Vinopolis May 12 Newsletter

Giacomo Conterno Barolo Cascina Francia 2009 ($179.95) $131.90 special
Also a few 1.5L coming- $289 special
Antonio Galloni 94-96 points “The 2009 Barolo Cascina Francia is a stunning wine. Roberto did not make Monfortino in 2009, therefore that wine was declassified and added here. The results are truly spectacular. The wine shows the soft fullness that is characteristic of the vintage, backed by tight tannins that pull the wine together. Dark fruit, licorice, chopped herb, white truffle, tar and pressed rose form a united aromatic front. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2035.”

USA- OR
Purple Hands Stoller Vineyard Dundee Hills Pinot Noir 2012 ($31.95) $26 special
Wine Spectator 93 points “Vibrant, focused and chewy with tannins, this bursts with blackberry, currant, floral and clove flavors that just don’t quit as the finish persists gracefully. Drink now through 2022”

Walter Scott Freedom Hill Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2012 ($49.95) $39 special
Antica Terra Coriolis Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2011($59.95) $49 special

J Christopher Cristo Irresisto Rose 2013 ($14.95) $11.90 special
J Christopher Cristo Misto Blanc 2013 ($14.95) $11.90 special
J Christopher Cuvee Lunatique Chardonnay 2012 (19.95) $16.60 special
J Christopher Croft Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2012 (24.95) $19 special
J Christopher ‘Uber- Sauvignon’ Croft Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2012 ($34.95) $28 special

J Christopher ‘JJ’ Pinot Noir 2012 ($19.95) $16 special

J Christopher Sandra Adele Dundee Hills Pinot Noir 2011 ($44.95) $37 special
Wine Advocate 93 points “A lovely, sachet-like herbal and floral melange in the nose–with rose petal and lavender prominent–is complimented by fragrant and juicy evocations of cherry and red currant. Silken and caressing but at the same time bright and juicy, this acquires salted caramel, veal stock, and faintly sweaty carnal-mineral notes in a long finish that preserves all of the captivating floral, herbal, and berry allure promised on the nose. I would anticipate a fine show through at least 2022. 146 cases produced.”

J Christopher Olenik Vineyard Chehalem Mountain Pinot Noir 2011($44.95) $37 special
Wine Advocate 93 points “This powerful wine is from a very warm site not far from us on Chehalem Mountain. It is dark and deep, with an enormous, explosive blast of fruit and minerals on the palate, followed by firm, but supple tannin. It’s a monster, but with a charming side! ”

USA-WA
K Vintners Milbrandt Vineyard Walla Walla Valley Syrah 2012 ($31.95) $28 special

Gramercy Cellars Lagniappe Columbia Valley Syrah 2011 ($59.95) $49 special
Wine Advocate 94-96 points “A step up in terms of complexity, depth and richness, the 2011 Syrah Lagniappe is Greg’s cooler climate focused Syrah. Coming from the Red Willow, Olsen and SJR Vineyards and fermented with 50% whole cluster, it offers a brilliantly complex bouquet of violets, peppered steak, blackberry, stem and exotic spices along with a medium to full-bodied, focused and balanced mouthfeel. Really stretching out on the finish, it’s an overall classy, elegant Syrah that will age gracefully for 12-15 years.”

FRANCE- Champagne
Chartogne- Taillet Brut Champagne Cuvee Sainte Anne NV ($44.95) $34.90 special
Wine Spectator 92 points “Full-bodied and powerful, offering toast and malt aromas followed by honey, roasted almond and ginger flavors. Rich, this finishes dry, with a long aftertaste of honey and nut.”

Vouette et Sorbee Extra Brut Champagne Cuvee Blanc d’ Argile Blanc de Blancs NV [2010]($99.95) $79 special
Antonio Galloni 92 points “Sweet flowers, honey, mint and pine all take shape in the Blanc d’Argille. In this vintage, the Blanc d’Argille is quite restrained, subtle and nuanced, but it opens up nicely in the glass, with pretty hints of almond, lemon peel and crushed rocks. Expressive floral notes add lift and fragrance on the finish.”

FRANCE- Burgundy
Domaine Pattes Loup Chablis 2012 ($31.95) $28 special

Robert Groffier Pere et Fils Bonnes Mares Grand Cru 2011 ($319.95) $279 special, limited availability, 6 bottles in stock
Stephen Tanzer 93 points “(vinified with one-third whole clusters; aged in one-third new oak): Bright ruby-red. Complex, expressive aromas of black raspberry, cassis, mocha, game, brown spices and underbrush. Silky on entry, then thick but alive in the middle, with harmonious acidity framing the flavors of black fruits and exotic flowers. An incredibly thick and ripe 2011 with explosive fruit. Finishes with seamless tannins, lovely length and very good peppery lift. Drink now or in ten years. These 2011s are undeniably rich and thick, with adequate acidity, but I miss the ineffable treble notes the best examples of the vintage can offer.”

GERMANY
Selbach-Oster Riesling Zeltinger Schlossberg ‘Schmitt’ 2012 375ml ($37.95) $28 special
Stephen Tanzer 93 points “($54) Pale golden yellow. Rich bouquet of candied apricot, ginger and nut oil. Succulently juicy pineapple and crisp slate animate the supple, creamy texture. The seductive finish is only slightly sweet. Boasts excellent balance and considerable promise.”

Selbach-Oster Riesling Zeltinger Himmelreich ‘Anrecht’ 2011 ($39.95) $31.90 special
Wine Advocate 94 points “The block-picked, lightly-botrytized Selbach 2011 Zeltinger Himmelreich Riesling Anrecht leads with a gorgeous though subtle amalgam of apple blossom, chamomile, sweet lime, pear nectar, and quince preserves, all of which reconvene on a silken-textured, subtly creamy and oily yet admirably juicy and utterly transparent palate, through which shimmer stony, smoky and saline notes. Allying a Kabinett-like sense of levity, primary juiciness and mineral interaction with the richness of flavor typical for a great Auslese – at just 7.5% alcohol yet not dominated by its sheer sweetness! – this perfectly illustrates precisely the point of block picking that captures all of the sorts of ripeness that are out there and layers them on the palate to render a masterpiece of counterpoint and harmony. Expect this to be worth following for a quarter century, though who can really tell, absent any recent track record for such a wine.”

Selbach-Oster Riesling Zeltinger Himmelreich ‘Anrecht’ 2012 ($39.95) $31.90 special
Stephen Tanzer 92 points “($38) Golden yellow. Expansive aromas of caramelized apple, candied peach and lemon curd. The succulent flavors of honey and apricot pith are kept vibrant by refreshing acidity. The long finish, offering complex notes of tangerine and toasted nuts, tastes almost dry.”

Selbach-Oster Riesling Zeltinger Sonnenuhr ‘Rotlay’ 2011 ($59.95) $48 special
Wine Advocate 91+ points “Carob and toasted nuts inflect baked apple and vanilla on the nose of Selbachs’ block-picked 2011 Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Rotlay, which comes to the palate expansive, creamy, and buoyant (at 8.5% alcohol), its apple joined by almost overripe Persian melon. Hints of pip and botrytis bitterness add interest, but there is not the subtle interaction of flavors or the layer of primary juiciness that rendered the corresponding Anrecht bottling so memorable, but instead a more dominantly honeyed, soothingly rich personality. This long-finishing beauty may well – as its author suggests – just need some time to reveal its multiple layers. ”

SPAIN
Bodegas Muga Rioja Reserva 2009 ($26.95) $21.90 special
Stephen Tanzer 92 points “(70% tempranillo, 20% garnacha, 7% mazuelo and 3% graciano; aged for 24 months in French and American oak):  Brilliant ruby.  Black raspberry and smoky oak scents are lifted by enticing mineral and spicecake notes.  Dense, supple and deep, with intense flavors of black raspberry, mocha and vanilla.  Very full, velvety wine, finishing with smooth, ripe tannins and a vibrant red berry quality.” Wine Advocate 91 points “So we moved on to the reds with the 2009 Reserva, a vintage where they harvested quite late and they compare to 2005, a powerful year. The blend is 70% Tempranillo, 15% Garnacho (they use the masculine form of the name here), 10% Graciano and 5% Mazuelo from old terraced vineyards in the lowest part of the Oja valley where the river meets the Ebro. The grapes are fermented with their natural yeast in old oak wooden vats for 20 days with daily pumping-over and aged for two years in barrels, the first year in new ones, and the second year in used ones. The young nose is dominated by dark fruit aromas intermixed with notes of orange rind, licorice, Chinese ink and smoked peat. The palate shows some grainy tannins denoting a young but tender wine, with good intensity and acidity, ideal to have with food. ..Very Rioja. Drink 2014-2020.”

Remelluri Lindes de Remelluri Rioja San Vincente 2010 ($34.95) $29 special
Stephen Tanzer 92 points “Saturated ruby.  Blackcurrant, smoky minerals and potpourri on the highly perfumed nose.  Silky and sweet on entry, then packed with juicy dark fruit complicated by floral pastilles and a hint of blood orange.  Powerful but lithe, with seamless texture, fine-grained tannins and impressive energy on the finish.”

Remelluri Lindes de Remelluri Rioja Labastida 2010 ($34.95) $29 special
Stephen Tanzer 92 points “Saturated ruby.  Blackcurrant, smoky minerals and potpourri on the highly perfumed nose.  Silky and sweet on entry, then packed with juicy dark fruit complicated by floral pastilles and a hint of blood orange.  Powerful but lithe, with seamless texture, fine-grained tannins and impressive energy on the finish.”

Remelluri Rioja Reserva 2009 ($39.95) $31.90 special
Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2009 Remelluri Reserva aims at showing the character of Remelluri, as this is the first modern vintage that does not have grapes purchased from external suppliers. These grapes are now in the Lindes range of wines, but in the past they were blended with the estate grapes. The cool Remelluri vineyards behave very well in warmer years. This 2009 is very clean with predominant aromas of earthy red fruit intermixed with notes of vanilla and cinnamon, a satin texture with round, fine-grained tannins and quite classical and very well-proportioned style. This is a great vintage for Remelluri Reserva.”

GRRREAT CHAMPAGNE
Arriving Tomorrow

Bollinger R.D. Extra Brut Champagne 2002 ($399.95) $333 special 9 bottles available
Winery notes “R.D. stands for Récemment Dégorgé, recently disgorged: Madame Bollinger firstcreated this legendary bottling in 1967, giving the world the opportunity to taste a champagne aged on lees for an exceptionally long time. Her great vision? Enabling wine connoisseurs to share a very special moment, when very recently disgorged wine is as fresh and aromatic as ever. 60% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay from 23 crus: 71% Grands crus, 29% Premiers crus. Only the very best among vintage champagnes become Bollinger R.D.: 2002 is definitely one of the most promising vintages of the last decade.”

Almost Arrivals – Bartolo Mascarello – New Releases
Arriving This Week

Bartolo Mascarello Dolcetto d’Alba 2012 ($31.95) $28 special
Antonio Galloni 91 points “The 2012 Dolcetto d’Alba is drop-dead gorgeous. Dark cherry, plum, violets and lavender all flesh out in a soft, supple Dolcetto laced with expressive dark red/purplish fruit. Mascarello’s Dolcetto can sometimes be a bit austere and compact, not the 2012. It is stunning, classic and utterly delicious.”

Bartolo Mascarello Barbera d’Alba San Lorenzo 2011 ($59.95) $49 special
Antonio Galloni 92 points “Dark red cherry, plum, cinnamon and new leather meld together in the 2011 Barbera d’Alba San Lorenzo. Soft, supple and caressing, the 2011 impresses for its balance and total sense of harmony. The flavors are beautifully layered from start to finish. This is another striking, impeccable wine.”

Bartolo Mascarello Barolo 2009 ($119.95) $99 special
Stephen Tanzer 92 points “Good bright red.  Cherry liqueur, raspberry and red licorice on the nose.  Then surprisingly juicy in the mouth for this warm year, showing intense red fruit and mineral flavors accented by blood orange and spices.  At once silky and light on its feet. this very elegant and refined 2009 Barolo finishes with suave tannins and enticing spicy lift.”

Bartolo Mascarello Barolo 2007 ($119.95) $99 special
Antonio Galloni 96 points “Mascarello’s 2007 Barolo flows from the glass with masses of round, enveloping fruit. This is an unusually soft, juicy Barolo from Mascarello that is remarkable for its textural richness and warm radiant fruit. The 2007 doesn’t have the aromatic complexity of the 2005 or 2006, but it makes up for that with its totally seductive personality. Crushed flowers, berries and sweet baking spices linger on a generous finish that evokes memories of the 1990. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2032. ”

Giuseppe Mascarello Barolo Monprivato 2008 ($149.95) $119 special
Wine Spectator 95 points, #6 wine of the year 2013 “Detailed and fragrant, offering floral, strawberry, cherry, licorice and spice flavors, this is elegant and underlined by a strong mineral streak. Well-proportioned, picking up intensity and complexity on the long, savory finish. Extremely fresh and classy”

Giuseppe Mascarello Barolo Monprivato 2009 ($119.95) $89 special
Antonio Galloni 93-95 points “The 2009 Barolo Monprivato impresses for its sheer balance. Nothing really stands out, instead it is the wine’s overall harmony that speaks most clearly. This is going to be a fascinating vintage of Monprivato to follow. What will emerge over time? Will it be the personality of the year, or the pedigree of these poor, white soils? Time will tell.”

Giuseppe Mascarello Barolo Ca’ di Morissio 2004 ($399.95) $349 special
Wine Spectator 98 points “Settling into a phase of maturation, this powerful red offers floral, truffle, macerated cherry, leather and spice aromas and flavors. Sweet and balanced, with fruit, mineral and savory elements lingering on the aftertaste. Still youthful, this remains approachable, and should peak in a year or two. Best from 2015 through 2040.”

Corsini Rosin Langhe Rosato 2012($14.95) $9 special 12+ bottles available
Tramontane Cotes du Roussillon Rose 2012 ($14.95) $11.90 special 2 bottles available
Chateau Thivin Beaujolais Rose 2012($19.95) $11.90 special 2+ bottles available
Triennes St. Auguste Rose 2012 ($14.95) $11.90 special 15 bottles available

Westrey Oracle Vineyard Pinot Noir Rose 2013 ($19.95) $16 special 12+ bottles available
Alois Lageder Lagrein Rose 2011 ($21.95) $17 special 12+ bottles available
Ameztoi Txakolina Rubentis Rose 2013 ($21.95) $18 special 7 bottles available
Digioia- Royer Bourgogne Rose 2012 ($21.95) $18 special 3 bottles available
Charles Joguet Chinon Rose 2012 ($24.95) $19 special 3 bottles available
Peyrassol Commanderie de Peyrassol Cotes de Provence Rose 2013 ($24.95) $21.90 special 12+ bottles available

Punta Crena Pettirosso Allegro Rose 2011($19.95) $16 special 10 bottles available
Frizzante wine made with 50% Rossese and 50% Crovino from Liguria

Bebame El Dorado County Rose 2013 ($19.95) $16 special 11 bottles available
Cabernet Franc/ Gamay

Reverdy Sancerre Rose Terre de Maimbray 2013 ($29.95) $21.90 special 12+ bottles available
100% Pinot Noir

Chateau de Calavon D’Aix en Provence Rose 2013 ($21.95) $18 special 12+ bottles available
Chateau notes: “Château de Calavon, a domain of 115 acres, is located in Lambesc, in the heart of the Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence appellation. It is the first winery to be founded in this village. Owned by the Audibert family for five generations, it is now run by Michel Audibert and his team.  The vines are planted on terraces facing southeast, in stony soil that is a mixture of limestone and clay. The grape varieties grown for rosé wines are Grenache, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, and Cinsault. No pesticides, herbicides, or chemical products are used in the vineyards, as the estate is in the process of converting to organic production.”

Kapscandy Grand Vin Napa Valley Rose 2010 ($59.95) $49 special 1 bottle available
Robert Parker 92 points “The Cabernet Sauvignon-based 2010 Grand Vin Rose is naturally a more structured, powerful wine than the Roberta’s. Far from an easygoing Rose, the 2010 is going to need at least another 6-12 months in bottle. It is a powerful, imposing wine that will pair beautifully with a wide range of foods. Crushed flowers, mint and anise are all layered into the precise, striking finish. The 2010 is 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot that spent 18 months in neutral French oak. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2020.”

2012 was a warm and dry season, especially in comparison to the previous vintage.  The harvest began in mid-September and was interrupted mid-October by rains.  The resulting wines are rich in fruit and dark in color and aroma.  Many of the whites and Willamette Valley Pinot Noirs are here, and a number of reserve and single-vineyard bottlings have begun to trickle in.

Owned and produced by Brad McLeroy in his family’s estate in the Ribbon Ridge AVA.  The 2012s we’ve tasted show lush red fruit aromas with a nice balance of acidity.

Ayres Lewis Rogers Lane Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2012 ($34.95) $29 special
Ayres Perspective Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2012 ($29.95) $26 special
Ayres Pioneer Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2012 ($39.95) $33 special
Ayres Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2012 ($24.95) $19 special

Affectionately known here as Patty Green, PGC wines are from the Ribbon Ridge and include some of the oldest vines among this spread of 2012s.  We’ve tasted about half of their 2012 offerings (and they have quite a range!)  Their Freedom Hill clonal wines, the Dijon and Pommard, both showed complex flavors and striking difference between the two.  The Notorious is definitely worth bottle ageing for several more years; it is the only wine to see 100% new oak.

Patricia Green Olenik Vineyard Anklebreaker Block Pinot Noir 2012 ($59.95) $46 special 
Patricia Green Balcombe Vineyard 1B Pinot Noir 2012 ($59.95) $44 special
Patricia Green Estate Vineyard Etzel Block Pinot 2012 ($59.95) $49 special
Patricia Green Estate Old Vine Pinot Noir 2012 ($39.95) $33 special
Patricia Green Freedom Hill Dijon Clone 2012 ($41.95) $36 special
Patricia Green Freedom Hill Pommard Clone 2012 ($39.95) $33 special 
Patricia Green Notorious Pinot Noir 2012 ($79.95) $69 special

Walter Scott is a relatively new producer.  Their winery was started in 2008.  The co-founders, Ken Pahlow and Erica Landon, have worked for various wineries, restaurants and distributors around the state.  The wines are opulent and lush without being excessive.  The 2012s all saw some new French oak.

Walter Scott Clos Oiseaux Vineyard Pinot Noir 2012 ($39.95) $33 special
Walter Scott Cuvee Ruth Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2012 ($31.95) $27 special     
Walter Scott Dumb Ox Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills 2012 ($44.95) $37 special
Walter Scott Freedom Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir 2012 ($49.95) $39 special

Ransom Jigsaw Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2012 ($17.95) $14 special 
Boedecker Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2012 ($21.95) $17 special
Crowley Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2012 ($24.95) $21.90 special
Haden Fig Pinot Noir Cancilla Vineyard 2012 ($29.95) $26 special
Elemental Farrar Vineyard Pinot Noir 2012 ($31.95) $26 special
Beaux Freres Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2012 ($59.95) $51.90 special 
Vincent Pinot Noir Armstrong Vineyard 2012 ($37.95) $33 special
Westrey Abbey Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir 2012 ($39.95) $36 special

Bergstrom Cumberland Reserve Pinot Noir 2012 ($44.95) $39 special
Bergstrom Gregory Ranch Pinot Noir 2012 ($59.95) $51.90 special
Bergstrom Pinot Noir Shea Vineyard 2012 ($52.95) $49 special
Bergstrom Pinot Noir Silice Vineyard 2012 ($69.95) $59    special

Evesham Wood Eola Amity Pinot Noir 2012 ($27.95) $24 special
Evesham Wood La Grive Bleue Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2012 ($29.95) $26 special    

Ken Wright Bryce Vineyard Pinot Noir 2012 ($59.95) $49 special
Ken Wright Carter Pinot Noir 2012 ($59.95) $49 special
Ken Wright Freedom Hill Pinot Noir 2012 ($59.95) $49 special     
Ken Wright McCrone Pinot Noir 2012 ($59.95) $49 special
Ken Wright Meredith Mitchell Pinot Noir 2012 ($59.95) $49 special     
Ken Wright Nysa Pinot Noir 2012 1.5L ($119.95) $89 special
Ken Wright Nysa Pinot Noir 2012 ($59.95) $49 special
Ken Wright Savoya Pinot Noir 2012 ($59.95) $49 special
Ken Wright Shea Pinot Noir 2012 1.5L ($119.95) $89 special 
Ken Wright Tanager Pinot Noir 2012 ($59.95) $49 special

Purple Hands Pinot Noir Barron Wahl 2012 ($34.95) $29.90 special 
Wine Spectator 93 points “Bright and expressive, weaving toasty, spicy accents into brilliant raspberry and mulberry flavors, picking up a guava note as the finish persists with intensity. Drink now through 2022.”

Purple Hands Pinot Noir Stoller Vineyard 2012 ($31.95) $26 special
Wine Spectator 93 points “Vibrant, focused and chewy with tannins, this bursts with blackberry, currant, floral and clove flavors that just don’t quit as the finish persists gracefully. Drink now through 2022”

Sineann Pinot Noir Yates Conwill 2012 ($41.95) $36 special
Wine Spectator 91 points “Smooth and round, pulsing with coffee and mineral accents around a core of blackberry and currant flavors, coming together harmoniously on the finish. Drink now through 2020. 700 cases made”

Clos St Magdeleine Cassis Blanc 2011 ($34.95) $21.90 special
“This richly textured white has an excellent herbal and light citrus nose. It makes a great pairing with roasted poultry and grilled fish.”