Saturday, February 20th 2016
Bedrock and Early Bird Deal; Flash Sale – Top Tier Rosso di Montalcino; New Arrivals; Wines Arriving Tuesday; Domaine Philippe Charlopin – Limited Releases Arriving Friday; First Look: 2011 Brunello; Philipponnat: 2006 Vintage – New Release; Philippe Pacalet 2014 Burgundies & Cornas; Domaine Servin; Bruna Grimaldi; Domaine de la Vougeraie; A Tour of Italy: Case Deals from off the Beaten Path
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Early Bird Gets The Gift!
Bedrock Wine Co. ‘The Bedrock Heritage’ Wine, Sonoma Valley 2013 750ML ($49.95) $41.90 special
Antonio Galloni 94+ points “The 2013 Bedrock Heritage Wine is one of the most intriguing wines in the range. Smoke, cedar, tobacco and a host of savory notes meld together in a powerful yet nuanced wines built on delineation and energy. Even with all of its intensity, the 2013 remains lifted, floral and light on its feet for such a big wine. This is by far the most polished and refined wine I have tasted from the Bedrock Vineyard, where the wines have often been much riper and bigger.” AG
For the first fifteen buyers:
Buy 6+ bottles of the beautiful Bedrock and round out your order to a case of 12 bottles – any wine you wish – and we’ll VinopolGift you a $60 gift certificate to be applied to your next order.
Offer expires Sunday midnight
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No Longer a Dream, Montalcino Under $15…
Top Tier Rosso di Montalcino – $12.42/btl by the case!
Il Poggione Rosso di Montalcino 2013 750ML ($24.95) $14 super special
Il Poggione Rosso di Montalcino 2013 750ML ($249.95) $149 super special (that’s only $12.42/bottle!)
Antonio Galloni – Vinous 91 points “Bright red cherries, stone fruits, smoke and tobacco are some of the notes that jump from the glass in the 2013 Rosso di Montalcino. In this vintage, the Rosso is bright, floral and medium in body, all of which make it extremely versatile. This is another fabulous Rosso from Il Poggione and also a terrific introduction to the year in Montalcino.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $16.89
The average price is $23
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Just a reminder about our current shipping specials during this season:
We offer flat rate shipping on any size single order / single shipment
-to Oregon for $17,
-Washington & Idaho for $20,
-and California for $25
These rates do not apply to orders held in storage here for any reason.
Multiple orders consolidated into one shipment do not qualify for flat rate shipping.
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Super Wines – Super Deals
Just Arrived at Your VinopolShop
Weingut Willi Schaefer Graacher Domprobst Riesling Spatlese #5 2013 1.5L ($159.95) $133 special, only 3 magnums available!
Stephen Reinhardt – Wine Advocate 94 points “Lovely discreet and subtle on the coolish/stony nose the 7.5% alcohol 2013 Graacher Domprobst Riesling Spätlese #5 reveals very fine and flinty slate and precise lime fruit aromas leading to an intense and juicy, sweet and very piquant, very pure and salty palate with aromas of ripe nectarines and structured by its racy acidity. This rather aristocratic wine is so stimulatingly pure and salty, so nicely piquant as well as intense and almost lush in its juicy fruitiness, that it should have an enormous aging potential of 20 or 30 years.”
Guy Breton Morgon, Beaujolais 2013 750ML ($37.95) $28 special
Guy Breton Morgon, Beaujolais 2013 1.5L ($69.95) $49 special
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 93 points “Brilliant ruby-red. Aromas of black raspberry, cola and star anise, plus a hint of medicinal cherry pit. On the palate, juicy dark berry, cherry-cola and spicecake flavors open with air and pick up a hint of smoky minerals. Shows a suave blend of richness and vivacity, and finishes with superb clarity, supple tannins and resonating smokiness. This bottling often shows a distinctly wild streak but I’m not seeing it so much today.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine Lafage Bastide Miraflors, IGP Cotes Catalanes 2013 750ML ($17.95) $14 special
Robert Parker 93 points “I have loved the wines from Domaine Lafage in the past, and this 2013 Bastide Miraflors Cotes Catalanes is one of the greatest red wine values I have tasted in the last year or so. A custom cuvee put together by Eric Solomon and Jean-Marc Lafage, it is a blend of 70% Syrah and 30% Grenache that spent one year in 80% concrete tank (Grenache) and 500-liter demi-muids (Syrah). From a Roussillon vineyard, dominated by gallets roules, that resembles many Chateauneuf du Pape vineyards, the wine undergoes a long maceration of six weeks. The result is an inky/blue/purple-colored wine offering a big, sweet bouquet of blueberries, blackberries, acacia flowers, pepper and spice. This full-bodied, opulent, majestic dry red unleashes tremendous ripeness, richness and intensity. One would normally think such a superb, remarkable wine would cost over $50 a bottle, but this beauty is available for an astonishing $14 a bottle. You’ll have to taste it to believe it! It should drink well for 2-5 years.” RP
Also Available Here Now from Domaine Lafage:
Domaine Lafage Cotes du Roussillon Cuvee Centenaire, Languedoc-Roussillon 2014 750ML ($19.95) $16 special
Wine Advocate 91 points “In the same ballpark, with beautiful minerality, stone fruits, saltiness and citrus blossom, the 2014 Côtes du Roussillon Centenaire Blanc (80% Grenache Blanc, 20% Roussanne) is medium-bodied, fresh, crisp and pure. It’s a year in, year out, spectacular value that should not be missed.” JD
Domaine Lafage ‘Tessellae’ Carignan Vieilles Vignes, IGP Cotes Catalanes 2013 750ML ($19.95) $16.60 special
Case-12 Domaine Lafage ‘Tessellae’ Carignan Vieilles Vignes, IGP Cotes Catalanes 2013 750ML ($219.95) $179 special (that’s only $14.92/bottle!)
Wine Advocate 94 points “A custom cuvee and joint venture with importer Eric Solomon, the 2013 Tessellae Vieilles Vignes is 100% Carignan and comes from 70-year-old vines and the schist soils of Maury and Les Aspres. It is an off-the-charts value that offers up thrilling notes of black raspberry, chocolate, graphite, tar and licorice to go with a voluptuous, decadent, yet seamless and gorgeously pure feel on the palate. Seriously, this wine is smoking good and should thrill for 4-5 years, if not longer. Just pretend you paid more for it.”
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Arriving Tuesday:
Sometimes 750ML Just Ain’t Enough Pink
Chateau de Roquefort Cotes de Provence Corail Rose, Provence 2014 1.5L ($39.95) $29 pre-arrival special
Importer notes “This Rose is made from 30% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 20% Cinsault. 10% Carignan, 10% Vermentino, 5% Clairette. “Corail” is the domaine’s rosé and it has classic Provencal characteristics. Pale coral color with a delicately spicy nose of citrus fruits, lively on the palate with notes of white fruits, citrus and a hint of fennel. Clean and refreshing finish. It is an ideal match for a range of Mediterranean dishes, from appetizers with garlic and olive oil in the mix, to seafood and even lamb dishes. It is perfect with wood-grilled meats.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $39.99
Chateau de Trinquevedel Tavel Cuvee Traditionelle Rose, Rhone 2014 1.5L ($39.95) $29 pre-arrival special
Importer notes “45% Grenache, 24% Cinsault, 15% Clairette, 10% Mourvèdre, 6% Syrah. Guillaume, with the help of his wife, Céline, farms thirty-two hectares of vines that are situated in the hills of the Montagne Noire (Black Mountain). Their stony vineyards resemble those of the famous Châteauneuf, comprised of sand and quartzite galets roulés (rounded stones). The climate and sun exposure produce grapes with tremendous concentration and power. To counteract this power and higher alcohols that are typical of the appellation, the Demoulins perform a bleeding off of the free-run juices, followed by a light pressing, and a very balanced extraction. Guillaume believes in taking all measures necessary to preserve the natural pressing of the grapes. The rosés of Château de Trinquevedel consistently enjoy aromas of ripe, red berries with notes of the ubiquitous spicy, garrigue.”
Bodegas Muga Rosado, Rioja DOCa 2014 1.5L ($34.95) $28 pre-arrival special
Winery note “60% Garnacha, 30% Viura and 10% Tempranillo from Clay/Calcareous and Alluvial soils. Very light in color, mainly pale salmon with orange glints and a bright sheen. On the nose the wine proves more mature than you might expect for the vintage. The acid fruit is less citrus in character and, in this vintage, ripe peach and pineapple aromas come through more strongly. Full, supple mouth-feel thanks to the time spent on fine lees, adding hints of baker’s shop aromas. The typical acidity of this wine is perfectly balanced to give an overall smooth taste. The aftertaste and retronasal phases are dominated by velvety smooth, yet fresh, sharp peach leaving a lovely final sensation which makes you want to try more.”
Majestic Madeiras Arriving Tuesday
D’Oliveira Bual Vintage Madeira 1968 750ML ($249.95) $219 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator Insider 96 points “Balanced and plush, with concentrated buttercream, hazelnut, dried apricot and tropical fruit flavors that are still fresh and lively. Citrus zest and sea salt notes show midpalate. The finish lingers with cream, dried tarragon and Asian spice details. Drink now through 2035.”KM
D’Oliveira Terrantez Vintage Madeira 1971 750ML ($249.95) $219 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator Insider 96 points “Offers a richly spiced aroma, with flavors to match, including butterscotch, hazelnut cream and dried tropical fruits. Complex and well-integrated, featuring a plush texture. The ripe, seductive finish oozes with chocolate and dried coconut notes. Drink now through 2045.”KM
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Domaine Philippe Charlopin
Extremely Limited New Releases Arriving Friday, February 26th
(Plus two more cuvees arriving March 5th)
Domaine Philippe Charlopin-Parizot Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru 2013 750ML ($249.95) $219 pre-arrival special, only 12 bottles available, ETA February 26th
Wine Spectator 94 points “There’s a lot of oak here, lending char, vanilla and whisky elements to the core of black cherry and black currant flavors. Fresh and firm, though the finish absorbs the oak better than the initial attack. Vibrant and long, this just needs time to integrate. Best from 2020 through 2036.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Only 48 bottles available in the entire US market
Domaine Philippe Charlopin-Parizot Clos Saint Denis Grand Cru 2013 750ML ($249.95) $219 pre-arrival special, only 11 bottles available, ETA February 26th
Wine Spectator 94 points “Draws you in, with beautifully fragrant cherry, floral and spice aromas. The oak spice is more dominant on the palate, integrating with the cherry and blackberry fruit and lush texture. Impressive and should come together with time. Best from 2020 through 2034.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Only 60 bottles available in the entire US market
Domaine Philippe Charlopin-Parizot Chambertin Grand Cru 2013 750ML ($349.95) $299 pre-arrival special, only 6 bottles available, ETA March 5th
Burghound 93-95 points
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine Philippe Charlopin-Parizot Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru 2013 750ML ($249.95) $219 pre-arrival special, only 12 bottles available, ETA March 5th
Wine Spectator 94 points “Bright and focused, exhibiting spicy black cherry, raspberry, earth, smoke, vanilla and toast aromas and flavors. Bracing acidity offsets the lush texture, driving this to a long, expansive finish. Best from 2019 through 2030.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
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Our First 2011 Brunello
Brunello follows up with another fantastic vintage!
ETA Mid-March
Caparzo Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2011 750ML ($39.95) $33 pre-arrival special, ETA mid-March
Case-12 Caparzo Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2011 750ML ($419.95) $359 pre-arrival special (that’s only $29.92/bottle!)
James Suckling 93 points “A ripe, juicy wine with blueberry, chocolate, walnut and cherry character. Round and savory. Silky tannins. Very close quality to the fabulous 2010. Delicious now.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
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Newly Released
The iconic single-vineyard Champagne:
Philipponnat Clos des Goisses Brut, Champagne 2006 750ML ($249.95) $199 pre-arrival special, ETA May 2016
Wine Spectator 94 points “Floral and ripe apricot notes ride the creamy bead of this elegant Champagne, accented by hints of black currant, pastry and candied kumquat. Bright and lively, with a hint of smoky mineral lingering on the finish. Disgorged in May 2015. Drink now through 2026. ”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $222
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Philippe Pacalet
Burgundies (& Cornas!) Arriving in May 2016
These are all the only listings in the USA today!
From the importer: “Philippe is the nephew of Marcel Lapierre, the legendary natural winemaker in Beaujolais. Like his uncle, he removes anything from the vinification process that obscures the pure expression of terroir. He does not use industrial yeasts to aid in fermentation and he uses sulfur only at bottling.”
Pacalet rents plots of vineyards that offer interesting and distinctive terroirs. He personally farms the vineyards and all of the plots are hand harvested. The winery is a recent addition; in 2007 he purchased a facility in Beaune from the De Montille family. The grapes are fermented whole cluster in large vats with a long maceration and twice daily punch downs. There is no sulfur used excepted as needed at bottling.
White Burgundies Arriving from Philippe Pacalet:
Philippe Pacalet Beauroy, Chablis Premier Cru 2014 750ML ($79.95) $69 pre-arrival special
Winery note “[Translated] Clay and Kimmeridgian limestone soil. Showing peach, mango and white flowers on the nose with a rich and mineral note in the mouth.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Philippe Pacalet Puligny-Montrachet 2014 750ML ($99.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Winery note “[Translated] Clay and limestone soil with a cool microclimate. From the “Les Noyers Brets”, “Les Petits Noizerots” and “les Reuchaux” climats. Showing exotic lime flowers on the nose with a rich and mineral (limestone) note in the mouth. This wine is elegant.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Philippe Pacalet Murgers des Dents de Chien, Saint-Aubin Premier Cru 2014 750ML ($99.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Winery note “[Translated] Stoney clay and limestone soil (Murgers means a heap of stones). Showing exotic notes of lime and ginger on the nose. The palate is creamy with notes of salty minerals in the mouth. Limestone notes on the finish.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Philippe Pacalet Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru 2014 750ML ($269.95) $219 pre-arrival special
Winery note “[Translated] Hard clay and limestone marl soil on a steep slope. Showing notes of white flowers and gentian on the nose. The palate is opulent, deep and complex.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Red Burgundies Arriving from Philippe Pacalet:
Philippe Pacalet Pommard 2014 750ML ($89.95) $79 pre-arrival special
“The Pommard village is a bit more austere than the expressive Gevrey village. In the nose red and dark berry fruit, pure and transparent with hints of cinnamon and white peppar. On the palate more serious and weighty than the Gevrey, with more tannins and structure. A lovely Pommard village … will offer delightful drinking.”–Steen Ohman, winehog.org
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Philippe Pacalet Gevrey-Chambertin 2014 750ML ($89.95) $79 pre-arrival special
“The Gevrey Chambertin is very forward and expressive with red organic fruit and the classic pacalet spices cinnamon and all spice. On the palate forward, harmonious and very drinkable. Not a big wine but a lovely Gevrey village that will provide a lot of pleasure over the next years.”–Steen Ohman, winehog.org
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Philippe Pacalet Nuits-Saint-Georges 2014 750ML ($89.95) $79 pre-arrival special
“The Nuits-Saint-Georges village is a step up in concentration. The nose offer red expressive fruit .. very forward and transparent. On the palate juicy and airy .. quite lightfooted for a NSG. Will provide fine drinking … but perhaps lacking a bit of weight compared to the previous vintages.”–Steen Ohman, winehog.org
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Philippe Pacalet Aux Argillas, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru 2014 750ML ($149.95) $119 pre-arrival special
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Philippe Pacalet Les Perrieres, Beaune Premier Cru 2014 750ML($89.95) $79 pre-arrival special
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Philippe Pacalet Chambolle-Musigny Premier Cru 2014 750ML ($149.95) $119 pre-arrival special
“The Chambolle 1er cru is one of my old favorites from Pacalet – have followed this wine with great pleasure since the 2002 vintage. The 2014 version is a very forward and charming effort. In the bouquet layers of juicy red berry fruit – notes of raspberries, cherries spiced with a classic Chambolle minerality and hints of cinnamon. On the palate forward and juicy fruit – fresh, refined … charming. A wine build for pleasure and delight – it works for me!.”–Steen Ohman, winehog.org
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Philippe Pacalet Les Sentiers, Chambolle-Musigny Premier Cru 2014 750ML ($149.95) $119 pre-arrival special
“The Chambolle Sentiers is a new wine in the Pacalet lineup … and a welcomed addition for us who adore the Chambolles from Pacalet. The Sentiers is a more serious and focused wine than the extrovert 1er cru – at least in this first vintage. In the nose juicy red berry fruit and a lovely Chambolle minerality … somewhat darker than the 1 er cru. On the palate also slightly darker fruit, more weighty with a core of lovely sweet fruit. This wine really reflects the location of the vineyard on the Morey side of Chambolle with it’s somewhat denser nature and personality. This terroir really suits the style of Pacalet .. really looking forward to follow this wine.”–Steen Ohman, winehog.org
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Philippe Pacalet Echezeaux Grand Cru 2014 750ML ($319.95) $279 pre-arrival special
“The Echezeaux 2014 from Pacalet is very forward compared with the same wine in the previous vintages. The bouquet offer expressive organic red berry fruit – with lovely spicy notes of violets and peony rose. On the palate layers of airy red berry fruit – forward and quite openly knit. It’s not a powerful wine, but it has a lovely energy and intensity from the juicy fruit and the expression of terroir. A fine Echezeaux in the making.”–Steen Ohman, winehog.org
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Philippe Pacalet Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru 2014 750ML ($319.95) $279 pre-arrival special
“The Clos de Vougeot is another new terroir in the Pacalet lineup. The bouquet offer a quite classic expression of the weighty terroir – combined with the organic style of Maison Pacalet. The weighty red and dark fruit in the nose integrates well with the expressive and spicy style offering cinnamon, violets and allspice. On the palate same story … the lightfooted and energetic style really presents the virtues of Clos de Vougeot. The rather dense fruit of the terroir becomes almost energetic in the hands of Pacalet … and unfolds into a vibrant version of this famous wine. While this is a quite forward wine … the tannins suggest that it’s build for cellaring .. so best to keep for a decade or so.”–Steen Ohman, winehog.org
This is the only listing in the USA today!
World Premier! Cornas Arriving from Philippe Pacalet:
Philippe Pacalet Cornas, Rhone 2014 750ML ($99.95) $79 pre-arrival special
This is the only listing in the USA today!
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Domaine Servin
Domaine Servin is one of the oldest and largest estates in the region, with 32 hectares of vines spread throughout Chablis and much of it in top vineyards. The Servin family has been in the Chablis region since 1654 and involved in the wine industry for much of that time. Today, Francois Servin runs the domaine with the assistance of his Australian brother-in-law, Mark Cameron.
François, while appreciating the great traditions that are very important to the Servin family, strives to modernize and improve the estate. He has resumed hand harvesting of grapes over most of the Premier Cru and all of the Grand Cru vineyards. Where necessary, he has replanted with improved Chardonnay vines. The wines are aged in a mix of stainless steel and wooden barrel, depending on the cuvee, and bottled without filtration.
With a long history in Chablis, Domaine Servin owns some great parcels through the area, including Grand and Premier Crus. Remarkably approachable in their youth, Servin’s wines are enjoyed for their well-balanced minerality and fresh fruit, outstanding values from Chablis!
Domaine Servin Wines Available Here Now:
Domaine Servin Bougerots, Chablis Grand Cru 2013 750ML ($79.95) $59 special, 21 bottles available
Wine Advocate 92 points “The 2013 Chablis Grand Cru Bougros has a very welcoming nose with superb mineralite and transparency. There is great intensity here that even overshadows the Les Preuses. The palate is medium-bodied with fine acidity, gorgeous light peach and apricot notes with great tension on the harmony on the finish. Superb! Drink 2015-2025.”
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 91 points “(100% oak; 13.4% alcohol): Pale yellow-green. Lovely spicy lift to the aromas of lime, white peach and powdered stone. Juicy, dense and lightly saline; conveys strong Chablis character in a somewhat sweet way. A rich, fruit-driven wine of obvious power. Finishes with very good length and grip.” JR
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine Servin Butteaux, Chablis Premier Cru 2013 750ML ($34.95) $26 special, 17 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 89-90 points “The 2013 Chablis Butteaux is all about subtlety. Here the citrus flavors take on an attractive sense of oiliness and pure texture, with white flowers, white pepper and mint overtones that add brightness. Today the Butteaux is a bit compact, especially on the finish, but that is a relatively small quibble within the context of the year. Saline notes add complexity to the chalky finish.” AG
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine Servin Les Forets, Chablis Premier Cru 2013 750ML ($31.95) $26 special, 30 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 89-91 points “A round, succulent Chablis, the 2013 Les Forêts is beautifully textured in the glass. Graphite, petrol, slate and white orchard fruit open up nicely. The 2013 looks to be a fairly approachable Forêts with considerable near and medium-term appeal.” AG
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine Servin Chablis Les Pargues 2013 750ML ($29.95) $19 special, 36+ bottles available
Antonio Galloni 87-89 points “Servin’s 2013 Chablis Les Pargues presents attractive smoke and slate nuances, along with yellow orchard fruit, mint and spices. There is plenty to admire in this subtle, nicely layered village-level Chablis.” AG
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine Servin Montee de Tonnerre, Chablis Premier Cru 2014 750ML ($34.95) $28 special, 25 bottles available
Case-12 Domaine Servin Montee de Tonnerre, Chablis Premier Cru 2014 750ML ($349.95) $299 special, 1 case available (that’s only $24.92/bottle!)
Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 90-93 points “(from particularly healthy, high-quality fruit in 2014, noted Marc Cameron): Pale yellow with green reflections. Subtly complex aromas of lime leaf, minerals and peppermint. Then rich, round and generous in the mouth, offering salty flavors of lime, white flowers and crushed stone. This seriously broad dry wine is strong in dusty extract. A step up in length from the foregoing premier crus, finishing dry and classic, with no austerity.” ST
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine Servin Vaucoupin, Chablis Premier Cru 2013 750ML ($34.95) $26 special, 20 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 89-91 points “(from 48-year-old vines): Bright yellow. Citrus fruits, minerals and flowers on the nose, plus a suggestion of gingery spice. Intensely flavored and nicely deep, with an attractive sugar/acid balance contributing to an overall impression of smoothness. Saline and white pepper qualities add interest to the middle palate. Finishes pliant and long, with firm chalky minerality.” ST
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $34.99!
Domaine Servin Les Preuses, Chablis Grand Cru 2013 750ML ($79.95) $59 special, 18 bottles available
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 90+ points “(30% oak): Bright pale yellow with a green tinge. Spicy, slightly high-toned aromas of orange oil and white peach. Pliant and concentrated, offering good inner-mouth energy and minerality to the intense soft citrus and floral flavors. Very rich but in need of a couple years in the bottle to gain in complexity. Slightly phenolic on the back end, showing subtle chalk and saline qualities.” JR
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
And a Cuvee Available from Marc Cameron:
Marc Cameron Bourgogne Tonnerre Sagara, Burgundy 2013 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special, 14 bottles available
Case-12 Marc Cameron Bourgogne Tonnerre Sagara, Burgundy 2013 750ML ($249.95) $219 special, 1 case available (that’s only $18.25/bottle!)
Wine Advocate 90 points “The 2013 Bourgogne Tonnerre Sagara has light nectarine, jasmine and almond scents on the nose that is nicely defined, though it does not quite have the edginess of the 2014. The palate is clean and fresh, nicely poised with a slightly resinous texture and attractive blood-orange notes interlacing the finish. Drink this more exotic Sagara over the next 4 to 6 years.” WA
This is the only listing in the USA today!
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Bruna Grimaldi
Bruna Grimaldi’s uncle Giacomo first began selling grapes from his vineyard land in 1957. Since 1960, his brother and then his niece (Bruna) have produced and bottled estate wine from their vineyards. Today, the estate shares Bruna’s name. She co-owns and operates it with her husband, Granco Fiorino with assistance from agronomist Giampiero Romana. She took over ownership of the estate in 1990 and inherited the Badarina vineyard in the Serralunga from her mother’s side. Since that time, they have purchased a parcel of the Bricco Ambrogio vineyard in Serralunga.
Since they first began bottling their own wine, the family’s main focus has been to preserve the natural characteristics of the grapes. Bruna uses vineyard management techniques such as careful green harvests and monitoring of brix, acidity and phenolic ripeness to concentration aromas and flavors in her wines. The resulting wines are fermented with natural yeasts in stainless steel, aged in large wooden barrels and tonneaux without new oak, and are bottle aged for 8-10 months before release.Today, the Bruna Grimaldi estate is composed of 25 acres of vineyard land in Eastern and Northeastern sub-regions of Barolo: Grinzane Cavour, Diano d’Alba, Roddi and Serralunga. They produce a single vineyard wine and a Riserva from the Badarina vineyard in the Southeast of the Serralunga sub-region. The soil is calcareous. It was planted with vines between 1985 and 1999 and their first harvest was in 1999. The vineyard results in robust, full bodied wines with lush perfumes. The single vineyard bottling is aged for 24-30 months in puncheons and the Riserva for 42 months in tonneaux and barrels. These wines are robust and age well. The Camilla is produced from their older vines in the Grinzane Cavour. This sees 24-30 months of aging in tonneaux. This wine has more delicate aromatics with a rich texture.
Bruna Grimaldi Wines Available Here Now:
Bruna Grimaldi Badarina Vigna Regnola, Barolo DOCG 2010 750ML ($59.95) $38 special, 36+ bottles available
Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 92+ points “this 1.5-hectare plot, planted on shallow white soil at a high altitude of 420 meters in Serralunga, is the estate’s “original” vineyard, where Bruna Grimaldi’s grandfather was born; the only Barolo for which Grimaldi uses cappello sommerso for extraction): Medium-deep red. Complex aromas of raspberry, truffle, smoke and underbrush. Large-scaled, concentrated and rich, offering powerful, lightly medicinal flavors of raspberry and strawberry complicated by licorice and menthol. This very young wine finishes dry and broad, with serious granular tannins calling for extended aging. The Badarina spends a full 36 months in oak and is released a year later than the other Barolos of its vintage. (Grimaldi kept a bit of this fruit in both 2010 and 2009 to make a reserve bottling, but the 2009 will not be released until 2015.)” ST
Bruna Grimaldi Camilla, Barolo DOCG 2011 750ML ($39.95) $31.90 special, 36+ bottles available
James Suckling 92 points “Aromas of minerals, walnut shells and dark fruits follow through to a full body. Fine tannins and a succulent finish. Drink or hold. Much better than 2010.”
Bruna Grimaldi Briccola Nebbiolo d’Alba, Piedmont 2013 750ML ($21.95) $18 special, 21 bottles available
Winery note: The younger brother of Barolo, with a delicate perfume and a round taste, with robust tannins in the first years, which become gentler with ageing. It is produced from the grapes cultivated in Diano d’Alba; the vines were planted in 1940, and its name is Nebbiolo d’Alba Briccola. Calcareous soils at 1,000 feet above sea level; wines are aged in tonneau for 12-15 months and then held in bottle for 6 months.
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Domaine de la Vougeraie
Just prior to the turn of the century, Nathalie and Jean-Charles Boisset decided to unite all of their vineyard holdings under one label, one name and one estate. Thus now over fifteen years later, Domaine de la Vougeraie exists across, as they say, a “mosaic of 67 plots over 34 hectares” comprised of 27 total appellations.
Under the guidance of winemaker Pierre Vincent, who took over from Pascal Marchand (of Comte Armand) in 2006, the domaine furthered the adoption of biodynamic practices from the vineyards through to bottling. In the vineyards, yields are carefully limited. Grapes are sorted on state of the art vibrating sorting tables. Red grapes are crushed in a vertical press modeled after the traditional style, which is widely considered the best method for red wine. Pierre takes a lighter approach to winemaking than was employed during the Domaine’s earliest years, leaning towards elegance over heavy extraction. The domaine also embraces sustainability which extends all the way to the recycled and undyed cardboard packaging and sustainably source paper (they are testing sustainably certified corks).
Wines from Domaine de la Vougeraie Available Here Now:
Domaine de la Vougeraie Cote de Beaune Les Pierres Blanches (Blanc), Burgundy 2012 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 10 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 90 points “The 2012 Côtes de Beaune Les Pierres Blanches is marked by its fabulous energy and precision. Green pear, lemon, slate and grapefruit jump from the glass in a precise, finely cut white to drink now and over the next few years.” AG
Domaine de la Vougeraie Gevrey-Chambertin La Justice 2012 750ML ($99.95) $69 special, 13 bottles available
Wine Spectator 93 points “Well-marked by new oak, this leads off with vanilla and toast aromas, followed by cherry and black currant flavors lurking underneath, marshaled by vivid acidity and embedded, chalky tannins. Hangs together through the lingering aftertaste of fruit and spice. Best from 2020 through 2035.” WS
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $90
Domaine de la Vougeraie Les Corvees Pagets, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru 2011 750ML ($88.95) $69 special, 16 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer—Vinous 92 points “Good medium red. Spicy red berries dominate the nose. Sweet, round and silky, with harmonious acidity giving shape to the flavors of raspberry, flowers, chocolate and pepper. Very polished, graceful wine with piquant finishing minerality and sneaky concentration. Delicious already but has the balance to age.”
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Domaine de la Vougeraie Pommard Les Petits Noizons 2010 750ML ($79.95) $66 special, 10 bottles available
Burghound 89-91 points –Outstanding–“This is the first wine to display any significant reduction but here it’s enough to block an evaluation of the nose. The rich, intense and energetic middle weight flavors possess fine precision and plenty of mineral nuances, all wrapped in a firm, mouth coating, dusty and well-balanced finish. Petits Noizons is arguably the best villages level vineyard in Pommard and the quality of this excellent effort merits consideration.” BH
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Domaine de la Vougeraie Les Cras, Vougeot Premier Cru 2010 750ML ($119.95) $89 special, 1 bottle available
Burghound 91 points –Outstanding–“Mild reduction reduces the expressiveness somewhat of the otherwise brooding nose that combines plenty of stone and soil tones with ripe wild red berries and floral nuances. There is excellent volume to the energetic, intense and overtly muscular medium weight plus flavors that benefit from the presence of plenty of dry extract that buffers the very firm and phenolically mature tannins on the balanced and impressively complex finish. This moderately robust yet lush effort is not without a certain refinement and overall, I very much like the depth of character.” BH
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Tour of Italy
Case Deals from off the Beaten Path
Case-12 Tenuta Luisa Ribolla Gialla, Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2013 750ML ($219.95) $159 special, 3 cases available (that’s only $13.25/bottle!)
Tenuta Luisa Ribolla Gialla, Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2013 750ML ($21.95) $14 special, 30 bottles available
Wine Enthusiast 89 points “Enticing aromas of jasmine, honeysuckle and citrus blossom lead the nose on this polished wine. The sleek palate delivers juicy pear, crisp apple and nectarine zest. It’s fresh and balanced, with bright acidity.” WE
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Case-12 Nino Franco Rustico, Prosecco di Conegliano-Valdobbiadene Superiore DOCG NV 750ML ($179.95) $149 special, 7 cases available (that’s only $12.42/bottle!)
Nino Franco Rustico, Prosecco di Conegliano-Valdobbiadene Superiore DOCG NV 750ML ($17.95) $14 special, 36+ bottles available
James Suckling 91 points “Delicious, creamy texture to this with dried apple, pear and lemon curd. Subtle and flavorful. Full, dry and fresh. A mineral and white pepper undertone. Spicy green apple too. Drink now. Serious Prosecco as always.”
Wine Enthusiast 90 points “This luminous sparkler opens with aromas of jasmine, orange blossom and white peach. The crisp, refreshing palate doles out green apple, Bartlett pear and white almond alongside vibrant acidity and a silky mousse.”
Case-12 Novaia Corte Vaona, Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 2010 750ML ($699.95) $359 special, 1 case available (that’s only $29.92/bottle!)
Novaia Corte Vaona, Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 2010 750ML ($59.95) $39 special, 12 bottles available
Wine Advocate 92 points “Representing a special selection of fruit, the 2010 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Corte Vaona does a great job of balancing out intensity and elegance. The bouquet shows tones of ripe fruit, forest berry, bramble, licorice and cola. In fact, the atoms are not nearly as dense or thick compared to wine’s peers. Considerable power and heft is delivered in the mouth, however. This wine can be consumed immediately, or put aside for a few more years.” WA
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $43
Case-12 Feudo di Santa Tresa Frappato Sicilia IGT, Sicily 2013 750ML ($179.95) $119 special, 2 cases available (that’s only $9.92/bottle!)
Case-6 Feudo di Santa Tresa Frappato Sicilia IGT, Sicily 2013 750ML ($99.95) $71.90 special, 6 six-packs available (that’s only $11.98/bottle!)
Feudo di Santa Tresa Frappato Sicilia IGT, Sicily 2013 750ML ($17.95) $14 special, 27 bottles available
Wine Enthusiast 88 points “Made from organically-grown grapes, this savory, light-bodied wine opens with fruity aromas of crushed red berries. The bright palate doles out juicy strawberry and sour cherry, lightly accented by notes of white pepper and mineral. Chill it for 20 minutes before serving for a refreshing summer red.” WE
Case-12 Statti Gaglioppo Calabria IGT 2013 750ML ($219.95) $119 special, 4 cases available (that’s only $9.92/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Statti Gaglioppo Calabria IGT 2013 750ML ($21.95) $11.90 special, 36+ bottles available
Winery note “The respect of the original and typical fruit produces a wine of a rare elegance and pleasantness. The right witness of a land hidden into its own richness. 100% Gaglioppo.”
Case-12 Statti Lamezia Rosso, Calabria 2013 750ML ($179.95) $119 special, 6 cases available (that’s only $9.92/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Statti Lamezia Rosso, Calabria 2013 750ML ($17.95) $11.90 special, 36+ bottles available
Winery note “Deep, young, brilliant colours. Typical taste and smell characteristics in a wine whose vinification process introduces the cultural versatility of such a precious terroir. Gaglioppo 40% Greco Nero 40% Nerello cappuccio 20%.”
Case-6 I Vigneri I Custodi delle Vigne dell’Etna ‘Pistus’ Etna Rosso, Sicily 2013 750ML ($129.95) $99 special, 4 six-packs available (that’s only $/bottle!)
I Vigneri I Custodi delle Vigne dell’Etna ‘Pistus’ Etna Rosso, Sicily 2013 750ML ($21.95) $18 special, 25 bottles available
Wine Advocate 90+ points “I Custodi’s entry-level red is the beautiful 2013 Etna Rosso Pistus with fruit sourced from various points on the north side of the volcano. The blend is a traditional cut of 80% Nerello Mascalese and 20% Nerello Cappuccio and the wine sees no oak aging. I loved the vibrant freshness and fruity concentration of this wine. It opens to a luminous dark ruby color and an ambitious bouquet with bramble, spice, wild fruit, licorice and dark mineral. There is little fruit as most of the bouquet is occupied by ethereal volcanic tones. Stylistically speaking, this wine shows austerity and a masculine approach with tight, firm tannins. Pistus is a stubborn, but ultimately charming Etna Rosso.” ML
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
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Have a wonderful weekend!