In Today’s Newsletter:
Featured Pre-Arrival
Ridge’s 100-Point 2017 Monte Bello
Reichsrat von Buhl’s Beautiful Magnums
New Price Drops
The Iconic Wines of Raúl Pérez
Réméjeanne’s Staff Favorite Côtes du Rhônes
The Smartest Buy in Brunello?
La Gerla
Bow & Arrow
Unconventional, Awesome
Collector’s Corner #1
Lower Prices on Remoissenet’s 2011 Grand Crus
Collector’s Corner #2
Mature and Rare Champagne from de Venoge
Featured Pre-Arrival
Ridge’s 100-Point 2017 Monte Bello
We’re thrilled to have secured a limited allocation of one of California’s most celebrated wines, Ridge’s Monte Bello Cabernet Sauvignon. The bottle that put the Santa Cruz Mountains on the wine map, and remains its jewel, continues to enchant both connoisseurs and critics alike. Jeb Dunnuck recently named the 2017 vintage his #3 wine of 2020 and awarded it a perfect 100-point score. This fact has made a wine that is coveted in any vintage, even tougher to source. Our cache arrives next week, but we expect to sell most (if not all) before it lands -act accordingly.
“Pure perfection, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Monte Bello is a sensational effort from this estate that should be snatched up by drinkers and collectors. Based on 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot, and the rest Cabernet Franc that was brought up mostly in new American oak, this saturated purple-hued beauty is legendary Monte Bello in the making and has a stunning yet primordial bouquet of crème de cassis, lead pencil shavings, graphite, chocolate, and chalky minerality. Full-bodied, incredibly powerful, and one of the most concentrated versions of this cuvée ever made (I’ve had most of them), it needs a solid decade of bottle age and will have 50-60 years of overall longevity. Despite the long drinking window, it offers plenty of pleasure even today. I followed this bottle for two days and it showed best right out of the gate, closing down and becoming more brooding and backward with air. It’s an incredible wine that I promise you won’t regret having in your cellar.” –Jeb Dunnuck
Pre-Arrival ETA February 19th:
Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello, Santa Cruz Mountains 2017 375ML ($149.95) $119 pre-arrival special
Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello, Santa Cruz Mountains 2017 750ML ($299.95) $228 pre-arrival special
Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello, Santa Cruz Mountains 2017 1.5L ($599.95) $399 pre-arrival special
Jeb Dunnuck 100 points “#3 Top 200 of 2020. Pure perfection, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Monte Bello is a sensational effort from this estate that should be snatched up by drinkers and collectors. Based on 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot, and the rest Cabernet Franc that was brought up mostly in new American oak, this saturated purple-hued beauty is legendary Monte Bello in the making and has a stunning yet primordial bouquet of crème de cassis, lead pencil shavings, graphite, chocolate, and chalky minerality. Full-bodied, incredibly powerful, and one of the most concentrated versions of this cuvée ever made (I’ve had most of them), it needs a solid decade of bottle age and will have 50-60 years of overall longevity. Despite the long drinking window, it offers plenty of pleasure even today. I followed this bottle for two days and it showed best right out of the gate, closing down and becoming more brooding and backward with air. It’s an incredible wine that I promise you won’t regret having in your cellar.” Jeb Dunnuck
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 98-100 points “Destined to rank as one of the all-time greats from Ridge, the 2017 Monte Bello opens in the glass with youthfully complex notes of ripe plums, cassis, espresso roast and black truffles, with little apparent trace of its time in 100% new oak. On the palate, it’s full-bodied and incredibly concentrated, with a rich, layered mid-palate and immense substance that marks it out as the most richly tannic Monte Bello since 2013. As ever, the acids are vibrant, with a classic pH of around 3.5—notably lower than most Cabernet Sauvignons from contemporary Bordeaux or Napa Valley, thanks to this site’s limestone soils and high altitude. At the time of writing, the blend is 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Petit Verdot, 6% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc, though that may change by the time it’s bottled. Eric Baugher observes that fermentations were slow in 2017, which protracted the period of extraction, partially accounting for this vintage’s power. It’s still a baby, but this is a strong contender for a perfect score when it’s bottled in over a year’s time—and it should see out its 50th birthday in style.”
“Pure perfection, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Monte Bello is a sensational effort from this estate that should be snatched up by drinkers and collectors. Based on 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot, and the rest Cabernet Franc that was brought up mostly in new American oak, this saturated purple-hued beauty is legendary Monte Bello in the making and has a stunning yet primordial bouquet of crème de cassis, lead pencil shavings, graphite, chocolate, and chalky minerality. Full-bodied, incredibly powerful, and one of the most concentrated versions of this cuvée ever made (I’ve had most of them), it needs a solid decade of bottle age and will have 50-60 years of overall longevity. Despite the long drinking window, it offers plenty of pleasure even today. I followed this bottle for two days and it showed best right out of the gate, closing down and becoming more brooding and backward with air. It’s an incredible wine that I promise you won’t regret having in your cellar.” –Jeb Dunnuck
Pre-Arrival ETA February 19th:
Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello, Santa Cruz Mountains 2017 375ML ($149.95) $119 pre-arrival special
Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello, Santa Cruz Mountains 2017 750ML ($299.95) $228 pre-arrival special
Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello, Santa Cruz Mountains 2017 1.5L ($599.95) $399 pre-arrival special
Jeb Dunnuck 100 points “#3 Top 200 of 2020. Pure perfection, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Monte Bello is a sensational effort from this estate that should be snatched up by drinkers and collectors. Based on 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot, and the rest Cabernet Franc that was brought up mostly in new American oak, this saturated purple-hued beauty is legendary Monte Bello in the making and has a stunning yet primordial bouquet of crème de cassis, lead pencil shavings, graphite, chocolate, and chalky minerality. Full-bodied, incredibly powerful, and one of the most concentrated versions of this cuvée ever made (I’ve had most of them), it needs a solid decade of bottle age and will have 50-60 years of overall longevity. Despite the long drinking window, it offers plenty of pleasure even today. I followed this bottle for two days and it showed best right out of the gate, closing down and becoming more brooding and backward with air. It’s an incredible wine that I promise you won’t regret having in your cellar.” Jeb Dunnuck
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 98-100 points “Destined to rank as one of the all-time greats from Ridge, the 2017 Monte Bello opens in the glass with youthfully complex notes of ripe plums, cassis, espresso roast and black truffles, with little apparent trace of its time in 100% new oak. On the palate, it’s full-bodied and incredibly concentrated, with a rich, layered mid-palate and immense substance that marks it out as the most richly tannic Monte Bello since 2013. As ever, the acids are vibrant, with a classic pH of around 3.5—notably lower than most Cabernet Sauvignons from contemporary Bordeaux or Napa Valley, thanks to this site’s limestone soils and high altitude. At the time of writing, the blend is 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Petit Verdot, 6% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc, though that may change by the time it’s bottled. Eric Baugher observes that fermentations were slow in 2017, which protracted the period of extraction, partially accounting for this vintage’s power. It’s still a baby, but this is a strong contender for a perfect score when it’s bottled in over a year’s time—and it should see out its 50th birthday in style.”
This is the lowest listed magnum price in the USA today!
Love California Cabernet? We have 37 different options in stock now. Shop the entire selection, including famous names like Colgin, Diamond Creek, Opus One and more, on our web store now.
Reichsrat von Buhl’s Beautiful Magnums
Von Buhl has been one of the top wineries in the Pfalz for a long, long time (the winery was founded in 1849). The latest generation has seen a shift towards focusing on dry wines and they’re stunning.
Beauty is a word that gets thrown around a lot in wine literature, but it is perhaps most apt when describing German Riesling. Both the contents and vessel (the iconic flute bottle) are timeless. And this is especially true of German magnums. These are life-of-the-party, centerpiece-at-the-table bottles.
Today most top-end dry German Rieslings start around $60 for a standard bottle, but you can purchase these beautiful magnums for $59.
In Stock Now:
Reichsrat von Buhl Deidesheimer Leinhöhle Riesling Halbtrocken, Pfalz 2015 1.5L ($79.95) $59 special, 8 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 91 points “The golden/yellow-colored 2015 Deidesheimer Leinhöhle Riesling (AP 1416) has an intense nose with pretty ripe, but also refreshing and slightly greenish fruit aromas with sur-lie characteristics. Round and elegant on the palate, this is a balanced, fruit-intense and well-structured Riesling with nice concentration and a long, intense finish. Pretty accessible already, but also with tension. This is a very well-made Riesling from a warmer terroir in a warm vintage. The acidity is ripe and well integrated, and the creamy texture and long lees aging make this a pretty Burgundian Riesling, with 13.5% alcohol.”
This is the only magnum listing in the USA today!
Reichsrat von Buhl Deidesheimer Mäusehöhle Riesling Trocken, Pfalz 2015 1.5L ($89.95) $59 special, 9 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2015 Deidesheimer Mäusehöhle Riesling (AP 2216) opens with a pure and refreshing, rather coolish aroma (compared to the Leinshöhle) of ripe yellow fruits intertwined with stony aromas. Round, fresh and elegant on the palate, this full-bodied and well-balanced Riesling is tightly woven, but fine and very mineral. It displays ripe yellow apple flavors in the finish, as well as nice and stimulating grip. The finish is pure and salty, really vitalizing in its freshness and clarity. According to the label, this is 12.5% alcohol.”
This is the lowest listed magnum price in the USA today!
Reichsrat von Buhl Forster Musenhang Riesling Trocken, Pfalz 2015 1.5L ($79.95) $59 special, 7 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 92 points “The intensely citrus-yellow 2015 Forster Musenhang Riesling (AP 2416) shows a clear, aromatic, and slightly flinty nose with ripe pip fruit and refreshing lemon; there are even green paprika and apple flavors on the intense and elegant nose. This Musenhang is medium-bodied, clear, fresh and racy on the palate. It is a straight and mineral, edgy and merciless Riesling with no ornaments, no meat and no charm. But it does have a lot of freshness, raciness and character. This is probably not a wine for the U.S. market, whereas Wikings would probably die for it. Great finesse and purity here, this is an old-school Riesling from the pre-global warming area. Some would say it is unripe, while other would say it’s just ripe. I’d say: the ripeness is at maximum, but I like it due to its refreshing and mineral expression. This Riesling is 12.5% alcohol.”
This is the only magnum listing in the USA today!
Shop the entire selection of German Riesling, including 15 additional Magnum options, on our web store now.
New Price Drops
The Iconic Wines of Raúl Pérez
Raúl Pérez has emerged as one of the most exciting Spanish winemakers. He’s done it in an interesting way: not by making over-the-top big fruit and oak bombs, but rather by honing in on the terroirs in Galicia. Until the late 1990s, when his mentor Alvaro Palacios started the Petalos/Descendientes project, most of the wines in the region were sold locally, often to pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago.
Since then, a number of new wineries have popped up, but most of them are in the Palacios mold—made from around the warm, Mediterranean-climate village of Corullon. Pérez, on the other hand, has walked a different path and focuses on wines made from Atlantic-influenced climates in villages like Villadecanes or Cacabelos. As a result, the wines tend to be impressive, but in an introspective, earthy way.
Winemaking plays a part in that, as well. Pérez prefers indigenous yeasts, neutral vessels and a lot of whole-cluster fermentation in his wine. Citing the (unlikely) influence of Bartolo Mascarello, he performs a long post-fermentation maceration on his wines as well, which give them powerful, yet elegant, structures that complement food exceptionally well. When you roll all of this together, you understand why Pérez is making waves—these are unique and exceptional wines that show off terroirs previously unexplored by serious winemakers.
We’ve been shouting from the rooftops about Raúl Pérez for some time, and to encourage you to discover why we’ve further reduced prices on most of our inventory.
In Stock Now & Just Reduced:
Raúl Pérez Ultreia de Paluezas, Bierzo 2016 750ML ($79.95) Was $59 Now $54.50, 36+ bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 96 points “One of the few vineyards in Bierzo where the soils have a significant content of limestone is San Juan de Paluezas, in a different valley looking into Las Médulas goldmines. They produce three barrels of the 2016 Ultreia de Paluezas from this vineyard. This year it had a shorter élevage, only around 12 months, as they saw it was ready and was racked out of the wood. Limestone soils always deliver dry, chalk-like tannins and a special tastiness that often translates in an almost salty feeling. It has more bones than flesh; it’s austere and should develop slowly in bottle. In fact, they are now releasing the 2015, as they feel it benefits from some more time in bottle. I like the austerity here. 850 bottles produced from a small plot with very low yields.”
Since then, a number of new wineries have popped up, but most of them are in the Palacios mold—made from around the warm, Mediterranean-climate village of Corullon. Pérez, on the other hand, has walked a different path and focuses on wines made from Atlantic-influenced climates in villages like Villadecanes or Cacabelos. As a result, the wines tend to be impressive, but in an introspective, earthy way.
Winemaking plays a part in that, as well. Pérez prefers indigenous yeasts, neutral vessels and a lot of whole-cluster fermentation in his wine. Citing the (unlikely) influence of Bartolo Mascarello, he performs a long post-fermentation maceration on his wines as well, which give them powerful, yet elegant, structures that complement food exceptionally well. When you roll all of this together, you understand why Pérez is making waves—these are unique and exceptional wines that show off terroirs previously unexplored by serious winemakers.
We’ve been shouting from the rooftops about Raúl Pérez for some time, and to encourage you to discover why we’ve further reduced prices on most of our inventory.
In Stock Now & Just Reduced:
Raúl Pérez Ultreia de Paluezas, Bierzo 2016 750ML ($79.95) Was $59 Now $54.50, 36+ bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 96 points “One of the few vineyards in Bierzo where the soils have a significant content of limestone is San Juan de Paluezas, in a different valley looking into Las Médulas goldmines. They produce three barrels of the 2016 Ultreia de Paluezas from this vineyard. This year it had a shorter élevage, only around 12 months, as they saw it was ready and was racked out of the wood. Limestone soils always deliver dry, chalk-like tannins and a special tastiness that often translates in an almost salty feeling. It has more bones than flesh; it’s austere and should develop slowly in bottle. In fact, they are now releasing the 2015, as they feel it benefits from some more time in bottle. I like the austerity here. 850 bottles produced from a small plot with very low yields.”
This was the lowest listed price in the USA
Now even lower!
The next lowest listed price is $62.99
Now even lower!
The next lowest listed price is $62.99
Raúl Pérez Ultreia Rapolao, Bierzo 2014 750ML ($69.95) Was $59 Now $54.50, 4 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 95+ points “There is a new Ultreia bottling, the 2014 Ultreia El Rapolao, from a vineyard that now sees five or six different bottlings, sourced from their old vineyards that used to go to the Vizcaína bottling. This is really pretty, with intense floral aromas, spices, a touch of earth and something herbal. The palate is medium-bodied with refined tannins, great balance and a tasty, long, sapid, almost salty finish. There were some 600 bottles produced. it was bottled in January 2017. Outstanding.”
This was the lowest listed price in the USA
Now even lower!
The next lowest listed price is $62.99
Now even lower!
The next lowest listed price is $62.99
Raúl Pérez Ultreia de Valtuille, Bierzo 2014 750ML ($69.95) Was $59 Now $54.50, 7 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 96 points “The 2014 Ultreia de Valtuille was very open and expressive, impressive too, with notes of freshness, blood orange, red cherries and also flowers (violets, lilies) and an earthy touch. It’s elegant and complex, with very fine tannins and a velvety sensation. As with all the reds, the oak is unnoticeable, perfectly integrated and folded into the wine.”
This was the lowest listed price in the USA
Now even lower!
The average listed price is $69
Now even lower!
The average listed price is $69
Raúl Pérez Ultreia de Valtuille, Bierzo 2015 750ML ($79.95) Was $59 Now $45, 36+ bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds 95 points “Vivid ruby. An expansive, seductively perfumed bouquet of ripe red/blue fruits, pot-pourri, exotic spices and cola, along with an intense mineral overtone. Concentrated yet vibrant in character, showing superb definition and mineral lift to the sweet raspberry, boysenberry, cola, spicecake and violet pastille flavors. Shows alluring sweetness and powerful thrust on the youthfully tannic finish, which hangs on with outstanding clarity and mineral-driven persistence. (All whole clusters and neutral French oak.) “
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Also in Stock Now:
Raúl Pérez Ultreia de Valtuille, Bierzo 2016 750ML ($79.95) $59 special, 8 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 96+ points “There are only 1,000 bottles of the 2016 Ultreia Valtuille (the new name, as all labels have been simplified and cleaned up, and some of the names have even been shortened). The crop was greatly reduced because of mildew, and the grapes are a lot more concentrated, with more tannin and structure, and they had to do a much longer élevage, up to 24 months in barrique. Despite its concentration and power, it has great freshness and perfume. You don’t find excess tannin, and it seems like the time in barrel has really polished the edges. It’s really outstanding.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Love Spanish reds? We have over 120 different options in stock now. Shop the entire selection, including staff favorites like Daniel Landi, Daterra Lorenzo, Guímaro and more, on our web store now.
Réméjeanne’s Staff Favorite Côtes du Rhônes
Réméjeanne represents everything that we’re looking for from the Southern Rhône. The wines come from high elevation, certified organic vineyards, and are conscientiously made. The resulting wines offer freshness and soul that typical Côtes du Rhône wines so often lack. If you love a more elegant expression of Grenache and Syrah, then Réméjeanne’s wines are sure to excite -especially at $17 and $18 respectively.
In Stock Now:
Domaine la Réméjeanne Côtes du Rhône Un Air de Réméjeanne, Rhône 2019 750ML ($19.95) $17 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Importer note “Owned by the dynamic Oliver Klein, this certified organic domaine is located in the small high altitude village of Sabran, nestled in dramatic hills divided between forests of green oak and sun-soaked vineyards. All of the vines at the estate are found at high altitudes between 200 and 280 meters. This results in a cooler climate than most of the Southern Rhône, and endows the wines with a freshness and liveliness not often encountered in the region. Klein is an extremely conscientious winemaker, using very traditional methods to maintain the highest quality of wine. All the grapes are hand-harvested, undergoing long, slow fermentations with indigenous yeasts before being aged in concrete or older wood. This hands off approach creates wines of elegance and class.”
Domaine la Réméjeanne Côtes du Rhône Les Chèvrefeuilles, Rhône 2017 ($21.95) $18 special, 35 bottles in stock now
Importer note “70% Syrah, 10% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre, 5% Carignan, 5% Marselan. Grown on loess over limestone and sandstone on southeast-facing slopes at 250m of altitude.”
Love Rhône reds? We have over 150 different options in stock now. Shop the entire selection, including famous names like Clape, Henri Bonneau, Vaudieu and more, on our web store now.
In Stock Now:
Domaine la Réméjeanne Côtes du Rhône Un Air de Réméjeanne, Rhône 2019 750ML ($19.95) $17 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Importer note “Owned by the dynamic Oliver Klein, this certified organic domaine is located in the small high altitude village of Sabran, nestled in dramatic hills divided between forests of green oak and sun-soaked vineyards. All of the vines at the estate are found at high altitudes between 200 and 280 meters. This results in a cooler climate than most of the Southern Rhône, and endows the wines with a freshness and liveliness not often encountered in the region. Klein is an extremely conscientious winemaker, using very traditional methods to maintain the highest quality of wine. All the grapes are hand-harvested, undergoing long, slow fermentations with indigenous yeasts before being aged in concrete or older wood. This hands off approach creates wines of elegance and class.”
Domaine la Réméjeanne Côtes du Rhône Les Chèvrefeuilles, Rhône 2017 ($21.95) $18 special, 35 bottles in stock now
Importer note “70% Syrah, 10% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre, 5% Carignan, 5% Marselan. Grown on loess over limestone and sandstone on southeast-facing slopes at 250m of altitude.”
Love Rhône reds? We have over 150 different options in stock now. Shop the entire selection, including famous names like Clape, Henri Bonneau, Vaudieu and more, on our web store now.
Vinopolis Wine Shop Curbside Pick Up
Order Online / By Phone / By Email
When you’re ready to pick up, just park in our lot,
give us a call, & we’ll bring your order to your car.
(If another adult is picking up for you,
please let us know their name when placing your order.)
www.vinopoliswineshop.com
info@vinopoliswineshop.com
503-223-6002
When you’re ready to pick up, just park in our lot,
give us a call, & we’ll bring your order to your car.
(If another adult is picking up for you,
please let us know their name when placing your order.)
www.vinopoliswineshop.com
info@vinopoliswineshop.com
503-223-6002
The Smartest Buy in Brunello?
La Gerla
La Gerla makes fantastic Brunello in a traditional (yet approachable) style. The wines always have striking purity of fruit and elegant structures, but are free of the sweet tinted oak that masks many “easy drinking” Brunellos. The pricing is on-point and the combination of all of the above has turned the estate into a Vinopolis staple.
The lineup offers a range of expressions thanks to differing terroirs and aging regimes. The base Brunello is a blend of both the Canalicchio and Castelnuovo vineyards, and sees 3 years of aging in large old casks. The Angeli Riserva comes entirely from a one hectare parcel of old vines within the family’s estate vineyard, and enjoys 4 years of aging in 50hl oak casks before bottling. While the Poggio Gli Angeli is made from younger vines located in Castelnuovo, and spends just 4 months in botti before being bottled. Unsurprisingly, the Poggio is meant for younger drinking and offer a ton of immediate pleasure. While both the base Brunello and Riserva will age gracefully.
Discover for yourself why La Gerla is considered one of the great growths of Tuscany, and is a perennial Vinopolis customer favorite.
In Stock Now:
La Gerla Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2013 750ML ($59.95) $45 special, 7 bottles in stock now
La Gerla Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2013 1.5L ($119.95) $99 special, 4 magnums in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2013 Brunello di Montalcino is elegant, balanced and bright. The pretty luminosity of the wine’s appearance helps to underline this positive impression. The bouquet is nuanced and layered with dried fruit aromas that segue to spice, tar and balsam herb. You get sassy aromas of licorice, tar and cola on the close.”
Ian D’agata-Vinous 93+ points “Bright red. Pure and very flinty nuances complement aromas and flavors of strawberry-rhubarb and wild berries on the nose and palate. Dense and juicy and boasting a focused, penetrating mouthfeel, this finishes long and clean with a very strong note of licorice. Best classico Brunello from La Gerla in some time.”
The lineup offers a range of expressions thanks to differing terroirs and aging regimes. The base Brunello is a blend of both the Canalicchio and Castelnuovo vineyards, and sees 3 years of aging in large old casks. The Angeli Riserva comes entirely from a one hectare parcel of old vines within the family’s estate vineyard, and enjoys 4 years of aging in 50hl oak casks before bottling. While the Poggio Gli Angeli is made from younger vines located in Castelnuovo, and spends just 4 months in botti before being bottled. Unsurprisingly, the Poggio is meant for younger drinking and offer a ton of immediate pleasure. While both the base Brunello and Riserva will age gracefully.
Discover for yourself why La Gerla is considered one of the great growths of Tuscany, and is a perennial Vinopolis customer favorite.
In Stock Now:
La Gerla Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2013 750ML ($59.95) $45 special, 7 bottles in stock now
La Gerla Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2013 1.5L ($119.95) $99 special, 4 magnums in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2013 Brunello di Montalcino is elegant, balanced and bright. The pretty luminosity of the wine’s appearance helps to underline this positive impression. The bouquet is nuanced and layered with dried fruit aromas that segue to spice, tar and balsam herb. You get sassy aromas of licorice, tar and cola on the close.”
Ian D’agata-Vinous 93+ points “Bright red. Pure and very flinty nuances complement aromas and flavors of strawberry-rhubarb and wild berries on the nose and palate. Dense and juicy and boasting a focused, penetrating mouthfeel, this finishes long and clean with a very strong note of licorice. Best classico Brunello from La Gerla in some time.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
La Gerla Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2015 750ML ($69.95) $55 special, 28 bottles in stock now
La Gerla Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2015 1.5L ($149.95) $119 special, 5 magnums in stock now
Wine Spectator 94 points “Black cherry and black currant fruit is accented by tobacco, earth and mineral flavors in this sleek yet dense red. Balsamic elements of juniper, thyme and olive add depth as this cruises to a long finish. The potential lies in the excellent length. Best from 2023 through 2042. —B.S.”
Eric Guido – Vinous 94 points “La Gerla’s 2015 Brunello di Montalcino is gorgeous, showing depths of earthy moist soil, minerals and hints of animal musk up front, giving way to crushed strawberry and cherry, getting spicy with lifting minerals yet retaining a rich character throughout. On the palate, silky textures are matched by cool-toned acids and refreshing moist mineral tones, as zesty cherry and cedar come forward. It’s so balanced and smooth, with high energy lasting into the long finish, showing saturating spice and salty minerals, yet remaining cool-toned and precise. The 2015 is a beautifully balanced wine that’s firmly rooted in the earth.”
James Suckling 93 points “Lots of raspberry coulis, dried redcurrants and red-plum compote here. The medium-to full-bodied palate has fleshy and succulent appeal with juicy tannins and a fruit-forward finish. Drink now or hold.”
La Gerla Riserva gli Angeli, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2012 750ML ($99.95) $69 special, 34 bottles in stock now
La Gerla Riserva gli Angeli, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2012 3L ($499.95) $319 special, 2 double magnums in stock now
Ian D’agata-Vinous 95 points “Bright medium ruby. Very clean and fresh aromas and flavors of red currant, cherry pit, flowers and blood orange jelly. Bright, juicy and very light on its feet, offering superb vinosity and clarity of flavor, this conveys an impression of real underlying density and a multilayered mouthfeel. A knockout wine of outstanding energy and class, finishing with polished tannins, uncanny sweetness and lovely subtle persistence, not to mention outstanding balance (it hides its 14.5% alcohol very well).”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95 points “Here is a dense and meaty Tusan red that flaunts its immediate power, structure and intensity. The 2012 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva gli Angeli is robust and deep thanks to a generous offering of dark fruit, spice and tar-like aromas. Fruit is carefully selected for this wine, and the grapes are fermented in stainless steel. Post fermentation, the wine goes into large Slavonian oak casks for four years. The finish is soft and supple with sweet berry flavors. This wine has made an impressive jump forward in this vintage.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
La Gerla ‘Poggio gli Angeli’ Sangiovese Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2017 750ML ($21.95) $18 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 La Gerla ‘Poggio gli Angeli’ Sangiovese Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2017 750ML ($249.95) $199 special (that’s only $16.58/bottle!)
Eric Guido – Vinous 90 points “La Gerla’s 2017 Poggio gli Angeli displays a mix of fresh, wild red berries, savory, spicy herbs and hints of cedar. On the palate, soft textures give way to crushed raspberry and cherry, with hints of sweet spice and sage. The finish is long and fresh, elevated by zesty acids, and showing hints of strawberry and inner floral notes.”
La Gerla Rosso di Montalcino, Tuscany 2018 750ML ($29.95) $24 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Eric Guido – Vinous 91 points “The 2018 Rosso di Montalcino is polished, dark and earthy, with crushed black cherry lifted by peppery herbs and minerals as sweet spices develop in the glass. Silky textures carry brisk acids over the senses, ushering in tart red fruits, with hints of savory herbs, in a wonderfully fresh expression. The finish is medium in length, coating the palate in tart red fruits, with saturating fine tannin and cedary spices.”
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Bow & Arrow
Unconventional, Awesome
We can’t say enough good things about Bow & Arrow and the wines they make. Scott Frank seems to have cracked the code to do two things that are nearly impossible for other Oregon wineries. First, he makes wines that are vibrant, fresh and delicious in a truly old-world fashion. The wines are awesome. There’s a liveliness that we find in the Bow & Arrow wines that can often be lacking from lots of other wines from this state—a zippiness, if you will. As a result, the wines (especially the wines we’re featuring today) can be compulsively drinkable.
The other major puzzle that Scott seems to have cracked is affordability. We often see wines from the U.S. marketed as ‘daily drinkers’, but priced at $35+, well north of a comparable wine from Europe. With Bow & Arrow, though, we’re pleased as punch that a delicious local wine is cheaper than similar wines from Europe. Scott Frank’s pricing seems free of ego, and we are all happy to reap the rewards of his unconventional approach.
In Stock Now:
Bow & Arrow Air Guitar, Willamette Valley 2018 750ML ($29.95) $24.40 special, 17 bottles in stock now
Winery note “Like Rhinestones, the name Air Guitar is a self deprecating poke at attempting French style wines in America. The “least likely to exist” of all of our Willamette Valley sourced wines, this is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon from Borgo Pass Vineyard and Cabernet Franc from Johan Vineyard. Don’t let the playful nature of the wine’s label fool you -this is our most profound expression of red wine from this region and the one that rewards the most patience. Aged 10 to 12 months in puncheon.”
The other major puzzle that Scott seems to have cracked is affordability. We often see wines from the U.S. marketed as ‘daily drinkers’, but priced at $35+, well north of a comparable wine from Europe. With Bow & Arrow, though, we’re pleased as punch that a delicious local wine is cheaper than similar wines from Europe. Scott Frank’s pricing seems free of ego, and we are all happy to reap the rewards of his unconventional approach.
In Stock Now:
Bow & Arrow Air Guitar, Willamette Valley 2018 750ML ($29.95) $24.40 special, 17 bottles in stock now
Winery note “Like Rhinestones, the name Air Guitar is a self deprecating poke at attempting French style wines in America. The “least likely to exist” of all of our Willamette Valley sourced wines, this is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon from Borgo Pass Vineyard and Cabernet Franc from Johan Vineyard. Don’t let the playful nature of the wine’s label fool you -this is our most profound expression of red wine from this region and the one that rewards the most patience. Aged 10 to 12 months in puncheon.”
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Bow & Arrow Chenin Blanc, Willamette Valley 2018 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Winery note “10 years in the making…. Chenin was part of the original varietal trifecta for Bow & Arrow when I began in 2010. But all the Chenin in the Willamette Valley has been torn out or grafted as far as I was able to tell. (There were always rumors…). While readily available in Washington or Southern Oregon I was committed to only doing it with WV fruit. It had to be cool climate character or nothing. I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time, y’all. All those trips to the Loire paid off. As well as that training wheels vintage (2017) that had to get blended. (This shit is hard to ripen) I didn’t know what to expect from the finished wine but I’m relieved to share it came out tasting like only Chenin can. 84 cases produced!”
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Bow & Arrow Gamay Noir, Willamette Valley 2019 750ML ($29.95) $21.90 special, 35 bottles in stock now
Case-12 Bow & Arrow Gamay Noir, Willamette Valley 2019 750ML ($299.95) $239 special (that’s only $19.92/bottle!)
VinopolNote: This is a beautifully crisp and crunchy red from the 2019 vintage. We love it with a light chill all on its own, or enjoy with cheeses, salads, or roast chicken. Buy a case or two to carry you through the fall (and to be prepared for Thanksgiving!)
Winery note “This release is a bit of a change from the past as it no longer is a multi AVA blend but is entirely from Eola-Amity Hills AVA fruit. I think this may be the best AVA for Gamay in the WV. This is sourced exclusively this year from Jubilee Vineyard which I’m happy to say we lured into transitioning into organic farming. There’s more fruit and less savory/sappy/barky vibes. It’s still made using a traditional semi-carbonic maceration in concrete vats. It lives there for eight months before bottling. Again, no nothing until the devil’s piss at bottling – 25ppm. This is probably the best expression of Gamay I’ve produced.”
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Bow & Arrow Melon Johan Vineyard, Oregon 2019 750ML ($21.95) $18 special, 7 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “Better known as Muscadet, this is the grape responsible for the classic French wine famous for its versatility with all things Ocean born. Sourced from multiple vineyards and aged in vat for 6 – 8 months our version treads the same ground as the wines that inspired it. Briney, crystalline, and quenching this wine is made for summer feasts as well as winter seafood sessions.”
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Bow & Arrow Rhinestone Red, Willamette Valley 2019 750ML ($29.95) $20.90 special, 7 bottles in stock now
Case-12 Bow & Arrow Rhinestone Red, Willamette Valley 2019 750ML ($319.95) $228 special (that’s only $19/bottle!)
Winery note “To understand Rhinestones we have to talk about the Cheverny region of France’s Loire Valley where, by law, the red wines must be a blend of Gamay and Pinot Noir. We follow this stricture with all the Pinot and Gamay fruit we source from Johan Vineyard. The blend is determined by nature and vintage. Aged in a mixture of concrete and old barriques, this wine is the flagship of the Bow & Arrow operation and communicates what we’re about as much as anything we make. Effortlessly drinkable but rewards detective work if you’re in the mood.”
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Bow & Arrow Le Chenaie Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Willamette Valley 2018 750ML ($29.95) $26 special, 9 bottles in stock now
Winery note “Proof that Sauvignon Blanc made the right way can be terroir wine, the short distance between Union School and La Chenaie belies the profoundly different ways in which the two sites express themselves. We make the two wines exactly the same way but the Eola-Amity Hills highlights wholly different attributes in Sauvignon Blanc. This expression is more sophisticated than it’s southern brother and incorporates a savory aspect we find fascinating. Texturally is carries more weight and depth without being ponderous. Reminiscent of stone fruit, guava, mint and a whiff of Rum Agricole.”
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Collector’s Corner #1
Lower Prices on Remoissenet’s 2011 Grand Crus
Lower Prices on Remoissenet’s 2011 Grand Crus
In Burgundy, there are negociants (wineries that buy fruit or wine rather than owning vineyards), and there are great negociants. Put Remoissenet in the latter category. Founded in 1877, Remoissenet was acquired in 2005 by investors including some American businesspeople and negociant-par-excellence Louis Jadot. New equipment and a renewed focus followed, and the impressive results reside in bottle.
At Remoissenet, for example, grapes are purchased according to quality rather than quantity -the four outstanding Grand Cru vineyards on offer below provide evidence of this fact. If only all negociants operated this way! Such a fruit-buying strategy paid off in the 2011 vintage, which resulted in a small crop of thick-skinned grapes. Accordingly, the wines have structure, yet do not need eons to reveal their fine Côte d’Or perfume and finesse. All four wines are drinking beautifully today, but are capable of aging magnificently for at least another decade. Remoissenet just keeps getting better and better, and these 2011s are proof.
In Stock Now:
Remoissenet Père & Fils Chapelle-Chambertin Grand Cru, Côte de Nuits 2011 750ML ($279.95) Was $219 Now $179, 11 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 93+ points “The 2011 Chapelle-Chambertin is not lacking in personality, that much is obvious. A savory, almost wild Burgundy, the 2011 Chapelle is laced with dried herbs, tobacco, black cherries and cured meats are some of the notes that blossom in the glass. It will be interesting to see where the 2011 goes; will it always remain a bit gamy, or will it find a bit more finesse in bottle?”
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Remoissenet Père & Fils Chambertin Clos-de-Bèze Grand Cru, Côte de Nuits 2011 750ML ($349.95) Was $229 Now $189, 9 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2011 Chambertin Clos-de-Bèze Grand Cru is less flamboyant than the Charmes-Chambertin ‘11 tasted alongside. The fruit here is darker, a touch more tertiary but still very well-defined. The palate is medium-bodied with fine definition, a masculine Clos-de-Bèze that will need two or three more years in the cellar. Personally, I prefer the harmony and plushness of the Charmes-Chambertin, although this will repay bottle age thanks to its substance and structure. Drink 2018-2030.”
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2011 Chambertin Clos de Bèze isn’t ready to show all its cards just yet. This is a relatively delicate style for Bèze, with expressive floral notes that convey more finesse than power. The 2011 isn’t fully formed yet, but today my impression is that it will remain quite restrained in style.”
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The average listed price is $232
The average listed price is $232
Remoissenet Père & Fils Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru, Côte de Nuits 2011 750ML ($279.95) Was $219 Now $189, 11 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2011 Clos de Vougeot is dense, compact and structured. Firm, chalky tannins support a core of bright red berries, mint, wild flowers and minerals. The 2011 possesses gorgeous clarity and focus, with more than enough underlying minerality to drink well for a number if years.”
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The next lowest listed price is $254.97
The next lowest listed price is $254.97
Remoissenet Père & Fils Ruchottes-Chambertin Grand Cru, Côte de Nuits 2011 750ML ($279.95) Was $189 Now $159, 13 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2011 Ruchottes-Chambertin presents a classical expression of lifted, fragrant fruit to match its weightless personality. Today, the 2011 is incredibly expressive, with impeccable balance and a total sense of harmony that is hugely appealing.”
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Collector’s Corner #2
Mature and Rare Champagne from de Venoge
Mature and Rare Champagne from de Venoge
De Venoge is one of the more overlooked old-school Champagne houses, a fact that means even their finest and rarest wines continue to be undervalued relative to their peers. Case in point? The two prestige cuvées, the Louis d’Or and Louis XV bottlings, which are held back on the lees for exceedingly long periods of time and are true monuments of vintage bubbly.
De Venoge has a strong following in Europe for good reason—they source from some of the best vineyards in Champagne and produce prestige cuvées of immense quality, built on long lees aging. They source Pinot Noir from Grand Cru villages like Verzenay, Ambonnay and Bouzy and pair it with a murderers row of Chardonnay sources, including Avize, Mesnil, and Cramant. The resulting wines capture the essence of classical Champagne and are in high demand in Europe’s top restaurants. Despite that, they tend to be overlooked in the United States, making them quite the opportunity for savvy connoisseurs.
Their older prestige cuvées are outstanding wines for lovers of mature Champagne in all its glory, with rich, creamy textures from extended lees aging allied to surprisingly fresh, mineral personalities. There’s a reason this house has such a following in Europe—they produce stunning wines and then age them until they’re ready to go, so you don’t have to leave these in your cellar for decades. We have a handful of options left, including two that are a quarter-century young. Now’s your chance to try them for yourself.
In Stock Now:
De Venoge Louis d’Or Brut, Champagne 1996 750ML ($299.95) $249 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Wine Advocate 96 points “The 1996 Louis d’Or Brut Millésimé is a blend of 50% Pinot Noir from Verzenay, Ambonnay, Mailly and Bouzy and 50% Chardonnay from Avize, Cramant, Mesnil-sur-Oger and Chouilly. Fermented in stainless steel, with malolactic, and it was disgorged in March 2016 with a dosage of six grams per liter. This luxurious, golden colored vintage Champagne offers a beautifully complex, matured and vinous bouquet with lovely brioche, mushroom and yeasty flavors. The visual CO2 is gone quickly, but on the palate it gives this lean and steely yet enormously complex Millésime a tight structure and enormous length. It is tastes bone dry so that you can fully concentrate on the very complex and mineral character and the lovely austere finish. This is great a Champagne for purists, and the finish is enormous, reminding me of matured dry Rieslings from the good old Rheingau. Many of our readers may eventually ask for more roundness and charm here… But first: this is 1996. And second: this is Louis d’Or, and there is no Champagne like this.-SR”
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De Venoge Louis XV de Venoge Brut Millésime, Champagne 1996 750ML ($219.95) $189 special, 26 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 96 points “This is really complex, old Champagne with puff-pastry, dried-apple, spice and salted-nut aromas and flavors. Full body. Ultra fine bubbles with an extremely fine and creamy mouth feel. Extreme edge to it. This spent 21 years on the lees. Disgorged in 2018. Every year they disgorge 3,000 bottles”
De Venoge Louis XV de Venoge Brut Millésime, Champagne 2006 750ML ($219.95) $189 special, 16 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 96 points “The assemblage of the 2006 Louis XV Brut Millésimé is about the same as the 1995 and 1996—composed of 50/50 Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, all from grand cru villages. The only difference is that the Chardonnay from Le Mesnil-sur-Oger (10% of the assemblage) spent 12 months in oak barrels. Disgorged in January 2017 (dosage: six grams per liter), the 2006 has a golden color and opens with a deep, ripe, elegant and vinous bouquet with toasty and chalky lemon and fresh white fruit flavors. On the palate, this is an intense, round, fresh and complex Louis XV with great purity and finesse. The wine opens on the palate like a soufflé, coating the whole palate without any pressure or weight—gorgeous! This is a delicate and fresh yet well-structured and persistent Louis XV whose intense and long but weightless finish reveals lovely, almost juicy fruit concentration with perfectly integrated freshness and lasting minerality that seems to give additional structure. The 2006 shows a lot of Chardonnay features right now and drinks perfectly today; however, it can be kept under perfect conditions for decades. Just keep it in the box, because the bottle is white and nothing makes a Champagne age faster than exposure to daylight. (Tasted in November 2017 from Lot LL15067017BT.)-SR”
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De Venoge Louis XV de Venoge Brut Millésime, Champagne 2008 750ML ($299.95) $249 special, 16 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 95 points “This is really punchy and broad-shouldered with muscular structure and citrusy undertones. Full body. Lightly tannic and a fresh and vivid finish. This is the first vintage without malolactic fermentation ever. One for the cellar. Better in 2022.”
Wine Advocate 93+ points “The straw-yellow/white-golden colored 2008 Louis XV Brut Millésimé blends 50% Chardonnay (20 % from Avize, 15% from Oger and 15% from Mesnil) with 50% Pinot Noir (41.5% from Verzenay and 8.5% from Bouzy). Disgorged in January 2018 with a dosage of six grams per liter, the 2008 displays a clear, pure, fresh, chalky-tinged and vinous nose with lemon, white fruits, brioche, hazelnuts, white blossoms and some caramel notes. Pure, lean, fresh and elegant on the palate, with a lingering hazelnut flavor, this is a straight yet complex cuvée with grip and a long, well-structured and textured finish. This 2008 is still terribly fresh and should benefit from further bottle aging. For the moment, I am missing the mouth-filling generosity of the 2006 and 1995. Mind that this is the first vintage of de Venoge’s prestigious Louis XV where the base wines didn’t undergo malolactic fermentation! Total production: 10,326 bottles. Tasted October 2018.”
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De Venoge Louis XV de Venoge Extra Brut Rosé Millésime, Champagne 2002 750ML ($219.95) $189 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 93 points “Harmonious, with fine intensity, offering rich notes of spice cake, toasted almond, dried cherry, grilled plum and smoky mineral. Almost velvety in texture, with juicy acidity that brings you back for another sip. Delicious. Drink now through 2022. 54 cases made.”
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