Vinopolis Newsletter 3-21-25

In This Newsletter:


Special Arrivals
The wines of Azienda Agricola 

New Arrivals
Agrapart, Comte Lafon, Savart, Pio Cesare, and more!

Women Winemakers We love
A Rose grew in Piedmont
 

 
 

 

“We transform the fruits of our earth for the wellbeing of those who reap its goodness … Our ultimate goal is to create harmony between man and nature.” –Elizabetta Foradori
 
High up in the Alpine Dolomites of Trentino, Elizabetta Foradori is producing biodynamic, biodiverse, and culturally relevant bottlings. Foradori has championed the use of indigenous varietals such as Teroldego, with the help of Massale selection, bringing the grape back to its former glory and undo centuries of what they considered poor clonal selection. This approach has not only enhanced the quality of the wines but also ensured the preservation of the local ecosystem for generations to come.
 
These wines are an absolute must for natural wine geeks and fans of all things alpine!
 
Foradori ‘Morei’ Teroldego Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT, Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy 2023 750ml $54.50 special, 12 bottles available
(Not reviewed yet. 2022 review provided for reference)
James Suckling 95 Points “Purplish in the glass. Lively fruit on the nose, with bright raspberry and blackcurrant aromas wrapped up in aromatic herbs. The palate shows crisp, integrated acidity and lightly framed tannins. Delicious and so fresh. From organically and biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drinkable now, but better in two or three years.”
 
Foradori Fontanasanta Nosiola Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT, Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy 2023 750ml $64.50 special, 24 bottles available
(Not reviewed yet. 2022 review provided for reference)
James Suckling 94 Points “Crazy floral aromas of honeysuckle, sage, lemon blossoms and sliced lemons that come through strongly and clearly on the nose and palate. Full-bodied with dried fruit and white apricot flavors. Creamy texture. Lots of flavor. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.”
 
Foradori ‘Fuoripista’ Pinot Grigio Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT, Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy 2023 750ml $59 special, 12 bottles available
(Not reviewed yet. 2022 review provided for reference)
James Suckling 96 Points “Light copper-orange color. Fascinating and classy orange wine with cranberries, cantaloup and flowers. Medium- to full-bodied with pretty, caressing phenolics and a long and flavorful finish that shows apricots and oranges. Can age. One of the best orange wines from Italy. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.”
 
Foradori ‘Sgarzon’ Teroldego Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT, Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy 2023 750ml $54.50 special, 12 bottles available
(Not reviewed yet. 2022 review provided for reference)
James Suckling 96 Points “There’s so much purity and freshness to the red fruit, with citrus peel, white pepper and attractive crushed stone minerality. It’s medium-bodied, bright and so expressive. Juicy, tense and very long. From organically and biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drink or hold.”
 
Foradori Teroldego Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT, Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy 2022 750ml $29 special, 24 bottles available
James Suckling 95 Points “Exquisite mix of dark fruit and earthy notes wrapped up with violets. Great fruit concentration and tension on the palate, with an extra dimension of blood orange fruit, a medium body and tight tannins that are polished on the finish. It shows sucrosity and is very crunchy. Drink or hold.”
 

Lowest listed price on the west coast

 
Foradori Fontanasanta Manzoni Bianco Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT, Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy 2023 750ml $34.50 special, 13 bottles available
James Suckling 95 Points “Amazing aromas of white flowers, beeswax, tangerines and ripe apples. Full and intense with dried lemons and apples and fascinating honey and floral notes. Phenolic texture. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drink or hold.”
 
 

New Arrivals
 
 
It’s raining Champagne!

 
“For readers who want to discover what the Côte des Blancs is all about, I can’t think of a better place to start than [Agrapart].” –Antonio Galloni, Vinous
 
Agrapart Les 7 Crus Brut, Champagne, France NV 750ml $89 special, 4 bottles available
Decanter 93 Points “Agrapart describes this as its ‘entry-level’ wine, but it’s far from your normal non-vintage Champagne. A blend of premier and grand cru grapes from two different vintages, its super-fresh, lemony nose segues into a tight, steely palate with delicious stone-fruit ripeness. It’s light on its feet and very vital, with delightful juiciness balancing mineral inclusions. Very impressive. (Oct 2019)”
 
Agrapart Terroirs Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Extra Brut, Champagne, France NV 750ml $99 special, 4 bottles available
James Suckling 95 Points ” Creamy and flavorful, yet it remains precise and vertical, with an array of lemons, green apples, pie crust, almonds, hazelnuts and chalk. Medium-bodied with creamy, fine bubbles. Lots of energy, with zesty citrus notes at the end. Layered blanc de blancs. 100% chardonnay from 4 Grand Cru villages. 40% from 2018 and 60% from 2017. Disgorged May 2022. Drink now or hold.”
 
For a more budget-friendly, but still top-quality Cote des Blanc option? Try Diebolt-Vallois!
 
Diebolt-Vallois Blanc de Blancs Brut, Champagne, France NV 750ml $49 special, 36+ bottles available
Winery Note “Lively and elegant champagne, perfect as an aperitif or at the beginning of the meal. Varieties used: 100% Chardonnay, Blanc de Blancs. Terroir: Cuis, Chouilly, Epernay and young vines from Cramant. Vinification: Fermentation in thermostatically controlled vats. Blend of wines from two years. Dosage: 3-5 g/l.”
 
Diebolt-Vallois Tradition Brut, Champagne, France NV 750ml $44.50 special, 36+ bottles available
Winery Note “A balanced champagne, perfect as an aperitif or at the beginning of the meal. Varieties used: 40% Chardonnay, 30 – 40% Pinot Noir, 20 – 30% Pinot Meunier. Terroir: The grapes come from various terroirs belonging to the estate. Vinification: Fermentation in thermostatically controlled vats. Dosage: 6-8 g/l.”
 
One of our favorite Meunier dominant small producers, these wines from Côtes d’Epernay stun for the price!
 
Jose Michel Tradition Brut, Champagne, France NV 750ml $44.50 special, 12 bottles available
Winery Note “Resulting from the subtle blend of Pinot Meunier (70%) and Chardonnay (30%), this authentic cuvee, a reflection of family know-how, reveals a surprising bouquet of aromas expressing the fruity tones of black grapes as well as the finesse of white grapes.”
 
R. Dumont, A Vinopolis favorite… this absolute stunner from the the Aube (Kimmeridgian limestone soils- think Chablis) is STILL an amazing value after all these years.
 
R. Dumont & Fils Tradition Brut, Champagne, France NV 750ml $44.50 special, 12 bottles available
 
“Coutier is one of Champagne’s under-the-radar gems. With prices skyrocketing throughout the region, these wines offer tremendous quality and value. The Blanc de Blancs shows just how compelling Chardonnay can be in Ambonnay, which is very much Pinot Noir country.” –Antonio Galloni, Vinous
 
R.H. Coutier Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut, Champagne, France NV 750ml $49 special, 12 bottles available
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 92 Points “The NV Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru is fabulous. Rich and quite dense, the Blanc de Blancs is decidedly powerful, maybe a bit more than usual. This release is based on 2018, and the richness of the year really comes through in the wine’s layered, expansive feel. Tangerine oil, lemon confit, white flowers, spice and chamomile build effortlessly. This is an especially heady, vinous Champagne with all the elements very much in balance. The Blanc de Blancs is a blend of 60% 2018 and 40% reserve wines.” [Disgorgement & base vintages may vary]
 
R.H. Coutier Cuvee Tradition Grand Cru Brut, Champagne, France NV 750ml $44.50 special, 12 bottles available
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 91 Points “The NV Brut Tradition Grand Cru is stellar. Kirsch, dried flowers, spice, dried pear and mint all show a slightly burnished quality that makes me think it is best suited to near term drinking. I don’t imagine ageability will be a problem, however, as most bottles will likely be long gone before that is an issue. The richness and breadth of Ambonnay Pinot are very much in evidence. There are no hard edges to this vinous, heady Champagne from Coutier. This release is 60% 2015 and 40% reserve wines. Dosage is 6 grams per liter. Disgorged: July, 2022.”
 
Culty, geeky farmer fizz from Montagne de Reim, Savart champagnes feature an incredible density of flavor while maintaining a heady lightness for balance. Pop a cork and see why so many top somms have gone bonkers over these wines!
 
Savart L’Ouverture Blanc de Noirs Premier Cru Brut, Champagne, France NV 750ml $69 special, 12 bottles available
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 92 Points “[Disgorgement may vary] The NV Extra-Brut L’Ouverture is 100% Pinot Noir, base 2020 with 25% reserve wines each from 2019 and 2018. Crushed red berry fruit and white flowers lend notable brightness throughout. This nervy, taut Champagne is all class. Dosage is 3.5 grams per liter. Disgorged: January 2023. (Drink between 2023-2030).”
 
Savart Bulle de Rose Premier Cru Brut Rose, Champagne, France NV 750ml $89 special, 6 bottles available
(No reviews available for the current disgorgement. 2019 review provided for reference.)
James Suckling 93 Points “Very attractive, spicy biscuits here with a zesty, vertical feel to the palate, as well as a vibrant cherry edge. The palate has a clear, red-berry feel and some pastry to close. Drink now.”

 

 

 
Dominique Lafon took over his family estate in Meursault, Domaine des Comte Lafon, in 1984 and within a few short years, his wines were some of the most prized in Burgundy. Moving from success to success, he founded his new biodynamic winery in 1999 Héritiers (meaning “inheritors” in French) in part to pass his knowledge and legacy to the next generation of the Lafon family, the future “héritiers” of the estate.
 
Domaine des Heritiers du Comte Lafon Macon Chardonnay Clos de la Crochette, Burgundy, France 2023 1.5L $99 special, only 2 magnums available
Neal Martin-Vinous 91 Points “The 2023 Mâcon-Chardonnay Clos de la Crochette has one of the best aromatics of the range: crushed stone, sea cave and light Granny Smith scents with good focus. The palate is well balanced with a crisp entry. This has fine weight and density but is more backward and perhaps befits a couple of years in bottle.”
 
Domaine des Heritiers du Comte Lafon Macon Milly-Lamartine, Burgundy, France 2023 1.5L $89 special, only 2 magnums available
Jasper Morris 89-90 Points “From foudre. This one had finished fermenting. Mid lemon yellow a mix of apples and pears on the nose. More generous than usual but still with its more typical white fruit with some minerals. Fine length. Drink from 2024-2026. Tasted Mar 2024.”
 

Italy
 
Pio Cesare ‘Mosconi’, Barolo DOCG, Italy 2020 750ml $219 special, 2 bottles available
James Suckling 99 Points “Enchanting aromas of flowers like violets and lemon blossom, with raspberries and cranberries. Full-bodied yet focused and framed with a structure that builds on your palate and grows and grows, yet it remains fresh and vivid. The tannins are energetic and so, so long. A contemporary jewel. Fascinating. Thoughtful wine. Only the oldest vines are used in this from the 1940s and 1960s.”
 
 

 
 

 

“Cascina delle Rose is without question one of the emerging estates in Barbaresco. Readers who have not tasted these wines should make a point of doing so, as they encapsulate everything that makes Barbaresco so alluring.” –Antonio Galloni, Vinous
 
In 1992 when Giovanna Rizzolio took over the Cascina delle Rose, she was just one of a tiny minority of woman winemakers and winery owners in Piedmont…
 
Piedmont’s Cascina delle Rose is a real sleeper estate producing elegant, expressive wines that prioritize beauty and drinkability over mass appeal. Their traditional winemaking approach results in poised, elegant wines with floral aromatics that leap out of the glass and a fine texture often compared to the great wines of Burgundy over Barbaresco.
 
The operation is simple with just over 12 acres total. 7 acres planted to vines, 2 acres planted to hazelnuts, a bit of forest, and the famous Rose Farmhouse where the magic happens. What they get from this land is nothing short of transcendent. We dare you to name a better woman run, organic practicing, Barbaresco house. You can’t? Neither can we, but we know you will love these elegant, rose and earth-perfumed wines as much as we do!
 

 
Cascina delle Rose ‘Mun Cru’ Langhe Bianco, Piedmont, Italy 2021 750ml $48 special, 10 bottles available
Winery Note “Arneis; 100% stainless steel. Mun Crü – in Piedmontese dialect, literally “raw bricks” – is the name that has always been used to indicate this particular area of Neive. As the production is very limited, it is always offered first to our historical customers. Sensory notes: Bright and intense yellow, with golden reflections. Elegant floral notes, jasmine, hints of sweet citrus peel, white peach and acacia honey. Intriguing structure, full of flavors. Round and balanced, savory and with a long finish.”
 

Only listing in the country!

 
Cascina delle Rose Marcorino, Barbaresco DOCG, Italy 2021 750ml $89 special, 10 bottles
Kerin O’Keefe 97 Points “A new entry for Cascina delle Rose, the fragrant 2021 Marcorino opens with enticing aromas of violet, rose, menthol and pine forest. Made with grapes hailing from the Marcorino cru in Neive, it showcases the estate’s hallmark elegance and winemaker Davide Sobrino’s delicate hand, delivering juicy raspberry, succulent red cherry, star anise and a hint of almond before a savory mineral close. It’s linear and loaded with energy and finesse thanks to firm, fine-grained tannins and bright acidity.”
 
Winery Note “The vineyard is located in the municipality of Barbaresco, in lean soils, rich in mineral salts and densely stratified. Bright garnet red, elegant fruity and floral notes, deep, clean, the clear expression of the grape variety. Dense texture of tannins, fine, silky. Very persistent finish.”
Cascina delle Rose Langhe Nebbiolo, Piedmont, Italy 2023 750ml $36 special, 24 bottles available
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 89 Points “The 2023 Langhe Nebbiolo is an attractive, deeply aromatic wine to drink now and over the next handful of years. Crushed flowers, sweet red-tone fruit, spice and hard candy lend an exotic flair. This mid-weight Langhe Nebbiolo is a charmer. (Drink between 2024-2028).”

Cascina delle Rose Barbaresco Rio Sordo, Barbaresco DOCG, Italy 2020 750ml $74.50 special, 19 bottles available
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 95 Points “This is Cascina delle Rose’s other single-vineyard wine from a second nearby site in the village of Barbaresco. The 2020 Barbaresco Rio Sordo is slightly more linear and streamlined compared to the Tre Stelle in this vintage. That wine felt more immediate to me, but the Rio Sordo feels more long-term thanks to elegant fruit, crushed stone and sweet licorice aromas it offers.”
 
Cascina delle Rose Barbaresco Rio Sordo, Barbaresco DOCG, Italy 2021 750ml $89 special, 19 bottles available
Kerin O’keefe 97 Points “The 2021 Cascina delle Rose Rio Sordo is another stunner from this fantastic estate starting with its compelling aromas of forest berry, camphor, wild rose and dark exotic spice. More firmly structured than Tre Stelle and Marcorino, it has tightly wound, fine-grained tannins that support juicy Morello cherry, raspberry, licorice and ground clove while fresh acidity keeps it balanced and energized. This needs a little more time to fully come together and will age beautifully.”
 
Cascina delle Rose Tre Stelle, Barbaresco DOCG, Italy 2020 $74.50 special, 10 bottles available
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 94 Points “The 2020 Barbaresco Tre Stelle is a delight to drink. The character of this vintage is more accessible for sure, and the fruit is very bright and supple. But there’s no harm in drinking this warm-vintage release of 7,500 bottles on the early side while all its primary aromas are so intact and enticing. The tannins are soft, and the wine shows medium richness to close.”
 

Lowest listed price in the country

 
Cascina delle Rose Tre Stelle, Barbaresco DOCG, Italy 2021 750ml $89 special, 6 bottles available
Kerin O’Keefe 97 Points “Racy, refined and radiant, the already accessible 2021 Tre Stelle from Cascina delle Rose offers enticing scents of rose, crushed mint, wild cherry and a whiff of vineyard dust. All about finesse, the radiant palate delivers succulent red cherry, cranberry, white pepper and star anise set against well integrated, elegant tannins. Fresh acidity keeps it beautifully balanced and vibrant.”
 

Lowest listed price on the west coast