August 4, 2012

Montevertine is the name of the wine, the estate where it is made, and the “hilltop hamlet” in the heart of the Chianti district where the domaine is situated. Montevertine’s first vintage was produced by Sergio Manetti in 1971 and little has changed now that the estate is under the administration of his son, Martino. Frequently referred to as a member of the “Super Tuscan” group, the wines of Montevertine are perhaps the philosophical opposite of those in that heterogenous “group.” While the Super Tuscans typically rely heavily on “international” grape varieties to craft wines that match their makers’ visions, Montevertine is dedicated to tradition – so much so that, rather than incorporate white grapes into the blend (as was once required for Chianti), in 1981 Sergio Manetti parted ways with the Chianti Classico Consortium and denomination, to produce one of the few, authentic examples of what Chianti Classico should be.… Read the rest

April 29, 2012

Flora Springs Trilogy Napa 2008 ($59.95) $29 vinopolflash special SOLD OUT

 Wine Enthusiast 94 points “A flashy, classy wine grown in the estate vineyard in the benchlands and hills above Rutherford. Shows lots of sweet, ripe cherry fruit and toasty oak, but enough of an acid-tannin structure to dry it out for balance. Should hold and develop over the next 6-8 years”

 Robert Parker 91 points “[$65 list] One of the first proprietary Bordeaux blends made in Napa was Flora Springs’ Trilogy. The 2008 (79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, 2.5% Petit Verdot and 2.5% Malbec) exhibits a beautiful deep ruby/purple color along with sweet blueberry, black raspberry and black currant fruit intermixed with some floral notes, well-integrated oak and spice, medium to full body and silky tannins.… Read the rest

March 31, 2012

let’s say ciao (hello-goodbye) to some great Gaja:

Gaja Barbaresco 2005 ($219.95) $149 vinopolflash special SOLD OUT

Antonio Galloni 94 points “Floral aromatics give way to bright spiced red fruits, menthol and licorice as the 2005 Barbaresco opens in the glass. This is a firm, classically built wine of notable elegance. The tannins are substantial yet beautifully woven into the wine’s mid-weight frame. This is another beautiful Barbaresco from Angelo Gaja, but it will require patience as it is tightly wound today. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030.” 

lowest listed price anywhere else in USA is $173.99/ bottle – average listed price in USA is $202/ bottle

Gaja Sori San Lorenzo 2006 ($479.95) $279 vinopolflash special SOLD OUT

Antonio Galloni 94 points, Stephen Tanzer 95 points “Good deep red.… Read the rest

March 25, 2012

Belle Glos Pinot Noir Los Alturas Vineyard 2009 ($49.95) $29 vinopolflash special SOLD OUT

Wine Spectator 92 points “Bold, rich and layered, exhibiting dense dark berry fruit that shows touches of spice, wild berry and blackberry, with attractive floral scents. Full-bodied, this expands on the finish, where the flavors fan out. Best from 2012 through 2020.” Wine Enthusiast 92 points “A big, rich, full-bodied wine, flashy and dramatic. Floods the mouth with cherry-berry flavors, yet somehow feels light and elegant despite the weight and tannins, which is a kind of magic. You’ll find all kinds of raspberries, cherries, sandalwood and exotic spices, but the wine isn’t really ready. Give it 3–4 years in the cellar” 

lowest listed price anywhere else in USA is $39.95/ bottle- save 25%+

average listed price in USA is $41/ bottle

Paul Avril Clos des Papes Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc 2006 ($69.95) $39 vinopolflash special SOLD OUT

Case-12: Clos des Papes Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc 2006 $399 vinopolflash special ($33.33 / bottle) SOLD OUT

Wine Spectator 95 points “Supertight and pure, with blanched almond, star fruit, acacia and lemon verbena notes all gliding along a bright, minerally frame.… Read the rest