Weekend VinopolPick 4-14-18

In Today’s Newsletter:

Jaboulet’s Thalabert: A Modern Rhone Classic
A Belle Glos Subscriber Special
No Surprise Here: Vinous Loves the ’15 Northern Rhones
Three Exciting Burgs at Three Different Price-Points

New Arrivals Including:
More Rosé, K Vintners, Snowden, Barthod,
Boxler, Joguet, Cornelissen and More!

April Sale Spectacular: More Wines, More Discounts

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Featured New Arrival

Jaboulet’s Thalabert: A Modern Rhone Classic

Of the twenty-plus cases we originally ordered of the 2015 Jaboulet Crozes Hermitage Domaine Thalabert, we sold all but a handful of bottles before anything even hit the shelf.  (What little that did arrive for the shelf sold out quickly, too.)  Jaboulet is obviously a great producer and 2015 a fantastic vintage, so it’s no surprise this was a highly sought after wine when it arrived this winter.

As a result, we’ve had a lot of requests to re-order—it seems like by the time many of you tried it, it was gone.  We’ve secured another parcel that’s just arrived and given how much buzz we’ve seen about this one, this is going to move quickly (quantities are more limited than before).  If you’ve enjoyed the wine and are looking for more, now’s your chance.

Paul Jaboulet Aine Domaine de Thalabert Crozes-Hermitage, Rhone 2015 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
Jeb Dunnuck-Rhone Report 97 points “The finest vintage to date, better even than the stellar 2010, the 2015 Crozes-Hermitage Domaine De Thalabert is a gorgeous, deep, layered, and incredibly satisfying Crozes. Blackcurrants, olive tapenade, truffles and earthy notes all emerge from this full-bodied, gorgeously textured and seamless 2015. With fine tannin and no hard edge, it can be drunk today or cellaring for 15-20 years.”
Wine Advocate 93-95 points “The 2015 reds from the Northern Rhône are truly spectacular and this vintage rivals or surpasses the 2010s and 2009s. Brought up in a mix of tronconique tanks and Burgundy barrels (20% being new), the 2015 Crozes Hermitage Domaine de Thalabert is a big, serious, full-bodied effort that’s reminiscent of a slightly softer version of the 2010. Scorched earth, black fruits, cassis, black olive and a hint of graphite all emerge from this sensational Crozes Hermitage. You’ll need to forget bottles for 4-5 years, but it will have over two decades of longevity.”
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 92-94 points “(made from vines that range from 40 to 60 years old; raised for a year in oak barrels, 20 percent of them new) Youthful violet. Powerful mineral- and spice-accented blue fruit liqueur and violet aromas are complemented by suggestions of licorice and white pepper. Concentrated and expansive on the palate, offering intense blueberry, cherry and spicecake flavors and an exotic Indian spice quality that builds on the back half. Shows excellent clarity and lift on the finish, which is framed by velvety, harmonious tannins that fold smoothly into the juicy dark fruit.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
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Belle Glos: ür-California Pinot

A Weekend Subscriber Special

Belle Glos makes the impressive Pinot Noir.  Their wines, no matter the appellation, come out rich, powerful and dense, with a silky mouthfeel and a finish for days. We just got several cases in and wanted to make sure that you, our newsletter subscribers, get the best possible deal on them and so they’ll be $5 off per bottle until Monday or we sell out.  We can’t list the price on the website, but we’ll adjust your price manually before we process the order.

Belle Glos ‘Las Alturas Vineyard’ Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands 2016 750ML ($54.95) $44—Subscriber Price: $39
Winery note “Deep ruby red in color with intriguing aromas of sun-warmed blackberries, ripe plums, with hints of black licorice. A complexity of dark berry fruits unfold on the palate; blackberries and bing cherries along with dark chocolate flavors. Vanilla and cedar oak undertones on the mid-palate further enhance the wine. The overall impression is rich with refined tannins, firm acidity and explosive layers of ripe fruit.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Belle Glos ‘Clark & Telephone’ Vineyard Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley 2016 750ML ($54.95) $44—Subscriber Price: $39
Winery note “The color is a deep scarlet-red with lush aromas of blackberry bramble, nutmeg, and hint of caramel. The wine is fresh and exuberant in the mouth with sumptuous strawberry jam, ripe black cherry, cranberry and warm gingerbread. It is perfectly balanced with refreshing acidity, velvety tannins and a hint of toffee carrying through its long finish. When asked to describe this wine, I simply say it’s like a taste of Christmas, all year long!”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Newsletter Subscriber Special
Ends Monday, April 16th (or when we sell out)
We cannot list this price online
We will adjust your price manually before finalizing your order.

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It’s No Surprise:

Vinous Loves the 2015 Northern Rhones

“Two thousand fifteen, a warm-to-hot year, yielded wines that possess real backbone and, often, very healthy acidity levels that will keep them fresh for years to come. Indeed, a number of producers I’ve been visiting since 1989 – and whose opinions I trust – believe that the ‘15s will be among the longest-lived wines they have ever made…

“I also believed 2015 was seriously great vintage and one of the best in a generation for the northern Rhône. I’ll stick with the “seriously great vintage and one of the best in a generation” part but, I would like to, at least partially, walk back or at least rephrase the part about it being a vintage of the vintage more than place.….the 2015s are more “of the vintage” now than, for example, the ‘16s, not to mention the ‘14s and ‘13s, but they are distinctly finer and more chiseled than those from other recent “solar” vintages like ‘09 and, especially, ‘03. There’s a brightness and energy, not to mention balance, to the best ‘15s that’s already becoming apparent and gives me confidence that, in due time, most of the wines will indeed show their terroir more than the weather conditions under which they were born.” – Josh Raynolds, Vinous

Delas Freres Saint-Joseph Francois de Tournon, Rhone 2015 750ML ($44.95) $38 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92 points
“Dark ruby. High-pitched red and dark berry and violet aromas show excellent focus and pick up hints of cracked pepper and sandalwood with air. Sappy and seamless in texture, offering fresh black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors and a hint of candied licorice. Turns sweeter on the penetrating, impressively long finish, which features smooth, even tannins and lingering boysenberry and floral qualities. ”

Domaine Lionnet Cornas Terre Brulee, Rhone 2015 750ML ($79.95) $59 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Domaine Lionnet Cornas Terre Brulee, Rhone 2015 1.5L ($149.95)
$119 special, 3 magnums in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 93 points
“Lurid ruby. Spice- and mineral accented dark berry and floral pastille scents show excellent delineation and pick up deeper licorice and olive paste nuances with air. Sappy and expansive on the palate, offering juicy boysenberry, bitter cherry and spicecake flavors lifted by a distinct mineral flourish. Powerful yet lithe for the vintage, delivering solid finishing thrust and smooth tannins that build steadily.”

This is the lowest listed price for a magnum in the USA today!
Domaine Eric et Joel Durand Saint-Joseph Les Coteaux, Rhone 2015 750ML ($29.95) $24 special, 14 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 90 points
“Bright violet. Fresh and incisive on the nose and palate, displaying vibrant blue fruit and floral qualities and a hint of cracked pepper. In a lively style for the vintage, showing good delineation, spicy lift and just a hint of dusty tannins on the clinging, smoke-accented finish.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Franck Balthazar Cornas Cuvee Casimir Balthazar, Rhone 2015 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 8 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 93 points
“Bright violet. Highly perfumed cassis, boysenberry, violet, olive and mineral scents show excellent clarity. Densely packed, smooth and energetic on the palate, offering concentrated black and blue fruit and floral pastille flavors that are given spine by a core of juicy acidity. Shows appealing sweetness on the impressively persistent finish, which features rounded tannins and lingering blue fruit and floral notes.”

Franck Balthazar Cornas Sans soufre ajoute, Rhone 2015 750ML ($79.95) $69 special, 20 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 93 points
“Lurid ruby. Expressive red/blue fruit aromas are complemented by suggestions of pungent flowers, olive and smoky minerals. Sweet, penetrating and energetic on the palate, offering intense black raspberry, boysenberry and violet pastille flavors that become deeper with air. This is quite lively for the vintage and finishes with outstanding clarity, well-knit tannins and lingering florality.”

Domaine Guillaume Gilles Cornas, Rhone 2015 750ML ($99.95) $79 special, 17 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 93 points
“Deep ruby. A complex, expressive bouquet displays aromas of ripe, mineral-accented dark berries, cola, incense, olive and candied violet. Deeply concentrated black and blue fruit flavors show superb focus and energy, and suave floral pastille and Moroccan spice qualities emerge as the wine opens up. Shows a deft blend of richness and vivacity and finishes with strong lift, building tannins and minerally persistence.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Domaine Vincent Paris Crozes-Hermitage Selection, Rhone 2016 750ML ($27.95) $24 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 90 points
“Lurid violet. Spicy black and blue fruits, succulent flowers and smoky minerals on the perfumed nose. Juicy and expansive in the mouth, offering concentrated blueberry and bitter cherry flavors that become sweeter as the wine opens up. The dark berry note lingers on the spicy, persistent finish, which is shaped by smooth tannins.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!

Cave Yves Cuilleron Crozes-Hermitage Laya, Rhone 2015 750ML ($37.95) $28 special, 21 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92 points
“Opaque ruby. A highly perfumed bouquet evokes ripe dark berries and candied violet, along with suggestions of incense, woodsmoke and olive paste. Broad and fleshy on the palate, offering juicy black and blue fruit and spicecake flavors supported by zesty acidity. Rich yet vibrant and precise, finishing gently sweet and long, featuring slow-building tannins and a persistent licorice note.”

Cave Yves Cuilleron Saint-Joseph Les Pierres Seches, Rhone 2015 750ML ($37.95) $28 special, 16 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92 points
“Brilliant ruby. Vibrant cherry and boysenberry aromas are complemented by suggestions of smoky minerals, incense and olive. Concentrated black and blue fruit flavors show very good depth, and hints of cola and licorice build as the wine opens up. Shows impressive power and energy on a long, penetrating finish that features dusty tannins and lingering floral pastille, olive paste and smoky mineral qualities.”

Cave Yves Cuilleron Saint-Joseph Les Serines, Rhone 2015 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 23 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94 points
“Inky ruby. A heady, highly complex bouquet evokes dark fruit liqueur, incense and floral pastille qualities, along with notes of smoked meat and star anise. Sweet and deeply concentrated yet lively, offering sappy, spice-tinged cassis and boysenberry flavors that gain energy with air. Velvety tannins frame the sappy fruit on an extremely long, smoky finish.”

Cave Yves Cuilleron Cornas Le Village, Rhone 2015 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92 points
“Inky ruby. Pungent black and blue fruit and pungent floral aromas, along with hints of cracked pepper, licorice and violet. Broad, seamless and appealingly sweet, offering juicy blueberry and violet pastille flavors and hints of spicecake and bitter chocolate. Clings with strong tenacity and spiciness on the finish, which is framed by smooth, building tannins.”

Cave Yves Cuilleron Cote Rotie Madiniere, Rhone 2015 750ML ($79.95) $69 special, 30 bottles in stock now
Cave Yves Cuilleron Cote Rotie Madiniere, Rhone 2015 1.5L ($169.95)
$139 special, 6 magnums in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 93 points
“Lurid ruby. Pungent, mineral-laced black and blue fruit preserve, olive and incense scents on the deeply perfumed nose. Shows serious depth as well as surprising vivacity, offering sweet boysenberry and cherry compote flavors that become spicier with air. Supple and broad, delivering a very long, sweet finish that shows excellent clarity, harmonious tannins and lingering floral and spicecake nuances.”

Arriving ETA May:

Domaine Jamet Cotes du Rhone 2015 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 90 points “Bright violet. Lively, mineral-laced dark berry aromas are complicated by hints of licorice and peppery spices. Silky and seamless on the palate, offering gently sweet blackberry and violet pastille flavors that become deeper and fleshier with air. Sappy and energetic in character, closing with strong thrust and silky, slow-building tannins.”

Domaine Jamet Cotes du Rhone 2016 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 91 points “Bright purple. Textbook Syrah aromas of dark berries, olive, cracked pepper and smoky bacon carry a subtle floral topnote. Silky and sweet on the palate, offering juicy blackberry and cherry flavors and a touch of candied violet. Finishes on a spicy floral note; smooth tannins shape the clinging finish.”

Domaine Jamet Syrah, IGP Collines Rhodaniennes 2016 750ML ($41.95) $38 pre-arrival special
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 90 points “Limpid magenta. Spice-accented cherry and dark berry aromas are complemented by suggestions of violet, olive and cracked pepper. Spicy, energetic and sharply focused on the palate, offering bitter cherry and floral pastille flavors that open up slowly with air. Silky tannins frame the finish, which shows firm closing thrust and good persistence.”

Arriving ETA June:

Domaine Eric et Joel Durand Cornas Premices, Rhone, 2015 750ML ($39.95) $33 pre-arrival special
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 91 points “Brilliant purple. Mineral- and spice-accented aromas of cherry pit, cassis and olive, along with a subtle floral quality that expands as the wine stretches out. Juicy, appealingly sweet black and blue fruit flavors show very good clarity, and a suggestion of cracked pepper adds spicy bite. Conveys a suave blend of power and delicacy and finishes with building sweetness and velvety, even tannins.”

Domaine Eric et Joel Durand Cornas Empreintes, Rhone 2015 750ML ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 93 points “Opaque ruby. Spice-accented dark fruit, violet and olive scents, along with suggestions of smoky bacon and cracked pepper. Sweet and expansive on the palate, offering densely packed cassis, blueberry and spicecake flavors that become livelier as the wine opens up. Rich yet energetic in style, showing excellent delineation and dark fruit thrust on a very long, smooth finish framed by velvety tannins.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Arriving ETA Fall:

Delas Freres Hermitage Les Bessards, Rhone 2015 750ML ($249.95) $219 pre-arrival special
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 96 points “Inky ruby. A highly aromatic bouquet evokes candied black and blue fruits, along with complicating suggestions of smoky minerals, candied flowers, olive and vanilla. Deep, chewy and expansive in the mouth, offering impressively concentrated dark berry liqueur, fruitcake and salty olive flavors that are complicated by a hint of smoky minerality and a building floral pastille note. Distinctly rich and powerful but surprisingly graceful as well, showing noteworthy clarity and mineral-driven thrust on the strikingly long finish.”

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Three Exciting New Burgundies

From Three Producers, at Three Price-Points

Three exciting new wines, from three different producers in three different vintages, just arrived and each one represents something we love dearly about Burgundy.  The oldest, a 2010 Nuits 1er from David Duband, is a traditionally made, whole-cluster inflected beauty from a fantastic vintage (and from the first plot of land that Duband’s domain purchased).  It’ starting to drink well now but has many years (decades) of life ahead of it.  The middle wine, from Francois Lumpp, is from humbler terroir (a premier cru in the village of Givry in the Chalonnaise) but made by a master.  It’s a perfect example of how to find value in Burgundy—producer over vintage (though 2013 is very underrated) and even terroir. Lumpp is probably the most renowned name in Givry for a reason and this wine is a perfect Burgundy to drink now and over the next five-ten years.  Finally, we have Bouchard’s “baby Jesus”—probably the best vineyard in Beaune and the flagship wine in Bouchard’s stable.  The 2015 version is going to be epic and we’re excited to start opening some bottles in fifteen or so years.

Domaine David Duband Aux Thorey, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru 2010 750ML ($99.95) $79 special
Burghound 89-92 points ” A nicely broad mélange of earth, spice, red currant and blackberry gives way to rich, delicious and beautifully rendered flavors that possess excellent delineation on the vibrant, intense and driving finish. This provides an interesting contrast between the silky mid-palate and the notably firm and linear finish. This will require up to a decade of bottle age first.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine Francois Lumpp A Vigne Rouge, Givry Premier Cru 2013 750ML ($49.95) $29 special
Case-12 Domaine Francois Lumpp A Vigne Rouge, Givry Premier Cru 2013 750ML ($399.95) $319 special (that’s only $26.58/bottle!)
Burghound 89 points
“Here the expressive nose is both cooler and more restrained with its pretty and relatively high-toned nose of raspberry, cherry and tea scents. There is both good richness and verve to the delicious and delineated middle weight flavors that possess a hint of minerality on the lingering if slightly tangy and dusty finale. This is pretty but less complex and could also be enjoyed young.”
VinopolNote: Underatement! If this was a Beaune wine, it would have 91 points. The A Vignes Rouge vineyard is an outperformer. From limestone soils and with a south facing hillside exposure. Limpp’s holding is at the center of the vineyard. An unbeatable Tuesday night Burgundy.\
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Bouchard Pere & Fils Greves Vignes de L’Enfant Jesus, Beaune Premier Cru 2015 750ML ($149.95) $119 special
Burghound 92-94 points “A discreet though not invisible application of wood sets off highly complex aromas of plum liqueur and a wide range of floral elements that are trimmed in soft spice and earth notes. There is outstanding richness to the full-bodied and concentrated medium-bodied flavors that possess a seductive, even caressing mouth feel before concluding in a decidedly firm, well-balanced and slightly austere finish. This is very clearly built-to-age and should mature slowly over the next 12 to 15 years. Very impressive.”
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New Arrivals

New Arrivals: Rosé

Chateau Valcombe Ventoux Epicure Rose, Rhone 2017 750ML ($17.95) $14 special
Importer Note “The Rosé is vinified via the direct press method from a blend of Grenache Noir (60%), Cinsault (20%), Carignan (10%) and a touch of Clairette (10%). Interestingly, the vines for the Rosé are of an average age of 40 years. This is a completely dry Rosé. Organic”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Bow & Arrow Rose, Willamette Valley 2017 750ML ($19.95) $16 special
Winery Note ” Always a blend of Gamay and Pinot Noir our take on pink drink takes inspiration once again form the Loire Valley.  All Willamette Valley fruit is sourced for this stainless steel fermented study on wet rocks, grapefruit, and watermelon rinds.  Only made in years that lend themselves to making quality rose.  Our smallest production.  Gentle talk for “Limited!” ”

Domaine de Triennes Rose, IGP Var 2017 750ML ($19.95) $14 special
Case-12 Domaine de Triennes Rose, IGP Var 2017 750ML ($219.95) $149 special (that’s only $12.42/bottle!)

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Les Maitres Vignerons de la Presqu’ile de Saint-Tropez Fleur de Mer Rose, Provence 2017 750ML ($19.95) $16 special

New Arrivals: Oregon
Adelsheim Vineyard Breaking Ground Pinot Noir, Chehalem Mountains 2014 750ML ($39.95) $28 special
Josh Raynolds 91 points “Vivid red. Intense mineral- and spice-accented aromas of juicy red berries and fresh flowers pick up a hint of smokiness with air. Shows excellent clarity and spicy lift on the palate; sappy black raspberry and floral pastille flavors deepen and spread out on the back half. Finishes very long and sweet, offering smooth tannins and an incisive jolt of juicy acidity that lends refreshing cut.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $35.19
Whistling Dog Estate NSV Dijon Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2012 750ML ($19.95) $16.60 special
Winery note: From the Dijon Blocks of the Nuestro Sueno Vineyard, our estate vineyard in the Eola-Amity Hills. 59% 114 and 41% 115 clones. Aged in 43% new oak for 18 months. 100% whole berry. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.

New Arrivals: Washington
Charles Smith K Vintners ‘M.C.K. Motor City Kitty’ Syrah, Washington 2015 750ML ($41.95) $36 special
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “The 2015 Syrah Motor City Kitty Old Field Boushey Vineyard comes all from this site (planted by Brennon and Dick Boushey in 2007) in 2015 and will come from this site going forward. The site is 8 acres consisting of Phelps, 383, 174 clones that are all co-fermented in concrete uprights. It offers crazy notes of smoke tobacco, charcoal, ripe black cherries, currants, and pepper. With medium to full-bodied richness, a lively, pure, pretty style on the palate, and fine tannin, it should put on weight with 2-3 years of bottle age and keep for a decade.”

Charles Smith K Vintners River Rock Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2015 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Jeb Dunnuck 95 points “The 2015 Syrah River Rock is another rock star Syrah from this estate and it’s just about overflowing with Rocks character. Currants, smoked herbs, olive brine and some peaty notes all give way to a ripe, concentrated, seamless beauty that has loads of charm and character. With fine tannin and a layered style, it will keep for 10-15 years.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
New Arrivals: California
Talbott Vineyards Kali Hart Chardonnay, Monterey County 2016 750ML ($19.95) $16 special

Bear Flag Wines Zinfandel, Sonoma County 2015 750ML ($21.95) $18 special
Wine Spectator 92 points
“Plump and piquant, with expressive blackberry and orange zest aromas and lots of personality, accenting smoky cracked pepper and black olive flavors that build toward zesty tannins. Drink now through 2022. 11,000 cases made.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!
Snowden Vineyards The Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2014 750ML ($59.95) $36.60 special
Case-12 Snowden Vineyards The Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2014 750ML ($59.95) $399 special (that’s only $33.25/bottle!)
Antonio Galloni 93 points
“The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon The Ranch is another gorgeous wine from Snowden. Dark, racy and expressive, the 2014 boasts lovely depth and polish. Dark cherry, plum, spice, mocha and leather are all pushed forward. Gracious and medium in body, with fabulous balance, the 2014 has it all. Best of all, The Ranch is one of the best values readers will find in Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Don’t miss it!”
James Suckling 93 points “The blackberry and blueberry character is impressive with hints of walnuts too. Full body, integrated and chewy tannins and a flavorful finish. Drink in 2020.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
New Arrivals: France – Burgundy
Domaine Ghislaine Barthod Aux Beaux Bruns, Chambolle-Musigny Premier Cru 2009 750ML ($249.95) $199 special
Antonio Galloni 92 points “The 2009 Chambolle-Musigny Les Beaux-Bruns is rich immediate wine. The Beaux-Bruns shows excellent depth and mid-palate juiciness, not to mention terrific freshness for the year. There is a delineation and energy to the Beaux-Bruns that is rare in 2009.”
Stephen Tanzer 91 points “Good medium red. Very ripe cherry and raspberry aromas are enlivened by orange zest and lemon; unusually fresh for this cuvee in a hot year. Silky and fine-grained, with harmonious acidity framing the red fruit flavors. Strong and ripe but not at all overly sweet. Finishes very long, with suave tannins and good verve. Here’s another 2009 that benefited from early picking.”
Burghound 90-92 points “This is notably riper with aromas of warm earth, spice and red and blue fruit liqueur that merge into rich, generous and quite plump medium-bodied flavors that possess good mid-palate fat and a long and delicious finish. This is not the most complex wine in the range but it is very Chambolle in basic character.”

Domaine Ghislaine Barthod Les Cras, Chambolle-Musigny Premier Cru 2009 750ML ($279.95) $249 special
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2009 Chambolle-Musigny Les Cras is loaded with class and energy. There is tremendous energy in the glass as layers of dark cherries, mint, graphite, crushed rocks, spices and licorice gain volume and breath through the mid-palate and finish. I very much like the intensity and focus here. The Cras is going to need at least another few years in bottle, but it is shaping up to be truly stellar.”
Stephen Tanzer 93+ points “Good medium red. Aromas of musky raspberry, coffee and earth, with a note of sappy cherry emerging with air. Large-scaled and silky in texture but utterly unevolved today, coming across as dry and uncompromising. This youthfully imploded wine is distinctly linear today and will need extended aging to ripen in the bottle. Strong mineral and menthol notes carry through to the long aftertaste. An austere 2009 with substantial dusty tannins, but built for long life.”
Burghound 94 points “Outstanding. This is also exceptionally fresh and bright with relatively deeply pitched aromas of primarily red and blue pinot fruit that are in keeping with the rich and intensely mineral-driven medium-bodied flavors that possess excellent depth of material on the firm, long and gorgeously balanced finish. This is terrific juice though note that patience is part of the price of entry. A knockout.”

New Arrivals: France – Other

Albert Boxler Riesling Brand, Alsace Grand Cru 2014 750ML ($79.95) $59 special
April Clearance Wine !!!
Wine Advocate 93 points “From a south-facing parcel, the 2014 Riesling Grand Cru Brand displays a pure and flinty bouquet with ripe white and lemony fruit aromas intermixed with herbal flavors. Intense and piquant on the palate, this full-bodied Riesling is dense and complex, still very young but enormously mineral in the finish. The fruit is concentrated and almost tropical and the tannins are adequately firm. This Brand has a remarkable finesse and juicy character, and finishes with power and structure. Still very young but really promising. It is from a less steep plot than in the Sommerberg and from decomposed granite soils where the roots go deep.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $75

Domaine de Triennes Sainte – Fleur Viognier, IGP Var 2016 750ML ($21.95) $14 special
Case-12 Domaine de Triennes Sainte – Fleur Viognier, IGP Var 2016 750ML ($239.95) $149 special (that’s only $12.42/bottle!)

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine Charles Joguet Chinon Cuvee de la Cure, Loire 2014 750ML ($27.95) $18 special
Wine Spectator 89 points “Features a fresh red currant and pomegranate fruit core, laced with light chalk, savory and green olive accents, maintaining chalky cut through the light-bodied finish. Approachable, but pure and balanced enough to cellar for a touch. Drink now through 2020. 115 cases imported.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $21.89
New Arrivals: Italy

I Clivi di Ferdinando Zanusso RBL Brut Nature Spumante, Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2017 750ML ($27.95) $24 special
Winery note “100% Ribolla Gialla from marl and sandstone Flysch of Eocene origin soils.  30 year old vines.  Sparkling wine without re-fermentation – the gas of this wine is the one naturally produced by the fermentation of the must, and not by the refermentation of the wine.  Hence, no sugars are added.  11% alcohol.  Residual natural sugars <1.6 g/L.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!
Frank Cornelissen ‘Rosso del Contadino’ Sicilia IGT, Sicily 2016 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
Winery notes: “Our entry-level red wine is basically a field-blend of mostly Nerello Mascalese (85%) with other local varietals from all our old vine vineyards: Nerello Capuccio, Allicante Boushet, Minella and Uva Francesa. Our Contadino expresses Etna as made in a traditional way of blending different varietals: fragrant, elegant, structured with personality.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Frank Cornelissen Munjebel Rosso Terre Siciliane IGT, Sicily 2016 750ML ($89.95) $69 special
Winery note “A rich and fragrant wine of pure Nerello Mascalese from different vineyards, partly from our best parcels where we produce our crus (Zottorinoto-Chiusa Spagnolo, Feudo di Mezzo-Porcaria, Pontale Palino) as well as designated vineyards for this specific wine (Rampante, Piano Daini and Crasà). A classic, traditional Nerello Mascalese with tannins and sweetness of ripe fruit. My vision of a traditional, balanced and rich Northern Valley Etna wine.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Guido Porro Gianetto, Barolo DOCG 2011 750ML ($47.95) $28 special
Antonio Galloni 90 points “The 2011 Barolo Gianetto is expressive and open throughout, with pretty spiced and floral notes that make a positive first impression. The theme of openness continues on the mid-palate, where the wine is expressive, generous and inviting. I don’t expect the 2011 to be especially ageworthy, but it is quite delicious today. Sweet red cherry, plum, tobacco and sweet mint notes grace the finish.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $38.75
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April Sale Spectacular:

More Wines, More Discounts

April is nearly halfway over (done your taxes yet?) and wines from the April Sale have officially started to sell through.  We’ve added a few more wines over the last week to keep the selection up and so there are still a ton of great deals to be had.  We’re going to highlight a few noteworthy bottles below, but if you want to see the whole list on our website, just click here.

Domaine Vocoret et Fils Les Clos, Chablis Grand Cru 2015 750ML ($69.95) $49 Clearance Price

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Von Winning Deidesheimer Kalkofen Riesling Grosses Gewachs, Pfalz 2013 750ML ($99.95) Was $89, Now $79 Clearance Price
Wine Advocate 94 points “Bright and pale green in color, the 2013 Deidesheim Kalkofen Riesling trocken GG from predominantly old vines on limestone/marl soils offers noble upfront fruit aromas of nectarines and yellow plums. Medium to full-bodied it is the mixture of purity, piquancy, juiciness of ripe fruit and the lovely salty texture that makes the tightly woven Kalkofen one of the finest Rieslings of the 2013 vintage in Germany. Fermented in 500-liter barrels, it can age for ten or more years.” WA

Isole e Olena Collezione de Marchi Syrah Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2008 750ML ($59.95) Was $49, Now $39 Clearance Price
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2008 Syrah Collezione Privata jumps from the glass with expressive, pungent aromatics and waves of super-expressive dark red/black stone fruits. Mint, sage, tobacco, rosemary and plums all develop in the glass, adding further dimensions of complexity. An intensely floral, savory finish laced with lavender, violets, rose petals and spices rounds things out. At six years of age, the 2008 Syrah remains fresh, vibrant and impeccable in its purity. In particular, the interplay of dense fruit and cooler, varietal Syrah notes is compelling.” AG

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Le Macchiole ‘Paleo’ Bolgheri, Tuscany 2009 750ML ($119.95) $49 Clearance Price
Wine Enthusiast 98 points “Made from 100% Cabernet Franc, Paleo opens with concentrated, sweet-smelling aromas of plum, cherry and cinnamon, which translate to the palate with added notes of spice, leather and tobacco. This is bold, opulent and delicious, and it’s guaranteed to please. Hold for 10 years or more.”
Ian D’agata 94 points “(100% cabernet franc): Good full red-ruby. Knockout nose combines fresh red cherry with richer, riper aromas of raspberry jam, strawberry syrup, milk chocolate, vanilla and candied violet. At once sappy and voluminous, with lovely sweetness and flesh to the red fruit flavors. Very smooth, velvety tannins leave an impression of lingering creaminess on the extremely long finish, which features a seamlesscherry liqueur-like quality. A very ripe, almost candied style of Paleo, but it’s a pretty irresistible wine that will offer plenty of early drinking appeal.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $104.99
Massolino Moscato d’Asti DOCG, Piedmont 2016 750ML ($21.95) Was $18, Now $16 Clearance Price
Jeb Dunnuck 90 points “The 2016 Moscato D’Asti is about as delicious as it gets. Peach, orange peel, and juicy citrus all emerge from this beautiful, balanced, hard to resist beauty. Pour a full glass any time over the coming year.”
Winery note “Appearance: bright straw yellow, with fine and persistent perlage; it maintains limited pressure, as recommended by the tradition of this wine. Bouquet: tempting, immensely fresh and intense, it reveals decisive fruit notes, with a clear predominance of sage. Flavour: expansive and enveloping, but not too sweet; the typical aroma of Moscato grapes is naturally prevalent and it has a very long and delicious finish.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Weingut Donnhoff Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Beerenauslese, Nahe 2015 375ML ($179.95) Was $138, Now $125 Clearance Price
John Gilman 95 points “The 2015 Hermannshöhle BA is still a baby and was in its primary stage of development, but this will clearly be a great wine as well. The bouquet offers up scents of baked apple, tangerine, a touch of papaya, gentle smokiness, orange oil and honey. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied, bright and very, very deep, with great focus and grip, a very long, perfectly balanced and nascently complex finish. This will of course be approachable from the moment that it is released, but I would strongly suggest giving it at least four or five years in the cellar to allow it to start to really blossom and show some of the secondary layers of complexity that will come with bottle age. 2016-2075+.”

Want to see all 71 wines on our Clearance Sale? Just click here to view the entire list on our website!

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Thanks for reading!