In This Newsletter:
New Wine Spectator Insider Review for
Ciacci Piccolomini’s Pianrosso
Spanish Wine Highlights
Maggy Hawk’s Impressive Jory Hills Pinot
Trending
Domaine Collotte:
Burgundy’s Top Value
Domaine Huet’s Rare Cuvée Constance
Galerie:
Stunning Cabernet with 100-Point Pedigree
Hot Offer Arriving in June!
Les Vignerons de Tautavel Silex
Collector’s Corner:
Bibi Graetz Testamatta in Magnum
Get the Inside Scoop
New Wine Spectator Insider Review for
Ciacci Piccolomini’s Pianrosso
A much admired Brunello knocked scored another fan at Wine Spectator!
Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona Pianrosso, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2015 750ML ($149.95) $99 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 97 points “There’s a bright edge to this red, harnessing the cherry, strawberry, rosehip, mineral and tobacco flavors that build on the palate to a long finish. Displays terrific energy and balance, with an aftertaste that echoes both fruit and savory elements. Best from 2024 through 2050. —B.S.”
James Suckling 100 points “Lots of ripe and rich fruit with a decadent undertone of meat and spice that turns to pure fruit and licorice. Medium to full body, refined tannins and a fresh and bright finish. All about harmony. Better after 2021.”
Kerin O’Keefe-Wine Enthusiast 98 points “Cellar Selection. Intense aromas of berry, iris, underbrush, botanical herb and camphor shape the enticing nose. Firmly structured, the taut, full-bodied palate offers juicy black cherry, raspberry, licorice and tobacco set against tightly knit, fine-grained tannins. Drink 2025–2035.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 96 points “The Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso is distinguished by a unique aromatic profile that brings out mineral notes of crushed limestone or chalk. This adds a greater sense of focus and delineation that not only characterizes the bouquet but also applies to the way the wine hits the palate in a fuller and more determined way (compared to the slightly softer classic Brunello). Instead, this single-vineyard Brunello shows an upright and direct approach with soft salinity on the close followed by forest fruit, spice and medicinal herb. The mouthfeel makes a big impact thanks to its streamlined and polished texture. Some 37,000 bottles were released in January 2020.”
Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona Pianrosso, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2015 750ML ($149.95) $99 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 97 points “There’s a bright edge to this red, harnessing the cherry, strawberry, rosehip, mineral and tobacco flavors that build on the palate to a long finish. Displays terrific energy and balance, with an aftertaste that echoes both fruit and savory elements. Best from 2024 through 2050. —B.S.”
James Suckling 100 points “Lots of ripe and rich fruit with a decadent undertone of meat and spice that turns to pure fruit and licorice. Medium to full body, refined tannins and a fresh and bright finish. All about harmony. Better after 2021.”
Kerin O’Keefe-Wine Enthusiast 98 points “Cellar Selection. Intense aromas of berry, iris, underbrush, botanical herb and camphor shape the enticing nose. Firmly structured, the taut, full-bodied palate offers juicy black cherry, raspberry, licorice and tobacco set against tightly knit, fine-grained tannins. Drink 2025–2035.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 96 points “The Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso is distinguished by a unique aromatic profile that brings out mineral notes of crushed limestone or chalk. This adds a greater sense of focus and delineation that not only characterizes the bouquet but also applies to the way the wine hits the palate in a fuller and more determined way (compared to the slightly softer classic Brunello). Instead, this single-vineyard Brunello shows an upright and direct approach with soft salinity on the close followed by forest fruit, spice and medicinal herb. The mouthfeel makes a big impact thanks to its streamlined and polished texture. Some 37,000 bottles were released in January 2020.”
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Spanish Wine Highlights
$40-50
Daphne Glorian, who was born in Switzerland, seems an unlikely figure to be a leading winemaker in Priorat. However, she fell in love with the region, moving there to help revive old vines and she’s now a rock star in the region on the level of Palacios and Barbier. While her flagship Clos Erasmus represents a truly spectacular example of what the region is capableof, she also produces a second wine called Laurel. Quintessentially Priorat, the wine is rich and bold, displaying all of the style and panache of the estate, but at a very approachable price. You will be hard-pressed to find a more satisfying Spanish red, let alone one from such an iconic producer, for under $50.
Clos Erasmus ‘Laurel’, Priorat DOCa, 2017 750ML ($59.95) $45 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Clos Erasmus ‘Laurel’, Priorat DOCa, 2017 1.5L ($149.95) $119 special, 3 magnums in stock now
Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2017 Laurel is a blend of the younger vines, some barrels that were declassified from Clos Erasmus and the remaining Cabernet Sauvignon, and in the low-yielding and dry 2017 vintage, it’s 70% Garnacha, 20% Syrah and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, with 15% alcohol. The wine fermented mostly in concrete and oak vats with indigenous yeasts and matured in a combination of oak vats, concrete, used barriques and amphorae for 16 months. They produce this to be approachable from the moment it’s released. The 2017s feel very aromatic, open, expressive and young, quite primary, tender and juicy and surprisingly fresh for a dry, warm year that resulted in a very early harvest. There is a peachy, soft, approachable quality here that I like very much. Surprisingly enough, winemaker and proprietor Daphne Glorian sees reminiscences of the 2013s in the 2017s, and I have to agree. Different from 2016, but at the same quality level. 19,126 bottles were filled in May 2019.-Luis Gutierrez”
Clos Erasmus ‘Laurel’, Priorat DOCa, 2017 750ML ($59.95) $45 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Clos Erasmus ‘Laurel’, Priorat DOCa, 2017 1.5L ($149.95) $119 special, 3 magnums in stock now
Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2017 Laurel is a blend of the younger vines, some barrels that were declassified from Clos Erasmus and the remaining Cabernet Sauvignon, and in the low-yielding and dry 2017 vintage, it’s 70% Garnacha, 20% Syrah and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, with 15% alcohol. The wine fermented mostly in concrete and oak vats with indigenous yeasts and matured in a combination of oak vats, concrete, used barriques and amphorae for 16 months. They produce this to be approachable from the moment it’s released. The 2017s feel very aromatic, open, expressive and young, quite primary, tender and juicy and surprisingly fresh for a dry, warm year that resulted in a very early harvest. There is a peachy, soft, approachable quality here that I like very much. Surprisingly enough, winemaker and proprietor Daphne Glorian sees reminiscences of the 2013s in the 2017s, and I have to agree. Different from 2016, but at the same quality level. 19,126 bottles were filled in May 2019.-Luis Gutierrez”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $55
Familia Nin-Ortiz is one of the leading lights of “New Priorat”. Both Ester Nin and Carles Ortiz are renowned viticulturists (Ester, notably, was the vineyard guru behind Clos Erasmus) and some of the earliest proponents of biodynamics in Priorat, but what they’re doing together on the winery side is stunning indeed.
Familia Nin-Ortiz ‘Planetes de Nin’, Priorat DOCa 2017 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Familia Nin-Ortiz ‘Planetes de Nin’, Priorat DOCa 2017 750ML ($299.95) $279 special (that’s only $46.50/bottle!)
Case-12 Familia Nin-Ortiz ‘Planetes de Nin’, Priorat DOCa 2017 750ML ($579.95) $539 special (that’s only $44.92/bottle!)
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2017 Planetes de Nin comes from the four hectares of 20-year-old Garnacha and 11-year-old Cariñena in the Planetes vineyard in Porrera at 450 meters in altitude. It’s 60% Garnacha (some of it Peluda) and the rest Cariñena, harvested early. It fermented with indigenous yeasts and matured in 3,200-liter oak vats and one 1,000-liter amphora for 17 months. It has depth and harmony, and the vines are getting older and seem to be better and better balanced. This is not that different from the 2016; it feels quite stable and has its style and character, especially since the 2015 vintage. 9,704 bottles were filled in April 2019.”
Domaines Lupier La Dama, Navarra 2015 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 7 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 96 points “The elegance, finesse and nuance of the 2015 La Dama is simply irresistible. It’s ethereal, perfumed, elegant and complex (rose petals, orange peel, wild herbs…), even if it’s extremely young. It’s bright ruby, with great purity and detail, transparent and full of energy. It is harmonious and nicely textured, with chalky tannins and a stony sensation. It’s more powerful than it feels and has the stuffing and balance to develop nicely in bottle. This is truly sensational, full of mineral energy. 6,878 bottles were filled in May 2017.”
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“Com Tu is a new project in Montsant owned by the Barbier family of Clos Mogador fame in Priorat (among other things). They have been in La Figuera since 2002-2003, and they got involved in the Espectacle project. Their Laurona project always had some Garnacha from the village, and after discovering Espectacle, they put more attention in the village. This new venture is based on three vineyards, all Garnacha, at some 550 to 600 meters in altitude close to the Espectacle vineyard. The character of the village’s wines is defined by flowers, an ethereal nose with orange peel aromas and an incredible structure, as seen in the Espectacle bottling. A new name to follow. They will produce 10,000 bottles in 2017 and don’t expect to do more than 15,000 bottles.” –Luis Gutierrez, Wine Advocate
(Clos Mogador) ‘Com Tu’, Montsant 2016 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 16 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 94-96 points “I was so impressed with the debut vintage that I was very happy I could also preview the 2016 Com Tu, which was aging in a 4,000-liter used oak foudre and waiting to be bottled. The Garnacha grapes fermented in that same foudre with indigenous yeasts. It’s still very young and raw and the nose needs to develop, but it has subtle notes of raspberry leaf and wild cherries. The palate is livelier than the 2015, and I think this wine will be better in the long run, with more acidity and freshness. This is one of the names to watch in Montsant. There will be some 5,300 bottles of this.”
VinopolNote: 100% Garnacha from 35-50 year old vines in red clay and limestone soils at 580-600 meters above sea level.
Winery note “In the early part of this century, my son René and I first started experimenting with wine-making in the village of La Figuera (70 unhabitants). We met some winemakers and we vinified around 4.000 kilos of Garnacha vines. In 2002 I discovered the centennial vineyard that belonged to Mr. Joan Anguera (today it’s the Spectacle vineyard) and we started to promote that area so exceptionally good for Garnachas with the collaboration of the winemakers of the area. The idea of the name Com Tu was my son’s, Anderson Barbier Meyer, an artist that together with his mother, came up with this label. And also my second son, Christian, joined us in this project. He is leading Clos Mogador into the path of biodynamic agriculture. The Garnacha grapes from La Figuera produce wines with a unique color range, tender and fluid; with a fresh aroma, of flowers, orange peel, incense, as well as wide range of white fruit, citrus, very fresh. Its high alcohol content together with its extraordinary acidity, helps the wine to age perfectly. In palate it’s soft, with harmony but the taste development goes in crescendo, and it leaves us with an exceptional post-taste. This wine amazes us and fills us with vitality.”
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The next best price is $56
Pedro Rodriguez is probably the foremost producer of Mencia in the world. His estate, Guimaro (meaning “rebel” in Galician), in Ribeira Sacra produces wines that exemplify why wine geeks love the region. From steep slate vineyards, the wines are reminiscent of Burgundy in their balance, but with a distinct minerality and flavor profile that’s entirely Galician.
Guimaro A Ponte, Ribeira Sacra 2017 750ML ($69.95) Was $54.50, Now $49 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 93+ points “The red 2017 A Ponte is a blend of equal parts of Mencía, Caíño, Merenzao, Brancellao and Souson from a vineyard planted in 2010. The full clusters fermented in a wooden vat with a maceration of 35 days (shorter than the average). I really like the nuance and complexity provided by the varietal blend, and the wine feels quite complete and harmonious, clean and balanced, with no traces of oak, very pure and more on the elegant side even if it has more concentration than the initial 2015. This is only the second vintage—they couldn’t produce it in 2016 since the vineyard was basically destroyed by a terrible hailstorm that even killed some 12% of the plants in the summer that year. This is going to be a reference in Ribeira Sacra, a clear indication of how the blend of grapes can provide an extra dimension. 3,500 bottles produced. It was bottled in September 2018.”
Importer Note “A Ponte is a new cuvée (2015 is the inaugural vintage) from a young plot planted above Finca Meixeman, comprised of Mencia, Sousón, Brancellao, Merenzao and Caiño grown on granite, slate and sand. Grapes are hand-harvested, fermented whole-cluster in tank with 50 days maceration, then raised in eight used Burgundy barrels for around 14 months. The finished wine was bottled without fining or filtration.”
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“Putting my nose in the glass of the 2007 El Puntido Gran Reserva transported me to the classical Riojas from yesteryear…It has what I love about the best red wine—it’s salty rather than sweet, there is no room for sweetness here, and it’s sapid and tasty and has great balance and freshness. This is developing at a very slow pace and should continue doing so for a very long time. A great Gran Reserva in the making!” -Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate, June 2019
Viñedos de Páganos El Puntido Gran Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2007 750ML ($69.95) $49 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Viñedos de Páganos El Puntido Gran Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2007 750ML ($399.95) $279 special (that’s only $46.50/bottle!)
Case-12 Viñedos de Páganos El Puntido Gran Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2007 750ML ($719.95) $529 special (that’s only $44.08/bottle!)
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 96 points “[Reviewed June 2019] Putting my nose in the glass of the 2007 El Puntido Gran Reserva transported me to the classical Riojas from yesteryear. The wine has a fully developed nose with all the textbook descriptors of a good aged Rioja—forest floor, cigar ash, cold bonfire, truffle, cherries in liqueur, blonde tobacco, spices and iodine. But this is a classical Gran Reserva that has something that was not that traditional, and it comes from a single vineyard and matured in brand new French oak barrels for 28 months. But time in bottle has polished it (it was bottled in June 2010, almost nine years ago); the tannins are mostly resolved and it’s nicely textured. It has what I love about the best red wine—it’s salty rather than sweet, there is no room for sweetness here, and it’s sapid and tasty and has great balance and freshness. This is developing at a very slow pace and should continue doing so for a very long time. A great Gran Reserva in the making. Only 5,000 bottles were produced from 2007, a very cold vintage, when the grapes were harvested the last three days of October, and it snowed the first of November!”
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “[Reviewed Sept 2019] A much smaller production that was aged longer (28 months) in new French oak, the 2007 El Puntido Gran Reserva comes from the same vineyard as the El Puntido but is a parcel selection. Blackcurrants, plums, smoked earth, incense, and violet notes all emerge from this elegant, silky, beautifully polished wine that’s full-bodied, has fine tannins, no hard edges, and a great finish. It has power, but this is more about finesse and elegance.”
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Raúl Pérez Ultreia de Valtuille, Bierzo 2015 750ML ($79.95) Was $59, Now $45 special, 35 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds 95 points “Vivid ruby. An expansive, seductively perfumed bouquet of ripe red/blue fruits, pot-pourri, exotic spices and cola, along with an intense mineral overtone. Concentrated yet vibrant in character, showing superb definition and mineral lift to the sweet raspberry, boysenberry, cola, spicecake and violet pastille flavors. Shows alluring sweetness and powerful thrust on the youthfully tannic finish, which hangs on with outstanding clarity and mineral-driven persistence. (All whole clusters and neutral French oak.) “
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Maggy Hawk’s Impressive Jory Hills Pinot
“The 2017 Pinot Noir Jory Hills Vineyard is an extroverted, luscious Pinot loaded with character. Black cherry, plum, lavender and spice come together in a bold, creamy Pinot endowed with plenty of richness and exuberance. The Jory Hills, from Oregon’s Willamette Valley…is undeniably impressive.” – Antonio Galloni
Maggy Hawk Jory Hills Vineyard Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2017 750ML ($69.95) $49 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2017 Pinot Noir Jory Hills Vineyard is an extroverted, luscious Pinot loaded with character. Black cherry, plum, lavender and spice come together in a bold, creamy Pinot endowed with plenty of richness and exuberance. The Jory Hills, from Oregon’s Willamette Valley…is undeniably impressive.”
Wine Spectator 93 points “Shows polish and presence, with expressive rose petal and raspberry aromas that pair with multilayered boysenberry and orange peel flavors, finishing with well-groomed tannins. Drink now through 2027.”
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The next best price is $65.70
Trending
Nine Hats Malbec, Columbia Valley 2014 750ML ($29.95) $14 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Nine Hats Malbec, Columbia Valley 2014 750ML ($319.95) $149 special (that’s only $12.42/bottle!)
International Wine Report 91 points “The 2014 Nine Hats Malbec begins with a bouquet of blueberry compote, pipe tobacco, dark chocolate pie and cassis. The palate is rich and layered, yielding flavors reminiscent of mocha, crème de cassis, blueberry preserves and a graphite edge ending with a lingering finish.”
Case-12 Nine Hats Malbec, Columbia Valley 2014 750ML ($319.95) $149 special (that’s only $12.42/bottle!)
International Wine Report 91 points “The 2014 Nine Hats Malbec begins with a bouquet of blueberry compote, pipe tobacco, dark chocolate pie and cassis. The palate is rich and layered, yielding flavors reminiscent of mocha, crème de cassis, blueberry preserves and a graphite edge ending with a lingering finish.”
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Nine Hats Merlot, Columbia Valley 2014 750ML ($29.95) $14 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Nine Hats Merlot, Columbia Valley 2014 750ML ($319.95) $149 special (that’s only $12.42/bottle!)
International Wine Report 90 points “Another strong wine by Nine Hats, the 2014 Merlot is an excellent pairing for a juicy ribeye steak and drinks deliciously straight out of the bottle. This deep hued Merlot smells of sweet red cherries, red raspberry, blackberry pie and suggestions of roasted dates. The palate yields rich flavors of black cherry, mocha, black raspberry cordial, with baking spices and dill accents. Plush and wonderfully balanced, enjoy this over the next decade. (Best 2016-2025) – December, 2016 (OB).”
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Trending Wines Arriving Friday:
Roagna Paje, Barbaresco DOCG 2015 750ML ($119.95) $99 pre-arrival special, ETA March 26th
Wine Spectator 96 points “Mulled cherry, plum and spice flavors are shaded by rose, mineral and tar in this nimble yet powerful red, which gains intensity as it builds to a lingering aftertaste of dried fruit, mineral and spice. Offers superb energy and length. Best from 2023 through 2042. 634 cases made. — BS”
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The average price nationally is $122
Trending Wine Re-Arriving in May
We flew through the cases we brought in last week. Fortunately, we were able to lock down more – stock arrives in May, just in time to kick off your summer sipping!
Staff pick!
Arnaud Lambert Clos de Midi Saumur Blanc 2019 750ML ($24.95) $19.90 pre-arrival special, ETA May
Wine Spectator 93 points “This offers an expressive mix of yellow apple, persimmon and Meyer lemon flavors infused with light notes of hazelnut and hints of smoke. The acidity is electric, giving this plenty of verve and carrying all the elements to the long and seductive, lightly floral finish. Best from 2022 through 2034. 3,750 cases made, 627 cases imported. — AZ”
Importer note “Size: 3.5 ha (8.65 ac). Variety: Chenin Blanc. Vine Age: Planted in 1985. Terroir: Facing southeast, 70 cm of silty/ sandy clay soil on softer Turonian limestone rock. Viticulture: Organic (certified). Vinification: Indigenous yeast fermentation, 50% in stainless steel tanks, 50% in older Burgundian barrels. Aged for 12 months.”
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The average price is $24
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When you’re ready to pick up, just park in our lot,
give us a call, & we’ll bring your order to your car.
(If another adult is picking up for you,
please let us know their name when placing your order.)
www.vinopoliswineshop.com
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503-223-6002
Domaine Collotte
Burgundy’s Top Value
“Collotte remains one of the most under the radar growers in Marsannay. At their best, these wines are striking for their purity of fruit and overall sense of harmony.” –Antonio Galloni
A vintage like 2018 isn’t just a great year in Burgundy—it’s a great buying opportunity if you know where to look. While the prices for the top wines from the best producers skyrocketed, the value producers’ prices barely budged.
Warm vintages, like 2018, are wonderful times to go exploring the less famous villages of Burgundy. Historically, the vineyard (and village) classifications have been based on consistent ripeness and power, as well as complexity, so in a warm year the “lesser” sites often show much more dramatic improvement over their baseline quality than a “great” vineyard will. Collottes’ 2018 are perfect examples of this—much better than you’d expect from the crus and prices represented.
A perfect example? Their wines from Marsannay and Fixin. You should be stocking up on these wines in 2018. They’re reasonably priced, from old vines on great soil and made by a real craftsman. In a cooler year, these wines might be a bit rustic compared to their more famous neighbor, Gevery-Chambertin, but in a warm year (like 2018) these are the real deal.
They always score well, especially from Wine Spectator (nearly the entire range was 91 points or higher in 2015), though the 2018s have yet to be reviewed. Once the scores come out, these disappear off our shelves in a flurry, so try them now before it’s too late.
In Stock Now from Domaine Collotte:
Domaine Collotte Marsannay Blanc, Côte de Nuits 2018 750ML ($34.95) $28 special, 32 bottles in stock now
Weygandt-Metzler Importer note “The Marsannay Blanc comes from two plots, “Blungey” (stoney, “caillouteux” soil) and “Les Etalles” (clay soil best for ripening white wine) both situated in the center of the Marsannay appellation on stoney, “caillouteux” soil. Half is aged in stainless steel tank, half in barrel (10% new oak) for 13 months.”
A vintage like 2018 isn’t just a great year in Burgundy—it’s a great buying opportunity if you know where to look. While the prices for the top wines from the best producers skyrocketed, the value producers’ prices barely budged.
Warm vintages, like 2018, are wonderful times to go exploring the less famous villages of Burgundy. Historically, the vineyard (and village) classifications have been based on consistent ripeness and power, as well as complexity, so in a warm year the “lesser” sites often show much more dramatic improvement over their baseline quality than a “great” vineyard will. Collottes’ 2018 are perfect examples of this—much better than you’d expect from the crus and prices represented.
A perfect example? Their wines from Marsannay and Fixin. You should be stocking up on these wines in 2018. They’re reasonably priced, from old vines on great soil and made by a real craftsman. In a cooler year, these wines might be a bit rustic compared to their more famous neighbor, Gevery-Chambertin, but in a warm year (like 2018) these are the real deal.
They always score well, especially from Wine Spectator (nearly the entire range was 91 points or higher in 2015), though the 2018s have yet to be reviewed. Once the scores come out, these disappear off our shelves in a flurry, so try them now before it’s too late.
In Stock Now from Domaine Collotte:
Domaine Collotte Marsannay Blanc, Côte de Nuits 2018 750ML ($34.95) $28 special, 32 bottles in stock now
Weygandt-Metzler Importer note “The Marsannay Blanc comes from two plots, “Blungey” (stoney, “caillouteux” soil) and “Les Etalles” (clay soil best for ripening white wine) both situated in the center of the Marsannay appellation on stoney, “caillouteux” soil. Half is aged in stainless steel tank, half in barrel (10% new oak) for 13 months.”
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New review!
Domaine Collotte Marsannay Rose, Côte de Nuits 2019 750ML ($24.95) $19 special, 26 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 90 points “Vivid orange-pink color. Cherry, redcurrant, orange zest and a suave floral nuance on the mineral-inflected nose. Juicy and broad on entry, offering sappy red fruit flavors that are braced by building spice and mineral accents. Tightens up on a long, focused finish that echoes the floral and cherry notes.”
Importer note “Pinot Noir from clay & limestone soils. Sustainable. Ripe pomegranate, strawberries and raspberries. Medium body.”
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 Domaine Collotte’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.
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Domaine Collotte Marsannay Les Boivins, Côte de Nuits 2018 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 25 bottles in stock now
Weygandt-Metzler Importer note “The Marsannay Boivins is lieu-dit in Marsannay Villages, on vines over 40 years and varying limestone soil. Aged in oak, 25% new, to round the tannins.”
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Domaine Collotte Marsannay Le Clos de Jeu, Côte de Nuits 2018 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Weygandt-Metzler Importer note “The Clos de Jeu Marsannay comes from several parcels of 50 year old vines from Clos de Jeu on soft limestone crinoidal soil. Aged in oak, 25% new, this wine is harmonious in its flavors and tannins.”
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The next best price is $39.99
Domaine Collotte Marsannay Cuvée Vieilles Vignes, Côte de Nuits 2018 750ML ($34.95) $28 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Weygandt-Metzler Importer note “The Marsannay Cuvée Vieilles Vignes is assembled from five different terroirs of the appellation: “Combereau”, “Favières”, “Grasses Têtes”, ” Boivin” and “Récilles” on vines of about 50 years old. Completely destemmed, the wine is fermented and aged in tank.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $29.98
Domaine Collotte Fixin Les Champstions, Côte de Nuits 2018 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 36 bottles in stock now
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $39.99
Domaine Collotte Fixin Les Crais de Chéne, Côte de Nuits 2018 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 27 bottles in stock now
Weygandt-Metzler Importer note “The Marsannay Crais de Chéne is from 40+ year old vines on clay-limestone soil. The vines face east to gather the sweet morning sun. Due to the old age of the vines, the grapes are very small and concentrated with flavor. Completely destemmed, the wine is aged in barrel, 30% new, for 12 months.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $60 (ouch!)
Domaine Collotte Gevrey-Chambertin, Côte de Nuits 2018 750ML ($69.95) $49 special, 36 bottles in stock now
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $59.99
Domaine Collotte Chambolle-Musigny Cuvée Vieilles Vignes, Côte de Nuits 2018 750ML ($79.95) $51.90 special, 33 bottles in stock now
Weygandt-Metzler Importer note “The Chambolle-Musigny is from 40+ year old vines in the lieu-dit “Aux Echanges”. Aged in oak, 30% new, to round the tannins and aged another year in bottle. Deep color, black currant and blackberry aromas and flavors.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $70
Domaine Collotte Bourgogne Cuvée de Noble Souche, Burgundy 2018 750ML ($27.95) $19 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Weygandt-Metzler Importer note “Bourgogne “Noble Souché” translates to the “noble vine” from almost 70 year old vines planted in 1947 on Marsannay Cailloux soil from Champforeys. Entirely, de-estemmed, slow fermentation with 5 days of pre-maceration. Aged for 11 months 90% in stainless steel tank, this is a lovely, subtlety rich Côte de Nuits wine.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Love the Côte de Nuits?
We have 245 different reds from the Côte de Nuits in stock now.
Shop the entire selection, including top names like Faiveley, Fourrier, Hudelot-Noellat, and more, on our web store.
The World’s Finest Sweet Wine
Domaine Huet’s Rare Cuvée Constance
Domaine Huet makes some of the most undervalued great wine in the world. Take any metric you’d use to adjudicate greatness (complexity, age-worthiness, terroir, aromatic intensity, world-wide praise, etc) and Huet’s Vovray is on the list, at prices far below almost anything else in the world of wine. They own some of the greatest vineyards in the Loire and make sure that they reach their potential year in and out.
Their top wine is the extremely rare sweet wine, Cuvée Constance. Constance is only produced in the very best years—about 2-3 times per decade. Made from botrytized grapes, it’s a full-throttle dessert wine as good as they come. This is “nectar of the gods” type stuff, on par with Château d’Yquem yet rarer and less than half the average price. How can this be? Because the Loire Valley is the last best region in France for value, and Cuvée Constance is one of the valley’s masterpieces.
In Stock Now:
Domaine Huet Vouvray ‘Cuvée Constance’ Moelleux, Loire 2009 500ML ($199.95) $159 special, 4 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 98 points “This stunning wine is fresh, pure and driven at first, with seamless ginger, creamed fig and glazed pear fruit, before showing its density and power via the honeycomb-, quince- and heather-filled core. Then the minerality cuts in, turning the finish back to racy despite the range of exotic fruit. A jaw-dropping display of richness balanced by precision. Drink now through 2040. 400 cases made.”
David Schildknecht 96 points “At 11% alcohol and 150 grams of residual sugar, the Huet 2009 Vouvray Cuvée Constance – fourth in the past decade, incidentally – offers a striking nose of honey, white raisin, and concentrated herbal and floral essences. Salted caramel, hazelnut cream, marzipan, white raisin, liquid floral perfume, and honey are all leavened with fresh lime, white peach, and grapefruit. Like a refined cocktail of essence-of-Chenin mingled with fresh fruit juices with dashes of salt and chalk, this finishes with ravishing and invigorating persistence and should be worth following for 3 or more decades.”
Their top wine is the extremely rare sweet wine, Cuvée Constance. Constance is only produced in the very best years—about 2-3 times per decade. Made from botrytized grapes, it’s a full-throttle dessert wine as good as they come. This is “nectar of the gods” type stuff, on par with Château d’Yquem yet rarer and less than half the average price. How can this be? Because the Loire Valley is the last best region in France for value, and Cuvée Constance is one of the valley’s masterpieces.
In Stock Now:
Domaine Huet Vouvray ‘Cuvée Constance’ Moelleux, Loire 2009 500ML ($199.95) $159 special, 4 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 98 points “This stunning wine is fresh, pure and driven at first, with seamless ginger, creamed fig and glazed pear fruit, before showing its density and power via the honeycomb-, quince- and heather-filled core. Then the minerality cuts in, turning the finish back to racy despite the range of exotic fruit. A jaw-dropping display of richness balanced by precision. Drink now through 2040. 400 cases made.”
David Schildknecht 96 points “At 11% alcohol and 150 grams of residual sugar, the Huet 2009 Vouvray Cuvée Constance – fourth in the past decade, incidentally – offers a striking nose of honey, white raisin, and concentrated herbal and floral essences. Salted caramel, hazelnut cream, marzipan, white raisin, liquid floral perfume, and honey are all leavened with fresh lime, white peach, and grapefruit. Like a refined cocktail of essence-of-Chenin mingled with fresh fruit juices with dashes of salt and chalk, this finishes with ravishing and invigorating persistence and should be worth following for 3 or more decades.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $169.99
Domaine Huet Vouvray ‘Cuvée Constance’ Moelleux, Loire 2015 500ML ($249.95) $159 special, 28 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 99 points “Stunning from the start, with a silky and refined feel despite the panoply of dried quince, fig, pear and apricot flavors that are exotic in nature. Lovely green tea, orange blossom and persimmon notes fill in the background. Obviously sweet, but with persistent dry almond and orange extract details that lend latent tension through the seamless and nearly endless finish. The first Cuvée Constance bottling since the 2009 vintage. Drink now through 2060.”
John Gilman 98 points “I have been looking forward to the release of Domaine Huët’s 2015 Cuvée Constance ever since I tasted a year ago the rest of the stunning range of wines produced here in the vintage. It is a great vintage for Domaine Huët and the Cuvée Constance is everything one could hope for from the confluence of this great estate and a legendary vintage. The wine is still very youthful, but its ultimate brilliance is very easy to see, as the wine wafts from the glass in a celestial constellation of orange, fresh apricot, incipient tea leaves, a nice touch of soil, hints of lanolin, orange peel, barley sugar and a hint of upper register smokiness. On the palate the wine is pure, full and nascently complex, with laser-like focus, a bottomless core, great acids and marvelous balance on the very, very long, zesty and energetic finish. This is still a very young wine and will need years to start to show its secondary and tertiary layers of complexity, but they are lurking here and in the fullness of time, this will be breathtaking in its beauty. (Drink between 2025-2100).”
Wine Advocate 96 points “Rarely produced and selected from the vineyards Le Haut-Lieu, Le Mont and Clos du Bourg, Huet’s 2015 Vouvray “Cuvée Constance” offers a deep, clear, intense and concentrated nose of ripe stone fruits, peanut butter cookie, spicy, earthy-mineral and some volatile aromas. Sweet, salty, piquant and mineral with a firm structure and very elegant, concentrated, refined fruit, this is a sweet wine with great purity and mineral finesse on the very long, promising finish. The 2016 is still pretty sweet (142 grams of residual sugar) and should be cellared for at least two or three decades. Total production: 2,800 500-milliliter bottles. Tasted February 2018.”
Galerie:
Stunning Cabernet with 100-Point Pedigree
Laura Díaz Muñoz may not be a household name for Cabernet-lovers—yet. The former associate winemaker at 100-point Napa legends Cardinale and Lokoya, she launched Galerie, a boutique project focusing on making stunning Cabernet (and Sauvignon Blanc) from top sites in Sonoma and Napa.
We’ve just acquired a prime parcel of their two standout Cabs at national-best pricing. The Pleinair is an outstanding bottle of Cabernet, big, bold, and plush, blended from selected sites across Napa. Better still is their secret star, Latro, from Knights Valley—one of our favorite sections of the north coast, made famous by Peter Michael. It’s got a structured, mineral streak that’s compelling, reminding us of the classic Beringer wines of the early 90’s.
Both just arrived and offer outstanding value, especially at our pricing, which is significantly lower than our closest competitors. With a few years of bottle age already, they’re drinking well now, so as with many of these offers, though, quantities are limited, so stock up now.
In Stock Now:
Galerie Wines ‘Latro’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Knights Valley 2015 750ML ($59.95) $39 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Galerie Wines ‘Latro’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Knights Valley 2015 750ML ($239.95) $219 special (that’s only $36.50/bottle!)
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 93 points “Deep purple-black colored, the 2015 Latro Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon offers up warm blueberry and plum notions with hints of black soil, stewed tea, menthol and underbrush. Medium to full-bodied, the fruits flavors completely fill the mouth, with blue fruit preserves and a lovely perfumed nature, featuring plush tannins and plenty of freshness defining the long finish. 425 cases produced.”
We’ve just acquired a prime parcel of their two standout Cabs at national-best pricing. The Pleinair is an outstanding bottle of Cabernet, big, bold, and plush, blended from selected sites across Napa. Better still is their secret star, Latro, from Knights Valley—one of our favorite sections of the north coast, made famous by Peter Michael. It’s got a structured, mineral streak that’s compelling, reminding us of the classic Beringer wines of the early 90’s.
Both just arrived and offer outstanding value, especially at our pricing, which is significantly lower than our closest competitors. With a few years of bottle age already, they’re drinking well now, so as with many of these offers, though, quantities are limited, so stock up now.
In Stock Now:
Galerie Wines ‘Latro’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Knights Valley 2015 750ML ($59.95) $39 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Galerie Wines ‘Latro’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Knights Valley 2015 750ML ($239.95) $219 special (that’s only $36.50/bottle!)
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 93 points “Deep purple-black colored, the 2015 Latro Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon offers up warm blueberry and plum notions with hints of black soil, stewed tea, menthol and underbrush. Medium to full-bodied, the fruits flavors completely fill the mouth, with blue fruit preserves and a lovely perfumed nature, featuring plush tannins and plenty of freshness defining the long finish. 425 cases produced.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $59.99
Galerie Wines ‘Plenair’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2015 750ML ($59.95) $36 special, 30 bottles in stock now
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 92 points “Very deep garnet-purple in color, the 2015 Pleinair Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon delivers pronounced baked berries, prunes and warm black currant cordial notes with touches of baking spices, olives and dried herbs. Medium to full-bodied, it has concentrated baked black berry and savory layers with soft, velvety tannins and balanced freshness, finishing on a spicy note. 1,540 cases produced.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $44.99
The average price is $58
Hot Offer Arriving in June!
Your Backyard BBQ Red
Les Vignerons de Tautavel Silex
There are wine cooperatives, and then there are wine cooperatives. Much of the world’s forgettable, bottom-shelf plonk is produced in Europe’s numerous wine co-ops, and as result serious wine drinkers look at co-op produced wines with suspicion. Fortunately there are exceptions to every rule, and great co-ops do exist (think Produttori), and often offer some of the fine wine world’s smartest buys. Les Vignerons de Tautavel, one of France’s most respected co-ops, is one such example.
The outcrop of a merger between two of Southern France’s best co-ops, Tautavel and Vingrau, Les Vignerons de Tautavel makes classically apportioned wines from the country’s sunny southern coast. We’re anticipating the arrival of this Grenache-based blend, a wine that is destined to rank as one of the shop’s best values (if any of it ever makes it to the shelf). Order your case today, because this perfect summer red is set to arrive just in time for backyard BBQ season.
Pre-Arrival ETA June:
Les Vignerons de Tautavel Silex, Côtes du Roussillon Villages 2017 750ML ($27.95) $24 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Les Vignerons de Tautavel Silex, Côtes du Roussillon Villages 2017 750ML ($159.95) $136 pre-arrival special (that’s only $22.67/bottle!)
Case-12 Les Vignerons de Tautavel Silex, Côtes du Roussillon Villages 2017 750ML ($319.95) $259 pre-arrival special (that’s only $21.58/bottle!)
Jeb Dunnuck 93-95 points “The 2017 Côtes Du Roussillon Villages Tautavel Silex might end up matching (or even surpassing) the 2016. The same 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 10% Carignan brought up in tank, it offers a ripe, medium to full-bodied, straight-up sexy style to go with complex notes of kirsch, black olives, black licorice, and dried garrigue. It’s a powerful yet elegant red that has tons of potential.”
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 93 points “A blend of 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 10% Carignan from old vines, the 2017 Côtes du Roussillon Villages Tautavel Silex is partly aged in barrel and part in tank. It delivers just enough cedar on the nose to let you know there’s barrel influence, without overwhelming the terroir-derived hints of crushed stone or the varietal notes of dark berries. Full-bodied, concentrated and supple, it’s a terrific bottle of Roussillon wine, with a long, elegant finish.”
The outcrop of a merger between two of Southern France’s best co-ops, Tautavel and Vingrau, Les Vignerons de Tautavel makes classically apportioned wines from the country’s sunny southern coast. We’re anticipating the arrival of this Grenache-based blend, a wine that is destined to rank as one of the shop’s best values (if any of it ever makes it to the shelf). Order your case today, because this perfect summer red is set to arrive just in time for backyard BBQ season.
Pre-Arrival ETA June:
Les Vignerons de Tautavel Silex, Côtes du Roussillon Villages 2017 750ML ($27.95) $24 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Les Vignerons de Tautavel Silex, Côtes du Roussillon Villages 2017 750ML ($159.95) $136 pre-arrival special (that’s only $22.67/bottle!)
Case-12 Les Vignerons de Tautavel Silex, Côtes du Roussillon Villages 2017 750ML ($319.95) $259 pre-arrival special (that’s only $21.58/bottle!)
Jeb Dunnuck 93-95 points “The 2017 Côtes Du Roussillon Villages Tautavel Silex might end up matching (or even surpassing) the 2016. The same 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 10% Carignan brought up in tank, it offers a ripe, medium to full-bodied, straight-up sexy style to go with complex notes of kirsch, black olives, black licorice, and dried garrigue. It’s a powerful yet elegant red that has tons of potential.”
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 93 points “A blend of 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 10% Carignan from old vines, the 2017 Côtes du Roussillon Villages Tautavel Silex is partly aged in barrel and part in tank. It delivers just enough cedar on the nose to let you know there’s barrel influence, without overwhelming the terroir-derived hints of crushed stone or the varietal notes of dark berries. Full-bodied, concentrated and supple, it’s a terrific bottle of Roussillon wine, with a long, elegant finish.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Collector’s Corner:
Bibi Graetz Testamatta in Magnum
Testamatta, which means “crazy head” in Italian, is a nod to Bibi Graetz’s eccentricity. A creative and passionate man, Graetz crafts some of Italy’s most impressive wines at his self-described Casamatta (“crazy house”). But don’t be fooled by Graetz’s self-deprecating humility, one taste of his wines will shatter any illusions that these are humble plonk. The brilliance of the wine suggests that there surely must be a method to the madness. Decanter recently recognized Graetz’s unmistakable talent by awarding the 2018 Testamatta 100 points.
Magnums Arriving ETA May / 750ML In Stock Now:
Bibi Graetz Testamatta Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2018 1.5L ($219.95) $199.99 pre-arrival special, only 12 magnums available
Bibi Graetz Testamatta Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2018 750ML ($99.95) $89.99 special, only 15 bottles remaining in stock now
Jane Anson – Decanter 100 points “Finely textured, with a nuanced perfume that fills the glass and takes you to the intense underbrush of Tuscany. Succulent and yet savoury, this has a lilting freshness that is overlaid with ripe berry fruits, sage and white pepper spice, and clear minerality in terms of its scraping texture that makes your mouth water on the finish. Feels light and sculpted and yet has an intensity that skewers you to the spot. This is a great wine, with scope and imagination that doesn’t want to let you go. Genuinely stands out among the wines of this tasting, and these are a fine array of wines. As with Colore, Bibi Graetz selects only old vines, the youngest 50 years old from five different vineyard sites across Tuscany, all farmed organically. Fermentations in open 225l barrels with natural yeasts and manual punch downs.”
Magnums Arriving ETA May / 750ML In Stock Now:
Bibi Graetz Testamatta Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2018 1.5L ($219.95) $199.99 pre-arrival special, only 12 magnums available
Bibi Graetz Testamatta Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2018 750ML ($99.95) $89.99 special, only 15 bottles remaining in stock now
Jane Anson – Decanter 100 points “Finely textured, with a nuanced perfume that fills the glass and takes you to the intense underbrush of Tuscany. Succulent and yet savoury, this has a lilting freshness that is overlaid with ripe berry fruits, sage and white pepper spice, and clear minerality in terms of its scraping texture that makes your mouth water on the finish. Feels light and sculpted and yet has an intensity that skewers you to the spot. This is a great wine, with scope and imagination that doesn’t want to let you go. Genuinely stands out among the wines of this tasting, and these are a fine array of wines. As with Colore, Bibi Graetz selects only old vines, the youngest 50 years old from five different vineyard sites across Tuscany, all farmed organically. Fermentations in open 225l barrels with natural yeasts and manual punch downs.”
Vinopolis is an independent wine shop in Portland that opened in 2004. Our goal has always been to offer the finest, broadest, and largest selection of wines at the best prices to our customers in Portland, in Oregon, across the West Coast, and throughout the United States.
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