November 25, 2013
Cerbaiona di Diego Molinari Brunello di Montalcino 2005 ($149.95) $89 special
Antonio Galloni – Vinous 93+ points “Succulent red cherries, dried roses, violets, tar and spices are some of the many notes that are woven together in the 2008 Brunello di Montalcino. Intensely perfumed, the 2008 shows many of the classic Cerbaiona signatures, even if it is a touch less polished than some of the recent vintages. At the same time, the 2008 has come together nicely over the last few years, so it will be interesting to watch what happens with further time in bottle. Dried rose petals and spices add complexity to the subtle, layered flavors. This is one of the stronger wines of the year.”
The average listed price elsewhere is $119.50
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Folks, we’ll take one of our infrequent down days on Thanksgiving Thursday. Back to normal everyday hours on Friday through to Christmas. Thanksgiving, by the way, marks the completion of 9 years in business here. Our newsletter followers are the substance of our business; we thank you very truly. We wish you a great Thanksgiving week; a great Holiday Season; and the best of life, always.
New Week – New Arrivals
USA- OREGON
Crowley Pinot Noir Gehrts Vineyard 2011 ($44.95) $36 special
Crowley Pinot Noir La Colina Vineyard 2011 ($44.95) $37 special
Bergstrom Pinot Noir Cumberland Reserve 2012 ($44.95) $39 special
Bergstrom Pinot Noir Gregory Ranch 2012 ($59.95) $51.90 special
Bergstrom Pinot Noir Shea Vineyard 2012 ($54.95) $49 special
Aberrant Pinot Noir Carpe Noctem 2011 ($59.95) $49 special
Wine Advocate 94 points “The ten barrels of Aberrant Cellars 2011 Pinot Noir Carpe Noctum received half new wood (though that’s in no way obvious) and was bottled at 16 months. Nearly half of it comes from Eide’s favored block of Dijon Clone 828 in the nosebleed bleachers of Zena Crown (adjacent to Temperance Hill), with the rest hailing from Willakia and Hawks View. Deeply ripe but ultimately infectiously juicy cherry and plum are garlanded with diverse flowers and underlain with mouthwatering roasted red meat juiciness and marrowy richness. The piquancy of fruit pits and invigorating crunch of berry seeds are surpassed in efficacy by a saliva-liberating streak of salinity allied to alkalinity and stoniness, as well as a lentil sprout-like burst of nutty and positively vegetal flavor, all of which combine for a finish of dazzling interactive complexity and exhilarating energy that compels you to take the next sip. “I want this wine to be like a wild mustang that you can never tame,” exclaims Eide.”
USA- WASHINGTON
Soos Creek Artist Series #10 Columbia Valley Red 2010 ($31.95) $28 special
Stephen Tanzer 93 points “(49% cabernet franc, 44% cabernet sauvignon and 7% merlot; mostly from Dineen and Weinbau vineyards): Good bright, full red. Enticing perfume of redcurrant, coffee, mocha and flowers. At once silky and energetic, offering a fine-grained texture and lovely inner-mouth lift to the complex flavors of redcurrant, blueberry and brown spices. This very classy, intense Bordeaux blend finishes with sweet tannins and superb building length.”
Soos Creek Champoux Vineyard Red 2010 ($36.95) $30.50 special
Stephen Tanzer 92 points “(84% cabernet sauvignon, 10% merlot and 6% cabernet franc; aged in 50% new oak): Good bright ruby-red. Precise aromas of blueberry, blackberry, licorice and violet. Very ripe blackberry, mineral and sweet oak notes are complicated by a strong saline element. Very tactile, concentrated wine with sound acidity and a firm tannic spine to support extended aging. I’d give this a good seven or eight years in the cellar before pulling the cork. Owner/winemaker Dave Larsen bottles his cabernets during the second July after the harvest.”
Long Shadows Winery Feather Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 ($59.95) $49 special
Wine Advocate 94 points “Showing the most sweet fruit and oak of the lineup, the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Feather is made by Randy Dunn of Dunn Vineyards in Napa Valley. A 100% Cabernet Sauvignon that spends 22 months in 100% French oak, it is loaded with sweet black raspberry jam, creme de cassis, charred toast and crushed flower-like nuances that flow to a full-bodied, voluptuously textured Cabernet that builds in tannin and depth with air. Gorgeously pure and seamless, it needs 3-4 years in the cellar and will evolve gracefully for 12-15 years.”
USA- CALIFORNIA
Newton Claret Napa 2010 ($21.95) $14 super special
Newton Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 2010 ($21.95) $14 super special
Cliff Lede Cabernet Sauvignon Stag’s Leap 2010 ($69.95) $59 special
Robert Parker 94 points “The elegance, finesse and purity of these wines are well evidenced by the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Stag’s Leap. A blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot, this beauty boasts a deep blue/purple color as well as a stunning nose of acacia flowers, blueberries and raspberries. Medium to full-bodied with an ethereal elegance and lightness as well as beautiful texture, finesse and harmony, it reveals the Margaux-like side of southern Napa. Drink it over the next 15-20 years.”
FRANCE- RHONE
Domaine du Gour du Chaule Gigondas Cuvee Tradition 2010 ($39.95) $33 special
Stephen Tanzer 93-94 points “Vivid purple. A highly perfumed bouquet evokes red and dark berry preserves, pit fruits, potpourri and smoky garrigue. Stains the palate with intense black raspberry and cherry flavors that pick up an exotic floral pastille nuance with air. Rich but lithe, with excellent finishing clarity and gentle tannic grip.”
Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape 2011 ($99.95) $69 super special
Wine Advocate 94 points “Reminiscent of a lighter weight 2009, the 2011 Chateauneuf du Pape offers up a sweet bouquet of spiced black cherries, plum, truffle, saddle leather and underbrush. Coming from tiny yields (which were down 50% from 2010), this medium to full-bodied 2011 is gorgeously textured and has solid mid-palate depth, terrific purity of fruit and ripe tannin. Relatively approachable and enjoyable even now, it should nevertheless evolve gracefully for 15-20 years.”
FRANCE- LOIRE
Domaine Dagueneau Blanc Fume de Pouilly 2011 ($79.95) $69 special
Wine Advocate 90-91 points “From cask, Dagueneau’s 2011 Blanc Fume de Pouilly whose lots had already been assembled in the press, offers a radish-like aromatic prickle and palate bite along with piquancy of citrus pip, all of which, I predict, will put it in good stead to deliver from bottle a sense of vivacity and invigoration that are not easy to come by in this vintage. Mint and sage accent fresh orange and grapefruit on the nose and on a lush, amble, yet buoyant, lively, and refreshingly persistent as well as insistent finish. I expect this to be best enjoyed over the next 2-3 years.”
Domaine Dagueneau Blanc Fume de Pouilly Silex 2011 ($129.95) $109 special
Wine Advocate 92-93+ points “A delightfully, pungently intense bouquet of hedge flowers and resinous herbs rises from the glass of Dagueneau 2011 Blanc Fume de Pouilly Silex, anticipating the bittersweet presence of herbal essences and inner-mouth floral perfume that are allied to nut and citrus oils on a dense, subtly oleaginous palate. This finishes with an authoritative sense of grip and I expect it will not only perform well for a decade but benefit from being left alone for the first several years in bottle.”
GERMANY
Julien Haart Riesling Piesporter Mosel 2012 ($39.95) $31.90 special
Julien Haart Riesling Schubertslay Kabinett Mosel 2012 ($39.95) $33 special
Julien Haart Riesling Goldtropchen Mosel 2012 ($69.95) $59 special
Julien Haart Riesling Ohligsberg Mosel 2012 1.5L ($149.95) $119 special
Keller Riesling Trocken Rheinhessen 2012 ($21.95) $19 special
Peter Lauer Riesling ‘Barrel 6’ Saar 2012 ($21.95) $17 special
Peter Lauer Riesling Senior Fass 6 2012 ($29.95) $24 special
ITALY
Elio Perrone Moscato d’Asti ‘Sourgal’ 1.5L ($27.95) $19 super special
Burlotto Barolo 2009 ($49.95) $39 special
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2009 Barolo is a great introduction to the wines of this historic estate. Plums, black cherries, menthol, licorice and sweet herbs all emerge from a layered, totally sensual Barolo loaded with class and pure personality. A bit juicier than normal, the 2009 offers lovely persistence and mid-palate pliancy all the way through to a creamy, expressive finish laced with sweet tobacco, herbs and cedar. There is a lot to like here.”
Burlotto Barolo Acclivi 2009 ($59.95) $47 special
Antonio Galloni 92 points “Another gorgeous wine, the 2009 Barolo Acclivi is one of the more delicate wines here, its considerable depth notwithstanding. Freshly cut flowers, mint licorice and spices are backed up by serious weight, which is quite unusual for the Acclivi. As readers can tell from this note, the Acclivi is a wine of beautiful contrasts. Firm, dusty tannins frame an insistent, beautifully articulated finish. In 2009, the Acclivi impresses for so many things, most importantly a sense of balance that is elusive in this vintage.”
Burlotto Barolo Monvigliero 2009 ($59.95) $51.90 special
Antonio Galloni 95 points “Burlotto’s 2009 Barolo Vigneto Monvigliero is exceptional. A creamy, totally layered Barolo, the Monvigliero stands out for its texture. The use of whole clusters in fermentation – highly unusual in Piedmont – gives the 2009 a sense of aromatic lift and brightness that is quite welcome in this hot vintage. An intriguing mélange of tar, licorice and dried flowers leaves a lasting impression. The Monvigliero isn’t (always) for everyone as sometimes it can be a bit eccentric, but in 2009 all the elements come together with impeccable grace. There is little doubt this is one of the wines of the vintage.”
Wine Spectator picked this:
CVNE Imperial Rioja Gran Reserva 2004 ($59.95) priceless & sold out everywhere
Wine Spectator 95 points #1 WOTY 2013 “Firm and a bit austere, this red shows depth and drive, with chewy tannins supporting plum, tobacco, licorice and mineral flavors. The structure is solid but the wine remains fresh. Maturing now, this has a long life ahead. Drink now through 2024.”
Over this:
Bodegas Muga Rioja Selection Speciale 2009 ($49.95) $39 special 6+ cases available
Wine Spectator 95 points “Powerful yet harmonious, this rich red delivers black cherry, licorice, fresh herb, smoke and mineral flavors that mingle seamlessly over firm, well-integrated tannins, while balsamic-tinged acidity drives the flavors through the long, spicy finish. Drink now through 2025.”
Huet Vouvray Demi-Sec Le Mont 2007 ($49.95) $29 flash special only 12 bottles
Stephen Tanzer 91 points “Pale gold. Lush tangerine, pear and floral scents are complemented by dusty minerals, a hint of honey and green tea. Pliant, expansive citrus and candied flower flavors offer an alluring blend of richness and vivacity, with a sneaky honeycomb quality gaining strength in the glass. Fairly open-knit but focused as well; I’d hold onto this silky midweight for another few years or give it an hour in a decanter.”
Huet Vouvray Demi-Sec Haut Lieu 2008 ($49.95) $33 flash special only 26 bottles
Wine Advocate 92 points ” Heliotrope and narcissus set the sweet and musky tone for Huet’s 2008 Vouvray Demi-Sec Le Haut Lieu, which delivers a near-jolt of energy, bright citricity, and the musky bite of Misato rose radishes to the palate. Underlying alkaline and chalky notes as well as a hint of honey add to the musky complexity of a long finish. This should be remarkable to follow for 15 or more years, though I’m not sure I would broach another bottle for 2-3, or that becoming harmonious is really what this wine will be about. ”
Huet Vouvray Moelleux Haut Lieu 2008 ($59.95) $39 flash special only 33 bottles
Wine Advocate 92 points “With striking clarity and lift welcome in the present context though typical for the very best wines of its vintage, Huet’s 2008 Vouvray Moelleux Le Haut-Lieu smells almost like Gewurztraminer in its evocation of litchi and bacon fat, rose petal, pear and quince. Opulently rich and subtly creamy, its salinity and bright citricity keep it invigorating, and it finishes with admirable refreshment and perspicuous floral and mineral complexities alongside of ripe, honeyed quince and pear. ”
Flash Sale #4
Martinet Clos Martinet Priorat 2008 ($69.95) $47 flash sale special only 10 bottles
Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2008 Clos Martinet, like the Martinet Bru, is a bit more forward and graceful than its 2007 sibling. Nevertheless, it contains enough structure and balance to drink well for another 15 years. Mas Martinet is owned by Jose Luis Perez, one of the original Priorat pioneers. He has turned over day-to-day operations to his daughter, Sarah. The estate owns 10 hectares of vineyard planted in the famous llicorella soil that gives the DO its distinctive character. In 2006 the estate added two new cuvees, Cami Pesseroles and Els Escurons, which are intended to show aspects of the terroir rather than to be special luxury bottlings. Be that as it may, these two new offerings appear to be every bit as good as the flagship Clos Martinet. During my visit in January 2011, Sarah Perez was kind enough to open several older vintages, 2004, 2000, 1998, and 1993. Even the 1993 is in good condition although it should be drunk up over the next 5-7 years. The 2004 Clos Martinet which I reviewed in 2007 appears to be even better than I thought at the time.”
Oregon Flat rate shipping- $17 any size single order,
www.vinopoliswineshop.com
Grace and Beauty; from the beautiful Mount Etna estate of the remarkable Marco di Grazia. Who among us has a name that can be fulfilled, and then goes out and does that? That’s our Marco. We love these wines, and with new vintages in sight for early December arrival we thought we’d do something involving a modicum of grace on our part. Firstly, if you are looking for something more adventurous to pair with that decidedly unadventurous turkey- these fill the role splendidly. But we had gifting foremost on our minds. One measure of a great gift- give something that the giftee didn’t know they wanted, until they saw it. These are for that, and more.
Tenuta Delle Terre Nere Etna Bianco Vigne Niche 2010 ($39.95) $33 special 5 bottles here
Antonio Galloni 93 points “Terre Nere’s 2010 Etna Bianco Cuvee Vigne Niche wraps around the palate with serious depth, power and richness. I very much like the way the 2010 fleshes out in the glass, coming at the palate in all directions with seemingly endless layers and pure, delineated fruit. Smoke, white truffle and orange peel are layered into the textured, exotic finish. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2016.”
Tenuta Delle Terre Nere Etna Rosso Calderara Sottana 2010 ($49.95) $34.50 special 18 bottles here
Antonio Galloni 91 points “The 2010 Etna Rosso Calderara Sottana is a lovely introduction to the vintage at Terre Nere. Pine, menthol, red cherries and wild flowers all take shape in the glass. Firm tannins provide the backbone in this finely sculpted, chiseled Nerello Mascalese. Savory notes reappear to frame the bright, high-toned finish. If opened today, the 2010 will benefit from a few hours of air. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2020.”
Tenuta Delle Terre Nere Etna Rosso Feudo di Mezzo 2010 ($49.95) $35.70 special 6 bottles
Antonio Galloni 91+ points “The 2010 Etna Rosso Feudo di Mezzo Il Quadro delle Rose comes across as deep, powerful and earthy. This is a decidedly dark, brooding Nerello Mascalese. Firm, incisive tannins don’t seem to soften, even with considerable aeration. The 2010 is best left alone for another year or two, but it is hard to imagine it developing into a wine of true finesse. My impression is that the 2010 will always remain a bit of a brute. New leather, earthiness, tobacco, smoke and incense all add complexity on the mysterious, beguiling finish. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025”
Tenuta Delle Terre Nere Prephylloxera Don Peppino 2010 ($89.95) $77 special 20 bottles here
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The highlight in this range of 2010s is the Etna Rosso Prephylloxera La Vigna di Don Peppino, easily the most refined of these offerings from Terre Nere. A gorgeous, vibrant core of fruit caresses the palate in this expressive and totally delicious wine. The 2010 isn’t as big or rich as some previous versions, instead it is a wine that impresses for its considerable length and pure finesse on the palate. Tobacco and spice notes add complexity to the finish in a Nerello Mascalese that bears more than a passing resemblance to the Volnays of the Cote de Beaune. D’Angerville comes to mind. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025.”
For orders placed before December 01
Any single order / single destination of 1 to 6 bottles of above Terre Nere wines:
$12 cost for UPS ground to *anywhere* in the USA
Any single order / single destination of 12 bottles of above Terre Nere wines:
$FREE$ for UPS ground to *anywhere* in the USA
Ordering online?
Put only these Terre Nere wines on a single order, please, and
Select ‘special shipping’ in the shipping options,
We’ll figure it out from there.
Multiple gifts – Multiple Destinations?
Put the total of above Terre Nere wines on one order
Send us the list of recipients & addresses by email,
We’ll figure it out from there.
Champagne Super Specials
ending Friday December 13
AYALA Champagne Brut Majeur NV ($49.95) $28 super special
Wine Spectator 92 points “There’s a firm, chalky edge to this minerally Champagne, and mouthwatering flavors of candied lemon peel, green apple, crystallized honey and biscuit. This has an elegant texture and an overall sense of style. Drink now through 2020.”
Champagne Alfred Gratien Brut Classique NV ($49.95) $36 super special
Wine Spectator 93 points “Backed by intense and mouthwatering acidity, this firm version offers tightly knit flavors of lemon meringue, poached pear, pastry, with hints of hazelnut and coconut. Shows fine texture, and a smoky, mineral-driven base. Drink now through 2020”
Bollinger Special Cuvee Brut NV ($59.95) $49 special
Case-6: Bollinger Special Cuvee Brut NV $282 super special (that’s $47 / bottle)
Case-12: Bollinger Special Cuvee Brut NV $540 super special (that’s $45 / bottle)
Wine Spectator 94 points “A rich, smoky Champagne, with hints of marzipan and fennel seed accenting honeyed malt, bread dough, baked apple and gingersnap flavors. It’s all focused by intense acidity, which meshes beautifully into the layers of flavor and refined texture, with a lingering finish. Drink now through 2021.”
Vouette et Sorbee Champagne Brut Cuvee Fidele NV [2009] ($79.95) $49 super special
Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2009 Extra Brut Fidele (Pinot Noir) is rich, exuberant and powerful. Dried pears, white orchard fruit, flowers and spices burst from the glass in this intense, head-spinning Champagne. Clean veins of minerality frame a huge, powerful finish imbued with the essence of Pinot. Weighty, rich and powerful, the 2009 impresses for its fabulous balance and inviting, utterly irresistible personality. This is a great showing for the Fidele.”
Fontodi Flaccianello Toscana 2009 ($129.95) $89 special
Wine Spectator 96 points “The first impression of this red is purity and finesse, as black currant, raspberry and violet aromas and flavors stay focused and persistent. An earthy leather element and mineral notes chime in on the finish, backed by a vibrant structure. Sangiovese. Best from 2015 through 2032.”