March 2016 Monthly Newsletter

MARCH Tasting Events

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16th
Barry Glovitch with Michael Corso Imports
Bordeaux, Rhone and Burgundy
5:30 to 7:30 pm

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

MARCH “SHORT SIPS” CLASS

SPANISH RED WINES: NORTHERN SPAIN

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 18th and 19th from 5:30 to 6:30 pm –– There is a $10 per person class fee and availability is on a first come first serve basis but you can call & reserve spaces at any time.  (A great idea for your group as a prelude to dinner.)

New Arrivals - GAJA

2011 Gaja Sorì Tildìn DOC Langhe Nebbiolo- “An absolutely brilliant wine, the 2011 Sorì Tildìn bristles with energy, precision and tension. In this vintage the higher altitude of Sorì San Tildìn vis-à-vis Costa Russi comes through loud and clear. Freshly cut flowers, small red berries, mint, white pepper and crushed rocks are all very much alive in a striking, nuanced Sorì Tildìn that expresses both the class of this site and the generosity of the year.” (Vinous, Antonio Galloni 10/14) - $348.99/btl.
2011 Gaja Costa Russi DOC Langhe Nebbiolo – “Round, supple & succulent, the 2011 Costa Russi is laced with dark red cherry, plum, mocha, cloves and new leather. The classic Costa Russi personality comes through in a soft, gracious wine with tons of near and medium-term appeal. The Costa Russi captures an attractive middle ground between the ripe, pliant style of the year and the medium bodied grace of Nebbiolo. I expect the 2011 will offer a long and broad drinking window of pure pleasure. Although Costa Russi is often the most precocious of Gaja’s single-vineyard wines, it is the last picked.” (Vinous, A. Galloni 10/14) $348.99/btl.

New Arrivals - PAUL HOBBS

2013 Paul Hobbs Crossbarn Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)- “Bright red cherries, plums, mint, pine and spices lift from the 2013 Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast). Aromatically nuanced and pliant, the 2013 impresses for its boisterous, joyous expression of the Coast. Drink this forward, fruit-driven Pinot over the next few years.”
(Antonio Galloni, Vinous, 1/15) $39.99/btl.    ON SALE $33.99/btl.
2013 Paul Hobbs Crossbarn Cabernet Sauvignon Crossbarn (Napa Valley)-“Dark red cherry, plum, smoke, licorice and spice meld together in the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Crossbarn (Napa Valley). Silky, racy and open-knit, the 2013 is a delicious wine to drink now and over the next few years. The flavors are bold, punchy &incisive, with firm tannins that could use another 6-12 months to soften.” (Vinous, 10/15) $49.99/btl.

The Last Saturday Wine School

Something NEW!  The last Saturday of the month will turn from a ‘whatever we feel like drinking” tasting event to a mini wine school tasting. We’ll pick a topic, theme, etc. and taste with a purpose! The wines we taste will be offered as a package with a discount. This is very informal with no scheduled start or finish time. Each session will be about 10 minutes! Come anytime between 2 and 5 pm on Saturday, March 27th.
THIS MONTHS THEME: TERROIR – Domaine de La Côte -The greatest wines are inexorably tied to the place the grapes were grown. Unlike beer, which is recipe driven, and dependent on human intervention (ingredients) to achieve differences, the greatest wines rely on minimal human intervention. The Domaine de la Côte Vineyards were planted with heritage selections of Pinot Noir at very high vine densities and the diversity of its climats is staggering: each vineyard has a unique geology, aspect, elevation and microclimate. Such distinct expression of site, or terroir, in such close proximity, is unparalleled in California.
                                2013 Domaine de la Côte “Memorious” Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir- $61.99
                                2013 Domaine de la Côte “Blooms Field” Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir- $80.99
                                2013 Domaine de la Côte “la Cote” Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir - $104.99
Purchase all three – for you own “Terroir” tasting for: $189.99! A savings of over 20%!

NEW ARRIVALS

2013 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley Washington, USA- “One of the most impressive barrels samples I was able to taste during my trip through the region, the Galitzin’s 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon (100% Cabernet Sauvignon) has a classic, structured feel, as well as sensational purity of fruit. Giving up lots of cassis, currants, spicy oak and bouquet garni, with subtle violet qualities with air, it hits the palate with serious richness, a full, layered mid-palate and masses of sweet tannin. Like most of Paul’s wines, I think they have the fruit and texture to offer plenty of pleasure in their youth, yet they don’t hit their stride until at least 5-7 years after the vintage.” (eRobertParker.com #219) $229.99
The tiny appellation of L’Etoile is famous for its elegant Chardonnays, and this is the perfect wine to verify it.
2012 Domaine Montbourgeau L’Etoile Chardonnay Jura, France – “produced in the same way as the 2011, but feels more elegant and subtle, mixing marne and chalky soils that give it a special minerality and freshness. It has a mixture of white flowers, aniseed and morel mushrooms. These wines are directed for fans of traditional Jura wines, as they all have a subtle jaune character; if you don’t know what to expect, you might find the character too oxidative, but if you’re looking for it, it’s beautifully done. Nicole likes 2012 as a nice and accessible vintage. Me too! Precise, straight, fine and great in its category.”  (WA 10/2015) $26.99
2009 La Rioja Alta Viña Alberdi Reserva - “Ruby-red. Aromas of ripe red berries, candied rose, vanilla and pipe tobacco, with a mineral element contributing vivacity. Juicy, penetrating and gently sweet on the palate, offering vibrant raspberry and cherry flavors that deepen on the back half. Shows very good heft and power on a long, focused finish framed by harmonious, slow-building tannins.” (Vinous Josh Reynolds 11/15) $22.99
2012 Loring Wine Company Pinot Noir Garys’ Vineyard-“Brilliant ruby-red. Heady, expansive bouquet displays scents of candied red and dark berries, potpourri and Asian spices, with a smoky accent coming up with air. Sweet, palate-staining black raspberry and cherry-cola flavors show impressive depth and energy, picking up star anise and cinnamon nuances on the back half. The long, spicy, gently tannic finish strongly repeats the floral quality.” (Vinous, Josh Reynolds, 8/15) $57.99

MONTHLY SPECIALS