In This Newsletter:
The Eagle Has Landed:
Newly Arrived Screaming Eagle’s “The Flight”
Cameron Winery
Arriving Mid-November at Limited Time Special Pricing!
The Eagle Has Landed:
Newly Arrived Screaming Eagle’s “The Flight”
Cameron Winery
Arriving Mid-November at Limited Time Special Pricing!
New Weekend – New Arrivals
New Arrival Special Featurette
Sylvain Pataille
New Arrival Special Featurette
Sylvain Pataille
Schätzel
Tis The Season for Champagne!
Highly Sought-After Favorites
Bodegas Emilio Moro
Clos de la Roilette
Tis The Season for Champagne!
Highly Sought-After Favorites
Bodegas Emilio Moro
Clos de la Roilette
The Eagle Has Landed:
Newly Arrived Screaming Eagle’s “The Flight”
Newly Arrived Screaming Eagle’s “The Flight”
Screaming Eagle ‘The Flight – Second Flight’, Napa Valley 2019 750ml $1,199 special, only 6 bottles available
James Suckling 99 points “Extremely floral and aromatic with violets and lavender throughout. Black olives, too. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, very fine-grained tannins that run the length of the wine. Goes on for minutes. A greenish undertone comes out at the end with some spearmint, green tea and green olive. About two-thirds merlot. Best after 2028, but already stunning.”
Antonio Galloni 97 points “The 2019 The Flight, the estate’s Merlot-based wine, is dark, powerful and brooding in demeanor, almost shockingly so. The natural concentration of a year with low yields and small berries is very much in evidence. A rush of black cherry, plum, graphite, lavender and blue/purplish fruit builds as this virile, explosive wine shows off its arresting beauty. In a word: impressive.”
Shop our California wines in stock now on our webstore!
James Suckling 99 points “Extremely floral and aromatic with violets and lavender throughout. Black olives, too. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, very fine-grained tannins that run the length of the wine. Goes on for minutes. A greenish undertone comes out at the end with some spearmint, green tea and green olive. About two-thirds merlot. Best after 2028, but already stunning.”
Antonio Galloni 97 points “The 2019 The Flight, the estate’s Merlot-based wine, is dark, powerful and brooding in demeanor, almost shockingly so. The natural concentration of a year with low yields and small berries is very much in evidence. A rush of black cherry, plum, graphite, lavender and blue/purplish fruit builds as this virile, explosive wine shows off its arresting beauty. In a word: impressive.”
Shop our California wines in stock now on our webstore!
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
Masks are no longer mandatory
But they are appreciated, thanks!
We also offer Curbside Pickup & Shipping
Order Online / By Phone / By Email
Cameron Winery
Arriving Mid-November @
Limited Time Special Pricing!
Cameron Winery Abbey Ridge Vineyard Chardonnay, Dundee Hills 2020 750ml $75 pre-arrival special, only 4 bottles available!
VinopolNote: Golden yellow and incredibly fragrant, this reads like a Chablis with restraint, vibrant citrus fruit, and a long finish.
Cameron Winery Clos Electrique Blanc, Dundee Hills 2020 750ml $66 pre-arrival special
VinopolNote: Light yellow in color, this is savory and reserved, with a lingering floral and pear note.
Cameron Winery Abbey Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2020 750ml $66 pre-arrival special
VinopolNote: Deep plummy red in color, this has elegant notes of black raspberries and violets.
Cameron Winery Clos Electrique Rouge, Dundee Hills 2020 750ml $66 pre-arrival special
VinopolNote: Classically meaty with notes of cast iron and red currents, this has excellent texture and was John Paul’s favorite release to date.
VinopolNote: Golden yellow and incredibly fragrant, this reads like a Chablis with restraint, vibrant citrus fruit, and a long finish.
Cameron Winery Clos Electrique Blanc, Dundee Hills 2020 750ml $66 pre-arrival special
VinopolNote: Light yellow in color, this is savory and reserved, with a lingering floral and pear note.
Cameron Winery Abbey Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2020 750ml $66 pre-arrival special
VinopolNote: Deep plummy red in color, this has elegant notes of black raspberries and violets.
Cameron Winery Clos Electrique Rouge, Dundee Hills 2020 750ml $66 pre-arrival special
VinopolNote: Classically meaty with notes of cast iron and red currents, this has excellent texture and was John Paul’s favorite release to date.
These are the only listings in the USA today!
New Weekend – New Arrivals
Oregon
Perkins Harter Bracken Vineyard Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2021 750ml $49 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Distributor note “Shelby Perkins and Peter Harter founded Bracken Vineyard with an eye for sustainable land management. Shelby & Peter farm organically and began utilizing biodynamic practices in 2019. Bracken Vineyard is perched on the western benchlands of the Eola Hills, with elevations of 630-730 feet and views that stretch up and down the Willamette Valley. Here, the soils are predominantly Nekia, Ritner, Witzel and Jory—all of volcanic origin but with varying depths.”
Perkins Harter Methode Ancestrale Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2021 750ml $44 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Winery note “We grew the grapes and the bubbles were created with a honey tirage from the our own beehives and were bottled under crown cap. A compelling example of Oregon sparkling wine and an extremely tasty one at that!”
France – Provence
Domaine de Saint Ser Tradition Blanc Côtes de Provence 2020 750ml $19.90 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Domaine de Saint Ser Tradition Rosé Côtes de Provence 2021 750ml $18 special, 24 bottles in stock now
France – Rhône
Domaine la Remejeanne Les Chevrefeuilles Blanc, Côtes du Rhône 2021 750ml $18 special, 23 bottles in stock now
Winery note “[Translated and edited for clarity] This wine shows a clear and limpid color. It presents a fresh and lemony nose. Delicate aromas of white fruits (pear, etc) emerge. On the palate, it opens with a saline note from the Clairette, which brings great vivacity to the Roussanne and Granache Blanc.”
Importer Note “Certified organic. Chèvrefeuille [pronounced: shev-ruh-foy] is French for honeysuckle, the perfume of which you cannot escape during springtime in the southern Rhône. The Klein family is widely respected for their supple and aromatic Côtes du Rhône rouges, and under the tutelage of Olivier Klein the Domaine’s white wines are now reaching the same heights. The prevalence of limestone in the Sabran vineyards certainly helps in this regard, preserving freshness.”
Domaine de Saint Cosme Les Deux Albion Blanc, IGP Vaucluse Principaute d’Orange 2020 750ml $20.90 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 90 points “The 2020 Principauté D’Orange Les Deux Albion Blanc is mostly Viognier and Marsanne, and it offers more stone fruits and peach notes as well as some classic Southern Rhône chalky minerality. Medium-bodied, clean, and elegant, drink it over the coming couple of years.”
Domaine Sylvain Pataille Marsannay Rouge, Cote de Nuits 2019 750ml $44 special, 8 bottles in stock now
Decanter 96 points “Blended from the 90-year-old vines in the Clos du Roy with other old vines. The grapes are entirely fermented as whole clusters, with a gentle extraction and 24 months ageing in cask, half new. The result is a wine of impressive concentration, with pronounced aromas of ripe plum and cassis, a floral edge, plus a distinct minerality. The texture is velvety and dense, with an abundance of fine-grained tannins and a superb, balanced persistence on the finish.”
Domaine Sylvain Pataille Marsannay ‘Clos du Roy’ Rouge, Cote de Nuits 2019 750ml $66 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Decanter 95 points “From an organically farmed parcel of over 2ha in Chenôve, just north of the border with Marsannay. The grapes are entirely fermented as whole clusters and the wine will be aged over two winters in cask before being blended. The wine has a pronounced floral cast to the ripe, expressive red fruit character. On the palate, the tannins are surprisingly firm and structured, with a grippy feel that should resolve with a bit of ageing. Built to last.”
Weingut Schätzel Nierstein Riesling Kabinett, Rheinhessen 2017 750ml $29 special, 21 bottles in stock now
Decanter 92 points “This Riesling, from red slate soil on ultra-steep, south-facing slopes, ferments and matures in a 670-year-old cellar to produce a floral, fresh and pure vineyard wine, with just 7.5% abv, the 42g/l sugar and 11.5g/l acidity in perfect balance. Quite lovely.”
Stuart Pigott 92 points “So much freshness and energy with tons of elderflowers and white fruit. Super-crisp and very clean palate and a breathtaking finish. Drink or hold. Screw cap.”
Weingut Schätzel Nierstein Silvaner, Rheinhessen 2017 750ml $29 special, 17 bottles in stock now
David Schildknecht-Vinous 90 points “This legally dry bottling essentially represents the Silvaner from Hipping that served as a major component of Schätzel’s “Naturweiss” cuvée. The nose is subtly inflected by the mineral and cereal notes that subsequently achieve prominence on the palate, but there are also hints of iris and lemon zest. Buoyant (at 11% alcohol) and caressingly polished, the wine brims with pear fruit and bittersweet inner-mouth floral perfume, accented by oregano, lemon peel, milled wheat and a characteristic Nierstein red slope smoky sense of stone suffusion. There is more than enough freshness and primary juiciness to the lingering finish, if marginally less sense of animation than displayed by Schätzel’s Querkopf Silvaner bottling sourced from ancient vines in the Nackenheimer Rotenberg.”
Winery note “Honeydew melon, white fruits and earthy undertones. Slightly reductive, herbal, nutty and mineral character. Bone dry and juicy on the palate. Extremely complex for 11% vol.”
Weingut Schätzel Ölberg Riesling Grosses Gewächs, Rheinhessen 2017 750ml $49 special, 17 bottles in stock now
David Schildknecht-Vinous 94 points “At 11.5% alcohol, this mid-August bottling leads with hauntingly musky, bittersweet suggestions of iris, peony and narcissus, allied to whiffs of lemon and tangerine. The silken palate brims with peach and citrus, billowing with persistent floral perfume and proving strikingly transparent to the mineral nuances that supply smoky, stony and mouthwateringly saline complexity to a vibrant, delicate, umami-laden and sensationally persistent finish. Schätzel attributes his Ölberg’s animation and sheer juiciness and its immediate appeal to the fact that this site is relatively well-watered and moisture-retentive in comparison with other portions of Nierstein and Nackenheim’s famed Roter Hang.”
Stuart Pigott 94 points “Considering this has only 11.5 per cent alcohol, there is extraordinary depth and vitality. The long finish is sleek and fine-grained, without any hint of edginess. Attractive white-fruit aromas, too. Drink or hold.”
Weingut Schätzel Pettenthal Riesling Kabinett “S”, Rheinhessen 2017 750ml $79 special, 13 bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott 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.”
David Schildknecht-Vinous 92 points “The ‘S’ here references south-facing slopes in the Pettenthal (whereas previous Schätzel Pettenthal Kabinetts have come from a portion of Pettenthal – arguably predestined for Kabinett – that turns north up against the Brudersberg). Pungent kumquat and tangerine on the nose translate into downright sizzling zest and grip on this wine’s alcoholically ultra-light yet concentrated and almost lushly fruity palate. A vibrantly sustained finish carries Pettenthal-typical smokiness as well as saliva-inducing salinity. High residual sugar – as reflected in a mere 7.5% alcohol – manages to engender only an engaging and supportive sense of sweetness.”
Weingut Schätzel Reinschiefer Riesling, Rheinhessen 2017 750ml $29 special, 14 bottles in stock now
David Schildknecht-Vinous 92 points “Like so many other Schätzel wines, this 10.5% alcohol cuvée, sourced from steep slopes in Hipping, Ölberg, Pettenthal and Schloss Schwabsburg, is legally Trocken, just not labeled as such. Zesty, bright lemon, lime and grapefruit are strikingly compatible with a silken texture, while white peach, marjoram and musky paperwhite narcissus add intrigue on the nose. Smoky, stony inflections contribute to the invigoration and complexity of a vibrant, soaring and consummately refreshing finish.”
Stuart Pigott 92 points “Delicate white-fruit character and a delightful lightness of touch make this rather charming, in spite of its slightly eccentric personality. Long, lemon and mineral finish. A blend of wines from the top sites in Hipping, Ölberg and Pettentha. Screw cap.”
Bodegas Emilio Moro ‘Malleolus’, Ribera del Duero 2019 750ml $41.90 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 92 points “Deep and spicy blackberries and blueberries with a touch of violet, coffee and sandalwood to the nose. Full-bodied and tight, with juicy, tart black cherries and some roasted spices on the palate. Rich and dense, but fresh and floral, too, with fine-grained tannins. Drinkable now, but better in 2024.”
Distributor note “Shelby Perkins and Peter Harter founded Bracken Vineyard with an eye for sustainable land management. Shelby & Peter farm organically and began utilizing biodynamic practices in 2019. Bracken Vineyard is perched on the western benchlands of the Eola Hills, with elevations of 630-730 feet and views that stretch up and down the Willamette Valley. Here, the soils are predominantly Nekia, Ritner, Witzel and Jory—all of volcanic origin but with varying depths.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Perkins Harter Methode Ancestrale Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2021 750ml $44 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Winery note “We grew the grapes and the bubbles were created with a honey tirage from the our own beehives and were bottled under crown cap. A compelling example of Oregon sparkling wine and an extremely tasty one at that!”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
France – Provence
Domaine de Saint Ser Tradition Blanc Côtes de Provence 2020 750ml $19.90 special, 24 bottles in stock now
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine de Saint Ser Tradition Rosé Côtes de Provence 2021 750ml $18 special, 24 bottles in stock now
This is the only listing in the USA today!
France – Rhône
Domaine la Remejeanne Les Chevrefeuilles Blanc, Côtes du Rhône 2021 750ml $18 special, 23 bottles in stock now
Winery note “[Translated and edited for clarity] This wine shows a clear and limpid color. It presents a fresh and lemony nose. Delicate aromas of white fruits (pear, etc) emerge. On the palate, it opens with a saline note from the Clairette, which brings great vivacity to the Roussanne and Granache Blanc.”
Importer Note “Certified organic. Chèvrefeuille [pronounced: shev-ruh-foy] is French for honeysuckle, the perfume of which you cannot escape during springtime in the southern Rhône. The Klein family is widely respected for their supple and aromatic Côtes du Rhône rouges, and under the tutelage of Olivier Klein the Domaine’s white wines are now reaching the same heights. The prevalence of limestone in the Sabran vineyards certainly helps in this regard, preserving freshness.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine de Saint Cosme Les Deux Albion Blanc, IGP Vaucluse Principaute d’Orange 2020 750ml $20.90 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 90 points “The 2020 Principauté D’Orange Les Deux Albion Blanc is mostly Viognier and Marsanne, and it offers more stone fruits and peach notes as well as some classic Southern Rhône chalky minerality. Medium-bodied, clean, and elegant, drink it over the coming couple of years.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
New Arrival Special Featurette
Sylvain Pataille
Sylvain Pataille
Sylvain Pataille is becoming the cult producer of all cult producers in the northern village area of Marsannay in the Cote de Nuit. His natural, authentic, and never compromising wine style is winning the hearts of wine fans worldwide. Don’t expect any of these wines to remain under 3 digits price in the near future. Get some before it’s too late!
Newly Arrived
Domaine Sylvain Pataille Bourgogne Rouge, Burgundy 2019 750ml $33 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Decanter 91 points “Sylvain Pataille crafts excellent wines that punch well above their weight in terms of variety (like Aligoté) and region (like Marsannay). This Bourgogne Pinot is structured, complex and pure fruited with notes of griotte cherries and a sappy, moreish finish.”
Newly Arrived
Domaine Sylvain Pataille Bourgogne Rouge, Burgundy 2019 750ml $33 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Decanter 91 points “Sylvain Pataille crafts excellent wines that punch well above their weight in terms of variety (like Aligoté) and region (like Marsannay). This Bourgogne Pinot is structured, complex and pure fruited with notes of griotte cherries and a sappy, moreish finish.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Domaine Sylvain Pataille Marsannay Rouge, Cote de Nuits 2019 750ml $44 special, 8 bottles in stock now
Decanter 96 points “Blended from the 90-year-old vines in the Clos du Roy with other old vines. The grapes are entirely fermented as whole clusters, with a gentle extraction and 24 months ageing in cask, half new. The result is a wine of impressive concentration, with pronounced aromas of ripe plum and cassis, a floral edge, plus a distinct minerality. The texture is velvety and dense, with an abundance of fine-grained tannins and a superb, balanced persistence on the finish.”
Domaine Sylvain Pataille Marsannay ‘Clos du Roy’ Rouge, Cote de Nuits 2019 750ml $66 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Decanter 95 points “From an organically farmed parcel of over 2ha in Chenôve, just north of the border with Marsannay. The grapes are entirely fermented as whole clusters and the wine will be aged over two winters in cask before being blended. The wine has a pronounced floral cast to the ripe, expressive red fruit character. On the palate, the tannins are surprisingly firm and structured, with a grippy feel that should resolve with a bit of ageing. Built to last.”
Schätzel
Much like German wine in general, the Rheinhessen is in the midst of a wine renaissance. While being credited with the first established vineyard in the entire country dating back to the Roman era, the majority of the area was previously too cold to produce Riesling at a satisfying level of ripeness. As a result, the region became largely devoted to bulk wine production post-WW II (most notably the infamous Liebfraumilch).
That has all changed due to Weingut Schätzel, a family producer that has been growing wine grapes since 1304. The vineyards managed by Schätzel 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.
The resulting wines walk a tightrope of minerality between fleshy and austere fruit expression, encompassing a spectrum of flavor. In spite of drinking beautifully now, these are built to age and should only become more ethereal. These are fabulous examples of why Riesling is considered one of the rare “universal pairing” wines of the world.
In Stock Now:
Weingut Schätzel Hipping Riesling Kabinett, Rheinhessen 2017 750ml $39 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott 94 points “Could a white wine be fresher than this? Fabulous white-peach and herbal character with lots of mineral power at the complex, racy finish.”
David Schildknecht-Vinous 90 points “There is a lemonade-limeade sense of sweet-sour tension to this exercise in delicacy and sugar/acid interaction. For all of this wine’s alcoholic levity, the palate evinces a not just vivid but almost pulpy impression of fresh fruit. Happily, there is an invigoratingly tingling sense of stony impingement to the impressively persistent finish. I suspect that greater complexity and harmony will emerge after this has had some time in bottle.”
That has all changed due to Weingut Schätzel, a family producer that has been growing wine grapes since 1304. The vineyards managed by Schätzel 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.
The resulting wines walk a tightrope of minerality between fleshy and austere fruit expression, encompassing a spectrum of flavor. In spite of drinking beautifully now, these are built to age and should only become more ethereal. These are fabulous examples of why Riesling is considered one of the rare “universal pairing” wines of the world.
In Stock Now:
Weingut Schätzel Hipping Riesling Kabinett, Rheinhessen 2017 750ml $39 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott 94 points “Could a white wine be fresher than this? Fabulous white-peach and herbal character with lots of mineral power at the complex, racy finish.”
David Schildknecht-Vinous 90 points “There is a lemonade-limeade sense of sweet-sour tension to this exercise in delicacy and sugar/acid interaction. For all of this wine’s alcoholic levity, the palate evinces a not just vivid but almost pulpy impression of fresh fruit. Happily, there is an invigoratingly tingling sense of stony impingement to the impressively persistent finish. I suspect that greater complexity and harmony will emerge after this has had some time in bottle.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Weingut Schätzel Nierstein Riesling Kabinett, Rheinhessen 2017 750ml $29 special, 21 bottles in stock now
Decanter 92 points “This Riesling, from red slate soil on ultra-steep, south-facing slopes, ferments and matures in a 670-year-old cellar to produce a floral, fresh and pure vineyard wine, with just 7.5% abv, the 42g/l sugar and 11.5g/l acidity in perfect balance. Quite lovely.”
Stuart Pigott 92 points “So much freshness and energy with tons of elderflowers and white fruit. Super-crisp and very clean palate and a breathtaking finish. Drink or hold. Screw cap.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Weingut Schätzel Nierstein Silvaner, Rheinhessen 2017 750ml $29 special, 17 bottles in stock now
David Schildknecht-Vinous 90 points “This legally dry bottling essentially represents the Silvaner from Hipping that served as a major component of Schätzel’s “Naturweiss” cuvée. The nose is subtly inflected by the mineral and cereal notes that subsequently achieve prominence on the palate, but there are also hints of iris and lemon zest. Buoyant (at 11% alcohol) and caressingly polished, the wine brims with pear fruit and bittersweet inner-mouth floral perfume, accented by oregano, lemon peel, milled wheat and a characteristic Nierstein red slope smoky sense of stone suffusion. There is more than enough freshness and primary juiciness to the lingering finish, if marginally less sense of animation than displayed by Schätzel’s Querkopf Silvaner bottling sourced from ancient vines in the Nackenheimer Rotenberg.”
Winery note “Honeydew melon, white fruits and earthy undertones. Slightly reductive, herbal, nutty and mineral character. Bone dry and juicy on the palate. Extremely complex for 11% vol.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Weingut Schätzel Ölberg Riesling Grosses Gewächs, Rheinhessen 2017 750ml $49 special, 17 bottles in stock now
David Schildknecht-Vinous 94 points “At 11.5% alcohol, this mid-August bottling leads with hauntingly musky, bittersweet suggestions of iris, peony and narcissus, allied to whiffs of lemon and tangerine. The silken palate brims with peach and citrus, billowing with persistent floral perfume and proving strikingly transparent to the mineral nuances that supply smoky, stony and mouthwateringly saline complexity to a vibrant, delicate, umami-laden and sensationally persistent finish. Schätzel attributes his Ölberg’s animation and sheer juiciness and its immediate appeal to the fact that this site is relatively well-watered and moisture-retentive in comparison with other portions of Nierstein and Nackenheim’s famed Roter Hang.”
Stuart Pigott 94 points “Considering this has only 11.5 per cent alcohol, there is extraordinary depth and vitality. The long finish is sleek and fine-grained, without any hint of edginess. Attractive white-fruit aromas, too. Drink or hold.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Weingut Schätzel Pettenthal Riesling Kabinett “S”, Rheinhessen 2017 750ml $79 special, 13 bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott 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.”
David Schildknecht-Vinous 92 points “The ‘S’ here references south-facing slopes in the Pettenthal (whereas previous Schätzel Pettenthal Kabinetts have come from a portion of Pettenthal – arguably predestined for Kabinett – that turns north up against the Brudersberg). Pungent kumquat and tangerine on the nose translate into downright sizzling zest and grip on this wine’s alcoholically ultra-light yet concentrated and almost lushly fruity palate. A vibrantly sustained finish carries Pettenthal-typical smokiness as well as saliva-inducing salinity. High residual sugar – as reflected in a mere 7.5% alcohol – manages to engender only an engaging and supportive sense of sweetness.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Weingut Schätzel Reinschiefer Riesling, Rheinhessen 2017 750ml $29 special, 14 bottles in stock now
David Schildknecht-Vinous 92 points “Like so many other Schätzel wines, this 10.5% alcohol cuvée, sourced from steep slopes in Hipping, Ölberg, Pettenthal and Schloss Schwabsburg, is legally Trocken, just not labeled as such. Zesty, bright lemon, lime and grapefruit are strikingly compatible with a silken texture, while white peach, marjoram and musky paperwhite narcissus add intrigue on the nose. Smoky, stony inflections contribute to the invigoration and complexity of a vibrant, soaring and consummately refreshing finish.”
Stuart Pigott 92 points “Delicate white-fruit character and a delightful lightness of touch make this rather charming, in spite of its slightly eccentric personality. Long, lemon and mineral finish. A blend of wines from the top sites in Hipping, Ölberg and Pettentha. Screw cap.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Tis The Season for Champagne!
Highly Sought-After Favorites
Highly Sought-After Favorites
Marie-Courtin
Dominique opened the vineyard in 2005, naming the house after her grandmother, Marie Courtin, who she described as a “woman of the earth”. In her memory, Dominique has set out to produce single-vineyard, single varietal, single vintage Champagnes from biodynamically-grown grapes, using indigenous yeasts and no dosage. With none of the hard edges or sharpness that you sometimes find with non-dosage champagne, Courtin’s wines demonstrate a fruity plushness yet still remains mineral driven. Marie Courtin is quickly becoming a recognizable name in grower Champagne along the lines of Selosse, Bereche and Laval. We’d recommend trying her wines now, before they become even harder to acquire.
“Readers should do whatever they can to taste these fabulous wines.” –Antonio Galloni
Marie-Courtin Resonance Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut, Champagne (2019) NV 750ml $59 pre-arrival special
No reviews for the 2019-base. Recent review provided for reference.
Antonio Galloni 92 points “The 2018 Extra Brut Resonance is bright, articulate and focused. This is an especially nervy expression of Pinot Noir. Bright acids and veins of salinity lend energy to this sculpted, taut Pinot Noir. Citrus peel, crushed rocks, mint jasmine and white pepper lend energy. No dosage. Disgorged: April, 2021.”
Marie-Courtin Blanc Du Tremble Coteaux Champagnois 2018 750ml $79 pre-arrival special, only 12 bottles available
A non-sparkling wine from the Coteaux Champagnois.
Doyard
Suzanne: Doyard offers some of the most precise and refined examples of Côte des Blancs Champagne. These are tense, mineral wines yet with balance not found in less complete Champagnes. With production methods evocative of Vilmart (barrel maturation and mostly non-malo), this is a thrilling winery to explore deeply.
Doyard is a Côte des Blancs producer, through and through. Based in Vertus, they specialize in Chardonnay based Champagne from their villages and a few neighboring towns—all of which are some of the best places to grow the grape in the world. With holdings in Avize, Mesnil and Cramant, as well as Vertus, their wines have the chalkiness and precision that we always look for in Cotes de Blancs Champagne.
Doyard puts a bit of a twist on the stereotype, though, and uses a combination of extended lees aging plus barrels for fermentation to add richness and texture to their steely base material (that rarely undergoes malo). The results are captivating and this collection is some of the most exciting in Champagne.
Doyard ‘Revolution’ Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Non-Dose, Champagne NV 750ml $88 pre-arrival special, only 24 bottles available
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 94 points “Based on the 2016 vintage and disgorged early this year, Doyard’s NV Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Non Dosé Révolution offers up aromas of citrus oil, freshly baked bread, honeycomb, almonds and white flowers. Medium to full-bodied, satiny and incisive, it’s a taut, elegantly textural Champagne with a fine mousse and a long, saline finish. It’s another fine rendition of this immensely reliable cuvée.”
Doyard Clos de l’Abbaye Premier Cru Extra Brut, Champagne 2017 750ml $159 pre-arrival special, only 6 bottles available
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 94 points “Despite the challenging vintage, the 2017 Extra-Brut Premier Cru Clos de l’Abbaye has turned out very well, unwinding in the glass with scents of citrus oil, lemon pith, freshly baked bread, white flowers and wet stones. Medium to full-bodied, rich and layered, with a typically vinous, structured profile, it’s deep and satiny, with tangy acids and chalky structure, concluding with a long finish.”
Doyard Oeil de Perdrix Grand Cru Brut Rose, Champagne 2018 750ml $149 pre-arrival special, only 9 bottles available
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2018 Extra-Brut Grand Cru Millésimé Œil de Perdrix is lovely, wafting from the glass with scents of orange blossom, mirabelle plum, sweet citrus fruit and red berries. Medium to full-bodied, ample and pillowy, with a fleshy core of fruit and lively acids, it’s an elegant, charming wine that offers demonstrative drinking out of the gates.”
Doyard Blanc ‘En Vieux Fombres’, Coteaux Champenois 2017 750ml $119 pre-arrival special, only 6 bottles available
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 91 points “The 2017 Coteaux Champenois Blanc En Vieux Fombrés has turned out nicely, offering up aromas of pear, walnuts, lemon, nutmeg and spices. Medium-bodied, elegantly fleshy and incisive, it’s bright and chalky, with a mineral, delicately oak-inflected finish.”
A non-sparkling wine from the Coteaux Champagnois.
Shop our complete selection of Champagnes and Coteaux Champagnois wines on our webstore now!
Dominique opened the vineyard in 2005, naming the house after her grandmother, Marie Courtin, who she described as a “woman of the earth”. In her memory, Dominique has set out to produce single-vineyard, single varietal, single vintage Champagnes from biodynamically-grown grapes, using indigenous yeasts and no dosage. With none of the hard edges or sharpness that you sometimes find with non-dosage champagne, Courtin’s wines demonstrate a fruity plushness yet still remains mineral driven. Marie Courtin is quickly becoming a recognizable name in grower Champagne along the lines of Selosse, Bereche and Laval. We’d recommend trying her wines now, before they become even harder to acquire.
“Readers should do whatever they can to taste these fabulous wines.” –Antonio Galloni
Marie-Courtin Resonance Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut, Champagne (2019) NV 750ml $59 pre-arrival special
No reviews for the 2019-base. Recent review provided for reference.
Antonio Galloni 92 points “The 2018 Extra Brut Resonance is bright, articulate and focused. This is an especially nervy expression of Pinot Noir. Bright acids and veins of salinity lend energy to this sculpted, taut Pinot Noir. Citrus peel, crushed rocks, mint jasmine and white pepper lend energy. No dosage. Disgorged: April, 2021.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Marie-Courtin Blanc Du Tremble Coteaux Champagnois 2018 750ml $79 pre-arrival special, only 12 bottles available
A non-sparkling wine from the Coteaux Champagnois.
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Doyard
Suzanne: Doyard offers some of the most precise and refined examples of Côte des Blancs Champagne. These are tense, mineral wines yet with balance not found in less complete Champagnes. With production methods evocative of Vilmart (barrel maturation and mostly non-malo), this is a thrilling winery to explore deeply.
Doyard is a Côte des Blancs producer, through and through. Based in Vertus, they specialize in Chardonnay based Champagne from their villages and a few neighboring towns—all of which are some of the best places to grow the grape in the world. With holdings in Avize, Mesnil and Cramant, as well as Vertus, their wines have the chalkiness and precision that we always look for in Cotes de Blancs Champagne.
Doyard puts a bit of a twist on the stereotype, though, and uses a combination of extended lees aging plus barrels for fermentation to add richness and texture to their steely base material (that rarely undergoes malo). The results are captivating and this collection is some of the most exciting in Champagne.
Doyard ‘Revolution’ Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Non-Dose, Champagne NV 750ml $88 pre-arrival special, only 24 bottles available
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 94 points “Based on the 2016 vintage and disgorged early this year, Doyard’s NV Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Non Dosé Révolution offers up aromas of citrus oil, freshly baked bread, honeycomb, almonds and white flowers. Medium to full-bodied, satiny and incisive, it’s a taut, elegantly textural Champagne with a fine mousse and a long, saline finish. It’s another fine rendition of this immensely reliable cuvée.”
Doyard Clos de l’Abbaye Premier Cru Extra Brut, Champagne 2017 750ml $159 pre-arrival special, only 6 bottles available
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 94 points “Despite the challenging vintage, the 2017 Extra-Brut Premier Cru Clos de l’Abbaye has turned out very well, unwinding in the glass with scents of citrus oil, lemon pith, freshly baked bread, white flowers and wet stones. Medium to full-bodied, rich and layered, with a typically vinous, structured profile, it’s deep and satiny, with tangy acids and chalky structure, concluding with a long finish.”
Doyard Oeil de Perdrix Grand Cru Brut Rose, Champagne 2018 750ml $149 pre-arrival special, only 9 bottles available
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2018 Extra-Brut Grand Cru Millésimé Œil de Perdrix is lovely, wafting from the glass with scents of orange blossom, mirabelle plum, sweet citrus fruit and red berries. Medium to full-bodied, ample and pillowy, with a fleshy core of fruit and lively acids, it’s an elegant, charming wine that offers demonstrative drinking out of the gates.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Doyard Blanc ‘En Vieux Fombres’, Coteaux Champenois 2017 750ml $119 pre-arrival special, only 6 bottles available
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 91 points “The 2017 Coteaux Champenois Blanc En Vieux Fombrés has turned out nicely, offering up aromas of pear, walnuts, lemon, nutmeg and spices. Medium-bodied, elegantly fleshy and incisive, it’s bright and chalky, with a mineral, delicately oak-inflected finish.”
A non-sparkling wine from the Coteaux Champagnois.
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Shop our complete selection of Champagnes and Coteaux Champagnois wines on our webstore now!
Bodegas Emilio Moro
Arriving Friday
Arriving Friday
“The Moro family has been farming the same vineyards in the Ribera del Duero since 1932, the birth year of Emilio Moro (the patriarch) as well as the year in which the Finca Resalso vineyard was planted. For two generations, the grapes were sold on the bulk market. In 1988, current proprietor José Moro Espinosa invested the family’s entire savings into winery equipment and Bodegas Emilio Moro was born. The bodega joined the D.O. Ribera del Duero in 1989 and quickly established itself as one of the region’s leading producers of top quality wines. The winery is located at the top of a bend in the Duero River in the town of Pesquera del Duero, just to the Northwest of Peñafiel.” –Skurnik Wines
Bodegas Emilio Moro ‘Finca Resalso’, Ribera del Duero 2020 750ml $14 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 89 points “A bright and balanced version, offering ripe black plum fruit accented by pretty notes of star anise, candied violet and iron, with light tannins. Drink now.”
Bodegas Emilio Moro ‘Finca Resalso’, Ribera del Duero 2020 750ml $14 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 89 points “A bright and balanced version, offering ripe black plum fruit accented by pretty notes of star anise, candied violet and iron, with light tannins. Drink now.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Bodegas Emilio Moro ‘Malleolus’, Ribera del Duero 2019 750ml $41.90 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 92 points “Deep and spicy blackberries and blueberries with a touch of violet, coffee and sandalwood to the nose. Full-bodied and tight, with juicy, tart black cherries and some roasted spices on the palate. Rich and dense, but fresh and floral, too, with fine-grained tannins. Drinkable now, but better in 2024.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Clos de la Roilette
Arriving Friday, November 11th
Arriving Friday, November 11th
Interest rates may be on the rise, but pricing for a staff favorite Beaujolais producer never seem to budge. Snap up your allocation before these arrive!
The Clos de la Roilette is a remarkable place to grow Gamay—technically in Fleurie, but on the border with Moulin-a-Vent. The wines seem to be a cross between the two, as you might expect, with depth and power, but the floral lightness of Fleurie riding across and giving the wines a vibrancy that makes them aggressively delicious.
The winery makes a set of outstanding wines, starting with the “basic” Fleurie, which isn’t basic at all. It’s a perfect embodiment of the estate, and if you plan on drinking your Beaujolais younger than 5 years old, is the one you should be buying out of the lineup. The “Cuvee Tardive” is from older vines and is meant to be aged longer. It’s not going to go 30 years like a classic Burgundy, but for drinking from 5-20 years from vintage, it’s stellar, resembling Pinot more and more as it ages. Finally, we have the “Griffe du Marquis,” a wine honoring Alain’s father. The Griffe is the most powerful wine out of the lineup, structured like the Tardive but with more fruit richness. This is a relatively new bottling and it should age well; it’s explosive out of the gate. It’s the Roilette equivalent of the Lapierre “Cuvee Marcel” or Foillard’s “3.14.”
Arriving Friday, November 11th:
Clos de la Roilette Fleurie, Beaujolais 2021 750ml $21.90 pre-arrival special
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 91 points “The 2021 Fleurie from Clos de la Roilette is drinking well out of the gates, offering up pretty aromas of spiced plums, petals and orange rind, followed by a medium-bodied, supple and melting palate. Fleshy and fine-boned, it’s a pretty, demonstrative wine that will show at its best young. It’s bottled under Nomacorc.”
Clos de la Roilette Fleurie Cuvee Tardive, Beaujolais 2021 750ml $28 pre-arrival special
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 94 points “Fans of old-school Beaujolais will adore the 2021 Fleurie Cuvée Tardive from the Clos de la Roilette. Bursting with aromas of crunchy red berries, peonies, spices and plums, it’s medium-bodied, ample and enveloping, with succulent acids, melting tannins and a pretty, perfumed finish. Despite the challenges of the year, the Coudert family have produced a lovely classic, and it’s a wine that’s much more drinkable and vibrant than some of the recent banner vintages at this address.”
Clos de la Roilette Fleurie Griffe du Marquis, Beaujolais 2020 750ml $39 pre-arrival special
No reviews for the 2020 vintage. 2019 review provided for reference.
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2019 Fleurie Griffe du Marquis is also particularly successful this year, offering up aromas of wild berries, rose petals, orange rind, licorice and sweet soil tones framed by a deftly judged patina from its time in barrel. Medium to full-bodied, layered and concentrated, it’s seamless and elegant, concluding with a long, violet-inflected finish.”
The Clos de la Roilette is a remarkable place to grow Gamay—technically in Fleurie, but on the border with Moulin-a-Vent. The wines seem to be a cross between the two, as you might expect, with depth and power, but the floral lightness of Fleurie riding across and giving the wines a vibrancy that makes them aggressively delicious.
The winery makes a set of outstanding wines, starting with the “basic” Fleurie, which isn’t basic at all. It’s a perfect embodiment of the estate, and if you plan on drinking your Beaujolais younger than 5 years old, is the one you should be buying out of the lineup. The “Cuvee Tardive” is from older vines and is meant to be aged longer. It’s not going to go 30 years like a classic Burgundy, but for drinking from 5-20 years from vintage, it’s stellar, resembling Pinot more and more as it ages. Finally, we have the “Griffe du Marquis,” a wine honoring Alain’s father. The Griffe is the most powerful wine out of the lineup, structured like the Tardive but with more fruit richness. This is a relatively new bottling and it should age well; it’s explosive out of the gate. It’s the Roilette equivalent of the Lapierre “Cuvee Marcel” or Foillard’s “3.14.”
Arriving Friday, November 11th:
Clos de la Roilette Fleurie, Beaujolais 2021 750ml $21.90 pre-arrival special
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 91 points “The 2021 Fleurie from Clos de la Roilette is drinking well out of the gates, offering up pretty aromas of spiced plums, petals and orange rind, followed by a medium-bodied, supple and melting palate. Fleshy and fine-boned, it’s a pretty, demonstrative wine that will show at its best young. It’s bottled under Nomacorc.”
Clos de la Roilette Fleurie Cuvee Tardive, Beaujolais 2021 750ml $28 pre-arrival special
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 94 points “Fans of old-school Beaujolais will adore the 2021 Fleurie Cuvée Tardive from the Clos de la Roilette. Bursting with aromas of crunchy red berries, peonies, spices and plums, it’s medium-bodied, ample and enveloping, with succulent acids, melting tannins and a pretty, perfumed finish. Despite the challenges of the year, the Coudert family have produced a lovely classic, and it’s a wine that’s much more drinkable and vibrant than some of the recent banner vintages at this address.”
Clos de la Roilette Fleurie Griffe du Marquis, Beaujolais 2020 750ml $39 pre-arrival special
No reviews for the 2020 vintage. 2019 review provided for reference.
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2019 Fleurie Griffe du Marquis is also particularly successful this year, offering up aromas of wild berries, rose petals, orange rind, licorice and sweet soil tones framed by a deftly judged patina from its time in barrel. Medium to full-bodied, layered and concentrated, it’s seamless and elegant, concluding with a long, violet-inflected finish.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Thank you from the small but mighty team at Vinopolis!
Be well & drink well.
Be well & drink well.