VinopolPick Thursday Edition 11-2-17

Fresh Felsina Reviews; #Trending Wines From Barbaresco; New Grapelive Review for Jamet; Forging a New Path in the Finger Lakes ; Lissini’s Classic; Cadence’s 2014’s Deliver; The Mascarello of Galicia; A Case of Vinsanity

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New Felsina Reviews

From Monica Larner of the Wine Advocate

Felsina Berardenga Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany 2015 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Monica Larner – Wine Advocate 92 points “The 2015 Chianti Classico Berardenga is a tight and elegant wine with bright berry notes followed by mineral tones of clay and chalky soil. You really taste those Castelnuovo Berardenga signatures here on the bouquet. The finish carries forward with grace, elegance and determination.”

Love Felsina? We do, too. That’s why we offer today 377 bottles of their wines (13 different wines) all in-stock here now, including:

Felsina Berardenga Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG, Tuscany 2013 750ML ($37.95) $26 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 93 points “A deep, powerful wine, the 2013 Chianti Classico Riserva has quite a bit of depth for a cool, late-ripening vintage. Sage, tobacco, menthol, smoke and dark cherry hit the palate in a deep, beautifully layered Chianti Classico endowed with real personality and class. This is another terrific wine from Fèlsina. Hints of leather, smoke and licorice reappear on the deeply expressive, virile finish.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

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#Trending

 “Two thousand thirteen in Barbaresco…is shaping up to be an epic vintage of classic proportions and superb pedigree. The growing season was much more stable than 2012, but it is the last month of the year, a perfect September with warm days and cool nights, that yielded Barbarescos endowed with regal intensity. The 2013s remind me of the 2010s, but with more inner sweetness and mid-palate richness.”–Antonio Galloni

The Cru Riservas from Produttori del Barbaresco have always gained acclaim from the reviewers, after all, they are only produced in the best vintages. But never has the entire line-up of 10 different vineyards been acclaimed as per Antonio Galloni’s recent reviews. The wines are still months away from the US shores, but demand seems certain to exceed supply on this excellent but limited 2013 vintage.

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New Grapelive Review

Jamet’s Not-Cote-Rotie

Domaine Jamet Syrah, IGP Collines Rhodaniennes 2015 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 29 bottles in stock now
Grapelive 91 points “Domaine Jamet (now run by Corinne, Jean-Paul and Loic after the split with Jean-Luc) continues to be a cult legend. This highly prized Cote-Rotie house [is] making amazingly soulful, pure Syrahs that have depth and grace. After trying Jean-Luc’s version I was thrilled to get a chance to sample the true Domaine Collines Rhodaniennes example, especially since I also just tasted the glorious Domaine Jamet Cote-Rotie (in a blind tasting where I first thought it was Grand Cru Burgundy such was the grace and class shown by that fantastic bottle), which was mind-blowing. The 2015 Jamet entry level Syrah is a dark beauty showing refined details with a fan dance of seduction and moody charms. It gets off the line with tangy red and blue fruits, light reduction, herbs de Provence, delicate floral tones, peppercorns and lavender oil with a slight note of graphite/camphor along with iron ore leading to the vital palate of tart currant, boysenberry, bright cherry, blueberry and tangy plum. Fun, vibrant and polished, this is made from all de-stemmed Syrah. It is light/medium bodied, fermented with native yeasts and hand crafted with a gentle touch and care to highlight its purity. (It doesn’t have much in the way of oak.) It is wonderfully pure, lively and heavenly to experience.”

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Forge Cellars

A New Path For the Finger Lakes

The creation of Forge Cellars is the equivalent of when Drouhin bought land in Oregon, but for the Finger Lakes.  A project helmed by Louis Barroul of Chateau de Saint Cosme (in Gigondas), they’ve set their sights on making some of the finest wines in the New World and based on their first few vintages, we think they’re capable.  Forge makes wines from two grapes: Riesling, which the Finger Lakes is known for, and Pinot Noir, which Barroul and co. think they should be, as well.

Given the quality of the wines, we’re getting on board—the Rieslings are really beautiful, done in a full bodied, rich style. Best yet, the pricing of all the wines is reasonable—we often see new regions in the US come in more expensive than their old world counterparts.  The Pinot Noir delivers a really fun comparison to Burgundy and to the history of Oregon.  The snappy, savory style definitely reminds us (and a few other tasters) of what Oregon tasted like when they first got into the wines, 15+ years ago.

These are certainly wines to watch and things we’re excited to have in the store.  They arrive tomorrow and you should make sure they end up on your table soon after!

Arriving Tomorrow:

Forge Cellars Riesling, Finger Lakes 2015 750ML ($21.95) $18 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 92 points “Weighty for a Riesling, with a rounded feel and layers of creamed yellow apple, white peach and persimmon flavors. Delivers energy and cut throughout, with lemon pith, citrus oil and chamomile accents filling in. Shows length and range through the finish. Drink now through 2021.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!

Forge Cellars Leidenfrost Vineyard Dry Riesling, Finger Lakes 2015 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 91 points “On the richer side, with a mix of nectarine, tangerine and peach flavors that are broad but still have ample cut thanks to quinine, orange zest and honeysuckle notes zipping through the finish. Distinctive. Drink now through 2021.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Forge Cellars ‘Les Allies’ Riesling, Finger Lakes 2015 750ML ($29.95) $24 pre-arrival special
Winery notes: “Every year Les Alliés evolves naturally by “uncovering” itself. Our indigenous yeast fermentations proceed very slowly. It’s not in spring, but in the summer after the vintage that we are finally able to move toward bottling the wines. Once fermentations are complete, our team begins diligently tasting through each of our 70 barrels and two tanks, giving each a detailed rating and review, and writing personal tasting notes.  When we talk about small batch and individualized fermentations, we really mean it — 70 separate, small French barriques from 10 individual vineyards, each with its own story and personality. Along the way, we decide that some very special barrels are stand-outs, and by consensus, the most exceptional of our Rieslings and Pinots.  This is the consensus that makes up Les Alliés — the allies, the partners, the united ones. We don’t “make” Les Alliés, we discover it together, and it’s an easy decision because it tells us what it wants to be.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Forge Cellars ‘Les Allies’ Pinot Noir, Finger Lakes 2014 750ML ($34.95) $28 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 89 points “Focused, with a mix of dried cherry, damson plum, cinnamon, black tea and anise notes forming the core. The finish has a light earthy twinge for added range, while staying silky in feel. Nicely done. Drink now through 2018.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!

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Lisini : Classical Brunello

Arriving Tomorrow

Lisini was one of the original Brunello wineries, one of the 25 to form the consortium in 1967. They’re considered one of the classic producers, with a serious commitment to aging wines properly before they’re released. The 2012 is only just arriving—it spent over 40 months in Slovenian oak (the traditional cooperage for the region) and was aged in bottle significantly prior to release.  This is a landmark of classic Brunello, especially for the price.

Arriving Tomorrow:

Lisini Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany, 2012 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 94 points “This is round, exuding black cherry and blackberry flavors, allied to a pliable profile. The acidity and tannins emerge on the finish, where everything falls into place. Fine freshness, tobacco and mineral details emerge in the end. Best from 2020 through 2033.”

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Old World Inspired

Cadence Delivers Big From Red Mountain

Ben Smith and Gaye McNutt launched their winery, Cadence in 1998 after purchasing 10 acres on the now highly regarded Red Mountain vineyards.  In retrospect, being so new to agriculture and winemaking in general, Ben Smith says “that was the most fortuitous decision we made along the way.”  Ideally located in the rain shadow of the Cascade range and consisting of sandy loam soils, the Red Mountain AVA has developed a reputation for producing some of Washington’s best fruit, providing grapes for many of the state’s most sought-after cult wines.  Comprised of 4,040 acres, Red Mountain is presently the smallest AVA in Washington state, acheiving status in 2001.

Inspired by the Old World and an affinity for well-structured wines in general, the couple decided to focus their winemaking production to Bordeaux style blends.   The Bel Canto is a blend of primarily Cabernet franc, with smaller percentages of Merlot and Petit Verdot grown on their Cara Mia vineyard that was established in 2004.   The Tapteil Vineyard comes from the oldest vines that Cadence works with, expressing a more mineral driven approach and truly showing Red Mountain’s highly acclaimed character.  The Tapteil blend consists of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc (Ben Smith’s favorite variety).  The Coda is Cadence’s second label, and is one of the greatest values coming out of Washington state.

Arriving Tomorrow.

Cadence Winery Bel Canto Cara Mia Vineyard Red 2014 750ML ($67.95) $55 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 95+ points “Made from 50% Cabernet Franc, 38% Merlot and the rest Petit Verdot, the 2014 Bel Canto sports a deep ruby color as well as sensational notes of graphite, leafy herbs, flowers, currants and dried soil. Elegant, seamless, silky and pure, with building, polished tannin, it’s another wine that’s the best to date from this terrific estate.”
Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 93+ points “(a Right Bank blend): Bright dark red. Inviting aromas of dark fruits and chocolate are lifted by a floral high note and complicated by a medicinal iodiney suggestion. Quite suave on entry, then a bit tight in the middle palate, conveying excellent energy and medicinal reserve to its dark berry and violet flavors. The dusty tannins give this wine a tighter mouth feel as well as a slightly tougher finish than the Camerata, so patience will be required.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Cadence Winery Camerata Cara Mia Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain 2014 750ML ($67.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 94 points “I loved the 2014 Camerata, and this Red Mountain blend is a blockbuster that readers should snatch up. Mulled currants, baking spice, dried earth and dried flower notes all emerge from this full-bodied, gorgeously pure and seamless red that has building tannin and a great, great finish. Give bottles 2-3 years of cellaring and enjoy over the following two decades.”
Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 94 points “(this wine and the Bel Canto were aged in 50% new oak, while the Tapteil and Ciel du Cheval wines got 40% and the Coda 45%): Full medium-dark red. Showing a more obvious element of sexy oak on the nose than the Tapteil, along with aromas of black raspberry, black olive and menthol. Very suave, silky wine with lovely density leavened by a surprising spine of acidity. This captivating, juicy Cabernet finishes with a slowly building whiplash of subtle fruit sweetness and tannins that are serious but not dry. A beauty in the making but lay it down for at least a few years.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Cadence Winery Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Red, Columbia Valley 2014 750ML ($47.95) $39 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 93 points “Toasted spice, graphite, dried flowers and mulled black fruits all emerge from the 2014 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard, which is a blend of one-third each of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, with 25% Merlot and 9% Petit Verdot. It’s medium to full-bodied, elegant and complex on the palate, with sweet tannin and a beautiful finish.”
Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 92+ points “Bright, dark red. Sexy scents of plum, black cherry, blueberry and graphite lifted by a floral topnote, with a slightly roasted quality adding complexity. Very intense if slightly medicinal flavors of dark fruits, spices and herbs are distinctly Bordeaux-like in a rather muscular style for Red Mountain. Dense, aromatic and long, finishing with broad, fine-grained tannins and lovely claret-like perfume.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Cadence Winery Tapteil Vineyard Red, Columbia Valley 2014 750ML ($47.95) $36 pre-arrival special
Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 93+ points “Bright ruby-red. Sexy aromas of plum, cassis and graphite communicate a decadent hint of sweetness. Plush, fine-grained and sappy, conveying a restrained sweetness to its flavors of dark fruits, espresso and bitter chocolate; an element of dusty stone adds another dimension. This very long, structured wine finishes with broad tannins that saturate the mouth and teeth. As Smith is always an early harvester, the pH here is a moderate 3.68. (Smith also opened a bottle of the 1998 Tapteil wine, which was the first wine he and his wife Gaye McNutt made–along with a blend from Spring Valley vineyard. The wine still had a sound medium red color and its aromas of plum, currant and spices showed good energy and lift along with a hint of decadence. This plush wine boasts fine-grained flavors of plum, earth and graphite and finishes with substantial dusty, ripe tannins.)”
Wine Advocate 92+ points “Another wine that has plenty of upside, the 2014 Tapteil Vineyard (50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet France and 25% Merlot) has a darker style with lots of purple fruits, violets and sappy herb aromas and flavors. Concentrated, medium to full-bodied and tannic, it needs 2-3 years of bottle age and will drink beautifully for a decade or more.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

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The Mascarello of Galicia

Raul Perez’s Masterful Mencia (and More!)

Raul Perez has emerged as one of the most exciting Spanish winemakers of the last few years.  He’s done it in an interesting way: not by making over-the-top big fruit and oak bombs, but rather by honing in on the terroirs in Galicia, a relatively unromantic vinicultural region.  Until the late 1990’s, when his mentor Alvaro Palacios started the Petalos/Descendientes project, most of the wines in the region were sold locally, often to pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago.

Since then, a number of new wineries have popped up, but most of them are in the Palacios mold—made from around the warm, Mediterranean-climate village of Corullon.  Perez, on the other hand, has walked a different path and focuses on wines made from Atlantic-influence climates in villages like Villadecanes or Cacabelos.  As a result, the wines tend to be impressive, but in an introspective, earthy way.

Winemaking plays a part in that, as well.  Perez prefers indigenous yeasts, neutral vessels and a lot of whole-cluster fermentation in his wine.  Citing the (unlikely) influence of Bartolo Mascarello, he performs a long post-fermentation maceration on his wines as well, which give the wines powerful, yet elegant, structures that complement food exceptionally well.  When you roll all of this together, you understand why Perez is making waves—these are unique and exceptional wines that show off terroirs previously unexplored by serious winemakers.

Featured Raul Perez  Wine In Stock Now:

Raul Perez Prieto Picudo Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y Leon 2011 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Grapelive 96 points “The rare Prieto Picudo is an odd varietal with high acid, high tannin and slightly oval shaped with a pointy tip, it’s native and almost only found here in Tierra de Leon, the name means beaked, hence the name, Raul Perez’s is from a high elevation old vine site on sandy clay soils with river rocks, making for a unique wine that has an almost Nebbiolo or Ramisco like flavor profile. This extraordinary red, from vines planted in 1900 in the village of Pajares de los Oteros at about 900 feet above sea level, was fermented whole cluster in chestnut wood vats with a cool 60 day maceration and then raised for about 60 months in French barriques, this long elevage adding to the wine’s refinement and mature character. The 2011 Prieto Picudo, from 111 year old vines when harvested, is a brilliant ruby/dark red color with herb and floral notes on the nose with mineral tones as well as a slight earthy/spice and kirsch note before opening to a medium full palate of racy red fruits including brambly forest berry, cherry, plum and mulberry plus dried flowers, peppercorns, grilled fennel and light cedar. The texture is fantastic and mouth filling with satiny feel, this is mind-blowing stuff with great depth and layers of pleasure, but with firm tannins and glowing vibrancy making this wine really pop, lingering distilled strawberry, salty stones, sweet tobacco leaf and baking spice. This is one of the coolest wines I’ve tried this year, again it reminds me somewhat of Lessona DOC, Nebbiolo based reds that spend 4 to 5 years in cask, of the upper Piedmonte area. The fruit is ripe and polished, this is very much a classic Perez wine, it was great to taste it with the winemaker himself, you could see just how thrilled he was with this Prieto Picudo and his passion was thick in the air, and I think this wine has potential to age another decade, I hope to get a chance to see how it evolves. Wow.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Also In Stock Now from Raul Perez:

Raul Perez Ultreia de Valtuille, Bierzo 2014 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 96 points “The 2014 Ultreia de Valtuille was very open and expressive, impressive too, with notes of freshness, blood orange, red cherries and also flowers (violets, lilies) and an earthy touch. It’s elegant and complex, with very fine tannins and a velvety sensation. As with all the reds, the oak is unnoticeable, perfectly integrated and folded into the wine.”

Raul Perez Ultreia Mencia, Bierzo 2014 750ML ($31.95) $24.80 special, 17 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 92 points “The red 2014 Ultreia is Mencía from various vineyards in the environment of Ponferrada, where the soils are rich in slate, complemented by some 20% of grapes from the zone of Valtuille. It follows the same modus operandi as all the reds: fermentation with full clusters and indigenous yeasts and aging in used, well-seasoned, neutral barrels for one year. There is a mix of floral, spicy and balsamic aromas, subtle with an earthy background. The palate revealed some earthy tannins and fine, focused and subtle flavors.”
VinopolNote: This is the flagship wine of the Ultreia project and is something that any lover of cool-climate red wine should pay attention to. Mostly Mencia, with a few other grapes that accumulated in this part of the Camino de Santiago over the years discreetly blended in, this is a wine that speaks of Bierzo in urgent, though quiet, tones.

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Raul Perez Ultreia El Rapolao 2014 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 95+ points “There is a new Ultreia bottling, the 2014 Ultreia El Rapolao, from a vineyard that now sees five or six different bottlings, sourced from their old vineyards that used to go to the Vizcaína bottling. This is really pretty, with intense floral aromas, spices, a touch of earth and something herbal. The palate is medium-bodied with refined tannins, great balance and a tasty, long, sapid, almost salty finish. There were some 600 bottles produced. it was bottled in January 2017. Outstanding.”

La Vizcaina ‘El Rapolao’ Lomas de Valtuille, Bierzo 2014 750ML ($37.95) $29.80 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 94+ points “The 2014 La Vizcaína El Rapolao had a Cabernet Franc-like character that I also found in the 2013, both cold years in the zone. It fermented in a combination of oak and chestnut vats. There are also notes of wild berries and flowers. The palate is serious, with fine-grained tannins and good length. 2014 was not an easy harvest, but somehow his vineyards delivered very balanced grapes and higher yields. Some 3,400 bottles were filled in August 2016. This is the first of the reds to be bottled.”LG
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 92 points “(aged in used barriques and demi-muids) Inky ruby. Smoke-accented blackberry and blueberry scents on the deeply perfumed nose, complicated by violet, peppery spice and game notes. This reminds me a lot of a northern Rhône wine. Densely packed dark berry preserve flavors pick up candied licorice and cola qualities with aeration, along with hints of bitter chocolate and candied flowers. Coats the palate and puts on weight with air, finishing with smoky mineral cut, excellent tenacity and building tannins.”
VinopolNote: This is from Raul’s highest altitude vineyard, with a northeastern exposure and the most influence of the Atlantic ocean.  As a result the wines have long hang times and can be picked late (this is often picked last of the Vizcaina wines) with great freshness and character.  Stunning stuff that we can’t say enough about.

Raul Perez Wines Arriving Tomorrow:

Raul Perez Ultreia de Paluezas, Bierzo 2014 750ML ($79.95) $66 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 97 points “The 2014 Ultreia de Paluezas is a true rarity as the vines are planted on limestone soils, which are scarce in Bierzo, and the wine is really different, with a note of wet chalk that is not present in any other wine here. It has a very elegant palate, medium-bodied with very fine tannins and a velvety texture, with an earthy, limestone touch. It ends with a very tasty finish, and an almost salty sensation. There are only 300 bottles of this, as they could only produce one barrel of it. It was bottled in January 2017.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!

Raul Perez Ultreia Saint Jacques, Bierzo 2015 750ML ($21.95) $17.80 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2015 Ultreia St Jacques is the entry-level red for the Ultreia range and is amazingly good for the price. Produced from old vines, this is a serious wine, with juicy fruit, a fine palate and good freshness for the conditions of the year. They have included new vineyards that they have been working for the last four or five years, so they are able to bottle a little bit more wine. This is a great value.”
Grapelive 93 points “It was a great honor to meet and taste with Raul Perez, one of Spain’s most heroic and influential winemakers (also known as the godfather of Mencia). Perez has mentored many rising stars, including Pedro Rodriguez and Veronica Ortega, whose wines I recently discovered and who is still working with him. Raul Perez’s lineup was mind-blowing and lived up to my huge expectations in every way. I was wildly thrilled with each and every one of these offerings, especially this new Ultra Saint Jacques Bierzo Tinto that delivers wonderful depth and complexity at a price that makes it a bargain by any standards. [It is] made from mainly from Mencia, but with some inter planted Bastardo (thought to be Trousseau) and Garnacha Tintorera (Alicante Bouschet) coming off vines that average about 75 years old. This dark and ripe vintage shows an almost Northern Rhone-like character and has an earthy/savory/spicy edge like a lighter Cornas. This was fermented with native yeasts, about 80% whole cluster in large oak cask with long macerations lasting between 2 and 5 months and then aged in mixed vessels including some cement, as well as 225L and 500L oak. [It was bottled] unfined and unfiltered. It’s pretty in detail with violet/floral tones, peppercorn and a medium body that flows with sweet tannins. It shows vibrant but smooth acidity, and flinty mineral elements as well as a core of loganberry, plum, candied cherry and tart currant fruits as well as salted black licorice, lavender, pipe tobacco, shale stones, earthy charms and a hint of cinnamon. This 2015 is lovely stuff that drinks very well right now and should prove pleasing for 3 to 5 years. For this price you’ll want a case!”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!

La Vizcaina ‘La Vitoriana’ Lomas de Valtuille, Bierzo 2014 750ML ($37.95) $33 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 95 points “My favorite red of the 2014 vintage was the 2014 La Vizcaína La Vitoriana, which was very expressive, floral and elegant, with filigree and detail. There is a lot of depth in the palate, greatly balanced with very fine tannins and a long, tasty finish. This is the oldest vineyard they have, and Raul Perez told me the vineyard is not an easy one: very good in some years, not so good in others. 6,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in April, the latest bottling, as it needs a long aging after a three-month maceration.”

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A Case of Vinsanity

Case-12 Chateau Puech-Haut Saint-Drezery Prestige Rouge, Languedoc-Roussillon 2013 ($249.95) $199 special, 3 cases in stock now (that’s only $16.58/bottle!)
Chateau Puech-Haut Saint-Drezery Prestige Rouge, Languedoc-Roussillon 2013 750ML ($21.95) $18 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2013 Coteaux du Languedoc Prestige (which was already in bottle at the time of this tasting) is a blend of 55% Grenache and 45% Syrah aged all in concrete tank. Fresh, elegant and thrillingly pure, with first rate aromas of blackberry, fresh plum, licorice and ground herbs, it is decidedly sexy and forward, yet stays perfectly balanced, with juicy acidity and fine tannin on the finish. Easily one of the top estates in the Languedoc (if not southern France), Chateau Puech Haut lies just outside the village of Saint-Drezery and is owned and run by Gerard Bru, with consulting help from Philippe Cambie. They produce a number of cuvees, with their entry level efforts representing superb values, and their top cuvees being able to stand toe to toe with the greatest wines in the world.”

Case-6 Byron Nielson Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir, California 2013 750ML ($219.95) $139 special, 1 case in stock now (that’s only $23.17/bottle!)
Byron Nielson Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir, California 2013 750ML ($39.95) $29 special, 9+ bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 92+ points “Another terrific wine is the 2013 Pinot Noir Nielson Vineyard, which was completely destemmed and aged 16 months in 40% new French oak. Still showing its oak elevage, with lots of caramelized cherry, black raspberry, sweet oak and spice, it hits the palate with a seamless, silky, gorgeously pure texture that carries plenty of fruit and finishes clean and dry, with notable tannic grip. Give it a year or two in the cellar to integrate its oak and drink bottles through 2021.”

Case-12 Goodfellow Family Cellars Bishop Creek Vineyard Pinot Noir, Oregon 2014 750ML ($419.95) $299 special, 3 cases in stock now (that’s only $24.92/bottle!)
Case-6 Goodfellow Family Cellars Bishop Creek Vineyard Pinot Noir, Oregon 2014 750ML ($219.95) $166 special, 5 cases in stock now (that’s only $27.67/bottle!)
Goodfellow Family Cellars Bishop Creek Vineyard Pinot Noir, Oregon 2014 750ML ($41.95) $29 special, 25+ bottles in stock now
Winery note “Twenty five year old un-grafted Wadensville vines, dry farmed in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA are handpicked for this wine. From 3 acres, each clone is fermented separately with native yeasts in small lots, typically with 50-60% whole-clusters. The wine is aged in 0%-40% new French oak barrels for 18-21 months and bottled unfined and unfiltered. There is intensity at Bishop Creek, with deep, dark toned fruit, a spicy floral edge and savory tones with acidity and length.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Case-12 Olivier Larochette Bourgogne Pinot Noir Vieilles Vignes, Burgundy 2009 750ML ($199.95) $138 special, 3 cases in stock now (that’s only $11.50/bottle!)
Olivier Larochette Bourgogne Pinot Noir Vieilles Vignes, Burgundy 2009 750ML ($19.95) $14 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
VinopolNote: It’s an old vine bottling from a small nego Olivier Larochette. Ruby red in color. Intense aromas of crushed black raspberry, fresh plums and violets with a light herbal note underneath that’s akin to Sencha tea. The rich aromas translate into rich initial flavors at the first sip with a lingering, zippy acidity and very fine tannins. The note of fresh red plums continues on the palate accented by toasted almonds and red raspberries. This would make a great pairing with roast chicken and caramelized onions.

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Thank you for reading!