Dominio IV 'Love Lies Bleeding'

There is no question that some of the most interesting and complex Pinot Noirs being produced today are grown in Oregon, but unfortunately, like many of the superb wines of the Cotes de Nuits, the great wines of Oregon come at a hefty price tag. Alas, this brings us to discover Dominio IV Pinot Noir. This is a joint venture between winemaker Patrick Reuter, his wife Leigh Bartholomew and Liz and Glenn Bartholomew, owners of Three Sleeps Vineyard. Patrick and his wife decided to settle in Mosier, Oregon and plant what their hearts told them, Tempranillo, Syrah and Viognier. With some of the most promising domestic successes for the before mentioned varietals, the heart and soul of the soils of Oregon are most adapted to Pinot Noir and it is now with Dominio's Pinot Noir release that the anticipation has grown rapidly. We have a limited allocation of this bottling but would like to encourage any of our Pinot Noir customers to take advantage of this one since at a meager price tag of just under $20 dollars, the quality and complexity of this wine are a steal!

This 2009 release called 'Love Lies Bleeding' comes from the Dundee Hills region, the oldest Pinot Noir growing region in Oregon and one that has established itself for its terroir. If you already appreciate the marvels of Ken Wright, Bethel Heights, Penner Ash and Argyle, consider the Dominio in such company even at its extraordinarily lower price tag. Grab a case and save an additional 20% off for the months of January and February!

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Domaine de Ferrand Châteauneuf du Pape 2005

When it comes to the Rhône valley, I must admit that I am a bit of a traditionalist in regards to flavor profile and Domaine de Ferrand, lead by visionary Philippe Bravy, is extremely dedicated to preserving the unique traditions and special characteristics that Châteauneuf du Pape offers. Robert Parker, Jr. has called Philippe ‘one of the most serious of the young generation of vignerons in Châteauneuf du Pape’ and one of the region’s ‘up and coming stars.’ Perhaps it is the dedication and care that Philippe laboriously garners on his family’s scant 5 1/2 hectare domaine. While practicing organic farming techniques and strictly limiting yields on his extremely old vine parcels (some of which date to over 100 years in age), Monsieur Bravy is able to achieve superb ripeness of fruit and great complexity. The 2005 release of his Châteauneuf du Pape is primarily Grenache with a 10% cépage of Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault and several local white varietals. This red is altogether captivating with aromas of garrigue, licorice, black cherry, wild raspberry and smoked game. With a broad, generous palate, this is a serious wine through and through with layers of earthy, meaty, Provençal inspired fruit. In other words, this red is not for the faint of heart but for those, like myself, who appreciate the southern Rhône in all of its glory. Not to mention, this beauty, although currently drinking well, does have the potential to age gloriously over the next decade.


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O’Reilly’s Pinot Noir 2008

In this day and age, we are constantly searching for value priced wines that are as equally impressive as they are affordable and Owen Roe’s O’Reilly’s Pinot Noir 2008 is just such. David O’Reilly, owner and winemaker of Owen Roe, started with just a few barrels in a tiny winery he shared with Peter Rosback (sineann). He is now a formidable force in the Pacific Northwest. Some may call it the luck of the Irish but the fact of the matter is that David and his business partner Jerry Owen produce excellent wines from some of the best vineyard sites in the Pacific Northwest. The 2008 release is vibrant yet refined with all of the characteristics of a drinkable and approachable Willamette valley Pinot Noir. With bright red berry notes on the nose and a hint of forest floor and toasty oak, this red is silky and broad on the palate with delicate toasted oak and earth to complement the rich strawberry and raspberry fruit. This is the ideal everyday drinking Pinot Noir that showcases the wonderful food friendly acidity and earthy character that I have come to love from Oregon wines.

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Falesco Vitiano Bianco 2008

We have been longtime supporters of the Cotarella brothers and their winery in Umbria and as anticipated, the 2008 release of their Falesco Vitiano Bianco is exuberantly fresh, exciting and the ideal choice for my current wine of the week! Founded in 1979 by brothers Riccardo and Renzo Cotarella, Falesco is located in the municipality of Montecchio near the border of Lazio in the southwestern corner of Umbria. Flanked by the Tyrrhenian Sea on the west and Italy's mountainous center to the east, the dry, perfectly drained, volcanic terroir of the region imparts a bold, refreshing quality to this bottling. With a unique native blend of Vermentino and Verdicchio, this white, with its harmonious symphony of flavors, gives the taster a true picture of two less than mainstream varietals in a somewhat familiar yet incredibly inspiring fashion. With aromas of fresh white flowers, tangerine peel and wet slate, the palate of this white reveals great minerality, focus and complex herb-tinged citrus flavors. The Vermentino is showcased in the wine's somewhat briny edges and ample acidity while the body, weight and complexity can be attributed to the Verdicchio. The bright, lingering acidity of this wine's finish make it ever so appealing with a myriad of foods. You may want to grab more than a bottle of this one as it could turn out to be your favorite white wine of the season!

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Tenuta Friggiali Rosso di Montalcino 2004

Tucked between the picturesque landscapes of the Valle d'Arbia and the wild, sun drenched Valle d'Orcia lies the village of Montalcino. If you have ever had the occasion of visiting Siena and its environs, you would probably agree with me when I say that words cannot even begin to describe the splendor of this region. The hill upon which Montalcino sits is said to have first been settled during Etruscan times and the initial documents of a 'Brunello' red wine in the area date to the early 14th century. The reason I mention the above is because every once and a while, I come across a wine that embodies history in a glass, hence, my suggestion of Tenutua Friggiali's Rosso di Montalcino. Hailing from the much-adored 2004 vintage, this Rosso di Montalcino offers a glimpse of the early potential of Brunello's Sangiovese Grosso. Owned by the Peluso Centolani family (also landholders of Tenuta Pietranera), the vineyards of this estate lie on the southwest slope of Montalcino. The characteristics of the terroir of this region impart ample richness, acidity and great minerality to this red. With incredible balance and a vein of acidity that carries through its silky, red fruit palate, the layers of flavors of this young vine Brunello show elements of mineral, earth, tobacco, plum and wild raspberry. Rosso di Montalcino may live in the shadow of the more esteemed Brunello di Montalcino which matures slowly and regally, yet, do not neglect the appeal of one of Italy's most drinkable, complex and elegant Sangiovese bottlings!

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Lafage côté EST Catalan Blanc 2007

Thanks to the collaborative efforts of esteemed winemaker Jean-Marie Lafage and well- respected importer Eric Solomon, the côté EST is my selection of the moment to welcome in the changing of seasons. Only in his thirties, Jean-Marie is becoming somewhat of a legend in the wine world as he manages to turn out exquisitely crafted wines from his estate in the Roussillon as well as work on several projects in Spain and South America. His passion lies with the varietals of the south of France and his côté Est is an example of a completely refreshing, sophisticated, highly aromatic offering of some of France's oldest varietals. Blended of 60% Grenache Blanc and Gris, 30% Chardonnay and 10% Marsanne, this vin de pays glides over the palate with elements of honey, almond peel and delicate citrus. In the glass, a nose of fresh white flowers, citrus zest, pineapple and flint accompanies its gentle flecks of green. Jean-Marie's estate is nestled between the Mediterranean sea on one side and the mountains of the Pyrenees on the other and the influence of neighboring Spain is most definitely present in this superb white. With a supple texture and soft acidity, this wine is surprisingly vibrant and the elements of the cépage work harmoniously together; old vine Grenache adding texture and snappiness, Chardonnay adding weight and Marsanne adding a more exotic honeyed note. Grab a bottle of this one, sit down with a friend and ponder the warmer weather ahead!


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Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc 2008

The story of Kim Crawford wines is not one that begins in a historical chateau or even in a winemaking family, it is a modern saga of a husband and wife who decided to pursue their strengths, support their family, and start making wine. Kim Crawford was raised in New Zealand's Waikato region where sprawling green meadowlands and dairy farms are plentiful, not vineyards. His wife Erica, native to South Africa, had a background in marketing. Together, the couple established Kim Crawford wines in 1996 after Kim had spent several years working in other New Zealand wineries. At that time, they were considered a 'virtual winery' so to speak as they did not own a winemaking facility or vineyards. Regardless, the appeal of winemaker Kim's first releases with their clean, uncluttered style sent this label soaring and in 1999 this urban family from Auckland built a tasting room in Te Awanga in Hawkes' Bay and then in 2000, bought a winery in Marlborough. They also began purchasing land to secure grape supply since demand for Marlborough wines were at their peak. The rest, as they say, is history for today, Kim Crawford wines are some of the most desirable of New Zealand and their label can be found on many a wine list around the globe.

As pleasantly expected, the 2008 release of their Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc delivers all of that natural fruitiness for which New Zealand wines are known. In addition, it possesses a succulence and richness that is signature Kim Crawford. With a Riesling like sharpness on the nose, this pale green Sauvignon Blanc has a plethora of aromas and flavors.. Scents of tropical fruits, citrus, nettle and herbaceous aromas awake the senses and its palate of firm acidity and minerality greet every sip. Notes of pineapple and grapefruit are evident in each whopping mouthful and it is the wine's acidity that lingers softly. Ideal with seafood, salads chèvre or your chicken entree of choice, there is no mistaking this wine's appeal!

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Scagliola Barbera d'Asti Frem 2007

Poet Giosue' Carducci spoke of "generous Barbera," one which makes all who drink it feel invigorated. That liveliness of spirit is what draws me to the varietal and although it lives in the shadow of Piedmont's Nebbiolo grape, Barbera is deceptively intriguing and in my opinion, one of the best kept secrets of Piedmont. Barbera is the second most widely planted red grape in Italy next to Sangiovese and its origins can be traced back as far as the 13th century. The grape reaches its true potential though in the Langhe, more specifically in the DOCs of Asti, Alba and Monferrato. The Scagliola brothers, Maggiorino and Mario, inherited a small estate on a hillside at San Siro in the town of Calosso, in the centre of the Asti province. Although Calosso is one of the municipalities with the most vineyards in Italy, it is thanks to families like the Scagliolas and their commitment to quality that Asti Langhe is being safeguarded as an area of much notability. With meticulous vineyard management and a state of the art winemaking facility, Scagliola's quest for excellence is being realized, spanning their prized Moscatos and their reds. The 'Frem' Barbera possesses all of the brightness of fruit and high acid that one would expect in a young Barbera, coupled with very soft tannins and deep, dark berry fruits. With aromas of wild currants and blackberry, this red has the ideal amount of acidity and depth, giving it the ability to pair with grilled meats or heavy cheeses as well as lighter tomato dishes and fish. Think of all of the delicacy of Pinot Noir and the body of Zinfandel. Elements of fruit jam and menthol linger on this wine's finish and its lively acidity are so inviting that another sip is surely in order! Feel free to age it too if you are so inclined.

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Domaine Manciat-Poncet

Domaine Manciat-Poncet
Saint-Véran 'Vieilles Vignes' 2006
Burgundy

Whenever someone at the Shoppe asks us to recommend a white that has body and weight yet subtle or no oak, we always gravitate to the Mâcon. The whites from this region of southern Burgundy frequently offer Chardonnay in its true unadulterated state. Being one of the most versatile grapes on the planet, Chardonnay ranges from lean and bracing with delicate citrus to full bodied and creamy with tropical and exotic fruits. The Mâcon style embraces the former, yet alas, this white varietal has incredible texture, weight and viscosity, even in its pure state. You have probably deduced by now that my preference for the varietal is the French style and Domaine Manciat-Poncet's Saint-Véran is my choice of the moment! Claude Manciat is no novice to the wine world and his reputation in the Mâcon is one of the finest. Claude and his family practice meticulous care in the vineyards as well as in the winery and their wines reflect that. This Saint-Véran comes from a tiny plot of old vine Chardonnay, one with vines over 47 years in age and yields that are 35% lower than the allowable average of the appellation. In addition, the Manciat's are among the few remaining vignerons in the region to continue harvesting by hand. This allows them to ferment whole cluster and extract the maximum amount of flavor from their grapes. With a combination of stainless steel fermentation and cask fruit in new to three year old oak, this white is a harmonious symphony of fruit, acidity and oak. With delicate orchard fruit aromas and mineral tones, the nose of this wine is complemented by a palate of rich, focused citrus fruits, creamy spiced notes and a long, lingering, mineral-driven finish. Not to mention, this white has the ability to pair with just about anything. Beginners or connoisseurs alike, the Manciat-Poncet is the choice for you!

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