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Tuesday Newsletter 9-22-2020

In Today’s Newsletter:

Paolo Scavino
Barolo’s Modern-ish Master


Back Vintages from a Washington Legend
Leonetti and Figgins


New Lower Prices on Cappellano’s Collectable Barolo

Trending

Featured Pre-Arrivals from Tuscany
Isole e Olena & Fontodi

 

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Paolo Scavino

Barolo’s Modern-ish Master

 
Scavino is one of the truly great estates in Barolo, a region with no shortage of famous names.  Despite a recent trend towards a more traditional approach, the wines still skew modernist.  Rich and powerful in their youth, their true greatness only reveals itself after time in the cellar -something that can’t be said about all of Scavino’s modernist peers.  Complex and nuanced upon release, the wines are built to age.  

With access to some of Barolo’s most prized vineyards, and a winemaking team that embraces the best of both modern and traditional techniques, the wines are arguably the smartest buys in Barolo today.  But don’t take our word for it, Bruce Sanderson of the Wine Spectator recently offered this praise for Scavino’s remarkable wines.

“Paolo Scavino is once again one of the top producers in Barolo. At one point, Scavino was considered one of the preeminent producers of modernist Barolo, favoring barriques, exceptionally short macerations and a style that emphasized winemaking over terroir.  These days, though, they’ve shed their overtly modernist ways, moving their style towards a more traditional approach.

While you aren’t going to confuse them with Mascarello or Burlotto, the current incarnation of Scavino seems to combine some of the best parts of modernism (i.e., approachable wines with rich fruit and sensual textures) with a more traditional sensibility in regards to terroir and oak flavors.  2016 was an epic year in Barolo and Scavino made some of the best wines we’ve tasted from the house.

The Paolo Scavino estate was founded in Castiglione Falletto in 1921. Enrico Scavino, the current proprietor, joined his father in 1951, and has since worked tirelessly, increasing the vineyard holdings to 74 acres. His daughters Enrica and Elisa (pictured with Enrico), who focus on sales and marketing and production, respectively, represent the 4th generation in the family business.

Enrico Scavino was one of the “Barolo Boys” of the 1980s and ’90s; the group brought international attention to Piedmont by making and promoting a more modern style of Barolo. Scavino’s first single-vineyard bottling, the Barolo Bric dël Fiasc, debuted with the 1978 vintage, and experimentation and refinement continue to this day. The wines have tipped a bit back toward the traditional side in recent years, using various barrel sizes and experimenting with vinification in wood, techniques that I find emphasize Nebbiolo’s pure fruit. “We don’t make great Nebbiolo because we use barriques or large casks,” explains Enrica. “We try to be neutral with the oak to let the grape express itself.”

The Barolo is a blend of seven parcels in Castiglione Falletto, Barolo and Seralunga d’Alba. Barolo Carobric is a contraction of its three vineyard sources: Cannubi, Rocche di Castiglione and Bric dël Fiasc. Prapò and Ravera are the newest MGAs to the range, debuting with the 2015 vintage. Don’t miss the Barolo Cannubi in the Hot Wines section of this issue.”—Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator

In stock now:

Paolo Scavino Bricco Ambrogio, Barolo DOCG 2016 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 5 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 94 points
 “This is velvety and inviting, the open texture setting the stage for black cherry, plum and iron flavors. Spice and tobacco elements chime in as this cruises to a long, sumptuous finish. Shows fine harmony and should be approachable earlier than some peers. Best from 2022 through 2038.”


Paolo Scavino Barbera d’Alba, Piedmont 2016 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 special
James Suckling 91 points
 “Plenty of berry and spice with hints of tiles. Medium to full body, firm and velvety tannins and a flavorful finish. Drink now.”
Wine Spectator 90 points “A rich, lush style, displaying black cherry, blackberry and subtle chocolate flavors. Dense yet succulent, with a mouthwatering finish. Drink now through 2020. 916 cases made.”
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!


Paolo Scavino Bricco Ambrogio, Barolo DOCG 2015 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 4 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 94 points
 “An elegant style, boasting strawberry, cherry, currant and spice flavors, supported by vibrant acidity and refined tannins. Turns chewy on the finish, where eucalyptus and tar notes chime in. Best from 2022 through 2042.—B.S.”
Monica Larner – Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2015 Barolo Bricco Ambrogio is Scavino’s cru from this northeastern-most vineyard in the Barolo appellation, in the village of Roddi, and comprises seven hectares of mostly Nebbiolo but also some Dolcetto and Barbera. These vines with their southeastern exposure are not protected from the elements very well, allowing for more diurnal temperature shifts. Therefore, this site always produces much fresher fruit flavors. Indeed, you get noticeably crunchy, tonic fruit here along with a more detailed aromatic portrait. The wine is more precise compared to Monvigliero, for example, which offers more dense fruit, while Bricco Ambrogio is more delicate in the mouth. These soils are gray marlstone, with some yellow veins of clay in there and some sand, whereas Monvigliero soils are far whiter in nature. A fresh Barolo like this would pair well with any fatty sausage.”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!


Paolo Scavino Bric del Fiasc, Barolo DOCG 2015 750ML ($99.95) $89 special, 4 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner – Wine Advocate 95+ points
 “From the Scavino family’s home-turf vineyard, the 2015 Barolo Bric dël Fiasc (with fruit from Castiglione Falletto) delivers structure, firmness and power. This is a classic interpretation of a historic cru, and the wine offers linear, crisp lines. Fruit from this site was fermented separately for the first time to make this wine in 1978. The family had long recognized the consistently superior quality of the fruit from this location, and they saw its special potential. Enrico Scavino told me about the rush of adrenaline and pride that washed over him when he first tasted this wine with his peers Gaja and Conterno during those Golden Years of the past and saw the enthusiasm their eyes. This is the go-to Barolo if you want to taste classic Scavino.”
Antonio Galloni 95 points “The 2015 Barolo Bric del Fiasc is dark and imposing on the palate, yet not quite as forbidding as it can be. A Barolo of size and heft, the 2015 has a lot to say, but it won’t be ready to drink anytime soon. Black cherry, smoke, leather, iron, licorice, menthol and graphite notes infuse the 2015 with layers of nuance to complement its brooding, sepia-toned personality nicely. The 2015 is a beguiling Barolo, but it needs cellaring.”
Wine Spectator 95 points “The sweetness from ripe plum and cherry fruit offsets the broad swath of tannins. Energetic and focused, with leather, soy, iron and tobacco accents supporting the fruit. Feels balanced, but needs time for all the elements to integrate. Better than previously reviewed. Best from 2023 through 2045. —B.S.”


Paolo Scavino Carobric, Barolo DOCG 2015 750ML ($79.95) $69 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 94 points
 “Although often slow out of the gate, the 2015 Barolo Carobric is absolutely gorgeous and expressive today. Powerful and dense in its first impression, the 2015 also has a good bit of underlying structure that gives energy and real sense of proportion. I would prefer to give the 2015 a few years in bottle to shed some of its baby fat. There is clearly quite a bit of potential here. Dried flowers, mint, rose petal, spice and dark red/blackish fruit all open up with time in the glass. The 2015 has a bright future. I won’t be surprised if it turns out even better than this note suggests”
Monica Larner – Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2018 vintage will be the last edition made of this wine. The Scavino family lost its lease in Cannubi, and the estate wine portfolio is being redrawn as a result. The 2015 Barolo Carobric remains a blend of fruit from Rocche di Castiglione (60%), Cannubi (20%) and Bric dël Fiasc (20%). That blend has been carefully contemplated, and the absence of the Cannubi changes the formula too drastically. Cannubi adds richness and flavor to the blend, while Rocche di Castiglione with its sandy soils adds delicate mineral and light fruit nuances. Bric dël Fiasc offers both power and elegance and is the proverbial glue that keeps harmony between the two sides. This wine was first produced in 1996, and the end of an important chapter in the Scavino family legacy is upon us.”


Paolo Scavino Monvigliero, Barolo DOCG 2015 750ML ($79.95) $69 special, 5 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 94 points
 “A supple, perfumed red, with a smoky Lapsang souchong tea note underly-ing the cherry and currant flavors. Delicate and firm, showing fine balance and a vibrant finish. This is all about elegance and finesse. Best from 2021 through 2042.—B.S”
Monica Larner – Wine Advocate 94 points “The Scavino family has had access to fruit from the Monvigliero cru for almost 20 years. They have farmed a small parcel (under one hectare) since 2000, and the grapes were previously added to their “classico” Barolo blend. In 2006, Monvigliero became its own single-vineyard expression because Enrico Scavino always had a big passion for this site. The 2015 Barolo Monvigliero is a bright and beautiful wine with a strong floral signature of violets and roses that accompanies this wine from start to finish. The wine is very characteristic of Monvigliero in terms of the softness and silky nature of the tannins as well.”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!


Paolo Scavino Ravera, Barolo DOCG 2015 750ML ($79.95) $69 special, 9 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner – Wine Advocate 94 points
 “Here is another rookie in the lineup for Paolo Scavino. The Ravera vineyard was purchased in 2015, at 2.7 hectares and about 360 meters in altitude. It is their highest vineyard and the last to be harvested every year. This east-facing parcel is never too hot, always showing cooler-climate conditions than the others, with fine tannins and a good dose of acidity. The 2015 Barolo Ravera is a very tight and and precise wine, with notes of exotic tea that follow blackberry, dried cherry and licorice. This is a great new addition to the Scavino portfolio at this time of important changes for the winery.”


Arriving late September:

Paolo Scavino Rocche dell’Annunziata Riserva, Barolo DOCG 2013 750ML ($219.95) $199 pre-arrival special
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 97 points
 “The 2013 Barolo Rocche dell’Annunziata Riserva was released in January of 2019, and once again it looks to be a top prize. Licorice and flowers dominate the bouquet, and its beautiful red fruit is generous throughout. This wine has always been a beauty and consistently has had a high price tag to reflect that quality, going back to the first vintages of the 1990s. It has regularly sold for about $200 every year for the last decade. These vines are old, some of them very old (reaching the ripe age of 60 years old in 1990s, when many of them were replanted with carefully selected clones), producing an elegance and concentration that brings intensity and a high standard of aromas. This Barolo without a doubt shows its pedigree and a quality of noble perfumes that demonstrate characteristics of the greatest Nebbiolo vintages, all delivered with excellent concentration. The magic lingers on the palate, right up to the finish.”
James Suckling 95 points “Aromas of white truffles and dried red cherries here with an earthy nuance that makes for a complex and compelling nose. The palate has a deep and dense shape and delivers a wide array of rich cherry and plum flavors. Some handy spice here, too. Drink or hold.”

Love Barolo?  We have over 85 Barolos currently available.
Shop our entire selection, including famous names like Brovia, Bruno Giacosa, Vietti and more, on our web store!
 
 

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Back Vintages from a Washington Legend

Leonetti and Figgins

 
Leonetti is always one of our most anticipated offers of the year.  The winery is one of the two or three most collectible in Washington, and they’ve been a standard bearer in both quality and scarcity for decades.  These are powerful, bold reds with a long track record of ageability and complexity.  From their iconic Reserve bottling on down, each of these wines is one of the pinnacles of their categories.

We jumped at the chance to offer you a special closeout on back vintage wines released by the winery. These are drinking beautifully now, but will age with grace for next decade or more.  So follow Jeb Dunnuck’s advise and snatch these up!

In stock now:

Leonetti Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley 2016 750ML ($129.95) $99 special
Jeb Dunnuck 98 points
 “The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon checks in as a blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Petit Verdot, 3% Malbec, and 2% Merlot that spent 22 months in 75% new French oak. Its deep ruby/purple color is followed by a sensational, full-bodied, layered wine that’s overflowing with notions of crème de cassis, crushed rocks, smoked tobacco, and hints of camphor. Seamless, elegant, and layered, yet also powerful, it rates with the top wines of the vintage. Readers should snatch this beauty up.”
James Suckling 98 points “This regal wine really sets the tone for delivering poise, balance and elegance. Such distinctive cabernet redcurrants, cassis and red cherries, framed in cedary oak and tobacco. The palate is cast in noble tannins that deliver elegance and length. Deeply flavorful blackcurrants and dark cherries with chocolate that’s laced into the finish. A blend of 82% cabernet sauvignon, 13% petit verdot, 3% malbec and 2% merlot. Drink for the next decade and then some.”
Wine Advocate 95 points “A blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Petit Verdot, 3% Malbec and 2% Merlot, the 2016 Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon offers up a focus of fruit on the nose that is rarely seen in wine, along with a bold, plush, vibrant core of fruit that exudes power and a velvety roundness. Dark red, black and even hints of blue fruit are found in the mouth, with a rich and vibrant core that gives way to chewy tannins. With a bold spiciness and layers of oak, the bold, full-bodied wine lingers with intensity and a long, thought-provoking, complex finish that is focused and delivers pleasure as the wine puts a smile on my face. Only 2,900 cases were made, and they are worth every penny!”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!


Leonetti Cellar Merlot, Walla Walla Valley 2017 750ML ($99.95) $79 special, 9 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 94 points
 “Polished and multilayered, with expressive red currant, smoky spice and green olive accents that take on richness toward fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2025. 1,866 cases made. — TF”
James Suckling 94 points “Notes of iodine and some smoky nuances, as well as sappy, foresty freshness to the red plums and darker berries. The palate has rich tannins and dark-plum flavors pervade the assertive finish. A blend of 94% merlot, 4% cabernet franc and 2% cabernet sauvignon. Try from 2023.”
Jeb Dunnuck 93+ points “The only 2017 I was able to taste from this terrific estate, the 2017 Merlot reveals a saturated purple color as well as a terrific perfume of black cherries, cassis, toasty oak, and graphite. It’s medium to full-bodied, plump, and rounded, with ample tannins as well as purity of fruit. It needs 2-4 years of bottle age but is a beautiful, outstanding, incredibly promising Merlot. The blend is 94% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon and it spent 15 months in 60% new French oak.”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!


Leonetti Cellar Reserve, Walla Walla Valley 2016 750ML ($189.95) $149 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 99 points
 “The 2016 Reserve is similar in color (it might be even inkier at the rim) and is a blend of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Malbec, and 5% Cabernet Franc that spent 22 months in a mix of 75% new and 25% once-used French oak barrels. It offers sensational notes of crème de cassis, graphite, crushed rocks, smoke tobacco, and perfectly integrated oak. These all flow to a ripe, powerful, yet seamless and incredibly elegant wine that has nothing out of place, building tannins, awesome purity of fruit, and a massive finish. Reminding me of the 2010, yet made in a more elegant style, this magical wine is drinkable today but will benefit for 4-5 years of bottle age and keep for 3-4 decades. Hats off to Chris Figgins for another awe-inspiring wine.”
James Suckling 97 points “Beautifully stylish, this is a complex, youthful red with attractive, barrel-derived charcuterie, built around precisely ripe blackcurrants, red plums and dark cherries, as well as cedary-tobacco nuances and dark chocolate. So classic. The palate has a succulent, smooth and astutely groomed texture with tannins that are so nicely worked and deliver length with elegance. Black-cherry, blood-plum and dark-chocolate flavors abound. A blend of 73% cabernet sauvignon, 22% malbec and 5% cabernet franc. Try from 2024.”
Wine Advocate 96 points “A blend of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Malbec and 5% Cabernet Franc, the 2016 Walla Walla Reserve is the king of the range with expressive, bold fruit that demonstrates finesse and power, with crème de cassis, blackberry skin and dark cherry jus that connects with a spiced core and oaky essence on the nose. Full-bodied on the palate, the wine bursts with flavor teeming with tension and ripe tannins that will carry this for decades to come. Lush and round, it ends with a long, thought-provoking finish with impeccable balance. 911 cases produced.”
Stephen Tanzer – Vinous 96 points “Bright red-ruby. Very dark, vibrant scents and flavors of blackberry, cassis, boysenberry, licorice and violet. Incredibly silky and concentrated on the palate, with terrific mineral lift intensifying the wine’s fruit. The remarkably long, slowly building finish features noble tannins. It’s hard to scrape this off the palate, and yet this brilliant wine shows no excess weight. Incidentally, this wine is made from all four of the estate’s vineyards plus some old vines in Seven Hills. Should be very long-lived.”
Wine Spectator 95 points “Graceful, polished and dynamic, with layered blackberry, toasty allspice and espresso flavors that take on richness toward refined tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2028. 911 cases made.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!


Figgins Estate Red, Walla Walla Valley 2014 750ML ($119.95) $89 special
Wine Advocate 94 points
 “Chris makes a single Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated red that’s brought up all in small new and used barrels. The 2014 Estate Red Wine is a blockbuster that comes from estate vineyards in Walla Walla and incorporates a splash of Merlot and Petit Verdot. Cassis, blackcurrant, roasted herbs, graphite and scorched earth all give way to a full-bodied, structured, impressively balanced red that has polished tannin (and lots of them), a core of sweet fruit and a great finish. Give it a few years of bottle age and drink over the following 10-15+ years. JD”
Stephen Tanzer – Vinous 93+ points “(the Figgins Estate is at a very high 1,500 to 1,700 feet above sea level, which Chris Figgins noted is great in hotter years but was a challenge in the very cool summer of 2011; these vines were just finishing their flowering on the day of my visit this year, June 29): Bright medium ruby. Less of a fruit bomb than the 2014 Leonetti Cellars Reserve Red Wine, also made by Figgins, offering aromas of cassis, redcurrant, licorice, fig and cocoa powder. Quite plush on entry, then powerful and dry in the middle, with the Petit Verdot component contributing focus and verticality (the Merlot makes a more horizontal wine, notes Figgins), not to mention a note of dried fig. Finishes with strong black fruits and real mountain-style tannins. This wine does not offer quite the breadth or thickness of the Leonetti Reserve Red but it’s more tightly wound and energetic, not to mention very long and alive.”
James Suckling 93 points “Impressive ripeness and freshness with violets, black olives and tarry notes across ripe plum and blackberry fruits. Sinewy tannins that deliver sleek power and carry ripe red- and black-fruit flavors long and even. Blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot and petit verdot. Drink or hold.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!


Figgins Estate Red, Walla Walla Valley 2015 1.5L ($219.95) $199 special, 3 magnums in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 96 points
 “Made from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot aged 21 months in 69% new French oak, the 2015 Red Wine from Figgins is a beauty that’s all from their estate vineyard located on the eastern, cooler side of the Walla Walla Valley. Deep, rich, full-bodied, and incredibly opulent, with loads of blackcurrants, smoked herbs, graphite, and chocolate aromas and flavors, it stays beautifully balanced and elegant on the palate, with sweet tannin. It’s a killer Washington State red that’s going to drink nicely for 10-15 years.”
James Suckling 93 points “Ripe dark cherries with attractive, brambly forest berries and bracken, too. The palate has a fresh, lithe and attractively grainy tannin core that delivers a plush and ripe dark-berry finish. A blend of cabernet sauvignon, petit verdot and merlot. Drink or hold.”
Stephen Tanzer 93 points “(aged in “mostly low-impact” Boutes barrels, according to Chris Figgins): Bright medium ruby. Aromas of black raspberry and sexy oak spices convey excellent depth and musky sweetness. Plush, sweet and very ripe, and distinctly broad for this normally more linear bottling from a high-altitude site. With its densely packed black raspberry fruit and firm tannic spine, I’d give this at least a few more years in the cellar to lose some baby fat and absorb a bit of its alcoholic warmth. But even today there are no rough edges. (14.5% alcohol)”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!


Also in stock now:

Leonetti Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley 2017 750ML ($149.95) $119 special, 5 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 97 points
 “Lots of cassis, camphor, spice, and violets notes as well as background oak emerge from the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, which is all Cabernet Sauvignon aged in 22 months in new barrels. With full-bodied richness, awesome purity of fruit, and a powerful, mouthfilling style, it’s in the top two or three Bordeaux blends in the vintage. Give this remarkable 2017 3-5 years of bottle age, longer if you can, and it’s going to be very long-lived. There are 2,863 cases produced.”


Leonetti Cellar Merlot, Walla Walla Valley 2018 750ML ($119.95) $99 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points
 “Already bottled, the 2018 Merlot comes from a mix of vineyards in Walla Walla (Loess, Mill Creek, and Leonetti) and spent 15 months in new and once-used French oak. Juicy, vibrant, and pure, yet also with plenty of power, it is loaded with ripe currants and black cherry fruit as well as notes of chocolate, leafy herbs, and graphite. Rich, full-bodied, and concentrated, with ripe tannins, it’s a rocking Merlot that’s going to benefit from just a year or two of bottle age and drink brilliantly for 8-10 years.”


Leonetti Cellar Reserve, Walla Walla Valley 2017 750ML ($219.95) $179 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 97+ points
 “I had two off bottles of the 2017 Reserve, both showing huge volatile acidity, yet I had two great bottles as well, which are represented by this note. A blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Petit Verdot, and 10% Malbec, all aged 22 months in new barrels (as well as some neutral oval botti), it reveals a stunning bouquet of lead pencil shavings, toasty oak, incense, and dried tobacco, and it’s complex, nuanced, and layered aromatically. There’s not a hard edge to be found in this deep purple-hued effort, which offers the essence of blackberry liqueur fruits as well as full-bodied richness, beautiful concentration, and an opulent, expansive, yet precise mouthfeel. Made in a more elegant style than the 2015 and not far off the magical 2016, it’s going to benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age and should have 3-4 decades of overall longevity.”


Leonetti Cellar Sangiovese, Walla Walla Valley 2017 750ML ($119.95) $95 special, 6 bottles in stock now


Love Washington wine?  We have over 50 reds from Washington currently available.
Shop our entire selection, including Charles Smith labels K Vintners, Substance, CasaSmith and more, on our web store!
 
 
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New Lower Prices on Cappellano’s Collectable Barolo


 
One the most heralded names in traditional Barolo is Cappellano, a producer known for old-school, age-worthy wines that are some of the most profound bottlings in the region.  They use long macerations and age their wines only in large botti (casks).  The results are wines that can often be austere in their youth, but blossom over the decades into sensual wines that are intellectually and hedonistically satisfying.  We still have a limited number of back vintage bottles at prices that were excellent given their provenance, but are now even better.  These are very hard to find on the secondary market, as well—unlike some names, collectors of these bottles tend to drink rather than re-sell.  So take advantage of our new lower prices on some of Barolo’s most captivating wines.

Please Note: Cappellano is adamantly opposed to the idea of numeric score being attached to a wine and requests his wines not be reviewed.  As a result, these wines lack the scores and reviews we usually publish.  If you’re unfamiliar with these wines, we encourage you to search the internet for more information about these bottles—we’re sure you’ll only be more excited to drink them.

Cappellano Otin Fiorin Pie Franco – Michet, Barolo DOCG 2009 750ML ($599.95) $419 special, 3 bottles in stock now
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!


Cappellano Otin Fiorin Pie Franco – Michet, Barolo DOCG 2007 750ML ($799.95) $649 special, 1 bottle in stock now
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!


Cappellano Otin Fiorin Pie Franco – Michet, Barolo DOCG 2006 750ML ($799.95) $599 special, 1 bottle in stock now
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!


Cappellano Otin Fiorin Pie Franco – Michet, Barolo DOCG 2004 750ML ($899.95) $619 special, 1 bottle in stock now
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!


Cappellano Otin Fiorin Pie Franco – Michet, Barolo DOCG 2003 750ML ($399.95) $319 special, 5 bottles in stock now
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!


Cappellano Otin Fiorin Pie Rupestris – Nebiolo, Barolo DOCG 2010 750ML (499.95) $379 special, 12 bottles in stock now
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!


Cappellano Otin Fiorin Pie Rupestris – Nebiolo, Barolo DOCG 2006 750ML ($279.95) $199 special, 5 bottles in stock now
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!


Cappellano Otin Fiorin Pie Rupestris – Nebiolo, Barolo DOCG 2004 750ML ($449.95) $289 special, 4 bottles in stock now
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!


Cappellano Otin Fiorin Pie Rupestris – Nebiolo, Barolo DOCG 2003 750ML ($279.95) $219 special, 1 bottle in stock now
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!


Love Piedmont?  We have over 200 wines from Piedmont currently available.
Shop our entire selection, including famous names like Cascina Delle Rose, Gaja, Vajra and more, on our web store!
 
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Vinopolis Wine Shop Curbside Pick Up
 
Order Online / By Phone / By Email

When you’re ready to pick up, just park in our lot,
give us a call, & we’ll bring your order to your car.


(If another adult is picking up for you,
please let us know their name when placing your order.)

www.vinopoliswineshop.com

info@vinopoliswineshop.com

503-223-6002

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Trending

 
Pendulum Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley 2018 750ML ($19.95) $16 special
Case-12 Pendulum Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley 2018 750ML ($219.95) $175 special (that’s only $14.58/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 91 points
 “Sleek, yet shows simmering potency in the background. Expressive blackberry, mocha and cinnamon flavors build structure toward fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2026.”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!


Ordonez Triton, Tinta De Toro 2016 750ML ($21.95) $18 special
Jeb Dunnuck 93 points
 “The larger production cuvée from Ordonez, the 2016 Tinta de Toro Tritón (100% Tinta de Toro) comes all from very old, ungrafted vineyards and was brought up mostly in used barrels. This beautifully sexy red boasts smoking good notes of ripe plums, black cherries, liquid violets, and loads of scrub brush and dried earth. Full-bodied and silky on the palate, with fine, fine tannin, it has remarkable purity, no hard edges, and enough structure to warrant another year in bottle. It’s a seriously impressive wine.”
James Suckling 92 points “Plenty of bright and attractive fruit on the nose with summer berry compote and complementary meaty and spicy oak. The palate has attractive plush sweet fruit presence in an easy-drinking mode. Drink now.”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!


Tenuta Fanti Rosso di Montalcino, Tuscany 2018 750ML ($24.95) $19 special
Eric Guido-Vinous 89 points
 “The extroverted 2018 Fanti Rosso di Montalcino is showing masses of ripe strawberry, sweet spices and exotic florals with grounding notes of worn leather and hints of undergrowth. Silky textures meld into tart red berries with a peppery-herbal twist, in a soft and easygoing effort that’s energized by bright acids that only come forward toward the finale. A mix of red fruits resonate on the finish, along with wild herbs and florals, punctuating the experience on a Rosso that is very easy to like.”


Diebolt-Vallois Blanc de Blancs Brut Millesime, Champagne 2011 750ML ($59.95) $46 special
No reviews for the 2011 vintage. 2010 review provided for reference.
Wine Spectator 92 points “This elegant blanc de blancs shows a pleasing vibrancy from the lively bead and bright acidity, both well-meshed to pretty floral and spice accents and flavors of Gala apple, biscuit and lemon zest. Creamy. Drink now through 2025. 16 cases imported.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!


Domaine de Fondreche Ventoux Il Etait une Fois, Rhone 2016 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Jeb Dunnuck 95 points
 “The flagship is the 2016 Ventoux Il Etais Une Fois, which is mostly Grenache with tiny amounts of Syrah and Mourvèdre brought up all in foudre. Violets, red and black fruits, spice, and dried earth/limestone minerality all give way to an elegant, medium to full-bodied Grenache that gains depth, freshness, and purity with time in the glass. It has fine, building tannin, a seamless texture, and a great, beautiful finish. Over the previous few years, the quality of this cuvée has soared, and this is one of the finest to date.”
Wine Advocate 94 points “Coming in at the top end of the range I projected for it last year, the stunning 2016 Ventoux Il Etait Une Fois is a blend of 80% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre and 10% Syrah. It’s a voluptuous, full-bodied mix of black cherries and subtle spice notes, all carried by a seamless, plush, creamy-textured palate through a long, concentrated finish. Wow.-JC”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!


Felsina Berardenga Fontalloro Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2017 750ML (69.95) $54.50 special
Antonio Galloni 95 points
 “$70. Fontalloro is exquisite in 2017. It is also such a contrast to the Rancia, as the two wines could not possibly be more different. Fontalloro is bright and vibrant, with more sweet red Sangiovese character than the darker Rancia. It is also incredibly delicious now, even though it clearly has the energy to age for many years. The 2017 is one of the finest Fontalloros I can remember tasting.”


Domaine Raymond Usseglio & Fils Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Imperiale, Rhone 2016 750ML ($89.95) $69 special
Jeb Dunnuck 96-100 points
 “Violets, spring flowers, cassis, plums, and incense notes all define the stunningly good 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Imperiale. Made from 100% Grenache from very old vines, it’s full-bodied and powerful, yet also graceful, balanced and pure, with terrific freshness and purity. My money is on this flirting with perfection once bottled.”
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 95 points “Almost entirely Grenache, from parcels planted in 1901 and 1902, the 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Imperiale is a stunner. Scents of roses, black tea and raspberries set the scene, while the palate is full-bodied but silky and nearly weightless, delivering an intricate, detailed interplay of red fruit, dried spices and orange zest. Despite what must be 15% alcohol or more, it shows absolutely no sign of heat.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
 
 
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Featured Pre-Arrivals from Tuscany

Fontodi & Isole e Olena

 
Fontodi

Fontodi is one of Tuscany’s most respected estates, and for good reason.  The grapes hail from a classic south-facing amphitheater replete with soils optimal for producing ripe yet balanced Sangiovese.  What results are classically styled Tuscan reds that have more than earned their growing reputation.  Unlike the forgettable (or worse yet disappointing) Tuscan reds that we’ve all encountered, Fontori’s wines are effortlessly delicious and harmonious, the gift of such high-quality base material. 

“I tasted a wide range of wines this year from Fontodi and proprietor Giovanni Manetti. The Filetta di Lamole Chianti Classico is a good example of a wine that is often a bit linear, but fills out a bit because of the heat of the growing season. Fontodi’s Chianti Classico is a sort of super-wine in its peer group, as it really has very few peers. It is also quite expressive today. I can’t say the same for the dual flagships Vigna del Sorbo and Flacciannello. Both wines are usually quite showy, but the 2017s are going to demand quite a bit of patience. I also had a chance to revisit the 2016s, which are every bit as magical as they were last year.” –Antonio Galloni

Arriving Friday, September 25th:

Fontodi Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany 2017 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Fontodi Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany 2017 750ML ($399.95) $279 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 94 points
 “The 2017 Chianti Classico Fontodi is a wine of extreme elegance that shows how much the house style has evolved here. A decade ago, in a warm year the Fontodi Chianti Classico would have been opulent, but these days proprietor Giovanni Manetti seeks finesse more than power, and that is exactly what comes through here. Ripe red Sangiovese fruit, rose petal, blood orange and spice infuse this racy, exotic Chianti Classico with so much character. The 2016 spent two years in oak, half in cask and half in neutral oak. I loved it.”
James Suckling 94 points “A rich, layered CC with intense cherry and flower character, as well as orange peel. Full-bodied with firm, velvety tannins and a flavorful finish. Drink or hold.”


Fontodi ‘Filetta di Lamole’, Chianti Classico DOCG 2017 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Fontodi ‘Filetta di Lamole’, Chianti Classico DOCG 2017 750ML ($399.95) $279 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 94 points
 “Chewy and rich with attractive cherry and dried-strawberry character, as well as intense tannins. Dried flowers, too. This is traditional and structured. Very tight. Needs time to soften. Drink in 2022.”
Antonio Galloni 92 points “The 2017 Chianti Classico Filetta di Lamole is absolutely gorgeous. In 2017, the Filetta di Lamole has a bit more body than usual because of the warmth of the year, and yet it retains its classic sense of energy and mid-weight structure. Crushed red berry, spice, mint, licorice and rose petal all open up in this super-expressive, inviting Chianti Classico.”
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!


Fontodi Vigna del Sorbo, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2017 750ML ($149.95) $119 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 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.”
James Suckling 95 points “Powerful, tight red with currant and plum character. Hints of new wood and bark. Full-bodied with dark berries and hints of dark chocolate, as well as other dark fruit. Flavorful finish. Solid. Needs time to open. Better after 2022.”

Fontodi Dino Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT, Tuscany 2017 750ML ($99.95) $79 pre-arrival special
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!


Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT, Tuscany 2017 750ML ($199.95) $179 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT, Tuscany 2017 750ML ($1199.95) $999 pre-arrival special
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.”
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. -Monica Larner”
James Suckling 95 points “Very high-toned and muscular red with crushed cherries, blackberries and walnuts. Some dried earth. It’s full-bodied and chewy with solid tannins that form the wine. Beautiful ripe fruit in the center palate. Needs time to soften. Try after 2022.”


Isole e Olena

For many, Chianti symbolizes Italian wine and no winery symbolizes the modern quality of the region like Isole e Olena.  Since the arrival of Paolo de Marchi in 1976, Isole e Olena has been a leader in quality in Tuscany.

Stylistically, Isole e Olena occupies a place that is at once traditional and modern.  Their Chianti Classico and their flagship Cepparello are both firmly rooted in the primacy of Sangiovese and the idea of Tuscan typicity.  Elegance wedded to power, both of those wines show the nuance and bright fruit you expect from a classic wine of the region combined with the density and complexity of top tier, noble wines.

In a more modern sphere, de Marchi also produces mono-varietal Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Syrah, which are made in a modern idiom.  Elegant and polished they represent wines that are at the top of their class for each of the respective grape varieties, no matter the origin of the wine.  We’re getting in their new releases, including the absolutely jaw-dropping 2017 Cepparello, in November and we’re excited to offer them today.

Arriving in November:

Isole e Olena Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany 2017 750ML ($29.95) $24 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Isole e Olena Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany 2017 750ML ($359.95) $259 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 93 points
 “A very pretty 2017 Chianti Classico with a beautiful core of ripe fruit and layers of round, lightly chewy tannins. Dark cherries, walnuts and chocolate. Drink or hold.”
Antonio Galloni 91 points “The 2017 Chianti Classico is fabulous. Bright, punchy and so full of character, the 2017 is absolutely delicious. Sweet berry, cedar, tobacco, rose petal and subtle earthy notes all grace the 2017, an exquisite wine that will drink well with minimal cellaring. More than anything, I am so impressed with the wine’s energy.”


Isole e Olena Cepparello Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2017 750ML ($99.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Isole e Olena Cepparello Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2017 1.5L ($199.95) $169 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 97 points
 “The 2017 Cepparello is another in a series of stunningly beautiful Cepparellos from Paolo de Marchi. Bright and beautifully focused in the glass, with tremendous depth, the 2017 is positively stellar from the very first taste. Succulent dark cherry, plum, licorice, spice, menthol and coffee all open up with a bit of air. Here, too, Paolo De Marchi has done a tremendous job in preserving freshness in the wine. Readers who can muster the patience will be rewarded with a spectacular wine.”
James Suckling 95 points “A beautifully linear and refined sangiovese with polished tannins and super tight fruit. Yet, it shows subtle complexity of blackberries, black cherries and dark chocolate. Some hazelnuts. Intense, vibrant finish with a creamy texture. Extremely well done for this hot, dry vintage. Drink after 2023.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!


Isole e Olena Collezione Privata Cabernet Sauvignon Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2016 750ML ($99.95) $69 pre-arrival special
Vinous- Antonio Galloni 98 points
 “The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon is among the finest Cabernet Sauvignons in Italy. High altitude sites in Barberino yield a distinctly mid-weight, elegant, savory Cabernet that is all about reserve. Dark plum, espresso, licorice, menthol and sage start to emerge with a bit of air, but the 2016 is a wine that demands cellaring. Over the years, I have had the good fortune to taste every vintage of the Isole e Olena Cabernet. It is one of the great under the radar wines of Tuscany. The 2016 takes its place with the very finest editions.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!


Isole e Olena Collezione Privata Syrah Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2017 750ML ($89.95) $69 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 96 points
 “Isole e Olena 2017 Syrah is powerful, dense and savory. Readers should not plan on opening a bottle anytime soon. Black cherry, plum, licorice, espresso, chocolate and leather build as this brooding Tuscan Syrah shows off its considerable character. The 2017 is a real powerhouse. Give it a few years in bottle.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!


Isole e Olena Collezione Privata Chardonnay Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2018 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 93 points
 “The 2018 Chardonnay is so gorgeous. Lemon confit, white flowers, tangerine and apricot all grace this soft, beautifully polished Chardonnay from Isole e Olena. The 2018 is perfumed, gracious and incredibly expressive. It is also without question the finest Chardonnay made in Tuscany.”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!


Isole e Olena Vin Santo del Chianti Classico, Tuscany 2009 375ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 96 points
 “The 2009 Vin Santo del Chianti Classico is so beautiful. Orange confit, dried figs, caramel, hazelnut and honeyed flavors abound. Medium in body, with striking depth and texture. It’s a classic Vin Santo from white grapes, as well as a reference-point for the region. It is at once rich, but not at all heavy.
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!


Love Chianti?  We have over 30 wines from Chianti currently available.
Shop our entire selection, including famous names like Castell’in Villa, Castello Di Ama, Felsina and more, on our web store!

Midweek VinopolPick 9-1-20

In Today’s Newsletter:

First Offer, at National Best Pricing
Opus One Subscriber Special


Subscriber Special
Kruger-Rumpf: Nahe Riesling Sleepers


Staff Pick
The Most Undervalued White in France?


Mount Eden’s 93-Point, Under $20 Chardonnay

#Trending

Newly Arrived
Santa Duc’s Regal Gigondas and More
At National-Best Pricing


A New Review for Arterberry Maresh’s Old Vines Pinot

Collector’s Corner
The Best Ever from La Spinetta, Piedmont Icon


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Opus One Subscriber Special

Little introduction is needed for Opus One—one of the world’s most recognizable, iconic bottlings.  We’ve just locked up our allocation of the impressive 2017, which arrive in late September. Although the wine is getting harder and harder to source (there’s a lot of demand outside of the US now), we’re offering you some pretty impressive pricing on it—with the catch that it’s so good that we can’t list it online.  The winery is very strict about online pricing, so we’ll apply these after we download your order and before we run your credit card.  The Subscriber Special runs until we open our doors on Friday morning, so stock up now!


Opus One Subscriber Special
Buy 2-5 bottles of 2017 Opus One, pay just $319 per bottle.
Buy a six-pack of 2017 Opus One, pay just $1,799 (that’s only $299.83/bottle!)
OWC’s available for six-pack purchases (additional shipping may apply for OWC)
Opus One Subscriber Special Expires Friday, September 4th at 10AM



Arriving ETA Late September:

Opus One Proprietary Red, Napa Valley 2017 750ML ($399.95) $349 Displayed Price
Antonio Galloni 95+ points
“A remarkable wine for the year, the 2017 Opus One is a dense, full-throttle beauty. Plush fruit and soft, silky contours give the 2017 its racy personality. Exotic, beautifully perfumed and impeccable in its balance, Opus One is one of the most complete wines of the vintage. In 2017, Opus One has a distinctly red-toned fruit profile that distinguishes it from the surrounding vintages.”
Wine Advocate 95 points “Opus One had picked 91% of their fruit before the fires started in 2017, and only two lots were eliminated from consideration. The 2017 Opus One, bottled in July 2019, is a blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8.5% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 4.5% Merlot and 1% Malbec. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, it slowly grows on the nose, revealing compelling notes of baked black cherries, mulberries, black raspberries, warm cassis and blackberry pie with nuances of spice cake, yeast extract, tapenade, licorice and dusty soil with a waft of wild sage. Medium-bodied, the palate has a lively skip in its step, featuring bags of juicy raspberry and cassis-laced fruit and a refreshing line, supported by ripe, plush tannins, finishing long and graceful.-LPB”
James Suckling 95 points “Lots of currant and floral notes on the nose. Hints of mint and spice. Medium-to full-bodied, round and savory with creamy, juicy tannins. Hints of citrus underneath. Bright, fresh and delicious. Drink or hold.”

Our Subscriber Special is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average listed price is $350

Opus One Subscriber Special
Buy 2-5 bottles of 2017 Opus One, pay just $319 per bottle.
Buy a six-pack of 2017 Opus One, pay just $1,799 (that’s only $299.83/bottle!)
OWC’s available for six-pack purchases (additional shipping may apply for OWC)
Opus One Subscriber Special Expires Friday, September 4th at 10AM
 

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Subscriber Special

Kruger-Rumpf:

Nahe Riesling Sleepers


“It always feels somewhat miasmic to taste here, as though someone has strewn a thousand musical notes on the floor and now we have to pick them up and make them into music.” –Terry Theise

Kruger-Rumpf is a storied estate in the Nahe, the region in Germany that Donnhoff hails from, which lies between the Mosel and the Rhine rivers—sort of a halfway point between both geographic and stylistic.  Kruger-Rumpf sits close to the Rhine, geographically, than some of the other big names in the area and their wines have more intrinsic power to them as a result.  These are some seriously good Rieslings, at prices considerably lower than what you’d pay from other name producers.

The top wine from the estate comes from the awkwardly named “Dautenpflanzer” from near the town of Munster, which means that the label reads “Munsterer Dautenpflanzer”—a stereotype of a German name if we ever saw one.  In house, we often call it the “MD” if you aren’t feeling up to testing your pronunciation skills.  The Dautenpflanzer is a premier Grand Cru site of the lower Nahe, a place that yields wine s of power and resonance, and Kruger-Rumpf is the primary (and best) landholder.

These are fantastic wines that are only getting better with each subsequent vintage. Hope on board the 2018 train and you’ll be glad you did. We’re offering you Subscriber Special pricing on purchases of 6+ bottles of these German gems, arriving this Friday. Once the wines arrive, our special prices do, as well—so stock up and save!

Save 5% on any mix of 6-11 bottles of Kruger-Rumpf wines
10% on any mix of 12+ bottles of Kruger-Rumpf wines
Subscriber Special Discount Will Not Display Online
We Will Manually Adjust Your Order Before Finalizing It
Discount Valid Until Friday, September 4th at 10AM


Arriving Friday:

Kruger-Rumpf Abtei Riesling Trocken 2017 750ML ($34.95) $28 Displayed Price: that’s $26.60 at 5% off and $25.20 at 10% off!
David Schildknecht – Vinous 92 points
“Apple wood, char-like smokiness, along with scents of lichen and moss make for an aromatic display every bit as striking but surprisingly different from that of the corresponding 2016. The palate is pithily-concentrated yet polished, and delivers plenty of juicy apple and fresh lime to complement those elements that carry-over from the nose. The finish lays down a long, stimulatingly undulating carpet of woodsy flavors, and a mouthwatering suffusion of mineral salts.”
Grapelive 92 points “The bright and precise Abtei Trocken shines with a delicate and generous nature. It shows a crystalline mineral-driven character and peachy fruits, vibrant crisp detail and a lingering charm in the glass. Very pale greenish gold in the glass and full of energy the 2017 Abtei bursts to life on the palate with that peach, key lime, green apple and tangerine fruits along with flinty wet stones, minty zest, citron/verbena and a saline mouthwatering note. This is a wine of refined form and dry extract, making for a Riesling that can be drunk young and one that should age nicely. I always appreciate the class and lacy style of Georg’s wines, especially in his drier wines. They are easy to love and have subtle power and underlying vigor, while his sweeter wines always show impeccable balance. This is a winery that doesn’t always get the credit it deserves and always gives exceptional value for the quality in the bottle. The Abtei Erstes Gewachs was all spontaneous fermentation (native yeast) fermented and aged in over 30 years old Stückfässern (German oak large cask) on the lees for close to 9 months before bottling, coming in at 12.5% natural alcohol. The vines here, all hand tended, are between 50 and 80 years old, which shows in this Riesling’s concentration and vitality. Ever since I walked this vineyard with Georg, in 2016, I have been a huge fan. Georg Rumpf’s latest set of wines are some of the best yet from this estate near the confluence of the Nahe and Rhein Rivers and the town of Bingen, which sits across the Rhein from the historic Rudesheim. The 2017 Abtei maybe the best kept secret in Rumpf’s portfolio. [It] comes from the closest parcel of vines to the winery, and a site that is extremely difficult to work, especially to their organic leaning practices. It always shows amazing energy and terroir elements that are similar to the famous Schlossberg Grand Cru on the other side of the Rhein as it shares the same soils and exposures. The Kruger-Rumpf estate is located in Münster-Sarmsheim, a small village (close to Bingen) on the western side of the Nahe River in the most northern section of this region. [It] has a bit more warmth than the southern middle zone of the Nahe, which gives the Kruger-Rumpf’s wines their concentration and sunny warmth.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Kruger-Rumpf Dorsheimer Burgberg Riesling Grosses Gewachs 2018 750ML ($59.95) $49 Displayed Price: that’s $46.55 at 5% off and $44.10 at 10% off!
Grapelive 94+ points
“Coming from a tiny incredibly steep Grand Cru site, the Burgberg Vineyard, that is set on volcanic and quartz soils near Munster in the village of Dorsheim. The Kruger Rumpf Burgberg GG is one of the most exciting wines of vintage at this small winery… It is fantastically mineral-driven dry Riesling. This latest set of wines, especially the Rieslings, from Georg Rumpf and his family are some of the best yet from this estate. The GG’s and the Premier Cru Trockens are gorgeous wines. No one is going to want to miss these 2018 Nahe offerings, especially the Pitterberg GG, the Abtei Erste Lage 1937 old vine, one of my secret favorites and this beautifully detailed Burgberg GG. Rumpf has turned to mostly all organic practices, and the Burgberg parcel is farmed organic. [He] prefers to do natural fermentations, or Sponti, with his Cru wines with the GG’s getting less aging in large cask, Stuckfass, to allow less reduction and enhance generosity, while retraining freshness and vitality in the wines. [It] shows here in this barrel sample of Burgberg… These Kruger-Rumpf GG’s are some of the best values out there, they really deserve much more attention, as do the lesser bottlings and their wildly tasty Scheurebe, which is one of the best examples in Germany…Terry Theise, their importer, who considers Kruger-Rumpf one of best under the radar estates in the region. [Theise] notes that Kruger-Rumpf is innovative and is always striving to reach new levels of quality….the iron rich volcanic and quartz influenced 2018 Burgberg GG starts with white flowers, stone fruits and vibrant citrus before expansion on the medium full palate with layers of lime/tangerine, apricot, green apple, papaya, bitter pit white peach and white cherry fruits along with steely form, spearmint, verbena, mouthwatering saline, exotic spices and subtle leesy elements. This is going to be a legendary wine and is already showing Georg’s signature finesse and vinous personality. It has masses of potential and its delicacy is utterly delicious! There’s a lot to admire at Kruger-Rumpf these days and this crisp 2018 Burgberg is a stunning effort that gains with air in the glass and will more so with a few years in bottle.”
Wine Advocate 93+ points “From low-yielding vines planted in the 1950’s and 1960’s, the 2018 Burgberg Riesling GG is absolutely great on the pure, clear and refreshing, super flinty and mineral nose. On the palate, this is an intense, highly complex and elegant dry Riesling with crystalline acidity and a long and refreshing, crystalline and salty finish. Bottled and tasted in July 2019.”

This was the lowest listed price in the USA today,
Now it’s even lower!

Kruger-Rumpf Munsterer Pittersberg Riesling Grosses Gewachs 2018 750ML ($51.95) $46 Displayed Price: that’s $43.70 at 5% off and $41.40 at 10% off!
Wine Advocate 93+ points
“The 2018 Im Pitterberg Riesling GG is bright and floral on the fragrant and elegant, spicy-mineral nose. Full-bodied and intense on the palate, with rich and concentrated fruit that is balanced by a tight and mineral structure and lingering salinity, this is an elegant, very complex and sustainable dry Riesling with crunchy stone flavors and a gripping finish. This is a great Nahe wine from the 2018 vintage. Tasted in July 2019.”
David Schildknecht-Vinous 92 points “Scents of white peach anticipate the cool juiciness as well as the peach fuzz invigoration and peach kernel piquancy that emerge on a firm palate. A bright influx of fresh lime lends animation and enhances refreshment on a finish that also features mouthwatering veal stock savor and vivid wet stone. (For background on the naming of this site and the origin of its fruit, consult my review of the corresponding 2015.)”
Terry Theise note “Here’s how it goes. I taste through all the GGs and try to glean where they each will go, and which are likely to be best. Then a year or two later I drink them in their finished form and see how wrong I was. Or was I wrong? I make the best guess I can, with 30-some years behind me, knowing how wines generally behave and how they might surprise you, and to feign certainty under those circumstances is a knave’s game. But what else can I trust? I’m not always wrong; sometimes I’m right! Maybe even often. Just know, please, that this is educated guesswork—but with that out of the way, this is what I found on the day…. Pitterberg has what the Germans call “Fond,” which connotes a sort of concentrated stock, more than broth and less than demi-glace. It has density, and it seems to have been born balanced.”

This was the lowest listed price in the USA today,
Now it’s even lower!

Kruger-Rumpf Munsterer Pittersberg Riesling Spatlese GK 2018 750ML ($49.95) $39 Displayed Price: that’s $37.05 at 5% off and $35.10 at 10% off!
David Schildknecht-Vinous 95 points
“Picked at the end of October but with minimal botrytis, this certainly stands in magnificent contradiction to my vintage generalization that picking past the middle of that month was not advantageous. Unlike its counterpart form the Dautenpflänzer, this was raised in cask, and was allowed to ferment to a lower level of residual sugar. It comes off as a riper, richer sibling of the corresponding Im Pitterberg Riesling Kabinett, its gloss merging with creaminess, yet with fresh white peach and lime juiciness complementing ripe quince and serving for animation and refreshment. The finish is unexpectedly electrifying in its vibrancy and mouthwateringly saline, and gains stimulating counterpoint from peach kernel piquancy, peach fuzz prickle and a crystalline sense of stone-showering mineral impingement. (If there is a second, “regular” Im Pitterberg Spätlese from this vintage, I am not aware of it.)”

This was the lowest listed price in the USA today,
Now it’s even lower!

Kruger-Rumpf Munsterer Dautenpflanzer Riesling Spatlese 2018 750ML ($29.95) $24 Displayed Price: that’s $22.80 at 5% off and $21.60 at 10% off!
David Schildknecht-Vinous 92 points
“An effusively fruity nose anticipates the generously juicy peach and nectarine that feature on a glossy palate, with a hint of almond paste as well as pronounced sweetness tugging things in a confectionary direction. Happily, an influx of limey brightness and tangy fresh-fruitedness serve for welcome pushback as well as animation and refreshment on a long-lasting finish. As with others of the best Kruger-Rumpf 2018s, this manages to combine richness and high ripeness with brightness and transparency to stony inflections. That juxtaposition may have been underscored in the case of this Spätlese by its having been raised partly in cask and partly in tank.”

This was the lowest listed price in the USA today,
Now it’s even lower!

Kruger-Rumpf Munsterer Im Pittersberg Riesling Kabinett 2018 750ml ($27.95) $21.90 Displayed Price: that’s $20.81 at 5% off and $19.71 at 10% off!
David Schildknecht-Vinous 93 points
“While marginally lower in alcohol – at 9% – than its Rheinberg counterpart, this was picked early at a significantly lower 82 Oechsle, so its sense of sweetness is nicely restrained. Luscious and invigoratingly tart-edged white peach, apple and lime are wreathed in honeysuckle, while a billowing sense of levity and inner-mouth perfume perfectly complements a subtly creamy texture that owes something to lees exposure in cask. (In fact, Georg Rumpf performed a bit of lees stirring and an extra racking, yet the wine retains an invigorating hint of CO2 spritz.) The sustained finish delivers a superb sense of vibrancy, clarity and focus, its intense fruitiness matched by a salinity that tugs at the salivary glands. (For background on the origination and style of this Kabinett, consult my reviews of its vintage 2015 and vintage 2016 predecessors.)”
Wine Advocate 91 points “Picked early around September 10th and vinified in large oak until April this year, the 2018 Im Pitterberg Riesling Kabinett offers a clear, ripe and spicy, beautifully elegant bouquet of bright fruits and crushed nuts. Very clear and fresh on the palate, this is a filigreed, elegant and persistently light, salty-piquant and crystalline Riesling with mineral tension and stimulating grip. This is a picture-book Kabinett that is a great pleasure to drink even today and certainly with food. 9% alcohol. Tasted from AP 21 19 in August 2019.”
Terry Theise note “Another forward-into-the-past bottling—in this case Georg wanted to make the kind of Kabinett his father made in the 80s, decidedly on the dry side, not very ripe (this has just 82º Oechsle), gentle and tertiary, and even on the dry side it shows Cox’s orange pippins and balsam and its genial Buddhist repose. Cask fermentations help to highlight the tertiary flavors.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Kruger-Rumpf Munsterer Rheinberg Riesling Kabinett 2018 750ML ($21.95) $18 Displayed Price: that’s $17.10 at 5% off and $16.20 at 10% off!
Wine Advocate 89 points
“From a southeast-facing vineyard, picked at 83/84° Oechsle around the 20th of September and vinified in stainless steel and large oak in equal parts, the 2018 Münster Rheinberg Riesling Kabinett is beautifully clear, fresh and stony/piquant on the precise, stimulating, slightly nutty and coffee-bean nose. Round, lush and sweet on the first palate, this is a fresh, salty-piquant and elegant Kabinett with stimulating grip on the finish. This is a beautifully lean, light and digestible Kabinett in the good old style. Tasted in July 2019.”
Terry Theise note “Our basic and faithful friend, this perennial and tasty Kabinett from the steep quartzite vineyard, and this ’18 is sleek and rippling and snappy and racy.”
 
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Staff Pick

The Most Undervalued White in France?


The wines of Clisson are the true hidden gems in French whites.  They represent the apotheosis of Muscadet—a humble grape made glorious with old vines, perfectly matched soils and time in tank and bottle. While Pepiere’s version is the best known, I recently had a bottle of Bruno Comerais’ 2013 that blew me away with its quality and precision.

If you’ve never had aged Muscadet, you should stop here and head to the webstore to grab a bottle or four.  They’re wonderful wines, picking up more White Burgundy qualities as they grow older.  Cormerais’ is just old enough to have the texture and oyster-shell flavors that you’d find in excellent premier cru Chablis.

It was explosive aromatically and a perfect pairing with some of the first day-boat albacore of the year—there was just enough weight to handle the richness of the tuna, but the citrus zest and peach-skin flavors were juicy and bright enough to demand sip after sip. It’s a wine I’d easily pay $40-50+ for, especially given the drinking window it’s in, but this happens to be under $30 per bottle. We’ll see how long it sticks around, but for now, I’m grabbing another half-dozen—and you should, too.

In Stock Now:

Bruno Cormerais Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine ‘Clisson’ 2013 750ML ($34.95) $27 special
VinopolNote
: 51 months sur lie in tank before bottling, from the Clisson AOC–one of the most prestigious sub regions of Muscadet.  This is from the estate’s best vineyards on the special decomposed granite soils of Clisson.
 
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Mount Eden’s 93-Point, Under $20 Chardonnay

Mt. Eden’s Edna Valley Chardonnay is a perpetual best-value bottling, with rich, creamy fruit and seductive textures. We’ve got a raft of the 2017 arriving Friday at a stellar price—less than $19 per bottle by the case!

Arriving Friday:

Mount Eden Edna Valley Chardonnay 2017 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Mount Eden Edna Valley Chardonnay 2017 750ML ($299.95) $219 pre-arrival special (that’s only $18.25/bottle!)
Wine Advocate 93 points
“This comes mostly from the Wolf vineyard with some fruit from the Middle Ranch vineyard. The 2017 Edna Valley Chardonnay opens with wonderful aromas of honeycomb, orange blossoms, saline, crushed shell and loads of baked apple and quince with an earthy undercurrent. The palate is medium-bodied, satiny and intense, with seamless freshness on the finish, which lingers with honeyed notions.-EB”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
 
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Trending
 
The perfect pizza wine? 
Castello di Verduno Basadone Pelaverga, Piedmont 2018 750ML ($27.95) $24 special
Importer Note
“Pelaverga is indigenous to the village of Verduno, it produces red wines that are light in color but savory and distinctive on the palate. Reminds me a lot of Grignolino, another geeky Piedmontese variety. This one is aged in stainless steel before bottling without filtration. The winery’s website cannot be improved on for a description: ‘Soft, though bright ruby red. Intense fragrant nose, showing clear spicy overtones of black pepper and nutmeg, as well as fruity sensations reminiscent of cherries in spirit and strawberries. Nicely-balanced, lingering dry flavour.’ Great with salumi. I would drink this at cellar temperature.”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!

It’s always nice to find top tier wines with this sort of bottle age.
Rotllan Torra Tirant, Priorat DOCa 2001 750ML ($99.95) $69 special
Robert Parker 96-98 points
“A prodigious effort, the 2001 Tirant is a 9,000-bottle cuvee made from 30% Grenache (90-100 years old), 25% Carignan (90-100 years old), 25% young vine Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Syrah, and 10% Merlot. Fermented in large oak foudres and aged 12 months in new French oak, it will be bottled with neither fining nor filtration. Inky/purple-colored to the rim, it boasts a spectacular bouquet of blueberries, blackberries, and the region’s classic crushed stone minerality. This full-throttle yet remarkably elegant 2001 possesses tremendous intensity and texture as well as layers of flavor, but comes across as not over the top, overripe, or overly heavy. The 60-second finish reveals more noticeable tannin than the other cuvees. Give it 1-2 years of cellaring and drink it over the following 10-15. The 2001 Tirant is indeed a special wine.”

A monumental, perfect Brunello.
Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona Pianrosso, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2015 750ML ($149.95) $119 special
James Suckling 100 points
“Lots of ripe and rich fruit with a decadent undertone of meat and spice that turns to pure fruit and licorice. Medium to full body, refined tannins and a fresh and bright finish. All about harmony. Better after 2021.”
Kerin O’Keefe-Wine Enthusiast 98 points “Cellar Selection. Intense aromas of berry, iris, underbrush, botanical herb and camphor shape the enticing nose. Firmly structured, the taut, full-bodied palate offers juicy black cherry, raspberry, licorice and tobacco set against tightly knit, fine-grained tannins. Drink 2025–2035.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 96 points “The Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso is distinguished by a unique aromatic profile that brings out mineral notes of crushed limestone or chalk. This adds a greater sense of focus and delineation that not only characterizes the bouquet but also applies to the way the wine hits the palate in a fuller and more determined way (compared to the slightly softer classic Brunello). Instead, this single-vineyard Brunello shows an upright and direct approach with soft salinity on the close followed by forest fruit, spice and medicinal herb. The mouthfeel makes a big impact thanks to its streamlined and polished texture. Some 37,000 bottles were released in January 2020.”

From a vineyard that’s only separated from Seven Spring by a one lane road, this is a gem for the price.
Vincent Pinot Noir Bjornson Vineyard, Eola-Amity Hills 2017 750ML ($44.95) $34.50 special
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 93 points
“Brilliant red. Highly expressive aromas of fresh red fruits, potpourri, exotic spices and candied rose, along with a hint of smoky minerality. Juicy and seamless in texture, offering penetrating raspberry, bitter cherry and spicecake flavors that show fine definition and back-end lift. Intensely flavored and finely delineated, with an impressively long, perfumed finish that delivers firm mineral cut and resonating florality.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Boscarelli’s 2016 Vino Nobile, the product of that legendary vintage, is drinking beautifully today, even as it sheds its baby fat.  But the wine is also structured and complex, a sure sign that it will age beautifully.
Boscarelli Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG, Tuscany 2016 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
Case-12 Boscarelli Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG, Tuscany 2016 750ML ($519.95) $419 special (that’s only $34.92/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 94 points
“Expressive and harmonious, this red exhibits cherry, blackberry, violet and mineral aromas and flavors. Pure and elegant, with an underlying tension and intensity that drives the lingering aftertaste of fruit, stone and earth, showing a hint of wild herbs. Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Mammolo and Colorino. Best from 2022 through 2038. 4,200 cases made, 800 cases imported.”
Decanter 94 points “Niccolò and Luca De Ferrari assemble their Riserva from the estate’s oldest vines, essentially 3 or 4 parcels that are more than 20 years old. For ageing, they have moved to slightly larger and used casks in order to preserve freshness and grace. The 2016 is indeed deftly proportioned and refined, though with a firm and muscular backbone. It opens with balsamic notes of cedar and rosemary on a backdrop of strawberry. Nuances of mint and leather chime in on the palate, which is layered with succulent fruit. Full, without being heavy, this will take time to reveal all of its charms.”
Wine Enthusiast 94 points “Editor’s Choice. Wild berry, blue flower, crushed herb, camphor and a whiff of tobacco mingle together on this vibrant red. Made with 85% Sangiovese as well as Canaiolo, Colorino and Mammolo, the radiant palate is loaded with finesse, delivering raspberry compote, Marasca cherry, licorice and Asian spice. Elegant, fine-grained tannins provide the framework while bright acidity keeps it balanced. Drink 2021–2031.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

A great value Sangiovese from the family that owns Felsina.
Podere La Berta Sangiovese di Romagna, Emilia-Romagna 2018 750ML ($17.95) $14 special
Eric Guido-Vinous 90 points
“The 2018 Podere La Berta Romagna Sangiovese shows moist earth notes and minerals, plus hints of young strawberry, bell pepper and dusty florals. It finishes medium in length and remarkably fresh, while still resonating on fruit purity and hints of subtle spice.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!

This would be a great ringer in a Cote-Rotie tasting
Goodfellow Family Cellars Deux Vert Reserve Syrah, Willamette Valley 2015 750ML ($47.95) $31.90 special
John Gilman 91+ points
“Marcus Goodfellow’s 2015 Deux Vert Vineyard (Reserve) bottling of Syrah includes five percent viognier, which grows alongside these syrah vines, which were the first to be planted in the Willamette Valley in 1994. The 2015 version comes in at 13.8 percent octane and delivers a refined and red fruity bouquet of raspberries, pepper, woodsmoke, roasted meats, lovely soil tones, plenty of spice elements and a nice framing of cedary oak. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, tangy and rock solid at the core, with excellent transparency and grip, ripe tannins and a long, focused and nascently complex finish. This will be a lovely bottle in due course, but it needs some time in the cellar to allow its backend tannins to resolve a bit. Fine juice. 2030- 2055+. 91+.”
VinopolNote: The Reserve bottling spent longer in barrel (over 30 months) and was selected for structure, savoriness and power. Like most of Marcus’ wines, there’s a lot of whole-cluster fermentation in this bottling and it definitely reads as more “serious” as a result.  While the wine is rich and intense, don’t expect over-the-top fruit here. This reminds us of high quality Northern Rhone wines, with dark, fresh fruits and a distinct meaty, savory overtone.  One for the table with some air or for the cellar.

This is the only listing in the USA today!
 
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Newly Arrived

Santa Duc’s Regal Gigondas and More

At National-Best Pricing


Gigondas’ is the finest source of value for profound wine in the Rhone.  The top estates deliver wines that compete with the very best wines in Chateauneuf-du-Pape, but at prices that are a fraction of their competition.  On offer today, Santa Duc, is one of the very best in the region and our pricing on most of their wines is the best in the country—a killer combination.

Santa Duc is perhaps the only estate who can match Saint Cosme as the “Most Important Winery in Gigondas”.  Owners of some of the finest vineyards in the Southern Rhone, Santa Duc is a legendary producer that more than lives up to their reputation. Unlike Saint Cosme, though, their top wines aren’t yet commanding triple-digit pricing.  In fact, their most expensive Gigondas bottling is still under $50—and is an absolute stunner.

Santa Duc manages to make Gigondas taste aristocratic—taming the wild mountain personality of the Dentelles into something that is at once both intensely powerful and also nuanced and complex.

These are wines that manage the neat trick of being absolutely delicious now while having a track record of aging gracefully.  Recent notes for older bottles like the ’95 and ’98 Hautes Garrigues are glowing, yet the wines can be on your table tonight and impress.  In the last decade or so, the winery has extended its holdings into Chateauneuf and those wines are as brilliant as you’d expect, as well.

These are wines to buy in quantity—you’re going to want to drink a lot of them now and have some in your cellar in ten years, as well.  

Newly Arrived:

Domaine Santa Duc Gigondas Clos Derriere Vieille, Rhone 2015 750ML ($49.95) $41.90 special
James Suckling 94 points
 “Mostly (80%) grenache with 10% each of mourvèdre and syrah. There’s a very impressive, sheer and crunchy texture to the palate and a peppery edge. Tannins drive a long, powerful finish. Best from 2020.”
Jeb Dunnuck 92-94 points “The 2015 Gigondas Clos Derrière Vieille (80% Grenache and 10% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre) comes from the wall vineyard located just beside the village. It offers terrific notes of dusty earth, dried cherries and herbes de Provence, medium to full-bodied richness, silky tannin and a beautiful texture. Like the other 2015s, it’s going to drink nicely for 10-15 years.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92-93 points “Deep ruby. Ripe raspberry, cherry liqueur, violet and a hint of garrigue on the deeply perfumed nose. Fleshy, appealingly sweet and expansive in the mouth, offering plush red and blue fruit flavors and a subtle note of candied licorice that builds in the glass. Becomes more energetic with air and finishes on a sweet red berry note, showing powerful thrust, harmonious tannins and impressive persistence.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $44.99

Domaine Santa Duc Gigondas Prestige des Hautes Garrigues, Rhone 2012 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92 points
 “Saturated ruby. Powerful, deeply pitched black and blue fruit aromas are complicated by suggestions of licorice, woodsmoke and incense. Broad, palate-coating blackberry and cherry compote flavors open up slowly with aeration. Distinctly rich but showing surprising vivacity, with velvety tannins coming in late to shape the wine’s sweet finishing fruit.”
Wine Spectator 92 points “This has a solid core of raspberry, bitter cherry and plum fruit, liberally laced with iron, violet and bay leaf notes. The long, sleek finish lets the iron edge play out, revealing a hint of blood orange in the background. Best from 2016 through 2020. 100 cases imported.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Domaine Santa Duc Gigondas Prestige des Hautes Garrigues, Rhone 2015 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Jeb Dunnuck 94-97 points
 “Lastly, the 2015 Gigondas Hautes Garrigues (60/40 Grenache and Mourvèdre) is a beauty boasting killer notes of dark fruits, crushed rocks, pepper, garrigue and scorched earth. This seriously good 2015 has building richness, a stacked mid-palate and a huge finish, all suggesting short-term cellaring will be your friend. It will keep for two decades of more.”
James Suckling 93 points “Mourvèdre steps up to one third of the blend while the balance is grenache. This has an attractive array of ripe dark cherry and blue plum fruits. The tannins are framed up with a deeper, wider shape. Try from 2020, this needs time.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 93-95 points “Full ruby. Smoke-accented aromas of red and dark berry liqueur, incense, spicecake and candied flowers show outstanding energy and clarity. Sweet, seamless and broad in the mouth, offering concentrated black raspberry, boysenberry and lavender pastille flavors that fan out steadily with air. Rich but nervy and precise as well, carrying no excess fat. Velvety tannins frame an extremely long, incisive finish that leaves behind notes of sweet dark berries and candied flowers.”
Wine Advocate 92-95 points “I loved the 2015 Gigondas Hautes Garrigues and this flagship cuvee is made from 65% Grenache and 35% Mourvèdre that’s brought up in foudre. It’s a full-bodied, concentrated, yet brilliantly proportioned Gigondas that has classy notes of blackberries, plums, garrigue and leather. It’s going to need 3-5 years of cellaring.”

Domaine Santa Duc Gigondas Aux Lieux-Dits, Rhone 2015 750ML ($39.95) $33 special
James Suckling 93 points
 “A fluid, fleshy and deeply structured wine with dark cherry and blackberry fruit flavors amid sturdy yet supple tannins. Good weight and presence. Drink now.”
Wine Spectator 93 points “Ripe but fresh, with a slightly high pitch to the mix of damson plum, cherry and rooibos tea aromas and flavors, backed by singed vanilla, tobacco and licorice root notes that give this a darker shade through the finish. Best from 2020 through 2030. 2,400 cases made, 700 cases imported.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 90-92 points “Ruby-red. Ripe red fruit and floral pastille aromas show very good detail and an energizing suggestion of white pepper. Palate-caressing raspberry and bitter cherry flavors blend depth and energy with a smooth hand and show no rough edges. Fine-grained tannins lend shape to a very long, red-fruit-dominated finish that features a subtle touch of star anise.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Domaine Santa Duc Chateauneuf-du-Pape ‘Le Pied De Baud’, Rhone 2015 750ML ($69.95) $51.90 special
Wine Advocate 94 points
 “The 2015 Chateauneuf du Pape Le Pied de Baud, a blend of 80% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre and 5% Cinsault, offers compelling scents of rose petals and raspberries on the nose. While not as richly textural as some of the other cuvées, it’s still a lovely, hauntingly fragrant example of Châteauneuf du Pape.”
James Suckling 94 points “This has an array of darker berry and plum fruits with a brambly, lightly spicy edge, too. The palate delivers impeccably fresh, lithe and detailed tannin texture, as well as blue fruit flavors. Juicy and energetic. Long finish. Try from 2020.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Domaine Santa Duc Chateauneuf-du-Pape ‘Les Saintes Vierges’ Rouge, Rhone 2015 750ML ($69.95) $59 special
Wine Advocate 95 points
 “The 2015 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Saintes Vierges is the most flattering of Santa Duc’s current releases, offering lushness and generosity on the palate, notes of cherries and licorice, creamy-supple tannins and a mouthwatering finish. It’s a blend of Grenache, Mourvèdre and Counoise.”

Love Rhone reds? We have over 150 red wines from the Rhone currently available.
Shop our entire selection, including famous names like Henri Bonneau, Vaudieu, Vieux Telgraphe and more on our web store!
 
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New Review for Arterberry Maresh’s Old Vines Pinot


Re-Arriving Friday:

Arterberry Maresh Old Vines Pinot Noir 2017 750ML ($49.95) $44 pre-arrival special
Josh Raynolds 96 points
“Glistening scarlet. A highly complex bouquet evokes red berry and cherry preserves, along with building Asian spice, rose oil and smoky mineral flourishes. Shows fine delineation and seamless texture, offering concentrated, spice-tinged Chambord, cherry, cola and spicecake flavors that pick up a strong rose pastille nuance with air. Finishes extremely long and pure, with fine-grained tannins providing framework and gentle grip to lingering red fruit, five-spice powder and savory herb notes. 70% of this fruit comes from the estate Maresh vineyard and the other 30% is from the neighboring Weber vineyard; the vast majority of the vines were planted in the late 1970s.”

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Collector’s Corner

The Best Ever from La Spinetta, Piedmont Icon

“These are some of the very best wines I have ever tasted from La Spinetta. Proprietor Giorgio Rivetti and longtime winemaker Stephano Mazzetta have turned out a superb set of wines. The 2015 Barbarescos are racy and intense – as they always are – but the wines are also increasingly translucent and finessed.” – Antonio Galloni


Just Arrived, In Stock Now:

La Spinetta Vigneto Gallina, Barbaresco DOCG 2015 750ML ($139.95) $99 special
Antonio Galloni 96 points
 “The 2015 Barbaresco Vigneto Gallina is absolutely gorgeous. Vivid and nuanced on the palate, the 2015 is fresh, juicy and flat-out delicious. The Gallina is often a shy wine that needs time in bottle to truly blossom, but the 2015 seems to have skipped that initial phase of reticence. In two separate tastings, the 2015 has been incredibly sensual and polished. Historically, the Gallina has the most consistent track record in aging of the three top Barbarescos in the range. It will be interesting to see if that is the case here as well. For now, the 2015 Gallina is one of the finest wines I have ever tasted from La Spinetta.”
James Suckling 95 points “This is a big and juicy Barbaresco with soft and velvety tannins and a full body. Lots of dried flowers and fruit at the finish. Needs four or five years of bottle age. Try in 2022.”

La Spinetta Vigneto Starderi, Barbaresco DOCG 2015 750ML ($139.95) $99 special
Antonio Galloni 95 points
 “The 2015 Barbaresco Vigneto Starderi rounds out this series of Barbarescos from La Spinetta in grand style. I don’t think the Starderi has ever been so elegant or refined as it is in 2015. Medium in body and translucent, the 2015 possesses remarkable purity and nuance in its red-toned fruit and floral aromatics. The oak needs time to fully integrate, but readers should not be planning on opening bottles anytime soon, as the youthful tannins are also imposing. Bright citrus and floral notes add the closing flourishes.”
James Suckling 94 points “This is decadent and very rich with plum and caramel character, as well as fresh flowers. Medium-bodied, tight and focused with a pretty center palate of dark fruit and linear, chewy tannins. Drink in 2020.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

La Spinetta Vigneto Valeirano, Barbaresco DOCG 2015 750ML ($139.95) $99 special
Antonio Galloni 95 points
 “The 2015 Barbaresco Vigneto Valeirano is another striking wine from La Spinetta. Precise and finely cut, the 2015 shows the slightly austere personality that is typical of this cru. Even so, the 2015 possesses tremendous energy and intensity. Sweet spice, crushed flowers, crushed rocks, leather, spice, mint and sweet tobacco grace this exquisite, wonderfully nuanced Barbaresco. The 2015 finishes with real substance and gravitas, both of which bode well for its future in bottle. This may be the most finessed edition of Valeirano ever here.”
James Suckling 94 points “The roses and sandalwood character to these wines are impressive. Lots of ripe fruit too. Full-bodied, chewy and powerful. This needs two or three years to soften. Better in 2021.”

La Spinetta Vigneto Campe, Barolo 2015 750ML ($159.95) $119 special
James Suckling 97 points
 “Very distinctive nose with violets and very pure blackcurrants and blueberries, as well as leafy nuances, all of which deliver a fresh impression. The palate has impressive depth and density and the cool, blue fruit at the center sits fresh and vibrant. Smoothly resolved tannins shape a distinguished, balanced and long palate. Drink or hold.”

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Thanks for reading!

Vinopolpick Monday Bonus 8-31-20

In Today’s Newsletter:

Towering Barolo Ravera from Elvio Cogno

Ferrando Carema’s Profound Nebbiolo

Collector’s Corner
Cult Wines from Comando G / Daniel Landi


Trending

Staff Pick
Your New Pizza Wine


Produttori Subscriber Sale
Ends Tuesday


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Newly Arrived from Piedmont

Towering Barolo Ravera from Elvio Cogno

 
If you’ve heard about the Ravera cru in Barolo (see Vajra), you have Elvio Cogno to thank.  Born and raised in Novello, the village associated with the famous vineyard, he left his partnership with Marcarini in his sixties to start his namesake winery in 1990.  He purchased Cascina Nuova, an underperforming but historic estate, and started making wines under his own name from the Ravera cru.

The resulting wines have been stupendous ever since, prompting a rush on land in Novello (and Ravera in particular), but no wineries have surpassed the original master and his son-in-law (winemaker since ’96 Valter Fissore—who is arguably even more talented than Elvio).  From their entry level “Cascina Nuova” Barolo up to his Riservas from the choicest parts of his holdings, these are wines that will appeal to every lover of classicist Barolo.

Antonio Galloni agrees as well, consistently praising the wines over multiple vintages and price levels.  Their 2014 Riserva earned a 97 point score and the wines since have more than lived up.  This is a classical estate that over delivers. 

Elvio Cogno Ravera, Barolo DOCG 2016 750ML ($119.95) $99 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 99 points
 “Cellar Selection. From the estate that proved the extraordinary quality of the Ravera subzone, this compelling wine opens with heady scents of rose, iris, perfumed berry, new leather and camphor. Focused and full bodied, the precise palate is delicious and firmly structured, featuring ripe red cherry, crushed raspberry, licorice and tobacco framed in tightly knit fine-grained tannins. Fresh acidity keeps it beautifully balanced and lends youthful tension. Drink 2024–2056 – Kerin O’Keefe”
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2016 Barolo Ravera shows all of the energy and tension this site is so well-known for. Penetrating acids and veins of tannin give the Ravera its drive and overall feel. Naturally, the 2016 is going to need at least a few years to be at its best, but it has tremendous breeding and character to burn. White pepper, mint, sweet red cherry and citrus add to the wine’s high-toned profile. This is another stellar wine from Cogno.”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!


Elvio Cogno Barolo Cascina Nuova, Barolo DOCG 2016 750ML ($69.95) $59 special
Antonio Galloni 92 points
 “Cogno’s 2016 Barolo Cascina Nuova is absolutely gorgeous. Pliant and expressive on the palate, the 2016 has a touch more mid-palate sweetness and texture than in the past, when the wine has been more nervous in feel. Sweet red cherry, blood orange, mint, wild flowers, cedar, sweet tobacco and anise all open up effortlessly. Silky tannins add to its considerable immediacy and appeal. This is such a pretty wine in its peer group and also a terrific example of how attractive more modestly priced Barolos are in 2016.”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!


Elvio Cogno Barolo Bricco Pernice, Barolo DOCG 2015 750ML ($149.95) $119 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 95 points
 “The 2015 Barolo Bricco Pernice is an exotic, beguiling wine. Blood orange, mint, sweet red cherry, star anise and a range of spice notes give the Bricco Pernice striking aromatic and flavor complexity. Medium in body, refined and super-expressive, the 2015 has so much to offer. Best of all, it will drink well with just a few years in bottle. It is such an effortless, gracious wine. Very polished, nuanced and elegant, this silky Barolo has a ton of structure but is also impeccable in its balance.”
Importer Note “Bricco Pernice is named for the rock on which courting partridges build their nest. “Pernice” translates as “rock ptarmigan” or “partridge,” “Bricco” is a hill. This is the very latest wine from Elvio Cogno. Until a few years ago this was part of the Ravera Barolo cru; in recent years it has been expanded to incorporate the neighboring hills. The fruit of years of hard work, this wine is a dream come true, made from the finest vineyard in Novello in the most historic part of the Ravera cru. The label is designed by Elena, Elvio’s granddaughter.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!


Elvio Cogno Barolo Vigna Elena, Barolo Riserva DOCG 2014 750ML ($179.95) $135 special, 8 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 97 points
 “The 2014 Barolo Riserva Ravera Vigna Elena is seamless in the glass, with stunning balance and all of the pedigree of this year. Medium in body and gracious, it shows elegant notes of rose petal, mint, white pepper, sweet tobacco and dried flowers. Sweet red stone fruit marry with a classic sense of austerity. All of the elements here come together in this stunning, gloriously beautiful Barolo from Cogno. Deeply expressive and intense, the 2014 Vigna Elena is not an obvious wine, but instead it is ethereal, lifted and with pure class.”


Elvio Cogno Langhe Nebbiolo Montegrilli, Piedmont 2017 750ML ($34.95) $29 special
Case-12 Elvio Cogno Langhe Nebbiolo Montegrilli, Piedmont 2017 750ML ($419.95) $319 special
Antonio Galloni 91 points
 “The 2017 Langhe Nebbiolo Montegrilli is a very pretty wine. The warm, dry vintage has given Cogno’s Nebbiolo an extra kick of richness, but without robbing the wine of its personality. Sweet dried cherry, mint, tobacco, crushed flowers and anise all flesh out in an expansive, inviting Nebbiolo that will drink nicely for at least a number of years.”


Love Barolo?  We have over 85 Barolos currently available.
Shop our entire selection, including famous names like Brovia, Cappellano, Vietti and more on our web store!
 
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Newly Arrived from Piedmont

Ferrando Carema’s Profound Nebbiolo

 
Ferrando’s Carema is one of the signature Nebbiolo based wines made outside of the Langhe.  Neal Rosenthal, its importer, described it by saying that “If there is any wine that defines the Ferrando “oeuvre” it is this one: the white label Carema. No single wine in our portfolio is more illustrative of our work than this brilliant rendition of Nebbiolo.”  It’s hard to imagine higher praise and this wine is distinctive in the all the best ways—bright, full of drive and devilishly complex, as well.

A region as far north as Carema benefits greatly from cooperative autumn weather, allowing grapes to achieve full phenolic ripeness before worrisome forecasts start to influence picking decisions.  Fortunately the weather in 2016 allowed for a historically long growing season in Piedmont, and the vintage appears destined to be legendary throughout the region.  As such, we’re excited to have received our (albeit very limited) allocation of 2016s, and recommend that you move quickly as the stock is unlikely to last long.

Ferrando White Label – Etichetta Bianca Nebbiolo di Carema, Piedmont 2016 750ML ($99.95) $79 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Ferrando White Label – Etichetta Bianca Nebbiolo di Carema, Piedmont 2016 1.5L ($199.95) $169 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Importer note
 “Ferrando’s white-label Carema is arguably the most gorgeously elegant expression of Nebbiolo in existence, and this 2016 is a textbook version. Full of driving, kinetic energy, it presents a lifted and linear palate at this youthful stage which should broaden with bottle age, as well as an intoxicating blast of high-toned spices and mountain herbs. Never an overwhelmingly powerful wine, “Etichetta Bianca” derives its sense of structure more from its acid-fruit tension than its tannins, and that is particularly the case with this 2016. Fermented in stainless steel without temperature control and using only indigenous yeasts, it spent three full years in a blend of large Stockinger botti and smaller well-used French barriques.”


Ferrando Black Label – Etichetta Nera Nebbiolo di Carema, Piedmont 2016 1.5L ($249.95) $219 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Importer note
 “The Ferrandos only produce their legendary black-label Carema when the vintage allows for it, and it never comprises more than a fifth of their total production. To be labeled as “Etichetta Nera,” the wine must first be selected in the vineyard as worthy; then, it must pass muster post-malolactic-fermentation; and finally, a third verification is performed at the end of the three-year elevage. Raised entirely in a mix of used 250- and 500-liter French barrels, the 2016 is more profound and lower-pitched on the nose than its white-label counterpart, with blacker fruit and a stronger savory imprint. Its firmly gripping, lengthily tunneling finish promises decades of positive evolution.”
 
This is the lowest listed price for a magnum on the West Coast today!


Also in stock from Ferrando:

Ferrando White Label – Etichetta Bianca Nebbiolo di Carema, Piedmont 2015 750ML ($89.95) $75 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Antonio Galloni 94 points
 “The 2015 Carema Etichetta Bianca is such a gorgeous wine. Dried cherry, tobacco, licorice, spice, mint and dried flowers give the 2015 striking aromatic openness, but there is plenty of mineral-drenched tannic backbone that gives this wine its distinctive personality. Medium in body, taut and full of character, the 2015 hits all the right notes. It should also start drinking relatively early and age effortlessly for many years.”
Importer note “2015 Carema ‘Etichetta Bianca.’ For us, Ferrando’s white-label Carema is perhaps the ne plus ultra of Alpine wine—as well as the most gorgeous expression of Nebbiolo in existence—and the 2015 is a future legend. With its mouthwatering acidity, its sumptuously velvety texture, its panoply of spices, and its eerily pure fruit, it embodies what makes Carema so special, yet with a bit more authority and power than in a more typical vintage. Aged in a combination of large Stockinger casks and smaller barriques and tonneaux (all well-used), it presents relatively open at this youthful stage—perhaps a function of 2015’s generosity of fruit—yet the underlying structure and tension promise a long life.”
Winery note “Made from Nebbiolo grapes harvested around the 20th of October, fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, with maceration on the skins for about 10 days. In conformity with the production regulations, refinement lasts 36 months, 30 of which in oak barrels. Tasting notes: Colour: Intense garnet red, limpid and dense. Nose: Spicy, fruity notes. Fine hints of dried flowers and rose petals. Palate: Warm, tannic mouthfeel. Well-integrated spicy notes.”


Love Piedmont?  We have over 200 wines from Piedmont currently available.
Shop our entire selection, including famous names like Cascina Delle Rose, Gaja, Vajra and more on our web store!
 
 
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Vinopolis Wine Shop Curbside Pick Up
 
Order Online / By Phone / By Email

When you’re ready to pick up, just park in our lot,
give us a call, & we’ll bring your order to your car.


(If another adult is picking up for you,
please let us know their name when placing your order.)

www.vinopoliswineshop.com

info@vinopoliswineshop.com

503-223-6002

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Collector’s Corner

Cult Wines from Comando G / Daniel Landi

 
Comando G

“Comando G continues to serve as the reference point in Gredos. Most of the 2018s are not in bottle yet, so I mostly tasted wines from 2017—a challenging year with hail and frost that made it impossible to bottle some of the single-vineyard wines (Breña and Tamboril Tinto) and affected others, mainly the vineyards in the village of Rozas de Puerto Real. 2017 was also ripe and dry, more in line with 2012 than 2015, as the wines also have finesse and lightness. Once again Rumbo al Norte is the best wine, but in the challenging 2017 vintage, the difference from the others is even more obvious because the plot didn’t suffer hail or frost and is one of the best-prepared to withstand dry conditions. It’s a wine that transcends the vintage.” –Luis Gutierrez, Wine Advocate

“Today, along with Comando G, a handful of producers working in the Sierra de Gredos is showing how distinctive the wines can be from an area that was ignored for so long… the bottles with the most finesse and nuance, and which have drawn the most interest, are from Comando G, whose wines are now among the most compelling in Spain.”- Eric Asimov, New York Times

Comando G has become one of the hottest names in the world of Spanish wines.  Working with old Grenache (Garnacha) vines, Fernando García and Daniel Gómez Jiménez-Landi looked to estates like Rayas and Gramenon in the Rhone for inspiration to produce balanced, chiseled wines of delicate power and elegance.  Ever since Eric Asimov profiled them in the New York Times, the wines have been in incredibly short supply.

Newly Arrived from Comando G:

Comando G ‘El Tamboril’ Blanco Navaltalgordo, Sierra de Gredos 2017 750ML ($149.95) $119 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 97 points
 “The single-vineyard 2017 Tumba del Rey Moro comes from an ungrafted 70-year-old vineyard of 0.7 hectares in the village of Villanueva de Ávila, a cliff with a pronounced slope full of chestnut trees that provide shadow to the majority of vines. It’s high in altitude, at 1,100 meters, and the soils are very sandy, from the degradation of granite. Like the others, this vineyard is worked biodynamically, and the wine is produced in a delicate way, with full bunches, a long and soft maceration (infusion) and an élevage of 14 months in a 1,000-liter oak vat. This high-altitude vineyard almost escaped the problems of the vintage but was hit by very late hail in August, and the wine feels almost untouched; it feels very complete and less evolved than the wines that were badly hit by hail. It has spices and rockrose and is a riper vintage than 2016, and it’s complex and nuanced. The palate has abundant, fine-grained tannins and is nicely textured, with the chalk-like mouthfeel of the 


Comando G ‘Rumbo al Norte’ Navarrevisca, Sierra de Gredos 2017 750ML ($379.95) $319 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 99 points
 “I was very much looking forward to tasting the 2017 Rumbo Al Norte from bottle, a wine I had tasted a number of times during its upbringing in a 1,400-liter oak foudre, as it comes form one of the most spectacular vineyards I know, not only in Gredos, but in the whole of the world! It’s a 0.3-hectare plot in the zone known as La Breña within the village of Villanueva de Ávila, where the granite soils are very sandy and rich in quartz and gray silt and the wines have a rare combination of elegance and power as well as an ethereal quality with tons of energy and a texture that is like liquid granite. It was produced like the rest of the reds, with a long infusion with full clusters and indigenous yeasts in oak vats, then matured in a 1,400-liter oak vat for 14 months. This vineyard escaped the frost and hail of the vintage—it’s one of the few that was really untouched—and this year, the wine is head and shoulders above the rest. It’s complex and elegant, very Burgundian, stony, floral and spicy, and the good yields controlled the ripeness of the dry year. This is the vineyard that behaves better in warmer/drier years. The good news is that there are 1,656 bottles and 60 magnums of this—their largest production ever—and it was bottled in March 2019. Unfortunately, prices for this scarce bottling are skyrocketing. It was only a matter of time…”


Comando G ‘Rozas Premier-Primer Cru,’ Sierra de Gredos 2018 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 95 points
 “The 2018 Rozas 1er Cru is from a much better year that produced perfect ripeness of the grapes and therefore much better parameters (alcohol, pH and acidity). Within the freshness and seriousness of 2018, this is very open, expressive and spicy, like an upgrade from the La Bruja de Rozas, though not quite reaching the finesse of Las Umbrías. It’s tasty and long and has something herbal (fennel, celery), a salty touch, a little rust and a very mineral texture, with the grainy granite and finer chalk. It improves tremendously in the glass, which gives me an idea that the wine is going to improve in bottle. 2018 is a great vintage that is going to require a little more time to express its full potential. This is often the best value of the winery. 15,238 bottles and 150 magnums produced. It was bottled in January 2020.”


Comando G ‘La Bruja de Rozas,’ Sierra de Gredos 2018 750ML ($34.95) $28 special
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 93+ points
 “I tasted a very young and recently bottled 2018 La Bruja de Rozas, their village Garnacha from the village of Las Rozas de Puerto Real. It’s from a vintage that feels very complete and balanced and delivered very healthy grapes, good yields and grapes with ripe flavors and very good freshness. The wine is juicy but also sharp and mineral, backward and nuanced; it’s shy now, but it has great depth and is finely knitted, textured, mineral and salty. I think this will surpass the already-amazing 2016. It fermented and matured in oak vats of different sizes, yet there is such purity of fruit and the wine is so intense that the oak is completely transparent. I had the chance to drink this wine on repeated occasions, as I find it has an unbeatable price for the quality. It’s a more complete version of the 2016—it’s pale, bright and transparent, spicy, elegant, nuanced, juicy but complex, with not only fruit but also violets and an herbal side, and it’s characterful and a bit funky with finesse and a texture of chalk and granite. Like a Poulsard from Chambolle. High drinkability with aging potential. 53,478 bottles produced (the second largest vintage after 2016). It was bottled in August 2019.”


 
Dani Landi

Daniel Gómez Jiménez-Landi (or Dani Landi as he’s more commonly known) is certainly one half of Comando G, but his personal projects are at least as compelling and much more sought after within Spain.  Born to generations of grape growers in Méntrida, his personal project explores the unique terroirs of his home DO.

This is very much Sierra de Gredos wine, but the distinction between his personal wines, which are from his home village of Méntrida, and Comando G, which works from a broad range of terroirs, is important.  Landi’s personal wines come from vineyards that he started working with and acquiring since he started making wine at a very young age.

Newly Arrived from Daniel Landi:

Daniel Gomez Jimenez-Landi ‘Las Uvas de la Ira’ Garnacha, Mentrida 2018 750ML ($37.95) $31.90 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 93 points
 “The red 2018 Las Uvas de la Ira has been produced with Garnacha from the same five vineyards since the initial vintage (2012) in the village of El Real de San Vicente, which is one of the villages from Méntrida (Toledo) that are part of the Gredos Mountains. The vines range between 40 and 65 years of age, and they are located at around 750 meters in altitude on sandy granite soils with lots of silt. The different vineyards are fermented separately in oak vats with indigenous yeasts and a very gentle vinification, one-third with very long macerations to provide structure and depth, one-third with a very short maceration to provide fragrance, and the remaining third finished the fermentation without skins (like a white) to add juiciness. The élevage is in oak foudres of different sizes, from 1,500 to 4,000 liters. This is a little less aromatic and more austere but very focused and bright, from a village where the wines are serious and have a chalky texture, less floral but more citrus, a bit more backward. It has a compact palate, with very fine tannins and a more chalky finish. It’s interesting to taste it next to wines from other villages, as you clearly see the difference. 18,700 bottles produced. It was bottled in August 2019.”


Daniel Gomez Jimenez-Landi ‘Cantos del Diablo’, Mentrida 2017 750ML ($119.95) $99 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 94+ points
 “The single-vineyard 2017 Cantos del Diablo was produced with the grapes from 0.35 hectares in the village of El Real de San Vicente (Toledo), the highest vineyard in the Méntrida appellation. It’s a north-facing plot at 900 meters in altitude that was planted some 70 years ago on sandy granite soils rich in silt and is worked biodynamically. The grapes, with all the stems, fermented with indigenous yeasts in oak vats, and the wine matured in a 1,200-liter oak foudre for 12 months. This was one of the few villages from Gredos that escaped the hail and frost, and it was a dry year, so harvesting was early (10 to 15 days earlier compared with a “normal” vintage!). It’s aromatic and floral but has the austerity of the wines from El Real de San Vicente as well as a texture like liquid chalk and very fine, powdery tannins. It’s clean and ripe without excess, with a nice combination of fruit and minerality, really balanced, with intensity and finesse. Excellent 2017! 1,362 bottles were filled in March 2019.”

 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!


Daniel Gomez Jimenez Landi ‘Las Iruelas’ El Tiemblo, Castilla y Leon 2017 750ML ($149.95) $125 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 95 points
 “The 2017 Las Iruelas expresses the elegance and floral character the slate soils are capable of. It’s pure Garnacha from a relatively large vineyard in the Iruelas Valley in the village of El Tiemblo, province of Ávila. In reality, this slope of vines that was planted over 70 years ago has a combination of slate and granite (and sand, quartz and silt), and it’s very rocky with shallow soils, where the mother rock is only 20 centimeters from the surface. It’s isolated and surrounded by forests, and the orography (the nearby mountains) causes it to receive more rain. So, the wines have unusual finesse and subtleness. The vinification tries to preserve that character, by hand-selecting every single grape, fermenting the clusters with the yeasts from the grapes in oak vats, with a long maceration and low temperature. The wine matured in a 1,400-liter oak vat for 12 months. This is very pale, paler than it normally is, and has a more developed color and nose, combining more herbal aromas with a note of ripe berries and flowers; it’s elegant, delicate and balsamic and also a little fragile, with less finesse than Umbrías. This vineyard had hail twice and lost a lot of grapes, and the wine is probably going to evolve at a faster pace. 1,725 bottles were filled in March 2019.”

 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!


Daniel Gomez Jimenez Landi ‘El Reventon’, Cebreros 2017 750ML ($134.95) $119 special, 5 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 94+ points
 “El Reventón in the village of Cebreros (Ávila) is really two plots just a few meters apart, but with different exposition, altitude and soils that make up one hectare of vines. Given the differences and the fact that part of the vineyard has basically no soil and the mother rock on the surface, they have been studying these soils and making further selections to decide which plants go into the wine. In 2016, they experimented with two different bottlings. But the 2017 El Reventón is a single cuvée of the grapes from both plots, as they had hail and used all the grapes that could be saved. The vinification follows the same modus operandi as with the rest of the wines—manual selection of every bunch, discarding all the single grapes that are not perfect, then fermentation with the stems and a long maceration in oak vats, of course with indigenous yeasts. The élevage was in used oak barrels and lasted for a year. The wine has good ripeness, more power than wines like Las Iruelas and more fruit and a rounder palate, but it’s a more delicate vintage than other years, more fragile because of hail. It developed a high-pitched note of curry with time in the glass, a recurring note in this wine. Only 775 bottles were filled in March 2019.”

 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!


Love Spanish reds?  We have over 100 red wines from Spain currently available.
Shop our entire selection, including famous names like Clos Erasmus, López de Heredia, Raul Perez and more on our web store!
 
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Trending

 
A Pacific Northwest classic
Chateau Ste. Michelle Chardonnay, Columbia Valley 2018 750ML ($14.95) $9.50 special
Case-12 Chateau Ste. Michelle Chardonnay, Columbia Valley 2018 750ML ($149.95) $99 special (that’s only $8.25/bottle!)
Winery Note
 “Our Columbia Valley Chardonnay is a food-friendly wine. It is crafted in a fresh, soft style with bright apple and sweet citrus fruit character with subtle spice and oak nuances. We blend Chardonnay grapes from vineyards throughout Washington’s Columbia Valley to make this a complex and interesting wine. Cheers!”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!


A killer value on a perennially undervalued grape
Owen Roe Sharecropper’s Merlot, Yakima Valley 2015 750ML ($19.95) $14.50 special
Case-12 Owen Roe Sharecropper’s Merlot, Yakima Valley 2015 750ML ($249.95) $149 special (that’s only $12.42/bottle!)
Winery note
 “This new bottling of Sharecropper’s Merlot shows aromas of cranberry, tart cherry, violet and spice. Dazzling flavors of black cherry, currant, plum and hints of pepper are nicely balanced with bright acidity and firm tannins, finishing with a hint of baking cocoa. Vineyard Sources- Elerding, Outlook, Red Willow and Union Gap. Barrel aged in 14% new oak for 10 months.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!


Restocked and already going fast…
Domaine de Triennes Rosé, IGP Var 2019 750ML ($19.95) $16 special
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 90 points
 “Translucent onion skin. Orange zest, persimmon, red berries and a subtle floral nuance on the fragrant nose. Concentrated but lithe and seemingly weightless, offering tangy red currant, strawberry and blood orange flavors that pick up a spicy nuance on the back half. Finishes brisk and tight, with repeating spiciness and a sneaky floral quality. This wine has the depth of flavor to handle full-flavored foods, but there’s no excess fat here, either. A solid value.”


A classic rosé from a classic rosé region
Mirabeau Classic Rosé, Cotes De Provence 2019 750ML ($27.95) $18 special
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 90 points
 “Light, brilliant orange. Raspberry, white peach and succulent flowers on the mineral-tinged nose. Sappy red berry, pit fruit and citrus zest flavors deepen slowly and take on a spicy aspect with air. Hangs on with very good tenacity, leaving pit fruit and red berry notes behind.”


Powerfully built, with rich, sumptuous fruit and seductive textures
Chateau Saint-Roch ‘Kerbuccio’, Maury Sec 2017 750ML ($24.95) $19.50 special
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points
 “One of the greatest values in the wine world has to be the Kerbuccio cuvée from Jean-Marc Lafage’s Chateau Saint Roch estate in Maury. The 2017 isn’t going to break the trend. Checking in as a blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah, it’s a blockbuster, deep, massive effort that just screams Grenache from Maury. Ripe blackberries, melted chocolate, black cherries, and cured meat notes all emerge from this beautifully textured, layered, opulent wine that stays balanced and pure. Brought up in 80% new demi-muids, it shows no sense of its oak élevage, has beautiful purity and freshness, and tastes like it cost 4-5 times the price. Drink it over the coming 4-5 years.”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!


Ameztoi produces our favorite rosé, and their upper-tier white is elegant and delish
Ameztoi Primus Txakoli di Getaria Hondarribi Zuri, Getariako Txakolina 2019 750ML ($29.95) $24 special
Winery note
 “[Edited for clarity] A white wine from the Hondarrabi Zuri grape. Naturally lightly sparkling. Pale with a touch of green, its bright tone has fine and elegant bubbles. Has a delicate and sophisticated fragrance, reminiscent of green apples and grapes, with a minty note. Opens dry, and is harmonious in the mouth. It has a broad and aromatic finish, which is cheerful because of its bubbles.”
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!


The flagship Pinot Noir from one of Oregon’s rising stars
Day Wines Momtazi Vineyard Pinot Noir, McMinnville 2016 750ML ($53.95) $33 special
Case-6 Day Wines Momtazi Vineyard Pinot Noir, McMinnville 2016 750ML ($299.95) $189 special (that’s only $31.50/bottle!)
Case-12 Day Wines Momtazi Vineyard Pinot Noir, McMinnville 2016 750ML ($599.95) $345 special (that’s only $28.75/bottle!)
John Gilman 93 points
 “The 2016 Momtazi Vineyard bottling of Pinot Noir from Day Wines is the ripest of these 2016s, as it comes in at fourteen percent octane. It is beautifully black fruity on the nose (as all the examples from Momtazi have been that I have been fortunate enough to taste), offering up scents of black plum, sweet dark berry, black tea, balsam bough, a beautiful base of soil tones, chicory, gentle spice tones and a bit of cedar. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, complex and beautifully balanced, with a fine core of fruit, great mineral drive and grip, ripe, well-integrated tannins and a long, tangy and promising finish. While this is the ripest of the 2016 pinots from Brianne Day, it is no less pure or precise and is a great bottle in the making. 2024-2055.”
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 92 points “Limpid red. A highly aromatic bouquet evokes fresh dark berries and baking spices, along with smoky mineral and musky earth overtones. Juicy and broad on the palate, offering alluringly sweet black raspberry, cherry, rose pastille and spicecake flavors that deepen steadily with air. Delivers a suave blend of power and energy and finishes with finely woven tannins and strong, floral-driven persistence.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!


Classic is cool again!
Domaine du Gour de Chaulé Gigondas Tradition, Rhone 2016 750ML ($49.95) $33 special
Case-12 Domaine du Gour de Chaulé Gigondas Tradition, Rhone 2016 750ML ($399.95) $359 special (that’s only $29.92/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 95 points
 “Vivid ruby. An exotically perfumed bouquet evokes ripe red and pit fruits, potpourri and garrigue, and an exotic spice note emerges in the glass. Stains the palate with sweet raspberry, cherry and lavender pastille flavors that steadily put on weight with air. Conveys a suave blend of power and finesse and finishes extremely long and floral, with fine-grained tannins lending discreet grip.”


An earned reputation as one of the giants of Champagne
NV Bollinger Special Cuvee Brut, Champagne 750ML ($69.95) $54.50 special
James Suckling 92 points
 “Fine bubbles combine nicely with the cooked apples, pie crust and lemon rind. Some biscuit, too. Full body. Layered and creamy with a crisp finish. Always delicious. Drink now.” [Reviewed July 2019]
 
 
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Staff Pick

Your New Pizza Wine

 
Matt:
A half century ago Pelaverga was nearly extinct in its native village of Verduno (located within the Barolo zone of Piedmont).  Fortunately, a member of the village’s leading family, Elisa Burlotto, saw the grape’s potential and planted an entire section of the family’s Massara vineyard to the variety.  Before 1972, the year the Basadone section was planted, only a handful of Pelaverga vines survived, all mixed within rows of Nebbiolo.  For decades, the grape remained a novelty, and enjoyed little in the way of commercial success.  But its fortunes have changed in recent years as more and more wine drinkers have come to appreciate light-bodied, food-friendly reds.

Italy is of course a country that considers wine to be an essential component of any meal, and as a result the country’s wines are famously complimentary.  But many consider Pelaverga to be a stand-out even within this context thanks to its versatility.  In Piedmont the grape is paired with everything from pastas and sausage, to chicken and fish.  I’ve found Pelaverga to be fantastic with pizza, almost regardless of what’s included in the way of toppings.

So for your next pizza or pasta night ditch (or supplement) the usual suspects, and give Pelaverga a try.  You’ll be hard-pressed to find a red wine that delivers more deliciousness per dollar than this sub-$25 gem.

Castello di Verduno Basadone Pelaverga, Piedmont 2018 750ML ($27.95) $24 special
Importer Note
 “Pelaverga is indigenous to the village of Verduno, it produces red wines that are light in color but savory and distinctive on the palate. Reminds me a lot of Grignolino, another geeky Piedmontese variety. This one is aged in stainless steel before bottling without filtration. The winery’s website cannot be improved on for a description: ‘Soft, though bright ruby red. Intense fragrant nose, showing clear spicy overtones of black pepper and nutmeg, as well as fruity sensations reminiscent of cherries in spirit and strawberries. Nicely-balanced, lingering dry flavour.’ Great with salumi. I would drink this at cellar temperature.”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!


Castello di Verduno also produces a delicious traditional method sparkling rosé with Pelaverga!

Castello di Verduno S-Ciopet Spumante Metodo Classico Brut Rosé, Piedmont 2014 750ML ($69.95) $39 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Winery note
 “S-ciopet is the dialect name of selvatic flower reported on label, The Silene Rigonfia. The choice is this because amenable to the sound of opening of sparkling bottle and it join at the line of selvatic flowers already rappresented on our label It is a brut rosè sparkling wine obtained with 100% of our favorite grape variety: the autochthon red variety of our village [Pelaverga]! Excellent wine as an aperitif or throughout the meal.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!


Shop our entire selection from Castello di Verduno on our web store!

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Produttori Subscriber Sale
on Rio Sordo & Muncagota


Ends Tuesday!

 
In the Piedmont, the folds and creases in the hills allow for amazing individuality in the little pocket vineyards. Exposure, drainage, soil composition all combine in a myriad of ways to bring out the best of Nebbiolo.  The brightness and balance of Barbaresco makes it a treasure for collectors.  There is a reason why it is referred to as Italy’s Burgundy.  Produttori, as a rule, has consistently made the most sought after single vineyard Barbaresco.  The wines will live forever in the cellar, and will reward those willing to stash away a case or two.

Two of our favorite crus from Produttori are Muncagota and Rio Sordo.  Muncagota comes across as a bit more tannic and structured at first look, but the subtle mint and floral components are more pronounced than in the other crus.  We love the play between the firmer structure and the elegance of the playful aromatics and fruit.  Rio Sordo seems to be the bigger wine due to the southwestern exposure.  There is a ripeness and wild quality to the bright red fruits, but these are qualities that will help the wine develop a lovely deep bass note to accompany the well-integrated acidity and silky tannins.

These wines are always fantastic values, but at subscriber special pricing, there won’t be a better time to stash away a good supply of these for the future.

5% Off Any Mix of 3-5 Produttori Muncagota & Rio Sordo bottles
10% Off Any Mix of 6+ Produttori Muncagota & Rio Sordo bottles
Subscriber Special Discount Will Not Display Online
We Will Manually Adjust Your Order Before Finalizing It
Discount Valid Until Tuesday, September 1st at 6 PM


In-Stock & On Sale Now:

Produttori del Barbaresco Muncagota Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2013 750ML ($79.95) Displayed price $54.50, 
that’s $51.78 at 5% off and $49.05 at 10% off
Antonio Galloni 94 points “Like most of the wines in this lineup, the 2013 Barbaresco Riserva Muncagota is quite potent. A rush of raspberry jam, wild flowers, white pepper and mint make a strong opening statement. Succulent and yet also structured, the Muncagota has so much to offer. It should be one of the first wines in this range to start opening up, although when that will happen exactly is hard to say.”
Wine Spectator 94 points “Powerful yet underlined by racy acidity, driving the black cherry, black currant and mineral flavors. Menthol and tobacco notes add depth, keeping this intense. All the components are here, yet this will need time to really sing. Best from 2024 through 2040.”
Monica Larner – Wine Advocate 94 points “You may remember that this wine was once called Moccagatta. Produttori del Barbaresco reverted to the local Piemontese spelling of the name in 2007 to stay consistent with the geographic mapping of local cru sites. The 2013 Barbaresco Riserva Muncagota stands apart from the nine other single-vineyard Riservas presented by Produttori del Barbaresco this vintage. Of these various wines, this is the most salty and savory. There is less primary fruit intensity here. The bouquet is laced with grilled rosemary and wild sage. This growing site absorbs loads of morning sunshine with southeast-facing exposures. The mouthfeel is characterized by dry tannins and very long, balsam-like persistence. Dried ginger and herbs appear on the menthol-like finish.”
Wine Enthusiast 94 points “You’ll find aromas of star anise, freshly tilled soil, chopped herb and balsamic notes on this full-bodied red. The smooth, concentrated palate delivers juicy black cherry, raspberry compost, pipe tobacco and licorice accompanied by firm, refined tannins and bright acidity.”
 
This was the lowest listed price in the USA today, 
Now it’s even lower!


Produttori del Barbaresco Muncagota Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2014 750ML ($79.95) Displayed price $59, that’s $56.05 at 5% off and $53.10 at 10% off
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2014 Barbaresco Riserva Muncagota is another of the overachievers in this range. White pepper, bright red cherry, floral notes and mint cut through the fruit in this beautifully vivid, crystalline Barbaresco. There is a level of energy, drive and overall nuance in the 2014 I don’t recall having seen in the past. The 2014 is a terrific Muncagota.”
Monica Larner – Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2014 Barbaresco Riserva Muncagota is beautifully polished and bright, with dark berry fruit, ripe cherry, crushed stone and pressed flowers. The wine is compact and firm, and you feel the tannins and power in the mouth. The Muncagota remains slightly more closed in terms of the bouquet, but this will open up with some time.”
Wine Spectator 93 points “Lean and taut, this reveals mint, menthol, licorice, orange peel and subtle cherry flavors, all underscored by assertive tannins and lively acidity. An austere style, this will need time to come around. Best from 2023 through 2042.—B.S.”
 
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $65


Produttori del Barbaresco Muncagota Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2015 750ML ($79.95) Displayed price $59, that’s $56.05 at 5% off and $53.10 at 10% off
Wine Enthusiast 97 points “EDITOR’S CHOICE. Rose, red berry and star anise aromas align with earthy whiffs of forest floor and new leather. The full-bodied, delicious palate doles out succulent Morello cherry, black raspberry, licorice and chopped mint set against a backbone of firm but refined tannins. It’s already gorgeous but will be even better with just a few more years of bottle age. Drink 2022–2030.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95 points “The Produttori del Barbaresco 2015 Barbaresco Riserva Muncagota shows beautifully in this sunny and warm vintage, producing intense and compelling primary fruit with wild cherry, plum and black currant. Compared to the other Riservas, the fruit profile of Muncagota is darker and richer. More significant is the role the tannins play in this wine. They contribute to a long and firm spinal cord that gives structure and muscle mass. This Barbaresco Riserva shows an affinity to shaved truffles over egg pasta, or gamey fowl such as duck or pigeon. Some 16,666 bottles were made.
Decanter 94 points “The southeast-facing Muncagota vineyard catches the morning sun, giving this wine a slightly lighter character. This 2015 has delicious red berry and cherry flavours and scents. The tannins are slightly more rustic, perhaps, and it’s the least full-bodied wine here, but its earthy elegance makes this a refreshing change for a Riserva. 13,000 bottles produced. Drinking Window 2022 – 2036.”


Produttori del Barbaresco Rio Sordo Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2013 750ML ($79.95) Displayed price $59, that’s $56.05 at 5% off and $53.10 at 10% off
Wine Enthusiast 97 points “CELLAR SELECTION. Enticing scents of wild berry, rose, baking spice and balsamic aromas come together in the glass. Juicy and full-bodied, the flavorsome palate shows succulent Morello cherry, cranberry, licorice and ground white pepper alongside a backbone of vibrant acidity and firm, polished tannins. It’s already exceptional but will benefit with more aging. Drink 2020–2038.”
Monica Larner – Wine Advocate 95 points “The delightful 2013 Barbaresco Riserva Rio Sordo is fourth on a scale of nine wines in terms of growing structure and power. This is the middle-point wine. You will immediately notice that the texture of this single-vineyard expression is increasingly thicker and pastier. The bouquet delivers opulent tones of blackberry and ripe cherry in thick and succulent waves. Yet, like the Pora, Pajè and Ovello expressions, the Barbaresco Riserva Rio Sordo is also a more accessible wine. You can save it for longer cellar aging, but you could also opt to serve it in the near or medium term. It offers both immediate pleasure and long-term potential.”
 
This was the lowest listed price in the USA today, 
Now it’s even lower!
The average price is $75


Produttori del Barbaresco Rio Sordo Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2014 750ML ($79.95) Displayed price $59, that’s $56.05 at 5% off and $53.10 at 10% off, 11 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner – Wine Advocate 96 points “The 2014 Barbaresco Riserva Rio Sordo represents a jump forward in structure compared to the other three vineyards (Pora, Pajè and Ovello) that were tasted before this wine. The Riserva Rio Sordo shows a dark and solid personality, with a tight core of black fruit that will relax and unwind with more bottle aging in the cellar. It is also slightly sharper and more focused in terms of mouthfeel, with the kind of tannic tightness you always get with young Nebbiolo in the cooler vintages such as 2014. Barbaresco lovers should jot this one down.”
Wine Spectator 94 points “This red combines a rich, fleshy texture that verges on chewy with a firm structure and cherry, menthol, licorice, spice and mineral flavors. Dense, revealing tension and dusty tannins on the long finish. Shows terrific energy. Best from 2022 through 2042.—B.S.”
This was the lowest listed price in the USA today, 
Now it’s even lower!
The average price is $67


Produttori del Barbaresco Rio Sordo Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2015 750ML ($79.95) Displayed price $59, that’s $56.05 at 5% off and $53.10 at 10% off, 8 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 96+ points “This wine usually falls somewhere in the middle of the Riserva continuum (starting with the most lithe and elegant wine and ending with the most powerful) presented by Produttori del Barbaresco in this knockout series of nine single-vineyard expressions. The 2015 Barbaresco Riserva Rio Sordo is another personal favorite. This group of Ovello, Rio Sordo, Asili and Rabajà (that sweet spot of neighboring vineyard sites in Barbaresco) is especially profound in 2015, striking a careful balance between elegance against power. The Rio Sordo offers tight and sharp fruit complete with a little tannic pinch or crunch on the close. Production is 13,333 bottles.”
Wine Enthusiast 96 points “Dark-skinned berry, camphor, rose and crushed stone aromas shape the nose along with a whiff of pipe tobacco. The aromas carry on to the structured, full-bodied palate along with juicy Marasca cherry and licorice. Firm, fine-grained tannins provide support. Drink 2022–2030.”
Decanter 94 points “At the southern end of the commune of Barbaresco lies Rio Sordo, known for producing powerful wines. First produced by Produttori in 1978, this is right on the mark, with a denseness and muscularity that makes it stand out in the lineup. It has an inky, meaty depth which seems to have absorbed the wood into it so that it’s not so pronounced, overlaid with plenty of complex, savoury damp earth character. This is less pure and ripe in feel that the Pora, and although the acidity still has presence, it’s softer, more gentle. This is a smooth, dense, intense wine that you will want to sink into. 10,000 bottles produced. Drinking Window 2022 – 2038.”


Love Barbaresco?  We have over 60 wines from Barbaresco currently available.
Shop our entire selection, including famous names like La Spinetta, Paitin, Roagna and more on our web store!

Weekend VinopolPick 8-28-20

In Today’s Newsletter:

Subscriber Special:
Discounted Pre-Arrival Pricing on Domaine Dujac


Spanish Treasures, Just Arrived

New California Collectibles:
Hundred Acre, Eisele and Cliff Lede


Ends Soon!
Sequitur Chardonnay Subscriber Special


Just Arrived
Ciacci Piccolomini’s 100-Point Pianrosso!


The Best Price on the West Coast
For a Classic NW Value Chardonnay


Trending Wines

Torbreck’s Perfect, 100-Point RunRig Shiraz

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Subscriber Special:

Discounted Pre-Arrival Pricing on Domaine Dujac

“A vintage that will live in Burgundy folklore”


We don’t have to say too much about Dujac.  They’re undisputedly one of the top handful of producers of Burgundy and their collection of vineyards is impressive by any measure.  The wines are incredible—built to last and complex as the day is long.

The 2018 vintage represents a distinct triumph for Dujac—one that their winemaker described as “a vintage that will live in Burgundy folklore.” Powerful, deep and complex, they combine intensity with levity—there’s no shortage of brightness and vibrancy in these wines, despite their richness.  The best comparison is probably a 2009 merged with a 2005 (or 2015): these are wines that are surprisingly delicious now because of primary fruit but will clearly age for decades. Comparisons with the legendary 1947 vintage have been bandied about quite a bit, but we certainly weren’t around to taste those young, so we’ll take the Burgundians’ word for it.

Dujac is known primarily for their holdings in and around Morey-St. Denis, though recent years have seen them add new parcels to their domaine. These are some of the most sought after wines in the world and we’re proud we have such a large collection.

“This is clearly a very successful vintage chez Dujac, and it’s a very consistent portfolio in what is more generally a somewhat heterogeneous vintage. This is a deep and youthfully muscular set of wines….What is clear is that this is a serious vintage, built for the long haul despite its abundance of fruit, and the Dujac 2018s have the makings of very age-worthy wines” – William Kelley, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

“This will be a vintage that will live in Burgundy folklore.” – Jeremey Seysses, Winemaker (Dujac)


Sale prices are as listed – pre-order now for the best pricing!


Pre-Arrival ETA September

Domaine Dujac Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru 2018 750ML ($799.95) $699 Subscriber Special, only 2 bottles available
Domaine Dujac Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru 2018 1.5L ($1,799.95) $1,499 Subscriber Special, only 1 magnum available
Neal Martin-Vinous 95-97 points
“The 2018 Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru is blessed with one of my favorite aromatics from Dujac this year, featuring black cherries, raspberry, crushed stone and pressed iris flower, all quite restrained for a Bonnes-Mares but showing outstanding focus. The palate is medium-bodied with chalky tannins, a fine line of acidity and a strict and quite linear finish that lingers long in the mouth. Outstanding.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 94-96 points “Unfurling in the glass with a youthfully reserved bouquet of cassis, wild berries, rose petals, peonies and sweet soil tones, Dujac’s 2018 Bonnes-Mares Grand Cruis is full-bodied, lively and incisive, with a muscular and tight-knit core, racy acids and a long, chalky finish. As usual, this is one of the tightest-knit, most overtly mineral reds in the cellar, and it will demand patience.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Domaine Dujac Clos de la Roche Grand Cru 2018 750ML ($699.95) $579 Subscriber Special, only 9 bottles available
Decanter 97 points
“Diana Snowden-Seysses describes this as a ‘spectacular’ Clos de la Roche and no one who’s tasted the wine would accuse her of hyperbole. Bolder and more concentrated than Dujac’s Clos St Denis, this has impressive weight and fruit concentration, 75% whole bunches and 70% new wood. Plush, sweet and intense with notes of black tea and Asian spices.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 95-97 points “The 2018 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru is a beautiful young wine, built for the ages. Unwinding in the glass with aromas of cassis, cherries, rose petals, orange rind, woodsmoke, cinnamon and rich soil tones, it’s full-bodied, muscular and introverted, with prodigious concentration, lively acids and a long, ripely tannic finish. While I suspect my visit to Domaine Dujac coincided with an especially brooding evolutionary phase, this will be a Clos de la Roche for the patient.”
Neal Martin-Vinous 94-96 points “The 2018 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru is a different animal from the Clos Saint-Denis, offering sumptuous black cherries, kirsch, cassis and pressed violet aromas that burst from the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, more flesh and substance than the Clos Saint-Denis and a multifaceted, persistent, black-pepper-tinged finish that lingers tenderly.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Domaine Dujac Clos Saint-Denis Grand Cru 2018 750ML ($699.95) $579 Subscriber Special, only 5 bottles available
Decanter 98 points
“Right up there with the very best wines of the vintage in 2018, this is a beautifully refined expression of the domaine’s St Denis, extending to 1.17ha of this finest of Grands Crus. Everything about this wine is in the right place, with subtle 75% whole bunches, polished, nuanced tannins, thrilling minerality, fine, floral red berry sweetness and lingering minerality. The sort of thing every Pinot lover should cherish.”
Neal Martin-Vinous 95-97 points “The 2018 Clos Saint-Denis Grand Cru has a wonderful bouquet of blackberry, wild strawberry, crushed rocks/sandstone and touches of dried blood. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red fruit, brown spices and a slight charcoal-like note. Moderate depth, quite masculine in style, a little austerity on the finish… but that is what you want from a Clos Saint-Denis.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 95-97 points “The 2018 Clos Saint-Denis Grand Cru is also showing beautifully, bursting with aromas of raspberries, red cherries, cassis and raw cocoa that are complemented by fragrant top notes of orange rind, rose petals and violets. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, lively and elegant, with finer-grained tannins than the more overtly muscular Clos de la Roche, but with similar dimension and mid-palate presence, concluding with a long and perfumed finish.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Domaine Dujac Echezeaux Grand Cru 2018 750ML ($649.95) $549 Subscriber Special, only 5 bottles available
Neal Martin-Vinous 93-95 points
“The 2018 Echézeaux Grand Cru had been racked the day prior to my visit. That said, the bouquet is very well defined, offering black cherries, raspberry, rosemary and pressed rose petal aromas that blossom with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with quite firm tannins, good depth and precision, revealing bitter cherry and a touch of balsamic toward the finish. Very good potential.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 92-94+ points “The 2018 Echezeaux Grand Cru is a promising cuvée in the making, mingling aromas of dark berry fruit, cassis and cherries with notions of burning embers, dried flowers and dark chocolate. On the palate, it’s medium to full-bodied, broad and ripely tannic, with a layered and nicely concentrated core, lively acids, and a well-defined finish.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Domaine Dujac Vosne-Romanee Aux Malconsorts Premier Cru 2018 750ML ($669.95) $599 Subscriber Special, only 7 bottles available
Decanter 96 points
“Perfumed, refined and showing none of the firmness that Aux Malconsorts can exhibit in its youth, this is balanced, nuanced and spicy, with 75% whole bunches adding some freshness and texture, all framed by 70% new wood. Not a blockbuster wine by any means, but this has considerable class, poise and palate length with succulent red berry fruit to the fore.”
Neal Martin-Vinous 94-96 points “The 2018 Vosne-Romanée Aux Malconsorts 1er Cru has a perfumed, quite floral bouquet of blackberry, raspberry, black olive and oyster shells, all very well defined. The palate is medium-bodied with blackberry and cranberry fruit, tangible mineralité, a crunchy texture and fine backbone on the finish. This has the same symmetry and precision as the Beaux Monts but a little more persistence on the aftertaste.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 94-96 points “The fireworks begin in earnest with the 2018 Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru Aux Malconsorts, a brilliant young wine that bursts from the glass with aromas of cherries, red berries and exotic spices, complemented by delicate top notes of blood orange and peonies and framed by a deft touch of creamy new oak. On the palate,  it’s medium to full-bodied, supple and enveloping, with a deep and multidimensional core, lively acids and a long, resonant finish.”

Domaine Dujac Vosne-Romanee Beaux Monts Premier Cru 2018 750ML ($449.95) $379 Subscriber Special, only 6 bottles available
Decanter 95 points
“A wine that is both juicy and wonderfully hedonistic, this classy cuvée is fermented with 75% whole bunches and aged in 70% new wood. Comparatively pale in colour, but certainly not lacking in depth or palate weight, it has some tannic grip and subtle wood to complement the plush, palate-caressing fruit. Deliciously drinkable.”
Neal Martin-Vinous 94-96 points “The 2018 Vosne-Romanée Les Beaux Monts 1er Cru has a subtle Asian influence on the nose, offering well-defined aromas of hoisin and wet limestone. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins and a fine bead of acidity, quite saline in the mouth, with a sense of symmetry on the finish. Simply a class act.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 91-93 points “The 2018 Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru Les Beaux Monts exhibits a deep bouquet of cherries, plums, orange rind, smoked duck and spices, followed by a medium to full-bodied, supple palate that’s succulent and charming, framed by powdery but not unduly assertive tannins.”

Domaine Dujac Gevrey Combottes Premier Cru 2018 750ML ($399.95) $319 Subscriber Special, only 2 bottles available
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 92-94 points
“The 2018 Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Aux Combottes was showing especially well, soaring from the glass with a lovely bouquet of cassis, dark berry preserve, baking chocolate and peonies. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, supple and enveloping, with lively acids and a long, aromatic finish.”
Neal Martin-Vinous 91-93 points “The 2018 Gevrey-Chambertin Aux Combottes 1er Cru had not been racked or sulfured when I tasted it from barrel. It has a very pure black cherry, cassis and violet bouquet that seems to grow in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with svelte tannins, a grainy texture, impressive depth and a mineral-driven, slightly saline finish that lingers in the mouth.”

Domaine Dujac Morey St Denis 1er Cru Rouge 2018 750ML ($299.95) $235 Subscriber Special, only 3 bottles available
Decanter 94 points
“This well-priced blend of four Premiers Crus – Clos Sorbé, Millandes, Ruchots and Charrières – combined with some young vine Clos St Denis in 2018, always amounts to more than the sum of its parts. Spicy, textured and aromatic, with classic whole bunch notes of clove and fresh tobacco, succulent red berry fruit and beautifully judged filigree tannins.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 91-93 points “The 2018 Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru unwinds in the glass with aromas of sweet cherries and red berries mingled with nuances of rose petals, orange rind, cinnamon and forest floor. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, muscular and structured, with lively acids, fine concentration and a youthfully chalky finish.”
Neal Martin-Vinous 90-92 points “The 2018 Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru comes from Ruchots, Sorbets, Millandes and Charrières. It has a clean, precise bouquet of mineral-rich black fruit that is vivid and bright. The palate is medium-bodied with chalky tannins and a fine bead of acidity. A little compact at the moment; the aftertaste needs more persistence to complete this Premier Cru.”

Domaine Dujac Morey St Denis Aoc Rouge 2018 750ML ($149.95) $115 Subscriber Special, only 9 bottles available
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 89-91 points
“Wafting from the glass with an inviting bouquet of sweet red cherries, berries, orange rind and spices, the 2018 Morey-Saint-Denis Village is medium to full-bodied, supple and elegant, with powdery structuring tannins, fine concentration and a nicely defined finish.”
Neal Martin-Vinous 87-89 points “The 2018 Morey-Saint-Denis Village features bold blackberry and bilberry aromas that convey an attractive sense of energy. The palate has a pastille-like purity on the entry, fine acidity and a nicely structured, slightly ferrous finish. Enjoy over the next four or five years.”

Domaine Dujac Chambolle-Musigny 2018 750ML ($179.95) $129 Subscriber Special, only 12 bottles available
Decanter 93 points
“Rightly praised for the quality of their top wines, the Seysses family also know how to deliver very good quality further down the price and appellation scale. This village Chambolle is a case in point. It’s quite high in alcohol, but the 75% whole bunches bring some sap and freshness to the party, complementing the savoury red fruit flavours.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 89-91 points “The 2018 Chambolle-Musigny Village is also showing very well, exhibiting aromas of Griotte cherries, raspberries and blood orange, framed by a deft application of creamy new oak. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, succulent and youthfully structural, its ample chassis of surprisingly muscular but powdery tannin cloaked in succulent fruit. It’s promising, but based on this showing, it will also require patience.”
Neal Martin-Wine Advocate 89-91 points “The 2018 Chambolle-Musigny Village offers copious black cherry and bilberry on the very pure nose, along with gorgeous incense aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins and slightly chalky in texture, with a Morey-Saint-Denis–like structure toward the serious finish. Good potential.”

Domaine Dujac Morey-Saint-Denis Blanc 2018 750ML ($149.95) $99 Subscriber Special, only 3 bottles available
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 87-89 points
“Revealing generous aromas of pear, ripe lemons and bread dough, the 2018 Morey-Saint-Denis Blanc is medium-bodied, with a fleshy core of fruit tempered by good tension and grip, concluding with a chalky finish.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Domaine Dujac Morey-St. Denis Luisants Premier Cru Blanc 2018 750ML ($249.95) $179 Subscriber Special, only 3 bottles available
Decanter 95 points
“Picked early to retain acidity in 2018 – and showing a chiselled pH of 3.0 – this is a superb, almost vintage-defying expression of Morey-St-Denis’ greatest white wine vineyard. Fermented in 15% new wood, it’s taut, tangy and scalpel-sharp with wonderful crunch and focus and a chalky, wonderfully refreshing undertone.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 92-94 points “Aromas of citrus oil, white flowers, green apple and pastry cream preface the 2018 Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru Monts Luisants Blanc, a medium to full-bodied, chalky and incisive wine that’s racy and tensile. With a finished pH of less than 3.0, this certainly challenges preconceptions about the 2018 vintage.”

Domaine Dujac Puligny-Montrachet Combettes Premier Cru 2018 750ML ($359.95) $279 Subscriber Special, only 4 bottles available
Decanter 94 points
“The white wines can sometimes be overlooked at Domaine Dujac, such is the quality of the reds, but they shouldn’t be. This comes from a parcel of 50 to 70-year-old vines that was picked very early on August 29th. Beautifully balanced between freshness and concentration, it has 15% new wood, notes of cinnamon and vanilla spice and racy, stony acidity.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 92-94 points “The 2018 Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Combettes reveals attractive aromas of pear, orange oil, toasted hazelnuts and pastry cream. On the palate, it’s medium to full-bodied, with a richer, more textural and more concentrated profile than the Folatières, differences of both site and vine age being at play here.”
Neal Martin-Vinous 91-93 points “The 2018 Puligny-Montrachet Les Combettes 1er Cru comes from vines in excess of 50 years old. It has an attractive bouquet of dew-dappled green apple, grass clippings and limestone aromas that gently unfold in the glass. The palate is fresh and energetic, showing more tension and nerve than the Folatières, with a captivating saline finish. Excellent.”

Domaine Dujac Puligny-Montrachet Les Folatieres Premier Cru 2018 750ML ($249.95) $199 Subscriber Special, only 4 bottles available
Domaine Dujac Puligny-Montrachet Les Folatieres Premier Cru 2018 1.5L ($579.95) $459 Subscriber Special, only 1 magnum available
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 91-93 points
“The 2018 Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Folatières was showing well, wafting from the glass with aromas of pear, citrus oil, nutmeg and warm pastry, followed by a medium to full-bodied, racy and nicely defined palate that’s long and intense.”
Neal Martin-Vinous 89-91 points “The 2018 Puligny-Montrachet Les Folatières 1er Cru contains around two-thirds young vines and one-third 20- to 30-year-old vines. It has a pleasant green apple and orange pith bouquet, although it lacks the penetration of the 2017 tasted a year earlier. The palate is taut and fresh, with citrus lemon and a lovely saline note that defines the final half. Not an overly complex Folatières, but it will give pleasure over the next decade, possibly more.”
 
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Spanish Treasures 

Just Arrived, In Stock Now!


The Toro region of Spain has been famous for centuries. Its rich, robust Tempranillos are loaded with complexity, in part because of the dramatic temperature swings during the scorching summer days and frigid evenings in the high elevation vineyards. Despite the fame and the obvious appeal to modern day drinkers, like most Spanish regions, the wines still fly under the radar and thus are insane values. Consider the flagship eponymous wine from Bodegas San Roman. Despite the famed founding winemaker, despite the consistent high praise, despite the knife-edge balance, this wine is just $40. Try to find a bargain like that in Napa.

“I have been absolutely enchanted by this wine since I first tried it while in graduate school more than a decade ago. The combination of richness and poise was just amazing to me. The wine can be quite powerful but maintains an amazing sense of balance and terroir. Simply put, it is one of the great wines of the world.” –Dr. Owen Bargreen, Washington Wine Blog

(Maurodos) Bodegas San Roman, Toro 2013 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
Stephen Tanzer-Vinous 93 points
“(aged for two years in 75 percent French and 25 percent American oak barrels, half of them new) Inky purple. Heady cherry, dark berry, vanilla and violet pastille qualities on the oak-accented nose. At once rich and energetic; a firm spine of acidity provides lift to sweet cassis, blueberry and vanilla flavors. Closes with youthful tannic grip and impressive persistence, leaving dark berry and licorice candy notes behind.”
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2013 San Román was produced with fruit from older vineyards in Toro. In 2012 they started reducing the amount of the new oak in this wine and the change is quite noticeable. There is something leafy and floral showing elegance within the power that the place provides naturally. 2013 was quite different in Toro from Ribera del Duero, here the cooler years are a plus, as they balance the extra ripeness the place provides. In 2013 there was no rain during the harvest and the grapes were very healthy. There are some fine tannins and the profile of a more austere and transparent vintage, a mineral year. But it does have the smokey and slightly wild character of Toro. 87,000 bottles produced.”

Speaking of under-appreciated Spanish wines, don’t miss the Tirant from Rotllan, also just arrived!

“Jordi Rotllan Torra was one of the pioneers of Priorat having founded this small estate in 1984, long before this now fashionable wine region became world renowned.” –Robert Parker

Rotllan Torra Tirant, Priorat DOCa 2001 750ML ($99.95) $69 special
Robert Parker 96-98 points
“A prodigious effort, the 2001 Tirant is a 9,000-bottle cuvee made from 30% Grenache (90-100 years old), 25% Carignan (90-100 years old), 25% young vine Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Syrah, and 10% Merlot. Fermented in large oak foudres and aged 12 months in new French oak, it will be bottled with neither fining nor filtration. Inky/purple-colored to the rim, it boasts a spectacular bouquet of blueberries, blackberries, and the region’s classic crushed stone minerality. This full-throttle yet remarkably elegant 2001 possesses tremendous intensity and texture as well as layers of flavor, but comes across as not over the top, overripe, or overly heavy. The 60-second finish reveals more noticeable tannin than the other cuvees. Give it 1-2 years of cellaring and drink it over the following 10-15. The 2001 Tirant is indeed a special wine.”
 
 
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New California Collectibles:

Hundred Acre, Eisele and Cliff Lede
 
We’ve received new stock on three absolutely classic California bottlings: Hundred Acre’s Wraith Cabernet, Cliff Lede’s Poetry Cabernet and Eisele Vineyard’s Sauvignon Blanc. All three have special prices for you, our email list subscribers, two of which are so low we can’t list them online. All three wines just arrived and are in stock, perfect for delivery to your cellar door.

Discounted price will not display online–we will adjust before finalizing your order
Hundred Acre ‘Wraith’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2013 750ML ($599.95) Displayed price $549, Subscriber price $499
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 100 points
“Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Wraith leaps from the glass with gregarious black and red cherries, mulberries, black currant cordial, red roses and lavender scents with layers of crushed rocks and earthy sparks. Faint earth and exotic spice nuances unfurl slowly, growing in intensity and depth. The palate is full-bodied and solidly structured with firm, very finely grained, super ripe tannins and bold freshness. Finishing exquisitely perfumed, jaw-droppingly layered and with bags of sophistication and poise, this wine totally resets the benchmark for 100 points.”

Discounted price will not display online–we will adjust before finalizing your order
Eisele Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley 2018 750ML ($119.95) Displayed price $99, Subscriber price $89
Case-3 Eisele Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley 2018 750ML ($349.95) Displayed price $285, Subscriber price $255 (that’s only $85/bottle!)
James Suckling 97 points
“Sliced apples and limes on the nose with grassy and chamomile notes. But then it turns to honeysuckle, chalk and minerals. Full-bodied with papaya, sliced-pear and green-pineapple flavors. Tight and fresh at the end. Crunchy acidity. Solid density. Energetic finish. Drink now or hold.”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 94+ points “Already bottled, the 2018 Sauvignon Blanc bursts from the glass with energetic notes of fresh grapefruit, lime leaves, green apples and orange blossoms with wafts of dill seed and white pepper. Medium-bodied, the palate is practically electric with vibrant citrus and apple flavors and a wonderfully spicy background, finishing fantastically long, minerally and refreshing.”

This is the lowest price in the USA today!

Subscriber Special price valid until Sunday, August 30th at 6PM
Cliff Lede Vineyards Poetry Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap District 2016 750ML ($299.95) Was $249, Now $219 Subscriber Special
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 99+ points
“A blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, 6% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Poetry needs a little coaxing to begin to unfurl the tightly wound yet exciting scents of blackcurrant cordial, blackberry preserves, warm redcurrants and kirsch plus fragrant nuances of candied violets, underbrush, cigar boxes, menthol and star anise. Full-bodied and built like a brick house in the mouth, the palate features an almost impenetrable structure of super ripe tannins framing the taut, muscular fruit, finishing long. This beauty needs at least 5-6 years to begin to blossom, after which it may well warrant a perfect score.”
Jeb Dunnuck 99 points “Similarly colored, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Poetry comes from shallow, volcanic soils in the Stags Leap AVA and is a blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, 6% Merlot, and 2% Petit Verdot. It offers killer notes of crème de cassis, black raspberries, toasted spices, vanilla, and exotic flowers. These carry to a profound, incredibly intense, layered wine that has no hard edges, perfect balance, building tannins, and a great, great finish. This is another magical wine from this team that ranks with some of the finest wines ever made from this valley. As with most 2016s, it has some upfront charm and accessibility, yet will be at its best with 4-6 years of bottle age and will keep for 3-4 decades.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!

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Have Wine Ready to Pick Up?

Stop by our shop 10 am – 6 pm daily
Feel free to call ahead before you arrive or for curbside service:


#503-223-6002



(You’ll help free up some space for your next order!)

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Ending Soon!

Sequitur Chardonnay Subscriber Special

Mike Etzel, the founder and winemaker of Sequitur, is a living legend in the Willamette Valley.  He co-founded Beaux Freres in the late 80’s and was the winemaker there until recently passing the duties to his son.  Never one to rest on his laurels or stay still, though, he began planting a vineyard adjacent to Beaux Freres in 2010—a project that became what we know as Sequitur.

The winemaking style is exactly what you’d expect—these are wines that are made by the same hand that delivered so many high scores to Beaux Freres (though his son, Mikey, is the day-to-day winemaker). Big, powerful and bold, these nevertheless have energy and grace that we think comes from the extra-attentive farming and unique clonal selection in the vineyard.  In short order, they’ve established themselves as one of the very best producers in the Willamette Valley and deserve your attention as such.

Sequitur Subscriber Special Pricing Ends Sunday, August 30th at 10AM

Sequitur Chardonnay, Ribbon Ridge 2018 750ML ($89.95), Was $69, Now $59 Subscriber Special
Winery Note
“The 2018 growing season was warm and dry, resulting in yet another remarkable vintage on Ribbon Ridge. Towards the end of the summer, just before harvest, Jack was born. With the arrival of our first grandchild, we felt for the first time the presence of a new generation on the farm, reminding us of the cycle of renewal and growth. This vintage has the bright freshness of new breath—we hope you enjoy it! “

This was the lowest listed price in the USA today,
Now it’s even lower!

Sequitur Chardonnay, Ribbon Ridge 2017 750ML ($89.95), Was $69, Now $59 Subscriber Special
Erin Brooks – Wine Advocate 92+ points
“The 2017 Sequitur Chardonnay was aged mainly in amphorae this vintage. It opens with fresh scents of poached pears, baked apples, honey and hazelnuts with notes of chamomile, crème fraîche and lemon peel with an undercurrent of crushed stone. Medium-bodied, it fleshes out in the mouth with honey-nut accents, seamlessly integrated acidity and a long, honeyed finish. This is a more open-knit style of Chardonnay compared to the mineral-driven version from Beaux Frères.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Sequitur Chardonnay, Ribbon Ridge 2016 750ML ($89.95), Was $69, Now $59 Subscriber Special
Wine Advocate 93+ points
“The 2016 Sequitur Chardonnay has a gregarious nose of spiced, baked yellow apples and warm pineapple with notes of toast, honey, hazelnut and hay. Medium to full-bodied, it fills the mouth with warm orchard and tropical fruits accented by nuances of baking spice, nuts and honey, with a touch of creaminess to the texture, juicy acidity and a long, mineral-laced finish. 85 cases produced.”

This was the lowest listed price in the USA today,
Now it’s even lower!

Sequitur Chardonnay, Ribbon Ridge 2015 750ML ($89.95), Was $69, Now $59 Subscriber Special
Wine Advocate 94+ points
“The 2015 Sequitur Chardonnay delivers toasted almonds, baker’s yeast, fresh ginger and coriander seed on the nose with a core of grapefruit, white peaches and spiced apples. Light to medium-bodied, it gives a great intensity of savory flavor layers intermingled with stone fruit and citrus notions, finishing long with great freshness and mineral notes.”

This was the lowest listed price in the USA today,
Now it’s even lower!

Sequitur Subscriber Special Pricing Ends Sunday, August 30th at 10AM

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Vinopolis Wine Shop Curbside Pick Up

Don’t want to stop in?

Order Online / By Phone / By Email


When you’re ready to pick up, just park in our lot,
give us a call, & we’ll bring your order to your car. 


(If another adult is picking up for you, please let us know
their name when placing your order.)


#503-223-6002
 
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Just Arrived

Ciacci Piccolomini’s 100-Point Pianrosso!


Ciacci Piccolomini is one of Italy’s most celebrated producers.  Much of their success can be directly attributed to their 35 hectares of holdings.  Not only are they located in the heart of Castelnuovo dell’Abate, one of Tuscany’s most prized zones, but the estate is a member of ‘Lotta Integrata’, an EU based movement that promotes responsible viticulture.  Combine some of Tuscany’s best fruit with world-class winemaking, and it’s no surprise that James Suckling awarded the 2015 a perfect 100 point score.

Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona Pianrosso, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2015 750ML ($149.95) $119 special
James Suckling 100 points
“Lots of ripe and rich fruit with a decadent undertone of meat and spice that turns to pure fruit and licorice. Medium to full body, refined tannins and a fresh and bright finish. All about harmony. Better after 2021.”
Kerin O’Keefe-Wine Enthusiast 98 points “Cellar Selection. Intense aromas of berry, iris, underbrush, botanical herb and camphor shape the enticing nose. Firmly structured, the taut, full-bodied palate offers juicy black cherry, raspberry, licorice and tobacco set against tightly knit, fine-grained tannins. Drink 2025–2035.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 96 points “The Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso is distinguished by a unique aromatic profile that brings out mineral notes of crushed limestone or chalk. This adds a greater sense of focus and delineation that not only characterizes the bouquet but also applies to the way the wine hits the palate in a fuller and more determined way (compared to the slightly softer classic Brunello). Instead, this single-vineyard Brunello shows an upright and direct approach with soft salinity on the close followed by forest fruit, spice and medicinal herb. The mouthfeel makes a big impact thanks to its streamlined and polished texture. Some 37,000 bottles were released in January 2020.”

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The Best Price on the West Coast

For a Classic NW Value Chardonnay


Just Arrived, In Stock Now:

Chateau Ste. Michelle Chardonnay, Columbia Valley 2018 750ML ($14.95) $9.50 special
Case-12 Chateau Ste. Michelle Chardonnay, Columbia Valley 2018 750ML ($149.95) $99 special (that’s only $8.25/bottle!)
Winery Note
“Our Columbia Valley Chardonnay is a food-friendly wine. It is crafted in a fresh, soft style with bright apple and sweet citrus fruit character with subtle spice and oak nuances. We blend Chardonnay grapes from vineyards throughout Washington’s Columbia Valley to make this a complex and interesting wine. Cheers!”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!

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Trending Wines

From a vineyard that’s only separated from Seven Spring by a one lane road, this is a gem for the price.
Vincent Pinot Noir Bjornson Vineyard, Eola-Amity Hills 2017 750ML ($44.95) $34.50 special
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 93 points
“Brilliant red. Highly expressive aromas of fresh red fruits, potpourri, exotic spices and candied rose, along with a hint of smoky minerality. Juicy and seamless in texture, offering penetrating raspberry, bitter cherry and spicecake flavors that show fine definition and back-end lift. Intensely flavored and finely delineated, with an impressively long, perfumed finish that delivers firm mineral cut and resonating florality.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Boscarelli’s 2016 Vino Nobile, the product of that legendary vintage, is drinking beautifully today, even as it sheds its baby fat.  But the wine is also structured and complex, a sure sign that it will age beautifully.
Boscarelli Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG, Tuscany 2016 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
Case-12 Boscarelli Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG, Tuscany 2016 750ML ($519.95) $419 special (that’s only $34.92/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 94 points
“Expressive and harmonious, this red exhibits cherry, blackberry, violet and mineral aromas and flavors. Pure and elegant, with an underlying tension and intensity that drives the lingering aftertaste of fruit, stone and earth, showing a hint of wild herbs. Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Mammolo and Colorino. Best from 2022 through 2038. 4,200 cases made, 800 cases imported.”
Decanter 94 points “Niccolò and Luca De Ferrari assemble their Riserva from the estate’s oldest vines, essentially 3 or 4 parcels that are more than 20 years old. For ageing, they have moved to slightly larger and used casks in order to preserve freshness and grace. The 2016 is indeed deftly proportioned and refined, though with a firm and muscular backbone. It opens with balsamic notes of cedar and rosemary on a backdrop of strawberry. Nuances of mint and leather chime in on the palate, which is layered with succulent fruit. Full, without being heavy, this will take time to reveal all of its charms.”
Wine Enthusiast 94 points “Editor’s Choice. Wild berry, blue flower, crushed herb, camphor and a whiff of tobacco mingle together on this vibrant red. Made with 85% Sangiovese as well as Canaiolo, Colorino and Mammolo, the radiant palate is loaded with finesse, delivering raspberry compote, Marasca cherry, licorice and Asian spice. Elegant, fine-grained tannins provide the framework while bright acidity keeps it balanced. Drink 2021–2031.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

Utterly classic Chinon, with some bottle age
Olga Raffault Chinon Les Picasses, Loire 2008 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
Winery Library Release!
Jason Wilson-Vinous 92 points
“Light ruby in color, bright and fresh, featuring aromas and flavors of tomatoes and cherries throughout. Balanced and cool, with a hint of dark minerality on the finish. Incredibly fresh and seamless. Has a long life ahead. Aged one year in foudre. Drink 2020 – 2030.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

A great value Sangiovese from the family that owns Felsina.
Podere La Berta Sangiovese di Romagna, Emilia-Romagna 2018 750ML ($17.95) $14 special
Eric Guido-Vinous 90 points
“The 2018 Podere La Berta Romagna Sangiovese shows moist earth notes and minerals, plus hints of young strawberry, bell pepper and dusty florals. It finishes medium in length and remarkably fresh, while still resonating on fruit purity and hints of subtle spice.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!

A stunning single-vineyard Garnacha from one of Spain’s new-wave masters.
Vina Zorzal Malayeto, Navarra 2018 750ml ($29.95) $26 special
Luis Gutierrez – Wine Advocate 94 points
“The really impressive and mineral 2018 Malayeto was produced with Garnacha from a single vineyard that produces wine of unusual elegance and minerality. This was the first plot they bottled separately, and this 2018 is the sixth vintage they have produced. It’s a 2.9-hectare plot planted 40 years ago, on the same slope as Corral de los Altos but at a higher altitude and therefore with different soils, surprisingly deep but with lots of calcium carbonate and fine gravel. This fermented in a combination of stainless steel and concrete with indigenous yeasts and matured in a 4,000-liter oak foudre and nine used 500-liter oak barrels for nine months. This wine clearly transcends its price. It’s serious but started quite shy and needed time to open up (it’s extremely young and just bottled), but there is great purity and detail, and it’s elegant and balanced, extremely harmonious. The palate is incredibly elegant, seamless, balanced, with very fine tannins, great integration of the oak and very good freshness, with citrus-like freshness (think blood orange skin). Most of the time, this is my go-to wine in Zorzal’s portfolio, a wine of great finesse in its finest vintage to date.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!

One of the most impressive bottlings out of the Willamette Valley in ’17
Goodfellow Family Cellars Long Acre Whistling Ridge Pinot Noir 2017 750ML ($59.95) $45 special
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 95 points
“Brilliant magenta. Vibrant, highly perfumed red fruit, exotic spice and floral pastille aromas show outstanding clarity, and a zesty mineral overtone builds in the glass. Lithe and sharply focused on the palate, offering penetrating raspberry, bitter cherry, spicecake and blood orange flavors that become sweeter as the wine opens up. Juicy, pure and precise, finishing with sharp focus and sneaky, slowly building tannins that add framework and final grip.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

A standout in the (excellent) 2018 Beaujolais vintage.
Pierre-Marie Chermette Domaine du Vissoux Fleurie les Garants, Beaujolais 2018 750ML ($39.95) $31.90 special
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 93 points
“Chermette’s 2018 Fleurie Les Garants delivers a striking bouquet of raspberries, peonies, warm spices and candied peel, followed by a medium to full-bodied, satiny but incisive palate that remains lively and tensile, despite its abundant endowment of ripe, succulent fruit. Elegant and precise, this is one of the high points of the portfolio.”

Mineral, bright and serious, from a winery that’s near and dear to the heart of our staff.
Championship Bottle “Silicone On Sapphire” White, Willamette Valley 2018 750ML ($34.95) $27 special
Winery note
“A remix of a Friuli-style blend. This might be the singular wine that embodies what we hope to accomplish—more proof that the native tongue of the Willamette Valley has a Furlan accent. It’s inspired by the tradition of blended white wines from that corner of Italy and is composed of 26% Ribolla Gialla, 8% Tocai Friulano, and 33% each Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay.  This was done partially for practical reasons (there are a total of one and a quarter rows of the Ribolla/Friulano at Omero Vineyard) and partially because both grapes do so well as blending components.  Ribolla has an austerity to it that provides structure and spine, while Friulano is blessed with beautiful fruit but lacks some acidity.  Pinot Blanc seemed to heighten those grapes’ characteristics and Chard provided a beautiful background texture.”

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Torbreck’s Perfect, 100-Point RunRig Shiraz

Torbreck is one of the truly iconic Australian producers.  Producing wines at every price-point, they’re known in their native land for their “Run Rig” Shiraz—a towering bottling that sits with Penfold’s Grange and Henschke’s Hill of Grace as one of the best wines made in any given vintage.  The 2016 is one of the best iterations yet, a Wine Advocate 100-pointer that combines the raw power of the Barossa with enough polish to take the wine into transcendent realms.  Our limited allocation just arrived, but likely won’t last long.


Just Arrived, In Stock Now:

Torbreck RunRig Shiraz – Viognier, Barossa Valley 2016 750ML ($219.95) $189 special
Wine Advocate 100 points
“A blend of 98% Shiraz and 2% Viognier made just prior to bottling, the 2016 RunRig is a complete masterpiece. It kicks off with elegant notes of pencil shavings accenting blueberries and blackberries on the nose, then shows incredible, palate-staining intensity of fruit in the mouth. It’s full-bodied, plush and velvety without being unstructured and manages to be fruit-forward yet savory on the long-lasting finish, where it picks up hints of mocha and black olives. This should be drinkable with pleasure throughout its entire two-decade life (it may live longer from cold cellars or in larger formats), but if I were lucky enough to have a bottle or two, I’d try the first one about 10 years out.”
 
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Thanks for reading!
 



Midweek VinopolPick 8-26-20

In Today’s Newsletter:

German Icons Subscriber Special
Peter Lauer & J Christoffel Jr


Trending: Saint Cosme
Newly Arrived & Arriving Friday


A New Great Review
For a Piedmont Value Favorite


Featured New Arrival:
Vincent Wine Company
Willamette Pinots With “A Devoted Cult Following”


Oregon Case Specials

 
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German Icons Subscriber Special

Peter Lauer & J Christoffel Jr


5% Off Any Mix of 6-11 Peter Lauer and/or J. Christoffel Jr bottles
10% Off Any Mix of 12+ Peter Lauer and/or J. Christoffel Jr bottles
Peter Lauer and/or J. Christoffel Jr Subscriber Special only valid on in-stock wines
Subscriber Special Discount Will Not Display Online
We Will Manually Adjust Your Order Before Finalizing It
Discount Valid Until Friday, August 28th at 6 PM



Peter Lauer

If aren’t familiar with the Lauer wines, you owe it to yourself to try them. All of the wines featured today come from the Ayler Kupp vineyard, which is located in the Saar valley, near the Mosel.  There are a bunch of single-parcel wines, which are fermented down as far as the wine naturally wants to go, that carry the name of the specific part of the vineyard on them—and these are the ones that you should try to see the full glory of dry and just-off-dry Riesling from the Saar.

They also make some traditional Kabinett and Spatlese, as well as a wine called “Senior” that’s made in the style that Florian’s grandfather loved to drink.  All the wines have a Fass (cask) number on them, which should give you an idea on how much of this wine is made (not a lot).

“At Lauer, the focus is on dry-tasting Rieslings as opposed to the residual sugar wines of [Egon Müller and Zilliken]. Employing natural-yeast fermentations, Lauer’s wines find their own balance. They tend to be more textural, deeper and more masculine. They have a preternatural sense of balance, an energy that is singular. Yet the hallmarks of the Saar are there: purity, precision, rigor, mineral.” – Vom Boden

Peter Lauer Ayler Kupp Fass 2 Riesling Extra Trocken 2017 750ML ($31.95) $26 Displayed Price, that’s $24.70 at 5% off and $23.40 at 10% off!
Stuart Pigott 91-92 points
“Although this is a serious Saar riesling for the acid hounds, it has plenty of smoky and candied-citrus character. Generous substance, too. Better from 2019.”
John Gilman 90 points “The 2017 vintage of Faß 2 comes in at 12.5 percent octane and is quite dry, as mentioned above, at just over one gram of sugar. The wine is youthful, but shows lovely promise, with the nose wafting from the glass in a mix of pink grapefruit, orange peel, plenty of smokiness, a fine base of slate, wild yeasts and a nice hint of Saar herb tones in the upper register. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied, racy and nascently complex, with great focus, cut and grip and a long, poised and perfectly balanced finish. This will need a year or two longer in the cellar to start to stir than the 2018 version, but it too is going to be an excellent bargain. 2023-2055. 90.”

This was the lowest listed price in the USA today,
Now it’s even lower!

Peter Lauer Fass 8 Ayler Kupp Riesling Kabinett 2017 750ML ($34.95) $28 Displayed Price, that’s $26.60 at 5% off and $25.20 at 10% off!
Mosel Fine Wines 93 points
“The 2017er Ayler Kupp Kabinett Fass 8 was made from fruit harvested at a comparatively low 80° Oechsle on the original Kupp hill. It offers a superb nose of candied grapefruit, lemon zest, cassis, white flowers and chalky minerals, all wrapped into some residual scents from its spontaneous fermentation. The wine develops the presence of a beautiful Spätlese but with the light-footed and focused structure of a Kabinett on the palate. The finish is vibrant, pure, precise, fruit-driven and above all incredibly persistent and deliciously fruity and tart. This stunning expression of fruity Riesling will prove irresistible at maturity. 2027-2042.”
Stuart Pigott 92 points “A strong Kabinett but also a very vibrant one. This has wonderful lemony freshness at the long finish. A great wine for spicy food. Drink now or in 2019 and 2020.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Peter Lauer ‘Kern’ Ayler Kupp Fass 9 Riesling 2017 750ML ($49.95) $39 Displayed Price, that’s $37.05 at 5% off and $35.10 at 10% off!
Stuart Pigott 94 points
“Tropical and creamy, but it also shows a very firm core — Kern means core in German. This is another stunningly original wine from Peter Lauer. A lot of power at the finish. Drink or hold.”
Mosel Fine Wines 93 points “The 2017er Kern Fass 9 comes from old vines in a prime south-west-facing part of the original Ayler Kupp hill situated well into the side valley and was fermented down to almost fruity levels (40 g/l of residual sugar). It offers a delicately vibrant nose of candied grapefruit, cassis, lemon zest, ginger and fine herbs. The wine is beautifully focused and just fruity-styled on the palate and leaves a vibrant feel of zesty acidity and bitter lemon in the long and delicately tart finish. This is a beautiful expression of fully off-dry tasting Riesling in the making! 2022-2032.”

This was the lowest listed price in the USA today,
Now it’s even lower!

Peter Lauer ‘Neuenberg’ Fass 17 Riesling 2017 750ML ($59.95) $46 Displayed Price, that’s $43.70 at 5% off and $41.40 at 10% off!
Wine Advocate 94 points
“Florian Lauer’s 2017 Ayler Kupp Neuenberg Riesling Fass 17 is very clear and intense yet subtle and finely mineral on the elegant, fruity, well-defined nose. Round and textured on the palate, with a certain creaminess and melodiousness, this is an intense and mouth-filling yet vital and persistent classic Riesling that is neither too dry nor too sweet and comes along with remarkable finesse, mineral tension and complexity. Still too young but already very promising. Tasted in June 2019.”
John Gilman 93+ points “Happily, there was the 2017 Neuenberg sitting there ready to sample and it was really singing for such a young wine. This wine comes in at twelve percent alcohol and is very, very promising on both the nose and palate, albeit still properly reserved at such a young age. The bouquet delivers scents of lemon, grapefruit, tart peach, salty slate minerality, white flowers and lemongrass. On the palate the wine is crisp, medium-full and very refined, with an excellent core, great soil signature, impeccable focus and balance and a long, nascently complex and classy finish. First class juice. 2024-2065. 93+.”
Stuart Pigott 93-94 points “Still a bit compact and monolithic, but there’s excellent ripeness. A long finish with cool, wet stones and lemons. Better from 2019, but it also shows long-term aging potential.”
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 92-93 points “The 2017 Ayler Kupp Neuenberg Riesling “Fass 17″ offers a deep, pure and flinty bouquet with floral and stony aromas and beautiful mineral freshness. Piquant and lush on the palate, this is a light to medium-bodied, very pure and mineral Riesling with refreshing acidity. The wine has a stimulatingly grippy finish with lush tropical fruit in the aftertaste. Excellent. Tasted March 2018.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!


Jos. Christoffel Jr.

The Jos. Christoffel Jr. winery was related by marriage to the Prum family.  (Alas, last year Marcus Molitor purchased the winery and their holdings, so we have to use the past tense.) They were a wonderful middle Mosel estate, run by Karl Josef Christoffel, that made very traditional wines and sold them for incredibly reasonable prices.  The Christoffel estate’s winery in Ürzig dates back to the 12th century. Although the family didn’t begin making wines here for another six centuries, their skill and reputation today exceed most others along the Mosel. All the wines here were fermented with natural yeasts and aged in the traditional 1000L Fuder casks.  The resulting wines are complex and incredibly age-worthy, but like most Mosel Riesling, delicious today.

Among Riesling lovers, Christoffel Jr was best known for their luscious Auslesen (and Spatlesen) from the Erdener Pralat, Treppchen and Urziger Wurzgarten.  Combining beautiful, exotic fruit with zesty acidity and profound age-worthiness, they’re steals even at our normal low pricing.  Until close on Friday night, they’re even better.

Weingut Jos. Christoffel Jr. Christoffel-Prum Erdener Pralat Riesling Auslese*** 2014 750ML ($59.95) $33 Displayed Price, that’s $31.35 at 5% off and $29.70 at 10% off!
VinopolNote:
Erderner Prälat occupies a mere 2.2 hectares. Entirely south-facing, the vineyard is surrounded by cliffs which insulate the vines – as a result, Prälat is one of the warmest plots in the region. Over time, it has also become one of the most sought-after vineyards. Given the limited space, only a few winemakers have access to the vineyard.

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Weingut Jos. Christoffel Jr. Christoffel-Prum Erdener Pralat Riesling Auslese *** 2016 750ML ($67.95) $46 Displayed Price, that’s $43.70 at 5% off and $41.40 at 10% off!
David Schildknecht-Vinous 92 points
“In his enthusiasm, Kajo Christoffel makes no attempt to disguise the fact that this “three-star” offering is his favorite wine of the vintage. And atypically, here Prälat delivers animation and primary juiciness comparable to what was observed in the same collection’s wines from Würzgarten or Treppchen. A decadent, musky, heady perfume of lily, narcissus and peony shares aromatic billing with glazed pineapple, candied orange peel, marzipan and green herbal essences. The creamy, glossy palate delivers a delectable corresponding layering of flavors and features enough fresh citrus juiciness to animatingly counteract the wine’s strong sheer sweetness. Licorice and vanilla add to the diversity of a lusciously and soothingly lingering finish.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Weingut Jos. Christoffel Jr. Christoffel-Prum Erdener Treppchen Riesling Kabinett 2016 750ML ($34.95) $27 Displayed Price, that’s $25.65 at 5% off and $24.30 at 10% off!
Mosel Fine Wines 91 points
“This offers a beautiful nose of pear, citrusy fruits, brown sugar and herbs. The wine proves quite racy on the palate as lively acidity provides the frame to fresh and zesty fruits. The finish is refreshingly tart, with a nice salty side. Still a bit wild, the wine will gain in presence and elegance at maturity. 2023-2036.”
David Schildknecht-Vinous 90 points “Alluring, site-typical scents of lemongrass, sassafras and tangerine set the stage for a lusciously juicy, invigoratingly tangy, zesty palate impression. The finish is unabashedly sweet but so brightly juicy that it refreshes and calls forth the next sip. The vintage’s A.P. #1, this represents its first-picked fruit. But even then, we’re talking mid-October, so early picking goes only a little way toward explaining the modest degrees Oechsle on which this alcoholically featherweight bottling is founded. The vines themselves and how they are handled – certainly including the yields Christoffel permits – are important factors.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Weingut Jos. Christoffel Jr. Christoffel-Prum Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Beerenauslese 2005 375ML ($89.95) $69 Displayed Price, that’s $65.55 at 5% off and $62.10 at 10% off!
Weingut Jos. Christoffel Jr. Christoffel-Prum Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Beerenauslese 2005 750ML ($179.95) $133 Displayed Price, that’s $126.35 at 5% off and $119.70 at 10% off!
2005 Vintage: Wine Spectator 98 points
“Lush, ripe Rieslings at all quality levels; acidity, though low in some, balances richness in most.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Weingut Jos. Christoffel Jr. Christoffel-Prum Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Auslese *** 2006 750ML ($59.95) $39 Displayed Price, that’s $37.05 at 5% off and $35.10 at 10% off!

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Weingut Jos. Christoffel Jr. Christoffel-Prum Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Auslese *** 2014 750ML ($59.95) $33 Displayed Price, that’s $31.35 at 5% off and $29.70 at 10% off!
Importer note
: The Christoffel family in Ürzig, is related by marriage to the Prüm family in Wehlen. The estate is run by Karl Josef Christoffel (KaJo) has an extensive library of well-aged wines. All wines are fermented in the traditional 1000 Liter barrels with the natural yeast. This gives the wines a great aging potential.

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Weingut Jos. Christoffel Jr. Christoffel-Prum Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Spatlese 2015 750ML ($39.95) $24 Displayed Price, that’s $22.80 at 5% off and $21.60 at 10% off!
Mosel Fine Wines 92+ points
“A rather restrained nose hints at more than exhibits some delicate flowers, smoke and a touch of toffee at first. The wine develops more presence and intensity on the juicy palate as juicy yellow peach comes through. The finish proves juicy as grapefruit acidity brings focus and adds depth and freshness in the after-taste. There is plenty of upside potential in this Auslese in disguise. 2025-2045”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Weingut Jos. Christoffel Jr. Christoffel-Prum Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Spatlese 2014 750ML ($34.95) $21.90 Displayed Price, that’s $20.81 at 5% off and $19.71 at 10% off!
VinopolNote
on Urziger Wurzgarten: The Urziger Wurzgarten, or ‘spice garden’ is an intensely steep, iron-rich red slate vineyard. Though it’s located right next to the Erdener vineyards, the Ürziger wines are vastly different: the volcanic soils and favorable drainage lead to an earthy, spice-laden, tropical fruit-tinged wine.

This is the only listing in the USA today!

5% Off Any Mix of 6-11 Peter Lauer and/or J. Christoffel Jr bottles
10% Off Any Mix of 12+ Peter Lauer and/or J. Christoffel Jr bottles
Peter Lauer and/or J. Christoffel Jr Subscriber Special only valid on in-stock wines
Subscriber Special Discount Will Not Display Online
We Will Manually Adjust Your Order Before Finalizing It
Discount Valid Until Friday, August 28th at 6 PM

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Trending

Saint Cosme

Newly Arrived & Arriving Friday



Saint Cosme’s 2018 Gigondas
 
“largely plush, sumptuous wines, many of which are delicious already.” – Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate, on the 2018 vintage in the Southern Rhone

“For me, 2018 is a top vintage. The tannins are long and deep.” – Marc Perrin, Perrin Famille/Château de Beaucastel

Saint Cosme is one of the notable estates of the Southern Rhone. Louis Barroul is a talented winemaker and is the 14th generation of his family to make wines in the domaine that was founded in the 1500’s. The wines he makes are rich and powerful, with undeniable terroir signatures.  To highlight these varying terroirs, the estate bottles a handful of single vineyard Gigondas which are the most interesting and coveted wines in the portfolio.

The 2018’s are some of the best wines they’ve yet made.  The Valbelle cuvee is gone—blended in to the base level Gigondas.  The remaining single vineyards are stunning.  From the “best of everything” Hominis Fides to the more elegant Le Claux or the richer, more powerful Le Poste, these are a world-beating set of wine—at fantastic, best in country pricing.  If past is precedent, these will sell out quickly, so secure your wines immediately.

Newly Arrived from Chateau de Saint Cosme:

Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas Hominis Fides, Rhone 2018 750ML ($119.95) $99 special, 14 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 95-97 points
“A step up, the 2018 Gigondas Hominis Fides offers slightly more mid-palate depth and richness as well as full body, ripe, polished tannins, and stunning notes of blackberries, ground herbs, peppery garrigue, and loamy soil. This fleshy, opulent, sexy wine does everything right.”
Wine Advocate 94-96 points “Bold scents of asphalt and cassis appear on the nose of the 2018 Gigondas Hominis Fides. Like the other 2018s here, it’s a big, concentrated and powerful wine. In this case, it’s loaded with intense fruit and backed by waves of rich, velvety tannins, yet it finishes with zesty-briny notes and tremendous length.-JC”
 
Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas Le Claux, Rhone 2018 750ML ($119.95) $99 special, 4 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 95-97 points
“Everything about the all-Grenache 2018 Gigondas le Claux is big. From the huge black cherry and blackberry fruit, to the insane levels of concentration, the rich, velvety tannins and the never-ending, licorice-tinged finish, this beauty should evolve positively for at least a decade and a half.-JC”
Jeb Dunnuck 93-95 points “The 2018 Gigondas Le Claux comes from a single vineyard located just down the road from the domaine, across the street from the Hominis Fides parcel. Notes of camphor, incense, spice box, and black raspberries all flow to a forward, medium to full-bodied, elegant effort that has soft, ripe tannins. It’s another wine that shows the style of the vintage beautifully. Drink it any time over the coming 15 to 20 years.”

Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas, Rhone 2018 750ML ($44.95) $38 special
Case-6 Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas, Rhone 2018 750ML ($269.95) $219 special (that’s only $36.50/bottle!)
Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas, Rhone 2018 1.5L ($89.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 92-94 points
“Blended on the spot from several different barrels, the 2018 Gigondas looks very promising. Asphalt, black cherries and tapenade feature on the nose, while the palate is almost painfully intense, with ample weight, great richness and a long, velvety finish.-JC”
Jeb Dunnuck 92-94 points “Moving to the Gigondas releases, the 2018 Gigondas (which now always includes the grapes that previously went into the Valbelle cuvée) is a drop-dead gorgeous wine that readers should snatch up. Tons of blackberry fruit, peppery herbs, violets, and wildflower notes all give way to a medium to full-bodied Gigondas that has the rounded, sexy style of the vintage front and center. I love it, and while it’s going to be drinkable right out of the gate, it’s going to keep for 15-20 years.”

Arriving Friday from Saint Cosme:

Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas Le Poste, Rhone 2018 750ML ($119.95) $99 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate
“96-98 points Given the intensity of every cuvée at this estate, I was blown away by the elegance shown by the 2018 Gigondas le Poste. Violet and aniseed aromas accent plum and black cherry fruit, while this full-bodied wine is creamy-velvety in texture, with a long, silky finish that folds in distinct salted-licorice notes. Wow!-JC”
Wine Advocate 94-96 points “Lastly, the 2018 Gigondas Le Poste comes from a slightly higher elevation parcel just up the slope from the estate. Always a fresher, more perfumed, complex wine, the 2018 offers terrific floral and violet notes as well as plenty of dark fruits, peppery herbs, and earth. Full-bodied, concentrated, and seamless on the palate, with ultra-fine tannins (another hallmark of this cuvée), it’s perfectly balanced and a beautiful wine in the vintage.”


Saint Cosme’s Not-Gigondas
 
Saint Cosme is most rewarded for their top tier estate Gigondas’, which are their flagship wines, but around Vinopolis they might be best known for their assortment of super-high-grade negoc bottlings.  From the exceptional value Deux Albion to the high grade Cote Rotie and everything in-between (looking at you, Crozes-Hermitage and St. Joseph!), these wines deliver fantastic quality at prices that make them best sellers ever year.

Arriving Friday:

Chateau de Saint Cosme Cotes du Rhone Le Poste Blanc, Rhone 2018 750ML ($69.95) $54.50 pre-arrival special
Importer Note
“Château de Saint Cosme Côtes-du-Rhône Blanc Le Poste is from a 1-hectare terraced vineyard that sits near the chapel of Saint Cosme, a short uphill climb from the winery. The maximum elevation is 280 meters, 140 meters above the Gigondas valley floor, and is one of the coolest vineyards in Gigondas. The terraces and elevation make it necessary to plow the vineyard by horse. The vineyard was replanted in 1963 by Henri Barruol to a field blend based mainly on Grenache and one small parcel of Clairette from which Le Poste Blanc is produced. This 100% Clairette was vinified in used traditional demi-muids without malolactic fermentation and aged 10 months on lees. Clairette is an old variety that likely originated in southern France often used to produce simple and crisp dry white wines or as a component in a blend such as Châteauneuf-du-Pape blanc. White wines from Clairette have a tradition at Saint Cosme, specifically at Le Poste, where Louis Barroul’s grandfather produced famously long-lived Le Poste Blanc. Limestone soils give Le Poste Blanc a flavor of gunflint and the ability to age for twenty years or more. “

Saint Cosme Condrieu, Rhone 2018 750ML ($79.95) $59 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 93 points
“A very powerful, rich and attractively fleshy Condrieu with intense and concentrated fruit and a wealth of apricots and some baking spices on offer. The palate has such intensity and depth. Citrus and fleshy apricots abound. Drink in the next three years.”
Jeb Dunnuck 92-94 points “I was able to taste two vintages of Louis Barruol’s Condrieu, and both are terrific. The 2018 Condrieu comes from a cooler terroir near Malleval and offers lots of apricot, tangerine, and honeysuckle notes as well as classic Condrieu richness and depth on the palate. Medium to full-bodied, silky, and elegant, with plenty of granite character, it has a forward, fleshy style that’s going to shine right out of the gate.”
Importer Note “Saint Cosme Condrieu is produced from fully-ripened Viognier which Louis Barruol believes is essential to achieving the variety’s full potential. “But ripeness must not imply excessive alcohol,” says Barruol, “We seek balance.” The wine is matured for eight months in used 228-liter barrels and undergoes full malolactic fermentation on fine lees for 12 months. Saint Cosme Condrieu shows classic aromas and flavors of dried apricot, peach, and orange blossom with fennel, anise, and elderflower. Twelve months of aging on its fine lees in used Burgundian pièce brings texture to the palate. This is a classic Condrieu.”

Domaine de Saint Cosme Les Deux Albion Blanc, Principaute d’Orange IGP 2019 750ML ($21.95) $17.50 pre-arrival special
Importer Note
“Domaine de Saint Cosme Les Deux Albions Blanc carries the Principauté-d’Orange IGP and comes from 10-hectares near Violès, directly across the Ouvèze River from Gigondas. “The level of limestone here is, I think, the highest in the region,” says Louis Barruol. This wine is a blend of Viognier, Picpoul, and Marsanne aged on the lees in a combination of pièce, demi-muids, and INOX tank. Les Deux Albions Blanc shows the salty minerality typical of limestone terroir with notes of dried apricots and white flowers. The plantings near Violès include Bourboulenc, Marsanne, Viognier, Picpoul, Clairette, and Ugni Blanc, and all varieties will be included in future bottlings.”

Saint Cosme Cote Rotie, Rhone 2018 750ML ($89.95) $69 pre-arrival special
Jeb Dunnuck 92-95 points
“One of the gems in the Northern Rhône lineup is the 2018 Côte Rôtie, which, as with all of Louis’ wines, wasn’t destemmed and was brought up in 30-40% new oak. Stunning aromatics of black raspberries, olive tapenade, ground pepper, violets, and assorted meat notes all flow to a medium to full-bodied, opulent, seamless Côte Rôtie that has a smoking good texture. Count me impressed.”
Importer Note “Côte-Rôtie is produced from 100% Sérine, an ancient and local variety of Syrah that is markedly different from modern selections. It is more oval, with lots of space in the bunch, resulting in a very aromatic wine. It is sourced from the schist soils of Le Plomb, Besset, La Viallière, and Neve climats. These hillsides are among the steepest in France with an incline as much as 55 degrees. On the palate, it reveals a fresh attack followed by an ample, structured, long-lasting finish. The wine unfurls in successive stages and ends with top-quality tannins produced by whole cluster fermentation. It features aromas and flavors of smoked ham, violet, graphite, graphite, and licorice.”

Saint Cosme Crozes-Hermitage, Rhone 2018 750ML ($34.95) $27 pre-arrival special
Jeb Dunnuck 90-92 points
“Looking at the Northern Rhône releases from Louis, the 2018 Crozes Hermitage offers terrific depth of fruit as well as hints of violets and pepper, medium body, and fine tannins. It’s beautifully textured and just sings of Syrah.”
Importer Note “Saint Cosme Crozes-Hermitage is produced from 100% Sérine, an ancient and local variety of Syrah that is markedly different from modern selections. It is more oval, with lots of space in the bunch, resulting in a very aromatic wine. It is sourced from the hillside vineyards of Erôme, Gervans, and Larnage in the northern part of the appellation. It is made from 100% destemmed grapes, fermented with indigenous yeasts, aged in 20% new 228-liter barrels, and bottled without fining or filtration. Granite slopes rather than flatlands give Saint Cosme’s Crozes-Hermitage greater structure and complexity. The wine shows classic aromas and flavors of black fruits, smoked bacon, black peppercorn, and incense.”

Saint Cosme Saint-Joseph, Rhone 2018 750ML ($37.95) $28 pre-arrival special
Jeb Dunnuck 89-91 points
“The 2018 Saint Joseph comes all from the northern part of the Northern Rhône and offers more peppery stems, violets, and herbal notes as well as a medium-bodied, fresh, elegant style on the palate. With fine tannins and rock-solid overall balance, it should end up being an outstanding wine.”
Importer Note ” Saint Cosme Saint-Joseph is produced from 100% Sérine, an ancient and local variety of Syrah that is markedly different from modern selections. It is more oval, with lots of space in the bunch, resulting in a very aromatic wine. It is sourced from the climat Malleval in the northern part of the appellation near Condrieu. The wine is made from 70% destemmed with 30% whole clusters, fermented with indigenous yeasts, and aged in 20% new 228-liter barrels. Louis Barruol describes the microclimate of the vineyard Malleval as “very cold” which allows the grapes to retain acidity and showcase the floral aromas of the local Sérine variety. Aromas and flavors of blackberries and wild strawberries are accented by notes of peppercorns, tobacco, peonies, and violets.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Saint Cosme Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone 2017 750ML ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 94-96 points
“Still awaiting bottling during my June visit, the 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape features bold notes of black cherries, cassis and spice cake. Owner Barruol says the Christmas cake is typical of La Crau. Full-bodied and voluptuous, with a long, fine and silky finish, this great effort provides one intense ride from start to finish.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
 
We have 31 different bottlings from Saint Cosme either
in stock or available for pre-arrival purchase!  

You can browse and shop the full list on our webstore.
 
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New Grapelive Review

For a Piedmont Value Favorite


G.D. Vajra Langhe Rosso 2018 750ML ($17.95) $14 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Grapelive 90 points
“Vajra’s Langhe Rosso blend is primarily the classic varietals Nebbiolo, Dolcetto, and Barbera, but also has an interesting addition of Albarossa, Freisa and even a touch of Pinot Noir all of which makes for a unique Piedmonte red that shows silky tannins, tangy vibrant fruits including brandied cherries, plum, cranberry, grilled citrus (Moro orange) and tart red currant along with wild herbs, delicate rustic notes, floral elements, mineral and savory spices….Giuseppe Vajra continues the traditions of his father Aldo, who was a big advocate for organic and holistic farming and promoted a sense of lightness in the wines always searching out vineyard sites thought to be too cold and too high up to ripen, but as history shows he was spot on and Vajra’s high elevation Barolo is one of the most prized wines in the world. The Vajra Rosso is mostly all stainless steel fermented with each lot and varietal done separately and blended before an early bottling to preserve fresh brightness, which this dark ruby/blue hued 2018 shows with lovely transparent clarity. This 2018 opens up nicely with air adding pipe tobacco, black tea, cola bean and dried rose petals, but the minty zesty tartness remains until the finish, in fact it is really nice with a bit of chill and with a picnic spread and or pasta dishes. The 2017 vintage was very warm and the wines are a bit bigger and fruit driven, with these 2018 shows a little more finesse and acidity, which shows through in this Langhe Rosso, it is wine to enjoy now and often, it has a hand crafted feel, but has no pretense, it is easy and delicious. For those looking for value with want this one, no question, but if you want to stay varietal pure, I highly recommend Vajra’s Dolcello, Barbera and Nebbiolo bottlings, there’s quality, value and grace throughout the lineup here.”
 
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Vinopolis Wine Shop Curbside Pick Up

Order Online / By Phone / By Email

When you’re ready to pick up, just park in our lot,
give us a call, & we’ll bring your order to your car.


(If another adult is picking up for you,
please let us know their name when placing your order.)

www.vinopoliswineshop.com

info@vinopoliswineshop.com

503-223-6002

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Featured New Arrival

Vincent Wine Company


Willamette Pinots With “A Devoted Cult Following”

“There’s a devoted cult following for Vincent Fritzsche’s graceful Pinot Noirs but the outside world seems blithely unaware of the consistent quality here. Fritzsche sources fruit from some of the Willamette Valley’s most esteemed vineyards and then pretty much leaves it alone. The wines are made with minimal extraction, see no new oak and receive only minimal sulfur additions. The 2017s here are vibrant and pure and, even better, are offered at extremely fair prices.” –Josh Raynolds, Vinous

We’re pleased to highlight a trio of Pinot Noirs made by Vincent Fritzsche from an some of the top dry-farmed vineyards in the Eola-Amity Hills.  A former home winemaker who “went pro” as one of the inaugural members of the Southeast Wine Collective, he outgrew his old home but continues to make compelling wines from a few special vineyards. Josh Raynolds just reviewed the Willamette Valley and Vincent’s wines stood out for their high scores and for the exceptional value for their quality.

Vincent worked for several harvests with Russ Raney at Evesham Wood before Russ’ retirement and Vincent’s wines show a through-line of style, with bright fresh fruit that has delicacy but intensity.  These really capture the essence of the sites they’re from—and they’re sourced from some of the top sites in the valley, like Zenith, Temperance Hill and Bjornson (which adjoins Seven Springs).  We’d love them if they were $50-60 single-vineyard wines, but at the prices that Vincent asks, these are no-brainers. 

Newly Arrived from Vincent

Vincent Zenith Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2017 750ML ($47.95) $39 special
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94 points
“Dark scarlet. Highly perfumed black raspberry, cherry, exotic spice and floral pastille scents show excellent clarity and pick up a smoky mineral nuance with air. Palate-staining red and dark berry and bitter flavors show excellent clarity and energy thanks to a spine of smoky minerality. Expands steadily and turns sweeter with air, showing fine delineation on an impressively long, red-fruit- and floral-driven finish. “

Vincent Temperance Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2017 750ML ($47.95) $39 special
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94 points
“Deep, glistening crimson. Highly expressive, spice-accented cherry, boysenberry and black raspberry aromas are complicated by floral, musky earth and succulent herb nuances. Sappy, appealingly sweet and broad on entry, then showing more tension on the midpalate, offering juicy, mineral-inflected red and blue fruit flavors that become sweeter as the wine opens up. Shows a suave rose pastille quality on the impressively persistent finish, which is framed by smooth, polished tannins.”

Vincent Bjornson Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2017 750ML ($44.95) $34.50 special
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 93 points
“Brilliant red. Highly expressive aromas of fresh red fruits, potpourri, exotic spices and candied rose, along with a hint of smoky minerality. Juicy and seamless in texture, offering penetrating raspberry, bitter cherry and spicecake flavors that show fine definition and back-end lift. Intensely flavored and finely delineated, with an impressively long, perfumed finish that delivers firm mineral cut and resonating florality.”


Previously sold out, re-arriving Friday:

Vincent Pinot Blanc, Willamette Valley 2018 750ML ($21.95) $19 pre-arrival special
Winery note
“This year’s Blanc shows a bit more richness than ’17, more like the ’16 which was a favorite. Grapes here are now coming from a small plot I lease at Zenith Vineyard in the Eola Hills, vines from the 1990s. As usual, this wine is made just like Chardonnay, naturally fermented in older French oak, on the lees for nearly a year and bottled unfiltered. Bright color, mineral and apple aromas, all variety of apples and citrus flavors, creamy from the lees aging, then fantastic acidity to keep your mouth watering. So good.”
 
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Oregon Case Specials

Averaen Super Specials Arriving Friday

We’re pleased to feature the exceptional wines of Averaen to Vinopolis—at more than exceptional pricing. If you’re unfamiliar with these wines, you’d be excused—2015 was their first vintage, but they’ve already established themselves as a top producer of rich, terroir-driven Pinot Noir in Oregon.

Averaen is a project of Baron Ziegler, one of the founders of Banshee wines, and, like their Cali-counterparts, the Averaen wines deliver exceptional value—a hard thing to do in Pinot Noir.  These are exceptionally made, well reviewed single vineyard wines that are a steal for the prices we’re offering them at.

Stylistically, these are powerful Pinot Noirs with intensity and substance. Though they all have distinct signatures of their vineyards, they share a richness of fruit and an oak framing that makes them feel distinctly more premium than their prices would suggest. Lovers of Archery Summit, Domaine Serene and Penner-Ash should take note—these are alternatives that deliver real value to those brands.

Averaen Willamette Valley Chardonnay 2018 750ML ($24.95) $19 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Averaen Willamette Valley Chardonnay 2018 750ML ($139.95) $105 pre-arrival special (that’s only $17.50/bottle!)
Wine Enthusiast 92 points
“It would be hard to find a better Chardonnay at this price. A blend of grapes from two AVAs, it’s been given reserve-level care, including aging in 10% new French oak. Toasty, tasty and well balanced, it offers ripe apple fruit accented with nut butter and caramel.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!

Averaen Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2018 750ML ($24.95) $19 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Averaen Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2018 750ML ($249.95) $199 pre-arrival special (that’s only $16.58/bottle —the lowest listed price in the country!)
Josh Raynolds 90 points
“Glistening ruby-red. Ripe red and dark berries, cherry-cola and a hint of allspice on the perfumed nose. Pliant cherry and black raspberry flavors show good energy and pick up a hint of smokiness on the back half. Plush and seamless in texture, with lingering floral and spice notes on the long, subtly tannic finish.”
Wine Enthusiast 90 points “Editor’s Choice. Fruit sourced from six Willamette Valley AVAs and well over a dozen vineyards combines in this sweetly fruity wine. Pretty plum and marionberry flavors are enhanced with a light touch of herbs, putting a frame around the finish.”


Love Oregon Wine? We have 13 case specials in stock now.

Shop the selections below or in our webstore!


What more can we say about Cameron’s Chards?
Cameron Winery Reserve Chardonnay, Dundee Hills 2018 750ML ($39.95) $36 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Cameron Winery Reserve Chardonnay, Dundee Hills 2018 750ML ($289.95) $195 special (that’s only $32.50/bottle!)
VinopolNote
: The ‘Reserve’ level of Cameron Chardonnay is an incredible deal.  Made of declassified barrels of Clos Electrique and Abbey Ridge, so without the new oak that the lower level bottling sees, this wine shows facets of the grace and intensity of Abbey and the Clos without the price tag of those higher end bottlings.

Day describes their Momtazi bottling as their “our flagship Pinot Noir from one of Willamette Valley’s most prized biodynamic vineyards and our most age-worthy wine.”  It‘s normally the most expensive Pinot in the Day Wines lineup at $54, but we’re able to offer it for just $33 per bottle and $28.75 per bottle on case purchases. 
Day Wines Momtazi Vineyard Pinot Noir, McMinnville 2016 750ML ($53.95) $33 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Day Wines Momtazi Vineyard Pinot Noir, McMinnville 2016 750ML ($299.95) $189 special (that’s only $31.50/bottle!)
Case-12 Day Wines Momtazi Vineyard Pinot Noir, McMinnville 2016 750ML ($599.95) $345 special (that’s only $28.75/bottle!)
John Gilman 93 points
“The 2016 Momtazi Vineyard bottling of Pinot Noir from Day Wines is the ripest of these 2016s, as it comes in at fourteen percent octane. It is beautifully black fruity on the nose (as all the examples from Momtazi have been that I have been fortunate enough to taste), offering up scents of black plum, sweet dark berry, black tea, balsam bough, a beautiful base of soil tones, chicory, gentle spice tones and a bit of cedar. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, complex and beautifully balanced, with a fine core of fruit, great mineral drive and grip, ripe, well-integrated tannins and a long, tangy and promising finish. While this is the ripest of the 2016 pinots from Brianne Day, it is no less pure or precise and is a great bottle in the making. 2024-2055.”
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 92 points “Limpid red. A highly aromatic bouquet evokes fresh dark berries and baking spices, along with smoky mineral and musky earth overtones. Juicy and broad on the palate, offering alluringly sweet black raspberry, cherry, rose pastille and spicecake flavors that deepen steadily with air. Delivers a suave blend of power and energy and finishes with finely woven tannins and strong, floral-driven persistence.”

A long-time staff favorite, 2018 is a gorgeous blend of lush fruit and poise
Cameron Winery Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2018 750ML ($29.95) $27 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Cameron Winery Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2018 750ML ($349.95) $315 special (that’s only $26.25/bottle!)
Grapelive 93 points
“The beautiful and dark profiled Cameron Dundee Hills Pinot is one of the best values of the vintage with gorgeous detail and much less reductive notes than usually show in these young Cameron Pinots showing an array of expressive flavors and floral aromas. The 2018 Cameron Dundee Hills Pinot, by the legendary John Paul, one of Oregon’s hall of fame winemakers is very Vosne-Romannee like and at 13.4% is wonderfully balance and full of energy with layers of black cherry, mulberry, currant, strawberry and plum fruits, crushed rose petals, orange tea, delicate earth and loaminess and red spices. With air this exceptional wine adds mineral, sweet herb and smoky wood notes with touches of vanilla and cedar adding just the right amount of luxurious accents here… Both Clos Electrique and Abbey Ridge use organic treatments and holistic farming methods and have a variety of clonal material with John Paul preferring old heritage clones which he painstakingly collected himself and the yields are limited to produce wines of depth and concentration.  John Paul’s Pinots are always made from non-irrigated vines and in this case was sourced from his own Abbey Ridge and Clos Electrique cru vineyards set of the classic Jory (red iron rich) volcanic soils which give this regions wines their unique personalities and distinction, which I find adds complex and exotic nuances nd makes Dundee special. This 2018 is fresh and has a deep garnet and ruby hue in the glass that beautifully captures the light and the texture is satiny and the length is very rewarding, making it an insanely good value and a wine that will excel with cuisine, especially with seared duck breast, pepper crusted ahi, blackened salmon and even smoked meats…”

Staff pick “a youthful wine with old world grace”
Biggio Hamina “Biha” Pinot Noir, Van Duzer 2017 750ML ($24.95) $17 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Biggio Hamina “Biha” Pinot Noir, Van Duzer 2017 750ML ($299.95) $179 special (that’s only $14.92/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 91 points
“Bright garnet. Spice-accented red berry and cherry aromas take on suave floral and mineral accents with air. Juicy and energetic in style, offering gently sweet raspberry and cherry flavors along with hints of allspice and cinnamon. Closes long and sappy, showing resonating red fruit character and silky, polished tannins that fade away quickly.”

From a favorite winery, this formerly-restaurant only bottling is a QPR winner.
Goodfellow Family Cellars Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2017 750ML ($21.95) $18 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Goodfellow Family Cellars Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2017 750ML ($129.95) $99 special (that’s only $16.50/bottle!)
Case-12 Goodfellow Family Cellars Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2017 750ML ($219.95) $189 special (that’s only $15.75/bottle!)
VinopolNote
: We can’t get enough of Marcus Goodfellow’s Willamette Valley Pinots. With restaurants only offering takeout for the foreseeable future, Marcus is letting us share his by-the-glass Pinot with you. It’s an insane value!

Cristom Marjorie Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2017 750ML ($79.95) $66 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Cristom Marjorie Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2017 375ML ($39.95) $33 special, 8 half-bottles in stock now
Case-12 Cristom Marjorie Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2017 750ML ($959.95) $719 special (that’s only $59.92/bottle!)
Case-6 Cristom Marjorie Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2017 750ML ($479.95) $376 special (that’s only $62.76/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Josh Raynolds 95 points
“Translucent red. A wild, highly perfumed bouquet evokes ripe red fruits, exotic spices and candied flowers, with smoky mineral and incense notes that acquire strength as this youthful wine gains its footing. Stains the palate with vibrant raspberry, bitter cherry, star anise and rose pastille flavors that show a compelling blend of depth and litheness. Fine-grained tannins build slowly on a strikingly long, finely etched finish that features baking spice, floral and subtle earth notes.”
Erin Brooks – Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2017 Pinot Noir Marjorie Vineyard was made with 51% whole clusters and aged 18 months in 75% new French oak. Medium ruby, it has a very pretty nose: nuances of crushed stone, Campari, earth and blood orange mingle over a core of red and black cherries, rhubarb and cranberry. The medium-bodied palate has lovely, nuanced, amaro-laced flavor layers with a softly chalky frame and seamless freshness, finishing long and perfumed. 384 cases produced.”

Cristom Louise Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2017 750ML ($79.95) $59 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Cristom Louise Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2017 750ML ($839.95) $636 special (that’s only $53/bottle!)
Case-6 Cristom Louise Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2017 750ML ($419.95) $336 special (that’s only $56/bottle!)
James Suckling 95 points
“This cuvée has a very energetic and intense feel with a wealth of fresh and attractive red cherries and raspberries, plenty of florals and subtle herbal, forest-wood and light-chocolate notes. There’s a very keenly articulated feel to the palate with a plush, very fleshy and assertively long, detailed finish. Deep fruit presence here. Drink across the next decade.”
Josh Raynolds 93 points “Vivid red. Expansive aromas of ripe red berries, candied flowers and baking spices, with a smoky mineral topnote that gains strength as the wine opens up. Coats the palate with appealing sweet raspberry and cherry liqueur flavors that tighten up and become spicier on the back half. Shows excellent clarity and floral lift on an impressively long finish that’s shaped by fine-grained, even tannins.”

We offer over 150 Pinot Noirs in stock NOW from the Willamette Valley.

Shop our selection on our web store!

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Vinopolis is an independent wine shop in Portland that opened in 2004. Our goal has always been to offer the finest, broadest, and largest selection of wines at the best prices to our customers in Portland, in Oregon, across the West Coast, and throughout the United States. Thank you for reading and for continuing to support our team.



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