Vinopolis Newsletter 3/2/23

 In This Newsletter:

 

Domaine de la Terre Rouge Easton Old Vine Zinfandel, Fiddletown 2015 750ml $36 special, 24 bottles available 
Wine Enthusiast 94 points “Hardly a run-of-the-mill wine, this potent liquid exudes tobacco and flint aromas that join with wood smoke, cocoa and blackberry flavors to make it dramatic and spicy. Full body and firm tannins build great structure to pair with indulgent proteins and give it the stuffing to age.”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

Domaine de la Terre Rouge Les Cotes de l’Ouest Syrah, California 2016 750ml $19.50 special, 36 bottles available 
Wine Enthusiast 92 points “Full bodied, deeply concentrated and massively structured, this wine is packed tight with just-ripe fruit, smoky spices, cloves and singed sage. A rich blanket of fine-grained tannins wraps those tightly, suggesting several years in the cellar for the wine to mature. Best from 2024”

This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!

Espectacle del Montsant, Montsant 2018 750ml $119 special, 32 bottles available 
Wine Spectator 98 points “As with other wines, I also tasted the 2018 Espectacle del Montsant next to the 2017 to catch up, as I last tasted the region some 16 months ago. 2018 was a cooler year of slow ripeness, and the grapes achieved an amazing 16% alcohol. The wine is truly spectacular, true to its name. It has tons of violet notes and aromatic herbs, the palate is gentler, and the tannins are rounder, polished and elegant. It has full body but isn’t heavy. There is a lot of complexity, and the wine developed slowly in the glass, showing nuances of cereals, kirsch, orange peel and lots of spices and herbs. It’s opulent and full, deep and complex. Amazing in its style. Some 6,500 bottles produced.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Paolo Scavino Vino da Tavola Rosso, Piedmont 2021 750ml $14 special, 36 bottles available 
Wine Spectator 90 points “Bright and packed with black cherry, blackberry, violet and spice aromas and flavors, this red is succulent and harmonious. Lingers nicely on the finish. Enjoy this one now for its youthful exuberance. Nebbiolo, Dolcetto, Merlot and Barbera.”

Feudo Montoni Vigna del Core Perricone Sicilia IGT, Sicily 2016 750ml $19.50 special, 36 bottles available 
Vinous 93 points “Deep ruby-red. Perfumed aromas of red cherry, raspberry, sweet spices, and fresh flowers. Clean, suave and round, ripe red cherry and vanilla flavors are complicated by hints of grilled nuts and marzipan. Finishes very clean, not to mention juicy, on the very long, very bright back end.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Sierra Cantabria Garnacha, Rioja DOCa 2017 750ml $21.90 special, 36 bottles available 
Vinous 92 points “Glistening ruby-red. Spice-accented red berry and cherry aromas are complemented by floral and smoky mineral flourishes. Alluringly sweet and lively in the mouth, offering juicy raspberry, cherry liqueur, cola and baking spice flavors braced by a spine of juicy acidity. Finishes supple and long, with repeating floral and spice notes and discreet tannins that provide shape and gentle grip.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

USA

Tan Fruit Maresh Vineyard Chardonnay, Dundee Hills 2019 750ml $59 special, 36+ bottles in stock 
Wine Advocate 97 points “The 2019 Chardonnay Maresh Vineyard comes from Dijon clones planted in 1991, and it was matured in about 35% new oak. This vintage is pure and tensile, with scents of tarragon and fragrant herbs, beeswax and almonds, with plush white peach fruit. The palate combines intense ripe fruit with a spine of tangy, tense acidity, and it finishes with tremendous length. Allow it another 3-5 years in bottle.”

Tan Fruit Vojtilla Vineyard Chardonnay, Chehalem Mountains 2019 750ml $56.50 special, 36+ bottles in stock 
Wine Advocate 97 points “Vojtilla is a small, four-acre vineyard in the Chehalem Mountains that sits at around 500 to 600 feet in elevation and, says Jim Maresh, is influenced by the nearby Willamette River. Harvested in October this vintage, the 2019 Chardonnay Vojtilla Vineyard comes from Dijon clone vines planted in 1991, and it was matured in about 25% new Damy barrels. It has a stunning perfume of quince paste and mushrooms, pastry and flowers, and the palate is satiny, plush and pure, with a seamless tangy streak and long, powerful finish.”

France

Domaine Raymond Usseglio & Fils Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Imperiale, Rhône 2020 750ml $69 special, 29 bottles in stock
Wine Advocate 96 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!

Domaine de Triennes Sainte – Fleur Viognier, IGP Var 2020 750ml $18 special, 36+ bottles available
Importer notes “Two of Burgundy’s greatest names – Jacques Seysses, founder of Domaine Dujac, and Aubert de Villaine, co-owner of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti – are the partners behind this pioneering property in Provence, northeast of Marseille and due east of Aix-en-Provence. In less than two decades, they have transformed this stunning 46-hectare site into one of the top wine estates in Southern France.”

Domaine de Ferrand Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone 2019 750ml $59  special, 35 bottles in stock
Jeb Dunnuck 94-96 points “A bigger, richer wine than the 2018, the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape from Bravay boasts a deeper purple/plum color as well as a powerful bouquet of smoked black fruits, roasted garrigue, black licorice, and ground pepper. This rich, full-bodied wine has loads of Provençal character, a stacked mid-palate, ripe tannins, and a great finish. It will benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age and provide upwards of two decades of prime drinking. It’s beautifully done and well worth seeking out. The blend is 85% Grenache, 5% Mourvèdre, and the rest Syrah, Cinsault, and Bourboulenc, from the Cabrières and La Gardiole lieux-dits, brought up all in concrete.”
Wine Advocate 92+ points “An assemblage of 85% Grenache and bits of Bourboulenc, Cinsault, Mourvèdre and Syrah, Ferrand’s tank-aged 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape features attractive notes of star anise, roses, lavender and ripe cherries. It’s full-bodied, rich, concentrated and rather extracted and tannic—give it a few years in the cellar.”

Domaine Daniel-Etienne Defaix Les Lys, Chablis Premier Cru 2006 750ml $51.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock 
Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2006 Chablis 1er Cru Les Lys is showing beautifully, offering up inviting aromas of pear, honeycomb, mandarin oil, warm bread and oyster shell. Medium to full-bodied, satiny and incisive, with an enveloping core of fruit, racy acids and a long, saline finish, it’s fleshy but controlled, with more texture than the Côte de Léchet and more structure than the Vaillons.”

This is the only listing in the USA today!

Spain

Bodegas Breca ‘Breca’ Garnacha Old Vines, Calatayud 2017 750ml $15.50 special, 36+ bottles available
Case-12 Bodegas Breca ‘Breca’ Garnacha Old Vines, Calatayud 2017 750ml $169 special (that’s only $14.08/bottle!)
Case-6 Bodegas Breca ‘Breca’ Garnacha Old Vines, Calatayud 2017 750ml $88 special (that’s only $14.67/bottle!)
Jeb Dunnuck 93 points “All old vine Garnacha from the Calatayud region of Spain, the 2017 Breca was all destemmed and brought up in larger French oak barrels. It’s another head turner offering rocking red and blue fruits, melted licorice, peppery herbs, and spicy, earth-like aromas and flavors. Rich, medium to full-bodied, and wonderfully textured, it could cost twice the price and still be a good value. Buy a case and enjoy bottles over the coming 3-5 years. This is a killer wine.”

Bodegas Muga Reserva – Crianza, Rioja DOCa 2018 750ml $26 special, 36+ bottles in stock 
James Suckling 94 points “This was the only red that Muga made in 2018, and the wines from the best vineyards went into the blend. In other words, top vineyards were declassified. Medium-bodied with very fine tannins that are caressing and refined. Plenty of subtle berries, chocolate and walnuts. Tempranillo with garnacha, mazuelo and graciano. January 2021 release. Drink or hold.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Italy

Argiano NC Non Confunditur Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2019 750ml $19 special, 26 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 93 points “Dark berries with walnuts, hazelnuts and white pepper on the nose, following through to a full body with ultra-fine tannins and a chewy yet refined finish. Needs two or three years to come together. Drink after 2023.”
Wine Spectator 92 points “Vibrant yet silky, boasting black cherry, blackberry, violet and iron flavors. The iron fist emerges by way of the firm tannins, and this finishes with a long aftertaste of fruit and dried herbs. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Sangiovese. Drink now”

Brancaia Tre Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2020 750ml $20.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
James Suckling 93 points “Raspberry, cherry and orange-peel aromas with hints of cedar. Medium body with firm, creamy tannins that are extremely polished and long. Focused and curated in all ways. Excellent value. Beautiful now, but will improve with age.”

Biondi Santi Tenuto Greppo Rosso di Montalcino, Tuscany 2018 750ml $99 special, 36+ bottles available
Wine Advocate 94 points “Elegant, graceful and fine, the Biondi-Santi 2018 Rosso di Montalcino offers a delicate approach to the senses and it spreads over the palate with polished and silky intensity. The acidity is elevated in this vintage. A handful of historic producers in Montalcino are bringing the Rosso category up to the next level, and the venerable house of Biondi-Santi is one of them. This was a somewhat unusual vintage with prolonged cool spells alternating with moments of intense heat. However, this wine shows even ripening and is quite vibrant and tangy in terms of its acidity. In spectacular Sangiovese style, the wine ends with lingering tones of wild cherry, sweet earth, potting soil and perfumed violet.”

Germany

Weingut Clemens Busch Marienburg Riesling Kabinett, Mosel 2018 750ml $19 special, 36+ bottles in stock
James Suckling 92 points “Lightly smoky with some lemon pith and dried spices. There’s some light sweetness here, but it’s nicely balanced out by the edgy acidity. Taut and very precise on the finish. Drink now.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Weingut Donnhoff ‘Felsenturmchen’ Schlossbockelheimer Felsenberg Riesling Grosses Gewachs, Nahe 2018 750ml $59 special, 36+ bottles in stock
John Gilman 94 points “The 2018 Felsenberg GG is also absolutely outstanding this year. The bouquet is impressively expressive at this early stage, soaring from the glass in a blaze of pear, tart orange, a beautiful base of slate minerality, wild yeasts, a touch of fleur de sel and a potpourri of floral scents in the upper register. On the palate the wine is full-bodied, focused and seamless, with outstanding mid-palate depth, powerful mineral drive and great cut and grip on the long, perfectly balanced and youthful finish. This will be show stopping juice in the fullness of time. 2028-2070. 94.”
Wine Advocate 93+ points “Bottled in July, just two days before I tasted the 2018 Schlossböckelheimer Felsenberg Riesling trocken –GG– for the first time, the nose was ripe and generous but fine and flinty-mineral. Lush and salty-piquant, this is a full-bodied, rich and powerful yet vital Riesling with lots of body but also tension, purity and grip. Tasted again in August 2019.”
Vinous 93 points “Huckleberry, crushed coriander seed and zesty lemon on the nose anticipate the piquancy, pungency and citricity that dominate on a firm, full, glossy palate. Stony and alkaline notes tug in an austere direction, though the gripping, penetrating finish conveys ample refreshing juiciness as well as an uncanny sense of energy. “Whatever might be your favorite from among these vintage 2018 Grosse Gewächse,” remarked Dönnhoff, “you can recognize the [taste of the] site, and that’s the goal.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel, Mosel 2018 750ml $79 special, 27  bottles in stock
John Gilman 96 points “The 2018 Juffer-Sonnenuhr Goldkapsel Auslese is even a hair better this year, as it shows just a touch more exotic creaminess on the attack, simply stunning backend mineral drive and great acids for the vintage. The bouquet is celestial in its blend of lime, mirabelle, pear, a lovely foundation of slate, honeycomb, just a whisper of mossiness and notes of lilacs and violets in the upper register. On the palate the wine is fullish, pure, focused and impeccably balanced, with superb acids and grip, laser-like focus and a very, very long and complex finish. This wine just dances across the palate.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Kruger-Rumpf Abtei ‘1937 Reserv’ Riesling Trocken, Nahe 2018 750ml $36 special, 36+ bottles in stock
Grapelive 94-96 points “The 2018 barrel sample of Kruger-Rumpf’s Abtei 1937 was stunningly gorgeous with brilliant details, ripe extract density, vivid mineral tones and vibrant acidity showing a purity and vitality of youth, but with the complexity and length of its old vine material. Georg Rumpf has crafted a Trocken beauty here with layers of delicacy and substance. This juice is on par with almost any GG, making it an incredible value already. Be sure to book your allocation of this ultra-limited bottling from Terry Theise. You will not be disappointed, I know I will be hustling to get some myself. The regular Abtei offering is one of my new favorite Nahe Rieslings and while I love all the latest Kruger-Rumpf wines, especially from the Grosse Lage: Münsterer Dautenpflänzer, Münsterer im Pitterberg and Dorsheimer Burgberg, as well as exotic Rumpf’s Scheurebe plus their off dry Kabinett, Feinherb and wonderfully balanced Spatlese(s) I have become obsessed with the Bingerbrücker Abtei im Ruppertsberg vineyard and wines. This ’18 starts with subtle aromatic charm with orange blossom, rosewater, flinty stones, salt lick and quinces before thrilling the palate with energy and white peach, tangerine, lime intensity, verbena, mint tea and tart green apple. This light/medium dry Riesling is brisk and racy, at first but gains depth and builds with air in the glass adding some leesy texture, it is totally thrilling and will only get better with bottle age. Terry Theise adds that, Kuger-Rumpf’s vineyards are farmed sustainably; bees are kept nearby to facilitate pollination and aid in overall bio-diversity. Periodically sheep are allowed to roam the vines helping to control underbrush. All vineyards are hand harvested to ensure that only optimally ripe grapes are selected. Stefan believed that “you can’t improve wine in the cellar, only make it worse…” and Georg has continued his cellar work with this philosophy in mind, which to me shows in wines like this fantastic Abtei.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

 

This limited time sale applies to ALL Palacio and Palacios wines. That’s hundreds of bottles that can be discounted! 

Purchase 6-11 bottles of any combination of Palacio or Palacios to receive 5% off 
Purchase 12 or more bottles of any combination of Palacio or Palacios to receive 10% off 

Sale ends Friday March 3rd at 10am 

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.

Here’s what we have in stock now.

Palacio

Vintage	Wine	Points	Price/Quantity
2018	Alvear Palacio Quemado La Raya Vino de la Tierra de Extremadura 750ml	Vinous 94 points	$27 special, 19 bottles in stock
2016	Alvear Palacio Quemado Los Acilates Vino de la Tierra de Extremadura 750ml	Vinous 93 points Wine Advocate 92 points	$24 special, 36+ bottles in stock
2018	Alvear Palacio Quemado La Zarcita Vino de la Tierra de Extremadura 750ml	Vinous 91 points	$18 special, 36+ bottles in stock

Palacios
 

Vintage	Wine	Points	Price/Quantity
2020	Descendientes de J. Palacios Moncerbal, Bierzo 750ml	Wine Advocate 97 points	$149 special, 6 bottles in stock
2020	Descendientes de J. Palacios ‘Petalos’, Bierzo 750ml	Wine Advocate 93 points	$21.90 special, 36+ in stock
2020	Descendientes de J. Palacios Villa de Corullon, Bierzo  750ml	Wine Advocate 97 points	$46 special, 36+ bottles in stock
2019	Descendientes de J. Palacios Las Lamas, Bierzo 750ml	Wine Advocate 97 points	$149 special, 5 bottles in stock
2019	Alvaro Palacios ‘Les Terrasses’ Velles Vinyes, Priorat DOCa 750ml	Wine Advocate 94 points Wine Spectator 93 points	$34.50 special, 36+ bottles in stock

We have the best selection on large format wines in Oregon?

We’re having a huge month long sale ending March 31st at 6pm. 
     
5% off 3-5 Magnum bottles

10% off 6 or more Magnum bottles

A magnum is 1.5L. 3L bottles will be the equivalent of 2 bottles applied to the discount. 
Champagnes are not included in this sale. 
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.

This sale applies to large format wines. That’s over 150 wines and thousands of bottles discounted! Here are a few recommendations to get you started.

Chateau Angelus, Saint-Emilion 2016 1.5L $899 special, 20 bottles in stock 
Wine Enthusiast 100 points “TOP 100 CELLAR SELECTION IN 2019. This is a rich, perfumed wine, with dense tannins and intense layers of black plum and spice. The palate is firmly built yet broadened out by plump dark-fruit tones and honed by a solid, dry core.”
Wine Advocate 98+ points “Sporting a deep garnet-purple color, the 2016 Angélus erupts from the glass with powerful notes of blackberry pie, ripe black cherries and juicy black plums with an undercurrent of star anise, rose petals, chocolate mint, pencil shavings and woodsmoke plus a waft of allspice. The palate is pure decadence. Medium to full-bodied, rich and generously fruited, this wine is by no means heavy—it positively glimmers with freshness and vivacity, lending an ethereal nature to all that richness and power, beautifully framed by velvety tannins and finishing with epic length. The generosity, layers and plushness make for an absolutely DELICIOUS drink right now, but I’d suggest waiting 3-5 more years for the fireworks to really begin.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Domaine de la Bastide Blanche Bandol Rose, Provence 2020 1.5L $59 special, 12 bottles in stock
Vinous 92 points “Limpid orange-pink. Expressive red berry, blood orange and pit fruit aromas are accompanied by building mineral and floral nuances. Taut and energetic in the mouth, offering sappy strawberry, orange zest and lavender flavors braced by a spine of chalky minerality. Finishes silky and impressively long, with repeating mineral and floral notes.”
Wine Advocate 91 points “A blend of Mourvèdre, Grenache, Cinsault, Clairette and Ugni Blanc, La Bastide Blanche’s 2020 Bandol Rose bursts with scents of sun-warmed peaches, passion fruit and strawberries. It’s medium to full-bodied, mouthfilling and concentrated, yet finishes spry and refreshing, with a burst of salinity and citrus.”
Weygandt-Metzler Import note “Mourvedre, Grenache, Cinsault, Clairette. Organic. Clay, limestone & cailloux. Tasting note: Dense cherry and raspberry fruit with citrus and stone flavors. Full body with a perfectly balanced and long finish.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Chateau Leoville Poyferre, Saint-Julien 2015 1.5L $249 special, 11 bottles in stock 
Jeb Dunnuck 97 points “The 2015 Leoville Poyferre is cut from the same cloth as the 2016, yet is more sexy, rounded and opulent. Notes of cassis, licorice, crushed rocks, lead pencil shavings and graphite all emerge from this unctuous, ripe, pedal-to-the-metal beauty that’s absolutely loaded with fruit and texture. Reminding me of the 2003, yet only fresher, don’t miss this beauty. It should be drinkable in 3-4 years and last for 3-4 decades.”
Antonio Galloni 97 points “The 2015 Léoville-Poyferré is spectacular. Inky, dense and explosive, the 2015 possesses off the chart richness, with soft contours, no hard edges and exceptional balance. All the elements are simply fused together. inky blue/purplish fruit, chocolate, new leather, blueberry jam, exotic spice and violet notes are all beautifully delineated throughout. Fresh, vibrant and totally sexy, Léoville-Poyferré is one of the wines of the vintage. Don’t miss it! Tasted two times.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Chateau Larose Trintaudon, Haut-Medoc 2016 1.5L $49 special, 5 bottles in stock 
James Suckling 92 points “A solid red with currant, chocolate and walnut character. Medium body, round yet firm tannins and a delicious finish. Typical Bordeaux from this excellent vintage. A blend of 60 per cent cabernet sauvignon and 40 per cent merlot. Needs two to three years to soften.”
Wine Enthusiast 91 points “At 380 acres, this is one of the largest Médoc estates just the wrong side of the tracks from Pauillac. This generously structured wine is full of juicy black-currant flavors that come from the 60% Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend. It is likely to develop relatively quickly and will certainly be ready from 2021.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!

Chateau de Pez, Saint-Estèphe 2018 1.5L $119 special, 5 bottles in stock 
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “From the team of Nicolas Glumineau at Pichon Comtesse de Lalande, the 2018 Château De Pez is a gorgeous 2018 that should be on every Bordeaux lover’s radar (and should be a great value as well). Notes of blackcurrants, blueberries, candied violets, and graphite define the bouquet, and it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, rockingly polished tannins, terrific purity, and a great finish. It’s terrific and is going to have 15-20 years or more of longevity. The blend is 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 49% Merlot, and the balance Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc.”
Wine Enthusiast 94 points “Under the same Rouzaud family ownership as Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande in Pauillac, this estate has produced a structured wine. It offers dense and solid tannins, rich with a firm texture and black currant fruits. The wine has weight and density that need aging.”

This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!