In Today’s Newsletter:
New Cristom Case Specials
Spotlight on Cote-Rotie
Premier Vin of the Northern Rhone
New Reviews from
Wine Spectator Insider and Grapelive
New Reds for Grilling and Chilling
Trending Wines
First Offer
Fontodi’s Reference-Point 2017’s
New Cristom Case Specials
Cristom is one of the Hallowed Names in Oregon. They’ve been a top name since their inception in 1993 and make reference point wines from their beautiful estate vineyards in the Eola-Amity Hills. Much of the credit for their success goes to their vineyards—located just below Bethel Heights and Temperance Hill, truly Cristom is one of the Grand Cru sites of Oregon. The rest of the credit goes to Steve Doerner, their winemaker since the beginning, who made a name for Calera in the 80’s before moving to Oregon and becoming a local legend.
These are wines that have powerful personalities allied to a Burgundian sense of proportion and savor. Doerner loves to use a lot of whole clusters in fermentations and so the wines always have a grip and earthiness that grounds their deep fruit and rich textures. 2017 was a bit of a return to older school Oregon, as vintages go, warmer than historical averages but much cooler than the heat years of ’14-’16. We’ve been thrilled with many of the wines we’ve tasted from the year and Cristom is no exception—these are some stunning wines, beautiful and nuanced already.
We’re bringing in new stock on Friday at exceptional case prices—these are wines to stock away in your cellar, and at prices that mean you can easily afford to do so.
Arriving Friday:
Case-12 Cristom ‘Louise Vineyard’ Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2017 750ML ($839.95) $636 pre-arrival special (that’s only $53/bottle —the lowest listed price in the country!)
Case-6 Cristom ‘Louise Vineyard’ Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2017 750ML ($419.95) $336 pre-arrival special (that’s only $56/bottle!)
James Suckling 95 points “This cuvée has a very energetic and intense feel with a wealth of fresh and attractive red cherries and raspberries, plenty of florals and subtle herbal, forest-wood and light-chocolate notes. There’s a very keenly articulated feel to the palate with a plush, very fleshy and assertively long, detailed finish. Deep fruit presence here. Drink across the next decade.”
Josh Raynolds 93 points “Vivid red. Expansive aromas of ripe red berries, candied flowers and baking spices, with a smoky mineral topnote that gains strength as the wine opens up. Coats the palate with appealing sweet raspberry and cherry liqueur flavors that tighten up and become spicier on the back half. Shows excellent clarity and floral lift on an impressively long finish that’s shaped by fine-grained, even tannins.”
Case-12 Cristom ‘Marjorie Vineyard’ Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2017 750ML ($959.95) $719 pre-arrival special (that’s only $59.92/bottle!)
Case-6 Cristom ‘Marjorie Vineyard’ Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2017 750ML ($479.95) $376 pre-arrival special (that’s only $62.76/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds 95 points “Translucent red. A wild, highly perfumed bouquet evokes ripe red fruits, exotic spices and candied flowers, with smoky mineral and incense notes that acquire strength as this youthful wine gains its footing. Stains the palate with vibrant raspberry, bitter cherry, star anise and rose pastille flavors that show a compelling blend of depth and litheness. Fine-grained tannins build slowly on a strikingly long, finely etched finish that features baking spice, floral and subtle earth notes.”
James Suckling 95 points “An earthy thread here with more savory, herbal and gently spicy notes, as well as graphite. Latent red cherries, too. The palate has a very sleek and succulent feel with evenly cast, sturdy tannins that harness great length and depth. Powerful yet measured and all about the earth. Try from 2023.”
Erin Brooks – Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2017 Pinot Noir Marjorie Vineyard was made with 51% whole clusters and aged 18 months in 75% new French oak. Medium ruby, it has a very pretty nose: nuances of crushed stone, Campari, earth and blood orange mingle over a core of red and black cherries, rhubarb and cranberry. The medium-bodied palate has lovely, nuanced, amaro-laced flavor layers with a softly chalky frame and seamless freshness, finishing long and perfumed. 384 cases produced.”
These are wines that have powerful personalities allied to a Burgundian sense of proportion and savor. Doerner loves to use a lot of whole clusters in fermentations and so the wines always have a grip and earthiness that grounds their deep fruit and rich textures. 2017 was a bit of a return to older school Oregon, as vintages go, warmer than historical averages but much cooler than the heat years of ’14-’16. We’ve been thrilled with many of the wines we’ve tasted from the year and Cristom is no exception—these are some stunning wines, beautiful and nuanced already.
We’re bringing in new stock on Friday at exceptional case prices—these are wines to stock away in your cellar, and at prices that mean you can easily afford to do so.
Arriving Friday:
Case-12 Cristom ‘Louise Vineyard’ Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2017 750ML ($839.95) $636 pre-arrival special (that’s only $53/bottle —the lowest listed price in the country!)
Case-6 Cristom ‘Louise Vineyard’ Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2017 750ML ($419.95) $336 pre-arrival special (that’s only $56/bottle!)
James Suckling 95 points “This cuvée has a very energetic and intense feel with a wealth of fresh and attractive red cherries and raspberries, plenty of florals and subtle herbal, forest-wood and light-chocolate notes. There’s a very keenly articulated feel to the palate with a plush, very fleshy and assertively long, detailed finish. Deep fruit presence here. Drink across the next decade.”
Josh Raynolds 93 points “Vivid red. Expansive aromas of ripe red berries, candied flowers and baking spices, with a smoky mineral topnote that gains strength as the wine opens up. Coats the palate with appealing sweet raspberry and cherry liqueur flavors that tighten up and become spicier on the back half. Shows excellent clarity and floral lift on an impressively long finish that’s shaped by fine-grained, even tannins.”
Case-12 Cristom ‘Marjorie Vineyard’ Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2017 750ML ($959.95) $719 pre-arrival special (that’s only $59.92/bottle!)
Case-6 Cristom ‘Marjorie Vineyard’ Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2017 750ML ($479.95) $376 pre-arrival special (that’s only $62.76/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds 95 points “Translucent red. A wild, highly perfumed bouquet evokes ripe red fruits, exotic spices and candied flowers, with smoky mineral and incense notes that acquire strength as this youthful wine gains its footing. Stains the palate with vibrant raspberry, bitter cherry, star anise and rose pastille flavors that show a compelling blend of depth and litheness. Fine-grained tannins build slowly on a strikingly long, finely etched finish that features baking spice, floral and subtle earth notes.”
James Suckling 95 points “An earthy thread here with more savory, herbal and gently spicy notes, as well as graphite. Latent red cherries, too. The palate has a very sleek and succulent feel with evenly cast, sturdy tannins that harness great length and depth. Powerful yet measured and all about the earth. Try from 2023.”
Erin Brooks – Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2017 Pinot Noir Marjorie Vineyard was made with 51% whole clusters and aged 18 months in 75% new French oak. Medium ruby, it has a very pretty nose: nuances of crushed stone, Campari, earth and blood orange mingle over a core of red and black cherries, rhubarb and cranberry. The medium-bodied palate has lovely, nuanced, amaro-laced flavor layers with a softly chalky frame and seamless freshness, finishing long and perfumed. 384 cases produced.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average listed price is $70
The average listed price is $70
Spotlight on Cote-Rotie
Premier Vin of the Northern Rhone
Ever since Guigal introduced their series of “La La’s,” Cote-Rotie has been the sexy, glamor appellation in the Northern Rhone. It makes sense that the “Roasted Slope” would be able to produce rich, voluptuous wines and so many producers did—from the 80’s through today, many of the top examples of the region are flamboyant, sexy monsters, with rich textures and dense fruit.
To think of Cote-Rotie as solely that, though, would be to sell the appellation short. A number of excellent producers make mineral, perfumed wines that marry the innate power of Cote-Rotie with a grace and delicacy that recall an older time. Domaine Jamet, in particular, has emerged as the new, collectible face of the region and their old-school wines have encouraged a number of other producers to follow suit.
The range of wine styles in the appellation makes it one of the most exciting places in the world for a curious drinker. Aside from a few names (Jamet, the Guigal La La bottlings), most remain affordable (though perhaps not in a Tuesday night sense)—a rarity for wines that can match the finest from Burgundy and Bordeaux.
We stock a ton of Cote-Rotie—twenty two total bottlings. Whether you’re normally a drinker of Washington Syrah or Grand Cru Burgundy, there’s something in there for you—at pricing that’s much better than the wine in the bottle should merit. We’ve got a selection of highlights below, but you can also view the entire list in the web store!
In Stock Now:
The standard bearer for Cote Rotie, in an epic vintage.
Domaine Jamet Cote Rotie, Rhone 2015 750ML ($249.95) $219 special
Josh Raynolds 97 points “Lurid violet color. Assertive blackberry, licorice pastille, smoky bacon and potpourri scents are complemented by a strong mineral overlay. Seamless and broad in the mouth, offering deeply concentrated black and blue fruit liqueur, cola and floral pastille flavors and a strong jolt of exotic spices. Finishes with repeating mineral, smoke and dark fruit character, with noticeable but well-knit tannins and superb tenacity.”
Joe Czerwinski – Wine Advocate 96+ points “Significantly more closed and muscular than it appeared from barrel, the 2015 Cote Rotie is a long-term proposition. It’s not showing a lot of charm or elegance at this juncture, but it’s massively rich and ripe, with plenty of weight on the palate, chewy tannins and a long, long finish. Like I wrote last year, it might start to drink well at age 10, although it might need even longer.”
Jeb Dunnuck 95-97 points “The 2015 Côte Rôtie was scheduled to be bottled not long after my visit. This is an undeniably great vintage at this address, even if Jean-Paul prefers his 2016s, calling 2015 “too much.” It’s worth pointing out that he thought the same about his 1991, which is a borderline perfect wine today. The 2015 sports a deep ruby/purple color to go with searing notes of pepper, smoked meats, flowers, and assorted black and blue fruits. With full-bodied richness, a concentrated, thick mid-palate, sweet, yet present tannin, and a huge finish, this is a wine to back up the truck for. A warning, however – it’s not for those looking for instant gratification.”
The most approachable wine from one of the new rising-stars of the appellation.
Domaine Garon Cote Rotie Les Triotes, Rhone 2016 750ML ($69.95) $59 special
Domaine Garon Cote Rotie Les Triotes, Rhone 2016 1.5L ($149.95) $119 special
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92 points “(40% new oak) Opaque ruby. Smoky, mineral-accented cherry and blueberry scents are complicated by hints of vanilla, Indian spices and licorice. Supple and broad on the palate, offering pliant blackberry and bitter cherry flavors that become sweeter as the wine opens up. A sexy floral pastille note emerges on the clinging finish, which shows excellent clarity and gentle, slow-building tannins.”
Jeb Dunnuck 91-93 points “From a mix of the La Triotes, Mollard, Combard, and Lancement lieux-dits, the 2016 Côte Rôtie Les Triotes is charming and elegant, with lots of black raspberries, vanilla oak, candied flowers and hints of meatiness. Medium to full-bodied, elegant and silky on the palate, it’s going to drink nicely right out of the gate, yet should evolve gracefully on its balance.”
To think of Cote-Rotie as solely that, though, would be to sell the appellation short. A number of excellent producers make mineral, perfumed wines that marry the innate power of Cote-Rotie with a grace and delicacy that recall an older time. Domaine Jamet, in particular, has emerged as the new, collectible face of the region and their old-school wines have encouraged a number of other producers to follow suit.
The range of wine styles in the appellation makes it one of the most exciting places in the world for a curious drinker. Aside from a few names (Jamet, the Guigal La La bottlings), most remain affordable (though perhaps not in a Tuesday night sense)—a rarity for wines that can match the finest from Burgundy and Bordeaux.
We stock a ton of Cote-Rotie—twenty two total bottlings. Whether you’re normally a drinker of Washington Syrah or Grand Cru Burgundy, there’s something in there for you—at pricing that’s much better than the wine in the bottle should merit. We’ve got a selection of highlights below, but you can also view the entire list in the web store!
In Stock Now:
The standard bearer for Cote Rotie, in an epic vintage.
Domaine Jamet Cote Rotie, Rhone 2015 750ML ($249.95) $219 special
Josh Raynolds 97 points “Lurid violet color. Assertive blackberry, licorice pastille, smoky bacon and potpourri scents are complemented by a strong mineral overlay. Seamless and broad in the mouth, offering deeply concentrated black and blue fruit liqueur, cola and floral pastille flavors and a strong jolt of exotic spices. Finishes with repeating mineral, smoke and dark fruit character, with noticeable but well-knit tannins and superb tenacity.”
Joe Czerwinski – Wine Advocate 96+ points “Significantly more closed and muscular than it appeared from barrel, the 2015 Cote Rotie is a long-term proposition. It’s not showing a lot of charm or elegance at this juncture, but it’s massively rich and ripe, with plenty of weight on the palate, chewy tannins and a long, long finish. Like I wrote last year, it might start to drink well at age 10, although it might need even longer.”
Jeb Dunnuck 95-97 points “The 2015 Côte Rôtie was scheduled to be bottled not long after my visit. This is an undeniably great vintage at this address, even if Jean-Paul prefers his 2016s, calling 2015 “too much.” It’s worth pointing out that he thought the same about his 1991, which is a borderline perfect wine today. The 2015 sports a deep ruby/purple color to go with searing notes of pepper, smoked meats, flowers, and assorted black and blue fruits. With full-bodied richness, a concentrated, thick mid-palate, sweet, yet present tannin, and a huge finish, this is a wine to back up the truck for. A warning, however – it’s not for those looking for instant gratification.”
The most approachable wine from one of the new rising-stars of the appellation.
Domaine Garon Cote Rotie Les Triotes, Rhone 2016 750ML ($69.95) $59 special
Domaine Garon Cote Rotie Les Triotes, Rhone 2016 1.5L ($149.95) $119 special
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92 points “(40% new oak) Opaque ruby. Smoky, mineral-accented cherry and blueberry scents are complicated by hints of vanilla, Indian spices and licorice. Supple and broad on the palate, offering pliant blackberry and bitter cherry flavors that become sweeter as the wine opens up. A sexy floral pastille note emerges on the clinging finish, which shows excellent clarity and gentle, slow-building tannins.”
Jeb Dunnuck 91-93 points “From a mix of the La Triotes, Mollard, Combard, and Lancement lieux-dits, the 2016 Côte Rôtie Les Triotes is charming and elegant, with lots of black raspberries, vanilla oak, candied flowers and hints of meatiness. Medium to full-bodied, elegant and silky on the palate, it’s going to drink nicely right out of the gate, yet should evolve gracefully on its balance.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
A tiny (0.5 hectare!) producer making uncompromisingly traditional wine.
Domaine Chambeyron-Manin Cote Rotie Cote Brune, Rhone 2013 750ML ($119.95) $99 special
Importer notes “At the southern end of Ampuis, Christianne Manin and her family own and operate Les Jardins de la Côte-Rôtie, a small market offering locally produced meats, cheeses, and produce. Luckily for us, they also cultivate a tiny parcel of vines in Côte-Rôtie. The .5 hectare parcel of vines is located directly above their home and cellar. Dedicated exclusively to the Serine clone of syrah, these 40-50 year old vines grow on iron rich schist laden soils of the Côte Brune. All of the vineyard work is done by hand, as the 50% slope must be very cautiously navigated. In the cellar, the grapes are vinified as whole cluster and via native yeasts in concrete tanks. Upon the completion of fermentation, the wine is pressed off using a traditional basket press and transferred via gravity into 500L barrels (up to one third new, depending upon the vintage). The wine then ages for 18 months before being bottled unfined and unfiltered. Production is limited to approximately 165 cases per year.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $108
The next best price is $108
Cuilleron is best known for his whites, but this red is fantastic in a rich, textured style.
Cave Yves Cuilleron Cote Rotie Madiniere, Rhone 2015 750ML ($79.95) $69 special
Cave Yves Cuilleron Cote Rotie Madiniere, Rhone 2015 1.5L ($169.95) $139 special
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 93 points “Lurid ruby. Pungent, mineral-laced black and blue fruit preserve, olive and incense scents on the deeply perfumed nose. Shows serious depth as well as surprising vivacity, offering sweet boysenberry and cherry compote flavors that become spicier with air. Supple and broad, delivering a very long, sweet finish that shows excellent clarity, harmonious tannins and lingering floral and spicecake nuances.”
The “other” Jamet. And by other, we mean undervalued.
Jean-Luc Jamet Cote Rotie ‘Terrasses’, Rhone Cote Rotie 2013 750ML ($119.95) $89 special
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “The 2013 Côte Rôtie Terrasses is cut from the same cloth yet has slightly more depth. Black raspberries, dried flowers, pepper, and gamey, olive and bacon fat notes give way to a medium to full-bodied, ethereally textured, seamless Côte Rôtie that has sweet tannin, no hard edges, and a great finish. This is an incredibly impressive 2013 (most 2013s are more angular and backward) that’s already drinking beautifully yet promises to shine for another 10-15 years.”
VinopolNote: Made from vineyards originally belonging to Domaine Jamet (and kept in his split from the domaine). The 2013 is the first vintage for Jean-Luc Jamet and a promising start that shows the class of the terroir he’s working with.
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Bernard Levet has moved from an unsung hero of the Northern Rhone to a genuine star. The Cote Rotie he bottles is unlike anyone else’s. Feral, tannic and uncompromising, his wines need time to blossom, but when they do, there’s nothing in the world of Syrah (or wine, in general) quite like them.
Vignobles Bernard Levet Cote Rotie La Chavaroche, Rhone 2017 750ML ($89.95) $79 special
Josh Raynolds 96 points “Dark purple. Ripe dark fruit, floral and spice qualities on the expressive nose, along with hints of licorice, black cardamom, espresso and smoky minerals. Stains the palate with deeply concentrated cassis, bitter cherry and candied violet flavors that slowly unfold and take a sweeter turn through the midpalate. Youthfully chewy tannins add firm grip to a strikingly long, energetic finish that emphatically echoes the cassis and mineral notes. Made with 100% whole clusters.”
Vignobles Bernard Levet Cote Rotie Les Journaries, Rhone 2017 750ML ($89.95) $69 special
Josh Raynolds 95 points “Inky ruby. A highly perfumed bouquet evokes ripe red and dark berries, licorice, exotic spices and potpourri and shows outstanding definition. Stains the palate with appealingly sweet black raspberry, blueberry and cherry preserve flavors that slowly tighten up on the back half. Shows superb energy and floral lift on an impressively long, focused finish shaped by steadily mounting tannins. This is quite a powerful wine (about 70% of the fruit comes from La Landonne, by the way) for one that checks in at only 13% alcohol. Made entirely with whole clusters.”
New Reviews from
Wine Spectator Insider and Grapelive
Dominus Estate, Napa Valley 2017 750ML ($249.95) $199 special, 22 bottles in stock now
Dominus Estate, Napa Valley 2017 375ML ($129.95) $109 special, 8 half-bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 95 points “This delivers a focused and refined core of cassis, damson plum and raspberry puree notes, laced with precise savory, sage and black tea threads. Shows lovely detail throughout, with a late iron minerality emerging slowly. Stylish, this seems approachable now, but there’s some serious embedded grip here too. A wine that should expand with cellaring. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2022 through 2040. —J.M.”
Spottswoode Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, St. Helena 2017 750ML ($289.95) $225 pre-arrival special, ETA Late July
Wine Spectator 95 points “Features a sleek and racy edge, with damson plum, bitter cherry and black currant fruit working together, revealing pinpoints of savory, sage and iron scattered throughout. The mouthwatering finish shows the vintage’s slightly brambly grip, but with superior integration and energy to most of its peers. Best from 2022 through 2038. —J.M.”
Domaine du Chateau de Grand Pre Fleurie ‘Cuvee Spaciale’, Beaujolais 2018 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 30 bottles in stock now
Grapelive 91 points “I really enjoyed their classically styled and smooth Fleurie Cuvee Spaciale with the Spaceman on the label, its a beautifully textured and fruit forward wine on the lighter side showing the regions delicate and elegant side… This 100% Gamay comes from 60 to 70 year old vines planted on sandy soils, with a granitic core with some of the pink veins of iron rich subsoil(s) helping to give this wine its terroir flavors and character. The 2018 Château de Grand Pré Cuvee Spaciale flows across the palate with racy raspberry, plum, bright cherry and cranberry fruits along with snappy herbs and spices adding a cool sense of minerallity, crushed dark flowers an d a subtle earthiness that is very much welcome in this soft and expressive Gamay. This is a fun new discovery for me and I can’t wait to dig into some of the other bottlings here soon…. After a bit of studying I came up with some details about the estate, which has been certified organic since 2009 and has many old vine parcels within the main Crus and most are over 60 years old.…The grapes at Château de Grand Pré are all hand-tended and picked with only carefully ripe whole bunches being used, then the wine undergoes a semi-carbonic maceration for 15-20 days at very low temperatures. Zordan allows the natural fermentation to occur without any interference, in fact no remonatge or pigeage takes place during the process in the cellar. Once fermentation is complete, in the case of the Cuvee Spaciale, as noted, a low temperature vinification and maceration with wild yeast in a spherical vat with no sulphur added, the Fleurie was then matured for about 8 months in large used 600L barrels. The finished wine was bottled based on biodynamic and lunar cycles and gently handled throughout to preserve purity and freshness.”
Dominus Estate, Napa Valley 2017 375ML ($129.95) $109 special, 8 half-bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 95 points “This delivers a focused and refined core of cassis, damson plum and raspberry puree notes, laced with precise savory, sage and black tea threads. Shows lovely detail throughout, with a late iron minerality emerging slowly. Stylish, this seems approachable now, but there’s some serious embedded grip here too. A wine that should expand with cellaring. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2022 through 2040. —J.M.”
Spottswoode Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, St. Helena 2017 750ML ($289.95) $225 pre-arrival special, ETA Late July
Wine Spectator 95 points “Features a sleek and racy edge, with damson plum, bitter cherry and black currant fruit working together, revealing pinpoints of savory, sage and iron scattered throughout. The mouthwatering finish shows the vintage’s slightly brambly grip, but with superior integration and energy to most of its peers. Best from 2022 through 2038. —J.M.”
Domaine du Chateau de Grand Pre Fleurie ‘Cuvee Spaciale’, Beaujolais 2018 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 30 bottles in stock now
Grapelive 91 points “I really enjoyed their classically styled and smooth Fleurie Cuvee Spaciale with the Spaceman on the label, its a beautifully textured and fruit forward wine on the lighter side showing the regions delicate and elegant side… This 100% Gamay comes from 60 to 70 year old vines planted on sandy soils, with a granitic core with some of the pink veins of iron rich subsoil(s) helping to give this wine its terroir flavors and character. The 2018 Château de Grand Pré Cuvee Spaciale flows across the palate with racy raspberry, plum, bright cherry and cranberry fruits along with snappy herbs and spices adding a cool sense of minerallity, crushed dark flowers an d a subtle earthiness that is very much welcome in this soft and expressive Gamay. This is a fun new discovery for me and I can’t wait to dig into some of the other bottlings here soon…. After a bit of studying I came up with some details about the estate, which has been certified organic since 2009 and has many old vine parcels within the main Crus and most are over 60 years old.…The grapes at Château de Grand Pré are all hand-tended and picked with only carefully ripe whole bunches being used, then the wine undergoes a semi-carbonic maceration for 15-20 days at very low temperatures. Zordan allows the natural fermentation to occur without any interference, in fact no remonatge or pigeage takes place during the process in the cellar. Once fermentation is complete, in the case of the Cuvee Spaciale, as noted, a low temperature vinification and maceration with wild yeast in a spherical vat with no sulphur added, the Fleurie was then matured for about 8 months in large used 600L barrels. The finished wine was bottled based on biodynamic and lunar cycles and gently handled throughout to preserve purity and freshness.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Vinopolis Wine Shop Curbside Pick Up
Order Online / By Phone / By Email
When you’re ready to pick up, just park in our lot,
give us a call, & we’ll bring your order to your car.
(If another adult is picking up for you,
please let us know their name when placing your order.)
www.vinopoliswineshop.com
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503-223-6002
When you’re ready to pick up, just park in our lot,
give us a call, & we’ll bring your order to your car.
(If another adult is picking up for you,
please let us know their name when placing your order.)
www.vinopoliswineshop.com
info@vinopoliswineshop.com
503-223-6002
New Reds for Grilling and Chilling
Arriving Friday:
The best value in the Palacios lineup. A big step up from the Camins del Priorat and not too far off some of the higher end wines, especially in a great vintage like 2017.
Alvaro Palacios ‘Les Terrasses’ Velles Vinyes, Priorat DOCa 2017 750ML ($44.95) $36 pre-arrival special
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 93 points “I’ve always had a special interest in this Garnacha and Cariñena blend from Álvaro Palacios, and the current vintage is now the 2017 Les Terrasses Velles Vinyes. It’s produced with grapes from 80 different vineyards in eight villages and therefore is a regional wine. 2017 was a warm and ripe year that produced powerful wines. This 2017 is 55% Garnacha with 44% Cariñena and a 1% pinch of white grapes that fermented in concrete and oak vats with indigenous yeasts and matured in barrique and oak vat for 11 months. This is the earthiest of the bottlings, and it has some rustic touches from the Cariñena, which gives it its personality. 2017 was their earliest harvest ever (the first time they ever started harvesting in August!). They used a little more new oak, yet the wine is not oaky or excessively ripe. There is no room for sweetness here, and the wine is clean, reflecting very healthy grapes and very elegant tannins, quite transparent, not dry, but rather juicy. Great Terrasses, a triumph over the conditions of the vintage. 126,000 bottles produced.”
The best value in the Palacios lineup. A big step up from the Camins del Priorat and not too far off some of the higher end wines, especially in a great vintage like 2017.
Alvaro Palacios ‘Les Terrasses’ Velles Vinyes, Priorat DOCa 2017 750ML ($44.95) $36 pre-arrival special
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 93 points “I’ve always had a special interest in this Garnacha and Cariñena blend from Álvaro Palacios, and the current vintage is now the 2017 Les Terrasses Velles Vinyes. It’s produced with grapes from 80 different vineyards in eight villages and therefore is a regional wine. 2017 was a warm and ripe year that produced powerful wines. This 2017 is 55% Garnacha with 44% Cariñena and a 1% pinch of white grapes that fermented in concrete and oak vats with indigenous yeasts and matured in barrique and oak vat for 11 months. This is the earthiest of the bottlings, and it has some rustic touches from the Cariñena, which gives it its personality. 2017 was their earliest harvest ever (the first time they ever started harvesting in August!). They used a little more new oak, yet the wine is not oaky or excessively ripe. There is no room for sweetness here, and the wine is clean, reflecting very healthy grapes and very elegant tannins, quite transparent, not dry, but rather juicy. Great Terrasses, a triumph over the conditions of the vintage. 126,000 bottles produced.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Think of this as baby Numanthia and you’d be on the right track. Powerful and rich.
Ordonez Triton, Tinta De Toro 2016 750ML ($21.95) $18 pre-arrival special
Jeb Dunnuck 93 points “The larger production cuvée from Ordonez, the 2016 Tinta de Toro Tritón (100% Tinta de Toro) comes all from very old, ungrafted vineyards and was brought up mostly in used barrels. This beautifully sexy red boasts smoking good notes of ripe plums, black cherries, liquid violets, and loads of scrub brush and dried earth. Full-bodied and silky on the palate, with fine, fine tannin, it has remarkable purity, no hard edges, and enough structure to warrant another year in bottle. It’s a seriously impressive wine.”
James Suckling 92 points “Plenty of bright and attractive fruit on the nose with summer berry compote and complementary meaty and spicy oak. The palate has attractive plush sweet fruit presence in an easy-drinking mode. Drink now.”
Ordonez Triton, Tinta De Toro 2016 750ML ($21.95) $18 pre-arrival special
Jeb Dunnuck 93 points “The larger production cuvée from Ordonez, the 2016 Tinta de Toro Tritón (100% Tinta de Toro) comes all from very old, ungrafted vineyards and was brought up mostly in used barrels. This beautifully sexy red boasts smoking good notes of ripe plums, black cherries, liquid violets, and loads of scrub brush and dried earth. Full-bodied and silky on the palate, with fine, fine tannin, it has remarkable purity, no hard edges, and enough structure to warrant another year in bottle. It’s a seriously impressive wine.”
James Suckling 92 points “Plenty of bright and attractive fruit on the nose with summer berry compote and complementary meaty and spicy oak. The palate has attractive plush sweet fruit presence in an easy-drinking mode. Drink now.”
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In the complete other direction, this un-sulfured Poulsard is bright, fresh and delicate.
Stephane Tissot Poulsard Sans Soufre VV, Jura 2018 750ML ($34.95) $27 pre-arrival special
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Quintarelli is a name that needs little introduction, and this single-vineyard bottling is one of the great wines of northeastern Italy.
Giuseppe Quintarelli Ca del Merlo, Veneto IGT 2010 750ML ($99.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Importer Note ” The only single-vineyard bottling at Quintarelli, Cà del Merlo takes its name from the hill that rises beside the family house. It is an explosion of fragrant fruit, while the spices—usually enhanced by the ripassotechnique, typical of Valpolicella—remain more discreet.”
Giuseppe Quintarelli Ca del Merlo, Veneto IGT 2010 750ML ($99.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Importer Note ” The only single-vineyard bottling at Quintarelli, Cà del Merlo takes its name from the hill that rises beside the family house. It is an explosion of fragrant fruit, while the spices—usually enhanced by the ripassotechnique, typical of Valpolicella—remain more discreet.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $95.99
The next best price is $95.99
From one of the best names in Madrid Garnacha, this is a powerful wine with good brightness.
Bernabeleva Arroyo del Tortolas, Madrid 2017 750ML ($44.95) $34.50 pre-arrival special
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 93+ points “The pale and aromatic 2017 Arroyo del Tórtolas has a herbal twist perhaps because of the hurried ripening of the grapes in a very warm year. At the same time, it has contained alcohol, and with the benefit of one extra year in bottle, the nose is fully open, expressive and approachable. It is medium-bodied and fresh, with fine tannins, and is lighter than the 2018 but beautiful to drink now. Delicious. 2,500 bottles produced. It was bottled in March 2019.”
Bernabeleva Arroyo del Tortolas, Madrid 2017 750ML ($44.95) $34.50 pre-arrival special
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 93+ points “The pale and aromatic 2017 Arroyo del Tórtolas has a herbal twist perhaps because of the hurried ripening of the grapes in a very warm year. At the same time, it has contained alcohol, and with the benefit of one extra year in bottle, the nose is fully open, expressive and approachable. It is medium-bodied and fresh, with fine tannins, and is lighter than the 2018 but beautiful to drink now. Delicious. 2,500 bottles produced. It was bottled in March 2019.”
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La Fortuna is one of absolute favorite Brunello estates and their Rosso is a stellar deal, even by their standards.
La Fortuna Rosso di Montalcino, Tuscany 2018 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special
Grapelive 91 points “The 2018 La Fortuna Rosso di Montalcino is ripe, textured and silky smooth with pure Sangiovese character. It goes wonderfully with simple cuisine and shows a good cut of freshness for easy youthful drinking pleasure. The 2018 vintage is less serious than 2016 in the Montalcino area, but still offers plenty of flavor and value to savvy Tuscan fans. The Rosso di Montalcino “Baby Brunello” offerings are going to be fun and there will be plenty of bargains to be found, like this La Fortuna with its polished and elegant styling. Fresh out the box the La Fortuna is smoothly rich with vine-picked tangy blackberry, wild plum, cranberry, strawberry and tart cherry fruits along with blood orange, tobacco leaf, potpourri florals, rosemary, lavender and spiced cedar notes. A richer form comes out with air and food, making it a medium to full bodied Sangiovese that has a lot of charm, especially for the price. This 100% Sangiovese Grosso (Brunello clone) was crafted with traditional care and made for early drinking with grapes coming from vineyard parcels that range from 15 to 25 years on the semi volcanic soils of the region and was fermented in temperature controlled tanks with about a 20 day maceration on the skins to give it that dark burgundy hue in the glass. After fermentation this La Fortuna Rosso di Montalcino is racked mostly to large Slovenian oak casks for six months and aged a further six months in mainly 1 and 2 times filled small French barriques, which explains the luxurious velvety mouth feel, before bottling. This estate goes back a long way with the Zannoni [family] first arriving at “La Fortuna” back in 1907 to work the farmstead and through the generations rose up to finally purchase the property and become a private winery and label with fifth generation Gioberto Zannoni now in charge at this highly regarded Brunello label. I suggest buying the 2013 and 2016 if you can still find them, but don’t overlook these tasty and graceful 2018s either.”
La Fortuna Rosso di Montalcino, Tuscany 2018 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special
Grapelive 91 points “The 2018 La Fortuna Rosso di Montalcino is ripe, textured and silky smooth with pure Sangiovese character. It goes wonderfully with simple cuisine and shows a good cut of freshness for easy youthful drinking pleasure. The 2018 vintage is less serious than 2016 in the Montalcino area, but still offers plenty of flavor and value to savvy Tuscan fans. The Rosso di Montalcino “Baby Brunello” offerings are going to be fun and there will be plenty of bargains to be found, like this La Fortuna with its polished and elegant styling. Fresh out the box the La Fortuna is smoothly rich with vine-picked tangy blackberry, wild plum, cranberry, strawberry and tart cherry fruits along with blood orange, tobacco leaf, potpourri florals, rosemary, lavender and spiced cedar notes. A richer form comes out with air and food, making it a medium to full bodied Sangiovese that has a lot of charm, especially for the price. This 100% Sangiovese Grosso (Brunello clone) was crafted with traditional care and made for early drinking with grapes coming from vineyard parcels that range from 15 to 25 years on the semi volcanic soils of the region and was fermented in temperature controlled tanks with about a 20 day maceration on the skins to give it that dark burgundy hue in the glass. After fermentation this La Fortuna Rosso di Montalcino is racked mostly to large Slovenian oak casks for six months and aged a further six months in mainly 1 and 2 times filled small French barriques, which explains the luxurious velvety mouth feel, before bottling. This estate goes back a long way with the Zannoni [family] first arriving at “La Fortuna” back in 1907 to work the farmstead and through the generations rose up to finally purchase the property and become a private winery and label with fifth generation Gioberto Zannoni now in charge at this highly regarded Brunello label. I suggest buying the 2013 and 2016 if you can still find them, but don’t overlook these tasty and graceful 2018s either.”
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A stunning bottle of Syrah from a hidden star of the Rhone.
Domaine de Fondreche Ventoux Divergente, Rhone 2016 750ML ($79.95) $66 special
Jeb Dunnuck 97 points “Reminding me of one of the Sélections Parcellaires Hermitage from Michel Chapoutier, the 2016 Ventoux Divergente is 90% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre that was mostly destemmed and brought up in foudre. Crème de cassis, black raspberries, peppered meats, graphite, and liquid rock notes all flow to a fat, unctuous, sexy Syrah that has beautiful acidity, fine tannin, and a huge finish. It’s a true “Wow” wine that needs to be tasted to be believed. Put this in a blind lineup of top Hermitage and shock all your friends.”
Wine Advocate 94 points “Less immediately showy and approachable than the 2016 Persia, the 2016 Ventoux Divergente is tight and focused, deserving of a couple of years in the cellar. Smoke, black olive and plum notes dominate this full-bodied wine, picking up hints of espresso on the long, tannic finish.-JC”
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Lisini is a stalwart classicist in Brunello and their “San Biagio” shows off the cool toned, slightly earthier side of Sangiovese in a brilliantly priced package.
Lisini San Biagio Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2016 750ML ($24.95) $19 special
Case-12 Lisini San Biagio Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2016 750ML ($259.95) $199 special (that’s only $16.58/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Eric Guido – Vinous 90 points “What a wonderfully fresh and vibrant expression of Sangiovese, showing peppery herbs and florals up front and then giving way to crushed cherries with hints of leather and undergrowth. On the palate, the 2016 Lisini San Biagio is cool-toned and silky, while delivering a beautiful display of pure red berry fruits, laced with minerals and spice. The finish is long with a staining of cherry, as zesty acids and mineral tones sizzle upon the senses. Lisini never ceases to amaze.”
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A beautiful, expressive Grenache from Navarra—an energizing look into new Spain.
Vina Zorzal Malayeto, Navarra 2018 750ml ($29.95) $26 special
Luis Gutierrez – Wine Advocate 94 points “The really impressive and mineral 2018 Malayeto was produced with Garnacha from a single vineyard that produces wine of unusual elegance and minerality. This was the first plot they bottled separately, and this 2018 is the sixth vintage they have produced. It’s a 2.9-hectare plot planted 40 years ago, on the same slope as Corral de los Altos but at a higher altitude and therefore with different soils, surprisingly deep but with lots of calcium carbonate and fine gravel. This fermented in a combination of stainless steel and concrete with indigenous yeasts and matured in a 4,000-liter oak foudre and nine used 500-liter oak barrels for nine months. This wine clearly transcends its price. It’s serious but started quite shy and needed time to open up (it’s extremely young and just bottled), but there is great purity and detail, and it’s elegant and balanced, extremely harmonious. The palate is incredibly elegant, seamless, balanced, with very fine tannins, great integration of the oak and very good freshness, with citrus-like freshness (think blood orange skin). Most of the time, this is my go-to wine in Zorzal’s portfolio, a wine of great finesse in its finest vintage to date.”
Vina Zorzal Malayeto, Navarra 2018 750ml ($29.95) $26 special
Luis Gutierrez – Wine Advocate 94 points “The really impressive and mineral 2018 Malayeto was produced with Garnacha from a single vineyard that produces wine of unusual elegance and minerality. This was the first plot they bottled separately, and this 2018 is the sixth vintage they have produced. It’s a 2.9-hectare plot planted 40 years ago, on the same slope as Corral de los Altos but at a higher altitude and therefore with different soils, surprisingly deep but with lots of calcium carbonate and fine gravel. This fermented in a combination of stainless steel and concrete with indigenous yeasts and matured in a 4,000-liter oak foudre and nine used 500-liter oak barrels for nine months. This wine clearly transcends its price. It’s serious but started quite shy and needed time to open up (it’s extremely young and just bottled), but there is great purity and detail, and it’s elegant and balanced, extremely harmonious. The palate is incredibly elegant, seamless, balanced, with very fine tannins, great integration of the oak and very good freshness, with citrus-like freshness (think blood orange skin). Most of the time, this is my go-to wine in Zorzal’s portfolio, a wine of great finesse in its finest vintage to date.”
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Classic is cool again!
Domaine du Gour de Chaulé Gigondas Tradition, Rhone 2016 750ML ($49.95) $33 special
Case-12 Domaine du Gour de Chaulé Gigondas Tradition, Rhone 2016 750ML ($399.95) $359 special (that’s only $29.92/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 95 points “Vivid ruby. An exotically perfumed bouquet evokes ripe red and pit fruits, potpourri and garrigue, and an exotic spice note emerges in the glass. Stains the palate with sweet raspberry, cherry and lavender pastille flavors that steadily put on weight with air. Conveys a suave blend of power and finesse and finishes extremely long and floral, with fine-grained tannins lending discreet grip.”
$20 cheaper than the average price for this icon of Priorat.
Ferrer Bobet Vinyes Velles, Priorat DOCa 2015 750ML ($74.95) $36 special
Case-12 Ferrer Bobet Vinyes Velles, Priorat DOCa 2015 750ML ($699.95) $389 special (that’s only $32.42/bottle!)
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “The old vine 2015 Vinyes Velles checks in as a Carignan-dominated blend from vines just outside the village of Porrera that includes one-third Grenache, all of which spent over a year in French oak. It’s a bigger, riper, sexier wine than the Ferrer Bobet cuvée and boasts a deep purple color as well as rocking notes of black plums, black licorice, ground pepper, violets, and new leather. Ripe and full-bodied, with moderate acidity and terrific balance, it’s a seamless Priorat to enjoy over the coming 7-8 years or so.”
James Suckling 94 points “This really captures the freshness of the carignan grape with its bright cherry character. Medium-to full-bodied with spice from the grenache and excellent vitality on the long, crisp finish. Drink or hold.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
The average listed price for all vintages is $59
The average listed price for all vintages is $59
This fresh and clean Italian white was sold out—but more stock arrives Friday.
Tamellini Soave, Veneto 2018 750ML ($17.95) $14 pre-arrival special, ETA Friday
James Suckling 92 points “Fruity with sliced-lime and papaya aromas and flavors. Full body. Lots of fruit and a crunchy finish. Shows the lovely character of the vintage. Drink now.”
Ian D’Agata-Vinous 91 points “Luminous straw yellow. Varietally accurate and very pure aromas and flavors of white peach, yellow apple, white flowers and delicate herbs. Fresh and well-delineated, this finishes long with sneaky concentration. A truly outstanding Soave. This is easily one of the two entry-level Soaves of the vintage. Very well done. Mostly Garganega with a little Trebbiano di Soave.”
First Offer
Fontodi’s Reference-Point 2017’s
Fontodi is one of Tuscany’s most respected estates, and for good reason. The grapes hail from a classic south-facing amphitheater replete with soils optimal for producing ripe yet balanced Sangiovese. What results are classically styled Chianti that more than earn their Classico designation. Unlike the forgettable (or worse yet disappointing) Chianti Classico that we’ve all encountered, Fontori’s wines are effortlessly delicious and harmonious, the gift of such high-quality base material.
Arriving next month, we’re excited to offer both Fontodi’s 2017 Chianti Classico, as well as the single vineyard Filetta Di Lamole. The former offers classic cherry and floral character, and the latter adding additional layers of Italian herbs and spices. Both provide wonderful examples of the potential of Tuscany’s 2017 vintage. So whether Chianti Classico is a mainstay at your dinner table, or you’re in need of a reintroduction to its familiar charms, you won’t find two better examples for under $50.
Arriving ETA August:
Fontodi Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany 2017 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Fontodi Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany 2017 750ML ($399.95) $279 pre-arrival special (that’s only $46.50/bottle!)
James Suckling 94 points “A rich, layered CC with intense cherry and flower character, as well as orange peel. Full-bodied with firm, velvety tannins and a flavorful finish. Drink or hold.”
Arriving next month, we’re excited to offer both Fontodi’s 2017 Chianti Classico, as well as the single vineyard Filetta Di Lamole. The former offers classic cherry and floral character, and the latter adding additional layers of Italian herbs and spices. Both provide wonderful examples of the potential of Tuscany’s 2017 vintage. So whether Chianti Classico is a mainstay at your dinner table, or you’re in need of a reintroduction to its familiar charms, you won’t find two better examples for under $50.
Arriving ETA August:
Fontodi Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany 2017 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Fontodi Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany 2017 750ML ($399.95) $279 pre-arrival special (that’s only $46.50/bottle!)
James Suckling 94 points “A rich, layered CC with intense cherry and flower character, as well as orange peel. Full-bodied with firm, velvety tannins and a flavorful finish. Drink or hold.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Fontodi ‘Filetta di Lamole’, Chianti Classico DOCG 2017 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Fontodi ‘Filetta di Lamole’, Chianti Classico DOCG 2017 750ML ($399.95) $279 pre-arrival special (that’s only $46.50/bottle!)
James Suckling 94 points “Chewy and rich with attractive cherry and dried-strawberry character, as well as intense tannins. Dried flowers, too. This is traditional and structured. Very tight. Needs time to soften. Drink in 2022.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Fontodi Vigna del Sorbo, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2017 750ML ($149.95) $119 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 95 points “Powerful, tight red with currant and plum character. Hints of new wood and bark. Full-bodied with dark berries and hints of dark chocolate, as well as other dark fruit. Flavorful finish. Solid. Needs time to open. Better after 2022.”
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Fontodi Dino Amphora Sangiovese, Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT 2017 750ML ($99.95) $79 pre-arrival special
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve, Tuscany 2017 750ML ($199.95) $179 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 95 points “Very high-toned and muscular red with crushed cherries, blackberries and walnuts. Some dried earth. It’s full-bodied and chewy with solid tannins that form the wine. Beautiful ripe fruit in the center palate. Needs time to soften. Try after 2022.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Can’t wait? Check out this screaming deal on the 2012 Flaccianello, in stock now:
Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve, Tuscany 2012 750ML ($119.95) $99 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 97 points “Tasted next to the 2012 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna del Sorbo, the Flaccianello is richer, deeper and more flamboyant. Super-ripe red stone fruit, smoke, licorice and dark spices meld together in a deep, powerful wine. The 2012 is impressive, but personally I prefer the finesse and freshness of the Sorbo. The greater influence of new French oak is also felt in the wine’s texture. Still, that is splitting hairs, as the level here is high. Very high.”
Stay safe, be well, & drink well.