April 2015 Monthly Newsletter

APRIL TASTING EVENTS

THURSDAY, APRIL 9th, 5:30-7:30pm
OUR ANNUAL “NO WINES BARRED” STAFF TASTING
Enjoy a selection of staff favorites with no limitations on price (well, almost no limitation) or region.

TASTING
THURSDAY, April 16th, 5:30- 7:30
Gordon Little with
Little Peacock Imports
Importers of “Real Aussie Wine”

APRIL “SHORT SIPS” CLASS – BROWN BAG BLIND TASTING REDUX – OLD vs NEW WORLD

Our February class was so over-subscribed we thought we would offer this again with some same and some new wines. We will discuss and blind taste a selection of old world and new world wines and then see if we can discern which is which. 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. Call 285-8011 to reserve space. 

2012 QUPE SYRAH CENTRAL COAST

Bob Lindquist has been making elegant, restrained, non-interventional wines in Santa Barbara since the early 1980’s. One of the original “Rhone rangers”, we almost forgot how good these wines are until his recent visit to the store. We are pleased to offer this Syrah at a discount during the month of April.
Here is a review from Antnio Galloni at Vinous: “The 2012 Syrah Central Coast is laced with dark red and black stone fruits, cloves and lavender, all in a soft, fruit-driven style with no angular contours and terrific overall balance in its class. Expressive floral notes add nuance on the finish, but this is essentially a straightforward, juicy Syrah to enjoy in its youth. The Central Coast Syrah represents 50% of Qupe’s production and also happens to be an excellent value. The fruit sources are about 60% San Luis Obispo and
Our usual price is $23.95; ON SALE in March for $17.95 (no further discounts)

NEW ARRIVALS

2011 Domaine Rollin Père et Fils Pernand-Vergelesses “Ile de Vergelesses” 1er Cru Red – “As is almost always the case at this address, this is by far the most elegant wine in the range with its pure essence of violet, plum, red currant and cassis suffused nose. There is a strikingly refined mouth feel to the intensely mineral-driven middle weight flavors that possess real verve, all wrapped in a seductively textured, energetic, well-balanced and wonderfully long finish. One to buy.” (Burghound issue 50) $49.95
2012 Thorn-Clarke William Randell Barossa Shiraz – “Supple and expressive, with a layer of firm tannins, showing tea leaf and tar overtones to the dark berry and spice flavors. Comes together harmoniously on the long, expressive finish. Best from 2016 through 2022. 1,000 cases made. –HS” (WS 4/30/15) $43.95
2012 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley, Washington state -  “More approachable, but no less impressive, the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon (100% Cabernet Sauvignon) looks gorgeous, and is probably the most complete wine in the lineup. Layered and rich, yet ultra-pure and also elegant, it gives up classic crème de cassis, lead pencil shavings, licorice and liquid flower like qualities to go with full-bodied richness and depth on the palate. Relatively civilized, yet with building tannin and richness, it should benefit from short term cellaring and have two decades of longevity.” (WA #213) $249.95

EASTER WINE SUGGESTIONS
If Lamb or beef is on the table then we recommend Rioja or Bordeaux followed by Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa or perhaps Zinfandel. You will find a fair selection of all at the store and one of our associates will be glad to help you select the perfect wine.

WEINGUT ROBERT WEIL

Here are two offerings from one of the great German wineries, one bone dry and one medium dry, both delicious and refreshing – perfect as the weather warms.
2013 Robert Weil Riesling Trocken, Rheingau, Germany – “Medium-bodied, pure, racy and very clear on the palate this quite rich, intense, juicy, lovely piquant and stimulating Riesling offers lingering flavors of mangoes and nectarines. This is an excellent entry level indeed.”  (eRobertParker.com #216)  $23.95
2011 Robert Weil Riesling Kabinett, Rheingau, Germany - Buddleia and iris perfume, white peach and intimations of chalk dust make for a lovely nose, and extend to a polished and satisfyingly juicy palate whose levity (at 11% alcohol) and refreshment are enhanced by noticeable but subtle impingement of dissolved CO2. A touch of saliva-drawing salinity adds further appeal to a wine that should prove fascinatingly food-friendly through at least 2017.” (eRobertParker.com #212)  $29.95

OUR FAVORITE VALUE PINOT NOIR FROM OTHER PLACES

California Oregon and Burgundy get the bulk of our attention when it comes to Pinot noir but here are three wines from “other places” that are great tasty values.
2012 Hillinger Pinot Noir Eveline, Burgenland, Austria - medium bodied with a nice ripeness that seems unexpected from a place like Austria (but isn’t), With good lift and a balanced finish, this wine sells out every time we open it. $19.95
2012 Hunter’s Pinot Noir Marlborough Jane Hunter, New Zealand - “Fleshy and juicy, with plenty of ripe raspberry, currant and pomegranate flavors. Features a fresh earthy note on the firm finish. Drink now through 2025. 6,500 cases made.” (WS Web only 2014) $19.95
2013 Catherine & Michel Langlois Pinot Noir, Vin Des Pays Rouge, Loire, France – A delightful wine from the Loire valley, ripe cherries, raspberries and violets, this is a lighter bodied wine but not thin with a very satisfying texture and finish. Our best value at $12.95

MONTHLY SPECIALS