Category Archives: Special Features

The Summit of Chianti 3-3-24


5% off any 6-11 in-stock Felsina wines
10% off any 12 or more in-stock Felsina wines
Sale ends Wednesday March 6th at 9AM PST

 
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This cannot be the first time we’ve regaled you with the virtues of the Felsina winery and its timeless wines. But this time we’re coming in guns loaded by offering discounts on half case or more bottle purchases you won’t find elsewhere. For example..

With a 10% discount purchase, the 2020 Classico Riserva and 2020 Rancia will be at the CHEAPEST PRICE you can find for these wines anywhere in the US. Unless you’re planning a trip to Berardenga in the near future (and please invite me if you do), this is your shot to getting the latest vintage of Felsina wines at the most optimal pricing. Long-time fans will be jumping at this opportunity, and we recommend\those that are new to the winery to keep reading until they’re convinced.

Background on the Estate

Nestled in the heart of Tuscany, Felsina Winery has been producing world-class wines since its establishment by Domenico Poggiali in 1966. The winery’s name ties back to the Etruscan roots of Castelnuovo Berardenga where it is located. With a commitment to tradition, quality, and sustainability by the next two generations of the Poggiali family, the winery has become a beacon of excellence with timeliness consistency in the wine industry.

The winery’s vineyards are situated in the prestigious Chianti Classico region, renowned for its picturesque landscapes and ideal terroir for grape cultivation. Felsina Winery’s commitment to organic and sustainable farming practices ensures that each grape is nurtured to perfection, resulting in wines that truly capture the essence of the region.

In a region that’s riddled with examples of high production wine best suited for the average trattoria pasta, the true gems stand well apart. These wines are a testament to dedication and expertise, and are more giving than their Montalcino counterparts. It’s hard to say there’s a more apt example of Italian red wine than what Felsina bottles year in and year out.

Main Wines of the Estate:
  1. Felsina Chianti Classico Berardenga Riserva: This iconic wine captures the essence of the Tuscan terroir. Crafted from a blend of Sangiovese grapes harvested in Castelnuovo Berardenga, it boasts a vibrant ruby color and seductive aromas of ripe cherries, red berries, and subtle spice.
  2. Felsina Rancia Riserva: As the pinnacle of Felsina’s portfolio, Felsina Rancia is a true masterpiece. Crafted from a rigorous selection of Sangiovese grapes grown in the renowned Rancia vineyard, this single-vineyard Chianti Classico Riserva embodies elegance, complexity, and age-worthiness. This wine is a must-try for enthusiasts seeking a truly extraordinary Chianti Classico experience.
  3. Fontalloro: Another gem from Felsina Winery, this wine showcases the winery’s commitment to expressing the unique character of their property and the potential greatness achieved in blending. This Tuscan IGT wine is crafted from a blend of Sangiovese and Merlot, sourced from vineyards in the heart of the Chianti Classico region. With its rich, velvety texture, enticing aromas of ripe black fruits, herbs, and tobacco, and a long, satisfying finish, Fontalloro embodies the perfect marriage of tradition and innovation.
The last Felsina I had was a Rancia from the legendary 2006 vintage. I am not exaggerating when I say this was one of the top 3 Tuscan wines I’ve ever tasted. This bottle had aged better than numerous examples of Brunello I’ve purchased throughout the years, and it left my fellow tasters stunned by its elegance, intensity, and depth of flavor and aroma. I want to relive that experience at least a dozen more times before I leave this Earth, which is why I won’t be missing the latest vintage.

Felsina Wines Available Now:

Felsina Berardenga Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG, 2016 1.5L $79 special, 1 bottles available

Wine Advocate 94 points “Streamlined and elegant, this mid-weight red trots out notes of grilled herb and dark fruit nuances that segue to spice, tilled earth and savory tobacco, with great complexity. This 2016 Chianti Classico Riserva Berardenga is still a bit closed and tight, but this beautiful wine boasts all the best qualities of this vintage. It shows elegance and power, two contrasting characteristics that only work well together in the world’s most achieved expressions. The most satisfying aspect of this Riserva is the crisp acidity on the close that keeps the palate refreshed and ready for the next sip.”
Wine Spectator 93 points “This red offers density and focus, creating an ideal frame for the cherry, strawberry, almond, leather and earth flavors. A firm backbone of tannins lends structure and the finish persists, leaving an accent of bitter almond. Best from 2022 through 2040. —B.S.”

Felsina Berardenga Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG, 2020 750ml  $33 special, 36+ bottles available
Wine Spectator 94 points Top 100 “A solidly built red introduced by aromas of mint, lavender and wild rosemary. Shows cherry, raspberry, earth, iron, sanguine and tobacco flavors allied to an almost viscous texture as this cruises to the long finish. Impressive now, yet will be better in three to five years. Best from 2026 through 2045. 5,000 cases made, 2,200 cases imported.”

Felsina Berardenga Rancia, Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG, 2018 1.5L $115 special, 4 bottles available
Vinous 97 points “The 2018 Chianti Classico Riserva Rancia is an absolutely stunning wine. The archetype of Rancia in the past has been of a big, potent Chianti Classico but in 2018, Rancia is a wine of mind-blowing elegance and finesse. Silky, perfumed and indescribably finessed, the 2018 dazzles from start to finish. It’s a magical wine in every way.”
Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2018 is an unusual vintage that shows an especially austere character. Off the bat, it must be said that the Fèlsina 2018 Chianti Classico Riserva Rancia would certainly benefit from more cellar time and a long drinking window. The Rancia is elegant and streamlined with a medium-bodied style that breaks from some of the more concentrated vintages we’ve seen in the past. The bouquet reveals a lot of dark or black character with blackcurrant, tar, resin, iron ore and a dusty hint of dry graham cracker (which reminds us of the vintage heat). Structurally, the wine offers a solid and firm footing, but it would benefit from further evolution.”

Felsina Berardenga Rancia, Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG, 2019 750ml $49 special, 11 bottles available
James Suckling 95 points
 ” Darker fruit on the nose with walnut, spice box, incense and espresso bean, too. Medium-bodied, firm and structured with polished tannins and a creamy, compact mid-palate. Quality dark oak spice throughout. Long and rich.”
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “Amplified even further is the 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva Rancia, which offers up a musky cologne of cedar, cherry licorice, cracked pepper, and menthol. It is medium to full bodied, with a rich tannin structure, a broad mid-palate, and a long, fragrant finish. This will certainly be a wine that needs time in cellar and will continue to improve over the coming 10-15 years.”
Wine Advocate 94 points “An icon wine of Tuscany, the Fèlsina 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva Rancia (with 48,000 bottles made) is distinguished by its special aromatic fingerprint that truly brings us to a sense of place. At its heart, the wine reveals dark fruit and plum. More interesting, however, are the dusty mineral sensations that give so much texture and depth to the Rancia. These aromas can only be found in Sangiovese from the galestro and alberese-rich soils of Chianti Classico. This vintage follows up with sweet tobacco, toasted chestnut and scorched earth. Give this wine more time to flesh out and evolve in the bottle.”

Felsina Berardenga Rancia, Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG, 2020 750ml $51.90 special, 36+ bottles available
Wine Spectator 95 points 
“Intense, with complex flavors of cherry, blackberry, violet, mineral and leafy underbrush, this red is silky and verges on racy. Harmonious and persistent, with a long, resonant aftertaste that echoes red fruit, mineral and savory elements. Best from 2025 through 2045. 4,100 cases made, 1,800 cases imported.”

Felsina Berardenga Fontalloro Toscana IGT, 2018 750ml $59 special, 36+ bottles available
Felsina Berardenga Fontalloro Toscana IGT, 2018 1.5L $128 special, 11 bottles available

Antonio Galloni 95 points “The 2018 Fontalloro is bright, floral and full of energy. In most vintages, Fontalloro is quite open, but the 2018 is especially nervy and taut. That won’t be an issue in time, of course, but readers should plan on being patient. Sangiovese is so expressive here. A whole range of floral and savory accents lingers on the close.”
Wine Advocate 95 points “To my palate, the 2018 vintage sometimes feels a little too ripe or baked. I was reminded of those characteristics when tasting the Fèlsina 2018 Fontalloro. There is plenty of dark fruit at its core, but this wine also reveals dry tones of jarred oregano, grilled Mediterranean herb, crushed aspirin and graham cracker. The mouthfeel is pleasantly lean and silky, and perhaps the wine delivers more in terms of length than it does weight or texture. A little more bottle age should help flesh out and soften these results.”

Felsina Berardenga Fontalloro Toscana IGT, 2019 750ml $62.50 special, 36+ bottles available
James Suckling 96 points “A fresh and crunchy Fontalloro with currants, orange peel and hints of peaches and cedar. Medium body, firm and fine tannins and a crisp and bright finish. Lots of energy and verticality to this! Drink after 2025.”
Vinous 94 points “The 2019 Fontalloro is terrific. In this vintage, the blend of three vineyards is a plus in giving a wine endowed with density, resonance and plenty of Sangiovese character. Dried herbs, leather, incense, tobacco and cedar open with time in the glass.”

Felsina Berardenga Fontalloro Toscana IGT, 2020 750ml $66 special, 34 bottles available
Wine Spectator 95 points
 “A vibrant red, with fleeting aromas of lavender and wild rosemary mingling with cherry, orange peel, earth, mineral and tobacco flavors. On the elegant side, despite its youthful power, with excellent harmony, refined tannins and a long, complex aftertaste. Sangiovese. Best from 2026 through 2045. 3,800 cases made, 1,200 cases imported.”

Felsina Berardenga ‘Colonia’, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2010 750ml $149 special, 11 bottles available
Wine Advocate 95+ points “When you hear the story of the effort that went into making the Colonia vineyard, you have to wonder if the fine folks at Fèlsina are absolutely mad. It took them two years of dynamite blasting to clear the imposing rock that had forced previous generations of the Poggiali family to virtually abandon this site. But an ambitious Giovanni Poggiali takes credit for making this spectacular vineyard what it is today. The wine produced here is quickly becoming the second flagship product after Fontalloro. The 2010 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Colonia is a wine of enormous beauty and depth. This is Sangiovese at its highest expression and any doubt I had about the previous vintage (which was the first time this wine appeared as a Gran Selezione) have been washed away by this current release. What really stands out are the wine’s precise mineral and graphite aromas that lend an incredible sense of focus and balance. The oak element is also beautifully integrated.”

Felsina Berardenga Vin Santo Chianti Classico, 2015 375ml $49 special, 12 bottles available
Wine Spectator 97 points
 “An exquisite Vin Santo, with aromas and flavors of brown butter, caramel, molasses, gingerbread and roasted walnut riding the vibrant structure. Impeccably balanced, with fine complexity and a long, resonant aftertaste. Malvasia, Trebbiano and Sangiovese. Drink now through 2040. 1,000 cases made, 600 cases imported.”

Marietta: California’s Best Value 3-2-24

Chris Bilbro was one of California wine’s unsung heroes. He founded Marietta Cellars in 1978 and grew the winery into one of the preeminent producers of excellent value, honestly made California wine. Chris sadly passed away in 2019, and today his son, Scot Bilbro, runs the winery. The lineup is as good as it’s ever been: full of delicious, gutsy wines that overdeliver at all prices.
 
The Marietta wines have been customer favorites at the shop for some time, from their sub-$20 Zinfandel-based old vine blend (which defined the category for California), all the way up to their Gibson Block Syrah, which hails from a parcel planted in the 1880s. Their entire range routinely receives the type of critical praise you’d expect from much more expensive wines. We’ve just added a new case discount on our already lowest-in-the-country price on their spicy and fragrant rosé, so we thought it the perfect time to remind you of the incredible value and drinkability of this excellent range of Marietta wines in stock now.
 
“Scot Bilbro has the magic touch when it comes to crafting wines that deliver superb quality for the money across the various tiers in this range.” — Antonio Galloni, Vinous
 

“The relatively cool 2021 growing season was a much-needed reprieve from the heat spikes and droughts of previous vintages, and growers leaned into the easygoing season to craft particularly pure, expressive wines—some of my favorites include Rochioli, Joseph Phelps, Marietta and Paul Hobbs.” — Erin Brooks, Wine Advocate
 
In Stock Now from Marietta:
 
New case discount on our already lowest-in-the-country price!
Marietta Cellars OVR Old Vine Rose, California 2022 750ml $14.50 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Marietta Cellars OVR Old Vine Rose, California 2022 750ml $156 special (that’s only $13/bottle!)
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 92 points
“A blend of 50% Syrah, 25% Grenache Noir and 25% Grenache Gris, the 2022 Old Vine Rosé has a medium cherry-pink color and pretty scents of peach, dried herbs and charcuterie. The light-bodied palate is bright and refreshing with a deep core of fruit, a touch of anchoring texture and a long, spicy finish. It drinks well on its own, although it will pair widely at the table.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $18
 
“One of California’s finest value wineries, Marietta Cellars has been receiving favorable reviews in this publication for many years. My fondness for the non-vintage blend of many vintages and grapes goes back to when I first reviewed the Old Vine Red Lot 14. Production has soared since then, but the consistency in quality has remained remarkably high. These are terrific offerings from this value-priced winery.” — Robert M. Parker, Wine Advocate
 
Marietta Cellars OVR Old Vine Red Lot 74, California NV 750ml $18 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 93 points
“The NV Old Vine Red Lot 74 is primarily Zinfandel, with some Syrah, Petite Sirah, Carignan, Grenache and Barbera. Spicy and easy to drink, it has aromas of red and black cherries, mint, bitter chocolate and allspice with earthy undertones. The medium-bodied palate is finely chalky and refreshing, with spicy fruit and an easygoing finish. This will be enjoyable with almost any dish at the table and, as always, overdelivers for the price.”
 
Marietta Cellars Angeli Cuvee, Alexander Valley 2021 750ml $38 special, 31 bottles in stock now
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 96 points
“Grapes for the 2021 Angeli Zinfandel are picked in three passes. Proprietor Scot Bilbro notes that Zinfandel’s naturally varying levels of ripeness can lead to raisiny flavors if all the grapes are picked at a higher brix. “If you bring Zinfandel in over 25 brix, that means the juice inside is at 25, but the skins have a lot more sugar, and the level will go up to 28 or more,” he explains. “So, we pick at 23, 24 and just shy of 25. You can enable the wine to show off layers with those different picks.” This strategy led to a gorgeous Angeli in 2021 that is incredibly expressive and perfumed. Blueberry, boysenberry and blackberry give way to wafts of graphite, gobs of violet and even touches of tangerine. The medium to full-bodied palate explodes with concentrated fruit and expansive layers of floral perfume and spice. It has a powdery frame, bursts of mouthwatering acidity and a very long, nuanced finish.”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $42
 
Marietta Cellars ‘Armé’ Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, North Coast 2021 750ml $26 special, 14 bottles in stock now
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 93 points
“The 2021 Armé Cabernet Sauvignon is blended with 10% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot. It has pretty tones of blueberries and black cherries with nuances of lavender, thyme and underbrush. The palate is medium-bodied, chalky and refreshing, with surprising depth of crunchy fruit and floral sparks across the long, juicy finish.”
 
Marietta Cellars ‘Christo’ Estate Blend, North Coast 2021 750ml $21.90 special, 17 bottles in stock now
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 93 points
“The 2021 Christo is a blend of 68% Syrah, 20% Grenache, 8% Petite Sirah and 4% Viognier. The nose features fresh blackcurrant and blueberry aromas with tones of cast iron, violet, sagebrush and conifer. The full-bodied palate is chalky and refreshing with restrained, mineral-driven fruit and a long, perfumed finish. Give it 2-3 years in bottle or a couple hours in a decanter.”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $24
 
Marietta Cellars ‘Game Trail’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Yorkville Highlands 2019 750ml $39 special, 16 bottles in stock now
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 94 points
“Medium ruby-purple, the 2019 Game Trail Cabernet Sauvignon features scents of blackcurrant and blackcurrant bud, chocolate, star anise, iron and violet. Powerful yet fresh, the full-bodied palate has loads of grainy tannins and bright sparks of acidity highlighting its floral perfume. It has mineral-streaked fruits and a long, layered finish with singular wafts of incense.”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $42
 
Marietta Cellars Gibson Block Syrah, McDowell Valley 2019 750ml $39 special, 18 bottles in stock now
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 95 points
“Deep ruby-purple, the 2019 Gibson Block Syrah has a core of cassis and soaring violet perfume with accents of coffee beans, dark chocolate, aniseed and mint. The full-bodied palate is powerful and concentrated with broody, iron-laced fruits, pleasantly chewy tannins and bright freshness elevating floral perfume on the finish.”
 
Marietta Cellars ‘Román’ Estate Zinfandel, North Coast 2021 750ml $24 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 95 points
“The 2021 Román Zinfandel is juicy, alluring and easy to drink without sacrificing complexity, offering tremendous quality for its modest price. Blended with 4% Petite Sirah and 4% Barbera, the nose is bursting with kaleidoscopic yellow peaches, strawberries and raspberries plus nuances of sage, aniseed and Angostura bitters. The medium-bodied palate has a finely chalky frame, fireworks of fresh acidity and generous layers of spicy fruit that call you back for another sip.”
 
 
 
Don’t miss our sale going on now:
 
Leap Year Close-Out Sale
 
5% off any 6-11 in-stock Vinopolis Close-Out wines
10% off any 12 or more in-stock Vinopolis Close-Out wines

 
Including picks from Aldo Conterno, Cameron Winery, Donnhoff, Markus Molitor, Paitin, Selbach-Oster, Vatan, and dozens more!
 
Discount does not combine with other current sales,
but it DOES apply to Close-Out case skus.
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Discount ends Sunday, March 3rd at 9 am Pacific

Fontodi: Top Notch Tuscan Wines 2-26-24

On Sale Now!
 
Fontodi is one of Tuscany’s most respected estates and produces some of the finest wines in the world. The estate’s vineyards are planted along a high elevation hill of Conca d’Oro (“the golden shell,” named for its shape) and its south-facing amphitheater. It is an utterly unique terroir. Here, the high elevation and shape of the land offer long and warm summer days and a wild diurnal temperature swing. The calcareous clay and schist soils are optimal for producing ripe yet balanced Sangiovese. The resulting wines are effortlessly delicious and harmonious, the gift of such high-quality base material.
 
The Manetti Family purchased their property in the village of Panzano in 1968. (Before that, they crafted terracotta tiles from the soil, so you could say they know the land intimately.) Their wines quickly brought international attention to this tiny village, home to other famous estates as Molino di Grace and Rampolla. Today, Giovanni Manetti helms the estate as well as being the president of the Consorzio Chianti Classico, the regional winegrower association.
 
Fontodi’s flagship bottling, the Flaccianello della Pieve, is one of the best, most sought after Sangiovese wines crafted in Tuscany. Flaccianello’s obvious class seems inevitable when you consider that each year it is made with only the finest vineyard blocks from their exquisite holdings. Built for the long haul not unlike a Brunello, this is an ideal Sangiovese for a long-term cellaring. It’s on par with any wine that comes out of Tuscany—Soldera, Biondi-Santi Riserva, Pergole Torte, Valdicava’s Madonna… you name it—though the Flaccianello tends to run far less than its peers. Heck, this would be a cult wine selling for thousands if the vineyard was in Napa or Bordeaux.
 
Fontodi is certified organic with 70 hectares of vines across their 130 hectares of land. The family is strongly committed to organic agriculture, writing that they believe that by “respecting the environment means wines that are better, purer, and a truer expression of the grape and the territory.” The sentiment extends into the winery where the aim is to preserve the “natural integrity of the grape, in order to exalt the character and elegance of the wines.”
 
These are gorgeous wines to wow lovers of bold, terroir-driven reds, now on sale until this Thursday.
 
“Among the many excellent estates located in Panzano is Fontodi, one of the finest wine estates in the world… Giovanni Manetti and Fontodi represent the pinnacle of quality that can be achieved in this part of Tuscany. That he has become a symbolic head of the region only brings more prestige and pedigree to an appellation that demands our highest respect and admiration.” -Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
 
5% off any 3-6 bottles of in-stock Fontodi wines
10% off any 7 or more bottles of in-stock Fontodi wines

 
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.

 
Discount ends Thursday, February 29th at 9 am Pacific
 
In Stock and On Sale Now from Fontodi:
 
Fontodi Vigna del Sorbo, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2017 750ml Displayed Price: $119, that’s $113.05 at 5% off and $107.10 at 10% off, 20 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 96+ points
“The 2017 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna del Sorbo is a dense, packed wine. It is also surprisingly, almost shockingly backward. That is probably a good thing for its long-term aging prospects. Readers hoping to get an early glimpse into the 2017 before it shuts down may have a hard time doing that, as today acids and tannin dominate. I expect the 2017 will be stellar in another 4-5 years and drink well to age 25-30 if not longer. Proprietor Giovanni Manetti gave the 2017 18 months in barrique followed by 6 months in cask.”
 
Fontodi “Dino” Amphora, Tuscana IGT 2018 750ml Displayed Price: $75, that’s $71.25 at 5% off and $67.50 at 10% off, 7 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 93 points
“The 2018 Dino, Fontodi’s 100% Sangiovese done in amphora, is so intriguing. The purity of the Sangiovese fruit is just remarkable, as is the wine’s energy. Readers will have to look past a bit of spritziness (that dissipates with air) but there is so much to like in the 2018, starting with its exceptional balance and poise. With a bit of air, the 2018 is a drop-dead gorgeous beauty. I am really intrigued to see how the 2018 ages, as that is one of the biggest question marks for wines made in this style. Bright acids add a good deal of supporting structure that suggest the 2018 has at least another decade of fine drinking ahead of it.”
 
Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT 2009 750ml Displayed Price: $149, that’s $141.55 at 5% off and $134.10 at 10% off, 13 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95 points
“The 2009 Flaccianello della Pieve is now hitting that very specific point in a wine’s evolution in which you still identity some of the fruit, but you also get a supporting chorus of evolved aromas that enhance the overall finesse and depth of the bouquet. This wine is coming along beautifully and seems right on point in terms of its forward moving aging trajectory. Dried blackberry, cherry confit and plum are rounded out by spice, toast and bitter chocolate. The bouquet fires out on multiple sides, thus increasing the perceived complexity on hand. This vintage is very open and frank, and this is another endearing quality to admire. Interestingly, this vintage saw naturally high yields. Giovanni Manetti tells me they had to work very carefully in terms of green harvest and fruit selection in order to achieve this impeccable level of balance.”

Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT 2017 750ml Displayed Price: $139, that’s $132.05 at 5% off and $125.10 at 10% off, 36+ bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 97 points
“The 2017 Flaccianello della Pieve is fabulous. Dark, sensual and enveloping, the 2017 captures the essence of the house style in its textural richness and baritone inflections. Black cherry, plum, spice, new leather, licorice and chocolate infuse the 2017 with tremendous richness. The 2017 spent 18 months in barrique followed by 6 months in cask, the same aging regime as the Vigna del Sorbo, but with a bit more new oak. That approach worked very well, as the Flaccianello stands out for its exceptional textural elegance and finesse. It is a positively stellar wine.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 96 points “The Fontodi 2017 Flaccianello della Pieve is a standout wine of the dry vintage. This pure Sangiovese opens to a dark garnet color with more visible concentration and density compared to recent past editions. This is a beautiful wine with pliant tannins, dark fruit richness, balanced acidity and a fruit-forward 15% alcohol content. The wine is big and bold when weighed on the Flaccianello scale (and even more so when weighed on the Sangiovese scale) with dark cherry, plum, spice, violet, chalk and campfire ash. Despite that power and inner opulence, this wine adds that zesty Sangiovese character with fresh acidity and an energized approach. This Flaccianello is whole and complete with the natural firmness and structure to hold it steady during the aging process. A small part of amphorae-aged fruit is added to the blend.”
Kerin O’Keefe-Wine Enthusiast 96 points “Aromas of baked plum, blue flower, French oak and camphor are front and center on this bold, full-bodied red. Made entirely with organically grown Sangiovese, the delicious palate boasts concentration and a weightless elegance, doling out layers of ripe Marasca cherry, raspberry compote, licorice, cocoa and carob framed in tightly wound, close-grained tannins. Give it a few more years to fully develop. Drink 2023–2037.”
 
 
 
 Don’t miss our additional sales going on now:

Kunstler Sale
 
5% off any 4-8 bottles of in-stock Kunstler wines
10% off any 9 or more bottles of in-stock Kunstler wines


Muller-Catoir Sale

5% off any 1-5 bottles of in-stock Muller-Catoir wines
10% off any 6 or more bottles of in-stock Muller-Catoir wines


 Discounts do not combine with other sales.
Discounts will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.

 
Kunstler sale ends Wednesday, February 28th at 9 am Pacific. Muller-Catoir sale ends Friday, March 1st at 9 am Pacific.

Künstler Sale: Incredible Value from the Rheingau! 2-25-24


You just heard from us regarding a sale on Muller-Catoir, and we can’t help ourselves from adding another estate into the mix. Riesling deserves your attention! It’s time to listen up. Weingut Künstler comes from the Rheingau, the birthplace of riesling and an area that uniquely expresses its full power and potential. We at Vinopolis have long adored the wines of this estate for its beautiful bottlings of riesling at amazing quality to price performance.

Weingut Künstler

Franz Künstler established this family winery in the Rheingau back in 1965 after moving the family from the Czech Republic following the end of World War II. His son Gunter Künstler now runs the winery, a graduate of Geisenheim University and a student of delicious and primarily dry riesling. The vineyards and winery are locaed in Hochheim, an area known for it’s quality long before other regions like the Mosel achieved the fame they’re known for today. In fact, the Rheingau is Germany’s true riesling heartland, mentioned and praised for it’s quality in historic texts and achieving prices on vintage wine lists that often exceeded that of Bordeaux and other famous denominations for much of the early 20th century. Shakespeare, Thomas Jefferson, and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe referenced the wines of this region in their works and travels with utmost praise. Weingut Künstler is helping to restore this understanding of incredible Rheingau wine with their impressive line-up of Grosses Gewachs rieslings all made from top sites. These wines have a restoring mineral quality, admirable precision, and the beautiful weight of fruit that only this region really achieves.

Winemaking techniques at this estate are very similar to those of top echelon German producers. The cellar uses both cask and steel to produce wines of freshness and rounded acidity. To quote Skurnik their importer: “The overriding goal is to produce wines with heart and soul. The wines are very pure, clean, and precise, without tasting as though they’ve been sanitized and had the character stripped out of them. They are detailed and meticulous, but also delicious and satisfying.” We highly recommend picking up a few of the GG bottlings as they are unmatched values in wine.

5% off any 4-8 bottles of in-stock Kunstler wines
10% off any 9 or more bottles of in-stock Kunstler wines

 
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
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Discount ends Wednesday, February 28th at 9 am Pacific


Weingut Kunstler Kostheimer Weiss Erd Riesling Grosses Gewachs 2020 375ml $49 special,  36+ bottles available
Stuart Pigott 97 points “A masterpiece from an almost unknown vineyard site. The cool and deep nose pulls you into this very concentrated and supple dry riesling GG that has so much power, packed into a sleek silhouette. Long, silky and chalky finish. Drink or hold.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Weingut Kunstler Hochheimer Holle Riesling Im Neuenberg 2020 750ml $33 special,  36+ bottles available
Stuart Pigott 95 points “Enormous concentration and power for just 12.5% alcohol, the ripe peach, apricot and mirabelle aromas still restrained. Then comes the full-bodied, densely packed palate that is still so clean. So much depth at the spectacular, wide-screen finish. From organically grown grapes with Fair’n Green certification. Drink or hold. Screw cap.”
Wine Advocate 92 points “The Riesling trocken 2020 Hochheimer Hölle Im Neuenberg VDP. Erste Lage opens with a deep, rich, intense, elegant and yeasty scented bouquet of ripe and dense but coolish Riesling fruits intertwined with earthy notes. Remarkably fine, fresh and elegant on the palate for a Hölle Riesling, this is a medium rather than full-bodied wine with refreshing, vivacious and finely racy acidity. Good grip on the mouthwatering finish. 12.5% stated alcohol.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Weingut Kunstler Hochheim Kirchenstuck Riesling Grosses Gewachs 2020 750ml $59 special,  36+ bottles available
Stuart Pigott 96 points “Very complex nose of white chocolate, white peaches and fresh herbs. Sleek and very finely delineated, this is a super-elegant dry Rheingau riesling with a long, cool finish that ripples with notes of fennel and parsley. Drink or hold.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Weiser-Kunstler Hochheimer Holle Riesling Grosses Gewachs 2020 750ml $59 special,  36+ bottles available
Stuart Pigott 98 points “The deep, peach and apricot nose leads you into this enormously concentrated yet graceful dry riesling that’s got the stature to stand next to almost any Grand Cru white Burgundy. Enormously long, beautifully balanced finish that pulls your hand magnetically back to the glass. Drink or hold.”
 

See the Discounted Prices Below!

 
KUNSTLER WINES  VWS PRICE  5% Off 10% Off LINK
KUNSTLER HOCHHEIMER HOLLE RIESLING IM NEUENBERG 2020 $33.00 $31.35 $29.70 Link
KUNSTLER HOLLE GG RIESLING RHEINGAU 2020 $59.00 $56.05 $53.10 Link
KUNSTLER KIRCHENSTUCK GG RIESLING RHEINGAU 2020 $59.00 $56.05 $53.10 Link
KUNSTLER ERD GG RIESLING RHEINGAU 2020 $49.00 $46.55 $44.10 Link

Best Pricing on Vietti 2-4-24


Italian wine lovers rejoice because we’ve got discounts on offer for one of the top producers in all of Piedmont if not all of Italy. The Vietti Winery’s prestige speaks for itself and any attempt at describing their merits would be only a carbon copy of what the world has been saying for years. These wines are good. REALLY good. It’s no surprise because the estate has some of the most envious vineyard holdings to be found in all of Barolo.

Here’s the simple reason why you should acquire and drink Vietti wines: they’re underpriced. Yep. You heard what I said. The quality that this estate is achieving year after year is on an absolute par with the most expensive and legendary Barolo producers that exist. Pick a name: Giacomo Conterno, Bartolo Mascarello, Burlotto, Rinaldi, Altare, etc. etc. I guarantee you that Vietti can stand up to all of them and provide drinking pleasure and longevity that will amaze you.

The key to Vietti’s success has been the mastery over both modern and traditional approaches in winemaking. Rather than rest on the assumption that the old ways are best, or be seduced by the notion that new is always better, Vietti has chosen its own path. The wines are given traditional extended maceration in the winery to extract ample tannin and complex aroma from the nebbiolo grape skins before they’re matured in a combination of both barrique and large oak vessels. The approach is never heavy handed but always done to achieve the perfect balance between finesse, aromatic intensity, and ageworthy structure.

This estate treats all of its wines with immense care and you can taste the passion across the entire portfolio. In recent years I’ve been overwhelmingly impressed by not only the cru Barolos but also the entry level barberas, langhe nebbiolos, and whites of Arneis and Timorasso. There isn’t a single bottle of Vietti that I’ve opened which hasn’t been a pleasure to drink. And trust me, the bottle doesn’t last long once it’s opened.

Take advantage of the discounts below while you can because they won’t last long!
 

Buy any 3-5 bottles for a 5% discount

Buy any 6+ bottles for a 10% discount

Discounts will be applied after orders are received.

Offer ends on Tuesday at 9AM PST


 
Featured Wines Available Now from Vietti:
 
Vietti Timorasso – Derthona Colli Tortonesi 2021 750ml $38 special, 28 bottles available
Jeb Dunnuck 92 points “A pale straw color, the 2021 Derthona Timorasso is set to be released in May of 2023. It has a savory richness to its aromatics of pine resin, fresh lime flower, and melon and is tangy on the palate, with medium body, saline, the stony texture of wet asphalt, Meyer lemon, and chamomile. It feels very much like a Chenin Blanc, but a fresh style in a warm vintage. It is long on the palate with mineral persistence.”
 
Vietti Brunate, Barolo 2018 750ml $199 special, 6 bottles available
Wine Advocate 95 points “With fruit from La Morra, the mid-weight 2018 Barolo Brunate shows a pretty softness and a delicate side with dried rose, lilac and blue flower. The wine completes malolactic fermentation in barrique and is later moved into large oak casks for aging. This dual oak treatment is part of Vietti’s secret recipe for producing the silky tannins and fine texture you taste here. A production of 4,493 bottles, the wine is recognized by that distinctive aromatic finale of licorice and balsam herb.”
Vinous 94 points “The 2018 Barolo Brunate is a deep, layered wine that is going to need at least a few years to come together. Today, the Brunate is quite primary and backward, but all the ingredients are there. Sage, menthol, licorice, dried flowers and spice build with a bit of coaxing.”

Vietti Cerequio, Barolo 2019 750ml $249 special, 4 bottles available
Vinous 98 points “The 2019 Barolo Cerequio is a worthy follow up to the stellar 2018. Aromatic and deeply pitched, the 2019 races across the palate with remarkable depth and intensity. Crushed rted berry fruit, rose petal, mint, and cinnamon all open in the glass, but it is the wine’s silkiness and suppleness that impresses most. A kick of acids and tannins puts an exclamation point on the finish. This is a gorgeous Cerequio that takes all the finesse this site offers, and then turns up the volume. What a wine.”
Wine Advocate 97+ points “Vietti was able to buy a 9,000-square meter piece of Cerequio from Michele Chiarlo, arguably the king of this celebrated cru. And because this is a new addition to the portfolio, the Vietti team is still learning the ropes. For example, there is a fresh minty tone that pops up from the bouquet of the 2019 Barolo Cerequio. “That minty note was a mystery to us,” Luca Currado tells me. “But then we understood that its part of Cerequio.” This wine shows a firm grip on the palate that does extend out to include some textural softness, but it ultimately remains quite structured. Among the grand cru sites of La Morra, Luca Currado tells me that “Cerequio is the brother and Brunate is the sister.” His wife Elena Penna adds, “We’ve never had two sites so close to one another show such a great difference between them.”
James Suckling 97 points “Extremely fresh and perfumed with lavender, violets and fresh plums. Wonderful to smell. Full-bodied with firm and focused tannins that give structure and intensity. Excellent length. Fantastic for the vintage. Only the second vintage of this for Vietti. Vegan.”

Vietti Lazzarito Barolo 2019 750ml $239 special, 24 bottles available
Wine Advocate 98 points “With fruit from Serralunga d’Alba, the Vietti 2019 Barolo Lazzarito is a historic cornerstone wine of this mighty portfolio. It is also one of the Vietti Barolos that consistently delivers extreme quality and pleasure with each new release. Like the other wines presented here, winemaking is straightforward, with submerged cap fermentations lasting 30 to 35 days (although those times were reduced in 2019 because this vintage was not suited to long maceration times). Serralunga d’Alba always delivers power and richness. There are aromas of dried tobacco leaf, perfumed tea, crushed rose and iron ore. The bouquet is extremely expressive.”
Vinous 97 points “The 2019 Barolo Lazzarito continues a trend seen in recent years in which the focus has been more about finesse than raw power. Intense red fruit, iron, dried herbs, chalk, dried rose petal and white pepper all run through this deep, virile Barolo. The power and intensity of Serralunga really come alive on the heady, explosive finish. Bright saline notes linger on the deep, resonant finish. A Barolo of raw, unbridled power, the Lazzarito demands patience.”

Vietti Ravera Barolo 2018 750ml $199 special, 12 bottles available
Vinous 95+ points “The 2018 Barolo Ravera is a wine of real depth and vertical structure. As always, the Ravera is a taut, nervy Barolo built on energy more than volume. Readers will have to be patient, as the Ravera is likely to require a number of years to be at its most expressive. Even in the early going, it is vibrant and full of life. Rose petal, chalk, blood orange and white pepper lend striking exotic top notes that are quite suggestive of what the future is going to bring. What a gorgeous Barolo this is.”
Wine Advocate 95 points “Vietti is one of a handful of estates to bring the Ravera MGA of Novello to the current popularity it enjoys now. Their 2018 Barolo Ravera has a smoky personality with crushed stone and pencil shavings. There is plenty of dark fruit at the back, ripe cherry and blackberry mostly, and the wine is tonic and firm in terms of its structure and tannins. The Ravera is a wine of enormous length and a finely tuned texture. Exactly 7,560 bottles were made.”
 

VIETTI FEATURE WINES SKU  VWS PRICE  AVAILABLE LINK
VIETTI ARNEIS ROERO 2022 VIETARNEIS22 $24.00 4 Link
VIETTI BARBARESCO RONCAGLIE 18 VBBESCOMR18 $119.00 3 Link
VIETTI BAROLO BRUNATE 2017 VBBRUNATE17 $169.00 1 Link
VIETTI BAROLO BRUNATE 2018 VBBRUNATE18 $199.00 6 Link
VIETTI BAROLO CEREQUIO 2018 VBCERE18 $199.00 7 Link
VIETTI BAROLO CEREQUIO 2019 VBCERE19 $249.00 4 Link
VIETTI BAROLO LAZZARITO 2017 VBLAZZARITO17 $169.00 6 Link
VIETTI BAROLO LAZZARITO 2019 VBLAZZ19 $239.00 24 Link
VIETTI BAROLO RAVERA 2017 VBRAVERA17 $169.00 4 Link
VIETTI BAROLO RAVERA 2018 VBRAVERA18 $199.00 12 Link
VIETTI BAROLO RISERVA 2015 VBRSV15 $149.00 3 Link
VIETTI BAROLO ROCCHE CASTIG 2018 VBRDC18 $219.00 3 Link
VIETTI BAROLO ROCCHE CASTIG 2019 VBRDC19 $299.00 4 Link
VIETTI TIMORASSO DERTHONA 21 VIETITIMDERT21 $38.00 28 Link


And even more Vietti is arriving this coming Tuesday….
 

TUESDAY ARRIVAL WINES SKU  VWS PRICE  AVAILABLE LINK
VIETTI BARBERA D’ALBA TREVIGN 21 VIETBRBATV21 $26.00 24 Link
VIETTI BARBERA D’ASTI TREVIGN 21 VIETBRBASTITV21 $21.90 36 Link
VIETTI BARBERA SCARRONE 2021 VTIBRBASCR21 $51.90 12 Link
VIETTI DOLCETTO D’ALBA 2022 VIETDLCTALB22 $21.90 24 Link
VIETTI MOSCATO D’ASTI 2023 VIETMSCASTI23 $19.50 24 Link
VIETTI NEBBIOLO PERBACCO 2021 VIETNEBPRBCO21 $28.00 36 Link


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