New Week – New Arrivals; Grande Champagnes – La Grande Dame, Dom P Rose, Krug & Bereche; Auguste Clape – New Releases; We <3 Beaujolais – New 2015 Releases from Vissoux & Bouland; Burgundy Alert: Bruno Deasunay-Bissey, Remi Jobard & Domaine des Lambrays; Sunshine for the Winter: The Wines of Cantine Lonardo; JJ Prum 2015s – New Offer
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Vinopolis Wine Shop
Will Be Closed for Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 24th
We will reopen for our regularly schedule hours Friday, November 25th
~~~
Holiday Shipping Guide
Plan Ahead Now
Toast Your Forethought Later
No UPS Shipping service on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 24th
No UPS shipping services on December 24th, 25th and 26th.
No UPS shipping services on December 31st, January 1st and January 2nd.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
New Week – New Arrivals
Oregon
Cameron Winery Clos Electrique Blanc, Dundee Hills 2014 750ML ($79.95) $66 special
Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2014 Chardonnay Clos Electrique was tasted from barrel, although the final selection was still to be made. It has a stunning, tensile bouquet that ranks alongside many a white Burgundy that I have tasted – wonderful mineralité and tension here, one of the best you will encounter in Oregon. The palate is medium-bodied with fine definition, crisp acidity, hints of brioche tincturing the citrus fruit, a little nutmeg surfacing towards the long and sustained finish. This is a killer Chardonnay that should present many years of pleasure to those savvy enough to grab a few bottles.”
VinopolNote: A beauty. Riper than the 2013 but with all the classic elegance. Exotic spice notes of sandalwood underneath the citrus and floral notes. Lengthy finish.
Cameron Winery Nebbiolo, Dundee Hills 2012 750ML ($44.95) $36 special
Winery note “Our 2012 Nebbiolo is garnet red, with a complex bouquet of wild berry, violet, truffle, licorice and dried cherries. In the mouth, it is dry, warm and velvety with robust “sand on the teeth” tannins that typify the Nebbiolo grape. It is denominated “Willamette Valley” because this year the wine is a blend of fruit from Clos Electrique (Dundee Hills AVA) and Foster Farms (Ribbon Ridge AVA) . Extremely limited (only 40 cases vinified) and at a price point that we hope will encourage you to try this unique variety.”
Cameron Winery ‘Rouge de Gris’ Abbey Ridge Vineyard Pinot Gris, Dundee Hills 2014 750ML ($39.95) $33 special
Winery note “We are proud to present 2014 Rouge de Gris, our newest red wine! This wine is dedicated to the late Stanko Radikon and his son, Saša of Radikon Oslavia, who made us realize the potential locked up in the Pinot gris grape. Its nose is respendent with juicy strawberries, bing cherries, violets and a touch of straw. The crisp palate with flavors of umami and ripe and supple fruit tannins make this a truly quaffable red wine. The label honors the Italian plums that were planted on the site by early Oregon settlers prior to its current status as a Pinot gris vineyard at Abbey Ridge. We wish that David Lett were here to see what is possible with Pinot gris!”
Love & Squalor Willamette Valley Pinot Gris 2015 750ML ($19.95) $16.60 special
Winery note “Love & Squalor Willamette Valley Pinot Gris is a dry style gris. It’s an aromatic white with peach, pear, baking spice and plenty of bright in the finish.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Love & Squalor Riesling, Willamette Valley 2014 750ML ($19.95) $16.60 special
Winery note “Love & Squalor Willamette Valley Riesling is dry and fruit-forward wine balanced with stone fruit, citrus and zippy acid. It is a blend of old vine Northern Oregon Vineyards.”
Love & Squalor Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2014 750ML ($27.95) $24 special
Winery note “Love & Squalor Willamette Valley Pinot Noir is sourced from multiple vineyards and aged for 18 months in French oak. A medium bodied reflection of the lush 2013 vintage.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Bow & Arrow Air Guitar, Willamette Valley 2015 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special
Winery note “The 2015 Air Guitar is my unabashed love letter to cool climate Cab the red wines of Anjou. 60% Cabernet from Borgo Pass Vineyard and 40% Cabernet Franc from Johan Vineyard and raised almost entirely in puncheon. This is another wine that’s come a long from the first attempt (the 2012 went down the drain.) The 2013 was done in a deliberately glou glou style Easy and glugable and not very serious. It was tasty (and is again) despite going through an awkward period. The following year I decided to embrace the savage side of these varieties and make a more serious expression. That was clearly the correct path as the 2014 in showing really well now with classic notes of Cabernet. The 2015 however is a step above. Unmistakably Cabernet but with bright energy and elegant tannins. The Borgo Pass component was so good we almost bottled some separately.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Bow & Arrow Rhinestone Red, Willamette Valley 2015 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special
John Gilman 92 points “The 2015 version of Rhinestones is a blend of sixty percent pinot noir and forty percent gamay. The wine is a tad tight when first opened, but with a bit of swirling offers up a lovely bouquet of red and black cherries, a touch of pepper, spit-roasted meats, fresh herbs and dark soil tones. On the palate the wine is bright, full-bodied and tangy, with a fine core, lovely focus and grip and a long, moderately tannic finish. This is 12.5 percent octane and absolutely laser-like on the palate, with superb backer energy. I am sure this is intended as an early quaffer for restaurants in Portland, but this has the balance and structure to also age very well indeed! 2016- 2030.”
Vinopolnote: A clean, bright, and beautifully perfumed blend of Pinot Noir and Gamay sourced from the valley and vinified right here in Portland!
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Bow & Arrow Union School Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Willamette Valley 2015 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special
John Gilman 91+ points “The 2015 Sauvignon Blanc “Union School Vineyard” from Bow & Arrow’s winemaker, Scott Frank, comes in at a cool 12.7 percent octane and was eighty percent barrel-fermented, with only twenty percent of the wine having been raised in stainless. Thirty percent of the casks are new for this wine, which also spent forty-eight hours macerating on the skins to help raise it above the ordinary run of the mill sauvignon blanc. The wine offers up a pure and expressive bouquet of ripe pineapple, lemon curd, a nice touch of botanicals, a sound base of soil and just a whisper of beeswax in the upper register. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied, focused and vibrant, with a lovely core, fine complexity and a very long, snappy and slightly oaky finish. This wine is long on personality, without the classic sauvignon blanc profile one expects, but lovely balance and plenty of intrigue. Good juice, albeit a fairly idiosyncratic version of this varietal.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $23
The average price is $25
Washington
L’Ecole No. 41 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley 2013 750ML ($31.95) $28 special
Wine Advocate 89 points “Coming from vines averaging 20 years in age, the classic 2013 Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon spent 22 months in 25% new French oak. It’s a terrific value and has real Cabernet character in its damp herbs, blackcurrants, underbrush and graphite-scented bouquet. Medium to full-bodied, polished and textured, it’s an impeccably made Cabernet to enjoy over the following 7-8 years, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see it evolve nicely for longer.”
K Vintners Charlotte, Walla Walla Valley 2013 750ML ($69.95) $59 special
Wine Advocate 94 points “A new, tiny production cuvee named after Charles’ Daughter, the 2013 Charlotte checks in as a blend of 45% Mourvèdre, 31% Grenache, 12% Syrah, 8% Counoise and the rest Grenache Blanc and Picpoul, which was all harvested at the same time and co-fermented. From two vineyards: Rock Garden and River Rock, they purposely hang a touch more crop on the Syrah to help the ripening even out. One of the more elegant, perfumed and complex releases in the lineup, it gives up perfumed notes of rose petals, kirsch, framboise, olives and dried herbs on the nose. On the palate, it’s medium to full-bodied, seamless and downright silky, with fine, fine tannin and a great finish. This is high class stuff to enjoy anytime over the coming decade.”
K Vintners The Deal Sundance Vineyard Syrah, Columbia Valley 2013 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
Wine Advocate 95 points “Coming all from the Sundance Vineyard on the Wahluke Slope, the medium- ruby colored 2013 Syrah The Deal Sundance Vineyard is a unique, singular Syrah that gives up beautiful notes of kirsch, blackberries, sandy, dried soils and hints of olive tapenade. Full-bodied, concentrated, with a great mid-palate and satin-textured tannins, it will benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age and cruise for a decade after that.”
K Vintners The Hidden Syrah, Wahluke Slope 2013 750ML ($89.95) $79 special
Wine Advocate 97 points “Reminding me of a Northern Rhone Syrah from the Le Meal lieu-dit on Hermitage Hill, the 2013 Syrah The Hidden Northridge Vineyard comes entirely from the Northridge Vineyard on the Wahluke Slope, was fermented with 100% whole clusters and aged in mostly neutral oak. It offers thrilling notes of black raspberries, toasted bread, caramelized meats and licorice in a full-bodied, ultra-pure, supple, incredibly sexy style. Possessing building, fine tannin, it needs a lengthy decant if drinking anytime soon, but this utterly seamless, perfectly balanced beauty will offer upward of two decades of overall longevity.”
K Vintners The Hustler Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2012 750ML ($149.95) $138 special
Wine Advocate 95-97 points “Still in barrel at the time of this tasting, the 2012 Syrah The Hustler is a blockbuster-styled Syrah that’s overflowing with notions of sweet red and black fruits, toasted bread, cured meats and cedar. Only made in special vintages (it was previously made in ’03, ’07 and ’09) and aged 38 months in French oak, it’s full-bodied, decadent and layered, with a weightless, elegant, seamless feel. Coming all from the Morrison Lane Vineyard (it’s actually the Morrison Lane Syrah with extended barrel aging), it should be ready to go on release and dish out tons of pleasure over the following decade or more. The extended elevage has given this a more upfront feel, yet I suspect it will also allow it age more slowly as well.”
K Vintners ‘King Coal’ Stoneridge Vineyard Cabernet – Syrah, Columbia Valley 2013 750ML ($119.95) $99 special
Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon King Coal Stoneridge Vineyard, which is always a 70/30 mix of Cabernet and Syrah, is a beauty. Giving up lots of black currants, smoked earth, olive and background meatiness, it’s rich, voluptuously textured and concentrated, with tons to love. It’s approachable now due to all the fruit, but this puppy will cruise in the cellar over the coming couple of decades.”
K Vintners Klein Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2013 750ML ($89.95) $79 special
Wine Advocate 97 points “The 2013 Syrah Klein got a big “wow” in the notes and from a difficult vintage for Syrah, it’s an incredible blockbuster, full-bodied beauty that readers should beg, borrow or steal to get a hold of. Giving up layers of kirsch, blackberries, graphite, lavender and dried earth, this puppy hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a layered, silky texture and fine tannin that keeps the finish going. I love it. Give bottles 2-3 years of cellaring and enjoy through 2028+.”
K Vintners Morrison Lane Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2013 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Wine Advocate 95 points “Another wine that overachieves is the 2013 Syrah Morrison Lane. Easily the best vintage of this cuvee to date, it has a killer bouquet of olive tapenade, grounded, peppered meats and a core of darker fruits. Medium to full-bodied, seamless, elegant and with fine tannin, it’s terrific and will drink nicely for 10-15 years.”
K Vintners ‘Royal City’ Syrah, Washington 2013 750ML ($179.95) $149 special
Wine Advocate 98 points “A candidate for the wine of the vintage, the 2013 Syrah Royal City is as expansive, sexy and voluptuous as they get in the vintage, hands down. It’s deep ruby/purple color is followed by incredible notes of wild herbs, lavender, gamey meats, olive paste and sweet dark berry fruits. Full-bodied, relatively forward and charming, it still packs a wealth of material and has building tannin, all suggesting it will drink nicely for 10-15 years.”
K Vintners The Beautiful Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2014 750ML ($69.95) $59 special
Wine Advocate 94-97 points “A blend of Syrah co-fermented with 2-3% Viognier, aged all in puncheons, the 2014 Syrah The Beautiful (which now comes all from the Powerline vineyard in Walla Walla… it previously included grapes from Phil Lane and The Rocks) reveals an inky purple color as well as classic Syrah notes of aged beef, olive tapenade, chocolate and ripe dark fruits. Full-bodied, pure, layered and elegant, it lives up to its name and will be up with the top handful of wines in the vintage.”
California
Broc Cellars ‘Carbonic’ Carignan, Alexander Valley 2014 750ML ($27.95) $24 special
From vines planted in 1877. Field blend of 85% Carignan, 10% Alicante and 5% other varietals
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Broc Cellars Valdiguie, Solano County Green Valley 2014 750ML ($27.95) $24 special
Partial carbonic maceration
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
France – Champagne
Savart Premier Cru L’Accomplie Brut NV 750ML ($59.95) $41.90 special
Wine Advocate 93 points “The NV L’Accomplie Premier Cru Extra Brut is 80% old vine Pinot Noir (selection massale) and 20% Chardonnay from vintages 2012 and 2011. Aged in 50% 500-liter barrels and 50% stainless steel. This wine has great purity and mineral tension on the palate, with clear and nice fruit. It is very clean and characterful, long and with a complex finish. It also has good mineral grip, intensity and tension.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Savart Premier Cru L’Ouverture Blanc de Noirs NV 750ML ($49.95) $37 special
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 90 points “(100% Pinot Noir; 9 g/l dosage; disgorged on August 28, 2014): Light yellow. Pungent mineral- and spice-accented aromas of ripe orchard and pit fruits, with a sexy floral overtone. Fleshy but focused and dry, offering vibrant nectarine and melon flavors with a refreshingly brisk jolt of lemon zest adding grip and lift. Closes on a smoky, minerally note, with very good energy and persistence.” JR
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Christophe Mignon Brut Rose NV 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Importer note “Limited production. This 100% Pinot Meunier Rose is fresh and lively with very fine bubbles. Citrus and hints of caramel dominate the palate of this layered and extremely elegant rose. Soil: Clay-limestone with traces of chalk. 60 cm of topsoil with layers of Tuffe underneath. Viticulture: Blend of biodynamics, phytotherapy, homeopathy and geobiology. One person cares for one hectare-extremely high ratio by Champagne standards. All fruit is hand-harvested.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Andre Clouet Brut Millesime, Champagne 2008 750ML ($69.95) $49 special
Antonio Galloni 92 points “Clouet’s 2008 Brut Millesime shows quite a bit more tension and focus than the 2007, hardly a surprise given then personality of the vintage. Bright, saline notes frame expressive red fruits, flowers and sweet spices. The 2008 Brut is a gorgeous wine with plenty of appeal today, but it will also develop beautifully in bottle. Stylistically it is less overt than the 2007 but places more emphasis on length. Brut Millesime is mostly Pinot, with 30-40% Chardonnay.” AG
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $54.98
The average price is $62
Andre Clouet Grande Reserve Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($49.95) $33 special
Case-12 Andre Clouet Grande Reserve Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($479.95) $359 special (that’s only $29.92/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Antonio Galloni 90 points “The NV Brut Grande Reserve emerges from the glass with layers of hazelnut, pear, spice and dried flower aromas. This rich, creamy wine impresses for its balance and sheer richness. I loved it.” AG
Andre Clouet Silver Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature, Champagne NV 750ML ($49.95) $33 special
Case-12 Andre Clouet Silver Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature, Champagne NV 750ML ($479.95) $359 special (that’s only $29.92/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
100% Grand Cru, 100% Pinot Noir, no dosage
Antonio Galloni 91 points “The NV Brut Nature Silver is naturally a very focused, driven wine given the no-dosage style. This shows wonderful nuance and depth all the way through to the long finish, with bright aromas and flavors but less of the toastiness than some of the house’s other wines. The mousse and finish are both utterly impeccable in their elegance.” AG
Andre Clouet Grand Cru Brut Rose, Champagne NV 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 92 points “Vivid orange-pink. Aromas and flavors of ripe red berries, candied rose and toasty lees. Fleshy but nervy and focused, with strong mineral cut and hints of bitter herbs on the very long, energetic finish. Smoothly blends richness and vivacity, making it extremely flexible with food or without.” JR
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $53
Egly-Ouriet V.P. Vieillissement Prolonge Grand Cru Extra Brut NV 750ML ($119.95) $99 special
Antonio Galloni 95 points “The NV Extra Brut Grand Cru V.P. (Vieillissement Prolongé), Egly-Ouriet’s from Ambonnay, Bouzy and Verzenay, is stellar. A towering, deeply expressive wine, the V.P. possesses stunning depth to match its spherical, textured personality. As is the custom here, the V.P. spent 76 months on its lees, yet it remains vibrant, poised and deeply refreshing. A host of chalk, white pepper, dried rose petal and red stone fruits wrap around the intense finish. Aging in oak shapes the wine beautifully here. What a gorgeous Champagne this is. The blend is 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay.”
Jacques Selosse Initial Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Brut NV 750ML ($219.95) $199 special
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The NV Initial is especially open in this release, with notable texture, richness and resonance. Lemon peel, white flowers and almonds all open up in the glass, followed by honey and slight elements of Burgundian-like reduction. Initial is always Selosse’s most vibrant wine, as it is once again this year. The pure breadth and verticality of these Chardonnays from Avize, Cramant Oger is compelling. Readers who want to explore Anselme Selosse’s wines should start here…” AG
Salon Cuvee ‘S’ Le Mesnil Blanc de Blancs 2004 1.5L ($1,499.95) $1,190 special
Antonio Galloni 97+ points “The 2004 Salon has been superb each time I have tasted it over the last year or so. Bright, tense and crystalline, with all of the energy that is typical of both Salon and the vintage in the Côte des Blancs, the 2004 bristles with superb precision and cool, pulsating minerality. The 2004 spent a dozen years on its lees. Over the last six months or so, it has gradually begun to open up, but it is very much a wine for the cellar. Two thousand four is remembered as a vintage with record high yields. Salon (and Delamotte) did a terrific job in keeping the vines well balanced. Production was just 46,000 bottles, as opposed to the 60,000 or so that is more typical. Chef de Caves Michel Fauconnet opted for a low dosage of just 4 grams per liter. This is a tremendous showing.”
Wine Spectator 94 points “Elegant, featuring up-front, ripe aromas and flavors of dried apricot, crystallized honey and candied kumquat, giving way on the creamy palate to more subtle notes of raw almond, fleur de sel and star anise. Mouthwatering, with a chalky underpinning and a lovely, satiny finish. Drink now through 2026.”AN
France – Alsace
Domaine Zind-Humbrecht Gewurztraminer Herrenweg de Turckheim Vieilles Vignes Vendange Tardive, Alsace 2011 750ML ($69.95) $31.90 special
Case-6 Domaine Zind-Humbrecht Gewurztraminer Herrenweg de Turckheim Vieilles Vignes Vendange Tardive, Alsace 2011 750ML ($719.95) $179 special (that’s only $29.83/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 95 points “Lacy in texture and seamlessly integrated, this off-dry, lightly honeyed version features racy acidity, providing fine balance and enlivening notes of mango puree, lychee, grapefruit granita, honeycomb and apricot. Hints of smoke and wax linger on the lush, mineral-driven finish. Drink now through 2030. 40 cases imported.”
These bottles arriving directly from the Domaine cellar!
Best ever price in the USA!
The next best price is for the half-bottle: $34.96
Domaine Zind-Humbrecht Riesling Thann, Alsace 2013 750ML ($34.95) $28 special
Wine Spectator 91 points “Vibrant and zesty, a medium-bodied white with racy acidity reined in by the well-knit flavor range of yellow peach, candied pink grapefruit zest, blanched almond and ground pink peppercorn notes. The dense, mouthwatering finish echoes a streak of smoky minerality. Drink now through 2028. 350 cases made.”
VinopolNote: Average vine age is 30 years. Vineyard is south facing with a very steep slope. Soil is sedimentary volcanic rocks.
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine Zind-Humbrecht Pinot Gris Thann, Alsace 2013 750ML ($39.95) $31.90 special
Wine Spectator 91 points “Lip-smacking acidity keeps this medium-bodied Pinot Gris lithe and light on its feet, offering a minerally underpinning and a hint of salinity accenting the palate of crunchy white peach, Mandarin orange, pickled ginger and pink grapefruit zest. Drink now through 2028. 140 cases made.”
VinopolNote: Average vine age is 29 years. Vineyard is south facing with a very steep slope. Soil is sedimentary volcanic rocks.
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine Zind-Humbrecht Gewurztraminer Calcaire, Alsace 2012 750ML ($41.95) $36 special
Wine Spectator 93 points “A seamless white, light-weight and silky in texture, with mouthwatering acidity enlivening the subtly honeyed flavors of peach skin, orange sorbet and ground ginger, all underscored by rich, minerally notes of stone and smoke that echo on the finish. Drink now through 2029. 500 cases made.”
Domaine Zind-Humbrecht Pinot Gris Calcaire, Alsace 2012 750ML ($49.95) $36 special
Wine Spectator 91 points “A lithe Pinot Gris, with juicy acidity and zesty accents of citrus peel and ground spice enlivening the well-knit flavors of slivered almond, apricot, sea salt and honeysuckle. Offers a lasting, mineral-tinged finish. Drink now through 2024. 800 cases made.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $46
Domaine Zind-Humbrecht Pinot Gris Rotenberg, Alsace 2012 750ML ($59.95) $41.90 special
Wine Enthusiast 93 points “A high-altitude vineyard has produced this delicious, crisp and cool wine. While it has weight and rich fruit, it’s the enticing acidity that sets this wine apart. There’s a poise to this wine that gives style while not losing any depth of apple, pear and spice flavors. Drink from 2017.”
Wine Spectator 92 points “Crackling acidity defines this linear Pinot Gris, layered with stony minerality and offering a sleek mix of crunchy pear, honey, grapefruit zest, verbena and nut flavors. Finely balanced. Drink now through 2024. 260 cases made.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $54
Domaine Zind-Humbrecht Gewurztraminer Herrenweg de Turckheim, Alsace 2012 750ML ($49.95) $36 special
Wine Enthusiast 94 points “By rights, the Herrenweg vineyard in Turckheim should be a Grand Cru. Certainly in the hands of Zind-Humbrecht it behaves like one. This is a powerful, rich and totally spicy wine. It has weight and pepper in abundance, a complex wine that’s full of ripe fruits and an opulent aftertaste. Drink from 2017.”
Wine Spectator 92 points “Compact, with firm cut, this offers tightly meshed flavors of white peach, beeswax, pickled ginger and crystallized honey, with a stony mineral undertow that pushes through on the finish. Accessible now, but should open up with short-term cellaring. Drink now through 2027. 1,050 cases made.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $46.99
The average price is $48
France – Beaujolais
Julie Balagny Moulin-a-Vent Mamouth 2015 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
VinopolNote: After heading the cellar of the Terre des Chardons, Julie Balagny, with the help of Yvon Metras and Michel Vigner, purchased her property in Fleurie and established a biodynamic domaine. In 2015, she acquired the .7 hectares of Moulin-a-Vent from which this bottling is the premier release. The land is decomposed granite with 50+ year old vines on a steep hill. The grapes undergo a cold carbonic maceration using all whole cluster and pressed with an old manual wooden press.
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $44
Nicolas Chemarin Domaine Les Villiers Regnie La Haut Ronze 2014 750ML ($21.95) $18 special
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 92 points “Vivid ruby-red. Sexy, mineral-laced aromas of ripe red and dark berries, violet and licorice. Sappy and penetrating, offering bitter cherry and black raspberry flavors that become sweeter as the wine opens up. Concentrated yet lithe, delivering excellent finishing clarity and strong, mineral-driven persistence.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
France – Burgundy
Fabrice Vigot has worked the land of Vosne Romanee since 1990. His own estate – Domaine Vigot – produces silky and elegant wines from covetable plots across both Vosne and old vines in Gevry-Chambertin. Under a sharecropping agreement, he also tends and sources from vines owned by Mugneret-Gibourg alongside Pascal Mugneret. Fabrice, along with Pascal Mugneret, shares in caretaking duties of all of the Mugneret-Gibourg parcels.
Farming for the Vigot wines has been organic and biodynamic since 2010. Vinification takes place with a five day cold-soak in temperature-controlled stainless steel followed by a native yeast fermentation and maceration of three weeks. Vigot does well with old vines, simple vinification, elevage with no more than 30% new oak to offer mineral, pure-fruited and quintessential Vosne, Nuits & Gevrey.
Domaine Fabrice Vigot Echezeaux Grand Cru 2014 750ML ($179.95) $149 special
Domaine Fabrice Vigot Nuits-Saint-Georges Vieilles Vignes 2014 750ML ($69.95) $59 special
Domaine Fabrice Vigot Vosne-Romanee 2014 750ML ($69.95) $59 special
Domaine Fabrice Vigot Vosne-Romanee Les Chalandins 2014 750ML ($79.95) $69 special
Domaine Fabrice Vigot Vosne-Romanee La Colombiere 2014 750ML ($79.95) $69 special
These are the only listings in the USA today!
Domaine Fabrice Vigot Vosne-Romanee Les Damaudes 2014 750ML ($89.95) $79 special
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine Fabrice Vigot Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes 2014 750ML ($69.95) $59 special
France – Loire
Domaine Brazilier Methode Trad Brut Rose NV 750ML ($21.95) $18 special
Pineau d’Aunis from 25+ year old vines grown in chalky limestone soil.
Importer note “The color is a soft pink tinged with orange. Elegant nose of intense peppery notes, along with discrete fruity scents. After a fresh attack, mouth displays a remarkable and persistent aromatic complexity, spices mingling harmoniously with ripe fruit. They use mechanical riddling and disgorge by a machine that does not freeze the neck of the bottle, so it is considered a more traditional method of disgorging, more like hand disgorging. Dosage is 3 grams of sugar.”
Champalou Vouvray Sec 2015 750ML ($21.95) $18 special
Importer note “The Champalou family farms twenty-one hectares of vineyards on clay, limestone, and siliceous soils. They embrace sustainable farming while also integrating the use of the lunar calendar more traditionally associated with organic viticulture. The soils in their vineyards are rich, deep, and aerated though regular plowing. Cover crops are planted in between vineyard rows to help with excess water absorption and to encourage microbiotic activity in the soil. The Champalou house style produces wines of great elegance and tenderness, highly aromatic with impeccable balance. No one comes close to copying their distinct style.”
France – Rhone
Domaine Pierre Usseglio et Fils Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee de Mon Aieul 2012 750ML ($119.95) $79 special
Wine Advocate 95 points “Similar in style to the 2006, the 2012 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee de Mon Aieul is rounded and textured, with tons of charm in its blackberry, black raspberry, violets, garrigue and spice aromas and flavors. Full-bodied, supple and textured, it shows the vintage’s upfront and forward character, yet has beautiful purity of fruit and enough density to drink nicely through 2027. Most 2012s are already showing nicely, and this is no exception.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $101
Matthieu Barret Domaine du Coulet Cornas Billes Noires 2011 750ML ($99.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Matthieu Barret Domaine du Coulet Cornas Billes Noires 2011 1.5L ($199.95) $159 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 95 points “Even better, the 2011 Cornas Billes Noires, which spends one year in old wood followed by one year in concrete tank, offers blockbuster levels of black raspberry, smoked earth, chocolate, licorice and crushed rock on the nose and palate. Medium to full-bodied, long, elegant and with laser-like focus, it nevertheless does not lack for fruit or texture, and has fine-grained tannin framing the finish beautifully. With a scant 600 cases to go around, there’s not much of it, but don’t miss a chance to grab a couple of bottles if you can. It too will drink well for 10-15 years.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Matthieu Barret Domaine du Coulet Cornas Brise Cailloux 2011 750ML ($69.95) $41.90 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 94 points “Starting out, the 2011 Cornas Brise Cailloux offers up textbook Cornas wildness with its gamy, herbal-styled bouquet delivering brilliant fruit (black cherry, raspberry, blueberry), loads of meatiness, spring flowers and searing minerality. Seeing 18 months all in old wood, this medium to full-bodied beauty has incredibly purity of fruit, great acidity and a knockout finish. Enjoy it over the coming 10-15 years.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $52
France – Savoie
Jean-Claude Masson Apremont Cuvee Lisa Vin Savoie 2015 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special
VinopolNote: If ever a wine could capture the essence of a place, it is this Cuvee Lisa from the foothills of the Alps. Crisp, refreshing and full of herbal nuances, this is a step up in length, complexity and savoriness from the previous release that was so popular here. The wine hails from chalky limestone soils, imparting classic mineral tones to this high acid white.
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Italy – Sicily
Eduardo Torres Acosta Pirrera Rosso, Terre Siciliane IGT 2014 750ML ($69.95) $49 special
Importer note “Pirrera comes from a single contrada located at 850 meters in altitude. The name of the vineyard, Pirrera, stems from the presence of volcanic stones which were extracted from a quarry during a lava flow in 1614. The vineyard had been largely abandoned and is slowly being restored by Eduardo. Lighter and fresher than the Versante Nord due to the higher attitude, this is a blend of 90% Nerello Mascalese and 10% local varieties from vines of 50 plus years. The wine is made via spontaneous fermentation in cement tanks with 15 days on the skins and no temperature control then aged 16 months in 25hl Slavonian oak botte. This is a lighter and fresher version of Nerello Mascalese.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Eduardo Torres Acosta Versante Nord, Terre Siciliane IGT 2014 750ML ($39.95) $33 special
Importer note “From two parcels, both north facing. The parcels, Pietramarina and Verzella, are located between 550 and 700 meters on soft soils consisting of lava ash from various eruptions. The vines are between 45-50 years old and are a field blend of 80% Nerello Mascalese and 20% other native varieties, including Carricante. The wine is made via spontaneous fermentation, with about 10% whole cluster. It was fermented in cement tanks with 15 days on the skins without temperature control, then aged 16 months in a 25hl Slavonian oak botte.”
Italy – Friuli-Venezia Giulia
I Clivi di Ferdinando Zanusso RBL Brut Nature Spumante, Friuli-Venezia Giulia NV 750ML ($27.95) $24 special
Winery note “100% Ribolla Gialla from marl and sandstone Flysch of Eocene origin soils. 30 year old vines. Sparkling wine without re-fermentation – the gas of this wine is the one naturally produced by the fermentation of the must, and not by the refermentation of the wine. Hence, no sugars are added. 11% alcohol. Residual natural sugars <1.6 g/L.”
Austria
Veyder-Malberg Liebedich Gruner Veltliner, Wachau 2014 750ML ($41.95) $33 special
“Beginning this vintage, Malberg’s “Loveyou”cuvée features not just pre-harvest cullings from the Hochrain and bits of Grüner Veltliner from Bruck, Schön, and Buschenberg, but also his entire harvest from Kreutles (formerly subjected to site-specific bottling), which constitutes the wine’s majority share. Delicate and infectiously juicy, polished and persistent, this features apple, green bean and turnip for a fruity and intriguingly earthy showing. Palpable extract is strikingly allied (at just 11.6%) to alcoholic levity in a way you will seldom experience from any Austrian Grüner Veltliner outside of this vintage and address.”–Vinous Media
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $39.99
Spain
Remelluri Granja Nuestra Senora de Remulleri Blanco, Rioja DOCa 2013 750ML ($99.95) $79 special
Wine Advocate 93 points “2013 was a challenging vintage in Rioja for reds and that’s what got stuck in the collective memory, but it somehow seems to be much better for whites. The 2013 Blanco from Remelluri is one of the best vintages ever produced. This has always been a blend of nine different grape varieties with the idea that the blend would erase the imprint from each variety and would show the character of the place. The white varieties are always planted in the poorer, whiter soils, and in this case also the higher altitude places, where the soils are shallow and rich in marls and sandstone. It fermented in small stainless steel and oak vats with indigenous yeasts and matured in oak barrel for one year. The nose is slightly oaky with a core of flowers, pollen, orange peel, spices and wet chalk. The palate shows good freshness and it’s very tasty, with salty, chalky minerality. This is fine and elegant. There is some creaminess, perhaps not as crisp as I expected for the vintage. From 2013 onward, all of the Remelluri vineyards are organically certified.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Shipping Season Has Arrived
Don’t miss out!
If you have wine being held for cooler weather
please contact us to arrange shipping at this time.
Email or call today!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Arriving December 2nd
Just in time for your holiday parties:
Champagne Stock Up
Grande Cuvees from the Grande Estates of Champagne
Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin La Grande Dame Brut 2006 750ML ($149.95) $119 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 94 points “Bright and graceful, this seamlessly knits a subtle streak of smoke-tinged minerality with flavors of almond financier, poached pear, candied kumquat and crème de cassis, focused by vibrant acidity and a refined, creamy mousse. Drink now through 2030.”
Dom Perignon Rose Brut 2004 750ML ($299.95) $249 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 96 points “The 2004 Dom Pérignon Rosé has put on remarkable weight over the last year or so. A rich, voluptuous wine, the 2004 Rosé hits the palate with stunning depth and resonance. The flavors are bold, rich and beautifully resonant from start to finish. Raspberry, cranberry, smoke, spice and crushed rocks build to the stunning, powerful finish. Vinous and ample, the 2004 Rosé will drink well for decades. The 2004 just keeps getting better with time in bottle.” AG
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Ruinart Blanc de Blancs Brut NV 750ML ($89.95) $69 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 93 points “This deftly woven Champagne is all about finesse, offering a rich vein of smoky minerality and vivid acidity. The power is cloaked in a silky texture and notes of creamed pear, lemon confit, almond biscotti and fresh ginger. Drink now through 2021.” WS
Stephen Tanzer 92 points “Pale yellow. Complex, high-pitched aromas of orange zest, lemon pith, iodine, smoky minerals, anise and jasmine. Sappy and tactile on the palate, offering impressive volume to its ripe citrus and orchard fruit flavors accented by smoke and minerals. Finishes tangy and long, with lingering smokiness and an echo of anise.” ST
Krug Grande Cuvee Brut NV 750ML ($219.95) $159 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 95 points “Rich, with smoky hints of roasted almond and toasted brioche, this crystalline Champagne offers a finely detailed mousse that carries the firm, citrusy acidity and flavors of patisserie apple, spun honey and tangy black cherry, accented by subtle, aromatic hints of ground cumin and clove, bergamot and chamomile.” (11/2015)
Arriving Early December from Bereche
Bereche et Fils Les Beaux Regards Blanc de Blancs Brut Nature NV (2012) 750ML ($79.95) $69 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 93+ points “Just disgorged a few weeks before my visit, the 2012 Extra-Brut Les Beaux Regards is another winner from Bérèche. The racier, richer side of Chardonnay comes through loud and clear in a wine built on density and creaminess. Lemon confit, wild flowers and spices are fused together in a deeply expressive Champagne to enjoy over the next handful of years. Another few months in bottle (at least) will only help. The breadth and power of the Montagne de Reims gives the wine much of its personality. Disgorged February, 2016. Dosage is 4 grams per liter.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Arriving Early December
Auguste Clape
The burden of success is scrutiny – everyone’s watching a bit closer, chalking each vintage against the last. Within the northern Rhone Valley, few producers are under closer watch than Auguste Clape, nestled within eight hectares in Cornas.
Though the Clape family made wine across many generations within the Languedoc, growers’ strikes in the early 1900’s sent the family up to the northern Rhone Valley. Once there, they started anew, carving out their land from the steep western slopes of the Rhone River. Auguste, the former mayor of Cornas, was the first in the area to bottle estate fruit. The family operation now includes Auguste’s son, Pierre-Marie, and grandson Olivier.
The family’s eight hectares under vine sit stacked precariously on terraced parcels, a difficult topography which renders machines useless. Thus, vineyard work is done by hand. Winemaking overall has changed little, if at all, since the beginning. Harvest occurs at full ripeness, stems remain on the fruit, and primary fermentation occurs in concrete tanks for roughly one week followed by a prolonged skin maceration. There is never new oak – after all, “the Syrah must breathe,” Clape once proclaimed.
New Releases of Auguste Clape Arriving in Early December:
Domaine Auguste Clape Cornas 2014 750ML ($149.95) $119 pre-arrival special
Domaine Auguste Clape Cornas 2014 1.5L ($299.95) $249 pre-arrival special
Josh Raynolds Vinous Media 93-95 points “Brilliant purple. Powerful, mineral-tinged cherry and blackberry scents, along with notes of bacon fat, licorice, potpourri and pungent flowers. Pure, concentrated and energetic on the palate, offering deeply concentrated black and blue fruit flavors that gain weight and become sweeter with air. Closes extremely long, sappy and sweet, juicy acidity adding lift and cut to the blue-fruit-dominated, youthfully tannic finish.”
Domaine Auguste Clape Cornas Renaissance 2014 750ML ($89.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 92-94 points “Saturated ruby. Potent black and blue fruit, cola, olive and smoky Indian spice aromas are lifted by a suggestion of cracked pepper. Sappy, pliant and appealingly sweet, offering ripe blueberry and cherry compote flavors that tighten up steadily with air. Rich yet energetic, showing strong closing punch and velvety tannins that fold smoothly into sappy dark fruit on the impressively long finish.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine Auguste Clape Saint-Peray Blanc 2015 750ML ($51.95) $46 pre-arrival special
Domaine Auguste Clape Le Vin des Amis, Rhone 2015 750ML ($31.95) $28 pre-arrival special
Domaine Auguste Clape Cotes du Rhone 2015 750ML ($44.95) $39 pre-arrival special
These are the lowest listed prices in the USA today!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We Heart Beaujolais
And so should you
New 2015 Releases from two of our most popular domains
Arriving November 25th:
Pierre-Marie Chermette Domaine du Vissoux Brouilly Pierreux 2015 750ML ($29.95) $24 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Pierre-Marie Chermette Domaine du Vissoux Brouilly Pierreux 2015 750ML ($299.95) $259 pre-arrival special (that’s only $21.58/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Pierre-Marie Chermette Domaine du Vissoux Fleurie Poncie 2015 750ML ($29.95) $24 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Pierre-Marie Chermette Domaine du Vissoux Fleurie Poncie 2015 750ML ($299.95) $259 pre-arrival special (that’s only $21.58/bottle!)
Pierre-Marie Chermette Domaine du Vissoux Moulin-a-Vent Les Trois Roches 2015 750ML ($29.95) $24 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Pierre-Marie Chermette Domaine du Vissoux Moulin-a-Vent Les Trois Roches 2015 750ML ($299.95) $259 pre-arrival special (that’s only $21.58/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Pierre-Marie Chermette Domaine du Vissoux Cuvee Traditionnelle Vieilles Vignes 2015 750ML ($19.95) $16 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Pierre-Marie Chermette Domaine du Vissoux Cuvee Traditionnelle Vieilles Vignes 2015 750ML ($199.95) $169 pre-arrival special (that’s only $14.08/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 91 points “Vivid ruby. Expansive, highly perfumed raspberry and floral pastille aromas are complemented by a suggestion of Asian spices. A core of minerality adds definition and spine to juicy red fruit flavors, which show impressive focus and back-end lift. Finishes gently sweet and very long, leaving behind sappy red fruit and rose pastille notes. As always, this wine delivers excellent value.”
Daniel Bouland Cote de Brouilly Cuvee Melanie 2015 750ML ($29.95) $24 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Daniel Bouland Cote de Brouilly Cuvee Melanie 2015 750ML ($299.95) $259 pre-arrival special (that’s only $21.58/bottle!)
Wine Advocate 91 points “The 2015 Cote de Brouilly Cuvee Melanie has a more primal bouquet compared to the 2015 Chiroubles: blackberry and bilberry fruit with almost slate-like aromas interwoven. There is great mineralite locked in here. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin. This is very pure with a citric edge, hints of fig and date lending a little exoticism towards the finish whilst always remaining linear and tensile. This is another very impressive 2015 from Daniel Bouland.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Daniel Bouland Morgon Delys Vieilles Vignes 2015 750ML ($31.95) $27 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Daniel Bouland Morgon Delys Vieilles Vignes 2015 750ML ($349.95) $289 pre-arrival special (that’s only $24.08/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2015 Morgon De Lys Vieilles Vignes, which includes a hectare planted in 1926 and is aged in stainless steel rather than foudres, has a very complex bouquet with cola-tinged blackberry and briary fruit, broody in style with subtle slate-like aromas that it has in common with the Côte de Brouilly this year. The palate is very concentrated with almost honeyed like notes infusing the red berry fruit. This is plush and generous, though it avoids being overbearing thanks to that tightly wound acidity. If you are seeking a more opulent take on Morgon whilst retaining typicité then this will fit the bill. This is a killer Beaujolais from Daniel Bouland.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Our Current
Shipping Promos:
Welcome to the club, Colorado!
Along with Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and California,
we now offer flat rate shipping to Colorado. Here’s the scoop:
Single orders of any quantity of wines qualify for the flat rate;
this does not apply to orders held in storage for any reason
or multiple orders consolidated into one shipment.
The flat reach for each state is, as follows:
-to Oregon for $17,
-Washington & Idaho for $20,
-and California & Colorado for $25
Take Advantage of the Flat Rate!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Burgundy Alert!
Arriving Mid-December 2016
Bruno Deasunay-Bissey, Remi Jobard and Domaine des Lambrays
From the importer: “Bruno Desaunay, together with his father-in law, Daniel Bissey, have several parcels of very old vines in Vosne (some 80 years), Echezeaux (some 110 years) Grands-Echezeaux (70 years), Chambolle (90 years), and Nuits St. Georges (60 years). Since 2007 Bruno uses no herbicides or pesticides, all the soil being tilled. Bruno’s winemaking is very terroir-expressive, doing short pre-fermentation maceration, using indigenous yeasts, and not too much extraction. Barrel-aging is about 1/3 new except for more with the Grands Crus. The wines are neither fined nor filtered. The result is beautifully balanced, perfumed, textured, complex, lingering Burgundies – just the kind we seek.”
Bruno Desaunay-Bissey Nuits-St-George 2014 750ML ($69.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Bruno Desaunay-Bissey Chambolle-Musigny 2014 750ML ($79.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Bruno Desaunay-Bissey Vosne-Romanee 2014 750ML ($79.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Bruno Desaunay-Bissey Les Beaux Monts Vieilles Vignes, Vosne-Romanee Premier Cru 2014 750ML ($119.95) $89 pre-arrival special
These are all the only listings in the USA today!
The Jobard family works with some of the finest parcels in all of Meursault. As powerful as they are graceful, the estate’s wines see the longest fermentation in the region – topping out at two months! Remi bottles the wines, unfiltered, sixteen months after vintage after aging in large Austrian barrels. Many of the vines are over 50 years old, and the wines are known for their mineral-laden, opulently concentrated style. It’d be a bit unfair to dub the Jobard estate as “up and coming”, as they’ve enjoyed high praise (and scores!) for some time now. Still, they’re one to look out for!
Domaine Remi Jobard Meursault Sous la Velle 2014 750ML ($69.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Domaine Remi Jobard Meursault Les Narvaux 2014 750ML ($89.95) $69 pre-arrival special
Domaine Remi Jobard Meursault Les Chevaliers 2013 750ML ($89.95) $69 pre-arrival special
Domaine Remi Jobard Les Genevrieres, Meursault Premier Cru 2014 750ML ($119.95) $89 pre-arrival special
These are all the lowest listed prices in the USA today!
Domaine des Lambrays
Domaine des Lambrays Clos des Lambrays Grand Cru 2014 750ML ($249.95) $199 pre-arrival special
Wine Enthusiast 96 points “This is such a perfumed wine with deceptively soft tannins and great fruit. The acidity is classic for the vintage, with raspberries and intense freshness at the end. It has a fine line of tannins and a life that will go far.”
John Gilman 95 points “The 2014 Clos des Lambrays is a great wine in the making. The stunning bouquet delivers a pure and sappy constellation of sweet dark berries, black cherries, woodsmoke, currant leaf, dark chocolate, a very complex base of soil, fresh herbs and just a whisper of new wood. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, pure and rock solid at the core, with great mineral drive, refined tannins and impeccable focus and balance on the long, ripely tannic and seamless finish. 2025-2075. (Nov/Dec 2015)”
Domaine des Lambrays Clos du Cailleret, Puligny-Montrachet Premier Cru 2014 750ML ($149.95) $119 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2014 Puligny Montrachet 1er Cru Clos du Caillerets, from vines planted in 1947, has a very different nose to the Folatières with apple blossom, white peach and apricot scents. The palate is underpinned by a keen salinity, very structured with more mineral/limestone towards the finish. This is another superb white from Thierry, perhaps even more bewitching than the Folatières.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine des Lambrays Les Folatieres, Puligny-Montrachet Premier Cru 2013 750ML ($149.95) $119 pre-arrival special
Burghound 91 points “As is often the case immediately after wines have been bottled there is a trace of reduction so I would suggest decanting this if the wine is less than 2 years of age. By contrast there is lovely freshness and vibrancy present on the very rich and round medium weight flavors that culminate in a clean, saline and well-balanced finish. This should be accessible young but reward 5 to 7 years or so of aging.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sunshine for the Winter:
The Wines of Cantine Lonardo
When it comes to Italy, Tuscany gets all the glory. Part of the reason for that is where we (Americans) vacation, part of that is wealth and history, but we should be paying more attention to the wines of Southern Italy. Campania, the area around Naples, has been famous for its wines since the Greeks settled it. There are numerous references to the quality of the wines in Roman writings and if the wines of Cantine Lonardo are any proof, the region should be famous again.
Sandro Lonardo is a schoolteacher who also makes wines, both from vineyards he farms and from grapes he buys from local farmers. Mostly he makes wines from the Aglianico grape, which is the “Barolo of the South” according to popular wisdom. Unlike some producers, he resists the temptation to use lots of barrique or new wood and yet the wines aren’t rustic monsters. There is a freshness and approachability that surprises, given the reputation of the grape and the warm climate. Lonardo also makes a white from a nearly extinct grape called Grecomusc, which is almost like Chenin Blanc in its texture and acidity.
Cantine Lonardo Wines Available Here Now:
Cantine Lonardo – Contrade di Taurasi Aglianico Rosso Irpinia, Campania 2013 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special
“Declassified Taurasi; the less ageworthy lots are vinified seperately, with a brief maceration of about a week and aging in puncheons (30%) and stainless steel (70%). The Irpinia shows the distinctive flavors of the area – blackberry/raspberry fruit balanced with fresh acidity, a savory character that I associate with volcanic soils, and a rounder, more forward structure than Taurasi itself. Drink now or in 3-5 years with red meats or substantial pasta dishes.” -Importer Note
Cantine Lonardo – Contrade di Taurasi Taurasi DOCG, Campania 2007 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
Antonio Galloni 92 points “The 2007 Taurasi is a gorgeous, round Taurasi with impeccable class and elegance. Ripe dark fruit, smoke, minerals and ash flow from this graceful, elegant wine. The Taurasi here can at times be a touch rustic, but not in this vintage. The 2007 impresses for its sensual personality and harmony. It is a brilliant effort that makes me look forward to the Riserva with great anticipation. The Taurasi saw 30 days of contact on the skins and was subsequently aged for 18 months in 500-liter French oak barrels. The wine was bottled unfiltered and unfined.” AG
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $44.99
Cantine Lonardo – Contrade di Taurasi Coste, Taurasi DOCG 2009 750ML ($89.95) $59 special
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2009 Taurasi Coste will reward readers with glorious drinking over the next 15-20 years, perhaps longer. Rich, ample and racy on the palate, the 2009 shows the more voluptuous side of Taurasi, with layers of dark fruit that continue to open up in the glass. Earthy, leathery notes add nuance on the powerful finish. The 2009 is very much old school in style, but with a touch of early approachability that is a positive for such a big wine.” AG
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $65.99
Cantine Lonardo – Contrade di Taurasi ‘Grecomusc’ Campania IGT 2013 750ML ($31.95) $26 special
Ian D’agata–Vinous 90 points “Dark yellow. Intense pear, baked apple and sweet spice notes on the aromatic nose. Bright and fresh, with tactile orchard fruit and stony flavors complicated by a savory quality. The very long finish shows a repeating lemony nuance and peppery zing. Outstanding stuff. Lonardo deserves praise from wine lovers everywhere for having resuscitated Grecomusc’, a rare aromatic white variety from Campania.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Cantine Lonardo Arriving in February:
Cantine Lonardo – Contrade di Taurasi Taurasi DOCG, Campania 2011 750ML ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
Ian D’Agata – Vinous Media 94 points “Deep ruby. Ripe black cherry, flint and herbs on the profound, complex nose. Bright, dense and rich; lively acidity lifts the almost decadently ripe red cherry fruit, nicely framed by sweet, polished tannins. Finishes long and ripe with a bright, refreshing floral nuance. Outstanding Taurasi that manages the neat trick of being remarkably concentrated yet very light on its feet. Bravo!”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Cantine Lonardo – Contrade di Taurasi Aglianico Rosso Irpinia, Campania 2014 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 pre-arrival special
Ian D’Agata – Vinous Media 89 points “Medium red. Reticent nose hints at red berries, licorice and wild herbs. Then bright and juicy, with excellent spine to the flavors of red fruits, licorice and minerals. Well-balanced wine with an echoing finish, if not the greatest complexity.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Cantine Lonardo – Contrade di Taurasi Coste, Taurasi DOCG 2011 750ML ($89.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Ian D’Agata – Vinous Media 94+ points “Deep ruby. Floral nuances complicate the red and dark berry, ink, sweet spice and flinty aromas and flavors. Dense and seamless, showing a multilayered personality and remarkable complexity of flavor. Finishes very long and with repeating, lingering hints of ink and flint.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Cantine Lonardo – Contrade di Taurasi Vigne d’Alto, Taurasi DOCG 2011 750ML ($89.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Ian D’Agata – Vinous Media 94+ points “Deep ruby with a purple tinge. Reticent nose at first, only hinting at dark cherry, sassafras and sandalwood. Then very concentrated and dense, displaying almost opulent, sweet nuances of oaky torrefaction to the coffee, cocoa and dark cherry flavors. This outstanding Taurasi finishes extremely long, rich and seamless. It’s virtually impossible to pick between Lonardo’s two crus in 2011, and both will have many admirers.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Cantine Lonardo – Contrade di Taurasi ‘Grecomusc’ Campania IGT 2014 750ML ($31.95) $26 pre-arrival special
Ian D’Agata – Vinous Media 90 points “Bright straw. Lime and botanical herbs on the fresh nose. Rich and dense but juicy, showcasing precise fresh citrus and spicy flavors that linger long on the almost creamy aftertaste. Lovely Grecomusc’ from the producer who first rediscovered this long-forgotten aromatic variety that gives wines not unlike dry white Muscat wines. (Grecomusc’ is what the grape is called in dialect; the variety’s official name is Roviello.)”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
JJ Prum
2015 Releases Arriving This Spring
There’s not a whole lot to say about the wines of JJ Prum that hasn’t already been said. Manfred and Katarina Prum make some of the finest and most sought after wines of the middle-Mosel. Made from The wines are high-wire acts of tension between fruit and intense minerality and display their terroir in the most expressive way. Part of this is that their parcels have lots of old, ungrafted vines and part of it is spontaneous fermentation and a whatever magic the Prum family uses in the cellar. No matter what, these are always some of the finest and longest lived wines in Germany.
We are very excited to offer them from the 2015 (arriving in spring). 2015 is an exceptional vintage for Germany (and the Mosel in particular) even within the context of a run of impressive vintages dating back to 2001. Pure, clean fruit and bright acid are the hallmarks of the vintage, but they have density and power to back it up. We’ve gone long on these wine and are proud to feature a number of them (including some rare magnums) today!
Joh. Jos. Prum Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Auslese, Mosel 2015 750ML ($49.95) $41.90 pre-arrival special
Joh. Jos. Prum Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Auslese, Mosel 2015 375ML ($29.95) $26 pre-arrival special
Joh. Jos. Prum Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Auslese, Mosel 2015 1.5L ($119.95) $89 pre-arrival special
Mosel Fine Wines 95 points “This offers a gorgeous nose of yellow peach, honey, candy floss and herbs. The wine is hugely complex on the palate and leaves a superbly clean feel full of creamy exotic fruits and herbs in the impeccably balanced and long finish. 2025-2045”
Joh. Jos. Prum Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel, Mosel 2015 750ML ($119.95) $89 pre-arrival special
Joh. Jos. Prum Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel, Mosel 2015 375ML ($59.95) $49 pre-arrival special
Joh. Jos. Prum Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel, Mosel 1.5L ($219.95) $199 pre-arrival special
Mosel Fine Wines 95 points “This offers a gorgeous nose of melon, grapefruit, spices, herbs and honey. The wine develops a superbly clean feel of aniseed fruits, pear and a hint of apricot and honey on the palate, which gives way to a delicately creamy sense of fruits and herbs in the delicately honeyed finish. This is a beautifully elegant and superbly balanced wine in the making. 2030-2055”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Joh. Jos. Prum Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett, Mosel 2015 750ML ($31.95) $26 pre-arrival special
Joh. Jos. Prum Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett, Mosel 2015 1.5L ($79.95) $66 pre-arrival special
Mosel Fine Wines 92 points “This offers a delicately creamy yet vibrant nose of cassis, fresh yellow fruits, herbs and spices. The wine is still rather firm but hugely pleasing on the palate and leaves a stunning feel in a long and zesty finish. There is hardly any feel of sweetness here as acidity drives the aromatics in the finish. 2025-2035”
Joh. Jos. Prum Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Spatlese, Mosel 2015 750ML ($39.95) $33 pre-arrival special
Joh. Jos. Prum Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Spatlese, Mosel 2015 1.5L ($99.95) $79 pre-arrival special
Mosel Fine Wines 92+ points “This is still quite reduced at first but already offers a gorgeous nose of dried herbs, spices, melon, almond (from reduction) and cassis. The wine reveals quite a playful side on the palate as its juicy fruits are wrapped into a mineral and smoky core of smoke. The wine is delicately ripe yet vibrant acidity brings freshness and liveliness to the long and mouth-watering finish. This is a superb Spätlese with even some upside potential. 2025-2045”
Joh. Jos. Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese, Mosel 2015 750ML ($59.95) $47 pre-arrival special
Joh. Jos. Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese, Mosel 2015 375ML ($37.95) $29 pre-arrival special
Joh. Jos. Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese, Mosel 2015 1.5L ($119.95) $99 pre-arrival special
Mosel Fine Wines 95 points “This offers a hugely elegant nose of pear, grapefruit, herbs and white flowers. The wine is intensely zesty yet also delicately creamy on the palate and leads to a finish which is, simply put, to die for. What a wine! 2025-2045”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Joh. Jos. Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel, Mosel 2015 750ML ($119.95) $99 pre-arrival special
Joh. Jos. Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel, Mosel 2015 375ML ($79.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Joh. Jos. Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel, Mosel 2015 1.5L ($249.95) $219 pre-arrival special
Mosel Fine Wines 96 points “This delivers a stunning nose of infused pear, slate and white flowers which give way to coconut and pineapple. A deliciously exotic side runs through the wine on the palate. This, combined with zesty acidity, gives the wine great freshness, vibrancy and finesse. The finish is all about whipped cream, pear puree and candied grapefruit. What a beauty! 2030-2055”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Joh. Jos. Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett, Mosel 2015 750ML ($37.95) $29 pre-arrival special
Joh. Jos. Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett, Mosel 2015 1.5L ($89.95) $77 pre-arrival special
Mosel Fine Wines 94 points “This little jewel of a Kabinett immediately captures one’s attention as elegant scents of white flowers, herbs, smoke and cassis emerge from the glass. The wine is beautifully elegant and fresh as mint, herbs, white flowers and more fruits hit the palate. The wine remains stunningly precise right into the incredibly long, clean and juicy finish. The sense of focus which runs through the whole wine is simply mind-boggling as it adds intensity and precision to already airy flavors. What an absolute beauty made in a true Kabinett style! 2025-2040+”
Joh. Jos. Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Spatlese, Mosel 2015 750ML ($49.95) $39 pre-arrival special
Joh. Jos. Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Spatlese, Mosel 2015 1.5L ($119.95) $89 pre-arrival special
Mosel Fine Wines 93 points “This offers a stunning nose of delicately yellow fruits, white flowers, melon, and grapefruit. The wine is gorgeously smooth on the palate with nicely playful acidity and elegant fresh herbs bringing great freshness to the delicately creamy yet vibrant finish. This is plain beautiful with great presence and under toned ripe elegance. 2025-2045”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thanks for reading!