Category Archives: Newsletter Archive

Vinopolis Newsletter 12-20-24 PM

In This Newsletter:

New Arrivals
Guiy Larmandier, Marc Hebrart, Billecart Salmon, Tarlant, and more!

Wine of the Week
This Spanish stunner is the must-try red of the season

Featured Close-out Wines
Holiday wines for less

New Arrivals
 
Champagne
 
Guy Larmandier
 

Pierre and Sophie Larmandier, of Larmandier-Bernier, having holdings in the Côte des Blancs region of Champagne, including in the grand crus villages of Cramant, Chouilly, Oger, and Avize. The estate is meticulously run (by hand) at this small, independent estate. The moderate yields are harvested by hand, and the grapes undergo gentle pressing and a long settling process on the lees, with native yeast fermentation. The wines rest in in family’s chalk caves, awaiting hand disgorgement before going to market after a period of settling.
 
The results are the Champagnes of depth, transparency, and precision, with notes of “striking salinity,” “deep and vinous” layers, and a plethora of “wines-of-the-vintage.” We’re excited to restock on two exquisite vintage Champagnes that sold out here previously, arriving tomorrow.
 
Guy Larmandier Vertus 1er Cru Brut Zero, Champagne, France NV 750ml $49 special, 36 bottles available
Rosenthal Wine Merchants- Importer “Sporting a markedly floral, chalky nose, this Vertus 1er Cru has a schiseled frame of a brut zero but it is not excessively bone-dry on the palate—the ample character typical of the village manifests itself in a round overall texture. The wine is firm without being hard, with a great interplay of supple fruit and intense stoniness. Comprised of 90% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Noir, aged for 3 years on the lees before disgorgement.”
 
Guy Larmandier Premier Cru Brut Rose, Champagne, France NV 750ml $59 special, 12 bottles available
Rosenthal Wine Merchants- Importer “Larmandier’s Vertus Rosé has always been exemplary, a happy marriage of Côte des Blancs elegance and ripe, succulent red fruit with a caressing texture. In keeping with the traditional method by which most rosé Champagne is made, Larmandier Rosé blends a splash of red wine into a base of white wine—in this case, Pinot Noir vinified as a red constitutes 15% of the final blend. 6 g/l dosage, aged 3 years on the lees.”
 
…also from Guy Larmandier:
 
Guy Larmandier Cramant Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Brut, Champagne, France Brut NV 750ml $59 special, 13 bottles available
Importer Note “From Chardonnay vines in the Grand Cru village of Cramant. The total absence of any sense of sweetness in this Brut Zéro allows the limestone to take center stage, and it presents in a more piercing and saline manner than in Larmandier’s Brut wines. Despite its relative rigorousness and austerity, however, this is by no means a difficult wine. Rather, it will appeal to those who relish the sort of palpable, intense mineral character Champagne is capable of when made in such a straightforward fashion. Aged 3 years sur lattes.”
 
Joel Falmet
 
Importer’s Note “70% Pinot Noir, 20% Pinot Meunier, 10% Chardonnay. Joël is one of only a few producers to use a soléra system for his vin de reserve. The current soléra is 12 years-old and each vintage, 30% is blended with the currant vintage. 42 months on the lees, nine grams of dosage.”
 
Joel Falmet Les Parcelles Brut, Champagne, France Brut NV 750ml $44.50 special, 12 bottles available
Alison Napjus-Wine Spectator 92 Points “Creamy in texture, yet lithe and lively, thanks to bright, citrusy acidity, buoying finely meshed notes of poached quince, ripe melon, blood orange sorbet and Marcona almond. Clean-cut and lightly spiced on the lingering finish. Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay. “
 
Marc Hebrart
 
Hebrart Premier Cru Mes Favorites Vieilles Vignes, Champagne, France NV 750ml $79 special, 24 bottles available
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 93 Points “[Reviewed Nov 2023] The NV Brut Mes Favorites Vieilles Vignes is a blend of 75% Pinot Noir and 25% Chardonnay taken from ten lieux-dits in Mareuil. Rich, creamy and ample in feel, Mes Favorites offers a beguiling mix of old-vine intensity wrapped around a core of bright acids. Kirsch, dried flowers, mint, spice and pear build as this showy, inviting Champagne offers a warm embrace.”
 
Hebrart Premier Cru Brut Rose, Champagne, France NV 750ml $69 special, 11 bottles available
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 92 Points “Reviewed Nov 2023] The NV Brut Rosé is a very pretty, effusive Champagne. Light in color but with gorgeous depth, the Rosé is a charmer. Cranberry, white pepper, mint, crushed rocks and slate give this its dynamic upper register. The blend is 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir from Mareuil-Sur-Aÿ, but the Pinot is quite strong in this release.”
 
Hebrart Selection Premier Cru Brut, Champagne, France NV 750ml $69 special, 20 bottles available
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.”
 
Billecart Salmon
 
Billecart-Salmon ‘Cuvee Elisabeth Salmon’ Brut Rose Millesime, Champagne, France 2012 750ml $219 special, 3 bottles available
Billecart-Salmon ‘Cuvee Elisabeth Salmon’ Brut Rose Millesime, Champagne, France 2012 1.5L $469 special, 1 magnum available
Yohann Castaing-Wine Advocate 97 Points “A blend of 45% Pinot Noir and 55% Chardonnay, the 2012 Brut Rosé Cuvée Elisabeth Salmon is a real success, wafting from the glass with aromas of red berries, rose, peony, orange blood and dried flowers. Medium to full-bodied, vinous and broad, it’s dense and deep with a multidimensional core of fruit, racy acids and a textural structure, concluding with a long, delicate, mouthwatering finish. This is one of the finest rosé I’ve tasted at this address. Kudos! Drink: 2024-2054.”
 
Winery Note “Delicacy and Elegance. This cuvée has been elaborated from the four Grand Cru vineyards of the Côte des Blancs: Avize, Chouilly, Cramant, Mesnil-sur-Oger.”
Billecart-Salmon Cuvee Louis Blanc de Blancs Millesime, Champagne, France 2012 750ml $199 special, 12 bottles available
Wine Advocate 96 Points ” …the 2012 Brut Blanc de Blancs Cuvée Louis Salmon evokes aromas of lemon oil, pastry, baked bread, walnuts and chalk. Medium to full-bodied, deep and seamless, it’s vinous, almost creamy, with a layered, delicate structure that leads to a delicately citrusy, long and delicate finish. This Champagne is built to age, thanks to the power of the 2012 vintage and the house’s signature tension. Disgorged in the second quarter of 2023 with 3.9 grams per liter dosage, it was matured 75% in stainless steel and 25% in barrels.”
 
Tarlant
 
“We don’t buy or sell grapes. We have to work our vines the best we can to have the best wine.” – Benoit Tarlant
 
Tarlant ‘Saignee des Tempetees’ Rose Brut Nature, Champagne, France 2015 750ml $119 special, 5 bottles available
Audrey Frick-Jeb Dunnuck 93+ Points “The first release of this cuvée, the 2015 Champagne Saignée Des Tempetée Brut Nature Rosé is 100% Pinot Noir, macerated on the skins for 16 hours and disgorged in March 2021. A deep salmon/garnet hue, it offers a very expressive, savory profile, with notes of blood orange, candied roses, and crushed rocks. Full-bodied with a pillowy mousse, it opens to notes of fleshy ripe apricot, which is followed by a long-lasting finish. It’s ripe with generous fruit and has no harsh edges to it. It is a very attractive wine to add to the range. Drink 2024-2034. Only 888 bottles were produced. (Drink between 2024-2034).”
 
Tarlant ‘Le Triumvirat’ Brut Nature Millesime, Champagne, France 2009 750ml $119 special, 3 bottles available
Importer Notes “58% Chardonnay/42% Pinot Noir. Most vintages, the Tarlants make a unique, usually multi-parcel wine as a snapshot of that particular vintage’s personality. The “Triumvirat” blend came from three plots–L’Enclume, Crayons and Sablés–and together embody 2009, which per Benoît Tarlant was “a very solar year, of richness and power”. All of the vines are organically farmed and harvested by hand, with the clusters very slowly and gently pressed. The juice ferments spontaneously with native yeasts in Burgundy barrels; the wine does not go through malolactic fermentation. Triumvirat was bottled in 2010,disgorged in 2023 and received zero dosage.”
 
Wine of The Week
 
Pingus PSI

Founded in 1993 by Peter Sisseck, Pingus has grown into one of the biggest cult wineries on the planet. Sisseck, a Danish born winemaker had fallen in love with the Ribera Del Duero and its native clone of Tempranillo, Tinto Fino. His work elevated the region to an unprecedented level of international acclaim and interest.
 
This wine project, Pingus PSI, came from a cooperative effort at the behest of Peter Sisseck by nearby grape growers to restore the soil and vineyard practices of many old vine plantings in the surrounding Duero region. The Danish born Sisseck, who fell in love with the Ribera Del Duero and its native clone of Tempranillo, is considered one of the greatest winemakers in the world. His work transformed
work elevated the region to an unprecedented level of international acclaim and interest.
 
 HOT DEAL  Dominio de Pingus ‘PSI’, Ribera del Duero, Spain 2022 750ml $33 special, 36+ bottles available
Luis Gutiérrez-Wine Advocate 93-95 Points “The 2022 PSI is clean, expressive and open, much more approachable than the more reductive 2021 that I tasted next to it. It’s primary, fruit-driven and precise. “The fruit selection was better in 2022,” explained Sisseck. It has contained ripeness and a polished texture and is sleek and elegant, with fine tannins. It feels like a step up from 2021. This was also the final blend waiting to be bottled—clarified, sulfur added and everything, so pretty much the wine that is going to be bottled.”
 
Featured Close-outs:

Holiday Faves for Less! 
 
WAS $49
Cresti Fattoria Carpineta Fontalpino Do ut des Toscana IGT, Tuscany, Italy 2016 750ml $39 special, 23 bottles available
James Suckling 95 Points “The fruit here really takes your breath away with its intensity, as well as purity. Blackberry crumble, pressed violets, ink, iodine, charcoal, vanilla and resin. It’s the polish of the tannins that really makes this wine, carrying itself effortlessly over a shimmer of electric acidity to the long finish. Drink in 2023. Made from organically grown grapes.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 94 Points “The 2016 Do Ut Des (a blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon) exhibits a generous and expansive personality that hits the palate like a warm embrace from a favorite friend. This is a succulent and smooth red wine with thick layers of bold cherry, dried blackberry, leather, rose hip and scorched earth. In the mouth, the wine proceeds with medium- to full-bodied texture and elegantly contoured fruit flavors.”
 
WAS $41.90
Conterno Fantino ‘Ginestrino’ Langhe Nebbiolo, Piedmont, Italy 2018 750ml $36 special, 8 bottles available
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 93 Points “The Conterno Fantino 2018 Langhe Nebbiolo Ginestrino opens to fragrant and delicate aromas straight from the Nebbiolo playlist. The wine opens to pretty aromas of wild cherry, rose, blood orange and iron ore. Winemaking starts with stainless steel and concludes with 10 months in French oak. The vines are planted in clay soils, and when you study the bouquet in depth, you do perceive a tad more structure and concentration as a result. Production is an ample 35,500 bottles.”
 
WAS $39
Chateau de Saint Cosme Saint-Joseph, Rhone, France 2020 750ml $33 special, 22 bottles available
Jeb Dunnuck 91-93 Points “A step up, the 2020 Saint Joseph comes all from the northern part of the Northern Rhône, and it’s medium-bodied and elegant, with good ripeness in its darker berry, violet, flower, and wet granite-like nuances. It’s another balanced, seamless red from Louis, and the 2019 vintage is a beauty for the Northern Rhône.”
 
WAS $39
Chateau de Saint Cosme Saint-Joseph, Rhone, France 2021 750ml $33 special, 22 bottles available
Wine Spectator 92 Points “Exudes a graceful profile, with litheness to the red cherry, potpourri, plum and licorice notes, underscored by a charming terroir signature and white pepper. Gains definition from a vein of salt and minerality, while the silky palate is propped up by cashmere-fine tannins. Drink now through 2028. 250 cases imported.”
 
WAS $119
Guy Charlemagne Mesnillesime Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut, Champagne, France 2014 750ml $99 special, 11 bottles available
Anne Krebiehl Mw-Vinous 93 Points “The 2014 Extra Brut Mesnillésime Vieilles Vignes Grand Cru is a pure Chardonnay from on average 60-year-old vines in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, vinified in oak with blocked malolactic fermentation. Notes of dried corn husk and salty maize meal on the nose take turns with yellow apple on the nose. The oak is apparent in savoriness rather than vanilla and a certain roundness on the body, beautifully handled. The mousse is still bright and sprightly, highlighting saltiness and fresh apple equally. This has an assertive personality, and comes across as a muscular, toned blanc de blancs, bracing at first, then relaxing into a warm smile. The umami finish can absolutely take on food.”

Tempier Sale 12-19-24

In This Newsletter:
 
Tempier Sale
Close-Out Featurette: Thanisch
Champagne of the Day
 
 
“Of all of the domaines we represent, no other serves more as our cornerstone, stands more in the defense of terroir, and is more intricately interwoven with our own history, than that of the iconic Peyraud family of Domaine Tempier.” – Kermit Lynch (Importer)
 
Stock Up & Save on
 
Domaine Tempier

Domaine Tempier is Bandol.
 
Best known for its mineral-driven and cellar-friendly rosé, the reds, though, are criminally underrated and underappreciated, especially to lovers of bold, full-throttle wines. They represent the pinnacle of Mourvèdre-based blends that could convince even the most die-hard Rhone lovers to expand their horizons, if only one could manage to convince them to try. That might be the hardest part, but we’ve greased the wheel, so to speak, by placing these wines on our three-day sale, starting now.
 
If you aren’t familiar with the Tempier reds (or Bandol in general) know that these are big and rich with a distinct earthiness and a spicy, bright finish. Historically, they were quite tannic as well, but Tempier has made current releases drinkable on release (we just suggest a healthy decant).
 
Oh, and in case you’re wondering, they age remarkably. Mourvèdre effortlessly transcends its decades much like Nebbiolo. So, pick up a few and prepare to have your mind blown now and for decades to come.
 
Want a primer on the single vineyard bottlings? Check out notes from Jeb Dunnuck: “Lying outside the village of Le Beausset, the La Migoua vineyard is the highest elevation site of the three and sits at 270 meters above sea level; it consists of diverse clay and limestone soils. Possessing the smallest amount of Mourvèdre (~55%) and the most Grenache, this cuvee is always slightly less powerful and rich than the other two single vineyards, yet is always the most perfumed and complex. The La Tourtine parcel lies at a slightly lower elevation, in the Castellet region, and is more homogeneously clay soils. This parcel yields a powerful, rich, concentrated and surprisingly polished Bandol that has the fruit and texture to impress in its youth, yet the concentration to age beautifully…” -Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Advocate
 
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles from Tempier
10% off any 6 or more in-stock bottles from Tempier
 
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
 
Sale ends Sunday, December 22nd at 9 am Pacific.
 
We offer seven Tempier options on sale now, including:
 
Domaine Tempier Bandol Blanc 2022 750ml Displayed Price: $49, that’s $46.55 at 5% off and $44.10 at 10% off, 12 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “Tempier’s Blanc, with its delicate florals, subtle note of anise, and stony finish, tastes perfect alongside shellfish or grilled seafood. After a few years in your cellar, pair it with cheeses or serve it alone to appreciate the “honeyed and marine aromas” that develop with age.”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
 
Domaine Tempier Bandol Pour Lulu Rouge 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $56, that’s $53.20 at 5% off and $50.40 at 10% off, 6 bottles in stock now
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 91-93 points “Tasted from foudre, the 2020 Bandol Cuvee Classique had been blended the week before my visit. Already showing classic notes of tree bark and truffle layered against cherries and raspberries and a touch of olive, it looks relatively precocious. In the mouth, it’s medium to full-bodied, concentrated and rich, with a long, plush finish.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
 
Domaine Tempier Bandol Rouge 2021 750ml Displayed Price: $59, that’s $56.05 at 5% off and $53.10 at 10% off, 36+ bottles in stock now
Falstaff Magazine 93 points “Vivid notes of ripe strawberry immediately hit the nose with red-fruited charm, opening up into aromatic notes of summer pudding. The palate is smooth and just as fruity. This is rounded and medium bodied, brimming with that ripe, fresh berry fruit and an ample, full-fruited yet utterly fresh, summery richness.”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
 
Domaine Tempier Bandol La Migoua 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $81.80, that’s $77.71 at 5% off and $73.62 at 10% off, 21 bottles in stock now
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 92-94 points “The 2020 Bandol la Migoua—tasted from foudre—is a bit tarry and rubbery (expected, to some degree, in young Mourvèdre-based wines) but opens up to reveal seductive, ripe notes of blackberries and mulberries. A blend of approximately 55% Mourvèdre, 25% Cinsault, 15% Grenache and 5% Syrah, it’s medium to full-bodied on the palate, concentrated but silky in feel and elegant on the long finish.”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
 
Domaine Tempier Bandol La Migoua 2021 750ml Displayed Price: $84.50, that’s $80.28 at 5% off and $76.05 at 10% off, 7 bottles in stock now
Importer Note “In 2021, this cuvée recalls the classique above, but with everything dialed up a notch. Savory and structured, it evokes Provençal garrigue, licorice, and a hint of black olive. This bottling is a strong candidate for your cellar but also open enough to pair wonderfully with a ribeye today.”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
 
Domaine Tempier Bandol La Tourtine 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $89, that’s $84.55 at 5% off and $80.10 at 10% off, 21 bottles in stock now
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 94-96 points “Mainly Mourvèdre (85%), with Cinsault and Grenache, the 2020 Bandol la Tourtine was still in foudre at the time of my visit last year. Scents of cola, smoke and red berries provide ample complexity on the nose, while the medium to full-bodied palate is concentrated and almost creamy in texture while remaining fresh and dynamic on the lengthy finish.”
 
Domaine Tempier Bandol La Tourtine 2021 750ml Displayed Price: $84.50, that’s $80.28 at 5% off and $76.05 at 10% off, 17 bottles in stock now
Importer Note “At this stage, La Tourtine is the most open, fruit-forward, and alluring of the three reds here. Zesty and vibrant, with notes of black cherries, blood orange, and iron, this bottle will be hard to keep your hands off now. But do yourself a favor and grab at least a few bottles to revisit in five, ten, and twenty years from now. There are few pleasures like aged Bandol rouge from Tempier.”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
 
Shop our seven on sale selections from Tempier now!
 





Vinopolis Close-Out Sale Featurette:
 
Thanisch
 
This classic German Riesling producer is one of the most decorated producers in the Mosel. Named after the widow (wwe being the German abbreviation) who inherited the estate in the 19th century, Thanisch has been producing wine since 1636. Thanisch was one of the first estates invited to join the VDP Consortium in 1910, has continued to produce wines of excellence and cellar-worthiness.
 
In Stock & On Sale Now:
 
Wwe Dr. H. Thanisch Erben Thanisch Bernkasteler Graben Riesling Grosses Gewachs, Mosel 2019 750ml Was $41.90, Now $36, 10 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 91+ points “The 2019 Bernkasteler Graben Riesling GG is adjacent to Thanisch’s Doctor parcel yet a bit less warm. From 60- to 70-year-old-vines, this is a smoky, intense and elegant Riesling with very fine, precise and crunchy gray slate aromas. Medium-bodied, intense and complex on the palate, this is a tight, long and structured dry Graben Riesling with a refreshing lemon aroma on the concentrated and refreshing finish. This is complex but very promising and currently pretty closed, although the bottle was opened two days earlier. Tasted at the domain in September 2020.”
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!
(And the lowest listed price for any vintage!)
 
We offer 202 wines on our Close-Out Sale in stock now.
 
Shop the sale on our webstore now!


Champagne of the Day:

H. Billot Fils 2014 Vintage
 
Lead by fourth generation winemaker Laetitia Billiot, H. Billiot Fils represents one of the most under-appreciated growers in the Grand Cru village of Ambonnay. Her wines capture the vinousity of the village with delicacy and finesse. Disgorged to order, this 2014 vintage wine is composed of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay grown on limestone, clay, and chalk soils. Well-balanced and poised, this just entered its prime drinking window.
 
“Pinot Noirs for their power, Chardonnays for their finesse, a blend that can vary depending on the year to immerse you in the structure of our terroir. Let your taste buds marvel.” -Winery note on this 2014 vintage Champagne
 
In Stock Now:
 
H. Billiot Fils Grand Cru Brut Millésime, Champagne 2014 750ml $99 special, 32 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 93 points “The 2014 Brut Millésime is a beautiful wine that shows the Billiot style off to great effect. Fresh, vibrant and also wonderfully deep, the 2014 hits all the right notes. Red plum, kirsch, flowers, mint and sweet spice all come together in a Champagne that marries tension with volume. That’s a pretty appealing combination in my book. Dosage is 0.6 grams per liter.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
 
Tis the season of bubbles!
 
Share joyously & shop our selection of 136 Champagnes on our webstore now!


 
Don’t miss our additional sales going on now:

Fontodi
 
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles from Fontodi
10% off any 6 or more in-stock bottles from Fontodi
 
Von Winning
 
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles from Von Winning
10% off any 6 or more in-stock bottles from Von Winning
 
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
 
Fontodi sale ends Friday, December 20th at 9 am Pacific. Von Winning sale ends Saturday, December 21st at 9 am Pacific.

Vinopolis Newsletter 12-18-24 PM

In This Newsletter:

Special Arrival
Rene Rostaing and Pingus

New Arrivals
Marc Hebrart, DeLille Cellars, La Rioja Alta, Umani Ronchi, and more!

Wineries We Love
Have Yourself a Marrietta little Christmas
Special Arrivals
 
 
Domaine Rene Rostaing
 
Second generation winemaker Pierre Rostaing has taken this famous winery to glorious new heights.

“René Rostaing is one of Côte Rôtie’s most masterful growers.”– Robert Parker
 
Côte Rôtie, a sun-drenched region in the Northern Rhône, produces world-class Syrah wines. Known for their rich, powerful flavors and elegant aromas, these wines are among our very favorite Syrahs and Viogniers in the Rhône, and Domaine Rostaing has remained one of the finest producers in the region. With holdings in some of Côte Rotie’s finest lieux-dits as well as Condrieu
 
Importer’s Note “Historically referred to as the Cote Rotie “Classique”, Rostaing’s Ampodium is elegant, well-balanced and classic! Ampodium refers to the Provencal name for the famed village of Ampuis where the vines are planted.”
Domaine Rene Rostaing Cote Rotie Cuvee Classique Ampodium, Rhone, France 2022 750ml $89 special, 6 bottles available
Jeb Dunnuck 91-93 Points “Tasted from multiple barrels, the 2022 Côte Rôtie Ampodium will easily be an outstanding wine. All of the barrels had saturated purple hues, terrific purity, lots of both red and blue fruits, integrated oak, and ripe, polished tannins. It’s going to be a smoking good base cuvée from this talented family.”
 
Importer’s Note “This is often the most tannic and structured of the Côte Roties, and can take decades to reveal its true potential.”
Domaine Rene Rostaing Cote Rotie La Landonne, Rhone, France 2022 750ml $184.50 special, 2 bottles available
Jeb Dunnuck 95-97 Points “The 2022 Côte Rôtie La Landonne ratchets everything up a notch, offing a darker, meaty style in its smoked black fruits, raw steak, ground pepper, and graphite notes. It’s medium to full-bodied and has ripe, polished tannins and terrific overall balance.”
 
Domaine Rene Rostaing Les Lezardes Syrah, IGP Collines Rhodaniennes, France 2022 750ml $49 special, 6 bottles available
Jeb Dunnuck 89-91 Points “Juicy red fruits, pepper, and violet notes all emerge from the 2022 Collines Rhodaniennes Les Lézardes, a medium-bodied, elegant Syrah that’s going to offer ample pleasure right out of the gate.”
 
Domaine Rene Rostaing Les Lezardes Viognier, IGP Collines Rhodaniennes, France 2023 750ml $39 special, 6 bottles available
Importer’s Note “From several parcels of old vines immediately adjoining Côte Rôtie and Condrieu, the domaine produces a gorgeous Vins de Pays white and red called Les Lézardes.
 
Domaine Rene Rostaing Condrieu La Bonnette, Rhone, France 2023 750ml $89 special, 6 bottles available
(No reviews for 2023 vintage. 2022 review provided for reference.)
Nicolas Greinacher-Vinous 93 Points “The fragrant 2022 Condrieu La Bonnette dazzles with vivid quince, apricot, ripe peach and spring blossom aromas. Viscously textured and fruit-forward, it is built around a juicy core of stone fruits and brings it home with a complex finale.”
 
Domaine Rostaing’s Languedoc project. As with their Rhône bottlings, the grapes are expertly sourced for these blends. Located on a small plateau, the ground is covered with galets roulés – rounded stones – very similar to those found in parts of nearby Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
 
These are the only listings for these wines in the USA:
 
Domaine Rene Rostaing Languedoc Puech Noble Blanc, France 2023 750ml $27 special, 24 bottles available
No reviews for the 2023 vintage. 2022 review provided for reference.
Jeb Dunnuck “A blend of Vermentino, Grenache Blanc, and Viognier, the 2021 Languedoc Puech Noble Blanc is a juicy, citrus, pear, and honeysuckle-scented white that’s medium-bodied, nicely balanced, and has a clean, dry finish. It’s going to be versatile on the dinner table and keep for a year or two.”
 
Domaine Rene Rostaing Coteaux du Languedoc Le Vassal, France 2022 750ml $29 special, 24 bottles available
Importer Notes “A blend of 70% Syrah, 15% Mourvedre & 15% Grenache from a cool vineyard site on limestone cobbles near the town of Nîmes.”
 
Pingus
 

Founded in 1993 by Peter Sisseck, Pingus has grown into one of the biggest cult wineries on the planet. Sisseck, a Danish born winemaker had fallen in love with the Ribera Del Duero and its native clone of Tempranillo, Tinto Fino. His work elevated the region to an unprecedented level of international acclaim and interest.
 
This wine project, Pingus PSI, came from a cooperative effort at the behest of Sisseck by nearby grape growers to restore the soil and vineyard practices of many old vine plantings in the surrounding Duero region.
Dominio de Pingus ‘PSI’, Ribera del Duero, Spain 2022 750ml $33 special, 36+ bottles available
Luis Gutiérrez-Wine Advocate 93-95 Points “The 2022 PSI is clean, expressive and open, much more approachable than the more reductive 2021 that I tasted next to it. It’s primary, fruit-driven and precise. “The fruit selection was better in 2022,” explained Sisseck. It has contained ripeness and a polished texture and is sleek and elegant, with fine tannins. It feels like a step up from 2021. This was also the final blend waiting to be bottled—clarified, sulfur added and everything, so pretty much the wine that is going to be bottled.”
 
New Arrivals
 
 
Champagne
 
Gaston Chiquet Premier Cru Brut Tradition, Champagne, France NV 750ml $46.50 special, 18 bottles available
Wine Spectator “[Reviewed 2023] A fresh, firm Champagne, with a crunchy texture as this carries notes of green pear, wet chalk, elderflower and almond biscotti along. Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.”
 
Pierre Gimonnet et Fils Blanc de Blancs Cuis Premier Cru Brut, Champagne, France NV 1.5L $159 special, 6 bottles available
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 91 Points “{Reviewed Nov 2023] The NV Brut Blanc de Blancs Cuis 1er Cru (2020 base) sizzles with energy. White flowers, chalk, mint, white pepper, green pear and lime all race across the palate. Medium in body and finely cut, the 1er Cru is a jewel of a wine. It will appeal most to readers who enjoy taut, airy Blancs de Blancs.”
 
Hebrart Premier Cru Mes Favorites Vieilles Vignes, Champagne, France NV 750ml $79 special, 24 bottles available
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 93 Points “[Reviewed Nov 2023] The NV Brut Mes Favorites Vieilles Vignes is a blend of 75% Pinot Noir and 25% Chardonnay taken from ten lieux-dits in Mareuil. Rich, creamy and ample in feel, Mes Favorites offers a beguiling mix of old-vine intensity wrapped around a core of bright acids. Kirsch, dried flowers, mint, spice and pear build as this showy, inviting Champagne offers a warm embrace.”
 
Hebrart Premier Cru Brut Rose, Champagne, France NV 750ml $69 special, 12 bottles available
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 92 Points “Reviewed Nov 2023] The NV Brut Rosé is a very pretty, effusive Champagne. Light in color but with gorgeous depth, the Rosé is a charmer. Cranberry, white pepper, mint, crushed rocks and slate give this its dynamic upper register. The blend is 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir from Mareuil-Sur-Aÿ, but the Pinot is quite strong in this release.”
 
Hebrart Selection Premier Cru Brut, Champagne, France NV 750ml $69 special, 24 bottles available
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.”
 
Suenen ‘Les Robarts’ Grand Cru Cramant Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut, Champagne, France 2017 750ml $249 special, 6 bottles available
Decanter 95 Points “This sought-after cuvée may be the most refined and energetic of Aurélien Suenen’s wines from the northern Côte, focusing on a single plot of Chardonnay planted on fine vermiculite clay over belemnite chalk situated on the border between Avize and Cramant. With a stunningly bright, fluid energy running through roasted citrus and groundnut richness derived from subtle oak fermentation, this is a tremendously elegant Chardonnay-driven Champagne full of chalky crunch and delicate, dancing detail. (Drink between 2024-2030).”
 
 
Washington
 
DeLille Cellars
 
“For 30 years, DeLille Cellars has been driven by our founders’ mission to create meaningful experiences that celebrate and enhance everyday life. By working with only the finest grape varieties and vineyard sites to craft world-class blends, DeLille has risen to be one of the most recognized, accessible, and loved wineries in Washington State.” -Delillecellars.com
 
These are thre lowest listed prices in the USA:

#66 in Wine Spectator’s TOP 100 of 2023
DeLille Cellars ‘Metier’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, USA 2021 750ml $19 special, 36 bottles available
Wine Spectator “A terrific value that would probably run you three times the price if it was from Napa, the 2021 Metier Cabernet Sauvignon has textbook leafy herbs, tobacco, and darker currant fruits in a medium-bodied, elegant, balanced package. It has classic Cabernet herbal, floral, spicy notes and is well worth drinking any time over the coming decade or so.”
 
DeLille Cellars D2, Columbia Valley, USA 2020 750ml $33 special, 36 bottles available
Anthony Mueller-Wine Advocate 93 Points “The 2020 D2 Proprietary Red Wine was made from 61% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot. The nose is as brilliant as always, with focused, dark red fruits, hints of black cherry skin and oak essence that sways out of the glass. Full-bodied and mineral tensioned, the palate offers fine-grained tannins with succulent healthy fruit flavors before ending with a fresh, food-friendly finish. At these prices, buy the entire case. About 108,000 bottles were filled after the wine rested in 68% new French oak for 20 months. Bravo!”
Winery Notes “Showcasing a classic layering of red and dark fruits, our 2020 D2 is built upon a softer, approachable structure and style that allow for this wine to be so reliable to be enjoyed in its youth.  Whiffs of dried cranberry, black cherry, vanilla bean, and lavender flower flow into a palate filled with flavors reminiscent of milk chocolate, green peppercorn, and fresh ground nutmeg.  Many of the state’s most heralded sites provide pure fruit and savory characteristics here, with toasty oak influence deftly supporting in the background.  Enjoy now with a gentle decant or cellar for up to 15 years.”
 
 
Spain
 
La Rioja Alta S.A. Vina Ardanza Reserva, Rioja DOCa, Spain 2016 750ml $44.50 special, 24 bottles available
James Suckling 95 Points “Savory and complex with dried orange peel, cedar and plenty of sweet spices, walnuts, caramel, dried mushrooms and pine needles. Shows maturity here, with a medium body and superb freshness. Incredibly long finish with lots of truffle and walnut. Lasts over a minute. Very complete now, but you can still hold it.”
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 94+ Points “The 2016 Viña Ardanza Reserva was produced with 80% Tempranillo and 20% Garnacha that matured in used American oak barrels for three years, where it was hand-racked from barrel to barrel six times in the case of Tempranillo and five times for the Garnacha, as it had a slightly shorter élevage of 30 months.”
 
 
Oregon
 
Fullerton Syrah, The Rocks District of Milton Freewater, USA 2020 750ml $21.90 special, 36 bottles available
Audrey Frick-Jebdunnuck.Com 93 Points “Pouring a deep but transparent purple, the 2020 Syrah Rocks District Of Milton-Freewater is elegant with balanced aromas of primary blackberry fruit, pencil shavings, toasted black pepper, and fresh violets. Supple and full-bodied, though weightless and elegant, it delivers a silky, chocolaty texture, sweet tannins, and a hint of charcuterie. It is in a great spot now, and I like where this is going over the next 6-8 years.”
 
…also available from Fullerton:
 
Fullerton Momtazi Vineyard Pinot Noir, McMinnville, USA 2018 750ml $44.50 special, 30 bottles available
Wine Enthusiast 94 Points “This fine-tuned elaboration emphasizes the fruit component of this biodynamic vineyard with crisp, fresh raspberry flavors upfront. The wet rock minerality of the AVA and the inherent herbal pungency of the site are threaded in, and the finish is buoyed with juicy acidity that brightens it. Slightly more than one-quarter of the barrels were new.”
James Suckling 94 Points “Cool ocean-breeze influence here, with a very fragrant violet, red-cherry and blueberry nose, really pristine. The palate has impressive weight, richness and round, ripe blueberry and cherry flavors. Really expressive and juicy pinot here. 320 dozen produced. Drink or hold.”
 
 
Italy
 
Cascina Baricchi ‘Riva della Coda’ Barbera d’Alba, Piedmont, Italy 2020 750ml $34.50 special, 12 bottles available
(Not reviewed, 2018 review provided for reference)
Vinous-Antonio Galloni (2020) “Cascina Baricchi’s 2018 Barbera d’Alba Riva della Coda is a heady, bombastic wine. Sumptuous black cherry, licorice, menthol, game, tobacco and earthy notes all hit the palate. The 2018 is rich and quite boisterous. While not the most elegant Barbera readers will come across, the 2018 does pack a pretty huge punch. It’s a big wine for the dinner table.”
 
Umani Ronchi Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico, Marche, Italy 2023 750ml $14.50 special, 24 bottles available
Winemaker Note “The Umani Ronchi Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore Casal di Serra comes from selecting only the best grapes grown in the special Montecarotto vineyard, this crisp white shows gorgeous notes of granny smith apple, jasmine and under-ripe peach in the glass. The palate is firm and elegant, with pear and sage coming through, and is marked with a touch of mineral tension. This is the perfect wine for seafood, aged cheeses, or grilled chicken.”
 
Wineries We Love

Marietta Cellars
 
“Scot Bilbro has the magic touch when it comes to crafting wines that deliver superb quality for the money across the various tiers in this range.” — Antonio Galloni, Vinous
 
Founded by the late, great Chris Bilbro, this winery has been crafting incredible, value-driven California wines for decades. Nowhere else can you find high quality cab blends, single vineyard Syrahs and old vine zinfandels for the price.
 
Marietta Cellars Arme, Sonoma – Mendocino County, USA 2021 750ml $26 special, 36+ bottles available
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 93 Points “The 2021 Armé Cabernet Sauvignon is blended with 10% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot. It has pretty tones of blueberries and black cherries with nuances of lavender, thyme and underbrush. The palate is medium-bodied, chalky and refreshing, with surprising depth of crunchy fruit and floral sparks across the long, juicy finish.”
 
Marietta Cellars ‘Game Trail’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Yorkville Highlands, USA 2021 750ml $39 special, 36 bottles available
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 94 Points “The 2021 Game Trail Cabernet Sauvignon is crunchy, refreshing and easy to drink. It’s scented of fresh blackcurrants and cherries, plus nuances of garrigue and charcuterie. The full-bodied palate is light on its feet with softly chalky tannins, bursts of mouthwatering acidity and a long, mineral-driven finish.”
 
Marietta Cellars Gibson Block Syrah, McDowell Valley, USA 2021 750ml $39 special, 36 bottles available
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 95 Points “The 2021 Gibson Block, old-vine Syrah and Grenache, is a heady, extroverted wine. Ripe dark-toned fruit, new leather, spice, dried herbs, gravel, incense and tobacco all saturate the palate. Readers will find a wine of textural intensity and stature to burn. Bright acids pull it all together on the finish to balance the wine’s more extroverted qualities.”
 
Marietta Cellars ‘Roman’ Estate Grown Zinfandel, North Coast, USA 2022 750ml $24 special, 36+ bottles available
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 92 Points “The 2022 Román Zinfandel is a blend of 93% Zinfandel, 4% Barbera, 3% Petite Sirah. It has pure, layered scents of apricot, graham cracker, raspberry jam, mossy bark and spice. The palate is light-bodied, soft and juicy with a core of nuanced berry fruit and a mouthwatering, perfumed finish. This is ideal for spicy food! 2,000 cases produced.”
 
…also available:
 
Marietta Cellars OVR Old Vine Rose, California, USA 2022 750ml $14.50 special, 21 bottles available
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 92 Points “A blend of 50% Syrah, 25% Grenache Noir and 25% Grenache Gris, the 2022 Old Vine Rosé has a medium cherry-pink color and pretty scents of peach, dried herbs and charcuterie. The light-bodied palate is bright and refreshing with a deep core of fruit, a touch of anchoring texture and a long, spicy finish. It drinks well on its own, although it will pair widely at the table.”
 
Marietta Cellars OVR Old Vine Red, California, USA NV 750ml $18 special, 26 bottles available
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 93 Points “The NV Old Vine Red Lot 74 is primarily Zinfandel, with some Syrah, Petite Sirah, Carignan, Grenache and Barbera. Spicy and easy to drink, it has aromas of red and black cherries, mint, bitter chocolate and allspice with earthy undertones. The medium-bodied palate is finely chalky and refreshing, with spicy fruit and an easygoing finish. This will be enjoyable with almost any dish at the table and, as always, overdelivers for the price.”
 

Win With Von Winning Sale 12-18-24

In This Newsletter:
 
Von Winning
Close-Out Sale Featurette: Daniel Landi
Champagne of the Day
 
 

Profound Whites from Von Winning
 
Stock Up & Save During Our Three-Day Sale
 
We’ve said for many years that Von Winning makes some of the most profound white wines on the planet. The combination of old and incredible vineyard sites, meticulous winemaking and a commitment to producing only the finest wines yields exactly what you’d hope: white wines of depth and complexity, with grace and mineral power. The Rieslings are dry, offering floral and mineral flavors that are both intense and furtive.
 
But Riesling isn’t the only focus. Von Winning is one of the preeminent producers of Sauvignon Blanc in the world. Germany is not where you’d expect to find great Sauvignon Blanc, but the wines will make a believer out of anyone. These are rich, textural examples that move beyond varietal characteristics and into unique territory. Their closest comparison is probably the top Sauvignon of Friuli (eg, Miani, Ronco del Gnemiz), or the very best estates in Austria.
 
Farming in their vineyards scattered around Forst, Deidesheim, and Ruppertsberg is minimal-input, much like the gentle winemaking, and the estate is practicing organic. The wines are fermented and some are aged in neutral oak of various formats, imparting a depth and richness to the wines without sacrificing precision.
 
We’ve long-adored these wines in the shop, and we know that you will, too.

5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles from Von Winning
10% off any 6 or more in-stock bottles from Von Winning
 
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
 
Sale ends Saturday, December 21st at 9 am Pacific.
 
We offer seventeen Von Winning options on sale now, including:
 
Staff favorite!
Von Winning Riesling Sekt Extra Brut NV 750ml Displayed Price: $24, that’s $22.80 at 5% off and $21.60 at 10% off, 36+ bottles in stock now
No reviews for the current disgorgement. Recent review provided for reference.
David Schildknecht-Vinous 92 points “Based largely on vintage 2016 and on grapes from Ruppertsberg (especially Linsenbusch), this offers a mouthwatering and remarkably Chablis-like evocation of salted, herbed chicken stock and oyster liquor. Walnut and peach kernel piquancy stimulate further on a brightly lemony, buoyant palate. The mousse is admirably fine, the long finish both cheek-pinching and saliva-inducing, irrepressibly juicy and loaded with animal as well as mineral savor. Coming as it does in large part from a relatively sandy and flat Einzellage with only a very modest reputation, I was amazed at both this wine’s strength of personality and its quality. Weingut Dr. Deinhard was strongly associated with sparkling wine from its mid-19th-century inception, and ever since the estate’s 2009 sale, the revival of the name von Winning, and Stephan Attmann’s installation as winemaker, traditional-method sparkling wine from cask-fermented musts has been a very serious part of the estate program. Results keep reaching new levels of finesse.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
 
Von Winning Pinot Noir Rosé 2023 750ml Displayed Price: $21.90, that’s $20.81 at 5% off and $19.71 at 10% off, 16 bottles in stock now
Skurnik Wines Importer Note “Region: Pfalz. Grape Variety: [Pinot Noir] Vineyards: Mix of sites in Diedesheim and Rupertsberg. Soil Types: Red sandstone, limestone, loess and clay. Age of Vines: 25 years. Farming Technique: Sustainable. Fermentation & Elevage: respectful cooperation with nature in the vineyard and minimal interference with the wine’s inner structure in the cellar.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
 
Von Winning Estate Riesling Trocken 2022 750ml Displayed Price: $21.90, that’s $20.81 at 5% off and $19.71 at 10% off, 15 bottles in stock now
Importer Note “A perfect balance of fruit, depth, and fresh acidity. The flavors of juicy bright peach compliment the slightly spicy finish. A versatile wine that is perfect both for an afternoon cocktail hour as well a great wine for a dinner party.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
 
Von Winning Sauvignon Blanc ‘II’ Trocken 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $19.90, that’s $18.91 at 5% off and $17.91 at 10% off, 17 bottles in stock now
Falstaff Magazine 89+ points “Aromas of grass cuttings and pepper, reductive tones, gooseberry. A slender palate, lots of juiciness, well-integrated acidity, slightly salty aftertaste on the finish. A refreshing, savoury varietal wine.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
 
Von Winning Sauvignon Blanc ‘II’ Trocken 2022 750ml Displayed Price: $21.90, that’s $20.81 at 5% off and $19.71 at 10% off, 30 bottles in stock now
Falstaff Magazine 91 points “Slightly closed-reductive aroma, spontaneous fermentation. Dense structure, firm acidity and smooth base, very good in freshness and tension. Aromatically restrained but the substance is excellent. Will continue to develop positively.”
 
Von Winning ‘I’ Sauvignon Blanc Trocken 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $36, that’s $34.20 at 5% off and $32.40 at 10% off, 4 bottles in stock now
Falstaff Magazine 91+ points “[Translated] Noticeable smoky notes with ripe fruit, gooseberry, apricot and currants, also floral notes, green walnut. Relaxed on the palate with juice and a gentle, slow flow, slim and with good concentration, spice, apricot, gooseberry and citrus notes that also determine the finish. Young, with potential.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
 
Von Winning Deidesheimer Leinhohle Riesling Trocken 2021 750ml Displayed Price: $36.50, that’s $34.68 at 5% off and $32.85 at 10% off, 9 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 90 points “This is rather light, with a graceful profile decorated with notes of yellow plum, quinine and lemongrass. The midpalate is supple and balanced, while the finish is juicy, inviting you to grab a bite of cheese.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
 
Von Winning Haardter Herrenletten Riesling Trocken 2021 750ml Displayed Price: $39, that’s $37.05 at 5% off and $35.10 at 10% off, 6 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2021 Haardter Herrenletten Riesling trocken VDP. Erste Lage offers a deep, pure and concentrated, almost rich but very elegant and even refined bouquet of iodine and ripe fruits. Full-bodied, intense and remarkably concentrated on the palate, this is a dense, saline and refreshingly mineral Riesling from the Letten Keuper soils in Haardt. The finish is long, fresh and complex and reveals fine tannins. This is another excellent, age-worthy 1er cru from Stephan Attmann that deserves the highest interest. 12% stated alcohol. Natural cork.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
 
Von Winning Ruppertsberger Reiterpfad Riesling 2021 750ml Displayed Price: $36, that’s $34.20 at 5% off and $32.40 at 10% off, 7 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 92+ points “The 2021 Ruppertsberger Reiterpfad Riesling trocken VDP. Erste Lage shows a deep, intense and elegant, well balanced and quiet bouquet of ripe white fruits and coolish earthy soil notes of crushed stones and hints of iodine. On the palate, this is a full-bodied, elegant and textured Riesling with serious tannins that intermingle with the saline acidity yet need more time to blend in with the fruit. The oak vat might have been newer or smaller here than in the other Erste Lage Rieslings of the vintage, but the richness and substance of the Reiterpfad can afford it. 12% stated alcohol. Natural cork. Tasted at the domaine in November 2022.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
 
Von Winning Jesuitengarten Riesling Grosses Gewachs 2021 750ml Displayed Price: $119, that’s $113.05 at 5% off and $107.10 at 10% off, 3 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “Jesuitengarten GG is located on the slope just below Ungeheuer in Forst and has sandstone, limestone and basalt in the soil. The wine ferments naturally in 500l oak barrels and stays 1,5 years on the lees. Piquant, noble reduction and deep layers of fruit. Our rarest GG!”
This rarity is rarely reviewed. No review available for the 2021 vintage. 2019 review provided for reference.
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 96-98 points “The 2019 Jesuitengarten GG displays an intense lemon color and opens with a rich, intense and refreshing bouquet of lemon oil intermixed with vanilla and yeasty aromas and notes of crushed stones and blossoming flowers. It is less fruity and aromatic than the Pechstein and even the Kirchenstück but subtle and very complex at the same time. Full-bodied, fresh and elegant on the palate, this is a crystalline, piquant and firmly structured yet highly refined Jesuitengarten with density, power, tension and a persistent tropical stone fruit aroma—think of mangos but also passion fruit and even ripe peaches. It is very salty and has a serious, very sustainable finish. A spectacular GG for von Wining yet leaner and tighter than the famous neighbors from the Pechstein and Kirchenstück. The finish is not just salty but also enormously long and vibrating.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
 
Von Winning Kieselberg Riesling Grosses Gewachs 2021 750ml Displayed Price: $74.50, that’s $70.78 at 5% off and $67.05 at 10% off, 16 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 93-95 points “The 2021 Kieselberg Riesling trocken VDP. Grosse Lage comes from a plateau above Deidesheim with sandstone and limestone in the soil. Fermented spontaneously in 500-liter oak vats and still maturing in them, the barrel sample shows a clear, elegant and savory nose of bright and ripe fruit aromas intertwined with oaky and yeasty notes. Creamy textured and very elegant on the palate, this is a full-bodied, tight and saline-finishing Riesling with fine and grippy tannins and lingering salinity and mineral tension. It’s still very young but worthy to be cellared for at least a decade. Tasted at the domaine in November 2022. To be released sometime next year.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
 
Von Winning Langenmorgen Riesling Grosses Gewachs 2021 750ml D Displayed Price: $74.50, that’s $70.78 at 5% off and $67.05 at 10% off, 15 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 93-94 points “The 2021 Langenmorgen Riesling trocken VDP. Grosse Lage is grown in a cool area up by the forest on a light sandstone soil. It fermented spontaneously in 500-liter oak barrels, in which the wine is aging until today. The nose shows a brilliantly clear, fresh and flinty, very elegant GG with herbal and soil-driven, flinty-scented intensity and the coolish aromas of slow-ripening Riesling. Very elegant and refined on the palate, this is a round, lush and salty-savory Riesling classic that reveals a long, tight, saline and finely grippy finish. As per the vintage, this is a rather lean, straightforward but tensioned Riesling that will show its class in the years to come. Tasted as a sample at the domaine in November 2022. To be released sometime next year.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
 
Von Winning Ungeheuer Riesling Grosses Gewachs 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $69, that’s $65.55 at 5% off and $62.10 at 10% off, 5 bottles in stock now
Falstaff Magazine 94 points “[Translated] New wood, mirabelle plum, yellow plum on the nose. In the mouth there is an enormous concentration, extract sweetness and tactile minerals compete with the acid for dominance in the mouthfeel, the alcohol is disciplined, the concentration goes hand in hand with great length.”

 

Vinopolis Close-Out Sale Featurette:
 
Daniel Landi

Daniel Gómez Jiménez-Landi (or Dani Landi as he’s more commonly known) is certainly one half of Comando G, but his personal projects are at least as compelling and much more sought after within Spain. The Cantos del Diablo bottling hails from Méntrida, an up-and-coming Spanish winemaking region known for its difficult terrain and high altitudes. This is one of the finest and most famous wines from a vintage known for its finesse.
 
In Stock & On Sale Now:
 
Daniel Gomez Jimenez-Landi ‘Cantos del Diablo’ 2017 750ml Was $99, Now $79, 7 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutiérrez-Wine Advocate 94+ points “The single-vineyard 2017 Cantos del Diablo was produced with the grapes from 0.35 hectares in the village of El Real de San Vicente (Toledo), the highest vineyard in the Méntrida appellation. It’s a north-facing plot at 900 meters in altitude that was planted some 70 years ago on sandy granite soils rich in silt and is worked biodynamically. The grapes, with all the stems, fermented with indigenous yeasts in oak vats, and the wine matured in a 1,200-liter oak foudre for 12 months. This was one of the few villages from Gredos that escaped the hail and frost, and it was a dry year, so harvesting was early (10 to 15 days earlier compared with a “normal” vintage!). It’s aromatic and floral but has the austerity of the wines from El Real de San Vicente as well as a texture like liquid chalk and very fine, powdery tannins. It’s clean and ripe without excess, with a nice combination of fruit and minerality, really balanced, with intensity and finesse. Excellent 2017! 1,362 bottles were filled in March 2019.”
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!
 
We offer 202 wines on our Close-Out Sale in stock now.
 
Shop the sale on our webstore now!


Champagne of the Day:
 
Clos Lanson

This single-vineyard Champagne hails from within the very walls of Reims. We love Lanson for their charm and energy, on full display. Vinified in oak and aged for twelve years on the lees, this is an exquisite wine that will cellar for decades.
 
In Stock Now:
 
Lanson ‘Clos Lanson’ 2009 750ml $199 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Decanter 98 points “A new addition to the Place de Bordeaux this year from the 1ha-walled Chardonnay vineyard in the centre of Reims. A gorgeous toasted buttery nose filled with hazelnuts, lemon rind, orange skin and acaia – all subtly combined but giving complexity and nuance. Instantly salivating on the palate, unctuous yet so delicate in terms of power and heaviness. Generous with a velvet sensation to the bubbles and a slightly chalky finish. Bright and lifted – a joyous combination of citrus – lemon and orange acidity, honeysuckle flowers and stone fruits, balanced by a touch of bitterness and a hint of salty minerality. Such complexity and overall enjoyment to be found here – utterly charming and confident at the same time. The flavours totally envelop the mouth yet the overall expression is finessed and elegant. Drink now (in a wine glass) to savour the fresh zestiness or cellar for decades. A limited production of 7,000 bottles. Aged 12 years on the lees. Disgorged May 2022. 3g/l dosage. The cooler 2008 vintage will be released after this.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
 
Tis the season of bubbles!
 
Share joyously & shop our selection of 136 Champagnes on our webstore now!


 
Don’t miss our additional sales going on now:

German & French 375mls
 
5% off any 4-8 in-stock bottles from German & French 375mls
10% off any 9 or more in-stock bottles from German & French 375mls
 
Fontodi
 
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles from Fontodi
10% off any 6 or more in-stock bottles from Fontodi
 
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
 
German & French 375mls sale ends Thursday, December 19th at 9 am Pacific. Fontodi sale ends Friday, December 20th at 9 am Pacific.

Fantastic Mr. Fontodi Sale 12-17-24

In This Newsletter:
 
Fontodi Sale
Close-Out Featurette: Duclaux Cote Rotie
Champagne of the Day
 

“Among the many excellent estates located in Panzano is Fontodi, one of the finest wine estates in the world…” -Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
 
Stock Up & Save on
 
Fontodi
 
Fontodi is one of Tuscany’s most respected estates and produces some of the finest wines in the world. The wines are effortlessly delicious and harmonious, the gift of such high-quality base material.
 
The estate’s vineyards are planted along a high elevation hill of Conca d’Oro (“the golden shell,” named for its shape) and its south-facing amphitheater. Here, the high elevation and shape of the land offer long and warm summer days and a wild diurnal temperature swing. The calcareous clay and schist soils are optimal for producing ripe yet balanced Sangiovese.
 
The Manetti family purchased their property in the village of Panzano in 1968. (Before that, they crafted terracotta tiles from the soil, so you could say they know the land intimately.) Their wines quickly brought international attention to this tiny village, home to other famous estates such as Molino di Grace and Rampolla. Today, Giovanni Manetti helms the estate and is president of the Consorzio Chianti Classico, the regional winegrower association.
 
Fontodi’s flagship bottling, the Flaccianello della Pieve, is one of Tuscany’s most sought-after Sangiovese wines. Its class seems inevitable when you consider that each year it is made with only the finest vineyard blocks from their exquisite holdings. Built for the long haul, this is an ideal Sangiovese for a long-term cellaring and a rival to Soldera, Biondi-Santi Riserva, Pergole Torte, Valdicava’s Madonna… you name it—though the Flaccianello tends to cost less than its peers. Heck, this would be a cult wine selling for thousands if the vineyard was in Napa or Bordeaux.
 
Fontodi is certified organic with 70 hectares of vines across their 130 hectares of land. The family is strongly committed to organic agriculture, writing that they believe that by “respecting the environment means wines that are better, purer, and a truer expression of the grape and the territory.” The sentiment extends into the winery where the aim is to preserve the “natural integrity of the grape, in order to exalt the character and elegance of the wines.”
 
These are gorgeous wines to wow lovers of bold, terroir-driven reds, now on our three-day sale.
 
“Giovanni Manetti and Fontodi represent the pinnacle of quality that can be achieved in this part of Tuscany. That he has become a symbolic head of the region only brings more prestige and pedigree to an appellation that demands our highest respect and admiration.” -Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
 
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles from Fontodi
10% off any 6 or more in-stock bottles from Fontodi
 
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
 
Sale ends Friday, December 20th at 9 am Pacific.
 
We offer four Fontodi options on sale now, including:
 
Fontodi Dino Amphora Sangiovese Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT 2018 750ml Displayed Price: $75, that’s $71.25 at 5% off and $67.50 at 10% off, 5 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 93 points “The 2018 Dino, Fontodi’s 100% Sangiovese done in amphora, is so intriguing. The purity of the Sangiovese fruit is just remarkable, as is the wine’s energy. Readers will have to look past a bit of spritziness (that dissipates with air) but there is so much to like in the 2018, starting with its exceptional balance and poise. With a bit of air, the 2018 is a drop-dead gorgeous beauty. I am really intrigued to see how the 2018 ages, as that is one of the biggest question marks for wines made in this style. Bright acids add a good deal of supporting structure that suggest the 2018 has at least another decade of fine drinking ahead of it.”
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!
 
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, 20 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.”
 
Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT 2009 750ml Displayed Price: $149, that’s $141.55 at 5% off and $134.10 at 10% off, 1 bottle in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2009 Flaccianello della Pieve is now hitting that very specific point in a wine’s evolution in which you still identity some of the fruit, but you also get a supporting chorus of evolved aromas that enhance the overall finesse and depth of the bouquet. This wine is coming along beautifully and seems right on point in terms of its forward moving aging trajectory. Dried blackberry, cherry confit and plum are rounded out by spice, toast and bitter chocolate. The bouquet fires out on multiple sides, thus increasing the perceived complexity on hand. This vintage is very open and frank, and this is another endearing quality to admire. Interestingly, this vintage saw naturally high yields. Giovanni Manetti tells me they had to work very carefully in terms of green harvest and fruit selection in order to achieve this impeccable level of balance.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
 
Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT 2017 750ml Displayed Price: $159, that’s $151.05 at 5% off and $143.10 at 10% off, 36 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 97 points “The 2017 Flaccianello della Pieve is fabulous. Dark, sensual and enveloping, the 2017 captures the essence of the house style in its textural richness and baritone inflections. Black cherry, plum, spice, new leather, licorice and chocolate infuse the 2017 with tremendous richness. The 2017 spent 18 months in barrique followed by 6 months in cask, the same aging regime as the Vigna del Sorbo, but with a bit more new oak. That approach worked very well, as the Flaccianello stands out for its exceptional textural elegance and finesse. It is a positively stellar wine.”


Vinopolis Close-Out Sale Featurette:

Domaine Benjamin et David Duclaux

This flagship Cote Rotie from the Declaux brothers hails from a single plot of terraces vines in Cote Blonde, tended and harvested by the brothers themselves. These are some of the oldest vines of the estate, averaging fifty years old. Just a few hundred cases are produced each year, and we are one of the few shops in the USA to stock their wines. We have just six bottles remaining from this vintage, which offers a long life in the cellar or power and impact tonight.
 
In Stock & On Sale Now:
 
Domaine Benjamin et David Duclaux Cote Rotie Maison Rouge, Rhone 2018 750ml Was $79, Now $69, 6 bottles in stock now
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 96 points “From arguably the most famous lieu-dit in the southern portion of the appellation, the Duclaux brothers’ 2018 Cote Rotie Maison Rouge is a showstopper. Scents of violets, stone fruit, anise-like spice and mixed berries combine to create a complex nose, while the medium to full-bodied palate is concentrated yet supremely silky, smooth and charming, ending long and elegant. It’s a superb example of the generally softer, more elegant style found around Tupin et Semons.”
Jeb Dunnuck 96 points “The flagship is the 2018 Côte Rôtie Maison Rouge, which comes from the southern end of the appellation, where the soils are finer and lighter in color. This cuvée is all Syrah and was brought up in 40% new oak. The 2018 is a rich, powerful wine by this cuvée’s standards and has a deeper ruby hue as well as a ripe, powerful nose of darker red and black fruits, bouquet garni, dried flowers, graphite, and lots of obvious minerality. Beautifully balanced, medium to full-bodied, and as seamless as they come, this is a classy, serious Côte Rôtie that needs 2-4 years of bottle age and will evolve gracefully for 20 years or more.”
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!

We offer 210 wines on our Close-Out Sale in stock now.

Shop the sale on our webstore now!


 
Champagne of the Day:
 
2013 Cristal Rosé

2013 was an epic vintage in Champagne. What contributed to the profundity of the vintage? It was a combination of factors, heavily influenced by the uncharacteristically long and cool growing season. Long and cool, that is, by modern standards. The late harvest in October was once a standard for the region. Not so much anymore thanks to climate change.
 
By many metrics, 2013 reads as a classic vintage, harkening back to the glory days of the 70s and before. Perhaps even better, as the region embraces more sustainable farming methods.
 
One of the finest Champagnes of the vintage is the Cristal Rosé. Described by William Kelley of the Wine Advocate as “the reigning champion of the region’s tête de cuvée bottlings” and by Antonio Galloni of Vinous as “ravishing,” this is a wine to cherish. We have one bottle in stock of this work of art. Bring it home to your cellar for a long slumber. Future you, your perhaps your kids, will thank you.
 
In Stock Now:
 
Louis Roederer Cristal Brut Rosé 2013 750ml $619 special, 1 bottle in stock now
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 99 points “A candidate for wine-of-the-vintage honors in Champagne, Roederer’s 2013 Cristal Rosé is showing brilliantly, unfurling in the glass with notes of crisp orchard fruit, white flowers, red berries, stone fruit, freshly baked bread and tangerine oil. Full-bodied, layered and multidimensional, the vintage’s bright girdling acids are amply cloaked in exuberant, expressive and notably concentrated fruit; so while this Cristal is as tensile and age-worthy as one would expect, it’s also impressively fleshy and generous given the year. Concluding with an intensely sapid finish, the 2013 isn’t as overtly structured as the muscular, tightly wound 2012: rather, it’s the 2013’s alliance of cut and flesh, precision and charm that’s so compelling this year. This is another banner vintage for what I consider the reigning champion of the region’s tête de cuvée bottlings, and it will be worth an effort to acquire.”
 
Tis the season of bubbles!
 
Share joyously & shop our selection of 136 Champagnes on our webstore now!


 
Don’t miss our additional sales going on now:

Remelluri
 
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles from Remelluri
10% off any 6 or more in-stock bottles from Remelluri
 
German & French 375mls
 
5% off any 4-8 in-stock bottles from German & French 375mls
10% off any 9 or more in-stock bottles from German & French 375mls
 
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Remelluri sale ends Wednesday, December 18th at 9 am Pacific. German & French 375mls sale ends Thursday, December 19th at 9 am Pacific.