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Contour Pinot Noir ($15.99)
Califonia From the producer: "Contour is a pure and genuine expression of California Pinot Noir, without the use of additional varietals. The cool climate of California’s coastline aids in the growth of superb Pinot Noir, and Contour is a representation of its outstanding growing regions. We select the best fruit from the finest appellations throughout California, providing tremendous depth, balance and quality. The wine is fresh and exuberant in the mouth, with sumptuous notes of strawberry jam, ripe black cherry, cranberry and warm gingerbread." From me: Good value for money and very drinkable, this Pinot is a blend of grapes sourced from three different appellations in California. Here terroir isn't the focus, but rather the grape itself. Great on its own or paired with vegetable dishes, salmon, light meats, and poultry. Mad River Mad Apple Brandy ($46.99) Vermont From the producer: "Mad Apple is a European-style dry apple brandy distilled from 100% Vermont apples. This aromatic brandy has fresh apple notes on the nose with oak spice and vanilla on the palate, followed by a crisp apple finish. Enjoy on its own or in classic brandy cocktails like the Jack Rose or the Sidecar." From me: This is made in a similar style to the brandy from northern France called Calvados. It's light in body and color, but has a beautiful apple nose and a strong palate. Great for cocktails. Garnish Island Gin ($25.99) West Cork, Ireland From the producer: "A deliciously elegant gin that perfectly captures the unique, exotic character of Garnish Island in Bantry Bay. Carefully chosen botanicals that capture the essence of the island are infused to release their essential oils and then slowly distilled in small batches in our pot still. Bright floral aromas of iris, rose and warming hibiscus marry beautifully with hints of rosemary and thyme. Enjoy the soft lingering glow on the finish with notes of citrus, cacao and just a hint of spice." From me: This is a botanical Gin that has some "oomph." If you like a strong flavor, ow if you like a gin to last through all four seasons, this is it. Local botanicals and a woman distiller. West Cork Distillers Glengarriff Bog Oak Cask Whiskey ($39.99) West Cork, Ireland From the producer: "West Cork Distillers’ Glengarriff Collection of Irish whiskeys are single malts aged for 4 years in sherry casks before being finished in barrels that have been charred using natural fuel sources obtained from the iconic Glengarriff Forest in Southern Ireland. Each barrel is prepared using a proprietary charring device that was hand-built by West Cork Distillers with the guidance of a local fifth-generation blacksmith. Each of these special release whiskeys delivers a unique flavor profile that embodies the innovative spirit of West Cork Distillers. Bog Oak Charred Cask: Aroma - Spice, dried leather with a sweet dried fruit undertone Taste - Intense spice, malt and cracked pepper Finish - Spice, nutmeg and long lasting malt" From me: This will be the most unusual Irish Whiskey you'll taste. There's an earthy depth to the flavor that I find really compelling, and there's more smoke than you might be used to from Ireland. I would call this the wine drinker's/Scotch lover's/cigar smoker's Irish Whiskey. Amaro dell'Etna ($34.99/ 1.0L) Sicily, Italy From the producer: "Our Amaro dell’Etna has its roots on the slopes of Mount Etna in Sicily where more than twenty-six herbs and aromatic plants grow. Its special recipe embodies the volcanic nature of Sicilian soil and even after over one hundred years still conveys an authentic and traditional taste. From its origins in 1901 to the present day our digestif has been enjoyed by lovers of good liqueurs and has been appreciated for its delicious spiced taste. Its authentic character is the result of the careful selection of unique ingredients based on a particular mixture of herbs and aromatic plants. Our Amaro dell’Etna contains no preservatives or artificial coloring agents. It has a genuinely intense flavor thanks to the infusion of herbs and natural aromas and the addition of only sugar. It excels as an after-dinner digestif or can be served as an aperitif with ice, soda and a slice of orange." From me: I found this Amaro on Instagram, and was dismayed to find that it wasn't distributed in the U.S.. As luck would have it, at the end of a product tasting with a rep, she showed me this as an afterthought, and I just about lost my mind. I had been drinking Averna Amaro in my Midnight Manhattans, and I'd started to taste other brands here and there as my palate for bitter digestivos has developed. This, though, is in its own realm. It is slightly less viscous and slightly more bitter (particularly on the finish) than Averna, but it blends really well with Bourbon or Rye. It stands out for me because I would almost rather drink this on its own than in a cocktail. The flavor profile is complex, but it's very smooth and quite refreshing. I cannot recommend this highly enough.
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Champagne Rene Marie Catel Blanc de Noirs ($31.99)
Champagne, France From the importer: "Varieties : Pinot Noir 100% Viticulture: Sustainable Vinification : Traditional Aging Bottle: 24-month Tasting notes: Radiant nose, revealing white-fleshed fruits (apple, pear, peach white), citrus (lemon) and floral nuances. Ample in the mouth, combining generosity and subtlety. Full, fresh and crisp. Coming from families who have been growing grapes in Champagne since 1710, René and Marie-Noelle Dautel started producing their own champagne in 1971. Sylvain Dautel, their son, is now in charge of the vineyard located in Loches-Sur-Ource, a small village in the heart of Côte des Bars. Sylvain is perpetuating the tradition of his ancestors, using environmental friendly practices to create the most delicate, yet intense Champagnes. Cuvée René-Marie Catel is a rare Brut Blanc de Noirs (100% Pinot Noir), aged for two years on lees before disgorgement." From me: This wine is incredible value for money. It's a grower Champagne (the people who own the vineyards make the wine), it's 100% Pinot Noir, it drinks like a dream, and it's under $35. This kind of bargain is very hard to find in Champagne, and it is thanks to the source of this product: Côte des Bar in the far south of the region. This used to be considered a second-rate area of Champagne, but in the last decade it has become more prominent, and a place in which winemakers aren't afraid to think outside the box. Read Wine Folly's excellent blurb about it here. Jean-Marie Reverdy et Fils "La Villaudiere" Red Sancerre ($22.99) Loire Valley, France From the producer: "Terroir Planted 40 years ago, our vines are now reaching the pinnacle of their quality potential. 50% is planted in clay-limestone soil locally referred to as «Terres Blanches» and 50% in dry, stony limestone soil called «Caillotes.» Vines on all plots are disbudded and have the leaves thinned. The grapes enjoy ideal conditions for ripening in the summer. We take regular samples of grapes before the harvest to determine the optimum time for picking. Vinification After rigorous sorting, the grapes go directly into tank. A few days cold maceration is then carried out. The cap is kept deliberately submerged. This technique results in a light, fruity wine. The grapes are then pressed and made ready for malolactic fermentation. Following a few months’ ageing on the lees in stainless steel tanks, stabilization and clarification operations are carried out ready for bottling. Tasting With a strong garnet hue with crimson highlights, this wine opens with a bouquet which is a delectable blend of ripe red fruits (blackcurrant, blackberry). Supple on entry, with noticeable maturing tannins on the finish, the wine confirms the elegance of this light, fruity Sancerre on the palate. Food matches Food-wine matching is important. A successful pairing turns a meal into a hospitable and enjoyable occasion. Served between 12 to 14°C, this red Sancerre goes perfectly with white meat, small game or cheese." From me: RED Sancerre? C'est vrai! It's Pinot Noir. It's light, elegant, completely different than what you've had from California, Oregon, or even Burgundy. This is a perfect red to pair with poultry. Château Petit Mangot Saint Emilion Grand Cru 2015 ($24.99) Bordeaux, France From the producer: "Henriette and Armand, Paulette and Jean, Chantal and Jean-Yves and Nadia... These people represent the identity of Château Petit Mangot. They are the women and men in the Decamps family who over the years have made this wine they are so proud of. The history of a wine is often the history of a family. Our history is to be found in our bottles. 'It has taken a lot of determination, stubbornness and passion to produce our special nectar, but our greatest success has been to pass on our attachment to this vineyard to our daughter. She will be at the helm of Château Petit Mangot for many years to come.' Vine-growing methods: sustainable agriculture Ageing potential (bottles laid down away from heat and light) of between 5 and 15 years depending on the vintage. 4 generations of know-how 12 hectares of vines 70,000 bottles a year 50% private customers - 40% trading houses - 10% export Appearance: Carmine red color Nose: Nose of ripe fruit. At aeration the nose becomes thinner Palate: Powerful notes of crushed strawberry. Silky attack, sticky tannins. Beautiful evolution. Long finish on ripe fruits." From me: This wine represents great value for the money. The blend is 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc. The tasting note above was probably more accurate upon release when the wine was a little younger. Now I would say that the tannins grip slightly less, the wine is smooth, with dark red fruit and a little earth. Really lovely and your last chance to try it. This is the end of this vintage, which was an excellent one. McPherson MWC Pinot Noir ($16.99)
Victoria, Australia From the producer: "Released for the first time in 2014, the MWC wines are made with food in mind. Soft, savoury, earthy styles with a European influence, they are a rustic style full of interesting, complex characters made for those who love great, honest wines. Best Consumed 2019 – 2029 JO’S WINEMAKING / VITICULTURE The grapes for this Pinot Noir were picked from single vineyards located in North Eastern Victoria. Crushed during the cool of night to retain their varietal character, while modern winemaking techniques were employed throughout the winemaking process. Fermentation took place in sweeping arm red fermenters, giving the wine a dense, rich colour and allowing for gentle and maximum flavour extraction. JO’S HARVEST NOTES Vintage 2017 is best described as a waiting game. The season was very long with fruit slow to ripen and although the urge just to pick it all was there, we had to bide our time until we had optimal flavours and ripeness. Once I made the decision to pick the grapes came in at an orderly pace, although increased yields due to the rain in spring made the juggling game in the winery even more challenging, with tank space at a premium. We made it through our marathon 2017 vintage and are thrilled with the exceptional quality including a number of really extraordinary parcels. JO’S WINE DESCRIPTION The aroma is enticing with intense plum, cherry and strawberry fruit with a hint of spicy oak. The fresh fruit momentum continues on the palate with vibrant plum and dark stone fruits finishing with some firm acid, beautiful tannins and integrated oak. JO’S FOOD MATCHES A great match with roast duck, rabbit and other game meats or medium intensity dishes like porcini mushroom risotto or fine cheese. From me: "Jo" is the winemaker, and she crafts a French style Pinot Noir here, with an earthiness that asks to be paired with a meal--or just some good bread and cheese! The wine is light in body, but the flavor is robust and satisfying. This wine is an excellent value. Organic farming practices. Tre Monti Campo di Mezzo Sangiovese di Romagna Superiore ($16.99) Emilia-Romagna, Italy From the producer: "Azienda Agrícola Tre Monti traces its origins back to the early 1960s with the inspiration of Sergio Navacchia and of his wife Thea, who for years was the real driving force behind the winery until her death in 1989. A turning-point came in the 1980s, the result of a revolution that began in the vineyards and carried over into the cellar. Close relationships were established with the best talent in the Italian wine world: a youthful Francesco Spagnolli in the early 1980s, followed by Vittorio Fiore, and afterwards Donato Lanati. The fruit of their expertise underpinned the steady growth of the winery, directed by Vittorio and David and with the help of their father Sergio. The heart of the winery lies in the center of the farm estate in Imola, where only estate-grown grapes are vinified. All of the vineyards are managed according to the principles of sustainable viticulture, which mandate inter-row cover-cropping and the lowest possible use of unnatural products. The winemaking operations too, watched over thoroughly by the experienced and talented Vittorio Navacchia, are animated by a philosophy of minimal intervention. Every step is carried out with full respect not only for the integrity of the fruit, but for the unique character of each growing year as well. All of this so that the final wine is the perfect expression of everything around its environment. Tre Monti became certified organic in 2014. Harvest period: Mid september, manual picking Vinification: 12-day maceration at 28° - 30° C, followed by malolactic fermentation Maturation: In stainless steel and glass-lined cement vats Average annual production: 60,000 bottles Appearance: Ruby red Bouquet: Crisp dark fruit, with hints of sweets violets Palate: Well balanced and succulently fruity, with prominent notes of wild and sour cherry Serving suggestion: Baked pasta with mushrooms or meat sauce, recipes featuring chicken livers, charcuterie" From me: I had this wine in the shop last fall/winter, and it sold very well, so here we have it again. It's from Emilia-Romagna, which sits northeast of Tuscany, on the other side of the Apennines. This is currently the only wine in the shop from that region, so I'm especially happy to welcome it back. If, like me, you find Tuscan Sangiovese a little too acidic and tannic, do try this as an alternative. Hedges Family Estate CMS Red Blend ($16.99) Columbia Valley, Washington From the producer: "Led by a passion for authenticity and a deep connection to the land they call home, the Hedges Family epitomizes the modern wine estate. A blend of rich cultural upbringings and a shared love for creating beautiful wine converge at the heart of bucolic Red Mountain, fostering a true homegrown approach to farming and viticulture. Hedges Family Estate unites past and present, evolving tradition for generations to come. Grapes come from the Columbia Valley vineyards, Wooded Island, Bacchus, Sagemoor, Weinbau and Dionysus (all part of Sagemoor Farms), and the Red Mountain Vineyards of Hedges, Bel’ Villa, Jolet, Les Gosses and Magdalena. Most of the wines were pumped over during alcoholic fermentation for 6 to 10 days while on American Oak. About 40% of the wine was racked to barrel where it completed malo-lactic fermentation and then aged for an additional 15-18 months. The other 60% completed M-L in tank, at the end of which it was racked onto French Oak and had SO2 added. About 60% French oak /40% American oak. 30% Cabernet Sauvignon 58% Merlot 12% Syrah Tasting Notes Such a fun mix of Strawberry and raspberry fruit, cocoa, earthy spices and a bit of red licorice. There is hints of dried sage, cocoa nibs and some pomegranate on the finish. The palate shines with bright acidity followed by a full and rich mid-palate showing flavors of red fruits, and rich, earthy spices. A tinge of vanilla balances out the rustic finish. This a sip and enjoy wine, it’s interesting without being complicated and is a perfect compliment to a variety of foods and situations." From me: CMS--Cab, Merlot, Syrah--is a medium-bodied wine with a robust flavor profile. The grapes that come from the Red Mountain estate are grown biodynamically, while the grapes that some from the Colombia Valley are farmed sustainably. The overall impression I get is French style, but with riper fruit, smooth, but not overly oaked, and a modest alcohol content of 13.5%. Good for drinking and good for pairing! Botanica Big Flower Merlot ($19.99) Stellenbosch, South Africa From the producer: "Botanica Wines was founded in 2009 by owner and self-taught winemaker Ginny Povall, an intrepid American who fell in love with the beautiful Cape winelands, purchased Protea Heights farm in Stellenbosch’s Devon Valley and relocated to the southern tip of Africa in 2008. Established in the late 1940s, Protea Heights was the first farm in South Africa to cultivate indigenous protea flowers commercially. Inspired by this horticultural history, it was only natural that Ginny would choose to develop her wine brands and labels with a botanical flair. On Protea Heights Farm, home of Botanica Wines, we are committed to the principles of regenerative agriculture, a next generation system of organic farming that increases soil fertility, builds biodiversity, improves soil’s water holding capacity and enhances our ecosystem to support healthy vineyards and fields. Key to this agroecological approach is no-till farming, a practice which aims to capture carbon in the soil and aboveground biomass, reversing current trends of atmospheric accumulation in an effort to slow climate change. At the same time, it offers increased yields, reduced disease pressure, greater resilience to drought and climate instability, and higher health and vitality for soils. The hand-harvested grapes were destemmed, crushed and fermented in stainless steel tanks, with pumpovers performed twice daily. The wine was gently pressed and racked to barrel for malolactic fermentation. It was aged for 11 months in 2nd, 3rd and 4th fill 300L French oak barrels. Intricate aromas and flavors of plum and dark berry fruit, with a rich, plush mouthfeel and soft, refined tannins. It’s juicy enough for solo sipping yet has enough grip to pair with a nice steak. Vegan friendly Production: 9176 bottles" From me: Over a year I taste hundreds of wines, but I don't always have a place for some that I really like, so I put them in my "Maybe +++ when I have room" file. That happened with this Merlot. I tasted it in 2018 and again this spring, and without knowing until now, I had the exact same notes on it both times: the fruit is bold and ripe, with a lovely underlying earthiness and much more tannic structure than I'd expected. It's both surprising and pleasing on the palate. I'm pleased to add this to my little collection of "unexpected Merlots." Inverroche Gin Verdant ($41.99) Western Cape, South Africa From the producer: "As the pioneers of South African craft gin, Inverroche Distillery was founded by Lorna Scott and her family. Growing from strength to strength in the local community of Still Bay in the Western Cape of Southern Africa. In just 6 years, the distillery has grown from a small home industry to a flourishing and pioneering craft distillery. A distillery that is invested in its community and producing world class gins and spirits. Infused with fynbos from the mountainous terrain of the Cape Floral Kingdom, Inverroche Gin Verdant is floral and soft with a translucent golden-green hue. Delicate aromas reminiscent of elderflower and chamomile, lead to summer blooms, a touch of spice, subtle juniper, waxy lemon rind and alluring liquorice on the palate." From me: Fynbos is the name of the shrubland vegetation in the Western Cape. It is part of the Cape Floral Kingdom, an area of rich biodiversity, and one of only 6 of its kind in the world. The richness of the botanical life there comes through in the complexity of this Gin. Very different than other botanical Gins, it's absolutely expressive of its terroir. |
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