Featured New Arrival: Vieux Telegraphe 2013; New Week – New Arrivals; Fidele for Your Valentine’s; Bedrock Wine Co.; Staff Picks; Bitouzet-Priuer: Volnay’s Last Best Kept Secret; Trending; When is a Christoffel a Prum?; Arriving Tomorrow & Friday: Gangloff/Reverdy/Yann Chave & more!
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Featured New Arrival
Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe Chateauneuf-du-Pape La Crau, Rhone 2013 750ML ($69.95) $49 super special
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 92 points “Limpid ruby. A highly expressive bouquet evokes ripe red berries, potpourri and peppery spices, and a smoky mineral nuance gains strength as the wine opens up. Offers concentrated raspberry liqueur and spicecake flavors and deeper licorice and bitter chocolate flavors sharpened and given spine by juicy acidity. Effortlessly plays richness off elegance and finishes sweet, spicy and impressively long, with velvety tannins lending shape and grip.”
Wine Spectator 92 points “Rather perfumy up front, with savory, mint and incense notes leading the way for silky cherry and raspberry coulis flavors. The finish is lined with subtle tobacco, warm stone and floral hints, ending with a light balsam twinge. This should put on some weight with age. Best from 2017 through 2026.” WS
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $56.50
The average price is $76
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New Week – New Arrivals
Oregon
Torii Mor ‘Dundee Hills Select’ Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2014 750ML ($49.95) $33 special
Wine Advocate 90+ points “The 2014 Pinot Noir Dundee Hills Select comes from four vineyards fermented separately and matured in 20% new oak. It has quite a lively bouquet with small red cherries, redcurrant and cranberry, although I would have liked more complexity to show through given the vintage. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp tannin. This is well balanced though toward the finish it tends to clam up a little and feel somewhat “rigid.” Give this another 12-18 months to loosen its tie.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $47.20
Torii Mor ‘Olson Estate Vineyard’ Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2014 750ML ($59.95) $38 special
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 91 points “Brilliant violet. Dark berries, cola, musky herbs and a subtle floral nuance on the fragrant nose. Fleshy and expansive on the palate, offering gently sweet blackberry and spicecake flavors that tighten up steadily with air. Shows an appealing blend of power and vivacity and finishes very long and spicy, displaying repeating florality and smooth tannins.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $47.99
California
Saintsbury Chardonnay, Carneros 2013 750ML ($27.95) $18 special
Case-12 Saintsbury Chardonnay, Carneros 2013 750ML ($299.95) $199 special (that’s only $16.58/bottle!)
Wine Enthusiast 91 points “An approachable screwcap wine that is made in larger numbers than many of the producer’s vineyard-designates, this is just as impressive in flavor and presence, employing less oak to provide a honeyed, tropical and fresh sensibility of drying tannin and a tangy finish.”
Three Wine Company Old Vines Field Blend, Contra Costa County 2013 750ML ($19.95) $16 special
Winery note “This Old Vine Field Blend is a luscious combination of ancient-vine Carignane (47%), Petite Sirah (21%), Zinfandel (16%), Mataro (15%), and Alicante Bouschet (1%). Each of these varietals contribute to the deep purple/black color and piercing, high-toned aromas of boysenberry, violets and dark plum. Massive on the attack, showing off all of its 100+-year-old-vine pedigree. Packed with crushed black fruits and black cherry liqueur, the finish remains firm and vibrant. Drink now (hard not to), or lay down for up to a decade. As with all these ancient-vine reds, oxygen is its friend.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Three Wine Company Old Vines Zinfandel, Contra Costa County 2013 750ML ($19.95) $16 special
Wine Enthusiast 92 points “It’s amazing how this super-concentrated wine smells like chocolate cherries and tastes almost like blackberry syrup, yet it’s nice and dry in style. A firm coating of fine tannins gives grip on the tongue and seems to extend the juicy fruit and dark chocolate notes on the finish.”
Three Wine Company Spinelli Vineyard Mataro, Contra Costa County 2013 750ML ($24.95) $21.90 special
Winery note “Mataro, also known as Mourvèdre (France) and Monastrell (Spain), is an international varietal fermented into many different styles of wine, from fruity rosés to concentrated dark-reds with strong tannic structures. The Spinelli Mataro is a blend of 81% Mataro, 4% Carignane, 7% Black Malvoisie, 7% Petite Sirah, and 1% Alicante Bouschet. The dusty nose of violets, ripe black-cherries, and chocolate is draped with rich French Vanilla, Provencal herbs, tobacco leaf, and a minerality that sneaks through to the finish. The Petite Sirah adds structure, color, and blue-fruit character while the Black Malvoisie adds softness and a perfumed raspberry aroma. Due to a high level of anti-oxidants, Mataro is an exceptional aging wine. Don’t be afraid to cellar this vintage for five to ten years.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $29
Rodney Strong Single Vineyard Alexander’s Crown Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley 2013 750ML ($79.95) $66 special
Robert Parker 94 points “A famous wine from the early days of The Wine Advocate, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander’s Crown Single Vineyard comes from a lower elevation of 250 to 360 feet. The wine displays broad, sweet crème de cassis, black cherry and blueberry fruit, some licorice, graphite, a full-bodied mouthfeel, and outstanding length and purity. This is a beauty, and makes me think back to the great 1974, which was the first one I remember tasting.”
France – Champagne
Ulysse Collin ‘Les Roises’ Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut, Champagne NV (2012) 750ML ($149.95) $119 special
VinopolNote: A single parcel Champagne. 100% Chardonnay. Olivier Collin was inspired to become a winemaker in Champagne after working with Anselme Selosse, which he describes as “one of those encounters that changes your life.” In 2003, Collin began working his family’s vineyards and released his first single-parcel Champagne in 2004.
Peter Liem: “Winemaking as a rule here is as natural and non-interventionist as possible. All fermentation is carried out with indigenous yeasts, which can take a remarkably long time to complete: six to eight months is not at all unusual for Collin, and even when tasting vins clairs in June or July, they are typically still in the middle of their alcoholic fermentations. Both the fermentation and malolactic are carried out in three- to six-year old barriques, and the wine is neither fined nor filtered before bottling, which takes place in the fall after the harvest.”
France – Loire
Marc Plouzeau Chinon Rive Gauche, Loire 2015 750ML ($17.95) $14 special
VinopolNote: The working man’s Loire red! Entirely hand-harvested, with gravity-fed tanks and gentle extraction. No lab yeasts, no chapitalization, no fining or filtration. A perfect expression of Chinon terroir – if it’s good enough for the zinc tables in Paris bistros, it’s surely good enough for spring picnics and summer barbecues stateside!
France – Rhone
Domaine Les Grands Bois Cotes du Rhone Cuvee Les Trois Soeurs 2015 750ML ($17.95) $14 special
Winery note “[Translated On the nose: rich bouquet of spices, cherries, blueberries and fresh flowers. On the palate, its beautiful body develops a refined tannic structure offering a harmonious round counterpoint to the flavors of small stone fruit, garrigue and mint. Long finish.”
Domaine Les Grands Bois Rasteau Cuvee Marc, Rhone 2013 750ML ($24.95) $19 special
Josh Raynolds–Vinous 91 points “Bright violet. Ripe cherry and dark berries on the fragrant nose, complicated by smoky incense and garrigue nuances. Supple and broad on the palate, offering densely packed blueberry, cherry liqueur and floral pastille flavors complemented by slow-building spiciness. Youthful tannins give shape to a long, gently sweet finish, which features repeating floral and spice notes.”
Wine Advocate 91 points “More firm, angular and structured than the Cairanne Maximilien, the 2013 Côtes du Rhône Rasteau Cuvee Marc is 50% Grenache, 25% Mourvèdre and 25% Syrah that spent 11 months in demi-muids before being bottled unfiltered. Medium to full-bodied, tight, reserved, and compact with notable tannin, it gives up lots of graphite, crushed rock, peppery herbs and dark berry fruit on the nose. It’s certainly an outstanding wine, yet it needs a year or so in the cellar to let the tannin integrate. It should be at its best from 2017-2023.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $24.99
Italy – Sicily
Azienda Agricola Arianna Occhipinti Il Frappato Sicilia IGT, Sicily 2014 750ML ($39.95) $33 special
Wine Advocate 93 points “Arianna Occhipinti has outdone herself with the 2014 Il Frappato. This is a wine of character and personality. It flaunts those slightly rustic edges with charm and confidence. The bouquet opens to ripe blueberry, raspberry and dried cassis. The quality of fruit shows good integrity and balance. You don’t notice any of the raw or unclean smells you sometimes get with wines made in such a natural and non-interventionist approach. The nose is pristine. In the mouth, Il Frappato delivers vibrant acidity and snappy fruit flavors. More than any other wine, this vintage and this producer can claim to have produced something close to a Pinot Nero with an all-Sicilian soul.”
Azienda Agricola Arianna Occhipinti SP68 Sicilia Rosso IGT, Sicily 2015 750ML ($27.95) $24 special
Wine Advocate 92+ points “The Arianna Occhipinti 2015 SP 68 represents a blend of Nero d’Avola and Frappato. Like Il Frappato, I am similarly impressed by this wine. It shows a solid approach and good foundations that put it into a class of its own among natural wines. Wild berry and cassis aromas are presented but you also get subtle tones of anise seed and dark cola. Dusty and elegant mineral notes also appear. In its essence, this wine is very elegant and feminine.”
Spain
Avinyo Brut Reserva Cava, Catalonia 2013 750ML ($19.95) $16.60 special
“Traditional Catalan sparkling wine made with méthode champénoise. 100% free run juice, aged 18 to 22 months before being disgorged. Bright white fruits combine with toast notes. On the palate the wine is fresh and vibrant. Suggested pairings: Leeks, sausages, romesco, tomatoes, aïoli” – Importer Notes
Germany
Selbach-Oster Riesling Trocken, Mosel 2015 750ML ($24.95) $18 special
“This bottling offers a gorgeous nose of pear, melon and white minerals. The wine is nicely fresh and easy on the palate. Bright fruits and herbs bring some pep to the finish of this nice and easy-drinking wine. Now-2018”–Mosel Fine Wines
Winery note “Selbach-Oster Rieslings are not “zeitgeisty” wines that change according to the whims of fashion. Nor are they “made” according to recipe. Though they are deeply delicious, they do not seek to “seduce” with short-term exotic aromas from specially cultured yeasts, aromatic enzymes or ice-cold fermentations. They are true characters, wines with structure, wines that display their heritage, rooted deep into the slate rock like our old vines – many of which are still on their own vinifera roots.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Selbach-Oster Zeltinger Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett Halbtrocken 2015 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 special
Mosel Fine Wines 89+ points “This offers a rather delicate nose of green grass, grapefruit and white minerals. The wine is nicely light and beautifully balanced on the palate and leaves a mouth-watering and tart feel in the finish. While enjoyable now, we would not be surprised if this will even improve with age. 2017-2025+”
Terry Theise note “Our old perennial favorite! The ’15 shows the most fetching aroma; the palate is spicy as always and yet creamier than usual—2015 is kind to this wine. Almost rasping with mintiness but also a wet cereal inner sweetness.”
Selbach-Oster Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Spatlese, Mosel 2015 750ML ($34.95) $28 special
Mosel Fine Wines 92 points “Notes of spontaneous fermentation give way to candied grapefruit, cassis and peach, with herbs and spices firmly pushed to the background. The wine delivers a slightly Auslese creamy feel on the palate and leaves a clean fruity feel in the long finish. 2025-2040.”
Selbach-Oster Zeltinger Schlossberg Riesling Spatlese*, Mosel 2014 750ML ($34.95) $28 special
David Schildknecht–Vinous 93 points “Selbach admitted to having been swayed by marketing considerations to label this wine as “one-star” Spätlese rather than as Auslese. By whatever name, it represents a luscious, silken-textured amalgam of ripe quince and honeydew melon tinged with mint and cress and drizzled with fresh lime for a simultaneously soothing and stimulating performance, capped by a finish of remarkable clarity and sheer refreshment for what is in effect a lightly botrytized Auslese. Riper and more seductively textured than the already superb corresponding “no-star” Spätlese, this is, however, less recognizably a product of its site. (It originated in a lower, deeper-soiled section of the Einzellage.)”
Selbach-Oster Zeltinger Schlossberg Riesling Auslese, Mosel 2009 750ML ($49.95) $39 special
Wine Advocate 92 points “Spiced apple, quince jelly, and peat on the nose of the Selbach 2009 Zeltinger Schlossberg Riesling Auslese lead to a palate saturation of ripe fruit with spicy, smoky, honeyed, and malted accents. Hints of caramel and salt join in on a lingering finish that remains refreshingly juicy despite its sheer richness and evident ennoblement. I would expect this to perform impeccably for another quarter century.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Selbach-Oster Zeltinger Schlossberg Riesling Beerenauslese*, Mosel 2005 375ML ($149.95) $99 special
Wine Spectator 98 points “Sweet and backed by a vibrant structure, this is elegant and detailed, with concentrated red berry, lime and nectarine. One of the few BAs to show a mineral component. Terrific balance and harmony, ending with a long, slate-tinged aftertaste. Drink now through 2040.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $119.99
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Give the Gift that Never Expires!
Can’t decide on the perfect gift?
Let them!
We offer gift certificates in any amount with no taxes, fees or expiration date.
Gift certificates are not available through our web store. To order, please stop in, call or email. We are happy to mail gift certificates to any domestic address at no charge.
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Make Sure You Are “Fidele” on Valentine’s Day
We’re not trying to guilt you too much—Valentine’s Day has enough built in BS, but it was as good as any to talk about one of our favorite Champagnes in advance of a Champagne-centric holiday. We love the Champagne, grown biodynamically and fermented with indigenous yeast. The wine has a cult following and for good reason.
To that point—Champagne this good should cost way more than this does (also this wine often costs more than it does now). This Vouette et Sorbee Cuvee Fidele NV is 100% Pinot Noir and very serious. Not all Blanc de noirs are this vinous, and that elegance and complexity shines through when paired with food. Serve it in a real wineglass, not flutes, to experience it in full.
Vouette et Sorbee Cuvee Fidele Extra Brut, Champagne NV (2012) 750ML ($89.95) $59 special, 36+ bottles available
Case-6 Vouette et Sorbee Cuvee Fidele Extra Brut, Champagne NV (2012) 750ML ($479.95) $336 special, 4 six-packs available (that’s only $56/bottle!)
Antonio Galloni 95 points “The NV (2012) Extra Brut Fidele is another fabulous wine from Vouette & Sorbée. Here, the richness of Pinot Noir comes through loud and clear in the wine’s depth and overall richness. Creamy and beautifully layered throughout, the 2012 hits all the right notes. Red berry, mint, flowers, sweet spices and candy fill out the wine’s broad frame effortlessly. What a gorgeous wine this is. Simply put, the 2012 is a total knock-out.”
We also have their wonderful Blanc de blancs:
Vouette et Sorbee Cuvee Blanc d’Argile Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut, Champagne NV (2012) 750ML ($109.95) $79 special, 17 bottles available
Vouette et Sorbee Cuvee Blanc d’Argile Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut, Champagne NV (2012) 1.5L ($199.95) $179 special, 6 magnums available
Case-6 Vouette et Sorbee Cuvee Blanc d’Argile Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut, Champagne NV (2012) 750ML ($599.95) $438 special, 2 six-packs available (that’s only $73/bottle!)
Antonio Galloni 94 points “Vouette & Sorbée NV (2012) Extra-Brut Blanc d’Argile is superb. Deep, rich and powerful, the 2012 shows just how compelling Champagnes can be. A Champagne of baritone depth and intensity, the 2012 flows effortlessly throughout the mid-palate as the flavors and textures crescendo on the expressive finish. Readers who enjoy rich, vinous Champagnes will adore the 2012.”
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Our Current
Shipping Promos:
Along with Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and California,
we now offer flat rate shipping to Colorado. Here’s the scoop:
Single orders of any quantity of wines qualify for the flat rate;
this does not apply to orders held in storage for any reason
or multiple orders consolidated into one shipment.
The flat reach for each state is, as follows:
-to Oregon for $17,
-Washington & Idaho for $20,
-and California & Colorado for $25
Take Advantage of the Flat Rate!
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Bedrock Wine Co.
Preserving the past to bring California into the future
You’d be forgiven for thinking Morgan Twain-Peterson was taking a free ride into the industry, his father Joel Peterson founded Ravenswood, but you’d soon learn that he is blazing his own, very opinionated and talented trail. Morgan’s passion is preservation of California’s heritage vineyards and the myriad of varietals not found anywhere else. This appreciation and dedication came from a distance as he was in New York finishing his degree in American History. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, and Morgan returned to make wine.
Most notably, the focus of Bedrock is their ancient vines. Morgan repeats again and again that wines are made in the vineyard. And what tremendous vineyards he works with. Gnarled old dinosaurs poking their heads up through cracked and ancient soil: varietals like Carignane, Mourvedre, Tempranillo, Alicante Bouschet, Valdigué, Peloursin, Serene, Petite Bouschet, Grand Noir de la Calmette to name a few. These vines, in Twain-Peterson’s view, represent so much more than California’s history. They represent a wine that is uniquely Californian, a style not to be found or replicated anywhere else in the world. This is could well be California’s future.
These wines aren’t shy, but the surprising little aromatics and spice notes are delicate and only get better with time. They’ve got the fruit and depth that you would expect from California, but they’re tight, structured and will reward patience. Similar to some of the older Ridge Zinfandels, you won’t be disappointed if you throw them into the decanter and punch your ticket, but book in advance. Getting there is half the fun.
Below are four of the six wines we have in-stock from Bedrock. To browse the full list, or to see the 75 other red wines from California in-stock now, visit our web store at www.vinopoliswineshop.com
Bedrock Wine Co. Evangelho Vineyard Heritage Red, Contra Costa County 2015 750ML ($39.95) $36 special, 17 bottles available
Robert Parker 93 points “From Contra Costa County, the 2015 Proprietary Red Evangelho Heritage comes from directly rooted Zinfandel, Mourvèdre, Carignan, Palomino, Alicante and Mission all planted in the 1890s on what is basically a sandy bench. The briary intensity of the Zinfandel is well-displayed, but then the blue and black fruits seem to jump out as do some dusty/loamy soil notes, forest floor, underbrush, pepper and background smoky notes. This is rich, floral, heady, intriguing and provocative. Drink it over the next 5-7 years.”
Bedrock Wine Co. ‘The Bedrock Heritage’ Wine, Sonoma Valley 2013 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 21 bottles available
Case-12 Bedrock Wine Co. ‘The Bedrock Heritage’ Wine, Sonoma Valley 2013 750ML ($599.95) $419 special, 1 case available (that’s only $34.92/bottle!)
Antonio Galloni 94+ points “The 2013 Bedrock Heritage Wine is one of the most intriguing wines in the range. Smoke, cedar, tobacco and a host of savory notes meld together in a powerful yet nuanced wines built on delineation and energy. Even with all of its intensity, the 2013 remains lifted, floral and light on its feet for such a big wine. This is by far the most polished and refined wine I have tasted from the Bedrock Vineyard, where the wines have often been much riper and bigger.” AG
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $46
Bedrock Wine Co. ‘The Bedrock Heritage’ Wine, Sonoma Valley 2015 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 9 bottles available
Robert Parker 96 points “Possibly the flagship wine is the 2015 Proprietary Red The Bedrock Heritage. This ancient vineyard is planted with 27 different varieties, so I won’t even begin to list them, as that is a book in itself. This is Rhône Valley-like, with notes of Mediterranean herbs, blackberries, blueberries, loamy soil notes, incense, creosote, steak tartare and pepper followed by a wine of great intensity – built like a skyscraper, with layers of fruit and extraction. It is a sensational effort, super-complex, and best drunk over the next decade.”
Bedrock Wine Co. Lorenzo’s Heritage, Dry Creek Valley 2014 750ML ($59.95) $44 special, 16 bottles available
Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2014 Lorenzo’s Heritage Wine exudes Dry Creek intensity, with searing tannin and vibrant acidity that support a core of blue and purplish-hued fruits. This powerful, virile wine needs time in the bottle, as it is raw and not fully formed today. Still, I find it absolutely compelling.”
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Staff Picks
Saul:
R.H. Coutier Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 36+ bottles available
Ambonnay is known for Pinot Noir, but for us, this Blanc de Blancs is the hidden highlight of the Coutier line-up. With more power than you traditionally expect from a Chardonnay sparker, it reveals its origin in Ambonnay, however with more grace and finesse than any Blanc de Noir we’ve tried from the village. A really lovely wine that seems to combine the best of both worlds in Champagne.
Suzanne:
Fougeray de Beauclair Fixin Clos Marion 2012 750ML ($49.95) $41.90 special, 21 bottles available
A fascinating wine from Fougeray de Beauclair. The entry shows a trace of toast backed by rose petals and red and black cherries. It is medium-bodied and silky on the palate with a delicate mouthfeel like coffee with a splash of cream. The finish is dark and mineral with a touch of chopped herbs that begs for food.
This family winery was established in 1978 by Jean-Louis Fougeray. When a close friend of the family, Bernard Clair, retired he decided to lease his vines to the Fougerays who added his name to the winery in honor. Today, the winery is run by Fougeray’s daughter, Laurence Olliver, and her husband Patrice. Clos Marion is a monopole site planted in 1946 on long-term lease from the old Domaine Marion.
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Bitouzet-Priuer: Volnay’s Last Best Kept Secret
Blame the internet. It’s no longer possible for there to be secrets in Burgundy—the days of incredible wines that fly completely under the radar are gone. Mostly. There are a few names, most notably Bitouzet-Priuer, out there making wines that we love at prices and quantities that don’t match the quality coming out of the bottle, at least for now.
We’ve seen prices rise a little and allocations tighten for the Bitouzet-Priuer wines, from Volnay, which is new to us. The wines have always been great and more than fairly priced ($59 for Caillerets!), but it seemed like we’d be able to get as much as we’d like and while this is/was true with the 2011’s and 12’s (the domain releases wines later than some), it looks like going forward they’re becoming more widely known.
Neil Rosenthal imports these (which really is all the quality stamp you need) and describes them in a way we totally agree with: “Based in Volnay and blessed with extensive holdings in Meursault as well, this domaine is a tried and true standard bearer for all that is fundamentally good and sound in Burgundy: conscientious and sensitive work in the vineyards, respect above all for the specific character of each lieu-dit, patience and attention to detail in the cellar, and a commitment to producing wines of depth and, of critical importance, longevity.”
We couldn’t agree more and at the prices offered, they won’t be long in stock, though:
Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur Meursault Charmes, Meursault Premier Cru 2012 750ML ($89.95) $69 special, 7 bottles available
Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur Meursault Charmes, Meursault Premier Cru 2012 1.5L ($179.95) $149 special, 6 magnums available
Importer note: This cuvée is one of the gems of the domaine, a complete expression of this vineyard’s special character as Bitouzet’s holdings fall within two separate sites: one from the high part (“du Haut”) and another from the lower section (“du Bas”). The two parcels are vinified separately and then blended together before bottling to create the whole. The lower section provides a stony minerality and an almost tannic expression; the upper section yields explosive aromatics as well as a round, buttery mouthfeel. The two parcels make up a total of 0.55 hectare; the vines were planted in 1944 and another section in 1987. The soil is a pebbly limestone with sand and loam consistency. Two barrels are reserved for the US market and, at our request, magnums and occasionally double magnums are prepared.
These are the lowest listed prices in the USA today!
Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur Les Cent Vignes, Beaune Premier Cru 2011 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 15 bottles available
Antonio Galloni–Vinous 90 points “Sweet rose petals, rosewater, violets, mint, hard candy and crushed rocks are some of the many notes that take shape in the 2011 Beaune Cent-Vignes. Wonderfully pointed and pure, the 2011 impresses for its energy, tension and pure verve. There is plenty of potential here, but readers will need to give the 2011 a few years to soften.” AG
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur Volnay, Cote de Beaune 2013 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 20 bottles available
Stephen Tanzer–Vinous 88 points “Moderately saturated medium red. A touch of reduction as well as a liqueur-like hint of ripeness to the musky redcurrant aroma. Lush and nicely concentrated, with the redcurrant and mineral flavors showing a slight cough medicine quality and a saline nuance. This needs a couple years in bottle to loosen up.”
Importer notes: In their home village, the Bitouzets own 2.2 hectares of vines at the village level. The vines, planted at various stages (1961, 1987, 2003) are principally found in the two neighboring sites of “Ez Echards” and “Les Aussy” which both sit immediately underneath the 1er Cru “Ronceret”. This Volnay has excellent ruby-red color; it is fresh, fruity with exuberant red berry fruit that spreads on the palate; and, it is lightly tannic in the finish to let one know this is from Volnay.
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur Les Caillerets, Volnay Premier Cru 2011 750ML ($79.95) $59 special, 36+ bottles available
Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur Les Caillerets, Volnay Premier Cru 2011 1.5L ($179.95) $119 special, 7 magnums available
Antonio Galloni–Vinous 93 points “The 2011 Volnay Caillerets is one of the most explosive wines in this range. Black cherries, plums, licorice, smoke and tar literally jump from the glass. The 2011 is round and voluptuous on the palate, yet also backed up by considerable structure. Hints of cloves, new leather and sweet tobacco add the final layers of nuance. In 2011 there are just three barrels of Caillerets, one of which is new, a slightly higher ratio than is typically the case.” AG
These are the lowest listed prices in the USA today!
Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur Pitures, Volnay Premier Cru 2012 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 15 bottles available
Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur Pitures, Volnay Premier Cru 2012 1.5L ($149.95) $119 special, 12 magnums available
Antonio Galloni 91-93 points “The estate’s 2012 Volnay Pitures is the most massively tannic of these wines. Dark, rich and powerful, the 2012 is laced with black cherries, new leather, cloves and menthol, all supported by huge, incisive tannins. I would give the tannins a few years to soften, but the Pitures is likely to remain intense and even a bit rustic, especially in comparison to the other 2012s here.”
These are the lowest listed prices in the USA today!
Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur Taillepieds, Volnay Premier Cru 2012 1.5L ($149.95) $119 special, 10 magnums available
Antonio Galloni 91-93+ points “A layered, totally exquisite wine, the 2012 Volnay Taillepieds impresses for its balance above all else. The aromas and flavors are beautifully detailed and nuanced in a Taillepieds that is all about crystalline purity. This tasting catches the 2012 in a slightly raw, unpolished state, but nothing a little time in bottle won’t take care of.”
This is the only listing for a magnum in the USA today!
Don’t forget to check out our web store to order and to see the eleven additional Bitouzet-Priuer wines that we have in stock!
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Trending
Chateau Bel-Air Pomerol 2009 750ML ($37.95) $29 special, 21 bottles available
“Owned by the Martin family (who also own Gloria), this dense ruby/plum-colored sleeper of the vintage displays oodles of fruit as well as some notes of Christmas fruitcake and roasted herbs along with loads of cassis. Tasty, round, generous, and ripe, this 2009 has a lot going for it.”–Robert Parker
Chateau Bel-Air, Pomerol 2010 750ML ($37.95) $29 special, 27 bottles available
Grapelive 92 points “The vintage shows through here without question, a great year makes this lovely Pomerol a terrific value and wonderfully textured wine from Chateau Bel-Air. This dark and full bodied Pomerol hits all the right notes and does so with class, vitality and verve showing beautiful detail and complexity in a forceful, but elegantly pure Merlot. This is really seductive stuff in the glass, holding its own against far more expensive labels with ease and poise. The rich layers of fruit, mineral tones and sweet tannin give decadence and refined structure, highlighting Merlot’s promise in a world that sometimes lacks the respect of this often maligned varietal. Chateau Bel-Air has captured in the bottle the right bank’s charm and beauty in this 2010. It shows terroir, with subtle loamy/earth, plummy dense mouth feel and stylish silken length with a wine that has the potential to age another 10 to 15 years, but is pretty darn good right now too. The lead off here is dark floral tones a hint of smoky cedar and black cherry fruit with blackberry, plum, dark kirsch liqueur along with a touch of mint, dried clay, a touch of cigar wrapper and vanilla. This fine Bordeaux delivers well beyond its price and is wonderful with food choices that range from duck breast, lamb, roast pork, wild mushroom dishes to prime rib, and or any comforting winter fare really… This is the kind of wine that brings you back to Bordeaux, and certainly makes you wonder why you don’t drink more Merlot. Drink this Chateau Bel-Air Pomerol from 2016 to 2028.”
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Marc Plouzeau Chinon Rive Gauche, Loire, France 2015 750ML ($17.95) $14 special
VinopolNote: The working man’s Loire red! Entirely hand-harvested, with gravity-fed tanks and gentle extraction. No lab yeasts, no chapitalization, no fining or filtration. A perfect expression of Chinon terroir – if it’s good enough for the zinc tables in Paris bistros, it’s surely good enough for spring picnics and summer barbecues stateside!
Pierre-Marie Chermette Domaine du Vissoux Fleurie Poncie, Beaujolais, France 2015 750ML ($29.95) $24 special, 28 bottles available
Case-12 Pierre-Marie Chermette Domaine du Vissoux Fleurie Poncie, Beaujolais, France 2015 750ML ($299.95) $259 special, 1 case available (that’s only $21.58/bottle!)
John Gilman 94+ points “The 2015 Poncié from Pierre-Marie Chermette’s Domaine du Vissoux is a superb followup to the brilliant 2014 bottling of this wine. The bouquet is deep, very, very pure and shows a nice touch of sappiness in its aromatic constellation of black cherries, pomegranate, intense violets, bitter chocolate, a fine base of dark soil tones, fresh thyme, a hint of cedar and a topnote of spit-roasted gamebirds. On the palate the wine is deep, pure, full-bodied and hauntingly wellbalanced, with tangy acids, a fair bit of tannin (particularly for a young Fleurie), lovely midpalate concentration and superb intensity of flavor on the very, very long and minerally finish. I loved the 2014 Poncié, but this seems likely, with sufficient bottle age, to be even better! 2020-2045+. 94+.”
Podere Poggio Scalette Il Carbonaione Alta Valle della Greve IGT, Tuscany, Italy 2013 750ML ($69.95) $41.90 special, 36+ bottles available
Antonio Galloni 95+ points “The 2013 Il Carbonaione is compelling. That’s the good news. The bad news, if you can call it that, is that the 2013 is going to take the better part of the next decade to be at its best. Black cherry, plum, licorice and menthol are all fused together. Today, the 2013 is rich, deep and unctuous, with superb depth and striking balance. Opening a bottle anytime soon, though, is likely to be a mostly academic exercise, as the Carbonaione is so primary, it almost tastes like a barrel sample!”
Wine Advocate 94+ points “Vittorio Fiore’s 2013 Il Carbonaione is a softly integrated and well-composed expression of Sangiovese. It shows enormous richness and makes a lasting impression on all the senses, from eyes to nose to palate. The appearance is inky dark, and the bouquet offers a balanced medley of ripe fruit, backing spice, leather, chocolate and tart berry aromas. It needs a few more years to unwind and lose some of its nervous energy. This is a beautiful and unique expression of the grape that will show its best in about five years.”
F.X. Pichler Loibner Steinertal Riesling Smaragd, Wachau, Austria 2013 750ML ($69.95) $59 special, 36+ bottles available
David Schildknecht–Vinous 95 points “Salt, white pepper and Szechuan peppercorn mouthwateringly and invigoratingly inflect luscious, juicy white peach, pineapple and lime. A sleek and refined texture contributes to this bottling’s overall sense of elegance. With a similar ringing clarity to that of the Oberhäuser, but with greater depth and complexity as befits its steep and stony origins, this projects liquid perfume of a bittersweet, iris-like sort; smoky black tea; crushed stone; and diverse peppercorns, finishing with phenomenal persistence. Interestingly and perhaps not coincidentally, at just 13% it is one of the alcoholically lightest wines of the present collection.”
Bodega Tapiz ‘Zolo’ Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Uco Valley, Argentina 2013 750ML ($21.95) $16 special, 34 bottles available
James Suckling 93 points “Dried blackberry and blueberry character on the nose with hints of spice. Full body, dense and powerful fruit and tannins, yet remains firm and fresh. Chewy and structured.”
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When is a Christoffel a Prum?
Like as in Burgundy, the estates of the Mosel are often interrelated through marriage and succession, leading to a number of wineries that have similar names. Sometimes, as a result, wineries slip through the cracks and aren’t as well-known as they should be.
That’s the case with the Jos. Cristoffel Jr. winery, related by marriage to the Prum family. They are a wonderful middle Mosel estate, run by Karl Josef Christoffel, that makes very traditional wines and sells them for incredibly reasonable prices. All the wines here are fermented with natural yeasts and aged in the traditional 1000L Fuder casks. The resulting wines are complex and incredibly age-worthy, but like most Mosel Riesling, delicious today.
The best part about the winery, however, is that they have an extensive library of wines that they release with some bottle age, giving wine lovers a chance to see what these wines can do as they become mature.
All of these wines are directly from the winery cellar. Below are 10 of the 26 different wines in-stock now from Jos. Christoffel Jr. We offer 246 different German Rieslings in-stock now. To see the complete list, visit our web store at www.vinopoliswineshop.com
Weingut Jos. Christoffel Jr. Christoffel-Prum Erdener Treppchen Riesling Kabinett, Mosel 2014 750ML ($27.95) $18 special, 36+ bottles available
Case-12 Weingut Jos. Christoffel Jr. Christoffel-Prum Erdener Treppchen Riesling Kabinett, Mosel 2014 750ML ($219.95) $199 special, 4 cases available (that’s only $16.58/bottle!)
“Kajo Christoffel’s 2014 Erdener Treppchen Riesling Kabinett is clearly characterized by honey-sweet botrytis flavors along with dried fruit and overripe Riesling flavors on the nose. Light in alcohol (7.5%), round and racy on the palate, this is a lush and juicy, very aromatic Riesling with a delicate acidity and a lingering minerality in the finish. Should be cellared for six or ten years.” –Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate
VinopolNote: Erdener Treppchen slops southward, allowing long stretches of exposure. The soil comprises of deep layers of iron-infused slate, steeply terraced from the river’s banks up to the rough and rocky summit of nearby hills. The vineyard’s terrain inspired the name, based off of ‘treppe’, or ‘staircase’, in German.
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The next best price is $21.99
Weingut Jos. Christoffel Jr. Christoffel-Prum Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Spatlese, Mosel 2014 750ML ($34.95) $21.90 special, 36+ bottles available
Case-12 Weingut Jos. Christoffel Jr. Christoffel-Prum Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Spatlese, Mosel 2014 750ML ($299.95) $239 special, 2 cases available (that’s only $19.92/bottle!)
VinopolNote on Urziger Wurzgarten: The Urziger Wurzgarten, or ‘spice garden’ is an intensely steep, iron-rich red slate vineyard. Though it’s located right next to the Erdener vineyards, the Ürziger wines are vastly different: the volcanic soils and favorable drainage lead to an earthy, spice-laden, tropical fruit-tinged wine.
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Weingut Jos. Christoffel Jr. Christoffel-Prum Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Auslese*** 2003 750ML ($59.95) $49 special, 12 bottles available
2003 Vintage: Wine Spectator 94 points “Ripe, opulent wines; best in Mosel, Nahe and Rheingau. Terrific BA and TBA, though not much botrytis.”
Weingut Jos. Christoffel Jr. Christoffel-Prum Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Auslese*** 2005 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 11 bottles available
Joel B Payne–Vinous 90 points “Pale golden yellow. Smoky aromas of peach pit, honeysuckle and nut oil waft over a hint of brown-spice botrytis. The delicately creamy palate is marked by apricot and exotic spices.Crisp, clean finish balances sweetness with a refreshing citrus acidity.”
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Weingut Jos. Christoffel Jr. Christoffel-Prum Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Auslese*** 2007 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 10 bottles available
Joel B Payne–Vinous 93 points “Pale golden yellow. Rich aromas of pear nectar, mint and sassafras waft over a hint of honeyed botrytis. The decidedly creamy yet delicate palate is marked by apricot, brown spices and mineral salts. Nut oils join the slate on the long finish.”
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Weingut Jos. Christoffel Jr. Christoffel-Prum Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Auslese*** 2009 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 12 bottles available
Joel B Payne–Vinous 92 points “Pale golden yellow. Exalted aromas of papaya, passion fruit and clove. The rich, creamy papaya fruit is laced with a fine saline minerality. Elegant in spite of its depth. But this wine is still quite closed, even austere.”
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Weingut Jos. Christoffel Jr. Christoffel-Prum Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Auslese*** 2014 750ML ($59.95) $33 special, 36+ bottles available
Importer note: The Christoffel family in Ürzig, is related by marriage to the Prüm family in Wehlen. The estate is run by Karl Josef Christoffel (KaJo) has an extensive library of well-aged wines. All wines are fermented in the traditional 1000 Liter barrels with the natural yeast. This gives the wines a great aging potential.
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Weingut Jos. Christoffel Jr. Christoffel-Prum Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Auslese*** Goldkapsel, Mosel 2015 750ML ($79.95) $59 special, 28 bottles available
Mosel Fine Wines 94 points “This proves very delicate and rather restrained on the nose as scents of anise, yellow peach, smoke (bacon) and bergamot emerge from the glass. The wine only really reveals its intensity and complexity on the palate after some airing. Yet the finish is airy, light and pure. This terrify effort should develop into a great subtle Auslese in a decade or two. 2025-2050.”
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Weingut Jos. Christoffel Jr. Christoffel-Prum Graacher Domprost Beerenauslese 1976 700ML ($219.95) $179 special, 11 bottles available
1976 Vintage: Wine Spectator 96 points “Ripe, powerful; plenty of botrytis.”
Weingut Jos. Christoffel Jr. Christoffel-Prum Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Beerenauslese, Mosel 1976 700ML ($219.95) $179 special, 9 bottles available
1976 Vintage: Wine Spectator 96 points “Ripe, powerful; plenty of botrytis.”
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Arriving Tomorrow
Chateau Malescot-St-Exupery, Margaux 2010 750ML ($179.95) $149 pre-arrival special
Robert Parker 95 points “Gorgeous, flowery, classic Margaux once again, the 2010 Malescot St.-Exupery continues to show virtually no toasty oak, given the impeccable balance and full-bodied, full-throttle style it possesses. Black raspberries, creme de cassis and spring floral notes intermixed with forest floor and a hint of charcoal are followed by an opulent, sexy, full-bodied wine whose tannins have become much sweeter, while the wine is less restrained yet still exuberant and impressive. This is a phenomenal example once again for this estate, harmonious in every sense of style, extraordinarily long, rich and ageworthy. Three to four years of bottle age will do wonders to make it more accessible, but this wine is set for 25-30 years of longevity.”
Domaine Yves et Mathilde Gangloff Cote Rotie La Sereine Noire, Rhone 2009 750ML ($199.95) $169 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 96 points “Offers very alluring warm ganache and mesquite aromas, which meld into the core of mulled plum, fig and anise flavors. Long and silky through the finish, with incense and white pepper weaving in and out, along with lots of buried grip. There’s a very distinctive personality to this wine. Best from 2014 through 2026.”
Domaine Yves et Mathilde Gangloff Cote Rotie La Sereine Noire, Rhone 2010 750ML ($199.95) $169 pre-arrival special
Domaine Yves et Mathilde Gangloff Cote Rotie La Sereine Noire, Rhone 2010 1.5L ($399.95) $319 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 96 points “Stunning aromas of blueberry compote, pastis-soaked fig and plum, and well-roasted alder are backed by charcoal-coated iron and smoldering tobacco notes. There’s a great tug of earth through the finish, with the dark fruit dripping slowly. Shows terrific range and character. Best from 2015 through 2025.”
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Arriving Friday
Pascal et Nicolas Reverdy Sancerre Les Coutes, Loire 2015 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 pre-arrival special
Importer note “A single hillside plot of 50 year old vines on chalky Kimmeridgian Marne (aka Terre Blanche), hand-harvested at 45 hl/ha. Fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks. Bottled unfiltered.”
Domaine Collotte Bourgogne Cuvee de Noble Souche, Burgundy 2014 750ML ($24.95) $19 pre-arrival special
Importer note “Bourgogne “Noble Souché” translates to the “noble vine” from almost 70 year old vines planted in 1947 on Marsannay Cailloux soil from Champforeys. Entirely, de-estemmed, slow fermentation with 5 days of pre-maceration. Aged for 11 months 90% in stainless steel tank, this is a lovely, subtlety rich Côte de Nuits wine.”
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Domaine de la Berangeraie Cuvee Maurin, Cahors 2014 750ML ($17.95) $14 pre-arrival special
Importer note “In 1971 André Berenger came to Cahors from Provence with his wife Sylvie, who is originally from Champagne, and planted their vineyard near Grezels, on the red clay/ iron stone soil known as Grèzes. Their two children, Maurin & Juline not only joined them in the family business, but brought in their respective spouses. Thus the 3 couples all work together and do everything on this 35 hectare domaine themselves. Pruning, the sustainable farming of the vineyards (Terra Vitis certified) and harvesting are all done by hand; a disappearing practice in Cahors where harvesting is now done almost exclusively by machine. Moreover, Maurin, and his wife, Marlène, are graduates of oenology school with diplomas in oenology. Complemetary, Juline and her husband, Henri, both studied at viticulture school. The Bérangeraie wines are proof that hand-made artisanal wines of character yet accessibility, are still being made in Cahors today.”
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Domaine de la Bastide Blanche Bandol Rouge, Provence 2013 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 91 points “Solidly built, with dark tobacco and Turkish coffee notes leading the way to a core of steeped plum and blackberry purée flavors. Leather and juniper details drive the muscular finish. Best from 2018 through 2025.”
Yann Chave Crozes-Hermitage Classique, Rhone 2015 750ML ($27.95) $21.90 pre-arrival special
Winery note “The traditional cuvee is produced from Syrah vines grown on the three village terroirs: Mercurol, La Roche de Glun and Pont de l’Isère. There are several plots planted at different times, but the average age of vines is 20 years. The Crozes Hermitage red 2015 is ruby red with a nose of forest berries; the tannins are supple and elegant. It is ideal with white meats.”
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Thank you for reading!