In Today’s Newsletter:
Subscriber Special
Domaine Grand Veneur’s Powerful Chateauneuf
Felsina’s Other Sangiovese
Guiborat Champagne
A Great Score for a New Staff Favorite
Value Wines of Terroir from Rioja’s Neighbor
Exploring Cameron Winery:
The Crus / New Reviews / And A New Release!
#Trending
Collector’s Corner
Torbreck’s Perfect, 100-Point RunRig Shiraz
Subscriber Special
Domaine Grand Veneur’s Powerful Chateauneuf
Domaine Grand Veneur’s Powerful Chateauneuf
Alain Jaume’s Domaine Grand Veneur is a trailblazer in Chateauneuf du Pape that continues to make some of the finest wines in the appellation. These are some of the most dramatic, powerful and opulent bottlings made in the Southern Rhone today and the prices they charge make them a steal compared to their nearest competitors.
Grand Veneur was one of the first in the region to use new oak barrels and consistently use more Syrah and Mourvèdre to than many of their peers, resulting in wines that have color and power than wines that driven by Grenache for their character. The flagship is clearly the Vieilles Vignes—a wine that is on par with Clos de Papes, Janasse’s “XXL” and Clos St. Jean’s top cuvees, but is still less than $100 a bottle—for now. That said, the other wines offer excellent value, as well, from the drink-now, traditionally minded “Miocene” to their full-throttle “Les Origines.”
We’re offering you a Subscriber-only special on the Grand Veneur wines—5% off mix and match orders of 6-11 bottles and 10% off 12+ bottles. That includes our Case-6 specials, so if you want to stock up, now’s the time! This special pricing is valid only until we open for business at 10AM on Tuesday, so don’t delay!
5% Off Any 6-11 bottles of Domaine Grand Veneur Wines
10% Off Any 12+ bottles of Domaine Grand Veneur Wines
Offer includes Case-6 specials
Offer Ends Tuesday, August 11th at 10AM
Discount Will Not Display Online or In Your Cart
We will adjust your invoice before processing your card
In Stock Now:
Domaine Grand Veneur Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes, Rhone 2017 750ML ($119.95) $89 Displayed Price, that’s $84.55 at 5% off or $80.10 at 10% off!
Case-6 Domaine Grand Veneur Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes, Rhone 2017 750ML ($719.95) $479 Displayed Price, that’s $455.05 at 5% off or $431.10 at 10% off! (that’s only $71.85/bottle!)
Jeb Dunnuck 97+ points “The 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape Vieilles Vignes is a bigger, richer, more opulent wine. Beautiful notes of blackcurrants, scorched earth, graphite, and crushed violets, all flow to a full-bodied, Châteauneuf Du Pape that has a voluptuous, sexy texture, brilliant depth of fruit, fine tannins, and a purity of fruit that’s hard to find in this vintage. It’s a thrill a minute, and while it’s approachable today, it will keep for 15-20 years. 416 cases.”
Decanter 96 points “Grown on galets, the fruit for this wine is all destemmed and fermented in stainless steel before being aged for 16 months, half in concrete and half in new barriques. The strong Mourvèdre component comes through as deep, ripe dark fruits and violets. It’s full-bodied and dense with soft, lush tannins, and is held together by a beam of strong acidity, finishing long. A lithe, muscular, impressive wine that will last the course. Just 5,000 bottles made.”
Grand Veneur was one of the first in the region to use new oak barrels and consistently use more Syrah and Mourvèdre to than many of their peers, resulting in wines that have color and power than wines that driven by Grenache for their character. The flagship is clearly the Vieilles Vignes—a wine that is on par with Clos de Papes, Janasse’s “XXL” and Clos St. Jean’s top cuvees, but is still less than $100 a bottle—for now. That said, the other wines offer excellent value, as well, from the drink-now, traditionally minded “Miocene” to their full-throttle “Les Origines.”
We’re offering you a Subscriber-only special on the Grand Veneur wines—5% off mix and match orders of 6-11 bottles and 10% off 12+ bottles. That includes our Case-6 specials, so if you want to stock up, now’s the time! This special pricing is valid only until we open for business at 10AM on Tuesday, so don’t delay!
5% Off Any 6-11 bottles of Domaine Grand Veneur Wines
10% Off Any 12+ bottles of Domaine Grand Veneur Wines
Offer includes Case-6 specials
Offer Ends Tuesday, August 11th at 10AM
Discount Will Not Display Online or In Your Cart
We will adjust your invoice before processing your card
In Stock Now:
Domaine Grand Veneur Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes, Rhone 2017 750ML ($119.95) $89 Displayed Price, that’s $84.55 at 5% off or $80.10 at 10% off!
Case-6 Domaine Grand Veneur Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes, Rhone 2017 750ML ($719.95) $479 Displayed Price, that’s $455.05 at 5% off or $431.10 at 10% off! (that’s only $71.85/bottle!)
Jeb Dunnuck 97+ points “The 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape Vieilles Vignes is a bigger, richer, more opulent wine. Beautiful notes of blackcurrants, scorched earth, graphite, and crushed violets, all flow to a full-bodied, Châteauneuf Du Pape that has a voluptuous, sexy texture, brilliant depth of fruit, fine tannins, and a purity of fruit that’s hard to find in this vintage. It’s a thrill a minute, and while it’s approachable today, it will keep for 15-20 years. 416 cases.”
Decanter 96 points “Grown on galets, the fruit for this wine is all destemmed and fermented in stainless steel before being aged for 16 months, half in concrete and half in new barriques. The strong Mourvèdre component comes through as deep, ripe dark fruits and violets. It’s full-bodied and dense with soft, lush tannins, and is held together by a beam of strong acidity, finishing long. A lithe, muscular, impressive wine that will last the course. Just 5,000 bottles made.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average listed price is $120
The average listed price is $120
Domaine Grand Veneur Chateauneuf-du-Pape Les Origines, Rhone 2017 750ML ($69.95) $52.50 Displayed Price, that’s $49.88 at 5% off or $47.25 at 10% off!
Case-6 Domaine Grand Veneur Chateauneuf-du-Pape Les Origines, Rhone 2017 750ML ($419.95) $289 Displayed Price, that’s $274.55 at 5% off or $260.10 at 10% off! (that’s only $43.35/bottle!)
Jeb Dunnuck 95+ points “The 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape Les Origines takes things up a notch on the serious scale and has a much more concentrated, focused, structured style. A blend of 50% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, and the rest Syrah that saw 50% new barrels, it offers a rich, concentrated, focused texture, notes of black raspberries, roasted garrigue, pepper, and tons of minerality, building tannins, and outstanding length. The new oak is beautifully integrated, it’s perfectly balanced, and it’s one of those wines that has a kiss of modern character yet stays firmly planted in the Southern Rhône.”
Case-6 Domaine Grand Veneur Chateauneuf-du-Pape Les Origines, Rhone 2017 750ML ($419.95) $289 Displayed Price, that’s $274.55 at 5% off or $260.10 at 10% off! (that’s only $43.35/bottle!)
Jeb Dunnuck 95+ points “The 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape Les Origines takes things up a notch on the serious scale and has a much more concentrated, focused, structured style. A blend of 50% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, and the rest Syrah that saw 50% new barrels, it offers a rich, concentrated, focused texture, notes of black raspberries, roasted garrigue, pepper, and tons of minerality, building tannins, and outstanding length. The new oak is beautifully integrated, it’s perfectly balanced, and it’s one of those wines that has a kiss of modern character yet stays firmly planted in the Southern Rhône.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $63
The average price is $63
Domaine Grand Veneur Chateauneuf-du-Pape Le Miocene Rouge, Rhone 2017 750ML ($49.95) $39 Displayed Price, that’s $37.05 at 5% off or $35.10 at 10% off!
Case-6 Domaine Grand Veneur Chateauneuf-du-Pape Le Miocene Rouge, Rhone 2017 750ML ($299.95) $219 Displayed Price, that’s $208.05 at 5% off or $197.10 at 10% off! (that’s only $32.85/bottle!)
Jeb Dunnuck 91 points “The traditional cuvée at this great estate is the 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape Le Miocene, and in 2017 it’s a classic blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 10% Mourvèdre, brought up mostly in concrete (there’s a small amount in older barrels). It has a wonderful fresh, forward, delicious style as well as notes of black raspberries, garrigue, pepper, and hints of flowers. Pure, medium to full-bodied, upfront and ready to go, it’s a beauty geared for drinking over the coming 8-10 years.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $52.99
The next best price is $52.99
Domaine Grand Veneur Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes, Rhone 2016 750ML ($149.95) $119 Displayed Price, that’s $113.05 at 5% off or $107.10 at 10% off!
Jeb Dunnuck 100 points “The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes is up with the crème de la crème of the vintage and in the same league as the perfect 2010. Awesome notes of blackberries, crème de cassis, charred meats, licorice, and violets all soar from the glass. It’s powerful, opulent, and structured, with building tannin, a huge mid-palate, and a blockbuster finish, yet it never loses its sense of purity and elegance. It’s an incredible achievement from this estate. The blend is 45% Grenache, 45% Mourvèdre, and 10% Syrah, all aged in 55% new French oak.”
Wine Advocate 97 points “A terrific effort, the 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes is a blend of 50% Grenache, 40% Mourvèdre and 10% Syrah. It’s dense and rich almost beyond belief, packed with super ripe fruit that comes dangerously close to being chocolaty and fudge-like, yet it retains a sense of balance. Earth, spice and dark fruit notes linger for minutes on the long, tannic finish. Give it at least a couple of years in the cellar, and drink it over the next decade and a half. Tasted twice, with consistent notes.-JC”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine Grand Veneur Chateauneuf-du-Pape Les Origines, Rhone 2016 750ML ($69.95) $59 Displayed Price, that’s $56.05 at 5% off or $53.10 at 10% off!
Jeb Dunnuck 94-96+ points “Possibly the finest vintage of this cuvée to date, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Origines (50% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, and the balance Syrah) offers a full-bodied, unctuous, yet thrillingly pure style in its black raspberry, cassis, licorice and spice aromas and flavors. It has a smoking good mid-palate, building, ripe tannin and a huge finish.”
Wine Spectator 93 points “Inviting, with layered flavors of boysenberry, fig and blackberry preserves forming the foundation, while melted black licorice, warm fruitcake and wood spice notes are inlaid throughout. A lingering ganache echo adds more base through the hefty finish. Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah. Best from 2022 through 2035.”
Domaine Grand Veneur Chateauneuf-du-Pape La Fontaine Blanc, Rhone 2016 750ML ($69.95) $59 Displayed Price, that’s $56.05 at 5% off or $53.10 at 10% off!
Jeb Dunnuck 95 points “The flagship 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc La Fontaine is a more substantial, serious effort that offers notes of caramelized citrus, brioche, honeysuckle and orange blossom. Rich, layered and concentrated, yet also fresh and lively, it’s a terrific white that’s going to sing on the dinner table. Drink it anytime over the coming 4-5 years (it will keep even longer).”
Josh Raynolds 94 points “Vivid straw-gold. An intensely perfumed bouquet evokes ripe pear, candied orange, smoky minerals and chamomile, along with a deeper suggestion of honey. Energetic, palate-staining citrus and orchard fruit flavors show outstanding clarity and slowly put on weight and spread out with air. The mineral note reappears on the finish, which shows a noteworthy combination of richness and sharply defined, bright, filigreed character.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
5% Off Any 6-11 bottles of Domaine Grand Veneur Wines
10% Off Any 12+ bottles of Domaine Grand Veneur Wines
Offer includes Case-6 specials
Offer Ends Tuesday, August 11th at 10AM
Discount Will Not Display Online or In Your Cart
We will adjust your invoice before processing your card
Felsina’s Other Sangiovese
It’s not common knowledge, but the owners of Felsina (the Poggiali family) aren’t originally from Tuscany. They hail from Romagna, where they purchased the Podere La Berta in 2009. It was a labor of love—they wanted to highlight the uniqueness of Sangiovese from their familial homeland. The estate was modernized and replanted, with the Poggiali’s pouring money and expertise and time into the project—and the results are delicious (and excellent values).
This is a winery that’s given the same care and attention as its more famous brother, but the prices are significantly less steep—this isn’t Chianti, after all. All the vineyards at Podere La Berta are farmed with biodynamic practices, just as at Felsina, and the winemaking follows similar protocols, as well. We’ve just received their entry level Sangiovese, which would be a perfect pairing for all sorts of pizzas, pastas or grilled foods.
Just Arrived, In Stock Now:
Podere La Berta Sangiovese di Romagna, Emilia-Romagna 2018 750ML ($17.95) $14 special
Eric Guido-Vinous 90 points “The 2018 Podere La Berta Romagna Sangiovese shows moist earth notes and minerals, plus hints of young strawberry, bell pepper and dusty florals. It finishes medium in length and remarkably fresh, while still resonating on fruit purity and hints of subtle spice.”
Looking for other great Sangiovese values? Check out these fantastic bottles:
We’re smitten with the delightful and textured wines from La Gerla. This offers a sneak peak into the house style for a lot less money than a Brunello.
La Gerla Rosso di Montalcino, Tuscany 2018 750ML ($29.95) $24 special
Eric Guido – Vinous 91 points “The 2018 Rosso di Montalcino is polished, dark and earthy, with crushed black cherry lifted by peppery herbs and minerals as sweet spices develop in the glass. Silky textures carry brisk acids over the senses, ushering in tart red fruits, with hints of savory herbs, in a wonderfully fresh expression. The finish is medium in length, coating the palate in tart red fruits, with saturating fine tannin and cedary spices.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
The average price across all vintages is $27
Made from the younger vines in Castelnuovo, it’s basically a baby declassified Brunello. This wine spends 4 months in Slavonian botti.
La Gerla ‘Poggio gli Angeli’ Sangiovese Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2017 750ML ($21.95) $18 special
Case-12 La Gerla ‘Poggio gli Angeli’ Sangiovese Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2017 750ML ($249.95) $199 special (that’s only $16.58/bottle!)
Eric Guido – Vinous 90 points “La Gerla’s 2017 Poggio gli Angeli displays a mix of fresh, wild red berries, savory, spicy herbs and hints of cedar. On the palate, soft textures give way to crushed raspberry and cherry, with hints of sweet spice and sage. The finish is long and fresh, elevated by zesty acids, and showing hints of strawberry and inner floral notes.”
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.”
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.”
This is a winery that’s given the same care and attention as its more famous brother, but the prices are significantly less steep—this isn’t Chianti, after all. All the vineyards at Podere La Berta are farmed with biodynamic practices, just as at Felsina, and the winemaking follows similar protocols, as well. We’ve just received their entry level Sangiovese, which would be a perfect pairing for all sorts of pizzas, pastas or grilled foods.
Just Arrived, In Stock Now:
Podere La Berta Sangiovese di Romagna, Emilia-Romagna 2018 750ML ($17.95) $14 special
Eric Guido-Vinous 90 points “The 2018 Podere La Berta Romagna Sangiovese shows moist earth notes and minerals, plus hints of young strawberry, bell pepper and dusty florals. It finishes medium in length and remarkably fresh, while still resonating on fruit purity and hints of subtle spice.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Looking for other great Sangiovese values? Check out these fantastic bottles:
We’re smitten with the delightful and textured wines from La Gerla. This offers a sneak peak into the house style for a lot less money than a Brunello.
La Gerla Rosso di Montalcino, Tuscany 2018 750ML ($29.95) $24 special
Eric Guido – Vinous 91 points “The 2018 Rosso di Montalcino is polished, dark and earthy, with crushed black cherry lifted by peppery herbs and minerals as sweet spices develop in the glass. Silky textures carry brisk acids over the senses, ushering in tart red fruits, with hints of savory herbs, in a wonderfully fresh expression. The finish is medium in length, coating the palate in tart red fruits, with saturating fine tannin and cedary spices.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
The average price across all vintages is $27
Made from the younger vines in Castelnuovo, it’s basically a baby declassified Brunello. This wine spends 4 months in Slavonian botti.
La Gerla ‘Poggio gli Angeli’ Sangiovese Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2017 750ML ($21.95) $18 special
Case-12 La Gerla ‘Poggio gli Angeli’ Sangiovese Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2017 750ML ($249.95) $199 special (that’s only $16.58/bottle!)
Eric Guido – Vinous 90 points “La Gerla’s 2017 Poggio gli Angeli displays a mix of fresh, wild red berries, savory, spicy herbs and hints of cedar. On the palate, soft textures give way to crushed raspberry and cherry, with hints of sweet spice and sage. The finish is long and fresh, elevated by zesty acids, and showing hints of strawberry and inner floral notes.”
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.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
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.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Guiborat Champagne
A Great Score for a New Staff Favorite
Guiborat’s Champagnes have been a bit of a revelation over the last few months, and we’ve been bringing in more and more of their excellent bubbly. Their entry “Prisme” just received a (well-deserved) high score from James Suckling’s website—further proof that this is an estate worth paying attention to.
In Stock Now:
Guiborat ‘Prisme’ 14 Grand Cru, Champagne NV 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
James Suckling 95 points “A very cleverly pitched cuvée from this grower in Cramant that delivers a complete sense of ripe chardonnay fruit in a tightly curated palate. Aromas of white peaches, lemons, grilled bread and chalky, flinty notes lead to a palate that has smooth, lemon-curd, pear and white-peach flavor. Dry-cut finish and a gently nutty fade. So complete with beautifully articulated acidity.So layered and so balanced. December 2018 disgorgement. An assemblage of four Grand Cru parcels in the Cote des Blancs. Drink or hold.”
Also In Stock from Guiborat:
Guiborat Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Extra Brut, Champagne NV ($49.95) $39 special
Disgorged March 19th, 2015
In Stock Now:
Guiborat ‘Prisme’ 14 Grand Cru, Champagne NV 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
James Suckling 95 points “A very cleverly pitched cuvée from this grower in Cramant that delivers a complete sense of ripe chardonnay fruit in a tightly curated palate. Aromas of white peaches, lemons, grilled bread and chalky, flinty notes lead to a palate that has smooth, lemon-curd, pear and white-peach flavor. Dry-cut finish and a gently nutty fade. So complete with beautifully articulated acidity.So layered and so balanced. December 2018 disgorgement. An assemblage of four Grand Cru parcels in the Cote des Blancs. Drink or hold.”
Also In Stock from Guiborat:
Guiborat Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Extra Brut, Champagne NV ($49.95) $39 special
Disgorged March 19th, 2015
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Guiborat ‘Prohibition’ Pinot Meunier Mardeuil, Champagne NV ($69.95) $59 special, only 2 bottles available
Peter Liem note “The estate’s latest release is Prohibition, a 100-percent meunier champagne from two parcels of old vines in Mardeuil: Les Chataigniers, planted in 1954, and Les Carrés du Midi, planted in 1960.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Vinopolis Wine Shop Curbside Pick Up
Don’t want to stop in?
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.
#503-223-6002
Don’t want to stop in?
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.
#503-223-6002
Value Wines of Terroir from Rioja’s Neighbor
Zorzal makes some of the most overlooked wines in Spain, solely because they work in Navarra, not its more famous neighbor, Rioja. Working primarily with Garnacha and Graciano, brothers Xabi, Iñaki and Mikel Sanz have made vintage after vintage of terroir-driven values since the winery’s inception in 2007. This is a winery that over delivers from the low to the “high” end (still sub $25) with high scoring, delicious wine. These are wines that have tons of immediate appeal, with rich textures and juicy fruit flavors. They’re also loaded with character, with Zorzal’s light touch in winemaking (native fermentations, minimal new oak) allowing the grapes and terroirs to shine through.
In Stock Now:
Vina Zorzal Corral De Los Altos, Navarra 2018 750ML ($29.95) $24 special
Luis Gutierrez – Wine Advocate 92 points “All the guest winemakers that take part in the Lecciones de Vuelo joint venture with Viña Zorzal are offered to produce their interpretation of the paraje Corral de los Altos in Fitero. The 2018 Corral de los Altos is Zorzal’s own interpretation of a 45-year-old plot of 2.1 hectares of Garnacha planted on a north-facing stony part of the village. The grapes fermented in stainless steel with some 25% full clusters and indigenous yeasts and matured in seven used (second and third use) 500-liter oak barrels. This has contained ripeness and a medium to full-bodied palate with the classical chalky tannins and texture from the limestone-rich soils and the length and tastiness they provide”
In Stock Now:
Vina Zorzal Corral De Los Altos, Navarra 2018 750ML ($29.95) $24 special
Luis Gutierrez – Wine Advocate 92 points “All the guest winemakers that take part in the Lecciones de Vuelo joint venture with Viña Zorzal are offered to produce their interpretation of the paraje Corral de los Altos in Fitero. The 2018 Corral de los Altos is Zorzal’s own interpretation of a 45-year-old plot of 2.1 hectares of Garnacha planted on a north-facing stony part of the village. The grapes fermented in stainless steel with some 25% full clusters and indigenous yeasts and matured in seven used (second and third use) 500-liter oak barrels. This has contained ripeness and a medium to full-bodied palate with the classical chalky tannins and texture from the limestone-rich soils and the length and tastiness they provide”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Vina Zorzal ‘Cuatro del Cuatro’, Navarra 2018 750ML ($36.95) $29 special
Luis Gutierrez – Wine Advocate 94 points “The pure Graciano 2018 Cuatro del Cuatro was first produced in 2015 as an homage to the Sanz brothers’ father, who kept his Graciano vines when the majority ripped them up. They have seen that, with a soft vinification, the variety is not as rustic as most think and, in fact, can be quite elegant. 2018 was a tricky vintage for the variety, and the wine has moderate alcohol (13.3%), a very low pH (3.35) and notable acidity (six grams of tartaric acid per liter). It was produced with grapes grown in the village of Corella (especially from a vineyard planted in 1978), which has more Mediterranean influence that Fitero, the other village where they have the majority of their vineyards. This is a super serious Graciano, fresher than the majority of varietal bottlings out there, as they have lost the fear of harvesting it earlier, and it delivers a very spicy wine, with lots of black and even white peppercorns. I think this is very much in line with the 2016. It matured in used oak barrels of different sizes, and they did a barrel selection to produce 2,900 bottles of it.”
Luis Gutierrez – Wine Advocate 94 points “The pure Graciano 2018 Cuatro del Cuatro was first produced in 2015 as an homage to the Sanz brothers’ father, who kept his Graciano vines when the majority ripped them up. They have seen that, with a soft vinification, the variety is not as rustic as most think and, in fact, can be quite elegant. 2018 was a tricky vintage for the variety, and the wine has moderate alcohol (13.3%), a very low pH (3.35) and notable acidity (six grams of tartaric acid per liter). It was produced with grapes grown in the village of Corella (especially from a vineyard planted in 1978), which has more Mediterranean influence that Fitero, the other village where they have the majority of their vineyards. This is a super serious Graciano, fresher than the majority of varietal bottlings out there, as they have lost the fear of harvesting it earlier, and it delivers a very spicy wine, with lots of black and even white peppercorns. I think this is very much in line with the 2016. It matured in used oak barrels of different sizes, and they did a barrel selection to produce 2,900 bottles of it.”
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Vina Zorzal Graciano, Navarra 2018 750ml ($19.95) $16 special
Luis Gutierrez – Wine Advocate 91 points “The 2018 Graciano, the first wine they produced at the new Viña Zorzal in 2007, was produced with grapes from the village of Corella, and they want to show the expression of the grape in the village, more Mediterranean than Fitero, where they have a significant percentage of their vines. The spicy character of the wine and the lively palate are the expression of the Graciano in their village, what they have been trying to express since 2015. It fermented in stainless steel with moderate extraction and matured in used French oak barrels of different sizes for nine months. This is a very fresh vintage, and the wine is harmonious, spicy, with an herbal hint, with some dusty tannins, chalky and a bitter twist in the finish. I think the earlier harvest of the grape delivers wines that are more transparent, and this is quite stony and tasty. This is a very good value and a great introduction to Graciano”.
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
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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Exploring Cameron Winery:
The Crus / New Reviews / And A New Release!
“Burgundy or Oregon–what really matters is that Cameron produces some of the latter’s finest Pinot Noir and in winemaker John Paul, one of its most erudite, principled, forward-thinking/traditional and charismatic personalities that I encountered during my time there.” – Neal Martin, Wine Advocate
Newly Released, Arriving Friday:
Cameron Winery Reserve Chardonnay, Dundee Hills 2018 750ML ($39.95) $36 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Cameron Winery Reserve Chardonnay, Dundee Hills 2018 750ML ($289.95) $195 pre-arrival special (that’s only $32.50/bottle!)
VinopolNote: The ‘Reserve’ level of Cameron Chardonnay is an incredible deal. Made of declassified barrels of Clos Electrique and Abbey Ridge, so without the new oak that the lower level bottling sees, this wine shows facets of the grace and intensity of Abbey and the Clos without the pricetag of those higher end bottlings.
Newly Released, Arriving Friday:
Cameron Winery Reserve Chardonnay, Dundee Hills 2018 750ML ($39.95) $36 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Cameron Winery Reserve Chardonnay, Dundee Hills 2018 750ML ($289.95) $195 pre-arrival special (that’s only $32.50/bottle!)
VinopolNote: The ‘Reserve’ level of Cameron Chardonnay is an incredible deal. Made of declassified barrels of Clos Electrique and Abbey Ridge, so without the new oak that the lower level bottling sees, this wine shows facets of the grace and intensity of Abbey and the Clos without the pricetag of those higher end bottlings.
This is the only listing in the USA today!
The Crus:
Abbey Ridge – The Oldest Vines
Cameron Winery ‘Abbey Ridge’ Chardonnay, Dundee Hills 2015 750ML ($79.95) $69 special, 9 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 91 points “Limpid yellow. Anjou pear, Meyer lemon and chamomile scents, along with hints of fennel and sweet butter. Dry and sharply focused in the mouth, offering dried orchard fruit and citrus marmalade flavors; a late suggestion of melon adds succulence and depth. Finishes with very good cling, leaving bitter citrus pith and pear nectar notes behind.”
VinopolNote: Abbey Ridge sits high atop the Dundee Hills; a collection of vines planted on their own roots in the mid-70’s. It’s unquestionably one of the most special sites in the Willamette Valley and though it’s better known for Pinot Noir, the Abbey Chard is fantastic. This is the most limited of the Chardonnay bottlings from Cameron and isn’t produced every year (there was no 2014 version).
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Cameron Winery ‘Abbey Ridge’ Chardonnay, Dundee Hills 2016 750ML ($79.95) $69 special, 20 bottles in stock now
VinopolNote: Abbey Ridge sits high atop the Dundee Hills; a collection of vines planted on their own roots in the mid-70’s. It’s unquestionably one of the most special sites in the Willamette Valley and though it’s better known for Pinot Noir, the Abbey Chard is fantastic. This is the most limited of the Chardonnay bottlings from Cameron and isn’t produced every year (there was no 2014 version).
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $77.99
The next best price is $77.99
Cameron Winery ‘Abbey Ridge’ Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2013 750ML ($89.95) $79 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 92-94 points “From vines on their own roots that John Paul explained were strongly influenced by the necrosis during flowering (ergo yields of less than 1 ton per acre) the 2013 Pinot Noir Abbey Ridge Unfiltered has a slightly meatier nose with darker fruit than the Clos Electrique ’13: blackberry, bilberry and cold stone scents. The palate is nicely poised with very fine acidity, very elegant with a silky smooth dark cherry and cassis finish that just seems to “purr.” There is a flow of energy within this Pinot Noir that I hope will be in situ once bottled. Just lovely.”
Wine Advocate 92-94 points “From vines on their own roots that John Paul explained were strongly influenced by the necrosis during flowering (ergo yields of less than 1 ton per acre) the 2013 Pinot Noir Abbey Ridge Unfiltered has a slightly meatier nose with darker fruit than the Clos Electrique ’13: blackberry, bilberry and cold stone scents. The palate is nicely poised with very fine acidity, very elegant with a silky smooth dark cherry and cassis finish that just seems to “purr.” There is a flow of energy within this Pinot Noir that I hope will be in situ once bottled. Just lovely.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Cameron Winery ‘Abbey Ridge’ Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2016 750ML ($79.95) $69 special, 34 bottles in stock now
VinopolNote: Abbey Ridge is one of the most hallowed sites in the Willamette Valley. Planted in 1975, the Pinot Noir here is own rooted and at one of the highest elevations in the Dundee Hills. The elevation and classic Jory soils give the wine an intense personality—high toned, elegant and tensile, with good power and a strong voice. This bottling has been one of the defining Oregon Pinots since John Paul started making it.
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Cameron Winery ‘Abbey Ridge’ Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2017 750ML ($79.95) $66 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
VinopolNote: Abbey Ridge is one of the most hallowed sites in the Willamette Valley. Planted in 1975, the Pinot Noir here is own rooted and at one of the highest elevations in the Dundee Hills. The elevation and classic Jory soils give the wine an intense personality—high toned, elegant and tensile, with good power and a strong voice. This bottling has been one of the defining Oregon Pinots since John Paul started making it.
VinopolNote: Abbey Ridge is one of the most hallowed sites in the Willamette Valley. Planted in 1975, the Pinot Noir here is own rooted and at one of the highest elevations in the Dundee Hills. The elevation and classic Jory soils give the wine an intense personality—high toned, elegant and tensile, with good power and a strong voice. This bottling has been one of the defining Oregon Pinots since John Paul started making it.
Clos Electrique – The Famed Estate
Cameron Winery Clos Electrique Blanc, Dundee Hills 2016 750ML ($79.95) $66 special, 13 bottles in stock now
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Cameron Winery Clos Electrique Blanc, Dundee Hills 2017 750ML ($79.95) $79.95) $66 special, 34 bottles in stock now
Cameron Winery Clos Electrique Blanc, Dundee Hills 2017 1.5L ($219.95) $179 special, 2 magnums in stock now
VinopolNote: The Clos Electrique is Cameron’s estate vineyard, named after the electric deer fence that surrounds it. This is planted to a mix of clones and is vinified traditionally—no racking and all in older barrels. This is crisp and coiled, with distinct minerality and a lot of power in a lithe frame. Like most vintages of the Electrique Blanc, this is quite good now but will be stellar in a few years.
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Cameron Winery Clos Electrique Rouge, Dundee Hills 2017 750ML ($79.95) $66 special, 8 bottles in stock now
VinopolNote: Named after the electrified deer fence surrounding the vineyard, the Clos Electrique is the estate vineyard surrounding Cameron’s winery. Located just up the road from Maresh vineyard, on Worden Hill Road, it’s in the promised land of the Dundee Hills and the wines deliver. This is always the meatiest, most primal Pinot of the Cameron lineup. We love it for its intense savoriness and quiet power—every year this is an absolute treat to drink.
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Newly Reviewed by Kerry Winslow of Grapelive:
Cameron Winery Nebbiolo, Dundee Hills 2016 750ML ($49.95) $33 special, 34 bottles in stock now
Grapelive 95 points “The 2016 Cameron Nebbiolo is truly a gorgeous wine and can easily be considered an American Barolo with its pure varietal character and profile. This vintage is just stunning and shows that this grape can be just as majestic in the Willamette Valley as it is in the Langhe! The Cameron Dundee Hills Nebbiolo shows a deep garnet color with just a hint of classic brickish magenta on the edges. The wine displays an earthy element along with pretty floral notes on the nose before revealing exceptional layers of traditional dark berries, plum, brandied cherries and black fig fruits along with blood orange, anise, dried lavender and a light cedrary spiciness. There’s so much to love here, the supple tannins and velvety mouth feel, but with structure at its core this wine gets better and better as it opens in the glass, filling out completely and becoming seamless and gaining depth with every sip, making for an exquisite Nebbiolo experience. The Cameron Nebbiolo shines in this vintage and the warmer site here allows riper flavors to come through and a lovely sense of richness, while still having the energy, leathery-earthiness and natural acidity the grape is known for. Interesting enough the alcohol is somewhat lower than warm year Barolo(s) that are coming in at 14.5% and higher. At 13% this wine delivers a fine balance and is fantastic with rustic cuisine. The Cameron Nebbiolo is sourced from the winery’s Clos Electrique cru vineyard in the Dundee Hills, set on the Jory (volcanic) soils, famous for winemaker John Paul’s Pinot Noirs, which are some of Oregon’s greatest wines. This estate vineyard consists of, according to the winery, approximately 3 acres of Pinot Noir, 2 acres of Chardonnay, half an acre of Italian white grape varieties, including Friulano and 1 acre of Nebbiolo that was first planted back in 1994. Cameron’s John Paul, who is a huge Italian wine geek and Barolo enthusiast, believed that Nebbiolo could thrive here as it was on a similar parallel and [since] hazelnut trees do well in both Piedmont and in the Willamette Valley. In fact Paul cleared an ex-hazelnut orchard to plant his two clones of Nebbiolo. Very early on it was clear he was right and that Nebbiolo could be a huge success, and this 2016 rises to a level of greatness. Cameron uses non irrigated vines that are farmed all organically which adds to the wine’s concentration and traditional old world winemaking techniques in the cellar with this Nebbiolo seeing extended elevage having adopted, as Paul notes, the long aging regimen typical of Barolo and Barbaresco to be more evolved and mature on release. The Cameron or Cameroni Italian inspired wines are outstanding, especially this Nebbiolo, plus their series of whites, like the Friuli style blend and the Pinot Bianco and the Ramato, skin contact Pinot Gris.”
Trending
A very pretty, summer-weight red.
Castello di Verduno Basadone Pelaverga, Piedmont 2018 750ML ($27.95) $24 special
Importer Note “Pelaverga is indigenous to the village of Verduno, it produces red wines that are light in color but savory and distinctive on the palate. Reminds me a lot of Grignolino, another geeky Piedmontese variety. This one is aged in stainless steel before bottling without filtration. The winery’s website cannot be improved on for a description: ‘Soft, though bright ruby red. Intense fragrant nose, showing clear spicy overtones of black pepper and nutmeg, as well as fruity sensations reminiscent of cherries in spirit and strawberries. Nicely-balanced, lingering dry flavour.’ Great with salumi. I would drink this at cellar temperature.”
Castello di Verduno Basadone Pelaverga, Piedmont 2018 750ML ($27.95) $24 special
Importer Note “Pelaverga is indigenous to the village of Verduno, it produces red wines that are light in color but savory and distinctive on the palate. Reminds me a lot of Grignolino, another geeky Piedmontese variety. This one is aged in stainless steel before bottling without filtration. The winery’s website cannot be improved on for a description: ‘Soft, though bright ruby red. Intense fragrant nose, showing clear spicy overtones of black pepper and nutmeg, as well as fruity sensations reminiscent of cherries in spirit and strawberries. Nicely-balanced, lingering dry flavour.’ Great with salumi. I would drink this at cellar temperature.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
From 100+ year-old vines, this is one of the best values in Beaujolais
Pierre-Marie Chermette Domaine du Vissoux Coeur de Vendanges, Beaujolais 2018 750ML ($29.95) $24 special
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 92 points “As I’ve written before, this bottling represents one of the great values in French wine, and the 2018 Beaujolais-Villages Coeur de Vendanges will not disappoint long-time fans of the cuvée. Wafting from the glass with a rich bouquet of dark berry fruit, rose petals and licorice, it’s full-bodied, fleshy and enveloping, its powdery tannins concealed in a lavish core of succulent, lively fruit. A wine to purchase by the case, expect it to offer irresistible drinking for the better part of a decade.”
This staff pick is a do-it-all white.
Tiberio Pecorino Colline Pescaresi IGT, Abruzzo 2017 750ML ($24.95) $19.50 special
Ian D’Agata – Vinous 90 points “Abruzzo’s Tiberio winery has quickly risen to the top of the hierarchy not just in Abruzzo’s but in all of Italy. What the talented Cristiana Tiberio has achieved in the very hot 2017 vintage with Pecorino (a variety that does not like heat) is a testament to her talent. The 2017 Tiberio Pecorino is by no means the best Pecorino she has ever made (and frankly, it would have been very strange if it was otherwise, given the year’s weather), but it offers lovely balance with pure sage and kiwi notes that mingle with ripe orchard fruit nuances complicated by a saline edge. Both these wines made for a wonderful start to my meal, but they would have paired very well with all the other dishes I chose to eat this evening.”
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A new review for a wine we’ve long suspected to be one of Mike Etzel’s best.
Sequitur Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2018 750ML ($99.95) $79 special
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 95 points “Bright ruby-red. A highly perfumed bouquet evokes ripe red and blue fruits, cherry pie, potpourri and exotic spices, all sharpened by a smoky mineral overtone. Deeply concentrated and energetic in the mouth, offering sappy, mineral- and spice-drenched black raspberry, cherry cola and rose pastille flavors that spread out steadily on the back half. Shows fine definition and finishes extremely long and sappy, with polished tannins and lingering floral and blue fruit liqueur notes. 25% new oak.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average listed price is $89
The average listed price is $89
The Levet bandwagon continues to collect more steam. All aboard!
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.”
Collector’s Corner
Torbreck’s Perfect, 100-Point RunRig Shiraz
Torbreck is one of the truly iconic Australian producers. Producing wines at every price-point, they’re known in their native land for their “Run Rig” Shiraz—a towering bottling that sits with Penfold’s Grange and Henschke’s Hill of Grace as one of the best wines made in any given vintage. The 2016 is one of the best iterations yet, a Wine Advocate 100-pointer that combines the raw power of the Barossa with enough polish to take the wine into transcendent realms. Our limited allocation just arrived, but likely won’t last long.
Just Arrived, In Stock Now:
Torbreck RunRig Shiraz – Viognier, Barossa Valley 2016 750ML ($219.95) $189 special
Wine Advocate 100 points “A blend of 98% Shiraz and 2% Viognier made just prior to bottling, the 2016 RunRig is a complete masterpiece. It kicks off with elegant notes of pencil shavings accenting blueberries and blackberries on the nose, then shows incredible, palate-staining intensity of fruit in the mouth. It’s full-bodied, plush and velvety without being unstructured and manages to be fruit-forward yet savory on the long-lasting finish, where it picks up hints of mocha and black olives. This should be drinkable with pleasure throughout its entire two-decade life (it may live longer from cold cellars or in larger formats), but if I were lucky enough to have a bottle or two, I’d try the first one about 10 years out.”
Just Arrived, In Stock Now:
Torbreck RunRig Shiraz – Viognier, Barossa Valley 2016 750ML ($219.95) $189 special
Wine Advocate 100 points “A blend of 98% Shiraz and 2% Viognier made just prior to bottling, the 2016 RunRig is a complete masterpiece. It kicks off with elegant notes of pencil shavings accenting blueberries and blackberries on the nose, then shows incredible, palate-staining intensity of fruit in the mouth. It’s full-bodied, plush and velvety without being unstructured and manages to be fruit-forward yet savory on the long-lasting finish, where it picks up hints of mocha and black olives. This should be drinkable with pleasure throughout its entire two-decade life (it may live longer from cold cellars or in larger formats), but if I were lucky enough to have a bottle or two, I’d try the first one about 10 years out.”
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