriously tannic, but it’s not tough. Great character, great power and perfect balance. Alcohol is just a little raised, but this is a blockbuster. Around 3,000 bottles made. Fermented in open-top concrete tanks for 20 days, then matured in new and one-year-old barrels for 14 months. Drinking Window 2026 – 2035.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today for the magnum!
 
Delas Freres Côte-Rôtie 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 Crozes-Hermitage Le Clos 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $59, that’s $56.05 at 5% off and $53.10 at 10% off, 11 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 93 points
“Sleek and refined, with a smoldering bay and cast iron hints along the edges of a core of dark cherry and plum preserve notes. Juicy, yet restrained, iron-tinged finish. Drink now through 2030. 500 cases made, 83 cases imported. –JM”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92-94 points “A deeply perfumed bouquet evokes ripe black/blue fruits, olive and potpourri, and a mineral element adds lift. Sappy and penetrating on the palate, offering broad-shouldered boysenberry, bitter cherry and candied violet flavors that are given spine and lift by a core of juicy acidity. Shows sharp focus on the penetrating finish, where dusty, slow-building tannins add gentle grip and focus.”
 
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 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 Bessards 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $249, that’s $236.55 at 5% off and $224.10 at 10% off, 36+ bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 97-98 points
“Inky violet. Displays assertive aromas of blackcurrant, cherry-cola and violet, along with olive, smoked meat and vanilla nuances that gain strength with aeration. Vibrant, focused and appealingly sweet, offering intense, mineraldriven black and blue fruit, floral pastille and smoky bacon flavors that become deeper and spicier as the wine opens up. The floral note comes back strong on the impressively long, penetrating finish, which features youthfully chewy.”
 
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.”
Decanter 96 points “Plum, damson and blackberry coulis. Dense fruit, very fine tannins and a seamless texture. The alcohol here is quite high, but it’s a very impressive wine nonetheless, with great concentration and length, not to mention fine tannins and balanced acidity. An authentic expression of the Hill. There is some cinnamon and cola oak spice running through it and the fruit can take it, it’s well balanced. From lieu-dit Les Grandes Vignes, the highest plot on the hill of Hermitage, a new cuvée first made in 2015. Drinking Window 2026 – 2038.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today for the magnum!
 
Delas Freres Saint-Joseph Sainte-Épine 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $79, that’s $75.05 at 5% off and $71.10 at 10% off, 24 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 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”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 93-95 points “A highly fragrant bouquet evokes ripe, mineral-accented black/blue fruits, Moroccan spices, olive and candied flowers, along with a smoky mineral element that builds as the wine opens up. Juicy, energetic and focused on the palate, offering appealingly sweet boysenberry, cherry preserve and violet pastille flavors that deepen steadily through the midpalate. The floral note resonates on the impressively long finish, which features well-knit tannins and a smoky mineral quality.”
 
Shop our thirteen Delas selections now!


 
Vinopolis Close-Out Sale Featurette:

Jérôme Chezeaux
 
Jérôme Chezeaux makes wines that epitomize our favorite sort of Burgundy: age-worthy, full of character, and built on a core of minerality, but priced a tier below what the wines deliver. Make no mistake—Chézeaux crafts wines that can be poured with the finest producers in Nuits, but cost 25% less. In warmer vintages he really shines, as the heat buttresses his mineral style with broader shoulders and more generous fruit.
 
“From the moment we encountered Chézeaux’s 2017s, shortly after they completed malolactic fermentation, we knew this was a special, potentially career-making collection. The wines, which had been neither racked nor sulfured at that point, raised goosebumps with their purity of fruit, their startling transmission of site character, and their haunting equilibrium; these are wines into which one can peer deeply…” – Neal Rosenthal
 
In Stock and On Close-Out Now:
 
Jérôme Chezeaux Nuits-Saint-Georges, Burgundy 2017 750ml Was $59, Now $52.50, 12 bottles in stock now
Importer Note
“Chezeaux’s holdings of villages-level Nuits-Saint-Georges encompass 3.3 hectares spread throughout the appellation, with a significant proportion from the vineyards of Aux Saint Julien and Chaliots. In keeping with the spirit of the underlying terroir, this is wilder in character than the Vosne-Romanée, marked by notes of iron, and with a rambunctious bent to its tannins. Never deficient in fruit, it offers plenty of earth and sous-bois elements as well, all in a driving fashion.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

We offer 158 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:

Friuli
 
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of Friuli wines
10% off any 6 or more in-stock bottles of Friuli wines

 
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.

 
Friuli sale ends Sunday, March 16th at 9 am Pacific.

Friuli Sale 3-13-25

In This Newsletter:
 
Friuli Sale Featuring Vie di Romans
Close-Out Featurette: Screaming Eagle

 
Italy’s Home for Aromatic Whites!
 
Stock Up & Save On

 
Friuli-Venezia Giulia

 
The northern Italian region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, typically shortened to Friuli, is home to some of Italy’s most delicious and fragrant white wines. Its success comes from the combination of aromatic whites (such as Friulano, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Malvasia) and the incredible terroir along the foothills of the Alps. The Isonzo subregion is of particular note. It sits beside the Isonzo River, for which it is named, and its soils consist of alluvial fans and its climate is notable for the wide diurnal shifts in temperature between the warm days and cool night.
 
Vie di Romans is one of the flagship wineries of Friuli—arguably the greatest white-wine producing region in Italy. Named for the ancient Roman road that defines one of their vineyards, they sit in the prestigious Isonzo section of the region, with a warmer micro-climate that makes developing powerful, rich whites easier.
 
Gianfranco Gallo has managed his family’s estate since 1978 and oversaw significant renovations in subsequent years. Today, this estate is focused on crafting the highest quality, impactful whites.

Those whites are held back an extra year before release and age beautifully—a tribute to the fine balance between power and minerality that makes these some of the most intriguing, food-friendly bottles around. Their attention to detail is the key to producing wines with beauty, mystery, wildness and elegance all in one bottle.

They craft lush Chardonnays and complex Sauvignon Blancs. Their indigenous whites include the ‘Dolée’ Friulano and the Flors di Uis blend. The Dolée has fascinating aromatics of green herbs and ripe citrus, with a rich and decedent body. The Flors du Uis is a blend of Malvasia Istriana, Riesling (referred to as “Rhein Riesling”), and Friulano. This wine is exotic and aromatic, with beautiful richness and a dry finish.
 
Given the quality of the wines, we always expect their prices to be higher—but Friuli remains one of the last great bargains for exceptional bottles. If you’re a drinker of Sancerre, top-end California Chardonnay, or white Burgundy, you owe it to yourself to stock your cellar with these, especially during our sale.

5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of Friuli wines
10% off any 6 or more in-stock bottles of Friuli wines

 
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.

 
Sale ends Sunday, March 16th at 9 am Pacific.
 
We offer nine in-stock Friuli options on sale now, including:
 
Jermann Pinot Grigio Venezia Giulia IGT, Friuli Venezia Giulia 2022 750ml Displayed Price: $24, that’s $22.80 at 5% off and $21.60 at 10% off, 12 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 92 points
“This classic Pinot Grigio’s aromas flow out of the glass showing fresh orchard notes, white flowers, lemon drop candy and crushed stone. It’s lively on the palate with the sprightly levity of lemon zest, green apple skin, wild green herbs and a zip of acidity.”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
 
Terlato Family Vineyards Pinot Grigio Colli Orientali del Friuli, Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2022 750ml Displayed Price: $16, that’s $15.20 at 5% off and $14.40 at 10% off, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 90 points
“Fresh and balanced, with a citrusy overtone of grapefruit pith and citronella, this shows flavors of crunchy white peach, chive blossoms and minerally saline and stone, followed by a creamy finish. Drink now through 2026. 40,000 cases imported.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $18.49
 
Vie di Romans Chardonnay, Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2022 750ml Displayed Price: $44.50, that’s $42.28 at 5% off and $40.05 at 10% off, 36+ bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-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 finishes youthfully tense, structured and spicy, with hints of baked pear and cardamom that resonate. While a bit backward today, the potential here is off 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.”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
 
Vie di Romans Ciampagnis Vieris Chardonnay, Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2022 750ml Displayed Price: $39.50, that’s $37.53 at 5% off and $35.55 at 10% off, 36+ bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-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 flourish of apricot toward the close. Incredibly fresh and dramatically long, the Ciampagnis finishes with staining length and gently tannic, leaving a pleasantly tart sensation that lingers.”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
 
Vie di Romans ‘Dolée’ Friulano, Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2021 750ml Displayed Price: $44.50, that’s $42.28 at 5% off and $40.05 at 10% off, 34 bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-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 finishes with outstanding length and is spicy with lingering tropical melon notes…”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
 
Vie di Romans Flors di Uis, Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2022 750ml Displayed Price: $41.90, that’s $39.81 at 5% off and $37.71 at 10% off, 36 bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-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.”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
 
Vie di Romans Piere Sauvignon Blanc, Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2021 750ml Displayed Price: $49, that’s $46.55 at 5% off and $44.10 at 10% off, 14 bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-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, fruit-focused, yet truly seductive Sauvignon.”
 
Vie di Romans Piere Sauvignon Blanc, Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2022 750ml Displayed Price: $44.50, that’s $42.28 at 5% off and $40.05 at 10% off, 35 bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 93 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.”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
 
Vie di Romans Vieris Sauvignon Blanc, Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2021 750ml Displayed Price: $44.50, that’s $42.28 at 5% off and $40.05 at 10% off, 22 bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-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 finishes potent and spicy, leaving the palate saturated in an intense staining of primary concentration. The potential here is off the charts, but today, the Vieris is one of the most backward wines out of the 2021 portfolio. [Reviewed April 2023].”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
 
Shop our nine Friuli selections now!


 
Vinopolis Close-Out Sale Featurette:

Screaming Eagle
 
One of America’s most famous Merlots!
 
In Stock and On Close-Out Sale Now:
 
Screaming Eagle ‘The Flight’, Napa Valley 2019 750ml Was $1,099, Now $999, 3 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 99 points
“Extremely floral and aromatic with violets and lavender throughout. Black olives, too. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, very fine-grained tannins that run the length of the wine. Goes on for minutes. A greenish undertone comes out at the end with some spearmint, green tea and green olive. About two-thirds merlot. Best after 2028, but already stunning.”
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 97 points “The 2019 The Flight, the estate’s Merlot-based wine, is dark, powerful and brooding in demeanor, almost shockingly so. The natural concentration of a year with low yields and small berries is very much in evidence. A rush of black cherry, plum, graphite, lavender and blue/purplish fruit builds as this virile, explosive wine shows off its arresting beauty. In a word: impressive.”

We offer 158 wines on our Close-Out Sale in stock now.
 
Shop the sale on our webstore now!


 
Don’t miss our additional sales going on now:

German 375ml
 
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of German 375ml
10% off any 6 or more in-stock bottles of German 375ml

 
Domestic Sparklers
 
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of Domestic Sparklers
10% off any 6 or more in-stock bottles of Domestic Sparklers

 
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
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German 375ml sale ends Friday, March 14th at 9 am Pacific. Domestic Sparklers sale ends Saturday, March 15th at 9 am Pacific.