Weekend Bonus Newsletter 1-30-21

In Today’s Newsletter:


Vinopolis Super Subscriber Sales Continue!

Trending

Bibi Graetz’s 100-Point Testamatta
Sale Ends Monday


Vincent Girardin
Subscriber Sale Special


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Vinopolis Super Subscriber Sales Continue!

“I think in Germany we see terroir as a unity of grape, climate, soil, and the mentality of the person who works the vineyard.  But the essence of that mentality is a knowledge that the geology of his terrain indeed creates the flavors in the grapes which grow there.” — Andreas Adam

Weingut A.J. Adam In der Sangerei Riesling, Mosel 2017 750ML ($49.95) Was $39, Now $33 Super Subscriber Special, 24 bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott – Jamessuckling 96 points
“Super peachy with great brilliance and refinement. This is a great Spätlese that’s dry enough for the finest lobster dish, but it is also powerful enough to cope with the spiciest curry. The very long finish keeps pumping out fruit and minerals. Drink or hold.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Weingut A.J. Adam Dhroner Hofberg RieslingTrocken, Mosel  2017 750ML ($79.95) Was $59, Now $49 Super Subscriber Special, 9 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt – Wine Advocate 93 points
“The 2017 Dhroner Hofberg Riesling Trocken is from a south-facing, very slatey soil with roughly 70-year-old vines that were picked at the end of October with 93° Oechsle and no pre-selection. The wine was vinified in fuder and aged on the fine lees until the filtration at the end of April. This citrus-yellow colored Riesling displays a clear, fresh, concentrated and beautifully slatey bouquet with remarkable complexity and elegance. The nose is like a very fine perfume, and its slate aromas are crunchy and pure, just beautiful. Concentrated, piquant and firmly structured, this is a full-bodied, juicy, spicy, complex and intense dry Riesling with good richness but also a persistently mineral, vibrantly fresh and seriously structured finish. Excellent. Tasted in April 2019.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Weingut A.J. Adam Dhroner Hofberg Riesling Auslese *, Mosel 2016 375ML ($69.95) Was $49, Now $39 Super Subscriber Special, 23 half-bottles in stock now
Mosel Fine Wines 92 points
“The 2016er Auslese * was made from the second pressing of the Eiswein grapes harvested on November 30. This already golden-colored wine delivers a rather ripe and exotic nose of grapefruit, candied passion fruit and backed pineapple. It is nicely balanced on the palate and does not exhibit the usual “Eiswein bite” of such wines but proves more luscious in style. The acidity comes eventually through in the sweet and complex finish. 2023-2036.”

This was the lowest listed price in the USA today, 
Now it’s even lower!
The next best price is $66.99 for the half-bottle

New Blow Out Case Price! 
Alta Alella Cava Mirgin Brut Nature, Catalonia 2017 750ML ($21.95) $18 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Alta Alella Cava Mirgin Brut Nature, Catalonia 2017 750ML ($249.95) $199 Super Subscriber Special (that’s only $16.58/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 91 points
“Light, bright yellow-gold. Displays pungent, mineral-accented aromas of dried pear, lemon pith, fennel and chamomile that show very good clarity and spicy lift. Weighty, focused and dry on the palate, which displays refreshingly bitter citrus pith, pear skin and quinine flavors and a hint of peachiness. Manages to come off hefty as well as graceful and finishes long and taut, with resonating stoniness and a touch of spicy ginger. (disgorged after 15 months on its lees).”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Anakota Helena Montana Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Knights Valley 2014 750ML ($119.95) Was $99, Now $89 Super Subscriber Special, 6 bottles in stock now
Robert Parker 93+ points
“The 2014s are 30-year wines, even in such a supple, easygoing and charming vintage. The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Helena Montana has an opaque purple color, a beautiful nose of graphite, creosote, incense, blackberry and licorice, and maybe a touch of charcoal and earth. The tannins are soft, and there is enormous fruit as well as a deep, full-bodied mouthfeel and some coffee in the finish. It should drink well for 25-30 years.”
Antonio Galloni 92 points “Anakota’s 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Helena Montana has turned out beautifully. Dark, sumptuous and beautifully resonant in the glass, the 2014 exudes richness. Red cherry jam, raspberry, mint and licorice abound. Flamboyant and opulent, with soft contours and good structure, the 2014 hits all the right notes.”

This was the lowest listed price in the USA today, 
Now it’s even lower!
The average price is $118

Avignonesi Riserva Grandi Annate, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2012 750ML ($99.95) Was $79, Now $69 Super Subscriber Special, 10 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 93 points
“You’ll notice that this wine is no longer labeled “Riserva.” Avignonesi wanted to reduce the time it spends in oak and made the name adjustment accordingly. This seems like a good idea to me. The 2012 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Grandi Annate gives new life to one of Tuscany’s most historic wines. There is more elegance and finesse here. I must say that past vintages have been a disappointment, but this expression seems to break all ties with the past. Fruit is sourced primarily from the Banditella vineyard that tends to produce more austere and concentrated Sangiovese. Indeed, this wine is highly redolent of black fruit, tar, licorice and even a touch of white mushroom. Everyone loves a comeback story and that’s what you get here.”
James Suckling 93 points “A chewy and silky wine with just ripe fruit, chocolate and hazelnut character. Fresh earth undertone too. Medium body, fresh finish. Drink now or hold.”

This was the lowest listed price in the USA today, 
Now it’s even lower!
The next best price is $95

Avignonesi is widely considered to be the top producer of Vin Santo and every time we get to taste these wines, we know we’re drinking something truly magical.

Avignonesi Vin Santo di Montepulciano, Tuscany 2001 375ML ($219.95) Was $189, Now $169 Super Subscriber Special, 25 half-bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 98 points
“The 2001 Vin Santo di Montepulciano (375 milliliters) is a divine and superbly delicious sweet blend of Trebbiano, Malvasia and Grechetto. The results are super concentrated and simmered down to a virtual reduction sauce of deliciousness. There are so many aromas to name, but some of the most evident highlights include candied orange peel, almond marzipan, caramel, toasted coffee bean, vanilla stick, mocha, dark honey and fragrant yellow rose. The mouthfeel is creamy, rich and deeply layered. I’m suggesting a slightly shorter drinking window here compared to the Occhio di Pernice. But, the truth is: I have no idea. I’m pretty sure these wines will outlive anyone of legal drinking age.”

This was the lowest listed price in the USA today, 
Now it’s even lower!
The next best price is $199.99 for the half-bottle


Don’t Miss Some of Our Favorite Our Rhone Reductions!

Delas makes some of the most powerful, intense wines in the Northern Rhone at prices that make them one of the superior values in the region. Density and richness are a hallmark—there are no shrinking violets in the lineup.  Star Champagne house Louis Roederer owns Delas and has been pushing the quality upwards each year. For whatever reason, the market has yet to catch up to the quality coming out of Delas’ cellar.  The Northern Rhone has turned into one of the hottest markets in the wine world, with many wineries getting expensive overnight.  That hasn’t happened to Delas—yet.

Delas Freres Saint-Joseph Francois de Tournon, Rhone 2015 750ML ($44.95) Was $36, Now $28 Super Subscriber Special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Delas Freres Saint-Joseph Francois de Tournon, Rhone 2015 750ML ($279.95) Was $199, Now $156 Super Subscriber Special (that’s only $26/bottle!)
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.”

This was the lowest listed price in the USA today, 
Now it’s even lower!
The average price is $51


Back when the shop was in its old location, Hillaire was one of our two or three best-selling producers—there were stacks of those wines and they flew out the door by the case.  They deliver exceptional value at each price level, from the entry level to the top end.  We’ve been unable to source them for the last few years but are excited to bring them back in force.

Domaine Olivier Hillaire Chateauneuf-du-Pape Les Petits Pieds d’Armand, Rhone 2016 750ML ($99.95) Was $79, Now $69 Super Subscriber Special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 96 points
“The 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Petits Pieds d’Armand comes from a parcel of Grenache originally planted at the end of the 19th century in a sandy part of La Crau. It’s Hillaire’s flagship, and it merits its status this vintage, where it shines with raspberry fruit and layers of dried spice complexity. It’s full-bodied and rich yet silky, elegant and long on the finish, epitomizing the delicious contradictions that Grenache can present.”
Josh Raynolds 95 points “Vivid ruby. An exotically perfumed bouquet evokes red fruit preserves, spicecake and incense, and a minerally element adds urgency. Impressively energetic on the palate, offering intense raspberry, cherry compote and lavender pastille flavors that deepen slowly on the back half. The floral note repeats emphatically on the impressively long, youthfully tannic finish, which leaves a smoky mineral note behind.”

This was the lowest listed price in the USA today, 
Now it’s even lower!
The next best price is $85

Domaine Olivier Hillaire Chateauneuf-du-Pape ‘Les Terrasses,’ Rhone 2016 750ML ($89.95) Was $69, Now $59 Super Subscriber Special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 95 points
“The 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Terrasses is a fine example of old-vine Grenache from a parcel of vines near La Nerthe. Rose petals and black tea accent pristine cherry and raspberry fruit in this full-bodied but silky-lacy, delicate wine. Long, briny and refreshing on the finish, it’s deceptively drinkable but undoubtedly packs a wallop.”
Josh Raynolds 94 points “Brilliant violet. Lively, mineral-accented red and blue fruit aromas are complemented by suggestions of lavender and vanilla. Silky and energetic on the palate, offering concentrated raspberry and boysenberry flavors that deepen and become spicier as the wine opens up. Closes sweet, energetic and very long, displaying harmonious tannins and lingering smoke and red berry liqueur notes.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!
 
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Subscriber Special Extended!

Save Big Until Monday Morning

Bibi Graetz’s 100-Point Testamatta
 
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.

We were fortunate to secure a modest allocation of this in-demand wine and want to encourage you to stock your cellar, because it will not disappoint. To that end, we’re extending our 10% discount when you order 3 bottles or more between now and 10AM Monday.

Buy 3+ bottles of 2018 Testamatta
Receive a 10% discount on them
Pay only $80.99 per bottle

Discount will not display online
We will adjust your order manually before finalizing
Sale ends Monday, February 1st at 10AM PST


Pre-Arrival ETA March:

Bibi Graetz Testamatta Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2018 750ML ($99.95) $89.99 pre-arrival special
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.”
 
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Trending

Colene Clemens Vineyards ‘Margo’ Pinot Noir, Chehalem Mountains 2017 750ML ($49.95) $36 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 94 points
“Distinctive for the elegance, yet with subtle power simmering underneath, this offers raspberry and crushed stone notes, with hints of cardamom, building tension toward medium-grained tannins. Drink now through 2029. 1,073 cases made. — TF”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

Biggio Hamina Claygate Vineyard Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2016 750ML ($39.95) $28 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Biggio Hamina Claygate Vineyard Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2016 750ML ($199.95) $159 special (that’s only $26.50/bottle!)
Case-12 Biggio Hamina Claygate Vineyard Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2016 750ML ($399.95) $299 special (that’s only $24.92/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94 points
“Bright red. An exotically perfumed bouquet displays intense red fruit, potpourri and incense qualities. Spice and savory herb nuances build as the wine opens up. Bright and energetic in the mouth, offering densely packed and appealingly sweet raspberry liqueur, cherry and spicecake flavors that pick up a smoky mineral note on the back half. Plays power off of finesse deftly and finishes extremely long and floral, with sneaky, fine-grained tannins and a touch of exotic spices.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

A jaw-dropping-ly beautiful Beaujolais 
Anne-Sophie Dubois Fleurie Les Labourons 2018 750ML ($39.95) $36 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Anne-Sophie Dubois Fleurie Les Labourons 2018 1.5L ($99.95) $79 special, 5 magnums in stock now
Grapelive 95 points
“The top or signature wine from the talented Anne-Sophie Dubois is her awesome Les Labourons Fleurie Cru Beaujolais that comes from a high elevation, with a warm Southwest exposure, parcel of Gamay vines that are set on the classic pink granite soils of this appellation, all of which give this gorgeous wine its intensity, distinction, heightened aromatics and elegance with a crisp detailing of pure flavors. This 2018 is impeccable with a clarity of terroir and focus showing a racy edginess and a slight hint of reduction to start before everything comes alive on the medium bodied palate with precise layers of dark vine picked berries, tart currant, strawberry, ripe cherries and earthy blueberry fruits along with delicate spices, mineral tones and crushed violets. While lovely and youthful, this deeply garnet/ruby Gamay beauty takes to another level with a fine structure, complexity and exceptional length in a quaffable package that just gets better and better as it fully opens in the glass, it is a Fleurie that has the style and grace of a Chambolle-Musigny, but at a much more reasonable price. There is no question that Anne-Sophie Dubois is one of young superstars of Beaujolais region and part of a new generation of vignerons that are bringing this area to world wide attention, and as her importer says, as well as redefining the identity of Beaujolais…. [She] has mostly shied away from the use of carbonic fermentation, preferring a more traditional Burgundian regime with mostly de-stemmed grapes, while employing a natural or indigenous yeast fermentation with a gentle handling of the wine from vineyard to bottle.… The 2018 Les Labourons came from the oldest vines and the best selections of grapes, which, as mentioned, were 100% de-stemmed and saw a cool maceration with the wine, after primary was complete, seeing an elevage of just over a year in all well used or what you’d call neutral French oak barrels.”

One of Champagne’s best known houses (and one of our best-selling Champagnes) for a reason
Bollinger Special Cuvée Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($69.95) $54.50 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Bollinger Special Cuvée Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($419.95) $312 special (that’s only $52/bottle!)
James Suckling 92 points
“Fine bubbles combine nicely with the cooked apples, pie crust and lemon rind. Some biscuit, too. Full body. Layered and creamy with a crisp finish. Always delicious. Drink now.” [Reviewed July 2019]
 
 
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Have Wine Ready to Pick Up?

Stop by our shop 10 am – 6 pm daily
Feel free to call ahead before you arrive or for curbside service:


#503-223-6002



(You’ll help free up some space for your next order!)

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Vincent Girardin

Super Subscriber Special


Vincent Girardin is one of the most reliable producers of Burgundy, both red and white.  His wines leave the cellar with plenty of personality from their vineyards, but also the focus of a clear and steady winemaker who has honed his craft over decades.  When you combine the quality of the house with the excellent 2017 white Burgundy vintage, these wines become even better 

On Sale Now & Arriving Late February

Vincent Girardin Corton Les Perrieres Grand Cru, Cote de Beaune 2017 750ML ($149.95) Was $119, Now $99 Super Subscriber Special, 12 bottles available 
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 92 points
“The most serious of these reds is the 2017 Corton-Perrières Grand Cru, a wine that unwinds in the glass with notes of red berries, cassis and spices. Medium to full-bodied, deep and nicely concentrated, with the most mid-palate volume of any wine in the range, this will reward a bit of bottle age.”
Burghound 91 points “A relatively high-toned and slightly fruity nose displays unusual (for Corton) notes of cranberry and dark raspberry. The sleek, intense and mineral-inflected medium weight flavors possess better depth and persistence on the balanced if youthfully austere finale.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Vincent Girardin Corton Rognet Grand Cru, Cote de Beaune 2017 750ML ($135.95) Was $119, Now $99 Super Subscriber Special, 12 bottles available

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Vincent Girardin Les Grands Epenots Vieilles Vignes, Pommard Premier Cru 2017 750ML ($99.95) Was $89, Now $79 Super Subscriber Special, 12 bottles available
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 91 points
“One of the high points on the red side of the ledger is the 2017 Pommard 1er Cru Les Epenots, a fleshy, ample, medium to full-bodied wine that evokes notions of plums, peonies and coniferous forest floor. It has turned out very well.”
Burghound 91 points “This is the first wine to reveal any significant reduction though I doubt that it will persist as the notably refined and velvety medium-bodied flavors are super-fresh in the mouth while displaying excellent length on the balanced and youthfully austere finale. The supporting tannins are firm but fine and this should age effortlessly, which is a good thing as this needs to develop more depth but the underlying material should allow that to happen.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $85

Vincent Girardin Pommard Les Vieilles Vignes, Cote de Beaune 2017 750ML ($69.95) Was $59, Now $52.50 Super Subscriber Special, 24 bottles available

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Vincent Girardin Les Santenots, Volnay Premier Cru 2017 750ML ($79.95) Was $69, Now $59 Super Subscriber Special, 11 bottles available
Burghound 91 points
“A discreet application of wood mingles with restrained and agreeably spicy aromas of poached plum, dark raspberry and violet. The super-sleek and sophisticated medium-bodied flavors possess a really lovely texture while exhibiting fine length on the energetic, balanced and refreshing finish. The supporting tannins are moderately firm yet this should be approachable after only a few years of bottle age.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Vincent Girardin Volnay Les Vieilles Vignes, Cote de Beaune 2017 750ML ($59.95) Was $49, Now $45 Super Subscriber Special, 36 bottles available

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

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Vinopolis Wine Shop Curbside Pick Up

Don’t want to stop in?

Order Online / By Phone / By Email


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.)


#503-223-6002
 
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Thanks for reading!