Sunday Night Newsletter 12-18-22

 In This Newsletter:

Vinopolis Holiday Hours

We will close at 4 pm sharp on Saturday, December 24th

and be closed December 25th.

We will reopen for our regular hours on Monday, December 26th.

This store never closes!



End of Year New Arrivals Extravaganza!

Oregon

Hope Well Pinot Noir, Eola Amity Hills 2021 750ml $75 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Mimi Casteel note “This was the vineyard’s vintage. I used no new wood, just twice and third-filled barrels for everything. Fermentation began easily on its own after 2-3 days, and the fermentation curve was beautiful and clean throughout. Very gentle cap management employed here. I stepped out with one fermenter and used 50% whole cluster, because the stems had the most lovely warm spice aroma this year and it seemed a crime not to do a little. I pressed at dryness, and the barrels wintered quietly together while we moved and grafted. I always do this, but this winter the wines were told the stories and legends of their home, the one we took with us, the one in my heart, and the one upon which their own wood now grows. That is Hope Well.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $90

Hope Well ‘Sunday’s Child’ Pinot Noir, Eola Amity Hills 2021 750ml $75 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Mimi Casteel note “The three children of 2021 were born from a single lot of Pinot noir, a few rows of perfectly ripe fruit from all corners of the vineyard combined into one lot in the field, then separated at birth into three parts before vinification. For me, this was about pulling perfect Pinot Noir ripeness through a prism to see what was on the other side… Sunday’s Child went through a fully traditional Pinot noir maceration, on skins until dryness, and then to barrel to sleep for the next ten months.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Cameron Winery “Julia” Abbey Ridge Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2019 750ml $128 special, 18 bottles in stock now
A special block bottling from the Abbey Ridge vineyard of 35-year-old Martin Ray massale vines.

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Cameron Winery White Oak Vineyard Riserva Nebbiolo, Ribbon Ridge 2018 750ml $99 special, 5 bottles in stock now
A reserve bottling of Nebbiolo from the White Oak Vineyard in the Ribbon Ridge.

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Patricia Green Cellars Reserve Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2021 750ml $26 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Winery note “This bottling allows us to accomplish two things that are very important to us as a winery. The first thing is that it allows us to be incredibly detailed about the barrels we select for our vineyard designated wines, so they true expressions of the site on a year in and year out basis. The Willamette Valley Pinot Noir bottling ‘Reserve’ is almost entirely made up of barrels that simply were not included in a more prestigious bottling, which allows us to choose from larger sections of our diverse vineyards. Secondly, it allows us to create a blended wine that has a degree of consistency to it each vintage that is of incredibly high-quality and will retail for under $30.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Shea Wine Cellars Estate Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2018 750ml $39 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92 points “Deep magenta. Spice-laced red and dark berry, cherry cola and floral pastille scents take on a savory herb quality with air. Shows very good depth and breadth on the palate, which offers appealingly sweet red and blue fruit preserve, mocha and black tea flavors and a hint of allspice. Gains energy with air and repeats the floral note on a long, gently tannic finish that leaves a bitter cherry note behind.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

The Eyrie Vineyards Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2019 750ml $42 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 93 points “Translucent ruby-red. Mineral-tinged black raspberry, cherry and floral scents are complemented by baking spice and succulent herb flourishes. Bright and energetic on the palate, offering sharply defined red and blue fruit, lavender and spicecake flavors braced by a spine of smoky minerality. Closes very long and precise, displaying lingering red fruit and floral qualities and well-judged, even tannins.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
The average price nationally is $50

The Eyrie Vineyards Original Vines Reserve Pinot Noir (labeled as “The Eyrie”), Dundee Hills 2018 750ml $73 special, 4 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 97 points “Editor’s Choice. This wine features some of the original vines from the first plantings in 1965. It’s a sophisticated, elegant red that will reward your full attention. The threads of berries, herbs, citrus and tobacco are already gracefully melded. From the opening aromas right on through the long and detailed finish, this wine excites and impresses. -Paul Gregutt”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 94 points “Vivid ruby-red. Pungent, mineral-accented red berry and cherry aromas are complemented by suggestions of five-spice powder, dark chocolate and candied flowers. Chewy and appealingly sweet, offering finely tuned black raspberry, cherry and violet pastille flavors sharpened by a smoky mineral flourish. Shows fine clarity and floral thrust on the energetic finish, which is framed by steadily building tannins.”


California

Marietta Cellars Angeli Cuvee, Alexander Valley 2019 750ml $34.50 special, 14 bottles in stock now
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2019 Angeli Zinfandel has a medium ruby color and elegant perfume of white peaches, white pepper, tea leaves, licorice and wild berries. The palate balances intense, ultra-perfumed fruit with loads of lift, and it finishes long and full of flavor. This is notable for its stellar price-to-quality ratio.”
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2019 Zinfandel Angeli is an absolutely gorgeous wine. It offers all the aromatic intensity and punchy fruit of Zinfandel in a style that is especially gracious and finessed. Freshly cut flowers, sweet red berry fruit, cedar and mint build effortlessly. The 2019 is such a classy wine.”

Marietta Cellars Christo Rhone Blend 2019 750ml $21.90 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Erin Brooks-Wine Advocate 96 points “A blend of Syrah, Grenache, Petite Sirah and Viognier, the 2019 Christo has a deep ruby-purple color and alluring scents of blueberry jam and cassis with accents of loamy earth, violet, coffee beans and iron. The full-bodied palate is powerful yet silky, with seamless acidity and gobs of pure violet perfume on the long, layered finish. It’s easy to drink now but offers a decade or more of cellaring potential.”


France – Champagne 

Diebolt-Vallois Tradition Brut, Champagne NV 750ml $36 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-12 Diebolt-Vallois Tradition Brut, Champagne NV 750ml $399 special (that’s only $33.25/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)
Winery note “Cuis, Epernay, Vallee de l’Ardre, Cote des Bars. 50% CH, 40% PN, 10% PM, 30 months sur lattes, 3g/l. Fall 2022 shipment: 15% 2017 + 85% 2018.”
No reviews for the current disgorgement.
Wine & Spirits 93 points “Deep in color, with rich scents of peach and toasty notes of fresh almond, this is clean and compact, finishing with the creaminess of hazelnut flan. What’s hard to describe is the beauty of its simple line—one taster compared it to the sleek design of a vintage Ferrari.”

Frederic Savart L’Accomplie Premier Cru Brut, Champagne NV 750ml $64.50 special, 33 bottles in stock now
Frederic Savart L’Accomplie Premier Cru Brut, Champagne NV 1.5L $159 special, 6 magnums in stock now
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 93 points “Based on the 2019 vintage, with reserve wines from 2018, the latest rendition of Savart’s NV Extra Brut Premier Cru L’Accomplie opens in the glass with notions of pear, toasted almonds, dried white flowers, clear honey and vanilla pod. Medium to full-bodied, pillowy and precise, with a vibrant core of fruit, chalky structure and a mouthwatering finish, it’s showing well.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $90

Frederic Savart Bulle de Rose Premier Cru Brut Rose, Champagne NV 750ml $79 special, 5 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 92 points “The NV Extra-Brut Bulle de Rosé is terrific. Crushed red berry fruit, slate, minerals crushed rocks, dried herbs and rose petal are all laced together in a vinous yet weightless Rosé that sizzles with tension. Dosage of 3 grams per liter adds mid-palate pliancy without dominating the wine’s s balance. Bright veins of salinity extend the finish effortlessly. This release is 65% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay and 5% still red Pinot. Dosage is 3 grams per liter. Disgorged: February, 2022.” [These bottles were disgorged in May 2022]

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Frederic Savart L’Ouverture Blanc de Noirs Premier Cru Brut, Champagne NV 750ml $51.90 special, 33 bottles in stock now
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 91 points “Based on the 2019 vintage and disgorged in February 2022, Savart’s NV Brut Premier Cru L’Ouverture offers up expressive aromas of pear, honeyed orchard fruit, baking spices and fresh bread. Medium-bodied, lively and fine-boned, with a pretty core of fruit, lively acids and a pinpoint mousse, it’s an attractive wine that’s showing well out of the gates.”

Pierre Peters Cuvee de Reserve Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut, Champagne NV 750ml $61.90 special, 16 bottles in stock now
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 92 points “Based on the 2019 vintage (which Péters declares “the best of the decade”) and disgorged this year, the NV Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Cuvée de Réserve bursts with aromas of crisp stone fruit, orange zest, freshly baked bread and beeswax. Medium-bodied, ample and pillowy, with a fleshy core of fruit, racy acids and a saline finish, it’s animated by an attractive pinpoint mousse.”
Audrey Frick-Jeb Dunnuck 90 points “The NV Champagne Cuvée de Reserve Brut is vibrant with soft lime candy, wet rock, and candied green apple. There is consistency to the palate, with more candied lime, green apple, and a delicate salinity, with the dosage rounding things out nicely, This is a fantastic aperitif with an energetic mousse that is versatile and fresh to drink now or over the coming 10 years.

Bereche et Fils Brut Reserve, Champagne NV 750ml $59 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
2019-base.
Audrey Frick-Jeb Dunnuck 92 points “The current release of the NV Champagne Brut Reserve is based on the 2019 vintage. It is roughly equal parts Chardonnay, Meunier, and Pinot Noir, with 35% reserve wine blended in. Fruity, floral, and open, with notes of fresh citrus blossoms, orchard fruits, and fresh bread, the palate is generous and approachable, with apricot, berries, and a lightly savory broth. This is consistently one of the best entry wines that versatile enough to drink alone or to accompany a meal. Drink 2022-2030.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

Bereche et Fils Brut Reserve, Champagne NV 1.5L $149 special, 10 magnums in stock now
2018-base.
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 92 points “Disgorged in July 2020 with seven grams per liter dosage, the NV Brut Réserve (2018 base) is the latest rendition of this wine. Bursting with aromas of orange oil, crisp orchard fruit and fresh bread, it’s medium to full-bodied, fleshy and gourmand, with tangy acids and an enveloping, pillowy profile.”

Delamotte Blanc de Blancs Vintage Brut, Champagne 2014 750ml $79 special, 30 bottles in stock now
William Kelley-Wine Advocate 94 points “Delamotte’s just-released 2014 Blanc de Blancs has turned out very well indeed, opening in the glass with scents of citrus zest, crisp orchard fruit, fresh bread and wet stones. Medium to full-bodied, chiseled and incisive, with excellent depth at the core, racy acids and a chalky finish, this isn’t as muscular as the 2008 or 2012, but it has real cut and persistence and should age very gracefully indeed.”
Audrey Frick-Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “A blend of the six Grand Cru villages of the Cote de Blancs, with 6.5 grams per liter dosage, the 2014 Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut is fresh and precise, with aromas of vibrant green apple, pleasant reduction with flint, and delicate smoke, citrus blossoms, and wet stone. The transition to the palate is seamless and linear, with crisp and crunchy green fruit, and is electric with lime candy, a refined mousse, and a chalky texture. It warrants more time before opening, but it is delicious and refreshing now. Drink over 2023-2043.”
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2014 Blanc de Blancs is seriously impressive. Ample in feel, Delamotte is especially rich in 2014, and yet there is plenty of freshness to balance things out. This is an especially savory style for Delamotte, and one that works so well. Dried lemon peel, pastry, almond, dried herbs and chamomile open in a beautifully translucent Blanc des Blancs that marries power and finesse. I can’t wait to see how it ages.” 

Please note: disgorgement date may vary from reviews.


France – Rhône

Paul Jaboulet Aine Hermitage La Maison Bleue, Rhône 2019 750ml $59 special, 9 bottles in stock now
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 94-96 points “Even richer, darker and more powerful than the 2018 version, the 2019 Hermitage La Maison Bleue offers up some lifted, minty notes to accent its potent cassis fruit. Dark, dense, and Port-like without being overly heavy or dense, this full-bodied effort is long, intense and concentrated, with softly dusty tannins on the finish.”
Jeb Dunnuck 94-96 points “Beautiful cassis, truffle, damp earth, and ground pepper emerge from the 2019 Hermitage La Maison Bleue. Coming from the eastern portion of Hermitage Hill, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a rounded, opulent texture, building tannins, and a great finish. It’s certainly in the same league (and style) as the 2018, and while it’s going to drink nicely at a young age, my money is on it evolving gracefully for 20-25 years.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Paul Jaboulet Aine Hermitage La Chapelle, Rhône 2019 750ml $199 special, 19 bottles in stock now
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 98-100 points “Might this be the next vintage of La Chapelle to crack triple digits? Knockout aromas of crushed stone, violets, blueberries, and cassis mark the nose of the 2019 Hermitage La Chapelle, while the full-bodied palate is undeniably more intense and powerful than the more elegant 2018. Rich and velvety, it coats the mouth with dark fruit and creamy-textured espresso, yet retains remarkable length and licorice-derived peppery freshness on the finish. Wow!”
Jeb Dunnuck 97 points “Showing even better than when I tasted it last year, the 2019 Hermitage La Chapelle is another ripe, powerful, sexy, and full-bodied example of this cuvée that brings classic La Chapelle gamey darker fruits as well as smoked meats, chocolate, sandalwood, and peppery spice. Full-bodied on the palate, it has good concentration, lots of ripeness, polished tannins, and a great, great finish. As with the 2018, it’s opened up beautifully on the palate since I tasted it at the domaine and is a ripe, expansive, pure, beautiful Hermitage.”

Domaine Auguste Clape Cotes du Rhône 2020 750ml $69 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Decanter 92 points “Deeper, more intense and herbal than its Vin des Amis, weightier and more structured, with lovely pinpoint acidity. Vibrant, saline, serrated tannins. Should be surprisingly ageworthy.”
Jeb Dunnuck 92 points “The 2020 Côtes Du Rhône is darker and richer, with more structure as well as medium to full-bodied richness, notes of pepper, violets, and game, ripe, present tannins, and a great finish. It unquestionably has classic Clape character and will keep for at least 7-8 years. Unfortunately, the price from this has skyrocketed over the coming decade, but it’s a terrific wine.”

Domaine Auguste Clape Le Vin des Amis, Rhône, Vin de France 2020 750ml $59 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Decanter 91 points “Fragrant style of Syrah, with violets and liquorice, a touch of acetone and blueberry. Thirst-quenching, with good acidity, there’s plenty of space in the wine, while the finish is dry and refreshing.”
Joe Czerwinski- Wine Advocate 90 points “Bottled just a few days before my visit to the domaine, the 2020 Vin de France Le Vin des Amis was boasting a beautifully aromatic nose, redolent of peppermint, violets and cherries. Medium-bodied, fresh and silky in texture, it’s easy and fun to drink. It’s all whole-bunch Syrah from a 1.5-hectare vineyard on the flats between the village of Cornas and the river. It is made and aged in concrete. Drink: 2021-2025. (Jan 2022)”
Jeb Dunnuck 90 points “The 2020 Vin De Pays Le Vin Des Amis, which has just been bottled, offers some classic Clape character in a more up-front, mouth-filling, charming style. Blueberries, blackberries, peppered meat, and violets all define this utterly delicious Syrah geared for drinking over the coming 4-5 years. Drink: 2022-2027. (2/16/22)”

Domaine Charvin Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône 2020 750ml $59 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “Another beautiful wine from Laurent, his 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape is a classic blend of 82% Grenache, 5% each of Syrah and Mourvedre, and the rest Vaccarese and Counoise, all from the northern part of the appellation, aged in tank. Perfumed red fruits, rose petals, spice, and sappy, peppery garrigue all flow to a medium to full-bodied, seamless 2020 with silky tannins, wonderful balance, and a great finish. It needs 3-5 years in the cellar to hit the early stages of its drink window, where it should keep nicely for over a decade.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

Domaine Raymond Usseglio & Fils Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Girard, Rhône 2020 750ml $39 special, 35 bottles in stock now
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 92-94 points “The 2020 Chateauneuf du Pape—tasted at the winery from a prospective blend prior to bottling—incorporated around 15% to 18% whole clusters. The 80% Grenache aged in concrete, while the Mourvèdre and Syrah matured in older barrels. It’s a really attractive effort, with bright raspberries and mouthwatering strawberries on the nose, ample weight and a silky-textured palate and a lingering, mouthwatering finish. Balanced and harmonious, it should drink well young, yet be capable of aging well for more than a decade.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $59.99

Domaine Raymond Usseglio & Fils Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Imperiale, Rhône 2020 750ml $69 special, 35 bottles in stock now
Joe Czerwinski-Wine Advocate 96-98 points “Tasted from the concrete tank, the 2020 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Imperiale is reassuringly on form, with intricate herbal nuances overlaid on ripe purple raspberries and black cherries. Full-bodied, silky and plush, with soft tannins cushioning the lengthy finish, this should be a real beauty to enjoy over the course of two decades.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

France – Bordeaux

Château Palmer Alter Ego de Palmer, Margaux 2019 750ml $99 special, 25 bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “The second wine of Château Palmer, the 2019 Alter Ego De Palmer is rock-solid and reveals a dense purple hue as well as deep, rich, concentrated aromas and flavors of ripe black cherries, blackcurrants, tobacco, graphite, and chocolate. It might be the richest, most concentrated second wine out here, and truthfully, it tastes like a Grand Vin. Medium to full-bodied, layered, and textured, it has ripe tannins, a fleshy, mouth-filling texture, and a great finish. It’s beautifully done.”
Decanter 94 points “Cinnamon spice on the nose, with a patisserie edge to the fruits that gives a rich, creamy impression. As ever with the Palmer stable of wines, you can pick out the individual flavours clearly, with careful and precise delineation of cassis, bilberry, slate and tobacco notes, but overall this is an outstanding Alter Ego that puts the emphasis on pleasure. Tannins are extremely precise but feathery and pliable. An extremely low 37ppm of SO2 at this stage, in keeping with biodynamic principles and a desire to let the fruit speak. 3.62ph. 45hl/h yield, 45% of overall production in Alter Ego.”
Wine Enthusiast 94 points “Finely perfumed, the wine has ripe tannins and well-crafted textures. The wine’s black fruits are forward, showing complex structures and the promise of fine aging. This second wine of Château Palmer will age well. Drink from 2026. Organic and biodynamic.”
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2019 Alter Ego is a huge, dense wine. Ripe, exotic and packed to the core, Alter Ego makes a convincing first impression. Time in the glass brings out floral accents and redder tonalities of fruit. Partial aging in foudres has introduced and element of rigor and tension here that is so alluring in the way it complements the natural richness these wines always show.”

Château d’Yquem, Sauternes 2018 375ml $249 special, 6 half-bottles in stock now
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate 98 points “The 2018 d’Yquem is all lime cordial, grapefruit oil and mandarin peel to begin. With a little coaxing, the fireworks really begin, letting off a whole array of honeysuckle, candied ginger, dried pineapple, lemon pastilles, chalk dust and sea spray scents, followed by a savory undercurrent of shaved almonds, allspice and baking bread. The palate is an exercise in polish and poise, featuring the most gorgeously creamy texture and bright, sparkling freshness, framing all the densely laden tropical and citrus fruit layers, finishing with a powerful BANG of profound floral and spice perfume. It is wonderfully sweet, yes, but that—paradoxically for a “sweet wine”—is almost beside the point.”
Decanter 97 points “An extremely impressive Yquem here. Deeply concentrated and silky in texture, with crème caramel and saffron, followed by bitter orange on the finish. Gourmet, powerful and concentrated, revealing as it opens in the glass the lime blossom and zest that pick things up, keeping things light and sculpted through the finish. There were five weeks without rain between the picking of the dry white Y and the main estate wine Yquem – so a full two months of harvest time. It meant a lot of patience and a small final yield, but one that was high in quality. Around 50% of the production goes into Yquem. 145g/l residual sugar and a pH of 3.95. Also tasted August 2020; same score. Drinking Window 2021 – 2034.”
Wine Spectator 96 points “A beauty from start to finish, with fresh, racy notes of honeysuckle, quinine and mirabelle plum leading off, followed by richer quince, creamed pear and white nectarine flavors. Everything melds through the finish, picking up macadamia nut and brioche accents to complete the seduction. Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc. Best from 2025 through 2045. 4,166 cases made. — JM”


Italy – Tuscany

Back in stock!
Castello di Radda Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany 2019 750ml $28 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Castello di Radda Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany 2019 750ml $159 special (that’s only $26.50/bottle!)
Decanter 97 points “One of the nicest observations you might wish to hear as a wine producer in the Chianti Classico DOCG region of Tuscany is that the contents in the bottle are described as ‘very Radda’. This signifies a Chianti Classico with obvious refinement, which in this case derives in no small part from the high altitude of the prized Radda zone. This area’s cool conditions are easy to sense in this wine’s smooth, palpable crunchiness, a Chianti Classico hallmark. Picking at optimum ripeness is vital for Sangiovese to show its brisk silkiness and finesse. The grapes ferment in a newly constructed, low-energy winery built into the rock. Small amounts of Colorino and Canaiolo grapes add colour and spice to the Sangiovese. The compact clay and limestone (‘alberese’) soils here give mouth-watering wines with vibrant sour cherry fruit, really crisp and with well-shaped tannins. Very Radda.”

Vecchie Terre di Montefili ‘Vigna Vecchia’ Gran Selezione, Chianti Classico DOCG 2017 750ml $49 special, 24+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Vecchie Terre di Montefili ‘Vigna Vecchia’ Gran Selezione, Chianti Classico DOCG 2017 750ml $279 special (that’s only $46.50/bottle!)
Antonio Galloni 96 points “The 2017 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione is positively stellar. Cedar, rose petal, pipe tobacco, anise, blood orange and new leather give the 2017 striking aromatic presence to balance the natural richness of the year. Statuesque and resonant in the glass, the Gran Selezione is a real standout – a true winner.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Rocca di Castagnoli Stielle Gran Selezione, Chianti Classico DOCG 2016 750ml $49 special, 24+ bottles in stock now
Case-6 Rocca di Castagnoli Stielle Gran Selezione, Chianti Classico DOCG 2016 750ml $279 special (that’s only $46.50/bottle!)
Case-12 Rocca di Castagnoli Stielle Gran Selezione, Chianti Classico DOCG 2016 750ml $529 special (that’s only $44.08/bottle!)
Antonio Galloni 95 points “The 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Stielle is a beautiful and distinctive wine, but it also needs time to come together. Sangiovese bristles with energy and cut as this nervy, tightly wound wine shows off its personality. The combination of a high altitude site and whole clusters in fermentation yields a Chianti Classico endowed with notable power and intensity.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $57.99

Petrolo ‘Boggina C’ Valdarno di Sopra, Tuscany 2019 750ml $79 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni- Vinous 97 points “The 2019 Sangiovese Vigna Boggina is fabulous. Bright, gracious and light on its feet, the 2019 oozes class. Crushed red berry fruit, white flowers, mint and orange peel are some of the notes that grace this wonderfully translucent Sangiovese from Petrolo. The 2019 is one of the best wines I have ever tasted here.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Petrolo Torrione Valdarno di Sopra, Tuscany 2019 750ml $28 special, 20 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 95 points “Very perfumed with sweet-berry and fresh-flower aromas that already show brightness and beauty. Perfumed. Full-bodied with very well-integrated tannins and pure, vivid fruit at the finish. This is all in finesse and depth. Drinkable now, but better in a couple of years.”


Italy – Piedmont

G.D. Vajra Moscato d’Asti DOCG, Piedmont 2021 750ml $16 special, 36 bottles in stock now
Importer note “Vajra’s Moscato d’Asti is meant to be the quintessence of summer all in one glass. Aromas of peach, apricot, apple, pear, citrus and exotic fruits seem seasoned with sage and other aromatic herbs. This Moscato is produce only with perfectly ripe Muscat grapes that are picked in pristine condition. The very fine but persistent spritz leaves the palate clean and refreshed. Its very low alcohol content makes this the perfect afternoon bubbly.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

Produttori del Barbaresco Langhe Nebbiolo, Piedmont 2020 750ml $23.50 special, 30 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 89 points “Bottled a year ago and from a riper vintage, the 2020 Langhe Nebbiolo is a gorgeous wine to drink now and over the next handful of years. Sweet red cherry, cedar, tobacco, mint and dried flowers all grace this soft, inviting Langhe Nebbiolo from Produttori.”
James Suckling 91 points “Quite a spicy nosed, with a smoky note to the rich red berries. Medium-bodied with intense fruit flavors and a tight, just-right tannin structure. Drink now.”

Le Pianelle Bramaterra, Piedmont 2016 750ml $48 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni 94-97 points “The 2016 Bramaterra is drop-dead gorgeous. Utterly captivating in its aromatics and inner sweetness, the 2016 is insanely beautiful. Sweet red cherry, candy, iron, graphite, rose petal and blood orange are some of the many notes that come alive with a bit of aeration. I tasted the 2016 from two core lots, separarely, and then in a hypothetical blend. It is a hugely promising wine.”


Italy – Sicily

Arianna Occhipinti SP68 Bianco Sicilia IGT, Sicily 2021 750ml $29 special, 10 bottles in stock now
Importer note “60% Zibibbo/40% Albanello. From certified-organic vines, averaging 20+ years old and planted on chalky, sandy soils. The bunches are harvested by hand, destemmed and co-fermented spontaneously with native yeasts in concrete tanks. Maceration lasts approximately two weeks. The wine is aged in concrete tanks for 6 months and bottled unfiltered. Sulfur use is modest. “SP68″ is the Strada Provinciale 68, the country road on which the Occhipinti winery and home vineyard lie.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Arianna Occhipinti SP68 Sicilia Rosso IGT, Sicily 2021 750ml $29 special, 23 bottles in stock now
Importer note “70% Frappato/30% Nero d’Avola. From certified-organic estate vines, averaging 20+ years old and planted on chalky, sandy soils. The bunches are harvested by hand, destemmed and co-fermented spontaneously with native yeasts in concrete tanks. Maceration lasts approximately two weeks. The wine is aged in concrete tanks for 6 months and bottled unfiltered. Sulfur use is modest. “SP68″ is the Strada Provinciale 68, the country road on which the Occhipinti winery and home vineyard lie.”

Arianna Occhipinti Il Frappato Terre Siciliane IGT, Sicily 2020 750ml $44.50 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
James Suckling 93 points “Aromas of suede, dried rose and dried strawberry. Medium-bodied with slightly firm tannins. Linear on the palate and rather pretty, fresh and long. Drink or hold.”


Italy – Veneto

Staff favorite dry Prosecco!
Conte Loredan Gasparini Asolo Prosecco Superiore DOCG, Veneto NV 750ml $14.40 special, 24 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 92 points “[Reviewed Oct 2021] Lots of initial froth here, which takes a while to subside and allow the lovely lemon and lemon blossom aromas to rise out of the glass. There are hints of licoricy chalk here, too. On the rather dense palate, the chalk turns to fresh cream and the lemon is absorbed into the creamy mineral texture with enough fizz to keep the sparkle up. Lovely, enduring and creamy yet biting finish. This is very fine Prosecco. Drink now.”
Eric Guido-Vinous 89 points “[Reviewed December 2022] The NV Brut Prosecco Superiore lifts from the glass with a savory and smoky mix of flinty stone, crushed green apple and fresh tobacco leaf. It floods the palate with a crystalline bead of fine bubbles as sweet spice and notes of baked pear settle upon the senses. This finishes a bit short yet crisp, leaving nuances of candied citrus to linger.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

Gini Soave Classico, Veneto 2021 750ml $19 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 91 points “The 2021 Soave Classico is remarkably pretty with yellow flowers, wet stone and freshly sliced pear. This is mineral and focused upon entry, with perfumed orchard fruits and a salty flourish that returns toward the close. Pear and peach skins resonate, as this tapers off lightly structured with an almost-herbal tea-like quality. The Classico is a blend of some of the region’s top vineyards with an average vine age of 90 years.”

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Italy – Other

Torre dei Beati ‘Cocciapazza’ Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2019 750ml $36 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Eric Guido-Vinous 95 points “The 2019 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Cocciapazza is youthfully coy, yet with underlying depths that are worth waiting for. Musky blackberries, balsam herbs, lavender and hints of cocoa powder can all be found in the glass. This is silky upon entry, yet quickly gains in tension as mineral-tinged, dark red fruits penetrate deeply, nicely contrasted by a sweet and sour citrus twang. The 2019 finishes youthfully structured with a bitter tug of grippy tannin, yet also a primary concentration that lingers, promising many years of positive evolution. Fans of Torre dei Beati and Montepulciano owe it to themselves to lose this in their cellars, but be aware that production was down by 50%, producing just 7,000 bottles.”

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Spain

R. Lopez de Heredia Vina Cubillo Crianza, Rioja DOCa 2012 750ml $28 special, 12 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 95 points “Wonderful aromas of mushrooms, bark, cigar tobacco and plums with just a hint of citrus. Full-bodied with incredible softness and complexity. Subtle chocolate, fruit and walnut in the aftertaste. Goes on for minutes. Fantastic wine. Classic, textbook Rioja. A joy. Incredible value! Drink or hold.”
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 93 points “I was quite impressed by the 2012 Viña Cubillo Tinto Crianza, a classical Rioja that is nicely crafted, with less aging in barrel than the rest of reds and therefore with more fruit character and less López de Heredia signature. This was born as a red for tapas, a blend of 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacho and 5% each Graciano and Mazuelo with 13.5% alcohol. It matured in well-seasoned American oak barrels for three years. It has ripe fruit (black rather than red) without excess and a pinch of spices and a twist of oak. 94,500 bottles produced. There are seven lots of this. I tasted a bottled that was filled in May 2018.”
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92 points “Glistening ruby. Spice-accented aromas of red berries, cherry cola and candied rose, plus a smoky nuance in the background. Supple and energetic in style, with a core of zesty acidity adding lift and cut to bitter cherry and red currant flavors that take a sweeter turn through the midpalate. Finishes long and smooth, delivering gentle tannic grip, a snap of peppery spices and repeating florality.”

R. Lopez de Heredia Vina Bosconia Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2010 750ml $41.90 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 94 points “The fresh and balanced 2010 Viña Bosconia Reserva is a textbook example of the wine, perhaps the successor of the great 2006, a powerful blend of 80% Tempranillo, 15% Garnacha and 5% between Graciano and Mazuelo. It matured in used American oak barrels for five years and is clean and complex with a nutty and mushroomy nose, polished tannins and good acidity. 80,000 bottles were filled in May 2017.” 

R. Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Reserva, Rioja DOCa 2009 750ml $59 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Luis Gutierrez-Wine Advocate 93 points “As with many wines this time, I had two vintages to taste of the Reserva from the Tondonia vineyard, 2009 and 2008, two very different, almost opposite vintages. The 2009 Viña Tondonia Reserva, a blend of 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacho and 5% each Mazuelo and Graciano, matured in used American oak barrels for six years. It has some toasted character, with ripe fruit, black rather than red, denoting a warm year but more restrained than the Bosconia Reserva from the same vintage. 2009 is a year of ripeness, concentration and tannin; the wines are powerful, but here you see the finesse of Tondonia in comparison to the more rustic Viña Bosconia. 220,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in May 2017.”


Germany

Wein-Erbhof Stein St Aldegunder Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett Feinherb, Mosel 2021 750ml $33 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Vom Boden importer note “Consider this Stein’s ‘1er Cru’ vineyard; though it’s a 1er Cru vineyard with 70 to 80+ year-old ungrafted vines and a serious terroir of mostly blue slate. This is the ‘other’ Himmelreich and similar to its more famous sibling in Graach, the wines from this site always show a slimmer profile, a pronounced mineral fine-ness and lift. With only about 15 grams RS (just beyond dry), this is a wildly restrained and chiseled, old-school ‘Feinherb.'”

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Wein-Erbhof Stein Palmberg Alte Reben Kabinett Trocken, Mosel 2021 750ml $36 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Vom Boden importer note “The Palmberg is Stein’s ‘Grand Cru’ and a vineyard to measure against any other vineyard in the Mosel, period. It is an awesome site, an ancient wall of vines filled with ungrafted plantings that are 90+ years old. The Palmberg is cut on one side by a stream, so the vineyard angles away from the Mosel. In former times this was likely a liability, the cool wind pouring down the valley and the distance from the river keeping optimum ripeness in all but the top vintages just beyond grasp. This is no longer an issue and these cooler vineyards, especially when they have old vines, are a massive asset. This wine is ruthless, cut, mineral, fresh and phenolic. It is quite simply one of my favorite wines of this vintage and it will age, easily, for 10-20+ years.”

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Wein-Erbhof Stein Alfer Holle ‘1900’ Riesling Spatlese Feinherb, Mosel 2021 750ml $59 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Vom Boden importer note “Stein’s ‘1900’ bottling is one of the more extraordinary wines of the Mosel. Here we have a historic site, the second oldest producing Riesling vineyard in the Mosel with just over 1,000 vines planted in the year 1900 (thus the name of the cuvée). This is a vineyard Ulli Stein tends like a garden. The wine is fermented in neutral barrel and Stein allows it to find its own balance…Yet for all this exoticism, the ‘1900’ always, always has an uncanny sense of balance – there is a quivering and clean counterbalance to the baroque flourishes. The small, thick-skinned berries of the old vines, retained acidity and offer the wine not only minerals and rigor, but even a tense, green-resinous grip, something like pine needles ground up with mint. It is wines like this that simply transcend those easy categories we use to organize the world and our experiences. Thus, words come up short.”

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R. Dumont is based outside of the classic core of Champagne. Once a derided region, though Champagne producers in “real” Champagne would purchase their grapes, the Aube is quickly rising in popularity due to the outstanding work of grower-producers such as Marie-Courtin and Vouette et Sorbee. The Dumont family has grown grapes in the region for over 200 years. The soils are chalky, Kimmeridgian clay – the same as Chablis – but Pinot Noir is the star of the show. The soils gives the wine texture and minerality not often seen. The best part? Due to the aforementioned historical nonsense, these are still incredibly underpriced for the quality. 

R. Dumont & Fils Solera Reserve Blanc de Blancs, Champagne NV 750ml $49 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Importer note “Dumont is one of the very few Champagne producers who produces a champagne using the solera method. Bernard Dumont has dedicated one stainless steel tank to the project which was first filled in 1991. He works exclusively with chardonnay for this cuvée and has been adding to the tank every year, making it at present, a blend of approximately 20 vintages. This solera system produced its first release in 2010. One of the most striking features of this champagne is the different effect created by producing a champagne from aged wine (the aging occurs after the first fermentation) followed by the typical duration of two years “sur lattes” as contrasted with a champagne produced from relatively young wines which are aged for a long time after the secondary fermentation and thus remain in contact with the lees “sur lattes” for an extended period. The dosage is 6 grams. Production is about 400 cases annually.”

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The next best price is $60

R. Dumont & Fils Tradition Brut, Champagne NV 375ml $20.90 special, 13 half-bottles in stock now
Importer note “The Dumont Brut NV is a blend of 90% Pinot Noir and 10% Chardonnay. The grapes from their vineyard have qualities that seem less aggressive and more sumptuous than those from the northern districts. In addition, vinification of whole berries at low temperatures enhances this quality of soft elegance. The NV is a blend of vintages typically between two and five years old. It is aged for two years on the lees before disgorgement. Dosage is 9 grams.”

This is the only listing in the USA today for the half-bottle!

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R. Dumont & Fils Douce Cuvee Demi-Sec, Champagne NV 750ml $39 special, 9 bottles in stock now
Winery note “The dosage is the Champagne term used to designate the action of incorporating a sugared liqueur at the moment of the disgorgement. The quantity of sugar added determines the Brut, Nature, Extra Brut name… Douce Cuvée is a Demi-Sec Champagne, therefore it is very sweet, dosed with a secret liqueur from the Domain. It is a champagne that is now rare but which used to be very much in demand for the finale of the meals.”

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Thierry Triolet’s Champagnes are crafted from grapes grown in the Cote de Sezanne region. The clayey soils and warmer weather help produce grapes that are sought out by the Grande Maisons for their vibrant fruity aromas. In the hands of Thierry and his wife, Frederique, the wines offer the depth and complexity you’d expect from a Grower-Producer who also sells to Krug & Billecart Salmon.

These are by definition of crowd-pleasing Champagnes: fun, friendly, balanced and highly drinkable. The acidity is never overbearing nor do these need years in your cellar to show well. And we adore the herbal nuances that add further complexity to aromas of fresh picked apples, citrus and flowers. So stock up and celebrate daily life in style!

Thierry Triolet Brut, Champagne NV 750ml $36 special, 23 bottles in stock now

Thierry Triolet Cuvee Grande Reserve Blanc de Blancs, Champagne NV 750ml $39 special, 24 bottles in stock now
Importer note “The Grande Reserve is made from 95% Chardonnay and 5% of an equal blend of Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. It is is a blend of vintages which includes a large proportion of reserve wines. The champagne stays an average of 3 years “sur lie” before disgorgement. Dosage is 10 grams.”

Importer note “José Michel made his first vintage in 1955 and thanks in part to his cellar of very old bottles of Pinot Meunier, he has developed a cult following for his Champagnes. This ‘Maison de Tradition’ began in 1847 and five generations later, José and Nicole carry forward a wonderfully artisanal sensibility to their craft. They are a founding member of the group, ‘Tresors de Champagne’ known as the ‘Special Club’. José Michel is located in Moussy, a small village just south of Epernay. The 11 hectares of vineyards are spread throughout a number of villages, mostly along the Cotes D’Epernay. The vineyard sights with a richer clay soil are planted to Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. The lower slopes which have a calcareous soil are planted to Chardonnay. José Michel was the first in his family to plant Chardonnay which he did beginning in 1958. Fermentations are carried out in old oak casks or enameled steel vats and the wines go through a malolactic fermentation. José Michel is certified ‘Level 3’ the top level of certification in Haute Valeur Environmentale.”

José Michel & Fils Tradition Brut, Champagne NV 750ml $39 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
José Michel & Fils Tradition Brut, Champagne NV 375ml $21.90 special, 36+ half-bottles in stock now
Importer note “The non-vintage Brut is a blend in which the 70% Pinot Meunier forms the base and 30% Chardonnay adds complexity and finesse. In addition to the base vintage (typically 2 years old), the NV Brut benefits from being blended with reserve wines that are often 4 or 5 years old. The champagne is typically 2+ years “sur lattes” and carries a dosage of 9 grams.”

José Michel & Fils Clos Saint Jean Blanc de Blancs Brut, Champagne 2013 750ml $59 special, 23 bottles in stock now
Importer note “The Blanc de Blancs is produced in the best vintages. It is made from Chardonnay grown in several of Michel’s best plots that are in and around Moussy. The wine is fermented in stainless steel with an extended period “sur lie”. After the secondary fermentation it rests “sur lattes” for 5 years allowing the Chardonnay qualities to broaden and mature. Dosage is 9 grams. It is a wine of impeccable character, showing both nobility and restraint. It is worthy of cellaring for at least a year after disgorgement.”

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José Michel & Fils Special Club Brut, Champagne 2014 750ml $69 special, 23 bottles in stock now
Importer note “The Club de Viticulteurs is a group of independent Champagne producers who have come together in order to promote the high quality of their work. The José Michel Special Club was chosen by this group as an ambassador of quality and given the right to use the Special Club label and antique bottle. The Special Club is a blend of 40% Pinot Meunier and 60% Chardonnay. The vines are all at least 35+ years old. The champagne is disgorged according to demand and currently has six years on the lees “sur lattes” with dosage carrying just 6.5 grams.”

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Skurnik notes “While visiting the Walla Walla Valley in 1996, Christophe Baron spotted a plot of land that had been plowed up to reveal acres of softball-sized stones. He became ridiculously excited. This stony soil, this terroir, reminded him of vineyards he had visited in France and Spain. The difficult ground would stress the grapevines, making them produce more mature, concentrated fruit. Christophe Baron had found a new home.

He named his vineyard after the Cayuse, after Native American tribe who were named by French fur-trappers ‘Les Cailloux’–which means, of course, stones in French. Hours of back-breaking work later, Cayuse Vineyards has become five vineyards encompassing 50 acres: Armada, Cailloux, Coccinelle [Ladybug], En Cerise [Cherry], and En Chamberlin.”

Cayuse Vineyards Camaspelo, Walla Walla Valley 2020 750ml $119 special, 9 bottles in stock now
Skurnik notes “This fruit hails from Cayuse’s “En Cerise” vineyard.  Literally translated, “En Cerise” means “cherry”—appropriate since this 10-acre vineyard planted in 1998 was a cherry orchard in its former life.”

Cayuse Vineyards En Cerise Vineyard Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2020 750ml $125 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Case-3 Cayuse Vineyards En Cerise Vineyard Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2020 750ml $359 special (that’s only $119.67/bottle!)

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This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Cayuse Vineyards Cailloux Vineyard Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2020 750ml $128 special, 11 bottles in stock now
Case-3 Cayuse Vineyards Cailloux Vineyard Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2020 750ml $359 special (that’s only $119.67/bottle and the lowest listed price in the USA today!)

Cayuse Vineyards Impulsivo Tempranillo, Walla Walla Valley 2020 750ml $133 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Skurnik notes “100% Tempranillo. En Chamberlin Vineyard (Walla Walla Valley AVA). Planted in 1998. 10′ by 4′ planting density. 6.1 acres planted. 12-18” of silty loam and basalt cobblestone soils. 875 ft. elevation.”

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