In This Newsletter:
New Weekend – New Arrivals
New Arrival Special Feature:
Domaine Weinbach
Delamotte:
Extended Tirage Masterpiece
& Featured Blanc de Blancs
Trending
Rosé Feature:
Cotes du Rhone
Biondi-Santi
Ultra-Rare Vertical Packs & Winery-Cellared Release
Collector’s Corner:
Clos de la Chapelle
Thank you!
Vinopolis Wine Shop is Pleased to Announce
2021 Gold Medal Awards from Wine-Searcher
New Weekend – New Arrivals
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine A. & P. de Villaine Bouzeron, Cote Chalonnaise 2019 750ML ($49.95) $37 special
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 91+ points “The 2019 Bouzeron is a particular success, mingling aromas of crisp orchard fruit, white flowers and clear honey with hints of beeswax and freshly baked bread. Medium to full-bodied, layered and unusually concentrated, it’s a seamless, structured wine, with lively acids and a long, intense finish. Attractive though this is today, I can’t wait to see it with a decade or so on the clock.”
Italy
Elio Altare Unoperuno Barolo DOCG, Piedmont 2011 750ML ($299.95) $199 special, only 5 bottles available!
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2011 Barolo Unoperuno is an excruciating labor of love. Uno per uno means “one for one” in Italian and that’s how each grape is removed from its cluster. With such a labor-intensive regime, only five barriques of this wine are produced. This manual destemming means that the wine does not show any of the bitter astringency you can get with stem inclusion or even mechanical destemming. The tannins come from the seeds. The Arborina vineyard is the source of fruit and this is the second year that Barolo Unoperuno is produced. It shows a lighter garnet color and pure aromas of wild berry, dried blueberries and cassis. This ensemble is finely textured and elegant. The tannins are silky and lightweight. It takes ten days and ten people to execute the destemming process.”
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2011 Barolo Unoperuno is an experimental Barolo made from hand-destemmed Arborina fruit. Sweet, perfumed and lifted in the glass, the 2011 is intensely aromatic and silky. Succulent red cherries, spices and wild flowers all grace the palate in a silky Barolo that speaks to finesse. Nebbiolo is very hard to fully destem as the jacks are naturally fragile, the Unoperuno was made from hand destemmed fruit, a painstaking and time-consuming labor of love I have never seen in Piedmont. The two Arborina Barolos are markedly different in 2011, which is deeply thought provoking, to say the least.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $239.99
La Gerla was purchased in 1976 and has produced some of the best Brunello in the appellation. Farmed organically, the original vineyard purchased is now bottled separately as a Riserva but only during the most exceptional years. It includes original plantings made by Biondi Santi, high elevation and topographical isolation from adverse weather.
La Gerla Riserva gli Angeli, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2015 750ML ($119.95) $99 special
Wine Spectator 96 points “Rich and round, here is a red full of macerated plum and cherry flavors, with almond, leather, spice and earth accents. Firms up on the finish, where the vibrant fruit echoes. Best from 2025 through 2050. 500 cases made, 280 cases imported. — BS”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95 points “The La Gerla 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva gli Angeli is a softly textured and fleshed out wine that shows darker and deeper fruit (compared to the 2016 Brunello that I tasted at the same time). This wine makes a great first impression, mostly thanks to that sense of quiet balance. As it opens in the glass, I notice the pretty ripeness of the vintage with dark cherry and summer plum. In all, this Riserva gives us an accessible and rich expression that will perform nicely upon release. Production is 8,560 bottles, and this wine will hit the market in April 2021.”
Kerin O’Keefe-Wine Enthusiast 95 points “New leather, forest floor and ripe woodland-berry aromas make their way to the forefront together with whiffs of violet and pipe tobacco. Full bodied and firmly structured, the palate offers finesse and concentrated flavors including crushed raspberry, morello cherry, licorice and truffle framed in tightly knit, polished tannins. Drink 2023–2030.”
Eric Guido-Vinous 94+ points “The 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Gli Angeli is drop-dead gorgeous, as it keeps you coming back to the glass over and over to take in its alluring display of rich dark fruits with sweet mint, mulling spice and a grounding hint of flowery undergrowth. Its textures are seamless, coasting across a core of vibrant acids, which enliven its flavors of black cherry and currants. You can almost forget how youthful the 2015 is today, as it comes across as juicy at times. That said, there’s plenty of structure here to carry it for many years in the cellar. Notes of licorice, tobacco and sweet herbs linger long over a gentle coating of fine tannin. This may be dangerously delicious today; yet after just a few years of cellaring, I expect the Riserva Gli Angeli to fully blossom and provide a long and open drinking window.”
Casanova di Neri Giovanni Neri Rosso di Montalcino 2019 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Winery Note “Giovanni Neri is the new wine of Casanova di Neri, dedicated to the founder in order to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the estate. A unique wine that respects the philosophy and the style of Casanova di Neri, that are still the same as fifty years ago. Giovanni neri is the expression of a Sangiovese that comes from a vineyard that has a wonderful exposition, exceptional soil and vines forty five years old.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average listed price is $62
Casanova di Neri Cerretalto, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2015 750ML ($399.95) $319 special
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 98+ points “Of these new releases from this benchmark estate, the Casanova di Neri 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto is my favorite wine. This Riserva is larger than life with ripe fruit, raspberry, cherry, spice, cola, root beer, mesquite and cedar. The wine offers a flashy and generous quality of fruit that unfolds over time with a multifaceted and multi-layered presentation. One thing that stands out here is the acidity that is bracing and tart at first but then succumbs to an important supporting role, rendering lasting freshness and persistence to the finish. With time, you get a flash of cherry and crème de cassis that seals the deal.”
Eric Guido-Vinous 95 points “The 2015 Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto is remarkably fresh and balanced despite its large-scale persona. Minty herbs give way to raspberry and cherry with exotic spices and a hint of pine resin. It boasts depths of silky textures; yet it remains juicy and full of energy, displaying ripe red and black fruits, laced with salty minerals, as hints of cinnamon and baker’s chocolate form toward the close. Fine tannins come forward on the finish, tugging at the cheeks, yet all under an air of sweet spice and violet florals. As young as this is today, it’s hard to put the glass down, and I can only imagine the depths that will be revealed with five or more years of cellaring.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
The average price nationally is $359
Hungary
Royal Tokaji ‘The Oddity’ Furmint, Tokaj 2018 750ML ($17.95) $16 special
Wine Enthusiast 89 points “Aromas of apricot, white peach and flint entice your nose, while flavors of crisp apple, stone fruits and wet river rock excite your palate. It is crisp and clean with great minerality in the finish. -Jeff Jenssen”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
New Arrival Special Feature:
Domaine Weinbach
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Domaine Weinbach Pinot Gris Cuvee Sainte Catherine, Alsace 2019 750ML ($69.95) $45 special
Wine Spectator 92 points “A compact version, creamy and light- to medium-bodied, with a spine of sleek acidity enlivening the finely knit flavors of apricot, green almond and star fruit. Hints of pink grapefruit zest and ground ginger play on the stony, mineral-driven finish. Drink now through 2019. 100 cases imported. –AN”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine Weinbach Riesling Schlossberg, Alsace Grand Cru 2019 750ML ($79.95) $69 special
Wine Spectator 93 points “Juicy apricot and melon fruit leads the way in this lovely white, but the well-honed acidity quickly sculpts a path through the midpalate for flavors of dried white cherry, green almond and preserved lemon. A rich vein of stony minerality drives the echoing finish. Drink now through 2029. 150 cases imported. –AN”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average listed price is $79
Domaine Weinbach Riesling Cuvee Theo, Alsace 2019 750ML ($44.95) $39 special
Wine Spectator 89 points “A lively, balanced Riesling, with ripe and snappy Honeycrisp apple, peach skin and honeysuckle notes and a mouthwatering, stone-tinged finish. Drink now through 2024. 150 cases imported. –AN”
Domaine Weinbach Sylvaner, Alsace 2019 750ML ($39.95) $36 special
(Formerly labeled ‘Reserve’)
James Suckling 93 points “Although this was made from the least “popular” of the Alsace grape varieties, this is a beauty, with a wide spectrum of white and yellow fruit, the kind of concentration you expect from old vines and quite some power at the long, fresh finish. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or hold.”
Shop our full selection of Alsatian wines on our web store now!
This is the only listing in the USA today for the magnum!
Additional Blanc de Blancs Picks In Stock Now:
Charles Heidsieck is one of the great and historic houses of Champagne. However, because of their small size they tend to be overlooked. Their house style is notable for its richness and texture, incorporating long aging on the lees and significant amounts (20+%) of reserve wines in their NV blends. Best known for their classic Brut Réserve, Charles Heidsieck was one of the pioneers of the Blanc de Blancs style in the mid-20th century. And after decades of producing some of Champagne’s finest vintage Blanc de Blancs, the house relaunched their NV Blanc de Blanc in 2018. After tasting the wine, we’re left wondering what took them so long. In a few short years the wine is already being regarded as one of the best flagship Blanc de Blancs in the region.
Charles Heidsieck Blanc de Blancs, Champagne NV 750ML ($99.95) $66 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
William Kelley – Wine Advocate 92 points “Based on the 2012 vintage, the latest rendition of Heidsieck’s NV Blanc de Blancs incorporates some 20% reserve wines, derived from younger vintages to emphasize what Cyril Brun described as the “youthful” side of Chardonnay, in contrast to the mature expression of that cépage offered by the house’s Blanc de Millénaires. Unwinding in the glass with aromas of citrus oil, white flowers, green apple and walnut oil, complemented by some of the empyreumatic nuances so typical of the base vintage, it’s a medium to full-bodied, elegantly textural and incisive wine that’s lively and inviting. It was disgorged last year with nine grams per liter dosage.”
Decanter 92 points “One of the pioneers of the blanc de blancs style, Charles Heidsieck only relaunched its 100% Chardonnay NV Champagne in 2018. Round but incisive and fresh, this has lovely balance between its creamy, woody mouthfeel and its fresh, saline acidity. A lovely food wine.”
Diebolt-Vallois Blanc de Blancs Brut 2011 750ML ($59.95) $46 special, 33 bottles in stock now
No reviews for the 2011 vintage. 2010 review provided for reference.
Wine Spectator 92 points “This elegant blanc de blancs shows a pleasing vibrancy from the lively bead and bright acidity, both well-meshed to pretty floral and spice accents and flavors of Gala apple, biscuit and lemon zest. Creamy. Drink now through 2025. 16 cases imported.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut 2007 750ML ($179.95) $149 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 96 points “Taittinger’s 2007 Comtes de Champagne will be nearly impossible to resist upon release. Soaring aromatics, mid-weight structure and soft contours give the 2007 its alluring personality. Lemon oil, white flowers, mint, chamomile and green pear add brightness and freshness throughout, with a persistent, clean finish that makes it impossible to resist a second taste. Today, the 2007 comes across as a slightly more open version of the 2004, with freshness that makes that wine so appealing, and a touch of textural richness that recalls the 2002. Although the 2007 does not have the explosive energy or verticality of the profound 2006, it will drink better earlier. The 2007 has been positively brilliant on the three occasions I have tasted it so far.”
Decanter 96 points “The 2007 Comtes de Champagne is an astonishing Champagne. With aromas of dried flowers, chamomile and plenty of freshness, the bouquet is complex and dense. The fine and pure texture on the palate is supported by a chalk and iodine finish.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2007 Brut Blanc de Blancs Comtes de Champagne continues to show very well, and it hasn’t evolved appreciably since I last tasted it a few months ago. Revealing a pretty bouquet of lemon oil, lily pollen, dried white flowers, blanched almonds and crushed chalk, it’s medium to full-bodied, chiseled and tensile, with excellent depth at the core, racy acids and a pure, precise and notably chalky finish. Tight-knit without being austere, it’s a very classically balanced middleweight Comtes that has a long future ahead of it.”
R. Pouillon & Fils ‘Les Terres Froides’ Premier Cru Brut NV 750ML ($89.95) $69 special, 18 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 92 points “[Review for previous disgorgement] Pear and pineapple fruit flavors are ripe and juicy in this expressive Champagne, which floats on your palate with its light, lively mousse and mouthwatering impression. Finishes with notes of candied lemon zest, toasted almond and a salty mineral underpinning. Disgorged spring 2019. Drink now through 2023. –AN”
Winery note “Les Fourches is a parcel of more than 35 years old, situated at Tauxières on the far side of the terroir of Bouzy, facing north. The pure expression of Chardonnay from north-facing terroirs on the chalky-clay hills of the Montagne de Reims. Grape Varieties: 100% Chardonnay. Winemaking: Barrels and enamelled steel tanks, aging of reserve wines in oak casks.”
Importer note “Pouillon’s Blanc de Blancs has always come from the Terres Froides parcel in the village of Tauxièrres-Mutry in Montagne de Reims, and along with Mareuil-sur-Aÿ in the Vallée, these are the only two villages with a 99% rating, just missing 1 point for Grand Cru status. Fabrice has a half a hectare in this parcel which is a lieu dit of Les Fourches, south-west of the village, closer to Tours-sur-Marne. It has a north exposition and a cool to cold microclimate with risk of spring frost. The soil here is more chalk than clay which can be found closer to the village, and the cool microclimate is perfect for Chardonnay.”
Looking for 100% Chardonnay from outside Champagne? Look no further than this sparkling Chablis from one of our all-time favorite producers!
Domaine d’Henri 821 Chardonnay Brut Nature 2018 750ML ($35.95) $29.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Importer note “Produced from 35+ year old vines in the Chablis appellation using the Méthode Ancestrale meaning that the alcoholic fermentation takes place in stainless steel vats and bottled before aging with the CO2 necessary for the long haul already in the bottle. Aged on its lees for 24 months, it is then disgorged with no added sugar. 821 refers to the minimum total number of days necessary to produce this wine from the beginning of the growing season to the moment the bottle leaves the cellar. Delightful toast and citrus notes with some exotic tinges lead into a serious wine with high mineral tension, full fruit in the middle and a very fine and persistent bead. This is an impressive wine that will surprise many.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Love Champagne?
We have over 165 different options in stock.
Shop the entire selection, including famous names like Pol Roger, Laurent Perrier, Duval-Leroy and more, on our web store now.
Trending
This is Portland’s favorite non-sparkling pink and Bandol rosé at its crisp-est.
Le Galantin Bandol Rose 2020 750ML ($21.95) $19.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Importer note “Classic Provençal rosé with delightful tree-fruit and citrus notes (peach, nectarine, grapefruit) and a crisp finish. Structured and complex, with citrus and red fruit on the palate. Around 5850 cases produced. Around 50% Mourvèdre, 25% Cinsault and 25% Grenache, from vines planted on southwest facing hillsides, with clay/limestone soil.”
The sleeper hit of the Mordoree lineup, this is a big, dense Chateauneuf.
Domaine de la Mordorée Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Dame Voyageuse, Rhône 2016 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Domaine de la Mordorée Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Dame Voyageuse, Rhône 2016 750ML ($399.95) $276 special (that’s only $46/bottle!)
Jeb Dunnuck 95 points “The new entry-level release from this estate is the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Dame Voyageuse, a more Grenache-dominated blend of 90% Grenache, 4% each of Mourvèdre and Syrah, and the balance Counoise and Vaccarèse. Aged mostly in tank, with 15% in old barrels, it boasts a deep violet/purple color as well as a full-bodied, voluptuous style in its blueberry and cherry fruits, violets, damp earth, and spice-laced aromas and flavors. This cuvée is always more upfront and sexier compared to the more structured La Reine des Bois cuvée, and it’s already drinking brilliantly today. Nevertheless, it will keep for a good 10-15 years if you’re so inclined.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $69.99
The wines of Mount Eden Vineyards are legendary within the context and history of California. Winemakers and owners Jeffrey and Ellie Patterson continue to make some of the highest quality California wines in their iconic style.
Mount Eden Vineyards Wolff Vineyard Chardonnay, Edna Valley 2018 750ML ($29.95) $21.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2018 Chardonnay Wolff Vineyard from Edna Valley is pure, energetic and fresh this vintage. The nose is lovely, loaded with floral perfume and ripe citrus fruits. The palate is silky and expansive with a shimmering mineral character and a long, pure finish. It improved over the two to three days it was open and will benefit from a long decant. 4,256 cases produced.”
Vincent Paris has the benefit of incredible vineyard material, too, as he now works the vineyards that his uncle, Robert Michel, made famous. Stylistically, there’s definitely some of that old-school Michel rusticity, but overall, his wines are far more polished and in line with what we think of as good modern Cornas, sans new oak. There is an elegance about them that has always impressed us.
Domaine Vincent Paris Cornas Granit 60, Rhone 2016 750ML ($69.95) Was $55, Now $49 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 95+ points “The 2016 Cornas Granit 60 is more backward and reticent, with smoky dark fruits, earthy minerality, pepper, and bouquet garni aromas and flavors. Deep, pure, and concentrated, it’s a big, rich wine, yet it stays polished and elegant on the palate, with a straight, focused style that builds with time in the glass. Just a brilliant wine, it can be drunk today with incredible pleasure or cellared for 10-15 years. Bravo!”
Wine Advocate 94-96 points “Tasted from tank prior to bottling, the 2016 Cornas Granit 60 has the potential to eclipse the 2015. The nose is an exciting blend of flowers, minerals and fruit, while the palate is full-bodied and generous without the hardness or austerity of the 2015. This standout 2016 finishes long, plush and bright. With only about 5,000 bottles made, shrewd buyers will snap it up on release.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 93-95 points “(no new oak) Inky ruby. Smoke-accented black and blue fruits, licorice and olive on the intensely perfumed nose. Plush, sweet and broad on the palate, offering sweet blackberry, cassis and spicecake flavors that are energized by a vein of juicy acidity. Shows excellent depth as well as energy and finishes extremely long and smooth; rounded tannins build steadily and add shape and gentle grip to the lush, creamy dark fruit.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Sette Ponti makes some of the finest Super Tuscans out there. While they’re best known for Oreno, their top-end bottling, the wine of note in most years is their value-priced Crognolo. Made with every bit the same care as the flashier Oreno, Crognolo’s Sangiovese dominant blend provides a beautiful drink-now option at less than half the price of the flagship wine.
Tenuta Sette Ponti Crognolo Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2017 750ML ($39.95) $24 special, 28 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 94 points “A balanced and fresh red for the hot 2017 vintage with medium body, fine tannins and plenty of currants, blackberries and blueberries on the finish. Drink or hold.”
Wine Spectator 93 points “A beam of pure blackberry runs through this otherwise dense and focused red. Shows elegance, with balance and complexity, but needs time to integrate and reveal all its facets. Offers fine, minerally length. Sangiovese and Merlot. Best from 2021 through 2032. 7,500 cases made, 4,000 cases imported.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $26.99
New Weekend – New Arrivals
New Arrival Special Feature:
Domaine Weinbach
Delamotte:
Extended Tirage Masterpiece
& Featured Blanc de Blancs
Rosé Feature:
Cotes du Rhone
Ultra-Rare Vertical Packs & Winery-Cellared Release
Domaine Louis-Claude Desvignes Beaujolais
Clos de la Chapelle
Thank you!
Vinopolis Wine Shop is Pleased to Announce
2021 Gold Medal Awards from Wine-Searcher
Overall List in Portland – Gold
French List in Portland – Gold
European List in Portland – Gold
French List in Portland – Gold
European List in Portland – Gold
We humbly thank you, our subscribers.
Your continued support made this possible!
Your continued support made this possible!
New Weekend – New Arrivals
France
Diebolt-Vallois Blanc de Blancs Brut NV 750ML ($49.95) $37.70 special
Wine Spectator 91 points “Rich aromas and flavors of poached apricot, melon, tangerine and hazelnut are enlivened by vibrant acidity in this well-knit Champagne, with a creamy finish of graphite and spice. Disgorged December 2019. Drink now through 2023. 6,250 cases made, 650 cases imported. — AN”
Diebolt-Vallois Blanc de Blancs Brut NV 750ML ($49.95) $37.70 special
Wine Spectator 91 points “Rich aromas and flavors of poached apricot, melon, tangerine and hazelnut are enlivened by vibrant acidity in this well-knit Champagne, with a creamy finish of graphite and spice. Disgorged December 2019. Drink now through 2023. 6,250 cases made, 650 cases imported. — AN”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine A. & P. de Villaine Bouzeron, Cote Chalonnaise 2019 750ML ($49.95) $37 special
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 91+ points “The 2019 Bouzeron is a particular success, mingling aromas of crisp orchard fruit, white flowers and clear honey with hints of beeswax and freshly baked bread. Medium to full-bodied, layered and unusually concentrated, it’s a seamless, structured wine, with lively acids and a long, intense finish. Attractive though this is today, I can’t wait to see it with a decade or so on the clock.”
Italy
Elio Altare Unoperuno Barolo DOCG, Piedmont 2011 750ML ($299.95) $199 special, only 5 bottles available!
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2011 Barolo Unoperuno is an excruciating labor of love. Uno per uno means “one for one” in Italian and that’s how each grape is removed from its cluster. With such a labor-intensive regime, only five barriques of this wine are produced. This manual destemming means that the wine does not show any of the bitter astringency you can get with stem inclusion or even mechanical destemming. The tannins come from the seeds. The Arborina vineyard is the source of fruit and this is the second year that Barolo Unoperuno is produced. It shows a lighter garnet color and pure aromas of wild berry, dried blueberries and cassis. This ensemble is finely textured and elegant. The tannins are silky and lightweight. It takes ten days and ten people to execute the destemming process.”
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2011 Barolo Unoperuno is an experimental Barolo made from hand-destemmed Arborina fruit. Sweet, perfumed and lifted in the glass, the 2011 is intensely aromatic and silky. Succulent red cherries, spices and wild flowers all grace the palate in a silky Barolo that speaks to finesse. Nebbiolo is very hard to fully destem as the jacks are naturally fragile, the Unoperuno was made from hand destemmed fruit, a painstaking and time-consuming labor of love I have never seen in Piedmont. The two Arborina Barolos are markedly different in 2011, which is deeply thought provoking, to say the least.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $239.99
La Gerla was purchased in 1976 and has produced some of the best Brunello in the appellation. Farmed organically, the original vineyard purchased is now bottled separately as a Riserva but only during the most exceptional years. It includes original plantings made by Biondi Santi, high elevation and topographical isolation from adverse weather.
La Gerla Riserva gli Angeli, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2015 750ML ($119.95) $99 special
Wine Spectator 96 points “Rich and round, here is a red full of macerated plum and cherry flavors, with almond, leather, spice and earth accents. Firms up on the finish, where the vibrant fruit echoes. Best from 2025 through 2050. 500 cases made, 280 cases imported. — BS”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95 points “The La Gerla 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva gli Angeli is a softly textured and fleshed out wine that shows darker and deeper fruit (compared to the 2016 Brunello that I tasted at the same time). This wine makes a great first impression, mostly thanks to that sense of quiet balance. As it opens in the glass, I notice the pretty ripeness of the vintage with dark cherry and summer plum. In all, this Riserva gives us an accessible and rich expression that will perform nicely upon release. Production is 8,560 bottles, and this wine will hit the market in April 2021.”
Kerin O’Keefe-Wine Enthusiast 95 points “New leather, forest floor and ripe woodland-berry aromas make their way to the forefront together with whiffs of violet and pipe tobacco. Full bodied and firmly structured, the palate offers finesse and concentrated flavors including crushed raspberry, morello cherry, licorice and truffle framed in tightly knit, polished tannins. Drink 2023–2030.”
Eric Guido-Vinous 94+ points “The 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Gli Angeli is drop-dead gorgeous, as it keeps you coming back to the glass over and over to take in its alluring display of rich dark fruits with sweet mint, mulling spice and a grounding hint of flowery undergrowth. Its textures are seamless, coasting across a core of vibrant acids, which enliven its flavors of black cherry and currants. You can almost forget how youthful the 2015 is today, as it comes across as juicy at times. That said, there’s plenty of structure here to carry it for many years in the cellar. Notes of licorice, tobacco and sweet herbs linger long over a gentle coating of fine tannin. This may be dangerously delicious today; yet after just a few years of cellaring, I expect the Riserva Gli Angeli to fully blossom and provide a long and open drinking window.”
Casanova di Neri Giovanni Neri Rosso di Montalcino 2019 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Winery Note “Giovanni Neri is the new wine of Casanova di Neri, dedicated to the founder in order to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the estate. A unique wine that respects the philosophy and the style of Casanova di Neri, that are still the same as fifty years ago. Giovanni neri is the expression of a Sangiovese that comes from a vineyard that has a wonderful exposition, exceptional soil and vines forty five years old.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average listed price is $62
Casanova di Neri Cerretalto, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2015 750ML ($399.95) $319 special
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 98+ points “Of these new releases from this benchmark estate, the Casanova di Neri 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto is my favorite wine. This Riserva is larger than life with ripe fruit, raspberry, cherry, spice, cola, root beer, mesquite and cedar. The wine offers a flashy and generous quality of fruit that unfolds over time with a multifaceted and multi-layered presentation. One thing that stands out here is the acidity that is bracing and tart at first but then succumbs to an important supporting role, rendering lasting freshness and persistence to the finish. With time, you get a flash of cherry and crème de cassis that seals the deal.”
Eric Guido-Vinous 95 points “The 2015 Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto is remarkably fresh and balanced despite its large-scale persona. Minty herbs give way to raspberry and cherry with exotic spices and a hint of pine resin. It boasts depths of silky textures; yet it remains juicy and full of energy, displaying ripe red and black fruits, laced with salty minerals, as hints of cinnamon and baker’s chocolate form toward the close. Fine tannins come forward on the finish, tugging at the cheeks, yet all under an air of sweet spice and violet florals. As young as this is today, it’s hard to put the glass down, and I can only imagine the depths that will be revealed with five or more years of cellaring.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
The average price nationally is $359
Hungary
Royal Tokaji ‘The Oddity’ Furmint, Tokaj 2018 750ML ($17.95) $16 special
Wine Enthusiast 89 points “Aromas of apricot, white peach and flint entice your nose, while flavors of crisp apple, stone fruits and wet river rock excite your palate. It is crisp and clean with great minerality in the finish. -Jeff Jenssen”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
New Arrival Special Feature:
Domaine Weinbach
At the foot of the breathtaking Schlossburg hill lies Domaine Weinbach, producer of some of the most elegant wines in Alsace. Established as a Capuchin monastery in 1612, the Domaine was purchased in 1989 by the Faller brothers, who eventually left the property to Theo Faller, a pioneer who worked tirelessly to elevate Alsatian winemaking. Since 1998, Domaine Weinbach has tended their vines using biodynamic practices, and in 2010 attained Demeter certification. Vinification is a balancing act of minimal intervention and meticulous attention to detail. They begin by gently pressing their hand-picked fruit, then fermenting in ancient oak casks with native yeasts. The result is wines that are balanced, complex, and showcase the unique characteristics of each grape and terroir.
Newly Arrived from Domaine Weinbach:
Domaine Weinbach Pinot Gris Clos des Capucins, Alsace 2019 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
Wine Spectator 90 points “A light-bodied version, with snappy acidity creating a lively frame for the flavors of nectarine, Asian pear, rose petal and spicy mineral. A hint of almond shows on the juicy finish. Drink now. 300 cases imported. –AN”
Newly Arrived from Domaine Weinbach:
Domaine Weinbach Pinot Gris Clos des Capucins, Alsace 2019 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
Wine Spectator 90 points “A light-bodied version, with snappy acidity creating a lively frame for the flavors of nectarine, Asian pear, rose petal and spicy mineral. A hint of almond shows on the juicy finish. Drink now. 300 cases imported. –AN”
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Domaine Weinbach Pinot Gris Cuvee Sainte Catherine, Alsace 2019 750ML ($69.95) $45 special
Wine Spectator 92 points “A compact version, creamy and light- to medium-bodied, with a spine of sleek acidity enlivening the finely knit flavors of apricot, green almond and star fruit. Hints of pink grapefruit zest and ground ginger play on the stony, mineral-driven finish. Drink now through 2019. 100 cases imported. –AN”
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Domaine Weinbach Riesling Schlossberg, Alsace Grand Cru 2019 750ML ($79.95) $69 special
Wine Spectator 93 points “Juicy apricot and melon fruit leads the way in this lovely white, but the well-honed acidity quickly sculpts a path through the midpalate for flavors of dried white cherry, green almond and preserved lemon. A rich vein of stony minerality drives the echoing finish. Drink now through 2029. 150 cases imported. –AN”
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The average listed price is $79
Domaine Weinbach Riesling Cuvee Theo, Alsace 2019 750ML ($44.95) $39 special
Wine Spectator 89 points “A lively, balanced Riesling, with ripe and snappy Honeycrisp apple, peach skin and honeysuckle notes and a mouthwatering, stone-tinged finish. Drink now through 2024. 150 cases imported. –AN”
Domaine Weinbach Sylvaner, Alsace 2019 750ML ($39.95) $36 special
(Formerly labeled ‘Reserve’)
James Suckling 93 points “Although this was made from the least “popular” of the Alsace grape varieties, this is a beauty, with a wide spectrum of white and yellow fruit, the kind of concentration you expect from old vines and quite some power at the long, fresh finish. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or hold.”
Shop our full selection of Alsatian wines on our web store now!
Delamotte:
Extended Tirage Masterpiece
Extended Tirage Masterpiece
Delamotte is best known as the more affordable arm of Salon—the original luxury-collectible single vineyard Blanc de Blancs from Le Mesnil. While that’s understandable, it tends to ignore the fact that Delamotte is a Champagne house of note in its own right. If one were making a case for Delamotte as a great producer on their own, you could look no further than their “Collection” wines.
These are the peak of the Delamotte range, held on the lees longer and disgorged late to capture the full glory of mature Champagne. They have the racy brightness of their Cote de Blancs origins balanced against toasty, rich flavors that only come with age. The best comparison for these wines might be Bollinger’s “RD” series, except that Bollinger always works from a place of power and Delamotte from elegance and finesse. The only challenge with these wines is finding them. Lucky you we have eight in stock.
Delamotte Collection Blanc de Blancs Brut 2000 1.5L ($599.95) $499 special, 8 magnums in stock now
These are the peak of the Delamotte range, held on the lees longer and disgorged late to capture the full glory of mature Champagne. They have the racy brightness of their Cote de Blancs origins balanced against toasty, rich flavors that only come with age. The best comparison for these wines might be Bollinger’s “RD” series, except that Bollinger always works from a place of power and Delamotte from elegance and finesse. The only challenge with these wines is finding them. Lucky you we have eight in stock.
Delamotte Collection Blanc de Blancs Brut 2000 1.5L ($599.95) $499 special, 8 magnums in stock now
This is the only listing in the USA today for the magnum!
Additional Blanc de Blancs Picks In Stock Now:
Charles Heidsieck is one of the great and historic houses of Champagne. However, because of their small size they tend to be overlooked. Their house style is notable for its richness and texture, incorporating long aging on the lees and significant amounts (20+%) of reserve wines in their NV blends. Best known for their classic Brut Réserve, Charles Heidsieck was one of the pioneers of the Blanc de Blancs style in the mid-20th century. And after decades of producing some of Champagne’s finest vintage Blanc de Blancs, the house relaunched their NV Blanc de Blanc in 2018. After tasting the wine, we’re left wondering what took them so long. In a few short years the wine is already being regarded as one of the best flagship Blanc de Blancs in the region.
Charles Heidsieck Blanc de Blancs, Champagne NV 750ML ($99.95) $66 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
William Kelley – Wine Advocate 92 points “Based on the 2012 vintage, the latest rendition of Heidsieck’s NV Blanc de Blancs incorporates some 20% reserve wines, derived from younger vintages to emphasize what Cyril Brun described as the “youthful” side of Chardonnay, in contrast to the mature expression of that cépage offered by the house’s Blanc de Millénaires. Unwinding in the glass with aromas of citrus oil, white flowers, green apple and walnut oil, complemented by some of the empyreumatic nuances so typical of the base vintage, it’s a medium to full-bodied, elegantly textural and incisive wine that’s lively and inviting. It was disgorged last year with nine grams per liter dosage.”
Decanter 92 points “One of the pioneers of the blanc de blancs style, Charles Heidsieck only relaunched its 100% Chardonnay NV Champagne in 2018. Round but incisive and fresh, this has lovely balance between its creamy, woody mouthfeel and its fresh, saline acidity. A lovely food wine.”
Diebolt-Vallois Blanc de Blancs Brut 2011 750ML ($59.95) $46 special, 33 bottles in stock now
No reviews for the 2011 vintage. 2010 review provided for reference.
Wine Spectator 92 points “This elegant blanc de blancs shows a pleasing vibrancy from the lively bead and bright acidity, both well-meshed to pretty floral and spice accents and flavors of Gala apple, biscuit and lemon zest. Creamy. Drink now through 2025. 16 cases imported.”
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Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut 2007 750ML ($179.95) $149 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 96 points “Taittinger’s 2007 Comtes de Champagne will be nearly impossible to resist upon release. Soaring aromatics, mid-weight structure and soft contours give the 2007 its alluring personality. Lemon oil, white flowers, mint, chamomile and green pear add brightness and freshness throughout, with a persistent, clean finish that makes it impossible to resist a second taste. Today, the 2007 comes across as a slightly more open version of the 2004, with freshness that makes that wine so appealing, and a touch of textural richness that recalls the 2002. Although the 2007 does not have the explosive energy or verticality of the profound 2006, it will drink better earlier. The 2007 has been positively brilliant on the three occasions I have tasted it so far.”
Decanter 96 points “The 2007 Comtes de Champagne is an astonishing Champagne. With aromas of dried flowers, chamomile and plenty of freshness, the bouquet is complex and dense. The fine and pure texture on the palate is supported by a chalk and iodine finish.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2007 Brut Blanc de Blancs Comtes de Champagne continues to show very well, and it hasn’t evolved appreciably since I last tasted it a few months ago. Revealing a pretty bouquet of lemon oil, lily pollen, dried white flowers, blanched almonds and crushed chalk, it’s medium to full-bodied, chiseled and tensile, with excellent depth at the core, racy acids and a pure, precise and notably chalky finish. Tight-knit without being austere, it’s a very classically balanced middleweight Comtes that has a long future ahead of it.”
R. Pouillon & Fils ‘Les Terres Froides’ Premier Cru Brut NV 750ML ($89.95) $69 special, 18 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 92 points “[Review for previous disgorgement] Pear and pineapple fruit flavors are ripe and juicy in this expressive Champagne, which floats on your palate with its light, lively mousse and mouthwatering impression. Finishes with notes of candied lemon zest, toasted almond and a salty mineral underpinning. Disgorged spring 2019. Drink now through 2023. –AN”
Winery note “Les Fourches is a parcel of more than 35 years old, situated at Tauxières on the far side of the terroir of Bouzy, facing north. The pure expression of Chardonnay from north-facing terroirs on the chalky-clay hills of the Montagne de Reims. Grape Varieties: 100% Chardonnay. Winemaking: Barrels and enamelled steel tanks, aging of reserve wines in oak casks.”
Importer note “Pouillon’s Blanc de Blancs has always come from the Terres Froides parcel in the village of Tauxièrres-Mutry in Montagne de Reims, and along with Mareuil-sur-Aÿ in the Vallée, these are the only two villages with a 99% rating, just missing 1 point for Grand Cru status. Fabrice has a half a hectare in this parcel which is a lieu dit of Les Fourches, south-west of the village, closer to Tours-sur-Marne. It has a north exposition and a cool to cold microclimate with risk of spring frost. The soil here is more chalk than clay which can be found closer to the village, and the cool microclimate is perfect for Chardonnay.”
Looking for 100% Chardonnay from outside Champagne? Look no further than this sparkling Chablis from one of our all-time favorite producers!
Domaine d’Henri 821 Chardonnay Brut Nature 2018 750ML ($35.95) $29.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Importer note “Produced from 35+ year old vines in the Chablis appellation using the Méthode Ancestrale meaning that the alcoholic fermentation takes place in stainless steel vats and bottled before aging with the CO2 necessary for the long haul already in the bottle. Aged on its lees for 24 months, it is then disgorged with no added sugar. 821 refers to the minimum total number of days necessary to produce this wine from the beginning of the growing season to the moment the bottle leaves the cellar. Delightful toast and citrus notes with some exotic tinges lead into a serious wine with high mineral tension, full fruit in the middle and a very fine and persistent bead. This is an impressive wine that will surprise many.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Love Champagne?
We have over 165 different options in stock.
Shop the entire selection, including famous names like Pol Roger, Laurent Perrier, Duval-Leroy and more, on our web store now.
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Local mandates require properly worn masks for all regardless of vaccination status.
We also offer Curbside Pickup & Shipping
Order Online / By Phone / By Email
Trending
This is Portland’s favorite non-sparkling pink and Bandol rosé at its crisp-est.
Le Galantin Bandol Rose 2020 750ML ($21.95) $19.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Importer note “Classic Provençal rosé with delightful tree-fruit and citrus notes (peach, nectarine, grapefruit) and a crisp finish. Structured and complex, with citrus and red fruit on the palate. Around 5850 cases produced. Around 50% Mourvèdre, 25% Cinsault and 25% Grenache, from vines planted on southwest facing hillsides, with clay/limestone soil.”
The sleeper hit of the Mordoree lineup, this is a big, dense Chateauneuf.
Domaine de la Mordorée Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Dame Voyageuse, Rhône 2016 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Domaine de la Mordorée Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Dame Voyageuse, Rhône 2016 750ML ($399.95) $276 special (that’s only $46/bottle!)
Jeb Dunnuck 95 points “The new entry-level release from this estate is the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Dame Voyageuse, a more Grenache-dominated blend of 90% Grenache, 4% each of Mourvèdre and Syrah, and the balance Counoise and Vaccarèse. Aged mostly in tank, with 15% in old barrels, it boasts a deep violet/purple color as well as a full-bodied, voluptuous style in its blueberry and cherry fruits, violets, damp earth, and spice-laced aromas and flavors. This cuvée is always more upfront and sexier compared to the more structured La Reine des Bois cuvée, and it’s already drinking brilliantly today. Nevertheless, it will keep for a good 10-15 years if you’re so inclined.”
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The wines of Mount Eden Vineyards are legendary within the context and history of California. Winemakers and owners Jeffrey and Ellie Patterson continue to make some of the highest quality California wines in their iconic style.
Mount Eden Vineyards Wolff Vineyard Chardonnay, Edna Valley 2018 750ML ($29.95) $21.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2018 Chardonnay Wolff Vineyard from Edna Valley is pure, energetic and fresh this vintage. The nose is lovely, loaded with floral perfume and ripe citrus fruits. The palate is silky and expansive with a shimmering mineral character and a long, pure finish. It improved over the two to three days it was open and will benefit from a long decant. 4,256 cases produced.”
Vincent Paris has the benefit of incredible vineyard material, too, as he now works the vineyards that his uncle, Robert Michel, made famous. Stylistically, there’s definitely some of that old-school Michel rusticity, but overall, his wines are far more polished and in line with what we think of as good modern Cornas, sans new oak. There is an elegance about them that has always impressed us.
Domaine Vincent Paris Cornas Granit 60, Rhone 2016 750ML ($69.95) Was $55, Now $49 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 95+ points “The 2016 Cornas Granit 60 is more backward and reticent, with smoky dark fruits, earthy minerality, pepper, and bouquet garni aromas and flavors. Deep, pure, and concentrated, it’s a big, rich wine, yet it stays polished and elegant on the palate, with a straight, focused style that builds with time in the glass. Just a brilliant wine, it can be drunk today with incredible pleasure or cellared for 10-15 years. Bravo!”
Wine Advocate 94-96 points “Tasted from tank prior to bottling, the 2016 Cornas Granit 60 has the potential to eclipse the 2015. The nose is an exciting blend of flowers, minerals and fruit, while the palate is full-bodied and generous without the hardness or austerity of the 2015. This standout 2016 finishes long, plush and bright. With only about 5,000 bottles made, shrewd buyers will snap it up on release.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 93-95 points “(no new oak) Inky ruby. Smoke-accented black and blue fruits, licorice and olive on the intensely perfumed nose. Plush, sweet and broad on the palate, offering sweet blackberry, cassis and spicecake flavors that are energized by a vein of juicy acidity. Shows excellent depth as well as energy and finishes extremely long and smooth; rounded tannins build steadily and add shape and gentle grip to the lush, creamy dark fruit.”
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Sette Ponti makes some of the finest Super Tuscans out there. While they’re best known for Oreno, their top-end bottling, the wine of note in most years is their value-priced Crognolo. Made with every bit the same care as the flashier Oreno, Crognolo’s Sangiovese dominant blend provides a beautiful drink-now option at less than half the price of the flagship wine.
Tenuta Sette Ponti Crognolo Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2017 750ML ($39.95) $24 special, 28 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 94 points “A balanced and fresh red for the hot 2017 vintage with medium body, fine tannins and plenty of currants, blackberries and blueberries on the finish. Drink or hold.”
Wine Spectator 93 points “A beam of pure blackberry runs through this otherwise dense and focused red. Shows elegance, with balance and complexity, but needs time to integrate and reveal all its facets. Offers fine, minerally length. Sangiovese and Merlot. Best from 2021 through 2032. 7,500 cases made, 4,000 cases imported.”
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Rosé Feature:
Cotes du Rhone
Cotes du Rhone
The Southern Rhone is best known for full bodied reds, but have you tried the rosés? The villages surrounding Gigondas and Châteauneuf-du-Pape that comprise the Cotes du Rhone have similar terroir and grapes as their more famous siblings, but feature cooler growing seasons in comparison. This works out perfectly for rosé production, as it allows for more acidity to remain as the grapes ripen.
Domaine les Aphillanthes has vineyard holdings in three villages of Cotes du Rhone, with soils that are largely composed of iron rich sand with veins of limestone and a smattering of Galets, or “pudding stones.” Certified biodynamic and plowing exclusively by horse for over 10 years, the owners Daniel and Hélène Boulle suspect that the roots of their grapevines go 100 feet underground!
Their rosé is the same blend as their red with Grenache leading followed by Cinsault, Mourevedre and Counoise. Expect an entire spectrum of fruits including raspberries, bing cherry, fresh redcurrant and watermelon. From an aromatic perspective there’s a symphonic combination of rose petals, fresh ground espresso and cinnamon apples.
Domaine Les Aphillanthes Cotes du Rhone Nymphea Rosé France 2020 750ML ($17.95) $14 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Weygandt-Metzler Import note “Grenache, Cinsault, Mourvedre, Counoise. Biodynamic. Gailloux/Galets Roules over clay & limestone. Tasting note: Red fruit and bright acidity. Full body with a long and balanced finish.”
Domaine les Aphillanthes has vineyard holdings in three villages of Cotes du Rhone, with soils that are largely composed of iron rich sand with veins of limestone and a smattering of Galets, or “pudding stones.” Certified biodynamic and plowing exclusively by horse for over 10 years, the owners Daniel and Hélène Boulle suspect that the roots of their grapevines go 100 feet underground!
Their rosé is the same blend as their red with Grenache leading followed by Cinsault, Mourevedre and Counoise. Expect an entire spectrum of fruits including raspberries, bing cherry, fresh redcurrant and watermelon. From an aromatic perspective there’s a symphonic combination of rose petals, fresh ground espresso and cinnamon apples.
Domaine Les Aphillanthes Cotes du Rhone Nymphea Rosé France 2020 750ML ($17.95) $14 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Weygandt-Metzler Import note “Grenache, Cinsault, Mourvedre, Counoise. Biodynamic. Gailloux/Galets Roules over clay & limestone. Tasting note: Red fruit and bright acidity. Full body with a long and balanced finish.”
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Check out our addition in-stock Southern Rhone Rosés:
Domaine Charvin Cotes du Rhone Rosé Rhone 2020 750ML ($21.95) $18 special, 17 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 91 points “Light orange-pink. Mineral-driven red berry and pit fruit aromas are complemented by a suave floral topnote. Seamless and energetic on the palate, offering fresh strawberry, blood orange and nectarine flavors that deepen with air. Shows fine definition and spicy cut on the persistent finish, which leaves repeating pit fruit and floral notes behind.”
Weygandt-Metzler Import note “Grenache, Cinsault. Organic. Clay, galets roules & sand. Tasting note: Crushed strawberry, Bing cherry with hints of grapefruit and crushed stone. Medium body with a long finish.”
Chateau de Manissy Tavel Cuvee des Lys Rosé Rhone 2019 750ML ($21.95) $16 special, 15 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 91 points “Brilliant orange color. Mineral-accented red berry and citrus fruit aromas are complemented by a sexy floral nuance. Concentrated and energetic in the mouth, offering juicy redcurrant, cherry and candied rose flavors that slowly turn sweeter on the mid-palate. The mineral and floral notes echo on a penetrating finish that hangs on with very good tenacity. Drink 2020 – 2023.”
Importer note “Grenache, Clairette & Syrah from clay, river rock and sandy soils. Biodynamic. Juicy raspberry, watermelon, crushed minerals and burnt sugar. Full body with a long finish… Entirely hand-harvested. Maceration of 12-24 hours to extract primary aromas. Fermentation with only indigenous yeasts at a very low temperatures over 2 days, then increased in temperature to 25°C for 7 days in order to increase the fruity taste. Aged in concrete tanks and stainless steel. Natural balanced acidity of about 3.6hg/L and PH of 3.5mg/L with less than 1gr/L residual sugar. This cuvée comes from a plot of 10 hectares that is enclosed by a forest.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Chateau de Manissy ‘La Belle Etoile’ Rosé Rhone 2020 750ML ($14.95) $11.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 89 points “Pale orange-pink. Lively and focused on the nose, displaying fresh strawberry, white peach and orange zest scents, with floral and mineral nuances. Red berry and pit fruit flavors show sharp detail and a bracing hint of juicy acidity. The floral note repeats on the tight finish, which lingers with good tenacity.”
Weygandt-Metzler Import note “Cinsault, Syrah, Grenache. Clay & limestone. Tasting note: Crushed stone, pressed flowers and white cherries. Medium body with a long finish.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Shop our full listing of rosé wines on our web store now!
Biondi-Santi
Ultra-Rare Vertical Packs
& Winery-Cellared Release
In the beginning there was Biondi-Santi.
Yes, Biondi Santi is the genesis of modern Brunello: the combination of bottling 100% Sangiovese wine from Montalcino, propagating the Sangiovese Grosso clone, and finally (in 1966) helping draft the regulations for the Brunello DOC. The foundational work did not stop there however, with Biondi Santi undergoing some of the first Massale or heritage selections on their estate to identify the best clones for winemaking. These results paid off in spades, with Biondi Santi’s genetic material being some of the most sought after clones of Sangiovese in the world.
Biondi-Santi makes Brunello that all other estates are judged against. Their estate, Il Greppo, occupies some of the most hallowed ground in the Brunello appellation, in the heart of Montalcino. Their standards are high (they rarely release riservas) and their style defines classic. The wines are powerful, but not overwrought, elegant but emphatic. With the oldest vines on their estate now approaching 90 years old, there’s a level of depth and power in Biondi Santi that’s unprecedented anywhere else in Montalcino. We’re excited to offer new vertical packs of the normale and the riserva, as well as an extremely rare winery cellared release, all arriving in October.
ETA Early October:
Biondi Santi Tenuta Greppo Riserva, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 1983 750ML ($1,499.95) $1,199 pre-arrival special, only 2 bottles available
***Winery Cellared Release***
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 96 points “[Reviewed July 2021] This precious bottle is part of Biondi-Santi’s late-release program for collectors (I tasted bottle number 10,723). The 1983 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is showing beautifully on its aging timeline, although this bottle is slightly more evolved since I last tasted this vintage in 2019 before the pandemic. With slow and measured determination, the bouquet embraces dried fig, cured bresaola, burnt caramel, wet campfire, dried oregano and a familiar aroma that reminds me of the Florence leather market. However, there is a lot of life and vertical lift in this Riserva, thanks in great part to the beautiful freshness that keeps the tannins alive and adds a pop of pretty acidity to the close. The wine shows its age with pride and grace, and the final results are quite spectacular. In fact, I’m opening the drinking window up by an additional five years thanks to the latitude and depth shown here.”
Mixed Case-6: Biondi Santi Tenuta Greppo Annata, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG Vertical MV 750ML ($999.95) $799 pre-arrival special, only 1 mixed case available!
Mixed case: 2x 2009, 2x 2011, 2x 2013. No substitutions.
Review for 2009 vintage: Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2009 Brunello di Montalcino Annata is a beautiful wine laced with ethereal balsam tones, licorice, cola, dark fruit and forest floor. The acidity is evident but well-integrated within the thick textural richness of the wine. It closes slowly and quietly with a surprising flurry of delicate floral notes that pop up at the end. This well-built wine will hold for many years. Drink: 2017-2030.”
Review for 2011 vintage: Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 93 points “Jacopo Biondi Santi was already making wine at Il Greppo when the 2011 Brunello di Montalcino Annata was produced. His father, Franco Biondi Santi, would pass away in 2013 at the age of 91. The winemaking approach is unchanged despite the father to son transition. This wine shows extra richness and texture with focused fruit aromas that are graceful but also powerful. There are hints of ripe fruit with dried cherry and prune buried deep within the bouquet. In the mouth, this Brunello shows good structure and acidity with a slightly denser feel compared to past vintages.”
Review for 2013 vintage: Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 96 points “This is the year dottore Franco Biondi Santi would pass away, leaving the Brunello appellation orphaned because he was its most beloved and respected paternal figure. A wine shaped very much in his memory, the 2013 Brunello di Montalcino is a stunning edition, with a tight inner core of wild fruit and natural acidity surrounded by elegant tones of blue flower, wild cherry, cured tobacco, balsam herb and camphor ash. This vintage displays a beautiful garnet color that shines in the glass followed by mid-weight concentration and an especially fresh and vibrant finish that lasts for many long minutes. This wine should be held in the cellar for at least ten more years.”
Mixed Case-3: Biondi Santi Tenuta Greppo Riserva, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG Vertical MV 750ML ($2,299.95) $1,899 pre-arrival special, only 1 mixed case available!
Mixed case: 1x 2008, 1x 2012, 1x 2013. No substitutions.
Review for 2008 vintage: Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 94 points “The delightful 2008 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is expressive and feminine with crushed chamomile, forest fruit, bramble, tar and licorice. It renders a stirring, melodic performance that plays out slowly but with determination. Drink: 2017-2030.”
Review for 2012 vintage: Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 97 points “You will notice the dedication printed below the label of the wine label. It reads: “Dedicato a Franco Biondi Santi.” Indeed, the Biondi-Santi 2012 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is the last vintage made by the towering father figure of Brunello whom most everyone referred to as the “gentleman of Montalcino.” Il Dottore, as he was also respectfully addressed, died at age 91 in April 2013, and he was very active in the winery as this magnificent wine took shape. This Riserva is a true work of beauty. It is released one year later than usual. The wine reflects the natural heft and power of the 2012 vintage, and it also shows that distinctive open-knit and accessible personality that characterizes this warm and sunny growing season. Il Dottore’s magic touch is revealed in the level of fine detail and precision that transcends vintage, grape and territory. That extreme focus is an achievement of this estate alone located in the celebrated Il Greppo property. This Brunello pours from the bottle with a magnificent garnet color, and it evolves in the glass with dark fruit, candied orange peel, spice, licorice, anise seed, cola and balsam herb. The aromas are magical and ethereal, albeit slightly ripe and soft as expected of this vintage.”
Review for 2013 vintage: Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 98 points “The Biondi-Santi 2013 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is a stunning wine from all points of view. Seamless integration and elegant complexity are what stand out, and it’s worth dedicating a few extra lines to the aromatic depth that is put so beautifully on display as the wine slowly unfolds. The bouquet starts off with wild cherry, earth, wet ash, crème de cassis and pruny chocolate. With extra time, there are hints of dried tobacco leaf, sandalwood and mossy forest floor. These lead to a fine tail of dried herb, bay leaf and a touch of rusty nail. The Riserva comes in numbered bottles, and I opened number 04277. To the palate, the wine is streamlined and silky with smooth tannins and a well-managed 13.5% alcohol content. The oak presence is reduced to a minimum, offering mild hints of spice and the delicate sandalwood or dried fig aroma I described above. Fresh acidity is the glue that gives the wine buoyancy and staying power. At this young stage, this 2013 vintage could be considered a bit shy or slow to start, but this will play out to great advantage in the long term as the wine continues its bottle evolution.”
Shop our illustrious collection of Brunellos, including superstars of the region such as Stella di Campalta, Il Poggione, & La Gerla, on our web store now!
Yes, Biondi Santi is the genesis of modern Brunello: the combination of bottling 100% Sangiovese wine from Montalcino, propagating the Sangiovese Grosso clone, and finally (in 1966) helping draft the regulations for the Brunello DOC. The foundational work did not stop there however, with Biondi Santi undergoing some of the first Massale or heritage selections on their estate to identify the best clones for winemaking. These results paid off in spades, with Biondi Santi’s genetic material being some of the most sought after clones of Sangiovese in the world.
Biondi-Santi makes Brunello that all other estates are judged against. Their estate, Il Greppo, occupies some of the most hallowed ground in the Brunello appellation, in the heart of Montalcino. Their standards are high (they rarely release riservas) and their style defines classic. The wines are powerful, but not overwrought, elegant but emphatic. With the oldest vines on their estate now approaching 90 years old, there’s a level of depth and power in Biondi Santi that’s unprecedented anywhere else in Montalcino. We’re excited to offer new vertical packs of the normale and the riserva, as well as an extremely rare winery cellared release, all arriving in October.
ETA Early October:
Biondi Santi Tenuta Greppo Riserva, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 1983 750ML ($1,499.95) $1,199 pre-arrival special, only 2 bottles available
***Winery Cellared Release***
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 96 points “[Reviewed July 2021] This precious bottle is part of Biondi-Santi’s late-release program for collectors (I tasted bottle number 10,723). The 1983 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is showing beautifully on its aging timeline, although this bottle is slightly more evolved since I last tasted this vintage in 2019 before the pandemic. With slow and measured determination, the bouquet embraces dried fig, cured bresaola, burnt caramel, wet campfire, dried oregano and a familiar aroma that reminds me of the Florence leather market. However, there is a lot of life and vertical lift in this Riserva, thanks in great part to the beautiful freshness that keeps the tannins alive and adds a pop of pretty acidity to the close. The wine shows its age with pride and grace, and the final results are quite spectacular. In fact, I’m opening the drinking window up by an additional five years thanks to the latitude and depth shown here.”
Mixed Case-6: Biondi Santi Tenuta Greppo Annata, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG Vertical MV 750ML ($999.95) $799 pre-arrival special, only 1 mixed case available!
Mixed case: 2x 2009, 2x 2011, 2x 2013. No substitutions.
Review for 2009 vintage: Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2009 Brunello di Montalcino Annata is a beautiful wine laced with ethereal balsam tones, licorice, cola, dark fruit and forest floor. The acidity is evident but well-integrated within the thick textural richness of the wine. It closes slowly and quietly with a surprising flurry of delicate floral notes that pop up at the end. This well-built wine will hold for many years. Drink: 2017-2030.”
Review for 2011 vintage: Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 93 points “Jacopo Biondi Santi was already making wine at Il Greppo when the 2011 Brunello di Montalcino Annata was produced. His father, Franco Biondi Santi, would pass away in 2013 at the age of 91. The winemaking approach is unchanged despite the father to son transition. This wine shows extra richness and texture with focused fruit aromas that are graceful but also powerful. There are hints of ripe fruit with dried cherry and prune buried deep within the bouquet. In the mouth, this Brunello shows good structure and acidity with a slightly denser feel compared to past vintages.”
Review for 2013 vintage: Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 96 points “This is the year dottore Franco Biondi Santi would pass away, leaving the Brunello appellation orphaned because he was its most beloved and respected paternal figure. A wine shaped very much in his memory, the 2013 Brunello di Montalcino is a stunning edition, with a tight inner core of wild fruit and natural acidity surrounded by elegant tones of blue flower, wild cherry, cured tobacco, balsam herb and camphor ash. This vintage displays a beautiful garnet color that shines in the glass followed by mid-weight concentration and an especially fresh and vibrant finish that lasts for many long minutes. This wine should be held in the cellar for at least ten more years.”
Mixed Case-3: Biondi Santi Tenuta Greppo Riserva, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG Vertical MV 750ML ($2,299.95) $1,899 pre-arrival special, only 1 mixed case available!
Mixed case: 1x 2008, 1x 2012, 1x 2013. No substitutions.
Review for 2008 vintage: Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 94 points “The delightful 2008 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is expressive and feminine with crushed chamomile, forest fruit, bramble, tar and licorice. It renders a stirring, melodic performance that plays out slowly but with determination. Drink: 2017-2030.”
Review for 2012 vintage: Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 97 points “You will notice the dedication printed below the label of the wine label. It reads: “Dedicato a Franco Biondi Santi.” Indeed, the Biondi-Santi 2012 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is the last vintage made by the towering father figure of Brunello whom most everyone referred to as the “gentleman of Montalcino.” Il Dottore, as he was also respectfully addressed, died at age 91 in April 2013, and he was very active in the winery as this magnificent wine took shape. This Riserva is a true work of beauty. It is released one year later than usual. The wine reflects the natural heft and power of the 2012 vintage, and it also shows that distinctive open-knit and accessible personality that characterizes this warm and sunny growing season. Il Dottore’s magic touch is revealed in the level of fine detail and precision that transcends vintage, grape and territory. That extreme focus is an achievement of this estate alone located in the celebrated Il Greppo property. This Brunello pours from the bottle with a magnificent garnet color, and it evolves in the glass with dark fruit, candied orange peel, spice, licorice, anise seed, cola and balsam herb. The aromas are magical and ethereal, albeit slightly ripe and soft as expected of this vintage.”
Review for 2013 vintage: Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 98 points “The Biondi-Santi 2013 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is a stunning wine from all points of view. Seamless integration and elegant complexity are what stand out, and it’s worth dedicating a few extra lines to the aromatic depth that is put so beautifully on display as the wine slowly unfolds. The bouquet starts off with wild cherry, earth, wet ash, crème de cassis and pruny chocolate. With extra time, there are hints of dried tobacco leaf, sandalwood and mossy forest floor. These lead to a fine tail of dried herb, bay leaf and a touch of rusty nail. The Riserva comes in numbered bottles, and I opened number 04277. To the palate, the wine is streamlined and silky with smooth tannins and a well-managed 13.5% alcohol content. The oak presence is reduced to a minimum, offering mild hints of spice and the delicate sandalwood or dried fig aroma I described above. Fresh acidity is the glue that gives the wine buoyancy and staying power. At this young stage, this 2013 vintage could be considered a bit shy or slow to start, but this will play out to great advantage in the long term as the wine continues its bottle evolution.”
Shop our illustrious collection of Brunellos, including superstars of the region such as Stella di Campalta, Il Poggione, & La Gerla, on our web store now!
Domaine Louis-Claude Desvignes Beaujolais
When daughter and son team Claude-Emmanuel and Louis-Benoit took over in the early aughts, they revolutionized the estate. Now 100% of the production is estate-bottled and crafted in a more serious (read: Burgundian) style with an eye towards capturing terroir, proper maturity, extended fermentations, and longevity in the bottle. The resulting wines have been never better, and we think you’ll agree.
David Bowler/ Louis-Dressner note: “The family’s historic vineyards have been within the [Morgon] cru for generations. Their first cuvée comes from multiple, complimentary plots blended together to produce ‘La Voûte Saint-Vincent’. The majority of their vines are on the Côte du Py in the center of Morgon, the fruit of which is of far superior quality to that produced in the outlying areas of the appellation. If there were a classification of vineyards in Morgon, Côte-de-Py would be a premier cru and Javernières a grand cru. They are located on the best exposition of the hill, with soil of decomposed schist, and Javernières is a plot within the Côte-de-Py with a little more clay.”
Domaine Louis-Claude Desvignes Arriving ETA Late November:
Domaine Louis-Claude Desvignes Morgon ‘Chateau Gaillard’, Beaujolais 2020 750ML ($34.95) $28 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Domaine Louis-Claude Desvignes Morgon ‘Chateau Gaillard’, Beaujolais 2020 750ML ($419.95) $299 pre-arrival special (that’s only $24.92/bottle!)
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 93+ points “The 2020 Morgon Château Gaillard derives from a one-hectare parcel of old massal selection vines located within the climat of Douby and in its first year of organic certification. Wafting from the glass with aromas of cherries, raspberries, plums and spices, it’s medium to full-bodied, lively and concentrated, with ripe but youthfully chewy tannins and a long, sapid finish. It’s a fine addition to the domaine’s range of singularly age-worthy Morgon bottlings.”
David Bowler/ Louis-Dressner note: “The family’s historic vineyards have been within the [Morgon] cru for generations. Their first cuvée comes from multiple, complimentary plots blended together to produce ‘La Voûte Saint-Vincent’. The majority of their vines are on the Côte du Py in the center of Morgon, the fruit of which is of far superior quality to that produced in the outlying areas of the appellation. If there were a classification of vineyards in Morgon, Côte-de-Py would be a premier cru and Javernières a grand cru. They are located on the best exposition of the hill, with soil of decomposed schist, and Javernières is a plot within the Côte-de-Py with a little more clay.”
Domaine Louis-Claude Desvignes Arriving ETA Late November:
Domaine Louis-Claude Desvignes Morgon ‘Chateau Gaillard’, Beaujolais 2020 750ML ($34.95) $28 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Domaine Louis-Claude Desvignes Morgon ‘Chateau Gaillard’, Beaujolais 2020 750ML ($419.95) $299 pre-arrival special (that’s only $24.92/bottle!)
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 93+ points “The 2020 Morgon Château Gaillard derives from a one-hectare parcel of old massal selection vines located within the climat of Douby and in its first year of organic certification. Wafting from the glass with aromas of cherries, raspberries, plums and spices, it’s medium to full-bodied, lively and concentrated, with ripe but youthfully chewy tannins and a long, sapid finish. It’s a fine addition to the domaine’s range of singularly age-worthy Morgon bottlings.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine Louis-Claude Desvignes Morgon Montpelain, Beaujolais 2020 750ML ($34.95) $28 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Domaine Louis-Claude Desvignes Morgon Montpelain, Beaujolais 2020 750ML ($419.95) $299 pre-arrival special (that’s only $24.92/bottle!)
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 92+ points “One of the most introverted wines in the range on this encounter was the 2020 Morgon Montpelain, a medium to full-bodied, velvety but tightly wound wine evocative of blackberries, sweet spices and rose petals. This showing is entirely in character, as this site simply produces wines that need a bit of time.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine Louis-Claude Desvignes Morgon Javernieres, Beaujolais 2020 750ML ($39.95) $33 pre-arrival special
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 94+ points “The 2020 Morgon Côte du Py Javernières is brilliant, unwinding in the glass with aromas of wild berries, spices, rose petals, loamy soil and licorice. Medium to full-bodied, layered and concentrated, with impressive reserves of ripe tannin and sapid fruit, it’s seamless and lively, concluding with a long, resonant finish. As ever, this is built to age, and it will reward patience, even if its youthful charms are considerable.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Domaine Louis-Claude Desvignes Morgon La Voute St Vincent, Beaujolais 2020 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 pre-arrival special
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 91 points “Aromas of red berries, cherries, peonies and orange rind introduce the 2020 Morgon La Voûte Saint-Vincent, a medium to full-bodied, lively and succulent wine with a seamless, integrated profile. Beautifully balanced, it’s a charming, youthfully approachable cuvée emphasizing the climat of Douby.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
Collector’s Corner:
Clos de la Chapelle
Part of Burgundy’s allure is the storied histories of each vineyard and estate. Even younger estates like Clos de la Chapelle have stories that go back at least centuries. In this case, the domaine was originally part of the holdings of Notre Dame de Pitié, a monastery and nunnery until the Napoleonic era. As Church properties became nationalized, the estate was fractured off from a contiguous farm into the single vineyards that currently exist.
The estate has been mentioned infrequently throughout history, with it being a local’s secret until its rebirth in 2011 under the leadership of Mark O’Connell. The domaine rarely exceeds 100 cases with their vineyards, with their portfolio being entirely single-vineyard bottlings not unlike other houses with exclusively Premier and Grand Cru sites under their spade. Farmed biodynamically and judiciously vinified with no more than 25% new oak on average, these are beautiful expressions of Burgundy that are priced like they’re still for local consumption.
In Stock Now from Clos de la Chapelle:
Domaine Clos de la Chapelle Corton Bressandes Grand Cru, Cote de Beaune 2015 750ML ($149.95) $105 special, 6 bottles in stock now
John Gilman 95+ points “The Bressandes from Domaine Clos de la Chapelle hails a twenty ares parcel of forty- five year-old vines. The 2015 Bressandes here is exceptional, offering up a deep, pure and nicely reserved bouquet of dark berries, black cherries, bitter chocolate, gamebird, a beautifully refined base of soil tones, woodsmoke, a touch of fresh nutmeg, hints of coriander seed and a deft framing of new oak. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied and shows off stunning mid- palate depth, with great purity to the perfectly ripe fruit, suave, fine-grained tannins, good acids and outstanding focus and grip on the very, very long, youthfully complex and beautifully balanced finish. This will be a great, great wine in the fullness of time. 2027-2100.”
Burghound 92-94 points “Notably ripe yet still fresh and pretty aromas speak of liqueur-like dark berry fruit, earth, game and a floral top note. I very much like the sense of vibrancy present on the more refined but still sizeable big-bodied flavors that are a touch less muscular while still offering ample power and punch on the firm, serious and impressively long finish. Like the Epenots there is a touch of backend dryness but here it is much more subtle and thus I have fewer concerns that it will eventually age out. “
The estate has been mentioned infrequently throughout history, with it being a local’s secret until its rebirth in 2011 under the leadership of Mark O’Connell. The domaine rarely exceeds 100 cases with their vineyards, with their portfolio being entirely single-vineyard bottlings not unlike other houses with exclusively Premier and Grand Cru sites under their spade. Farmed biodynamically and judiciously vinified with no more than 25% new oak on average, these are beautiful expressions of Burgundy that are priced like they’re still for local consumption.
In Stock Now from Clos de la Chapelle:
Domaine Clos de la Chapelle Corton Bressandes Grand Cru, Cote de Beaune 2015 750ML ($149.95) $105 special, 6 bottles in stock now
John Gilman 95+ points “The Bressandes from Domaine Clos de la Chapelle hails a twenty ares parcel of forty- five year-old vines. The 2015 Bressandes here is exceptional, offering up a deep, pure and nicely reserved bouquet of dark berries, black cherries, bitter chocolate, gamebird, a beautifully refined base of soil tones, woodsmoke, a touch of fresh nutmeg, hints of coriander seed and a deft framing of new oak. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied and shows off stunning mid- palate depth, with great purity to the perfectly ripe fruit, suave, fine-grained tannins, good acids and outstanding focus and grip on the very, very long, youthfully complex and beautifully balanced finish. This will be a great, great wine in the fullness of time. 2027-2100.”
Burghound 92-94 points “Notably ripe yet still fresh and pretty aromas speak of liqueur-like dark berry fruit, earth, game and a floral top note. I very much like the sense of vibrancy present on the more refined but still sizeable big-bodied flavors that are a touch less muscular while still offering ample power and punch on the firm, serious and impressively long finish. Like the Epenots there is a touch of backend dryness but here it is much more subtle and thus I have fewer concerns that it will eventually age out. “
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine Clos de la Chapelle Corton Bressandes Grand Cru, Cote de Beaune 2017 750ML ($149.95) $105 special, 17 bottles in stock now
John Gilman 95+ points “The Bressandes from Domaine Clos de la Chapelle is now the sole red Grand Cru in the estate’s lineup, as Maison Champy has received custody of the Corton “Rognet” as part of the divorce settlement. However, if the superb 2017 vintage is any indication, this is a crown that the Bressandes will have no difficulty wearing in the coming years. The bouquet is very precise and expressive, offering up a youthful blend of cherries, red currants, a touch of orange zest, spitroasted gamebird, a beautiful base of soil tones, coriander seed, mustard seed, woodsmoke, a hint of cocoa powder, other gentle spice tones and a lovely foundation of vanillin oak. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, focused and impeccably balanced, with a great core of fruit, Corton’s signature transparency, ripe, buried tannins and a long, tangy and nascently complex finish. I do so love red Corton when it is made at this high level! 2032-2100″
Wine Spectator 94 points “A smooth red, infused with cherry, spice and sandalwood notes, showing a backbone of well-integrated tannins as this builds to a lingering aftertaste. Aromatic and harmonious, with a saturated finish echoing spice details and picking up a mineral element. Best from 2023 through 2045.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine Clos de la Chapelle Corton Rognet Grand Cru, Cote de Beaune 2013 750ML ($149.95) $89 special, 9 bottles in stock now
Burghound 92 points “A relatively high-toned nose displays no such reductive notes as the fresh and cool red berry fruit aromas are mixed with background hints of earth and the sauvage. There is a lovely sense of energy to the powerful and concentrated broad-shouldered flavors that also possess a velvety mouth feel, all wrapped in a mildly rustic and dusty but clearly riper finish. This beauty should amply repay medium to perhaps even longer-term cellaring.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine Clos de la Chapelle Les Chanlins Vieilles Vignes, Pommard Premier Cru 2016 750ML ($119.95) $79 special, 28 bottles in stock now
John Gilman 94 points “Happily, there was no frost here in 2016, and as these vines close in on their ninetieth birthday (which will take place in the vintage of 2018), they are producing one of the most beautiful examples of Pommard in the village. The nose here wafts from the glass in a stunning blend of red plums, cherries, raw cocoa, gamebird, woodsmoke, a nice touch of mustard seed, a beautiful base of soil and just a touch of cedar. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied, transparent and sappy at the core, with great focus and balance, a very elegant structural chassis and a long, vibrant and nascently complex finish. The inherent elegance of the 2016 vintage is very much on display here! 2028-2060+.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine Clos de la Chapelle Les Chanlins Vieilles Vignes, Pommard Premier Cru 2017 ($119.95) $79 special, 17 bottles in stock now
John Gilman 94 points “The domaine’s vines here in les Chanlins are closing in on ninety years of age and they have produced a very elegant and soil-driven example of Pommard this year- albeit with all of the depth and structural integrity one expects from the very best wines from this commune. The bouquet is precise, red fruity and youthful, offering up scents of cherries, sweet quince, beautifully complex soil tones, raw cocoa, a bit of bonfire, pigeon, a touch of mustard seed and a very discreet foundation of cedary oak. On the palate the wine is full-bodied, transparent and beautifully generous at the core, with ripe, seamless tannins, excellent focus and grip, bright acids and a long, complex and very promising finish. All this beautiful wine needs is some time in the cellar to properly blossom. 2030-2085”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine Clos de la Chapelle Grands Epenots, Pommard Premier Cru 2017 750ML ($149.95) $89 special, 19 bottles in stock now
John Gilman 94+ points “The 2017 Grands Epenots bottling from Clos de la Chapelle is a bit more youthfully plush on the attack than the excellent Chanlins this year, but this too is a superb Pommard that is going to be make very old bones! The bouquet is more black fruity than the Chanlins, wafting from the glass in a very promising constellation of black plums, sweet dark berries, woodsmoke, bitter chocolate, gamebird, a touch of currant leaf, a great base of dark soil tones, gentle spice tones, a hint of violet and a judicious framing of vanillin oak. On the palate the wine is fullbodied, focused and shows off both excellent soil signature and mid-palate depth of fruit, with, ripe, fine-grained tannins, excellent balance and a long, nascently complex and beautifully focused finish. Great juice. 2030-2090.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
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Be well & drink well.