Varner "Bee Block"          Now having been in the wine business for almost fourteen (14!) years, I've become skeptical (or desensitized) of higher and higher wine ratings.  Current wine-making manipulation and resultant grade inflation often assign the highest scores to the biggest gorilla in the room (Shiraz is a fantastic example).  So when I saw a 95er from RMParker for the Varner Bee Block Chardonnay, I would expect to be beaten down by a butter-soaked, toasted-oak ax handle.  I was wrong.   Fortunately, at trade tasting last Sunday, I had the opportunity to meet Jim Varner and he presented his Bee Block Chardonnay.  Here's the reviewers spin:    "95 points.  The incredible 2007 Chardonnay Bee Block is a tour de force in mountain Chardonnay. Honeysuckle, crème brulée, buttered citrus, white peach, and baked apple characteristics emerge from this full-bodied, intense effort. With great acidity as well as fabulous precision and purity, it can be enjoyed over the next 7-8 years." - Robert Parker, Jr., Wine Advocate

New Arrival          Château de Ségriès 2008 Tavel Rosé ($14.99) - "A brilliant, big-boned, brawny, dry rosé with plenty of flavor. It cuts a savory, heady feel across the palate. Enjoy it over the next 8-12 months. 90 points." - Wine Advocate

December 7th, 2009...Spectator TOP 100

December 4th, 2009...Chardonnay

December 2nd, 2009...FOODS

November 26th, 2009...New Arrivals

New Arrival       Owen Roe 2007 Syrah Columbia Valley "Ex Umbris" ($27.99) - "Smooth and velvety, offering a plush mouthful of spicy cherry and red berry flavors, playing against plush tannins and hints of milk chocolate on the long, vivid finish. Syrah. Drink now through 2014. 3,000 cases made.  92 points." - Wine Spectator   Roagna 2007 Dolcetto d'Alba ($18.99) - "The 2007 Dolcetto d'Alba offers an explosion of dark red fruit, flowers, licorice and tar with lovely inner perfume and gorgeous balance. With air this medium-bodied wine puts on weight as balsamic notes emerge, adding further complexity. Roagna's Dolcetto saw an incredible 30 days of maceration on the skins followed by a full year in oak, an unusual regime in Piedmont these days to say the least, but one which gives this wine notable complexity for Dolcetto. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2011..  89 points." - Wine Advocate

November 25th, 2009...New Arrivals

November 24th, 2009...More BEERS!!

November 20th, 2009...BEERS!!

November 19th, 2009...SALE!!

November 18th, 2009...New Beers

October 23rd, 2009...New Arrivals

October 14th, 2009...New Press

New Press      FoxGlove 2007 Zinfandel Paso Robles ($15.99):  We've More news for this line from Varner - for FOOD & WINE's "Best wines $20 and under" list, they chose the Foxglove for their Zinfandel pick.  Bob and Jim Varner of Varner Wine know what's right with Zinfandel (big flavors) and what's all-too-often wrong with it (alcohol overload). By sourcing grapes for this second label from Central California's Paso Robles region and adding in 14 percent Petite Sirah, they have made a tangy red with classic wild berry fruit and a satisfying touch of jamminess."

October 12th, 2009...New Press

October 2nd, 2009...New Press

Thursday Notes        Wine Enthusiast just released their Top 100 "Bets Buys" for 2009.  Here are some highlights...   KungFu Girl 2008 Riesling (Columbia Valley):  This 2008 is the third vintage for this extraordinarily popular Riesling, again showing bright, vivid, punchy citrus fruit and juicy acids. Residual sugar is about 1.5% and once again it is sourced from the Evergreen vineyard. With production climbing to 20,000 cases, this should be easy to find at least until fall.  89 points.   Condes de Albarei 2008 Salneval Albariño (Rías Baixas):  The"value" label from Condes de Albarei is always a good bet. Oceanic aromas and a spritz of lime make the nose just right, and the lively palate of lemon, melon and banana is charged up. Tight on the finish, with citrus and almond skins, and then a lasting impression of pineapple. Young and raring to go.  88 points.   Saint-Hilaire 2005 Brut (Blanquette de Limoux): A pretty and remarkably drinkable sparkler with soft green apple, tangerine oil and faint yellow floral notes accented with hints of lavender. There's medium carbonation and weight in the mouth, and pear and apple flavors abound with suggestions of honeydew in the finish. Drink now.  89 points.   A to Z Wineworks 2008 Pinot Gris (Oregon): A to Z puts out a lot of Pinot Gris-more than 32,000 cases of this 2008-but the quality is consistently fine. Lovely spices wrap around fresh citrus and pear, then move into a smooth midpalate that lingers gracefully through a clean and very refreshing finish.  89 points.   Woop Woop 2007 Shiraz (South Eastern Australia): Not simply a jammy mouthful of fruity richness, the 2007 Woop Woop shows enough structure to ably partner food rather than replace it. Notes of raspberries, roasted coffee and vanilla are slightly confected, but the firmness on the finish proves this is not a cocktail wine. Burgers, anyone?  89 points.  INBOUND

September 26th, 2009...New Arrivals

New Arrival           ALAIN JAUME 2007 Lirac "Clos de Sixte" - SALE!! $21.99 (was $25.99):  "A brilliant effort, the 2007 Lirac Clos de Sixte is composed of 50% Grenache and the rest Syrah with some Mourvèdre. It is a rich, full-bodied, dense purple-colored Lirac offering sweet blueberry and blackberry fruit as well as hints of smoky oak, pepper, and herbs. Should evolve nicely for 5-7 years.  92 points." - Robert Parker, Wine Advocate     THORN-CLARKE 2008 Shiraz "Shotfire" Barossa ($17.99) - It's new!!  It's improved (so I'm told)!!  The latest and greatest Shotfire is in the House!!  We'll open this next Friday (10/2), along with the following vintages:  2007, 2005, and 2003.  And maybe another if I can find one...Shotfire Ratings History

September 23rd, 2009...New Press

September 22nd, 2009...New Arrivals

September 20th, 2009...New Arrivals

ZILLIKEN 2006 Riesling Kabinett Saarburger Rausch SALE!!! $19.99 was $25.99 Save $6) The Zilliken 2006 Saarburger Rausch Riesling Kabinett offers crisp, juicy apple fruit, with hints of mango and grapefruit. Smoky and wet stone notes, combined with a palpable extract-rich palate lend this a serious, even slightly austere palate presence today. But the finish pours forth fresh fruit and salts along with crushed stone, leaving long and invigorating traces. Here is a concentrated Kabinett to put away for 5-7 years, and then enjoy for that long again. 90 points."  - Wine Advocate   "A light-weight, lively style, showing lemon-lime, apricot and slate notes. Ripe, yet tightly wound, with a bracing finish. Needs time to show all its facets. Best from 2009 through 2022. 600 cases imported.  88 points." - Wine Spectator

End of Vintage - STUHLMULLER 2007 Chardonnay Anderson Valley ($26.99) - "Stuhlmuller's 2007 Chardonnay (5,600 cases) is a beauty. Lemon oil, honeysuckle, white currant, white peach, and poached pear characteristics are present in this beauty along with terrific freshness, medium to full body, a layered mouthfeel, and a long, pure, dry finish. Drink this knock-out Chardonnay over the next 2-3 years.  92 points." - Wine Advocate
 
"Tangy lime and citrus notes join riper green apple and honeydew melon in this supple, full-bodied, complex and elegant offering. The finish is long and clean. Drink now through 2011. 5,600 cases made. 91 points - Smart Buy!" - Wine Spectator

September 10th, 2009...New Arrivals

FOXGLOVE 2008 Chardonnay Central Coast  ($15.99) - "The sensational 2008 Chardonnay Central Coast, which is fermented and aged completely in stainless steel with no malolactic fermentation, is a 30,000-cuvee of fabulous Chardonnay. Loads of tropical fruit, honeysuckle, and orange blossom notes fill the olfactory sense, as does the luscious medium-bodied texture on the palate. The wine is buttressed by crisp underlying acidity, and the result is a fresh, naked expression of Chardonnay that is top-flight. Drink it over the next year or so.  91 points."
 
FOXGLOVE 2007 Zinfandel Paso Robles ($15.99) - "The outstanding 2007 Zinfandel (86% Zinfandel and 14% Petite Sirah) is another winner and phenomenal bargain. This is classic Zinfandel with loads of berry fruit, pepper, earth, and roasted Provencal herbs. The wine is pure, full-bodied, ripe, with not a hard edge to be found. Drink it over the next 2-3 years.  90 points." 
 
FOXGLOVE 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles ($15.99) - "Foxglove also scores highly with their 10,800-case cuvee of 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon. A blend of all-Paso Robles fruit and composed of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Petiti Verdot and Cabernet Franc, the wine has a dense ruby/purple color and plenty of black fruit intermixed with loamy soil undertones, licorice, and spice. The wine is luscious and. medium to full-bodied , with silky tannins and a heady, opulent finish. Drink it over the next 2-4 years, although it could last a lot longer.  89 points."

September 4th, 2009...New Arrivals

BODEGAS Y VIÑEDOS SHAYA 2008 Verdejo Rueda Old Vines ($14.99) - This new project is a joint venture between Jorge Ordonez, Enrique Busto and the Gil family of Jumilla, from fruit sourced from very old low yielding vines whose average age is between 75 and 112 years old. "Quite rich, but still graceful, this white shows melon, orange blossom, green almond and lime zest flavors in a thick texture. Vibrant acidity keeps this lively. Drink now through 2010. 5,500 cases made.  89 points." - Wine Spectator
 
RABBIT RIDGE 2007 Paso Robles "Allure de Robles" ($8.99) - "The 2007 growing season was fantastic for Rhone varietals in Paso Robles and experts say it was the best Rhone varietal growing season in the history of France.   Allure de Robles is an estate grown wine that is produced in Côtes du Rhône style.   This wine is primarily a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre.   The clones of the grapes are predominantly from Tablas Creek Winery and Vineyard Nursery, meaning they are cuttings from both the Château Beaucastel in the famous Châteauneuf-du-Pape region of France and French Entav budwood.   The vineyard is still young so it is producing a wine similar in style to a Cotes du Rhone but one which should age well for several years.  This wine is medium bodied with strawberry and cherry overtones from the Grenache, body from the Syrah and earthiness from the Mourvèdre. Bottled on April 27, 2009.   6,131 cases produced." - Winery Notes.  [Caveat - no one would expect a CdPape for $9, but the depth and even complexity if this wine gives it a big QPR (quality/price ratio) score, and a whopping 15.4% abv.]  Enjoy with BBQ ribs, Kung Pao chicken, or Nathan's Own and baked beans.

September 3rd, 2009...New Arrivals

J.K Carriere 2007 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley "Provocateur" (SALE!! $27.99 was $31.99) - "The 2007 Pinot Noir Provocateur is a blend of all the single vineyards that Prosser purchases. Darker colored than is typical in 2007, it offers up expressive cherry and black raspberry aromas leading to an elegant wine with enough structure to evolve for 1-2 years. With excellent grip and concentration and a lengthy finish, this is a 2007 Pinot Noir that over-delivers for its modest price.  90 points." - Wine Advocate

August 21st, 2009...New Arrivals

PAZO SEÑORANS 2008 Albariño Rias Baixas Spain ($24.99) - "The 2008 Albarino is sourced from the oldest vines in Rias Baixas, fermented in tank and aged on its lees with batonnage. Light gold-colored, it delivers an attractive nose of mineral, white peach, and lemon zest. Smooth textured on the palate, tropical flavors emerge along with lively acidity.  Pazo de Señorans is usually a candidate for Albarino of the year made by anyone other than Raul Perez.  91 points." - Wine Advocate

OWEN ROE 2006 "Murphy's Law" Columbia Valley Red Wine ($15.99) - "A ridiculous blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Sangiovese from some of the region's top sites.  An inky-dark hue. Vibrant nose of plum, cherry and cassis. The palate is filled with plums and grilled meats with hint of smoke and black mission fig. The sturdy tannins along with classic Washington state acidity stretch into the long and elegant finish. "Supple, silky, and generous with its olive-inflected cherry and blackberry flavors, billowing in the easy breeze of a long finish.  90 points - Smart Buy!" - Wine Spectator

CLOS LA COUTALE 2007 Cahors ($16.99) - Just received 90 points and a "SMART BUY" from Spectator.  "There's a good sense of elegance to the well-defined, concentrated flavors of dark cherry, blackberry and plum, followed by notes of sage, dark chocolate and tobacco leaf on the long, powerful finish."  Malbec with some Merlot - old school, authentic stuff.  Cahors is seeing some resurgence with its "Black Wine" lately with the heightened interest in Malbec and reinvestment in this old French region.  This is where Malbec was born, true to its roots.

August 21st, 2009...New Arrivals

Benegas 2005 "Don Tiburcio" Red Wine Mendoza ($12.99) - "Bright ruby. Smoky dark berries, black cherry, plum, violet and chocolate on the nose. Suave and vinous, with harmonious acidity giving definition and grip to the sweet dark berry flavors. Structured and mouthcoating. A very clever blend, and a great value.  89 points."  Tanzer's International Wine Cellar.  Michel Roland consults here, and frankly, this wine is better than the 89 rating. 

"The purple-colored 2005 Don Tiburcio Malbec contains 16% Cabernet Franc and 12% Cabernet Sauvignon aged for 10 months in French oak. It reveals aromas of cedar, clove, cinnamon, and black cherry. Elegant, medium-bodied, and layered on the palate, it has plenty of savory, spicy fruit, 2-3 years of aging potential, and excellent length. Drink this tasty effort over the next 8 years.  90 points. MSRP $21!" - Jay Miller for The Wine Advocate

July 17th, 2009...New Arrivals

Killer deal on Willamette Valley Pinot Noir - Panther Creek NV Pinot Noir only $23.99!! NV??  Sounds like the economy is catching up with even the untouchable Willamette Valley.  Back stock blending into a super deal.  "Panther Creek made 1750 cases of a Non-Vintage Pinot Noir which is 50% from the 2007 vintage and 50% from the 2008 vintage. Medium ruby-colored, it has an alluring nose of cinnamon, clove, cherry, and raspberry. On the palate it has plenty of lively sweet fruit, good acidity, and enough structure to ensure a 5-year lifespan. It is a super value in Pinot Noir.  89 points." - Jay Miller for The Wine Advocate   Albet i Noya 2008 Xarel-lo Classic Penedes Spain($13.99): Xarel-lo is one of the main grapes in Spain's sparkling wine, Cava (like Chardonnay in Champagne). Organically grown, fiesty, zippy, summer pleaser.

July 10th, 2009...New Arrivals

July 4th, 2009...New Arrivals

DOMAINE MORDORÉE 2008 Côtes du Rhône Rosé "La Dame Rousse" ($13.99) - "90 points.  Spend a few dollars more and get a sensational 2008 Cotes du Rhone La Dame Rousse rose, a classic Provencal rose offering copious quantities of sweet and sour cherries, framboise, spice, and flowers."  2 cases in stock.
 
INBOUND:  DOMAINE SÉGRIÈS 2007 Côtes du Rhône "Clos l'Hermitage" ($27.99) - "94 points.  Even though the 2007 Cotes du Rhone Clos de l'Hermitage is over the $25 limit for this value report, I have included it because it is such a remarkable wine, and even at $30 a bottle, it represents a fabulous bargain. Made from 40-year-old vines, it is an equal part blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre. Its opaque purple color is followed by a bouquet that smells more like a Cote Rotie than a Cotes du Rhone. Flowery notes intermixed with tapenade, ground pepper, roasted meats, and copious black cherry and blackberry fruit soar from the glass. The wine possesses fabulous density, a rich, full-bodied style, and present, but sweet tannin. It should drink gorgeously for 10-12 years, perhaps longer." 
 

June 30th, 2009...New Arrivals

New Arrivals        We've been carrying Domaine de la Janasse wines since we opened in 1996.  Parker's Wine Advocate was very enthusiastic about Janasse's wines, and rightly so.  During a trip to France back in 2000 (Elizabeth was pregnant with Jenner), I was fortunate to visit Domaine de la Janasse.  We were met by Christophe Sabon and his crew.  The estate was founded in 1976 by Aimé Sabon, Christophe's father, who still oversees the vineyards and farms organically. The property consists of 40 Hectares, spread over as many as 70 different parcels throughout the appellation.   We tasted samples from vat and barrel.  We tasted a Châteauneuf from just an average vintage from the 70s ('74?) - it was delightful.  We ended with a late-harvest Grenache that was simply out of this world.  The experience and the Sabons' hospitality were first-rate.   In light of this, we will have Stan Davis here from Roanoke Valley Wine Company to open and discuss:   DOMAINE de PAJOT 2008 VdP Gasgogne "Les Quatre Cépages" ($9.99) - Just to get things rolling.  Colombard, Ugni-Blanc, Gros-Manseng and Sauvignon Blanc.  Sounds like summer grapes to me.  Cold-fermented in stainless tank - refreshing.  Organic.   DOMAINE de la JANASSE 2008 Viognier VdP Orange ($21.99) - 100% Viognier - Condrieu selection - on lees with stirring during 6 months including 25% of new barrels.  Condrieu is the best place on the planet to grow Viognier.   DOMAINE de la JANASSE 2007 VdP Orange "Terre de Bussière" ($17.99) - 65 Merlot/35% Syrah, 12 months in oak, 30% new.  "Quality soars with the well-made 2007 Vin de Pays Terre de Bussiere, a blend of 65% Merlot and the rest Syrah and a dollop of Grenache. Its deep ruby/purple color is followed by abundant aromas of fruit, camphor, cassis, white chocolate, and berries offered in an opulent, full-bodied, lush style. It's hard to beat this wine for the price.  89 points."  Robert Parker, Wine Advocate   DOMAINE de la JANASSE 2008 Côtes du Rhône  ($19.99) - Curiously, the 2007 vintage was never offered in this market, so we're on to the 2008!  This wine consistently rates in the high 80s, but I've always felt that was a couple numbers short.  50% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre, 15% vieux Carignan, 5% Cinsault.  6 to 9 months in vat.  Dark cherry, garrigue, and minerals.  Usually more austere to start, then softens after a few months.

June 20th, 2009...New Arrival

New Arrivals      The WSJ recently released their 12 best wine buys in America. VAN RUITEN 2007 Old Vine Zinfandel was picked "Best Zinfandel" @ $23!! - Please see the link below:   WSJ BEST ZIN   Regular price is $19.99 - we'll let it go at $17.99 MORE ROSÉ!!! - The Sorin Provence rosé is sold out.  The Gipsy rosé is sold out.  PLAN B!!   CHARLES & CHARLES 2008 Syrah Rosé Columbia Valley ($12.99) - "How many guys named Charles does it take to make a good pink wine? Two should be just right, especially if both are among the more dynamic American wine producers of recent years: Charles Bieler (of Three Thieves / Rebel Wine Co. and BIELER Père et Fils) and Charles Smith (of K Vintners, Magnificent Wine Co. and Charles Smith Wines). Their collaboration--aptly named Charles and Charles--has yielded a single vineyard dry rosé from the Wahluke Slope of Washington State, just now released.  Smith made this 2008 rosé of syrah from the Talcott Vineyard from the Wahluke Slope (AVA) in the traditional Provencal way--grapes picked at the early edge of ripeness, sent straight to the press without any extended cold soak, and fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks at cooler temperatures. New World fruit, Old World methods, what's not to like?" Those Smith people...   PEDRONCELLI 2007 Zinfandel (Dry) Rosé Dry Creek Valley ($10.99) - What's old is new again!  I cut my teeth on Sutter Home White Zinfandel back in the late 80s.  Kind of sweet and easy to naively enjoy.  We all did it - kind of the next step up from Sun Country and Bartles & James Wine Coolers.  (Remember those commercials?  "Thank you for your support."  YouTube it.)    So now we're back to pink Zinfandel - but dry, adopting the European ideals of true rosé.  "Who says you can't make a good rosé from Zinfandel? This is lush, yet crisp and dry, with fresh raspberry and spicy vanilla flavors. Drink now.  87 points." - Wine Spectator.  Restaurant Wine ****.  Wine X "96 points."   LUNEAU-PAPIN 1995 Muscadet "L d'OR" ($32.99) - Ever wondered what old, really well-made Muscadet tastes like? - Me too.  Nearly every review of Muscadet says "DRINK NOW!"  One exception is Wine Advocate's David Schildknecht review of Marc Ollivier's 2005 Muscadet de Sevre et Maine Sur Lie "Clos des Briords" - "It is one of those Muscadets you can safely sock away for at least 8-10 years - just make sure you lay in enough to enjoy on an ongoing basis!"  The Luneau-Papin 1995 "L d'Or" is no exception.  It might get weird, but it is not flawed, per se.  "It's an extraordinary wine that still tastes so fresh after 13 years, but for a Muscadet it's almost unbelievable. Yet, here is this citrus and white currant flavored wine that still shows high acidity and liveliness as well as a depth of texture that has come during its aging. Probably at its peak now.  93 points." - Wine Enthusiast

June 10th, 2009...New Arrival

June 4th, 2009...New Arrival

New Arrivals    FINCA el REPOSO 2008 Saint Jeannet Mendoza ($9.99) - New vintage of old favorite.  St Jeannet, originally from, Southern France, this white grape was first introduced by Tiburcio Benegas more than 80 years ago (this the actual age of the vines of Saint Jeannet planted in this vineyard). There is very little to none information about this grape variety in the world except that it was used in the past to increase the level of acidity of sparkling wines as this grape naturally produces wines of very good acidity (taking a long time to ripen).  Back for the summer.   CAPÇANES 2005 Mas Donis Montsant ($17.99) - "Mas Donis Barrica is a custom cuvee made for importer Eric Solomon using old-vine Garnacha (80+ years) and Syrah (30+ years). The 2005 Mas Donis Barrica is 85 % Garnacha and 15% Syrah aged for 8 months in French and American oak before bottling without fining or filtration. It offers up an expressive nose of slate, mineral, licorice, violets, black cherry, and blueberry. Layered, long, and complex, this spicy, hedonistic effort has 2-3 years of aging potential but can be enjoyed now without guilt. It is a great value.  91 points." - Wine Advocate   Inbound: Numanthia 2006 Toro "Termes" ($31.99) - "Muscular yet expressive, this red offers roasted plum, bitter chocolate, tobacco and hot stone notes. Thick, with rich, ripe tannins and just enough acidity to keep it lively. Best from 2010 through 2020. Tempranillo - 4,000 cases imported. 93 points." - Wine Spectator

May 25th, 2009...New Arrival

That aside, we will have tasting at 4pm, including a new project from Oregon's Montinore 2008 Borealis ($12.99)!  "We've been wanting to make a wine like this for some time. After experimenting the last few years, we've put together a blend we really like. This wine was born of a desire to capture the incredible aromatics and flavors of our cool climate white varieties in one expressive white wine.  It pours a pale gold, and grapefruit, pineapple and fresh flower aromas leap from the glass. On the palate a crisp, fresh entry is balanced by succulent ripe fruit flavors of peach, grapefruit and quince, culminating in a fresh, lingering finish. It's great with a variety of lighter dishes and cheeses - or just for sipping by starlight."  Technical data...Organic 60% Müller-Thurgau, 23% Gewürztraminer, 17% Pinot Gris.

May 21st, 2009...New Arrival

May 14th, 2009...CLOSEOUT!!

May 6th, 2009...New Arrivals

New Arrivals, SALE     SALE!! - BABICH 2008 Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough ($12.99 - was $15.99):  Babich has been a mainstay here for NZ Sauvignon Blanc due its quality track record and reasonable price, now even more so - the 2006 was in Spectator's Top 100 list.  "Bright and fruity, with pear and lime flavors most prominent. Shows a peppermint edge on the silky finish. Drink now. 50,000 cases imported.  88 points." - Wine Spectator     "Good now but definitely a wine for the future. This wine has herbaceous, green grass and slightly tropical aromas that pave the way for good fruit concentration and an elegant acidity. Quite opulent and with good persistency this wine should develop beautifully in the coming months."  4 STARS;  Best Buy, TOP TIP - Top Tip is given to wines that are of exceptional quality regardless of price.  -TiZwine.com       "Joe Babich favors a fuller, riper, softer style of Sauvignon Blanc.  It's not a jump out of the glass style, but the wines develop well.  The latest releases reflect a rising input of grapes from the company's Cowslip Valley vineyard in the Waihopai Valley, which gives less herbaceous fruit characters than its other Marlborough vineyards.   The 2008 vintage is aromatic, crisp, dry and zingy, with strong, ripe limey, slightly minerally flavors, showing good vibrancy, delicacy and punch. 4 STARS."  -Michael Cooper's Buyers guider to New Zealand Wine 2009   END of VINTAGE:  J.P BRUN 2007 Chardonnay Beaujolais "Terres Dorées" ($17.99) - "The Terres Dorées 2007 Beaujolais Blanc Chardonnay displays a gorgeous aroma of diverse flowers, white peach, lime, grapefruit, and ocean breeze. There is positively chewy substance on the palate, yet the wine remains refreshing and lilting in personality. The chalky, leesy sense of extract is palpable, yet floral nuances and delicate peach and lime fruit positively soar into the finish, along with savory, saline, sweet, scallop-like notes. This beauty is more reminiscent of a fine Chablis or even Riesling than of a Chardonnay from the Macon or Cote d'Or. A revelatory example of what is possible in this appellation and vintage, you can enjoy the Brun 2007 Blanc over at least the next 2-3 years.  The prevalence of chalky soils in the south of Beaujolais is the principle reason why this area is classified merely as "Beaujolais" rather than "Beaujolais-Villages." But it is also a reason why Chardonnay can achieve outstanding results here, even if there are few examples (even fewer of which carry the "Beaujolais Blanc" rather than "Bourgogne" appellation). Jean-Paul Brun's is not just a too little-known treasure of Beaujolais; it is among the handful of consistently finest value Chardonnays on the planet.  91 points." - Wine Advocate     INBOUND:  DOMAINE GRAND VENEUR 2007 Côtes du Rhône Villages "Les Champauvins" ($17.99) - The 2007 is just arriving on the heels of the 2006 sellout.  The source for Les Champauvins is located just next to the boundary for Châteauneuf du Pape.  "An outstanding sleeper of the vintage, the 2007 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Les Champauvins is an amazingly good effort displaying a dark ruby/purple hue as well as a big, sweet bouquet of black raspberries, kirsch, pepper, garrigue, and earth. Dense, full-bodied, and ripe, it is as good as many producers' Chateauneuf du Papes. It should drink well for 7-8 years or more. This estate, owned by the Jaume family, has been on fire over the last decade. The wines are made in a polished, civilized, modern style, but they do not lack Provencal or Châteauneuf du Pape typicity. In 2006, they added a third cuvee of Châteauneuf du Pape, an old vine cuvee that was mostly all Grenache in 2006, but a different blend in 2007. The real bargain among the Châteauneuf du Papes is their traditional offering. Over the last 4-5 years, Grand Veneur has produced a bevy of terrific Côtes du Rhônes, and the following two cuvees are indicative of what they are capable of achieving.  91 points." - Wine Advocate

April 30th, 2009...New Arrivals

Affordable 2005 Bordeaux - CHÂTEAU FANTIN 2005 Bordeaux Supérieur (SALE!! $13.99 was $15.99) - Mostly Merlot, rounded out with some Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.  "Notes of plums and black forest fruits are present on both the nose and the palate of this medium to full-bodied effort, with a supple texture that makes it perfect for consumption now."   And the much-anticipated LAS ROCAS 2006 Garnacha Vinas Viejas Calatayud ($17.99) - 91 points from both Wine Advocate and International Wine Cellar.  Five six-packs available:   "The old-vine cuvee, the 2006 Las Rocas Vinyas Viejas, was recently reviewed in the Value issue but is worth reprinting because the 2007 has yet to be released. Aged entirely in French and American oak, it is purple-colored with a cedary, spicy, cherry and cranberry bouquet. More structured than the "regular" bottling, it has layered fruit, savory flavors, excellent depth, and a fruit-filled finish. Drink it over the next 3-4 years." - Wine Advocate   "Glass-staining ruby. Powerfully aromatic, sexy bouquet of black raspberry, Asian spices and smoky minerals. Plaint red and dark berry flavors are energized by juicy acidity and framed by supple tannins. Spicy notes build with air and carry through the long, silky finish. This is showing extremely well today. As usual, an amazing value." - International Wine Cellar   And a kick-ass Dolcetto from A&L ROAGNA 2007 Dolcetta d'Alba (SALE!! $16.99 was $18.99) - "The  2007 Dolcetto d'Alba offers an explosion of dark red fruit, flowers, licorice and tar with lovely inner perfume and gorgeous balance. With air this medium-bodied wine puts on weight as balsamic notes emerge, adding further complexity. Roagna's Dolcetto saw an incredible 30 days of maceration on the skins followed by a full year in oak, an unusual regime in Piedmont these days to say the least, but one which gives this wine notable complexity for Dolcetto. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2011. 89 points." - Wine Advocate. This sounds like more than '89' to me.  I've always liked the 89ers, because an up to '90' means more $$ for a one-point rating increase.  You don't see that kind of nonsense between 86 and 87.

 

April 23rd, 2009...New Arrivals

Ridge 2006 Lytton Springs Dry Creek Valley ($41.99):  International Wine Cellar (November-December 2008, Issue 141): "Deep ruby-red. Vivid red and dark berry aromas are complemented by dusty floral and mineral notes, with a suave rose quality gaining power with air. Deep cassis and bitter cherry flavors are energized by tangy minerality, picking up exotic floral pastille and candied licorice nuances of the back end. Smooth and sweet, with fine-grained tannins and a long, sappy finish. This is balanced to reward at least another five to seven years of patience.  92 points."   Wine & Spirits (February 2009): Year"s Best Zinfandel - "Bright spice drives through the complex dark fruit of this old-vine blend, which includes petite sirah (16 percent) and carignane (4). The zesty acidity makes it more versatile than most zins, especially with roast turkey or duck with cherries.  91 points."     Ridge 2006 Geyserville Red Sonoma County Alexander Valley ($41.99): International Wine Cellar (November-December 2008, Issue 141): "Ruby-red. Black raspberry, blueberry, smoked meat and dried violet on the fresh nose. Juicy, sharply focused red and dark berry flavors are dusted with suave minerals and firmed by supple tannins, with an exotic floral pastille note emerging on the back. Finishes sappy, sweet and long, with a deeper cherry note. Already quite complex.  91 points."    Wine & Spirits (February 2009): Year"s Best Zinfandel - "A plump, juicy zinfandel, this manages to be vibrant and savory at once. The ancient vines at Geyserville yield spicy berries, their tannins as black as bittersweet chocolate. The impression from the alcohol is generous, while the finish remains clean and cool. Best with at least ten years of cellar time.  92 points."   Robert Biale 2006 Zinfandel Monte Rosso Vineyard ($59.99):  SOLD OUT Wine Spectator "Rustic and full of personality, with wild berry, fresh sage and loam aromas and briary blackberry pie, toasty oak and smoky cracked pepper flavors that with finish with prickly tannins. Drink now through 2014. 577 cases made. 90 points."  Frog's Leap 2006 Zinfandel ($29.99): Wine and Spirits - "John Williams dry farms this organically-grown zin, which contributes to its restrained style and relatively low alcohol (13.5 percent). It comes off as taut claret; the fresh raspberry flavor takes on a pleasing shape as it wraps around scents of pine, herb and earth. The wine has the kind of transparency that makes room for food. Serve this with grilled quail. 93 points."   Trinitas 2004 Zinfandel Contra Costa Bigalow Vineyard ($25.99): Wine Enthusiast "A powerful wine expressing the wonderful dusty raspberry and blackberry flavors, which exemplify the Oakley terrior, with additional characteristics of white pepper, coffee and chocolate nuances. aging in new and used wood has lent this wine a subtle vanilla quality that compliments the explosive fruit notes. Enjoy this wine presently for its effusive black fruit or cellar for 5 to 7 years. This Zinfandel is an integration of the best climate, soil types and winemaking, which is an expression of the Trinitas philosophy.  90 points." Seghesio 2006 Zinfandel Sonoma County "Old Vines" ($38.99): Wine Spectator "This is what great Zinfandel is all about. Ripe but balanced with lively acidity, jammy but concentrated and well-structured. Offers fresh wild berry, raspberry, vanilla and cracked pepper notes, but with layers of intriguing sage, lively mineral and smoke accents. Drink now through 2014. 8,600 cases made.  92 points."  We can't even get the regular Sonoma bottling any longer.  The Old Vines is truly a treat.

April 11th, 2009...New Arrivals

New Arrivals           DOMAINE de la MORDOREE 2007 Chateauneuf-du-Pape "La Reine des Bois" ($89.99net) - The Reine de Bois from 2007 is exceptional.  And the stronger dollar has knocked the price down a bit from last year.  3 six-packs available.  Offer runs through the weekend.  "(96-97+) points.  The purple-colored 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Reine des Bois is loaded. Although still primary and backward, it reveals an extraordinary depth of juicy blackberry and cassis fruit interwoven with notes of roasted herbs, meat juices, camphor, and a touch of licorice. The wine boasts great depth, a superb texture, and a full-bodied richness nicely framed by high yet velvety tannins and fresh acidity. The vintage's remarkable aromatic complexity and freshness are apparent in this big, substantial, authoritative wine. It will need 3-4 years of cellaring, and should keep for 20-25 years. This superb Chateauneuf du Pape estate is run by Chrisophe Delorme and his brother from their cellars in Tavel. They produce spectacular Chateauneuf du Papes as well as top-notch Liracs, and glorious Cotes du Rhones and Tavel roses. Their Chateauneuf du Papes have been recognized by the village vignerons in their Festival of St.-Marc, where Mordoree frequently finishes first or second in those blind tastings." - Parker   ORDERS  INQUIRIES

April 3rd, 2009...New Arrivals

SAN LORENZO 2006 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo ($11.99) - Montepulciano from Abruzzo has a bit of the "Rodney Dangerfield" aspect about it - no respect.  (Abruzzo is central Italy on the East Coast - San Lorenzo is inland (mountains) and up the coast from Pescara.  Now you know.)  The San Lorenzo, however, provides a mouthful of plummy, dark fruit and supple tannin - a lot more going on than the Fiasco of lame Sangiovese, and definitely worth the upgrade.  Very satisfying.  
 
DIEVOLE 2006 IGT Toscana "Rinascimento" ($14.99) - As the "FACE" wine, the "Rinascimento" is composed of a selection of Tuscan native grapes from different vineyards as Sangiovese, Ciliegiolo, Canaiolo, and Foglia Tonda grapes. The grapes have been harvested by hand and pre-selected.   Nice switch from the Black Rooster.
 

New Arrivals - Lions - 6 March IN LIKE A LION!!   March came in like a lion on Sunday with several inches of snow to close school on Monday.  So, too go along with this theme, we'll be opening some new wines from the California arm of Australia's Grateful Palate "R Wines."    Based in Australia, R Wines produces wine from vineyards all over Australia including Riesling from Western Australia, Pinot Noir from Victoria, Shiraz from McLaren Vale and the Barossa just to name a few. R Wines was founded in 2005 by partners Dan Philips, and Chris Ringland. Chris is one of world's leading and most gifted winemakers. He leads teams of winemakers and viticulturalists managing vineyards Australia wide. R Wines that make it to the shelf are not merely sound and well-made, but are stylish, compelling, hand-crafted and peerlessly delicious. We believe that what goes on the bottle is as important as what goes in the bottle and work with world-class designers to create innovative, loud, brilliant labels that speak to consumers in ways unique to the wine world.   Green Lion is a California winemaking project with the singular mission to make ultra-value wine from Napa using the same Australian winemaking techniques that have led the Shiraz revolution in the wine world in the last ten years.   These are regularly priced at $19.99, but we'll keep them on SALE for $17.99 through March.   RED LION 2007 Chardonnay California - A distinct mineral nose with citrus notes that continue to the palate. Supported by rich, stone fruits and mouth-filling white melon.  A racy and lingering acidity makes this a great wine to enjoy with food.   GREEN LION 2006 Merlot Napa Valley - This Merlot show characters typical of the vintage. Densely structured with loads of rich, ripe, redberry fruits that coat the palate and are accentuated by subtle sweet oak notes. The ripe berries per­sist giving the wine a classic elegant finish.       RED LION 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon California - A tight, reserved bouquet slowly opens to ripe black cherries and a hint of spice. The palate is rich, classic Cabernet cassis and cedar wood, given volume by an elegant tannin structure. A lingering finish with distinct black current notes.   See you then.   ================================= NOTES:  If you are a fan of the DOMAINE LA GARRIGUE Cuvée Romaine, we have less than three cases left of the '07 - and that's it.   In the "good news" end, we're getting five more cases of the GRAND VENEUR 2006 Côtes du Rhône-Villages "Les Champauvins" ($16.99) - The estate Cotes du Rhone-Villages is always a winner, and the 2006 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Les Champauvins is again a classic example of southern France. It is a pure wine, with notes of garrigue, meat, and sweet kirsch in a medium to full-bodied, ripe, lovely style meant for drinking in its first 4-5 years of life.  90 points." - Robert Parker, Wine Advocate.  This wine is produced from grapes grown just outside the Chateauneuf boundaries and with slightly higher yields allowed by the Côtes du Rhône-Village appellation.

More New Press - 27 Feb     From the latest Wine Advocate Issue #181 (just released!!)     THORN-CLARKE 2007 Shiraz Barossa "Shotfire" ($19.99) - "92 points.  The 2007 Shotfire Shiraz was aged for 12-18 months in a mix of new and used French and American oak, 40% new. A saturated purple/black in color, this glass-coating effort has a nose of wood smoke, bacon, mineral, and blueberry that leaps from the glass. Rich and intense on the palate, it has layers of flavor, excellent balance, and a pure finish. It way over-delivers for its humble price. Drink it over the next six years." BODEGAS BORSAO 2007 Garnacha Campo de Borja "Tres Picos" ($15.99) - "91 points.  The 2007 Tres Picos Garnacha is a worthy successor to previous vintages of this always remarkable value. Sourced from low yielding vineyards on the slopes of Moncayo Mountain, the wine was aged half in stainless steel and half in French oak for 10 months. Purple-colored, it offers up sexy aromas of cedar, underbrush, mineral, and black cherry. This leads to a layered, intense, spicy, rich Garnacha with gobs of succulent fruit, excellent balance, and a plush finish. This may well be the finest Tres Picos to date. It is likely to improve in the bottle for 2-3 years but there is no reason to delay your gratification."

New Press - 24 Feb     TEXIER 2006 Côtes du Rhône "Brézème" ($19.99) - "Dark and winey, with a great sanguine note piercing through the core of raspberry ganache, melted licorice and sweet spice notes. The long, juicy finish has nice underlying grip.  100% Syrah.  Drink now through 2010.  91 points - Smart Buy!" - Wine Spectator.  ORGANIC.   MONTES 2007 Sauvignon Blanc Leyda Vineyard Limited Selection Chile (SALE!! $13.99) - "A very crisp and minerally style, with a prominent chalky edge that carries the flint, chive and fleur de sel notes.  Very lengthy. Drink now.  90 points - Smart Buy!" - Wine Spectator.  "The 2007 Sauvignon Blanc Leyda Vineyard, a more serious effort, is an unoaked cuvee with an expressive bouquet of spring flowers, citrus, and fresh herbs. Light- to medium-bodied, it exhibits lively white fruit flavors, vibrant acidity, and excellent balance. This exceptional value has a pure, fruit-filled finish.  90 points." - Wine Advocate.    More press for STUHLMULLER 2007 Chardonnay Alexander Valley ($26.99) - "Tangy lime and citrus notes join riper green apple and honeydew melon in this supple, full-bodied, complex and elegant offering. The finish is long and clean. Drink now through 2011.  91 points - Smart Buy!" - Wine Spectator.  (Also 92 points from Robert Parker.)   BORSAO 2007 Garnacha Campo de Borja "TRES PICOS" ($16.99) - "Inky ruby. Highly complex bouquet of cherry, dark berry liqueur, iron, tobacco and dried flowers; reminded me a wine from Graves. Tangy cherry and cassis flavors are on the primal side initially but soften and gain sweetness with air. Fine tannins add grip to the long, spicy finish, which repeats the iron note. This is very promising.  90(+?) points." - Josh Raynolds, International Wine Cellar   CHÂTEAU de BEAUCASTEL 2006 Châteauneuf-du-Pape ($116.99) - "Powerful, with a round, almost creamy core of blackberry and raspberry fruit all layered with cocoa, sweet toast, mesquite and fig paste. Long and rich through the finish. Still quite primal, with lots in reserve. Best from 2010 through 2030. 7,500 cases imported.  95 points - Collectible." - Wine Spectator.  (The 2005 was in the Wine Spectator Top 100 at #8!)  ORGANIC.   We also just received in ten cases of DOMAINE de la SÉGRIÈS 2007 Côtes du Rhône ($9.99) - The reviewers are doing both back and front flips for the 2007 Rhône vintage.  The Ségriès '07 shows a perfect beam of cherry/raspberry fruit with a accent of pepper and fine tannins.  Great value for a house red.  And it's also ORGANIC!

 

New Arrivals - 20 Feb     The only Albariño left around under $15 - the MARTIN CODAX 2006 Albariño Rías Baixas ($14.99) - "This white shows weight and focus, with vivid flavors of green peach, grapefruit, wet stone and smoke. Very fresh and clean.  88 points." - Wine Spectator   Argentina reload - LUIGI BOSCA 2006 Malbec Mendoza (SALE $18.99, was $19.99) - "Full ruby-red. Musky, vinous aromas of blackberry, mocha, espresso and tobacco. Suave, juicy and palate-coating, with a distinctly saline element adding complexity to the flavors of raspberry, tobacco, smoke and green olive. Finishes with fine-grained tannins and lovely aromatic lift. A distinctly soil-inflected wine with loads of personality-and an excellent value.  90(+?) points." - Steve Tanzer, Int'l Wine Cellar   And its partner - LUIGI BOSCA 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza (SALE $18.99 was $19.99) - I ordered the 2005 but the '04 showed up.  No review.  Let's do our own!   Lastly, another Cabernet on sale - LOUIS MARTINI 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County (SALE!! $13.99, was $15.99) - "One of the finest bargains in California Cabernet Sauvignon must be Louis M. Martini's outstanding 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma. The good news is there are 140,000 cases produced. Fabulously sweet aromas of black currants, licorice, and cedar soar from the glass of this medium to full-bodied wine. With silky tannins as well as surprising concentration, depth, and texture, this 2006 should drink well for 8-10 years.  90 points."  Robert Parker, Jr., Wine Advocate

Feb 2009       Montes Close-Out:  Alpha M & Folly     Both of these wines' MSRP $90+   Now on sale for $55!!!       MONTES 2004 "ALPHA M" Santa Cruz -  The slopes of Apalta in Colchagua (in the Central Valley) enclose a half-moon shaped area with a unique micro-climate, defined by the mountains and one of Chile's widest rivers, the Tinguiririca. The best slopes in this valley, with a 15% average inclination and over 45° in the upper slopes, are found on our property where we grow the grapes for MONTES ALPHA "M". Having a west-south-west exposure allows for exactly the right number of hours of sunlight and provides us with an ocean breeze (the sea is only 30 kms away). The very warm days but cool winds at night with their lowering temperatures give a micro-climate particularly suited for growing red grape varieties. Add to this, the poor soils with little organic matter, drip irrigation, and the high density of vines (over 4.800 per hectare) make growing conditions "just right."   "An alluring nose of Kenya AA coffee and bittersweet cocoa, with polished, racy notes of black currant, fig and loam on the palate. The long, fine-grained finish has a nice minerally spine. Not as dense as the 2003, but with better integration. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2012. 4,000 cases made.  94 points." -Wine Spectator     MONTES 2004 "FOLLY" Santa Cruz - Montes Folly is grown on the very highest slopes of our "la Finca de Apalta" vineyard, in Apalta Valley, with an inclination exceeding 45º degrees. Denomination of Origin is Santa Cruz, within Colchagua. These high reaches are home to the superb grapes that become Montes Folly, Chile's first ultra-premium Syrah. Yields are extremely low at less than 4 tons per hectare, with grapes and clusters that are much smaller and even more concentrated than in the vineyard's lower slopes. As a result, they deliver more colour and tannins, making Montes Folly richly colored, complex and powerful, with over 14% alcohol. Montes Folly's blockbuster style and lingering finish attest to its pedigree.   "Shows lovely crushed blueberry and currant fruit aromas and flavors, with well-integrated toast and plenty of mineral, briar, mocha and bacon notes on the round, full-bodied finish. Could use some modest cellaring, but this is approachable now.  Syrah.  Drink now through 2009. 2,000 cases made.  93 points." - Wine Spectator   ORDERS

 

New Arrivals - 20 FEb 2009         SIEGLER 2006 Pinot Blanc Alsace ($14.99) - "Siegler is one of the best producers in Mittelwhir a part of Alsace that produces wines of purity, high acidity, and focused fruit character. The aroma has fresh apple and pear with minerals and high toned citrus (lime or lemon as opposed to grapefruit or orange) the flavor exudes brightness and clarity of fruit that pairs well with trout, flounder, bay scallops, steamed shrimp, and the last oysters of the season as well as rice noodles, and pad Thai." - Didier Simonin, Importer   CORTENOVA 2007 Pinot Grigio Venice Italy ($7.99) - "Brilliant straw color with emerald reflections.  Fresh and floral bouquet with a hint of pears, apricots and bananas. Fresh and inviting with bright fruit and an easy drinking style with a pleasing hint of almonds in the aftertaste.  Pairs well with seafood dishes, risottos with scampi, spaghetti with clams, sole in white wine.  Perfect also as an aperitif." - Fran Kysela, Importer   R WINES 2007 Shiraz South Australia "STRONG ARMS" ($11.99) - New vintage.  Strong Arms Shiraz is blended from fruit sourced from vineyards in McLaren Vale, Riverland, and the Barossa Valley, and then aged in both French and American oak. "Sweet-fruited vibrant nose of fragrant violets, plums, cherry and musk. The palate has rich blackberry, raspberry, licorice and tar. Finishes with a creamy, vanillin oak and slightly smoky character." - Dan Philips, Importer

A new offering from Grateful Palate Imports - PARINGA 2007 Chardonnay Riverland Australia ($9.99) - Interesting and refreshing OZ Chardonnays for $10 seem to be on the downside (Trevor Jones is up to $20, at least here in the Commonwaelth).  Try this out.  "Brilliant clarity displaying a light golden hue, with a depth of color extending to the meniscus of the glass. Rich, ripe fruit profiles with distinct tropical characters of pineapple and nectarine, balanced with subtle citrus aromas of lemon and lime. Intense fruity flavors consistent with the nose provide a perceived sweetness which is balanced with crisp clean acidity and a luscious moderate finish."  Sounds good to me - all for a sawbuck.
 
HOGUE 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley ($10.99) - As you might guess, we really don't go mainstream here, but I've been looking around for a decent value in a Washington State Cabernet, and finally found one.  "Bright and flavorful. A juicy, focused mouthful of raspberry-tinged currant and spice flavors, finishing with a velvety texture. Drink now through 2011.  89 points - BEST VALUE." - Wine Spectator
 
Some Valentine's Day ideas:
 
ALEXANDER VALLEY VINEYARDS 2005 Zinfandel "TEMPTATION" ($11.99) - "Temptation Zinfandel was born out of our twenty-five plus years making Sin Zin Zinfandel. First produced in 1978, with 100% Alexander Valley grapes, Sin Zin has developed a cult like following for its abundant raspberry fruit and freshly crushed black pepper character. In 2001 we launched Redemption Zinfandel, a 100% Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel that displays rich blackberry, blueberry and spice rack qualities that is a terrific counterpoint to Sin Zin. And yet, something was amiss... Sin leads to Redemption, and yet what leads to Sin? Temptation Zin was born." - AVV
 
LAUREL GLEN 2006 Zinfandel Lodi California "REDS" ($11.99) - "The 2006 REDS is delicious, spicy, and rich with zinfandel providing dark raspberry fruit, carignane adding an exotic tang of white pepper, while the petite syrah tones down the tendency of zinfandel to become too jammy and pulls the whole blend together with its deep color and black pepper flavors. Enjoy, as always, with Mediterranean cuisine, and bistro, burgers, and barbeque!" - Laurel Glen
 

More New Beers     OMMEGANG Hennepin ($6.75/750ml) - Farmhouse Saison.  "As you pour this rich golden ale into your glass, consider your surroundings. Are you in a restaurant? Outside on the deck? Is it hot and humid? Cold and brisk? Take a drink. Feel the way Hennepin is bright and lively in your mouth with a warming mix of spicy gingersnap and citrusy hops. Refreshing. Relaxing. It's true: no matter where you are, Hennepin is the perfect ale for all seasons."   OMMEGANG Chocolate INDULGENCE ($13.99/750ml) - Just in time for VALENTINE'S DAY!!  "Chocolate Indulgence comes with a thick tan head of foam resting on top of the rich onyx-colored liquid. The aroma immediately speaks of dark chocolate and dark malts. The gentle herbal nose of Perle hops compliments the darker notes, making the beer savory to the senses.  The taste continues with the intense Belgian dark chocolate gliding across the tongue; starting sweet up front but giving way to rich cocoa flavors at the back. Through it all, a subtle fruitiness from our special Belgian yeast gives the beer brightness otherwise foreign to a beer style normally associated with gray foggy skies."   DOGFISH HEAD Pangea ($7.25/750ml) - "Brewed with ingredients from every continent (crystallized ginger from Australia, water from Antarctica, basmati rice from Asia, etc...), this is slightly spicy ale, with a mouthful of rich flavors."   And we now, by special request, have DUVEL ($3.75/330ml) in the smaller bottles.  "Four generations of the Moortgat family have brought together Pilsner malts, Bohemian hops, and a unique yeast strain to create this intense, aromatic and beguiling ale. This Belgian favorite is best enjoyed chilled (40 - 50 F) with discerning friends or good-looking strangers."

New Beers - 24 Jan 2009   Some are seasonal, some are just limited production.    Blue Mountain is just south of Afton, near (sort of) Wintergreen.  Stop by if you're in that neighborhood between Wednesday and a Sunday.  Most of their beer is sold at the brewery - very little makes it to retail, especially the specilalty beers.   Dogfish Head was recently featured in Southern Living, and their 60-minute IPA is on the beer list at Ruby Tuesday's.  (So is Abita Turbo Dog.)    Bell's experienced 30% growth last year, and for good reason - their beers are well-made and reasonably priced - and still bottle-conditioned.  We are fortunate to receive their limited production bottlings.  Batch 9000 is on the horizon.   BELL'S Hopslam ($15.99/6pk) - "A biting, bitter, tongue bruiser of an ale. With a name like Hopslam, what did you expect?" Larry Bell.  Very Limited - under 4cs right now.  Beer Advocate "A" Rated with 854 reviews.       STONE Collaboration ($4.50/12oz) - Limited Edition Special Spiced Holiday Ale, a collaboration between Stone Brewing (California), Jolly Pumpkin Brewing (Michigan), and Nøgne Ø (Norway), brewed with spices:  "We quickly decided to try and use one indigenous ingredient from each of our brewing regions, Southern California White Sage, Juniper Berries (we couldn't get Norwegian, unfortunately, so we used Italian Juniper Berries, at least they are from the same continent), and (mostly) Michigan Chestnuts. Kjetil suggested brewing with rye malt and Ron suggested adding some caraway to complement the rye, so we decided to brew a full-bodied, spiced ale with 25% rye malt."  12 bottles available.  Truly, one-of-a-kind.   DOGFISH HEAD Midas Touch ($14.99/4pk) - "Midas Touch Golden Elixir is a beverage based on the residue found on the drinking vessels in King Midas' tomb. Our recipe highlights the known ingredients of barley, white Muscat grapes, honey and saffron. Somewhere between a beer, wine and mead, this smooth, dry ale will please with Chardonnay or I.P.A. drinker alike."     DOGFISH HEAD Olde School ($15.99/4pk) - "Inspired by a tale of a cask doctor who brought sluggish ales back to life by suspending a fig in them. Brewed from 100% Maris Otter pale ale malt, a blend of fine hops and conditioned on dates and figs. User Instructions: open bottle, pour contents into two snifters. Enjoy. ALTERNATIVELY: Walk hand-in-neck with bottle into the middle of the woods. Use shovel to dig 2x2 hole three feet deep. Seal bottle in plastic bag. Place in hole and pack with dirt. Memorize location and leave. Return exactly one year later. Dig up bottle, open and enjoy."   NEW HOLLAND Dragon's Milk ($8.50/22oz)  - "Dragon's Milk is a 17th century term used to describe the strong beer usually reserved for royalty. This strong ale was aged in oak for over 120 days. The aging process extracts flavors from the wood, which contribute to its complex character. Hints of bourbon flavor perfectly compliment its roasted malts to produce a beer fit for a King."   BLUE MOUNTAIN Lights Out ($12.99/6pk) - "How do you survive three months of turkey, re-gifted fruitcakes, and decorating four different times from the end of October to January? A lot of really good beer. This traditional Old Ale exhibits a pronounced full, rounded malt flavor accented by English Goldings and Fuggles hops."   DOGFISH HEAD Fort ($18.99/750ml) - "The World's Strongest Fruit Beer with over a ton of Oregon and Delaware raspberries that were dosed in, slowly, over a two month primary fermentation. This process produced lots of complex fruit aromas and flavors without being too sweet. Warrior hops, 45 IBUs. 915 pils malt and 9% malted wheat."   BLUE MOUNTAIN Evil 8 ($12.99/6pk) - Belgian-style Dubbel.  "A truly spiritual ale, Evil 8° will blur the lines of what you think you know about American beer.  Brewed in the Belgian Abbey style using caramelized Biscuit malt, Goldings hops and a unique strain of brewers' yeast."

New Arrivals - 23 Jan 2009     NEYERS 2007 Chardonnay Carneros ($31net) - "Complex aromas of smoke, fig and citrus fold over to the palate. Full-bodied, with fine structure and acidity, along with flavors that end up giving this a delicate feel. The aftertaste is delicious. Drink now through 2012. 93 points." - J.L. Wine Spectator   STUHLMULLER 2007 Chardonnay Estate Alexander Valley ($24net) - "It is hard to find a 92-point Chardonnay for $24 a bottle, but Stuhlmuller's 2007 Chardonnay (5,600 cases) is a beauty. Lemon oil, honeysuckle, white currant, white peach, and poached pear characteristics are present in this beauty along with terrific freshness, medium to full body, a layered mouthfeel, and a long, pure, dry finish. Drink this knock-out Chardonnay over the next 2-3 years." - Wine Advocate RAMEY Chardonnay Russian River Valley Ritchie Vineyard 2006 ($63net) - "Deliciously complex and full-bodied, this is layered with flavors, showing citrus and tropical fruit, with hints of anise and buttery oak, yet the acidity keeps the flavors tangy and vibrant. Drink now through 2012. 1,300 cases made.  95 points - Highly Recommended."   -JL, Wine Spectator        ORDERS

New Arrivals - 9 JAN 2009   Happy New Year!  2009 has arrived!   So while the economy melts down, let's open some new wines.     Marques de Casa Concha 2007 Chardonnay Chile ($19.99) - This label never seems to disappoint.  And as $20 Chardonnays go this is touohg to beat - maybe by the Catena from across the Andes.  "Very ripe, but with great, underlying juiciness to the quince, Jonagold apple and pear flavors. The long, pure finish keeps you coming back for more. Drink now through 2010.  91 points." - Wine Spectator   Viña Cobos 2007 Cabernet Sauviignon "Felino" ($21.99) - "The purple-colored 2007 Felino Cabernet Sauvignon offers up spicy black currants and blackberry. Smooth-textured and layered, it has excellent balance and a lengthy, pure finish. It's hard to think of a better value in Cabernet Sauvignon. 91 points. Viña Cobos is Paul Hobbs' winery in Mendoza. He is better known (at least for the moment) to USA connoisseur/collectors for his namesake winery in Napa Valley which has received many accolades (including 100-point scores from Robert Parker) for its Cabernets, Pinot Noirs, and Chardonnays. What is less well known is that Hobbs is a pioneer in fine wine production in Argentina, having started there in 1988 with Nicolas Catena. Senor Catena gives Hobbs much credit for the success of Catena-Zapata's Chardonnay program. He has since extended his consulting efforts both in Argentina and Chile but the capstone of Hobbs' work is Viña Cobos which began in 1998 and moved into its own winery facility in 2007."  Wine Advocate   And it's that time of year again - Girl Scout Cookies.  We have the sign up sheet here at WSP - order early, order often.     STILL the Deal of the Week!! Lockwood 2004 Syrah Monterey "Shale Ridge" (SALE!! $7.99 was $11.99) - "This wine's briliant ruby color is just a prelude to its bright aromas of red cherry and dark plum. A hint of vanilla from French oak aging is evident in the nose while a soft tannin structure, coupled with a full-bodied mouth feel, makes this wine immediately enjoyable." - Lockwood Winery After receiving a gift of some lamb, we opened a half bottle of the Ken Wright Cellars 2006  Pinot Noir "Shea Vineyard" ($29.99/375ml).  I know the economy is all whacked out, but if you're going to cry over a glass of wine, pick this one.  Deep, lush, dark cherry fruit with the characteristic loaminess of the Shea terroir.   Also - last call for the Bodegas Borsao 2007 Campo de Borja "Tres Picos" ($16.99) - last three vintages have scored Wine Advocate 91 points, and the 2005 was in Wine Spectator Top-100 list.

New Arrivals There such a flurry this time of year that notices get backed up.  It's pretty much a one-man show here, do the tech guy is on the floor the bulk of the time pushing wine, stocking shelves, and doing paperwork.  The writer gets to stay up late and publish.   Domaine de la Garrigue 2007 Côtes du Rhône "Cuvée Romaine" ($16.99) - This Rhône has been a regular here since the 1998 vintage.  The price has remained stable as has the quality.  (During a visit in 2000, we left the property with magnums of 1995 Vacqueyras - what a blast.)  As usual, the Cuvée Romaine is all compressed and awkward with bottle shock upon arrival.  History should show that it will come around Spring grilling season and develop over the next few years.  The critics are doing back flips over the 2007 Southern Rhône vintage.  Patience will be rewarded with the Cuvée Romaine his wine.  Buy a case and stuff it away until May Day.  "The 2007 Cotes du Rhone Cuvee Romaine, a custom cuvee for importer Eric Solomon made from 60 to 90-year old vines, is a joint project of Solomon and the Bernard family that owns the wonderful Gigondas restaurant, Les Florets, and the brilliant oenologist, Philippe Cambie. A sensational blend of 65% Grenache, 25% Mourvedre, and 10% Syrah, it boasts a dense purple color along with a gorgeous nose of creosote, kirsch, blackberries, licorice, and hints of smoked herbs and roasted meats. The wine possesses fabulous ripeness, fresh acidity, full body, and layers of both flavor and depth. It is a remarkable effort, but readers who purchase it should be sure it has the Eric Solomon strip label as the same wine, bottled much later, is sold in other markets. In my opinion, those wines have lost a lot of their freshness.  92 points."  Robert Parker, Jr., Wine Advocate.  Creosote?   Thorn-Clarke 2005 Shiraz Barossa "Shotfire" ($10.99/375ml) and Thorn-Clarke 2007 Shiraz Barossa "Shotfire" ($17.99) - The Shotfire Shiraz has also been in the WSP stable since the 2002 vintage.  (Upon the 2007 release, we did a quasi-vertical of the Shotfires.  The 2005 was the crowd favorite, followed by the 2007 and 2003; the 2006 seems to be in a weird phase of awkwardness and trying to figure out its footing.)  The 2007 has not been rated, but its youthful exuberance cannot be ignored.  For the 2005:  "The 2005 Shiraz Shotfire Ridge beefs up the oak and fruit intensity in a full-bodied, chocolaty, rich, ball buster styled Barossa Shiraz that coats the palate, stains the teeth, and provides an intense mouthful of wine. It should drink well for 10-12 years. It is a remarkable value.  92 points."  Robert Parker, Jr., Wine Advocate.  "Deep, saturated purple. Dusty deep aromas of espresso-tinged blackberry, blueberry and blackcurrant. Lush, velvety and sweet, the blackberry and blueberry flavors veering toward liqueur-like but retaining focus and clarity. I suspect that many hard-core Old World palates might find this a bit too much but I'm impressed.  90 points."  Tanzer's International Wine Cellar     Old Loire   Olga Raffault 1995 Chinon "Les Picasses" ($32.99)Olga Raffault 2002 Chinon "Les Picasses" ($19.99)   At Domaine Olga Raffault, Olga herself is legendary. Now in her 80's, but as spry and vivacious as ever, she has all but retired and the winemaking is continued by her son, Jean, while her daughter-in-law and grandchildren manage the estate. She is still much in demand for her opinion and expertise and recently appeared on a local radio show about red winemaking in the Loire. The estate has terrific plots of land in the Savigny-en-Véron district hard by the Vienne riverbanks. The 'Les Picasses' vineyard stands out from the rest: old vines of 50-ish years on a fairly steep slope from the riverbank that is alluvial clay with a chalk limestone base. The fruit is particularly expressive of dark fruits of cassis and dark cherries with a terrific mineral content and good acidity for structure. The winemaking is most traditional at this estate. The grapes are, of course, handpicked and fermented in stainless-steel. The wines are then aged in larger, neutral oak and sometimes chestnut - a traditional barrel wood in the region. The 'Picasses' spends two to three years in oak, to reduce the wine and soften the tannins, and is usually released about 4 years after the vintage. Raffault's 'les Picasses' often has a light garnet color belying the depth of fruit flavor and complexity. Its style is rustic, quite earthy, with hints of orange zest and deep, dark cherry flavor. The tannins are soft, but present, and the mineral complexity in the finish is superb. - Joe Dresser   And if you like older Muscadet from a prominent producer (with some Wine Enthusiast press:   Luneau-Papin 1995 Muscadet Sèvre et Maine "L d'Or" ($32.99) - "It's an extraordinary wine that still tastes so fresh after 13 years, but for a Muscadet it's almost unbelievable. Yet, here is this citrus and white currant flavored wine that still shows high acidity and liveliness as well as a depth of texture that has come during its aging. Probably at its peak now.  93 points." - R.V. (11/2008)   Luneau-Papin 1999 Muscadet Sèvre et Maine "L d'Or" ($26.99) - "The granite soil of the vineyard is dominant in this textured, mineral wine with its kerosene aroma and its taut, almost austere acidity. While the primary fruit has gone, this is still nowhere near mature, a wine that shows considerable freshness, life, potential.  92 points." - R.V. (11/2008)   Pierre et Monique Luneau-Papin head this 30-hectare estate in Le Landreau, in the heart of Muscadet country, where small hamlets dot a landscape of vineyards on low hills. Their estate, also known as Domaine Pierre de la Grange, has been in existence since the early 18th century when it was already planted with Melon de Bourgogne, the Muscadet varietal. Pierre and Monique are the eighth generation of winemakers in the family. Pierre is a genial, low-key, distracted professor type. He's the winemaker and vineyard work supervisor. His wife Monique, lively, energetic and equally genial, is the business manager. Muscadet is an area where, unfortunately, a lot of undistinguished bulk wine is produced. Because of the size of their estate, and of the privileged terroir of the villages of Le Landreau, Vallet and La Chapelle Heulin, the Luneau family has opted for producing smaller cuvées from their several plots, which are always vinified separately so as to reflect their terroir's particular character. The soil is mainly micaschist and gneiss, some plots are a mix of silica, volcanic rocks and schist. The estate has a high proportion of old vines, 40 years old on average, up to 65 years of age. The harvest is done by hand, also a rarity in the region, to avoid any oxidation before pressing. There is an immediate light débourbage (separation of juice from gross lees), then a 4-week fermentation at 68 degrees, followed by 6 months of aging in stainless-steel vats on fine lees. This is the classic Muscadet-sur-lie process, where the wine is kept on its lees, with a fair amount of CO2 as protection, until bottling in the spring following the harvest. The only modern technique used here is macération pelliculaire (maceration of lightly crushed berries before pressing), which varies in proportion according to the cuvées.  The L d'Or, the estate's top cuvée and the longest-lived, is big, fat, and its mineral character mingles with floral and citrusy notes. - Joe Dressner

Pinot Sale - Cru Beau   This time of year I look around the shop and profess:  "Gee whiz.  Look at all of this "_____" that's hanging around.  This year the "_____" is Pinot Noir.  So, from today until next Friday the 19th, we'll discount all Pinot Noir purchases 10%, and on up to 15% on case purchases - solid or mixed.  Many selections are limited in supply.  Current selection is here - WSP - Pinot Sale   But, if you think Pinot Noir's supply/demand curve is a little out of kilter (but still like the style), we've assembled a six-pack of 2006 Beaujolais Crus.  The purity and precision these wines offer, for the money, is truly amazing.        ·        Coudert Clos de Roilette Fluerie ($21.99) - Advocate 91pts  ·        Chermette Vissoux Moulin-à-Vent "Les Trois Roches" ($21.99) - IWC 90pts    ·        Tete Clos du Fief Julienás ($19.99) - Advocate 90pts  ·        G. Descombes Morgon ($19.99) - Advocate 90pts  ·        G. Descombes Brouilly ($21.99) - NYR  ·        G. Descombes Brouilly V.V. ($28.99) - NYR      Save 10% - TOTAL for the six $120!     We have a few more things inbound - Domaine La Garrigue 2007 Cuvée Romaine Côtes du Rhône, some older Luneau-Papin L d'Or Muscadet, and Shotfire Ridge 2005 Shiraz Half Bottles. Notes:  As we approach our twelfth Holiday season, a lot has happened over the years.  If you are reading this, you have likely either purchased wine from Washington Street Purveyors, have made an inquiry as such, or stumbled upon our website gopherwine.com and signed up for updates.    Looking back: Back in June of 2003, the Thorn-Clarke 2002 Shotfire Ridge Barossa Shiraz was graced with a 94-point rating form Robert Parker.  If you did a Google search for this wine back then, we were the fifth entry on the first page of results!  And this was using plain old Micrsoft FrontPage!  And then the Las Rocas 2001 VV followed.  Almost too much of a good thing.  But we gained a lot of folks interested in our operation.    Nowadays, those kinds of results are generated through sophisticated IT departments using state-of-the-art SEO programming or through expensive subscriptions or web advertising - neither of which we plan to pursue.  (If you search Shotfire Shiraz 2007 today, we're on page eight - still respectable considering our resources, but off the radar for all intents and purposes.  And at $17.99, a good price.)    The internet is an amazing resource.  Three years ago, Google was averaging 250M searches a day - now it's over a billion.  In many ways, wine (even First Growths) has become a commodity, and price wars abound.  And for most cases, if a buyer can't get Wine A at price A from Seller A, then they won't likely buy it for the higher Price B from Seller B.  It just doesn't 'feel right.'  (True Story - A buyer from Palm Beach recently had a case of wine shipped from New Jersey to a friend of his up the street from WSP here in Lexington for less than what I could sell it to him.  That's the current state of the landscape.)   It's been some time I've sent something out to the readership, as I prefer our announcements to be informative and meaningful - something that you will open and remember.  We have some new arrivals coming in for the holidays - we'll get those out as soon as we can.    For the most part, according to engines such as Wine-Searcher and WineZap, we're pretty much in the middle of the pack in regards to pricing - we do what we can and try to provide a quality product at a competitive price and with prompt service, weather permitting.  It's an old-school model, but has broad applications.    Again, as always, thank you for your patronage an attention.  Have a great weekend. Vieux Telegraphe 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape   #5 Wine Spectator TOP 100 Wines for 2008     Price: $39.99/375ml       Seghesio 2007 Zinfandel Sonoma County     #10 Wine Spectator TOP 100 Wines for 2008   PRICE: $21.99 Concha y Toro 2005 Cabernet  Sauvignon "Don Melchor"     #12 Wine Spectator TOP 100 Wines of 2008   PRICE: $74.99

October 27th, 2008 - New Arrivals and Filling the Backlog:

Too many distractions.  To summarize:  Loire, Argentina, Australia, Beaujolais, Spain

New Arrivals - Tasting   Henry LaGarde 2002 Mendoza "Guarda" ($24.99) - "This 218ha estate is located in the Zona Alta of the Mendoza River, considered one of the best growing regions in Argentina. Temperatures are hot in the day and cool at night, encouraging ripeness but preserving aromatic character.  Excellent quality - the best harvest of the last ten years with healthy, mature grapes. The weather conditions played an important role in the quality of the grapes and wines. The winter was mild, without intense low temperatures. The wine had a year in french oak and a further year in barrel before release."  Malbec/Cabernet/Merlot/Syrah.   Vega Sindoa 2007 Navarra Grenache "El Chaparral" ($14.99) - Plan B intil the Las Rocas is released.  "Bright ruby. Extremely rich nose displays black raspberry, plum and flowers. Juicy dark berry flavors are liqueur-like in depth and power but given lift by zesty minerality. Finishes with expansive red and dark berry flavors and excellent persistence. It's amazing that this can sell for under $30, much less $15.  91 points!" - International Wine Cellar.   Cueva de las Manos 2007 Mendoza Bonarda "Old Vine Reserve" (SALE!! $11.99 was $13.99) - "100% Bonarda.  Manual harvest. Aged for 12 months in French oak barrels; aging in the bottle for a minimum of 6 months.  Deep red color with violet hints. Wild berries and violet aromas, round and velvety tannins and a long finish."

 

New Press     93 POINTS - Seghesio 2007 Zinfandel Sonoma County ($21.99) - "A seductive and vigorous Zinfandel, with smoky black cherry and blueberry aromas and youthful wild berry, sage and cracked pepper flavors that have a lingering finish and zesty tannins. Drink now through 2012." - Wine Spectator.   90 POINTS - WhiteHaven 2007 Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough New Zealand ($18.99) - "Bright, pale straw. Knockout nose combines lemon, lime, pear, melon, flowers, licorice and jalapeno, with a spicy ginger quality emerging with air. Then deep and fresh on the palate, with juicy pineapple and grapefruit flavors complicated by a hint of crystallized citrus peel. There's an element of varietally typical herbaceousness but this wine is ripe, balanced and long." - International Wine Cellar   88 POINTS - Domino de Eguren 2006 Protocolo Tinto ($7.99) - "100% Tempranillo.  Inky purple.  Dark cherry and blackberry aromas are complicated by black pepper and licorice; smells pretty complex for this price point.  Sappy dark berry flavors are well-focused and pliant, picking up a spicy quality with air.  Clean and juicy on the finish, which repeats the blackberry note.  This is a superb bargain, as usual. " - International Wine Cellar   87 POINTS - Domaine de la Pépière 2007 Muscadet de Sevre et Maine sur Lie ($14.99) - "Mark Ollivier's 2007 Muscadet de Sevre et Maine Sur Lie smells of fresh almond, bitter-sweet flowers, and oyster shell. With a surprising softness for its genre, and with a juicy generosity of apple and almond that reminds me slightly of a true Pinot Blanc, this deposits subtly bitter chalk and iodine notes in its finish." - Wine Advocate

New Arrivals from Beaujolais   Jean Paul Brun 2007 Beaujolais Chardonnay "Terres Dorées" ($17.99) - "91 points.  The Terres Dorees 2007 Beaujolais Blanc Chardonnay displays a gorgeous aroma of diverse flowers, white peach, lime, grapefruit, and ocean breeze. There is positively chewy substance on the palate, yet the wine remains refreshing and lilting in personality. The chalky, leesy sense of extract is palpable, yet floral nuances and delicate peach and lime fruit positively soar into the finish, along with savory, saline, sweet, scallop-like notes. This beauty is more reminiscent of a fine Chablis or even Riesling than of a Chardonnay from the Macon or Cote d'Or. A revelatory example of what is possible in this appellation and vintage, you can enjoy the Brun 2007 Blanc over at least the next 2-3 years. The prevalence of chalky soils in the south of Beaujolais is the principle reason why this area is classified merely as "Beaujolais" rather than "Beaujolais-Villages." But it is also a reason why Chardonnay can achieve outstanding results here, even if there are few examples (even fewer of which carry the "Beaujolais Blanc" rather than "Bourgogne" appellation). Jean-Paul Brun's is not just a too little-known treasure of Beaujolais, it is among the handful of consistently finest value Chardonnays on the planet."  David Schildknecht, Wine Advocate.     Domaine du Vissoux 2007 Beaujolais Vieilles Vignes "Cuvee Traditionelle" ($18.99) - "90 points.  Chermette's 2007 Beaujolais Vieilles Vignes Cuvee Traditionelle reflects more rigorously than his (likewise unfiltered) "Pierre Chermette" cuvee the selection of top-quality fruit and vinification without chaptalization or yeasting and with a minimum of added sulfur. Surprisingly dark in color for a wine so light in body (at 11.5% alcohol) this displays pure red berry and cassis fruit, sweet floral notes, citrus rind pungency, saline minerality, and a kinetic inner intensity that will leave your palate refreshed and invigorated. There is also a darker, woodsy undertone here, which will emerge interestingly as this Beaujolais - which currently acts the white wine want-to-be - matures. Enjoy letting this wine demonstrate to you its versatility over the coming 18-24 months. From his base in southern Beaujolais, Pierre Chermette (like nearby Jean-Paul Brun) has become one of the beacons of Beaujolais quality, as well as a landholder in the "crus" of northern Beaujolais. (Since his label now features his name writ large and "Vissoux" in tiny letters, I have listed accordingly.)"

 

New Arrivals - Shotfire Ridge 2007 Shiraz     Most everyone knows the history on this, but if you don't, here's the run-down:  The winery owners are David and Cheryl Clarke (born Thorn) and their son Sam is the manager of the winery. The Thorn-Clarke family has a long history in the Barossa - six generations of involvement in the region's world famous wine industry. The Thorns have been grape growers in the Barossa since the 1870's. David Clarke's passion for the wine industry lead to the planting of the Kabininge vineyard outside of Tanunda in 1987, which represents the start of a deeper involvement by the family in the Barossa wine industry.    Thorn-Clarke Wines was launched in 2002 as a result of the 37 year marriage between David and Cheryl Clarke (nee Thorn). The Thorn family have grown vines in the Barossa since the 1870's and still proudly own and manage some of the oldest vineyards in the region. The wine is another reward for geologist David Clarke and his family. The family has planted four diverse Barossa vineyards over the last 20 years, enabling them to blend wines grown from different terroirs which adds complexity and richness to the wine.   Thorn-Clarke 2007 Shiraz Barossa Valley "Shotfire Ridge" ($17.99 ON Special)    "Deep red in color. The lifted nose has plums and sweet spice - cardoman and cinnamon, with choc mint oak characters. The palate is full bodied but refined with some expressive berry fruit, plums, liquorice and complex spicy oak. There is a great depth of fruit which will ensure the longevity of the wine and also gives it wonderful mouthfilling sensation. The tannins are velvety and combined with the rich fruit and spicy oak gives the wine great length of flavor."  So, we'll also put up the 2003, 2005 and 2006 vintages for tasting.  NOTE:  Only the 2005 (half bottles) and 2006 are still available for sale.The Shotfire Ridge Shiraz has consistently rated 90-plus points since the 2002 vintage from Robert Parker, Jr., and Wine Spectator - the 2003 AND the 2006 were in Wine Spectator's Top-100 list.   New Food     Gearharts Chocolates bars from Charlottesville.  Four different flavors - savor it.  Really, really good.  Really.   New Beer   New Holland Brewing "Ichabod" Pumpkin Ale $9.99 - What I like about the Ichabod is its conservative use of pumpkin and spices - that is, it doesn't taste like pie.  "Ichabod combines malted barley and real pumpkin with cinnamon and nutmeg in a delicious and inviting brew. A rewarding complement to many dishes, Ichabod pairs well with autumnal foods such as poultry and root vegetables. After dinner, try it with your favorite dessert!"   Oskar Blues Brewery Dale's Pale Ale $17.99 12pk -"World's Best Canned Beer" - Details Magazine.  "Top American Pale Ale" - New York Times. Back in Stock:    Salneval 2007 Albarino - $12.99 Despite the weakening dollar and increasing popularity of Albarino (from Galicia, Spain), this Salneval reamins a great bargain.  The Pazo Senorans Albarino is in the high $20s now, but it's not twice as good as the Salneval.  So refreshing and seafood friendly, amd also just favorably reviewed in the New York Times Albarino focus.

 

August 13th, 2008 - New Arrivals and Filling the Backlog:

Finally back in after a Dog Days R&R.  We took in a some shows at the Sleeping Bear Dunegrass Music Festival and toured the New Holland Brewery while we were out.  And these Olympics are killing me - so much drama.  Thanks again for your support - Back on Board!!

(Some) New Arrivals - Muscadet:     There is a book worth reviewing titled The Battle for Wine and Love: or How I Saved The World from Parkerization by Alice Feiring.  The theme follows the film Mondovino's "it's all about ratings" and "old-world wines are dead" vein.  Alice's writing can be abrasive at times, and gets a little long-winded toward the end, but her passion for her cause is literally palpable.  She brings to question, and rightly so, the trendy green movement toward organic and biodynamic wines, the terms being used more for marketing purposes than for quality wine-making.  You can start with organically-grown grapes, but what happens after that can be startling, and the wine is still "organic."  She states the focus should really be on "natural" or "authentic" wines; those that demonstrate a sense of place, or terroir.  All of the winemakers' manipulations have removed the terroir from these wines; their personality, their soul.  "And for what," you ask?  Points.  Scores from Wine Spectator and Robert Parker's Wine Advocate.  Points = money.  Wine is now manipulated into product that critics will score higher.   During her journey, Alice finally meets and befriends "Big Joe."   Joe is a wine importer, and his company focuses on these wines that Ms. Feiring is hunting for.  It's Joe who provides the term "natural" for Alice's le mot juste.    "Big Joe" is Joe Dressner, as in Louis/Dressner Imports.  One of the wines in Joe's portfolio is Marc Ollivier's Domaine de la Pépière.  Back in February of 2000, I had the opportunity to visit Marc's property.  It was the day after walking down to Omaha Beach, investigating the crosses in the Normandy American Cemetery, and then up the coast the D-Day Café for a plate of raw oysters and a chilled bottle of Muscadet.  The weather was grey with frequent drizzle, but not too chilly.   Marc Ollivier farms organically, hand-harvests (a rarity in the region), and ferments using native yeasts (those on the skins).  The result is a fabulous expression of the Muscadet - brilliantly fresh and pure, and for 2007, more intensity.  Lemon/lime, granite, and sea air.  For summertime enjoyment, it doesn't get much better.  Try it with shrimp, scallops, or oysters.  And the pairing of oysters and Muscadet is cheaper than Viagra.  Not to mention it's healthier.    So for Friday, a series of Muscadet ranging from the latest 2007 release back to 2004.  Who says you must consume Muscadet within twelve months of release.  Balderdash!   Domaine de la Pépière 2007 Muscadet Sur Lie ($14.99) - The only downside on this one is that the 2005 started at $10.99 a bottle.  The vines are at least forty years old, and all the vineyards are from original stock: Ollivier is the only grower in the Muscadet who does not have a single clonal selection in his vineyards.   Domaine de la Pépière 2007 Muscadet  Sur Lie "Clos des Briords" ($17.99) - This is a deal of a lifetime.  Ollivier also produces a very-old-vine cuvée of Muscadet from a single-plot vineyard in schist, the Clos des Briords. These are among the oldest vines in his estate (they were planted in 1930) and they enjoy a particularly good exposition. Also, when most of his estate's vines are planted on poor, shallow soil with hard granite very close to the surface, the Clos des Briords has a much deeper top soil of clay and silica over a brittle granite subsoil: this ensures excellent drainage in wet years, and better moisture retention in dry summers. Ripening is slower, and the longer hang-time before harvest allows for optimal maturity to be reached.   Domaine de la Pépière 2006 Muscadet  Sur Lie "Clos des Briords" ($15.99) Domaine de la Pépière 2005 Muscadet  Sur Lie "Granit de Clisson" ($21.99) - "Granite de Clisson" is a special bottling done by a select few producers of Muscadet who work in the most traditional methods. It is a selection of old vines planted in granite (which accounts for only 5% of the soil in the entire AOC), which undergo a 24 month elevage sur lie. 2005 marks the first time Marc has participated in this project.   Luneau-Papin 2004 Muscadet Sur Lie "L d'Or" ($19.99) - Not Ollivier, but another Dressner selection.  Pierre et Monique Luneau-Papin head this 30-hectare estate in Le Landreau, in the heart of Muscadet country, where small hamlets dot a landscape of vineyards on low hills. Their estate, also known as Domaine Pierre de la Grange, has been in existence since the early 18th century when it was already planted with Melon de Bourgogne, the Muscadet varietal. Pierre and Monique are the eighth generation of winemakers in the family. Pierre is a genial, low-key, distracted professor type. He's the winemaker and vineyard work supervisor. His wife Monique, lively, energetic and equally genial, is the business manager.  The L d'Or, the estate's top cuvée and the longest-lived, is big, fat, and its mineral character mingles with floral and citrusy notes.