February 2015 Newsletter

FEB. “SHORT SIPS” CLASS – Our yearly BROWN BAG BLIND TASTING – OLD vs NEW

This is always a fun class! We will discuss and then blind taste a selection of old world and new world varietal wines and see if we can discern which is which. Old world Malbec vs. New world Malbec,
Old world Cabernet Franc vs New world Cabernet Franc, Old World Merlot vs New World Merlot.
A one hour educational program, limited to eight people and held in our fine wine room. Offered twice on FRIDAY or SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20th and 21st 5:30 to 6:30pm –– There is a $5 class fee  and availability is on a first come first serve basis but you can call and reserve spaces at anytime. 

LANDMARK CHARDONNAY – A GREAT DEAL ON AN ICONIC WINE

Since 1974 Landmark Vineyards has made classic California Chardonnay (and Pinot Noir), using whole clusters, indigenous yeast, barrel fermentation and aging in French oak.
2012 Landmark Chardonnay Overlook   Sonoma, North Coast, California, USA – “A consistently delicious effort, the 2012 maintains beautiful tropical fruit and honeysuckle notes as well as a pure, front end-loaded, fruit-driven style. With good acidity, beautiful cleanliness and little oak, this exuberant, classic California Chardonnay can be drunk over the next several years. It is an amazing value.” eRobertParker.com.
Our usual price is $32.95; ON SALE IN FEBRUARY for $23.95 (no further discounts)

NEW ARRIVALS

2008 Louis Jadot “Clos de la Roche”, Morey St Denis, Cote de Nuits, Burgundy, France – “The 2008 Clos de la Roche is surprisingly fleshy and generous in this vintage. It possesses gorgeous mid-palate pliancy and sweetness to match its powerful personality. This shows fabulous balance and tons of harmony from start to finish. I loved it. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2028.”  (Antonio Galloni WA sept 2011) $129.95
2010 Castello Di Ama Chianti Classico San Lorenzo Gran Selezione –“Offers a combination of power and elegance, with a racy feel. Notes of wild cherry, strawberry and rose, with leafy, woodsy flavors, permeate this driving red. The finish is long, but this needs time to shed the tannins. Well-defined from start to finish. Sangiovese, Malvasia Nera and Merlot. Best from 2017 - 2030. 8,000 cases made.” (WS 10/31/14) $52.95 2009 Dom. des Miquette Saint-Joseph, Rhone, Fr. – “Opaque ruby. High-pitched dark berry and spicecake scents are complemented by notes of candied violet and olive. Spicy and focused on the palate, offering gently sweet blackberry and cherry compote flavors and a touch of bitter chocolate. Showing good vivacity for this warm vintage. Finishes smooth and long, with dusty tannins coming on late.” (IWC 3/14) $33.95
The finest Viognier in the world comes from the slopes around Condrieu in the north of France and Villard makes some of the best. Here is a chance to try a Viognier from vines located in the village but not on the specific slopes authorized for Condrieu itself:
2012 François Villard Viognier Vin de France Les Contours de Deponcins – “Juicy and enticing, with a streak of mirabelle plum running through a core of creamed pear and peach flavors. A mouthwatering anise note pins down the finish. Drink now.” (WS Web only) $29.95

A DELIGHTFUL TRIO FROM VARNER – Foxglove Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon & Zinfandel

Always one of our favorite value priced California wines, they have hit the trifecta this vintage. These reviews are from the widely respected, Antonio Galloni, formerly with Wine Advocate.
2012 Foxglove Chardonnay Central Coast, California – “Lemon oil, white flowers, mint and slate meld together in the 2012 Chardonnay. Racy and beautifully layered on the palate, this tank-fermented, non-malo Chardonnay delivers exceptional quality for the money.”  (Vinous, 7/14) $15.95
2012 Foxglove Zinfandel Central Coast, California - “The 2012 is gorgeous. Sweet red berries, leather, mint, tobacco & cedar are some of the notes that emerge from the glass in a floral, unoaked Zinfandel with distinct Pinot-inflected overtones. This is another superb value from Foxglove. (Vinous, 7/14) $15.95 (Note: 2012 vintage is almost gone but 2013 is every bit as good!)
2012 Foxglove Cabernet Sauvignon, Central Coast, California- ‘Foxglove’s 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon is without question one of the finest values in California. Dark red cherry, plum, grilled herbs, smoke & tobacco are some of the many notes that inform this vibrant, polished impeccable Cabernet Sauvignon from vineyards in Paso Robles. Aging in steel keeps the flavors fresh and vibrant throughout.” (Vinous, 7/14) $15.95

AR.PE.PE. – Valellina Superiore DOCG

Ar.Pe.Pe is an acronym of sorts for founder Arturo Pelizzatti Perego and his wines capture the essence of what makes Valtellina a unique winemaking region. This is, as I like to say, Nebbiolo for the rest of us. Because the estate releases many of these selections with a few years of bottle age, it is a chance to drink perfectly stored wines with a measure of tertiary complexity and elegance only matched by great Pinot Noir.
2001 Ar.Pe.Pe. Sassella Rocce Rosse - 100% Nebbiolo with 3-4 years in chestnut wood barrels at least 1 year in bottle. Young and very vibrant with ethereal notes of cherry, leather and tobacco. This is a velvety and well balanced wine that will be perfect with tagatille and truffles game or grilled/ roasted meats. $97.95
2006 Ar.Pe.Pe. Sassella Retica Riserva– 100% Nebbiolo with 2 years in wood and 6 months in bottle prior to release.Garnet in color and drinking with more maturity then the Rocce Rosse this is medium bodied and elegant with notes of dark berries cherries leather and cedar smooth supple and perfect. $53.95

MONTHLY SPECIALS