August 2015 Monthly Newsletter
August Tasting Events
Wednesday, AUGUST 12th, 5:30 to 7:30pm
PETER NEFF “WELCOME TASTING”
We’re thrilled to have Peter as our newest Emersonian. As our wine buyer he brings passion and years of experience. Stop by to say hello and taste some of his favorite wines from around the world!
Vintage Allagash Tasting Thursday, August 20th, 5:30-7:30pm
The Allagash Tribute Series blends the world of wine and beer.
We will be tasting current and a 2011 release
plus Allagash White and Allagash Tripel.
WINE TASTING EVERY SATURDAY “Whatever we feel like opening” 2:00pm-7:00pm
AUGUST “SHORT SIPS” CLASS - SAUVIGNON BLANC
Sancerre. Bordeaux, Marlborough, all different and all Sauvignon Blanc, a grape that seems to let terroir shine through. We’ll taste and compare Sauvignon Blanc from around the world.
A one hour educational program, limited to eight people and held in our fine wine room. Offered twice on FRIDAY or SATURDAY, August 21st and 22nd from 5:30 to 6:30 pm. There is a $5 class fee and availability is on a first come first serve basis. Call 285-8011 to reserve space.
A GREAT DEAL ON TWO RHONE WINES
It’s August and we know you may not be thinking about full bodied Rhone wines, BUT that’s why we can offer a great deal on two of our favorites. Buy a few bottles and hold till autumn.
2012 Domaine Grand Veneur Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee les Origines Rhone, France - The 2012 Châteauneuf du Pape Les Origines (45% Grenache, 35% Syrah and 20% Mourvedre) is a polished, medium to full-bodied effort that has superb concentration, lots of tannin, and a ripe, textured feel. Showing plenty of black raspberry, toasted spice, creamy licorice and hints of violets, it’s a classic example of this cuvée that will benefit from a year or two in the cellar, and have no problem evolving gracefully through 2027. Drink: 2014 – 2027 eRobertParker.com #215 Regularly $59.95 now $41.95 (a 30% savings!)
2012 La Colline St Jean Vacqueyras Rhone, France – “A stunning Vacqueyras that isn’t far behind the Vieilles Vignes release, the 2012 Vacqueyras checks in as a blend of 70% Grenache, 25% Syrah and 5% Mourvedre that saw a traditional vinification and aging in 70% concrete tanks and 30% in oak barrels. It sports rocking notes of lavender, saddle leather, peppery herbs and sweet raspberry and black raspberry fruit. Medium-bodied, supple and pure, with lots of texture, this is Vacqueyras at its finest. Drink this beauty over the coming 5-6 years.” Drink: 2014 – 2020 (eRobertParker.com #216) Regularly $22.95 NOW $19.95
DOMAINE RUINART
The oldest established Champagne house, exclusively producing champagne since 1729. Founded by Nicolas Ruinart in the Champagne region in the city of Reims; this is my personal favorite. The house style, rich, generous and elegant, is easy on the palate and I love the tradition mallet styled bottle thought to be evocative of the first Champagne bottles. We currently offer the NV Rose and Brut, but we are very excited about the Rose this summer:
NV Ruinart Brut Rosé Champagne, Champagne, France – “(55% Pinot Noir and 45% Chardonnay): Light orange. Sharply focused red berry and tangerine scents are complicated by suggestions of allspice and cinnamon, with a hint of smokiness in the background. Sappy and minerally on the palate, offering fresh strawberry and blood orange flavors lifted by juicy acidity. Packs a serious punch but carries no excess weight and finishes stony and very long, with echoing red berry character.” (Vinous 1/15) $99.95
NEW ARRIVALS
The American oak gives the Avante a new world touch making it a gateway Spanish wine for those that want a break from California Cabernet.
2011 Bodegas Ordonez Tineta Avante Ribera Del Duero- “(All tempranillo, from 50+-year-old vines; malo done in French and American oak casks, where the wine is aged for 22 months): Brilliant ruby. Blueberry, roasted coffee, blackberry and woodsmoke on the perfumed nose. Densely packed and sappy, with very good intensity to its candied plum, spicecake and mineral flavors. The suave, expansive finish is enlivened by juicy acidity, giving this rich wine a surprisingly light touch. Finishes with smooth, harmonious tannins and resonating spiciness.” (Vinous 9/13) $20.95
The Godfather of Rosé.
2014 Domaine Tempier Rosé, Bandol Fr. – “Light orange. Intensely perfumed citrus fruit and white cherry scents are complemented by suggestions of dried flowers, honey and dusty minerals. Chewy, tightly focused blood orange and lavender pastille flavors show very good depth and clarity, with a spine of minerality adding support. Finishes sappy and very long, leaving dusty mineral and floral notes behind.” (Vinous 2/15) $37.95
Age worthy, Cru Classé Rosé made from the rare local grape variety, Tibouren:
2013 Clos Cibonne Tibouren Côtes de Provence Cru Classé Rosé – “Light orange-pink. Potent, mineral-laced orange pith, redcurrant and cherry aromas are complemented by suggestions of succulent herbs and lavender pastille. Sappy, penetrating and pure, offering intense red berry and spice flavors and a spine of juicy acidity that adds back-end lift. Plays power off finesse smoothly and finishes stony and long, with a whiplash of floral pastilles and orange zest.” (Vinous 4/15) $27.95
Delightful, interesting and value priced Rosé. What could be better?
2014 Guindon Coteaux d’Ancenis Gamay Rosé – “Bright and spicy, revealing orange zest, strawberry, fresh rose & white pepper. Lithe, juicy & focused, offers nervy red berry, blood orange flavors of a hint of succulent herbs. Good clarity and lift on the persistent, incisive finish, with resonating mineral and floral nuances.” (JR - Vinous) $11.95
TWO VALUE PRICED “GO TO” WINES
2011 Brandborg Bench Lands Pinot Noir, Umpqua Valley, Oregon –2011 was a cooler vintage and early on the wines were tight and tart, but the consensus now is that a year or two in bottle has made a huge difference and the 2011’s are drinking quite well. The Bench lands is medium bodied and softly textured with cherries, dried flowers and a pleasing hint of ripeness on the finish. $21.95
2012 Fossil Point Chardonnay Edna Valley, California – The sister project the much higher priced Edna Valley estate-based Center of Effort wines. Balanced and rich with honey, butter and green apple notes; finish with a hint of minerality and crisp acidity. A very pleasing California Chardonnay. $14.95
MONTHLY SPECIALS
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