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April Taster's Advantage
2 Bottles of red wine (tax & shipping not included) Owl Box Pinot Noir Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Noir Origin: Carneros, California While Cabernet Sauvignon might be the grape most think of when ruminating about red wines from California, many also hopefully recall the pockets of perfection that allow for the growing of grapes that need something a bit cooler. One famous 'pocket' is Los Carneros, a ninety square mile AVA (American Viticultural Area) on the southernmost foothills of the Mayacamas and Sonoma mountain ranges. Los Carneros AVA (also known as Carneros AVA) includes parts of both Sonoma and Napa counties in California, U.S.A.. It is located north of San Pablo Bay. The proximity to the cool fog and breezes from the bay makes the climate in Los Carneros cooler and more moderate than the wine regions farther north in Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley. The cooler climate has made Los Carneros attractive for the cultivation of cooler climate varietals like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. So, we have a great place to grow Pinot Noir but how is this bottling? In a word, lovely! Scents of fresh cherries and rose petals are grounded with touches of light spice and garden loam. Upon tasting, the berries are massively ripe: cherries, strawberries, raspberries and blackberries. Background notes of subtle minerality and light spice add complexity. The grip of tannins and scintillating streaks of acidity keep this wine balanced and ideal for the spring table. Think everything from ham to lamb, salmon to tuna, duck to pork. Or try some chèvre and salami with your favorite herb crackers. And what's up with the owl theme? Barn owls are extremely useful in vineyard management but they do not create their own nest holes. Instead, they frequently use hollow trees or cavities from other birds, and they readily move into open buildings or nest boxes. With the right barn owl box, it is possible to encourage barn owls to become permanent residents in your yard or elsewhere on a larger property. Many farmers and backyard birders welcome barn owls because these birds are efficient hunters that prey almost exclusively on small rodents such as mice, voles, rats, shrews, and gophers. With hungry barn owls and owlets in the area, less money, time, and effort will be needed for rodent control. Furthermore, because these raptors are primarily nocturnal, they rarely bother livestock or pets. They will not hurt crops or gardens, and they don't require feeders or expensive seed. In summation, this is a light, bright, vibrant, fresh Pinot Noir that shows off the beauty of both Carneros and the vineyard protectors, the owls. Castano 2017 Solo Solanera Vina Viejas Grape Variety: 65% monastrell, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Garnacha Tintorera Origin: D.O. Yecla, North West of Murcia in Spain We loved the 2016 release of Solanera and we believe the 2017 is even better! This is a red blend from Southeastern Spain comprised of 65% Monastrell, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Garnacha Tintorera. Complex, luxurious, harmonious. This is both serious and seriously good wine. It is structured enough to hold up to ribs on the barbecue with enough ripe fruit components and a price point to enjoy every day. There's so much going on regarding olfactory, taste and structure while just being a delight to sip. All this for under $13?? Sign us up! DOP Yecla is a Spanish Denominación de Origen (DO) for wines located around the town of Yecla in the northernmost corner of the region of Murcia (Spain) and is completely surrounded by other DOPs: Jumilla to the south and west, Almansa to the north and Alicante to the east. The area is notable for its extensive use of the red Monastrell grape variety, and it is traditionally known as the home of Monastrell in Spain. Monastrell is the fourth most planted red grape variety in Spain. The nose starts with gorgeous violet scents and a midnight garden floral perfume that leads to layers of mixed black fruits, sarsaparilla, dark red fruits and incense. In the mouth, ripe red fruits (cherry, raspberry) lead to spice box flavors, strawberry tea and a touch of herbal. Moderate silky tannins keep this wine balanced and alight. Vibrant fruit and dark spices pave the way to a long, glorious finish. JEB DUNNUCK 94 POINTS - "Beautiful, with lots of cassis, blackberry, graphite, camphor, and acacia flower notes on the nose, the 2017 Vinas Viejas hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a layered, elegant texture, ripe tannins, and a gorgeous finish. A blend of 65% Monastrell, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Garnacha, brought up in 75% new French oak, it's the real deal and will keep for 7-8 years, probably longer. |
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1 Bottles of red wine and 1 bottle of white wine (tax & shipping not included) Owl Box Pinot Noir Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Noir Origin: Carneros, California While Cabernet Sauvignon might be the grape most think of when ruminating about red wines from California, many also hopefully recall the pockets of perfection that allow for the growing of grapes that need something a bit cooler. One famous 'pocket' is Los Carneros, a ninety square mile AVA (American Viticultural Area) on the southernmost foothills of the Mayacamas and Sonoma mountain ranges. Los Carneros AVA (also known as Carneros AVA) includes parts of both Sonoma and Napa counties in California, U.S.A.. It is located north of San Pablo Bay. The proximity to the cool fog and breezes from the bay makes the climate in Los Carneros cooler and more moderate than the wine regions farther north in Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley. The cooler climate has made Los Carneros attractive for the cultivation of cooler climate varietals like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. So, we have a great place to grow Pinot Noir but how is this bottling? In a word, lovely! Scents of fresh cherries and rose petals are grounded with touches of light spice and garden loam. Upon tasting, the berries are massively ripe: cherries, strawberries, raspberries and blackberries. Background notes of subtle minerality and light spice add complexity. The grip of tannins and scintillating streaks of acidity keep this wine balanced and ideal for the spring table. Think everything from ham to lamb, salmon to tuna, duck to pork. Or try some chèvre and salami with your favorite herb crackers. And what's up with the owl theme? Barn owls are extremely useful in vineyard management but they do not create their own nest holes. Instead, they frequently use hollow trees or cavities from other birds, and they readily move into open buildings or nest boxes. With the right barn owl box, it is possible to encourage barn owls to become permanent residents in your yard or elsewhere on a larger property. Many farmers and backyard birders welcome barn owls because these birds are efficient hunters that prey almost exclusively on small rodents such as mice, voles, rats, shrews, and gophers. With hungry barn owls and owlets in the area, less money, time, and effort will be needed for rodent control. Furthermore, because these raptors are primarily nocturnal, they rarely bother livestock or pets. They will not hurt crops or gardens, and they don't require feeders or expensive seed. In summation, this is a light, bright, vibrant, fresh Pinot Noir that shows off the beauty of both Carneros and the vineyard protectors, the owls. Terra Nera 2017 Assyrtiko Karamolegos Grape Variety: 100% Assyrtiko Origin: PGI Cyclades, Greece Although the appellation is PGI Cyclades, the Karamolegos winery sourced the grapes for this dry white from vineyards situated in lower altitude villages of the island of Santorini: Kamari, Messaria, Vothonas and Akrotiri. The vineyards have an average age of 50 which is young by Santorini standards. The 100% Assyrtiko grapes were fermented at low temperatures to preserve the complex fruit of this varietal. The wine was matured on the fine lees with frequent stirring for at least 4 months. On the nose you find aromas of melon, pear and citrus along with the minerality typical of Assyrtikos. The Terra Nera is supple and fresh on the palate, with good fruit flavors which are nicely balanced by the crisp, long finish. Wine Tip: Another lovely wine from Greece. Lively, balanced, delicate. It tastes like summer. |
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2 Bottles of red wine (tax & shipping not included) Cellier aux Moines 2017 Givry 1er Cru Burgundy Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Noir Origin: Givry 1er Cru Clos du Cellier aux Moines Organically Produced We first tasted the 2017 Premier Cru from Cellier Aux Moines months ago and absolutely loved it. The purity of fruit, silky smooth tannins and persistence made us sit up and take notice. We immediately purchased as much as we could get and enthusiastically recommended it to our Burgundy afficionados. The Domaine has a great story to tell and the property has been producing wine since 1130. The 5-hectare vineyard was farmed by Cistercian monks who recognized the quality of the terroir and its favorable southern exposure. The Premier cru "Clos Cellier Aux Moines" is considered the best vineyard in Givry. Specifically, the "Clos" or walled vineyard section where this wine is sourced is the creme de la creme of that vineyard. The clay-limestone geology that is shared by all the great Burgundy vineyards is obviously present here. More recently, the Pascal family acquired this historic plot and set about farming organically and converting to Biodynamic practices. Their investment also included the construction of a gravity fed cellar to allow for gentler handling of the fruit. The 2017 vintage in Givry was ideal with a sunny and warm Spring and Summer. The grapes achieved perfect ripeness and balance and were harvested by hand. After careful sorting, they were fed by gravity into oak vats with some of the grapes left in whole bunches. Fermentation occurred using only natural yeasts and the wine was aged 16 to 18 months in oak casks (1/3 new oak). The resulting wine is flat out gorgeous with impressive depth and concentration showcasing red and black cherry as well as blackberry with earth, forest floor, light florals and a touch of spice. This is a delicious Premier Cru Burgundy available at an incredible price. It is certainly our best Burgundy buy in recent memory. DECANTER 96 POINTS - "The 2017 vintage for red Burgundy was Janus-like. Some wines are charming and forward. Others, like this one, have the requisite substance, structure, and balance for the long haul. This was the first year the domaine was almost fully biodynamic, and, that perhaps, explains the wine's brilliance. Immediately expressive, the 2017 grabs your attention. Aromas leap from the glass. On the palate, it combines firm mineral qualities with a Bing cherry-like fruitiness in a suave and elegant package. Fractionally less ripe compared to the 2015, its minerality shines. A hint of bitterness in the finish adds to its appeal. Supple, yet firm, tannins provide perfect support." Zestos 2019 OV Garnacha Vinos de Madrid Grape Variety: 100% Garnacha, Origin: D.O. Madrid Organically Farmed ANTONIO GALLONI; VINOUS 91 POINTS - "Vivid ruby-red. Aromas of ripe red and dark berries, spicecake and candied flowers are complemented by a smoky mineral nuance that builds in the glass. Sappy black raspberry and cherry flavors show good depth as well as energy. Silky and appealingly sweet, finishing with sharp focus and smooth tannins that fold into the wine’s juicy fruit. Raised in stainless steel and concrete tanks." Wine Tip: This wine retails for only $9.95. It is beyond incredible, Spain can definitely produce some outstanding values. Another great example of less is more, there is no oak, no fancy additives, no extra-long maceration etc etc. Just a great wine made in a simple way and that tastes fantastic. |
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1 Bottle of red wine and 1 bottle of white wine (tax & shipping not included) Elodia 2017 Malbec Grape Variety: 100% Malbec Origin: Valle Del Pedernal, Argentina WINE ADVOCATE 93 POINTS - "The wine from Pedernal, which comes from the same vineyards as the wines from Fuego Blanco, has been renamed to 2017 Finca Fuego Blanco Malbec. The wine is fruit-driven and pure, a constant across the range here—wines with no oak that show the naked grape and place—and here there is the austere wilderness of the stony soils. There is contained ripeness and good harmony, fine tannins and good freshness." This wine is produced at 4500 feet above sea level. This location shows a fantastic ability to produce wines with great purity and freshness. Bonnet Huteau 2018 Muscadet Clos Moulin Grape Variety: 100% Melon de Bourgogne Origin: Muscadet, Loire, France Biodynamically Farmed/Low level of sulfites added What an incredible finesse and elegance in this wine. The mouth feeling is gorgeous, the ageing on the lees brings that coated mid-palate texture typical of muscadet. A touch of stone fruit, hint of jasmin flowers and acacia. Even though this wine comes from the warm 2018 vintage, this bottle still shows an impressive freshness and tension with a salty sea breeze finish. It is an absolute no brainer for the "Dry/crisp White" enthusiast. Bonnet-Huteau winery has been created in 1883 and has been converted to Biodynamy since 2005. |
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2 Bottles of white wine (tax & shipping not included) Bonnet Huteau 2018 Muscadet Clos Moulin Grape Variety: 100% Melon de Bourgogne Origin: Muscadet, Loire, France Biodynamically Farmed/Low level of sulfites added What an incredible finesse and elegance in this wine. The mouth feeling is gorgeous, the ageing on the lees brings that coated mid-palate texture typical of muscadet. A touch of stone fruit, hint of jasmin flowers and acacia. Even though this wine comes from the warm 2018 vintage, this bottle still shows an impressive freshness and tension with a salty sea breeze finish. It is an absolute no brainer for the "Dry/crisp White" enthusiast. Bonnet-Huteau winery has been created in 1883 and has been converted to Biodynamy since 2005. Sylvain Pataille 2017 Mechalots Clos Moulin Grape Variety: 100% Chardonnay Origin: Marsannay, Burgundy, France Organic The estate is organic since 2008 with a AB/Ecocert certificate. The vinification is clearly based on low intervention – no sulphur added during vinification and only a little sulphur added at the bottling. Pataille is also working with Biodynamic methods – although not certified Biodynamic. WINEMAKER - In my view so called “Vin Nature” is often made without both intervention and skills, whereas a natural approche is about minimum intervention done right and at the right time. Wine Tip: Mechalots is produced with the youngest vines of the winery. The wine shows lovely yellow fruits like Mirabelle plum and a good structure balanced by a great tension. An authentic wine from a Burgundian rising star at a decent price. |
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1 Bottle of Champagne (tax & shipping not included) Pol Roger Reserve Brut Grape Variety: 1/3 Chardonnay, 1/3 Pinot Noir, 1/3 Pinot Meunier Origin: Champagne, France Disgorgement Date: NA, Dosage: Brut The Brut Réserve is a blend in equal parts of the three champenois grape varieties: pinot noir, pinot meunier and chardonnay from 30 different crus. 25% reserve wines are used to produce this cuvée: - The Pinot Noir (bringing structure, body and power) is mainly produced from some of the best crus of the Montagne de Reims. - The Pinot Meunier (ensuring freshness, roundness and fruitiness) is issued from several crus from the Vallée de la Marne and from the Epernay area. - The Chardonnay (adding its aromatic complexity, finesse, elegance and lightness) comes from Epernay and some of the best crus of the Côte des Blancs. After four years ageing, its style combines complexity, balance and distinction. Pol Roger Brut Réserve displays a beautiful golden straw colored hue, as well as abundant and fine bubbles. With a powerful and attractive nose, it first delivers aromas of fruit (pear, mango ...) and then releases light flavors of honeysuckle and white jasmine, lingering on vanilla and brioche notes. Behind a frank and dynamic attack, the wine encompasses a nice harmony and a pleasant freshness, whilst preserving some structure. On the palate, flavors of cooked fruit (quince jelly, apricot jam) happily mingle with fragrances of beeswax and acacia honey. The long-lasting aromas, composed of both fruity (candied orange peel, tangerine...) and spicy notes (cardamom, anis) is outstanding. |
