Vinopolis Newsletter for 4/18/16
New Chapoutier Arrivals; Wine of the Day; Italian Heavy-Hitters – Mascarello + Biondi Santi + Giacosa; Can’t Get Enough Rose!; White Case Deals; Badia a Coltibuono Vin Santo; Betz Sale Ends Friday; Altesino Arriving Next Week
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Instant Classics from Chapoutier
Just Arrived!
M. Chapoutier Ermitage Le Meal Blanc, Rhone 2011 750ML ($219.95) $159 special
Wine Advocate 99 points “Surprisingly, I preferred the 2011 Ermitage le Meal Blanc over the 2012 on this occasion and it showed a more flamboyant, sexy style in its caramelized pineapple, tropical, honeyed and floral personality. Big, rich and decadent, with fabulous fruit intensity and length, this rock star flirts with perfection and will keep for another 3-4 decades.”
M. Chapoutier Ermitage Le Pavillon, Rhone 2011 750ML ($349.95) $289 special
Wine Advocate 100 points “Even better and a prodigious effort that hits all my sweet spots, the 2011 Ermitage Le Pavillon comes from one of the top terroirs on Hermitage hill, the granite soils of the Les Bessards lieu-dit. Spectacularly perfumed, with raspberry, blackberry, licorice, toasted spices and assorted floral nuances, this full-bodied effort has massive depth and richness, no hard edges and masses of finely polished tannin that emerge on and frame the finish. It will be approachable at an earlier age than either the 2009 or 2010, yet should nevertheless have 2-3 decades of ultimate longevity.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $308
The average price is $337
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Wine of the Day
Marchesi di Barolo Barbaresco 2010
Marchesi di Barolo Barbaresco DOCG, Piedmont 2010 750ML ($39.95) $28 special, 36+ bottles available
Wine Advocate 92 points “The 2010 Barbaresco offers a classic portrait of a beautiful wine in a celebrated vintage. There’s not much to criticize here: The fruit is fleshy and lively, the aromas are intense and well-defined, and the finish is long and juicy. There’s a playful dusting of white pepper that works exceptionally well to add focus and overall sharpness. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $32.09
The average price is $40
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Mascarello, Giacosa, Biondi Santi
Italian Heavy Hitters
Arriving This Friday
Giuseppe Mascarello e Figlio Monprivato, Barolo DOCG 2011 750ML ($159.95) $115 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 95 points “This is expressive, with alluring cherry, strawberry, floral and mineral flavors building to a long, expansive finish. The elegant profile belies the serious structure underneath, which should allow this red to develop over the next 15 to 20 years. Offers fine berry fruit and a minerally aftertaste. Best from 2018 through 2033.”
Jancis Robinson 18/20 points “Very pale ruby. More stony and liquorice-like than Villero. Brooding concentration but holding back on the nose. Lithe and very elegant palate with amazing tactile and fine tannins. Has the wow factor.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Biondi Santi Tenuta Greppo Riserva, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2006 750ML ($699.95) $319 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 97 points “A mix of sweet cherry, raspberry, floral, tobacco, tea and balsamic flavors mingle in this complex and layered red. The acidity and tannins are present and well-integrated as this remains elegant and harmonious on the lingering finish. There’s a racy aspect, with a tobacco and mineral aftertaste. Best from 2016 through 2035.”
Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva comes across as a bit reticent. It reveals lovely detail and nuance, but without the firmness of many other young vintages. Today the 2006 is quite accessible. I will be surprised if it doesn’t start shutting down at some point. Regardless, the 2006 appears to be built more on finesse rather than power. Freshly cut flowers, hard candy and licorice are layered into the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2046.
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $499
The average price is $626
Falletto di Bruno Giacosa ‘Falletto’ Riserva, Barolo DOCG 2008 750ML ($399.95) $259 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 97 points “Pure cherry, rose and leather aromas and flavors emerge after about two hours of aeration. This is rich, with impressive depth and a firm structure for support. Elegant and graceful, showing excellent length on the finish. Best from 2017 through 2027.”
Wine Advocate 96 points “The 2008 Barolo Riserva Le Rocche del Falletto (aged 36 months in botte grande) is a gorgeous wine from every perspective. Its 360-degree beauty shines comes through in terms of the intensity of the bouquet and the elegance of the mouthfeel. Again, super-finely textured tannins give the wine backbone and create a supporting structure for rich fruit flavors. There-s just enough consistency here to fill the palate, yet the wine is never heavy or flat. It shows vibrant energy thanks to the natural freshness and that beautiful note of garden fresh red rose that pops up as nostalgic sign-off. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2040. ”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $299
Available Here Now From Bruno Giacosa:
Falletto di Bruno Giacosa ‘Falletto’, Barolo DOCG 2005 750ML ($249.95) $149 special
Wine Advocate & Stephen Tanzer 94 points “The 2005 Barolo Falletto offers up a gorgeous bouquet of red cherries, flowers, spices and menthol. This is a relatively delicate, elegant Barolo Falletto yet it offers gorgeous balance, tons of inner perfume and a long, refined finish. It is one of the overachievers in 2005. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025.”WA
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $179
The average price is $217
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Rose Wines Arriving Friday
Our Painting of Portland Pink Continues….
Domaine de la Petite Mairie Bourgueil Rose, Loire 2015 750ML ($21.95) $18 pre-arrival special
Importer note “As we enter the Touraine, the Cabernet Franc takes center stage. The Bourgueil Rosé produced by James Petit from vineyards in Restigné and Bourgueil is a graceful and dignified wine with lots of class. This should prove to be a particularly fine reason to pay attention to an underappreciated appellation that offers stunning value, even more so in its red wines. A favorite of ours!”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $20
Chateau de l’Eperonniere Rose de Loire 2015 750ML ($21.95) $18 pre-arrival special
Importer note “Mathieu Tijou, born and raised at Chateau Soucherie, now has his own estate down the road at Chateau de l’Eperonnière. He, too, produces a fine rendition of Rosé de Loire, from a blend of Grolleau (70%), with Cabernet Franc (30%). This is a lively, dry wine with a violet tint to the color, a peppery spice on the palate (certainly the effect of Grolleau!) and a raspberry-like fruitiness.”
Mas Jullien Coteaux du Languedoc Rose, Languedoc-Roussillon 2015 750ML ($27.95) $24 pre-arrival special
Importer note “Olivier Jullien remains one of our most talented vignerons. His Coteaux du Languedoc Rosé is a tour de force with power and spice that makes this a truly distinctive effort. Made from a classic mix of local grapes, including Cinsault, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Carignan. Much like the formidable Rosés of Pradeaux and Simone, this effort from Mas Jullien will stand the test of time.”
Mas Cal Demoura Coteaux du Languedoc Qu’es Aquo Rose, Languedoc-Roussillon 2015 750ML ($24.95) $18 pre-arrival special
Importer note “Vincent and Isabelle Goumard have taken over the reins of this domaine with a remarkable passion. Their Coteaux du Languedoc Rosé combines elegance and power: a lively wine with excellent presence on the palate with a properly dry and mineral finish. There is plenty of fruit and the bright rose color is a worthy subject for a fine still-life. A blend of the five classic grape varieties of the Languedoc: Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre & Carignan with the first two comprising the majority of the finished wine.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Peyrassol Cotes de Provence ‘Commanderie de Peyrassol’ Rose, Provence 2015 1.5L ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Importer note “Our workhorse rosé. The Commanderie cuvée is always a pale rose color, fresh and lively on the palate, nicely dry with a mineral finish. It is a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault, with a touch of Ugni Blanc.”
Aline Bonfils Domaine du Gour de Chaule Gigondas Amour de Rose, Rhone 2015 750ML ($29.95) $24 pre-arrival special
Importer note “The Gigondas Rosé from Stéphanie Fumoso (following gracefully in the footsteps of her mother, Aline Bonfils) is a very limited production affair with a loyal following. A rose-ruby color, intense strawberry-like fruit, and a surprising density mark this fine effort crafted primarily from Grenache with a touch of Syrah. This paean to the glories of rosé is another testament to the unfailing competence and consistently high quality that marks every wine from this estate.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
M Plouzeau Chinon Rive Gauche Rose, Loire 2015 750ML ($17.95) $14 pre-arrival special
Vinopolnote: The Loire Legend returns with a Cabernet Franc-based pink which is perfect for warm weather sipping!
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine Les Aphillanthes Cote du Rhone Rose, Rhone 2015 750ML ($17.95) $14 pre-arrival special
Vinopolnote: A very layered Rhone rose of Cinsault, Carignan, Grenache, Clairette, and Counoise.
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Just a reminder about our current shipping specials during this season:
We offer flat rate shipping on any size single order / single shipment
-to Oregon for $17,
-Washington & Idaho for $20,
-and California for $25
These rates do not apply to orders held in storage here for any reason.
Multiple orders consolidated into one shipment
do not qualify for flat rate shipping.
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White Wine Case Deals
Around the World in 60 Seconds
Albarino from Spain – Perfect for parties!
Case-12 Spanish Vines Amarte Mas Albarino, Rias Baixas 2013 750ML ($169.95) $119 special, 4 cases available
Spanish Vines Amarte Mas Albarino, Rias Baixas 2013 750ML ($19.95) $11.90 special, 6 bottles available
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 89 points “Light yellow-gold. Lively citrus and orchard fruit scents are given depth by honey and a subtle leesiness. Supple and broad on entry, then more taut in the mid-palate, offering bitter quince and Meyer lemon flavors and a zesty kick of candied ginger. Closes spicy and tight, with good clarity, lift and cut.” JR
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Chardonnay from Beaujolais – Summertime House Wine
Case-12 Pierre-Marie Chermette Domaine du Vissoux Beaujolais Blanc Cepage Chardonnay 2014 750ML ($249.95) $219 special, 1 case available
Pierre-Marie Chermette Domaine du Vissoux Beaujolais Blanc Cepage Chardonnay 2014 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special, 9 bottles available
Wine Enthusiast 88 points “This is a rich wine, ripe with yellow fruits. It is full bodied, peaches and pears giving a smooth, rounded character. Almonds and apple skins give texture to the wine that is ready to drink. — R.V. (12/1/2015)”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Ribolla Gialla from Northern Italy – Fresh & Complex
Case-12 Tenuta Luisa Ribolla Gialla, Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2013 750ML ($219.95) $159 special, 3 cases available
Tenuta Luisa Ribolla Gialla, Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2013 750ML ($21.95) $14 special, 23 bottles available
Wine Enthusiast 89 points “Enticing aromas of jasmine, honeysuckle and citrus blossom lead the nose on this polished wine. The sleek palate delivers juicy pear, crisp apple and nectarine zest. It’s fresh and balanced, with bright acidity.” WE
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Chardonnay from Burgundy – High End, Low Price
Case-12 Domaine Cheveau Macon Davaye Les Belouzes, Burgundy 2014 750ML ($279.95) $219 special, 1 case available
Domaine Cheveau Macon Davaye Les Belouzes, Burgundy 2014 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special, 36+ bottles available
Importer note “The cellars of the Domaine Cheveau are situated in the hamlet of Solutré-Pouilly in the heart of the appellation of Pouilly-Fuissé. The domaine was established by André Cheveau in 1950. The vineyards dedicated to Chardonnay are composed of the classic clay – limestone composition that provides the perfect ambience to produce the grand wines of Burgundy.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Viogner from Oregon – Local n’ Lovely
Case-12 Matello Deux Vert Vineyard Viognier, Yamhill-Carlton District 2012 750ML ($149.95) $119 special, 2 cases available
Matello Deux Vert Vineyard Viognier, Yamhill-Carlton District 2012 750ML ($17.95) $11.90 special, 9 bottles available
Winery note “One finds classic aromatics of ripe peach and honey. The palate is lush and loaded with ripe peach on the attack, with overtones of apricot and brioche that are swept up in the texture. Deux Vert Vineyard is sustainably farmed and a member of LIVE. Our farming philosophy is to take the best practices from various farming approaches (organic, bio-dynamic, etc.) but not be restricted by any one of them. It is a dry farmed, non-tilled vineyard.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Chardonnay from Chile – A Versatile Choice
Case-12 Casa Lapostolle ‘Casa’ Grand Selection Chardonnay, Casablanca Valley, Chile 2012 750ML ($119.95) $79 special, 4 cases available
Casa Lapostolle ‘Casa’ Grand Selection Chardonnay, Casablanca Valley, Chile 2012 750ML ($11.95) $8.80 special, 36+ bottles available
Importer’s note: “The Lapostolle Casa tier of wines are young and expressive, bright and vivid, and made to capture the freshness of the fruit. Casa Grand Selection Chardonnay comes from the breezy, coastal Casablanca Valley, which has cool and dry summers, allowing the Chardonnay to ripen slowly and maintain its natural acidity. Hand-harvesting at night enhances the fruitiness and crispness of the grapes, and also helps reduce the use of energy at the winery. Casa Grand Selection Chardonnay is satisfying on its own, and also goes well with many seafood dishes and white meat.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Chardonnay from California – Soulful Napa Valley
Case-6 Franciscan Estate Cuvee Sauvage Chardonnay, Carneros 2012 750ML ($159.95) $99 special, 6 half-cases available
Franciscan Estate Cuvee Sauvage Chardonnay, Carneros 2012 750ML ($37.95) $19 special, 36+ bottles available
Wine Enthusiast 91 points “A classic Napa Valley Chardonnay, this is smooth, rich, balanced and well composed. Flowery aromas of honeysuckle open the way for lemon curd and ripe apple to compete with a depth of crème brûlée character that provides plenty of complexity, with additional accents of honey and spice.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price per half-case is $168
The next best price per bottle is $29.99
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Badia a Coltibuono Vin Santo Occhio di Pernice
Arriving in July
Badia a Coltibuono Vin Santo del Chianti Classico Occhio di Pernice, Tuscany 2006 375ML ($79.95) $69 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 95 points “The 2006 Vin Santo del Chianti Classico Occhio di Pernice is one of the best wines I have tasted from Badia a Coltibuono in some time. Sweet, dark and voluptuous, the 2006 shows all of the richness of a 100% Sangiovese Vin Santo, yet also possesses remarkable restraint for such a big wine, with plenty of intensity but no excess weight. A bevy of leather, licorice and clove notes round out the silky, mid-weight finish.”
Bruce Wiatrak- Vinous Media “Their Occhio di Pernice is a different animal entirely, even more distinct from Coltibuono’s white rendition than Avignonesi’s two Vin Santos are from one another. Stucchi relies on “perfect” Sangiovese clusters for the Occhio di Pernice, loose and healthy. He crushes the fruit in a basket press, but leaves the must there for two days for the skins to impart more pigment. The 2006 sweeps across the palate in broad strokes of coffee grounds, poached figs, toffee and buttered popcorn. A thread of acidity keeps the Vin Santo focused and long, needling its way through the fleshy, brooding wine”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
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Our Betz Buy Sale
Ends Midnight Friday, April 22nd
[Full reviews are viewable at vinopoliswineshop.com]
Betz Family Winery Besoleil, Columbia Valley 2013 750ML ($59.95) Was $49, Now $41.90; Wine Advocate 92 points – This is the lowest listed price in the USA today! The average price is $51
Betz Family Winery Clos de Betz, Columbia Valley 2011 750ML ($69.95) Was $47, Now $39, 38 bottles available
Betz Family Winery Clos de Betz, Columbia Valley 2011 1.5L ($129.95) Was $99, Now $89
Stephen Tanzer 93 points – These are the lowest listed prices in the USA today! The average price is $58
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Developing Story! – Altesino Brunello
Highlight Arrival for Next Week
Altesino Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2011 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Altesino Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2011 750ML ($599.95) $549 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 92 points “Altesino’s 2011 Brunello di Montalcino opens with beguiling aromatics. Sage, licorice, menthol and sweet tobacco flesh out nicely as the wine shows off its ample, broad personality. The tannins could use another year or two to soften, but all the elements are very nicely balanced throughout. This gracious, silky Brunello will drink well for the next decade-plus.”
James Suckling 92 points “This is long and delicious with lovely cherry, chocolate and fresh walnut flavors. Linear yet open with persistence and joy. Drink now.”
Altesino Montosoli, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2011 750ML ($99.95) $77 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 94 points “A very ripe style with prune, berry and salted-nut aromas and flavors. Full body, savory intensity and a long, flavorful finish. Lots of juicy, fabulous fruit. Shows the greatness of the vineyard. Drink or hold.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $86
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At the Buzzer!
Last Minute Price Adjustment
Dom Ruinart Rose 2002
Dom Ruinart Rose Millesime, Champagne 2002 750ML ($399.95) Was $289, Buy it Now for $249; 8 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 96+ points “A mysterious, beguiling beauty, the 2002 Dom Ruinart Rosé boasts fabulous intensity and pure resonance. Tangerine, exotic spices, mint, crushed rose petals and sweet red berries blossom in the glass. Still, my impression is that the 2002 is holding back much of its ultimate potential, as it remains tight and much less expressive than so many other wines of the year. When the 2002 finally emerges fully, it is going to be truly monumental.”
James Suckling 95 points “Big on the autolysis wow factor, this chardonnay-driven rosé is a very impressive Champagne from the outset with a wealth of toasty autolysis, sweet spices and flinty lemon with some pink grapefruit too. The intensity is impressive, as is the complexity and freshness. The palate has smooth-honed shape and fine acidity with some assertive ripe phenolics making for superior structure and depth. Flavors of blood orange, peach and lemon drive deep and the finish is superb. Drink now or for up to five years.”
Stephen Tanzer 95 points “Light, bright orange-pink. Heady mineral- and yeast-accented aromas of dried red berries, blood orange, buttered toast and tea rose. Densely packed and expansive on the palate, offering intense raspberry, cherry compote and floral pastille flavors and a smoky overtone that gains strength with aeration. The mineral quality comes back strong on the silky, focused finish, which goes on and on. An outstanding blend of power and finesse. Disgorged September, 2012.”
Vinous 95 points “The 2002 Dom Ruinart Rosé bursts across the palate with superb intensity and plenty of 2002 vintage opulence. Pomegranate, blood orange, red cherry, spice and white pepper are all very much alive in the glass. A rich, intense wine, the 2002 possesses terrific persistence and fabulous overall balance. The aromatics are just starting to show hints of development, but the 2002 has the pure density to drink well for many, many years. The vivid, crystalline finish is a thing of beauty. The 2002 is 80% Chardonnay (the Dom Ruinart base) with the addition of 20% still Pinot, mostly from Sillery with a dollop of Verzenay. Dosage is 5 grams per liter. Drinking window: 2014 – 2032. Ruinart is unusual among Champagne houses in that the overwhelming majority of the production is still sold in France. Perhaps because of that, Ruinart does not enjoy the same visibility as many of its peers. The wines, though, are magnificent. As always, the Ruinart Champagnes are done entirely in steel, with full malo. Dom Ruinart stands out from most other Blancs de Blancs for its powerful, broad texture, much of which comes from the significant presence of Chardonnay from the Montagne de Reims. The production cycles in Champagne are always a bit shocking relative to the norm in other regions. Chef de Caves Frédéric Panaiotis arrived in 2007, but it will still be another few years before we taste his Dom Ruinarts!”
Wine & Spirits 95 points “It’s rare to find a 2002 as compellingly drinkable as this rosé. It’s floral and intensely fruity, the flavor lasting for minutes, supported by limestone acidity as if by the arches of the chalk caves in which this rested for the past dozen years. The dosage is generous, which may be one reason this feels ready to drink, its gripping richness and refinement making it a match for roast squab or other game birds.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $297
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