In This Newsletter:
Remelluri Subscriber Sale
&
The Great Spanish Wines of Telmo Rodriguez
New Week – New Arrival
Trending
Staff Pick
2019 Merkelbach
Remelluri Subscriber Sale
&
The Great Spanish Wines of Telmo Rodriguez
Arriving in November:
Remelluri Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2013 750ML ($39.95) Displayed price $36, Discounted price $32.40 pre-arrival special
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 93 points “The flagship red 2013 Reserva, the wine most people call simply Remelluri, was cropped from a cool, wet, challenging year, and it has a little less alcohol and higher acidity than the previous harvest. It had an élevage of 20 months in oak barriques. It has an herbal twist reflecting the conditions of the year, and it is developed and polished. It has the grippy, Nebbiolo-like tannins that are a signature of the Remelluri wines, a little more evident in a year like 2013. A Remelluri for food. 214,321 bottled produced. It was bottled in April 2016.”
James Suckling 93 points “This is a lean and finely textured red with blackberry and blueberry character. Wild herbs. Burnt orange peel. Medium body. Tight and refined. Drink now.”
This was the lowest listed price in the USA today,
Now it’s even lower!
The average price is $40
Also Arriving from Telmo Rodriguez, ETA October 16th
“Gaba do Xil is named for the hillsides of the Sil River, which is the lifeblood of the region. They are the estate-grown red and white village wines, an introduction to the limited production single cru wines of Ladeiras do Xil. Gaba do Xil offers the drinker an incredible value for handmade Galician wines for everyday drinking, which rival the wines of similar quality in Burgundy and Beaujolais. The red wine is produced from certified organic, mencía, and merenzao grapes from estate vineyards. The primary vineyard lies inland at 400-500m in altitude, near the town of Larouco, which has an Atlantic influence due to the location in a valley that forms an outlet to the sea.” –De Maison Selections
Compania de Vinos Telmo Rodriguez ‘Gaba do Xil’ Branco (Godello), Valdeorras 2018 750ML ($21.95) $18 pre-arrival special
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 90+ points “The 2018 Gaba do Xil Godello comes from a very difficult year in Galicia when mildew decimated many vineyards. When tasted a few months after bottling, it was very balsamic with notes of bay leaf and something medicinal, quite aromatic, powerful and a little reductive at first (perhaps the recent bottling). The palate was round and soft, approachable, with pungent flavors and a clean, dry finish, with ripeness somewhere between that of the 2016 and 2018. 96,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in December 2018.”
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The next best price is $22.99
Compania de Vinos Telmo Rodriguez ‘Gaba do Xil’ Tinto (Mencia), Valdeorras 2017 750ML ($21.95) $18 pre-arrival special
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 90+ points “It was hard to beat the superb 2016, but the 2017 Gaba do Xil Mencía was also perfumed and open, expressive, with a little more ripeness, with good volume and a little more density. This fermented and matured in stainless steel and was bottled without ever touching any oak to keep the fruit profile. But it’s more than fruit; it has the austere texture of the granite soils with an expressive finish. 2017 was a short vintage because of problems with frost and they produced 22,700 bottles of it.”
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The next best price is $22.99
Compania de Vinos Telmo Rodriguez ‘Pegaso Zeta’ Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y Leon 2016 750Ml ($21.95) $18 pre-arrival special
VinopolNote: Telmo Rodriguez first ventured into the Sierra de Gredos mountains west of Madrid some 25 years ago. Originally inspired to write a book on the forgotten vineyards of the area, Rodriguez founded a winemaking company, Campania de Vinos, to make wine from these ancient gems that would otherwise be lost to time. The ‘Zeta’ is the newest wine of the winery, named Pegaso. Zeta is a blend of two distinct soil types in the region: a rare, brown slate, and a granite-laced soil.
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $22
Bonus Telmo Rodriguez Feature:
Valdeorras is the lost great region in Spain. Nestled in the eastern edge of Galicia, with its cool Atlantic climate, the region has been planted since at least the Roman occupation. The Sil (Xil) river is the dominant feature, just as it is in neighboring Ribeira Sacra, and that’s what Ladeiras do Xil is named for. Valdeorras is a hidden gem in the Spanish wine scene, with great old terraced terroirs and old plantings that have been abandoned for decades before their recent (~2002) rediscovery. The whites are based on Godello and the reds on a true mélange of grapes—these are wines that recall Burgundy in their elegance and perfume, but with a flavor profile all their own, and that’s what we love about them.
Ladeiras do Xil makes the defining wines of the appellation, focusing on restoring these historic vineyards on impossibly steep, often terraced, sites. Founded by two giants of Spanish wine, Pablo Eguzkiza and Telmo Rodríguez, the winery is now helmed by the young, driven Jorge Saa, who has been working to restore the vineyards to prestige and condition of their ancient roots. The work is very hard and the production levels tiny (less than 250 cases are made of each red we’re offering today) but the results speak for themselves—this is an estate producing wines that are unique and compelling.
In Stock Now:
Ladeiras Do Xil “Branco De Santa Cruz”, Valdeorras 2016 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 13 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2016 Branco de Santa Cruz was produced with the grapes from the white vines in the different vineyards in Valdeorras, with mixed varieties like Godello, Treixadura, Doña Branca, Palomino… It fermented and matured in oak foudre and 600-liter oak barrels. 2016 was a fresh year, with quite a lot of mildew, so harvesting the grapes from the individual plants was quite a lot of work, and they produced less of this wine. It’s open and expressive, with white flowers and a touch of honeycomb. The palate revealed marked flavors, a little medicinal, with very good intensity, clean and pure. 4,644 bottles were filled in May 2017.”
Importer note “The wines of Ladeiras do Xil are strictly produced by natural principles. Viticulture is EU organic, and indigenous yeasts begin a spontaneous fermentation once the grapes are hand-harvested. Minimal intervention in the winery is evident in the haunting elegance of the wines. Branco de Santa Cruz is fermented and matured in large oak foudres and 600-liter oak barrels. The wine is open and expressive, with white flowers and a touch of honeycomb. It exhibits exceptional intensity and purity. Production of this authentic white wine is very limited, with less than 5,000 bottles produced.”
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The next best price is $47.99
“unusual intensity, elegance and balance”
Ladeiras Do Xil “As Caborcas”, Valdeorras 2016 750ML ($99.95) $89 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 96 points “The 2.5 hectares of north- and west-facing terraces planted with old vines produced the 2016 As Caborcas, a wine of unusual intensity, elegance and balance in 2016. The cooler year seems to have worked wonders for the reds here, and the wine is expressive and open, floral and aromatic, developing nuances of moss and fern, with a textured palate where the tannins have the granite mark of stony austerity that is then coated by the glycerin and the fruit, making a wine that is both elegant and powerful, with a very Galician feeling to it. 2,619 bottles produced. It was bottled in May 2017.”
Importer note “As Caborcas is a unique vineyard, full of different varieties, of different ages, from different strains, growing at different altitudes and exposures. Among the native grapes planted are mencía, merenzao, sousón, godello, and brancellao. Indigenous yeasts cause spontaneous fermentation in small wooden barrels of various sizes, with light foudre aging for 12 months to preserve the “Atlantic” delicacy of this wine of inland Galicia. True to the origins, As Caborcas could be made nowhere else. As Caborcas is extremely limited, with less than 3,000 bottles produced in a good year.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $95
Ladeiras Do Xil “Falcoeira a Capilla”, Valdeorras 2016 750ML ($79.95) $69 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 94 points “Falcoeira was the first of their Valdeorras vineyards to be harvested in 2016, starting on September 16th. The 2.75 hectares of this young south-facing vineyard produced 2,635 bottles of the 2016 Falcoeira A Capilla, always a richer wine compared with its siblings. It’s a historical vineyard that was abandoned, but its almost 100 ancient terraces were replanted with a field blend of Mencía, Merenzao, Sousón, Godello, Garnacha…and other grapes that would have been there in the past. Winemaking is simple, the grapes fermented in small wooden and stainless steel tanks, and the wine aged in French oak foudres. 2016 seems like a great vintage for the reds here, and Falcoeira kept the freshness and poise within its riper character. The palate is delineated and with a marked stony feeling to it. With time in the glass, the wine became finer and more elegant, and that extra touch of ripeness seemed to disappear. A great year for this wine.”
Importer note “The soils here are coarsely-textured, decomposed granites. It is an intense and profound wine, like the place it comes from. Indigenous yeasts begin a spontaneous fermentation in small wooden barrels of various sizes, the wine is then aged in foudres for 12 months. Falcoeira keeps freshness and poise within its riper character; with a delineated palate and a wild, stony feeling echoing the granitic slopes. With time in the glass, Falcoeira unfolds and displays the power, finesse, and elegance, which makes it one of the most exciting wines in the world. Falcoeira is extremely limited, with less than 3,000 bottles produced in a good year.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $80
New Week – New Arrival
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Restocked & newly reviewed by Wine Enthusiast!
J.C. Somers Croft Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Willamette Valley 2019 750ML ($29.95) $26 special
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 92 points “Shimmering straw. Bright and focused on the incisive nose, displaying lime zest, green apple, honeysuckle and dusty mineral scents, along with a touch of succulent herbs. Dry and lively on the palate, offering intense citrus and orchard fruit flavors that betray no excess weight. Closes on a stony note, delivering strong, floral-driven persistence. All stainless steel.”
Wine Enthusiast 92 points “Editor’s Choice. Jay Somers, who has worked with Croft fruit for the past 20 years, launches his new brand with this outstanding Sauvignon Blanc. Powerful flavors of grapefruit, pineapple and gooseberry pierce through with peppery thistle. The flavors are crisp, lingering and beautifully defined.”
“The 2019 model is packed with aromas and flavors of lemon, lime and white grapefruit. There’s a subtle herbal note that comes across like a combination of fresh-cut grass and lemon verbena. The wine’s acidity has serious pucker power.” -Michael Alberty, Oregonian/OregonLive
This is the only listing in the USA today!
France
Coutier’s Blanc de Blanc has been one of our best-selling Champagnes over the last few years—and for good reason. Combining the richness of Ambonnay, where Coutier is based, with a bright Blanc de Blancs style leads to a Champagne that’s a crowd pleaser. With a ton of complexity and class for the price, it’s one to stock up on in advance of the holiday season.
R.H. Coutier Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
Case-6 R.H. Coutier Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($299.95) $219 special (that’s only $36.50/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Disgorged 2/2020, 60% 2016 + 40% reserve wine.
Antonio Galloni 92 points “Coutier’s NV Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru is bright, focused and nuanced, not to mention incredibly delicious. The energy of Chardonnay and structure of Ambonnay yield a Champagne that is singular, classy and bursting at the seams with character. This release is based on 2016, with 40% reserve wines. I would give it another 6-12 months in bottle, although, truthfully, it is pretty hard to resist now. Dosage: 6.5 gr/L.”
The average price is $44
Benoit Marguet farms several hectares of Ambonnay vineyards and two hectare of Bouzy (eight of the total are farmed biodynamically), purchasing small amounts of certified organic or organically farmed fruit. In the cellar, he works according to the lunar calendar with minimal sulfur and ages the wines in barrel for added complexity, eschewing stainless steel. The wines are full of character, vividly expressing their Grand Cru terroir, with open and easy appeal right from the start. He releases single vineyard (lieu-dix) in the best years, including 2015, and single village wines alongside the entry-level blends. His lineup has drawn increasing attention over the past couple of vintages. Although the latest releases have yet to be reviewed, we expect fireworks.
“One of Champagne’s most passionate advocates of biodynamic viticulture and aromatherapy since he undertook his family estate’s biodynamic conversion in 2009, Benoît Marguet farms just over seven hectares in Ambonnay, as well as small holdings in Bouzy, which he complements with purchased organically farmed grapes from the Côte de Blancs. Working with indigenous yeasts and minimal sulfites—indeed, increasingly, with no sulfites whatsoever—Marguet’s vins clairs are vinified in wood and see long élevage before tirage. These days, disgorgement is without dosage. Framed by a delicate patina from their time in oak, these are concentrated, intense and beautifully balanced Champagnes that are invariably precisely defined by site—and, moreover, revolutionary in their ambitions. I have followed Marguet’s wines since my student days, and it is clear that Benoît is well on his way to realizing all his ambitions.” –William Kelley, Wine Advocate
Champagne Marguet ‘Shaman 17’ Grand Cru Rose Brut Nature, Champagne NV 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Importer note “41% Pinot Noir & 59% Chardonnay.”
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The average price is $63
Champagne Marguet Bouzy Grand Cru Brut Nature, Champagne 2015 750ML ($89.95) $79 special
Importer note “100% Pinot Noir.”
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Champagne Marguet ‘Shaman 16’ Grand Cru Brut Nature, Champagne NV 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Importer note “86% Pinot Noir & 14% Chardonnay.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $60
Champagne Marguet Yuman Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru Brut Nature, Champagne NV 750ML ($49.95) $45 special
100% Chardonnay
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $47
Chartogne-Taillet Les Barres Pinot Noir Extra Brut, Champagne (2015) NV 750ML ($149.95) $99 special
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 94 points “From a climat Chartonge made famous for its Pinot Meunier growing in chalky soils, the NV Extra Brut Blanc de Noirs Les Barres (Pinot Noir) derives from a westerly exposed parcel of Pinot Noir growing in sand—and hails entirely from the 2015 vintage. It’s showing very well, exhibiting attractive aromas of mirabelle plums, raspberries, anise, pastry cream and yellow chartreuse. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, ample and muscular, with tangy acids, excellent concentration and a long, chalky finish.”
Importer note “We are very excited to announce the release of a new parcellaire wine from Alexandre Chartogne. Lovers of grower champagne are familiar with Chartogne-Taillet’s Les Barres, the single parcel, un-grafted Meunier wine, released first in the 2006 vintage. This was the first wine that Alexandre produced after returning home to his family domaine, from working with Anselme Selosse, his mentor. Over a short period of time, Les Barres has become a cult wine and we have very small amounts to offer each year. The vineyard Les Barres and the wine Alexandre produces from it has been linked to a single grape variety – Meunier. Alexandre feels that the variety is simply the conduit, a transmission of place and identity. He feels that while it’s not irrelevant ‘Each place itself confers a different texture, a feeling in the mouth, which doesn’t change, even as the aromas and structure shifts with ageing.’… Alexandre showed us a new wine from Les Barres: ‘In the parcel Les Barres there are not just Meunier vines, but also a small amount of Pinot Noir. The Pinot would not be enough to make a single harvest wine, so, I produced this wine from the vintages 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015. It is Les Barres Pinot Noir, and the first time I have made it.’ The wine is exquisite, with remarkable length and depth, even in its youth. For fans of Les Barres, this is an incredible opportunity to taste other expressions of this outstanding site. It’s a wine, which, like Les Barres Meunier, has a long life ahead of it.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $109
Le Domaine d’Henri 821 Brut Nature Blanc de Blancs de Chardonnay 2018 750ML ($35.95) $29.90 special
Importer note “Produced from 35+ year old vines in the Chablis appellation using the Méthode Ancestrale meaning that the alcoholic fermentation takes place in stainless steel vats and bottled before aging with the CO2 necessary for the long haul already in the bottle. Aged on its lees for 24 months, it is then disgorged with no added sugar. 821 refers to the minimum total number of days necessary to produce this wine from the beginning of the growing season to the moment the bottle leaves the cellar. Delightful toast and citrus notes with some exotic tinges lead into a serious wine with high mineral tension, full fruit in the middle and a very fine and persistent bead. This is an impressive wine that will surprise many.”
A richer style of Sancerre from natural winemaking hero Sebastien Riffault.
Domaine Sebastien Riffault Sancerre Les Quarterons, Loire 2018 750ML ($49.95) $33 special
Biodynamic from 30 year old vines in clay & limestone soil. Spontaneous fermentation in stainless steel.
M. Chapoutier Chateauneuf-du-Pape Barbe Rac, Rhone 2016 750ML ($149.95) $119 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 95-98 points “Tasted out of tank, the deep ruby/purple-colored 2016 Châteauneuf-Du-Pape Barbe Rac (100% Grenache raised all in concrete) offers a deep, intense bouquet of smoke red and black fruits, garrigue, black pepper and exotic spice. A big, rich, incredibly unctuous tank sample, it has building tannin and sensational purity.”
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 94 points “Glistening magenta. Deeply perfumed aromas of ripe red berries, cherry cola, candied flowers and garrigue take on a spicy element with aeration. Juicy and densely packed, offering alluringly sweet black raspberry, cherry pie, licorice pastille and lavender flavors and a late hint of spicy white pepper. The floral and spice notes carry strongly through an impressively long, penetrating finish framed by chewy, slow-building tannins. I suspect this wine will reward plenty of patience. Raised entirely in concrete vats.”
Italy
Last call! Vajra 2016s were featured in Wednesday’s Wine Spectator Insider and we quickly sold out of the Ravera. We were able to secure the final 17 bottles in Oregon, so consider this your last call…
G.D. Vajra Ravera, Barolo DOCG 2016 750ML ($99.95) $79 special
Wine Spectator 97 points “Alluring aromas of cherry, rose and graphite settle into a core of cherry and strawberry fruit, with nuances of iron, tobacco and tar. Sleek, yet intense and complex, unfolding effortlessly through the long finish. Best from 2023 through 2047.”
Antonio Galloni 96 points “The 2016 Barolo Ravera is tough as nails today, but it has striking inner sweetness and remarkable persistence. Even so, readers will have to exercise a great deal of patience, as the 2016 is not likely to offer much in the way of pleasure for a number of years. Bright red cherry, mint, white pepper, blood orange and dried flowers give the 2016 brilliant top notes to match its finely sculpted feel. Veins of acidy and tannin add razor-sharp precision throughout. I can’t wait to taste this in another few years’ time.”
Kerin O’Keefe-Wine Enthusiast 96 points “Focused and vibrant, this chiseled red has enticing scents of small red berry, rose, menthol and culinary spice. On the taut, youthfully austere palate, a backbone of firm, fine-grained tannins supports juicy red cherry, strawberry and licorice while fresh acidity keeps it balanced. Give it time to unwind and come together. Drink 2026–2041.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2016 Barolo Ravera is the most angular, powerful and vertical of the various Baroli presented by G.D. Vajra. The optimal growing conditions of this classic vintage contribute to the wine’s vertical lift and pronounced depth. The Ravera cru (that spans the comuni of Novello and Barolo) is characterized by Toronian-era marl with clay and sandstone at 320 to 340 meters above sea level. That’s the ideal spot for wines that show both power and elegance. The tannins are sweeter on this wine, but the fiber is tight and firm. Red and purple fruits with licorice, tar and white truffle are folded neatly within. Some 6,000 bottles are hitting the market now.
Volpaia ‘Citto’ Rosso di Toscana IGT 2017 750ML ($19.95) $14 special
Importer note “This generous, silky wine displays ripe fruit aromas with intense cherry and red berry flavors on the palate.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Lisini Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2015 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Decanter 96 points “With vineyards between Sant’Angelo in Colle and Castelnuovo dell’Abate on the inner edge of the Sesta district, Lisini’s vineyards are cleansed by constant breezes from the Tuscan Coast. Stony soils with an important underpinning of limestone as well as elevations over 300 metres help preserve freshness in their wines. The 2015 is beautifully fragrant, almost exotic in character. Plump red fruit and sweet summer herbs fill the mouth but rather than being heavy, this is poised and transparent. Ample powdery tannins are fine and lead to a tangy marine finish.”
Wine Spectator 94 points “A serious, brooding red, with ripe cherry and strawberry flavors offsetting the beefy tannins. Loam, iron and almond notes chime in. Balanced and long overall. Best from 2023 through 2042. 2,500 cases made, 700 cases imported.”
Eric Guido-Vinous 94 points “The 2015 Brunello di Montalcino dark and rich, showing ripe black cherries and plum, with layers of haunting florals, exotic brown spice and smoky mineral tones. On the palate, a wave of polished textures wash across the senses, ushering in juicy black cherry with sweet herbal and floral undertones, with zesty spices and vibrant acidity adding a refreshing quality. The finish is long and remarkably fresh, an example of how the warmth of Sant’Angelo in Colle can be tempered by a deft hand, as fine tannins come forward, balanced by mouthwatering acidity and punctuated by residual pure red berry fruit. It’s a wine that’s very easy to love, with near term appeal and potential for the cellar.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $59
Spain
Bodegas Ostatu Escobal, Rioja DOCa 2018 750ML ($29.95) $24 special
Importer note “In their continual push for sustainability and regenerative farming, the Saenz de Samaniego siblings have been working towards their organic farming certification. As a start, they have organically certified one of their larger contiguous vineyards, called Escobal, which lies at 550m in Rioja Alavesa with clay-calcareous soils under a layer of sand and gravel, and made a single-vineyard wine from there aged in a large foudre. Made from 100% destemmed tempranillo grapes, fermented with indigenous yeast in temperature-controlled stainless steel. Aged in a large foudre until bottling after one year with minimal sulfur dioxide.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Austria
Meinklang Burgenland Rot, Burgenland 2018 750ML ($21.95) $17 special
Distributor note “Bio-dynamic, hand harvested Zweigelt, Blaufränkisch, & Sankt Laurent. Spontaneous, semi-carbonic fermentation in stainless steel, aged for 6 months in SS. Unfined, unfiltered, 30 mg/L So2.”
Meinklang Frizzante Blanc de Noir Rose, Burgenland 2019 750ML ($24.95) $19 special
Distributor note “100% Pinot Noir from a biodynamically farmed vineyard with sandy loam soil. Winemaking: gentle press, short maceration, spontaneous fermentation in stainless steel with indigenous yeasts, finished in pressure tanks. Meinklang is an original, family-run mixed farm, set in the middle of the World Heritage Site of the National Park Neusiedlersee, on the Eastern side of the Neusiedlersee Lake, bordering directly on the Hungarian lowlands, where life’s diversity and complexity are celebrated. This farm functions much like an organism, relying not only on the people but also on the local herd of cows which contributes in an essential way with their natural and invaluable fertilizer. The farm’s diversity is enriched by ancient grains such as spelt, farro, and einkorn wheat, as well as the fruit orchards and vegetable gardens, meadows of wild herbs and flowers, and the elegant charm of the grapevines.”
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Trending
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Drinkable, delicious, and super-classic Bordeaux for under $20.
Chateau de Grandchamp, Montagne-Saint-Emilion 2015 750ML ($24.95) $19.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Le Guide Hachette Des Vins 2/3 stars (Vin Remarquable) “A mountain that exalts the qualities of the 2015 vintage and participated in the final of the favorites. From a blend of hand-harvested Merlot (90%) and Cabernet Franc, Château Grandchamp’s team has extracted a wine that combines power and elegance. The color of the dress is purple with violet, the nose is centered on dark fruits with spicy aromas, the palate is frisky, smooth, fruity, with fine, firm tannins and a long finish. [translated]”
Importer notes “Château de Grandchamp is the only domaine on the hillside overlooking the ancient commune of Parsac, located in the Montagne-Saint-Emilion appellation on the right bank of the Dordogne. Vigneron Gonzague Maurice manually farms Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon in densely planted vineyards rooted in clay-limestone soils with small traces of iron. The vineyard has been in organic conversion since 2010, however grass is sown regularly between vine rows and ploughing is done in alternating rows. Gonzague’s sole objective in the vineyard is to obtain perfectly ripe and clean fruit. Triage is done in both the vineyard and the cellar to ensure the highest quality grapes. In the cellar, grapes are vinified in small, temperature controlled tanks and then aged in a combination of tank and one to two year old barrels. Above all, he seeks to preserve the fruit throughout the fermentation and ageing processes. The resulting wine is aromatically vibrant and beautiful balanced with soft tannins.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut, Champagne 2007 750ML ($179.95) $125 special, 25 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 98 points “This is a step up from the linear and fresh 2006. It shows subtle depth and power with a dense block of vivid fruit that’s highlighted with lemon zest, green apples and hints of white peaches. Just the right amount of praline and nuts on the nose. Fine and tight bead give the Champagne a luxurious mouthfeel. One for now or the cellar. Drink or hold.”
Antonio Galloni 96 points “Taittinger’s 2007 Comtes de Champagne will be nearly impossible to resist upon release. Soaring aromatics, mid-weight structure and soft contours give the 2007 its alluring personality. Lemon oil, white flowers, mint, chamomile and green pear add brightness and freshness throughout, with a persistent, clean finish that makes it impossible to resist a second taste. Today, the 2007 comes across as a slightly more open version of the 2004, with freshness that makes that wine so appealing, and a touch of textural richness that recalls the 2002. Although the 2007 does not have the explosive energy or verticality of the profound 2006, it will drink better earlier. The 2007 has been positively brilliant on the three occasions I have tasted it so far.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2007 Brut Blanc de Blancs Comtes de Champagne continues to show very well, and it hasn’t evolved appreciably since I last tasted it a few months ago. Revealing a pretty bouquet of lemon oil, lily pollen, dried white flowers, blanched almonds and crushed chalk, it’s medium to full-bodied, chiseled and tensile, with excellent depth at the core, racy acids and a pure, precise and notably chalky finish. Tight-knit without being austere, it’s a very classically balanced middleweight Comtes that has a long future ahead of it.”
Wine Advocate 95 points “Taittinger’s prestigious Comtes de Champagne is composed entirely of Chardonnay grapes from the Grand Cru villages of Avize, Chouilly, Cramant, Mesnil-sur-Oger and Oger (Côte des Blancs). The citrus-golden colored 2007 Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs is the fourth in a row after the 2004 vintage (which will be followed by 2008 whereas there will be no Comtes from 2009, 2010 and 2011) and opens with a nobly intense yet nuanced bouquet of ripe fruits, chalk, iodine and a touch of brioche. The wine indicates a coolish and precise character ond the clear, flinty nose that develops lemon, pastry and floral notes. On the palate, this is Taittinger at its best: clear, fresh, lush and elegant, offering both sensuality and noble elegance. The 2007 reveals great finesse and is a perfect expression of both the Taittinger style and the Côte de Blancs. The wine (of which 5% has spent four months in oak barrels to give roundness and a touch of toast) is tightly woven, well concentrated and even juicy yet always clear, fresh, pure, fine and elegant. The finish is intense, clean, vivacious and complex, with good grip and lingering salty minerals that indicate good aging potential. Disgorged in October 2017; tasted in May 2018.”
Produttori del Barbaresco Ovello, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2013 750ML ($99.95) $79 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Produttori del Barbaresco Ovello, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2013 1.5L ($179.95) $149 special, 19 magnums in stock now
Antonio Galloni 96 points “The Produttori’s 2013 Barbaresco Riserva Ovello is all power, tension and nerve. Even so, the 2013 is remarkably civilized and much less austere than young Ovello Barbarescos usually are. Scents of cranberry, white pepper and mint give the wine its signature high-toned aromatics. The Ovello has a Volnay-like purity to its fruit, with Nebbiolo tannins and structure, of course. If that sounds appealing, well, it is. Vivid, sculpted and impossibly beautiful, the Ovello is simply magnificent.”
Monica Larner – Wine Advocate 95+ points “The 2013 Barbaresco Riserva Ovello is the third wine tasted in our lineup of Produttori del Barbaresco Riservas and is one of my favorite expressions overall. The Ovello vineyard site sees a greater presence of limestone in its soil composition, and this factor helps to develop the tannic structure and consistency of the wine. At 18 hectares, Ovello is one of the biggest cru sites sourced by this co-operative estate. Twelve separate farmers tend to their private parcels in Ovello. Fruit from this site is often the main component of Produttori’s base Barbaresco along with blending material from Montestefano, Pora and Muncagöta (previously known as Moccagatta). You notice the color graduation getting darker here. The bouquet is expressive and bright and reflective of the cool and crisp late summer and pre-harvest nights. Some 17,000 bottles were made along with 1,500 magnums.”
Wine Spectator 95 points “This red starts out with bright cherry, strawberry, rose and mineral flavors, allied to a refined, linear frame. Harmonious now and should be ready soon, but the vivid structure will serve it well into the future. Best from 2023 through 2037.”
Wine Enthusiast 94 points “Wild berry, camphor, moist earth and violet aromas unfold in the glass. The structured, refined palate delivers juicy Marasca cherry, crushed raspberry, orange slice and white pepper alongside polished tannins and bright acidity. A soothing licorice note lingers on the finish. Drink through 2028.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Trending Wine Arriving in November:
Poll the staff at Vinopolis, and everyone will mention Bereche as a top three favorite Champagne producer (we can’t agree on the rest!) As a direct import into Oregon, we’re able to offer some of the sharpest pricing, broadest selection, and deepest inventory of these remarkable Champagne releases from Raphaël and Vincent Bérêche. But we never take these wines for granted, and nor should you. The Brut Reserve is always the first Champagne we sell out of, so secure your stock tonight with a case or two.
“I’ve been following the wines of brothers Vincent and Raphaël Bérêche since my student days, and it’s been thrilling to watch them go from strength to strength. Their recent releases are some of their best to date: whether it’s their ever-more precise and concentrated lieu-dit bottlings, their exquisitely ethereal Campania Remensis Rosé, or the fresher, tightly wound Reflet d’Antan. In short, everything here comes warmly recommended. As readers will know, the Bérêche brothers cultivate their soils and don’t use herbicides or pesticides. Most of the vins clairs are vinified in barrel, and tirage is under cork rather than crown cap.” –William Kelley, Wine Advocate
“Few growers can match Raphaël Bérêche’s enthusiasm. That energy comes through in wines that faithfully capture the purest essence of vintage, variety and site… As good as the higher end wines are in this range, I often find myself reaching for the NV Brut Réserve, which is reliably one of the very finest Champagnes in its peer group.” –Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media
Bereche et Fils Brut Reserve, Champagne NV 750ML ($59.95) $45 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Bereche et Fils Brut Reserve, Champagne NV 750ML ($349.95) $256 pre-arrival special (that’s only $42.67/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Case-12 Bereche et Fils Brut Reserve, Champagne NV 750ML ($679.95) $489 pre-arrival special (that’s only $40.75/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 92 points “The latest release of the NV Brut Réserve was disgorged in October 2019 with seven grams per liter dosage, and it’s based on the 2017 vintage. Exhibiting a glass bouquet of citrus oil, oyster shell, fresh peach and toasted nuts, it’s medium to full-bodied, racy and tensile, with lovely depth and concentration, fine energy and a long, penetrating finish.”
Peter Liem note “The range begins with the Brut Réserve, a non-vintage brut that usually contains about 25 percent chardonnay, 25 percent meunier and 20 percent pinot noir from the base vintage, along with 30 percent of reserve wines, also from the three varieties.”
“I often find myself reaching for the NV Brut Réserve, which is reliably one of the very finest Champagnes in its peer group” –Antonio Galloni, writing on the previous disgorgement
Base vintage subject to change by the importer without notice.
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $61
We offer 115 Champagnes in stock now.
Shop the selection on our web store!
Remelluri Subscriber Sale
&
The Great Spanish Wines of Telmo Rodriguez
New Week – New Arrival
Trending
Staff Pick
2019 Merkelbach
Remelluri Subscriber Sale
&
The Great Spanish Wines of Telmo Rodriguez
Telmo Rodriguez is one of the most talented winemakers in Spain. Internationally trained, he returned to the family estate, Remelluri, and has taken it to new heights. Remelluri is in Rioja Alavesa—the smallest part of Rioja which is known for intense, powerful wines, and these are no exception. The soils in their vineyards are exceptionally shallow, creating small berries and greater concentration in the wines and their organic farming and careful cellar work keeps a sense of brightness and energy even in warm vintages.
Remelluri eschews American oak, finding it too overblown, and instead works with only the highest quality French cooperage. No expense is spared up and down the line, and these wines are special as a result. Their wines somehow manage the magic trick of being impressive today and capable of aging for decades. These are some of the landmark wines of Spain and deserve a prominent place in any cellar.
Remelluri eschews American oak, finding it too overblown, and instead works with only the highest quality French cooperage. No expense is spared up and down the line, and these wines are special as a result. Their wines somehow manage the magic trick of being impressive today and capable of aging for decades. These are some of the landmark wines of Spain and deserve a prominent place in any cellar.
Save 10% on 6 or more bottles of Remelluri Reserva 2013
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Discount valid until Friday, October 16th at 6 PM
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Discount valid until Friday, October 16th at 6 PM
Arriving in November:
Remelluri Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2013 750ML ($39.95) Displayed price $36, Discounted price $32.40 pre-arrival special
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 93 points “The flagship red 2013 Reserva, the wine most people call simply Remelluri, was cropped from a cool, wet, challenging year, and it has a little less alcohol and higher acidity than the previous harvest. It had an élevage of 20 months in oak barriques. It has an herbal twist reflecting the conditions of the year, and it is developed and polished. It has the grippy, Nebbiolo-like tannins that are a signature of the Remelluri wines, a little more evident in a year like 2013. A Remelluri for food. 214,321 bottled produced. It was bottled in April 2016.”
James Suckling 93 points “This is a lean and finely textured red with blackberry and blueberry character. Wild herbs. Burnt orange peel. Medium body. Tight and refined. Drink now.”
This was the lowest listed price in the USA today,
Now it’s even lower!
The average price is $40
Also Arriving from Telmo Rodriguez, ETA October 16th
“Gaba do Xil is named for the hillsides of the Sil River, which is the lifeblood of the region. They are the estate-grown red and white village wines, an introduction to the limited production single cru wines of Ladeiras do Xil. Gaba do Xil offers the drinker an incredible value for handmade Galician wines for everyday drinking, which rival the wines of similar quality in Burgundy and Beaujolais. The red wine is produced from certified organic, mencía, and merenzao grapes from estate vineyards. The primary vineyard lies inland at 400-500m in altitude, near the town of Larouco, which has an Atlantic influence due to the location in a valley that forms an outlet to the sea.” –De Maison Selections
Compania de Vinos Telmo Rodriguez ‘Gaba do Xil’ Branco (Godello), Valdeorras 2018 750ML ($21.95) $18 pre-arrival special
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 90+ points “The 2018 Gaba do Xil Godello comes from a very difficult year in Galicia when mildew decimated many vineyards. When tasted a few months after bottling, it was very balsamic with notes of bay leaf and something medicinal, quite aromatic, powerful and a little reductive at first (perhaps the recent bottling). The palate was round and soft, approachable, with pungent flavors and a clean, dry finish, with ripeness somewhere between that of the 2016 and 2018. 96,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in December 2018.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $22.99
Compania de Vinos Telmo Rodriguez ‘Gaba do Xil’ Tinto (Mencia), Valdeorras 2017 750ML ($21.95) $18 pre-arrival special
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 90+ points “It was hard to beat the superb 2016, but the 2017 Gaba do Xil Mencía was also perfumed and open, expressive, with a little more ripeness, with good volume and a little more density. This fermented and matured in stainless steel and was bottled without ever touching any oak to keep the fruit profile. But it’s more than fruit; it has the austere texture of the granite soils with an expressive finish. 2017 was a short vintage because of problems with frost and they produced 22,700 bottles of it.”
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The next best price is $22.99
Compania de Vinos Telmo Rodriguez ‘Pegaso Zeta’ Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y Leon 2016 750Ml ($21.95) $18 pre-arrival special
VinopolNote: Telmo Rodriguez first ventured into the Sierra de Gredos mountains west of Madrid some 25 years ago. Originally inspired to write a book on the forgotten vineyards of the area, Rodriguez founded a winemaking company, Campania de Vinos, to make wine from these ancient gems that would otherwise be lost to time. The ‘Zeta’ is the newest wine of the winery, named Pegaso. Zeta is a blend of two distinct soil types in the region: a rare, brown slate, and a granite-laced soil.
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The average price is $22
Bonus Telmo Rodriguez Feature:
Valdeorras is the lost great region in Spain. Nestled in the eastern edge of Galicia, with its cool Atlantic climate, the region has been planted since at least the Roman occupation. The Sil (Xil) river is the dominant feature, just as it is in neighboring Ribeira Sacra, and that’s what Ladeiras do Xil is named for. Valdeorras is a hidden gem in the Spanish wine scene, with great old terraced terroirs and old plantings that have been abandoned for decades before their recent (~2002) rediscovery. The whites are based on Godello and the reds on a true mélange of grapes—these are wines that recall Burgundy in their elegance and perfume, but with a flavor profile all their own, and that’s what we love about them.
Ladeiras do Xil makes the defining wines of the appellation, focusing on restoring these historic vineyards on impossibly steep, often terraced, sites. Founded by two giants of Spanish wine, Pablo Eguzkiza and Telmo Rodríguez, the winery is now helmed by the young, driven Jorge Saa, who has been working to restore the vineyards to prestige and condition of their ancient roots. The work is very hard and the production levels tiny (less than 250 cases are made of each red we’re offering today) but the results speak for themselves—this is an estate producing wines that are unique and compelling.
In Stock Now:
Ladeiras Do Xil “Branco De Santa Cruz”, Valdeorras 2016 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 13 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2016 Branco de Santa Cruz was produced with the grapes from the white vines in the different vineyards in Valdeorras, with mixed varieties like Godello, Treixadura, Doña Branca, Palomino… It fermented and matured in oak foudre and 600-liter oak barrels. 2016 was a fresh year, with quite a lot of mildew, so harvesting the grapes from the individual plants was quite a lot of work, and they produced less of this wine. It’s open and expressive, with white flowers and a touch of honeycomb. The palate revealed marked flavors, a little medicinal, with very good intensity, clean and pure. 4,644 bottles were filled in May 2017.”
Importer note “The wines of Ladeiras do Xil are strictly produced by natural principles. Viticulture is EU organic, and indigenous yeasts begin a spontaneous fermentation once the grapes are hand-harvested. Minimal intervention in the winery is evident in the haunting elegance of the wines. Branco de Santa Cruz is fermented and matured in large oak foudres and 600-liter oak barrels. The wine is open and expressive, with white flowers and a touch of honeycomb. It exhibits exceptional intensity and purity. Production of this authentic white wine is very limited, with less than 5,000 bottles produced.”
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The next best price is $47.99
“unusual intensity, elegance and balance”
Ladeiras Do Xil “As Caborcas”, Valdeorras 2016 750ML ($99.95) $89 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 96 points “The 2.5 hectares of north- and west-facing terraces planted with old vines produced the 2016 As Caborcas, a wine of unusual intensity, elegance and balance in 2016. The cooler year seems to have worked wonders for the reds here, and the wine is expressive and open, floral and aromatic, developing nuances of moss and fern, with a textured palate where the tannins have the granite mark of stony austerity that is then coated by the glycerin and the fruit, making a wine that is both elegant and powerful, with a very Galician feeling to it. 2,619 bottles produced. It was bottled in May 2017.”
Importer note “As Caborcas is a unique vineyard, full of different varieties, of different ages, from different strains, growing at different altitudes and exposures. Among the native grapes planted are mencía, merenzao, sousón, godello, and brancellao. Indigenous yeasts cause spontaneous fermentation in small wooden barrels of various sizes, with light foudre aging for 12 months to preserve the “Atlantic” delicacy of this wine of inland Galicia. True to the origins, As Caborcas could be made nowhere else. As Caborcas is extremely limited, with less than 3,000 bottles produced in a good year.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $95
Ladeiras Do Xil “Falcoeira a Capilla”, Valdeorras 2016 750ML ($79.95) $69 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 94 points “Falcoeira was the first of their Valdeorras vineyards to be harvested in 2016, starting on September 16th. The 2.75 hectares of this young south-facing vineyard produced 2,635 bottles of the 2016 Falcoeira A Capilla, always a richer wine compared with its siblings. It’s a historical vineyard that was abandoned, but its almost 100 ancient terraces were replanted with a field blend of Mencía, Merenzao, Sousón, Godello, Garnacha…and other grapes that would have been there in the past. Winemaking is simple, the grapes fermented in small wooden and stainless steel tanks, and the wine aged in French oak foudres. 2016 seems like a great vintage for the reds here, and Falcoeira kept the freshness and poise within its riper character. The palate is delineated and with a marked stony feeling to it. With time in the glass, the wine became finer and more elegant, and that extra touch of ripeness seemed to disappear. A great year for this wine.”
Importer note “The soils here are coarsely-textured, decomposed granites. It is an intense and profound wine, like the place it comes from. Indigenous yeasts begin a spontaneous fermentation in small wooden barrels of various sizes, the wine is then aged in foudres for 12 months. Falcoeira keeps freshness and poise within its riper character; with a delineated palate and a wild, stony feeling echoing the granitic slopes. With time in the glass, Falcoeira unfolds and displays the power, finesse, and elegance, which makes it one of the most exciting wines in the world. Falcoeira is extremely limited, with less than 3,000 bottles produced in a good year.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $80
New Week – New Arrival
Oregon
J.C. Somers Willamette Valley Chardonnay 2019 750ML ($39.95) $34.50 special
Distributor note “J.C. Somers is the collaboration between Jay Christopher Somers and his longtime partner and wife Ronda Newell-Somers. The label displays the New Moon which signifies a new phase in their winemaking adventures. After founding in 1996 and then devolving the J.Christopher brand they are returning to their roots producing small quantities of focused, elegant and terroir driven wines from the best sites in the Willamette Valley.”
J.C. Somers Willamette Valley Chardonnay 2019 750ML ($39.95) $34.50 special
Distributor note “J.C. Somers is the collaboration between Jay Christopher Somers and his longtime partner and wife Ronda Newell-Somers. The label displays the New Moon which signifies a new phase in their winemaking adventures. After founding in 1996 and then devolving the J.Christopher brand they are returning to their roots producing small quantities of focused, elegant and terroir driven wines from the best sites in the Willamette Valley.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Restocked & newly reviewed by Wine Enthusiast!
J.C. Somers Croft Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Willamette Valley 2019 750ML ($29.95) $26 special
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 92 points “Shimmering straw. Bright and focused on the incisive nose, displaying lime zest, green apple, honeysuckle and dusty mineral scents, along with a touch of succulent herbs. Dry and lively on the palate, offering intense citrus and orchard fruit flavors that betray no excess weight. Closes on a stony note, delivering strong, floral-driven persistence. All stainless steel.”
Wine Enthusiast 92 points “Editor’s Choice. Jay Somers, who has worked with Croft fruit for the past 20 years, launches his new brand with this outstanding Sauvignon Blanc. Powerful flavors of grapefruit, pineapple and gooseberry pierce through with peppery thistle. The flavors are crisp, lingering and beautifully defined.”
“The 2019 model is packed with aromas and flavors of lemon, lime and white grapefruit. There’s a subtle herbal note that comes across like a combination of fresh-cut grass and lemon verbena. The wine’s acidity has serious pucker power.” -Michael Alberty, Oregonian/OregonLive
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France
Coutier’s Blanc de Blanc has been one of our best-selling Champagnes over the last few years—and for good reason. Combining the richness of Ambonnay, where Coutier is based, with a bright Blanc de Blancs style leads to a Champagne that’s a crowd pleaser. With a ton of complexity and class for the price, it’s one to stock up on in advance of the holiday season.
R.H. Coutier Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
Case-6 R.H. Coutier Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($299.95) $219 special (that’s only $36.50/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Disgorged 2/2020, 60% 2016 + 40% reserve wine.
Antonio Galloni 92 points “Coutier’s NV Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru is bright, focused and nuanced, not to mention incredibly delicious. The energy of Chardonnay and structure of Ambonnay yield a Champagne that is singular, classy and bursting at the seams with character. This release is based on 2016, with 40% reserve wines. I would give it another 6-12 months in bottle, although, truthfully, it is pretty hard to resist now. Dosage: 6.5 gr/L.”
The average price is $44
Benoit Marguet farms several hectares of Ambonnay vineyards and two hectare of Bouzy (eight of the total are farmed biodynamically), purchasing small amounts of certified organic or organically farmed fruit. In the cellar, he works according to the lunar calendar with minimal sulfur and ages the wines in barrel for added complexity, eschewing stainless steel. The wines are full of character, vividly expressing their Grand Cru terroir, with open and easy appeal right from the start. He releases single vineyard (lieu-dix) in the best years, including 2015, and single village wines alongside the entry-level blends. His lineup has drawn increasing attention over the past couple of vintages. Although the latest releases have yet to be reviewed, we expect fireworks.
“One of Champagne’s most passionate advocates of biodynamic viticulture and aromatherapy since he undertook his family estate’s biodynamic conversion in 2009, Benoît Marguet farms just over seven hectares in Ambonnay, as well as small holdings in Bouzy, which he complements with purchased organically farmed grapes from the Côte de Blancs. Working with indigenous yeasts and minimal sulfites—indeed, increasingly, with no sulfites whatsoever—Marguet’s vins clairs are vinified in wood and see long élevage before tirage. These days, disgorgement is without dosage. Framed by a delicate patina from their time in oak, these are concentrated, intense and beautifully balanced Champagnes that are invariably precisely defined by site—and, moreover, revolutionary in their ambitions. I have followed Marguet’s wines since my student days, and it is clear that Benoît is well on his way to realizing all his ambitions.” –William Kelley, Wine Advocate
Champagne Marguet ‘Shaman 17’ Grand Cru Rose Brut Nature, Champagne NV 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Importer note “41% Pinot Noir & 59% Chardonnay.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $63
Champagne Marguet Bouzy Grand Cru Brut Nature, Champagne 2015 750ML ($89.95) $79 special
Importer note “100% Pinot Noir.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Champagne Marguet ‘Shaman 16’ Grand Cru Brut Nature, Champagne NV 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Importer note “86% Pinot Noir & 14% Chardonnay.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $60
Champagne Marguet Yuman Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru Brut Nature, Champagne NV 750ML ($49.95) $45 special
100% Chardonnay
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $47
Chartogne-Taillet Les Barres Pinot Noir Extra Brut, Champagne (2015) NV 750ML ($149.95) $99 special
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 94 points “From a climat Chartonge made famous for its Pinot Meunier growing in chalky soils, the NV Extra Brut Blanc de Noirs Les Barres (Pinot Noir) derives from a westerly exposed parcel of Pinot Noir growing in sand—and hails entirely from the 2015 vintage. It’s showing very well, exhibiting attractive aromas of mirabelle plums, raspberries, anise, pastry cream and yellow chartreuse. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, ample and muscular, with tangy acids, excellent concentration and a long, chalky finish.”
Importer note “We are very excited to announce the release of a new parcellaire wine from Alexandre Chartogne. Lovers of grower champagne are familiar with Chartogne-Taillet’s Les Barres, the single parcel, un-grafted Meunier wine, released first in the 2006 vintage. This was the first wine that Alexandre produced after returning home to his family domaine, from working with Anselme Selosse, his mentor. Over a short period of time, Les Barres has become a cult wine and we have very small amounts to offer each year. The vineyard Les Barres and the wine Alexandre produces from it has been linked to a single grape variety – Meunier. Alexandre feels that the variety is simply the conduit, a transmission of place and identity. He feels that while it’s not irrelevant ‘Each place itself confers a different texture, a feeling in the mouth, which doesn’t change, even as the aromas and structure shifts with ageing.’… Alexandre showed us a new wine from Les Barres: ‘In the parcel Les Barres there are not just Meunier vines, but also a small amount of Pinot Noir. The Pinot would not be enough to make a single harvest wine, so, I produced this wine from the vintages 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015. It is Les Barres Pinot Noir, and the first time I have made it.’ The wine is exquisite, with remarkable length and depth, even in its youth. For fans of Les Barres, this is an incredible opportunity to taste other expressions of this outstanding site. It’s a wine, which, like Les Barres Meunier, has a long life ahead of it.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $109
Le Domaine d’Henri 821 Brut Nature Blanc de Blancs de Chardonnay 2018 750ML ($35.95) $29.90 special
Importer note “Produced from 35+ year old vines in the Chablis appellation using the Méthode Ancestrale meaning that the alcoholic fermentation takes place in stainless steel vats and bottled before aging with the CO2 necessary for the long haul already in the bottle. Aged on its lees for 24 months, it is then disgorged with no added sugar. 821 refers to the minimum total number of days necessary to produce this wine from the beginning of the growing season to the moment the bottle leaves the cellar. Delightful toast and citrus notes with some exotic tinges lead into a serious wine with high mineral tension, full fruit in the middle and a very fine and persistent bead. This is an impressive wine that will surprise many.”
A richer style of Sancerre from natural winemaking hero Sebastien Riffault.
Domaine Sebastien Riffault Sancerre Les Quarterons, Loire 2018 750ML ($49.95) $33 special
Biodynamic from 30 year old vines in clay & limestone soil. Spontaneous fermentation in stainless steel.
M. Chapoutier Chateauneuf-du-Pape Barbe Rac, Rhone 2016 750ML ($149.95) $119 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 95-98 points “Tasted out of tank, the deep ruby/purple-colored 2016 Châteauneuf-Du-Pape Barbe Rac (100% Grenache raised all in concrete) offers a deep, intense bouquet of smoke red and black fruits, garrigue, black pepper and exotic spice. A big, rich, incredibly unctuous tank sample, it has building tannin and sensational purity.”
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 94 points “Glistening magenta. Deeply perfumed aromas of ripe red berries, cherry cola, candied flowers and garrigue take on a spicy element with aeration. Juicy and densely packed, offering alluringly sweet black raspberry, cherry pie, licorice pastille and lavender flavors and a late hint of spicy white pepper. The floral and spice notes carry strongly through an impressively long, penetrating finish framed by chewy, slow-building tannins. I suspect this wine will reward plenty of patience. Raised entirely in concrete vats.”
Italy
Last call! Vajra 2016s were featured in Wednesday’s Wine Spectator Insider and we quickly sold out of the Ravera. We were able to secure the final 17 bottles in Oregon, so consider this your last call…
G.D. Vajra Ravera, Barolo DOCG 2016 750ML ($99.95) $79 special
Wine Spectator 97 points “Alluring aromas of cherry, rose and graphite settle into a core of cherry and strawberry fruit, with nuances of iron, tobacco and tar. Sleek, yet intense and complex, unfolding effortlessly through the long finish. Best from 2023 through 2047.”
Antonio Galloni 96 points “The 2016 Barolo Ravera is tough as nails today, but it has striking inner sweetness and remarkable persistence. Even so, readers will have to exercise a great deal of patience, as the 2016 is not likely to offer much in the way of pleasure for a number of years. Bright red cherry, mint, white pepper, blood orange and dried flowers give the 2016 brilliant top notes to match its finely sculpted feel. Veins of acidy and tannin add razor-sharp precision throughout. I can’t wait to taste this in another few years’ time.”
Kerin O’Keefe-Wine Enthusiast 96 points “Focused and vibrant, this chiseled red has enticing scents of small red berry, rose, menthol and culinary spice. On the taut, youthfully austere palate, a backbone of firm, fine-grained tannins supports juicy red cherry, strawberry and licorice while fresh acidity keeps it balanced. Give it time to unwind and come together. Drink 2026–2041.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2016 Barolo Ravera is the most angular, powerful and vertical of the various Baroli presented by G.D. Vajra. The optimal growing conditions of this classic vintage contribute to the wine’s vertical lift and pronounced depth. The Ravera cru (that spans the comuni of Novello and Barolo) is characterized by Toronian-era marl with clay and sandstone at 320 to 340 meters above sea level. That’s the ideal spot for wines that show both power and elegance. The tannins are sweeter on this wine, but the fiber is tight and firm. Red and purple fruits with licorice, tar and white truffle are folded neatly within. Some 6,000 bottles are hitting the market now.
Volpaia ‘Citto’ Rosso di Toscana IGT 2017 750ML ($19.95) $14 special
Importer note “This generous, silky wine displays ripe fruit aromas with intense cherry and red berry flavors on the palate.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Lisini Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2015 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Decanter 96 points “With vineyards between Sant’Angelo in Colle and Castelnuovo dell’Abate on the inner edge of the Sesta district, Lisini’s vineyards are cleansed by constant breezes from the Tuscan Coast. Stony soils with an important underpinning of limestone as well as elevations over 300 metres help preserve freshness in their wines. The 2015 is beautifully fragrant, almost exotic in character. Plump red fruit and sweet summer herbs fill the mouth but rather than being heavy, this is poised and transparent. Ample powdery tannins are fine and lead to a tangy marine finish.”
Wine Spectator 94 points “A serious, brooding red, with ripe cherry and strawberry flavors offsetting the beefy tannins. Loam, iron and almond notes chime in. Balanced and long overall. Best from 2023 through 2042. 2,500 cases made, 700 cases imported.”
Eric Guido-Vinous 94 points “The 2015 Brunello di Montalcino dark and rich, showing ripe black cherries and plum, with layers of haunting florals, exotic brown spice and smoky mineral tones. On the palate, a wave of polished textures wash across the senses, ushering in juicy black cherry with sweet herbal and floral undertones, with zesty spices and vibrant acidity adding a refreshing quality. The finish is long and remarkably fresh, an example of how the warmth of Sant’Angelo in Colle can be tempered by a deft hand, as fine tannins come forward, balanced by mouthwatering acidity and punctuated by residual pure red berry fruit. It’s a wine that’s very easy to love, with near term appeal and potential for the cellar.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $59
Spain
Bodegas Ostatu Escobal, Rioja DOCa 2018 750ML ($29.95) $24 special
Importer note “In their continual push for sustainability and regenerative farming, the Saenz de Samaniego siblings have been working towards their organic farming certification. As a start, they have organically certified one of their larger contiguous vineyards, called Escobal, which lies at 550m in Rioja Alavesa with clay-calcareous soils under a layer of sand and gravel, and made a single-vineyard wine from there aged in a large foudre. Made from 100% destemmed tempranillo grapes, fermented with indigenous yeast in temperature-controlled stainless steel. Aged in a large foudre until bottling after one year with minimal sulfur dioxide.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Austria
Meinklang Burgenland Rot, Burgenland 2018 750ML ($21.95) $17 special
Distributor note “Bio-dynamic, hand harvested Zweigelt, Blaufränkisch, & Sankt Laurent. Spontaneous, semi-carbonic fermentation in stainless steel, aged for 6 months in SS. Unfined, unfiltered, 30 mg/L So2.”
Meinklang Frizzante Blanc de Noir Rose, Burgenland 2019 750ML ($24.95) $19 special
Distributor note “100% Pinot Noir from a biodynamically farmed vineyard with sandy loam soil. Winemaking: gentle press, short maceration, spontaneous fermentation in stainless steel with indigenous yeasts, finished in pressure tanks. Meinklang is an original, family-run mixed farm, set in the middle of the World Heritage Site of the National Park Neusiedlersee, on the Eastern side of the Neusiedlersee Lake, bordering directly on the Hungarian lowlands, where life’s diversity and complexity are celebrated. This farm functions much like an organism, relying not only on the people but also on the local herd of cows which contributes in an essential way with their natural and invaluable fertilizer. The farm’s diversity is enriched by ancient grains such as spelt, farro, and einkorn wheat, as well as the fruit orchards and vegetable gardens, meadows of wild herbs and flowers, and the elegant charm of the grapevines.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Trending
Marietta Cellars Angeli Cuvee, Alexander Valley 2018 750ML ($39.95) $29 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 91-94 points “Marietta’s 2018 Zinfandel Angeli is dark, sumptuous and super-expressive. Inky dark plum, blueberry, mint, spice, lavender and licorice infuse the 2018 with striking depth and character. Readers will find a powerful Zinfandel with the structure and personality to age gracefully for many years.”
Antonio Galloni 91-94 points “Marietta’s 2018 Zinfandel Angeli is dark, sumptuous and super-expressive. Inky dark plum, blueberry, mint, spice, lavender and licorice infuse the 2018 with striking depth and character. Readers will find a powerful Zinfandel with the structure and personality to age gracefully for many years.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Drinkable, delicious, and super-classic Bordeaux for under $20.
Chateau de Grandchamp, Montagne-Saint-Emilion 2015 750ML ($24.95) $19.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock nowLe Guide Hachette Des Vins 2/3 stars (Vin Remarquable) “A mountain that exalts the qualities of the 2015 vintage and participated in the final of the favorites. From a blend of hand-harvested Merlot (90%) and Cabernet Franc, Château Grandchamp’s team has extracted a wine that combines power and elegance. The color of the dress is purple with violet, the nose is centered on dark fruits with spicy aromas, the palate is frisky, smooth, fruity, with fine, firm tannins and a long finish. [translated]”
Importer notes “Château de Grandchamp is the only domaine on the hillside overlooking the ancient commune of Parsac, located in the Montagne-Saint-Emilion appellation on the right bank of the Dordogne. Vigneron Gonzague Maurice manually farms Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon in densely planted vineyards rooted in clay-limestone soils with small traces of iron. The vineyard has been in organic conversion since 2010, however grass is sown regularly between vine rows and ploughing is done in alternating rows. Gonzague’s sole objective in the vineyard is to obtain perfectly ripe and clean fruit. Triage is done in both the vineyard and the cellar to ensure the highest quality grapes. In the cellar, grapes are vinified in small, temperature controlled tanks and then aged in a combination of tank and one to two year old barrels. Above all, he seeks to preserve the fruit throughout the fermentation and ageing processes. The resulting wine is aromatically vibrant and beautiful balanced with soft tannins.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut, Champagne 2007 750ML ($179.95) $125 special, 25 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 98 points “This is a step up from the linear and fresh 2006. It shows subtle depth and power with a dense block of vivid fruit that’s highlighted with lemon zest, green apples and hints of white peaches. Just the right amount of praline and nuts on the nose. Fine and tight bead give the Champagne a luxurious mouthfeel. One for now or the cellar. Drink or hold.”
Antonio Galloni 96 points “Taittinger’s 2007 Comtes de Champagne will be nearly impossible to resist upon release. Soaring aromatics, mid-weight structure and soft contours give the 2007 its alluring personality. Lemon oil, white flowers, mint, chamomile and green pear add brightness and freshness throughout, with a persistent, clean finish that makes it impossible to resist a second taste. Today, the 2007 comes across as a slightly more open version of the 2004, with freshness that makes that wine so appealing, and a touch of textural richness that recalls the 2002. Although the 2007 does not have the explosive energy or verticality of the profound 2006, it will drink better earlier. The 2007 has been positively brilliant on the three occasions I have tasted it so far.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2007 Brut Blanc de Blancs Comtes de Champagne continues to show very well, and it hasn’t evolved appreciably since I last tasted it a few months ago. Revealing a pretty bouquet of lemon oil, lily pollen, dried white flowers, blanched almonds and crushed chalk, it’s medium to full-bodied, chiseled and tensile, with excellent depth at the core, racy acids and a pure, precise and notably chalky finish. Tight-knit without being austere, it’s a very classically balanced middleweight Comtes that has a long future ahead of it.”
Wine Advocate 95 points “Taittinger’s prestigious Comtes de Champagne is composed entirely of Chardonnay grapes from the Grand Cru villages of Avize, Chouilly, Cramant, Mesnil-sur-Oger and Oger (Côte des Blancs). The citrus-golden colored 2007 Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs is the fourth in a row after the 2004 vintage (which will be followed by 2008 whereas there will be no Comtes from 2009, 2010 and 2011) and opens with a nobly intense yet nuanced bouquet of ripe fruits, chalk, iodine and a touch of brioche. The wine indicates a coolish and precise character ond the clear, flinty nose that develops lemon, pastry and floral notes. On the palate, this is Taittinger at its best: clear, fresh, lush and elegant, offering both sensuality and noble elegance. The 2007 reveals great finesse and is a perfect expression of both the Taittinger style and the Côte de Blancs. The wine (of which 5% has spent four months in oak barrels to give roundness and a touch of toast) is tightly woven, well concentrated and even juicy yet always clear, fresh, pure, fine and elegant. The finish is intense, clean, vivacious and complex, with good grip and lingering salty minerals that indicate good aging potential. Disgorged in October 2017; tasted in May 2018.”
Produttori del Barbaresco Ovello, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2013 750ML ($99.95) $79 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Produttori del Barbaresco Ovello, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2013 1.5L ($179.95) $149 special, 19 magnums in stock now
Antonio Galloni 96 points “The Produttori’s 2013 Barbaresco Riserva Ovello is all power, tension and nerve. Even so, the 2013 is remarkably civilized and much less austere than young Ovello Barbarescos usually are. Scents of cranberry, white pepper and mint give the wine its signature high-toned aromatics. The Ovello has a Volnay-like purity to its fruit, with Nebbiolo tannins and structure, of course. If that sounds appealing, well, it is. Vivid, sculpted and impossibly beautiful, the Ovello is simply magnificent.”
Monica Larner – Wine Advocate 95+ points “The 2013 Barbaresco Riserva Ovello is the third wine tasted in our lineup of Produttori del Barbaresco Riservas and is one of my favorite expressions overall. The Ovello vineyard site sees a greater presence of limestone in its soil composition, and this factor helps to develop the tannic structure and consistency of the wine. At 18 hectares, Ovello is one of the biggest cru sites sourced by this co-operative estate. Twelve separate farmers tend to their private parcels in Ovello. Fruit from this site is often the main component of Produttori’s base Barbaresco along with blending material from Montestefano, Pora and Muncagöta (previously known as Moccagatta). You notice the color graduation getting darker here. The bouquet is expressive and bright and reflective of the cool and crisp late summer and pre-harvest nights. Some 17,000 bottles were made along with 1,500 magnums.”
Wine Spectator 95 points “This red starts out with bright cherry, strawberry, rose and mineral flavors, allied to a refined, linear frame. Harmonious now and should be ready soon, but the vivid structure will serve it well into the future. Best from 2023 through 2037.”
Wine Enthusiast 94 points “Wild berry, camphor, moist earth and violet aromas unfold in the glass. The structured, refined palate delivers juicy Marasca cherry, crushed raspberry, orange slice and white pepper alongside polished tannins and bright acidity. A soothing licorice note lingers on the finish. Drink through 2028.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Trending Wine Arriving in November:
Poll the staff at Vinopolis, and everyone will mention Bereche as a top three favorite Champagne producer (we can’t agree on the rest!) As a direct import into Oregon, we’re able to offer some of the sharpest pricing, broadest selection, and deepest inventory of these remarkable Champagne releases from Raphaël and Vincent Bérêche. But we never take these wines for granted, and nor should you. The Brut Reserve is always the first Champagne we sell out of, so secure your stock tonight with a case or two.
“I’ve been following the wines of brothers Vincent and Raphaël Bérêche since my student days, and it’s been thrilling to watch them go from strength to strength. Their recent releases are some of their best to date: whether it’s their ever-more precise and concentrated lieu-dit bottlings, their exquisitely ethereal Campania Remensis Rosé, or the fresher, tightly wound Reflet d’Antan. In short, everything here comes warmly recommended. As readers will know, the Bérêche brothers cultivate their soils and don’t use herbicides or pesticides. Most of the vins clairs are vinified in barrel, and tirage is under cork rather than crown cap.” –William Kelley, Wine Advocate
“Few growers can match Raphaël Bérêche’s enthusiasm. That energy comes through in wines that faithfully capture the purest essence of vintage, variety and site… As good as the higher end wines are in this range, I often find myself reaching for the NV Brut Réserve, which is reliably one of the very finest Champagnes in its peer group.” –Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media
Bereche et Fils Brut Reserve, Champagne NV 750ML ($59.95) $45 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Bereche et Fils Brut Reserve, Champagne NV 750ML ($349.95) $256 pre-arrival special (that’s only $42.67/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Case-12 Bereche et Fils Brut Reserve, Champagne NV 750ML ($679.95) $489 pre-arrival special (that’s only $40.75/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 92 points “The latest release of the NV Brut Réserve was disgorged in October 2019 with seven grams per liter dosage, and it’s based on the 2017 vintage. Exhibiting a glass bouquet of citrus oil, oyster shell, fresh peach and toasted nuts, it’s medium to full-bodied, racy and tensile, with lovely depth and concentration, fine energy and a long, penetrating finish.”
Peter Liem note “The range begins with the Brut Réserve, a non-vintage brut that usually contains about 25 percent chardonnay, 25 percent meunier and 20 percent pinot noir from the base vintage, along with 30 percent of reserve wines, also from the three varieties.”
“I often find myself reaching for the NV Brut Réserve, which is reliably one of the very finest Champagnes in its peer group” –Antonio Galloni, writing on the previous disgorgement
Base vintage subject to change by the importer without notice.
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $61
We offer 115 Champagnes in stock now.
Shop the selection on our web store!
Staff Pick
A Top Brunello Riserva for Drinking Now
Andy:
Young Brunello can be a tough nut to crack. Oftentimes, you’re only getting glimpses of the potential contained in the bottle. We were glad to taste the 2012 La Fortuna BdM Reserva again this week, and while it is still early, you’re not going to be disappointed getting into this wine now. All of the classic hallmarks are on display; tart cherry, a graphite core, light blueberry and dusty cocoa on the finish. The aromatics were a little tight, but a little swirl kept it refreshed. I of course recommend holding this over the next decade, but get it now. There is no regret on this one.
In Stock Now:
La Fortuna Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG, Tuscany 2012 750ML ($119.95) $99 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 La Fortuna Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG, Tuscany 2012 750ML ($619.95) $564 special (that’s only $94/bottle!)
La Fortuna Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG, Tuscany 2012 1.5L ($259.95) $219 special, 4 magnums in stock now
La Fortuna Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG, Tuscany 2012 3L ($499.95) $428 special, 3 double-magnums in stock now
Wine Spectator 97 points “Perfumed, with wild herb aromas and a subtle mix of strawberry and cherry fruit. Vibrant and dense, with fine acidity driving the long finish. Though elegant, there is intensity and fine energy on the aftertaste. Best from 2022 through 2028.”
Young Brunello can be a tough nut to crack. Oftentimes, you’re only getting glimpses of the potential contained in the bottle. We were glad to taste the 2012 La Fortuna BdM Reserva again this week, and while it is still early, you’re not going to be disappointed getting into this wine now. All of the classic hallmarks are on display; tart cherry, a graphite core, light blueberry and dusty cocoa on the finish. The aromatics were a little tight, but a little swirl kept it refreshed. I of course recommend holding this over the next decade, but get it now. There is no regret on this one.
In Stock Now:
La Fortuna Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG, Tuscany 2012 750ML ($119.95) $99 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 La Fortuna Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG, Tuscany 2012 750ML ($619.95) $564 special (that’s only $94/bottle!)
La Fortuna Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG, Tuscany 2012 1.5L ($259.95) $219 special, 4 magnums in stock now
La Fortuna Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG, Tuscany 2012 3L ($499.95) $428 special, 3 double-magnums in stock now
Wine Spectator 97 points “Perfumed, with wild herb aromas and a subtle mix of strawberry and cherry fruit. Vibrant and dense, with fine acidity driving the long finish. Though elegant, there is intensity and fine energy on the aftertaste. Best from 2022 through 2028.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Want to see all ten bottlings in stock from La Fortuna?
Head to our web store to shop the list.
2019 Merkelbach
Arriving in November
“Merkelbach’s wines are like the world before anyone wrote poems about it.” – Terry Theise
“Tastings with the brother’s is deliberate. Nothing is rushed or hurried. It is an analog experience, a respite from an increasingly digital world. There is a kind of old wisdom and deep vitality in both the people and the wines. The Merkelbach brothers represent the beating heart, the soul of the Mosel.” –Michael Skurnik imports
We adore the wines that Rolf and Alfred Merkelbach make, irrationally and perhaps more than any other grower in the Mosel. These are wines that are as old-school as you can find for the region (the brothers are in their 80’s and haven’t changed styles since they started) and they capture the delicacy and etherealness of Riesling like few other wines we’ve tried. Terry Theise, their now-retired importer, describes their wines as “like VAPING Mosel Riesling.”
They have a charm and an energy that’s unlike almost any other wine we’ve tasted. In fact, their closest comparison might not be in the Mosel at all, but rather with Truchot’s wines in Burgundy—another producer who managed to create unbearably delicate, ethereal wines that seemed to trigger Stendhal Syndrome anytime you had the pleasure of drinking them. We’d like more people to appreciate these wines while the brothers are still making them (a problem for, say, Truchot) and before the prices go crazy.
The 2019 vintage was to first in which Johannes Selbach and team assisted brothers Alfred and Rolf Merkelbach with vineyard maintenance, harvest, and vinification. Fans of the producer fear not, Johannes has kept the heart and soul of the brothers’ style. (Those looking to experience the final vintages produced exclusively by the brothers can stock up on our web store…)
Although we are starting to see the wines tick up in price, these are still relative bargains compared to other producers’ in the region (see: Willi Schaefer), other old vine/single block bottlings (see: Molitor), and other old-school style producers of yesteryear (see: J. Christoffel Jr).
2019 Merkelbach Wines Arriving in November:
Weingut Alfred Merkelbach Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Kabinett #5, Mosel 2019 750ML ($34.95) $28 pre-arrival special
Mosel Fine Wines 93 points “The 2019er Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Kabinett offers a beautifully fragrant and refreshing nose made of green apple, minty and aniseed herbs, white peach, lime, and smoke. The wine proves admirably playful and refreshing on the palate, where some playful and spicy acidity leads the pace and makes for a linear but delightful and energetic experience. The finish is tight and makes one salivate, as a Mosel Kabinett should do. The after-taste is all about mint, herbs, and zest. This is a quite remarkable Kabinett in the making! 2026-2039.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Weingut Alfred Merkelbach Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Spatlese #6, Mosel 2019 750ML ($39.95) $31.90 pre-arrival special
Mosel Fine Wines 91 points “The 2019er Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Spätlese AP 06 was harvested in the Fischerei part of the vineyard. It offers a quite aromatic and delicately exotic nose of pineapple, grapefruit, orange blossom, smoke, and raspberry. The wine is beautifully fruity and juicy on the palate, and leaves a satisfyingly assertive and focused feel in the zesty finish. This Spätlese is already quite open for business but will only reveal its full complexity in a few years. 2027-2039.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Weingut Alfred Merkelbach Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Auslese #8, Mosel 2019 750ML ($44.95) $36 pre-arrival special
Mosel Fine Wines 94 points “The 2019er Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Auslese AP 08 was harvested in the sector next to the Sonnenuhr. It offers a hugely attractive nose of vineyard peach, whipped almond cream, minty herbs, spices, William’s pear, and candied grapefruit. The wine is still on the sweet side on the palate, but its refined fruity and creamy side are superbly appealing. Add to this a great zest and a sense of purity side in the long and animating finish, and you have all the elements for a great playful Auslese in a decade and more. 2029-2059.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Weingut Alfred Merkelbach ‘Urgluck’ Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Aulese, Mosel 2019 750ML ($44.95) $36 pre-arrival special
Mosel Fine Wines 95 points “The 2019er Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Auslese Urglück was harvested in this prime part of the central part of the vineyard still planted with old un-grafted vines. It offers a gorgeously refreshing yet deep nose of grapefruit, lime, mint, spices, smoke, green apple, pear, orange blossom, and vineyard peach. The wine proves stunningly playful and delicate on the palate as its sweet richness underlined by almond cream, honeyed peach, and pineapple and magnificently wrapped into some energetic and lively acidity. The finish is hugely long and intense. This stunning Auslese is a modern-day classic in the making! 2029-2049.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Love German Wines? We’ve already published our offer on the 2019 Donnhoff & 2019 Willi Schaefer wines, also arriving in November.
Quite a few of these wines are going fast, so order now to lock in your allocation!
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Stay safe, be well & drink well.