In This Newsletter:
South African Selections:
Wines from the Cradle of Civilization
Trending Spanish Gems
The Exponent of Épernay:
Charles Ellner Champagne
Zany for Zuni:
2019 Zuni Chardonnay
Ciao Bella to Ciro:
Indigenous Calabrian Excellence
Valdespino: The Apex of Andalucía
Collector’s Corner:
Perfection from the Golden Bell: 100 Point 2016 Angelus
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South African Selections:
Wines from the Cradle of Civilization
South Africa is one of the most underrepresented countries in the current wine market. Historically most famous for Klein Constantia’s Vin De Constance, the republic has since become the “second home” for Chenin Blanc and a world leader in bold red blends. First planted to grapevines in 1655 by the Dutch East India Company, the country has been a major wine exporter since the 18th century.
The climate is definitively Mediterranean, with the day’s heat being mitigated by the mixing of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans offshore. The soils are some of the oldest on earth and largely comprised of decomposed granite, shale and mica. These mineral rich soils contribute an iron spine to the wine’s character beyond assisting with water retention and vine nutrition. The soils’ advanced age also puts grapevines in contact with bedrock due to erosion, imbuing the wines with a distinctive minerality.
Bold reds are largely based around Stellenbosch, one of the wine capitols of South Africa. Mostly planted to French varietals like Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot the area is often compared to Napa in terms of wine styles production. Stellenbosch was home to some of the first European colonists, and has practiced viticulture for almost as long, with the area being the birthplace of Pinotage at Stellenbosch University. A crossing of Pinot Noir and Cinsault the varietal is rarely seen planted outside of the country. Being the country’s flagship grape, Pinotage is famous for its chameleonic expression depending on pruning style, growing conditions and vinification practices. The best expressions encapsulate the character of both parent grapes, incorporating Pinot Noir’s ethereal aromatics with the juiciness of Cinsault.
Beyond Stellenbosch is the Hemel-En-Aarde Valley. The region is one of the coolest growing regions in all of South Africa due to being located directly in the path of the South Atlantic Ocean’s cool air as it travels to Table Mountain in Cape Town. As a result the area is famous for its elegant expressions of Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinotage.
South African Wines in stock now:
Morgenster Lourens River Valley Stellenbosch 2014 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Neal Martin-Vinous 92 points “The 2014 Lourens River Valley is a Bordeaux blend that offers light blackberry, tobacco and smoky scents on the nose; a hint of hickory develops with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied, fleshy and ripe, with supple tannins and a pinch of sour cherry and balsamic toward the finish. Quite mellow, so much so that you almost overlook the concentration here. Excellent.”
The climate is definitively Mediterranean, with the day’s heat being mitigated by the mixing of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans offshore. The soils are some of the oldest on earth and largely comprised of decomposed granite, shale and mica. These mineral rich soils contribute an iron spine to the wine’s character beyond assisting with water retention and vine nutrition. The soils’ advanced age also puts grapevines in contact with bedrock due to erosion, imbuing the wines with a distinctive minerality.
Bold reds are largely based around Stellenbosch, one of the wine capitols of South Africa. Mostly planted to French varietals like Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot the area is often compared to Napa in terms of wine styles production. Stellenbosch was home to some of the first European colonists, and has practiced viticulture for almost as long, with the area being the birthplace of Pinotage at Stellenbosch University. A crossing of Pinot Noir and Cinsault the varietal is rarely seen planted outside of the country. Being the country’s flagship grape, Pinotage is famous for its chameleonic expression depending on pruning style, growing conditions and vinification practices. The best expressions encapsulate the character of both parent grapes, incorporating Pinot Noir’s ethereal aromatics with the juiciness of Cinsault.
Beyond Stellenbosch is the Hemel-En-Aarde Valley. The region is one of the coolest growing regions in all of South Africa due to being located directly in the path of the South Atlantic Ocean’s cool air as it travels to Table Mountain in Cape Town. As a result the area is famous for its elegant expressions of Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinotage.
South African Wines in stock now:
Morgenster Lourens River Valley Stellenbosch 2014 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Neal Martin-Vinous 92 points “The 2014 Lourens River Valley is a Bordeaux blend that offers light blackberry, tobacco and smoky scents on the nose; a hint of hickory develops with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied, fleshy and ripe, with supple tannins and a pinch of sour cherry and balsamic toward the finish. Quite mellow, so much so that you almost overlook the concentration here. Excellent.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Meerlust Rubicon Stellenbosch 2017 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Neal Martin-Vinous 92 points “The 2017 Rubicon, Meerlust’s flagship Bordeaux blend (68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot) offers attractive blackberry, raspberry coulis and floral scents on the nose, plus just a touch of glycerol. The palate is harmonious and medium-bodied with supple tannins, fine acidity and an almost understated but long finish. Not a show-stealer, but one of the bottles that you will finish quicker than intended.”
Southern Right Pinotage Hemel-en-Aarde Valley 2020 750ML ($49.95) $30.90 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Importer Note: Southern Right is re-defining Pinotage with this intense classically styled, clay-grown wine, packed with complex berry fruit, beautiful tannins, and subtle spice. Full ripeness and the longer hang-time afforded by cooler sites, combined with the complex, more classic fruit aromas and structure resulting from clay-rich soil, make this wine a highly individual expression of South Africa’s unique grape variety
Klein Constantia Vin de Constance Natural Sweet Wine Constantia 2007 500ML ($119.95) $99 special, 4 bottles in stock now
Neal Martin – Wine Advocate 97 points “Although I have tasted the 2007 Vin de Constance on several occasions, this was the first time professionally. It has an explosive bouquet that sprints out of the blocks with a more effervescent, vivacious personality than the 2008. Citrus lemon, Seville orange marmalade, touches of mandarin and a dash of spice all vie for attention. The aromatics are more Sauternes-like than the 2008. The palate is very well-balanced with a viscous opening, a keen thread of acidity and a bewitching sense of poise and focus. This is probably the finest Vin de Constance to date as it fans out marvellously on the multi-layered finish. This is a startling, world-class wine that gives Yquem a run for its money.”
Trending Spanish Gems
In Michel Bettane’s definitive book “The World’s Greatest Wines” there were only four sparkling wines selected. Champagne made up the lion’s share, with Kripta being the only non-Champagne sparkling wine that was included in the entire book. Beyond this anecdote Kripta is a benchmark producer in Spain. Their commitment to excellence starts with sourcing from organically farmed, indigenous varietals, which have an average vine age of 47 years old.
Further borrowing from the techniques of high end champagnes, Kripta ages their Gran Riserva for a minimum of seven years (Compared to the 2.5 years required by Spanish law). The combination of exceptional fruit and extended lees aging creates a veritable masterpiece that will make you say “This is Cava??” Much like a well-wrought Champagne there’s an inexhaustible list of pairings that would complement the Kripta.
In stock now:
Agusti Torello Mata Kripta Gran Reserva Cava Catalonia 2011 750ML ($99.95) $75 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez “It’s a blend of the thee classical Cava grapes—Macabeo, Xarello and Parellada—from three old vineyards in the Penedès, in the villages of Sant Pau d’Ordal, Sant Sadurni d’Anoia and Sant Joan de Mediona; it aged in contact with the lees in bottle for seven years.”
Further borrowing from the techniques of high end champagnes, Kripta ages their Gran Riserva for a minimum of seven years (Compared to the 2.5 years required by Spanish law). The combination of exceptional fruit and extended lees aging creates a veritable masterpiece that will make you say “This is Cava??” Much like a well-wrought Champagne there’s an inexhaustible list of pairings that would complement the Kripta.
In stock now:
Agusti Torello Mata Kripta Gran Reserva Cava Catalonia 2011 750ML ($99.95) $75 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez “It’s a blend of the thee classical Cava grapes—Macabeo, Xarello and Parellada—from three old vineyards in the Penedès, in the villages of Sant Pau d’Ordal, Sant Sadurni d’Anoia and Sant Joan de Mediona; it aged in contact with the lees in bottle for seven years.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Founded by Pablo Calatayud in 1995, Cellar Del Roure has made a name for itself by bucking tradition. This is no better illustrated than by Safra, made with the indigenous varietal Mando, using traditional lagar and amphorae during fermentation to preserve the natural structure and earthy flavors. Mando is described as being similar to Pinot Noir or Mencia and is largely extinct even within Valencia. This is largely due to Valencia’s history as breadbasket for Spanish agriculture, producing massive quantities of wine, olive oil and most famously oranges. This led to massive plantings of grapevines meant for bulk wine production, at the cost of historically premium sites and varietals.
In stock now:
Celler del Roure ‘Safra’Valencia 2019 750ML ($29.95) $24 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2019 Safrà was produced with a base of Mandó, but it’s a different Mandó from Parotet, livelier and more fluid. They say it’s a red with the soul of a white. In any case, both wines change in 2019 with the addition of Arcos. They harvest the grapes early and use some 30% stems for the vinification in stainless steel with indigenous yeasts. This 2019 is a blend with 30% Arcos, an almost forgotten grape they are recovering and to which they are paying very much attention. Like many of the other wines, it matured in ancient buried 2,600-liter tinajas in their impressive 17th-century cellar. I’ve always liked the floral and aromatic expression of this wine, which has nice aromas and complexity, developing beautiful notes of sour cherries; and in the palate, it’s more serious than you expect, longer, deeper and very tasty. This is more ethereal than Vermell and less spicy that Parotet. I think it has gained in freshness and complexity with the addition of Arcos, which is part of the blend for the first time in 2019. In fact, this is better than ever! 20,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in June 2020.”
Decanter 93 points “Mainly Mandó grapes with Arcos (rather than Garnacha Tintorera as in previous blends) – a change that brings greater finesse to this aromatic wine. Bright, mid-weight, juicy, with sour cherries and cranberries and the faintest rasp of tannin. Fermented in stainless steel and matured in buried clay amphorae in the remarkable cellar. Organic. Drinking Window 2021 – 2024. -Sarah Jane Evans MW.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Celler del Roure ‘Safra’ Valencia 2017 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 93 points “The third vintage of my favorite red, the 2017 Safrà is from an early and low-yielding year when they got larger grapes that delivered fresher and more fluid wines than a normal warm year. It fermented with 30% full clusters in stainless steel vats, and like all of these wines, it didn’t see any oak; it matured exclusively in 2,600-liter clay “tinaja” for six months. It’s floral and subtle, super elegant, without any excess, expressive and perfumed. The palate is equally elegant, with very fine tannins, good freshness and very tasty, almost salty flavors. This has to be the finest vintage for this wine. Even if 2017 can be similar to 2015, this feels more balanced and complete. Most of the wines are a bargain, and this is a steal.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Looking for a wine that is equal parts refreshing and compelling? Check out our selections from Do Ferreiro. Coming from the picturesque Salnes region on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, this is the ancestral home of Albarino and shows in the wine’s character across the portfolio. Some of the biggest contributors to the terroir of Salnes are the granitic mountains and blankets of sea fog found throughout the area, creating the building blocks for an invigorating and savory wine with surprising aging potential. These features also have a meteorological effect, creating an exceptionally cool and oftentimes wet growing season with the average temperature being 55 degrees. As a result of these challenges, there has been very little deviation from the traditional growing practices. Do Ferreiro is a local champion of these methods, and is known for their devotion to rehabilitating abandoned sites and refusing to use synthetic chemicals in any way.
In stock now:
Bodegas Gerardo Mendez Albarino Do Ferreiro Rias Baixas 2020 750ML ($39.95) $28.50 special, 12 bottles in stock now
De Maison note “Highly regarded for crafting albariño, Do Ferreiro has become a reference point for the grape. They farm over 175 tiny plots of albariño by hand, all located in the Salnés subzone of Rías Baixas. This valley’s proximity to the ocean, ideal climate due to the natural protection by mountain ranges, and decomposed granitic soil have gained the reputation for being the best zone in Rías Baixas for growing profound albariño. The blend of these plots is what makes up Do Ferreiro Albariño. No other grape varieties or regions are blended into Do Ferreiro, as is common with many albariño wines. Fermentations are exclusively carried out by native yeasts.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Looking for a rose that drinks like a light red? Easily the most full bodied rose I’ve tried in a long while, this is a deliciously rustic rosado made from another nearly extinct grape called Prieto Picudo. Traditionally farmed in a pruning style native to the village called rastra, which involves the grapes growing without any trellising just above the ground. This proximity reduces the amount of water lost during the incredibly dry growing season and helps the grapes ripen due to heat radiating from the ground. The vines used in this rosado are over 80 years old and grown at almost 3,000 feet above sea level at the base of the Cantabric Mountains. Grilled strawberry, cherry juice, copal resin and fennel flower make this a perfect accompaniment for BBQ, Smoked fish or Middle Eastern cuisine.
In stock now:
Raul Perez ‘Los Arrotos del Pendon’ Rosado Leon 2020 ($24.95) $19.90 special, 5 bottles available
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92 points “Light, amber-hued red. Pungent cherry, raspberry and floral aromas take on spice and smoky mineral nuances with air. Shows very good heft and chewy texture, offering sappy red berry, bitter cherry and spicecake flavors and a hint of licorice. As much a light red wine as a rosé. Finishes long and floral, with the spicy note adding final cut. – Josh Raynolds”
Skurnik Wines note “100% Prieto Picudo. Very old vines in stony clay at high altitude (800m ASL). Macerated for two days on the skins before bleeding off. Fermented with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel. Raised on the fine lees for four months in tank. Bottled without fining or filtration.”
Priorat remains one of the most sought after and highly lauded wine producing regions in all of Spain. The high concentration of old vines; cult level producers, high elevation and Mediterranean climate have made it a hotbed for Spain’s fine wine revolution. Priorat wines are largely based around Grenache and Carignan, grapes usually associated with being medium bodied and fruity. However they take on a whole new dimension on the terraced vineyards of martian-esque shale. Called llicorella by the locals it’s famous for the savory minerality that’s imparted to the grapes, in addition to ripening grapes faster by heat radiation.
In stock now:
Ferrer Bobet Priorat DOCa 2016 750ML ($59.95) $44.56 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Ferrer Bobet Priorat DOCa 2016 750ML ($359.95) $249 special (That’s only $41.50 per bottle!)
James Suckling 97 points “Such purity of ripe blackberries and dark cherries, as well as redder, cherry notes, really makes a striking impression on the nose. The fresh florals and leafy nuances are followed by such pure berries and red plums. The tannins are stunning, so polished and perfectly formed, holding super long and fresh. Wow. Drink or hold.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
When discussing the Grenache Revolution in Spain, you have to mention the work of Daniel Landi. One of the two founders of the cult label “Commando G” he has built his career around elevating Grenache to new heights. Originally hailing from Méntrida, a rural village in the Castille-La-Mancha Daniel Landi has been surrounded by Grenache practically from birth. With en masse wine production dating back to the 15th century, there are vineyards everywhere you look. The historical prevalence of viticulture extends into the Sierra de Gredos Mountains, where Daniel sources his best fruit. Planted amongst the granite boulders and scrub vegetation, vines are 50 years old at the youngest and farmed biodynamically.
In stock now:
Daniel Gomez Jimenez-Landi ‘Las Uvas de la Ira’ Garnacha Mentrida 2018 750ML ($37.95) $31.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 93 points “The red 2018 Las Uvas de la Ira has been produced with Garnacha from the same five vineyards since the initial vintage (2012) in the village of El Real de San Vicente, which is one of the villages from Méntrida (Toledo) that are part of the Gredos Mountains. The vines range between 40 and 65 years of age, and they are located at around 750 meters in altitude on sandy granite soils with lots of silt. The different vineyards are fermented separately in oak vats with indigenous yeasts and a very gentle vinification, one-third with very long macerations to provide structure and depth, one-third with a very short maceration to provide fragrance, and the remaining third finished the fermentation without skins (like a white) to add juiciness. The élevage is in oak foudres of different sizes, from 1,500 to 4,000 liters. This is a little less aromatic and more austere but very focused and bright, from a village where the wines are serious and have a chalky texture, less floral but more citrus, a bit more backward. It has a compact palate, with very fine tannins and a more chalky finish. It’s interesting to taste it next to wines from other villages, as you clearly see the difference. 18,700 bottles produced. It was bottled in August 2019.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Alvear is a house that is synonymous with Spanish history. Family records indicate their first step into the wine industry was in 1729 with the construction of their family bodega in Andalucía. The family’s fame continued to rise for the next century, reaching its apex when Diego de Alvear y Ponce de León established a Spanish colony in what is now Uruguay and Argentina. On the eve of the new millennium the Alvear clan decided to expand outside of the Sherry triangle and establish a new winery in the Extremadura, a Spanish desert region famous for her agricultural output. Planting indigenous clones of Tempranillo and Grenache with other warm-climate varietals like Syrah and Petit Verdot, the idea was to best exemplify the terroir of Extramadura.
Alvear Wines in stock now:
Alvear Palacio Quemado La Raya Vino de la Tierra de Extremadura Spain 2016 750ML ($34.95) $27 special, 20 bottles in stock now
Case-12 Alvear Palacio Quemado La Raya Vino de la Tierra de Extremadura Spain 2016 750ML ($419.95) $299 special (that’s only $24.92/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94 points “Dark garnet. Intensely perfumed, mineral-driven red and blue fruit, potpourri and incense scents show excellent clarity and spicy lift. Palate-staining raspberry, boysenberry, spicecake and floral pastille flavors deepen steadily through the back half. Manages to come off powerful as well as lithe and shows no rough edges. Finishes smooth and extremely long, featuring sneaky tannins and lingering red fruit, mineral and floral notes.”
Vinopolnote– A vineyard blend of the rich and dark Port grapes Trincadeira Prieta and Touriga Nacional in addition to Garnacha and Syrah
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Alvear Palacio Quemado La Zarcita Vino de la Tierra de Extremadura Spain 2018 750ML ($21.95) $18 special, 29 bottles in stock now
Case-12 Alvear Palacio Quemado La Zarcita Vino de la Tierra de Extremadura Spain 2018 750ML ($299.95) $199 special (that’s only $16.58/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 91 points “Opaque magenta. Red and blue fruit, floral and spice qualities on the expressive nose. Supple and appealingly sweet, offering spice-accented raspberry and boysenberry flavors and a musky hint of licorice. Finishes long and juicy, with repeating florality and gentle tannins adding final grip.”
Vinopolnote– A vineyard blend of the rich and dark Port grapes Trincadeira Prieta and Touriga Nacional in addition to Garnacha and Syrah
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Alvear Palacio Quemado Los Acilates Vino de la Tierra de Extremadura Spain 2016 750ML ($27.95) $24 special, 29 bottles in stock now
Case-12 Alvear Palacio Quemado Los Acilates Vino de la Tierra de Extremadura 2016 750ML ($359.95) $259 special (that’s only $21.58/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 93 points “Deep, shimmering ruby. A pungent, mineral-accented bouquet evokes fresh cherry, boysenberry and exotic spices, along with a suave floral overtone. Sappy and expansive on the palate, offering appealingly sweet red and blue fruit and floral pastille flavors and a suggestion of baking spices. The impressively long, sweet, floral-tinged finish is shaped by fine-grained tannins that fold smoothly into the wine’s vibrant fruit.”
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 92 points “The elegant, floral and perfumed 2016 Los Acilates reflected a cooler year with a longer growing season, which resulted in higher yields that achieved perfect ripeness. The aromas and flavors are precise and pure, and there is a sense of harmony that I like very much. The spectrum of aromas is about red fruit and flowers with just a pinch of spices. The palate is very elegant, with fine-grained tannins and a dry, chalky texture that I often associate with limestone soils. Delicious! 7,000 bottles produced.”
Vinopolnote– A vineyard blend of the rich and dark Port grapes Trincadeira Prieta and Touriga Nacional in addition to Garnacha and Syrah
This is the only listing in the USA today!
The Exponent of Épernay:
Charles Ellner Champagne
Considering the market dominance formerly held by the Grand Marques, there is much to be said about smaller negociants. Often combining their family’s holdings with purchased fruit from other vineyards, negociant champagne represents the juxtaposition of art and science that is assemblage. You’d be hard pressed to find a better example of this expertise than the Charles Ellner portfolio. Originally working as a riddler for the other houses, Charles Ellner decided to hold back some of his family’s production for his own project, and the rest is history!
Charles Ellner’s origin as a passion project is clearly evident even to this day, with the estate fruit being grown organically and without synthetic inputs whatsoever. This commitment to quality does not stop in the vineyard however; the minimum time his Champagnes receive on the lees is double the required time. The resulting wines capture the beauty of autolysis and the freshness of a current vintage along with the juxtaposing toast, fruit and mineral character.
Charles Ellner wines in stock now:
Charles Ellner Carte Blanche Blanc de Blancs Brut Champagne NV 750ML ($39.95) $31.90 special, 23 bottles in stock now
Importer note “This elegant and subtle blend offers an attractive freshness. On the palate, it is fruity and round with floral hints and citrus notes.”
Charles Ellner’s origin as a passion project is clearly evident even to this day, with the estate fruit being grown organically and without synthetic inputs whatsoever. This commitment to quality does not stop in the vineyard however; the minimum time his Champagnes receive on the lees is double the required time. The resulting wines capture the beauty of autolysis and the freshness of a current vintage along with the juxtaposing toast, fruit and mineral character.
Charles Ellner wines in stock now:
Charles Ellner Carte Blanche Blanc de Blancs Brut Champagne NV 750ML ($39.95) $31.90 special, 23 bottles in stock now
Importer note “This elegant and subtle blend offers an attractive freshness. On the palate, it is fruity and round with floral hints and citrus notes.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Charles Ellner Grande Reserve Brut Champagne NV 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 5 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 92 points “[Reviewed 2016] Deliciously balanced, this wine is on the dry side while keeping its fruitiness up front. A blend of 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir, it has both minerality and rich apple and pear fruits with a tangy texture. It is ready to drink. -Roger Voss”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Charles Ellner Brut Rose Champagne NV 375ML ($27.95) $21.90 special, 16 half bottles in stock now
Charles Ellner Brut Rose Champagne NV 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 33 bottles in stock now
Winery note “Soft pink: an invitation to the eyes, strong on the nose with hints of strawberry, this champagne offers intensive fruity aromas. The chardonnay that represents half of the blend gives freshness, but also longevity.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Charles Ellner Seduction Brut Millesime Champagne 2007 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 19 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 92 points “A toasty hint of grilled nut adds savory richness to this bright, light-footed Champagne. The firm acidity is well-meshed to notes of yellow plum, candied ginger and lemon curd. Not a powerhouse, but fresh and balanced. Drink now through 2027. — AN”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
We carry over 204 different bottlings of Champagne both online and in-store including Chartogne Taillet, Bollinger and Pommery!
Zany for Zuni:
2019 Zuni Chardonnay
After the explosive popularity of our exclusive Evening Land/Brasserie 19 offer, we jumped at the chance to offer another exclusive wine from Rajat Parr’s Sta. Rita Hills winery, Sandhi. Oregon wine fans may best know Parr for his Willamette Valley winery Evening Land and their pioneering Seven Springs vineyard. Some years before signing on to Evening Land, Parr’s founded Sandhi, an elite, small production winery that highlights the terroirs of Santa Barbara County. He and co-founder Sashi Moorman eschew extremes of ripeness, oak, or alcohol, instead crafting wines of elegance and restraint. Vineyard sources for the Sandhi lineup include the legendary cool climate Bien Nacido, best known by the single vineyard bottlings produced by the Bien Nacido estate, Au Bon Climat, and Qupe Winery, and the world-classic, historic Sanford & Benedict.
This Chardonnay is a barrel selection from these illustrious vineyards. It was crafted with the wine director at one of SF’s finest restaurants, Zuni Café. We knew it would be a charming and food-friendly wine, but we were stunned by the quality when we tasted a sample bottle. Fans of Evening Land will be dazzled by the beauty and elegance through a Californian lens, fans of Sandhi will be impressed by the price.
In Stock Now:
Sandhi Zuni Chardonnay Santa Barbara County 2019 750ML ($34.95) $24 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Sandhi Zuni Chardonnay Santa Barbara County 2019 750ML ($399.95) $249 special (that’s only $20.75/bottle!)
Winery note “If you’ve ever sat at San Francisco’s iconic Zuni Café with a plate of oysters in front of you while you wait for the iconic whole roast chicken, you may have had a glass or two of this collaboration between longtime friends Rajat Parr of Sandhi and Zuni wine director Thierry Lovato. The wine is a barrel selection from some of Sandhi’s iconic Sta. Rita Hills sites, (think Mt. Carmel, Sanford & Benedict) with enough own-rooted, 1973 Wente selection Bien Nacido Chardonnay blended in to warrant a Santa Barbara County designation.”
This Chardonnay is a barrel selection from these illustrious vineyards. It was crafted with the wine director at one of SF’s finest restaurants, Zuni Café. We knew it would be a charming and food-friendly wine, but we were stunned by the quality when we tasted a sample bottle. Fans of Evening Land will be dazzled by the beauty and elegance through a Californian lens, fans of Sandhi will be impressed by the price.
In Stock Now:
Sandhi Zuni Chardonnay Santa Barbara County 2019 750ML ($34.95) $24 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Sandhi Zuni Chardonnay Santa Barbara County 2019 750ML ($399.95) $249 special (that’s only $20.75/bottle!)
Winery note “If you’ve ever sat at San Francisco’s iconic Zuni Café with a plate of oysters in front of you while you wait for the iconic whole roast chicken, you may have had a glass or two of this collaboration between longtime friends Rajat Parr of Sandhi and Zuni wine director Thierry Lovato. The wine is a barrel selection from some of Sandhi’s iconic Sta. Rita Hills sites, (think Mt. Carmel, Sanford & Benedict) with enough own-rooted, 1973 Wente selection Bien Nacido Chardonnay blended in to warrant a Santa Barbara County designation.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
We carry over 20 different bottlings of California Chardonnay, including Rombauer, Freemark Abbey and Hartford Court!
Ciao Bella to Ciro:
Indigenous Calabrian Excellence
Indigenous Calabrian Excellence
Have you ever tried a Calabrian wine? What about from their “Grand Cru” village of Ciro? Once a major producer and exporter of wine for the entire Mediterranean during antiquity, Ciro has changed hands but never her principal grapes. The village of Ciro’s proximity to both the Mediterranean and Adriatic help mitigate the otherwise sweltering climate, not unlike the effect that the Ionian Sea does on Sicily. These ideal conditions create wines with a mineral driven spine, multidimensional fruits and bright acidity.
Reds and rosé are based around the Gaglioppo grape, with the whites being vinified from Greco Bianco. Scala has rapidly established themselves as the champions of these grapes, working exclusively with their organically grown estate vineyard. Vinification takes place in either concrete or stainless steel, making the resulting wine an unobstructed picture of the varietal character.
The genetic relationship to Nerello Mascalese is evident in Scala’s Gaglioppo, without any of the hard edges you’d usually associate. The Gaglioppo red is deliciously plush with a spectrum of red and black fruits including Italian plum, blueberries and Amarena cherry with a spicy and smoky backbone reminiscent of myrrh, copal resin and pink peppercorn. Incredibly quaffable with a slight chill, and a match made in heaven with pizza!
The rosato presents a completely different aspect of Gaglioppo in comparison to the red, featuring an acid driven spray of red cherry, cinnamon dusted strawberry, rosehips, and hibiscus. There is an additional frankincense and fresh picked rosemary note combined with ocean spray that makes it incredibly food friendly.
Are you a fan of linear, refreshing white wines that feature a mineral core and lasting finish? The Greco from Sala is about to be your new favorite. Featuring a light body but ripe fruit flavors, there’s levity to the wine that brings to mind summer peaches, yellow apple, fresh pear, Meyer lemon peel, lupine flower and seashell. Scala’s bianco is absolutely perfect with sushi, fish and chips, bouillabaisse or anything else from the sea.
In stock and available now:
Scala Bianco Ciro Calabria 2020 750ML ($19.95) $16.60 special, 9 bottles in stock now
Importer note “100% Greco, from vineyards located in Cirò (Crotone district), 100 to 150 meters above sea level. The vines were planted in 1997 and face south/south-east. They are trained in espalier. The grapes were manually harvested around the 20th of August (20 to 30 days earlier than usual, as 2017 was a very hot vintage). They were destemmed, softly pressed, and fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks – 16° to 18° C (61 to 64F) in order to preserve the aromas. After the fermentation, the wine was racked and left in tanks for 4 months. Nose of white flowers. 12% alcohol.”
Reds and rosé are based around the Gaglioppo grape, with the whites being vinified from Greco Bianco. Scala has rapidly established themselves as the champions of these grapes, working exclusively with their organically grown estate vineyard. Vinification takes place in either concrete or stainless steel, making the resulting wine an unobstructed picture of the varietal character.
The genetic relationship to Nerello Mascalese is evident in Scala’s Gaglioppo, without any of the hard edges you’d usually associate. The Gaglioppo red is deliciously plush with a spectrum of red and black fruits including Italian plum, blueberries and Amarena cherry with a spicy and smoky backbone reminiscent of myrrh, copal resin and pink peppercorn. Incredibly quaffable with a slight chill, and a match made in heaven with pizza!
The rosato presents a completely different aspect of Gaglioppo in comparison to the red, featuring an acid driven spray of red cherry, cinnamon dusted strawberry, rosehips, and hibiscus. There is an additional frankincense and fresh picked rosemary note combined with ocean spray that makes it incredibly food friendly.
Are you a fan of linear, refreshing white wines that feature a mineral core and lasting finish? The Greco from Sala is about to be your new favorite. Featuring a light body but ripe fruit flavors, there’s levity to the wine that brings to mind summer peaches, yellow apple, fresh pear, Meyer lemon peel, lupine flower and seashell. Scala’s bianco is absolutely perfect with sushi, fish and chips, bouillabaisse or anything else from the sea.
In stock and available now:
Scala Bianco Ciro Calabria 2020 750ML ($19.95) $16.60 special, 9 bottles in stock now
Importer note “100% Greco, from vineyards located in Cirò (Crotone district), 100 to 150 meters above sea level. The vines were planted in 1997 and face south/south-east. They are trained in espalier. The grapes were manually harvested around the 20th of August (20 to 30 days earlier than usual, as 2017 was a very hot vintage). They were destemmed, softly pressed, and fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks – 16° to 18° C (61 to 64F) in order to preserve the aromas. After the fermentation, the wine was racked and left in tanks for 4 months. Nose of white flowers. 12% alcohol.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Scala Rosato Ciro Calabria 2020 750ML ($19.95) $16.60 special, 4 bottles in stock now
Importer Tasting Note (Victor Schwartz) “The 2020 is a vibrant wine as always. The color is particularly striking, an electric copper-gold, like a ramato that’s been amped up. The nose and palate are delicious if elusive. There is a deep fruit quality that is a mix of apricots and red fruits, the varietal character of gaglioppo is evident along with a distinctive savory note in the background. The wine offers a fruitful acidity keeping it fresh and alive.”
100% Gaglioppo from estate vineyards
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Scala Rosso Ciro Classico Calabria 2018 750ML ($19.95) $16.60 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Importer note “100% Gaglioppo, a medium-sized, thick-skinned grape indigenous to Southern Italy and best known for the production of Ciro DOC. The grapes comes from a vineyard called “Franza”, in Contrada Franza (municipality of Ciro), in the region of Calabria. The ownership of the land goes back to the 17th century. It was previously cultivated with olive trees and citrus groves, and turned into a vineyard in 1965. The soil is clay and sand, with a South/South East exposure and 10 year old vines trained as espaliers. The grapes are de-stemmed, then macerate at 77F until the fermentation is completed. After a soft pressing, the wine is racked and left in cement tanks for a minimum of 10 to 12 months. 13.5% Alcohol.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Valdespino: The Apex of Andalucía
Sherry is one of the most underappreciated wine styles in the entire world, and is one of the best buys in the market as a result! Valdespino is no different, in spite of being one of the most pedigreed and critically lauded in the entire Sherry Triangle. Records found onsite indicate that Valdespino was founded in 1264, making them one of the first Bodegas to make sherry in the entire region.
Production has largely stayed the same throughout it’s almost 800 year history, and is the last producer still fermenting in oak using wild yeasts from a single vineyard. This approach marries perfectly to their estate holdings in the Macharnudo Alto, the highest elevation vineyard in The Sherry Triangle (And nicknamed “The Romanée-Conti of Jerez”). The site’s reputation is so lauded that Valdespino was contracted to the Royal families of Spain and Sweden to provide their respective households with Sherry.
The vineyard is comprised almost entirely of chalk, or albariza as it’s called locally which imparts a distinctive, pervasive and saline minerality to the finished wine. The commitment to quality does not stop after harvest and initial vinification, with the average time spent in solera being twice the required minimum. Take for instance their Fino sherry, which traditionally spends the least amount of time in the solera but still has an average of 10 years old (Compared to the legally required 2 years in cask). The aging commitment reaches its apex with Valdespino’s VORS range (Very Old Rare Sherry), with the VOR Amontillado having an average age of 60 years old!
Due to the inherent saline minerality that is part of Valdespino’s house style these are incredibly food friendly Sherries. The traditional pairing of paella or charcuterie or even something along the lines of sushi, oysters in half shell or lobster. Given the fortification that Sherry undergoes, it is also perfect suited for slowly enjoying over the course of a week and will continue to evolve in your refrigerator.
Valdespino Wines in stock now:
A.R. Valdespino Amontillado Tio Diego Sherry Andalucia 750ML ($29.95) $20.90 special, 1 bottles in stock now
Wine & Spirits 93 points “Extremely dry, this austere Amontillado comes from the white chalky albariza soils of the famed Macharnudo vineyard. It aged under flor for about eight years, and then spent eight more years aging oxidatively before being bottled. At first, it shows only the classic flavors of iodine and salt, with enchanting sea breeze notes. You have to wait for the fruit flavors to emerge, notes of roasted white fruit and nuts emerging in the midst of its cool flavors. Only for fans of super-dry Sherry, this is ideal for mojama, cured tuna belly.”
Wine Spectator 92 points “Smoky and taut, featuring date, dried orange peel, clove, singed sandalwood and salted caramel notes. The dry, nervy finish has lots of tension. Begs for salted almonds. Drink now.” WS
Production has largely stayed the same throughout it’s almost 800 year history, and is the last producer still fermenting in oak using wild yeasts from a single vineyard. This approach marries perfectly to their estate holdings in the Macharnudo Alto, the highest elevation vineyard in The Sherry Triangle (And nicknamed “The Romanée-Conti of Jerez”). The site’s reputation is so lauded that Valdespino was contracted to the Royal families of Spain and Sweden to provide their respective households with Sherry.
The vineyard is comprised almost entirely of chalk, or albariza as it’s called locally which imparts a distinctive, pervasive and saline minerality to the finished wine. The commitment to quality does not stop after harvest and initial vinification, with the average time spent in solera being twice the required minimum. Take for instance their Fino sherry, which traditionally spends the least amount of time in the solera but still has an average of 10 years old (Compared to the legally required 2 years in cask). The aging commitment reaches its apex with Valdespino’s VORS range (Very Old Rare Sherry), with the VOR Amontillado having an average age of 60 years old!
Due to the inherent saline minerality that is part of Valdespino’s house style these are incredibly food friendly Sherries. The traditional pairing of paella or charcuterie or even something along the lines of sushi, oysters in half shell or lobster. Given the fortification that Sherry undergoes, it is also perfect suited for slowly enjoying over the course of a week and will continue to evolve in your refrigerator.
Valdespino Wines in stock now:
A.R. Valdespino Amontillado Tio Diego Sherry Andalucia 750ML ($29.95) $20.90 special, 1 bottles in stock now
Wine & Spirits 93 points “Extremely dry, this austere Amontillado comes from the white chalky albariza soils of the famed Macharnudo vineyard. It aged under flor for about eight years, and then spent eight more years aging oxidatively before being bottled. At first, it shows only the classic flavors of iodine and salt, with enchanting sea breeze notes. You have to wait for the fruit flavors to emerge, notes of roasted white fruit and nuts emerging in the midst of its cool flavors. Only for fans of super-dry Sherry, this is ideal for mojama, cured tuna belly.”
Wine Spectator 92 points “Smoky and taut, featuring date, dried orange peel, clove, singed sandalwood and salted caramel notes. The dry, nervy finish has lots of tension. Begs for salted almonds. Drink now.” WS
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
A.R. Valdespino Coliseo Amontillado VORS Sherry Andalucia VORS 375ML ($249.95) $179 special, 4 half-bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 99 points “The NV Amontillado Coliseo VORS, is an extremely old (much older than the 30 years certified by the VORS classification) and concentrated wine. It is unique, as its origin is from Sanlucar de Barrameda, mainly from the Pago Miraflores, which produced very sharp wines. Dark mahogany colored, with a bright green border, is very aromatic, balsamic and complex, with wild herbs, candied orange rind, spices and dates. The palate is extremely concentrated, dry, and intense but it has no edges, with lively acidity and an eternal finish. It’s an extreme wine, some might find it too much, but it’s certainly unique and among the greatest wines in the world, to be sipped slowly and in tiny quantities. One of the greatest Amontillados in existence today. Drink 2013-2025.” WA
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
A.R. Valdespino Inocente Single Vineyard Fino Sherry Andalucia 375ML ($14.95) $11.90 special, 6 half-bottles in stock now
Wine & Spirits 95 points “Best Buy. Inocente is Valdespino’s flagship, a wine from the Macharnudo Alto vineyard, where the soil is pure white albariza. It ferments in 600-liter wooden casks without added yeasts, a practice that has become increasingly rare in Jerez. The intensity of the wine’s salinity is remarkable – iodine and salt – coming together with ripe white fruit, scents of nuts and exotic spices. The structure is dry and austere, like drinking the juice of stones. This will last for a decade in the cellar, but it’s impossible to hold onto a bottle if there’s raw seafood nearby.”
Wine Advocate 94 points “The NV Fino Inocente must be one of the few wines in Jerez that is still fermented in 600-liter American oak botas, which is an incredible amount of work compared with fermenting tens of thousands of kilos of grapes (or even more) in a big stainless steel tank. This method was the norm of yesteryear, but is so labor intense that it was discontinued in most wineries, and gives a big diversity of wines, as each barrel has its own character, which contributes to the complexity of the blend. Furthermore, the bottled wine is on average 8 to 10 years old. One other thing that makes it apart from other Finos is that the grapes are exclusively from the high part of the Macharnudo vineyard, so this is a single-vineyard Fino. The nose is very complex, showing the effect of the long lees contact: chalk, dried hay, aromatic herbs and salty almonds. The palate is full, but at the same time elegant and balanced, powerful and fine, with the texture of a Meursault rather than a Puligny. A very complex wine, that manages to be both powerful and elegant. Inocente is great value for money. Drink 2013-2016.”
A.R. Valdespino Manzanilla Deliciosa Sherry Andalucia 750ML ($19.95) $17 special, 18 bottles in stock now
Decanter 94 points “About five to six years old, from La Guita bodega. Bright astringency and vivid intensity, with a long, refreshing finish. Not subtle, or washed out; and in this case, I preferred this to the en rama version.”
Wine & Spirits 92 points “Deliciosa grows at the Pago Miraflores in Sanlucar de Barrameda and it’s typically aged for five years under flor. This latest saca shows a lovely mix of almond flavors, salt and white fruit, all melding into the wine’s deep mineral notes. It’s substantial enough to serve in the company of blackened redfish.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
A.R. Valdespino Viejo C.P. Calle Ponche Single Vineyard Palo Cortado Dry Sherry Jerez 750ML ($52.95) $38 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Wine & Spirits 96 points “The wines that make up this Palo Cortado have an average age of more than 25 years. Originally, it was aged in Calle Ponce in the city of Jerez; hence the initials still printed on the label. During aging, the wine is refreshed with Fino Inocente and Amontillado Tío Diego, two other top bottlings in Valdespino’s portfolio. The end result is a wine that smells smoky and rich in caramelized flavor, but tastes dry to the bone; all those ripe flavors become the purest mineral impressions. A sense of chalky albariza soil floods the palate as the acidity tingles along the tongue, leading the way into a vertical wine, intense and vibrant.”
Wine Advocate 93 points “The NV Palo Cortado Viejo C.P. produced from Palomino from the Macharnudo Alto is feed with specific casks of Fino Inocente and Amontillado Tio Diego. It was traditionally aged in the Calle Ponce (Ponce Street), and if has kept the C.P. initials since then. It’s not age-certified, but the average age of the bottled wine is 25 years. The color is old gold or light amber, and the nose hints at a relatively old wine, with plenty of lactic notes, sweet vanilla, iodine, bitter oranges and spices. The palate is clean and delineated, subtle and on the elegant side of Palo Cortado, ending very dry.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
A.R. Valdespino El Candado Pedro Ximenez Sherry Andalucia 375ML ($17.95) $14 special, 6 half-bottles in stock now
Wine & Spirits 92 points “A PX from ten-year-old soleras, this is deliciously creamy. It combines raisined grape flavors with scents of figs and chestnuts, while subtle acidity plays in the background. The complexity develops further in the glass, building toward notes of chocolate, cinnamon and exotic spices.”
Wine & Spirits 92 points “A PX from ten-year-old soleras, this is deliciously creamy. It combines raisined grape flavors with scents of figs and chestnuts, while subtle acidity plays in the background. The complexity develops further in the glass, building toward notes of chocolate, cinnamon and exotic spices.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Collector’s Corner:
Perfection from the Golden Bell: 100 Point 2016 Angelus
Perfection from the Golden Bell: 100 Point 2016 Angelus
The de Bouard family, owners and stewards of Angelus, is synonymous with Bordeaux, with family records showing a presence in the region as early as 1544. Over the centuries their reputation for producing some of the best wine on the Right Bank has ebbed and flowed but never budged from the upper echelon. This stellar reputation can be attributed to the family’s acumen for combining tradition with modern technology.
Hubert de Bouard has especially championed this within his family’s holdings. Undertaking massive renovations to their estate and vinification practices, Angelus is now farmed organically and uses gravity-feeding during fermentation. Hubert borrowed techniques from Burgundian producers like de-stemming by hand, fermenting parcels separately and extended contact with the lees with elevage in 100% new French oak.
The 2016 vintage is legendary in Bordeaux, with Roger Voss of Wine Enthusiast entitling his vintage summary “The Perfect Bordeaux?”. The vintage is often compared to her sister 2015 in terms of being consistently warm throughout the summer but with a luxuriously wet spring allowing for ample water supplies within the soil. Combined with a long and dry summer, Angelus was able to deliver exceptional purity, elegance and freshness in spades. After seeing the critical reception, we secured an allotment of magnums.
In Stock Now:
Chateau Angelus Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2016 1.5L ($1049.95) $899 special, 6+ magnums in stock now
Case-6 Chateau Angelus Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2016 1.5L ($5999.95) $5099 special (That’s only $849.83/ magnum)
Wine Enthusiast 100 points “Top 100 Cellar Selection In 2019. This is a rich, perfumed wine, with dense tannins and intense layers of black plum and spice. The palate is firmly built yet broadened out by plump dark-fruit tones and honed by a solid, dry core. Drink from 2025. -Roger Voss”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 98+ points “Sporting a deep garnet-purple color, the 2016 Angélus erupts from the glass with powerful notes of blackberry pie, ripe black cherries and juicy black plums with an undercurrent of star anise, rose petals, chocolate mint, pencil shavings and woodsmoke plus a waft of allspice. The palate is pure decadence. Medium to full-bodied, rich and generously fruited, this wine is by no means heavy—it positively glimmers with freshness and vivacity, lending an ethereal nature to all that richness and power, beautifully framed by velvety tannins and finishing with epic length. The generosity, layers and plushness make for an absolutely DELICIOUS drink right now, but I’d suggest waiting 3-5 more years for the fireworks to really begin.”
Neal Martin-Vinous 97 points “The 2016 Angélus has an intense, powerful bouquet with copious black cherries, boysenberry, orange pith and iodine scents that threaten to overwhelm the senses. The medium-bodied palate offers supple tannins, a fine bead of acidity, a dash of black pepper and impressive detail and persistence on the finish. This is an outstanding Angélus that clearly requires several years in bottle to realize its full potential. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.”
Jeb Dunnuck 97 points “The 2016 Château Angélus is incredibly elegant and finesse-driven, with a soaring perfume of crème de cassis, white flowers, crayon, forest floor, and spice. Compared to the 1996 by the Angélus team, it has a deep, layered style, its oak is beautifully integrated, there are ample tannins, and despite leaning toward the finesse-driven side of the spectrum, it has thrilling depth of fruit and length. It’s a brilliant wine from this estate that will benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and keep for 30+ years or more. The blend of the 2016 is 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc, brought up all in new French oak.”
Wine Spectator 96 points “This goes for the gusto, with a deep and broad swath of well-roasted tobacco, espresso and loam out front. The core of dark currant and fig fruit will have to catch up, but this red has the energy and juicy drive to eventually do so. When it melds fully, this will be a smoky, alluring, tobacco-fueled wine. Best from 2024 through 2040. 8,333 cases made. — JM”
Shop our vast selection of red Bordeaux on our web store now!
Hubert de Bouard has especially championed this within his family’s holdings. Undertaking massive renovations to their estate and vinification practices, Angelus is now farmed organically and uses gravity-feeding during fermentation. Hubert borrowed techniques from Burgundian producers like de-stemming by hand, fermenting parcels separately and extended contact with the lees with elevage in 100% new French oak.
The 2016 vintage is legendary in Bordeaux, with Roger Voss of Wine Enthusiast entitling his vintage summary “The Perfect Bordeaux?”. The vintage is often compared to her sister 2015 in terms of being consistently warm throughout the summer but with a luxuriously wet spring allowing for ample water supplies within the soil. Combined with a long and dry summer, Angelus was able to deliver exceptional purity, elegance and freshness in spades. After seeing the critical reception, we secured an allotment of magnums.
In Stock Now:
Chateau Angelus Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2016 1.5L ($1049.95) $899 special, 6+ magnums in stock now
Case-6 Chateau Angelus Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2016 1.5L ($5999.95) $5099 special (That’s only $849.83/ magnum)
Wine Enthusiast 100 points “Top 100 Cellar Selection In 2019. This is a rich, perfumed wine, with dense tannins and intense layers of black plum and spice. The palate is firmly built yet broadened out by plump dark-fruit tones and honed by a solid, dry core. Drink from 2025. -Roger Voss”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 98+ points “Sporting a deep garnet-purple color, the 2016 Angélus erupts from the glass with powerful notes of blackberry pie, ripe black cherries and juicy black plums with an undercurrent of star anise, rose petals, chocolate mint, pencil shavings and woodsmoke plus a waft of allspice. The palate is pure decadence. Medium to full-bodied, rich and generously fruited, this wine is by no means heavy—it positively glimmers with freshness and vivacity, lending an ethereal nature to all that richness and power, beautifully framed by velvety tannins and finishing with epic length. The generosity, layers and plushness make for an absolutely DELICIOUS drink right now, but I’d suggest waiting 3-5 more years for the fireworks to really begin.”
Neal Martin-Vinous 97 points “The 2016 Angélus has an intense, powerful bouquet with copious black cherries, boysenberry, orange pith and iodine scents that threaten to overwhelm the senses. The medium-bodied palate offers supple tannins, a fine bead of acidity, a dash of black pepper and impressive detail and persistence on the finish. This is an outstanding Angélus that clearly requires several years in bottle to realize its full potential. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.”
Jeb Dunnuck 97 points “The 2016 Château Angélus is incredibly elegant and finesse-driven, with a soaring perfume of crème de cassis, white flowers, crayon, forest floor, and spice. Compared to the 1996 by the Angélus team, it has a deep, layered style, its oak is beautifully integrated, there are ample tannins, and despite leaning toward the finesse-driven side of the spectrum, it has thrilling depth of fruit and length. It’s a brilliant wine from this estate that will benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and keep for 30+ years or more. The blend of the 2016 is 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc, brought up all in new French oak.”
Wine Spectator 96 points “This goes for the gusto, with a deep and broad swath of well-roasted tobacco, espresso and loam out front. The core of dark currant and fig fruit will have to catch up, but this red has the energy and juicy drive to eventually do so. When it melds fully, this will be a smoky, alluring, tobacco-fueled wine. Best from 2024 through 2040. 8,333 cases made. — JM”
Shop our vast selection of red Bordeaux on our web store now!
Vinopolis is an independent wine shop located in Portland, Oregon 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.