In This Newsletter:
Just Arrived:
Cornas’ Hottest Wines?
First Offer:
2020 Donnhoff
97-Point Star Brunello Riserva
New Reviews for Washington Stars
‘Mr. Chablis:’ Domaine d’Henri
New Reviews for Vinopolis Favorites
Trending
Collector’s Corner:
Paolo Scavino: Barolo’s Modern-ish Master
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Just Arrived:
Cornas’ Hottest Wines?
Guillaume Gilles is a hot name in the Northern Rhone for good reason—he’s making some of the most exceptional bottles to come out of Cornas. That’s a big statement, but Gilles delivers, with an ultra-traditional, whole-cluster driven style that’s intensely influenced by his mentor, the legendary Robert Michel.
In the decade-and-a-half since Michel retired, Gilles has taken over his plot in Chaillot, as well as his cave/winery. As his importer, Neal Rosenthal, put it, “it has been, then, a nearly seamless transition for us from Michel to Gilles.”
The wines remind us of Michel’s in their wild personality that combines austere tannin with a savory take on the appellation, however they’re decidedly cleaner and more consistent. The 2018’s show the heat of the vintage with a bit more fruit, but still display the classicism that has thrilled collectors.
We’ve secured an exceptionally limited allocation of these beauties, just arrived.
In Stock Now:
Domaine Guillaume Gilles Cornas Rhone 2018 750ML ($199.95) $108 special
Domaine Guillaume Gilles Cornas Rhone 2018 1.5L ($249.95) $219 special
Rosenthal Wine note “Cornas: This is the grand wine of this tiny domaine. The vines are situation on the higher slopes of the Chaillot vineyard. The “terroir” is more complex here with a mixture of soil types and expositions. There are terraces of pure granite that are oriented east – southeast; then, these are supplemented by terraces that sit on a clay-limestone base that have a full southern exposure. The grapes are never destemmed, the cuvaison is long (30 days) and the elevage is in demi-muids for eighteen months. As with the other wines of the domaine, this wine is neither fined nor filtered.”
Domaine Guillaume Gilles Cornas Nouvelle Les Rieux Rhone 2018 750ML ($99.95) $79 special
Rosenthal Wine note “Cornas “Nouvelle R”: The “R” in this wine’s name stands for Les Rieux, a vineyard situated up above the main amphitheater of Cornas at a lofty 450 meters altitude. Guillaume acquired acreage here in 2010, immediately planting vines on its soils of white granite which had never before borne wine. Whereas before the turn of the century there was really nothing planted above 300 meters in Cornas, today’s warmer climate allows for wines from plots like this one to reach full maturity at modest alcohol levels—in the case of the 2016, a mere 12.5%. Robert Michel remarked that it reminded him of the Cornas he and his village-mates made in the ‘70s and ’80, an era in which even Geynale and Chaillot rarely pushed past 13% alcohol. The purity of fruit here—its brightness and its spice-saturated red character—provides a fascinating contrast to Gilles’ more brooding and black-fruited flagship Cornas.”
Domaine Guillaume Gilles Cotes du Rhone Les Peyrouses France 2018 1.5L ($179.95) $149 special
Domaine Guillaume Gilles Cotes du Rhone Les Peyrouses France 2018 750ML ($79.95) $69 special
Rosenthal Wine note “Cotes du Rhone Les Peyrouses: This wine, feral and exciting, issues from an old vines parcel on the flats in Cornas. The soil is sand and clay overlain with large “galet” stones. The vinification is the same as is used for the more prestigious wines of the cellar. Best described as a “mini-Cornas”, it’s outside of its generic category of Cotes du Rhone.”
In the decade-and-a-half since Michel retired, Gilles has taken over his plot in Chaillot, as well as his cave/winery. As his importer, Neal Rosenthal, put it, “it has been, then, a nearly seamless transition for us from Michel to Gilles.”
The wines remind us of Michel’s in their wild personality that combines austere tannin with a savory take on the appellation, however they’re decidedly cleaner and more consistent. The 2018’s show the heat of the vintage with a bit more fruit, but still display the classicism that has thrilled collectors.
We’ve secured an exceptionally limited allocation of these beauties, just arrived.
In Stock Now:
Domaine Guillaume Gilles Cornas Rhone 2018 750ML ($199.95) $108 special
Domaine Guillaume Gilles Cornas Rhone 2018 1.5L ($249.95) $219 special
Rosenthal Wine note “Cornas: This is the grand wine of this tiny domaine. The vines are situation on the higher slopes of the Chaillot vineyard. The “terroir” is more complex here with a mixture of soil types and expositions. There are terraces of pure granite that are oriented east – southeast; then, these are supplemented by terraces that sit on a clay-limestone base that have a full southern exposure. The grapes are never destemmed, the cuvaison is long (30 days) and the elevage is in demi-muids for eighteen months. As with the other wines of the domaine, this wine is neither fined nor filtered.”
Domaine Guillaume Gilles Cornas Nouvelle Les Rieux Rhone 2018 750ML ($99.95) $79 special
Rosenthal Wine note “Cornas “Nouvelle R”: The “R” in this wine’s name stands for Les Rieux, a vineyard situated up above the main amphitheater of Cornas at a lofty 450 meters altitude. Guillaume acquired acreage here in 2010, immediately planting vines on its soils of white granite which had never before borne wine. Whereas before the turn of the century there was really nothing planted above 300 meters in Cornas, today’s warmer climate allows for wines from plots like this one to reach full maturity at modest alcohol levels—in the case of the 2016, a mere 12.5%. Robert Michel remarked that it reminded him of the Cornas he and his village-mates made in the ‘70s and ’80, an era in which even Geynale and Chaillot rarely pushed past 13% alcohol. The purity of fruit here—its brightness and its spice-saturated red character—provides a fascinating contrast to Gilles’ more brooding and black-fruited flagship Cornas.”
Domaine Guillaume Gilles Cotes du Rhone Les Peyrouses France 2018 1.5L ($179.95) $149 special
Domaine Guillaume Gilles Cotes du Rhone Les Peyrouses France 2018 750ML ($79.95) $69 special
Rosenthal Wine note “Cotes du Rhone Les Peyrouses: This wine, feral and exciting, issues from an old vines parcel on the flats in Cornas. The soil is sand and clay overlain with large “galet” stones. The vinification is the same as is used for the more prestigious wines of the cellar. Best described as a “mini-Cornas”, it’s outside of its generic category of Cotes du Rhone.”
First Offer:
2020 Donnhoff
Donnhoff is perhaps our favorite German producer. They excel with both dry and off-dry wines, producing some of the top dozen Rieslings in nearly every vintage. Part of that is a privileged location—they own some of the best vineyards in the Nahe, one of the most geologically diverse parts of Germany. Decanter notes that “the estate owns 25ha of vines, including plots in nine Grosse Lage vineyards – the highest quality classification as set out by the VDP,” a wealth of resources that few wineries in the world can draw from. The other part is the exceptional drive and focus of Helmut and Cornelius Dönnhoff, who will stop at nothing to produce the best wines in Germany.
As good as the wines are every year, they might have outdone themselves in the 2020 vintage. On the whole 2020 is a very good year, with brightly mineral wine and a delicacy that’s refreshingly old-school—and Dönnhoff is very much in the tip-top of the class. The Nahe, which naturally combines the zest of the neighboring Mosel with the depth and gras of the Rhein, has been on a roll recently, but the nature of ’20 seems to play to its strengths, with intense wines that are buttressed with ample acidity.
We’re kicking things off with our annual allocations of the entry-level Dönnhoff wines, which are as stellar as any in recent memory. These tend to go quickly, for good reason—it’s hard to think of many better values in wine.
Arriving ETA Late July:
Donnhoff Estate Riesling, Nahe 2020 750ML ($26.95) $20.90 pre-arrival special
Importer Note ” The idea here is to make a village wine, basically, though it’s sold and marketed as a Gutswein or Estate bottled basic wine. The Estate wine combines the two major soils that dominate the holdings for the estate, giving the drinker a look into what Dönnhoff is all about. The basic wine is a calling card and thus Cornelius wants to make statement.”
Donnhoff Estate Riesling Trocken, Nahe 2020 750ML ($26.95) $20.90 pre-arrival special
Importer Note “Grape: Riesling. Vineyard: Mostly from Oberhauser Felsenberg (volcanic), Kieselberg (slate).
Soil:The vines grow in stony, weathered volcanic soils of porphyry and melaphyr in particular, with certain amounts of slate and quartzite.
Wine making: Fermentations occur is a combination of stainless & used large oak”
As good as the wines are every year, they might have outdone themselves in the 2020 vintage. On the whole 2020 is a very good year, with brightly mineral wine and a delicacy that’s refreshingly old-school—and Dönnhoff is very much in the tip-top of the class. The Nahe, which naturally combines the zest of the neighboring Mosel with the depth and gras of the Rhein, has been on a roll recently, but the nature of ’20 seems to play to its strengths, with intense wines that are buttressed with ample acidity.
We’re kicking things off with our annual allocations of the entry-level Dönnhoff wines, which are as stellar as any in recent memory. These tend to go quickly, for good reason—it’s hard to think of many better values in wine.
Arriving ETA Late July:
Donnhoff Estate Riesling, Nahe 2020 750ML ($26.95) $20.90 pre-arrival special
Importer Note ” The idea here is to make a village wine, basically, though it’s sold and marketed as a Gutswein or Estate bottled basic wine. The Estate wine combines the two major soils that dominate the holdings for the estate, giving the drinker a look into what Dönnhoff is all about. The basic wine is a calling card and thus Cornelius wants to make statement.”
Donnhoff Estate Riesling Trocken, Nahe 2020 750ML ($26.95) $20.90 pre-arrival special
Importer Note “Grape: Riesling. Vineyard: Mostly from Oberhauser Felsenberg (volcanic), Kieselberg (slate).
Soil:The vines grow in stony, weathered volcanic soils of porphyry and melaphyr in particular, with certain amounts of slate and quartzite.
Wine making: Fermentations occur is a combination of stainless & used large oak”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Donnhoff Kreuznacher Krotenpfuhl Kabinett, Nahe 2020 750ML ($34.95) $25.50 pre-arrival special
Importer Note “The loess loam soil of the Krötenpfuhl vineyard is notable for its high share of gravelly quarzite. Between the stony ground and its southern aspect, this neighbor to the Kahlenberg is known for warm soils and early flowering of the vines year after year. The loess loam substrate retains water well, ensuring the vines have sufficient moisture even in drought years. Vines growing in this type of pebbly soil tend to produce small berries with delicate aromas, a lively acidity and a long hang time.”
Donnhoff Oberhauser Leistenberg Kabinett, Nahe 2020 750ML ($34.95) $26 special
Importer Note “Traditional, precise Kabinett with delicate slate aromatics. Nuanced finesse and spicy acidity. The Leistenberg vineyard lies in a small side valley of the Nahe just outside Oberhausen. The name is a double play on words. “Leisten ” means “achieve ” in German, and the Leistenberg perpetually lives up to its name. “Lei ” is also a regional word for slate, and these warm, decomposed clay slate soils and steep terraced hillsides provide ideal conditions for Riesling to thrive. Th e southeast-facing slope basks in the morning sun, which dries out any excess moisture and promotes healthy fruit. Th e afternoon sun is less powerful, nurturing a long ripening period and moderate alcohol levels. An ideal vineyard for Kabinett wines of high minerality and sophisticated elegance.”
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When you’re ready to pick up, just park in our lot,
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(If another adult is picking up for you,
please let us know their name when placing your order.)
www.vinopoliswineshop.com
info@vinopoliswineshop.com
503-223-6002
97-Point Star Brunello Riserva
Arriving Next Friday:
La Fiorita Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 2015 750ML ($119.95) $89 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 97 points “Highly Recommended. This rich red is energetic and balanced, saturated with black cherry, plum and mineral flavors. Accents of wild rosemary and sage chime in as this remains fresh and long on the iron and underbrush aftertaste. Best from 2024 through 2045. 310 cases made, 100 cases imported. — BS.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95 points “This Riserva from La Fiorita boasts a full and generous style with pretty richness, concentration and ample intensity. This pretty wine really does hit those 2015 vintage expectations dead on. The 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva offers plush fruit and good softness with cherry, cassis, spice, potting soil and candied orange peel. There is balanced intensity here with Sangiovese purity that cedes to lightly toasted aromas.”
James Suckling 95 points “Aromas of plums and berries with flowers and dried meat. It’s full-bodied with round, juicy tannins and an extremely polished and beautiful finish. Hints of walnut and spice at the end, not to mention ash. Very attractive to taste now, but better after 2025.”
New Reviews for Washington Stars
Cayuse Vineyards Camaspelo, Walla Walla Valley 2018 750ML ($149.95) $119 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Anthony Mueller – Wine Advocate 94 points “Boasting a warm and generous nose that offers firm and expressive aromas of crème de cassis, black plum skin, dark cherry compote and spiced blackberry jus, the 2018 Camaspelo displays elements of resinous purple flowers and brown baking spices in the glass. Full-bodied and with silky tannins, the wine glides across the mid-palate with elegance and ease, leaving juicy flavors of macerating dark berries, cardamom madeleines and plum reduction. The wine has all of its elegance on display and concludes with an elongated finish that begs me back for another sip. The wine rested for 19 months in about 35% new French oak. It has me daydreaming of pan-seared Tomahawk chops. Just over 4,700 bottles produced.”
Cayuse Vineyards Impulsivo Tempranillo, Walla Walla Valley 2018 750ML ($179.95) $135 special, 15 bottles in stock now
Anthony Mueller – Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2018 Impulsivo displays a dark ruby core and a solid magenta rim and offers up aromas of leather, dusty violets, bone broth, blackberry reduction and dusty plums. Full-bodied for a Tempranillo, the palate offers flavors of spiced cherry compote, cedar and cigar box with pipe tobacco before fine-grained tannins coat the palate along with a soft oaky essence. The wine concludes with a long, lingering finish that offers a generous and persistent flavor of cinnamon-spiced plum compote and blackberry jus.The wine rested for19 months in French oak barrels, about 50% new. 4,992 bottles produced. Give it one more year in bottle before opening and drink through 2032.”
Cayuse Vineyards Cailloux Vineyard Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2018 750ML ($149.95) $119 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Anthony Mueller – Wine Advocate 95 points “Co-fermented with 6% Viognier, the 2018 Syrah Cailloux Vineyard begins with dusty and smokey expressions of cured meats, black pepper and blackberry compote. Medium to full-bodied, the wine displays a ripe yet firm character with impeccable mineral tension, elements of smoked lavender and roasted herbs before dusty plum and black cherry skin sway with an umami essence and succulent, fine-grained tannins. Concluding with a long-lingering, evolving finish, the Syrah will have no problem aging past its 15th birthday. The wine spent 19 months in approximately 12% new French oak. Bravo, it’s delicious. Only 10,320 bottles were made.”
Cayuse Vineyards En Cerise Vineyard Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2018 750ML ($149.95) $119 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Anthony Mueller – Wine Advocate 94+ points “Displaying a deep ruby core and magenta rim, the 2018 Syrah en Cerise bursts with elements of smoked meats, black pepper, umami, dried tobacco and smoked pipe before elements of black raspberry, dusty cherry and spiced plum compote sway out of the glass. Medium to full-bodied, the palate shows impeccable balance with a fine mineral tension followed by elements of smoked herbs, dusty lavender and hints of summer sausage across the mid-palate with youthful tannins. The wine concludes with a wonderfully expressive finish with elements of roasted herbs, cold firepit and cured meats. The wine should continue to drink well for the next decade. The wine rested for 19 months in approximately 15% new French oak. Just under 4,800 bottles were made.”
Cayuse Vineyards En Chamberlin Vineyard Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2018 750ML ($149.95) $119 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Anthony Mueller – Wine Advocate 95+ points “Boasting a firm, dense and serious nose, the 2018 Syrah en Chamberlin Vineyard expresses notions of peppered beef jerky, cured venison, roasted plum and wilted lavender in the glass. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is sturdy and broad with elements of crème de cassis, bone broth, impressive mineral tension and healthy tannins that grip the gumline. It conclude with a long, lingering and subtly smoked finish. The wine aged for 19 months in mostly neutral French oak. Let this one rest for another year in the cellar before opening, and drink through the next decade and a half. Decanting is recommended. Just over 5,200 bottles were filled.”
Anthony Mueller – Wine Advocate 94 points “Boasting a warm and generous nose that offers firm and expressive aromas of crème de cassis, black plum skin, dark cherry compote and spiced blackberry jus, the 2018 Camaspelo displays elements of resinous purple flowers and brown baking spices in the glass. Full-bodied and with silky tannins, the wine glides across the mid-palate with elegance and ease, leaving juicy flavors of macerating dark berries, cardamom madeleines and plum reduction. The wine has all of its elegance on display and concludes with an elongated finish that begs me back for another sip. The wine rested for 19 months in about 35% new French oak. It has me daydreaming of pan-seared Tomahawk chops. Just over 4,700 bottles produced.”
Cayuse Vineyards Impulsivo Tempranillo, Walla Walla Valley 2018 750ML ($179.95) $135 special, 15 bottles in stock now
Anthony Mueller – Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2018 Impulsivo displays a dark ruby core and a solid magenta rim and offers up aromas of leather, dusty violets, bone broth, blackberry reduction and dusty plums. Full-bodied for a Tempranillo, the palate offers flavors of spiced cherry compote, cedar and cigar box with pipe tobacco before fine-grained tannins coat the palate along with a soft oaky essence. The wine concludes with a long, lingering finish that offers a generous and persistent flavor of cinnamon-spiced plum compote and blackberry jus.The wine rested for19 months in French oak barrels, about 50% new. 4,992 bottles produced. Give it one more year in bottle before opening and drink through 2032.”
Cayuse Vineyards Cailloux Vineyard Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2018 750ML ($149.95) $119 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Anthony Mueller – Wine Advocate 95 points “Co-fermented with 6% Viognier, the 2018 Syrah Cailloux Vineyard begins with dusty and smokey expressions of cured meats, black pepper and blackberry compote. Medium to full-bodied, the wine displays a ripe yet firm character with impeccable mineral tension, elements of smoked lavender and roasted herbs before dusty plum and black cherry skin sway with an umami essence and succulent, fine-grained tannins. Concluding with a long-lingering, evolving finish, the Syrah will have no problem aging past its 15th birthday. The wine spent 19 months in approximately 12% new French oak. Bravo, it’s delicious. Only 10,320 bottles were made.”
Cayuse Vineyards En Cerise Vineyard Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2018 750ML ($149.95) $119 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Anthony Mueller – Wine Advocate 94+ points “Displaying a deep ruby core and magenta rim, the 2018 Syrah en Cerise bursts with elements of smoked meats, black pepper, umami, dried tobacco and smoked pipe before elements of black raspberry, dusty cherry and spiced plum compote sway out of the glass. Medium to full-bodied, the palate shows impeccable balance with a fine mineral tension followed by elements of smoked herbs, dusty lavender and hints of summer sausage across the mid-palate with youthful tannins. The wine concludes with a wonderfully expressive finish with elements of roasted herbs, cold firepit and cured meats. The wine should continue to drink well for the next decade. The wine rested for 19 months in approximately 15% new French oak. Just under 4,800 bottles were made.”
Cayuse Vineyards En Chamberlin Vineyard Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2018 750ML ($149.95) $119 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Anthony Mueller – Wine Advocate 95+ points “Boasting a firm, dense and serious nose, the 2018 Syrah en Chamberlin Vineyard expresses notions of peppered beef jerky, cured venison, roasted plum and wilted lavender in the glass. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is sturdy and broad with elements of crème de cassis, bone broth, impressive mineral tension and healthy tannins that grip the gumline. It conclude with a long, lingering and subtly smoked finish. The wine aged for 19 months in mostly neutral French oak. Let this one rest for another year in the cellar before opening, and drink through the next decade and a half. Decanting is recommended. Just over 5,200 bottles were filled.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Horsepower Vineyards ‘Sur Echalas Vineyard’ Grenache, Walla Walla Valley 2018 750ML ($199.95) $159 special, 5 bottles in stock now
Anthony Mueller – Wine Advocate 96+ points “Exploding from the glass with elements of white peppercorn, spiced potpourri, black raspberry, dusty leather and cherry compote, the 2018 Grenache Sur Echalas Vineyard offers elegant earth tones of cedar, cigar box and iodine. Medium to full-bodied, the palate possesses a fantastic mineral tension with a soft stemmy essence that sways with exotic red and purple flowers, baked clay and freshly crushed peppercorn. The wine lingers with persistence over the elongated finish, offering notes of graphite and bitter black tea. The wine rested for two years in neutral demi-muids and foudre. With the beautiful lineup of Syrahs, Horsepower Vineyards is quickly becoming known for another powerhouse Rhône variety: Grenache. Almost 3,400 bottles were filled.”
Charles Smith K Vintners Rock Garden Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2018 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Anthony Mueller – Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2018 Syrah Rock Garden Vineyard begins with a soft, stemmy nuance on the nose with a dusty, rocky and ashy core with elements of black peppercorn, black raspberry skins and maraschino cherry aromas. Medium to full-bodied, the Syrah offers a balanced expression in the mouth with complex earthy flavors of dusty, worn leather, sweet tobacco and sweet baking spices along with buttressing tannins that lift the expression. Concluding with a long-lingering and red-fruited finish, persistent flavors of black peppercorn and cherries in syrup sway on the aftertaste. The wine rested for 20 months in French oak puncheons, 38% new. Just over 8,000 bottles were produced.”
‘Mr. Chablis:’ Domaine d’Henri
Founded and made by Michel Laroche, a man whose nickname is ‘Mr. Chablis’, the wines of Le Domaine d’Henri are as classic as they come. Even better, they’re pricing makes them exceptional deals even for an undervalued region. We’re receiving additional stock of three of our most popular bottlings this this Friday, and are thrilled to feature them here today.
Le Domaine d’Henri is a new producer with an old heritage. Michel Laroche has ancestors who farmed grapes in Chablis going back to the 17th century, but formed this star estate only after selling his interest in the Domaine Laroche in 2010. Named after his father, Henri, Michel kept only the oldest, most treasured vines in Fourchaume and some village level vineyards. His aim was to have a small, family business that focuses on farming and winemaking on an intimate scale.
The wines he’s making are some of the most beautiful in Burgundy, with rippling minerality, electric tension and pretty fruit framing the palate. They are classically Chablisienne in the best ways, practically the distilled essence of the region. We love drinking these with practically any food, but especially with summer weather.
In Stock Now:
Le Domaine d’Henri Fourchaume, Chablis Premier Cru 2017 750ML ($44.95) $36 special, 35 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “In 2012, we started a massal selection from our oldest Fourchaume vines, planted in 1937, before the existence of clones. These vines provide us with a unique heritage that we absolutely want to preserve…In addition to the fundamental work on the vine canopy, we have joined forces with renowned soil specialist, Claude Bourguignon, and his son, Emmanuel, to gain a better understanding of our soils. The soil is a very complex, living environment that deserves to be better understood. It is, after all, the soil that will allow the vine to reach its full qualitative potential. It is important to understand the living organisms present in the soil: microbial, bacterial, vegetal and animal, such as worms that will help break up and aerate our soils.”
Le Domaine d’Henri is a new producer with an old heritage. Michel Laroche has ancestors who farmed grapes in Chablis going back to the 17th century, but formed this star estate only after selling his interest in the Domaine Laroche in 2010. Named after his father, Henri, Michel kept only the oldest, most treasured vines in Fourchaume and some village level vineyards. His aim was to have a small, family business that focuses on farming and winemaking on an intimate scale.
The wines he’s making are some of the most beautiful in Burgundy, with rippling minerality, electric tension and pretty fruit framing the palate. They are classically Chablisienne in the best ways, practically the distilled essence of the region. We love drinking these with practically any food, but especially with summer weather.
In Stock Now:
Le Domaine d’Henri Fourchaume, Chablis Premier Cru 2017 750ML ($44.95) $36 special, 35 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “In 2012, we started a massal selection from our oldest Fourchaume vines, planted in 1937, before the existence of clones. These vines provide us with a unique heritage that we absolutely want to preserve…In addition to the fundamental work on the vine canopy, we have joined forces with renowned soil specialist, Claude Bourguignon, and his son, Emmanuel, to gain a better understanding of our soils. The soil is a very complex, living environment that deserves to be better understood. It is, after all, the soil that will allow the vine to reach its full qualitative potential. It is important to understand the living organisms present in the soil: microbial, bacterial, vegetal and animal, such as worms that will help break up and aerate our soils.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Le Domaine d’Henri Terroirs, Chablis 2018 750ML ($29.95) $23.50 special, 23+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Le Domaine d’Henri Terroirs, Chablis 2018 750ML ($299.95) $258 special (that’s only $21.50/bottle!)
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Le Domaine d’Henri Fourchaume Héritage Première Trie, Chablis Premier Cru 2015 750ML ($69.95) $54.50 special, 23 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “Our Cuvée Héritage is dedicated to the memory of Henri. Hand harvested and hand selected, this is a “première trie”, or selection, of the finest grapes from our oldest parcel of vines, planted in 1937. Vinified and aged in stainless steel tanks (70%) and 228-litre oak barrels (30%), this is an elegant, precise yet racy wine, that expresses the tension and refreshing minerality associated with the great Chablis terroirs. For Henri, this was the purest expression of the Chardonnay grape. A grand vin that will start to reveal its full potential between five and twenty years. The Cuvée Héritage encapsulates our savoir-faire. By selecting only the very best grapes, the production is limited to only a few thousand bottles per year an the volume will vary each year, depending on the quality of the vintage. Serve between 14-15° and decant for 15 minutes before serving. This is a bottle for special occasions. Appreciate on its own with fellow wine lovers, or enjoy with fish, lobster, guinea fowl or even an aged Comté.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Le Domaine d’Henri Fourchaume Héritage Première Trie, Chablis Premier Cru 2017 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 5 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “Our Cuvée Héritage is dedicated to the memory of Henri. Hand harvested and hand selected, this is a “première trie”, or selection, of the finest grapes from our oldest parcel of vines, planted in 1937. Vinified and aged in stainless steel tanks (70%) and 228-litre oak barrels (30%), this is an elegant, precise yet racy wine, that expresses the tension and refreshing minerality associated with the great Chablis terroirs. For Henri, this was the purest expression of the Chardonnay grape. A grand vin that will start to reveal its full potential between five and twenty years. The Cuvée Héritage encapsulates our savoir-faire. By selecting only the very best grapes, the production is limited to only a few thousand bottles per year an the volume will vary each year, depending on the quality of the vintage. Serve between 14-15° and decant for 15 minutes before serving. This is a bottle for special occasions. Appreciate on its own with fellow wine lovers, or enjoy with fish, lobster, guinea fowl or even an aged Comté.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Le Domaine d’Henri L’Homme Mort Vieilles Vignes, Chablis Premier Cru 2017 750ML ($69.95) $47.50 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Le Domaine d’Henri L’Homme Mort Vieilles Vignes, Chablis Premier Cru 2017 1.5L ($119.95) $99 special, 5 magnums in stock now
Winery Note “Planted in 1970, this parcel reflects the nobility of the Fourchaume appellation, with notes of forest floor and a racy, balanced palate, underlined by a good acidity. The Kimmeridgian escarpment of Fourchaume is reputed to produce some of the best Chablis wines and the South West exposure of the vines means that they bask in the warm afternoon sun. Vinified in stainless steel tanks (75%) to preserve the minerality and freshness, and in oak barrels (25%) of 228-litres so as to add more complex notes, this wine will continue to improve for the next 15 years or so. Serve at 14-15°C, this wine will benefit from being decanted 15 minutes before serving to allow the aromas to develop. The perfect partner for turbot or a grilled côte de veau.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine D’Henri 821 Chardonnay Brut Nature 2018 750ML ($35.95) $29.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Importer note “Produced from 35+ year old vines in the Chablis appellation using the Méthode Ancestrale meaning that the alcoholic fermentation takes place in stainless steel vats and bottled before aging with the CO2 necessary for the long haul already in the bottle. Aged on its lees for 24 months, it is then disgorged with no added sugar. 821 refers to the minimum total number of days necessary to produce this wine from the beginning of the growing season to the moment the bottle leaves the cellar. Delightful toast and citrus notes with some exotic tinges lead into a serious wine with high mineral tension, full fruit in the middle and a very fine and persistent bead. This is an impressive wine that will surprise many.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Love Chablis? We have 44 different options in stock. Shop the entire selection, including famous names like Fèvre, Servin, Vocoret and more, on our web store now.
New Reviews for Vinopolis Favorites
Vincent Gamay Noir, Willamette Valley 2019 750ML ($21.95) $19 special, 15 bottles in stock now
Grapelive 90 points ” the Gamay has loads of personality and very naturally styled with zesty pure fruits and a touch of raw savory tones with fresh strawberry, plum, cranberry and macerated cherries leading the way on the light and tangy palate. Vincent Fritzsche…has a delicious collection of wines, all of which are incredibly well priced, especially this one. This unfiltered ruby hued Gamay, best served with a chill, opens nicely with floral detail, some blue fruits, earthiness, a herbal crunch and an almost old work funk, reminding me of Clos de la Roilette Fleurie, impressive, less fruity and fun stuff that goes well with simple cuisine….Fritzsche employs a natural and traditional winemaking with all of his wines, with his Gamay seeing partial whole cluster, vintage dependent, non carbonic fermentation with gentle pigeage and all native yeast, allowing things to get going before doing daily punch downs and a light wetting of the cap during the maceration. Once dry, usually after 18 to 24 days the wine is pressed and settled for close to three days before going into well used barrels, some up to ten years old, with the elevage lasting about a year in the oak. Very little is done in the cellar, except for ultra small doses of sulfur for stability as these wines are bottled without filtration.… This is an exciting winery to start following, joining a ever expanding set of new generation labels in Oregon that are hand crafting wines of passion and terroir.”
Ovum Old Love White Blend, Oregon 2020 750ML ($24.95) $18.50 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Grapelive 93 points “The Ovum Old Love dry white wine is a blend of grapes that sing in the glass with a range of heady and perfumed scents along with a brisk salty palate that will remind people of the beautiful and textural mixed varietal Alsatian wines of Marcel Deiss, Marc Tempe and Albert Boxler’s… The Old Love is about 45% Riesling, 35% Gewürztraminer, 10% Pinot Blanc and 10% (Dry) Muscat, though maybe 1% is other varietals depending on the year and what is co-planted in the vineyards, which are located throughout Oregon on a unique combination of soils, it is certainly one of the most eccentric of the state’s white wines and the better for it. The 2019 Old Love is fresh and lively with green apple, white peach, tangerine and dried apricot fruits on the lithe and crystalline palate, which is racy, saline and mineral laced with a bracing kick of acidity and showing hints of wet stone, ginger, rosewater and wild herbs. This white gives quite a rush to the senses and has a feeling of grip to it with crisp extract lingering well on in the aftertaste, very impressive and a great wine with food, in particular white fish, poultry, light pork dishes and even fresh briny oysters. The straw and light golden Old Love white keeps you guess throughout the glass, but drinks impeccably well balanced and rewarding without any obvious varietal domination taking charge, it truly is a wine that is better because of the sum of all parts, consider me intrigued! I am looking foward to exploring the rest of the Ovum lineup and the new vintages that have just now been released.”
Chateau Les Mesclances Cotes de Provence Cuvee Saint Honorat Rose 2020 750ML ($29.95) $26 special
Joe Czerwinski – Wine Advocate 90 points “A blend of 65% Grenache, 22% Cinsault and 13% Mourvèdre, the 2020 Cotes de Provence Rose Cuvee Saint Honorat features delightful scents of crushed stone, rose petals and barely-ripe peaches. Medium-bodied, silky and savory, with fine length and a sense of elegance, it’s another fine offering from this AB and EU certified-organic producer.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Chateau Les Mesclances Cotes de Provence La Londe Cuvee Faustine Rose 2020 750ML ($39.95) $34.50 special
Joe Czerwinski – Wine Advocate 92 points “A slightly darker-hued offering (the Grenache received 20 hours of skin contact prior to pressing), the 2020 Cotes de Provence la Londe Rose Faustine is a blend of 81% Grenache, 13% Syrah and 6% Mourvèdre (the Syrah and Mourvèdre are made via saignée). It features intensely stony and earthy aromas balanced against hints of citrus, peach and raspberry, making for an exciting, largely savory style. Medium to full-bodied, it’s silky from six months on the lees and boasts a lingering, elegant and mouthwatering finish of crushed stone and citrus.”
Peter Lauer Senior Fass 6 Riesling, Mosel 2020 750ML ($31.95) $28 special, 35 bottles in stock now
Mosel Fine Wines 92 points “The 2020er Ayler Riesling “Senior” N°6 is a barely off-dry wine (with 13 g/l of residual sugar) made from fruit harvested from the original Kupp hill on a west-facing section towards Wawern. It offers a beautifully reductive and refreshing nose of grapefruit zest, herbs, cassis, lime, herbs, nettle, and smoke. The wine proves full of grip and energy on the superbly balanced palate and leaves a beautifully precise, spicy, and refreshing feel in the nicely dry-tasting finish. This dry-tasting Riesling proves a huge success and has more in common with a Grand Cru that its nominative ranking as Ortswein (Village)! 2023-2035.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Weiser-Kunstler Riesling Feinherb, Mosel 2020 750ML ($27.95) $26 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Mosel Fine Wines 90 points “The Riesling Weiser-Künstler, as it is referred to on the main label (the reference to the vintage is left for the back label), is a barely off-dry wine (with 15 g/l of residual sugar) made from Estate’s holdings and from grapes sourced at a befriended organic grower in the Enkircher Steffensberg. It offers a stunning and pure nose which screams Mosel as beautifully scents of freshly cut flowers, white peach, a dash of whipped cream, a hint of blood orange, and slate emerge from the glass. The wine proves delicately off dry on the delicious and well-balanced palate and leaves a subtly ample feel of ripe fruits, zest of citrusy fruits, slate, and smoke. This is a truly remarkable Estate wine! Now-2030.”
Trending
Just a stunning bottle of Barolo from one of the traditionally-minded masters.
Elvio Cogno Bricco Pernice Barolo 2015 750ML ($149.95) $119 special, 28 bottles in stock now
Case-6 Elvio Cogno Bricco Pernice Barolo 2015 750ML ($719.95) $619 special (that’s only $103.17/bottle!)
Kerin O’Keefe-Wine Enthusiast 97 points “Cellar Selection. Enticing scents of rose, iris, perfumed berry and an earthy whiff of truffle shape the fragrant nose on this dazzling wine. The delicious, full-bodied palate boasts structure and a weightless elegance, delivering juicy Marasca cherry, cherry compote, cinnamon and star anise. Taut polished tannins and fresh acidity provide balance and an elegant structure. It’s already irresistible but will also age well for years. Drink 2022–2035.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 96 points “The Elvio Cogno 2015 Barolo Ravera Bricco Pernice delivers the depth, richness and concentration that are a hallmark of this pretty vintage. This wine is a pure expression of the productive Lampia clone of Nebbiolo. Generous layers of blackberry, wild cherry, rose hip, ferrous earth and campfire ash are neatly folded together to build the wine’s intensity. Like the other wines from this estate, the tannic management is spot-on. You are aware of the wine’s youthful structure, but it is delivered without hard edges or sharp points. A mere 4,000 bottles were produced.”
Entering its drinking window now, this blockbuster is a beautiful expression of Tuscany.
La Gerla Riserva gli Angeli, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2012 750ML ($99.95) $69 special, 30 bottles in stock now
La Gerla Riserva gli Angeli, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2012 3L ($499.95) $319 special, 2 double magnums in stock now
Ian D’agata-Vinous 95 points “Bright medium ruby. Very clean and fresh aromas and flavors of red currant, cherry pit, flowers and blood orange jelly. Bright, juicy and very light on its feet, offering superb vinosity and clarity of flavor, this conveys an impression of real underlying density and a multilayered mouthfeel. A knockout wine of outstanding energy and class, finishing with polished tannins, uncanny sweetness and lovely subtle persistence, not to mention outstanding balance (it hides its 14.5% alcohol very well).”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95 points “Here is a dense and meaty Tusan red that flaunts its immediate power, structure and intensity. The 2012 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva gli Angeli is robust and deep thanks to a generous offering of dark fruit, spice and tar-like aromas. Fruit is carefully selected for this wine, and the grapes are fermented in stainless steel. Post fermentation, the wine goes into large Slavonian oak casks for four years. The finish is soft and supple with sweet berry flavors. This wine has made an impressive jump forward in this vintage.”
Elvio Cogno Bricco Pernice Barolo 2015 750ML ($149.95) $119 special, 28 bottles in stock now
Case-6 Elvio Cogno Bricco Pernice Barolo 2015 750ML ($719.95) $619 special (that’s only $103.17/bottle!)
Kerin O’Keefe-Wine Enthusiast 97 points “Cellar Selection. Enticing scents of rose, iris, perfumed berry and an earthy whiff of truffle shape the fragrant nose on this dazzling wine. The delicious, full-bodied palate boasts structure and a weightless elegance, delivering juicy Marasca cherry, cherry compote, cinnamon and star anise. Taut polished tannins and fresh acidity provide balance and an elegant structure. It’s already irresistible but will also age well for years. Drink 2022–2035.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 96 points “The Elvio Cogno 2015 Barolo Ravera Bricco Pernice delivers the depth, richness and concentration that are a hallmark of this pretty vintage. This wine is a pure expression of the productive Lampia clone of Nebbiolo. Generous layers of blackberry, wild cherry, rose hip, ferrous earth and campfire ash are neatly folded together to build the wine’s intensity. Like the other wines from this estate, the tannic management is spot-on. You are aware of the wine’s youthful structure, but it is delivered without hard edges or sharp points. A mere 4,000 bottles were produced.”
Entering its drinking window now, this blockbuster is a beautiful expression of Tuscany.
La Gerla Riserva gli Angeli, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2012 750ML ($99.95) $69 special, 30 bottles in stock now
La Gerla Riserva gli Angeli, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2012 3L ($499.95) $319 special, 2 double magnums in stock now
Ian D’agata-Vinous 95 points “Bright medium ruby. Very clean and fresh aromas and flavors of red currant, cherry pit, flowers and blood orange jelly. Bright, juicy and very light on its feet, offering superb vinosity and clarity of flavor, this conveys an impression of real underlying density and a multilayered mouthfeel. A knockout wine of outstanding energy and class, finishing with polished tannins, uncanny sweetness and lovely subtle persistence, not to mention outstanding balance (it hides its 14.5% alcohol very well).”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95 points “Here is a dense and meaty Tusan red that flaunts its immediate power, structure and intensity. The 2012 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva gli Angeli is robust and deep thanks to a generous offering of dark fruit, spice and tar-like aromas. Fruit is carefully selected for this wine, and the grapes are fermented in stainless steel. Post fermentation, the wine goes into large Slavonian oak casks for four years. The finish is soft and supple with sweet berry flavors. This wine has made an impressive jump forward in this vintage.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $94.93
The next best price is $94.93
Von Winning has been on a hot streak, and this wine is pushing GG quality.
Von Winning Deidesheimer Paradiesgarten Riesling Trocken, Pfalz 2018 750ML ($37.95) $29 special, 19 bottles in stock now
Stephen Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 90 points “The 2018 Riesling Deidesheimer Paradiesgarten “VDP. Erste Lage” opens with a clear and fragrant bouquet of white and yellow-fleshed fruits and floral and delicate fresh oak aromas. On the palate, this is a medium-bodied, tight, fresh and lush dry Riesling with edges and a grippy character. Green apples on the aftertaste. Tasted in Deidesheim, December 2019.”
Terry Theise note “The best vintage I recall of this surprising wine; curvaceous and leafy, the often-noted caraway seed nuance, along with ‘18s beaming plum-blossom aromas and the fennel and mirabelle-drenched palate could hardly be more fetching. The salty finish also doesn’t hurt!”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Complex, focused & polished
Castiglion del Bosco Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2015 750ML ($69.95) $46.50 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
James Suckling 97 points “Wonderful aromos of flowers, plums, terracotta and white pepper. Intense, yet ever so subtle. Medium to full body, firm and silky tannins, and a long and intense finish. Shows excellent length. Drink after 2021.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Shea vineyard is legendary for a reason, and Hundred Suns’ bold example is a standout.
Hundred Suns Shea Vineyard Pinot Noir, Yamhill-Carlton District 2019 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Winery note “Winemaking & Tasting: 2019 was a return to familiar Oregon vintages as we dodged rainstorms to pick in late September. By keeping yields low, full ripeness was achieved. Fruit was divided into two native yeast fermentations: one destemmed and one 33% whole cluster. Floral aromatics mix with pops of refreshing cherry and raspberry, carried by undertones of spice. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. Vineyard: In the late 1980s, Dick and Deirdre Shea planted what is now one of Willamette Valley’s most esteemed and iconic vineyards. Our 1 acre block of Dijon Clone 777 sits at 450 feet on a south/southwest exposure. This warm site in Yamhill-Carlton AVA is planted on Marine Sedimentary soil. 40% whole clust. Elevage: 10 months in neutral wood. Farming practices: dry farmed.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
It’s surprising we have any Brovia in stock at all, but given recent activity, we might not for long.
Brovia Villero, Barolo DOCG 2015 750ML ($99.95) $88 special, 27 bottles in stock now
Brovia Villero, Barolo DOCG 2015 1.5L ($249.95) $199 special, 6 magnums in stock now
Monica Larner – Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2015 Barolo Villero offers richness and darkness with fruit from Castiglione Falletto, and it’s one of the more intense wines I tasted within this selection. The Villero is a balanced and polished Barolo that opens to nicely integrated fruit and spice tones, expertly interwoven and united. The wine has a beautiful entry to the palate. Indeed, this pretty wine presented a united front, with seamless and graceful integration.”
Antonio Galloni 93+ points “The 2015 Barolo Villero is a very pretty, mid-weight wine. Silky tannins and beautifully expressive aromatics give the Villero considerable finesse. On the palate, though, the 2015 is far less expressive. That is not entirely surprising, as the Villero often needs a few years to truly blossom. Sweet floral and spice notes start to open with time in the glass, but the Villero is not an especially forthcoming 2015 Barolo.”
Collector’s Corner
Paolo Scavino:
Barolo’s Modern-ish Master
Scavino is one of the truly great estates in Barolo, a region with no shortage of famous names. Despite a recent trend towards a more traditional approach, the wines still skew modernist. Rich and powerful in their youth, their true greatness develops after time in the cellar – something that can’t be said about all of Scavino’s modernist peers. Complex and nuanced upon release, the wines are built to age. With access to some of Barolo’s most prized vineyards and a winemaking team that embraces the best of both modern and traditional techniques, the wines are arguably the smartest buys in Barolo today.
In Stock Now from Paolo Scavino:
Paolo Scavino Rocche dell’Annunziata Riserva, Barolo DOCG 2013 750ML ($219.95) $199 special, 23 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 97 points “The 2013 Barolo Rocche dell’Annunziata Riserva was released in January of 2019, and once again it looks to be a top prize. Licorice and flowers dominate the bouquet, and its beautiful red fruit is generous throughout. This wine has always been a beauty and consistently has had a high price tag to reflect that quality, going back to the first vintages of the 1990s. It has regularly sold for about $200 every year for the last decade. These vines are old, some of them very old (reaching the ripe age of 60 years old in 1990s, when many of them were replanted with carefully selected clones), producing an elegance and concentration that brings intensity and a high standard of aromas. This Barolo without a doubt shows its pedigree and a quality of noble perfumes that demonstrate characteristics of the greatest Nebbiolo vintages, all delivered with excellent concentration. The magic lingers on the palate, right up to the finish.”
James Suckling 95 points “Aromas of white truffles and dried red cherries here with an earthy nuance that makes for a complex and compelling nose. The palate has a deep and dense shape and delivers a wide array of rich cherry and plum flavors. Some handy spice here, too. Drink or hold.”
Paolo Scavino Barolo DOCG, Piedmont 2016 750ML ($49.95) $41.90 special
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95 points “Showing Enrico Scavino’s signature at the bottom of the label, this is a classic expression of Barolo. The Paolo Scavino 2016 Barolo offers impeccable balance and an all-pleasing approach. There is something for everyone, especially die-hard Nebbiolo lovers, with energy, power, aromatic finesse and elegant tannins. Fruit for this wine is sourced from a half-dozen vineyard sites from across the appellation, so you get some of the power of Serralunga d’Alba and the precision of Castiglione Falletto. The scope of this wine is wide and broad, offering sweeping panoramic views of this unique grape from Piedmont. This is a terrific value.”
Wine Enthusiast 95 points “Fragrant blue flower and perfumed berry aromas mingle with whiffs of dark culinary spice and forest floor. Tightly knit and loaded with finesse, the full-bodied palate features juicy cherry, strawberry compote, star anise and a hint of white pepper alongside taut, polished tannins. Fresh acidity keeps it balanced. Drink 2022–2030. -Kerin O’Keefe”
James Suckling 95 points “A very pretty, floral Barolo with rose petals, cedar and sandalwood, as well as strawberries and cherries. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, very fine and silky tannins and a flavorful finish. Needs three or four years to soften a little. Try after 2022.”
Arriving ETA July:
Paolo Scavino Bricco Ambrogio, Barolo DOCG 2017 750ML ($69.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “Located in Roddi, the 2017 Barolo Bricco Ambrogio is marked by perfume of chalky earth, violets, and kirsch. The palate moves into dark fruits, with ripe currant, sweet tobacco, and tannins that emerge on the finish. Hold for 2-4 years and drink 2024-2042. Helmed by fourth generation winemaker Elisa Scavino, the estate owns and manages 30 hectares spanning eight of the 11 communes of the Barolo region and is based in Castiglione Falletto. Since 2007, they have implemented the use of a netted, submerged cap cylindrical system developed by Elisa’s father, Enrico, which achieves a delicate extraction during fermentation. They have moved to slower, longer fermentation periods, and as of 2018 will only be utilizing large casks. In the vineyard, there is great attention to the compression of the soils, creating a healthy ecosystem rich in oxygen and microorganisms and a sustainable approach.”
Antonio Galloni 90 points “The 2017 Barolo Bricco Ambrogio is laced with succulent black cherry, mocha, licorice, dark spice and lavender. The Bricco Ambrogio is usually a bit juicier, while the 2017 is decidedly on the lighter side.”
Paolo Scavino Bric del Fiasc, Barolo DOCG 2017 750ML ($99.95) $88 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 95+ points “The 2017 Barolo Bric del Fiasc is another gorgeous wine in the line up from the Scavino family. Readers will find a Barolo that is more nuanced and less bombastic than in the past. Bric del Fiasc has plenty of power on its own, so this style works so well. Dried rose petal, mint, spice, kirsch and iron all blossom with a bit of coaxing. I can’t wait to see how it ages.”
Jeb Dunnuck 95 points “The 2017 Barolo Bric Del Fiasc has pure aromatics of stony graphitic earth, licorice, violets, and cherry liqueur. The palate is balanced, with a full structure, noted by dried apricot, blood orange, and cinnamon. The Bric del Fiasc has both floral lift as well as noble structure and has a refreshing nature. Drink 2024-2046.”
Paolo Scavino Carobric, Barolo DOCG 2017 750ML ($79.95) $66 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 95 points “The 2017 Barolo Carobric is one of the standouts in this range, as it often is. It has an extra dimension of depth and volume that works so well here. Sweet red cherry, cedar, sweet pipe tobacco, anise and brambly notes build as this striking, expressive Barolo shows off its considerable charm. What a pretty wine it is.”
Paolo Scavino Monvigliero, Barolo DOCG 2017 750ML ($79.95) $66 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2017 Barolo Monvigliero is classy and polished right out of the gate. Sweet dark cherry, rose petal, mint and cinnamon are some of the nuances that open in the glass. Even with all of its immediacy, the 2017 has plenty of tannin. I would prefer to cellar it for at least a few years. The 2017 is undoubtedly an attractive wine, but its best days lie ahead.”
Jeb Dunnuck 93 points “From the northern MGA within Verduno, the 2017 Barolo Monvigliero is soft and floral, with crushed violets, ripe black raspberry, and licorice candy. The palate is drying, with cherry pit, sweet herbs, and turned earth. Ripe yet balanced, drink or hold 2022-2040.”
Paolo Scavino Prapo, Barolo DOCG 2017 750ML ($79.95) $69 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 95+ points “The 2017 Barolo Prapò is yet another stellar wine in this range. Dark and brooding in the glass, the Prapò expresses all of the natural weight of this Serralunga cru, but with more overt fruit and a bit less tannic heft than is often the case. That should make the 2017 a real pleasure to drink, with just a handful of years in the cellar. Succulent black cherry, licorice, menthol, gravel and cured meats build into the heady finish.”
Paolo Scavino Ravera, Barolo DOCG 2017 750ML ($79.95) $69 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 96 points “The 2017 Barolo Ravera is dazzling. Deep, potent and virile, the 2017 has a lot to say, but it won’t be ready to drink anytime soon. Black cherry, graphite, licorice, smoke, game, lavender and licorice convey a real impression of gravitas that is reinforced by the wine’s overall feel. This powerhouse Barolo is magnificent today in a sort of old-school meets new-school style.”
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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