Vinopolis Newsletter – New Arrivals 5-15-24 PM

 
Arriving Later This Month


Dominus Estate
 

 

Christian Moueix’s storied career began with some of Bordeaux’s finest Chateaus including among many others Belair-Monange, Château La Fleur-Pétrus, and Château Trotanoy. Dominus Estates was Christian’s first California project, started on a recommendation from Robert Mondavi himself. The winery has received top marks from some of the world’s most prestigious and influential wine critics, including 4 perfect 100 point scores from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate.
 
Dominus Estate, Napa Valley, USA  2021 750ml $359 special, 12+ bottles available
Dominus Estate, Napa Valley, USA 2021 1.5L $789 special, 3 magnums available
Jeb Dunnuck 100 Points “One of the legendary Dominus, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon is unquestionably in the same league as the 2018, 2016, 2015, 2013, 2010, and 1991, and to my mind, wine simply doesn’t get any better. Sporting a dense purple hue as well as an incredible perfume of blackcurrants, crushed stone, cedar pencil, smoke tobacco, and baking spices, it’s rich, full-bodied, and voluptuously textured, with ripe yet building tannins. It reminds me slightly of the 2010 (maybe the 2013), and I suspect it will have a similar evolution. Hide bottles for 7-8 years, and it will evolve gracefully for 30+ years. Hats off to the team of Christian Moueix and director Tod Mostero.”
James Suckling 99 Points “The purity of the cabernet fruit is so enticing, with blackcurrant, rose petals, nettles and subtle graphite. Touches of terra cotta and licorice. Full-bodied with super integrated tannins that are wonderfully polished, giving a cashmere texture that is really luxurious to taste at this early stage. It is quenching and so delicious already. 95% cabernet sauvignon and 5% cabernet franc. Needs three to four years to come around but already a joy to taste.”
Wine Spectator 96-99 Points “This shows density on par with the ’18, with a core of cassis and plum notes still tucked away a bit behind a wall of structure, while singed toast and licorice hints peek in throughout. The youthfully backward aspect shows on the finish as well, where this throws a chunk of tannins to the fore. Very concentrated and with serious tension, this is a strapping young wine that shows what a warm and very dry vintage feels like.” 

 

 

FRANCE
 
Domaine Gilles Troullier Cotes du Roussillon Tandem, France 2015 750ml $19.50 special, 20 bottles available
Wine Advocate 92-94 Points “Another terrific looking barrel sample is the 2015 Cotes Catalanes Tandem. Based on Grenache and Syrah brought up in demi-muids, it’s loaded with notions of blueberries, plums, violets and spring flowers. Full-bodied, structured and tannic, yet with thrilling purity, give bottles 2-3 years and enjoy through 2027.”
 

This is the only listing of this wine in the United States

 
Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Selection Cotes du Rhone Mon Coeur, Rhone, France 2022 750ml $19.90 special, 36+ bottles available
(Not yet scored, previous review provided)
Grapelive 91 Points (2021 review) “As it opened in the glass and accompanying the meal, there was more thick Grenache fruit, plum, boysenberry and cherry and the tannin melted away nicely and allowed fabulous concentration and pleasure to flow, as well as a subtle lift of acidity, savory notes, grilled herbs de Provence, licorice and peppery spices. Definitely a serious vintage for the Chave Mon Coeur.
 
Chateau Goubau “La Source” Cotes de Castillon 2015 750ml $18 special, 16 bottles available
Case-6 Chateau Goubau “La Source” Castillon 2015 750ml $99 special, 3 six-packs available
Winery Note “The second wine of Chateau Goubau comes from the vineyard parcels facing south and south-west on the slopes bordering the domain’s natural source. Made from a blend of 95% Merlot grapes and 5% Cabernet Franc grapes, the wine is spicy and fresh with aromas of red fruits, plums and spice. On the palate the wine is crunchy and fruity with black fruit flavours and a touch of spice; the finish is lively and appealing. Drink now for next three years.”
 

Lowest Price in the USA! $22 elsewhere

 
Domaine la Remejeanne Cotes du Rhone Les Chevrefeuilles, Rhone, France 2021 750ml $19.50 special, 25 bottles available
Winery Notes “Certified organic. This blend comes from hillside vines facing south and east with an average altitude of 250 metres, grown on loess/limestone soils. A combination of Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre and Carignan, as well as some Marselan.”
 

This is the only listing of this wine in the United States

 
Domaine Gerard Bigonneau Reuilly Rouge, Loire, France 2010 750ml $14 special, 12 bottles available
Importer note “WHY WE LOVE IT: Red wines from Reuilly can only be produced with one grape varietal: Pinot Noir. Very approachable and varietally correct Pinot Noir, sold at a fraction of the price compared to its Burgundian neighbors to the east. Tasting Notes: Great aromatic intensity with floral, strawberry, and cherry flavors. Soft and smooth mouth feel.

SILVER MEDAL GILBERT & GAIILLARD INTERNATIONAL CHALLENGE
Chateau Beau Buisson Rouge, Bordeaux, France 2020 750ml $11.90 special, 12 bottles available
Case-12 Chateau Beau Buisson Rouge, Bordeaux, France 2020 750ml $119 special, 3 cases available
“Located approximately 10 miles east south-east of St Emil ion, an enjoyable sipper at cooking wine price. Swirl your first sip in your palate and the red berry flavors will unfold.”
 
60% Grenache, 40% Pinot Noir. Aged in concrete tanks.
Chateau Saint Cosme ‘Micro-Cosme’ Grenache-Pinot Noir, Vin de France NV 750ml $13.50 special, 36+ bottles available
Importer Note “This fusion of Grenache and Pinot Noir delivers aromas and flavors of strawberry, gingerbread, almond, cinnamon and heirloom rose. Micro-Cosme Rouge carries the Vin de France designation due to its unique production method.”


ITALY
 
Calabretta ‘Gaio Gaio’ Rosso, Sicily, Italy 2020 750ml $19 special, 28 bottles available
Producer Notes “Organic farming, aging for extended periods in old, large format barrels, and zero intervention lets these wines speak transparently about their volcanic origins. Easy drinking, but an obvious Etna Rosso quality. Light bodied with loads of fruit, light forest floor, and savory notes.”
 
Castello di Camigliano Poderuccio Toscana IGT, Tuscany, Italy 2018 750ml $16 special, 25 bottles available
James Suckling 90 Points “Lots of blackberries and tar, together with black-olive character on the nose and palate. Full-bodied and structured. A little raw, but should come around nicely with bottle age. Drink from 2020.”
 
Castello di Volpaia Citto Rosso Toscana IGT, Tuscany, Italy 2017 750ml $14 special, 14 bottles available
VinopolNote “In the super-Tuscan mode with a Sangiovese-Cabernet composition, but with a lighter and brighter nature achieved by vinification entirely in stainless steel tanks. Cherry flavors dominate in this spring and summer pleaser. Consider chilling when you need to beat the heat!”
 
Cusumano Nero d’Avola Terre Siciliane IGT, Sicily, Italy 2020 750ml $16 special, 20 bottles available
James Suckling 91 Points “Nice, fruity red with lots of fresh red and black berry aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied with a balanced, fruity palate and just a hint of firmness at the end. Drink now.”
 
Muri-Gries Sudtirol St. Magdalener, Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy 2021 750ml $16 special, 22 bottles available
Winery Note “The name comes from the village of St. Magdalena above Bolzano. An attractive cuvée of Schiava and Lagrein, combining fruit and freshness with intensive color and clear structure. Our St. Magdalener does justice to a wide range of dishes, from roast beef and savory dumplings to pizza and pasta dishes.”
 

SPAIN
 
Casa Castillo Jumilla Monastrell 2019 750ml $14.50 special, 32 bottles available
Wine Advocate 91 Points ” …It has an expressive nose of Mediterranean herbs and a combination of ripeness and lightness, a little in the style of 2016, a little more fruit-driven.”
 
Evodia Old Vines Garnacha Calatayud 2020 750ml $13.50 special, 16 bottles available
Case-12 Evodia Old Vines Garnacha Calatayud 2020 750ml $145 special, 6 cases available
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 91 Points “The very young and juicy 2020 Evodia comes from a year with more rain than average and moderately warm temperatures that resulted in an early harvest … This is bright and elegant, fresh and very pleasant to drink. Incredible for the price.”
 
Muga El Anden De La Estacion Rioja 2018 750ml $19 special, 20 bottles available
Josh Raynolds- Vinous 90 Points “Dark ruby. Ripe red fruits, vanilla and pipe tobacco on the nose, with spice and woodsmoke nuances emerging as the wine stretches out. Gently sweet and supple on the palate, offering juicy cherry liqueur and spicecake flavors braced by a spine of tangy acidity. Smooth tannins add shape and subtle grip to the persistent finish, which leaves a warm red fruit preserve note behind.”

 

 

 
“Antonio Galloni calls Raphaël and Vincent’s Champagnes ‘among the very best readers will come across,’ adding that he buys the wines “whenever I see them.” John Gilman writes simply that Bérêche is ‘at the top of its game and producing some of the finest wines in all of Champagne!’ –Rarewine Co., Importer.
 
Raphael et Vincent Bereche ‘Cote’ Grand Cru Extra-Brut Millesime, Champagne, France 2016 750ml $135 special, 30 bottles available
Vinopolnote “New wine from one our favorite Champagne houses! Featuring Bereche et Fils ‘Cote’ cuvee is sourced from Grand Cru vineyards like d’Avize, du Mesnil, de Vertus.”
 

This is the lowest price in the USA!