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

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