Tag Archives: Pinot Noir

Averaen: December 2018

A New Project from Baron Ziegler, One of the Founders of Banshee

We’re pleased to welcome the exceptional wines of Averaen to Vinopolis—at more than exceptional pricing. If you’re unfamiliar with these wines, you’d be excused—2016 is only the label’s second year in existence, but they’ve already established themselves as a top producer of rich, terroir-driven Pinot Noir in Oregon.

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

Averaen Croft Vineyard Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2016 750ML ($49.95) Buy Now: $36 special
Josh Raynolds 93 points “(50% whole clusters and 50% new French oak) Brilliant red.… Read the rest

Domaine de Courcel

October 26th, 2018

Domaine de Courcel

Arriving Mid-November

Of the short list of producers who star in Pommard, Domaine de Courcel needs to be near the top of the list. Without a tremendous amount of fanfare, the Domaine has been turning out some of the most powerful, densely aromatic wines from a village known for long lived brooding Pinot Noir. The Courcel family has been learning how to navigate the animal intensity of Pommard fruit for 400 years. For the past two decades, the quality has steadily increased as the delicate balance between elegance and power is fine tuned.

A region between hills, most of Pommard’s vineyards are on relatively flat, protected sites. Wind and lashing rains may buffet the nearby hillside vineyards, but Pommard stays sheltered from the worst of the effects of the weather.… Read the rest

Arterberry Maresh Stars: September 2018

With Two 96 Point Scores

In the New Issue of the Wine Advocate

We’ve long supported and loved the wines that Jim Arterberry makes under the Arterberry-Maresh (pronounced “marsh”) label, so it was no surprise to see him get a lot of critical praise in the new issue of the Wine Advocate. These are some incredible wines, made in a understated style from exceptional, often extremely old, vineyards. In the words of WA reviewer Erin Brooks:

“The 2016 Pinot Noirs from Arterberry Maresh offer amazing layers of sweet, precise fruits, exotic spices and earth—everything you want from great Pinot Noir. They’re concentrated and jam-packed with flavor while still maintaining excellent grainy tannic structure and very juicy acidity, not to mention they age beautifully.… Read the rest

Wine of the Day: Ayres Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2015 10-20-16

Ayres Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2015 750ML ($24.95) Buy Now: $19 special

As you might remember, last year was hot, the hottest on record for the state of Oregon. The mere thought of it induces thirst. But the heat of 2015 also gave the potential to produce some delicious entry-level Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, and Ayres Winery took advantage. Rather than over-ripe or cooked, this wine, made from Ribbon Ridge and Yamhill-Carlton grapes, offers a fresh Pinot fruit profile and a pleasant tartness. Savory notes mingle with a hint of salinity, and a well-judged sense of balance (only 13.6% alcohol) carries the wine through to a succulent finish. Even after being open overnight, the wine stays consistent like last year’s 90-degree temps.… Read the rest

Wine of the Day: Goodfellow Family Cellars Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2013 & 2014 7-13-16

Goodfellow Family Cellars Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2013 750ML ($24.95) Buy Now: $18

Goodfellow Family Cellars Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2014 750ML ($21.95) Buy Now: $18

Every living room, backyard or balcony, every kitchen, game room and cellar needs balanced, correct, easy-drinking wines to help bring them alive. So, here’s one. Two, actually: Goodfellow Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, from 2013 or 2014. Marcus Goodfellow has been making wine under his Matello brand (which we also carry) since 2002, and has now stepped things up, including a new winery in McMinnville. Family-owned, the Goodfellow name deserves its own label. The vines average 24 years of age and are not irrigated. The wine spends 15 months in French oak. Choose the 2013 if you seek a lighter, more acidic and approachable style of Pinot, or open the 2014 if you prefer riper fruit, more structure, and something to match food like BBQ.… Read the rest