Vinopolis June 10 Newsletter

June 10, 2013

Special Hours Memorial Day
Open 10am – 3pm

Jump Start Sale

Arriving May 30:

Patricia Green Estate Old Vine Pinot Noir 2010 ($41.95) $27 jump start special
Josh Raynolds (Stephen Tanzers International Wine Cellar) 92 points “Bright red. Fresh red fruits, flowers and Asian spices on the fragrant nose. Nervy, penetrating red fruit flavors put on weight with air and pick up notes of cola and woodsmoke. Finishes bright and silky, with excellent tenacity and appealing sweetness.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today
The average listed price in the USA today is $38 / bottle

Patricia Green Four Winds Vineyard Pinot Noir 2010 ($36.95) $24 jump start special
Winery Notes “The 2010 is as special a bottling as we have done from this site. Combining the raw power of the 2008 with the much more feminine characteristics of the 2009 to get a wine of both power and nuance. Deeply succulent and very rich with dense plum, blackberry and cola notes in the mid-palate yet sweetly fruited on the back-end with long tannins that give the wine enormous persistence. This is a very artful wine that is something quite special. 375 cases bottled”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today
The average listed price in the USA today is $34 / bottle

This shop never closes:
www.vinopoliswineshop.com

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vie en rose
entré dans mon coeur – une part de bonheur
came into my heart – A part of happiness
Dont je connais la cause
I know the cause

Domaine Clos Cibonne Tibouren Cuvee Tradition Cotes de Provence Rose 2011 ($26.95) $21.90 special
90% Tibouren- 10% Grenache, vine age 30+, aged on the lees under fleurette for 1 year in 100-year-old foudres. Much beloved here- so stuffed with Provencal character that it brings the Mediterranean beach to you.

Domaine Clos Cibonne Tibouren Cuvee Speciale des Vignettes Rose 2011 ($31.95) $27 special
100% Tibouren, vine age 60+, aged on the lees under fleurette for 1 year in 100-year-old foudres. This one will take you off the beach, to a shaded table & a bowl of bouillabaisse.

Marquiliani Rose de Sciaccarellu Corsica 2012 ($29.95) $26 special
Sciaccarellu is a native Corsican grape. Unrelated to Pinot Noir, but you can think of it as a tough-skinned Pinot Noir, and it is those tough skins that make all the difference. Lightly colored, a rather onion skin shade of pink, but loaded with herbal complexities. And somehow, a velvetish texture to contrast with the more angular flavors. This wine can more than hold its own against the $40 or more premium Roses of Provence.

Eric Chevalier Grolleau Rose Val de Loire 2012 ($17.95) $14 special
A little out of place in this line-up of the exquisite. This bottle is more of the simply delicious kind; but it is so simply delicious that we couldn’t leave it out. Somewhat berryish, somewhat mineral, and distinctively ruby grapefruitish. Lots of love here for this charmer.

Jean-Paul Picard Sancerre Rose 2012 ($24.95) $19 special
Pinot Noir. In this case stripped down to the essences of the noble grape. The expected fruits are fully there, but so is the elevation, the transparency, and, above all, the texture. Very satisfying, the sort of wine to sip on into a summer sunset.

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Cappellano Barolo
Arriving Mid-June
The Cappellano family’s winemaking history goes back to 1870, when Filippo Cappellano founded the estate, but it was Teobaldo who has defined Cappellano as it is known today. After taking over the estate from his father in 1955, Teobaldo rebuilt the cantina and the image of Cappellano as well, most notably asking that his wines not be rated by any reviewers. Small production and not buying into any ratings system are the key factors to Cappellano’s Barolos being relatively unknown and a rare find but for those who know of him, Cappellano is considered one of the most notable traditional Barolo producers. Since Teobaldo’s death in 2009, his son Augusto has taken over winemaking duties. Schooled by his father not only in the art, but the philosophy, of winemaking, Augusto is sure to continue his father’s legacy. Cappellano’s two most famous wines are both Barolos from Serralunga’s Gabutti vineyard. The Barolo Pie Rupestris comes from vines planted over 40 years ago on American
rootstock (Rupestris). The second is the Barolo Pie Franco, a limited bottling from vines that are ungrafted on original pre-phylloxera rootstock. Inspired in 1989 after a mud slide took out a significant portion of their vineyards, Teobaldo decided to replant the roughly one-hectare plot with own-rooted vines of Nebbiolo Michet. Although planted in the same Gabutti cru, the wine itself can be dramatically different than the “Rupestris”, its brother wine, all this due to the difference between the “pre” and “post” phylloxera origins of the vines. Antonio Galloni calls the Pie Franco “one of Italy’s most unique cult wines.” We agree, though the wines across the board show stunning depth and range.

Cappellano Barolo Pie Franco 2006 ($119.95) $99 pre-arrival special
Cappellano Barolo Pie Franco 2003 ($119.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Cappellano Barolo Pie Rupestris 2005 Magnums (189.95) $139 pre-arrival special

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highlight almost arrivals

here Tuesday may 28
Vietti Perbacco Nebbiolo Langhe 2010 ($27.95) $20.90 super special
The Independent Wine Review “Typical Nebbiolo characters sit to the fore when this 2010 Vietti “Perbacco” Nebbiolo is sniffed. Beautifully perfumed aromas of rose lead, with red cherry and tobacco notes also present. Sweet spice is also evident on the nose and completes a bouquet that is both relatively complex and true to its grape of origin. Grippy, persistent and with a wonderful textured mouthfeel, this 2010 Vietti “Perbacco” Nebbiolo presents its youth quite obviously on the palate. Whilst not as powerful or tannic as the latest release of Vietti “Castiglione” Barolo (which typically shares some of the same fruit as the “Perbacco” Nebbiolo) it is clear that this 2010 Vietti “Perbacco” Nebbiolo is a style that will mature as well as offering (relatively) youthful drinking. Red cherries, candied peels and sweet spice dominate the palate, along with an oak textured mouth-feel and a tannic grip.”

here Tuesday may 28
Domaine d’Ardhuy Corton Clos du Roi Grand Cru 2010 ($99.95) $79 special
Burghound 93 points “This is surprisingly elegant with its strikingly pure nose of red currants, spice and distinctly pungent earth. There is a coolness to the relatively supple mid-palate with ample minerality to the firm, balanced, long and imposing finish. This is a dazzlingly good Clos du Roi though note that this will need a minimum of 12 to 15 years to be at its best and thus I would not advise buying this if you’re not planning to bury it deep in your cellar.”

here Friday may 31- small bits and pieces:
Ganevat Chardonnay Florine 2010 ($59.95) $49 special
Ganevat Chardonnay Teppes 2010 ($69.95) $59 special
Ganevat Pinot Noir Grusse Billat 2011 ($79.95) $59 special
Ganevat Pinot Noir Julien 2011 ($59.95) $49 special
Ganevat Poulsard Enfant Terrible 2011 ($59.95) $49 special
Ganevat Savignin Mon Pere 2002 magnum ($299.95) $249 special
Ganevat Savignin Mon Pere 2002 ($149.95) $119 special
Ganevat Savignin-Chardonnay Oregane 2010 ($59.95) $49 special
Ganevat Sul Q NV 375ml ($79.95) $69 special
Ganevat Vin Jaune 2004 375ml ($89.95) $77 special

here by June 5:
Laurent Roumier Haut Cotes de Nuits Rouge 2010 ($39.95) $33 special
Laurent Roumier Chambolle-Musigny 2010 375ml ($39.95) $33 special

here by June 5:
Geantet-Pansiot Gevrey- Chambertin Vieilles Vignes 2010 ($79.95) $59 special
Burghound 91 points “gorgeously complex and lightly spiced nose serves up notes of violet, plum and plenty of pungent earth that is also reflected by the dense and serious medium-bodied flavors. There is excellent volume and concentration to the mid-palate that possesses impeccable phenolic ripeness, all wrapped in a seductive yet linear finish. This is very Gevrey in character with a brawny yet not overtly rustic mouth feel. Recommended.”

here by June 7:
Araujo Estate Altagracia Red Napa 2010 ($139.95) $109 special
Robert Parker 96 points “The 2010 Altagracia is surprisingly huge in this vintage. Layers of exotic black fruit, spices, mocha and espresso burst onto the palate with striking depth, power and richness. There is an immediacy to the 2010 that is simply compelling. No longer a true second wine, Altagracia now also includes a small amount of purchased fruit and is being crafted to stand on its own. The 2010 achieves that, and so much more. It is a fabulous effort from the team at Araujo. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025+.”

here by June 7:
Araujo Estate Eisele Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 ($349.95) $319 special
Robert Parker 97 points “The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard is one of the great wines of the vintage. It brings together gorgeous aromatics, juicy, expressive red fruit and silky tannins. Now seemingly past a period of closure post-bottling, the 2009 looks like a wine that will drink well pretty much throughout its entire life. The 2009 is a totally sexy Cabernet endowed with stunning depth and a rich, enveloping personality. This is pure Araujo and pure Eisele. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2029.”

Thousands of cases:
www.vinopoliswineshop.com

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Vinopolis Staff Picks
Charles Joguet Chinon Cuvee Terroir 2009 ($24.95) $18 special

“A nice food friendly summer red. Lean wine with plenty of herby, green pepper notes that would pair well when grilling out on a cool evening. A true expression of Cabernet Franc at a great price.”
-Afton Boyd

Margui Coteaux Varois en Provence Rose 2012 ($21.95) $18 special

“Though it is not typical to find Rose from Provence in the less than $20 range, Chateau Margui year in and year out makes an outstanding wine. The blend comes from Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah and Vermentino. On the nose you find notes of grapefruit and white flowers. The palate is bright and crisp, making it pair perfectly with summer green vegetables, fish, and spicy cuisine. ”
-Travis Fantz

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Flash Sales

Kendall Jackson Summation White 2010 ($17.95) $8.80 flash sale special
Case-12: Kendall Jackson Summation White 2010 $79 special (that’s $6.59 / bottle)
Winery notes Summation, our white wine blend, mingles refreshing flavors of honeydew melon, apricot, pink grapefruit and white pepper. Added hints of honeysuckle and a creamy mouthfeel result in a soft, dry wine that is excellent for food pairing or simply sipping. alcohol by volume: 13.5% Wine Spectator on 2009 vintage 90 points “Relatively new to the market is Kendall-Jackson Summation, a charismatic kitchen-sink concoction of eight different grapes from five different California wine regions (mostly Lake, Mendocino and Santa Barbara counties). Sauvignon Blanc gives it a crisp backbone and minerality, Viognier and Chardonnay add body and a lush texture and Roussanne, White Riesling and Muscat Canelli add bright fruit and floral aromas. The night I opened it, I made grilled chicken Caesar salad, and the wine was an ideal match. I rated it 90 points, non-blind.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today
The average listed price in the USA today is $14 / bottle

Beringer Knights Valley Blanc 2009 ($17.95) $8.80 flash sale special
Case-12: Beringer Knights Valley Blanc 2009 $89 special (that’s $7.42 / bottle)
Steven Tanzer 89 points “(48% each sauvignon blanc and semillon, plus 2.5% chardonnay and 1.5% viognier): Bright, light yellow. Musky aromas of pineapple, nectarine, honey and brown spices, complicated by a leesy nuance. Juicy, spicy and bright, with a restrained sweetness to the flavors of pineapple and figgy semillon. Cleanly made and not at all overripe. A terrific value.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today
The average listed price in the USA today is $17 / bottle

Penfolds Cabernet Sauvignon Thomas Hyland 2009 ($17.95) $8.80 flash sale special
Case-12: Penfolds Cabernet Sauvignon Thomas Hyland 2009 $89 special (that’s $7.42 / bottle)
James Halliday “Bright, clear crimson-purple; while there is oak evident on the bouquet and palate, this is a fruit-driven wine, with a medium-bodied palate courting elegance; the flavours run through black and red berries, and the tannins only make a significant statement on the finish”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today
The average listed price in the USA today is $14 / bottle

Penfolds Shiraz Thomas Hyland 2010 ($17.95) $9.90 flash sale special
Case-12: Penfolds Shiraz Thomas Hyland 2010 $99 special (that’s $8.25 / bottle)
Wine Advocate 90 points “The 2010 Thomas Hyland Shiraz displays a deep garnet-purple color and aromas of ripe blackberry and cherry preserves plus hints of bacon, pepper, tree bark and cedar. Concentrated and taut on the medium-bodied palate, it has crisp acidity and a medium level of grainy tannins, finishing long. Drink it now to 2019.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today
The average listed price in the USA today is $14 / bottle

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rolling out the barral
wines arriving week of june 03

wine-tastings-guide.com “I had heard of Leon Barral’s wines from the south of France for some time now, seeing mention of them in Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant’s great newsletters. But somehow I had never tried one. Just passed them by. There are many excellent wines produced from the Languedoc in the south of France so I guess this one just got lost in the milieu. However, just recently the wines were recommended to me at one of my favorite local wine shops. The recommendation went something like this…”Oh, you like Domaine Tempier’s Bandols? Then you’ll love this!” That got my attention. Tempier’s Bandols are rich, complex, age-worthy and passionate wines that I adore. If another sun drenched southern red is mentioned in the same breath as Tempier, I’m gonna check it out! So I grabbed a bottle to try. I came back immediately the next day to pick up some of the other cuvées! They were that good!

Faugères is an appellation in France’s Languedoc region in the south, sandwiched between the Coteaux du Languedoc to the east and Saint-Chinian to the west. The sunny Mediterranean sun beats down on the schistic soils bringing great ripeness and vibrancy to the various grapes that grow there. There is no big surprise which grapes are grown here, they are all the classic southern France varieties you see in the Rhône, Bandol and throughout the Languedoc including Carignan, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre. One of the cool things about the Barral wines is that his different cuvées highlight different grapes, making them each unique. They are not just cookie cutter copies of each other just with different amounts of oak or ripeness. They are each singular wines with their own personality.

Leon Barral is apparently a fanatically hard worker in the vineyard, ensuring the best raw ingredients from his excellent terroirs. The grapes are grown biodynamically and his philosophy in the cellar is to let the vineyards speak for themselves, creating pure and vibrant wines with personality and passion. The wines certainly speak more of their raw materials than any manipulation in the cellars.”

Domaine Leon Barral Faugeres 2010 ($34.95) $27 pre-arrival special only until May 30
This wine is a blend of Carignan and Grenache, although I think it sometimes has some Cinsault as well. While Carignan is usually just a blending grape in many southern reds, the blend here with Grenache is lovely. While Carignan can be high yielding with high acidity and astringent tannins, the balance with the ripe Grenache fruit is outstanding here. This is the “lightest” wine in the lineup but by no means is it light. This is a dark and flavorful wine, yet there is a striking vibrancy and elegance to it. If I were to give a description, I have to point out that this wine seems almost Burgundian in some respects. The bright red fruit with vibrant acid and suave tannins make this almost Pinot-like. Yet there is also some of that southern French Mediterranean personality with a meatiness and some of that Provençal garrigue with herby scents of sun-roasted rosemary and thyme. A hypothetical blend of a great Nuits-St.-Georges and a southern Rhône wine perhaps?

Domaine Leon Barral Faugeres Jadis 2010 ($49.95) $37 pre-arrival special only until May 30
Barral also produces two named cuvées which differ in their grape variety makeup. The Faugères Jadis is still about 50% Carignan but has a high percentage of Syrah (about 40%), with a bit of Grenache thrown in as well. This is a darker wine. The Syrah makes itself known with spicy, smokey black fruit scents and flavors. This is also more velvety with a denser core of dark fruit. If the regular Faugères was Burgundy-like, the Jadis is decidedly more Rhône, almost like a Hermitage or Côte-Rôtie blended with a bit of Mediterranean ripeness and sun drenched herbes de Provence. By comparing it to the Rhône I’m not implying these don’t have their own personality, they do. The south of France is clearly evident in all these wines.

Domaine Leon Barral Valiniere 2010 ($79.95) $61.90 pre-arrival special only until May 30
Last but not least, the Faugères Valinière is Barrals most expensive wine. For something completely different, this wine is a blend of a majority of Mourvedre (about 80%) with the balance made up of Syrah. For those of you who don’t know, Mourvedre is the classic grape of Bandol, making up 50 to 100% of those wines. It makes a powerful, tannic wine with a meaty complexity. It is capable of very long aging and the aromas can be quite enticing with age. The Valinière is definitely the most serious of these wines. More dark and brooding with a grander core of minerality and more meaty and gamey aromas. It is more austere and structured, more masculine if you will, but at the same time all wrapped up in velvet. Yet this is a seriously deep and complex wine that appears to need years to unfold and reveal all it has to offer. This gives a sense of almost regal breed. If I had to compare it, this is something like what you’d expect from Tempier’s la Tourtine vineyard

Barrals of fun:
www.vinopoliswineshop.com

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time to say goodbye

Vietti Barolo Rocche 2008 ($149.95) $99 very super special
Antonio Galloni 95 points “The 2008 Barolo Rocche shows the best balance of fruit and structure among the 2008 Baroli. Sweet, silky tannins frame expressive dark red fruit in the 2008 Rocche. This is an especially structured, powerful style for the Rocche, and a true testament to the level of conviction at Vietti. The Rocche turns sweeter and more sensual with time in the glass. The tannins possess remarkable finesse. Vietti’s Rocche could be used to teach a class on the greatness of the Rocche vineyard. It is dazzling from start to finish.”

The average listed price in the USA today is $131 / bottle

Vietti Barolo Lazzarito 2006 ($149.95) $119 special
Antonio Galloni 95 points “The 2006 Barolo Lazzarito has begun to show the pedigree of this great Serralunga site now that Vietti has backed off the French oak, and the 2006 is nothing short of superb. A melange of dark, mineral-infused fruit flows from the glass as the large-scaled Lazzarito gradually shows off its class. Licorice, tar, smoke and earthiness add layers of complexity and nuance. The Lazzarito is still the Barolo that spends the longest number of months in French oak following the malolactic fermentation, but that period is down to several months from a full year the wine spent in small barrels up until 2001 or so. One day the Lazzarito may challenge the Rocche as Vietti’s signature Barolo, and that day may be closer than most people realize. This huge, imposing Barolo will require patience, but it is nothing short of superb. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2031.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today
The average listed price in the USA today is $140 / bottle

New Week – New Arrivals
USA

Shea Wine Cellars Chardonnay 2010 ($34.95) $27 special
Shea Wine Cellars Pinot Noir West Hill 2011 ($69.95) $58 special

Scott Paul ‘Audry’ Pinot Noir 2011 ($79.95) $69 special
Scott Paul ‘Long Run’ Pinot Noir 2011 ($49.95) $39 special

Love & Squalor ‘Fancy Pants’ Riesling 2010 ($31.95) $25 special
Love & Squalor ‘Antsy Pants’ Pinot Noir 2010 ($41.95) $35 special
L&S Behemouth Red Blend 2010 ($14.95) $12 special

FRANCE

Prevost La Closerie Les Beguines Extra Brut NV (2010) ($119.95) $89 special
Antonio Galloni 94 points “A more than worthy follow up to the spectacular 2009, the Jérôme Prévost’s NV (2010) Brut Nature Les Beguines, is stellar. Bright, clean and focused, the 2010 stands out for its delineation and energy. Some of the more slightly oxidative overtones that are often found in the Beguines are absent, at least today. Instead, the 2010 is all about mineral-infused cut. Both bottles I have tasted so far have been outstanding. Prévost describes 2010 as a very difficult year with significant disease pressure. I am not sure how he did it, but the 2010 Les Beguines is fabulous. Cellaring for another few years will only help, but the truth is that this is an impossible wine to resist today.”

Vilmart Champagne Grand Cellier d’Or Brut 2008 ($99.95) $84 special
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2008 Brut Premier Cru Cuvée Grand Cellier d’Or is evocative and intriguing from the very first taste. Pinot notes are especially pronounced, even though the 2008 is 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot. Small red berries, flowers, mint and licorice all flesh out in a cool, mineral-infused Champagne loaded with pedigree and class. The 2008 is naturally quite a bit more focused than the 2007 (that is the nature of the years), but both are highly expressive. The 2008 remains texturally alluring all the way through to the finish.”

Marie-Courtin Champagne Concordance Brut NV (2010) ($99.95) $79 special
Marie-Courtin Champagne Efflorescence Extra Brut 2008 ($89.95) $59 special
Antonio Galloni 95 points “The 2008 Extra Brut Efflorescence captures the house style at its finest. Here the cooler vintage brings out considerable tension in the Pinot Noir. The 2008 boasts serious energy, precision and lift all the way through to the intensely taut, saline-infused finish. Today, minerality, acidity and structure are very much present, while the Pinot is felt mostly in the wine’s weight and texture rather than in the aromas and flavors. I imagine the 2008 will develop more complexity in bottle, even though it will always be distinguished for its razor-like focus. The 2008 Efflorescence is one of the most distinctive Champagnes I tasted this year. This is another great showing from Dominique Morneau.”

Remi Jobard Meursault 1er Cru Genevrieres 2010 ($99.95) $89 special
Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2010 Meursault Genevrieres is another fabulous wine from Jobard. Today, the battle is between the intensity of the fruit and the wine’s minerality, both of which play off each other. Pears, citrus, crushed rocks and white peaches flesh out over time, but today, the 2010 is mostly about texture and vibrancy, two qualities it has in spades. This is a delicate, feminine, understated style for Genevrieres. But it works, and then some. This is a great showing from Remi Jobard. Anticipated maturity: 2015+.”

Remi Jobard Meursault 1er Cru Charmes 2010 ($99.95) $89 special Wine Spectator 94 points “Aromas and flavors of honey and grilled hazelnut complement the apple and peach notes in this silky white, which is harmonious and long, with citrus and pastry elements on the aftertaste. Drink now through 2022”

Clos du Moulin aux Moines Auxey-Duresses Rouge Monopole 2010 ($39.95) $33 special
Vinopolpick- Good Burgundy village reds are very hard to find under $40; and from a 1000+ year old walled clos, all the more so. This vineyard sits on a spot that, other than where the line is drawn on the map, has every reason in the world to have been a part of Meursault. Wouldn’t put this into the realm of intellectual Burgs, but still it will give you plenty to think about. A flawless ‘down the middle’ styling in a great vintage, generous, forward, and all around tasty. Cotes du Beaune reds from villages famed for their whites haven’t really been tagged with those ‘sense of place’ and typicity descriptors. Let’s liken this wine to a chubby Volnay or a precocious Pommard.

Domaine Grands Bois Rasteau Cuvee Marc 2010 ($27.95) $24 special
Robert Parker 94 points “Another blockbuster is the 2010 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Rasteau Cuvee Marc. Composed of 50% Grenache, 25% Mourvedre and 25% Syrah, this is a fabulous value from an increasingly promising appellation. A sumptuous bouquet of kirsch, licorice, chocolate fudge, blackberries and graphite emerges from this full-bodied, powerful, concentrated, intense Rasteau. It should drink well for a decade or longer.”

Pegau Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee da Capo 2010 ($449.95) $389 special
Robert Parker 98-100 points “The Cuvee da Capo selection usually comes primarily from old vines (100+-years-old), mostly Grenache, although the blend can contain about every authorized red varietal. Technically, it is all from the northeastern corner of La Crau, oriented toward the village of Courthezon….No Cuvee da Capo was made in 2009, but the 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee da Capo is composed of 80-85% Grenache and the rest a field blend of the other permitted varietals (Syrah, Mourvedre, Muscardin, Terret Noir, Counoise, Vaccarese, etc.). It is fashionable to compare the newest Capo with a previous vintage, and for me, the 2010 resembles 2007 more than their 2003, 2000 or 1998. The stunningly rich 2010 has close to 16% natural alcohol, and will be bottled after spending 18 months in old wood foudres. Notions of ripe figs, kirsch liqueur, cedar, Christmas fruitcake, smoked meats, charcuterie and beef blood are present in this staggeringly complex, rich, full-throttle,
massive, intense wine. Drink it over the next 20-30 years.”

In Fine Ventoux Rose 2012 ($11.95) $9.90 special
From the wine shop perspective, tasting new Ventoux wines is one of those ‘hope for the best but expect the worst’ sort of escapades. Well, this offering hit the hope side of that spectrum. Mostly Grenache, on the light and bright methode Provencal theme, as opposed to the thicher darker sweeter Cotes du Rhone rose de saignee theme. Nice wine !

Domaine Pepiere Muscadet Sur Lie Clos des Briords 2010 magnums ($39.95) $33 special- enough said!

ITALY

La Valentina Cerasuolo Rosato 2012 ($11.95) $9.90 special

Elisabetta Foradori Manzoni Bianco 2011 ($27.95) $24 special
Elisabetta Foradori Teroldego Rotaliano 2010 ($24.95) $21.90 special
New releases from our heroine

Roccalini Barbaresco 2009 ($39.95) $29 super special
Vinopolpick- Roccalini’s Barbaresco comes with a long and twisted tale of how Bruno Giacosa sourced fruit from his vineyard for decades, then, in 2004 that ended and Roccalini began to vinify and bottle his own wines, then, a few years later, Giocosa’s winemaker Dante Scaglioni consulted for Roccalini. But, all this didn’t really result in consistently notable wines. This wine however is more than notable, it is outright good. More generous and less ‘traditional’ than Produttori’s ‘normale’, but no signs of non-traditional wine making. Rather pure in fact.

Gaja Ca’ Marcanda Magari Toscana 2009 ($79.95) $69 special
Wine Spectator 92 points “Black currant, black cherry and herbal flavors highlight this rich red. Hints of coffee and spice add depth, and the oak is well-integrated with the ripe fruit and supple texture. Refined tannins add support as this glides to a lingering aftertaste. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2014 through 2023.”

SPAIN

Bodega La Cartuja Priorat La Cartuja Ole ($21.95) $17 special
Robert Parker 93 points “A spectacular offering from Priorato that sells for a song (most wines from this region are in the $50-150 or higher range), the 2011 La Cartuja is a 4,000 case blend of 70% Garnacha and 30% Carinena (3,000 cases are being exported to the USA). It was aged for eight months in 50% new and 50% used French oak. The wine possesses phenomenal minerality along with notes of crushed rocks/wet steel, graphite, blueberries and raspberries, medium to full-bodied flavors, and sensational purity, texture and length. It should drink nicely for a decade or more.”

Vizcarra Ribera del Duero JC Vizcarra 2010 ($29.95) $24 special
Robert Parker 94 points “The 2010 JC Vizcarra, also 100% Tempranillo, was aged 15 months in French and American oak. A truly great wine, it boasts a dense purple color along with notes of camphor, creme de cassis, licorice, damp earth and forest floor. The beautiful fragrance is accompanied by a wine with a full-bodied, opulent texture, and a voluptuous, luxurious mouthfeel as well as finish. Drink this beauty over the next 7-10 years. ”

Espelt Garnacha Vinas Viejas 2010 ($14.95) $11.90 special
Robert Parker 92 points “A magnificent custom cuvee for Eric Solomon, this 2010 was made from high-elevation vineyards in the Costa Brava planted in granite. It was fashioned by the brilliant Jean-Marc Lafage, whose wines are reviewed elsewhere in this article. Composed of 100% Grenache aged 3 months in new French oak, it reveals copious aromas of raspberry jam, black currants, kirsch, flowers and forest floor, full body, terrific fruit, lots of complexity already, and a multidimensional mouthfeel. Drink this stunning red over the next 4-5 years.”

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Thank you for your reading time!

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Special Tasting Feature This Week:
Produttori Ovello Barbaresco Riserva
Three vintages- 2004, 2005, 2008
$10 tasting fee for the flight of three

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