Weekend VinopolPick 9-4-20

In Today’s Newsletter:

First Offer!
98 Points, Under $60
Isole e Olena’s Stunning ’16 Syrah


Castello di Ama Subscriber Special


Newly Arrived
Cameron Reserve Pinot Noir


New Reviews for Oregon Chard Stars

#Trending

Drappier’s Carte d’Or:
Great NV Champagne from a Forward-Thinking House


’16 Felsina Rancia and Riserva, Restocked
Plus, The New Vintage of Fontalloro!


Plus, First Offer: 2017 Montevertine!

Collectors Corner
New Wines from Lucien Le Moine
Star of Burgundy, Heir To Jayer


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First Offer!

Isole e Olena’s Stunning ’16 Syrah

98 Points, Under $60


Tuscany may not be the first place you think of for Syrah, but the second you try Isole e Olena’s stunning ’16, that’ll change. They take full advantage of Tuscany’s warm, Mediterranean climate to ripen the grape to it’s rich, powerful potential and then age it lovingly in top-tier French oak before bottling.  2016 is one of the greatest vintages in modern Tuscan history and Isole e Olena absolutely killed it with this bottling.  Lovers of Alban and Cayuse take note—this is a world class wine for under $60.

Arriving Friday, September 11th:

Isole e Olena Collezione Privata Syrah, Tuscany 2016 750ML ($79.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Isole e Olena Collezione Privata Syrah, Tuscany 2016 750ML ($479.95) $324 pre-arrival special (that’s only $54/bottle!)
Antonio Galloni 98 points
“The 2016 Syrah is a fascinating contrast to the 2015. The cooler vintage (vis-à-vis) 2015 yielded a perfumed, silky wine that dazzled with finesse. Silky tannins wrap around a core of dark blue/purplish fruit, lavender, spice, menthol and licorice. Vivid and finely sculpted, with tremendous nuance, the 2016 has it all. Paolo De Marchi did five vinifications and used a touch of whole clusters in all the lots, which really seems to bring out an extra dimension of aromatic complexity.”
Wine Advocate 96 points “I absolutely love this profound and beautiful Syrah from Tuscany. The 2016 Syrah Collezione Privata offers a unique interpretation of the grape that delivers much of the heft, power, smokiness and textural richness of the French grape, however it also shows purely Italian flares of grilled herb, blue flower, moist earth and Toscano cigar. Bold cherry fruit fills the core of this wine, and there is plenty of padding and extra richness at the edges. The wine is rich, velvety and long in terms of mouthfeel. It ages in oak for 18 months. Some 5,000 bottles were made. -ML”


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Castello di Ama Subscriber Special

Andy:
Castello di Ama is on a tear with their latest offerings, especially if you’re looking for something slightly more modern and ready to drink immediately. The ’17 Classico was the juiciest Chianti I have had in recent memory. Layer upon layer of ripe and ready fruits underscored by brown spice and a little pepper giving it just enough dry edge to the finish to let you know that it is indeed from Tuscany. Otherwise, this was just luscious and fun to drink. The acidity was not the characteristic driving the bus here, but instead was almost inseparable from the fruit. A young vine offering to open now!

The 14 Gran Selezione was playing its part as the dark brooding type, but is not one that is built for the long haul in the cellar. There is spice and vibrant floral notes on the nose, right alongside the tart cherry and wild blackberry fruit. This is a wine that is not embarrassed to be modern and forward, rather it is bold and ready to go. The tannins, while very present, are super silky and polished. I have come to expect the unexpected from the Gran Selezione designation, but was surprised by this wine’s ability to immediately run at full speed. I decanted this for maybe a half-hour, tops, but it seemed as though I could have expected the same results just by pouring it in my glass. I would ordinarily mention how the wine performed over a couple of days, but, ahem, the world may never know. For a Gran Selezione under $50 $40, you should be pleased and ready to enjoy!

Save 5% on any mix of 6-11 bottles of Castello di Ama wines
10% on any mix of 12+ bottles of Castello di Ama wines
Subscriber Special Discount Will Not Display Online
We Will Manually Adjust Your Order Before Finalizing It
Discount Valid Until Monday, September 7th at 6PM


In Stock Now:

Castello Di Ama Chianti Classico ‘Ama’ 2017 ($34.95) $28 Displayed Price, that’s $26.60 at 5% off and $25.20 at 10% off
Wine Enthusiast 95 points
“Rose, mature red berry and wild herb aromas mingle with a balsamic whiff of eucalyptus. The delicious, polished palate boasts a restrained elegance, delivering juicy Marasca cherry, crushed raspberry, star anise and white pepper alongside refined tannins. Fresh acidity keeps it balanced and lends just enough tension. Drink through 2023.”
Antonio Galloni 92 points “The 2017 Chianti Classico Ama is fabulous. Racy and voluptuous to the core the Ama captures all the richness of the vintage while retaining a great deal of aromatic freshness and energy. Succulent red cherry, plum, rose petal, mint and sweet spice build in an open-knit, inviting Chianti Classico that hits all the right notes. This is a terrific showing from Ama’s young-vine Chianti Classico bottling.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Castello di Ama ‘San Lorenzo’ Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2014 750ML ($59.95) $39 Displayed Price, that’s $37.05 at 5% off and $35.10 at 10% off
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 93+ points
“The 2014 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione San Lorenzo flaunts its importance. It boasts confidence and an outward-looking personality that comes as a refreshing surprise. Like all Gran Selezione wines, it is released 30 months after January 1st following the harvest. That means it still has a few more months to go before it hits the market. This expression of Sangiovese shows depth and power with ripe fruit tones of cherry and forest berry. Like many of the other high profile wines I preview-tasted from the difficult 2014 vintage, I am delighted and surprised by the elegant and soft nature of the mature tannins. The wine’s finish offers bright freshness with layers of dark fruit, wet earth and forest floor.”
Wine Enthusiast 93 points “Aromas of exotic spice, pipe tobacco, woodland berry and a whiff of French oak take center stage on this fragrant, elegant red. The racy, ethereal palate delivers tart red cherry, tart pomegranate, cinnamon and vanilla framed in taut fine-grained tannins and vibrant acidity. Drink 2019–2026.”
James Suckling 93 points “This is extremely tangy with plenty of chocolate and lemon character and hints of cedar, too. Medium body, bright acidity and chocolatey aftertaste. Very refined and well-crafted for a 2014. Drink now.”

This was the lowest listed price in the USA today,
Now it’s even lower!

Castello di Ama ‘San Lorenzo’ Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2013 1.5L ($119.95) $99 Displayed Price, that’s $94.05 at 5% off and $89.10 at 10% off
Kerin O’Keefe-Wine Enthusiast 95 points
“Fragrant and refined, this radiant wine opens with scents of violet, red berry, baking spice and a whiff of plum. The chiseled palate delivers succulent wild cherry, white pepper, cinnamon and star anise alongside firm, refined tannins. It boasts a long licorice finish while bright acidity lends balance. It’s already delicious but hold for even more complexity. Drink 2020–2033.”
James Suckling 95 points “Tight and super silky with a gorgeous density and precision that gives great polish to the tannins. Makes them almost dusty. Lots of subtle dark berry, mineral and spice. Drink or hold.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Castello Di Ama Chianti Classico ‘Ama’ 2015 1.5L ($69.95) $49 Displayed Price, that’s $46.55 at 5% off and $44.10 at 10% off
James Suckling 92 points
“So much sweet tobacco and cherry character here with hints of smoked meat. Medium body, fine tannins and a bright and fruity finish. Acid tension give this definition. Tangy. Drink now.”
Wine Spectator 90 points “The raspberry and cherry flavors are immediate in this elegant, balanced red, followed by accents of earth and spice. Not excessively long, but well-proportioned. Drink now through 2022. 900 cases imported.”

This was the lowest listed price in the USA today,
Now it’s even lower!

Save 5% on any mix of 6-11 bottles of Castello di Ama wines
10% on any mix of 12+ bottles of Castello di Ama wines
Subscriber Special Discount Will Not Display Online
We Will Manually Adjust Your Order Before Finalizing It
Discount Valid Until Monday, September 7th at 6PM
 
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Newly Arrived

Cameron Dundee Hills Reserve Pinot Noir


 
Cameron holds a special place in the heart of anyone who loves Oregon wine.  Winemaker John Paul has been making some of the best wines to come out of the Willamette Valley since 1984.  The wines have Burgundian sensibilities, in that they age extremely well and have impeccable balance, but they are as ‘Oregon’ as they come.  If you were to ask a selection of winemakers here who their top 5 wineries are; Cameron will be in every list.

There are two main vineyards, Clos Electrique and Abbey Ridge, both in the Dundee Hills AVA.  The Clos (named after the electric deer fence that surrounds the property) makes slightly more powerful wines, while Abbey Ridge (at higher elevation) produces wines with a little more acidity and structure.  The whites are complex and intense as well.

Cameron is also notable for being the leading member of the Deep Roots Coalition—an organization of wineries that are committed to dry farming and for being one of the most thoughtful farmers in the valley.  In every measurable respect these are some of the finest wines made in the US today, and we’re proud to announce the release of the 2018 Dundee Hills Reserve Pinot Noir.  It’s up there with the finest versions of the editions of this bottling they’ve made—richer than usual but with electric balance and energy.

Just Arrived, In Stock Now:

Cameron Winery Reserve Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2018 750ML ($39.95) $36 special
Case-6 Cameron Winery Reserve Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2018 750ML ($289.95) $195 special (that’s only $32.50/bottle —the lowest listed price in the country!)
VinopolNote
: This year’s edition is almost entirely from Abbey Ridge, with one barrel of Clos Electrique sneaking into the blend.  Full of black cherry fruit with hints of Italian plum and damp earth, it’s a richer, denser version of the wine that nonetheless carries that classic Cameron energy and drive. Delicious now, it’ll age beautifully, as well.


Other Cameron highlights, in stock now:

Cameron Winery Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2018 750ML (29.95) $27 special
Case-12 Cameron Winery Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2018 750ML ($349.95) $315 special (that’s only $26.25/bottle —the lowest listed price in the country!)
Grapelive 93 points
“The beautiful and dark profiled Cameron Dundee Hills Pinot is one of the best values of the vintage with gorgeous detail and much less reductive notes than usually show in these young Cameron Pinots showing an array of expressive flavors and floral aromas. The 2018 Cameron Dundee Hills Pinot, by the legendary John Paul, one of Oregon’s hall of fame winemakers is very Vosne-Romannee like and at 13.4% is wonderfully balance and full of energy with layers of black cherry, mulberry, currant, strawberry and plum fruits, crushed rose petals, orange tea, delicate earth and loaminess and red spices. With air this exceptional wine adds mineral, sweet herb and smoky wood notes with touches of vanilla and cedar adding just the right amount of luxurious accents here. It’s very interesting, this Willamette Pinot takes on a personality that actually reminds me of Assmannshausen Spatbergunder.… which are wines that in some vintages are as good as Pinot Noir can ever hope to get. Both Clos Electrique and Abbey Ridge use organic treatments and holistic farming methods and have a variety of clonal material with John Paul preferring old heritage clones which he painstakingly collected himself and the yields are limited to produce wines of depth and concentration.  John Paul’s Pinots are always made from non-irrigated vines and in this case was sourced from his own Abbey Ridge and Clos Electrique cru vineyards set of the classic Jory (red iron rich) volcanic soils which give this regions wines their unique personalities and distinction, which I find adds complex and exotic nuances nd makes Dundee special. This 2018 is fresh and has a deep garnet and ruby hue in the glass that beautifully captures the light and the texture is satiny and the length is very rewarding, making it an insanely good value and a wine that will excel with cuisine, especially with seared duck breast, pepper crusted ahi, blackened salmon and even smoked meats. This 2018, not an easy vintage for the Oregon winemakers, is very charming and the brave and skilled were rewarded with some incredible Pinot Noirs, like this one from Cameron, it is a wine to stock up on for mid term drinking, 3 to 5 years. Cameron usually allows their Pinot to age a minimum of 18 months and sometimes closer to 22 months.”

Cameron Dundee Hills Reserve Chardonnay 2018 750ML ($39.95) $36 special
Case-6 Cameron Dundee Hills Reserve Chardonnay 2018 750ML ($289.95) $195 special (that’s only $32.50/bottle!)
VinopolNote
: The ‘Reserve’ level of Cameron Chardonnay is an incredible deal.  Made of declassified barrels of Clos Electrique and Abbey Ridge, so without the new oak that the lower level bottling sees, this wine shows facets of the grace and intensity of Abbey and the Clos without the price tag of those higher end bottlings.

We have 15 different bottlings from Cameron in stock right now!
Head to our webstore to see the entire list!

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Have Wine Ready to Pick Up?

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


#503-223-6002



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

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New Reviews for Oregon Chard Stars

“The last five vintages, which have been uniformly excellent in Oregon, presented winemakers with a golden opportunity to produce truly world-class wines from all varieties, and they responded with impressively consistent aplomb. Chardonnay, in particular, has become a deadly serious subject for the state’s growers and winemakers, as evidenced by the sheer number of outstanding renditions of that variety that I have been sampling recently. While Chardonnay (along with every other variety, for that matter) has long stood in the shadow of the omnipresent Pinot Noir, that’s emphatically no longer the case. The best examples – and their number is growing exponentially – deserve to be compared to top California bottlings, and, for the time being at least, they mostly deliver similar quality and complexity at relatively lower prices. I suspect that will be changing, though, as wine lovers notice what’s going on here.” – Josh Raynolds, Vinous

Sequitur Chardonnay, Ribbon Ridge 2018 750ML ($89.95) $69 special, 19 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 95 points
“Glistening straw-yellow. Vibrant, mineral-accented aromas of white peach, Anjou pear, melon and Meyer lemon carry a bright floral overtone. Juicy and densely packed, displaying a suave blend of richness and vivacity to the mineral-drenched citrus and orchard fruit and floral flavors. Picks up smoky lees, honey and iodine notes with air and shows outstanding clarity on a strikingly long, penetrating finish that echoes the mineral and citrus fruit notes.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Sequitur Chardonnay, Ribbon Ridge 2017 750ML ($89.95) $69 special, 7 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 95 points
“Translucent yellow. A highly complex, oak-spice-laced bouquet evokes fresh citrus and orchard fruits, iodine, toasted brioche and white flowers, and a tarragon nuance emerges with air. Shows superb depth and fine delineation, offering vibrant orange, pear, honeysuckle, sweet butter and anise flavors that tighten up slowly on the back half. Powerful yet graceful in character, displaying superb focus and thrust on an impressively long finish that features lingering floral, spice and mineral flourishes.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Sequitur Chardonnay, Ribbon Ridge 2016 750ML ($89.95) $69 special, 14 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 94 points
“Pale yellow-gold. Fresh and incisive on the nose, displaying intense citrus and orchard fruit scents complemented by suggestions of toasty lees, iodine and sweet butter. Sappy, penetrating and seamless in texture, offering concentrated pear nectar, peach, tangerine and honeysuckle flavors that deepen slowly on the back half while maintaining energy. Finishes with repeating pear and floral notes, with a late jolt of dusty minerality pulling things together.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Averaen Willamette Valley Chardonnay 2018 750ML ($24.95) $19 special, 24+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Averaen Willamette Valley Chardonnay 2018 750ML ($139.95) $105 special (that’s only $17.50/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 91 points
“Light, glistening gold. Spice- and smoke-accented pear, melon and tangerine on the nose, along with a building hint of vanilla. Silky, palate-coating citrus and orchard fruit and fennel flavors smoothly blend depth and energy. Shows strong tenacity on the incisive finish, which features subtle vanilla and bitter citrus pith qualities.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!

Brick House Vineyards Chardonnay, Ribbon Ridge 2017 750ML ($26.95) $21.90 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 92 points
“Pale gold. Fresh citrus and orchard fruits, jasmine and buttered toast on the smoky, finely detailed nose. Pliant pear nectar, candied peach and tangerine flavors take on a floral nuance as the wine opens up. Shows strong finishing cling and lingering honeysuckle and brioche qualities on the finish, which hangs on with strong tenacity.”

Evening Land ‘Seven Springs Vineyard’ Chardonnay, Eola-Amity Hills 2017 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 29 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 93 points
“Light, glistening yellow. A highly perfumed bouquet evokes fresh citrus and orchard fruits, dusty minerals and white flowers, and a hint of chamomile emerges with air. Sappy, penetrating and energetic on the palate, offering Meyer lemon, pear, candied ginger and toasted brioche flavors that slowly deepen and spread out on the back half. Powerful and concentrated yet lithe in character, finishing with strong energy and lingering floral and mineral notes.”

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Vinopolis Wine Shop Curbside Pick Up

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Order Online / By Phone / By Email


When you’re ready to pick up, just park in our lot,
give us a call, & we’ll bring your order to your car. 


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their name when placing your order.)


#503-223-6002
 
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#Trending

Our best selling rosé for a reason—fizzy, bracingly dry, and delicious.
Ameztoi Rubentis Rosado, Getariako Txakolina 2019 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special
Case-12 Ameztoi Rubentis Rosado, Getariako Txakolina 2019 750ML ($319.95) $239 special (that’s only $19.92/bottle!)
Grapelive 93 points
“My Summer has definitely taken a Spanish turn and I’m perfectly okay with that, especially when sipping on the fresh and zippy Ameztoi Rubentis Rosé from the Basque region not far from San Sebastian, which is one of the world’s most unique and exciting pink wines and one of my favorites along with Clos Cibonne and of course Domaine Tempier, these are wines that really capture the season in the glass. This vintage is ultra zesty and refreshing with a pop of spritz and tart layers of red citrus, strawberry, distilled raspberry essence, wet stone, saline and delicate floral tones all in an incredible light and steely form that begs to be quaffed. The iconic Rubentis Getariako Txakolina Rosé, as noted in my prior reviews, was the region’s first pink wine, made from native grapes, both red and white, it is naturally fermented in refrigerated stainless steel tanks utilizing indigenous yeasts from the vineyard. The tanks are closed to preserve natural carbonation from fermentation, which is the preferred style of Getaria. The fermentation tanks, according to importer De Maison Selections, are kept chilled to near 32 degrees Fahrenheit before bottling, which preserves the wine’s delicate, effervescent character and signature electric (spritzy) mousse. Ameztoi does a fantastic lineup of Txakolina wines, White, Red, this thrilling Rosé and a true and seriously rare Champagne style cork finished Rosé as well, all are must try wines from this remote Atlantic influenced region. This Ameztoi Rubentis Rosé is a hyper addictive wine that I will glad push on anyone that is in search of the dry pink high…. This is a wine, as I’ve said before, that proves a wine doesn’t have to be heavy or dense to have a serious impact on the palate, and it delivers a wonderful performance that leaves you always wanting more.”
Importer note “The pink sibling of Ameztoi’s flagship white, this vibrant rosé is made from a mix of red and white indigenous grapes and is bottled with a little residual carbonation to give it a light spritz.”

A crazy price on a stunning Spanish wine.
Ferrer Bobet Vinyes Velles, Priorat DOCa 2015 750ML ($74.95) $36 special
Case-12 Ferrer Bobet Vinyes Velles, Priorat DOCa 2015 750ML ($699.95) $389 special (that’s only $32.42/bottle!)
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points
“The old vine 2015 Vinyes Velles checks in as a Carignan-dominated blend from vines just outside the village of Porrera that includes one-third Grenache, all of which spent over a year in French oak. It’s a bigger, riper, sexier wine than the Ferrer Bobet cuvée and boasts a deep purple color as well as rocking notes of black plums, black licorice, ground pepper, violets, and new leather. Ripe and full-bodied, with moderate acidity and terrific balance, it’s a seamless Priorat to enjoy over the coming 7-8 years or so.”
James Suckling 94 points “This really captures the freshness of the carignan grape with its bright cherry character. Medium-to full-bodied with spice from the grenache and excellent vitality on the long, crisp finish. Drink or hold.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!
The average listed price for all vintages is $59

Library Owen Roe at $20 off? Yes please!
Owen Roe Red Willow Vineyard Chapel Block Syrah, Yakima Valley 2013 750ML ($59.95) $33 special
Case-12 Owen Roe Red Willow Vineyard Chapel Block Syrah, Yakima Valley 2013 750ML ($719.95) $359 special (that’s only $29.92/bottle!)
Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 92 points
“Bright medium ruby. Musky, earthy aromas of raspberry, roasted strawberry, smoked meat and charred oak. Fat, sweet and deep, with good spicy lift to the very ripe flavors of plum, blueberry, dark chocolate and spices. A very rich, tactile Syrah with sexy sweetness but plenty of ripe, dusty tannins to support a graceful evolution in bottle. Ultimately richer than the Union Gap Syrah but also more tannic.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price in any vintage is $49.50
The average listed price across all vintages is $55

One of the Gigondas’ most delicious bottlings, from an especially good year.
Domaine Santa Duc Gigondas Aux Lieux-Dits, Rhone 2015 750ML ($39.95) $33 special
James Suckling 93 points
“A fluid, fleshy and deeply structured wine with dark cherry and blackberry fruit flavors amid sturdy yet supple tannins. Good weight and presence. Drink now.”
Wine Spectator 93 points “Ripe but fresh, with a slightly high pitch to the mix of damson plum, cherry and rooibos tea aromas and flavors, backed by singed vanilla, tobacco and licorice root notes that give this a darker shade through the finish. Best from 2020 through 2030. 2,400 cases made, 700 cases imported.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 90-92 points “Ruby-red. Ripe red fruit and floral pastille aromas show very good detail and an energizing suggestion of white pepper. Palate-caressing raspberry and bitter cherry flavors blend depth and energy with a smooth hand and show no rough edges. Fine-grained tannins lend shape to a very long, red-fruit-dominated finish that features a subtle touch of star anise.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

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Drappier’s Carte d’Or

Great NV Champagne from a Forward-Thinking House



Drappier might sound like a Grande Marque, but they’re really a grower producer at heart.  They own 53 hectares of vines in the Aube (where they were the first to plant Pinot Noir) and make forward thinking wines at a very friendly price-point.  A carbon-neutral house, they place as much care in the cellar as they do in the vineyards—and the wines show it.

Forbes placed the wine we’re offering today, the estate’s Carte d’Or , as the #3 “Best Champagne You’ve Never Heard Of” for good reason.  Drappier makes big, flamboyantly rich Champagne that is always a crowd pleaser—at prices that mean you can actually pour it for crowds.  It’s hard to find better bubbly under $35/btl, so if you’re a Champagne drinker you should stock up now.

Arriving ETA October:

Drappier Carte d’Or Brut Champagne NV 750ML ($49.95) $36 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Drappier Carte d’Or Brut Champagne NV 750ML ($299.95) $199 pre-arrival special (that’s only $33.17/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 92 points
“[Reviewed Nov 2017] This bright and zesty Champagne is lightly juicy and appealing, offering flavors of Honeycrisp apple, ripe white cherry, biscuit and pickled ginger. Balanced and lacy in texture, with a lingering, spiced finish. Drink now through 2022. 2,200 cases imported.”
Decanter 91 points “[Reviewed Oct 2019] Described by Drappier as ‘almost a blanc de noirs’, this Pinot Noir-dominant wine sourced from the Côte des Bar is the house’s calling card. 5% of the cuvée is matured in barrels for a year for added complexity and texture, and it’s bottled unfiltered with a fairly low dosage of 7g/l. There are some melon and apple scents on the nose along with a splash of red fruits, while the palate is intense, with notes of apple, quince and grape wrapped in a red-fruit veil. It’s full-bodied and long, with a lovely texture from the red wine tannins and oak-matured portion.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 90 points “[Reviewed Apr 2020] Disgorged in June 2019, the latest rendition of Drappier’s NV Brut Carte d’Or is showing well, bursting with pretty aromas of peach, honeyed orchard fruit and white flowers. On the palate, it’s medium to full-bodied, chalky and incisive, with fine depth and tension and a penetrating finish.”
[Disgorgement may vary from reviews]


Looking for other great NV Champagne? Check out a these other highlights, in stock now:

Henriot Brut Souverain Champagne NV 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
Case-12 Henriot Brut Souverain Champagne NV 750ML ($599.95) $436 special (that’s only $36.33/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 91 points
“A touch of vanilla-laced pastry cream sweetness accents this fresh and focused Champagne, with a fine mousse. This is well-balanced by crunchy acidity and flavors of lemon peel, green pear and spring blossom. Drink now through 2022. 6,000 cases imported.”

Bollinger Special Cuvee Brut Champagne NV 750ML ($69.95) $54.50 special
Case-6 Bollinger Special Cuvee Brut Champagne NV 750ML ($419.95) $312 special (that’s only $52/bottle!)
Case-12 Bollinger Special Cuvee Brut Champagne NV 750ML ($799.95) $599 special (that’s only $49.92/bottle —the lowest listed price in the country!)
James Suckling 92 points
“Fine bubbles combine nicely with the cooked apples, pie crust and lemon rind. Some biscuit, too. Full body. Layered and creamy with a crisp finish. Always delicious. Drink now.” [Reviewed July 2019]


We have 136 different Champagne options in our webstore.
View them all now


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Felsina Rancia and Riserva, Restocked

Plus, The New Vintage of Fontalloro!


Felsina is a top-three Chianti producer and a top-ten estate in Tuscany as a whole.  The value out of their wines, from top to bottom, is astounding.  We’re big fans of their top two wines, Rancia and Fontelloro, but their lower tier wines offer great value, as well.  

Just Arrived:

Felsina Berardenga Rancia Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 2016 750ML ($69.95) $49 special
Felsina Berardenga Rancia Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 2016 1.5L ($119.95) $99 special
Felsina Berardenga Rancia Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 2016 375ML ($34.95) $28 special
Decanter Magazine 97 points
“The south-facing Rancia vineyard reaches altitudes of 420 metres, overlooking the lower-lying vineyards of Colli Senesi. It boasts complex soils of calcareous clay layered with the chalky white limestone-like alberese and schistose galestro. This 2016 vintage is simply stunning. It’s stately yet gracious, with personality for days, leading with a sumptuous nose of smoke, exotic spice and iron-rich earth. Ripe fruit coats the mouth yet it remains buoyant and tangy as chalky tannins charge in to frame the palate. A seductive wine with an appetising, savoury edge and a long, long life ahead. Drinking Window 2023 – 2041.”
Antonio Galloni 96+ points “The 2016 Chianti Classico Riserva Rancia is powerful, rich and explosive, with tremendous drive. Even so, several bottles have been quite closed. That is probably a very good sign for the long-term, but readers should not plan on touching a bottle anytime soon. A wine of vertical drive and aromatic nuance, the 2016 Rancia is super-complexed. Only with a few hours of air does it show the nuances and layers that were so evident from barrel. The 2016 is a painfully stubborn wine in the early going, but it will offer superb drinking pleasure for those who can wait.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 96 points “The 2016 Chianti Classico Riserva Rancia knocks it out of the park. Like the other new releases from Fèlsina, this pure expression of Sangiovese needs more time to evolve and improve with bottle age. But even at this young stage, you are made fully aware of the beautiful intensity and complexity of the quality fruit at its core. There is so much energy and tension here, further reinforced by the fresh acidity of the vintage. There are vibrant tones of wild cherry, raspberry and spice, followed up by white truffle and tilled earth.”

Felsina Berardenga Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 2016 750ML ($34.95) $28 special
Wine Advocate 94 points
“Streamlined and elegant, this mid-weight red trots out notes of grilled herb and dark fruit nuances that segue to spice, tilled earth and savory tobacco, with great complexity. This 2016 Chianti Classico Riserva Berardenga is still a bit closed and tight, but this beautiful wine boasts all the best qualities of this vintage. It shows elegance and power, two contrasting characteristics that only work well together in the world’s most achieved expressions. The most satisfying aspect of this Riserva is the crisp acidity on the close that keeps the palate refreshed and ready for the next sip.”
Wine Spectator 93 points “This red offers density and focus, creating an ideal frame for the cherry, strawberry, almond, leather and earth flavors. A firm backbone of tannins lends structure and the finish persists, leaving an accent of bitter almond. Best from 2022 through 2040. —B.S.”
Antonio Galloni 92+ points “The 2016 Chianti Classico Riserva shows all the quality and pedigree of the year in its layered personality and overall nuance. Cedar, dried cherry, game licorice and tobacco convey the darker, gamier side of Sangiovese that is such a signature at Fèlsina. The 2016 finishes with terrific energy and bright acids that suggest it will enjoy a long life in the cellar, but readers should plan on giving it at least a few years in bottle.”
Grapelive 93 points “One of the greatest vintages I’ve tasted of Black Rooster (Gallo Nero) labeled, Chianti Classico wines has to be the 2016….certainly this black label Riserva is a do not miss for Sangiovese lovers.…The 2016 black label Chianti Classico Riserva is wonderfully supple and densely packed with luxurious fruit and solid length, while retaining a fresh feel and balance with a range of flavors including blackberry, plum, black cherry, mulberry and currant fruits along with a subtle wave of mocha, minty herb, spicy cut tobacco leaf, dried flowers and cedar, adding an a touch of anise, leather and a lingering liqueur note. This bottling, while not surprising given Fèlsina’s record of quality, does raise an eyebrow for its value and purity of form in this price point, you’d most likely be happy with this wine’s performance at twice the asking price, I should have bought many more bottles! Time in the glass brings out more and more with a poised mineral element emerging along with pretty floral intensity adding class to the almost lavish nature of the fruit core, it is hard not to finish the bottle too quickly and patience is definitely rewarded.…The rolling hills of Castelnuovo are covered with chalky, rocky calcareous soils, with primarily marl, a common characteristics in Chianti, along with layers of sandstone and clay, along with ancient marine sediments rich in minerals all facing the path of the sun that allows for ripe fruit, concentration and refined tannins, while retaining energy with natural acidity. This Fèlsina Berardenga Chianti Classico Riserva was a special selection of top sites, carefully sorted with de-stemmed grapes that were fermented and macerated in temperature controlled stainless steel vats with gentle punchdowns and pump overs to ensure perfect extraction after which the wine was aged in a combination of large Slovenian oak casks and twice and three time filled French oak barriques for between 12 to 16 months before the final blend was assembled to taste in the cellar. This dark garnet and delicately perfume Chianti Classico Riserva matches robust cuisine and or aged Pecorino (hard) cheeses and gains an extra dimension with air, this is everything you’d want from a 100% Sangiovese!”

Felsina Berardenga Fontalloro Toscana IGT 2017 750ML ($69.95) $54.50 special
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95 points
“The Fèlsina 2017 Fontalloro pours out of the bottle with a bang. This pure expression of Sangiovese is luscious and dark with thick layers of dark fruit, plum, cherry, leather and tilled earth. This hot-vintage edition shows good depth and intensity with lots of that black-fruit energy and extra concentration that is typical of this growing season. However, you can always count on Fontalloro to show balance, and that’s exactly what you get here despite the adversity of the scorching summer season. That Sangiovese acidity remains intact and crisp. Production is 30,000 bottles.”
James Suckling 94 points “I like the clarity and linear quality to this with ripe-cherry and bark flavors. It’s full-bodied, though not heavy and ponderous. Racy and bright at the end. Drink or hold.”
Decanter 93 points “In the commune of Castelnuovo Berardenga, the Fèlsina property spills over the Chianti Classico border into Chianti Colli Senesi. Fontalloro is a blend of vineyards from both sides. Artfully tousled, it captures Sangiovese’s untamed side. Sunbaked herbs and irony earth permeate exuberant wild berries. There is plenty to chew on without being heavy and while tannins are a bit gritty, this has a ton of personality.”

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Plus, First Offer: 2017 Montevertine!

One of Chianti’s greatest wines isn’t labeled as a Chianti, despite being made in the heart of the Classico zone. Montevertine originally left the appellation because at the time, white grapes were required to call a wine Chianti and Sergio Manetti, the owner, wanted to make a wine that was 100% Sangiovese, a scandalous thing at the time. Thus Le Pergole Torte was born. It’s a special wine, one that stops a conversation every time you get a chance to taste it. This is one of the icons of Tuscany and at this price, should be a star of your cellar, as well.

The less expensive wines are stunning as well—decidedly pretty versions of Chianti that favor elegance and restraint over power.  It’s tempting to compare Montevertine’s wines to top tier Burgundy, after all, most of Montevertine’s most ardent fans are Burg lovers first and foremost.  That’s doing them a disservice, though—these are wines that is iconic in its own right.  We get smaller and smaller allocations each year, so grab these while you get the chance.


Arriving ETA October:

Montevertine Rosso Montevertine Toscana 2017 750ML ($79.95) $69 pre-arrival special
Montevertine Rosso Montevertine Toscana 2017 1.5L ($179.95) $159 pre-arrival special


This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!

Montevertine Pian del Ciampolo Toscana IGT 2018 750ML ($44.95) $39 pre-arrival special

This is the only listing in the USA today!


In Stock Now:

Montevertine Le Pergole Torte Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2016 750ML ($199.95) $179 special, 4 bottles in stock now
Montevertine Le Pergole Torte Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2016 1.5L ($419.95) $369 special, 2 magnums in stock now
Montevertine Le Pergole Torte Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2016 3L ($999.95) $799 special, 1 double magnum in stock now
Antonio Galloni 99 points
“The 2016 Le Pergole Torte is magnificent, just as it was last year. Rich, dense and explosive, with stunning depth and texture, the 2016 possesses off the charts intensity while remaining light on its feet for such rich a powerful, lay+ered wine. There is almost no perception of tannin. Black cherry, plum, lavender, menthol, spice and new leather all meld together in a pliant, striking Pergole Torte endowed with tremendous pedigree and nuance. Put simply, the 2016 is off the charts great. The only reason the 2016 does not earn a perfect score is that cramped quarters in the cellar oblige Montevertine to bottle Pergole Torte in several lots.”

Montevertine Le Pergole Torte Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2015 750ML ($189.95) $166 special, 13
 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 97 points
“The 2015 Le Pergole Torte captures all the radiance and intensity of the vintage. Deep, powerful and resonant, the 2015 will be a racy wine once it emerges from its recent bottling. As always, the Pergole Torte is differentiated from the Montevertine by its greater textural richness and perfume. In 2015, Pergole Torte is exotically ripe and flamboyant, not to mention utterly captivating. Don’t miss it.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 96-98 points “Tasted as a barrel sample, the 2015 Le Pergole Torte is a 100% expression of Sangiovese sourced from the estate’s oldest vines (between 30 and 50 years old). Like the other wines from Montevertine, Le Pergole Torte sees both its alcoholic and malolactic fermentations in cement, and the wine later ages in new oak barrels for 12 to 18 months depending on the vintage. After that first phase in barrique, it goes into large botte to complete its integration. This gorgeous vintage opens to a deep, dark appearance with a velvety presentation of dark fruit and black cherry flavors. The wine’s textural richness is ultimately what sets this fantastic vintage apart.”

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Collectors Corner

New Wines from Lucien Le Moine

Lucien Le Moine (the nom de plume for Mounir and Rotem Saouma) is one of the hottest names in Burgundy.  The rise has been meteoric due to the scarcity of the wines (Mounir wants to keep production under 100 barrels) and also the fact that they only work with grand and premier cru vineyards (with the exception of a tiny amount of Bourgogne).

To understand why the Le Moine wines are so exceptional, the first thing to understand is that the house doesn’t make, or set out to make, anything close to average wine.  Jaspar Morris MW calls them a “haute-coture negociant” and just like a high end designer, they want everything they do to make a statement. Souma has sought out the finest vineyards possible and presides over them with a luxurious house style, heavily influenced by the wines of Henri Jayer.

That style produces exceptionally sensual wines—wines that have textures like silk and explosive fruit that seems to arrive in waves from nowhere.  They’re the opposite of rustic—polished and luxurious.  These are wines that any wine lover should covet and take pains to acquire for their cellar.  

The acquiring part is always the problem—the wines are made in tiny quantities.  You only have to look at reviews to see phrases like “8 cases imported” before realizing that any chance to buy these must be seized.  We have secured an impressive assortment (though each wine is limited in quantity) arriving next month, so don’t wait—these sorts of opportunities don’t come around often.

Just Arrived:


Only four bottles available
Lucien Le Moine Echezaux Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits 2014 750ML ($349.95) $299 special
Wine Spectator 95 points
“Black cherry and black currant flavors are framed by sweet, toasted oak in this stylish red. Ripe and polished, with sweet fruit and bright acidity offsetting a solid base of tannins. Firms up on the finish, boding well for a long future. Fine length. Best from 2021 through 2042. 41 cases imported. — BS”
Burghound 91-94 points “This is the first wine to this point to display any appreciable amount of wood though it’s not so much as to fight with the spicy and ripe nose of cassis, dark cherry and Asian-style tea aromas. There is once again a lovely sense of energy to the velvet-textured and seductive middle weight flavors that possess a solidly well-muscled but refined and stony finish where a touch of youthful austerity arises. This well-balanced effort will need a few years of cellar time but will probably be approachable after only 5 to 7 years.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!

Only sixteen bottles available
Lucien Le Moine Les Vaucrains, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru 2013 750ML ($169.95) $136 special
Wine Spectator 93 points
“Lean and concentrated, displaying wild cherry, kirsch and mineral flavors. Turns supple with air, yet remains firmly structured, with a lingering aftertaste of fruit and chalky, mineral elements. Best from 2019 through 2030. 20 cases imported. — BS”
Neal Martin – Wine Advocate 92-94 points “The 2013 Nuits St Georges 1er Cru les Vaucrains has a precise bouquet that is more floral and more expressive than the Les Saint Georges at this stage. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp chalky tannin, very good acidity and a long and persistent tensile finish. This would be my pick of the domaine’s three NSG ’13s based on the barrel samples. This just struts its stuff with a bit more gumption.”
Burghound 91-94 points “An overtly sauvage infused nose reflects notes of red and dark currant, various floral elements and plenty of spice and pungent earth aromas. Here too there is excellent volume and intensity to the powerful, concentrated and palate coating flavors that conclude in an explosively long, serious and exceptionally firm yet not particularly austere finish. This is terrific but note that it’s a good buy only if you have plenty of patience.”

Only six bottles available
Lucien Le Moine Les Grands Epenots, Pommard Premier Cru 2016 750ML ($179.95) $149 special
Stephen Tanzer – Vinous 92-94 points
“Bright, dark red. Less purely black on the nose than the Epenots, showing enticing spicy lift to its raspberry and mint aromas. At once sweet and brisk in the mouth, with its red berry flavors complicated by notes of honeysuckle and citrus fruits. This penetrating, energetic wine boasts a tight core of fruit and terrific definition. Finishes energetic, classy and long, with noble tannins.”
Burghound 91-93 points “Here too the super-fresh nose is expressive with a redder fruit profile that is laced with plenty of earth and spice along with a hint of wood. The more refined middle weight flavors are notably less mineral-inflected though more seductive, all wrapped in a balanced and beautifully persistent finish.”

Only six bottles available
Lucien Le Moine Clos des Chenes, Volnay Premier Cru 2016 750ML ($119.95) $99 special
William Kelley – Wine Advocate 92+ points
“The 2016 Volnay 1er Cru Clos des Chênes unwinds in the glass with a deep bouquet of cassis, plums, incense and smoked meats, framed by a generous application of spicy oak. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, muscular and structured, with a concentrated core of fruit, lively acids and fine but firm structuring tannins. While this is not austere to the point of causing concern, it certainly won’t be approachable young. So, readers contemplating this Clos des Chênes should factor in a decade’s patience.”
Burghound 90-93 points “A well-layered nose combines notes of red and dark currant, spice and a pretty hint of lavender. The denser, serious and more powerful big-bodied flavors brim with both dry extract and minerality that carries over to the super-intense, youthfully austere and linear finish. This very firm effort also needs to develop more depth but if it does this could be a first-rate Clos des Chênes.”
Stephen Tanzer – Vinous 91-93 points “Dark red-ruby. More serious on the nose than the Pitures Dessus, with its currant, chocolate, menthol and oak aromas complicated by a mineral quality. Sappy and chewy on the palate, with flavors of redcurrant, mocha and tobacco leaf conveying a red-clay character. The firmly structured finish shows surprising freshness and lift, not to mention excellent length.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!

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Thanks for reading!