December 29, 2014
Vinopolis will be OPEN 10AM- 6PM Wednesday December 31st CLOSED Thursday January 1st for the Holiday Back to Regular Hours Friday 1/2 10AM – 6PM Every day until the 4th of July!
Jump Start Sale
Giacosa Barolo Barbaresco Rabaja 2005 ($219.95) $149 special Wine Advocate 94+ points “The 2005 Barbaresco Rabaja is the densest and richest of these 2005 Barbarescos. Because it is aged in a slightly smaller cask, the wine shows an explosive personality along with some oak nuances that require bottle age to settle down. This muscular Barbaresco resonates on the palate with layers of spiced, mentholated dark cherries, minerals and licorice. It remains a dense, structured and primary wine in need of serious bottle age for the firm tannins to melt away. This, too, is a sublime wine from Bruno Giacosa. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2025.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA! Next best listed price is $189 / bottle The average listed price is $193 / bottle
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OREGON Bergstrom Cumberland Reserve Pinot Noir Yamhill-Carlton District 2013 1.5LITER ($99.95) $89 special Belle Pente Estate Reserve Pinot Noir Yamhill-Carlton District 2011 1.5LITER ($99.95) $89 special FRANCE-CHAMPAGNE A. Margaine Brut Cuvee Traditionelle Premier Cru NV 375ML ($27.95) $24 special A. Margaine Brut Cuvee Traditionelle NV 375ML ($39.95) $36 special Wine Spectator 92 points “Refined, with aromatic anise, almond and raisin notes that are finely layered with berry, cassis, candied lemon peel and smoke flavors. Lip-smacking acidity keeps this fresh and lively through to the mineral-tinged finish.” Vinopolnotes– This is the lowest listed price (including tax) in the USA! The average listed price is $47 / 750ml bottle. A. Margaine Demi-Sec Premier Cru NV 375ML ($27.95) $24 special A. Margaine Demi-Sec Premier Cru NV 750ML ($59.95) $49 special Stephen Tanzer 90 points “(made from 90% chardonnay and 10% pinot noir, with 32 g/l dosage; this has the same vintage breakdown as the Traditionelle Brut bottling; disgorged July, 2012): Light gold. A pungent bouquet displays scents of honey, poached pear, peach nectar and blonde tobacco. Sappy and gently sweet citrus and pit fruit flavors are given lift by gentle acidity and pick up marzipan and floral qualities with air. The pit fruit and floral notes linger on a long, spicy, clinging finish. This would be a great Champagne to serve alongside strong-smelling or salty cheeses.” Wine Advocate 90 points “The NV Demi-Sec offers lively richness from the additional dosage (31 grams/liter) yet never loses its essential minerality and sheer brilliance. White flowers, spices, pears and citrus notes are layered into the generous, inviting finish. This is another strong showing from Margaine. The Demi-Sec is the same blend as the Cuvee Traditionelle, which is to say 90% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Noir, 52% 2008 juice plus reserves spanning 2007 (20%), 2005 (8%), 2004 (12%), and 2000 (8%), the only difference is the dosage.” A. Margaine Rose Brut NV 750ML ($59.95) $44 special Wine Advocate 90 points “The NV Rose presents an intriguing combination of ripe fruit and structure. This release is 2009 juice, and there is no shortage of fruit from that radiant year, but there is also plenty of underlying minerality. Rose petals, crushed flowers, red berries and spices are some of the many nuances that wrap around the finish. The blend is 78% Chardonnay, 12% Pinot Noir and 10% still Pinot Noir, aged predominantly in steel (20% was aged in oak), with blocked malo.” Vinopolnotes– This is the lowest listed price in the USA! The average listed price is over 25% higher at $56 / bottle. Deutz Cuvee William Deutz Brut Millesime 2002 ($149.95) $119 special Wine Spectator 93 points “Sleek and elegant, with a fine, creamy bead supporting flavors of blackberry pie, clover honey, ground cardamom and glazed apricot. A smoke-tinged, minerally underpinning echoes on the finish. Drink now through 2027.” Vinopolnotes– This is the lowest listed price in the USA! The average listed price is $136 / bottle. Pol Roger Brut Blanc De Blancs 2004 750ML ($134.95) $99 special From the producer: “Made exclusively from the finest Chardonnays of the Cote des Blancs, this wine is the lace of Champagne. Ideally, it often requires several years of ageing in the cellar to reach full maturity and reveal superb finesse, the peak of elegance and freshness. “The brightness of its green gold colour, the liveliness of its fine, creamy bubbles, seemingly never-ending, the harmony of its pleasant, elegant nose, combining the scent of white flowers the aromas of dried fruit, the lightness of its delicate flavours (vanilla, brioche and toasted almonds)… “A talented Champagne, to be drunk as an aperitif, or as the ideal accompaniment for light hors d’oeuvre, seafood or the noblest of fish prepared with the greatest simplicity. All you need to do, whenever you choose to drink it, is to allow this wine to express its qualities!” FRANCE-BURGUNDY Domaine Jouard Chassagne-Montrachet Morgeot Les Fairendes Premier Cru 2012 ($79.95) $59 special Wine Advocate 92-94 points “The 2012 Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Morgeot “Les Fairendes” comes from the single lieu-dit: around 0.97-hectares planted in the 1930s. It has fine delineation on the nose: crisp lemon peel and orange scents intermingling with dried yellow flowers – delicate, dainty. The palate is very well balanced with a great sense of tension and poise, struck through with great nervosite that builds towards a refined, lightly spice-tinged finish. One of the best from the domaine this year.” Vinopolnotes– This is the lowest listed price in the USA! The next best listed price is $74.99 / bottle. Leflaive Puligny-Montrachet 2012 750ML ($119.95) $99 special John Gilman 92 points “The 2012 Puligny villages from the estate is quite tightly-knit and pure out of the blocks, with a lovely synthesis of totally beguiling fruit tones and great minerality. The outstanding bouquet delivers a blend of apple, a touch of tangerine, beautifully complex minerality, a touch of beeswax, citrus zest, apple blossoms and a deft touch of vanillin oak. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, pure and racy, with stunning transparency (particularly for a village level Puligny), a fine core, excellent focus and grip and a very long, snappy and relatively youthful finish.” Domaine Robert Chevillon Les Bousselots, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru 2012 ($119.95) $99 special Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 90-92 points “Good bright, dark red. Deep aromas of black raspberry, minerals, smoke and flowers, along with notes of licorice and dark chocolate; ripe and sexy. A step up in density and finesse of texture from the Chaignots, offering good acid spine to its wild dark fruit flavors. Quite dry and uncompromising today, finishing bright and long, with serious tannins and a juicy character. A very good showing.” Domaine Robert Chevillon Les Cailles, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru 2012 ($179.95) $149 special Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 93-95 points “Bright, deep red. Pungent crushed-stone minerality accents musky black cherry and red berries on the almost liqueur-like nose. Juicy, supple and energetic on the palate, communicating a sappy, youthfully imploded character and a magically light touch for such a rich wine. The tactile, slowly building finish saturates the mouth with red fruits and crushed stone. Great potential here.” Domaine Robert Chevillon Aux Chaignots, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru 2012 ($119.95) $99 special Antonio Galloni–Vinous 90-92 points “The 2012 Nuits-Saint-Georges Les Chaignots is one of the more supple wines in this range. As such, it won’t demand as much cellar time as many of the other Chevillon 2012s. Gently spiced notes open up in the glass, followed by sweet red berries, flowers and cinnamon. The 2012 is soft and understated, with lovely overall balance and tons of medium-term appeal. This is another gracious, totally inviting wine from Chevillon.” Domaine Robert Chevillon Les Saint-Georges, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru 2012 ($199.95) $179 special Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 93-96 points “Bright, deep red. Explosive aromas of black raspberry, blueberry, espresso, mocha, licorice, minerals and sweet oak. Sappy, dense and fine-grained, with its substantial volume leavened by licorice and violet accents. The saline, classically dry, slowly mounting finish features a whiplash of fruits and minerals that leaves the taste buds quivering. Wonderfully tactile and floral on the aftertaste. This has grand cru energy and class.” Vinopolnotes– This is the lowest listed price in the USA! The next best listed price is $199.99 / bottle. Domaine Robert Chevillon Les Perrieres, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru 2012 ($149.95) $119 special Antonio Galloni–Vinous 92-94 points “Chevillon’s 2012 Nuits-Saint-Georges Les Perrieres is striking. Iron, smoke, dark red fruit and menthol blossom in the glass as the wine fills out beautifully. The 2012 is wonderuflly complete, with great balance of fruit and structure. Readers will have to be patient with the 2012, but it is fabulous.” Domaine Robert Chevillon Les Pruliers, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru 2012 ($149.95) $119 special Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 91-94 points “Good bright, dark red. Discreet, pure, rather reticent nose offers red cherry and raspberry. Juicy, minerally and a bit youthfully imploded, offering terrific density and lift to the flavors of raspberry, strawberry and minerals. Lifted by a distinctly floral character I did not find in the last couple of samples. Solid and densely packed but juicy and light on its feet, finishing with serious but fine tannins and a saline touch. A superb showing today.” Domaine Robert Chevillon Les Roncieres, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru 2012 ($149.95) $119 special Antonio Galloni–Vinous 92-94 points “The 2012 Nuits-Saint-Georges Les Roncières is mesmerizing upon the first impression. Deep, rich, beautifully resonant layers of dark red/black fruit, smoke, cloves and new leather blossom in the glass. The Roncières is incredibly sumptuous for a young Nuits, but even so, there is plenty of detail in the glass. Most importantly, though, the 2012 also appears to be holding quite a bit in reserve, suggesting its best days are off somewhere in the future.” Domaine Robert Chevillon Les Vaucrains, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru 2012 ($179.95) $149 special Antonio Galloni 94-96 points “The 2012 Nuits-Saint-Georges Les Vaucrains is the most refined of these 2012s from Chevillon. There is no shortage of intensity in the glass, but here the tannins have just a little more silkiness than some of the other wines, while the flavors are generally a touch brighter and more lifted. Sweet red berries, mint, spices and freshly cut flowers inform the dazzling, virtually seamless finish. Simply put, the Vaucrains is superb in 2012.” FRANCE-RHONE Vignobles Brunier Domaine Vieux Telegraphe Chateauneuf du Pape Rouge 2012 750ML($89.95) $69 special Robert Parker 93-95 points “The top wine of the estate, the 2012 Vieux Telegraphe Chateauneuf du Pape (which is always a blend of 65% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 15% Mourvedre and 5% Cinsault and other grapes, from 65-year-old vines) is a classic example of the cuvee and possesses gorgeous aromatics (kirsch, garrigue, big minerality and background meatiness), medium to full-bodied richness and a firm, tannic spine. As is common, it will require a handful of years in the cellar to come around and have 15+ years of longevity. Drink 2016-2027.” Vinopolnotes– This is the lowest listed price in the USA! The average listed price is over 20% higher at $84 / bottle. ITALY-PIEDMONT Vietti Barolo DOCG Castiglione 2010 750ML ($59.95) $49 special Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2010 Barolo Castiglione is beautiful in the way it brings together the vibrancy of the year with a soft, inviting textural presence. Freshly cut flowers, mint, sweet spices, anise and red berries are all woven together nicely in the glass. With time in the glass, the wine blossoms with exquisite finesse, floral aromatics and exquisite overall balance. Ripe, silky tannins support the exquisite finish. An insanely beautiful wine, the 2010 will give readers a good idea of just how great the 2010 vintage is at Vietti. The Barolo Castiglione is made from a large number of parcels across the Barolo zone, many of which are of a high enough level of quality that they could be bottled separately. This is first-class juice.” La Ca’ Nova Barbaresco Montestefano 2010 750ML ($49.95) $39 special Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2010 Barbaresco Montestefano is yet another beautiful wine, and like the previous Barbaresco, it presents a series of aromas that are tightly linked to Nebbiolo tradition. There are floral and herbal notes backed by playful hints of white truffle and licorice. The wine is bright, solid, elegant and fine. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2016.” Vinopolnotes– This is the lowest (and only) listed price in the USA! GERMANY Joh. Jos. Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese 2003 ($69.95) $51.90 special Wine Spectator 94 points: “Stunning. Very aromatic and expressive, offering rose, apricot, lime and mineral notes allied to a clear, gossamer frame. Well-balanced, though somewhat soft in structure. Forward today, the finish should pick up more intensity with age. Best from 2008 through 2028.” Joh. Jos. Prum Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Spatlese 2008 ($41.95) $33 special Wine Advocate 92 points “Lime, mint, and dark cherry village-typically dominate the Prum 2008 Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Spatlese, with impingements of orange zest, fresh ginger, and wet stone adding further interest on a palate that manages in 2008-specific fashion to both sooth and invigorate. This finishes with an intensity that goes beyond that of the corresponding Kabinett, yet preserves the same sense of uncanny buoyancy. Look for three decades of satisfying evolution here.” Vinopolnotes– This is the lowest listed price in the USA! Joh. Jos. Prum Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Spatlese 2008 ($44.95) $38 special Wine Advocate 92 points “The Prums’ 2008 Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Spatlese is less obviously rich but even more remarkably delicate than the corresponding Zeltinger Sonnenuhr. Here too, we have creaminess of texture allied to refreshing brightness. Iris, buddleia, apple, and pineapple are tinged with enticing salinity, and one is drawn back infectiously for the next sip, as this wine’s intrigue and understated charm work their magic. Over the next three decades, I predict that this will remain the most intimate and delicate of the vintage’s Prum Spatlesen.” Stephen Tanzer 91 points “($44) Apricot pit, lime zest and clove on the nose. The delicate nectarine fruit and creamy texture are held aloft by nutmeg and mineral salts. Finishes bright, lively and satisfying, with a spicy character provided by the slate.” Joh. Jos. Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Spatlese 2007 ($59.95) $39 special Wine Advocate 93 points “The Prum 2007 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Spatlese is intriguingly- as well as gorgeously-scented with peony, narcissus, heliotrope, mint, and fresh apple. Creamy and buoyant on the palate, it caresses and seduces with suggestions of lemon chiffon and vanilla flan, but then leaves a surprisingly adamant, stony, subtly zesty finish as if to put the taster on notice that there is a lot more here than meets the palate at such a youthful juncture.” Wine Spectator 93 points “Floral, peach, lime and herb aromas and flavors really sing in this elegant, silky Riesling. Beautifully integrated with the bright structure, showing intensity and length in a seamless, effortless manner. Mouthwatering finish. Drink now through 2035.” Vinopolnotes– This is the lowest listed price in the USA! The average listed price is $44 / bottle. Joh. Jos. Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Spatlese 2008 ($49.95) $41.90 special Wine Advocate 93+ points “The Prum 2008 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Spatlese – as with the corresponding Kabinett – is aromatically more marked by the residues of fermentation than are its immediate siblings. Hints of mango, quince, and musk added to the more predictable apple, vanilla, and liquid floral perfume and lend this an exotic touch, while its mineral side is dominated by striking salinity that enhances the savory stimulation of a long finish as well as offering a fascinating foil to the wine’s creaminess of texture and sheer ripeness. And while the nose needs to clear up here, the palate displays a remarkable sense of clarity to a wealth of flowers and spices. The wine seems to coat the palate while hovering above it, to seduce without touching. This should put on quite a show over the next 30 or more years.” Vinopolnotes– This is the lowest listed price in the USA! Joh. Jos. Prum Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Spatlese 2007 ($44.95) $36 special Wine Advocate 93 points “There could scarcely be a more dramatic contrast than that between the Prums’ 2007 Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Spatlese and their Bernkasteler Badstube Spatlese. Whereas the latter-for all of its delicacy-is energetic, bright, and invigorating, this Zeltinger is a soothing, creamy essence of liquid flowers, accompanied by orchard fruit essences, vanilla, malt, and nut oils. Naturally-this being archetypal Mosel-there is something here too that one is practically compelled to describe as “stone”. If this wine doesn’t put you in a dream state, then you must suffer from genuine agitation!” Joh. Jos. Prum Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Auslese 2007 ($59.95) $49 special Wine Advocate 94 points “Yeasty, fermentative notes to some extent shroud the true aromas of the Prums’ 2007 Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Auslese, which with patience reveals high-toned herbal essences, fresh lime, and gardenia. In the mouth this is intensely saline and lime-fruited, making for a refreshing and enervating character one seldom finds at Auslese level, and that offers dynamic counterpoint to the wine’s wafting floral notes and its rich flavors of cherry preserve and honey. As Manfred Prum is the first to point out, this Auslese is more than a little Saar-like. It also finishes straight and penetrating as an arrow, with suggestions of peat, salt, and wet stone adding a fascinating mineral dimension.” Wine Spectator 94 points “Gorgeous aromas and flavors of tropical fruit salad stay vivid and etched across the finish thanks to the vibrant structure. Ethereal yet intense, with a snappy finish that makes you want more. Drink now through 2035.” Vinopolnotes– This is the lowest (and only) listed price in the USA! Joh. Jos. Prum Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Auslese 2013 750ML($49.95) $39 special Joh. Jos. Prum Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Auslese 2013 750ML ($51.95) $39 special Joh. Jos. Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese 2013 1.5LITER ($149.95) $119 special Joh. Jos. Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese 2013 750ML($59.95) $49 special Joh. Jos. Prum Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese 2013 750ML($51.95) $39 special Joh. Jos. Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel2013 750ML($119.95) $99 special Vinopolnotes- All of the above listed bottle are available here for the lowest listed price (including tax) in the USA!
Last Minute Holiday Gifts? Vinopolis Gift Certificates! No Plastic, No Tricks, No Fees, No Expiration Date! Give us a call or email to send your family and friends a Vinopolis Gift Certificate today!
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Spotlight Highlight New Arrivals
Located at the foothills of the Alps along the border of Switzerland, the Italian region of Valtellina offers challenging terroir and impressive wines. Valtellina is sheltered from northern winds by the mountains and receives direct sunlight throughout the day. It is composed of 25 miles of steeply terraced vineyards along the northern bank of the Adda River. In all, there are 1,500 miles of walls that support these near-vertical terraces that line an amphitheater 2,400 to 3,000 feet in elevation. For over 1,000 years, the region has been planted with Nebbiolo, known locally as Chiavennasca. Today, all Valtellina DOCG wines must contain at least 90% of this varietal. Nino Negri is the top estate from this Lombardian region and was founded in 1897. They manage 450 acres of vineyards in the Valtellina Superiore DOCG subzones of Sassella, Grumello, Inferno and Valgella. Winemaker Casimiro Maule, a Trento native, began at the estate in 1971 and has worked there his entire professional life, awarded Winemaker of the Year by the Italian wine magazine Gambero Rosso in 2007. Nino Negri’s specialty is a wine made from grapes that are air-dried for 100 days before pressing, known as Sfursat (“strained”). The results are an intense and opulent wine in the style of an Amarone with the elegance and complexity of a Barolo. The 5 Stelle Sfursat is the flagship wine of Nino Negri made from 100% hand-picked Nebbiolo. After drying, the grapes undergo a long maceration before being aged for 18 months in new French barriques and 6 months in bottle. Le Tense is a Nebbiolo wine produced from grapes grown in the Sassella sub-zone. The grapes undergo a short maceration before being aged in a variety of oak barrels for 20 months and in bottle for 4 months. Sfursat Carlo Negri is aged for 22 months in French oak casks after the traditional drying period. The Vigneto Fracia is a single-vineyard wine from the estate’s top vineyard that was planted in 1922. The wine is produced from 100% Nebbiolo grapes harvested slightly overripe. The wines are vinified and aged in French oak barriques. From their “Prestigious Selections” line-up of wines, the Ca Brione is a rare example of Valtellina whites, made from a blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Manzoni.
Nino Negri – Just Arrived All Available Here Now at the Lowest Listed price in the USA!
Nino Negri Ca’ Brione Bianco Terrazze Retiche di Sondrino 2013 750ML($34.95) $28 special Winery notes “Ca’ Brione has a yellow colour with green tints; it has an ample, composite perfume with hints of minerals that disperse into notes of exotic fruit and candied citron; the flavour is full, harmonic and elegant, and very keen, with an attractive fruity and vanilla undertow. It holds out well and improves with time.” Nino Negri Le Tense Valtellina Superiore Sassella DOCG 2010 ($37.95) $28 special Wine Spectator 91 points “The dried fig and strawberry fruit notes are set with plush tannins and juicy acidity in this expressive red, as well as accents of rose hip, dried marjoram and graphite. Shows lovely balance, with good intensity on the finish. Drink now through 2027.” Nino Negri Vigneto Fracia Valtellina Superiore DOCG 2010 ($39.95) $33 special Wine Spectator 90 points “Floral and tobacco notes lead the way in this light-bodied version, with supple tannins. Tangy acidity backs flavors of macerated mulberry and plum fruit, incense and iron. Drink now through 2020.” Nino Negri Sfursat Sforzato di Valtellina DOCG 2010 ($49.95) $39 special From the winery: “Produced from 100% Nebbiolo (Chiavennasca) grapes, picked by hand in the zones of Valtellina and Valtellina Superiore. Drying for 3 months is followed by vinification on their skins with a long maceration. After a short stay in steel, the new wine ages for 22 months in French oak casks.” Nino Negri Sfursat 5 Stelle Sforzato di Valtellina DOCG 2010 ($79.95) $69 special Wine Spectator 92 points “A graceful red, with polished tannins and delicately knit layers of ripe black cherry and damson plum fruit, cured tobacco and accents of ground anise and mocha. Light grip graces the aromatic finish. Drink now through 2029.”
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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Welcome Back Re-Arrival Favorites
Ceralti Scire Bolgheri Rosso 2012 750ML ($29.95) $14 special Vinopolnotes- The Ceralti estate is located in the territory of Castagneto Carducci at the southern part of Bolgheri. Here the Alfeo family has 13 hectares of vineyards along with a few hectares of olive trees. The Ceraltis have been farmers for several generations in Bolgheri, and after many years of selling grapes to Ornellaia and Sassacaia, 10 years ago, they built their own winery and are now bottling their entire estates’ grape production. Each vintage decides the ultimate blend, but it is typically 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot.
This is the lowest listed price in the USA! The average listed price is $17 / bottle
Atticus Pinot Noir Yamhill-Carlton District 2012 750ML ($29.95) $24 special Wine Spectator 93 points “Bright, vivid, expressive and intense, with cherry and raspberry flavors at the core, plus shadings of pear skin, yogurt, white pepper and floral that mingle with the fruit as the finish persists against refined tannins. Drink now through 2022.” Hall Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2012 ($59.95) $49 special Antonio Galloni 88-90 points “Hall’s 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon is laced with attractive plum, mocha, licorice, spices and menthol notes. This juicy, highly expressive Cabernet Sauvignon is shaping up beautifully. It should drink well pretty much upon release.” Caymus 40th Anniversary Edition Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2012 750ML ($79.95) $69 special Robert Parker 96 points “They appear to be immune to some of winedom’s less than intelligent trends and fads that we see from time to time, and the result is a spectacular 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon 40th Anniversary offering. Its dense purple/black color is followed by copious quantities of crème de cassis and blackberry fruit, silky tannins, a voluptuous texture and stunning purity as well as length. This full-bodied effort is a fabulous example of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon as well as a tribute to this amazing family. It is so good now, why wait? However, I’m sure that like most vintages of Caymus, it will last for 20-25 years. Amazing!” Dom Perignon Champagne Rose Brut 2003 750ML ($349.95) $219 special Wine Spectator 95 points “The whole is greater than the sum of the parts in this harmonious version. A delicate bead caresses the mouth, while flavors of currant pâte de fruit, dried apricot, pastry and pickled ginger expand on the palate. Subtly floral, with a fine frame of acidity driving this to the mouthwatering finish of smoky mineral and dried fruit. Drink now through 2030.” Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2003 Dom Pérignon Rosé is another wine that has come together quite nicely over the last few months. Given the exuberance and sheer vinosity of the 2000 and the 2002, along with the ripeness of the year, and the heft of the 2003 Blanc, I expected the 2003 Rosé to be a much bigger wine. Instead, it is surprisingly delicate and medium in body. Dried flowers, crushed raspberries and sweet herbs waft from the glass in a Rosé that is all about sensuality. With time in the glass, the richness of the fruit becomes more pronounced, while the tannin from the red grapes is also noticeable.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA! The average listed price is over 40% higher at $321 / bottle
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New Arrival Feature Jacques Lassaigne
Emmanuel Lassaigne is one of the few growers in the small village of Montgueux in the Aube sub-region of Champagne that does not sell his grapes to negociants. He owns 4.7 hectares of vineyard land in the village inherited from his father, Jacques. This is supplemented with grapes purchased from other growers in the village. The village is unique from the rest of the sub-region in that it rests above the same chalky vein that runs through Le Mesnil. It is an island of Chardonnay in a sea of Aube Pinot Noir. The Lassaigne vineyards have a southeastern exposure. He has most of the estate planted to Chardonnay, with 6% Pinot Noir. Emmanuel (pictured right) began in his father’s vineyards in 1999. He was a revolutionary for the area, being one of the first to vinify the wines separately by parcel. He grows the grapes organically without certification because he abhors the bureaucracy. Minimal amounts of sulfur are added to the wines during the press. Wines undergo fermentation in tank and barrel with indigenous yeasts. After aging in bottle, Emmanuel hand-disgorges all bottles with a technique he developed so he does not have to top up the bottles. The Non-Vintage Blanc de Blancs is a blend of nine vineyard sites from 35 year old vines and two to three successive vintages. It undergoes complete malolactic fermentation and is aged in new and old barrels for up to two years and in bottle for up to five before disgorgement. Le Cotet is a single vineyard wine that undergoes the same aging process from 40+ year old vines. La Colline is also from 40+ year old vines. The wine is vinified and aged entirely in neutral barrel, creating an opulent and creamy wine. The 2006 vintage wine is a blend of grapes from three vineyards made with no dosage.
New Arrival – Jacques Lassaigne Champagne All Available Here Now for the Lowest listed Price in the USA!
Jacques Lassaigne La Colline Inspiree Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut NV ($79.95) $69 special Wine Advocate & Wine Spectator 92 points “Aromatic, featuring apple blossom, bread dough and sous-bois notes, this well-structured version is underscored by a hint of chalk-tinged minerality, with the mouthwatering impression enlivening refined layers of poached apple and pear, crystallized honey, lemon curd and candied ginger. Drink now through 2020.” Jacques Lassaigne Le Cotet Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut NV ($79.95) $69 special Wine Spectator 91 points “A steely blanc de blancs, with a fine bead and aromatic notes of biscuit, bread dough, dried apricot, golden raisin and almond skin, all underscored by a streak of chalky minerality. Drink now through 2018.” Lassaigne Millesime Blanc De Blanc Brut 2006 ($99.95) $79 special Wine Advocate 93 points “Sourced from Le Cotet, La Grande Cote and Les Paluets–which last-named is southeast-facing and arguably the top site in Montgueux, opines Lassaigne–his 2006 Brut Nature is intriguingly and alluringly scented with fresh lemon and apricot, peony and narcissus, rowan and pistachio, along with sea breeze intimations and a pungency of struck flint. Startlingly silken and creamy, yet focused and vibrantly juicy this adds a sort of shimmering, crystalline sense of stoniness to an almost kaleidoscopically interactive finish. It ought to merit following for 6-8 years. Incidentally, Lassaigne believes that a purer expression of vintage character will always be achieved by maturing this cuvee in tank.” Jacques Lassaigne Les Vignes de Montgueux Blanc de Blancs Brut NV ($49.95) $39 special Wine Spectator 91 points “A firm, well-knit backbone of acidity meshes with the refined texture of this elegant blanc de blancs, supporting a subtle weave of pastry dough, almond paste, lemon curd, creamed apple and fleur de sel. Mineral-tinged finish. Drink now through 2018.”
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Staff Picks
Tenuta delle Terre Nere Etna Rosso 2013 ($24.95) $20.90 special “A beautiful and truly unique entry-level wine from a fantastic Sicilian producer. Opens with loads of fruit and raisins, and quickly evolves, allowing bright minerality and floral notes to come through and the subtle herbaceous notes to back it up. Finishes tart and lean, I can see pairing this red with anything from grilled steak to a seared salmon, with enough vibrancy to hold up to intense flavors and enough delicacy to not over power more restrained dishes.”
-Afton
Elio Perrone Tasmorcan Barbera D’asti 2012 ($19.95) $11.90 special Case-12 Elio Perrone Tasmorcan Barbera D’asti 2012 ($179.95) $119 special (that’s only $9.92 / bottle!) “Dark berry fruit, with a touch of mint, and soft, silky tannins make this a splendid wine for a variety of tomato sauce base dishes…or even pizza!”
-Troy
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Feature New Releases – Avignonesi Vin Santo
Though Montepulciano is much better known for its Sangiovese-based red wine, there is a lot to be said for the sweet whites made from the area’s vineyards, known as Vin Santo di Montepulciano. Typically made from Malvasia, Trebbiano and Pulcinculo (Grechetto), Vin Santo grapes are air-dried on straw mats (a method called appassimento, used throughout Italy) and aged in small wooden barrels for at least 3 years. Some producers, such as Avignonesi, choose to barrel age their Vin Santos for 10 years! Long term aging without capping off and the distinct flavors created by drying the grapes on straw mats, leads to amber-hued, often viscous wines, that are known for their rich aromas and distinctive flavors of nuts, raisins and toffee. Often given a vintage designation, these wines are capable of lasting for decades once bottled, the cool, mountainous growing climate of Montepulciano giving the wine a vibrant acidity capable of long term cellaring. A distinct style of Vin Santo, known as Occhio di Pernice (meaning eye of the partridge), is a rose consisting of at least 50% Sangiovese and aged in barrel for a minimum of eight years. Occhio di Pernice is known for its intense flavors of dried fruit and honey, and the delicate spiciness provided by the Sangiovese grape. Avignonesi’s Vin Santo di Montepulciano and Occhio di Pernice are hard-to-find and highly sought-after wines that are considered among the best of their class. Established in the mid-16th century, Avignonesi is one of the oldest wineries in Italy. In the past century, two families have driven the renaissance of this venerable brand. In 1974, when the Falvo brothers bought the property, they significantly invested in viticulture, in particular the development and promotion of indigenous varietals. After minority stakeholder Virginie Saverys gained full control of the estate in 2009, she began long term projects to overhaul the vineyard, the primary of which was to introduce organic farming and viticulture practices, the estate is now fully organic and certified biodynamic. Avignonesi owns 345 acres, which are divided into seven different properties, all situated at nearly 1,000 feet above sea level. The largest holding, Le Capezzine is comprised of a traditional vinsantaia and four different plots, (I Poggetti, Le Badelle, El Grasso and Banditella vineyards) which provide the grapes for the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Virginie and her team, including winemakers Matteo Giustiniani and Ashleigh Seymour, have a minimalist winemaking philosophy, striving to produce wines that offer authentic and memorable expressions of terroir, vintage and varietal. With their organically farmed vineyards and wines produced from 100% estate fruit, the Avignonesi motto is “Terroir speaks; we listen.”
Just Arrived – Available Here Now
These are the lowest (and only) listed prices in the USA! Very Limited Supply!
Avignonesi Occhio Di Pernice Vin Santo di Montepulciano 1999 375ML ($349.95) $299 special 6 bottles available Wine Spectator 98 points “Compelling and complete, this leads off with an aroma of mint, featuring flavors of treacle, toffee, graham cracker and brown butter. Thick and mouthcoating, with a pleasant cloying sensation on the finish. A unique dessert wine. Drink now through 2025. 10 cases imported.” Avignonesi Vin Santo Di Montepulciano 2000 375ML ($249.95) $199 special 12 bottles available Winemaker’s notes “Intense and full-bodied with a rich texture and an intriguingly sweet and spicy bouquet of candied citrus fruits, figs, honey and aromatic herbs. Sweet and intense, yet characterised by a fragrant acidity, this Vin Santo is unique in every way, feautring a never ending bouquet and a sensual taste. Suited for long refinement in the bottle, the Avignonesi Vin Santo can be kept for a long time, after the bottle has been opened, if properly closed and stored in the fridge.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Time to Say Goodbye Spectrum of Sparkling:
Dom Perignon Plenitude P2 1998 750ML ($399.95) $299 special Wine Spectator 98 points “Offers precision and finely detailed form, powered by an expansive palate of flavor. The layers of ripe crushed blackberry and glazed apricot fruit complement the saline-tinged minerality and oyster shell notes, graced by hints of pastry, honeycomb and exotic spice. Mouthwatering and persistent on the zesty finish. Drink now through 2030.” James Suckling 97 points “A P2 release indicating it has been matured to the 2nd Plenitude, the middle stage of Dom Perignon’s three-phase life as defined by Richard Geoffroy. This is a wine with some real tension between complexity and freshness that makes for incredibly engaging drinking. The nose offers up a little white peppery edge from the pinot; oyster shell saline freshness, red florals, sweet smelling woody spices and brioche, spiced biscuits and subtle roasted coffee notes – impressively complex. The phenolics register on the palate as a discreetly mineral, saline character, there’s sorbet-like texture through the middle before finishing with comet-like line and length.”
Aubry is one of the very few producers in Champagne to use the region’s indigenous varieties; Arbanne, Petit Meslier, Fromentea (Pinot Gris), and Enfumé, (a supposed mutation of Pinot Meunier). Blended with the more familiar Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay, these wines have been a major factor in putting Aubry on the map with the use of these seldom seen varieties allowing their originality to really shine. Following a philosophy of discipline, respect for tradition and creativity, twin brothers Phillipe and Pierre Aubry have carried the family tradition and are now the current proprietors. Descendants of a long line of winemakers, the brothers celebrate the tradition by bringing back these varieties their ancestors once used, working together to express beautiful interpretations of these ancient grapes that impart unique flavors and textures to the different blends. L. Aubry Champagne Brut Premier Cru NV 750ML ($41.95) $33 special L. Aubry Champagne Brut Premier Cru NV 1.5 LITER ($119.95) $89 special Case-12 L. Aubry Champagne Brut Premier Cru NV 750ML($449.95) $359 special (that’s only $29.92 / bottle!) Stephen Tanzer 91 points “Bright straw. Pungent aromas of Meyer lemon, pear and fig, with a gingery accent adding lift. Sappy, penetrating citrus fruit and floral flavors are given a refreshingly bitter character by notes of pear skin and peach pit, with a waxy note coming up on the back half. A smoky nuance lingers on the finish, which shows very good clarity and length.
Nestled between the Alps and open plains, Franciocorta is an oasis in the Lombardy region of Northern Italy. Blessed with sinuous slopes, diverse soils, and a mild, breezy climate that ripen the clusters of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grown here, more than a hundred winemakers transform these grapes into Italy’s most famed high-quality sparkling wines. Like Cava and Champagne, Franciacorta achieves its elegant effervescence thanks to secondary fermentation in the bottle—the “classic method”—and is limited to a specific geographic territory. The first sparkling wine to bear the name Franciacorta was created by the Berlucchi winery in the late 1950s. The wine, which was a conscious attempt at emulating Champagne, was very well received. Tasting notes for Franciacorta Brut wines sound remarkably like those of their Champagne equivalents, with frequent references to biscuit, brioche, lemon and lees. Berlucchi ’61 Brut Franciacorta DOCG NV ($29.95) $16 special Case-12 Berlucchi ’61 Brut Franciacorta DOCG NV ($299.95) $149 special (that’s only $12.41 / bottle!) Wine Enthusiast 90 points “This fresh, creamy Chardonnay-based sparkler is making waves thanks to its crisp acidity and full-bodied mouthfeel. The balance is spot-on, with delicate aromas of apricot, baked bread and sweet citrus that are backed by smooth and persistent perlage.” Berlucchi ’61 Brut Rose Franciacorta NV ($34.95) $18 special Case-12 Berlucchi ’61 Brut Rose Franciacorta NV ($359.95) $179 special (that’s only $14.91 / bottle!) Wine Enthusiast 91 points “A delicate pink color sets the stage for feminine aromas of pink rose, yeasty baked bread, small berries, savory forest and pine nut nuances. A fresh citrus note brings life to the finish and helps to enhance the wine’s sharp and lively perlage.”