Best Price on Single-Vineyard Oregon Pinot Noir

Hey Everyone,

I do weekly deals at my shop (link below).
https://vinousreverie.com/deal-of-the-week/

This week it’s Domaine Zind-Humbrecht, Clos Saint Urbain Rangen De Thann Riesling 2017

Please reach out with any questions or anything in general.

Have a great day. Cheers

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This week it’s Dirler-Cade, Cremant d’Alsace Brut Nature 2016

Have a great day. Cheers

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This week, 95 point Bordeaux as Deal of the Week
https://vinousreverie.com/chateau-panigon-medoc-2016/

95 points Decanter
“A simply great nose of mint, dark fruit and truffles is backed up by a multi-faceted palate showing floral and meaty tinges to the rounded, sleek cherries and raspberries on chalky tannins.”

This week, Alsatian Riesling from Northern Rhone Terroir

Alsace has the most complex geological and solumological (relationship between grape varieties and soil types) situation of all the great wine areas of France. Many of these soils: granite, limestone, clay and the various combinations is what distinguishes Alsatian Grand Cru sites (which only makes up 4% of the whole area).

Schieferkopf wines are made by Michel Chapoutier, who is more associated with wines of the Rhone Valley. The German name - Schieferkopf means ‘slate head’, where Schiefer translates as ‘schist’ – which is the dominant subsoil in the vineyards for this wine. Apparently, it’s the only strip of blue slate in Alsace and surprisingly not (yet) classified as a Grand Cru. The blue slate attributes the minerality in this cuvee. The soil and elevation (1,200 ft.), in combination with south and south-east exposition under Alsace’s sunny skies, result in beautifully ripe wine with great freshness. A masterful expressions of Alsace Riesling.

Jancis Robinson
“Wild-yeast fermentation in stainless steel. Full MLF. 10 months in foudres.
Pale-medium lemon-gold. Rich, creamy and spiced tones to ripe apple and lemon-lime peels, with toast and honey aromatic development. Touch of residual sugar, but finishes fully dry, with lively, crisp acidity, smoky minerality and an assertiveness to its limey fruit. Particular style, with lots of appeal. GV good value (TJ)” 17/20 points. [thankyou.gif]

Anselmi, Capitel Foscarino Veneto 2013 - From $17.99 to $9.99 this week
https://vinousreverie.com/anselmi-capitel-foscarino-veneto-2013/

90 points Wine Spectator
“Fresh and well-knit, this floral version layers juicy acidity with flavors of ripe apricot, stone, lemon pith, anise and salted almond. Smoky finish. Garganega and Chardonnay.”

Jean Fournier, Gevrey-Chambertin 2014

The Fournier name is one of the oldest in the historical records in the village of Marsannay, first appearing in the 17th century. They have been growing grapes for generations as part of a polyculture farm with animals, grains, cherries and asparagus. The vineyards are Ecocert certified organic and they are also employing biodynamic practices with plans to slowly convert the entire Domaine for certification. Most of the vineyard holdings are in Marsannay with the exception of a plot in Fixin and this Gevrey Chambertin.

Gevrey Chambertin, one of the most famous wine appellations in the world, full of famous grands crus. The appellation dates from September 1936, but its glory predates the 1930s. Vineyards can be dated back to 7th century AD, evidence of a long and intimate involvement in the history of Bourgogne’s wine industry. Excellent exposures vary from east, to south-east. The premiers crus occupy the upper portion of the appellation on brown limestone soils. Below are the village vines on brown calcic or limey soils. The vines reap the benefit of marls covered with screes and red silt washed down from the plateau. These stony mixtures confer elegance and delicacy on the wine while the clayey marls, which contain rich deposits of fossil shell-fish, add body and firmness.

This wine comes from 2 parcels - 1er Cru Clos Prieur, located in the area between Mazis Chambertin (Grand Cru) and the main vineyard road, and Clos Bruillard - always low yielding. This leads to a bigger nose, a touch of reduction with more depth of darker fruit, slowly adding more and more perfume. Big and fresh, perfumed with lots of volume, complex, spiced and delicious.


Deal Ends Sunday

Domdechant Werner, Domdechaney Riesling GG Rheingau 2013

93 points Wine Spectator
“This lush white is filled with well-spiced, crystalline flavors of red peach, Fuji apple, pomelo and allspice. Presents a sumptuous mouthfeel, with a long, finish of cream and sage honey notes. Very elegant.”

93 points Wine Enthusiast
“While dry in style, this effusively blossomy, peach-driven Riesling is chock full of ripe, honeyed fruit flavors. Soft tangerine acidity cuts through the lushness on the midpalate, aided by a sheen of minerals and bristling white-tea tannins.”

Deal Ends Sunday

PS. The self-proclaimed low cost leader, Total Wine, is selling this cuvee for $60. I guess, this would be a great opportunity to double-check all their prices, you know, just to make sure.

Ch D’Angles, Classique Rouge La Clape 2016

The Languedoc is still one of the finest sources of well-priced, hand-made wines in the world and La Clape is one of its most interesting terroirs, a rocky mound of windy scrub sticking out into the Mediterranean south of Narbonne. This was once an island and benefits from almost constant wind, both off the sea and from the Montagne Noire to the north. Soils are clay-limestone and the wines really do seem to have something marine about them, especially the Rhone blends.

Chateau d’Angles is just one of several particularly interesting and ambitious properties in La Clape and it has the distinction of being run by Eric Fabre, who had eight years as technical director at Chateau Lafite before moving south to establish his own Domaine. This Classique Rouge is a typical Languedoc blend of 40% Syrah (for fruit and spices), 40% Grenache (for roundness) and 20% Mourvedre (for structure) that is already both complete and extremely seductive.

Jancis Robinson
“Mid crimson. Lift on the nose. Really quite pungent. Mild and salty with only medium body. Brambly fruit with marked acidity on the finish and perhaps not quite enough to draw it all together in the middle. Tannins are still very obvious but the fruit is clean, interesting and vibrant. Very direct appeal.”

Astroni, Vigna Falanghina Campi Felegri 2016

Falanghina is an ancient variety typically attributed to the Greeks, who first cultivated vineyards in Campania in the 7th century. This variety was also behind Falernian, the most famous wine of Roman antiquity.

“The origins of Falernian wine are the stuff of legend. The story goes that an old Roman farmer (Falernus) eked a humble existence from the soil of Mt. Massico, about 30 miles north of Naples, when one day he was visited by Bacchus in disguise. Falernus prepared him a simple meal, and in gratitude for the hospitality, the god of wine caused the cups at the table to fill. When a hungover Falernus awoke the next day, Bacchus was gone, and the whole mountain was blanketed with healthy vine.”

Falernian was probably a varietal wine made from a grape the Romans called Aminea Gemina. It was grown in three vineyards on the slopes of Mt. Massico, where the primary white grape grown is Falanghina. Falernian may have been either white or red, no one knows but the 121 B.C. vintage (the vintage of a lifetime!) was celebrated for decades; multiple ancient sources mention having the chance to taste the wine 200 years after its vintage date." ~ Wine Spectator

Vigna Astroni’s Falanghina of Campi Flegrei Cru grows on the outer slopes of the Astroni Crater on sandy soil with volcanic origins. The grapes come from an organic, single terraced vineyard of 1.5 hectares The wine is bottled after 8 months of aging in stainless steel tanks without refrigeration and gentle filtration. Tasting Notes: A deep straw yellow color. Mineral notes combine with elegant toasted sweet almond and light herbaceous scents. Sapidity is the first impact noted during tasting which is then followed by a lively acidity. These components interact well with the smoothness of the wine.

Jancis Robinson
“Intense straw yellow. A wine chock-full of minerals, savoury white fruit and grapefruit. Impressive interpretation of Falanghina and highly original.” 17.5/20 points

My wife and I discussing the fun background for this underappreciated grape:

Cantine Astroni, Vigna Astroni Falanghina Campi Felegri 2016

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Andrew Rich, Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills 2014

92 points Wine Enthusiast
“This robust young wine is slightly smoky, with concentrated black cherry and juicy purple and black fruit flavors. A streak of clean earth underscores the tannins, and there’s a residual grape soda flavor that accentuates its youth.”

https://mailchi.mp/[xxxxxx]/volcanic-soil-oregon-pinot-as-deal-of-the-week

Daniel Gutierrez and I discussing in depth Evening Land’s Chardonnay from the legendary Seven Springs vineyard: a mineral driven, volcanic soil chardonnay for those who say they don’t like chardonnay (and everyone else)!

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La Bernarde, Les Hauts du Luc Cotes de Provence Rose 2020
https://vinousreverie.com/la-bernarde-les-hauts-du-luc-cotes-de-provence-rose-2020/

No better way to kick off Spring than with this Provencal Rosé. Provence, the ruggedly beautiful region in the South of France, produces what many people consider to be the standard for Rosé in the world. In the village of Luc, in the heart of the Cote d’Azur, La Bernarde and their organically farmed, traditionally made wines are staking their claim as one of the finest in the region. The winery and their vineyards sit on a rocky limestone hillside at about 1,000 ft. above sea level, making it one of the highest properties in the entire region. The cooler micro-climate of this area – it snows most winters – allows them to make a Rosé that is crisp, mineral-laced, bright-fruited, and with the complexity to drink on its own or with a variety of light dishes.

Tasting Notes
Blend of 46% Cinsault, 27% Grenache, 11% Mourvedre, 9% Rolle, 7% Syrah. Bright and minerally focused, displaying fresh orange, strawberry and floral aromas in the glass. Energetic and precise on the palate, offering strawberry, blood orange, nectarine and lavender notes.

90 points Vinous
“Light, vivid orange. Mineral-accented red berry and pit fruit aromas are complemented by a subtle floral top note. Silky and energetic, offering fresh strawberry, tangerine and nectarine flavors that deepen with air. Shows sharp delineation and very good persistence on the finish, which features a repeating pit fruit note.”

Delas, Crozes-Hermitage Domaine des Grands Chemins 2018
https://vinousreverie.com/delas-crozes-hermitage-domaine-des-grands-chemins-2018-1/

Founded over 160 years ago, Delas Freres cultivates vineyards on the steep granite slopes of the northern Rhone, in some of the region’s most prestigious appellations: Hermitage, Cote Rotie and Condrieu. They also make an exceptional Crozes-Hermitage, like this Domaine des Grands Chemins.

Crozes Hermitage is the largest of the Northern Rhone appellations. It covers the territory of 11 communes on the left bank of the Rhone river. In the northern part, soils are formed by the granitic slopes that run on from those of Hermitage. To the south, soils are alluvial, stemming from glacier and river beds, with benches made up of rolled stones and silt from the Rhone river. All the vineyard for this cuvee lie on benches known as the “Chassis”, formed at the junction between the rivers Isere and Rhone. The wine is wildly aromatic, with scents of violets, dark plums and black olives on the nose. The mouthfeel is chewy with young tannins that support bold flavors of black plum, lavender, olive tapenade, dried herbs, and black pepper on the long finish.

93 points Jeb Dunnuck
“As to the Northern Rhônes, 2018 is clearly an impressive vintage for this estate. The 2018 Crozes-Hermitage Domaine Des Grands Chemins reveals a deep ruby/purple hue as well as classic Northern Rhône Syrah notes of darker, earthy fruits, ground pepper, violets, and spice. It’s elegant, medium to full-bodied, beautifully balanced, and has moderate tannins, all making for an already delicious, impeccably made wine. Drink bottles over the coming 8-10 years.”

https://mailchi.mp/3457a9c6aec9/hermitagecrozes-syrah-as-deal-of-the-week

Alfred Merkelbach, Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Auslese #11 2016

I’ve heard from someone who’s visited the Merkelbachs’ at their home in Urzig (town), it is like traveling into the past. Not much has changed there in 50 years, including the brother’s approach to winemaking. They make wines that are as old-school as you can find for the region (the brothers are in their 80’s and haven’t changed styles since they started) and they capture the delicacy and etherealness of Riesling like few other.

Auslese category was historically considered the masterpiece of Riesling. Typically, it shows the most terroir, the best ripeness and the best expression. Auslese vs.Kabinett vs. Spatlese - these terms correspond to levels of ripeness in grapes harvested for the best German wines. Kabinett grapes are picked at the normal time, while Spatlese refers to late-picked grapes. Auslese is special selection, meaning specially selected bunches of ripe grapes. Generally, they show more richness and intensity than Kabinett or Spatlese grapes. The wines, however, are light, often 7.5 to 8.5 percent alcohol, with an intensity that seemingly belies their delicacy. And they are versatile food partners: curries, duck breast, venison, etc.

Urziger Wurzgarten is one of the most remarkable terroirs of the Mosel. The upper part of the hill is not on slate but actually on a completely different and almost unique soil of red sandstone and volcanic soil. This yields fiery and grapefruit infused wines which are hard to resist. But the uniqueness of the soil is not the main reason what makes Urziger Wurzgarten special. The main reason is that the Urziger Wurzgarten is pure living history. The part downriver from Urzig is one of the last few vineyards in the Mosel which are still tended “like in the old days” - the vineyard still goes right up to the hill top and almost all vines are still trained on the traditional single pole. In addition, a large part of the vines is still un-grafted and often very old, sometimes more than a century old! Tending and harvesting the vineyards on single pole is pure hard manual labor. This method is an anachronism in the modern winemaking world, yet, Urziger Wurzgarten, a full hill, is still managed in this traditional way. So, when you are enjoying this wine, have a thought for these winemakers and the uniqueness of this hill.

Wunsch et Mann, Pinot Gris Steingrubler Grand Cru Alsace 2013

Remirez de Ganuza, Blanco Rioja 2016 (1.5L) - From $124.99 to $39.99 THIS WEEK ONLY - Not available for shipping. Only pickup or local delivery.

Remirez de Ganuza started his winery in 1989 after a career in vineyard real estate. He spent the 1970s and 1980s buying and selling vineyards, mostly in Rioja Alavesa, where he developed knowledge of the region. With six vineyards situated in the foothills of the Cantabrian mountain range, he blends some of the best terroirs from Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Alta. The combination of high elevation, clay/limestone soils, increased oceanic influence, and 50 year old average vines produces low-yielding vines with exceptional quality fruit. In this white blend, the emphasis is to Viura and Malvasia. Previously these grapes were used to compliment the red wines via the skins but now this white blend receives a Burgundian level of attention showing deeply textural tension in the body and contrast in the palate. Ripe orchard fruit and refreshing minerality mingle together, giving way to a persistent yet silky finish.

This would be great to have at parties, soirees and even box socials. Of course, this would also make a great Mother’s Day gift (what mother wouldn’t want to down the whole bottle on a relaxing Sunday afternoon?) And every bottle comes in it’s own wooden case - ready to be gifted.

93 points Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
“There are two whites now, the youngest of which is the 2016 Remírez de Ganuza Blanco, a barrel-fermented blend of 80% Viura and the remaining 20% Malvasía Riojana, Garnacha Blanca and other white varieties that matured in new French oak barrels with lees and bâtonnage for ten months. It’s super clean and fresh, young and varietal, vibrant and lively, really impressive. The oak is neatly folded into the fruit. A great showing for this white. 25,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in August 2017.”

93 points James Suckling
“Lilting, floral and bright with freshpear aromas. The palate has very pristine, pure and focused apple, lime and pear flavors. Bright and crisp. Lots to like here. Drink now.”

Laurent Martray, Les Feuillees Cote de Brouilly 2015 - From $24.99 to ONLY $9.99
https://vinousreverie.com/laurent-martray-les-feuillees-cote-de-brouilly-2015/

In the heart of the Beaujolais hills, nestles the lair of Laurent Martray. The estate is located on the hillside of Combiaty. In the distance are the Bugey mountains and the chain of the Alps are visible as well. Laurent cultivates vines in the most southerly and most extensive of the Beaujolais crus, Brouilly and Cote de Brouilly. Both crus from the magnificent Beaujolais region are neigh­boring but stemming from two different terroirs. The fruity, floral and gour­met wines from Brouilly result from granite, poor or sandy soils which are similar to the eight additional Crus within northern Beuajolais. The Cote de Brouilly, the only Cru on volcanic soil, shows a more full-bodied character, more present tannins and a better ageing potential. The metamorphic lava of the primary era that compose the hill where the Gamay expresses with powerful­ness and elegance are probably not irrelevant!

Tasting Notes
Cote de Brouilly’s typical blue volcanic granite soil that lends its deep minerally characteristic to this bright garnet wine’s fresh strawberry, cranberry, anise, and violets. Those complex aromas carry over elegantly to the palate with cleansing acidity and soft but persistent tannins that last with the fruit into a long finish.

92 points Jasper Morris, Inside Burgundy
“Mid purple. The colour has not moved much over the last few years. Then follows the most gorgeous nose, really coming into its own, as the flavour profile starts to move towards pinot flavours, with good tannins still in place.”

91 points Vinous
“Brilliant magenta. Incisive, mineral-accented cherry and blackberry scents, along with suggestions of candied violet and allspice. Sappy and penetrating on the palate, offering bitter cherry and dark berry flavors that spread out slowly and become sweeter as the wine opens up. The mineral note comes back strong on a very long, focused finish shaped by fine-grained tannins.”

Revue du Vin de France
“A very ripe nose, with scintillating, deep, refined fruit. The wine imposes itself with a certain freshness. The palate unveils with power and mineral firmness. It has an uprightness that only great terroirs can impose on sunny vintages.” 17.5/20 points.

Drew, Perli Vineyard Syrah Mendocino Ridge 2016 - From $49.99 to $39.99

The Perli Vineyard is 10 miles from the ocean and is perched at 2,200 feet on thin and steep north east facing slope consisting of shale, fractured sandstone and rhyolite. This distinctive cool climate Syrah is co-fermented with 5% Viognier in the tradition of the Northern Rhone (just to get you salivating for this week’s Northern Rhone tasting). The McDowell selection and the 877 clone are on this site. The McDowell selection is notable as it is the oldest field selection of Syrah in North America, brought into California to the San Jose Mission in 1880 and later planted on the McDowell Ranch in Mendocino County in 1902.

95 points Wine Enthusiast
“This Syrah is massive and steely, wrapping its concentrated black-fruit, sour cherry and black-pepper flavors in firm tannins and acidity. It has the sense of being just underripe, so there’s a tension between the nascent fruit flavors and the tangy mouthfeel. Best after 2025.” Cellar Selection

94 points Vinous
“The 2016 Syrah Perli Vineyard is simply gorgeous. Rich, powerful and unctuous, with striking fruit density, the 2016 packs a serious punch. Blackberry jam, game, licorice, cloves and new leather infuse this sumptuous yet structured, savory, cool-climate Syrah. The 40% whole clusters add dimension but are also impeccably balanced. What a pretty and distinctive wine this is.”

Deal Ends Sunday

La Chablisienne, La Pierrelee Chablis 2018 - From $25.99 to $19.99

The Chablis vineyards are some of the oldest in France. Over many years, the exceptional reputation of the white wines, produced from Chardonnay grapes, has spread to all corners of the world. Cultivated on both banks of the river Serein, the vines of the appellation encompass seventeen villages. The unique character of the wines originates in the predominantly Kimmeridgian soil where you find sediment composed of large quantities of fossilised oysters called exogyra virgula. This exceptional soil, which is found in a few other places throughout the world, gives the terroir its minerality, finesse, and crystalline tonality.

This is excellent for a co-op wine and remarkable for a simple villages-level Chablis. The fruit is a blend from five Chablis Crus, selected for its delicacy. Tasting Notes: Initially fresh on the nose, elegant and concentrated yet discreet. A remarkable mineral note, fresh and deep and with great finesse, completes the palette of fruits. Long-lasting. Harmonious and dense in the mouth, with fine saline and mineral texture. Long mineral finish. A remarkable, dense and well-balanced Chablis.

93 points Decanter
“Nutty mineral nose with ripe apple and a hint of honey. Tense backbone of acidity. Stony style with lovely length.”

Deal Ends Sunday

Mathilde Chapoutier, Rose Cotes de Provence 2020 - From $19.99 to $9.99
https://vinousreverie.com/mathilde-chapoutier-rose-cotes-de-provence-2020/

Weather is warming up, it’s time for another Provencal Rosé. Mathilde Chapoutier’s Rose comes from the foot of the Sainte-Victoire and Aurelien mountains in the commune of Pourcieux, the vineyards have a wide array of exposures and terroirs creating complex wines. This one comes from clay-limestone soils and is mostly based on Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah and Rolle (Vermentino).

Tasting Notes
Clear pale pink with purple highlights. Complex aromas of peach, citrus and exotic fruit. Full and delicious on entry to the palate, followed by notes of citrus, grapefruit and white-fleshed fruit, showing a subtle soft character underpinned by a fine, acidity which adds structure. Will pair nicely with barbecue.

91 points Wine Enthusiast
“The Rhône-based Chapoutier family produces two Provence rosés with the same panache. With its blend of six grapes, including two white, this wine is dense, textured and full of rich fruitiness. Red currants and berries joyously burst out of the glass, demanding to be drunk now.”

91 points Falstaff
“Pale salmon pink with cyclamen reflections. Fine nuances of red wild berries, fruity with hints of honeydew melon and fresh orange zest. Light-footed, red cherries on the palate, elegant and already well balanced, fine, balanced fruity sweetness in the finish.”

Until Stock Runs Out

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