In This Newsletter:
Heat Wave Rosé Spectacular
Featured Pre-Arrival
Sassetti’s Timeless Brunello
New Bordeaux Arriving Next Month
Including a French Bistro Favorite
Heat Wave Rosé Spectacular
Featured Pre-Arrival
Sassetti’s Timeless Brunello
New Bordeaux Arriving Next Month
Including a French Bistro Favorite
A Killer Deal from a Rising Local Star
Beat the Heat with Rosé
France
100% Malbec from Cahors, this is a rosé made for barbeque
Domaine de la Berangeraie ‘Tu Bois Coa’ Rosé, IGP Cotes du Lot 2019 750ML ($17.95) $14 special
Importer note “Malbec rosé. Sustainable. Ripe cherry flavors with fresh strawberry and raspberry. Medium body with a long finish.”
Winery note: 100% Malbec. Very aromatic (raspberry, wild strawberry, blueberry), with a pronounced pomegranate color. The palate is rich, vinous, and unctuous. Drink as an aperitif, or with BBQ and exotic fruits.
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
A lighter take from Tavel
Chateau de Manissy ‘La Belle Etoile’ Rosé, Rhone 2019 750ML ($17.95) $14 special
Importer note “Cinsault, Syrah and Grenache from clay & limestone soil. Crushed stone, pressed flowers and white cherries. Medium body with a long finish… Covering an area of 1.5ha, this site is bathed by the sun and swept by the mistral on a flat plain that rich in limestone with a clay subsoil. Entirely hand-harvested organic grapes that have a cold maceration before being pressed. Low temperature fermentation with indigenous yeasts, which allow the yeast to develop its fruit flavors. Aged in stainless steel tank. Given the name “beautiful star” by the Manissy Brotherhood’s missionary preist, the grapes originate from organically certified vineyards owned by wine-maker Florian André’s mother.”
A Northern Loire gem from a staff favorite producer
Domaine Brazilier Coteaux du Vendomois Tradition Rosé, Loire 2019 750ML ($18.95) $14.40 special
VinopolNote: “A perennial favorite, this 100% Pineau d’Aunis rosé is all fresh cut grapefruit zest and white pepper, with pretty pink fruit and a very zippy, dry finish. A rosé for lovers of dry, crunchy wine.”
The southern Rhone is one of our favorite areas for rosé and this delivers
Domaine Les Grands Bois Cotes du Rhone Cuvee Les Trois Soeurs Rosé 2019 750ML ($19.95) $16 special
Importer note “Grenache & Carignan on chalky clay. Organic. Ripe strawberry, raspberry and a hint of licorice. Full body with a long and blanaced finish.”
Vinopolnote: A peppy blend of Grenache and Carignan from a certified organic estate.
A classic rosé from a classic rosé region
Mirabeau Classic Rosé, Cotes De Provence 2019 750ML ($27.95) $18 special
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 90 points “Light, brilliant orange. Raspberry, white peach and succulent flowers on the mineral-tinged nose. Sappy red berry, pit fruit and citrus zest flavors deepen slowly and take on a spicy aspect with air. Hangs on with very good tenacity, leaving pit fruit and red berry notes behind.”
When a certain Hollywood couple bought a winery to make Miraval, the original owner kept the best vineyard so he could keep making this…
Chateau la Mascaronne Cotes de Provence Quat’Saisons Rosé 2019 750ML ($24.95) $19 special
Wine Advocate 92 points “Ultra pale and coppery-hued, La Mascaronne’s certified-organic 2019 Cotes de Provence Rosé Quat’Saisons is a blend of Cinsault and Grenache. Like previous vintages, it starts with notes of crushed stone and citrus, then adds the merest hints of red fruit. It’s medium-bodied but focused and streamlined, coming to an elongated, mouthwatering, complex finish that adds peach, melon and anise to the mix.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Do judge this (delicious) wine by its (beautiful) packaging
Attems Pinot Grigio Ramato Venezia Giulia IGT, Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2018 1.5L ($49.95) $21.90 special
Ian D’Agata 90 points “Bright straw-pink. Fresh easygoing strawberry and spice aromas and flavors are long, rich and nicely focused. Sneaky concentration here.”
This is the lowest listed price for a magnum in the USA today!
Rosé from one of the world’s most beautiful places
Domaine du Bagnol Cassis Rosé, Provence 2019 750ML ($34.95) $29 special
Domaine du Bagnol Cassis Rosé, Provence 2019 1.5L ($69.95) $61.90 special
Importer note “The Rosé is produced from several parcels that comprise slightly less than 7 hectares of vineyards. The vineyards are clay and limestone, situated on a gentle slope with a north – northwest exposure. The blend is Grenache (55%), Mourvedre (31%) and Cinsault (14%). This Rosé is vinified by “pressurage direct, the must is chilled to 12 degrees Celsius, the wine ferments at 18 degrees Celsius until it is completely dry; then, the wine is bottled during the first three months of the following year after a light filtration. Production tops out at about 40,000 bottles per annum; approximately 6000 bottles are allocated to the US market.”
This is the lowest listed price for a magnum in the USA today!
Spain
Our most popular rosé year in, year out
Ameztoi Rubentis Rosado, Getariako Txakolina 2019 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special
Case-12 Ameztoi Rubentis Rosado, Getariako Txakolina 2019 750ML ($319.95) $239 special (that’s only $19.92/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Importer note “The pink sibling of Ameztoi’s flagship white, this vibrant rosé is made from a mix of red and white indigenous grapes and is bottled with a little residual carbonation to give it a light spritz.”
VinopolNote: Hands down, this is the most popular rosé at this shop every year. Why? Cause it’s that freakin’ good. Nuff said.
A distinctive rosé from one of the world’s most unique growing regions
Dolores Cabrera Fernandez ‘La Araucaria’ Rosado, Valle de la Orotava, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain 2019 750ML ($24.95) $20.90 special
Importer note “La Araucaria Rosado is made from centenarian Listan Negro vines from two vineyards, Montijo and Hacienda Perdida. Both vineyards are in the Valle de La Orotava and are in the unique cordón trenzado (“braided cord”) style. The grapes are skin macerated for 12 hours, and the wine is aged in stainless steel tanks. The wine is bottled with light fining and filtration, and a minimal amount of SO2. Dolores Cabrera is a long-time farmer working in the Valle de la Orotava, Tenerife. Her vineyards have always been worked organically, with a portion of the parcels being certified organic. After selling her grapes to larger producers for many years, Dolores started making and bottling her own wine in 2013. The product of her efforts is La Araucaria, a singular and natural approach to the Listan Negro grape, the predominate grape of her region. The D.O. of Valle de La Orotava is located in northern Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, and named after its historic town. Wine-growing dates back to the Spanish conquest of the 15th century, and this is the oldest of the 5 appellations on the island. The valley is shaped by Pico del Teide, the 3rd largest active volcano in the world with its peak at 3715 meters. The hot maritime climate is moderated by the cool, humid trade winds blowing off the coast throughout the year.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Oregon
A staff pick from a local favorite
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!
Classic Willamette Valley rosé from a superstar producer
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!
Browse all 81 rosés available on our webstore now!
Featured Pre-Arrival
Sassetti’s Timeless Brunello
Simply put, Brunello di Montalicino would not be the wine that we know and love today without the Sassetti family. Livio Sassetti is one of the founding fathers of Brunello and the wines coming off of his “Pertimali” estate define the genre. This is a Grand Cru site in Montalcino and the wines are thrilling whenever you get a chance to taste them. We’ve worked hard to acquire some of both the ’14 and ’15 Brunello and are excited to offer them once again today.
These are wines that define what “traditional” means within the context of Brunello—robust personalities with delicate aromatics, long aging in botti and the capacity to age for a long time in a cool cellar. The 2014 is the vintage to drink early—the year yielded wines that have a bit less power but an approachable personality. The 2015, on the other hand, is a wine that’s surprisingly soft for how much depth there is, but is really something to hang onto for a while. We’d stock up on both.
Arriving ETA August:
Livio Sassetti Pertimali Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2015 750ML ($89.95) $69 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Livio Sassetti Pertimali Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2015 750ML ($549.95) $399 pre-arrival special (that’s only $66.50/bottle!)
Livio Sassetti Pertimali Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2015 1.5L 750ML ($189.95) $159 pre-arrival special
Case-3 Livio Sassetti Pertimali Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2015 1.5L ($599.95) $449 pre-arrival special (that’s only $149.67/magnum!)
James Suckling 98 points “There’s something ethereal in the nose with flowers, cherries, strawberries and shitake mushrooms. Full body. This grows on the palate with super tannin and fruit structure. So much berry flavor and round, caressing tannins that fill your mouth. Tight at the end. This needs four to five years to show its true greatness. Try after 2023.”
These are wines that define what “traditional” means within the context of Brunello—robust personalities with delicate aromatics, long aging in botti and the capacity to age for a long time in a cool cellar. The 2014 is the vintage to drink early—the year yielded wines that have a bit less power but an approachable personality. The 2015, on the other hand, is a wine that’s surprisingly soft for how much depth there is, but is really something to hang onto for a while. We’d stock up on both.
Arriving ETA August:
Livio Sassetti Pertimali Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2015 750ML ($89.95) $69 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Livio Sassetti Pertimali Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2015 750ML ($549.95) $399 pre-arrival special (that’s only $66.50/bottle!)
Livio Sassetti Pertimali Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2015 1.5L 750ML ($189.95) $159 pre-arrival special
Case-3 Livio Sassetti Pertimali Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2015 1.5L ($599.95) $449 pre-arrival special (that’s only $149.67/magnum!)
James Suckling 98 points “There’s something ethereal in the nose with flowers, cherries, strawberries and shitake mushrooms. Full body. This grows on the palate with super tannin and fruit structure. So much berry flavor and round, caressing tannins that fill your mouth. Tight at the end. This needs four to five years to show its true greatness. Try after 2023.”
This is the lowest listed price for a magnum in the USA today!
Livio Sassetti Pertimali Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2014 750ML ($69.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Livio Sassetti Pertimali Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2014 750ML ($419.95) $279 pre-arrival special (that’s only $46.50/bottle!)
James Suckling 94 points “Some earthy and savory aromas dominate the dried red cherries initially, then dried wild herbs and quite intense notes of spicy dried red cherries emerge. The palate has a very taut, structured feel with handsomely proportioned tannins carrying gently leathery dried red cherries. Long finish. Drink or hold.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Can’t wait until August? We still have a limited number of Sassetti’s 2012 Riserva:
Sassetti Livio Pertimali Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG, Tuscany 2012 750ML ($149.95) $119 special
Wine Spectator 96 points “Firm and dense, this red sports cherry, leather, cigar box and sweet spice flavors. A juiciness midpalate adds depth. Finishes with tannins and a combination of earth, mineral and tobacco notes. Best from 2022 through 2038.”
Browse all 61 wines from Montalcino available on our webstore now!
New Pre-Arrivals from Bordeaux
Arriving in August:
Clos de Sarpe
Chateau Clos de Sarpe may not be a household name, however this third generation Saint Emilion estate is gaining a reputation for outstanding, age-worthy wines. The foundation of their success lies in their 3.7 hectare vineyard. A combination of old vines (the majority of which are 50+ years old), and meticulous biodynamic farming practices (possible thanks to the vineyard’s tiny blueprint), has resulted in top quality fruit year in year out.
As such, it should come as no surprise that Jeb Dunnuck has awarded 97+ points to both the 2015 and 2016 Clos de Sarpe. Big, bold and delicious, both of these sub-$90 bottles punch far above their weight, rivalling many of their more famous neighbors in every criterion Bordeaux aficionados use to judge the region’s most profound and cellar-worthy wines. So if you’re a fan of full-bodied, unapologetically opulent Right Bank Bordeaux, make room on your dinner table, and in your cellar, for Clos de Sarpe.
Chateau Clos de Sarpe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2015 750ML ($99.95) $89 pre-arrival special
Jeb Dunnuck 97+ points “Showing even better now than on release, the 2015 Château Clos de Sarpe might be one of the greatest wines to ever emerge from this tiny vineyard just outside of Saint Emilion. Dense purple/plum-hued, with an enormous bouquet of blueberries, blackberries, white truffles, violets, and spring flowers, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, an incredible sense of opulence, and silky, polished tannins. It’s absorbed just about every trace of its oak élevage, and while it’s an incredible drink today, it’s going to evolve for 30+ years or more.”
Antonio Galloni – Vinous 95 points “The 2015 Clos de Sarpe boasts off-the-charts richness. Full-throttle and unapologetically opulent, Clos de Sarpe is probably the most exotic of the more modern, sumptuous Saint-Émilions. Super-ripe black cherry, chocolate, leather, spice and new French oak are all pushed forward. Ripeness and unctuousness are taken to the edge in this exotic beauty.”
Chateau Clos de Sarpe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2016 750ML ($99.95) $89 pre-arrival 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.”
La Bastienne
Arriving in August:
Also arriving next month, a rare offer from one of the Right Bank’s most beloved artisanal producers. Under normal circumstances, most of Chateau La Bastienne’s small production would be snapped up in France, where it’s bistro favorite. We feel fortunate to have received a limited allocation, and we’re excited to pass along this opportunity to you.
While most reasonably priced Bordeaux is commercial and unremarkable, this wine bucks the trend. Hands on farming and winemaking make this a wine of place and personality. It’s no wonder why it remains beloved in France. The only outstanding question is how long this open secret across the pond will remain under the radar in the United States.
Chateau La Bastienne, Montagne-Saint-Emilion 2016 750ML ($34.95) $21.90 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Chateau La Bastienne, Montagne-Saint-Emilion 2016 750ML ($199.95) $124 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Chateau La Bastienne, Montagne-Saint-Emilion 2016 750ML ($399.95) $219 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 93 points “Very rich blackberry and vibrant fruit aromas in the mulberry and dark-plum spectrum with a concentrated palate that offers a very fleshy and attractive set of supple fruit, framed in ripe, sturdy tannins. Try from 2022.”
Wine Advocate 90 points “The 2016 La Bastienne is medium to deep garnet-purple colored and features fragrant roses, oolong tea and baking spices scents with touches of warm plums, black cherries and raspberry pie. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is packed with expressive red berry and floral layers with a fine-grained frame and long, lively finish.
This is the only listing in the USA today!
A Steal from Day Wines
Arriving this Friday:
Brianne Day is one of the Oregon wine industry’s rising stars. Sourcing fruit from throughout the Pacific Northwest, she crafts some of the region’s most distinctive and exciting wines. Today we’re thrilled to offer an incredible deal on Day’s 2016 Momtazi Vineyard Pinot Noir.
For those unfamiliar with Momtazi Vineyard, it is one of the Willamette Valley’s most prized biodynamic vineyards. This reputation owes to the fact that no chemicals have been used on the property since it was planted to vine in 1997. And today, the Momtazi family uses strict biodynamic practices. This is a vineyard that many of the state’s most celebrated wineries source from and display the vineyard name proudly on their label.
So take advantage of this killer deal and see what one of Oregon’s up and coming winemakers can do with some of Oregon’s most cherished fruit.
Day Wines ‘Momtazi Vineyard ‘ Pinot Noir, McMinnville 2016 750ML ($53.95) $33 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Day Wines ‘Momtazi Vineyard ‘ Pinot Noir, McMinnville 2016 750ML ($299.95) $189 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Day Wines ‘Momtazi Vineyard ‘ Pinot Noir, McMinnville 2016 750ML ($599.95) $345 pre-arrival special
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 92 points “Limpid red. A highly aromatic bouquet evokes fresh dark berries and baking spices, along with smoky mineral and musky earth overtones. Juicy and broad on the palate, offering alluringly sweet black raspberry, cherry, rose pastille and spicecake flavors that deepen steadily with air. Delivers a suave blend of power and energy and finishes with finely woven tannins and strong, floral-driven persistence.”
Brianne Day is one of the Oregon wine industry’s rising stars. Sourcing fruit from throughout the Pacific Northwest, she crafts some of the region’s most distinctive and exciting wines. Today we’re thrilled to offer an incredible deal on Day’s 2016 Momtazi Vineyard Pinot Noir.
For those unfamiliar with Momtazi Vineyard, it is one of the Willamette Valley’s most prized biodynamic vineyards. This reputation owes to the fact that no chemicals have been used on the property since it was planted to vine in 1997. And today, the Momtazi family uses strict biodynamic practices. This is a vineyard that many of the state’s most celebrated wineries source from and display the vineyard name proudly on their label.
So take advantage of this killer deal and see what one of Oregon’s up and coming winemakers can do with some of Oregon’s most cherished fruit.
Day Wines ‘Momtazi Vineyard ‘ Pinot Noir, McMinnville 2016 750ML ($53.95) $33 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Day Wines ‘Momtazi Vineyard ‘ Pinot Noir, McMinnville 2016 750ML ($299.95) $189 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Day Wines ‘Momtazi Vineyard ‘ Pinot Noir, McMinnville 2016 750ML ($599.95) $345 pre-arrival special
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 92 points “Limpid red. A highly aromatic bouquet evokes fresh dark berries and baking spices, along with smoky mineral and musky earth overtones. Juicy and broad on the palate, offering alluringly sweet black raspberry, cherry, rose pastille and spicecake flavors that deepen steadily with air. Delivers a suave blend of power and energy and finishes with finely woven tannins and strong, floral-driven persistence.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Browse all 157 Oregon Pinot Noirs available on our webstore now!
Vinopolis is an independent wine shop in Portland that opened in 2004. Our goal has always been to offer the finest, broadest, and largest selection of wines at the best prices to our customers in Portland, in Oregon, across the West Coast, and throughout the United States.
Thank you for reading and for continuing to support our team at Vinopolis!
Stay safe, be well & drink well.
Thank you for reading and for continuing to support our team at Vinopolis!
Stay safe, be well & drink well.