In This Newsletter:
Majestic Rioja:
CVNE
New Wine Advocate Reviews
for Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port
Majestic Rioja:
CVNE
New Wine Advocate Reviews
for Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port
California Treasure Trove:
New Arrivals from Bond/SQN/Hundred Acre/Shafer
Staff Pick: Agape Cremant D’Alsace
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $45
CVNE ‘Cune’ Ecologico – Organic, Rioja DOCa 2019 750ml ($17.95) $12.50 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 91 points “There is a new organic red, the debut of which is the 2019 Cune Organic, a blend of 60% Garnacha, 30% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano from external suppliers. That’s quite an unusual blend for them, as they tend to use more Tempranillo, and it brings a different combination of freshness and power. The grapes were handpicked and fermented separately by variety with indigenous yeasts, and the wine matured in used 300-liter oak barrels for six months. I nearly fell off my chair when I put my nose in the glass, as the wine screamed GARNACHA—but traditional Garnacha at its floral and herbal best, with the sweet cherry fruit, red licorice and the chalky tannins from the limestone soils. It’s balanced, tasty and juicy, truly delicious. The idea is to eventually produce this wine with their own grapes, as they are moving toward organic farming and removed herbicides years ago. They have never released a wine like this or such a young red. Amazing young Garnacha for the by-the-glass market. Bravo!”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
CVNE Vina Real Crianza, Rioja DOCa 2017 750ml ($19.95) $14.50 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 CVNE Vina Real Crianza, Rioja DOCa 2017 750ml ($219.95) $166 special (that’s only $13.83/bottle!) ***in-store pick up only
James Suckling 93 points “A Rioja with plum, blackberry, black truffle and hints of chocolate. Some walnut, too. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, chewy tannins and a flavorful finish. Drink or hold.”
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 91+ points “The popular red 2017 Viña Real Crianza is a gastronomical blend produced with grapes from Rioja Alavesa: 90% Tempranillo and the rest Garnacha, Mazuelo and Graciano fermented in stainless steel and matured in oak barrels for 13 to 14 months, during which time it was racked every five to six months. The first thing that is going to catch your attention is the new label, which takes things from the past but put in a new, more modern style, which also reflects what the wine is like. The Viña Real range (white, rosé and Reserva) is gradually going to adopt this same label but with the letters in different colors. The second thing that I also loved is the Garnacha character that clearly comes through, even if it represents a small percentage in the final blend (Garnacha and Graciano like heat and do well in warmer years). The oak is nicely folded and integrated into the fruit. Very enjoyable and fresh, in line with what consumers expect but with an extra spark of red fruit that is quite remarkable for the 2017 vintage. The palate is textured, fine and polished, with very fine tannins and high drinkability. I think this is one of the Crianzas that I have enjoyed the most in recent times. I love it. Remarkable for a year like 2017.”
Wine Enthusiast 91 points “Editor’s Choice. Full berry and plum aromas are complete as they lead to a racy palate with lively acidity and spirit. Cherry, plum and a dusting of cocoa are lead players on the flavor profile, while this crianza finishes long and fresh. This is everything you want from Rioja crianza. -Michael Schachner”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
New Wine Advocate Reviews
for Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $107
Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port 2016 750ml ($119.95) $99 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Mark Squires-Wine Advocate 96 points “The 2016 Vintage Port was aged for 20 months in wood and comes in with 102 grams of residual sugar. When last seen, this was a fine Taylor’s, not my favorite, perhaps, but very fine. It is a little precocious in this elegant year, which is not to say there isn’t a tannic backbone. Also, this did have a few hours in the glass. Still, the first and last impression is the big, beautiful fruit. It is a delicious Taylor’s that is hard to resist. It also is firm on the finish and likely to evolve well. Complexity will come in time. I don’t see any reason to change anything about my original evaluation just now. This is still too young to show much development.”
Shop our Port selections here!
California Treasure Trove:
New Arrivals
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $700
Sine Qua Non Jusqu’à l’Os Grenache, Sta Rita Hills 2013 750ml ($499.95) $419 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 100 points “The 2013 Grenache Jusqu’ a l’os was produced from 79% Grenache from the 11 Confessions Vineyard along with 18% Syrah and 3% Petite Sirah, produced using 89% whole cluster and aged for around 38 months in 51% used oak, 6% new French oak and 43% concrete tanks (bottled December 6, 2016). It displays a medium to deep garnet color and rock star vibrant red currant and black raspberry scents with hints of licorice, mocha, Indian spices and peppered salami plus oh-so-fragrant and seductive touches of potpourri and chargrill. Medium to full-bodied, concentrated and opulently fruited in the mouth, the alluring, velvety tannins support savory, spicy layers right through the long, mineral-laced finish. This is one drop dead gorgeous, femme fatale of a wine. 868 cases of 750 milliliter bottles, 223 magnums and 30 double magnums were made.”
Antonio Galloni 96+ points “A darker, more potent side of Grenache comes through in the 2013 Grenache Jusqu’à l’Os. This powerhouse wine is nowhere near ready to drink. Swaths of tannin enshroud a core of plum, dark fruit in this muscular, brooding Grenache from Sine Qua Non. Readers will have to be patient. The 2013 is 79% Grenache, 18% Syrah and 3% Petite Sirah, all from Eleven Confessions, done with 89% whole clusters.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $583
Sine Qua Non ‘Le Supplement’ Syrah, Sta Rita Hills 2013 750ml ($599.95) $519 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 100 points “Coming entirely from the Eleven Confessions Estate Vineyard and composed of 89% Syrah, 6% Petite Sirah, 3% Grenache and 2% Viognier, using 28% whole cluster, the 2013 Syrah Le Supplement is just starting to evolve into beguiling earthy/meaty tertiary notes with suggestions of sandalwood, mossy bark, black soil, patchouli and salami over a core of blackberry compote, preserved plums, mincemeat pie and star anise with a touch of dried lavender. Rich, concentrated and decadent, the full-bodied, opulent palate explodes with black fruits preserves peppered by meaty/savory nuances and culminating in epically lingering exotic spice notes. 866 cases, 228 magnums and 30 double magnums were produced.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $647
Additional stock & new lower price!
Hundred Acre Kayli Morgan Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2004 750ml ($699.95) Was $549, Now $519 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Robert Parker 98 points “The wild man of Napa Valley, Jayson Woodbridge, has turned out one of the superstars of 2004, with the 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Kayli Morgan. His wines always tend to be gorgeous young, offering up an impression that they’re not going to last. But his first vintage, 2000, seems to get better and better, even though it was spectacular when released. The 2004, which was harvested in September, shows an almost Pomerol-like sweet mocha, kirsch, black currant and deeply fruited mouthfeel. It is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, but the clay soils of his vineyard seem to give a sweetness of tannin and a voluptuous character to the texture. This wine oozes rich, concentrated fruit, is light on its feet and has gorgeous purity, a multidimensional mouthfeel and a stunning finish. Silky black currant, kirsch, licorice, mocha and caramelized fruit make for a stunningly full-throttle, brilliant 2004 to enjoy over the next 15 or more years.”
This was the lowest listed price in the USA today,
Now it’s even lower!
The next best price is $569
Shafer Vineyards Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap District 2011 750ml ($299.95) $249 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Robert Parker-Wine Advocate 96 points “Possibly the Cabernet Sauvignon of the vintage is Shafer’s 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select. Last year I thought it was a strong effort, but it’s even better now that it’s been bottled. With an opaque black/purple color and notes of subtle burning charcoal embers, blueberry, blackberry and graphite, the wine has a certain Bordelais minerality, but then the richness of Napa kicks in. It’s full-bodied (somewhat unusual for a 2011) with lighter tannins, and no doubt the wine will be on a faster evolutionary track than vintages such as 2010, 2012 and 2013. Nevertheless, the Shafers and Elias said this was the toughest vintage they’d ever experienced. To be able to produce a compelling wine like this is a testament to their extraordinary skills and craftsmanship. This wine can be drunk now or cellared for another 15-20 years.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $293
2012s:
Bond Melbury, Napa Valley 2012 750ml ($499.95) $419 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Antonio Galloni 95 points “The 2012 Melbury is in a perfect spot today. Radiant and succulent to the core, the 2012 captures the essence of the vintage in its racy, succulent personality. The 2012 is not a huge wine, but it is quite open and accessible. Overall, though, the 2012 lacks the pop and sheer energy of the finest vintages in this vertical.”
Robert Parker-Wine Advocate 95 points “From a 7-acre hillside vineyard overlooking Lake Hennessey, the 2012 Melbury, like its siblings, is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in 100% new oak for a minimum of 24 to 28 months, then bottled unfiltered. The wine displays beautiful blackberry fruit, some charcoal, loamy soil undertones, forest notes, lots of spice, a full-bodied, multi-dimensional mouthfeel, and a super finish of 45+ seconds. Even in a vintage like 2012, this wine ideally needs 3-5 years of bottle age and should keep for 30+ years.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Bond Pluribus, Napa Valley 2012 750ml ($499.95) $419 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Antonio Galloni 97 points “All the best qualities of the vintage come through in the 2012 Pluribus. Pliant and inviting, with striking depth, the 2012 has a lot to say. This is another subtle, understated wine from Bond that is presently holding back quite a bit. Even so, its potential is evident. Today, the 2012 is super-impressive.”
Robert Parker-Wine Advocate 95+ points “From a 7-acre parcel on Spring Mountain, the 2012 Pluribus Proprietary Red Wine exhibits the white flowers (acacia?), blueberry and black raspberry fruit that comes from this high elevation site. It is full-bodied but very tannic, backward, coiled and relatively tight, behaving in that sense more like a 2013 than a 2012. This wine is set for a long life of 30+ years. Forget it for another 4 or 5 years, then consume it over the following three decades.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $510
Bond Quella, Napa Valley 2012 750ml ($499.95) $419 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Robert Parker-Wine Advocate 98 points “The 2012 Quella (from a steep 9-acre vineyard in the eastern Vaca hillsides) has an opaque purple color, a gorgeous nose of white flowers, sweet blackberry and cassis fruit, and a touch of vanilla and graphite. Full-bodied, like its siblings, with great fruit extract, terrific purity and richness, and high but velvety tannins, this wine should also benefit from another 3-5 years of cellaring and keep for 30+ years.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $473
Bond St. Eden, Napa Valley 2012 750ml ($499.95) $419 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Robert Parker-Wine Advocate 98 points “From an 11-acre vineyard just north of the Oakville corridor, the 2012 St. Eden shows gorgeous, cedary Christmas fruitcake notes, black cherry and blackcurrant fruit, spice box, earth, and almost first growth Pauillac-like cassis and lead pencil shavings. Deep, full-bodied, and fabulously concentrated, this stunner flirts with perfection. Slightly more evolved than the Quella or Melbury, this wine may be the most drinkable out of the gate of all the Bond offerings in 2012. It should continue to evolve for at least 30+ years.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Bond Vecina, Napa Valley 2012 750ml ($519.95) $449 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Robert Parker-Wine Advocate 100 points “From an 11-acre vineyard sitting near Bond’s winery and the Harlan estate, the 2012 Vecina Proprietary Red is the perfect Napa version of a hypothetical blend of a La Mission Haut-Brion and Mouton-Rothschild. This is riveting Cabernet Sauvignon with great intensity, a killer fragrance of burning embers, charcoal, gravel, blackberry, cassis and earth. Fabulously intense and full-bodied, with majestic flavor intensity, a skyscraper-like mouthfeel, incredible purity and length, and supple tannins, this magnificent wine comes closest to the great Harlan Estate itself. Drink it over the next 35 years.”
Antonio Galloni 98 points “Gloriously ripe and hedonistic, the 2012 Vecina is also the most expressive of the Bond 2012s. Layers of intense dark fruit, smoke, licorice, new leather and exotic spices build as this resonant, deeply textured Cabernet Sauvignon shows off its personality. The 2012 is all class. Moreover, it possesses a level of sheer volume I don’t see in the other 2012s here.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $550
2018s:
Bond Melbury, Napa Valley 2018 750ml ($899.95) $819 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Antonio Galloni 98 points “The 2018 Melbury is, as always, the first of the single-vineyard wines presented at Bond. The order is always the same: Melbury-Quella-St. Eden-Vecina and Pluribus. I suppose that makes sense from the standpoint of concentration and structure, but it is quite penalizing for the Melbury, a wine that is more about elegance than power or tannins. That said, the 2018 is not a shy wine, it certainly has plenty of depth. Freshness, energy and verve are the signatures in a Cabernet that is all about intangibles. Hints of dark red cherry, tobacco, rose petal, mint and sweet spice emerge over time. The whole is greater than the sum of the parts.”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 96-98 points “A barrel sample, the 2018 Melbury sports a deep garnet-purple and sashays out of the glass with bold, gregarious scents of fresh black cherries, mulberries and plums with hints of black currants, cinnamon toast and Sichuan pepper. Medium to full-bodied, elegant and refreshing, it is chock-full of crunchy fruit with compelling mineral accents coming through on the long finish.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Bond Pluribus, Napa Valley 2018 750ml ($899.95) $819 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Antonio Galloni 99 points “The 2018 Pluribus captures all of the savory, mineral intensity of this site on Spring Mountain. Searing tannins, once such a challenge here, are much more finessed than in the past. Crushed rocks, mint, blood orange, gravel, exotic spice and rose petal lend tremendous complexity as the Pluribus shows off its considerable allure. This taut, mountain Cabernet Sauvignon has so much to offer. Today, it is wonderfully complete and thrilling. Even so, the best is yet to come.”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 97-100 points “From a vineyard located on Spring Mountain, the 2018 Pluribus (a barrel sample) reveals a deep garnet-purple. Youthfully reticent, it needs a fair bit of coaxing to reveal gorgeous notions of wild blueberries, ripe black plums and warm cassis plus hints of tilled earth, truffles, menthol and tobacco leaf. The full-bodied palate is densely packed with tightly wound black and blue fruit layers, supported by firm, grainy tannins and great tension, finishing very long with loads of earthy/savory sparks.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $864
Bond Quella, Napa Valley 2018 750ml ($899.95) $819 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Antonio Galloni 97 points “The 2018 Quella is rich, ample and beautifully resonant in the glass. There’s terrific depth here and tons of class. Blood orange, game, licorice, tobacco, lavender and dried herbs give the Quella beguiling aromatic presence to play off its muscular, brooding personality. The 2018 needs a few years to soften, but it is already compelling, to say the least.”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 95-97 points “A barrel sample, the 2018 Quella has a deep garnet-purple color and opens with the most gorgeous perfume of violets, red and black plums, Morello cherries and cassis plus hints of iron ore and crushed rocks. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers lovely energy and tension, framed by fine-grained tannins and finishing with beautiful purity.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $858
Bond St. Eden, Napa Valley 2018 750ml ($899.95) $819 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Antonio Galloni 97 points “The 2018 St. Eden is impressive. Dense and powerful in the glass, the 2018 is done in a style that emphasizes freshness and vibrancy, reflecting a generational transition in all of these wines that is most apparent here. Dark fruit, licorice, mocha, spice and chocolate begin to emerge with time, but the St. Eden is much less forthcoming than in the past. In fact, the 2018 might very well be the most reticent St. Eden I have ever tasted. That energy will serve it well in the cellar. Readers accustomed to the voluptuous, lush St. Edens of the past will not find that in the 2018. As much as the style has changed in this wine, I am not surprised to see that. A complete vertical of the Bond wines a few years ago showed the St. Eden to have the most condensed arc of peak drinkability of the Bond wines.”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 96-98 points “A barrel sample, the 2018 St. Eden is deep garnet-purple in color. The nose is a little closed at this nascent stage, offering broody glimpses at blackcurrant jelly, boysenberries and black raspberries before opening out to a spicy undercurrent of cloves, black pepper and cumin seed. The palate is built like a brick house with a solid structure of ripe, grainy tannins and a lively backbone framing the full-bodied, muscular fruit, finishing long and layered.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $862
Bond Vecina, Napa Valley 2018 750ml ($899.95) $819 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Antonio Galloni 99 points “A regal, soaring wine, the 2018 Vecina is immediately captivating. Red fruit, iron, dried rose petal and exotic spice all soar out of the glass. Over the last two months the Vecina has acquired stunning aromatic presence to play off its deep, layered fruit. The 2018 is an absolute gem in the making. As a reminder, Vecina is sourced from Vine Hill Ranch, at the southern end of Oakville, where the Cabernets are distinguished by a beguiling combination of power and savory/earthy intensity.”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 97-99 points “A barrel sample, the 2018 Vecina displays a deep garnet-purple color and offers slowly emerging classic notes of black currants, black cherries, blackberry pie and cedar chest with hints of charcoal, tar, pencil lead and fragrant earth. The full-bodied palate has a rock-solid structure of firm, grainy tannins and tons of freshness supporting the generous black fruits, finishing on a lingering mineral note.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $870
New Arrivals from Bond/SQN/Hundred Acre/Shafer
Staff Pick: Agape Cremant D’Alsace
Cantine Lonardo:
The Captain of Campania
The Captain of Campania
Vinopolis Wine Shop
Will Be Closed
Wednesday, August 10th
We’re open for our regularly scheduled hours all other days:
10 am – 6 pm
Our webstore never closes!
Majestic Rioja:
CVNE
Will Be Closed
Wednesday, August 10th
We’re open for our regularly scheduled hours all other days:
10 am – 6 pm
Our webstore never closes!
Majestic Rioja:
CVNE
Looking for absolutely classical Rioja at outstanding pricing? Look for four letters: CVNE. CVNE (or Cune) was founded in 1879 by brothers Eusebio and Raimundo Real de Asúa after Raimundo moved to the town of Haro (also of Lopez de Heredia fame) for his health. They set up the winery partially as a negociant, much like Bordeaux. Fast forward to today and the family (down the female line) is on its fifth generation of owning and operating the house—still making excellent, classical wines at more than fair prices.
In Stock Now:
CVNE ‘Imperial’ Gran Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2014 750ml ($99.95) $84.50 special, 16 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94 points “Shimmering ruby-red. An intensely perfumed nose displays cherry cola, cassis, licorice and smoky oak; floral and vanilla qualities emerge in the glass. Juicy, penetrating red and dark fruit flavors are given spine by a core of tangy acidity, and bitter chocolate, candied rose and spicecake nuances develop with air. Gently gripping tannins add shape to an impressively long, incisive finish that leaves more vanilla and cherry notes behind. Raised for 22 months in a combination of French and American oak barrels.”
Luis Guttierez-Wine Advocate 94 points “No 2013 was produced, as it was a very challenging year in Haro. So, from the 2012 I tasted last time, we jumped to the 2014 Imperial Gran Reserva, an icon among classical Rioja. The grapes for this blend of 85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano and 5% Mazuelo were picked during the first half of October at a low 13.5% alcohol and were fermented in small oak vats followed by malolactic in concrete and two years in barrel. The bottles are kept for at least 36 months before they are released. As the Imperial Reserva, the style of this wine has to be preserved (they can innovate in the new Asúa range). There is a developed and subtle nose reminiscent of petrol (is it mineral?), hints of iodine and sweet spices. The palate is powerful and still a little tannic, as the wine was released even earlier because they skipped one vintage. Serious, austere, faithful to its character. 50,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in January 2017.”
CVNE ‘Imperial’ Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2016 750ml ($49.95) $41.90 special, 13 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 96 points “Extremely floral and attractive with crushed lavender, rosemary and violets to the blue fruit. Full body. Tight and integrated tannins and a lightly chewy finish. Shows depth and structure. One of the best from here in a long time. Drink in 2021, but already attention grabbing.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94 points “Deep, brilliant ruby. Cherry, cassis, vanilla and incense on the expansive nose, where a zesty mineral note adds vibrancy. Sappy and precise on the palate, offering sweet dark berry, cherry liqueur and violet pastille flavors along with hints of mocha and spicecake. Rich and ample in style but shows superb energy as well. Finishes sweet, seamless and extremely long, with lingering florality and polished, fully integrated tannins.”
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 93 points “The prototype of red from Rioja Alta could very well be the 2016 Imperial Reserva, fine, precise and powerful. The grapes for this cuvée were picked between October 10th and 25th, and it’s a canonical blend of 85% Tempranillo and the rest Graciano, Mazuelo and Garnacha with 14% alcohol and balancing freshness. It fermented with their own Imperial yeasts in oak vats of different sizes and matured in French and American oak barrels for 24 months. This wine has a very defined style that should not change; it has more oak than the Asúa Reserva and is made with grapes not only from Haro but also from Torremontalvo, Villalba and Briones. 2016 was a cooler year, and the wines are fresher and balanced. This has the mushroomy touch from the old cave and plenty of tannins that are going to require powerful food and/or time in bottle. A classic among classics.”
In Stock Now:
CVNE ‘Imperial’ Gran Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2014 750ml ($99.95) $84.50 special, 16 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94 points “Shimmering ruby-red. An intensely perfumed nose displays cherry cola, cassis, licorice and smoky oak; floral and vanilla qualities emerge in the glass. Juicy, penetrating red and dark fruit flavors are given spine by a core of tangy acidity, and bitter chocolate, candied rose and spicecake nuances develop with air. Gently gripping tannins add shape to an impressively long, incisive finish that leaves more vanilla and cherry notes behind. Raised for 22 months in a combination of French and American oak barrels.”
Luis Guttierez-Wine Advocate 94 points “No 2013 was produced, as it was a very challenging year in Haro. So, from the 2012 I tasted last time, we jumped to the 2014 Imperial Gran Reserva, an icon among classical Rioja. The grapes for this blend of 85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano and 5% Mazuelo were picked during the first half of October at a low 13.5% alcohol and were fermented in small oak vats followed by malolactic in concrete and two years in barrel. The bottles are kept for at least 36 months before they are released. As the Imperial Reserva, the style of this wine has to be preserved (they can innovate in the new Asúa range). There is a developed and subtle nose reminiscent of petrol (is it mineral?), hints of iodine and sweet spices. The palate is powerful and still a little tannic, as the wine was released even earlier because they skipped one vintage. Serious, austere, faithful to its character. 50,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in January 2017.”
CVNE ‘Imperial’ Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2016 750ml ($49.95) $41.90 special, 13 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 96 points “Extremely floral and attractive with crushed lavender, rosemary and violets to the blue fruit. Full body. Tight and integrated tannins and a lightly chewy finish. Shows depth and structure. One of the best from here in a long time. Drink in 2021, but already attention grabbing.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94 points “Deep, brilliant ruby. Cherry, cassis, vanilla and incense on the expansive nose, where a zesty mineral note adds vibrancy. Sappy and precise on the palate, offering sweet dark berry, cherry liqueur and violet pastille flavors along with hints of mocha and spicecake. Rich and ample in style but shows superb energy as well. Finishes sweet, seamless and extremely long, with lingering florality and polished, fully integrated tannins.”
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 93 points “The prototype of red from Rioja Alta could very well be the 2016 Imperial Reserva, fine, precise and powerful. The grapes for this cuvée were picked between October 10th and 25th, and it’s a canonical blend of 85% Tempranillo and the rest Graciano, Mazuelo and Garnacha with 14% alcohol and balancing freshness. It fermented with their own Imperial yeasts in oak vats of different sizes and matured in French and American oak barrels for 24 months. This wine has a very defined style that should not change; it has more oak than the Asúa Reserva and is made with grapes not only from Haro but also from Torremontalvo, Villalba and Briones. 2016 was a cooler year, and the wines are fresher and balanced. This has the mushroomy touch from the old cave and plenty of tannins that are going to require powerful food and/or time in bottle. A classic among classics.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $45
CVNE ‘Cune’ Ecologico – Organic, Rioja DOCa 2019 750ml ($17.95) $12.50 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 91 points “There is a new organic red, the debut of which is the 2019 Cune Organic, a blend of 60% Garnacha, 30% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano from external suppliers. That’s quite an unusual blend for them, as they tend to use more Tempranillo, and it brings a different combination of freshness and power. The grapes were handpicked and fermented separately by variety with indigenous yeasts, and the wine matured in used 300-liter oak barrels for six months. I nearly fell off my chair when I put my nose in the glass, as the wine screamed GARNACHA—but traditional Garnacha at its floral and herbal best, with the sweet cherry fruit, red licorice and the chalky tannins from the limestone soils. It’s balanced, tasty and juicy, truly delicious. The idea is to eventually produce this wine with their own grapes, as they are moving toward organic farming and removed herbicides years ago. They have never released a wine like this or such a young red. Amazing young Garnacha for the by-the-glass market. Bravo!”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
CVNE Vina Real Crianza, Rioja DOCa 2017 750ml ($19.95) $14.50 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 CVNE Vina Real Crianza, Rioja DOCa 2017 750ml ($219.95) $166 special (that’s only $13.83/bottle!) ***in-store pick up only
James Suckling 93 points “A Rioja with plum, blackberry, black truffle and hints of chocolate. Some walnut, too. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, chewy tannins and a flavorful finish. Drink or hold.”
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 91+ points “The popular red 2017 Viña Real Crianza is a gastronomical blend produced with grapes from Rioja Alavesa: 90% Tempranillo and the rest Garnacha, Mazuelo and Graciano fermented in stainless steel and matured in oak barrels for 13 to 14 months, during which time it was racked every five to six months. The first thing that is going to catch your attention is the new label, which takes things from the past but put in a new, more modern style, which also reflects what the wine is like. The Viña Real range (white, rosé and Reserva) is gradually going to adopt this same label but with the letters in different colors. The second thing that I also loved is the Garnacha character that clearly comes through, even if it represents a small percentage in the final blend (Garnacha and Graciano like heat and do well in warmer years). The oak is nicely folded and integrated into the fruit. Very enjoyable and fresh, in line with what consumers expect but with an extra spark of red fruit that is quite remarkable for the 2017 vintage. The palate is textured, fine and polished, with very fine tannins and high drinkability. I think this is one of the Crianzas that I have enjoyed the most in recent times. I love it. Remarkable for a year like 2017.”
Wine Enthusiast 91 points “Editor’s Choice. Full berry and plum aromas are complete as they lead to a racy palate with lively acidity and spirit. Cherry, plum and a dusting of cocoa are lead players on the flavor profile, while this crianza finishes long and fresh. This is everything you want from Rioja crianza. -Michael Schachner”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
for Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port
Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port 2017 750ml ($119.95) $99 special, 2 bottles in stock now
Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port 2017 375ml ($69.95) $59 special, 9 half-bottles in stock now
Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port 2017 1.5L ($249.95) $199 special, 6 magnums in stock now
Mark Squires-Wine Advocate 99 points “The 2017 Vintage Port is a field blend aged for approximately 20 months in wood. It comes in with 100 grams of residual sugar. Rich, concentrated and often sensational, this is well structured, even better in its fruit profile. While the fruit is terrific, it is also wonderfully fresh. This is arguably a great Taylor’s, but it still needs to prove its final case in the cellar. I don’t think that will be a problem. As I said when I first saw it, it effortlessly combines brilliant fruit and structure. It does everything right, and it is a formidable competitor to its Vinha Velha sibling in this report. And at half the price.”
Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port 2017 375ml ($69.95) $59 special, 9 half-bottles in stock now
Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port 2017 1.5L ($249.95) $199 special, 6 magnums in stock now
Mark Squires-Wine Advocate 99 points “The 2017 Vintage Port is a field blend aged for approximately 20 months in wood. It comes in with 100 grams of residual sugar. Rich, concentrated and often sensational, this is well structured, even better in its fruit profile. While the fruit is terrific, it is also wonderfully fresh. This is arguably a great Taylor’s, but it still needs to prove its final case in the cellar. I don’t think that will be a problem. As I said when I first saw it, it effortlessly combines brilliant fruit and structure. It does everything right, and it is a formidable competitor to its Vinha Velha sibling in this report. And at half the price.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $107
Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port 2016 750ml ($119.95) $99 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Mark Squires-Wine Advocate 96 points “The 2016 Vintage Port was aged for 20 months in wood and comes in with 102 grams of residual sugar. When last seen, this was a fine Taylor’s, not my favorite, perhaps, but very fine. It is a little precocious in this elegant year, which is not to say there isn’t a tannic backbone. Also, this did have a few hours in the glass. Still, the first and last impression is the big, beautiful fruit. It is a delicious Taylor’s that is hard to resist. It also is firm on the finish and likely to evolve well. Complexity will come in time. I don’t see any reason to change anything about my original evaluation just now. This is still too young to show much development.”
Shop our Port selections here!
New Arrivals
Hundred Acre ‘Wraith’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2013 750ml ($699.95) $599 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 100 points “Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Wraith leaps from the glass with gregarious black and red cherries, mulberries, black currant cordial, red roses and lavender scents with layers of crushed rocks and earthy sparks. Faint earth and exotic spice nuances unfurl slowly, growing in intensity and depth. The palate is full-bodied and solidly structured with firm, very finely grained, super ripe tannins and bold freshness. Finishing exquisitely perfumed, jaw-droppingly layered and with bags of sophistication and poise, this wine totally resets the benchmark for 100 points.”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 100 points “Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Wraith leaps from the glass with gregarious black and red cherries, mulberries, black currant cordial, red roses and lavender scents with layers of crushed rocks and earthy sparks. Faint earth and exotic spice nuances unfurl slowly, growing in intensity and depth. The palate is full-bodied and solidly structured with firm, very finely grained, super ripe tannins and bold freshness. Finishing exquisitely perfumed, jaw-droppingly layered and with bags of sophistication and poise, this wine totally resets the benchmark for 100 points.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $700
Sine Qua Non Jusqu’à l’Os Grenache, Sta Rita Hills 2013 750ml ($499.95) $419 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 100 points “The 2013 Grenache Jusqu’ a l’os was produced from 79% Grenache from the 11 Confessions Vineyard along with 18% Syrah and 3% Petite Sirah, produced using 89% whole cluster and aged for around 38 months in 51% used oak, 6% new French oak and 43% concrete tanks (bottled December 6, 2016). It displays a medium to deep garnet color and rock star vibrant red currant and black raspberry scents with hints of licorice, mocha, Indian spices and peppered salami plus oh-so-fragrant and seductive touches of potpourri and chargrill. Medium to full-bodied, concentrated and opulently fruited in the mouth, the alluring, velvety tannins support savory, spicy layers right through the long, mineral-laced finish. This is one drop dead gorgeous, femme fatale of a wine. 868 cases of 750 milliliter bottles, 223 magnums and 30 double magnums were made.”
Antonio Galloni 96+ points “A darker, more potent side of Grenache comes through in the 2013 Grenache Jusqu’à l’Os. This powerhouse wine is nowhere near ready to drink. Swaths of tannin enshroud a core of plum, dark fruit in this muscular, brooding Grenache from Sine Qua Non. Readers will have to be patient. The 2013 is 79% Grenache, 18% Syrah and 3% Petite Sirah, all from Eleven Confessions, done with 89% whole clusters.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $583
Sine Qua Non ‘Le Supplement’ Syrah, Sta Rita Hills 2013 750ml ($599.95) $519 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 100 points “Coming entirely from the Eleven Confessions Estate Vineyard and composed of 89% Syrah, 6% Petite Sirah, 3% Grenache and 2% Viognier, using 28% whole cluster, the 2013 Syrah Le Supplement is just starting to evolve into beguiling earthy/meaty tertiary notes with suggestions of sandalwood, mossy bark, black soil, patchouli and salami over a core of blackberry compote, preserved plums, mincemeat pie and star anise with a touch of dried lavender. Rich, concentrated and decadent, the full-bodied, opulent palate explodes with black fruits preserves peppered by meaty/savory nuances and culminating in epically lingering exotic spice notes. 866 cases, 228 magnums and 30 double magnums were produced.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $647
Additional stock & new lower price!
Hundred Acre Kayli Morgan Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2004 750ml ($699.95) Was $549, Now $519 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Robert Parker 98 points “The wild man of Napa Valley, Jayson Woodbridge, has turned out one of the superstars of 2004, with the 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Kayli Morgan. His wines always tend to be gorgeous young, offering up an impression that they’re not going to last. But his first vintage, 2000, seems to get better and better, even though it was spectacular when released. The 2004, which was harvested in September, shows an almost Pomerol-like sweet mocha, kirsch, black currant and deeply fruited mouthfeel. It is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, but the clay soils of his vineyard seem to give a sweetness of tannin and a voluptuous character to the texture. This wine oozes rich, concentrated fruit, is light on its feet and has gorgeous purity, a multidimensional mouthfeel and a stunning finish. Silky black currant, kirsch, licorice, mocha and caramelized fruit make for a stunningly full-throttle, brilliant 2004 to enjoy over the next 15 or more years.”
This was the lowest listed price in the USA today,
Now it’s even lower!
The next best price is $569
Shafer Vineyards Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap District 2011 750ml ($299.95) $249 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Robert Parker-Wine Advocate 96 points “Possibly the Cabernet Sauvignon of the vintage is Shafer’s 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select. Last year I thought it was a strong effort, but it’s even better now that it’s been bottled. With an opaque black/purple color and notes of subtle burning charcoal embers, blueberry, blackberry and graphite, the wine has a certain Bordelais minerality, but then the richness of Napa kicks in. It’s full-bodied (somewhat unusual for a 2011) with lighter tannins, and no doubt the wine will be on a faster evolutionary track than vintages such as 2010, 2012 and 2013. Nevertheless, the Shafers and Elias said this was the toughest vintage they’d ever experienced. To be able to produce a compelling wine like this is a testament to their extraordinary skills and craftsmanship. This wine can be drunk now or cellared for another 15-20 years.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $293
Bond Estates
2012s:
Bond Melbury, Napa Valley 2012 750ml ($499.95) $419 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Antonio Galloni 95 points “The 2012 Melbury is in a perfect spot today. Radiant and succulent to the core, the 2012 captures the essence of the vintage in its racy, succulent personality. The 2012 is not a huge wine, but it is quite open and accessible. Overall, though, the 2012 lacks the pop and sheer energy of the finest vintages in this vertical.”
Robert Parker-Wine Advocate 95 points “From a 7-acre hillside vineyard overlooking Lake Hennessey, the 2012 Melbury, like its siblings, is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in 100% new oak for a minimum of 24 to 28 months, then bottled unfiltered. The wine displays beautiful blackberry fruit, some charcoal, loamy soil undertones, forest notes, lots of spice, a full-bodied, multi-dimensional mouthfeel, and a super finish of 45+ seconds. Even in a vintage like 2012, this wine ideally needs 3-5 years of bottle age and should keep for 30+ years.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Bond Pluribus, Napa Valley 2012 750ml ($499.95) $419 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Antonio Galloni 97 points “All the best qualities of the vintage come through in the 2012 Pluribus. Pliant and inviting, with striking depth, the 2012 has a lot to say. This is another subtle, understated wine from Bond that is presently holding back quite a bit. Even so, its potential is evident. Today, the 2012 is super-impressive.”
Robert Parker-Wine Advocate 95+ points “From a 7-acre parcel on Spring Mountain, the 2012 Pluribus Proprietary Red Wine exhibits the white flowers (acacia?), blueberry and black raspberry fruit that comes from this high elevation site. It is full-bodied but very tannic, backward, coiled and relatively tight, behaving in that sense more like a 2013 than a 2012. This wine is set for a long life of 30+ years. Forget it for another 4 or 5 years, then consume it over the following three decades.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $510
Bond Quella, Napa Valley 2012 750ml ($499.95) $419 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Robert Parker-Wine Advocate 98 points “The 2012 Quella (from a steep 9-acre vineyard in the eastern Vaca hillsides) has an opaque purple color, a gorgeous nose of white flowers, sweet blackberry and cassis fruit, and a touch of vanilla and graphite. Full-bodied, like its siblings, with great fruit extract, terrific purity and richness, and high but velvety tannins, this wine should also benefit from another 3-5 years of cellaring and keep for 30+ years.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $473
Bond St. Eden, Napa Valley 2012 750ml ($499.95) $419 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Robert Parker-Wine Advocate 98 points “From an 11-acre vineyard just north of the Oakville corridor, the 2012 St. Eden shows gorgeous, cedary Christmas fruitcake notes, black cherry and blackcurrant fruit, spice box, earth, and almost first growth Pauillac-like cassis and lead pencil shavings. Deep, full-bodied, and fabulously concentrated, this stunner flirts with perfection. Slightly more evolved than the Quella or Melbury, this wine may be the most drinkable out of the gate of all the Bond offerings in 2012. It should continue to evolve for at least 30+ years.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Bond Vecina, Napa Valley 2012 750ml ($519.95) $449 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Robert Parker-Wine Advocate 100 points “From an 11-acre vineyard sitting near Bond’s winery and the Harlan estate, the 2012 Vecina Proprietary Red is the perfect Napa version of a hypothetical blend of a La Mission Haut-Brion and Mouton-Rothschild. This is riveting Cabernet Sauvignon with great intensity, a killer fragrance of burning embers, charcoal, gravel, blackberry, cassis and earth. Fabulously intense and full-bodied, with majestic flavor intensity, a skyscraper-like mouthfeel, incredible purity and length, and supple tannins, this magnificent wine comes closest to the great Harlan Estate itself. Drink it over the next 35 years.”
Antonio Galloni 98 points “Gloriously ripe and hedonistic, the 2012 Vecina is also the most expressive of the Bond 2012s. Layers of intense dark fruit, smoke, licorice, new leather and exotic spices build as this resonant, deeply textured Cabernet Sauvignon shows off its personality. The 2012 is all class. Moreover, it possesses a level of sheer volume I don’t see in the other 2012s here.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $550
2018s:
Bond Melbury, Napa Valley 2018 750ml ($899.95) $819 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Antonio Galloni 98 points “The 2018 Melbury is, as always, the first of the single-vineyard wines presented at Bond. The order is always the same: Melbury-Quella-St. Eden-Vecina and Pluribus. I suppose that makes sense from the standpoint of concentration and structure, but it is quite penalizing for the Melbury, a wine that is more about elegance than power or tannins. That said, the 2018 is not a shy wine, it certainly has plenty of depth. Freshness, energy and verve are the signatures in a Cabernet that is all about intangibles. Hints of dark red cherry, tobacco, rose petal, mint and sweet spice emerge over time. The whole is greater than the sum of the parts.”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 96-98 points “A barrel sample, the 2018 Melbury sports a deep garnet-purple and sashays out of the glass with bold, gregarious scents of fresh black cherries, mulberries and plums with hints of black currants, cinnamon toast and Sichuan pepper. Medium to full-bodied, elegant and refreshing, it is chock-full of crunchy fruit with compelling mineral accents coming through on the long finish.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Bond Pluribus, Napa Valley 2018 750ml ($899.95) $819 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Antonio Galloni 99 points “The 2018 Pluribus captures all of the savory, mineral intensity of this site on Spring Mountain. Searing tannins, once such a challenge here, are much more finessed than in the past. Crushed rocks, mint, blood orange, gravel, exotic spice and rose petal lend tremendous complexity as the Pluribus shows off its considerable allure. This taut, mountain Cabernet Sauvignon has so much to offer. Today, it is wonderfully complete and thrilling. Even so, the best is yet to come.”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 97-100 points “From a vineyard located on Spring Mountain, the 2018 Pluribus (a barrel sample) reveals a deep garnet-purple. Youthfully reticent, it needs a fair bit of coaxing to reveal gorgeous notions of wild blueberries, ripe black plums and warm cassis plus hints of tilled earth, truffles, menthol and tobacco leaf. The full-bodied palate is densely packed with tightly wound black and blue fruit layers, supported by firm, grainy tannins and great tension, finishing very long with loads of earthy/savory sparks.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $864
Bond Quella, Napa Valley 2018 750ml ($899.95) $819 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Antonio Galloni 97 points “The 2018 Quella is rich, ample and beautifully resonant in the glass. There’s terrific depth here and tons of class. Blood orange, game, licorice, tobacco, lavender and dried herbs give the Quella beguiling aromatic presence to play off its muscular, brooding personality. The 2018 needs a few years to soften, but it is already compelling, to say the least.”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 95-97 points “A barrel sample, the 2018 Quella has a deep garnet-purple color and opens with the most gorgeous perfume of violets, red and black plums, Morello cherries and cassis plus hints of iron ore and crushed rocks. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers lovely energy and tension, framed by fine-grained tannins and finishing with beautiful purity.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $858
Bond St. Eden, Napa Valley 2018 750ml ($899.95) $819 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Antonio Galloni 97 points “The 2018 St. Eden is impressive. Dense and powerful in the glass, the 2018 is done in a style that emphasizes freshness and vibrancy, reflecting a generational transition in all of these wines that is most apparent here. Dark fruit, licorice, mocha, spice and chocolate begin to emerge with time, but the St. Eden is much less forthcoming than in the past. In fact, the 2018 might very well be the most reticent St. Eden I have ever tasted. That energy will serve it well in the cellar. Readers accustomed to the voluptuous, lush St. Edens of the past will not find that in the 2018. As much as the style has changed in this wine, I am not surprised to see that. A complete vertical of the Bond wines a few years ago showed the St. Eden to have the most condensed arc of peak drinkability of the Bond wines.”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 96-98 points “A barrel sample, the 2018 St. Eden is deep garnet-purple in color. The nose is a little closed at this nascent stage, offering broody glimpses at blackcurrant jelly, boysenberries and black raspberries before opening out to a spicy undercurrent of cloves, black pepper and cumin seed. The palate is built like a brick house with a solid structure of ripe, grainy tannins and a lively backbone framing the full-bodied, muscular fruit, finishing long and layered.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $862
Bond Vecina, Napa Valley 2018 750ml ($899.95) $819 special, 1 bottle in stock now
Antonio Galloni 99 points “A regal, soaring wine, the 2018 Vecina is immediately captivating. Red fruit, iron, dried rose petal and exotic spice all soar out of the glass. Over the last two months the Vecina has acquired stunning aromatic presence to play off its deep, layered fruit. The 2018 is an absolute gem in the making. As a reminder, Vecina is sourced from Vine Hill Ranch, at the southern end of Oakville, where the Cabernets are distinguished by a beguiling combination of power and savory/earthy intensity.”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 97-99 points “A barrel sample, the 2018 Vecina displays a deep garnet-purple color and offers slowly emerging classic notes of black currants, black cherries, blackberry pie and cedar chest with hints of charcoal, tar, pencil lead and fragrant earth. The full-bodied palate has a rock-solid structure of firm, grainy tannins and tons of freshness supporting the generous black fruits, finishing on a lingering mineral note.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $870
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10 AM – 6 PM Daily
Masks are no longer mandatory
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We also offer Curbside Pickup & Shipping
Order Online / By Phone / By Email
10 AM – 6 PM Daily
Masks are no longer mandatory
But they are appreciated, thanks!
We also offer Curbside Pickup & Shipping
Order Online / By Phone / By Email
Staff Pick:
Agape Cremant D’Alsace
Looking for a sparkler comparable to Champagne without the sticker price? Cremant d’Alsace is a go-to among industry professionals for that reason, and the darling of any brunch attendee. Sourced entirely from biodynamically farmed estate holdings of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc, this is a dead ringer for Champagne proper at first glance. Priced like a Cava and tasting like an Aube Champagne, this is the deal to pounce on!
With a slightly aggressive perlage on first pour, there’s a delicious aroma of fry bread and Meyer lemon blossom that fills the immediate area. Fruit character is slightly edged out by minerality but still exhibits a white cherry and strawberry note underscored by a finish of almond paste and Fuji apple skin. There’s a long, saline finish that speaks to the clay marl that makes up the dominant soil type of the estate and Alsatian terroir in general.
In stock now:
Domaine l’Agape Cremant d’Alsace NV 750ML ($24.95) $19 special, 33 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 92 points “Wet chalk, tender apple and lot of lemon freshness appear on the nose of this wine. These notions are bound up on the palate in a mellow creaminess. It’s understated and elegant, with lots of fine fruit. The finish is dry and very moreish in its rounded way. -Anne Krebiehl MW”
With a slightly aggressive perlage on first pour, there’s a delicious aroma of fry bread and Meyer lemon blossom that fills the immediate area. Fruit character is slightly edged out by minerality but still exhibits a white cherry and strawberry note underscored by a finish of almond paste and Fuji apple skin. There’s a long, saline finish that speaks to the clay marl that makes up the dominant soil type of the estate and Alsatian terroir in general.
In stock now:
Domaine l’Agape Cremant d’Alsace NV 750ML ($24.95) $19 special, 33 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 92 points “Wet chalk, tender apple and lot of lemon freshness appear on the nose of this wine. These notions are bound up on the palate in a mellow creaminess. It’s understated and elegant, with lots of fine fruit. The finish is dry and very moreish in its rounded way. -Anne Krebiehl MW”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Cantine Lonardo:
The Captain of Campania
Aglianico, also known as “The Nebbiolo of the south” has largely flown under the radar since its heyday in the Ancient Era. Fast forward a few thousand years and we have Cantine Lonardo, one of the best kept secrets of Campanian wine, known for their commitments to traditional varieties and farming practices. Lonardo’s Taurasi is made from 35-81 year old Aglianico planted at 1300 feet above sea level, grown organically in a tall pergola in ancient volcanic ash with a base of limestone and clay. Even with these rigorous growing standards, Lonardo will only keep around 50% of his Aglianico for use in Taurasi. The very best lots are kept separate and released as single vineyard bottlings.
This commitment is evident in the finished product, featuring aromatics that command your full attention. There’s a characteristic “Italian Rusticity” to the wine not unlike a high end cologne. These are wines made for anything roasted, braised or red sauce based. Peking duck, grilled cabbage, lasagna or BBQ pork ribs would all perform incredibly with this wine. Get at least two of these wines, one for short term consumption and the other for longer aging.
Highlights In Stock Now from Cantine Lonardo:
Contrade di Taurasi Cantine Lonardo Aglianico Rosso Irpinia, Campania 2016 750ML ($27.95) $24 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Contrade di Taurasi Cantine Lonardo Aglianico Rosso Irpinia, Campania 2016 750ML ($319.95) $259 special (that’s only $21.58/bottle!)
Ian D’Agata –Vinous 92 points “Deep ruby. Lively aromas of red fruits, minerals and herbs. Juicy and fruity in the mouth, showing hazelnutty nuances to the red fruit flavors. Finishes with good acid-fruit balance and nice tannins. A lovely wine that will age well, but provides irresistible drinking right now.”
This commitment is evident in the finished product, featuring aromatics that command your full attention. There’s a characteristic “Italian Rusticity” to the wine not unlike a high end cologne. These are wines made for anything roasted, braised or red sauce based. Peking duck, grilled cabbage, lasagna or BBQ pork ribs would all perform incredibly with this wine. Get at least two of these wines, one for short term consumption and the other for longer aging.
Highlights In Stock Now from Cantine Lonardo:
Contrade di Taurasi Cantine Lonardo Aglianico Rosso Irpinia, Campania 2016 750ML ($27.95) $24 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Contrade di Taurasi Cantine Lonardo Aglianico Rosso Irpinia, Campania 2016 750ML ($319.95) $259 special (that’s only $21.58/bottle!)
Ian D’Agata –Vinous 92 points “Deep ruby. Lively aromas of red fruits, minerals and herbs. Juicy and fruity in the mouth, showing hazelnutty nuances to the red fruit flavors. Finishes with good acid-fruit balance and nice tannins. A lovely wine that will age well, but provides irresistible drinking right now.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Contrade di Taurasi Cantine Lonardo Coste Taurasi DOCG 2011 750ML ($89.95) $69 special, 35 bottles in stock now
Ian D’Agata –Vinous 94+ points “Deep ruby. Floral nuances complicate the red and dark berry, ink, sweet spice and flinty aromas and flavors. Dense and seamless, showing a multilayered personality and remarkable complexity of flavor. Finishes very long and with repeating, lingering hints of ink and flint.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Contrade di Taurasi Cantine Lonardo Vigne d’Alto Taurasi DOCG 2011 750ML (89.95) $69 special, 16 bottles in stock now
Ian D’Agata –Vinous 94+ points “Deep ruby with a purple tinge. Reticent nose at first, only hinting at dark cherry, sassafras and sandalwood. Then very concentrated and dense, displaying almost opulent, sweet nuances of oaky torrefaction to the coffee, cocoa and dark cherry flavors. This outstanding Taurasi finishes extremely long, rich and seamless. It’s virtually impossible to pick between Lonardo’s two crus in 2011, and both will have many admirers.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $76
Contrade di Taurasi Cantine Lonardo Vigne d’Alto Taurasi DOCG 2012 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 13 bottles in stock now
Kerin O’Keefe-Wine Enthusiast 95 points “Perfumed and loaded with finesse, this single-vineyard wine opens with enticing scents of violet, ripe black-skinned fruit, new leather and baking spice. Made with 60- to 100-year-old plants, the smooth, delicious palate delivers succulent Marasca cherry, plum, licorice and nutmeg framed in velvety tannins, making it one of the more elegant expressions of Taurasi out there. A mineral note energizes the lingering finish. Drink through 2032.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $69
Cantine Lonardo Arriving in November:
Contrade di Taurasi Cantine Lonardo Taurasi DOCG Campania 2016 750ML ($49.95) $41.90 pre-arrival special
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Contrade di Taurasi Cantine Lonardo Taurasi T31 2012 750ml ($134.95) $119 pre-arrival special
Importer note “The new T31 is from 100+ year old ungrafted vines on a mix of limestone and volcanic soils, elevage 3 years in tonneau with another 5 years aging in bottle.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Contrade di Taurasi Cantine Lonardo Taurasi Riserva DOCG Campania 2011 750ML ($134.95) $119 pre-arrival special
Eric Guido-Vinous 96 points “The 2011 Taurasi Riserva pulls you close and holds your attention firm with its deeply alluring bouquet of crushed black cherries, plum sauce, autumnal spices, woodland herbs and hints of animal musk. This fills the palate with rich, pliant textures and ripe red and blue berries, as nervous acidity maintains wonderful freshness, and sweet notes of cinnamon, clove and tobacco form toward the close. There’s plenty of tannic grip here, yet it’s balanced by the 2011’s mix of opulent, concentrated fruit and contrasting sour citrus tones that resonate for what feels like a full minute. Even as you contemplate the experience, minerals, hints of iodine and rosy inner florals can still be sensed upon the palate. Make no mistake, this is a full-throttle expression of Taurasi, but it will win the hearts of collectors who enjoy a bigger and old-school style.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Thank you from the team at Vinopolis!
Be well & drink well.
Be well & drink well.