Category Archives: Newsletter Archive

Vietti Wines Can Be Yours At 10% Off! 1-26-25

 

We are lifetime lovers of Vietti here at Vinopolis. Faithful customers have noticed we periodically feature this producer at a must-buy discount and lucky individuals are quick to act during the 3-day window. Well, we’re back it! These wines are up to 10% off on orders of 6 or more bottles and you won’t find better prices anywhere else. Period.

A little context on Vietti…

The Vietti Winery’s prestige speaks for itself and any attempt at describing their merits would be only a carbon copy of what the world has been saying for years. These wines are good. REALLY good. It’s no surprise because the estate has some of the most envious vineyard holdings to be found in all of Barolo.

Here’s the simple reason why you should acquire and drink Vietti wines: they’re underpriced. Yep. You heard what I said. The quality that this estate is achieving year after year is on an absolute par with the most expensive and legendary Barolo producers that exist. Pick a name: Giacomo Conterno, Bartolo Mascarello, Burlotto, Rinaldi, Altare, etc. etc. I guarantee you that Vietti can stand up to all of them and provide drinking pleasure and longevity that will amaze you.

The key to Vietti’s success has been the mastery over both modern and traditional approaches in winemaking. Rather than rest on the assumption that the old ways are best, or be seduced by the notion that new is always better, Vietti has chosen its own path. The wines are given traditional extended maceration in the winery to extract ample tannin and complex aroma from the nebbiolo grape skins before they’re matured in a combination of both barrique and large oak vessels. The approach is never heavy handed but always done to achieve the perfect balance between finesse, aromatic intensity, and ageworthy structure.

This estate treats all of its wines with immense care and you can taste the passion across the entire portfolio. In recent years I’ve been overwhelmingly impressed by not only the cru Barolos but also the entry level barberas, langhe nebbiolos, and whites of Arneis and Timorasso. There isn’t a single bottle of Vietti that I’ve opened which hasn’t been a pleasure to drink. And trust me, the bottle doesn’t last long once it’s opened.

Take advantage of the discounts below while you can because they won’t last long!
 

Buy any 3-5 bottles for a 5% discount

Buy any 6+ bottles for a 10% discount

Discounts will be applied after orders are received.

Offer ends on Wednesday January 26th at 9AM PST


 
Incredible Selections of Vietti Available now:
 

Vietti Barolo Brunate 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $219, that’s $208.05 at 5% off and $197.10 at 10% off, 6 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 97 points: “Harmonious and seductive with endless counts of aromas in good depth. Strawberries, crushed raspberries, fresh lavender, tile, mineral and mild spices. Medium to full body with chalky, powerful tannins. Bright and tense at the center with extensive development with sour cherries, mineral, white pepper and grapefruit. The lengthy finish is focused, precise and taut.”
Vinous 94 points: “The 2020 Barolo Brunate is a dark, beguiling wine. Black cherry, dried herbs, leather, game, licorice and incense lend gorgeous sepia-toned nuance. Brooding and inward, the 2020 clearly needs time. It is a super-classic Brunate that is hard to read in the early going, but the weight, substance and power are clearly there. Dense, meaty and dark, the 2020 shows Serralunga-like intensity.”

Vietti Barolo Castiglione 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $59, that’s $56.05 at 5% off and $53.10 at 10% off, 24 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 94 points: “Racy and focused. I like the aromas of lavender, violet and white roses alongside strawberry, cranberry and stone. Medium body, with firm and fine tannins that are long and succulent. It’s fine and polished.”
Vinous 93 points: “Fragrant, polished and vibrant right out of the gate, the 2020 Barolo Castiglione displays beautifully-lifted notes of crushed red berry fruit, rose petal, mint, white pepper and orange peel. This classically built, mid-weight Barolo is classy to the core. Like all the 2020s here, it will benefit from time in bottle or a good decant.”

Vietti Barolo Cerequio 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $219, that’s $208.05 at 5% off and $197.10 at 10% off, 6 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 97 points: “Impressive depth of color and brightness from this Cerequio that comes with so much fruit. So fragrant and complex. Fresh brambly raspberries, red cherries, grapefruit and mineral. Pure, ripe and racy, with fully resolved tannins and a tense, compact finish. Expressive and impressive! Vegan. Already approachable for the depth of fruit, but better from 2027 for additional complexity.”
Vinous 95+ points: “The 2020 Barolo Cerequio once again confirms that buying this vineyard is one of the smartest decisions Vietti ever made. A wine of nuance and class, the Cerequio captures all the pedigree of this great site. Crushed red berry fruit, kirsch, blood orange, spice and mint soar out of the glass, all framed by nervy tannins that convey classicism. This is an exotic, racy Barolo.”

Vietti Barolo Lazzarito 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $219, that’s $208.05 at 5% off and $197.10 at 10% off, 6 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 96 points: “There is a little more savoriness here, showing contained power. Tar and dark minerality. Plenty of forest berries, dried orange peel, frozen grapefruit and raspberries. Very structured and full-bodied, with firm, chewy tannins rendering the bold austere quality to the wine. But at the end, this is focused and taut, with a crunchy, spicy finish full of length. From organically grown grapes. Vegan. Drinkable now if you are willing to embrace austerity, but this should be better from 2027.”
Vinous 93 points: “The 2020 Barolo Lazzarito is a blend of fruit picked before and after the early October rains. It marries power and finesse to a notable degree. Dark red fruit, menthol, licorice, crushed rocks and dried herbs open nicely in the glass. This is a bit light for a Serralunga Barolo, although the tannic structure is there. This is missing a bit of personality.

Vietti Barolo Ravera 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $219, that’s $208.05 at 5% off and $197.10 at 10% off, 6 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 97 points: “This is seriously structured and powerful, with aromas of iron, blood, frozen raspberries, grapefruit zest and mild spices. Broad-shouldered and muscular, with firm, very present tannins that grip the palate. More taut and crunchy than the other single vineyards of Vietti. Impressive length and tension. Better from 2028.”
Vinous 95 points: “The 2020 Barolo Ravera is the most inward and tannic of these wines. That is Ravera. It will need years to be at its best. Gravel, crushed rocks, spice, menthol, licorice and dark-toned fruit open with some coaxing. This is a classic Barolo built on a core of searing tannin and energy. Superb.”

Vietti Barolo Rocche di Castiglione 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $219, that’s $208.05 at 5% off and $197.10 at 10% off, 6 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 98 points: “This is a beautiful Rocche di Castiglione that shows fine fragrance and an incredibly supple, ethereal texture. It’s medium-bodied and very well composed, with an array of fresh red cherries, strawberries, white roses, mineral, frozen raspberries and mild spices. Super silky and long, with a crunchy red-fruited finish. From organically grown grapes. Vegan. Tension and lightness in the mouth. A wonderful Barolo. Drink from 2027.”
Vinous 96 points: “The 2020 Barolo Rocche di Castiglione is superb. Sensual, silky and wonderfully nuanced, the 2020 is seriously impressive. Crushed flowers, mint, spice, cedar and blood orange are beautifully layered. There’s a bit more volume and breadth than in the past, but it works. The 2020 is a classic Rocche that needs a bit of time.”

Vietti Barolo Monvigliero 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $299, that’s $284.05 at 5% off and $269.10 at 10% off, 6 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 97 points: “Pure and lively, with superb finesse. It’s racy and juicy with very fine tannins that grow at the end of the palate. Red berries, pink grapefruit, tile, white pepper and mineral. Succulent, with intense red berries and floral notes at the end. Very long and firm, with great elegance and agility. From organically grown grapes. Vegan. Drink from 2027.”
Vinous 95+ points: “The 2020 Barolo Monvigliero is a powerful, driving wine that is going to need time to fully blossom. Today, it is so primary. Bright acids and veins of tannin lend drive. The 2020 is long on fruit, but it is also quite reticent, even by Monvigliero standards. My sense is that this needs a lot of time to be at its best.”

Vietti Barolo Lazzarito 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $239, that’s $227.05 at 5% off and $215.10 at 10% off, 21 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 98 points: “With fruit from Serralunga d’Alba, the Vietti 2019 Barolo Lazzarito is a historic cornerstone wine of this mighty portfolio. It is also one of the Vietti Barolos that consistently delivers extreme quality and pleasure with each new release. Like the other wines presented here, winemaking is straightforward, with submerged cap fermentations lasting 30 to 35 days (although those times were reduced in 2019 because this vintage was not suited to long maceration times). Serralunga d’Alba always delivers power and richness. There are aromas of dried tobacco leaf, perfumed tea, crushed rose and iron ore. The bouquet is extremely expressive.”
Vinous 97 points: “The 2019 Barolo Lazzarito continues a trend seen in recent years in which the focus has been more about finesse than raw power. Intense red fruit, iron, dried herbs, chalk, dried rose petal and white pepper all run through this deep, virile Barolo. The power and intensity of Serralunga really come alive on the heady, explosive finish. Bright saline notes linger on the deep, resonant finish. A Barolo of raw, unbridled power, the Lazzarito demands patience.”

Vietti Barolo Cerequio 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $249, that’s $236.55 at 5% off and $224.10 at 10% off, 4 bottles in stock now
Vinous 98 points: “The 2019 Barolo Cerequio is a worthy follow-up to the stellar 2018. Aromatic and deeply pitched, the 2019 races across the palate with remarkable depth and intensity. Crushed red berry fruit, rose petal, mint, and cinnamon all open in the glass, but it is the wine’s silkiness and suppleness that impresses most. A kick of acids and tannins puts an exclamation point on the finish. This is a gorgeous Cerequio that takes all the finesse this site offers, and then turns up the volume. What a wine.”
Wine Advocate 97+ points: “Vietti was able to buy a 9,000-square meter piece of Cerequio from Michele Chiarlo, arguably the king of this celebrated cru. And because this is a new addition to the portfolio, the Vietti team is still learning the ropes. For example, there is a fresh minty tone that pops up from the bouquet of the 2019 Barolo Cerequio. ‘That minty note was a mystery to us,’ Luca Currado tells me. ‘But then we understood that it’s part of Cerequio.’ This wine shows a firm grip on the palate that does extend out to include some textural softness, but it ultimately remains quite structured. Among the grand cru sites of La Morra, Luca Currado tells me that ‘Cerequio is the brother and Brunate is the sister.’ His wife Elena Penna adds, ‘We’ve never had two sites so close to one another show such a great difference between them.'”

Vietti Barolo Ravera 2018 750ml Displayed Price: $199, that’s $189.05 at 5% off and $179.10 at 10% off, 12 bottles in stock now
Vinous 95+ points: “The 2018 Barolo Ravera is a wine of real depth and vertical structure. As always, the Ravera is a taut, nervy Barolo built on energy more than volume. Readers will have to be patient, as the Ravera is likely to require a number of years to be at its most expressive. Even in the early going, it is vibrant and full of life. Rose petal, chalk, blood orange, and white pepper lend striking exotic top notes that are quite suggestive of what the future is going to bring. What a gorgeous Barolo this is.”
Wine Advocate 95 points: “Vietti is one of a handful of estates to bring the Ravera MGA of Novello to the current popularity it enjoys now. Their 2018 Barolo Ravera has a smoky personality with crushed stone and pencil shavings. There is plenty of dark fruit at the back, ripe cherry and blackberry mostly, and the wine is tonic and firm in terms of its structure and tannins. The Ravera is a wine of enormous length and a finely tuned texture. Exactly 7,560 bottles were made.”

Vietti Barolo Riserva 2015 750ml Displayed Price: $149, that’s $141.55 at 5% off and $134.10 at 10% off, 3 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 97 points: “The 2015 Barolo Riserva is a masterpiece from Vietti, and it represents the pinnacle of what the estate does with Barolo. A blend of fruit from the best parcels in Castiglione Falletto, Serralunga d’Alba, and Monforte d’Alba, this wine is deep, dark, and immensely concentrated. The bouquet opens to dark fruit, rose, wet stone, and tobacco, and there’s an extra layer of complexity that elevates the wine even further. On the palate, this Riserva is full-bodied, with a firm, tannic structure and enormous aging potential. The wine is a complete package, showing power, elegance, and length, with tannins that frame the finish beautifully.”
Vinous 96 points: “The 2015 Barolo Riserva is a wine of extraordinary intensity. It is one of the most tannic and concentrated wines in the entire Vietti lineup. The fruit is dark, layered, and incredibly deep. Notes of leather, rose petal, tobacco, and graphite emerge over time, adding layers of nuance to the wine. On the palate, the 2015 Barolo Riserva is structured and powerful, with a long finish that seems to go on forever. It is a wine that will benefit from many years in the cellar, where it will continue to develop and evolve.”

Vietti Moscato D’Asti 2023 750ml Displayed Price: $19, that’s $18.05 at 5% off and $17.10 at 10% off, 21 bottles in stock now
Winery Note: “Bright straw-yellow color with slightly shimmering hints of gold. Intense aromas of ripe yellow fruit (peach, apricot), floral notes (rose petal) and hints of ginger. Sweet and delicate on the palate, with modest acidity, and good balance and complexity. Hints of fresh apricot on the finish. Drink as an aperitif, perfect accompaniment to Pan-Asian cuisine and lobster as well as pastry, fruit-based and creamy desserts and blue cheeses.”

Vietti Barbera d’Alba Vigna Scarrone 2021 750ml Displayed Price: $54, that’s $51.30 at 5% off and $48.60 at 10% off, 11 bottles in stock now
Winery Note: “Intense ruby red in color, with a deep aroma of dark cherries, blackberries, and spices. The palate is full-bodied and complex, with bright acidity and silky tannins that provide structure and depth. Hints of chocolate and tobacco linger on the long finish. Perfect with roasted meats, pasta with truffle sauce, and aged cheeses.”

Vietti Langhe Nebbiolo Perbacco 2021 750ml Displayed Price: $32, that’s $30.40 at 5% off and $28.80 at 10% off, 15 bottles in stock now
Winery Note: “A deep ruby-red Nebbiolo with bright aromas of cherry, rose petals, and subtle spice. The palate is lively and balanced, with silky tannins and fresh acidity. This ‘baby Barolo’ delivers complexity and elegance, making it a great introduction to Vietti’s Nebbiolo wines. Perfect with roasted poultry, grilled vegetables, and mushroom-based dishes.”

Vietti Dolcetto d’Alba Tre Vigne 2022 750ml Displayed Price: $22, that’s $20.90 at 5% off and $19.80 at 10% off, 20 bottles in stock now
Winery Note: “Deep purple in color, with aromas of dark fruit, blackberries, and hints of violets and spice. On the palate, it’s fresh and lively, with medium body, soft tannins, and a crisp, fruit-driven finish. A delightful wine that pairs well with charcuterie, pasta dishes, and grilled meats.”

Vietti Timorasso – Derthona Colli Tortonesi 2022 750ml Displayed Price: $39, that’s $37.05 at 5% off and $35.10 at 10% off, 8 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 91 points: “This classic Timorasso showcases a distinctive herbal edge, with layers of aromas and flavors. The nose offers crisp green apple and lemon pith, hinting at the wine’s vibrant character. On the palate, the green-apple notes become more pronounced, with a tart quality that adds to the freshness. The lemon pith brings a bitter, zesty dimension, complementing the wine’s herbal undertones, which evoke sensations of freshly crushed thyme and sage. These flavors intertwine seamlessly, creating a complex and textured experience that highlights the unique attributes of the Timorasso grape. Drink now–2035.”

Karlsmuhle: Regal Ruwer 1-25-25

In This Newsletter:
 
Karlsmuhle
Close-Out Featurette: Aldo Conterno

 
Dive into the Ruwer’s Elegant Rieslings
 
Stock Up & Save On
 
Karlsmuhle
 
Weingut Karlsmühle dates back to 1803, when Johann Karls purchased the property. After the acquisition, the family began the process of building the jewel of Mertesdorf-Lorenzhof. The estate has passed through various branches of the family. It’s now owned and operated by Peter Geiben, who has managed the estate since 1996.
 
Karlsmühle is nestled in the Ruwer, formerly known as Mosel-Saar-Ruwer. It is one of the most unique of the Mosel sub-regions and tiny, making up only 2% of the Mosel’s vineyard land. Steep slopes rich in slate soil surround the small feeder streams of the Ruwer, representing some of the finest vineyard land in the region. The winery sits at the bend of this tiny river, across the main road from one of the most internationally famous wineries of the region: Maximin Grunhaus.
 
Across the river lies a massive slope bedecked in fine vineyard land. This are Lorenzhöf’s vineyards [pictured above], which includes a monopole the estate. This slope is the steepest terroir in the Ruwer. The soils are composed of clayey slate layered with quartzite. Karlsmuhle’s vines are very old; their roots stretch deep into the rocky soil in search of scant water.
 
The steepness of the vineyards means most of the work is done by hand, from replanting to each pass during harvest. In the winery, the wines are fermented with natural yeasts and gently processed mostly into dry or off-dry wines.
 
Johannes Selbach, owner and magician behind Selbach-Oster, personally selected these wines for our shop. Johannes is the humble tastemaker behind US importer Terry Theise, one of the most important American figures in the modern revitalization of interest in German Rieslings.

When he offered us hand-pick wines for us to exclusively carry in the United States, we jumped at the chance. Karlsmühle is one of several estates he chose, alongside C.H. Berres, Crusius, Kees-Kieren, and Prinz, as well as a few exclusive imports from his winery. The fact that there are few reviews of these wines is more an indication of their rarity than their quality.
 
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of Karlsmuhle
10% off any 6 or more in-stock bottles of Karlsmuhle
 
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
 
Sale ends Tuesday, January 28th at 9 am Pacific.
 
We offer twelve Karlsmuhle options on sale now, including:
 
Weingut Karlsmuhle Lorenzhofer Riesling Kabinett Trocken 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $19, that’s $18.05 at 5% off and $17.10 at 10% off, 22 bottles in stock now
VinopolNote: This dry Riesling is yellow/green in the glass, with an expressive nose and palate that reveals flavors of apricot and peaches. The mouthfeel is mouthwatering, with a perfect amount of juicy acidity and a refreshing and dry finish.
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!
 
Weingut Karlsmuhle Lorenzhofer Riesling Spätlese Old Vine Trocken 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $24, that’s $22.80 at 5% off and $21.60 at 10% off, 32 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “The Lorenzhöfer vineyards are held by us in exclusive possession of property. They are the steepest in the whole Ruwer valley, and the soil is characterized by clay slate with quartzite layers and a thin upper floor layer above the rocks. In our vineyards there are – for the most part – old, deep-rooted Riesling wines, which are in an ever-lasting “struggle for survival” with nature every year, finding their vital water reserve deep down in the rocky subsoil. Under such “stressful” life conditions, the typical classical Riesling wine delivers its highest assimilation performance, its mineral material and nutrient input from our extraordinary slate formations.”
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!
 
Weingut Karlsmuhle Lorenzhofer Riesling Spätlese Old Vine Trocken 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $21.90, that’s $20.81 at 5% off and $19.71 at 10% off, 21 bottles in stock now
VinopolNote: Made from Old Vines this dry spatlese has 3.2 g/l of residual sugar that highlights the ripe stone fruit of the wines flavor profile, with a clean and mineral structure and finish. This wine is refreshing and resolved, that makes both a great porch or pairing wine.

This is the only listing in the USA today!
 
Weingut Karlsmuhle Kaseler Nies’chen Riesling Kabinett Feinherb 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $19, that’s $18.05 at 5% off and $17.10 at 10% off, 35 bottles in stock now
Wein Plus 87 points “Fresh, cool, somewhat smoky citrus stone fruit nose with herbal aromas and mineral nuances. Cool, bright and fresh again in the mouth, fine herbal and delicately yeasty aromas, polished acidity, delicate grip, moderate sweetness, distinct minerality, persistent, a hint of dark berries, good to very good, fine-juicy finish with bite and minerality.”
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!

Weingut Karlsmuhle Kaseler Nies’chen Kabinett Riesling 2019 750ml Was $19, Displayed Price: $16, that’s $15.20 at 5% off and $14.40 at 10% off, 22 bottles in stock now
No reviews available for the 2019 vintage. 2018 review provided for reference.
David Schildknecht-Vinous 90 points “Pear, apple, quince, white currant and lime signal on the nose that this wine originated with crunchier and higher-acid Riesling berries than did the corresponding Kabinett feinherb. That is confirmed by a bright, tangy palate impression, though buoyancy is accompanied by quite pronounced sweetness, which generates a bit of edgy tension with the wine’s tart and tangy aspects. A lovely thread of honeysuckle perfume runs through this whole performance. And the aforementioned tension proves reasonably productive, inasmuch as the lightly sweet-sour finish is invigoratingly nippy in its evocations of apple skin and currant seeds. It’s also lusciously fruity and admirably clear. You could certainly mount a convincing case that this wine is Spätlese-typical, but then, that’s true about a great many vintage 2018 Rieslings that are labeled “Kabinett,” including some truly delicious ones. (Drink between 2020-2030).”
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!
 
Weingut Karlsmuhle Kaseler Nies’chen Kabinett Riesling 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $19, that’s $18.05 at 5% off and $17.10 at 10% off, 22 bottles in stock now
Falstaff Magazine 91 points “The Kabinett from the old vines attracts more with gentle restraint than demonstrative aromatics. The fruit is discreet with hints of peach and gooseberry, a touch of icing sugar encourages sweet expectations. On the palate, a creamy orange mousse is ingratiating, the taste of grated citrus peel adds a spicy nuance, and icing of the finest kind provides a seductive finish.”
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!

Weingut Karlsmuhle Kaseler Nies’chen Spatlese Riesling 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $21.90, that’s $20.81 at 5% off and $19.71 at 10% off, 28 bottles in stock now
Vineyard Note by Weingut Von Nell-Breuning “The Kaseler Nies’chen is one of the Ruwer Valley’s premium vineyards and enjoys a reputation all over the world. The blue/coppery coloured deep-lying clay-slate dating from the Devonian era reveals the high mineral content of the ground at first glance. It produces wines of finely structured, subtle minerality, with well-balanced acid and lots of fruit, body and play. The Nies’chen is a south-facing slope with an inclination of up to 70%.”
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!
 
Weingut Karlsmuhle Kaseler Nies’chen Spätlese Select Riesling 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $33, that’s $31.35 at 5% off and $29.70 at 10% off, 35 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “Sourced from what is considered the top vineyard site in the Ruwer river valley—“Kaseler Nie’schen”—this is a Riesling of palate-coating depth and profound minerality, perfectly balancing its spätlese-level residual sugar with an electric charge of acidity. A wide range of ‘secondary’ Riesling aromas and flavors have begun to develop as the wine nears a decade of age, and yet the wine refreshes and enlivens the palate as only Riesling can.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!
 
Weingut Karlsmuhle Kaseler Nies’chen Riesling Auslese Lange Goldkapsel 2017 750ml Was $41.90, Displayed Price: $33, that’s $31.35 at 5% off and $29.70 at 10% off, 14 bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott (Suckling) 93 points “Stand back as this riesling fireball arrives! Full of energy with a dynamic interplay of citrusy acidity and aromatic sweetness, which ranges from peaches and blackcurrants to mint. With more length, this would have been rated even higher. Drink or hold.”
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!
 
Weingut Karlsmuhle Kaseler Nies’chen Riesling Auslese Lange Goldkapsel 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $38, that’s $36.10 at 5% off and $34.20 at 10% off, 6 bottles in stock now
VinopolNote: This dessert wine, labeled as a LGK which refers to the higher amount of botrytized grapes, is expressive on the nose and palate with notes of citrus and orchard fruit showing. The sweetness is well balanced in both the flavor, weight, and viscosity with a mineral backbone and a clean and acidic structure. A perfect dessert wine to pair with a baked good packed with fruit.
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!
 
Weingut Karlsmuhle Lorenzhofer Riesling Eiswein 2008 375ml Displayed Price: $69, that’s $65.55 at 5% off and $62.10 at 10% off, 3 half-bottles in stock now
David Schildknecht-Wine Advocate 91 points “…Scents of gardenia, quince and apricot preserves, and caramel lead into a smoothly-polished and not at all aggressive palate with honey and caramel elements of botrytis and a faint prickle of Eiswein typical lemon rind and pit fruit distillates. Nut oils, fruit preserves, marzipan, caramel, malt and brown spices inform a long and for the genre surprisingly low-toned and gentle finish that carries considerable superficial sweetness but also reflects vintage-typical buoyancy…”
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!
 
Weingut Karlsmuhle Lorenzhofer Trockenbeerenauslese 2007 375ml Was $119, Displayed Price: $99, that’s $94.05 at 5% off and $89.10 at 10% off, 22 half-bottles in stock now
David Schildknecht-Wine Advocate 93+ points “…Dried peach, apricot, and date mingle with quince preserves, licorice and further suggestions of herbal concentrate both on the nose and palate. While impressively viscous, this preserves a welcome lightness of touch and vivacity illustrative of the best aspects of the vintage, and its residual sugar is remarkably restrained in expression…”
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!
 
Shop our twelve selections now from Karlsmuhle!


 
Vinopolis Close-Out Sale Featurette:
 
Aldo Conterno
 
Son of the famous Giacomo Conterno, Aldo purchased his own estate, Favot, in 1969 to explore alternatives to the strictly traditional methods of the family estate. He took inspiration from Angelo Gaja and from his experiences while traveling in the United States.
 
Although he introduced some modern winemaking techniques that improved the quality of the wines, including temperature-controlled fermentation, he never fully embraced the “modern” heavily oak-influenced style. He eschewed new oak on the Barolos and continued to hand-harvest the grapes, using gentle pressing and shorter macerations in the cellar.
 
The results were polished and elegant wines with pure and bold fruit profiles. Since his passing in 2012, his three sons have run the estate. These are standard bearer wines for the region, and worthy of a dedicated spot in your cellar.
 
Find out for yourself what has wowed the critics by picking up the few remaining bottles while our additional discount on our Close-Out Sale is running!
 
In Stock and On Close-Out Sale Now:
 
Poderi Aldo Conterno Colonnello, Barolo DOCG 2017 750ml Was $179, Now $149, 1 bottle in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 94+ points “The Poderi Aldo Conterno 2017 Barolo Bussia Colonnello shows good focus, structure and a sharper character that is often the distinguishing factor in this wine. The bouquet is redolent of dark fruit and plum, but it also shows a solid framing of iron ore and dark stony mineral. These give the wine greater lift and contoured edges. This is not the first time that Colonnello is my favorite wine in this lineup, and I suspect it won’t be the last.”
 
Poderi Aldo Conterno Granbussia, Barolo Riserva DOCG 2012 750ml Was $889, Now $789, 6 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 95 points “The earthy, woodsy aromas show some evolution in this red, with just a hint of white truffle, yet there’s still a hefty dose of spicy oak to be resolved. Rich and sumptuous midpalate, showing plum, cherry, tar and tobacco flavors shaded by vanilla and toasty spices, with firm, dusty tannins laying a grip on the long finish. Give this another year or two in the cellar. Best from 2024 through 2042. From Italy. —B.S.”
 
We offer 181 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:

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
 
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of Gran Selezione
10% off any 6 or more in-stock bottles of Gran Selezione
 
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
 
Gran Selezione sale ends Sunday, January 26th at 9 am Pacific.

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Sale 1-23-25

In This Newsletter:
 
Chianti’s Gran Selezione
Close-Out Featurette: Huet

 
The Pinnacle of Chianti
 
Stock Up & Save On
 
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
 
Chianti represents one of the most cherished and well-known winemaking regions in all of Italy. It is undergoing a rebirth that is decades in the making. Given the region’s disastrous association with straw-wrapped bottles (did “fiasco” refer to the jug or the wine within?), for a while it was best known for causing serious winemakers to flee to the hills or to drop the appellation name altogether just to be able to make something better. Lucky for us, that rebirth is just hitting its stride.
 
Today, at the top of the Chianti range, there is a new category: the Gran Selezione. Not only does it undergo longer aging that Chianti Classico Riserva, thirty months, and require a higher minimum percentage of Sangiovese, at 90%, but it also has more stringent quality control requirements. Gran Selezione must be crafted from estate-grown grapes from within the Chianti Classico zone, either a single-vineyard or a reserve selection. Additionally, it must pass a tasting panel performed by the Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico against its peers.
 
Though the bureaucratic response to Chianti’s quality was slow, it has arrived. When once the DOC allowed for white grapes and thin wine, the focus is ever more on quality. Gran Selezione allows producers to highlight the terroir of the Classico zone in a way that results in wines that, to quote Decanter, “will certainly age for 30 years.” And Ian D’Agata explained further: “At the time, there were those who weren’t sure Gran Selezione would work… But I think it has been a remarkable success and has produced some genuinely outstanding wines.”
 
The regulations have set up Gran Selezione to be Chianti’s pinnacle. We’re fortunate to watch the birth of a new wave of outstanding quality from Chianti. Here’s your chance to explore.
 
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of Gran Selezione
10% off any 6 or more in-stock bottles of Gran Selezione
 
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
 
Sale ends Sunday, January 26th at 9 am Pacific.
 
We offer ten Gran Selezione options on sale now, including:
 
Castello di Ama Vigneto La Casuccia, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2018 750ml Displayed Price: $239, that’s $227.05 at 5% off and $215.10 at 10% off, 5 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 97 points “The 2018 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto La Casuccia is fabulous. A heady, opulent wine, the 2018 possesses tremendous energy to match its explosive personality. The plush fruit and soft, silky curves are pure Casuccia. The 2018 needs at least a handful of years in bottle, as it is a wine that only truly blossoms with time. 2028 – 2043”
 
Castello di Ama Vigneto Bellavista, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2018 750ml Displayed Price: $249, that’s $236.55 at 5% off and $224.10 at 10% off, 4 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 98 points “The 2018 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto Bellavista marries Sangiovese and Malvasia Nera, a combination that works so well. The Bellavista is a powerful, vertical wine endowed with explosive and tremendous energy. Like all the top wines, it needs the better part of a decade to show all it’s got. Gravel, smoke, leather, licorice and scorched earth. 2026 – 2041”
 
Castello di Ama San Lorenzo, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2018 750ml Displayed Price: $59, that’s $56.05 at 5% off and $53.10 at 10% off, 2 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 96 points “A tight, polished red with a very beautiful texture of firm, polished yet integrated tannins. Full-bodied with plenty of subtle dark-berry and chocolate character. Hints of walnuts, too. Flavorful finish. A little tight at the end, but already really delicious. Serious young Gran Selezione. Drink or hold.”
 
Casa Emma Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2018 750ml Displayed Price: $54.50, that’s $51.78 at 5% off and $49.05 at 10% off, 17 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 95 points “Pretty aromas of violet, kirsch, raspberry and black currant herald this elegant, vibrant red, which is firmly built, with a supple texture offsetting dusty tannins. Approachable now for its balance and fruit, but this should age well too. Best from 2023 through 2040.”
 
Fèlsina Berardenga Colonia, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2010 750ml Displayed Price: $149, that’s $141.55 at 5% off and $134.10 at 10% off, 10 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95+ points “When you hear the story of the effort that went into making the Colonia vineyard, you have to wonder if the fine folks at Fèlsina are absolutely mad. It took them two years of dynamite blasting to clear the imposing rock that had forced previous generations of the Poggiali family to virtually abandon this site. But an ambitious Giovanni Poggiali takes credit for making this spectacular vineyard what it is today. The wine produced here is quickly becoming the second flagship product after Fontalloro. The 2010 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Colonia is a wine of enormous beauty and depth. This is Sangiovese at its highest expression and any doubt I had about the previous vintage (which was the first time this wine appeared as a Gran Selezione) have been washed away by this current release. What really stands out are the wine’s precise mineral and graphite aromas that lend an incredible sense of focus and balance. The oak element is also beautifully integrated.”
 
Fèlsina Berardenga Rancia, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2021 750ml Displayed Price: $54.50, that’s $51.78 at 5% off and $49.05 at 10% off, 36+ bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 95+ points “The 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Rancia is the first vintage in which Rancia moves from Riserva to Gran Selezione. More importantly, Fèlsina appears to be back on track after two years, during which Rancia underperformed because of the inclusion of a parcel that did not work in the blend and contributed a slight vegetal character. The 2021 marries power and finesse in the way only Rancia can. Black cherry, leather, game, spice, licorice, tobacco and grilled herbs are all nely knit in a brooding yet elegant Gran Selezione that delivers the goods. Superb.”

Fontodi Vigna del Sorbo, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2017 750ml Displayed Price: $119, that’s $113.05 at 5% off and $107.10 at 10% off, 16 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 96+ points “The 2017 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna del Sorbo is a dense, packed wine. It is also surprisingly, almost shockingly backward. That is probably a good thing for its long-term aging prospects. Readers hoping to get an early glimpse into the 2017 before it shuts down may have a hard time doing that, as today acids and tannin dominate. I expect the 2017 will be stellar in another 4-5 years and drink well to age 25-30 if not longer. Proprietor Giovanni Manetti gave the 2017 18 months in barrique followed by 6 months in cask.”
 
The Gran Selezione, made only in the best years, is a stunning wine from the San Marcellino vineyard, made unique with the inclusion of the rare, indigenous red variety Pugnitello.
Rocca di Montegrossi Vigneto San Marcellino Gran Selezione, Chianti Classico DOCG 2017 750ml Displayed Price: $59, that’s $56.05 at 5% off and $53.10 at 10% off, 2 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 94 points “The 2017 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto San Marcellino is potent, but also shockingly closed for this dry, warm year. Readers will have to be patient with the 2017 as it needs quite a bit of time to be at its best. Succulent dark cherry, plum, mocha, cloves and licorice all build into the huge, explosive finish. There’s tremendous substance here, not to mention tons of sheer character.”
 
Barone Ricasoli Colledila, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2018 750ml Displayed Price: $79, that’s $75.05 at 5% off and $71.10 at 10% off, 6 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 98 points “This is sensational, with ultra fine tannins that melt into the wine. Such intense and beautiful fruit with cherries, peaches and lightly candied cherries. Some citrus, too. Very soft and creamy with wonderful polish. Beautiful center palate and a lovely finish. A song in the bottle. A little tight now. Hard to wait, but give it two or three years to open.”
 
San Felice Il Grigio Gran Selezione, Chianti Classico DOCG 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $39, that’s $37.05 at 5% off and $35.10 at 10% off, 19 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95 points “The San Felice 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Il Grigio (made with 80% Sangiovese and 20% complementary indigenous grapes) stands out due to its velvety richness and expressive flavor profile. The wine delivers measured intensity with bright purple and black fruits, a good sense of energy and drive, and some lingering spiciness on the close. It is rich but not heavy. Production is 30,000 bottles.”

Shop our ten Gran Selezione selections now!


 
Vinopolis Close-Out Sale Featurette:
 
Domaine Huet
 
Domaine Huet is the most sought-after Vouvray producer, at least according to Wine-Searcher data. This is one of France’s pioneers in biodynamic viticulture, modernizing only in the most conscientious way. Today, horses still plough between the rows of their three vineyards, considered some of the greatest in all of the Loire. These vineyards have very distinct personalities worth exploring. Essentially, wines from Le Haut-Lieu are their most approachable, offering softer and younger-drinking wines. Le Mont wines are dense, chock-full of minerals (or should we say chalk-full?), and the most age-worthy, per insiders. Clos du Bourg wines lie somewhere in between the others in terms of youthful approachability and minerality. Gaston Huet, the estate’s famous winemaker for 55 years, considered Clos du Bourg to be the greatest vineyard in Vouvray.
 
In the winery, the recipe remains relatively simple. Fermentation takes place half in stainless steel, half in old oak, without malolactic fermentation. After only six months, the wines are bottled and then laid to age in a cellar dug from tuffeau rock, no air conditioning required. From here the Huet work is done: the rest is up to nature, and what eventually tastes like divine intervention.
 
In Stock and On Close-Out Sale Now:
 
Domaine Huet Vouvray Le Haut Lieu Moelleux, Loire 2016 750ml Was $49, Now $39, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 95 points “Gorgeous crystallized ginger, dried quince, glazed pear and warm persimmon notes are seamlessly interwoven here, gliding through a lengthy finish that picks up a lilting green tea accent. Frankly off-dry but wonderfully pure. Drink now through 2035.”
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!
 
Domaine Huet Vouvray Le Mont Moelleux, Loire 2016 750ml Was $59, Now $49, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 96 points “Bright, even exuberant in feel, with a parade of Jonagold apple, green melon, Bosc pear and quince flavors streaming through, gilded with heather, honeysuckle and verbena notes on the long, lithe finish. Remarkably elegant despite the off-dry style. Drink now through 2035.”
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!
 
Domaine Huet Vouvray Clos du Bourg Premiere Trie Moelleux, Loire 2016 750ml Was $69, Now $59, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 96 points “This is ripe and broad, taking a slightly more power-driven approach, with a mix of tropical mango and papaya fruit, backed by orchard fruit accents of yellow apple and peach. The long, heather honey–accented finish has light piecrust and crystalized ginger hints. Best from 2020 through 2035.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
 
We offer 181 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:

Chezeaux
 
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of Chezeaux
10% off any 6 or more in-stock bottles of Chezeaux
 
Produttori del Barbaresco
 
5% off any 4-8 in-stock bottles of Produttori del Barbaresco
10% off any 9 or more in-stock bottles of Produttori del Barbaresco
 
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
 
Chezeaux sale ends Friday, January 24th at 9 am Pacific. Produttori del Barbaresco sale ends Saturday, January 25th at 9 am Pacific.

Vinopolis Newsletter 1-22-25 PM

Special Arrivals
 
 
Austria
 
Weingut Alzinger
 

Based in the village of Unterloiben, the Alzinger house farms some of the steepest Wachau vineyards in Austria. If you traded the granite for slate, you’d think you were in a Mosel village like the Saar or Terrassenmosel. Converging with the relatively high elevation of the site, Alzinger creates some of the most powerful expressions of Riesling in the country. Leo Alzinger took over his family’s estate after apprenticing in Marlborough, New Zealand and the Pfalz, Germany where he crafted his house style. This technical knowledge is evident in his wines, which he vinifies whole cluster with a touch of skin contact and extended lees aging.
 
Alzinger Durnstein Gruner Veltliner Federspiel 2023 750ml $36 special, 16 bottles available
James Suckling 92 Points “Bright and fruity gruner showing aromas of pineapples, papayas and peaches. Medium-bodied, juicy and vibrant. Excellent length, too, with citrus zest and nutmeg notes at the end. Drink now. Screw cap.”
 
Alzinger Loibner Loibenberg Gruner Veltliner Smaragd 2023 750ml $61.90 special, 6 bottles available
Anne Kriebiehl MW-Vinous 95-97 Points “The 2023 Riesling Loibenberg Smaragd is picked in one parcel of poor soil that is steep and a complete suntrap that becomes shaded in the afternoon, mixing the warm site with a cooler element. Yeast and a touch of passion fruit foliage set the tone on the nose. The palate is a picture of slenderness, tautness, citric tension and freshness. A stony backdrop heightens that sleekness and has the name Alzinger printed all over it. Taut, fresh and zesty. (Bone-dry)”
 
Alzinger Gruner Veltliner Muhlpoint 2023 750ml $49 special, 6 bottles available
Anne Kriebiehl MW-Vinous 93 Points “The 2023 Grüner Veltliner Mühlpoint Smaragd is harvested in this site’s upper, stonier part, directly bordering Steinertal. Beautiful fern, gentle yeast and fresh moss send green signals of freshness. The palate is a picture of smooth yeast, calm concentration and elongated freshness. This Grüner exemplifies the house style, peppery, smooth and long with serene subtlety and more pepper on the finish. (Bone-dry)”
 
Alzinger Gruner Steinertal Smaragd 2023 750ml $79 special, 6 bottles available
Anne Kriebiehl MW-Vinous 95-97 Points “The 2023 Grüner Veltliner Steinertal Smaragd is picked on this terraced gneiss site, cooled by cold Waldviertel air that is channeled through gullies. Spicy ferns are open and enticing on the nose. A lovely frisson of white pepper is carried on lemony juiciness. The palate has the customary cut, the usual precision and exquisite tension. This is masterful, yet it has the mellower creaminess of 2023 without sacrificing its essential, cool character. The mid-palate concentrates pepper and yeast. Great work. (Bone-dry)”
 
Alzinger Riesling Durnsteiner Federspiel 2023 750ml $31.90 special, 16 bottles available
James Suckling 92 Points “Clear and linear riesling showing aromas of lime peel, gooseberries, kumquats and wet stones. It’s medium-bodied, lively and energetic, with zippy acidity and a crisp, dry finish. Drink or hold. Screw cap.’
 
Alzinger Riesling Loibenberg Smaragd 2023 750ml $64.50 special, 6 bottles available
Anne Kriebiehl MW-Vinous 95-97 Points “The 2023 Riesling Loibenberg Smaragd is picked in one parcel of poor soil that is steep and a complete suntrap that becomes shaded in the afternoon, mixing the warm site with a cooler element. Yeast and a touch of passion fruit foliage set the tone on the nose. The palate is a picture of slenderness, tautness, citric tension and freshness. A stony backdrop heightens that sleekness and has the name Alzinger printed all over it. Taut, fresh and zesty. (Bone-dry)”
New Arrivals


Oregon
 
Arterberry Maresh Dundee Pinot Noir 2023 750ml $30.90 special, 36+ bottles available
(Not reviewed yet, 2022 review provided for context)
Eric Guido-Vinous “A deep magenta, the 2022 Pinot Noir Dundee Hills is lifted and floral, with fruit verging more toward raspberry than strawberry, with dusty rose and hints of spice. It’s sleek and racy, with supple textures and crisp wild berries cascading across a core of juicy acidity. This finishes long and staining yet remarkably fresh, leaving a lingering whisper of licorice and a gentle tension.”


 Italy
 
Terre Nere

“The Etna is the Burgundy of the Mediterranean,” says the man whose career as an importer of fine Italian wines is legendary. Marc De Grazia is one of the original ‘Barolo Boys,’ and his beloved Tenuta delle Terre Nere was more than 20 years in the making. Today, he farms 29 parcels on the northern flank, and his portfolio of wines is the gold standard for Etna wine.” -Wine Advocate
 
The fact that Etna is a wine producing region at all is miraculous. So dramatic and imposing was the oft-smoking, lava spewing, village destroying active volcano that towers above their vineyards that ancient Greeks thought it home of the fire god Hephaestus.
 
But as unfortunate as the volcano has been for generations of Sicilians, it has been an absolute boon to Sicily’s terroir, creating unique patchworks of field and soil perfectly suited to the Burgundian approach Marc De Grazia brings his farming and winemaking.
 
Terre Nere Bianco Superiore Salice 2023 750ml $46.50 special, 12 bottles available
James Suckling 95 Points “This super white is really focused, featuring a linear line of salty fruit with apple and lime undertones. Full but tight, it has great length and presence. Drink now or hold.”
 
Terre Nere Etna Bianco Calderara Sottana 2023 750ml $54.50 special, 12 bottles available
James Suckling 97 Points “The phenolic tension and focus spreads on and on across the integrated palate. Medium- to full-bodied, this is flavorful with sliced apples and light pie-crust. Fermented and aged in a 10-hectoliter cask. Great finish. Drink or hold.”
 
Terre Nere Bianco Contrada Montalto 2023 750ml $49 special, 12 bottles available
James Suckling 96 Points “Limes, lemons and grapefruit with white flowers. Medium- to full-bodied, this has a solid core of fruit, a mineral intensity and a tight, integrated mouthfeel. Long and flavorful. The high-altitude vineyard stands at 950 meters. Drink now.”
 
Terre Nere Bianco Santo Spirito 2023 750ml $46.50 special, 12 bottles available
James Suckling 95 Points “This has beautiful freshness and honey character with sliced apples and pears as well as lemons and honey. Medium- to full-bodied, it has depth of fruit, minerals and a long finish with cement undertones. Drink or hold.”
 

France
 
Winemaker Notes:  A lovely, brilliant crimson color. A very earthy Nuits nose with some vanilla bean, too. On the palate, smoky, velvet-textured fruit without any tannin, but acids take their place, so the wine is nicely balanced. Not heavy, but a very elegant Pinot expression at the end.
Henri Gouges Nuits St Georges 2021 375ml $59 special, 8 bottles available
Wine Spectator 94 Points “Perfumed and silky, featuring rose, sandalwood, orange peel and oak spice aromas that frame strawberry, cherry and saline mineral flavors. With an almost seamless structure even at this stage in its evolution, this wine blossoms mid-palate, building to the complex and persistent aftertaste.”
 
 
California
 
Ridge
 
Ridge Lytton Springs Dry Creek Valley 2022 750ml $51.50 special, 12 bottles available
James Suckling 95 Points “This is the kingpin of Ridge’s Sonoma County heritage blends and it doesn’t disappoint. Equal parts fruity, spicy and savory on a full body braced by moderate tannins. Judicious oak spices like cedar and cigar box complement pure, ripe blackberries and raspberries and a dash of black pepper. Known to age well for decades. Drinkable now, but best from 2030.”

Ridge Grenache Blanc Paso Robles 2023 750ml $36 special, 12 bottles available
James Suckling 93 Points “Brilliant acidity backs up subtle, savory and fresh citrus flavors in this full-bodied and well-balanced Rhone-style white. Aromas like a hay field, lanolin and dry earth meet tangy apricot, lime zest, mineral and almond flavors on a broad but lively texture. Includes 14% picpoul and 2% roussanne grapes. Drink now or hold.”
 
Alpha Omega

Alpha Omega Two Squared Red 2018 750ml $29 special, 24 bottles available
Winery Notes “Two Squared winemakers acquire fruit from younger Napa Valley vineyards that display a silky tannin profile and opulent texture which allow for early accessibility. We have unearthed a range of privately-owned boutique vineyards, hidden gems tucked in secret pockets of Napa Valley, that only Mother Nature and our winemaking team are fortunate enough to touch.”
 
Alpha Omega Two Squared Sauvignon Blanc 2019 750ml $16 special, 36 bottles available
Winery Notes “The 2020 Hudson Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc offers a sophisticated exploration of Napa Valley’s Carneros AVA. As the only Sauvignon Blanc produced from this prestigious vineyard, it reflects the vineyard’s unique character. Sourced from the esteemed Hudson Vineyard, which benefits from cool marine influences and sedimentary soils, this wine captures the essence of its terroir. Aromas of papaya, Fuji apple, and lime zest combine with floral notes of citrus blossom and hints of shortbread cookies. On the palate, flavors of lemon oil, nectarine, and nutmeg are complemented by a refreshing wet slate minerality and lively acidity.”
 
 
Germany
 
Donnhoff Niederhauser Hermannshohle Spatlese 2023 750ml $59 special, 36 bottles available
Stuart Pigott-JamesSuckling.com 99 Points “Welcome to the Bladerunner of Nahe riesling Spatlese. This is also extremely fine and complex, with a cornucopia of stone fruit, exotic fruit and spices. Radical stony minerality and racy acidity, yet with a feather-light mouthfeel on the barely medium-bodied palate. Then you wonder if the wine will ever leave you, so long is the almost endless farewell. Drink or hold.”
 
Donnhoff Niederhauser Hermannshohle Auslese GK 2023 750ml $119 special, 12 bottles available
Stuart Pigott-JamesSuckling.com 99 Points “Enormous finesse and subtlety make this sensational riesling Auslese stand out. There’s terrific concentration and power, but all this is underplayed. So graceful and delightful, this makes you want to linger and wander through its innumerable lanes and alleys. Just a hint of floral honey, but that wraps everything up in a glaze of ravishing beauty. Drink or hold.”
 
Donnhoff Oberhauser Brucke Auslese GK 2023 375ml $59 special, 6 bottles available
Stuart Pigott-JamesSuckling.com 99 Points “Auslese might sound cuddly to some, but this is a very radical wine with gigantic concentration of cool tropical fruit and mineral acidity. Electric glide on the medium- to full-bodied palate. The finish is all blue and green in spite of the extraordinary yellow fruit on the nose and front palate. And with that, only the most basic characteristics of this extraordinary wine are adequately described. Drink or hold.”

Produttori del Barbaresco Sale 1-22-25

In This Newsletter:
 
Produttori del Barbaresco
Close-Out Featurette: Molitor

 
“[Produttori del Barbaresco is] one of the most important and quality-minded co-operatives in the world…” – Jeb Dunnuck
 
Stock Up & Save On
 
Produttori del Barbaresco
 
Revered for producing classically-styled Barbaresco Riservas of uncompromising quality and transparency, you’d be hard-pressed to find such an extensive range of complex, single-vineyard Nebbiolos anywhere else.
 
Oregon was the first state to import the wines, and they’ve been beloved by many for decades. We’ve admired the producer and its director, Aldo Vacca (cousin of the late Renato Vacca of Cantina del Pino), since the shop first opened. We’ve pleased to continue to offer some of Barbaresco’s finest line up. These still offer incredible value for the money, especially on our three-day sale.
 
5% off any 4-8 in-stock bottles of Produttori del Barbaresco
10% off any 9 or more in-stock bottles of Produttori del Barbaresco
 
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
 
Sale ends Saturday, January 25th at 9 am Pacific.
 
We offer twenty-three Produttori del Barbaresco options on sale now, including:
 
Produttori del Barbaresco Asili, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $89, that’s $84.55 at 5% off and $80.10 at 10% off, 16 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 94 points “The 2019 Barbaresco Riserva Asili is a very pretty, silky wine that shows all the signatures of this site in its refined, mid-weight personality. Crushed flowers, sweet red berry fruit, cedar, mint and tobacco all grace this classy Barbaresco. The 2019 is classic Asili, with firm tannins from the year.”
 
Produttori del Barbaresco Montefico, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $85, that’s $80.75 at 5% off and $76.50 at 10% off, 36+ bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 93+ points “The 2019 Barbaresco Riserva Montefico is one of the most searingly tannic wines in the range. Readers will have to be patient with the 2019, as it is going to need time. As always, Montefico is a Barbaresco built on linear intensity more than size. In 2019, the qualities are quite accented. Time in the glass opens the bouquet nicely, but the 2019 remains quite closed.”
 
“I’ve written this many times before, but it bears repeating: Produttori del Barbaresco is one of Italy’s ultimate values for your money.” –Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
 
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 Montestefano, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $89, that’s $84.55 at 5% off and $80.10 at 10% off, 8 bottles in stock now
Produttori del Barbaresco Montestefano, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2019 1.5L Displayed Price: $179, that’s $170.05 at 5% off and $161.10 at 10% off, 4 magnums in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 95 points “The 2019 Barbaresco Riserva Montestefano is perhaps the most complete of the 2019 Riservas at this stage. It offers fine depth, plenty of tannin and nascent emerging inner sweetness to tie it all together. A wine of stature and textural depth, the Montestefano is my early favorite in this lineup.”
 
Produttori del Barbaresco Muncagota, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2013 750ml Displayed Price: $69, that’s $65.55 at 5% off and $62.10 at 10% off, 12 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 94 points “Powerful yet underlined by racy acidity, driving the black cherry, black currant and mineral flavors. Menthol and tobacco notes add depth, keeping this intense. All the components are here, yet this will need time to really sing. Best from 2024 through 2040.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 94 points “You may remember that this wine was once called Moccagatta. Produttori del Barbaresco reverted to the local Piemontese spelling of the name in 2007 to stay consistent with the geographic mapping of local cru sites. The 2013 Barbaresco Riserva Muncagota stands apart from the nine other single-vineyard Riservas presented by Produttori del Barbaresco this vintage. Of these various wines, this is the most salty and savory. There is less primary fruit intensity here. The bouquet is laced with grilled rosemary and wild sage. This growing site absorbs loads of morning sunshine with southeast-facing exposures. The mouthfeel is characterized by dry tannins and very long, balsam-like persistence. Dried ginger and herbs appear on the menthol-like finish.”
 
Produttori del Barbaresco Muncagota, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2016 750ml Displayed Price: $79, that’s $75.05 at 5% off and $71.10 at 10% off, 10 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 95 points “Balsamic notes of juniper, eucalyptus and pine align with floral, cherry and black currant flavors in this supple, well-structured red. Balanced and long, with a lingering aftertaste of rose, cherry and mineral. Best from 2024 through 2043. —B.S.”
 
Produttori del Barbaresco Muncagota, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $85, that’s $80.75 at 5% off and $76.50 at 10% off, 7 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 93+ points “The 2019 Barbaresco Riserva Muncagota is shaping up to be gorgeous. The 2019 is marked by a very evident brightness that is not always present. Medium in body and gracious, with terrific balance, the Muncagota is very impressive in this early tasting of the 2019 Riservas. It could turn out to be one of the surprises in this range. Keep an eye on this. “
 
Produttori del Barbaresco Ovello, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $89, that’s $84.55 at 5% off and $80.10 at 10% off, 36+ bottles in stock now
Produttori del Barbaresco Ovello, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2019 1.5L Displayed Price: $179, that’s $170.05 at 5% off and $161.10 at 10% off, 5 magnums in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 94 points “The 2019 Barbaresco Riserva Ovello is powerful, savory and intensely linear, in classico Ovello style, and yet it appears to have enough fruit behind its imposing tannins to develop well over the coming years. In this tasting, the Ovello feels pretty closed post bottling, but its inherent balance and qualities are there. Clean saline notes extend the finish in promising fashion.”
 
Produttori del Barbaresco Pajè, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2017 750ml Displayed Price: $79, that’s $75.05 at 5% off and $71.10 at 10% off, 13 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2017 Barbaresco Riserva Pajè is impressive on all fronts, but especially in terms of aromas. There’s so much brightness here with red and purple fruits, rust and a dark note of clove or exotic spice. No element is out of place, but together they help to build the intensity of this balanced wine. It shows a soft, velvety texture, and perhaps there is a little more ripeness overall in this warm vintage. Production is 6,666 bottles.”
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 94 points “The 2017 Barbaresco Riserva Pajè is a fine choice for readers who enjoy wines of freshness, verve and energy. Dark fruit, menthol, spice, pine and crushed rocks are beautifully delineated. This is an especially chiseled wine in the range of 2017 Riservas. I very much like the balance of richness and vibrancy. In a word: classic.”
 
Produttori del Barbaresco Pajè, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $89, that’s $84.55 at 5% off and $80.10 at 10% off, 26 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 93 points “The 2019 Barbaresco Riserva Pajè is full of character. Strong mineral, savory and floral notes jump out of the glass, before veins of tannin make themselves felt on the palate. A powerful, young Barbaresco, the Pajè is going to need a number of years to come into its own. That said, all of its signatures are very much present.”
 
Produttori del Barbaresco Pora, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2014 750ml Displayed Price: $66, that’s $62.70 at 5% off and $59.40 at 10% off, 29 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 94 points “The 2014 Barbaresco Riserva Pora is a dark, sensual beauty. Deeply spiced and balsamic, with tremendous textural richness, the Pora is utterly beguiling. I can’t remember a Pora with this much depth, textural resonance and brooding intensity. The 2014 needs at least a few years to be at its best, but it is superb even in the early going. I won’t be surprised if the 2014 turns out to be better than this note suggests.”
 
Produttori del Barbaresco Pora, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2017 750ml Displayed Price: $79, that’s $75.05 at 5% off and $71.10 at 10% off, 10 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2017 Barbaresco Riserva Pora (with 13,333 bottles released) is usually the first wine I taste each year when I review this set of Riservas from Produttori del Barbaresco. That’s because it usually appears as the most delicate, and the intensity of each successive bottle increases after this one. But these schematics are a bit more difficult to align in a hot and dry vintage such as this that produced richer and more succulent fruit across the board. The Pora is redolent of red and purple fruit with a little more blackberry and plum compared to previous editions. The tannic strength of the wine is also more elaborate. Pora works very well in 2017.”
 
Produttori del Barbaresco Pora, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $79, that’s $75.05 at 5% off and $71.10 at 10% off, 36+ bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 92 points “The 2019 Barbaresco Riserva Pora is a pretty tightly wound wine, certainly moreso than is typically the case for this Barbaresco, which is often much more engaging in the early going. Dried herbs, tobacco, cedar and earthiness lend notable savory nuance in this decidedly nervy, somber Pora. There’s good fruit intensity and plenty of character that makes me want to revisit this in a few months’ time.”
 
Produttori del Barbaresco Rabajà, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $89, that’s $84.55 at 5% off and $80.10 at 10% off, 36+ bottles in stock now
Produttori del Barbaresco Rabajà, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2019 1.5L Displayed Price: $199, that’s $189.05 at 5% off and $179.10 at 10% off, 4 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.”
 
Produttori del Barbaresco Rio Sordo, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $85, that’s $80.75 at 5% off and $76.50 at 10% off, 17 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 93 points “The 2019 Barbaresco Riserva Rio Sordo is quite deep in this vintage, with notable depth in its dark-toned fruit. This is an especially powerful Rio Sordo that is still coming together. Its intensity is palpable, even if I see less of the finesse that I associate with wines from this site. Today, all of the wine’s energy is directed inwards.”
 
Shop our twenty-three selections now from Produttori del Barbaresco!


 
Vinopolis Close-Out Sale Featurette:
 
Molitor
 
With broad holdings in some of the Mosel’s finest terroirs, Markus Molitor crafts dozens of wines each vintage. He vinifies every single sub-parcel and selective pick separately to highlight each to its utmost potential. What results is a deeply rewarding if sprawling portfolio, which is a tribute to his over thirty-five years at the head of his family’s estate.
 
Whether white capsule (dry), green capsule (off-dry), or gold capsule (fruity to nobly sweet), Markus’ wines represent some of the Mosel’s best. And thanks to his extensive holdings, Molitor offers German Riesling lovers with a passport to explore many of the region’s most important vineyards. We have dozens of options to choose from that are sure to delight and enthrall.
 
In Stock and On Close-Out Sale Now:
 
Markus Molitor Ockfener Bockstein Riesling Spatlese Trocken (White Capsule), Mosel 2018 750ml Was $31.90, Now $28, 17 bottles in stock now
Decanter 93 points “Here we jump to an iconic Saar site, defined by Devonian slate, greywacke, some quartzitic sandstone and steepness. Wet stone, white currant, yellow apple and some lemon combine in a lovely vision of freshness. This is bright but even in this iconic Saar vineyard the warmth of 2018 is apparent. Yet the stoniness cuts through and leaves us with that lovely, racy zestiness we all crave from Riesling. These citrus notions linger and will you to take another sip. Wonderful.”
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!
 
Markus Molitor Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Auslese ** Trocken (White Capsule), Mosel 2017 750ml Was $59, Now $49, 17 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 96+ points “Bottled with moderate 11% alcohol, the 2017 Riesling Ürziger Würzgarten Auslese ** (White Capsule) is crystalline and super precise on the clear and flinty nose that exhibits crunchy, iron-rich stone and lime zest aromas. It is lean and fresh but dense and intense on the palate, with ripe, round and concentrated Riesling fruit, some sweetness and refined acidity. This is an elegant, highly finessed and stimulating Würzgarten with a lingering, salty-piquant finish. This wine pairs its moderate alcohol level with great complexity and mineral tension. It’s a fabulous yet still very young Würzgarten of extraordinary class and style. Tasted in March and April 2019.”
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!
 
Markus Molitor Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Auslese *** Feinherb (Green Capsule), Mosel 2016 750ml Was $89, Now $79, 15 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 98 points “The 2016 Riesling Graacher Himmelreich Auslese *** (Green Capsule) is deep and complex on the nose, though discreet in its fruit expression straight from the bottle. However, the fruit is beautifully flinty, fresh and really fine. Lush and round on the palate, this is a full-bodied, ripe and intense yet well-balanced and elegant Himmelreich whose sweetness of roughly 30 grams per liter is still prominent at this young age. However, the wine is intense, long, firmly structured, very mineral and provided with serious tannins and a lot of stones. I am tasting it far too early (and straight after the three-starred Rosenberg Auslese), but it’s a highly promising Riesling from a great vintage for the Mosel. Bottled in September 2017; tasted March 2018.”
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!
 
Markus Molitor Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Auslese *** Feinherb (Green Capsule), Mosel 2018 750ml Was $125, Now $99, 24 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 97 points “Typically bright and open on the nose, with crunchy and flinty slate aromas, the coolish and precise 2018 Riesling Graacher Himmelreich Auslese *** (Green Capsule) is a very fine and elegant, crystalline, fresh and precise, very long and salty Riesling with sweet and concentrated fruit and a long, intense and tightly structured finish. This is a laser-sword Riesling that needs about a decade to refine, yet it will deliver for sure. Tasted at the domain in September 2020.”
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!
 
Markus Molitor Kinheimer Rosenberg Riesling Auslese *** Feinherb (Green Capsule), Mosel 2016 750ml Was $89, Now $79, 22 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 97 points “The 2016 Riesling Kinheimer Rosenberg Auslese *** (Green Capsule) offers a super fine raisin and refreshing slatey/flinty bouquet that indicates great purity, finesse and crunchy/slatey freshness. The fermentation stopped at 34 grams of residual sugar per liter (11% alcohol), and the resulting wine is highly delicate, pure, lush and piquant on the palate. It is quite sweet and shows celery flavors as well as great tension that is neither rustic nor challenging but really fine, giving vibrancy, grip and energy to the lush and generous but always precise and elegant Riesling fruit. This is an exciting wine, and Markus filled it as a three-starred Auslese for the first time because he was convinced the wine deserves it. Tasted March 2018.”
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!
 
Markus Molitor Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Auslese ** (Gold Capsule), Mosel 2019 750ml Was $59, Now $49, 7 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 96+ points “The yellow-golden 2019 Graacher Himmelreich Auslese ** (Golden Capsule) is brilliantly clear yet also intense and concentrated on the pure, fresh, finely raisined and herbal (rosemary), slightly honeyed nose that is complex and ambitious. Dense and juicy, with a vivacious purity and great finesse, this is a concentrated, vibrantly fresh and tightly structured Auslese with a remarkably digestible finish. There might be some percentage of botrytis that gives this Auslese a lush texture that is otherwise terribly clear and vital. I’d keep it for at least 7 years and up to 40, if only I could. Attention, though, the wine has serious acidity. Tasted from AP 39 20 in May 2021.”
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!
 
We offer 184 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:

Arnot-Roberts
 
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of Arnot-Roberts
10% off any 6 or more in-stock bottles of Arnot-Roberts
 
Chezeaux
 
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of Chezeaux
10% off any 6 or more in-stock bottles of Chezeaux
 
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
 
Arnot-Roberts sale ends Thursday, January 23rd at 9 am Pacific. Chezeaux sale ends Friday, January 24th at 9 am Pacific.