Category Archives: Special Features

Lebeau-Batiste, R. Dumont, and Close-Out Champagnes 12-14-23

In This Newsletter:
 
Lebeau-Batiste: A Crowd-Pleasing Grower with History to Spare,
Champagnes on our Close-Out Sale &
R. Dumont: Champagnes In-Stock Now & Arriving Tomorrow
 


Lebeau-Batiste:

A Crowd-Pleasing Grower with History to Spare
 
The utterly charming wines of Lebeau-Batiste are crafted with great respect for the land and winemaking traditions. These are crowd-pleasing wines full of fruit and zest. Given the size of production and how supremely delicious these wines are right out of the gate, it’s no surprise these are not well known or distributed this side of the Atlantic.
 
Eric Lebeau and Anne-Marie Batiste farm and make wine for their family estate, which dates back to the 14th century. This grower estate is nestled in the heart of the Chavot-Courcourt, a village just south of Epernay in the Coteaux Sud d’Epernay. This is the region where Dom Perignon and Frere Oudart worked and it’s where Pierre Taittinger fell in love with Champagne before founding the eponymous House. It’s a region known for producing wines with “body and finesse,” per Peter Liem, from all three of Champagne’s core grape varieties.
 
We picked up Lebeau-Batiste after tasting the wines. These are supremely charming, with generous fruit and pizzazz. If you enjoy wines from Ambonnay (but not their ever-escalating pricing!) snag some bottles before our tiny allocation is gone for the year.
 
Lebeau-Batiste Wines In Stock Now:
 
Lebeau-Batiste Tradition Brut, Champagne NV 750ml $49 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Distributor note
“Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. Bright and fresh orchard fruit (Mountain Rose apple!) layered with hazelnuts and brioche.”
 
Lebeau-Batiste Grande Reserve, Champagne NV 750ml $59 special, 8 bottles in stock now
Distributor note
“100% Chardonnay. Beautifully floral, layered, and focused.”
 
Lebeau-Batiste Tradition Rose, Champagne NV 750ml $69 special, 9 bottles in stock now
Distributor note
“Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. Deliciously bright, tart berries and rose petals.”
 
 
Champagnes on our Close-Out Sale

Savvy Savings for your next Holiday Soiree!
 
Waris-Hubert:

This wine is a family affair. In 1997 two fourth generation growers from the Côte des Blancs, Stéphanie Hubert and Olivier Waris, were married. They merged their estates together to create the Waris-Hubert estate, with vineyards in the villages of Avize, Oger, Cramant, Chouilly and Aÿ, all classified “Grand Cru.”
 
Imported by the Seysses family (best known for Dujac in Burgundy), themselves a huge presence in the world of French wines, we are proud to present these pedigreed champagnes with a true sense of place.
 
Waris-Hubert Blanche Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Extra Brut Millesime, Champagne 2012 750ml Was $79, Now $69 special, 9 bottles in stock now
Sorting Table importer note
“To the eye, a luminous champagne, wrapped in a yellow robe with pronounced golden highlights. The first scents encompass the universe of herbal and garrigue flowers like lime blossom, eucalyptus and mint. Then, they give way to exotic fruits: pineapple, lychee and mango. On the palate the wine is tender and voluptuous. This gives it a silky, full-bodied dimension, thanks to yellow peach and apricot flavors. It is a profound wine with fine harmony and perfect balance. The heady complexity of the 2012 vintage is perfectly expressed in this 2012 Blanche Millésime Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs from Waris-Hubert.”
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!
 
Waris-Hubert Albescent Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru, Champagne NV 750ml Was $59, Now $49 special, 7 bottles in stock now
Sorting Table importer note
“It has the finesse and exceptional potential of the Chardonnay Grand Cru of Côte des Blancs. To the eye, a pale golden robe with discrete green highlights. The wine’s aromas announce its extreme purity, airy dimension and elegance. Timid at first. Then hazelnut and almond characterize the rich, creamy dimension of this cuvee. The mouthfeel is just as elegant as the aromas: one begins with lemon zest and white fruits’ aromas and tastes. Chrystalline, with barley sugar accents, it highlights our preferred grape variety, Chardonnay. An excellent dinner and aperetif wine.”
From the villages of Avize, Oger, and Cramant; 35-year-old vines on calcareous clay.
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $64
 
Waris-Hubert ‘Lilyale’ Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Zero Dosage, Champagne NV 750ml Was $59, Now $49 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Sorting Table importer note
“Pale golden colour with intense glints of emerald green. Fine and lively effervescence; lasting beads of bubbles. The aromas are elegant and expressive with a floral and springlike tone. Notes of lime blossom, mint and freshly mown grass develop, which evolve to white fruit and fresh Mirabelle plum. The scent of Viennese pastries and brioche fill the senses. The palate is full and with a rich attack. Firm and powerful. Dense in the evolution phase with lively lemon flavors, complimented by minerality and hints of wild citrus fruits. It’s the purity, and elegance of the chardonnay grand cru of the Côte des Blancs. Elegant and expressive.”
From the village of Avize, Oger, and Cramant; 35-year-old vines on calcareous clay.
 
The average price is $65
 
 
Denis Chaput:

Located in the Côte des Bar, where the soil turns to Kimmeridgian with fossilized seashells and veins of clay, this grower Champagne creates wines of esquite tension and minerality softened by lush, dark berry notes.

Denis Chaput ‘Noir de Jade’ Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut, Champagne NV 750ml Was $45, Now $39 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Winemaker’s Notes
“Pale golden yellow colour with silvery grey highlights, this cuvée presents fine, very persistent bubbles. The nose is dominated by aromas of smoked limestone, iodine sea spray, blackcurrant, grapefruit, liquorice, blackberry, pomegranate and elderberries. On the palate, the attack is clean and fresh, with a soft, creamy effervescence. Fruity, full-bodied and crisp, the mid-palate is enhanced by a grapefruity acidity and a marly minerality that gives this champagne breadth and salinity. The finish is fresh, stony and juicy.”
 
 
Pierre Gerbais:

Becky Wasserman was known as the grand doyenne of Burgundy in the USA—a kingmaker with impeccable taste who always spotted the next big thing.  As a result, when she added a “20-something” year old winemaker from Champagne to her import portfolio towards the end of her illustrious career, cut tragically short in 2021, we took note, and so should you.
 
She described Aurélien Gerbais as “a handsome-nerdy-hipster winemaker who is unnervingly self-assured for his age, yet soft-spoken and humble” in recommending him.  That’s good enough for us, but when you hear that he’s friends (and neighbors!) with Cedric Bouchard, you start to wonder how much of this stuff you can get.
 
The wines deliver, too.  Fermented and aged in a mixture of stainless and barrel, these are rich, bold and textured. Bouchard’s influence is really felt here, especially in the pair of Pinot Blanc bottlings—an extreme rarity in Champagne. The last of our inventory is on our close-out, so if you’ve yet to partake, now is your last call.
 
Pierre Gerbais L’Originale Extra Brut, Champagne NV (2013) 750ml Was $89, Now $79 special, 2 bottles in stock now
No reviews for the 2013-base. Reviews provided for reference.
Antonio Galloni 91 point
“One of the most surprising wines in this range, the 2014 Extra Brut L’Originale is 100% Pinot Blanc from vines that mostly date back to 1904. Pinot Blanc is increasingly seen in Champagne, but very rarely on its own. Creamy and ample in feel, with striking aromatic top notes, L’Originale has so much to offer. Citrus peel, orchard fruit, mint and bright floral notes are all laced throughout. Dosage is 3-4 grams per liter. Disgorged: May, 2018.” [Disgorgement date may vary.]
Wine Enthusiast 92 points “There can’t be many, if any, other 100% Pinot Blanc Champagnes. Allowed in the appellation, the grape is only really found in this southern Aube region. It comes to the fore with Aurélien Gerbais (fourth generation), produced from vines planted in 1904. This wine is a soft, creamy and immediately drinkable, with ripe apple and pear flavors.”
Importer note “Disgorged January 2018. 100% Pinot Blanc. Vine Age: Majority planted in 1904. Terroir: Kimmeridgian, mostly from lieu-dit Les Proies. Viticulture: Certified sustainable (Ampelos) since 1996, no synthetic chemicals. Vinification: Indigenous yeasts in temperature-controlled, stainless-steel tanks, full malos, aged on fine lees. 36 months sur lattes with organic yeast. Extra-brut dosage of 3-4 g/L, about 30 mg/L total sulfur.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $89.99
 
Pierre Gerbais L’Unique Pinot Blanc Doux, Champagne NV (2015) 750ml Was $94, Now $89 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Dessert-style Champagne (Doux).
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 92 points
“A sweet Champagne produced from late-harvested Pinot Blanc from a parcel of ancient vines, the 2015 Doux L’Unique exhibits aromas of pear, fresh apricot and white flowers, followed by a medium to full-bodied, rich and fleshy palate that’s sweet but lively. Youthful and expressive, this would make for a beautiful dessert wine.”
Importer note “2015. 100% Pinot Blanc. Vine Age: Majority planted in 1904. Terroir: Kimmeridgian, mostly from lieu-dit Les Proies (marl and limestone soils, 10,000 vines per hectare plantation density). Viticulture: Certified sustainable (Ampelos) since 1996. 62 g/L dosage, 3 years on the lees.”
 
 
Charles Ellner:

Considering the market dominance formerly held by the Grand Marques, there is much to be said about smaller negociants. Often combining their family’s holdings with purchased fruit from other vineyards, negociant champagne represents the juxtaposition of art and science that is assemblage. You’d be hard pressed to find a better example of this expertise than the Charles Ellner portfolio. Originally working as a riddler for the other houses, Charles Ellner decided to hold back some of his family’s production for his own project, and the rest is history.
 
Charles Ellner’s origin as a passion project is clearly evident even to this day: the wines spend double the required time on the lees yet never undergo malolactic fermentation to keep the wine bright and fresh. The resulting wines capture the beauty of autolysis and the freshness of a current vintage along with the juxtaposing toast, fruit and mineral character.
 
Charles Ellner Seduction Brut Millesime, Champagne 2007 750ml Was $69, Now $59 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 92 points
“A toasty hint of grilled nut adds savory richness to this bright, light-footed Champagne. The firm acidity is well-meshed to notes of yellow plum, candied ginger and lemon curd. Not a powerhouse, but fresh and balanced. Drink now through 2027.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
 
Charles Ellner Cuvee de Reserve Brut, Champagne NV 375ml Was $28, Now $24 special, 20 half-bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 90 points
“Refined in texture, with persimmon, lemon meringue pie, pickled ginger and almond paste flavors focused by tang of saline minerality and well-cut acidity. Offers a fresh, open-knit finish.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
 
Charles Ellner Brut Rose, Champagne NV 375ml Was $28, Now $24 special, 22 half-bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 91 points
“A finely balanced, mouthwatering rosé Champagne, with firm acidity backing flavors of tangy cherry, candied strawberry, toast, smoke and spiced plum. Bright and lively, with a clean mineral finish.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
 
R. Dumont Champagnes:

In-Stock Now & Arriving Tomorrow
 
The Dumont family grows their wines in the Aube. This is a small sub-region of Champagne is known for its Kimmeridgian soils and for being the home of dozens of up-and-coming to rock-star producers (such as Vouette e Sorbee and Marie Courtin). Producers in the regions of Champagne that surround Epernay often snubbed the Aube for not being “true” Champagne while buying grapes from the region to fill their winemaking vats. Champagne insiders know better, and look here for innovation and value.
 
A note from Wine Traditions, importer of R. Dumont Champagnes for the USA: “The Champagne house of the Dumont family is situated in Champignol-lez-Mondeville, a village in the southern Champagne region of the Aube, some 90 miles southeast of Reims and Epernay. Characterized by forested hills, streams and vineyards, it is a natural and reflective environment that has attracted people such as Saint Bernard (Clairvaux) and Renoir (Essoyes). The Dumonts have owned vineyards in this area for over two hundred years and today three Dumont brothers work together to produce champagne exclusively from their own 22 hectares. The soils are a geological extension of those in Chablis, namely kimmeridgian chalky clay. The vineyard is planted with 90% Pinot Noir and 10% Chardonnay. Bernard Dumont’s comments are insightful. ‘We grow grapes on the same soils as the vine growers in the Chablis region. There, they produce white wine from white grapes and here we produce white wine from red grapes.'”
 
This true Demi-Sec is balanced and harmonious
R. Dumont & Fils Douce Cuvee Demi-Sec, Champagne NV 750ml $39 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Winery note
“The dosage is the Champagne term used to designate the action of incorporating a sugared liqueur at the moment of the disgorgement. The quantity of sugar added determines the Brut, Nature, Extra Brut name… Douce Cuvée is a Demi-Sec Champagne, therefore it is very sweet, dosed with a secret liqueur from the Domain. It is a champagne that is now rare but which used to be very much in demand for the finale of the meals.”
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!
 
Bright and mineral, with a lovely complexity
R. Dumont & Fils Solera Reserve Blanc de Blancs, Champagne NV 750ml $49 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Importer note
“Dumont is one of the very few Champagne producers who produces a champagne using the solera method. Bernard Dumont has dedicated one stainless steel tank to the project which was first filled in 1991. He works exclusively with chardonnay for this cuvée and has been adding to the tank every year, making it at present, a blend of approximately 20 vintages. This solera system produced its first release in 2010. One of the most striking features of this champagne is the different effect created by producing a champagne from aged wine (the aging occurs after the first fermentation) followed by the typical duration of two years “sur lattes” as contrasted with a champagne produced from relatively young wines which are aged for a long time after the secondary fermentation and thus remain in contact with the lees “sur lattes” for an extended period. The dosage is 6 grams. Production is about 400 cases annually.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
 
A stunning vintage at a stunning value!

R. Dumont & Fils Extra Brut Millesime, Champagne 2012 750ml $59 special, 14 bottles in stock now
Importer note
“The vintage wines, which are a blend of 65% Pinot Noir and 45% Chardonnay, are assembled and then matured “sur lattes” for five to six years before being disgorged. According to the characteristics of the vintage the dosage varies.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $57
 
Arriving Friday, December 15th:
 
R. Dumont & Fils Cuvee Brut Nature Blanc de Noirs, Champagne NV 750ml $41.90 pre-arrival special, 12 bottles available
Importer note
“Dumont’s Brut Nature is produced without a dosage or “liqueur d’expédition”. It is therefore without cover-up and must succeed quite naturally on its own qualities. In order to produce such a champagne, Dumont chooses wines that are perfectly balanced and pristine. The wine is a blend of 100% Pinot Noir from 3 vintages. The Brut Nature is matured 4+ years “sur lattes” before being disgorged. This serves to soften the acidity and enrich the palate. This cuvee wonderfully expresses the special terroir of the Dumont vineyard.”
VertdeVin “The nose is fruity and quite gourmand. It reveals notes of lemon associated with a touch of lime, flowers, red fruit (discreet) and white fruit. The palate is fruity, mineral, harmonious, suave and offers freshness and a chalky minerality. The effervescence is very fine and well conducted. In the mouth this Champagne expresses notes of lemon, apple and slight notes of lime associated with a touch of exotic fruit, pear as well as slight touches of limestone / saline minerality on the finish. Good length.”
 
Full-bodied and generous, one of the best values in Champagne that we offer
R. Dumont & Fils Tradition Brut, Champagne, France NV 750ml $33 pre-arrival special, 36+ bottles available
R. Dumont & Fils Tradition Brut, Champagne, France NV 375ml $21.90 pre-arrival special, 16 half-bottles available
Importer note
“The Dumont Brut NV is a blend of 90% Pinot Noir and 10% Chardonnay. The grapes from their vineyard have qualities that seem less aggressive and more sumptuous than those from the northern districts. In addition, vinification of whole berries at low temperatures enhances this quality of soft elegance. The NV is a blend of vintages typically between two and five years old. It is aged for two years on the lees before disgorgement. Dosage is 7 grams.”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price is $44
 
For lovers of a rich and bold style with generous fruit!
R. Dumont & Fils Cuvee Rose Brut, Champagne NV 750ml $39 pre-arrival special, 33 bottles available
Importer note
“The Dumont Brut Rosé is made exclusively from Pinot Noir. A selection is made in the vineyard from parcels that are particularly ripe and from bunches with deeply colored skins. Fermentation proceeds as with red wines but the wine is drawn off the skins after a day or so with the Dumonts looking carefully at the balance of extraction, color and tannin. This method, known as “saignée”, is a tricky art but one that can produce the most natural and delicately complex style of Rosé champagne. The Brut Rosé NV is aged for two years on the lees before disgorgement and dosage is 10 grams.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $46



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Kick-Starting Holiday Champagne Offerings 12-10-23


Our favorite time of year has arrived. The holiday season is in full swing which means the excuse required to pop open a bottle of bubbly has completey exited the building. From now until midnight on New Year’s Day we’re going to be celebrating with Champagnes from our favorite producers and offering them to you at our best pricing. Each week this month, starting today, you can expect to see a lists of personally curated Champagnes that the Vinopolis staff think deserve your attention and thirst.

Below are our first set of recomendations, from full on ultra premium down to amazing values. The only rule with all of these is that you want to serve them ice bucket cold and always with an extra bottle on-hand. Don’t be shy in your orders as we have the ability to bring in additional stock as requested across most of these favorites.

LOUIS ROEDERER
Cristal | Champagne Louis Roederer | Portfolio | Maisons Marques & DomainesNot needing any introduction, this Champagne house is a legend in the wine-lover community and its Cristal bottlings are the day dreams of collectors and enthusiasts all over the world. Is there a more classic expression of what top quality vintage Champagne is supposed to taste like? I think not.

Louis Roederer Cristal Millesime Brut, Champagne 2002 750ml $599 special, 3 bottles available
Vinous 100 points 
“Roererer’s 2002 Cristal, from magnum, is just off the charts…….The texture, breadth, and overall pedigree here is just remarkable, with layers of apricot, spice, dried flowers, and citrus conft that continue to build over time. The 2002 is neither old nor young; it is quite simply eternal…..”

Louis Roederer Cristal Millesime Brut, Champagne 2014 750ml $349 special, 3 bottles available
#1 Top 100 Cellar Selections 2022 – Wine Enthusiast
Wine Spectator 98 points 
“This vivid Champagne shows up-front and linear definition, thanks to rapierlike acidity, with finely meshed flavors of ripe black cherry and mandarin orange fruit, raw almond, anise and cardamom spice as well as a touch of honeycomb, which all unfurl and expand on the fine, creamy palate. Sleek acidity continues through to the finish, with additional racy character provided by a streak of minerally saline and chalk, which gains momentum through the midpalate and rings out on the well-cut, lasting finish. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Drink now through 2040”
Vinous 98 points “The 2014 Cristal is another in a long line of gorgeous wines from Roederer and long-time Chef de Caves Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon. A dazzling, vibrant Champagne, the 2014 impresses with a stunning combination of fruit density and linear energy that brings to mind a hypothetical blend of 2012 and 2008. At times, the bubbles feel totally wrapped up in waves of creamy, resonant fruit to the point the mousse is barely perceptible, especially with aeration. The flavors are bright and finely sculpted, leaning very much into the citrus, floral and mineral end of the spectrum.

Louis Roederer Cristal Millesime Brut, Champagne 2015 750ml $379 special, 6 bottles available
The Wine Independent 98 points “The 2015 Cristal is a blend of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay. No malo-lactic was employed and 25% wine was aged in oak. The dosage is 7 grams per liter. An exquisitely delicate yet complex perfume of clover honey freshly shaved ginger marzipan and jasmine slowly emerges from the nose giving way to a core of pear tart persimmons and apple butter. The palate is an exercise in finesse featuring very fine bubbles and fantastic intensity with a myriad of spice and floral nuances finishing with impressive persistence and jaw-dropping poise. This is a style for those that embrace purity soft-spoken expression and impeccable crafting…”
Wine Spectator 96 points “This mouthwatering Champagne has an ethereal quality, with a frame of chiseled acidity and focused precision to the pointillisme-like, vibrant mousse. Yet this shows depth and generous expression, with the finely spun notes of patisserie apple and blackberry fruit opening beautifully on the palate and through the minerally finish, with notes of grated ginger, blood orange granita, salted Marcona almond and anise. Drink now through 2035.”

Louis Roederer Cristal Millesime Brut, 6-PACK Champagne (2006, 2008, 2012) 750ml $2799 special, 1 available
Pre-arrival ETA by end of December
2 Each: 2006 / 2008 / 2012
2012 Cristal – Vinous 98 points
2008 Crista l- Vinous 99 points
2006 Cristal – Vinous 97 points


DELAMOTTE
NV Delamotte Brut, Le Mesnil Sur Oger, Champagne, France (750ml) - Ferry  Plaza Wine MerchantThis house is the not so well-kept secret of the bubbly loyal. Owned by the same individuals that produce Salon (one of the rarest and most coveted Champagne on the planet), Delamotte produces bottles with declassified Salon fruit of the utmost quality for a mere fraction of the price. It is astounding how good these Champagnes are and how they remain readily attainable.

Delamotte Brut, Champagne NV 750ml $59 special, 33 bottles available
Delamotte Brut, Champagne NV Case-6 $349 special, 15 available

Wine Spectator 91 points “[Reviewed 2023] A delicate, mineral-driven Champagne, with an underpinning of chalk, smoke and oyster shell layered with notes of poached apricot, citronella and beeswax. Lively and persistent on the finish. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Drink now through 2026. 6,250 cases made.”
Importer note “Assemblage : 60% chardonnay – 35% pinot noir – 5% pinot meunier (MAJ Septembre 2021). Villages : Le Mesnil, Avize, Oger, Cramant, Ambonnay, Tours sur Marne, Vallée de la Marne. Vin de base : 2017. FML faite. Vieillissement sur lies : 36 mois. Dégorgement : Juin 2021. Dosage : 8g/l.”

Delamotte Blanc de Blancs Brut, Champagne NV 750ml $79 special, 26 bottles available
James Suckling 93 points “Croissants, toasted sourdough, white pears, acacia and lemon meringue pie. Salty almond notes on the palate. Deliciously saline and creamy, with silky bubbles and a gently toasty finish. 100% chardonnay from Mesnil, Avize and Oger. Based on 2017 vintage with 20% reservewines. Drink now. – July 19, 2023”

BERECHE
Buy Bereche et Fils : Brut Reserve Champagne online | MillesimaOne of the Vinopolis staff’s favorite producers, Bereche wines enchant us with magical tension and overwhelming complexity. They’ve truly mastered the art of dosage at this estate and the wines are incredibly balanced. This used to just be a label that professionals in the wine business knew about and adored, but now the cats outta of the bag and these bottlings are earning followers far and wide. This is a situation where we would advise getting a case of these wines before their price continues to escalate into the upper stratosphere.

Bereche et Fils Brut Reserve, Champagne NV 750ml $65 special, 36+ bottles available
Vinous 92 points 
“The NV Brut Réserve is bright and finely sculpted right out of the glass. There’s terrific purity and energy running through the Brut Réserve. Crushed red berry fruit, white pepper, crushed rocks and mint all race out of the glass. This release is based on 2020, with a good bit of reserve wine (35%) that serves to create terrific balance. The 5.5 grams of dosage is not at all felt.”

Bereche et Fils ‘Rilly-La-Montagne’ Premier Cru Extra Brut Millesime, Champagne 2019 750ml $119 special, 4 bottles available


R.H. COUTIER
2012 R.H. Coutier Grand Cru Brut Millésimé, Champagne, France (750 ml) -  Ferry Plaza Wine MerchantPositioned in the heart of the Grand Cru vineyards of Ambonnay, Coutier is producing Champagnes of remarkable intensity from the pinot noir that made this village famous, with a masterful incoroporation of chardonnay to bring richness and balance. They keep only the best fruit of their holdings year to year to incorporate in their wines and represent the identity of a true Grower Champagne. The pricing on their vintage bottlings is attractively silly and we’re here for it.

R.H. Coutier Grand Cru Brut Millesime, Champagne 2015 750ml $69 special, 11 bottles available
Importer notes “75% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay. Golden yellow color with a very “pinot” nose (read cherry). Rich and full in the mouth, with plenty of creaminess. Nice acidity and structure enhanced by the Chardonnay finishes very fresh and long. Wonderful balance with ripe fruit aromatics makes this a very seductive bubbly.” “This area consists of pure Belemnite chalk originating from Bouzy and continuing throughout most of Champagne. This unique soil allows the vines to root deeply, retaining the ideal amount of moisture while allowing the excess to drain away thoroughly. Produced only the best years. It is the reflection of the harvest from the vintage in our terroir. This wine show complexity and the best expression of the vintage it represents. The time on lees adds an extra dimension to the wine thus achieving what we think is a perfect balance.”
 
Don’t miss any of the other Champagnes from these producers that we have listed below!
 
CHAMPAGNE FEATURED WINES  VWS PRICE  AVAILABLE REVIEWS LINK
ROEDERER BRUT PREMIER NV 6L $599.00 1   Link
ROEDERER COLLECTION 243 NV $59.00 14 JD 93, WA 92 Link
ROEDERER CRISTAL 2002 750ML $599.00 3 VINOUS 100 Link
ROEDERER CRISTAL 2014 750ML $349.00 3 WS 98, VINOUS 98 Link
ROEDERER CRISTAL 2015 750ML $379.00 6 98 TWI, WS 96 Link
ROEDERER CRISTAL 6 PACK 750ML $2,799.00 1
2012 – VINOUS 98
2008 – VINOUS 99
2006 – VINOUS 97
Link
ROEDERER CRISTAL ROSE 2013 750ML $619.00 2   Link
ROEDERER CRISTAL VINOTHEQUE 99 $1,245.00 3   Link
DELAMOTTE BLANC DE BLANCS 2014 $135.00 5 VINOUS 94, WA 94 Link
DELAMOTTE BLANC DE BLANCS NV $79.00 26 JS 93 Link
DELAMOTTE BRUT NV $59.00 33 WS 91 Link
DELAMOTTE BRUT NV CS-6 $349.00 15 WS 91 Link
DELAMOTTE BRUT ROSE NV 750ML $119.00 24   Link
BERECHE BRUT RESERVE NV (19) MAG $149.00 3   Link
BERECHE BRUT RESERVE NV (2020) $65.00 36 VINOUS 92 Link
BERECHE CAMPANIA ROSE 2019 MAG $249.00 1   Link
BERECHE RILLY LA MONTAGNE (19) $119.00 4   Link
COUTIER BRUT 2012 750ML $66.00 8   Link
COUTIER BRUT 2015 750ML $69.00 11   Link
COUTIER PIERRE LARRONS 2016 $89.00 10   Link
COUTIER ROSE BRUT NV $43.50 5 WS 91 Link

Kumeu River & Vinopolis Holiday Shopping Guide 12-9-23

 In This Newsletter:

Special Feature
Kumeu River &
Vinopolis Holiday Shopping Guide



Love Local? So do we!

Don’t miss our three day sale on Arterberry Maresh & Tan Fruit wines.
Sale ends Sunday at 10 am.

Learn more & shop the sale here!



Kumeu River


Kumeu River is one of the leading estates in New Zealand (the country is also commonly referred to by its Māori name Aotearoa). Much of what we think of as standard practice down there is really thanks to their efforts. They led the charge on growing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, pioneered the use of indigenous yeasts, and also pioneered the use of screwcaps.

Maté Brajkovich, originally from Dalmatia in southwestern Croatia, emigrated with his mother and sisters to join their father in New Zealand’s North Island. The family purchased a farm in Kumeu after several years digging for resin from indigenous kauri trees. They farmed fruits and vegetables, and raised dairy cows. Although vines existed on the estate, they were hybrid varieties grown for home consumption. It quickly became apparent that the land was perfect for wine grapes. The family expanded production and the wines took off. An international audience lapped up the dry reds.

It wasn’t until in the 1980s when Michael Brajkovich, the current winemaker and Maté’s son, began touring the wineries of Bordeaux and Burgundy that the family turned their focus on international varieties. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir took root, and today, the wines are international superstars. These are benchmarks for the region – a look at NZ terroir through the classic Burgundy lens.

These are wines for all-comers: Lovers of Burgundy will delight at these profound and unique wines, lovers of Oregon will rejoice at another successful cool-climate glimpse at our two favorite grapes, and lovers of New Zealand wines will appreciate another chance to examine the much-loved terroir through different grapes. Although there’s plenty to adore, there’s not too much to go around. Don’t miss these beauties!

“Despite being in the humid climes of West Auckland, New Zealand’s most famous Chardonnay producer continues to provide a benchmark for the rest of the country to emulate.” -Rebecca Gibb MW, Vinous, writing on the 2022 vintage

“Kumeu River continues to set the pace for New Zealand Chardonnay, from its unlikely base just west of Auckland.” -Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate

Kumeu River Wines – New Releases at the Best Listed Price in the USA!

“Even at its so-called entry-level, the judicious handling of fruit, lees and oak offers layered styles.” -Rebecca Gibb MW, Vinous
Kumeu River Estate Chardonnay, Kumeu 2022 750ml $30.50 special, 36 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 95 points
“Aromas and flavors of sliced apples, lemon curd and hints of stone. Oyster shell. Lime undertones. It’s medium-bodied. Firm and fine phenolics. Tension and focus. Impressive for the vintage. Drink now or hold. Screw cap.”
 
Kumeu River Rays Road Chardonnay, Hawke’s Bay 2022 750ml $35.50 special, 24 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 94 points
“Lemony and crisp with a stone and seashell undertone to the pretty fruit. Medium body, firm phenolics that tighten the wine on the palate. Racy and intense on the finish. Drink or hold. Screw cap.”
Erin Larkin-Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2022 Rays Road Chardonnay is fine and spicy, with a tense line of acidity and phenolics—they feel linear and interwoven—that stream through the fruit. This is a very pretty, pithy Chardonnay with ground white pepper, white flesh peach, crushed shells, layers of juniper berry and star anise/cut fennel inflections. I like the staying power of the fruit in the mouth. It is persistent and long. This is really nicely done, and I’m looking forward to seeing this wine (and this vineyard) more over its journey. 12.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.”
 

“… in Kumeu, temperatures did not once hit 30˚°C [in 2022]. As a result, there’s an unexpected freshness to the 2022 wines. They don’t have the firm line of 2021, but acidities are in line with 2019 and 2020.”
-Rebecca Gibb MW, Vinous


Kumeu River Coddington Chardonnay, Kumeu 2022 750ml $53.50 special, 18 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 97 points
“Sliced apple, apple, sea shell and crushed stone aromas follow through to a full body yet it’s tight and structured with an impressive fruit, acidic and phenolic balance giving it focus and intensity. Drinkable but better in a few years. Screw cap.”
Erin Larkin-Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2022 Coddington Chardonnay leads with lemon balm/oil, green-olive brine, crème brûlée top (a.k.a. scorched brown sugar), peach fuzz, and an abundance of orchard fruit. In the mouth, kiwi fruit acidity (a.k.a. juicy, sweet, tart) defines the perimeters of the flavors and beckons you in for another, closer look. It’s very, very good, a distinct wine, pure, all aspects delineated and deliberate. I like this. It feels orderly and mathematical. If the wine had a sound, it would be a straight-pace bowl at the wickets, one flying out of stumps (name a better sound, I’ll wait). It’s not that immediately obvious, though; it builds and takes a while to assert itself, and I like that too. Very good. 13.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.”

Kumeu River Hunting Hill Chardonnay, Kumeu 2022 750ml $63.50 special, 18 bottles in stock now
Rebecca Gibb MW-Vinous 96 points
“The 2022 Chardonnay Hunting Hill is an impressive, focused style. It has a sense of energy, being almost buoyant with the movement of a skimming stone across your palate. There’s a powerful core of fruit here and it has plenty of substance within its no-more-than medium-bodied core before kerpow! It fires home with an almost spicy kick. Clever oak use, reminiscent of toasted nuts, meets restrained flavors of lemon and lime bitter and nectarine fruit. A wine that’s still in its cocoon so give it time. It may even have the edge of Maté’s… Big call.”
Erin Larkin-Wine Advocate 95+ points “The 2022 Hunting Hill Chardonnay is mout-filling and obvious in its outlay of flavor in the mouth—yellow peach, apricot, Golden Delicious apple, beeswax/lanolin and ripe lime flesh. The flutter of acidity that feathers the fruit is compelling and alluring in its power and juiciness. An exciting wine. It’s a wine I want to drink (I will; the perks) and a wine I am enjoying considering too. It’s intellectual and sensorial/corporeal in equal measure. The Hunting Hill Vineyard was planted in 1982 and overlooks Mate’s Vineyard. This is a pleasurable, exciting, fleshy, complex, salty, kaleidoscopic wine. Excellent. Recommended. 13.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.”
 
Kumeu River River Mate’s Chardonnay, Kumeu 2022 750ml $64.50 special, 18 bottles in stock now
Erin Larkin-Wine Advocate 96 points
“The nose on this 2022 Mate’s Vineyard Chardonnay leads with candied bananas, pineapple husk, white peach and a hint of lychee, and the edges of the aromatics are feathered with preserved citrus, brine, curry leaf and apple skins. In the mouth, the wine is powered by supercharged fruit; it is crystalline in its way, an attribute that I have long-since associated with the Chardonnays from Kumeu River. The flavor is sapid and palate-staining, with just enough salt and savory spices in the fruit to make it super complex as well as powerful. It is precisely folded like origami, each crease in service of the overall shape. A wine that offers much and assumes nothing. 13% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.”
Rebecca Gibb MW-Vinous 95 points “The 2022 Maté’s Vineyard Chardonnay offers tension, power and an unrelenting sense of moving forward as if your palate has been put on a travelator. This is its 30th anniversary vintage. Currently it’s closed and young with little aromatic generosity. There’s nevertheless purity and a real sense of density. The richness is there but it’s held within a brace of tension, ensuring precision and focus. After a couple of days, it loosens up a little so if you’re thinking of opening it early, which I don’t recommend, decanting may be your friend. I probably prefer the 2021 for its additional austerity but that may be me being subjective rather than objective.”

Kumeu River Hunting Hill Chardonnay, Kumeu 2021 750ml $64.50 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Rebecca Gibb MW-Vinous 95 points
“The 2021 Chardonnay Hunting Hill is its usually sinewy, taut and lightly floral self. Often in the shadow of Maté’s Vineyard, Hunting Hill seems to be becoming more and more serious as the vines age – they’re around 20 years old. Expect a muscular, unyielding wine that has lemon and lime bitter notes, nectarine and even a whiff of seaside – all salty and briny.”
 
Kumeu River Rays Road Chardonnay, Hawke’s Bay 2021 750ml $33 special, 4 bottles in stock now
Rebecca Gibb MW-Vinous 90 points
“The 2021 Chardonnay Rays Road is bright, refreshing and almost salty. I’m even tempted to say mineral; it’s certainly not a fruity Chardonnay. The finish is lightly savory with fresh white pear and floral notes. There’s a sense of pithiness and citrus line followed up with an almost chalky texture.”
 
Kumeu River Pinot Noir Village, Kumeu 2020 750ml $21.90 special, 5 bottles in stock now
Winery note
“Our love for Pinot Noir dates back to the mid-1980s when we planted our first block here in Kumeu. Having already started on our journey to create a world-class Chardonnay, we knew this grape needed a Burgundian counterpart because what grows well where great Chardonnay grows? Now produced from two sites, our Hunting Hill Vineyard in Kumeu and Rays Road in Hawke’s Bay, these two single vineyards show very different expressions of Pinot Noir. Hunting Hill Pinot Noir was planted in 1994 over clay and grown here in the warmer conditions of Kumeu, often providing a beautiful purity of black fruit characters. The Rays Road, in Hawke’s Bay, is a colder, higher altitude vineyard planted on limestone. It’s a much cooler site and provides very intense and focused Pinot Noir characteristics.”
From Wilson Daniels’ website, importer of Kumeu River wines for America: “Now, from the exceptional 2020 vintage, we have consolidated that quality expectation, and this year have blended the grapes from Rays Road (74%) with some outstanding richer Kumeu fruit (26%). The result is delicious. The wine displays a bright cherry red/burgundy color with lifted red fruit aromas. On the palate the wine is cool, round and fruity and with a nice hint of chalky tannin that keeps the wine dry and refreshing.”

Shop our complete collection of wines from New Zealand on our webstore now!



Short on Time & Cash?

Make the holidays brighter without on sacrificing quality.

Shop our guide below!

Overwhelmed by underwhelming options at the grocery store? Let us help you make your holidays brighter with our party shopping guide. From rock-bottom to elite, we’ve put together a list for any budget and palate. Shop our curated selections below or hop to our webstore for a complete list of case discounts!

Sparkling Wines
 
Rich and bold, this grower bubbles will delight lovers of toasty and apple-y Champagnes.
Arlaux Grande Cuvee Premier Cru Brut, Champagne NV 750ml $39 special, 26 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 90 points
“From a vineyard with records going back over 1,000 years, this nonvintage cuvée is balanced and rounded, with harmony between the apple and tangy fruits and a touch of toastiness from bottle aging. It is ready to drink. -Roger Voss”
Importer notes “Arlaux is a small family-run champagne house producing only 5,000 cases a year located in a small village on the Petit Montagne de Reims called Vrigny. Arlaux has been producing champagne since 1826 but the Arlaux-Marchal family have lived in Vrigny since the 13th century. Exclusively 1er Cru Champagne with a minimum of 4 years aging. They only use their own grapes from 20 to 100 year old vines which are hand-picked in order to select only the very best. All Arlaux cuvées are 100% Premier Cru and 100% Tête de Cuvée (meaning that they only use the juice of the 1st press).”
 
Luxury you can afford – a Tête de Cuvée Champagne at less than half the price of Dom Perignon.
Andre Clouet Un Jour de 1911… Brut, Champagne NV 750ml $85 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 96 points
“[Reviewed 2021] The NV Un jour de 1911… is another 100% Bouzy Pinot Noir with an ancient label design. The shining golden-colored cuvée combines ripeness, complexity and finesse with intensity and elegance on both the nose and palate. It’s a powerful and rich yet very fine and balanced Champagne with great freshness and complex length. It is juicy and intense but also highly delicate, and its mineral tension and persistent finish make it a first-class wine for elaborate dishes. A great Champagne, with a label that doesn’t give any more detailed information regarding vintages or disgorgement date, but we know it’s always a 50/50 blend of three vintages (including one great millésime at least 10 years old) and reserve wines from a solera system. I tasted the wine as a Brut with Clouet’s German importer in Bremen. You shouldn’t drink it too early, as it would be a waste of its talents.”
James Suckling 95 points “[Reviewed 2021] A rich and expansive champagne with tons of mature aromas of dried fruit (apricots!) and candied orange. Teeters on the edge of decadence, but has enough vitality to stay on the right side of that line. Plenty of textural complexity on the palate and a long, chalky finish that keeps giving and giving. Spot-on balance. Drink or hold.”

A sister estate to Salon offering wines at a fraction of the price, Champagne Delamotte is enchanting and captivating. Share at your next party and you might just stun your most talkative guest into silence.
Case-6 Delamotte Brut, Champagne NV 750ml $349 pre-arrival special (that’s only $58.17/bottle!), landing just in time for your next holiday shindig!
(2023 Release)
Wine Spectator 91 points
“[Reviewed 2023] A delicate, mineral-driven Champagne, with an underpinning of chalk, smoke and oyster shell layered with notes of poached apricot, citronella and beeswax. Lively and persistent on the finish. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Drink now through 2026. 6,250 cases made.”
James Suckling 91 points “Attractively chalky and biscuity nose, with some honey, apricots and lemon cream. It’s balanced and focused, with very fine bubbles, a medium body and well-rounded finish. 60% chardonnay, 35% pinot noir and 5% meunier. Base wine from 2018 with 20% reserve wines from 2017 and 2016. Drink now.”
[Base vintages may differ from reviews]

White / Rose Wines

A fruit-forward, citrusy white that will entertain from cocktail hour through the main course. And at under $20/bottle by the case? A must!
Paco & Lola Albarino, Rias Baixas, Spain 2021 750ml $20.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Paco & Lola Albarino, Rias Baixas, Spain 2021 750ml $225 special (that’s only $18.75/bottle!)

Wine Enthusiast 92 points “Almost clear to the eye, this wine has a bouquet of Valencia orange and star fruit. Zesty flavors of pineapple, Meyer lemon, jasmine and a touch of lime sorbet are set into a full-textured wine with a satisfying finish.”
Decanter 92 points “A wine that consistently pleases year after year, this 2021 iteration has lovely upfront lemon blossom, lemon rind, and pure green apple fruit. There’s lots of intensity here, so lots to like. There are 442 families involved in the Paco & Lola co-operative project in Rias Baixas, and all grapes are hand harvested. Fermented in stainless steel and aged on fine lees for at least three months, this manages to retain delicate floral characters as well as cooked lemons and stone fruit. It’s medium-bodied, with decent acidity and length.”

Dry as a bone with personality to spare, this is a Riesling to fall in love with six times over.
Muller-Catoir Gimmeldingen Riesling Trocken (Dry), Pfalz, Germany 2017 750ml $21.90 special, 24+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Muller-Catoir Gimmeldingen Riesling Trocken (Dry), Pfalz, Germany 2017 750ml $125 special (that’s only $20.83/bottle!)

Stuart Pigott-Jamessuckling 93 points “Ripe white and yellow peaches and just enough acidity to lift the medium-full body and give the long finish some real drive. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.”

Crafted by Domaine Drouhin Oregon, Cloudline’s rosé will leave you dreaming of summer while the snow falls. Flexible at table, enjoy with goat cheese tarts, savory apple dishes, and roasted chicken or pork.
Cloudline Cellars Rosé of Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2021 750ml $11.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Cloudline Cellars Rosé of Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2021 750ml $119 special (that’s only $9.92/bottle!)

Winemaker’s Notes (Drouhin) “The 2021 Cloudline Rosé of Pinot Noir expresses a floral nose of strawberry blossom and hawthorns. A beautiful salmon color, the wine has the lively texture of classic rosé and a flavor palate that includes strawberry, kiwi and a touch of lemongrass. Consider this a summer dream for any time of the year!”


This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $17


Red Wines

Already a bargain as an old-vine bottling, now even more so on our close-out sale, this staff favorite Argentinian Malbec eschews heavy oak for a refreshing and modern twist on the style.
Vaglio Wines Temple Malbec, Anchoris, Argentina 2018 750ml Was $16, Now $14 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Vaglio Wines Temple Malbec, Anchoris, Argentina 2018 750ml Was $169, Now $149 special (that’s only $12.42/bottle!)

James Suckling 93 points “This is always a delicious red with lots of crushed-berry and walnut character. Full-bodied, dense and juicy. Lots of old-vine character. Succulent. Drink now.”

A whole-cluster co-ferment of primarily Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre that offers big and bold flavors with lively tannins. Lovers of hearty American and French wines will never tire of this!
Chateau de Saint Cosme Cotes du Rhone Les Deux Albion, Rhone, France 2020 750ml $20.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Chateau de Saint Cosme Cotes du Rhone Les Deux Albion, Rhone, France 2020 1.5L $39 special, 36+ magnums in stock now
Case-12 Chateau de Saint Cosme Cotes du Rhone Les Deux Albion, Rhone, France 2020 750ml $225 special (that’s only $18.75/bottle!)

Wine Spectator 92 points “Ripe and polished yet fresh, this red seduces with ripe, generous anise, vanilla-laced blackberry and cherry flavors, then turns dark and brooding on the palate, with smoldering iron, garrigue, menthol, black pepper and dark earth notes framed by fine-grained tannins. Syrah, Grenache, Carignan, Mourvèdre and Clairette. Drink now through 2027.”

Wine nerd alert! This Cabernet Franc is elegant and poised from one of our favorite under-the-radar-no-more Loire Valley producers. Snap up this deal before the price reflects the quality.
Domaine Guiberteau Saumur Rouge, Loire, France 2019 750ml $39 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Domaine Guiberteau Saumur Rouge, Loire, France 2019 750ml $219 special (that’s only $36.50/bottle!)

Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 91 points “From three parcels with vines planted between 1955 and 1957 on silt and sand topsoil covering softer limestone bedrock. the 2019 Saumur Rouge is pure Cabernet Franc naturally fermented in tank for six months. The 2019 opens with a pure and refreshing as well as spicy/floral nose with dark fruit and fresh lemon aromas as well as stony notes and a nice reduction. Wonderfully untamed. On the palate, this is a medium-bodied, fresh and silky-textured Saumur with a stimulating salty, round and fruity finish. At this young age, charm is not its greatest talent, but with bottle age, this will be a terrific Saumur rouge for many dishes and opportunities. I like this tight and traditional, straightforward style that might be a bit unpleasant at this early stage but will reward those with patience. 13.5% alcohol”

Impeccably crafted Cabernet Sauvignon that will astound your friends for decades.
Chateau Le Crock, Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux, France 2016 750ml $41.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Chateau Le Crock, Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux, France 2016 750ml $449 special (that’s only $37.42/bottle!)     
Case-6 Chateau Le Crock, Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux, France 2016 750ml $239 special (that’s only $39.83/bottle!)

Wine Enthusiast-Roger Voss 94 points “Cellar Sellection. Under the same management as Château Léoville-Poyferré in Saint-Julien, this estate belongs to the Cuvelier family. With its structured Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine is made to age. Big tannins and concentrated fruits are full and dense.”
Jane Anson-Decanter 94 points “Clearly standing out in this line-up, an impressive, well-crafted wine with great tannic hold; a wine you would be thrilled to own. Cassis, bilberry, blackberry, hawthorn, black chocolate, slate. Great texture and balance, and full of St-Estèphe signature. Great stuff.”

Does Zinfandel get any better than this?
Bedrock Wine Co. Evangelho Vineyard Heritage Red, Contra Costa County, California 2021 750ml $44.50 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Bedrock Wine Co. Evangelho Vineyard Heritage Red, Contra Costa County, California 2021 750ml $479 special (that’s only $39.92/bottle!)
Case-6 Bedrock Wine Co. Evangelho Vineyard Heritage Red, Contra Costa County, California 2021 750ml $249 special (that’s only $41.50/bottle!)

Jeb Dunnuck 96 points “From Zinfandel grown in the pure sand soils of this incredible site, the 2021 Evangelho Vineyard Heritage is lifted and pure with raspberry liqueur, fresh flowers, and brushy earth. Medium-bodied, with a highly refined structure, it reveals a floral perfume of herbes de Provence and rose petals that lasts long after the wine has dissipated. With fine tannins and a gorgeous, sandy mineral texture, it’s a beautiful wine to drink over the next 10 or more years.”
Vinous 94 points “The 2021 Evangelho Heritage Wine is dark, sensual and wonderfully expressive. Blue fruit, spice, lavender and leather all meld together in this beautifully layered Zinfandel-based field blend. The 2021 possesses unreal complexity and depth, with much of its intensity coming from punishingly low yields. The 2021 is simply fabulous.”

Phenomenal in any vintage, this is required reading in the best vintages. Saint Cosme’s CDP expertly blends Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Syrah into an affordable package to rival the greats. Overlooked primarily since the estate’s Gigondas bottlings are simply better known and more frequently reviewed. We strive to change that by offering this to you at incredible deals.
Saint Cosme Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France 2019 750ml $49 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Saint Cosme Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France 2019 750ml $528 special (that’s only $44/bottle!)
Case-6 Saint Cosme Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France 2019 750ml $279 special (that’s only $46.50/bottle!)

Wine Spectator 93 points “Modern and stylish, offering an engaging mix of raspberry puree, warm baking spices and red licorice, with vanilla highlights. A beam of iron minerality brings shape and balance to this version, while invigorating acidity and tannins drive the energy. Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah and Cinsault. Drink now through 2035. —J.M.”
Jeb Dunnuck 92 points “The 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape comes from La Crau and a few other terroirs and is 60% Grenache and 40% Mourvèdre. Blackberries, black raspberries, peppery herbs, and some solid earthy minerality give way to a medium to full-bodied, ripe, yet also structured 2019. Some 2019s can have a touch of austerity in their tannins, but this is supple and seamless. It will evolve for 10-15 years.” 

More Case Deals In Stock Now @ VWS:

FEATURED CASE DEALS                                                                        VWS PRICE       #   REVIEW      LINK

CAMIGLIANO PODERUCCIO 2018 CS-12 $175.00 8 90JS Link
CAMIGLIANO PODERUCCIO 2018 CS-6 $91.50 3 90JS Link
CLOS DES FEES ROUSSILLON 15 CS-6 $279.00 3 96WA Link
EVODIA OLD VIN GARNACHA 20 CS-12 $145.00 6 91WA Link
FELSINA FONTALLORO 2018 CS-12 $663.00 1 95AG Link
FELSINA FONTALLORO 2018 CS-6 $343.00 2 95AG Link
KUNSTLER WEISS ERD GG 20 CS-6 $279.00 5 97JS Link
MAN CHENIN BLANC 2022 CS-12 $129.00 3 93Dec Link
MOLITOR URZ WURZ SPAT GK 17 CS-6 $219.00 1 95WA Link
NADA BARBARESCO CASOT 18 CS-12 $359.00 1 93WA Link
NADA BARBARESCO CASOT 18 CS-6 $189.00 3 93WA Link
RAUL PEREZ ST JACQUES 2021 CS-12 $249.00 3 93WA Link
SAINT COSME COTES RHONE 22 CS-12 $149.00 5   Link
SCREAMING EAGLE FLIGHT 2020 CS-3 $2,999.00 1 99JS Link

 

We offer dozens of options for your next holiday fête.
 
Don’t miss our incredible selection of Champagnes (209 in total!).




We’re open 10 AM – 6 PM daily
Order Online / By Phone / By Email
Thank you from the team at Vinopolis!
Be well & drink well.

 

Biondi-Santi: Rare Limited Time Sale 12-3-2023


 

Big Discounts on Biondi-Santi & Brunello Mags!

Biondi Brunello & Brunello Riserva:

1-3 bottles- 5% discount
4+ bottles- 10% discount

Biondi Rossos:
4-8 bottles- 5% discount
9+ bottles- 10% discount

All Brunello magnums special discount 5% off any 3 or more mags

Discounts will be applied when orders are received.
Offer ends Wednesday 12/6 @ 10AM PST


Biondi-Santi is quite literally the crème de la crème when it comes to high end Brunello. This winery, and the individuals that bore it into existence  were the founders of the region of Brunello di Montalcino, and through their approaching ~200 year history have embodied the indentity of quality, tradition, and longevity. Long before it became standard practice, this winery committed to a vision of red wines based on quality and ageability, implementing racking and barrel-aging practices that were technological advancements of their time. Massal selection of unique high performing vines, and grafting only the best clones on American rootstock led to the creation of the Brunello Biondi-Santi, or BBS 11 clone, now considered the top example of its type that can be found anywhere. Early on (we’re talking early late 1800s) Ferruccio Biondi also made the iconic decision to bottle 100 percent Sangiovese wine, a choice whose reverberations and foresight can still be felt today with Tuscany reinventing itelf around the potential of its native varietal.

You should drink and collect the wines of Biondi-Santi not only because of how well they are received and what they represent, but also because there are fleeting opportunities in life to experience things that are both truly iconic and utterly delicious. Year after year these wines continue to remain firmly placed at the top of the Brunello wine pyramid and leave a lasting memory in the minds of those fortunate enough to open a bottle. Most often these bottlings are the territory of only elite closed-door collectors and Michelin star restaurants, but at Vinopolis we’re fortunate to receive a continuing allocation of these wines and back-vintages for offer to our loyal customers.

Biondi-Santi makes a small portfolio of several wines that we represent in-depth at Vinopolis. Whether you’re seeking to bask in a classic Montalcino Rosso over dinner, or drink to history with the Brunello and Brunello Riserva while celebrating a special moment with loved ones, you won’t be wrong. Tasting and comparing these wines side by side is an opportunity in wine education that should not be passed up.

Treated with the identical level of care and passion as the more elusive Brunellos, the rosso bottlings represent an earlier drinking opportunity for  the Sangiovese Grosso grape. These wines are made from younger vines and exposed to less time in barrel, giving them remarkably fresh and fruity aromatics on top of rich palate.

Biondi Santi Tenuta Greppo Rosso di Montalcino, Tuscany 2018 750ml $89 special, 27 bottles available
Wine Advocate 94 points “Elegant, graceful and fine, the Biondi-Santi 2018 Rosso di Montalcino offers a delicate approach to the senses and it spreads over the palate with polished and silky intensity. The acidity is elevated in this vintage. A handful of historic producers in Montalcino are bringing the Rosso category up to the next level, and the venerable house of Biondi-Santi is one of them. This was a somewhat unusual vintage with prolonged cool spells alternating with moments of intense heat. However, this wine shows even ripening and is quite vibrant and tangy in terms of its acidity. In spectacular Sangiovese style, the wine ends with lingering tones of wild cherry, sweet earth, potting soil and perfumed violet.”

Biondi Santi Tenuta Greppo Rosso di Montalcino, Tuscany 2019 750ml $99 special, 8 bottles available
Wine Advocate 95 points “This flight of three Biondi-Santi wines starts off on the right foot thanks to the pristine bouquet and lively fruit of the 2019 Rosso di Montalcino. This is the entry-level wine (although the price point certainly suggests otherwise). It shows very detailed and chiseled aromas of wild cherry, cassis, dried violet, rust and orange skin. The wine carries a strong structural frame; however, the mouthfeel is ethereal and light notwithstanding.”
James Suckling 94 points “Aromas of sliced citrus, cherry and flowers follow through to a medium body, with creamy tannins and crunchy fruit at the finish. Lovely combination of fruit and acidity. Very drinkable now but will age nicely. (10/5/22)”

Biondi’s estate bottlings are a masterclass in what classic Brunello should taste like. Deep and silky red fruits, wild Tuscan herbs & tobacco, tannins that refresh the palate with their strength and precision. Vinified in concrete and aged for 3 years in Slavonian oak barrels.

Biondi Santi Tenuta Greppo Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2017 750ml $212 special, 12 bottles available
Wine Advocate 96 points “A delicately sweet note of fresh summer cherry is a precursor to budding complexity and a very articulate bouquet that opens quickly in the glass. Immediately pleasing fruit is a characteristic of the 2017 growing season that had above average temperatures and drought throughout the summer. The resistant 2017 Brunello di Montalcino takes on these challenges without missing a beat. The wine’s celebrated acidity and its small berry nuances remain intact. The tannins are silky and the wine’s flavors fade slowly even after you have taken your last sip.”
James Suckling 96 points “Sweet berry orange peel cedar bark and forest flower aromas follow through to a medium to full body with linear and fine tannins and a crunchy undertone. It?s very subtle and fresh for a 2017. Crisp and vivid. It?s refined and acid-driven. Needs three to four years more to soften. Try after 2026.”

The Riservas are an exclusive selection of top quality fruit from Biondi’s best vineyard parcels. The wines are fermented in Slavonian oak to bring additional ageability and richness, followed by the standard 3 years of aging in barrel. These wines will keep for an eternity and will be unforgettable experiences as you open them over time from your cellar.

Biondi Santi Tenuta Greppo Riserva, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2008 750ml $649 special, 1 bottles available
Wine Advocate 94 points “The delightful 2008 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is expressive and feminine with crushed chamomile, forest fruit, bramble, tar and licorice. It renders a stirring, melodic performance that plays out slowly but with determination. Drink: 2017-2030.

Biondi Santi Tenuta Greppo Riserva, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2011 750ml $419 special, 12 bottles available
Wine Enthusiast 96 points “Beautifully balanced, this opens with alluring scents of wild berry, rose, baking spice and whiffs of chopped herb. Seamlessly combining ripe fruit and the firm’s trademark finesse, the bright elegantly structured palate delivers juicy wild cherry, crushed raspberry, white pepper and a hint of black tea framed in polished tannins and fresh acidity. It’s already tempting but the best is yet to come. Drink 2021–2031.”

Biondi Santi Tenuta Greppo Riserva, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2012 750ml $599 special, 1 bottles available
Wine Advocate 97 points “You will notice the dedication printed below the label of the wine label. It reads: “Dedicato a Franco Biondi Santi.” Indeed, the Biondi-Santi 2012 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is the last vintage made by the towering father figure of Brunello whom most everyone referred to as the “gentleman of Montalcino.” Il Dottore, as he was also respectfully addressed, died at age 91 in April 2013, and he was very active in the winery as this magnificent wine took shape. This Riserva is a true work of beauty. It is released one year later than usual. The wine reflects the natural heft and power of the 2012 vintage, and it also shows that distinctive open-knit and accessible personality that characterizes this warm and sunny growing season. Il Dottore’s magic touch is revealed in the level of fine detail and precision that transcends vintage, grape and territory. That extreme focus is an achievement of this estate alone located in the celebrated Il Greppo property. This Brunello pours from the bottle with a magnificent garnet color, and it evolves in the glass with dark fruit, candied orange peel, spice, licorice, anise seed, cola and balsam herb. The aromas are magical and ethereal, albeit slightly ripe and soft as expected of this vintage.”

Biondi Santi Tenuta Greppo Riserva, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2013 750ml $599 special, 1 bottles available
Wine Advocate 98 points “The Biondi-Santi 2013 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is a stunning wine from all points of view. Seamless integration and elegant complexity are what stand out, and it’s worth dedicating a few extra lines to the aromatic depth that is put so beautifully on display as the wine slowly unfolds. The bouquet starts off with wild cherry, earth, wet ash, crème de cassis and pruny chocolate. With extra time, there are hints of dried tobacco leaf, sandalwood and mossy forest floor. These lead to a fine tail of dried herb, bay leaf and a touch of rusty nail. The Riserva comes in numbered bottles, and I opened number 04277. To the palate, the wine is streamlined and silky with smooth tannins and a well-managed 13.5% alcohol content. The oak presence is reduced to a minimum, offering mild hints of spice and the delicate sandalwood or dried fig aroma I described above. Fresh acidity is the glue that gives the wine buoyancy and staying power. At this young stage, this 2013 vintage could be considered a bit shy or slow to start, but this will play out to great advantage in the long term as the wine continues its bottle evolution.”

Biondi Santi Tenuta Greppo Riserva, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2016 750ml $699 special, 6 bottles available
Wine Advocate 99 points “Wow, here is a vintage I’ve been anxiously waiting to try. The 2016 growing season was one of the best in recent memory in Montalcino, and if we look back in time, this vintage marks the year Biondi-Santi was sold to a French group. The prestigious 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva proves a mighty collector’s bottle that will undoubtedly gain in complexity and depth with careful bottle age. The wine offers wild nuances of forest berry and tart cherry, and there are herbal side notes as well as floral tones of dried violet and lilac. The tannins are soft, powdery and feel like they melt away on the palate.”
James Suckling 98 points “Aromas of strawberries flowers fresh mushroom forest flower sandalwood and hints of balsamic. Full-bodied and tight on the finish. This is a linear and fine-tannined red. Available in March 2023. Needs another five years or so to show its full potential. New classic. Better after 2026.”

Biondi Santi Tenuta Greppo Riserva, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 1983 750ml $1099 special, 1 bottles available
***Winery Cellared Release***
Wine Advocate 96 points 
“[Reviewed July 2021] This precious bottle is part of Biondi-Santi’s late-release program for collectors (I tasted bottle number 10,723). The 1983 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is showing beautifully on its aging timeline, although this bottle is slightly more evolved since I last tasted this vintage in 2019 before the pandemic. With slow and measured determination, the bouquet embraces dried fig, cured bresaola, burnt caramel, wet campfire, dried oregano and a familiar aroma that reminds me of the Florence leather market. However, there is a lot of life and vertical lift in this Riserva, thanks in great part to the beautiful freshness that keeps the tannins alive and adds a pop of pretty acidity to the close. The wine shows its age with pride and grace, and the final results are quite spectacular. In fact, I’m opening the drinking window up by an additional five years thanks to the latitude and depth shown here.”
 
BIONDI SANTI WINES  VWS PRICE  AVAILABLE REVIEWS LINK
BIONDI SANTI BRUNELLO 2017 $212.00 12 WA 96 JS 96 Link
BIONDI SANTI BRUNELLO RISERVA 08 $649.00 1 WA 94 Link
BIONDI SANTI BRUNELLO RISERVA 11 $419.00 12 WE 96 Link
BIONDI SANTI BRUNELLO RISERVA 12 $599.00 1 WA 97 Link
BIONDI SANTI BRUNELLO RISERVA 13 $599.00 1 WA 98 Link
BIONDI SANTI BRUNELLO RISERVA 16 $699.00 6 WA 99 JS 98 Link
BIONDI SANTI BRUNELLO RISERVA 83 $1,099.00 1 WA 96 Link
BIONDI SANTI ROSSO MONTALCINO 18 $89.00 27 WA 94 Link
BIONDI SANTI ROSSO MONTALCINO 19 $99.00 8 WA 95 Link

Paolo Scavino: Elite Barolo and Bargain Pricing 11-26-23

Special Feature
Wines of Paolo Scavino – On Sale Now!


Barolo just keeps getting better and better. Hard to believe that statement could seem remotely possible given that these wines have gained numerous collectors and acolytes since the middle of the 20th century. Fans of Nebbiolo’s grandest appellation are facing a string of incoming vintages that will redefine the quality index and history of the region and provide ample drinking for years to come.

Paolo Scavino and their 2019 Barolos are perhaps the peak crest of this wave that you’ll be wanting to catch. The estate Barolo bottling has received overwhelming reception by the Piedmont loyal and global critic circuit, while the single vineyard cru releases are as magnificent as ever. We’ve got a large number of these wines in stock now at Vinopolis and we’re offering limited time only discounts so that you can assemble a long-lived supply for your cellar.

One thing we love about Scavino is their ability to bring forth Barolos that have such depth of aroma and vibrancy at a young age, while still being able to age gracefully. Much of this can be attributed to their envious vineyard parcels, but also a masterful hand at balancing classic and modern production methods. Maceration times are closely managed in an effort to provide structural integrity without excessive tannin (typically <12 days); small amounts of French Oak barrique (~15%) are incorporated to stabilize color and elevate aroma before large Slovenian casks soften the final edges. The final mind boggling element is the fact that Scavino regularly sells off large quantities (10-30%) of fruit that doesn’t quite meet its highest standards of quality in a given year. This means that the wine that ends up in your bottle is of an integrity that few other estates could hope to match.

The Bric del Fiasc and Monvigliero bottlings are absolutely world class in 2019 but immense quality extends across the entire portfolio. We’re excited to hear from you on which you enjoy most and we highly recommend taking advantage of the limited time sale below before these wines run out.

5% off any 6-11 bottles of in-stock Scavino Barolos
10% off any 12+ bottles of in-stock Scavino Barolos
Offer Ends Wednesday, November 29th @ 10 AM

Discount Will Not Display Online or In Your Cart
We will adjust your invoice before processing your card

Shop the sale here or browse selections below!

This not-to-be-missed Barolo is no slouch next to its single-vineyard brethren

Paolo Scavino Barolo DOCG 2019 750ml $39.50 special, 10 bottles in stock now (that’s $37.53 @ 5% off and $35.55 @ 10% off!)
Paolo Scavino Barolo DOCG 2019 1.5L $99 special, 6 magnums in stock now (that’s $94.05 @ 5% off and $89.10 @ 10% off!)
Paolo Scavino Barolo DOCG 2019 375ml $24 special, 3 half-bottles in stock now (that’s $22.80 @ 5% off and $21.60 @ 10% off!)
Kerin O’Keefe 96 points
“Absolutely gorgeous, the 2019 Barolo from Paolo Scavino stuns with its fragrance of perfumed berry, dark spice, Alpine herb and dog rose. One of best entry level Barolos from the vintage, it’s focused, vibrant and savory, delivering crushed mint, star anise, cranberry, red cherry and blood orange. Elegant and taut, it boasts polished tannins while bright acidity imparts vibrancy and tension
James Suckling 95 points “The fresh flowers, like roses, really come through here. Perfumed. Sliced strawberry and citrus. Full-bodied with linear and tight tannins. Bright acidity gives it drive and focus. Give it four or five years to soften and come together.”

This was the lowest listed price in the USA today,
It’s even lower on our special discount!
The average price is $50


Our top picks of the vintage? Bric del Fiasc (a “hallmark” of the estate in any vintage) and the Monvigliero (an absolute classic)

Paolo Scavino Bric del Fiasc, Barolo DOCG 2019 750ml $99 special, 21 bottles in stock now (that’s $94.05 @ 5% off and $89.10 @ 10% off!)
Paolo Scavino Bric del Fiasc, Barolo DOCG 2019 1.5L $249 special, 4 magnums in stock now (that’s $236.55 @ 5% off and $224.10 @ 10% off!)
Jeb Dunnuck 98 points
“The 2019 Barolo Bric del Fiasc is the hallmark wine of the estate, and it shows. Taking on more concentration, it is pure and generous with kirsch, star anise, nutmeg, and menthol and moves impressively to the palate with ease and nobility. It offers fantastic depth while remaining true to the vintage and propels forward through an arch of acidity, while having grounded notes of Earl Grey tea, black cherry, and crushed stones as well as ripe tannins. Drink 2026-2046.”
James Suckling 97 points “Aromas of strawberry, orange, white rose, and sandalwood follow through to a full body with very fine tannins that have a velvety texture that is focused and refined. Vivid acidity. Juicy and flavorful. Lovely depth and intensity. Give it five to six years of bottle age.”

Paolo Scavino Monvigliero, Barolo DOCG 2019 750ml $79 special, 8 bottles in stock now (that’s $75.05 @ 5% off and $71.10 @ 10% off!)
Kerin O’Keefe 97 points
“The 2019 Monvigliero from Paolo Scavino is a showstopper, with enticing scents of blue flower, ripe berry, camphor and mocha that segue over to the elegantly structured palate along with raspberry compote, licorice and tobacco. A long mineral finish lifts the delicious flavors while tightly knit, velvety tannins provide seamless support.”
James Suckling 96 points “Aromas of slate, raspberry, black cherry and dried strawberry follow through to a full body with firm and linear tannins, and a racy acidity that runs long and bright. Needs time to soften but wonderful length.”


No need to pick favorites when the entire lineup is banging. These single vineyards offer profundity and plenty of cellaring potential.

Paolo Scavino Bricco Ambrogio, Barolo DOCG 2019 750ml $59 special, 11 bottles in stock now (that’s $56.05 @ 5% off and $53.10 @ 10% off!)
James Suckling 95 points
“This is more open than other single vineyard releases from Scavino with plum, raspberry and black cherry aromas with hints of honeysuckle. Some wet earth. Full-bodied with chewy tannins on the palate. Hints of citrus skin. Pure. Needs time to soften. “
Jeb Dunnuck 93 points “Moving into the single cru wines, the 2019 Barolo Bricco Ambrogio is lifted and appealing, with spice and floral notes weaving together, along with wild strawberry, candied flowers, and fresh sage. This continues gracefully to the palate while taking on the tension and linear drive that readers should come to expect from the 2019 vintage. Medium-bodied and long on the palate, it has present but refined tannins throughout. Drink 2025-2045.”

Paolo Scavino Prapo, Barolo DOCG 2019 750ml $75 special, 6 bottles in stock now (that’s $71.25 @ 5% off and $67.50 @ 10% off!)
Jeb Dunnuck 95 points
“Taking on a deeper profile, the 2019 Barolo Prapo exudes notes of kirsch, black licorice, polished leather, and lavender. Full-bodied and approachable, its refined, ripe tannins do well to accept the ripeness of the fruit that remains pure. It has a silkiness in its texture and fruit profile without losing structure and delivers notes of black tea, truffle, and blackberry as well as a long finish. Drink 2025-2045.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 93 points “With the black label, this wine draws its fruit from Serralunga d’Alba, or the village that usually reveals the most structured and muscular expressions of Nebbiolo. Indeed, the Paolo Scavino 2019 Barolo Prapò exhibits a medium dark garnet color. The wine’s texture is certainly broader and richer in terms of mouthfeel, and there is some rusty nail or crushed red rock on the close. Tar, cola and licorice emerge with time. Only 4,300 bottles were made.”

Paolo Scavino Ravera, Barolo DOCG 2019 750ml $75 special, 18 bottles in stock now (that’s $71.25 @ 5% off and $67.50 @ 10% off!)
Jeb Dunnuck 95 points
“Aromatically more expressive and ripe with red flowers and fruits, the 2019 Barolo Ravera is more exuberant and open at this stage, with candied cherry, menthol, and sweet balsamic herbs. The palate takes a more savory and coiled stance at this youthful stage, with iron-rich earth, grenadine, and salted orange. Building tannins are in concert with a persistent spine of acidity that will need time to loosen its grip, but this is a fantastic wine to hold and drink 2026-2046.”
James Suckling 95 points “Bright aromas of lilacs, roses and sliced strawberries follow through to a full and structured palate with lots of polished tannins, vivid acidity and a fresh finish. Needs five to seven years to soften, but impressive energy.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95 points “With fruit from the village of Novello, this wine is more articulate and shows clearer aromas compared to some of the other Barolos in this set of new releases. The Paolo Scavino 2019 Barolo Ravera takes a little extra time to come into focus. There is dark fruit, dried cherry, spice and some light tarry smoke. With time, the wine begins to show more complexity and nuance. Some 8,200 bottles were made.”


All Paolo Scavino Wines In Stock @ VWS Now:

PAOLO SCAVINO BAROLOSFRONT-LINE PRICE QUANTITY AVAILABLELINK
Scavino Barolo 2019$39.5010Link
Scavino Barolo 2019 1.5L$99.006Link
Scavino Barolo 2019 375ML$24.003Link
Scavino Barolo Ambrogio 2017$59.0019Link
Scavino Barolo Ambrogio 2019$59.0011Link
Scavino Barolo Bric del Fiasc 2017$79.0019Link
Scavino Barolo Bric del Fiasc 2019$99.0021Link
Scavino Barolo Bric del Fiasc 2019 1.5L$249.004Link
Scavino Barolo CAROBRIC 2017$59.0011Link
Scavino Barolo Monvigliero 2017$66.0014Link
Scavino Barolo Monvigliero 2019$79.008Link
Scavino Barolo Prapo 2017$59.0014Link
Scavino Barolo Prapo 2019$75.006Link
Scavino Barolo Ravera 2017$69.0021Link
Scavino Barolo Ravera 2018$59.0022Link
Scavino Barolo Ravera 2019$75.0018Link
Scavino Barolo Rocche dell’Annunziata Riserva 2013$199.007Link


5% off any 6-11 bottles of in-stock Scavino Barolos
10% off any 12+ bottles of in-stock Scavino Barolos
Offer Ends Wednesday, November 29th @ 10 AM

Discount Will Not Display Online or In Your Cart
We will adjust your invoice before processing your card

Shop the sale here!