Vinopolis Wine Shop
Will be closed tomorrow in honor of the 4th of July
We will reopen on Wednesday, July 5th for our regularly scheduled hours
10 am – 6 pm
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New Week – New Arrivals; Domaine Marc Colin: Newly Arrived; Foreau: Newly Arrived; La Vie en Rosé: New Rosé Arrivals; Bitouzet-Priuer & Wines Arriving from Neal Rosenthal in July; Autumnal Recap: Top Picks
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Featured New Arrival
Perrier Jouet Belle Epoque Brut Millesime Rose, Champagne 2005 750ML ($349.95) $149 special
Case-6 Perrier Jouet Belle Epoque Brut Millesime Rose, Champagne 2005 750ML ($1,799.95) $799 special (that’s only $133.17/bottle!)
Wine Enthusiast 95 points “The palest of rosés, this crisp, bright and fruity wine is full of tight acidity, freshly picked raspberries and steely acidity. It could age a few more years to bring out a toastier character.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Even lower than auction!
The next best price is $250
The average price is $326
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Summer Shipping Special:
Midwest, East, & South
For the summer season we are offering UPS Three Day Select Service for the price of UPS Ground for shipments normally traveling 4 or more business days by ground.
Free service upgrade only applies on single orders purchased and shipped during the promotional period. Additional fees will apply to orders held for any reason until after the promotional period and shipped by Three Day Select. Offer not valid on items purchased before the promotional period or on pre-arrival items that arrive after the promotional period ends.
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New Week – New Arrivals
Oregon
Goodfellow Family Cellars Ramato Whistling Ridge Pinot Gris, Ribbon Ridge 2016 750ML ($24.95) $19.90 special
VinopolNote: This ‘orange wine’ is made from a 1990 planting in the dry farmed Whistling Ridge vineyard. It was raised in 8 months in neutral French oak before release. A fascinating and appealing style of wine.
Goodfellow Family Cellars Heritage #5 Durant Vineyard Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2015 750ML ($69.95) $59 special
Winery note “Made with great thought, our reserve wine is crafted to stand strong for years to come. It was created to age for our son to enjoy one day, who is presently a toddler. Thus, it sees more new oak and is made from our favorite parcel of the vintage. Lay down for as long as you can, as patience is to be rewarded. #5 is from the volcanic soils of the Durant Vineyard. Vines planted in 1973. It spent 20 months in French oak.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
California
Maggy Hawk Afleet Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley 2009 750ML ($69.95) $49 special
Stephen Tanzer – Vinous 92 points “Bright ruby. Aromas of fresh red berries and candied rose are complicated by notes of sassafras, vanilla and allspice. Juicy and sharply focused, offering intense raspberry and cherry flavors that put on weight with air. Shows impressive clarity on the finish, which lingers with suave floral and spice qualities.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $54.99
The average price is $70
Hundred Acre Fortunate Son Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2012 750ML ($279.95) $239 special, 3 bottles available
Robert Parker 95-97 points “As for the Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines, there is the blend called Fortunate Son, and the 2012 edition is still in barrel. It displays opulence in its wonderfully sweet, pure blackberry and black currant fruit along with some earthiness, spice box, graphite and background oak. This is fleshy, rich, broad, and certainly capable of lasting another 10-15 years.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Hundred Acre Deep Time Ark Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2013 750ML ($499.95) $449 special, 2 bottles available
Robert Parker 97 points “The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Ark Vineyard is from a 15-acre parcel with 12.5 acres planted and the famous red soils of Howell Mountain with loads of gravel and pebbles. This wine was also aged 32 months in cask prior to being released. More chocolate and mulberry, as well as graphite, are present in this wine that has fabulous vibrancy, a full-bodied intensity, impressive levels of blackberry and cassis fruit, a touch of licorice and spice. It should drink well for 30-35 years.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Silver Oak Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2010 750ML ($179.95) $149 special, 1 bottle available
Wine Spectator 92 points “Shows a good touch of bottle age and a notably oaky presence, marked by dill, vanilla bean and coconut notes wrapped around a rich, authoritative, full-bodied core of dark berry, licorice, dusty, loamy earth and espresso. Drink now through 2028.”
Philip Togni Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2003 750ML ($199.95) $149 special, 1 bottle available
Robert Parker 95+ points “The 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is a blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. For those who don’t know, Togni has always made an uncompromising Cabernet meant for 20, 30, maybe even 40 or more years of cellaring. Gorgeously rich notes of black olives, black currants, graphite and wood smoke jump from the glass of this dense ruby/purple-colored, Medoc-styled 2003. At age ten, it displays a youthfulness similar to a 4- to 5-year-old wine. The finish is long, convincing and rich. It is reminiscent of a Spring Mountain version of a hybrid blend of St.-Julien and Pauillac. Unique to Napa and as distinctive as Philip Togni himself, it will benefit from another 4-5 years of cellaring and should last longer than your author. By the way, my cellar includes many vintages of Togni, and I rarely touch them before they hit 15 years of age.” (6/2013)
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon is just beginning to enter its early plateau of maturity that will last another 10-15 years. Smoke, tobacco, licorice, incense emerge from the glass, followed by hints of white pepper and orange peel that add intrigue and exoticism. The 2003 is relatively supple and open for a Togni Cabernet, but it also has enough depth to continue to drink nicely for years.”
France – Burgundy
See our special feature below for new arrivals from Marc Colin!
Camille et Laurent Schaller Chablis Vieilles Vignes 2015 750ML ($29.95) $24 special
Case-12 Camille et Laurent Schaller Chablis Vieilles Vignes 2015 750ML ($359.95) $259 special (that’s only $21.58/bottle!)
Decanter 90 points “Reticent lime nose. The palate has a rich attack, and is firm and concentrated. It shows impressive depth and weight of fruit for a village wine, with density and some chewiness. Textured and long.”
Importer note “Domaine Camille & Laurent Schaller is a family estate based in Préhy, a village in the heart of the Chablis vineyard. Laurent and his son Camille cultivate three grape varieties: Chardonnay, Aligoté and Pinot Noir. Their parcels are located in the villages of Préhy, Courgis, Chablis, Poilly sur Serein, Chichée (Premier Cru Vaucoupin) and Beine (Premier Cru Vau de Vey). The vines are planted in a clay and limestone soil which is typical of Chablis. It brings to wines great finesse, minerality and purity.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Vincent Dauvissat Vaillons, Chablis Premier Cru 2014 750ML ($119.95) $99 special
Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 93 points “(these vines average about 55 years of age, like the Séchet and Forest): Very pale yellow. Lemon oil, flowers and a lightly lactic yeasty nuance on the nose. Tight, upright and penetrating, with brisk lemony acidity intensifying the dense flavors of white peach and almond flower. Shows terrific grain and palate presence and finishes with explosive mounting length. A very serious Vaillons. Dauvissat noted that as these vines have aged, they are yielding consistently more mineral wines.”
Vincent Dauvissat Sechet, Chablis Premier Cru 2014 750ML ($119.95) $99 special
Burghound 92 points – Outstanding “There is a touch of dried apricot to the white peach, tidal pool and discreet citrus-infused nose. The lush but vibrant medium-bodied flavors possess good minerality and reasonably good detail, all wrapped in an impressively long and complex finish where a hint of lemon zest appears. This isn’t especially refined but there is excellent underlying material and ultimately it should reward up to a decade of cellaring.”
Vincent Dauvissat Sechet, Chablis Premier Cru 2013 750ML ($119.95) $89 special
Antonio Galloni 91-93 points “High-toned aromatics lift from the glass in the 2013 Chablis Sechet. Mirabelle plums, kirsch and Poire William meld into honey and sweet fruit in a layered, highly expressive Seches. There is plenty of early appeal, yet the 2013 also has enough depth to develop nicely in the cellar for a number of years. This is a lovely showing.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Vincent Dauvissat Les Preuses, Chablis Grand Cru 2009 750ML ($249.95) $219 special
Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 96 points “Pale yellow. Musky, slightly high-toned aromas of lemon, lavender, hazelnut and white pepper, complicated by suggestions of earth and toast. Sappy and densely packed but youthfully imploded; less glyceral today than the Forest and Vaillons but boasts explosive minerality and outstanding inner-mouth lift. The chewy, extremely long finish perfumes the taste buds with citrus peel, flowers and spices. A superb and very ripe example of this grand cru.”
Vincent Girardin Pommard Les Vieilles Vignes 2014 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Winery note “The grapes come from the village of Pommard in the south of the Côte de Beaune, between Beaune and Volnay. Soil : limestone and a little clay. South East exposure. 100% Pinot Noir. Guyot pruning with different yearly works in the vineyard (pruning, trellising on wires/tying-in, thinning fruit-bunches). The Pommard wine has a dark red colour with intense and percussive aromas of blackcurrant, musk and game. Acidity well-marked and a mellowness that only appears after a minimum of maturation. Tannic wine.”
Vincent Girardin Volnay Les Vieilles Vignes 2014 750ML ($54.95) $41.90 special
Winery note “Grapes come from the vineyards from the village of Volnay in the Côte de Beaune, and especially from “Les Lurets” and “La Gigotte” vineyards, at the bottom of Volnay. Soil: clay and limestone. Gentle slope. Grapes variety: 100% pinot noir. Guyot pruning with different yearly works in the vineyard (pruning, trellising on wires/tying-in, thinning fruit-bunches). Volnay combines breeding with nobility, delicacy, elegance and feminity. A delicate violet and berry fragrance. One of the finest representatives of the Côte de Beaune. The Volnay is in the Côte de Beaune what the Chambolle Musigny is in the Côte de Nuits. A feminine wine which is one of the only Burgundy Pinot Noir you can already enjoy and drink when young.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Vincent Girardin Les Grands Epenots Vieilles Vignes, Pommard Premier Cru 2014 750ML ($89.95) $69 special
Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 90 points “Moderately saturated medium red. Aromas of plum, redcurrant, mocha, licorice and oak spices don’t display quite the lift or darker fruit character of the Volnays at this address. Shows surprising sweetness and energy in the mouth, with dark cherry fruit complicated by sexy earth tones. Finishes spicy and firm, with good clarity but a slight tightness (40% of this fruit was lost to hail). Germain finds this wine more accessible than the Volnays today but that may be because the latter wines have more energy.”
Burghound 90-92 points “Reduction dominates the nose here as well. There is good volume and focus to the rich and velvety middle weight flavors that possess a dusty mouth feel, all wrapped in a balanced, persistent and energetic finish. This notably firm effort is not especially complex today but the underlying material appears to be of sufficiently high quality that more will almost certainly develop with time.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Vincent Girardin Les Santenots, Volnay Premier Cru 2014 750ML ($79.95) $59 special
Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 90-93 points “(made from two one-hectare parcels of vines with a high average age and tiny yields, according to enologist Germain): Bright, full ruby. Wild, reduced aromas of crushed blackberry, black cherry and dark chocolate. Seamless and superripe, conveying superb density of material in a round, silky way. Black fruit and violet flavors are framed and lifted by tangy, peppery, ripe acidity. The finish is very long and ripely tannic for a Côte de Beaune wine in 2014. A rather silky, feminine style compared to the tighter, more masculine Champans.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Thibault Liger Belair Les Saint-Georges, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru 2014 750ML ($179.95) $149 special
Burghound 91-94 points “Strikingly floral-inflected aromas display lovely purity and freshness on the wild red berry, warm earth-scented nose. There is good richness and excellent intensity to the compact, concentrated and stony medium weight plus flavors that possess a firm core of ripe tannins on the wonderfully long, linear and powerful finish. Like the Clos de Vougeot this is indisputably built-to-age and is definitely going to need at least a decade’s worth of cellaring.”
Domaine Faiveley Latricieres-Chambertin Grand Cru 2010 750ML ($249.95) $219 special
Stephen Tanzer 93-96 points “Good bright red. Noble, airy aromas of piquant pomegranate, smoky minerality, white pepper and leather. Densely packed and folded in on itself; like a black hole in the mouth. Great verve and energy to the saline and crushed stone flavors. Uncoils slowly with aeration, with the finish displaying almost painful intensity and terrific mounting floral length. A great soil-driven Latricieres in the making.”ST
Burghound 93-95 points -Don’t Miss- “This offers up a completely different aromatic profile than that of the Mazis with its extremely cool, restrained and ultra-elegant nose of a broad range of wild red berry fruits, stone, floral notes and spice hints. There is exceptionally good purity and transparency to the intensely mineral-inflected middle weight flavors that evidence ample power on the impeccably well-balanced and linear finish. This is a really lovely effort that embodies that ineffable quality of power without weight.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
France – Rhone
M. Chapoutier Ermitage de l’Oree Blanc 2013 750ML ($249.95) $199 special
Wine Advocate 100 points “Leading off three single-vintage whites from Hermitage, the stunning 2013 Ermitage Cuvee de L’Orée has an off-the-hook bouquet that includes just about everything you could think of when considering Hermitage Blanc. White peach, white flowers, almond paste, quince and wet rock are just some of the nuances, and it packs a serious punch on the palate, with full-bodied richness, a flamboyant, expansive texture and riveting focus and purity. Give it a year or so and drink it over the following 2-3 decades.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
M. Chapoutier Ermitage Les Greffieux Rouge 2013 750ML ($119.95) $99 special
Wine Spectator 95 points “Offers a solid, dark profile, with baker’s chocolate, loam and warm gravel notes providing the bass line, while a core of plum and blackberry compote waits in reserve. Solidly rendered, showing ample grip, this just needs a little time to unfurl in the cellar. Best from 2019 through 2030.”
Wine Advocate 94 points “One of the broader, more expansive and mouth-filling Hermitage in the vintage, the 2013 Ermitage les Greffieux comes from a site located lower down on the slope, just underneath the Méal and right up next to the town of Tain l’Hermitage. Its inky purple color is accompanied by terrific notes of blackberries, black raspberries, toasted spice, charcoal and roasted meats. Full-bodied, mouth-filling and with rock solid density and depth, its sweet tannin and overall elegant profile — all suggesting it will drink nicely for upwards of two decades.”
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 94 points “Deep ruby. A highly perfumed bouquet evokes fresh red and dark berries, Indian spices, candied violet and incense, lifted by a bright mineral quality. Silky, sweet and energetic on the palate, offering vibrant black raspberry, floral pastille and spicecake flavors that spread out and gain weight with air. Manages to be both powerful and graceful, offering superb back-end punch and velvety tannins that shape the floral finish.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine Rene Rostaing Cote-Rotie Ampodium, Rhone 2014 750ML ($89.95) $79 special
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 92-94 points “Youthful violet. Vibrant, spice- and mineral-laced black and blue fruit scents show excellent focus and pick up suggestions of cola and violet with air. Sappy, concentrated and pure, offering juicy blueberry and boysenberry flavors firmed by a spine of tangy acidity. Blends power and vivacity with a deft hand and finishes very long and minerally, with supple tannins building steadily and in harmony with the wine’s fruit. All of the fruit from Rostaing’s Côte Blonde and La Landonne holdings are in this bottling this vintage.”
Domaine Rene Rostaing Les Lezardes Syrah, IGP Collines Rhodaniennes 2014 750ML ($39.95) $36 special
VinopolNote: 100% old vine Syrah from vines bordering the Côte Rôtie appellation.
France – Loire
See our special feature below on new arrivals from Philippe Foreau!
Domaine Bruno Cormerais Methode Traditionelle Brut NV 750ML ($19.95) $16.60 special
Winery note “[Translated] Mostly Folle Blanche (Picpoule) from a blend of terroirs. Aged in the cellars of Saumur on the lees for 2 to 3 years.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine Pierre Luneau-Papin Muscadet Sevre et Maine Sur Lie Le L d’Or Granite Vallet 2015 750ML ($29.95) $24 special
David Schildknecht – Vinous 93 points “Lemon, grapefruit, white currant and white peach backed by tinglingly bright acidity and wreathed in floral perfume and greenery put me unexpectedly in mind of Riesling aromatics and flavors. A firm, dense but buoyant palate is saturated with maritime salts and alkali, as well as harboring a mouthwateringly and intriguingly sardine-like animal-mineral savor. The finish practically detonates, leaving your salivary glands milked and your mouth shaken but consummately refreshed and invigorated. This beauty combines the fruity generosity typical of 2015 with brightness and decisive mineral impressions more familiar from 2014, and is almost certain to stand as a high point for its vintage.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Domaine de la Pepiere Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine Clisson, Loire 2014 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special
David Schildknecht – Vinous 92 points “Scents of flowers and foliage mingle with saline, alkaline intimations of sea breeze. A surprisingly rich, silken-textured midpalate offers pear and lemon liberally laced with saliva-liberating salinity and crushed stone, leading to a long finish loaded with intrigue as well as refreshment.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
The average price nationally is $29
Domaine de la Pepiere Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine Sur Lie ‘Les Gras Moutons’, Loire 2015 750ML ($21.95) $18 special
David Schildknecht – Vinous 90 points “Scents of lime, grapefruit and apple signal a generosity of fruit unusual for Muscadet and confirmed on the silken-textured, expansive, yet exuberantly juicy palate. Subtle but efficacious salinity and crystalline “mineral” tactile tingle conspire to create a mouthwatering, fascinating finish. (With the migration of some fruit from this site to the estate’s Monnières-Saint Fiacre, this bottling now reflects vines averaging around 40 years of age, which Branger characterizes as “relatively young.” Reprehensibly, I neglected to taste the 2014.)”
Italy – Piedmont
Armando Parusso Bussia, Barolo DOCG 2008 750ML ($89.95) $79 special
Antonio Galloni 95 points “The 2008 Barolo Bussia is striking. Layers of super-ripe dark fruit, violets, minerals, menthol and spices flow from the glass. The Bussia is deep, textured and dazzling. Spiced, mentholated notes develop in the glass, lending a distinctly balsamic air to the Bussia. The 2008 boasts superb depth through to the dazzling finish.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Italy – Tuscany
Altesino Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2012 750ML ($59.95) $46 special
Wine Spectator 96 points – Highly Recommended “Cherry, leather and iron notes mark this suave, elegant red. A bit reticent now, but the fruit is fresh and long on the finish. The dense tannins leave a mouthcoating impression, but this opens up beautifully over a few hours. Best from 2021 through 2035.”
Wine Enthusiast 94 points – Top 20 Brunello “Marking the winery’s 40th harvest, this vintage offers classic Sangiovese fragrance: wild berry, blue flower, baking spice and a whiff of new leather. The palate is sleek and elegant, doling out juicy red cherry, crushed raspberry, cinnamon and star anise, framed by lithe, polished tannins and fresh acidity. It’s loaded with finesse and tempting now but will be even better with a few more years in bottle. Drink 2019–2026.”
Italy – Campania
Montevetrano di Silvia Imparato Colli di Salerno IGT, Campania 2010 750ML ($99.95) $79 special
Antonio Galloni 96 points “The 2010 Montevetrano is flat-out gorgeous. Vibrant, floral aromatics lead to layers of beautifully delineated fruit in this finely sculpted chiseled Montevetrano. A wine of extraordinary beauty, the 2010 impresses for its clarity and nuance. I don’t think I have ever tasted a young Montevetrano with this much pure silkiness and finesse. There is a level of precision and delineation in the 2010 that is truly marvelous. I can’t wait to see how it ages. The 2010 is also notable for a much higher percentage of Aglianico (30%) than has been common in the past, while the international varieties are less prominent in the blend. In 2010 Montevetrano is 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Aglianico and 20% Merlot, which means the Cabernet Sauvignon now plays a much smaller role in the blend.”
Montevetrano di Silvia Imparato Colli di Salerno IGT, Campania 2013 750ML ($89.95) $59 special
James Suckling 96 points “This is a famous red that delivers depth and finesse. Full body, ultra-fine tannins and a wonderful finish of blackberry, cocoa and spices including black peppercorns. One of the best Montevetranos in years. A blend of aglianico and merlot. Drink or hold.”
Italy – Sicily
Azienda Agricola Arianna Occhipinti ‘Siccagno’ Nero d’Avola Sicilia IGT, Sicily 2014 750ML ($41.95) $36 special
Winery note “Siccagno is my Nero d’Avola, born from those concentrated grapes which we precisely call Siccagna. Nero relates mostly Sicily, that it is wild, but it is also fresh and elegant and it is red fruit flavoured. That it has something noble and aristocratic, but it is also melancholic as a poet or a philosopher. That it is passionate, full of warmth and contrasts. The Nero which is the grape of our fathers and unites Sicily from corner to corner and it better gathers the spirit for centuries. A wine which I deeply love and since the first year it has always been with me.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
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Newly Arrived!
Domaine Marc Colin
Legacy-Level Quality
Under-the-Radar Price
The Colin family has owned vineyards for over 100 years; since 1970, Domaine Marc Colin has produced fine across 15 hectares within 26 appellations. From their home base of St. Aubin, they produce a 70/30 split of white wines sourced from holdings in Chassagne, Puligny, and Santenay, and – of course – St. Aubin. Their wines have earnest respect and acclaim for their purity and elegance. Now under the direction of Marc’s children John, Damien, and Caroline, Domaine Marc Colin has reached the upper echelon of Burgundy.
Vines are worked sustainably; some parcels age over 100 years! Unlike much of St. Aubin, the Colin parcels are situated on slopes – among their finest holdings there are the En Remilly and Chatenière vineyards. Harvest is done manually and no chemical fertilizers are used. While the use of new oak increased somewhat a few years ago, it is used less frequency nowadays. More recent vintages have been stunning in their clarity and freshness; we’re proud to feature a number of releases from the 2015 vintage, all newly arrived!
Newly Arrived Wines from Domaine Marc Colin:
Domaine Marc Colin et Fils Bourgogne Blanc La Combe 2015 750ML ($29.95) $24 special
“The 2015 Bourgogne Chardonnay “La Combe” had been bottled August 2016. It has a tightly wound nose that needed some coaxing, eventually offering wet granite and Granny Smith apple aromas, a touch of lychee in the background. The palate is very well balanced with good depth: plenty of lightly honeyed citrus fruit with a tang of spice on the straightforward finish. This is a delightful Bourgogne Blanc to enjoy over the next couple of years.”–Wine Advocate
“Outstanding Top Value: A ripe but fresh and cool nose offers up notes of various white fruit and citrus and in particular lemon. There is both fine volume and energy to the delicious and nicely detailed flavors that are refreshing as well as possessing better depth than is typical for the genre. Lovely and worth considering.”–Burghound
Domaine Marc Colin et Fils Les Combes, Saint-Aubin Premier Cru 2015 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Wine Advocate 90-92 points “The 2015 St Aubin 1er Cru les Combes was matured in 20% new oak, but unlike others it does not see any aging in foudres. It has a more strict and linear bouquet than its siblings, subtle notes of wet limestone and apple peel developing, a faint marine scent backing it up. The palate is subtle, tightly wound but very balanced, a more nuanced take on the vintage with a very harmonious, spice-tinged finish that is an absolute treat. Perhaps this is one I would be tempted to broach in its flush of youth, but it will age well.”
Burghound 92 points– Outstanding Top Value “This is also quite floral with aromas of smoky white orchard fruit, citrus zest and a light touch of minerality. Once again there is fine volume to the rich and relatively full-bodied flavors yet the finish remains cool, clean and quite dry in the context of the vintage. This is really lovely juice and worth considering.”
Domaine Marc Colin et Fils En Montceau, Saint-Aubin Premier Cru 2015 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Wine Advocate 90-92 points “The 2015 Saint-Aubin 1er Cru en Montceau displayed an energetic, generous bouquet that perhaps did not quite possess the killer delineation of the En Remilly by comparison. The palate is very well balanced and shows more sophistication than the aromatics at this early stage, very well-integrated new oak, walnut and white pepper notes permeating through the citrus fruit with great depth and body towards the finish. There is a lot of potential here, but it will need a couple of years after bottling for the aromatics to coalesce.”
Domaine Marc Colin et Fils Bourgogne Rouge 2015 750ML ($21.95) $18 special
“Light ruby color. There is good freshness to the raspberry and strawberry-suffused nose that introduces the detailed and energetic light weight flavors that are built on their fruit. The acceptable complex and persistent finish exhibits a hint of bitter cherry and this is already accessible.”–Burghound
Domaine Marc Colin et Fils Santenay Les Champs Claude 2015 750ML ($34.95) $28 special
Wine Advocate 90-92 points “The 2015 Santenay Vieilles Vignes Champs Claude, which comes from vines planted back in 1901 (so they are genuine Vieilles Vignes!) has a vibrant, edgy, redcurrant and cranberry scented bouquet, hints of tomato vine and persimmon developing in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with gentle, caressing tannin. This is one of the best balanced and harmonious of the domaine’s 2015s, with a sensual and quite beguiling finish that lingers long in the mouth. This comes highly recommended.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
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Foreau: The Master of Steely Vouvray
Although Huet might be better known as a producer of Vouvray, Phillippe Foreau is at least as good. More importantly, the wines he makes are different stylistically—more mineral drenched, steely and bright. These are wines which are firm and crunchy, from dry to sweet. In a vintage like 2015, this is a great thing. 2015 is an acclaimed vintage for good reason, but the wines can be rich, so with a winemaker like Foreau, this is harnessed to minerality and the wines absolutely sing.
Newly Arrived from Foreau:
Philippe Foreau Domaine du Clos Naudin Vouvray Demi-Sec, Loire 2015 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
“Again, Foreau does not produce a Demi-Sec every year. All depends on the level of ripeness at time of harvest. When a Demi-Sec is released by the domaine, it can carry somewhere between 8 and sometimes as much as 20 grams or so of residual sugar but, more often than not, a Foreau Demi-Sec will be at the 8 to 12 grams RS level. Obviously, each year develops from its own unique circumstances. As indicated in the general description above, Foreau NEVER chapitalizes to achieve the Demi-Sec level and malo-lactic fermentations are never permitted to occur. All still wines at Foreau are bottled during the spring season following the harvest.”–Importer [Neal Rosenthal] Note
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Philippe Foreau Domaine du Clos Naudin Vouvray Moelleux, Loire 2015 750ML ($79.95) $66 special
“The Moelleux cuvées are made in vintages when at least a portion of the vineyards produce grapes that carry significant levels of natural sugar. Botrytis sometimes occurs but it is not necessary in order to declare a Moelleux. Conditions of “passerillage”, that is extended exposure of the grapes to sun and high luminosity, create the impetus to release wines as Moelleux. Wines so declared can carry formidable levels of residual sugar: 25 grams is perhaps the minimum but more often the Moelleux at the Foreau domaine has 35 or 50 or sometimes even 80 or 90 grams of sugar left in the wine. The goal is to create a wine that is in perfect balance, maintaining a proper level of acidity while keeping the ultimate alcohol level under control.”–Importer [Neal Rosenthal] Note
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Philippe Foreau Domaine du Clos Naudin Vouvray Moelleux Reserve, Loire 2015 750ML ($129.95) $105 special
“It is the rare vintage that is blessed with the conditions necessary for Foreau to release a Moelleux Réserve. Wines so declared frequently have levels of residual sugar that are in excess of 150 grams of residual sugar. It is not, however, simply the level of ripeness that creates the Moelleux Réserve; it is as much the conditions of the growing season that produce grapes that have a level of complexity and ripeness that demand this sort of classification. An error that many make in assessing and utilizing these wines is to consider the sugar quotient as a disqualifier for use of this wine during any stage of a meal. Our experience is such that these wines can marry well with a wide range of dishes served at the beginning, middle or end of a meal.”–Importer [Neal Rosenthal] Note
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
We offer nine different wines in-stock now from Philippe Foreau, that’s 165 bottles, including these gems:
Philippe Foreau Domaine du Clos Naudin Vouvray Sec, Loire 2015 750ML ($59.95) $44.50 special, 35 bottles available
“When Foreau issues a “Sec” (and the decision to do so relates entirely to the vintage conditions and the composition of the grapes at harvest), the wine can carry from 1 to 2 grams of residual sugar but never more than 6 grams. Because of the vibrant acidity that accompanies these wines, the sensation one experiences is of drinking a scintillatingly dry wine, although one with considerable body and a honeyed texture. We tend to have several vintages available at all times so that our clients can have the option of enjoying the Vouvray Sec in its youth but also with several years of bottle age.”–Importer [Neal Rosenthal] Note
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $48
Philippe Foreau Domaine du Clos Naudin Vouvray Moelleux, Loire 2010 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 14 bottles available
Wine Advocate 93+ points “Straw yellow the 2010 Vouvray Moelleux offers a rather pure but rich nose with aromas of tuffeau, mushrooms, yellow-fleshed plums, honeydew melon, super ripe pears, cooked peaches, ripe and succulent mangos as well as hints of caramel, honey and new oak. On the full-bodied palate this is an extremely elegant and superbly balanced Chenin of great finesse, piquancy and precision with aromas of figs, cooked peaches and pears along with a lingering salinity. To those of you who love the incomparable nature of 2010 this is a wine you should buy.” WA
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Philippe Foreau Domaine du Clos Naudin Vouvray Moelleux Reserve, Loire 2009 750ML ($119.95) $79 special, 32 bottles available
Wine Advocate 97 points “What there was in this vintage of botrytis, Foreau reports, essentially went into his 2009 Vouvray Moelleux Reserve. Brown-spiced pear liqueur and quince preserves dominate the proceedings – wreathed in perfume of freesia and lily – and there are buoyancy and elegance, despite viscosity, enormous richness of texture and residual sweetness, that indeed point to the magic nobility rot can convey. Its sense of lift – when combined with luscious, still juicy suggestions of grapefruit and blood orange familiar from the corresponding demi-sec – wards off any risk of palate fatigue. Mysterious botrytis manifestations of stale bread, truffle, and white raisin emerge from the empty glass. This extraordinary achievement will stand with such past great Foreau moelleux reserves as 2005, 2003, and 1989-90 and is likely to merit 30 or more years of consideration. In direct comparison, what strikes one about the 2005 today is its more obvious sense of botrytis and its slightly diminished sense of acidity and lift. But it maintains the edge in sheer complexity.” WA
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $84.99
See the full list of all 71 different wines in stock now from the Loire Valley on our web store!
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La Vie en Rosé
New Rosé Arrivals
Cave Yves Cuilleron ‘Sybel’ Syrah Rose, IGP Collines Rhodaniennes 2016 750ML ($19.95) $16 special
Importer note “A pure northern Rhône Syrah vinified as rosé by Yves Cuilleron. This is robust and fruity with a touch of spicy strawberry that makes it a fine companion at the picnic table. Simple, straight-forward and satisfying … a fine value.”
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Domaine de la Bastide Blanche Bandol Rose, Provence 2016 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 92 points “Brilliant orange-pink. Intense, mineral-accented strawberry, cherry pit and blood orange aromas, along with a sexy floral overtone. Concentrated red fruit and lavender pastille flavors are supported by a spine of juicy acidity that adds definition and back-end cut. Closes very long and focused, featuring resonating minerality and a lingering floral quality.”
62% Mourvedre, 16% Grenache, 18% Cinsault, 4% Bourboulenc
Cantalupo Il Mimo Nebbiolo Rosato Colline Novaresi, Piedmont 2016 750ML ($19.95) $16 special
Importer note “Estate-grown Nebbiolo fruit, crushed and left to macerate overnight, then pressed off and fermented at low temperature. This is the first rosè from Nebbiolo that I remember from northern Piedmont, maybe 15 years ago, and it’s just delicious: raspberries, strawberries, fresh acidity. Nice bright flavorful complement to all kinds of foods (salmon, roast chicken, pork, salumi…). Don’t hold the price against it!”
“Vivid dark pink. Clean, fresh aromas of cassis, licorice, and spicecake. Then rather tight and much less pliant than this wine is normally, displaying good density and depth nonetheless. Red cherry and licorice flavors are nicely lifted by hints of violet, but a firm acid spine and a grainy, chalky mouthfeel leave a strong tactile, not especially fruity impression. The finish hints at a touch of residual sweetness and violet.”–Ian D’Agata – Vinous
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Recently Re-Stocked
You love it so much, we can’t keep it in stock!
Le Galantin Bandol Rose, Provence 2016 750ML ($21.95) $17 special
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 90 points “Light brilliant orange. Mineral-tinged red berry, blood orange and fennel scents, along with a hint of honeysuckle. Dry and nervy on the palate, offering bitter cherry and orange pith flavors that flesh out slowly on the back half. Clings with very good intensity on the finish, leaving a suave floral note behind.”
Importer note “The Domaine Le Galantin Rose is a classic Provencal rose with delightful fresh berry fruit flavors and a crisp finish. It is composed of 50% Mourvedre, about 25% Cinsault and about 25% Grenache. After the grapes are hand-harvested from their organic vineyards, they cool down the bunches to 50 degrees for a two day cold soak in order to extract fruit, color and aromatics. The juice is then racked off and the grapes are pressed to stainless steel tanks. 10% of the wine is Saignée, the rest come from grapes treated as for making white wine. On the nose, mineral, with complex aromas of red fruit and citrus. Full bodied on the palate, generous and elegant. Bandol rosé is an excellent accompaniment to bouillabaisse and other fish and shellfish dishes.”
Chateau la Mascaronne Cotes de Provence Quat’Saisons Rose, Provence 2016 750ML ($21.95) $18 special
Chateau la Mascaronne Cotes de Provence Quat’Saisons Rose, Provence 2016 1.5L ($59.95) $49 special
VinopolNote: La Mascaronne is the true Miraval. Yes Miraval, that delightful $18 Provence Rose that tasted like $30; until the winery was acquired by a certain Hollywood couple and the new management proceeded to stick the wine in a bulbous bottle and hike the price to $30+. But we have a secret to share with you. The original owner of Miraval kept his best vineyard, and that is La Mascarrone.
This is the only listing in the USA today for the magnum!
We offer 71 different rosé wines from around the world available here now. See the complete list on our web store!
Looking for something refreshing that’s not pink? Try this white or red – both are great summer refreshers served lightly chilled!
Quinta do Ameal Loureiro, Vinho Verde 2015 750ML ($24.95) $18 special
Case-12 Quinta do Ameal Loureiro, Vinho Verde 2015 750ML ($249.95) $199 special (that’s only $16.58/bottle!)
Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2015 Loureiro (bottled January 19, 2016) is unoaked, dry and comes in at 11.5% alcohol. I’ve been talking a lot about the great 2015s and also about how well this estate has performed over the years. (Check out the reviews of library wines this issue.) If it seems that the fates are pointing in this direction–you bet. The category, perhaps, also deserves some reevaluation upwards, but right here, right now, this has to go down as one of the best moments for the “regular” Loureiro in this fine estate’s history. (Admittedly, as I see some older ones continue to age and notably improve with age, the competition is increasingly stiff. They’ve exceeded expectations.) In any event, this 2015 is astonishingly wonderful, gloriously fresh and alive. It is one of the more aromatic wines I’ve had from Ameal. It is fun to just smell in its youth, very floral and almost exotic. It is also remarkably powerful. If it seemed quite nice on the first day, then on the second day the big acidic core took over, a hint of herbs popped up and it became even more powerful. The fine tension on the finish allows the fruit to linger and grip the palate. The juicy finish can make you drool. Reasonable in body for the grape, which in some years is more on the ethereal side, it seems multilayered, transparent and bursting with controlled flavor. As good as it was on the first two days, it seemed like the essence of Loureiro on the third day. As much as I preferred the library versions this issue for drinking now, here is an example of how delicious and exciting they can be when young, too. In that regard, this is built to age and we might have to wait a few years to be sure how truly great it is. If you don’t know top-end Vinho Verde and Ameal, you may be shocked at that. This will become more complex and (I suspect) flesh out over the next few years. It is, if anything, a bit too aggressive just now. You get this amazing value only because owner Pedro Araújo labors in Vinho Verde, where the top wines are undervalued. Take advantage. This is something you can buy a case (or two) of and likely drink happily over the next 15+ years. It will be something different and wonderful every time you come back to it.”
Maitia ‘Aupa Pipeno’, Maule Valley, Chile 2016 750ML ($14.95) $11.90 special
Case-12 Maitia ‘Aupa Pipeno’, Maule Valley, Chile 2016 750ML ($149.95) $128 special (that’s only $10.67/bottle!)
Wine Advocate 92 points “The super-tasty and gulpable 2016 Aupa Pipeño is a blend of País with some 30% Carignan (and whatever is found in the old vineyards) from a slightly cooler year. It keeps the style of previous vintages with the bright red fruit and the freshness of short macerations. In the dry-farming part of Maule they only saw 30 to 50 millimeters of rain when in the central valley they got 200! These grapes were harvested before the rain anyway, but the wine retains the freshness of a cooler year, fresher than 2015, more in line with the 2014 and 2013.”
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Arriving Friday, July 7th
Dominique Piron
The Piron family proudly dates its history in Morgon back to 1590, and the family has made wine in the region for 14 generations. The Crus are destemmed 25-100% and undergo a long fermentation before being aged in neutral oak, inspired by Burgundian practices.
Dominique Piron Morgon Cote du Py, Beaujolais 2014 750ML ($24.95) $18 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Dominique Piron Morgon Cote du Py, Beaujolais 2014 750ML ($299.95) $199 pre-arrival special (that’s only $16.58/bottle!)
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 92 points “Brilliant ruby-red. Powerful, deep-pitched cherry and dark berry aromas are lifted and sharpened by mineral and spice accents that gain strength as the wine opens up. Juicy and energetic in style, offering sweet cherry liqueur and blackberry flavors and a touch of candied violet. Musky herb and allspice notes appear on the subtly tannic finish, which hangs on with outstanding, floral-driven tenacity.”
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Produttori del Barbaresco Montestefano
Winery Cellared Release – Only 4 Cases Available!
Produttori del Barbaresco Montestefano, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2008 750ML ($69.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Produttori del Barbaresco Montestefano, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2008 750ML ($749.95) $649 pre-arrival special (that’s only $54.08/bottle!)
Antonio Galloni 95+ points “The 2008 Barbaresco Riserva Montestefano is exquisite and harmonious from start to finish. Among the more structured 2008s, the Montestefano is the wine that most hides its tannin, as the fruit is intensely perfumed, rich and totally seductive. Today the Montestefano provides the illusion of being relatively accessible, but it is virtually certain to shut down in bottle. The 2008 boasts striking aromatics, seemingly endless layers of fruit and power to burn. Readers can think of the Montestefano as a synthesis of Montefico, Ovello and Rabajà. Not bad, to say the least.”
Exquisite Chateauneuf
Henri Bonneau Chateauneuf-du-Pape Reserve des Celestins 2011 750ML ($399.95) $379 pre-arrival special, 6 bottles available
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 93-95 points “Bright ruby-red. Far more expressive than the Marie Beurrier, displaying a wild array of candied red fruits, flowers and Asian spices, along with an intense mineral overtone. Silky, sweet and pure on the palate, offering intense raspberry preserve and spicecake flavors and a jolt of lavender pastille. Closes long and sweet, with building spiciness and smooth, harmonious tannins that sneak up late.”
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Very Secret Volnay
Bitouzet-Priuer’s Classic Burgundy
Blame the internet. It’s no longer possible for there to be secrets in Burgundy—the days of incredible wines that fly completely under the radar are gone. Mostly. There are a few names, most notably Bitouzet-Priuer, out there making wines that we love at prices and quantities that don’t match the quality coming out of the bottle, at least for now.
We’ve seen prices rise a little and allocations tighten for the Bitouzet-Priuer wines, from Volnay, which is new to us. The wines have always been great and more than fairly priced; but it seemed like we’d be able to get as much as we’d like and while this is/was true with the 2011’s and 12’s (the domain releases wines later than some), it looks like going forward they’re becoming more widely known.
Neil Rosenthal imports these (which really is all the quality stamp you need) and describes them in a way we totally agree with: “Based in Volnay and blessed with extensive holdings in Meursault as well, this domaine is a tried and true standard bearer for all that is fundamentally good and sound in Burgundy: conscientious and sensitive work in the vineyards, respect above all for the specific character of each lieu-dit, patience and attention to detail in the cellar, and a commitment to producing wines of depth and, of critical importance, longevity.”
Arriving Mid-July
Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur Les Cent Vignes, Beaune Premier Cru 2013 750ML ($49.95) $41.90 pre-arrival special
Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 90 points “Bright red. Very primary, vibrant aromas of raspberry, rose petal and mint. Juicy and tightly wound, showing lovely intensity and energy but a medicinal reserve in the early going. I like the combination of density and airiness. Finishes with excellent cut and verve.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur Pitures, Volnay Premier Cru 2013 750ML ($59.95) $56 pre-arrival special
Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 92+ points “Bright red. Classy but reticent nose hints at bitter cherry. Densely packed and seriously concentrated, showing superb stony lift to the flavors of black cherry, violet and licorice. Really wonderful 2013 energy and density here, along with sneaky sweetness of fruit. Shows a youthful medicinal aspect but this is a bomb of primary dark fruits (Bitouzet described it as “a Pommard that changed its sex”). Finishes broad and long, with ripe, dusty tannins.”
Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur Taillepieds, Volnay Premier Cru 2013 750ML ($59.95) $56 pre-arrival special
Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 91+ points “Healthy dark red. Very primary nose hints at black cherry, menthol and bitter chocolate lifted by a floral topnote. Then sappy and saline on the palate, showing very good chewy concentration and medicinal reserve. Quite reticent today but displays a terrific balance between sweetness and firm minerality. Bitouzet wishes he made big bottles of this juice.”
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We have a plethora of Rosenthal wines arriving mid-July from several of his storied estates. You can see the full list below. Visit our web store to shop online!
France
Domaine Cheveau Pouilly-Fuisse Trois Terroirs, Maconnais 2015 750ML ($34.95) $29 pre-arrival special
Importer note “This Fuissé is sourced from three separate parcels, two of which are in Pouilly with the third situated in Fuissé. The vines are between 25 and 40 years of age and produce a wine with the typical richness and power of this appellation. After fermentation, the elevage is done in a mix of barrel and foudre for one year. This is the classic cuvée of Pouilly-Fuissé from this domaine.”
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Chateau La Rame Rouge, Bordeaux 2015 750ML ($19.95) $16 pre-arrival special
Importer note “The vineyards for this lovely red are at the base of the hillside vineyards of the estate in the village of Sainte Croix du Mont and are composed of sand, limestone and clay. The grape varieties are Merlot (60%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (40%) and the average age of the vines is thirty (30) years. The wine is fermented and aged in temperature-controlled vats and is bottled usually one year after harvest.”
Cave Yves Cuilleron Condrieu Les Chaillets, Rhone 2014 750ML ($79.95) $66 pre-arrival special
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 94 points “(aged in oak, 33% of it new): Pale gold. Penetrating aromas of fresh citrus and orchard fruits and violet are joined by hints of chalky minerals, fennel and ginger. Juicy and deeply concentrated on the palate, offering pear nectar and Meyer lemon flavors that show superb clarity and drive. The mineral and floral notes come back strong on the incisive finish, which hangs on with outstanding focus and tenacity.”
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Chateau Soucherie Coteaux du Layon, Loire 2015 750ML ($29.95) $26 pre-arrival special
VinopolNote: A sweet wine made from 100% Chenin Blanc
Winery note “A wine with the sweetness of Anhou, whose palate is velvety and round, and the ending is dominated by a pleasant freshness with notes of exotic fruits. The development of Botrytis cinerea as noble rot is best produced by alternating dry and wet periods. The damp nights, dew and morning mists of the Layon valley will stimulate the fungus, while the autumn sun of the afternoon will restrict its growth. So the specific conditions are met to develop a great sweet wine.”
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Chateau Soucherie Anjou Rouge Reliefs, Loire 2015 750ML ($21.95) $18 pre-arrival special
Importer note “This lively, fruity red retains a strong minerality to its finish that lends class and balance to this simple and reasonably priced wine. Cabernet Franc forms the backbone of this wine (90%) but is blended with a touch of Grolleau (10%). The vines are planted to gravel and schist soils. The elevage is in cuve on the fine lies for approximately eight months.”
Domaine Maurice Schoech Cotes d’Ammeschwihr, Alsace 2015 750ML ($19.95) $16.60 pre-arrival special
Importer note “Cotes d’Ammerschwihr: is harvested from hillside vineyards situated at the beginning of the valley that leads to the village of Les Trois Epis. This wine is primarily Pinot Blanc with a touch of Muscat … a fine, elegant wine of great value.”
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Chateau Simone Palette Rouge, Provence 2012 750ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Importer note “Those of you who know Simone realize that the red, a tenacious but ultimately elegant wine, is an equal, rather than dominant, partner to the striking rosé and the sublime white. Like the rosé, it is a blend primarily of Grenache, Mourvèdre and Cinsault but there are pockets of old-growth vines of Syrah, Manosquin, Castet, Carignan, Cabernet Sauvignon and Muscat Noir that season the vineyards and add to the stunning complexity of these wines. The influence of Mont Sainte Victoire, its surface covered in rich pine forest, is apparent in the flavors and aromas of the red wine of Simone. Annually, there are 2400 bottles available for the US market.”
Domaine de Montbourgeau Vins Blancs de L’Etoile, Jura 2013 750ML ($34.95) $28 pre-arrival special
Importer note “This cuvée is the classic white wine of Montbourgeau. It is usually bottled after 24 to 30 months of elevage in barrel. Chardonnay is the dominant grape but an occasional Savagnin vine is found within the Chardonnay plantings, an addition which adds a touch of complexity to the ultimate blend. The fermentation occurs in stainless steel but, after malolactic, the wine is racked into small barrel and demi-muids for two years. At that point, the entire production is assembled and left for several months in cuve before being bottled.”
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Italy
Monsecco Gattinara DOCG, Piedmont 2011 750ML ($41.95) $36 pre-arrival special
Importer note “After a manual harvest, the grapes undergo an extensive cuvaison and then are racked into a combination of large “botte” and second year French barrique for at least three years of aging prior to being bottled.”
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Monsecco Ghemme DOCG, Piedmont 2011 750ML ($39.95) $33 pre-arrival special
Importer note “An extraordinarily age-worthy wine that will mature nicely over 20 years or more in the cellar, in its youth this medium to full bodied wine shows a lovely mélange of red and dark berry fruits, with hints of tobacco and spice and a very long finish. 85% Nebbiolo with 15% Vespolina and Uva Rara of an average age of 30 years, the wine macerates for 12 days before fermentation in stainless steel. The wine is then transferred to a combination of old Slovenian botte, and second year French barrique for an additional 3 years, and to put the finishing touches on its élèvage: a year in bottle before release. A wine such as this is a testament to the glory and longevity of mountain Nebbiolo. Decant for best results!”
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De Forville Moscato d’Asti DOCG, Piedmont 2016 750ML ($19.95) $16 pre-arrival special
Importer note “The Moscato is harvested from the vineyards in Castagnole Lanze and is vinified in stainless steel as a naturally sparkling wine with residual sugar. The vines are approximately 25 years of age (as of 2011). The fermentation is blocked when the wine achieves about 5% alcohol and the wine is bottled in late winter or the early spring of the following year.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
De Forville Barbera d’Alba, Piedmont 2015 750ML ($19.95) $16 pre-arrival special
Importer note “This vibrant, full-bodied red is a blend of grapes harvested in parcels spread amongst the three communes of Barbaresco, Neive and Alba. Included as the primary source are grapes harvested in the cru “Ga’Grosso” in Barbaresco. The grapes are crushed and are then fermented in stainless steel for almost two weeks after which the wine is racked into oak barrels and “botti” for one year prior to bottling. The average age of the vines is 30 years.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
De Forville Langhe Nebbiolo, Piedmont 2015 750ML ($24.95) $19 pre-arrival special
Importer note “This cuvée is a selection of Nebbiolo from the younger vines of the various “cru” in Barbaresco supplemented by grapes from the neighboring village of Neive. The average age of the vines is 30 years. The wine is fermented in stainless steel for 10 days to 2 weeks and then is refined in large oak barrels for an additional year before being bottled. An astonishing value … as are all of the fine wines from this remarkable estate.”
De Forville Vigneto Loreto, Barbaresco DOCG 2013 750ML ($39.95) $31.90 pre-arrival special
Importer note “The exceptional Loreto “cru” of Barbaresco is the source for this most profound wine of the De Forville estate. As with the Barbaresco “Normale”, the juice is fermented in stainless steel and then racked into large oak “botti” for about two years of aging before being bottled. Vines are approximately 35 years of age (as of 2011). More full-bodied and dense than the “Normale”, the “Loreto” also has additional aging capacity.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Brovia Roero Arneis DOCG, Piedmont 2016 750ML ($31.95) $26 pre-arrival special
Importer note “The sole white wine of the estate is produced in the Roero district from an 0.80 hectare plot in Vezza d’Alba. The soil is essentially sandy in composition and sits at 340 meters altitude on south-facing slopes. The vineyard was planted in 1980. Harvest (manual) normally occurs in mid-September. The grapes are briefly macerated and the fermentation occurs at controlled temperatures (around 15 degrees Celsius) for two to three weeks. The wine rests in stainless steel until the early spring months of the following year and is usually released to the market, after several months of bottle aging, in late summer/early fall.”
Brovia Vignavillej Dolcetto d’Alba, Piedmont 2015 750ML ($21.95) $18 pre-arrival special
Importer note “Harvested from classic clay-limestone soils from plots in Castiglione Falletto and Serralunga d’Alba, some planted in 1981 and the other portion in 1993. The grapes are crushed and fermented in stainless steel at 29 degrees Celsius for a period of a week to 10 days; then aged in stainless steel for seven to nine months before the bottling (unfiltered).”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Brovia Barolo DOCG, Piedmont 2012 750ML ($51.95) $46 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 89 points “Brovia’s 2012 Barolo is classy, polished and absolutely delicious. With a little bit of air, the 2012 can be enjoyed now, but it also has enough freshness and balance to drink well for at least a handful of years. I have seen Brovia’s straight Barolo age well, so I won’t be surprised if that turns out to be the case here as well. Floral and red stone fruit notes give the 2012 much of its freshness and mid-weight feel. This is an especially lifted, gracious Barolo for the vintage.”
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Autumnal Recap
Below are some of the top picks arriving this fall!
France
Le Clementin du Chateau Pape Clement, Pessac-Leognan 2015 750ML ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 92-93 points “A firm and silky second wine with blueberry and blackberry aromas and flavors…Full body, bright and fresh. Fine tannins.”
E. Guigal Condrieu La Doriane, Rhone 2015 750ML ($119.95) $89 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 99 points “Easily one of the greatest Condrieu I’ve ever tasted is the 2015 Condrieu La Doriane. A wine that needs to be tasted to be believed, it possesses a huge nose of toasted brioche, liquid rocks, apricot, flower oil and salty minerality. Unctuous, full-bodied, massively rich, yet also elegant and graceful, with beautiful freshness, enjoy this tour de force over the coming 5-6 years.”
Wine Spectator 95 points “Lush, with papaya, mango and ginger notes layered seamlessly, while hints of heather honey, anise and piecrust hang in the background. The long and rich finish has no choice but to let the fruit power on. All hedonism and thoroughly delicious. Drink now through 2022.”
Paul Jaboulet Aine Hermitage La Chapelle, Rhone 2015 750ML ($319.95) $236 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 97-100 points “A wine that might surpass the 2009 and 2010 is the 2015 Hermitage La Chapelle, which has more than a passing resemblance to the 1990. This inky black/blue-colored Hermitage offers an off-the-charts array of blackberries, blueberries, crushed rocks, wood smoke and charred meats. Thick, unctuous, full-bodied and incredibly layered, with sweet tannin, it’s a tour de force that’s going to have three to four decades of longevity.”
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 96-98 points “(20% new oak): Dark purple. Explosive, mineral-accented scents of ripe dark berries, licorice, incense, vanilla and exotic spices, with a smoky nuance in the background. Deeply concentrated yet strikingly lively and precise on the palate, offering intense, finely detailed black and blue fruit, bitter cherry and floral pastille flavors that are complemented by hints of olive, allspice and star anise. Offers an uncanny blend of richness and finesse, with no rough edges. Shows remarkable energy and thrust on the endless finish which features supple tannins that add shape and gentle grip. This is one of the finest examples of young La Chapelle that I have ever tasted from barrel, and that includes the legendary 1989, 1990 and 1991 trio. If you love northern Rhône wines this one really shouldn’t be missed.”
Chateau de L’Ou ‘Secret de Schistes’ Rouge, IGP Cotes Catalanes 2015 750ML ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Chateau de L’Ou ‘Secret de Schistes’ Rouge, IGP Cotes Catalanes 2015 750ML ($549.95) $419 pre-arrival special (that’s only $34.92/bottle!)
Wine Advocate 96 points “Saturated black in color, the 2015 IGP Côtes Catalanes Secret de Schistes is reminiscent of Manfred Krankl’s SQN Syrahs with its deep, unctuous, layered profile. Cassis, chocolate, licorice, smoked herbs and ample minerality all emerge from this full-bodied, sexy beauty that just begs to be drunk. Possessing ripe tannin, a stacked mid-palate and a great finish, it will be better in a year or two and keep for a decade.”
Italy
E. Pira & Figli Chiara Boschis Cannubi, Barolo DOCG 2013 750ML ($119.95) $89 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 96 points “The 2013 Barolo Cannubi is silky, vibrant and wonderfully perfumed. Sweet floral notes, meld into a core of bright red cherry, mint, white pepper and white flowers. Aromatically precise and finely sculpted, the 2013 possesses superb balance. In 2013, the Cannubi is all class. This is one of the most refined and gracious of Chiara Boschis’ 2013 Barolos and a very typical wine for the vintage. In a word: terrific!”
G.D. Vajra Bricco delle Viole, Barolo DOCG 2013 750ML ($99.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 97 points “The 2013 Barolo Bricco delle Viole is a real head-turner. Sweet, perfumed, vivid and exceptionally beautiful, the 2013 is simply stunning. A wine of exceptional finesse and sensuality, the 2013 hits all the right notes. Today, the 2013 reminds me of the 2008, but with more depth, density and creaminess – especially through the middle – and slightly redder fruit tones.”
Mazzei Tenuta Belguardo Maremma Toscana, Tuscany 2013 750ML ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 95 points “A red of great purity and polish, offering black cherry, blackberry, spice and herb flavors, this evokes tobacco, graphite and leather nuances as it builds nicely on the palate. Finishes with grip, harmony and complexity, as well as terrific length. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2028.”
Passopisciaro ‘Passorosso’ Terre Siciliane IGT, Sicily 2014 750ML ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
Ian D’Agata–Vinous 97 points “Bright red-ruby. The captivating nose combines strawberry, raspberry, minerals, violet and flint aromas. Creamy-sweet but amazingly light on its feet, offering palate-staining, perfumed flavors of soft red berries, ripe red cherry, vanilla, aromatic herbs and crushed rock. Rich, ripe and suave, but displays a penetrating, saline and energetic quality that gives this beauty a three-dimensional mouthfeel and a light-on-its-feet quality. Finishes with great length and wonderfully polished tannins. Absolute knockout wine: from a memorable vintage on Etna, this is most likely the best Passorosso ever (in earlier vintages, it used to be called simply Passopisciaro). Mainly Nerello Mascalese.”
Argentina
Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino, Uco Valley, Argentina 2012 750ML ($129.95) $69 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 98 points “Very dense and powerful with a tight palate of blue fruit and raspberry undertones. Salty with wonderful length and intensity. A blend of malbec from Nicasia Vineyard in Altamira and Adrianna Vineyard in Gualtallary. Drink in 2022 but so great now.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $108
Catena Zapata Nicasia Vineyards Malbec, La Consulta, Argentina 2012 750ML ($129.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2012 Malbec Catena Zapata Nicasia Vineyard feels fresher and more harmonious than the 2011, when in reality the vintage character is the opposite. It is sourced from the vineyard that names the wine and that is located in Altamira. The Malbec grapes fermented in open barrels and cement vats with 15% whole-cluster Cabernet Franc. There is one extra level of precision and harmony here. It has an elegant nose and the palate almost reflects the tension in the skin of the grapes with its a velvety texture and great acidity. This is really tasty and long, it could be the best Nicasia ever produced.”
James Suckling 95 points “Vivd aromas of currants and blackberries. So much dark fruit. Violets too. Full body, yet buttressed with a center palate of salty acidity and firm tannins. From grapes grown in Altamira. Persistent and vibrant. Drink or hold.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $111
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