Friday May 22nd our regular Friday Tasting 5:00 - 7:00 pm... only a $5.00 fee ...ends at 7 pm sharp!
Rod from Zancanella Distribution group will pour.
The Friday tasting wines...
Picpoul de Pinet, Domaine Rene Juliette, 2007 $9.99
Picpoul is the name of the grape and the name of the village which the vineyards surround.
Quite dry and refreshing. No oak ageing. Estate bottled.
Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi "Classico Superiore", Fattoria Laila, 2007 $8.99 Special Price Regular is 10.99
Verdicchio is the name of the grape grown in the Marches region on the east
side of Italy on the Adriatic Sea. Flavors of apples and quince. Great balance
of fruit and acidity. Estate bottled.
Chianti "Colli Aretini", Mannucci-Droandi, 2006 $12.99
Lovely Chianti at a great price. 90% Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo.
Classic and elegant, compares with many Classicos. Colli Aretini is a
sub-region of Chianti on the southeast corner of Chianti Classico.
Estate bottled and organic.
"Fossetti" Rosso Toscano, Mocali, 2006 $11.99
Very rich and spicy blend of Sangiovese and Canaiolo from a great producer
of Brunello from Montalcino. Estate bottled, unfiltered and organic.
Barbera d' Alba, Reverdito, 2006 $11.99
Long time favorite. Rich and rounded-drinks good now. Grapes are from the
La Morra region. Small family run winery.
Grenache, Camplazens, 2007 $10.99
Good example of unadorned Grenache. Little or no oak ageing.
Estate bottled and organic.
Cotes du Rhone, Domaine Mavette, 2007 $10.99
Classic old-school version of Cotes du Rhone. 65% grenache, 25% carignan,
5% syrah and 5% cinsault. Fermented in concrete tanks. Substantial and
complex. Great value.
Mr. Mike's Hours This Week
On vacation this week.
Friday May 8th our regular Friday Tasting 5:00 - 7:00 pm... only a $5.00 fee ...ends at 7 pm sharp!
I'll pour more value wines from France, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and Chile.
The tasting wines...
Whites:
2008 E. Carrel -Vin de Savoie Jongieux rosé - $11.99 France (a great new vintage of this stellar dry rosé wine)
2007 Forrester "Petit Chenin" $9.99 Stellenbosch S.A. (This is a perfect summer wine with a nose of crushed minerals, some herbs, lemon, and good fresh stone fruit. The palate has lovely weight with nice acidity, and fresh baked apple pie notes.)
Reds:
Quinta da "Espiga" 2007 (casa santos lima)- $7.50 Portugal (made from 60% CASTELÃO, 20% SYRAH, 10% TOURIGA NACIONAL, 10% TINTA RORIZ.)
Ch. de Paraza 2006 Minervois Cuvee Speciale - $10.99 Southern France (made from Carignane, Grenache, Mourvedre)
Forte Canto 2006 Salice Salentino (Italy, Puglia) $11.99 (dry red wine from the Italian south, made with the Negroamaro grape)
Moulin de Gassac 2007 Vin de Pays l'Herault Guilhem Rouge - $11.99 Southern France (mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, with some Syrah, et. al.)
Maquis Lien 2005 - $15.99 Chile (a blend of 38% Syrah, 32% Carmenere, 15% Cabernet Franc, 8% Petit Verdot, and 7% Malbec)
Friday April 24th our regular Friday Tasting 5:00 - 7:00 pm... only a $5.00 fee ...ends at 7 pm sharp!
David Johnstone of the Merchant of Vino Wine Group will pour more value wines from Australia, France and Argentina.
The tasting wines...
Whites:
3 Winds Chardonnay - $8.99 France
La Puerta Torrontes - $9.99 Argentina
Woop Woop Verdelho - $9.99 Australia
Reds:
3 Winds Syrah - $8.99 France
Woop Woop Cabernet - $9.99 Australia
La Puerta Malbec - $9.99 Argentina
Heartland Cabernet - $14.99 Australia
Slipstream Grenache - $21.99 Australia
....See you there. -Thanks... Mr. Mike
Cool new things in the store that I have tasted recently:
Coeur de Terre 2006 Riesling $19.99 - available Friday.
30 plus year old vines from the Hyland Vineyard ...12.2% alcohol, vibrant acidity with peach pit, nectarine, apple skin, and bartlett pear flavors, great refreshing local white wine.
Coeur de Terre 2007 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir $19.99 - available Friday.
Great value here. 30% new oak promotes smokey toast and butterscotch-toffee flavors, filigreed with red fruits, bramble, minerals, and spice on the finish. Nicely balanced extraction level gives the wine exactly the right weight. Coeur de Terre vineyard specializes in producing estate grown Pinot Noir from their estate vineyard located in the foothills of the Oregon Coast Range.
Nicole Chanrion Domaine de la Voûte des Crozes Côte-de-Brouilly 2006 $21.99
This is a serious-styled Beaujolais from Kermit Lynch's portfolio. The wine is less intense than the 2005, more open-knit and charming, with lower acidity. There is deep sense of minerality and earthiness in this wine, which is unfortunately often missing in Beaujolais. The fruit profile is on the dried cherry, brandied fig spectrum, not the crunchy cranberries that often predominate. There is overall a sense of depth combined with faint brown spices and a refreshing briskness to the palate. This is great unique terroir-driven Beaujolais.
Mr. Mike's Hours This Week
Today 1:00 - 5:00
FRIDAY
3:00 - 7:00 pm
SAT
12:00 - 5:00 pm
Friday April 24th our regular Friday Tasting 5:00 - 7:00 pm... only a $5.00 fee ...ends at 7 pm sharp!
David Johnstone of the Merchant of Vino Wine Group will pour more value wines from Australia, France and Argentina.
The tasting wines...
Whites:<.u>
3 Winds Chardonnay - $8.99 France
La Puerta Torrontes - $9.99 Argentina
Woop Woop Verdelho - $9.99 Australia
Reds:
3 Winds Syrah - $8.99 France
Woop Woop Cabernet - $9.99 Australia
La Puerta Malbec - $9.99 Argentina
Heartland Cabernet - $14.99 Australia
Slipstream Grenache - $21.99 Australia
....See you there. -Thanks... Mr. Mike
Cool new things in the store that I have tasted recently:
Coeur de Terre 2006 Riesling $19.99 - available Friday.
30 plus year old vines from the Hyland Vineyard ...12.2% alcohol, vibrant acidity with peach pit, nectarine, apple skin, and bartlett pear flavors, great refreshing local white wine.
Coeur de Terre 2007 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir $19.99 - available Friday.
Great value here. 30% new oak promotes smokey toast and butterscotch-toffee flavors, filigreed with red fruits, bramble, minerals, and spice on the finish. Nicely balanced extraction level gives the wine exactly the right weight. Coeur de Terre vineyard specializes in producing estate grown Pinot Noir from their estate vineyard located in the foothills of the Oregon Coast Range.
Nicole Chanrion Domaine de la Voûte des Crozes Côte-de-Brouilly 2006 $21.99
This is a serious-styled Beaujolais from Kermit Lynch's portfolio. The wine is less intense than the 2005, more open-knit and charming, with lower acidity. There is deep sense of minerality and earthiness in this wine, which is unfortunately often missing in Beaujolais. The fruit profile is on the dried cherry, brandied fig spectrum, not the crunchy cranberries that often predominate. There is overall a sense of depth combined with faint brown spices and a refreshing briskness to the palate. This is great unique terroir-driven Beaujolais.
Mr. Mike's Hours This Week
Today 1:00 - 5:00
FRIDAY
3:00 - 7:00 pm
SAT
12:00 - 5:00 pm
Friday April 17th our regular Friday Tasting 5:00 - 7:00 pm... only a $5.00 fee ...ends at 7 pm sharp!
I will pour more Spanish and Portuguese value red wines.....also my favorite deals in white wines.
The tasting wines...
Whites:
Portuga 2008 Portuguese white $6.99 (dry white)
Tim Adams (Clare Valley) 2005 Dry Riesling Austalia $9.99 retail ($8.00/96.00 case price)
This is a steal of a deal in dry summertime white wine. This is textbook Clare Valley Riesling with high-toned minerals and camphor and petrol notes in the nose. Then the wine reveals refreshing zesty lemon and lime flavors on the palate, finishing completely dry. This is a solid deal in dry quaffable white wine. In addition this wine will do nothing but improve for 2-3 more years in your cool dry cellar.
GV Gruner Veltliner 2007 -Austria $9.99 liter bottle (dry white) Fresh, and ready for a sunny day on your patio.
Reds:
Casa Santos Lima 2007 "Bons Ventos" Portugal $7.99 (dry red)
Casa Santos Lima 2007 "Espiga" Portugal $7.99 (dry red)
Casa Gualda Tinto 2007 $7.99 Spain (90% Tempranillo, 5% Merlot, 5% Cab....according to the importer there is Bobal in there too. But I don't do math.) (dry red)
Lezaun Tinto 2007 $8.99 Spain, (70% Tempranillo, 30% Merlot) Basque area in Navarra (dry red)
....See you there. -Thanks... Mr. Mike
Cool new things in the store that I have tasted recently:
News for the Cocktail Nation...Dolin Vermouth is here, a fresh tasting, high quality Vermouth. $14.99 Dry, White, Red.
Leth 2004 Pinot Noir $37.99 - Austria
Cameron 2007 WV Pinot Noir $17.99
Now in stock. Get it now. It will be gone. Cameron excels in leaner acid-driven years like 2007.
This is very good.
Friday April 17th our regular Friday Tasting 5:00 - 7:00 pm... only a $5.00 fee ...ends at 7 pm sharp!
I will pour more Spanish and Portuguese value red wines.....also my favorite deals in white wines.
The tasting wines...
Whites:
Portuga 2008 Portuguese white $6.99 (dry white)
Tim Adams (Clare Valley) 2005 Dry Riesling Austalia $9.99 retail ($8.00/96.00 case price)
This is a steal of a deal in dry summertime white wine. This is textbook Clare Valley Riesling with high-toned minerals and camphor and petrol notes in the nose. Then the wine reveals refreshing zesty lemon and lime flavors on the palate, finishing completely dry. This is a solid deal in dry quaffable white wine. In addition this wine will do nothing but improve for 2-3 more years in your cool dry cellar.
GV Gruner Veltliner 2007 -Austria $9.99 liter bottle (dry white) Fresh, and ready for a sunny day on your patio.
Reds:
Casa Santos Lima 2007 "Bons Ventos" Portugal $7.99 (dry red)
Casa Santos Lima 2007 "Espiga" Portugal $7.99 (dry red)
Casa Gualda Tinto 2007 $7.99 Spain (90% Tempranillo, 5% Merlot, 5% Cab....according to the importer there is Bobal in there too. But I don't do math.) (dry red)
Lezaun Tinto 2007 $8.99 Spain, (70% Tempranillo, 30% Merlot) Basque area in Navarra (dry red)
....See you there. -Thanks... Mr. Mike
Cool new things in the store that I have tasted recently:
News for the Cocktail Nation...Dolin Vermouth is here, a fresh tasting, high quality Vermouth. $14.99 Dry, White, Red.
Leth 2004 Pinot Noir $37.99 - Austria
Cameron 2007 WV Pinot Noir $17.99
Now in stock. Get it now. It will be gone. Cameron excels in leaner acid-driven years like 2007.
This is very good.
Friday April 10th our regular Friday Tasting 5:00 - 7:00 pm... only a $5.00 fee ...ends at 7 pm sharp!
The inimitable Marc Garner will pour California and Oregon wines.....
The tasting wines...
WHITES:
Viognier, Ca'Bella 2007 Mendocino County $13.99 (dry white)
Tocai Fruliano, Palmina, Santa Inez, 2007 $18.99 (dry white)
Chardonnay, Zimri Cellars, Yamhill-Carlton, Oregon 2006 $17.99 (dry white)
REDS:
Vino Rosso, Ca'Bella, Dry Creek Valley, (Barbera blend) NV now $9.99 (on sale! was $12.99) (dry red)
Pinot Noir, Zimri Cellars, Chehalem Mountain, Oregon 2006 $27.99 (dry red)
Merlot, Lago di Merlo, Dry Creek Valley, 2001 $23.99 (dry red)
Zinfandel, McNab Ridge, Mendocino County, 2005 $18.99 (dry red)
....See you there. -Thanks... Mr. Mike
Cool new things in the store that I have tasted recently:
Tim Adams (Clare Valley) 2005 Dry Riesling $9.99 retail ($8.00/96.00 case price)
This is a steal of a deal in dry summertime white wine. This is textbook Clare Valley Riesling with high-toned minerals and camphor and petrol notes in the nose. Then the wine reveals refreshing zesty lemon and lime flavors on the palate, finishing completely dry. This is a solid deal in dry quaffable white wine.
2002 Primitivo Quiles Raspay $25.00 (fascinating dry Spanish red)
(made from mostly old vine monastrell, BTW no primitivo in it)
"This unique proprietary red blend from Alicante, Spain, gave off aromas that were beguiling and hard to pin down, notions of Barolo Chinato mixed with tinture of marzipan and, clove spice, and perhaps the perfume of deep balsam woods. It smelled like a wonderfully complex vermouth, yet without any impression of sweetness on the palate. The wine was blowsy and lush, yet with premodern old-school artisanal slightly rustic textures on the palate, with a dense personality but no tannic hitch. Great stuff, and it is truly sui generis. Don't miss this." -Mr. Mike
90 points from Parker if you care: "The 2002 Raspay was sourced from estate vineyards averaging 50 years of age and aged for 12 months in seasoned American oak before bottling without fining or filtration. Medium ruby-colored, it offers an old-style perfume of cedar, saddle leather, earth, smoked nuts, plum, and blueberry. This leads to a smooth, velvety-textured wine with mineral, earth, and spice notes followed by a long, pure finish. Drink this unique expression over the next 4-6 years." WA #175 Jay Miller
Primitivo Quiles is the oldest Bodega in Alicante, founded in 1780.
Domaine Louis Moreau 2006 Chablis 1re Cru "Vaulignots" $19.99
A step up in intensity, with lemon curd, crushed rock, rich fresh fruit flavors, and discreet use of oak. Great chardonnay!
Astruc Marsanne 2007 -Pays d'Oc (France) $9.99 (dry white)
The Marsanne grape variety usually plays a blending role in the great white wines of the southern Rhone valley, where it is often combined with viognier, grenache blanc, and roussanne to make the great complex white wine appellations that orbit Chateauneuf du Pape. Many Rhone imitators around the world use the grape in a similar blending fashion, especially in Australia. When not being compared too a "death ray from outer space" (...thank you Randall Graham, i.e. "Marsanne attacks") the grape can produce a wonderful wine on its own, expressing a more narrow, but wonderfully refreshing, iteration. Bartlett pear, quince, and citrus notes grace the palate of this refreshing clean and crisp white wine. Perhaps not as complex as the choir of grape voices in a great white Chateauneuf du Pape, but a wonderfully incisive refreshing solo recital nonetheless.
Friday March 27th our regular Friday Tasting 5:00 - 7:00 pm... only a $5.00 fee ...ends at 7 pm sharp!
I will pour more great value wines....
The tasting wines...
2004 Marques di Gelida - Cava, (Spain) $16.99 (sparkling wine)
Robert Parker - 90 Points! Another great value in sparkling wine from Spain, this blend of Macaubo, Xarel-lo Parellada, and Chardonnay is a crisp, elegant estate-bottled wine offering notes of white flowers, and excellent lively freshness. It is an outstanding value.
2005 Palazzone Dubini Bianco (Italy) $6.99 (dry white)
This wine has got a bit of age on it. The wine has light apple and citrus notes, and transformed flavors of almond custard on the palate, and candified-sherry on the nose. Mrs. Mr. Mike said she loved it, "..and age has actually improved this white wine!" Fermented in stainless steel it is made with 60% Procanico, 20% Verdello, 10% Chardonnay, 5% Grechetto and 5% Malvasia Toscana.
Don Silvestre Malbec 2005 Mendoza Argentina $6.99 (dry red)
Intense dark red color with violet notes. In the nose it shows complex aromas of red fruits, plums and leather notes. It is medium-bodied and well structured, with soft tannins and a very elegant finish.
Bodegas Borsao "Monte Oton" Garnacha 2007 (Campo de Borja, Spain) $7.99 (dry red)
Monte Oton is a hearty, ripe, and textured wine, with loads of blackberry, raspberry, and plum fruit.
Bodegas Aragonesas, Castillo de Fuendejalon 2007 (Campo de Borja, Spain) $7.99 (dry red)
This wine is a blend of 75% Grenache and 25% Tempranillo. Crianza means it is aged in oak for up to nine months. The wine has a rich, intense cherry flavor with a slight, sweet vanilla from the oak aging.
Hob Nob Pinot Noir 2007 -Pays d'Oc (France) $9.99 (dry red)
French pinot that delivers at an incredible price.
St Francis "Red" California $9.99 (dry red)
A blend of Cabernet, Merlot, Cab Franc, and Syrah.
Palo Alto 2007 (Chile) Red Wine Blend $11.99 (dry red)
A tasty blend of Cabernet, Carmenere and Syrah, with lots of depth and quality for the price, and a bordeaux-like personality.
....See you there. -Thanks... Mr. Mike
Cool new things in the store that I have tasted recently:
Two great chardonnays to try:
Domaine Louis Moreau 2006 Chablis $17.99
Deft and dense, with great green-grape flavors, with overtones of minerals, and mouth-filling richness without any buttery oak. Great chardonnay!
Domaine Louis Moreau 2006 Chablis 1re Cru "Vaulignots" $19.99
A step up in intensity, with lemon curd, crushed rock, rich fresh fruit flavors, and discreet use of oak. Great chardonnay!
Friday March 6th our regular Friday Tasting 5:00 - 7:00 pm sharp.... only a $5.00 fee ...ends at 7pm sharp!
The tasting wines...
Toffoli Prosecco $13.99 (fizzy)
Eugene Carrel 2007 Vin de Savoie Rosé $9.99 (dry pink)
This is stunning in its direct simplicity and satisfying drinkability. The cépages (varietals) : gamay 65% and 35% mondeuse.
Suavia 2007 Soave Superiore $16.99 (dry white)
The three sisters that produce this world class white wine, farm the highest terroir in Soave. Simply put: this is the Soave that all others are judged by.
Suavia's 2007 Soave Classico has the complexity and character of their hillside site; showing lemon, and ripe yellow plum fruit, earthiness and flinty minerals.
The varietals are 95% garganega and 5% trebbiano di Soave. ( Wine Spectator 90 points, and best buy, and top 100 wine of the year )
Le Paradou 2007 Cotes du Luberon Rouge $14.99 (dry red)
Located just east of Apt in the beautiful Luberon hills of Provence, Le Paradou focuses on true varietal character, with zero manipulation. The red is 60% grenache and 40% syrah aged in stainless steel tank with no added wood influence, and the grapes are harvested by hand in multiple passes. The wine is organically produced, and biodynamically farmed.
Cono Sur 2008 pinot noir $9.99 (Chile) (dry red)
Screw top! Cheap! Good!
Bodegas Atteca 2007 garnacha "Fuego" $8.99 (dry red)
I was impressed with this wine's sweet creamy-cherry and spicy-licorice flavors held together by a nice balancing acid structure, and no tannic hitch. This is quite a deal.
-Mr. Mike
( -89 points parker in the latest "best buy" issue )
Cool new things in the store that I have tasted recently:
Suavia 2007 Monte Carbonare 2006 $28.99
Gambero Rosso guide gave this wine "3 glasses" (the highest rating) and lauded this way it: "..expresses the almost brutal, minerally nature of this land ..) Perfect with springtime fair like asparagus risotto. -Mr. Mike
Domaine St. Nicolas 2006 Fiefs Vendéens VDQS "Cuvee Jacques" (Pinot Noir) $29.99
The Fiefs Vendéens... This is a small wine producing zone on the western coast of France, technically part of the Loire region, but on its own as a satellite, south of Nantes and Muscadet. This is a VDQS, or Vin Délimité de Qualité Supérieure, a French wine category often associated with very small areas. The typical Loire grapes are grown (Pinot Noir, Gamay, Cabernet Franc, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc) Thierry Michon has devoted his life to the craft of authentic wine and Biodynamic agriculture. His 32 hectares of vines are located very close to the ocean, too close for most, and therefore he's one of the last farmers growing grapes in this tiny viticultural area called Fiefs Vendéens.
-From the Importer
The wine is one of the purest examples of terroir I have found recently, expressing the salinity of the nearby sea and the minerality of the slate on which the vines are planted. This is unique, honest, and delicious wine. -Mr. Mike
Pruduttori Offering
I have tasted all of these wines, and I think the quality of the wines justify their high prices. The 2004 vintage does seem to me to be quite special; I was most impressed by how differently the crus came across aromatically at such an early stage in their development. Asili showed wildflower and raspberry aromatics with a tight green-tea tannic grip in the mouth, but was impressively drinkable at this point. Paje smelled more like pie cherry but with a nice sweet over all impression. Rabaja seemed almost like an delicate Pinot Noir, perfumy and seductive. Monte Fico was closed, but with good deep sweet cherry flavors. Moccagatta had a mocha/ sweet bing-cherry aroma, almost as if it was in barrique, although it wasn't -all these wines are vinified in large volume neutral wood, and are all about slow oxidative evolution, and transparency to the growing site. -Mr. Mike
Managing Director Aldo Vacca had some interesting things to say about the 2004 vintage in Barbaresco: "2004 vintage turned out to be a very good one, even more it is now consider a "classic" vintage, like most of the late harvesting ones. It shows intense flavours and rich and extremely focused fruit that lingers on the palate with a very long finish. Tannins are powerful, yet delicate showing very good balance. A vintage to remember that produced wines capable of very long ageing."
"I wasn't initially convinced about the quality of the vintage until I had the wines fermenting in the cellar, something I also experienced in 1978," says Vacca. " The summer wasn't especially hot, but the Fall was gorgeous, and our harvest took place during the second half of October. Given that yields were on the high side, I felt we needed to be especially selective in the cellar, so we produced roughly 30% less of some of our Riservas by using only the best individual lots for wines like our Ovello, Montestefano and Moccagatta Riservas. Any lots we weren't thrilled about went into our non-Riserva Barbaresco. In 2004 vineyard exposures were a huge factor in determining maturity, while 2005 was perhaps a touch more consistent throughout, but without the complexity and structure of the 2004s." -Aldo Vacca of Produttori del Barbaresco
The Wines
2004 Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco Moccagatta Riserva -- 92 points Parker WA $54.00 (6 bottles available)
2004 Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco Monte Fico -- 93 points Parker WA $51.00 (8 bottles available)
2004 Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco Montestefano -- 93 points Parker WA $54.00 (8 bottles available)
2004 Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco Ovello Riserva -- 93 points Parker WA $51.00 (10 bottles available)
2004 Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco Pora -- 91 points Parker WA $49.00 (10 bottles available)
2004 Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco Rabaja -- 95 points Parker WA $54.00 (6 bottles available)
2004 Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco Rio Sordo Riserva -- 92 points Parker WA $49.00 (8 bottles available)
2004 Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco Riserva Paje -- 94 points Parker WA $54.00 (6 bottles available)
THE DEAL
Buy a set of all nine vineyard crus and get a deal...
20% Discount for a set of all nine (obviously, only six available at these prices) Retail $470.00 less discount is $376.00 (only $41.77 per bottle.)
Notes on the Wines
All notes below-Antonio Galloni of the Wine Advocate.
2004 Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco Rabaja (95 points)
The 2004 Barbaresco Riserva Rabaja is the crown jewel of this lineup. If the Ovello is primary, the Rabaja is even more so. The color is the shade of translucent violet that the most age-worthy, complex Nebbiolos show in their youth. This is an impressive, massively structured wine packed with layers of violets, dark cherries, licorice, minerals, tar, anise, menthol and spices. It is an utterly captivating, seductive Barbaresco of the highest level. Although it will require patience, the Rabaja is likely to offer highly rewarding drinking for those patient enough to wait. This is a breathtaking effort. Incidentally, I have enjoyed quite a few bottles of the 2001 recently, and have consistently found my score (92) to be woefully inadequate, as that wine easily merits another 2+ points. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024.
2004 Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco Riserva Paje (94 points)
The 2004 Barbaresco Riserva Paje achieves a remarkable marriage of elegance and power. It's all here as this vibrant, pure Barbaresco engages the intellectual and pleasure-seeking senses with an endless array of dark cherries, menthol, licorice, spices and espresso. This wonderfully complete, full-bodied Barbaresco needs some time for the tannins to settle down, but it is truly a special wine in every way. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2024.
2004 Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco Asili (94 points)
The 2004 Barbaresco Riserva Asili conveys an impression of sheer luxuriousness as it coats the palate with waves of ripe fruit that nearly manage to cover the wine's tannins. Generous and expansive on the palate, the wine reveals tons of depth and richness, with a long, satisfying finish. This remains a vibrant, pure Barbaresco in need of cellaring, yet readers who want to take this bottling out for a test drive won't be disappointed, but beware, the wine shut down quickly in the glass. Simply put, this is sublime stuff. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2024.
2004 Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco Monte Fico (93 points)
The 2004 Barbaresco Riserva Montefico is another of the larger-scaled wines in this lineup. It reveals a profile of ripe red fruits, spices and menthol wrapped into a seamless yet structured frame. This Barbaresco doesn't quite have the level of profoundness of the finest wines in this vintage, but it comes awfully close. Shades of Bruno Giacosa's 1971 Barbaresco Montefico linger on the long and immensely satisfying finish. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2024.
2004 Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco Ovello Riserva (93 points)
The 2004 Barbaresco Riserva Ovello is deep, dense and incredibly primary. Although the wine clearly possesses remarkable stuffing, there is very little tertiary development here. With air, suggestions of menthol, pine, spices and licorice gradually emerge, but this remains a wine in need of serious bottle age. Lingering notes of sweetness resonate on the long finish. This austere, but beautiful Barbaresco is destined to develop beautifully in bottle and should offer glorious drinking down the road. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024.
2004 Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco Montestefano (93 points)
The 2004 Barbaresco Riserva Montestefano is one of the more reticent wines in this lineup of 2004 Riservas. Its vibrant, fresh color is followed by notes of violets, roses, black cherries, menthol, smoke and licorice. The wine possesses tons of structure and sheer muscle behind the fruit, suggesting this will be an especially long-lived Barbaresco. In recent vintages I haven't been the biggest fan of the Montestefano, but this superb 2004 is impossible to resist. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2024.
2004 Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco Moccagatta Riserva (92 points)
The 2004 Barbaresco Riserva Moccagatta suffers only by virtue of being placed among this group of phenomenal wines; most producers would be delighted to have this as their top Barbaresco. As is often the case, the Moccagatta is a relatively accessible, forward wine, but like the Rio Sordo, it has an unusual level of plumpness and inner sweetness that makes up for any complexity that may be missing. Sweet spices, plums, prunes and espresso are just some of the nuances to be found in this compelling wine. The Moccagatta should be one of the more accessible Riservas early on. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2022.
2004 Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco Rio Sordo Riserva (92 points)
The 2004 Barbaresco Riserva Rio Sordo is one of the better versions of this wine I can remember. There is considerable depth and richness in the fruit here as this sweet, layered Barbaresco opens up in the glass. The typical spiced, floral Rio Sordo notes are amply present in the wine, but in 2004 there is an additional level of concentration and richness that has eluded previous vintages. This is a beautiful Rio Sordo from the Produttori. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020.
2004 Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco Pora (91 points)
The 2004 Barbaresco Riserva Pora is a dense, chewy offering loaded with ripe red cherries, licorice, tar and sweet wild herbs. The wine's sheer concentration and power are impressive but today the tannins seem to lack the extra level of elegance that characterizes the best wines in this vintage. Despite its slightly rustic personality, this medium to full-bodied Barbaresco delivers plenty of drinking pleasure in an intense style. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2024.
Friday Feb 27th our regular Friday Tasting 5:00 - 7:00 pm sharp.... only a $5.00 fee ...ends at 7pm sharp!
Annie Wallace of the Bacchus Distribution Group will pour South American wines..
The wines...
Los Vascos sauvignon blanc (dry white) $9.99
Norton torrontes (dry white) $9.99
Root 1 2006 cabernet sauvignon (dry red) $10.99
Montes Alpha 2005 cabernet sauvignon (dry red) $21.99
Montes cabernet sauvignon / carmenere (dry red) $13.99
Montes malbec (dry red) $10.99
Tomero malbec (dry red) $9.99
Arido malbec (dry red) $9.99
Friday Feb 20th our regular Friday Tasting 5:00 - 7:00 pm sharp.... only a $5.00 fee ...ends at 7pm sharp!
THE WINES...
Dom. Collotte 2007 Marsannay $19.99 (dry French Burgundy pink wine)
Time for dry pink wine. According to me.
Laxas 2007 Albarino -Rias Baixas $15.99 (dry Spanish white)
One of my favorite whites to serve with all kinds of fish, especially shellfish. Albarino is the grape variety, the place is Galicia, in the temperate green northwest of Spain.
Los Rocas 2006 Garnacha $9.99 (dry Spanich red) Case price $96.00
Close out deal 9 cases available and then it's gone.
91 pts Parker's WA "....The grapes for Las Rocas are sourced from high altitude 70- to 100-year-old Garnacha vineyards. The 2006 Las Rocas Garnacha is dark crimson-colored with an alluring nose of spice box, mineral, black cherry, and black raspberry. Smooth-textured, round, and with no hard edges, this tasty effort is designed for immediate gratification. This is one worth buying by the case. Score: 91. —Jay Miller, 2008."
2006 El Ganador, Malbec, Mendoza $9.99 (dry Argentinian red)
Made from 100% Malbec, hand-harvested vineyards. 10% aged for 6 months in new French oak; then 6 months in the bottle.
This wine has elegant flavors of black berry, and Italian plum and a moderately spicy back end, it is a great value. Fran Kysela import. I tried this with Fran when he swept through Portland a few months ago and easily preferred this moderately priced discovery to the other heavy hitter wines he had brought with him.
"The purple-colored 2006 El Ganador Malbec offers up an attractive nose of violets and black cherry. Supple, ripe, and easygoing on the palate, this excellent value has no hard edges. Drink it over the next 2-3 years." - Wine Advocate (Dec. 08), 87 pts
Farnio Rosso Piceno 2007, Garofoli $10.99 (dry Italian red)
"You would think that American wine lovers have slurped down every last drop of good red wine from Italy. In truth, we've barely dipped into Italy's bottomless reservoir of good wines. Take the Marche region, for example. On Italy's eastern or Adriatic coast, it occupies what might be called the calf of the boot. Farnio is the name that the producer Garofoli (pronounced gah-ROW-foe-lee) gives to its red wine from the district called Rosso Piceno. A blend of two red grapes, montepulciano (70 percent) and sangiovese (30 percent), Farnio shows just how good a drink-now red from the Marche can be. This is more than merely a pleasant red. Instead, there's character to this wine, as the quality of the blend exceeds the usual standard for the area. You get the dried cherry dustiness of sangiovese with a base of almost succulent black cherry fruit and soft tannins from the montepulciano grape. There's no need to age this beauty; it's ready to go. And did I mention the price? Try a bottle. For that kind of money, this is an Italian red of uncommon value." -Matt Kramer -Oregonian
2006 Forte Canto Salice Salentino (Italy, Puglia, Salice Salentino) $11.99 (dry Italian red)
Small Vineyards Imports strikes again with this value wine from the Italian south, made with the negroamaro grape.
Quinta dos Roques Quinta do Corrieo Tinto -Dão Portugal - 2006 $9.99 (dry Portuguese red)
Quinta dos Roques pioneered the idea of varietal bottling in Portugal with their 1996 wines. Despite their fame, Roques remain a small producer, with many of their bottlings not exceeding 1000 cases. With 12 different plots totalling 40 hectares this is a dynamic and exciting estate, making a sometimes bewildering array of different wines. The distributor has dropped the price on this newest shipment, and the wine is spectacular, reminding me of a cross between a cold weather syrah and a beefy Loire cabernet franc, or perhaps mencia, with its lavender-wild violet aroma, and dark plummy interior palate.
It is a blend of Jaen and Touriga Nacional, with smaller amounts of Alfrocheiro Preto, Tinta Roriz and Rufete, made in all stainless steel.
Zerba "Wild Z" Columbia Valley Red Wine $19.99 (big, dry Oregon red wine)
"Wild Z" opens with rich aromas of currant, plums and black cherries with hints of smoke and spice. Black cherry, plum and even strawberry flavors linger on the long finish. Balanced acidity and smooth tannins make this a very versatile, food-friendly wine. Varieies: 38% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Syrah, 3% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot, 3% Barbera.
Friday Feb 13th
...our regular Friday Tasting 5:00 - 7:00 pm sharp.... only a $5.00 fee ...ends at 7pm sharp!
The tasting line up-...Wines from Vin de Garde Selections ....
2 great whites...
Pajzos Antaloczy Cellars Tokaji Furmint 2007 (Hungary) $11.99 Dry White.
This dry Furmint is made from hand-harvested fruit and slowly fermented in stainless steel tanks. Brightly acidic and concentrated, the palate is abundant with orange oil, apricot, clove, and notions of honey. Enjoy this versatile white with seafood, cheeses, and poultry. Deliciously different and refreshing, this wine is a steal at $11.99.
Domaine Eugene Carrel Cru Marestel 2007 Rousette de Savoie (Savoie, France) $19.99 Dry White.
Roussette de Savoie is an Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) for white wine in the Savoy wine region of France. Marestal is the village designation. This dry white wine has a nose of violets and mountain heather with flavors of minerals, bergamot, honey and hazelnut. Rich, concentrated, and almost unctuous in texture, this wine is a good match for foods that have a high umami factor like wild mushroom soup, mountain cheeses and game birds. The grape variety is Rousette (aka Altesse.)
Plus new vintages on great reds from Paul Autard Cotes du Rhone, Zolo Malbec, Ramanista Red from Greece...and more.
(I will not be in the store Sunday Feb 15 - Wednesday Feb 18th) Returning to duty next Thursday.
-Mike
Friday Jan 30th our regular Friday Tasting 5:00 - 7:00 pm sharp.... only a $5.00 fee ...ends at 7pm sharp!
The tasting line up- 8 wines ...summary: funny labels with great wine inside:
R Wines Pure Evil Chardonnay $9.99
Goats do Roam Red 2006 $9.99
R Wines Bitch Grenache 2007 $10.99
Marquis Philips Baby Roogle Shiraz 2007 $9.99
R Wines Luchador Shiraz 2007 $15.99
R Wines Evil Cabernet 2007 $10.99
Red Lion Cabernet Sauvingnon 2007 $15.99
Plus taste the Patriki Australian Shiraz Box Wine (bag in a box) at $21.99 for 4 bottles worth (3 liters.) At $5.50 per bottle this is a steal for juice this good.
Perfect for Superbowl parties, and don't forget, the unfinished portion stays fresh for weeks afterwards. Mrs. Mr. Mike also endorses this great deal. The wine seems a little more like a plump Cotes du Rhone than your run of the mill jam-master Australian shiraz.
Friday Jan 23rd our regular Friday Tasting 5:00 - 7:00 pm sharp.... only a $5.00 fee ...ends at 7pm sharp!
The tasting line up- 8 wines ...summary: once again great values and variety from around the world.
The Wines
Casa Santos Lima "Portuga" 2007 Vinho Branco, Estramadura, Portugal $6.99 (fruity crisp Portuguese white)
A blend of arinto, fernão pires, and vital. The wine has refreshing flavors of melon and lemon, and a certain winter-mint snap and tang. A steal at the price.
Los Vascos 2008 sauvignon blanc $9.99 (tangy crisp dry Chilean white)
Last week was a good year!
Nobilo "Icon" 2006 pinot noir $11.99 (New Zealand pinot noir -red) (7 cases available)
This is a close out deal on a tasty affordable pinot noir. The wine is citrus-y with pretty floral notes, and a hint of limestone minerality, with a light-bodied texture.
Maggio Vini "Pithoi" 2006 nero d’avola $9.99 (dense dry Italian red)
This is smooth with the typical cherry-raspberry flavors of nero d'avola, and great persistence on the finish. Great value.
Corsini "Matot" 2007 Langhe Rosso $9.99 (dense dry Italian red)
A blend of three Piemonte varietas, dolcetto, barbera, and nebbiolo. This is a great pasta/pizza companion at a great price.
Chateau del la Grave 2005 Cotes de Bourg "Caractere" (Bordeaux) $14.99 (dense dry French red)
A great 2005 Bordeaux still in good supply locally. Delicious now, this will do nothing but improve in your cellar. (80% merlot, 20% cabernet sauvignon)
Hahn 2006 cabernet sauvignon - Central Coast California $10.99 (dense rich California red)
Fruit driven and delicious.
2006 Delisio "the Quarterback" Mclaren Vale Red Wine $17.99 (big red from Australia)
Just in time for your super bowl party! Jay Miller (Wine Advocate): "[$24 list] De Lisio’s entry level wine, the 2006 Quarterback, is scheduled to be bottled in September 2007. Composed of 30% Shiraz, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, and 21% Grenache, it spent 15 months in used French oak. It offers a complex perfume of cedar, spice box, black cherry, and black raspberry. This leads to a full-bodied wine with opulent, ripe, sweet fruit, in a nearly seamless package. This outstanding value has tons of flavor and a long, pure finish. It will evolve for 2-3 years but why delay your gratification? 90-92 points."
Friday Jan 16th our regular Friday Tasting 5:00 - 7:00 pm sharp.... only a $5.00 fee ...ends at 7pm sharp!
The tasting line up- 7 wines ...summary: values from around the world
Baumard -Cremant de Loire Brut Extra Rose $24.99 (elegant dry sparkling wine from France)
"Baumard is one of the Loire Valley's great producers, famous for its dry Savennieres and fabulous rich/sweet Quarts de Chaume. (Both wines are available locally, by the way.)
Less well-known is Baumard's cremant de Loire, the local name for a sparkling wine. In France, only sparkling wine made from grapes grown in the Champagne region can be called Champagne. Baumard makes several sparkling wines. The one designated Cremant de Loire Rose Brut Extra is, for this taster, the producer's finest as it's one of the most original-tasting and refined sparkling wines I've yet tasted.Composed entirely of cabernet franc -- which is unusual -- Baumard Rose Brut Extra delivers an utterly dry, restrained fruitiness with notes of red currants. Worth noting is the absence of even a hint of the sort of herbaceousness one might expect from a cabernet-based sparkling wine. The delicate pale salmon hue is textbook-perfect. Beautifully packaged in a clear bottle with a matte finish and silver label that simply says "Rose Brut Extra Baumard," it's uncommonly elegant-looking." -Matt Kramer
Cono Sur 2007 Sauvignon Blanc $9.99 (tangy crisp dry Chilean white)
Last call on this great vintage, the 2008 is arriving soon, and while I hope it is as good, I know this one is great. A refreshing, crisp white that has very good sauvignon blanc character. Solid fruit flavors (green apple, citrus and a hint of tropical) with good acidity make it a versatile white for grilled fish and seafood. -Mr. Mike
Broadley 2007 Pinot Noir $18.99 (Oregon pinot noir)
My recommendation for best under $20.00 Oregon pinot noir; the wine is savory and well-balanced ,without obvious fruitiness, yet retaining a loamy burgundian depth. -Mr. Mike
Masia de Bielsa 2007 Vinas Viejas -Campo de Borja D.O. $10.99 (dense dry Spanish red)
100% garnacha (40 years old vines) Fermented in stainless steel tanks Masia de Bielsa Vinas Viejas 2007 was also aged in stainless steel with 2 months on the lees. Purple-ruby, with an excellent nose of black pepper, raspberries and minerals. This beauty shows pure fruit and good amounts of refreshing acidity with along and persistent finish.
Alodio 2007 Mencia grape, Ribeira Sacra D.O. (place), Spain $14.99 (dense dry Spanish red)
Ribeira Sacra is an up and coming area in Spain’s northwestern corner, at the southern end of Galicia. The landscape is a steep river valley dotted with rocky terraced vineyards and gnarly old vines of mencia, its indigenous grape. The wine is dense, with mineral overtones, and full of plum, blueberry fruit, and also with the slate-inflected flavors that are reminiscent of Loire Valley cabernet franc crossed with a dash of cool weather syrah. This is an unusual and compellingly different wine. -Mr. Mike
Opta 2004 Calzadilla $19.99 (dense dry Spanish red)
Opta is produced by a small estate named Uribes Madera located in the hills
of south of the small village Huete, which lies about 80 miles east of
Madrid. Grapes were cultivated here in Roman times (the Romans also dug for
a glass-type slate they used for windows) but were replaced with other crops
over years due to low yields and the small amount of rain the area receives.
In fact, there are no vineyards within 50 km of the estate. Thus, there is
really no appellation other than Castilla Table Wine (La Mancha lies to the
south). The grapes are tempranillo (70%), garnacha (15%) and syrah (15%). It
is aged for 12 months in French and American oak. I believe the wine
received 91+ points from Robert Parker. -From the distributor.
Janiuk 2005 Red Table wine $19.99 (big red from Washington State)
"Very dark garnet color. Toasty oak aroma, with deep notes of plum and cassis. Rich and concentrated berry flavors balance moderate tannins. Well balanced, with a long finish of cassis and barrel toast." - NW Palate
Made from merlot – 50%, syrah – 23%, petit verdot – 11%, malbec – 7.3%, cabernet franc – 6.3%, cabernet sauvignon – 1.9%. The 2005 vintage was very good in Washington.
Janiuk 2005 Red Table wine $19.99 (big red from Washington State)
"Very dark garnet color. Toasty oak aroma, with deep notes of plum and cassis. Rich and concentrated berry flavors balance moderate tannins. Well balanced, with a long finish of cassis and barrel toast." - NW Palate
Made from merlot – 50%, syrah – 23%, petit verdot – 11%, malbec – 7.3%, cabernet franc – 6.3%, cabernet sauvignon – 1.9%. The 2005 vintage was very good in Washington.
Janiuk 2005 Red Table wine $19.99 (big red from Washington State)
"Very dark garnet color. Toasty oak aroma, with deep notes of plum and cassis. Rich and concentrated berry flavors balance moderate tannins. Well balanced, with a long finish of cassis and barrel toast." - NW Palate
Made from merlot – 50%, syrah – 23%, petit verdot – 11%, malbec – 7.3%, cabernet franc – 6.3%, cabernet sauvignon – 1.9%. The 2005 vintage was very good in Washington.
Friday Jan 16th our regular Friday Tasting 5:00 - 7:00 pm sharp.... only a $5.00 fee ...ends at 7pm sharp!
The tasting line up- 7 wines ...summary: values from around the world
Baumard -Cremant de Loire Brut Extra Rose $24.99 (elegant dry sparkling wine from France)
"Baumard is one of the Loire Valley's great producers, famous for its dry Savennieres and fabulous rich/sweet Quarts de Chaume. (Both wines are available locally, by the way.)
Less well-known is Baumard's cremant de Loire, the local name for a sparkling wine. In France, only sparkling wine made from grapes grown in the Champagne region can be called Champagne. Baumard makes several sparkling wines. The one designated Cremant de Loire Rose Brut Extra is, for this taster, the producer's finest as it's one of the most original-tasting and refined sparkling wines I've yet tasted.Composed entirely of cabernet franc -- which is unusual -- Baumard Rose Brut Extra delivers an utterly dry, restrained fruitiness with notes of red currants. Worth noting is the absence of even a hint of the sort of herbaceousness one might expect from a cabernet-based sparkling wine. The delicate pale salmon hue is textbook-perfect. Beautifully packaged in a clear bottle with a matte finish and silver label that simply says "Rose Brut Extra Baumard," it's uncommonly elegant-looking." -Matt Kramer
Cono Sur 2007 Sauvignon Blanc $9.99 (tangy crisp dry Chilean white)
Last call on this great vintage, the 2008 is arriving soon, and while I hope it is as good, I know this one is great. A refreshing, crisp white that has very good sauvignon blanc character. Solid fruit flavors (green apple, citrus and a hint of tropical) with good acidity make it a versatile white for grilled fish and seafood. -Mr. Mike
Broadley 2007 Pinot Noir $18.99 (Oregon pinot noir)
My recommendation for best under $20.00 Oregon pinot noir; the wine is savory and well-balanced ,without obvious fruitiness, yet retaining a loamy burgundian depth. -Mr. Mike
Masia de Bielsa 2007 Vinas Viejas -Campo de Borja D.O. $10.99 (dense dry Spanish red)
100% garnacha (40 years old vines) Fermented in stainless steel tanks Masia de Bielsa Vinas Viejas 2007 was also aged in stainless steel with 2 months on the lees. Purple-ruby, with an excellent nose of black pepper, raspberries and minerals. This beauty shows pure fruit and good amounts of refreshing acidity with along and persistent finish.
Alodio 2007 Mencia grape, Ribeira Sacra D.O. (place), Spain $14.99 (dense dry Spanish red)
Ribeira Sacra is an up and coming area in Spain’s northwestern corner, at the southern end of Galicia. The landscape is a steep river valley dotted with rocky terraced vineyards and gnarly old vines of mencia, its indigenous grape. The wine is dense, with mineral overtones, and full of plum, blueberry fruit, and also with the slate-inflected flavors that are reminiscent of Loire Valley cabernet franc crossed with a dash of cool weather syrah. This is an unusual and compellingly different wine. -Mr. Mike
Opta 2004 Calzadilla $19.99 (dense dry Spanish red)
Opta is produced by a small estate named Uribes Madera located in the hills
of south of the small village Huete, which lies about 80 miles east of
Madrid. Grapes were cultivated here in Roman times (the Romans also dug for
a glass-type slate they used for windows) but were replaced with other crops
over years due to low yields and the small amount of rain the area receives.
In fact, there are no vineyards within 50 km of the estate. Thus, there is
really no appellation other than Castilla Table Wine (La Mancha lies to the
south). The grapes are tempranillo (70%), garnacha (15%) and syrah (15%). It
is aged for 12 months in French and American oak. I believe the wine
received 91+ points from Robert Parker. -From the distributor.
Janiuk 2005 Red Table wine $19.99 (big red from Washington State)
"Very dark garnet color. Toasty oak aroma, with deep notes of plum and cassis. Rich and concentrated berry flavors balance moderate tannins. Well balanced, with a long finish of cassis and barrel toast." - NW Palate
Made from merlot – 50%, syrah – 23%, petit verdot – 11%, malbec – 7.3%, cabernet franc – 6.3%, cabernet sauvignon – 1.9%. The 2005 vintage was very good in Washington.
Janiuk 2005 Red Table wine $19.99 (big red from Washington State)
"Very dark garnet color. Toasty oak aroma, with deep notes of plum and cassis. Rich and concentrated berry flavors balance moderate tannins. Well balanced, with a long finish of cassis and barrel toast." - NW Palate
Made from merlot – 50%, syrah – 23%, petit verdot – 11%, malbec – 7.3%, cabernet franc – 6.3%, cabernet sauvignon – 1.9%. The 2005 vintage was very good in Washington.
Janiuk 2005 Red Table wine $19.99 (big red from Washington State)
"Very dark garnet color. Toasty oak aroma, with deep notes of plum and cassis. Rich and concentrated berry flavors balance moderate tannins. Well balanced, with a long finish of cassis and barrel toast." - NW Palate
Made from merlot – 50%, syrah – 23%, petit verdot – 11%, malbec – 7.3%, cabernet franc – 6.3%, cabernet sauvignon – 1.9%. The 2005 vintage was very good in Washington.
Friday Jan 9th our regular Friday Tasting 5:00 - 7:00 pm sharp.... only a $5.00 fee ...ends at 7pm sharp!
The tasting line up- 8 wines ...summary: Southern French Wines
Château Margüii 2006 Côteaux Varois en Provence $17.99 (Great dry pink wine.)
Brumont Gros Manseng/Sauvignon 2006 $10.99 (dry white)..Gascony.
Château Bellevue La Forêt 2005 -Fronton aoc $9.99 (red)
Cuvée des Oliviers, Massamier La Mignarde, VDP Coteaux des Peyriac $9.99 (red)
Côtes du Rhône-Villages Cairanne 2004 Domaine Rabasse Charavin $21.99 (red)
Maxime Magnon 'La Demarrante,' 2006 Vin de Pays de la Valle du Paradis $21.49 (red)...Corbieres.
Grand Veneur 2006 Chateauneuf-du-Pape $34.00 (red)
Mas de Daumas Gassac 2006 $46.99 (red)
Special Thursday Tasting Malbecs from Argentina, France, and Walla Walla.
at John's Marketplace from 6:00 - 8:00 pm Sept. 18th
The Big Malbec Tasting.....$10.00 fee
Malbec has been long known as one of the six grapes allowed in the blend of red Bordeaux wine.
However the current French plantations of Malbec are now found primarily in Cahors in the South West France region.
It is planted elsewhere around the globe, and is increasingly celebrated as an Argentine wine varietal.
The line up:
Beresan 2005 Malbec -Walla Walla $30.00 (USA)
Chateau Du Cedre 2004 -Cahors AOC "Le Cedre" ($...not available... from the cellar.) (France) 95 Points, Wine Spectator.
Domaine Cosse Maisonneuve 2004 -Cahors AOC "Le Combal" $18.00 (France)
Domaine Cosse Maisonneuve 2002 -Cahors AOC "Les Laquets" $34.00 (France
Chateau de Cayrou 2000 -Cahors AOC $26.00
Catena 2006 Malbec $24.00 (Argentina)
Bodega Colome Malbec 2005 $27.00 (Argentina) Highly recommended by Matt Kramer, and 90 points Wine Spectator.
Catena 2004 Alta Malbec $59.00 (Argentina) 93 points Wine Spectator, and one of the top 100 wines of the year. 94 points Parker.
NOTES ON SOME OF THE WINES:
2004 Catena Alta Malbec $59.00 (Argentina)
94 points from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2004 Alta Malbec was aged for 18 months in French oak, 70% new, and was also bottled unfined and unfiltered. It offers greater aromatic complexity with notes of pepper, clove, leather, and chocolate in addition to violets, black cherry, and blackberry. Medium-bodied and elegant, it has a plush texture, layers of spicy black fruits and minerality, excellent balance, and a 60-second finish. It will evolve for 5-7 years and drink well through 2025." (Dec. 2007)
93 points Wine Spectator: "Dark and lush, with a gorgeous mouthfeel to the exotic fig, boysenberry and blueberry fruit flavors backed by intense spice, mocha, loam and licorice notes. Superlong, showing great drive and purity on the finish. Drink now through 2010. 2,500 cases imported." (9/04/07)
"Bodegas Catena Zapata may be the best known Argentine winery in the US and rightfully so considering the quality that consistently comes in their bottles of wine. The boisterous Malbec heft is well balanced here and tamed by some lip-smacking acid and slightly chewy tannin. Exuding class this wine is full of peppered beef, ripe blueberry cream, and crushed anise seed. This big--really big--wine is easily ready to spend the next few years slumbering away in a cold, dark place, but is fun to drink now as well. Preferably with a big 'ol hunk of bloody Argentine beef." -Bryan Brick, K&L
Domaine Cosse Maisonneuve 2004 -Cahors AOC "Le Combal" $18.00 (France)
"This organically run estate makes some of the best wines from Cahors. Fermented in stainless steel, the wine is a blend of 80% Malbec and 20% Merlot. A wine for Duck, lamb and stews. Spicy almost like chili powder. On the palate, dry, raspberry, boysenberry, really juicy, some oak, some earthiness, nice finish. Pretty silky texture." -Mr. Mike
Domaine Cosse Maisonneuve 2002 -Cahors AOC "Les Laquets" $34.00 (France)
"Funkalicious!" -Mr. Mike
2004 Chateau Du Cedre Cahors Le Cedre ($N/A from my cellar.) (France)
"Very elegant, with concentrated and powerful flavors of dark cherry, raspberry and cassis. Massively structured, with intense dark chocolate notes, and plenty of rich spiciness. An immense Malbec-based red." 95 Points, Wine Spectator
Bodega Colomé Malbec 2005 $27.00 (Argentina)
90 Points - Wine Spectator "Very ripe, with exotic plum, fig and boysenberry fruit flavors that roll along round but deceptively focused tannins. The long, vibrant finish has a nice buried minerality to offset all the fruit. Drink now through 2010. 1,100 cases imported."
Bodega Colomé vineyards are biodynamically and sustainably farmed at an altitude of 5,500 to 8,500 feet and are believed to be the highest vineyards in the world. The sandy and alluvial soils yield small crops and produce deeply colored and concentrated wines which capture the soul of this distinct terroir.
Special Thursday Tasting Malbecs from Argentina, France, and Walla Walla.
at John's Marketplace from 6:00 - 8:00 pm Sept. 18th
The Big Malbec Tasting.....$10.00 fee
Malbec has been long known as one of the six grapes allowed in the blend of red Bordeaux wine.
However the current French plantations of Malbec are now found primarily in Cahors in the South West France region.
It is planted elsewhere around the globe, and is increasingly celebrated as an Argentine wine varietal.
The line up:
Beresan 2005 Malbec -Walla Walla $30.00 (USA)
Chateau Du Cedre 2004 -Cahors AOC "Le Cedre" ($...not available... from the cellar.) (France) 95 Points, Wine Spectator.
Domaine Cosse Maisonneuve 2004 -Cahors AOC "Le Combal" $18.00 (France)
Domaine Cosse Maisonneuve 2002 -Cahors AOC "Les Laquets" $34.00 (France
Chateau de Cayrou 2000 -Cahors AOC $26.00
Catena 2006 Malbec $24.00 (Argentina)
Bodega Colome Malbec 2005 $27.00 (Argentina) Highly recommended by Matt Kramer, and 90 points Wine Spectator.
Catena 2004 Alta Malbec $59.00 (Argentina) 93 points Wine Spectator, and one of the top 100 wines of the year. 94 points Parker.
NOTES ON SOME OF THE WINES:
2004 Catena Alta Malbec $59.00 (Argentina)
94 points from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2004 Alta Malbec was aged for 18 months in French oak, 70% new, and was also bottled unfined and unfiltered. It offers greater aromatic complexity with notes of pepper, clove, leather, and chocolate in addition to violets, black cherry, and blackberry. Medium-bodied and elegant, it has a plush texture, layers of spicy black fruits and minerality, excellent balance, and a 60-second finish. It will evolve for 5-7 years and drink well through 2025." (Dec. 2007)
93 points Wine Spectator: "Dark and lush, with a gorgeous mouthfeel to the exotic fig, boysenberry and blueberry fruit flavors backed by intense spice, mocha, loam and licorice notes. Superlong, showing great drive and purity on the finish. Drink now through 2010. 2,500 cases imported." (9/04/07)
"Bodegas Catena Zapata may be the best known Argentine winery in the US and rightfully so considering the quality that consistently comes in their bottles of wine. The boisterous Malbec heft is well balanced here and tamed by some lip-smacking acid and slightly chewy tannin. Exuding class this wine is full of peppered beef, ripe blueberry cream, and crushed anise seed. This big--really big--wine is easily ready to spend the next few years slumbering away in a cold, dark place, but is fun to drink now as well. Preferably with a big 'ol hunk of bloody Argentine beef." -Bryan Brick, K&L
Domaine Cosse Maisonneuve 2004 -Cahors AOC "Le Combal" $18.00 (France)
"This organically run estate makes some of the best wines from Cahors. Fermented in stainless steel, the wine is a blend of 80% Malbec and 20% Merlot. A wine for Duck, lamb and stews. Spicy almost like chili powder. On the palate, dry, raspberry, boysenberry, really juicy, some oak, some earthiness, nice finish. Pretty silky texture." -Mr. Mike
Domaine Cosse Maisonneuve 2002 -Cahors AOC "Les Laquets" $34.00 (France)
"Funkalicious!" -Mr. Mike
2004 Chateau Du Cedre Cahors Le Cedre ($N/A from my cellar.) (France)
"Very elegant, with concentrated and powerful flavors of dark cherry, raspberry and cassis. Massively structured, with intense dark chocolate notes, and plenty of rich spiciness. An immense Malbec-based red." 95 Points, Wine Spectator
Bodega Colomé Malbec 2005 $27.00 (Argentina)
90 Points - Wine Spectator "Very ripe, with exotic plum, fig and boysenberry fruit flavors that roll along round but deceptively focused tannins. The long, vibrant finish has a nice buried minerality to offset all the fruit. Drink now through 2010. 1,100 cases imported."
Bodega Colomé vineyards are biodynamically and sustainably farmed at an altitude of 5,500 to 8,500 feet and are believed to be the highest vineyards in the world. The sandy and alluvial soils yield small crops and produce deeply colored and concentrated wines which capture the soul of this distinct terroir.
Today Friday's tasting, September 5th from 5-7pm, at John's Marketplace $5.00 fee.
Jason L. Silva Winemaker from Arcane Cellars at Wheatland Winery in person pouring his wines. Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, blended red.
The cool kids table will feature great new wines. More value whites from Austria, and Spain. French reds also.
Warning
Mr. Mike will be gone briefly. I will not be in the store September 7th - 12th. There will be no Thursday Tasting next week.
I will be back next Friday for our regular Friday Tasting.
Special Thursday Tasting Ojai
at John's Marketplace from 6:00 - 8:00 pm Sept. 4th
The Big Ojai Tasting.....8 wines....$20.00 fee
The Ojai Vineyard, owned by Adam & Helen Tolmach, works closely with a dozen different vineyards on the Central Coast of California and produces wines from syrah, grenache, mourvedre, pinot noir, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc and viognier. In the winery they like to watch the development of the wine carefully, yet prefer to do as little as possible. Experience has shown them that the least amount of moving, pumping, fining and filtering is always best. The ultimate objective is to show off the distinctive character of a vineyard site. All the wines made at Ojai are naturally made products - no fining or filtration, barrel-fermentation, malolactic in barrel, aggressive lees stirring, virtually no racking until assembling for bottling, and no acid additions. "One cannot say enough about the commitment to excellence exhibited year after year by Adam Tolmach, who has not missed a beat since he began making Syrah at the Ojai Vineyard in 1983." -Robert Parker
2006 Chardonnay Bien Nacido - $30.00 (9 bottles available)
This is a new vineyard and a new Chardonnay for the Ojai Vineyard. We are very excited by this wine as it shows how, with the proper cool climate and the correct clones (Dijon), we can make a chardonnay true to its pedigree. With little new oak, the wine has bracing natural acidity that carries the fruit and mineral notes to its long, subtle finish.
-from the winemaker.
2006 Chardonnay Clos Pepe - $45.00 (4 bottles available)
2005 Pinot Noir Solomon Hills - $50.00 (4 bottles available)
"Tolmach's 2005 Pinot Noir Solomon Hills comes from a parcel planted with Dijon clones 667 and 777. Its deep ruby/purple color is followed by loads of sweet cherry, blackberry, and currant fruit interwoven with notions of forest floor, oak, and earth. Supple tannin, a broad mouthfeel, and good underlying acidity suggest it will drink well for 8-10 years. 91PTS" -Robert Parker
2005 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido - $50.00 (2 bottles available)
"The structured, tannic, backward, rich 2003 Syrah Bien Nacido Vineyard reveals hints of crème de cassis, blackberries, tapenade, and spice box. Give it 2-3 years of cellaring and drink it over the following 10-15+. 92PTS" -Robert Parker
2005 Syrah Santa Barbara County - $30.00 (5 bottles available)
"The 2005 Syrah (which includes small amounts of Mourvedre and Grenache) reveals delicious cassis and cherry fruit interwoven with licorice, camphor, and pepper. Made in a juicy, up-front style, it is meant to be drunk during its first 4-5 years of life. 89PTS" -Robert Parker
2003 Syrah Bien Nacido - $39.00 (2 bottles available)
"The structured, tannic, backward, rich 2003 Syrah Bien Nacido Vineyard reveals hints of creme de cassis, blackberries, tapenade, and spice box. Give it 2-3 years of cellaring and drink it over the following 10-15+. 92PTS" -Robert Parker
2004 Syrah Stolpman - $45.00 (4 bottles available)
"A superb offering is the 2004 Syrah Stolpman. An inky/blue/purple color is accompanied by sweet blueberry and blackberry fruit notes intermixed with scents of smoke, charcoal, and flowers. With fabulous fruit, a nice unctuosity, full-bodied depth, and great precision and purity, it is one of the stars of this ripe vintage of Syrah. 94PTS"
-Robert Parker
2004 Syrah Melville - $50.00 (5 bottles available)
"From the cool Santa Rita Hills, the 2004 Syrah Melville reveals classic blackberry, blueberry, charcoal, acacia flower, and bacon fat aromas. Stunningly rich, full-bodied, thick, and juicy with a smoky character in the mouth that is not apparent in the fruit-laden nose, this is a beautifully proportioned, full-bodied Syrah that should drink nicely for 10-15 years. 94PTS" -Robert Parker
also available to purchase...
2006 Chardonnay Solomon Hills - $45.00 (not in tasting - 2 bottles available, great stuff, just buy this. -Mr. Mike)
This is a new vineyard and a new Chardonnay for the Ojai Vineyard. We are very excited by this wine as it shows how, with the proper cool climate and the correct clones (Dijon), we can make a chardonnay true to its pedigree. With little new oak, the wine has bracing natural acidity that carries the fruit and mineral notes to its long, subtle finish.
-from the winemaker.
2004 Pinot Noir Fe Ciega - $65.00 (not in tasting - 2 bottles available, great stuff, just buy this. -Mr. Mike)
Special Thursday Tasting
at John's Marketplace from 6:00 - 8:00 pm Aug.28th
Red Bordeaux at John's Marketplace. (Tasting fee $10.00) for these 8 wines:
Château Recougne 2005 (Bordeaux Superieur) $14.99
Vieux Château Saint Andre 2005 (Montagne Saint-Emilion) $29.99
Château de la Grave Caractere 2005 Bordeaux $14.99
Château St. Georges 2005 (St. Georges-St. Émilion) $30.99
Château de Parenchère 2004 (Grand Vin de Bordeaux) $18.99
Château Paveil de Luze 2004 Margaux $28.99
Château de Lugagnac 2005 (Bordeaux Supérieur) $17.99
Château Puygueraud 2000 (Bordeaux Cotes de Francs) $39.99
We will be featuring Château de Lugagnac 2005 (Bordeaux Supérieur) $17.99 which was the number one wine in the Wall Street Journal's extensive review of inexpensive red Bordeaux from the 2005 vintage, -one of the best vintages in recent history.
From the Wall Street Journal: "The Dow Jones Inexpensive 2005 Bordeaux Index" Looking for Value in a Prized Vintage; 2005 Bordeaux Made Affordable; Avoiding the Traps WSJ January 11, 2008 ....."In a broad blind tasting of red Bordeaux from the 2005 vintage that cost $20 or less, these were our favorites. It is impossible to know which 2005 Bordeaux you will see, but there are many of them out there. These are good with steak, but, because they are Bordeaux, they make any meal special. We wouldn't hesitate to open one of these with a good pizza, and we like these with meatloaf. Overall, these are meant to drink young, but we felt that a few of them, as noted, would age well for at least a couple of years." ....Château de Lugagnac 2005 (Bordeaux Supérieur) "Best of tasting. The nose immediately says, "Fine stuff," with earth, tobacco and juicy fruit. Well balanced and nicely complex. Even better after an hour. Remarkably complete for such a young, inexpensive wine." -WSJ
Of course it is a few bucks more in Portland, Oregon than it was in this East Coast tasting but it still qualifies as under 20 bucks at $17.99. ($172.80/14.40 case price). The wine is definitely terrific, exuding breed and character that far transcends its modest price. -Mr. Mike
Special Thursday Tasting
at John's Marketplace from 6:00 - 8:00 pm Aug.21st
The wines of Matello with Marcus Goodfellow in person at John's Marketplace. (Tasting fee $10.00)
Terrific Pinot Noirs, a great Pinot Blanc, and a startlingly good blended white wine from a talented new Oregon producer. Please join us!
To read more about this great new player on the Oregon wine scene visit this link for his complete bio:
http://www.indiewinefestival.com/winemaker.php
Friday Tasting
This Friday's tasting, August 22nd from 5-7 pm, at John's Marketplace $5.00 fee.
Cuma Malbec, Ch. Pech Rosie Cabardes, Abbot's Table Wine, new extreme value white wines.
Special Thursday Tasting
at John's Marketplace from 6:00 - 8:00 pm Aug.14th
CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE at John's Marketplace Tasting fee $15.00
Here are the wines we will pour:
PIERRE USSEGLIO 2007 PANORAMA $16.99
From Robert Parker:
"The pleasant, bistro-styled 2007 Panorama VDP is meant for immediate consumption.
One cannot say enough about the extraordinary qualitative revolution that has quietly taken place at this well-known domaine north of the village of Chateauneuf du Pape. While father Pierre is still on the premises, providing a wealth of historical information about the vineyards, his two sons, Jean-Pierre and Thierry, have introduced two extra-special cuvees, pushing this estate into the top echelon of Chateauneuf du Pape producers. This domaine is notorious for incredibly low yields (in 2007 yields were 25-28 hectoliters per hectare) as well as traditional winemaking. They now have a small, 1-hectare plot of vin de pays planted with Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Alicante, and Merlot."
CHATEAU FORTIA 2006 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE TRADITION $38.00
75% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre
From Stephen Tanzer:
"Dark red. Spicy, floral-tinged bouquet evokes raspberry, garrigue, violet and smoky minerals. Spicy, medium-bodied red fruit flavors are given grip by dusty tannins. Gains weight and sweetness on the broad, long finish. I suspect this very attractive wine will drink well young." 89-91 points
DOMAINE DE LA COTE DE L'ANGE 2006 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE $40.00
From Stephen Tanzer:
"Dark ruby. Complex bouquet evokes raspberry, anise, garrigue and rose. Vibrant red berry flavors are refreshingly tangy and focused, with a subtle licorice quality adding complexity. Impressively precise and elegant, but with good concentration and excellent energy on the finish. I like this style." 89-92 points
MAS DES BOISLAUZON 2006 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE TRADITION $40.00
75% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre
From Stephen Tanzer:
"Ruby-red. Spicy red and dark berry aromas are complicated by musky tobacco and underbrush. Firm and youthfully dry, with medium weight and chewy cherry and cassis flavors carrying through the finish. Seems a bit tough today but that's most likely just youth." 90-92 points
PIERRE USSEGLIO 2006 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE TRADITION $55.00
80% Grenache, 20% Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault
From Stephen Tanzer:
"Dark red. Very precise aromas of strawberry and cherry, with a suave mineral underpinning and a whiff of fresh rose adding complexity. Very Burgundian in its relatively light body, silky texture and graceful red fruit flavors. Picks up an exotic cinnamon quality on the long, sappy finish. This offers fabulous potential for an entry-level wine." 92-94 points
LE VIEUX DONJON 2006 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE $65.00
70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre and Cinsault
From Stephen Tanzer:
"Deep ruby. Smoky cherry and blackcurrant aromas convey a wild, gamey quality, along with suave floral and mineral lift; smells like a northern Rhone wine. Deep dark fruit liqueur and olive flavors are sharpened by zesty minerals and finish with impressive grip and thrust. Combines energy and depth deftly.
An estate for connoisseurs with cold cellars, these traditionally made Chateauneuf du Papes rarely strut their stuff until they have been in the bottle for 5-7 years. Moreover, this is one of the few estates that has resisted the current fashion for producing old vine cuvees." 91-94 points
CHATEAU FORTIA 2006 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC $38.00
60% Clairette, 30% Roussanne and 10% Grenache Blanc.
White wines from Châteauneuf du Pape can be an acquired and expensive taste: but with a crisp lemony texture and a solid mineral flavor, this one is a gem.
MAS DES BOISLAUZON 2007 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC $40.00
60% Grenache, 40% Roussanne
Friday Tasting
This Friday's tasting, August 15th from 5-7 pm, at John's Marketplace $5.00 fee.
Oregon focus this Friday with DDO Arthur Chardonnay, Daedalus wines, light summer wines from Sokol Blosser, and Ayres 2006 WV Pinot Noir.
Special Thursday Tasting
at John's Marketplace from 6:00 - 8:00 pm Aug.7th
John's Marketplace Red Burgundy (French Pinot Noir) Tasting fee $10.00
The Red Burgundy Reduction Act of 2008!
No blah blah blah about the friable limestone soil and how they stood on one foot while harvesting with the waning moon in its second house.
Just try before you buy, what a concept!
I'll present lots of vintage 2005 bottles at great prices. I will pour mostly entry level Bourgogne, but some Premier Cru wines as well. 2005 was a great year that raised the standard at the lower end of the price spectrum. You'll be glad to pull these satisfying special occasion wines out of your cupboard at Thanksgiving. PS... the 2006 vintage will be much more expensive, so buy now and save. We'll pull out some older wines just for fun too. Please join us. Producers represented will include: Bouchard; Vincent Girardin; Joseph Roty; J.M. Bouley; Maurice Ecard.
Here are some of the wines we will pour:
Domaine Collote Marsannay 2007 Pink Wine $19.99
Maurice Ecard 2005 Bourgogne Les Perrieres aoc $19.99
Bernard Defaix 2005 Bourgogne $16.99
Domaine Ravaut 2005 Bourgogne $14.99
Domaine Ravaut 2005 Ladoix aoc $21.99
Domaine Gachot-Monot 2004 Nuits-Saint-Georges $34.99
Vincent Girardin 2005 Emotion de Terroirs $24.99
Phillipe Colin 2005 Santenay $34.49
J.M Bouley 2005 Volnay “Les Carelles” 1re Cru $39.99
Bouchard 2005 1re Cru Beaune du Chateau $37.50
Something from Joseph Roty, not sure which one.
Friday
This Friday's tasting, August 8th from 5-7 pm, at John's Marketplace $5.00 fee.
There will be a Cru Beaujolais focus at one table, a second table will pour good value domestic wines.
Special Thursday Tasting at John's Marketplace
Tomorrow Thursday, July 31st from 6-8pm we'll have Thomas Kelly of Small Vineyards pouring his Italian wines, and some olive oil. Just a $5.00 fee.
Thomas puts on quite a show; please join us for this great Italian wine seminar.
-the line up:
Prosecco - Puntoevirgolo $12.99
Le Cavaliere - Verdicchio di Castelli Jesi "Verdicchio Classico Superiore" $14.99
Le Rote - Chianti Colli Senesi 2004 $14.99
Martorana - Colona 2006 $12.99
Tarzal - Cabernet Franc 2005 $17.99
Podere Ciona - Merlot IGT 2004 $29.99
Perazetta Olive Oil 100 ml $2.50
Friday
This Friday's tasting, August 1st from 5-7 pm, at John's Marketplace $5.00 fee.
An Oregon focus including wines from Genius Loci, and Illahe.
This Friday's tasting, July 25th from 5-7 pm, at John's Marketplace:
Please come try California wines with Rupendhar Kanuri of Premium Vintage Wine Company, and Matt Giannone pouring his Purple Hands Wine from Oregon.
Mr Mike is away until Monday and Mrs Mike will preside, as best she can.
Support our local market.
The Multnomah Farmer's Market is Today, Thursday at the Multnomah Art Center (near the basketball court) from 3:30 – 7:30 pm.
Special Thursday Tasting
Next Thursday, July 31st from 6-8 pm we'll have Thomas Kelly of Small Vineyards pouring his Italian wines, and olive oil. Just a $5.00 fee. Thomas puts on quite a show; please join us for this Italian wine seminar.
I will be on vacation the entire next week. July 21st - July 27th
I will return for regular hours starting July 30th
- my usual schedule will be:
Wed 10-5 Thursday 12-5 and Fri 2-7
(I will be available most Sat's also from 12-5 by appointment.)
... Mr. Mike
Friday July 18th from 5-7 pm
Tom from Galaxy wines will pour wines from Oregon and Europe. $5.00 fee.
The Wines
A-Z Oregon Pinot Gris
A-Z Oregon Pinot Noir
Castlerock Oregon WV Pinot Noir
Domaine Ott Rose (dry pink)
Can Feixes Penedes Blanc Seleccio
Riff Pinot Grigio
Tinto Pesquera (100% Tempranillo Fino)
-plus some other surprises.
Support our local market.
The Multnomah Farmer's Market is Today, Thursday at the Multnomah Art Center (near the basketball court) from 3:30 – 7:30 pm.
My first act as the new king is to go on vacation this Friday and
Saturday, so I won't be at John's Marketplace for tomorrow's tasting.
However, our usual Friday tastings will continue tomorrow, Friday
July 11th from 5-7 pm with a rare visitation from Ed Addiss of Wine
Traditions, pouring great wines from his portfolio of good value
artisanal French producers. Ed visits his producers frequently and
is a thoughtful and passionate ambassador for these authentic and
soulful examples of French terroir-driven wines. $5.00 fee.
The Wines:
Dumont NV Brut Champagne $34.99
Domaine Terrasses Gaillac Rose 2006 $11.99
Domaine Magneau Graves Blanc 2006 $13.99
Domaine Cros Marcillac Rouge Lo Sang del Plais 2006 $12.99
Domaine Aufranc St. Amour Beaujolais 2005 $17.99
Domaine Loupiac-Gaudiet Loupiac (500 ml) $14.99
No tasting this Friday at John's Marketplace. It's July 4th.
Our usual Friday tastings will continue next Friday July 11th from 5-7 pm with a rare visitation from Ed Addiss of Wine Traditions, live and in person, highlighting some great wines from his portfolio of value-driven artisanal French producers. David Rounds of Triage Distribution Group will ably assist.
Good luck to Mr. Riggs!
"Ruminating, as I stare off into our belated and beautiful Oregon summer sky, now shrouded by our atmospherically bizarre cloak of technicolor-grey California particulate, it occurs to me just how enormous is that void (ocean-like) that we now face, since Mr. Riggs is leaving us, slouching off, Willy Loman-like toward perhaps a defining (and cosmically absurd) experience in that classically American, and anthropological-important, culture called "sales"; I sincerely hope he survives this experience intact; indeed his sesquipedalian eloquence will be missed by many, including me. Good luck Mr. Riggs!" -Mr. Mike
Today Don't forget support our local market...
The Multnomah Farmer's Market is Today, Thursday at the Multnomah Art Center (near the basketball court) from 3:30 – 7:30 pm.
Wine Dinner Information
Alba Osteria welcomes Max Coppo from the Coppo winery in Canelli,
Piemonte, Wednesday, July 23. Coppo is one of the areas top Barbera
producers. We will be preparing a 5 course meal and pouring the
following wines:
2006 Chardonnay "Coste Bianchi"
2004 Barbera d' Asti "Camp du Rouss"
2000 Barbera d' Asti "Pomorosso"
2004 Barbera d' Asti "Pomorosso"
2007 Moscato d' Asti
Dinner is at 6:30. $85 per person, gratuity included. Reservations at 503-977-3045
Mr. Mike's Official Office Hours
Starting next week, my usual schedule will be:
Wed 10-5 Thursday 12-5 and Fri 2-7
(I will be available most Sat's also from 12-5 by appointment.)
New Wine Pricing Policy for wines from the shelf
10% off 6 btls or more off the shelf
15% off 12 btls or more off the shelf
-even multiple cases off the shelf still 15% off
20% off Hard Cases Ordered In and Priced by Mr. Mike as it was before.
To order wine, please Call My VM Box 503-203-3384 (or email me at winenerd at teleport dot com) The store number is hit or miss.
My band "The Sawing Logs" will be playing at "the bedroom room" at our house tonight. No one is invited.
HIGH THURSDAY ANNOUNCEMENT
THE WINES OF CLARENDON HILLS
!!Tomorrow!! Thursday, 15 May 2008
6 to 8 PM
$30 entry fee
This will be a presale event. We will be opening a maximum of two bottles of each wine, and will be taking orders to be delivered subsequently. There's also the chance that, if enough of you are interested, we will be opening a super-limited, ultra-precious wine. Read on...
These wines are stunning. I'll reiterate what I wrote last time, which is to say that if you have ever really wondered what Australia was capable of, or if you have ever wondered what all the fuss was about, you need look no further. These wines are all about terroir, all about the pure expression of varietal and mesoclimate. I won't say McLaren Vale's Clarendon Hills is the best winery in Australia, but I will say they are damn good, and offer European grace, class, and structure, while retaining seductive, erotic layers of Aussie fruit. Sound like a date? To entice you further, and prove that these wines actually are worthy, I'll include some flashy scores.
Merlot Brookman 2004 $59.99 RP 94, WA 93
Cabernet Sauvignon Brookman 2004 $59.99 WS 90, RP 92, Tanzer 93, WA 92
Grenache Romas 2004 $95.99 RP 94, WA 94
Syrah Liandra 2004 $75.99 WA 92
Syrah Hickinbotham 2004 $95.99 WS 95, RP 95, Tanzer 95, WA 95
and if you're very good:
Syrah Piggott Range 2004 $149.99 WA 95
...and, if you're not only good, but if 15 of you pony up an extra $10 in advance, we will also be opening one of the most sought-after, rarest wines of the continent:
Syrah Astralis 2004 $299.99 WS 97, RP 98, Tanzer 96, WA 98
Pilgrims, prophets, pilgrims' profits, oh thirsty peregrinage, oh tattered soles of May-worn feet, cast not your parched eyes at the uncaring heavens, but look, rather, to the florescent sepia tones that make their home in the hallowed, enforcedly shabby Temple of Kitsch that is John's Market, where, tomorrow, May 9, 2008, between the auspicious hours of 5 and 7 PM, we will be celebrating our How Much Maw Would A Yakima Yak If A Yakima Could Yak Maw Winetasting!
Forgive my ham-handed metonymy (or was it synecdoche?) in that opening sentence, I'm merely reeling in the post-intoxicant shine left over from Monday's gala Indie Wine Tasting. The whole crew rolled over to Produce Row afterwards, and a glorious time was had by all. The highlights for me were the wines of Bishop Creek (made by the former corkdork at Alba), and a ludicrously good, arcane little cranberry wine (yes, cranberry wine), whose card was, of course, the one that I lost in the warm, sunny haze that set in as we unwound on the back deck at the 'Row. Suffice it to say that this wine had the most beautiful crimson, bloody hue, and was the Platonic essence of cranberries. Dry, even tart, and full of fruit... Oh man, if you like cranberries like I like cranberries, you'll stay tuned as I retrieve their info...
But to it, friends, I'll not over-indulge this week in my normal gush, as there are bigger fish to fry, to taste, to wit:
The Wines of Kana Winery
poured by Marc Garner
I was really impressed by the overall quality of these wines when I tasted them at the Yakima Valley tasting a few weeks ago, and not just because they are named after Grateful Dead songs! We mentioned above that kitsch is encouraged here, so roll your eyes now and come down with a cleared mind, because these are some really good wines. Oh, and I'm not adding accent marks this week; I trust you'll overlook that gaffe. At least its not misspelling its'!
Cuvee Blanche 2006 $17.99
61% Roussanne, 33% Viognier, and 6% Marsanne, from Elephant Mountain, Rustic Ridge, Snipes Mountain, and Two Coyote Vineyards.
"Workingman's Red" 2005 $15.99
Kana's vin de table, Workingman's is comprised of 45% Zinfandel, 30% Malbec, and 25% Petit Verdot, most of which comes from Coyote Canyon and Snipes Mountain. Spaghetti/ pizza wine, so they say...
Tempranillo 2005 $17.99
I am excited to try this one for the first time with the rest of you. The fruit is sourced from Elephant Mountain, Coyote Canyon, and Les Vignes de Marcoux Vineyards.
"Dark Star" 2005 $23.99
Kana's answer to Cotes-du-Rhone, this wine is comprised of 66% Syrah, 23% Grenache, and 11% Mourvedre. The fruit is from Les Vignes de Marcoux, Ciel du Cheval, Coyote Canyon, and Elephant Mountain.
"Scarlet Fire" Reserve 2005 $24.99
47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Cabernet Franc, and 19% Merlot. The Cab and Merlot come from Ciel du Cheval, and the Cab Franc from Les Vignes de Marcoux. Jerry would approve.
v
Ciel du Cheval Bordeaux Blend 2004 $30.99
I bet I can guess what grapes are in this... I bet I can even guess the vineyard...
And, let's make it official:
HIGH THURSDAY ANNOUNCEMENT
THE WINES OF CLARENDON HILLS
Thursday, 15 May 2008
6 to 8 PM
$30 entry fee
This will be a presale event. We will be opening a maximum of two bottles of each wine, and will be taking orders to be delivered subsequently. There's also the chance that, if enough of you are interested, we will be opening a super-limited, ultra-precious wine. Read on...
These wines are stunning. I'll reiterate what I wrote last time, which is to say that if you have ever really wondered what Australia was capable of, or if you have ever wondered what all the fuss was about, you need look no further. These wines are all about terroir, all about the pure expression of varietal and mesoclimate. I won't say McLaren Vale's Clarendon Hills is the best winery in Australia, but I will say they are damn good, and offer European grace, class, and structure, while retaining seductive, erotic layers of Aussie fruit. Sound like a date? To entice you further, and prove that these wines actually are worthy, I'll include some flashy scores.
Merlot Brookman 2004 $59.99 RP 94, WA 93
Cabernet Sauvignon Brookman 2004 $59.99 WS 90, RP 92, Tanzer 93, WA 92
Grenache Romas 2004 $95.99 RP 94, WA 94
Syrah Liandra 2004 $75.99 WA 92
Syrah Hickinbotham 2004 $95.99 WS 95, RP 95, Tanzer 95, WA 95
and if you're very good:
Syrah Piggott Range 2004 $149.99 WA 95
...and, if you're not only good, but if 15 of you pony up an extra $10 in advance, we will also be opening one of the most sought-after, rarest wines of the continent:
Syrah Astralis 2004 $299.99 WS 97, RP 98, Tanzer 96, WA 98
I am sorry to be avaricious, but we can only open this one if we get advance payments. Or at least iron-clad RSVP promises whose breakage will haunt you for the rest of your lives... You can call me here at (503) 244-2617 if you're interested. And, of course, you only get the "super-pour" if you pay the fee. No worries if there are no takers, but wouldn't it be fun?
Glory be, friends, the air once more thrums with primaveral (primaferal?) energy, and, though the trees and grass still look a little bleary and wan- like little children startled from their naps- one can no doubt rest assured that they will batten and begreen themselves in time for a properly riotous summer season. I'm knocking on wood and have my fingers crossed, of course- both of which make it surprisingly difficult to type, so I hope that you appreciate my efforts on your behalf.
There are rumors that Bob's African (Yummy South African wines with a conscience) will be making an appearance tomorrow, but these rumors can neither be confirmed nor denied. Moving, then, on...
Heya, people, it's MAY DAY out there, so: time to tell your bosses to go screw, time to dust off your painfully sententious Marxist rhetoric and matching Che t-shirt, time to get naked in Gabriel Park and run around screaming the poetry of Alan Ginsberg and Stphane Mallarm. That's what I'll be doing this evening, anyway (I have seen the best minds of my generation shitfaced at John's on Fridays/ dragging themselves through the Negroamaro streets at dawn/ looking for an angry Fixin)- and you know damn well that it's just what Vladimir Ilyich would want! Da, tovarishchi, da!
(OK, I'm joking, I don't know any Marxist rhetoric.)
But tomorrow, Kameraden, we here at John's will be celebrating our Second Day in May Totally Appropriate Pagan Bacchanal! At this event we will be pouring wine for you to drink! If you give the handsome, muscular young man behind the counter (or me, if it happens I'm standing there) the even-in- the-savage-throes-of-the-death-of-the-American-economy-laughably-affordable sum of five dollars, you can be a part of it! 5 to 7, y'all.
So, on to the cluttered wonderworld that is the Cool Kids' Table (which name is in no way diluted by your universal inclusion therein, as you are, each and every one of you, HELLA cool), where, in honor of our communist brethren, we will once more be serving red wine. Also white, to wit:
Cameroni Giovanni 2007 $13.99
Cameroni Giuliano 2007 $19.49
Have I ever mentioned that John Paul is my hero? (See the April edition of the Oregon Wine Press for details) In case you didn't know, he's one of Oregon's most infamous roustabouts, and also the winemaker at Cameron. Cameron Winery dresses in Italian drag each year with their "Cameroni" wines, gorgeous, minerally whites inspired by those of Friuli and the Sdtirol. Giovanni is 100% Pinot blanc, err, Pinot bianco, whereas Giuliano actually contains every Italian white varietal grown north of Rome. They are exquisite wines, perfect with seafood and sunshine (but also great on the coast in a windstorm. I'm just saying).
Chteau Guiraud Bordeaux Blanc 2006 $16.99
One of our favorite BDX Blancs, the G (as it calls itself) is 70% Sauvignon blanc, 30% Semillon. It ages beautifully, knitting its tropical papaya and passionfruit into waves of deft, honeyed richness, and- wait for it- a crisp finish marked by starry minerality.
Domaine du Prieur Bourgogne Rouge 2005 $12.99
Yummy, simple Burgundian Pinot noir. At this price, it's tais-toi and drink it!
Maurice Ecard Bourgogne Rouge 2005 $19.99
Another value from the stunning 2005 vintage. This one is a real step up, complex and minerally and bloody and awash in wild cherries and sotto bosco. Yum.
Vaona Valpolicella Classico 2006 $12.50
Mr. Rod from Zancanella turned me on to this wine a few months ago, and I remain delighted. Vaona is now, without question, my favorite Valpolicella house. All four wines of theirs which we carry (including Valpolicella Ripasso and two Amarone) are better than any other in their category that I have ever tried- at any price. It would be hyperbole if it weren't true. Their higher-tier Amarone will make you cry. This little Valpo, on the other hand, will make you smile. Which is more convenient and socially-presentable, anyway.
We have scheduled our High Thursday: Clarendon Hills tasting for two weeks from now, May 15, 2008, from 6 to 8 PM. Expect many more details- like menu and price- as we hammer them out.
I should mention the arrival in our store of a few very special, very expensive, highly sought-after Oregon Pinots:
Domaine Serene Evenstad Reserve 2005 $58.99
The Beaux Frres Vineyard 2006 Pinot Noir $75.99
Beaux Frres Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2006 $47.99 (formerly "Belles Soeurs")
In utter defiance of this lingering cold, I find myself lusting for things pink, minerally, and plush. Floral, salmon-sunset Galia melon acidity calls out to me... Ye Gods, rain Cinsault down on me, let me blush in her snappy citric wash!
But I'm getting ahead of myself here. The important thing about tomorrow is that tomorrow is the 28th anniversary of the arrival on this planet of my exquisite, fiery, talented young lady partner, Miss Lisa Marie Cicala! Please join me in letting her know just how stoked we are to have her here with us for another year. As far as any birthday spankings are concerned, gentlemen, if you'd please refrain; ladies, however, just check in with me first and make sure to have a digital camera handy!
Pow! Bang! I gotta million of 'em! ("I'm here all week! Try the veal!") The second big event tomorrow is our Santa Iberia y Cosas Rosas Probacin de Vinos! We will be joined by the sartorial genius, Ryan from Mitchell, who has lately joined us on the fronts of this vinous struggle (upon the shameful abdication of one Peter [last name expunged as per Patriot Act, Sect 456, Par. 23, Lines 34-67]). Ryan's going to be hoisting the Iberian flag, and I'll be hoisting the pink one! I'll grant that "hoisting the pink flag" is perhaps an unfortunate turn of phrase, but I trust that you will all understand it to mean a celebration of ros, and we'll regain properly demure focus and move on.
Ryan will be pouring the following delicious wines:
Broadbent Vinho Verde $9.99
Zaza Rosado $10.99
Legado Munoz Tempranillo $9.99
Mas dels Frares Priorat $18.99
Broadbent Malmsey 5 year $22.49
And at the Cool- I mean, Pink Kids' Table, we will be featuring:
Domaine Sorin "Terra Amata" 2007 $10.99 (France)
40% Grenache, 40% Cinsault, 10% Mourvedre and 10% Syrah.
Monaine de Fontsainte Gris de Gris Corbires Ros 2006 $13.99 (France)
60% Grenache noir and gris, 15% Syrah, 10% Carignan, 10% Mourvdre, 5% Cinsault
<>Luigi Giusti "Le Rose di Settembre" 2006 (Italy)
100% Lacrima di Morro d'Alba
Spago Argento Pink Prosecco Raboso Frizzante $12.99 (Italy)
Prosecco and Raboso, as far as I can find. I'll get the skinny from Doug for the tasting..
...plus I plan to crack single bottles of a gem or two. Maybe d'Arlay Corail? Maybe some Sancerre ros? Maybe some pink Champers? Qui sait?
Listen, it's not hot outside yet- but it will be- and then you'll have a head start on the season's best ross!
Well, I'm not sure what observation to make about the weather this week, friends. I am a bit disconcerted to be sitting here at my desk in ten layers of clothing. In fact, it's a good thing that I spent that winter in Colorado five thousand feet up the hill above Hunter Thompson's place, because it was there I learned these now painfully apposite cold-climate skills. So here I type, my spellcheck smoking a bit from overuse while my frigid fingers quake and shiver over the keyboard. The sky is grey, the flowers have blown off the trees, and some form of frozen water seems to descend on us here in the valley on a daily basis. Oh well. At least there's rock and roll, right? Although I must admit I only cling to rock and roll because of my deep-seeded, pervasive bitterness. Sigh. Sometimes the truth can be libelous, I suppose. Vote McGovern!
Well, one spot of light in this otherwise sad, dismal old world, is the charming, vivacious, and talented young Ursula from McClaskey Wine and Spirits. She has a fabulous array of wines with which to soothe your arid palates, and she'll be pouring them tomorrow, April 18, 2008, right here at John's Market (the throbbing heart of Multnomah Village), in celebration of our It's Friday So Let's Drink Wine Winetasting! This will happen between 5 and 7 pm, so come early, come thirsty, and... hey! Get your minds out of the gutter, people! Shocking, the concupiscence of my reading public! OK, let's put that behind us, shall we?
As I indicated, Urs will be here, with bells on. And, what's more, she will be pouring scrumptious wines from around the world. Think Argentina, Australia, California... Gushy yum yums! But, as is my wont, I wish to focus on myself and my issues (which is how all writers function, by the way, whether they admit it or not), so onward to the Cool Kids' Table!
This week I am delighted to focus in on white wines, current weather notwithstanding. I adore white wine. If I could have only one color of wine on my Desert Island, it would unquestionably be white. I could even narrow it down further to Riesling, but who's asking? I find that, overall, white wine is much more flexible and adaptable than red. On a hot day, or a cold day, with or without food, sweet or dry, sparkling or still, white wine- as a category- has it all. I wouldn't even bother to say something like that, save for the large segment of the wine-loving population who contemn white wines, or plain refuse to drink them. Hell, in Wine For Dummies, the section on red wine begins with something like, "Now we're on to the truly serious wines..." Aargh, my blood boils! Tell that to J.J. Prm, to Didier Dagueneau, to Bruno Colin! Now, I'm not saying these next wines are particularly rapturous, I'm just giving a little love to white wine and a little grief to red. De gustibus non disputandum est, right? (Although that's a crock, honestly- what else do we argue about if not questions of taste?)
Domaine de Mnard Colombard/ Sauvignon 2006 $8.99
Domaine de Montmarin Sauvignon 2006 $8.99
Two delicious southern French country whites celebrating the citric zest and minerality of Sauvignon blanc (and it's organoleptic cousin, Colombard). Perfect summer quaffers.
Quinta das Maias Do Branco 2005 $9.99
This is another one of those wines that I get at reduced prices because I'm a total geek. Also, the wine rocks. "Maias" is Portuguese for scotch broom, and there is indeed a floral hit to this lovely dry wine, made from indigenous local varietals.
Montes Torronts 2006 $10.99
Argentina's answer to Gewurz and Muscat; remember the primer a few weeks ago? Yummy, flowery, and crisp.
Pazen Riesling QBA 2005 $9.99
Pazen Riesling Sptlese Zeltinger Himmelreich 2005 $16.99
Pazen is a great house, making killer Rieslings at killer prices. We bought this wine before the Euro slaughtered the dollar, and "forgot" about it for about a year. Yes, my friends, yes! Pazen Sptlese Riesling is one of my earliest, and best, wine memories. If you're really good I'll bring in some blue cheese and you can weep with joy at the world's yummiest wine combo...
OK! Some things to look for on the horizon are our upcoming High Thursday Events:
The Wines of Clarendon Hills
(date TBD, sometime in May, probably)
This is one of the most prestigious, European-styled houses in Australia, producing wines of such stunning finesse, structure, and excellence that they must be tasted to be believed- really. These are the wines you need to taste if you think you don't like Aussie wines. One of my best customers, upon tasting a few of these wines with me, said, "I have never liked Australian wines. Uh, guess I was drinking the wrong ones." Don't get me wrong, you folks know I love Aussie wines, but there is a vast difference between Clarendon Hills and almost everyone else. Pencil it in and keep posted; this will be a very special tasting. I'll set the date very soon.
Deutscher Terroir: the Dry Rieslings of Germany
Thursday, June 19, 2008 6 to 8 PM
I will be a mere amanuensis at this event, which will be starring my hero, Ewald Moseler. Did you catch the above part where I loved on Riesling? This man is the God of all things Riesling in this state. He and his wines have taught me almost everything I know about Riesling. You know the Germans make brilliant sweet wines, but did you know that Germany now makes the world's finest dry Rieslings as well? Friends, you haven't lived until you try a German Sptlese trocken, a late-harvest wine vinified down to complete dryness. It retains all the minerality, fruit, and plushness of a sweeter wine, but has no sugar... One can almost be guaranteed a near-epiphanous experience at this tasting, given an open mind and a fresh palate. It's likely I'll even have to clock out for it- who wants to spit these wines out? More soon...
Yes, friends, it's April, believe it or not. Given the, what, 3526 inch? snowpack up on the mountain, I'm leaning towards not believing it. But the calendar flexes her implacable muscle, and I must admit the date. Which is to say tomorrow, Friday, April 11, 2008, we will be having our Oh Sh$t It's Just About Taxtime And I Have Not Yet Laundered My Gambling Money Winetasting!
No, no, I have no gambling debts (unless student loans count), although the looming IRS juggernaut is no joke. As such, in cahoots with- and, indeed, hosted by- the elegant, devilishly handsome young Geoff Worden of Henry Wine Group, we will be featuring eminently affordable wines from around the world.
I will let the perspicacious Mr. Worden shill for his own wines here, to wit:
Protocolo Ros 2006 $6.99 (Spain)
Not Ros weather you say? Hah! Ros is appropriate year round- and on my table even in the depths of frigid winter. Ross make me happy. Okay, even if you don't agree, the Oregonian says it will be 73 AND SUNNY on Saturdaygardening with a glass? Grilling with a glass? Perhaps just genuflecting with a glass?
Oxford Landing Viognier 2006 $7.99 (Australia)
All estate fruit from perhaps the best producer of Viognier in Australia, Yalumba, who purchased the property in 1954. Estate fruit from Australia for that price?!?!
Tortoise Creek Pinot Noir 2006 $10.49 (Pays d'Oc, France)
French Pinot noir for a great price, from the same people who started Les Jamelles. A true steal in the world of Pinotwow, what a concept.
Excelsior Cabernet 2005 $9.99 (South Africa)
Round, juicy and surprisingly complex a great house Cabernet, and the 2005 is drinking beautifully. Screwcap closure for easy accessprice goes up May 1...
Wishing Tree Shiraz 2005 $11.49 (Australia)
Lots of Western Australian juice here, which lends a more pronounced pepper note, almost Rhne-style. Underwhelmed by Aussie Shiraz lately, especially at this price? Get your palate ready and hold out your glass, this will be an eye-opener.
Indaba Pinotage 2006 $11.99 (South Africa)
I have no idea why it took us so long to get this fantastic example of Pinotage- South Africa's famous cross of Cinsault and Pinot noir- into our portfolio, but once we did we sold out in less than 2 weeks. Here's the second offering. Pinotage calls out for grilling, or braaing as they call it in South Africa. Their National Braai Day is in Octoberthat doesn't work so well for us here, but Saturday should work well!
Las Rocas Garnacha 2006 $12.49 (Spain)
70-100 year old vines produce this incredible wine, at once juicy and earthy. The 2005 vintage is a fantastic one for Spain, accessible and fruit forward without losing any acidity or structure.
Las Rocas Garnacha Vinyas Viejas 2005 $17.99 (Spain)
These vines are all 100+ years old, from the same vineyards as the above. It offers everything the intro level does, but in a more concentrated, intense form. This is a rare opportunity to taste this wine only 28 six-packs for all of Oregon!
...OK, Riggs here again. Ole Geoffy-geoff did 'im a good job there, heya? Told y'all he was the shizznit. Actually, I don't recall ever previously using the term "shizznit" in an email, yet there it is, and thus is Geoff.
Will there be a Cool Kids' Table? Let's just say one needn't make an examination of scat to determine whether ursine digestion occurs in a sylvan environment...
See you tomorrow!
Apologies! Sorry! I have been gone for the last two days, and in my absence technical difficulties have prevented the newsletter from going out- until now- but, rest assured:
There is indeed a tasting tonight! At the normal time! 5-7, at John's Market...
Though you might have feared otherwise, Mike and I have cobbled together a fun little tasting for you, to wit:
...wait! You've gone this long without knowing! It seems like something of the surprise will be ruined if I tell you what we're pouring at this point...
Hint: Mr. Mike will turn you on to his favorite expensive Italian Pinot, and I've got a killer Aussie BDX Blanc lookalike...
Now get back to work, it ain't the weekend yet!
See you tonight, and sorry again for the super-late 'letter.
Though we pay dearly for these days, in a currency of wind and toothy rain, of sodden snow and choking gutters, this is perhaps the most beautiful time of year. There are few cities in the world that can rival Portland's hyper-concupiscent, swimmingly aromatic flowering trees. Every year I am absolutely swept off my feet by the cherries, the magnolias, the Shiro plums, the apples, the Asian pears... Their estival echo- lines of vines, blackberry and impenetrable- has nothing on this springtime dehiscence. In flagranto delicte ocularum! Flower power, man! Dig it.
And if you're horrified at that little opening salvo (kinda like being buried in a slump of overcooked rotini, I confess), your horror will be in no way assuaged to learn that this week the entire room is going to be the Cool Kids' Table!
That's right, tomorrow, Friday, March 28, 2008, at John's, we will be holding our traditional Oh My Goodness Yes It's Blossom Season Wine Celebration! This little jubilee will go down between the hours of 5 and 8 PM, and will set you back the monstrous sum of $5. That's 75c in Euros, right?
Well, let your sighs not continue, oh ye thirsty friends, lest they be in anticipatory delight, for I have collected quite a special little line-up for your perusal and consumption at tomorrow's event. You don't believe me? Read on...
Jacob's Creek "Steingarten" Riesling 2002 $8.99 (Australia)
This is the most spectacular deal on a dry Riesling I've seen in years. This is a gorgeous, floral Barossa Riesling- and, in case you haven't heard, the New World's best dry Riesling comes from Australia. I don't know any other country that cold produce a wine of this quality, in this style, at anything like this price. Can you tell I like it? This is a wonderful wine!
Villa Wolf Pinot Gris 2006 $10.99 (Germany)
I am silly to have waited so long to try this. These grapes are from the Pfalz, which is just north of Alsace, making it, as you'd guess, good 'Gris country. Bright, opulent fruit hangs on a food-loving, well- defined structure, with a long, minerally finish with maybe a hint of sugar. The kind of wine that makes you grin when you taste it. You guys like Alaskan King Crab?
Heggies Vineyard Chardonnay 2006 $19.99 (Australia)
Everyone knows I loves me some Aussie Chard. A wine from this producer was one of the factors setting me on that sinful path years ago, I confess. This single-vineyard Chardonnay comes from one of Australia's highest vineyards, 550 meters above the Southern Ocean. Don't come into it wishing for inox, 'cause inox it ain't, but once you wrap your tongue around this wine it's hard to let go. Gushing, buxom Aussie fruit is balanced against starry acidity, the whole framed by mouthwatering barrel opulence (yeah, I just said that). Sorry this talker got so casual- it's them Ozzy woines, mate! Nae woorries!
Dme. Roc de Chteauvieux Pinot Noir Vin de Pays du Jardin de la France 2006 $9.99
That's such a pretty way to name your vineyards that I had to write the whole thing out. The Garden in question happens to be the Loire Valley, where a fair amount of Pinot, often made into ros, is grown. This is a great little value in everyday Pinot Noir. The label is an experience unto itself, advising you that "the citrus fruits flavours on the palate is supple yet rich." That's what she said! Ouch, can I get a rim shot please? I'm here all week, people, try the veal, it's to die for...
Tamar Ridge "Devil's Corner" Pinot Noir 2006 $14.99 (Tasmania)
Named after an infamous rapid on the Tamar (pronounced Tay-mar, by the way) River, this Pinot is actually quite civilized. Tasmania is largely a temperate rainforest and is blessed by a climate similar to our own, and some of Australia's finest Pinots- no longer an oxymoron- are being grown here. This one is a study in purity, grace, and varietal precision, with compelling undertones of forest floor.
Amity Pinot Noir 2006 $24.99 (Willamette Valley)
Myron's Rieslings are epic, and his Gewurz is a song, all roses and Buddha's hand citron, but you, my friends, are a Pinot crowd, and therefore (because I love you, even though you abuse me savagely, sigh) we're going to revisit this absolutely delicious Pinot Noir. Textbook, classic, and unmistakably Oregonian in provenance, capable of an effortless several years of cellaring, yet open and yielding now, this is a beautiful piece of vinous work. Not to be missed.
Magnon "La Dmarrante" Vin de Pays de la Valle du Paradis 2006 $21.49 (you know whence)
Another lovely appellation name, this one describing the vineyards northwest of Perpignan, rising around a little river that flows into a little tang along the Mediterranean. This wine shows the breathtaking, sexy rosepetals-and-blood heights to which well-made, old-vine Carignan can aspire- and, here, attain. This is why I love French wine.
OK, it's getting a bit late, time to go have some dinner with the family. We'll see you tomorrow!
Wa-hoo-wa, say my Charlottesville friends, a bit cavalier in their colloquial huzzah, it's true, but still most emotive, and, in fact, I gotta say it again: wa-hoo-wa! ...because I have solved the hideous, nasty, subversive little flaw that prevented me from speaking directly with you last week. But my detailed, assiduous efforts have swept away the middleman, much like Martin Luther. Although, rest assured, friends, neighbors, and countrymen (/-women), it is no personal apotheosis I describe, but rather a testament to my reverence and respect for all of you. Or at least for you all as a unified whole. And I do hope all my carefully crafted puns there were observed and appreciated...
This week we are quite pleased to be hosting the stars of southern Oregon, the Umpqua Valley's own Brandborg Winery. We've known about their Northern Reach Pinot- and loved it- for some time, but I was astounded to find the impeccable quality to be found throughout their portfolio. At a recent tasting of southern Oregon wines, their table was easily the best there- and I should point out that some heavy hitters (read: Abacela) were there as well, so it was not for lack of competition. If you would like more detailed information on these wines, scroll down to the bottom of this message, where I've appended detailed notes. We will be featuring:
Pinot Gris 2005 $12.99
What a value! Delicious, dry, and clean.
"Or Blanc" 2006 $14.99
An Alsatian field blend consisting of Gewrztraminer, Riesling, and Pinot gris.
"Benchlands" Pinot Noir 2006 $22.99
"Northern Reach" Pinot Noir 2004 $19.99
"Love Puppets" Pinot Noir 2006 $30.99
No one that I know of is making better Oregon Pinot outside the "classic" areas than Brandborg.
No one is coming close, really...
Syrah 2004 $20.99
Gorgeous, peppery, and expressive, like baby Cornas. This is one of my top three extra-Gallic Syrahs. And the price just got ridiculously low.
And the Cool Kids' Table is back, after having weathered the Apaltagua storm, where scores of enraged Oregon-Pinot-lovers attacked my desk, savagely beating me in the head with 1.5's of Cooks and waterboarding me with late-harvest, botrytized Chilean Riesling. And, normally you have to pay extra for that! But, as I said, we're back, and have slavishly- I mean, carefully- conformed to the dictates of today's wine trends in selecting these few wines for your perusal:
Tamar Torronts 2006 $12.99 (Argentina)
First of all, pronunciation. The stress on the first two above words is on the final syllable: tah-mah-REE toh-ron-TESS. OK, geek-out now done with, we can move on to the grape itself, the lovely, floral Torronts. Torronts is native to northwestern Spain and northern Portugal, and in fact can be found in Vinho Verde and some Galician white blends today. But its adopted home is Argentina, where it can develop into a coquettish little white that combines the best qualities of Gewurz and Muscat, all cascading, sunny flower petals. Gorgeous and light.
Voyager Estate Chardonnay 2005 $10.99 (Margaret River, Australia)
You need to go into this knowing two things: firstly, it's from Margaret River, whence come Australia's most European wines; and, secondly, due to incredibly poor marketing on the part of some folks in Miami who will remain nameless, I can now sell this fresh, current-release wine to you at half price! If Brandborg's Syrah is baby Cornas, this is baby Meursault. For real. And, yes, it has oak, but it also has razor-sharp acidity, gushing, erotic funk, and starry, blushing minerality, so there!
Pennautier Cabards 2006 $9.99 (France)
This ludicrous value, made by Bertrand Seube, formerly of Chteau Mouton-Rothschild, is made using a blend of "Bordeaux" and "Rhone" varietals. Amazing red wine at this price.
OK, we'll see you there! Make sure to ask about the yummy new Loire Valley (not Chilean) Pinot noir I'll have stacked at $10 a bottle, and stay tuned for upcoming High Thursday Events.
Read on for detailed Brandborg notes, provided by their distributors Vineria Italia. That means this part is totally [sic], man...
Brandborg Vineyard and Winery
345 First Street
PO Box 506
Elkton, OR 97436
Phone 541-584-2870 Fax 541-584-2871
Email: sue@brandborgwine.com
www.brandborgwine.com
2005 Umpqua Valley Pinot Gris
Our Pinot Gris is modeled after the Tokay d' Alsace. There it is one of the most highly recommended accompaniments to food. Our style creates a wine with good body, a full mouthfeel, moderately high alcohol and great fruit character without excessive floral bouquet. This varietal responds best to deep soils with high mineral content. That perfectly describes our vineyard source, Melrose Vineyards, an alluvial bench along the banks of the South Umpqua River. We ferment the wine cold to preserve fruit, acidity and freshness. This wine exhibits a spiciness of aroma with a strong note of pineapple. The flavors abound with tropical fruits of bananas, mangos and baked green apples. The crisp acidity and long lingering finish make this wine a perfect companion to oysters on the half shell, fresh Dungeness crab or grilled wild salmon with a lemony cilantro pesto sauce.
Bottled April 2006 577 cases 13.8% alcohol by volume
2006 Or Blanc Oregon White Wine
This wine is our homage to the white wine blends of Alsace. Our region's climate is very similar to that of Alsace. 2006 brought a bumper crop to us and we began to think of a blended white, enabling us to bottle a larger batch than our single varieties would allow. The resulting blend is 37% Gewrztraminer, 32% Riesling and 31% Pinot gris. Each of these varietals contributes a distinctive element to the blend. The aromatics are driven by the floral qualities of the Gewrztraminer. The full body and lingering mouthfeel comes from the ripe and rich Pinot gris. Riesling contributes to the clean acidity. This wine is bursting with fresh white peaches, grapefruit, honeysuckle and lemon blossoms. There is a touch of sweetness .8%, bright fresh acid and a long lingering finish. This pleasing summertime sipper has everything going for it.
Bottled May 2007 1,372 cases cork free 14.1% alcohol by volume
2006 Umpqua Valley Bench Lands Pinot noir
We source fruit from a number of vineyards for this blend, all with close proximity to the Umpqua River. Some sites have stony alluvial river soils, some have sedimentary clays. All are influenced by the cool maritime air and fog that are drawn daily inland preserving fresh berry/cherry fruit and bright acidity. The wine is a beautiful garnet red rimmed with violet. The aroma is lush with dark cherry, blue berry and ripe plums. The bouquet is filled with toast and spice, showing nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves. The flavors abound with blueberries and cranberries with overtones of pomegranate with dark cherries. The mouthfeel is full, pleasing and warm with a long toasty finish. All of our pintos are made the same way. Small lots are fermented separately with hand punch downs, gently pressed and barreled "dirty" to 100% French oak, 33% new. This allows us to stir the lees and build structure and mouthfeel, while maintaining the minerality inherent in Umpqua Valley fruit. We feel this wine is a great value and should be enjoyed regularly. Experiment with pairings, but right now I can imagine it with rotisserie grilled game hens stuffed with lemons, garlic and rosemary.
2961 cases bottled cork free September 2007 14.3% alcohol by volume
2004 Northern Reach Pinot Noir
Our Northern Reach Pinot Noir is sourced from two vineyards in the most northern and coolest reaches of the Umpqua Valley. The Bradley Vineyard in Elkton, the most maritime climate found in the AVA, is planted to own rooted Wdensvil. The Red Hill Vineyard is the most continental type climate found in our area and at 1300 feet one of the coolest. From here we source primarily Pommard clones. This wine is very Burgundian in character with good acidity, structure and balance. The aromas and bouquet are very full with tar, cinnamon, nutmeg, wild forest herbs, lavender and mushrooms with plum jam. The fruit in the nose is very dark cherry and blackberry. All carry through across the palate. The wine has a nice well balanced mid-palate, soft integrated tannins and a long lingering finish. It will serve well with variety of meat, lamb or duck dishes, grilled with herbed rubs or long simmered in savory sauces.
Bottled September 2005 958 cases 13.7% alcohol by volume
2006 Pinot Noir "Love Puppets" Retail $30
The wine is deeply colored with hues of ruby and purple around the edges. The aromas and bouquet are warm and inviting with candied sour cherries, blackberries, persimmon pudding and spice cake with notes of racy oak toast. The flavors revolve around great dark cherry fruit. The mouthfeel is nothing short of voluptuous. This wine coats the mouth with a warm pleasing impression that lasts and lasts and lasts. There are well integrated very fine tannins that are nicely balanced by refreshing acidity. This wine is the real deal, a very decadent and hedonistic Pinot noir. All of the grapes in this wine come from our favorite dry farmed vineyards, all with yields of less than two tons per acre. The resulting structure is phenomenal. 2006 is going to prove to be a fabulous vintage for Pinot noir in the Umpqua Valley and this wine represents the best of the grapes we bring in from our diverse growers.
800 cases bottled September 13, 2007 14.3% alcohol by volume
2004 Syrah
This wine is a blend of fruit from the Marshanne Vineyard near Oakland and the Fox Hill Vineyard located north of Cole Road, close to the hamlet of Umpqua, with a perfect southern aspect. Both contribute unique qualities to this wine. We find earthy, toasty, meaty nuances in the Marshanne fruit and intense black pepper, with blueberries and damson plums in the Fox Hill fruit. These flavor characteristics blend seamlessly in this wine and our oak treatment of 100% small French barrels, 33% new, lends a perfect balance of spice and vanillin richness. The wine has good body and texture with a nice round mouth feel and a welcoming long, lingering finish. The acidity and sumptuous fruit make this wine a wonderful accompaniment to slow roasted meats, game and flavorful grilled steak.
Bottled September 2005 599 cases 13.5% Alcohol
Retail $27.00 Case $291.60
John's Market Tasting $5.00 ...5-7 today Friday
Oh yes, friends and neighbors, Spring is indeed in the air, and though that aforementioned air remains somewhat sodden,
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