In This Newsletter:
2018 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti
First Offer
In-Store Shopping Returns Next Tuesday
Masks Required
Subscriber Special
Bernard Levet’s Cult Classic Côte-Rôtie
Oregon’s Most Age-Worthy Pinot Noir?
White Rose Estate
New Grapelive Review
François Merlin’s 2018 Saint-Joseph Rouge
Our Top Champagne Picks
Prestige Cuvées $119+
An Affordable Argentine Classic
Norton’s Privada Red
Collector’s Corner
‘Super Tuscan’ of the Decade: 2016 Ornellaia
2018 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti
First Offer
First Offer
To say Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, or DRC, is the finest example of Burgundy is an understatement. These are the finest, most collectable wines in the world. Due to the astronomical demand that exists for DRC’s wines, they’re becoming more and more difficult to source every year. Fortunately, we were able to secure a modest allocation of their 2018s and are thrilled to offer them to our subscribers here today.
All of the wines have come to us directly from DRC’s national importer, Wilson Daniels, through our local distributor, and we will be selling them first come, first served. We don’t however expect any of our cache to remain available when it arrives in Mid-July, so email / call (the wine will not be listed on the web store) before it’s too late.
Pre-Arrivals ETA Mid-July:
The wines will not be listed on the web store, to order please email or call
Only 2 bottles available!
Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Corton Grand Cru, Côte de Beaune 2018 750ML ($1,999.95) $1,599 pre-arrival special
Tim Atkin MW-Decanter 95 points “DRC made one of the three parcels that make up this Grand Cru blend – Renardes, Bressandes and Clos du Roi – on its own in 2018 but concluded that it was better blended with the other two after all. Fermented with 90% whole bunches, it’s sweeter, spicier and less rustic than many Cortons, showing considerable finesse, sweet spices, fine-grained oak and some grip.”
Only 4 bottles available!
Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Echézeaux Grand Cru, Côte de Nuits 2018 750ML ($1,599.95) $1,449 pre-arrival special
Tim Atkin MW-Decanter 95 points “Echézeaux is frequently regarded as the least exciting of DRC’s array of Vosne Grands Crus, but the 2018 is a delight that has the concentration to age. Fermented with 90% whole bunches and aged in new wood, it’s spicy, subtle and white pepper scented, with impressive texture and palate-coating opulence, racy acidity and floral top notes.”
Only 1 bottle available!
Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Grands Echézeaux Grand Cru, Côte de Nuits 2018 750ML ($2,499.95) $2,099 pre-arrival special
Tim Atkin MW-Decanter 96 points “Showing more tannin and backbone than DRC’s Echézeaux bottling, which tends to be the case, this comes from vines aged between 70 and 90 years old and benefitted from it cooler, more moisture-retentive soils in 2018. Intensely spicy, with clove and tobacco pouch aromas, impressive texture and weight, refreshing supporting acidity and lots of underlying concentration.”
Only 1 bottle available!
Domaine de la Romanée-Conti La Tâche Grand Cru Monopole, Côte de Nuits 2018 750ML ($3,999.95) $3,599 pre-arrival special
Tim Atkin MW-Decanter 98 points “The grand old lady’ is how Bertrand de Villaine refers to La Tâche, now planted with 50-year-old vines and responsible for one of the great wines of the vintage in 2018, as it so often is. This is a Grand Cru with incredible presence and self-assurance, showing remarkable balance, grace and intensity, the majesty of a great, soaring cathedral, fine texture and flavours of green malt, red berries and autumn leaves. Wonderful stuff.”
Only 3 bottles available!
Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Montrachet Grand Cru, Côte de Beaune 2018 750ML ($9,999.95) $8,449 pre-arrival special
No reviews available for the 2018 vintage. 2017 reviews provided for reference.
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 99 points “[2017 vintage] Aromas of crisp green pear, citrus oil, mandarin, fresh pastry, clear honey and oak vanillin introduce the 2017 Montrachet Grand Cru, a full-bodied, deep and textural wine that’s voluminous and powerful but incisive, with racy structuring acids and a long, chalky and elegantly honeyed finish. “If we had tried to conceive of the ideal Montrachet, we might have imagined something like this,” admits Bertrand de Villaine, and the 2017 certainly numbers among the finest renditions of this iconic bottling over the last decade and beyond.”
Only 1 bottle available!
Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Richebourg Grand Cru, Côte de Nuits 2018 750ML ($3,499.95) $2,799 pre-arrival special
Tim Atkin MW-Decanter 97 points “The whole bunch fermentation that is a hallmark of DRC’s style is particularly apparent on this rich, textured, almost Baroque Richebourg. Exotic, plush and spicy, with intense white pepper and clove aromas, fine-grained tannins, scented new oak and layers of bramble, raspberry and forest floor flavours, Layered, complex winemaking.”
Love the Côte de Nuits? We have over 215 different reds in stock. Shop the entire selection, including famous names like Dujac, Fourrier, Roumier and more, on our web store now.
In-Store Shopping Returns Next Tuesday
Masks Required
We’re thrilled to announce that in-store shopping will resume next Tuesday, June 8th. Masks will be required in-store at all times.
10AM – 6PM Daily
We look forward to seeing your (properly covered) faces soon!
Bernard Levet has moved from an unsung hero of the Northern Rhône to a genuine star. The Côte-Rôtie he bottles is unlike anyone else’s. Feral, tannic and uncompromising, his wines need time to blossom, but when they do, there’s nothing in the world of Syrah (or wine, in general) quite like them. They really must be tasted to be believed.
We want more of these thrilling bottles on tables and cellars, and to that end we’re offering our remaining 2017s at Subscriber Special pricing until close of business on Sunday. So now is the perfect time to discover for yourself why we’re so enchanted by the soulful wines of Bernard Levet.
“The modest, soft-spoke Agnès Levet is clearly reveling in the extra space of her expanded cellar, which sits just behind the family’s storefront on the main (only) drag of Ampuis, which is tricked out with modern, highly efficient new equipment, notably floating top tanks, which she says ‘helps the work happen more quickly because of the extra space.’ But things remain unchanged when it comes to vinification. The wines are still being made with a high percentage, up to 100%, of whole clusters and aged in large, old foudres and mostly neutral demi-muids. These are always wines that deserve time and their drinking windows can go way out there, as numerous examples of bottles from the ‘80s have consistently proven to me. They can be extremely stubborn in their early years, especially the La Chavaroche, so impatient wine lovers need not apply. There’s always a certain wildness to the wines as well, and their character hearkens back to the Côte-Rôties of the old days, which has earned the Levets a steadily growing, highly enthusiastic following. Two thousand seventeen ‘has classic lines but the wines are rich as well,’ Agnès Levet told me. ‘They have depth but also good tension and strong but not severe tannins, so they are definitely wines to age.’” — Josh Raynolds – Vinous Media
In Stock Now:
Vignobles Bernard Levet Côte-Rôtie La Chavaroche, Rhône 2017 750ML ($89.95) $75 Subscriber Special, 8 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds 96 points “Dark purple. Ripe dark fruit, floral and spice qualities on the expressive nose, along with hints of licorice, black cardamom, espresso and smoky minerals. Stains the palate with deeply concentrated cassis, bitter cherry and candied violet flavors that slowly unfold and take a sweeter turn through the midpalate. Youthfully chewy tannins add firm grip to a strikingly long, energetic finish that emphatically echoes the cassis and mineral notes. Made with 100% whole clusters.”
Vignobles Bernard Levet Côte-Rôtie Les Journaries, Rhône 2017 750ML ($89.95) $69 Subscriber Special, 33 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds 95 points “Inky ruby. A highly perfumed bouquet evokes ripe red and dark berries, licorice, exotic spices and potpourri and shows outstanding definition. Stains the palate with appealingly sweet black raspberry, blueberry and cherry preserve flavors that slowly tighten up on the back half. Shows superb energy and floral lift on an impressively long, focused finish shaped by steadily mounting tannins. This is quite a powerful wine (about 70% of the fruit comes from La Landonne, by the way) for one that checks in at only 13% alcohol. Made entirely with whole clusters.”
Love Rhône reds? We have over 150 different options in stock now. Shop the entire selection, including famous names like Chapoutier, Domaine Clape, Jaboulet and more, on our web store now.
10AM – 6PM Daily
We look forward to seeing your (properly covered) faces soon!
Subscriber Special
Bernard Levet’s Cult Classic Côte-Rôtie
Bernard Levet’s Cult Classic Côte-Rôtie
Bernard Levet has moved from an unsung hero of the Northern Rhône to a genuine star. The Côte-Rôtie he bottles is unlike anyone else’s. Feral, tannic and uncompromising, his wines need time to blossom, but when they do, there’s nothing in the world of Syrah (or wine, in general) quite like them. They really must be tasted to be believed.
We want more of these thrilling bottles on tables and cellars, and to that end we’re offering our remaining 2017s at Subscriber Special pricing until close of business on Sunday. So now is the perfect time to discover for yourself why we’re so enchanted by the soulful wines of Bernard Levet.
“The modest, soft-spoke Agnès Levet is clearly reveling in the extra space of her expanded cellar, which sits just behind the family’s storefront on the main (only) drag of Ampuis, which is tricked out with modern, highly efficient new equipment, notably floating top tanks, which she says ‘helps the work happen more quickly because of the extra space.’ But things remain unchanged when it comes to vinification. The wines are still being made with a high percentage, up to 100%, of whole clusters and aged in large, old foudres and mostly neutral demi-muids. These are always wines that deserve time and their drinking windows can go way out there, as numerous examples of bottles from the ‘80s have consistently proven to me. They can be extremely stubborn in their early years, especially the La Chavaroche, so impatient wine lovers need not apply. There’s always a certain wildness to the wines as well, and their character hearkens back to the Côte-Rôties of the old days, which has earned the Levets a steadily growing, highly enthusiastic following. Two thousand seventeen ‘has classic lines but the wines are rich as well,’ Agnès Levet told me. ‘They have depth but also good tension and strong but not severe tannins, so they are definitely wines to age.’” — Josh Raynolds – Vinous Media
In Stock Now:
Vignobles Bernard Levet Côte-Rôtie La Chavaroche, Rhône 2017 750ML ($89.95) $75 Subscriber Special, 8 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds 96 points “Dark purple. Ripe dark fruit, floral and spice qualities on the expressive nose, along with hints of licorice, black cardamom, espresso and smoky minerals. Stains the palate with deeply concentrated cassis, bitter cherry and candied violet flavors that slowly unfold and take a sweeter turn through the midpalate. Youthfully chewy tannins add firm grip to a strikingly long, energetic finish that emphatically echoes the cassis and mineral notes. Made with 100% whole clusters.”
Vignobles Bernard Levet Côte-Rôtie Les Journaries, Rhône 2017 750ML ($89.95) $69 Subscriber Special, 33 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds 95 points “Inky ruby. A highly perfumed bouquet evokes ripe red and dark berries, licorice, exotic spices and potpourri and shows outstanding definition. Stains the palate with appealingly sweet black raspberry, blueberry and cherry preserve flavors that slowly tighten up on the back half. Shows superb energy and floral lift on an impressively long, focused finish shaped by steadily mounting tannins. This is quite a powerful wine (about 70% of the fruit comes from La Landonne, by the way) for one that checks in at only 13% alcohol. Made entirely with whole clusters.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $77
The next best price is $77
Love Rhône reds? We have over 150 different options in stock now. Shop the entire selection, including famous names like Chapoutier, Domaine Clape, Jaboulet and more, on our web store now.
Oregon’s Most Age-Worthy Pinot Noir?
White Rose Estate
Specializing in high-quality, single vineyard Pinot Noir that highlights whole cluster fermentation, White Rose Estate is always one of Oregon’s most sought-after producers. Their Estate Vineyard in the Dundee Hills was originally planted to own-rooted Pommard clones in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Owner Greg Sanders has since expanded his holdings and developed partnerships with other quality-minded growers to produce terroir-driven bottlings from Anderson Family Vineyard and Guillen Vineyard, two notable, if under-the-radar, dry-farmed sites.
Thanks to the high percentage of whole cluster, these gorgeously expressive wines are always amongst the Willamette Valley’s most age-worthy, and this is especially true of cooler vintages like 2011 and 2013. We have an impressive collection of White Rose Estate wines, including back-vintage bottles from the aforementioned 2011 and 2013 vintages. Our selection is dwindling however, and once these library releases are gone, they’re gone. So act accordingly.
In Stock Now:
White Rose Estate Anderson Family Vineyard Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2011 750ML ($119.95) $89 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92 points “Bright red. High-pitched aromas of red berries, Asian spices, potpourri and white pepper. Fresh and incisive on the palate, offering tangy raspberry and strawberry flavors and complicating notes of spicecake and candied rose. Bright, sharply focused with excellent finishing clarity and spicy persistence.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
White Rose Estate Anderson Family Vineyard Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2013 750ML ($119.95) $89 special, 4 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92 points “Lurid red. Inviting, expansive bouquet evokes fresh red berries, Asian spices and incense, with smoky mineral and floral notes building in the glass. Juicy, palate-staining raspberry and cherry liqueur flavors show excellent clarity and lift thanks to tangy acidity. This concentrated, pure Pinot finishes with outstanding thrust and silky framing tannins.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
White Rose Estate Anderson Family Vineyard Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2015 750ML ($119.95) $89 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 93 points “(40 percent new oak) Vivid red. Highly perfumed aromas of red fruit liqueur, cherry cola, musky flowers and Asian spices, along with a smoky mineral overtone. Energetic and graceful in style, offering sweet, mineral-laced raspberry, dried cherry, rose pastille and spicecake flavors that spread out steadily with air. Conveys a suave blend of power and finesse and finishes very long, displaying harmonious tannins, outstanding clarity and lingering spiciness.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
White Rose Estate Guillen Vineyard Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2013 750ML ($99.95) $79 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 93 points “Dark, bright red. Suave, highly perfumed nose offers intense scents of raspberry liqueur, cola and five-spice powder, along with a sexy floral overtone. Sweet, concentrated red fruit and floral pastille flavors are underscored by suggestions of anise and spicecake. At once powerful and graceful, finishing with superb focus and length and silky-yet-gripping tannins.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
White Rose Estate White Rose Vineyard Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2011 750ML ($149.95) $99 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92 points “Light red. High-pitched scents of red berries, blood orange and dried flowers, with an exotic patchouli nuance that gains power with air; smells like a Phish or Widespread Panic concert, without the gnarly human aromatics. Light-bodied, sharply focused redcurrant and bitter cherry flavors show excellent intensity and pick up a smoky nuance with air. Closes sweet and long, with a jolt of star anise and silky, gently gripping tannins.”
David Schildknecht-Wine Advocate 92 points “Leather, black tea, tobacco, resinous herbs and roasted red meats vie for attention with cherry, red raspberry, and their distilled counterparts in the complex nose of White Rose’s 2011 Pinot Noir White Rose Vineyard, putting me somewhat in mind of a Syrah steeped in southern French garrigue. Crunchy and pit-tinged red berries are joined by tart rhubarb on the firm but glycerol-slicked palate, while the smoky and resinous notes concentrate into a mouthwatering and invigorating finishing savor. Here is a fine example of the sheer energy as well as some of the levity that typifies vintage 2011 Willamette Pinots, not to mention of Sanders’ “neo-classical” ideal. I am sure it will be well worth following through 2020 and hopefully (not to mention if its author is right!) for quite some time thereafter.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
White Rose Estate Dundee Hills Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2012 750ML ($149.95) $99 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 93 points “Vivid ruby-red. Potent mineral- and spice-accented scents of candied red fruits, Asian spices and potpourri, with a deeper licorice nuance in the background. Vibrant red and dark berry flavors show liqueur-like power without any excess weight. Spicy, incisive pinot with serious finishing thrust, silky tannins and a suave floral pastille quality that clings on the finish.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
White Rose Estate Dundee Hills Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2013 750ML ($149.95) $99 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92 points “Deep red. Heady, exotically perfumed bouquet of candied red and dark berries, Asian spices and floral oils. Sappy, penetrating and pure in the mouth, offering juicy black raspberry and rose pastille flavors and a suggestion of spicecake. Delivers impressive depth and power for the vintage, with smooth tannins coming up slowly to frame the wine’s sappy, clinging fruit.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
White Rose Estate Dundee Hills Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2014 750ML ($149.95) $99 special, 5 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 93 points “(100 percent whole clusters) Lurid red. Intensely perfumed aromas of ripe red berries, blood orange and rose oil develop a hint of incense as the wine opens up. Juicy and expansive in the mouth; sweet, spice-tinged raspberry, cola and floral pastille flavors are given lift and spine by tangy acidity. Finishes extremely long and alluringly sweet, displaying smooth tannins and superb, floral-dominated persistence.”
James Suckling 93 points “Interesting aromas of watermelon and strawberries follow through to a medium to full body, firm tannins and a fresh finish. Tangy and bright. Citrus texture. Drink in 2018.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
White Rose Estate Winemaker’s Cuvèe Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2011 750ML ($99.95) $79 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Wine Spectator 91 points “Expressive violet and cherry aromas open to well-structured red plum, clove and savory tea flavors that finish with refined tannins. Drink now through 2024. 525 cases made.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Love supporting local wineries? We have 223 different options from Oregon in stock. Shop the entire selection, including staff favorites like Championship Bottle, Cameron, Goodfellow and more, on our web store now.
New Grapelive Review
François Merlin’s 2018 Saint-Joseph Rouge
“The Domaine Merlin, based in St-Michel-sur-Rhône since 1989, a commune just south of Condrieu, is a small producer focused on Syrah and Viognier with good holdings in Condrieu, Côte-Rôtie and Saint-Joseph, where this beautiful wine comes from, it is a stylish and pure example of Northern Rhône Syrah that delivers a fine performance in the glass and is a stellar value. The Saint-Joseph Rouge is made from various small plots with a mix of sandy soils and granite, with a bit of limestone and was all de-stemmed to promote elegance and opulence in the wine, which was easily achieved here in this 2018 version. The wine saw a short cold soak maceration and gentle hand punch downs while fermenting after which this dark purple/garnet Syrah is raised in a combination of wood casks with about 20% being new 228L barrels with the majority seeing neutral oak in various sizes to allow for freshness and balance to shine here. This is quite impactful Saint-Joesph in the glass with more than expected density and presence, in fact it is almost as impressive as the winery’s top Côte-Rôtie with loads of blue and black fruits, delicate spices, perfume and textural pleasures. This is solid stuff with a classic medium to full bodied palate with lush layers of boysenberry, damson plum, kirsch and cedary wood notes, a touch of feral/earthy savoriness (the good kind of Syrah funk) and pretty violets, adding hints of anise, flinty mineral and a lingering sense of creme de cassis. In my review of the Domaine Merlin Côte-Rôtie, I noted that, François Merlin, a largely self taught winemaker, who has been joined full-time by his son Laurent in 2013, is a serious vigneron that studied under the legendary Rene Rostaing. I found he has gained an admirable reputation as a grower producer in the Northern Rhône, with Decanter Magazine really loving these wines, and with a tidy collection of high quality parcels, some that he planted himself from ancient massele (syrah) selections, including Serine clone, notably in Côte-Rôtie as well as here in Saint-Joseph. Laurent uses mostly organic and sustainable methods to farm his family’s challenging, mostly steep, sites which are set on the region’s mostly decomposed granite soils with areas of gneiss, gravel and schist. The Domaine gets exceptionally small yields from their vines and the concentration of fruit is utterly sensual and divine. François credits his son Laurent, for playing a big part in the vineyards, that has taken the quality to the next level, and this 2018 Saint-Joseph is proof. In the small cellars François employs some Burgundy style small barriques, plus a few puncheons and large 600L casks that range from toasty brand new to six year old casks, used in combination to achieve a studied balance in his reds. With extended air, the 2018 Merlin Saint-Joseph gains depth and richness, but stays gracefully detailed and it is at its best with food, be sure to look for this bottling as it offers a ton of quality and personality for the price, this is a producer to add to your watch list, especially for Syrah lovers.” – Grapelive
In Stock Now:
Domaine François Merlin Saint-Joseph, Rhône 2018 750ML ($39.95) $26 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Domaine François Merlin Saint-Joseph, Rhône 2018 750ML ($479.95) $279 special (that’s only $23.25/bottle!)
Grapelive 93 points “The Domaine Merlin, based in St-Michel-sur-Rhône since 1989, a commune just south of Condrieu, is a small producer focused on Syrah and Viognier… (full review above)”
Decanter 91 points “An approachable wine that has lifted cedar and incense on the nose. Very plush with soft fruits, slightly lacking in acidity perhaps, but it’s an authentic representation of the vintage, not overly corrected. Good natural sense to the fruit, it’s expressive, unrestrained. Not overly marked by oak spice. South-facing granite terroir, 70% of vines are 45-years-old, the rest are 15-years-old. All destemmed, 12 months in barriques and demi-muids, from 1 to 4 years-old.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Also in Stock Now:
Domaine François Merlin Côte Rôtie, Rhône 2018 750ML ($79.95) $49 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Domaine François Merlin Côte Rôtie, Rhône 2018 750ML ($479.95) $279 special (that’s only $46.50/bottle!)
Decanter 93 points “A very soft style, very ripe and juicy. Fairly tannic, but they’re ripe and yielding with flavours of black fruit coulis and touch of liquorice. It has fairly high alcohol with a saline finish – there’s freshness despite the very ripe fruit. This is a palate-coating, fairly opulent style but will be good when it’s ready – has length.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine François Merlin Brocéliande Syrah, IGP Collines Rhodaniennes 2018 750ML ($27.95) $17 special, 9 bottles in stock now
VinopolNote “Staff pick! Shows dark fruit, spice, and warm iron on the nose. Leather and black cherries leads into gingerbread and dried cherries with air. On the palate, the wine is impactful with flavors of spice and black berries. The light astringency of the tannins and solid acidity keep everything in check. There’s an aroma of black tea, plum and dark chocolate on the finish. A fantastic wine to pair with roast meats, game, or ratatouille.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
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When you’re ready to pick up, just park in our lot,
give us a call, & we’ll bring your order to your car.
(If another adult is picking up for you,
please let us know their name when placing your order.)
www.vinopoliswineshop.com
info@vinopoliswineshop.com
503-223-6002
Our Top Champagne Picks
Prestige Cuvées $119+
Prestige Cuvées $119+
In Stock Now:
Elegant & precise
Vilmart & Cie ‘Coeur de Cuvée’ Premier Cru Brut, Champagne 2011 750ML ($159.95) $119 special, 5 bottles in stock now
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 94 points “Disgorged in May 2018 with seven grams per liter dosage, Vilmart’s new 2011 Brut Coeur de Cuvée is showing beautifully, offering up an expressive bouquet of crisp green pear, yellow apple, dried white flowers, English walnuts and spices. Medium to full-bodied, elegantly fleshy and nicely concentrated, it’s a fine-boned, precise rendition of this cuvée, built around ripe but racy acids and complemented by a pinpoint mousse. Vilmart is the sort of grower that succeeds in vintages such as 2011, and this wine met my expectations.”
Nuanced & complete
Hébrart ‘Rive Gauche Rive Droite’ Grand Cru Extra Brut, Champagne 2013 750ML ($149.95) $125 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2013 Brut Rive Gauche-Rive Droite Grand Cru is another superb wine in this range from Hébrart. Ample and creamy, the 2013 possesses tremendous depth from start to finish. The first signs of aromatic nuance are starting to appear, which makes this Brut Rive Gauche-Rive Droite Grand Cru a very complete Champagne to enjoy now and over the next handful of years. Rive Gauche-Rive Droite is a blend of equal parts Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Unlike the other wines in the range, it is vinified in oak, which adds quite a bit of texture. Dosage is 4.5 grams per liter.” [Disgorgement may not match review]
Creamy & refined
Pommery Cuvée Louise Brut Nature, Champagne 2004 750ML ($199.95) $149 special, 22 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 97 points “A creamy and refined 2004 with a very reserved and tight palate of ultra fine tannins that lend the wine beautiful creaminess and finesse. Subtly floral, offering lightly cooked apples and lemons. Flavorful, yet always hiding behind the fine bubbles. Drink now.”
“This wine is totally memorable and magnificent”
Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millénaires, Champagne 2004 750ML ($199.95) $169 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Decanter 98 points “This Blanc de Blancs Champagne is a bright morning gold in colour, with fine-seamed bubbles and rich, expressive and expansive aromas. Beaten cream, pounded hazels, a hint of baking apples, brioche fresh from the oven. But all these notes are drawn with great subtlety, underscoring the fruit quality of the Chardonnay vineyards used in this blend. On the palate, the wine retains all that aromatic grace and amplitude, marrying it to a shapely fruit presence, vibrant though now well-rounded acidity and textural charm, too. A head-turner. Drink 2019-2028.”
Roger Voss-Wine Enthusiast 98 points “This is an iteration of a legendary Champagne. Perfectly balanced, still packed with white fruit but just touching nuttiness, the wine is at its peak. Celebrating one of the great Champagne vintages of this century, this wine is totally memorable and magnificent.”
Complex & balanced
Rene Geoffroy ‘Les Houtrants Complantés’ Premier Cru Brut Nature, Champagne NV 750ML ($219.95) $188 special, 3 bottles in stock now
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 94 points “Disgorged in February 2017 with no dosage, this bottle of the NV Brut Nature Premier Cru Les Houtrants Complantés derives from the 2012 triage, and consists of a blend of reserve wines from 2008 to 2011 that were aged in magnum. Les Houtrants is a precocious lieu-dit in Cumières that Geoffroy planted with a field blend of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay, Arbanne and Petit Meslier in 2004. The wine wafts from the glass with a subtle but complex bouquet of white currants, smoke, wet stones, warm biscuits and verb, followed by a medium to full-bodied, fine-boned and tensile palate that’s exquisitely balanced, its bright spine of acidity cloaked in just enough vibrant flesh and texture to avoid any hint of asperity, concluding with a searingly chalky finish. Intellectually stimulating and compulsively drinkable in equal measure, it’s a pity that only a tiny number of bottles are produced.”
James Suckling 94 points “The nose offers subtly spiced brioche with a light, toasty layer and bright citrus fruit. The palate has a more complex array of fruit and deep, silky texture, laced with salty minerals and grilled nuts at the finish. A non-vintage blend of pinot noir, pinot meunier, chardonnay, arbanne and petit meslier. Drink now.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $215
The next best price is $215
Champagne’s first organic prestige cuvée
Marguet Père & Fils ‘Sapience’ Premier Cru Extra-Brut, Champagne 2009 750ML ($269.95) $189 special, 3 bottles in stock now
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 96 points “This is the fourth vintage of Benoît Marguet’s Sapience, Champagne’s first organic prestige cuvée, which he began producing before he took over his family vineyards, using purchased grapes: Bouzy Pinot Noir from Benoît Lahaye, Cumières Pinot Meunier from Vincent Laval and Trépail Chardonnay from David Leclapart. Disgorged in June 2019 without dosage, the 2009 Brut Nature Premier Cru is showing brilliantly, wafting from the glass with a complex bouquet of citrus oil, dried orange peel, white flowers and subtle hints of praline. Full-bodied, layered and textural, it’s seamless and complete, with a deep core, ripe but racy acids and a long, intense finish.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $225
The next best price is $225
Wine Enthusiast ‘Cellar Selection’
Pol Roger Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill Brut, Champagne 2009 750ML ($279.95) $249 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Roger Voss – Wine Enthusiast 97 points “Cellar Selection. As always, this Pinot Noir-dominated Champagne is a great wine. In this vintage, it is fuller than usual, perhaps less structured—a true reflection of the vintage. Like all releases of this cuvée, the wine will age magnificently. Drink now or hold for at least 10 years to get full maturity.”
“One for the cellar”
De Venoge Louis XV de Venoge Brut Millésimé, Champagne 2008 750ML ($299.95) $249 special, 16 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 95 points “This is really punchy and broad-shouldered with muscular structure and citrusy undertones. Full body. Lightly tannic and a fresh and vivid finish. This is the first vintage without malolactic fermentation ever. One for the cellar. Better in 2022.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $269.99
The next best price is $269.99
One of the best vintages of the ’90s
Grand Siecle par Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Millénaire, Champagne 1990 750ML ($599.95) $499 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Stephen Tanzer 94 points ” Medium orange-gold color. Musky, wild aromas of strawberry, raspberry, smoke and earth; rather pinot noir-like and expressive of its soil. Rich, ripe and dense with material but not at all heavy; red berry flavors offer a compellingly tangy quality. Very concentrated and still very young. Finishes with superb lift and length.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Love Champagne? We have over 165 different options in stock. Shop the entire selection, including staff favorites like Bérêche, Nicolas Maillart, Pierre Péters and more, on our web store now.
An Affordable Argentine Classic
Norton’s Privada Red
Norton’s Privada Red
Having just celebrated their 125th anniversary last year, Norton is one of the truly historic names in Argentina. An estate that produces wines for just about every price point, its Privada label is the commercial bottling of fruit that used to be reserved for the family’s private cellar. The blend is classic Argentina: 40% Malbec, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 30% Merlot. Everything about the wine suggests sticker shock (premium grapes, substantial aging in French oak, famous sub-region); however at $168 for a case. This is a premium wine to share with your Two-Buck Chuck drinking friends.
In Stock Now:
Bodega Norton Privada Red, Luján de Cuyo 2013 750ML ($24.95) $16 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Bodega Norton Privada Red, Luján de Cuyo 2013 750ML ($299.95) $168 special (that’s only $14/bottle!)
Wine Advocate 91 points “The 2013 Privada Proprietary Red Wine is composed of 40% Malbec and 30% each Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon from their three vineyards close to the winery in Luján de Cuyo. The wine fermented in cement vats and matured in French oak barrels (new and second use) for some 14 months. Bright cherry-colored, with clean flavors and aromas mixing wild berries and aromatic fruits, the palate has a very fine texture and fresh acidity. There is also good depth and persistence. 300,000 bottles produced per vintage.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Collector’s Corner
‘Super Tuscan’ of the Decade: 2016 Ornellaia
‘Super Tuscan’ of the Decade: 2016 Ornellaia
2016 was an all-time-great year in Tuscany and as you’d expect, the 2016 Ornellaia is special stuff. Separating the 2015 and 2016 vintages in terms of quality seems impossible, so let’s just say that the 2016 was one of the two best vintages of the last decade—which is to say it’s on the shortlist for best Super Tuscans of the century. We have one case remaining in stock. Need we say more?
In Stock Now:
Tenuta Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore, Tuscany 2016 750ML ($279.95) $249 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 98 points “The 2016 Bolgheri Superiore Ornellaia is a wine of extreme complexity and precision. It offers monumental depth with profound layers of black fruit, coffee, licorice and baking chocolate. I tasted this 2016 vintage beside the less-impactful 2015 vintage (which was reviewed last year). These two editions are very different when compared side to side, and this 2016 release is clearly superior in terms of the quality, clarity and intensity of its offerings. This Ornellaia delivers glossy shine and a polished texture that segues to important richness, concentration and textural fiber. It wraps thickly over the palate, imparting waves of sweet dark fruit and dark spice that linger for many long minutes. This beautiful wine is hitting the market now, but collectors will want to put it straight into their cellars for safekeeping.”
More Collectable Super Tuscans, in Stock Now:
Tua Rita Redigaffi Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2015 750ML ($299.95) $229 special, 6 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 100 points “This is an extraordinary merlot with such purity and focus. Flowers such as violets and hints of orange peel. It is full-bodied yet incredibly energetic and structured. The finish goes on for minutes. Seamless texture. Fresh yet dense. Contrasty. Best Redigaffi ever. Hard not to drink now but a wine for decades.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $259
Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia Bolgheri, Tuscany 750ML ($279.95) $225 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Kerin O’keefe-Wine Enthusiast 97 points “Cellar Selection. Aromas of exotic spice, baked plum and French oak mingle with camphor and blue flower on the nose. This boasts extraordinary elegance and freshness despite the hot vintage, delivering flavors of juicy Marasca cherry, spiced blueberry, tobacco and licorice. Velvety, fine-grained tannins provide support while coffee and crushed mint linger on the finish. Drink 2022–2032.”
Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT, Tuscany 2017 750ML ($199.95) $149 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 97 points “The 2017 Flaccianello della Pieve is fabulous. Dark, sensual and enveloping, the 2017 captures the essence of the house style in its textural richness and baritone inflections. Black cherry, plum, spice, new leather, licorice and chocolate infuse the 2017 with tremendous richness. The 2017 spent 18 months in barrique followed by 6 months in cask, the same aging regime as the Vigna del Sorbo, but with a bit more new oak. That approach worked very well, as the Flaccianello stands out for its exceptional textural elegance and finesse. It is a positively stellar wine.”
Tenuta Argentiera ‘Argentiera’ Bolgheri Superiore, Tuscany 2016 750ML ($99.95) $79 special, 17 bottles in stock now
Case-6 Tenuta Argentiera ‘Argentiera’ Bolgheri Superiore, Tuscany 2016 750ML ($599.95) $449 special (that’s only $74.83/bottle!)
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 97 points “The 2016 Bolgheri Superiore Argentiera is 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, and the Cabernet Sauvignon logically feels and tastes most prominent. This is a dark and penetrating Tuscan red that is beautifully elevated, thanks to the extremely elegant and buoyant quality of the aromas. They lift gracefully from the glass with light-footed, almost fleeting character. However, don’t underestimate the power and the concentration of the wine, because this vintage delivers both with abundance. I’ve had my eye on this estate since the vineyards were first planted some 20 years ago, and there is no doubt that this vintage brings Tenuta Argentiera into a new era as a Bolgheri protagonist. Some 80,000 bottles were made.”
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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.
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