In This Newsletter:
Beaux Frères
&
Sequitur
Trending Super-Deals
Armando Parusso Arriving in January:
Modern Barolo with a Twist
Re-Arriving Friday
Beaux Frères
Beaux Frères is one of the great names in Oregon wine—a producer that helped put the Willamette Valley on the map. Big, rich wines with lots of character (plus a familial relation to the Mayor of Monkton) mean that these wines were some of the first collectable bottles from our corner of the wine world.
Beaux Frères’ continued excellence was recently rewarded by Wine Spectator, who recognized the 2018 Beaux Frères Vineyard Pinot Noir as its #9 wine of 2020. Here at the shop Beaux Frères’ wines always generate a lot of interest, and considering the praise that this particular bottle has garnered it’s unlikely that our limited allocation (arriving Friday) will last long.
The 3L & 5L cannot be listed online. To order, reply to this email, call, or stop in!
Beaux Frères ‘The Beaux Frères Vineyard’ Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2018 750ML ($109.95) $85 re-arrival special
Beaux Frères ‘The Beaux Frères Vineyard’ Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2018 1.5L ($199.95) $179 special, 4 magnums in stock now
Beaux Frères ‘The Beaux Frères Vineyard’ Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2018 3L ($399.95) $379 special, 2 double-magnums available
Beaux Frères ‘The Beaux Frères Vineyard’ Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2018 5L ($699.95) $619 special, 1 five-liter bottle available ***Shipping not available on the 5L***
#9 in Wine Spectator’s Top 100 2020
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 95 points “Brilliant ruby. Intense red and blue fruit, floral and spice qualities on the highly perfumed nose, along with hints of cola and licorice. Juicy and precise, offering concentrated raspberry, boysenberry and floral pastille flavors that take on a five-spice-powder nuance with air. Plays power off delicacy with a sure hand and finishes extremely long and silky, with polished tannins framing lingering red fruit and candied rose notes. 45% new oak.”
Wine Spectator 95 points “A wine of presence and expression, impeccably structured yet elegantly layered, with evocative raspberry, rose petal and brown baking spice notes that pick up richness and tension toward fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2029. 3,088 cases made.”
James Suckling 96 points “This is a trademark, deeply rich impression with an unctuous, violet-flower layer, together with blueberries, cherries and sweetly toasty woody spices, as well as forest wood and fresh, leafy and sappy nuances. The palate has a very succulent, fresh and lithe, almost tangy feel, delivering such succulent, mouthwatering energy at the finish. Ready now, but better from 2024.”
Beaux Frères’ continued excellence was recently rewarded by Wine Spectator, who recognized the 2018 Beaux Frères Vineyard Pinot Noir as its #9 wine of 2020. Here at the shop Beaux Frères’ wines always generate a lot of interest, and considering the praise that this particular bottle has garnered it’s unlikely that our limited allocation (arriving Friday) will last long.
The 3L & 5L cannot be listed online. To order, reply to this email, call, or stop in!
Beaux Frères ‘The Beaux Frères Vineyard’ Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2018 750ML ($109.95) $85 re-arrival special
Beaux Frères ‘The Beaux Frères Vineyard’ Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2018 1.5L ($199.95) $179 special, 4 magnums in stock now
Beaux Frères ‘The Beaux Frères Vineyard’ Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2018 3L ($399.95) $379 special, 2 double-magnums available
Beaux Frères ‘The Beaux Frères Vineyard’ Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2018 5L ($699.95) $619 special, 1 five-liter bottle available ***Shipping not available on the 5L***
#9 in Wine Spectator’s Top 100 2020
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 95 points “Brilliant ruby. Intense red and blue fruit, floral and spice qualities on the highly perfumed nose, along with hints of cola and licorice. Juicy and precise, offering concentrated raspberry, boysenberry and floral pastille flavors that take on a five-spice-powder nuance with air. Plays power off delicacy with a sure hand and finishes extremely long and silky, with polished tannins framing lingering red fruit and candied rose notes. 45% new oak.”
Wine Spectator 95 points “A wine of presence and expression, impeccably structured yet elegantly layered, with evocative raspberry, rose petal and brown baking spice notes that pick up richness and tension toward fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2029. 3,088 cases made.”
James Suckling 96 points “This is a trademark, deeply rich impression with an unctuous, violet-flower layer, together with blueberries, cherries and sweetly toasty woody spices, as well as forest wood and fresh, leafy and sappy nuances. The palate has a very succulent, fresh and lithe, almost tangy feel, delivering such succulent, mouthwatering energy at the finish. Ready now, but better from 2024.”
Love Beaux Frères?
Don’t Miss Sequitur!
Mike Etzel, the founder and winemaker of Sequitur, is a living legend in the Willamette Valley. He co-founded Beaux Frères in the late 80’s and was the winemaker there until recently passing the duties to his son. Never one to rest on his laurels or stay still, though, he began planting a vineyard adjacent to Beaux Freres in 2010—a project that became what we know as Sequitur.
It’s helpful to think of Sequitur as a distillation of everything Mike Etzel learned while starting and producing Beaux Freres over the decades. The Sequitur vineyard sits right next to the Beaux Frères “Upper Terrace” but is planted to a wider array of clones at tighter spacing. It’s been farmed biodynamically since the beginning and is sheltered with Douglas Fir—in short, it’s the fully realized vision of a man who’s helped define Willamette Valley Pinot.
The winemaking style is exactly what you’d expect—these are wines that are made by the same hand that delivered so many high scores to Beaux Frères (though his son, Mikey, is the day-to-day winemaker). Big, powerful and bold, these nevertheless have energy and grace that we think comes from the extra-attentive farming and unique clonal selection in the vineyard. In short order, they’ve established themselves as one of the very best producers in the Willamette Valley and deserve your attention as such.
In Stock Now:
Sequitur Chardonnay, Ribbon Ridge 2015 750ML ($89.95) $69 special, 21 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 94+ points “The 2015 Sequitur Chardonnay delivers toasted almonds, baker’s yeast, fresh ginger and coriander seed on the nose with a core of grapefruit, white peaches and spiced apples. Light to medium-bodied, it gives a great intensity of savory flavor layers intermingled with stone fruit and citrus notions, finishing long with great freshness and mineral notes.”
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 94 points “Light, brilliant yellow. Powerful, spice-accented orchard and pit fruit aromas pick up lemon pith, honey and floral nuances with air. Fleshy and broad on entry, offering white peach and pear nectar flavors that steadily firm up on the back half. Blends power and finesse with a smooth hand and finishes very long and precise, with resonating mineral and floral notes.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Sequitur Chardonnay, Ribbon Ridge 2016 750ML ($89.95) $69 special, 20 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 94 points “Pale yellow-gold. Fresh and incisive on the nose, displaying intense citrus and orchard fruit scents complemented by suggestions of toasty lees, iodine and sweet butter. Sappy, penetrating and seamless in texture, offering concentrated pear nectar, peach, tangerine and honeysuckle flavors that deepen slowly on the back half while maintaining energy. Finishes with repeating pear and floral notes, with a late jolt of dusty minerality pulling things together.”
Wine Advocate 93+ points “The 2016 Sequitur Chardonnay has a gregarious nose of spiced, baked yellow apples and warm pineapple with notes of toast, honey, hazelnut and hay. Medium to full-bodied, it fills the mouth with warm orchard and tropical fruits accented by nuances of baking spice, nuts and honey, with a touch of creaminess to the texture, juicy acidity and a long, mineral-laced finish. 85 cases produced.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Sequitur Chardonnay, Ribbon Ridge 2017 750ML ($89.95) $69 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 95 points “Translucent yellow. A highly complex, oak-spice-laced bouquet evokes fresh citrus and orchard fruits, iodine, toasted brioche and white flowers, and a tarragon nuance emerges with air. Shows superb depth and fine delineation, offering vibrant orange, pear, honeysuckle, sweet butter and anise flavors that tighten up slowly on the back half. Powerful yet graceful in character, displaying superb focus and thrust on an impressively long finish that features lingering floral, spice and mineral flourishes.”
Erin Brooks – Wine Advocate 92+ points “The 2017 Sequitur Chardonnay was aged mainly in amphorae this vintage. It opens with fresh scents of poached pears, baked apples, honey and hazelnuts with notes of chamomile, crème fraîche and lemon peel with an undercurrent of crushed stone. Medium-bodied, it fleshes out in the mouth with honey-nut accents, seamlessly integrated acidity and a long, honeyed finish. This is a more open-knit style of Chardonnay compared to the mineral-driven version from Beaux Frères.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Sequitur Chardonnay, Ribbon Ridge 2018 750ML ($89.95) $69 special, 20 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 95 points “Glistening straw-yellow. Vibrant, mineral-accented aromas of white peach, Anjou pear, melon and Meyer lemon carry a bright floral overtone. Juicy and densely packed, displaying a suave blend of richness and vivacity to the mineral-drenched citrus and orchard fruit and floral flavors. Picks up smoky lees, honey and iodine notes with air and shows outstanding clarity on a strikingly long, penetrating finish that echoes the mineral and citrus fruit notes.”
Winery Note “The 2018 growing season was warm and dry, resulting in yet another remarkable vintage on Ribbon Ridge. Towards the end of the summer, just before harvest, Jack was born. With the arrival of our first grandchild, we felt for the first time the presence of a new generation on the farm, reminding us of the cycle of renewal and growth. This vintage has the bright freshness of new breath—we hope you enjoy it!”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Sequitur Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2014 750ML ($119.95) $79 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 94 points “Limpid ruby-red. Smoky, mineral-accented aromas of black raspberry, cherry cola and incense carry a strong spicecake overtone. Stains the palate with sappy red berry liqueur, spicecake and floral pastille flavors that are lifted and given definition and tension by juicy acidity. At once rich and nervy, with no excess fat but showing excellent depth and intensity of flavor. Finishes with sexy notes of candied violet and smoky Indian spices and superb, gently tannic persistence. This wine’s Beaux Freres bloodline is very clear to see.”
Wine Spectator 94 points “Broad and spicy, open-textured and generous, with ripe plum and currant flavors, shaded by pepper, sage and coffee notes as the finish sails past fine-grained tannins. Completely harmonious and made to age. Drink now through 2024.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Sequitur Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2015 750ML ($119.95) $79 special, 23 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 95 points “Deep brilliant red. A strikingly complex bouquet evokes ripe, mineral-accented red berries, cherry cola, vanilla, five-spice powder and sandalwood. Alluringly sweet, seamless and expansive on the palate, offering concentrated black raspberry, cherry liqueur, spicecake and lavender pastille flavors that are given spine and lift by a core of juicy acidity. Delivers a compelling blend of power and delicacy and finishes extremely long and smooth; rounded tannins frame the lingering red fruit preserve notes.”
Wine Advocate 94 points “Pale to medium ruby purple in color, the 2015 Sequitur Pinot Noir has a very provocative nose of Bing cherries and cranberries over a core of red roses, game, yeast extract and underbrush. Medium-bodied, with wonderful energy and freshness, it has a lively backbone and long finish paved with very fine, ripe tannins.”
Winery note “Sequitur 2015 Pinot Noir “Two fold,” a collaboration between our Mother, the earth, those of us who “play” in the vineyard and winery, and you, the wine lover.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Sequitur Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2016 750ML ($119.95) $79 special, 26 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 96 points “Glimmering red. A hugely aromatic bouquet evokes fresh red fruits, Asian spices and potpourri, along with a bright mineral overtone and a touch of smokiness. Juicy, seamless and precise on the palate, offering potent, mineral-laced raspberry preserve, rose pastille and spicecake flavors that deepen and spread out steadily on the back half. Delivers a compelling blend of power and finesse and finishes with silky tannins, outstanding clarity and floral- and mineral-driven persistence.”
Wine Advocate 94+ points “Pale to medium ruby-purple in color, the 2016 Sequitur Pinot Noir has a lovely, open nose of black and red cherries and blackberries with notions of wood smoke, turned earth, autumn leaves, cardamom and potpourri. Medium-bodied, it floods the mouth with ripe black and red fruits with wonderful earthy/spicy accents, very fine, grainy tannins and mouthwatering acidity, finishing long with spice and floral layers. 480 cases produced.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $89.99
Sequitur Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2017 750ML ($119.95) $79 special, 27 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94-95 points “Lurid red. Spice-tinged blackberry and cherry aromas are complicated by suggestions of cola, incense and smoky minerals. Sweet and expansive on the palate, offering concentrated dark berry and spicecake flavors and suggestions of rose pastille and mocha that build with air. Concentrated but also vibrant and precise in style, delivering superb finishing cut, well-knit tannins and impressive, fruit-driven persistence. (30% new French oak).”
Nick Stock-JamesSuckling 96 points “Beautifully deep, blueberries and plums on offer with notes of fresh violets and moist, fresh-tilled earth. This is full of life and very pure. The palate has focused and fresh tannins that sit in very vibrant style with a deep push of concentrated blue fruit, holding the finish in superb style. So fresh and long, this will age well. Drink across the next decade or more.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Sequitur Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2018 750ML ($99.95) $79 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
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.”
James Suckling 97 points “A very succulent, concentrated pinot with a strong (40%) whole-cluster influence, delivering sappy, fresh and aromatic lift to the blueberry and ripe-cherry aromas. The palate has such succulent and assertive tannin drive, yet the textural interface remains silky and fluid. It has depth and volume and a very commanding finish. Give this some time. Try from 2024.”
Winery Note “The 2018 growing season was warm and dry, resulting in yet another remarkable vintage on Ribbon Ridge. Towards the end of the summer, just before harvest, Jack was born. With the arrival of our first grandchild, we felt for the first time the presence of a new generation on the farm, reminding us of the cycle of renewal and growth. This vintage has the bright freshness of new breath—we hope you enjoy it! “
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Trending Super-Deals
The Oregon case buy of the year!
Biggio Hamina Claygate Vineyard Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2016 750ML ($39.95) $28 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Biggio Hamina Claygate Vineyard Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2016 750ML ($199.95) $159 special (that’s only $26.50/bottle!)
Case-12 Biggio Hamina Claygate Vineyard Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2016 750ML ($399.95) $299 special (that’s only $24.92/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94 points “Bright red. An exotically perfumed bouquet displays intense red fruit, potpourri and incense qualities. Spice and savory herb nuances build as the wine opens up. Bright and energetic in the mouth, offering densely packed and appealingly sweet raspberry liqueur, cherry and spicecake flavors that pick up a smoky mineral note on the back half. Plays power off of finesse deftly and finishes extremely long and floral, with sneaky, fine-grained tannins and a touch of exotic spices.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Day describes their Momtazi bottling as their “our flagship Pinot Noir from one of Willamette Valley’s most prized biodynamic vineyards and our most age-worthy wine.” It‘s normally the most expensive Pinot in the Day Wines lineup at $54, but we’re able to offer it for just $33 per bottle and $28.75 per bottle on case purchases.
Day Wines Momtazi Vineyard Pinot Noir, McMinnville 2016 750ML ($53.95) $33 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Day Wines Momtazi Vineyard Pinot Noir, McMinnville 2016 750ML ($299.95) $189 special (that’s only $31.50/bottle!)
Case-12 Day Wines Momtazi Vineyard Pinot Noir, McMinnville 2016 750ML ($599.95) $345 special (that’s only $28.75/bottle!)
John Gilman 93 points “The 2016 Momtazi Vineyard bottling of Pinot Noir from Day Wines is the ripest of these 2016s, as it comes in at fourteen percent octane. It is beautifully black fruity on the nose (as all the examples from Momtazi have been that I have been fortunate enough to taste), offering up scents of black plum, sweet dark berry, black tea, balsam bough, a beautiful base of soil tones, chicory, gentle spice tones and a bit of cedar. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, complex and beautifully balanced, with a fine core of fruit, great mineral drive and grip, ripe, well-integrated tannins and a long, tangy and promising finish. While this is the ripest of the 2016 pinots from Brianne Day, it is no less pure or precise and is a great bottle in the making. 2024-2055.”
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 92 points “Limpid red. A highly aromatic bouquet evokes fresh dark berries and baking spices, along with smoky mineral and musky earth overtones. Juicy and broad on the palate, offering alluringly sweet black raspberry, cherry, rose pastille and spicecake flavors that deepen steadily with air. Delivers a suave blend of power and energy and finishes with finely woven tannins and strong, floral-driven persistence.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
We’re offering killer case-6 price on this classically styled Beaujolais from Fleurie!
Coudert Pere Clos de la Roilette Fleurie, Beaujolais 2019 750ML ($34.95) $24 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Coudert Pere Clos de la Roilette Fleurie, Beaujolais 2019 750ML ($159.95) $129 special (that’s only $21.50/bottle!)
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 94 points “Bottled only a week before I tasted it, Alain Coudert’s 2019 Fleurie from the Clos de la Roilette is showing beautifully, wafting from the glass with aromas of rose petals, red cherries, raspberries, spices and orange rind. Medium to full-bodied, deep and velvety, it’s elegant and fine-boned, with lively acids, refined structuring tannins and a long, perfumed finish. Readers who gravitate toward classical styles of Beaujolais will prefer the 2019 to the richer, more gourmand 2018, but both are lovely vintages for this reference-point address.”
A darling of Loire fans and the Kermit Lynch portfolio, don’t miss Germain’s impeccably-priced Cab Franc. Pair with thoughts of French bistros.
Thierry Germain Domaine des Roches Neuves Saumur-Champigny, Loire 2018 750ML ($31.95) $21.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Thierry Germain Domaine des Roches Neuves Saumur-Champigny, Loire 2018 750ML ($359.95) $239 special (that’s only $19.92/bottle!)
No reviews available for the 2018. Review for the 2016 provided for reference.
Grapelive 91 points “I love [Thierry Germain’s] wines, especially the Cabernet Franc bottlings, like this Cuvee Domaine, they always show fresh, clean lines, energy and pretty aromatics with the older vine parcels and crus showing deeper concentration and power. Germain’s goal, as [importer Kermit] Lynch puts it, is to produce Cabernet (Franc) with purity, finesse, and drinkability, while avoiding rusticity, vegetal character, and hard tannins, which in my experience he does often and well… The Cuvee Domaine comes from a mix of parcels ranging from 5 to 70 years old set on classic sand, clay and Tuffeau Limestone, which drives the vibrancy and lifts the floral bouquet, with 100% de-stemmed grapes fermented in all stainless steel tanks with a minimum of lees contact and just under six months total of elevage in a combination of tank and large neutral wood casks. Like the Les Roches (blue label) the Cuvee Domaine is meant to be a quaffer, but still serious in character and surprisingly with enough structure to age for a decade or more, especially in a vintage like this 2016, with its concentration of fruit and natural acidity, since Thierry picks on the earlier side. The Cuvee Domaine…is only native yeast fermented and the vines are…in the heart of AOC, which are, as mentioned, all biodynamic, making for a very natural expression with a dark and earthy personality. Uplifting layers of black cherry, plum and mulberry fruits lead the way with a touch of crushed raspberry, minty herb, a classic pyrasine green bell pepper note, crushed chalk, a faint hint of cedar and loamy earthy wrapped in a ripe form and soft tannins, this is an impressive medium bodied Cab Franc to enjoy sooner versus later, be sure to look for this fine effort.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
“A genial gourmet, Daniel-Etienne Defaix is one of Chablis’s personalities, and his wines are no less characterful. He releases his sapid, gourmand expressions of Chablis at maturity—that’s to say, some 15 years after everyone else in the region….These are textural, complex wines that evoke the white Burgundies of yesteryear, and they may confuse consumers habituated to the tart, brittle, processed wines that are often passed off as expressions of region’s “terroir.” Their potential to develop in bottle and their capacity to pair with a thrilling variety of foods, however, make them fascinating, at least to this writer. Much of the production is sold to France’s best restaurants, but what reaches the export market is well worth seeking out.” – William Kelley, Wine Advocate
Domaine Daniel-Etienne Defaix Les Lys, Chablis Premier Cru 2005 750ML ($64.95) $52.50 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
William Kelley – Wine Advocate 93 points “Dramatic aromas of blanched almonds, beeswax, honey and preserved lemon introduce the 2005 Chablis 1er Cru Les Lys, a full-bodied, textural wine that’s rich, concentrated and structured, with a tight-knit core, tangy acids and a stony finish. Like Defaix’s other 2005s, it’s very much in its prime and will be well worth seeking out when it reaches the marketplace.”
Grapelive 93 points “Daniel-Etienne Defaix … continues [his family’s] tradition of wine growing, which has been working the vines around Chablis since the 1500s. He manages 26 hectares planted exclusively to Chardonnay, which most all there vines in a selection of Premier Crus. Defaix, a natural minded vigneron whose family is from Avallon, not far from Chablis, he uses largely self-taught methods to craft his wines with ideas passed down and learned from his own experiences. His severe selections of grapes and his long fermentations highlight his deft and gentle touch in the cellar, which shows here in his latest release of Les Lys from the 2005 vintage. [This] is a gorgeous Chablis with incredible texture, mineral notes, remarkable lively character from this warm vintage and polished depth. This 2005 gives a subtle floral perfume, hints liquid rock, clarified cream, apple, pear and lemon preserves as well as wet stone (chalk), acacia honey, hazelnut and lingering fleshiness of form. It is a seamless Chardonnay of great class and detail. The Chablis 1er Cru Les Lys comes from a monopole plot known as ‘Clos du Roi’ and the average age of the vines is close to 45 years. [The vines are planted] on a sloping hillsides that has a near perfect southwest exposure allowing warm ripe flavors and richness, while the Kimmeridgian (limestone) soils give fabulous structure, acidity and minerallity. Daniel Defaix ferments 100% de-stemmed grapes in stainless steel tank using 100% natural yeasts at cold temps, which takes close to three weeks, and then the wine is rested almost three years on the lees, again in stainless (only) and goes through natural malos, then racked again back to stainless tanks to aged up to ten years before bottling! The results are amazing and this 2005, which shows the benefits of that regime and the age delivers a great performance in the glass with a sexy layered mouth feel and secondary elements beginning to shine through. The ‘Les Lys’ Premier Cru vineyard, part of the Vaillons, is located on the left bank of the Serein River, overlooking the villages of Chablis and Milly, making for an intriguing terroir, one of the most rare in the series of Premier Crus from Chablis and with a stony personality, but with a softer tone than some of neighboring sites. This Defaix version is wonderfully elegant, especially now.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Fanti is one of many producers whose 2015 has since been described as their “best ever”.
Tenuta Fanti Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2015 750ML ($49.95) Was $39, Now $33, 36+ bottles in stock now
James Suckling 95 points “There’s a beautiful interplay between bright, primary florals, such as rose petals and tulips and dust, hay bale and dried raspberries. The palate suggests a ripe, powerful persona with chewy, juicy tannins and a fine line of pretty acidity. Best ever. Drink in 2022.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $45
Armando Parusso
Modern Barolo with a Twist
Armando Parusso is an iconic and avant-garde producer in Bussia. He is especially known for his unique methods to produce wines with mature tannins and great fruit. During winemaking, he rests the grapes after harvest for several days to allow them to ripen further and then ferments whole cluster, a la Burgundy. Aging occurs in oak barriques with a generous splash of lees. The wines are racked into new barriques after a year, leaning in to the oak influence. The lees are stirred to help preserve the wine against oxygen exposure. The results are generous wines with tannins moderated by the extended pre-fermentation rest and heavily influenced by the extended lees and oak aging. These are unabashedly modern and winning the hearts & palates of critics.
“…what really distinguishes Parusso are his unusual approach to winemaking, his restless curiosity and his daring experiments. He is constantly tweaking his methods to coax more from his Nebbiolo.
“‘Marco is a person who is never quiet. He is like a volcano,’ says Giacomo Conterno, the young winemaker at Aldo Conterno, Parusso’s neighbor in Monforte. “We always need people who are hungry, and Marco is hungry. He always wants more from his wine.'” –Robert Camuto, Wine Spectator
“Marco Parusso makes some of the most idiosyncratic wines in Barolo. The style remains pretty much as it has been for some time. Parusso likes to harvest as late as possible. The fruit is then allowed to rest for a few days, (3 days in 2016 as opposed to 5-6 that was once the norm) prior to being crushed. The single vineyard Barolos are done with 100% whole clusters and aged in oak. The sum of these choices yields singular Barolos that need time to be fully expressive.” –Antonio Galloni
“If you follow the work being done at Parusso, you’ll know that this is one of the most dynamic and out-of-the-box wineries in Barolo.” –Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
Arriving ETA January:
Armando Parusso Ornati Barbera d’Alba, Piedmont 2019 750ML ($24.95) $19.50 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Armando Parusso Ornati Barbera d’Alba, Piedmont 2019 750ML ($149.95) $111 pre-arrival special (that’s only $18.50/bottle!)
Armando Parusso Langhe Nebbiolo, Piedmont 2018 750ML ($24.95) $20.90 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Armando Parusso Langhe Nebbiolo, Piedmont 2018 750ML ($149.95) $119 pre-arrival special (that’s only $19.83/bottle!)
Wine Advocate 90 points “The Parusso 2018 Langhe Nebbiolo has a wild side with some of the tangy white pepper aromas that you sometimes get with some of the indigenous grapes of Piedmont. The delivery is simple and clean, but don’t underestimate the bold personality that you get here. Those tangy fruit aromas are mixed in with garden herb, licorice and crushed flowers.”
Armando Parusso Barolo DOCG, Piedmont 2016 750ML ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 94 points “A very ripe and decadent red with so much depth and richness. Full-bodied, deep and rich. A big combination of ripe fruit and tannins. Give this a few years to come together. Better after 2022.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 94 points “The Parusso 2016 Barolo offers that distinctive Parusso nose that I have come to understand over the years I have been tasting these wines. There is a touch of ripe fruit, dried grape skins and stems that pop out over rich black fruit, tar and black spice. There’s a sultry and smoky aspect to the wine with extra concentration and tannic astringency on the finish. This vintage is even more structured, suggesting a longer cellar aging time. If you are invested in the Parusso philosophy, this is a good place to start.”
Antonio Galloni 92+ points “The 2016 Barolo is a terrific example of the year. Unusually dark and somber, the 2016 packs a real punch. Black cherry, plum, espresso, licorice, spice and menthol add to the wine’s richness and overall intensity. Far from an easygoing straight Barolo, Parusso’s 2016 is a very serious wine; I wouldn’t dream of touching a bottle anytime soon. Vineyard sources are Mariondino, Mosconi and Bussia – all top sites that are also bottled separately here.”
“…what really distinguishes Parusso are his unusual approach to winemaking, his restless curiosity and his daring experiments. He is constantly tweaking his methods to coax more from his Nebbiolo.
“‘Marco is a person who is never quiet. He is like a volcano,’ says Giacomo Conterno, the young winemaker at Aldo Conterno, Parusso’s neighbor in Monforte. “We always need people who are hungry, and Marco is hungry. He always wants more from his wine.'” –Robert Camuto, Wine Spectator
“Marco Parusso makes some of the most idiosyncratic wines in Barolo. The style remains pretty much as it has been for some time. Parusso likes to harvest as late as possible. The fruit is then allowed to rest for a few days, (3 days in 2016 as opposed to 5-6 that was once the norm) prior to being crushed. The single vineyard Barolos are done with 100% whole clusters and aged in oak. The sum of these choices yields singular Barolos that need time to be fully expressive.” –Antonio Galloni
“If you follow the work being done at Parusso, you’ll know that this is one of the most dynamic and out-of-the-box wineries in Barolo.” –Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
Arriving ETA January:
Armando Parusso Ornati Barbera d’Alba, Piedmont 2019 750ML ($24.95) $19.50 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Armando Parusso Ornati Barbera d’Alba, Piedmont 2019 750ML ($149.95) $111 pre-arrival special (that’s only $18.50/bottle!)
Armando Parusso Langhe Nebbiolo, Piedmont 2018 750ML ($24.95) $20.90 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Armando Parusso Langhe Nebbiolo, Piedmont 2018 750ML ($149.95) $119 pre-arrival special (that’s only $19.83/bottle!)
Wine Advocate 90 points “The Parusso 2018 Langhe Nebbiolo has a wild side with some of the tangy white pepper aromas that you sometimes get with some of the indigenous grapes of Piedmont. The delivery is simple and clean, but don’t underestimate the bold personality that you get here. Those tangy fruit aromas are mixed in with garden herb, licorice and crushed flowers.”
Armando Parusso Barolo DOCG, Piedmont 2016 750ML ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 94 points “A very ripe and decadent red with so much depth and richness. Full-bodied, deep and rich. A big combination of ripe fruit and tannins. Give this a few years to come together. Better after 2022.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 94 points “The Parusso 2016 Barolo offers that distinctive Parusso nose that I have come to understand over the years I have been tasting these wines. There is a touch of ripe fruit, dried grape skins and stems that pop out over rich black fruit, tar and black spice. There’s a sultry and smoky aspect to the wine with extra concentration and tannic astringency on the finish. This vintage is even more structured, suggesting a longer cellar aging time. If you are invested in the Parusso philosophy, this is a good place to start.”
Antonio Galloni 92+ points “The 2016 Barolo is a terrific example of the year. Unusually dark and somber, the 2016 packs a real punch. Black cherry, plum, espresso, licorice, spice and menthol add to the wine’s richness and overall intensity. Far from an easygoing straight Barolo, Parusso’s 2016 is a very serious wine; I wouldn’t dream of touching a bottle anytime soon. Vineyard sources are Mariondino, Mosconi and Bussia – all top sites that are also bottled separately here.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $44
Armando Parusso Bussia, Barolo DOCG 2016 750ML ($119.95) $89 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 96+ points “Marco Parusso’s 2016 Barolo Bussia brings together all the best elements of his style and year in a wine that is simply brilliant. Sweet floral notes, dark red fruit, mint, blood orange and spice infuse the 2016 with myriad layers of complexity. A bold, dramatic Barolo made from Rocche and Munie fruit, the 2016 is going to need a number of years to be at its best.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 96 points “This is one of the most important single-vineyard expressions from Marco and Tiziana Parusso, a formidable brother and sister team whose winery is located at the edge of Monforte d’Alba on the road to Castiglione Falletto. Their 2016 Barolo Bussia is a dark and brooding expression with some of those aromas of Nebbiolo stems and skins that give extra power and density to the wine. I’d suggest a pairing of succulent red meat, but you definitely need to put this wine aside for more time. This classic vintage is especially well suited to cellar aging. The structure of this Bussia is a tiny bit more pliant and approachable compared to the more astringent Mosconi.”
James Suckling 95 points “Wild strawberries and plums with spices, dried flowers and hazelnuts. It’s full-bodied, yet tight, fine and focused with lovely balance and finesse. Drink or hold.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Armando Parusso Mariondino, Barolo DOCG 2016 750ML ($79.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2016 Barolo Mariondino is another potent, heady wine in this range. The red fruit and floral notes typical of this site emerge, but the Mariondino is big and very dark in 2016. Like all of these Barolos, the Mariondino is built for the long haul. In most vintages, Mariondino is a Barolo of sensuality but the 2016 is a real powerhouse. Time in the glass brings out red fruit and floral notes, but this is an XL Barolo.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2016 Barolo Mariondino sees fruit from a vineyard not too far from the Parusso winery in Castiglione Falletto. It opens to sultry and intense aromas. Generally speaking, the wines of this estate achieve a level of richness and concentration that you don’t see anywhere else in the appellation. The fruit is slightly dehydrated before fermentation and a good percentage of stem inclusion is used. There is a note of sweet, sun-ripened fruit on the close, and you taste the actual skins of the grapes. Stern tannins mark the close.”
James Suckling 94 points “Extremely perfumed with dried flowers, such as roses and lilacs, complementing the ripe strawberry and plum character. Full-bodied on the attack with a fine tannin profile and a fresh finish. Drinkable now, but needs a year or two to open. Better after 2021.”
Armando Parusso Mosconi, Barolo DOCG 2016 750ML ($119.95) $89 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 97 points “An exotic, high-toned Barolo with blackberry, walnut and dried-flower aromas and flavors, as well as orange undertones. It’s full-bodied with spices and ripe fruit. Figs, too. Long and wild. Drink or hold.”
Antonio Galloni 95 points “The 2016 Barolo Mosconi shows all the breadth and richness that is typical of this Monforte site. Dark fruit, chocolate, spice, new leather, menthol, sage and crushed rocks build in an explosive, tannic Barolo that is going to need at least a few years in bottle to come together. Powerful, deep and resonant, this dark, brooding Barolo has a ton to offer.”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95 points “The Parusso 2016 Barolo Mosconi exhibits that same power, intensity and dark fruit with aromas of grape skins and vinous components. Marco Parusso lets his grapes undergo a very light appassimento in a cold storage room before pressing, and he uses a percentage of whole-cluster fruit with stems. Those strong flavors and tannins are very much on notice. You get hints of white pepper on this very powerful and tannic wine that won’t be accessible until at least 10 years after the harvest, or probably more.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
In Stock Now from Armando Parusso:
Armando Parusso Bussia, Barolo DOCG 2013 750ML ($89.95) $79 special, 17 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 97 points “This is one of the greatest wines I have ever had from here. So much ripe cherry, raspberry and floral character. Medium body, super-refined tannins and a long and flavorful finish. So much going on here. Better in 2021.”
Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2013 Barolo Bussia is my favorite wine among Marco Parusso’s new releases. This wine shows an extraordinary level of richness and softness that speaks to the unique winemaking style proposed by this innovative producer. The Bussia cru tends to produce softer and finer fruit characteristics. The bouquet delivers elegant notes of wild berry, forest floor and white truffle with mineral notes such as pencil shaving delicately tucked in at the back. The wine sees up to 60% stem inclusion and maceration times are long. This Barolo is articulate and profoundly expressive.”
Shop all 83 Barolos in stock now on our web store!
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please let us know their name when placing your order.)
www.vinopoliswineshop.com
info@vinopoliswineshop.com
503-223-6002
When you’re ready to pick up, just park in our lot,
give us a call, & we’ll bring your order to your car.
(If another adult is picking up for you,
please let us know their name when placing your order.)
www.vinopoliswineshop.com
info@vinopoliswineshop.com
503-223-6002
Vinopolis is an independent wine shop in Portland that opened in 2004. Our goal has always been to offer the finest, broadest, and largest selection of wines at the best prices to our customers in Portland, in Oregon, across the West Coast, and throughout the United States. Thank you for reading and for continuing to support our team.
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Stay safe, be well, & drink well.