April 2019 Newsletter

April Tasting Events

Please join us on Tuesday, April 2nd from 5:30 to 7:30pm
for a Very Special Tasting as we welcome: 
           
Dennis Vrooman – Co-owner, Farm Manager                    
ANKIDA RIDGE                                                        
Virginia Pinot Noir and Chardonnay                            
                                                           
Nancy Irelan - Owner/winegrower
Red Tail Ridge Winery*
Wine from New York’s Finger Lakes
*Semifinalist for the James Beard Award for Outstanding Wine Producer!

  Save the Date:  April 30th for ROOTSTOCK
A wine dinner with 6 Oregon Winemakers at PERCH
Jim Anderson - Patricia Green   /  Erin Nuccio - Evesham Wood
  Marcus Goodfellow - Goodfellow Family Cellars / Erica Landon-Walter Scott    
Doug Tunnell - Brick House   /  Jim Prosser - J. K. Carriere
804 669 3344   $150 Inclusive of Tax and Tip
6 Courses –  6:00pm Start for Reception and seating

WINE TASTING
EVERY Sat.
2- 6 PM
“Whatever we feel like opening.”

The Last Saturday Wine School THEME:  Wines of AUSTRIA
This is a mini wine school tasting. We’ll pick a topic, theme, etc. and taste with a purpose!  This is very informal with no scheduled start or finish. Come anytime between 2 & 5 pm on Saturday, 4/27.

APRIL “SHORT SIPS” CLASS – Topic: Cabernet Sauvignon

Part of an occasional series on grape varieties. We’ll taste examples and discuss the attributes and aromas (using our aroma kit) of one of the world’s most noble grapes, Cabernet Sauvignon.
A one hour educational program, limited to eight people and held in our fine wine room. Reserve either FRIDAY or SATURDAY, APRIL 12th or 13th from 6:00 to 7:00pm ––There is a $7 per person class fee and the class fills up quickly. Call or email us today to reserve a space.

April Special Ofers

APRIL SPECIAL OFFER: NORTHSTAR Walla Walla Red Blend, Washington State
At the base of the expansive Columbia Valley AVA is the smaller AVA of Walla Walla which extends from Washington State into northern Oregon. Since the early ‘90’s Northstar, in this semi-arid climate with well drained soils, grows world class Merlot based wines.
2013 Northstar Red Blend, Walla Walla Valley, Washington State – “Another Merlot dominated red is the 2013 Red Blend, which is 63% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Cabernet Franc, aged 20 months in 51% new French oak. Its deep ruby color is followed by elegant, pure notes of cassis, black raspberries, violets and graphite, as well as a wine that has medium to full-bodied richness, outstanding balance and a focused, lengthy finish. It should keep for a decade.” (WA #225)
Regular price: $44.99, On Sale in April: $35.99 (while supplies last)

APRIL SPECIAL OFFER:  CALERA PINOT NOIR, Central Coast
Josh Jensen sold his iconic Calera winery to Duckhorn in August of 2017 and while he will stay on as a consultant the ‘16’s will be the last independent Calera vintages. It is fitting and proper to offer his “peoples pinot”, the basic Central Coast, as a special in April.
2016 Calera Pinot Noir, Central Coast, California – “The 2016 Pinot Noir (Central Coast) is soft, fruity and delicious, all qualities that make it a terrific choice for drinking now and over the next few years. Sweet red cherry, hard candy, and wildflowers are front and center in this gracious, mid-weight Pinot from Calera. The Central Coast Pinot is a terrific introduction to the range.” (Antonio Galloni Vinous 8/18)
Regular Price:  $32.99, On Sale in April: $25.99 (while supplies last)

APRIL SPECIAL OFFER:  Domaine de la Bégude Bandol Rosé
This is the time to drink ‘17 Bandol Rosé. The Bégude vineyard is situated at the top of the Bandol appellation (400 meters), overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and the cellars are in a 7th century Merovingian chapel. The name “L’Irreductible” means someone that will never give up, almost stubborn, but in a good way.
2017 Domaine de la Bégude Bandol Rosé “L’Irreductible” Bandol, France - “This wine is made from organically grown fruit. Dominated by 95% Mourvèdre, it is an enticing, spicy wine, full of red fruits, light tannins and with the herbal edge typical of the grape. It needs a few more months, so wait until 2019.” (WE 7/18)
Regular Price:  $36.99, On Sale in April: $29.99 (while supplies last)

NEW ARRIVALS – White Burgundy & and our favorite Cheverny Blanc

2017 Chavy-Chouet Bourgogne Blanc “Les Femelottes”, Burgundy France- “The 2017 Bourgogne Blanc Les Femelottes comes from five parcels from 15 to 60 years old vines adjacent to the Puligny-Montrachet village crus. It has a lovely, almond and white chocolate scented bouquet that is very well defined. The palate is well balanced with a fine thread of acidity, a touch of bitter lemon and frangipane towards the composed, quite phenolic finish. There is a lot in this regional white and it represents great value.” (Vinous 1/19) $21.99
2017 Chavy-Chouet Bourgogne Blanc “Les Saussots”, Burgundy France- “Sourced from young vines in, or just outside the AOC Meursault.  Aromas of pineapple and apricot with a touch of Vanilla. Flavors of pineapple, white peach with a touch of minerality and good acidity. $18.99
2017 Croix Senaillet Macon-Davaye, Burgundy, Fr. – “Well integrated, this wine is bright, tight and fruity. A touch of minerality as well as citrus balances the riper yellow fruits. Drink this wine now.” (WE) $16.99
2017 Domaine du Salvard Cheverny, Loire, France- In this mid Loire Valley wine region between Tours and Orleans you can mix a little Chard with your Sauv Blanc and this crisp, fresh 85% Sauvignon Blanc and 15 %  Chardonnay (adds a touch of texture and weight) blend is always one or our favorites. Kermit Lynch only lets us have 3 cases.  $19.99

NEW ARRIVALS - Reasonable and Interesting

A Rhone blend from the legendary Mas Amiel and a dry, delicious Alsatian Riesling from a Grand Cru vineyard.

2016 Mas Amiel Côtes du Roussillon “Vertigo”, France - “Incredibly exotic, with notes of strawberries, peach pit & ripe blackberries, the 2016 Côtes du Roussillon Vertigo is medium to full-bodied, supple & nicely textured on the palate. Made from 80% Grenache & 20% Syrah, it has outstanding potential.” (WA #230) $19.99
2015 Philippe Zinck Riesling Alsace Grand Cru Eichberg – “A well-knit, light-bodied white, with a good backbone of zippy acidity and finely detailed notes of crunchy pear, wet stone, apple blossom and lemon pith. Offers a creamy, anise-tinged finish. Drink now through 2025. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 150 cases made.” (WS 5/31/18) $24.99

MONTHLY SPECIALS