In This Newsletter:
Grenache
West Coast Whites (other than Chardonnay)
Verite
German Wine Sale Continues
Rosé sale starts now!
Collector’s Corner
Grenache
Comando G Granito del Cadalso Garnacha Sierra de Gredos, Madrid 2017 750ml $14.50 special, 14 bottles in stock
Case-12 Comando G Granito del Cadalso Garnacha Sierra de Gredos, Madrid 2017 750ml $156 special (that’s only $13/bottle)
Jeb Dunnuck 92 points “From a co-op in the Sierra de Gredos and all old-vine Grenache, the 2017 Granito De Cadalso comes from granite soils, was destemmed, and brought up all in concrete tanks. This Pinot Noir-like beauty offers notes of wild strawberries, rose hips, violets, and crushed rocks. Medium-bodied, with remarkable purity and vibrancy, it still has ample power and richness. This is a fabulous expression of Grenache that’s almost too good to be true.”
Vinous 91 points “Limpid ruby-red. High-pitched red fruit, floral and mineral qualities on the intensely perfumed nose. Juicy and appealingly sweet, offering energetic raspberry, lavender pastille and white pepper flavors that deepen steadily on the back half. Weighty yet lithe as well, showing a seamless quality on a long, red-fruit-dominated finish framed by subtle, even tannins. All concrete.”
transparent wine. Garnet in color with vibrant flavors of red fruits, laurel and orange peel, Granito del Caldalso is made under the guidance of famed winemakers Dani Landi and Fernando Garcia.”
Domaine Giraud Chateauneuf-du-Pape Grenaches de Pierre, Rhône 2017 750ml $89 special, 6 bottles in stock
Jeb Dunnuck 96+ points “Lastly, the 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape Les Grenaches de Pierre offers slightly more purity and elegance, yet certainly doesn’t come up short on power or concentration. Stunning black cherries, currants, underbrush, ground pepper, and earthy, rocky mineral notes all give way to a deeper, darker, rich, concentrated wine that’s going to benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age. It will see its 20th birthday in fine form.”
Wine Advocate 95 points “Drawn from sandy soils in the lieux-dits of La Crau and Pignan, the all-Grenache 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape Grenaches de Pierre features wiry, herbal threads sewn into a fabric of tart cranberries and raspberries. It’s full-bodied and tannic, needing a few years to loosen up. Ultimately, it should reward the patient with a complex, silken tapestry of flavors.”
Horsepower Vineyards Fiddleneck Vineyard, Walla Walla Valley 2019 750ml $199 special, 5 bottles in stock
Vinous 99 points “The stunning 2019 Grenache Fiddleneck Vineyard was sourced from a beautiful site where fiddleneck flowers were established before the vines were planted in 2015. The utterly mesmerizing nose features red rose petals, Linzer torte, umami and green olive tapenade, offering an air of aromatic complexity that is impossible to replicate in North America. On the seamless, beautifully textured palate, juicy red fruits collide with shades of white truffle, a dusting of salinity and an exquisite stony character. This is a wine unlike anything else in the world.”
Wine Advocate 98 points “Planted initially on the pristine soil from a fallow apple orchard that was pulled out in 1993, the stunningly beautiful 2019 Grenache Fiddleneck Vineyard displays a dark ruby core and offers a nose that is both floral and seductive. Aromas of dusty flowers, wild raspberries and savory herbs meld with notions of turned earth and redcurrants. Medium-bodied, the wine is focused, layered and fresh with a brilliantly complex mouthfeel before showcasing precision and finesse with flavors of cherry blossom, strawberry skin and fruit leather with an umami essence. The wine offers a floral focus and sways with the freshness of the New World before compacting slightly, revealing a spicy finish that unwinds and unfurls for moments after the wine has left the palate. It’s a fantastic wine that saw no new oak.”
Domaine de la Janasse Cotes du Rhone Les Garrigues 2016 750ml $39 special, 10 bottles in stock
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “Bottled in February (slightly earlier than the Terre d’Argile), the 100% Grenache 2016 Côtes du Rhône Les Garrigues boasts awesome notes of kirsch liqueur, crushed rocks, framboise, pepper, and graphite. This sexy, full-bodied, yet incredibly elegant red has building tannin, a seamless, silky texture, and no hard edges. Pure, elegant and seamless, it’s a thrillingly satisfying wine.”
Wine Advocate 93 points “There was only one 32-hectoliter foudre (now bottled) of the 2016 Cotes du Rhone Les Garrigues, an all-Grenache cuvée vinified with 50% whole clusters. It’s floral and herbal on the nose, with bold flavors of blackberries and licorice. Full-bodied and richly concentrated, it boasts supple tannins balanced by hints of brine and fresh acids. It’s easily the equal of many Châteauneufs, and the price has crept up to reflect that.”
No Girls La Placiencia Vineyard Grenache, Walla Walla Valley 2016 750ml $114.50 special, 3 bottles in stock
Wine Advocate 96 points “Not yet released when I tasted it, the 2016 Grenache la Paciencia Vineyard has a nose that opens with a bang, boasting majestic and explosive notes of dusty red fruit—raspberries, cherries and spiced red plum—with a rocky core of minerality. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, the wine expresses the semi-carbonic notes of sweet red fruit and dusty red flower petals with iron and lava rocks. It has expressive and silky tannins that linger on the long, ethereal finish. I am impressed! This is delicious juice and is a must-have for serious collectors. Only 338 cases made.”
Jeb Dunnuck 95 points “The 2016 Grenache La Paciencia Vineyard sports a translucent ruby color as well as a terrific bouquet of black cherries, strawberries, cold fireplace, white flowers, and spice. Seamless, elegant, and vibrant, with great tension, it’s a thrilling, Rayas look-alike to drink over the coming 10-15 years.”
Domaine Olivier Hillaire Chateauneuf-du-Pape ‘Les Terrasses’, Rhône 2016 750ml $59 special, 36+ bottles in stock
Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Terrasses is a fine example of old-vine Grenache from a parcel of vines near La Nerthe. Rose petals and black tea accent pristine cherry and raspberry fruit in this full-bodied but silky-lacy, delicate wine. Long, briny and refreshing on the finish, it’s deceptively drinkable but undoubtedly packs a wallop.”
Josh Raynolds 94 points “Brilliant violet. Lively, mineral-accented red and blue fruit aromas are complemented by suggestions of lavender and vanilla. Silky and energetic on the palate, offering concentrated raspberry and boysenberry flavors that deepen and become spicier as the wine opens up. Closes sweet, energetic and very long, displaying harmonious tannins and lingering smoke and red berry liqueur notes.”
Chateau Pesquie Ventoux Ascensio, Rhône 2016 750ml $79 special, 3 bottles in stock
Jeb Dunnuck 95 points “Mostly Grenache (5% Syrah) made with 30% stems, brought up all in concrete, the 2016 Ventoux Ascensio sports an inky purple color as well as sensational notes of blackberries, plums, licorice, violets, and crushed rocks. It’s deep, full-bodied, pure, and primordial, with ample tannin and a great finish. It needs 2-3 years of bottle age but is blockbuster stuff.”
Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas Le Claux, Rhône 2018 750ml $99 special, 21 bottles in stock
Wine Advocate 95-97 points “Everything about the all-Grenache 2018 Gigondas le Claux is big. From the huge black cherry and blackberry fruit, to the insane levels of concentration, the rich, velvety tannins and the never-ending, licorice-tinged finish, this beauty should evolve positively for at least a decade and a half.”
Wine Spectator 95 points “Quite ripe, with waves of warmed plum sauce and blackberry preserves rolling through, wrapped liberally with licorice root, sage and lavender notes. Iron minerality runs through the finish, letting the fruit and savory notes meld wonderfully.”
Sine Qua Non ‘The Inaugural’ Eleven Confessions Vineyard Grenache, Sta Rita Hills 2003 750ml $3199 special, 1 bottle in stock
Jeb Dunnuck 100 points “In addition to these new releases, I was also able to taste through a number of older vintages, including the 2001 Albino, 2006 Hoodoo Man, 2003 The Inaugural, 2004 Ode to E, 1998 E Raised, 2001 On Your Toes, 2005 Nail in My Cranium and 2007 Syrah Dangerous Birds. To say I came away impressed would be an understatement. Anyone who claims this big, rich style can-t age needs to taste these wines. I opted to just list my scores for the older releases as I find Bob-s initial write-ups spot on.”
Domaine Saint Damien Gigondas ‘Clovis Saurel’, Rhône 2020 750ml $44 special, 6 bottles in stock
Jeb Dunnuck 94-97 points “All Grenache aged in demi-muid, the 2020 Gigondas Clovis Saurel is certainly more modern in style, but it never loses its Southern Rhône soul. It has complex Provençal garrigue, spice box, cherry, and peppery aromas and flavors as well as a deep, rich, broad mouthfeel.”
Chapelle Saint Theodoric Chateauneuf-du-Pape Les Sablons, Rhône 2019 750ml $51.90 special, 15 bottles in stock
Jeb Dunnuck 93-95 points “Looking at the 2019s, all of which are still aging in barrel, the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Les Sablons can be thought of as the entry level Grenache. Destemmed and aged in older barrels, this round, mouth-filling, medium to full-bodied Grenache offers lots of red and black fruits as well as some meaty, spicy nuances. It will have plenty of up-front appeal.”
Wine Advocate 89-91 points “The 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape les Sablons comes from young vines (planted in 2013) in La Guigasse. Those grapes were kept separate and are being aged in older barrels. There’s a bit of lifted character on the nose, plus herbal-stemmy notes and ripe black cherries, black olives and dark chocolate. Full-bodied and powerful (around 16% alcohol, according to the winemaker, Baptiste Grangeon), the tannins remain lush and silky on the finish. Tasted twice (once blind), with consistent notes.”
Famille Brechet Chateau de Vaudieu Chateauneuf-du-Pape L’Avenue, Rhône 2016 750ml $89 special, 10 bottles in stock
Jeb Dunnuck 97+ points “The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape L’Avenue is all Grenache sourced from a single parcel near the estate and aged 18 months in demi-muids. This deeply colored beauty boasts a huge perfume of black raspberries, blackberries, dried flowers, bouquet garni, and sandy/loamy soil notes. With a powerful, concentrated, structured style, incredible purity of fruit, and tons of tannin on the finish, hide bottles for 3-5 years, count yourself lucky, and enjoy over the following decade or more.”
Wine Advocate 96 points “The 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape l’Avenue is entirely Grenache from the lieu-dit Vaudieu, aged in demi-muids. Loaded with black cherries, cedar and vanilla, it’s a full-bodied, plush sexpot of a wine. Velvety, intense, long and layered, this wine has it all. If only there were more than 350 cases of this elixir.”
Wine Spectator 96 points “Intense, with a gorgeous core of crushed plum, boysenberry and blackberry pâte de fruit flavors, inlaid liberally with fruit cake, licorice snap and graphite notes. Fruit pumps through the finish while a graphite edge lends support and a black tea hint checks in.”
Chateau de Rouanne Vinsobres ‘Guerin’, Rhône 2019 750ml $69 special, 18 bottles in stock
Jeb Dunnuck 92 points “The Grenache-dominated single vineyard 2019 Vinsobres Lieu-Dit Guerin is brilliant as well. Concentrated, medium to full-bodied, and opulent, it has lots of red and black fruits, plenty of peppery herbs and meaty nuances, terrific balance, and outstanding length. It’s another gorgeous wine from this talented winemaker, and this is an estate to watch.”
Domaine de la Charbonniere Chateauneuf-du-Pape ‘Cuvee Mourre des Perdrix’, Rhône 2019 750ml $47.50 special, 2 bottles in stock
Jeb Dunnuck 95 points “The 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Mourre Des Perdrix comes from sandier soils around the estate and is a blend of mostly Grenache, along with 15% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre, and a splash of Cinsault. Its ruby/plum hue is followed by a soft, supple, seamless 2019 (this cuvée is always the most elegant in the lineup) with lots of kirsch and toasted spice aromas and flavors, medium to full-bodied richness, silky, polished tannins, and a great finish. It’s another incredibly seamless wine from this team that can be drunk today or cellared for 15 years or more.”
Decanter 93 points “Restrained nose of bramble and plums, with sweet spices undertones and savoury hints. Rich concentration, ripe with a crunchy acidity and firm tannins.”
West Coast Whites (other than Chardonnay)
Verite
German Wine Sale Continues
Rosé sale starts now!
Collector’s Corner
Grenache
Here, there, not everywhere.
From bold Chateneauneuf-du-Papes, to fruity Californian styled Grenaches, this grape has made a name for itself in warm wine regions around the world.
Here’s some of many we have in stock now at Vinopolis.
Cayuse Vineyards God Only Knows Armada Vineyard Grenache, Walla Walla Valley 2015 750ml $149 special, 1 bottle in stock
Wine Advocate 97 points “The 2015 Grenache God Only Knows Armada Vineyard is superb, wafting from the glass with a bouquet of kaleidoscopic complexity that features aromas of rose hips and peony, ripe cherries and orange rind, mingled with savory bass notes of garrigue, licorice and bay leaf. On the palate, it’s full-bodied, layered and expansive, with a deep core of fruit framed by very fine-grained, velvety tannins, concluding with a sapid, even saline finish. Its concentration without weight, as well as its striking aromatic amplitude, mark it out as one of the finest expressions of Grenache to be found in the United States.”
Cayuse Vineyards God Only Knows Armada Vineyard Grenache, Walla Walla Valley 2019 750ml $159 special, 2 bottles in stock
Jeb Dunnuck 96 points “The 2019 Grenache God Only Knows is another gorgeous example of this wine that has a style all its own. Revealing a translucent ruby hue as well as a kaleidoscope-like bouquet of ripe cherries, blackberries, forest floor, spring flowers, and charcoal, it hits the palate with medium-bodied richness, a silky, seamless mouthfeel, perfect balance, and a great finish. This exotic, perfumed Grenache is a hypothetical mix of a Grand Cru from the Côte de Nuits and a 100% Grenache Châteauneuf from sandy soils. It should cruise in the cellar for 10-15 years.”
Wine Advocate 94+ points “Bursting with aromas of potpourri with a dusty, red-fruited essence of wild strawberries, savory herbs and red and black spice, the 2019 Grenache God Only Knows Armada Vineyard is an instant success. Medium-bodied, the palate is fresh with a fine mineral tension that gives way to a firm tannic edge before gliding to a seductive, red cherry skin essence over the lingering, spicy finish. Only 223 cases were produced. I’m always a sucker for this bottling.”
Bucklin Old Hill Ranch Otto’s Grenache, Sonoma Valley 2019 750ml $36 special, 6 bottles in stock
Winery note “Otto’s Grenache was planted to honor our Step Father Otto Teller. Opinionated and cantankerous, Otto believed grapevines were too coddled and needed great stress to produce the best wines. This field blend was planted in 2010 on a modestly steep hillside that faces the hot setting sun. The soils are shallow, between two to three feet deep, and they are underlain with a thick impermeable volcanic tuff made from ejected rock and ash that is compacted and cemented into rock. If these growing conditions aren’t challenging enough, the vines are also dry farmed. Average yields are low primarily because the berries are so small and these grapes produce very intense and colorful wine.”
From bold Chateneauneuf-du-Papes, to fruity Californian styled Grenaches, this grape has made a name for itself in warm wine regions around the world.
Here’s some of many we have in stock now at Vinopolis.
Cayuse Vineyards God Only Knows Armada Vineyard Grenache, Walla Walla Valley 2015 750ml $149 special, 1 bottle in stock
Wine Advocate 97 points “The 2015 Grenache God Only Knows Armada Vineyard is superb, wafting from the glass with a bouquet of kaleidoscopic complexity that features aromas of rose hips and peony, ripe cherries and orange rind, mingled with savory bass notes of garrigue, licorice and bay leaf. On the palate, it’s full-bodied, layered and expansive, with a deep core of fruit framed by very fine-grained, velvety tannins, concluding with a sapid, even saline finish. Its concentration without weight, as well as its striking aromatic amplitude, mark it out as one of the finest expressions of Grenache to be found in the United States.”
Cayuse Vineyards God Only Knows Armada Vineyard Grenache, Walla Walla Valley 2019 750ml $159 special, 2 bottles in stock
Jeb Dunnuck 96 points “The 2019 Grenache God Only Knows is another gorgeous example of this wine that has a style all its own. Revealing a translucent ruby hue as well as a kaleidoscope-like bouquet of ripe cherries, blackberries, forest floor, spring flowers, and charcoal, it hits the palate with medium-bodied richness, a silky, seamless mouthfeel, perfect balance, and a great finish. This exotic, perfumed Grenache is a hypothetical mix of a Grand Cru from the Côte de Nuits and a 100% Grenache Châteauneuf from sandy soils. It should cruise in the cellar for 10-15 years.”
Wine Advocate 94+ points “Bursting with aromas of potpourri with a dusty, red-fruited essence of wild strawberries, savory herbs and red and black spice, the 2019 Grenache God Only Knows Armada Vineyard is an instant success. Medium-bodied, the palate is fresh with a fine mineral tension that gives way to a firm tannic edge before gliding to a seductive, red cherry skin essence over the lingering, spicy finish. Only 223 cases were produced. I’m always a sucker for this bottling.”
Bucklin Old Hill Ranch Otto’s Grenache, Sonoma Valley 2019 750ml $36 special, 6 bottles in stock
Winery note “Otto’s Grenache was planted to honor our Step Father Otto Teller. Opinionated and cantankerous, Otto believed grapevines were too coddled and needed great stress to produce the best wines. This field blend was planted in 2010 on a modestly steep hillside that faces the hot setting sun. The soils are shallow, between two to three feet deep, and they are underlain with a thick impermeable volcanic tuff made from ejected rock and ash that is compacted and cemented into rock. If these growing conditions aren’t challenging enough, the vines are also dry farmed. Average yields are low primarily because the berries are so small and these grapes produce very intense and colorful wine.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Comando G Granito del Cadalso Garnacha Sierra de Gredos, Madrid 2017 750ml $14.50 special, 14 bottles in stock
Case-12 Comando G Granito del Cadalso Garnacha Sierra de Gredos, Madrid 2017 750ml $156 special (that’s only $13/bottle)
Jeb Dunnuck 92 points “From a co-op in the Sierra de Gredos and all old-vine Grenache, the 2017 Granito De Cadalso comes from granite soils, was destemmed, and brought up all in concrete tanks. This Pinot Noir-like beauty offers notes of wild strawberries, rose hips, violets, and crushed rocks. Medium-bodied, with remarkable purity and vibrancy, it still has ample power and richness. This is a fabulous expression of Grenache that’s almost too good to be true.”
Vinous 91 points “Limpid ruby-red. High-pitched red fruit, floral and mineral qualities on the intensely perfumed nose. Juicy and appealingly sweet, offering energetic raspberry, lavender pastille and white pepper flavors that deepen steadily on the back half. Weighty yet lithe as well, showing a seamless quality on a long, red-fruit-dominated finish framed by subtle, even tannins. All concrete.”
transparent wine. Garnet in color with vibrant flavors of red fruits, laurel and orange peel, Granito del Caldalso is made under the guidance of famed winemakers Dani Landi and Fernando Garcia.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine Giraud Chateauneuf-du-Pape Grenaches de Pierre, Rhône 2017 750ml $89 special, 6 bottles in stock
Jeb Dunnuck 96+ points “Lastly, the 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape Les Grenaches de Pierre offers slightly more purity and elegance, yet certainly doesn’t come up short on power or concentration. Stunning black cherries, currants, underbrush, ground pepper, and earthy, rocky mineral notes all give way to a deeper, darker, rich, concentrated wine that’s going to benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age. It will see its 20th birthday in fine form.”
Wine Advocate 95 points “Drawn from sandy soils in the lieux-dits of La Crau and Pignan, the all-Grenache 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape Grenaches de Pierre features wiry, herbal threads sewn into a fabric of tart cranberries and raspberries. It’s full-bodied and tannic, needing a few years to loosen up. Ultimately, it should reward the patient with a complex, silken tapestry of flavors.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Horsepower Vineyards Fiddleneck Vineyard, Walla Walla Valley 2019 750ml $199 special, 5 bottles in stock
Vinous 99 points “The stunning 2019 Grenache Fiddleneck Vineyard was sourced from a beautiful site where fiddleneck flowers were established before the vines were planted in 2015. The utterly mesmerizing nose features red rose petals, Linzer torte, umami and green olive tapenade, offering an air of aromatic complexity that is impossible to replicate in North America. On the seamless, beautifully textured palate, juicy red fruits collide with shades of white truffle, a dusting of salinity and an exquisite stony character. This is a wine unlike anything else in the world.”
Wine Advocate 98 points “Planted initially on the pristine soil from a fallow apple orchard that was pulled out in 1993, the stunningly beautiful 2019 Grenache Fiddleneck Vineyard displays a dark ruby core and offers a nose that is both floral and seductive. Aromas of dusty flowers, wild raspberries and savory herbs meld with notions of turned earth and redcurrants. Medium-bodied, the wine is focused, layered and fresh with a brilliantly complex mouthfeel before showcasing precision and finesse with flavors of cherry blossom, strawberry skin and fruit leather with an umami essence. The wine offers a floral focus and sways with the freshness of the New World before compacting slightly, revealing a spicy finish that unwinds and unfurls for moments after the wine has left the palate. It’s a fantastic wine that saw no new oak.”
Domaine de la Janasse Cotes du Rhone Les Garrigues 2016 750ml $39 special, 10 bottles in stock
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “Bottled in February (slightly earlier than the Terre d’Argile), the 100% Grenache 2016 Côtes du Rhône Les Garrigues boasts awesome notes of kirsch liqueur, crushed rocks, framboise, pepper, and graphite. This sexy, full-bodied, yet incredibly elegant red has building tannin, a seamless, silky texture, and no hard edges. Pure, elegant and seamless, it’s a thrillingly satisfying wine.”
Wine Advocate 93 points “There was only one 32-hectoliter foudre (now bottled) of the 2016 Cotes du Rhone Les Garrigues, an all-Grenache cuvée vinified with 50% whole clusters. It’s floral and herbal on the nose, with bold flavors of blackberries and licorice. Full-bodied and richly concentrated, it boasts supple tannins balanced by hints of brine and fresh acids. It’s easily the equal of many Châteauneufs, and the price has crept up to reflect that.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
No Girls La Placiencia Vineyard Grenache, Walla Walla Valley 2016 750ml $114.50 special, 3 bottles in stock
Wine Advocate 96 points “Not yet released when I tasted it, the 2016 Grenache la Paciencia Vineyard has a nose that opens with a bang, boasting majestic and explosive notes of dusty red fruit—raspberries, cherries and spiced red plum—with a rocky core of minerality. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, the wine expresses the semi-carbonic notes of sweet red fruit and dusty red flower petals with iron and lava rocks. It has expressive and silky tannins that linger on the long, ethereal finish. I am impressed! This is delicious juice and is a must-have for serious collectors. Only 338 cases made.”
Jeb Dunnuck 95 points “The 2016 Grenache La Paciencia Vineyard sports a translucent ruby color as well as a terrific bouquet of black cherries, strawberries, cold fireplace, white flowers, and spice. Seamless, elegant, and vibrant, with great tension, it’s a thrilling, Rayas look-alike to drink over the coming 10-15 years.”
Domaine Olivier Hillaire Chateauneuf-du-Pape ‘Les Terrasses’, Rhône 2016 750ml $59 special, 36+ bottles in stock
Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Terrasses is a fine example of old-vine Grenache from a parcel of vines near La Nerthe. Rose petals and black tea accent pristine cherry and raspberry fruit in this full-bodied but silky-lacy, delicate wine. Long, briny and refreshing on the finish, it’s deceptively drinkable but undoubtedly packs a wallop.”
Josh Raynolds 94 points “Brilliant violet. Lively, mineral-accented red and blue fruit aromas are complemented by suggestions of lavender and vanilla. Silky and energetic on the palate, offering concentrated raspberry and boysenberry flavors that deepen and become spicier as the wine opens up. Closes sweet, energetic and very long, displaying harmonious tannins and lingering smoke and red berry liqueur notes.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Chateau Pesquie Ventoux Ascensio, Rhône 2016 750ml $79 special, 3 bottles in stock
Jeb Dunnuck 95 points “Mostly Grenache (5% Syrah) made with 30% stems, brought up all in concrete, the 2016 Ventoux Ascensio sports an inky purple color as well as sensational notes of blackberries, plums, licorice, violets, and crushed rocks. It’s deep, full-bodied, pure, and primordial, with ample tannin and a great finish. It needs 2-3 years of bottle age but is blockbuster stuff.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas Le Claux, Rhône 2018 750ml $99 special, 21 bottles in stock
Wine Advocate 95-97 points “Everything about the all-Grenache 2018 Gigondas le Claux is big. From the huge black cherry and blackberry fruit, to the insane levels of concentration, the rich, velvety tannins and the never-ending, licorice-tinged finish, this beauty should evolve positively for at least a decade and a half.”
Wine Spectator 95 points “Quite ripe, with waves of warmed plum sauce and blackberry preserves rolling through, wrapped liberally with licorice root, sage and lavender notes. Iron minerality runs through the finish, letting the fruit and savory notes meld wonderfully.”
Sine Qua Non ‘The Inaugural’ Eleven Confessions Vineyard Grenache, Sta Rita Hills 2003 750ml $3199 special, 1 bottle in stock
Jeb Dunnuck 100 points “In addition to these new releases, I was also able to taste through a number of older vintages, including the 2001 Albino, 2006 Hoodoo Man, 2003 The Inaugural, 2004 Ode to E, 1998 E Raised, 2001 On Your Toes, 2005 Nail in My Cranium and 2007 Syrah Dangerous Birds. To say I came away impressed would be an understatement. Anyone who claims this big, rich style can-t age needs to taste these wines. I opted to just list my scores for the older releases as I find Bob-s initial write-ups spot on.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine Saint Damien Gigondas ‘Clovis Saurel’, Rhône 2020 750ml $44 special, 6 bottles in stock
Jeb Dunnuck 94-97 points “All Grenache aged in demi-muid, the 2020 Gigondas Clovis Saurel is certainly more modern in style, but it never loses its Southern Rhône soul. It has complex Provençal garrigue, spice box, cherry, and peppery aromas and flavors as well as a deep, rich, broad mouthfeel.”
Chapelle Saint Theodoric Chateauneuf-du-Pape Les Sablons, Rhône 2019 750ml $51.90 special, 15 bottles in stock
Jeb Dunnuck 93-95 points “Looking at the 2019s, all of which are still aging in barrel, the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Les Sablons can be thought of as the entry level Grenache. Destemmed and aged in older barrels, this round, mouth-filling, medium to full-bodied Grenache offers lots of red and black fruits as well as some meaty, spicy nuances. It will have plenty of up-front appeal.”
Wine Advocate 89-91 points “The 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape les Sablons comes from young vines (planted in 2013) in La Guigasse. Those grapes were kept separate and are being aged in older barrels. There’s a bit of lifted character on the nose, plus herbal-stemmy notes and ripe black cherries, black olives and dark chocolate. Full-bodied and powerful (around 16% alcohol, according to the winemaker, Baptiste Grangeon), the tannins remain lush and silky on the finish. Tasted twice (once blind), with consistent notes.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Famille Brechet Chateau de Vaudieu Chateauneuf-du-Pape L’Avenue, Rhône 2016 750ml $89 special, 10 bottles in stock
Jeb Dunnuck 97+ points “The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape L’Avenue is all Grenache sourced from a single parcel near the estate and aged 18 months in demi-muids. This deeply colored beauty boasts a huge perfume of black raspberries, blackberries, dried flowers, bouquet garni, and sandy/loamy soil notes. With a powerful, concentrated, structured style, incredible purity of fruit, and tons of tannin on the finish, hide bottles for 3-5 years, count yourself lucky, and enjoy over the following decade or more.”
Wine Advocate 96 points “The 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape l’Avenue is entirely Grenache from the lieu-dit Vaudieu, aged in demi-muids. Loaded with black cherries, cedar and vanilla, it’s a full-bodied, plush sexpot of a wine. Velvety, intense, long and layered, this wine has it all. If only there were more than 350 cases of this elixir.”
Wine Spectator 96 points “Intense, with a gorgeous core of crushed plum, boysenberry and blackberry pâte de fruit flavors, inlaid liberally with fruit cake, licorice snap and graphite notes. Fruit pumps through the finish while a graphite edge lends support and a black tea hint checks in.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Chateau de Rouanne Vinsobres ‘Guerin’, Rhône 2019 750ml $69 special, 18 bottles in stock
Jeb Dunnuck 92 points “The Grenache-dominated single vineyard 2019 Vinsobres Lieu-Dit Guerin is brilliant as well. Concentrated, medium to full-bodied, and opulent, it has lots of red and black fruits, plenty of peppery herbs and meaty nuances, terrific balance, and outstanding length. It’s another gorgeous wine from this talented winemaker, and this is an estate to watch.”
Domaine de la Charbonniere Chateauneuf-du-Pape ‘Cuvee Mourre des Perdrix’, Rhône 2019 750ml $47.50 special, 2 bottles in stock
Jeb Dunnuck 95 points “The 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Mourre Des Perdrix comes from sandier soils around the estate and is a blend of mostly Grenache, along with 15% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre, and a splash of Cinsault. Its ruby/plum hue is followed by a soft, supple, seamless 2019 (this cuvée is always the most elegant in the lineup) with lots of kirsch and toasted spice aromas and flavors, medium to full-bodied richness, silky, polished tannins, and a great finish. It’s another incredibly seamless wine from this team that can be drunk today or cellared for 15 years or more.”
Decanter 93 points “Restrained nose of bramble and plums, with sweet spices undertones and savoury hints. Rich concentration, ripe with a crunchy acidity and firm tannins.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
West Coast whites (other than Chardonnay)
The west coast has a whole lot to offer! Vinters across the coast are crafting beautiful expressions of Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, Albarino, and other overlooked white varietals! There’s a lot for you to try.
Here’s some of what we have in stock now at Vinopolis.
California
Bedrock Wine Co. Alta Vista Vineyard Gewurztraminer, Moon Mountain District 2019 750ml $36 special, 22 bottles in stock
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2019 Gewürztraminer Alta Vista Vineyard Old Vine is another compelling wine in this range. Readers will find a dry Gewürztraminer that emphasizes a whole range of savory and floral notes. Even so, the 2019 exudes richness and the layers open with time in the glass, bringing out the wine’s creaminess.”
Here’s some of what we have in stock now at Vinopolis.
California
Bedrock Wine Co. Alta Vista Vineyard Gewurztraminer, Moon Mountain District 2019 750ml $36 special, 22 bottles in stock
Antonio Galloni 93 points “The 2019 Gewürztraminer Alta Vista Vineyard Old Vine is another compelling wine in this range. Readers will find a dry Gewürztraminer that emphasizes a whole range of savory and floral notes. Even so, the 2019 exudes richness and the layers open with time in the glass, bringing out the wine’s creaminess.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Klinker Brick Winery Albarino, California 2019 750ml $14 special, 18 bottles in stock
Wine Enthusiast 88 points “Dry, bracing and light, this nervy wine is powered by crisp fruit acidity and subtle flavors of peach skin and lemon.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Prima Materia Tocai Friulano, Potter Valley 2019 750ml $19 special, 6 bottles in stock
Distributor note “Pietro Buttitta is high up in Lake County at around 1500 feet elevation. Hovering over the Kelsey Bench AVA he is tending his family’s plot of vines and is doing the work of a true vigneron. The entire production, around 1500 cases a year, comes entirely from the estate. This is becoming increasingly rare with American wines and allows Pietro to farm in a fastidiously organic fashion and moreover grow exactly what he would like. And what he grows is why this story is so compelling.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Peter Michael ‘L’Apres-Midi’ Sauvignon Blanc, Knights Valley 2018 750ml $59 special, 2 bottles in stock
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2018 Sauvignon Blanc L’Après-Midi captures all the personality of the year in its wonderfully lifted, airy feel. Sage, orchard fruit, lime, graphite, mint and white pepper all grace this exquisite wine. L’Après-Midi is so elegant and so precise. Deceptive in its mid-weight personality, the 2018 offers terrific persistence and a long, mineral-laced finish. Aeration brings out the wine’s textures so well. This is a fabulous edition of L’Après-Midi.”
Wine Spectator 94 points “Balances elegance and power. A smoky thread weaves in and out of succulent peach, marmalade, lemon sherbet and candied ginger flavors, set on a supple and fleshy texture. The acidity is pure and refreshing, keeping all the details in focus on the long finish.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Oregon
Eyrie Vineyards Pinot Gris, Dundee Hills 2021 750ml $24 special, 9 bottles in stock
Winery note “The desire to stay true to place and limit our impact on nature educates Eyrie’s viticulture and winemaking practices. In the winery, we refrain from unnecessarily manipulating the wines during their fermentation and maturation, allowing them to reflect the vintage. When Alsatian clones of Pinot blanc became available in Oregon, a small test plot was planted in Eyrie’s Sisters Vineyard. The block was doubled in the late 1990s. The crop is picked by hand, destemmed, pressed, and run to small stainless steel tanks to ferment and age. We take a slow approach; our Pinot blanc ages 3-4 times longer than most commercial versions before bottling.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Goodfellow Family Cellars Lewman Vineyard Pinot Gris Eola-Amity Hills 2019 750ml $27 special, 12 bottles in stock
Winery note “The lower yields in 2019 were particularly unkind to the Pinot Gris block at Lewman vineyard coming in at just over a ton. With such a small amount, we opted to have a little bit of fun and fermented this as a red wine. Whole cluster is 20%, and the fruit was in fermenter for 44 days before being racked to an old 500L Acacia puncheon and a single neutral oak barrique. We picked this early, before any inclement weather, and the resulting wine is light-bodied and copper colored. This smells savory and intriguing, then shows floral notes and a hint of melon, but is more akin to a white wine on the palate. While Pinot Gris can be distinctly tannic, this shows only a modest astringency and should be good as a summer sipper, though I would also recommend saving a few bottles to drink over the next 3-4 years. 11.6% abv and finished with Diam 30. 85 cases produced.”
Illahe Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley 2021 750ml $19 special, 24 bottles in stock
Winery note “The aromatics of the gris jump out of the glass with notes of lemon peel, pear drop, muddled mint, key lime pie, peach, and kiwi. The Santa Maria wooden fermenter helps give this gris has lovely texture with racy acidity, stone, and salinity.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Illahe Vineyards Viognier, Willamette Valley 2021 750ml $21.90 special, 7 bottles in stock
Winery note “After a brief hiatus in 2020, the jolly clusters of Goschie Farms are back! Aromas of lilac, honeydew melon, sweet pea, clover, and, of course, white peach dance in the glass. On the mouth, the tiniest hint of sweetness mingles with pumice, poppin’ acidity and clean finish. If this doesn’t get you excited for spring, we don’t know what will.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Brooks Oak Ridge Vineyard Gewurztraminer, Columbia Gorge 2021 750ml $21.90 special, 4 bottles in stock
Winery note “A brilliant Gewürztraminer with energetic layers of lychee, rose water, blood orange, and Turkish Delight. Comprised of gewurztraminer grapes from the Oak Ridge vineyard located in the Columbia Gorge on the Washington side by White Salmon. The vines were planted in 1984 in wind-blown loess soil at 1,400′ in elevation.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Brooks Hope Well Vineyard Riesling, Eola-Amity Hills 2018 750ml $26 special, 4 bottles in stock
Winery note “This dry Riesling has mouth-watering acidity with ripe and generous notes of pineapple, star fruit, kumquat and quince. With only 100 cases produced, this wine will move quickly. It’s organically farmed by one of the valley’s visionaries, Mimi Casteel. A second generation wine grower, her commitment to the environment and restoring native habitat is unequaled. We love this wine, not only because it’s a truly stunning Riesling, but because it embodies everything that is good about the land that is being healed and the people whose lives are dedicated to crafting exceptional expressions of time and place.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Cameron Winery Giuliano White, Oregon 2021 750ml $33 special, 23 bottles in stock
Grapelive 93 points “The light and crisp Giuliano, an Italian inspired white blend, is from Cameron’s Dundee Hills estate vineyards, Clos Electrique and White Oak. It is a delicious wine, one that has become one of my favorites, when I can get it of course. All of these Cameroni (the Italian style wines) are highly sought after by fans of the legendary John Paul, famous for his Pinots, but who is an Italian wine fanatic himself, so they sell out fast, especially this one. Highly refreshing, slightly effervescent from the capture of CO2 during tank fermentation and with a lovely white flowers bouquet the latest Giuliano delivers a zingy palate of racy citrus, green apple, bosc pear and tart quince fruits, saline infused wet rock, sweet and sour herbs, spearmint and lingering mineral tones. This is a wine to enjoy with oysters, sushi and or linguine pasta with Manila claims. It is jazzy stuff that gets more interesting with food and is rather more than the sum of its parts. The nose, the fruit and tanginess mixed with the stony dimension and orange blossoms add up to a very compelling white wine that gains texture and spice with air highlighting the volcanic Jory soils. Those that like the whites and or field blends of Northeastern Italy will find this wine faithful if not a riveting new world example, full of personality with no pretense and with a raw transparency that is wonderfully addictive…”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Cowhorn Marsanne Roussanne Applegate Valley 2019 750ml $33 special, 6 bottles in stock
Winery note “Cowhorn Vineyard & Garden grows grape varietals that are historically associated with the Rhône River wine region of France: Syrah and Grenache for red wine, and Viognier, Marsanne, and Roussanne for white wine. All of Cowhorn Vineyard & Garden’s wines are made with 100% estate-grown fruit from 25 planted acres.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Flaneur Willamette Valley Aligote 2021 750ml $39 special, 4 bottles in stock
Winery note “Intense aromas of pear, white peach, marzipan, chamomile tea, and floral honeysuckle jump out of the glass. Flavors are reminiscent of aromas with added lemon, grapefruit rind and fresh cut grass. Beautiful richness and texture are built from native yeast fermentation in 60% neutral oak barrels. Crisp and mouth watering acidity to last leaves us with a balanced, fresh and lengthy finish. This versatile wine is ready to pair with every seasonal menu from raw summer crudité to rich fall fare. Vineyard Information: Dry Farmed Using Organic Principles La Belle Promenade Vineyard is comprised of 33 acres of vines planted in 2014. The vineyard is home to volcanic soils ranging in diversity from a thick layer of fractured basalt in our shallow rooted southwestern blocks and deeper volcanic Saum soils in the southeastern corner of the vineyard. The crops we harvest from La Belle Promenade produce characteristic floral notes that cling to acidity and tell the story of the orchard fruits that once grew here.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Ovum ‘Big Salt’ White, Elkton 2021 750ml $17 special, 36+ bottles in stock
Winery note “Big Salt™ is a white wine that embodies a day at the beach. It’s bright, fresh, dry and a bit salty (although no salt is added of course!) – once it’s done you’re left wanting more. We achieve this experience by letting mother nature create complexity – that is to say we allow all of the grapes to ferment together, with native yeast..rather than making a blend in the laboratory. Finding the right vineyards throughout Oregon that share the same cool climate is what it’s all about.”
Patricia Green Cellars Sauvignon Blanc, Oregon 2021 750ml $24 special, 8 bottles in stock
Winery note “This has high-toned and heavily fruited aromatics along with the tinge of straw and minerals which is what ripe Sauvignon Blanc should have as its varietal typicity. The strength of the aromatics resounds in the glass as the wine is deeply fruited with citrus notes at the entry giving way to tropical fruit with extremely crisp acidity on the finish. The wine is bright and fresh but retains an enormous amount of texture and richness without being heavy or taking away from its “summertime drinking” sort of nature. This will pair easily with a very wide range of food ranging from summer salads to denser white fish, sushi rolls and nigiri to spicier Asian influenced dishes, risottos with summer vegetables to chicken and pork done on the grill (and while grilling).”
Verite
Why pay $479-$499+ elsewhere? We have the best prices in the country!
Verite La Joie, Sonoma County 2019 750ml $449 special, 3 bottles in stock
Wine Advocate 99 points “The 2019 La Joie is an elegant expression that offers power, freshness and expressive, floral character. A blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot, it has a deep ruby color and opens slowly from black cherries and blueberries to accents of violets, ground coffee and licorice. The full-bodied palate has generous, grainy tannins, detailed, perfumed flavors and bright acidity, finishing with an alluring iron character. 2,500 cases were made.”
Jeb Dunnuck 99 points “Composed of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and the remainder of Petit Verdot, the 2019 La Joie is compact and unfolds more slowly in the glass. The nose is rich with graphite, sage oil, and black plum. The palate is full of kirsch, fresh leather, currant, and tobacco, with fine tannins that go for ages, along with the fruit and well-balanced acidity. This will warrant 3-5 years cellar to express its full potential over the following 20 years.”
95 points Decanter “Grippy and structured, this is bold and powerful Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant wine with grippy tannins, a chalky texture almost with liquorice spice and blackcurrant fruit. I love the gentle sweetness here and the lifted acidity that keeps it all fresh. A complex and characterful style with plenty to like. On the rich side, but there is nuance here. 4% Petit Verdot completes the blend. Ageing 16 months in French oak (95% new).”
Verite La Joie, Sonoma County 2019 750ml $449 special, 3 bottles in stock
Wine Advocate 99 points “The 2019 La Joie is an elegant expression that offers power, freshness and expressive, floral character. A blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot, it has a deep ruby color and opens slowly from black cherries and blueberries to accents of violets, ground coffee and licorice. The full-bodied palate has generous, grainy tannins, detailed, perfumed flavors and bright acidity, finishing with an alluring iron character. 2,500 cases were made.”
Jeb Dunnuck 99 points “Composed of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and the remainder of Petit Verdot, the 2019 La Joie is compact and unfolds more slowly in the glass. The nose is rich with graphite, sage oil, and black plum. The palate is full of kirsch, fresh leather, currant, and tobacco, with fine tannins that go for ages, along with the fruit and well-balanced acidity. This will warrant 3-5 years cellar to express its full potential over the following 20 years.”
95 points Decanter “Grippy and structured, this is bold and powerful Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant wine with grippy tannins, a chalky texture almost with liquorice spice and blackcurrant fruit. I love the gentle sweetness here and the lifted acidity that keeps it all fresh. A complex and characterful style with plenty to like. On the rich side, but there is nuance here. 4% Petit Verdot completes the blend. Ageing 16 months in French oak (95% new).”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Verite La Muse, Sonoma County 2019 750ml $449 special, 3 bottles in stock
Wine Advocate 99 points “The 2019 La Muse is a blend of 90% Merlot, 5% Cab Franc and 5% Malbec. Deep ruby-purple, it explodes with cassis, violets and aniseed, with wafts of thyme, tobacco and iron, offering new nuances with each return to the glass. The full-bodied palate is powerful and refined, with loads of rounded tannins, focused freshness and ethereal character. It’s exceptionally expressive and structured and should be very long lived in the cellar.”
Jeb Dunnuck 98 points “The 2019 La Muse offers a luxurious and layered perfume of red apple, sweet tobacco, and fresh leather. The palate is generous, with velveteen texture, noes of cassis, violets, and fresh earth, and a weightless feel. The most open of the three presented by Verite, this is an incredible wine and will be fantastic to check in on over the next two or more decades.”
Decanter 94 points “Smooth and well defined, this Merlot-dominant wine has a nice delicacy to it. Lifted and bright, there is a sense of joy to this with excellent detail and definition to the fruit and the fine tannins. Clearly powerful with concentration but well delivered. I like the liquorice and the subtle herbal spiced edges – rosemary and cinnamon giving nuance as well as the slightly sweet but supple red and black cherry and blueberries fruit which mingle with scented dried flower notes. A refined style with a lifted finish that is really enjoyable. Ageing 16 months in French oak (95% new).”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Verite Le Desir, Sonoma County 2019 750ml $449 special, 3 bottles in stock
Wine Advocate 100 points “The 2019 Le Désir is an exceptional blend of 83% Cabernet Franc, 8% Merlot, 5% Malbec and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, offering complex, layered flavors, soaring aromatics and very detailed expression. Deep ruby-purple in color, its aromas unfold slowly and offer new nuances with each return to the glass: Morello cherries, warm chocolate, dried thyme, desiccated roses and dried herbs. The full-bodied palate offers concentrated, floral fruits, pixelated tannins, bursts of fresh acidity and a very long finish with layer after layer of detailed flavor. 2,500 cases were made.”
Jeb Dunnuck 98 points “The 2019 Le Desir is based on Cabernet Franc, with the remainder 8% Merlot, 5% Malbec, and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon. It is complex and layered, with hints of saddle leather, pencil shavings, tangy red cherry, and blackcurrant. The palate is full and elegantly structured, with mocha, red plum, and turned soil. This is an incredible wine with lots of underlying tension that will be a pleasure to revisit if afforded the opportunity. Drink over the next 20 or more years.”
Decanter 94 points “Such a beautiful fragrance to the nose, you can really tell the three wines apart and identity the aromatic Cabernet Franc on this one. Chewy and ripe fruit on the palate, this has grip and flesh from the start but also a nice liquorice spiced aspect which combines well with the pink rose, cherry, blackcurrant and cinnamon aspects. Tannins are fine and powdery, just a touch dry and chalky but this has nice detail and vibrant acidity. 4% Cabernet Sauvignon completes the blend. Ageing 16 months in French oak (95% new).”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
German Wine Sale Continues
We’re having a huge sale on German wines throughout the entire month of January.
Sale Begins at 4pm on Monday, January 2nd
Sale Ends at 6pm on Tuesday, January 31st
5% off 6-11 bottles and/or large formats of German wines.
10% off 12 or more bottles and/or large formats of German wines.
Discount will not display online, we will adjust your invoice before charging your card.
Discount does not apply to pre-arrival wines or to case discounts.
This is first come / first served and limited to stock on hand.
Buying a case-6 unlocks an additional 5% discount on 1-5 additional bottles of German wine purchased. Buying a case-12 unlocks an additional 10% discount on all additional bottles of German wine purchased.
This sale applies to ALL German wines. That’s over 500 wines and thousands of bottles discounted! Here are a few recommendations to get you started.
Weingut Keller ‘Vom Muscheligen Kalk’, Rheinhessen 2021 750ml $33 special, 18 bottles in stock
Winery note “This is it. The crisp, elegant, mouthwatering and incredibly age-worthy wine you’ve been waiting for — a favorite among critics and consumers alike. “Vom musseligen Kalk” is blend of Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Silvaner, which gives the wine a supporting freshness and finesse. Fermented in stainless steel and large, used oak is responsible for the round, generous mouthfeel. Exquisitely balanced, this wine has depth and character that is perfect for now, sometime in the next 4-5 years.”
Okonomierat Rebholz Riesling Trocken, Pfalz 2020 750ml $26 special, 24 bottles in stock
Winemaker Notes “Ripe, mineral, aroma of citrus fruits, apricot and peach. Typical of the colorful sandstone soils is the fine minerality and elegance. Fresh and lively with a perfectly balanced acidity. Perfect with fish and light appetizers.”
Sale Begins at 4pm on Monday, January 2nd
Sale Ends at 6pm on Tuesday, January 31st
5% off 6-11 bottles and/or large formats of German wines.
10% off 12 or more bottles and/or large formats of German wines.
Discount will not display online, we will adjust your invoice before charging your card.
Discount does not apply to pre-arrival wines or to case discounts.
This is first come / first served and limited to stock on hand.
Buying a case-6 unlocks an additional 5% discount on 1-5 additional bottles of German wine purchased. Buying a case-12 unlocks an additional 10% discount on all additional bottles of German wine purchased.
This sale applies to ALL German wines. That’s over 500 wines and thousands of bottles discounted! Here are a few recommendations to get you started.
Weingut Keller ‘Vom Muscheligen Kalk’, Rheinhessen 2021 750ml $33 special, 18 bottles in stock
Winery note “This is it. The crisp, elegant, mouthwatering and incredibly age-worthy wine you’ve been waiting for — a favorite among critics and consumers alike. “Vom musseligen Kalk” is blend of Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Silvaner, which gives the wine a supporting freshness and finesse. Fermented in stainless steel and large, used oak is responsible for the round, generous mouthfeel. Exquisitely balanced, this wine has depth and character that is perfect for now, sometime in the next 4-5 years.”
Okonomierat Rebholz Riesling Trocken, Pfalz 2020 750ml $26 special, 24 bottles in stock
Winemaker Notes “Ripe, mineral, aroma of citrus fruits, apricot and peach. Typical of the colorful sandstone soils is the fine minerality and elegance. Fresh and lively with a perfectly balanced acidity. Perfect with fish and light appetizers.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Thorle Saulheimer Probstey Silvaner, Rheinhessen 2017 750ml $33 special, 16 bottles in stock
Stuart Pigott 94 points “Still quite yeasty from long maturation on lees, but that accentuates the smoky and herbal complexity of this remarkable dry silvaner. Just a hint of oak in support of the creamy, mid-weight body and long, silky finish. Drink or hold.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Dr. Burklin-Wolf Wachenheimer Riesling Trocken, Pfalz 2017 750ml $18 special, 36+ bottles in stock
James Suckling 92 points “Slightly funky (from wild ferment) but also great citrus, pear and peach aromas. Good concentration for a village wine with quite a linear profile. Very clean finish. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or hold.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Weingut Karthauserhof Schieferkristall Riesling Trocken, Mosel 2020 750ml $33 special, 21 bottles in stock
James Suckling 93 points “This remarkable dry Mosel riesling squares the circle, by pumping out the ripe-peach and heady, floral aromas and showing beautiful balance of juicy fruit with lively acidity, yet only 10.5% alcohol. I love the tingling minerality and spritz at the finish. Maybe Einstein could explain how that’s possible?”
Winemaker notes “Schieferkristall, meaning slate crystal, is 100% estate Riesling from steep vineyards along the Ruwer (a tributary of the Mosel) with a unique microclimate and distinctive Devonian slate soils. Gentle pressing, followed by fermentation in stainless steel under controlled temperature and long lees contact for almost six months. The Schieferkristall features a delicate yet dense apricot aroma and a polished slate tone. Pure, fresh and vital on the palate, it is a substantial, tightly structured yet juicy and persistently aromatic Ruwer Kabinett (though it is not declared as such for ask-the-VDP reasons) with tension and a stimulatingly salty finish. More serious, complex and structured compared to Bruno.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Weingut Salwey Oberrotweiler Eichberg Grauburgunder Grosses Gewachs, Baden 2018 750ml $69 special, 12 bottles in stock
Falstaff 94 points “Pale golden with reddish, coppery shimmers. Subtle oak, quince and blossom honey, very ripe honeydew melon, fine-grained phenolic notes in the mouth, firm acidity, structured and salty, great concentration, the acidity lasts a long time, but remains aromatically accompanied.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Rosé Sale
February Rosé sale begins today and we have the best selection around! Why wait for spring?
We’re having a huge sale on Rosé throughout the entire month of February.
Sale Begins at 4pm on Friday, January 20th
Sale Ends at 6pm on Tuesday, February 28th
5% off 6-11 bottles and/or large format rosés.
10% off 12 or more bottles and/or large formats of rosés.
Discount will not display online, we will adjust your invoice before charging your card.
Discount does not apply to pre-arrival wines or to case discounts.
This is first come / first served and limited to stock on hand.
Buying a case-6 unlocks an additional 5% discount on 1-5 additional bottles of rosé purchased. Buying a case-12 unlocks an additional 10% discount on all additional bottles of rosé purchased.
This sale applies to ALL rosé wines. That’s over 85 wines and thousands of bottles discounted! Here are a few recommendations to get you started.
Ameztoi Rubentis Rosado, Getariako Txakolina 2021 750ml $21.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock
Vinous 91 points “Pale orange. Finely etched red berry, citrus zest and floral aromas, along with building herb and mineral flourishes. Taut and nervy in the mouth, offering sappy strawberry, cherry and tangerine flavors that show fine delineation and spicy lift. Closes firm and right, with persistent red fruit notes and a refreshingly bitter edge.”
De Maison importer note “The iconic Ameztoi Rubentis rosé is a field blend of the local, indigenous hondarrabi zuri and hondarrabi beltza varieties, grown on traditional trellises high on the slopes rising above Getaria, an ancient Basque fishing village on Spain’s rugged northern coast. In the 2000s, when almost all of the other local wineries gave up on the indigenous red hondarrabi beltza vines, the Ameztoi family retained their old vines, in turn, lending their rosé such exceptional vibrancy and complexity. Rubentis, the region’s first pink wine, was inspired by the historic claret style wines which were once produced in the area long before the current global craze made rosé famous. The backbone of the blend comes from an old hondarrabi beltza vineyard planted in 1840, preserved by the Ameztoi family for generations. Ameztoi Rubentis is an authentic original, a wine that is often imitated but never replicated.”
Domaine du Bagnol Cassis Rose, Provence 2021 750ml $33 special, 36+ bottles in stock
Rosenthal Wine Merchant note “Cassis Rosé: The Rosé is produced from several parcels that comprise slightly less than 7 hectares of vineyards. The vineyards are clay and limestone, situated on a gentle slope with a north – northwest exposure. The blend is Grenache (55%), Mourvedre (31%) and Cinsault (14%). This Rosé is vinified by “pressurage direct, the must is chilled to 12 degrees Celsius, the wine ferments at 18 degrees Celsius until it is completely dry; then, the wine is bottled during the first three months of the following year after a light filtration. Production tops out at about 40,000 bottles per annum; approximately 6000 bottles are allocated to the US market.”
Marietta Cellars OVR Old Vine Rose, California 2021 750ml $16.50 special, 16 bottles in stock
Wine Advocate 93 points “Medium cherry pink in color, the 2021 Old Vine Rosé has deep scents of yellow peaches, watermelon and red cherries with touches of stone and potpourri. The palate boasts concentrated, fruity flavors balanced by zippy acidity, and it finishes with pretty orange peel accents. This is such a delicious rosé! It’s made up of co-fermented Grenache Gris, Grenache Noir and Syrah.”
We’re having a huge sale on Rosé throughout the entire month of February.
Sale Begins at 4pm on Friday, January 20th
Sale Ends at 6pm on Tuesday, February 28th
5% off 6-11 bottles and/or large format rosés.
10% off 12 or more bottles and/or large formats of rosés.
Discount will not display online, we will adjust your invoice before charging your card.
Discount does not apply to pre-arrival wines or to case discounts.
This is first come / first served and limited to stock on hand.
Buying a case-6 unlocks an additional 5% discount on 1-5 additional bottles of rosé purchased. Buying a case-12 unlocks an additional 10% discount on all additional bottles of rosé purchased.
This sale applies to ALL rosé wines. That’s over 85 wines and thousands of bottles discounted! Here are a few recommendations to get you started.
Ameztoi Rubentis Rosado, Getariako Txakolina 2021 750ml $21.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock
Vinous 91 points “Pale orange. Finely etched red berry, citrus zest and floral aromas, along with building herb and mineral flourishes. Taut and nervy in the mouth, offering sappy strawberry, cherry and tangerine flavors that show fine delineation and spicy lift. Closes firm and right, with persistent red fruit notes and a refreshingly bitter edge.”
De Maison importer note “The iconic Ameztoi Rubentis rosé is a field blend of the local, indigenous hondarrabi zuri and hondarrabi beltza varieties, grown on traditional trellises high on the slopes rising above Getaria, an ancient Basque fishing village on Spain’s rugged northern coast. In the 2000s, when almost all of the other local wineries gave up on the indigenous red hondarrabi beltza vines, the Ameztoi family retained their old vines, in turn, lending their rosé such exceptional vibrancy and complexity. Rubentis, the region’s first pink wine, was inspired by the historic claret style wines which were once produced in the area long before the current global craze made rosé famous. The backbone of the blend comes from an old hondarrabi beltza vineyard planted in 1840, preserved by the Ameztoi family for generations. Ameztoi Rubentis is an authentic original, a wine that is often imitated but never replicated.”
Domaine du Bagnol Cassis Rose, Provence 2021 750ml $33 special, 36+ bottles in stock
Rosenthal Wine Merchant note “Cassis Rosé: The Rosé is produced from several parcels that comprise slightly less than 7 hectares of vineyards. The vineyards are clay and limestone, situated on a gentle slope with a north – northwest exposure. The blend is Grenache (55%), Mourvedre (31%) and Cinsault (14%). This Rosé is vinified by “pressurage direct, the must is chilled to 12 degrees Celsius, the wine ferments at 18 degrees Celsius until it is completely dry; then, the wine is bottled during the first three months of the following year after a light filtration. Production tops out at about 40,000 bottles per annum; approximately 6000 bottles are allocated to the US market.”
Marietta Cellars OVR Old Vine Rose, California 2021 750ml $16.50 special, 16 bottles in stock
Wine Advocate 93 points “Medium cherry pink in color, the 2021 Old Vine Rosé has deep scents of yellow peaches, watermelon and red cherries with touches of stone and potpourri. The palate boasts concentrated, fruity flavors balanced by zippy acidity, and it finishes with pretty orange peel accents. This is such a delicious rosé! It’s made up of co-fermented Grenache Gris, Grenache Noir and Syrah.”
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Domaine Saint Damien Gigondas Rose, Rhône 2021 750ml $28 special, 36+ bottles in stock
Wine Advocate 89 points “The medium salmon-hued 2021 Gigondas Rose features scents of pink grapefruit, guava and melon. A blend of 50% Cinsault, 30% Mourvèdre and 20% Grenache, it’s medium-bodied, with a lovely, silky texture and a long finish that echoes of crushed stone and paraffin.”
Importer note “From the lieu dit “La Moutte” this tiny production rosé is from mostly 45 year old Cinsault planted in 1970, and 10-15 year old Mourvèdre and Syrah. Cold maceration for 6 hours in the press and slow pneumatic pressing. Fermentation in stainless steel tanks with occasional lees stirring. 70% Cinsault, 15% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre. Soil: Red sandy clay soil with broken round stones (cailloux). Organic.”
Chateau Les Mesclances Cotes de Provence La Londe Cuvee Faustine Rose 2020 750ml $34.50 special, 15 bottles in stock
Wine Advocate 92 points “A slightly darker-hued offering (the Grenache received 20 hours of skin contact prior to pressing), the 2020 Cotes de Provence la Londe Rose Faustine is a blend of 81% Grenache, 13% Syrah and 6% Mourvèdre (the Syrah and Mourvèdre are made via saignée). It features intensely stony and earthy aromas balanced against hints of citrus, peach and raspberry, making for an exciting, largely savory style. Medium to full-bodied, it’s silky from six months on the lees and boasts a lingering, elegant and mouthwatering finish of crushed stone and citrus.”
Rosenthal Wine note ““Faustine” Côtes de Provence La Londe Rosé The lone wine from the exceptional La Londe sub-appellation, Faustine receives the greatest care at vinification, with a full 15 hours of maceration for the Grenache, along with a saignée of Mourvedre and Syrah. Explosive aromas overlay a complex and noble structure that show clearly why this wine is a cut above the classic Cotes de Provence character.”
Domaine Collotte Marsannay Rose, Cote de Nuits 2021 750ml $19 special, 36+ bottles in stock
Vinous 91 points “Vivid orange-pink. Fresh red berries, candied rose and a dusty mineral nuance on the fragrant nose. Gently chewy and tightly wound on entry, then more fleshy in the mid-palate, displaying juicy cherry and tangerine flavors that turn sweeter on the back half. The floral note repeats on a long, focused finish that leaves a refreshingly bitter suggestion of cherry pit behind.”
Weygandt-Metzler Import note “Pinot Noir. Sustainable. Clay & limestone.”
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Domaine Lafage Cotes du Roussillon Miraflors Rose 2020 750ml $18 special, 15 bottles in stock
Jeb Dunnuck 91 points “White peach, orange blossom, and white flower notes emerge from the 2020 Miraflors. It’s another clean, balanced, beautiful effort with bright acidity and a clean, dry finish.”
Wine Advocate 90 points “The 2020 IGP Cotes Catalanes Miraflors Rose is a blend of 50% Mourvèdre, 30% Grenache Gris and 20% Grenache Noir. Light to medium pink and copper-tinged in the glass, it offers up scents of melon and peach, with hints of strawberry as well. Medium-bodied, it’s round and silky in the mouth, showing ample concentration and length on the citrus-tinged finish. With its relatively high proportion of Mourvèdre, it should drink well at least through the first half of 2022.”
Eric Solomon Imports note “Mourvedre, Grenache Gris, Grenache Practicing Organic 80 yr old vines. Light Pink-colored with beautiful white peach, orange zest and salty sea breeze aromas and flabros in its vibrant, crisp profile. Pure and vibrant as it gets, a classic, provencal-style beauty.”
Collector’s Corner
Dominio de Pingus ‘Pingus’, Ribera del Duero 2019 750ml $1199 special, 3 bottles in stock
Wine Advocate 99 points “I tasted the bottled 2019 Pingus two weeks after bottling. Even at this early stage and after the operation, the wine is super harmonious and elegant. They really outdid themselves here and produced an amazingly fresh, aromatic and harmonious wine in a warm vintage. It’s incredibly textured, with refined, very fine-grained and chalky tannins. It’s very balanced, and there’s no excess of anything; it has 14% alcohol, perfect ripeness and a velvety mouthfeel. It gets more floral with time in the glass, getting nuanced and really interesting. It delivers what the barrel sample promised one year ago, when the wine already surprised me. I think the word that best describes this wine is precision—it’s clean, focused, balanced and delineated. Bravo! 7,900 bottles produced. It was bottled in September 2021.”
Wine Advocate 99 points “I tasted the bottled 2019 Pingus two weeks after bottling. Even at this early stage and after the operation, the wine is super harmonious and elegant. They really outdid themselves here and produced an amazingly fresh, aromatic and harmonious wine in a warm vintage. It’s incredibly textured, with refined, very fine-grained and chalky tannins. It’s very balanced, and there’s no excess of anything; it has 14% alcohol, perfect ripeness and a velvety mouthfeel. It gets more floral with time in the glass, getting nuanced and really interesting. It delivers what the barrel sample promised one year ago, when the wine already surprised me. I think the word that best describes this wine is precision—it’s clean, focused, balanced and delineated. Bravo! 7,900 bottles produced. It was bottled in September 2021.”
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Weingut Keller Westhofener Morstein Riesling Grosses Gewachs, Rheinhessen 2020 750ml $579 special, 2 bottles in stock
James Suckling 98 points “Extremely expressive nose with deep white-fruit, herbal and smoky aromas. Enormously concentrated, but very cool and pristine, thanks to the super-racy mineral acidity that gives the finish great power. Drinkable now, but best from 2023.”
Mosel Fine Wines 94+ points “The 2020er Morstein Riesling, as it is referred to on the consumer label, is a bone-dry wine made from 75-year-old vines and low yields (under 30 hl/ha) in one single old Fuder. It offers an aromatic, intense, and very complex nose of herbs, pineapple, grapefruit, mint, ginger, and a hint of camphor. The wine captures one’s attention as it proves hugely intense, compact, and dense on the palate. Notes of lemon and citrus are wrapped into plenty of spices and add to the feeling of razor-sharpness which emerges into the long and tight finish. There is also a light phenolic and powerful presence. This hugely impressive but still very primary dry Riesling will require a couple of years to fully show its potential. There is clear upside potential if it manages to gain finesse over time. 2025-2035+”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!