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October Taster's Advantage
2 Bottles of red wine (tax & shipping not included) St-Dominique La Reserve 2017 Grape Variety: 100% Grenache Origin: Mont Ventoux, France Our wine of the month hails from the southeastern Rhône appellation of Ventoux, in the south of France. Our wine buyers tasted numerous potential candidates for this honor and immediately knew this was the one. And what pleasure this wine gives! This 100% Grenache is loaded with fresh, forward fruits and cascades across the palate with perfectly ripened, lush fruit flavors. The bounty includes juicy red and dark fruits (think plum, raspberry and boysenberry) augmented by a gentle spice and hints of garrique. The mouthfeel is viscous and rich yet buoyant, nimble and fresh resulting in sheer pleasure for the palate. The vines for La Réserve Saint Dominique are 20-35 years old on a plot of land at the foot of Mont Ventoux at an elevation of 1500 feet. The higher altitude coupled with superb sun exposure produces grapes of exceptional quality rarely found at this price-point. And the commune is somewhat protected from the famous Mistral winds due to the Ventoux-Vaucluse-Luberon mountain range particularly Mont Ventoux, which looks down over the Rhône Valley to the west and Provence to the south and east. With football in full swing and fall weather possibly making its way to our shores soon, this wine will work for both last-of-the-season heat waves and cooler climes and the foods that go with each. La Reserve Saint Dominique is a delicious, crowd-pleasing wine available at a great price. This is one to grab by the case to enjoy with family and close friends. WINE ADVOCATE 91 POINTS - "The 2017 Ventoux Reserve Saint Dominique is a 100% Grenache, négociant bottling by this Châteauneuf-based producer, but it's seriously good juice. Raspberries, anise and black cherries provide ample complexity in this medium to full-bodied wine that's ripe, expansive and supple, with a long, mouthwatering finish. Drink it over the next 4-5 years." Wine Tip: Mont Ventoux is one of the most ancient wine region in France, there is evidences of production of wines dating from the 1st century of our era. Liesl 2016 Spatburgunder Grape Variety: Spatburgunder (Pinot Noir) Origin: Germany Liesl's red is 100% hand-harvested Pinot Noir from small estate-owned plots, macerated in stainless steel and matured briefly in neutral oak, hand-harvested from small plots with a maximum production capacity of 1,200 9L cases. The wine undergoes a cooler maceration in stainless steel tanks using the pump-over technique for maximum extraction. The wine is then transferred to large oak barrels which help “flesh out” the Pinot Noir without imparting too much “oaky” character to the wine. Liesl then spends several months in bottle before leaving the winery. Aromas of black cherry and dark fruits are accented by cranberry and savory notes. Allspice, cinnamon and clove come through on the mid-palate with the sweet yet savory flavors continuing. A nice acidity frames the wine, with a touch of oak spices and the red and dark fruit aromas and flavors carrying through on the finish. Wine Tip: A beautiful example of “Old World” style Pinot noir. This is extremely well made for this price. A gorgeous simple wine that will make your Sunday roasted chicken even better. Germany is famous for their Rieslings (that are mostly dry), but they are also the 3rd Pinot Noir producer after France and USA. Pinot Noir is a major actor of the German wine culture it has been produced there since at least the 4th century. |
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1 Bottles of red wine and 1 bottle of white wine (tax & shipping not included) St-Dominique La Reserve 2017 Grape Variety: 100% Grenache Origin: Mont Ventoux, France Our wine of the month hails from the southeastern Rhône appellation of Ventoux, in the south of France. Our wine buyers tasted numerous potential candidates for this honor and immediately knew this was the one. And what pleasure this wine gives! This 100% Grenache is loaded with fresh, forward fruits and cascades across the palate with perfectly ripened, lush fruit flavors. The bounty includes juicy red and dark fruits (think plum, raspberry and boysenberry) augmented by a gentle spice and hints of garrique. The mouthfeel is viscous and rich yet buoyant, nimble and fresh resulting in sheer pleasure for the palate. The vines for La Réserve Saint Dominique are 20-35 years old on a plot of land at the foot of Mont Ventoux at an elevation of 1500 feet. The higher altitude coupled with superb sun exposure produces grapes of exceptional quality rarely found at this price-point. And the commune is somewhat protected from the famous Mistral winds due to the Ventoux-Vaucluse-Luberon mountain range particularly Mont Ventoux, which looks down over the Rhône Valley to the west and Provence to the south and east. With football in full swing and fall weather possibly making its way to our shores soon, this wine will work for both last-of-the-season heat waves and cooler climes and the foods that go with each. La Reserve Saint Dominique is a delicious, crowd-pleasing wine available at a great price. This is one to grab by the case to enjoy with family and close friends. WINE ADVOCATE 91 POINTS - "The 2017 Ventoux Reserve Saint Dominique is a 100% Grenache, négociant bottling by this Châteauneuf-based producer, but it's seriously good juice. Raspberries, anise and black cherries provide ample complexity in this medium to full-bodied wine that's ripe, expansive and supple, with a long, mouthwatering finish. Drink it over the next 4-5 years." Wine Tip: Mont Ventoux is one of the most ancient wine region in France, there is evidences of production of wines dating from the 1st century of our era. Colome 2019 Torrontes, Argentina Grape Variety: 100% Torrontes Origin: Salta, Argentina JAMES SUCKLING 92 POINTS - "Here is the Salta mountain freshness! A really enticing combination of melon, floral and a wide spectrum of delicate citrus aromas. I love the balance of juicy fruit and crisp acidity that gives the bold, long finish a lot of life. " The characteristic white wine grape of Argentina has recently been linked with the Malvasia grape vis-à-vis DNA research. And the wonderful aromas released certainly suggest a Malvasia heritage: notes of peach, apricot, honeysuckle and general floral tones; simply beautiful. The palate echoes the florals and again, stone fruits come to the fore, all enwrapped in a light background minerality. Sustainably farm Vineyards. Sustainable winegrowing not only improves wine quality, but helps to compete in the global market place where consumers are increasingly interested in knowing that the foods and wines they enjoy are produced in an environmentally friendly manner.” Robert P. Koch, President & CEO of the Wine Institute. Wine Tip: Yes you read it correctly the vintage is 2019. The good thing is that Torrontes is best when it is young. This grape variety is almost only grown in Argentina, it is often compared to Muscat (yes you can find dry Muscat). When the growers managed to keep the yields at a reasonable level and don’t overripe the grapes like in this bottle, it shows great tension and beautiful floral/citrusy notes. |
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2 Bottles of red wine (tax & shipping not included) Puech Redon 2017 "Apparente" Grape Variety: 100% Cinsault Origin: North-west of Nimes, Languedoc, France Natural Wine "Apparente" started as a collaboration between Cyril Cuche and famed natural winemaker Eric Texier. Puech Redon is a large and diverse property located in the Languedoc, with a total of 380 hectares that are split between 200h of grain, 52h of vines, and over 100h of woods and garrigues. Cyril's grandfather acquired this land in the aftermath of World War II, and Cyril himself has been at the helm for over 20 years. Under his father, the property was farmed conventionally for 30 years. Cyril, seeing the potential of such a large, contained area, decided from the get-go that it had great potential for organic agriculture and prioritized biodiversity. Un-fined, unfiltered, with no sulfur added, this juicy red really shines with a firm chill. Grilled sausage and veggies comes to mind... Wine Tip. I had the chance to study enology but also viticulture. I read and heard so many things about “Natural” wines, most of it was completely inaccurate. The passion is real but it is hard to understand if you are not a specialist and the variety of blogs telling various stories does not help. Firstly, a natural wine is for me before everything else a way to preserve the most precious of our resources, the top soil and water. It is also an efficient way to protect the people that work or live in or next the vines. Secondly a wine is a crafted beverage, the “natural” stage is Vinegar. Anyhow there is so much to say and this is not the place, I invite you to read what Jancis Robinson says about the topic. Today’s wine is what I would call a great “natural” wine, it is not flawed, perfectly crafted and delicious. The mouth feeling is outstanding, it tastes pure and fresh. A great wine to share, one that is easy and fun. La Fleur de Bouard 2016 Lalande de Pomerol Grape Variety: 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon Origin: Lalande de Pomerol, Bordeaux, France Chateau Angelus is a remarkable estate firing on all cylinders and producing the best wines in its storied history. This is due in large part to continuous improvements in the vineyard and winery by the latest generations of the de Bouard family who have a long wine growing tradition. We recently sampled the 2016 La Fleur de Bouard from the owners of Chateau Angelus and were blown away by the rich, palate coating flavors. This wine is aromatic and full-bodied with notes of violet, red and black cherries, blueberries, mocca and earth. The tannins are silky and the finish is sneaky long. The purity of fruit from the outstanding 2016 vintage and winemaking prowess come through loud and clear! Hubert de Bouard de Laforest believed that estates in Lalande-de-Pomerol were capable of producing outstanding wines on par with the greatest Bordeaux appellations. He purchased property in this area in 1998 and rechristened the property Chateau La Fleur de Bouard. He, along with his daughter Coralie applied their oenological know-how in a new, environmentally friendly approach to wine growing. The 33 hectare vineyard of Chateau La Fleur de Bouard is close to tributaries of the Isle and Dordogne Rivers and enjoys sunny weather moderated by the cooling effects of the nearby water. The vineyards are planted to 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon with a terroir of clay and sand over a base of gravel. The mild conditions prompt early flowering of the vine. This local distinction explains the frequent referral to "La Fleur" (flower) in estate names in this appellation area. The estate houses an oenological laboratory, which drives a host of experiments and research topics around vine husbandry and wine making. A major innovation is the property's vathouse, which is unique in the whole world. Using effective, new technology, the wines are made applying a revolutionary process, based on a system of hanging upturned truncated cone-shaped tanks. These investments enable the very best of this terroir to be extracted and renowned vintages to be made that compare favorably with the greatest Bordeaux names. They are part of the quest for excellence, balance and elegance, which has given form to Chateau La Fleur de Bouard. |
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1 Bottle of red wine and 1 bottle of white wine (tax & shipping not included) Puech Redon 2017 "Apparente" Grape Variety: 100% Cinsault Origin: North-west of Nimes, Languedoc, France Natural Wine "Apparente" started as a collaboration between Cyril Cuche and famed natural winemaker Eric Texier. Puech Redon is a large and diverse property located in the Languedoc, with a total of 380 hectares that are split between 200h of grain, 52h of vines, and over 100h of woods and garrigues. Cyril's grandfather acquired this land in the aftermath of World War II, and Cyril himself has been at the helm for over 20 years. Under his father, the property was farmed conventionally for 30 years. Cyril, seeing the potential of such a large, contained area, decided from the get-go that it had great potential for organic agriculture and prioritized biodiversity. Un-fined, unfiltered, with no sulfur added, this juicy red really shines with a firm chill. Grilled sausage and veggies comes to mind... Wine Tip. I had the chance to study enology but also viticulture. I read and heard so many things about “Natural” wines, most of it was completely inaccurate. The passion is real but it is hard to understand if you are not a specialist and the variety of blogs telling various stories does not help. Firstly, a natural wine is for me before everything else a way to preserve the most precious of our resources, the top soil and water. It is also an efficient way to protect the people that work or live in or next the vines. Secondly a wine is a crafted beverage, the “natural” stage is Vinegar. Anyhow there is so much to say and this is not the place, I invite you to read what Jancis Robinson says about the topic. Today’s wine is what I would call a great “natural” wine, it is not flawed, perfectly crafted and delicious. The mouth feeling is outstanding, it tastes pure and fresh. A great wine to share, one that is easy and fun. Giacometti 2019 Patrimonio Grape Variety: 100% Vermentinu Origin: Patrimonio, Corsica, France Corsicans are no strangers to rugged landscapes and isolated areas, yet there is only one spot on the island that has earned the name of “Desert” among Corsicans. The Agriates Desert is a large, rugged, empty and arid swath of land between the Cap Corse and Calvi on the northern end of the island. There are no cities nor towns, only one small paved road, and only one hamlet, with a dozen or so inhabitants. It’s swept year round with the Libecciu, a hot and dry wind that rolls down off the Italian coast, and it’s been an empty area for nearly a century. The wind combined with the clay-granite soils makes growing anything here extremely laborious, with the vines requiring constant plowing to allow the roots to forage deep for water and nutrients. The Giacometti family boldly moved here in 1987, taking over vines that had been planted in 1966. Practicing organic Fermented with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel tank Aged for less than 6 months on fine lees in stainless steel tank Wine Tip: 'les Agriates' is such an outstanding location. It is so unique. This bottle comes from one of the most remote corners of Corsica to end up in your glass. Covid has reduced our ability to travel but hopefully this wine will help you to escape your routine. |
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2 Bottles of white wine (tax & shipping not included) Colome 2019 Torrontes, Argentina Grape Variety: 100% Torrontes Origin: Salta, Argentina JAMES SUCKLING 92 POINTS - "Here is the Salta mountain freshness! A really enticing combination of melon, floral and a wide spectrum of delicate citrus aromas. I love the balance of juicy fruit and crisp acidity that gives the bold, long finish a lot of life. " The characteristic white wine grape of Argentina has recently been linked with the Malvasia grape vis-à-vis DNA research. And the wonderful aromas released certainly suggest a Malvasia heritage: notes of peach, apricot, honeysuckle and general floral tones; simply beautiful. The palate echoes the florals and again, stone fruits come to the fore, all enwrapped in a light background minerality. Sustainably farm Vineyards. Sustainable winegrowing not only improves wine quality, but helps to compete in the global market place where consumers are increasingly interested in knowing that the foods and wines they enjoy are produced in an environmentally friendly manner.” Robert P. Koch, President & CEO of the Wine Institute. Wine Tip: Yes you read it correctly the vintage is 2019. The good thing is that Torrontes is best when it is young. This grape variety is almost only grown in Argentina, it is often compared to Muscat (yes you can find dry Muscat). When the growers managed to keep the yields at a reasonable level and don’t overripe the grapes like in this bottle, it shows great tension and beautiful floral/citrusy notes. Giacometti 2019 Patrimonio Grape Variety: 100% Vermentinu Origin: Patrimonio, Corsica, France Corsicans are no strangers to rugged landscapes and isolated areas, yet there is only one spot on the island that has earned the name of “Desert” among Corsicans. The Agriates Desert is a large, rugged, empty and arid swath of land between the Cap Corse and Calvi on the northern end of the island. There are no cities nor towns, only one small paved road, and only one hamlet, with a dozen or so inhabitants. It’s swept year round with the Libecciu, a hot and dry wind that rolls down off the Italian coast, and it’s been an empty area for nearly a century. The wind combined with the clay-granite soils makes growing anything here extremely laborious, with the vines requiring constant plowing to allow the roots to forage deep for water and nutrients. The Giacometti family boldly moved here in 1987, taking over vines that had been planted in 1966. Practicing organic Fermented with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel tank Aged for less than 6 months on fine lees in stainless steel tank Wine Tip: 'les Agriates' is such an outstanding location. It is so unique. This bottle comes from one of the most remote corners of Corsica to end up in your glass. Covid has reduced our ability to travel but hopefully this wine will help you to escape your routine. |
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1 Bottle of Champagne (tax & shipping not included) Marc Hebrart 1er Cru Blanc de Blancs Origin: 1er cru, Mareuil sur Ay, Marne Valley Grape Variety: 100% Chardonnay Disgorgement Date: July 2019 Dosage: Brut Jean-Paul Hébrart took over the operations of Marc Hébrart Champagne in the Vallée de la Marne from his father Marc in 1997. This estate is not exactly new: Jean-Paul’s father has been producing champagne under the Marc Hébrart name since 1964 and has been a member of the Special Club since 1985. Hébrart farms 14 hectares of vines on 65 different sites in 6 villages: the 1er cru vineyards of Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Avenay, Val d’Or and Bisseuil and the grand crus villages of Aÿ as well as Chouilly and Oiry in the Côte des Blancs. Each parcel is always vinified separately in glass lined stainless steel and ceramic tanks. He is slowly phasing out the ceramic as it is more difficult to control the temperature. Hébrart is also experimenting barrel fermentation and indigenous yeast fermentation for some of his older vine parcels. Using these new techniques Jean-Paul has made an alternative Téte de Cuvee (2004 vintage dated) called Rive Gauche-Rive Droite, named for the sites on both sides of the Marne that comprise of the blend. These old vine parcels are fermented and aged in 205 liter four year old barrique (without battonage) before being bottled sur lattes. Jean-Paul hand selects grapes, uses a Bucher press, and is experimenting with fermentation in petite cuvee. Hébrart doesn’t block malolactic fermentation and does all remuage by hand. Peter Liem writes of Champagne Hébrart on Champagneguide.net: “Hébrart’s wines have a broad appeal: if you like to think about your wines, they’re intellectually engaging enough to satisfy you; on the other hand, if you’re just looking to drink, they’re simply delicious. The wines are full and generous without being weighty, complex and soil-driven without being demanding. Overall, the entire range is of consistently high quality, and represents excellent value for the money.” Undeniably, Mareuil should belong to the grand cru villages. Most of the vineyards reach almost the same quality as those of Aÿ. In their youth, what may distinguish a Mareuil wine from an Aÿ wine is a hawthorn-like flowery bouquet. On aging, the wines become practically impossible to tell apart. |
