In This Newsletter:
New Arrival
Pre-Arrivals
♡♡♡ Wines for Valentine’s Day ♡♡♡
Bernard Baudry Sale
Gaja Rossj-Bass 3-Day Sale Reloaded
Rosé Sale Underway
Collector’s Corner
New Arrival
Francois Pinon Vouvray Non-Dose Brut, Loire 2015 1.5L $69 special, 11 bottles in stock
Vinous 95 points “From 45-year-old vines and aged 3 years on the lees. Earth, smoke, pepper and lime zest on the nose. Piercing and angular on the palate at first, with complex flavors of lime, tangerine, spice and herb, and a creamy midpalate that glides to a long finish. A beautiful sparkling wine that will age wonderfully.”
Pre-Arrivals
♡♡♡ Wines for Valentine’s Day ♡♡♡
Bernard Baudry Sale
Gaja Rossj-Bass 3-Day Sale Reloaded
Rosé Sale Underway
Collector’s Corner
New Arrival
Francois Pinon Vouvray Non-Dose Brut, Loire 2015 1.5L $69 special, 11 bottles in stock
Vinous 95 points “From 45-year-old vines and aged 3 years on the lees. Earth, smoke, pepper and lime zest on the nose. Piercing and angular on the palate at first, with complex flavors of lime, tangerine, spice and herb, and a creamy midpalate that glides to a long finish. A beautiful sparkling wine that will age wonderfully.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Pre-Arrivals
Coming in Friday, February 17th.
Robert Mondavi Winery Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2019 750ml $79 special, 24 bottles available
WINE SPECTATOR’S #6 IN TOP 10 of 2022
Decanter 97 points “This wine has proved to be one of Napa’s longest-lived reds, capable of cellaring many decades. If its nose is characteristically reticent, that is to be expected, but the upfront appeal of the vintage shows in the vivid ripe cherry and boysenberry fruit aromas that are laced with vanilla, graphite and cedar. Expansive on the palate with energy and poise, showcasing red and black fruits, savoury herbs, brown spices, and a crushed stone salinity. Very fine, pixelated tannins resolve in a long spicy finish that builds with notes of chocolate and crushed flowers.”
Wine Spectator 94 points “Throws off some pretty gorgeous aromas of violet, anise and sweet bay leaf, with a core of ripe, streamlined boysenberry and blackberry pâte de fruit flavors following closely. The finish has a racy graphite edge, while the fruit and aromas just spill through. Approachable now, too. Drink now through 2034. 13,500 cases made.”
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “What was previously released as the Oakville Cabernet, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Estates Tier comes all from To Kalon and was fermented in oak tanks and aged in 96% new French oak. The blend is 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% each of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, and the rest Malbec. Ripe black fruits, smoked herbs, graphite, and even a touch of minerality define the bouquet, and it’s full-bodied, concentrated, and beautifully textured on the palate. Drink it over the coming two decades.”
Domaine de la Charbonniere Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône 2019 750ml $39 special, 24 bottles available
VertdeVin 90-91 points “The wine shows a deep ruby colour. The nose is slightly restrained, needs aeration to open up, later revealing nuances of cooked black cherries, blackberries, combined with hints of black olives, some earthy notes and savoury notes of black pepper, thyme and liquorice. The palate is dense, concentrated and tight, offering bold, grippy tannins, elevated alcohol, nice roundness and volume. The wine is dominated by nuances of black cherries and blackberries, supported by pleasant saline notes of tapenade and soya sauce. Juicy finish and good length.”
Robert Mondavi Winery Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2019 750ml $79 special, 24 bottles available
WINE SPECTATOR’S #6 IN TOP 10 of 2022
Decanter 97 points “This wine has proved to be one of Napa’s longest-lived reds, capable of cellaring many decades. If its nose is characteristically reticent, that is to be expected, but the upfront appeal of the vintage shows in the vivid ripe cherry and boysenberry fruit aromas that are laced with vanilla, graphite and cedar. Expansive on the palate with energy and poise, showcasing red and black fruits, savoury herbs, brown spices, and a crushed stone salinity. Very fine, pixelated tannins resolve in a long spicy finish that builds with notes of chocolate and crushed flowers.”
Wine Spectator 94 points “Throws off some pretty gorgeous aromas of violet, anise and sweet bay leaf, with a core of ripe, streamlined boysenberry and blackberry pâte de fruit flavors following closely. The finish has a racy graphite edge, while the fruit and aromas just spill through. Approachable now, too. Drink now through 2034. 13,500 cases made.”
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “What was previously released as the Oakville Cabernet, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Estates Tier comes all from To Kalon and was fermented in oak tanks and aged in 96% new French oak. The blend is 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% each of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, and the rest Malbec. Ripe black fruits, smoked herbs, graphite, and even a touch of minerality define the bouquet, and it’s full-bodied, concentrated, and beautifully textured on the palate. Drink it over the coming two decades.”
Domaine de la Charbonniere Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône 2019 750ml $39 special, 24 bottles available
VertdeVin 90-91 points “The wine shows a deep ruby colour. The nose is slightly restrained, needs aeration to open up, later revealing nuances of cooked black cherries, blackberries, combined with hints of black olives, some earthy notes and savoury notes of black pepper, thyme and liquorice. The palate is dense, concentrated and tight, offering bold, grippy tannins, elevated alcohol, nice roundness and volume. The wine is dominated by nuances of black cherries and blackberries, supported by pleasant saline notes of tapenade and soya sauce. Juicy finish and good length.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Domaine de la Charbonniere Chateauneuf-du-Pape ‘Cuvee Mourre des Perdrix’, Rhône 2019 750ml $47.50 special, 26 bottles available
Jeb Dunnuck 95 points “The 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Mourre Des Perdrix comes from sandier soils around the estate and is a blend of mostly Grenache, along with 15% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre, and a splash of Cinsault. Its ruby/plum hue is followed by a soft, supple, seamless 2019 (this cuvée is always the most elegant in the lineup) with lots of kirsch and toasted spice aromas and flavors, medium to full-bodied richness, silky, polished tannins, and a great finish. It’s another incredibly seamless wine from this team that can be drunk today or cellared for 15 years or more.”
Decanter 93 points “Restrained nose of bramble and plums, with sweet spices undertones and savoury hints. Rich concentration, ripe with a crunchy acidity and firm tannins. Drinking Window 2023 – 2044.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine de la Charbonniere Chateauneuf-du-Pape Les Hautes Brusquieres Cuvee Speciale, Rhône 2019 750ml $54.50 special, 24 bottles available
Jeb Dunnuck 97 points “The 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Les Hautes Brusquières (60/40 Grenache and Syrah) comes from a cooler terroir near the Mount Redon plateau and was brought up in oak tronconique tanks and demi-muids. Its dense purple, almost opaque hue is followed by a brilliant perfume of mulled red and black fruits, peppery herbs, crushed stone, violets, and licorice. With full-bodied richness, a layered, multi-dimensional texture, and just about perfect tannins, it’s another superstar wine from this estate that’s up with the finest vintages to date.”
James Suckling 96 points “Brimming with sweet plums, but also plenty of meatiness and licorice on the nose. Powerful and very concentrated, thanks to the full, plush tannin on the spicy palate, this an extremely structured Chateauneuf made for long-term aging. However, the balance is so good you could drink it right away. Very long, velvety finish. Drink or hold.”
Wine Advocate 95 points “This year, my favorite of the four 2019s from this fine estate is the 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Hautes Brusquieres Cuvee Speciale, which emerges from a single parcel of galets roulés planted to a 60-40 mix of Grenache and Syrah. Partially destemmed, it reveals some herbal, stemmy elements on the nose, giving a sense of freshness to the super-ripe black cherry fruit, plus ephemeral notions of tea leaves and rose petals. Full-bodied, silky and concentrated, this wine is long and complex on the finish, with hints of dark chocolate, plum, and red berries. Tasted twice (once blind), with consistent notes.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine de la Charbonniere Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Vieilles Vignes, Rhône 2019 750ml $54.50 special, 24 bottles available
Jeb Dunnuck 97 points “The 2019 Chateauneuf Du Pape Cuvee Vieilles Vignes (90% Grenache and 10% Mourvedre) comes all from the stony, pebbly soils of La Crau and was brought up in tank and demi-muids. Ripe black cherry fruits, iodine, ground pepper, and bloody, meaty nuances all emerge on the nose, and it’s full-bodied, with a seamless, multi-dimensional texture, ultra-fine tannins, and a rock star of a finish. It’s just a brilliant, elegant, pure, lengthy wine that does everything right. Drink this classic, traditional, structured wine over the coming two decades.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
We are getting a huge shipment of the very popular Anne-Sophie Dubois! Here’s what’s coming on Friday.
Anne-Sophie Dubois Fleurie l’Alchimiste, Beaujolais 2021 750ml $33 special, 36+ bottles available
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Anne-Sophie Dubois Fleurie Les Labourons, Beaujolais 2021 750ml $39 special, 36+ bottles available
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
♡♡♡ Wines for Valentine’s Day ♡♡♡
Still need to make some last minute Valentine’s Day purchases? Look no further, we’ve compiled a list of the most romantic table wines to make things easier for you. The big day is tomorrow!
Oregon
Hundred Suns ‘Tualatin Estate’ Gamay Noir, Willamette Valley 2021 750ml $31.90 special, 24 bottles in stock
Winery note “An early spring kick-started the season, and yields were restricted by poor weather during cluster and flower development. Warm summer months brought this Gamay into full maturity and we hand-picked on September 25th. Hailing from Tualatin Estate Vineyard, this gamay was divided into three fermentation lots: 100% whole cluster, destemmed, and whole cluster in sealed tank. As a result, bright cranberry fruit and silky tannins marry with rich blueberry flavors and cocoa-like tannins to create balance and finish.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Rhône
Chateau de Saint Cosme Crozes-Hermitage, Rhône 2020 750ml $39 special, 34 bottles in stock
Jeb Dunnuck 90-92 points “Leading off the red Northern Rhônes from barrel, the 2020 Crozes-Hermitage is medium to full-bodied, textured, and seamless, with classic berry, darker fruits, pepper, and violet aromatics. I love its texture.”
Wine Advocate 89-91 points “Sourced mainly from the area around Gervans, Barruol’s 2020 Crozes Hermitage features peppery, slightly ash-like scents, plus notes of black olives and blackberries. Medium to full-bodied, it’s silky and fine, with a touch of licorice creeping in on the finish.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Chateau Pesquie Ventoux Artemia, Rhône 2017 750ml $39 special, 36+ bottles in stock
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “A blend of 75% Syrah and 25% Grenache that saw roughly 20% stems and a year in 50% new, larger format oak, the 2017 Artemia has a Côte Brune-like perfume of dark fruits, smoked meats, black olives, and chocolate. Full-bodied, smoky, meaty, and powerful, it’s another rock star of a Syrah from the Chaudière family that has incredible character.”
Wine Advocate 92-94 points “A tank sample of the 2017 Ventoux Artemia looked promising, although a bit different in character from previous vintages. It’s 75% Syrah and only 25% Grenache, with peppery, cool-climate Syrah notes, blueberryish fruit, ample weight and a clean, crisp, lively finish.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Rioja
Bodegas Muga Reserva – Crianza, Rioja DOCa 2018 750ml $26 special, 36+ bottles in stock
James Suckling 94 points “This was the only red that Muga made in 2018, and the wines from the best vineyards went into the blend. In other words, top vineyards were declassified. Medium-bodied with very fine tannins that are caressing and refined. Plenty of subtle berries, chocolate and walnuts. Tempranillo with garnacha, mazuelo and graciano. January 2021 release. Drink or hold.”
Jeb Dunnuck 91 points “The 2018 Muga Reserva is a similar blend and has pretty, slightly fresher notes of darker, almost blue fruits as well as violets, spring flowers, and cedary oak. More medium-bodied on the palate, it shows the fresher, elegant style of the vintage, has beautiful tannins, no hard edges, and outstanding length on the finish.”
Wine Spectator 91 points “A harmonious red, medium-bodied and lightly juicy, layering light, creamy tannins with a pretty range of black cherry reduction, mocha, pomegranate puree and eucalyptus notes. Fresh, focused finish. Tempranillo, Garnacha, Mazuelo and Graciano. Drink now through 2028. 80,000 cases made, 15,000 cases imported.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Villota Tinto, Rioja DOCa 2020 750ml $29 special, 35 bottles in stock
No review yet for this vintage, 2019 review provided for reference.
Vinous 93 points “Deep, lurid ruby. Mineral- and smoke-accented blackberry, cherry and tobacco scents pick up floral and vanilla accents with air. Sappy, expansive black and blue fruit and violet pastille flavors open up steadily, energized by a spicy topnote. Concentrated yet lively in style, with a smoky mineral quality that adds cut to the impressively long, floral- and spice-driven finish.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Sparkling
Charles Ellner Carte Blanche Blanc de Blancs Brut, Champagne NV 750ml $31.90 special, 11 bottles in stock
Importer note “This elegant and subtle blend offers an attractive freshness. On the palate, it is fruity and round with floral hints and citrus notes.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Domaine Camille et Laurent Schaller Cremant de Bourgogne Brut, Burgundy NV 750ml $26 special, 10 bottles in stock
Winery notes “55% Pinot Noir, 33% Aligote, 12% Chardonnay. Methode Traditionelle. 6.8 g/L dosage.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Sivilli Wine Co. Charlie’s Vineyard Blanc de Noir, Dundee Hills 2018 750ml $41.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock
Winery note “100% Pinot Noir (Wadenswil and Coury clones) [dry farmed]. Inoculation in neutral French oak barrel. Full malo. Brut zero. Bottled 8/2019, disgorged 7/2021. 75 cases produced.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Bernard Baudry
We’ve having a huge three-day sale on Bernard Baudry.
Sale ends Thursday February 16th at 11:59pm.
5% off any 6-11 bottles of Bernard Baudry
10% off any 12 or more bottles of Bernard Baudry
Discount will not display online, we will adjust your invoice before charging your card.
Discount does not apply to case discounts.
This is first come / first served and limited to stock on hand.
Buying a case-6 unlocks an additional 5% discount on 1-5 additional bottles of rosé purchased. Buying a case-12 unlocks an additional 10% discount on all additional bottles of rosé purchased.
Bernard Baudry Chinon Les Grezeaux, Loire 2020 750ml $28 special, 20 bottles in stock
Vinous 91 points “Off gravel soils at the bottom of the coteaux, the 2020 Les Grézeaux is a fine, fruity wine but it’s much more than that. It’s a delicate style that packs concentration within its light, silky bodied core. The tannins are fine and like licking a stone. It’s good enough to eat. Blackcurrants and black raspberries linger on the medium length finish.”
Decanter 90 points “Dense core of black fruits. Ripe opulent texture, broad and complex fruit on the palate, well worked tannins. Lovely wine should age well.”
Bernard Baudry Chinon Les Granges, Loire 2020 750ml $20.90 special, 24 bottles in stock
Vinous 89 points “Sourced from a single block on the valley floor, where the vines have their feet in free-draining sandy/gravel soils, the 2020 Chinon Les Granges is made a lighter, fruit-driven style with a fine-grained tannic profile. This flows easily with no sense of anything being forced. It’s full of bright raspberry, violets and a hint of blackberries and cream; there’s a mere whiff of reduction on opening, so give it a little bit of air. Easy to like, bright and fresh and can be enjoyed in youth.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Bernard Baudry Chinon Les Granges, Loire 2019 750ml $21.90 special, 2 bottles in stock
Bernard Baudry Chinon Le Domaine, Loire 2019 750ml $24.00 special, 36+ bottles in stock
Vinous 90 points “The 2019 Chinon Le Domaine provides excellent concentration of fruit while remaining light on its feet. As well as bright primary fruit, it offers smoky bacon, spice and medicinal characters. There’s lovely sappy texture on the finish, which Baudry puts down to the limestone soils of the Chinon plateau that typically grip the side of the mouth. You can enjoy this in its youth, but it has an additional element of seriousness that means its future will stretch out to the medium term.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Bernard Baudry Chinon La Croix Boissee Blanc, Loire 2019 750ml $44 special, 11 bottles in stock
Winery note “The very chalky soil imparts La Croix Boissée with minerality and a dense body. This is a nice wine for gastronomy with notes of white fruits and a fine salinity. Quantity is limited.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Bonus!
More Bernard Baudry arriving Friday:
Bernard Baudry Chinon Le Clos Guillot, Loire 2020 750ml $36 special, 36+ bottles in stock
Gaja Rossj-Bass 3-Day Sale Reloaded
The Gaja Rossj-Bass is back! But only until Wednesday.
Our present price of $69 (and $64.83 on a six-pack) is by far the lowest price in the USA. In fact, the next best price in the USA is $84.80. Despite all that and until Friday Mid-Night you can grab some bottles for $59 or even go for a case-6 priced at $333, that’s only $55.50 a bottle.
This offer ends Wednesday February 15th at 11:59pm.
Gaja Rossj-Bass Langhe, Piedmont 2019 750ml $59 special, 36+ bottles in stock
Case-6 Gaja Rossj-Bass Langhe, Piedmont 2019 750ml $333 special (that’s only $55.5/bottle)
Wilson Daniels importer note “The grapes come from different vineyards, including the Rossj vineyard named by Lucia and Angelo after their second daughter Rossana. 95% Chardonnay, 5% Sauvignon Blanc.”
Our present price of $69 (and $64.83 on a six-pack) is by far the lowest price in the USA. In fact, the next best price in the USA is $84.80. Despite all that and until Friday Mid-Night you can grab some bottles for $59 or even go for a case-6 priced at $333, that’s only $55.50 a bottle.
This offer ends Wednesday February 15th at 11:59pm.
Gaja Rossj-Bass Langhe, Piedmont 2019 750ml $59 special, 36+ bottles in stock
Case-6 Gaja Rossj-Bass Langhe, Piedmont 2019 750ml $333 special (that’s only $55.5/bottle)
Wilson Daniels importer note “The grapes come from different vineyards, including the Rossj vineyard named by Lucia and Angelo after their second daughter Rossana. 95% Chardonnay, 5% Sauvignon Blanc.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Rosé Sale Underway
We have the best rosé selection around! Why wait for spring?
We’re having a huge sale on Rosé throughout the entire month of February.
Sale Began at 4pm on Friday, January 20th
Sale Ends at 6pm on Tuesday, February 28th
5% off 6-11 bottles and/or large format rosés.
10% off 12 or more bottles and/or large formats of rosés.
Discount will not display online, we will adjust your invoice before charging your card.
Discount does not apply to pre-arrival wines or to case discounts.
This is first come / first served and limited to stock on hand.
Buying a case-6 unlocks an additional 5% discount on 1-5 additional bottles of rosé purchased. Buying a case-12 unlocks an additional 10% discount on all additional bottles of rosé purchased.
This sale applies to ALL rosé wines. That’s over 85 wines and thousands of bottles discounted! Here are a few recommendations to get you started.
Ayres Estate Rose of Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2021 750ml $17.70 special, 2 bottles in stock
Winery note “Bright and lively! The best part of our Rosé of Pinot Noir is that the Pinot Noir really shines through.”
This rosé is produced from a single block grown exclusively for rosé production.
Brick House Vineyards Intentional Rose of Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2021 750ml $29 special, 6 bottles in stock
Winery note “There’s nothing quite like the lighthearted pleasure of enjoying rosé in warm weather and our 2021 Intentional Rosé of Pinot Noir is ready to report for duty. With inviting aromas of sea breeze and melon rind, this coral-tinted wine brings its tropical freshness to the table with flavors of bright strawberry and tart pineapple that will quench your thirst for summer.”
We’re having a huge sale on Rosé throughout the entire month of February.
Sale Began at 4pm on Friday, January 20th
Sale Ends at 6pm on Tuesday, February 28th
5% off 6-11 bottles and/or large format rosés.
10% off 12 or more bottles and/or large formats of rosés.
Discount will not display online, we will adjust your invoice before charging your card.
Discount does not apply to pre-arrival wines or to case discounts.
This is first come / first served and limited to stock on hand.
Buying a case-6 unlocks an additional 5% discount on 1-5 additional bottles of rosé purchased. Buying a case-12 unlocks an additional 10% discount on all additional bottles of rosé purchased.
This sale applies to ALL rosé wines. That’s over 85 wines and thousands of bottles discounted! Here are a few recommendations to get you started.
Ayres Estate Rose of Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2021 750ml $17.70 special, 2 bottles in stock
Winery note “Bright and lively! The best part of our Rosé of Pinot Noir is that the Pinot Noir really shines through.”
This rosé is produced from a single block grown exclusively for rosé production.
Brick House Vineyards Intentional Rose of Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2021 750ml $29 special, 6 bottles in stock
Winery note “There’s nothing quite like the lighthearted pleasure of enjoying rosé in warm weather and our 2021 Intentional Rosé of Pinot Noir is ready to report for duty. With inviting aromas of sea breeze and melon rind, this coral-tinted wine brings its tropical freshness to the table with flavors of bright strawberry and tart pineapple that will quench your thirst for summer.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Chateau de Manissy ‘La Belle Etoile’ Rose, Rhône 2020 750ml $9.90 special, 2 bottles in stock
Vinous 89 points “Pale orange-pink. Lively and focused on the nose, displaying fresh strawberry, white peach and orange zest scents, with floral and mineral nuances. Red berry and pit fruit flavors show sharp detail and a bracing hint of juicy acidity. The floral note repeats on the tight finish, which lingers with good tenacity.”
Weygandt-Metzler Import note “Cinsault, Syrah, Grenache. Clay & limestone. Tasting note: Crushed stone, pressed flowers and white cherries. Medium body with a long finish.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Evening Land ‘Seven Springs Vineyard’ Rose of Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2020 750ml $20.90 special, 7 bottles in stock
Winery note “The Seven Springs Rosé comes from the young Pinot Noir vines planted up on the vineyard’s East Ridge. These densely planted vines grow in well-drained soils and receive a full day of sunshine during the growing season. This cuvée offers a lively acidity, fresh fruit flavors and subtle floral characteristics.”
Domaine de Fenouillet Ventoux Rose, Rhône 2020 750ml $16.60 special, 5 bottles in stock
Rosenthal Wine Merchant note “Ventoux Rosé: This Rosé: is vinified partially by direct press and partially by “saignée”, the juice is naturally clarified after a cold “débourbage” of 24 hours, the wine ferments at temperature that never exceeds 16 degrees Celsius and then it is aged on the fine lees for four to six months before bottling. It is a blend of 50% Cinsault, 40% Grenache and 10% Syrah, all of which is planted to soils of clay, limestone and silex. Production is limited: we import approximately 6000 bottles per annum for the US market. Certified organic.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Collector’s Corner
Falletto di Bruno Giacosa ‘Falletto Riserva – Falleto Vigna Le Rocche’ Barolo DOCG 2016 750ml $799 special, 2 bottles in stock
James Suckling 100 points “This is the second 100-point Vigna Le Rocche, following the 2015. What the former had in intensity of fruit and transparency, this has in structure and power. The purity of fruit is sensational in this young Barolo, offering blackberries, black truffle and iron. Rust too. This is so tannic and powerful with incredible structure. This may be the most structured Barolo from Bruno Giacosa I have ever tasted as a young wine. Speechless. Full-bodied and so intense, yet it remains fresh and agile. Traditional in every sense of the word, but this is clear and clean. A classic in the making. It will be in the market January 2022. Leave this for at least six to eight years. Try in 2027.”
Wine Advocate 98 points “The Bruno Giacosa 2016 Barolo Falletto Vigna Le Rocche sees its fruit sourced from the oldest vines in the Falletto cru. This wine boasts all the signature touches of Serralunga d’Alba with the massive structure, density and the long aging potential that comes with Nebbiolo grown in this village. The wine spreads evenly over the palate, imparting its considerable fruit weight and generally leaving a big impact. This Barolo is really quite lovely and beautiful. The bouquet is fluid and ever-shifting, showing new sides with firm fruit, blackberry, smoke, rusty nail and mineral with every swirl of the glass. I visited this vineyard site shortly before tasting this wine and marveled at the beautiful peacocks that roam free between the rows of vines.”
Cappellano Otin Fiorin Pie Rupestris – Nebiolo, Barolo DOCG 2010 750ml $359 special, 10 bottles in stock
Vinous “This third flight comes to a rousing finish with the 2010 Barolo Otin Fiorin Piè Rupestris – Nebioli. A towering, statuesque Barolo, the 2010 dazzles from the very first taste. It is, of course, too young, but it is a wine I chose for this tasting because I wanted Vinous readers to have a chance to experience it. When all is said and done, 2010 is the greatest young vintage I have tasted at Cappellano. Drink 2025-2060.”
Casanova di Neri Cerretalto, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2016 750ml $399 special, 10 bottles in stock
James Suckling 100 points “Wow. Incredible purity and transparency with cherries, bark, mushroom, flower and slate/stone on the nose. Full-bodied yet agile and fresh with a fine tannin structure that runs the length of the wine and goes on forever. The polish, elegance and grace is breathtaking. Power with agility. A revelation for the 2016 vintage in Brunello. Drink in 2024 and onwards but wonderful to taste now.”
Wine Advocate 98 points “Here’s an important keepsake from a classic vintage. The Casanova di Neri 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto needs time to open, especially if you plan to drink the wine earlier than is recommended (you’re best off waiting five years or more). This powerful wine is packed tight with black fruit, plum and summer ripe cherry. Those dark fruit tones segue to spice, baked clay, balsam herb and gardening soil. The oak is always more apparent in the Cerretalto (which is released one year later, as if it were a Riserva) compared to the Tenuta Nuova. The vineyard used makes a big difference, giving this wine more textural weight and thicker fiber. It’s all a question of taste, but if you want power (with 15% alcohol), richness, sensuality and voluptuousness in your Brunello, Cerretalto is the bottle at the end of the rainbow.”
Vinous 97 points “There’s something intriguing, alluringly dark, earthy – animal, even – yet floral and packed full of rich black fruits and exotic spices that defines the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto. This impresses with its cool-toned dark berries and minerals, complemented by bright acidity and sweet inner herbal tones. It’s not yet ready to reveal all of its charms, though it drops subtle hints each step of the way. A bitter twang keeps the expression lively and fresh, while grippy tannins saturate deeply and leave the palate aching with youthful tension, as notes of licorice, clove and a hint of ginger linger. What a wine!”
James Suckling 100 points “This is the second 100-point Vigna Le Rocche, following the 2015. What the former had in intensity of fruit and transparency, this has in structure and power. The purity of fruit is sensational in this young Barolo, offering blackberries, black truffle and iron. Rust too. This is so tannic and powerful with incredible structure. This may be the most structured Barolo from Bruno Giacosa I have ever tasted as a young wine. Speechless. Full-bodied and so intense, yet it remains fresh and agile. Traditional in every sense of the word, but this is clear and clean. A classic in the making. It will be in the market January 2022. Leave this for at least six to eight years. Try in 2027.”
Wine Advocate 98 points “The Bruno Giacosa 2016 Barolo Falletto Vigna Le Rocche sees its fruit sourced from the oldest vines in the Falletto cru. This wine boasts all the signature touches of Serralunga d’Alba with the massive structure, density and the long aging potential that comes with Nebbiolo grown in this village. The wine spreads evenly over the palate, imparting its considerable fruit weight and generally leaving a big impact. This Barolo is really quite lovely and beautiful. The bouquet is fluid and ever-shifting, showing new sides with firm fruit, blackberry, smoke, rusty nail and mineral with every swirl of the glass. I visited this vineyard site shortly before tasting this wine and marveled at the beautiful peacocks that roam free between the rows of vines.”
Cappellano Otin Fiorin Pie Rupestris – Nebiolo, Barolo DOCG 2010 750ml $359 special, 10 bottles in stock
Vinous “This third flight comes to a rousing finish with the 2010 Barolo Otin Fiorin Piè Rupestris – Nebioli. A towering, statuesque Barolo, the 2010 dazzles from the very first taste. It is, of course, too young, but it is a wine I chose for this tasting because I wanted Vinous readers to have a chance to experience it. When all is said and done, 2010 is the greatest young vintage I have tasted at Cappellano. Drink 2025-2060.”
Casanova di Neri Cerretalto, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2016 750ml $399 special, 10 bottles in stock
James Suckling 100 points “Wow. Incredible purity and transparency with cherries, bark, mushroom, flower and slate/stone on the nose. Full-bodied yet agile and fresh with a fine tannin structure that runs the length of the wine and goes on forever. The polish, elegance and grace is breathtaking. Power with agility. A revelation for the 2016 vintage in Brunello. Drink in 2024 and onwards but wonderful to taste now.”
Wine Advocate 98 points “Here’s an important keepsake from a classic vintage. The Casanova di Neri 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto needs time to open, especially if you plan to drink the wine earlier than is recommended (you’re best off waiting five years or more). This powerful wine is packed tight with black fruit, plum and summer ripe cherry. Those dark fruit tones segue to spice, baked clay, balsam herb and gardening soil. The oak is always more apparent in the Cerretalto (which is released one year later, as if it were a Riserva) compared to the Tenuta Nuova. The vineyard used makes a big difference, giving this wine more textural weight and thicker fiber. It’s all a question of taste, but if you want power (with 15% alcohol), richness, sensuality and voluptuousness in your Brunello, Cerretalto is the bottle at the end of the rainbow.”
Vinous 97 points “There’s something intriguing, alluringly dark, earthy – animal, even – yet floral and packed full of rich black fruits and exotic spices that defines the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto. This impresses with its cool-toned dark berries and minerals, complemented by bright acidity and sweet inner herbal tones. It’s not yet ready to reveal all of its charms, though it drops subtle hints each step of the way. A bitter twang keeps the expression lively and fresh, while grippy tannins saturate deeply and leave the palate aching with youthful tension, as notes of licorice, clove and a hint of ginger linger. What a wine!”
Thank you from the team at Vinopolis!
Be well & drink well.