Thursday Bonus Newsletter 3-11-21

In This Newsletter:

Peyrassol New Releases:
Historic & Delicious Provencal Rosé


Cameron Ribbon Ridge Pinot Noir

New Grapelive Review:
Domaine Francois Merlin 


Produttori’s 2016 Crus Recap

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Peyrassol New Releases:

Historic & Delicious Provencal Rosé


We think of these as being especially elegant and nuanced, with excellent minerality and poise and they’ve been customer favorites every year for the quality and value they deliver.  They have four tiers, and the wines gain polish and elegance the further up the quality spectrum you go.

These are historic wines from the foothills of the massif des Maures along the Mediterranean coast. Wine production dates back to 1256 under the Knights Templar. Since 2001, the estate has been run by the Austruy family, which has invested in the vineyard and winery and has expanded the line up to include non-estate bottlings. The wines are produced organically with limited yields due to the severe climate, low-vigor soils, and age of the vines.  

Year in, year out, these are our most popular rosés. It’s not hard to guess why: these are well-priced, historic, and delicious. 

Arriving Tomorrow, March 12th

Peyrassol ‘Chateau Peyrassol’ Rose, Cotes de Provence 2020 750ML ($39.95) $33 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Peyrassol ‘Chateau Peyrassol’ Rose, Cotes de Provence 2020 750ML ($479.95) $369 pre-arrival special (that’s only $30.75/bottle!)

Importer note “100% estate fruit, offering the purest expression of a great Provencal terroir. [These are] the oldest vines of the estate from the Girette and Longchamps areas, currently under organic conversion. Pale in color, with soft rose-tinted overtones, Château Peyrassol radiates freshness. It’s subtle nose of citrus, vine peach, apricot and delicate florals is inviting. It has a dense palate, poised and lively, and is notable for its balance, punctuated by a long, fruity finish. Harvested during the cool temperature of the night, the fruits are destemmed and pressed with minimal exposure to oxygen to preserve freshness and aromas. The grapes are vinified by direct pressing and in the course of this process the wine develops its delicate pink color. After fermentation in stainless steel at a controlled temperature, a light racking is completed to retain only the best lees which are then worked carefully to promote both the aromatic expression and the potential of the wine to last over time. 45% Cinsault, 25% Grenache, 12% Ugni Blanc, 10% Syrah, 8% Rolle.”
Winery note “Pale in colour, with soft rose-tinted overtones, Château Peyrassol radiates freshness. Its subtle nose of citrus, vine peach, apricot and fine floral notes is inviting. It has a beautiful, dense palate, delicate and lively, and is notable for its balance and full body, punctuated by a long, fruity finish. It is the perfect accompaniment to fish soups, carpaccios and all varieties of grilled fish, but will also add sparkle to red berry desserts.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Peyrassol ‘Cuvee des Commandeurs’ Rose, Cotes de Provence 2020 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Peyrassol ‘Cuvee des Commandeurs’ Rose, Cotes de Provence 2020 750ML ($279.95) $249 pre-arrival special (that’s only $20.75/bottle!)
Importer note
“Cuvée des Commandeurs bottles the essence of quality fruit, seeking to evoke pleasure and delight the senses. This accessible rosé was crafted to provide thirst-quenching freshness with vibrant fruitiness, without sacrificing elegance and complexity. Its rosy appearance is delicate in color and an expressive nose lends charm to this blend. A palate dominated by wild berries: gooseberry and raspberry that reveal themselves in a crisp, silky mouthfeel enhanced with a touch of minerality. 40% Grenache, 35% Cinsault, 15% Syrah, 10% Rolle. Harvested at night to preserve the acidity and in double floor boxes to prevent any early maceration and coloration of the juice. The fruit is directly destemmed and pressed on arrival in the cellar. The alcoholic fermentation takes place in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

Peyrassol ‘La Croix de Peyrassol’ Rose, IGP Mediterranee 2020 750ML ($19.95) $16 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Peyrassol ‘La Croix de Peyrassol’ Rose, IGP Mediterranee 2020 750ML ($199.95) $169 pre-arrival special (that’s only $14.08/bottle!)
Importer note
“Beautiful pale pink in color, with distinct bluish hues. This expressive blend opens immediately with notes of small red fruits carried on a savory undertone of garrigue. There is a refreshing touch of greenness on the palate which gives this fresh, lively wine its truly thirst-quenching character. An accessible blend in the true style of Provençal rosé: delicate with flavors of white fruit and a hint of minerality. Varietal Composition: 50% Grenache, 40% Cinsault, 10% Syrah. With a long history of producing Provençal wines, the Commanderie de Peyrassol has broadened its offering using fruit from its IGP classified vineyards around the Coudonnier area and completed with sourcings from local partnerships. The winery produces this rosé with the goal of creating a more accessible wine with a focus on quality and freshness.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

In Stock Now from Peyrassol:

Super Subscriber Sale Wine!
Peyrassol ‘Le Clos Peyrassol’ Rose, Cotes de Provence 2019 750ML ($69.95) Was $55, Now $49 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Peyrassol ‘Le Clos Peyrassol’ Rose, Cotes de Provence 2019 1.5L ($149.95) $129 special, 12 magnums in stock now
Wine Advocate 93 points
“Predominantly Tibouren, with the balance of the blend being Grenache and Rolle, Peyrassol’s super pale 2019 Cotes de Provence Rose Le Clos Peyrassol offers up scents of crushed stone, garrigue, white peach and lime, all tinged with tart red berries. It’s medium-bodied on the palate, with a silky-wet stone feel and a lingering finish that seems to build in red fruit intensity while remaining citrusy and refreshing at the same time. One of the best wines in this year’s tasting, this is a limited-production cuvée from a walled vineyard located on the estate.”
Wine Enthusiast 91 points “The Knights Templar founded Commanderie in the 13th century and grapes have been grown here since. Philippe Austruy has owned the property since 2001. This wine is soft and ripe, with a smooth texture. Acidity comes from orange-peel and red-currant flavors that permeate the wine and give it a bright aftertaste. Drink now. Rosenthal Wine Merchant.”
Rosenthal Wine Merchant note “It is made from a single parcel which is equally planted to Cinsault and Tibouren (a touch of Rolle makes it into this cuvee as well). The soil is a mix of clay and limestone with a lot of large rocks on the surface. The site has a bit of depression which helps more even ripening, since the soil holds a little more water than other parcels.  The 2016 is the palest of the three roses, with a very silvery salmon hue.  At the moment of tasting the nose was a tad firm, showing flinty mineral notes. The palate is quite rich and dense with an almost white Burgundy presence. The fruits lean a little sweeter than the other cuvées, with hints of pear and passion fruit. Even so, the wine is completely dry and has a super-long mineral finish. It’s a great rosé that has the potential to age, and we hope some of you keep a few bottles to drink over the next several years.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Peyrassol ‘Chateau Peyrassol’ Rose, Cotes de Provence 2019 750ML ($34.95) $28 special, 15 bottles in stock now
Peyrassol ‘Chateau Peyrassol’ Rose, Cotes de Provence 2019 1.5L ($99.95) $79 special, 6 magnums in stock now
Wine Advocate 91 points
“A blend of Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah, Ugni Blanc and Rolle from estate fruit, Peyrassol’s 2019 Cotes de Provence Rose is a strident, intense rosé that demands attention. It hints at passion fruit at first, then broadens out to include notes of pink grapefruit, red currant and even a touch of peach, but it always retains a sinewy structure and bright acidity. It’s medium-bodied, with a silky texture in the mouth and a long, mouthwatering finish. Yum!”
VinePair Rose of the Year 2020 “A delightful reminder of what makes Provence rosé so popular, this wine ticks all the boxes. The nose is delicate but serves layers of white flowers, red fruit, and a sprinkle of savory spices. The palate is both bold and refreshing, with tangy fruit cut by a piercing jolt of acidity. Add a hint of wet rocks and a dusting of white pepper to the equation, and you’ve got yourself the best rosé of 2019. If you can’t find this exact bottle, the producer’s entire range is equally impressive and should be sought out. Average price: $35.”
Rosenthal Wine Merchant note “This is the elite cuvée of the estate relying as it does on grapes harvested from the oldest vines of the domaine (35 years and older). Principally composed of Cinsault, Grenache and Syrah, the “Chateau” bottling also sees the addition, from time-to-time of Tibouren, the ancient and regal Provencale grape. This Rosé is produced via the “direct press” method and has a long cuvaison designed to produce a wine of character and concentration. Vinified in stainless steel and bottled in late winter – early spring, production is quite limited.”

Love rosé?
So do we!
We offer 55 pink drinks in stock now, including large formats up to six liters!
Shop the full list on our web store.


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Cameron Ribbon Ridge Pinot Noir

Arriving Tomorrow


New bottlings from Cameron are always exciting.  Springtime always brings the Ribbon Ridge Pinot Noir—an outstanding value in the Cameron lineup.  The Ribbon Ridge is always the darkest and richest of his Pinots and one of the best for drinking young.  It’s sourced from the White Oak Vineyard at Foster Farm, also home to much of his prized Nebbiolo vines. The Pinot was planted in 2006 with recent additions of Martin Ray clones, much of why the bottling gets more and more exciting every year. 2019 is a beautiful wine with power and grip and splits the difference between the bolder 2018 and the more elegant 2017. 

Cameron Winery Pinot Noir Ribbon Ridge 2019 750ML ($29.95) $24 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Cameron Winery Pinot Noir Ribbon Ridge 2019 750ML ($299.95) $269 pre-arrival special (that’s only $22.42/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)


We love all things Cameron!
From the crushable ‘Spritz’ to the serious single vineyards, we stock everything we can from the wizard in the winery, John Paul.
Explore all of our offerings on our web store!

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New Grapelive Review for 

Domaine Francois Merlin 

Domaine Francois Merlin Cote Rotie, Rhone 2018 750ML ($79.95) Was $54.50, Now $49 Super Subscriber Special, 24+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Domaine Francois Merlin Cote Rotie, Rhone 2018 750ML ($479.95) Was $299, Now $279 Super Subscriber Special (that’s only $46.50/bottle!)
Grapelive 93 points
“The Domaine Merlin Francois of Lauent and Francois Merlin is totally new to me. This beautifully made Cote-Rotie was an excellent discovery and was perfect for celebrating the occasion, which was my 84 year old mother getting her second dose of the Pfizer Covid vaccine and a moment of great relief, taking a huge weight of stress and concern lifted, so a special bottle was indeed required. This one delivered a welcome and rewarding performance with deep layers of opulent dark fruits and an elegant textural mouth feel. Made in a polished and supple style the Domaine Merlin Francois Cote-Rotie is more Guigal like than say Jamet or Levet in style without the savory edgy thrill of the stemmy whole cluster versions. This is a not criticism, as the world is always a better place with an array of diversity and this wine is well crafted and pleasingly rich in depth with a full bodied palate of blackberry, blueberry, plum and dense fig fruit along with a kiss of smoky sweet cedary wood, anise, violette, mocha and lingering creme de cassis, making it a wine of hedonistic comforts rather than one of peaked excitement and great with meaty/gamey dishes. There is a subtle sense of mineral, spice and earth tucked into the background that adds complexity and reveals the purity of this Syrah and the granite slopes from where it comes from. This family winery is committed to putting the work in, in particular in the vineyard where these wines are really made, with Francois’ wife and younger son Julien also playing roles here. This property has been getting a lot more attention these days, as witnessed by their prestigious scores in Decanter Magazine in recent years, with this 2018, a classic vintage for Cote-Rotie, being a big stand out, and from my own experience with this bottle I can see why easily, this is a well-rounded wine that looks set to get even better with age with potential to impress for another decade or more. A little research has found that Francois Merlin, a self-taught winemaker, who has been joined full-time by his son Laurent in 2013, is a serious vigneron that studied under the legendary Rene Rostaing and has gained an admirable reputation as a grower producer in the Northern Rhone with a tidy collection of high quality parcels, some that he planted himself from ancient massele (syrah) selections, in Crozes-Hermitage, Saint-Joseph and here in Cote-Rotie as well, to name a few. Merlin, based in St-Michel-sur-Rhône since 1989, a commune just south of Condrieu, uses mostly organic and sustainable methods to farm his challenging sites. [They] are set on the regions mostly decomposed granite soils with areas of gneiss, gravel and schist… In his small cellars, Francois uses, interestingly, Austrian Stockinger 500L demi-muids for the aging of some of his wines, in particular the whites, while employing some Burgundy small barriques as well, with barrels that range from toasty brand new to six year old casks in combination to achieve a studied balance in his Cote-Rotie, while still being seriously luxurious in the glass. For his Cote-Rotie 2018, which is 100% Syrah, Francois and Laurent used all de-stemmed and carefully sorted fruit that saw about 30 days of maceration and primary fermentation with daily punch downs and pumpovers after 10 days before being gently pressed to barrel for aging, which lasted over a year and a half before being bottled unfined and unfiltered. There’s a lot to like and admire here and I am ready to explore more of these Merlin wines, especially after enjoying this Cote-Rotie and its impeccable detailing and savvy pricing, with their Saint-Joseph and Crozes-Hermitage next on my wish list!”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Also In Stock Now from Domaine Francois Merlin:

Domaine Francois Merlin Saint-Joseph, Rhone 2018 750ML ($39.95) Was $29, Now $26 Super Subscriber Special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Domaine Francois Merlin Saint-Joseph, Rhone 2018 750ML ($479.95) Was $299, Now $279 Super Subscriber Special (that’s only $23.25/bottle!)
Decanter 91 points
“An approachable wine that has lifted cedar and incense on the nose. Very plush with soft fruits, slightly lacking in acidity perhaps, but it’s an authentic representation of the vintage, not overly corrected. Good natural sense to the fruit, it’s expressive, unrestrained. Not overly marked by oak spice. South-facing granite terroir, 70% of vines are 45-years-old, the rest are 15-years-old. All destemmed, 12 months in barriques and demi-muids, from 1 to 4 years-old.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Domaine Francois Merlin Syrah Broceliande, IGP Collines Rhodaniennes 2018 750ML ($79.95) Was $19, Now $17 Super Subscriber Special, 34 bottles in stock now
Staff pick!
Shows dark fruit, spice, and warm iron on the nose. Leather and black cherries leads into gingerbread and dried cherries with air. On the palate, the wine is impactful with flavors of spice and black berries. The light astringency of the tannins and solid acidity keep everything in check. There’s an aroma of black tea, plum and dark chocolate on the finish. A fantastic wine to pair with roast meats, game, or ratatouille.

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Shop our extensive red Rhone selections on our web store!

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Produttori’s 2016 Crus Recap

We were offered additional stock on crus, but these are already flying. Shop now to secure your bottles!
 
“Just as I had expected, 2016 has turned out to be a truly magnificent vintage. Last year, I wrote, “The 2016s, wines from a potentially historic vintage, may very well put Barbaresco on the map big time. As I traveled from producer to producer, I experienced that sense of excitement and energy I always feel when in the presence of important vintages and wines.” I feel exactly the same way today.” – Antonio Galloni

“The Produttori del Barbaresco has been producing stellar wines since its inception in 1958, and is clearly one of the most impressive success stories for a winegrowers’ cooperative in the history of wine. Since its very first vintage, it has been remarkable for the high quality of its wines, which rival the very best estates in Piemonte, and in its steadfast championing of the terroir of the top crus in Barbaresco… It is rather surprising, given the extremely high quality of the Produttori wines year in and year out, and their very reasonable price vis à vis the other top domaines in Barbaresco and Barolo, that they do not have a higher profile on the international wine market, and really remain (outside of Italy), one of the best-kept secrets for superb, ageworthy Piemonte wines.” –John Gilman, A View from the Cellar

Pre-Arrivals ETA Mid-April 2021:

Produttori del Barbaresco Montefico, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2016 750ML ($99.95) $89 pre-arrival special, only 34 bottles remaining!
Antonio Galloni 98 points
“The 2016 Barbaresco Montefico is a jewel of a wine. Freshly cut flowers, minerals, crushed rocks, rose petal and lavender are all finely cut. As always, the Montefico is tense and chiseled in style. Its sense of transparency is simply beguiling. Sage, mint and sweet pipe tobacco are some of the nuances that linger. The Montefico is a Barbaresco that will thrill readers who enjoy taut reds. It blends the fruit richness of the Montestefano with the verve of Ovello.”

Produttori del Barbaresco Montestefano, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2016 750ML ($99.95) $89 pre-arrival special, only 24 bottles remaining!
Produttori del Barbaresco Montestefano, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2016 1.5L ($219.95) $189 pre-arrival special, only 6 magnums remaining!
Antonio Galloni 98 points
“The 2016 Barbaresco Riserva Montestefano is another profound wine in this lineup. There is virtually no perception of tannin, as the fruit is so rich and so voluptuous. Dark cherry/plum fruit, spice, menthol, licorice and a whole range of balsamic inflections grow as the Montestefano shows off its class. This profound Barbaresco will thrill readers for years to come.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today for the 750ml!
This is the only listing in the USA today for the magnum!

Produttori del Barbaresco Muncagota, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2016 750ML ($89.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 94+ points
“The 2016 Barbaresco Riserva Muncagota continues this tasting of frankly awe-inspiring wines. Rich, deep and super-expressive, the 2016 hits all the right notes. Black cherry, plum, spice, leather, licorice emerge, but only with great reluctance. The Muncagota is another wine in this range that clearly needs time.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Produttori del Barbaresco Ovello, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2016 750ML ($99.95) $89 pre-arrival special, only 30 bottles remaining!
Produttori del Barbaresco Ovello, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2016 1.5l ($219.95) $189 pre-arrival special, only 6 magnums remaining!
Antonio Galloni 97+ points
“The 2016 Barbaresco Riserva Ovello is the most severe and angular of these wines. It will appeal most to die-hard classicists. Chalk, white pepper, mint and sweet red cherry fruit all grace this chiseled, beautifully translucent Barbaresco. As always, the Ovello needs a number of years in bottle to reveal its charms, which in 2016 are many. It is a positively stellar wine in every way.”

Produttori del Barbaresco Paje, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2016 750ML ($99.95) $85 pre-arrival special, only 9 bottles remaining!
Antonio Galloni 96 points
“The 2016 Barbaresco Pajè opens with deeply pitched spice notes that are so alluring. Pliant and beautifully layered in the glass, the 2016 possesses tremendous density and brawn. Blue/purplish fruit, cloves, lavender and menthol infuse this rich, hedonistic Barbaresco with tons of character. The tannins are present, but they are nearly buried by the sheer density of the fruit. In a word: impressive.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

Produttori del Barbaresco Pora, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2016 750ML ($89.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 95 points
“The 2016 Barbaresco Riserva Pora is a brooding wine, its mid-weight structure notwithstanding. Iron, smoke, tobacco, cedar and dried flowers add a feral, earthy quality that is so appealing. Pora is often one of the more approachable Riservas in this range, but the 2016 is an exception. Readers should be prepared to cellar it for at least a few years.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $82

Produttori del Barbaresco Rabaja, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2016 1.5L ($219.95) $189 pre-arrival special, only 5 magnums remaining!
Antonio Galloni 98 points
“The 2016 Barbaresco Riserva Rabajà is brooding in its intensity. Swaths of tannin, acid and mineral notes infuse the 2016 with striking gravitas. A wine of staggering proportion and breathtaking beauty, the Rabajà is the sort of wine I wish every Vinous reader could taste because it captures the essence of place and vintage with so much pedigree and so much class. Black cherry, sage, crushed rocks, menthol and lavender are some of the many nuances that linger on the eternal finish.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Produttori del Barbaresco Rio Sordo, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2016 750ML ($89.95) $75 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 94 points
“The 2016 Barbaresco Riserva Rio Sordo is a serious, somber wine. Black cherry, plum, lavender, spice and menthol show off the darker side of Nebbiolo to great effect. In most vintages, Rio Sordo is an easygoing wine, but not in 2016. Readers will find a potent, brooding yet mid-weight Barbaresco that screams with character. What a way to start this tasting!”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $83

Love Barbaresco?
We have 58 different options in stock.
Shop the entire selection on our web store, including 2013 & 2015 Produttori!
 
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Order Online / By Phone / By Email

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


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

www.vinopoliswineshop.com

info@vinopoliswineshop.com

503-223-6002
 
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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.

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