March 17, 2012

Brilliant Winery, Brilliant Vintage, Brilliant Sale:

Clos du Caillou Chateauneuf du Pape Les Safres 2009 ($79.95) $44 vinopolflash special SOLD OUT

Case-12 Clos du Caillou Chateauneuf du Pape Les Safres 2009 $499 vinopolflash special ($41.59 / bottle) SOLD OUT

Josh Raynolds 91 points “Bright red.  Very fresh and intensely aromatic, projecting scents of red berries, lavender and spices, along with a hint of white pepper.  Juicy and incisive, offering nervy strawberry and raspberry flavors lifted by a zesty spice nuance.  This silky, seamless, lithe Chateauneuf finishes with impressive clarity and snap and might well pass for a ripe New World pinot noir.”

lowest listed price elsewhere in USA is $65.99/ bottle

Clos du Caillou Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Quartz 2009 ($99.95) $66 vinopolflash special SOLD OUT

Case-12 Clos du Caillou Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Quartz 2009 $744 vinopolflash special ($62 / bottle) SOLD OUT

Robert Parker 94 points “The opaque ruby/purple-colored 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Quartz is a blend of 85% Grenache and 15% Syrah from one of the appellation’s more obscure lieu-dits.… Read the rest

February 5, 2012

doin’ what her big sister done:

Zanzibar Cellars ‘Casima’  Columbia Valley 2006 ($49.95) $17 vinopolflash special SOLD OUT

Wine Spectator 91 points “Smooth and velvety. A supple style that lets the tobacco- and black olive-tinged cherry and spice flavors emerge easily, lingering on the generous finish. 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Sangiovese and 5% Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2014.”

trans andean price war: 

Cheval des Andes Mendoza 2007 ($79.95) $49 vinopolflash special SOLD OUT

Wine Advocate 95 points “There are no doubts about the 2007 Cheval des Andes, always a candidate for wine of the vintage. Composed of 60% Malbec, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the balance Merlot and Petit Verdot, it spent 18 months in new French oak.… Read the rest

January 29, 2012

Clos Saint Jean Chateauneuf du Pape Veilles Vignes 2008 ($49.95) $29 vinopolflash special SOLD OUT

The Rhone Report 92 points “Consistent with prior showings, the 2008 Clos Saint Jean Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes is a superb ’08, and perhaps one of the few that possess a fair bit of flesh and baby fat at the moment. Licorice, minerals, and loads of black cherry fruit, medium to full body, and a deft, balanced profile all characterize this beauty and it should continue to show gorgeously for another decade.”  

best listed price elsewhere in USA is $34.99 / bottle – average listed price elsewhere in USA is $49 / bottle

Cave de Tain Hermitage ‘Gambert de Loche’ 2003 ($89.95) $27 vinopolflash special SOLD OUT

Wine Spectator 92 points Terrific fruit–fig, blackberry and boysenberry– with licorice, dark chocolate and tar notes as well.… Read the rest

January 14, 2012

 Palazzo Wine Napa Red 2006 ($59.95) $35 vinopolflash special

Robert Parker 94 points “Palazzo’s deep ruby/purple-tinged, full-bodied 2006 Proprietary Red Wine (68% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon) reveals a sumptuous perfume of white chocolate, fruitcake, black cherries, black currants, and subtle toasty oak. Displaying a luscious texture, a broad, savory mid-palate, and gorgeous length, it should drink nicely for 10-15+ years. This serious, small, artisinal operation is owned by Scott Palazzo, who, along with his winemaker, Peter Franus, is turning out some complex, French-inspired offerings.” 

average listed price elsewhere in USA is $53 / bottle

Zanzibar Cellars  Sandra 2006 ($49.95) $18 vinopolflash special

Wine Spectator 92 points “Dense, dark and chewy, this is beautifully aromatic, showing impressive depth to its black cherry, pepper and bay leaf flavors, hinting at licorice as the finish sails on against well-modulated tannins.… Read the rest