January 2014 Monthly Newsletter

Our January Tasting Events

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 15th -  5:30 to 7:30pm
OUR ANNUAL “NO HOLDS BARRED”
STAFF SELECTION TASTING
Enjoy an eclectic selection and make purchases at a discount.

WINE TASTING EVERY SATURDAY   2:00pm-7:00pm
“Whatever we feel like opening”

January “SHORT SIPS” CLASS

“Madeira – The History and styles of Americas’s Favorite wine circa 1780”

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 JANUARY – FRIDAY & SATURDAY , JANUARY 24th and 25th   5:30 to 6:30pm –– There is a $5 per person class fee and availability is on a first come first serve basis but you can call and reserve spaces at anytime.  (A great idea for your group as a prelude to dinner.)

GIACOMO CONTERNO

"Baroli Cascina Francia and Monfortino ... rightly considered by most observers as among the most profound wines in the world.”

If you profess a love for Italian wine you must drink the Piedmont wines of Giacomo Conterno, considered the first among peers in Barolo, in fact, Giacomo for years, WAS the definition of Barolo and the wines, now made by his grandson Roberto, remain the same: rich, powerful, massively structured, and capable of long aging in bottle. Try the Barbera this year; save the Barolo for 10 and the Monfortino for 20.
2009 Giacomo Conterno Barbera d’Alba Cascina Francia Alba, Barbera d’Alba, Piedmont, Italy - “The 2009 Barbera d’Alba Cascina Francia is at first quite a bit more floral and ethereal than the Cerretta, but with time in the glass the wine finds its center. The Cascina Francia dazzles with its combination of expressive, generous fruit and insistent minerality. Sweet herbs, roses, spices, anise, licorice and leather add complexity to a core of radiant fruit. This is a regal, aristocratic Barbera of the highest level. The 2009 has the openness of vintages such as 2007, but with the medium-bodied structure and finesse of silkier vintages such as 2004, which is a very appealing combination. This is a very complete, harmonious wine from Roberto Conterno. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2029.” (WA #147) $46.95
2009 Giacomo Conterno Barolo Cascina FranciaCascina Francia, Serralunga d’Alba, Barolo, Piedmont, Italy- “The 2009 Barolo Cascina Francia is a stunning wine. Roberto did not make Monfortino in 2009, therefore that wine was declassified and added here. The results are truly spectacular. The wine shows the soft fullness that is characteristic of the vintage, backed by tight tannins that pull the wine together. Dark fruit, licorice, chopped herb, white truffle, tar and pressed rose form a united aromatic front. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2035.” (WA #207) $173.95
2006 Giacomo Conterno Barolo Riserva MonfortinoMonfortino, Serralunga d’Alba, Barolo, Piedmont, Italy- “Tasted from botte number 45, the 2006 Barolo Riserva Monfortino is gorgeous. Roberto tells me, “Monfortino is not a drinking wine, it’s a chewing wine.” His comment makes perfect sense and offers incredible insight into the profound beauty beholden before us. You almost feel the crunch of the young tannin and the snap of its presence in the mouth. The bouquet is perfectly matched to the wine. Elegance and finesse add contrast to the wine’s sheer power and determination. Dried rose, licorice, tar, spice and tobacco show immense definition and focus. The 2006 vintage is noted for its extraordinary aging potential. Anticipated maturity: 2025-2045.” (WA#207) $524.95

BRUNELLO – READY TO DRINK NOW

2004 produced “wonderfully perfumed, majestically refined Brunellos with an excellent balance of fruit and refined tannins” that now ready to drink. Here are two that you can enjoy, (with steak or lamb) while you are patiently waiting for your Conterno’s to develop.

2004 Livio Sassetti   Brunello di Montalcino Pertimali - “Candied plum notes, with hints of flowers and mushroom, follow through to a full-bodied palate, with very soft, juicy tannins and lightly grilled meat, berry and fresh shiitake mushroom flavors. A decadent style. Best from 2010-2015” (WS Web Only)  $86.95
2004 Lisini Brunello di Montalcino Ugolaia-“…from a small old-vine parcel on the estate, (it) floats onto the palate with endless layers of perfumed fruit. Deceptively medium in body, the Ugolaia possesses remarkable depth. Sweet pine, menthol, red cherries and spices meld together seamlessly on the long finish. With time in the glass, the wine gains more volume as the fruit emerges and the bouquet becomes even more expansive. This is a gorgeous Brunello from Lisini. Drink: 2012-24.” (WA #188)  $129.95

2012 SASS Willamette Valley Pinot Noir.

We had stopped carrying this wine as it went through a few vintages that were tough on entry level Willamette Pinot Noirs, but this is a great example of the highly touted 2012 vintage.  Blackberry and black cherry with peppery spice and some earth; silky mouthfeel, great balance, lingering finish with fine, mature tannins. Drink it now.  $22.95

THERE’RE BACK - DOMAINE DE PIAUGIER

One of our favorite Rhone producers of value priced Rhone wines has returned.
2012 La Grange de Piaugier, Cotes du Rhone - $12.95
2011 Sablet Rouge, Cotes Du Rhone Villages – “Flavors of cherry preserves, melted red licorice and plum pâte de fruit are carried by polished tannins through the pure, friendly finish. Drink now. 2,600 cases made. (WS 12/31/13) $15.95
2011Gigondas – “A solid effort that shows a classic Gigondas profile of spice-laced aromas and firm tannic structure, (70% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre and 10% Syrah aged in a combination of foudre and barrel) comes from 40-to-45-year-old vines located in a cooler terroir. Ripe red and black fruits, saddle leather, spice-box and licorice all show here and it stays beautifully focused and lively on the palate. It’s not a blockbuster, but excels on its complexity and balance. Enjoy it over the coming 7-8 years.”(WA #209) $25.95
2012 Sablet Blanc - Sablet is considered to have one of the better terroirs among the Cotes du Rhone villages for white wines. $18.95

MONTHLY SPECIALS