In Today’s Newsletter:
Featured New Arrival:
Fondreche’s Ventoux Stunners
Save $20 per Bottle!
Library Owen Roe Single Vineyard Syrah
Subscriber Special
Mix, Match and Save
A 2×94 point Priorat at 47% Off
Staff Pick:
We Still Have Willi Schaefer ’16’s?
Trending Wines
Collector’s Corner
Vajra’s Epic 2016’s
Featured New Arrival
Fondreche’s Ventoux Stunners
Domaine de Fondreche Ventoux Il Etait une Fois, Rhone 2016 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Jeb Dunnuck 95 points “The flagship is the 2016 Ventoux Il Etais Une Fois, which is mostly Grenache with tiny amounts of Syrah and Mourvèdre brought up all in foudre. Violets, red and black fruits, spice, and dried earth/limestone minerality all give way to an elegant, medium to full-bodied Grenache that gains depth, freshness, and purity with time in the glass. It has fine, building tannin, a seamless texture, and a great, beautiful finish. Over the previous few years, the quality of this cuvée has soared, and this is one of the finest to date.”
Wine Advocate 94 points “Coming in at the top end of the range I projected for it last year, the stunning 2016 Ventoux Il Etait Une Fois is a blend of 80% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre and 10% Syrah. It’s a voluptuous, full-bodied mix of black cherries and subtle spice notes, all carried by a seamless, plush, creamy-textured palate through a long, concentrated finish. Wow.-JC”
Shop our extensive Southern Rhone selections on our web store!
Save $20 per Bottle!
Library Owen Roe Single Vineyard Syrah
Bonus Owen Roe deal—arriving June 9th:
Owen Roe Sharecropper’s Merlot, Yakima Valley 2015 750ML ($19.95) $14.50 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Owen Roe Sharecropper’s Merlot, Yakima Valley 2015 750ML ($249.95) $149 pre-arrival special (that’s only $12.42/bottle!)
Winery note “This new bottling of Sharecropper’s Merlot shows aromas of cranberry, tart cherry, violet and spice. Dazzling flavors of black cherry, currant, plum and hints of pepper are nicely balanced with bright acidity and firm tannins, finishing with a hint of baking cocoa. Vineyard Sources- Elerding, Outlook, Red Willow and Union Gap. Barrel aged in 14% new oak for 10 months.”
Subscriber Special
Mix, Match and Save
Michel Mailliard Cuvee Gregory Premier Cru Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($59.95) $39 special—Mix 6-11 Price: $37.05, Mix 12+ Price: $35.10
VinopolNote: Mailliard is a Cote des Blancs grower based in Vertus. This bottling is 95% Chardonnay with 5% Pinot Noir made without malolactic fermentation with approximately 5.5g/L residual sugar. L12/4/17
Importer note “Michel Mailliard is a complex man. Besides being a vigneron and champagne maker, he is an innovator, entrepreneur, and leader with a touch of politician. While his name is unknown in America, among the champagne producers of Vertus, he is a very prominent figure. Decades ago Michel saw many of his neighbors with small vineyard plots of very good quality grapes in need of a better place to produce their champagnes. So, he created one of the first in champagne of what we call today custom crush facilities. These types of facilities are now common place in many wine regions around the world, helping artisan producers and garagists. Over time, the small start-up grew to house the current state-of-the-art champagne producing equipment and perfect storage facilities. Each vigneron controls the production of his/her champagne separately from the other producers. It has allowed even the smallest of champagne producers to make their own style of champagne. A number of years ago Michel turned his focus to further expanding and developing his family vineyards and brand Champagne Michel Mailliard. The objective of the House is to grow and create champagnes that reflect the vision and sensory cues that have been passed on from father to son. Until recently, Champagne Michel Mailliard was only available in France, sold mostly to private customers and poured in restaurants in Paris. Michel and his son, Gregory, are dedicated to presenting to the world their highly precise expressions of Champagne.”
Rose
Fougeray de Beauclair Marsannay Rose, Cote de Nuits 2018 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special—Mix 6-11 Price: $20.81, Mix 12+ Price $19.71
VinopolNote: Marsannay is the only village in Burgundy that permits rosé bottled under its AOC. As you might expect, the rosé from the village is outstanding stuff and Beauclair’s offers excellent value (just like their reds, for what that’s worth). Made from 100% Pinot Noir, the Marsannay rosé shows the dry and serious side of the genre, while managing to be delicious and fresh at the same time. If you love Pinot rosé from the Willamette Valley, you owe it to yourself to try the original.
Lucien Crochet Sancerre Pinot Rose, Loire 2018 750ML ($34.95) $29 special—Mix 6-11 Price: $27.55, Mix 12+ Price: $26.10
Importer Note “Indeed, the 2018 Sancerre Rosé—clocking in just shy of 14%–is deeper in color than usual, as well as more vinous and commanding on the palate. Pure Pinot Noir produced solely from direct-press juice and aged on its lees in stainless steel, this ’18 manages to carry its weight very well, with ultra-bracing acidity and a sense of lift on the nearly viscous palate. While this wine often drinks much like Crochet’s epic whites—steely and mineral, with enormous cut—one feels the Pinot Noir a bit more in this vintage, but it is ultimately a very interesting and delicious rosé”
White
Tiberio Pecorino Colline Pescaresi IGT, Abruzzo 2017 750ML ($24.95) $19.50 special—Mix 6-11 Price: $18.52, Mix 12+ Price: $17.55
Ian D’Agata – Vinous 90 points “Abruzzo’s Tiberio winery has quickly risen to the top of the hierarchy not just in Abruzzo’s but in all of Italy. What the talented Cristiana Tiberio has achieved in the very hot 2017 vintage with Pecorino (a variety that does not like heat) is a testament to her talent. The 2017 Tiberio Pecorino is by no means the best Pecorino she has ever made (and frankly, it would have been very strange if it was otherwise, given the year’s weather), but it offers lovely balance with pure sage and kiwi notes that mingle with ripe orchard fruit nuances complicated by a saline edge. Both these wines made for a wonderful start to my meal, but they would have paired very well with all the other dishes I chose to eat this evening.”
Weingut Korrell Paradies Riesling Trocken, Nahe 2017 750ML ($49.95) $39 special—Mix 6-11 Price: $37.05, Mix 12+ Price: $35.10
Grapelive 94 points “The radiant and graceful Korrell Paradies Trocken leads with expressive pure apple tones. [It] impresses for its elegance and subtle character. It’s a wine of great poise and delicacy, especially admirable for such a young Riesling. The monopole estate vineyard, Paradies, is the oldest single site Korrell has and is the flagship wine from winemaker Martin Korrell. It comes from his family’s vines that are set on limestone and clay soils in Bad Kreuznach area of the Nahe region. The Paradies Riesling Trocken is a gorgeous white of depth and precise winemaking that takes advantage of this unique site in the Nahe. This wine is the heart and soul of Korrell and it is product of its unique climat,or terroir. It sees more sunshine and the limestone allows for serious concentration, while retaining acidity, though there is always great attention paid to pick dates to finely tune this signature bottling to place and vintage. Korrell mixes some traditional stainless fermentations with some native yeast and barrel ferments to craft his wines. The Paradies shows a beautiful leesy finesse that reminds me a bit of the Von Winning GG’s, with a long time on the lees adding a beautiful glycerin density to this gorgeous dry Riesling. Coming off Korrel’s incredible Riesling Cup win for his Von den Grossen Lagen (Grand Crus) Riesling Trocken, I was absolutely thrilled to be able to try this wine, and found this particular wine just as intriguing. Martin focuses on preserving heightened aromatics and crisp mineral tones, while allowing the mouth feel and depth to shine through. It is an amazing accomplishment to get it all right, and Korrell deserves his time in the limelight. This is complex and glorious stuff. Layers of green apple, peach, mixed fresh citrus and melon fruits are lifted by liquid rock, steely mineral and faint perfume of white flowers along with a silkiness of mouth feel. While still delightfully crisp, [this delivers] an exciting energy filled performance. This is a winery that about to break out and join some elite company, in fact they are riding high after winning, as mentioned, the famous Riesling Cup award with their unique multi (Grand) cru Von den Grossen Lagen Trocken Riesling. This wine is just extra proof there is real quality here! The lightly golden hued and generously textured Paradies will age well. It’s full of charm, class and potential. Best to let this one have another 3 to 5 years, though it certainly is delicious right now.”
Stuart Pigott-jamessuckling.com 94 points “Very clean and fresh, but behind the effusive, fruit-salad character that makes this so seductive, there is a lot of structure and the finish keeps pumping out the fruit and chalky minerality. Drink or hold.”
Red
Delas Freres Saint-Joseph Francois de Tournon, Rhone 2015 750ML ($44.95) $36 special—Mix 6-11 Price:$34.20, Mix 12+ Price: $32.40
Wine Advocate 93 points “Inky and concentrated, the 2015 Saint-Joseph Francois de Tournon is no easy-drinking Saint-Joseph. It’s smoky, herbal and ashy all at once, yet it’s buoyed by ample black cherry fruit and vibrant acidity. This medium to full-bodied Syrah has plenty of tannins, but they’re ultimately silky and most apparent on the long, licorice-tinged finish. This is approachable now but should be even better in 3 years and should drink well for at least another 10 after that.”
Jeb Dunnuck 93 points “Both Saint Joseph releases are brilliant in 2015. The 2015 Saint Joseph François De Tournon comes vines around Tournon, Mauves, Saint-Jean-de-Muzols, and Vion, and is always destemmed and aged in 30% new barrels. This full-bodied, rounded, sexy beauty shows the power and fruit of the vintage. With classic notes of black and blue fruits, violets, incense and pepper, drink this textured, expansive, terrific Saint Joseph over the coming 10-15 years.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92 points “Dark ruby. High-pitched red and dark berry and violet aromas show excellent focus and pick up hints of cracked pepper and sandalwood with air. Sappy and seamless in texture, offering fresh black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors and a hint of candied licorice. Turns sweeter on the penetrating, impressively long finish, which features smooth, even tannins and lingering boysenberry and floral qualities. “
Domaine Eric et Joel Durand Cornas Premices, Rhone 2015 750ML ($39.95) $33 special—Mix 6-11 Price: $31.35, Mix 12+ Price: $29.70
Jeb Dunnuck 95 points “The 2015 Cornas Premices comes from a mix of granite terroirs and was mostly destemmed (75%) and aged in 20% new barrels. It offers an incredibly rich, opulent style in its plum, blackberry liqueur, lavender and peppery herb aromas and flavors. Thick, unctuous, and incredibly broad and expansive on the palate, with sweet tannin, it’s the largest production cuvée from this estate and is going to be an incredible value! Don’t miss it.”
Subscriber Special
Mix 6-11 of the Selected Wines Above, Save 5%
Mix 12+ of the Selected Wines Above, Save 10%
Discount Will Not Display Online/In Cart
We Will Apply Discount Manually Before Finalizing Your Order
Subscriber Special Ends Saturday, June 6th at 6pm!
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Stop by our shop 10 am – 6 pm daily
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A 2×94 point Priorat at 47% Off
Featured New Arrival:
Fondreche’s Ventoux Stunners
Save $20 per Bottle!
Library Owen Roe Single Vineyard Syrah
Subscriber Special
Mix, Match and Save
A 2×94 point Priorat at 47% Off
Staff Pick:
We Still Have Willi Schaefer ’16’s?
Trending Wines
Collector’s Corner
Vajra’s Epic 2016’s
Featured New Arrival
Fondreche’s Ventoux Stunners
If you love big, powerful red wines and you’ve never had the top wines of Domaine de Fondreche, you need to rectify that situation soon. These are some of the gutsiest, most expressive wines in the Rhone, with incredible critical praise and a price tag that’s equivalent to mid-tier CdP. From their mostly Syrah “Divergente,” which puts a lot of $80 Hermitage to shame, to their “Il Etait Une Fois,” a Chateauneuf destroyer, their wines represent excellent values and compelling drinking experiences. Because of the obscurity of Ventoux, these aren’t as expensive as they probably should be, despite a multitude of scores in the high 90’s for their wines (case in point, 97 and 95 for the pair today)
When you read the words “Southern Rhone” you probably think of Chateauneuf du Pape: rocky fields or hills that are warm and produce big, rich wines. What if we told you there was an unexplored area of the Rhone which looked different but also produced powerful wines which were undervalued because of their home turf?
The Ventoux is a massive swath of the Rhone, east of the river and on the other side of the Dentelles from Gigondas. It sits between the heart of the Southern Rhone and Provence, and the wines have that wild, slightly untamed character that you often find in wines from the mountainous regions of Provence. Furthermore, Ventoux is attracting some top-tier talent because of the affordability of its vineyard land. Old vines on interesting soils are still available here, so young, driven winemakers are increasingly leaving Chateauneuf and Gigondas to striking out on their own in Ventoux. A prime example? The incredible, powerful wines of Domaine de Fondreche.
In 15 years, we think we’ll look back on these the way we do now with Gigondas, Cornas and other formerly sleeping giants of the Rhone—the pricing will seem unbelievable. These powerful wines are only going to get more attention and acclaim and their window of affordability won’t last much longer.
Just Arrived, In Stock Now:
Domaine de Fondreche Ventoux Divergente, Rhone 2016 750ML ($79.95) $66 special
Jeb Dunnuck 97 points “Reminding me of one of the Sélections Parcellaires Hermitage from Michel Chapoutier, the 2016 Ventoux Divergente is 90% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre that was mostly destemmed and brought up in foudre. Crème de cassis, black raspberries, peppered meats, graphite, and liquid rock notes all flow to a fat, unctuous, sexy Syrah that has beautiful acidity, fine tannin, and a huge finish. It’s a true “Wow” wine that needs to be tasted to be believed. Put this in a blind lineup of top Hermitage and shock all your friends.”
Wine Advocate 94 points “Less immediately showy and approachable than the 2016 Persia, the 2016 Ventoux Divergente is tight and focused, deserving of a couple of years in the cellar. Smoke, black olive and plum notes dominate this full-bodied wine, picking up hints of espresso on the long, tannic finish.-JC”
When you read the words “Southern Rhone” you probably think of Chateauneuf du Pape: rocky fields or hills that are warm and produce big, rich wines. What if we told you there was an unexplored area of the Rhone which looked different but also produced powerful wines which were undervalued because of their home turf?
The Ventoux is a massive swath of the Rhone, east of the river and on the other side of the Dentelles from Gigondas. It sits between the heart of the Southern Rhone and Provence, and the wines have that wild, slightly untamed character that you often find in wines from the mountainous regions of Provence. Furthermore, Ventoux is attracting some top-tier talent because of the affordability of its vineyard land. Old vines on interesting soils are still available here, so young, driven winemakers are increasingly leaving Chateauneuf and Gigondas to striking out on their own in Ventoux. A prime example? The incredible, powerful wines of Domaine de Fondreche.
In 15 years, we think we’ll look back on these the way we do now with Gigondas, Cornas and other formerly sleeping giants of the Rhone—the pricing will seem unbelievable. These powerful wines are only going to get more attention and acclaim and their window of affordability won’t last much longer.
Just Arrived, In Stock Now:
Domaine de Fondreche Ventoux Divergente, Rhone 2016 750ML ($79.95) $66 special
Jeb Dunnuck 97 points “Reminding me of one of the Sélections Parcellaires Hermitage from Michel Chapoutier, the 2016 Ventoux Divergente is 90% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre that was mostly destemmed and brought up in foudre. Crème de cassis, black raspberries, peppered meats, graphite, and liquid rock notes all flow to a fat, unctuous, sexy Syrah that has beautiful acidity, fine tannin, and a huge finish. It’s a true “Wow” wine that needs to be tasted to be believed. Put this in a blind lineup of top Hermitage and shock all your friends.”
Wine Advocate 94 points “Less immediately showy and approachable than the 2016 Persia, the 2016 Ventoux Divergente is tight and focused, deserving of a couple of years in the cellar. Smoke, black olive and plum notes dominate this full-bodied wine, picking up hints of espresso on the long, tannic finish.-JC”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Domaine de Fondreche Ventoux Il Etait une Fois, Rhone 2016 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Jeb Dunnuck 95 points “The flagship is the 2016 Ventoux Il Etais Une Fois, which is mostly Grenache with tiny amounts of Syrah and Mourvèdre brought up all in foudre. Violets, red and black fruits, spice, and dried earth/limestone minerality all give way to an elegant, medium to full-bodied Grenache that gains depth, freshness, and purity with time in the glass. It has fine, building tannin, a seamless texture, and a great, beautiful finish. Over the previous few years, the quality of this cuvée has soared, and this is one of the finest to date.”
Wine Advocate 94 points “Coming in at the top end of the range I projected for it last year, the stunning 2016 Ventoux Il Etait Une Fois is a blend of 80% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre and 10% Syrah. It’s a voluptuous, full-bodied mix of black cherries and subtle spice notes, all carried by a seamless, plush, creamy-textured palate through a long, concentrated finish. Wow.-JC”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Shop our extensive Southern Rhone selections on our web store!
Save $20 per Bottle!
Library Owen Roe Single Vineyard Syrah
Whenever we have the chance to buy properly aged, single-vineyard Washington Syrah from top producers, we jump on it. When we can offer it to you at a huge discount? Well, these sorts of opportunities are rare and we act accordingly. Today’s offer of the 2013 Owen Roe Chapel Block is a stunner in that regard; it’s seven-years old Syrah at up to $20 off what we originally offered it at four years ago.
We first sold the 2013 Owen Roe Chapel Block Syrah four years ago for $49 per bottle—and Suzanne wrote this note:
“This new vintage of the Chapel Block Syrah from the Red Willow vineyard shows poise and balance. There are overtones of dark chocolate and dark roast coffee layered with sweet spices and a hint of new leather on the finish. Unabashedly New World, the palate offers ripe berry and floral notes with a lingering chocolate taste. It has an excellent grippy texture to keep the rich body in check. I would cellar for at least 2-3 years before opening, though ideally this baby could go for 7-10.”
Well, here we are—nicely four years after that tasting note and with a price that would have been unthinkable then. The 2013 Owen Roe Chapel Block is just $33 per bottle—or $29.92 on a case purchase. This is a fantastic wine in a great point in its development and you’d do well to stick a case in your drinking queue.
In Stock Now:
Owen Roe Red Willow Vineyard Chapel Block Syrah, Yakima Valley 2013 750ML ($59.95) $33 special
Case-12 Owen Roe Red Willow Vineyard Chapel Block Syrah, Yakima Valley 2013 750ML ($719.95) $359 special (that’s only $29.92/bottle!)
Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 92 points “Bright medium ruby. Musky, earthy aromas of raspberry, roasted strawberry, smoked meat and charred oak. Fat, sweet and deep, with good spicy lift to the very ripe flavors of plum, blueberry, dark chocolate and spices. A very rich, tactile Syrah with sexy sweetness but plenty of ripe, dusty tannins to support a graceful evolution in bottle. Ultimately richer than the Union Gap Syrah but also more tannic.”
We first sold the 2013 Owen Roe Chapel Block Syrah four years ago for $49 per bottle—and Suzanne wrote this note:
“This new vintage of the Chapel Block Syrah from the Red Willow vineyard shows poise and balance. There are overtones of dark chocolate and dark roast coffee layered with sweet spices and a hint of new leather on the finish. Unabashedly New World, the palate offers ripe berry and floral notes with a lingering chocolate taste. It has an excellent grippy texture to keep the rich body in check. I would cellar for at least 2-3 years before opening, though ideally this baby could go for 7-10.”
Well, here we are—nicely four years after that tasting note and with a price that would have been unthinkable then. The 2013 Owen Roe Chapel Block is just $33 per bottle—or $29.92 on a case purchase. This is a fantastic wine in a great point in its development and you’d do well to stick a case in your drinking queue.
In Stock Now:
Owen Roe Red Willow Vineyard Chapel Block Syrah, Yakima Valley 2013 750ML ($59.95) $33 special
Case-12 Owen Roe Red Willow Vineyard Chapel Block Syrah, Yakima Valley 2013 750ML ($719.95) $359 special (that’s only $29.92/bottle!)
Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 92 points “Bright medium ruby. Musky, earthy aromas of raspberry, roasted strawberry, smoked meat and charred oak. Fat, sweet and deep, with good spicy lift to the very ripe flavors of plum, blueberry, dark chocolate and spices. A very rich, tactile Syrah with sexy sweetness but plenty of ripe, dusty tannins to support a graceful evolution in bottle. Ultimately richer than the Union Gap Syrah but also more tannic.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price in any vintage is $49.50
The average listed price across all vintages is $55
The next best price in any vintage is $49.50
The average listed price across all vintages is $55
Bonus Owen Roe deal—arriving June 9th:
Owen Roe Sharecropper’s Merlot, Yakima Valley 2015 750ML ($19.95) $14.50 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Owen Roe Sharecropper’s Merlot, Yakima Valley 2015 750ML ($249.95) $149 pre-arrival special (that’s only $12.42/bottle!)
Winery note “This new bottling of Sharecropper’s Merlot shows aromas of cranberry, tart cherry, violet and spice. Dazzling flavors of black cherry, currant, plum and hints of pepper are nicely balanced with bright acidity and firm tannins, finishing with a hint of baking cocoa. Vineyard Sources- Elerding, Outlook, Red Willow and Union Gap. Barrel aged in 14% new oak for 10 months.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $18.99
The next best price is $18.99
Subscriber Special
Mix, Match and Save
Subscriber Special
Mix 6-11 of the Selected Wines Below, Save 5%
Mix 12+ of the Selected Wines Below, Save 10%
Discount Will Not Display Online/In Cart
We Will Apply Discount Manually Before Finalizing Your Order
Subscriber Special Ends Saturday, June 6th at 6pm!
Champagne
Lilbert-Fils Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($69.95) $49 special—Mix 6-11 Price: $46.55, Mix 12+ Price: $44.10
Wine Spectator 92 points “A fresh and elegant blanc de blancs Champagne, with juicy nectarine and mango fruit accented by hints of candied kumquat, spring blossom and salted almond. Long and creamy on the mouthwatering finish. Disgorged summer 2016. Drink now through 2022. 1,650 cases made, 100 cases imported. — AN”
Mix 6-11 of the Selected Wines Below, Save 5%
Mix 12+ of the Selected Wines Below, Save 10%
Discount Will Not Display Online/In Cart
We Will Apply Discount Manually Before Finalizing Your Order
Subscriber Special Ends Saturday, June 6th at 6pm!
Champagne
Lilbert-Fils Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($69.95) $49 special—Mix 6-11 Price: $46.55, Mix 12+ Price: $44.10
Wine Spectator 92 points “A fresh and elegant blanc de blancs Champagne, with juicy nectarine and mango fruit accented by hints of candied kumquat, spring blossom and salted almond. Long and creamy on the mouthwatering finish. Disgorged summer 2016. Drink now through 2022. 1,650 cases made, 100 cases imported. — AN”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Michel Mailliard Cuvee Gregory Premier Cru Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($59.95) $39 special—Mix 6-11 Price: $37.05, Mix 12+ Price: $35.10
VinopolNote: Mailliard is a Cote des Blancs grower based in Vertus. This bottling is 95% Chardonnay with 5% Pinot Noir made without malolactic fermentation with approximately 5.5g/L residual sugar. L12/4/17
Importer note “Michel Mailliard is a complex man. Besides being a vigneron and champagne maker, he is an innovator, entrepreneur, and leader with a touch of politician. While his name is unknown in America, among the champagne producers of Vertus, he is a very prominent figure. Decades ago Michel saw many of his neighbors with small vineyard plots of very good quality grapes in need of a better place to produce their champagnes. So, he created one of the first in champagne of what we call today custom crush facilities. These types of facilities are now common place in many wine regions around the world, helping artisan producers and garagists. Over time, the small start-up grew to house the current state-of-the-art champagne producing equipment and perfect storage facilities. Each vigneron controls the production of his/her champagne separately from the other producers. It has allowed even the smallest of champagne producers to make their own style of champagne. A number of years ago Michel turned his focus to further expanding and developing his family vineyards and brand Champagne Michel Mailliard. The objective of the House is to grow and create champagnes that reflect the vision and sensory cues that have been passed on from father to son. Until recently, Champagne Michel Mailliard was only available in France, sold mostly to private customers and poured in restaurants in Paris. Michel and his son, Gregory, are dedicated to presenting to the world their highly precise expressions of Champagne.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $48.98
The next best price is $48.98
Rose
Fougeray de Beauclair Marsannay Rose, Cote de Nuits 2018 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special—Mix 6-11 Price: $20.81, Mix 12+ Price $19.71
VinopolNote: Marsannay is the only village in Burgundy that permits rosé bottled under its AOC. As you might expect, the rosé from the village is outstanding stuff and Beauclair’s offers excellent value (just like their reds, for what that’s worth). Made from 100% Pinot Noir, the Marsannay rosé shows the dry and serious side of the genre, while managing to be delicious and fresh at the same time. If you love Pinot rosé from the Willamette Valley, you owe it to yourself to try the original.
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $24.99
The next best price is $24.99
Lucien Crochet Sancerre Pinot Rose, Loire 2018 750ML ($34.95) $29 special—Mix 6-11 Price: $27.55, Mix 12+ Price: $26.10
Importer Note “Indeed, the 2018 Sancerre Rosé—clocking in just shy of 14%–is deeper in color than usual, as well as more vinous and commanding on the palate. Pure Pinot Noir produced solely from direct-press juice and aged on its lees in stainless steel, this ’18 manages to carry its weight very well, with ultra-bracing acidity and a sense of lift on the nearly viscous palate. While this wine often drinks much like Crochet’s epic whites—steely and mineral, with enormous cut—one feels the Pinot Noir a bit more in this vintage, but it is ultimately a very interesting and delicious rosé”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
White
Tiberio Pecorino Colline Pescaresi IGT, Abruzzo 2017 750ML ($24.95) $19.50 special—Mix 6-11 Price: $18.52, Mix 12+ Price: $17.55
Ian D’Agata – Vinous 90 points “Abruzzo’s Tiberio winery has quickly risen to the top of the hierarchy not just in Abruzzo’s but in all of Italy. What the talented Cristiana Tiberio has achieved in the very hot 2017 vintage with Pecorino (a variety that does not like heat) is a testament to her talent. The 2017 Tiberio Pecorino is by no means the best Pecorino she has ever made (and frankly, it would have been very strange if it was otherwise, given the year’s weather), but it offers lovely balance with pure sage and kiwi notes that mingle with ripe orchard fruit nuances complicated by a saline edge. Both these wines made for a wonderful start to my meal, but they would have paired very well with all the other dishes I chose to eat this evening.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Weingut Korrell Paradies Riesling Trocken, Nahe 2017 750ML ($49.95) $39 special—Mix 6-11 Price: $37.05, Mix 12+ Price: $35.10
Grapelive 94 points “The radiant and graceful Korrell Paradies Trocken leads with expressive pure apple tones. [It] impresses for its elegance and subtle character. It’s a wine of great poise and delicacy, especially admirable for such a young Riesling. The monopole estate vineyard, Paradies, is the oldest single site Korrell has and is the flagship wine from winemaker Martin Korrell. It comes from his family’s vines that are set on limestone and clay soils in Bad Kreuznach area of the Nahe region. The Paradies Riesling Trocken is a gorgeous white of depth and precise winemaking that takes advantage of this unique site in the Nahe. This wine is the heart and soul of Korrell and it is product of its unique climat,or terroir. It sees more sunshine and the limestone allows for serious concentration, while retaining acidity, though there is always great attention paid to pick dates to finely tune this signature bottling to place and vintage. Korrell mixes some traditional stainless fermentations with some native yeast and barrel ferments to craft his wines. The Paradies shows a beautiful leesy finesse that reminds me a bit of the Von Winning GG’s, with a long time on the lees adding a beautiful glycerin density to this gorgeous dry Riesling. Coming off Korrel’s incredible Riesling Cup win for his Von den Grossen Lagen (Grand Crus) Riesling Trocken, I was absolutely thrilled to be able to try this wine, and found this particular wine just as intriguing. Martin focuses on preserving heightened aromatics and crisp mineral tones, while allowing the mouth feel and depth to shine through. It is an amazing accomplishment to get it all right, and Korrell deserves his time in the limelight. This is complex and glorious stuff. Layers of green apple, peach, mixed fresh citrus and melon fruits are lifted by liquid rock, steely mineral and faint perfume of white flowers along with a silkiness of mouth feel. While still delightfully crisp, [this delivers] an exciting energy filled performance. This is a winery that about to break out and join some elite company, in fact they are riding high after winning, as mentioned, the famous Riesling Cup award with their unique multi (Grand) cru Von den Grossen Lagen Trocken Riesling. This wine is just extra proof there is real quality here! The lightly golden hued and generously textured Paradies will age well. It’s full of charm, class and potential. Best to let this one have another 3 to 5 years, though it certainly is delicious right now.”
Stuart Pigott-jamessuckling.com 94 points “Very clean and fresh, but behind the effusive, fruit-salad character that makes this so seductive, there is a lot of structure and the finish keeps pumping out the fruit and chalky minerality. Drink or hold.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Red
Delas Freres Saint-Joseph Francois de Tournon, Rhone 2015 750ML ($44.95) $36 special—Mix 6-11 Price:$34.20, Mix 12+ Price: $32.40
Wine Advocate 93 points “Inky and concentrated, the 2015 Saint-Joseph Francois de Tournon is no easy-drinking Saint-Joseph. It’s smoky, herbal and ashy all at once, yet it’s buoyed by ample black cherry fruit and vibrant acidity. This medium to full-bodied Syrah has plenty of tannins, but they’re ultimately silky and most apparent on the long, licorice-tinged finish. This is approachable now but should be even better in 3 years and should drink well for at least another 10 after that.”
Jeb Dunnuck 93 points “Both Saint Joseph releases are brilliant in 2015. The 2015 Saint Joseph François De Tournon comes vines around Tournon, Mauves, Saint-Jean-de-Muzols, and Vion, and is always destemmed and aged in 30% new barrels. This full-bodied, rounded, sexy beauty shows the power and fruit of the vintage. With classic notes of black and blue fruits, violets, incense and pepper, drink this textured, expansive, terrific Saint Joseph over the coming 10-15 years.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92 points “Dark ruby. High-pitched red and dark berry and violet aromas show excellent focus and pick up hints of cracked pepper and sandalwood with air. Sappy and seamless in texture, offering fresh black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors and a hint of candied licorice. Turns sweeter on the penetrating, impressively long finish, which features smooth, even tannins and lingering boysenberry and floral qualities. “
Domaine Eric et Joel Durand Cornas Premices, Rhone 2015 750ML ($39.95) $33 special—Mix 6-11 Price: $31.35, Mix 12+ Price: $29.70
Jeb Dunnuck 95 points “The 2015 Cornas Premices comes from a mix of granite terroirs and was mostly destemmed (75%) and aged in 20% new barrels. It offers an incredibly rich, opulent style in its plum, blackberry liqueur, lavender and peppery herb aromas and flavors. Thick, unctuous, and incredibly broad and expansive on the palate, with sweet tannin, it’s the largest production cuvée from this estate and is going to be an incredible value! Don’t miss it.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
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A 2×94 point Priorat at 47% Off
Ferrer Bobet is one of the hottest names in Priorat, producing some of the most impactful wines in the region. They’re known for marrying stylishness and elegance to the raw power that Priorat always delivers, making them some of the most coveted wines in Barcelona’s cutting edge culinary scene. We’ve offered their entry-level bottling before (and indeed, have the 2016 arriving later this month) but just secured a stellar price for their next tier up—the intense Vinyes Velles (old vines) bottling.
How stellar a price? Well, we’re able to offer you the 2015 Ferrer Bobet Priorat VV at $36 per bottle or (even better) just $389 per case (which works out to just $32.42/bottle)! By comparison, the entry level bottling is going to set you back an average of $40—and that’s for an inferior wine. That we can offer you the Vinyes Velles for over $26 off its average price on wine-searcher (across all vintages) is nearly unbelievable—and yet here we are. The lowest listed price for the 2016 is $51.99 and the lowest price for the ’14 is $55.99—but at Vinopolis the 2015 is just $36.
We could go on about the perfumed fruit, the intensity of the flavor and how long the finish is (and the two 94 point scores this wine received certainly do) but we only have twenty cases of this available to sell. This is a wine that’s going to move and if you don’t get on the train before it leaves the station, it’ll be gone.
Arriving Friday, June 12th:
Ferrer Bobet Vinyes Velles, Priorat DOCa 2015 750ML ($74.95) $36 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Ferrer Bobet Vinyes Velles, Priorat DOCa 2015 750ML ($699.95) $389 pre-arrival special (that’s only $32.42/bottle!)
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “The old vine 2015 Vinyes Velles checks in as a Carignan-dominated blend from vines just outside the village of Porrera that includes one-third Grenache, all of which spent over a year in French oak. It’s a bigger, riper, sexier wine than the Ferrer Bobet cuvée and boasts a deep purple color as well as rocking notes of black plums, black licorice, ground pepper, violets, and new leather. Ripe and full-bodied, with moderate acidity and terrific balance, it’s a seamless Priorat to enjoy over the coming 7-8 years or so.”
James Suckling 94 points “This really captures the freshness of the carignan grape with its bright cherry character. Medium-to full-bodied with spice from the grenache and excellent vitality on the long, crisp finish. Drink or hold.”
How stellar a price? Well, we’re able to offer you the 2015 Ferrer Bobet Priorat VV at $36 per bottle or (even better) just $389 per case (which works out to just $32.42/bottle)! By comparison, the entry level bottling is going to set you back an average of $40—and that’s for an inferior wine. That we can offer you the Vinyes Velles for over $26 off its average price on wine-searcher (across all vintages) is nearly unbelievable—and yet here we are. The lowest listed price for the 2016 is $51.99 and the lowest price for the ’14 is $55.99—but at Vinopolis the 2015 is just $36.
We could go on about the perfumed fruit, the intensity of the flavor and how long the finish is (and the two 94 point scores this wine received certainly do) but we only have twenty cases of this available to sell. This is a wine that’s going to move and if you don’t get on the train before it leaves the station, it’ll be gone.
Arriving Friday, June 12th:
Ferrer Bobet Vinyes Velles, Priorat DOCa 2015 750ML ($74.95) $36 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Ferrer Bobet Vinyes Velles, Priorat DOCa 2015 750ML ($699.95) $389 pre-arrival special (that’s only $32.42/bottle!)
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “The old vine 2015 Vinyes Velles checks in as a Carignan-dominated blend from vines just outside the village of Porrera that includes one-third Grenache, all of which spent over a year in French oak. It’s a bigger, riper, sexier wine than the Ferrer Bobet cuvée and boasts a deep purple color as well as rocking notes of black plums, black licorice, ground pepper, violets, and new leather. Ripe and full-bodied, with moderate acidity and terrific balance, it’s a seamless Priorat to enjoy over the coming 7-8 years or so.”
James Suckling 94 points “This really captures the freshness of the carignan grape with its bright cherry character. Medium-to full-bodied with spice from the grenache and excellent vitality on the long, crisp finish. Drink or hold.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
The average listed price for all vintages is $59
The average listed price for all vintages is $59
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Staff Pick
We Still Have Willi Schaefer ’16’s?
Saul:
It remains confounding to me that we still have 2016 Willi Schaefer Spatlesen (and Auslese) on the shelf. Schaefer is one of my absolute favorite producers—and I’m far from alone. The allocations are always one of the smallest we get and the wines often sell out quickly, which makes sense—the entire estate is only 4.2 hectares, small enough that the family can work it themselves. Now, the ’17’s came and went in a flash (yields were down 50%) but it seems like no one (other than me) has been back-filling ’16’s so far. Y’all should change that soon.
Graach, where these hail from, is a grand cru village of the Mosel, home to beautifully exposed, blue slate vineyards. They show more white and green fruited than Wehlen or Piesport’s orangey tones, which mean that in a year like this, they’re absolutely perfect. Terry Theise describes the Spatlese #10 (the crunchier, more mineral bottling compared to the dramatic #5) as smelling “like a roomful of hyacinths and one quince with attitude. [And tasting like] Stones and salts and a vein of iron.” I couldn’t say it better myself and you owe it to yourself to see what we’re talking about.
2016 is one of the most charming, delightful vintages in recent memory in the Mosel. The wines are not big and bombastic nor screamingly acidic, but they seem to have a harmony and balance that makes them perfect for drinking now and over the short term (relatively—let’s say over the next 20 years). It’s a vintage that played right into Schaefer’s hands, as well. They value purity and precision in their wines and the bottlings I’m highlighting are absolutely brilliant bottles of Spatlese.
In Stock Now:
Weingut Willi Schaefer Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Spatlese, Mosel 2016 750ML ($44.95) $39 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
David Schildknecht – Vinous 93 points “Scents of ripe pear and pineapple garlanded in heliotrope set the stage for a polished, subtly creamy palate performance at once luscious, invigoratingly tangy, and loaded with seductive inner-mouth perfume. I thought the corresponding Kabinett exquisitely delicate, but this Spätlese seems virtually weightless. The lingering finish is almost like an inhalation of flowers and wet stone, save for the tingling impingement of pear skin, a faint tang of pineapple core and a nip of cress. I sense that I may be in the minority, but I perceive 2016 as one of those vintages chez Schaefer where Himmelreich gives Domprobst a very serious run for its money.”
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2016 Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Spätlese is clear and precise on the deep and flinty nose that also shows some floral aromas. Round, lush and sweet on the palate, with delicate acidity and lingering salinity, this is an elegant and already very accessible Spätlese with a very fine, aromatic, mineral, piquant and salty finish. A classic.”
It remains confounding to me that we still have 2016 Willi Schaefer Spatlesen (and Auslese) on the shelf. Schaefer is one of my absolute favorite producers—and I’m far from alone. The allocations are always one of the smallest we get and the wines often sell out quickly, which makes sense—the entire estate is only 4.2 hectares, small enough that the family can work it themselves. Now, the ’17’s came and went in a flash (yields were down 50%) but it seems like no one (other than me) has been back-filling ’16’s so far. Y’all should change that soon.
Graach, where these hail from, is a grand cru village of the Mosel, home to beautifully exposed, blue slate vineyards. They show more white and green fruited than Wehlen or Piesport’s orangey tones, which mean that in a year like this, they’re absolutely perfect. Terry Theise describes the Spatlese #10 (the crunchier, more mineral bottling compared to the dramatic #5) as smelling “like a roomful of hyacinths and one quince with attitude. [And tasting like] Stones and salts and a vein of iron.” I couldn’t say it better myself and you owe it to yourself to see what we’re talking about.
2016 is one of the most charming, delightful vintages in recent memory in the Mosel. The wines are not big and bombastic nor screamingly acidic, but they seem to have a harmony and balance that makes them perfect for drinking now and over the short term (relatively—let’s say over the next 20 years). It’s a vintage that played right into Schaefer’s hands, as well. They value purity and precision in their wines and the bottlings I’m highlighting are absolutely brilliant bottles of Spatlese.
In Stock Now:
Weingut Willi Schaefer Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Spatlese, Mosel 2016 750ML ($44.95) $39 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
David Schildknecht – Vinous 93 points “Scents of ripe pear and pineapple garlanded in heliotrope set the stage for a polished, subtly creamy palate performance at once luscious, invigoratingly tangy, and loaded with seductive inner-mouth perfume. I thought the corresponding Kabinett exquisitely delicate, but this Spätlese seems virtually weightless. The lingering finish is almost like an inhalation of flowers and wet stone, save for the tingling impingement of pear skin, a faint tang of pineapple core and a nip of cress. I sense that I may be in the minority, but I perceive 2016 as one of those vintages chez Schaefer where Himmelreich gives Domprobst a very serious run for its money.”
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2016 Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Spätlese is clear and precise on the deep and flinty nose that also shows some floral aromas. Round, lush and sweet on the palate, with delicate acidity and lingering salinity, this is an elegant and already very accessible Spätlese with a very fine, aromatic, mineral, piquant and salty finish. A classic.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Weingut Willi Schaefer Graacher Domprobst Riesling Spatlese #10, Mosel 2016 750ML ($44.95) $39 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2016 Graacher Domprobst Riesling Spätlese (AP #10) is one of three Spätlesen that were selected in 2016. The wine has a very clear and smoky bouquet of perfectly ripe, healthy Riesling berries and yellow-fleshed stone fruits. Round, lush and piquant, this is a very elegant and stimulating Spätlese with lingering, mouthwatering salinity. The wine is complex but not all too intellectual. It has a ripe but coolish-elegant character with a long, well-structured finish.”
David Schildknecht – Vinous 92 points “Golden Delicious apple and honeydew melon draped in hyacinth make for an imposingly ripe nose and a luscious, perfumed, seductively silken-textured palate. A cooling hint of wintergreen and a gentle nip of apple skin add appeal to a soothingly and refreshingly lingering finish.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $49
The average price nationally is $49
Weingut Willi Schaefer Graacher Domprobst Riesling Spatlese #5, Mosel 2016 750ML ($54.95) $49 special, 17 bottles in stock now
David Schildknecht – Vinous 93 points “Ripe apple and pear garlanded in honeysuckle entice the nose, accompanied by high-toned suggestions of almond and pistachio extracts. A subtly creamy palate displays luscious fruit, heady inner-mouth perfume and rich nuttiness. There is less counterpoint or refreshment here than in the corresponding A.P. #10, but greater opulence has not precluded a delectable sense of delicacy, and the seductively soothing, superbly sustained finish offers a reassuring whisper of wet stone.”
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2016 Graacher Domprobst Riesling Spätlese (AP #5) has a lovey clear, piquant and still reductive nose that indicates tremendous complexity and richness. Round, super lush and elegant on the palate, this is a beautifully balanced and harmonious Spätlese that has an even riper and more textured character compared to the Spätlese #10.”
Mosel Fine Wines 93 points “This offers a gorgeous nose of slightly yellow fruits, ginger and earthy spices. The wine proves quite lively and nicely focused on the palate, with zesty acidity driving the aromatic profile. The wine is nicely elegant and well balanced in the focused and yellow peach infused finish. This is a gorgeous Spätlese in the making. 2026-2041”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Bonus: 2016 Auslese In Stock Now:
Weingut Willi Schaefer Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Auslese #4, Mosel 2016 750ML ($79.95) $59 special, 5 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 96 points “The 2016 Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Auslese has a bright, white-golden color and displays a perfectly ripe, intense and slightly honeyed bouquet of small, golden Riesling berries. On the palate, this is a super lithe, elegant, very complex and stimulating Auslese with mouth-filling texture and mouthwatering salinity and mineral grip. Although the 2016 drinks beautifully today, it will be absolutely fabulous in 15 years.”
Weingut Willi Schaefer Graacher Domprobst Riesling Auslese #11, Mosel 2016 750ML ($89.95) $79 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 96 points “Tasted from a 375-milliliter bottle, the 2016 Graacher Domprobst Riesling Auslese (AP #11) offers a very clear, super ripe but still healthy bouquet of perfectly ripe Riesling intermixed with flinty, slightly caramelly aromas. On the palate, this is a lithe yet complex, piquant, refreshingly mineral and highly elegant Domprobst Auslese that reveals a firm, tensioned structure in the long, salty, already stimulating finish. Tasted March 2018.”
Did you know Vinopolis offers one of the largest selections of German Rieslings in the country?
Shop all 441 selections (that’s not a typo) on our web store!
Trending Wines
What’s left to say about Cameron? Their ’18 D-H Pinot is one of the best at the price.
Cameron Winery Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2018 750ML ($29.95) $27 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Cameron Winery Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2018 750ML ($349.95) $315 special (that’s only $26.25/bottle —the lowest listed price in the country!)
VinopolNote: The 2018 shows more color and immediate impact than the 2017. (We’re extremely excited about the vintage.) Right out of the bottle, it’s well balanced and medium-bodied. It’s showing aromas of boysenberries, purple lilacs, and spice with a touch of black tea and a palate-cleansing astringency on the finish. John Paul declassified a few extra barrels of what would have made it into the Abbey Ridge bottling to be able to offer more Pinot at this price point (who knows where the economy is heading). Fortunately for you, we’re going deep. It’s the perfect case of wine for drinking now, next and later.
If you love Cameron’s Ramato, you’ve got to try one of the originals—VdR makes a stellar one.
Vie di Romans Dessimis Pinot Grigio, Friuli Isonzo 2016 750ML ($39.95) $24 special, 33 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2016 Friuli Isonzo Rive Alte Pinot Grigio Dessimis is classified as a white, but it is really a ramato, or copper in color, reflecting the real color of this grape’s skins. Slightly reductive in nature, it brings out notes of cranberry and bright cassis with some white cherry as well. It was fermented in steel and aged on the lees in barrique. This is a very interesting wine that would make a good pairing with sliced porchetta.”
James Suckling 93 points “Vivid peach pit, red guavas, cloves, dried rose petals, lavender, dried herbs and nutmeg. Full body, a very phenolic and oily texture with loads of red-apple flavors and a textured finish. Drink now.”
Cameron Winery Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2018 750ML ($29.95) $27 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Cameron Winery Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2018 750ML ($349.95) $315 special (that’s only $26.25/bottle —the lowest listed price in the country!)
VinopolNote: The 2018 shows more color and immediate impact than the 2017. (We’re extremely excited about the vintage.) Right out of the bottle, it’s well balanced and medium-bodied. It’s showing aromas of boysenberries, purple lilacs, and spice with a touch of black tea and a palate-cleansing astringency on the finish. John Paul declassified a few extra barrels of what would have made it into the Abbey Ridge bottling to be able to offer more Pinot at this price point (who knows where the economy is heading). Fortunately for you, we’re going deep. It’s the perfect case of wine for drinking now, next and later.
If you love Cameron’s Ramato, you’ve got to try one of the originals—VdR makes a stellar one.
Vie di Romans Dessimis Pinot Grigio, Friuli Isonzo 2016 750ML ($39.95) $24 special, 33 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2016 Friuli Isonzo Rive Alte Pinot Grigio Dessimis is classified as a white, but it is really a ramato, or copper in color, reflecting the real color of this grape’s skins. Slightly reductive in nature, it brings out notes of cranberry and bright cassis with some white cherry as well. It was fermented in steel and aged on the lees in barrique. This is a very interesting wine that would make a good pairing with sliced porchetta.”
James Suckling 93 points “Vivid peach pit, red guavas, cloves, dried rose petals, lavender, dried herbs and nutmeg. Full body, a very phenolic and oily texture with loads of red-apple flavors and a textured finish. Drink now.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $36.99
The average listed price is $41
The next best price is $36.99
The average listed price is $41
Classic California Chardonnay at a great price.
RouteStock Cellars ‘Route 121’ Chardonnay, Carneros 2019 750ML ($24.95) $18 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
VinopolNote: Wilson Daniels is a venerable importer of some of the finest wines in the world. They import and nationally distribute legendary names like Domaine de la Romanée Conti, Domaine Leflaive and Biondi-Santi. So when they set out to create a private label, working with top estates around the world to deliver excellent wine at approachable prices, we could be sure that they’d be fantastic. We’re pleased to offer their RouteStock Chardonnay from Carneros, which delivers a classic experience for the money.
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
We have to list it at $129 on the webstore, but call or email for an extra $10 off!
Eisele Vineyard ‘Altagracia’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2016 750ML ($169.95) $119 Subscriber Special, 33 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 96 points “Lots of violets and dark berries with sweet underbrush and fresh mushrooms, following through to a medium to full body, soft and silky tannins and a succulent and refined finish. It remains supple and beautiful. Hard not to drink now. Better after 2023.”
Wine Advocate 95 points “The Altagracia is produced almost exclusively from estate fruit this year and was bottled at the end of June 2018. Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Altagracia comes bursting forth with vivacious black cherries, blackberries, wild blueberries and cassis notes with touches of cinnamon stick, cloves, forest floor, violets and dusty earth with a waft of violets. The palate is medium to full-bodied, firm and grainy with loads of iron and mineral accents, finishing long and perfumed.”
A classic Oregon Gamay from a winery that’s been doing it longer than most.
Love & Squalor Gamay Noir, Willamette Valley 2017 750ML ($27.95) $24 special, 14 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “We have long been thinking about adding an additional red varietal to the Love & Squalor lineup, in 2014 we added Gamay noir. While it is not widely planted in the Willamette Valley, Gamay noir seems the perfect candidate. It is a cousin of Pinot noir and is found planted alongside it in Burgundy, our touchstone region. There are older plantings of Gamay in Oregon dating to 1987, and there have been additional plantings in every decade since. It is currently finding wider popularity among growers and winemakers, and we expect there will be a healthy supply of Gamay noir grapes in the near future”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $28.8
The next best price is $28.8
Classic Provence Pink
Domaine de la Chapelle Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence Saint Victor Rose 2019 750ML (19.95) $16.60 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
No reviews for the 2019 vintage. 2018 review provided for reference.
“Shimmering orange-pink. Racy and focused on the nose, displaying mineral-tinged strawberry and orange pith aromas and a subtle floral overtone. Dry, tangy and precise on the palate, offering taut red fruit flavors and a touch of bitter blood orange. Finishes with firm cut and good, mineral-driven tenacity.” -Josh Raynolds, Vinous
A custom bottling for a restaurant group that now can’t buy it—this is quite the deal.
Evening Land Brasserie 19 Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2014 750ML ($29.95) $24 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Evening Land Brasserie 19 Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2014 750ML ($419.95) $249 special (that’s only $20.75/bottle!)
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Collector’s Corner
Vajra’s Epic 2016’s
Vajra’s Epic 2016’s
“For many growers, the 2016s are not just epic, they are career-defining wines” – Antonio Galloni
Based on all available reviews, 2016 is on the short list for vintage of the century in Barolo. We’ll have to see what final judgments look like, but it seems as though it will end up there with 2004/2006/2010 as one of the best collections of Barolo ever. Antonio Galloni said of the vintage:
“In so many ways, 2016 is all about being in the right place at the right time for Barolo. An ideal growing season with all the prerequisites for a great vintage comes at a time when so many winemakers are in their primes, past the stage of experimentation and settled into their own personal styles. The result is a vintage full of truly spectacular, breathtaking wines that captures all the pedigree that Nebbiolo and Barolo are capable of.”
Speaking of winemakers in their prime, Vajra remains one of our favorite producers in the Piedmont. From top to bottom, the wines are excellent and they’re a real reference point that others are judged against. The estate has always been good, but seems to have reached another level over the last decade. There’s a reason the cru bottlings all scored in the mid to high 90’s from Antonio Galloni–these are profound wines.
We’ve secured the largest allocation we could, but we don’t expect these to be wines that linger on our shelves (or in our computer system) very long. Anyone serious about their Piedmontese collection ought to be securing them now.
“The Vaira family has turned out a magnificent set of Barolos at both their own winery and at Baudana. Harvest wrapped up on October 22, very late by present day standards, and ideal for wines that emphasize purity of fruit. As always, the Barolos are all about finesse and nuance, very much like an artists’ pencil etchings, where all the lines are totally delineated. At Baudana, the wines are naturally more muscular, but that is Serralunga, after all. Most importantly, the Vairas have developed a personal style that melds classicisim with a level of approachability that makes these wines so alluring, even upon release.” –Antonio Galloni
G.D. Vajra Bricco delle Viole, Barolo DOCG 2016 750ML ($99.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 97 points “The 2016 Barolo Bricco delle Viole is going to need a few years to emerge, but it has all the qualities to develop into a truly special wine. Dark red/purplish fruit, hard candy, mint, lavender and sweet spice give the 2016 striking inner perfume. On the palate, the 2016 is a tightly wound, classically austere Barolo that will especially delight readers with traditionally leaning palates. In this late-ripening vintage, there is a great balance of structure, aromatics and mid-palate sweetness. I absolutely loved it.”
Based on all available reviews, 2016 is on the short list for vintage of the century in Barolo. We’ll have to see what final judgments look like, but it seems as though it will end up there with 2004/2006/2010 as one of the best collections of Barolo ever. Antonio Galloni said of the vintage:
“In so many ways, 2016 is all about being in the right place at the right time for Barolo. An ideal growing season with all the prerequisites for a great vintage comes at a time when so many winemakers are in their primes, past the stage of experimentation and settled into their own personal styles. The result is a vintage full of truly spectacular, breathtaking wines that captures all the pedigree that Nebbiolo and Barolo are capable of.”
Speaking of winemakers in their prime, Vajra remains one of our favorite producers in the Piedmont. From top to bottom, the wines are excellent and they’re a real reference point that others are judged against. The estate has always been good, but seems to have reached another level over the last decade. There’s a reason the cru bottlings all scored in the mid to high 90’s from Antonio Galloni–these are profound wines.
We’ve secured the largest allocation we could, but we don’t expect these to be wines that linger on our shelves (or in our computer system) very long. Anyone serious about their Piedmontese collection ought to be securing them now.
“The Vaira family has turned out a magnificent set of Barolos at both their own winery and at Baudana. Harvest wrapped up on October 22, very late by present day standards, and ideal for wines that emphasize purity of fruit. As always, the Barolos are all about finesse and nuance, very much like an artists’ pencil etchings, where all the lines are totally delineated. At Baudana, the wines are naturally more muscular, but that is Serralunga, after all. Most importantly, the Vairas have developed a personal style that melds classicisim with a level of approachability that makes these wines so alluring, even upon release.” –Antonio Galloni
G.D. Vajra Bricco delle Viole, Barolo DOCG 2016 750ML ($99.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 97 points “The 2016 Barolo Bricco delle Viole is going to need a few years to emerge, but it has all the qualities to develop into a truly special wine. Dark red/purplish fruit, hard candy, mint, lavender and sweet spice give the 2016 striking inner perfume. On the palate, the 2016 is a tightly wound, classically austere Barolo that will especially delight readers with traditionally leaning palates. In this late-ripening vintage, there is a great balance of structure, aromatics and mid-palate sweetness. I absolutely loved it.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $93
The average price is $93
G.D. Vajra Ravera, Barolo DOCG 2016 750ML ($99.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 96 points “The 2016 Barolo Ravera is tough as nails today, but it has striking inner sweetness and remarkable persistence. Even so, readers will have to exercise a great deal of patience, as the 2016 is not likely to offer much in the way of pleasure for a number of years. Bright red cherry, mint, white pepper, blood orange and dried flowers give the 2016 brilliant top notes to match its finely sculpted feel. Veins of acidy and tannin add razor-sharp precision throughout. I can’t wait to taste this in another few years’ time.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $89.99
The next best price is $89.99
G.D. Vajra ‘Coste di Rose’, Barolo DOCG 2016 750ML ($79.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2016 Barolo Coste di Rose is plump, juicy and forward – all qualities that make it one of the more approachable wines in the Vajra range. Plump dark cherry, plum, licorice, spice and menthol all flesh out in a racy, juicy Barolo that will drink well right out of the gate. Plush fruit and silky tannins add to the wine’s voluptuous feel and early accessibility. This is very good, but it is not particularly complex.”
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The next best price is $69.89
The next best price is $69.89
Luigi Baudana ‘Baudana’, Barolo DOCG 2016 750ML ($99.95) $77 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 95 points “The 2016 Barolo Baudana is laced with sweet red cherry, floral overtones and silky tannins, all of which make it one of the more refined, sensual Serralunga Barolos readers will come across. In this tasting, the Baudana impresses with its haunting aromatics and transparent expression of Nebbiolo. Like all of these wines, it needs time in bottle but it is super impressive, even in the early going.”
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Luigi Baudana Cerretta, Barolo DOCG 2016 750ML ($99.95) $77 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 95 points “The 2016 Barolo Cerretta is dark, virile and imposing. Black cherry, lavender, scorched earth, cloves, leather and a range of balsamic notes give the Cerretta its somber, virile feel. Ample and powerful yet also medium in body, the Cerretta captures so much of what makes Nebbiolo so captivating, specifically the ability for a wine to constantly transform in the glass.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
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