Sunday Night Newsletter 5-22-2022

In This Newsletter:

You Say Rosé,
I Say Rosato!

New Week – New Arrivals


Refreshing Wines for Sunny Spring Days

Fontodi’s Flaccianello:
A Masterpiece of Sangiovesi

Vie di Romans

Domaine Lionnet

Collector’s Corner:
Kopke’s Colheita 

  

You Say Rosé

I Say Rosato!

Italian Pink Wines in the Spotlight

We’re featuring four lovely rosatos in stock now and ready to party!

Etna has become the newest hottest region in Sicily, and for good reason.  Jancis Robinson even called it “The Burgundy of the Mediterranean,” which is an apt description of most of the new wines coming off of the high altitude slopes of Sicily’s volcano. This Rosato is bright, crisp, crunchy, and savory, showing off that volcanic terroir – it’s all we’re looking for in indigenous pinks! 

Tenuta delle Terre Nere Rosato Etna Sicily 2020 750ML ($29.95) $24 special, 9 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 92 points “Lightly hued, this refined, onion-colored rosato, made with organically grown Nerello Mascalese grapes, has delicate aromas suggesting Mediterranean scrub and wild berries. The dry, savory palate offers pomegranate, peach and citrus before a tangy mineral finish suggesting oyster shell. -Kerin O’Keefe”
Eric Guido-Vinous 91 points “The 2020 Etna Rosato lifts up wonderfully fresh and perfumed, offering notes of sweet peach and white smoke backed by honeyed florals and wedges of candied lime. It’s silky-smooth and round yet spry, washing nuances of ripe pear and nectarine across a core of saturating saline-minerality. There’s simply so much going on here for a Rosato as the 2020 punches well above its class, finishing incredibly long yet juicy, and fizzling out to hints of sour citrus and cheek-puckering green apple.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

Luigi Giordano is a small, family-owned winery producing elegant and classically framed Barbaresco and this beautiful rosato. Sourced from three estate vineyards in the legendary Ovello, Cars and Ronchi cru’s this is a spectacular value on its pedigree alone. There are buckets of fresh strawberries, cranberries and red cherry, with a slightly minty-spicy finish redolent of anise hyssop. The aromas are equally as expressive, explosively fruity and highly aromatic, yet still medium bodied with a slightly tannic and refreshing finish. This would be perfect garden party wine that’s compatible with anything from watercress sandwiches to gumbo. 

Luigi Giordano Vino Rosato Alba Piedmont 2020 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Importer note “100% Nebbiolo from family parcels inside Barbaresco crus of Ovello, Ronchi & Cars. Hand-picked in September. Soft pressing followed by 3-hour maceration. 2,400-bottle production.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Sperino offers a  rosato from one of our favorite Italian grapes: Nebbiolo. Ridiculously multi-dimensional with a plethora of oranges ranging from Seville, blood and Mandarin and accentuated by notes of crushed rose petal and white peach. There’s also a slight spice on the finish in addition to a refreshing melon component on the finish. No wonder it’s a year-round staff favorite.

Proprieta Sperino ‘Rosa del Rosa’ Rosato Coste della Sesia Piedmont 2020 750ML ($21.95) $19 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Vinous 92 points “The 2020 is an understated and delicate rendition of Rosa Del Rosa. Nuances of peach tea, chamomile, green apple and hints of ginger can all be found with coaxing. It’s silky and pliant in feel, the vibrant acids and mineral tones mixing to create a tug-of-war of sweet and salty tension, as notes of ripe melon give way to pretty inner florals. This taper off persistent, lightly structured and buzzing with residual energy, completely refreshing the palate with a twang of sour citrus. The Rosa Del Rosa is a blend of Nebbiolo and Vespolina. It’s very enjoyable already, but it will likely blossom further with a bit more time in bottle. – Eric Guido”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $20.99

Explore the brighter sign of Sangiovese with Rocca di Montegrossi’s rosato! This is uber-classical and impeccably executed that leaves all other Tuscano Rosatos in the dust. 

Rocca di Montegrossi Rosato Toscana IGT 2020 750ML ($24.95) $19.90 special, 9 bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 92 points “The 2020 Rosato Toscana is a vibrant pink color, with a display of sweet melon and spring flowers offset by a twang of zesty citrus and flint. It’s silky-smooth, balancing a pleasant inner sweetness with brisk acids as notes of young strawberry and cherry cascade across the palate. This tapers off with admirable length, but it’s also completely refreshing, as red fruits slowly fade under an air of rosy florals. Rocca di Montegrossi really nailed it with this varietal Sangiovese Rosato. Well done.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

PS: Just received the insider scoop that Burlotto released a rosato this year – stay tuned for more details in the early fall…


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10 AM – 6 PM Daily

Masks are no longer mandatory
But they are appreciated, thanks!
We also offer Curbside Pickup & Shipping

Order Online / By Phone / By Email
Thank you from the team at Vinopolis!

Be well & drink well.


New Week – New Arrivals

Oregon

Looking for the hottest new(-ish) winery taking the wine forums by storm? You better call Saul…
Championship Bottle ‘Hard Promises’ Pinot Blanc, Willamette Valley 2020 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special, only 12 bottles available
Winery note “Steely and bright, this is Pinot Blanc as it’s rarely presented. A long elevage allowed this wine to combine complexity and brightness in an uncommon way.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Championship Bottle ‘Out On Love’ Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley 2020 750ML ($34.95) $31.90 special, only 12 bottles available
Winery note “Let’s cut to the chase here: This might be the best wine we made in 2020, and it’s out of a grape that doesn’t always spring to mind for its best-in-the-cellar potential: Pinot Gris. Alas, a one-off, so grab it if you see it.”

Championship Bottle ‘Racing Gloves’ Sparkling Oregon Wine 2020 750ML ($34.95) $29 special, only 11 bottles available 
Winery note “Our ode to the col fondo style of sparkling wine, which is refermented in bottle but not disgorged (aka, it’s bottle-conditioned), this blend of Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay is flinty and mineral with a fun rusticity.”


France – Rosé

Le Galantin Bandol Rosé, Provence 2021 750ML ($21.95) $19.90 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Portland’s favorite rosé is also one of the earliest to arrive from France, so stock up quick for your summertime needs before it’s gone!

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Chateau Grand Boise Cotes de Provence Sainte-Victoire Rosé 2021 750ML ($25.95) $19 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Importer note “Organic estate and one of the few using native yeast. Pink marble soil at high elevation. 50% Grenache, 40% Syrah, 10% Cinsault. Vinified at cool termperature in steel tank. Picked in the early morning to preserve freshness.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!


France – Provence / Languedoc / Roussillon

Domaine Riere Cadene Les Combes Grenache Gris IGP Cotes  Catalanes 2019 750ML ($27.95) $24 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Importer note “Schist soil of the Algy Valley. 100% Grenache Gris. Organic farming. Direct press. Aged in neutral wood. Shows complex notes of petrol and graphite underneath the fruit.”

Le Galantin Bandol Rouge, Provence 2017 750ML ($29.95) $26 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 93 points “This powerful, dense and rich wine showcases Mourvèdre. Bold tannins and red-plum fruits are infused by the wine’s generous structure and obvious potential. The wine needs to age and should be ready from 2023. -Roger Voss”
Wine & Spirits 92 points “A blend of 55 percent mourvèdre with cinsault and grenache, this is just ten percent saignée juice; the rest sees no skin contact. This makes for a light, airy rosé, with just a tinge of red in its color and flavor. But it’s also a serious wine, bright in acidity, savory and herbal in its lasting flavor. For a white-tablecloth brunch.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Chateau Vieux Moulin Corbieres, Languedoc-Roussillon 2020 750ML ($21.95) $18.50 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Importer note “30% Carignan, 30% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 20% Mourvedre co-fermented. Native yeast.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!


France – Rhone

Domaine de la Charbonniere Chateauneuf-du-Pape  Cuvée Les Hautes Brusquières Cuvee Speciale 2019 750ML ($69.95) $54.50 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 97 points “The 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Les Hautes Brusquières (60/40 Grenache and Syrah) comes from a cooler terroir near the Mount Redon plateau and was brought up in oak tronconique tanks and demi-muids. Its dense purple, almost opaque hue is followed by a brilliant perfume of mulled red and black fruits, peppery herbs, crushed stone, violets, and licorice. With full-bodied richness, a layered, multi-dimensional texture, and just about perfect tannins, it’s another superstar wine from this estate that’s up with the finest vintages to date.”
James Suckling 96 points “Brimming with sweet plums, but also plenty of meatiness and licorice on the nose. Powerful and very concentrated, thanks to the full, plush tannin on the spicy palate, this an extremely structured Chateauneuf made for long-term aging. However, the balance is so good you could drink it right away. Very long, velvety finish. Drink or hold.”
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 95 points “This year, my favorite of the four 2019s from this fine estate is the 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Hautes Brusquieres Cuvee Speciale, which emerges from a single parcel of galets roulés planted to a 60-40 mix of Grenache and Syrah. Partially destemmed, it reveals some herbal, stemmy elements on the nose, giving a sense of freshness to the super-ripe black cherry fruit, plus ephemeral notions of tea leaves and rose petals. Full-bodied, silky and concentrated, this wine is long and complex on the finish, with hints of dark chocolate, plum, and red berries. Tasted twice (once blind), with consistent notes.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!


Spain

Do Ferreiro Albariño, Rías Baixas 2020 750ML ($39.95) $28.50 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 94 points “A blend of different zones and terroirs and the wine that defines the winery is the 2020 Albariño. It is serious and balanced, complex and very complete, with 13% alcohol, fully developed flavors and aromas and a harmonious palate with vibrant acidity and a strong mineral/stony strike. This is very dry, varietal and really representative of the Salnés. It has an expressive nose with notes of Albariño pulp, from a year with some noble rot that adds aromatic complexity. It’s expressive and harmonious and combines power and freshness. It’s an austere vintage with more malic acid than 2019, which Manuel Méndez insisted on comparing with 2016. This was bottled after nine months with the lees. There are different lots, and the bottling date is always printed on the back label. It should develop nicely in bottle. There are some 80,000 bottles. We tasted a bottle of the 2015, which I think might have some similarities with 2020, and the wine is superb today. They also uncorked a 2012, from a cold vintage when they didn’t produce a Cepas Vellas, and think it could be a vintage with similarities to 2021. I look forward to the 2021.”
De Maison note “Highly regarded for crafting albariño, Do Ferreiro has become a reference point for the grape. They farm over 175 tiny plots of albariño by hand, all located in the Salnés subzone of Rías Baixas. This valley’s proximity to the ocean, ideal climate due to the natural protection by mountain ranges, and decomposed granitic soil have gained the reputation for being the best zone in Rías Baixas for growing profound albariño. The blend of these plots is what makes up Do Ferreiro Albariño. No other grape varieties or regions are blended into Do Ferreiro, as is common with many albariño wines. Fermentations are exclusively carried out by native yeasts.”

Do Ferreiro Adina Albariño, Rías Baixas 2020 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, only 4 bottles available
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2020 Adina is a different wine, as it comes from oxidized gneiss soils, a strip of red laminar and schist soils that produce wide and powerful wines but with lots of finesse. It has very soft, powdery tannins that make it nicely textured and good ripeness with 13.5% alcohol. This is a very balanced and harmonious vintage. It’s superb. It should also develop nicely in bottle. There are 2,000 bottles of this.”

Do Ferreiro Lourido Albariño, Rías Baixas 2020 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, only 11 bottles available
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 94+ points “The 2019 was not bottled, so I tasted the 2020 Lourido, a very expressive Albariño from degraded granite soils that break like a pomegranate and bring very fine wines that are long and sharp and improve after two or three years in bottle when it connects the mid-palate with the acidity. Of course, it can be drunk young, but it’s linear and austere, with acidity but not the acidity that you get with very high yields and unripe grapes (there are many of those in the region). It’s nice that the wine shows the soil on the palate, an arrow to the back of the palate here. 1,600 bottles produced. Like previous vintages, this should develop nicely in bottle. I retasted the 2016, the first vintage they produced of this wine, and the wine is aging very slowly. I got the drinking window completely wrong!”


Portugal – Port

Quinta do Infantado Vintage Port 2011 375ML ($44.95) $38 special, 12 half-bottles in stock now
Mark Squires-Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2011 Vintage Port, bottled in 2013, is all from a single quinta. It comes in with 83 grams per liter of residual sugar. Full in the mouth with ripe and chunky fruit, this is surprisingly approachable on opening and quite delicious just now, but it doesn’t stay that way with air or over several days. Starting with only average concentration, it ends with lifted fruit on the finish, enlivening the wine after the chunky beginning. It drinks beautifully; it is fresh, enticing and delectable. More importantly, it fleshes out in the glass and takes over the palate. Then, the power takes over. It becomes rather crisp and biting. The fruit is nice, but this is more about the structure. It is elegant and balanced, not big and clumsy (a good description of the winery’s stylistic goals). I’d give it more time before diving it, even though it seems approachable at first taste. There is a serious backbone lurking underneath and this wine changes with every 30 minute time interval. There were 5,757 bottles produced, plus some alternative format sizes.”
Wine Spectator 91 points “Plenty of delicate floral notes to the powerful red plum and raspberry tart flavors, remaining fresh and crunchy. Chocolate and spice details fill the luscious finish. Best from 2020 through 2030. 350 cases imported. — KM”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Quinta do Infantado Vintage Port 2015 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 90 points “The 2015 Vintage Port is a field blend from old vines (50+ years) that comes in at 85 grams per liter of residual sugar. This is lighter styled, fresh and easy, but with fine intensity of flavor. The freshness just now is actually rather glorious. Its fine acidity lifts the fruit on that flavorful finish, but it does lack some concentration for a top VP. This producer does tend to emphasize elegance in general and the vintage does as well. Its structure is average. This is a great deal of fun, but I’m not sure it will develop much. That said, its acidity will help preserve it and it is very tasty—impossible to dislike.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!
 


Refreshing Wines for Sunny Spring Days

Need a light and bright red or crispy white to toast the end of the rainy season in Oregon (we hope!)? Shop some top picks in stock now from around the world!

Oregon

More or less synonymous with the low intervention winemaking movement in the Willamette Valley, Ksenija and John House founded Ovum in 2011 and has specialized in white wine production ever since! Primarily working with Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Muscat and Pinot Blanc they are fantastic at demonstrating the versatility of the component grapes. Their flagship wine Big Salt is a co-fermentation of all the varietals and vineyards they work with from five AVA’s across Oregon, all of which are organically farmed and contain old vines. This is a marvel of both the winemaking and winegrowing at play in the state. Meant to evoke a day at the beach, there is a pervasive salinity with a food friendly integration of floral and botanical characteristics. 

Ovum ‘Big Salt’ Elkton 2021 750ML ($21.95) $17 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Winery note “Big Salt™ is a white wine that embodies a day at the beach. It’s bright, fresh, dry and a bit salty (although no salt is added of course!) – once it’s done you’re left wanting more. We achieve this experience by letting mother nature create complexity – that is to say we allow all of the grapes to ferment together, with native yeast..rather than making a blend in the laboratory. Finding the right vineyards throughout Oregon that share the same cool climate is what it’s all about.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!


France – Champagne

Delamotte is best known as the more affordable arm of Salon—the original luxury-collectible single vineyard Blanc de Blancs from Le Mesnil.  While that’s understandable, it tends to ignore the fact that Delamotte is a Champagne house of note in its own right. These are brilliant Cote des Blancs Champagnes worthy of attention (and cellaring!)

Delamotte Blanc de Blancs Brut Champagne NV 750ML ($89.95) $79 special, 21 bottles in stock now
Delamotte Blanc de Blancs Brut Champagne NV 375ML ($44.95) $38 special, 16 half-bottles in stock now
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 93 points “The latest rendition of Delamotte’s NV Brut Blanc de Blancs is drinking very well out of the gates, offering up aromas of crisp orchard fruit and citrus zest mingled with hints of fresh bread and wet stones. Medium to full-bodied, pillowy and precise, with bright acids and chalky grip, concluding with a dry finish, this is a classy, seamless wine that will offer a broad drinking window.”

Drappier might sound like a Grande Marque, but they’re really a grower producer at heart having been founded in the 12th century and still under family ownership.  They own 53 hectares of vines in the Aube (where they were the first to plant Pinot Noir) and make forward thinking wines at a very friendly price-point.  As one of the only carbon-neutral houses in the entire world, they place as much care in the cellar as they do in the vineyards—and the wines show it. 

Forbes placed the estate’s Carte d’Or, as the #3 “Best Champagne You’ve Never Heard Of” for good reason.  Drappier makes big, flamboyantly rich Champagne that is always a crowd pleaser—at prices that mean you can actually pour it for crowds.  Drappier recently made waves in Europe after refusing to rename their Champagne to “Sparkling Wine” costing them several lucrative contracts with the Russian Federation, including one with the National Airline for the country. It’s hard to find better bubbly under $40/btl, or for $35/btl on our May Sale.

Drappier Carte d’Or Brut Champagne NV 750ML ($49.95) Was $38, Now $35, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Drappier Carte d’Or Brut Champagne NV 750ML ($299.95) Was $219, Now $199 (that’s only $33.17/bottle!)
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 91 points “Disgorged in April 2021, Drappier’s new NV Brut Carte d’Or delivers attractive aromas of golden orchard fruit, stone fruit, honeycomb and white flowers. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and enveloping, it’s charming and elegantly vinous, with a flavorful core of fruit, lively acids and a chalky finish.” 
Wine Spectator 90 points “Racy acidity enlivens this crisp and lacy Champagne. Well-knit, with the delicate mix of ripe white cherry, blanched almond, yellow plum and grated ginger flavors. Drink now. 3,000 cases imported. — AN”
Disgorged 11/20


France – Beaujolais

Beaujolais is a region in a constant state of revolution—new faces are re-energizing venerable producers and starting their own wineries seemingly every year, leading to new gems that we’re thrilled to be able to taste and sell. Case in point? The Chateau de Grand Pré—an estate that’s been around since the ’70s but was radically transformed in the last decade, becoming certified organic in 2012 and moving towards a natural-influenced winemaking style under the direction Romain Zordan, the grandson of the estate’s founders.  The resulting wines are brilliant, combining a freshness and verve typical of natural Beaujolais producers with a structure and power (and cleanliness) that’s more typical of a classical estate.  The old vines help here, as well, lending depth and complexity.

Domaine du Chateau de Grand Pre Fleurie ‘Cuvée Spaciale’, Beaujolais 2018 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 20 bottles in stock now
Importer Note “100% Gamay from 60 to 70 year old vines planted on sandy soil, with a granitic subsoil. The yields are tiny and average 15 hl/ha. The grapes are hand harvested, fermentation with indigenous yeasts, no added sulfite during the vinification. Aged for 7 months in older demi-muids (600 liters). Pronounced aromas of sour cherries, fruity and plump palate with well-integrated tannins. Serve at 59 to 61F.”

“The Perroud family in Beaujolais started to grow vines since 1789. Robert is now running the winery since 1990 and founded Terroirs Originels (collective of independent growers in Beaujolais) in 1997. The estate sold their wines to Jadot for several decades before selling their own bottling directly. Magic terroir located in the “saburins” lieu-dit characterized with “amethyst and iron” subsoil” –Importer note

Robert Perroud Brouilly L’Enfer des Balloquets, Beaujolais 2019 750ML ($24.95) $19.50 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92 points “Vivid ruby. Spice-accented red and blue fruit and violet scents are complemented by incense and smoky mineral nuances. Sappy, penetrating black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors smoothly blend depth and energy and acquire an exotic spice nuance as the wine opens up. Closes long and appealingly sweet, with subtly gripping tannins and an echo of juicy blue fruit.”
Wine Enthusiast 91 points “This ripe wine is called “hell” because the vineyard is steep and tough to work. Rich with blackberries and light wood-aging flavors, it will be ready from late 2021. -Roger Voss”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

We snapped up all we could of this super value from Beaujolais that proves you don’t have to compromise quality for budget if you look hard enough.

Stephane Aviron Beaujolais-Quincie France 2018 750ML ($21.95) $14 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Frederick Wildman note “Terroir: The Stéphane Aviron Beaujolais Villages is sourced from two of the best terroirs of the appellation, both with old vines averaging at least 50 years in age. The vines in the commune of Quincié have sandy, granite soils and the commune of Lantignié has clay and limestone soils with favorable southwest exposure. Vinification: Whole clusters of grapes are fermented, and then macerated for six days to extract characters of fruit and finesse. The wine is aged in cement tanks to retain the purity of the fresh fruit. The wine shows great finesse, elegance and a very ‘easy drinking’ nature.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!


France – Burgundy

“I have said this before but I would go so far as to say that Domaine Henri Prudhon is one of, and perhaps even the most under rated producer in all of Burgundy.” – Allen Meadows, Burghound

Domaine Henri Prudhon is synonymous with their home village of St. Aubin. With two generations serving multiple terms as mayor of the village, all while continuing to work their vines they are as Burgundian as they come. While most of their vineyard holdings are within their home village, they have expanded under their 4th generation and now harvest fruit from Puligny-Montrachet, Chevalier-Montrachet and Gamay (the village, not the grape). In addition to organically farming in these storied villages, they are in possession of old vines and only plough their fields when deemed necessary.

Henri Prudhon & Fils Sur Gamay Saint-Aubin Premier Cru 2018 750ML ($89.95) $57 special, 25 bottles available 
Burghound 91 points “Outstanding Top Value. Smoky hints of mineral reduction combine with those of essence of pear and citrus peel. There is a bit less volume but better precision to the attractively textured, succulent and very rich medium weight flavors that possess fine depth on the well-balanced finale. This is lovely and worth considering.”


France – Loire

“Domaine Huet’ means ‘I make the best damn Chenin Blanc on the planet’…” – Mike Steinberger, Wine Diarist
 
Huet makes some of the most undervalued great wine in the world. Take any metric you’d use to adjudicate greatness (complexity, age-worthiness, terroir, aromatic intensity, world-wide praise, biodynamic, etc) and Huet’s Vouvray is on the list, at prices far below almost anything else in their class.
 
Domaine Huet Vouvray ‘Clos du Bourg’ Demi-Sec Loire 2020 750ML ($49.95) $44 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Rebecca Gibbs MW-Vinous 97 points “Drinking the 2020 Clos du Bourg Demi-Sec is like taking your shoes off at the end of a long day of walking and soaking them in warm water: there’s just satisfaction and relaxation. The 2020 has a sense of volume but not weight, filling the mouth with depths of pure fruit before the acid pours forth like a canal lock being opened. You can expect a hint of spice and crème caramel alongside apple and florals. I am utterly seduced.”
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2020 Vouvray Clos du Bourg Demi-Sec is concentrated, deep and still somewhat untamed on the clear, fresh and lemon-fruity yet darker-toned nose compared to the Haut-Lieu. Round and refined yet still with a pretty firm tannin structure, this is a rich and powerful yet elegant and persistently salty Chenin with tension, grip and a sustainable, highly promising finish. The 2020 Clos du Bourg pairs juiciness with finesse and purity with complexity. Tasted as a tank sample shortly before bottling in April 2021.”

When a winemaker starts generating the amount of charge that Romain Guiberteau has built in such a short amount of time, our ears perk up, and we take notice. Consider that Dani Foucault of Clos Rougeard took so much interest in Romain that he regularly insisted that visitors also go to Guiberteau to taste. Young Romain came back from an uninspired law career to take over the farming of his family’s 14.5 hectares. The prize of this acreage was 7 hectares on a hill by the name of Brézé, considered by some as the best terroir in the entire Loire. The wines are pure, pungently wonderful expressions of the two grapes, somehow managing to be wild and alive while remaining crystal clear in their delivery. From the entry level Saumur Rouge (quite likely the best introductory wine you’ll find) to the pinnacle of his Saumur Blanc Brézé, the purity of the wines is remarkable.

Domaine Guiberteau Saumur Rouge, Loire 2019 750ML ($44.95) $39 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Domaine Guiberteau Saumur Rouge, Loire 2019 ($269.95) $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”


France – Other

Quintessential Alpine wine, with a cool, dewy character in the aromatics and flavors.  
Domaine Jean Masson & Fils Vieilles Vignes Traditionelle Savoie Apremont 2020 750ML ($21.95) $19 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Importer note “The VV bottling is the entry bottling, but the vines are over 60 years old, thus the VV designation. He does two bottlings and I always wait for the 2nd bottling so that the wine has more lees time. At the 2nd bottling the wine has spent 8-9 months on the lees. The wine has great texture and mouthfeel, closer to Muscadet than most Jacquere. On the palate you get citrus and herbs.”
VinopolNote: The Massons own some of the highest and oldest vines in the appellation, including some planted by Jean-Claude’s grandfather that are over 100 years old. At a whopping 450 meters above sea level, the family is always the last to harvest in the area. The resulting wines are fermented with native yeasts in stainless steel.

This is the only listing in the USA today!
 


Fontodi’s Flaccianello:

A Masterpiece of Sangiovesi

The ancestral home of Sangiovese, Chianti produces the widest array of styles in part due to stratified geological, topographical and administrative processes. As one of the first established wine regions in Italy after the country’s unification in the ’30s, Chianti is synonymous with Italy’s quality revolution in recent decades. 

The top offerings of Chianti Classico are sourced from hilltop plantings, which allow for temperature mitigation during the occasionally sweltering growing season in addition to providing a higher degree of ripeness. Often featuring older vines and élevage in new oak these are among the most bold and age worthy examples of Sangiovese in the world. The Flaccianello by Fontodi exemplifies that perfectly, being a cuvee of the best blocks from the estate. Organically farmed on the Conca d’Oro hill at an average height of 1,000 feet above sea level, this would be a cult wine selling for thousands if the vineyard was in Napa or Bordeaux. Built for the long haul not unlike a Brunello, this is a perfect Sangiovese for a long-term cellaring. 

In Stock Now:

Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT Tuscany 2017 750ML ($199.95) $149 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 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.”

Explore our collection of over 200 in-stock Tuscan wines on our webstore now!
 


Vie di Romans

“Gianfranco Gallo’s Vie di Romans is one of the most accomplished, quality-minded estates in Italy. I am always impressed by their offerings…” –Monica Larner, Wine Advocate

Vie di Romans is one of the flagship wineries of Friuli—arguably the greatest white-wine producing region of Italy. Given the quality of the wines, we always expect their prices to be higher—but Friuli remains one of the last great bargains for exceptional bottles of the crowd favorites, including the region’s eponymous varietal Friulano.

Vie di Romans wines in stock now: 

Vie di Romans Ciampagnis Vieris Chardonnay Friuli Isonzo Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2018 750ML ($24.95) $28 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 94 points “The Vie di Romans 2018 Friuli Isonzo Chardonnay Ciampagnis is beautifully contoured with aromas of peach, melon, honey and passion fruit. The bouquet is perfumed and bright, driving a long finish and silky consistency. Like most of the other whites in this portfolio, it ages on the lees (for nine months, in this case). Instead of oak, it completes this process in stainless steel for an anaerobic environment that serves to capture those direct and linear aromas. The wine concludes with a hint of dusty mineral or crushed stone that ties it to one of the most prominent characteristics of Friuli Venezia Giulia.”
James Suckling 94 points “A rich, aromatic white with sliced and cooked apple, steel and stone. Full-bodied with layers of fruit, but in a focused and polished way. It’s creamy and fruity with a round texture and a delicious, flavorful finish. Mineral and steely notes at the end. Drink or hold.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Vie di Romans Dessimis Pinot Grigio Friuli Isonzo Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2019 750ML ($37.95) $31.90 special, 33 bottles in stock now
Wine & Spirits 92 points “Dessimis is a rich and exotic pinot grigio, with pungent scents of apple blossom and clove that lead into layers of dried orange and grilled strawberry laced with notes of lemongrass. Those spicy notes continue on the long, creamy finish, warmed by a pleasant bitter almond note.”
Wine Spectator 92 points “This is lightly copper-colored in hue, offering appealing aromas and flavors of ripe apricot and yellow peach, passionfruit coulis, chopped hazelnut, verbena and spun honey. Lightly chalky in texture, with well-cut acidity providing definition for the lush range of flavors. Mouthwatering and well-spiced finish. Drink now through 2026. 1,500 cases made, 500 cases imported.  –AN”
James Suckling 92 points “Slightly rosé color here. It’s deep and intense, showing dried apples and spices with some pomegranate and rust undertones. Red apples, too. Full-bodied, dense and flavorful. Rather chewy at the end. Drink now.”

Vie di Romans ‘Dolee’ Friulano Friuli Isonzo Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2018 750ML ($39.95) $36 special, 17 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95 points “The Vie di Romans 2018 Friuli Isonzo Friulano Dolée reveals a wide spectrum of aromas with stone fruit, citrus, wild sage, rain-soaked sandstone and honey. The bouquet is pure and fine, but the Friulano grape—especially in the hands of a winery of these credentials—is especially impressive in terms of mouthfeel and texture. There is a sweet softness and textural creaminess that gives the wine solid, mid-weight appeal. Then, all of that abundant fruit comes to an elegant close with a pristine note of salty mineral. This wine is aged on the lees in stainless steel containers for 10 months.”
Eric Guido-Vinous 93 points “The 2018 Friulano Dolée wafts up with a beguiling display of dried nectarine, tart pink citrus, candied ginger, cardamom and hints of white pepper. There’s plenty of textural depth, feeling medium in body while slowly releasing layer after layer of ripe apricot, kiwi and grapefruit, all peppered with exotic spices. The mouth waters with cheek-puckering tension, while a salty, savory note of minerality keeps you coming back for more. The 2018 finds balance by walking the line between ripeness and refinement. It’s a real standout.”

Vie di Romans Flors di Uis Friuli Isonzo Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2018 750ML ($31.95) $27 special, 21 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 94 points “The Vie di Romans 2018 Cuvée Friuli Isonzo Flors di Uis is an assembly of Malvasia, Riesling and Friulano that builds beautiful intensity on both the nose and the palate. Attempting to dissect the bouquet is not easy because there are so many elements to take under consideration, from orchard fruit and ripe apple to custard cream. The protagonist of the blend is Malvasia, and the wine’s floral notes of honeysuckle and yellow rose are quite amplified as a result. Thanks to nine months of aging on the lees, the wine is broad, rich and generous   to the end.”
James Suckling 93 points “Lovely, perfumed nose of lilies, lime blossom, passion fruit and lychee. More citrus-peel and lightly herbaceous notes on the palate. This is full-bodied and very intense, yet there’s some good acidity. Warm finish. Drink now.”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

Vie di Romans Piere Sauvignon Friuli Isonzo Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2019 750ML ($34.95) $29 special, 24 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 96 points “The purity of fruit in this is really something, offering salt, chalk, sliced mango and papaya. It’s full and phenolic with layers of fruit and so much richness at the end. Yet, it’s ever so long and intense. Lasts for minutes. Drink or hold.”
Wine & Spirits 92 points “This sauvignon’s flavors of fresh lime and white grapefruit are taut and fresh, energized by brisk acidity and notes of basil and white pepper. Its high-toned flavors make Piere a versatile choice at the dinner table.”
 
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Domaine Lionnet

There’s no two ways around it—Cornas has become the hot AOC in the Northern Rhone, perhaps in France.  Allemand, Clape, Ooka, Paris, etc—prices have been going up, demand has been going up, and wines are in stock for shorter and shorter periods of time.  Against that backdrop, we’re always on the hunt for the next hot producer—someone to stock up on before prices skyrocket and in Domaine Lionnet, we’ve found our next star.

Lionnet is basically the Levet of Cornas—the heir to Robert Michel, stylistically.  In fact, it was Levet that referred Lionnet to importer Neal Rosenthal, which tells you all you need to know. These are old-school Cornas, made with 100% whole clusters, fermented in cement vats and then aged in older, large barrels.  No new wood, no pretension, and tiny quantities—the domaine only owns 2.2 hectares!  These are classics in every sense of the word.

These are wines that you’re going to want to stock up on and then forget about for 10-15 years (like, say, Levet).  When you pull them out, they’re going to be absolutely stunning (a 2004 tasted a few years ago was the wine of a very star-studded night).  Plus, by then these will be in such short supply that you’ll be glad you bought them while you could.

In Stock Now:

Domaine Lionnet Cornas Terre Brulée, Rhône 2016 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 15 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92 points “Brilliant violet. Suave, expansive aromas of fresh blueberry, blackberry, incense and candied flowers. Juicy, seamless and concentrated, offering intense, smoke-tinged dark fruit preserve, violet and olive flavors and suggestions of licorice and spicecake that build on the back half. In a generous, fruit-forward style; sneaky tannins frame the energetic dark fruit on a very long, floral-tinged finish.”
Importer note “Very old plantings (40 to 100 years old) in several notable Cornas vineyards, which are all blended into their single cuvee ‘Terre Brulee’: Mazards, with 50-year-old vines in granite-inflected soils of clay limestone, is dark and powerful; Chaillot contributes classic granitic heft and dusty spice; clay limestone Pied de la Vigne, which flanks Chaillot’s eastern edge, provides structural rigor; and Combe, the southernmost lieu-dit in the appellation, comprises sandy granite soils which give rounder, more voluptuous fruit and overtly floral aromas. Aged entirely in well-used 600-liter demi-muids, ‘Terre Brulee’ is a Cornas of immense concentration, deep, meaty aromatics, intense effusive spiciness, and a bristling tension that beckons for a bit of patience but is thrilling in its vibrancy. All whole cluster. Certified organic.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

The critics agree, Syrah doesn’t get much better than this!
Domaine Lionnet Cornas Terre Brulee, Rhône 2015 750ML ($79.95) $59 special, 5 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 95 points “The 2015 Cornas Terre Brûlée comes from a total of seven different lieux-dits throughout the appellation (all are granite soils) and was vinified in concrete tanks before spending 18 months in older demi-muids. It offers a classic, traditional feel in its blackberry, peppery herbs, bouquet garni and violets aromas and flavors. With full-bodied richness, nicely integrated acidity and superb concentration, it’s just another sensational Cornas from this vintage. Bravo to Corinne Lionnet and Ludovic Izerable!”
Grapelive 95+ points “One of my favorite wines and producers, Domaine Lionnet makes an incredible and authentic Cornas that never disappoints this Syrah geek. It’s always a nervy, stemmy wine, but with gracious fruit and textures to balance everything out. I find these wines to have a raw sex appeal and with a dark earthy seduction. In terms of pure Syrah it rarely gets much better than this!…”
Wine Advocate 94 points “A terrific wine, the 2015 Cornas Terre Brulee combines smoky notes of grilled plums and meat in a full-bodied format. It’s richly tannic and velvety at the same time, with a finish that’s simultaneously drying (from tannins) and mouthwatering (from juicy fruit). Farmed organically, vinified with stems in concrete and aged in used, large-format oak, Cornas doesn’t get more authentic (or better) than this!”

This is the only listing in the USA today for the bottle!


Collector’s Corner:

Kopke’s Colheita

Kopke, founded in 1638, makes what might be the most vibrant and long lived port wines available. They too have been through adverse times in their near 400 year history, seeing dramatic shifts in the climate, swings in the popularity of their product, and the rise and fall of populist dictators. Through all of this, they’ve been consistent in their commitment to making the greatest Tawny and Colheita (vintage Tawny) Port available. 

We’re fortunate to have a tremendous lineup available including Colheita vintage selections from 1937, 1941, 1967, 1978, and more. Highlights from the vintages include the epitome of subtlety that is 1941. It’s said that stress makes for the best wines, and it was certainly a chaotic period in Europe. These are perfect examples of age adding concentration and depth, but the traditional Kopke freshness that keeps these so vibrant. Flickers of warmth are reminiscent of Cognac, but the clarity of the fruit and spice dominate the balance.

Whether you’re buying for yourself or as a gift, make sure you take your time with these once they’re open. Allow it to develop and fill your glass to the fullest. All of these will continue to show their highlights and develop rich spice and dried fruit characteristics for years to come.

Highlights in stock now (please note bottling dates may vary from reviews): 

Kopke Colheita Port Portugal 1937 750ML ($999.95) $799 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Mark Squires-Wine Advocate 94 points “The 1937 Colheita Tawny Port comes in with 156 grams per liter of residual sugar. This is surprisingly fresh and surprisingly elegant for its age. It demonstrates its age when it finishes with power, showing remarkable grip and length, plus all those old Tawny flavors you want, the molasses, baked caramel. There’s a touch of brandy lurking here and there. While this has far more power and complexity than the 1967 this issue, it does lack that wine’s elegance and balance. The hard edge here is pretty hard, even if that intensity is sometimes very admirable. (I suspect it will show better if you come back in three days after opening it. They do change a little after pulling that cork, just a little, after that first rush.) At times, though, that hard edge makes it less attractive. The texture is smooth and unctuous. Overall, this is a fine experience in a blockbuster style. In some ways, I liked it no more than the 1967, though, perhaps less. To be sure, they are very differently styled as this, of course, emphasizes its power and that extra bit of complexity. Don’t drink this too warm—that can make all the difference.”
Wine Enthusiast 93 points “Bottled in 2008, this extraordinary wine is still concentrated. It is also smooth, a velvet texture of richness bordering on opulence. The flavor of wood is there, but more important are the old-time fudge and toffee flavors, rounded with sweet sultanas and edged with acidity. Roger Voss”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $880

Kopke Colheita Port Portugal 1941 750ML ($849.95) $799 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Mark Squires-Wine Advocate 97 points “The 1941 Colheita Tawny Port, bottled in November 2015 with 126 grams per liter of residual sugar, is a marvel. The acidity here makes this very lively, startlingly fresh and young. Add the endless finish and lingering flavors to the very fine structure, and this becomes irresistible. Penetrating and intense, it is also simply delicious, the intensity of flavor matching the structure easily. The aromatics are fabulous, too. Put this next to an open window and walk towards it. You should probably be able to smell it from about ten feet away. It is also perfectly balanced. The first time around, at the beginning of my note I wrote “gorgeous” and then repeated it. At the end, I wrote “love, love this.” That still seems to sum it up nicely.”

Kopke Colheita Port Portugal 1978 750ML ($149.95) $119 special, 26 bottles in stock now
Mark Squires-Wine Advocate 94 points “The 1978 Colheita Tawny Port was bottled in 2015 with 119 grams per liter of residual sugar and a bar top cork (typical for the house). It is very graceful for its age, finishing with a wave of sweetness, fruit and sugar. Emphasizing the caramel more than the molasses, this is irresistibly delicious, but it becomes more complex and puts on weight as it airs and warms. The wine shows off its power and hints of Brandy on the rather tense finish, too. Overall, this is a beauty that becomes more impressive the longer you sit with it. Then, you realize that its balance is simply perfect, yet it stands out in most every category. This is very fine and the price is pretty nice for the age and the quality.”
Roger Voss Wine Enthusaist 94 points “Not one of the generally declared vintages for Port, this year produced some ripe, sweet single quinta vintages. It also was a good year for rich, sweet tawnies. This is ripe, toffee-like in character packed with ripe raisin and sultana flavors. It is a luxurious wine, of course ready to drink.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $137.99
 
Kopke Colheita Port Portugal 1989 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Winery note “Intense amber-golden colour. It reveals a bouquet of wonderful complexity and elegance, with dominant aromas of dried fruit and vanilla and enveloping notes of toast. In the mouth, it is dense and voluminous, yet smooth and delicate. It shows great complexity and great balance. A long and impressive finish.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $66.99
 
Kopke Colheita Port Portugal 2000 750ML ($79.95) $59 special, 4 bottles in stock now
Mark Squires- Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2000 Colheita Tawny Port is a roughly equal blend of Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca and Tinta Barroca coming in with 116 grams of residual sugar. This release was bottled in July 2020 with a bar-top cork. There is a reason to pay the extra money and trade up from the 2001—although a small reason. The 2001 is a little gentler and more precise. This might be a little more complex and fuller bodied—a little. What I often see as the difference between the two vintages is depth—the 2000s were a bit fatter in vintage style, which often shows in the Colheitas as well. Here, that comes through too, but modestly. They are both lovely. I’d take this if I had to choose.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $69.99

Kopke Colheita Port Portugal 2011 750ML ($41.95) $33 special, 11 bottles in stock now
No reviews available. 2011 vintage report from Vinous: “Near-perfect weather conditions yielded concentrated, powerful yet elegant vintage Ports with outstanding aromatic complexity and the acid backbone and tannic grip for a glorious, slow evolution in bottle. One of the half dozen finest port vintages of the past 50 years.”
  
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $48

Love Port?
Check out our full assortment including Vintage, Tawny’s and Single Quinta (Vineyard) expressions!