Thursday Newsletter 4-30-2020

In Today’s Newsletter:

Subscriber Special:
Ending Tomorrow: Cameron Nebbiolo


Trending

Tasty Treats:
Spanish Edition


New Northern Rhone Reviews 
From Josh Raynolds


Collector’s Corner:
Eisele & Hundred Acre


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Subscriber Special:

Cameron Winery’s 2016 Nebbiolo


Ending Tomorrow, May 1st at 6 pm Pacific


Cameron Winery Nebbiolo, Dundee Hills 2016 750ML ($39.95) $33 pre-arrival special
Scoop up the best Nebbiolo from outside Italy!  This is a fantastic new release from Cameron Winery, showcasing the savory side of Nebbiolo. John Paul may humbly suggest it’s his homage to the Alto Piemonte, but we’re reminded of Produttori’s normale bottling, too, with its classic cherry, tobacco and floral aromas and definite cellar-ability. It’s getting to the point where we can’t find better Barolo for the price. We’re excited to stick a few bottles in our cellars, and know that you will be, too. We’re knocking down our pricing until the day the wine is delivered, so pre-order now for the best price in the USA.
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

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Trending

It’s always great when our WV favorites get well deserved recognition. 
Goodfellow Family Cellars Pinot Noir Whistling Ridge Heritage No. 10 2017 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Erin Brooks – Wine Advocate 95 points
“The numbered iterations in the Goodfellow portfolio are different each year. Marcus Goodfellow says, “The numbering is all specific to a time and place, so you won’t see another no. 10.” Pale to medium ruby, the nose of the 2017 Pinot Noir Whistling Ridge Heritage No. 10 blossoms to fresh currants, tar, Earl Grey tea leaves, dried flowers, mushroom and warm earth with an undercurrent of mineral notions and spices. The medium-bodied palate slowly reveals nuanced flavor layers, with very finely grained tannins and seamless freshness on the very long, layered finish. Beautiful! Give this another couple of years in bottle or cellar it—this has the structure and flesh to age very well in bottle.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Bow & Arrow may be best known for their Loire-inspired bottlings (like Rhinestones and Air Guitar) but they make a fantastic bottle of Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, as well. Crafted from an assemblage of some of the best vineyards in the Van Duzer Corridor, this wine shows a cooler-climate tone that evokes its European influences.  2018 is already starting to look like a special vintage in the Willamette Valley and this bottling shows grace and elegance with a sizzle that we’ve come to expect from the B&A wines.  

Bow & Arrow Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2018 750ML ($24.95) Was $21.90, Now $18 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Winemaker Note
“[W]hile this ethos of “wine for the people” infuses the entire posture at Bow & Arrow, it’s this wine, the Willamette Valley Pinot in particular, that serves as our proof of concept.  You can make, in the Willamette Valley, a Pinot Noir sourced from Biodynamic and Organic fruit that is lovingly and naturally tended to form start to finish AND sell it at a price that nearly anyone can glass pour.  Assembled mainly from Johan Vineyard, Walnut Ridge and Hughes Hollow fruit, this wine was handled no differently than our single vineyard, top priced Pinot Noir.  Tasted blind I imagine it would hang tough with any line-up of Oregon Pinots of any price or pedigree.  (“I humbly submit” keeps getting auto-corrected to this hubristic nonsense.  I’m sorry.)”
 
This was the lowest listed price in the USA today, 
Now it’s even lower!
The next best price is $23

The Cote des Blancs region of Champagne is hallowed terroir where such stunning growers such as Gimonnet, Pierre Peters and Doyard are based. Lilbert has been on our radar for a long time from the Cote des Blancs village of Cramant. We’ve always known the wines were amazing, but it wasn’t until this release that we could offer them at the best prices in the country, so we went big. 

Lilbert-Fils “Perle” Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($79.95) $59 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
William Kelley – Wine Advocate 93 points
“This bottle of Lilbert’s NV Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Perle was disgorged in summer 2018 with five grams per liter dosage and is based on the 2013 vintage, with 35% reserve wines. Offering up aromas of lemon oil, crushed chalk and hints of warm biscuits, it’s medium to full-bodied, with an elegant pinpoint mousse, a deep and tight-knit core, racy acids and a penetrating, precise finish. Dry and incisive, it’s classic Lilbert, showing Cramant’s serious side, and it will evolve beautifully in the cellar.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

This is a beautiful bottle of Hermitage from a perpetually under-the-radar producer.
Domaine du Colombier Hermitage Rouge, Rhone 2015 750ML ($99.95) $79 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 97 points
“The 2015 Hermitage comes from the Les Doignières and Les Beaumes lieux-dits which are more clay and limestone soils. It’s another sensational Hermitage from this magical hillside that I wish every reader could taste. Cassis, damp earth, liquid violets and a liqueur of rocks-like profile emerge from this full-bodied, concentrated and powerful Hermitage, which has no shortage of extract or tannin. It’s for consumers with cold cellars and plenty of patience as it’s going to require at least 4-5 years of cellaring.”

This continues to be nearly unbeatable for value Bordeaux.
Chateau Puygueraud, Cotes de Bordeaux Francs 2016 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special, 36+ special
Case-12 Chateau Puygueraud, Cotes de Bordeaux Francs 2016 750ML ($299.95) $228 special (that’s only $19/bottle!)
Case-6 Chateau Puygueraud, Cotes de Bordeaux Francs 2016 750ML ($149.95) $119 special (that’s only $19.83/bottle!)
James Suckling 94 points
“This is so good! I want to drink it now. Iodine, mushrooms, dark fruit and orange peel on the nose and palate. Full-bodied, yet polished and fresh. Lovely tension A blend of 80 per cent merlot, 15 per cent cabernet franc and five per cent malbec.”

This is an absolutely stellar wine for the price—a Super Tuscan benchmark under $25.
Tenuta Sette Ponti Crognolo Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2017 750ML ($39.95) $24 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Tenuta Sette Ponti Crognolo Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2017 750ML ($249.95) $132 special (that’s only $22/bottle!)
James Suckling 94 points
“A balanced and fresh red for the hot 2017 vintage with medium body, fine tannins and plenty of currants, blackberries and blueberries on the finish. Drink or hold.”
Wine Spectator 93 points “A beam of pure blackberry runs through this otherwise dense and focused red. Shows elegance, with balance and complexity, but needs time to integrate and reveal all its facets. Offers fine, minerally length. Sangiovese and Merlot. Best from 2021 through 2032. 7,500 cases made, 4,000 cases imported.”
 
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Veglio Michelino & Figlio Barolo DOCG, Piedmont 2015 750ML ($39.95) Was $28, Now $24 Subscriber Special, 36+ bottles in stock now
James Suckling 92 points
“Some swanky, glossy oak adds toffee aromas to the ripe red cherries. Plenty of vanilla here, too. The palate delivers a fullish and round impression with plenty of oak again in the mix. Praline and ripe red cherries in abundance here. Try from 2022.”
 
This is the only listing in the USA today!
 
Trending Wines Arriving Tomorrow

We love Erin Nuccio’s wines from Evesham Wood, and were thrilled to see him release a secret bottling from Archery Summit estate fruit. This is a one-of-a-kind release, and highly limited, so secure your order today before this is gone for good!

Evesham Wood Dundee Hills Pinot Noir 2018 750ML ($29.95) $24 pre-arrival special, arriving May 1st
VinopolNote:
A rare, one-off bottling from Evesham Wood. Erin Nuccio crafted this wine from Archery Summit estate fruit. A one of a kind wine and an exceptional value.

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Perhaps no bottling better exemplifies St. Innocent’s style and craft than their Zenith Vineyard Pinot Noir.  St. Innocent has made wine from the site since 1989 (when it was known as the O’Connor Vineyard) and the slightly bowl shaped Eola-Amity Hills site has produced some of the wines of the vintage for the winery every year since.

St. Innocent Zenith Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2016 750ML ($39.95) $29 pre-arrival special, arriving May 1st
Case-6 St. Innocent Zenith Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2016 750ML ($243.95) $166 pre-arrival special (that’s only $27.67/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds 93 points
“Deep, bright-hued red. Spice-accented cherry and black raspberry aromas are complemented by hints of woodsmoke, baking spices and pungent flowers. Densely packed and energetic on the palate, offering cherry, red berry and candied rose flavors that become sweeter as the wine opens up. Lingers with strong persistence and sneaky tannins, leaving behind sappy red fruit preserve and floral notes.”  
James Suckling 93 points “This has attractive aromas and flavors of fresh red cherries with very well defined style in every regard. The oak is subtly played and delivers a swirling, spicy thread. The tannins are smooth and fine and there’s a superb sense of freshness driving the finish. Drink or hold.”  
Wine Spectator 92 points “Polished and multilayered, with expressive raspberry, rose petal and spiced tea flavors that gather richness toward refined tannins. Drink now through 2028. 968 cases made.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!
The average price across all vintages is $37/bottle!

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Now Extended Into May!


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Vinopolis Wine Shop Curbside Pick Up

Order Online / By Phone / By Email

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


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

www.vinopoliswineshop.com

info@vinopoliswineshop.com

503-223-6002

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Tasty Treats:

Spanish Edition


Well priced and delicious, folks keep coming back to buy the ‘Safra’ again and again. It’s a smooth and fresh-tasting unoaked red that’s even delicious with a slight chill. The new vintage is arriving in June, which makes it perfectly timed to enjoy when you’re grilling or barbequing. Pre-order now to be ready for the summer.

Celler del Roure ‘Safra’, Valencia 2017 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 pre-arrival special, ETA June
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 93 points
“The third vintage of my favorite red, the 2017 Safrà is from an early and low-yielding year when they got larger grapes that delivered fresher and more fluid wines than a normal warm year. It fermented with 30% full clusters in stainless steel vats, and like all of these wines, it didn’t see any oak; it matured exclusively in 2,600-liter clay “tinaja” for six months. It’s floral and subtle, super elegant, without any excess, expressive and perfumed. The palate is equally elegant, with very fine tannins, good freshness and very tasty, almost salty flavors. This has to be the finest vintage for this wine. Even if 2017 can be similar to 2015, this feels more balanced and complete. Most of the wines are a bargain, and this is a steal. 16,500 bottles were filled in July 2018.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
 
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New Northern Rhone Reviews 

From Josh Raynolds


We love reading Josh Raynolds’ methodical insights into the wine regions he explores. This is especially true for Rhone, where he takes a level-headed look at some of the finest wines the region has to offer. The latest tasting report covers wines from the ’17 & ’18 vintages. 

“Northern Rhône wine lovers whose tastes run to richness and power are going to have a field day with the 2018 and 2017 vintages. While most of the wines tend toward dark fruit character, the best examples also have quite a bit of freshness and energy. That is especially true of the 2018s, which will appeal to readers who prefer a more classic style.” –Josh Raynolds, Vinous

Newly Reviewed Wines In Stock Now:

Domaine Auguste Clape Le Vin des Amis, Rhone 2018 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds 92 points
“Deep, shimmering violet. High-pitched red and dark berry aromas are complemented by exotic spice, smoked meat and floral pastille accents. Sweet and penetrating on the palate, offering juicy black raspberry, cassis and candied violet flavors sharpened by a spicy hint of cracked pepper. Shows sharp definition and no rough edges on a very long, floral-driven finish framed by fine-grained tannins.”

Domaine Auguste Clape Cotes du Rhone 2018 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds 93 points
“Inky ruby. An expansive bouquet evokes ripe blackberry, cassis, potpourri and olive, and a smoky mineral nuance builds as the wine opens up. Shows impressive depth as well as energy, offering sweet, spice-tinged black and blue fruit and candied violet flavors that are braced by a spine of juicy acidity. Quite lively for its depth and power, finishing on a gently tannic note, with sharp clarity and spicy thrust.”

Domaine Auguste Clape Cornas, Rhone 2017 750ML ($189.95) $169 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds 95 points
“Dark, youthful purple. Powerful, smoke- and mineral-accented aromas of ripe dark berries, licorice, olive and a hint of incense on the deeply perfumed nose. Juicy and sharply delineated in the mouth, offering concentrated, spice-laced blackberry, bitter cherry and fruitcake flavors that take on a smoky aspect as the wine opens up. In an ample but lively style, finishing juicy and extremely long, with building tannins adding framework and youthful grip.”

Paul Jaboulet Aine Domaine de Thalabert Crozes-Hermitage, Rhone 2017 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds 92 points
“Inky ruby. Smoke-accented cherry and dark berries on the deeply perfumed nose, which takes on olive and baking spice nuances with air. Smooth, concentrated and appealingly sweet, offering plush boysenberry, cherry and singed plum flavors and a spicy touch of cracked pepper. Finishes broad, sweet and long, with harmonious tannins and repeating spiciness.”

Paul Jaboulet Aine Hermitage La Maison Bleue, Rhone 2017 750ML ($69.95) $59.50 special, 13 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds 94 points
“Glass-staining magenta. A complex, expansive bouquet evokes ripe dark berries, potpourri and incense. Exotic spice and mineral notes build with air. Sweet, focused and penetrating in the mouth, offering spice-tinged boysenberry, cherry preserve and violet pastille flavors that are braced by a core of juicy acidity. Blends concentration and energy smoothly and finishes with strong, gently tannic persistence.”

Paul Jaboulet Aine Hermitage La Chapelle, Rhone 2017 750ML ($219.95) $189 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds 95 points
“Saturated violet color. Intensely perfumed ripe black/blue fruits, violet candy, exotic spices and smoky minerals show fine definition and lift. Juicy and focused on the palate, offering deeply concentrated yet lively black raspberry, boysenberry, floral pastille and spicecake flavors and a late touch of licorice. Finishes smooth, sappy and extremely long, with chewy tannins lending shape and grip to resonating dark berry and floral notes.”

Saint Cosme Cote Rotie, Rhone 2017 750ML ($79.95) $59 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
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 average price is $77

Saint Cosme Saint-Joseph, Rhone 2017 750ML ($37.95) $29 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Saint Cosme Saint-Joseph, Rhone 2017 750ML ($419.95) $299 special (that’s only $24.92/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds 92 points
“Deep magenta. Powerful, spice- and mineral-accented cherry and dark berry aromas show very good clarity and pick up smoky bacon and potpourri flourishes as the wine opens up. In a concentrated but lively style, offering appealingly sweet red and dark fruit and floral pastille flavors and a salty olive flourish. The floral and spice notes drive an impressively long finish that’s framed by fine-grained, harmonious tannins. From vines in Malleval.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $35.99
The average price is $40

Saint Cosme Crozes-Hermitage, Rhone 2017 750ML ($34.95) $26 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Saint Cosme Crozes-Hermitage, Rhone 2017 750ML ($359.95) $279 special (that’s only $23.25/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Josh Raynolds 92 points
“Opaque ruby. Vibrant, smoke- and spice-tinged dark berry, cola and violet qualities on the nose, along with a subtle hint of olive paste. Appealingly sweet and energetic on the palate, offering juicy black raspberry and blueberry flavors underscored by a vein of smoky minerality. Supple tannins build slowly on a long, spice-tinged finish that leaves a suggestion of candied violet behind.”

The average price is $35
 
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Collector’s Corner

California Blue Chips


Arriving Tomorrow:

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.

Eisele Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley 2018 750ML ($119.95) $99 pre-arrival special
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.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
 
Arriving Late May

Hundred Acre – Wraith

“The genius of Jayson Woodbridge is not in dispute. A bigger than life character, he has a certain personal flamboyance and no-prisoners-taken persona, but what he and his team do in the vineyards and winery speaks for itself. These are remarkable wines, with his Cabernet Sauvignons some of the very finest in the world.” – Robert Parker

Hundred Acre’s wines are as unique and filled with personality as their winemaker, Jayson Woodbridge. Big, bold, rich and textured, they’re among the most coveted wines we offer.  We see miniscule quantities and they go very fast.  If you want any, order now—we’re offering these well below any other listing in the USA and these aren’t going to be sitting on our shelf very long, if they even make it there.  

Only 12 bottles available!
Hundred Acre ‘Wraith’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2015 750ML ($649.95) $519 pre-arrival special
Lisa Perrotti-Brown – Wine Advocate 100 points
“The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Wraith has a medium garnet-purple color and a hauntingly beautiful nose of kirsch, red roses, fragrant soil and menthol over a core of blueberry compote, raspberry pie and preserved plums plus faint glimpses of crushed rocks, lavender, tapenade and smoked meats. The palate is full-bodied, tightly knit and super intense with a solid structure of perfectly ripe, fine-grained tannins and tons of freshness, finishing very long and minerally. This is one of those very rare wines that so beautifully straddles the pinnacles of hedonic and the cerebral experiences, forever compelling you to take just one more sip.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $549.97
 
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Thanks for reading!