Vinopolpick Friday Newsletter 10-29-21

 

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

This is the only listing in the USA today!

France – Champagne 

Noel Bazin L’Unanime Blanc de Blancs Brut NV 750ML ($59.95) $44 special
Importer note “The L’Unanime returns! “The unanimous” is the Bazin’s entry level cuvee, an assemblage of 50% 2017, 50% solera. Up to 50 year old vines in the Premier Cru Villers-Marmery. Crisp and light, a slight oxidative note and stirn chalky minerality. Perfect champagne for any occasion and appeasing to all!”
Winery note “[Translated and edited for clarity] 100% Montagne de Reims Chardonnay (a rarity). The wine is 50% 2017, 40% reserve wine from Solera, and 10% reserve wine raised in oak. The nose is floral. Acacia and Granny Smith apple notes give a beautiful impression of finesse and freshness. The palate is fresh, fruity and delicious with great elegance due to the Chardonnay from the village of Villers-Marmery.”

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France – Burgundy

Vincent Girardin Quintessence de Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru Cote de Beaune 2017 750ML ($249.95) $219 special, 23 bottles in stock now
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 93+ points “The 2017 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru Quintessence de Corton-Charlemagne was one of the most introverted wines in the range when I revisited it from bottle, unwinding to reveal scents of pear, white flowers, confit citrus and a delicate top note of petrol. On the palate, it’s full-bodied, ample and satiny, with a deep and intensely concentrated core, but it’s still very reserved after its recent bottling. Some patience will be in order here, though at maturity, I’m sure my score will look conservative.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 93-95 points “From a single parcel in Aloxe that neighbors one of Domaine Coche-Dury’s, the 2017 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru Quintessence de Corton-Charlemagne offers up a lovely bouquet of ripe citrus fruit, white flowers and honeycomb. It’s full-bodied, textural and massively concentrated, with a deep and layered mid-palate, succulent acids and a long, expansive finish. This expresses the ampler, more powerful side of Corton-Charlemagne and it’s one of Girardin’s finest 2017s.”
Stephen Tanzer 92-95 points “(always from the same vines in Aloxe-Corton): Bright yellow. Musky lime and crushed stone on the nose. Rich and full but penetrating as well, offering a bracing combination of acidity and crushed-stone minerality. This tactile, densely packed, lemon-limey wine shows a light touch and finishes salty, dry and very long, with terrific energy and grip. This wine needs time and should enjoy a slow and graceful evolution in bottle, but its impeccable balance should also give it early appeal. In fact, it’s downright delicious right now!”

France – Bordeaux 


Chateau Tour Bayard Montagne-Saint-Emilion 2018 750ML ($24.95) $20.90 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Case-12 Chateau Tour Bayard Montagne-Saint-Emilion 2018 750ML ($299.95) $228 special (That’s only $19 per bottle!)
Antonio Galloni 92 points “The 2018 Tour Bayard is so expressive right out of the gate. Freshly cut flowers, lavender and spice add lovely aromatic lift to a core of red/purplish berry fruit. This stylish, mid-weight Montagne Saint-Émilion has a lot to offer. Drink it over the next decade or so.”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 92 points “The 2018 Tour Bayard is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, weighing in with 15% alcohol. Deep garnet-purple in color, it charges out of the glass with ready-to-go notes of plum preserves, boysenberries and chocolate-covered cherries, plus touches of dried Provence herbs, pencil shavings and dusty soil. The full-bodied palate is rich, plush and seductive, delivering lovely freshness and a spicy kick on the finish. Tour Bayard is a small, family-owned winery, and the third generation is now looking after the property—Richard, Nelly and Julien, who is the winemaker. Grapes are grown on limestone soils with a southeast exposure, and no weed killers have ever been used here.”

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France – Loire

Anne-Sophie Dubois Fleurie l’Alchimiste Beaujolais 2019 750ML ($37.95) $31.90 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Stephen Tanzer-Vinous 93 points “Glistening ruby. Vibrant, spice-accented red and blue fruits and pungent flowers on the highly perfumed nose. Sappy and seamless in the mouth, the spine of juicy acidity adding energy to plush boysenberry and raspberry preserve flavors. Shows sharp definition and repeating florality on the persistent, gently tannic finish, which leaves sweet red fruit and smoky mineral notes behind.”
Importer note “From southwest facing vineyards in Fleurie AOC. Soils are highly granitic. Dark berried fruits, tempered by mineral and black tea nuances. Seamless and very elegant.”

Alain Robert Vouvray ‘Troglodyte’ Brut Loire NV 750ML ($24.95) $19 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Rebecca Gibb Mw-Vinous 89 points “A finely balanced NV Brut Troglodyte that’s spent around 18–24 months on lees. It’s a well-balanced, gentle style with attractive weight in the mouth and just the right amount of roundness. There’s nice tension on the finish, too, making for a great vinous drink with a fine bubble. Excellent value. (Drink between 2021-2027).”
Importer note “Christiane and Alain Robert founded the domaine in 1973. They are located in Chancay, just east of Vouvray. Their 38 hectares of vineyards, situated around the estate and in the neighboring village of Noizay, are mostly planted with Chenin Blanc, on silex and clay-limestone soil. Chardonnay, Grolleau and Chenin Noir (Pineau d’Aunis) are also cultivated on a few parcels. Their son Cyril, who trained in Champagne, joined them in 2000, followed by his sister Catherine two years later. Catherine brought with her ten years of experience gained in the Loire, including working alongside Jack Blot at Domaine de la Taille aux Loups.”

France – Rhone

Famille Brechet Chateau de Vaudieu Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rhone 2017 750ML ($49.95) $44.50 pre-arrival special
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “Moving to the 2017s and starting with the base Châteauneuf Du Pape, it’s a blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah that was brought up mostly in demi-muids. Revealing a ruby/purple hue as well as notes of black raspberries, kirsch, garrigue, incense, and loamy soil and earth, this beauty hits the palate with beautiful depth of fruit, a layered, rounded, sexy texture, no hard edges, remarkable purity, and just tons of charm. Drink it any time over the coming decade or more.”
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 91-92 points “Deep red. Highly perfumed red berry and floral aromas are complemented by suggestions of cracked pepper and smoky minerals. Sweet and penetrating on the palate, offering ripe raspberry, cherry and floral pastille flavors braced by a core of juicy acidity. In a seamless, energetic style, displaying a smooth blend of richness and finesse and finishing gently sweet and impressively long, with even tannins and building spiciness.”

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Domaine Raymond Usseglio & Fils Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Imperiale Rhone 2016 750ML ($99.95) $75 special, 15 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 97+ points “The flagship is the Grenache-dominated 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Imperiale, which comes from vines planted in 1902 and was destemmed and aged in concrete tanks. Awesome notes of blackberries, blueberries, crushed rocks, violets, and graphite all emerge from this tight, full-bodied, concentrated and backward Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Possessing incredible purity of fruit, a concentrated yet fresh, structured profile, and a huge finish, it just needs time to shine.”
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 95 points “Almost entirely Grenache, from parcels planted in 1901 and 1902, the 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Imperiale is a stunner. Scents of roses, black tea and raspberries set the scene, while the palate is full-bodied but silky and nearly weightless, delivering an intricate, detailed interplay of red fruit, dried spices and orange zest. Despite what must be 15% alcohol or more, it shows absolutely no sign of heat.”
Vinous Media 95 points “Brilliant ruby-red. A highly expressive bouquet evokes red fruit preserves, cherry cola, incense and spicecake, and a smoky mineral element contributes energetic lift. Velvety in texture and deeply concentrated, offering intense, spice-accented Chambord, cherry liqueur and candied lavender flavors firmed by a spine of juicy acidity. Concentrated but graceful in style. Finishes very long, spicy and precise, with youthfully firming tannins adding closing grip. 95% Grenache, from vines that were planted in 1901 and 1902; aged for 18 months in concrete vats.”

France – Northern Rhone 

Desmeure Domaine des Remizieres Hermitage Cuvee Emilie Rhone2010 750ML ($119.95) $89 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Robert Parker 96 points “A profound blockbuster is the 2010 Hermitage Cuvee Emilie. An opaque purple color, unctuous texture, and sweet perfume of creme de cassis, blackberry liqueur, acacia flowers and graphite are all found in this enormously endowed, full-bodied, viscous, thick wine. It is nearly over-the-top in richness, but everything comes together with no bitterness, astringency or heaviness. The oak is well-concealed because of the wine’s extravagant fruit and glycerin. This is a 25-year Hermitage.”

Spain – Rias Baixas 

Bodegas Gerardo Mendez Albarino Do Ferreiro Rias Baixas 2019 750ML ($39.95) $28.50 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 92+ points “The first of the 2019 Albariño was already bottled, but it is still a bit reductive (the back labels of ALL their wines show the bottling date, to know how long with lees) and needs a little bit of time in the glass, so decanting in advance might be a good idea. In these circumstances, I guide myself by the palate, which is vibrant and has very high acidity but is very balanced, even if the wine has less alcohol than the 2018. They started harvesting early; the low yields gave power, and the early harvest brought high acidity. It’s tasty and saline, with the granite minerality. 45,000 bottles produced. It’s a short vintage, like 2014 and 2012.”

Portugal – Douro Valley 

Cockburn’s Vintage Port Portugal 2017 750ML ($99.95) $74 special, 20 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 98 points “Insane aromas of crushed berry, flowers and lifted ester like a fermenting lager. Full body, tannic yet so finely grained in texture. Extremely long and beautiful. It goes on for minutes. 2,500 cases. Try in 2026.”
Wine Spectator 96 points “Packed with creamed blueberry, açaí berry and boysenberry fruit and carried by waves of velvety structure and warm fruitcake notes, this is showy in style, featuring an embedded graphite spine, alluring spice details and a flash of floral nuance through the finish, imparting superior range and length. Best from 2032 through 2050.”
Neal Martin-Vinous 95 points “The 2017 Cockburn’s Vintage Port, picked from August 28, comes mainly from Quinta dos Canais (74% of the blend.) It sports an iridescent purple hue. It has an irresistible nose with black plum, raisin, vanilla and blackcurrant, super-concentrated but managing to maintain superb delineation. The palate is medium-bodied and full of tension. I must admit to being shocked how tense and agile this Cockburn’s is showing. It is a live-wire young Port, brimming over with energy and bridle and with an almost citrus-fresh finish that leaves the mouth tingling. The name might be synonymous with the more commercial end of Port, however, recent vintages testify a fortified wine that should be taken very seriously. Superb. Total production is 2,500 cases.”
Decanter 95 points “Mostly sourced from Quinta dos Canais, this is a blend of 52% Touriga Nacional and 30% Touriga Franca, backed by Sousão and Alicante Bouschet. It’s a well priced example and looks to be one of the best value wines of the vintage. This is one of few wines in 2017 showing a touch of warmth on the nose, with opulent, heady floral fruit. The palate is sweet and fleshy initially, with ripe berry fruits and solid, spicy tannins. It’s classically structured with lovely concentration and a powerful finish, perhaps not showing the freshness of some other ’17s but still very impressive.”
Mark Squires-Wine Advocate 94-96 points “The terroir and the vintage combine to make this a wine that seems at the moment a bit bigger than Dow’s this year. Unlike in 2015, however, it also maintains its balance well. This has velvet for texture, fine aromatics and a long finish, but it is always elegant, never jammy. It is still concentrated, and aeration proves how well it can evolve. It finishes with some pop and power, but it will be approachable relatively young. Relatively is the key word there, as it shows plenty of power. Like the Warre’s, a Symington sibling this issue, it seems to be a cut above this year, the best in the brand for a while, and superior to both the 2016 and 2015. It is able to hold up to some of its more famous siblings in the Symington stable this issue. There were 2,500 cases produced. The 2017 Vintage Port is a blend of 52% Touriga Nacional, 30% Touriga Franca and small portions of Sousão and Alicante Bouschet bottled about a month before this tasting after 18 months in seasoned vats. However, I actually tasted a pre-bottling sample because there was some fear of bottling shock. This is sourced from south-facing vineyards in Douro Superior that have a higher proportion of Touriga Nacional. It comes in with 107 grams of residual sugar.”

Niepoort Vintage Port Portugal 2017 750ML ($119.95) $99 special, 22 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 99-100 points “The 2017 Vintage Port is a field blend from old vines (80 to 100 years old). It comes in with 89 grams per liter of residual sugar. This was set for bottling in two weeks, but it was the final blend. Even when open for a couple of days, this was still tight, muscular and concentrated, grabbing the palate and never letting go. On opening, it was fragrant and delicious, but even then, there was plenty of muscle and evident concentration. The concentration and power merely improved as it aired out—unlike a lot of 2016s (which year Niepoort did not declare). Tasting it after several days open showed that it shut down and closed up in terms of expressiveness, but it definitively proved that it’s an old-school, long-haul wine. Dry, stern and long on the finish, this is brilliant. It is hard to think of any basis on which this is not perfection just now—Niepoort says it is the best he’s ever made. It’s certainly the best I’ve seen from him, and it is a leading candidate for “Wine of the Vintage,” although certainly not the only one. Finally, this is going to require patience. Nothing about it says “drink me now.” It should age brilliantly. If you lack a cellar and patience, look away.”
James Suckling 98 points “Wow. Smoky and intense on the nose with dried fruits and slate undertones. Lots of wet earth too. Full body, sweet yet dry and tannic on the palate. Very powerful and focused. Racy and powerful. A fantastic center palate of fruit. A blend of touriga franca, tinto cao, tinta francisca, tinta amarela, sousao, tinta roriz and others. Drink in 2025 and onwards.”
Neal Martin-Vinous 96 points “The 2017 Vintage Port was picked early to obtain optimal ripeness, commencing 24 August and finished 26 September. Yields are some 30% below the previous year. The fruit was foot-trodden in granite lagares and matured in large barrels in Vila Nova de Gaia. It has a refulgent purple colour. The nose is explosive, a heady cornucopia of blueberry, black cherries and crème de cassis, later just a touch of lavender. There is no holding back on these aromatics. The palate follows suit with sumptuous black fruit, quite tannic but simultaneously rounded and lavish/velvety in texture. Touches of fresh fig and raisin appear towards the finish. Drop dead gorgeous.”

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Portugal – Madeira Island 

Henriques & Henriques 10 Years Old Bual Madeira 750ML ($69.95) $51.90 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 93 points “Sweet, with a thick texture moderated by tangy acidity, the caramel, molasses, walnut and orange flavors accelerate to a long, delineated finish with an aftertaste of the sea. Powerful and complex. Drink now.”

Henriques & Henriques 10 Years Old Malmsey Madeira 750ML ($69.95) $51.90 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 91 points “Full, rich and powerful, yet with a definition that comes from the sharp acidity. The flavors are coffee, caramel, orange peel and vanilla. Long, satisfying finish. Drink now.”
      
Germany – Pfalz 

Muller-Catoir Haardter Muskateller Trocken Pfalz 2018 750ML ($29.95) $24 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
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.”

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Muller-Catoir Gimmeldingen Riesling Kabinett Pfalz 2018 750ML ($29.95) $24 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
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 only listing in the USA today!

Muller-Catoir Gimmeldingen Riesling Pfalz 2018 750ML ($29.95) $24 special, 22 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “The well-balanced and delicately structured Gimmeldingen Riesling makes a floral and juicy impression, with hints of white peach and jasmine.”

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Muller-Catoir Haardter Mandelring Scheurebe Spatlese Pfalz 2018 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “Ripe, tropical fruit notes of grapefruit, pineapple and papaya characterise the juicy Scheurebe from the Haardt Mandelring with its luminous combination of sweet and sour in the finish.”

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Muller-Catoir Haardter Burgergarten ‘Im Breumel’ Riesling Grosses Gewächs Pfalz 2018 ($59.95) $49 special, 31 bottles in stock now
Stephen Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 93+ points “White-golden in color, pure, fine, deep and intense on the palate, the 2018 Riesling Bürgergarten “Im Breumel” GG is intense, concentrated  and generous on the nose. The palate is pure, very intense and ripe as well as powerful but refined and concentrated. Very elegant and salty, with grip and tension. Tasted in Haardt, December 2019.”
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.”

Germany – Wurttemburg

Beurer Weiss Trocken Wurttemberg 2020 750ML ($24.95) $19 special, 12 bottles in stock now

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Austria- Burgenland

Meinklang Burgenland Rot Burgenland 2020 750ML ($21.95) $18 special, 12 bottles in stock now

Meinklang Prosa – Frizzante Rose Burgenland 2020 750ML ($24.95) $19.90 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Importer note “Region: Neusiedler See (Late Neusiedl). Grape: Pinot Noir. Vineyard Size: 70 hectares. Soil: sandy loam. Farming: biodynamic. Harvest: by hand. Winemaking: gentle press, short maceration, spontaneous fermentation in stainless steel with indigenous yeasts, finished in pressure tanks.”

Meinklang Gruner Veltliner Burgenland 2020 ($24.95) $19 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Importer note “Region: Neusiedler See (Late Neusiedl). Grape: Grüner Veltliner. Vineyard Size: 70 hectares. Soil: sandy loam, rocky topsoil. Farming: biodynamic. Harvest: by hand. Winemaking: direct press, spontaneous fermentation in stainless steel. Aging: 4 months in stainless steel on lees.”


Italy – Dolomites 

Foradori Fontanasanta Manzoni Bianco Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT Trentino-Alto Adige 2019 750ML ($37.95) $33 special, 12 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 96 points “Unique aromas of lemon drops and dried limes with hay and candied pineapple, following through to a full body with layers of fruit and a wonderful flavors of peaches and nectarines, as well as some tile and stone. Creamy texture. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drink now.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 93 points “The Foradori 2019 Manzoni Bianco Fontanasanta opens to a bright golden color with some faint copper or greenish highlights. A portion of the wine is aged in clay amphorae. The bouquet is somewhat neutral with loads of pear, Golden Delicious apple and quince. There’s nothing too fragrant or floral. Instead, the wine is grounded in unmistakable orchard fruit aromas that color both the bouquet and the wine’s flavor profile. You also get honey, saffron and candied orange peel. The wine ends with a touch of mineral dryness, like broken slate or crushed terracotta, that contributes to the tight, almost tannic finish.”

Cider/ Vermouth – Basque Region

Destilerias Acha ‘Atxa’ Vino Vermouth Blanco Pais Vasco 750ML ($24.95) $19 special, 4 bottles in stock now
Importer’s note “Acha’s Vino Vermouth Blanco is made in accordance with an old recipe passed down through the Acha family. It is made from a blend of a neutral wine and alcohol macerated with a selection of traditional botanicals including wormwood, gentian and bitter orange.  Tasting Notes – Fresh, floral aromas followed on the palate by a hint of sweetness and bitter flavor framework.  Serving Recommendation – The Vino Vermouth White is a sipping vermouth. Try serving as an aperitif over ice and garnished with an orange wedge or lemon slice. This Vermouth will also work exceptionally well in your favorite cocktail.”

Cider/Vermouth – Vashon Island, Washington State 

Dragon’s Head Crabapple Cider Washington NV 750ML ($17.95) $14.50 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Cidery note “At Dragon’s Head Cider, we have a history of working with crabapples, coaxing these high acid, boldly flavored fruits into lovely fermented beverages. The Columbia Crabapple is our latest foray into the world of producing cider with crabapples, and it makes a bold statement. Dragon’s Head is known for producing dry ciders, and this cider is sweeter than any other we have produced before. The sweetness is countered by the tartness of the crabapple, producing a flavorful delight to the palate. While this cider drinks nicely on its own, we also find ourselves particularly inspired by it to create new and lovely cider cocktails. Alcohol 6.70%. Appearance – Clear, pale straw. Aroma – Rose, orange blossom, lemon rind. Taste – Bold sweet/tart contrasting flavors, lychee, kumquat. Mouthfeel – Light/medium body, lingering finish.”

 

 Staff Pick: Gatinois, Apothesis of Aÿ
  

Tessier has become one of the landmark ‘natural wine’ producers in the Loire valley. He turns out a number of exceptional renditions of Chevery and its satellites, all bright, fresh and impressively full of life. The Cour-Cheverny appellation is less than 50 hectares in total, and remains the holdout for the heritage varietal Romorantin.The Cour-Cheverny Blanc is made from the rare grape Romorantin and has the razors edge of acidity you’d expect. Often compared to Chenin Blanc and Aligote, the resulting wine is often mineral driven and fresh, with plenty of botanical notes to add character. 

His reds are fantastic as well, made from a blend of a number of grapes (Pinot, Gamay, Franc, Côt depending) and have the fresh juiciness that you want out of a natural producer. What sets Tessier apart, though, is his craftsmanship—these are wines that are consistently excellent without much bottle variation. Whether you’re looking for a compelling Red, White or Sparkling wine, Tessier has you covered!  

In stock now: 

Domaine Philippe Tessier Toc Loire 2019 750ML ($29.95) $24 special, 23 bottles in stock now

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Domaine Philippe Tessier Phil’en Bulle Loire, NV 750ML ($31.95) $29 special, 25 bottles in stock now
Importer note “Philipe’s fizzy ‘pet-nat’ is the least serious but perhaps the most fun wine in the Tessier lineup. To be enjoyed fresh and frothy. 90% Romorantin and 10% Orbois.

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Domaine Philippe Tessier Cour-Cheverny Blanc Loire 2019 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 special, 6 bottles in stock now
VinopolNote: A blend of Gamay, Pinot Noir and Cot (Malbec) grown in silica rich soils with a clay subsoil. 80% whole-cluster. Natural fermentation in stainless steel and aged in stainless steel and neutral barrel.

Domaine Philippe Tessier Cheverny Rouge Loire 2019 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special, 13 bottles in stock now
Importer Note “60% Gamay; 30% Pinot Noir; 10% Cot. Clay and limestone soils. Hand harvest, 15 days of carbonic maceration for the gamay, 30% of destemmed grapes for Pinot noir, destemmed grapes for Cot. Fermented separately in tank.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!