Tuesday Night Newsletter 7-19-22

In This Newsletter:

Find Out What’s So Special
About F.X. Pichler

Saint Cosme:
Iconic Rhône Wines from a Historical Producer

Trending

Best Releases Ever from Marietta?
You Decide!

Don’t Dot-le, Dash on Over for Vieux Télégraphe and Télégramme!

Raise a Glass to Value from Vaglio
 

Find Out What’s So Special

About F.X. Pichler

Sommelier and Riesling Legend Paul Greico once said, “If F.X. was a guitarist, Jimmy Page would stand aside” and no truer hyperbole has ever been uttered in the world of wine.  F.X. Pichler stands as one of the two or three most important Austrian producers and hands down the winery crafting the most powerful, complex and bombastic dry Riesling and Gruner Veltliner on the planet.

In spite of being the birthplace of biodynamic farming and the strictest farming standards in the European Union, the wines of Austria remain critically undervalued. There is no better example of this than that of FX Pichler, one of the best producers in the country. Take your pick between the multigenerational team of family winemakers, picture perfect estate, and exceptionally old vines and you’ll see their exceptional reputation evidenced in spades. 

The wines are unique in that no one else seems to wrangle power, freshness and complexity into a single package quite like this wizard of the Wachau. These wines are legendary for their combination of richness and electric minerality. With a combination of intensive viticulture, native fermentations and great terroir, the wines are unlike anything else in the world. Broad and powerful, with a cut and minerality that’s unique, these are wines to drink now and to age, as well.  These are perfect wines for any celebratory occasion and will also age beautifully for the next decade or two.

In Stock Now from F.X. Pichler:

F.X. Pichler Loibner Gruner Veltliner Federspiel, Wachau 2019 750ML ($39.95) $31.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now    
Stuart Pigott 91 points “Positively green aromas with so much freshness and energy, but still far removed from anything sauvignon blanc-like. Lovely juicy fruit, but also good depth at the finish. Drink now.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $34

F.X. Pichler Loibner Klostersatz Gruner Veltliner Federspiel, Wachau 2019 750ML ($41.95) $33 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
James Suckling 93 points “Very fresh with great summer-meadow and herbal aromas, married to a medium body that’s full of energy and wet-stone character. Crisp and deep at the finish. Drink now.”

F.X. Pichler Durnsteiner Liebenberg Gruner Veltliner Smaragd, Wachau 2019 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 9 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 95 points “A very striking gruner veltliner that’s seriously introverted, offering so much herbal and licorice character, but almost no fruit. The power is underplayed, the body restrained and the salty finish is still tightly wound. Great aging potential here. Drink or hold.”

F.X. Pichler “M” Gruner Veltliner Smaragd, Wachau 2019 750ML ($119.95) $89 special, 8 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 98 points “Very full-bodied with Grand Cru Burgundy-like personality, but there’s still only a hint of exotic fruit. The tannin-mineral-acidity structure is really extraordinary, because not only does it give the wine such sharp contours, but it also provides a very clean, intense finish. Drink or hold.”
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 96+ points “The 2019 Grüner Veltliner Smaragd M is from Lucas Pichler’s top Veltliner sites (alone, the Loibenberg makes 50% of the assemblage, but there is also fruit from the Kollmütz and the Mühlpoint), predominantly vinified in oak, but with a monthly bâtonnage to manage the higher alcohol. It has an intense citrus color and opens with a deep, intense and fresh, finely mineral and lemony, refreshingly flinty bouquet with just a very attractive hint of toast and oak. Fine and juicy on the palate, this is a full-bodied, rich, intense, dry and elegant M with a lovely roundness but also mineral tension and this fascinating crystalline acidity that lifts the candied pineapple aromas and the alcohol on the aftertaste. This is a generous but elegant M that has the body and texture of a Rhône wine but the sharp and crystalline acidity of the Wachau. A great wine to enjoy over many years. 14.5% alcohol. Tasted at the domain in June 2021.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

F.X. Pichler Loibner Burgstall Riesling Federspiel, Wachau 2019 750ML ($41.95) $36 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
James Suckling 92 points “Super crisp and crunchy with a slightly tart peach character that is so invigorating. Great mineral freshness at the finish. Drink or hold.”

F.X. Pichler Loibner Loibenberg Riesling Smaragd, Wachau 2019 750ML ($74.95) $66 special, 5 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 97 points “It’s hard to imagine a more attractive and enticing dry riesling than this cornucopia of peach, apricot and mandarin that’s so curvaceous and seductive. However, behind all this extravagance is a firm core and that’s why it doesn’t seem in any way too much. The long, elegant finish teases you gently back to the glass. Drink or hold.”
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 96 points “The 2019 Ried Loibenberg Riesling Smaragd is beautifully clear and radiant in its lime-green color. The nose is terrific in its refreshing mineral and stunningly coolish aromas of limes and lemons, white peach and apricots and crisp paprika notes. Round and lush but refined and crystalline on the palate, this is a tight and crisp, beautifully phenolic and stimulating Riesling with super ripe and almost sweet fruit (extract) but also fine tannins and a crisp and grippy finish. Very elegant. A classic! 13.5% alcohol. Tasted at the domain in June 2021.”

F.X. Pichler Loibner Loibenberg Riesling Smaragd, Wachau 2015 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 22 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 92 points “Warm and intense on the nose, ripe and concentrated white fruit aromas open the 2015 Riesling Smaragd Loibner Loibenberg, which is pure and citric on the nose and very inviting. Pure, fresh and piquant on the palate, this is rather coolish and stunningly lean and pure Loibenberg compared to the corresponding Grüner Veltliner. Lucas believes that Riesling has eventually stopped the ripening process during the vegetation period. This 2015 has grip and tension and a rather coolish character.”
David Schildknecht-Vinous 92 points “Offering a predictably riper impression than the corresponding Steinertal, this delivers peach, Persian melon and banana, with a garland of rose petals that could have come from Gewürztraminer. Yet for all of its ripeness and the expansiveness of a glycerol-rich palate, it manages to convey a lovely sense of lift, while hints of peach kernel and grapefruit zest lend welcome, stimulating counterpoint to the impressively sustained finish.”
Wine Spectator 92 points “A concentrated, peach-flavored white, with accents of honey, anise and apple exuding ripeness, while citrusy acidity reigns everything in. Stretches out lazily on the finish. Drink now through 2020.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

F.X. Pichler “M” Riesling Smaragd, Wachau 2015 750ML ($99.95) $79 special, 2 bottles in stock now
David Schildknecht–Vinous 91-92 points “Reliance on late-harvested Loibenberg fruit resulted in a bottling that finished with too much residual sugar to qualify as Smaragd. (More thoroughly shriveled Loibenberg fruit resulted in a B.A. and T.B.A.) Lusciously ripe peach is tinged with banana and mingled with almond extract and liquid heliotrope perfume. Fortunately, a measure of grapefruit is not only pungently fragrant but also brightly juicy and piquantly zesty, helping – along with piquancy of peach kernel – to offset this bottling’s enveloping richness and sheer surfeit of ripe, sugar-reinforced fruit. The impressively sustained finish is, however, not at all overtly sweet.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

F.X. Pichler Loibner Steinertal Riesling Smaragd, Wachau 2015 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 18 bottles in stock now
David Schildknecht–Vinous 93-94 points “White peach and grapefruit aromas mingle with honeysuckle on an enticing nose, and the three reunite on a glossy palate lusciously ripe and loaded with liquid floral perfume but simultaneously exuberantly and invigoratingly bright. The finish offers prolonged counterpoint of fruity, floral and stony elements. This bottling displays a combination of penetration, refinement and balancing acidity that is rare for an Austrian Riesling of its vintage.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!





Saint Cosme:

Iconic Rhône Wines from a Historical Producer

Considered a benchmark in Gigondas, the Château de Saint Cosme is a historical gem. Its vineyard sites can be traced back to Roman times. The current owners, the Barruol family, founded the estate in 1490 and have produced wines from these iconic vineyards for 15 generations. A wide variety of impressive Southern and Northern Rhone wines are also produced by the Barruols. It is also worth noting their recent purchase of the Chateau de Rouanne, a XIIth century historic estate located in the Southern Rhône Valley, by Louis Barruol in 2019. Barruol has had a long standing fruit sourcing relationship with the Chateau de Rouanne for his negociant wines; he feels he now has the opportunity to develop the newly acquired estate to its full potential: “It reminds me a lot of Saint Cosme when I took it over in 1992. It’s an unknown sleeping beauty waiting for a vigneron to truly love it.” Now is great opportunity to stock up and fill your cellar with multiple vintages of these iconic Rhône wines!

Highlights In Stock Now:

Saint Cosme’s 2018 vintage is delicate and subtle: some qualities which could be compared to the freshness of Burgundian Pinot Noirs. 

Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas, Rhône 2018 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 32 bottles in stock now
Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas, Rhône 2018 1.5L ($99.95) $79 special, 35 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 93 points “Moving to the wines from bottle, the base Gigondas from this estate is a perennial winner and readers can safely buy bottles of this in just about every vintage. Giving up a Provençal bouquet of red and black currants, peppery herbs, leather, and loamy soil, the 2018 is medium to full-bodied, has a forward, sexy style, no hard edges, and a great finish. It’s terrific today yet still has enough tannins to evolve for 10-15 years if you’re so inclined.”
Wine Advocate 92-94 points “Blended on the spot from several different barrels, the 2018 Gigondas looks very promising. Asphalt, black cherries and tapenade feature on the nose, while the palate is almost painfully intense, with ample weight, great richness and a long, velvety finish.-JC”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today for the magnum!

The 2019s are deeper, richer, more concentrated and more intense in nature. They feature nice dark fruit and earthy aromas. An age-worthy vintage.

Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas, Rhône 2019 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas, Rhône 2019 1.5L ($119.95) $99 special, 14 bottles in stock now
Grapelive 95+ points “As readers of this website will most certainly know, Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas is one of my personal favorites and a wine I drink for my own pleasure and try to review every vintage. It always seems to get better and better. Even with such expectations this wine, especially this stunning 2019, [it] continues to thrill me and impress for the depth and quality for the price. There may not be a better wine value anywhere! I am a huge admirer of Louis Barroul’s wines, from his outstanding 100% Syrah Cotes du Rhone to his signature Grenache-led Gigondas, as well as his set of beauties from the Northern Rhone sites, including his Cote-Rotie, Saint-Joseph, Crozes-Hermitage and the Condrieu. This deeply saturated 2019 Gigondas opens with a mix of dark berry fruit, spice, heady aromas and savory elements with boysenberry, black plum, pomegranate and wild strawberry fruits flowing across the full bodied palate along with lavender, pepper, anise and subtle earthy tones, gaining impact and presence in the glass with every sip, while providing immediate pleasure. This is another sensational effort from Saint Cosme with fine grained tannins, raw transparency and a lingering creme de cassis finish. [It’s]well worth aging. For those that have patience there will be tremendous rewards even though the youthful fruit intensity makes for a hedonistic experience that is hard to resist even in such a youthful wine. Best to have this wine with simple but hearty cuisine and I would, as always, suggest a 30 minute to an hour decanting here, which will bring additional joy and a more chocolatey mouth feel… This is a modern classic, very similar to the wildly good 2016, that should not be missed!”
Wine Specator 95 points “Dark and winey, this structured offering packs red and black currant paste flavors together with threads of charcoal, warm stone, bay leaf and savory, ending with a long tug of cast iron through the finish. A blue chip for cellaring. Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah and Cinsault. Drink now through 2035.”.—J.M.
Jeb Dunnuck 93 points “Moving to the wines from bottle, the base Gigondas from this estate is a perennial winner and readers can safely buy bottles of this in just about every vintage. Giving up a Provençal bouquet of red and black currants, peppery herbs, leather, and loamy soil, the 2018 is medium to full-bodied, has a forward, sexy style, no hard edges, and a great finish. It’s terrific today yet still has enough tannins to evolve for 10-15 years if you’re so inclined.”

Chateau de Rouanne Vinsobres, Rhône 2019 750ML ($37.95) $28 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 90 points “Looking at the reds, the 2019 Vinsobres is unquestionably outstanding and has lots of Syrah character in its dark, meaty fruits, peppery herb, violet, and chalky mineral-like aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied, nicely textured, and balanced, it has plenty of structure and will keep for 8-10 years.”

Chateau de Rouanne Vinsobres “Les Côtes,” Rhône 2019 750ML ($89.95) $69 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 93 points “Winey and muscular, with cassis and bitter plum reduction notes leading the way, while baker’s chocolate, tobacco and warm humus fill in behind. Grippy and dark on the finish, with an old-school edge lingering. Syrah, Mourvèdre and Grenache. Best from 2023 through 2030. 350 cases made, 200 cases imported. — JM”

Shop the full selection of Saint Cosme wines here!


Trending

You know the Maresh family for their stunning examples of old-vine Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. In the spirit of experimentation Jim decided to launch a separate label, named Tan Fruit, in order to craft Oregon Chardonnay completely untethered. After blowing us away during a visit to the shop and sweeping Wine Advocate’s 2021 Oregon Chardonnay awards, there’s something special going on

Tan Fruit Maresh Vineyard Chardonnay Dundee Hills 2019 750ML ($89.95) $69 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 97 points “The 2019 Chardonnay Maresh Vineyard comes from Dijon clones planted in 1991, and it was matured in about 35% new oak. This vintage is pure and tensile, with scents of tarragon and fragrant herbs, beeswax and almonds, with plush white peach fruit. The palate combines intense ripe fruit with a spine of tangy, tense acidity, and it finishes with tremendous length. Allow it another 3-5 years in bottle.”

The vineyards managed by Schatzel in the Roter Hang (Red Slope) have been compared to the terraces of Côte-Rôtie and the Mosel due to their steepness and distinctive soil. Composed of bright red slate and quartzite that reflects and absorbs heat to assist in ripening, this is the “Grand Cru” of the Rheinhessen. 

Weingut Schätzel Pettenthal Riesling Kabinett S, Rheinhessen 2017 750ML ($89.95) $79 special, 15 bottle in stock now
Stuart Pigott-jamessuckling 95 points “Forget the rules, pack your bag, grab this bottle and leave your old life behind! Savage mineral beauty, combined with light body and enormous brightness. Drink or hold.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Raul Perez has emerged as one of the most exciting Spanish winemakers of the last few years.  He’s done it in an interesting way: not by making over-the-top big fruit and oak bombs, but rather by honing in on the terroirs in Galicia, a relatively unromantic vinicultural region.  Perez focuses on wines made from Atlantic-influence climates in villages like Villadecanes or Cacabelos.  As a result, the wines tend to be impressive, but in an introspective, earthy way. The Ultreia Saint Jacques has been a hit since we first discovered the producer, and we’re happy to offer a great deal on the latest release by the bottle or case!

Raul Perez Ultreia Saint Jacques, Bierzo 2019 750ML ($27.95) $19.90 special, 27 bottles in stock now
Case-12 Raul Perez Ultreia Saint Jacques, Bierzo 2019 750ML ($259.95) $219 pre-arrival special (that’s only $18.25/bottle!) Case-12 stock arriving Friday!
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 94 points “The nose of the 2019 Ultreia Saint Jacques is nothing short of spectacular. It shows the varietal character and the juicy and round style of the Valtuille vineyards. It’s harmonious, clean and expressive. They are using more and more stems with long macerations, malolactic in tanks and aging in 30% oak vats (he purchased from Alión) and 70% of the wine in used 225-liter oak barrels for one year. There is only one master blend, which is put into oak vats and bottled by 25,000- to 30,000-bottle lots. In 2019 he produced 110,000 bottles of this wine.”
 
Vajra remains one of our favorite producers in the Piedmont.  From top to bottom, the wines are excellent and they’re a real reference point that others are judged against.  The estate has always been good, but seems to have reached another level over the last decade. There’s a reason the cru bottlings score in the mid to high 90’s from multiple reviewers–these are profound wines. 

G.D. Vajra Bricco delle Viole Barolo DOCG 2017 750ML ($89.95) $75 special, 35 bottles in stock now
Kerin O’Keefe-Wine Enthusiast 96 points “Aromas of underbrush, pine forest, woodland berries and cedar form the enticing nose. Full-bodied and savory, the structured palate delivers ripe Morello cherry, raspberry compote, star anise and cinnamon before closing on pipe tobacco notes. Tightly knit but refined tannins provide the backbone, while surprisingly fresh acidity for the hot vintage keeps it balanced. Drink 2024–2032.”
Jeb Dunnuck 96 points “The 2017 Barolo Bricco Delle Viole is the darker fruited of the G.D. Vajra sites and has rounded floral aromatics of crushed roses, resin, and cranberry cocktail. The palate is ripe and inviting, with building structure and notes of fresh red cherry, blood orange, and clove. The warmth of the vintage is felt without sacrificing lift. Drink 2025-2050”
Antonio Galloni 95 points “The 2017 Barolo Bricco delle Viole is classy and elegant to the core. Medium in body and wonderfully translucent, the 2017 captures all of the finesse of this site. Naturally, the 2017 also shows the ripeness of the year, but it retains its sublime sense of poise. The 2017 Bricco delle Viole is one of the clear stand outs of the year.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95 points “The G.D. Vajra 2017 Barolo Bricco delle Viole is packed with medium dark cherry fruit and plum. The wine also shows a savory side, with spice, hazelnut cream, licorice and lightly fragrant potting soil. This vintage sits solid on the palate, wrapping thickly over the senses, thanks to its creamy, fruit-driven consistency and well-managed tannins. These vines are high in elevation, ranging from 400 to 480 meters in altitude. Those higher elevations are key to interpreting a vintage that saw heat such as this. Production is 15,000 bottles.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

Sustainably grown Pinot Noir in a fun and friendly pink package!
Domaine Collotte Marsannay Rose, Cote de Nuits 2021 750ML ($24.95) $19 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 91 points “Vivid orange-pink. Fresh red berries, candied rose and a dusty mineral nuance on the fragrant nose. Gently chewy and tightly wound on entry, then more fleshy in the mid-palate, displaying juicy cherry and tangerine flavors that turn sweeter on the back half. The floral note repeats on a long, focused finish that leaves a refreshingly bitter suggestion of cherry pit behind.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $23

“[Ventoux’s] close links to co-ops has proved to be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it hasn’t encouraged meticulous wine-growing, meaning Ventoux has been late to discover its true potential. But this has kept land prices low, leading to an influx of ambitious outsider winemakers with vision but little capital… Philippe Gimel at St Jean du Barroux was a pharmacist in Lorraine before he devoted himself to wine. ‘Sometimes it’s only when you come from outside that you realise how great somewhere can be,’ he says. ‘And when you change your life, you want to produce something great.’” –Matt Walls, Decanter

Philippe Gimel Saint Jean du Barroux Ventoux La Pierre Noire, Rhône 2015 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
No reviews available for the 2015. Reviews for 2014 vintage provided for reference.
Decanter 96 points “[2014 vintage] Lifted loganberry, leaf tea and tarragon. Beautifully mouthcoating, elegant and harmonious, long and svelte, with a tapered finish. Gently perfumed, beautifully balanced. It’s concentrated without over-extraction, combining the elegance of the northern Rhône with the generosity of the south. A beautiful wine.”
Jeb Dunnuck 95 points “[2014 vintage] A total gem in the vintage, the 2014 La Pierre Noire is an insanely good wine made from 80/20 Grenache and Syrah that spent three years in concrete tanks. Black raspberries, kirsch, pepper, garrigue and liquid flowers notes all soar from the glass of this incredibly elegant, seamless, silky red that does everything right. With medium to full-bodied richness, ultra-fine tannin, no hard edges and a seamless texture, it’s at the top of the heap in 2014. Don’t miss a chance to try this beauty!”

This is the only listing in the USA today!






Best Releases Ever from Marietta?

You Decide!

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. Just ask the Wine Advocate!

Arriving Friday from Marietta:

Marietta Cellars OVR Old Vine Red Lot 73, California NV 750ML ($19.95) $18 pre-arrival special
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 95 points “The NV OVR Lot 73 is composed mainly of Zinfandel with smaller portions of Syrah, Petite Sirah, Carignan and Barbera. Medium ruby, it offers intense red cherry, blood orange and apricot perfume with accents of rooibos tea leaves, red licorice, saline, lilac and loads of spicy nuances. The medium-bodied palate is light on its feet with soft tannins, bursts of refreshing acidity and detailed amaro accents on the long finish. This is so easy to drink!”

Marietta Cellars ‘Roman’ Estate Grown Zinfandel, North Coast 2020 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 pre-arrival special
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 92 points “A blend of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Barbera, the 2020 Román Zinfandel has a medium ruby-purple color and aromatic layers of raspberry, red cherry, rhubarb, aniseed and lilac with touches of iron and orange peel. The medium-bodied palate is gently chewy, with tart, juicy fruits and a spicy finish.”

Marietta Cellars OVR Old Vine Rosé, California 2021 750ML ($19.95) $16.50 pre-arrival special
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 93 points “Medium cherry pink in color, the 2021 Old Vine Rosé has deep scents of yellow peaches, watermelon and red cherries with touches of stone and potpourri. The palate boasts concentrated, fruity flavors balanced by zippy acidity, and it finishes with pretty orange peel accents. This is such a delicious rosé! It’s made up of co-fermented Grenache Gris, Grenache Noir and Syrah.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

Don’t miss top picks in stock now, including sale wines:

Marietta Cellars Angeli Cuvee, Alexander Valley 2019 750ML ($41.95) Was $36, Now $31.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2019 Angeli Zinfandel has a medium ruby color and elegant perfume of white peaches, white pepper, tea leaves, licorice and wild berries. The palate balances intense, ultra-perfumed fruit with loads of lift, and it finishes long and full of flavor. This is notable for its stellar price-to-quality ratio.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $37

Marietta Cellars OVR Old Vine Red, California NV 750ML ($17.95) Was $14, Now $11.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Winery note “Old Vine Red is a proprietary red wine made to replicate the field blends of many of the old vineyards in Sonoma and Mendocino counties. Predominantly comprised of Zinfandel, Old Vine Red combines pure fruit, a supple mouth feel and a rich, solid structure. A groundbreaking combination of varietals and multiple vintages first produced in 1982, this wine has blazed the path for red blends for decades. With a historic underground following, it is one of the longest lasting and best known red blends produced today.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Marietta Cellars Arme, North Coast 2019 750ML ($29.95) $26 special, 11 bottles in stock now & more arriving Friday!
Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2019 Armé Cabernet Sauvignon has a medium ruby-purple color and layered aromas of red and black currants, violet, iron, underbrush and mushrooms. The medium-bodied palate is pleasantly rustic and a touch chewy, with bright acidity, pretty floral perfume and an earth-laced finish.”

Shop our complete selection of Marietta wines on our web store now!



Don’t Dot-le, Dash on Over for Vieux Télégraphe and Télégramme!

Arriving Friday

Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe Télégramme Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône 2019 750ML ($59.95) $48 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe Télégramme Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône 2019 750ML ($649.95) $519 pre-arrival special (that’s only $43.25/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 93 points “Deep violet. Ripe, spice-accented dark berry and cherry preserve scents show strong garrigue and floral accents. Pliant in texture and broad in the mouth, offering sappy boysenberry, bitter cherry and floral pastille flavors and a peppery topnote. Finishes long and gently chewy, with the floral and spice notes repeating.”
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 92 points “Full-bodied, rich and highly textural, the 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape Telegramme is atypically concentrated and dense, reflecting the addition of more old-vine Grenache to the cuvée. Black cherries, salted licorice and dark chocolate all make appearances, and the wine finishes long and velvety.”
Jeb Dunnuck 92 points “Bottled early in May, the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Télégramme offers a big, up-front, impressive style with classic red and blue fruits as well as licorice, peppery herbs, and crushed stone-like minerality. It has medium to full body, ripe, polished tannins, and a terrific level of class and elegance.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price is $57

Arriving in September

Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Crau Rouge, Rhône 2019 750ML ($109.95) $88 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Crau Rouge, Rhône 2019 750ML ($1199.95) $959 pre-arrival special (that’s only $79.92/bottle!)
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 96+ points “The 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape La Crau is a hugely successful vintage, marked by scents of sun-warmed stones, garrigue, black cherries and black olives. Full-bodied, rich and velvety, it finishes with tremendous length and softly dusty tannins, which should help ensure a long, positive evolution.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 95 points “Saturated ruby. Deep-pitched red/blue fruit liqueur aromas pick up suggestions of licorice, pipe tobacco and pungent flowers and herbs with air. In a lush, weighty style, offering expansive black raspberry, cherry cola, singed plum and fruitcake flavors sharpened by a jolt of spiciness on the back half. For all this wine’s richness, it’s energetic as well, showing solid, spice- and floral-driven persistence on the finish, which is framed by velvety, even tannins.”
Jeb Dunnuck 94+ points “The 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape is ruby/purple-hued and has the classic translucent color of the domaine. It’s more precise and focused than the Télégramme and will need more time, but it offers a complex, gorgeous bouquet of red and black fruits, crushed stone, wild fennel, and ground pepper. Pure, medium to full-bodied, and elegant, do your best to hide bottles for 5-7 years and it’s going to keep for two decades.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $101

Last Call – In Stock For Now:

Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Crau Rouge, Rhône 2018 750ML ($99.95) $88 special, only 14 bottles remaining
James Suckling 96 points “Traditionally dominated by clairette (45%) and grenache blanc (30%), then roussanne and bourboulenc. The vines average 50+ years and there’s a very restrained nose with dialed-back white-pear and chalk aromas with dried flowers, too. The palate has a super fresh, zippy feel and a long, juicy and attractive core of fresh, salty minerals. The balance is innate and very fluid. Drink or hold.”
Wine Spectator 95 points “A nice throwback style, with a range of dried lavender and rosemary notes peeking out from a cedar-framed core of mulled cherry, blood orange and plum fruit. Features warm stone, licorice root and tobacco leaf accents that fill in through the energetic finish. A wine that’s very confident in its terroir. Best from 2024 through 2038. 2,495 cases imported. — JM”
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 94-96 points “The final blend of the 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape La Crau will include 60% to 65% Grenache, 15% each Mourvèdre and Syrah, with the remainder Cinsault. Boasting complex scents of roses, black tea, raspberries and cherries on the nose, it follows that up with a full-bodied palate that’s silky and airy in texture yet flavorful and tremendously long on the finish. It fits perfectly with the Brunier’s stated goal of pursuing elegance.”
 


We’re Open for In-Store Shopping!

10 AM – 6 PM Daily

Masks are no longer mandatory
But they are appreciated, thanks!
We also offer Curbside Pickup & Shipping

Order Online / By Phone / By Email
Thank you from the team at Vinopolis!

Be well & drink well.



Arriving Mid-August

Raise a Glass to Value from Vaglio

“José Lovaglio, the son of famous Argentine winemaker Susana Balbo, earned his enology degree at UC Davis in 2008 and in recent years has made the Bodini and Crios de Susana Balbo wines at the Dominio del Plata winery. The objective of his own project, Vaglio, launched in 2014, is to showcase a range of different Malbec terroirs; he takes the same approach to extraction with all of these wines and, except for the limited Miperal bottling, they all carry the same gentle price tag. Lovaglio makes his wines in a refurbished dairy in El Peral in the northwest corner of Uco Valley. Thanks to his use of concrete vats and the facility’s thick walls, he is able to ferment his wines without refrigeration.” –Stephen Tanzer, Vinous Media

“Here, he produces single vineyard wines from different sub-regions and soil types, all vinified in the same way with minimal intervention and oak contact. Each of Jose’s wines represent different stages of his life.” –David Bowler wine

In Stock Now from Vaglio:

Vaglio Wines Aggie Malbec, Val de Uco 2019 750ML ($21.95) $16.50 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Vaglio Wines Aggie Malbec, Val de Uco 2019 750ML ($249.95) $179 special (that’s only $14.92/bottle!) ***In-store pick up only
James Suckling 94 points “Such beautiful aromas of blackberries and minerals with chalk and salt. It’s medium-bodied with fine, integrated tannins and a pretty finish. Refined, silky texture. Drink or hold.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $18.98

Arriving Mid-August:

Vaglio Blanco, Tupungato 2020 750ML ($19.95) $16 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Vaglio Blanco, Tupungato 2020 750ML ($239.95) $169 pre-arrival special (that’s only $14.08/bottle!)
Brazos Wine importer note “This is a blend of 90% Chardonnay and 10% Semillon from El Peral in the Uco Valley, Mendoza. The nose is lively and bright with notes of green apple, pear, whites flowers, and a little green pea. The palate is well balanced with dense fruit and crisp acid.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Vaglio Wines Temple Malbec, Anchoris 2018 750ML ($19.95) $16 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Vaglio Wines Temple Malbec, Anchoris 2018 750ML ($239.95) $169 pre-arrival special (that’s only $14.08/bottle!)
James Suckling 93 points “This is always a delicious red with lots of crushed-berry and walnut character. Full-bodied, dense and juicy. Lots of old-vine character. Succulent. Drink now.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Vaglio Wines Chacra Malbec, Agrelo 2018 750ML ($19.95) $16 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Vaglio Wines Chacra Malbec, Agrelo 2018 750ML ($239.95) $169 pre-arrival special (that’s only $14.08/bottle!)
James Suckling 93 points “A dense, compact malbec with intense, blackberry and wet-earth character. Full body. Creamy texture. Tangy and delicious on the finish. Ends with green tobacco and tar. Excellent. Drink now.”
Brazos Wines importer note “This is 100% hand harvested Malbec is from a single vineyard in Agrelo, Lujan de Cuyo. The wine is dark with notes of dark fruits like plum, raisin and blackberry pie. The supple tannins and hint of oak lead to a round, smooth finish wrapped in caramel and walnuts.”