In Today’s Newsletter:
German Icons Subscriber Special
Peter Lauer & J Christoffel Jr
Trending: Saint Cosme
Newly Arrived & Arriving Friday
A New Great Review
For a Piedmont Value Favorite
Featured New Arrival:
Vincent Wine Company
Willamette Pinots With “A Devoted Cult Following”
Oregon Case Specials
German Icons Subscriber Special
Peter Lauer & J Christoffel Jr
5% Off Any Mix of 6-11 Peter Lauer and/or J. Christoffel Jr bottles
10% Off Any Mix of 12+ Peter Lauer and/or J. Christoffel Jr bottles
Peter Lauer and/or J. Christoffel Jr Subscriber Special only valid on in-stock wines
Subscriber Special Discount Will Not Display Online
We Will Manually Adjust Your Order Before Finalizing It
Discount Valid Until Friday, August 28th at 6 PM
10% Off Any Mix of 12+ Peter Lauer and/or J. Christoffel Jr bottles
Peter Lauer and/or J. Christoffel Jr Subscriber Special only valid on in-stock wines
Subscriber Special Discount Will Not Display Online
We Will Manually Adjust Your Order Before Finalizing It
Discount Valid Until Friday, August 28th at 6 PM
Peter Lauer
If aren’t familiar with the Lauer wines, you owe it to yourself to try them. All of the wines featured today come from the Ayler Kupp vineyard, which is located in the Saar valley, near the Mosel. There are a bunch of single-parcel wines, which are fermented down as far as the wine naturally wants to go, that carry the name of the specific part of the vineyard on them—and these are the ones that you should try to see the full glory of dry and just-off-dry Riesling from the Saar.
They also make some traditional Kabinett and Spatlese, as well as a wine called “Senior” that’s made in the style that Florian’s grandfather loved to drink. All the wines have a Fass (cask) number on them, which should give you an idea on how much of this wine is made (not a lot).
“At Lauer, the focus is on dry-tasting Rieslings as opposed to the residual sugar wines of [Egon Müller and Zilliken]. Employing natural-yeast fermentations, Lauer’s wines find their own balance. They tend to be more textural, deeper and more masculine. They have a preternatural sense of balance, an energy that is singular. Yet the hallmarks of the Saar are there: purity, precision, rigor, mineral.” – Vom Boden
Peter Lauer Ayler Kupp Fass 2 Riesling Extra Trocken 2017 750ML ($31.95) $26 Displayed Price, that’s $24.70 at 5% off and $23.40 at 10% off!
Stuart Pigott 91-92 points “Although this is a serious Saar riesling for the acid hounds, it has plenty of smoky and candied-citrus character. Generous substance, too. Better from 2019.”
John Gilman 90 points “The 2017 vintage of Faß 2 comes in at 12.5 percent octane and is quite dry, as mentioned above, at just over one gram of sugar. The wine is youthful, but shows lovely promise, with the nose wafting from the glass in a mix of pink grapefruit, orange peel, plenty of smokiness, a fine base of slate, wild yeasts and a nice hint of Saar herb tones in the upper register. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied, racy and nascently complex, with great focus, cut and grip and a long, poised and perfectly balanced finish. This will need a year or two longer in the cellar to start to stir than the 2018 version, but it too is going to be an excellent bargain. 2023-2055. 90.”
They also make some traditional Kabinett and Spatlese, as well as a wine called “Senior” that’s made in the style that Florian’s grandfather loved to drink. All the wines have a Fass (cask) number on them, which should give you an idea on how much of this wine is made (not a lot).
“At Lauer, the focus is on dry-tasting Rieslings as opposed to the residual sugar wines of [Egon Müller and Zilliken]. Employing natural-yeast fermentations, Lauer’s wines find their own balance. They tend to be more textural, deeper and more masculine. They have a preternatural sense of balance, an energy that is singular. Yet the hallmarks of the Saar are there: purity, precision, rigor, mineral.” – Vom Boden
Peter Lauer Ayler Kupp Fass 2 Riesling Extra Trocken 2017 750ML ($31.95) $26 Displayed Price, that’s $24.70 at 5% off and $23.40 at 10% off!
Stuart Pigott 91-92 points “Although this is a serious Saar riesling for the acid hounds, it has plenty of smoky and candied-citrus character. Generous substance, too. Better from 2019.”
John Gilman 90 points “The 2017 vintage of Faß 2 comes in at 12.5 percent octane and is quite dry, as mentioned above, at just over one gram of sugar. The wine is youthful, but shows lovely promise, with the nose wafting from the glass in a mix of pink grapefruit, orange peel, plenty of smokiness, a fine base of slate, wild yeasts and a nice hint of Saar herb tones in the upper register. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied, racy and nascently complex, with great focus, cut and grip and a long, poised and perfectly balanced finish. This will need a year or two longer in the cellar to start to stir than the 2018 version, but it too is going to be an excellent bargain. 2023-2055. 90.”
This was the lowest listed price in the USA today,
Now it’s even lower!
Now it’s even lower!
Peter Lauer Fass 8 Ayler Kupp Riesling Kabinett 2017 750ML ($34.95) $28 Displayed Price, that’s $26.60 at 5% off and $25.20 at 10% off!
Mosel Fine Wines 93 points “The 2017er Ayler Kupp Kabinett Fass 8 was made from fruit harvested at a comparatively low 80° Oechsle on the original Kupp hill. It offers a superb nose of candied grapefruit, lemon zest, cassis, white flowers and chalky minerals, all wrapped into some residual scents from its spontaneous fermentation. The wine develops the presence of a beautiful Spätlese but with the light-footed and focused structure of a Kabinett on the palate. The finish is vibrant, pure, precise, fruit-driven and above all incredibly persistent and deliciously fruity and tart. This stunning expression of fruity Riesling will prove irresistible at maturity. 2027-2042.”
Stuart Pigott 92 points “A strong Kabinett but also a very vibrant one. This has wonderful lemony freshness at the long finish. A great wine for spicy food. Drink now or in 2019 and 2020.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Peter Lauer ‘Kern’ Ayler Kupp Fass 9 Riesling 2017 750ML ($49.95) $39 Displayed Price, that’s $37.05 at 5% off and $35.10 at 10% off!
Stuart Pigott 94 points “Tropical and creamy, but it also shows a very firm core — Kern means core in German. This is another stunningly original wine from Peter Lauer. A lot of power at the finish. Drink or hold.”
Mosel Fine Wines 93 points “The 2017er Kern Fass 9 comes from old vines in a prime south-west-facing part of the original Ayler Kupp hill situated well into the side valley and was fermented down to almost fruity levels (40 g/l of residual sugar). It offers a delicately vibrant nose of candied grapefruit, cassis, lemon zest, ginger and fine herbs. The wine is beautifully focused and just fruity-styled on the palate and leaves a vibrant feel of zesty acidity and bitter lemon in the long and delicately tart finish. This is a beautiful expression of fully off-dry tasting Riesling in the making! 2022-2032.”
This was the lowest listed price in the USA today,
Now it’s even lower!
Now it’s even lower!
Peter Lauer ‘Neuenberg’ Fass 17 Riesling 2017 750ML ($59.95) $46 Displayed Price, that’s $43.70 at 5% off and $41.40 at 10% off!
Wine Advocate 94 points “Florian Lauer’s 2017 Ayler Kupp Neuenberg Riesling Fass 17 is very clear and intense yet subtle and finely mineral on the elegant, fruity, well-defined nose. Round and textured on the palate, with a certain creaminess and melodiousness, this is an intense and mouth-filling yet vital and persistent classic Riesling that is neither too dry nor too sweet and comes along with remarkable finesse, mineral tension and complexity. Still too young but already very promising. Tasted in June 2019.”
John Gilman 93+ points “Happily, there was the 2017 Neuenberg sitting there ready to sample and it was really singing for such a young wine. This wine comes in at twelve percent alcohol and is very, very promising on both the nose and palate, albeit still properly reserved at such a young age. The bouquet delivers scents of lemon, grapefruit, tart peach, salty slate minerality, white flowers and lemongrass. On the palate the wine is crisp, medium-full and very refined, with an excellent core, great soil signature, impeccable focus and balance and a long, nascently complex and classy finish. First class juice. 2024-2065. 93+.”
Stuart Pigott 93-94 points “Still a bit compact and monolithic, but there’s excellent ripeness. A long finish with cool, wet stones and lemons. Better from 2019, but it also shows long-term aging potential.”
Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 92-93 points “The 2017 Ayler Kupp Neuenberg Riesling “Fass 17″ offers a deep, pure and flinty bouquet with floral and stony aromas and beautiful mineral freshness. Piquant and lush on the palate, this is a light to medium-bodied, very pure and mineral Riesling with refreshing acidity. The wine has a stimulatingly grippy finish with lush tropical fruit in the aftertaste. Excellent. Tasted March 2018.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Jos. Christoffel Jr.
The Jos. Christoffel Jr. winery was related by marriage to the Prum family. (Alas, last year Marcus Molitor purchased the winery and their holdings, so we have to use the past tense.) They were a wonderful middle Mosel estate, run by Karl Josef Christoffel, that made very traditional wines and sold them for incredibly reasonable prices. The Christoffel estate’s winery in Ürzig dates back to the 12th century. Although the family didn’t begin making wines here for another six centuries, their skill and reputation today exceed most others along the Mosel. All the wines here were fermented with natural yeasts and aged in the traditional 1000L Fuder casks. The resulting wines are complex and incredibly age-worthy, but like most Mosel Riesling, delicious today.
Among Riesling lovers, Christoffel Jr was best known for their luscious Auslesen (and Spatlesen) from the Erdener Pralat, Treppchen and Urziger Wurzgarten. Combining beautiful, exotic fruit with zesty acidity and profound age-worthiness, they’re steals even at our normal low pricing. Until close on Friday night, they’re even better.
Weingut Jos. Christoffel Jr. Christoffel-Prum Erdener Pralat Riesling Auslese*** 2014 750ML ($59.95) $33 Displayed Price, that’s $31.35 at 5% off and $29.70 at 10% off!
VinopolNote: Erderner Prälat occupies a mere 2.2 hectares. Entirely south-facing, the vineyard is surrounded by cliffs which insulate the vines – as a result, Prälat is one of the warmest plots in the region. Over time, it has also become one of the most sought-after vineyards. Given the limited space, only a few winemakers have access to the vineyard.
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Weingut Jos. Christoffel Jr. Christoffel-Prum Erdener Pralat Riesling Auslese *** 2016 750ML ($67.95) $46 Displayed Price, that’s $43.70 at 5% off and $41.40 at 10% off!
David Schildknecht-Vinous 92 points “In his enthusiasm, Kajo Christoffel makes no attempt to disguise the fact that this “three-star” offering is his favorite wine of the vintage. And atypically, here Prälat delivers animation and primary juiciness comparable to what was observed in the same collection’s wines from Würzgarten or Treppchen. A decadent, musky, heady perfume of lily, narcissus and peony shares aromatic billing with glazed pineapple, candied orange peel, marzipan and green herbal essences. The creamy, glossy palate delivers a delectable corresponding layering of flavors and features enough fresh citrus juiciness to animatingly counteract the wine’s strong sheer sweetness. Licorice and vanilla add to the diversity of a lusciously and soothingly lingering finish.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Weingut Jos. Christoffel Jr. Christoffel-Prum Erdener Treppchen Riesling Kabinett 2016 750ML ($34.95) $27 Displayed Price, that’s $25.65 at 5% off and $24.30 at 10% off!
Mosel Fine Wines 91 points “This offers a beautiful nose of pear, citrusy fruits, brown sugar and herbs. The wine proves quite racy on the palate as lively acidity provides the frame to fresh and zesty fruits. The finish is refreshingly tart, with a nice salty side. Still a bit wild, the wine will gain in presence and elegance at maturity. 2023-2036.”
David Schildknecht-Vinous 90 points “Alluring, site-typical scents of lemongrass, sassafras and tangerine set the stage for a lusciously juicy, invigoratingly tangy, zesty palate impression. The finish is unabashedly sweet but so brightly juicy that it refreshes and calls forth the next sip. The vintage’s A.P. #1, this represents its first-picked fruit. But even then, we’re talking mid-October, so early picking goes only a little way toward explaining the modest degrees Oechsle on which this alcoholically featherweight bottling is founded. The vines themselves and how they are handled – certainly including the yields Christoffel permits – are important factors.”
Mosel Fine Wines 91 points “This offers a beautiful nose of pear, citrusy fruits, brown sugar and herbs. The wine proves quite racy on the palate as lively acidity provides the frame to fresh and zesty fruits. The finish is refreshingly tart, with a nice salty side. Still a bit wild, the wine will gain in presence and elegance at maturity. 2023-2036.”
David Schildknecht-Vinous 90 points “Alluring, site-typical scents of lemongrass, sassafras and tangerine set the stage for a lusciously juicy, invigoratingly tangy, zesty palate impression. The finish is unabashedly sweet but so brightly juicy that it refreshes and calls forth the next sip. The vintage’s A.P. #1, this represents its first-picked fruit. But even then, we’re talking mid-October, so early picking goes only a little way toward explaining the modest degrees Oechsle on which this alcoholically featherweight bottling is founded. The vines themselves and how they are handled – certainly including the yields Christoffel permits – are important factors.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Weingut Jos. Christoffel Jr. Christoffel-Prum Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Beerenauslese 2005 375ML ($89.95) $69 Displayed Price, that’s $65.55 at 5% off and $62.10 at 10% off!
Weingut Jos. Christoffel Jr. Christoffel-Prum Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Beerenauslese 2005 750ML ($179.95) $133 Displayed Price, that’s $126.35 at 5% off and $119.70 at 10% off!
2005 Vintage: Wine Spectator 98 points “Lush, ripe Rieslings at all quality levels; acidity, though low in some, balances richness in most.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Weingut Jos. Christoffel Jr. Christoffel-Prum Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Auslese *** 2006 750ML ($59.95) $39 Displayed Price, that’s $37.05 at 5% off and $35.10 at 10% off!
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Weingut Jos. Christoffel Jr. Christoffel-Prum Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Auslese *** 2014 750ML ($59.95) $33 Displayed Price, that’s $31.35 at 5% off and $29.70 at 10% off!
Importer note: The Christoffel family in Ürzig, is related by marriage to the Prüm family in Wehlen. The estate is run by Karl Josef Christoffel (KaJo) has an extensive library of well-aged wines. All wines are fermented in the traditional 1000 Liter barrels with the natural yeast. This gives the wines a great aging potential.
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Weingut Jos. Christoffel Jr. Christoffel-Prum Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Spatlese 2015 750ML ($39.95) $24 Displayed Price, that’s $22.80 at 5% off and $21.60 at 10% off!
Mosel Fine Wines 92+ points “A rather restrained nose hints at more than exhibits some delicate flowers, smoke and a touch of toffee at first. The wine develops more presence and intensity on the juicy palate as juicy yellow peach comes through. The finish proves juicy as grapefruit acidity brings focus and adds depth and freshness in the after-taste. There is plenty of upside potential in this Auslese in disguise. 2025-2045”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Weingut Jos. Christoffel Jr. Christoffel-Prum Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Spatlese 2014 750ML ($34.95) $21.90 Displayed Price, that’s $20.81 at 5% off and $19.71 at 10% off!
VinopolNote on Urziger Wurzgarten: The Urziger Wurzgarten, or ‘spice garden’ is an intensely steep, iron-rich red slate vineyard. Though it’s located right next to the Erdener vineyards, the Ürziger wines are vastly different: the volcanic soils and favorable drainage lead to an earthy, spice-laden, tropical fruit-tinged wine.
This is the only listing in the USA today!
5% Off Any Mix of 6-11 Peter Lauer and/or J. Christoffel Jr bottles
10% Off Any Mix of 12+ Peter Lauer and/or J. Christoffel Jr bottles
Peter Lauer and/or J. Christoffel Jr Subscriber Special only valid on in-stock wines
Subscriber Special Discount Will Not Display Online
We Will Manually Adjust Your Order Before Finalizing It
Discount Valid Until Friday, August 28th at 6 PM
10% Off Any Mix of 12+ Peter Lauer and/or J. Christoffel Jr bottles
Peter Lauer and/or J. Christoffel Jr Subscriber Special only valid on in-stock wines
Subscriber Special Discount Will Not Display Online
We Will Manually Adjust Your Order Before Finalizing It
Discount Valid Until Friday, August 28th at 6 PM
Trending
Saint Cosme
Newly Arrived & Arriving Friday
Saint Cosme’s 2018 Gigondas
“largely plush, sumptuous wines, many of which are delicious already.” – Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate, on the 2018 vintage in the Southern Rhone
“For me, 2018 is a top vintage. The tannins are long and deep.” – Marc Perrin, Perrin Famille/Château de Beaucastel
Saint Cosme is one of the notable estates of the Southern Rhone. Louis Barroul is a talented winemaker and is the 14th generation of his family to make wines in the domaine that was founded in the 1500’s. The wines he makes are rich and powerful, with undeniable terroir signatures. To highlight these varying terroirs, the estate bottles a handful of single vineyard Gigondas which are the most interesting and coveted wines in the portfolio.
The 2018’s are some of the best wines they’ve yet made. The Valbelle cuvee is gone—blended in to the base level Gigondas. The remaining single vineyards are stunning. From the “best of everything” Hominis Fides to the more elegant Le Claux or the richer, more powerful Le Poste, these are a world-beating set of wine—at fantastic, best in country pricing. If past is precedent, these will sell out quickly, so secure your wines immediately.
Newly Arrived from Chateau de Saint Cosme:
Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas Hominis Fides, Rhone 2018 750ML ($119.95) $99 special, 14 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 95-97 points “A step up, the 2018 Gigondas Hominis Fides offers slightly more mid-palate depth and richness as well as full body, ripe, polished tannins, and stunning notes of blackberries, ground herbs, peppery garrigue, and loamy soil. This fleshy, opulent, sexy wine does everything right.”
Wine Advocate 94-96 points “Bold scents of asphalt and cassis appear on the nose of the 2018 Gigondas Hominis Fides. Like the other 2018s here, it’s a big, concentrated and powerful wine. In this case, it’s loaded with intense fruit and backed by waves of rich, velvety tannins, yet it finishes with zesty-briny notes and tremendous length.-JC”
Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas Le Claux, Rhone 2018 750ML ($119.95) $99 special, 4 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 95-97 points “Everything about the all-Grenache 2018 Gigondas le Claux is big. From the huge black cherry and blackberry fruit, to the insane levels of concentration, the rich, velvety tannins and the never-ending, licorice-tinged finish, this beauty should evolve positively for at least a decade and a half.-JC”
Jeb Dunnuck 93-95 points “The 2018 Gigondas Le Claux comes from a single vineyard located just down the road from the domaine, across the street from the Hominis Fides parcel. Notes of camphor, incense, spice box, and black raspberries all flow to a forward, medium to full-bodied, elegant effort that has soft, ripe tannins. It’s another wine that shows the style of the vintage beautifully. Drink it any time over the coming 15 to 20 years.”
Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas, Rhone 2018 750ML ($44.95) $38 special
Case-6 Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas, Rhone 2018 750ML ($269.95) $219 special (that’s only $36.50/bottle!)
Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas, Rhone 2018 1.5L ($89.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 92-94 points “Blended on the spot from several different barrels, the 2018 Gigondas looks very promising. Asphalt, black cherries and tapenade feature on the nose, while the palate is almost painfully intense, with ample weight, great richness and a long, velvety finish.-JC”
Jeb Dunnuck 92-94 points “Moving to the Gigondas releases, the 2018 Gigondas (which now always includes the grapes that previously went into the Valbelle cuvée) is a drop-dead gorgeous wine that readers should snatch up. Tons of blackberry fruit, peppery herbs, violets, and wildflower notes all give way to a medium to full-bodied Gigondas that has the rounded, sexy style of the vintage front and center. I love it, and while it’s going to be drinkable right out of the gate, it’s going to keep for 15-20 years.”
Arriving Friday from Saint Cosme:
Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas Le Poste, Rhone 2018 750ML ($119.95) $99 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate “96-98 points Given the intensity of every cuvée at this estate, I was blown away by the elegance shown by the 2018 Gigondas le Poste. Violet and aniseed aromas accent plum and black cherry fruit, while this full-bodied wine is creamy-velvety in texture, with a long, silky finish that folds in distinct salted-licorice notes. Wow!-JC”
Wine Advocate 94-96 points “Lastly, the 2018 Gigondas Le Poste comes from a slightly higher elevation parcel just up the slope from the estate. Always a fresher, more perfumed, complex wine, the 2018 offers terrific floral and violet notes as well as plenty of dark fruits, peppery herbs, and earth. Full-bodied, concentrated, and seamless on the palate, with ultra-fine tannins (another hallmark of this cuvée), it’s perfectly balanced and a beautiful wine in the vintage.”
“For me, 2018 is a top vintage. The tannins are long and deep.” – Marc Perrin, Perrin Famille/Château de Beaucastel
Saint Cosme is one of the notable estates of the Southern Rhone. Louis Barroul is a talented winemaker and is the 14th generation of his family to make wines in the domaine that was founded in the 1500’s. The wines he makes are rich and powerful, with undeniable terroir signatures. To highlight these varying terroirs, the estate bottles a handful of single vineyard Gigondas which are the most interesting and coveted wines in the portfolio.
The 2018’s are some of the best wines they’ve yet made. The Valbelle cuvee is gone—blended in to the base level Gigondas. The remaining single vineyards are stunning. From the “best of everything” Hominis Fides to the more elegant Le Claux or the richer, more powerful Le Poste, these are a world-beating set of wine—at fantastic, best in country pricing. If past is precedent, these will sell out quickly, so secure your wines immediately.
Newly Arrived from Chateau de Saint Cosme:
Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas Hominis Fides, Rhone 2018 750ML ($119.95) $99 special, 14 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 95-97 points “A step up, the 2018 Gigondas Hominis Fides offers slightly more mid-palate depth and richness as well as full body, ripe, polished tannins, and stunning notes of blackberries, ground herbs, peppery garrigue, and loamy soil. This fleshy, opulent, sexy wine does everything right.”
Wine Advocate 94-96 points “Bold scents of asphalt and cassis appear on the nose of the 2018 Gigondas Hominis Fides. Like the other 2018s here, it’s a big, concentrated and powerful wine. In this case, it’s loaded with intense fruit and backed by waves of rich, velvety tannins, yet it finishes with zesty-briny notes and tremendous length.-JC”
Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas Le Claux, Rhone 2018 750ML ($119.95) $99 special, 4 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 95-97 points “Everything about the all-Grenache 2018 Gigondas le Claux is big. From the huge black cherry and blackberry fruit, to the insane levels of concentration, the rich, velvety tannins and the never-ending, licorice-tinged finish, this beauty should evolve positively for at least a decade and a half.-JC”
Jeb Dunnuck 93-95 points “The 2018 Gigondas Le Claux comes from a single vineyard located just down the road from the domaine, across the street from the Hominis Fides parcel. Notes of camphor, incense, spice box, and black raspberries all flow to a forward, medium to full-bodied, elegant effort that has soft, ripe tannins. It’s another wine that shows the style of the vintage beautifully. Drink it any time over the coming 15 to 20 years.”
Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas, Rhone 2018 750ML ($44.95) $38 special
Case-6 Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas, Rhone 2018 750ML ($269.95) $219 special (that’s only $36.50/bottle!)
Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas, Rhone 2018 1.5L ($89.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 92-94 points “Blended on the spot from several different barrels, the 2018 Gigondas looks very promising. Asphalt, black cherries and tapenade feature on the nose, while the palate is almost painfully intense, with ample weight, great richness and a long, velvety finish.-JC”
Jeb Dunnuck 92-94 points “Moving to the Gigondas releases, the 2018 Gigondas (which now always includes the grapes that previously went into the Valbelle cuvée) is a drop-dead gorgeous wine that readers should snatch up. Tons of blackberry fruit, peppery herbs, violets, and wildflower notes all give way to a medium to full-bodied Gigondas that has the rounded, sexy style of the vintage front and center. I love it, and while it’s going to be drinkable right out of the gate, it’s going to keep for 15-20 years.”
Arriving Friday from Saint Cosme:
Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas Le Poste, Rhone 2018 750ML ($119.95) $99 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate “96-98 points Given the intensity of every cuvée at this estate, I was blown away by the elegance shown by the 2018 Gigondas le Poste. Violet and aniseed aromas accent plum and black cherry fruit, while this full-bodied wine is creamy-velvety in texture, with a long, silky finish that folds in distinct salted-licorice notes. Wow!-JC”
Wine Advocate 94-96 points “Lastly, the 2018 Gigondas Le Poste comes from a slightly higher elevation parcel just up the slope from the estate. Always a fresher, more perfumed, complex wine, the 2018 offers terrific floral and violet notes as well as plenty of dark fruits, peppery herbs, and earth. Full-bodied, concentrated, and seamless on the palate, with ultra-fine tannins (another hallmark of this cuvée), it’s perfectly balanced and a beautiful wine in the vintage.”
Saint Cosme’s Not-Gigondas
Saint Cosme is most rewarded for their top tier estate Gigondas’, which are their flagship wines, but around Vinopolis they might be best known for their assortment of super-high-grade negoc bottlings. From the exceptional value Deux Albion to the high grade Cote Rotie and everything in-between (looking at you, Crozes-Hermitage and St. Joseph!), these wines deliver fantastic quality at prices that make them best sellers ever year.
Arriving Friday:
Chateau de Saint Cosme Cotes du Rhone Le Poste Blanc, Rhone 2018 750ML ($69.95) $54.50 pre-arrival special
Importer Note “Château de Saint Cosme Côtes-du-Rhône Blanc Le Poste is from a 1-hectare terraced vineyard that sits near the chapel of Saint Cosme, a short uphill climb from the winery. The maximum elevation is 280 meters, 140 meters above the Gigondas valley floor, and is one of the coolest vineyards in Gigondas. The terraces and elevation make it necessary to plow the vineyard by horse. The vineyard was replanted in 1963 by Henri Barruol to a field blend based mainly on Grenache and one small parcel of Clairette from which Le Poste Blanc is produced. This 100% Clairette was vinified in used traditional demi-muids without malolactic fermentation and aged 10 months on lees. Clairette is an old variety that likely originated in southern France often used to produce simple and crisp dry white wines or as a component in a blend such as Châteauneuf-du-Pape blanc. White wines from Clairette have a tradition at Saint Cosme, specifically at Le Poste, where Louis Barroul’s grandfather produced famously long-lived Le Poste Blanc. Limestone soils give Le Poste Blanc a flavor of gunflint and the ability to age for twenty years or more. “
Saint Cosme Condrieu, Rhone 2018 750ML ($79.95) $59 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 93 points “A very powerful, rich and attractively fleshy Condrieu with intense and concentrated fruit and a wealth of apricots and some baking spices on offer. The palate has such intensity and depth. Citrus and fleshy apricots abound. Drink in the next three years.”
Jeb Dunnuck 92-94 points “I was able to taste two vintages of Louis Barruol’s Condrieu, and both are terrific. The 2018 Condrieu comes from a cooler terroir near Malleval and offers lots of apricot, tangerine, and honeysuckle notes as well as classic Condrieu richness and depth on the palate. Medium to full-bodied, silky, and elegant, with plenty of granite character, it has a forward, fleshy style that’s going to shine right out of the gate.”
Importer Note “Saint Cosme Condrieu is produced from fully-ripened Viognier which Louis Barruol believes is essential to achieving the variety’s full potential. “But ripeness must not imply excessive alcohol,” says Barruol, “We seek balance.” The wine is matured for eight months in used 228-liter barrels and undergoes full malolactic fermentation on fine lees for 12 months. Saint Cosme Condrieu shows classic aromas and flavors of dried apricot, peach, and orange blossom with fennel, anise, and elderflower. Twelve months of aging on its fine lees in used Burgundian pièce brings texture to the palate. This is a classic Condrieu.”
Domaine de Saint Cosme Les Deux Albion Blanc, Principaute d’Orange IGP 2019 750ML ($21.95) $17.50 pre-arrival special
Importer Note “Domaine de Saint Cosme Les Deux Albions Blanc carries the Principauté-d’Orange IGP and comes from 10-hectares near Violès, directly across the Ouvèze River from Gigondas. “The level of limestone here is, I think, the highest in the region,” says Louis Barruol. This wine is a blend of Viognier, Picpoul, and Marsanne aged on the lees in a combination of pièce, demi-muids, and INOX tank. Les Deux Albions Blanc shows the salty minerality typical of limestone terroir with notes of dried apricots and white flowers. The plantings near Violès include Bourboulenc, Marsanne, Viognier, Picpoul, Clairette, and Ugni Blanc, and all varieties will be included in future bottlings.”
Saint Cosme Cote Rotie, Rhone 2018 750ML ($89.95) $69 pre-arrival special
Jeb Dunnuck 92-95 points “One of the gems in the Northern Rhône lineup is the 2018 Côte Rôtie, which, as with all of Louis’ wines, wasn’t destemmed and was brought up in 30-40% new oak. Stunning aromatics of black raspberries, olive tapenade, ground pepper, violets, and assorted meat notes all flow to a medium to full-bodied, opulent, seamless Côte Rôtie that has a smoking good texture. Count me impressed.”
Importer Note “Côte-Rôtie is produced from 100% Sérine, an ancient and local variety of Syrah that is markedly different from modern selections. It is more oval, with lots of space in the bunch, resulting in a very aromatic wine. It is sourced from the schist soils of Le Plomb, Besset, La Viallière, and Neve climats. These hillsides are among the steepest in France with an incline as much as 55 degrees. On the palate, it reveals a fresh attack followed by an ample, structured, long-lasting finish. The wine unfurls in successive stages and ends with top-quality tannins produced by whole cluster fermentation. It features aromas and flavors of smoked ham, violet, graphite, graphite, and licorice.”
Saint Cosme Crozes-Hermitage, Rhone 2018 750ML ($34.95) $27 pre-arrival special
Jeb Dunnuck 90-92 points “Looking at the Northern Rhône releases from Louis, the 2018 Crozes Hermitage offers terrific depth of fruit as well as hints of violets and pepper, medium body, and fine tannins. It’s beautifully textured and just sings of Syrah.”
Importer Note “Saint Cosme Crozes-Hermitage is produced from 100% Sérine, an ancient and local variety of Syrah that is markedly different from modern selections. It is more oval, with lots of space in the bunch, resulting in a very aromatic wine. It is sourced from the hillside vineyards of Erôme, Gervans, and Larnage in the northern part of the appellation. It is made from 100% destemmed grapes, fermented with indigenous yeasts, aged in 20% new 228-liter barrels, and bottled without fining or filtration. Granite slopes rather than flatlands give Saint Cosme’s Crozes-Hermitage greater structure and complexity. The wine shows classic aromas and flavors of black fruits, smoked bacon, black peppercorn, and incense.”
Saint Cosme Saint-Joseph, Rhone 2018 750ML ($37.95) $28 pre-arrival special
Jeb Dunnuck 89-91 points “The 2018 Saint Joseph comes all from the northern part of the Northern Rhône and offers more peppery stems, violets, and herbal notes as well as a medium-bodied, fresh, elegant style on the palate. With fine tannins and rock-solid overall balance, it should end up being an outstanding wine.”
Importer Note ” Saint Cosme Saint-Joseph is produced from 100% Sérine, an ancient and local variety of Syrah that is markedly different from modern selections. It is more oval, with lots of space in the bunch, resulting in a very aromatic wine. It is sourced from the climat Malleval in the northern part of the appellation near Condrieu. The wine is made from 70% destemmed with 30% whole clusters, fermented with indigenous yeasts, and aged in 20% new 228-liter barrels. Louis Barruol describes the microclimate of the vineyard Malleval as “very cold” which allows the grapes to retain acidity and showcase the floral aromas of the local Sérine variety. Aromas and flavors of blackberries and wild strawberries are accented by notes of peppercorns, tobacco, peonies, and violets.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Saint Cosme Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone 2017 750ML ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 94-96 points “Still awaiting bottling during my June visit, the 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape features bold notes of black cherries, cassis and spice cake. Owner Barruol says the Christmas cake is typical of La Crau. Full-bodied and voluptuous, with a long, fine and silky finish, this great effort provides one intense ride from start to finish.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
We have 31 different bottlings from Saint Cosme either
in stock or available for pre-arrival purchase!
You can browse and shop the full list on our webstore.
in stock or available for pre-arrival purchase!
You can browse and shop the full list on our webstore.
New Grapelive Review
For a Piedmont Value Favorite
G.D. Vajra Langhe Rosso 2018 750ML ($17.95) $14 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Grapelive 90 points “Vajra’s Langhe Rosso blend is primarily the classic varietals Nebbiolo, Dolcetto, and Barbera, but also has an interesting addition of Albarossa, Freisa and even a touch of Pinot Noir all of which makes for a unique Piedmonte red that shows silky tannins, tangy vibrant fruits including brandied cherries, plum, cranberry, grilled citrus (Moro orange) and tart red currant along with wild herbs, delicate rustic notes, floral elements, mineral and savory spices….Giuseppe Vajra continues the traditions of his father Aldo, who was a big advocate for organic and holistic farming and promoted a sense of lightness in the wines always searching out vineyard sites thought to be too cold and too high up to ripen, but as history shows he was spot on and Vajra’s high elevation Barolo is one of the most prized wines in the world. The Vajra Rosso is mostly all stainless steel fermented with each lot and varietal done separately and blended before an early bottling to preserve fresh brightness, which this dark ruby/blue hued 2018 shows with lovely transparent clarity. This 2018 opens up nicely with air adding pipe tobacco, black tea, cola bean and dried rose petals, but the minty zesty tartness remains until the finish, in fact it is really nice with a bit of chill and with a picnic spread and or pasta dishes. The 2017 vintage was very warm and the wines are a bit bigger and fruit driven, with these 2018 shows a little more finesse and acidity, which shows through in this Langhe Rosso, it is wine to enjoy now and often, it has a hand crafted feel, but has no pretense, it is easy and delicious. For those looking for value with want this one, no question, but if you want to stay varietal pure, I highly recommend Vajra’s Dolcello, Barbera and Nebbiolo bottlings, there’s quality, value and grace throughout the lineup here.”
Grapelive 90 points “Vajra’s Langhe Rosso blend is primarily the classic varietals Nebbiolo, Dolcetto, and Barbera, but also has an interesting addition of Albarossa, Freisa and even a touch of Pinot Noir all of which makes for a unique Piedmonte red that shows silky tannins, tangy vibrant fruits including brandied cherries, plum, cranberry, grilled citrus (Moro orange) and tart red currant along with wild herbs, delicate rustic notes, floral elements, mineral and savory spices….Giuseppe Vajra continues the traditions of his father Aldo, who was a big advocate for organic and holistic farming and promoted a sense of lightness in the wines always searching out vineyard sites thought to be too cold and too high up to ripen, but as history shows he was spot on and Vajra’s high elevation Barolo is one of the most prized wines in the world. The Vajra Rosso is mostly all stainless steel fermented with each lot and varietal done separately and blended before an early bottling to preserve fresh brightness, which this dark ruby/blue hued 2018 shows with lovely transparent clarity. This 2018 opens up nicely with air adding pipe tobacco, black tea, cola bean and dried rose petals, but the minty zesty tartness remains until the finish, in fact it is really nice with a bit of chill and with a picnic spread and or pasta dishes. The 2017 vintage was very warm and the wines are a bit bigger and fruit driven, with these 2018 shows a little more finesse and acidity, which shows through in this Langhe Rosso, it is wine to enjoy now and often, it has a hand crafted feel, but has no pretense, it is easy and delicious. For those looking for value with want this one, no question, but if you want to stay varietal pure, I highly recommend Vajra’s Dolcello, Barbera and Nebbiolo bottlings, there’s quality, value and grace throughout the lineup here.”
Vinopolis Wine Shop Curbside Pick Up
Order Online / By Phone / By Email
When you’re ready to pick up, just park in our lot,
give us a call, & we’ll bring your order to your car.
(If another adult is picking up for you,
please let us know their name when placing your order.)
www.vinopoliswineshop.com
info@vinopoliswineshop.com
503-223-6002
When you’re ready to pick up, just park in our lot,
give us a call, & we’ll bring your order to your car.
(If another adult is picking up for you,
please let us know their name when placing your order.)
www.vinopoliswineshop.com
info@vinopoliswineshop.com
503-223-6002
Featured New Arrival
Vincent Wine Company
Willamette Pinots With “A Devoted Cult Following”
“There’s a devoted cult following for Vincent Fritzsche’s graceful Pinot Noirs but the outside world seems blithely unaware of the consistent quality here. Fritzsche sources fruit from some of the Willamette Valley’s most esteemed vineyards and then pretty much leaves it alone. The wines are made with minimal extraction, see no new oak and receive only minimal sulfur additions. The 2017s here are vibrant and pure and, even better, are offered at extremely fair prices.” –Josh Raynolds, Vinous
We’re pleased to highlight a trio of Pinot Noirs made by Vincent Fritzsche from an some of the top dry-farmed vineyards in the Eola-Amity Hills. A former home winemaker who “went pro” as one of the inaugural members of the Southeast Wine Collective, he outgrew his old home but continues to make compelling wines from a few special vineyards. Josh Raynolds just reviewed the Willamette Valley and Vincent’s wines stood out for their high scores and for the exceptional value for their quality.
Vincent worked for several harvests with Russ Raney at Evesham Wood before Russ’ retirement and Vincent’s wines show a through-line of style, with bright fresh fruit that has delicacy but intensity. These really capture the essence of the sites they’re from—and they’re sourced from some of the top sites in the valley, like Zenith, Temperance Hill and Bjornson (which adjoins Seven Springs). We’d love them if they were $50-60 single-vineyard wines, but at the prices that Vincent asks, these are no-brainers.
Newly Arrived from Vincent
Vincent Zenith Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2017 750ML ($47.95) $39 special
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94 points “Dark scarlet. Highly perfumed black raspberry, cherry, exotic spice and floral pastille scents show excellent clarity and pick up a smoky mineral nuance with air. Palate-staining red and dark berry and bitter flavors show excellent clarity and energy thanks to a spine of smoky minerality. Expands steadily and turns sweeter with air, showing fine delineation on an impressively long, red-fruit- and floral-driven finish. “
Vincent Temperance Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2017 750ML ($47.95) $39 special
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94 points “Deep, glistening crimson. Highly expressive, spice-accented cherry, boysenberry and black raspberry aromas are complicated by floral, musky earth and succulent herb nuances. Sappy, appealingly sweet and broad on entry, then showing more tension on the midpalate, offering juicy, mineral-inflected red and blue fruit flavors that become sweeter as the wine opens up. Shows a suave rose pastille quality on the impressively persistent finish, which is framed by smooth, polished tannins.”
Vincent Bjornson Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2017 750ML ($44.95) $34.50 special
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 93 points “Brilliant red. Highly expressive aromas of fresh red fruits, potpourri, exotic spices and candied rose, along with a hint of smoky minerality. Juicy and seamless in texture, offering penetrating raspberry, bitter cherry and spicecake flavors that show fine definition and back-end lift. Intensely flavored and finely delineated, with an impressively long, perfumed finish that delivers firm mineral cut and resonating florality.”
Previously sold out, re-arriving Friday:
Vincent Pinot Blanc, Willamette Valley 2018 750ML ($21.95) $19 pre-arrival special
Winery note “This year’s Blanc shows a bit more richness than ’17, more like the ’16 which was a favorite. Grapes here are now coming from a small plot I lease at Zenith Vineyard in the Eola Hills, vines from the 1990s. As usual, this wine is made just like Chardonnay, naturally fermented in older French oak, on the lees for nearly a year and bottled unfiltered. Bright color, mineral and apple aromas, all variety of apples and citrus flavors, creamy from the lees aging, then fantastic acidity to keep your mouth watering. So good.”
We’re pleased to highlight a trio of Pinot Noirs made by Vincent Fritzsche from an some of the top dry-farmed vineyards in the Eola-Amity Hills. A former home winemaker who “went pro” as one of the inaugural members of the Southeast Wine Collective, he outgrew his old home but continues to make compelling wines from a few special vineyards. Josh Raynolds just reviewed the Willamette Valley and Vincent’s wines stood out for their high scores and for the exceptional value for their quality.
Vincent worked for several harvests with Russ Raney at Evesham Wood before Russ’ retirement and Vincent’s wines show a through-line of style, with bright fresh fruit that has delicacy but intensity. These really capture the essence of the sites they’re from—and they’re sourced from some of the top sites in the valley, like Zenith, Temperance Hill and Bjornson (which adjoins Seven Springs). We’d love them if they were $50-60 single-vineyard wines, but at the prices that Vincent asks, these are no-brainers.
Newly Arrived from Vincent
Vincent Zenith Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2017 750ML ($47.95) $39 special
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94 points “Dark scarlet. Highly perfumed black raspberry, cherry, exotic spice and floral pastille scents show excellent clarity and pick up a smoky mineral nuance with air. Palate-staining red and dark berry and bitter flavors show excellent clarity and energy thanks to a spine of smoky minerality. Expands steadily and turns sweeter with air, showing fine delineation on an impressively long, red-fruit- and floral-driven finish. “
Vincent Temperance Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2017 750ML ($47.95) $39 special
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94 points “Deep, glistening crimson. Highly expressive, spice-accented cherry, boysenberry and black raspberry aromas are complicated by floral, musky earth and succulent herb nuances. Sappy, appealingly sweet and broad on entry, then showing more tension on the midpalate, offering juicy, mineral-inflected red and blue fruit flavors that become sweeter as the wine opens up. Shows a suave rose pastille quality on the impressively persistent finish, which is framed by smooth, polished tannins.”
Vincent Bjornson Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2017 750ML ($44.95) $34.50 special
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 93 points “Brilliant red. Highly expressive aromas of fresh red fruits, potpourri, exotic spices and candied rose, along with a hint of smoky minerality. Juicy and seamless in texture, offering penetrating raspberry, bitter cherry and spicecake flavors that show fine definition and back-end lift. Intensely flavored and finely delineated, with an impressively long, perfumed finish that delivers firm mineral cut and resonating florality.”
Previously sold out, re-arriving Friday:
Vincent Pinot Blanc, Willamette Valley 2018 750ML ($21.95) $19 pre-arrival special
Winery note “This year’s Blanc shows a bit more richness than ’17, more like the ’16 which was a favorite. Grapes here are now coming from a small plot I lease at Zenith Vineyard in the Eola Hills, vines from the 1990s. As usual, this wine is made just like Chardonnay, naturally fermented in older French oak, on the lees for nearly a year and bottled unfiltered. Bright color, mineral and apple aromas, all variety of apples and citrus flavors, creamy from the lees aging, then fantastic acidity to keep your mouth watering. So good.”
Oregon Case Specials
Averaen Super Specials Arriving Friday
We’re pleased to feature the exceptional wines of Averaen to Vinopolis—at more than exceptional pricing. If you’re unfamiliar with these wines, you’d be excused—2015 was their first vintage, but they’ve already established themselves as a top producer of rich, terroir-driven Pinot Noir in Oregon.
Averaen is a project of Baron Ziegler, one of the founders of Banshee wines, and, like their Cali-counterparts, the Averaen wines deliver exceptional value—a hard thing to do in Pinot Noir. These are exceptionally made, well reviewed single vineyard wines that are a steal for the prices we’re offering them at.
Stylistically, these are powerful Pinot Noirs with intensity and substance. Though they all have distinct signatures of their vineyards, they share a richness of fruit and an oak framing that makes them feel distinctly more premium than their prices would suggest. Lovers of Archery Summit, Domaine Serene and Penner-Ash should take note—these are alternatives that deliver real value to those brands.
Averaen Willamette Valley Chardonnay 2018 750ML ($24.95) $19 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Averaen Willamette Valley Chardonnay 2018 750ML ($139.95) $105 pre-arrival special (that’s only $17.50/bottle!)
Wine Enthusiast 92 points “It would be hard to find a better Chardonnay at this price. A blend of grapes from two AVAs, it’s been given reserve-level care, including aging in 10% new French oak. Toasty, tasty and well balanced, it offers ripe apple fruit accented with nut butter and caramel.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Averaen Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2018 750ML ($24.95) $19 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Averaen Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2018 750ML ($249.95) $199 pre-arrival special (that’s only $16.58/bottle —the lowest listed price in the country!)
Josh Raynolds 90 points “Glistening ruby-red. Ripe red and dark berries, cherry-cola and a hint of allspice on the perfumed nose. Pliant cherry and black raspberry flavors show good energy and pick up a hint of smokiness on the back half. Plush and seamless in texture, with lingering floral and spice notes on the long, subtly tannic finish.”
Wine Enthusiast 90 points “Editor’s Choice. Fruit sourced from six Willamette Valley AVAs and well over a dozen vineyards combines in this sweetly fruity wine. Pretty plum and marionberry flavors are enhanced with a light touch of herbs, putting a frame around the finish.”
Love Oregon Wine? We have 13 case specials in stock now.
Shop the selections below or in our webstore!
Shop the selections below or in our webstore!
What more can we say about Cameron’s Chards?
Cameron Winery Reserve Chardonnay, Dundee Hills 2018 750ML ($39.95) $36 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Cameron Winery Reserve Chardonnay, Dundee Hills 2018 750ML ($289.95) $195 special (that’s only $32.50/bottle!)
VinopolNote: The ‘Reserve’ level of Cameron Chardonnay is an incredible deal. Made of declassified barrels of Clos Electrique and Abbey Ridge, so without the new oak that the lower level bottling sees, this wine shows facets of the grace and intensity of Abbey and the Clos without the price tag of those higher end bottlings.
Day describes their Momtazi bottling as their “our flagship Pinot Noir from one of Willamette Valley’s most prized biodynamic vineyards and our most age-worthy wine.” It‘s normally the most expensive Pinot in the Day Wines lineup at $54, but we’re able to offer it for just $33 per bottle and $28.75 per bottle on case purchases.
Day Wines Momtazi Vineyard Pinot Noir, McMinnville 2016 750ML ($53.95) $33 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Day Wines Momtazi Vineyard Pinot Noir, McMinnville 2016 750ML ($299.95) $189 special (that’s only $31.50/bottle!)
Case-12 Day Wines Momtazi Vineyard Pinot Noir, McMinnville 2016 750ML ($599.95) $345 special (that’s only $28.75/bottle!)
John Gilman 93 points “The 2016 Momtazi Vineyard bottling of Pinot Noir from Day Wines is the ripest of these 2016s, as it comes in at fourteen percent octane. It is beautifully black fruity on the nose (as all the examples from Momtazi have been that I have been fortunate enough to taste), offering up scents of black plum, sweet dark berry, black tea, balsam bough, a beautiful base of soil tones, chicory, gentle spice tones and a bit of cedar. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, complex and beautifully balanced, with a fine core of fruit, great mineral drive and grip, ripe, well-integrated tannins and a long, tangy and promising finish. While this is the ripest of the 2016 pinots from Brianne Day, it is no less pure or precise and is a great bottle in the making. 2024-2055.”
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 92 points “Limpid red. A highly aromatic bouquet evokes fresh dark berries and baking spices, along with smoky mineral and musky earth overtones. Juicy and broad on the palate, offering alluringly sweet black raspberry, cherry, rose pastille and spicecake flavors that deepen steadily with air. Delivers a suave blend of power and energy and finishes with finely woven tannins and strong, floral-driven persistence.”
A long-time staff favorite, 2018 is a gorgeous blend of lush fruit and poise
Cameron Winery Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2018 750ML ($29.95) $27 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Cameron Winery Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2018 750ML ($349.95) $315 special (that’s only $26.25/bottle!)
Grapelive 93 points “The beautiful and dark profiled Cameron Dundee Hills Pinot is one of the best values of the vintage with gorgeous detail and much less reductive notes than usually show in these young Cameron Pinots showing an array of expressive flavors and floral aromas. The 2018 Cameron Dundee Hills Pinot, by the legendary John Paul, one of Oregon’s hall of fame winemakers is very Vosne-Romannee like and at 13.4% is wonderfully balance and full of energy with layers of black cherry, mulberry, currant, strawberry and plum fruits, crushed rose petals, orange tea, delicate earth and loaminess and red spices. With air this exceptional wine adds mineral, sweet herb and smoky wood notes with touches of vanilla and cedar adding just the right amount of luxurious accents here… Both Clos Electrique and Abbey Ridge use organic treatments and holistic farming methods and have a variety of clonal material with John Paul preferring old heritage clones which he painstakingly collected himself and the yields are limited to produce wines of depth and concentration. John Paul’s Pinots are always made from non-irrigated vines and in this case was sourced from his own Abbey Ridge and Clos Electrique cru vineyards set of the classic Jory (red iron rich) volcanic soils which give this regions wines their unique personalities and distinction, which I find adds complex and exotic nuances nd makes Dundee special. This 2018 is fresh and has a deep garnet and ruby hue in the glass that beautifully captures the light and the texture is satiny and the length is very rewarding, making it an insanely good value and a wine that will excel with cuisine, especially with seared duck breast, pepper crusted ahi, blackened salmon and even smoked meats…”
Staff pick “a youthful wine with old world grace”
Biggio Hamina “Biha” Pinot Noir, Van Duzer 2017 750ML ($24.95) $17 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Biggio Hamina “Biha” Pinot Noir, Van Duzer 2017 750ML ($299.95) $179 special (that’s only $14.92/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 91 points “Bright garnet. Spice-accented red berry and cherry aromas take on suave floral and mineral accents with air. Juicy and energetic in style, offering gently sweet raspberry and cherry flavors along with hints of allspice and cinnamon. Closes long and sappy, showing resonating red fruit character and silky, polished tannins that fade away quickly.”
From a favorite winery, this formerly-restaurant only bottling is a QPR winner.
Goodfellow Family Cellars Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2017 750ML ($21.95) $18 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Goodfellow Family Cellars Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2017 750ML ($129.95) $99 special (that’s only $16.50/bottle!)
Case-12 Goodfellow Family Cellars Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2017 750ML ($219.95) $189 special (that’s only $15.75/bottle!)
VinopolNote: We can’t get enough of Marcus Goodfellow’s Willamette Valley Pinots. With restaurants only offering takeout for the foreseeable future, Marcus is letting us share his by-the-glass Pinot with you. It’s an insane value!
Cristom Marjorie Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2017 750ML ($79.95) $66 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Cristom Marjorie Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2017 375ML ($39.95) $33 special, 8 half-bottles in stock now
Case-12 Cristom Marjorie Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2017 750ML ($959.95) $719 special (that’s only $59.92/bottle!)
Case-6 Cristom Marjorie Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2017 750ML ($479.95) $376 special (that’s only $62.76/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Josh Raynolds 95 points “Translucent red. A wild, highly perfumed bouquet evokes ripe red fruits, exotic spices and candied flowers, with smoky mineral and incense notes that acquire strength as this youthful wine gains its footing. Stains the palate with vibrant raspberry, bitter cherry, star anise and rose pastille flavors that show a compelling blend of depth and litheness. Fine-grained tannins build slowly on a strikingly long, finely etched finish that features baking spice, floral and subtle earth notes.”
Erin Brooks – Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2017 Pinot Noir Marjorie Vineyard was made with 51% whole clusters and aged 18 months in 75% new French oak. Medium ruby, it has a very pretty nose: nuances of crushed stone, Campari, earth and blood orange mingle over a core of red and black cherries, rhubarb and cranberry. The medium-bodied palate has lovely, nuanced, amaro-laced flavor layers with a softly chalky frame and seamless freshness, finishing long and perfumed. 384 cases produced.”
Cristom Louise Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2017 750ML ($79.95) $59 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Cristom Louise Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2017 750ML ($839.95) $636 special (that’s only $53/bottle!)
Case-6 Cristom Louise Vineyard Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills 2017 750ML ($419.95) $336 special (that’s only $56/bottle!)
James Suckling 95 points “This cuvée has a very energetic and intense feel with a wealth of fresh and attractive red cherries and raspberries, plenty of florals and subtle herbal, forest-wood and light-chocolate notes. There’s a very keenly articulated feel to the palate with a plush, very fleshy and assertively long, detailed finish. Deep fruit presence here. Drink across the next decade.”
Josh Raynolds 93 points “Vivid red. Expansive aromas of ripe red berries, candied flowers and baking spices, with a smoky mineral topnote that gains strength as the wine opens up. Coats the palate with appealing sweet raspberry and cherry liqueur flavors that tighten up and become spicier on the back half. Shows excellent clarity and floral lift on an impressively long finish that’s shaped by fine-grained, even tannins.”
We offer over 150 Pinot Noirs in stock NOW from the Willamette Valley.
Shop our selection on our web store!
Shop our selection on our web store!
Vinopolis is an independent wine shop in Portland that opened in 2004. Our goal has always been to offer the finest, broadest, and largest selection of wines at the best prices to our customers in Portland, in Oregon, across the West Coast, and throughout the United States. Thank you for reading and for continuing to support our team.
Stay safe, be well, & drink well.
Stay safe, be well, & drink well.