Jump Start Sale – Jean-Louis Chave; Nikolaihof Featured Re-Arrival; Ramos Pinto; Napa Reds; Evesham Wood & Haden Fig; Special Case Deals – Recently Arrived / Recently Discounted
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Jump Start Sale!
Further acclaim for Jean-Louis Chave
For over five centuries, the Chave family has been producing Hermitage wines of extraordinary quality and complexity. Jean-Louis Chave and his father, Gerard, are the current producers crafting wine from the numerous lieu-dits scattered around the hill of Hermitage owned by the family. The family has 37 acres of vineyards on Hermitage and has holdings in half of the 18 climats. All of their wines are crafted from low-yielding vineyards with an average vine age of 60 years. The grapes are partially destemmed and fermented in wood vats and cement. The wines see small amounts of new oak and are unfiltered.
Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage Blanc 2012 750ML ($319.95) $219 special, 16 bottles available
Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage Blanc 2012 1.5L ($699.95) $499 special, 2 magnums available
Wine Spectator 97 points “A stunner from the start, with distinct depth to the creamed mango, white peach and heather flavors, this maintains superior precision and definition as the singed almond, chamomile, salted butter and ginger notes fill in. Glazed pear, elderflower honey and beeswax details chime in on the extremely long finish. Enjoyable now, but needs serious cellaring to show its full potential. Best from 2016 through 2037. 500 cases made.” JM
Wine Advocate 96 points “Much more open, fleshy and sexy, the 2012 Hermitage Blanc was just bottled a month prior to this tasting. Coming from l’Ermite, Les Rocoules, Maison Blanche and Peleat lieux-dits, it’s always a rough blend of 80% Marsanne and 20% Roussanne that’s aged in barrel. Loaded with notions of honeysuckle, orange marmalade, powered rock, buttered citrus and green almond, it’s full-bodied, rich, upfront and fruit loaded. While I think it will be a relatively accessible early in its life, it has the concentration to hold for two decades.” WA
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 94-96 points “Tasted in single-site components from tanks as the wine awaited blending: #1, from Peleat: Ripe pear and honey aromas, with a suave floral accent and a hint of smoky minerals. At once rich and lively, showing excellent back-end power. #2, from Rocoules: Intense, mineral-accented citrus and orchard fruit aromas, with a sexy floral nuance building with air. Bright, focused and mineral-driven, with a strong Meyer lemon quality lingering on the tangy finish. #3, also from Rocoules: Showing more emphasis on orchard fruit than the first Rocoules tank, with powerful quince and pear flavors and a touch of bitter quinine. Dusty minerals sharpen the long, sappy finish. #4, from l’Ermite: Spicy citrus zest and ginger scents along with a chalky mineral note and a hint of anise. Smoky and penetrating, with superb finishing clarity and lingering spiciness. #5, also from l’Ermite: More floral and masculine than the previous l’Ermite, with strong jasmine and orchard fruit character and a touch of bitter quinine. Bright and nervy on the finish, which doesn’t want to let up.” JR
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Also available from Jean-Louis Chave
Jean-Louis Chave Selection Crozes-Hermitage Silene 2012 750ML ($31.95) $28 special, 4 bottles available
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 91 points “Bright violet color. High-pitched red fruit and floral aromas are complicated by smoky minerals and white pepper. On the palate, juicy, sharply focused black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors gain flesh and weight with air. Shows excellent clarity and mineral cut on the finish, which is shaped by silky, slow-building tannins.” JR
Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Saint-Joseph 2012 750ML ($79.95) $69 special, 36+ bottles available
Jean-Louis Chave Selection Hermitage Farconnet 2010 750ML ($89.95) $69 special, 8 bottles available
Wine Spectator 93 points “A dense, dark style, with notes of licorice root, fig paste and blackberry pâte de fruit forming the core, all coated in loamy tannins and rumbling through the tarry-edged finish. Still has some unwinding to do. Best from 2016 through 2026.” WS
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage Blanc 2011 1.5L ($549.99) $499 special, 2 magnums available
Wine Spectator 97 points “Still a bit reserved aromatically, with hints of orange blossom and crème anglaise peeking out, this features a captivating display of racy quinine, honeysuckle and white peach flavors inlaid into a rich core of brioche, Cavaillon melon, white truffle, smoked almond and heather honey. Incredibly long. Hard to resist now, but ideal for when your toddler graduates college. Best from 2019 through 2030.” WSWine Advocate 96 points “Just bottled, the 2011 Hermitage Blanc also shows the richer side of Hermitage with its full-bodied, voluptuously textured and up-front profile. Honeysuckle, licorice, toast, citrus oil and liquid mineral-like qualities all emerge from this beauty, and it stays beautifully fresh and focused on the palate. A blend of mostly Marsanne, yet with roughly 20% Roussanne, from the l’Ermite, Les Rocoules, Maison Blanche and Peleat lieux-dits, this substantial white should be consumed over the coming 2-4 years, or forgotten for a decade or more. It will have over two decades of longevity.” WA
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage 2011 1.5L ($649.95) $499 special, 2 magnums available
Wine Advocate 96-98 points “The 2011 Hermitage (also still in barrel), in comparison, is more focused and straight, with a slightly more serious feel to its tannin profile and overall structure. All of the samples (again, tasted in individual components) were beautifully perfumed, with the Les Bessards (which will make up the bulk of the blend) showing surprising density and concentration in a vintage that generally produced more up-front and supple wines. A serious 2011 that will certainly be one of the stars of the vintage, it should be reasonably approachable on release and have an easy two decades of longevity.” WA
Wine Spectator 96 points “A grippy, mouthwatering style, with solid, briary tannins inlaid with finely beaded acidity, all of which meld into the core of anise, blackberry paste and fig sauce flavors. Shows terrific energy on the singed apple wood-filled finish. Should cruise in the cellar. Best from 2016 through 2030.” JM
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage 2012 750ML ($319.95) $228 special, 28 bottles available
Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage 2012 3L ($1,799.95) $1,249 special, 1 jeroboam available
Wine Advocate 94-97 points “Looking at the 2012 Hermitage, which is still resting in barrels and getting ready to be bottled, it’s a much more classic, easy to read Hermitage that has lots of ripe, sweet fruit in its full-bodied, concentrated, textured profile. It has copious sweet blackberry and cassis fruit, violet and serious granite-like minerality, superb mid-palate depth and a focused, structured finish. It’s a beautiful, classy 2012 that will have 20-25+ years of longevity.” WA
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 95-97 points “Presented as components from four different barrels: #1, from Beaume: Exotic scents of candied licorice, dark berries and smoky Indian spices. Fleshy and broad on entry, then tighter in the middle, displaying superb depth to its bitter cherry and floral pastille flavors. #2, from Peleat: Explosive red fruit and potpourri aromas, with a bright mineral overtone. Silky and sweet, offering vibrant raspberry and cherry compote flavors and a touch of bitter chocolate. The red fruit note echoes strongly on the back half. #3, from Meal: Fleshier and rounder than the first two components, offering plush dark berry and violet flavors that coat the palate. Chewy tannins build on the finish and fold smoothly into the wine’s dense fruit. #4, from Bessards: Emphatic mineral and dark berry aromas pick up a sexy floral note and a hint of cola. Sappy, penetrating and sharply focused, displaying an impressive array of red fruit and floral qualities and strong finishing spiciness. Jean-Louis Chave told me he thinks this wine will be “classic Hermitage with an emphasis on fruit, not structure, but not lacking in structure at all–just compared to, say, 2010 and 2005.” JR
Jean-Louis Chave Selection Saint-Joseph Offerus 2009 750ML ($34.95) $28 special, 3 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 90 points “Opaque purple. Classic syrah aromas of cassis, cherry pit, olive and violet, with smoke and cracked pepper accents. Juicy and sharply focused, with deep but vivacious dark berry and bitter cherry flavors. Clings impressively on the finish, leaving behind notes of candied flowers and spices. As usual, this is a great introduction to Jean-Louis Chave’s winemaking style at an easy price.” ST
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Jean-Louis Chave Selection Saint-Joseph Offerus 2010 750ML ($34.95) $27 special, 23 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 91 points “Deep, vivid ruby. High-pitched, mineral-accented aromas of cherry, black raspberry and fresh flowers. Offers an array of red and dark berry flavors that gain flesh and sweetness with air. Packs a serious punch but comes off as energetic, with no excess weight. Closes with resonating spiciness and sneaky, fine-grained tannins that fold smoothly into the sappy fruit. Jean-Louis noted that there is a bigger dose of Chave domain fruit than usual in this year’s version of Offerus. Incidentally, I was also able to retaste the 2010 Cotes-du-Rhone Mon Coeur, which I reviewed last year, and it has gained definition and energy over the last year. As mentioned before, this is a wine that drinks way above its category and is a highly reliable bottling vintage in and vintage out.” ST
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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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Featured Re-Arrival
Incomparable brilliance from Nikolaihof
Familie Saahs Nikolaihof Riesling Steiner Hund Reserve Riesling, Wachau Multi-Vintage ($699.95) $579 special, 2 multi-vintage six-packs available
Case of 6 bottles–1 each 2009/2008/2007/2004/2003/2002Terry Theise notes: “There are five vintages in the mix—I don’t know which will constitute the extra bottle in a case-of-6. The beautiful 2009 you remember from last year; fresh and pure mineral. 2008 is superb and complicated, with plenty of exotics and Chartreuse-y herbalness to counterpoint its jasmine and white chocolate yang side. 2007 smells like irises; it’s in the typical trough of that vintage but is highly promising. 2004 is astonishing from a good bottle, +++ quality and the best-in-show. 2003 has darkened, but there’s an attractive beeswax note and still some mineral. 2002, while also dark-colored, is a fine lovely “antique” Riesling.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
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Tis the Season to Pour Some Port
Our Fall Featured Selection: Ramos Pinto
Ramos Pinto began port production in 1880 at the behest of brothers Adriano and Antonio Ramos. Adriano was particularly talented in marketing, drafting up a campaign of posters which remain iconic and popular to this day. Today, under the ownership of Champagne Louis Roederer, members of the Ramos family continue the family’s tradition of producing a broad range of ports. Within the beautiful Duoro Valley, Ramos owns 90% of the vineyards necessary for winemaking; this is the largest percentage across all port producers. A benefit to this is the degree of control the winemakers can have across the production of the port. Ramos Pinto offers four single-quinta bottlings: Bom Retiro, Bons Ares, Ervamoira, and Urtiga. This amounts to a total of 580 planted acres of vines, with the Quinta de Ervamoira being the first estate in the Duoro where individual vineyard blocks were planted wiht a single variety. This methodology allowd for precise decision-making pertaining to soil and climate. These selections from Ramos Pinto will arrive tomorrow – just in time for those brisker nights!
Ramos Pinto Ruby Porto NV 750ML ($19.95) $14 pre-arrival special
Ramos Pinto Tawny Port NV 750ML ($17.95) $14 pre-arrival special
Ramos Pinto Late Bottled Vintage Port 2009 750ML ($29.95) $21.90 special
Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2009 Late Bottled Vintage Port, bottled in November, 2013, is a blend of 70% Touriga Nacional and 25% Touriga Franca, plus some dollops of Sousão and Tinta da Barca. It comes in at 94 grams per liter of residual sugar. Compared to its older predecessors in this vertical, this was rather hard to drink until it was retried a few days later. The mid-palate concentration is about the same, but the power on this youthful wine is another issue. The tannins are rather drying and aggressive on first pour, even if the big fruit is also front-and-center. It is certainly a very different vision of LBV Port than a lot of people will be accustomed to, but it does begin to come around with extended aeration (and a couple of days in the fridge). Fragrant and laced with strong fruit flavors, this ultimately showed beautifully. It really needs some more time in the cellar, but it is approachable if you give it some aeration.” MS
Ramos Pinto 10 Year Old Quinta da Ervamoira Tawny Port 750ML ($49.95) $33 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 91 points “[$40 list] Offers a smoky aroma, with lithe flavors of salted almond, macaroon and cedar. Red currant and sandalwood notes emerge on the fresh and refined finish. Drink now. 659 cases imported.” WS
Ramos Pinto 20 Year Old Quinta do Bom Retiro Tawny Port 750ML ($79.95) $61.90 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 92 points ” Average in concentration, this is a friendly 20-year-old that focuses on presenting a bright, sunny demeanor. Don’t misunderstand, because it still is classic in its flavor profile and particularly after it settled in and was open a few days, it showed off its beautiful, old tawny nuances. It leans more, though, to lively and cheerful than the brooding and darker flavors of treacle, seared bitter chocolate and molasses. It has a wonderfully fresh feel to it and nice viscosity. Call it somewhere in between the Warre Otima and the Vallado 20 in this issue as it provides something for everyone. The crisp finish with nice tension allows the flavors to linger respectably as it airs. As always for long-aged tawnies, I put in a general end-date indicator, but they tend to last a long, long time if well stored (and there are no cork problems). It is, of course, expected to be drunk now and it does come with a bar-top cork. This is, incidentally, yet another example of how temperature affects a wine. Ordinary at room temperature, it was wonderful at 58 degrees F.” MS
Ramos Pinto 30 Year Old Tawny Port 750ML ($139.95) $99 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 94 points “Intense, crisp and concentrated, featuring mouthfilling flavors of salted almond, dried apricot and pear tart, supported by plenty of fresh acidity. Very refined, with unctuous ripe citrus, toffee and chocolate flavors that fill the rich finish. Drink now.” WS
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Region in Focus:
Napa Valley
Nearly forty years ago, an esteemed panel of judges convened in Paris to blindly taste wines from California and from France and then asked to rate them. The Judgement of Paris, as the event has been dubbed, was a monumental victory for Californian winemaking and American wine identity as a whole. That afternoon in May of 1976, both a red and white wine from California were deemed superior by vote – the Stag’s Leap Cabernet from ’73 and Chateau Montelena’s 1973 Chardonnay.
The ascent of these wines in the ensuing decades cannot be understated; no longer approximated through the interpretation of French or Italian wines, Californian wine is now a contender in the wine world unlike ever before. We’ve seen a wide array of wonderful wines come in and out of our doors since opening in 2004. Now- as we ease into autumn – we thought we’d take time to showcase some of the bottles we have to offer.
Below are 15 of the over 30 wines we offer from Napa!
Carpe Diem Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2012 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 special, 9 bottles available
“Grapes for the Carpe Diem Cabernet Sauvignon have been selected exclusively from the best vineyards in the world-renowned Napa Valley. Vinified under the strict supervision of Christian Moueix’s winemaking team in Yountville, Carpe Diem embodies the essence of Napa Valley classic Cabernet Sauvignon. It is a straightforward wine expressing its bountiful fruit with aromas of wild strawberries and soft tannins. Oak is used sparingly to keep Carpe Diem fresh and vibrant. Aged: 12 months in barrel. Fermentation: 15 days, stainless steel.” Winery Notes
Dominus Estate Christian Moueix, Napa Valley 2012 750ML ($249.95) $199 special, 11 bottles available
Robert Parker 99 points “Flirting with perfection, the 2012 Dominus is composed of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc. Five thousand cases were produced, a relatively modest amount from this large vineyard’s big crop. Christian Moueix told me that there was plenty of heat in 2012, but there were no excessive hot spells that can plague Napa Valley vintners during the growing season and harvest. This wine’s opaque plum/purple color is accompanied by a beautiful nose of sweet crème de cassis, a touch of background oak (only 40% new oak is used), spice box, cedarwood, black cherries and a hint of spring flowers. The complex, intense aromatics are followed by a deep, opulent, multidimensional, full-bodied wine with not a hard edge to be found. Everything is seamlessly crafted in this beauty and the vintage’s abundant richness is well-displayed. This 2012 can be drunk in its exuberant youthfulness or cellared for another 20-25 years.” RP
Frank Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2012 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 5 bottles available
Robert Parker 92 points “[$50 list] The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa is a much more friendly, supple, fruit-forward style of wine with loads of créme de cassis, plum, licorice and spice. This opulent, full-bodied wine is certainly going to be a big hit with consumers. It is broad, savory and pretty much everything one wants in a delicious Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. Bring on the grilled meats! This wine should drink well for 10-15 years.” RP
Freemark Abbey ‘Sycamore’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford 2002 750ML ($149.95) $119 special, 1 bottle available
Robert Parker 95 points “The superstar of this trio is the 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Sycamore, which comes from a vineyard planted in gravelly soils about a mile south of the Bosche Vineyard. Composed of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Franc, it is a deeper, fuller, more complete effort displaying blacker fruit flavors. Notes of blackberries, cassis, licorice, charcoal, graphite and dark chocolate emerge from this opaque-colored, full-bodied, muscular, back-strapping Cabernet. Give it another 2-4 years of cellaring and drink it over the following 15+.” RP
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Freemark Abbey ‘Sycamore’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford 2004 750ML ($119.95) $99 special, 7 bottles available
Wine Advocate 93 points “Kudos to winemaker Ted Edwards. Lastly, the 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Sycamore Vineyard, which is just to the south of Bosche, is 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc, from the gravelly, clay and loamy soils of this area. It, too, was aged 24 months in French oak and seems dense, full-bodied, powerful and backward as well. Most of the 2004s are far more open than this cuvee and the Bosche, but there is plenty of ripe fruit, moderate tannin and a deep black currant, blackberry, smoky sweetness, with a full, voluminous mouth texture. Give this one another 2-3 years of bottle age and drink it over the following 15-20.” WA
Joseph Phelps Vineyards Insignia, Napa Valley 2012 750ML ($249.95) $219 special, 2 bottles available
Robert Parker 96-100 points “Joseph Phelps’ flagship wines include the incredibly ageworthy Insignia. The 2012 Insignia Proprietary Red is composed of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, 10% Merlot, 3% Malbec and 2% Cabernet Franc, all aged 24 months in 100% new French oak. The vintage was of such high quality and quantity that 17,500 cases were produced. A magnificent Insignia that will be bottled in several months, it boasts an opaque purple color as well as fabulous notes of graphite, blackberries, blackcurrant liqueur, camphor, barbecue smoke and spice box. Rich, full-bodied and opulent with plenty of tannin and structure lurking beneath the extravagant generosity of fruit, this stunning 2012 should drink well for 25-30+ years.” RP
Kapcsandy Family Winery Endre, Napa Valley 2010 750ML ($99.95) $79 special, 4 bottles available
Robert Parker 94 points “The less expensive 2010 Endre (53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc aged in both French and Hungarian oak) is very Bordeaux like. Notes of bouquet garni, red and black currants and loamy soil are present in this medium-bodied wine that seems to be a faster evolving effort than its siblings. With excellent texture as well as an elegant style, and I use that word in a positive sense, it should drink well for 10-15 years.” RP
Kapcsandy Family Winery State Lane Vineyard Grand-Vin Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2009 1.5L ($899.95) $599 special, 1 magnum available
Wine Advocate 98 points “The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Vin opens with the most beguiling bouquet imaginable. Freshly cut flowers, mint, cinnamon and licorice all make an appearance as this vivid, beautifully delineated wine opens up in the glass. A model of total finesse and elegance, the 2009 wraps around the palate with what feels like endless layers of aromas and flavors. This totally seamless, polished Cabernet Sauvignon is virtually impossible to resist today, but it will be even better in another few years. The 2009 is 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2039. Kapcsandy’s 2009s have developed beautifully over the last year.” WA
Schrader Cellars LPV Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2012 750ML ($399.95) $299 special, 1 bottle available
Robert Parker 96-98 points “There are 600 cases of the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard LPV. The best example I have seen of Cabernet Sauvignon from this vineyard to date, it offers lots of flowery, blueberry and blackberry fruit interwoven with notions of lead pencil shavings, loamy soil, unsmoked cigar tobacco, incense and forest floor. This tremendously complex, intense, full-bodied 2012 flirts with perfection as many of Schrader’s amazing wines do. Bravo!” RP
Signorello Vineyards Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2012 750ML ($99.95) $79 special, 5 bottles available
Robert Parker 91+ points “The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is a blend of 93.5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6.5% Cabernet Franc from the estate vineyards on the Silverado Trail, south of Stags Leap. Made in a good structural style with plenty of barrique in the background as well as lots of blackcurrant, licorice, new saddle leather and spice characteristics, this tastes like a Cabernet Sauvignon made by someone of Italian origin. I say that because of its tannic structure and spice. This serious, full-bodied, concentrated 2012 will benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age, and should drink well for two decades.” RP
Signorello Vineyards Padrone Proprietary Red, Napa Valley 2010 750ML ($149.95) $119 special, 1 bottle available
Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Padrone (100% Cabernet Sauvignon) boasts a blockbuster nose of blackberries, blueberries, camphor and acacia flowers. Sweet tannins and a wonderful sucrosity and ripeness on the palate conceal some serious structure. This pure, long, full, rich wine possesses lots of black fruits as well as an impressive finish that lasts nearly 45 seconds. It should be consumed over the next 15-20 years.” WA
Robert Parker 94 points “The 2012 Proprietary Red Blend Padrone is a blend of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon and 9% Merlot. It reveals more structure and tannin than its younger sibling following its élevage in barriques. The color is a saturated purple and the nose offers up aromas of blackberries, blueberries, forest floor and charcoal. While approachable, this full-bodied 2012 requires 3-4 years of bottle age, and should evolve for two decades or more.” RP
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Signorello Vineyards Padrone Proprietary Red, Napa Valley 2012 750ML ($199.95) $149 special, 6 bottles available
Robert Parker 94 points “The 2012 Proprietary Red Blend Padrone is a blend of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon and 9% Merlot. It reveals more structure and tannin than its younger sibling following its élevage in barriques. The color is a saturated purple and the nose offers up aromas of blackberries, blueberries, forest floor and charcoal. While approachable, this full-bodied 2012 requires 3-4 years of bottle age, and should evolve for two decades or more.” RP
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Spottswoode Vineyard Lyndenhurst Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 750ML ($89.95) $71.90 special, 12 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 92 points “Bold, intense and racy, the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Lyndernhurst wraps around the palate with supple fruit, expressive aromatics and a silky, inviting finish that gives the wine so much of its immediacy and pure appeal. The style is round and succulent to the core; in other words classic 2012. Dark red stone fruits, spices, new leather and mint meld into the generous finish in this pretty Cabernet from Spottswoode.” AG
Spottswoode Family Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon, St. Helena 2011 750ML ($169.95) $119 special, 17 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer 91 points “Bright lemon-yellow color. Vibrant nose combines pineapple, lemon, aromatic herbs, grass, anise and peppermint. At once ripe and pliant and energetic, displaying good grip to the flavors of white peach, green melon and cassis bud. Finishes dry and classic, with good length. Winemaker Aron Weinkauf noted that 2013 was a challenging vintage as the sugar accumulation came before flavor development, “but luckily the temperatures cooled off toward the end.”” ST
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Pierre Peters
Arriving tomorrow!
At the helm of the estate since 2008, Rodolphe Peters represents the fourth generation at Pierre Peters. Vinifying only Chardonnay across their 18 hectares under vine (save for the marvelous new rosé!), the domaine is based in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, just south of Épernay.
Pierre Peters also holds sites in Oger, Avize, Cramant, and Chouilly, though 45 of the 63 total parcels farmed are within Le Mesnil. The area was granted Grand Cru status in 1985; an apparent matter of percentage points held them back from the designation prior to then. In 1858, Gaspar Peters operated within two hectares in Le Mesnil and sold what they harvested to negociants. By 1919, Camille Peters made the decision to make wines under the family name. Pierre, his son, took over in 1944, with the first bottling under the Pierre Peters brand being released a few years after. Upon falling ill, Pierre relinquished his duties to his son François, who ran the estate until 2008. François made huge contributions during his tenure, acquiring more land and expanding sales across France and throughout the world.
Pierre Peters is now among the largest grower-producers – a disappearing phenomenon in a world of big-brands and buyers. They released their first rosé in 2009, which will be arriving shortly.
The domaine has come to be known for racy, mineral-driven Champagnes with classic Chardonnay character, precision, and structure. Some very exciting bottles are on the way to the shop as we speak!
Pierre Peters Champagnes Arriving Tomorrow
Pierre Peters Cuvee Rose for Albane Brut NV 750ML ($99.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 93 points: “The NV Brut Rosé per Albane is drop-dead gorgeous. Perfumed, ethereal and beguiling, the Albane is both incredibly delicate and full of flavor. Sweet floral notes, red berries, mint and crushed rocks linger on the bright, crystalline finish. The long, brilliant finish leaves a lasting impression. The Albane is 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Meunier, an unusual combination.” AG
Pierre Peters Cuvee de Reserve Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut NV 1.5L ($179.95) $149 pre-arrival special
Pierre Peters Cuvee de Reserve Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut NV 3L ($499.95) $399 pre-arrival special
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 92 points “(mostly from 2010, but includes wines from every vintage from 1988 through 2008 except for 1999 and 2003; aged for two years on its lees and disgorged on March 12, 2013): Light gold. Highly perfumed bouquet of yellow apple, pear skin and quinine, with a smoky mineral overtone. Spicy orchard and candied citrus fruit flavors are complemented by notes of sweet butter and anise and gain weight with air. The impressively focused finish shows strong mineral cut and lingering spiciness.” JR
Pierre Peters Cuvee Speciale Les Chetillons Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut 2009 750ML ($119.95) $99 pre-arrival special
Pierre Peters Cuvee Speciale Les Chetillons Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut 2009 1.5L ($299.95) $269 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2009 Cuvée Spéciale Les Chétillons is remarkably polished and balanced throughout, with plenty of vintage 2009 radiance. Apricot pit, smoke, peach and spice overtones take shape in a striking Champagne. Although quite open and expressive today, the 2009 is also holding back a considerable amount of pure, unbridled power as well as potential. Ripe and racy to the core, yet with no excess weight, the 2009 stands out for its exceptional balance. Dosage was 4.7 grams per liter, a bit higher than normal. Péters told me he thought the drier vintage needed a little bit more sugar.” AG
Pierre Peters Cuvee L’Esprit Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut 2009 750ML ($99.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 92 points “The L’Esprit de 2009 is striking. The wine’s body, texture and breadth are all suggestive of a warm, ripe year, there is also plenty of freshness to keep things in balance. Apricot pit, smoke, dried flowers, orange peel, chamomile and honey add nuance through to the huge, resonant finish. This is a terrific showing from the 2009.” AG
Pierre Peters Champagne Available Here Now
Pierre Peters Cuvee Speciale Les Chetillons Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut 2007 750ML ($149.95) $129 special, 27 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 94 points “What a pleasure it is to taste the 2007 Cuvée Spéciale Les Chétillons. An absolutely impeccable Champagne, the 2007 is gorgeous today. Crushed flowers, sage, almonds, lemon peel and ripe, juicy pears inform the supple, resonant finish. In 2007, the Chétillons is a model of grace and finesse. This is the first vintage Rodolphe Péters made from start to finish, and he nailed it.” AG
Also Arriving Tomorrow
R.H. Coutier Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
Case-6 R.H. Coutier Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($269.95) $219 pre-arrival special (that’s only $36.50/bottle!)
Case-12 R.H. Coutier Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($519.95) $419 pre-arrival special (that’s only $34.92/bottle!)
Antonio Galloni 92 points “Coutier’s NV Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru, 100% Chardonnay from Ambonnay, remains one of the most compelling, under the radar wines in Champagne, not to mention a fabulous value. Round, textured and supple in the glass, the Blanc de Blancs shows the more textured, side of Chardonnay. These soils in Ambonnay confer an unusual level of richness and breadth. In my view, this is Coutier’s best Champagne. Disgorged May 2014. Dosage is 6 grams per liter.” AG
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!The next best price is $43.99/bottle
Arriving Late September
Billecart-Salmon Cuvee Nicolas Francois Billecart Millesime, Champagne 2002 750ML ($219.95) $189 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 96 points “A mesmerizing, thrilling Champagne, the 2002 Cuvée Nicolas François Billecart is a great example of the vintage at its best. Silky and racy on the palate, yet a bit more restrained than many wines of the year, the Nicolas François Billecart remains vivid and remarkably nuanced. Brioche. apricot jam, wild flowers and honey are some of the many notes that blossom as the Cuvée Nicolas François Billecart shows off its voluptuous personality.”
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Evesham Wood & Haden Fig
More Arriving This Week!
Russ Raney founded Evesham Wood Winery in 1986. He studied wine in Germany before eventually moving to Portland to find an ideal US site for Burgundian and Alsatian-style wines. He is now enjoying semi-retirement while importing southern French wines from Clos Canos and Chateau de Cabriac, among others. Erin Nuccio took over as wine-maker and owner after working several years with Russ while also developing his Haden Fig label. The estate vineyard, Le Puits Sec, is planted on an east facing slope overlooking the Willamette River. It has iron-rich soils and is planted to several varieties. While the Evesham Wood wines tend toward elegance and the Haden Fig wines towards more fruit-forward notes, both are expressive examples of their (all dry-farmed) vineyards.
Featured New Arrival Haden Fig Chardonnay, Willamette Valley 2014 750ML ($21.95) $18 special, 12 bottles available
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Re-Arriving This Week
Evesham Wood Le Puits Sec Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2013 750ML ($39.95) $33 re-arrival special
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Evesham Wood Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2014 750ML ($21.95) $18 re-arrival special
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Evesham Wood La Grive Bleue Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2013 750ML ($29.95) $26 re-arrival special
Winery note “Our 2013 La Grive Bleue bottling originates from the fruit of a unique two-acre block on the estate vineyard. As always, everything from this block is fermented, barreled and bottled separately. On the nose, the deeply concentrated dark cherry, juicy plum and aromatic baking spice are evident and are closely followed with beautifully balanced weight and dark, rich fruit. This bottling finishes with a hint of new oak and great length. Evesham Wood La Grive Bleue is certified organically grown.”
Don’t Miss the Twelve Other Evesham Wood & Haden Fig Wines Available Here Now: www.vinopoliswineshop.com
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Bargains by the Case
Recently arrived / recently discounted!
FRANCE-BURGUNDY
Domaine Gachot-Monot Cote de Nuits-Villages 2012 750ML ($37.95) $21.90 special
Case-12 Domaine Gachot-Monot Cote de Nuits-Villages 2012 750ML ($349.95) $219 special (that’s only $18.25/bottle!)
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $25.84
FRANCE-BEAUJOLAIS
Jean-Marc Burgaud Morgon Cote du Py 2012 750ML ($19.95) $14 special
Case-12 Jean-Marc Burgaud Morgon Cote du Py 2012 750ML ($219.95) $149 special (that’s only $12.42/bottle!)
Wine Advocate 88 points “The 2012 Morgon Cote du Py comes from eight hectare of parcels at the bottom of the southern slope that average 55 years in age and aged in cuves for seven months. It has a more floral bouquet of blackberry, apricot, a touch of quince and orange rind — quite complex for a 2012. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly chewy tannins. The Grands Cras a little more refinement than the Cote du Py, although you have to admire the ‘guts’ to this Cote du Py in a difficult vintage. Drink 2015-2024” WA
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $17.98
SPAIN
Familia Eguren Teso La Monja Romanico, Toro 2012 750ML ($17.95) $11.90 special, 34 bottles available
Case-12 Familia Eguren Teso La Monja Romanico, Toro 2012 750ML ($149.95) $119 special, 8 cases available (that’s only $9.92/bottle!)
Wine Advocate 92 points “The 2012 Romanico (1,500 cases produced) is made from 100% Tinta de Toro (the local name for Tempranillo), and is aged for six months in a combination of new and used French oak. Malolactic is done in oak, and the result is full-bodied, opaque purple-colored wine with superb richness as well as lots of blackberry, charcoal and cassis intermixed with licorice, new saddle leather, pepper and bouquet garni. This nearly viscous red should drink beautifully for 7-10 years.” WA
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Bodegas Avante ‘Tineta’, Ribera del Duero 2012 750ML ($17.95) $14 special, 18 bottles available
Case-12 Bodegas Avante ‘Tineta’, Ribera del Duero 2012 750ML ($179.95) $138 special, 8 cases available (that’s only $11.50/bottle!)
Bodegas Borsao Tres Picos Garnacha, Campo de Borja 2013 750ML ($21.95) $14 special, 36+ bottles available
Case-12 Bodegas Borsao Tres Picos Garnacha, Campo de Borja 2013 750ML ($239.95) $149 special, 8+ cases available (that’s only $12.42/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 91 points “(half fermented in stainless steel and the other half in French oak, followed by ten months of aging in French oak): Vivid purple. Fresh cherry, blackberry and incense on the highly perfumed nose. Lush, sweet and broad on the palate, offering fleshy blueberry and floral pastille flavors that turn spicier with air. Closes on a sweet note of spicy oak, with supple tannins, very good tenacity and a touch of fruitcake.” Bodega
Bernabeleva Navaherreros Garnacha, Madrid 2012 750ML ($24.95) $16 special
Case-12 Bodega Bernabeleva Navaherreros Garnacha, Madrid 2012 750ML ($219.95) $169 special (that’s only $14.08/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 91 points “(100% garnacha): Brilliant ruby-red. Fresh, intensely perfumed red and dark berries on the nose, with mineral, camphor and floral nuances building in the glass. Spicy raspberry and boysenberry flavors pack a solid punch but carry no excess weight. Finishes with very good spicy lift, fine-grained tannins and mineral-driven persistence.” JR
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
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Cheers!