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In This Newsletter:
Featured New Arrivals & New Reviews Saint Cosme New Friday, New Arrivals Vinopolis 20 under $25 Bargain Gems from around the World P2 “Syrahndipity” Syrah from around the world Staff Pick: . San Leonardo’s Mountain Red Salon: The Leader of Le Mensil-Sur-Oger  Vinopolis Wine Shop will be closed Thursday the 25th in observation of Thanksgiving We will reopen for our regular hours (10:00 AM to 6:00 PM) on Friday the 26th. This Shop Never Closes: www.vinopoliswineshop.com We’re Open for In-Store Shopping! 10AM – 6PM Daily We also offer Curbside Pickup Order Online / By Phone / By Email
Featured New Arrivals & New Reviews: Saint Cosme
Saint Cosme is one of the rare producers that delivers consistent quality across their regional bottlings. Considering their range spans the entirety of the Rhône this is a downright herculean achievement. Whether you’re looking for fruit, minerality, high acid or low, Red or white wine; Saint Cosme has a wine for you. And these wines do appeal to just about anyone. Ask James Molesworth at Wine Spectator, Joe Czerwinski at the Wine Advocate, Josh Raynolds at Vinous Media, Matt Walls at Decanter Magazine, Anna Iijima of the Wine Enthusiast, Jeb Dunnuck, James Suckling, and Kerry Winslow of Grapelive – all of whom have declared the greatness of the wines in recent vintages… New Arrival from Saint Cosme: Newly reviewed! Chateau de Saint Cosme Condrieu Rhone 2019 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 24 bottles in stock now Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “Classic peach, tangerine, and honeyed flower notes emerge from the 2019 Condrieu and it’s smoking good on the palate, showing medium to full-bodied richness, a rounded, supple texture, and notable purity of fruit. Readers looking for a textbook Condrieu can’t go wrong with this. Enjoy bottles over the coming 4-5 years.” Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 92 points “Honeyed aromas of super ripe fruit lead the way in Saint Cosme’s 2019 Condrieu. Mango and apricot lead the way although the wine does retain a minor floral component and hints of peppery, aniseed-like spice. It’s full-bodied, round and mouthfilling, yet avoids any sense of oiliness or heaviness—no small feat in a white wine that’s labeled at 15% abv. Still, I’d drink this vintage young.” This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Chateau de Saint Cosme Cotes du Rhone France 2020 750ML ($17.95) $14 special, 36+ bottles in stock now Case-12 Chateau de Saint Cosme Cotes du Rhone France 2020 750ML ($199.95) $149 special (that’s only $12.42/bottle!) Chateau de Saint Cosme Cotes du Rhone France 2020 1.5L 37.95) $29 special, 12 magnums in stock now This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Bonus – In Stock & Newly Reviewed from Saint Cosme: Newly reviewed! Chateau de Saint Cosme Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rhone 2018 750ML ($54.95) $45 special, 36+ bottles in stock now Josh Raynolds-Vinous 93 points “Brilliant violet. Pungent red berry and cherry aromas are complemented by emerging floral and succulent herb nuances. Alluringly sweet and juicy on the palate, offering concentrated black raspberry, cherry and candied lavender flavors that deepen through the back half. Finishes supple, spicy and long, with lingering floral and cherry notes and gentle tannic grip.” This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Newly reviewed! Rouanne Brut Nature Rose Millesime IGP Drome Comte de Grignan 2019 750ML ($31.95) $26 special, 30 bottles in stock now Wine Enthusiast 90 points “Wild raspberries and sun-kissed garrigue perfume this fruity but brisk, zero-dosage sparkling rosé. A Mourvèdre-dominant blend with Cinsault, Syrah, Marselan and Grenache, it has pristine red-berry and sour-cherry flavors that are lifted by a firm, flinty spine and racy acidity. Creamy but finely textured in mousse, it should drink at peak now through 2026. -Anna Lee C. Iijima” This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Newly reviewed! Chateau de Saint Cosme Cote Rotie Rhone 2019 750ML ($79.95) $66 special, 18 bottles in stock now Jeb Dunnuck 95-97 points “Not destemmed and just pure, old school Côte Rôtie, the 2019 Côte Rôtie offers a monster bouquet of ground pepper, blackberries, smoked earth, graphite, and assorted darker, meaty red and black fruits. Gorgeous on the palate as well, it’s medium to full-bodied and flawlessly balanced, with ripe, present tannins and a killer finish. It has a little Jamet-like wild, classic character and is going to benefit from 7-8 years of bottle age.” Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 95 points “Big florals and raspberries mark the nose of Saint Cosme’s 2019 Cote Rotie. Hints of stems show through, and this wine clearly would benefit from a few years in the cellar, but it is far from being unapproachable. Normally a blend of several lieux-dits, it sees about 30% new oak in its élevage, but the wood is scarcely noticeable. Medium to full-bodied, creamy and supple on the palate, with a long, fruit-infused finish, this should age gracefully for a decade or more.” This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Newly reviewed! Chateau de Saint Cosme Crozes-Hermitage Rhone 2019 750ML ($34.95) $27 special, 16 bottles in stock now Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 91 points “Blueberries, black cherries and black olives all mingle easily on the nose of Saint Cosme’s 2019 Crozes Hermitage. It’s a big, fruit-driven offering, medium to full-bodied, but it also shows excellent depth as it supports the fruit with ripe, supple tannins and a long, velvety finish. Drink it over the next few years for its sheer exuberance.” This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Newly reviewed! Chateau de Saint Cosme Saint-Joseph Rhone 2019 750ML ($37.95) $29 special, 17 bottles in stock now Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 92 points “Saint Cosme’s 2019 Saint Joseph features alluring scents of baking spices, roasted meat, black cherries and black olives—it’s a lovely, aromatic offering. In the mouth, it’s medium to full-bodied, silky and fine, with those ripe tannins and balanced acids imparting a sense of freshness and vitality that persists through the elegant finish. Sourced from granite terroirs at the northern end of the appellation, it’s easily the equal of some producers’ Côte Rôties.” Shop our full assortment of Saint Cosme wines including large format and back-vintages on our web store! New Friday, New Arrivals
“A true return to the cool-climate wines that we have all grown to love from this renowned region that we call home.”
Lingua Franca ‘Avni’ Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2019 750ML ($39.95) $31.90 special, 23 bottles in stock now Winery note “2019 was a year filled with growth and inspiration in the vineyard and in the cellar. Most of all though, it was a true return to the cool-climate wines that we have all grown to love from this renowned region that we call home.” No reviews available for the 2019. 2018 review provided for reference: 93 Points Wine Spectator “A lithe wine, with laser focus, offering layers of snappy cherry, river stone and savory dark spice flavors that build tension toward fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2027. 2,600 cases made. –TF” This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
”Opening with taut raspberry and stony mineral, then drawing in a rich and plush texture that glides toward refined tannins” Colene Clemens Vineyards ‘Dopp Creek’ Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2019 750ML ($39.95) $28 special, 36+ bottles in stock now Wine Spectator 93 points “Slowly unfurls, opening with taut raspberry and stony mineral, then drawing in a rich and plush texture that glides toward refined tannins. Drink now through 2030. -T.F.” California “This release takes this wine to the next level” Bucklin Old Hill Ranch Ancient Field Blend Sonoma Valley 2018 750ML ($49.95) $37.70 special, 25 bottles in stock now Wine Spectator 95 points “Offers plenty of kick but remains focused and balanced, with gutsy smoked pepper, blackberry, bitter chocolate and green peppercorn accents that build structure toward broad-shouldered tannins. An old-school field blend. Zinfandel, Grenache, Alicante Bouschet, Petite Sirah, Mourvèdre, Grand Noir, Syrah and Carignan. Best from 2023 through 2033. From California. —T.F.” Grapelive 94 points “Will Bucklin’s Zin based Ancient Red Field Blend is a deep, richly flavored and thrilling wine that has more than two dozen different varietals in the mix, with close to 65% Zinfandel with the remaining balance co-fermented after being picked together. These other grapes, all inter-planted at Old Hill Ranch, includes small amounts of Grenache, Alicante Bouschet, Petite Sirah, Grand Noir, Syrah, Carignan, the rare Persan red grape, originally from the Savoie region in the Alpine region of France close to the Swiss border, and some Mataro (Mourvedre) as well as some white grape clusters. This Ancient Zin blend is dark purple/garnet color in the glass, boldly fruity and floral on the nose with a complex full bodied palate with loads of classic ripe black raspberries along with some briar/spicy notes, adding sweet plums, minty herbs, sandalwood, baked earth, mineral, kirsch, mocha and a dark florals. Bucklin humbly says of his Ancient parcel, it is 12 acres, 30 grape varieties and 1 wine! This is an understatement and this is an iconic wine, like those of Bedrock and in league with the Ridge Pagani and Lytton Springs bottlings. This is a special and historic place for Zinfandel, where it was first planted, located in the Glen Ellen/Kenwood area of the Sonoma Valley, which was also the first place plant to non-Mission grapes in the state. The 2018 is a lively and fresh vintage in character, but also deeply concentrated and it should only get better with age. While I loved the 2017, this release takes this wine to the next level. I recommend securing some of them as soon as possible. Bucklin has a gifted touch with his wines and as a winegrower he is very in tune with the subtle nuances that his vines give, he was a Pinot Noir geek and was the winemaker at Oregon’s King Estate and you can see that gentle winemaking experience in his wines, and this wine really benefited from this approach.” Dry farmed. France – Champagne Best buy in the village and one of the most in-demand growers in Portland! Pierre Gimonnet et Fils Blanc de Blancs Cuis Premier Cru Brut NV 750ML ($59.95) $44 special, 12 bottles in stock now Disgorged February 2021. 2010 – 2017 vintages. Skurnik Imports note “100% Chardonnay. Assemblage: 73% 2017, 27% 2010-2015. Village/vyd: Cuis 1er Cru, chalky soil. Malo: Yes. Elevage: Stainless steel, reserve wine in 750ml bottles and magnums under 1.5ATMs of pressure for 1-6 years.” “There’s a firm backbone of zesty acidity and underlying minerality, with a lingering hint of ginger on the finish” Diebolt-Vallois Tradition Brut NV 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 29 bottles in stock now Case-6 Diebolt-Vallois Tradition Brut NV 750ML ($249.95) $219 special, (That’s only $36.50 per bottle!) Case-12 Diebolt-Vallois Tradition Brut NV ($499.95) $449 special, (that’s only $37.42/bottle!) Wine Spectator 92 points “Like an orchard in late spring, this blends floral and fruit notes of ripe apple, white cherry and apricot. There’s a firm backbone of zesty acidity and underlying minerality, with a lingering hint of ginger on the finish.” “Less introverted than its 2012 predecessor, readers won’t regret trying a bottle of the 2013 Cristal young” Louis Roederer Cristal Millesime Brut 2013 750ML ($319.95) $289 special, 12 bottles in stock now William Kelley-Wine Advocate 96 points “Notes of crisp yellow orchard fruit, white flowers, blanched almonds and warm brioche introduce the 2013 Cristal, a full-bodied, layered and incisive wine that’s taut and chiseled but also notably exuberant in a vintage that I admire immensely but which can sometimes present an austere side. Deep, concentrated and penetrating, it’s complemented by a pinpoint mousse and concludes with a long, saline finish. Less introverted than its 2012 predecessor, readers won’t regret trying a bottle of the 2013 Cristal young—even if I’d recommend forgetting some for a decade too.” Decanter 96 points “The peak of drinkability is between 15 and 20 years from the harvest; so says Jean-Baptiste, but he has not spared the taster the wondrous early impression of perfection in the making. A soft gold with glistening highlights, like the river meadow at dawn; the nose effortlessly marries a panoply of flavours, the citric grip nodding to hints of passion fruit and Mirabelle plum, with hazelnut and almond signalling the grace of development. Texturally generous, yet tightly wound, taut and flinty yet ripe and open, the wine faithfully underlines the vigneron’s philosophy, every nuance of its template deftly rehearsed and charmingly enacted. Disgorged: autumn 2020. Dosage: 7.5g/L. Drinking Window 2021 – 2033.” Jeb Dunnuck 96 points “I think the 2013 Cristal checks in behind the 2008, but it’s nevertheless a beautiful wine. Lots of ripe orchard fruits, toasted bread, brioche, and chalky mineral notes define the nose, and it’s medium to full-bodied, with a layered, nicely concentrated, tight, inward style, beautiful precision and purity, and a great finish. It needs a good 5-7 years of bottle age to hit its stride and will keep for two decades or more.” France – Other “The wine has great texture and mouthfeel, closer to Muscadet than most Jacquere” Domaine Jean Masson & Fils Vieilles Vignes Traditionelle Savoie Apremont 2020 750ML ($21.95) $19 special, 36 bottles in stock now Importer note “The VV bottling is the entry bottling, but the vines are over 60 years old, thus the VV designation. He does two bottlings and I always wait for the 2nd bottling so that the wine has more lees time. At the 2nd bottling the wine has spent 8-9 months on the lees. The wine has great texture and mouthfeel, closer to Muscadet than most Jacquere. On the palate you get citrus and herbs.” VinopolNote: The Massons own some of the highest and oldest vines in the appellation, including some planted by Jean-Claude’s grandfather that are over 100 years old. At a whopping 450 meters above sea level, the family is always the last to harvest in the area. The resulting wines are fermented with native yeasts in stainless steel. This is the only listing in the USA today!
“Its beautiful minerality makes it an exception wine for the cellar.” Domaine Jean Masson & Fils ‘La Centenaire’ Vieilles Vignes Savoie Apremont, 2019 750ML ($37.95) $33 special, 12 bottles in stock now Winery note “[Translated] From a vineyard planted over a century ago, La Centenaire is a powerful wine. It shows with notes of ripe white fruits, fresh almonds and stone fruits. Its beautiful minerality makes it an exception wine for the cellar. The tiny yields produce great concentration, and allow the Jacquère grape to express so many forgotten things.” Frederic Lornet Arbois Chardonnay Les Messagelins Jura 2019 750ML ($37.95) $25.50 special, 12 bottles in stock now Importer note “100% Chardonnay from a single vineyard called “Les Messagelins” which is unique in its iron rich, red Marlstone soil. This unique non-oxidized version of chardonnay has been the standard bearer for mineral expression in Arbois since Lornet recognized its unique characteristics from the soil. The vibrant acidity wraps around the golden delicious apple and pear fruit with notes of ripe melon. A touch of toastiness completes the experience. A great, versatile wine for numerous pairings with fish, meat and fowl.” This is the only listing in the USA today!
Frederic Lornet Arbois Trousseau Jura 2019 750ML ($27.95) $19.90 special, 12 bottles in stock now Importer note “100% Trousseau form the Village of Montingny Les Arsures. Destemmed and macerated in 3000 liter Foudres with a five day pre fermentation maceration. Gentle pump-overs twice daily allow for excellent extraction and color in this thinned skinned varietal. Bright red fruits and warm earth tones are met with racy acidity to leave a lasting impression on your palate.” This is the only listing in the USA today!
Chateau de La Liquiere L’Unique Gaz de Schiste Rose Effervescent Languedoc-Roussillon 2020 750ML ($24.95) $19 special, 12 bottles in stock now Winery note “Cinsault, Mourvèdre & Grenache. Winemaking: Very early picking by hand to preserve the requisite acidity in this wine. This is an ancestral method sparkling wine. Tasting notes: The nose shows tangy fruits with raspberry and redcurrant. The palate is rounded yet stays lively with fine, elegant bubbles. Food pairings: Aperitifs and desserts, among others.” This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Italy – Piedmont “Great potential for the long haul” Cavallotto Bricco Boschis Barolo DOCG 2017 750ML ($89.95) $68.50 special, 36+ bottles in stock now Jeb Dunnuck 96 points “The 2017 Barolo Bricco Boschis is highly aromatic with anise, dried leather, and burnt orange. Ripe and structured, it offers ripe cherry, turned forest floor, and a long finish. The warmth of the vintage is felt while remaining fresh. Drink 2024-2042.” Wine Enthusiast 95 points “Aromas of rose, wild berries, leather and sunbaked underbrush come to the forefront. The wine was made with organically farmed grapes, and the palate shows an earthy elegance, featuring ripe cherry, blood orange, star anise and hints of truffle before closing on an iron note. Firm but refined tannins provide support. Drink 2027–2032. “ Decanter 94 points “In 2017, Cavallotto’s Bricco Boschis debuts a new label reporting the precise quantity of bottles produced. All but a monopole since 2014, today Alfio Cavallotto manages 15.4 of the Bricco’s 17 hectares. A fiercely traditional Barolo, it has a rather rustic, meaty profile, with dark fruits and earthy, tarry tones softened by rose. The assertive palate of firm, muscular and dusty tannins is well supported by great fruit concentration. A true Barolo, rather old fashioned yet with great potential for the long haul.” Wine Advocate 94 points “Available in numbered bottles, the organic Cavallotto 2017 Barolo Bricco Boschis is a generous and fleshed out expression that opens to immediate aromas of cherry, wild plum and cassis. There are floral notes as well, and some spice, licorice and grilled herb. Like many of the Barolos I tasted from this vintage, the bouquet is accessible and generous now, but the wine is tannic and more austere in terms of mouthfeel, requiring extra bottle age. The hope is that both the bouquet and the palate will evolve at the same pace. From 45-year-old vines, this was a release of exactly 19,410 bottles and 999 magnums.” This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
“Attractive tannin bite and a medium-chewy finish” Franco Serra Barbaresco DOCG Piedmont 2016 750ML ($37.95) $29.90 special, 16 bottles in stock now James Suckling 91 points “Plenty of pretty, wild strawberries and boysenberries, as well as raspberries and spice undertones. Medium to full body, some attractive tannin bite and a medium-chewy finish. Drink from 2020.” This is the only listing in the USA today!
Italy – Alto Adige “A complete and truly satisfying experience” Cantina Terlano-Kellerei Terlan ‘Cuvee Terlaner’ Alto Adige Trentino-Alto Adige 2019 750ML ($27.95) $22.50 special, 12 bottles in stock now James Suckling 93 points “I like the minerality and spiciness of this blend of pinot bianco, chardonnay and sauvignon blanc with a medium to full body, creamy texture and lots of flavor at the finish. Some flint in the aftertaste. It’s compact and controlled. A blend of 60% pinot bianco, 30% chardonnay and 10% sauvignon blanc. Drink now.” Eric Guido-Vinous 91 points “The 2019 Cuvée Terlaner makes for a great introduction to the Cantina Terlano portfolio. It’s a blend of 60% Pinot Bianco, 30% Chardonnay and 10% Sauvignon Blanc, which mixes salty, savory notes with penetrating yellow citrus, balanced by fresh florals and hints of ripe crushed apple. While there’s no shortage of tension here, the Cuvée Terlaner manages to come across as round and pliant, buzzing with energy while cooling and soothing the senses. Orange zest and a note of roasted almond lingers, making for a complete and truly satisfying experience.” This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Germany Wein-Erbhof Stein ‘Vom Berg’ Cabernet Sauvignon Mosel, 2018 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 9 bottles in stock now Importer note “Steep slate soils; sourced from multiple vineyards throughout the village; 25 yo vines; élevage in old barriques.” This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Spain R. Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia ‘Vina Cubillo’ Crianza Rioja DOCa 2012 750ML ($39.95) $25.50 special James Suckling 95 points “Wonderful aromas of mushrooms, bark, cigar tobacco and plums with just a hint of citrus. Full-bodied with incredible softness and complexity. Subtle chocolate, fruit and walnut in the aftertaste. Goes on for minutes. Fantastic wine. Classic, textbook Rioja. A joy. Incredible value! Drink or hold.” Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 93 points “I was quite impressed by the 2012 Viña Cubillo Tinto Crianza, a classical Rioja that is nicely crafted, with less aging in barrel than the rest of reds and therefore with more fruit character and less López de Heredia signature. This was born as a red for tapas, a blend of 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacho and 5% each Graciano and Mazuelo with 13.5% alcohol. It matured in well-seasoned American oak barrels for three years. It has ripe fruit (black rather than red) without excess and a pinch of spices and a twist of oak. 94,500 bottles produced. There are seven lots of this. I tasted a bottled that was filled in May 2018.” Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92 points “Glistening ruby. Spice-accented aromas of red berries, cherry cola and candied rose, plus a smoky nuance in the background. Supple and energetic in style, with a core of zesty acidity adding lift and cut to bitter cherry and red currant flavors that take a sweeter turn through the midpalate. Finishes long and smooth, delivering gentle tannic grip, a snap of peppery spices and repeating florality.” “It is a worthy follower of the 2001, the greatest of the Viña Tondonia Reservas of recent times” R. Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Reserva Rioja DOCa 2004 750ML ($119.95) $95 special, 2 bottles in stock now Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2004 Viña Tondonia Reserva is a completely different story. It is a worthy follower of the 2001, the greatest of the Viña Tondonia Reservas of recent times. It has the usual blend and usual levels of alcohol and acidity, bottled after six years in oak barrels. The nose feels savory (if that’s possible–umami?) and developed, with tertiary aromas and good balance between spices, leathery notes, cherries and balsamic notes of cigar box and incense. The palate is both round and crisp, with refined tannins. It has very good balance with subtle acidity and very good persistence. 260,000 bottles produced.” Portugal – Port “Overall, this is a beauty that becomes more impressive the longer you sit with it” Kopke Colheita Port Portugal 1978 750ML ($149.95) $119 special, 5 bottles in stock now Mark Squires-Wine Advocate 94 points “The 1978 Colheita Tawny Port was bottled in 2015 with 119 grams per liter of residual sugar and a bar top cork (typical for the house). It is very graceful for its age, finishing with a wave of sweetness, fruit and sugar. Emphasizing the caramel more than the molasses, this is irresistibly delicious, but it becomes more complex and puts on weight as it airs and warms. The wine shows off its power and hints of Brandy on the rather tense finish, too. Overall, this is a beauty that becomes more impressive the longer you sit with it. Then, you realize that its balance is simply perfect, yet it stands out in most every category. This is very fine and the price is pretty nice for the age and the quality.” Roger Voss Wine Enthusaist 94 points “Not one of the generally declared vintages for Port, this year produced some ripe, sweet single quinta vintages. It also was a good year for rich, sweet tawnies. This is ripe, toffee-like in character packed with ripe raisin and sultana flavors. It is a luxurious wine, of course ready to drink.” This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
“A very great wine” Kopke Colheita Port Portugal 1957 750ML ($499.95) $399 special, 3 bottles in stock now Wine Spectator 95 points “Baked pear, dried apricot and roasted apple flavors dominate in this mature yet fresh-tasting version. White pepper and lightly smoky notes show on the fresh finish. Rich and complex. Drink now. 200 cases imported.” Mark Squires Wine Advocate 95 points “The 1957 Colheita Tawny Port was seen before, but it’s worth revisiting in the USA, since it’s a great wine. This is also the new 2015 bottling. It has 127 grams per liter of residual sugar. It is stunning how youthful this is. Lush and rich on opening, it has mature flavors that emerge, easily demonstrating the complexity and concentrated aromatics one expects. Gripping on the finish, this delivers fruit flavor and seems to linger indefinitely. When I first saw this, it was tasted next to even more brilliant Colheitas and a bit overshadowed. On its own, it is even more stunning. It was pretty fine next to some other greats here as well.” Roger Voss Wine Enthusiast 95 points “There is a great balance between acidity and impressively fresh fruit considering the age of this venerable Port. Of course there are many flavors from the wood aging, but they are combined with orange marmalade, fig and raisin flavors in a riot of complex flavors that have created a very great wine. It comes from a year that was not generally declared as a vintage.” Just in time for the holiday’s we’ve compiled a collection of wines that are perfectly suited for your table or home bar. Whether you’re looking for red, white, rosé, or sparkling we’ve got you covered! In stock now: A deliciously slatey and elegant Riesling that’s an excellent introduction to German Riesling. Weingut Leitz Rudesheimer Klosterlay Riesling Kabinett Rheingau 2018 750ML ($29.95) $20.90 special, 28 bottles in stock now Importer note “‘Lay’ is a very old word meaning slate and “Kloster” is the German translation of Abbey. The Klosterlay sits beneath the Benedictine Abbey of St. Hildegard, above the eastern edge of the village. Here, the Rüdesheimer Berg begins to gently undulate as it levels out toward the village of Geisenheim. Josi believes this site is destined for a fruity style and therefore always makes Kabinett from this vineyard.” “The first Rieslings of the very dry and warm as well as early 2018 vintage are also promising and stunningly precise and elegant due to the conditions of the vintage that brought nothing but perfectly ripe and healthy grapes. Leitz pressed the grapes in fractions, so he was able to keep the acidity fine and fresh even though it is naturally lower than in 2017… Doubtlessly, Leitz is one of the region’s best Riesling producers. Having said that, he is also one of the best Riesling ambassadors in the wine world, with regular tastings in the US as well as in Norway, two of his most important export markets.” Stephan Reinhardt, Wine Advocate Sustainable, Fair ‘N Green This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Old Vine Grenache and Syrah fermented dry with a long finish. Domaine Charvin Cotes du Rhone Rose Rhone 2020 750ML ($21.95) $18 special, 12 bottles in stock now Josh Raynolds-Vinous 91 points “Light orange-pink. Mineral-driven red berry and pit fruit aromas are complemented by a suave floral topnote. Seamless and energetic on the palate, offering fresh strawberry, blood orange and nectarine flavors that deepen with air. Shows fine definition and spicy cut on the persistent finish, which leaves repeating pit fruit and floral notes behind.” Weygandt-Metzler Import note “Grenache, Cinsault. Organic. Clay, galets roules & sand. Tasting note: Crushed strawberry, Bing cherry with hints of grapefruit and crushed stone. Medium body with a long finish.” Region: (Chateauneuf-du-Pape), Cotes du Rhone, Rhone, France. Single estate Cabernet priced like a regional cuvee. Marietta Cellars Arme Sonoma – Mendocino County 2018 750ML ($27.95) $24 special, 44 Bottles in stock now Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2018 Armé Cabernet Sauvignon is 85% Cabernet Sauvignon blended with 7% Merlot, 4% Malbec and 4% Petit Verdot. Medium ruby-purple, it has pure, classic aromas of cassis, graphite, violets, loamy earth and tobacco. The intensely flavored palate is light on its feet with loads of juicy lift and a soft tannic frame, and it finishes long and floral. It’s an incredibly elegant style, particularly at this price point!” James Suckling 93 points “Round-textured and fruity with balance and softness, yet freshness at the same time. Medium-bodied. Attractive berry, currant and sweet green-tobacco undertones. 85% cabernet sauvignon, 7% merlot and 4% malbec and 4% petit verdot. Drink now.” Organically farmed natural wine offering a spectrum of plum, cranberry tea and kirsch. Chateau Vieux Moulin Natura Soli Rouge, Corbieres 2019 750ML ($24.95) $19.50 special, 4 bottles in stock now Importer note “100% old vine Carignan (60 year old). Two week maceration in stainless steel. No SO2 added.” “Old School Chablis” from the younger parcels of the estate. D’henri Michel Laroche Chablis Terroirs 2018 750ML ($29.95) $23.50 special, 10 bottles in stock now (Domaine d’Henri) Michel Laroche et Ses Enfants Terroirs, Chablis 2018 This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Similar in character to Chardonnay with a varietal character of oranges and tree nuts. Pago Casa Gran Malvasia Valencia 2019 750ML ($19.95) $14.40 special, 13 bottles in stock now Winery Note: This is an ancient Mediterranean variety that was mostly abandoned in Spain. Since we believe in it and in its great potential we have worked on the vine selection (clone and rootstock) to introduce it to our estate on the right soil. This is the only listing in the USA today!
Sourced from a single, Grand Cru vineyard before spending 26 years in cask prior to bottling. A.R. Valdespino Amontillado Tio Diego Sherry Andalucia 750ML ($29.95) $20.90 special, 6 bottles in stock now Wine & Spirits 93 points “Extremely dry, this austere Amontillado comes from the white chalky albariza soils of the famed Macharnudo vineyard. It aged under flor for about eight years, and then spent eight more years aging oxidatively before being bottled. At first, it shows only the classic flavors of iodine and salt, with enchanting sea breeze notes. You have to wait for the fruit flavors to emerge, notes of roasted white fruit and nuts emerging in the midst of its cool flavors. Only for fans of super-dry Sherry, this is ideal for mojama, cured tuna belly.” Wine Spectator 92 points “Smoky and taut, featuring date, dried orange peel, clove, singed sandalwood and salted caramel notes. The dry, nervy finish has lots of tension. Begs for salted almonds. Drink now.” WS Dark and mineral driven Gamay Noir with medium acid and tannins sourced from a single plot of exceptionally old vines. A Cabernet lovers Gamay Domaine Pascal Aufranc Chenas Vignes de 1939 Beaujolais 2019 750ML ($21.95) $19 special, 22 bottles in stock now Josh Raynolds-Vinous 93 points “Vivid ruby. Powerful black and blue fruit aromas show sharp clarity and complementary smoky mineral and spice flourishes. Chewy and energetic in style, offering concentrated boysenberry, bitter cherry and floral pastille flavors and a touch of dark chocolate. Conveys both depth and energy and finishes with building tannins and a repeating blue fruit note.” Wine & Spirits 91 points “Pascal Aufranc farms a parcel of ancient vines at the border of the forest in Chénas, providing a wine with intriguing earthiness, its tannins powerful and gripping against the equally intense black-raspberry fruit. It’s saturated, firm and substantial, a wine for steak or for the cellar.” This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
A budget friendly introduction to Priorat’s terroir and blends that drinks far above its price point. Black Slate Gratallops Priorat DOCa 2019 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 special, 27 bottles in stock now Jeb Dunnuck 96 points “A blend of 64% Grenache, 27% Carignan and 9% Syrah, the 2019 Black Slate Gratallops Vi De Vila comes from one of the warmer regions in the Priorat. Gorgeous black raspberries, liquid violets, garrigue, chalky minerality, and hints of rose petal all emerge from the glass, and it’s medium to full-bodied and beautifully textured, with ultra-fine tannins and a gorgeous finish. With a liquid rock-like minerality that’s something to behold, this gorgeous, elegant wine is going to evolve for 10-12 years with no issues.” This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
A completely natural and delightfully fruit driven wine that offers a juicy interpretation of Bordeaux varietals in their ancestral home. Chateau Fredignac Le Canon de la Goulue Vin de France 2020 750ML ($24.95) $18 special, 17 bottles in stock now 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Malbec, 20% Merlot. Importer note “Organic and biodynamic from Vincent L’Amouller. Red Vin de France from the Cotes de Blaye (Bordeaux). Clay-limestone soils. Manuel harvest. Destemming. Fermented for 3 weeks under native yearsts without SO2 in cement vats. Only 20 ppm sulfur added before bottling.” This is the only listing in the USA today!
La Rioja Alta S.A. Vina Alberdi Reserva Rioja DOCa 2016 750ML ($24.95) $20.90 special, 7 bottles in stock now Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92 points “Glistening ruby-red. Spice-tinged red fruit and floral aromas pick up hints of coconut and succulent herbs with air. Silky and expressive on the palate, offering appealingly sweet cherry and raspberry flavors and a spicecake nuance that builds steadily in the glass. Closes long and smooth, with repeating florality and subtle tannins that come in late.” Mountain grown, old vine Muscat that’s fully dry and suitable for any stage of a meal. Compania de Vinos Telmo Rodriguez Mountain Blanco Sierras de Malaga 2015 750ML ($21.95) $18 special, 25 bottles in stock now De Maison note “Molino Real’s dry wine is surprising and original, marked by the aromatic intensity of the muscat grape and an incredible mouthfeel, showing complexity and great balance between freshness and ripeness. Málaga is traditionally known for its sweet wines, but dry wines are also produced in the area under the Sierras de Málaga DO. Mountain Blanco is made from 100% moscatel de alejandría sourced from three steep sites grown in polyculture on slate slopes from 500m to 1000m elevation. It is a dry, refreshing table wine with remarkable minerality and ability to develop in bottle; in fact, it needs extensive bottle age before it is released. Grüner veltliner comparisons come to mind, with a similarly rich, yet acid-driven mouthfeel and a white flower, orange zest and white pepper flavor profile. Vintage – 2015 was a warm, early vintage in Málaga that produced incredible wines with great complexity and potential to develop in bottle. Harvest started on the 12th of August and concluded on September 27. Considered by locals to be one of the great vintages in recent memory.” This is the only listing in the USA today!
Sourced from 40+ year old vines, biodynamically farmed from the creator of the Appellation Raventos I Blanc ‘Blanc de Blancs’ Espumoso Conca del Riu de Arnoia Catalonia 2018 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special, 18 bottles in stock now Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92 points “Pale, green-tinged yellow. Lively, mineral-accented citrus and orchard fruits and succulent flowers on the nose, along with fennel and ginger accents that build as the wine stretches out. Sharply focused and lively on the palate, offering intense Meyer lemon, pear skin and honeysuckle flavors underscored by a smoky mineral quality. Shows impressive energy and minerally thrust on the finish, which hangs on with strong tenacity.” Among the oldest planted Pinot Gris in the Willamette Valley grown without irrigation or synthetic inputs. The Eyrie Vineyards Pinot Gris Dundee Hills 2019 750ML ($24.95) $17.70 special, 17 bottles in stock now Winery note “2019 was perhaps the most “Burgundian” growing season we have yet had. Typically the Willamette Valley features wet winters and dry summers, whereas Burgundy distributes its rain evenly throughout the year. In 2019 we had a more Burgundian pattern, with rain and cooler days scattered throughout the summer. Vines make sugar from air, sunlight, and water. 2019s well-timed rains increased sweetness while still retaining acidity – which leads to some of the best qualities a wine can have: refreshing and food friendly when young, but with superb cellar potential. 2019 is remarkable for another reason. This vintage was our 50th pick, and our 55th year growing grapes. On September 24th, 1970, with the help of friends, the first generation of Letts picked their very first harvest. The second generation started our pick in 2019 on September 24th as well, a fitting call-back on which to enter our 6th decade of winemaking.” This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Old vine Garganega and Trebbiano from the pioneer of the appellation. Expect volcanic minerality with a plethora of tree fruit notes like peach, lemon, orange and cherry blossom. Pieropan Calvarino Soave Classico Veneto 2017 750ML ($34.95) $21.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now Case-6 Pieropan Calvarino Soave Classico Veneto 2017 750ML ($199.95) $119 special, (That’s only $33.33 per bottle) Kerin O’Keefe Wine Enthusiast 95 points “Editor’s Choice. Heady aromas of yellow stone fruit, spring flower and wild herb mingle with a whiff of toasted nut. The elegant, savory palate delivers ripe apricot, creamy yellow pear and tangerine zest before a mineral-laden, saline finish. Tangy acidity brightens the rich flavors. For juicy fruit enjoy now, or hold for even more complexity. Drink through 2027. – “ The “Noble white grape of Piedmont” famed for her alpine freshness and nutty finish. Cieck ‘Erbaluce’ Erbaluce di Caluso DOCG Piedmont 2019 750ML ($26.95) $19 special, 18 bottles in stock now Importer note “This wine is simply called Erbaluce as it represents the most straightfoward expression of our erbaluce grapes. Aiming to preserve the fruity sensations at their best, the bunches are pressed whole, then the pips, stems and skins are immediately removed. The must is then cold fermented so that the aromatic and flavour compounds, typicaly of the fruit, are not lost. After a few months in stainless steel tanks, the wine is bottled at the beginning of spring, the year after harvesting.” This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Traditionally farmed in a pruning style native to the village called rastra, which involves the grapes growing without any trellising just above the ground. The vines used in this rosado are over 80 years old and grown at almost 3,000 feet above sea level at the base of the Cantabric Mountains. Raul Perez ‘Los Arrotos del Pendon’ Rosado Leon 2020 750ML ($24.95) $19.90 special, 21 bottles available Josh Raynolds-vinous 92 points “Light, amber-hued red. Pungent cherry, raspberry and floral aromas take on spice and smoky mineral nuances with air. Shows very good heft and chewy texture, offering sappy red berry, bitter cherry and spicecake flavors and a hint of licorice. As much a light red wine as a rosé. Finishes long and floral, with the spicy note adding final cut. – Josh Raynolds” Skurnik Wines note “100% Prieto Picudo. Very old vines in stony clay at high altitude (800m ASL). Macerated for two days on the skins before bleeding off. Fermented with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel. Raised on the fine lees for four months in tank. Bottled without fining or filtration.” A multi-vineyard cuvee featuring a snapshot of the Willamette Valley in a singular bottling that everyone can afford. Goodfellow Family Cellars Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2018 750ML ($29.95) $20.90 special, 34 bottles in stock now Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 92 points “Pale ruby, the 2018 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley has a nose of red and black berries with wafts of licorice and dried flowers. The palate is light-bodied, soft and juicy with a fine balance of bright berry fruit and earthy accents, and it finishes long and perfumed.” An “Old California” blend of dry farmed Zinfandel, Alicante Bouchet and Petite Sirah. Judicously jammy with an élevage entirely in French oak. Bucklin Old Hill Ranch Bambino Zinfandel Sonoma Valley 2018 750ML ($29.95) $24 special, 9 bottles in stock now Wine Spectator 91 points “An old-school Zin that’s briary, jammy and plump, with blackberry and currant flavors highlighted by savory underbrush, licorice and smoke notes, leading to medium-grained tannins. Drink now through 2030. 989 cases made. — TF” A traditional blend of Nerello Cappuccio and Mascalese grown around Mt.Etna. Tenuta delle Terre Nere Rosso Etna Sicily 2019 750ML ($29.95) $21.90 special, 30 bottles in stock now Wine & Spirits 92 points “Marco de Grazia makes this wine with fruit from vines as young as six years and as old as 50. It’s a charmer, offering the characteristic floral scents found in Terre Nere’s single-contrada wines, with bright cherry and orange-peel flavors and lightly raspy tannins that make it a versatile wine at the dinner table.” Wine Spectator 91 points “A mouthwatering and well-knit red, with a pure chime of wild cherry and raspberry fruit. Light, taut tannins provide fine definition, framing the fruit flavors, accents of dried thyme and ground white pepper and minerally hints of iron and smoke that push through on the chewy finish. Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio. Drink now through 2026. 11,000 cases made, 3,300 cases imported. –AN” Winery note “Made from very fine Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio from low yielding vineyards (35 Hl. Per hectar), both young and old. The grapes are macerated until the end of fermentation. The wine then continues its life in wood until bottled roughly one year after harvest. Even young it is a distinguished wine. Fresh, fragrant, beautifully slender and with a fine grip, it has a natural polish, a stage presence, as it were. And, in aging, as its weave gathers into rich complexity, it is a wine for gentlemen. It is an aristocratically liberal wine: enjoy it with whatever food you wish, as long as its properly cooked.” 
Bargain Gems from around the World P2 Who doesn’t love a bargain? As much as we love to write about reserve offerings, Tête de cuvées, Grosses Gewächs and Grand Crus; we still love our bargain wines for all occasions. We’ve compiled a list of our favorites, making them perfect for snob and initiate alike.
In stock now: The second label of Rajat Parr’s Evening Land Vineyards, sourced from younger parcels of Seven Springs and 2 neighboring estates. Organically grown. Salem Wine & Co. Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills 2018 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special, 25 bottles in stock now Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 91 points “The 2018 Salem Wine Co. Pinot Noir has a nose of ripe red and black berry jam with touches of powered sugar and spices. The medium-bodied palate has ripe fruits with a grainy, fresh frame and long finish.” Ansel Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2018 750ML ($21.95) $19.90 special, 8 bottles in stock now Michael Alberty, The Oregonian/OregonLive “This wine has a secret. I can tell you it is made by Graham Markel of Buona Notte Wines and experienced wine hand Jeremy Byrd. I can tell you they purchased barrels of pinot noir from a handful of well-known Willamette Valley wineries to make the Ansel. I can’t, however, tell you which wineries as Markel and Byrd are sworn to secrecy… It smells like cherries and carnations, with a whiff of a grape popsicle in the background. Flavors of bittersweet dark chocolate and wild strawberries positively glide over taste buds like Yuzuru Hanyu on open ice. The Ansel makes it way too easy to pour a second glass. If you do, make sure something from The Bar-Kays is on the turntable.” Sourced from two vineyards within Monterey, you get a similar profile as Rombauer with a slightly creamier texture and pervasive grilled pineapple note in the body (At only a fraction of the cost, however). San Simeon Monterey Estate Chardonnay, California 2017 750ML ($19.95) $11.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now Case-12 San Simeon Monterey Estate Chardonnay, California 2017 750ML ($239.95) $128 special, (that’s only $10.67/bottle!) Wine Spectator 90 points “Rich and hedonistic, this is filled with plush white fruit flavors, offering a pillowy texture. Luscious butteriness extends into the finish, with roasted pineapple notes. Drink now through 2023.” The calling card of Charles Smith and priced for the everyman’s enjoyment. Substance ‘Cs’ Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2019 750ML ($19.95) $14.50 special, 36+ bottles in stock now Case-12 Substance ‘Cs’ Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2019 750ML ($239.95) $156 special, (That’s only $13 a bottle!) Jeb Dunnuck 92 points “Juicy blue fruits, leafy tobacco, violets, and orange blossom notes all emerge from the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Cs and it’s medium to full-bodied, has a beautifully balanced, fruit-forward style, no hard edges, and a great finish. It’s no simple fruit bomb and has notable structure, ripe tannins, and outstanding length. It reminds me of a top Cru Bourgeois from Bordeaux and represents a stunning value. Drink it over the coming 7-8 years.” The top offering of Coop Terres Plurielles, sourced from 50+ year old vines. Reminiscent of Châteauneuf-du-Pape at a fraction of the cost. Les Vignerons de Tautavel Cotes du Roussillon Villages Tautavel Silex France 2017 750ML ($27.95) $24 special, 36+ bottles in stock now Case-6 Les Vignerons de Tautavel Cotes du Roussillon Villages Tautavel Silex France 2017 750ML ($159.95) $136 special, (That’s only @22.66 per bottle) Case-12 Les Vignerons de Tautavel Cotes du Roussillon Villages Tautavel Silex France 2017 750ML ($319.95) $259 special, (that’s only $21.58/bottle!) Jeb Dunnuck 93-95 points “The 2017 Cotes Du Roussillon Villages Tautavel Silex might end up matching (or even surpassing) the 2016. The same 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 10% Carignan brought up in tank, it offers a ripe, medium to full-bodied, straight-up sexy style to go with complex notes of kirsch, black olives, black licorice, and dried garrigue. It’s a powerful yet elegant red that has tons of potential.” Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 93 points “A blend of 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 10% Carignan from old vines, the 2017 Côtes du Roussillon Villages Tautavel Silex is partly aged in barrel and part in tank. It delivers just enough cedar on the nose to let you know there’s barrel influence, without overwhelming the terroir-derived hints of crushed stone or the varietal notes of dark berries. Full-bodied, concentrated and supple, it’s a terrific bottle of Roussillon wine, with a long, elegant finish.” A juicy and fruit driven Cabernet with a finish of terra cotta. Castello di Volpaia ‘Prelius’ Cabernet Sauvignon Maremma Toscana Tuscany 2019 750ML ($19.95) $16 special, 25 bottles in stock now James Suckling 93 points “A very pretty red with currants, blackberries and hints of lavender. Medium to full body, polished tannins and a creamy finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink after 2022.”
Staff Pick :
San Leonardo’s Mountain Red Looking for a Cabernet blend that combines the ripeness of Napa with the rusticity of Italy and the elegance of Bordeaux? Check out San Leonardo’s offering, which encapsulates the latter qualities in spades. Sourced from a single estate vineyard in the Dolomite Mountains of Italy, the alpine influence is evident from the first pour with a crushed evergreen and mint character that fills the room. In stock now: Guerrieri Gonzaga Tenuta San Leonardo ‘San Leonardo’ Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT Trentino-Alto Adige 2013 750ML (79.95) $66 special, 19 bottles in stock now Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 96 points “The flagship wine from this celebrated Trentino estate was not produced in 2012. We do have the stunning 2013 San Leonardo on the market now. This vintage is large in scale and has immediate intensity, and I am somewhat surprised by the volume and seamless bouquet that appears this early in the game. This vintage shows balanced ripeness with plummy fruit aromas that are carefully contrasted against spice, leather and fine tobacco. The blend is Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère and Merlot, and San Leonardo is always aged in barrique for four years (of which only 25% of the barrels are new). This is a bottle to keep long (extra long) in your cellar.” Love Italian wine? We carry wines from all over the country including Barolo, Sicily and Tuscany! “Syrahndipity”
Syrah from around the world Syrah is one of the rare wine grapes that can be found extensively in the New and Old world, and at a variety of price points. First cultivated en masse in Southern France and used as a blending partner with her sisters Grenache, Mourvèdre and Cinsault. Syrah is equally as compelling when vinified by itself, with the style being famous especially in the Northern Rhone for its tannic power and aging potential. Depending on the climactic and soil conditions there is a range of blue and black fruits that are underscored by pipe tobacco, bacon fat and a mineral spine. Syrahs in stock and available: The blueprint for New World expression that’s often imitated yet irreplaceable. Cave Yves Cuilleron Cote Rotie Madiniere Rhone 2015 750ML ($79.95) $69 special, 12 bottles 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.” This is the only listing in the USA today!
One of many jewels in the Cayuse Crown, representing the best qualities of Washington Syrah. Cayuse Vineyards Wallah Wallah Special Series Syrah Walla Walla Valley 2018 1.5L ($319.95) $289 special, 2 magnums in stock now Jeb Dunnuck 96 points “Christophe often releases a special blend in magnum (he never says which vineyards it’s from), and the 2018 Syrah Special #12 is another gorgeous wine. Revealing a deep ruby/plum hue as well as classic Rocks notes of blue fruits, ground pepper, bacon fat, lavender, and violets, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a seamless, elegant texture, ripe yet certainly present tannins, and a great finish. It needs 4-5 years of bottle age and will cruise for two decades.” This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
A dense and powerful expression of Syrah from 45+ year old vines in the Barossa Valley, with decades ahead of it in the bottle.
Bve Barossa Valley Estate E & E Black Pepper Shiraz Barossa Valley 2016 750ML ($69.95) $49 special, 3 bottles in stock now Wine Spectator 93 points “Dense and muscular, showing appealing focus to the dark chocolate, blackberry paste, sage and huckleberry flavors, with espresso notes weaving in and out. Cigar box aromas emerge on the finish, where thick tannins offer a dense backbone and a touch of rusticity. Drink now through 2036. 396 cases made, 180 cases imported. — MW” Wine Spectator 93 points “Dense and muscular, showing appealing focus to the dark chocolate, blackberry paste, sage and huckleberry flavors, with espresso notes weaving in and out. Cigar box aromas emerge on the finish, where thick tannins offer a dense backbone and a touch of rusticity. Drink now through 2036. 396 cases made, 180 cases imported. — MW” This is the lowest listed price in the USA today! A cult winemaker based in the Barossa Valley of Australia and working with Shiraz vines that are over 100 years old. Chris Ringland – Three Rivers Dry Grown Shiraz Barossa Valley 2002 750ML ($799.95) $699 special, 1 bottle in stock now Jay Miller-Wine Advocate 100 points “The 2002 Chris Ringland Shiraz comes from a great vintage Ringland likens to 1991, 1996, and 1998. It is a more saturated color than the 2001 with a superb perfume of Asian spices, game, bacon, lavender, and blueberry compote. Plush, succulent, and powerful, it will age effortlessly for a decade and provide enjoyment through 2027.” Looking for more Syrah check out our full assortment of Syrah from the Northern Rhone today! Collector’s Corner Salon: The Leader of Le Mensil-Sur-Oger Arriving ETA January 2022
A wholly unique house in that they produce a single wine and only during the most exceptional growing years. Sourced from 20 parcels in the center of Le Mensil-Sur-Oger with their first vintage in 1905, this is one of the rarest wines in the entire world, let alone Champagne. Only for the most experienced collectors, Salon is considered to be the apex of Chardonnay, with razor sharp austerity requiring extensive bottle age before enjoyment. 2008 is known throughout the world as the “Vintage of the Century” with producers bringing in exceptionally small harvests of highly concentrated fruit. Salon was no exception, with harvest volumes in 2008 being down 75%. This triggered the decision to bottle the vintage exclusively in magnum, resulting in only 8,000 bottles from the vintage. In the style of a Tête de cuvee, each vintage is attributed with its own personality and showing. The house describes the vintages in their set as “A Dream in 2008, Luminosity in 2007, Romance in 2006 and Serenity in 2004”. All of the wines in the set were disgorged in 2019, making the set an exhibition of what extended aging can do. Arriving ETA January 2022: Salon Cuvee ‘S’ Le Mesnil Blanc de Blancs Brut Oenotheque Set Set 04/06/07/08 ($10,299.95) $9,499 pre-arrival special, 2 sets available Salon Vertical Case consists of six total 750ml bottles and one magnum. Includes two 750ml bottles each of Salon 2004, Salon 2006, and Salon 2007. Includes one magnum of Salon 2008. No substitutions permitted. Reviews for the 2004 vintage: Wine Enthusiast 98 points “Top 100 Cellar Selection in 2016…Intense minerality and ripe apple and citrus fruits accompany the purity and crisp texture that are part of its ability to age. The wine can continue for many years, certainly to 2025 and beyond. -Roger Voss” 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…” William Kelley-Wine Advocate 96 points “The 2004 Blanc de Blancs Le Mesnil Brut is another rather structured, tensile wine from a generally rather open vintage…Unlike many wines from 2004, this Salon (tasted from a bottle disgorged in January 2019) still has potential to improve with further bottle age.” Reviews for the 2006 vintage: Wine Enthusiast 100 points “Top 100 Cellar Selection in 2017. This new release from a great vintage for Chardonnay in Champagne is a perfect blanc de blancs, showing a wealth of intensity from the crisp, chalky, mineral tones to the perfumed apple notes… -Roger Voss” Antonio Galloni 97 points “…Even with all of its flamboyance and pure volume, the 2006 retains quite a bit of energy and freshness. I imagine it will be a fascinating, utterly compelling Champagne to follow over the next several decades.” William Kelley-Wine Advocate 95 points “…a fine success…” Reviews for the 2007 vintage: Wine Enthusiast 99 points “This legendary Champagne, only produced in exceptional years, comes from the village of Le Mesnil in the Côte des Blancs. It is made from 100% Chardonnay and aged for many years before release. Its minerality, concentration and beautiful fruit are still astonishingly young and deserve further aging. Drink from 2020.” Antonio Galloni 96 points “The 2007 Salon is gorgeous. Weightless, delicate and understated, the 2007 is all class…” Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 96 points “…the weightless and delicate 2007 is a coolish, elegant and smoky gentleman dressed in a white tie and silk hat… The performance on the palate is pure yet concentrated, fresh and linear, very elegant and perfectly balanced, but most of all, it is extremely fine and stimulating!…The radiant 2007 Salon is one of the greatest champagnes I have had from this vintage…” Reviews for the 2008 vintage: Antonio Galloni 100 points “…The 2008 remains young and austere, but like so many wines in this great vintage, Salon has an extra dimension of textural depth that keeps it from being austere. It is quite simply one of the most magnificent Champagnes I have ever tasted…” William Kelley-Wine Advocate 100 points “…it surpasses even the prodigious 1996 and surely ranks as the finest Salon since at least the 1970s. In short, this is a Blanc de Blancs that admits no argument.” Decanter 100 points “…Despite the time in the cellar, the wine remains intensely youthful, with a texture that is vibrant and crisp and a substantial, creamy feel that suggests near-perfect balance. This Champagne is among the greatest wines Salon has ever produced and should age gracefully for decades to come.” Love Champagne? Check out our full assortment today! |
Vinopolis Wine Shop
