Veyder-Malberg- Fresh, Authentic, Extreme Wachau Wines

January 2012

With so much of today’s wine coming from mechanically-farmed flat land vineyards, direct human interaction with the vines and fruit is minimal at best.  There are, of course, plenty of hand-farmed vineyards out there, but few are as challenging to work as those in Austria’s Wachau. Like the historic vines of Spain’s Priorat or France’s Norther Rhone, the Wachau’s terraced vineyards are filled with deep-rooted old vines inaccessible by vehicles, so they must be worked by hand – which is highly labor intensive.  And this is why many of the old terraces are in danger of being abandoned – something that would ultimately change the landscape of the Wachau in the future.

So, starting in 2008, Peter Veyder-Malberg made it his goal to acquire exposed cool-site terraces with mainly old vines (30-50 years of age) and protect them from being cleared.… Read the rest

WINE FLASH SALE- week 2 2012

January 7, 2012

another outstanding trio sings for us this week:

FLASH SALE

Fontanabianca Barbaresco Sori Burdin 2005 $33 vinopolflash special

Wine Spectator 93 points “This has a wonderful nose of crushed strawberry and plum. Full-bodied, with loads of ripe fruit and velvety tannins. Long and chewy. A big, generous Barbaresco. Best after 2012. 650 cases made.”

Antonio Galloni 93 points  The estate’s 2005 Barbaresco Sori Burdin is a darker and more brooding wine than the Barbaresco. A generous, expansive wine, it flows with layers of dark fruit, smoke, tar, licorice and sweet toasted oak. The tannins are firm, but beautifully integrated in this very pleasing wine from Fontanabianca. It is a commendable effort. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020” 

 next best listed price in the USA is $50.40 / bottle- average in USA $60.20 / bottle

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Angelo Gaja Barbaresco 2006 375ml $69 vinopolflash special

 Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2006 Barbaresco reveals terrific concentration, depth and purity.… Read the rest

FLASH SALE- week one 2012

 January 1, 2012

Happy New Year to our Wine Friends

We are starting 2012 with a trio of special sales feature offers:

FLASH SALE

 Perrier-Jouet Fleur de Champagne Brut Belle Epoque 2002 ($119.95) $79 vinopolflash special (Wine Spectator 94 points) “Hints of burnt sugar and toffee accent this bright Champagne, along with notes of apple pie, bread dough, cream and candied lemon peel. There’s a fine balance between the wine’s finesse and its lively character, with a long, smoke-tinged finish. Better than previously reviewed. Drink now through 2024.”

next best listed price in the USA is $99 / bottle- average listed price in USA is $139 / bottle

Quintessa Illumination Sauvignon Blanc 2010 ($39.95) $19 vinopolflash special    (Winery notes) “Illumination Sauvignon Blanc blends a small plot of Sauvignon Blanc from Quintessa with low yielding hillside grapes sourced from the southern ends of Napa Valley and great vineyards across the mountains in Sonoma County to create a distinctive wine.… Read the rest

chateauneuf du pape- holiday specials – October 2011

’tis the season,

to enjoy friends, family, festive food, finest wine,

and to save money…

The wines of the South Rhone fit the Holiday Season very well, and the wines of Chateauneuf du Pape are the undisputed best among them. We were thrilled to have an opportunity to bring some of the best to you at the undisputed best prices in the USA.  Check them out:

Clos des Papes Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc 2006 $39 case of 12– $399 Wine Spectator 95 points “Supertight and pure, with blanched almond, star fruit, acacia and lemon verbena notes all gliding along a bright, minerally frame. Lingering hints of orange blossom, honeysuckle and lime add further complexity. Should age beautifully. Drink now through 2017”

Chateau Fortia Chateauneuf du Pape ‘Tradition’ 2006 $21.90  Case of 12-$239 Wine Spectator 89 points “This offers a beam of plum, red currant, licorice and sweet spice flavors, with slightly firm but rounded tannins.… Read the rest

special guest- Josh Bergstrom – October 2011

One of our best and brightest Oregon winemakers joins us here to talk about the 2011 vintage of Willamette Valley Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.  While Josh is already an accomplished wine-maker and not at all without recognition for his wines, what many may not know is that Josh has never stopped gaining knowledge and appreciation of the best of the wine world at large, and applying his evolving insights to his own craft. So, here is Josh Bergstrom – in his own write….

If you follow West Coast winemaking news, you have probably heard by now that 2011 is the prelude to the Apocalypse……right? Oh, ye of little faith.  In my humble opinion, 2011 could turn out to be one of the more interesting vintages in Oregon’s recent history, and could quite possibly change how we feel about late, cool and wet harvests vis-à-vis Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.… Read the rest