2013: California’s Golden Vintage; Rosenthal Revisited; Bitouzet-Priuer’s Volnay Victories; Crème du Champagne; Best Riesling in Europe; Titans of Chateauneuf—Janasse Edition; Saint Cosme – Still the Best (Prices, too!) ETA June; May Sale Recap: Less Than a Week Remaining!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In 2013, California Knew How To Party
2013 is going to be considered a 21st century 1997 or 1991 for Northern California Cabernet—you know, one of those years. In a decade or two, you won’t have enough of in your cellar. For a variety of reasons, there were near-perfect growing conditions in the North Coast and the average quality of wines produced is astronomical.
It’s the best kind of ‘great vintage.’ Not only are the highs exceptionally high, but the median Cabernet from 2013 is much better than we could hope for. This is a “buy willy-nilly” kinda year. Antonio Galloni rated the Napa vintage 98+ points and wrote the following:
“98+ points. A modern-day classic for Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. An early bud break and a warm growing season during the second year of the current drought cycle led to one of the earliest harvests on record. The recently bottled 2013 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons are every bit as viscerally thrilling as they have always been in barrel. Inky, vibrant and structured, the wines possess remarkable concentration, with bright acidity and powerful tannins to back it all up. This is a vintage where the extremely high level of quality has raised all boats. Simply put, the 2013 Napa Cabernets are some of the most profound, riveting, young wines I have tasted anywhere in the world”
We’re pleased to have a few wines in stock (and more on the way) from this epic vintage and we wanted to highlight a few for you this holiday weekend.
Newly Arrived:
Bootleg Red Blend, Napa Valley 2013 750ML ($39.95) $31.90 special, 36+ bottles available
Case-12 Bootleg Red Blend, Napa Valley 2013 750ML ($419.95) $333 special, 6 cases available (that’s only $27.75/bottle! – the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Robert Parker 94 points “The 2013 Proprietary Red from Bootleg is a major sleeper of not only the vintage, but in its entire concept. There are just over 8,000 cases of this wine, which has been culled from KJ vineyards on Atlas Peak, Oakville, Mt. Veeder, Rutherford and Spring Mountain. The wine is a blend of 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Petite Sirah, 21% Zinfandel, 12% Merlot, and the rest Malbec and Petit Verdot. That’s like throwing in the entire kitchen sink, but the result is a stunningly delicious, complex, big-time, sexy style of wine with a deep, opaque purple color, a beautiful nose of blackberries and blueberries, with some lavender Provençal herbs, licorice and a touch of espresso. The wine has a fabulous texture, a plush, full-bodied mouthfeel, and beautiful purity and depth. It’s something that could only be made in California, given the blend, but it is off-the-charts in terms of its hedonistic appeal. At the same time, it is complex enough to satisfy the intellectual senses as well. Drink it over the next 5-6 years. A big-time winner.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Round Pond Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford 2013 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 36+ bottles available
Robert Parker 92 points “The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford, a blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Petit Verdot and 4% Malbec, is a beauty. It’s also realistically priced by Napa standards. The wine reveals toasty oak, blackberry and cassis fruit, beautiful texture, purity and length. This is a big-time winner and should drink well for 12-15 years.”
Antonio Galloni 92 points “Round Pond’s 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is fabulous. Aromatic, pliant and expressive, the 2013 is incredibly nuanced for such a young wine. Sweet red plum, wild flowers, mint and cinnamon meld together in a medium-bodied, gracious Cabernet that will drink well with minimal cellaring.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Gundlach-Bundschu Estate Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma Valley 2013 750ML ($44.95) $37.90 special, 18+ bottles available
Case-12 Gundlach-Bundschu Estate Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma Valley 2013 750ML ($499.95) $399 special, 2 cases available (that’s only $33.25/bottle!)
Robert Parker 92 points “The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon from Sonoma shows juicy crème de cassis fruit, black licorice, nicely integrated toasty oak, an inky purple color and a medium to full-bodied delicious style. This is certainly a major sleeper of the vintage and one of the more attractively priced world-class Cabernet Sauvignons coming out of California’s North Coast in this miraculous vintage for Bordeaux varietals. Drink now-2030+.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Arrowood Proprietary Red, California 2013 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 26 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 92 points “The 2013 Proprietary Red is dark, plush and inviting. Here, too, the flavors are lifted by the energy and brightness of the year. Sweet red cherry, plum, licorice, mint and savory herbs add nuance throughout.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Gallo Winery Winemaker’s Signature Series Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2013 750ml ($49.95) $39 special, 17 bottles available
Robert Parker 93+ points “Another outstanding effort coming from primarily Napa Valley, but with a small amount from Sonoma Valley fruit, is their blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot and 2% Petite Sirah. The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Signature Series Cabernet Sauvignon spent 19 months in 43% new French oak and 15% new American oak. A big wine from this great vintage for Bordeaux varieties, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon has a good 25-30 years of upside to it. Coming from all of the estate vineyards – most of it from the William Hill Estate, but some from Monte Rosso, this wine offers a dense, opaque bluish purple color, notes of pen ink, graphite, blackberry and blueberry, a big full-bodied, fleshy texture (15% natural alcohol) and a long finish with plenty of structured tannin and good acidity. This is a wine that proves what superb quality Gallo can produce even at the top of the hierarchy.”
Bucklin Old Hill Ranch Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County 2013 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 27 bottles available
VinopolNote: “Bucklin is known for their fantastic Zinfandel, but we love their Cabernet. This is old-school Sonoma Cab, aged in 40% new oak for 20 months. It’s got the fruit you expect from North Coast Cabernet, but in an age of 15%+ monsters, it’s nice to see someone make a wine that’s still got grip and iron to it.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Rodney Strong Single Vineyard Alexander’s Crown Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley 2013 750ML ($79.95) $66 special, 12 bottles available
Robert Parker 94 points “A famous wine from the early days of The Wine Advocate, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander’s Crown Single Vineyard comes from a lower elevation of 250 to 360 feet. The wine displays broad, sweet crème de cassis, black cherry and blueberry fruit, some licorice, graphite, a full-bodied mouthfeel, and outstanding length and purity. This is a beauty, and makes me think back to the great 1974, which was the first one I remember tasting.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Snowden Vineyards The Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2013 750ML ($59.95) $38 special, 14 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 93 points “Snowden’s 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon The Ranch is bold, delicious and juicy. Black cherry, plum, licorice and smoke all meld together effortlessly. The tannins could use another year or two to soften, but the Ranch Cabernet is going to drink well with minimal cellaring next to most wines of the vintage.” AG
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Let’s Talk About Neal, Baby
Let’s Talk About All The Good Things
Neal Rosenthal may have the best selected portfolio of wines that are nationally distributed. While Kermit Lynch gets a lot of the hype, the Rosenthal book is meticulously selected and without any filler. While many importers rationalize bringing in substandard estates because “they’ll sell,” Neal Rosenthal has for a long time believed that if the wines aren’t good, he doesn’t want his name on them. The result is a long-running relationship with a select number of estates that he believes represent the apogee of traditional wines in their regions.
The other thing that’s notable about Neal Rosenthal is his willingness to put his money where his convictions are. Long before the Alto-Piedmonte was fashionable or before the American public cared about estate-bottled (vs. negociant) Burgundy, the Rosenthal warehouse in New York was full wines in those categories—bought and paid for on the belief that he would find a way to sell them.
We’re highlighting a few wines today that will arrive in a few weeks, from all over Europe. They range from a wonderful Cremant from Alsace that has raciness and delicacy to rival a blanc de blancs Champagne to some of the finest (and most underrated) traditional Brunello from La Torre. We’ve also got some really fine wines coming in from Gravner, the noted Friulian iconoclast, as well as some great wines from Beaujolais. These are all worth paying attention to and worth your time and money.
ETA Early June – At The Best Prices in the Country
Domaine Bechtold Cremant d’Alsace Brut 2014 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 pre-arrival special
“The soul of raciness and finesse, this wine is equal parts Chardonnay and Auxerrois from the 2013 vintage, bottled with no dosage, and disgorged in May of 2015. Electric and citrusy, with the earthy depth of the Auxerrois grape coming through on the palate, and firm limestone-y minerality on the finish.”–Importer note
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Azienda Agricola La Torre Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2012 750ML ($69.95) $59 pre-arrival special
“fermented in stainless steel for three weeks. It is then racked into large barrels (“botte” made by Gargalotto and of Slavonian origin) and left to age in cask for forty-two months. A small part of the wine (approximately 17%) destined for Brunello status spends 12 months in small barrel. The wine for the Brunello is selected from the oldest vines and the most well-positioned vineyards.”–Importer note
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Azienda Agricola La Torre Rosso di Montalcino, Tuscany 2015 750ML ($37.95) $29.50 pre-arrival special
“aged for 18 months in large oak casks of French origin with about 10% of the ultimate cuvée being aged in small French barrels. The vines for this wine also face full-south. One thousand or so cases of the Rosso di Montalcino are produced annually.”–Importer note
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Gravner Breg Anfora Venezia Giulia IGT, Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2008 750ML ($89.95) $77 pre-arrival special
“Grape blend obtained from different vine varieties (Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Pinot grigio and Riesling italico) which are fermented separately and aged together. While fermenting in Georgian amphorae buried underground, it underwent a long maceration with wild yeasts and no temperature control. After the drawing off and pressing phases the wine was poured back into amphorae for five more months before it started ageing in large oak barrels, where it was left for six years. Wine is bottled without fining or filtration.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Gravner Anfora Ribolla Gialla Venezia Giulia IGT, Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2008 750ML ($89.95) $79 pre-arrival special
“Made from Ribolla grapes which have been cultivated in this area for more than a thousand years. While fermenting in Georgian amphorae buried underground, it underwent a long maceration with wild yeasts and no temperature control. After the drawing off and pressing phases the wine was poured back into amphorae for at least five more months before it started ageing in large oak barrels, where it was left for six years. Wine is bottled without fining or filtration.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Cappellano Barolo Chinato, Piedmont NV 500ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 93 points “Cappellano’s Barolo Chinato, which is more on the savory side of things, is a personal favorite.”
Importer note “Giovanni [grandfather to the current owner]’s brother, Giuseppe, was a pharmacist who created the family formula for their famous (then and again now) Barolo Chinato, the Barolo infused with a variety of “medicines”. The Barolo Chinato is produced by following the family recipe handed down generation to generation. The “medicinal” herbs and spices are ground using a stone mortar and pestle. Both the recipe and the process are family secrets.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Domaine de la Chapelle des Bois Fleurie Cuvee Vieilles Vignes de la Cadole, Beaujolais 2014 750ML ($21.95) $19 pre-arrival special
“This cuvée of Fleurie is sourced from a single parcel planted to vines eighty years old. In contrast to the other wines of the domaine, this special selection is aged 12 months in large, older foudres to best express its formidable character. Surprisingly, this structured wine is supremely elegant and fine; and, it is surely capable of providing pleasure over an extended period of time.”–Importer note
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine de la Chapelle des Bois Morgon ‘Les Rontay’, Beaujolais 2014 750ML ($21.95) $19 pre-arrival special
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Very Secret Volnay
Bitouzet-Priuer’s Classic Burgundy
Blame the internet. It’s no longer possible for there to be secrets in Burgundy—the days of incredible wines that fly completely under the radar are gone. Mostly. There are a few names, most notably Bitouzet-Priuer, out there making wines that we love at prices and quantities that don’t match the quality coming out of the bottle, at least for now.
We’ve seen prices rise a little and allocations tighten for the Bitouzet-Priuer wines, from Volnay, which is new to us. The wines have always been great and more than fairly priced; but it seemed like we’d be able to get as much as we’d like and while this is/was true with the 2011’s and 12’s (the domain releases wines later than some), it looks like going forward they’re becoming more widely known.
Neil Rosenthal imports these (which really is all the quality stamp you need) and describes them in a way we totally agree with: “Based in Volnay and blessed with extensive holdings in Meursault as well, this domaine is a tried and true standard bearer for all that is fundamentally good and sound in Burgundy: conscientious and sensitive work in the vineyards, respect above all for the specific character of each lieu-dit, patience and attention to detail in the cellar, and a commitment to producing wines of depth and, of critical importance, longevity.”
We wanted to highlight a few wines from the newly released 2013 vintage, arriving later in June, as well as the last of the ‘11’s and ‘12’s that we have hanging out. Feel free to visit our web store to see all of their wines that we have in stock and coming soon!
Arriving Late June
Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur Les Cent Vignes, Beaune Premier Cru 2013 750ML ($49.95) $41.90 pre-arrival special
Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 90 points “Bright red. Very primary, vibrant aromas of raspberry, rose petal and mint. Juicy and tightly wound, showing lovely intensity and energy but a medicinal reserve in the early going. I like the combination of density and airiness. Finishes with excellent cut and verve.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $46.99
Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur Pitures, Volnay Premier Cru 2013 750ML ($59.95) $56 pre-arrival special
Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 92+ points “Bright red. Classy but reticent nose hints at bitter cherry. Densely packed and seriously concentrated, showing superb stony lift to the flavors of black cherry, violet and licorice. Really wonderful 2013 energy and density here, along with sneaky sweetness of fruit. Shows a youthful medicinal aspect but this is a bomb of primary dark fruits (Bitouzet described it as “a Pommard that changed its sex”). Finishes broad and long, with ripe, dusty tannins.”
Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur Taillepieds, Volnay Premier Cru 2013 750ML ($59.95) $56 pre-arrival special
Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 91+ points “Healthy dark red. Very primary nose hints at black cherry, menthol and bitter chocolate lifted by a floral topnote. Then sappy and saline on the palate, showing very good chewy concentration and medicinal reserve. Quite reticent today but displays a terrific balance between sweetness and firm minerality. Bitouzet wishes he made big bottles of this juice.”
Highlights In Stock Now:
Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur Les Cent Vignes, Beaune Premier Cru 2011 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 11 bottles available
Antonio Galloni–Vinous 90 points “Sweet rose petals, rosewater, violets, mint, hard candy and crushed rocks are some of the many notes that take shape in the 2011 Beaune Cent-Vignes. Wonderfully pointed and pure, the 2011 impresses for its energy, tension and pure verve. There is plenty of potential here, but readers will need to give the 2011 a few years to soften.” AG
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur Les Caillerets, Volnay Premier Cru 2011 750ML ($79.95) $59 special, 31 bottles available
Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur Les Caillerets, Volnay Premier Cru 2011 1.5L ($179.95) $119 special, 6 magnums available
Antonio Galloni–Vinous 93 points “The 2011 Volnay Caillerets is one of the most explosive wines in this range. Black cherries, plums, licorice, smoke and tar literally jump from the glass. The 2011 is round and voluptuous on the palate, yet also backed up by considerable structure. Hints of cloves, new leather and sweet tobacco add the final layers of nuance. In 2011 there are just three barrels of Caillerets, one of which is new, a slightly higher ratio than is typically the case.” AG
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur Pitures, Volnay Premier Cru 2012 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 14 bottles available
Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur Pitures, Volnay Premier Cru 2012 1.5L ($149.95) $119 special, 10 magnums available
Antonio Galloni 91-93 points “The estate’s 2012 Volnay Pitures is the most massively tannic of these wines. Dark, rich and powerful, the 2012 is laced with black cherries, new leather, cloves and menthol, all supported by huge, incisive tannins. I would give the tannins a few years to soften, but the Pitures is likely to remain intense and even a bit rustic, especially in comparison to the other 2012s here.”
This is the lowest listed price for a magnum in the USA today!
Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur Taillepieds, Volnay Premier Cru 2012 1.5L ($149.95) $119 special, 7 magnums available
Antonio Galloni 91-93+ points “A layered, totally exquisite wine, the 2012 Volnay Taillepieds impresses for its balance above all else. The aromas and flavors are beautifully detailed and nuanced in a Taillepieds that is all about crystalline purity. This tasting catches the 2012 in a slightly raw, unpolished state, but nothing a little time in bottle won’t take care of.”
This is the lowest listed price for a magnum in the USA today!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
High Impact Champagne
There’s always a time for Champagne—especially the best of Champagne. We’ve been asked recently to put together a “best of” list for different sections of our store, so we figured we’d start with an aperitif of some bubbles, if you will. There’s obviously a lot more to what we have, so feel free to visit our website, www.vinopoliswineshop.com, to see all 70 different bottlings we have in stock!
Arriving in Early June:
Jacquesson Extra Brut Sillery Grand Cru, Champagne 1996 750ML ($249.95) $219 pre-arrival special
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Highlights of Select Champagnes In Stock Now:
Jacques Selosse Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Millesime, Champagne 2003 750ML ($519.95) $399 special, 8 bottles available
James Suckling 97 points “A wine that has an absolutely unique character, Selosse has interpreted a truly extraordinary vintage with poetic insight. He describes the double stresses of an April frost that claimed 75% of the yield in Avize, coupled with a very hot and dry June and August. He speaks of the evapotranspiration and the effect of depositing an immense amount of mineral residue into the plant, which has manifested in this striking wine, and compares it to a chef reducing and concentrating a sauce. The smoky, toasty notes are more than autolysis; you can smell the heat of the vintage here. It has profound stony and chalky aromas, gentle spices, grilled hazelnuts and dehydrated stone fruits. The minerals explode onto the palate. It’s electric, hitting like an ionic blast before rolling out dark nutty flavors ahead of plush orange and ripe nectarine, peach and big, rich phenolics. It has many layers through the finish. Extremely long, balanced and resolved. Drink now or age confidently for a fascinating savory journey – this has a sturdy nature.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Philipponnat Clos des Goisses Brut, Champagne 1996 750ML ($399.95) $348 special, 5 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 97 points (December 2015); Antonio Galloni 96 points (March 2015) “One of the all time greats from Philipponnat, the 1996 Clos des Goisses captures the essence of a vintage in which both sugars and acidities were elevated. Tension, energy and salinity are the signatures. Readers who can wait on the 1996 will be rewarded with a stunning bottle of Champagne that will likely still be profound at age fifty.”
Salon Cuvee ‘S’ Le Mesnil Blanc de Blancs, Champagne 2004 1.5L ($1499.95) $989 special, 2 magnums available
Antonio Galloni 97+ points “The 2004 Salon has been superb each time I have tasted it over the last year or so. Bright, tense and crystalline, with all of the energy that is typical of both Salon and the vintage in the Côte des Blancs, the 2004 bristles with superb precision and cool, pulsating minerality. The 2004 spent a dozen years on its lees. Over the last six months or so, it has gradually begun to open up, but it is very much a wine for the cellar. Two thousand four is remembered as a vintage with record high yields. Salon (and Delamotte) did a terrific job in keeping the vines well balanced. Production was just 46,000 bottles, as opposed to the 60,000 or so that is more typical. Chef de Caves Michel Fauconnet opted for a low dosage of just 4 grams per liter. This is a tremendous showing.”
Jean-Baptiste Geoffroy ‘Les Houtrants Complantes’ Premier Cru Brut Nature, Champagne NV 750ML ($219.95) $188 special, 11 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 94 points “Rene Geoffroy’s NV Brut Les Houtrants is superb. Les Houtrants emerges from a field blend of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay, Arbanne and Petit Meslier. Vivid and light on its feet, with striking, translucent detail, the Houtrants is a wine of total precision. Striking aromatics and overall presence elevate the Houtrants to its place among the most compelling new releases of the season. The current release is a blend of 2010, 2009 and 2008 vintages, bottled with no dosage. Disgorged: November 2015.”
Vinopolnote- Our offer is the June 2015 disgorgment of the same vintage blend.
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Pol Roger Cuvee Sir Winston Churchill, Champagne 2000 1.5L ($519.95) $419 special, 3 magnums available
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The first thing that is evident about the 2000 Brut Cuvee Sir Winston Churchill is its finesse and total silkiness. The 2000 is a rich, creamy and deeply expressive Winston Churchill. I don’t see the 2000 being an especially long-term ager, but it is wonderfully radiant and open today. Hints of pastry, spice, apricots and succulent ripe pears blossom on the expansive, broad-shouldered finish. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2030.” AG
This is the lowest listed price for a magnum in the USA today!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Best Riesling in Europe!
Weingut Malat Takes Home Top Prize
Michael Malat isn’t the most well-known Austrian winemaker to the American public, but that might soon change. He recently took home the top prize in the 2016 Best of Riesling competition, hosted by the renowned Meininger Verlag publishing house. His 2010 Malat Silberbichl Riesling Kremstal Reserve took the top honors (Best Riesling in Europe) out of a field of more than 2,600 Rieslings from around the world and we’re excited to offer it to you today! We didn’t get much (as you’d expect) so if this intrigues you, make sure to get you order in early.
Just Arrived:
Malat Silberbichl Riesling Reserve Erste OTW Lage, Kremstal 2010 750ML ($79.95) $69 special
Falstaff Magazine tasting note: “[Translated] Light yellow-green. Aromas of fresh peaches and ground herbs with nuances of pineapple, orange zest, and wildflower honey. Firm texture on the palate with notes of apple preserves. It has a crisp acid structure that is vibrant and mineral. Aromas of apricot on the finish. Will benefit from some cellaring.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Austrian winemaker Michael Malat has captured his biggest international award to date. At the recently held Best Of Riesling 2016 competition in Germany’s Rheinland Pfalz (Rhineland-Palatinate), Malat’s Riesling Silberbichl Reserve 2010 was awarded the “Best European Riesling” title. This champion Riesling was selected from among the approximately 2600 wines that were entered into the competition – the largest Riesling tasting in the world – from 14 countries on 3 continents. At the contest, 100 specialist judges tasted through the vast array of wines to determine which ones were the best of the best. Ultimately, one wine – the Riesling Silberbichl 1ÖTW Erste Lage Kremstal Reserve 2010 from Weingut Malat – was singled out as the “Best European Riesling”.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Domaine de la Janasse
Neuf-Age Chateauneuf
We’re pleased to be able to offer two glorious examples of 2012 Chateauneuf-du-Pape from one of the most prestigious (yet still affordable) estates in the region. Family-owned and -run, Domaine de la Janasse grows and makes their wine with a sense of pride and tradition. Careful attention in the vineyard and cellar allows nature to work its magic alongside the Janasse team’s expertise. The Chaupin, a fresh and lively wine, consists of 100% Grenache including fruit from 100-year-old vines. The Vielles Vignes represents the estate’s crown jewel: Grenache, Mourvedre, and other varieties combine to make a deep, brooding red that longs for cellar time.
On the vintage: “this vintage produced rich, fruit-loaded and moderately concentrated wines that will drink well in their youth and evolve nicely on their balance and harmony…” –Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Advocate
Domaine de la Janasse Wines Available Here Now:
Domaine de la Janasse Cotes Du Rhone Rose, Rhone 2015 750ML ($19.95) $16 special, 36+ bottles available
VinopolNote: A versatile rose with savory, herbal notes from a legendary Chateauneuf producer. A blend of Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault grown in clay limestone, galets and sandy soil. Practicing organic & biodynamic.
Importer note “Hand harvested and fermentation in tank, vines are between 10 and 60 years old. Wine is aged for 4 months in tank. A fruity and generous rosé with strawberry and clay aromas. Drink within the next two years.”
Domaine de la Janasse Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Chaupin 2012 750ML ($79.95) $59 special, 36+ bottles available
Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2012 Châteauneuf du Pape Cuvee Chaupin, which I was able to taste (and drink) from multiple bottles, is a beautiful Grenache that comes from the cooler, northeastern edge of the appellation. Coming almost all from the Chapouin lieu-dit (it gets a small bit from La Janasse), it gives up the classic notes of black berries, spring flowers, violets, and licorice that I always seem to find in this cuvee. Building nicely on the palate, it is medium to full-bodied, beautifully textured, has tons of sweet fruit and solid, if not firm, tannin that come out on the finish. It will be better in another couple of years and have 15+ years of overall longevity.”
Domaine de la Janasse Cuvee Vieilles Vignes, Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2012 750ML ($119.95) $89 special, 36+ bottles available
Wine Advocate 96 points “Up in the top handful of wines in the vintage (which should come as no surprise to anyone who follows this estate), the 2012 Châteauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes is a full-bodied, beautifully concentrated, rich and layered Châteauneuf that doesn’t put a foot wrong. Made from 85% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre and the rest Syrah, it offers blockbuster notes of blackberry, liquid-violets, spice and serious minerality to go with awesome mid-palate depth and layers of sweet tannin. Like the Cuvee Chaupin, it will be better in another handful of years and thrill through 2027.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Saint Cosme 2015’s:
Still the Best (Prices, too!)
ETA June
2015 will be remembered as the year of glory in winemaking around the world. Burgundy was Great. Beaujolais was Great. The Mosel was Great. Champagne is looking promising. Even our local winemakers are embracing the vintage. And the list goes on.
So it should not come as much of a surprise to those lucky lovers of the rich and expressive wines of the Southern Rhone: it too was a Great and Glorious vintage. We’ve only just begun to see offers, so we’re excited to announce this offer from one of our favorite Southern Rhone estates: Chateau de Saint Cosme.
At this point, Saint Cosme is one of our “core wineries.” They remain a reference point producer in the Rhone, producing incredible wines from both the Southern and Northern Rhone. Their single vineyard Gigondas are perhaps the highest regarded wines they make, but we have found that the wines they make from Côte Rôtie and Condrieu stand up with the best wines in the portfolio. We’re excited to offer all of the 2015’s we can get our hands on and if you’d like to see the full list of wines on our website, just click here.
Highlight of Saint Cosme Wines Arriving in June:
Chateau de Saint Cosme Le Poste Blanc, Cotes du Rhone 2015 750ML ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 91-92 points “(sourced from vines planted in 1963 in the heart of Gigondas): Green-tinged yellow. Vibrant, mineral-accented citrus and orchard fruit aromas are complemented by suggestions of white flowers and ginger. Juicy, focused and pure, offering vibrant orange, pear skin and white peach flavors underscored by a chalky mineral element. Becomes deeper and fleshier with air white maintaining vivacity, and finishes with excellent clarity, power and persistence.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Saint Cosme Cote Rotie, Rhone 2015 750ML ($69.95) $53.50 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Saint Cosme Cote Rotie, Rhone 2015 750ML ($359.95) $299 pre-arrival special (that’s only $49.83/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 92-94 points “(50% new oak): Glass-staining ruby. Heady, exotically perfumed red and dark berry scents are complicated by suggestions of star anise, violet and cola. Sweet, seamless and penetrating in the mouth, offering intense boysenberry and black raspberry flavors that deepen steadily on the back half. Rich yet lithe, with strong closing thrust and silky, even tannins lending framework and gentle grip.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Saint Cosme Crozes-Hermitage, Rhone 2015 750ML ($29.95) $26 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Saint Cosme Crozes-Hermitage, Rhone 2015 750ML ($169.95) $139 pre-arrival special (that’s only $23.17/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 91-93 points “Bright violet. Vibrant dark berry, violet and licorice aromas are complemented by suggestions of olive and woodsmoke. Palate-staining blackberry and bitter cherry flavors are joined by peppery spice and mineral qualities that build on the back half. Manages to be at once rich and energetic, carrying no excess fat. The very long, juicy finish is framed by harmonious tannins and leaves behind a sappy dark berry note.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Saint Cosme Saint-Joseph, Rhone 2015 750ML ($34.95) $28 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Saint Cosme Saint-Joseph, Rhone 2015 750ML ($179.95) $149 pre-arrival special (that’s only $24.83/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 91-93 points “Inky ruby. Powerful aromas of blackberry, violet and woodsmoke, plus a hint of cola that emerges with aeration. Sweet, densely packed and full-bodied, offering ripe cassis, blackberry, violet pastille and licorice flavors given lift and spine by juicy acidity. Spreads out and becomes spicier on the impressively long finish, which features chewy tannins and a sexy floral nuance.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas, Rhone 2015 750ML ($41.95) $33 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas, Rhone 2015 750ML ($239.95) $179 pre-arrival special (that’s only $29.83/bottle!)
Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas, Rhone 2015 1.5L ($79.95) $66 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 91-93 points “Starting with the 2015 Gigondas Classique from Barruol, this blend of 70% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre and the rest Syrah and Cinsault will be a wine that readers will want to stockpile. Full-bodied, rich, beautifully textured and layered, with killer notes of crème de cassis, white pepper, spice and garrigue, it’s a classic Gigondas that will drink well for 15+ years.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas Hominis Fides, Rhone 2015 750ML ($119.95) $99 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 97-99 points “A wine that might rival the 2007, the 2015 Gigondas Hominis Fides (100% Grenache from sandy soils located just down from the estate) offers full-bodied, massive and unctuous notes of currants, crushed rocks, smoked meats and licorice. Fermented with 100% whole clusters and aged mostly in older barrels, this sensational Gigondas might end up being the wine of the vintage, from the entire Southern Rhone valley! It has masses of tannin, so it’s going to require patience.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $227.83 (yikes!)
Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas Le Claux, Rhone 2015 750ML ($119.95) $99 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 97-99 points “Another wine that might flirt with perfection is the 2015 Gigondas le Claux. It’s also 100% Grenache and comes from a site just across the road from the Hominis Fides cuvee. The soils here are slightly more limestone-based, and like all of the wine here, it’s fermented with no destemming and aged mostly in old barrels (20% is new). Camphor, currants, incense, graphite, crushed rocks and licorice all soar from this thriller and it has full-bodied richness, an incredible texture and a blockbuster finish. It will have 2-3 decades of overall longevity.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $169.99 (ouch!)
Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas Le Poste, Rhone 2015 750ML ($99.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 94-96 points “The 2015 Gigondas le Poste is a classic expression of this vineyard and shows the more elegant, perfumed style that always comes from this site. Violets, flowers, raspberries, blueberries and green herbs all emerge from this full-bodied, lengthy and impeccably balanced Gigondas that has ultra-fine tannin and perfectly integrated acidity. Brought up just like the other two single vineyard releases, this beauty will be more accessible in its youth, yet I suspect it will age just as long.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas Valbelle, Rhone 2015 750ML ($69.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 94-96 points “Incorporating 10% Syrah, the Grenache-dominated 2015 Gigondas Cuvee Valbelle is another heavenly wine from Louis Barruol. Full-bodied, seamless and elegant, with lots of crème de cassis, crushed flowers, incense and white pepper, it has a touch less mid-palate depth than the single vineyards, but is impeccably balanced and will have two decades of longevity.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
May Sale Recap
This sale ends in five days!
