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We will close at 4 PM on Sunday, December 24th
We will be closed on Monday, December 25th and Monday, January 1st
We wish you a happy holiday season!
Hot Champagnes
Cool Prices
Part One
Just in time for your Christmas or New Year’s drinking, we’re getting even more Champagne in. We’ll be highlighting the wines in more detail on Thursday, but wanted to highlight a few festive bottles for you now. These are sure winners—Champagnes which are sure to thrill wine geeks and casual drinkers alike. Be sure to go to our website, though, at www.vinopoliswineshop.com, to see all 110+ Champagnes in stock right now!
Pierre Gimonnet et Fils Blanc de Blancs Cuvee Oenophile Premier Cru Extra Brut Non Dose, Champagne 2008 750ML ($89.95) $61.90 special
Gilbert & Gaillard 94 points “Light yellow-gold. The nose displays splendid minerality then reveals pastry and almond notes. The palate shows seductive precision. Refined texture and mouth-filling freshness. Well-structured, strict and elegant. A stellar Champagne with a real sense of place.”
Wine Advocate 92 points “The 2008 Oenophile Extra Brut offers an invitingly clear, bright and fresh bouquet of crisp apples, lemons, brazil nuts and grated hazelnuts along with some hints of herbs and flowers. On the palate this is a very elegant, firm, fresh and minerally accentuated Champagne of with a good grip and an animating citric finish. It is a crisp, elegant, refined and a really stimulating aperitif on a really high level. Beautifully structured and mineral, I just can’t get enough!” WA
Pierre Gimonnet et Fils Cuvee Fleuron Millesime Premier Cru Brut, Champagne 2008 750ML ($89.95) $61.90 special
Antonio Galloni 93 points “Large scaled, creamy and rich, the 2008 Brut Fleuron (Magnum) is super-expressive today. Chamomile, dried flowers and dried pear notes release from the wine’s intensely aromatic bouquet. But it is the palate feel and overall intensity here that truly stand out. The 2008 spent a whopping six years on the lees, and that extended time in bottle comes through in the wine’s intensity. The 2009 is a blend of fruit from Cramant, Chouilly, Oger (all Grand Crus), plus Cuis and Vertus (both 1er Crus). Dosage is 5 grams per liter.”
Pierre Paillard ‘Les Terres Roses’ Bouzy Grand Cru Brut Rose, Champagne NV 750ML ($59.95) $46 special
Wine Spectator 91 points “[Reviewed Nov 2017] This mouthwatering rosé is firm and toasty, with a spiced thread of flavor unraveling through notes of wild cherry, candied ginger, graphite and citrus. Lively, offering a creamy, lingering finish. Disgorged September 2016. Drink now through 2022. 700 cases made.”
Marie-Courtin Efflorescence Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut, Champagne 2013 750ML ($69.95) $58 special
Antonio Galloni 94 points “A complete and wonderfully nuanced wine, the 2013 Extra Brut Efflorescence is fabulous. Bright and sculpted to the core, the 2013 exudes energy. Chalk, mint, jasmine and orchard fruit add complexity, but it is the wine’s overall balance that is most impressive. The Efflorescence offers striking translucence and energy from start to finish. The non-dosé style is especially successful here. Disgorged in April 2017 with no dosage.”
“A vintage-dated pinor noir champagne aged in oak barrels… typically released without dosage.” –Peter Liem
The average price is $70
Pingus, Ah Um
Peter Sisseck has had a blessed run during his career in the wine business. In 1993, oenologist Peter arrived in Spain to manage a new project, Hacienda Monasterio. Originally from Denmark, Peter fell in love with Ribera del Duero’s twisted vines and found several ancient vineyards that inspired him to make his own wine. From the beginning, Peter’s vision was to push old-vine Tempranillo to its upper limits, spending the first years pruning the gnarled old vines back to health.
In 1995, he opened Dominio de Pingus, and released the first vintage to rave reviews, making Pingus a true benchmark wine, known and admired wherever great wine is discussed.Peter’s tiny production of fewer than 500 cases of Pingus, which now sells at prices $700+ / bottle, comes from three parcels of ancient, head-pruned Tempranillo vines. The Flor de Pingus is sourced from a number of small parcels located in the La Horra zone, vines that are all over 35 years of age and have been farmed biodynamically since 2005.The wines, fermented in large wooden vats and, once in cask, mostly left alone, are bottled without fining or filtration.
Over the past decade, Peter has continually refined his original vision. Since 2001, he has employed biodynamic viticulture to produce healthier vineyards, balancing decadent richness with a rare sense of elegance. Simple discussion of techniques cannot begin to explain the final product, a wine Robert Parker has called “extraordinary” and “one of the most outstanding wines produced in Spain.” We’re excited to feature the two more affordable wines from Pingus, the “Flor” and “PSI” bottlings—both made to the same exacting standards as the flagship wine.
Arriving Tomorrow
Dominio de Pingus ‘Flor de Pingus’, Ribera del Duero 2014 750ML ($99.95) $69 pre-arrival special
Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2014 Flor de Pingus could very well be the finest vintage of this cuvée ever. It could be considered their ‘village’ wine, as all the grapes come from La Horra, from four different quarters (El Pino, Fuentearriba, Fuentenarro and Castillo); they are mostly old vines, as they have some 25 hectares of those in the village, mostly from the 1950s. In the future it will also have some grapes from younger vineyards they planted ‘à l’ancien’, with a massale selection of Amelia, riparia rootstocks, etc. The wine is very aromatic and expressive, floral and spicy, with the oak nicely folded into the fruit, which is ripe without excess, and the alcohol is also nicely disguised, as it’s high but does not show. It’s a powerful and full-bodied vintage for this cuvée, but keeping its approachability and appeal. The tannins are very fine and the finish quite remarkable. A mini-Pingus at a very different price. 92,000 bottles were filled in July 2016.”
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 93-95 points “Bright violet color. Explosively perfumed aromas of fresh boysenberry, floral oils and incense, with suave vanilla and woodsmoke nuances building in the glass. Sweet and plush on the palate, offering intense, smooth dark fruit liqueur and spicecake flavors. Really stains the palate, finishing with superb thrust and clarity; velvety tannins add gentle grip.”
James Suckling 94 points “This is a fragrant and gritty Pingus with a ton of tannins which give it a lot of depth and length. This wine deserves some patience. It needs two or three years more of bottle age to be at its best, but should keep for some years following.”
Arriving Wednesday, December 27th
Dominio de Pingus ‘Flor de Pingus’, Ribera del Duero 2015 750ML ($99.95) $79 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 95 points “Almost black-purple color. Dense black fruits aromas, fine oak and elegant dry tannins that are beautifuly integrated in the rich body. The long finish is already graceful thanks to the spot-on balance. Drink now.”
Classic Christmas Dinner Wines
The classic Christmas dinner table is a special place that rewards old-school, contemplative wines with a festive tinge. Our minds tend to drift toward two things—red Burgundy, with the meal, and then a bottle (or two) of vintage port to sip afterwards, lingering over conversation and perhaps a bit of Stilton. We love the pairings because red Burgundy pairs well with a variety of things—from ham to prime rib to goose, if you’re feeling Dickensian. The delicate red fruits and autumnal scents are cozy and warming—a comfort in the heart of winter. The port, well, what’s Christmas dinner without a little extra alcohol to kick things up at the end of the night—and a little port is a lot of fun.
Burghound 88 points “A very fresh and expressive nose of red and blue pinot fruit with pepper and earth hints leads to rich, delicious and nicely complex middle weight flavors that offer good persistence and only a mild touch of rusticity on the sappy finish. This should be approachable, and enjoyable, young if desired”BH
Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 89-91 points “Good deep red. Expressive aromas of black- and redcurrant, licorice and mint. Shapely, intense and fruity, with bright flavors of berries and licorice. Finishes with a firm tannic spine and very good length.”
Burghound 91 points “The impressively complex violet and pungently earth-infused aromas are more elegant if ever-so-slightly less ripe. The seductively textured middle weight flavors possess plenty of structure-buffering dry extract that imparts a sappy mouth feel to the firm, dusty and strikingly persistent mineral-driven finish that evidences a mild touch of austerity. While qualitatively similar to the Santenots the underlying character is completely different as this is more focused and less powerful while offering much more refinement.”
Domaine Philippe Charlopin-Parizot Marsannay Les Echezots, Cote de Nuits 2014 750ML ($49.95) $33 special, 19 bottles in stock now
Wine Spectator 92 points “A rich, concentrated red, with earth and animal aromas leading off, followed by black cherry, black currant and spice flavors. Verges on a thick texture, featuring well-integrated tannins and a long, fruity aftertaste. Best from 2019 through 2029.”
Winery note “Clay-limestone soils with a southern, sloped exposure. 100% oak aged with 45% new wood. Great delicacy and a fine, long finish in the mouth.”
Wine Advocate 96 points “The 2000 Fonseca continues to exude finesse and focus on the nose, with pure blackberry, juniper berries, licorice and a touch of sloes, perhaps as Adrian Bridge remarked, just beginning to close after ten years in bottle. The palate is underpinned by very fine tannins, a sensual, svelte texture with wonderful acidity. The harmony and symmetry is alluring, the finish precise and demonstrating the persistency to suggest a long future ahead. Drink 2020-2060.”
Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port 1985 750ML ($149.95) $119 special, 28 bottles in stock now
Jancis Robinson 18/20 points “Still going very strong from a bottle via a decanter. (The Robertsons served Fonseca 1985 at their dinner that night to celebrate Fonseca’s bicentenary.) Lovely hazelnuts nose and soft, spicy and sweet on the palate. Tannins fully resolved but still vigorous too.” (6/2015)
Neal Martin’s Wine Journal 95 points: “A very youthful deep garnet core with ruby rim. This has a much more precocious nose than the -83 with ripe blackberry, raspberry coulis, black olives and a certain minerality to it. Very fresh and well defined, the palate is full-bodied, certainly more structured and complex than the previous two declarations. Notes of black cherry, fig, raisin with a hint of savoury fruit towards the finish that has great length and refinement. Still in its youth, this has great potential…” (05/2008)
Wine Spectator 93 points “Medium ruby. Beautiful aromas of flowers and fresh plum, with hints of stems. Full-bodied and medium-sweet, with gorgeous silky tannins and a long, long finish. This is just starting to come around and offers wonderful flavors. Long life ahead, but ready to try.”
Croft Vintage Port 2009 750ML ($89.95) $79 special, 12 bottles in stock now
Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2009 Croft has a tightly wound bouquet of blackberry, black plum, and touches of glycerine and graphite that are well-defined but persistently broody. The palate is full-bodied with a burly, powerful entry. There is real structure and presence here – a Croft packed full of spicy black fruit with white peppers generously sprinkled over the finish. This is an ambitious Croft that could become a future legend – or might trip over its untrammeled ambition! Tasted May 2013.”
Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port 2003 1.5L ($299.95) $249 special, 6 magnums in stock now
Robert Parker 100 points – Hedonist’s Gazette ” I noticed the Chinese love to have both a sweet wine and a vintage port at the end of a meal, which is pretty much over-kill for me. However, I was blown away by the 2003 Taylors vintage port. I had enough left in me to appreciate the brilliant Kracher No. 7 Chardonnay from the 1999 vintage, which was stunning with the coconut sorbet with toffee sauce and lemongrass bubbles. Yet drinking it was touched with sadness as I thought of the recent and premature death of its 49-year old maker, Alois (Luis) Kracher. The Great Wall of China, Black Tie Dinner.”
Pierre Ravoni – Wine Advocate 95 points “The 2003 Taylor’s has a lovely ripe, primal bouquet of blackberry, raspberry, vanilla and marmalade that shows slightly better delineation than the Fonseca. The palate is medium-bodied with very composed, refined tannins that belie the heat of that summer. There is wonderful focus here and fine tension, the finish offering precise notes of black cherries, mulberry, cloves and white pepper. This is one of the finest Ports of a precocious vintage. Tasted May 2013.”
December 25th Edition
Ok, so let’s face facts here—Chinese food (or Thai, or Vietnamese) is the real American Christmas dinner. We are a nation that embraces both convenience and other a mix of ethnicities—so whether or not you celebrate Christmas, chances are you may find yourself ordering in or going out on December 25th. For that, red Burgundy and Port won’t do. No, instead you’re going to want Riesling, Chenin Blanc and other fresh, lively white wines that can cut through heat and spice and funk. We’ve got a ton to offer for that sort of meal and here are a few of our favorite highlights:
Kruger-Rumpf Munsterer Dautenpflanzer Riesling Spatlese, Nahe 2004 ($49.95) $39 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Jancis Robinson – Top 20 German Wine Producer in 2004
“Rumpf’s 2004 Munsterer Dautenpflanzer Riesling Spatlese smells of pineapple, pear and white peach, following with a delicate and refined palate impression saturated with a sense of liquid slate and pure pear, peach and pineapple fruit. The finish is smooth and long with generous fruit augmented by subtle spice and crushed stone. Classic 2004 virtues are on display.” –David Schildknecht [Reviewed 2005]
Wine Spectator 89 points “Very firmly structured, but this is dense and offers spice and mineral shadings to complement the apple and white peach notes. Still leaning toward the structure on the finish, but this shows promise. Best from 2007 through 2020. 250 cases made.” WS [Reviewed 2006]
Terry Theise notes “Dautenpflänzer is one the leading Grand Crus of the lower Nahe, with a typical mélange of soil types within its borders. Rumpf claims some of it is slatey and some of it is “sandy loam,” which agrees more with the standard references. It is in any case singular and immediately significant, giving a sometimes damnably complex set of aromas and flavors including coconut, violet, soursop, leaf-smoke—it is a very long list even if you’re sober. In any case it belongs with the vamping exotics of the Nahe.” [Reviewed 2015]
Wine Advocate 93 points “Bottled with 8% alcohol, the 2014 Zeltinger Himmelreich Riesling Spätlese Anrecht (erroneously designated as Spätlese instead of Auslese) opens with a super ripe and intense, stunningly bright and clear bouquet of very fine Riesling flavors; there are apple and pip aromas due to a higher proportion of golden and green grapes, and a lesser proportion of botrytis, due to the higher altitude of the Anrecht plot. There is so much finesse and piquancy in this juicy, elegant and well concentrated Riesling, which reveals a long and complex finish, as well as great finesse.”
David Schildknecht–Vinous 93 points “This product of block-picking (as opposed to selective picking) conveys a sense of ripeness and botrytization that could as easily have been captured in the word “Auslese.” Candied lemon, mint and anise mingle in the nose with suggestions of the quince, apple and Persian melon that come to dominate on a lush and expansive yet animatedly juicy palate. A hint of white raisin testifies delectably to the share of shriveled berries. Sweaty salinity lends mouthwatering intrigue while the fruit retains an invigoratingly tangy edge in a finish that readily stimulates the desire to take the next seductive, by no means overly sweet sip.”
Mosel Fine Wines 91+ points “This offers a delicately ample nose of yellow fruits, ginger and spices. The wine starts off on the round side before fiery acidity brings zest and vibrancy to the finish. This is refreshing, light and elegant and one magically goes for more. The tart side in the finish will disappear with a few years of bottle aging, and it could then easily warrant an even higher rating.”
Terry Theise: “23 g/l of residual sugar, as it happened, and every wine here is as-it-happened. So Nikki declined to futz with it. The result tastes like something Florian Weingart would have made in the Wachau, all the mirabelle and herbs but with a different twangy terroir here. I don’t know what “use” you’ll make of it; I only know I like it.”
“Again, Foreau does not produce a Demi-Sec every year. All depends on the level of ripeness at time of harvest. When a Demi-Sec is released by the domaine, it can carry somewhere between 8 and sometimes as much as 20 grams or so of residual sugar but, more often than not, a Foreau Demi-Sec will be at the 8 to 12 grams RS level. Obviously, each year develops from its own unique circumstances. As indicated in the general description above, Foreau NEVER chapitalizes to achieve the Demi-Sec level and malo-lactic fermentations are never permitted to occur. All still wines at Foreau are bottled during the spring season following the harvest.”–Importer note
Stephen Tanzer 92 points “(pinot gris and muscat) Full orange-gold. Pungent, high-toned aromas of orange, spices and medicinal herbs; conveys a strong botrytis character. A very sweet, energetic fruit bomb in the mouth, with brisk acidity giving grip to the rather exotic flavors of tangerine, apricot, yellow peach, botanical herbs and spices. Big and broad but not heavy. Finishes long, tactile and slightly phenolic, showing its pinot gris side today.” ST
Wine Spectator 96 points “This delivers a beautiful display of purity and grace, with creamed Jonagold apple, star fruit, white peach and chamomile notes flowing seamlessly, backed by wet stone and fresh verbena accents. Subtle but persistent energy ripples through the very long finish. Drink now through 2035.”
Perrier Jouet is one of the more overlooked Grande Marque houses in Champagne—they tend not to be discussed with the same reverence and Roederer or Bollinger. That is, with the exception of their top wine the beautiful (and beautifully packaged) Belle Epoque, a vintage wine that is as elegant and pretty inside as the flower adorned painted bottle it comes in. The wine radiates elegance, with a fine mousse and delicate flavors and aromas. We’ve got an incredible price on the 2008 (which just arrived)—perfect for a last-minute Christmas gift or for a special New Year’s Celebration
Perrier-Jouet Belle Epoque – Fleur de Champagne Brut Millesime, Champagne 2008 750ML ($149.95) $99 special, 32 bottles in stock now
Decanter 93 points “Perrier Jouët Belle Epoque 2008 reminds me somewhat of the grace of the exceptional 1995, Cellarmaster Hervé Deschamps’ first solo vintage and still one of his best. Though the two vintages 13 years apart share the same grace and class, the 2008 is more mineral, reflecting a quite sunless summer season. Only the return of warmer weather at the start of September imbued the vintage with a freshness of great Chardonnay in tune with the subtly restrained power of Pinot Noir and a soupçon of rounded Meunier – that final little touch making the wine more pleasurable to drink soon, unlike other wines from the Champagne 2008 vintage, which need a lot more time. Chardonnay is from Cramant, Avize, and Mesnil, Pinot Noir from Ay and Ambonnay in the Montagne de Reims, and Pinot Meunier from Dizy. Shimmering pale gold with green lights, radiant clarity; persistent tiny bubbles: riot of white flowers scents, hawthorn, then more stone-fruit than citrus, reine claude (greengage) and elderflower. Vibrant mouthfeel, invigorating, expansive – perfect with saline fruits de mer.”
The next best price is $119.98
The average price is $148
Subscriber Special Pricing
Sale Ends Wednesday, December 20th at 11:59PM
Al Brounstein and his wife founded Diamond Creek in 1968 on the tranquil Diamond Mountain just south of Calistoga. Planting Bordeaux varietals – with a particular affinity for Cabernet Sauvignon – they’ve grown to be among the most celebrated producers in the country. As pioneers of California winemaking, their efforts helped to establish the state as a force to be reckoned with worldwide.
Renowned by their concentration and intensity, the wines show surprising restraint in terms of alcohol levels. Tannin roars through the layers of the Cabernets; these are considered to be some of the most age-worthy wines in the country.
The domaine covers a mere 20 acres, but with three extremely distinct soils. When he and long-time employee Sergio Canchola were clearing the land, they noticed that their clothes were covered in starkly different hues as they emerged from working each plot. From there onward, each was worked and vinified separately. Volcanic Hill is warmest, with iron-rich soils which makes big, surly, but ultimately approachable wines. Gravelly Meadow is cooler, with quick drainage forcing the vines to struggle to find moisture; these wines are marked by fine minerality and structure. Red Rock Terrace is warmer and supplies the most fruit-forward wines.
There are few reviews so far for the 2015 vintage, but the wines routinely garner high praise from Antonio Galloni of Vinous, Robert Parker and Lisa Perrotti-Brown of the Wine Advocate, and James Suckling, among others!
Online, these display as overpriced per winery edict, but you can still get the best price in the country with our subscriber sale!
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Winery notes: “Our second coolest micro-climate is our five-acre Gravelly Meadow vineyard. Originally a pre-historic river bed, this stony, gravelly soil drains rapidly and the vines struggle for moisture. Gravelly Meadow is our lowest yielding vineyard. The wines are described as “earthy, cedary, jammy and ripe blackberry with a spicy expansive finish.”
The next best price is $194.79
The average price is $215
Winery notes: “Red Rock Terrace, a warm microclimate, is 7 acres of north facing vineyard. The red tinted soil is high in iron content. The wine from Red Rock Terrace is the most accessible and earliest drinkable of all our wines. Our winemaker describes Red Rock Terrace as “having velvety tannins, rich and well balanced, medium dark ruby color with cherry, mint and black currant flavors.”
The next best price is $194.79
The average price is $221
Diamond Creek Volcanic Hill Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2015 375ML ($249.95) Displayed Price: $119, Subscriber Special: $99, 12 half-bottles in stock now
Winery notes: “Volcanic Hill is comprised of 8 acres of south facing hillside vineyard. It is the warmest of all our micro-climates. The color of the soil is gray, and the consistency is that of fluffy, volcanic ash, originally deposited from the eruption of Mt. Konocti 8 million years ago. Volcanic Hill is the longest lived of our wines. Our winemaker describes these wines as “full bodied, loaded with intense ripe berry fruit, cassis, violets and a smoky richness, finishing with good length and firm tannins. The Volcanic Hill bottling includes a small amount of the extra-ordinary Petit Verdot grape.”
The next best price is $194.79
The average price is $217
This is the only listing in the USA for the half-bottle!
Sale Ends Wednesday, December 20th at 11:59PM
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Gulfi first came to prominence as a champion of Nero D’Avola—the rich dark grape that they proved could be a transparent expression of terroir. The single vineyards Nero’s that Gulfi made changed perceptions of the grape and has helped lead to the current renaissance of Siclian viticulture.
Gulfi’s Nero d’Avola is typically extracted and rich, with subtle nuances reflecting the vineyard locations spread around the southeastern corner of the island. Variations in altitude and proximity to the sea influence the delicate aromatics, as ripeness is certainly not the issue. Salinity and sea breeze influences are present and add nuance to the ripe, roasty, smoky characteristics. These are great wines for those looking to add a little spice box variety to a collection that might be a little too concentrated in the new world and we’re excited to offer them to you today.
We have a bunch of new Gulfi releases arriving next month, as well as a great variety of the wines in stock now if you want to get your fix in before they arrive. Head to the website at www.vinopoliswineshop.com to see them all.
Arriving ETA January 2018:
Gulfi Cerasuolo di Vittoria Classico DOCG, Sicily 2015 750ML ($41.95) $33 pre-arrival special
Ian D’agata – Vinous 94 points “Dark ruby-red. Lively clean aromas and flavors of violet, chocolate and ripe red cherry and spicy dark plum. Rich dense and downright luscious on the long finish. This is fast becoming one of the best wine’s in Gulfi’s lineup; they rarely make a Cerasuolo di Vittoria that isn’t at least outstanding. Best of all, the wine is so well balanced you won’t even notice the 14% alcohol.”
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Ian D’agata – Vinous 92 points “Bright full ruby. Nuanced, scented nose combines raspberry, tobacco, leather, earth and a saline note. Chewy, juicy and complex, with harmonious acidity nicely framing the wine’s savory plum, tobacco and underbrush flavors. Finishes intense and mineral, with substantial but smooth tannins and a repeating savory, earthy quality. Good already now, but can be enjoyed over the next 12 years or so.”
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Ian D’agata – Vinous 95 points “Good bright red-ruby. Fresh raspberry, crushed red cherry, orange zest and cinnamon on the nose. Juicy and penetrating, with outstanding precision to its savory flavors of raspberry, red cherry, white pepper, nutmeg, cinnamon and blood orange. This has the inner-palate aromatic lift of the best NeroBufaleffj wines (which I think is Gulfi’s best wine almost every year) but is more refined and less sweet than some past vintages, when the superripe Nero d’Avola fruit had accumulated almost too much sugar. Finishes with rising, polished tannins, delightful red fruit perfume and outstanding thrust. A wonderful, classy Sicilian red; Nero d’Avola wines don’t get much better than this.”
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Ian D’agata – Vinous 93 points “Bright red-ruby. Vibrant nose offers intense aromas of pomegranate, raspberry, dried violet, and menthol. Then glides effortlessly over the tongue, like liquid silk, with superb sappiness and energy to the savory flavors of red fruits, clove and candied violet. Offers compelling inner-mouth perfume, finishing with polished tannins, lovely balance and a creamy sweet nuance at the back. One of the loveliest vintages of NeroMaccarj I have memory of.”
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Ian D’agata – Vinous 95 points “Deep ruby-red. Refined, highly complex aromas of blueberry, flint, exotic spices, faded flowers, cumin and cardamom. Enters bright, juicy and penetrating, with terrific mid-palate energy and a brooding quality to the very deep but currently subtle spicy red and blue fruit flavors. Rises impressively on the perfumed, elegant back end, which features smooth fine-grained tannins, a restrained sweetness and a lingering flinty nuance. Remarkably deep, complex NeroSanlorè that is great to drink right now (like all Gulfi’s 2012s) but will keep.”
Gulfi Nerojbleo Nero d’Avola Sicilia IGT, Sicily 2013 750ML ($21.95) $19 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 94 points “Deep ruby. Perfumed and juicy, offering sweet candied blueberry pie, sweet spices and faded flowers on the nose and in the mouth. Very smooth texture and clean, ripe flavors have pretty floral lift and vibrancy. A knockout NeroJbleo, one of the best in years, in fact.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Gulfi Rossojbleo Nero d’Avola Sicilia IGT, Sicily 2016 750ML ($19.95) $16 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Ian D’agata 92 points “Bright red. Perfumed, precise aromas and flavors of red cherry, flinty minerals and aromatic herbs. Fresh and juicy, with a delicately savory twist and a refreshing aftertaste on the long finish. A lovely midweight wine packed with flavor. I also think it’s by far the best RossoJbleo in years, which had recently become too herbal and dark, both in color and fruit aromas and flavors. I much, much prefer this year’s version. (13% alcohol)”
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Antonio Galloni 92 points “The 2006 Reseca is Nerello Mascalese from vineyards on Mount Etna. It is one of the darker, more overtly fruit driven wines I have tasted from the Etna. The finish turns a bit more delicate and ethereal, though. It will be interesting to see the direction Gulfi takes with this bottling in coming years.”
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Ian D’agata–Vinous 95 points “Fully saturated ruby. Pure, very deep aromas of black cherry, red plum, medicinal herbs and minerals. Rich, dense and suave, with complex flavors of saline red berries and dark plum complicated by repeating botanical herb and balsamic nuances. Finishes seamless an long. A wine of noteworthy purity, with an excellent balance of sweetness, acidity and tannins. This is Gulfi’s closest vineyard to the sea and almost always gives the estate’s most elegant, refined wine.”
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Ian D’agata – Vinous 94 points “Fully saturated ruby-red. Super-ripe aromas of black cherry, raspberry jelly, incense and coriander are very typical of the Sanloré site. Then surprisingly light on its feet, offering vibrant flavors of red and black cherry, tar, licorice and pomegranate liqueur. The finish is bright and juicy and features a lingering saline nuance. Knockout Sanloré that manages to be at once powerful and graceful, the latter a quality not always evident in wines from this site, which are usually known for their richness and size.”
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Thank you for reading!