Vinopolis Newsletter 2-24-25

In This Newsletter:

Special Arrivals
Sylvain Pataille

New Arrivals
Purple Hands, Donnhoff, Guy Charlemagne, and more!

The Hot Sheet
Values that punch above their weight 
 
Special Arrivals
 
 
France
 
Domaine Sylvain Pataille
 


“Sylvain Pataille produces brilliant wines that number among the Côte d’Or’s finest values. Whole-cluster vinification, long macerations, low sulfur and protracted élevage are the rudiments of the approach.” -William Kelley, Wine Advocate
 
Simply put, Sylvain Pataille has become the cult producer of cult producers in Marsannay. His natural, authentic, and uncompromising style has won the hearts of wine fans worldwide. While we love to see him rewarded with mainstream success, we lament to see his wines increasing in price… do not be surprised when even his 750ml bottling breaks into triple-digits in the coming years.
… Read the rest

Superlative, Traditional Barolo: Brovia Sale 2-24-25

In This Newsletter:
 
Brovia Sale
Close-Out Featurette: Benjamin Romeo

 
At The Cusp of Cult
 
Stock Up & Save On
 
Brovia
 
Traditionally farmed, the expressive Barolos of Brovia have wowed insiders for decades. Ever since the 2015 vintage, we’ve been writing about how surprised we are that these wines don’t fly off the shelves. They seem to have it all: perfectionist vineyard management (organic without certification, careful pruning, and hand harvesting), superb and distinctive holdings (see for reference: Villero), unapologetically old-school winemaking (long and slow fermentation and long aging in large barrels and, subsequently, in bottle), and consistently excellent releases (see for reference: their reviews). A long, solid list of reasons why you should take note.
 
So, given their traditionalist stance and indifference to the whims of modern preferences, what could be bringing the limelight to this small producer?
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Back-Vintage Jadot Burgundy at a Budget


Burgundy is the most complicated wine region in the entire world and attempting to understand it is a task that knows no end. The main reason for this complexity is the overwhelming number of vineyard sites with entirely unique expressions. The formation of these plots can trace their history back to the early ecclesiastical land holdings of the Catholic Church, and subsequent discovery and parcelization by monks. As these vineyard sites gained renown and increased in value, wealthy French nobles purchased vast swathes of land on which to form prestigious domaines. This was not to last though, as the French Revolution in the 18th century forced the vineyard land from the hands of the wealthy and into the possession of newer and more modest owners.… Read the rest

GD Vajra and Baudana Sale 2-22-25

In This Newsletter:
 
GD Vajra & Baudana Sale
Close-Out Featurette: Domaine Rapet

 
Benchmarks of Piedmont
 
Stock Up & Save On
 
GD Vajra & Baudana
 
G.D. Vajra is responsible for some of the finest Barolos we offer and also excels with their more entry-level options. The lineup as a whole is simply the best in Piedmont today. At all price points, they craft benchmark wines against which all others are judged.
 
As we climb the ladder, there are small-production wines from rare grapes (Freisa) and the cellar-defender Langhe Nebbiolos and village-level Barolos. At the top end, we find single-vineyard Barolos including the Ravera, which goes for triple digits from others addresses. The Bricco delle Viole is the highest vineyard in Barolo, named for the violets that blossom across its southern exposure.
… Read the rest

Vinopolis Newsletter 2-21-25

Special Arrivals
 
 
France
 
Domaine Michel Lafarge
 

Meet the whole Lafarge Lafamily

“The 2022 vintage was showing well during my annual barrel tasting chez Lafarge, emphasizing the charming, pretty side of the year. The team began picking on August 26, another early harvest. As usual, reds were destemmed, in some cases manually, and élevage is taking place in predominantly used barrels, with the Lafarge’s habitual racking with aeration. The result is wines with a resolutely old-school style that have a good track record of evolving gracefully in the cellar.” –Wine Advocate
 
Domaine Michel Lafarge is a cornerstone of Burgundy winemaking, particularly in Volnay, where it has produced elegant, terroir-driven wines since the 19th century. Under Lafarge’s leadership, the estate became a pioneer in biodynamic viticulture, converting fully in the late 1990’s and inspiring others to follow.
… Read the rest