April 2014 Newsletter

APRIL “SHORT SIPS” CLASS

Everything you need to know about ROSÉ still wines.

With Rose-a-Palooza almost upon us, here is a chance to learn about how Rose wines are made & tast refional differences. Get a jump on the season! 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 April–FRIDAY & SATURDAY, April 25th and 26th   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.)

APRIL TASTING EVENTS

TUESDAY, APRIL 8th   5:30-7:30pm
Eric Bonnet, Winemaker
LA BASTIDE SAINT DOMINIQUE
CÕTES DU RHÕNE ET
CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE

The Wines of Northern Italy’s Friuli region
with Brian Forsgren of Simon n’ Cellars
Monday April 14th 5:30 – 7:30 PM.

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

WINES FOR EASTER DINNER

We recommend Bordeaux, Rioja or Barolo from better vintages as this is not the time to be miserly. Here are a few suggestions all of which will pair well with tenderloin or lamb.
2003 Chatuea Les Haut de Pontet Canet Pauillac Bordeaux, Fr.- “Lots of currants, minerals and lightly toasted oak. Full-bodied, with lots of clean fruit and superfine tannins. Excellent for a second wine. Best after 2009. 5,830 cases made.” (WS 3/31/06) $65.95
2009 Larose-Trintaudon Haut Medoc, Bordeaux, Fr. – (60% Cabernet Sauvignon & 40% Merlot) “This has always been one of the more widely available cru bourgeois in the United States, & the 09 is a particularly attractive and charming wine, with fragrant strawberry and black cherry fruit as well as hints of wood smoke and spice box. It is medium-bodied, soft, silky and ideal for drinking over the next 5-6 years.”(WA #199) $23.95
2009 Chateau Malmaison Moulis Bordeaux, France - “This has a good sappy feel, with kirsch and cherry preserves flavors laced with a pepper note and a lively tobacco streak. Shows a stony edge on the finish. Drink now through 2015. 9,500 cases made.” (WS 5/31/12)  $25.95
2010 La Tour de Mons Margaux, Bordeaux, France- “Attractive floral notes intermixed with some blueberry, raspberry and loamy soil notes are followed by an elegant medium-bodied wine with sweet fruit, attractive texture & up-front drinkability. This wine should be consumed over the next decade.” WA #205 $38.95
2001 La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 904, Rioja, Spain – “Dark ruby-colored with a garnet rim, it displays a lovely nose of Asian spices, incense, tobacco, balsamic, and blackberry. On the palate it has exceptional depth, layers of spicy black fruit, excellent ripeness, and an elegant personality. Upon release it should continue to evolve for another 5-6 years and drink well through 2040. Drink: 2010 – 2040” (WA #189) $54.95
2005 Roagna Barolo Vigna Rionda Piedmont, Italy-“Roagna’s 2005 Barolo Vigna Rionda is a sweet, exotic and totally sensual Barolo loaded with class. The wine offers outstanding length and finessed, silky tannins with compelling inner perfume and tons of elegance. The finish is gorgeous. I also tasted an old-vines Riserva (still in cask) that is highly promising. For now, readers who want to experience the legendary Vigna Rionda magic will be thrilled by this exceptional Barolo.” (WA #185) $69.95