March 2014 Newsletter

March Tasting Events

A VERY SPECIAL TASTING EVENT:
BE HERE, TUESDAY, MARCH 11th   5:30-7:30pm to welcome:
DR. ERNST LOOSEN of
Dr. Loosen Estates
Gault Millau’s 2001 Weinguide Deutschland Winemaker of the Year, and Decanter magazine’s Man of the Year in 2005. One of only 20 “Outstanding” Germany estates (Wine Advocate).

FIRST DAY OF SPRING TASTING –
THURSDAY MARCH 20th. 5:30 – 7:30 PM.

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

March “SHORT SIPS” CLASS

A short course on the elements of wine tasting – including the fine points of spitting.

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 March–FRIDAY & SATURDAY, MARCH 21st and 22nd   5:30 to 6:30pm –– There is a $5 fee per person 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.)

CHATEAU de BEAUCASTEL - A tale of two “Vintages”

One of our favorite Rhone producers, the Perrin family vints spectacular wines across a range of appellations. Here we offer the Châteauneuf (top 10 WS wine in 2013) from the 2010 vintage, a great vintage, but a wine that will require patience; and the 2011 Châteauneuf, a lesser vintage but; it is a better wine to drink this year and it’s less expensive. Perhaps you should get one of each.
2010 Chateau de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape -“Dark, dense and very closed now, this has a tremendous core of crushed plum, linzer torte and blackberry confiture waiting in reserve. Ample singed cedar and mesquite, warm paving stone and black tea notes lurk in the background and glide through the finish. Features serious grip, but wonderful integration. Should cruise in the cellar. Best from 2016 through 2035. 7,500 cases made. –JM”  (WS Oct 31, 2013 Top 100: 2013, Rank: 8) $129.95
2011 Chateau de Beaucastel Châteauneuf du Pape – “Reminiscent of a lighter weight 2009, the 2011 Chateauneuf du Pape offers up a sweet bouquet of spiced black cherries, plum, truffle, saddle leather and underbrush. Coming from tiny yields (which were down 50% from 2010), this medium to full-bodied 2011 is gorgeously textured and has solid mid-palate depth, terrific purity of fruit and ripe tannin. Relatively approachable and enjoyable even now, it should nevertheless evolve gracefully for 15-20 years. Drink 2015-2031.” (WA #209) $94.95

DOMAINE SERENE– A tale of two “Blends”

In 2010 we think Domaine Serene, using all estate grown fruit, made some of the best Oregon Pinot Noir we have tasted. The Evenstad Reserve, named after the owners, is a blend of the best Yamill parcels with additional sorting and oak aging; the Yamill cuvee includes some of the same parcels and is considered the “little sister” to Evenstad. The 2010 Evenstad reserve was the #3 wine in the 2013 WS “top 100”, the 2010 Yamill was not. But the little sister is drinking beautifully now while the Reserve needs some time. Buy both.
2010 DOMAINE SERENE Pinot Noir Willamette Valley Evenstad Reserve -  “A vibrant, focused and deliciously complex red, offering raspberry, cherry, cinnamon, mocha and subtle sage notes rolling through the long and expressive finish. Deft. Drink now through 2020. 6,000 cases made.” ( WS Nov 30, 2013 Top 100: 2013, Rank: 3Designation: Highly Recommended)  $74.95
2010 DOMAINE SERENE Pinot Noir Willamette Valley Yamhill Cuvée -  “A lively, lithe and inviting red, offering an array of red fruit, floral and spice overtones that come together on the focused and deftly balanced finish. Drink now through 2018. 8,000 cases made.” (WS Oregon Issue: Nov 30, 2013) $49.95

2007 PAOLO BEA REDS

In the middle of Italy lies the landlocked region of Umbria and in the middle of Umbria lies the town of Montefalco, where a grape called Sagrantino is king and nobody does Sagrantino like the winery Antica Azienda Agricola Paolo Bea.
2007 Paolo Bea Rosso di Veo- “Complex and expressive, the Sagrantino-based 2007 Rosso de Veo is a truly mesmerizing wine with infinite layers that evolve swirl after swirl, minute after minute as the wine takes on air. Each time you come back to the glass, it tells a different story. Even if you are not a fan of this style, there is no denying that this wine speaks in a clear, confident voice. Immediate aromas include black olive, leather, tobacco and dried berry. Balsam herb, licorice and ginger settle in later. The 2007 vintage is no doubt one of the nicest I have tasted. Drink: 2014-2020.” (eRobertParker.com #208)  $54.95
2007 Montefalco Sagrantino Secco “Pagliaro” - Sagrantino is a grape with formidable talents. An intense but controlled wine with impressive length and near-perfect balance, the character of Sagrantino and the Bea style are both rendered in excellent relief. The firm tannins and the dried red and black fruits that mark the best Sagrantino dominate this muscular yet elegant wine. $89.95
2007 Montefalco Rosso Riserva “Pipparello” -  A blend of Sagrantino, Montepulciano and Sangiovese, this is perhaps the finest of the wines produced from this vineyard and a quintessential expression of the terroir of Montefalco. A high-toned wine of great density, the “Pipparello” offers plum-like fruit seasoned with a full range of herbs, tobacco, sap, and resin: a distinguished masterpiece that is a product of a 49-day maceration and 40-month elevage in stainless cuve (11 months) and oak botte (29 months) of 25 hl size. $69.95

FALL LINE FARMS

We are pleased to be a pick up location for Fall Line Farms, an on-line local food farm market program designed to connect family owned and operated farms in the central Virginia area with customers in search of local food year round. Here you can buy the freshest locally grown vegetables and fruits along with the finest Virginia beef, pork, chicken and more. No made up brands like “Certified Angus” which means well… nothing really. Sign up at:  www.falllinefarms.com

USE YOUR 6 BOTTLE WINE BAGS FROM OTHER STORES AND SAVE 10% (on six bottles)
We want to remind our customers to use wine bags that other stores continue to push on you. Remember they are made from oil and you must use each of those bags 9 times before it equals one paper bag.

MONTHLY SPECIALS