In Today’s Newsletter:
Subscriber Special & Budget-Friendly Champagne Picks:
2016 Vouette e Sorbee Fidele Here Now
Diebolt-Vallois & Pierre Paillard
Arriving Friday
Domaine du Vieux Lazaret
Staff Pick
Goodfellow Family Cellars:
Richard’s Cuvee Chard 2018
A Vinopolis Exclusive!
LUKE Cabernet:
Great Value from Washington State
Trending Offer:
K Vintners
(More Stock Arrived!)
Collector’s Corner
Pommery’s Tete de Cuvees
Great Value from Washington State
Trending Offer:
K Vintners
(More Stock Arrived!)
Collector’s Corner
Pommery’s Tete de Cuvees
Hot New Arrival
2016 Vouette e Sorbee Fidele
We saw overwhelming demand for the 2016-base V&S Fidele. If you’re not familiar with the producer, a long-time favorite at the shop, here’s your quick primer: After some gentle nudging from Anselme Selosse, Champagne grape grower and recent convert to biodynamics, Bertrand Gautherot, decided to produce estate Champagnes from his vineyard holdings. The main wine of the estate is Fidele. It is primarily a blend from two vineyards grown in Kimmeridgian marl, Vouette and Biaunes. It’s mostly from one vintage, with roughly 5% reserve wine from a perpetual reserve begun in 2001. Ever since the 2012-base year garnered 95 points from Antonio Galloni, this Champagne has had a rabid following at the shop. But the wine has been fantastic long before it was discovered.It’s easy to compare the Fidele to Chablis, given the similarity between the soil types and climate of Gautherot’s vineyards and the very northernly tip of Burgundy. But this is Chablis-eques through a decidedly Pinot Noir lens. The wine has a core of savoriness, with bright acidity, red fruit and spice, and a mineral backbone. The splash of reserve wine adds a complex, oxidative note (the reserve is held in oak foudre). For the lover of Grower Champagnes, it seems to hit all the right spots. It’s vinous like Ulysse Collin, hard to find as Cedric Bouchard, as elegantly austere as Marie-Courtin, and distinctively savory as Bereche.
That we sold out of our first offer of the wine last week was no surprise.
There are no reviews published for this release yet, but if prior years hold any indication, it will do quite well. And at the lowest listed price in the country, when the wine is averaging $82/bottle, you’ll do quite well, too.
Newly Arrived – Final Stock of the Vintage!
Vouette et Sorbee Cuvee Fidele Extra Brut, Champagne (2016) NV 750ML ($89.95) $54 special, only 33 bottles remaining!
2014-base review: Stephan Reinhardt-Wine Advocate 94 points “The NV Brut Nature Fidèle (R14) is a Blanc de Noirs from Pinot Noir on Kimmeridgian soils and is entirely based on the 2014 vintage. Disgorged in October 2017 the oak-fermented wine shows a golden-reddish apricot color and opens with a very delicate, floral and herbal yet intense and vinous bouquet of red fruits, with warm, dry earth and spices and just a hint of oak. Bone dry (of course), fresh and elegant on the palate, this is an impressively delicate and filigreed Champagne to be enjoyed as a still wine rather than a fizz. The finish is long, clear, dry and well-structured (even with fine tannins) and reveals discreet salinity. In fact, Fidèle drinks like a Burgundy-inspired Coteaux Champenois with very fine but not effervescent bubbles, persistent lemon juice and a touch of oaky flavors. Don’t use a flute to enjoy this young, gastronomic wine; instead, use a wine glass or one of the rounder, more voluminous Champagne glasses like the Lehmann Jamesse (which stresses the finesse rather than the vinous character). Don’t serve the Fidèle too fresh, either, but if you must, wait a bit and don’t worry if the wine is suddenly 12 or even 14 degrees Celsius—it’s still delicious and even more vinous then! (To be honest, when tasted at 15 or 16 degrees Celsius, I even got some Gewürztraminer notes (lychees) on the nose…!)”
2013-base review: Antonio Galloni 93 points “The amber-colored NV Brut Nature Fidèle is gorgeous. Lifted, precise and nuanced throughout, the Fidèle possesses a captivating aromatic. Medium in body and tense in style, the Fidèle is super-expressive today. It could use another year in bottle to soften a bit, but it is nevertheless striking.”
2012-base review: 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.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $83
Love a bargain from Champagne? (It could be what we live for…)
Arriving Friday
Diebolt-Vallois & Pierre Paillard
Subscriber Special & Budget-Friendly
Our new favorite for budget-friendly, no quality-compromised Champagne from the Cote des Blancs!
Subscriber-only special ends Friday, June 5th!
Diebolt-Vallois Blanc de Blancs Brut, Champagne 2011 750ML ($59.95) $46 pre-arrival special, ETA Friday, May 29th
100% Chardonnay. A full bodied, richly textured vintage Champagne balanced with a racy acidity. This vintage wine blends grapes from holdings in the villages of Cuis, Chouilly and Epernay. The winery describes Cuis as adding minerality and delicacy to the Champagne and comprises the majority of the blend. Aged on the lees for roughly five years, it’s an excellent choice for lovers of toasty and brioche-y Champagnes.
No reviews for the 2011 vintage. 2010 review provided for reference.
Wine Spectator 92 points “This elegant blanc de blancs shows a pleasing vibrancy from the lively bead and bright acidity, both well-meshed to pretty floral and spice accents and flavors of Gala apple, biscuit and lemon zest. Creamy. Drink now through 2025. 16 cases imported.”
Diebolt-Vallois Brut Tradition, Champagne NV 750ML ($49.95) $33 pre-arrival special, ETA Friday, May 29th
Wine Spectator 91 points “Bright, with citrusy acidity, this harmonious Champagne offers a creamy mousse and a minerally underpinning layered with flavors of apricot, honeysuckle, salted almond and biscuit. A crowd-pleaser. Drink now through 2020. 125 cases imported.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Small grower Pierre Paillard has been a staff favorite for years because of its value & sleek elegance. From the Grand Cru village of Bouzy, the wines show a bright and lively delicacy in a village better known for its power and richness. Of course, it’s budget-friendly at our price but maybe not elsewhere…
Pierre Paillard ‘Les Parcelles’ XIV Bouzy Grand Cru Extra Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($54.95) $39 pre-arrival special, ETA Friday, May 29th
2014-base (XIV). Review provided for reference.
Wine Advocate 92 points “The NV Bouzy Grand Cru Les Parcelles XIII is based on the 2013 vintage plus roughly 40% of reserve wines from 2012, 2011 and 2010. The assemblage consists of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay, fermented in stainless steel and in a few demi-muids. The nicely colored wine (white gold with a pink reflection due to the late harvest and no fining agents) offers a very clear, precise and delicate bouquet of cherries and red berries. Pure and filigreed on the palate, this is a beautifully pure, clear, fresh and delicate blend that reveals impressive mineral structure and length. Simply fascinating. Dosed with 3.5 grams per liter and disgorged in October 2017. Tasted in April 2018.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $54
Oregon Shipping Special
Now Extended Through June!
Domaine du Vieux Lazaret
Chateauneuf doesn’t have to break the bank to be delicious!
Domaine du Vieux Lazaret Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone 2015 750ML ($49.95) $29 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 92 points “Alluring, with flow to the cassis, cherry compote and raspberry coulis flavors, backed by light rooibos tea, tobacco and dried blood orange accents. The silky finish is sneaky long, offering a light sanguine echo. Drink now through 2025. 16,666 cases made, 2,000 cases imported.”
Wine Enthusiast 92 points “Black-plum and mulberry notes are plump and easy on the palate of this velvety, plush red. Ripe and rich, it’s elegantly balanced by crisp acidity and fine, firm tannins. Primary and fruity now, with delicate hints of nut and spice, it should develop earth and spice tones through 2025.”
Domaine du Vieux Lazaret Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone 2015 750ML ($49.95) $29 pre-arrival special
Wine Spectator 92 points “Alluring, with flow to the cassis, cherry compote and raspberry coulis flavors, backed by light rooibos tea, tobacco and dried blood orange accents. The silky finish is sneaky long, offering a light sanguine echo. Drink now through 2025. 16,666 cases made, 2,000 cases imported.”
Wine Enthusiast 92 points “Black-plum and mulberry notes are plump and easy on the palate of this velvety, plush red. Ripe and rich, it’s elegantly balanced by crisp acidity and fine, firm tannins. Primary and fruity now, with delicate hints of nut and spice, it should develop earth and spice tones through 2025.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $35
Domaine du Vieux Lazaret Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc, Rhone 2017 750ML ($49.95) $29 pre-arrival special
Wine Enthusiast 93 points “EDITORS’ CHOICE. A blend of Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Bourboulenc and Roussanne, this dry white balances crisp pineapple and peach flavors against hints of nuts and smoke. It’s mouthwatering and silky on the palate but finishes with a refreshing mineral lift. Lovely already it should develop smokier, earthen complexities with time.”
Wine Spectator 91 points “Star fruit, Key lime and white peach flavors race through in this bright, detailed white, backed by a light lemon shortbread note on the finish. Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Bourboulenc and Roussanne. Drink now through 2022. 4,000 cases made, 500 cases imported.”
Staff Pick
Andy:
When the family from La Fortuna arrived to taste with us back in January, I was excited to revisit their wines as I had not tasted them in a couple of vintages. Such a great surprise when Gino kicked off the tasting with a $14 red that I couldn’t wait to share with the Brunello fans that are always looking for something affordable to drink while they’re waiting for the Riservas to come around. The Fortunello Toscano Rosso is from some of the younger vines from around the property and showcases the youthfulness of the fruit in the best way possible. Bright cherry and raspberry fruits, but telltale cocoa dust and blueberry in the up-front attack on the palate. The finish is to the point, hanging around only long enough to let you know that the wine has the pedigreed family to look forward to meeting. The wine is light, fresh and easy on the alcohol making it an easy choice to open on any casual night with family. Pizza night wine extraordinaire, but will shine with meals with a little more substance as well. We’ve had comparably priced wines in the Italian section that I have recommended, but the overall polish of this wine leaves me wondering how they can make something this pleasant for so inexpensive. Enjoy any time over the next couple of years, but drink it while you can still get more.
La Fortuna Fortunello Rosso Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2017 750ML ($17.95) $14 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
VinopolNote: A fantastic value, showing pretty varietal notes of red cherries and spice. Moderately rich, savory and expressive.
Winery Note “A wine that first expresses itself through its colour; intense ruby red. Extraordinary via its intensity and absolute pleasure on the palate, vigor, length, freshness and fruity finish. A wine that will improve with age with its scents of raspberry and red berries.”
When the family from La Fortuna arrived to taste with us back in January, I was excited to revisit their wines as I had not tasted them in a couple of vintages. Such a great surprise when Gino kicked off the tasting with a $14 red that I couldn’t wait to share with the Brunello fans that are always looking for something affordable to drink while they’re waiting for the Riservas to come around. The Fortunello Toscano Rosso is from some of the younger vines from around the property and showcases the youthfulness of the fruit in the best way possible. Bright cherry and raspberry fruits, but telltale cocoa dust and blueberry in the up-front attack on the palate. The finish is to the point, hanging around only long enough to let you know that the wine has the pedigreed family to look forward to meeting. The wine is light, fresh and easy on the alcohol making it an easy choice to open on any casual night with family. Pizza night wine extraordinaire, but will shine with meals with a little more substance as well. We’ve had comparably priced wines in the Italian section that I have recommended, but the overall polish of this wine leaves me wondering how they can make something this pleasant for so inexpensive. Enjoy any time over the next couple of years, but drink it while you can still get more.
La Fortuna Fortunello Rosso Toscana IGT, Tuscany 2017 750ML ($17.95) $14 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
VinopolNote: A fantastic value, showing pretty varietal notes of red cherries and spice. Moderately rich, savory and expressive.
Winery Note “A wine that first expresses itself through its colour; intense ruby red. Extraordinary via its intensity and absolute pleasure on the palate, vigor, length, freshness and fruity finish. A wine that will improve with age with its scents of raspberry and red berries.”
Vinopolis Wine Shop Curbside Pick Up
Order Online / By Phone / By Email
When you’re ready to pick up, just park in our lot,
give us a call, & we’ll bring your order to your car.
(If another adult is picking up for you,
please let us know their name when placing your order.)
www.vinopoliswineshop.com
info@vinopoliswineshop.com
503-223-6002
When you’re ready to pick up, just park in our lot,
give us a call, & we’ll bring your order to your car.
(If another adult is picking up for you,
please let us know their name when placing your order.)
www.vinopoliswineshop.com
info@vinopoliswineshop.com
503-223-6002
Goodfellow Family Cellars:
Richard’s Cuvee Chardonnay 2018
A Vinopolis Exclusive!
Marcus Goodfellow is one of the Willamette Valley’s preeminent producers of Chardonnay (and Pinot, but we’re trying to stay focused) and we’re excited to announce the release of the newest vintage of his top white—the 2018 Richard’s Cuvee Chardonnay. This wine is exclusively from Whistling Ridge vineyard and is a selection of the a single 800L foudre out of all the wine produced in 2018.
As you’d expect, it represents a step up from the excellent Whistling Ridge vineyard bottling, with bright, piercing minerality and a salty lemon-oil quality that makes the wine both quenching and thirst inspiring at the same time. As with most of Marcus’ wines, this is one that’s built for the cellar. We would normally recommend buying a case and drinking it over the next decade, but we only have five cases to go around. Act quickly.
Newly Arrived from Goodfellow Family Cellars
Goodfellow Family Cellars Richard’s Cuvee Chardonnay, Ribbon Ridge 2018 750ML ($59.95) $51.90 special
Winery note “The 2018 Richard’s Cuvée shows notes of lime blossoms, mandarin curd, stone, white flowers, lilac, and fresh hay. Fine, with wings tucked tight. Direct, sharply defined, and old school, with energy and elegance, lemon, rainwater, and mineral resonance. From a single 800L foudre, 88 cases produced.”
As you’d expect, it represents a step up from the excellent Whistling Ridge vineyard bottling, with bright, piercing minerality and a salty lemon-oil quality that makes the wine both quenching and thirst inspiring at the same time. As with most of Marcus’ wines, this is one that’s built for the cellar. We would normally recommend buying a case and drinking it over the next decade, but we only have five cases to go around. Act quickly.
Newly Arrived from Goodfellow Family Cellars
Goodfellow Family Cellars Richard’s Cuvee Chardonnay, Ribbon Ridge 2018 750ML ($59.95) $51.90 special
Winery note “The 2018 Richard’s Cuvée shows notes of lime blossoms, mandarin curd, stone, white flowers, lilac, and fresh hay. Fine, with wings tucked tight. Direct, sharply defined, and old school, with energy and elegance, lemon, rainwater, and mineral resonance. From a single 800L foudre, 88 cases produced.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
We have 27 wines from Goodfellow Family Cellars in stock now.
Shop the complete list on our web store!
Shop the complete list on our web store!
LUKE Cabernet:
Great Value from Washington State
Winemaker and co-owner Thomas Vogele saw parallels between the terroir of Washington State’s Wahluke Slope and Red Mountain AVAs. He knew that since the newer Wahluke was still underappreciated and less well known, it was a great place to craft the classic big & bold WA Cab at a lower price point. So in 2015 he launched the LUKE winery. His goal was to offer a great value for $25/bottle. Lucky you, we can make that great value even better:Luke Cabernet Sauvignon, Wahluke Slope 2017 750ML ($24.95) $19 special
Wine Spectator 92 points “Shows presence and polish, with expressive blackberry, smoked spice and dusty cedar notes that take on structure toward fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2025. 9,557 cases made.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Trending Offer:
K Vintners
(More Stock Arrived!)
During a motorcycle trip through Walla Walla Valley, Charles Smith was struck by the majesty of the terrain and the vineyards. He returned to open a winery and a string of wildly successful and popular labels. He has grown into one of the region’s defining winemakers, the man behind several of its most sought-after labels. The wines are big, rich, ripe, and polished. Everything you want in a modern Washington red. Due to their popularity, K Vintners wines are not easy to source, and for this reason we’re especially proud of our wide selection.
New Releases In Stock Now:
K Vintners The Boy Grenache, Walla Walla Valley 2017 750ML ($49.95) $41.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 96 points “Made from 100% Powerline Vineyard (since 2015), the 2017 Grenache The Boy Powerline Vineyard sports a lighter ruby hue as well as Rayas-like notes of decayed flowers, kirsch liqueur, licorice, and cured meats. Seamless, medium-bodied, and beautifully polished, with fine tannins, it’s a stunning, Burgundian example of this variety to enjoy over the coming 15-20 years. There are a little over 1,000 cases produced.”
K Vintners The Creator Cabernet – Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2017 750ML ($69.95) $49 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “The 2017 Cabernet / Syrah The Creator Powerline Vineyard doesn’t match the 2016 yet is still a brilliant blend (75/25 Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah) sourced from a site on the southern side of the Walla Walla Valley. Loads of jammy blackberry and black cherry fruits as well as hints of chocolate and peppery herbs emerge from this purple/plum-hued 2017. Offering full-bodied richness, a layered, seamless texture, ripe tannins, and a great finish, it’s another sexy, pleasure-bent effort from this team that can be drunk any time over the coming 10-15 years.”
New Releases In Stock Now:
K Vintners The Boy Grenache, Walla Walla Valley 2017 750ML ($49.95) $41.90 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 96 points “Made from 100% Powerline Vineyard (since 2015), the 2017 Grenache The Boy Powerline Vineyard sports a lighter ruby hue as well as Rayas-like notes of decayed flowers, kirsch liqueur, licorice, and cured meats. Seamless, medium-bodied, and beautifully polished, with fine tannins, it’s a stunning, Burgundian example of this variety to enjoy over the coming 15-20 years. There are a little over 1,000 cases produced.”
K Vintners The Creator Cabernet – Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2017 750ML ($69.95) $49 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “The 2017 Cabernet / Syrah The Creator Powerline Vineyard doesn’t match the 2016 yet is still a brilliant blend (75/25 Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah) sourced from a site on the southern side of the Walla Walla Valley. Loads of jammy blackberry and black cherry fruits as well as hints of chocolate and peppery herbs emerge from this purple/plum-hued 2017. Offering full-bodied richness, a layered, seamless texture, ripe tannins, and a great finish, it’s another sexy, pleasure-bent effort from this team that can be drunk any time over the coming 10-15 years.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $54.99
K Vintners ‘M.C.K. Motor City Kitty’ Syrah, Washington 2017 750ML ($41.95) $36 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 95 points “Coming from the Oldfield and Boushey Vineyards (basically the same vineyard), the 2017 Syrah Motor City Kitty Oldfield-Boushey Vineyard is slightly darker colored and, as with all the Rhones here, wasn’t destemmed and was brought up in mostly neutral puncheons. Blackberries, smoked earth, game, chocolate, and chalky minerality all emerge from this beauty, and it’s a powerful, full-bodied, concentrated effort that will evolve positively for 2-4 years and keep for a decade.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The Italian-inspired ‘house wine’ for your table
CasaSmith Cinghiale Sangiovese, Wahluke Slope 2018 750ML ($19.95) $16.60 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 91 points “Also terrific, the 2018 Sangiovese Cinghiale has complex, savory notes of dried herbs, new leather, and ripe cherries. Medium-bodied and seamless on the palate, with no hard edges, it’s another wine under this label that delivers the goods at a great price. Drink it over the coming 4-6 years as well.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
CasaSmith Cervo Barbera, Wahluke Slope 2018 750ML ($19.95) $16.60 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $21
K Vintners’ day-to-day winemaker is Brennan Leighton. A super-talented voice in the world of Washington wine, Brennan also has his own label, B. Leighton, which is the focus today. These are do-not-miss wines for anyone who loves the K wines and old school, Rhone inflected Washington State reds. Full of generous fruit and beautiful earthy and floral tones, these are wines that are powerful and delicious on release, but have the track record and pedigree to age.
B. Leighton Olsen’s Brothers Vineyard Gratitude, Yakima Valley 2017 750ML ($59.95) $45 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 96 points “A cuvée made for winemaker Brennen Leighton’s wife and a field blend of 70% Mourvèdre, 25% Grenache, and 5% Syrah, the 2017 Gratitude ranks with the finest Mourvèdres to come from the state. Awesome notes of black raspberry liqueur, incense, ground pepper, and forest floor give way to a medium to full-bodied, ripe, powerful yet weightless 2017 that does everything right. It’s already just about impossible to resist, yet my money is on it evolving for a solid decade.”
B. Leighton Olsen’s Brothers Vineyard Petit Verdot, Yakima Valley 2016 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “Lastly, the 2016 Petit Verdot comes from a higher elevation block and was brought up in 40% new French oak. It has a great bouquet of white pepper, chocolatey dark fruits, tobacco, and a kiss of violets to go with a full-bodied, incredible elegant profile on the palate. You don’t find Petit Verdot with this level of finesse very often, and it has silky tannins, good mid-palate concentration, and a great finish. It’s another stunning wine from Leighton I’d be thrilled to drink over the coming 10-15 years.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $52
B. Leighton Olsen Brothers Vineyard Syrah, Yakima Valley 2017 750ML ($49.95) $39 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points “The 2017 Syrah comes all from the Olsen Brothers Vineyard in the Yakima Valley and is a mix of the 383 and Phelps clones of Syrah. It was not destemmed and was brought up in just 15% new French oak. Ground pepper, meat, smoked game, and decayed flower notes all emerge from this Northern Rhone look-alike. It’s beautifully balanced, medium to full-bodied, and a rock star expression of Syrah to enjoy over the coming 8-10 years.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $44.99
Collector’s Corner
Pommery’s Tete de Cuvees
Pommery is one of the best kept secrets in top Champagne—at least in the US. In France and in the UK they’re (rightly) held in top regard, especially for their Tete du Cuvee “Cuvee Louise” bottlings. We’re secured excellent prices on the Nature and Rosé editions, both from the ’04 vintage and happily present them now. These are wines that are delicious now and have the stuffing to go another decade if you’re patient now. Mature Champagne is one of the treats of the wine world, giving delight to anyone who manages to partake in its yeasty, creamy glory. We’re always on the hunt for top examples with bottle age and this pair of wines is a perfect set.
In Stock Now from Pommery:
Pommery Cuvee Louise Brut Millesime, Champagne 2002 750ML ($149.95) $128 special, 19 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 95 points “This well-aged wine from a top Champagne vintage is just now ready to drink after 12 years. It has a touch of toast, but it’s the rich, complex texture and fine structure that set it apart. It’s not a dry wine, it feels soft. It is so well integrated, elegant with hints of apples, a layer of minerality and still-fresh final acidity.”
James Suckling 94 points “A beautifully seductive and creamy nose with plenty of honey and clotted cream across lemon and grapefruit. Some white peach too, really alluring. The palate’s nicely orchestrated and balanced; it builds in stages and delivers pithy lemon and grapefruit flavor amid assertive driving acidity, good depth and concentration. Another great ’02. Drink now or in five or more years.”
Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2002 Cuvée Louise Brut is dressed in an intense citrus colored robe and offers – as if it was a Pfalz Riesling – ripe yellow fruit aromas of pineapples, oranges and ripe peaches along with noble yeasty layers in the background. Full-bodied, rich and fresh on the palate, Madame Louise is a firm and almost mineral structured, persistent Champagne of complexity, finishing with a refreshing citric aroma as well as a stimulating salinity and purity. Good length and balance.”
Arriving Friday, May 29th:
Pommery Cuvee Louise Brut Nature, Champagne 2004 750ML ($199.95) $149 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 97 points “A creamy and refined 2004 with a very reserved and tight palate of ultra fine tannins that lend the wine beautiful creaminess and finesse. Subtly floral, offering lightly cooked apples and lemons. Flavorful, yet always hiding behind the fine bubbles. Drink now.”
Wine Enthusiast 95 points “CELLAR SELECTION. Sourced entirely from grand cru vineyards and aged for 10 years before disgorgement, this wine is beautifully mature. Richness comes from the ripe fruit rather than the dosage, balanced by tangy acidity and a toasty note. It is a finely poised and impressive wine that is ready to drink.”
In Stock Now from Pommery:
Pommery Cuvee Louise Brut Millesime, Champagne 2002 750ML ($149.95) $128 special, 19 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 95 points “This well-aged wine from a top Champagne vintage is just now ready to drink after 12 years. It has a touch of toast, but it’s the rich, complex texture and fine structure that set it apart. It’s not a dry wine, it feels soft. It is so well integrated, elegant with hints of apples, a layer of minerality and still-fresh final acidity.”
James Suckling 94 points “A beautifully seductive and creamy nose with plenty of honey and clotted cream across lemon and grapefruit. Some white peach too, really alluring. The palate’s nicely orchestrated and balanced; it builds in stages and delivers pithy lemon and grapefruit flavor amid assertive driving acidity, good depth and concentration. Another great ’02. Drink now or in five or more years.”
Wine Advocate 93 points “The 2002 Cuvée Louise Brut is dressed in an intense citrus colored robe and offers – as if it was a Pfalz Riesling – ripe yellow fruit aromas of pineapples, oranges and ripe peaches along with noble yeasty layers in the background. Full-bodied, rich and fresh on the palate, Madame Louise is a firm and almost mineral structured, persistent Champagne of complexity, finishing with a refreshing citric aroma as well as a stimulating salinity and purity. Good length and balance.”
Arriving Friday, May 29th:
Pommery Cuvee Louise Brut Nature, Champagne 2004 750ML ($199.95) $149 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 97 points “A creamy and refined 2004 with a very reserved and tight palate of ultra fine tannins that lend the wine beautiful creaminess and finesse. Subtly floral, offering lightly cooked apples and lemons. Flavorful, yet always hiding behind the fine bubbles. Drink now.”
Wine Enthusiast 95 points “CELLAR SELECTION. Sourced entirely from grand cru vineyards and aged for 10 years before disgorgement, this wine is beautifully mature. Richness comes from the ripe fruit rather than the dosage, balanced by tangy acidity and a toasty note. It is a finely poised and impressive wine that is ready to drink.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Pommery Cuvee Louise Brut Rose Millesime, Champagne 2004 750ML ($299.95) $219 pre-arrival special
James Suckling 95 points “The is a new release and shows wonderful finesse and beauty. You know that the moment you see the pale-amber color. It’s medium bodied with freshness and energy and a long, vivid finish. A joy to taste. Drink now.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The average price is $367
Stay safe, be well, & drink well.