In This Newsletter:
The Two Pichlers Sale
&
Vinopolis Close-Out Featurette: Dal Forno
The Two Pichlers Sale
Stock Up & Save on
F.X. Pichler & Pichler-Krutzler
The Two Pichlers Sale
&
Vinopolis Close-Out Featurette: Dal Forno
The Two Pichlers Sale
Stock Up & Save on
F.X. Pichler & Pichler-Krutzler
We’re offer a combined sale on all in-stock wines from F.X. Pichler & Pichler-Krutzler!
F.X. Pichler
F.X. Pichler
“F.X. Pichler is the Chateau Latour, Domaine de la Romanêe-Conti, Zind-Humbrecht, Sandrone and Helen Turley of the Wachau.” –Robert Parker Jr, Wine Advocate
In spite of being the birthplace of biodynamic farming and the strictest farming standards in the European Union, the wines of Austria remain critically undervalued. There is no better example of this than that of FX Pichler, one of the best producers in the country. Take your pick between the multigenerational team of family winemakers (father, F.X., and son, Lucas, who took over winemaking in the late 1990s), the picture-perfect estate, and the exceptionally old vines and you’ll see their exceptional reputation evidenced in spades.
The wines are unique in that no one else seems to wrangle power, freshness and complexity into a single package quite like these wizards of the Wachau. These wines are legendary for their combination of richness and electric minerality. With a combination of intensive viticulture, native fermentations and great terroir, the wines are unlike anything else in the world. Broad and powerful, with a cut and minerality that’s unique, these are wines to drink now and to age, as well. These are perfect wines for any celebratory occasion and will also age beautifully for the next decade or two.
Pichler-Krutlzer
Elisabeth Pichler-Krutzler, daughter of Franz Xaver (F.X.) Pichler, married the highly-regarded Austrian winemaker Erich Krutzler. In 2007, the pair founded the estate of Pichler-Krutlzer. Their winery is based around the great vineyards of the Wachau and produces some of Austria’s most highly regarded wines.
The pair prefer brighter, fresher wines than the style classically produced at F.X. (which itself is increasingly tending towards lower ripeness and higher acidity). These wines tend to have a little less power and a lot more versatility at the table. They’re breathtakingly complex, soulful wines that, like the remarkable wines of Selbach-Oster, are designed to be enjoyed with food.
In spite of being the birthplace of biodynamic farming and the strictest farming standards in the European Union, the wines of Austria remain critically undervalued. There is no better example of this than that of FX Pichler, one of the best producers in the country. Take your pick between the multigenerational team of family winemakers (father, F.X., and son, Lucas, who took over winemaking in the late 1990s), the picture-perfect estate, and the exceptionally old vines and you’ll see their exceptional reputation evidenced in spades.
The wines are unique in that no one else seems to wrangle power, freshness and complexity into a single package quite like these wizards of the Wachau. These wines are legendary for their combination of richness and electric minerality. With a combination of intensive viticulture, native fermentations and great terroir, the wines are unlike anything else in the world. Broad and powerful, with a cut and minerality that’s unique, these are wines to drink now and to age, as well. These are perfect wines for any celebratory occasion and will also age beautifully for the next decade or two.
Pichler-Krutlzer
Elisabeth Pichler-Krutzler, daughter of Franz Xaver (F.X.) Pichler, married the highly-regarded Austrian winemaker Erich Krutzler. In 2007, the pair founded the estate of Pichler-Krutlzer. Their winery is based around the great vineyards of the Wachau and produces some of Austria’s most highly regarded wines.
The pair prefer brighter, fresher wines than the style classically produced at F.X. (which itself is increasingly tending towards lower ripeness and higher acidity). These wines tend to have a little less power and a lot more versatility at the table. They’re breathtakingly complex, soulful wines that, like the remarkable wines of Selbach-Oster, are designed to be enjoyed with food.
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles from F.X. Pichler & Pichler-Krutzler
10% off any 6 or more in-stock bottles from F.X. Pichler & Pichler-Krutzler
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
Sale ends Thursday, December 5th at 9 am Pacific.
10% off any 6 or more in-stock bottles from F.X. Pichler & Pichler-Krutzler
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
Sale ends Thursday, December 5th at 9 am Pacific.
We offer twelve F.X. Pichler & Pichler-Krutzler options on sale now, including:
F.X. Pichler Durnsteiner Liebenberg Gruner Veltliner (Smaragd) 2020 750ml Displayed Price: $69, that’s $65.55 at 5% off and $62.10 at 10% off, 7 bottles in stock now
Falstaff Magazine 94-96 points “Medium yellow-green, silver reflections. Mineral, fine herbal spice, nuances of yellow fruit, hints of apricot and mango, with fine honey blossom. Complex, substantial, fine white pear, fine acidity, salty touch on the finish, already well developed, a multi-faceted food wine, good maturity and with definite ageing potential.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
F.X. Pichler Loibner Burgstall Riesling Federspiel 2019 750ml Displayed Price: $31.90, that’s $30.31 at 5% off and $28.71 at 10% off, 36+ bottles in stock now
Stuart Pigott (Suckling) 92 points “Super crisp and crunchy with a slightly tart peach character that is so invigorating. Great mineral freshness at the finish. Drink or hold.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
F.X. Pichler Loibner Steinertal Riesling Smaragd 2013 750ml Displayed Price: $79, that’s $75.05 at 5% off and $71.10 at 10% off, 2 bottles in stock now
David Schildknecht-Vinous 95 points “Salt, white pepper and Szechuan peppercorn mouthwateringly and invigoratingly inflect luscious, juicy white peach, pineapple and lime. A sleek and refined texture contributes to this bottling’s overall sense of elegance. With a similar ringing clarity to that of the Oberhäuser, but with greater depth and complexity as befits its steep and stony origins, this projects liquid perfume of a bittersweet, iris-like sort; smoky black tea; crushed stone; and diverse peppercorns, finishing with phenomenal persistence. Interestingly and perhaps not coincidentally, at just 13% it is one of the alcoholically lightest wines of the present collection.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Pichler-Krutzler Loibner Ried Loibenberg Grüner Veltliner 2021 750ml Was $49, Displayed Price: $39, that’s $37.05 at 5% off and $35.10 at 10% off, 16 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2021 Loibner Grüner Veltliner Ried Loibenberg shows an intense yellow color and opens with a pure yet intense and slightly lactic (?) or yeasty bouquet of ripe and lush, yellow fruits intertwined with notes of crushed, crystalline stones and dark flinty notes. Round and mouth-filling on the palate, this an elegant, intense and textured, savory and finely tannic Loibenberg with a sustainable saline and crystalline finish. This is a fine and elegant, finely textured and fruit-intense Veltliner that fermented longer than the other wines (until the end of January), then aged in a 1,200-liter stück barrel and was bottled at the end of August this year with 13.5% stated alcohol. The wine doesn’t have the precision and finesse of the other Veltliners at this early stage, but it will find itself after years on the bottle. Natural cork. Tasted at the domaine in September 2022.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Pichler-Krutzler Ried Pfaffenberg Alte Reben Grüner Veltliner 2019 750ml Was $69, Displayed Price: $59, that’s $56.05 at 5% off and $53.10 at 10% off, 4 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 94 points “Vinified in a new, untoasted 900-liter oak vat, the 2019 Ried Pfaffenberg Alte Reben Grüner Veltliner was only bottled in spring this year. The intensely citrus-colored wine shows a flinty, precise, fine and fresh bouquet with ripe stone fruit aromas and spices of crunchy crystalline stones. Creamy textured, ripe, lush and very elegant, with some attractive oak notes but fine tannins, this is a sensual, well-balanced and perfectly round Pfaffenberg that has to be marketed as Kremstal Reserve because the oak influence was too dominant for the DAC tasters in Krems. There is 14.5% alcohol, which you don’t feel due to the mineral freshness and elegance. Tasted at the domain in June 2021.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $67.99
The next best price is $67.99
Pichler-Krutzler Dürnsteiner Ried Kellerberg Riesling 2021 750ml Was $69, Displayed Price: $59, that’s $56.05 at 5% off and $53.10 at 10% off, 20 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2021 Dürnsteiner Riesling Ried Kellerberg is extremely concentrated and deep on the finely flinty and substantial nose. On the palate, this is a full-bodied, rich and savory, finely tannic and grippy Kellerberg with ripe and concentrated fruit but also a firm and saline finish. The acidity is enormous here (9.4 grams per liter), and the piquancy is well interwoven here with the extract. This is a wine to be cellared for at least 3-4 years. 13.5% stated alcohol. Natural cork. Tasted at the domaine in September 2022.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Pichler-Krutzler Loibner Ried Loibenberg Riesling 2021 750ml Was $59, Displayed Price: $49, that’s $46.55 at 5% off and $44.10 at 10% off, 5 bottles in stock now
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 95 points “Picked between October 16 and 18, the 2021 Loibner Riesling Ried Loibenberg opens with a spectacularly pure, fresh, precise and flinty as well as dense and perfectly ripe stone fruit aroma intermingled with lemon notes. On the palate, this is a salty, saline and savory Loibenberg with an elegant, intense and persistently saline finish with tension, salt and grip. 13.5% stated alcohol. Natural cork. Tasted at the domaine in September 2022.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Shop our twelve on sale selections from F.X. Pichler & Pichler-Krutzler now!
Vinopolis Close-Out Sale Featurette:
Dal Forno
In a few wine regions throughout the world, there exists one individual or family that defines the style of the region. When it comes to Valpolicella, the Dal Forno family does just that, crafting deeply concentrated expressions for over thirty years.
Established in 1983 by Romano Dal Forno, the estate vaulted to the heights of perfection in the Venato. The family employs traditional winemaking techniques, such as extended drying of the grapes before pressing, to craft their serious and seriously concentrated wines.
Vines hail from the foothills at around 1,000 feet above sea level. Here, the family’s 65 acres are planted to indigenous varieties such as Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella, grown and pruned according to ancient traditions.
So, what’s a wine lover to do? Our suggestion: embrace the concentration and richness inherent in Venato wines. For no one matches the sheer hedonistic bombast of Dal Forno. Quintarelli? Bah, that speaks to finesse. Nor should you be satisfied by the mere saccharine fruit bombs that paw anxiously at your palate. Crave impact. EXPERIENCE power. Seek wines that whisper of the Old and Ancient mysteries of this world. Demand Dal Forno.
“The Dal Forno production is always an artful expression, as these are wines that can be made in no other hands. This is because of the unique qualities of the Lodoletta Vineyard, which has alluvial clay soils, and the proprietary technology used during fermentation and winemaking.” –Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
“The Dal Fornos use traditional methods to grow the finest fruit, and then employ modern techniques to produce the best wines — classic in expression and modern in purity.” –Wilson Daniels importer note
In Stock & On Sale Now:
Dal Forno Romano Vigneto Monte Lodoletta, Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 2012 750ml Was $379, Now $329, 12 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 97 points “A decadent nose of treacle tart, chocolate, tar, tons of black fruit such as blackberries and mulberries and even ash and licorice. A dense, layered mouthfeel makes for a full-bodied palate that’s explosive yet somehow so refined and pretty all at the same time. The finish goes on and on. Incredible now, but better to wait for this giant to settle well into 2020.”
Dal Forno Romano Vigneto Monte Lodoletta, Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 2015 750ml Was $419, Now $379, 12 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 100 points “This is black as pitch in the glass and, yes, there’s a light, tarry edge to the super-concentrated prune, date and currant fruit. But even more interesting are the complex notes of bitter-orange liqueur, aged balsamic, fresh roasting herbs, cinnamon, roasted chestnuts, black tea and licorice. The more you decant in advance, the more nuances will emerge. It’s full-boded with huge concentration and lots of chewy tannin that is managing to hold the fruit back for now. This needs plenty of time to develop in the bottle. Just superb. One of the greatest Dal Forno’s ever.”
Dal Forno Romano Vigneto Monte Lodoletta, Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 2017 750ml Was $449, Now $379, 6 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 98 points “The current release. A tour de force, despite the sheer morass of palate-staining fruit. The malty oak is evident, yet operates as a welcome adjunct to corral and compress the swashbuckle of coffee grinds, beef bouillon, mint, leather varnish and saturated dark cherry liqueur, into a sheath of tension as much as sheer power. Grapes are dried for 70-80 days. This may seem obvious initially, but as one works it out in the glass and across the inner gums, the multitudinous layers become evident. A wine that shape-shifts and beguiles, as much it wrestles with the senses. Excellent. Drink or hold.”
Dal Forno Romano Vigneto Monte Lodoletta Valpolicella Superiore 2007 750ml Was $179, Now $149, 1 bottle in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2007 Valpolicella Superiore from the celebrated Monte Lodoletta vineyard is rock-tight with a midnight black appearance and aromas that emerge with fierce determination. The fascinating aromatic medley includes dark spice, prune, Spanish cedar, tar, black licorice, balsam herb and blackberry tart. The mouthfeel is plush and rich with super-tight tannins that grip nervously to the finish. It has only started its bottle evolution and requires more time to soften and develop. Drink 2017-2035.”
Dal Forno Romano Vigneto Monte Lodoletta Valpolicella Superiore 2008 750ml Was $169, Now $149, 4 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 94 points “A dark, super-ripe wine, the 2008 Valpolicella Superiore is fabulous in this vintage. Smoke, tar, incense, licorice and blackberry jam hit the palate in a massive, intense Valpolicella loaded with class and personality. Even with all of the concentration, the 2008 is quite a bit less tannic than some recent vintages have been, which makes it accessible even today, especially if given a little air. There is a lot to admire in this drop-dead gorgeous Valpolicella from Romano Dal Forno.”
Established in 1983 by Romano Dal Forno, the estate vaulted to the heights of perfection in the Venato. The family employs traditional winemaking techniques, such as extended drying of the grapes before pressing, to craft their serious and seriously concentrated wines.
Vines hail from the foothills at around 1,000 feet above sea level. Here, the family’s 65 acres are planted to indigenous varieties such as Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella, grown and pruned according to ancient traditions.
So, what’s a wine lover to do? Our suggestion: embrace the concentration and richness inherent in Venato wines. For no one matches the sheer hedonistic bombast of Dal Forno. Quintarelli? Bah, that speaks to finesse. Nor should you be satisfied by the mere saccharine fruit bombs that paw anxiously at your palate. Crave impact. EXPERIENCE power. Seek wines that whisper of the Old and Ancient mysteries of this world. Demand Dal Forno.
“The Dal Forno production is always an artful expression, as these are wines that can be made in no other hands. This is because of the unique qualities of the Lodoletta Vineyard, which has alluvial clay soils, and the proprietary technology used during fermentation and winemaking.” –Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
“The Dal Fornos use traditional methods to grow the finest fruit, and then employ modern techniques to produce the best wines — classic in expression and modern in purity.” –Wilson Daniels importer note
In Stock & On Sale Now:
Dal Forno Romano Vigneto Monte Lodoletta, Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 2012 750ml Was $379, Now $329, 12 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 97 points “A decadent nose of treacle tart, chocolate, tar, tons of black fruit such as blackberries and mulberries and even ash and licorice. A dense, layered mouthfeel makes for a full-bodied palate that’s explosive yet somehow so refined and pretty all at the same time. The finish goes on and on. Incredible now, but better to wait for this giant to settle well into 2020.”
Dal Forno Romano Vigneto Monte Lodoletta, Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 2015 750ml Was $419, Now $379, 12 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 100 points “This is black as pitch in the glass and, yes, there’s a light, tarry edge to the super-concentrated prune, date and currant fruit. But even more interesting are the complex notes of bitter-orange liqueur, aged balsamic, fresh roasting herbs, cinnamon, roasted chestnuts, black tea and licorice. The more you decant in advance, the more nuances will emerge. It’s full-boded with huge concentration and lots of chewy tannin that is managing to hold the fruit back for now. This needs plenty of time to develop in the bottle. Just superb. One of the greatest Dal Forno’s ever.”
Dal Forno Romano Vigneto Monte Lodoletta, Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 2017 750ml Was $449, Now $379, 6 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 98 points “The current release. A tour de force, despite the sheer morass of palate-staining fruit. The malty oak is evident, yet operates as a welcome adjunct to corral and compress the swashbuckle of coffee grinds, beef bouillon, mint, leather varnish and saturated dark cherry liqueur, into a sheath of tension as much as sheer power. Grapes are dried for 70-80 days. This may seem obvious initially, but as one works it out in the glass and across the inner gums, the multitudinous layers become evident. A wine that shape-shifts and beguiles, as much it wrestles with the senses. Excellent. Drink or hold.”
Dal Forno Romano Vigneto Monte Lodoletta Valpolicella Superiore 2007 750ml Was $179, Now $149, 1 bottle in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2007 Valpolicella Superiore from the celebrated Monte Lodoletta vineyard is rock-tight with a midnight black appearance and aromas that emerge with fierce determination. The fascinating aromatic medley includes dark spice, prune, Spanish cedar, tar, black licorice, balsam herb and blackberry tart. The mouthfeel is plush and rich with super-tight tannins that grip nervously to the finish. It has only started its bottle evolution and requires more time to soften and develop. Drink 2017-2035.”
Dal Forno Romano Vigneto Monte Lodoletta Valpolicella Superiore 2008 750ml Was $169, Now $149, 4 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 94 points “A dark, super-ripe wine, the 2008 Valpolicella Superiore is fabulous in this vintage. Smoke, tar, incense, licorice and blackberry jam hit the palate in a massive, intense Valpolicella loaded with class and personality. Even with all of the concentration, the 2008 is quite a bit less tannic than some recent vintages have been, which makes it accessible even today, especially if given a little air. There is a lot to admire in this drop-dead gorgeous Valpolicella from Romano Dal Forno.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Dal Forno Romano Vigneto Monte Lodoletta Valpolicella Superiore 2009 750ml Was $149, Now $125, 8 bottles in stock now
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 94+ points “Built like a tank, the 2009 Valpolicella Superiore Monte Lodoletta is a masterful achievement. This wine shows so beautifully, especially in a warm but balanced vintage like 2009. The fruit is expressive and articulate with deep layers of blackberry preserves, dried cherry, dark chocolate, espresso bean, mesquite smoke and soy sauce. The mouthfeel is super rich and concentrated as the Dal Forno signature style would dictate. The tannic bite is still strong and this wine needs a few more years to stretch out its muscular build. I’d suggest drinking it after 2018.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Dal Forno Romano Vigneto Monte Lodoletta Valpolicella Superiore 2016 750ml Was $135, Now $112, 5 bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 95 points “The 2016 Valpolicella Superiore Monte Lodoletta is intense, with a captivating bouquet that blends cedar shavings, savory herbs and balsamic spices with rum-soaked cherries, sweet lavender and dark chocolate. This sweeps across the palate with silken textures, delivering masses of tart red and black fruits along with hints of espresso bean. Crunchy mineral tones and zesty acidity add dramatic lift. The 2016 tapers off long and staining, sporting a pleasantly bitter tinge of cocoa as grippy tannins resonate. The 2016 is a well-muscled dancer yet still youthfully coiled.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Dal Forno Romano Vigneto Monte Lodoletta Valpolicella Superiore 2017 750ml Was $138, Now $119, 10 bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 95 points “Taking in the 2017 Valpolicella Superiore Monte Lodoletta reminds me of all of the desserts spices and confections experienced on Christmas day. An array of medicinal cherries plum sauce ginger cookies cloves cinnamon and dried roses captivate. There’s tremendous depth here but it maintains fantastic freshness. This is wildly spicy and intense yet deep with brilliant acidity adding energy seldom found in Valpolicella which enlivens the crunchy red fruits and pretty inner florals within. The 2017 finishes dramatically long and perfumed resonating on sour blackberries currants and a bitter hint of cocoa. This goes far beyond the expectation of Valpolicella with the power and aromatics of an Amarone but with a liveliness that will allow it to excel at the dinner table.”
We offer 214 wines on our Close-Out Sale in stock now.
Shop the sale on our webstore now!
Don’t miss our additional sales going on now:
Brovia
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles from Brovia
10% off any 6 or more in-stock bottles from Brovia
Brundlmayer & Alzinger
5% off any 6-11 in-stock bottles from Brundlmayer & Alzinger
10% off any 12 or more in-stock bottles from Brundlmayer & Alzinger
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
Brovia sale ends Tuesday, December 3rd at 9 am Pacific. Brundlmayer & Alzinger sale ends Wednesday, December 4th at 9 am Pacific.
Shop the sale on our webstore now!
Don’t miss our additional sales going on now:
Brovia
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles from Brovia
10% off any 6 or more in-stock bottles from Brovia
Brundlmayer & Alzinger
5% off any 6-11 in-stock bottles from Brundlmayer & Alzinger
10% off any 12 or more in-stock bottles from Brundlmayer & Alzinger
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
Brovia sale ends Tuesday, December 3rd at 9 am Pacific. Brundlmayer & Alzinger sale ends Wednesday, December 4th at 9 am Pacific.