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Saturday Tasting "Winestone Presents: Undiscovered France!"
January 11, 12-5pm French wine grapes are famous for being adopted the world over, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon being the classic examples. Yet, such is the breadth and depth of France and French wine, that there are dozens of French grapes that are undiscovered by many wine lovers. Patrick’s intent with this week’s selections is to share with the Winestone community his appreciation of select lesser known French wines. Two of these come from alpine France (Jaquère and Trousseau), one, Aligoté, is from well-known Burgundy, but is overshadowed by famed Chardonnay. One of the joys of getting to know wine grapes is enhanced enjoyment of wine tourism, as one starts to look for and ‘see’ more of the grapes. For example, Trousseau has been adopted by some cult producers in Willamette (Oregon), and it is a thrill to compare one’s experience of Jura and Oregon Trousseau!!! What: 2023 Berthenet Bourgogne Aligoté: $21 Where: Montagny, Burgundy, France Grapes: Aligote Burgundy's "other" white grape. Aligoté has its own charms that can compete with the finesse and refinement that Chardonnay is known for in Burgundy. Aligoté is known for its hardiness and tolerance of the wind and cold, as such, it tends to be planted at the top of Burgundy’s slopes. In the right hands, grown on the right soil, and treated with respect there is a place on the table, or picnic blanket, for well-made Aligoté. Mostly the expressions have light stone fruit, apple, pear and citrus notes, but riper examples can be quite aromatic and lifted, even touching on the exotic. Such is the delight that Berthenet's Aligoté brings! Light, bright and refreshingly zesty with citrus and green apple notes. Grown on a tiny plot of vines planted in 1950 in the Montagny subregion of the Côte Chalonaise this is a delightful white. A refreshing après-ski beverage! Aligoté can also be used in a Kir, a Burgundian wine ‘cocktail’, which is simply wine with a stain of crème de cassis – which confers the blackcurrant notes. What: 2022 Domaine Labbé Abymes: $16 Where: Abymes, Savoie, France Grapes: Jacquère This Alpine white comes from the tiny village of Abymes in the Savoie region of eastern France, made from the native Jacquère grape, and is a staff favorite. The Savoie is a spectacularly beautiful part of France, near to, and resembling Switzerland. It has an under-appreciated, and yet highly developed and distinctive white and red wine-making heritage that should be tasted by any true wine lover. Indigenous white alpine whites can surprise with their robustness and the ripening the grapes are capable of on the sun-drenched and steep slopes. Brothers Alexandra and Jérôme founded Domaine Labbé in 1975, working the vines on the weekend after tending to their day-jobs all week. In 2004, Alexandra's and Jérôme's sons (cousins!) took over vineyard operations. The estate is small, with only about 10 hectares planted to the high-yielding Jacquère grape. The cousins farm sustainably, encouraging biodiversity and soil health in the vineyard. The wine is fermented with indigenous yeasts and in stainless steel vessels to preserve Jacquère's natural freshness. In 2022, Domain Labbé's Abymes flavors (wet stone, lemon, pear) are as fresh and pure as the first snow of the season! What: 2022 Jean-Luc Mouillard Sur la Cour: $25 Where: Mantry, Jura, France Grapes: Trousseau Jean-Luc Mouillard was born in Nevy-sur-Seille, the Jura region, at the foot of the oft-photographed Château-Chalon. The Jura is sandwiched between Switzerland and Burgundy, and its vineyard area is the first upland between the Bresse Plain and the Jura Mountains. After enology school, he established Domaine Jean-Luc Mouillard in 1991, renting several parcels and planting several others. Today he farms twenty-seven acres of vines (up from the twenty stated on old back labels that may still be seen on bottles) in three appellations: Côtes du Jura, L’Etoile, and Château-Chalon. Trousseau is a Jura native and at some point in its history migrated to Portugal, where it is known as Bastardo. The Mouillard rendition is a lightly-colored wine of notably full, limestone flavors. Lighter years see this wine aged entirely in tank while riper years can see barrel aging. 2022 was considered a very good year for Jura reds. This ruby red colored Trousseau, has a vibrant nose with notes of red berries, cherry, and fresh violets. The elegant palate has supple tannins and a mouthwatering acidity. A red wine that can be enjoyed all year round! What: 2019 Domaine Toupie Volte-Face: $38 Where: Maury, Roussillon, France Grapes: Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre (60/25/15) After 20 years spent in wine administration, Jérôme Collas took the plunge and crossed the "border" from Languedoc to Roussillon, to settle in 2012 on 12 ha in the Agly valley, 25 km from Perpignan and the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, in the heart of Catalan country. Jérôme produces Côtes du Roussillon Villages and Maury appellation wines. His wines are made from very old vines fruit planted on schist soils. Harvested by hand, the grapes are transported in crates of around 15 kg, sorted upon entering the cellar, destemmed and vinified in stainless steel vats temperature-controlled at 24°C. The Syrah was vinified "in full" from the fermentation in new open 400l barrels. The 4 to 5 week maceration is punctuated regularly by punching down the cap. Each grape variety is aged separately for 10 months in new barrels before final blending. This wine with its purple color deserves to be discovered after decanting. Twelve months in the barrel results in an intense nose of vanilla, roasting, coffee, spices and black fruits like blackberry. With a soft and fresh attack, the palate gives way to the fruit and complex elegant tannins. Saturday Tasting "A Southbound start to 2025!"
January 4, 12-5pm Given Winestone’s emphasis on wines from the northern hemisphere, Patrick decided to take a fresh start to 2025 by showing some of the great wines of the southern hemisphere. A trip to those countries quickly reveals the significance of French viticultural influence. The use of so many French varietals outside of France, demonstrates the profound influence that terroir (the immediate environment of the grape) has on the wine in the glass. Some of the best known examples of the impact of terroir are Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina, as opposed to Cahors, France; or, Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, Zealand, as opposed to Sancerre, France. The expression of terroir and high quality of the wines will make for a great start to the 2025 tasting year at Winestone. What: 2021 Cape Mentelle Sauvignon Blanc: $20 Where: Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia Grapes: Sauvignon Blanc 88%, Semillon 12% Remote Margaret River, on Australia’s western Indian Ocean coast, emerged onto the world wine scene later than some other Australian appellations but quickly developed a reputation for premium wine production. As one of Margaret River’s ‘founding five’ wineries, Cape Mentelle pioneered many of the region’s renowned wine styles and is a benchmark for quality. The fruit was sourced from cooler sites, Crossroads (52%) and Chapman Brook (41%), well suited to Sauvignon Blanc. To achieve maximum freshness, the fruit was harvested in the cool of the night capturing purity and elegance. The wine is vinified with several months of lees contact. A bright pale straw color with brilliant green edges. Nose of green apple skin, lifted orange blossom and green papaya, with hints of passionfruit, white peach and nectarine. On the palate intense flavors of ripe apple, juicy lemon, and lemon curd tart provide good weight and length with a creamy texture showing ample width. This wine pairs wonderfully with grilled halibut dressed with lemongrass and ginger, or accentuates the savory richness of a goat cheese soufflé. Or simply pair with a ripened brie oozing with creaminess. What: 2022 White Clay Semillon-Chenin: $25 Where: Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina Grapes: Semillon, Chenin Blanc Family vintners for over 100 years, the Catenas are recognized for their pioneering role in high-altitude viticulture in Argentina. Luján de Cuyo Appellation is known for its clay-rich soils and cool nights. Catena White Clay white wine comes from vineyards at 3,117 feet, the soil is alluvial in origin with clay topsoil and rounded rocks below (30%Clay - 40%Silt - 30%Sand). This wine goes through cold settling at less than 50ºF (10ºC) to preserve aromas. The juice is then fermented for around 25-45 days with a post-fermentation maceration (skin contact) of approximately 6 hours. It is vinified for four to six months in contact with the lees (remaining yeast cells) in 100% French Oak barrel (30% second and third use Oak barrels to moderate the secondary flavors conferred by the oak). Deeply aromatic with expressive citrus and peach with a rich and mineral finish. Pairs well with vegetables, pasta and grilled white meats. This blend of Semillon and Chenin Blanc is Argentina’s century-old traditional white wine. What: 2023 Lalela Cinsaut: $29 Where: Wellington, South Africa Grapes: Cinsault Lalela, means “Come Listen” in Zulu. The Lalela project tells the story of BIPOC participation in the South African wine industry. Here, all of the Cinsaut fruit is sourced from predominantly Black owned farms. Cinsaut is a classic grape of the southern Rhône region, which like other French varietals found a home in South Africa. Cinsaut produces vibrant and invigorating wines with a distinctive fragrance. The Cinsaut was sourced from a 6 year old vineyard, bush vine parcel grown on decomposed granite soils on Groenberg Mountain. The vineyard is situated in warm Wellington and benefits from cooling winds. The grapes were handpicked. The Cinsaut was processed in stainless steel fermenters, 15 % whole bunch with the remainder destemmed on top. After 24 hours the must was bled to increase structure and concentration. Natural fermentation from the indigenous yeast was encouraged lasting 14 – 21 days, daily pump overs were employed for extraction. The wine was aged in 228L older French oak for 10 months. Lalela Cinsaut is full-bodied and dry, showcasing a firm structure with captivating violet aromas and dense red fruit flavors. Its robust profile makes a complex, richly satisfying, bold, and structured wine. Enjoy with braised or game meats or herb heavy eggplant. What: 2023 Santa Julia Malbec: $20 Where: Mendoza, Argentina Grapes: Malbec Familia Zuccardi ranks among Argentina’s most respected wine producers, with Santa Julia as a newer element of their production. During the 1950s Alberto Zuccardi started an irrigation company in Mendoza. He planted a vineyard in 1963 to show how his watering system could benefit grape quality, thereby writing himself into history and establishing the great Familia Zuccardi. Alberto’s son José now manages the business with his sons Sebastián and Miguel, while experienced winemaker Ruben Ruffo assists to ensure every wine is outstanding. This Malbec is also interesting because it is one of South America’s first natural wines to reach the United States, which more typically arrive from Europe. Santa Julia is a surprisingly mischievous and elegant dry red wine. Intense bright cherry color with fleshy colored tears. Nose of juicy black fruit and pepper with a hint of fresh mushrooms in evolution. The palate is balanced between tannin and acidity in a way that helps to propel the fruit flavor. At its best at 15°C with juicy red meat with grilled or lacquered crust, top with a colorful mix of grilled fruit vegetables with oregano and rosemary, with freshly ripened white cheese and can even handle spicy oriental curries Saturday Tasting "Ringing in the New Year!"
December 28, 12-5pm The end of the year is a time to reflect with gratitude on the friends and community that sustain you throughout the year. Patrick and the Winestone team wish to express their greatest thanks to the Winestone Community which has sustained and supported our project of bringing the highest quality wine portfolio and service throughout the year. Come on in to enjoy a tasting of some special wines, as we say goodbye to 2024 and hello to 2025 you could find that special wine for your holiday dinner table! What: Domaine Vigneau Chevreau Vouvray Petillant Brut: $27 Where: Vouvray, Loire River Valley, France Grapes: Chenin Blanc The wonders of the great and versatile Chenin Blanc varietal from which comes still, sparkling and dessert white wines, are on full display in this sparkling Vouvray from Domaine Vigneau Chevreau. The Domaine, located in the heart of the Vouvray appellation, has grown with five generations, steadily expanding from 5 to 33 hectares. In 1995 the Domaine converted to very strict Biodynamic/Organic agriculture. They are one of two such producers in all of Vouvray. The aging of their wines takes place in their deep limestone cave. This petillant (semi-sparkling) wine undergoes natural yeast fermentation. The dosage is cane sugar and wine, with a secondary fermentation. It rests 2-years in the cave prior to release. Golden in color, the Vourvray Pétillant’s gentle mousse, transforms into delicate apple and quince flavors that end with a touch of citrus-honey. Made from 100% Chenin Blanc this easy and elegant dry wine is perfect as an aperitif. Light little bubbles tickle the nose. What: 2021 Inama Foscarino Soave Classico: $30 Where: San Bonifacio, Veneto, Italy Grapes: Garganega Inama is a top producer of the Garganega-based white wines of Soave. They pride themselves on representing the 2,000 year old history of wine production in the Soave region. For their award-winning Foscarino they select old vines fruit from the basaltic-volcanic soil of Monte Foscarino. Vinified six months in stainless steel. Platinum to light lemon colored in glass. Notes of chamomile, elderflower and iris on the nose. On the palate the wine is rich and with an almond flavored finish. It matches well with vitello tonnato (veal with tuna sauce), risotto with fish, or sushi. Would also pair well with pea or pumpkin soup, or couscous with veggies. What: 2022 Siduri Pinot Noir: $28 Where: Santa Barbara, California, USA Grapes: Pinot Noir Siduri produces high toned Pinot Noir from many great locations on the West Coast. Siduri considers its Santa Barbara Pinot to be an amalgam of the Santa Maria Valley and Santa Rita Hills Pinot. Siduri explores two exceptional areas within Santa Barbara County that are exceptionally well - suited for growing Pinot Noir - Santa Maria Valley and the Sta. Rita Hills. Pinot Noirs from the Santa Maria Valley provide "crunchy" fresh fruits that are laden with spice notes, while Pinot Noirs from the Sta. Rita Hills provide opulent red and black fruits that jump from the glass with tremendous energy. The marriage of these two distinctive growing areas provides a portrait of a beautiful place to grow cool-climate Pinot Noir. In the 2022 toasted spices and herbs give depth to the plush black cherry aromas on the nose of this county-wide cuvée. Roasted cherry, mace and star anise flavors align on the engaging palate. What: 2020 Felsina Berardenga Chianti Classico Riserva: $40 Where: Chianti, Tuscany, Italy Grapes: Sangiovese Felsina was originally the farm of the Grand Dukes of Tuscany, It was mostly olive groves, with just a few hectares dedicated to viticulture. It was 1966 when Domenico Poggiali Fèlsina took the courageous leap and bought the estate at a time when Italian viticulture was struggling. He chose to invest in the quality of the wine and the expertise of a young team. The vineyards are located in Castelnuovo Berardenga, in the southeastern part of the Chianti Classico appellation, northeast of Siena. Almost exclusively with a southwestern exposure, they sprawl across ventilated slopes at an altitude ranging from 320 to 420 meters above sea level. The vinification of this Sangiovese is in medium-size Slavonian oak barrels, and twice and thrice used French oak barrels; after 12-16 months of maturation, the final blend is assembled, bottled, and ages in glass a minimum of 3-6 months. A juicy and pretty wine with berries, chocolate, and bark. Subtle. Medium-bodied with fine tannins that are slightly chewy and austere now but will soften nicely with age. |
Saturday Tasting "Classic Wines Poured by Ashish Mitra of Martignetti"
December 21, 12-5pm
T’was just days before Christmas and all through the shop, wine aromas, flavors, and textures would not stop. They arose in Patrick’s mind - if not his glass too. He knew - to rise the occasion - nothing but the classics would do. And as the grand list just grew and grew, it included Champagne, Chardonnay from Bourgogne, Sauvignon Blanc from Pouilly-Fumé, Oregon Pinot, Cabernet Sauvignon of the super Tuscan kind, and Syrah from the Rhone River Valley -- too. And so - dear Winestone friends - this Saturday - you are welcome to stop by and shop - and give a classic a swirl or two.
What: Gosset Grand Réserve Champagne: $55
Where: Epernay, Champagne, France
Grapes: 45% Pinot Noir, 45% Chardonnay, 10% Pinot Meunier
The predominantly Pinot Noir blend creates a very fine fruit, refreshed by the Chardonnay endowing it with an elegant, mineral finish. The fruit is sourced from the villages of Aÿ, Bouzy, Ambonnay, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, and Villers-Marmery. Bottled at the end of the spring following the harvest, 4 years minimum ageing in cellars. The dosage is adjusted with precision to preserve the balance between freshness, fruit and vinosity without masking the wine’s character and purity. The nose shows freshness and fruit with notes of lemon meringue pie followed by yellow fruit such as Mirabelle plums. On the palate, Hawthorn and white flower aromas fuse naturally together in a fine acidity sustained by citrus fruit. This Champagne is perfect for enjoying as an aperitif or served with a meal. It will pair nicely with simple, as well as more elaborate, dishes: gougères and cheese puff pastries (with the aperitif), or pâté en croûte, roasted chicken, poultry in a creamy sauce, Comté or Parmesan cheese.
What: 2022 Célestin Blondeau Les Rabichottes Pouilly-Fumé: $30
Where: Pouilly-Fumé, Loire River Valley, France
Grapes: Sauvignon Blanc
Pouilly-Fumé is a dry white wine made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes – is one of the Loire Valley's most revered wines. It is rivaled in this regard only by Sancerre, just the other side of the Loire River, and perhaps Vouvray. The fumé in Blanc is French for 'smoky'. It denotes the struck gunflint aroma that characterizes the local Sauvignon Blanc wines. This distinctive smell is often referred to as “pierre à fusil”, which means 'flint' (literally 'rifle stone'). It is a key point of differentiation for Pouilly-Fumé's winemakers, and a source of great local pride. Blondeau uses fifteen to twenty year old vines for this wine planted in limestone, clay and flint soils. The wine is aged on the fine lees. In the glass, there are clear golden green reflections. On the nose are well-developed aromas reminding of syringa and blackcurrant evolving towards fruit cordial after a while in the glass. The palate is full and round at first, followed by a sensation of crispness. A touch of anise lingering. Notes of gooseberries, grapefruit and mineral. This wine has kept its youthful character.
What: 2021 Bouchard Pere et Fils Bourgogne: $25
Where: Beaune, Burgundy, France
Grapes: Chardonnay
Founded in Beaune in 1731, Bouchard Père & Fils is one of the oldest Burgundy merchants, perpetuating the tradition for nine generations, or nearly three hundred years. Bouchard Père & fils house has a strong presence in the Beaune appellation. With nearly 142 plots and 130 hectares, Bouchard Père & fils is one of the largest landowners in the Côte d'Or. On the limestone subsoil of the Côte de Beaune, Chardonnay produces the greatest white wines in the world. This very solid Burgundy Chardonnay has a generous, full body, with some citrus notes. Lively apple and pear notes develop on the nose with a little aeration in the glass. A nice balance between creaminess and lemony freshness on the finish.
What: 2022 Planet Oregon Pinot Noir: $25
Where: Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA
Grapes: Pinot Noir
There is twice as much Pinot Noir as all other grapes combined in Oregon. The Willamette Valley has over 21,000 acres of vines, confirming it as one of the best areas in the United States to produce this finicky varietal. Burgundian wine families have been putting down roots here for decades, to the point that the valley has been dubbed the Burgundy of the Pacific Northwest. Within Willamette, Planet Oregon Wines are a responsibly delicious choice. They farm their grapes sustainably, protecting streams and rivers from run-off that can harm fish and other wildlife. 2022 was a great vintage in Willamette. This Planet Oregon has gorgeous neon ruby core with a lighter pink rim in the glass, the delicious aromas and flavors of sour cherries, red plums, fresh peaches, dried rosemary, dusty earth, and dried rose jump on the palate. The finish is clean and smooth with a yummy cranberry and dried herbal note that pops on the mid-palate.
What: 2023 Saint Cosme Cotes-du-Rhone: $21
Where: Saint Cosme, Rhone River Valley, France
Grapes: Syrah
Château de Saint Cosme is a leading estate of the appellation. The property has been in the hands of the Barruol family since 1490. Louis Barruol took over from his father in 1992 making a dramatic shift to quality and converting to biodynamics in 2010. Saint Cosme Côtes-du-Rhône is produced from 100% Syrah and is from the the stony Villafranchian terraces of the Gard. The vineyards are known for their limestone sand, red clay, and pebbles, which give a freshness and intensity to the Syrah grapes. The wine is partially destemmed, fermented with natural yeasts, and vinified in concrete vats. Saint Cosme shows the varietal’s typical spicy notes of sandalwood, violets, and black pepper. Syrah, with its deep flavors and firm tannins, is a natural match for grilled or smoked meat and dishes featuring herbs, roasted mushrooms, and onions. Seared venison or beef with black pepper and thyme or a Moroccan tagine of pigeon or chicken are complimented by the spicy characteristic of Syrah.
What: 2022 Prelius Cabernet Sauvignon: $23
Where: Maremma, Toscana, Italy
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon
The namesake represents the ancient costal lake of Prelius, in what now is known as the Maremma Toscana around Grosseto. The lake has slowly disappeared due to the drainage of the 30s and now the only fluid what is left is the excellent wine making tradition of the region. The vineyards of Prelius are located on a hilltop along the shores of the ancient lake, 5 miles from the sea facing the majestic Tuscan Archipelago. The Cabernet, planted an average of over 20 years ago, is planted on 12 hectares of clay, silt and gravel soils. It is aged six months in 30 hectolitre French Oak casks.The nose is expressive, displaying aromas of blackberry, blueberry, and a hint of cinnamon rounding out with seductive oak notes. Color is bright with an intense gem-like quality paired with dark violet highlights. It is a full-bodied wine that displays solid structure and complexity; exhibiting dark red fruit and a lingering finish.
December 21, 12-5pm
T’was just days before Christmas and all through the shop, wine aromas, flavors, and textures would not stop. They arose in Patrick’s mind - if not his glass too. He knew - to rise the occasion - nothing but the classics would do. And as the grand list just grew and grew, it included Champagne, Chardonnay from Bourgogne, Sauvignon Blanc from Pouilly-Fumé, Oregon Pinot, Cabernet Sauvignon of the super Tuscan kind, and Syrah from the Rhone River Valley -- too. And so - dear Winestone friends - this Saturday - you are welcome to stop by and shop - and give a classic a swirl or two.
What: Gosset Grand Réserve Champagne: $55
Where: Epernay, Champagne, France
Grapes: 45% Pinot Noir, 45% Chardonnay, 10% Pinot Meunier
The predominantly Pinot Noir blend creates a very fine fruit, refreshed by the Chardonnay endowing it with an elegant, mineral finish. The fruit is sourced from the villages of Aÿ, Bouzy, Ambonnay, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, and Villers-Marmery. Bottled at the end of the spring following the harvest, 4 years minimum ageing in cellars. The dosage is adjusted with precision to preserve the balance between freshness, fruit and vinosity without masking the wine’s character and purity. The nose shows freshness and fruit with notes of lemon meringue pie followed by yellow fruit such as Mirabelle plums. On the palate, Hawthorn and white flower aromas fuse naturally together in a fine acidity sustained by citrus fruit. This Champagne is perfect for enjoying as an aperitif or served with a meal. It will pair nicely with simple, as well as more elaborate, dishes: gougères and cheese puff pastries (with the aperitif), or pâté en croûte, roasted chicken, poultry in a creamy sauce, Comté or Parmesan cheese.
What: 2022 Célestin Blondeau Les Rabichottes Pouilly-Fumé: $30
Where: Pouilly-Fumé, Loire River Valley, France
Grapes: Sauvignon Blanc
Pouilly-Fumé is a dry white wine made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes – is one of the Loire Valley's most revered wines. It is rivaled in this regard only by Sancerre, just the other side of the Loire River, and perhaps Vouvray. The fumé in Blanc is French for 'smoky'. It denotes the struck gunflint aroma that characterizes the local Sauvignon Blanc wines. This distinctive smell is often referred to as “pierre à fusil”, which means 'flint' (literally 'rifle stone'). It is a key point of differentiation for Pouilly-Fumé's winemakers, and a source of great local pride. Blondeau uses fifteen to twenty year old vines for this wine planted in limestone, clay and flint soils. The wine is aged on the fine lees. In the glass, there are clear golden green reflections. On the nose are well-developed aromas reminding of syringa and blackcurrant evolving towards fruit cordial after a while in the glass. The palate is full and round at first, followed by a sensation of crispness. A touch of anise lingering. Notes of gooseberries, grapefruit and mineral. This wine has kept its youthful character.
What: 2021 Bouchard Pere et Fils Bourgogne: $25
Where: Beaune, Burgundy, France
Grapes: Chardonnay
Founded in Beaune in 1731, Bouchard Père & Fils is one of the oldest Burgundy merchants, perpetuating the tradition for nine generations, or nearly three hundred years. Bouchard Père & fils house has a strong presence in the Beaune appellation. With nearly 142 plots and 130 hectares, Bouchard Père & fils is one of the largest landowners in the Côte d'Or. On the limestone subsoil of the Côte de Beaune, Chardonnay produces the greatest white wines in the world. This very solid Burgundy Chardonnay has a generous, full body, with some citrus notes. Lively apple and pear notes develop on the nose with a little aeration in the glass. A nice balance between creaminess and lemony freshness on the finish.
What: 2022 Planet Oregon Pinot Noir: $25
Where: Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA
Grapes: Pinot Noir
There is twice as much Pinot Noir as all other grapes combined in Oregon. The Willamette Valley has over 21,000 acres of vines, confirming it as one of the best areas in the United States to produce this finicky varietal. Burgundian wine families have been putting down roots here for decades, to the point that the valley has been dubbed the Burgundy of the Pacific Northwest. Within Willamette, Planet Oregon Wines are a responsibly delicious choice. They farm their grapes sustainably, protecting streams and rivers from run-off that can harm fish and other wildlife. 2022 was a great vintage in Willamette. This Planet Oregon has gorgeous neon ruby core with a lighter pink rim in the glass, the delicious aromas and flavors of sour cherries, red plums, fresh peaches, dried rosemary, dusty earth, and dried rose jump on the palate. The finish is clean and smooth with a yummy cranberry and dried herbal note that pops on the mid-palate.
What: 2023 Saint Cosme Cotes-du-Rhone: $21
Where: Saint Cosme, Rhone River Valley, France
Grapes: Syrah
Château de Saint Cosme is a leading estate of the appellation. The property has been in the hands of the Barruol family since 1490. Louis Barruol took over from his father in 1992 making a dramatic shift to quality and converting to biodynamics in 2010. Saint Cosme Côtes-du-Rhône is produced from 100% Syrah and is from the the stony Villafranchian terraces of the Gard. The vineyards are known for their limestone sand, red clay, and pebbles, which give a freshness and intensity to the Syrah grapes. The wine is partially destemmed, fermented with natural yeasts, and vinified in concrete vats. Saint Cosme shows the varietal’s typical spicy notes of sandalwood, violets, and black pepper. Syrah, with its deep flavors and firm tannins, is a natural match for grilled or smoked meat and dishes featuring herbs, roasted mushrooms, and onions. Seared venison or beef with black pepper and thyme or a Moroccan tagine of pigeon or chicken are complimented by the spicy characteristic of Syrah.
What: 2022 Prelius Cabernet Sauvignon: $23
Where: Maremma, Toscana, Italy
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon
The namesake represents the ancient costal lake of Prelius, in what now is known as the Maremma Toscana around Grosseto. The lake has slowly disappeared due to the drainage of the 30s and now the only fluid what is left is the excellent wine making tradition of the region. The vineyards of Prelius are located on a hilltop along the shores of the ancient lake, 5 miles from the sea facing the majestic Tuscan Archipelago. The Cabernet, planted an average of over 20 years ago, is planted on 12 hectares of clay, silt and gravel soils. It is aged six months in 30 hectolitre French Oak casks.The nose is expressive, displaying aromas of blackberry, blueberry, and a hint of cinnamon rounding out with seductive oak notes. Color is bright with an intense gem-like quality paired with dark violet highlights. It is a full-bodied wine that displays solid structure and complexity; exhibiting dark red fruit and a lingering finish.