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Vinopolpick Mid-Week 6-30-21

In This Newsletter:

Italian Treasure
Tua Rita’s 2010 Redigaffi

Better than a First Growth?
Château Palmer

Riesling Perfection
100-Point Pre-Arrival from Markus Molitor

Subscriber Special #1
Saint Cosme’s Spectacular Rhône Values

Can’t-Miss Case Special from Italy
Montepeloso A Quo

Subscriber Special #2
Luigi Giordano’s Ultra-Classic Barbaresco

Collector’s Corner
New Cayuse from Wine Spectator

Italian Treasure

Tua Rita’s 2010 Redigaffi

Do the ghosts of ancient Etruria see the wineries up and down the Livorno coast and shake their heads at the over-the-top glossiness? Or do they lament not having planted more vines themselves? It’s a beautiful area, dotted with ruins, though even those seem to be battling the spread of vineyards. While an important part of Tuscany, Bolgheri is known for their international varieties, with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon being the most important plantings. There have been some truly wonderful wines to come from the area, and the steady uptick in prices on the most celebrated bottles is a reflection of the international interest in these wines. Merlot fans need not solely look to the right bank of the Gironde any longer to find Merlot that aspires to greatness.

Tua Rita has been growing in reputation since the mid-1980s, with most attention being paid to their flagship Merlot: Redigaffi. It’s always an amazing and collectable wine, but 2010 was a standout. This is Pomerol with Italian verve. Expect black fruit, light leather and animal notes, as well as baking spice and a floral note that is almost herb-like. It is just entering a beautiful drinking window, but will continue to age gracefully for those with space and patience.

In Stock Now:

Tua Rita Redigaffi Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2010 750ML ($319.95) $249 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 97 points “The 2010 Redigaffi is even more impressive with seamless integration of ripe fruit and oak spice that meet each other perfectly in the middle. It soars to new heights of elegance and power, imparting beautiful tones of black fruit, polished river stone, bacon fat and black pepper as it makes its steady ascent. The mouthfeel is fleshy and generous and there is plenty of backbone here to carry the wine forward throughout the years. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2038. Stefano Frascolla and Tua Rita have almost single-handedly put Suvereto on Italys winemaking map. His latest releases are nothing short of spectacular.’

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $262

Also in Stock Now:

Tua Rita Redigaffi Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2015 750ML ($299.95) $229 special, 3 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 100 points “This is an extraordinary merlot with such purity and focus. Flowers such as violets and hints of orange peel. It is full-bodied yet incredibly energetic and structured. The finish goes on for minutes. Seamless texture. Fresh yet dense. Contrasty. Best Redigaffi ever. Hard not to drink now but a wine for decades.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $340

Tua Rita Giusto di Notri Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2012 750ML ($99.95) $69 special, 9 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 94 points “A dark, brooding wine, the 2012 Giusto di Notri presents a compelling array of dark stone fruits, grilled herbs, smoke, tobacco and menthol. The power of Suvereto and these Bordeaux varieties are both super-expressive in a virile, imposing wine loaded with personality and gorgeous, totally resonant fruit. This is a terrific showing.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Tua Rita Giusto di Notri Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2015 750ML ($79.95) $69 special, 20 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 96-97 points ” Best Giusto di Notri ever? Full body, ripe and powerful tannins, as well as beautiful fruit. Chewy yet polished tannins and a lingering finish. This is dense and structured with beautifully polished tannins and plenty of currant and blackberry character. Full body and chewy tannins yet refined and juicy. Lots of Mediterranean herbs with the dark fruit. Blend of mostly cabernet sauvignon with merlot and cabernet franc. Pretty barrel sample. This is coming along very nicely. Can’t wait to taste in bottle. Made from organic grapes.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Love Tuscany? We have over 165 different options in stock. Shop the entire selection, including staff favorites like Castell’in Villa, Fèlsina, Fontodi and more, on our web store now.

Better than a First Growth?

Château Palmer

With Bordeaux vintages becoming increasingly ripe as a result of climate change, it’s easy to forget the region’s historical predilection to unusual weather events. One of the best examples if this was 2011, which resulted in some of the lowest yields ever seen in recorded history for the appellation. After concurrent frost, rain, hailstorms and disease pressure some producers lost as much as 60% of their fruit before harvest. What remained was intensely perfumed, packed with flavor and primed to aging.

We were lucky enough to secure one of the best recent examples of this vintage from Château Palmer in Margaux. 2011 was the first year that the château began to practice biodynamic farming, something their next-door neighbor Château Margaux hasn’t even initiated yet in 2021.Couple that with old vines ranging from 25-70 years old and ideal soil conditions, you can see why people compare them favorably to their first growth neighbor.

Château Palmer has reinvented itself with modern winemaking in the past 25 years, transitioning to temperature controlled fermentation and using gravity to transport wines instead of pumps. Palmer is famous for their rigorous standards, with only 45% of the wine produced in 2011 actually being labeled under the Château’s first label –the rest went into a separate bottling called Alter-Ego. With a house style described as “silk wrapped in satin with layers of velvet”, this is one of the most collectable houses in general before price is even factored in. We only managed to secure a case of this gem and have it priced at nearly 50% less than Château Margaux from the same year!

In Stock Now:

Château Palmer, Margaux 2011 750ML ($349.95) $279 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Robert Parker 96 points “The opaque blue/purple-colored 2011 Palmer reveals a stunning bouquet of licorice, truffles, camphor, spring flowers, black raspberries and black currants. One of the superstars of the vintage, this brilliant 2011 possesses superb concentration and purity, medium to full body, and remarkable length of close to a minute. A tour de force in winemaking, the Palmer team merits accolades for achieving this level of quality in a more challenging vintage than either 2009 or 2010. The wine of the vintage in Margaux, tiny yields of 20 hectoliters per hectare, a final blend of 55% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, and a severe selection (only 55% of the production made it into Palmer) are the reasons for this success. Winemaker Thomas Duroux continues to fine tune this already brilliant estate, producing first-growth quality wines year after year.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $399.95

Love red Bordeaux? We have 56 different options in stock. Shop the entire selection, including famous names like Léoville Barton, Mouton Rothschild, Pichon Baron and more, on our web store now.

Riesling Perfection

100-Point Pre-Arrival from Markus Molitor

There may be no more ambitious winemaker in the world than Markus Molitor. His determination and drive to make the best possible wines has made him a towering figure in the Mosel, with an impressive, modern winery and holdings in almost every important vineyard in the region. The critical praise backs this up –Markus Molitor’s wines are some of the most celebrated in the world. We have an extensive allotment of his 2019s arriving this fall, and included in the drop is another 100-point effort from Markus’ most beloved vineyard Zeltinger Sonnenuhr. This is a towering bottle that will cellar for decades, one that Stephan Reinhardt described as “a raw diamond but will surely develop to a spellbinding character over the years”.

Pre-Arrival ETA November:

Only 24 bottles in available!
Markus Molitor Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese***, Mosel 2019 750ML ($149.95) $128 pre-arrival special
Stephan Reinhardt – Wine Advocate 100 points “The golden-colored 2019 Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Auslese *** (Golden Capsule) opens with an intense yet highly finessed and elegant bouquet of perfectly ripe, tropical fruits intermixed with very fine weathered slate aromas. This fascinating combination of richness and finesse is also mirrored on the palate, which is immediately lush and round, then intense and concentrated but always lifted and refined by this beautifully crystalline and grippy slate structure. This Auslese is still a raw diamond but will surely develop to a spellbinding character over the years. Another fabulous 2019 Auslese from Markus Molitor’s most loved vineyard. Tasted in May 2021.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Highlights, in Stock Now:

Markus Molitor Alte Reben Riesling Trocken, Mosel 2018 750ML ($34.95) $29 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt – Wine Advocate 92 points “The 2018 Riesling Alte Reben is perfectly ripe and pure on the intense yet elegant and refined, crystalline nose. Round and juicy on the palate, this is a rich and creamy-textured, finely tannic and phenolic Riesling with grip, but this old-vines Riesling cannot disguise its 2018 origin. Tasted at the domain in September 2020.”
Stuart Pigott – jamessuckling 92 points “The lovely sliced-pear, white-peach and blood-orange nose eases you into this well-proportioned dry Mosel. The crisp acidity nicely balances the generous body and the touch of tannins. Good length and some nice herbal notes and complexity at the finish. Drink or hold.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Markus Molitor Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Spätlese Feinherb, Mosel 2018 750ML ($44.95) $33 special, 23 bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott – jamessuckling 95 points “The stunning aromas of cassis, fresh garden herbs and Amalfi lemons make this a very expressive, mid-weight wine that’s barely off-dry and extremely food-friendly. Great interplay of tannins, minerals and live-wire acidity at the very long finish. Drink or hold.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Markus Molitor Ockfener Bockstein Riesling Spätlese Trocken, Mosel 2018 750ML ($37.95) $31.90 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Decanter 93 points “Here we jump to an iconic Saar site, defined by Devonian slate, greywacke, some quartzitic sandstone and steepness. Wet stone, white currant, yellow apple and some lemon combine in a lovely vision of freshness. This is bright but even in this iconic Saar vineyard the warmth of 2018 is apparent. Yet the stoniness cuts through and leaves us with that lovely, racy zestiness we all crave from Riesling. These citrus notions linger and will you to take another sip. Wonderful.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Markus Molitor Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Kabinett, Mosel 2018 750ML ($34.95) $29 special, 28 bottles in stock now
Decanter 95 points “Candied tangerine peel rejoices with tangy freshness, exuberant aromatics of ripe and heady citrus. There is lovely lightness, inherent playfulness, like little putti twirling and dancing in a fruit bowl. The dry Kabinett did not reach that balance so the counter-intuition of nature decrees that a richer year can take more sweetness – not less.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Markus Molitor Zeltinger Himmelreich Riesling Auslese Feinherb, Mosel 2016 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 33 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 97 points “The 2016 Riesling Zeltinger Himmelreich Auslese ** (Green Capsule) is terribly fine, pure and fresh but also perfectly ripe and rich on the nose without losing precision. Round and highly elegant on the palate, with tropical fruit flavors and just the perfect amount of sweetness, this is a great, vital Himmelreich with superb finesse, purity, mineral tension and bright fruit notes in the long and beautifully slatey finish. This is a gorgeous, exciting Riesling—very stimulating.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Love German Riesling? We have over 350 different options (not a typo!) in stock. Shop the entire selection, including staff favorites like Kruger-Rumpf, Peter Lauer, Von Winning and more, on our web store now.

Subscriber Special #1

Saint Cosme’s Spectacular Rhône Values

If there is a single producer from the Rhône that embodies incredible value, it is Saint Cosme. Whether the fruit hails from the Northern or Southern extremes of the valley, all of their wines over-perform. The village level wines from their home region of Gigondas represent exceptional value, and even the Côte-Rôtie seems like a bargain when you try it side-by-side with other similarly priced wines from the Northern Rhône.

It’s no wonder that Saint Cosme has been our most popular Rhône producer for some time, and we’re always thrilled to feature their wines, especially at Subscriber Special pricing. So checkout some highlights below, all offered at national best prices, or jump straight to our web store and browse our entire selection of 30+ Saint Cosme wines.

Northern Rhône

In Stock Now:

Saint Cosme Côte-Rôtie, Rhône 2017 750ML ($79.95) $55 Subscriber Special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “The 2017 Côte Rôtie is another satisfying, character-filled wine. Complex notes of blackberries, ground herbs, new leather, and violets flow to a medium to full-bodied, layered, complete, balanced Côte-Rôtie that’s going to shine for 10-15 years. It has some feral, wild notes as well as plenty of old-school character.”
Josh Raynolds 94 points “Saturated ruby. An expansive bouquet evokes ripe, spice-tinged red and blue fruits, potpourri, violet and olive paste, and a smoky mineral nuance builds in the glass. Shows impressive depth and energy, offering sappy dark berry, cherry cola, spicecake and floral pastille flavors braced by a spine of juicy acidity. Shows a welcome light touch for its heft and finishes on a gently tannic note, displaying fine delineation and mineral thrust.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $69.98

Southern Rhône

In Stock Now:

Château de Saint Cosme Gigondas Hominis Fides, Rhône 2014 750ML ($89.95) $69 Subscriber Special, 9 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 93 points “Well-built, with sage, savory and tobacco notes weaving around the core of blackberry and black currant, picking up charcoal and roasted alder accents. Best from 2017 through 2024.”
Jeb Dunnuck – Wine Advocate 92-94+ points “What will mostly likely end up being the wine of the vintage is the 2014 Gigondas Hominis Fides. From a single vineyard located just down the hill from the estate, fermented with 100% whole clusters and aged all in Burgundy barrels, it offers sensational notes of crushed rock, graphite, dried rose petals and licorice in a medium to full-bodied, elegant, seamless style that hides considerable tannic grip. It’s a beautiful wine that will still be drinking nicely in 2034.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Château de Saint Cosme Gigondas Le Claux, Rhône 2017 750ML ($119.95) $89 Subscriber Special, 16 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 96 points “Brilliant violet. Highly perfumed black raspberry and cherry liqueur aromas are accompanied by potpourri, mocha, vanilla and baking spice nuances, along with a smoky mineral flourish that builds in the glass. Juicy and appealingly sweet, displaying palate-staining red and blue fruit, spicecake and floral pastille flavors that show superb depth and a smooth, seamless texture. Deftly balances richness and vivacity and finishes extremely long and spicy, with smooth, harmonious tannins and a subtle echo of candied flowers and kirsch.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $99

Château de Saint Cosme Gigondas Le Poste Rouge, Rhône 2017 750ML ($139.95) $99 Subscriber Special, 4 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 97+ points “More closed and backward than either the Hominis Fides or Le Claux, the 2017 Gigondas Le Poste is nevertheless just as impressive and offers its hallmark purity and elegance paired with stunning richness and depth. Black and blue fruits, crushed rocks, graphite, and a beautiful violet character all define the bouquet. Rich, full-bodied, and concentrated, it’s the purity of fruit and balance that set this beauty above just about every other Gigondas out there. Do your best to hide bottles for at least 4-5 years.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $119.20

Case Special, in Stock Now:

Château de Saint Cosme Gigondas, Rhône 2018 750ML ($44.95) $38 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Château de Saint Cosme Gigondas, Rhône 2018 750ML ($269.95) $219 special (that’s only $36.50/bottle!)
Jeb Dunnuck 93 points “Moving to the wines from bottle, the base Gigondas from this estate is a perennial winner and readers can safely buy bottles of this in just about every vintage. Giving up a Provençal bouquet of red and black currants, peppery herbs, leather, and loamy soil, the 2018 is medium to full-bodied, has a forward, sexy style, no hard edges, and a great finish. It’s terrific today yet still has enough tannins to evolve for 10-15 years if you’re so inclined.”

Love Rhône reds? We have over 150 different options in stock. Shop the entire selection on our web store now, including staff favorites like Yves Cuilleron and Vincent Paris, as well as more from Saint Cosme.

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10AM – 6PM Daily

Our maximum capacity is six customers at one time.

We also offer Curbside Pickup
Order Online / By Phone / By Email

Can’t-Miss Case Special from Italy

Montepeloso A Quo

It’s been nearly a quarter of century since Fabio Chiarelotto purchased the Montepeloso estate, and although the vineyard was already well-known within Tuscany, Chiarelotto knew the site had the potential for greatness. Retraining, pruning, and even re-grafting many vines, Fabio was committed to perfection, pulling up thousands of lower quality vines and replacing them with varieties more suited to the vineyard’s windy yet warm microclimate.

Chiarelotto admits that it’s “easy to produce concentrated wines in such a hot climate but it’s much harder to achieve elegance and finesse.” By making subtle changes to his blends each vintage, Chiarelotto is able to produce wines that balance the region’s generosity, with freshness that’s becoming rare in this warm area of Tuscany. The 2018 A Quo includes the usual suspects –Cabernet Sauvignon, Montepulciano, and Sangiovese, but also more obscure varieties like Marselan and Alicante Bouschet. Thanks in part to this fascinating mix of local and imported varieties, the wine offers far more complexity and intrigue than you expect from a sub-$20/bottle (by the case), and seems destined to become a customer favorite when it arrives in July.

Pre-Arrival ETA Late July:

Montepeloso A Quo Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2018 750ML ($29.95) $20.90 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Montepeloso A Quo Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2018 750ML ($179.95) $119 pre-arrival special (that’s only $19.83/bottle!)
Monica Larner – Wine Advocate 92 points “A blend of 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Montepulciano, 15% Sangiovese, 15% Marselan and 5% Alicante Bouschet, the Montepeloso 2018 A Quo is the entry-level expression that unfolds to a rich and sultry display of dark fruit, spice and a touch of charred meat. The blend is quite eccentric, but the basic elements are all there, such as the structure from the Cabernet Sauvignon, the wild character of the Montepulciano and the perfumed intensity of the other grapes. This is a 35,000-bottle production and a terrific value buy.”
Antonio Galloni – Vinous 92 points “The 2018 A Quo is rich and explosive in the glass, with superb presence and tons of intensity, but all in the gracious style of the year. Crushed flowers, sweet red berry fruit and spice are front and center. In 2018, A Quo is supremely delicious. Best of all, it remains a tremendous value in artisan wine.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

In Stock Now:

Montepeloso Nardo Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2015 750ML ($99.95) $79 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 94 points “Montepeloso’s 2015 Nardo is beautiful. The ripeness of the vintage comes through, but Nardo has just enough aromatic freshness and lift to balance the intensity of the fruit. Red cherry, red plum, mint, pomegranate and floral notes are all nicely pushed forward in this succulent, inviting wine from Montepeloso. There is lovely brightness and floral lift to the red fruit character.”

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

Subscriber Special #2

Luigi Giordano’s Ultra-Classic Barbaresco

Luigi Giordano is a small, family-owned winery producing elegant and classically framed Barbaresco. Sourcing from some of the region’s most celebrated vineyards, including Asili and Montestefano, Giordano’s wines are consistently excellent. Fortunately for us, Giordano remains a bit of an insider’s secret. As a result, the cru bottlings sell for nearly half as much as the same vineyard bottlings from Produttori and others. But tasting these wines, we can’t imagine that this will remain true much longer. So take advantage of our Subscriber Special pricing, and enjoy for yourself these old-school gems.

“A stone’s throw from Barbaresco’s village centre, the winery and its vineyards were founded by Giovanni Giordano in the 1930s during a time of profound crisis in the Italian wine world. After a period of growing and selling grapes, Giovanni’s son, Luigi, made the bold decision to vinify his own grapes in 1960. Luigi Giordano is now a fourth-generation winery whose vineyards are planted in some of Barbaresco’s most prestigious crus, including Asili and Montestefano. One particular Barbaresco bottling from the cru of Cavanna showcases the winery’s elegant, hands-off style of winemaking and currently represents the only single-vineyard cru of its kind on the market.” – Importer note

In Stock Now & Priced to Move:

Luigi Giordano Asili, Barbaresco DOCG 2015 750ML ($69.95) Was $49 Now $45, 24 bottles in stock now
Decanter 92 points “From vines planted in 2000, this has a red fruit nose that’s not very expressive presently, but the palate is fresh and limpid with very ripe fruits but with no sweetness showing, thanks to the lively acidity. It has some tension, persistence and style, with a long finish. “
Importer Note “Definite garnet red colour enriched with delicate orange highlights on ageing; ample and intense perfume with good floral and fruit jammy notes plus ethereal hints ofspices. The flavour is dry, full, elegant and aristocratic. Traditional red wine maceration for 12-15 days with ferment-ation in temperature controlled stainless steel vats using frequent pumping-over. The wine is aged for at least 18-24 months in large (30-50 hectolitre) barrels of Slavonian oak, then refined in horizont-ally-placed bottles for another 6 months.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Luigi Giordano Asili, Barbaresco DOCG 2016 750ML ($79.95) Was $64.50 Now $49, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 95 points “This red finds a nice equilibrium between sappy berry, cherry and licorice flavors and balsamic notes of eucalyptus, juniper and wild rosemary. It’s harmonious, with a ripe core and long, gripping finish. Best from 2023 through 2040. 400 cases made, 100 cases imported.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Luigi Giordano Cavana, Barbaresco DOCG 2017 750ML ($44.95) Was $37.50 Now $33, 36+ bottles in stock now
Importer Note “Brilliant garnet red colour with orange highlights developing with age; ample and intense perfume with fruity, jammy and spicy notes; dry, full and aristocratic flavour. Traditional red wine maceration for 15-20 days with temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel vats and frequent pumping-over. This wine is left to age for at least 18-24 months in large (30-50hectolitre) barrels of Slavonian oak and is then refined in horizontally-placed bottles for at least 6 months.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Luigi Giordano Montestefano, Barbaresco DOCG 2016 750ML ($69.95) Was $59 Now $49, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 93 points “A beam of cherry, strawberry and rose aromas and flavors permeates this vibrant red. Hints of thyme, menthol and tar add depth as this builds to a long, resonant finish. Shows fine energy and intensity on a slim frame. Best from 2023 through 2042. 500 cases made, 150 cases imported.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Also in Stock & Priced to Move:

Luigi Giordano ‘Vigneto Buschet’ Barbera d’Alba, Piedmont 2018 750ML ($27.95) Was $21.90 Now $19, 36+ bottles in stock now
Importer Note “The Buschet vineyard situated within the Barbaresco zone. Barbera is a vigorous, big yielding varietal. Intense purple-red colour and ample, vinous perfume pleasantly fruited with notes of plum and blackberry; the flavour is dry, harmonious and warm, perfectly complementing the wine’s robust structure. Traditional crushing with de-stalking followed by controlled-temperature fermentation and frequent pumping-over. Maceration lasts from 8 to10 days.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Luigi Giordano Brut Metodo Classico Nebbiolo Brut Nature, Piedmont 2016 750ML ($39.95) Was $33 Now $29, 28 bottles in stock now
Importer Note “After soft pressing, rosé maceration is performed for two hours, followed by cold draining of the must. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures. The Champagne method (‘metodo classico’) is used, with the second fermentation occurring in the bottle. Abundant, rose-tinted effervescence with a fine andpersistent perlage. The wine is rose to cherry-pink in colour with salmon highlights. The perfume is intense and ample with notes of raspberry, red berries, citrus fruits and a hint of wilted roses. The flavour is fresh and full-bodied with a soft,clean aftertaste and a slightly tannic finish.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Also in Stock Now:

Luigi Giordano Vino Rosato Nebbiolo DOC, Piedmont 2020 750ML ($24.95) $19 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Importer note “100 % Nebbiolo from family parcels inside Barbaresco crus of Ovello, Ronchi & Cars. Hand-picked in September. Soft pressing followed by 3-hour maceration. 2,400-bottle production.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Love Barbaresco? We have 49 different options in stock. Shop our entire selection, including famous names like Giacosa, Produttori, Roagna and more, on our web store now.

Collector’s Corner

New Cayuse from Wine Spectator

In Stock Now:

Cayuse Vineyards En Cerise Vineyard Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2018 750ML ($149.95) $119 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Tim Fish – Wine Spectator 95 points “Handsomely structured, with an appealing hint of wild game, this red unfolds deliberately with blueberry, river stone and pepper accents. Drink now through 2030. 398 cases made.”

Cayuse Vineyards En Chamberlin Vineyard Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2018 750ML ($149.95) $119 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Tim Fish – Wine Spectator 95 points “A distinctive style, showing richness and detail, with expressive raspberry and blueberry flavors gathering accents of crushed rock and smoky white pepper on the way to polished tannins. Drink now through 2030. 435 cases made.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Cayuse Vineyards Cailloux Vineyard Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2018 750ML ($149.95) $119 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Tim Fish – Wine Spectator 96 points “A real knockout Syrah, structured and refined yet bubbling over with personality, offering expressive raspberry, garrigue, warm pebble and smoky beef tones that build tension and polish toward fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2032. 860 cases made.”

Other Highlights, in Stock Now:

Cayuse Vineyards God Only Knows Armada Vineyard Grenache, Walla Walla Valley 2017 750ML ($149.95) $138 special, 5 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 97 points “The subtlety of fruit here is mesmerizing with sweet strawberry, floral and tangerine aromas that follow through to a medium to full body, fine and soft tannins and a long, delicious finish. It shows such polish and fineness. Drink or hold.”

Horsepower Vineyards ‘Sur Echalas Vineyard’ Grenache, Walla Walla Valley 2011 750ML ($149.95) $133 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Wine Advocate 97 points “The 2011 Grenache Sur Echalas Vineyard is a sensational blend of 100% Grenache that comes all from a vineyard located just to the west of Cayuse’s Armada Vineyard. Planted to 4,840 vines per acre, it’s farmed completely by horse. Showing every bit as well from bottle as from barrel, it offers up layers of pepper, smoked herbs, gunpowder and black fruits to go with a deep, structured style on the palate. Incredibly concentrated, especially in the vintage, it has a gracefully, balanced feel before firming up substantially on the finish. Give this beauty 2-3 years of bottle age and enjoy over the following decade. Unfortunately, there are only 131 cases of it to go around, so if you get the opportunity to grab some bottles, don’t miss it.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $174.99

#69 Top 100 Cellar Selections 2020
Horsepower Vineyards ‘High Contrast Vineyard’ Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2017 750ML ($219.95) $179 special, 8 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 96 points “Showing with a deep ruby core that fades to a purple edge, the 2017 Syrah High Contrast Vineyard explodes from the glass with pronounced smoky aromas that waft with delicate notes of dark chocolate-covered blackberries, then show hints of roasted coffee bean, notions of petrichor, baked earth and dried herbs. Medium to full-bodied, the wine is elegantly powerful, showcasing a balanced chassis of youthful tannins that evolve with the complex nature of the wine. There is a velvety firmness to the mid-palate before moving onto an elongated finish that grows in complexity and amplitude as the expression resonates harmoniously, confirming yet another blockbuster Syrah from the ever-so-talented Christophe Baron. Only 386 cases made.”
Wine Enthusiast 96 points “The aromas explode from the glass, with notes of fire pit, potpourri, black olive, wet stone, dried porcini and stone. The palate is sumptuous, layered, elegant and intensely flavorful, showing abundant savory notes. A lingering black olive and earthy finish caps it off. Best after 2025.”

Cayuse Vineyards Impulsivo Tempranillo, Walla Walla Valley 2017 750ML ($179.95) $149 special, 4 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 95 points “While I don’t think the 2017 Impulsivo matches the 2016, it’s certainly not far off. Showing the more elegant style of the vintage, it offers a gorgeous perfume of smoked black cherries, redcurrants, green tobacco, bloody meat, sandalwood, and Asian spices that opens up with time in the glass. Ethereal, medium to full-bodied, and seamless on the palate, it has flawless balance, polished tannins, no hard edges, and a great, great finish. It’s just beautifully put together and one of the more approachable vintages of this cuvée. It can be drunk with incredible pleasure today (give it an hour decant) or cellared for 15+ years or more.”

Love Washington wine? We have over 40 different options in stock. Shop our entire selection on our web store now, including famous names like Leonetti and Quilceda Creek, as well as more from Cayuse.

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!

Stay safe, be well, & drink well.

Vinopolis Tuesday Newsletter 6-29-21

In This Newsletter:

California Super-Value Restocked
Marietta Cellars’ Christo Rhône Blend

High-Scoring Bordeaux Arrival
2010 Clinet Pomerol

Subscriber Special
Doctor Crusius’ World-Class Riesling

10 Epic Cellar Picks from Burgundy

New Arrivals from France
Land Friday

Collector’s Corner
2002 Sir Winston Churchill Magnum

California Super-Value Restocked

Marietta Cellars’ Christo Rhône Blend

Chris Bilbro was one of California wine’s unsung heroes. He founded and grew Marietta Cellars into one of the preeminent producers of excellent value, honestly made California wine. Although his son Scot now runs the winery (Chris sadly passed away in 2019), their lineup is as good as it’s ever been—delicious, gutsy wines that deliver exceptional value at all prices.

We just restocked a customer favorite, the 2018 Christo Rhône Blend, rounding out our excellent selection of Marietta wines. This includes their fantastic Zinfandel and Cabernet bottlings, as well as their expressive ‘Gibson Block’ Syrah (which hails from a parcel of Syrah planted in the 1880s). The Marietta wines have been customer favorites for some time, and all have received the type of critical praise you’d expect from much more expensive wines.

Just Arrived:

Marietta Cellars ‘Christo’, California 2018 750ML ($24.95) $18.75 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Erin Brooks – Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2018 Christo is made up of 60% Syrah, 24% Grenache, 12% Petite Sirah and 4% Viognier. Vibrant ruby-purple in color, the nose offers pure scents of crushed red, black and blue berries, tobacco, violets, tar and smoked meats. The palate is full-bodied and packed full of perfectly ripe, juicy fruit, with a grainy frame and loads of uplift on the finish.”

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

Also in Stock Now:

Marietta Cellars Angeli Cuvée, Alexander Valley 2018 750ML ($39.95) $29 special, 9 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 91-94 points “Marietta’s 2018 Zinfandel Angeli is dark, sumptuous and super-expressive. Inky dark plum, blueberry, mint, spice, lavender and licorice infuse the 2018 with striking depth and character. Readers will find a powerful Zinfandel with the structure and personality to age gracefully for many years.”

Marietta Cellars Armé, Sonoma – Mendocino County 2018 750ML ($27.95) $24 special, 32 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2018 Armé Cabernet Sauvignon is 85% Cabernet Sauvignon blended with 7% Merlot, 4% Malbec and 4% Petit Verdot. Medium ruby-purple, it has pure, classic aromas of cassis, graphite, violets, loamy earth and tobacco. The intensely flavored palate is light on its feet with loads of juicy lift and a soft tannic frame, and it finishes long and floral. It’s an incredibly elegant style, particularly at this price point!”

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

Marietta Cellars ‘Christo’, California 2017 750ML ($21.95) $18 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Antonio Galloni 90-93 points “The 2017 Christo, Marietta’s Syrah/Grenache-based red, is another compelling wine in this range. Inky red/purplish berry fruit, rose petal, mint, spice and floral notes are front and center. Sumptuous and racy, the 2017 is so inviting from the very first taste.”

Marietta Cellars ‘Game Trail’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Yorkville Highlands 2017 750ML ($41.95) $36 special, 29 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 90-93 points “The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Game Trail is decidedly aromatic and peppery in its flavor profile, much of that a reflection of the personality of this site planted at 1400 feet. Hints of spice, licorice and chocolate add complexity to the dark-toned flavors, but the wine’s overall feel leans towards the more savory side of Cabernet.”

Marietta Cellars Gibson Block Syrah, McDowell Valley 2017 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 7 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 92-95 points “The 2017 Syrah Estate Gibson Block is a total knockout. Inky, rich and voluptuous in the glass, the 2017 possesses off-the-charts fruit intensity. Even with all of its density, the 2017 retains a terrific backbone of acidity and graphite-infused minerality that gives the wine unreal brightness. The 2017 is such a distinctive wine. I can’t wait to taste it from bottle.”

Marietta Cellars OVR Old Vine Red Lot 71, California NV 750ML ($15.95) $14 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Winery note “Old Vine Red is a proprietary red wine made to replicate the field blends of many of the old vineyards in Sonoma and Mendocino counties. Predominantly comprised of Zinfandel, Old Vine Red combines pure fruit, a supple mouth feel and a rich, solid structure. A groundbreaking combination of varietals and multiple vintages first produced in 1982, this wine has blazed the path for red blends for decades. With a historic underground following, it is one of the longest lasting and best known red blends produced today.”

Marietta Cellars ‘Roman’ Estate Grown Zinfandel, North Coast 2018 750ML ($21.95) $18 special, 21 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 90-92 points “The 2018 Román is bright, punchy and full of Zinfandel character. Dark red and purplish fruit, spice and mint all race out of the glass effortlessly. Dollops of Petite Sirah and Barbera bring added complexity to the field blend. The 2018 is one of the best wines readers will find for the money. Quite simply, it is a screaming value.”

Marietta Cellars ‘Roman’ Estate Grown Zinfandel, North Coast 2019 750ML ($24.95) $18.75 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Erin Brooks – Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2019 Román Zinfandel (blended with 4% Barbera and 2% Petite Sirah) has a medium ruby-purple color and gregarious scents of candied peach, wild berry preserves, orange peel and tar. The palate is deeply fruited but light on its feet with bright freshness and loads of perfume on the long finish.”

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

Love California wine? We have 83 different options from the Golden State in stock. Shop the entire selection, including staff favorites like Arnot-Roberts, Pax, Sandhi and more, on our web store now.

High-Scoring Bordeaux Arrival

2010 Clinet Pomerol

“The 2010 Clinet has a very pure and seductive bouquet with layers of black plum, wild strawberry, hints of black truffle and morels. It is fresh and focused with plenty of energy. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grain tannins, silky smooth in texture with a poised, soy-tinged finish that fans out wonderfully. This is an outstanding Pomerol from Ronan Laborde and his team that should age with style.” – Neal Martin

Just Arrived:

Château Clinet, Pomerol 2010 750ML ($219.95) $189 special, 34 bottles in stock now
Decanter 97 points “The definition of poised and confident, this has pretty much consistently delivered since the very first taste during En Primeur. Deeply layered, textured, confident and powerful, both very Pomerol and very 2010. Coffee beans and bitter chocolate are the dominant flavours alongside cassis and blackberry autumnal berry fruits. Both gourmet and restrained. Just about ready to go but will hugely benefit from three to four hours in carafe first, and will further improve over the next few years, and indeed over the decades to come”

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

Pre-Arrival ETA July:

Wine Enthusiast Cellar Selection
Château Clinet, Pomerol2017 750ML ($149.95) $119 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 95 points “This is brimming with raspberry and boysenberry compote flavors, while mouthwatering anise and pain d’épices notes fill in the background. Reveals a flash of ganache, a streak of tar and an echo of bramble through the finish, adding range while the gorgeous fruit holds center stage. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best from 2022 through 2038. 2,000 cases made.”
Wine Enthusiast 95 points “Outer quote mark This wine is stacked with tannins and concentrated fruits, with a dense texture. The wine’s future is assured and long term.”

Love red Bordeaux? We have 56 different options in stock. Shop the entire selection, including famous names like Léoville Barton, Mouton Rothschild, Pichon Baron and more, on our web store now.

Subscriber Special

Doctor Crusius’ World-Class Riesling

Doctor Crusius is one of the leading producers in Germany’s Nahe growing region. Located just south of the country’s most celebrated terroirs, Nahe is a favorite amongst German wine insiders. Great values abound, however no other Nahe producer delivers world-class wines as consistently as Doctor Crusius.

After decades of aggressively acquiring many of the region’s finest vineyards, Crusius has assembled a vineyard portfolio that is the envy of his neighbors. Celebrated growing regions like Traisen and Schlossböckelheim would be household names if located in the Mosel, but instead offer smart buying opportunities for those in the know. Today we’re thrilled to once again spread the good word by offering Crusius’ wines at Subscriber Special pricing, all the while knowing that converts are sure to follow.

In Stock Now:

Dr. Crusius Traiser Bastei Riesling Grosses Gewächs, Nahe 2016 750ML ($89.95) Was $69 Now $59, 2 bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott – jamessuckling.com 95 points “Very fresh and very concentrated this is another of the top dry rieslings from the Nahe with a massive mineral finish. Drink now or hold.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Dr. Crusius Traiser Bastei Riesling Spätlese, Nahe 2016 750ML ($49.95) Was $39 Now $33, 11 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 91 points “The 2016 Nahe Riesling Traiser Bastei Spätlese (AP 29 17) offers a clear, intense and complex nose that is fresh and stony/mineral rather than fruity and benefits from aeration. Very elegant, precise and noble on the palate, with a lovely mineral piquancy and lingering salinity, this is a complex as well as delicate Spätlese with a stimulatingly clear and piquant finish. Delicious but not as luscious and sexy as the auctioned Felsenberg. 9% alcohol.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Dr. Crusius Schlossböckelheimer Felsenberg Riesling Grosses Gewächs, Nahe 2016 750ML ($69.95) Was $59 Now $49, 2 bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott – jamessuckling.com 94 points “Another cool and minty wine from Dr. Crusius, but this has quite a bit more power and depth than the other GGs of this vintage from this producer. A crisp apple and mineral finish of considerable intensity and length. Drink now and for a few decades to come.”
Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2016 Nahe Riesling Schlossböckelheimer Felsenberg “GG” is precise, fresh and intense on the nose, with very clear and perfectly ripe fruit aromas intertwined with delicate flint notes. Full-bodied, well concentrated, lush and with remarkable finesse, this is a very elegant and frisky Felsenberg with a long, intense and concentrated finish. The mineral expression is very fine and lingers. An impressive wine.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Dr. Crusius Muhlberg Riesling Grosses Gewächs, Nahe 2016 750ML ($69.95) Was $59 Now $49, 11 bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott – jamessuckling.com 91 points “A very minty cool nose, then a sleek and cool wine that’s really underplayed, but has quite some power behind it. A long, rather complex finish. Should be more open from 2018 and drink for some years beyond.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Dr. Crusius Schlossböckelheimer Felsenberg Riesling Beerenauslese Goldkapsel, Nahe 2015 375ML ($179.95) Was $159 Now $135, 8 half bottles in stock now
Mosel Fine Wines 98 points “Harvested at a full-on 153° Oechsle (i.e. sugar levels technically qualifying for TBA), this auction BA starts off on the primary and discreet side at first before rapidly exhibiting huge finesse, complexity and depth with honeyed notes of apricot, pineapple, mango, vanilla cream and other exotic fruits. The botrytis gives the wine a great exotic, luscious and unctuous texture with plenty of juice, creamy viscosity and smoothness on the palate. The wine is, of course, still very sweet at this stage (it has no less than 229 g/l of residual sugar), but the interplay with some gorgeously playful acidity makes for a superbly clean and focused feel in the long finish. The only drawback of this little masterpiece of a BA is that it is still a good decade away from maturity. Patience is required! 2030-2085.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Dr. Crusius Traiser Rotenfels Riesling Kabinett, Nahe 2016 750ML ($29.95) Was $26 Now $21.90, 5 bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott – jamessuckling.com 90 points “This Kabinett may have a full grapey sweetness at the front, but the finish is very clean and almost dry thanks to the vibrant acidity and a hint of wild berries. Drink now or hold.”
Winery note “The Traiser Rotenfels with its steep southern slopes on the shoulder of the magnificent Rotenfels massif is the heart of our impressive vineyard location. For over 200 years, these parcels have been producing top wines from dry to noble sweet, which convey the feeling of biting into the Riesling grape with every sip. Low alcohol, lightness, fine aromas and delicate structure – these attributes make our Traiser Rotenfels Riesling Kabinett. This makes it versatile and an elegant companion for a relaxing evening.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Dr. Crusius Traiser Rotenfels Riesling Spätlese, Nahe 2016 750ML ($44.95) Was $33 Now $29, 23 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 90 points “The 2016 Nahe Riesling Traiser Rotenfels Spätlese has a clear, fine and elegant bouquet of ripe tropical fruits intermixed with lemon and stony flavors. Light, lush and round on the palate, with purity, stimulating salinity and ripe, textured fruit, this is an elegant and harmonious Spätlese with remarkable finesse. It is not very complex but so delicate…! 8.5% alcohol.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

10 Epic Cellar Picks from Burgundy

Whites

In Stock Now:

Domaine Dujac Les Combettes, Puligny-Montrachet Premier Cru 2018 750ML ($359.95) $279 special, 2 bottles in stock now
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.”

Lucien Le Moine Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru, Côte de Beaune 2017 750ML ($319.95) $289 special, 4 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 96 points “This intense version grabs your attention, with effusive aromas of lemon curd, pine forest, wood smoke and stone. There is something wild about this, yet at the core lies sweet, ripe peach and apple fruit, shaded by lanolin and peat notes. Bracing acidity keeps all the elements in line, driving the long finish. Best from 2022 through 2032. 25 cases imported.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Reds

In Stock Now:

Domaine du Clos de Tart ‘Clos de Tart’ Grand Cru Monopole, Côte de Nuits 2010 750ML ($799.95) $599 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Neal Martin – Wine Advocate 97 points “The man with the bluest eyes in Burgundy, a.k.a. winemaker Sylvain Pitiot, told me that the 2010 Clos de Tart was picked almost a month later than the 2011 on 6 October with a yield hovering around 26 hectoliters per hectare and that the smallness of the berries meant that bunches were not compact. The bouquet is very seductive with introspective black fruit rather than red. The mineralite is tangible just below the surface, then a hint of oyster shell emerging with aeration. The palate has wonderful volume, coming over all fleshy and silky in the mouth thanks to the layered fresh strawberry and red cherry fruit. There is nigh perfectly judged acidity and a feminine finish that is totally entrancing. What a beautiful, feminine, refined Clos de Tart! Drink 2016-2030+.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $629

Domaine Dujac Clos de la Roche Grand Cru, Côte de Nuits 2017 750ML ($699.95) $599 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Decanter 97 points “The average age of the Seysses’ 1.95ha holdings in the Clos de la Roche are slightly older than those of neighbouring Clos St-Denis. Using fruit from five main parcels, it’s a very complete, self-confident wine with good density and concentration, sappy, spicy undertones, fine-grained fruit and tannins, and a very long, tapering finish.”

Domaine Ponsot Clos de la Roche Grand Cru ‘Cuvée Vieilles Vignes’, Côte de Nuits 2016 750ML ($799.95) $699 special, 5 bottles in stock now
Stephen Tanzer – Vinous 94-97 points “(14% alcohol, vs. 14.5% for the 2015 bottling; the estate owns 3.35 hectares in this grand cru, mostly in the climat Clos de la Roche): Dark red with ruby tones. Fully ripe but reticent nose combines cherry and musky soil tones, lifted by a floral topnote. Compellingly sappy, thick and deep; an utterly seamless grand cru with outstanding depth of texture and an impression of energy and power to its red and black fruit and earth flavors. Boasts uncommon thickness of fruit and purity. The wonderfully long, slowly rising, edge-free finish shows terrific energy.”

Domaine Armand Rousseau Père et Fils Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru, Côte de Nuits 2009 750ML ($799.95) $699 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 91-93 points “The 2009 Charmes-Chambertin emerges from the glass with lovely radiance and openness in its ripe, juicy fruit. The Charmes is already rather forward, and at this stage appears to be a relatively early-maturing wine. The oak is also a bit pronounced. Sweet, textured floral notes wrap around the long, polished finish. Rousseau’s Charmes is technically 60% Mazoyères.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Domaine Faiveley Chambertin-Clos de Bèze Les Ouvrées Rodin Grand Cru, Côte de Nuits 2016 750ML ($1,499) $1,049 special, 3 bottles in stock now
William Kelley – Wine Advocate 97 points “The 2016 Chambertin Clos de Bèze Grand Cru Les Ouvrées Rodin is showing brilliantly from bottle, unfurling in the glass with a rich bouquet of cassis, cherries, red berries, grilled game, licorice, spices and smoky new oak. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, ample and expansive, with a deep and intense core of sapid fruit that cloaks its satiny but abundant structuring tannins, underpinned by succulent acids and concluding with a seriously long, penetrating finish. This special cuvée hails from a parcel of vines planted in 1966 on the Chambertin side of Clos de Bèze, and its name commemorates a Faiveley family connection with the sculptor Rodin.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $1,195

Domaine Fourrier Griotte-Chambertin Grand Cru Vieille Vigne, Côte de Nuits 2016 750ML ($1,499) $1,199 special, 1 bottle in stock now
John Gilman 96 points “The 2016 Griotte-Chambertin from Domaine Fourrier is a great wine in the making. The bouquet is pure, sappy and quite expressive, but the palate is still on the primary side and the wine will deserve a fully twelve to fourteen years in the cellar to start to properly stir from hibernation. The nose is a superb blend of red and black cherries, gamebird, a very complex base of chalky soil tones, woodsmoke, spicy oak, mustard seed and a pungent topnote of roses. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied and already quite velvety on the attack, with a sappy core, lovely transparency and grip, fine-grained tannins and a long, tangy, refined and laser-like focus. There will be plenty of temptation to drink this on the earlier side, unless it closes up significantly after bottling, but it would be crime to really touch a bottle before at least 2030! 2030-2100.”

Coche-Dury Corton Grand Cru, Côte de Beaune 2013 750ML ($2,499) $2,199 special, 1 bottle in stock now

Domaine Georges & Christophe Roumier Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru, Côte de Nuits 2009 750ML ($2,499) $2,199 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Antonio Galloni 98 points “Roumier’s 2009 Bonnes-Mares is without question one of the wines of the vintage. Firm yet beautifully integrated tannins provide the backdrop for the highly nuanced, expressive aromas and flavors that emerge from the glass. All the elements are in the right place in this extraordinary, moving wine. At times the Bonnes-Mares comes across as very powerful, at other times it is quite sensual. In other words, it is pure magic in the glass. Burgundy fans will flock to the Musigny because of its rarity but there is a very real possibility that the Bonnes-Mares will outshine it over time.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Love Burgundy? We have over 200 different reds from the Côte de Nuits and over 90 different reds from the Côte de Beaune in stock. Shop the entire selection, including famous names like Hubert Lignier, Michel Lafarge, Montille and more, on our web store now.

New Arrivals from France

Land Friday

Smith Haut Lafitte

The product of one of Bordeaux’s finest recent vintages (probably only eclipsed by 2010 during the previous decade), Smith Haut Lafitte’s 2016 Pessac-Léognan Rouge is everything we look for in high-end Bordeaux. It’s complex, yet approachable. It’s powerful, yet elegant. And it has all the hallmarks of a wine that’ll age beautifully. But don’t take it from us, Wine Enthusiast named it a ‘Cellar Selection’. So hide a few bottles of this masterpiece away, you’ll thank yourself in 10 years.

Arriving Friday, July 2nd:

Château Smith Haut Lafitte, Pessac-Léognan 2016 750ML ($149.95) $138 pre-arrival special
Lisa Perrotti-Brown – Wine Advocate 98 points “Composed of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot and matured in 60% new oak for 18 months, the 2016 Smith Haut Lafitte has a very deep garnet-purple color, opening with sensuous scents of warm black cherries, blackberry pie, star anise and fragrant lilacs with hints of chocolate box, cigar box and pencil lead plus wafts of truffles and crushed rocks. Medium to full-bodied, rich and seductive, it completely fills the palate with perfumed black berry preserves and superbly plush tannins, finishing epically long and beautifully layered.”

Marcel Lapierre

Arriving Friday, July 2nd:

Domaine Marcel Lapierre Morgon, Beaujolais 2018 750ML ($41.95) $34.50 pre-arrival special
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 94 points “Glistening ruby. Mineral-inflected red/blue fruits on the assertively perfumed nose, along with incense, exotic spices and fresh flowers. Alluringly sweet and penetrating, offering intense boysenberry and raspberry flavors braced by juicy acidity. Fine-grained tannins add spine to a wonderfully long, sappy finish that strongly repeats the floral and mineral notes.”

Collector’s Corner

2002 Sir Winston Churchill Magnum

Pol Roger’s ‘Sir Winston Churchill’ is famous for its richness and longevity. Always one of Champagne’s most coveted and cellar-worthy Prestige Cuvées, the 2002 is one of the finest bottlings of the past two decades. Concentrated, expansive and complex, it was built for the long-haul. And this is especially true of the magnums that we’re featuring today. Ask any connoisseur for advice on buying and drinking aged wine, and they will recommend large formats. They will also note the importance of provenance. Having come to us directly from Pol Roger’s US importer, these bottles are in pristine condition and would be an extraordinary addition to any collection.

In Stock Now:

Pol Roger Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill Brut, Champagne 2002 1.5L ($899.95) $699 special, 6 bottles in stock now
William Kelley – Wine Advocate 96 points “The 2002 Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill is developing superbly in bottle, and the wine is beginning to show wonderful complexity, wafting from the glass with scents of green apple, orange rind and pear that mingle with hints of warm biscuits, freshly baked bread and iodine. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, broad and fleshy, with ripe acids, appreciable structuring dry extract and concentration and a long, vinous and expansive finish. Readers with the 2002 Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill in their cellars should be very happy indeed.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $980

Also in Stock Now:

Wine Enthusiast Cellar Selection
Pol Roger Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill Brut, Champagne 2009 750ML ($279.95) $249 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Roger Voss – Wine Enthusiast 97 points “As always, this Pinot Noir-dominated Champagne is a great wine. In this vintage, it is fuller than usual, perhaps less structured—a true reflection of the vintage. Like all releases of this cuvée, the wine will age magnificently. Drink now or hold for at least 10 years to get full maturity.”

Pre-Arrival ETA October:

Pol Roger Vintage Brut, Champagne 2002 750ML ($199.95) $149 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 97 points “This is a deep and profound 2002 with such fine bubbles that have the texture of fine silk. Full body. Extremely dense and compact. Just rolls over your palate. Superb quality and satisfaction, after all this time. Drink now.”

Love Champagne? We have over 165 different options in stock. Shop the entire selection, including staff favorites like Bérêche, Nicolas Maillart, Pierre Péters and more, on our web store now.

Vinopolpick Monday Bonus 6-28-21

In Today’s Newsletter:

Pre-Arrivals from Selbach-Oster
Grand, Yet Affordable

Lignier Closeout Sale Continues
Additional Price Drop

More German Pre-Arrivals
Landing in September

High-Scoring Big Reds
Arriving this Summer

Gobelsburg’s World-Class Whites

Collector’s Corner
A Legendary Wine from Armand Rousseau

Pre-Arrivals from Selbach-Oster

Grand, Yet Affordable

Let’s cut to the chase: Selbach-Oster makes wine every bit as good as the ‘name’ producers like Prüm or Molitor, but because they aren’t quite as famous (and because Johannes Selbach isn’t a grand self-promoter) the wines are much less expensive than their peers. They represent some of the best buying opportunities for German wine lovers in the Mosel today. We’re excited to receive another drop of these charming wines in September. The allotment is unsurprisingly dominated by Riesling (including their delicious Sekt), but also includes one of the world’s best Pinot Blanc.

Pre-Arrivals ETA September:

Selbach-Oster Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Auslese*, Mosel 750ML 2019 750ML ($59.95) $45 pre-arrival special
Stephan Reinhardt – Wine Advocate 96 points “The 2019 Bernkastler Badstube Riesling Auslese * is deep and concentrated on the still reductive, flinty and stony nose. Piquant, racy, dense and rich on the palate, this is a laser-sharp, salty-piquant and crunchy Auslese with concentrated lemon chutney notes and lingering salinity and grip. It is stunningly precise and like an ice wine because everything is concentrated due to the perfectly clear and clean botrytis. Tasted at the domain in September 2020.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Selbach-Oster Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Spätlese, Mosel 2019 750ML ($37.95) $31.90 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Selbach-Oster Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Spätlese, Mosel 2019 750ML ($449.95) $342 pre-arrival special (that’s only $28.50/bottle!)
Stephan Reinhardt – Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2019 Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Spätlese is very clear, pure and flinty on the intense, elegant, crunchy and slatey nose. Salty, piquant and lush on the palate, this is a crystalline, pure and salty Badstube that is juicier and rounder than the 2018. Tasted at the domain in September 2020.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Selbach-Oster Riesling Feinherb, Mosel 2019 750ML ($21.95) $18 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Selbach-Oster Riesling Feinherb, Mosel 2019 750ML ($259.95) $195 pre-arrival special (that’s only $16.25/bottle!)

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

Selbach-Oster Pinot Blanc Reserve, Mosel 2019 750ML ($39.95) $33 pre-arrival special

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Selbach-Oster Riesling Sekt Extra Dry, Mosel 2018 750ML ($34.95) $28 pre-arrival special

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Selbach-Oster Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Trockenbeerenauslese, Mosel 2018 375ML ($259.95) $219 pre-arrival special
Stephan Reinhardt – Wine Advocate 98 points “The intensely yellow colored 2018 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Trockenbeerenauslese is concentrated, fresh and precise on the intense yet fine, feminine and almost floral nose. Bottled in late June 2019, this is a very sweet but remarkably finessed and stimulatingly salty TBA with all the charm, finesse and piquancy you may expect from the Wehlener Sonnenuhr. Though still sweet, the wine is perfectly balanced and quite light or filigreed and should be cellared for at least a decade. This is the first TBA Johannes Selbach has produced from the Wehlen part of the Sonnenuhr. Tasted at the domain in September 2020.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Selbach-Oster Zeltinger Riesling Kabinett Trocken, Mosel 2019 750ML ($27.95) $24 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Selbach-Oster Zeltinger Riesling Kabinett Trocken, Mosel 2019 750ML ($319.95) $266 pre-arrival special (that’s only $22.17/bottle!)
Mosel Fine Wines 90 points “The 2019er Zeltinger Riesling Kabinett Trocken comes from Estate holdings mainly in the Himmelreich (90%) as well as Schlossberg (10%). It offers a beautifully refreshing and light nose of white peach, apple, mint, herbs, anise, and spices. The wine develops good presence and the intensity of a Spätlese on the palate and leaves a nicely herbal and spicy feel in the surprisingly assertive but very satisfying finish. This is a serious Village wine to age and enjoy. 2023-2029”

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

Selbach-Oster Zeltinger Schlossberg Riesling Kabinett, Mosel 2019 750ML ($29.95) $26 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Selbach-Oster Zeltinger Schlossberg Riesling Kabinett, Mosel 2019 750ML ($359.95) $279 pre-arrival special (that’s only $23.25/bottle!)
Stephan Reinhardt – Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2019 Zeltinger Schlossberg Riesling Kabinett is pure and flinty on the pure, elegant, terroir-driven nose. Piquant and crystalline on the palate, this is a crunchy and crispy, well-concentrated and nicely phenolic Schlossberg with juicy fruit but a crystalline and refined finish. Very long and stimulatingly salty. Tasted at the domain in September 2020.”

Selbach-Oster Zeltinger Sonnenhuhr Riesling Beerenauslese, Mosel 2018 375ML ($89.95) $79 pre-arrival special

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Selbach-Oster Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese, Mosel 2019 750ML ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
Stephan Reinhardt – Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2019 Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese is very clear and intense, provided with very fine raisin and flinty aromas. Lush and crystalline on the palate, this is a salty-piquant, juicy and razor-sharp yet delicate Auslese with great finesse and precision. A highly promising wine. Tasted at the domain in September 2020.”

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

Selbach-Oster Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese**, Mosel 2017 750ML ($69.95) $54.50 pre-arrival special
Stephan Reinhardt – Wine Advocate 96 points “From the lower part of the site and made with more botrytis grapes than the regular Auslese, the 2017 Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese ** is clear and elegant on the perfectly ripe, intense and spicy nose. Lush and generous on the mouth-filling palate, this is a vibrantly fresh, salty-piquant and sensual Auslese with remarkable tannin structure and expression. A great, food-friendly wine that should be cellared for 10 to 15 years, even though it already drinks extremely well. Tasted in March 2019.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Love Germany? We have over 350 different options (not a typo!) in stock. Shop the entire selection on our web store now, including famous names like Dönnhoff and JJ Prüm, as well as more from Selbach-Oster.

Lignier Closeout Sale Continues

Additional Price Drop

Hubert Lignier is one of the finest names in Burgundy. The wines have been a core of the Neal Rosenthal portfolio since the 1978 vintage and have always been one of its jewels. These are some of the defining wines of Morey-St. Denis, different from Dujac stylistically but no less profound.

We have an extensive collection of Lignier’s wines from some of Burgundy’s finest recent vintages. 2016 and 2017 were both fantastic across Burgundy, yielding fresh, balanced wines with purity and charm. Contrasting the two, the 2016s are generally more elegant, while the 2017s have more structure. Both vintages are expected to age gracefully, and Lignier’s wines are no exception.

There were initially some concerns about the 2018 vintage following a summer marked by heat spikes. However, in bottle the wines have shown more freshness than expected, with a plush, youthful appeal. This is the Burgundy vintage for impatient connoisseurs.

In an effort to get more of these enchanting bottles on tables, and in cellars, we’ve slashed prices (including a $350 drop on the 2017 Clos de la Roche “MCMLV”) and are now offering nearly all of our selection at national best pricing. So take advantage of these outstanding deals and acquaint (or reacquaint) yourself with the classic wines of Hubert Lignier.

In Stock & Priced to Move:

Domaine Hubert Lignier Bourgogne Passetoutgrain, Burgundy 2018 750ML ($34.95) Was $29 Now $27, 20 bottles in stock now
Rosenthal Note “Lignier’s Passetoutgrain is benchmark of its category, offering the finesse of far loftier appellations and embodying the authoritative depth of the house style in miniature form. The wine comprises 0.4 hectares worth of vines: 60% Gamay (from 1960) and 40% Pinot Noir (from 1998), planted within the confines of Morey-Saint-Denis proper in a site called Aux Poirelots. Aged entirely in used barrels, this cuvée is bottled without fining or filtration just before the next harvest.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Domaine Hubert Lignier Chambolle-Musigny Les Bussieres, Côte du Nuits 2017 750ML ($149.95) Was $125 Now $108, 12 bottles in stock now
Rosenthal Note ““Les Bussieres” sits just below the premier cru “Les Sentiers” (and just down-slope from grand cru Bonnes-Mares), hard on the border of Morey-Saint-Denis. The Ligniers exploit just under a half-hectare of vines here—a total of four parcels, planted between 1948 and 1988. This wine combines classic Chambolle elegance and mineral precision with the savory guts of Morey, with loads of spice and floral accents to the nose and a focused, linear palate that should soften and expand with a few years of cellaring.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Domaine Hubert Lignier Clos de la Roche Grand Cru MCMLV, Côte de Nuits 2017 750ML ($1,499.95) Was $1,199 Now $849, 1 bottle in stock now
Neal Rosenthal note “For the first time, Laurent Lignier produced a separate cuvée of Clos de la Roche in 2017 in honor of his grandfather Henri. The Clos de la Roche “MCMLV” comes entirely from Henri’s first planting in 1955: 27 rows of Pinot Noir in the Monts Luisants climat, which he used to propagate the rest of his holdings during the 1960s. This original parcel is highly susceptible to millerandage, which results in small berries of immense concentration, and Laurent harnessed the full power and intensity of such fruit in this stupendous bottling—of which he produced a mere two barrels. A wine such as this embodies Burgundy’s most profound essence: the continuous spirit and presence of a family whose members’ very hands have worked these same vines, this same parcel, since the vines were planted. How could Henri Lignier, when he was breaking earth in 1955, have ever imagined the course his home region would take over the ensuing decades, or the global acclaim that would be heaped on his son’s and his grandsons’ wines? Yet, despite the incredible changes those ensuing 65 years have witnessed, a Lignier has steadfastly worked each vine among these 27 rows of Clos de la Roche, vintage after vintage, gradually building its reputation as one of red Burgundy’s pinnacles. “MCMLV” is not just a great wine, then; it is an emblem of all that makes Burgundy special.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Domaine Hubert Lignier Gevrey-Chambertin Les Seuvrées, Côte de Nuits 2017 750ML ($119.95) Was $99 Now $89, 24 bottles in stock now
Neal Martin – Vinous 89-91 points “The 2017 Gevrey-Chambertin Les Seuvrées contains around 20% whole bunch fruit. It has a fresh, generous bouquet, hints of brown spice infusing the red fruit. The palate is well balanced with sappy red fruit laced with orange peel, quite firm grip in the mouth and a slightly austere finish at the moment. Give this three or four years.”
William Kelley – Wine Advocate 89-91 points “The 2017 Gevrey-Chambertin Les Seuvrées is showing very well, unfurling in the glass with suggestions of cassis, raspberries, sweet soil tones and spices. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, ample and nicely concentrated, with good depth at the core and fine-grained but firm, even chalky, structuring tannins. This should evolve well in bottle.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Domaine Hubert Lignier Morey-Saint-Denis Très Girard, Côte de Nuits 2017 750ML ($119.95) Was $99 Now $89, 6 bottles in stock now
Neal Martin – Vinous 89-91 points “The 2017 Morey-Saint-Denis Très Girard has a refined bouquet of ample red berry fruit, nicely defined and revealing hints of orange blossom. The palate is well balanced with supple tannin, nice focus and a caressing texture toward the finish. Lovely.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Domaine Hubert Lignier Morey-Saint-Denis Trilogie, Côte de Nuits 2017 750ML ($149.95) Was $119 Now $85, 12 bottles in stock now
Tim Atkin MW – Decanter 93 points “As the name of his wine suggests, Laurent Lignier gets his fruit from three different parcels – Les Porroux, Clos Solon and Les Chenevery – to make a super village cuvée. Stylish and well balanced, it’s made with 25% stems and 20% new wood. It’s wonderfully scented and pure with a long, sappy finish. 2022-2028.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Domaine Hubert Lignier Morey-Saint-Denis Premier Cru Vieilles Vignes, Côte de Nuits 2017 750ML ($299.95) Was $249 Now $199, 4 bottles in stock now
William Kelley – Wine Advocate 92-94+ points “The 2017 Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru Vieilles Vignes is superb, wafting from the glass with a complex bouquet of warm spices, raspberries, cherries, dark chocolate and candied peel. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, layered and textural, with the most depth and dimension of Lignier’s premiers crus, its deep core of fruit largely concealing the wine’s fine-grained structuring tannins, concluding with a saline finish. This cuvée hails from a parcel that straddles the climats Faconnières and Chenevery that was planted in 1936, 1942 and 1943, and which the Lignier family has always vinified as a single cuvée.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Domaine Hubert Lignier Nuits-Saint-Georges Les Poisets, Côte de Nuits 2017 750ML ($149.95) Was $110 Now $89, 6 bottles in stock now
Tim Atkin MW – Decanter 92 points “This is comparatively new to the Lignier portfolio as the family only bought this vineyard in 2010. The impressive village site sits below the Les Cailles premier cru on the south side of Nuits-St-Georges. Old-vine concentration, 25% whole bunches and 20% new wood all contribute to the quality of this sappy, intense, mineral-edged red. Drink between 2021-2027.”
Rosenthal Note “This, too, is a recent acquisition by the domaine. This small parcel is planted to vines that are fifty-five years of age (as of 2012). The site is in a superb location sitting just beneath the great 1er Cru “Les Cailles”. The first vintage produced by the Ligniers is 2010.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Domaine Hubert Lignier Pommard En Brescul, Côte de Beaune 2017 750ML ($119.95) Was $99 Now $89, 6 bottles in stock now
Rosenthal Note “Although the Lignier domaine is historically associated with the Côte de Nuits, their firmly classical house style melds beautifully with the mineral rigor of Pommard. Hubert and Laurent ventured into this zone during the period of uncertainty following Romain’s death, and this “En Brescul” comes from a 0.4-hectare parcel of 20-year-old vines on which the family has a 25-year lease.”

Love red Burgundy? We have over 200 different options from the Côte de Nuits and over 90 different options from the Côte de Beaune in stock. Shop the entire selection on our web store now, including famous names like Fourrier and Montille, as well as more from Hubert Lignier.

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10AM – 6PM Daily

Our maximum capacity is six customers at one time.

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More German Pre-Arrivals

Landing in September

Willi Haag

The Haag family dates its history in the region back to the 1500s. The Willi Haag branch, the less famous of the two Haag wineries, makes excellent Mosel wines (in styles ranging from dry to slightly off-dry to fruity), and all are very reasonably priced. The grandson of the estate’s founder, Marcus Haag, runs the winery today from his celebrated holdings of steeply planted vineyards in the village of Brauneberg.

Pre-Arrival ETA September:

Weingut Willi Haag Brauneberger Juffer Riesling Kabinett Feinherb, Mosel 2019 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 pre-arrival special

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Weingut Willi Haag Brauneberger Juffer Riesling Spätlese, Mosel 2019 750ML ($29.95) $24 pre-arrival special

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

Weingut Willi Haag Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese Grosses Gewächs, Mosel 2019 750ML ($41.95) $33 pre-arrival special

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Weingut Willi Haag Veldenz Riesling Old Vine, Mosel 2019 750ML ($29.95) $24 pre-arrival special

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Karlsmühle

Weingut Karlsmühle dates back to 1803, when Johann Karls purchased the property. After the acquisition, the family dissolved the monastery and rock mill that sat on the site and started the process of building the jewel of Mertesdorf-Lorenzhof. Today fruit from the 12.5 hectares estate is mostly fermented spontaneously with natural yeasts and finished wines are dry or off-dry.

Pre-Arrival ETA September:

Weingut Karlsmühle Kaseler Nies’chen Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel, Mosel 2019 750ML ($44.95) $38 pre-arrival special

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Weingut Karlsmühle Kaseler Nies’chen Kabinett Riesling, Mosel 2019 750ML ($24.95) $19 pre-arrival special

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Weingut Karlsmühle Lorenzhofer Kabinett Riesling, Mosel 2019 750ML ($24.95) $19 pre-arrival special

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Weingut Karlsmühle Lorenzhofer Spätlese Trocken Riesling, Mosel 2019 750ML ($29.95) $24 pre-arrival special

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Kees-Kieren

For over 40 years the Kees brothers (Ernst-Josef and Werner) have been crafting some of the Mosel’s best values, all from celebrated sites in around the town of Graach. Farming practices are sustainable, and low yields are prized. As is the case in much of the region, all fruit is picked by hand and vineyards are picked multiple times to ensure that the fruit coming in has achieved optimal phenolic development and ripeness. In the cellar, both stainless steel and old oak fuders are utilized, producing focused and terroir-driven beauties that wouldn’t be out of place in any lineup of Mosel greats.

Pre-Arrival ETA September:

Weingut Kees-Kieren Graacher Domprobst Riesling Grosses Gewächs, Mosel 2019 750ML ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Weingut Kees-Kieren Graacher Domprobst Riesling Spätlese Trocken, Mosel 2019 750ML ($34.95) $24 pre-arrival special

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Weingut Kees-Kieren Graacher Domprobst Riesling Kabinett Trocken, Mosel 2019 750ML ($29.95) $21.90 pre-arrival special

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Weingut Kees-Kieren Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett, Mosel 2019 750ML ($29.95) $21.90 pre-arrival special

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Weingut Kees-Kieren Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Spätlese*, Mosel 2019 750ML ($34.95) $24 pre-arrival special

This is the only listing in the USA today!

J.H. Selbach

Pre-Arrival ETA September:

J & H Selbach Zeltinger Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett, Mosel 2019 750ML ($19.95) $16 pre-arrival special
Case-12 J & H Selbach Zeltinger Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett, Mosel2019 750ML ($239.95) $168 pre-arrival special (that’s only $14/bottle!)

This is the only listing in the USA today!

High-Scoring Big Reds

Arriving this Summer

Amalaya

“The winemaking philosophy at Bodega Amalaya is focused on both teamwork and understanding the unique terroir to create individual, fruit-forward, contemporary wines from these high-altitude grapes. Full of energy and freshness, they are perfect to enjoy at any time. That’s why younger consumers are falling in love with Amalaya; wines to suit their adventurous and experiential lifestyle. Even better, Amalaya’s wines are of proven quality which was recognised in the Decanter World Wine Awards 2020. In an impressive performance, Amalaya Malbec 2019 was awarded 97 points and scooped a DWWA Value Platinum medal. This fresh young Malbec, packed with juicy red fruit, spice and soft round tannins, is a versatile wine for all occasions. So whether you’re enjoying a casual meal or catching up with friends over a relaxed glass of wine, choose Amalaya to add the high-altitude magic.” – Decanter

Bodega Amalaya Malbec, Calchaquí Valley 2019 750ML ($17.95) $16 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Bodega Amalaya Malbec, Calchaquí Valley 2019 750ML ($199.95) $169 pre-arrival special (that’s only $14.08/bottle!)
Decanter WWA 2020 97 points “Perfumed attractive nose with layers of spice, crunchy strawberries, ripe red plums and fresh violets. Vibrant on the palate with a lovely freshness in harmony with a dense chocolatey character, ending in an elegant spicy finish.”

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

Cecilio

“The Black Slate Gratallops comes from a blend of older and younger vine fruit originating from August’s vineyards near the village. It showcases both the power, typical of Gratallops, as well as the charmingly elegant and rustic touch of Vicent’s winemaking.” – Winery note

Pre-Arrival ETA August:

Black Slate Gratallops, Priorat DOCa 2019 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Black Slate Gratallops, Priorat DOCa 2019 750ML ($299.95) $249 pre-arrival special (that’s only $20.75/bottle!)
Jeb Dunnuck 96 points “A blend of 64% Grenache, 27% Carignan and 9% Syrah, the 2019 Black Slate Gratallops Vi De Vila comes from one of the warmer regions in the Priorat. Gorgeous black raspberries, liquid violets, garrigue, chalky minerality, and hints of rose petal all emerge from the glass, and it’s medium to full-bodied and beautifully textured, with ultra-fine tannins and a gorgeous finish. With a liquid rock-like minerality that’s something to behold, this gorgeous, elegant wine is going to evolve for 10-12 years with no issues.”

Gobelsburg’s World-Class Whites

Schloss Gobelsburg makes some of the top wines in Austria. They operate in a style that promotes complexity and vivacity for some of the best values in the wine world (especially at the high end). The single vineyard wines are generally raised in a mixture of stainless and cask, and are powerful, forthright expressions of some of the best terroirs in Austria. As a result, their top bottlings are wines that can stand toe to toe with any white wine in the world, but for a fraction of the price of their French peers.

In Stock Now:

Schloss Gobelsburg Ried Lamm Grüner Veltliner Erste ÖTW Lage, Kamptal DAC 2018 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 4 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2018 Kammern Ried Lamm 1ÖTW displays an intense golden-yellow color and opens with a deep, clear and complex, remarkably refined and elegant, crystalline and flinty bouquet of crushed stones, herbs and ripe Veltliner fruit. Full-bodied, lush and intense but fine and elegant on the silky-textured and well-balanced palate, this is a perfectly round and sweet, lush and ripe, pretty generous Lamm with a long and elegant, beautifully balanced but tensioned and stimulating salty finish. Tasted at Schloss Grafenegg and Schloss Gobelsburg in September 2019.”
Terry Theise note “Lamm as a rule is buckwheat-y, rusky, savory but not thick, like a vegetable-veal stock with barley, yet oddly also like lamb itself. (“Lamm” doesn’t mean lamb, but is rather a dialect word for “loam.”) It is a great wine though virtually without fruit per se. Its poise of gloss and power, intensity and outline, mass and transparency are emblems of the paradox without which no wine is truly great. If Renner commences the birds to sing, Lamm commences the wolves to howl. This `18 has its customary virtues though it also suggests alcohol could be an issue. Is it eucalyptus spice or jalapeño heat? I liked it better in a moderate-sized tulip, unusually, where it was almost elegant and certainly showed more fruit.”

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

Schloss Gobelsburg Tradition Grüner Veltliner Reserve, Niederösterreich 2017 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 5 bottles in stock now
Anne Krebiehl – Wine Enthusiast 96 points “Editor’s Choice. The aromas of fir honey, salty yeast and white pepper combine on the vivid, spicy nose. Those flavors also play on the slender, juicy palate where glorious sprays of white pepper take center stage against a backdrop of salt, honey and pear.”

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

Schloss Gobelsburg Gaisberg Riesling Reserve Erste ÖTW Lage, Kamptal DAC 2018 750ML ($47.95) $39 special, 14 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 93 points “From Zöbing, the 2018 Ried Gaisberg 1ÖTW is deep, pure and flinty on the concentrated and complex nose. Tight and fresh on the pure and crystalline palate, this is a firmly structured, finessed and salty, still very young and tight Riesling with impressive grip and tension. The 2018 Gaisberg is a very promising dry Riesling that will improve in the bottle. Keep it cool for at least three or four years. Tasted at Schloss Grafenegg and at the domain in September 2019.”
Terry Theise note “Gaisberg for me is always a moonlight wine, as if somehow the grapes ripened at night when the moon is waxing. Its manifest complexity is sometimes behind a veil. It takes at least 5 years to reveal itself. Accordingly I suspect it’s underrated since we’re always tasting it so young. And Michi makes no concession to “presentability;” the wine is the wine, and this `18 is dark, coniferous and spicy, even shoot-smoky; the salt and blueberry emerge in the tulip glass and with air—a lot of air—the conversation of flavors emerges. But these cards are held close.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Schloss Gobelsburg Heiligenstein Riesling Reserve Erste ÖTW Lage, Kamptal DAC 2018 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 13 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 93 points “Gobelsburg’s 2018 Ried Heiligenstein 1ÖTW opens with a very clear, bright, fresh and flinty, very elegant and almost coolish bouquet, like almost no other Heiligenstein of this vintage except for Bründlmayer’s selections. Round and elegant on the palate, this is a bright and refined, highly elegant and crystalline Heiligenstein with an intense, piquant and mineral finish. Tasted at Schloss Grafenegg and Schloss Gobelsburg in September 2019.”
Decanter 93 points “Michael Moosbrugger, Gobelsburg’s director, has made this large monastic property the intellectual centre of the region, where he explores different styles of winemaking. His Heiligenstein has a vibrant and exuberant nose, with spicy stone-fruit aromas. On the palate it’s very ripe, yet taut and precise. A concentrated wine, it shows clarity and a mineral undertone, yet it’s surprisingly accessible, perhaps because the acidity seems a touch low.”
Terry Theise note “Right now this is vivid on its lime and smoke sides, with the tropical fruits and spices still in bud; lots of fir and balsam and the sweet kelp of (an Oolong tea called) Fu Shou Shan. Already superb, it needs just one more note in the chord to be truly great.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Schloss Gobelsburg Tradition Riesling Reserve, Niederösterreich 2017 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 4 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 94 points “Entirely from the Gaisberg cru, the 2017 Riesling Tradition displays a clear and flinty, intense, fresh and complex bouquet of ripe and concentrated stone fruits intertwined with notes of crushed stones and herbal tea. On the palate, this is a rich and concentrated, lush and fruity Riesling with a sustainable, salty-piquant and well-structured, highly stimulating finish. This is a great wine made to age for a decade and more. Tasted at Schloss Grafenegg and at the domain in September 2019.”
Terry Theise note “Look, this is just heart-rendingly beautiful. The chiseled piquancy emerging from its stately beauty is hardly of-this-world. If you sometimes wonder “Have I forgotten how to love?” take a sip, and watch those old hidden lights come on.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Love Austrian wine? We have 38 different options in stock. Shop the entire selection on our web store now, including famous names like FX Pichler and Nikolaihof, as well as more from Gobelsburg.

Collector’s Corner

A Legendary Wine from Armand Rousseau

The wines of Armand Rousseau have no peer in Gevrey-Chambertin. No other grower has produced wines with their level of profundity and a similar track record over the decades. They are some of the pinnacles of Burgundy, up there with anything made by DRC, Roumier, Leroy or any of the other usual suspects.

Today we’re featuring the jewel of Rousseau’s portfolio from the 2010 vintage, the Chambertin Grand Cru at national best pricing. Stephen Tanzer described it as “a monument of the vintage” and speculated that with some bottle age it may eventually merit a perfect 100-point score. Our Burgundy section includes many fantastic options for medium-term cellaring, but Rousseau’s 2010 Chambertin Grand Cru is undoubtedly at or near the top of that list.

In Stock Now:

Domaine Armand Rousseau Père et Fils Chambertin Grand Cru, Côte de Nuits 2010 750ML ($5,999.95) $4,499 special, 4 bottles in stock now
Stephen Tanzer 98 points “Medium red, a bit less saturated than the Clos de Beze. Pungent aromas of wild red berries, smoke, earth, iron and wild herbs. Almost shockingly silky in the mouth, but with crushed-stone minerality lending force to the blackberry, licorice and earth flavors. Incredibly sappy but edge-free wine with an explosive, endless finish that titillates the salivary glands. Longer than the Clos de Beze but that wine is a bit sweeter today, with darker, more exotic flavors. This Chambertin is not yet showing its flesh but if it puts on weight with extended bottle aging, which I expect it to do, it may eventually merit a perfect score. A monument of the vintage.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $4,950

Monday Newsletter 6-26-21

In Today’s Newsletter:

Schafer-Frohlich GG’s at National Best Pricing

Biggio Hamina
Value Star of the Willamette Valley

Rose of the Day!
Newly Arrived Budget-Bandol Favorite

A New Vintage of the Popular
Zuni Chardonnay

The Singular Eisele Sauvignon Blanc

Trending Wines
Including a Few New Arrivals (and Re-Arrivals)!

First Offer:
Rare Vintage Colheita Ports from Kopke

Collector’s Corner:
A Perfectly Cellared Magnum of Fourrier Clos St. Jacques

We are back open for in-store shopping

Properly worn masks over the nose and mouth
will be required at all times.

Our maximum capacity will be six customers at one time.

Curbside pickup still availible

Schafer Frohlich GG’s at National Best Pricing

Schafer-Frohlich is a star in the Nahe, making some of the most coveted dry Riesling in Germany. Powerful, mineral-drenched and resolutely bright, these are some of the finest white wines in the world, at a fraction of the price of their peers in Burgundy or Alsace. As a result, allocations are tiny: Michelin-starred restaurants fight over them and European collectors stash as many in their cellars as possible.

Current winemaker Tim Frohlich took over his family’s estate at the impressive age of 19 and hasn’t looked back, becoming the youngest person in the history of Germany to be named the winemaker of the year after the estate was invited to join the VDP consortium.

They have continued to impress and amaze, winning award after award for the quality of their wines. Tim’s goal for his wines is to exemplify finesse, elegance and the character of the site where the grapes were grown. Their holdings encompass 47 acres in 6 different GG areas, making their quality consistently high across their portfolio.

We have stellar pricing across the board, including on the hard-to-find GG wines, which are the pinnacle of the Schafer-Frohlich lineup—and only make it to the US in tiny amounts.

In stock now from Schafer-Frohlich:

Schafer-Frohlich Felsenberg Riesling Grosses Gewachs 2017 750ML ($99.95) $89 special
Case-6 Schafer-Frohlich Felsenberg Riesling Grosses Gewachs 2017 750ML ($599.95) $499 special (that’s only $83.17/bottle!)
John Gilman 96 points “The 2017 Felsenberg GG is a masterpiece in the making, with the bouquet soaring from the glass in a youthful and very elegant constellation of pink grapefruit, wild yeasts, tart peach, plenty of smokiness, a great base of salty soil tones, dried flowers and a topnote of citrus peel. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied and rock solid at the core, with ripe, snappy acids, superb complexity and great length and grip on the poised and perfectly balanced finish. This is a stunning young vintage of Felsenberg!”
James Suckling 96 points “Despite the ample concentration and power, this is really filigree with great delicacy and breathtaking freshness at the finish.”
Mosel Fine Wines 95 points “This Schlossböckelheimer Felsenberg GG is quite smoky and reductive at first, and only gradually reveals its complexity as notes of thyme, orange zest, black tea and a hint of fennel emerge from the glass. The nose expands by the minute yet remains highly smoky. The wine proves beautifully fruity and delicately smooth side on the palate, where some cream and pineapple juice add to the overall charming yet complex side of this Riesling. The finish proves still quite compact and beautifully linear, which gives a gorgeously focused and restrained feel to the wine. . This is in need of aging, but the potential at maturity is huge. 2027-2047.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Schafer-Frohlich Stromberg Grosses Gewachs Riesling 2017 750ML ($99.95) $85 special
Case-6 Schafer-Frohlich Stromberg Grosses Gewachs Riesling 2017 750ML ($599.95) $479 special (that’s only $79.83/bottle!)
David Schildknecht-Vinous 96 points “White peach, gooseberry and lime are laced in the nose with chamomile, peppermint and pennyroyal. Those juxtapositions anticipate the dynamic of ripeness and citricity as well as of soothing and pungently invigorating elements that characterize this entire amazing performance. There is remarkable sheer succulence and intensity of glowingly pit-tinged white peach, zesty lime and crunchy, seedy gooseberry on the surprisingly silken palate. It’s as if concentration of fruit flavors were inversely proportional to the Stromberg’s rocky, virtually topsoil-free surface. But this is not to suggest that mineral flavor elements are short-changed. Far from it! That “dark minerality” that Fröhlich deems can be unpacked as some combination of smoky peat and black tea with stone suffusion and alkaline accents. “As ripe as they might get,” notes Fröhlich, “the berries on these old vines never lose their greenish tint or make the transition to deep gold,” and that is reflected in the vivid freshness and juicy animation of a long, fugal finish that tingles the tongue and tugs at the cheeks. If Bockenau’s virtues went virtually unnoticed until the 21st century, those of today’s Stromberg sites were almost completely unknown until Schäfer-Fröhlich produced their first, vintage 2012 Grosses Gewächs showcasing them. “When we had to demonstrate to the VDP with historical evidence that this site was Grosses Gewächs-worthy,” relates Fröhlich, “we uncorked a [nearly-dry] 1957 Spätlese from my grandfather that was unbelievably fresh and fine.””
Mosel Fine Wines 96 points “The 2017er Bockenauer Stromberg GG proves rather reduced and smoky at first. It then gradually reveals riper notes of pineapple, orange, yellow peach, tangerine and gingerbread, all wrapped into spices and residual scents from the spontaneous fermentation. The wine proves coats the palate with juicy and lightly flavors. The finish is however focused and even racy thanks to a pure and lime driven acidity kicking in. A slightly tart side in the after-taste still needs to melt into the wine but the wine is hugely impressive. 2025-2037”
Decanter 95 points “The customary reduction resulting from a spontaneous, slow ferment still clouds the nose of this Riesling. From porphyry soils on a rocky, elevated site we get almost piercing freshness that presses all of the pleasure buttons of dry Riesling fans. Bundled around a central, bright shaft of acid are alluring notes of citrus and juicy passion fruit. A most wonderful, stony, precise juxtaposition of exactitude and juiciness.”

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Schafer-Frohlich Felsenberg Riesling Grosses Gewachs 2018 750ML ($99.95) $89 special
Wine Advocate 95+ points “The 2018 Felsenberg Riesling GG opens with a deep, intense and rich, concentrated and aromatic but also flinty bouquet full of ripe Riesling fruits and coolish herbal/vegetal as well gooseberry aromas. On the palate, this is a lush, intense, very mineral, salty-piquant and tightly structured dry Riesling from volcanic rocks. It’s a powerful but elegant, fresh and precise Riesling with great complexity and lingering salinity. A fabulous Felsenberg with lots of vitality and youthful grip. 13% alcohol. Natural cork. Tasted in August and October 2019.”
John Gilman 94+ points “By picking early in the Felsenberg, Tim Fröhlich was able to keep around 7.5 grams of acidity in his GG here this year, and he estimates that the wine will end up just about 12.5 percent octane. It is an absolutely superb bottle in the making, with the nose delivering a beautiful young constellation of tart orange, pink grapefruit, flint, smoke, lemongrass, wild yeasts, citrus peel and a delicate topnote of white flowers. On the palate the wine is pure, fullbodied and very elegant and seamless in balance, with a superb core of fruit, lovely backend mineral lift, bright acids and a very long, complex and extremely promising finish. Great juice. 2024-2065.”

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The next best price is $105

Schafer-Frohlich Fruhlingsplatzchen Riesling Grosses Gewachs 2018 750ML ($99.95) $89 special
John Gilman 95 points “The 2018 Frühlingsplätzchen Grosses Gewächs is going to be closer to 8.5 grams per liter of acidity in this vintage, as is the Halenberg, and this gives the wine just a touch more precision and backend lift than the lovely Felsenberg this year. The bouquet is stellar, wafting from the glass in a blaze of lime, pink grapefruit, a touch of herb tones, salty minerality, citrus peel and a smoky topnote. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied, laser-like and gloriously transparent, with a superb core, zesty acids, laser-like focus and a very long, very minerally and complex finish. This is stunning young wine! 2024-2070.”

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The next best price is $99

Schafer-Frohlich Halenberg Riesling Grosses Gewachs 2018 750ML ($199.95) $99 special
Stuart Pigott – jamessuckling .com 99 points “This has discreet aromatics, showing very fine stones and yellow grapefruit with a delicate, lemon-blossom perfume. The palate has a scintillatingly intense and focused feel with laser-guided acidity, driving a very long, pure and thrilling palate. Yellow citrus fruit abounds. Such precision is really special and the concentration in 2018 is immense. Drink or hold.”
John Gilman 96 points “The 2018 Halenberg GG from Tim Fröhlich is also stunning, with just a bit more elegance than the Frühlingsplätzchen. The bouquet is flat out beautiful already, delivering a gorgeous constellation of pink grapefruit, a touch of quince, fresh lime, smoky overtones a beautifully refined and salty base of slate, a touch of wild yeasts and a topnote of dried flowers. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied and supremely refined in profile, with a lovely core of fruit, great mineral drive, racy acids and impeccable focus and balance on the very, very long, complex and seamless finish. Pure magic. 2024-2070.”

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Schafer-Frohlich Kupfergrube Riesling Grosses Gewachs 2018 750ML ($199.95) $99 special
Stephan Reinhardt – Wine Advocate 96 points “The 2018 Kupfergrube Riesling GG is clear and precise on the aromatic nose that displays enormously ripe and concentrated Riesling fruit that reflects the heat of the vintage, especially in south-facing vineyards like this. Almost raisin flavors here. Crystalline and elegant on the palate, this is a linear and mineral but lush, rich and powerful Riesling with grip and tension and lingering salinity that indicates very good aging potential. 13% alcohol. Natural cork. Tasted from a bottle declared as Fassprobe (a sample) in October 2019.”

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Schafer-Frohlich Riesling Trocken, Nahe 2017 750ML ($31.95) $26 special
Case-6 Schafer-Frohlich Riesling Trocken, Nahe 2017 ($159.95) $149 special
Stuart Pigott-jamessuckling 92 points “A seriously racy and minerally dry riesling that has serious depth at the long, sleek finish, where it achieves lift off! Drink now.”
David Schildknecht-Vinous 91 points “Here is one of those Nahe Rieslings from a vintage that leads with unusually Chablis-like animal and mineral elements. Saffron and sea breeze mingle with lemon rind, struck flint and chicken stock on the nose as well as on a polished, infectiously juicy palate, where an influx of ripe white peach serves for succulence and the piquancy of peach kernel and lemon pip for further counterpoint. The buoyant finish – by no means for the first time in a Schäfer-Fröhlich Gutsriesling – gets a remarkable purchase on the salivary glands while both enthralling and refreshing the lucky consumer. In its own way, arguably, this wine testifies as vividly to the value of Bockenau terroir as do Schäfer-Fröhlich’s two Grosse Gewächse from his home village, because nowadays this entry-level offering labors under the handicap of being sourced almost entirely from very young vines. Yes, the “Vulkangestein” and “Schiefergestein” bottlings that serve as the estate’s middle-tier dry Rieslings are more overtly concentrated. But in vintage 2017, they aren’t more complex than this ostensibly lesser sibling, and lack its sheer charm, buoyancy and infectious drinkability.”
John Gilman 91 points “The 2017 Estate Riesling Trocken here was really showing beautifully, having been bottled six weeks before my visit and having bounced back completely. This is really stunning in 2017, as the relatively low yields have given this extraordinary depth for its level, with the bouquet offering up a precisely ripe blend of grapefruit, tart orange, salty minerality, white flowers and a smoky topnote. On the palate the wine is crisp, fullish and racy, with an excellent core of fruit, fine cut and grip and outstanding backend minerality on the long, complex and utterly refined finish. This is made from the younger vines in all the top grand crus and with the reduced yields of 2017, this is approaching Grosses Gewachs quality! The wine is twelve percent octane and carries five grams per liter of residual sugar in 2017 and is an absolute steal! 2018-2040.”

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Schafer-Frohlich Riesling Trocken, Nahe 2018 750ML ($27.95) $26 special
John Gilman 90+ points “The 2018 Estate Riesling Trocken is also an excellent bargain from Tim Fröhlich this year. The wine is twelve percent in alcohol and carries an impressive 8.5 grams of acidity this year, with all of the fruit for this bottling hailing from volcanic soils. The bouquet is beautifully expressive out of the blocks, offering up scents of lemon, tart orange, wild yeasts, an excellent mineral underpinning, white flowers and citrus zest. On the palate the wine is pure, elegant and medium-full, with lovely focus and grip, outstanding cut and grip and a long, complex and dancing finish. A stunning value this year! 2019-2040+.”

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Schafer-Frohlich Vulkanstein Riesling Trocken 2018 750ML ($41.95) $36 special
Decanter 94 points “This wine is effectively made from declassified fruit from Tim Fröhlich’s volcanic grand cru sites of Felsenberg and Kupfergrube, and it’s a hot tip for lovers of thrilling Riesling. Like all his wines, this has a reductive cloud for now but underneath lies a tropical allure with pristine flavours of passion fruit and mango. The body is slender and concentrated, with a stony, long and crystalline finish. Lovely now but this also ages well.”
John Gilman 92 points “Tim Fröhlich’s 2018 Vulkangestein Riesling Trocken is also absolutely stellar in this vintage, with a touch more ripeness than the Estate Riesling Trocken (approximately 12.5 percent) coupled to the same purity, cut and backend lift. The wine is very mineral in personality on both the nose and palate this year, with the bouquet delivering scents of tart orange, grapefruit, wild yeasts, a very complex base of minerality, lemongrass and a topnote of dried flowers. On the palate the wine is pure, medium-full, racy and complex, with a lovely touch of salinity to its backend mineral signature, excellent focus and balance and a very, very long, classy finish. Great juice. 2023-2060.”

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Schafer-Frohlich Bockenauer Felseneck Riesling Kabinett 2018 750ML ($39.95) $34.50 special

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Schafer-Frohlich Bockenauer Felseneck Riesling Spatlese 2017 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
Case-6 Schafer-Frohlich Bockenauer Felseneck Riesling Spatlese 2017 ($299.95) $219 special
David Schildknecht-Vinous 93 points “Elder flower and peony, ripe quince and white peach on the nose presage a lusciously-fruity and profusely floral inner-mouth performance. The feel is glossy but buoyant. The succulent and superbly-concentrated finish remains transparent to floral nuances as well as revealing a shimmering sense of crystalline and flinty stoniness.”

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Schafer-Frohlich Bockenauer Felseneck Riesling Spatlese Goldkapsel 2018 750ML ($59.95) $59 special
John Gilman 93+ points “The 2018 Goldkapsel Spätlese from the Felseneck vineyard was made solely with shriveled golden berries and there is not a trace of botrytis in this beautiful wine this year. The bouquet is nicely youthful at the present time and takes a bit of coaxing to offer up a gorgeous blend of pear, white cherries, wild yeasts, a lovely undertow of salty slate, white flowers and a whisper of upper register smokiness. On the palate the wine is very pure, medium-full and racy, with a lovely core, superb filigree and bounce and a very long, vibrant and complex finish. This just dances across the palate. 2024-2070.”

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Biggio Hamina

Value Star of the Willamette Valley

Biggio Hamina is one of the best Pinot houses in the Willamette Valley, sourcing fruit from a multitude of AVAs within the valley. We managed to secure a number of different vintages from him, offering a snapshot of some of Oregon’s best vintages. Whether you’re looking for the minerality of Eola-Amity, the umami of Chehalem or the earthiness of Ribbon Ridge, Biggio Hamina makes a Pinot for you! A perfect encapsulation of the Oregon style of Pinot Noir in that there is a marriage between fruit and tertiary expression. These are fantastic examples of Pinot Noir’s transparency in the vineyard.

Todd Hamina is one of the most respected winemakers in the Willamette Valley—think of him as your favorite winemaker’s favorite winemaker. After a decade working for other people, including Beaux Frères, Archery Summit, and Maysara, he launched a label with his wife, Caroline Biggio—and has been making some of the most exciting Pinot Noir in the valley ever since.

His wines are perfumed, elegant and site-expressive: exactly what we look for in Willamette Valley Pinot. Stylistically, Todd loves to use whole clusters and extended macerations to provide savory undertones that balance out his rich fruit. Think of them as a less-delicate, more fruit-forward version of the wines that Marcus Goodfellow makes.

Most importantly, his wines deliver outstanding value. Based their quality, vineyard sources, and critical praise, these should easily be $15–20 more expensive. These are wines that lovers of Oregon Pinot need to have in their cellars and on their tables. With enough fruit and richness to remind you that they’re from the new world, but with a savory, elegant edge that echos Burgundy, they’re classic Willamette Valley. And for the prices that we’re offering them at, they’re tough to beat.

In Stock Now:

Biggio Hamina Cellars Claygate Vineyard Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2016 750ML ($39.95) $28 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Biggio Hamina Cellars Claygate Vineyard Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2016 750ML ($199.95) $159 special (that’s only $26.50/bottle!)
Case-12 Biggio Hamina Cellars Claygate Vineyard Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2016 750ML ($399.95) $299 special (that’s only $24.92/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94 points “Bright red. An exotically perfumed bouquet displays intense red fruit, potpourri and incense qualities. Spice and savory herb nuances build as the wine opens up. Bright and energetic in the mouth, offering densely packed and appealingly sweet raspberry liqueur, cherry and spicecake flavors that pick up a smoky mineral note on the back half. Plays power off of finesse deftly and finishes extremely long and floral, with sneaky, fine-grained tannins and a touch of exotic spices.”

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Biggio Hamina Cellars Claygate Vineyard Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2017 750ML ($39.95) $28 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 93 points “Shimmering magenta. Displays perfumed red fruit preserve aromas, along with suggestions of licorice, cola, earth and candied flowers. Seamless and focused on the palate the Claygate Vineyard offers concentrated raspberry, boysenberry and cherry flavors that slowly unfurl and become spicier through the mid-palate. Round, even tannins build slowly on a very long, floral-tinged finish that leaves cherry and baking spice notes behind. All de-stemmed fruit.”

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Biggio Hamina Cellars Holmes Gap Vineyard Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2014 750ML ($39.95) $27 special, 14 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92 points “Light bright red. Highly perfumed aromas of red berry preserves, Asian spices and mocha take on a bright mineral overtone as the wine opens up. Lively, appealingly sweet and penetrating in the mouth, offering fresh raspberry, cherry and spicecake flavors that gain weight with aeration. Cola and floral pastille nuances appear on a very long, spice-tinged finish framed by silky, well-knit tannins.”

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Biggio Hamina Cellars Johnson Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2017 750ML ($39.95) $26 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94 points “Vivid garnet. Highly perfumed red fruit, potpourri, incense and a hint of succulent herbs on the assertively perfumed nose, which is lifted by a vibrant mineral quality. Silky and energetic on the palate, offering alluringly sweet, spice-tinged cherry and raspberry liqueur and rose pastille flavors and a hint of five-spice powder. Becomes deeper with air, with no loss of urgency, and finishes with firm, spicy thrust, well-knit tannins and a floral pastille note that lingers with strong tenacity. 100% whole clusters.”

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Biggio Hamina Cellars Lia’s Vineyard Pinot Noir, Chehalem Mountains 2017 750ML ($45.95) $27 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94 points “Limpid red. Highly expressive aromas of fresh red berries, Asian spices and smoky minerals, plus a sexy floral nuance that builds quickly with air. Sharply defined bitter cherry, raspberry, blood orange, spicecake and rose pastille flavors show excellent depth but no excess weight. Gentle, well-integrated tannins frame a strikingly long, spice- and floral-driven finish that conveys a suave blend of power and delicacy. 100% whole clusters.”

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Biggio Hamina Cellars Youngberg Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir, McMinnville 2014 750ML ($39.95) $26 special, 28 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92 points “Ruby-red. Deep-pitched aromas of cherry pit, black raspberry and licorice are energized by a bright floral topnote. Sappy, concentrated and expansive in the mouth, offering sweet red and blue fruit and lavender pastille flavors plus a touch of spicecake. Smoothly combines richness and vivacity and finishes very long and subtly tannic, with a lingering sweet floral pastille note.”

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Rose of the Day!

Newly Arrived Budget Bandol Favorite

This is Portland’s favorite non-sparkling pink and Bandol rosé at its crisp-est. This is always the first rosé we sell out of each year. Partly because our supply is limited… but mostly because it’s just so damn delicious. We have under ten cases in stock. For this wine, that’s not a lot.

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Le Galantin Bandol Rose 2020 750ML ($21.95) $19.90 special
Importer note “Classic Provençal rosé with delightful tree-fruit and citrus notes (peach, nectarine, grapefruit) and a crisp finish. Structured and complex, with citrus and red fruit on the palate. Around 5850 cases produced. Around 50% Mourvèdre, 25% Cinsault and 25% Grenache, from vines planted on southwest facing hillsides, with clay/limestone soil.”
Importer note “The ancient steep vineyards of Bandol – first planted by Phocaean Greeks c.600BC – are the perfect home for Mourvèdre. This variety produces wines that can age at least three decades. As at le Galantin, the best vineyards are planted on poor clay and sandy soil on old terraces, known locally as restanques. The appellation’s 1400 hectares of largely south facing vineyards get an extraordinary 3,000 hours of sun a year, but the heat is tempered by constant wind and also humidity from the sea. Following the steps of her father Achille, who bought the land in 1960 and produced his first vintage in 1972, Céline Pascale took over the domaine in 1999. She is helped by her brother Jérôme, who takes care of the vineyards. Today, Domaine le Galantin farms 30 hectares of terraced vineyards located in Le Plan du Castellet. Everything is hand-harvested and done with organic methods.”

A New Vintage of the Popular

Zuni Chardonnay

After the explosive popularity of our exclusive Evening Land/Brasserie 19 offer last year, we jumped at the chance to offer another exclusive wine from Rajat Parr’s Sta. Rita Hills winery, Sandhi. Oregon wine fans may best know Parr for his Willamette Valley winery Evening Land and their pioneering Seven Springs vineyard. Some years before signing on to Evening Land, Parr’s founded Sandhi, an elite, small production winery that highlights the terroirs of Santa Barbara County. He and co-founder Sashi Moorman eschew extremes of ripeness, oak, or alcohol, instead crafting wines of elegance and restraint. Vineyard sources for the Sandhi lineup include the legendary cool climate Bien Nacido, best known by the single vineyard bottlings produced by the Bien Nacido estate, Au Bon Climat, and Qupe Winery, and the world-classic, historic Sanford & Benedict.

This Chardonnay is a barrel selection from these illustrious vineyards. It was crafted with the wine director at one of SF’s finest restaurants, Zuni Café. We knew it would be a charming and food-friendly wine, but we were stunned by the quality when we tasted a sample bottle last week. Fans of Evening Land will be dazzled by the beauty and elegance through a Californian lens, fans of Sandhi will be impressed by the price.

The 2016 has been such a rousing success that we recently acquired another vintage of the fantastic Chardonnay—the bright and zippy 2019. Tasting the two side by side was a study in the potential of Santa Barbara whites, with the older wine showing off a softer, more open feel, while its younger brother was edgy and more energetic. There’s limited stock of the ’16 left, so fans should stock up now, but both offer outstanding value.

In Stock Now:

Newly Arrived!
Sandhi Zuni Cafe Chardonnay, Santa Barbara County 2019 750ML ($34.95) $24 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Winery note “If you’ve ever sat at San Francisco’s iconic Zuni Café with a plate of oysters in front of you while you wait for the iconic whole roast chicken, you may have had a glass or two of this collaboration between longtime friends Rajat Parr of Sandhi and Zuni wine director Thierry Lovato. The wine is a barrel selection from some of Sandhi’s iconic Sta. Rita Hills sites, (think Mt. Carmel, Sanford & Benedict) with enough own-rooted, 1973 Wente selection Bien Nacido Chardonnay blended in to warrant a Santa Barbara County designation.”

Sandhi Zuni Cafe Chardonnay, Santa Barbara County 2016 750ML ($34.95) $21.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Sandhi Zuni Cafe Chardonnay, Santa Barbara County 2016 750ML (399.95) $239 special (that’s only $19.92/bottle!)
From the winery: “If you’ve ever sat at San Francisco’s iconic Zuni Café with a plate of oysters in front of you while you wait for the iconic whole roast chicken, you may have had a glass or two of this collaboration between longtime friends Rajat Parr of Sandhi and Zuni wine director Thierry Lovato. The wine is a barrel selection from some of Sandhi’s iconic Sta. Rita Hills sites, (think Mt. Carmel, Sanford & Benedict) with enough own-rooted, 1973 Wente selection Bien Nacido Chardonnay blended in to warrant a Santa Barbara County designation. Add to that the favorable 2016 vintage in which a very warm spring and early summer gave way to cool nights and moderate daytime temperatures in July & August. These conditions allowed the medium-sized crop to mature perfectly with small berries in pristine condition and yield a remarkably balanced wine with fine depth and intensity.”

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The Singular Eisele Sauvignon Blanc

Eisele is one of the most hallowed terroirs in the Napa Valley. Tucked into the foothills in Calistoga, it has produced incredible wines since 1971 for Phelps, Araujo and now (indirectly) Chateau Latour, who bought the property a few years ago.

Their Sauvignon Blanc is one of Napa’s landmark whites, with a power and complexity rarely seen in the grape. That’s a testament to the site, and also to some of the best winemaking talent in the valley. We’re offering an email subscriber special on this magical wine—just $89 per bottle, and even cheaper on three-packs.

In Stock Now:

Eisele Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley 2018 750ML ($119.95) $89 special
Case-3 Eisele Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley 2018 750ML ($349.95) $255 special (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.”

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The next best price is $98.99

Trending Wines

Including a Few New Arrivals (and Re-Arrivals)!

Challenges Tempier as the best in Provence, at 2/3rds of the price.
Chateau Pradeaux Bandol Rose 2020 750ML ($37.95) $31.90 special
Rosenthal Wine note “The Bandol Rosé from Pradeaux is perhaps the most serious wine in this category. Robust, rich, and complex with an ability to age gracefully, this wine is based on Cinsault (50%) and Mourvèdre (50%), taking its slight orange tint from the latter cépage. The younger vines of the domaine (average age: 25 years) are utilized to produce a rare rosé with staying power and exceptional complexity. The Rosé is vinified by a direct pressing for 24 hours followed by fermentation in cement tanks at a controlled temperature of 18 degrees Celsius for about 15 days; the malo-lactic fermentation is blocked and the wine is usually bottled in mid-April of the following year. We import approximately 600 cases (7200 bottles) annually of this exceptional wine.”

It’s hard to not be effusive about the values that Marietta is turning out these days.
Marietta Cellars ‘Roman’ Estate Grown Zinfandel 2019 750ML ($24.98) $18.75 special
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2019 Román Zinfandel (blended with 4% Barbera and 2% Petite Sirah) has a medium ruby-purple color and gregarious scents of candied peach, wild berry preserves, orange peel and tar. The palate is deeply fruited but light on its feet with bright freshness and loads of perfume on the long finish.”

R. Usseglio continues to be one of the best—and most overlooked—producers in Chateauneuf.
Raymond Usseglio & Fils Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Girard 2018 ($49.95) $36 special
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Girard hadn’t been blended when I visited the estate last year, so this bottled sample was my first look at the cuvée for the American importer. It closely mirrors the regular bottling, but typically includes a bit more old-vine Grenache. The nose is similar, offering up hints of dried spices, earth and black cherries, but the feel on the full-bodied palate is richer and more enveloping, with a creamy-velvety texture that flows seamlessly onto the long, plush finish.”
Jeb Dunnuck 93 points “A custom cuvée put together by their importer, the 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Girard from Raymond Usseglio generally includes slightly more Mourvèdre but, by and large, normally tracks the base cuvée pretty closely. Deep ruby/purple, with a meaty, powerful bouquet of black raspberries, ground pepper, cured meats, and flowery garrigue, this beauty is medium to full-bodied and has a wonderful, supple mouthfeel, silky tannins and a great finish. I actually like it a little more than the base cuvée, but it should age similarly, with a solid 10-12 years or more of prime drinking.”

From the Vendee, right on the Atlantic coast of France, this has brightness to spare.
J. Mourat O.V.N.I. Rose, IGP Val de Loire 2020 750ML ($21.95) $17 special
Winery Note: 100% Grolleau Gris, Average age of vines-15 years. The Mourat name has always been associated with wine: from wine makers and salt makers on the Ile de Ré until the end of the 19th century, then as wine merchants on the Sables d’Olonne for three generations. It wasn’t until 1974 that Jean Mourat created the vineyard which would become the Chateau Marie du Fou. In 1998 Jéremie joined him to pursue the adventure by creating two new vineyards: Le Clos Saint André, which was established in 2006; followed by Le Moulin Blanc, in 2011. The past 10 years have also seen all the vineyards converted, or in the process of being converted, to organic production. A.O.C. Fiefs Vendéens: Mareuil-sur-Lay is situated on an ancient fault-line at the point where three ecosystems meet: the Lucon lowland, the Marais Poitevin and the Bocage Vendéen. The land is composed of schistes and rhyolites, influenced by the Maritime climate. The Vendée benefits from a cosmopolitan vineyard which traditionally combines a mixture of vine varieties from the Loire Valley and the South-West of France.”

One of the true insider secrets in Corton-Charlemagne
Domaine Rollin Père et Fils Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru, Côte de Beaune 2017 750ML ($179.95) $149 special, 17 bottles in stock now
Jancis Robinson 17.5/20 “Bottled. Seems subtle at first but opens up to a complex if embryonic combination of lemon and orange fruit, stony freshness and the suggestion of the round creamy character of lees and barrel.”
Rosenthal Note “The Rollin family for many years has exploited two separate parcels totaling about one-half hectare within the appellation of Corton Charlemagne. One parcel is on the Aloxe-Corton side within “Le Charlemagne” and the other piece is on the Pernand side of the hill known as “En Charlemagne”. The grapes from each parcel are harvested and vinified separately and are then assembled prior to bottling (after more or less fifteen months of elevage). From our personal perspective, the Corton Charlemagne from Rollin is one of the finest white wines in our portfolio, a true Grand Cru. We purchase two barrels a year … and a small amount of magnums are drawn for us annually.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

“Just. Magic.”
Château Cos d’Estournel, Saint-Estèphe 2016 750ML ($319.95) $299 special, 23 bottles in stock now
Lisa Perrotti-Brown – Wine Advocate 100 points “The 2016 Cos d’Estournel is blended of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc aged in 65% new and 35% two-year-old French oak for 15 months. Bottled in July 2018, it is deep garnet-purple colored and starts off a little closed and reticent, opening out slowly and seductively to reveal beautiful lilacs, rose hip tea, crushed stones and camphor nuances over a core of crème de cassis, kirsch, wild blueberries and mocha plus wafts of incense and wood smoke. The palate is simply electric, charged with an energy and depth of flavors that seem to defy the elegance and ethereal nature of its medium-bodied weight, featuring super ripe, densely pixelated tannins that firmly frame the myriad of fruit and floral sparks, finishing with epic length. Just. Magic.”
Neal Martin – Vinous 100 points “The 2016 Cos d’Estournel was a bona fide showstopper out of barrel, the best that I had encountered in over 20 years of visiting the estate during en primeur, so my expectations were piled high when I returned to find out how it performs in bottle. Deep, almost opaque in color, it sports a very intense but broody bouquet with fathomless deep black fruit tinged with blueberry and violet. The aromas almost seem to envelop the senses. The palate is medium-bodied with ultra-fine tannin that I have never witnessed in any other vintage of Cos d’Estournel. There is a beguiling symmetry to this Saint-Estèphe, as well as unerring mineralité. The persistent, tobacco-tinged finish can be felt 60 second after the wine has departed. This is a monumental, benchmark Cos d’Estournel that will give not years but decades of pleasure, though I suspect it will close down for a period in its youth, hence my drinking window. 13.07% alcohol.”

First Offer:

Rare Vintage Colheita Ports from Kopke

You simply cannot go wrong with these as a gift for someone who’s been with you through the long haul, or as a toast to your own endurance and ability to get through this year+. Kopke, founded in 1638, makes what might be the most vibrant and long lived port wines available. They too have been through adverse times in their near 400 year history, seeing dramatic shifts in the climate, swings in the popularity of their product, and the rise and fall of populist dictators. Through all of this, they’ve been consistent in their commitment to making the greatest Tawny and Colheita (vintage Tawny) Port available.

We’re fortunate to have a tremendous lineup available:, including Colheita vintage selections from ’41, ’57, ’67, ,78, and more, plus their 30- and 40-year old tawny ports. Highlights from the vintages include the powerful 1981 – stuffed with aromatics from across the spectrum; floral notes, fresh citrus, walnuts and fig with substantial but surprisingly silky tannins. You can experience the unbelievably youthful 1957 or 1967 – these are perfect examples of age adding concentration and depth, but the traditional Kopke freshness that keeps these so vibrant. Flickers of warmth are reminiscent of Cognac, but the clarity of the fruit and spice dominate the balance.

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

Arriving ETA Mid-November:

[Date of bottling may vary from reviews]

Only two bottles available
Kopke Colheita Tawny Port 1941 750ML ($749.95) $599 pre-arrival special
Mark Squires-Wine Advocate 97 points “The 1941 Colheita Tawny Port Port, bottled in November 2015 with 126 grams per liter of residual sugar, is a marvel. The acidity here makes this very lively, startlingly fresh and young. Add the endless finish and lingering flavors to the very fine structure, and this becomes irresistible. Penetrating and intense, it is also simply delicious, the intensity of flavor matching the structure easily. The aromatics are fabulous, too. Put this next to an open window and walk towards it. You should probably be able to smell it from about ten feet away. It is also perfectly balanced. The first time around, at the beginning of my note I wrote “gorgeous” and then repeated it. At the end, I wrote “love, love this.” That still seems to sum it up nicely.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Only three bottles available
Kopke Colheita Tawny Port 1957 750ML ($499.95) $399 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 95 points “Baked pear, dried apricot and roasted apple flavors dominate in this mature yet fresh-tasting version. White pepper and lightly smoky notes show on the fresh finish. Rich and complex. Drink now. 200 cases imported.”
Mark Squires Wine Advocate 95 points “The 1957 Colheita Tawny Port Port was seen before, but it’s worth revisiting in the USA, since it’s a great wine. This is also the new 2015 bottling. It has 127 grams per liter of residual sugar. It is stunning how youthful this is. Lush and rich on opening, it has mature flavors that emerge, easily demonstrating the complexity and concentrated aromatics one expects. Gripping on the finish, this delivers fruit flavor and seems to linger indefinitely. When I first saw this, it was tasted next to even more brilliant Colheitas and a bit overshadowed. On its own, it is even more stunning. It was pretty fine next to some other greats here as well.”
Roger Voss Wine Enthusiast 95 points “There is a great balance between acidity and impressively fresh fruit considering the age of this venerable Port. Of course there are many flavors from the wood aging, but they are combined with orange marmalade, fig and raisin flavors in a riot of complex flavors that have created a very great wine. It comes from a year that was not generally declared as a vintage.”

Kopke Colheita Port 1967 375ML ($149.95) $119 pre-arrival special
Mark Squires Wine Advocate 95 points “The 1967 Colheita Tawny Port Port comes in with 142 grams per liter of residual sugar. This is a nice step up compared to the younger parts of the lineup, elegant and focused, with a precise finish, a fresh feel, little discernible brandy and a long, long finish. The classic old Tawny Port flavors of molasses and caramel wash over the palate. This isn’t big and thick, but some may very well prefer its elegant and brighter feel. In many ways, it is fresher than the 1981 or 1999 reviewed this issue, and it is better balanced than the 1937. It is very pretty.”

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

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

Kopke Colheita Tawny Port 1981 750ML ($149.95) $99 special
Roger Voss-Wine Enthusiast 95 points “The beautiful old gold color of this wine sets the scene for a Port that is rich, lusciously sweet but also shot through with acidity. It is this balance that makes for a gorgeous wine, ripe and fresh, rich and mature. Drink now.”
Jamie Goode-Wine Anorak 96 points “This is quite special. Wonderfully spicy and raisiny with some fresher citrus and mineral characters, as well as cedary notes. Direct, thrilling and intense.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Kopke Colheita Tawny Port 2007 750ML ($51.99) $49 special
Wine Spectator 91 points “Warm toffee, cinnamon and ginger notes glide through, enhanced by a light streak of juniper. Ends with accents of dark tea and a flash of bitter almond. Drink now.”
Mark Squires-Wine Advocate 90 points “The 2007 Colheita Tawny Port comes in with 112 grams per liter of residual sugar. This is a friendly and easy ten-year Tawny, with a bright feel and an elegant mid-palate. It finishes well, tasty and fresh. There’s nothing overly complicated here, but it is impossible to dislike.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Can’t Wait? We have a small selection of Kopke in stock now:

Kopke 40 Year Tawny Port 750ML ($219.95) $199 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 95 points “This offers a dreamy mix of caramelized pear, fig and peach flavors at the core, while caramel, sesame oil and date notes fill in through the expansive finish. At first glance this is quite lush, but the finish lingers with cut and drive. Drink now. 200 cases imported.”
Wine Advocate 93 points “The NV 40 Year Old Tawny Port was bottled in 2016 with a bar top cork and 145 grams per liter of residual sugar. This adds a bit more brandy as a nuance on the finish to the 30, reviewed this issue, but it still seems much like the 30 Year Old, surprisingly fresh and easy, beautifully balanced and on the lighter side in terms of mid-palate concentration. It is a lovely tawny on its own terms–I’m just not sure it delivers enough of an uptick to justify the price spike from the 30 (or, perhaps even the 20). On its own, though, it won’t disappoint. The price references a 750 milliliter bottle.”

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

Kopke 30 Year Tawny Port 750ML ($179.95) $128 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 94 points “A very inviting, open style, with butterscotch and caramel notes framing the core of glazed pear, caramelized peach, golden raisin and warm fig flavors. The lush finish lets crème brûlée and ginger cream details hang, showing a flash of honeysuckle for lift. Drink now. 200 cases imported.”
Wine Enthusiast 94 points “Dark gold in color, this Port relishes its age. Like an aged tawny, it has lost its fruit at this mature stage, while gaining the rich, intense character that comes from long wood aging. It has concentrated acidity and a long, lingering aftertaste. Drink now.”
Wine Advocate 93 points “The NV 30 Year Old Tawny Port was bottled in 2017 with a bar-top cork and 130 grams per liter of residual sugar. The last release I saw of this was pretty fine. So, too, here. This adds a layer of depth and more complexity to the Burmester, although it lacks the Burmester’s elegance and sex appeal. While the finish here is bigger and more gripping, it is no more flavorful (actually, less so). Still, as this rolls around the mouth, it is impressive, not necessarily more exciting than the Burmester, but definitely different stylistically. They are good examples of the diversity you can get in one portfolio. As always, these last indefinitely, barring cork failures, but they are not really meant to be held.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Kopke Colheita Tawny Port 1966 750ML ($299.95) $249 special, 4 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 96 points “The 1966 Colheita Tawny Port was bottled in 2015 with 126.3 grams per liter of residual sugar, and comes with a bar top cork (as is typical here). As we start getting seriously old in the lineup from Sogevinus this issue, this shows what you get with increasing age: the superb concentration of flavor, the long, intense finishes and the complex medley of flavors that old Tawnies deliver effortlessly. That, to me, is what makes them worth the extra bucks. If some of the youngsters lean more to caramel, this adds more molasses with a touch of Brandy in the background. The concentrated flavors linger more or less endlessly, driven into the palate by the wine’s power and acidity. You can smell and taste this for a long time. The graceful mid-palate is deceptively friendly at first. It sure does grip the palate at the end, though, finishing with juicy bursts of fruit and sugar. Over several days, it acquired a bit more harmony and shed a touch of aggression. The alcohol, speaking relatively, is not as well integrated here as with the 1965, also reviewed, but that is relative. I tended to like this just slightly better anyway for its complexity and concentration on several fronts. The freshness on the 1965 is quite enticing, though. It tastes younger. It depends on what you want: that old-wine complexity and depth or a livelier feel. They both have plenty of power on the finish. You can’t go wrong, really.”
Wine Enthusiast 95 points “Bottled in 2015, this wine from a great Port vintage is dark in color and so concentrated. It is powered by intense acidity from the wood aging as much as any residual fruit. Spice, dried fruits and a perfect balance give this great wine elegance and surprising freshness. Drink now.”
[Bottling year may vary from reviews.]

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

Collector’s Corner:

A Perfectly Cellared Magnum of Fourrier Clos St. Jacques

Just Arrived:

Domaine Fourrier makes some of the most captivating wines in Burgundy. To Burgophiles, this isn’t much of a claim—the wines that Jean-Marie has produced since taking over from his father have become hot tickets in the Burgundy world.

When young they’re among the most impressive in Burgundy, combining succulent fruit with minerality and a complexity that’s nearly unmatched in newly released wines. They improve with age, as well, and this newly-arrived magnum of 2014 Clos St. Jacques has a long life ahead of it. Fourrier works exclusively with old massale vineyards (anything from vines younger than 30 years is sold off) and that sort of soul really makes it into the bottle.

In Stock Now:

Fourrier Clos St Jacque, Gevery-Chambertin Premier Cru 2014 1.5L ($1499.95) $1,099 special, 1 magnum in stock now
Stephen Tanzer-Vinous 94 points “Healthy medium red. Sexy, complex aromas of strawberry, crushed stone and rose petal convey a captivating combe coolness. Wonderfully concentrated and bright, combining classic 2014 salty minerality with superb fruit intensity. Boasts the kind of restrained generosity of fruit that reminds me of the ’99s in the early going. A compelling, saline vin de terroir but not a powerhouse. The long, rising finish features very suave tannins.”
Wine Advocate 93 points “Tasted blind at the Burgfest 2014 tasting, Jean-Marie Fourrier’s 2014 Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru Clos St Jacques (labelled with “Vieilles Vignes”) has a very pure bouquet, almost coulis-like fruit, dark cherries intermingling with blueberry and light marmalade scents. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, a fine line of acidity, quite sensual in the mouth with good depth on the finish. Perhaps what it is missing is that peacock’s tail—it sort of ends in the wrong key. There is great potential here though not best in the (Clos Saint-Jacques) show this year. Like a television with its contrast turned up a bit too high when compared to its peers. Tasted September 2017.”

Looking for a whole lot more Fourrier?
Head to a full list of all the wines in our webstore!

Vinopolpick Mid-Week 6-23-21

In This Newsletter:

Hot New Rhône Wines
Arriving Friday

Spotlight on Chardonnay
The World’s Greatest White

Smart Buys from Germany
Korrell & Richter

Cider Sale
Ends Sunday

Burgundy Icons
$100 – $150

Collector’s Corner
Four 100-Point Bordeaux

Hot New Rhône Wines

Arriving Friday

Raymond Usseglio & Fils

Domaine Raymond Usseglio & Fils was founded in 1948. In the intervening decades the estate has grown into one of the most respected in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Today the family farms its 60 acres biodynamically, which ensures a healthy crop of grapes and a close relationship between grower and vine. This devoted attention in the vineyard carries through to the winery—these are stunning bottles and among the best each year in the Southern Rhône.

For those lacking in cellar space, Usseglio’s Cuvée Girard is a Châteauneuf that doesn’t require years of patience to be enjoyed. Made of 90% Grenache, with Mourvèdre, Syrah, Cinsault, and Counoise blended in, it is one of the best deals in the region: a $36/bottle powerhouse that’s ready to go from the pull of the cork.

Arriving Friday, June 25th:

Domaine Raymond Usseglio & Fils Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Girard, Rhône 2017 750ML ($49.95) $36 pre-arrival special
Joe Czerwinski – Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2018 Châteauneuf du Pape Cuvée Girard hadn’t been blended when I visited the estate last year, so this bottled sample was my first look at the cuvée for the American importer. It closely mirrors the regular bottling, but typically includes a bit more old-vine Grenache. The nose is similar, offering up hints of dried spices, earth and black cherries, but the feel on the full-bodied palate is richer and more enveloping, with a creamy-velvety texture that flows seamlessly onto the long, plush finish.”
Jeb Dunnuck 93 points “A custom cuvée put together by their importer, the 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Girard from Raymond Usseglio generally includes slightly more Mourvèdre but, by and large, normally tracks the base cuvée pretty closely. Deep ruby/purple, with a meaty, powerful bouquet of black raspberries, ground pepper, cured meats, and flowery garrigue, this beauty is medium to full-bodied and has a wonderful, supple mouthfeel, silky tannins and a great finish. I actually like it a little more than the base cuvée, but it should age similarly, with a solid 10-12 years or more of prime drinking.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

In Stock Now from Raymond Usseglio:

Domaine Raymond Usseglio & Fils Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Girard, Rhône 2017 750ML ($59.95) $41.90 special, 29 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 94 points “A special cuvée made for American importer Peter Weygandt, the 2017 Châteauneuf du Pape Cuvée Girard includes a bit more old-vine Grenache, and it shows in the wine’s increased elegance. It’s more floral than the regular bottling, with scents of tea and roses, but it’s also darker and richer, with black cherry fruit, a velvety mouthfeel and a long, layered finish.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Domaine Raymond Usseglio & Fils Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Impériale, Rhône 2016 750ML ($89.95) $69 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 96-100 points “Violets, spring flowers, cassis, plums, and incense notes all define the stunningly good 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Impériale. 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.”

Domaine Raymond Usseglio & Fils Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Impériale, Rhône 2017 750ML ($79.95) $59 special, 17 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 96 points “The 2017 Châteauneuf du Pape Cuvée Impériale (from vines planted in 1902) is firm and structured to age magnificently. Roses, black tea and red raspberries all appear on the nose and palate, framed by fine-grained tannins. I suspect it will close down shortly, but there is terrific material here, and the wine will drink well for two decades.”
Jeb Dunnuck 96 points “The 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Impériale kicks the intensity up a notch and offers rocking notes of black cherries, garrigue, ground pepper, and incense. More expansive, full-bodied, concentrated, and pure, it’s a brilliant, brilliant wine that stays tight and compact at the moment yet has beautiful concentration, present tannins, and a great finish. It has everything, but it needs 4-5 years or bottle age.”

Alary

Arriving Friday, June 25th:

Domaine Alary Cairanne La Font d’Estévenas, Rhône 2018 750ML ($34.95) $26 pre-arrival special
Joe Czerwinski – Wine Advocate 93-95 points “Normally a 50-50 blend of Grenache and Syrah, the 2018 Cairanne L’Estévenas continues the successful run for this cuvée, even though it might be more like 60% Syrah. The volume produced was about half of normal. It combines peppery-herbal notes with violets and blueberries on the nose, then adds raspberries on the medium to full-bodied palate. Supple and almost creamy in texture, it finishes with terrific length and vitality. Tasted twice (once blind), with consistent notes.”

Love Rhône reds? We have over 150 different options in stock. Shop the entire selection, including famous names like Famille Brechet, Henri Bonneau, Saint Cosme and more, on our web store now.

Spotlight on Chardonnay

The World’s Greatest White

From California’s famously lush style, to Chablis’ classic steely expression, to Champagne’s stylish Blanc de Blancs, Chardonnay produces not only some of the world’s finest white and sparkling wine, but some of the world’s greatest wines, period. We have dozens of fantastic options in stock now, including iconic bottles from Burgundy, exciting modern classics from Oregon, as well as underrated imports from Italy. Check out some highlights below, or head straight to our web store.

USA – California

In Stock Now:

Sandhi Zuni Chardonnay, Santa Barbara County 2016 750ML ($34.95) $21.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Sandhi Zuni Chardonnay, Santa Barbara County 2016 750ML ($399.95) $239 special (that’s only $19.92/bottle!)
Winery note “If you’ve ever sat at San Francisco’s iconic Zuni Café with a plate of oysters in front of you while you wait for the iconic whole roast chicken, you may have had a glass or two of this collaboration between longtime friends Rajat Parr of Sandhi and Zuni wine director Thierry Lovato. The wine is a barrel selection from some of Sandhi’s iconic Sta. Rita Hills sites, (think Mt. Carmel, Sanford & Benedict) with enough own-rooted, 1973 Wente selection Bien Nacido Chardonnay blended in to warrant a Santa Barbara County designation. Add to that the favorable 2016 vintage in which a very warm spring and early summer gave way to cool nights and moderate daytime temperatures in July & August. These conditions allowed the medium-sized crop to mature perfectly with small berries in pristine condition and yield a remarkably balanced wine with fine depth and intensity.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Dutton-Goldfield Dutton Ranch Chardonnay, Russian River Valley 2018 750ML ($39.95) $28 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Dutton-Goldfield Dutton Ranch Chardonnay, Russian River Valley 2018 750ML ($449.95) $299 special (that’s only $24.92/bottle!)
Virginie Boone – Wine Enthusiast 93 points “This is a 100% barrel-fermented wine from such stellar sites as Mill Station, Sullivan and Walker Hill. Lively, fresh and focused, it has great acidity and tension, a pleasing energy and minerality that boosts lovely flavors of green apple, Meyer lemon and mango, finishing with balanced richness.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

USA – Oregon

In Stock Now:

Arterberry Maresh Chardonnay, Eola-Amity Hills 2018 750ML ($21.95) $17 special, 23 bottles in stock now
Winery note “Young vine Wente selection Chardonnay (CH72). Handpicked and whole-cluster-pressed, fermentation took place in 20% new French oak, 20% stainless steel and 60% neutral oak. After 9 months of aging in 228L barrels, the wine was finished in stainless steel drums for 2 months on fine lees. Lightly fined and filtered, it was bottled with DIAM cork.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Goodfellow Family Cellars Richard’s Cuvee Chardonnay, Oregon 2019 750ML ($69.95) $55 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Goodfellow Family Cellars Richard’s Cuvee Chardonnay, Oregon 2019 750ML ($379.95) $309 special (that’s only $51.50/bottle!)
Winery note “Oh boy…first gravel and smoke, opening to fresh pear, hazelnuts, straw and raw grain, then lime and yuzu blossom. Old world notes of river stones, and seashells. Palate is immediately bright, stony, mineral, lime, clean, lucid, direct, and steely. Acidity runs through the wine from the front palate to the long, long, long finish. Like Corton from the mid-90s… 11.8% abv, finished under Diam 30. 155 cases.”

Italy

In Stock Now:

Vie di Romans Ciampagnis Vieris Chardonnay Friuli Isonzo, Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2018 750ML ($34.95) $28 special, 29 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner – Wine Advocate 94 points “The Vie di Romans 2018 Friuli Isonzo Chardonnay Ciampagnis is beautifully contoured with aromas of peach, melon, honey and passion fruit. The bouquet is perfumed and bright, driving a long finish and silky consistency. Like most of the other whites in this portfolio, it ages on the lees (for nine months, in this case). Instead of oak, it completes this process in stainless steel for an anaerobic environment that serves to capture those direct and linear aromas. The wine concludes with a hint of dusty mineral or crushed stone that ties it to one of the most prominent characteristics of Friuli Venezia Giulia.”
James Suckling 94 points “A rich, aromatic white with sliced and cooked apple, steel and stone. Full-bodied with layers of fruit, but in a focused and polished way. It’s creamy and fruity with a round texture and a delicious, flavorful finish. Mineral and steely notes at the end. Drink or hold.”

Vie di Romans Chardonnay Friuli Isonzo, Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2018 750ML ($34.95) $29.50 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Monica Larner – Wine Advocate 95 points “Polished, clear and silky, the Vie di Romans 2018 Friuli Isonzo Chardonnay Vie di Romans is a beautifully balanced wine that gives equal weight to the intensity and quality of the fruit and the abundantly enriched texture of the mouthfeel. This is Chardonnay presented in 360-degree splendor with peach, melon, honey, pastry crust and cream custard. Ten months of aging on the yeasts gives the wine added dimension and opulent richness. Saffron, spice, cumin and fragrant sandstone are intermingled on the long and silky finish.”

France – Burgundy

In Stock Now:

Domaine Marc Colin et Fils Bourgogne Chardonnay, Burgundy 2017 750ML ($37.95) $29 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
William Kelley – Wine Advocate “Already bottled, the 2017 Bourgogne Chardonnay offers up aromas of white flowers, citrus oil and wet stones. On the palate, its medium-bodied, elegantly glossy and succulent, though it’s quite tight-knit after its recent bottling. As usual, it’s an excellent introduction to the domaine’s range.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Domaine Rollin Père et Fils Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Beaune Blanc, Burgundy 2019 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 15 bottles in stock now
Rosenthal Wine Merchant note “Hautes Côtes de Beaune Blanc: From a small parcel of Chardonnay planted in the western reaches of Pernand on into Echevronne, the Rollins produce a white of lively acidity but with a certain heft that comes from the strictly limited production levels required to achieve maximum maturity from grapes planted on these slopes that see less late afternoon sun.”

Domaine Dujac Les Combettes, Puligny-Montrachet Premier Cru 2018 750ML ($359.95) $279 special, 2 bottles in stock now
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.”

France – Chablis

In Stock Now:

(Domaine d’Henri) Michel Laroche et Ses Enfants Terroirs, Chablis 2018 750ML ($29.95) $23.50 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 (Domaine d’Henri) Michel Laroche et Ses Enfants Terroirs, Chablis 2018 750ML ($299.95) $258 special (that’s only $21.50/bottle!)

This is the only listing in the USA today!

William Fèvre Chablis, Burgundy 2016 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 24 bottles in stock now

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Domaine Vocoret et Fils Valmur, Chablis Grand Cru 2014 750ML ($79.95) $49 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Stephen Tanzer 92+ points “Much less expressive on the nose than the Blanchots but still with noteworthy incipient complexity to the aromas of citrus peel, white flowers, wet stone, white pepper and clove. Boasts terrific grain and thrust, but this youthfully dry, uncompromising wine is downright brooding today in spite of its essential light touch. Incisive flavors of citrus fruits, white flowers and ginger are further lifted by subtle herbal accents. This is excellent.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

France – Champagne

In Stock Now:

Noël Bazin L’Unanime Blanc de Blancs Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($59.95) $44 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Importer note “The L’Unanime returns! “The unanimous” is the Bazin’s entry level cuvée, an assemblage of 50% 2017, 50% solera. Up to 50 year old vines in the Premier Cru Villers-Marmery. Crisp and light, a slight oxidative note and stirn chalky minerality. Perfect champagne for any occasion and appeasing to all!”
Winery note “[Translated and edited for clarity] 100% Montagne de Reims Chardonnay (a rarity). The wine is 50% 2017, 40% reserve wine from Solera, and 10% reserve wine raised in oak. The nose is floral. Acacia and Granny Smith apple notes give a beautiful impression of finesse and freshness. The palate is fresh, fruity and delicious with great elegance due to the Chardonnay from the village of Villers-Marmery.”

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

Lilbert-Fils Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($69.95) $49 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 93 points “This graceful Champagne is like the finely tailored suit that somehow never goes out of style, with a lovely overtone of minerally chalk and brine enticing you into the glass, where flavors of apricot and Marcona almond, and hints of passionfruit coulis and pickled ginger, ride the fine, satinlike mousse. Disgorged autumn 2018. Drink now through 2028.”

Guiborat Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Extra Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 16 bottles in stock now
Importer note “Disgorged March 19th, 2015”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

We have dozens of additional Chardonnay options. Shop the entire selection on our web store now.

Smart Buys from Germany

Korrell & Richter

Korrell

Korrell is a rising star of the Nahe. The estate’s most celebrated vineyard (and the backbone for all their Rieslings) is a monopole site called, appropriately, “Paradis.” Paradis is a limestone-heavy site (a rarity, much like Keller’s Kirschspiel GG), with shallow soils and privileged exposition—in short, everything you could ask for in a Riesling vineyard, especially to produce dry wines. The revitalization of the site, combined with meticulous cellar practices, has vaulted Korrell into the top tier of German producers. These are wines that any dry Riesling lover needs to have in their cellar and we’re proud to be the first in the US to offer these wines.

In Stock Now:

Weingut Korrell Johanneshof Kreuznacher Paradies Riesling Trocken, Nahe 2017 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Weingut Korrell Johanneshof Kreuznacher Paradies Riesling Trocken, Nahe 2017 1.5L ($99.95) $79 special, 8 magnums in stock now
Weingut Korrell Johanneshof Kreuznacher Paradies Riesling Trocken, Nahe 2017 3L ($199.95) $179 special, 3 double magnums in stock now
Stuart Pigott – jamessuckling 94 points “Very clean and fresh, but behind the effusive, fruit-salad character that makes this so seductive, there is a lot of structure and the finish keeps pumping out the fruit and chalky minerality. Drink or hold.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Weingut Korrell Johanneshof Riesling Trocken, Nahe 2017 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott – jamessuckling 94 points “What a beautiful nose of leaves and white flowers, dripping after rain. With aeration, peach, nectarine and mandarin-orange notes emerge. Concentrated, racy and very polished, this is a stunning dry riesling with a long, mineral finish. Drink or hold. Screw cap.”

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Richter

“Constantin Richter was quite relaxed when describing his 2018 vintage: ‘…I like the 2018 wines as they are quite charming. They combine the ripe zest of 2012 with the roundness of 2011.’ The Richters did not defy the vintage as some of their colleagues. They played with the vintage to produce some gorgeous wines with a touch more ripeness and roundness than usual, but also with the playful side that has made the success of their Estate over the years. The sweet spot of the vintage are the fruity-styled wines, provided one takes into account that these wines sometimes kick at a level higher than their Prädikat indicated on the label….All in all, Max Ferd. Richter took the vintage and produced utterly enjoyable and playful wines. One could nearly say: As usual.” – Mosel Fine Wines

Highlights, in Stock Now:

Weingut Max Ferd. Richter Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett, Mosel 2018 750ML ($29.95) $24 special, 20 bottles in stock now
John Gilman 93+ points “The 2018 Kabinett Trocken from the Himmelreich was produced from a parcel of vines that are eighty to ninety years of age, situated right up at the top of the slope. This is outstanding in 2018 and very delicately-styled and filigreed, with the wine topping out at eleven percent octane this year. This had not yet been bottled and was really lovely on both on the nose and palate, with the bouquet wafting from the glass in a mix of apple, lemon, superb minerality, a dollop of wild yeasts and a smoky topnote. On the palate the wine is pure, medium-bodied and beautifully mineral, with fine intensity of flavor, bright acids, excellent focus and superb cu Constantin Richter has been full-time back at the family estate since the 2012 vintage, and previous to this he did a few stages and cut and grip on the long and complex finish. This is first class juice! 2022-2060.”

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

Weingut Max Ferd. Richter Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Riesling Grosses Gewächs, Nahe 2018 750ML ($59.95) $45 special, 22 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 94 points “I love the discreet mirabelle, spice and angelica notes of this finely chiseled dry Mosel riesling that has plenty of depth and structure, but doesn’t yet announce it loudly. Needs some time to open up, but the classic elegance is already very clear. Drinkable now, but better from 2022.”

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Weingut Max Ferd. Richter Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett, Mosel 2018 750ML ($29.95) $24 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt – Wine Advocate 93-95 points “Mostly from very old vines (80 to 90 years old) and vinified partly (one-third) in stainless steel, the 2018 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett offers a fine, flinty, super sensual, mind-blowing bouquet of perfectly ripe but coolish, precise and even quartzite-like aromas. On the palate, the wine is wide, pure, elegant and energetic—a powerhouse but in the most delicious and delicate way. The palate is complex, opening wide but always precise and very, very long, with great mineral grip and tension but also lush and sensual features. This is a great Mosel Riesling indeed. Tasted from the cask in March 2019.”

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Weingut Max Ferd. Richter Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese, Mosel 2018 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt – Wine Advocate 94-96 points “From the two oldest plots (80-90 years old and 120 years old), the fuder-fermented 2018 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese offers great precision and aromas of tropical fruit intertwined with very fine slate on the nose. On the palate, the wine is mouth-filling and salty-piquant, with mango and slate flavors on the racy finish. This is dangerous stuff, very dangerous, yet it’s also tight and tensioned. This is, for the moment, the finest and most stimulating Wehlener Sonnenuhr. Dangerous. Really dangerous. Tasted in March 2019.”

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Cider Sale

Ends Sunday

Did you know that we have an excellent selection of cider, including options from Italy, Spain, and some of the United States’ most celebrated producers? Browse some highlights below and be sure to stock up to take advantage of our limited time sales offer!

Buy Any 6-11 Bottles of Cider, save 5%
Buy Any 12+ Bottles of Cider, save 10%
Discount Will Not Display Online/In Cart
We Will Apply Discount Manually Before Finalizing Your Order
Sale Ends Sunday, June 27 at 6PM PDT

In-store pickup only
Shipping unavailable for ciders

Highlights, in Stock Now:

Maley Cidre du Saint Bernard, Aosta Valley NV 750ML ($19.95) $16.60 special, 5 bottles in stock now
Cidery note “With the cider Maley, Aosta Valley reproposes an old drink which, for centuries, has been present on the tables of so many alpine villages. This innovative project is born from the passion for the effervescence in all its forms, from the love for the alpine scenaries, from the respect for the biodiversity cared by generations of gardeners and farmers from the Alps.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

El Gaiteiro ‘Pomarina’ Sidra Brut, Asturias NV 750ML ($17.95) $14 special, 36+ bottles in stock now

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Roshambo ArtFarm ‘Art + Science’ Quince Cider, Oregon NV 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Winery note “[note on the 2017 vintage] 100% Quince- 50% of it was keeved in concrete and then aged and fermented in barrel for 10 months. Quince was an old homestead standby that was originally planted as a staple for jellies as it is naturally high in pectin. Although quince is in a renaissance, many older trees have not survived as they were no longer deemed useful. Since we forage for the fruit and it is rare, quantities are limited. This cider is as weird as the fruit is, floral and fruity yet dry and interesting. Wild yeast, bottle fermented, sugar added.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Dragons Head Kingston Black Cider, Washington NV 750ML ($21.95) $19.90 special, 30 bottles in stock now
Cidery note “Kingston Black apples are often considered the epitome of cider apples. They produce a cider rich in flavor, slightly bitter, and medium bodied. Kingston Black takes its name from the town of Kingston near Taunton in Somerset, England–the heart of cider in the UK. It is thought to have been originally identified in the 19th century. This is a limited bottling. Appearance – Golden color, slight haze. Aroma – Dried apricot, clover, resinous cedar. Taste – Dried apple, clementine, hints of honey, slightly bitter. Mouthfeel – Medium body, lingering astringent finish; lightly effervescent.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Eden Specialty Ciders Brut Nature Cider, Vermont NV 750ML ($19.95) $12.50 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Eden Specialty Ciders Brut Nature Cider, Vermont NV 375ML ($9.95) $6.50 special, 36+ half-bottles in stock now
Cidery note “PROFILE: Bubbly, very dry, balanced flavors. APPLE VARIETIES: Kingston Black • Roxbury Russet • Esopus Spitzenburg • McIntosh • Dabinett • Yarlington Mill • Calville Blanc • Hudson’s Golden Gem • Orleans Reinette • Empire • Black Oxford • Blue Pearmain • Rhode Island Greening • Baldwin. GROWN BY: Scott Farm, Poverty Lane Orchards, Sunrise Orchards, Eden Orchards. METHOD: Champagne style – secondary fermentation, rested on lees at least 18 months, hand-disgorged, naturally sparkling and clean. TASTING NOTES: dried apples, biscuit, citrus, green hay. PAIRING SUGGESTIONS: Extremely versatile dinner cider, goes well with everything from oysters to steak-frites. Gluten free, vegan friendly.”

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Burgundy Icons

$100 – $150

Whites

In Stock Now:

“Concentrated, racy and beautifully defined”
Domaine Henri Boillot Les Poruzots, Meursault Premier Cru 2018 750ML ($149.95) $119 special, 10 bottles in stock now
William Kelley – Wine Advocate 93 points “Aromas of orange oil, fresh pear, almond paste, warm pastry and beeswax introduce the 2018 Meursault 1er Cru Les Poruzots, a medium to full-bodied, layered and multidimensional wine that’s concentrated, racy and beautifully defined, concluding with terrific back-end grip.”

Rich & complex
Domaine Faiveley Charmes, Meursault Premier Cru 2017 750ML ($149.95) $119 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Stephen Tanzer 89-92 points “Pale, slightly green-tinged yellow. Captivating aromas of lemon zest, lemon drop and lavender. Very rich and concentrated, with ripe stone fruit and lemon drop flavors complicated by savory minerality. Tactile, spicy and light on its feet, but not as silky or deep as some of the other cru bottlings at this address. Finishes with a hint of raw pineapple and a menthol edge. Faiveley doesn’t own this plot but does all the work in the vines; still, the yield here was in the range of 50 to 52 hectoliters per hectare, vs. around 40 in most of the estate holdings in 2017.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $161.67

“Satiny and textural”
Vincent Girardin Les Folatières, Puligny-Montrachet Premier Cru 2017 750ML ($149.95) $119 special, 4 bottles in stock now
William Kelley – Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2017 Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Folatières bursts with aromas of citrus oil, mandarin and crisp yellow apples mingled with warm brioche, wheat toast and struck flint. Medium to full-bodied, satiny and textural, it’s racy and precise, with a crisp core of fruit and a long, penetrating finish.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $159

A jewel of the Rosenthal portfolio
Domaine Rollin Père et Fils Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru, Côte de Beaune 2017 750ML ($179.95) $149 special, 17 bottles in stock now
Jancis Robinson 17.5/20 “Bottled. Seems subtle at first but opens up to a complex if embryonic combination of lemon and orange fruit, stony freshness and the suggestion of the round creamy character of lees and barrel.”
Rosenthal Note “The Rollin family for many years has exploited two separate parcels totaling about one-half hectare within the appellation of Corton Charlemagne. One parcel is on the Aloxe-Corton side within “Le Charlemagne” and the other piece is on the Pernand side of the hill known as “En Charlemagne”. The grapes from each parcel are harvested and vinified separately and are then assembled prior to bottling (after more or less fifteen months of elevage). From our personal perspective, the Corton Charlemagne from Rollin is one of the finest white wines in our portfolio, a true Grand Cru. We purchase two barrels a year … and a small amount of magnums are drawn for us annually.”

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Reds

In Stock Now:

A cellar pick
Domaine Clos de la Chapelle Corton Bressandes Grand Cru, Côte de Beaune 2017 750ML ($149.95) $105 special, 19 bottles in stock now
John Gilman 95+ points “The Bressandes from Domaine Clos de la Chapelle is now the sole red Grand Cru in the estate’s lineup, as Maison Champy has received custody of the Corton “Rognet” as part of the divorce settlement. However, if the superb 2017 vintage is any indication, this is a crown that the Bressandes will have no difficulty wearing in the coming years. The bouquet is very precise and expressive, offering up a youthful blend of cherries, red currants, a touch of orange zest, spitroasted gamebird, a beautiful base of soil tones, coriander seed, mustard seed, woodsmoke, a hint of cocoa powder, other gentle spice tones and a lovely foundation of vanillin oak. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, focused and impeccably balanced, with a great core of fruit, Corton’s signature transparency, ripe, buried tannins and a long, tangy and nascently complex finish. I do so love red Corton when it is made at this high level! 2032-2100″

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“Combines classic Chambolle elegance and mineral precision with the savory guts of Morey”
Domaine Hubert Lignier Chambolle-Musigny Les Bussieres, Côte du Nuits 2017 750ML ($149.95) $108 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Rosenthal Note ““Les Bussieres” sits just below the premier cru “Les Sentiers” (and just down-slope from grand cru Bonnes-Mares), hard on the border of Morey-Saint-Denis. The Ligniers exploit just under a half-hectare of vines here—a total of four parcels, planted between 1948 and 1988. This wine combines classic Chambolle elegance and mineral precision with the savory guts of Morey, with loads of spice and floral accents to the nose and a focused, linear palate that should soften and expand with a few years of cellaring.”

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Expressive & elegant
Domaine Dujac Morey-Saint-Denis, Côte de Nuits 2018 750ML ($149.95) $115 special, 3 bottles in stock now
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.”

“An exceptional Bressandes…well worth seeking out”
Domaine Chandon de Briailles Corton-Bressandes Grand Cru, Côte de Beaune 2016 750ML ($189.95) $119 special, 16 bottles in stock now
William Kelley – Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2016 Corton Bressandes Grand Cru is also showing extremely well, unfurling in the glass with aromas of cassis, ripe plums, dark chocolate, dried flowers and spices. On the palate, it’s full-bodied, ample and velvety, with a deep, layered core, succulent balancing acids and a long, intense and beautifully soil-driven finish. Cropped at 22 hectoliters per hectare, this is an exceptional Bressandes that will be well worth seeking out.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $180

“Vibrant and impeccably delineated in a Burgundy that is all about finesse”
Domaine Faiveley Corton ‘Clos des Cortons Faiveley’ Monopole Grand Cru, Côte de Beaune 2011 750ML ($179.95) $129 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 95 points “Faiveley’s 2011 Corton Clos des Corton is a fitting conclusion to this great night of wine and food. Intensely saline and pointed, the 2011 impresses for its pure energy and tension. The flavors are vibrant and impeccably delineated in a Burgundy that is all about finesse. This is a great showing from the Clos des Corton.”

Energetic & polished
Lucien Le Moine Les Grands Épenots, Pommard Premier Cru 2016 750ML ($179.95) $149 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Stephen Tanzer – Vinous 92-94 points “Bright, dark red. Less purely black on the nose than the Épenots, showing enticing spicy lift to its raspberry and mint aromas. At once sweet and brisk in the mouth, with its red berry flavors complicated by notes of honeysuckle and citrus fruits. This penetrating, energetic wine boasts a tight core of fruit and terrific definition. Finishes energetic, classy and long, with noble tannins.”

Love red Burgundy? We have over 200 different options from the Côte de Nuits and over 90 different options from the Côte de Beaune in stock. Shop the entire selection, including staff favorites like Bouley, Clos de la Chapelle, Fourrier and more, on our web store now.

Collector’s Corner

Four 100-Point Bordeaux

In Stock Now:

Wine Enthusiast #2 Top 100 Cellar Selections
Château Pontet-Canet, Pauillac 2016 750ML ($199.95) $179 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Roger Voss – Wine Enthusiast 100 points “#2 Top 100 Cellar Selections 2019. A voluptuous wine, this is rich and fruity yet properly balanced by a magnificent structure. Pure, crisp and packed with a black currant flavor, this will be a remarkable wine as it develops. Still young, it needs many years to develop. Don’t think about drinking before 2025.”

“Just. Magic.”
Château Cos d’Estournel, Saint-Estèphe 2016 750ML ($319.95) $299 special, 23 bottles in stock now
Lisa Perrotti-Brown – Wine Advocate 100 points “The 2016 Cos d’Estournel is blended of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc aged in 65% new and 35% two-year-old French oak for 15 months. Bottled in July 2018, it is deep garnet-purple colored and starts off a little closed and reticent, opening out slowly and seductively to reveal beautiful lilacs, rose hip tea, crushed stones and camphor nuances over a core of crème de cassis, kirsch, wild blueberries and mocha plus wafts of incense and wood smoke. The palate is simply electric, charged with an energy and depth of flavors that seem to defy the elegance and ethereal nature of its medium-bodied weight, featuring super ripe, densely pixelated tannins that firmly frame the myriad of fruit and floral sparks, finishing with epic length. Just. Magic.”
Neal Martin – Vinous 100 points “The 2016 Cos d’Estournel was a bona fide showstopper out of barrel, the best that I had encountered in over 20 years of visiting the estate during en primeur, so my expectations were piled high when I returned to find out how it performs in bottle. Deep, almost opaque in color, it sports a very intense but broody bouquet with fathomless deep black fruit tinged with blueberry and violet. The aromas almost seem to envelop the senses. The palate is medium-bodied with ultra-fine tannin that I have never witnessed in any other vintage of Cos d’Estournel. There is a beguiling symmetry to this Saint-Estèphe, as well as unerring mineralité. The persistent, tobacco-tinged finish can be felt 60 second after the wine has departed. This is a monumental, benchmark Cos d’Estournel that will give not years but decades of pleasure, though I suspect it will close down for a period in its youth, hence my drinking window. 13.07% alcohol.”

James Suckling #1 Wine of the Year
Château Canon, Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2015 750ML ($399.95) $349 special, 21 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 100 points “From the very beginning, the 2015 Canon has made an eloquent case for itself as one of the wines of the vintage. Multiple tastings from bottle only confirm what several early tastings hinted at: the 2015 Canon is simply extraordinary in every way. Sumptuous and exotic, with no hard edges and exceptional balance, the 2015 grabs hold of all the senses and never lets up. A rush of red fruit intermingled with floral notes, spice and smoke notes effortlessly runs up the wine’s vertical structure as the 2015 thrills with every twist and turn. The 2015 Canon is a rare wine that is both hedonistic and intellectual – well, maybe it is a bit more hedonistic-leaning. It doesn’t matter. Don’t miss it. This 2015 is masterpiece from General Manager Nicolas Auderbert and his team at Canon.”
Neal Martin 100 points “The 2015 Canon was a benchmark wine that seemed to revitalize this historic estate. I was crossing my fingers that it would not disappoint in bottle and I am glad to say that it delivers the goods. It has a very intense bouquet (just as it showed out of barrel) with laser-like precision offering wild strawberry, raspberry preserve, wet limestone and hints of truffle. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, clean and fresh with pure black and red fruit whose every atom appears infused with minerals. The mouth is tingling long after the wine has exited and your brain is thinking…when is the next sip coming? It is frankly heads and shoulders above almost every Saint Émilion this vintage, to reaffirm, a benchmark for this historic estate that will give pleasure to many over the coming years. Astonishing.”
James Suckling 100 points “Seductive. The nose draws you in deep: It’s like staring into a well of pristine dark cherries, dark plums, blackberries and mulberries. All the oak is perfectly subsumed. The palate’s flawless with immense depth and power and it’s so balanced as to appear to float. Immaculate fresh dark-berry and plum flavors. Silky and deep, ribbon-like finish. Perfect. Best from 2022.”

Pre-Arrival ETA July:

“Unquestionably one of the top 2-3 wines of the vintage”
Château Montrose, Saint-Estèphe 2016 750ML ($279.95) $249 pre-arrival special
Jeb Dunnuck 100 points “Unquestionably one of the top 2-3 wines of the vintage, the 2016 Château Montrose is a monument in the making. Checking in as a blend of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, and 7% Cabernet Franc raised in 60% new French oak (the balance was in once-used barrels) and representing a tiny 36% of the production, this deep purple-colored 2016 possesses powerful, incredibly classic Saint-Estèphe notes of creme de cassis, graphite, damp earth, lead pencil shavings, and burning embers. With a powerful, full-bodied style on the palate, a huge mid-palate, lots of underlying structure and tannic grip, and perfect balance, this magical wine will need upwards of a decade or cellaring and keep for 40-50 years.”

Love red Bordeaux? We have 35 different options in stock. Shop the entire selection, including famous names like Léoville Barton, Mouton Rothschild, Pichon Baron and more, on our web store now.