January 2024 Newsletter

January Tasting Events

Friday, JANUARY 12th – 5:30 to 7:00 pm—
Our January annual
Wines from Burgundy
Specially selected bottles opened just because… we can.

AND

SATURDAY, JANUARY 20th – 2:00 to 5:00 pm—ODDS & ENDS Tasting
DEEP, very DEEP, discounts will be offered on all wines opened during this tasting.

and

WINE TASTING EVERY SATURDAY   2:00pm-6:00pm
‘Whatever we feel like opening”

PLUS
Join us on Saturday, 1/27/24,
anytime between  2:00-6:00pm
For our free:
Last Saturday Wine School
The RHONE
North and South

JANUARY SPECIAL OFFER – From the Cellar!

2006 Domaine Gournier Grenache Noir Vin de Pays des Cévennes, France –(100% Grenache)  We had this laying around for some time and we weren’t sure we liked it so we opened up a bottle for a tasting one Saturday just to see what people thought. They loved it! Imported by Bobby Kacher, Domaine de Gournier is located in the Cévennes region, above the Mediterranean Sea, between the cities of Avignon and Nimes. The area’s terroir is characterized by low limestone hills studded with calcareous rock and sparse clumps of wind-beaten vegetation. This Grenache cuvée was first released in 2004. Here is Kacher’s review: “The wine displays round and textured cherry flavors with a brilliant spice factor throughout. The tannins here are well behind the fruit which makes this a wonderful wine for everyday dining and parties. The Gournier Grenache Noir is a true crowd pleaser and great value.” Bottled under stelvin enclosure 17 years ago! The fruit has rescinded and the tertiary elements of mushrooms and dusty garage floor have taken over but there is still good acidity. $9.99 (limit 2 per customer)

JANUARY SPECIAL OFFERS

We celebrate with Wines from distinct places!

Here is a young Red Burgundy that you can drink tonight!
2021 Xavier Monnot Clos de la Fussiere Monopole Maranges Premier Cru, Burgundy, France – (100% Pinot Noir) Clos de la Fussière, a monopole of Xavier Monnot, is a small, walled Premier Cru vineyard within the larger La Fussière climat in Maranges. The Clos is a steep, south-facing site with a base of gravelly, loose, well draining Bajocian limestone which helps to make wines that are rich, fleshy and dense. The vineyard is one of the commune’s better sites and is planted entirely to Pinot Noir. Here is a review: “A fresh, fluid red, displaying cherry, blackberry, sandalwood and earth aromas and flavors. Silky and balanced, with a harmonious structure and a bright, persistent finish. Drink now through 2033. 442 cases made, 75 cases imported.” (WS)                Regular price: $75.99, On sale in JANUARY $54.99 (no further discounts)

Barbaresco from the famous cru of Rabaja!
2020 Giuseppe Cortese Rabaja Barbaresco DOCG, Italy – (100% Nebbiolo) This wine is made entirely from Nebbiolo grapes grown in Barbaresco’s prestigious Rabajà vineyard, located in the Langhe hills just to the south of Cortese’s winery. To achieve the perfect structural balance, the wine is aged for twenty-two months in seasoned Slavonian oak casks, then bottled and cellared for an additional thirteen months. Here is a review:“The 2020 Barbaresco Rabajà is a total knock-out. Dark, layered and mysterious, the 2020 is pure seduction. All the elements are so well put together for a young Barbaresco. In 2020 Cortese did not bottle a Riserva, and the addition of that fruit clearly benefits this bottling. Black cherry, kirsch, lavender, spice and dried herbs all build in a super-classic Rabajà that delivers the goods. Don’t miss it.” (Vinous 10/23)
Regular price: $69.99, On sale in JAN.: $55.99 (no further discount)

Cannonau from Sardinia – it’s almost a health food!
2019 Cantine Argiolas ‘Senes’ Cannonau di Sardegna Riserva, Sardinia, Italy- (100% Cannonau) Cannonau (known as Grenache) wines have been associated with longevity and linked to the unusually long lifespan of the Sardinian population which sees many live well into their 90s. The grape is said to contain high levels of polyphenols and is rich in anthocyanins, both of which have antioxidant properties linked to heart health. Here is a review: “A well-knit, medium-bodied red trimmed by fine, taut tannins, with flavors of ripe black plum, mulberry, bay leaf and milled pepper. Reveals a lively citrus peel edge to the fruit flavors, with the herb and spice notes playing out on the persistent finish. Drink now through 2027. 2,500 cases made, 350 cases imported.” (WS)                    Regular price: $39.99, On sale in JAN: $29.99 (no further discounts)

Our favorite Rhone appellation (along with Vacqueyras)!
2021 Domaine Clos des Cazaux Gigondas La Tour Sarrazine Rhone, France – (75% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre) Founded in 1905 by Gabriel Archimbaud, Domaine Clos de Cazaux is now run by his grandsons Jean-Michel and Frédéric Vache. The oldest part of the property dates back to the 12th century and belonged to the Knights Templar. At that time a local farmer called “Chasal” was in charge of cultivating the land on behalf of the Knights Templar and over the years the name became “Cazaux” the current name of the domaine. This GSM Rhone blend comes from stony soils situated on the arid hills of the Dentelles de Montmirail. The Mistral blows regularly on these slopes which limits the amount of vine treatment needed. Here is a review: “Bright violet color. The fragrant and incisive nose displays vibrant red fruit, floral and spice qualities. Shows very good energy and detail on the palate, offering nervy bitter cherry and redcurrant flavors and a hint of garrigue. Closes long and spicy, with resonating fruit and floral notes.” (Vinous 1/23)
  Regular price: $32.99, On sale in JANUARY: $26.99 (no further discounts)

NEW ARRIVALS - Classics for the Winter!

  2019 Castello di Bossi Berardo Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG, Italy-  (100% Sangiovese) “A certified organic wine, the 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva Berardo offers bright aromas of dried cherry, forest berry, sweet spice and cinnamon. With fruit from beautiful Castelnuovo Berardenga on the southern side of the appellation, this wine shows medium-rich concentration and good texture with savory oak-driven elements. Production is 60,000 bottles.  (WA 9/23) $29.99
2018 Altesino Brunello di Montalcino DOCG Tuscany, Italy- (100% Sangiovese Grosso) “Wild strawberries, roses, lavender and hints of flowery underbrush form a vividly fruity yet earthy bouquet as the 2018 Brunello opens in the glass. This is round, nearly juicy in character, with ripe red and black berries that cascade across a core of silty minerality. It leaves only a light coating of tannin while tapering off with a flourish of inner sweetness and floral tones, as nuances of licorice slowly fade. This may not be a classic Brunello from Altesino, but I can’t argue with how incredibly delicious it is.” (Vinous 12/22) $62.99

MONTHLY SPECIALS