Subscriber-Only Beaux Freres Offer; New April Sales – Peter Lauer/Selbach-Oster & J Christoffel Jr; Petalos is Back – New Vintage/New Reviews; Trending Burgundies; New Review for our most popular Brunello: Caparzo; Staff Picks; 2007 German Riesling: 10 Years On – Still Going Strong; K Vintners New Releases; Vintage Review: 2011 Barbaresco; Cameron Alert: New Releases; 2013 Produttori Cru Offer; April Sales Recap
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Subscriber-Only Beaux Freres Deal
Wines Arrive Friday, April 14th / Discount Ends Friday, April 14th at 11:59 PM
Buy any 12+ bottles of Beaux Freres, we’ll give you 10% off
Buy any 6-11 bottles of Beaux Freres, we’ll give you 5% off
Beaux Freres Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2015 750ML ($59.95) Displayed price: $54, 5% off: $51.30, 10% off: $48.60 pre-arrival special
[No reviews yet – 2014 received 91 from Wine Spectator & 92 from Josh Raynolds]
The average price is $59
Beaux Freres ‘The Beaux Freres Vineyard’ Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2015 750ML ($99.95) Displayed price: $86, 5% off: $81.70, 10% off: $80.10 pre-arrival special
[No reviews yet – 2014 received 95 from Wine Spectator & 94 from Josh Raynolds]
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $89.99
Beaux Freres Zena Crown Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2014 750ML ($79.95) Displayed price: $68, 5% off: $64.60, 10% off: $61.20 pre-arrival special
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 93 points “Brilliant ruby-red. Ripe, spice-tinged blackberry, vanilla and sassafras on the deeply perfumed, expansive nose. Intense dark berry liqueur flavors are lifted and sharpened by smoky minerality and pick up a five-spice powder quality with aeration. Concentrated as well as energetic and focused, finishing with impressive length and sexy notes of candied violet and smoky spices.”
The average price is $76
Beaux Freres The Upper Terrace Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2014 750ML ($99.95) Displayed price: $89, 5% off: $84.55, 10% off: $80.10 pre-arrival special
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 95 points “Limpid ruby-red. Explosive, mineral-accented aromas of red berry liqueur, cherry cola, vanilla and potpourri, accompanied by a sexy floral overtone that gains strength as the wine opens up. Juicy, concentrated and expansive on the palate, offering intense black raspberry, cherry compote and floral pastille flavors and a touch of cola. Displays an extremely impressive interplay of power and finesse, showing a seamless texture and a firm mineral spine. A strikingly long, sappy finish features smooth, sneaky tannins, resonating florality and a lingering suggestion of five-spice powder.”
The average price is $93
Beaux Freres Chardonnay, Willamette Valley 2014 750ML ($79.95) Displayed price: $69, 5% off: $65.55, 10% off: $62.10 pre-arrival special
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Discount will not appear online
We will adjust your price before running your order
Subscriber-only discount ends Friday, April 14th at 11:59 PM
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April Sales
Peter Lauer Fass 8 Ayler Kupp Kabinett, Mosel 2014 750ML ($37.95) Was $31.90, Now $28, 36+ bottles available
John Gilman 91-92 points ‘The 2014 Ayler Kupp Kabinett from Florian Lauer is really a lovely and quite classic example of this Prädikat, with lovely acidity and minerality providing a fine filigree to the wine and a nice sense of reserve out of the blocks as well. The very classy nose wafts from the glass in a mix of green apple, tart orange, slate, lovely smokiness and a touch of dried flowers in the upper register. On the palate the wine is medium-bodied, pure and focused, with a good core, bright acids, a nice touch of sweetness on the attack and lovely length and grip on the elegant and nascently complex finish. This is quite approachable now, but still a touch primary, and I would be inclined to give it at least a few years in the cellar to develop its secondary layers of complexity. 2019-2035+.” JG
This was the lowest listed price in the USA today,
Now it’s even lower!
Peter Lauer Senior Fass 6 Riesling, Mosel 2015 750ML ($27.95) Was $24, Now $19, 36+ bottles available
Mosel Fine Wines 89+ points “This offers bright and delicately flowery scents of ginger, candied grapefruit peel, Provence herbs and slate. The wine is mineral and delicately fruity on the palate and leaves a clean and linear feel in the still slightly hard finish. This is best left alone for a year to give it time to integrate. 2017-2025.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
The average price in the USA is $28
Selbach-Oster Riesling Kabinett, Mosel 2015 750ML ($27.95) Was $21.90, Now $16, 36+ bottles available
Mosel Fine Wines 89 points “This fruity-styled Kabinett was fermented to a low 30 g/l of residual sugar. It offers a rather reduced but very fresh nose of green apple, some underripe white peach and aniseed herbs on the nose. The wine delivers a gorgeously zesty feel on the slender palate and a really crispy Kabinett feel in the finish. Now-2025.”
Terry Theise note “A little bit of new-Fuder here. I’ll share the numbers…. acid about 9.2g/l and RS 35-ish (many Mosel grower’s Kabs are twice that sweet.) ’15 is the best vintage EVER of this utter Mosel paradigm.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $20
Selbach-Oster Zeltinger Schlossberg Riesling Spatlese*, Mosel 2014 750ML ($34.95) Was $28, Now $24, 32 bottles available
David Schildknecht–Vinous 93 points “Selbach admitted to having been swayed by marketing considerations to label this wine as “one-star” Spätlese rather than as Auslese. By whatever name, it represents a luscious, silken-textured amalgam of ripe quince and honeydew melon tinged with mint and cress and drizzled with fresh lime for a simultaneously soothing and stimulating performance, capped by a finish of remarkable clarity and sheer refreshment for what is in effect a lightly botrytized Auslese. Riper and more seductively textured than the already superb corresponding “no-star” Spätlese, this is, however, less recognizably a product of its site. (It originated in a lower, deeper-soiled section of the Einzellage.)”
Wine Advocate 92 points “The one-starred 2014 Zeltinger Schlossberg Riesling Spätlese * is clear, fine and spicy on the nose, very elegant but still discreet. Although picked in the high 90° Oechsle sphere, this is a very elegant, cool, clear, nicely piquant and mineral-scented Spätlese with grapefruit flavors. This fuder selection has more finesse and purity than the regular Spätlese, but was still restrained in January when I tasted it.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Weingut Jos. Christoffel Jr. Christoffel-Prum Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Spatlese Trocken, Mosel 2015 750ML ($34.95) Was $26, Now $21.90, 36+ bottles available
Mosel Fine Wines 89 points “This offers a very fine and nicely perfumed bouquet driven by flowers, vineyard peach, orange blossom and citrus. The palate is full of finesse and smoke with a mouth-coating mid-palate fruity structure. The finish is at first smooth before some refined smoky and herbal flavors come through in the dry after-taste. 2017-2023.”
This was the lowest listed price in the USA today,
Now it’s even lower!
The next best price is $28.99
See the complete list of all wines on sale for the month of April at the bottom of this newsletter!
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He Loves Me
He Loves Me Not
He Loves Me &
Petalos Is Back in Stock
New Reviews / New Vintage
Descendientes de J. Palacios Petalos, Bierzo 2014 750ML ($21.95) $16.60 special
Case-12 Descendientes de J. Palacios Petalos, Bierzo 2014 750ML ($249.95) $179 special (that’s only $14.92/bottle!)
Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2014 Pétalos del Bierzo was already up for tasting as they sell the wine quite quickly even if the volumes are not small, but the wine had only been in bottle for one week and it might have been a little closed, especially when compared with the aromatic 2013. However, the aromas, if subtle, are phenomenal, very complete and balanced, with an extra degree of complexity when compared with the 2013. The harvest was a little healthier without being easy (or dry). There is great volume in the palate, fleshy, juicy and rich without being heavy, medium-bodied, somehow similar to the 2012 even if it still needs to develop further complexity. There’s always a subdued minerality, a texture and mouthfeel difficult to find in wines of this price level. This is approachable now, but it will be better in one year and should develop nicely in bottle. Drink: 2016-2022.”
James Suckling 92 points “A pure mencía with wild strawberries, black pepper and underbrush. Balanced and pretty red showing subtle berry character throughout. Silky tannins. The entry-level red of the famous Bierzo estate. Drink now.”
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The Classic is Cool
(And the Chablis Refreshing)
Trending Burgundies
Domaine Costal Vaillons, Chablis Premier Cru 2014 750ML ($44.95) $28 special, 14 bottles available
Wine & Spirits 93 points “The Collet family farms 23.7 acres of Kimmeridgean limestone in Vaillons, working organically and partnering with Kermit Lynch on the vinification and aging of this premier cru. It ferments in stainless steel without added yeast, transferred in equal lots to neutral barrels, demi-muids and stainless steel vats for malolactic and aging. Bottles without filtering or cold stabilization, it has the crunchiness of fresh apples and a firm mineral presence that leaves the mouth refreshed. Spend some time with the wine and the ghosting of the soil, made up of fossilized oyster shells, seems to grow more apparent in the flavor, delicate yet persistent, setting up a craving for freshly shucked Belons. Complex in its fruit depth and beautifully balanced, this will age with grace.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $38
Domaine Vocoret et Fils Blanchot, Chablis Grand Cru 2014 750ML ($69.95) $49 special, 16 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 92 points “Pale yellow. Compelling, very sexy high-pitched scents of lavender, jasmine, fennel and herbs are complemented by musky minerality and a crushed-stone quality. Precise and saline on the palate, with penetrating lemon and crushed stone flavors extended on the back end by brisk acidity. A seriously chewy Blanchots for the cellar.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Regis Bouvier Marsannay Clos du Roy Rouge 2012 750ML ($34.95) $21.90 special, 36+ bottles available
Importer note “Clos du Roy means ‘vineyard of the king.’ Vines average 40 years old and are grown in calcareous slopes with sand and red clay subsoil. Aged in barrel for 12-16 months, 30% new oak.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $30
Domaine Huber-Verdereau Les Fremiets, Volnay Premier Cru 2010 750ML ($99.95) $79 special, 14 bottles available
Burghound 90 points “Huber indicated that this was vinified with 50% whole clusters. A notably floral nose of ripe and pure red pinot fruit scents gives way to attractively detailed, intense and mouth coating medium-bodied flavors that possess a balanced, spicy, dusty and lingering mineral-inflected finish. This is really lovely if not particularly deep though it’s already so pretty that if it can add more depth in bottle my score may seem unduly conservative.” BH
Domaine de Montille Les Pezerolles, Pommard Premier Cru 2009 750ML ($179.95) $149 special, 16 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2009 Pommard Les Pezerolles is rich, round and seductive. Layers of fruit caress the palate in this enveloping, textured Burgundy. There is plenty of intensity in the glass. Hints of hard candy and licorice wrap around the finish. The Pezerolles was made with 100% destemmed fruit. Although I like the wine’s frank immediacy, I also think it will age gracefully.”
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New Review
For Our Most Popular Brunello!
“Inviting and genuine” – Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
Arriving This Month
Caparzo Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2012 750ML ($39.95) $33 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Caparzo Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2012 750ML ($229.95) $179 pre-arrival special (that’s only $29.83/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Wine Spectator 92 points “This is round and laced with cherry, currant, tobacco and iron flavors. Firms up quickly, with a fine matrix of tannins for support. Balanced overall, with a long finish of tobacco and iron. Best from 2020 through 2033.”
Can’t Wait?
Here are some drinking-well-now offers that are in-stock-now, too!
We offer 47 Brunello wines in-stock now. See the full list at www.vinopoliswineshop.com by visiting our web store and searching for ‘Brunello’!
Altesino Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2006 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 5 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 94 points “Medium red. High-pitched aromas of raspberry, blood orange, minerals, mocha and cocoa powder: I was reminded of Burgundy. Wonderfully tight and perfumed in the mouth, with superb youthful definition to the raspberry and floral flavors. Perfumed and light on its feet. Finishes sharply delineated, firmly tannic and impressively long. With three full days in the recorked bottle, this wine became denser and more minerallly, offering a leathery hint and terrific sexy breadth.” ST
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Biondi Santi Tenuta Greppo Riserva, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2006 750ML ($699.95) $299 special, 2 bottles available
Wine Spectator 97 points “A mix of sweet cherry, raspberry, floral, tobacco, tea and balsamic flavors mingle in this complex and layered red. The acidity and tannins are present and well-integrated as this remains elegant and harmonious on the lingering finish. There’s a racy aspect, with a tobacco and mineral aftertaste. Best from 2016 through 2035.”
Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva comes across as a bit reticent. It reveals lovely detail and nuance, but without the firmness of many other young vintages. Today the 2006 is quite accessible. I will be surprised if it doesn’t start shutting down at some point. Regardless, the 2006 appears to be built more on finesse rather than power. Freshly cut flowers, hard candy and licorice are layered into the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2046.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $495.95
The average price is nearly double @ $548
Gaja Pieve Santa Restituta Rennina, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2004 750ML ($199.95) $179 special, 6 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 95 points “Good deep red. Powerful yet elegant nose shows more berries and minerals and less oak than the Sugarille; this is downright Musigny-like. Then silky, suave and graceful on the palate, with compelling inner-mouth floral perfume and a wonderfully pliant texture. If anything, this wine is even more intense on the suavely tannic, extremely long finish than in the middle, as its underlying minerality gives it outstanding grip and finesse. This is made from a blend of sites while Sugarille is from a single vineyard, but it was this wine that spun my head around when I tasted the two bottles side by side.”
Wine Enthusiast 95 points – Cellar Selection – “This drop-dead gorgeous Brunello (from Angelo Gaja’s estate in Montalcino) boasts the beauty and charm of a vineyard that is blossoming with quality and intensity of fruit. You’ll get traditional notes of black licorice and cherry liqueur backed by elegant notes of spice and earth”
Il Marroneto Madonna delle Grazie, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2008 750ML ($119.95) $99 special, 10 bottles available
Ian D’Agata–Vinous 93 points “Bright ruby. Subtly perfumed aromas of red cherry, dark plum, violet, mint and sweet spices. Smooth, sexy and sweet on the palate, with harmonious acidity giving a light touch to the ripe red fruit, mineral and mocha flavors. Perhaps best today on the very long aftertaste, which features serious but ripe tannins and lingering rich, ripe red and black fruit flavors. This is one of the stars of the vintage and is much better than the Brunello normale; it’s everything you could ask of a Brunello in 2008.”
Tenute del Cerro ‘La Poderina’ Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2006 750ML ($74.95) $49 special, 34 bottles available
James Suckling 95 points “Blueberries, flowers and raspberries. Love the nose, like so many others. Full body, with fine tannins and a silky textured finish. So much going on here. Class”JS
Flavio Fanti La Palazzetta Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2011 750ML ($39.95) $36 special, 21 bottles available
James Suckling 93 points “Aromas of tar, spice, Christmas cake and ripe fruit. Full body, fresh fruit. Ripe and expressive. Opulent, expressive style. Drink now.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $45
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Our Current
Shipping Promos:
We offer flat rate shipping to Oregon, Washington, Idaho, California, and Colorado. Here’s the scoop:
Single orders of any quantity of wines qualify for the flat rate;
this does not apply to orders held in storage for any reason
or multiple orders consolidated into one shipment.
The flat rate for each state is, as follows:
-to Oregon for $17,
-Washington & Idaho for $20,
-and California & Colorado for $25
Take Advantage of the Flat Rate!
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Staff Picks
They’re Infectious!
Saul:
A good friend of mine, who wholesales wine in a ‘Major East Coast City’ was flabbergasted when I casually mentioned that these two were on the shelf. He has to fight tooth and claw for allocations of these wines and customers get bitter if they don’t get to buy any of Forey’s wines. They’re stellar Burgundies and in stock now, at least for a little longer. The Clos Vougeot, especially, reminds you why it was historically considered such a great vineyard and is better than grands cru wines at twice the price.
Domaine Forey Pere et Fils Bourgogne Pinot Noir, Burgundy 2013 750ML ($29.95) $26 special, 12 bottles available
Burghound–“A pretty and attractively fresh nose features notes of assorted red berries, herbal tea and earth. There is good volume to the textured, complex and nicely voluminous flavors that possess fine length on the slightly edgy finish. This racy effort should be approachable young.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine Forey Pere et Fils Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru 2012 750ML ($199.95) $149 special, 6 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 93-95 points “The 2012 Clos Vougeot is all about tension and minerality. Crushed rocks, sweet spices, roses and dark cherry/raspberry fruit are all very much alive in the glass. A higher-toned dimension of aromas and flavors develops over time. White flowers, white pepper, citrus and floral notes add brightness on the finish. I very much like the vibrant, crystalline expression of the vintage here.” AG
Burghound 94 points “There is just enough wood influence to notice on the restrained nose of earthy and quite cool dark currant aromas that display background notes of humus and a hint of the sauvage. There is an equally restrained mouth feel to the textured, intense and delicious medium weight flavors that culminate in a moderately austere but wonderfully long, firm and built-to-age finish where once again the wood treatment reappears. This is also terrific though note that this will very definitely require plenty of patience.” BH
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Zak:
Cameron’s Saignee Rosé is the first sign of spring for me. John Paul holds the release back for a year in barrel so that the resulting wine (which is actually picked and direct pressed specifically for rosé—not saignee) has a lot less fruit and is a little more classical. Just delicious stuff and one of the best rosé wines I’ve tried, year in and out.
Cameron Winery Saignee Pinot Noir Rose, Dundee Hills 2015 750ML ($21.95) $18 special, 29 bottles available
VinopolNote: Abbey Ridge Dijon clone Pinot with some Pinot Meunier. Aged for 12 months in neutral oak to add texture and soften fruit aromas.
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2007 German Riesling
10 Years On – And Still Going Strong
New Reviews & Perspective from Mosel Fine Wines
The new Mosel Fine Wines issue is out and they have many great things to say about the state of the 2007 German Riesling vintage, including glowing words for the ageability of wines from the J. Christoffel Jr. estate. We’ve been one of the few, and quite often only, shops in the country to stock their wines, so we’re proud to present two recently reviewed 2007s alongside recent winery releases from Heymann-Loewenstein and Daniel Vollenweider.
“Mature Riesling is one of the great glories in the wine world and yet it still remains comparatively unknown. The [reviewed] list underlines also the incredible quality of the Jos. Christoffel jr. Estate, which has experienced a huge increase in interest since we first featured it back in 2010 but whose full talent and greatness of older bottles has not yet reached the auction market.” – Mosel Fine Wines
In 2007, hang time stretched on almost a month past typical pick dates, but the cool and dry weather and late flowering kept everything in balance. It makes for a good comparison to the recent 2015 vintage – where the young wines were praised for their “intensity, purity and zesty ripeness” balanced by very high physiological ripeness, good inner intensity, great aromatic purity and still good acidity.”
2007 German Rieslings Available Here Now
Weingut Jos. Christoffel Jr. Christoffel-Prum Erdener Pralat Riesling Auslese***, Mosel 2007 750ML ($54.95) $33 special, 18 bottles available
Mosel Fine Wines 93+ points “Reviewed 2017. This offers still a rather reduced nose of caramel, honeyed fruits, apricot, quince, herbs and spices. The wine develops the rich and creamy yet nicely balanced side of a classy Auslese GK on the palate and finishes with a beautiful explosion of almond, ripe pear and fine spices. The aftertaste proves full of promises but is still quite under the impact of the noticeable residual sugar. This is therefore best left alone for a good decade in order to enjoy the wine at its full potential. 2027-2047.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Weingut Jos. Christoffel Jr. Christoffel-Prum Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Auslese***, Mosel 2007 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 22 bottles available
Mosel Fine Wines 92 points “Reviewed 2017. This offers a gorgeous nose of pear, passion fruit, almond paste, melon and mirabelle. The wine is beautifully balanced on the palate as clean and juicy scents of fruit lead to a long, delicately medium-bodied finish. More almond and marzipan as well as ripe fruits and some floral elements come through in the after-taste, bringing a nice touch of freshness to this intrinsically ripe but finely sizzled sweet Auslese. Now-2037.”
Joel B. Payne–Vinous 93 points “Pale golden yellow. Rich aromas of pear nectar, mint and sassafras waft over a hint of honeyed botrytis. The decidedly creamy yet delicate palate is marked by apricot, brown spices and mineral salts. Nut oils join the slate on the long finish.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Heymann-Lowenstein Winninger Uhlen ‘R’ Roth Lay Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel, Mosel 2007 375ML ($99.95) $69 special, 30 half-bottles available
Wine Spectator 96 points “Candied citrus, jujube, sweet spice and quince paste aromas and flavors mark this sweet, bracing Riesling, which is light on its feet and resonates on the finish with a mouthwatering feel and echoes of citrus. Best from 2012 through 2045.”
Wine Advocate 95 points “Lowenstein’s 2007 Winninger Uhlen Riesling Auslese Gold Capsule Roth Lay (as in the corresponding dry wines, the letter “R” is prominent on the label of this A.P.#9) benefits from counterpoint and collaboration among bright citrus, rich pit fruit essences, and the honey of botrytis. For all of its enormous sheer ripeness and concentration, this retains a striking sense of delicacy. A snappy, spicy, pungent streak – taken together with vivid, diverse pit fruits and citrus – serves for exhilaration in a finish of memorable length and energy, with a vivid impression of crushed stone one hardly expects in a wine of such sweetness and prominent botrytization. There seems to be something of a personality role reversal at work this year, because the corresponding Rottgen Auslese is cool and refined whereas this Uhlen displays more of the piquancy and (as French growers might say) nervosite that I associate with Rottgen. But then, botrytis is always something of a wild card, so that a wine like this is profoundly and unpredictably influenced by the precise microclimatic conditions for and differences in the nature of that fungus. No doubt this too will be worth following for two or more decades.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $74.99 for the 375ML
Weingut Daniel Vollenweider Wolfer Goldgrube Riesling Beerenauslese, Mosel 2007 375ML ($179.95) $139 special, 2 half-bottles available
Mosel Fine Wines 96+ points “Reviewed 2017. Harvested at over 190° Oechsle, this golden-colored wine delivers a huge TBA-styled nose driven by raisin, date, mirabelle compote and orange marmalade. The wine is oily and still cloyingly sweet on the palate but the precision, depth and multi-layered purity, above all in the after-taste, is simply remarkable. One is left with brown sugar, date, sage and the purest of honey and a great acidity in the long and creamy finish. This is far from ready and could develop positively in aromatic precision as the sensation of sweetness recedes with further aging. 2027-2047. AP # 09 08.”
Stephen Tanzer 95 points “Rich golden yellow. Intense bouquet of yellow plum, candied pineapple and spicy botrytis. The rich, dense, honey-glazed tropical fruit flavors are highlighted by a precise minerality that keeps the palate fresh in spite of the wine’s considerable depth and sweetness. The long, complex finish features a burst of slate. An excellent beerenauslese for the vintage.”ST
This is the only listing in the USA today!
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I’ve Got a Crush on K
K Vintners
New Releases
“These latest releases from Charles Smith check in at the top of the pyramid and are flat out incredible wines that I wish every reader could taste.” – Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Advocate
Arriving Tuesday, April 11th
New cuvee!
K Vintners Syrah Powerline Vineyard, Walla Walla 2014 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 94-97 points “A new cuvee that’s all from the Powerline Vineyard in the southern part of the Walla Walla Valley, the 2014 Syrah Powerline is all from the Phelps clone, was fermented with 100% whole clusters and aged in puncheons. One of the more bloody, meaty, iron-laced and savory Syrahs in the lineup, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a thick, unctuous texture, ripe tannin and a finish that makes your heart beat a touch faster. Give bottles a few years in the cellar and enjoy over the following decade.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $59.99
Fierce!
K Vintners ‘M.C.K. Motor City Kitty’ Syrah, Washington 2014 750ML ($39.95) $33 pre-arrival special
Wine Enthusiast 93 points –Editors’ Choice–“This aromatically brooding wine brings aromas of brown stems, scorched earth, smoked meat, iron, violets, orange peel and blue and black fruit. The flavors coat the palate from end to end with silky soft, unabashedly appealing fruit and savory notes. It hits the delicious gong hard, with an enduring finish.”
VinopolNote: From the highest elevation parcels in the Boushey vineyard at almost 1,300 feet.
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $40
We have twelve K Vintners wines in stock now (plus four more cuvees from Charles Smith!). Check out two picks that are on sale now below. To see the full list, visit our web store
Charles Smith K Vintners The Hustler Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2012 750ML ($149.95) Was $138, Now $119
Wine Advocate 95-97 points “Still in barrel at the time of this tasting, the 2012 Syrah The Hustler is a blockbuster-styled Syrah that’s overflowing with notions of sweet red and black fruits, toasted bread, cured meats and cedar. Only made in special vintages (it was previously made in ’03, ’07 and ’09) and aged 38 months in French oak, it’s full-bodied, decadent and layered, with a weightless, elegant, seamless feel. Coming all from the Morrison Lane Vineyard (it’s actually the Morrison Lane Syrah with extended barrel aging), it should be ready to go on release and dish out tons of pleasure over the following decade or more. The extended elevage has given this a more upfront feel, yet I suspect it will also allow it age more slowly as well.”
Charles Smith K Vintners Rock Garden Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2013 750ML ($69.95) Was $59, Now $47
Wine Advocate 95 points “More Northern Rhone in style, with lots of red and black fruits, olive, peppered meats and sweet fruit, the 2013 Syrah Rock Garden is seamless, downright sexy and layered on the palate, with a voluptuous, yet classy and focused texture. Like all of the Rhone blends from this estate, it was fermented with 100% whole clusters and aged mostly in neutral barrels and puncheons. Give bottles a year or two and enjoy over the following decade.”
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Give the Gift that Never Expires!
Can’t decide on the perfect gift?
Let them!
We offer gift certificates in any amount with no taxes, fees or expiration date.
Gift certificates are not available through our web store. To order, please stop in, call or email. We are happy to mail gift certificates to any domestic address at no charge.
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2011 Barbaresco
The 2011 Barbaresco vintage is well-loved by reviewers. Fortunately for you, these are all in-stock now! See our top 6 hits from the region below or see the full list of all fifteen onlineon our web store!
Thoughts on the vintage:
Vinous Media 94+ points “The 2011 Barbarescos have turned out beautifully. Racy and pliant, the best 2011s are gorgeous and will drink well early. The warm, dry growing season gave the 2011 Barbarescos a touch more body and overall intensity without robbing the wines of their essential personalities. This is a superb vintage for Barbaresco and a rare vintage in which Barbaresco outperforms neighboring Barolo.”
Wine Spectator 93 points “Rich, fleshy Barolos and balanced Barbarescos; the best have vibrant structures for aging.”
Antonio Galloni: “Overall, the 2011 Barbarescos are racy and seductive. The richness and intensity of the year are perceptible, but the wines retain plenty of site-specific signatures, albeit with softer edges than is typically the case. My impression is that the 2011s will drink well pretty much out of the gate, which should be welcomed by readers cellaring wines from more structured Barbaresco and Barolo vintages.”
Our top 6 picks of 2011 Barbaresco in stock now:
Cantina del Pino Albesani, Barbaresco DOCG 2011 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 17 bottles available
Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2011 Barbaresco Albesani is the wine that surprised me most among Cantina del Pino’s new releases. It shows an exceptional level of focus and clarity with tight tannins at the back that keep it stitched together tightly. It shows an impressive level of unity and precision. The bouquet is slow to start, but once it does it delivers a steady stream of dark fruit, licorice, balsam herb and crushed mineral. The Albesani cru, with its thick clay soils, evidently had enough underground moisture to avoid heat stress on the vines during the hot summer.” ML
Fabio Gea Notu Seguiva le Gocce d’Acqua, Barbaresco DOCG 2011 750ML ($149.95) $119 special, 6 bottles available
VinopolNote: Sublime and enchanting.
Paitin di Pasquero-Elia ‘Serra’, Barbaresco DOCG 2011 750ML ($41.95) $31.90 special, 22 bottles available
Case-12 Paitin di Pasquero-Elia ‘Serra’, Barbaresco DOCG 2011 750ML ($419.95) $359 special, 4 cases available (that’s only $29.92/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 94 points “Rich and velvety, yet also vibrant and complex, this red boasts floral, berry, anise, leather and mineral flavors. Harmonious, this turns slightly chewy in texture on the lingering finish. Best from 2017 through 2027. 1,000 cases made.” WS
Antonio Galloni 93 points “Crushed flowers, sweet red berries, spices and mint race across the palate in the 2011 Barbaresco Serra. This is one of the most intense, tannic 2011 Barbarescos readers will come across. Far from an easygoing wine, the 2011 is going to need considerable patience. Hints of sweet tobacco, mint and anise add nuance on the layered, super-expressive finish. The 2011 Serra spent two years in 50-hectoliter casks.” AG
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Produttori del Barbaresco Rabaja, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2011 750ML ($89.95) $69 special, 30 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 95+ points “The 2011 Barbaresco Riserva Rabajà is quite backward today, with intense, salivating tannins that cut through the fruit. The trademark Rabajà balsamic flavor profile is there, with notable darkness and plenty of structure that add complexity to a core of crystalline fruit. Energetic and powerful, with searing tannin and exceptional balance, the Rabajà is going to require considerable patience. The only question is how much.” AG
Wine Spectator 95 points “A juicy, cherry-, menthol- and tar-flavored red, with a linear profile and fine tension. Floral and mineral elements enter the fray as this builds to a long finish. Best from 2019 through 2033.”
Produttori del Barbaresco Rio Sordo, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2011 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 33 bottles available
Wine Advocate 96 points “The Rio Sordo cru is known for medium-bodied wines that show elegance and finesse. The 2011 Barbaresco Riserva Rio Sordo is my favorite wine among this set of new Riserva releases. This gorgeous wine is seamless in approach with balanced aromatic intensity that bridges dark fruit aromas against ethereal notes of cola, tar and licorice. There is an irresistible dash of white truffle buried deep within. The wine is powerful and firmly constructed, but the quality of the tannins is silky and polished.”
Sottimano Curra, Barbaresco DOCG 2011 750ML ($79.95) $66 special, 10 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 95 points “The 2011 Barbaresco Currà is fabulous. Rich, deep and expressive, the 2011 impresses for its nearly seamless personality and exceptional balance. Here, the warm vintage has softened some of the more angular contours that are often present. Sweet floral and spice notes resonate on the finish, but above all else, the Currà is a wine of texture. Over the last few years, the Currà is the most improved wine at Sottimano, so it’s hardly a surprise it is often the last Barbaresco poured at the estate. I tasted the 2011 twice from bottle; it was compelling on both occasions. Readers should not miss the 2011, as it is fabulous!”
Are you as excited for the 2013 Barbaresco vintage as we are? Check out our 2013 Cru offer from Produttori at the bottom of this newsletter! It’s a tiny, tiny vintage, and for the first time ever our importer allocated the wines – so act fast – it is limited!
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Cameron Alert!
Freshly back from his exploits in Japan, John Paul opened a bottle of his 2015 Ribbon Ridge Pinot with us to check in on its progress. We all agreed that it is ready to go, so he’s releasing it now. It’s ridiculously delicious, showing notes of crushed blackberries and strawberries, iron, and fresh flowers. It’s gusty and wild, showing surprising vivacity and lift for a higher-alcohol release (it clocks in at 14.1%). It’s Cameron Pinot… need we say more?
He also opened a bottle of Barolo (yes true Barolo) that he imported for an Italian friend and former winery assistant. The wine showed well as a pop & pour with an inviting plummy fruit note on the nose. The palate offered layers of classic berry and floral notes with touches of pine smoke. The building tannins on the back hint at many years of ageability, but it’s just so tasty and irresistible now. Very little was brought in, so naturally, we scooped up over half of it!
Arriving Friday, April 14th
Cameron Winery Ribbon Ridge Pinot Noir 2015 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 pre-arrival special
Fruit comes from Foster & Armstrong Vineyards. 14.1% alcohol. All non-irrigated vines.
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Lapo Berti La Morra Barolo DOCG 2012 750ML ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
This is the only listing in the USA today!
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Arriving in April 2018
2013 Produttori Crus
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April Sales Recap
Prices expire on these great deals May 1st!
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Thank you for reading!