In This Newsletter:
Just Arrived: New Wines in stock
Central European Curios:
New Austrian Wines arriving this Fall
Vinopolis Favorite Oregon Wines Feature
Zany for Zuni:
2019 Zuni Chardonnay
Tenuta Arceno’s Triptych of Bordeaux blends
New Reviews:
Bernard Baudry
Captain of Chianti: Isole e Olena
Collector’s Corner:
Dehu: The Marne’s Master of Meunier
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Just Arrived: New Wines in stock
Oregon- Willamette Valley
Bergstrom ‘Cumberland Reserve’ Pinot Noir Yamhill-Carlton District 2019 750ML ($44.95) $35.50 special
Winery note “Bright, carbonic, candied fruit notes with floral pastilles of violets and roses, savory thyme, lavender, and sweet tarragon make for abeautifully complex bouquet on the 2019 Cumberland Reserve Pinot Noir. The core flavors are ripe but vibrantly crunchy Hood strawberries, black raspberries, red beets, and cherries with a distinct iron and mineral-laden structure. This wine is bright and bursting with succulent juicy flavors and mouthwatering acidity, but also has a fine-knit tannic mineral frame and a maritime salinity that make this both very fun and very serious at the same time. Drink Now-2030+. Alcohol: 13%.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Bergstrom ‘Bergstrom Vineyard’ Pinot Noir Dundee Hills 2018 750ML ($129.95) $105 special
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 95 points “Limpid ruby-red. Highly perfumed aromas of ripe red fruits, candied flowers, incense and Asian spices; cola and licorice notes add deeper character. Juicy and focused on the palate, offering energetic Chambord, cherry, blood orange and rose pastille flavors and exotic spice flavors that show superb definition. In a fresh, exuberant style for the year, with smooth tannins sneaking in slowly to add shape and grip to the impressively long, focused finish. All whole clusters and 15% new oak.”
Wine Enthusiast 95 points “Cellar Selection. Black fruits shine brightly here, with an ample foundation of drying stone. There are details of licorice and espresso, and the wine extends into a long finish, with the sweet berry flavors fully in focus. It will surely reward further cellaring. Drink through 2030. -Paul Gregutt”
Bergstrom Gregory Ranch Pinot Noir Yamhill-Carlton District 2017 750ML ($69.95) $54.50 special
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94 points “Limpid ruby. Highly expressive aromas of fresh red and blue fruits, potpourri, exotic spices and candied rose. Juicy and energetic on the palate, offering penetrating raspberry, bitter cherry and spicecake flavors highlighted by a smoky mineral note. Lively and sharply delineated, with a very long, perfumed finish that delivers firm, spicy cut and resonating floral character.”
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 92+ points “The medium ruby colored 2017 Pinot Noir Gregory Ranch Vineyard opens with serious notes of scorched earth, burnt citrus peel and spicy accents over scents of warm blackberries, mossy bark, Earl Grey tea leaves, rose petals and red berry hints. The medium-bodied palate offers appealing, bitters-laced flavors with firm but granular tannins and great freshness, finishing long and spicy. With its abundance of fruit and stricter structure, I expect this will age well in bottle.”
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Bergstrom ‘Old Stones’ Chardonnay Willamette Valley 2018 750ML ($44.95) $36 special
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 92 points “The 2018 Chardonnay Old Stones has soft notes of quince, almonds, saline and white flowers. The palate is rounded and seamlessly fresh with delicately styled fruits and a long, layered finish.”
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Bergstrom Le Pre Du Col Vineyard Pinot Noir Ribbon Ridge2018 750ML ($89.95) $89.95 special
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94 points “Saturated crimson. Expressive red and blue fruits, incense and candied flowers on the expansive, seductively perfumed nose,which is energized by a smoky mineral nuance. Sappy, alluringly sweet and finely detailed on the palate, offering deeply concentrated yet lively Chambord, boysenberry and cola flavors, along with a suave Asian spice nuance. Fine-grained and seamless in texture, finishing with solid, spicy thrust, resonating florality and smooth, harmonious tannins.”
Wine Spectator 94 points “Impeccably structured, yet plump and polished, with rich fruit, featuring orange blossom aromas and notes of ripe blueberry and raspberry, laced with hints of white pepper and bay leaf. Drink now through 2028. 980 cases made. — TF”
Bergstrom Shea Vineyard Pinot Noir 2018 Yamhill-Carlton District2018 750ML ($79.95) $65 special
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 95 points “Glistening ruby. Powerful red fruit liqueur, floral pastille, incense and smoky mineral aromas are complemented hints of musky sassafras and exotic spices. Appealingly sweet and expansive on the palate, offering pliant black raspberry, boysenberry and candied rose flavors and a building spicecake note. Rounded, well-knit tannins frame a powerful, floral-driven finish that shows outstanding persistence and building sweetness.”
Wine Enthusiast 94 points “The Shea cuvée blends multiple blocks from this diverse and exceptional vineyard. It’s dense with blackberry and black-cherry fruit, concentrated and more than a little deep. Highlights of cocoa, coffee grounds, truffle and tobacco trail out through a lingering, captivating finish. -Paul Gregutt”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Bergstrom ‘Sigrid’ Chardonnay Willamette Valley 2017 750ML ($119.95) $99 special,
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 95 points “Pale yellow. A suave, intensely perfumed bouquet features tangerine, pear, iodine, buttered toast and fresh fig scents, and spicy ginger and floral notes emerge as the wine opens up. Penetrating, concentrated and focused on the palate, with ripe acidity bracing powerful citrus and orchard fruit, honeysuckle and saffron flavors. Rich but minerally and lithe, with superb finishing energy and floral-tinged persistence.”
Wine & Spirits 95 Points “In Sigrid, Bergström’s flagship chardonnay, Josh Bergström manages to pack his wine with flavor but no excess weight. From three of his biodynamically farmed vineyards, the wine starts out high-toned and tense, with an angular structure and bright, saline flavors that turn nutty, generous and succulent with air. It has the stuffing to age for a half-dozen years at least, if you can resist.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Bergstrom ‘Silice’ Pinot Noir Chehalem Mountains2017 750ML ($89.95) $69 special
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 93+ points “Medium ruby, the 2017 Pinot Noir Silice Vineyard opens with fresh tangerine peel, baked cranberries, dried bark and rose petals scents with notions of licorice, cured meats, pepper and spiced blackberries. The palate is medium-bodied and über spicy, with lovely orange and potpourri nuances. It has a firm, lightly chalky frame and great freshness on the finish. This merits another year in bottle.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 93 points “Vivid ruby-red. Spice- and mineral-accented red berry, cherry and floral pastille scents show sharp definition and pick up suggestions of licorice and exotic spices with air. Sweet and penetrating on the palate, offering gently chewy raspberry, red currant and cherry flavors that deliver appealing spiciness and firm back-end cut. Concentrated yet lithe in style, finishing with powerful thrust and slowly building tannins.”
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Crowley Entre Nous Pinot Noir Dundee Hills 2019 750ML ($49.95) $37 special
Winery note “The first wine Crowley ever created. Over time, Entre Nous has morphed into a blend of our favorite barrels in the cellar, and represents our La Colina and Four Winds Vineyards. This wine is consistently intriguing – notes of mushroom, cedar, citrus melt into bright cherry, strawberry and light chocolate.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Crowley La Colina Vineyard Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2019 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Winery note “Our La Colina bottling is a pure expression of this corner of the Dundee Hills. We have been working with this site since our first vintage in 2005. A nose of tangerine, spicy sativa and ripe cherry weave into an airy palate layered with ripe pomegranate and wild mushrooms.”
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Washington State
Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2018 750ML ($219.95) $179 special
Decanter 100 Points “This is as good as it gets for Washington Cabernet Sauvignon. Right away the gorgeous crème de violette and crème de cassis tones join blackberry cordial, exotic spices and dark chocolate shavings. The combination of finesse and texture is downright scintillating. Sweet pipe tobacco is woven together with Black Forest cake, and fresh blueberries and graphite with shades of tar take shape on the palate. Truly sensational even at the three year mark, this will provide drinking enjoyment over the next 20 plus years. Drinking Window 2021 – 2040.”
Jeb Dunnuck 98+ points “Another magical Cabernet Sauvignon from this team, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley comes from a blend of sites and is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon brought up mostly in new French oak. This vivid purple-hued beauty offers a kaleidoscope-like array of red and black currants, spice box, lead pencil shavings, crushed stone, and assorted tobacco and leafy herb nuances. These carry to full-bodied Cabernet with incredibly purity of fruit, building tannins and structure, flawless balance, and a monster of a finish that won’t quit. It should keep for 20-25 years with no issues. This is unquestionably another brilliant set of releases from Quilceda, and these 2018s show the classic opulence this estate is known for backed up by beautiful purity and lots of underlying structure.”
Anthony Mueller-Wine Advocate 98 points“The capsule of the 2018 celebrates the 40th vintage, otherwise unnoted specifically to keep the consistency of the label. The nose is soft and delineated with lifted dark red and black fruit essences that waft with a delicate floral lift. Showing a softer and compact frame that delivers fine and focused aromas, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon packs complex layers in the nose, with a fresh bouquet of red and purple flowers, violets, lilac and sakura before overflowing with a fruit bowl of aromatics, including black raspberry, black cherry and juicy plum with blackberry nuances, all shining through with a thoughtful frame of French oak tones. Medium to full-bodied at 14.8% alcohol, the palate bursts with precision and finesse and there’s an elegant frame that offers lively acidity and succulent, fine-grained tannins. The 40th vintage marks a brilliant success for Quilceda Creek, attaining a lighter chassis that captures the same magic without being overly generous. The 2018’s tighter frame has allowed the wine to express layers of beautiful dark red fruit flavors and supple oak spices that make the wine slightly spicy with cinnamon essence while offering the same precision without any sacrifices to the overall experience. Ultimately, the wine glides to a remarkably long and textured finish that will last for a couple of decades. Bravo! This is another successful vintage for Quilceda Creek. Run, don’t walk to get this into your cellar!”
Wine Eenthusiast 98 points “Cellar Selection. Aromas of black raspberry, dried herb, cherry, incense, cranberry and spice explode from the glass. The flavors undulate across the palate, creamy in feel, with layer upon layer of fruit and barrel flavors. It is completely seamless, with outrageous balance—the quintessential hammer in a velvet glove. The finish carries off into the distance. Best after 2032. -Sean P. Sullivan”
California
Raen Home Field Vineyard Pinot Noir Fort Ross-Seaview 2019 750ML ($119.95) $99 special
James Suckling 99 points“This is really refined with black tea, rose petals, orange and blue fruit. It’s medium-bodied with wild-strawberry and forest-floor flavors. Medium-bodied with great vibrancy and beautiful tannins running through the center palate, which is stitched into the wine. Long and true. 100% whole-cluster fermentation. Subtle and energetic. Better after 2025.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Raen Royal St. Robert Cuvee Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2019 ($79.95) $61.90 special
James Suckling 97 points “The aromas of strawberry and raspberry with conifer and hints of bark are impressive. Full-bodied, but so reserved and linear with super long, tightened tannins that melt into the wine. 100% whole cluster. Drinkable now, but much better to wait a year or three.”
Patz & Hall Hyde Vineyard Chardonnay Carneros 2015 750ML ($59.95) $39 special
Decanter 93 points “Restraint in the use of oak paid off here. Distant smoke mingles with sea air on the nose. It’s on the palate that the ripeness and richness of the wine becomes apparent – there is bundled force and warmth at the centre of this, radiating outward with finessed power. A big but elegant wine. Drinking Window 2020 – 2030.”
Wine Enthusiast 92 Points “Rich in green apple and fig, this wine offers medium-bodied weight and breadth and grainy acidity. From the famous site planted to densely concentrated berries, it’s fleshy and textured, with plenty of complexity from spice and oak. -Virginie Boone”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Patz & Hall Chenoweth Ranch Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2013 750ML ($69.95) $49 special
Case-6 Patz & Hall Chenoweth Ranch Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2013 ($419.95) $269 special
Wine Enthusiast 94 points “This lush, voluptuous and tenderly textured wine is still grippy in its youth. Dark cherry, cranberry and pomegranate round out the layers of juicy fruit, buoyed by rocky minerality, measured oak and firm tannins. Medium bodied, it can be enjoyed with or without a meal. -Virginie Boone”
Antonio Galloni 92 points “(15% alcohol, but this was the first of these vineyards to be picked in 2013): Pure aromas of cherry, dark berries, mulled spices and rooty underbrush. Fat, thick and sweet but suave, showing sexy, savory soil tones and a rather opulent texture. Finishes with sweet, fine-grained tannins and sneaky length. (ST)”
Decanter 92 points “This is plush and polished, with fine French oak (about two-thirds new) lending an almost floral overtone of peony to the black and red cherry fruit on the nose. The palate is full and juicy, with ripe but fresh cherry, rich yet toned. Beautifully balanced. Drinking Window 2018 – 2028.”
Patz & Hall Hyde Vineyard Pinot Noir Carneros 2013 750ML ($79.95) $49 special
Wine Enthusiast 95 points “Editor’s Choice. High in acidity with a voluptuously sleek and supple body, this is a smoothly tamed wine. It’s youthful and structured, with a mix of citrus, black cherry and cola. Medium bodied, it’s memorably balanced and possesses subtle power. -Virginie Boone”
Antonio Galloni 92+? points “Bright, dark red-ruby. Pure but reticent aromas of mint, cinnamon, clove and licorice. Plush, shapely and deep, offering lovely perfumed lift to the flavors of mulled cranberry and dark spices. Fine-grained tannins spread out to saturate the palate on the long, aromatic finish. (ST)”
Patz & Hall Pisoni Vineyard Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands2013 750ML ($89.95) $49 special
Antonio Galloni 92+ points “Saturated ruby-red color. Knockout nose combines blackberry, black cherrry and Oriental spices; reminded me of a wine from the Vosne-Romanée/Nuits-Saint-Georges neighborhood. Powerful and large-scaled but a bit youthfully monolithic, with black fruit flavors lifted by mint and ginger high notes. This big boy finishes with huge tannins that avoid coming off as hard. Hall picks this fruit late, as it’s necessary to wait for the acidity to go down, but noted that in the hot years it can get porty. “And it’s necessary to be gentle with the extraction,” he added. This would be a perfect Pinot for a steak house. (ST)”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
France – Chablis
Domaine Louis Michel & Fils Chablis Burgundy 2019 750ML ($37.95) $31.90 special
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 90 points “Bursting with notes of peach, crisp orchard fruit, fresh bread and pastry, the 2019 Chablis Village is medium to full-bodied, satiny and precise, with a fleshy core of fruit, lively acids and a mineral finish.”
Domaine Louis Michel & Fils Sechet Chablis Premier Cru 2019 750ML ($49.95) $41.90 special
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 93 points “Another highlight is the 2019 Chablis 1er Cru Séchets, a medium to full-bodied, layered and incisive wine evocative of green apple, Anjou pear, beeswax, mint and iodine. Mineral and concentrated, it has turned out very well indeed.”
Burghound 89-92 points “This too is quite firmly reduced and tough to assess aromatically. More interesting are the succulent citrus and mineral-inflected middle weight flavors that possess fine richness along with sneaky good length on the balanced finale. This relatively forward effort will need to develop better depth to achieve the upper end of my range.”
Domaine Louis Michel & Fils Montee de Tonnerre Chablis Premier Cru 2019 750ML ($49.95) $41.90 special
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 92+ points “The 2019 Chablis 1er Cru Montée de Tonnerre opens in the glass with notes of pear, green apple, wet stones, iodine and fresh pastry. Medium to full-bodied, satiny and layered, it’s taut and concentrated, with bright acids and a long, saline finish. It’s derived from holdings in Chapelot.”
Burghound 90-93 points “Outstanding. An airy, expressive and beautifully layered nose speaks of smoky citrus, white flowers, iodine and shellfish. The round, seductive and vibrant medium-bodied flavors possess a succulent yet sophisticated mid-palate texture while delivering fine length on the clean, moderately dry and sneaky long finish. This too will need to add depth over time, but it has the underlying material with which to do so if allowed the chance.”
France – Champagne
Pierre Peters Cuvee de Reserve Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut 750ML ($79.95) $59 special,
Wine Spectator 93 points “This elegant Champagne is powered by intense acidity, wrapping its racy frame in a cloak fashioned from the plush and creamy mousse as it carries flavors of ripe mirabelle plum and fig fruit, chopped hazelnut and preserved lemon, with an underlying tang of salinity. The lingering finish echoes the ripe fruit and mineral character. Disgorged October 2020. Drink now through 2026. –AN”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 91+ points “Based on the 2017 vintage, the latest rendition of Péters’s NV Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Cuvée de Réserve was disgorged in April. Offering up scents of yellow apple, warm bread and fresh biscuits, it’s medium to full-bodied, round and fleshy, with a charming core of fruit, racy acids and a nicely defined finish. Rodolphe Péters notes that while 2017 was a challenging year, the low yields delivered concentrated vins clairs.”
South Africa –
Meerlust Rubicon Stellenbosch2016 750ML ($49.95) $34.50 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Decanter 93 points “Cedar wood, spice, a touch of fynbos on nose and palate. Good acidity and layers of flavour that balance the ripe fruit, with a deft touch. Drinking Window 2021 – 2028.”
Anthony Mueller-Wine Advocate 90+ points “The 2016 Rubicon has an expressive nose of mulberry with subtle oak and red and brown spices. Comprised of 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot, the full-bodied palate is still tight and structured with a grippy, chewy edge, but elegance can be gained with age and this wine ends well structured with focused balance.”
Southern Right Pinotage Hemel-en-Aarde Valley 2020 750ML ($49.95) $30.90 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Vinpol Note: Old Vine Pinotage grown in Clay-Shale soil 2 Kilometers from the Southern Atlantic Ocean. Expressive aromas of warm stone and woodsmoke with medium plus tannins and body underscored by a black fruited character. Can drink now or age further.
Central European Curios:
New Austrian Wines arriving this Fall
New Austrian Wines arriving this Fall
In spite of being the birthplace of Biodynamic farming and the strictest farming standards in the European Union, the wines of Austria remain critically undervalued. We have secured an allotment from some of our favorite producers, with an estimated arrival time later this fall. All of these producers are biodynamic and feature high percentages of old vines on their estates.
Schloss Gobelsburg, a Cistercian monastic estate, is one of the oldest wineries in the Austrian Danube area with a documented history that dates back to 1171. All the vineyards are located on slopes and terraces around the valley of the river Kamp near the town of Langenlois and the village of Gobelsburg. The house style is meant to emphasize the character of the individual site, vintage and varietal in a way that respects the winemaking tradition of the monks that previously occupied the estate. This manifests in their eschewing of winemaking technology like pumps. Beyond their historical pedigree, this is a benchmark producer with an incredibly diverse portfolio with something for everyone.
Gobelsburg Wines arriving this fall:
Schloss Gobelsburg Sekt Brut Reserve Niederosterreich NV 750ML ($49.95) $41.90 pre-arrival special
Wine & Spirits 93 points “Here’s a decadent bubbly, as rich and layered as a croissant, with a similar balance of toasty, nutty notes and buttery luzury. Michael Moosbrugger based it on gruner veltliner, augments it with pinot noir and riesling, then ages it for six months in barrel; he ferments the wine a second time in bottle, where he leaves it for at least three years before disgorgement. The veltliner’s earthy fruit gives away the fact that this isn’t Champagne, but it acts like one.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Schloss Gobelsburg Ried Lamm Gruner Veltliner Erste OTW Lage Kamptal DAC 2019 750ML ($79.95) $69 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 96 points “It’s not often that a young Austrian gruner veltliner reminds you of Burgundy, though mature examples often do. The ripe-mirabelle, candied-pineapple and dried-herb aromas are married to a palate that’s rich and creamy. But beneath the waterline this is also a highly structured wine. Rather imposing finish, suggesting excellent aging potential. Drink or hold.”
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Schloss Gobelsburg Renner Gruner Veltliner Reserve Erste OTW Lage Kamptal DAC 2019 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 94 points “I love the precise balance of this rich and complex (also texturally) gruner veltliner, which glides over the palate, until you reach the tannins at the finish. Lovely white-fruit and delicate-spice aromas. Excellent aging potential. Drink or hold.”
Schloss Gobelsburg Gobesburger Gruner Veltliner Kamptal DAC 2020 750ML ($21.95) $18 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 91 points “Attractive lemon and white-peach nose with hints of green apples and fresh herbs. Juicy, mid-weight palate with a lot of character and a lovely balance of warm elements and cool, minty undertones. Long, very harmonious finish. Drink now. Screw cap.”
Schloss Gobelsburg Heiligenstein Riesling Reserve Erste OTW Lage Kamptal DAC2019 750ML ($74.95) $66 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 95 points “Ripe and spicy with a touch of dried pear alongside the fresh peach, this dry riesling makes a serious statement. Lots of underplayed power here, the acidity quite supple at the long spicy finish that’s well supported by positive tannins. Drink or hold.”
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Based in the village of Unterloiben, the Alzinger house farms some of the steepest vineyards in Austria. If you traded the granite for slate, you’d think you were in a Mosel village like the Saar or Terrassenmosel. Converging with the relatively high elevation of the site, Alzinger creates some of the most powerful expressions of Riesling in the country. Leo Alzinger took over his family’s estate after apprenticing in Marlborough, New Zealand and the Pfalz, Germany where he crafted his house style. This technical knowledge is evident in his wines, which he vinifies whole cluster with a touch of skin contact and extended lees aging.
Alzinger Wines arriving this fall:
Weingut Leo Alzinger Ried Hohereck Riesling Smaragd Wachau 2020 750ML ($64.95) $51.90 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 95 points “The perfumed peach, rose and Amalfi-lemon nose sucks you into this succulent and beautifully balanced dry riesling that shows why the Wachau has a special reputation for these wines. Underplayed power at the very long, mineral finish. Limited quantity. Drink or hold.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Weingut Leo Alzinger Hollerin Riesling Smaragd Wachau 2020 750ML ($ 59.95) $48 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 93 points “Who says dry riesling is always tart? The effusive grapefruit and peachy nose, with hints of sesame and hibiscus, remains cool and subtle. Hard to resist this as it pulls you into the juicy and bright palate which feels a bit lighter than it actually is. Long, rather zesty finish with delicate minerality that makes you want more. Drink or hold.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Have you ever had a Grüner Veltliner that was grown and vinified like it was Riesling? Bernhard Ott seeks to do just that with his family’s estate in Feuersbrunn, Austria. Blessed with sedimentary soils that feature smatterings of chalk and sand, there’s a mineral edge to his wines that goes beyond the typical “River stone” character of Grüner. This could be on account of his meticulous biodynamic farming and vinification style as well, which involves whole cluster pressing and allowing for some oxidation to occur (Not unlike how the best White Burgundy is treated). It almost goes without saying that these are benchmark Grüner Veltliners to try at least once.
Weingut Bernhard Ott ‘Am Berg’ Gruner Veltliner Wagram 2020 750ML ($24.95) $19.50 pre-arrival special
Skurnik Imports note “Am Berg or “From the Mountain” is the basic wine and a great choice for by the glass. Light in texture and very fresh, this is an organically farmed, classic GV from loess soils in Feuersbrunn.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Weingut Bernhard Ott ‘Der Ott’ Feuersbrunn Gruner Veltliner Wagram 2019 750ML ($49.95) $41.90 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 94 points “This is a real beauty with so much depth, yet such grace and precision. Very complex, sweet-vegetal notes and cool white and yellow-fruit notes, spiced up with some pepper of all three colors. Just beginning to show what it’s made of! From biodynamically grown grapes with Respekt certification. Drink or hold.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Weingut Bernhard Ott Fass 4 Gruner VeltlinerWagram 2020 750ML ($34.95) $28 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 92 points “In the first moment this is quite funky, but it blows off straight away to reveal a complex gruner veltliner with tons of spring-meadow and wild-herb character. Generous yet sleek, ripe yet cool and elegant, this has stunning balance with really well-integrated, racy acidity and a mineral finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.”
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Nikolaihof’s history spans across eras, featuring some of the oldest Celtic sites in all of Europe. Considered sacred ground and possibly home to a temple in 700 B.C, it was later occupied by the Roman Empire who continued to grow and produce wine onsite. Winemaking continued after the fall of the Romans, with Catholic monks codifying the vineyard as the first named site in all of Europe. Much like it existed in previous centuries; the farm is farmed under polyculture and produces everything from honey to cut flowers in addition to wine production.
Nikolaihof Wines arriving this fall:
Familie Saahs Nikolaihof im Weingebirge Smaragd Gruner Veltliner Wachau 2015 750ML ($79.95) $69 pre-arrival special
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 96+ points “Bottled at the end of April this year, the 2015 Im Weingebirge Grüner Veltliner Smaragd is clear, deep and intense on the nose with its subtle aromas of crushed stones and lemons. Some animal leather and wild boar scents here as well. Full-bodied and intense but also very elegant and finessed on the palate, this is a lush and impressively long and very tensioned, highly expressive Smaragd made for decades. Its slightly oxidative style reminds me of traditional white Riojas, but the crystalline acidity and mineral character is clearly Wachau. A potential top-scorer, but the wine is far too young to be served today. 12.5% alcohol. 2030-2060.”
Familie Saahs Nikolaihof Vinothek Riesling Wachau 2002 750ML ($219.95) $179 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 98 points “At first deep, dark and mysterious. Just like the Nikolaihof cellar, where this dry riesling spent 16 years in barrel. Then, a minty freshness develops that leaps out of the glass at you. By some miracle, it manages to taste ancient and lively at once. The finish is very long with great herbal complexity. From biodynamically grown grapes. Demeter certified. Drink or hold.”
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 96 points “From the Vom Stein vineyard and stylistically a Smaragd but bottled in July 2018 after 16 years in vats, the 2002 Riesling Vinothek is clear, pure and floral/herbal on the delicate, completely healthy nose. Full-bodied, intense and concentrated on the palate, with fascinating clarity and persistently salty mineral tension, this is an exciting, firmly structured and sustainable dry Riesling of great class and style. Absolutely vivacious and pure. A great wine tasted at the domain from lot 214403 in September 2019.”
Cant get enough Central European wine ? Check out our other selections from Germany, Hungary and Austria on our web store today!
Oregon Pinot Noir has rapidly become one of the most in demand wine regions in the entire world, with the industry seeing explosive growth as a result. Across the Willamette Valley Pinot Noir is queen and is represented in every corner of the AVA. Some of our favorite areas within the Willamette Valley include the Coastal Range, Eola-Amity Hills and the Dundee Hills.
You would be hard pressed to find better representation from the Coast Range than Crowley Wines. Still a relatively undiscovered growing area in Oregon, the wines generally feature high toned acidity, vibrant fruit and a finish that meanders from alpine to oceanic. This is on account of multiple cooling factors including coastal winds from the Pacific Ocean, the surrounding forest, and the Van Duzer corridor. They’re stunning examples of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that are only represented in a handful of vineyards.
Crowley is lucky enough to work with not only old vines but in a high elevation site no less, and delivers masterpieces with every vintage. Their house style is described as “A focus on transparent, terroir-driven winemaking to create the most direct evidence of both vintage and place” and can be seen throughout their portfolio. Natural fermentations are employed, and new oak is deliberately judicious as to not hide the varietal character of their Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. As President of the Deep Roots Coalition, Tyson Crowley eschews irrigation of any kind in order for the grapevines to fully express themselves.
In addition to the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that they produce from the Coast Range vineyard: Four Winds there is also a Dundee Hills bottling sourced from La Colina Vineyard. If that wasn’t enough there’s even an entry level line that is perfectly representative of the house style, but created from a cuvee of different vineyards. You also can’t forget their rose as well, which is entirely composed from Four Winds and is a dream pairing with any kind of seafood you can think of.
In stock and available now:
Crowley Four Winds Vineyard Chardonnay Willamette Valley 2019 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 9 bottles in stock now
Winery note “Jasmine, lemongrass and salty mist jump out of the glass initially. Striking minerality melts into honeysuckle nectar on the palate. Earthen complexity is backed by apricot and white peach which lead into an incredibly long finish. A touch of wood frames this wine with firm structure. Wente, Dijon & Draper clones. Native fermentation. 200 cases.”
VinopolNote: A riotously fragrant release, this shows notes of dried lemon zest, sea salt, lime flower, and pear tart. Its creamy mouthfeel balances the bright, palate-cleansing acidity. One of the finest vintages to date.
Crowley Four Winds Vineyard Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2019 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 23 bottles in stock now
Winery note “Cool aromas of tangerine tea mingled with spicy sativa weave into ripe cherry. This intriguing nose leads into an airy palate layered with pomegranate, mushroom and lean strawberry. Acidity is crisp and determined and framed by a complex and restrained fruit profile. 100% Pommard clone. Native fermentation. 200 cases.”
VinopolNote: A reserved nose hints at red forest berries, iodine, and loam. There’s layers of flavors on the palate, with tart red berries, rose petals, gentian, tea berries and soy. Its austerity hides a subtle, lingering richness that melts into fine, grippy tannins on the finish. Bravo!
You would be hard pressed to find better representation from the Coast Range than Crowley Wines. Still a relatively undiscovered growing area in Oregon, the wines generally feature high toned acidity, vibrant fruit and a finish that meanders from alpine to oceanic. This is on account of multiple cooling factors including coastal winds from the Pacific Ocean, the surrounding forest, and the Van Duzer corridor. They’re stunning examples of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that are only represented in a handful of vineyards.
Crowley is lucky enough to work with not only old vines but in a high elevation site no less, and delivers masterpieces with every vintage. Their house style is described as “A focus on transparent, terroir-driven winemaking to create the most direct evidence of both vintage and place” and can be seen throughout their portfolio. Natural fermentations are employed, and new oak is deliberately judicious as to not hide the varietal character of their Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. As President of the Deep Roots Coalition, Tyson Crowley eschews irrigation of any kind in order for the grapevines to fully express themselves.
In addition to the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that they produce from the Coast Range vineyard: Four Winds there is also a Dundee Hills bottling sourced from La Colina Vineyard. If that wasn’t enough there’s even an entry level line that is perfectly representative of the house style, but created from a cuvee of different vineyards. You also can’t forget their rose as well, which is entirely composed from Four Winds and is a dream pairing with any kind of seafood you can think of.
In stock and available now:
Crowley Four Winds Vineyard Chardonnay Willamette Valley 2019 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 9 bottles in stock now
Winery note “Jasmine, lemongrass and salty mist jump out of the glass initially. Striking minerality melts into honeysuckle nectar on the palate. Earthen complexity is backed by apricot and white peach which lead into an incredibly long finish. A touch of wood frames this wine with firm structure. Wente, Dijon & Draper clones. Native fermentation. 200 cases.”
VinopolNote: A riotously fragrant release, this shows notes of dried lemon zest, sea salt, lime flower, and pear tart. Its creamy mouthfeel balances the bright, palate-cleansing acidity. One of the finest vintages to date.
Crowley Four Winds Vineyard Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2019 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 23 bottles in stock now
Winery note “Cool aromas of tangerine tea mingled with spicy sativa weave into ripe cherry. This intriguing nose leads into an airy palate layered with pomegranate, mushroom and lean strawberry. Acidity is crisp and determined and framed by a complex and restrained fruit profile. 100% Pommard clone. Native fermentation. 200 cases.”
VinopolNote: A reserved nose hints at red forest berries, iodine, and loam. There’s layers of flavors on the palate, with tart red berries, rose petals, gentian, tea berries and soy. Its austerity hides a subtle, lingering richness that melts into fine, grippy tannins on the finish. Bravo!
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Crowley La Colina Vineyard Pinot Noir Dundee Hills 2018 750ML ($49.95) $45 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Winery note “The 2018 La Colina is bold and beautiful. Harvested in cool late September, it’s mature and vigorous with the added power of a dry summer growing season that certainly left its mark. Dark ruby is the color with traces of blue on the edges. The nose is tobacco and mushroom and ripe raspberry. Signature La Colina tropical notes mix with ash and forest floor to create a captivating experience. Great rigid structure combines with fresh acidity and dark sweet fruit to get the wine moving on the palate while dark cherry, coffee, anise, and wintergreen all make a graceful appearance to keeps this wine mysterious. The angular mouthfeel with supple tannin provides lift and the finish is gorgeous and long. “
You’ve heard of Sandhi and Evening Land wines before, but were you aware of their new Willamette Valley project? Both operations are based in the Eola-Amity Hills, an area known for producing ripe fruit with minerality evocative of seashells as a result of the marine sediment soils. Run by wine superstar Rajat Parr (Writer, Reviewer, Sommelier, Winemaker) these are some of the most compelling wines in the entire Sub-AVA.
2018 marked the end of an era for Oregon winegrowing and the debut for Salem Wine Co., with this being the last of our “Hot” vintages before a return to classic Oregon in the 2019 season. While hot and dry like the 2014-17 vintages, 18 was marked by minimal heat spikes in comparison with the addition of a cool and dry end to the season. In the case of Evening Land and their estate, this allowed for them to achieve maximal ripeness while still maintaining the quintessential character of Oregon Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
These are wines built for long term aging but are showing brilliantly at this time, albeit a bit austere. Both the Pinot Noir and the Chardonnay feature a basaltic mineral quality that accents their fruit character in a way that tames the ripeness and contributes to a long finish. The Chardonnay is a perfect example of the Oregon style, featuring both fruit and oak influence that are held together with plenty of acid. The Pinot Noir received some whole cluster inclusion, which contributes to a more structured and tannic varietal character along with judicious new oak. The wines in a nutshell: Grown in Oregon with a definite eye on Burgundian style as a reference point.
The consistent quality across their portfolio speaks to their biodynamic practices and treasure trove of old vines at Seven Springs Estate. We will also offer the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Salem Wine Co. which primarily comes from the younger blocks on the estate as well as two neighboring vineyards, exhibiting a brighter and more youthful expression of the estate. These are meant to be enjoyed in their youth, perhaps while your Seven Springs wines come to fruition and feature entirely neutral cooperage. Expect the classic Eola Amity flavors of raspberry, bing cherry and
In stock and available now
Salem Wine & Co. Chardonnay Eola-Amity Hills 2018 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special, 32 bottles in stock now
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 92 points “The 2018 Salem Wine Co. Chardonnay has a a nose of elderflower, pear, baker’s yeast and lemongrass with touches of beeswax. The palate is medium-bodied with broad, savory flavors, bright freshness and a long, flavorful finish. This is made from younger vines a few hundred feet away from the older vines in Seven Springs vineyard, planted with a slight south-facing exposition.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Salem Wine & Co. Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills 2018 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special, 28 bottles in stock now
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 91 points “The 2018 Salem Wine Co. Pinot Noir has a nose of ripe red and black berry jam with touches of powdered sugar and spices. The medium-bodied palate has ripe fruits with a grainy, fresh frame and long finish.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Evening Land ‘Seven Springs Vineyard’ Rose of Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills 2020 750ML ($29.95) $24 special, 29 bottles in stock now
Winery note “The Seven Springs Rosé comes from the young Pinot Noir vines planted up on the vineyard’s East Ridge. These densely planted vines grow in well-drained soils and receive a full day of sunshine during the growing season. This cuvée offers a lively acidity, fresh fruit flavors and subtle floral characteristics.”
Region: Eola-Amity Hills, Oregon. Biodynamic.
Evening Land ‘Seven Springs Vineyard’ Chardonnay Eola-Amity Hills 2018 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 13 bottles in stock now
Tim Fish-Wine Spectator 93 points “Vibrant and steely, with layers of lime and Meyer lemon that show wet stone accents, building toward a snappy finish. Drink now through 2023.”
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2018 Chardonnay Seven Springs Vineyard has pretty aromas of elderflower, poached pears, quince and bakers yeast. In the mouth, it’s medium -bodied and satiny in texture, fleshing out to broad, savory tones and finishing long and fresh. Fruit for this cuvée comes from both the younger and older vines.”
Oregon Wine would not exist in the form it does today without the contributions made by Eyrie and the Lett clan. One of the “First families of Oregon Pinot” they were among the first to plant wine grapes en masse in the Willamette Valley, and were among the first to achieve national attention. Since their inception in 1966 their work has been meticulous from the beginning. This isn’t hyperbolic either, with no irrigation or synthetic inputs used on any of their vineyards. As a result you get a completely unobstructed view of Oregon’s terroir in a manner rarely imitated but widely admired.
These practices are maintained in the cellar as well, with Eyrie’s house style emphasizing low intervention practices. These are not the most extracted Pinot Noir’s in Oregon but are among the most elegant and long lived.
In stock now:
The Eyrie Vineyards Pinot Noir Dundee Hills 2018 750ML ($44.95) $39 special
*2017 Vintage substituted
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 92 points “Pale ruby, the 2017 Pinot Noir Estate is classically styled, with scents of red and black berry fruit and accents of forest floor, tobacco and aniseed. The light-bodied palate is juicy and soft, with intense, earth-laced fruits and a long, spicy finish.”
James Suckling 94 points “A blend of all five Eyrie sites, this gives a gauge on the 2017 harvest here, as one that delivered fresh and complex style. Red-cherry, raspberry, blueberry and leafy aromas with gently earthy and spicy tones in equal measure. The palate has a very smooth core of fleshy red-cherry flavors and carries a velvety tannin texture long and fresh. Seriously complex pinot. Drink or hold.”
Winery note “The Seven Springs Rosé comes from the young Pinot Noir vines planted up on the vineyard’s East Ridge. These densely planted vines grow in well-drained soils and receive a full day of sunshine during the growing season. This cuvée offers a lively acidity, fresh fruit flavors and subtle floral characteristics.”
Region: Eola-Amity Hills, Oregon. Biodynamic.
Evening Land ‘Seven Springs Vineyard’ Chardonnay Eola-Amity Hills 2018 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 13 bottles in stock now
Tim Fish-Wine Spectator 93 points “Vibrant and steely, with layers of lime and Meyer lemon that show wet stone accents, building toward a snappy finish. Drink now through 2023.”
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2018 Chardonnay Seven Springs Vineyard has pretty aromas of elderflower, poached pears, quince and bakers yeast. In the mouth, it’s medium -bodied and satiny in texture, fleshing out to broad, savory tones and finishing long and fresh. Fruit for this cuvée comes from both the younger and older vines.”
Oregon Wine would not exist in the form it does today without the contributions made by Eyrie and the Lett clan. One of the “First families of Oregon Pinot” they were among the first to plant wine grapes en masse in the Willamette Valley, and were among the first to achieve national attention. Since their inception in 1966 their work has been meticulous from the beginning. This isn’t hyperbolic either, with no irrigation or synthetic inputs used on any of their vineyards. As a result you get a completely unobstructed view of Oregon’s terroir in a manner rarely imitated but widely admired.
These practices are maintained in the cellar as well, with Eyrie’s house style emphasizing low intervention practices. These are not the most extracted Pinot Noir’s in Oregon but are among the most elegant and long lived.
In stock now:
The Eyrie Vineyards Pinot Noir Dundee Hills 2018 750ML ($44.95) $39 special
*2017 Vintage substituted
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 92 points “Pale ruby, the 2017 Pinot Noir Estate is classically styled, with scents of red and black berry fruit and accents of forest floor, tobacco and aniseed. The light-bodied palate is juicy and soft, with intense, earth-laced fruits and a long, spicy finish.”
James Suckling 94 points “A blend of all five Eyrie sites, this gives a gauge on the 2017 harvest here, as one that delivered fresh and complex style. Red-cherry, raspberry, blueberry and leafy aromas with gently earthy and spicy tones in equal measure. The palate has a very smooth core of fleshy red-cherry flavors and carries a velvety tannin texture long and fresh. Seriously complex pinot. Drink or hold.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The Eyrie Vineyards Original Vines Reserve Chardonnay Dundee Hills 2017 ($59.95) $49 special
James Suckling 95 points “A series of plantings, spanning the mid-1960s to mid-1970s. The extra depth this wine carries is immediately apparent on the nose with ripe peaches and apricots, as well as orange citrus. The fleshy texture impresses, as does the very clear, peach flavors that hold, amid attractively grippy tannins. Drink over the next six to eight years.”
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2017 Chardonnay Original Vines has an incredibly alluring perfume, exploding with lemon drop, salted almonds, exotic spices and honeyed undertones. The medium-bodied palate is satiny with pure, intense flavors and addicting juicy acidity, and it finishes very long and mineral-driven. It’s stunning now but will age well in the cellar.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Zany for Zuni:
2019 Zuni Chardonnay
After the explosive popularity of our exclusive Evening Land/Brasserie 19 offer last year, we jumped at the chance to offer another exclusive wine from Rajat Parr’s Sta. Rita Hills winery, Sandhi. Oregon wine fans may best know Parr for his Willamette Valley winery Evening Land and their pioneering Seven Springs vineyard. Some years before signing on to Evening Land, Parr’s founded Sandhi, an elite, small production winery that highlights the terroirs of Santa Barbara County. He and co-founder Sashi Moorman eschew extremes of ripeness, oak, or alcohol, instead crafting wines of elegance and restraint. Vineyard sources for the Sandhi lineup include the legendary cool climate Bien Nacido, best known by the single vineyard bottlings produced by the Bien Nacido estate, Au Bon Climat, and Qupe Winery, and the world-classic, historic Sanford & Benedict.
This Chardonnay is a barrel selection from these illustrious vineyards. It was crafted with the wine director at one of SF’s finest restaurants, Zuni Café. We knew it would be a charming and food-friendly wine, but we were stunned by the quality when we tasted a sample bottle. Fans of Evening Land will be dazzled by the beauty and elegance through a Californian lens, fans of Sandhi will be impressed by the price.
In Stock Now:
Sandhi Zuni Chardonnay Santa Barbara County 2019 750ML ($34.95) $24 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Sandhi Zuni Chardonnay Santa Barbara County 2019 ($399.95) $249 special
Winery note “If you’ve ever sat at San Francisco’s iconic Zuni Café with a plate of oysters in front of you while you wait for the iconic whole roast chicken, you may have had a glass or two of this collaboration between longtime friends Rajat Parr of Sandhi and Zuni wine director Thierry Lovato. The wine is a barrel selection from some of Sandhi’s iconic Sta. Rita Hills sites, (think Mt. Carmel, Sanford & Benedict) with enough own-rooted, 1973 Wente selection Bien Nacido Chardonnay blended in to warrant a Santa Barbara County designation.”
This Chardonnay is a barrel selection from these illustrious vineyards. It was crafted with the wine director at one of SF’s finest restaurants, Zuni Café. We knew it would be a charming and food-friendly wine, but we were stunned by the quality when we tasted a sample bottle. Fans of Evening Land will be dazzled by the beauty and elegance through a Californian lens, fans of Sandhi will be impressed by the price.
In Stock Now:
Sandhi Zuni Chardonnay Santa Barbara County 2019 750ML ($34.95) $24 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Sandhi Zuni Chardonnay Santa Barbara County 2019 ($399.95) $249 special
Winery note “If you’ve ever sat at San Francisco’s iconic Zuni Café with a plate of oysters in front of you while you wait for the iconic whole roast chicken, you may have had a glass or two of this collaboration between longtime friends Rajat Parr of Sandhi and Zuni wine director Thierry Lovato. The wine is a barrel selection from some of Sandhi’s iconic Sta. Rita Hills sites, (think Mt. Carmel, Sanford & Benedict) with enough own-rooted, 1973 Wente selection Bien Nacido Chardonnay blended in to warrant a Santa Barbara County designation.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Tenuta Arceno’s Triptych of Bordeaux blends
Are you familiar with Tenuta Arceno? In addition to their olive oil and Chianti Classico production they make some of the best Bordeaux Blends in Tuscany at a variety of price points. While Tuscany is famous for her blends of the indigenous Sangiovese grape and Bordeaux varietals more commonly known as “Super Tuscans”, there have been Bordeaux blends utilized since the 14th century!
The combination of rich soil, high elevation and generous Tuscan weather creates a level of ripeness that is almost Napa Valley-esque but with the quintessential Italian rusticity and character. The “il Fauno” is sourced from the clay rich sections of the estate; the favored soil type of Merlot which makes up the backbone of the blend. Expect a plethora of ripe strawberry, Bing cherry, Mexican vanilla and cigar box with a finish of terra cotta and earth.
Tenuta di Arceno Il Fauno di Arcanum Toscana IGT Tuscany 2017 750ML ($34.95) $28 special, 20 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 93 points “Ripe, bold and soft, the Tenuta di Arceno 2017 Il Fauno di Arcanum is a hot-vintage blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Despite the difficult conditions of the vintage, which included spells of extreme heat and dryness, this wine hits an especially pretty balance that underlines the care given to preserving the best qualities of the fruit. It pours from the bottle with a darkly concentrated appearance and displays blackberry, plum, spice, tar and leather. There is softness here for sure, yet the wine’s structure and carefully engineered construction is intact.”
Arcanum ‘Valadorna’ Toscana IGT Tuscany 2015 750ML ($79.95) $49 special, 17 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95+ points “The 2015 Valadorna (65% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot) is a dark and thickly endowed red wine that boasts a rich and lasting grip on the palate. The bouquet offers depth and complexity with dark fruit, leather, cured tobacco and spice. There are also softer notes of chocolate and ground espresso beans. The wine’s seamless integration of flavors leads to increased momentum and intensity as the wine continues to open in the glass.”
New Reviews:
Bernard Baudry
Established in 1975, Bernard Baudry is a relatively young winery in Chinon terms. Son, Matthieu Baudry, joined in 2001. Today, they own 32 hectares across the appellation from valley floor to slopes and plateau. This being Chinon, production is 90% Cabernet Franc with a splash of Chenin Blanc thrown in. The estate has officially been practicing organics since 2006, although Bernard Baudry didn’t previously use any herbicides, so it was not a revolutionary move. The entire wine range displays tender loving care and a light touch: the fruit shows excellent purity. Working with a single variety and no new oak, the site is transparent whether it’s the limestone-based Clos Guillot, which provides a powerful, chalky-textured structure and a long, fine line of acidity, or Les Grézeaux with its shy yet smoky character, fluid texture and gravelly tannins sitting on the front of your tongue.
Bernard Baudry Chinon Rose Loire 2020 750ML ($21.95) $20.90 special
Rebecca Gibb Mw-Vinous 92 points “The 2020 Chinon Rosé is a very pure, dry, mid-weight that offers delicate raspberry notes, but this is as much about structure as it is about fruit. The flint soils contribute a slight phenolic texture and length to the finish. A serious food rosé, made with a blend of 50% flint and 50% alluvial soils, and hand-harvested and gently pressed.”
Bernard Baudry Chinon Rose Loire 2020 750ML ($21.95) $20.90 special
Rebecca Gibb Mw-Vinous 92 points “The 2020 Chinon Rosé is a very pure, dry, mid-weight that offers delicate raspberry notes, but this is as much about structure as it is about fruit. The flint soils contribute a slight phenolic texture and length to the finish. A serious food rosé, made with a blend of 50% flint and 50% alluvial soils, and hand-harvested and gently pressed.”
\Captain of Chianti: Isole e Olena
No winery symbolizes the modern quality of Tuscany like Isole e Olena. Since the arrival of Paolo de Marchi in 1976, Isole e Olena has been a quality leader in the region. Stylistically, Isole e Olena occupies a place that is at once traditional and modern. Their Chianti Classico and flagship Cepparello are both firmly rooted in the primacy of Sangiovese and the idea of Tuscan typicity. Elegance wedded to power, both wines show the nuance and bright fruit you’d expect from a classic wine of the region combined with the density and complexity of top tier, noble wines.
New Releases Arriving This Month from Isole e Olena
Isole e Olena Collezione Privata Chardonnay Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2019 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2019 Chardonnay Collezione Privata is a real achievement, especially in its natural ability to showcase varietal purity and textural importance in equal measure. The wine is fermented in oak and spends some time on the fine lees with frequent stirring. Aromas of poached pear, honey and stone fruit segue to a glossy note of latex or natural rubber that I personally find very attractive. The bouquet shows very light toast with some sweet nuttiness and almond paste. Drying mineral tones add a touch of linearity and extra elegance on the close.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $57.99
The next best price is $57.99
Isole e Olena Cepparello Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2018 750ML ($99.95) $89 pre-arrival special
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 96 points “A pure expression of Sangiovese, the 2018 Cepparello is a beautiful expression that speaks to the classic and most exemplary side of this versatile and deeply expressive grape. This vintage is especially bright and ethereal with a true sense of luminosity and clarity that radiates from both the wine’s appearance and its fragrant bouquet. Tart cherry and cassis segue to balsam herb and wild violets. To the palate, the wine shows muscle and determination with sweet tannins and impressive depth of favor. Cepparello remains true to its unique identity in this vintage.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $101
The average price is $101
Isole e Olena Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany 2018 750ML ($29.95) $24 pre-arrival special
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 91 points “With 114,000 bottles produced, this is a terrific value buy from one of the best performing estates in the appellation. The 2018 Chianti Classico is made with 82% Sangiovese that has been blended with 15% Canaiolo and 3% Syrah from a mix of sandstone, galestro and alberese soils. The wine is fresh and fruit forward with bright berry aromas over easy spice and smoky tar.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $29
The average price is $29
Newly Reviewed and In Stock Now:
Isole e Olena Vin Santo del Chianti Classico, Tuscany 2009 375ML ($59.95) $49 special, 4 half-bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 96 points “Isole e Olena is celebrated as one of the greatest current producers of Tuscan Vin Santo. The 2009 Vin Santo del Chianti Classico (packaged in a precious 375-milliliter bottle) is a living testament to an important winemaking legacy that is part of this region’s ancient winemaking DNA. This is a beautifully soft and rich dessert wine with lingering tones of brown sugar, candied fruit and maple syrup. This blend of 55% Malvasia and 45% Trebbiano is aged in small caratelli barrels for 10 years and shows a glossy appearance with a polished chestnut-like color. This is a wine of soaring fragrance and intensity.”
In Stock & On Sale Now from Isole e Olena:
Isole e Olena Cepparello Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2016 750ML ($99.95) Was $79, Now $74.50 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Isole e Olena Cepparello Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2016 1.5L ($219.95) Was $199, Now $169 special, 10 magnums in stock now
Decanter 98 points “Paolo de Marchi’s ‘study in Sangiovese’ is a selection of the vintage’s finest grapes from Isole e Olena’s oldest vineyards, high up in Chianti Classico’s western sector of Barberino Tavarnelle. Harvested in mid-October, it is a captivating tangle of earth, spring blossom, coffee, tobacco and cedar. Perfumed lavender and violet lift the generous dark fruit and the brilliantly tactile powdery texture lends further dimension. This reaches great depths while simultaneously soaring effortlessly to heady heights. Positively succulent and moreish on the finish.”
Antonio Galloni 97+ points “The 2016 Cepparello is dense, dark and also very closed in on itself. Those qualities bode well for the future, but readers will have to be patient, as the 2016 is going to need at least a few years to come into its own. Black cherry, plum, lavender, spice and new leather gradually open up in the glass, but the 2016 is not ready to show all of its cards. This fruit was brought in during the second week of October, which is pretty much optimal at Isole e Olena. The 2016 spent 20 months in French oak, with a bit less than 30% new oak, and a few months in cask prior to bottling. An explosion of floral and spice notes punctuates the super-refined finish. The 2016 is shaping up to be epic. Don’t miss it!”
Monica Larner – Wine Advocate 97 points “The beautiful Isole e Olena 2016 Cepparello is a gorgeous and precise expression of Sangiovese. This is one of the icon wines of the vintage that shows a naked and transparent portrait of the grape on the one hand, with the complexity of the vintage and its territory on the other. Cepparello is like a crystal ball into the heart and soul of Sangiovese, Tuscany’s mighty red grape. It is fermented in conical oak casks and later aged 20 months in 95% French and 5% American oak, of which only one-third is new wood. The wine delivers ample structure and contouring, with a firm and silky consistency at its core. Some 42,000 bottles were made. This wine should age over the better part of the next 20 years.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $94
The average price is $94
Isole e Olena Cepparello Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2017 750ML ($99.95) Was $79, Now $69 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 97 points “The 2017 Cepparello is another in a series of stunningly beautiful Cepparellos from Paolo de Marchi. Bright and beautifully focused in the glass, with tremendous depth, the 2017 is positively stellar from the very first taste. Succulent dark cherry, plum, licorice, spice, menthol and coffee all open up with a bit of air. Here, too, Paolo De Marchi has done a tremendous job in preserving freshness in the wine. Readers who can muster the patience will be rewarded with a spectacular wine.”
James Suckling 95 points “A beautifully linear and refined sangiovese with polished tannins and super tight fruit. Yet, it shows subtle complexity of blackberries, black cherries and dark chocolate. Some hazelnuts. Intense, vibrant finish with a creamy texture. Extremely well done for this hot, dry vintage. Drink after 2023.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95+ points “The Isole e Olena 2017 Cepparello is one of the great Sangiovese-based wines of the vintage. From a growing season that was challenging for almost everyone in Italy, this wine sails through, pushed by a profound sense of varietal purity. This dark, mid-weight red reveals lifted tones of cherry, wild rose, rosemary essence, toasted almond and potting soil. These components come together with seamless transitions and a polished finish. The tannins are elegant and integrated. The wine defies the expectations of the vintage. Production is 43,000 bottles, 1,800 magnums and more large formats (including six- and 12-liter bottles).”
Isole e Olena Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG, Tuscany 2013 750ML ($249.95) Was $219, Now $199 special, 26 bottles in stock now
Isole e Olena Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG, Tuscany 2013 1.5L ($699.95) Was $449, Now $399 special, 4 magnums in stock now
Antonio Galloni 98+ points “The 2013 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione is breathtaking. Beautifully ripe, deep and expressive, the 2013 has it all: deep fruit, stunning aromatic presence and tremendous structure. Black cherry, pomegranate, rose petal, mint and lavender all meld together in this super-expressive, resonant Chianti Classico. An absolutely killer wine, the Gran Selezione is a fabulous, contemporary expression of Chianti Classico at its very finest. Drops of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah round out the blend. Paolo De Marchi gave the 2013 a year in barrique and second year in cask.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95 points “Dark, saturated and rich, the 2013 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione delivers savory tones of spice and smoke that are folded into dark fruit, prune and dried blackberry. Despite the darkness of the bouquet, this wine shows tartness and freshness in terms of its flavor profile. There is a lot of Sangiovese typicity here, thanks to the delineated character of those wild berry aromas and the crispness of the wine’s natural acidity. In fact, the wine is mostly composed of Sangiovese, although very small percentages of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot are added to the blend. A mere 2,400 bottles were produced.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $257
The next best price is $257
Isole e Olena Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany 2017 750ML ($29.95) Was $24, Now $21.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Decanter 93 points “It is strange to see a bright red wine, and to smell ripe pinky-yellow peach. But I am told that peach is not such an unusual note for the Sangiovese from this hillcrest, along which the great estates Isole e Olena, Paneretta and Monsanto sit, looking out towards the Tyrrhenian sea. Winemaker Paolo de Marchi is a great fan of the native Canaiolo Nero and blends in 15%, contributing a black/violet colour, breadth, softness and spice to balance the austerity of Sangiovese. A consistently excellent wine.”
Antonio Galloni 91 points “The 2017 Chianti Classico is fabulous. Bright, punchy and so full of character, the 2017 is absolutely delicious. Sweet berry, cedar, tobacco, rose petal and subtle earthy notes all grace the 2017, an exquisite wine that will drink well with minimal cellaring. More than anything, I am so impressed with the wine’s energy.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $27
The average price is $27
Isole e Olena Collezione Privata Syrah Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2017 750ML ($89.95) Was $69, Now $49 special, 30 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 96 points “Isole e Olena 2017 Syrah is powerful, dense and savory. Readers should not plan on opening a bottle anytime soon. Black cherry, plum, licorice, espresso, chocolate and leather build as this brooding Tuscan Syrah shows off its considerable character. The 2017 is a real powerhouse. Give it a few years in bottle.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $65
The average price is $65
Isole e Olena Collezione Privata Cabernet Sauvignon Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2014 750ML ($89.95) Was $69, Now $63.50 special, 15 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 96 points “A regal wine, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Collezione Privata from Isole e Olena soars out of the glass with tremendous aromatic and palate intensity. Deceptive in its mid-weight structure, the 2014 has so much to offer. Once again, De Marchi crafted a Cabernet Sauvignon that exudes character. Today, the 2014 is vivid but also intensely saline and clenched. Another few years in bottle should do the trick. This fruit was brought in during the last week of October and first week of November, quite late, even by the standards of the year.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $70.98
The next best price is $70.98
Isole e Olena Collezione Privata Cabernet Sauvignon Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2015 750ML ($99.95) Was $69, Now $66 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95+ points “The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Collezione Privata opens to an enriched appearance with round fruit and loads of deep intensity. What is remarkable about this Tuscan Cabernet Sauvignon (blended with very small parts of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot) is that it shows none of the greenness or tightness often associated with the grape. This warm and sunny vintage has ironed out any wrinkles and contributes to the loose, rich fabric of the wine. This wine shows lushness and balanced integration. It’s a lovely expression whose berry and forest endnotes make it perfect for a rosemary and garlic roasted lamb. Only 6,000 bottles were made.”
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon is a wine of elegance and finesse that shows the effects of rain during harvest in its decidedly mid-weight, lithe construction. Even so, the 2015 offers lovely aromatic presence and persistence. Grilled herbs, crème de cassis, licorice, violet, plum, spice and licorice all develop, but the 2015 remains decidedly delicate for this bottling. My impression is that it will age more on its freshness rather than on its concentration.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $79
The average price is $79
Collector’s Corner:
Dehu: The Marne’s Master of Meunier
At a time when sparkling winemaking is practiced more or less by every single major growing region in the world, Champagne continues to reign supreme. If one considers the new releases from Dehu, that crown is going nowhere soon.
Representing the 8th generation of champenois vigneron in the family, Benoit Dehu first cut his teeth at the Grand Marquis house Bollinger before striking out on his own in 2010, with his first release the following year. Working off of his family holdings in the Marne, with barrels made from the forest bordering the property, these are grower champagnes at their finest. The majority of his grapes are sourced from his Rue De Noyers vineyard, which has recently expanded into a small assortment of Pinot Noir beyond its exclusive planting to Meunier. Dehu has been blessed with the characteristic terroir of the Marne that contributes to his wine’s incredible aromatics and structure, namely the green clay overlaying pure limestone chalk. Eschewing new oak for aging, dosage for flavoring and intervention in general, these are some of the purest expressions of terroir you’ll ever find.
Working with less than 2 hectares of estate the production is incredibly small yet meticulous, incorporating biodynamic farming and almost 70% plowed by horse. At less than 4,000 cases made every year, it’s a small miracle we were even able to acquire the amounts we did. We are offering a range of Dehu’s flagship wines, from his 100% Meunier Rose De Saignee and Rue des Noyers to his Pinot Noir-included project: Initiation. The Rose is especially rare having been made only once prior in the history of the vineyard! Given the majority of Pinot Meunier at play with these wines, you can expect a mineral and spice driven champagne that has decades of aging potential ahead of them (If you can wait that long we won’t judge). For the serious collector we also have a smattering of magnums from the Rue Des Noyers, but quantities are extremely limited.
In Stock and available now:
Benoit Dehu Cuvee de La Rue des Noyers Rose (2018) 750ML ($149.95) $128 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Vinpol Note: 100% Pinot Meunier from the legendary 2018 vintage, and the second ever iteration of the bottling.
Representing the 8th generation of champenois vigneron in the family, Benoit Dehu first cut his teeth at the Grand Marquis house Bollinger before striking out on his own in 2010, with his first release the following year. Working off of his family holdings in the Marne, with barrels made from the forest bordering the property, these are grower champagnes at their finest. The majority of his grapes are sourced from his Rue De Noyers vineyard, which has recently expanded into a small assortment of Pinot Noir beyond its exclusive planting to Meunier. Dehu has been blessed with the characteristic terroir of the Marne that contributes to his wine’s incredible aromatics and structure, namely the green clay overlaying pure limestone chalk. Eschewing new oak for aging, dosage for flavoring and intervention in general, these are some of the purest expressions of terroir you’ll ever find.
Working with less than 2 hectares of estate the production is incredibly small yet meticulous, incorporating biodynamic farming and almost 70% plowed by horse. At less than 4,000 cases made every year, it’s a small miracle we were even able to acquire the amounts we did. We are offering a range of Dehu’s flagship wines, from his 100% Meunier Rose De Saignee and Rue des Noyers to his Pinot Noir-included project: Initiation. The Rose is especially rare having been made only once prior in the history of the vineyard! Given the majority of Pinot Meunier at play with these wines, you can expect a mineral and spice driven champagne that has decades of aging potential ahead of them (If you can wait that long we won’t judge). For the serious collector we also have a smattering of magnums from the Rue Des Noyers, but quantities are extremely limited.
In Stock and available now:
Benoit Dehu Cuvee de La Rue des Noyers Rose (2018) 750ML ($149.95) $128 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Vinpol Note: 100% Pinot Meunier from the legendary 2018 vintage, and the second ever iteration of the bottling.
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Benoit Dehu ‘La Rue des Noyers NV (2015) 750ML ($119.95) $89 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The NV (2015) Extra Brut Cuvée La Rue des Noyers speaks with real authority, and yet the 2015 is one of the more delicate versions of this cuvée so far. Time in the glass allows the wine to blossom nicely. Dried pear, smoke, herbs and dried flowers fill out the wine’s creamy frame effortlessly. Once again, the Rue des Noyers is one of the most distinctive wines in Champagne. Dosage is 1 grams per liter. Disgorged: July 2017.”
Benoit Dehu La Rue des Noyers NV (2012) 1.5L ($249.95) $219 special, 2 Magnums in stock now
Antonio Galloni 94 points “A Champagne with tremendous promise, the NV (2012) Extra Brut Cuvée La Rue des Noyers Non-Dosé is powerful and also quite structured. In this vertical, the 2012 comes across as the most phenolic and dense of the four wines released so far. I would be tempted to cellar the 2012 for at least a few years to allow a bit more aromatic complexity to develop. Time in bottle continues to do wonders for the 2012. This is the most impressive bottle I have tasted so far. Hints of smoke, ash and graphite add distinctive mineral-inflected shades as the wine opens up in the glass. Disgorged on October 14, 2015 with no dosage.” Disgorgement date varies from review.
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Benoit Dehu La Rue des Noyers NV (2013) 1.5L ($249.95) $219 special, 5 Magnums in stock now
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The NV (2013) Extra Brut Cuvée La Rue des Noyers Non-Dosé is a rich, ample wine built on texture and layers of deep, resonant fruit. From the very first taste, the 2013 shows itself to be a Champagne of real breadth. Hints of orange peel, roasted nuts, minerals, ash, chamomile, dried flowers and spice all flesh out in the glass. A deceptively mid-weight wine, the 2013 is enveloping in feel, but also has softer contours than the more explosive 2012 tasted alongside it. This is all finesse. Disgorged: April 2016. Non-dosé.” Disgorgement date varies from review.
Vinopolis is an independent wine shop in Portland that opened in 2004. Our goal has always been to offer the finest, broadest, and largest selection of wines at the best prices to our customers in Portland, in Oregon, across the West Coast, and throughout the United States.
Thank you for reading and for continuing to support our team!
Stay safe, be well, & drink well.
Thank you for reading and for continuing to support our team!
Stay safe, be well, & drink well.