In Today’s Newsletter:
Featured New Arrival:
Booker Vineyards
“Some of the Most Impressive Releases Coming Out of California“
Last Minute Top Thanksgiving Picks
Staff Pick:
Overperforming Beaujolais
From the Family Behind Beaucastel…
Trending
Tuscany Through a Bordeaux Lens
Decade Old, 96-Point Bordeaux
(…Plus More Bordeaux)
Please note:
Vinopolis Wine Shop
Will be closed for Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 26th
We will reopen for our regularly scheduled hours
10 am – 6 pm
Friday, November 27th
This shop never closes:
https://www.vinopoliswineshop.com/
Featured New Arrival
Booker Vineyards
at National-Best Pricing
“Some of the Most Impressive Releases Coming Out of California”
Booker Vineyards
at National-Best Pricing
“Some of the Most Impressive Releases Coming Out of California”
“This year’s Booker wines will more than satisfy his loyal contingent of followers, with their assertive, deeply fruited and complex, even flamboyant character.” –Josh Raynolds, Vinous Media
“Eric Jensen’s Booker Vineyards continues to make a ripe, sexy, pedal-to-the-metal style of wine… As I’ve commented in the past, the wines from Eric Jensen at Booker are some of the most impressive releases coming out of California. While in the past, they relied on pure fruit and texture to impress, today they possess layered, elegant and complex characters paired with serious depth, richness and structure.” –Jeb Dunnuck
In Stock Now:
Booker Vineyard Fracture Syrah, Paso Robles 2017 750ML ($119.95) Was $79, Now $75 special
Case-6 Booker Vineyard Fracture Syrah, Paso Robles 2017 750ML ($719.95) Was $449, Now $419 special (that’s only $74.83/bottle!)
Case-12 Booker Vineyard Fracture Syrah, Paso Robles 2017 750ML ($1,439.95) Was $849, Now $799 special (that’s only $70.75/bottle!)
Jeb Dunnuck 98 points “Notes of crème de cassis, ground pepper, and crushed flowers emerge from the 2017 Fracture, which, as always, is all Syrah and was brought up in 65% new French oak barrels. Full-bodied, beautifully layered and textured, it has classic Booker power and richness yet shows the pretty, elegant style of the vintage as well.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 96 points “Shimmering purple. Mineral- and spice-accented black raspberry, boysenberry and candied violet on the highly perfumed nose. Shows superb depth as well as energy to the alluringly sweet red and blue fruit preserve, vanilla, fruitcake and candied violet flavors, which are complemented by smoky bacon and cracked pepper flourishes. Finishes smoky, broad and extremely long, displaying repeating florality and youthful tannic grip. Two-thirds new French oak.”
“Eric Jensen’s Booker Vineyards continues to make a ripe, sexy, pedal-to-the-metal style of wine… As I’ve commented in the past, the wines from Eric Jensen at Booker are some of the most impressive releases coming out of California. While in the past, they relied on pure fruit and texture to impress, today they possess layered, elegant and complex characters paired with serious depth, richness and structure.” –Jeb Dunnuck
In Stock Now:
Booker Vineyard Fracture Syrah, Paso Robles 2017 750ML ($119.95) Was $79, Now $75 special
Case-6 Booker Vineyard Fracture Syrah, Paso Robles 2017 750ML ($719.95) Was $449, Now $419 special (that’s only $74.83/bottle!)
Case-12 Booker Vineyard Fracture Syrah, Paso Robles 2017 750ML ($1,439.95) Was $849, Now $799 special (that’s only $70.75/bottle!)
Jeb Dunnuck 98 points “Notes of crème de cassis, ground pepper, and crushed flowers emerge from the 2017 Fracture, which, as always, is all Syrah and was brought up in 65% new French oak barrels. Full-bodied, beautifully layered and textured, it has classic Booker power and richness yet shows the pretty, elegant style of the vintage as well.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 96 points “Shimmering purple. Mineral- and spice-accented black raspberry, boysenberry and candied violet on the highly perfumed nose. Shows superb depth as well as energy to the alluringly sweet red and blue fruit preserve, vanilla, fruitcake and candied violet flavors, which are complemented by smoky bacon and cracked pepper flourishes. Finishes smoky, broad and extremely long, displaying repeating florality and youthful tannic grip. Two-thirds new French oak.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $84.90
The average price is $100
Booker Vineyard Vertigo, Paso Robles 2017 750ML ($99.95) $69 special
Jeb Dunnuck 99 points “I loved the 2017 Vertigo from barrel, and it didn’t disappoint from bottle. A blend of 63% Syrah, 30% Mourvèdre, and the rest Grenache and Petite Sirah, brought up in 65% new French oak, this full-bodied, massively endowed 2017 has complex notes of blue fruits, blood orange, violets, and exotic spices. As with all Eric’s 2017s, it’s rich and concentrated yet has remarkable purity and elegance at the same time. It’s one of the finest GSM blends out there and will shine for at least 8-10 years.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 96 points “Brilliant purple. Blackberry, blueberry, cola, exotic spices, vanilla and pungent flowers on the deeply perfumed, mineral-accented nose. Compellingly sweet, lush and broad in the mouth, showing hefty dark berry preserve, candied violet and fruitcake flavors that pick up mocha, vanilla and star anise nuances on the back half. Finishes extremely long and smooth, with velvety tannins, lingering florality and outstanding clarity. 60% new French oak.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $74.99
The average price is $80
The next best price is $74.99
The average price is $80
Last Minute Top Thanksgiving Picks
A fun rosé that’s perfect with a variety of traditional fare.
Crowley Rosé, Willamette Valley 2019 750ML ($24.95) $19 special
Winery note “The signature of this year’s Rosé is citrus and melon…mandarin orange and green watermelon to be exact. Traces of herb bring in savory notes and mint makes an appearance for cooling effect. A reductive note adds interest and layers to the just opened bottle aromatics while the mouthfeel is uniquely smooth and polished. 2019 delivered a clean and round rosé with no hard edges. There’s succulence to the fruit to go with the usual high energy, and lower alcohol keeps it airy and light. Vineyard info: Four Winds was planted in 1990 to 4 acres of own-rooted Pommard clone Pinot Noir. We isolate a portion of this and dedicate the farming to our Rosé program. Elevation is 825 feet and south facing. Own rooted and dry farmed. Appellation and soil: This vineyard is located in the McMinnville Coast Range. Soils are classified as Jory and Nekiah. These soils are typically uplifted marine sedimentary loams and silts, with alluvial overlays. As compared to other appellations in the Willamette Valley, these soils are uniquely shallow for winegrowing with low total available moisture. The resulting wines have pronounced leanness and mineral tones. 2/3rds is fermented in neutral French oak and 1/3rd in stainless (to provide a little brightness) as always with native yeast.”
Crowley Rosé, Willamette Valley 2019 750ML ($24.95) $19 special
Winery note “The signature of this year’s Rosé is citrus and melon…mandarin orange and green watermelon to be exact. Traces of herb bring in savory notes and mint makes an appearance for cooling effect. A reductive note adds interest and layers to the just opened bottle aromatics while the mouthfeel is uniquely smooth and polished. 2019 delivered a clean and round rosé with no hard edges. There’s succulence to the fruit to go with the usual high energy, and lower alcohol keeps it airy and light. Vineyard info: Four Winds was planted in 1990 to 4 acres of own-rooted Pommard clone Pinot Noir. We isolate a portion of this and dedicate the farming to our Rosé program. Elevation is 825 feet and south facing. Own rooted and dry farmed. Appellation and soil: This vineyard is located in the McMinnville Coast Range. Soils are classified as Jory and Nekiah. These soils are typically uplifted marine sedimentary loams and silts, with alluvial overlays. As compared to other appellations in the Willamette Valley, these soils are uniquely shallow for winegrowing with low total available moisture. The resulting wines have pronounced leanness and mineral tones. 2/3rds is fermented in neutral French oak and 1/3rd in stainless (to provide a little brightness) as always with native yeast.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
A rosé with more depth and pitch, this remains bright and fresh despite the weight.
Evening Land ‘Seven Springs Vineyard’ Rosé of Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2019 750ML ($29.95) $26 special
Winery note “The 2019 Seven Springs Rosé of Pinot Noir comes from young vines Pinot planted up on the vineyard’s East Ridge. These densely planted vines grow in well-draining soils and receive a full day of sunshine during the growing season. The gradual and even ripening that occurred during the 2019 growing season resulted in beautifully layered wines, with nuance and refinement. For the rosé, we were fortunate to realize a depth of flavor and aroma across the bright fruit and floral spectrum while still retaining mouthwatering acidity and freshness. The wine opens with a subtle whiff of reduction followed by under-ripe strawberries, white flowers, and dried apricots. The palate is lively and whimsical and begs for a dish like fritto misto or a salde nicoise.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
A baby Corton-Charlemagne
Domaine Rollin Pere et Fils Sous Fretille, Pernand-Vergelesses Premier Cru 2017 750ML ($79.95) $66 special
Rosenthal Note “This vineyard is a relatively recent acquisition by the Rollin family (the 2000 vintage was the first to issue from the domaine) but it is a parcel of old vines in one of the elite lieu-dits of the village. The vineyard is situated on slopes overlooking the village and is just around the corner from Corton Charlemagne. A powerful wine that benefits from several years of bottle age … only 35 cases per annum are allocated to us for the USA.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
A Loire classic
Domaine Huet Vouvray ‘Le Mont’ Sec, Loire 2016 750ML ($47.95) $39 special
Wine Spectator 94 points “Green plum and verbena notes lead the way for now, with a flash of quinine on the finish. This is juicy, but still a bit compact overall, with the core of ample pear, quince and ginger flavors in reserve. Just wait for everything to knit together and stretch out, as the purity and length are there. Best from 2018 through 2028.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
“Effortlessly drinkable” –this always seems to disappear much quicker than expected.
Bow & Arrow Rhinestone Red, Willamette Valley 2019 750ML ($29.95) $20.90 special
Case-12 Bow & Arrow Rhinestone Red, Willamette Valley 2019 750ML ($319.95) $228 special
Winery note “To understand Rhinestones we have to talk about the Cheverny region of France’s Loire Valley where, by law, the red wines must be a blend of Gamay and Pinot Noir. We follow this stricture with all the Pinot and Gamay fruit we source from Johan Vineyard. The blend is determined by nature and vintage. Aged in a mixture of concrete and old barriques, this wine is the flagship of the Bow & Arrow operation and communicates what we’re about as much as anything we make. Effortlessly drinkable but rewards detective work if you’re in the mood.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Old vine red Burgundy for under $30!
Domaine Forey Père et Fils Bourgogne Pinot Noir, Burgundy2017 750ML ($34.95) $29 special
Neal Rosenthal “The 40-to-60-year-old vines of Forey’s Bourgogne Rouge—produced from various parcels in Nuits and Vosne—typically yield a wine of impressive depth for its category. Vinified with 50% whole clusters and aged in 10% new 500-liter demi-muids, this 2017 is a vibrant, lip-smacking example of pure Pinot Noir pleasure, offering beaming red fruits and an attractive dusting of spices in its juicy and easygoing personality.”
Burghound “An attractively fresh and softly oaked nose reflects notes of a variety of red berries and a healthy dose of earth that can also be found on the nicely detailed and vibrant flavors that are refreshing, persistent and reasonably complex on the crunchy finish. This delicious effort should drink well early on.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Delicate, broad, balanced
Eric Rodez Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru, Champagne (2014) 750ML ($79.95) $59 special
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 92 points “[Reviewed Apr 2019] Offering up aromas of smoky green orchard fruit, hazelnuts and waxy citrus that are delicately framed by their time in barrel, the latest rendition of Rodez’s NV Brut Blanc de Blancs is a medium to full-bodied, broad and fleshy wine with a bright spine of acidity, a frothy mousse and a long, vinous and subtly oak-inflected finish. Unsurprisingly, its Ambonnay origins and Rodez’s style mark it just as much as its cépage.”
[Review is for prior disgorgement]
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Staff Pick
Overperforming Beaujolais
Andy:
There is a moment when you’re appreciating a wine when you realize just how far it is overperforming your expectations. It is such a good feeling. I had this feeling for four days while enjoying the Grosse Pierre Fleurie. Fleurie is my favorite Beaujolais Cru as the wines are arguably the most elegant and feminine. That being said, the wines over the past decade have started to show more depth, fleshiness and mineral complexity without losing the charm and lifted aromatics that are the hallmarks of the area.
The Grosse Pierre Fleurie Bel Air is DELICIOUS. It is a cherried and floral nose, dusty with crushed stones. Served at cellar temps, the wine shows off with a pop on the palate. Bright acidity that shows off the red fruits, but a generous body and deep finish. I usually don’t decant Beaujolais, but plan on it with the next bottle. It just got better and better over the next four days; subtle flowers and candied plum became more pronounced. The acidity never wavered, and the silky tannins hung in to add cut and edge to the body. It can go for a decade, but… why? Yes, it will be that much better, but do not hesitate to open this if you want some silky oomph in your glass.
The entire line-up of Grosse Pierre is worth digging into. Extremely good value, for the cellar or the table.
There is a moment when you’re appreciating a wine when you realize just how far it is overperforming your expectations. It is such a good feeling. I had this feeling for four days while enjoying the Grosse Pierre Fleurie. Fleurie is my favorite Beaujolais Cru as the wines are arguably the most elegant and feminine. That being said, the wines over the past decade have started to show more depth, fleshiness and mineral complexity without losing the charm and lifted aromatics that are the hallmarks of the area.
The Grosse Pierre Fleurie Bel Air is DELICIOUS. It is a cherried and floral nose, dusty with crushed stones. Served at cellar temps, the wine shows off with a pop on the palate. Bright acidity that shows off the red fruits, but a generous body and deep finish. I usually don’t decant Beaujolais, but plan on it with the next bottle. It just got better and better over the next four days; subtle flowers and candied plum became more pronounced. The acidity never wavered, and the silky tannins hung in to add cut and edge to the body. It can go for a decade, but… why? Yes, it will be that much better, but do not hesitate to open this if you want some silky oomph in your glass.
The entire line-up of Grosse Pierre is worth digging into. Extremely good value, for the cellar or the table.
In stock now:
Domaine de la Grosse Pierre Chiroubles Aux Craz, Beaujolais 2018 750ML ($29.95) $24 special
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 93 points “Offering up aromas of ripe cherries and raspberries as well as hints of rose petal and peony, the 2018 Chiroubles Aux Craz is medium to full-bodied, supple and enveloping, its deep core of succulent fruit framed by satiny tannins. This bottling derives from 70-year-old vines in the domaine’s highest-altitude holdings in lieu-dit Grosse Pierre.”
Domaine de la Grosse Pierre Chiroubles Aux Craz, Beaujolais 2018 750ML ($29.95) $24 special
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 93 points “Offering up aromas of ripe cherries and raspberries as well as hints of rose petal and peony, the 2018 Chiroubles Aux Craz is medium to full-bodied, supple and enveloping, its deep core of succulent fruit framed by satiny tannins. This bottling derives from 70-year-old vines in the domaine’s highest-altitude holdings in lieu-dit Grosse Pierre.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine de La Grosse Pierre Fleurie Bel Air, Beaujolais 2018 750ML ($29.95) $24 special
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 91 points “Bursting from the glass with inviting aromas of cherries, berries and plums, the 2018 Fleurie Bel-Air is showing even better than when I reviewed it last year. Medium to full-bodied, supple and succulent, it’s elegantly fleshy, built around lively acids and melting tannins. Seamless and impeccably balanced, this is an immensely drinkable young Beaujolais.”
VinopolNote: From 50 year old vines.
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine de la Grosse Pierre Chiroubles Cuvee Claudius, Beaujolais 2018 750ML ($29.95) $24 special
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 92+ points “Bursting with aromas of cherries, blackberries, licorice and violets, the 2018 Chiroubles Claudius is medium to full-bodied, deep and concentrated, with a muscular chassis of powdery tannin largely concealed by a rich core of fruit. This is a terrific Chiroubles with the stuffing (and a high-quality Trescases cork) to evolve with grace in the cellar.”
VinopolNote: From 90-100 year old vines.
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Domaine de la Grosse Pierre Morgon Douby, Beaujolais 2018 750ML ($29.95) $24 special
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 92 points “Unfurling in the glass with aromas of blackberries, violets, licorice and cracked pepper, the 2018 Morgon Douby is medium to full-bodied, velvety and succulent, with a fleshy core of fruit underpinned by powdery tannins that mark this out as one of Passot’s more structured wines this year.”
VinopolNote: From 70 year old vines.
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine de la Grosse Pierre Chiroubles, Beaujolais 2018 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 90 points “I underestimated the 2018 Chiroubles La Grosse Pierre when I tasted it not long after it had been bottled, and six months later, it’s performing very well. Mingling aromas of black cherries and blackberries with hints of cracked pepper and herbs, the wine is medium to full-bodied, supple and elegantly fleshy, with succulent acids, melting tannins and a seamless profile.”
VinopolNote: From 45 year old vines.
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Love Beaujolais? We offer 42 wines from Beaujolais in stock now, including favorites from Anne-Sophie Dubois, Chermette Vissoux, and Clos de la Roilette. Shop the entire selection on our web store.
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
From the Family Behind Beaucastel…
Perrin is a legendary family in the wine world. They’re best known for their stewardship of Chateau Beaucastel, that benchmark of Chateauneuf du Pape, but they also make wines from other properties in the area. Of particular note are the two wines we recently re-stocked—they Clos Tourelles Gigondas and the Vinsobres Les Hautes de Julien—both from more mountainous terroirs than Chateauneuf.
Gigondas requires little in the way of further explication, and the Perrin bottling is one of the finest we’ve tried, but Vinsobres is a bit more obscure. It’s fascinating region, in the northern part of the southern Rhone, which is Syrah based and is like a Cornas with more fruit, texture, and garrigue. We sold out of the last tranche pretty quickly and are excited to offer more.
In Stock Now
Famille Perrin Gigondas Domaine du Clos des Tourelles 2015 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Jeb Dunnuck 97 points “The finest vintage to date, the 2015 Gigondas Le Clos des Tourelles comes from a tiny vineyard located just inside the village of Gigondas. Incorporating a touch of Syrah, this Grenache dominated beauty reveals a deep ruby/purple color as well as off the chart notes of black raspberries, black cherries, pepper, garrigue, and tons of that classic Gigondas spice. I wrote “Wow” more than once in my notes and this full-bodied 2015 has ultra-fine tannin, perfect balance, and a stacked mid-palate. Give bottles 2-3 years and drink over the following 15+ years.”
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 95 points “Brilliant ruby color. Powerful cherry, blackberry and floral pastille aromas are energized by building spice and floral notes. Stains the palate with sappy red/dark berry preserve, candied lavender and spicecake flavors and shows a touch of licorice on the back half. Refuses to let up on the powerful finish, which features gently chewy tannins and resonating cherry and floral notes.”
Famille Perrin Vinsobres Les Hauts de Julien VV 2015 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
Case-6 Famille Perrin Vinsobres Les Hauts de Julien VV 2015 750ML ($299.95) $219 special (that’s only $36.50/bottle!)
Jeb Dunnuck 95 points “The 2015 Vinsobres Les Hauts De Julien comes from the Vinsobres region, which is a cooler terroir located in the northern part of the southern Rhône. Based largely on very old vine Syrah blended with Grenache, it offers a vibrant purple color as well as a sensational bouquet of blueberries, cracked pepper, violets, lavender, and exotic spices. Incredibly textured, full-bodied, deep, and opulent, with awesome purity of fruit, it’s another sensational vintage for this cuvée that would pass undetected in a blind lineup of top Cornas. Drink it anytime over the coming decade.”
Gigondas requires little in the way of further explication, and the Perrin bottling is one of the finest we’ve tried, but Vinsobres is a bit more obscure. It’s fascinating region, in the northern part of the southern Rhone, which is Syrah based and is like a Cornas with more fruit, texture, and garrigue. We sold out of the last tranche pretty quickly and are excited to offer more.
In Stock Now
Famille Perrin Gigondas Domaine du Clos des Tourelles 2015 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Jeb Dunnuck 97 points “The finest vintage to date, the 2015 Gigondas Le Clos des Tourelles comes from a tiny vineyard located just inside the village of Gigondas. Incorporating a touch of Syrah, this Grenache dominated beauty reveals a deep ruby/purple color as well as off the chart notes of black raspberries, black cherries, pepper, garrigue, and tons of that classic Gigondas spice. I wrote “Wow” more than once in my notes and this full-bodied 2015 has ultra-fine tannin, perfect balance, and a stacked mid-palate. Give bottles 2-3 years and drink over the following 15+ years.”
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 95 points “Brilliant ruby color. Powerful cherry, blackberry and floral pastille aromas are energized by building spice and floral notes. Stains the palate with sappy red/dark berry preserve, candied lavender and spicecake flavors and shows a touch of licorice on the back half. Refuses to let up on the powerful finish, which features gently chewy tannins and resonating cherry and floral notes.”
Famille Perrin Vinsobres Les Hauts de Julien VV 2015 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
Case-6 Famille Perrin Vinsobres Les Hauts de Julien VV 2015 750ML ($299.95) $219 special (that’s only $36.50/bottle!)
Jeb Dunnuck 95 points “The 2015 Vinsobres Les Hauts De Julien comes from the Vinsobres region, which is a cooler terroir located in the northern part of the southern Rhône. Based largely on very old vine Syrah blended with Grenache, it offers a vibrant purple color as well as a sensational bouquet of blueberries, cracked pepper, violets, lavender, and exotic spices. Incredibly textured, full-bodied, deep, and opulent, with awesome purity of fruit, it’s another sensational vintage for this cuvée that would pass undetected in a blind lineup of top Cornas. Drink it anytime over the coming decade.”
#Trending
A stunning Bordeaux for the cellar.
Chateau Clos de Sarpe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2016 750ML ($99.95) $89 special
Jeb Dunnuck 97 points “An off-the-hook Saint-Emilion, the inky colored 2016 Château Clos de Sarpe is mostly Merlot but includes 15% Cabernet Franc. A beautiful, floral character gives way to more blueberry, raspberry, spice, and cedar notes, and it’s medium to full-bodied, fresh, and elegant on the palate, with thrilling purity of fruit. It’s still tight and reserved at the moment, with a focused feel on the palate, but has tons of potential. Give bottles 5-7 years of bottle age and enjoy over the following 15+.”
Wine Advocate 95 points “Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2016 Clos de Sarpe (composed of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc) is a little closed to begin, opening out to reveal provocative Black Forest cake, Chinese five spice and cigar box notes with nuances of sandalwood, kirsch, rose hip tea and pencil shavings. Full-bodied, rich and opulent in the mouth, the palate is oh-so-seductive with a beautiful velvety texture and tons of freshness lifting the decadent fruit to a long spicy finish.”
Great Oregon Pinot, in a great drinking window now.
Sequitur Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2016 750ML ($119.95) $79 special
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 96 points “Glimmering red. A hugely aromatic bouquet evokes fresh red fruits, Asian spices and potpourri, along with a bright mineral overtone and a touch of smokiness. Juicy, seamless and precise on the palate, offering potent, mineral-laced raspberry preserve, rose pastille and spicecake flavors that deepen and spread out steadily on the back half. Delivers a compelling blend of power and finesse and finishes with silky tannins, outstanding clarity and floral- and mineral-driven persistence.”
Wine Advocate 94+ points “Pale to medium ruby-purple in color, the 2016 Sequitur Pinot Noir has a lovely, open nose of black and red cherries and blackberries with notions of wood smoke, turned earth, autumn leaves, cardamom and potpourri. Medium-bodied, it floods the mouth with ripe black and red fruits with wonderful earthy/spicy accents, very fine, grainy tannins and mouthwatering acidity, finishing long with spice and floral layers. 480 cases produced.”
Chateau Clos de Sarpe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2016 750ML ($99.95) $89 special
Jeb Dunnuck 97 points “An off-the-hook Saint-Emilion, the inky colored 2016 Château Clos de Sarpe is mostly Merlot but includes 15% Cabernet Franc. A beautiful, floral character gives way to more blueberry, raspberry, spice, and cedar notes, and it’s medium to full-bodied, fresh, and elegant on the palate, with thrilling purity of fruit. It’s still tight and reserved at the moment, with a focused feel on the palate, but has tons of potential. Give bottles 5-7 years of bottle age and enjoy over the following 15+.”
Wine Advocate 95 points “Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2016 Clos de Sarpe (composed of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc) is a little closed to begin, opening out to reveal provocative Black Forest cake, Chinese five spice and cigar box notes with nuances of sandalwood, kirsch, rose hip tea and pencil shavings. Full-bodied, rich and opulent in the mouth, the palate is oh-so-seductive with a beautiful velvety texture and tons of freshness lifting the decadent fruit to a long spicy finish.”
Great Oregon Pinot, in a great drinking window now.
Sequitur Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2016 750ML ($119.95) $79 special
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 96 points “Glimmering red. A hugely aromatic bouquet evokes fresh red fruits, Asian spices and potpourri, along with a bright mineral overtone and a touch of smokiness. Juicy, seamless and precise on the palate, offering potent, mineral-laced raspberry preserve, rose pastille and spicecake flavors that deepen and spread out steadily on the back half. Delivers a compelling blend of power and finesse and finishes with silky tannins, outstanding clarity and floral- and mineral-driven persistence.”
Wine Advocate 94+ points “Pale to medium ruby-purple in color, the 2016 Sequitur Pinot Noir has a lovely, open nose of black and red cherries and blackberries with notions of wood smoke, turned earth, autumn leaves, cardamom and potpourri. Medium-bodied, it floods the mouth with ripe black and red fruits with wonderful earthy/spicy accents, very fine, grainy tannins and mouthwatering acidity, finishing long with spice and floral layers. 480 cases produced.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Classic. Just Classic.
Cameron Winery ‘Abbey Ridge’ Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2017 750ML ($79.95) $66 special
Winery note “The 2017 Abbey Ridge Pinot noir has aromas of cherry, pomegranate, cranberry and spiced oranges mingling with straw, ginger and as always rose petals. A higher percentage of Pommard in this year’s blend introduces flavors of cracked pepper, black olive and salumi. The front to back of the palate is seamless, with soft tannins, bright lively acidity, a long lingering finish and perfect moderate alcohol of 12.8%. At over 40 years of age, Abbey Ridge is one of the oldest and best vineyards in the state of Oregon.”
VinopolNote: Abbey Ridge is one of the most hallowed sites in the Willamette Valley. Planted in 1975, the Pinot Noir here is own rooted and at one of the highest elevations in the Dundee Hills. The elevation and classic Jory soils give the wine an intense personality—high toned, elegant and tensile, with good power and a strong voice. This bottling has been one of the defining Oregon Pinots since John Paul started making it.
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
The pride of Corsica.
Domaine Comte Abbatucci Ajaccio Faustine Blanc, Corsica 2017 750ML ($49.95) $29 special
Case-12 Domaine Comte Abbatucci Ajaccio Faustine Blanc, Corsica 2017 750ML ($599.95) $319 special (that’s only $26.58/bottle!)
Importer Note “Summing up Jean-Charles Abbatucci’s contagious energy in just a few lines is virtually impossible. The best way to experience it is to stand in his vineyards in central Corsica and feel it radiate through your body from the ground up. Luckily, that energy finds its way into every bottle he makes, and this gentle, breezy white from old-vine Vermentinu delivers it without compromise each sip is like a gust of warm Mediterranean air flooding your senses with a perfume of flowers and wild maquis.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $39
Tuscany Through a Bordeaux Lens
Looking for a high scoring Super Tuscan under $30 from the owner of Chateau Giscours? We’ve got you covered. (If you weren’t looking for one, perhaps you should be). This stunner arrives this Friday and is ready for your table (or cellar!) This coastal Tuscan estate was founded in 1998. A thoughtful exploration of the land’s terroir let the original owners to subdivide the vineyard into 12 parcels as defined by their soil type, carefully selecting the ideal varieties for each parcel’s planting. Even in the cellar is thought and respect given to the grapes: new oak is kept to a minimum to highlight rather than overwhelm terroir. The results are impressive, especially for the price we’re able to offer this at.
In Stock Now:
Caiarossa ‘Pergolaia’ Toscana IGT 2016 750ML ($29.95) $26 special
Wine Spectator 94 points “Flavors of black cherry and blackberry stand up to the dense tannins in this fresh, deep and intense red, but this is equally about the vibrant acidity driving the fruit, wild herb nuances and spice-infused aftertaste. Sangiovese with Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best from 2022 through 2040. 4,700 cases made, 1,200 cases imported.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 92 points “Mostly Sangiovese with the other 30% composed of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, the 2016 Pergolaia is all about matching grapes to soils, a tribute to Tuscany from a French-owned estate better known for its international approach. This vintage has slightly less Sangiovese than usual in order to create a more accessible wine, with more freshness and juiciness. It’s almost crunchy in texture, a full-bodied red that covers the whole mouth. The aging is spread out evenly between botte and tonneaux, as they reserved the big wood for the more delicate Sangiovese grape. The fruit here shows perfect ripeness with lots of primary intensity and freshness. It’s a versatile red to match with all kinds of pastas and meats. It’s ready to open now or to age for just a few more years.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $35
The next best price is $35
Decade Old, 96-Point Bordeaux
Lascombes has been one of the biggest over-performers in Margaux, with a string of successes since the 2000 vintage—but the 2010 might be their best ever. Boasting a 96-point Robert Parker score, it’s a fantastic wine from a vintage that Vinous called a “modern classic” and Wine Spectator rated 99-points, their highest ever score for a Left Bank year. As you might expect, decade-old Bordeaux isn’t growing on trees, so now’s the time if you’re looking to stock up.
Arriving Friday:
Chateau Lascombes, Margaux 2010 750ML (149.95) $119 pre-arrival special
Robert Parker 96 points “The wine hits all cylinders in 2010. The average alcohol for the bottled wine is 14%. It has a gorgeously sweet nose of creme de cassis, spring flowers, subtle barbecue smoke and charcoal followed by full body, beautiful intensity, great purity, stature and length. The influence of any oak is minimal, despite the fact that 90% new French oak was used. Needless to say, this is an example of modern-styled winemaking at its finest, and arguments that such wines will not age well, do not represent their terroir , and are soul-less, are totally groundless. Give it five or so years of cellaring and drink it over the following 25-30 years. This is one of the great Margaux wines of the vintage.”
Decanter 94 points “Lascombes in 2010 has exuberance and precision and confidence, and a sense of fun. At the 10 year mark the power of the tannins is clear and evident. It’s a big, concentrated, exuberant wine but it has delicacy and construction and persistency. Drinking Window 2020 – 2042”
James Suckling 94 points ”Pinpoint but rich fruit in the form of blackcurrants, licorice, fresh herbs, blackberry leaf and cedar. Full body, structured tannins, vibrant acidity and a long finish. Wonderful combination of freshness and fruit. Delicious now but this will hold for many more years.”
Also Arriving Soon (Early December) from Bordeaux
Chateau Rauzan-Segla, Margaux 2010 750ML ($179.95) $149 pre-arrival special, only 24 bottles available!
Jeb Dunnuck 98 points “A wine that could easily be mistaken for a First Growth, the 2010 Rauzan-Ségla is an incredibly powerful, full-bodied wine by this estate’s standards, yet it nevertheless holds onto a terrific sense of elegance as well as perfect balance. A huge nose of blackcurrants, smoked earth, tobacco, lead pencil, and spice give way to a concentrated, blockbuster styled Margaux that has thrilling depth of fruit, masses of ripe tannins, and great length and finesse on the finish. This brilliant wine is just now seemingly on the edge of its drink window and offers immense pleasure, yet it has another 30-40 years of life ahead of it. Along with the 2015 and 2016, it’s the greatest wine made at this estate in the past two decades.”
James Suckling 98 points “Beautiful clarity of fruit with raspberries and currants on the nose. Roses and other flowers too. It’s almost hard to describe, but there’s a real purity. Full body, with fabulous balance and depth. It has everything in the right place. Best ever? Try it in 2018.”
Wine Enthusiast 96 points “One of the top Margaux wines, this is in top form, finely balanced and as elegant as it is powerful. It is darkly structured, dense yet balancing tannins with ripe black plums. It expresses the complexity of the vintage. A wine for serious, long-term aging.
Wine Advocate 95+ points “To reiterate, the 2010 Rauzan Segla is like a super-duper version of the 1986. Displaying fabulous density, an inky purple color and a superb nose of forest floor with a hint of menthol as well as loads of creme de cassis, mocha and touches of chocolate and subtle oak, this full-bodied, deep, concentrated wine represents only 45% of the estate’s production. It is certainly not for those who can’t wait a few years for it to round into shape, as I suspect it needs at least 5-8 years of bottle-age, but it should last for half a century or more…a timeless classic from the appellation of Margaux.”
Neal Martin-Vinous 95 points “The 2010 Rauzan-Ségla is simply one of the finest releases in recent years. It has a heavenly bouquet with wild strawberry, subtle floral notes and great precision. The palate is nothing powerful, less flamboyant than the 2010 Palmer, yet endowed with incredible precision and length. All you could really want from a Margaux. Tasted from an ex-château bottle at the BI Wines & Spirits 10-Year On tasting.”
Wine Spectator 94 points “Flashy style of Margaux, with alluring warm cocoa and black tea aromatics followed by cashmere-textured plum sauce, steeped fig and blackberry confiture notes. The well-integrated structure makes this seem almost accessible now, but the ample length and a smoldering tobacco note make a case for cellaring. Best from 2014 through 2030.”
Chateau Palmer Alter Ego de Palmer, Margaux 2015 750ML ($119.95) $89 pre-arrival special, only 18 bottles available!
James Suckling 96 points “This is sensational, characterized by such purity and beauty and with aromas of blackberries, dark chocolate, walnuts, cedar and lavender. Full-bodied, tight and focused – in part thanks to sensational tannin tension that is intense yet polished. Needs five to six years of bottle age to come together. Great second wine of Palmer.”
Wine Cellar Insider 94 points “Rocks, stones, flowers, wet earth and inky, dark cherry, plum and even darker chocolate notes are all over the place. From the nose to the palate, you find the same expressions and complexities. The wine is richly textured, sensuous, silky and sweet. There is length and purity, This is better than any vintage of Palmer from the 70’s, most of the 80’s and the 90’s! This is the best vintage of Alter Ego ever produced.”
Chateau Mangot, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2015 750ML ($37.95) $29 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Chateau Mangot, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2015 750ML ($419.95) $315 pre-arrival special (that’s only $26.25/bottle!)
James Suckling 93 points “A dense and rich red with driedberry and plum character. Full body, round and chewy tanninsand a flavorful finish. Lots of intensity. Drink in 2020.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $35
The average price is $35
Chateau Tour De Pez, Saint-Estephe 2016 750ML ($34.95) $28 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Chateau Tour De Pez, Saint-Estephe 2016 750ML ($399.95) $299 pre-arrival special (that’s only $24.92/bottle!)
“The 2016 Tour de Pez is a tasty, mid-weight Saint Estèphe. Nothing in particular stands out, as all the elements are very nicely balanced. Sweet red cherry, smoke, plum, and white pepper all grace this impeccable balanced wine” –Antonio Galloni, Vinous
“The 2016 Tour de Pez comes sprinting out of the blocks on the nose with precocious black cherries and blueberry fruit, violets and iris following just behind. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp tannin, quite tensile in the mouth with good acidity, flecks of brown spice and meat juices imparting a savory vein on the finish. There is plenty of character to this Saint Estèphe and it should age with style.” –Neal Martin, Wine Advocate
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
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