In This Newsletter:
New Arrivals
Pre-Arrivals
Molitor
Bernard Baudry Sale
Gaja Rossj-Bass 3-Day Sale Reloaded
Rosé Sale Underway
Collector’s Corner
New Arrivals
Arnaud Lambert ‘Breze’ Saumur Blanc Clos de Midi, Loire 2021 750ml $21.90 special, 12 bottles available
Wine Spectator 93 points “This offers an expressive mix of yellow apple, persimmon and Meyer lemon flavors infused with light notes of hazelnut and hints of smoke. The acidity is electric, giving this plenty of verve and carrying all the elements to the long and seductive, lightly floral finish. Best from 2022 through 2034. 3,750 cases made, 627 cases imported.”
Arnaud Lambert Cremant de Loire Rose NV 750ml $21.90 special, 24 bottles available
Winery note “100% Cabernet Franc.”
Becky Wasserman note “Vine Age: Planted in 1981. Terroir: Lower part of the Clos du Midi, silty sand soil on 1 meter of soft Turonian limestone bedrock. Viticulture: Organic (certified). Vinification: Indigenous yeast fermentation, traditional Champagne method. Aged for 24 months.”
A.R. Valdespino Manzanilla Deliciosa Sherry, Andalucia NV 750ml $17 special, 24 bottles available
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.”
A.R. Valdespino Inocente Single Vineyard Fino Sherry, Andalucia NV 750ml $19.50 special, 6 bottles available
A.R. Valdespino Inocente Single Vineyard Fino Sherry, Andalucia NV 375ml $11.90 special, 12 bottles available
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 Amontillado Tio Diego Sherry, Andalucia NV 750ml $21.90 special, 6 bottles available
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.”
Robert Mondavi Winery Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2019 750ml $79 special, 22 bottles available
Wine Spectator’s #6 In Top 10 of 2022
Decanter 97 points “This wine has proved to be one of Napa’s longest-lived reds, capable of cellaring many decades. If its nose is characteristically reticent, that is to be expected, but the upfront appeal of the vintage shows in the vivid ripe cherry and boysenberry fruit aromas that are laced with vanilla, graphite and cedar. Expansive on the palate with energy and poise, showcasing red and black fruits, savoury herbs, brown spices, and a crushed stone salinity. Very fine, pixelated tannins resolve in a long spicy finish that builds with notes of chocolate and crushed flowers.”
Wine Spectator 94 points “Throws off some pretty gorgeous aromas of violet, anise and sweet bay leaf, with a core of ripe, streamlined boysenberry and blackberry pâte de fruit flavors following closely. The finish has a racy graphite edge, while the fruit and aromas just spill through. Approachable now, too. Drink now through 2034. 13,500 cases made.”
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “What was previously released as the Oakville Cabernet, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Estates Tier comes all from To Kalon and was fermented in oak tanks and aged in 96% new French oak. The blend is 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% each of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, and the rest Malbec. Ripe black fruits, smoked herbs, graphite, and even a touch of minerality define the bouquet, and it’s full-bodied, concentrated, and beautifully textured on the palate. Drink it over the coming two decades.:
Pre-Arrivals
Molitor
Bernard Baudry Sale
Gaja Rossj-Bass 3-Day Sale Reloaded
Rosé Sale Underway
Collector’s Corner
New Arrivals
Arnaud Lambert ‘Breze’ Saumur Blanc Clos de Midi, Loire 2021 750ml $21.90 special, 12 bottles available
Wine Spectator 93 points “This offers an expressive mix of yellow apple, persimmon and Meyer lemon flavors infused with light notes of hazelnut and hints of smoke. The acidity is electric, giving this plenty of verve and carrying all the elements to the long and seductive, lightly floral finish. Best from 2022 through 2034. 3,750 cases made, 627 cases imported.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Arnaud Lambert Cremant de Loire Rose NV 750ml $21.90 special, 24 bottles available
Winery note “100% Cabernet Franc.”
Becky Wasserman note “Vine Age: Planted in 1981. Terroir: Lower part of the Clos du Midi, silty sand soil on 1 meter of soft Turonian limestone bedrock. Viticulture: Organic (certified). Vinification: Indigenous yeast fermentation, traditional Champagne method. Aged for 24 months.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
A.R. Valdespino Manzanilla Deliciosa Sherry, Andalucia NV 750ml $17 special, 24 bottles available
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!
A.R. Valdespino Inocente Single Vineyard Fino Sherry, Andalucia NV 750ml $19.50 special, 6 bottles available
A.R. Valdespino Inocente Single Vineyard Fino Sherry, Andalucia NV 375ml $11.90 special, 12 bottles available
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.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
A.R. Valdespino Amontillado Tio Diego Sherry, Andalucia NV 750ml $21.90 special, 6 bottles available
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.”
Robert Mondavi Winery Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2019 750ml $79 special, 22 bottles available
Wine Spectator’s #6 In Top 10 of 2022
Decanter 97 points “This wine has proved to be one of Napa’s longest-lived reds, capable of cellaring many decades. If its nose is characteristically reticent, that is to be expected, but the upfront appeal of the vintage shows in the vivid ripe cherry and boysenberry fruit aromas that are laced with vanilla, graphite and cedar. Expansive on the palate with energy and poise, showcasing red and black fruits, savoury herbs, brown spices, and a crushed stone salinity. Very fine, pixelated tannins resolve in a long spicy finish that builds with notes of chocolate and crushed flowers.”
Wine Spectator 94 points “Throws off some pretty gorgeous aromas of violet, anise and sweet bay leaf, with a core of ripe, streamlined boysenberry and blackberry pâte de fruit flavors following closely. The finish has a racy graphite edge, while the fruit and aromas just spill through. Approachable now, too. Drink now through 2034. 13,500 cases made.”
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “What was previously released as the Oakville Cabernet, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Estates Tier comes all from To Kalon and was fermented in oak tanks and aged in 96% new French oak. The blend is 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% each of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, and the rest Malbec. Ripe black fruits, smoked herbs, graphite, and even a touch of minerality define the bouquet, and it’s full-bodied, concentrated, and beautifully textured on the palate. Drink it over the coming two decades.:
Pre-Arrivals
We have a whole lot of Arterberry Maresh coming in Tuesday, February 21st. This producer is a Vinopolis favorite, consistently stunning us with their old-vine Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Here’s what Wine Advocate has to say about them.
“Pinot Noirs from Arterberry Maresh offer amazing layers of sweet, precise fruits, exotic spices and earth—everything you want from great Pinot Noir. They’re concentrated and jam-packed with flavor while still maintaining excellent grainy tannic structure and very juicy acidity, not to mention they age beautifully. Jim Maresh is also crafting some beautiful Chardonnays, some of the most exciting Chardonnays I have tasted from Oregon.”
Coming in Tuesday:
Arterberry Maresh Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2021 750ml $29.50 special, 36 bottles in stock
Case-12 Arterberry Maresh Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2021 750ml $319 special (that’s only $26.58/bottle)
Arterberry Maresh Old Vines Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2021 750ml $49 special, 36 bottles in stock
Arterberry Maresh Weber Vineyard Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2021 750ml $66 special, 36 bottles in stock
Arterberry Maresh Pinot Noir, Maresh Vineyard Dundee Hills 2021 750ml $66 special, 36 bottles in stock
Arterberry Maresh Chardonnay, Maresh Vineyard Dundee Hills 2021 750ml $66 special, 36 bottles in stock
We also have in now Tan Fruit Chardonnay, the experimental project from Arterberry Maresh, currently in stock. Why not try the whole range?
Tan Fruit Cuvee Tan Fruit Chardonnay 2021 750ml $39 special, 36+ bottles in stock
Tan Fruit Fairview Chardonnay 2021 750ml $66 special, 22 bottles in stock
Tan Fruit Maresh Vineyard Chardonnay, Dundee Hills 2021 750ml $59 special, 36+ bottles in stock
Tan Fruit Oak Grove Vineyard Chardonnay, Eola-Amity Hills 2021 750ml $59 special, 36+ bottles in stock
Tan Fruit Sophies Chardonnay 2021 Dundee Hills 2021 750ml $59 special, 36+ bottles in stock
Tan Fruit ‘Tank Fruit’ Chardonnay, Dundee Hills 2021 750ml $59 special, 36+ bottles in stock
Tan Fruit White Walnut Chardonnay, Dundee Hills 2021 750ml $66 special, 36+ bottles in stock
Here’s what Wine Advocate has to say about them.
“Pinot Noirs from Arterberry Maresh offer amazing layers of sweet, precise fruits, exotic spices and earth—everything you want from great Pinot Noir. They’re concentrated and jam-packed with flavor while still maintaining excellent grainy tannic structure and very juicy acidity, not to mention they age beautifully. Jim Maresh is also crafting some beautiful Chardonnays, some of the most exciting Chardonnays I have tasted from Oregon.”
Coming in Tuesday:
Arterberry Maresh Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2021 750ml $29.50 special, 36 bottles in stock
Case-12 Arterberry Maresh Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2021 750ml $319 special (that’s only $26.58/bottle)
Arterberry Maresh Old Vines Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2021 750ml $49 special, 36 bottles in stock
Arterberry Maresh Weber Vineyard Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2021 750ml $66 special, 36 bottles in stock
Arterberry Maresh Pinot Noir, Maresh Vineyard Dundee Hills 2021 750ml $66 special, 36 bottles in stock
Arterberry Maresh Chardonnay, Maresh Vineyard Dundee Hills 2021 750ml $66 special, 36 bottles in stock
We also have in now Tan Fruit Chardonnay, the experimental project from Arterberry Maresh, currently in stock. Why not try the whole range?
Tan Fruit Cuvee Tan Fruit Chardonnay 2021 750ml $39 special, 36+ bottles in stock
Tan Fruit Fairview Chardonnay 2021 750ml $66 special, 22 bottles in stock
Tan Fruit Maresh Vineyard Chardonnay, Dundee Hills 2021 750ml $59 special, 36+ bottles in stock
Tan Fruit Oak Grove Vineyard Chardonnay, Eola-Amity Hills 2021 750ml $59 special, 36+ bottles in stock
Tan Fruit Sophies Chardonnay 2021 Dundee Hills 2021 750ml $59 special, 36+ bottles in stock
Tan Fruit ‘Tank Fruit’ Chardonnay, Dundee Hills 2021 750ml $59 special, 36+ bottles in stock
Tan Fruit White Walnut Chardonnay, Dundee Hills 2021 750ml $66 special, 36+ bottles in stock
Molitor
“Every single one of our wines, whether white or red, whether dry, finely dry or fruity-sweet, whether quality or predicate wine, reflects the potential of its location and vintage. And as individual, authentic and expressive as possible. This requires strict selection, precise manual work and the conscious assessment of each individual berry. No wonder, then, that during the harvest the grapes are read exclusively by hand by experienced teams in several passes and selected again in the cellar. Always under the watchful eye of Markus Molitor. Because only the careful separation of all stages of ripeness and the subsequent selection of individual berries allows the highest quality to emerge – such as the unique series of Beerenauslese and Trockenbeerenauslese that lasted over four decades.” (sourced from Molitor website)
Truly the Mosel’s finest. It goes without saying that Markus Molitor is an iconic winemaker and we’re lucky to have his wines here at Vinopolis. Here are just a few recommendations to get you started.
Markus Molitor Graacher Domprobst Riesling Kabinett Trocken, Mosel 2018 $21.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock
Wine Advocate 90 points “The 2018 Riesling Graacher Domprobst Kabinett (White Capsule) is deep and flinty on the terroir-driven, dark and smoky nose. Full, round and juicy on the palate, this is a rich yet pure and slatey Domprobst with crunchy grip and fruity intensity. Tasted at the domain in September 2020.”
Decanter 90 points “South-southwest-facing steepness defines the Domprobst, as does some water-holding clay in the Devonian slate. An exquisitely aromatic nose combines ripe Amalfi lemon and Granny Smith with a floral notion of white summer blossom. The nose alone delivers refreshment. The palate bursts with the same fresh, pristine but notably ripe fruit. This is a mellow Kabinett with bright but tame acidity, not typical maybe, but nonetheless compelling. The finish is dry and beautifully stony.”
Mosel Fine Wines 90 points “The 2018er Graacher Domprobst Riesling Kabinett (White Capsule) offers a delicate nose of vineyard peach, tangerine, smoke, almond cream, and spices. The wine is nicely dynamic and fresh on the creamy and juicy palate and leaves a superbly light and elegant feel in the fully dry finish. 2022-2033”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Markus Molitor Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Kabinett Feinherb, Mosel 2019 750ml $28 special, 36+ bottles in stock
Wine Advocate 94+ points “Molitor’s 2019 Ürziger Würzgarten Kabinett (Green Capsule) opens pure and flinty on the deep and complex, very intense yet bright and fascinating, seductive and terroir-driven nose. Lush and round on the palate yet with salty-piquant and vibrantly fresh acidity, this is a structured, even somewhat tannic Kabinett to cellar for at least 2-3 more years. Very long and endlessly salty. Tasted in May 2021.”
Markus Molitor Ockfener Bockstein Riesling Spatlese Trocken, Mosel 2018 750ml $31.90 special, 34 bottles in stock
Decanter 93 points “Here we jump to an iconic Saar site, defined by Devonian slate, greywacke, some quartzitic sandstone and steepness. Wet stone, white currant, yellow apple and some lemon combine in a lovely vision of freshness. This is bright but even in this iconic Saar vineyard the warmth of 2018 is apparent. Yet the stoniness cuts through and leaves us with that lovely, racy zestiness we all crave from Riesling. These citrus notions linger and will you to take another sip. Wonderful.”
Wine Advocate 92+ points “The 2018 Riesling Ockfener Bockstein Spätlese (White Capsule) is coolish, precise and flinty on the still pretty reductive yet concentrated nose. On the palate, this is an astringent, rich and juicy Spätlese with power, grip and structure and a pure and salty finish. Far too young, though. Tasted at the domain in September 2020.”
Vinous 90 points “Orange blossom and apple on the nose anticipate the lusciousness and inner-mouth perfume exhibited on a polished palate. Nips of cress lend invigoration to a juicy, buoyant, persistent finish.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Markus Molitor Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Auslese, Mosel 2017 750ml $59 special, 32 bottles in stock
Wine Advocate 96+ points “Bottled with moderate 11% alcohol, the 2017 Riesling Ürziger Würzgarten Auslese ** (White Capsule) is crystalline and super precise on the clear and flinty nose that exhibits crunchy, iron-rich stone and lime zest aromas. It is lean and fresh but dense and intense on the palate, with ripe, round and concentrated Riesling fruit, some sweetness and refined acidity. This is an elegant, highly finessed and stimulating Würzgarten with a lingering, salty-piquant finish. This wine pairs its moderate alcohol level with great complexity and mineral tension. It’s a fabulous yet still very young Würzgarten of extraordinary class and style. Tasted in March and April 2019.”
Note from Mosel Fine Wines “The 2017er Ürziger Würzgarten Auslese ** (White Capsule) comes from the Estate’s parcel in the prime Kranklay sector.”
Markus Molitor Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Auslese, Mosel 2017 750ml $49 special, 33 bottles in stock
Wine Advocate 97 points “According to Markus Molitor, the 2017 Riesling Ürziger Würzgarten Auslese ** (Golden Capsule) is made from entirely healthy grapes. It displays a highly attractive bouquet of fine grapefruit and raisin aromas intermixed with flinty-crystalline slate notes. Juicy on the palate, this is a dense, sweet, intense yet piquant, highly delicate Auslese with a long, refined and salty-crunchy finish. Tasted at the domain two times in April 2019.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Markus Molitor Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Kabinett Feinherb, Mosel 2018 750ml $28 special, 30 bottles in stock
Vinous 93 points “The nose of strawberry laced with basil, mint and cress presages an infectiously juicy, soothingly cooling and invigoratingly incisive palate impression. Low alcohol guarantees levity, yet as with other “green chip” Kabinetts in this collection, sweetness is very subtly supportive. The multifaceted, impressively sustained finish in fact flirts with outright weightlessness, the herbal essences joined by floral perfume for a strikingly inhalative impression yet without neglecting sheer refreshment.”
James Suckling 93 points “Pungent, herbal character with plenty of licorice and some lemon zest. Then, a juicy and lively palate. This Kabinett has the balance those wines had back in the 1970s. Very clean finish with a ton of herbal notes. Drink or hold.”
Wine Advocate 92 points “The 2018 Riesling Ürziger Würzgarten Kabinett (Green Capsule) is very clear, pure and fresh on the intense and stony yet still somewhat sulfuric nose. Round, lush and piquant yet still tight from the addition of sulfur, this is a very clear and elegant Würzgarten with stimulating grip and purity on the finish. Needs time, though. Tasted at the domain in September 2020.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Markus Molitor Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Kabinett Trocken, Mosel 2019 750ml $28 special, 35 bottles in stock
Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2019 Ürziger Würzgarten Kabinett (White Capsule) is highly refined and almost floral in its precisely slatey and flinty finesse that integrates very fine Riesling aromas. Everything seems to be in a young style for this wine that is pure, structured and dry, with a lovely mix of tannins, crystalline slate acidity and lingering salinity. This is not really fragile like, say, a Brauneberger Juffer-Sonnenuhr; instead, it’s filigreed and has strong bones. Fine tannins structure the fresh and lemony yet rich finish. A serious terroir wine with just 10.5% alcohol. Tasted in May 2021.”
Markus Molitor Zeltinger Himmelreich Riesling Auslese Feinherb, Mosel 2016 750ml $59 special, 31 bottles in stock
Wine Advocate 97 points “The 2016 Riesling Zeltinger Himmelreich Auslese ** (Green Capsule) is terribly fine, pure and fresh but also perfectly ripe and rich on the nose without losing precision. Round and highly elegant on the palate, with tropical fruit flavors and just the perfect amount of sweetness, this is a great, vital Himmelreich with superb finesse, purity, mineral tension and bright fruit notes in the long and beautifully slatey finish. This is a gorgeous, exciting Riesling—very stimulating.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Markus Molitor Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Spatlese Trocken, Mosel 2018 750ml $36 special, 31 bottles in stock
Wine Advocate 93+ points “The 2018 Riesling Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Spätlese (White Capsule) offers a clear, fresh, bright and aromatic bouquet of white mandarins and mirabelles intertwined with the pure and refreshing tone of crushed stones and herbs. This bouquet gets you into the wine immediately. Round and intense on the succulent palate, this is a medium-bodied, elegant and very charming Sonnenuhr Spätlese with rather mild acidity but a serious terroir expression on the finish. Tasted at the domain in September 2020.”
James Suckling 92 points “Attractive white-peach, citrus-zest and blossom nose, then a rather filigree, mid-weight palate with a nice touch of spritz and slate character, making this a classic dry Mosel. Rather delicate finish. Drink or hold.”
Mosel Fine Wines 91+ points “The 2018er Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese (White Capsule) needs quite some time to reveal its comparatively refined and delicate nose of anise, herbs, pear, and smoke. The wine proves superbly dynamic and zesty on the medium-bodied palate leaves one with a refreshing and zesty feel in the long finish. The after-taste is all about spices wrapped into a touch of tartness. This will need a couple of years to fully show its complexity and finesse. It could then easily exceed our high expectations. 2024-2033.”
Vinous 90 points “Diverse floral and leafy scents mingle with prominently seed-inflected apple on the nose. The polished palate offers a corresponding combination of luscious fruitiness, offsetting piquancy and inner-mouth perfume. Surprisingly, though, for now there isn’t the transparency to nuance displayed by the corresponding Wehlener.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Bernard Baudry
We’ve having a huge three-day sale on Bernard Baudry.
Sale ends Thursday February 16th at 11:59pm.
5% off any 6-11 bottles of Bernard Baudry
10% off any 12 or more bottles of Bernard Baudry
Discount will not display online, we will adjust your invoice before charging your card.
Discount does not apply to case discounts.
This is first come / first served and limited to stock on hand.
Buying a case-6 unlocks an additional 5% discount on 1-5 additional bottles of Baudry purchased. Buying a case-12 unlocks an additional 10% discount on all additional bottles of Baudry purchased.
Bernard Baudry Chinon Les Grezeaux, Loire 2020 750ml $28 special, 20 bottles in stock
Vinous 91 points “Off gravel soils at the bottom of the coteaux, the 2020 Les Grézeaux is a fine, fruity wine but it’s much more than that. It’s a delicate style that packs concentration within its light, silky bodied core. The tannins are fine and like licking a stone. It’s good enough to eat. Blackcurrants and black raspberries linger on the medium length finish.”
Decanter 90 points “Dense core of black fruits. Ripe opulent texture, broad and complex fruit on the palate, well worked tannins. Lovely wine should age well.”
Bernard Baudry Chinon Les Granges, Loire 2020 750ml $20.90 special, 24 bottles in stock
Vinous 89 points “Sourced from a single block on the valley floor, where the vines have their feet in free-draining sandy/gravel soils, the 2020 Chinon Les Granges is made a lighter, fruit-driven style with a fine-grained tannic profile. This flows easily with no sense of anything being forced. It’s full of bright raspberry, violets and a hint of blackberries and cream; there’s a mere whiff of reduction on opening, so give it a little bit of air. Easy to like, bright and fresh and can be enjoyed in youth.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Bernard Baudry Chinon Les Granges, Loire 2019 750ml $21.90 special, 2 bottles in stock
Bernard Baudry Chinon Le Domaine, Loire 2019 750ml $24.00 special, 36+ bottles in stock
Vinous 90 points “The 2019 Chinon Le Domaine provides excellent concentration of fruit while remaining light on its feet. As well as bright primary fruit, it offers smoky bacon, spice and medicinal characters. There’s lovely sappy texture on the finish, which Baudry puts down to the limestone soils of the Chinon plateau that typically grip the side of the mouth. You can enjoy this in its youth, but it has an additional element of seriousness that means its future will stretch out to the medium term.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Bernard Baudry Chinon La Croix Boissee Blanc, Loire 2019 750ml $44 special, 11 bottles in stock
Winery note “The very chalky soil imparts La Croix Boissée with minerality and a dense body. This is a nice wine for gastronomy with notes of white fruits and a fine salinity. Quantity is limited.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Bonus!
More Bernard Baudry arriving Friday:
Bernard Baudry Chinon Le Clos Guillot, Loire 2020 750ml $36 special, 36+ bottles in stock
Gaja Rossj-Bass 3-Day Sale Reloaded
The Gaja Rossj-Bass is back! But only until Wednesday.
Our present price of $69 (and $64.83 on a six-pack) is by far the lowest price in the USA. In fact, the next best price in the USA is $84.80. Despite all that and until Friday Mid-Night you can grab some bottles for $59 or even go for a case-6 priced at $333, that’s only $55.50 a bottle.
This offer ends Wednesday February 15th at 11:59pm.
Gaja Rossj-Bass Langhe, Piedmont 2019 750ml $59 special, 36+ bottles in stock
Case-6 Gaja Rossj-Bass Langhe, Piedmont 2019 750ml $333 special (that’s only $55.5/bottle)
Wilson Daniels importer note “The grapes come from different vineyards, including the Rossj vineyard named by Lucia and Angelo after their second daughter Rossana. 95% Chardonnay, 5% Sauvignon Blanc.”
Our present price of $69 (and $64.83 on a six-pack) is by far the lowest price in the USA. In fact, the next best price in the USA is $84.80. Despite all that and until Friday Mid-Night you can grab some bottles for $59 or even go for a case-6 priced at $333, that’s only $55.50 a bottle.
This offer ends Wednesday February 15th at 11:59pm.
Gaja Rossj-Bass Langhe, Piedmont 2019 750ml $59 special, 36+ bottles in stock
Case-6 Gaja Rossj-Bass Langhe, Piedmont 2019 750ml $333 special (that’s only $55.5/bottle)
Wilson Daniels importer note “The grapes come from different vineyards, including the Rossj vineyard named by Lucia and Angelo after their second daughter Rossana. 95% Chardonnay, 5% Sauvignon Blanc.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Rosé Sale Underway
We have the best rosé selection around! Why wait for spring?
We’re having a huge sale on Rosé throughout the entire month of February.
Sale Began at 4pm on Friday, January 20th
Sale Ends at 6pm on Tuesday, February 28th
5% off 6-11 bottles and/or large format rosés.
10% off 12 or more bottles and/or large formats of rosés.
Discount will not display online, we will adjust your invoice before charging your card.
Discount does not apply to pre-arrival wines or to case discounts.
This is first come / first served and limited to stock on hand.
Buying a case-6 unlocks an additional 5% discount on 1-5 additional bottles of rosé purchased. Buying a case-12 unlocks an additional 10% discount on all additional bottles of rosé purchased.
This sale applies to ALL rosé wines. That’s over 85 wines and thousands of bottles discounted! Here are a few recommendations to get you started.
Cameron in a can!
Cameron Winery Spritz Rose, Willamette Valley 250ml $7 special, 36+ cans in stock
Case-14 Cameron Winery Spritz Rose, Willamette Valley 250ml $88.20 special (that’s only $6.3/can)
*Our case-14 special is equivalent to about 4.5 bottles of wine
Cameron Winery Official Drinking Song:
All the folks in Oregon
Love to drink the Cameron
Kick their legs up in the air
Shake, shake, shake their derriere
If you buy the Cameron brand
You can drink our spritz in can
Easy now as un deux trois
Everybody ooh la la
Oh, can you drink the Can Can?
If you can then I can
I drink Can Can if you drink Can Can…
We’re having a huge sale on Rosé throughout the entire month of February.
Sale Began at 4pm on Friday, January 20th
Sale Ends at 6pm on Tuesday, February 28th
5% off 6-11 bottles and/or large format rosés.
10% off 12 or more bottles and/or large formats of rosés.
Discount will not display online, we will adjust your invoice before charging your card.
Discount does not apply to pre-arrival wines or to case discounts.
This is first come / first served and limited to stock on hand.
Buying a case-6 unlocks an additional 5% discount on 1-5 additional bottles of rosé purchased. Buying a case-12 unlocks an additional 10% discount on all additional bottles of rosé purchased.
This sale applies to ALL rosé wines. That’s over 85 wines and thousands of bottles discounted! Here are a few recommendations to get you started.
Cameron in a can!
Cameron Winery Spritz Rose, Willamette Valley 250ml $7 special, 36+ cans in stock
Case-14 Cameron Winery Spritz Rose, Willamette Valley 250ml $88.20 special (that’s only $6.3/can)
*Our case-14 special is equivalent to about 4.5 bottles of wine
Cameron Winery Official Drinking Song:
All the folks in Oregon
Love to drink the Cameron
Kick their legs up in the air
Shake, shake, shake their derriere
If you buy the Cameron brand
You can drink our spritz in can
Easy now as un deux trois
Everybody ooh la la
Oh, can you drink the Can Can?
If you can then I can
I drink Can Can if you drink Can Can…
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine de la Bastide Blanche Bandol Rose, Provence 2021 750ml $24 special, 3 bottles in stock
Vinous 92 points “Light, bright orange. Vibrant pomegranate, blood orange and pit fruit qualities on the highly perfumed nose, along with building mineral and floral accents. Taut and focused in the mouth, nicely concentrated red berry, orange zest and lavender flavors are supported by an undercurrent of chalky minerality. Finishes floral and long, with repeating mineral and citrus fruit notes.”
Wine Advocate 91 points “Regularly a top Bandol, the flamingo-pink 2021 Bandol Rose comes across initially as rather simple, fruity and easy. Plum, cherry and melon notes do add attractive hints of crushed stone and lime on the zesty-briny finish of this medium-bodied effort. Tasted twice (once blind), with consistent notes.”
Winery note “Mourvèdre, Grenache, Cinsault, Clairette and Ugni blanc from clay-limestone and gravelly soils. 28-year-old vines. Intensely colored rosé. Notes of citron, Sichuan pepper, and dried apricot on the complex nose, mixing floral and spicy notes. Ample, dense and structured mouth with complex aromatics (pomelo, peony, pepper).”
Weygandt Wine importer note “Rosé wine. Provence, France. Mourvèdre, Grenache, Cinsault. Organic. An absolute beauty of a rosé at this price point. Mouthwatering aromas of strawberry cream on the nose, followed by a silky, refined palate with delicate but distinct flavors of melon and peach. A relatively light wine for a southern French rosé, but with a texture and character of impressive weight and substance.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Bodegas Bleda Castillo de Jumilla Rosado, Jumilla 2020 750ml $10.90 special, 25 bottles in stock
Winery note “From a harvest in early September, this Monastrell rosé displays an intense array of strawberry and rose notes, woven between a harmony of crisp, blood-orange acidity and a giving, mineral texture. Fresh, tasty and well balanced. Good acidic structure. Excellent with seafood and all types of fish and light meats.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine Lafage Cotes du Roussillon Miraflors Rose 2020 750ml $18 special, 10 bottles in stock
Jeb Dunnuck 91 points “White peach, orange blossom, and white flower notes emerge from the 2020 Miraflors. It’s another clean, balanced, beautiful effort with bright acidity and a clean, dry finish.”
Wine Advocate 90 points “The 2020 IGP Cotes Catalanes Miraflors Rose is a blend of 50% Mourvèdre, 30% Grenache Gris and 20% Grenache Noir. Light to medium pink and copper-tinged in the glass, it offers up scents of melon and peach, with hints of strawberry as well. Medium-bodied, it’s round and silky in the mouth, showing ample concentration and length on the citrus-tinged finish. With its relatively high proportion of Mourvèdre, it should drink well at least through the first half of 2022.”
Eric Solomon Imports note “Mourvedre, Grenache Gris, Grenache Practicing Organic 80 yr old vines. Light Pink-colored with beautiful white peach, orange zest and salty sea breeze aromas and flabros in its vibrant, crisp profile. Pure and vibrant as it gets, a classic, provencal-style beauty.”
Domaine Bunan Cotes de Provence Belouve Rose 2020 750ml $18 special, 4 bottles in stock
Winery note “Cinsault : 60% Cabernet Sauvignon : 30% Ugni blanc : 10%. Nose and palate: Pale salmon pink hue. Elegant and fruity nose revealing aromas of citrus fruits. A direct and harmonious wine. A crunchy rosé with a clean attack elongated by lingering fruity notes.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Chateau la Mascaronne Cotes de Provence Quat’Saisons Rose 2021 750ml $27 special, 5 bottles in stock
Vinous 91 points “Bright salmon-skin color. Fresh pit fruits, red berries and a hint of orange pith on the incisive nose. Tight and sharply focused on the palate, offering vibrant strawberry, white peach and tangerine flavors that put on weight as the wine opens up. Shows fine clarity and spicy cut on the persistent finish, which features a late floral nuance.”
Wine Enthusiast 90 points “The 150-acre estate, surrounded by olive and oak trees, has produced a delicate wine, both in color and its crisp fruit. Red currants and lively acidity are there is abundance, resulting in a fresh wine that is ready to drink. Organic. -Roger Voss”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Luigi Giordano Vino Rosato Alba, Piedmont 2020 750ml $21.90 special, 6 bottles in stock
Importer note “100% Nebbiolo from family parcels inside Barbaresco crus of Ovello, Ronchi & Cars. Hand-picked in September. Soft pressing followed by 3-hour maceration. 2,400-bottle production.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Collector’s Corner
Case-3 Verite Le Desir – La Joie – La Muse Assortment, Sonoma County 750ml $1339 special, 1 case in stock
A unique, one-time deal; this mixed three-pack of Verite offers one bottle each of the 2019 La Joie, La Desir, and La Muse.
La Joie review: Wine Advocate 99 points “The 2019 La Joie is an elegant expression that offers power, freshness and expressive, floral character. A blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot, it has a deep ruby color and opens slowly from black cherries and blueberries to accents of violets, ground coffee and licorice. The full-bodied palate has generous, grainy tannins, detailed, perfumed flavors and bright acidity, finishing with an alluring iron character. 2,500 cases were made.”
La Desir review: Wine Advocate 100 points “The 2019 Le Désir is an exceptional blend of 83% Cabernet Franc, 8% Merlot, 5% Malbec and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, offering complex, layered flavors, soaring aromatics and very detailed expression. Deep ruby-purple in color, its aromas unfold slowly and offer new nuances with each return to the glass: Morello cherries, warm chocolate, dried thyme, desiccated roses and dried herbs. The full-bodied palate offers concentrated, floral fruits, pixelated tannins, bursts of fresh acidity and a very long finish with layer after layer of detailed flavor. 2,500 cases were made.”
La Muse review: Wine Advocate 99 points “The 2019 La Muse is a blend of 90% Merlot, 5% Cab Franc and 5% Malbec. Deep ruby-purple, it explodes with cassis, violets and aniseed, with wafts of thyme, tobacco and iron, offering new nuances with each return to the glass. The full-bodied palate is powerful and refined, with loads of rounded tannins, focused freshness and ethereal character. It’s exceptionally expressive and structured and should be very long lived in the cellar.”
A unique, one-time deal; this mixed three-pack of Verite offers one bottle each of the 2019 La Joie, La Desir, and La Muse.
La Joie review: Wine Advocate 99 points “The 2019 La Joie is an elegant expression that offers power, freshness and expressive, floral character. A blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot, it has a deep ruby color and opens slowly from black cherries and blueberries to accents of violets, ground coffee and licorice. The full-bodied palate has generous, grainy tannins, detailed, perfumed flavors and bright acidity, finishing with an alluring iron character. 2,500 cases were made.”
La Desir review: Wine Advocate 100 points “The 2019 Le Désir is an exceptional blend of 83% Cabernet Franc, 8% Merlot, 5% Malbec and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, offering complex, layered flavors, soaring aromatics and very detailed expression. Deep ruby-purple in color, its aromas unfold slowly and offer new nuances with each return to the glass: Morello cherries, warm chocolate, dried thyme, desiccated roses and dried herbs. The full-bodied palate offers concentrated, floral fruits, pixelated tannins, bursts of fresh acidity and a very long finish with layer after layer of detailed flavor. 2,500 cases were made.”
La Muse review: Wine Advocate 99 points “The 2019 La Muse is a blend of 90% Merlot, 5% Cab Franc and 5% Malbec. Deep ruby-purple, it explodes with cassis, violets and aniseed, with wafts of thyme, tobacco and iron, offering new nuances with each return to the glass. The full-bodied palate is powerful and refined, with loads of rounded tannins, focused freshness and ethereal character. It’s exceptionally expressive and structured and should be very long lived in the cellar.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs, North Coast 2016 9L $899 special, 1 bottle in stock
Wine Enthusiast 92 points “Complexity and layering make this wine especially interesting as it goes from aromas of apple, butter and vanilla to deeper toast and baked apple on the palate. It’s medium in body, has tantalizing acidity and a lingering finish. Best through 2026.”
Wine Spectator 91 points “Sleek, with pinpoint focus, offering harmonious Meyer lemon, candied almond and fresh ginger flavors that fan out on the crisp finish. Drink now. 36,209 cases made.”
Wine Advocate 90 points “The nose of the 2016 Blanc de Blancs is bright and fresh, with scents of quince peel, red apples, floral perfume, brioche and a nutty undercurrent. The light-bodied palate is dry with energetic mousse and a nice balance of mineral and tirage character, finishing with fantastic freshness. 36,209 cases produced. The Blanc de Blancs was the first cuvée Schramsberg produced, in 1965.”
*****IN-STORE PICK UP ONLY. SHIPPING NOT AVAILABLE*****
Dominus Estate Christian Moueix, Napa Valley 2013 750ml $619 special, 5 bottles in stock
Wine Advocate 100 points “The 2013 Dominus is, to my way of thinking, one of the most profound wines Christian Moueix has yet made in his rather brilliant winemaking history, both in France and in Napa Valley. This wine, with very low yields of only 3,500 cases and a final blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot and 4% Cabernet Franc, offers up notes of cedar wood, forest floor, loamy soil and oodles of blackberry and blackcurrant fruit. Very opaque purple in color, super-pure and intense, this wine has low acidity, but ripe, noticeable tannins. This is a 30- to 40-year wine and a profound effort from this famous vineyard in Yountville. Drink it over the next 40+ years.”
Antonio Galloni 100 points “The 2013 Dominus overwhelms all the senses with its magnificent overall balance and towering intensity. Deep and nearly impenetrable in the glass, the 2013 boasts off the charts dry extract and overall power. Violets, smoke, black cherries, menthol, incense, crème de cassis and dark spices are some of the many signatures that take shape in the glass. Even better in bottle than it was in barrel, the 2013 is utterly magnificent. This is a remarkably vivid, nuanced wine considering its sheer size.”
Decanter 100 points “A captivating bouquet of violets, lilac, black fruit, blood orange and meaty soil tones is striking for its extravagent range and amplitude; and on the palate, the wine is three-dimensional, sophisticatedly savoury, and massive but refined. Tod Mostero remarks that, having crafted the 2013 Dominus, he can die happy as a winemaker. Selection here was especially rigorous, as the team wanted to realise the vintage’s unparalleled potential as fully as possible, so only 3,500 cases were produced. A special label commemorates the 30th anniversary of Dominus Estate.”
Kapcsandy Family Winery Rapszodia, Yountville 2015 750ml $419 special, 1 bottles in stock
Wine Advocate 95+ points “A blend of 65% Cabernet Franc and 35% Merlot, the 2014 Rapszodia has a deep garnet-purple color and wonderfully spicy nose of cloves, vanilla and cinnamon stick over a core of red and black currants, black cherries and bay leaves. Medium to full-bodied with plenty of baking spice flavors complementing the ripe, expressive red and black berry flavors, it has a very fine-grained texture and plenty of freshness, finishing long.”
Robert Parker 98-100 points “Their 100% Cabernet Franc cuvee, the 2015 Rapszodia Proprietary Red, spent its whole life in 100% new French oak and is an exhilarating wine with off-the-charts richness, an exquisite bouquet of spring flowers, forest floor, rich blue and black fruits, voluptuous texture, incredibly fine, silky tannins, and, for a Kapcsandy wine, relatively elevated alcohol at 14.5%. This is a “wow” wine that should drink beautifully young and last 20-30+ years.”
Thank you from the team at Vinopolis!
Be well & drink well.