In This Newsletter:
Jump Start Offer:
Stella di Campalto
New Reviews from James Suckling
Wine Spectator Insider’s
Hot Wine of the Week
Feudo Montoni’s Vrucara:
Excellence in Sicily
Shades of Summer: P3
New Releases from Staff Favorite Champagne Producers:
Bérêche and Savart
Pepiere: The Masters of Muscadet
Sicilian Dreams
Arriving Friday
Fattoria Carpineta Fontalpino:
Cresti’s Top Super-Tuscan offering en route
Vietti’s 2017 Barolos
Collector’s Corner:
Last Call on 2013 and 2014 Produttori Crus!
Jump Start Offer:
Stella di Campalto
Stella di Campalto is a force of nature—a woman with a vision for how Sangiovese is best expressed and the will to ensure that every single bottling is as perfect as possible. Her wines are vivid, powerful expressions of the southeast corner of Montalcino and her commitment to quality (which includes holding back the wines several additional years before release) means that they’ve become wines to pay attention to for Italian wine collectors.
Stella took over Podere San Giuseppe, a farm and winery that was founded in 1910 but had been abandoned in the 40’s, and replanted her current vineyards by herself. She farms all of her land with Biodynamic principles and her goal is first and foremost to express the terroir of Brunello. That includes holding back her wines until she thinks they ought to be released. These are epic wines—Brunello for the lover of top-tier Burgundy.
Stella took over Podere San Giuseppe, a farm and winery that was founded in 1910 but had been abandoned in the 40’s, and replanted her current vineyards by herself. She farms all of her land with Biodynamic principles and her goal is first and foremost to express the terroir of Brunello. That includes holding back her wines until she thinks they ought to be released. These are epic wines—Brunello for the lover of top-tier Burgundy.
“Stella di Campalto would tell you that the location of her vineyards chose her, as her passion for the land and culture turned into a love for wine and, of course, Montalcino… Her Brunello is released a year later than other producers… and it is worth waiting for. Luckily, she also produces a Rosso from a declassified barrel of Brunello, which is not to me missed. These are wonderfully aromatic, sometimes even exotic wines that flaunt their primary fruit while remaining true expressions of Sangiovese, and they are classic in structure.” –Eric Guido, Vinous Media
Stella di Campalto Wines Arriving in August:
Stella di Campalto Podere San Giuseppe Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2015 750ML ($219.95) $189 pre-arrival special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 93 points “The color alone on the 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Amore is stunning; a vibrant, translucent ruby. The 2015 leaps from the glass with a dramatic and layered display of crushed wild strawberries, roses, a dusting of confectionary spice and flowery undergrowth. It’s silky and feminine in feel, soothing the palate with sweet cherries and plums, as a more savory, yet nuanced mix of licorice, minerals and violet florals resonates. Fine tannins come forward through the finish, yet they don’t get in the way of this purely seductive expression. The 2015 has an almost fragile feel, beautiful and lifted, yet there’s also no need to rush, as it finds harmony between ripeness of fruit and youthful structure.”
VinopolNote: The winery announced that with the 2015 vintage, they would no longer be labeling their sole Brunello as Riserva.
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $205
The average price is $205
Stella di Campalto Podere San Guiseppe Rosso di Montalcino, Tuscany 2016 750ML ($149.95) $119 pre-arrival special, 36 bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 92 points “The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino Grazia opens slowly. Perfumed and pretty at first, yet restrained, while gaining in depth over time, as mineral-tinged cherry, hints of incense and licorice come forward. It’s silky, nuanced and undeniably gracious in nature. Zesty acids and the slightest tug of round tannins support a pure display of ripe red berries. While lightly structured, the 2016 is still juicy and finessed, tapering off with youthful tension under an air of pretty violet florals. This vintage has the word ‘Grazia’ (Italian for ‘Grace’ but often used as ‘Thanks’) elegantly embossed on the label. If intended as grace, this wine embodies the word. As for thanks, from my time with the winemaker, I’d assume it would be a thank you to nature for what the vintage provided. The Stella di Campalto Rosso di Montalcino is a barrel selection refined for 21 months in medium-sized oak followed by another 27 months in the bottle prior to release. Essentially, it’s a Brunello di Montalcino in all but name.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $133
The average price nationally is $133
We’re proud of our curated stock of 71 Brunello & Rosso wines in stock now. Shop the full selection on our web store!
New Reviews from James Suckling
James Suckling just released a massive report of highly anticipated notes. Check out new reviews on favorites like Marietta & Donnhoff!
Newly Reviewed & In Stock Now:
Chris Bilbro was one of California wine’s unsung heroes. He founded and grew Marietta Cellars into one of the preeminent producers of excellent value, honestly made California wine. Although his son Scot now runs the winery (Chris sadly passed away in 2019), their lineup is as good as it’s ever been—delicious, gutsy wines that deliver exceptional value at all prices.
Marietta Cellars ‘Roman’ Estate Grown Zinfandel North Coast 2019 750ML ($24.98) $18.75 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
James Suckling 93 points “A juicy, fruity red with blackberry, plum and chocolate character. Medium-to full-bodied with round, integrated tannins and a juicy finish. Some slate and earth to the fruit in the aftertaste. 94% zinfandel, 4% barbera and 2% petite sirah. Drink now.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Marietta Cellars Arme Sonoma – Mendocino County 2018 750ML ($27.95) $24 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
James Suckling 93 points “Round-textured and fruity with balance and softness, yet freshness at the same time. Medium-bodied. Attractive berry, currant and sweet green-tobacco undertones. 85% cabernet sauvignon, 7% merlot and 4% malbec and 4% petit verdot. Drink now.”
Marietta Cellars ‘Christo’ California 2018 750ML ($24.95) $18.75 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
James Suckling 94 points “Very attractive aromas of blackberry, sweet tobacco and wet earth follow through to a full body with a round, soft texture. Smoke, tar and graphite notes. Flavorful finish. 60% syrah, 24% grenache, 12% petite sirah and 4% viognier. Drink or hold.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Hundred Suns ‘Bednarik Vineyard’ Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2019 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
James Suckling 93 points “Aromas of cherries, raspberries, plum stones and baking spices. Medium-bodied with plush tannins and bright acidity. Mineral and juicy with plenty of fruit on the palate. Flavorful finish with excellent length. Drink now or hold.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Newly Reviewed & Arriving This Friday:
As good as the wines from Dönnhoff 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.
Weingut Dönnhoff Riesling Nahe, Germany 2020 750ML 2020 ($26.95) $20.90 pre-arrival special
92 points James Suckling “So effusive thanks to the cornucopia of white peach and yellow apple, but also floral notes. Super fresh and juicy on the medium-bodied palate and the brilliant finish is barely off-dry. From organically grown grapes with Fair’n Green certification. Drink now. Screw cap.”
Weingut Dönnhoff Riesling Trocken Nahe 2020 750ML ($26.95) $20.90 pre-arrival special
92 points James Suckling “Very fresh, sleek and straight with a slew of summer-fruit and citrus aromas and a super-refreshing, crisp finish. Mostly from little-known vineyard sites in Oberhausen. From organically grown grapes with Fair’n Green certification. Drink now. Screw cap.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Weingut Dönnhoff Oberhauser Leistenberg Riesling Kabinett Nahe 2020 750ML ($34.95) $26 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 94 points “Some people think only the Mosel can produce stunning Kabinetts, but this is pristine and pure, so racy and uplifiting. You barely feel the natural grape sweetness, but its a vital element of this wine. Super-clean finish. From organically grown grapes with Fair’n Green certification. Drink or hold. Screw cap.”
Weingut Dönnhoff Kreuznacher Krotenpfuhl Riesling Kabinett Nahe 2020 750ML ($34.95) $25.50 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 93 points “Lovely fruit-salad and fresh-mint nose. Juicy and joyful, this has so much freshness, the hint of green apple at the crisp finish accentuating this. Good length. From organically grown grapes with Fair’n Green certification. Drink now. Screw cap.”
Wine Spectator Insider’s
Hot Wine of the Week
After receiving massive scores from Jeb Dunnuck, Antonio Galloni and Lisa Perrotti-Brown of the Wine Advocate, the latest press from Wine Spectator comes as no surprise. Snap up your allocation today!
Dominus Estate Christian Moueix, Napa Valley 2018 750ML ($349.95) $299 special, 28 bottles in stock now
Dominus Estate Christian Moueix, Napa Valley 2018 1.5L ($749.95) $649 special, 6 magnums in stock now
Wine Spectator 97 points “This is tightly packed, with sleek, pure, driven notes of cassis, plum reduction and blackberry puree allied to an iron spine, while subtle alder, juniper, sweet bay leaf and tobacco notes peek in throughout. Very fine-grained, but impressively sturdy in feel, with a very long, lingering note of iron piercing the finish. For the cellar. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2024 through 2040. —J.M.”
Feudo Montoni’s Vrucara:
Excellence in Sicily
Feudo Montoni is exceptional. Beyond their first mentioning in the 1590’s it’s rare to find a producer whose wines reflect terroir, varietal character and quality farming practices across their entire portfolio. Sourced from the oldest part (120+ years) of their organic, 80 hectare estate, Vrucara is 100% Nero d’Avola grown in the traditional Sicilian bushvine. From the first pour there are exuberant aromas of oregano, anise, ripe strawberry and blackberries intermingled with a lingering copal resin element that fills the glass. Full of verve, and whipsawing fruit character that begins in black raspberries before a metamorphosis into spiced Italian plums and espresso. Vrucara features incredible depth at play with high tannins and acid that hollows the palate with a long finish of rosemary and Mexican chocolate. This is a wine that demands a hearty pairing like steak but is versatile enough to be served alongside an appetizer like charred Brussels sprouts or prawns. In a sentence, Vrucara is an absolute old-world masterpiece for the price point that requires extensive decanting or extended bottle aging to fully blossom.
Feudo Montoni ‘Vrucara’ Nero d’Avola Sicilia IGT 2015 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 94 points “Tasted from magnum, the 2015 Sicilia Nero d’Avola Vrucara is a dark and penetrating wine with a chiseled and pungent side that delivers dried cherry and blackberry preserves. There is a point of ripeness, maybe even jammy cherry with lots of inky dark fruit. I knocked off a point or two compared to the previous edition because I am less a fan of that ripeness. You get cherry liqueur or cherry syrup sweetness on the close. However, this remains one of the benchmark bottles for Sicily’s banner grape Nero d’Avola.”
Ian D’Agata-Vinous 93+ points “Good full ruby-red. Aromas and flavors of red/dark berries, plum, smoke, coriander and herbs. Juicy, taut and precise, with musky notes that extend onto the long, very smooth back end.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
The average price nationally is $54
The average price nationally is $54
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We will not be shipping from our facility from 07/20/21-07/29/21
We also offer Curbside Pickup
Order Online / By Phone / By Email
10AM – 6PM Daily
We will not be shipping from our facility from 07/20/21-07/29/21
We also offer Curbside Pickup
Order Online / By Phone / By Email
Shades of Summer: P3
J.K Carriere is known for their deliciously crisp and mineral driven rose of Pinot Noir vintage after vintage, and the 2020 is no exception! Sourced entirely from their estate vineyard in the Chehalem Mountains, you can expect the AVA’s trademark umami combined with a refreshing, dewy finish.
J.K. Carriere “Glass” White Pinot Noir St. Dolores Estate Vineyard, Chehalem Mountains 2020 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 special, 17 bottles in stock now
Winery note “Our ultimate summer sipper is sporting a new label in honor of its 20th anniversary. 100% Pinot intentionally pressed into a serious and dry rosé.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Coming from one of the smallest cult producers in the Mosel, Dr. Stein is famous for his meticulous practices and advocacy for the Mosel region’s vine growing. He sources his rose from a small planting of Pinot Noir, Cabernet and Merlot on an exceptionally steep slate hill. Expect the classic Mosel juxtaposition of crunchy red fruit, mouthwatering acidity and slatey minerality
Wein-Erbhof Stein Secco Sparkling Rose Mosel 2020 750ML ($29.95) $26 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Importer note “Steep slate soils. Second fermentation in tank. Pinot Noir with approximately 20% Cabernet and Merlot, élevage all stainless.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Always the star of the Weygandt-Metzler rose offer at Vinopolis, to the point where around half of it is pre-sold before arrival. This is fabulous and always underpriced (especially at less than half the cost of Tempier!).
Domaine de la Bastide Blanche Bandol Rose Provence 2020 750ML ($31.95) $26 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Domaine de la Bastide Blanche Bandol Rose Provence 2020 1.5L ($69.95) $59 special, 24 magnums in stock now
Case-12 Domaine de la Bastide Blanche Bandol Rose Provence 2020 750ML ($359.95) $288 special (that’s only $24/bottle!)
Importer note “Mourvedre, Grenache, Cinsault & Clairette from clay, limestone & cailloux. Organic. Dense cherry and raspberry fruit with citrus and stone flavors. Full body with a perfectly balanced and long finish.”
Clos Sainte Magdeleine ‘Marie de Magdala’ Rose IGP Bouches-du-Rhone 2018 750ML ($47.95) $36 special, 17 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds Vinous 93 points “Shimmering salmon skin. Displays vibrant, mineral-accented red berry and blood orange scents, along with a sexy floral overtone that gains strength with air. Juicy and sharply focused on the palate, offering intense red currant, strawberry, orange peel and lavender flavors that deftly combine power and delicacy. Finishes with sharp delineation and superb, mineral-driven persistence, leaving a sexy floral note behind.”
Kermit Lynch Note “This is a 100% Grenache rosé—the only such rosé we import—from some of Clos Sainte Magdeleine’s highest-altitude vines. Notes of peaches, sea spray, and strawberries come together in a gorgeously balanced, medium-bodied wine that you will want to drink all year.”Region: IGP Bouches-du-Rhone, France.
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Etna has become the newest hottest region in Sicily, and for good reason. Jancis Robinson even called it “the Burgundy of the Mediterranean,” which is an apt description of most of the new wines coming off of the high altitude slopes of Sicily’s volcano. There is another traditional style of wine made on Etna as well, though, one that tends to have a foot in Barolo rather than in Burgundy, and its best practitioner is Calabretta. The rosato is made from a field blend of ungrafted old vines, and new plantings on the same vineyards. This is a rosato that delivers everything we’ve come to expect.
Calabretta Rosato Sicily 2019 750ML ($21.95) $18.50 special, 18 bottles in stock now
Importer Note: South-facing, organically farmed estate vineyards planted to 100% Nerello Mascalese. Also, a new vineyard planted in 2005, half ungrafted & 100% from “massale” selection plants.
New Releases from Staff Favorite Champagne Producers:
Bérêche and Savart
Arriving Friday, July 23rd
Few growers are as lauded as Bérêche & Fils. Having made Champagne as a house since 1847, Raphaël and Vincent Bérêche apprenticed under their father before taking over the estate in 2004 and changing the domaine into what it’s known for today. Already practicing organic, the brothers introduced biodynamic practices and phased out the use of all chemical based inputs, including herbicide. The house is meticulously traditional in the cellar as well, using ambient yeast for primary fermentation, and cork for secondary in the bottle instead of the industry standard crown cap. What this does for the champagne is allow for micro-oxygenation, allowing for the aromatics and flavors to polymerize together. This creates incredible complexity both on release and after bottle age. The latest vintage releases are landing Friday, and we’re offering them on special pre-arrival only pricing. Buy now for the best prices.
Arriving Friday from Bérêche:
Bérêche et Fils Ambonnay Grand Cru, Champagne 2015 750ML ($219.95) $159 pre-arrival special, only 6 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2015 Ambonnay shows all the natural breadth and intensity of this Grand Cru village in its broad shoulders and overall intensity. The Ambonnay is also fascinating to taste next to the Mailly, as it is a much richer wine from an earlier-ripening site, in other words a pretty stark contrast. Sweet red cherry, red plum, spice and dried flowers build into the dense finish. Dosage is 3 grams per liter. Disgorged: July 3, 2020.”
Bérêche et Fils Le Cran Premier Cru Brut, Champagne 2013 750ML ($149.95) $109 pre-arrival special, only 6 bottles available
Bérêche et Fils Le Cran Premier Cru Brut, Champagne 2013 1.5L ($299.95) $249 pre-arrival special, only 1 magnum available
Antonio Galloni 95 points “The 2013 Le Cran is a powerful, heady Champagne. Creamy and resonant in the glass, the 2013 possesses tremendous volume that only builds with time in the glass. Apricot, dried pear, spice, cedar, chamomile and lightly honeyed notes all flesh out as this dramatic, vinous Champagne gradually reveals its many charms. It is a very typical wine from this late ripening year with both intense fruit and bright, salivating acids. Dosage is 3 grams per liter. Disgorged: July 6, 2020.”
Bérêche et Fils Mailly-Champagne Grand Cru, Champagne 2015 750ML ($219.95) $159 pre-arrival special, only 6 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2015 Mailly-Champagne is bright, crystalline and wonderfully taut. Mineral and floral notes abound, while the fruit is very much in the background. Mirabelle plum, eau de vie, jasmine, white pepper and crushed rocks give the 2015 its incredibly distinctive upper register. This cool, late-ripening site planted in the 1950s yields a Pinot that is all about nerviness and energy. Just as importantly, there are none of the vegetal notes that lurk under the surface of so many 2015s. Dosage is 3 grams per liter. Disgorged: July 4, 2020.”
In Stock Now from Bérêche:
Bérêche et Fils Reflet d’Antan Brut, Champagne (2015) NV 1.5L ($399.95) $319 special, 3 magnums in stock now
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 95 points “Based on the 2015 vintage and complemented, as usual, by some 30% reserve wines from a solera of demi-muids dating back to 1986, this bottle of the NV Brut Reflet d’Antan saw tirage in 2017, followed by disgorgment in December 2019 with 0.6 grams per liter dosage. Mingling aromas of toasted nuts and candied peel with hints of honeycomb and fresh mint, it’s medium to full-bodied, fleshy and incisive, with tangy acids and a long, sapid finish.”
Peter Liem note “Perhaps the most unusual wine in the cellar is the Reflet d’Antan, composed of equal parts of all three varieties and made by a perpetual blending system. Started in 1985, this is stored in 600-liter demi-muids, with two-thirds of the wine removed each year and replaced with wine from the new harvest—in effect, a sort of “solera”, without criaderas. Historically, the Reflet d’Antan has shown a more ample, more richly burnished style than the other wines in the range, veering towards an oxidative character from its long aging in barrel. However, in recent years Bérêche has sought to bring more freshness and energy to this cuvée, slightly increasing the emphasis on the younger wine, and while it still retains its mature, compellingly anachronistic character, it now feels noticeably more lively and refined.”
Savart
“Fred Savart is one of the more outspoken growers of his generation. More than that, though Savart has an enormous passion for Champagne and the greater world of wine that comes through loud and clear. These rich, vinous Champagnes convey the essence of what Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in Ecueil and Villers-aux-Noeuds are all about.” – Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Arriving Friday from Savart:
An ultra-rare 100% Chardonnay bottling from the Cote des Blancs!
Fred Savart ‘Haute Couture’ Le Mesnil/Oger Grand Cru Extra Brut, Champagne 2016 750ML ($249.95) $219 pre-arrival special, only 3 bottles available
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Fred Savart L’Accomplie Premier Cru Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($89.95) $69 pre-arrival special, only 12 bottles available
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 94 points “[Review for prior disgorgement] The latest release of Savart’s NV Extra Brut Premier Cru L’Accomplie is based on the 2015 and 2016 vintages, and it was disgorged in October 2018 with four gams per liter dosage. It’s a blend of 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay that hails from the lower-lying part of Le Mont Benoit. Unfurling in the glass with notes of ripe Meyer lemons, red apples, lime zest, acacia honey and toasted almonds, it’s medium to full-bodied, racy and incisive, with a nicely concentrated and tight-knit core, terrific cut and a long, mouthwateringly chalky finish. Savart’s elegant style—and the partial malolactic that some of the base wines for this cuvée see—has proven the perfect foil for the 2015 vintage base.”
In Stock Now from Savart:
Fred Savart L’Ouverture Blanc de Noirs Premier Cru Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Fred Savart L’Ouverture Blanc de Noirs Premier Cru Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($599.95) $529 special (that’s only $44.08/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
John Gilman 91+ points “The l’Ouverture cuvée from Monsieur Savart is composed entirely from pinot noir grown in the village of Écueil, with half of the vins clairs barrel-fermented and raised in cask and the other in tank. Only the reserve wines that go into the blend have gone through malo for this wine, which is aged under cork, rather than crown cap prior to disgorgement. This release was disgorged in September of 2020 and finished with a dosage of seven grams per liter. It offers up a lovely nose of white peach, apple, patissière, chalky soil tones and a nice touch of orange zest in the upper register. On the palate the wine is crisp, full-bodied and complex, with a fine core, good mineral drive, frothy mousse and lovely focus and balance on the long and youthful finish. This is a lovely bottle that will be even better with a few years in the cellar. 2021-2040+.”Disgorged February 2021
Pepiere: The Masters of Muscadet
Arriving Friday, July 23rd
Domaine de la Pepiere Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine Sur Lie ‘La Pepie’, Loire 2020 750ML ($19.95) $16.50 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Domaine de la Pepiere Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine Sur Lie ‘La Pepie’, Loire 2020 750ML ($219.95) $179 pre-arrival special (that’s only $14.92/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Importer note “The La Pépie cuvée is a blend of estate fruit from all of Pépière’s terroirs, 50% of which fall within the Muscadet Sèvre & Maine appellation and 50% within the crus. Since 2016, the cuvée is is supplemented with purchased fruit from neighboring parcels with similar characteristics. This decision was not made lightly and results from a series of unsustainably low crops.”
Domaine de la Pepiere Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine Sur Lie ‘La Pepie’, Loire 2020 750ML ($19.95) $16.50 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Domaine de la Pepiere Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine Sur Lie ‘La Pepie’, Loire 2020 750ML ($219.95) $179 pre-arrival special (that’s only $14.92/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Importer note “The La Pépie cuvée is a blend of estate fruit from all of Pépière’s terroirs, 50% of which fall within the Muscadet Sèvre & Maine appellation and 50% within the crus. Since 2016, the cuvée is is supplemented with purchased fruit from neighboring parcels with similar characteristics. This decision was not made lightly and results from a series of unsustainably low crops.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Domaine de la Pepiere Chateau Thebaud Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine Sur Lie, Loire 2015 750ML ($29.95) $24 pre-arrival special
David Schildknecht-Vinous 92-93 points “Last tasted in late July 2016 – more than a year ahead of its anticipated bottling – this delivers an unusually rich, polished palate impression while retaining vivacity and refreshment thanks to juicy ripe pear and fresh lime. The mineral and animal dimensions – anticipated on the nose – suggest sea breeze and urchin roe, yielding a savor that positively milks the salivary glands. This is going to be fascinating to follow and likely to stand among the high points for Muscadet of its vintage. Drink 2018 – 2026.”
Wine Spectator 91 points “Shows development, with hints of wax and salted caramel, but still exhibits plenty of life, offering chamomile, rosemary, salt, lemon pith and wet stone notes. Features a long, lively and inviting finish. Drink now through 2025. 294 cases imported.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $31
The average price is $31
Domaine de la Pepiere Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine Sur Lie ‘Les Gras Moutons’, Loire 2019 750ML ($24.95) $20.90 pre-arrival special
Importer note “Gras Moutons is a lieu-dit made up of two parcels totaling 1.8 hectares in the cru of Monnières-Saint Fiacre. The soils consist of sand, limestone and gneiss. The constant winds in the area make for grapes that have to be harvested later than the rest. While released young, this wine always benefits from a few years in bottle.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $25
The average price is $25
Arriving Friday
Terrazze dell’Etna Carusu Rosso Etna Sicily 2014 750ML ($29.95) $24 pre-arrival special
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 93 points “Representing the classic Etna blend of 80% Nerello Mascalese and 20% Nerello Cappuccio, the 2014 Etna Rosso Carusu strikes impressive balance between elegance and power. It achieves careful unity with a bouquet that starts off with tiny footsteps but concludes with resounding strides. Wild berry and black currant segue to spice, licorice and campfire ash. The intensity of those aromas grows with each sip, and the wine builds its muscle power in the mouth with firm tannins and lingering volcanic notes. Some 30,000 bottles were made.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Fattoria Carpineta Fontalpino:
Cresti’s Top Super-Tuscan offering en route
Cresti’s Top Super-Tuscan offering en route
Coming from another highly lauded vintage in Tuscany, this release exhibits the best qualities of a super Tuscan without breaking your budget. Similar to the prized 2015 vintage, the 2016 was a warm year but marked by less heat spikes and more day-night temperature variation. What this equates to in the wine is black and purple fruited flavors like Bing cherry, Italian plum and crushed blackberry with lifted aromatics and linear acid. The tannin profile is equally developed, knitting the fruits together with polished leather, Guatemalan cigar and the classic terra-cotta rusticity of Tuscany. Unlike a lot of “Super Tuscans,” the Sangiovese and Bordeaux varietals are seamlessly integrated. A fantastic value for the quality that won’t be repeated for some time.
Arriving ETA Late July:
Cresti Fattoria Carpineta Fontalpino Do ut des Toscana IGT Tuscany 2016 750ML ($54.95) $48 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Cresti Fattoria Carpineta Fontalpino Do ut des Toscana IGT Tuscany 2016 750ML ($349.95) $269 pre-arrival special (that’s only $44.83/bottle!)
James Suckling 95 points “The fruit here really takes your breath away with its intensity, as well as purity. Blackberry crumble, pressed violets, ink, iodine, charcoal, vanilla and resin. It’s the polish of the tannins that really makes this wine, carrying itself effortlessly over a shimmer of electric acidity to the long finish. Drink in 2023. Made from organically grown grapes.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2016 Do Ut Des (a blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon) exhibits a generous and expansive personality that hits the palate like a warm embrace from a favorite friend. This is a succulent and smooth red wine with thick layers of bold cherry, dried blackberry, leather, rose hip and scorched earth. In the mouth, the wine proceeds with medium- to full-bodied texture and elegantly contoured fruit flavors.”
Wine Spectator 94 points “Sleek and focused, with black currant, black cherry, plum, iron and tobacco flavors coursing through from start to finish. Tightly wound and vibrant, this lingers with subtle licorice and spice elements. Shows fine harmony and length. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2023 through 2036. 1,650 cases made, 200 cases imported. — BS”
Arriving ETA Late July:
Cresti Fattoria Carpineta Fontalpino Do ut des Toscana IGT Tuscany 2016 750ML ($54.95) $48 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Cresti Fattoria Carpineta Fontalpino Do ut des Toscana IGT Tuscany 2016 750ML ($349.95) $269 pre-arrival special (that’s only $44.83/bottle!)
James Suckling 95 points “The fruit here really takes your breath away with its intensity, as well as purity. Blackberry crumble, pressed violets, ink, iodine, charcoal, vanilla and resin. It’s the polish of the tannins that really makes this wine, carrying itself effortlessly over a shimmer of electric acidity to the long finish. Drink in 2023. Made from organically grown grapes.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2016 Do Ut Des (a blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon) exhibits a generous and expansive personality that hits the palate like a warm embrace from a favorite friend. This is a succulent and smooth red wine with thick layers of bold cherry, dried blackberry, leather, rose hip and scorched earth. In the mouth, the wine proceeds with medium- to full-bodied texture and elegantly contoured fruit flavors.”
Wine Spectator 94 points “Sleek and focused, with black currant, black cherry, plum, iron and tobacco flavors coursing through from start to finish. Tightly wound and vibrant, this lingers with subtle licorice and spice elements. Shows fine harmony and length. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2023 through 2036. 1,650 cases made, 200 cases imported. — BS”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Vietti’s 2017 Barolos
Arriving Late July
Arriving Late July
“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 Late July:
Vietti Brunate Barolo DOCG 2017 750ML ($199.95) $169 pre-arrival special only 4 bottles pre-arrival 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.”
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2017 Barolo Brunate is a powerful, brooding wine. Huge dark fruit, leather, spice, menthol and dried herbs all build in a potent Barolo that is enshrouded by tannins. The 2017 is going to need quite a bit of time in the cellar. Today, it is very much a brooding powerhouse. Dark wild cherry, licorice, tar, menthol and spice take shape in the glass, but the 2017 is clearly an infant, and an unruly one at that.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Vietti Lazzarito Barolo DOCG 2017 750ML ($199.95) $169 pre-arrival special, only 17 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.”
Antonio Galloni 95 points “Vietti’s 2017 Barolo Lazzarito is absolutely gorgeous. Whatever the challenges of the growing season, they appear to have been no problem here. More than anything else, the Lazzarito impresses with its magnificent depth and stature. Super-ripe red fruit, white pepper, mint, tobacco, cured meat, spice and rose petal open gradually with time in the glass. I would not be in a rush to open bottles anytime soon. The Lazzarito has been one of the most improved wines at Vietti for a number of years. The 2017 is so captivating.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Vietti Ravera Barolo DOCG 2017 750ML ($199.95) $169 pre-arrival special, only 9 bottles 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.”
Antonio Galloni 96 points “The 2017 Barolo Ravera is a powerhouse. My impression is that the 2017 is going to develop into something truly special. It has all the energy that makes this site so distinctive, but with an extra kick of fruit density and a whole range of exotic aromatics that make for a truly drop dead gorgeous wine. Bright red/purplish fruit, rose petal, chalk and white pepper build into a finish laced with searing intensity. This is such and impressive wine.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Vietti Rocche di Castiglione Barolo DOCG 2017 750ML ($199.95) $169 pre-arrival special, only 4 bottles arriving.
Antonio Galloni 96 points “The 2017 Barolo Rocche di Castiglione shows all the signatures of this site, all turned up to the maximum. I am not sure I have ever tasted a Vietti Castiglione with this much heft. Super-ripe dark red fruit, rose petal, mocha, dried herbs and menthol all build in an ample, resonant Barolo. Readers should be prepared to cellar the 2017 for the next handful of years, perhaps longer. A whole range of floral and savory notes punctuates the explosive finish.”
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:
Vietti Lazzarito Barolo DOCG 2016 750ML ($299.95) $199 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 98 points “The 2016 Barolo Lazzarito is another stunning wine in this range. The 2016 is the first vintage of the Lazzarito I can remember tasting in which intensely mineral notes accompany the more savory, earthy notes that are so typical of this site. Graphite, sage, dried flowers, crushed rocks, menthol, dried rose petal, mint, licorice and blood orange race out of the glass in a breathtaking, towering Barolo that hits all the right notes from the start to its chiseled, strikingly detailed finish. The 2016 Lazzarito is one of the most classically austere wines in this range. In a word: Magnificent.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 98 points “Drawing its fruit from Serralunga d’Alba, the Vietti 2016 Barolo Lazzarito is built like a pyramid. It is grounded by a thick base of robust fruit and power and soars upward in intensity thanks to its beautifully lifted bouquet. It reveals direct and solid lines with blackberry, plum, spice, tar, licorice, candied orange peel and truffle-infused earth. A second wave of aromas offers dark minerals and ferrous qualities such as iron ore and rust. Baroli from Serralunga d’Alba are often in a category apart thanks to their richness and sheer fruit weight. With extra aeration, Lazzarito delivers mint, balsam herb or Fernet-Branca. Production is 9,293 bottles and 300 magnums. This is the finest, most complete set of wines I have ever tasted from Vietti. Congratulations.”
Wine Spectator 95 points “Juniper, sage, green tea, cherry and tar flavors mark this savory red, which is rich, backed by a bracing structure, yet remains balanced and long on the finish. Very pure and vibrant, with a fine matrix of tannins. Best from 2024 through 2043.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Collector’s Corner:
Last Call on 2013 and 2014 Produttori Crus!
“Two thousand thirteen …is shaping up to be an epic vintage of classic proportions and superb pedigree… No one knows every nook and cranny of Barbaresco better than Aldo Vacca, but Vacca has also proven to be incredibly wise in making choices that have positioned the Produttori for much continued success in the future.”–Antonio Galloni
In Stock Now from Produttori del Barbaresco
Produttori del Barbaresco Asili, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2013 750ML ($99.95) $89 special, only 12 bottles available
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 97 points “Absolutely stunning in every way…”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 96 points “Here is a wine with a long and promising future ahead… This vintage delivers encouraging results on all fronts…”
Wine Enthusiast 96 points “Cellar Selection. …balanced and gorgeous…”
Wine Spectator 95 points “Impeccably balanced, even with the firm line of tannins lingering on the finish…”
Produttori del Barbaresco Montefico, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2013 750ML ($99.95) $79 special, 36+ Bottles in stock now
Kerin O’keefe-Wine Enthusiast – Cellar Selection 97 Points “Still young but already boasting extraordinary pedigree, this fantastic wine opens with hallmark scents of wild berry, new leather, chopped herb, tilled soil and a whiff of violet. The polished, full-bodied palate delivers juicy wild cherry, crushed raspberry, white pepper and licorice while youthfully assertive, noble tannins and bright acidity provide age-worthy structure. A pipe tobacco note lingers on the finish. Drink 2023–2038.”
Antonio Galloni 96+ Points “The Barbaresco Riserva Montefico shows all the energy and focus that is typical of this great site, but there is so much depth to the fruit that some of the more angular contours have been softened. Bright saline-infused notes lead to wild flowers and an exotic melange of red fruits in this beautifully delineated, vivid Barbaresco. All the elements are simply in the right place.”
Monica Larner – Wine Advocate 96+ Points “I am absolutely impressed by the stunning 2013 Barbaresco Riserva Montefico. The Montefico growing site is very small and only 13,000 bottles are produced as a result. There are just three farmers who tend to this vineyard cru, and because their respective plots are very small, they rely on the Produttori del Barbaresco co-operative model for survival. This wine shows amazing depth and enlarged dimension. Aromas of black fruit, spice, tar and crushed mineral contribute to the considerable volume and power of the wine. That precise and focused mineral definition is outstanding, recalling brimstone and pencil shavings. Montefico can underperform in the hot vintages, but it hits all the high notes in the cooler 2013.”
Wine Spectator 95 Points “This beefy red evokes cherry, licorice, herb, mineral and tobacco aromas and flavors. Rich and densely structured, with iron, tobacco and cherry notes lingering on the long finish. Best from 2023 through 2035.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Produttori del Barbaresco ‘Muncagota’Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2013 750ML (79.95) $54.50 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni Vinous 94 Points “Like most of the wines in this lineup, the 2013 Barbaresco Riserva Muncagota is quite potent. A rush of raspberry jam, wild flowers, white pepper and mint make a strong opening statement. Succulent and yet also structured, the Muncagota has so much to offer. It should be one of the first wines in this range to start opening up, although when that will happen exactly is hard to say.”
Wine Spectator 94 Points “Powerful yet underlined by racy acidity, driving the black cherry, black currant and mineral flavors. Menthol and tobacco notes add depth, keeping this intense. All the components are here, yet this will need time to really sing. Best from 2024 through 2040.”
Monica Larner – Wine Advocate 94 Points “You may remember that this wine was once called Moccagatta. Produttori del Barbaresco reverted to the local Piemontese spelling of the name in 2007 to stay consistent with the geographic mapping of local cru sites. The 2013 Barbaresco Riserva Muncagota stands apart from the nine other single-vineyard Riservas presented by Produttori del Barbaresco this vintage. Of these various wines, this is the most salty and savory. There is less primary fruit intensity here. The bouquet is laced with grilled rosemary and wild sage. This growing site absorbs loads of morning sunshine with southeast-facing exposures. The mouthfeel is characterized by dry tannins and very long, balsam-like persistence. Dried ginger and herbs appear on the menthol-like finish.”
Kerin O’keefe-Wine Enthusiast 94 Points “You’ll find aromas of star anise, freshly tilled soil, chopped herb and balsamic notes on this full-bodied red. The smooth, concentrated palate delivers juicy black cherry, raspberry compost, pipe tobacco and licorice accompanied by firm, refined tannins and bright acidity.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Produttori del Barbaresco Ovello, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2013 750ML ($99.95) $79 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Produttori del Barbaresco Ovello, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2013 1.5L ($179.95) $149 special 14 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 96 points “…Vivid, sculpted and impossibly beautiful, the Ovello is simply magnificent.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95+ points “…one of my favorite expressions overall…”
Wine Spectator 95 points “…Harmonious now and should be ready soon, but the vivid structure will serve it well into the future…”
Produttori del Barbaresco Pora, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2013 750ML ($79.95) $59 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Produttori del Barbaresco Pora, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2013 750ML ($719.95) $649 special (that’s only $49.91/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 95 points “…Inviting and full of energy…”
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 94 points “…This is an especially powerful, brooding edition of the Pora. Although impressive today, the 2013 will drink well for decades to come.”
Wine Enthusiast 94 points “Cellar Selection…This a classic Barbaresco with years ahead of it.”
Produttori del Barbaresco Rio Sordo, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2013 750ML ($79.95) $59 special, only 10 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 97 points “Cellar selection. It’s already exceptional but will benefit with more aging…”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95 points “…delightful…It offers both immediate pleasure and long-term potential.”
Wine Spectator 94 points “…Firm tannins follow up, yet this remains elegant and really stretches out on the long aftertaste…”
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 93 points “The 2013 Barbaresco Riserva Rio Sordo is one of the more gracious, approachable wines in this range. Medium in body, yet deep and beautifully resonant, the 2013 has so much to offer…”
“The 2014 Barbarescos confirm all the potential they showed as recently bottled wines a year ago. Vibrant, perfumed and beautifully delineated, the 2014s capture the essence of what makes Nebbiolo so compelling. In short, the 2014 Barbarescos speak to the essence of site as expressed in one of the most unusual growing seasons in recent memory…” –Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Produttori del Barbaresco is revered for producing classically-styled Barbaresco and Riservas of uncompromising quality and transparency. It’s a miracle that these wines are still affordable and available, especially when compared to the skyrocketing prices of Barolo. You’d be hard-pressed to find such consistent quality and complexity out of such an extensive range of single-vineyard Nebbiolos anywhere else.
Produttori del Barbaresco Muncagota, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2014 750ML ($79.95) $59 special, 19 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2014 Barbaresco Riserva Muncagota is another of the overachievers in this range. White pepper, bright red cherry, floral notes and mint cut through the fruit in this beautifully vivid, crystalline Barbaresco. There is a level of energy, drive and overall nuance in the 2014 I don’t recall having seen in the past. The 2014 is a terrific Muncagota.”
Produttori del Barbaresco Pora, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2014 750ML ($79.95) $59 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Produttori del Barbaresco Pora, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2014 750ML ($719.95) $619 special
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2014 Barbaresco Riserva Pora is a dark, sensual beauty. Deeply spiced and balsamic, with tremendous textural richness, the Pora is utterly beguiling. I can’t remember a Pora with this much depth, textural resonance and brooding intensity. The 2014 needs at least a few years to be at its best, but it is superb even in the early going. I won’t be surprised if the 2014 turns out to be better than this note suggests.”
Produttori del Barbaresco Montestefano, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2014 1.5L ($199.95) $139 special, 5 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 95+ Points “One of the many highlights in this range, the Barbaresco Riserva Montestefano is superb. A big enrobing wine, the Montestefano wraps around the palate with stunning depth. Today, the Montestefano is utterly embryonic, and yet it exudes depth, resonance and pure class. The Montestefano is one of the more complete wines in the range because of the way it deftly balances fruit intensity and structure. Readers will have to be patient, though.”
Wine Spectator 94 points “Pure cherry flavors permeate the rich flesh of this red, backed by vibrant acidity and fine tannins. Eucalyptus, earth and tar elements add depth as this cruises to a lingering finish. Fine intensity. Best from 2021 through 2040.—B.S.”
Produttori del Barbaresco Ovello, Barbaresco Riserva 2014 1.5L ($189.95) $139 special, 14 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 95 Points “The 2014 Barbaresco Riserva Ovello is bright and piercing, as it so often is, and yet it also has more than enough fruit to fill out its mid-weight, energetic frame. Pine, mint, crushed rocks and sweet red plum build into the huge, piercing finish. The Ovello is another wine in this range that demands patience. Even in the early going it is super impressive. The 2014 s an unusually dense, packed Ovello. It should be terrific in another few years’ time.”
Monica Larner – Wine Advocate 95 Points “Always one of my favorite wines from Produttori del Barbaresco, the 2014 Barbaresco Riserva Ovello lays out a broad and soft mouthfeel, with tannins that have already been polished and integrated thanks to ample time in the bottle already. It’s safe to say that this Ovello cru loyally demonstrates the level of richness and textural softness that this site is known for. The bouquet is redolent of bright berry fruit with cherry, blackberry and plum. Also, the 2014 vintage was a warm one at the end of the growing season, and you taste a little bit of that ripeness here too.”
Wine Spectator 93 Points “Balsamic aromas of menthol, wild thyme and juniper complement the black cherry core of this muscular red, with dense tannins lending support. Though a bit more severe now than its peers, this is balanced overall and will age well. Best from 2022 through 2042 “
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.
Thank you for reading and for continuing to support our team!
Stay safe, be well, & drink well.
Thank you for reading and for continuing to support our team!
Stay safe, be well, & drink well.