In Today’s Newsletter:
Domaine Durand Sale &
An Insider’s Guide to Vinopolis Case Specials
Domaine Durand Sale!
Sale Ends Midnight April 30th
The Durand brothers are making it look easy. It’s hard to find Northern Rhone wines that combine soul and polish—it seems as if most of the new wines we taste are either hyper glossy or very rustic. To hit that sweet spot, where your wines speak very loudly of place but are elegant, drinkable and age-worthy—that’s special indeed. To make those sorts of wines at the prices that the Durands charge seems almost unthinkable.
“Consistently brilliant wines emerge from Domaine Durand, which is run with incredible talent and passion by Eric and Joël Durand. Located in the tiny village of Châteaubourg, they pull from roughly 22 hectares of vines, 8.5 hectares in Saint Joseph, 9.5 hectares in Cornas and tiny amounts in Saint-Péray and Vin de Pays. The brothers took over the estate in 1991, and while the winemaking is relatively modern, these are classic, pure, beautifully made wines that speak clearly to their region and terroir.“ –Jeb Dunnuck
On Sale Now:
Domaine Eric et Joel Durand Cornas Premices, Rhone 2014 750ML ($37.95) Was $29, Now $26, 31 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 93 points “Offers a ripe, dark profile, with a core of steeped blackberry and plum fruit that picks up bay, white pepper and iron accents through the finish. Shows solid depth and fruit for the vintage, displaying excellent energy. Best from 2018 through 2029. 1,500 cases made.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine Eric et Joel Durand Cornas Empreintes, Rhone 2015 750ML ($49.95) Was $39, Now $36, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Domaine Eric et Joel Durand Cornas Empreintes, Rhone 2015 750ML ($479.95) Was $468, Now $399 (that’s only $33.25/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 95 points “($48) Loads of chalky grip keeps this wrapped up tight, but the core of steeped plum, fig and blackberry fruit is brimming with energy, while bay leaf, licorice root and charcoal notes chomp at the bit on the finish. Cellaring will rein this in. Best from 2021 through 2035. 700 cases made.”
Wine Advocate 94 points “Produced from 30-year-old vines and aged in 20% new oak, the 2015 Cornas Empreintes features classic Cornas notes of crushed stone, bloody meat and red plums. It’s full-bodied, rich and packed with fruit and tannin but supple at the same time. It’s mouth-filling and round, then finishes long, dry and mouthwatering.”
Case-12 Domaine Eric et Joel Durand Cornas Empreintes, Rhone 2015 750ML ($479.95) Was $468, Now $399 (that’s only $33.25/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 95 points “($48) Loads of chalky grip keeps this wrapped up tight, but the core of steeped plum, fig and blackberry fruit is brimming with energy, while bay leaf, licorice root and charcoal notes chomp at the bit on the finish. Cellaring will rein this in. Best from 2021 through 2035. 700 cases made.”
Wine Advocate 94 points “Produced from 30-year-old vines and aged in 20% new oak, the 2015 Cornas Empreintes features classic Cornas notes of crushed stone, bloody meat and red plums. It’s full-bodied, rich and packed with fruit and tannin but supple at the same time. It’s mouth-filling and round, then finishes long, dry and mouthwatering.”
This was the lowest listed price in the USA today,
Now it’s even lower!
The next best price is $44.94
Now it’s even lower!
The next best price is $44.94
Domaine Eric et Joel Durand Saint-Joseph Les Coteaux, Rhone 2016 750ML ($31.95) Was $24, Now $21.90, 18 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92 points “Bright violet. Vibrant and focused on the nose, displaying intense blue fruit, olive and cracked pepper scents and a hint of cola. Appealingly sweet and penetrating on the palate, offering juicy boysenberry and cola flavors and a touch of allspice. Supple tannins build steadily on the clinging finish, which features rounded tannins and a hint of candied flowers. ”
Wine Advocate 91 points “The 2016 Saint Joseph Les Coteaux looks as good from bottle as it did from tank last year. Richly concentrated and velvety, this medium to full-bodied beauty features savory notes of black olive, allspice and clove, backed by supple tannins and a long finish.”-JC
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92 points “Bright violet. Vibrant and focused on the nose, displaying intense blue fruit, olive and cracked pepper scents and a hint of cola. Appealingly sweet and penetrating on the palate, offering juicy boysenberry and cola flavors and a touch of allspice. Supple tannins build steadily on the clinging finish, which features rounded tannins and a hint of candied flowers. ”
Wine Advocate 91 points “The 2016 Saint Joseph Les Coteaux looks as good from bottle as it did from tank last year. Richly concentrated and velvety, this medium to full-bodied beauty features savory notes of black olive, allspice and clove, backed by supple tannins and a long finish.”-JC
This was the lowest listed price in the USA today for any vintage!
Now it’s even lower!Click here to see the complete list of Durand wines in stock now!
Now it’s even lower!Click here to see the complete list of Durand wines in stock now!
An Insider’s Guide to Vinopolis Case Specials
Want in on a Vinopolis secret? Some of the best values in the shop are when you buy one of our six-pack or twelve-pack Case Specials. We’ve highlighted some of our top picks below, but you can see all 129 Vinopolis Case Specials, including offerings from Scott Paul, Delas Freres, Domaine Huet, Altesino, Dom Perignon and more on our web store!
Our most popular Spanish red. As delightful, unique and authentic as a stroll through the markets in Barcelona
Case-12 Vinyes d’en Gabriel L’Heravi, Montsant 2017 750ML ($219.95) $169 special (that’s only $14.08/bottle!)
Vinyes d’en Gabriel L’Heravi, Montsant 2017 750ML ($19.95) $16 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Winery note “L’Heravi Joven is seductive, a rich cherry colour with hints of purple. It has a potent bouquet, with notes of red fruit, wild herbs and just a touch of sweet confectionery. In the mouth it is smooth and elegant, with intense flavours accompanied by freshness and nicely integrated tannins. It will continue to display its qualities over the next 3 years or so.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
The perfect wine to buy by the case – drink now and save a few bottles to cellar for decades!
Case-12 Produttori del Barbaresco Pora, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2013 750ML ($699.95) $599 special (that’s only $49.92/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Produttori del Barbaresco Pora, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2013 750ML ($79.95) $59 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 95 points “A rich, cherry- and floral-scented red, effusive in aroma, with the core of cherry prevailing on the palate. Though fleshy, this gives way to firm tannins that line the lingering aftertaste. Inviting and full of energy, so decant now or wait. Best from 2023 through 2035.”
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2013 Barbaresco Riserva Pora is soft, pliant and enveloping. In many vintages, the Pora can be a bit light. Not in 2013. The wine is rich and deeply textured, with layers of fruit that continue to build with time in the glass. The tannins are present, but they are nearly buried by the sheer intensity of the fruit. This is an especially powerful, brooding edition of the Pora. Although impressive today, the 2013 will drink well for decades to come.”
Wine Enthusiast 94 points– Cellar Selection “Scents of menthol, new leather, dark culinary spice, cured meat and forest floor lead the nose. The smooth, full-bodied palate shows juicy Morello cherry, pomegranate, licorice and clove balanced by vibrant acidity and tense, refined tannins. An almost salty note closes the finish. This is a classic Barbaresco with years ahead of it. Drink 2021–2038.”
Case-12 Produttori del Barbaresco Pora, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2013 750ML ($699.95) $599 special (that’s only $49.92/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Produttori del Barbaresco Pora, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2013 750ML ($79.95) $59 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 95 points “A rich, cherry- and floral-scented red, effusive in aroma, with the core of cherry prevailing on the palate. Though fleshy, this gives way to firm tannins that line the lingering aftertaste. Inviting and full of energy, so decant now or wait. Best from 2023 through 2035.”
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2013 Barbaresco Riserva Pora is soft, pliant and enveloping. In many vintages, the Pora can be a bit light. Not in 2013. The wine is rich and deeply textured, with layers of fruit that continue to build with time in the glass. The tannins are present, but they are nearly buried by the sheer intensity of the fruit. This is an especially powerful, brooding edition of the Pora. Although impressive today, the 2013 will drink well for decades to come.”
Wine Enthusiast 94 points– Cellar Selection “Scents of menthol, new leather, dark culinary spice, cured meat and forest floor lead the nose. The smooth, full-bodied palate shows juicy Morello cherry, pomegranate, licorice and clove balanced by vibrant acidity and tense, refined tannins. An almost salty note closes the finish. This is a classic Barbaresco with years ahead of it. Drink 2021–2038.”
The average listed price is $62
Gorgeous & dry Provencal rosé that pairs with patios and sunshine
Case-12 Commanderie de la Bargemone Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence Rose 2017 750ML ($199.95) $119 special (that’s only $9.92/bottle!)
Commanderie de la Bargemone Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence Rose 2017 750ML ($17.95) $11.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 91 points “Like the white, the 2017 Coteaux d’Aix en Provence Rosé (30% Grenache, 28% Syrah, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cinsault, and the rest Rolle, Carignan, and Counoise) has a beautiful saltiness that makes your mouth water. White cherries, strawberries, and spice notes all flow to a medium-bodied rosé that has terrific acidity, plenty of fruit and a clean, dry finish.”
Wine Enthusiast 91 points “Editor’s Choice. This ancient estate, founded in the Middle Ages by the Knights Templar, has produced an exemplary rosé. It has lightness and poise as well as great fruitiness, acidity and a crisp, zesty texture. Perfumed and with red-currant and strawberry flavors, the wine is ready to drink.”
Josh Raynolds 90 points “Light, vivid orange. Clean, focused and minerally on the nose, displaying fresh citrus and pit fruit scents and a hint of candied lavender. Sappy and precise in style, offering bitter cherry and redcurrant flavors and a spicy jolt on the back half. Clings very nicely on the finish, leaving floral and orange pith notes behind.”
Case-12 Commanderie de la Bargemone Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence Rose 2017 750ML ($199.95) $119 special (that’s only $9.92/bottle!)
Commanderie de la Bargemone Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence Rose 2017 750ML ($17.95) $11.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 91 points “Like the white, the 2017 Coteaux d’Aix en Provence Rosé (30% Grenache, 28% Syrah, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cinsault, and the rest Rolle, Carignan, and Counoise) has a beautiful saltiness that makes your mouth water. White cherries, strawberries, and spice notes all flow to a medium-bodied rosé that has terrific acidity, plenty of fruit and a clean, dry finish.”
Wine Enthusiast 91 points “Editor’s Choice. This ancient estate, founded in the Middle Ages by the Knights Templar, has produced an exemplary rosé. It has lightness and poise as well as great fruitiness, acidity and a crisp, zesty texture. Perfumed and with red-currant and strawberry flavors, the wine is ready to drink.”
Josh Raynolds 90 points “Light, vivid orange. Clean, focused and minerally on the nose, displaying fresh citrus and pit fruit scents and a hint of candied lavender. Sappy and precise in style, offering bitter cherry and redcurrant flavors and a spicy jolt on the back half. Clings very nicely on the finish, leaving floral and orange pith notes behind.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
And even lower by the case!
The average listed price is $15
And even lower by the case!
The average listed price is $15
Case-12 Scott Paul Nysa Vineyard Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2015 750ML ($299.95) $249 special (that’s only $20.75/bottle!)Scott Paul Nysa Vineyard Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2015 750ML ($59.95) $24 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 92 points “$60. The famous vineyard is showing well here. Winemaker Ian Burch has a fine ability to provide a distinct focus for each of the winery’s single vineyard selections. This bottling is refined, with an intriguing mix of flavors, from grapefruit and Bing cherry, to chicken broth and milk chocolate. As odd as it sounds, it all knits together quite well.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
And almost 1/3rd the price of the MSRP by the case!
And almost 1/3rd the price of the MSRP by the case!
Originally listed for $70/bottle, now checking in at one of the best values in the shop!
Case-6 Scott Paul Quatre Journaux Pinot Noir, Chehalem Mountains 2012 750ML ($299.95) $249 special (that’s only $41.50/bottle!)
Scott Paul Quatre Journaux Pinot Noir, Chehalem Mountains 2012 750ML ($79.95) $49 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds 93 points “$70. Vivid ruby-red. Drop-dead gorgeous, highly perfumed aromas of red berry preserves, Asian spices, sassafras and smoky minerals, with an intense floral nuance. Sweet, penetrating and pure, offering nervy red fruit and rose pastille flavors complemented by deeper notes of mocha and licorice. Shows outstanding balance and clarity, with smooth tannins building slowly through a long spice- and mineral-inflected finish.”Who says pedigreed, single-vineyard Cali Cab can’t be had for less than $50/bottle?
Case-6 Rodney Strong Brothers Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley 2013 750ML ($299.95) $259 special (that’s only $43.17/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Rodney Strong Brothers Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley 2013 750ML ($79.95) $49 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Robert Parker 92+ points “The single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon from the highest elevation (400-1000 feet) is the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Brothers Ridge. It displays blacker fruit, loads of plums, blueberry and blackberry, a deep, full-bodied, mouthfeel, rich, concentrated, moderately high tannin, a nice minerality and plenty of black fruits. These are all well-built and potentially very long-lived wines of 25-30 or more years. This wine needs a good 4-5 years of cellaring.”
Case-6 Scott Paul Quatre Journaux Pinot Noir, Chehalem Mountains 2012 750ML ($299.95) $249 special (that’s only $41.50/bottle!)
Scott Paul Quatre Journaux Pinot Noir, Chehalem Mountains 2012 750ML ($79.95) $49 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds 93 points “$70. Vivid ruby-red. Drop-dead gorgeous, highly perfumed aromas of red berry preserves, Asian spices, sassafras and smoky minerals, with an intense floral nuance. Sweet, penetrating and pure, offering nervy red fruit and rose pastille flavors complemented by deeper notes of mocha and licorice. Shows outstanding balance and clarity, with smooth tannins building slowly through a long spice- and mineral-inflected finish.”Who says pedigreed, single-vineyard Cali Cab can’t be had for less than $50/bottle?
Case-6 Rodney Strong Brothers Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley 2013 750ML ($299.95) $259 special (that’s only $43.17/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Rodney Strong Brothers Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley 2013 750ML ($79.95) $49 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Robert Parker 92+ points “The single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon from the highest elevation (400-1000 feet) is the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Brothers Ridge. It displays blacker fruit, loads of plums, blueberry and blackberry, a deep, full-bodied, mouthfeel, rich, concentrated, moderately high tannin, a nice minerality and plenty of black fruits. These are all well-built and potentially very long-lived wines of 25-30 or more years. This wine needs a good 4-5 years of cellaring.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
The average price nationally is $72
The average price nationally is $72
Case-12 Pierre-Marie Chermette Domaine du Vissoux Brouilly Pierreux, Beaujolais 2016 750ML ($339.95) $279 special (that’s only $23.25/bottle!)
Pierre-Marie Chermette Domaine du Vissoux Brouilly Pierreux, Beaujolais 2016 750ML ($29.95) $26 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Nick Stock – Jamessuckling . com 93 points “Intense and attractive freshness with aromas of red flowers, strawberries and raspberries, all leading to a palate with a steely edge. Super fresh, light and tangy. Drink now.”
Josh Raynolds 92 points “Lurid ruby. Bright and sharply focused on the nose, displaying intense red fruit and floral scents and a smoky mineral overtone that builds with air. Appealingly sweet and lively on the palate, offering intense raspberry and cherry liqueur flavors that deepen on the back half while maintaining energy. The floral quality comes back strong on an energetic, silky finish that leaves a juicy red berry note behind.”
VinopolNote: Brouilly is normally considered to be the lighter cousin of the Cote de Brouilly. In the hands of Chermette, though, this is a wine that has depth and power, with the finesse that the 2016 vintage brings with it. This is still a pretty wine and among the most drinkable in the Vissoux lineup, but will reward a little time in your cellar if you can keep your hands off it.A great value to bring to your next barbeque
Case-12 Chateau du Retout, Haut-Medoc 2014 750ML ($299.95) $179 special (that’s only $14.92/bottle!)
Chateau du Retout, Haut-Medoc 2014 750ML ($21.95) $16 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 90 points “Delightfully ripe, with an inviting core of plum and blackberry preserves, picking up an anise edge on the finish. A solid alder spine runs throughout, adding length and definition. Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Merlot.”
Wine Enthusiast 90 points “With an unusually high proportion (nearly 17%) of Petit Verdot in the blend, this is both darkly structured and dark in color. It is weight, intense youthful acidity and black-currant fruits. It’s also rich, full of tannins and in need of several years.”
James Suckling 90 points “A leafy cabernet nose leads into quite a powerful and tannic palate with the sleek body of a marathon runner. Better in 2018.”
Pierre-Marie Chermette Domaine du Vissoux Brouilly Pierreux, Beaujolais 2016 750ML ($29.95) $26 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Nick Stock – Jamessuckling . com 93 points “Intense and attractive freshness with aromas of red flowers, strawberries and raspberries, all leading to a palate with a steely edge. Super fresh, light and tangy. Drink now.”
Josh Raynolds 92 points “Lurid ruby. Bright and sharply focused on the nose, displaying intense red fruit and floral scents and a smoky mineral overtone that builds with air. Appealingly sweet and lively on the palate, offering intense raspberry and cherry liqueur flavors that deepen on the back half while maintaining energy. The floral quality comes back strong on an energetic, silky finish that leaves a juicy red berry note behind.”
VinopolNote: Brouilly is normally considered to be the lighter cousin of the Cote de Brouilly. In the hands of Chermette, though, this is a wine that has depth and power, with the finesse that the 2016 vintage brings with it. This is still a pretty wine and among the most drinkable in the Vissoux lineup, but will reward a little time in your cellar if you can keep your hands off it.A great value to bring to your next barbeque
Case-12 Chateau du Retout, Haut-Medoc 2014 750ML ($299.95) $179 special (that’s only $14.92/bottle!)
Chateau du Retout, Haut-Medoc 2014 750ML ($21.95) $16 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 90 points “Delightfully ripe, with an inviting core of plum and blackberry preserves, picking up an anise edge on the finish. A solid alder spine runs throughout, adding length and definition. Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Merlot.”
Wine Enthusiast 90 points “With an unusually high proportion (nearly 17%) of Petit Verdot in the blend, this is both darkly structured and dark in color. It is weight, intense youthful acidity and black-currant fruits. It’s also rich, full of tannins and in need of several years.”
James Suckling 90 points “A leafy cabernet nose leads into quite a powerful and tannic palate with the sleek body of a marathon runner. Better in 2018.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average listed price is $26
The average listed price is $26
Staff Pick: A gloriously crystalline expression of Riesling that will wow now or later
Case-6 Weingut Donnhoff Oberhauser Brucke Riesling Spatlese, Nahe 2017 750ML ($359.95) $279 special (that’s only $46.50/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Weingut Donnhoff Oberhauser Brucke Riesling Spatlese, Nahe 2017 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Stuart Pigott-jamessuckling . com 96 points “So light and filigree with such a delicate white-peach note. Yet, behind the almost weightless exterior is enormous depth and an almost savage mineral freshness at the finish. From organically grown grapes. Fair’n Green certification. Drink or hold.”
Case-6 Weingut Donnhoff Oberhauser Brucke Riesling Spatlese, Nahe 2017 750ML ($359.95) $279 special (that’s only $46.50/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Weingut Donnhoff Oberhauser Brucke Riesling Spatlese, Nahe 2017 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Stuart Pigott-jamessuckling . com 96 points “So light and filigree with such a delicate white-peach note. Yet, behind the almost weightless exterior is enormous depth and an almost savage mineral freshness at the finish. From organically grown grapes. Fair’n Green certification. Drink or hold.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast today!
The average listed price is $54
The average listed price is $54
Check out our complete list of all 129 Case Specials, including picks from Donnhoff, Saint Cosme, Avennia, Chablisienne and more, by clicking here!
Thanks for reading!