In This Newsletter:
Guy Charlemagne Sale
Sparkling wines to ring in the New Year
2018 German Riesling Special continues;
Muller-Catoir, Max Richter, Leitz & more!
Guy Charlemagne
We featured Guy Charlemagne in our newsletter just a few weeks ago, here’s a little snippet. “The Charlemagne family has been making wine in Mesnil-sur-Oger since 1892, five generations bringing new breath to their land, while continuing the tradition of producing world class champagne. Through this evolution, Guy Charlemagne has maintained the status of Récoltant Manipulants, or “grower champage”. Grower champagnes differ greatly from Champagnes houses, which typically source their grapes from many different growers spread throughout various regions. Grower champagnes have the advantage of crafting concentrated expressions of land they exclusively own. These wines are rare in the US, making up only 5% of champagne imported into the country (Wine Folly, 2014). On top of that, shockingly little information can be found on Guy Charlemagne online, making this truly a hidden gem champagne producer, limited to those in the know….”
You can read the full feature here
The response to our Guy Charlemagne write up has generated much excitement. We’re thrilled to bring you in the know to this exclusive producer and offer you access to some of the only Guy Charlemagne wines available in the country! Now we’re offering discounts just in time for your New Year’s Eve Champagne purchases.
Discount details
Buy any 3-5 bottles – 3% Discount
Buy any 6-11 bottles – 5% Discount
Buy any 12+ – 10% Discount
Sale ends 4pm December 31st
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.
Guy Charlemagne Brut Classic, Champagne NV 750ml $39 special, 36+ bottles in stock
Wine Enthusiast 92 points “This ripe, balanced and fruity wine has good acidity as well as a poised and elegant layer of white fruits. Fruitiness contrasts with the more textured character that comes through with orange zest and a tight aftertaste. Drink now. -Roger Voss”
Winery note “From the chalky-clay terroir of Sezanne, this brut champagne is a blend of 50% chardonnay and 50% Pinot Noir. Pinot Noir brings body and structure, whereas Chardonnay brings finesse and elegance. Vinified in thermo regulated stainless steel and matured for two years in our underground cellars from different reserve wines, this Brut Extra’s dosage is around 8 grams per litre. It is a highly pleasurable wine with balance and breeding. Straw yellow colour. Steadily rising bubbles. Powerful nose with yellow flower notes and ripe summer fruit (cherry plum). Smooth on the palate with pear and ripe citrus aromas (mandarin). Very good length that ends on a fresh menthol note. Ideal aperitif wine.”
Guy Charlemagne Mesnillesime Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut, Champagne 2014 750ml $119 special, 36+ bottles in stock
Winery note “A Grand Champagne with character from the Côte des Blancs terroir, specifically from Le Mesnil sur Oger (limestone parcels averaging 60 years of age). This champagne produced from first press of Le Mesnil sur Oger Grand Cru juices, highlights the exact characteristic of our village. Jewel of the Charlemagne house, this vintage wine combines both authenticity and the search for perfect quality. Elegantly presented with exceptional labelling, this Mesnillesime cuvee is produced with rigorous vinification, partially in oak barrels without malolactic fermentation, and a very light dosage of 4 grams per liter. Matured for 6 years in our chalk underground cellars, this cuvee highlights the excellence of our production. Chardonnay, the only grape here, shows what balance, harmony and purity can mean. A rare champagne for unforgettable moments. Pale yellow with green hues. Persistent mousse with very fine bubbles. Powerful yet elegant nose dominated by acacia honey eventually shows notes of candied lemon, smoke and a blend of pepper. Unctuous, lightly oaked and complex on the palate, candied fruit and citrus aromas pave the way to a fresh, vanilla finish.”
You can read the full feature here
The response to our Guy Charlemagne write up has generated much excitement. We’re thrilled to bring you in the know to this exclusive producer and offer you access to some of the only Guy Charlemagne wines available in the country! Now we’re offering discounts just in time for your New Year’s Eve Champagne purchases.
Discount details
Buy any 3-5 bottles – 3% Discount
Buy any 6-11 bottles – 5% Discount
Buy any 12+ – 10% Discount
Sale ends 4pm December 31st
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.
Guy Charlemagne Brut Classic, Champagne NV 750ml $39 special, 36+ bottles in stock
Wine Enthusiast 92 points “This ripe, balanced and fruity wine has good acidity as well as a poised and elegant layer of white fruits. Fruitiness contrasts with the more textured character that comes through with orange zest and a tight aftertaste. Drink now. -Roger Voss”
Winery note “From the chalky-clay terroir of Sezanne, this brut champagne is a blend of 50% chardonnay and 50% Pinot Noir. Pinot Noir brings body and structure, whereas Chardonnay brings finesse and elegance. Vinified in thermo regulated stainless steel and matured for two years in our underground cellars from different reserve wines, this Brut Extra’s dosage is around 8 grams per litre. It is a highly pleasurable wine with balance and breeding. Straw yellow colour. Steadily rising bubbles. Powerful nose with yellow flower notes and ripe summer fruit (cherry plum). Smooth on the palate with pear and ripe citrus aromas (mandarin). Very good length that ends on a fresh menthol note. Ideal aperitif wine.”
Guy Charlemagne Mesnillesime Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut, Champagne 2014 750ml $119 special, 36+ bottles in stock
Winery note “A Grand Champagne with character from the Côte des Blancs terroir, specifically from Le Mesnil sur Oger (limestone parcels averaging 60 years of age). This champagne produced from first press of Le Mesnil sur Oger Grand Cru juices, highlights the exact characteristic of our village. Jewel of the Charlemagne house, this vintage wine combines both authenticity and the search for perfect quality. Elegantly presented with exceptional labelling, this Mesnillesime cuvee is produced with rigorous vinification, partially in oak barrels without malolactic fermentation, and a very light dosage of 4 grams per liter. Matured for 6 years in our chalk underground cellars, this cuvee highlights the excellence of our production. Chardonnay, the only grape here, shows what balance, harmony and purity can mean. A rare champagne for unforgettable moments. Pale yellow with green hues. Persistent mousse with very fine bubbles. Powerful yet elegant nose dominated by acacia honey eventually shows notes of candied lemon, smoke and a blend of pepper. Unctuous, lightly oaked and complex on the palate, candied fruit and citrus aromas pave the way to a fresh, vanilla finish.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Guy Charlemagne Brut Nature, Champagne NV 750ml $49 special, 36+ bottles in stock
Wine Enthusiast 92 points “Produced from grapes grown in the Côte de Sézanne, south of Epernay, this blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir is properly dry. With acidity, the crispest white fruits and a taut, edgy texture, this bottling is young and will develop well as it matures, bringing out toastiness. Drink from 2020.”
Winery note “For lovers of pure sensation, we have created this Brut Nature, Champagne without sugar, a blend of 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir. This champagne, clean and fresh, reveals all the expression of the terroir and grapes from Sézanne Straw yellow colour. Steadily rising bubbles. Floral (white flowers) and fresh nose with light, intense and rising fruit aromas. Rich smooth with grapefruit aromas. Very good length that ends on a fresh note. Ideal aperitif wine or with seafood and fishes.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Guy Charlemagne Brut Rose, Champagne NV 750ml $59 special, 36+ bottles in stock
Wine Enthusiast 90 points “A beautifully balanced wine, this has great freshness from the red-currant flavors along with a tight, zesty texture and finishes with great acidity. This bottling is ready to drink now. -Roger Voss”
Winery note “This Champagne is made with our vineyards from Mancy and Cuis, with a chalky-clay soil. It is produced 100% from Pinot Noir. Its color is obtained by macerating the grapes with the juice, giving it the colour typical of « rosé de saignée ». Its nose is particularly marked by red berry notes. Elaborated in thermo regulated stainless steel and matured 2 years in our underground cellars, the Brut rosé with its subtle 8 grams per liter dosage is the fruit of a rigorous vinification. It is the ideal wine with which to celebrate the most beautiful emotions… A fine stream of bubbles underline a deep rose colour. The warm nose shows ripe berry aromas (blackberries) and cherries in alcohol. Its’ elegant mouth is dominated by cassis, blackberry and strawberry jam notes.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Guy Charlemagne Reserve Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand NV 375ml $28 special, 36+ bottles in stock
Wine Enthusiast 93 points “This Champagne is made exclusively from the Charlemagne holdings in grand cru vineyards of the Côte des Blancs. With the classic steely edge that is balanced by a softer dosage, the wine is both fruity and structured. The bottling is ready although it is sure to develop some delicious mature flavors.”
Winery note “The Reserve Brut cuvée is from the Le Mesnil sur Oger and Oger, Côte des Blancs terroir, both with their limestone soils. This brut champagne is made solely with Chardonnay from our 100% Grand Crus. A champagne where lightness and finesse play the lead role, made from a reserve wine blend and light dosage at around 8 grams per litre. This gives it longevity and subtle aromas. Vinified in thermo regulated stainless steel and matured between two and three years in our underground cellars, the Cuvée Reserve Brut is a harmonious wine, wholesome, full-bodied with very mineral aromas. It possesses an elegance and vivacity which will allow for the best pairings but it will be particularly appreciated as an aperitif. Pale yellow color, steady stream of fine bubbles, bright. Very citrusy nose, where acacia and rose water balance each other out. Creamy mouth with an exceptional length, the citrus notes (lime and pink grapefruit) give it freshness before melting into notes of fresh hazelnuts and yeasty brioche. This wine will be appreciated both during aperitif or with an appetizer of warm oysters.”
Wine Enthusiast 93 points “This Champagne is made exclusively from the Charlemagne holdings in grand cru vineyards of the Côte des Blancs. With the classic steely edge that is balanced by a softer dosage, the wine is both fruity and structured. The bottling is ready although it is sure to develop some delicious mature flavors.”
Winery note “The Reserve Brut cuvée is from the Le Mesnil sur Oger and Oger, Côte des Blancs terroir, both with their limestone soils. This brut champagne is made solely with Chardonnay from our 100% Grand Crus. A champagne where lightness and finesse play the lead role, made from a reserve wine blend and light dosage at around 8 grams per litre. This gives it longevity and subtle aromas. Vinified in thermo regulated stainless steel and matured between two and three years in our underground cellars, the Cuvée Reserve Brut is a harmonious wine, wholesome, full-bodied with very mineral aromas. It possesses an elegance and vivacity which will allow for the best pairings but it will be particularly appreciated as an aperitif. Pale yellow color, steady stream of fine bubbles, bright. Very citrusy nose, where acacia and rose water balance each other out. Creamy mouth with an exceptional length, the citrus notes (lime and pink grapefruit) give it freshness before melting into notes of fresh hazelnuts and yeasty brioche. This wine will be appreciated both during aperitif or with an appetizer of warm oysters.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Guy Charlemagne Reserve Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand NV 750ml $48 special, 36+ bottles in stock
Wine Enthusiast 93 points “This Champagne is made exclusively from the Charlemagne holdings in grand cru vineyards of the Côte des Blancs. With the classic steely edge that is balanced by a softer dosage, the wine is both fruity and structured. The bottling is ready although it is sure to develop some delicious mature flavors. “
Winery note “The Reserve Brut cuvée is from the Le Mesnil sur Oger and Oger, Côte des Blancs terroir, both with their limestone soils. This brut champagne is made solely with Chardonnay from our 100% Grand Crus. A champagne where lightness and finesse play the lead role, made from a reserve wine blend and light dosage at around 8 grams per litre. This gives it longevity and subtle aromas. Vinified in thermo regulated stainless steel and matured between two and three years in our underground cellars, the Cuvée Reserve Brut is a harmonious wine, wholesome, full-bodied with very mineral aromas. It possesses an elegance and vivacity which will allow for the best pairings but it will be particularly appreciated as an aperitif. Pale yellow color, steady stream of fine bubbles, bright. Very citrusy nose, where acacia and rose water balance each other out. Creamy mouth with an exceptional length, the citrus notes (lime and pink grapefruit) give it freshness before melting into notes of fresh hazelnuts and yeasty brioche. This wine will be appreciated both during aperitif or with an appetizer of warm oysters.”
Wine Enthusiast 93 points “This Champagne is made exclusively from the Charlemagne holdings in grand cru vineyards of the Côte des Blancs. With the classic steely edge that is balanced by a softer dosage, the wine is both fruity and structured. The bottling is ready although it is sure to develop some delicious mature flavors. “
Winery note “The Reserve Brut cuvée is from the Le Mesnil sur Oger and Oger, Côte des Blancs terroir, both with their limestone soils. This brut champagne is made solely with Chardonnay from our 100% Grand Crus. A champagne where lightness and finesse play the lead role, made from a reserve wine blend and light dosage at around 8 grams per litre. This gives it longevity and subtle aromas. Vinified in thermo regulated stainless steel and matured between two and three years in our underground cellars, the Cuvée Reserve Brut is a harmonious wine, wholesome, full-bodied with very mineral aromas. It possesses an elegance and vivacity which will allow for the best pairings but it will be particularly appreciated as an aperitif. Pale yellow color, steady stream of fine bubbles, bright. Very citrusy nose, where acacia and rose water balance each other out. Creamy mouth with an exceptional length, the citrus notes (lime and pink grapefruit) give it freshness before melting into notes of fresh hazelnuts and yeasty brioche. This wine will be appreciated both during aperitif or with an appetizer of warm oysters.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Sparkling wines to ring in the New Year
The countdown is on; New Year’s Eve is just three days away!
Here are our staff recommendations for Champagne, Prosecco, Domestic Sparkling’s to welcome in 2023.
Champagne
Bereche et Fils Brut Reserve, Champagne NV 750ml $59 special, 36+ bottles in stock
Jeb Dunnuck 92 points “The current release of the NV Champagne Brut Reserve is based on the 2019 vintage. It is roughly equal parts Chardonnay, Meunier, and Pinot Noir, with 35% reserve wine blended in. Fruity, floral, and open, with notes of fresh citrus blossoms, orchard fruits, and fresh bread, the palate is generous and approachable, with apricot, berries, and a lightly savory broth. This is consistently one of the best entry wines that versatile enough to drink alone or to accompany a meal. Drink 2022-2030.”
Here are our staff recommendations for Champagne, Prosecco, Domestic Sparkling’s to welcome in 2023.
Champagne
Bereche et Fils Brut Reserve, Champagne NV 750ml $59 special, 36+ bottles in stock
Jeb Dunnuck 92 points “The current release of the NV Champagne Brut Reserve is based on the 2019 vintage. It is roughly equal parts Chardonnay, Meunier, and Pinot Noir, with 35% reserve wine blended in. Fruity, floral, and open, with notes of fresh citrus blossoms, orchard fruits, and fresh bread, the palate is generous and approachable, with apricot, berries, and a lightly savory broth. This is consistently one of the best entry wines that versatile enough to drink alone or to accompany a meal. Drink 2022-2030.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Andre Clouet Grande Reserve Brut, Champagne NV 750ml $49 special, 14 bottles in stock
Decanter 92 points “Incredible value for a blanc de noirs (100% Pinot Noir) grower Champagne from the grand cru vineyards of Bouzy. It shows gorgeous aromas of stone fruit, citrus and strawberry, with complex brioche nuances, remarkable balance, ongoing elegance and a rich, refined, persistent finish. Drinking Window 2021 – 2026.”
Wine Advocate 91 points “The NV Brut Grand Réserve Grand Cru is a pure Pinot Noir from Bouzy. It’s pure, fresh, fine and aromatic on the nose and round and delicate on the palate. The fruit-intense finish is chalky-mineral and stimulatingly fresh in its salty finesse and elegant yeastiness. Nice lemon juice flavors give an extra kick of refreshment. This is a picture-book NV Brut. No indication of disgorgement given.”
Louis Roederer Collection 243 Brut, Champagne NV 750ml $59 special, 27 bottles in stock
Jeb Dunnuck 93 points “The NV Champagne Collection 243 Brut is the third release and is based on the 2018 vintage, with the addition of 30% of the perpetual reserve started in 2012 and 10% reserve wine that has been aged in oak. It is ripe and balanced, with yellow flowers, honeycomb, and plum, and it has elegant concentration and underlying tension, precise mousse, and rich salinity, with lingering notes of croissant and delicate smoke. This will be an exciting wine in the range to follow. Drink 2022-2037.”
Wine Advocate 92 points “Based on the 2018 vintage and complemented by reserve wines from a solera established in 2012, as well as younger foudre-aged reserve wines, Roederer’s newly released NV Brut Collection 243 is a pillowy, enveloping Champagne evocative of crisp stone fruits, honeycomb, white flowers and buttery pastry. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and generous, with an ample core of fruit, bright acids and a saline finish, it will offer demonstrative drinking on release.”
Wine Spectator 92 points “A vibrant Champagne that’s fine and creamy on the palate, almost plush, but bright and well-balanced throughout. Reveals a chalky base note that underscores layers of ripe pear and nectarine fruit, mandarin orange peel, oyster shell and chamomile. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier. Drink now. 40,000 cases imported.”
Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut, Champagne 2004 750ml $279 special, 18 bottles in stock
Antonio Galloni 96 points “I am thrilled with the way the 2004 Comtes de Champagne continues to evolve in bottle. A few years ago, the 2004 was quite focused and linear, in the style of the vintage, but more recently, the wine has begun to fill out beautifully. The 2004 remains bright, with a full range of citrus, white flower and mineral nuances that dance on the palate. A brisk, saline-infused finish rounds things out beautifully in a Comtes that impresses for its crystalline purity. I expect the 2004 will always remain a bit cool next to the more opulent 2002, but it is still drop-dead gorgeous.”
Decanter 96 points “It was a dry vintage up to August, which turned exceptionally wet and cool. September saved the vintage with the ideal weather conditions – low rainfall and cool nights. The graceful nose opens to white flowers, ripe apricot and citrus hints. It is tense and refined, with a vivid mineral core balanced by pristine acidity and some toasted notes on the finish. It’s not the most expressive today, but wait for it to awaken. This is built for cellaring. Drinking Window 2025 – 2040.”
Wine Spectator 96 points “A rich and enticing aroma of roasted hazelnut heralds this elegant blanc de blancs, with flavors of pastry, poached apple, crystallized honey and candied ginger riding the finely detailed mousse. This is a touch smoky, presenting a resonant minerality on the finish. Drink now through 2029. 500 cases imported.”
Prosecco
Conte Loredan Gasparini Asolo Prosecco Superiore DOCG, Veneto NV 750ml $14.40 special, 30 bottles in stock
James Suckling 92 points “Lots of initial froth here, which takes a while to subside and allow the lovely lemon and lemon blossom aromas to rise out of the glass. There are hints of licoricy chalk here, too. On the rather dense palate, the chalk turns to fresh cream and the lemon is absorbed into the creamy mineral texture with enough fizz to keep the sparkle up. Lovely, enduring and creamy yet biting finish. This is very fine Prosecco. Drink now.”
Vinous 89 points “The NV Brut Prosecco Superiore lifts from the glass with a savory and smoky mix of flinty stone, crushed green apple and fresh tobacco leaf. It floods the palate with a crystalline bead of fine bubbles as sweet spice and notes of baked pear settle upon the senses. This finishes a bit short yet crisp, leaving nuances of candied citrus to linger.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Nino Franco Rustico, Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG, Italy NV 750ml $16.50 special, 33 bottles in stock
Wine Enthusiast 94 points “This lovely sparkler never disappoints. It’s fragrant, with delicate scents of white spring flowers and white stone fruits while the dry, refreshing palate offers ripe pear, apple and white peach alongside a hint of fennel seed. An elegant perlage and fresh acidity provide the backdrop.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Domestic Sparkling
Sivilli Wine Co. Charlie’s Vineyard Blanc de Noirs, 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 lowest listed price in the USA today!
Mellen Meyer Whistling Ridge North Block Blanc de Noir 2017 750ml $53.50 special, 16 bottles in stock
Winery note: 100% Pinot Noir from Whistling Ridge North Vineyard, Ribbon Ridge. Aged 34 months on the lees. Disgorged November 18th, 2020. Produced from non-irrigated vines.
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Mellen Meyer Brut Sparkling, Willamette Valley NV 750ml $31.90 special, 11 bottles in stock
Winery note: 60% Pinot Noir & 40% Charodonnay. Disgorged March 20, 2021. Aged 30 months on the lees. Produced from non-irrigated vines.
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Perkins Harter Methode Ancestrale Pinot Noir 2021 750ml $44 special, 11 bottles in stock
Winery note “We grew the grapes and the bubbles were created with a honey tirage from the our own beehives and were bottled under crown cap. A compelling example of Oregon sparkling wine and an extremely tasty one at that!”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Gran Moraine Brut Rose, Yamhill-Carlton District NV $44.50 special, 27 bottles in stock
Wine Spectator 94 points “That rare domestic rosé that captures the vibrant acidity of Champagne, offering delicate strawberry, raspberry flavors laced with steely minerality and sprinkle of graham cracker on the finish. Drink now through 2022. 1,000 cases made.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
2018 German Riesling Special Continues
2018 was a great vintage but victim to the impositions of tariffs leading to 1-2 year delayed shipments. Luckily here at Vinopolis we have a huge selection of 2018 Rieslings and want you to take advantage of it so we’ve made an end of the year sale! Many of these wines are already at the lowest price in the USA but you can make them lower. Shop our staff selected picks below.
Started 12/26/2022 Ends January 1st
Any 3-5 bottles = 3% discount
Any 6-12 bottles = 5% discount
Any 12+ bottles= 10% discount
All 2018 German Rieslings are on sale, here is a new few to consider.
Muller-Catoir
Muller-Catoir Haardter Burgergarten ‘Im Breumel’ Riesling Grosses Gewachs, Pfalz 2018 750ml $49 special, 36+ bottles in stock
James Suckling 97 points “Very floral with pretty herbal undertones, ranging from coriander to dill to mint. The flowers range from jasmine to honeysuckle to almond blossom. Understated and elegant from the outset. The palate has a very chalky feel to the texture with overlapping, firm lines of acidity and dainty citrus fruit. Immaculately ironed-out edges and well-defined, linear crease. Drink now or hold.
Winery Note “The age-worthy Riesling wines from this prime section of the Haardt Bürgergarten are characterised by the optimal balance between a concentrated Riesling fruit, lingering minerality, a delicate elegance and an elaborately interwoven, long finish – Riesling to perfection.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Muller-Catoir Haardter Burgergarten Riesling Spatlese, Pfalz 2018 750ml $33 special, 36+ bottles in stock
Stuart Pigott 94 points “Crushed dill and coriander meet with bright citrus, loquats and pears. Only off-dry and very balanced with a well-judged component of acidity doing wonders for the mineral, expressive finish. Dialed-in and beautiful to drink now, but better to cellar for a decade. Drink now.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Muller-Catoir Haardter Burgergarten Riesling Trocken, Pfalz 2018 750ml $33 special, 36+ bottles in stock
Wine Advocate 90+ points “The 2018 Riesling Bürgergarten “VDP. Erste Lage” needed three bottles to convince me until it opened clear, pure and intense, with crushed stones and fresh ginger aromas on the nose. Pure, fresh and bright on the palate, this is a lithe, lush and salty dry Riesling with refreshing mineral grip and tension on the finish. Tasted in Haardt, December 2019.”
Winery Note “Shades of minerality and the deep fruitiness of ripe stone fruit characterise this Riesling from Bu¨rgergarten. The 40-year-old vines ensure the perfect combination of concentration and refinement in its full, captivating body.”
Muller-Catoir Gimmeldingen Riesling, Pfalz 2018 750ml $24 special, 36+ bottles in stock
Winery Note “After red vineyard peach and oranges balsamic notes such as caramel and flower honey follow. You won’t get enough of smelling this wine. Enchanting sweetness, the wine flows through your throat a little oily. We think of the Provence and lavender cookies. Try it with pear tart with cream topping. Hearty with farmhouse bread and ripe cheese. When you come home frozen to the marrow this Riesling will warm your soul!”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Muller-Catoir Gimmeldingen Riesling, Pfalz 2018 750ml $24 special, 36+ bottles in stock
Winery Note “The well-balanced and delicately structured Gimmeldingen Riesling makes a floral and juicy impression, with hints of white peach and jasmine.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Muller-Catoir Haardter Muskateller Trocken, Pfalz 2018 750ml $24 special, 36+ bottles in stock
Winery Note “Charisma and the purest aromas of fresh, green apples and a cool hint of nutmeg characterise this Haardt Muskateller with its elegant acidic structure and lively juicy succulence.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Muller-Catoir Haardt Scheurebe, Pfalz 2018 750ml $24 special, 19 bottles in stock
Stuart Pigott 91 points “This has a very fresh nose with attractive aromas of yellow peaches, pears and melon. The palate has a smooth, succulent and quite concentrated feel. The vintage has given this some real body. Organically grown grapes. Drink now.”
Winery Note “With its delicate bouquet of tropical fruits such as pineapple and grapefruit as well as gooseberry and cassis, this Haardt Scheurebe is focussed on freshness, vitality, and the exotic.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Muller-Catoir Haardter Herrenletten Riesling Trocken, Pfalz 2018 750ml $36.50 special, 36+ bottles in stock
Wine Spectator 92 points “This shows a little bit of oomph, with powerful acidity cutting through the creamy notes of apricot, roasted pineapple and grapefruit. Ginger and tarragon details emerge midpalate and linger on the persistent, well-rounded finish. Almost there, but better to wait a few more years. Best from 2022 through 2032. 115 cases imported.”
Winery Note “Extremely ripe and concentrated fruity elements of peach, yellow plum, gooseberry and grapefruit are interwoven through the full body of this Riesling from the Haardt Herrenletten. The finish of this wine with its depth and cool minerality lingers for a good long time.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Max Richter
Weingut Max Ferd. Richter Veldenzer Elisenberg Riesling Kabinett, Mosel 2018 750ml $21.90 special, 34 bottles in stock
Wine Advocate 92-94 points “The 2018 Elisenberger Riesling Kabinett is dense, cool, very precise and flinty-mineral on the nose, which is still reductive but exciting. Coming from a coolish side valley that was picked at roughly 84° to 85° Oechsle at the end of September, this is a gorgeously lush and mouth-filling Riesling with the mineral piquancy of quartzite soils. There is no aggressive acidity here, there is nice tartaric acidity that makes this a seductive Kabinett you can’t resist. This is a fabulous, very long and enchanting Riesling. The wine has slightly more than 50 grams of residual sugar and comes in at 8.5% alcohol. It was scheduled to be bottled a couple of days after I tasted it from the cask at the end of March 2019.”
Mosel Fine Wines 92 points “The 2018er Veldenzer Elisenberg Riesling Kabinett was harvested at 84° Oechsle and was fermented down to fruity-styled levels of residual sugar (50 g/l). It offers a beautiful nose made of white peach, cassis, gooseberry, pear, laurel, herbs and spices. The wine develops the delicate creaminess of a Spätlese on the otherwise nicely crisp palate. The finish is long and nicely fruity. Ripe mirabelle and some herbs join the zesty side in the after-taste. 2028-2048.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Weingut Max Ferd. Richter Veldenzer Elisenberg Riesling Spatlese, Mosel 2018 750ml $29 special, 29 bottles in stock
Wine Advocate 94-96 points “Sourced from old vines, the 2018 Elisenberger Riesling Spätlese was harvested in the third week of October as the very last “regular” wine (so 3.5 weeks after the Kabinett). It is based on completely healthy fruit and was vinified entirely in traditional fuders. Offering a deep and flinty bouquet, this is a lush, elegant, highly refined and stimulating Spätlese with a salty-piquant finish. Tasted from the cask in March 2019.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Weingut Max Ferd. Richter Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett, Mosel 2018 750ml $24 special, 22 bottles in stock
John Gilman 93+ points “The 2018 Kabinett Trocken from the Himmelreich was produced from a parcel of vines that are eighty to ninety years of age, situated right up at the top of the slope. This is outstanding in 2018 and very delicately-styled and filigreed, with the wine topping out at eleven percent octane this year. This had not yet been bottled and was really lovely on both on the nose and palate, with the bouquet wafting from the glass in a mix of apple, lemon, superb minerality, a dollop of wild yeasts and a smoky topnote. On the palate the wine is pure, medium-bodied and beautifully mineral, with fine intensity of flavor, bright acids, excellent focus and superb cu Constantin Richter has been full-time back at the family estate since the 2012 vintage, and previous to this he did a few stages and cut and grip on the long and complex finish. This is first class juice! 2022-2060.”
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Weingut Max Ferd. Richter Brauneberger Juffer Riesling Kabinett, Mosel 2018 750ml $24 special, 36+ bottles in stock
Wine Advocate 94-96 points “The 2018 Brauneberger Juffer Riesling Kabinett is deep but bright and refined on the flinty nose that offers perfectly ripe Riesling and crunchy slate aromas with a warm iron touch. On the palate, this is a lush, refined, salty-piquant, even racy Riesling with generous fruit and a very long, salty-piquant and crystalline finish. This is a highly complex Riesling in the most delicate expression. It’s one of the wines you just have to buy—there won’t be any regrets, not today or in 30 years. Since this Brauneberger has slightly more sulfur compared to the Wehlener Sonnenuhr, which still hasn’t been filtered and was tasted from the lees, I will retaste the wines early next year, as I am convinced a Mosel Riesling needs two winters to unmask itself. Tasted in March 2019.”
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Weingut Max Ferd. Richter Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese, Mosel 2018 750ml $49 special, 36+ bottles in stock
Wine Advocate 96-97 points “The 2018 Brauneberger Juffer-Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese is very fine, concentrated and beautifully clear, with blossom honey and very fine berry aromas on the nose. (The 20% to 25% of botrytis is very clear and precise, almost imperceptible.) Lush and piquant on the palate, this is a generous but highly digestible Auslese with orange, raisin and (pink) grapefruit flavors. The finish is incredibly racy-piquant, salty and highly digestible. This is still a baby, but it is highly promising. Tasted from cask in March 2019.”
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Weingut Max Ferd. Richter Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Riesling Grosses Gewachs, Nahe 2018 750ml $45 special, 31 bottles in stock
James Suckling 94 points “I love the discreet mirabelle, spice and angelica notes of this finely chiseled dry Mosel riesling that has plenty of depth and structure, but doesn’t yet announce it loudly. Needs some time to open up, but the classic elegance is already very clear. Drinkable now, but better from 2022.”
Wine Advocate 91+ points “The 2018 Brauneberger Juffer-Sonnenuhr Riesling GG trocken is subtle and elegant on the refined, flinty and herbal nose that displays beautifully pure and fine, dark and iron-rich slate aromas typical for this magical terroir. Intense and rich yet pure and bone dry on the palate, this is a precise yet long and salty JSU with a stimulating, very elegant finish. It is stunningly pure and fresh for this vintage but also quite austere. From vines planted in the 1980s, which means they are about 100 years younger than those from the original part of the Wehlener Sonnenuhr. Tasted at the domain in September 2020.”
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Weingut Max Ferd. Richter Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Riesling Spatlese, Mosel 2018 750ml $33 special, 28 bottles in stock
Wine Advocate 95-96 points “From 30- to 40-year-old vines, the 2018 Brauneberger Juffer-Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese is flinty, precise and reductive on the coolish nose, with discreet and fine (but lush!) pineapple aromas and very fine notes of crushed, smooth slate. On the palate, this is a clear, fresh, lush, highly finessed, piquant and salty Riesling with very tannins and lingering salinity and piquancy. This is a fabulous Spätlese with piquant finesse and mineral tension that seems to be familiar with that of the Scharzhofberger and the Euchariusberg. I can hardly imagine any better Spätlese from 2018. Tasted from the cask in March 2019.”
Mosel Fine Wines 94 points “The 2018er Brauneberger Juffer-Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese was made from clean grapes harvested at a full 95° Oechsle, and was fermented down to sweet levels of residual sugar (90 g/l). It offers a gorgeous and delicately exotic nose made of pineapple, coconut, herbs and smoke on the nose. The wine develops great focus on the gorgeously creamy and zesty palate. It leaves one with the creaminess of an Auslese and the raciness of a Spätlese in the remarkably multi-layered yet playful finish. 2028-2048.”
Weingut Max Ferd. Richter Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese *** , Mosel 2018 375ml $59 special, 20 bottles in stock
Wine Advocate 97+ points “The first three-starred Auslese since 2005 (prior to that, it was 1993, 1983 and 1975), the 2018 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese *** was picked at about 145° Oechsle. This is incredibly clear, pure, fine and fresh on the lush, concentrated, herbal and grapefruit-scented nose. On the palate, this is a generously lush, refined and salty-piquant Auslese with a tight mineral structure and lingering salinity. This is highly refined and extremely stimulating. It already drinks all too well today, but Constantin recommends cellaring it for at least 10 years. Tasted in March 2019.”
Mosel Fine Wines 95 points “The 2018er Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese *** Fass 138 is a botrytis selection harvested at 138° Oechsle on old vines in the prime Sandpichter sector, and was fermented down to noble-sweet levels of residual sugar. It offers a gorgeous nose of date, pineapple, almond cream, raisin and smoky spices. The wine is beautifully creamy and yet zesty on the palate and leaves a gorgeous feel of ripe fruits and creamy almond in the long and suave finish. While intense, this noble-sweet Auslese retains an immensely satisfying playful side. 2033-2068.”
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Weingut Max Ferd. Richter Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Trocken Uralte Reben Grosses Gewachs, Mosel 2018 750ml $39 special, 36+ bottles in stock
Mosel Fine Wines 91+ “The 2018er Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Trocken Uralte Reben GG was made in traditional Fuder cask from over 100 year-old un-grafted vines in the Brück part of the vineyard. It offers an intense nose made of grapefruit bitter, anise, herbs and some white flowers. The wine develops a rather intense but quite structured feel of lemon zest, camphor, herbs and fine spices on the palate. The finish is quite powerful and hugely tart. 2021-2028.”
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Weingut Max Ferd. Richter Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett, Mosel 2018 750ml $24 special, 35 bottles in stock
Wine Advocate 93-95 points “Mostly from very old vines (80 to 90 years old) and vinified partly (one-third) in stainless steel, the 2018 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett offers a fine, flinty, super sensual, mind-blowing bouquet of perfectly ripe but coolish, precise and even quartzite-like aromas. On the palate, the wine is wide, pure, elegant and energetic—a powerhouse but in the most delicious and delicate way. The palate is complex, opening wide but always precise and very, very long, with great mineral grip and tension but also lush and sensual features. This is a great Mosel Riesling indeed. Tasted from the cask in March 2019.”
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Weingut Max Ferd. Richter Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett Feinherb, Mosel 2018 750ml $21.90 special, 11 bottles in stock
Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2018 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett Feinherb is sourced partly (two-thirds) from the old, central part of the vineyard (“Im Brück”) with 80- to 90-year-old vines and partly (one-third) from an upper plot with 20-year-old vines. Entirely vinified in traditional fuders, this is a bright, lush, warm and very fine Sonnenuhr with fine slate aromas intermixed with floral, flinty and perfectly ripe fruit aromas. The fruit aroma is almost endless. Lush, round and intense on the palate, the 2018 is perfectly ripe and concentrated but celebrates the finesse and mineral tension of the Sonnenuhr and finishes with lingering salinity and stimulating grip. Still reductive due to the addition of sulfur, this highly promising Sonnenuhr was bottled with 24 grams of well-packed residual sugar. Bottled in early March 2019 and tasted at the end of the month.”
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Weingut Max Ferd. Richter Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Spatlese, Mosel 2018 750ml $33 special, 2 bottles in stock
Wine Advocate 94-96 points “From the two oldest plots (80-90 years old and 120 years old), the fuder-fermented 2018 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese offers great precision and aromas of tropical fruit intertwined with very fine slate on the nose. On the palate, the wine is mouth-filling and salty-piquant, with mango and slate flavors on the racy finish. This is dangerous stuff, very dangerous, yet it’s also tight and tensioned. This is, for the moment, the finest and most stimulating Wehlener Sonnenuhr. Dangerous. Really dangerous. Tasted in March 2019.”
Mosel Fine Wines 93 points “The 2018er Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese was made from clean grapes harvested at a full 95° Oechsle, and was fermented down to fully sweet levels of residual sugar (95 g/l). It offers a beautiful nose of bitter lemon, mirabelle, laurel and whipped cream. The wine delivers nice flavors of pear, ginger, Provence herbs, cream and herbs, and leaves the beautifully racy but unctuous structure of an Auslese in the finish. It remains beautifully playful in the after-taste. 2028-2048.”
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Leitz
Weingut Leitz Rudesheimer Klosterlay Riesling Kabinett, Rheingau 2018 750ml $20.90 special, 19 bottles in stock
Importer note “‘Lay’ is a very old word meaning slate and “Kloster” is the German translation of Abbey. The Klosterlay sits beneath the Benedictine Abbey of St. Hildegard, above the eastern edge of the village. Here, the Rüdesheimer Berg begins to gently undulate as it levels out toward the village of Geisenheim. Josi believes this site is destined for a fruity style and therefore always makes Kabinett from this vineyard.”
Wine Advocate “The first Rieslings of the very dry and warm as well as early 2018 vintage are also promising and stunningly precise and elegant due to the conditions of the vintage that brought nothing but perfectly ripe and healthy grapes. Leitz pressed the grapes in fractions, so he was able to keep the acidity fine and fresh even though it is naturally lower than in 2017… Doubtlessly, Leitz is one of the region’s best Riesling producers. Having said that, he is also one of the best Riesling ambassadors in the wine world, with regular tastings in the US as well as in Norway, two of his most important export markets.”
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Weingut Leitz Rudesheimer Magdalenenkreuz Riesling Spatlese, Rheingau 2018 750ml $24 special, 12 bottles in stock
Importer note “Further east and upstream of the Klosterlay is the Magdalenenkreuz. The name translates to “the cross of Mary Magdalene,” named after a red sandstone cross that can be found amongst the vines. Here the soils are comprised of sandy loam—fatter and ideal for ripe expression; the riesling grown here is always textured, opulent and forward. Though the wine is of Spätlese quality it perceivably drinks more like a Kabinett.”
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