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April is here, the sun is shining, and we have a seriously sweet lineup of wines to share with you! From more awesome new Bordeaux arrivals to a bargain $9.99 red from Portugal to new releases from Napa Valley legend Paul Hobbs, it is a VERY exciting lineup.
To top it off, our events calendar is packed with wildly fun stuff, including two winemaker dinners scheduled for next week! Scroll down to read about it all...
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New Arrivals at Vin Chicago! | |
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The core of our newsletter is, of course, the wines! Taking advantage of some hot opportunities on the market, we loaded up in the past few weeks on an array of gorgeous selections from Italy, France, California, Argentina and beyond. We're particularly proud of our Cab finds from Washington and Pinot picks from Oregon. Click below to see what we found!
Check out our Newest Arrivals:
Chicago • Highland Park • Barrington
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Our Saturday Tasting Table is Open! | |
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As we do every Saturday, we'll have a a half dozen new arrivals on the tasting table this afternoon at our stores in Chicago, Highland Park and Barrington.
The tastings run from noon until 4:00pm. As has been the case for over 30 years, there's no charge to participate. Gather up some friends and stop by to taste with us. Here's what will be on the table today:
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- Rieslingfreak "No. 33" Clare Valley Riesling 2022
- Churton Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2022
- Flowers Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2022
- Land of Saints San Luis Obispo Pinot Noir 2022
- Yllera "Pepe Yllera" Ribera del Duero Tinto 2019
- Marietta "Arme" Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
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More New Bordeaux, Up to 99 Points! | |
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The Bordeaux train has been HOT lately, and we intend to stay on it! This month we feature five more exciting new Bordeaux reds, all from the exceptional 2019 and 2020 vintages.
Read on for a portion of the tasting notes, then click the links below to get the complete reviews. Each has screaming scores from at least four publications!
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Château Puygueraud
Francs Côtes de Bordeaux 2020
"One of the best values out there, the 2020 Chateau Puygueraud reveals a beautiful, medium-bodied, elegant profile as well as ample cassis and more blue fruits, some violet, truffle, and floral notes, soft tannins, and outstanding length. It's a gem of a wine to enjoy over the coming 7-8 years, if not a decade. Maturity: 2023 - 2031."
- 92 Points, Jeb Dunnuck (3/29/2023)
18.99
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Château Marsau
Francs Côtes de Bordeaux 2020
"The 2020 Marsau is made from 100% Merlot with a yield of 22 hl/ha and was tasted 6 weeks after bottling. Deep garnet-purple colored, it needs a fair bit of swirling to unlock a powerhouse of blueberry preserves, stewed plums, and black cherry compote notes, with suggestions of dark chocolate, licorice, and lilacs plus a hint of clove oil. Medium to full-bodied, rich, and decadent in the mouth, it has firm, fine-grained tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long with fantastic fruit purity. Drinking: 2025 - 2040."
- 94 Points, The Wine Independent (9/14/2022)
22.99
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Château Lynch-Moussas
Pauillac 2019
"This is a solid Pauillac with a medium to full body and chewy tannins that are polished and energetic . Plenty of blackcurrant, lemon and wet-earth character. A little tight at the end. Needs at least three or four years of bottle age to open. Will age very nicely."
- 94 Points, James Suckling (2/20/2020)
39.99
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Château d'Issan
Margaux 2019
"Stylish nose, feels polished and poised. A svelte style with satiny tannins and such depth of flavour - intense but nuanced with perfumed edges and red and black cherry flavours. You feel the sculpting of the fruit, there are layers of flavour and with good support round the edges and softly chewy tannins. Such a long finish too, really goes on and on. I love it, you get the power without doubt but it's very neatly packaged right now with a smoothness and clarity that's impressive. Drinking Window: 2025 - 2045."
- 96 Points, Decanter (1/4/2022)
64.79
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Château Haut-Bailly
Pessac-Leognan 2019
"Extremely aromatic, with incredible wet-earth, bark, stone and graphite notes on the nose, then changing to violets, blackberries and blackcurrants. Full-bodied, yet so linear and fine, with titanium tannins that go on so long. Builds and builds then just rolls around the palate through the endless finish. Real Bordeaux here. 56% cabernet sauvignon, 36% merlot, 4% cabernet franc, and 4% petit verdot. Exceptional. Better after 2029."
- 99 Points, James Suckling (2/8/2022)
125.99
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A Trio of Reds From Zenato! | | |
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Zenato built their reputation as one of the top producers of Amarone, but that's not all they do. Today we feature three of their reds, each of which serves a very different role. The Alanera is an easygoing, medium-bodied choice for Tuesday night drinking or parties. Their Ripassa is the plush, soft and delicious option for when you want a BIG red with silky-smooth tannins, and the Amarone is for those nights when you want full-on POWER!
It's rare for a producer to offer quality and value in such a broad range, and we feel that each of these wines deserves a spot in your life.
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Zenato "Alanera" Rosso Veronese 2020
This is an all-purpose red at a very solid price. It will pair nicely with just about anything...
"The wine has an intense nose of black, blue and red fruits with dried leaves, roasted coffee and baking spices all dancing together on the nose. The palate is lush with a deeper core of black plum, dark chocolate and savory herbs, finishing with fine tannins and a pop of acidity. Best Buy."
- 90 Points, Wine Enthusiast (9/1/2023)
13.79
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Zenato "Ripassa" Valpolicella Superiore 2019
The score does not do justice to how fantastically delicious this wine is. There is not a single rough edge here!
"The 2019 Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso Ripassa is dark and brooding in the glass with rich plum and mocha complicated by crushed ashen stone. This is surprisingly juicy and energetic within, blending sour cherry with notes of sage and black olive over a core of brisk acidity. The 2019 leaves the cheeks puckered while finishing full of tension and spicy as a balsamic flourish slowly tapers off. Drinking Window 2023 - 2027."
- 91 Points, Vinous - Eric Guido (3/23/23)
23.79
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Zenato Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2018
What makes this so special is the refinement that goes along with the power. This is a BIG wine, yet it is soft, polished and seriously smile inducing.
"Very aromatic, pushing out aromas of dried red and black fruit, including dried blueberries and dates, together with a nice, spicy layer of nutmeg and pressed flowers. Full-bodied with an amazingly harmonious texture to the palate, thanks to the dense, very fine tannins that also provide super length. There’s a bright, saline mineral note that kicks in and pushes the finish even further. Exquisite Amarone. Drink or hold."
- 96 Points, James Suckling (3/17/2023)
53.99
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Staff Pick - Lyle Jorgensen | |
When we asked Lyle from our Highland Park store to pick one wine to feature as his April staff pick, he very enthusiastically responded with two! Both are super cool, and we'll let him do the talking... | |
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Bring on that sunshine! While the coming month or two frequently gets folks out of hibernation - seeking the whites and rosés missing from their cellar - today I'm recommending you get ahead of the surge in popularity of "chillable reds." It's not that these wines require chilling, but it enlivens them. As much as we like to "taste" wines, these bottles demand DRINKING!
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Merkin "Chupacabra" Arizona Red Blend 2022
I've been going out to the Arizona winelands for over a decade, and have witnessed a meteoric rise in quality. This wine from Maynard James Keenan (bandleader of Tool in another life) turns whatever conception you have of Arizona wine on its head. In a synergy of latitude and elevation, it comes from a vineyard that sits higher than virtually any in Europe, 4300 feet! A fascinating, unique expression of a GSM blend, it is alluring, light and floral. As a wine geek, it reminds me of two things that never remind me of anything else: a light, dry version of Philip Togni's old Ca' Togni Black Hamburg, and Piemonte's Ruché grape. It's 12.5% alcohol, and so freshly floral, that a black glass blind challenge you'd swear you were smelling a white wine. The palate brings loads of fresh, tart raspberry, dried tea and spice. Try something new!
21.99
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Pray Tell Willamette Valley Gamay Noir 2021
It seems now to be stricken from the annals of history, but Sashi Moorman once stated that the Gamay variety was even better suited to the Willamette Valley than Pinot Noir. Within that landscape, Tom Caruso makes a wine that, since his first vintage, I've maintained is the best new world Gamay I've ever tasted. How often do you get to say that about a thirty dollar bottle? He crafted just 277 cases of this wine, sourced predominantly from the organically-farmed Jubilee vineyard in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA. He includes about half of the stems, and a third of the wine undergoes carbonic maceration before settling 10 months in neutral French Oak barrels. (Just 11 of them, checking the math!) It's every bit as or more satisfying to me as the best Willamette Valley Pinot Noir at this price. With delicious, racy black and sour cherries, wild plum ensconced in purple florals and spice, I find it as difficult to describe the wine as I do restraining myself from screaming full-throated praise about it from every rooftop.
33.99
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Upcoming Events at Vin Chicago! | |
Tuesday, April 9:
Riboli Winemaker Dinner at D&J Bistro!
Please join us this upcoming Tuesday at D & J Bistro in Lake Zurich for dinner with winemaker Marty Spate of California's Riboli Family Wines!
Chef Masato will treat us to an assortment of appetizers followed by four wonderful courses, each matched to one of Marty's wines. As the menu indicates, it is going to be one heck of a night. Click here to reserve your spot!
When: Tuesday April 9, 6:30pm
Where: D&J Bistro - 466 S. Rand Road, Lake Zurich
Cost: $120, all inclusive
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Wednesday, April 10:
Burgundy Winemaker Dinner at Obélix!
We invite you to join us next Wednesday for a very special dinner at Obélix restaurant with winemaker Guillaume Marko of Burgundy's Cellier Aux Moines.
Before being hired in 2015 to run Cellier Aux Moines, Guillaume held a variety of positions at top estates, including being on the winemaking team at Domaine de la Romanée-Conti. The wines he makes are thrilling.
Obélix, as you may know, is the new project of brothers Nicolas and Oliver Poilevey, owners of Le Bouchon. With a recent James Beard nomination, it is one of Chicago's most exciting young restaurants.
Obélix is normally closed on Wednesdays but Nicolas, who worked for a brief time at our Elston Avenue store, convinced his brother to host us for this dinner. It promises to be a VERY special evening. Click here to sign up!
When: Wednesday, April 10th @ 6:30
Where: Obélix - 700 N. Sedgwick Street, Chicago
Cost: $199, all inclusive
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Thursday, April 18:
Russell and Vailia from Herman Story and Desparada Visit our Elston Store!
On April 18th from 6:30 to 8:00pm, we will once again welcome Vin Chicago favorites Russell and Vailia From of Herman Story and Desparada to our Elston Avenue store for wine tasting party!
This winemaking duo will be pouring, chatting, and partying while we enjoy some of their hottest new releases. This event is always one of our favorites, and this year should be something really special. We can promise a night of insanely cool wines paired with some great food and excellent energy! You do not want to miss this one! Click here for tickets!
When: Thursday April 18, 6:30pm
Where: Vin Chicago - 1826 N. Elston Avenue
Cost: $20 per person
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Tuesday, April 23:
Champagne Dinner at Gigi's in Barrington!
It is always a great time for Champagne, so please join us April 23rd at Gigi's Wine Bar and Bistro in Barrington for an amazing evening of delicious bubbles and tasty food.
Sommelier Garth Hodgdon of Cage Imports - formerly with French Laundry, Per Se and Champagne Krug - will walk us through five wonderful grower Champagnes while we enjoy four amazing courses from our friends at Gigi's. Click here for tickets!
When: Tuesday, April 23, 6:30pm
Where: Gigi's Wine Bar & Bistro - 131 Park Avenue, Barrington
Cost: $150, all inclusive
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Wednesday, May 1:
May Sneak Preview Tasting!
Join us at our Elston Avenue store on Wednesday, May 1 as we pop the corks of 30 of our newest arrivals. We've been having a great crowd lately for these tastings. It's a fun, casual opportunity to experience what's new in the world of wine. Round up a big group of friends and make it a night! Click here for tickets!
When: Wednesday, May 1, 6:30-8:00pm
Where: Vin Chicago - 1826 N. Elston Avenue
Cost: $10 per person
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Click Here to View our New Arrivals! | | |
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If you've read this far and haven't yet clicked on anything, here is one more invitation to check out our new arrivals. Lots of fun stuff!
Check out our Newest Arrivals:
Chicago • Highland Park • Barrington
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