March 2019 Newsletter

March Tasting events

Please join us on Thursday, March 14th, 5:30-7:30pm
                  as we welcome,
                  Martina Minuto
                  co-winemaker
                  MOCCAGATTA
  Cru Barbaresco and more from Italy’s Piedmont.

WINE TASTING EVERY SATURDAY
  2:00pm-6:00pm
‘Whatever we feel like opening”

March “SHORT SIPS” CLASS – The Left vs. The Right

A single blind tasting of Left and right Bank Bordeaux. We explore the similarities and differences with the hope we can find common ground. A one hour educational program, limited to eight people and held in our fine wine room. Because the demand has been so great we are doing the class twice in MAR – FRIDAY & SATURDAY, MARCH 22nd and 23rd from 6:00 to 7:00pm ––There is a $20 per person class fee and availability is on a first come first serve basis but you can call & reserve spaces at any time.  (A great idea for your group as a prelude to dinner.)

The Last Saturday Wine School THEME: The Southern Rhone

Côtes-du-Rhône, Côtes-du-Rhône Villages, single Villages, Châteauneuf-du-what does it all mean?

The last Saturday of the month changes from a “whatever we feel like drinking” tasting event to a mini wine school tasting. We’ll pick a topic, theme, etc. and taste with a purpose. This is very informal with no scheduled start or finish time. Come anytime between 2 and 5 pm on Saturday, 3/30.

MARCH SPECIAL OFFERS: Wines from a place.

What distinguishes wine from other fermented beverages is PLACE. There is no recipe in great wine; only grapes from distinct terroir, and very little “making” as the best winemakers stay out of the way as much as possible. Our special offers are an attempt to present wines with a distinct sense of place at a great price.

A SPECIAL OFFER: One of the rising stars in Burgundy, David took over the family vineyards from his father in 1991. Farming organically with minimum amounts of SO2 he grows distinctive, graceful wines. The 2005 vintage is arguably the BEST vintage in 20 years. Here is a chance to tour Burgundy’s Côte de Nuits in a great vintage at a great price as we offer a 2 bottle “sampler”.
2005 David Duband Nuits-St.-Georges, Premier Cru Les Pruliers, Burgundy France - “Rich and fleshy, with an easy charm, despite a serious structure underneath. Black cherry and black olive flavors prevail, and the oak spice comes out on the finish. Best from 2012 through 2022. 200 cases made.” (WS 5/15/08) $74.99
2005 David Duband Chambolle-Musigny, Burgundy, France – “Oak comes into play as this red shows spice notes, along with cherry and mineral flavors. It has a wonderful linear character, remaining intense and focused, while the pure fruit lingers. Best from 2011 through 2022. 200 cases made.” (WS 5/31/08) $79.99
During March we offer a two bottle Sampler (1 each of the Les Pruliers and Chambolle) for:  $124.99 (regular price $154.99) (no further discounts.)

A SPECIAL OFFER: - The Reverdy-Ducroux family has been cultivating its wines on the famous Sancerre hillsides for 14 generations. Beau Roy is south west facing slope of clay and limestone soils with an altitude of about 600 ft. 
2017 Domaine Reverdy Ducroux, Beau Roy, Sancerre, France - We love the minerality of Sauvignon Blanc from Sancerre and we all agreed that the Reverdy-Ducrou had that laser like style we prefer. The aromas are muted guava and citrus fruits with an elegant body and juicy, lip smacking acidity on the finish. Great with fish or as an aperitif with goat cheese. Reg. price: $23.99, On sale in March: $19.99 (no further discounts.)

A SPECIAL OFFER:  Founded in 2003, A.P. VIN (Andrew P. Vingiello) crafts small-lot Pinot Noirs from some of the finest vineyard sites in California. We are pleased to offer a great deal on this classic California Pinot noir.
2013 A.P. VIN Pinot Noir “Kanzler Vineyard” Sonoma Coast, California- “Exhibits a rich, dense core of savory blackberry and wild berry, gaining depth and strength. This seems to be more nuanced and graceful on the finish than at the beginning. Drink now through 2022. 275 cases made.’ WS 4/30/15) Reg. price: $39.99, On sale in March: $29.99 (no further discounts.)

NEW ARRIVALS – Arnot-Roberts

The coolest wines that nobody buys.

2017 Arnot-Roberts Gamay Noir, El Dorado, California – “The 2017 Gamay Noir El Dorado is gorgeous. Bright red cherry, raspberry, rose petal, mint and blood orange are all woven together in a mid-weight, refreshing red that has so much to offer. Exquisite in its beauty and nuance, the El Dorado is striking today. Here, too, the whole cluster influence is not particularly strong.” (Vinous Antonio Galloni 1/19) $29.99
2017 Arnot-Roberts Syrah, Sonoma Coast, California- “The 2017 Syrah (Sonoma Coast) is a gorgeous wine and a huge overachiever in its peer group. Bright red cherry and plum fruit, rose petal, lavender and spice abound in this super-expressive, pliant Syrah. The purity of the flavors is simply remarkable. Medium in body, gracious and beautifully perfumed, the 2017 is a rock-star wine.” (Vinous Antonio Galloni 1/19) $42.99

NEW ARRIVALS – Bottle Conditioned Bordeaux

We, generally, drink our red wines too early. The nuances and integration of tannins that takes place over time in the bottle brings an extra level of complexity and smooths out the rough edges.  Pre WW2, the British, who drove the market for Bordeaux (Claret), preferred wines at least 20 years old. Here is a chance to drink from the cellar with, delightful, aged Bordeaux at reasonable prices. Here are reviews of the young wines:
2001 Chateau Lagrange Saint-Julien Bordeaux, France -  “Good ruby-red, considerably less saturated than the 2000. Sexy, sweet aromas of black plum, black raspberry and flowers; smells more like merlot, while the 2000 is more cabernet. Juicy and suave in the mouth, with subtle but intense flavors nicely firmed by juicy acids. Classy, impeccably balanced wine with very fine-grained tannins. While this is not at all hard today, it really should be given at least ten years in the cellar.” (Vinous 9/04) $64.99
1999 de Reignac Entre Deux Mers “Cuvee Speciale” Bordeaux, France - “Red-ruby. Aromas of red raspberry and mocha complicated by oak notes of nuts, mace and nutmeg. Supple, suave and gentle, with attractive ripeness and lively spicy character. Finishes with dusty, ripe tannins and good persistence. Reignac now routinely transcends its humble Bordeaux Superieur appellation.” (Vinous 5/01) $29.99

MONTHLY SPECIALS