In Today’s Newsletter:
“Mr. Chablis” Delivers Again
Don’t Forget our Subscriber Special!
On Cameron’s 2018 Dundee Hills Pinot Noir
Trending Wines
New Vintages of Marietta’s Values
Staff Pick
Ageworthy, Impressive—and Under $35
The Return of a Best Selling, Best Value Champagne
Collector’s Corner
Chandon de Briailles’ Grand Crus
“Mr. Chablis” Delivers Again
New Wines from Domaine d’Henri
New Wines from Domaine d’Henri
With Spring here and Summer approaching, we’re restocking on some of our favorite Chablis out there: the wines of Le Domaine d’Henri. Founded and made by Michel Laroche, a man whose nickname is “Mr. Chablis,” they’re as classic as they come with prices that make them exceptional deals even for an undervalued region. We have a few wines in stock now, but just secured a restock on these chalky treasures—including some of his rare “Heritage” bottling that represents the top of the range.
Le Domaine d’Henri is a new producer with an old heritage. Michel Laroche has ancestors who farmed grapes in Chablis going back to the 17th century but formed this star producer only (after selling his interest in the Domaine Laroche in 2010. Named after his father, Henri, Michel kept only the oldest, most treasured vines in Fourchaume and some village level vineyards, aiming to have a small, family business that focuses on farming and winemaking on an intimate scale.
The wines he’s making are some of the most beautiful in Burgundy, with rippling minerality, electric tension and pretty fruit framing the palate. They are classically Chablisienne in the best ways, practically the distilled essence of the region. We love drinking these with practically any food, but especially with spring and summer weather.
In Stock Now:
Le Domaine d’Henri Fourchaume, Chablis Premier Cru 2017 750ML ($41.95) $33 special, 34 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “In 2012, we started a massal selection from our oldest Fourchaume vines, planted in 1937, before the existence of clones. These vines provide us with a unique heritage that we absolutely want to preserve…In addition to the fundamental work on the vine canopy, we have joined forces with renowned soil specialist, Claude Bourguignon, and his son, Emmanuel, to gain a better understanding of our soils. The soil is a very complex, living environment that deserves to be better understood. It is, after all, the soil that will allow the vine to reach its full qualitative potential. It is important to understand the living organisms present in the soil: microbial, bacterial, vegetal and animal, such as worms that will help break up and aerate our soils.”
Le Domaine d’Henri is a new producer with an old heritage. Michel Laroche has ancestors who farmed grapes in Chablis going back to the 17th century but formed this star producer only (after selling his interest in the Domaine Laroche in 2010. Named after his father, Henri, Michel kept only the oldest, most treasured vines in Fourchaume and some village level vineyards, aiming to have a small, family business that focuses on farming and winemaking on an intimate scale.
The wines he’s making are some of the most beautiful in Burgundy, with rippling minerality, electric tension and pretty fruit framing the palate. They are classically Chablisienne in the best ways, practically the distilled essence of the region. We love drinking these with practically any food, but especially with spring and summer weather.
In Stock Now:
Le Domaine d’Henri Fourchaume, Chablis Premier Cru 2017 750ML ($41.95) $33 special, 34 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “In 2012, we started a massal selection from our oldest Fourchaume vines, planted in 1937, before the existence of clones. These vines provide us with a unique heritage that we absolutely want to preserve…In addition to the fundamental work on the vine canopy, we have joined forces with renowned soil specialist, Claude Bourguignon, and his son, Emmanuel, to gain a better understanding of our soils. The soil is a very complex, living environment that deserves to be better understood. It is, after all, the soil that will allow the vine to reach its full qualitative potential. It is important to understand the living organisms present in the soil: microbial, bacterial, vegetal and animal, such as worms that will help break up and aerate our soils.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Le Domaine d’Henri Troesmes, Chablis Premier Cru 2017 750ML ($39.95) $36 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Importer Note “From two hillside parcels located in the Troëmes section of the 1er Cru Beauroy vineyard on the left bank of the Serein river, this gorgeous wine shows notes of citrus and pears with tinges of mineral. This vineyard tends to be a little warmer than many in Chablis and thus possesses plenty of richness in the mouth. This richness is balanced by elegant, fresh acidity and a very persistent finish. Although fairly fruit forward in its youth, this wine will age gracefully for at least 10 years, if stored correctly. Drink with richer seafood dishes, fowl and mushrooms.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Arriving Friday:
Le Domaine d’Henri Fourchaume Heritage Premiere Trie, Chablis Premier Cru 2015 750ML ($69.95) $54.50 pre-arrival special
Winery Note “Our Cuvée Héritage is dedicated to the memory of Henri. Hand harvested and hand selected, this is a “première trie”, or selection, of the finest grapes from our oldest parcel of vines, planted in 1937. Vinified and aged in stainless steel tanks (70%) and 228-litre oak barrels (30%), this is an elegant, precise yet racy wine, that expresses the tension and refreshing minerality associated with the great Chablis terroirs. For Henri, this was the purest expression of the Chardonnay grape. A grand vin that will start to reveal its full potential between five and twenty years. The Cuvée Héritage encapsulates our savoir-faire. By selecting only the very best grapes, the production is limited to only a few thousand bottles per year an the volume will vary each year, depending on the quality of the vintage. Serve between 14-15° and decant for 15 minutes before serving. This is a bottle for special occasions. Appreciate on its own with fellow wine lovers, or enjoy with fish, lobster, guinea fowl or even an aged Comté.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Le Domaine d’Henri Chablis Saint Pierre, Burgundy 2017 750ML ($34.95) $27 pre-arrival special
Le Domaine d’Henri Chablis Saint Pierre, Burgundy 2017 1.5L ($69.95) $59 pre-arrival special – ETA Mid-June
Winery Note “The combination of the Kimmeridgian soils that are so typical of the appellation, and a continental climate allow the Chardonnay grape to produce this fine, elegant and racy Chablis, with a distinct minerality. Made from vines planted in 1988, 1989 and 2001 and vinified uniquely in stainless steel tanks, this is a great example of grapes harvested at full maturity. Marked by a beautiful acidity, this Chablis can be drunk as soon as its first year, but will continue to improve for 5 to 7 years.”
Arriving ETA Mid-June:
Le Domaine d’Henri Fourchaume Heritage Premiere Trie, Chablis Premier Cru 2017 750ML ($69.95) $59 pre-arrival special
Winery Note “Our Cuvée Héritage is dedicated to the memory of Henri. Hand harvested and hand selected, this is a “première trie”, or selection, of the finest grapes from our oldest parcel of vines, planted in 1937. Vinified and aged in stainless steel tanks (70%) and 228-litre oak barrels (30%), this is an elegant, precise yet racy wine, that expresses the tension and refreshing minerality associated with the great Chablis terroirs. For Henri, this was the purest expression of the Chardonnay grape. A grand vin that will start to reveal its full potential between five and twenty years. The Cuvée Héritage encapsulates our savoir-faire. By selecting only the very best grapes, the production is limited to only a few thousand bottles per year an the volume will vary each year, depending on the quality of the vintage. Serve between 14-15° and decant for 15 minutes before serving. This is a bottle for special occasions. Appreciate on its own with fellow wine lovers, or enjoy with fish, lobster, guinea fowl or even an aged Comté.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Le Domaine d’Henri L’Homme Mort Vieilles Vignes, Chablis Premier Cru 2017 750ML ($59.95) $47.50 pre-arrival special
Le Domaine d’Henri L’Homme Mort Vieilles Vignes, Chablis Premier Cru 2017 1.5L ($119.95) $99 pre-arrival special
Winery Note “Planted in 1970, this parcel reflects the nobility of the Fourchaume appellation, with notes of forest floor and a racy, balanced palate, underlined by a good acidity. The Kimmeridgian escarpment of Fourchaume is reputed to produce some of the best Chablis wines and the South West exposure of the vines means that they bask in the warm afternoon sun. Vinified in stainless steel tanks (75%) to preserve the minerality and freshness, and in oak barrels (25%) of 228-litres so as to add more complex notes, this wine will continue to improve for the next 15 years or so. Serve at 14-15°C, this wine will benefit from being decanted 15 minutes before serving to allow the aromas to develop. The perfect partner for turbot or a grilled côte de veau.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Don’t Forget:
Subscriber Special!
Cameron’s 2018 Dundee Hills Pinot Noir
Arriving Friday, May 8th:
Pure joy from a joyous vintage!
Cameron Winery Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2018 750ML ($29.95) $27 pre-arrival special
Case-12 Cameron Winery Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2018 750ML ($369.95) $315 pre-arrival special (that’s only $26.25/bottle!)
VinopolNote: The 2018 shows more color and immediate impact than the 2017. (We’re extremely excited about the vintage.) Right out of the bottle, it’s well balanced and medium-bodied. It’s showing aromas of boysenberries, purple lilacs, and spice with a touch of black tea and a palate-cleansing astringency on the finish. John Paul declassified a few extra barrels of what would have made it into the Abbey Ridge bottling to be able to offer more Pinot at this price point (who knows where the economy is heading). Fortunately for you, we’re going deep and offering it for the lowest price in the USA. It’s the perfect case of wine for drinking now, next and later.
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
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Trending Wines
Evesham Wood meets a prime Dundee site for one vintage and magic happens.
Evesham Wood Dundee Hills Pinot Noir 2018 750ML ($29.95) $24 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
VinopolNote: A rare, one-off bottling from Evesham Wood. Erin Nuccio crafted this wine from Archery Summit estate fruit. A one of a kind wine and an exceptional value.
Evesham Wood Dundee Hills Pinot Noir 2018 750ML ($29.95) $24 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
VinopolNote: A rare, one-off bottling from Evesham Wood. Erin Nuccio crafted this wine from Archery Summit estate fruit. A one of a kind wine and an exceptional value.
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Andy’s Staff Pick from a few days ago is one of the best under $25 bottles out there.
Casa Castillo Vino de Finca, Jumilla 2017 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Casa Castillo Vino de Finca, Jumilla 2017 750ML ($299.95) $219 special (that’s only $18.25/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Luis Gutierrez 93+ points “There is a big jump in depth, complexity and nuance between the Monastrell and the 2017 Vino de Finca, which is a blend of Monastrell with almost 25% Garnacha. This comes from four plots that were selected from what was previously used for the entry-level Monastrell; they aim was to find a wine with more finesse and elegance but with the inherent power of the zone. This is only the third vintage for this cuvée, and it feels quite established and different from the rest of the range; it has less varietal character and is more about the place, getting closer to the single-vineyard bottlings where they do not search for fruit character. The idea here is to ferment at temperatures that are quite so low and to stabilize the wine in oak barrels for a long-ish time (12 months in 500-liter barrels and 5,000-liter oak foudres). They are wines of sun and limestone. This is a good reflection of it with a perfumed and floral note on the finish (elegance!) that is quite remarkable. 31,000 bottles produced in 2017. It was bottled in November 2018.”
What happens when you plant Dolcetto in cru Barolo vineyards? This wine.
G.D. Vajra Coste & Fossati Dolcetto d’Alba, Piedmont 2017 750ML ($29.95) $24 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2017 Dolcetto d’Alba Coste & Fossati is a wine of extraordinary and arresting beauty. Intense and yet also remarkably delineated, the Coste & Fossati is a terrific example of the heights Dolcetto can reach in skilled hands. Readers will find a gorgeous, beautifully layered wine endowed with tremendous energy and focus. Dark plum, graphite, smoke, menthol and licorice all build in this super-expressive and nuanced wine from Vajra. I loved it.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $26
The average price is $26
One of the best wines in Tuscany in 2015, this is a stunning wine for under $35. Back up the truck.
Tenuta di Bibbiano ‘Montornello’ Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2015 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Tenuta di Bibbiano ‘Montornello’ Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2015 750ML ($239.95) $189 special (that’s only $31.50/bottle!)
Case-12 Tenuta di Bibbiano ‘Montornello’ Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2015 750ML ($479.95) $349 special (that’s only $29.08/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 95 points “Relaxed, balanced and supported by dense tannins, this touts aromas of leather, tobacco, wood paneling, iron, woodsy spices and smoky cherry fruit, with a finish that is long and expansive. Drink now through 2040. 3,300 cases made, 500 cases imported.”
One of the Washington wines of the 2016 vintage. K Vintners always delivers and this especially does.
Charles Smith K Vintners The Cattle King Syrah, Snipes Mountain 2016 750ML ($89.95) $69 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 97+ points “The 2016 Syrah Cattle King Upland Vineyard comes from Snipes Mountain and has a singular, pretty, fresh style with more obvious acidity as well as tannins, yet it still stays in the plush, sexy style of the estate. Blue and black fruits, blood orange, violets, and exotic spice notes all define the bouquet and it’s full-bodied, incredibly pure and seamless on the palate. It’s a beautiful wine that’s going to come together nicely for 2-3 years of bottle age and keep for over a decade.”
James Suckling 95 points “From a sloping plot of deep river rock, this has a fresh array of red and blue berries with a fine, stony edge. The palate has a very sleek, composed feel with such length and composure. The purity of blackberry and blueberry flavors is entrancing. Holds so fresh. Drink this now or hold for a decade or more.”
Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2016 Syrah Cattle King leads with expressive red, black and blue fruits on the nose with a density that can be sensed just by nosing the glass. Black cherry, blackcurrant and boysenberry compote all vie for your attention with savory spices and resinous purple flowers. The full-bodied palate is dense with a pedal-to-metal winemaking approach with chewy tannins and supporting acidity. It continues to linger with spice tones as it changes over a 20-30 second period after the wine has left the palate. Just under 500 cases were produced-AM “
Half Barbera, half Nebbiolo—all awesome.
G. B. Burlotto Mores Langhe Rosso, Piedmont 2017 750ML ($29.95) $26 special, 35 bottles in stock now
Importer Note ” Mores is a co-fermanted blend of 50% Nebbiolo and 50% Barbera. The Barbera functions very well in softening the tannins of the Nebbiolo and contributing bright acidity and berry flavors. This is a stunning red wine, whether you are a Barolo lover or not, it has all the depth, body, length of finish and finesse you would expect from a glass of fine red. Give it a try!”
Tenuta di Bibbiano ‘Montornello’ Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2015 750ML ($39.95) $33 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Tenuta di Bibbiano ‘Montornello’ Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2015 750ML ($239.95) $189 special (that’s only $31.50/bottle!)
Case-12 Tenuta di Bibbiano ‘Montornello’ Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2015 750ML ($479.95) $349 special (that’s only $29.08/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 95 points “Relaxed, balanced and supported by dense tannins, this touts aromas of leather, tobacco, wood paneling, iron, woodsy spices and smoky cherry fruit, with a finish that is long and expansive. Drink now through 2040. 3,300 cases made, 500 cases imported.”
One of the Washington wines of the 2016 vintage. K Vintners always delivers and this especially does.
Charles Smith K Vintners The Cattle King Syrah, Snipes Mountain 2016 750ML ($89.95) $69 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 97+ points “The 2016 Syrah Cattle King Upland Vineyard comes from Snipes Mountain and has a singular, pretty, fresh style with more obvious acidity as well as tannins, yet it still stays in the plush, sexy style of the estate. Blue and black fruits, blood orange, violets, and exotic spice notes all define the bouquet and it’s full-bodied, incredibly pure and seamless on the palate. It’s a beautiful wine that’s going to come together nicely for 2-3 years of bottle age and keep for over a decade.”
James Suckling 95 points “From a sloping plot of deep river rock, this has a fresh array of red and blue berries with a fine, stony edge. The palate has a very sleek, composed feel with such length and composure. The purity of blackberry and blueberry flavors is entrancing. Holds so fresh. Drink this now or hold for a decade or more.”
Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2016 Syrah Cattle King leads with expressive red, black and blue fruits on the nose with a density that can be sensed just by nosing the glass. Black cherry, blackcurrant and boysenberry compote all vie for your attention with savory spices and resinous purple flowers. The full-bodied palate is dense with a pedal-to-metal winemaking approach with chewy tannins and supporting acidity. It continues to linger with spice tones as it changes over a 20-30 second period after the wine has left the palate. Just under 500 cases were produced-AM “
Half Barbera, half Nebbiolo—all awesome.
G. B. Burlotto Mores Langhe Rosso, Piedmont 2017 750ML ($29.95) $26 special, 35 bottles in stock now
Importer Note ” Mores is a co-fermanted blend of 50% Nebbiolo and 50% Barbera. The Barbera functions very well in softening the tannins of the Nebbiolo and contributing bright acidity and berry flavors. This is a stunning red wine, whether you are a Barolo lover or not, it has all the depth, body, length of finish and finesse you would expect from a glass of fine red. Give it a try!”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $33
The next best price is $33
Vinopolis Wine Shop Curbside Pick Up
Don’t want to stop in?
Order Online / By Phone / By Email
When you’re ready to pick up,
just park in our lot,
give us a call, &
we’ll bring your order to your car.
(If another adult is picking up for you, please let us know
their name when placing your order.)
#503-223-6002
Don’t want to stop in?
Order Online / By Phone / By Email
When you’re ready to pick up,
just park in our lot,
give us a call, &
we’ll bring your order to your car.
(If another adult is picking up for you, please let us know
their name when placing your order.)
#503-223-6002
New Vintages of Marietta’s Values
Chris Bilbro was one of California wine’s unsung heroes. He founded and grew Marietta Cellars into one of the preeminent producers of excellent value, honestly made California wine. Although his son Scot now runs the winery (Chris sadly passed away last year), the wines are as good as they’ve ever been—delicious, gutsy wines that deliver exceptional value at all prices. These are fantastic wines from their sub-$20 Zinfandel and Cabernet bottlings all the way through their “Gibson Block” Syrah, which hails from a parcel of Syrah planted in the 1880’s and still producing (tiny quantities) of fruit today.
The three entry level wines—the Arme Cabernet, Roman Zinfandel and Christo Rhone blend—are the backbone of their line and our best sellers out of the bunch. We sold through the last round of these wines but are excited to welcome the new vintages to the shop. They’re already selling fast and expect that to continue.
Just Arrived, In Stock Now:
Marietta Cellars Arme Estate Cabernet, California 2017 750ml ($21.95) $21.90 special
Antonio Galloni 91-93 points “The 2017 Armé is another gorgeous wine in this range from Marietta. Inky dark blue and purplish fruit, lavender, menthol and spice all grace this sumptuous racy and inky wine with great balance. The 2017 is a super value in California Cabernet Sauvignon. Wow.”
The three entry level wines—the Arme Cabernet, Roman Zinfandel and Christo Rhone blend—are the backbone of their line and our best sellers out of the bunch. We sold through the last round of these wines but are excited to welcome the new vintages to the shop. They’re already selling fast and expect that to continue.
Just Arrived, In Stock Now:
Marietta Cellars Arme Estate Cabernet, California 2017 750ml ($21.95) $21.90 special
Antonio Galloni 91-93 points “The 2017 Armé is another gorgeous wine in this range from Marietta. Inky dark blue and purplish fruit, lavender, menthol and spice all grace this sumptuous racy and inky wine with great balance. The 2017 is a super value in California Cabernet Sauvignon. Wow.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Marietta Cellars ‘Roman’ Estate Grown Zinfandel, North Coast 2018 750ML ($21.95) $18 special
Antonio Galloni 90-92 points “The 2018 Román is bright, punchy and full of Zinfandel character. Dark red and purplish fruit, spice and mint all race out of the glass effortlessly. Dollops of Petite Sirah and Barbera bring added complexity to the field blend. The 2018 is one of the best wines readers will find for the money. Quite simply, it is a screaming value.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Staff Pick
Ageworthy, Impressive—and Under $35
Saul:
While the modern conception of the Southern Rhone is all 15%+ alcohol monsters with lots of new wood, there are still a few holdouts who value an old school style. Gour de Chaule is a top example, in the heart of the Southern Rhone but with drinkability in their hearts. These are powerful wines, but with a soulful edge and a freshness that makes them immensely appealing. When you factor in their pricing, they become can’t miss offerings for anyone who longs for older style wines from the Rhone.
I had a chance to try both the 2015 and 2005 Gour de Chaule Gigondas at a blow-out dinner several months back and was stunned by the depth, complexity and freshness of the older version as well as the promise that the younger version clearly showed. On a night with a ton of expensive world class wines open, this under-$35 bottle was one of the highlights. The 2016 is a superior version of the wine I tried and I couldn’t be more excited for it to arrive. I’ll be grabbing a few to open in 10+ years, confident that it’ll be suitable for any occasion.
Arriving ETA May:
Domaine du Gour de Chaule Gigondas Tradition, Rhone 2016 750ML ($49.95) $33 pre-arrival special
Domaine du Gour de Chaule Gigondas Tradition, Rhone 2016 750ML ($399.95) $359 pre-arrival special (that’s only $29.92/bottle —the lowest listed price in the country!)
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 95 points “Vivid ruby. An exotically perfumed bouquet evokes ripe red and pit fruits, potpourri and garrigue, and an exotic spice note emerges in the glass. Stains the palate with sweet raspberry, cherry and lavender pastille flavors that steadily put on weight with air. Conveys a suave blend of power and finesse and finishes extremely long and floral, with fine-grained tannins lending discreet grip.”
While the modern conception of the Southern Rhone is all 15%+ alcohol monsters with lots of new wood, there are still a few holdouts who value an old school style. Gour de Chaule is a top example, in the heart of the Southern Rhone but with drinkability in their hearts. These are powerful wines, but with a soulful edge and a freshness that makes them immensely appealing. When you factor in their pricing, they become can’t miss offerings for anyone who longs for older style wines from the Rhone.
I had a chance to try both the 2015 and 2005 Gour de Chaule Gigondas at a blow-out dinner several months back and was stunned by the depth, complexity and freshness of the older version as well as the promise that the younger version clearly showed. On a night with a ton of expensive world class wines open, this under-$35 bottle was one of the highlights. The 2016 is a superior version of the wine I tried and I couldn’t be more excited for it to arrive. I’ll be grabbing a few to open in 10+ years, confident that it’ll be suitable for any occasion.
Arriving ETA May:
Domaine du Gour de Chaule Gigondas Tradition, Rhone 2016 750ML ($49.95) $33 pre-arrival special
Domaine du Gour de Chaule Gigondas Tradition, Rhone 2016 750ML ($399.95) $359 pre-arrival special (that’s only $29.92/bottle —the lowest listed price in the country!)
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 95 points “Vivid ruby. An exotically perfumed bouquet evokes ripe red and pit fruits, potpourri and garrigue, and an exotic spice note emerges in the glass. Stains the palate with sweet raspberry, cherry and lavender pastille flavors that steadily put on weight with air. Conveys a suave blend of power and finesse and finishes extremely long and floral, with fine-grained tannins lending discreet grip.”
The Return of a Best Selling, Best Value Champagne
We just got in a new round of one of our best value, best-selling Champagnes. Drappier’s Carte d’Or returns and is (stunningly) below $35 a bottle. This was a fantastic value when it was barely under $40, so bringing it back at this tariff seems unreal—a deal that we had to pounce on.
Drappier might sound like a Grande Marque, but they’re really a grower producer at heart. They own 53 hectares of vines in the Aube (where they were the first to plant Pinot Noir) and make forward thinking wines at a very friendly price-point. A carbon-neutral house, they place as much care in the cellar as they do in the vineyards—and the wines show it.
Forbes placed the wine we’re offering today, the estate’s Carte d’Or , as the #3 “Best Champagne You’ve Never Heard Of” for good reason. Drappier makes big, flamboyantly rich Champagne that is always a crowd pleaser—at prices that mean you can actually pour it for crowds. It’s hard to find better bubbly under $35/btl, so if you’re a Champagne drinker you should stock up now.
Just Arrived, In Stock Now:
Drappier Carte d’Or Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($49.95) $34.50 special
Case-6 Drappier Carte d’Or Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($299.95) $199 special (that’s only $33.17/bottle!)
Decanter 91 points “[Reviewed 10/2019] Described by Drappier as ‘almost a blanc de noirs’, this Pinot Noir-dominant wine sourced from the Côte des Bar is the house’s calling card. 5% of the cuvée is matured in barrels for a year for added complexity and texture, and it’s bottled unfiltered with a fairly low dosage of 7g/l. There are some melon and apple scents on the nose along with a splash of red fruits, while the palate is intense, with notes of apple, quince and grape wrapped in a red-fruit veil. It’s full-bodied and long, with a lovely texture from the red wine tannins and oak-matured portion.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 91 points “[Reviewed 4/2019] The latest release of the NV Carte d’Or Brut was disgorged in November 2017, and it’s showing well today, wafting from the glass with notions of waxy lemon rind, hazelnuts, fresh peaches and lily pollen. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, pure and vibrant, with pinpoint bubbles, brisk acids and good length and definition on the chalky finish. Attractively balanced, it will gain depth with bottle age.”
[Disgorgement may vary from reviews]
Drappier might sound like a Grande Marque, but they’re really a grower producer at heart. They own 53 hectares of vines in the Aube (where they were the first to plant Pinot Noir) and make forward thinking wines at a very friendly price-point. A carbon-neutral house, they place as much care in the cellar as they do in the vineyards—and the wines show it.
Forbes placed the wine we’re offering today, the estate’s Carte d’Or , as the #3 “Best Champagne You’ve Never Heard Of” for good reason. Drappier makes big, flamboyantly rich Champagne that is always a crowd pleaser—at prices that mean you can actually pour it for crowds. It’s hard to find better bubbly under $35/btl, so if you’re a Champagne drinker you should stock up now.
Just Arrived, In Stock Now:
Drappier Carte d’Or Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($49.95) $34.50 special
Case-6 Drappier Carte d’Or Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($299.95) $199 special (that’s only $33.17/bottle!)
Decanter 91 points “[Reviewed 10/2019] Described by Drappier as ‘almost a blanc de noirs’, this Pinot Noir-dominant wine sourced from the Côte des Bar is the house’s calling card. 5% of the cuvée is matured in barrels for a year for added complexity and texture, and it’s bottled unfiltered with a fairly low dosage of 7g/l. There are some melon and apple scents on the nose along with a splash of red fruits, while the palate is intense, with notes of apple, quince and grape wrapped in a red-fruit veil. It’s full-bodied and long, with a lovely texture from the red wine tannins and oak-matured portion.”
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 91 points “[Reviewed 4/2019] The latest release of the NV Carte d’Or Brut was disgorged in November 2017, and it’s showing well today, wafting from the glass with notions of waxy lemon rind, hazelnuts, fresh peaches and lily pollen. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, pure and vibrant, with pinpoint bubbles, brisk acids and good length and definition on the chalky finish. Attractively balanced, it will gain depth with bottle age.”
[Disgorgement may vary from reviews]
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Collector’s Corner
Chandon de Briailles’ Grand Crus
The wines of Chandon de Briailles are old-school Burgundies and brilliant because of it. Made with lots of whole clusters and an age-worthy approach, they are wines that need time but pay off in a big, big way. The estate has been a bit of an insider secret for years, as these wines are fantastic for their prices.
Speaking of those prices—the Burgundy market tends to reward wines that drink well on release and/or come from prestige appellations. These wines are neither (though Corton was quite the glamorous location a few hundred years ago). They require time to come into their own, putting on weight and texture in bottle until you open them up and they show up every other wine on the table (including many that released at triple the price).
In Stock Now:
Domaine Chandon de Briailles Corton-Clos du Roi Grand Cru, Cote de Beaune 2016 750ML ($249.95) $199 special, 11 bottles in stock now
William Kelley – Wine Advocate 95+ points “The 2016 Corton Clos du Roi Grand Cru is immensely impressive, unfurling in the glass with aromas of wild blueberries, raspberries and cassis that mingle with notions of dark chocolate, musk, violets and ineffable savory bass notes. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, satiny and multidimensional, with superb concentration, tangy acids and a long, searingly mineral finish. It’s one of the two or three finest expressions of the hill of Corton to be found—with the domaine’s fleshier, more gourmand Corton Bressandes not far behind. As readers may know, the de Nicolays’ holdings in the Clos du Roi are located at the top of this large vineyard, where the soils are redder and sandier than those classified—in white—as Corton-Charlemagne but which feature the same type of marl.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average listed price is $221
The average listed price is $221
Domaine Chandon de Briailles Corton-Bressandes Grand Cru, Cote de Beaune 2016 750ML ($189.95) $119 special, 26 bottles in stock now
William Kelley – Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2016 Corton Bressandes Grand Cru is also showing extremely well, unfurling in the glass with aromas of cassis, ripe plums, dark chocolate, dried flowers and spices. On the palate, it’s full-bodied, ample and velvety, with a deep, layered core, succulent balancing acids and a long, intense and beautifully soil-driven finish. Cropped at 22 hectoliters per hectare, this is an exceptional Bressandes that will be well worth seeking out.”
Stephen Tanzer 91-94 points “(a blend of four lots; the vines on the Aloxe side of the cru, on thin soil over mother rock, were seriously affected by frost while those on more clay-rich soil on the Ladoix side produced a normal crop; 80% vendange entier): Bright red-ruby. Distinctly dark aromas of blackberry and cassis lifted by violet and mint nuances and complicated by a saline element. Ripe but classically dry, offering terrific density of texture as well as more thrust than the Maréchaudes. This wine is totally different in shape, finishing with broader, firmer, almost peppery tannins that dust the front teeth. Flavors of dark fruits and spices linger impressively. I suspect that this wine will need considerably longer cellaring than the Maréchaudes.”
William Kelley – Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2016 Corton Bressandes Grand Cru is also showing extremely well, unfurling in the glass with aromas of cassis, ripe plums, dark chocolate, dried flowers and spices. On the palate, it’s full-bodied, ample and velvety, with a deep, layered core, succulent balancing acids and a long, intense and beautifully soil-driven finish. Cropped at 22 hectoliters per hectare, this is an exceptional Bressandes that will be well worth seeking out.”
Stephen Tanzer 91-94 points “(a blend of four lots; the vines on the Aloxe side of the cru, on thin soil over mother rock, were seriously affected by frost while those on more clay-rich soil on the Ladoix side produced a normal crop; 80% vendange entier): Bright red-ruby. Distinctly dark aromas of blackberry and cassis lifted by violet and mint nuances and complicated by a saline element. Ripe but classically dry, offering terrific density of texture as well as more thrust than the Maréchaudes. This wine is totally different in shape, finishing with broader, firmer, almost peppery tannins that dust the front teeth. Flavors of dark fruits and spices linger impressively. I suspect that this wine will need considerably longer cellaring than the Maréchaudes.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $140.99
The average listed price is $170
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