Wednesday, July 1st, 2015
Flash Sale; Scandals & Scumbags; Mid-Week New Arrivals; Tuscan Superstars Arriving in July; Ganevat Special Offer; 2014 Terry Theise Teasers; Domaine Servin
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Vinopolis will be closed next Saturday in observance of July 4th
Our Saturday newsletter will run as regularly scheduled
Our web store is always open
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Mid-West, East & South
Summer Shipping Saver
Whisk your wine through warmer weather!
Beginning now, for the summer season we are offering UPS Three Day Select Service for the price of UPS Ground for shipments normally travelling 4 or more business days.
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Flash Sales
Arriving July 14th
Two Hands Wines Bella’s Garden Shiraz, Barossa Valley 2012 750ML ($69.95) $41.90 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Two Hands Wines Bella’s Garden Shiraz, Barossa Valley 2012 750ML ($299.95) $228 pre-arrival special (that’s only $38/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 95 points “Utterly seamless, focused, powerful and elegant, layered with cherry, boysenberry and red plum fruit, revealing glints of coffee, jasmine and cardamom that add extra nuances. Delivers complexity without extra weight. The finish won’t quit. Drink now through 2022. 6,000 cases made.” WS
Wine Advocate 93+ points “Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2012 Bella’s Garden Shiraz has a nose of blackberry preserves and warm cassis with hints of menthol, dark chocolate, cardamom and cedar. Full-bodied and richly fruited in the mouth, the abundant fruit is well matched by firm, rounded tannins and refreshing acid before finishing with great length. Drink it now to 2024+.”
Josh Raynolds—Vinous 93 points “Brilliant violet color. Powerful, deeply pitched aromas of blue fruit preserves, licorice, incense and mocha are lifted by a sexy Indian spice quality. Stains the palate with sweet dark fruit and cocoa flavors that gain energy and lift with aeration. Rich and expansive but lively as well. Closes velvety and very long, with lingering smokiness and smooth, harmonious tannins.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $49.99
The average price is $66
New Vintage!
Also Arriving July 14th
Perrier-Jouet Belle Epoque – Fleur de Champagne Brut Millesime 2007 750ML ($219.95) $119 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 93 points “Driven by smoky minerality, this firm and balanced Champagne offers a subtle palate of pineapple pâte de fruit, blackberry tart, lemon preserves and fleur de sel. Offers a long-lasting finish. Drink now through 2027. 600 cases imported.” WS
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $154.99
The average price is $204
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Scandals and Scumbags
Taittinger FIFA Brazil World Cup Edition Reserve Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($79.95) Was $61.90, Now $33, 23 bottles available
Case-6 Taittinger FIFA Brazil World Cup Edition Reserve Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($199.95) $179 special, 4 six-packs available (that’s only $29.83/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 91 points “An elegant aperitif style, with racy acidity and a fine, creamy mousse. Shows a layered mix of pastry cream, poached apple, slivered almond and lemon zest. Drink now through 2019.” WS
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $54.99
The average price is $63
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Mid-Week New Arrivals
FRANCE-CHAMPAGNE
Perrier-Jouet Blason Rose, Champagne NV 750ML ($79.95) $39 special
Case-6 Perrier-Jouet Blason Rose, Champagne NV 750ML ($419.95) $199 special (that’s only $33.17/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 91 points “($85) Vibrant and refined in texture, this well-knit rosé Champagne meshes a chalky base note with flavors of almond biscotti, fresh ginger, white raspberry and candied kumquat. Drink now through 2019. 1,500 cases imported.”AN
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $49.97
The average price is $77
FRANCE-BURGUNDY
Camille Giroud Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2012 750ML ($34.95) $28 special
Case-12 Camille Giroud Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2012 750ML ($359.95) $299 special (that’s only $24.92/bottle!)
Antonio Galloni 88-89 points “The 2012 Bourgogne Rouge impresses for its clarity of fruit, depth and flavor. Dark cherry, plum, spice and new leather all flesh out in a supple, inviting Bourgogne loaded with sheer appeal. There is a lot to like here, including a level of pure resonance that is rare at this level.” AG
Camille Giroud Ladoix 2012 750ML ($39.95) $33 special
Camille Giroud Santenay Rouge 2012 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
Case-12 Camille Giroud Santenay Rouge 2012 750ML ($499.95) $419 special (that’s only $34.92/bottle!)
Antonio Galloni 89-90 points “Giroud’s 2012 Santenay is striking. Here the flavors are savory and quite powerful. Iron, graphite and minerals add complexity in a dark, muscular Santenay loaded with personality. The 2012 finishes with fabulous length, energy and perfume. About 20% of the Santenay is declassified 1er Cru fruit.” AG
SPAIN
Lopez de Heredia Vina Gravonia Crianza Blanco, Rioja DOCa 2005 750ML ($31.95) $26.60 special
Case-12 Lopez de Heredia Vina Gravonia Crianza Blanco, Rioja DOCa 2005 750ML ($349.95) $299 special (that’s only $24.92/bottle!)
Wine Advocate 93+ points “The 2005 Viña Gravonia Blanco Crianza, from a harvest that was slightly shorter than 2004 but of a similar quality, is pure Viura from very old vines fermented in old oak vats and matured in old oak barrels for four years. It starts off slightly reduced, and needs time and air, so decanting in advance is not out of place. The palate is much more precise, pungent, intense, very balanced and persistent. The nose finally comes on its own with developed notes of petrol, beeswax and chamomile, perhaps a little more evolved than its siblings. This is a white full of personality, ready now. Character, at very good price. 52,000 bottles produced.” WA
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Just a reminder about our current shipping specials during this season:
For the Mid-West, East, and South during the summer season we are offering UPS Three Day Select Service for the price of UPS Ground for shipments that would normally travel four or more business days to their destination.
We offer flat rate shipping on any size single order / single shipment
-to Oregon for $17,
-Washington & Idaho for $20,
-and California for $25
These rates do not apply to orders held in storage here for any reason. Multiple orders consolidated into one shipment do not qualify for flat rate shipping.
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Two Outstanding Tuscan Wines – Arriving in July
Arriving Mid-July
Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2004 750ML ($119.95) $89 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 95 points “The 2004 Brunello di Montalcino is awesome. This finessed, regal Brunello flows onto the palate with seamless layers of perfumed fruit framed by silky, finessed tannins. The wine remains extremely primary at this stage, and its full range of aromas and flavors have yet to emerge, but the sheer pedigree of this Brunello is unmistakable. The elegant, refined finish lasts an eternity, and subtle notes of menthol, spices, licorice and leather add final notes of complexity. The estate’s 2004 Brunello is a wine to buy and bury in the deepest corner of the cellar. Brunello is never inexpensive, but this is the real deal, and in relative terms, it is one of the world’s great values in fine, cellar worthy wine. Incredibly, there are 18,000+ cases of the 2004 Brunello, so it should be fairly easy to source in various markets. The Brunello is made from four vineyards ranging from 250 to 400 meters in altitude, all in Sant’Angelo in Colle. The wines from the various vineyards were aged separately in French oak casks prior to being assembled and bottled.” AG
Arriving Late July
Gaja Ca’Marcanda Magari Toscana IGT 2012 750ML ($79.95) $59 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 93 points “Bright and firm with sliced-lemon, blueberry and almond character throughout. Full body, firm tannins and a clean finish. Clean and fresh. Better in 2016.” JS
Wine Spectator 92 points “Rich and bursting with cedar, licorice, black currant and sandalwood aromas and flavors, this red is dense and chewy. Balanced and long, this begs for grilled steak or a roast. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2022. ” WS
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Ganevat Special Offer
Resting between Burgundy and the border of Switzerland in eastern France is the obscure and intriguing wine producing region of the Jura. Vineyards are mostly planted in a 50 mile strip along the lower-lying western section of the Jura Mountains. The vineyard land today is only one-tenth of its pre-phylloxera size, and there are six AOCs: Cotes du Jura, Cremant du Jura, Arbois, L’Etoile, Chateau-Chalon and Macvin du Jura. The soil throughout the Jura is composed of Jurassic limestone and marlstone, similar to Chablis and the upper Loire. The Jurassic era is named after the Jura Mountains where the limestone was first identified.
Due to the region’s isolation, much of its traditional winemaking techniques are still in common practice and its three traditional grape varieties still dominate the landscape. The Jura is known for producing white wines ranging from completely oxidized to not.
There are three traditional and two non-traditional grape varieties grown in the Jura. Savagnin, also referred to as Nature, is the traditional white variety used for oxidized and non-oxidized still wines and for sparkling wines. Poulsard, or Ploussard, is used to make dry red wines and sparkling roses. It is very light and thin skinned, and is often blended in still or sparkling wines as a blanc de noir. Trousseau is grown in more limited production due to its slower ripening. It is mostly grown in Arbois and produces a slightly more full-bodied and more deeply colored wine. Both red grapes express berry and earthy aromas. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, known as Melon d’Arbois or Gamay Blanc, are used in blends or alone.
Jean-François Ganevat, from the Le Combe hamlet, comes from a long line of grape growers dating back to the 1650s. Until 1976, his family’s focus was the production of the local cheese, Comté, and grapes only supplemented the income. Jean-François took over the family domaine in 1998 after working for his father and for the Domaine Jean-Marc Morey in Chassagne-Montrachet. He produces between 35-40 cuvees each year from his family’s 8.5 hectares of vines, all biodynamic. This is an impressive feat for such a meticulous winemaker who has every grape individually destemmed by trimming it with scissors from the bunch into the fermentation vat. The wines are elegant and perfected examples of some of the best this obscure region has to offer.
“To say that his grapes are spun into gold would not be far from the truth; they are entirely otherworldly.” –Kermit Lynch Wines
Back Vintages Arriving Mid-July
Jean Francois Ganevat Cotes du Jura ‘Grusse en Billat,’ Chardonnay 2010 750ML ($99.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Importer note “Planted in 1960. Schist and marl soil.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Jean Francois Ganevat Cotes du Jura Les Chalasses Vieilles Vignes Chardonnay 2010 750ML ($119.95) $89 pre-arrival special
Importer note “Planted in 1902. Gray marl soil.”
Jean Francois Ganevat Cotes du Jura Les Grands Teppes Vieilles Vignes Chardonnay 2010 750ML ($119.95) $99 pre-arrival special
Importer note “Planted in 1920. White marl soil.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Jean Francois Ganevat Cotes du Jura Cuvee Julien Pinot Noir 2010 750ML ($89.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Importer note “Planted in 1977. Clay and limestone soil.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Jura Wines Available Here Now
Caves Jean Bourdy Cremant Du Jura Rose NV 750 ($29.95) $24 special, 6 bottles available
“100% Trousseau. Fine, delicate bubbles, a surprisingly light wine, it is ideal for special moments with friends and family. It will also accompany the entire meal.”–Winemaker Notes
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Champ Divin Pinot Noir Cotes Du Jura 2013 750ML ($29.95) $21.90 special, 23 bottles available
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine Dugois ‘Aureoline’ Savagnin, Jura 2011 750ML ($29.95) $26 special, 11 bottles available
“Rich, fruity and very ripe, this is a wine with toast, spice and luscious apricot and green plum flavors. Still young, it has intense potential to yield a full-bodied, intense wine with great acidity as well as fruitiness.” –Wine Enthusiast
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Benedicte & Stephane Tissot Arbois Poulsard Vieilles Vignes, Jura 2013 750ML ($34.95) $29 special, 9 bottles available
Jean Francois Ganevat Cotes du Jura Cuvee Prestige Savagnin 2010 750ML ($89.95) $59 special, 4 bottles available
Importer note “Made in an oxidative style, wine remains sous voile for 48 months in demi-muid. Vineyard planted in 1977.”
Jean Francois Ganevat ‘Sul Q’, Jura, Vin de France NV 375ML ($99.95) $66 special, 3 half-bottles available
Importer note “A ‘sélections des grains nobles’ of Savagnin though SGN is not officially recognized in the Jura. 250 grams RS.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Jean Francois Ganevat Vieux Macvin du Jura NV 750ML ($69.95) $39 special, 9 bottles available
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $45.99
Domaine Labet Cotes du Jura La Reine Chardonnay 2011 750ML ($39.95) $28 special, 3 bottles available
Domaine Labet Cotes du Jura ‘Fleur de Savagnin’ en Chalasse 2012 750ML ($29.95) $24 special, 2 bottles available
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $27.71
Domaine Dugois Trousseau ‘Grevillière,’ Jura 2011 750ML ($31.95) $28 special, 11 bottles available
VinopolNote: 100% Trousseau from the lieu-dit Grevillière, a parcel of 60 year old vines grown in clay, marl and gravel soil in the village of Arsures, near Arbois.
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Les Granges Paquenesses Chardonnay “La Mamette” 2012 750ML ($24.95) $19 special, 14 bottles available
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Les Granges Paquenesses Ploussard 2012 750ML ($21.95) $18 special, 5 bottles available
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Jacques Puffeney Arbois Chardonnay, Jura 2013 750ML ($39.95) $31.90 special, 1 bottle available
Jacques Puffeney Arbois Cuvee Sacha, Jura NV 750ML ($44.95) $36 special, 4 bottles available
Jacques Puffeney Arbois Savagnin, Jura 2011 750ML ($49.95) $41.90 special, 4 bottles available
Benedicte & Stephane Tissot Cotes du Jura En Barberon Chardonnay 2011 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 5 bottles available
Wine Spectator 90 points “Well-focused, with a light hazelnut frame that lends a firm edge to the core of melon, apple, pear and ginger. A hint of bitter almond extends the finish. Chardonnay. Drink now through 2014″WS
Benedicte & Stephane Tissot Cremant du Jura NV 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 special, 7 bottles available
Wine Spectator 89 points “Well-focused, with ginger and chamomile notes racing along in front of a core of lightly baked apple, hazelnut husk and persimmon. Shows good energy and cut on the finish, with a lingering honeysuckle detail. Drink now. 2,000 cases made.” WS
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
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Teasers 2014
Tune in Saturday for the complete Terry Theise fall arrival offers from Germany and Austria!
Arriving October 2015
Alzinger Gruner Muhlpoint Federspiel 2014 750ML ($34.95) $28 pre-arrival special
Terry Theise notes “A “little” wine with big density, tactile with extract, scree, rock-dust; more boxwood than green bean (though that too is there), but it’s the clarity and mineral authority so impressive here.”
Alzinger Gruner Steinertal Federspiel 2014 750ML ($39.95) $33 pre-arrival special
Terry Theise notes “By alcohol (12.8, though the label will say 12.5) you could have argued for Smaragd, especially us geezers who remember dem wines, so this is in effect a borderline Smaragd at a bargain price. And whatever—the name is what it is, but the wine is wonderful; super-peppery and full of tarragon in the Zalto, more sapid and juicy in the tulip—and also more phenolic, so a nod to Zalto this time, for pushing the vivid sweet sting of the vineyard forward and yielding a minty finale. I also miss the chervil notes in the tulip. (This stuff will make you crazy…) but the wine will just make you happy.”
Alzinger Gruner Loibenberg Smaragd 2014 750ML ($69.95) $57 pre-arrival special
Terry Theise notes “A most unusual Loibenberg, really sinewy and “green” like a chewy salad of herbs and mustards. The tulip shows more roasted red pepper and a spicy “sweetness.” I find the wine outstanding, and all of 13% alc.”
Alzinger Riesling Durnsteiner Federspiel 2014 750ML ($39.95) $33 pre-arrival special
Terry Theise notes “11.5% alc. Compelling aroma, especially from the tulip. (Zalto is seriously wrong for this wine!) This has all the positive attributes of “underripeness,” compactness, mineral density. It has bits of all the Grand Crus from an early picking due to stem-rot. Fennel-frond, grassy green tea; it made me dream of mid-November woods, when the threads begin to show.”
Alzinger Riesling Loibenberg Federspiel 2014 750ML ($44.95) $36 pre-arrival special
Terry Theise notes “12% now. It’s a relatively small wine in the context of this usually lavish vineyard; the silky precise aromas recall a Catoir (Mandelgarten in fact), but the palate is quite packed and intricate, albeit in an anise-hyssop and physalis style; it’s slim but not gaunt, and subtly salty.”
Willi Schaefer Riesling Feinherb 2014 750ML ($24.95) $19 pre-arrival special
Willi Schaefer Estate Riesling 2014 750ML ($24.95) $19 pre-arrival special
Willi Schaefer Graacher Riesling Trocken 2014 750ML ($24.95) $19 pre-arrival special
Terry Theise notes “Even commentators friendly to this domain have observed that the dry wines are below the quality level of the sweet wines. I agree—which is why I was so surprised how much I liked this. Still leesy but it seems quite wonderful; mineral, angular, stony but with a curious slinky malic aspect that ameliorates a certain severity; very long and dense with only a teeny nip of botrytis.”
Willi Schaefer Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett 2014 750ML ($34.95) $28 pre-arrival special
Terry Theise notes “The wine seems limpid and even-tempered until its rather energetic finish that mashes salts, shale and acidity together into a peppery glom, almost wasabi penetration. But this was seen through a heavy veil of yeasty funk, so don’t take me too literally.”
Willi Schaefer Graacher Domprobst Riesling Kabinett 2014 750ML ($34.95) $28 pre-arrival special
Terry Theise notes “A lovely aroma, the first really “cleaned-up” wine; it shows all the normal jazz—pistachio, cox-orange and yes, botrytis; the palate is really taut and sprightly even with all that “sweet” fruit; a really dusty slate texture into a vaporous finish.”
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Domaine Servin
Domaine Servin is one of the oldest and largest estates in the region, with 32 hectares of vines spread throughout Chablis and much of it in top vineyards. The Servin family has been in the Chablis region since 1654 and involved in the wine industry for much of that time. Today, Francois Servin runs the domaine with the assistance of his Australian brother-in-law, Mark Cameron.
François, while appreciating the great traditions that are very important to the Servin family, strives to modernize and improve the estate. He has resumed hand harvesting of grapes over most of the Premier Cru and all of the Grand Cru vineyards. Where necessary, he has replanted with improved Chardonnay vines. The wines are aged in a mix of stainless steel and wooden barrel, depending on the cuvee, and bottled without filtration.
With a long history in Chablis, Domaine Servin owns some great parcels through the area, including Grand and Premier Crus. Remarkably approachable in their youth, Servin’s wines are enjoyed for their well-balanced minerality and fresh fruit, outstanding values from Chablis!
Domaine Servin Wines Available Here Now
Domaine Servin Les Forets, Chablis Premier Cru 2011 750ML ($34.95) $27 special, 11 bottles available
Wine Spectator 91 points “Displays a lean profile, featuring peach, lemon and mineral flavors, with a hint of yogurt. Vibrant and long, delivering a lingering finish driven by the acidity. Drink now through 2018.” WS
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine Servin Les Forets, Chablis Premier Cru 2012 750ML ($34.95) $27 special, 21 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 91 points “A wine of pure texture and resonance, the 2012 Chablis Les Forêts is absolutely gorgeous today. Almonds, hazelnuts and dried pear are all fused together in the glass. The 2013 is ream less, voluptuous and quite open, even at this early stage. A kick of acidity lends freshness to the finish.” AG
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine Servin Les Forets, Chablis Premier Cru 2013 750ML ($31.95) $26 special, 36+ bottles available
Antonio Galloni 89-91 points “A round, succulent Chablis, the 2013 Les Forêts is beautifully textured in the glass. Graphite, petrol, slate and white orchard fruit open up nicely. The 2013 looks to be a fairly approachable Forêts with considerable near and medium-term appeal.” AG
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine Servin Chablis Premiere Cuvee Les Pargues 2013 750ML ($29.95) $19 special, 36+ bottles available
Antonio Galloni 87-89 points “Servin’s 2013 Chablis Les Pargues presents attractive smoke and slate nuances, along with yellow orchard fruit, mint and spices. There is plenty to admire in this subtle, nicely layered village-level Chablis.” AG
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $21.99
Domaine Servin Montee de Tonnerre, Chablis Premier Cru 2013 750ML ($34.95) $26 special, 23 bottles available
Wine Advocate 91 points “The 2013 Chablis 1er Cru Montee de Tonnerre has a well-defined bouquet with lime flower and freshly sliced pear, hints of orange blossom in the background. The palate is well-balanced with a saline entry that sets you up nicely for the peach skin, Nashi pear and grapefruit finish that exudes poise and grace. Excellent. Drink 2015-2022.” WA
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $34.99
Domaine Servin Vaucoupin, Chablis Premier Cru 2013 750ML ($34.95) $26 special, 30 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 89-91 points “(from 48-year-old vines): Bright yellow. Citrus fruits, minerals and flowers on the nose, plus a suggestion of gingery spice. Intensely flavored and nicely deep, with an attractive sugar/acid balance contributing to an overall impression of smoothness. Saline and white pepper qualities add interest to the middle palate. Finishes pliant and long, with firm chalky minerality.” ST
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $34.99