In This Newsletter:
Joseph Phelps Insignia
Quintesssa Subscriber Special
Wine of the Week: Pendulum 2018
Remelluri & Lindes de Remelluri Subscriber Sale
Joseph Phelps Insignia
The Next 1997?
The Insignia is high royalty of Napa – a true iconic bottling. This is California’s homage to a red Bordeaux blend. In 2016, it takes profundity to the next level.
Arriving September 25th:
Only eighteen bottles available!
Joseph Phelps Vineyards Insignia, Napa Valley 2016 750ML ($319.95) $219 pre-arrival special
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 99 points “Bottled in January 2019, the 2016 Insignia is a blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Malbec, aged for 24 months in 100% new French oak barrels. Deep garnet-purple colored, the nose is a little reticent to begin, needing a fair bit of coaxing to reveal beautifully beguiling notions of wild blueberries, warm blackberries, black currant cordial, cloves and cedar chest with nuances of camphor, yeast extract, charcuterie and candied violets. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has fantastic elegance and depth, revealing loads of subtle floral, black fruit and earthy layers with a firm, very finely grained texture and seamless freshness, finishing with epic length. 13,400 cases were made.”
James Suckling 98 points “Lovely density and intensity with dark berries, blueberries and inky undertones with hints of spice, chocolate and walnuts. Medium to full body, fine tannins and a flavorful finish. The texture and length are fantastic here. Complex. Hints of smoky wood at the end. This needs three to five years more in bottle age. Exciting wine. Try after 2022.”
Wine Enthusiast 98 points “Cellar Selection. This is a lengthy, powerful blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot and 3% each of Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Together they coalesce as one seamless, complex experience of black currant, brambly berry and black pepper, with accents of graphite, pencil and cedar. Robust in tannin and youthful energy, it will benefit from aging. Enjoy 2026–2031.”
Antonio Galloni 97 points “The 2016 Insignia has turned out beautifully. Silky, layered and positively striking, the 2016 is magnificent. In this vintage, Insignia is especially silky, refined and understated, which is unusual for this wine that has often been more bombastic. Readers will have to be patient with the 2016, as it needs at least several years in bottle to be at its very best, but this is all finesse and class.”
Wine Spectator 95 points “This is laden with flavors of dark currant, blackberry and black cherry preserves, infused gently with alder, incense and black tea notes, all carried by a long swath of fine-grained tannins. Hints of warm stone and tobacco gild the finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Best from 2021 through 2035. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 13,500 cases made.”
Decanter 95 points “This vintage of Insignia accurately reflects the cooler year, and the result is a lifted, energetic showing of this yardstick Napa Valley wine – a blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, 3% Malbec and 3% Cabernet Franc. Aromas of raspberry compote, black cherry and fresh violets seamlessly transition onto the palate, joining succulent liquorice and cigar box spice. The finish is impressively expansive and lingering. While decidedly modern in style, it is done with a deft touch.”
Arriving September 25th:
Only eighteen bottles available!
Joseph Phelps Vineyards Insignia, Napa Valley 2016 750ML ($319.95) $219 pre-arrival special
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 99 points “Bottled in January 2019, the 2016 Insignia is a blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Malbec, aged for 24 months in 100% new French oak barrels. Deep garnet-purple colored, the nose is a little reticent to begin, needing a fair bit of coaxing to reveal beautifully beguiling notions of wild blueberries, warm blackberries, black currant cordial, cloves and cedar chest with nuances of camphor, yeast extract, charcuterie and candied violets. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has fantastic elegance and depth, revealing loads of subtle floral, black fruit and earthy layers with a firm, very finely grained texture and seamless freshness, finishing with epic length. 13,400 cases were made.”
James Suckling 98 points “Lovely density and intensity with dark berries, blueberries and inky undertones with hints of spice, chocolate and walnuts. Medium to full body, fine tannins and a flavorful finish. The texture and length are fantastic here. Complex. Hints of smoky wood at the end. This needs three to five years more in bottle age. Exciting wine. Try after 2022.”
Wine Enthusiast 98 points “Cellar Selection. This is a lengthy, powerful blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot and 3% each of Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Together they coalesce as one seamless, complex experience of black currant, brambly berry and black pepper, with accents of graphite, pencil and cedar. Robust in tannin and youthful energy, it will benefit from aging. Enjoy 2026–2031.”
Antonio Galloni 97 points “The 2016 Insignia has turned out beautifully. Silky, layered and positively striking, the 2016 is magnificent. In this vintage, Insignia is especially silky, refined and understated, which is unusual for this wine that has often been more bombastic. Readers will have to be patient with the 2016, as it needs at least several years in bottle to be at its very best, but this is all finesse and class.”
Wine Spectator 95 points “This is laden with flavors of dark currant, blackberry and black cherry preserves, infused gently with alder, incense and black tea notes, all carried by a long swath of fine-grained tannins. Hints of warm stone and tobacco gild the finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Best from 2021 through 2035. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 13,500 cases made.”
Decanter 95 points “This vintage of Insignia accurately reflects the cooler year, and the result is a lifted, energetic showing of this yardstick Napa Valley wine – a blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, 3% Malbec and 3% Cabernet Franc. Aromas of raspberry compote, black cherry and fresh violets seamlessly transition onto the palate, joining succulent liquorice and cigar box spice. The finish is impressively expansive and lingering. While decidedly modern in style, it is done with a deft touch.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $229.97
The average price is $291
Quintesssa
The Glory of Rutherford
At Insider Pricing!
Subscriber-Only Special
Buy 3 or more bottles & receive an 8% discount
That’s $137.08 / bottle!
Only eighteen bottles available!
Quintessa Red Rutherford 2016 750ML ($199.95) Displayed Price: $149 pre-arrival special, ETA September 25th
James Suckling 98 points “Phenomenal aromas of crushed berries, forest fruit, mushrooms and iron. Medium to full body, with layers of soft and refined tannins that follow through to a beautiful finish. Extremely long and refined. This shows depth and structure with balance and harmony. Hard not to open the bottle now and drink it, but it appears to be closing down now. Needs four to five years to show it all.”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 97+ points “The 2016 Proprietary Red Wine is blended of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot and 1% Carménère, with all fruit coming from the Quintessa estate, and it aged for 20 months in 73% new French oak. Very deep purple-black in color, it comes bounding out of the glass like a pedigree pup with exuberant notions of crème de cassis, warm blueberries and black cherries with hints of redcurrants, kirsch, candied violets, crushed rocks, cigar box and fallen leaves plus a waft of truffles. Full, rich and beautifully laced with layers of floral notes and fragrant earth, the profound black and blue fruits build slowly in the mouth, achieving great energy and depth with a beautiful velvety frame, finishing long and perfumed.”
Jeb Dunnuck 96 points “The 2016 Proprietary Red is a beauty based on 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Carménère, all of which spent 20 months in just over 70% new French oak. This inky purple colored 2016 offers a perfumed, complex bouquet of sweet crème de cassis, Asian spices, lead pencil, and cedarwood. Full-bodied and plenty powerful, it shines even more for its flawless balance, polished tannins, and great finish. This is a quintessential, rich, elegant Napa Bordeaux blend to enjoy over the coming two decades or more.”
Decanter 95 points “Black cherry, grilled sage and cedar aromatics, smooth tannins and sweet black cherry fruits on the palate. Relatively low acidities but feels well in balance and this is structured and confident with flesh and laid back confident appeal. 70% new oak. Carménère and Petit Verdot complete the blend.”
Quintessa Red Rutherford 2016 750ML ($199.95) Displayed Price: $149 pre-arrival special, ETA September 25th
James Suckling 98 points “Phenomenal aromas of crushed berries, forest fruit, mushrooms and iron. Medium to full body, with layers of soft and refined tannins that follow through to a beautiful finish. Extremely long and refined. This shows depth and structure with balance and harmony. Hard not to open the bottle now and drink it, but it appears to be closing down now. Needs four to five years to show it all.”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 97+ points “The 2016 Proprietary Red Wine is blended of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot and 1% Carménère, with all fruit coming from the Quintessa estate, and it aged for 20 months in 73% new French oak. Very deep purple-black in color, it comes bounding out of the glass like a pedigree pup with exuberant notions of crème de cassis, warm blueberries and black cherries with hints of redcurrants, kirsch, candied violets, crushed rocks, cigar box and fallen leaves plus a waft of truffles. Full, rich and beautifully laced with layers of floral notes and fragrant earth, the profound black and blue fruits build slowly in the mouth, achieving great energy and depth with a beautiful velvety frame, finishing long and perfumed.”
Jeb Dunnuck 96 points “The 2016 Proprietary Red is a beauty based on 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Carménère, all of which spent 20 months in just over 70% new French oak. This inky purple colored 2016 offers a perfumed, complex bouquet of sweet crème de cassis, Asian spices, lead pencil, and cedarwood. Full-bodied and plenty powerful, it shines even more for its flawless balance, polished tannins, and great finish. This is a quintessential, rich, elegant Napa Bordeaux blend to enjoy over the coming two decades or more.”
Decanter 95 points “Black cherry, grilled sage and cedar aromatics, smooth tannins and sweet black cherry fruits on the palate. Relatively low acidities but feels well in balance and this is structured and confident with flesh and laid back confident appeal. 70% new oak. Carménère and Petit Verdot complete the blend.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $191
Wine Spectator Sips & Tips
Wine of the Week:
Pendulum 2018
Which begs the question, what shall we drink while we’re cellaring these beauties? Let’s turn to the Wine Spectator (and our neighbors to the north) for a hot tip on a 100% Cabernet from the Columbia Valley: Pendulum. This wine consistently receives superb reviews and is a great value for the money, especially on our case price. The 2018 clocks in at just under 14% alcohol, so this offers an expressive, modern style that will drink well now and while your Phelps & Quintessa wait.
Arriving Tomorrow – Friday, September 18th:
Pendulum Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley 2018 750ML ($19.95) $16 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Pendulum Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley 2018 750ML ($219.95) $175 pre-arrival special (that’s only $14.58/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 91 points “Sleek, yet shows simmering potency in the background. Expressive blackberry, mocha and cinnamon flavors build structure toward fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2026.”
Arriving Tomorrow – Friday, September 18th:
Pendulum Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley 2018 750ML ($19.95) $16 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Pendulum Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley 2018 750ML ($219.95) $175 pre-arrival special (that’s only $14.58/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 91 points “Sleek, yet shows simmering potency in the background. Expressive blackberry, mocha and cinnamon flavors build structure toward fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2026.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $17
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
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
Ending Tomorrow!
Remelluri & Lindes de Remelluri Subscriber Sale
Telmo Rodriguez is one of the most talented winemakers in Spain. Internationally trained, he returned to the family estate, Remelluri, and has taken it to new heights. Remelluri is in Rioja Alavesa—the smallest part of Rioja which is known for intense, powerful wines, and these are no exception. The soils in their vineyards are exceptionally shallow, creating small berries and greater concentration in the wines and their organic farming and careful cellar work keeps a sense of brightness and energy even in warm vintages.
Remelluri eschews American oak, finding it too overblown, and instead works with only the highest quality French cooperage. No expense is spared up and down the line, and these wines are special as a result. Their wines somehow manage the magic trick of being impressive today and capable of aging for decades. These are some of the landmark wines of Spain and deserve a prominent place in any cellar.
The Lindes de Remelluri (“Borders of Remelluri”) are made from grapes traditionally sold to the estate and sourced from village vineyards in San Vicente de La Sonsierra or La Bastida, surrounding the estate. This “second wine” is an absolute steal of a bottling and a wine to buy with abandon. These represents some of the best values in Rioja today and an easy on the wallet way to try some wines from a Spanish master.
Save 5% on any mix of 6-11 bottles of Remelluri wines
Save 10% on any mix of 12+ bottles of Remelluri wines
Subscriber Special discount will not display online
We will manually adjust your order before finalizing it
Discount valid until Friday, September 18th at 6 PM
Stay safe, be well, & drink well.