|
|
November Taster's Advantage
2 Bottles of red wine (tax & shipping not included) Trasiego Wines 2018 “ Red Quartz Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Noir Origin: Casablanca Valley, Chile Pinot Noir is such the perfect grape for November-- when it's "done right." And this bottling of Red Quartz Pinot, from Chile's Casablanca Valley D.O., is not only done right, it's also a heck of a bargain for the high quality of wine found within the bottle! We're always mindful of Thanksgiving this time of year, which is why we tend to focus on Pinot Noirs (almost the perfect wine for the cornucopia of flavors and textures enjoyed at the table for this special holiday). This is the one! The nose is a lovely mixture of red fruits, cherries and berries, and dusty underbrush, incense and minerality. Complex! Inviting! The palate takes the red fruits and runs with it as tastes of raspberries, cherries, cranberries and pomegranate fill the glass and profile. Notes of cedar, forest floor and garrique add depth, and bright, forward acidity keeps the wine lively and uplifting-- and will help cut through some of the rich foods we envision enjoying with this one! The finish lingers with notes of cherry lambic, underbrush and ground clove. Beautiful wine! Red Quartz is a small production Pinot Noir from the coastal mountain vineyards in Chile's Casablanca Valley, 14 miles from the Pacific Ocean with direct exposure to the cool marine climate. Winemaker Vicente Johnson spent many years in California (making wine and earning his MBA at Sonoma State) and their locale in Chile reminds him of the landscapes of Coastal Sonoma. The soils here are mainly granitic with high presence of Quartz under a layer of sand and red clay, tainting the quartz in a red/orange color. Red Quartz Pinot Noir is a unique wine coming from this special location and perfect for the month of November (and beyond)!
Wine Tip: Casablanca Valley is very close to the pacific ocean somewhere like 15/20 miles. It creates a unique micro climate influenced by the ocean comparable to what we enjoy here in Costa Mesa/Newport Area. Potente 2016 Montsant Grape Variety: Garnacha, Carinena, Syrah, Merlot Origin: Montsant, Spain JAMES SUCKLING 93 POINTS - "Very attractive nose of black cherries, sage and chocolate. Ripe and generous with nice, warm tannins that fill out the full body very nicely. Long and very harmonious finish."
Wine Tip: Montsant is a region in the north-east part of Spain. A little bit south of Barcelona not too far from the Mediterranean Sea. This mountain region produces mostly reds. And you’re getting a delicious example today. The Monsant region surrounds completely the most famous region of Priorat.
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 Bottles of red wine and 1 bottle of white wine (tax & shipping not included) Trasiego Wines 2018 “ Red Quartz Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Noir Origin: Casablanca Valley, Chile Pinot Noir is such the perfect grape for November-- when it's "done right." And this bottling of Red Quartz Pinot, from Chile's Casablanca Valley D.O., is not only done right, it's also a heck of a bargain for the high quality of wine found within the bottle! We're always mindful of Thanksgiving this time of year, which is why we tend to focus on Pinot Noirs (almost the perfect wine for the cornucopia of flavors and textures enjoyed at the table for this special holiday). This is the one! The nose is a lovely mixture of red fruits, cherries and berries, and dusty underbrush, incense and minerality. Complex! Inviting! The palate takes the red fruits and runs with it as tastes of raspberries, cherries, cranberries and pomegranate fill the glass and profile. Notes of cedar, forest floor and garrique add depth, and bright, forward acidity keeps the wine lively and uplifting-- and will help cut through some of the rich foods we envision enjoying with this one! The finish lingers with notes of cherry lambic, underbrush and ground clove. Beautiful wine! Red Quartz is a small production Pinot Noir from the coastal mountain vineyards in Chile's Casablanca Valley, 14 miles from the Pacific Ocean with direct exposure to the cool marine climate. Winemaker Vicente Johnson spent many years in California (making wine and earning his MBA at Sonoma State) and their locale in Chile reminds him of the landscapes of Coastal Sonoma. The soils here are mainly granitic with high presence of Quartz under a layer of sand and red clay, tainting the quartz in a red/orange color. Red Quartz Pinot Noir is a unique wine coming from this special location and perfect for the month of November (and beyond)!
Wine Tip: Casablanca Valley is very close to the pacific ocean somewhere like 15/20 miles. It creates a unique micro climate influenced by the ocean comparable to what we enjoy here in Costa Mesa/Newport Area.
Gut Hermannsberg 2016 "Just Riesling" Grape Variety: 100% Riesling Origin: Nahe, Germany JAMES SUCKLING 91 POINTS - "A dry Nahe riesling that manages to be immediately attractive, but also has the herbal, smoky and mineral character that makes this region special. The spot-on balance makes this an uncomplicated food wine. Drink now. Screw cap. Stuart Pigott." JANCIS ROBINSON 15.5 POINTS - "Almost perfumed aromas of ripe fruit with a slightly exotic leaning are well supported by a gentle scent of green herbs. The taste buds are treated to a delicate flavour of grapefruit, lime and a subtle salty tang, lively acidity and just a smidgeon of residual sugar take the sting out of trocken. Pleasant, straightforward dry Riesling. (MS)" Wine Tip: "Just Riesling" says the label and yes...this is "just" a beautiful expression of a well made dry Riesling. What I like in Rieslings is when thay have that perfect balance. It is bright without being sour, it is fruity without being heavy, it is light without being weak. So easy to drink.
|
|
|
|
|
|
2 Bottles of red wine (tax & shipping not included) Potazzine 16 Parus Rosso IGT Grape Variety: 100% Sangiovese Origin: Tuscany, Italy "Despite its short history, Le Potazzine is universally regarded as one of Montalcino's top dozen or so wineries." - Ian d’Agata, Vinous Media We agree, which is why they are a staple of our Italian section! We were thrilled to get the latest release of their lovely Sangiovese Grosso, called “Parus,” from the exceptional 2016 vintage. This vintage has made even the humbler wines of Tuscany an even better value, as the quality is up but the prices are still relatively low! Le Potazzine is particularly known for an elegant style of Brunello di Montalcino with a focus on purity of fruit, and “Parus” is a very pure expression: it’s fermented with the yeast that inhabit the vineyard and aged without oak. The first thing that may strike you is the translucent appearance, much like a Pinot Noir or Nebbiolo, ruby with a subtle orange rim. After breathing for half an hour, harmonious and well-meshed aromas form, combining small red fruits such as Amarena cherry and cranberry, a soft floral note like cherry blossom, the drying leaves of Autumn, and mineral-earth undercurrent like tar and iron. In the mouth the silky texture with a subtle sweetness of fruit evolve into a delicious, harmonious midpalate that mirrors the subtle complexities of the nose, ending with a freshness and light amount of Sangiovese’s classic “dusty” tannin, offering just the right amount of structure to match the delicate body. This is a quintessential medium-bodied expression of the grape, a great value, and a great partner for Autumn meals (Thanksgiving!) and beyond. Potazzine (Chickadees) are commonly seen fluttering about in the vineyards, and it’s a local term of endearment for children. As the winery was founded around the time owner Gigliola Giannetti’s two daughters were born, it was a perfect name for the family’s endeavor! Wine Tip: Amazing Tuscany and amazing Sangiovese. Even though this is not the flagship of the winery, this wine has all the qualities of the very delicate 2016 vintage. Lovely balance, bright fruits, not a show off wine but a perfect definition that “less is more.” Philipp Kuhn, 2015, Spatburgunder Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Noir Origin: Pflaz, Germany, France
“This Pinot Noir originates from various vineyards around Laumersheim and Großkarlbach: Loess loam soils mixed with fine-grained limestone shape these wines. A medium-bodied Pinot Noir whose elegant aromas conjure up the scent of ripe wild strawberries, dried prunes, almonds, marinated cherries as well as the subtle undertones typical of a Pinot Noir such as melted dark chocolate and leather. Of medium density and structure this wine exhibits the typical elegance of a Pinot Noir with a finish of vigorous yet mature tannins. Due to its final ‘acidic kick’ caused by the grape varieties used, this wine can be combined with many dishes and is suitable for ageing”
Wine Tip: Your are probably familiar with Pinot Noir from France (mostly burgundy), from California or even Oregon but you might be surprised to discover that Germany is the 3rd producer in volume of this amazing grape variety.
Germany is not known to be the warmest location in the world. For a long time, Pinot noir had a hard time to reach the maturity level required to make world class wines. This very bottle rocks an Alcohol level of 14%, so the ripeness is there, combined with a perfect usage of old and new barrels and you got a stunning wine. This is complex, fun, balanced and is ready to drink now or can age beautifully for the next 5 years.
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 Bottle of red wine and 1 bottle of white wine (tax & shipping not included) Potazzine 16 Parus Rosso IGT Grape Variety: 100% Sangiovese Origin: Tuscany, Italy "Despite its short history, Le Potazzine is universally regarded as one of Montalcino's top dozen or so wineries." - Ian d’Agata, Vinous Media We agree, which is why they are a staple of our Italian section! We were thrilled to get the latest release of their lovely Sangiovese Grosso, called “Parus,” from the exceptional 2016 vintage. This vintage has made even the humbler wines of Tuscany an even better value, as the quality is up but the prices are still relatively low! Le Potazzine is particularly known for an elegant style of Brunello di Montalcino with a focus on purity of fruit, and “Parus” is a very pure expression: it’s fermented with the yeast that inhabit the vineyard and aged without oak. The first thing that may strike you is the translucent appearance, much like a Pinot Noir or Nebbiolo, ruby with a subtle orange rim. After breathing for half an hour, harmonious and well-meshed aromas form, combining small red fruits such as Amarena cherry and cranberry, a soft floral note like cherry blossom, the drying leaves of Autumn, and mineral-earth undercurrent like tar and iron. In the mouth the silky texture with a subtle sweetness of fruit evolve into a delicious, harmonious midpalate that mirrors the subtle complexities of the nose, ending with a freshness and light amount of Sangiovese’s classic “dusty” tannin, offering just the right amount of structure to match the delicate body. This is a quintessential medium-bodied expression of the grape, a great value, and a great partner for Autumn meals (Thanksgiving!) and beyond. Potazzine (Chickadees) are commonly seen fluttering about in the vineyards, and it’s a local term of endearment for children. As the winery was founded around the time owner Gigliola Giannetti’s two daughters were born, it was a perfect name for the family’s endeavor! Wine Tip: Amazing Tuscany and amazing Sangiovese. Even though this is not the flagship of the winery, this wine has all the qualities of the very delicate 2016 vintage. Lovely balance, bright fruits, not a show off wine but a perfect definition that “less is more.” El Enemigo 2017 Chardonnay Grape Variety: 100% Chardonnay Origin: Mendoza, Argentina We just got in the latest Chardonnay from the phenomenal Argentinian winery, El Enemigo, and it's certainly not "just another Chardonnay!" The aromas are absolutely enticing, swirling among notes of ripe pears and peaches, marcona almond, with toasted notes and subtle vanilla. In the mouth, the satiny, full texture glides in and is ushered along by a beautifully balancing acidity. The flavors are a complex melange of very ripe apple or pear and succulent peach, nougat (vanilla & nuts), a saline thread, along with subtle savory yeast lees and toasted oak accents. The finish rides a delicate line, neither sweet nor bone dry, but a succulent/savory sendoff that beckons another taste. It shouldn't be too surprising that the wine is so good, as El Enemigo has the pedigree: it's a collaboration between Adriana Catena and the chief winemaker for Catena Zapata, Alejandro Vigil. The winery was named to represent their irreverence for the status quo ("the enemy"), and their Chardonnay certainly lives up to that, as it's made in a style that breaks from the norm! In a unique twist for most Chardonnays, El Enemigo's is aged almost completely under a "veil" of yeast that serves as a barrier between the wine and oxygen, a common technique in the Jura region of France (a more dramatic form is used in making many styles of Sherry). Such partially exposed wine contributes subtle, slightly oxidative aromas and flavors like bruised fruits and nuts, and the contribution of the yeast adds some floral aromas and a savory sensation; there is often a "saline" quality to such wines. Along with that are those fresher fruit flavors of a classic Chardonnay grown in the intense sunlight of the high-altitude Gualtallary region of Mendoza, Argentina. On the heels of their monumental 2014 "Gran Enemigo" Cabernet Franc (with a 98-point score from Wine Advocate), their 2017 Chardonnay is another win, with a 98-point score from James Suckling! JAMES SUCKLING 98 POINTS – "A tight and beautiful white with a dense palate of beautiful, ripe lemons and apples. Layered and refined with phenolic tension. Complex yeast and hints of oak and flor. Full body. Great length. 80 per cent flor-growth in barrel. Drink now."
Wine Tip: Forget everything you knew about Chardonnay, this is a version that you probably never experienced. Unique and delicious.
|
|
|
|
|
|
2 Bottles of white wine (tax & shipping not included) El Enemigo 2017 Chardonnay Grape Variety: 100% Chardonnay Origin: Mendoza, Argentina We just got in the latest Chardonnay from the phenomenal Argentinian winery, El Enemigo, and it's certainly not "just another Chardonnay!" The aromas are absolutely enticing, swirling among notes of ripe pears and peaches, marcona almond, with toasted notes and subtle vanilla. In the mouth, the satiny, full texture glides in and is ushered along by a beautifully balancing acidity. The flavors are a complex melange of very ripe apple or pear and succulent peach, nougat (vanilla & nuts), a saline thread, along with subtle savory yeast lees and toasted oak accents. The finish rides a delicate line, neither sweet nor bone dry, but a succulent/savory sendoff that beckons another taste. It shouldn't be too surprising that the wine is so good, as El Enemigo has the pedigree: it's a collaboration between Adriana Catena and the chief winemaker for Catena Zapata, Alejandro Vigil. The winery was named to represent their irreverence for the status quo ("the enemy"), and their Chardonnay certainly lives up to that, as it's made in a style that breaks from the norm! In a unique twist for most Chardonnays, El Enemigo's is aged almost completely under a "veil" of yeast that serves as a barrier between the wine and oxygen, a common technique in the Jura region of France (a more dramatic form is used in making many styles of Sherry). Such partially exposed wine contributes subtle, slightly oxidative aromas and flavors like bruised fruits and nuts, and the contribution of the yeast adds some floral aromas and a savory sensation; there is often a "saline" quality to such wines. Along with that are those fresher fruit flavors of a classic Chardonnay grown in the intense sunlight of the high-altitude Gualtallary region of Mendoza, Argentina. On the heels of their monumental 2014 "Gran Enemigo" Cabernet Franc (with a 98-point score from Wine Advocate), their 2017 Chardonnay is another win, with a 98-point score from James Suckling! JAMES SUCKLING 98 POINTS – "A tight and beautiful white with a dense palate of beautiful, ripe lemons and apples. Layered and refined with phenolic tension. Complex yeast and hints of oak and flor. Full body. Great length. 80 per cent flor-growth in barrel. Drink now."
Wine Tip: Forget everything you knew about Chardonnay, this is a version that you probably never experienced. Unique and delicious. Gut Hermannsberg 2016 "Just Riesling"
Grape Variety: 100% Riesling
Origin: Nahe, Germany
JAMES SUCKLING 91 POINTS - "A dry Nahe riesling that manages to be immediately attractive, but also has the herbal, smoky and mineral character that makes this region special. The spot-on balance makes this an uncomplicated food wine. Drink now. Screw cap. Stuart Pigott."
JANCIS ROBINSON 15.5 POINTS - "Almost perfumed aromas of ripe fruit with a slightly exotic leaning are well supported by a gentle scent of green herbs. The taste buds are treated to a delicate flavour of grapefruit, lime and a subtle salty tang, lively acidity and just a smidgeon of residual sugar take the sting out of trocken. Pleasant, straightforward dry Riesling. (MS)"
Wine Tip: "Just Riesling" says the label and yes...this is "just" a beautiful expression of a well made dry Riesling. What I like in Rieslings is when thay have that perfect balance. It is bright without being sour, it is fruity without being heavy, it is light without being weak. So easy to drink.
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 Bottle of Champagne (tax & shipping not included)
Champagne Delamotte, Blanc de Blancs, Brut Origin: Champagne, Le Mesnil sur Oger Grape Variety: 100% Chardonnay Disgorgement Date: Dosage: Brut Delamotte was founded in Reims in 1760 by François Delamotte, a vineyard owner. At more than 250 years old, it is the fifth oldest house in Champagne. Alexandre Delamotte brought the cellars, caves, and offices of the House of Delamotte to one beautiful mansion at the end of the 18th century and in 1828, his brother, Nicolas Louis Delamotte, also known as the Chevalier Delamotte Barrachin, assumed management of the House. In his tenure with the Chamber of Commerce, Nicolas was well known for hosting spectacular events, namely the coronation of France’s last king, Charles X. The House was sold to the Lanson family in the 1830s, who later started producing a Lanson label. It was eventually acquired by Marie-Louise de Nonancourt, née Lanson, in the period between the two world wars. In 1927, Marie-Louise made the decision to transfer the activities of the house of Delamottte to Mesnil-sur-Oger. The management of the company was entrusted to the capable hands of Marie-Louise’s youngest son, Charles de Nonancourt. It was Charles who established the golden rules for the business: ensure a consistent quality by purposefully limiting production and maintain at least three harvests in the cellars at all times. In 1988, the House of Delamotte joined forces with the still enigmatic Champagne Salon under the umbrella of the parent company, Laurent-Perrier, led by Charles’ brother, Bernard. Today, the House of Delamotte and its sister company Champagne Salon are under the direction of Didier Depond. A superlative expression of Grand Cru Chardonnay, Delamotte Blanc de Blancs is made from estate vineyards and partner vineyards all situated in the Grands Crus of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Oger, and Cramant. A very restrained dosage is used, so as not to alter the purity of the fruit, producing an untouched and mineral style of wine, which is then laid to rest and develope on its lees for 4-5 years. Only 10% reserve wines are used, enhancing the essential characteristics of the vineyards, an endless crayeux expression of Champagne. |
Gold Selection Plan 1 
Gold Selection Plan 2 
Platinum Selection Plan 1 
Platinum Selection Plan 2 
All White Selection 
Champagne Selection 