In This Newsletter:
Memorial Day Weekend Wines
Jeb Dunnuck Raves About 2017 Barolo
Ferrario : The Apex of Albarino
Bucklin : Field Blend Barons of Sonoma
New Grapelive Reviews
Chateau Plince: The Prince of Pomerol
First Offer: La Magia’s 96 Point Brunello, Under $50
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We will be open on Memorial Day (May 31st)
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Memorial Day Weekend Wines
Just Arrived, In Stock Now
Thomas-Labaille Sancerre Les Monts Damnes Chavignol 2019 750ML Loire ($34.95) $25.50 special
Clos Cibonne Cotes de Provence Cuvee Tradition Rose 2019 750 ML ($39.95) $30.50 special
De Maison Selections note “Clos Cibonne’s iconic Cuvée Tradition stands uniquely apart from other rosés as a classic, one-of-a-kind Côtes de Provence rosé featuring the tibouren grape in the lead role. Cuvée Tradition is legendary amongst experienced French wine collectors for its texture, substance, and ability to age gracefully for a decade or more. It is a limited wine made exclusively with estate-grown, organic tibouren grapes, and a bit of grenache to meet Côtes de Provence blending guidelines. The vineyard, one of 18 Crus Classés of Côtes de Provence, consists of traditional goblet trained vines located close to the Mediterranean Sea in the foothills of the Maures mountains, overlooking Toulon’s harbor. The microclimate of Clos Cibonne is especially important to the uniqueness of the wines, as the proximity of the ocean brings much needed cool air to the vineyards in the summer months. Their location at the foot of the Maures mountains ensures good east-west ventilation, which is ideal for the health and balance of the vineyard. Vintage Notes – The 2019 Côtes de Provence vintage was low-yielding and high quality, a fine balance between fruit complexity and fresh thirst-quenching acidity. While the hot summer and ongoing dry season gave lower yields, the vines remained healthy and refreshed by their microclimate, providing an ideal marriage of fruit concentration and acidity.”
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Clos Cibonne Cotes de Provence Tentations Rose 2020 750 ML (24.95) $18 special
De Maison Selections note “Tentations offers an accessible entry-point into Provence wine. Tentations is made with exceptional ingredients, including fruit from young tibouren vines and some purchased fruit from farmers they have long-standing relationships with, in prime spots in La Londe. The Tentations wines do not undergo the extensive aging process of the Clos Cibonne line. Offering immediate and unpretentious enjoyment, they are incredible food wines and represent one of the best wine values in the Côtes de Provence region. Site: La Londe. Grapes: 50% Grenache, 20% Cinsault, 15% Syrah, and 15% Tibouren.”
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Brick House Intentional Rose of Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2020 ($39.95) $28 special
Winery note “With an eye toward Provence, we set out to make our first “Intentional” Rosé of Pinot Noir. Picked early from young Pinot Noir vines then lightly pressed, our rosé was aged half in stainless steel and half in neutral barrels. Beckoning the warmer days ahead, floral and sea breeze aromas join with a zingy palate of yuzu, white pear and watermelon. Balanced with a hint of sweetness, this wine intends to bring the flavors of summer to your glass. Our intention: to quench, beguile & delight!”
Suzanne: Luscious tart cherry and cream. A vibrant rosé with plenty of stuffing. Drink now with light spring & summer fare.
Region: Ribbon Ridge, Oregon. Biodynamic.
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Cameron Winery Pinot Gris Ramato, Dundee Hills 2020 ($39.95) $29.90 Special
Winery note “Rame: Italian for copper, ramato: copper-colored. Ramato is a copper-colored Pinot grigio made in the tradition of north-eastern Italy. A very tricky wine to pull off. Very limited production.”
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Philippe Tessier TOC Vdf Rouge, Loire 2019 750ML (29.95) $24 special
Domaine Philippe Tessier Phil’en Bulle Loire NV 750ML ($31.95) $29 special
Importer note “The Coganis 2015 was his first vintage of this wine, a blend of Côt, Gamay, and Pineau d’Aunis, thus the name CoGaNis. It was a tiny production: just two barrels. It’s a velvety blend, great texture, complexity and length. Lots of violets and blue fruits, with great cut and subtle tannins.”
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Domaine Brazilier Methode Trad Brut Rose, Loire NV 750ML ($21.95) $17 special
Winery Note “This quality sparkling wine comes from a long aging process: after fermentation, it spends about 12 months sur lattes to give it its fine bubbles and the typical aromas of Pineau d’Aunis such as peony.” Pineau d’Aunis from 25+ year old vines grown in chalky limestone soil.
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Thibaud Boudignon Rose de Loire 2020 750ML ($27.95) $24 special
Importer note “While Thibaud has (rightly) become a superstar for his world-class Chenin Blancs, many insiders have discovered one of his best kept-secrets: rosé. Made from a plot of Cabernet Franc and Grolleau in Anjou that he simply could not pass up the opportunity to work with, this is one of the most saline and mineral rosés we have ever come across. 80% Cabernet Franc, 20% Grolleau. Shallow soils of grey schist and rhyolite (volcanic soil) and clay. Indigenous yeast fermentation. No malo. Direct press rosé. Aged in stainless steel. A noble, supremely saline rosé. Delicate texture. Made like a white wine to preserve salinity and structure.”
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J. Mourat Collection Rose, Fiefs Vendeens Mareuil 2020 750ML ($19.95) $16 special
Gamay, Cabernet Franc, Negrette & Pinot Noir
J. Mourat O.V.N.I. Rose IGP Val de Loire 2020 750ML ($21.95) $17 special
100% Grolleau Gris
Domaine de Saint Ser Cotes de Provence Tradition Rose 2019 750ML ($21.95) $17 special
Winery Notes “A unique blend of Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, and a touch of Rolle grapes give this wine an unusually complex aroma. Each grape variety contributes its own note: a red-berry aroma from the Grenache, the finesse of the Cinsault, the intensity of the Syrah, and a hint of citrus from the Rolle.”-
Domaine de Saint Ser Cotes de Provence Tradition Rose 2020 750ML (21.95) $17 special
*No review for 2020 listed 2019 substituted*
Winery Notes “A unique blend of Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, and a touch of Rolle grapes give this wine an unusually complex aroma. Each grape variety contributes its own note: a red-berry aroma from the Grenache, the finesse of the Cinsault, the intensity of the Syrah, and a hint of citrus from the Rolle.”-
2019 Francesco Rinaldi & Figli Grignolino d’Asti Piedmont 2019 750ML ($21.95) $18 special
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Jeb Dunnuck Raves About 2017 Barolo
“The G.D. Vajra estate is based within the commune of Barolo, where Giuseppe and Aldo Vajra helm the winemaking responsibilities. Giuseppe, who took more of a leadership role in 2008, has been instrumental in continuing to develop the family estate, while Isonzo Vajra leads in vineyard management. Most recently they have completed the expansion of their cellar space, and they are also releasing their wines a touch later to allow the additional time in bottle to soften any harsh edges. As of the 2019 vintage, both the G.D.Vajra and Luigi Baudana estates are certified organic.” – Jeb Dunnuck
Arriving ETA June :
G.D. Vajra Bricco delle Viole Barolo DOCG 2017 750ML ($89.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Jeb Dunnuck 96 Points “The 2017 Barolo Bricco Delle Viole is the darker fruited of the G.D. Vajra sites and has rounded floral aromatics of crushed roses, resin, and cranberry cocktail. The palate is ripe and inviting, with building structure and notes of fresh red cherry, blood orange, and clove. The warmth of the vintage is felt without sacrificing lift. Drink 2025-2050”
G.D. Vajra ‘Coste di Rose’ Barolo DOCG 2017 750ML ($ 69.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Jeb Dunnuck 94 Points “The 2017 Barolo Coste di Rose has bright aromatics of candied raspberry, apricot, anise, and dusty earth. The palate is medium-bodied, with fine tannins and notes of dried wild strawberry, fresh roses, and mineral-rich earth. This wine is open and inviting, while maintaining freshness and drive. Drink 2024-2040.”
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G.D. Vajra Ravera Barolo DOCG 2017 750ML ($89.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Jeb Dunnuck 96 Points “Lifted and herbaceous, the 2017 Barolo Ravera is noted by aromas of fresh pine, ripe red cherry, licorice, and menthol. The palate has depth without weight and is noted by ripe raspberry fruit, apricot, and black tea. Drink 2024-2050.”
“Since 2009, Luigi Baudana has been under the operation and ownership of the G.D. Vajra estate from Barolo. As with the Vajra estate, Giuseppe and Aldo manage the winemaking process, along with Giuseppe’s brother Isidoro, the vineyard manager. They continue to consult with Luigi for his understanding of the land and experience. They utilize primarily 15- to 17-hectoliter Slavonian barrels for aging, as the size of the cellar dictates. For the Barolo del Comune di Serralunga d’Alba bottling, selections are made from the crus of Baudana, Cerretta, and Costabella. With the 2019 vintage, they are now certified organic.”
Luigi Baudana ‘Baudana’ Barolo DOCG 2017 750ML ($89.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Jeb Dunnuck 95 Points “The 2017 Barolo Baudana has more savory and forward notes of dried cranberry, leather, and orange peel on the nose, with tangy ripe fruit on the palate. It has a rather approachable style, with the generosity of the fruit up front and well-managed tannins. Drink 2021-2040.”
Luigi Baudana Cerretta Barolo DOCG 2017 750ML ($89.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Jeb Dunnuck 96 Points “A sweet perfume lifts from the 2017 Barolo Cerretta, with fresh violets, kirsch, cinnamon, and sage. The palate is energetic with forward fruit through the mid-palate with persistence, with tea leaf and present but well-integrated tannins. The Cerretta displays the elegance that is possible within the 2017 vintage. Drink 2022-2040.”
Luigi Baudana Serralunga Barolo DOCG 2017 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Jeb Dunnuck 93 Points “The 2017 Barolo Del Comune Di Serralunga d’Alba is resinous and assertive with aromas of tobacco, leather, dried cherry, and cedar. The palate is ripe with red plum, dried violet, and tar. The fruit dovetails to reveal its more powerful Serralunga structure, with building and firm tannins. Hold 2-4 years and drink 2023-2040.”
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“Vietti was founded by Carlo Vietti in the late 1800s and is based in Castiglione Falletto. Alfredo Currado married Luciana Vietti and is largely responsible for the resurrection of the Arneis grape. Today the estate is led by Luca Currado Vietti and his wife Elena. In 2016, the estate was purchased by Krause Holdings, which has enabled Luca and Elena to continue their roles while enabling them to support growth.” – Jeb Dunnuck
Pre-Arrival ETA July:
2017 Vietti Brunate Barolo DOCG 2017 750ML ($199.95) $169 special
Jeb Dunnuck 96 Points ” Sourced from an average of 54-year-old vines in Brunate of La Morra, the 2017 Barolo Brunate was aged for 32 months in large oak cask and barriques. It offers brooding aromas of licorice, dried currant, and cedar. Congruent on the palate with mineral-rich turned earth, there is a firmly built structure with balance. Drink 2024-2050.”
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Vietti Lazzarito Barolo DOCG 2017 750ML ($199.95) $169 pre-arrival special
Jeb Dunnuck 97 Points “From the southwest facing amphitheater of Lazzarito in Serralunga d’Alba the 2017 Barolo Lazzarito was aged for 30 months in a combination of large oak casks and barrique. The nose is layered with elegant spice and floral notes of cedar, red plum, and brushed leather. There is incredible balance within its structure, which has deceptive ease for early drinking. Hold 3-5 years or drink 2023-2046.”
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Vietti Ravera Barolo DOCG 2017 750ML ($199.95) $169 pre-arrival special
Jeb Dunnuck 98 Points “Located in Novello, from three hectares of the Ravera MGA with southwest exposure, the 2017 Barolo Ravera was aged for 32 months in large oak casks. It is forward and expressive with fresh pine, candied cranberry, orange oil, and aniseed. The palate is full of energetic tension, balance, and purity, with apricot pit, tea leaf and saline minerality. An inspiring wine to close out the Vietti 2017 lineup. Drink 2025-2050.”
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Vietti Rocche di Castiglione Barolo DOCG 2017 750ML ($199.95) $169 pre-arrival special
Jeb Dunnuck 96 Points “Aged for 30 months in large oak casks, the 2017 Barolo Rocche Di Castiglione is sourced from old vines planted in 1940, 1950, and 1968 with southeastern exposure. It has a soft perfume of kirsch, fresh rose petal, and fragrant rosemary. The palate is fresh and inviting with fine tannins and noted by anise, pomegranate, and dusty earth. It is pleasurable now or hold 3-5 years and drink 2023-2036.”
In Stock Now:
Luigi Giordano Cavana Barbaresco DOCG 2017 750ML ($44.95) $33 special
Jeb Dunnuck 92 Points ” The 2017 Barbaresco Cavanna is lifted with a delicate amount of rusticity, with dried sour cherry, rhubarb, and leather. The palate is fresh and ripe, with fine tannins and notes of cranberry cocktail, fresh orange, and dusty earth. Open and inviting, the Cavanna is easy-drinking and medium-bodied. Drink 2021-2031.”
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Ferreiro: The Apex of Albarino
Looking for a wine that is equal parts refreshing and compelling? Check out our selection from D.O Ferreirio! Coming from the picturesque Salnes region on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, this is the ancestral home of Albarino and shows in the wine’s character across the portfolio. Some of the biggest contributors to the terroir of Salnes are the granitic mountains and blankets of sea fog found throughout the area, creating the building blocks for an invigorating and savory wine with surprising aging potential. These features also have a meteorological effect, creating an exceptionally cool and oftentimes wet growing season with the average temperature being 55 degrees! As a result of these challenges, there has been very little deviation from the traditional growing practices. D.O Ferrario is a local champion of these methods, and is known for their devotion to rehabilitating abandoned sites and refusing to use synthetic chemicals in any way.
These efforts pay off in spades as seen in their top bottling (Cepas Vellas) especially, which is sourced from a minuscule vineyard planted in 1785. Ethereal aromas of gyukoro tea, jasmine blossom and ocean spray jete from the glass and fill the room. Flavors of gooseberry, white tea, guava, curacao orange, dill, fresh squeezed lemon and sea salt ricochet throughout the palate and leaves a marathon of a finish redolent of hoshigaki sugar and mangostein flesh.
Even the entry level bottling however is still loaded with nuance, and featuring an ironclad acidity that can handle any food pairing. With over 164 different plots under their spade, Ferreiro is able to feature the many “faces” of Albarino with bottlings that see completely different vinification. Most unique after the Cepas Vellas Ancestor vine bottling, is their Dous Ferrados which is sourced from a high elevation site above the fog line that sees aging in a wooden puncheon. This contributes to a rounded and fuller body, less salinity and higher aromatics that emphasizes the tropical fruit aspects of albarino like fresh passionfruit and green pineapple.
In Stock Now:
Do Ferreiro Albarino ‘Cepas Vellas,’ Rias Baixas 2019 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 10 bottles in stock now
De Maison Selections note “In 2019, yields were lower than in 2018, and the quality was excellent. Although acidity is higher than usual, it is well integrated with fully developed phenolic ripeness. This situation bodes extremely well for the age-ability of the 2019 vintage, as some of the greatest vintages of Cepas Vellas have elevated acidity. Yields were down in their Salnés valley vineyards 20%, compared to 2018. Following two vintages with higher than average yields, the vines produced less clusters per bud in 2019, naturally lowering yields. The absence of rain during the first 40 days of ripening resulted in lightweight clusters with very little must. The resulting wine has perfect structure from extremely healthy grapes with balanced acidity, fruit, and alcohol. 2019 is an epic vintage for Cepas Vellas, which will reward a decade or more of time in the cellar.”
Do Ferreiro Albarino, Rias Baixas 2018 750ML ($39.95) $27 special, 15 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2018 Albariño was very expressive after some time in the glass. This is their house wine, produced with grapes from the 11 hectares and up to 164 plots they work in the Salnés up to 22 kilometers from their winery in Meaño. The wine is very elegant in 2018; it’s vibrant and tasty, with the granite sapidity and the salty finish. I tasted a bottle from the end of June 2019, when the wine had had longer time sur lie, and the year in bottle does it good. 70,000 bottles produced.”
Do Ferreiro Albarino Dous Ferrados, Rias Baixas 2018 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 9 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez – Wine Advocate 93 points “The only Albariño where they use any wood is the 2018 Dous Ferrados, which ferments and matures in barrel for nine months with lees. The idea is to go back to the wines from yesteryear, fermenting in large-volume oak casks (500 liters here) with the intention that the wood is in the background and does not interfere with the aromatics of the variety but aid the micro-oxygenation of the wine. The grapes are sourced from the same soils as the Adina, on red slate soils, a different source than the old “barrica” bottling that was from Meaño. The wine needed a little bit of time to open up in the glass; funnily enough, it felt more reductive/blurry than any of its siblings. The palate is saline and mineral, with marked granite sensations in the grainy texture, and finishes long and dry. 1,300 bottles were filled in September 2019.”
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Bucklin : Field Blend Barons of Sonoma
Bucklin’s wines come from the historic vineyard Old Hill Ranch , originally planted in 1851. This is a field blend that is a snapshot of American wine history. Coming right after the Gold Rush and the beginning of the phylloxera blight this is a field blend selected for resilience above all else. Primarily made from Zinfandel with a smattering of Grenache, Alicante Bouchet, Petite Sirah, Carignan and Mourvèdre this is only a fraction of the 30 varietals planted at the time. Farmed organically since the inception of the farm and dry farmed.
Their Ancient is gorgeously saturated in color and leaves a spectrum of purple and red in the Marangoni flow, throwing out aromas of lavender, 5 spice, dried cherries and terra cotta in a multilayered spectacle. On the palate the old vine influence is evident, with a full body serving spiced marionberries, Italian plum, and blueberry compote by the bucketful interspersed with juniper berries, bay leaf, and sage. There’s a beautiful minerality that is reminiscent of hot sandy loam and granite. The acid and tannins are stratospheric on this wine, which speaks to a long life in the bottle but also temper the alcohol level to the point you’d expect it to be 13-14% ABV. Get one if you can resist opening it, and a few if you can’t.
Also offered by Bucklin, the stewards of Old Hill Ranch for over 3 generations are wines made from their younger parcels of vines. Otto’s Grenache is composed of a hillside planting done in 2010 over decomposed volcanic tuff and basalt. Incredibly structured and burly on first pour, Otto throws out strawberry jam, kirsch cherry and fresh raspberry, but with a subtle note of dried hibiscus, daffodil and honeysuckle. There’s a tremendous minerality throughout the wine, exhibited by hot pumice in the aromas and a savory basaltic note on the finish. Otto’s Grenache is something to cellar for at least 5 years after the vintage, or to be had by the glass over the course of a week.
The Bambino was planted in 1998 and is generally around 75% Zinfandel co-fermented with Alicante Bouchet and Petite Sirah. The exact blend is vintage dependent as a result of Bucklin’s commitment to entirely estate grown fruit. Bambino exhibits an old world character that would have me thinking this was imported from Puglia. There’s a fruit character that sets it aside from its centarian counterparts on the ranch, but sharing in the layers of purity, spice, minerality and old world rusticity.
In Stock Now:
Bucklin Old Hill Ranch Ancient Field Blend Sonoma Valley 18 ($49.95) $37.70 special
Distributor Note “60% Zinfandel,15% Grenache, 10% Alicante Bouschet, 5% Petite Sirah and 10% “other” (20+ other varieties, in fact) from a twelve-acre block of vines that were planted in 1885. The vineyard is a mosaic of over two dozen grape varieties; the grapes are fermented together. Fermented with native yeast and aged 22 months in French oak, 40% of which is new. Bottled unfiltered.”
Winery Note “Our “Ancient Field Blend” comes from the original vines that were planted on Old Hill Ranch in the 1880’s. Approximately 65% Zinfandel with the remaining varieties co harvested and fermented together. Includes Grenache, Alicante Bouschet, Petite Sirah, Grand Noir, Syrah, Carignan, and Mourvedre to name a few. 12 Acres, 30 grape varieties, 1 wine.”
Dry farmed.
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Bucklin Old Hill Ranch Otto’s Grenache Sonoma Valley 2019 ($49.95) $37.70 special
Wine Spectator 91 Points “Lively and briary, with expressive raspberry, smoky tarragon and cracked pepper flavors that pick up speed toward well-groomed tannins. Drink now through 2028. 569 cases made.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Bucklin Bambino Old Hill Ranch Zinfandel 2017 ($29.95) $24 special
Winery Note “Otto’s Grenache was planted to honor our Step Father Otto Teller. Opinionated and cantankerous, Otto believed grapevines were too coddled and needed great stress to produce the best wines. This field blend was planted in 2010 on a modestly steep hillside that faces the hot setting sun. The soils are shallow, between two to three feet deep, and they are underlain with a thick impermeable volcanic tuff made from ejected rock and ash that is compacted and cemented into rock. If these growing conditions aren’t challenging enough, the vines are also dry farmed. Average yields are low primarily because the berries are so small and these grapes produce very intense and colorful wine.”
Dry farmed.
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New Grapelive Reviews
Weingut Leo Alzinger Gruner Veltliner Durnstein Federspiel Wachau 2019 750ML ($29.95) $24 special, 18 bottles in stock now
Grapelive 93 Points “The brilliantly clear 2019 Durnstein Federspiel Gruner from Leo Alzinger is a near perfect example of this region, grape and style with classic brisk citrus led flavors that include lemon/lime, white peach and green apple fruits and wet rock, saline, almond oil, a touch of leafy herbs and verbena. This light bodied Gruner is more complex and shows more depth than first impressions give, but is still lacy and refreshing at its core, it is very delightful and vibrant, highlighting the highly regarded vintage here…[These] are some of Austria’s most exciting wines and this one continues that trend of excellence….The 2019 Alzinger Dursten Gruner Veltliner comes from multiple sites within the Durnstein, set on a combination of clay mixed with gneiss, mica schist, loam and sandy gravelly soils, all of which adds to the depth here and the cool climate allows for greater retainment of zesty acidity….I understand Leo used natural yeast with a spontaneous fermentation in stainless steel vats and the short elevage was done employing mostly stainless steel tanks, but with a small amount of neutral Austrian oak to add to the roundness and presence on the palate. The Danube River’s influence is felt on the terroir driven character here and this wine is a true expression of place, I am again incredibly impressed with what is on display in this fine Gruner and I am thinking I’ll want quite a few more bottles for Summer. The value here is fabulous and the winemaking is pristine, I can’t wait to enjoy my next bottle with oysters and or steamed claims, as well as with grilled artichokes. Not only does Alzinger do fantastic Gruner, he also produces stellar Rieslings too, equally as profound and powerful… this winery is one to follow, and don’t miss these 2019s!”
“I have been following Laura’s wines since she was at Dominio do Bibei and was an early fan of her own label Daterra Viticultores, which was founded in 2014 with a set of small lot wines from the Ribeira Sacra, she has now enjoyed a string of successful vintages and is an international star. Lorenzo hand crafts a range of wines, mostly from a Ribeira Sacra set of small vineyards as well as in Valdeorras, and her Portela do Vento wines are regional blends exclusively from the Ribeira Sacra “Sacred Blanks”, while her Erea, Gavela, and Azos series are single village wines, and she also does a set of single parish or vinos de parroquia wines. All of Laura’s wines are transparent and highlight this regions fascinating terroir, with its cool Atlantic climate and mixture of slate, sand, schist and granite soils all showing through in these intriguing wines. The Portela do Vento Blanco, as the winery notes, comes from several parcels of native white varieties primarily from the Amandi (south-facing young vines) as well as Val do Bibei (north & northeast-facing old vines) subzones, all hand tended head trained vineyard sites, with organic and holistic farming methods employed. This dry white wine saw, according to Lorenzo, all the de-stemmed grapes go into both some used chestnut barrels and some terra-cotta amphora for a wild yeast fermentation with 5 days of skin contact before being raised for about a year in the same vessels and bottled unfined and unfiltered. This wine charms with every sip and goes fabulously with a wide array of foods, but especially with briny sea foods, I highly recommend it with shellfish, though it goes lovely with soft cheeses and even curried greens. This region has a long history in wine, with the Romans coming to this green, northwest corner of Iberia over 2,000 years ago, and they were the first to terrace these picturesque slopes and plant grape vines in Ribeira Sacra and while almost forgotten, but wines like this make it one of the most exciting wine regions in the world.” – Kerry Winslow, Grapelive
Daterra Viticultores ‘Portela do Vento’ Blanco Galicia 2018 750ML ($39.95) $31.90 special, 17 bottles in stock now
Grapelive 95 Points “The 2018 Portela do Vento Vino Blanco is a stunning white wine from the incredible Laura Lorenzo, this wine is gorgeous with the class and complexity of Grand Cru Burgundy, but with its own unique character and with beautiful aromatics, this medium bodied wine, made from a blend of Ribeira Sacra grown Godello, Palomino, Doña Blanca and Colgadeira, none of which are household names, but combine here to remarkable effect. Lorenzo’s natural and organic offerings are some of the most compelling in Spain, with her hard and back breaking work in these remote vineyard sites really paying off… and this 2018 is one f her best that I’ve tried, with its heady perfume, textural grace and depth just heavenly in the glass. This Portela do Blanco comes from plots in the Amandi and Val do Bibei zones… on steep slopes look more like the Mosel than you’d imagine. This brilliant wine shows layers of crisp apple, pear, peach and racy citrus fruits with orange blossoms, jasmine and a touch of waxy detail along with zesty herbs, verbena, citron and hazelnut. A light golden yellow hue captures your attention, but it is the sublime mouth feel and steely core that impresses most here, it has many facets that will excite those that love Chablis, though slightly more exotic in nature…This dry white wine saw, according to Lorenzo, all the de-stemmed grapes go into both some used chestnut barrels and some terra-cotta amphora for a wild yeast fermentation with 5 days of skin contact before being raised for about a year in the same vessels and bottled unfined and unfiltered. This wine charms with every sip and goes fabulously with a wide array of foods, but especially with briny sea foods.”
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Chateau Plince: The Prince of Pomerol
Chateau Plince is one of the hidden gems of Pomerol. Represented exclusively by the legendary Moueix family, who are best known for making Petrus, a $2,000+icon of Pomerol, Plince is only 1.3 miles away, yet we’re able to offer it for well less than $50 per bottle. Their wines combine the natural richness of Pomerol with an elegant classicism that’s a hallmark of the Moueix portfolio and are stunning deals for lovers of old-school Bordeaux.
Château Plince was first planted to grapevines in 1803, and the Moreau family has owned the property for over four generations. Plince was one of the first estates to begin practicing green harvesting in order to lower yields and increase flavor intensity, and they’re still known for their quality-at-all-costs attitude.
Sourced from a single estate vineyard in the Pomerol growing region of Bordeaux, this this is a deliciously fruity and plush red blend that encapsulates the essence of the Right Bank. We just tasted the 2015, which blew us away with its combination of concentration and already-elegant tannins.
Effusive aromas of rosehip, strawberry jam, freshly harvested peat and camphor demand your attention with its complexity and length. Plince delivers classic Bordeaux in its juxtaposition between primary and secondary characteristics with layered flavors of Kiona cherry, redcurrant, boysenberry, leather, patchouli, light roasted coffee beans, and cigar tobacco with an underpinning of pine resin and violets. The blend is primarily Merlot (72%), with the rest of the proportion coming from Cabernet Sauvignon and Franc respectively.
In Stock Now:
Chateau Plince, Pomerol 2014 750ML ($59.95) $41.90 special
James Suckling 93 Points Focused and fruity with lots of flowers and blackberry character. Medium to full body, silky tannins and a long and subtle finish. Shows polish and finesse. Better in 2020.
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Arriving ETA July:
Chateau Plince, Pomerol 2015 750ml ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 93 Points “Attractive red berries and light licorice notes with a lick of iodine lead to a palate that has plenty of red-fruit and -licorice flavors. Smoothly groomed tannins and a fresh cherry-pip finish. Try from 2020.”
Jm Points Wine Spectator 90 Points “Steeped plum, blackberry and black cherry fruit forms the core here, while a liberal dose of warm fruitcake, mulling spices and bramble kicks in through the finish. All the elements meld well enough, with a slightly chewy hint at the very end. Best from 2021 through 2030. 4,100 cases made “
Jeb Dunnuck 90 Points “Another terrific Pomerol from the Moueix team and based on 72% Merlot and 28% Cabernet Franc, the 2015 Château Plince offers the sexy, approachable style of the vintage as well as lots of sweet red and black fruits, underbrush, and hints of vanilla. This medium-bodied 2015 has surprising elegance, as well as silky texture, and it’s already hard to resist. Drink it over the coming decade.”
First Offer
La Magia’s 96 Point Brunello, Under $50
Looking for a stunning Brunello that can be drunk now or cellared for an occasion for under $50 a bottle? Check out La Magia’s stunning 2016 Brunello. Organically farmed and sourced from 40 old vines this is an absolute steal considering the heaps of praise regarding the 2016 vintage—and La Magia lives up with a 96-point score. As a whole 2016 is described as having a generous and ripe fruit profile like the previous vintage, but with a balance and structure that speaks to its longevity.
The Magia Brunello delivers the perfect marriage of red and purple fruit with the tannic power of Montalcino from the first pour. Delivering a full bodied punch of rosemary, purple hyssop, polished leather and bing cherries on the first sip, you’re instantly enamored by a classic finish of hot stone, warm clay and cappuccino and tactile finish. Unlike many young Brunellos there is not an aggressive oak character, with good integration that has potential to quickly evolve into flavors of cherry cola, dried lavender and Assamese black tea.
Arriving ETA December
Fattoria La Magia Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2016 750ML ($59.95) $46.50 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 96 points “Black cherry, walnut, bark and wet earth on the nose. Some mushroom, too. Full-bodied with firm, velvety tannins that are energetic and polished at the same time. Plenty of character at the finish, if a little subdued. Very persistent. Try after 2024.”
Decanter 95 points “Winemaker and owner Fabian Schwartz favours 500L French oak tonneau for ageing, with the percentage of new wood increasing up through his range of Brunello. Here, a moderate 30% is cleverly integrated and barely perceptible. Pristine and pretty, La Màgia’s estate Brunello doesn’t give up everything all at once: it progresses from floral notes to sunbaked earth and irony intricacies. Almost midweight yet with lovely depth of fruit, the palate displays an exotic citrussy element, framed by very fine powdery tannins.”
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “Expressive aromatics of lavender, fresh black raspberry, and sweet Mediterranean herbs are found in the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino. The palate is ripe and inviting, with black cherry, cola, and baked earth. It is open and generous, with a round structure and soft, supple tannins. Approachable now or enjoy over the next ten years. La Magia is located above Sant’Antimo in the Val d’Orcia, where Fabien Schwarz runs the family estate that was founded by his father in 1970. They are certified in biodynamic farming and their cellar has been fully energy self-sufficient since 2008.”
#Trending
From the same owner as Chateau Angelus, this is top Right-Bank value.
Chateau Clos de Bouard La Dame de Bouard, Montagne-Saint-Emilion 2016 750ML ($29.95) $21.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
James Suckling 93 points “This has very attractive violets, plums and purple fruit on offer with a very plush and elegant feel on the palate, as well as a polished and long aftertaste. Super long and elegant. Very polished. 60 per cent merlot and 40 per cent cabernet franc. Try from 2023.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Grand and Glou-Glou in one bottle !
Pierre-Marie Chermette Domaine du Vissoux Fleurie les Garants Beaujolais 2018 750ML ($39.95) $31.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 93 points “Chermette’s 2018 Fleurie Les Garants delivers a striking bouquet of raspberries, peonies, warm spices and candied peel, followed by a medium to full-bodied, satiny but incisive palate that remains lively and tensile, despite its abundant endowment of ripe, succulent fruit. Elegant and precise, this is one of the high points of the portfolio.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Cave Mont Blanc de Morgex et de la Salle ‘Caronte’ Extra Brut Rosato NV 750ML ($29.95) $26 special, 32 bottles in stock now
VinopolNote “100% Petite Rouge.Founded in 1983, to revive the abandoned vineyards on the slopes of the Mont Blanc and to perpetuate the centuries old tradition of the area, the ‘Cave’ gathers the grapes from the municipalities of Morgex and La Salle and produces, among others, one of the highest cultivated white wines in Europe.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
#6 Wine of the Year – Wine Spectator Top 100 2017
Domaine Huet Vouvray ‘Le Mont’ Demi-Sec, Loire 2016 750ML ($59.95) $41.90 Subscriber Special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 95 points “This tilts toward the flattering side of off-dry, showing a plump feel to the core of creamed pear, white peach and yellow apple fruit. Lovely verbena, honeysuckle and mineral accents keep this balanced and driven, with a long finish that lets the fruit echo. Drink now through 2032.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
A beloved Willamette Valley producer amongst Oregonians !
Et Fille Pinot Noir Willamette Valley, 2017 750ML ($31.95) $27 special
Winery note “We love blending Pinot Noir from multiple vineyards. This process epitomizes the confluence of art and science. We use our scientific backgrounds to begin with an analytic hypothesis-driven approach, but our love of art takes over once we start engaging our senses and letting the combinations take us in surprising directions. Our goal with this blend is to allow the complexity of the Willamette Valley to reveal itself in an honest representation of the vintage. Appellation: 100% Willamette Valley (Yamhill-Carlton and Eola-Amity Hills). Harvest: September 29-October 2, 2017. Production: 893 cases. Certifications: L.I.V.E. Certified Sustainable.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
A rare champagne bottling released once in a blue moon!
Andre Clouet Un Jour de 1911 Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($99.95) $74.50 special
Antonio Galloni 93+ points “[Review is for a prior disgorgement] The NV Grand Cru Cuvee 1911 emerges from the glass with the most haunting of perfumes. Sweet rose petal and jasmine are some of the nuances that emerge over time. Despite recent disgorgement, the purity of the fruit and the extraordinary elegance of the mousse are hard to miss. This is an exceptional, elegant version of the 1911 that should drink beautifully for years to come. The bottle I tasted needed quite a bit of air to open up, so readers should be patient with the wine at this stage.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $93
Top white Burgundy from a world class winemaker at a closeout price !
Domaine Rollin Pere et Fils Les Cloux Pernand-Vergelesses 2018 750ML ($69.95) $59 special
Rosenthal Wine Merchant note “Pernand-Vergelesses Blanc “Les Cloux”: “Les Cloux” is a well-situated lieu-dit on the north side of the hill of Corton, adjacent to the premier cru “Sous Fretille” (see below). It faces southeast on a high, steep part of the hillside, and a general lack of any direct breeze there encourages notable ripeness. The wine possesses a lower-pitched, deeper nose than the basic Pernand-Vergelesses above, but with an equivalent limestone intensity more solid in its character than powdered. The palate is richer and thicker as well, but suffused with the alert acidity typical of the Rollin style. Only 20% of the oak employed during the elevage is new.”
A Saumur that Sings!
Arnaud Lambert Saumur Rouge Clos Mazurique, Loire 2019 750ML ($24.95) $17.70 special
No reviews available for 2019 vintage. Recent review provided for reference.
Wine Spectator 92 points “[2018 vintage] This red flows like velvet, loaded with cranberry sauce, blackberry and juniper, while hints of charcoal and cedar add to the complexity. Very harmonious from start to finish, with a long aftertaste infused with mineral and thyme. Drink now through 2030. 1,666 cases made, 786 cases imported. –AZ”
Importer note “Size: 3.7 ha (9.12 ac). Variety: Cabernet Franc. Vine Age: Planted in 1990. Terroir: Facing west, silty sand soil on Turonian limestone bedrock. Viticulture: Organic (certified, methods since 2009). Vinification: 100% de-stemmed, indigenous yeast fermentation in concrete tanks, no pump-overs. Aged for 5 months in concrete tank (15mg/L total SO2).”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $21
Delightfully spicy and rich, this makes the perfect spritz. A staff favorite.
Liquore delle Sirene Americano Rosso Aperitivo 750ML ($ 39.95) $34.50 special
Distributor note “Natural red aperitif made by somm Elisa Carta, inspired by the Venetian heritage. Handmade in small batches, blending wines from the Lake Garda area and single botanical macerations. The natural color is extracted from Hibiscus and Monarda flowers. Not artificial colors or flavorings.”
Vinopolis is an independent wine shop in Portland that opened in 2004. Our goal has always been to offer the finest, broadest, and largest selection of wines at the best prices to our customers in Portland, in Oregon, across the West Coast, and throughout the United States.
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