February Wine Club Selections 2016

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February 2016
Michel Gassier Wines

With encyclopedic knowledge of the wines and terroirs of the Rhône
as well as his native Costieres de Nîmes, Michel Gassier is a restless and
innovative vigneron. Usually inquisitive personalities like Michel start as
outsiders, enfants terribles, iconoclasts. Such is not the case with Michel,
whose family has been growing grapes and making wine in the Costieres de
Nîmes for four generations. Together with his wife Tina, they are helping
to establish a new level of quality for Costieres de Nîmes without forsaking
the uniqueness of their terroir.

cercius

They have achieved this through nurturing their land, farming organically,
promoting biodiversity, and respecting their employees as much as their
vines. They are proponents of indigenous varieties and taking advantage of
the diversity of climats to make wines that are dense and pure but elegantly
balanced. Cercius is made in partnership with Eric Solomon and Philippe
Cambie from several sites throughout the Rhône valley. Nostre Païs is the
epitome of the terroir of the Costieres de Nîmes while Lou Coucardié
represents the aspirations of Michel and Tina through conversation with
the land and its history.

Cercius 2012 Cotes du Rhone   $ 13.99

91 points Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

A joint venture between Gassier, Philippe Cambie, and importer Eric Solomon, the 2012 Cercius Vieilles Vignes is a year in, year out ridiculous value that also drinks well past its humble price point. Comprised of 85% Grenache and 15% Syrah that was aged for 6 months in concrete, it has loads of raspberry, licorice, mineral and Provencal herbs as well as a soft, supple and silky textured feel on the palate. Coming from old Grenache vines (70-90 years in age) located on the Plateau de Domazan – which lies on the right bank of the Rhone river, just west of Avignon and bottled unfined and unfiltered, it is a quintessential Cotes du Rhone that will deliver the goods for 4-5 years, possibly longer. The leading estate in the potential rich Costieres de Nimes region, these knockout wines are made by the talented Michel Gassier, who is leading the way in this appellation and showing what’s possible when you focus on quality. Both the 2011s (which are as good, if not better than his 2010s) and 2012s are incredibly strong here. (JD) (12/2013)

SONY DSC

Cercius Blanc 2012  $13.99 

“a blend of 70% Grenache Blanc and 30% Sauvignon that was aged all in concrete, with plenty of lees contact, the 2012 Cercius Blanc delivers a knockout bouquet of peach, tropical, and pit fruits to go with a core of edgy minerality. Containing a full 40% of declassified Nostre Pais, it delivers an absurd amount of quality for a wine that sells at this price. Full-bodied, rich and gorgeously textured, yet also brilliantly pure and precise, it should be purchased by the case load and consumed over the coming 3-5 years.” WA on the 2012

Connoisseur Club  

lagar

Lagar de Costa Albarino 2013  $24.99

This 100% Albarino from Rias Baixas, Spain is grown in the Atlantic climate with mild temperatures throughout the year in granite soil with good drainage. On the palate you will experience pale lemon-green, medium-intense balsamic, herbal and citric (grapefruit and lemon) flavors and white fruit aromas. Fresh and penetrating on the palate, recurring citric fruit notes as well as white flowers. Unctuous and long.  This wine received an 89 Rating by Robert Parker and a Gold Medal at the Brussels International Contest.  Perfect with almost any seafood and especially mussels or oysters.

Aster Ribera del Duero 2010  $29.99

aster

100% Tinta del País from the Fuentecojo, Otero Joven and La Cueva estate-owned vineyards surrounding the winery in Anguix, Burgos. They are on silt loam soils located at an altitude close to 780 meters.  They picked the grapes manually, very early in the morning, taking advantage of the cold to preserve the integrity of the clusters until they arrive at the winery sorting table. After destemming, the grapes were crushed and then put in tanks, where alcoholic fermentation took place. 80% of the wine underwent malolactic fermentation in French oak barrels, with weekly bâttonages for two months. The wine was aged for 22 months in new French oak barrels (70%) and the rest in French oak barrels with two wines.

Flavors of intense dark cherry red; very clean and bright, with a lively ruby-red rim. The nose uncovers intense notes of wild berries and ripe fruit enveloping a rich balsamic core of sweet spices, cocoa, liquorice and mild herb scents. Impressively strong in the mouth, with nerve, a delicate acidity and good balance. Soft, tamed, round tannins give this wine the imprint of Ribera del Duero.

January Wine Club Selections 2016

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January 2016

Oconee Wine Club
Tournon Winery by Michel Chapoutier

In 1997, true to his pioneering spirit, Michel Chapoutier set out to explore the terroirs of the oldest continent. He wanted to meet people, people like him with a passionate interest in bringing out the true character of vines. A matter of convictions, too, prompting discovery and observation. He found land awaiting its revelation. Michel Chapoutier’s aim is to invent properties, not to follow the example of others. Michel Chapoutier buys land and joins forces with major winemaking families, playing on their complementary know-how and experience The result is exceptional Shiraz wines, displaying great elegance and mineral purity. In 2002 he joined forces with Ron and Elva Laughton (Jasper Hill) in central Victoria, and at Heathcote, north of Melbourne, on a very unusual, early Cambrian soil. He has also worked with Rick Kinzbrunner on the Giaconda vineyard at Beechworth, in northeast Victoria, on a granite soil. After a brief experimental joint venture with his US importer (Terlato & Chapoutier), Maison M. Chapoutier bought two other Australian vineyards (Shays Flat and Landsborough) in the Victorian Pyrenees and set up the fully owned Domaine Tournon.

Tournon Mathilda Shiraz 2013  $14.99
The wine is entirely aged in cement or stainless steel tanks and it is bottled 12 months later. The wine is brilliant, dark ruby color. The nose is deep with black fruits and pepper aromas with a mouth feel of supple silky tannins.
Rated 89 by Wine Spectator, “Velvety and focused, aiming the plum and black pepper flavors into a lithe structure that settles gently into the long and vivid finish. Best from 2016 through 2019. 4,000 cases imported.”

Tournon Mathilda White Blend 2013 $14.99
The wine is entirely aged in stainless steel tank on lees for 5 months. The color is pale gold with a fresh crisp and fruity with stone fruit in abundance.
Rated 91 Wine Spectator “Stacks a rich parfait of spicy pear and grapefruit flavors over lively acidity, stretching the structure into a supple wrapping. Impressive for the purity and precision of the flavors. Viognier and Marsanne. Drink now through 2020. 1,900 cases imported.”

Connoisseur Club

Mollydooker Winery

Mollydooker-Winery-Entrance

MollyDooker Two Left Feet 2014 Shiraz, Cabernet, Merlot  $25.99

A generous array of bright fruit flavour with outstanding depth, gives this wine the approachable and engaging qualities it’s become adored for. Showcasing every character in our flavour spectrum, including raspberry, plum, deep mocha and licorice. All the elements interweave themselves harmoniously throughout each sip and work together in a way that achieves the subtle mouth feel of a truly delightful wine.

Ten Acre Russian River Chardonnay 2013  $31.99

ten acre
Ten Acre is dedicated to producing cool-climate pinot noir and chardonnay from some of the most renowned vineyards in the Russian River Valley. As a winery, they work in small lots, with a focus on discovering the personality and distinctive flavors of these great sites. Flavorful, balanced, intense—they strive to let the vineyard personality burst through the wine. Small by design; each wine is hand crafted, barrel-by-barrel.

This expressive wine perfectly personifies the classic style of chardonnay that the cool-climate Russian River Valley is known for. Fruit from several of their single vineyard chardonnay sources was combined to create this well balanced take on the classic Burgundian varietal. The Russian River Valley is famous for the coastal morning fog that slowly burns off throughout the day, lengthening the hang time of chardonnay fruit during the ripening season.

The 2013 Russian River Chardonnay entices with a bouquet of bright tropical notes and vanilla bean. On the palate, lush texture is balanced by crisp acidity. Eleven months in French oak barrels, combined with full malolactic fermentation gives this versatile chardonnay a rich, memorable mouthfeel and finish.

 

December 2015 Wine Club Selections

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December 2015

The Federalist Lodi Cabernet 2014  $14.99

As a leading author, printer, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor and diplomat, Ben Franklin was a true polymath. But perhaps most importantly (we flatter ourselves), he was a lover of wine. Naturally, the best way we could honor this inimitable founding father is with The Federalist Cabernet Sauvignon. Sourced from the distinctive sandy soils of the Lodi appellation, it’s a rich full-bodied wine with hints of black cherry and cassis.

The Lodi Cabernet has aromas of blue/black fruits (blackberries, blueberries) and cinnamon spice, a good density, firm tannin structure, and a long, smooth finish.  Our fruit-forward Cabernet Sauvignon is blended with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petite Syrah and Sangiovese. The result is a well structured wine that is perfect with any type of beef, lamb as well as hearty stews.

The Federalist Sonoma County Chardonnay 2014  $ 14.99

This golden wine offers rich flavors, ripe fruits and bright acidity, with an aroma of lemon curd, pear and cinnamon. The lemon and cardamon spice flavors shine, with a lush texture and long, smooth finish.  This Chardonnay features aromas of lemon curd, pear and cinnamon/clove spiciness. Classic and crowd-pleasing!  This golden wine offers rich flavors, ripe fruits and bright acidity, with an aroma of lemon curd, pear and cinnamon.

Connoisseur club

Ayres Pinot Noir Lewis Rogers Lane 2012  $34.99 Retail

Founded in 2000, the estate includes 18 acres planted to Pinot Noir Dijon clones 667, 115, 777, 113, and Pommard all situated on a gently eastern sloping hill; Willakenzie soils predominate the vineyard.  They are committed to sustainable growing practices; our health, the earth’s health, and the health of the plant are our top priorities. They limit each plant to less than two pounds of fruit and it shows…our clusters are beautiful.  Ayres Vineyard achieved LIVE and Salmon Safe certification status in early 2011.

Winemaker Brad McLeroy honed his winemaking skills at the famed Domaine Drouhin Oregon under the direction of Veronique Drouhin. His full-time position at Ayres completes his circle of wine experience from retailer to distributor to producer. According to McLeroy, “My wines will always have a soul.” Open a bottle and it shows… They believe their wines give voice to the soil.  It’s about reciprocity. It’s a relationship that begins in the vineyard, from the first sign of bud break to the last cluster harvested. They seem to love what they do at AYRES.

ayres

The Lewis Rogers Lane Pinot Noir is rated 93 by Robert Parker!  This is one of the best Pinot Noir’s I have tasted in a long time.  I believe you will agree!( see below)

The 2012 Pinot Noir Lewis Rogers Lane is a barrel selection from the estate from five clones. It has a more introverted bouquet that Ayres’ other 2012s with dusky mulberry and dark plum scents intertwined with pleasant mineral notes. The palate is medium-bodied with ripe and supple blackberry and bilberry notes, well-judged acidity and then it fans out beautifully in what is quite a sumptuous finish.

Hahn Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay 2013  Retail $ 18.99

In 1980, the Hahns released their first wine from SLH. A mere eight years later, Nicky led the charge to establish SLH as an American Viticultural Area, a dream he saw realized in 1991.  Today, Hahn Family Wines, now run by Nicky and Gaby’s son Philip, owns and sustainably farms 650 acres of estate vineyards in the Santa Lucia Highlands. SLH enjoys worldwide acclaim for the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay made there.

92 Rating Wine Enthusiast – “There’s an exciting array of aromas on the nose of this wine, with honeydew melon, citrus candy and barely ripe cantaloupe gaining complexity thanks to fresh scents of chive, oregano and thyme. It’s light and easy on the palate, with lots of yellow grapefruit freshness, a pithy edge and a singing acidity on the finish.”

 

 

October 2015 Wine Club Selections

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October 2015

Bastide Miraflors 2013  Syrah/Grenache $ 16.99

For well over a decade we have worked with Jean-Marc Lafage at his estate in the Roussillon, and across the border in Spain where he consults on several projects. As good as his wines were, when we first met him, they only get better with each vintage. When we first made his acquaintance in Calatayud, he suggested we visit his estate in the Roussillon and the rest, as they say, is history.

Jean-Marc and Eliane Lafage farm 160 hectares of vines located just south of the capital of French Catalonia, Perpignan. Some of their vineyards are situated a few kilometers from the Mediterranean while others can be found in the foothills of the Pyrenees. This range of sites allow them to make both refreshing whites as well as concentrated reds and, this being the Roussillon, some fortified wines as well. Benefiting from a warm, dry climate, the estate is farmed organically.

They grow primarily Grenache (Blanc, Gris & Noir), Syrah, Mourvedre, Carignan, Marsanne, Roussanne and Chardonnay with a significant proportion of the vines well over 50 years old. The soil, as you near the coast is weathered, alluvial gravel while in the higher elevation sites it is predominantly schist. They harvest by hand and the winemaking is surprisingly uncomplicated with stainlesss steel for the fresher whites but mostly concrete tanks for the rest with a small amount of French oak demi-muids.

Robert Parker  Rated 93!

“I have loved the wines from Domaine Lafage in the past, and this 2013 Bastide Miraflors Cotes Catalanes is one of the greatest red wine values I have tasted in the last year or so. A custom cuvee put together by Eric Solomon and Jean-Marc Lafage, it is a blend of 70% Syrah and 30% Grenache that spent one year in 80% concrete tank (Grenache) and 500-liter demi-muids (Syrah). From a Roussillon vineyard dominated by gallets roules that resembles many Chateauneuf du Pape vineyards, the wine undergoes a long maceration of six weeks. The result is an inky/blue/purple-colored wine offering a big, sweet bouquet of blueberries, blackberries, acacia flowers, pepper and spice. This full-bodied, opulent, majestic dry red unleashes tremendous ripeness, richness and intensity. One would normally think such a superb, remarkable wine would cost over $50 a bottle, but this beauty is available for an astonishing $16 a bottle. You’ll have to taste it to believe it! It should drink well for 2-5 years.”

Beau-Rivage 2013 White Bordeaux  $ 10.99

This Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Muscadelle blend is a lively, vibrant citrine-yellow color with a clean, clear appearance, going out into a faint lemon-yellow to glass-clear rim definition with medium-high viscosity.

The wine has lovely forward floral notes with crushed red apples, honeysuckle, orange blossoms, white currants, apricot jam and pomelo fruit segments with some underlying hints of slight steely volatile acidity and chalky minerals.

The wine features a superbly crisp, balanced flavor profile that denotes a complete harmony between acidity and fruit. There are green apple skins, citrus rind, winter melon, pear sparkler, rose water, white currant juice, toasty, slightly creamy notes of green melon and oodles of fine chalky minerality. The midpalate maintains the excellent balance, and it finishes with yet more white currants and great mineral character. This is a classic example of a good Bordeaux white wine.

Connoisseur’s Club

Ridge Geyserville 2013 Zinfandel, Carignane, Petite Sirah  $ 41.99

The history of Ridge Vineyards begins in 1885, when Osea Perrone, a doctor who became a prominent member of San Francisco’s Italian community, bought 180 acres near the top of Monte Bello Ridge. He terraced the slopes and planted vineyards; using native limestone, he constructed the Monte Bello Winery, producing the first vintage under that name in 1892. This unique cellar, built into the mountainside on three levels, is Ridge’s production facility. At 2600′, it is surrounded by the “upper vineyard.”

The first zinfandel was made in 1964, from a small nineteenth-century vineyard farther down the ridge. This was followed in 1966 by the first Geyserville zinfandel. The founding families reclaimed the Monte Bello terraces, increasing vineyard size from fifteen to forty-five acres.

Forty consecutive vintages of Geyserville attest to yet another stunning combination of location and varietals. Though born in the early sixties to the post-Prohibition world of modern California winemaking, Ridge relies on nature and tradition rather than technology.

94 points Antonio Galloni

 The 2013 Zinfandel Geyserville is every bit as fabulous from bottle as it was from barrel last year. Ripe and voluptuous on the palate – yet with a super-classic conception of structure, the 2013 offers superb depth and impeccable overall balance. Waves of dark red cherry, pomegranate, spice, tobacco lead to more savory/ferrous notes that develop in the glass. Saline notes give the 2013 much of its energy and vivacity. This is a tremendous effort from Ridge. As is my custom, I have included Ridge’s Sonoma wines here for ease of reference. Readers should note that in 2012 Ridge did not produce their Historic Vineyard Series wines, as all the fruit was used for the Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Monte Bello bottlings. Ridge fans can look forward to a number of special bottlings for the 2013 vintage, including a Monte Bello Historic Vines and Monte Bello Steep Terraces, both of which are shaping up to be magnificent. Unfortunately I was not able to taste the 2014 Lytton Springs on this visit, but I report back on that wine as soon as is practical. (6/2015)

Roth Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2013  $ 16.99

Roth Estate is located in the  Alexander Valley AVA at the northern end of Sonoma County, best known for classic Bordeaux varietals, this region produces idyllic growing conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot.  Beginning in 2001, Roth committed to producing classic Bordeaux varietals in Alexander Valley. A decade later the winery expanded its winemaking to include cool-climate varietals from the Sonoma Coast.

he 2013 Sauvgnon Blanc is crisp and balanced with a nice vibrant acidity. On the nose, it displays notes of tropical fruits, citrus zest and floral aromas that carry through to the palate with lively flavors of melon and grapefruit. This wine finishes strong for a long, juicy finish.

September 2015 Wine Club Selections

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September 2015

The La Compuertas vineyard is located a stone’s throw from the northern end of the Mendoza river. The property has very deep soil, down to nearly 1.8 metres in places, though part of the property is close to a hilly area where the soil is shallower and somewhat rocky.

LAS COMPUERTAS

Ungrafted Malbec vines planted in 1929 enjoy an abundant source of clean, run-off water from the river and a longer ripening season thanks to the region’s cooler temperatures. Over the years, this vineyard has used a Guyot system with narrow rows and low trellises, irrigation provided by furrows running down the slope, a method used by the immigrants who started the industry in our province. This irrigation method brings silt and clay that retain moisture so less irrigation is used.

Terrazas Reserva Malbec 2012  $ 17.99

The 2012 vintage is characterized by a very cold winter followed by extremely high temperatures from late spring to early summer; this lead to an accelerated increase of sugar rate and a decrease of grape weight. Then, temperatures dramatically decreased therefore slowing down the ripening cycle on the vine; as a result 2012 wines are very fruity and aromatic, with an acidity found typically when the end of the summer growing season is cooler.

Tasting Notes
Intense purplish colour with red shades. Very expressive, revealing a floral and red fruit profile of violet, raspberry and cherry, with marked aromas of toasted coffee and chocolate. Characterized by a broad and sweet mouthfeel, delicate tannins add finesse to this great Malbec.
Ratings
James Suckling – 92 Points: “This is seamless with extremely fine tannins and gorgeous subtle dark fruits with black licorice. Hints of nuts too. Drink or hold.”

Food Pairing Notes

Grilled meats such as chicken or turkey. Lamb cooked with wine sauce. Grilled vegetables and red oily fish.

Terrazas Altos del Plata Chardonnay 2013 $ 12.99

Harvest 2013 was one of the most important harvests of the last decades in qualitative terms, thanks to the absence of climate risk factors. It was characterized by cool climate trends, excellent health conditions and scarce rain. Mild temperatures contributed to an extended ripeness and cool nights helped with keeping a great acidity and a right aromatic development.

Golden yellow with greenish highlights. Highly fruity. It reveals typical peach and white fruit notes, as well as tropical aromas such as pineapple and ripe melon. Slight herbal touch and white chocolate notes. Excellent balance between freshness and a touch of oak. Hazelnut and vanilla hints in the finish.

Dedicated to Chardonnay, Tupungato lies at the heart of a valley with magnificent views of the just-there Andes. Shallow, sandy soil, and a dry climate are a haven for grapevines accustomed to growing at high altitudes.

CAICAYEN

With a 16°C difference between day and night during the summer growing months, the cold nights enable the grapes to lock in all the aromas and flavors the plants produce during the warm daylight hours.

Connoisseurs Club

Emmolo Merlot 2012 $ 54.99

This well-balanced and darkly colored wine evokes the scents of saddle leather, coffee and plum, with traces of smokiness amidst its rich fruit. A smooth entry on the palate leads into ripe flavors of plums, prunes and cocoa, balanced by acidity and a grippy tannin character. On the finish: a harmony of fresh earthiness, smoky notes and cocoa’s lingering, inviting warmth.  This is one of the best Merlot’s I have had in a long time!

Merlot is a variety that requires hands-on manipulation in the vineyard to make a rich, concentrated wine. Crop thinning throughout the growing season leads to a low yield of rich, concentrated fruit. Grapes are sourced from Emmolo Oak Knoll, which includes two vineyards, one of which r Frank Emmolo purchased in 1972. On an average summer day, Oak Knoll is about 7 degrees cooler than Rutherford, allowing for a longer “hang time” than in warmer areas, which means that they can push the grapes to full ripeness. Harvest came in early to mid-October, and the combination of cooler weather, crop thinning and gravely light soil created ideal conditions for producing a rich, distinctive Merlot.

Critical Acclaim

  • Wilford Wong 95 Rating
    Wilfred Wong of Wine.com – “Taking a big leap forward, the 2012 Emmolo Merlot has entered the arena of the elite. Rich, lush and generous, yet refined and super well balanced; sweet black fruit flavors; long and lusty from its incredible aromatic nose to is pleasing impact on the palate. Winemaker/owner Jenny Wagner is making a great statement here. How about seared filet mignon over a bed of fresh greens with this baby. Tasty now, but will get substantially better with a half a dozen or more years of bottle age. “
  • Robert Parker 92 Rating 
    The Wine Advocate – “Although this winery has been around since 1944, I am unfamiliar with its wines. Packaged in an interesting bottle with a label sporting green ink, this 2012 Merlot is made in an explosively rich, blockbuster style. Its opaque purple color is accompanied by oodles of blackcurrant and black cherry fruit intertwined with hints of espresso and chocolate. Full-bodied and super-rich, but not overly extracted or astringent, this beautifully made, full-throttle, pedal-to-the-metal Merlot should win the hearts and minds of many California wine enthusiasts. It is the complete package – from aromatics to an impressive entry, a full, savory mid-palate, and a long finish. Kudos to producer Jenny Wagner.”

Emmolo Sauvignon Blanc 2014  $19.99

 

With a light straw color, the 2014 vintage opens with the soft aromas of melon and white peach, with an underlying note of pantry spice. On the palate, this wine offers a flinty first impression, evoking the freshness of summer rain hitting pavement. An initial tartness quickly dissipates, yielding to the wine’s minerality. Lean but with a fleshy fruit body, this wine remains dry and maintains interest with a lingering lime citrus finish.

 

July 2015 Wine Club Selections

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July 2015

Dry Creek Vineyards

The history of Dry Creek Vineyard is a long and colorful one. Founded in 1972 by David S. Stare, Dry Creek Vineyard paved the way for a renaissance of winemaking and viticulture in the Dry Creek Valley. Before his arrival, the Dry Creek Valley was little more than a few family farms and prune orchards. It was Dave’s vision to start a Loire Valley inspired winery, which triggered a viticulture reawakening in northern Sonoma County.

Without a doubt, David Stare is a pioneer. Heading west in the late 1960s, he personified the character and work ethic of early Gold Rush pioneers. Educated at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Dave worked for the B&O Railroad for several years but quickly realized that his true calling was in the wine industry. Inspired by his trips to the Loire Valley, he headed west to California to start his own family winery.

Today, the second-generation family owned winery continues to evolve and grow to meet the demands of a global wine marketplace. The primary mission of our winery is to produce distinctive wines that over deliver on quality. For more than 40 years, this pursuit of winemaking excellence has led to many international awards and accolades.

Dry Creek Vineyards Heritage Vines Zinfandel 2013    $ 15.99

90 Rating by Wine Spectator!

The 2013 Heritage Vines Zinfandel continues their string of delicious and beautifully balanced versions of this wine. This vintage presents enticing aromatics of fresh blackberries, black cherry and toasty oak nuances. On the palate, complex flavors of raspberry, licorice and allspice give way to intriguing notes of Asian spice and pepper. The wine is dense and complex, but does not burden the palate with too much of any single character – everything is in balance and carries the right amount of finesse. The tannins are silky and smooth with refined notes that please the senses. From start to finish, this wine is a joy to experience and reminds of us of just how good Zinfandel is from the Dry Creek Valley.

Dry Creek Vineyards Fume Blanc 2013  $ 12.99

91 Rated!

At first swirl, this beautiful wine emanates the classic Dry Creek Vineyard “house” style of Sauvignon Blanc with crisp lemon-lime citrus characters and a zesty mineral edge. Several more turns of the glass reveal tart green apple, fresh grass and a steely quality that harkens to a good Sancerre. On the palate, the wine dances with wonderful bright fresh fruit notes and juicy acidity. The wine is bone dry but not overly so – it has a lovely intensity that finishes clean and pure. A wonderful wine that is simply delicious!

Connoisseurs Club

Lemelson Vineyards

Lemelson Vineyards was designed with two primary goals: to produce the highest quality Pinot noir from our vineyards and to create a winemaking environment that is both aesthetically beautiful and highly functional.  The 21,000 square foot, gravity-flow facility features a unique mobile grape sorting platform and three levels to accommodate gravity based production of approximately 12,000 cases per year with extended barrel aging of Pinot noir.  Complete in 2000, the winery is located at the foot of the Stermer Vineyards, three miles east of Carlton, Oregon.  Lemelson Vineyards owns seven estate vineyard sites that are located in the Yamhill-Carlton, Dundee Hills and Chehalem Mountain AVA’s and are all Certified Organic.

Lemelson Thea’s Selection Pinot Noir 2012  Retail $29.99

Integrating wines from each of our certified organic estate vineyards, Thea’s showcases the vintage, our intentions, and our efforts perhaps more than any other wine. The fragrant, spicy nose of the 2012 Thea’s shows black cherry, licorice, cocoa, and dusty earth. The palate is medium-full with vibrant red cherry and spice on the sweetly fruited, yet restrained mid-palate. The long, juicy finish has good flow, moderate tannins and persistent strawberry and spice. This wine will begin drinking best during the summer of 2015 and improve in bottle for another 5 to 7 years.

Bright ruby-red.  Black raspberry, cherry pit, peppery spices and licorice on the nose and palate.  Silky, broad and open-knit, with hints of candied flowers and smoke emerging with aeration.  Finishes supple and gently sweet, leaving notes of allspice and bitter cherry behind.  I find this expressive pinot very approachable now. 90 Points – Stephen Tanzer International Wine Cellar

Lemelson Tikka’s Run Pinot Gris 2013   Retail $ 19.99

WINEMAKER NOTES:
Tikka was a Great Pyrenees dog that used to patrol the perimeter of our two Pinot gris vineyards. Tikka’s Run Pinot gris combines early-ripening fruit from our lowest elevation vineyard in Dundee Hills with late-ripening, vibrantly structured gris from our highest site, Chestnut Hill Vineyard. Each year, one of these wines drops to neutral barrels while the wine is still fermenting. Churning caused by fermentation in barrel creates a wine with more complexity and texture. The 2013 is perfumed with papaya, white flowers and tobacco combined with notes of toasted almond and chalk. The palate enters with a gentle touch, offering a delicate balance between pit fruit and juicy acidity finishing with flavors of snap pea and stone.

June 2015 Wine Club Selections

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June 2015        Oconee Wine Club Selections

Situated between the mountain ranges of Sierra de Salinas, Sierra de L’Altet, and Sierra de la Sima, the vineyards for Tarima Hill grow at an elevation ranging between 1,970 and 2,460 feet. Sierra de Salinas runs NE to SW similar to the ranges of Jumilla to the west; the vines are oriented NW to SE providing less intense sun exposure, resulting in a longer growing and ripening cycle and, as a consequence, producing a more elegant wine.

Monastrell’s intensity of fruit shows throughout the wine; red plums, black cherries, and raisins, and the toasty barrel power lingers as well. There are a few green, herbal notes, and the wine finishes with a lingering warmth and toast. Drink now or in the next five years.

Monastrell grapes are hand-harvested from small plots of low -yielding old vines. The wine exhibits deep garnet color with flashes of violet and a bouquet of dark red cherries and leather. On the palate, the wine achieves its full potential, offering notes of black berries, plums, and licorice with an elegant but persistent finish.

Tarima Hill Old Vine Estate Monastrell 2012   $ 16.99 Retail
92 Rating
International Wine Cellar – “Opaque ruby. Heady, seductively perfumed aromas of dark berry liqueur, cherry-cola, Indian spices and candied violet, with a smoky mineral nuance adding vivacity. Sweet, penetrating and seamless on the palate, offering intense black raspberry and mocha flavors underscored by juicy acidity. At once rich and energetic, finishing with strong thrust, supple tannins and a whiplash of floral pastilles.”
  • WS 91 Rating
    Wine Spectator – “Rich yet harmonious, this polished red delivers a core of black cherry and cassis framed with smoke, mineral, licorice and espresso notes. Juicy acidity and well-integrated tannins give this structure. A modern style. Drink now through 2022.”

Tarima Blanco 2013   $ 10.99 Retail

Since first hitting the market in 2011, this blend of Merseguera, Viura and Moscatel has been improving. This vintage marks a high point. Aromas of apple and peach are followed by a textured palate, while flavors of apple and citrus are mild. The finish is bouncy, weighty and straightforward in flavor.

Connoisseurs Club

Stuhlmuller Vineyards is located at the southern edge of the Alexander Valley, where it converges with two other highly regarded Sonoma County appellations, Chalk Hill and the Russian River Valley. On its eastern edge, the 150-acre vineyard borders the Russian River. Situated in a location that is part river benchlands and part hillside, the vineyard benefits from its alluvial gravel soils and the more rocky soils of the hillside sections.

Stuhlmuller Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

This alluring wine displays a dark inky-purple color and head-turning aromas of blackberry, currant and ripe plum. On the palate, the texture is big and juicy, with velvety tannins and voluptuous flavors of dark berries and crème de cassis, as well as layers of saddle leather, sweet oak and spice.

91 Rating by Robert Parker!  Retail $ 36.99

The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate displays lots of chocolaty, crème de cassis, cedarwood and spice notes intertwined with a hint of oak. Full-bodied, rich, concentrated and youthful as well as approachable, it should drink well for 15 or more years.

2013 Estate Alexander Valley Chardonnay  Retail $ 19.99

This wine is medium-gold in color with enticing aromatics of citrus and orchard fruit, as well as hints of brioche, verbena and wet stone. On the palate, flavors of poached pear, apple, yellow plum and quince mingle with notes of honeysuckle, wet stone and Meyer lemon. A touch of creaminess adds to the rich character, with good acidity contributing poise and freshness.

89 Rating by Robert Parker!

The 2013 Chardonnay Estate offers up notes of white currants, peaches and orange blossoms in a medium-bodied style displaying a hint of wet rocks/minerality. The oak component is subtle, and the wine’s fruit dominates. This attractive 2013 will be flexible with an assortment of dishes over the next 4-5 years.

April 2015 Wine Club Selections

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April 2015     Wine Club Selections

We chose two wines from the Australian award winning Jacob’s Creek Winery.  As an award winning Californian winemaker, Ehren Jordan’s boutique winemaking style embraces innovative techniques including late harvesting and wild yeast fermentation, offering a complexity of flavor and silky texture. Working together with Bernard Hickin, Jacob’s Creek’s Chief Winemaker and master of Australian terroir and intense varietal flavor, they have developed a range of wines that show the hallmarks of Californian craft and the rich, ripe characters of Australian wine. Two Lands captures Californian craftsmanship and Australian character, bringing together the best of both worlds.

A great article was written on this winery on The Wine Spectator’s website.  Click here to follow the link to this informative article.

Jacob’s Creek Two Lands Shiraz 2013  $14.99

A full-bodied, flavorful Shiraz showing ripe red berry fruits, subtle oak and a generous prolonged finish.  Ripe plum and blackberry with a hint of prune and dried fruits.  Give it a try with slow cooked sticky beef short ribs.

Jacob’s Creek Two Lands Chardonnay 2014  $14.99

A vibrant, generous Chardonnay with ripe, soft melon & white peach flavors balanced with a hint of citrus & finished with subtle oak.  White peach and melon varietal aromas with an attractive creamy nutty and toasty character.  White peach and melon varietal aromas with an attractive creamy nutty and toasty character.

Connoisseur Club Selections

As one of Oregon’s founding wineries, their history is long and varied. From planting the first vineyard in the early 1970’s to farming 237 acres in the north Willamette Valley today, a great deal of learning, experimentation and collaboration has contributed to our company’s and our region’s success.  On a beautiful June day in 1971, David Adelsheim and Ginny Adelsheim stood above an open field and were taken with the beauty of its orange and purple wildflowers. Five hundred feet below, Oregon’s north Willamette Valley stretched out in a patchwork of orchards, pasture and native trees. The field, rich with clay-loam soil, had a gentle southern exposure and was sheltered by the Chehalem Mountains. The Adelsheims had dreamed of planting a vineyard in the area since returning from a summer in Europe, where they were inspired by the artisanal foods and wines they encountered.

In 1972, the Adelsheims began planting their original 15-acre vineyard at Quarter Mile Lane with Pinot noir, Chardonnnay, Pinot gris, and Riesling, relying on family and friends for assistance. Although the Chehalem Mountains were, at this time, an unproven viticultural area, the Adelsheims were undaunted in pursuit of their dream to produce exceptional wines in Oregon’s north Willamette Valley.

Today, the Adelsheim Vineyard estate has grown to include ten exceptional vineyard sites in the Willamette Valley, totaling 223 acres. A new generation of experienced wine industry professionals has joined with David Adelsheim in our passionate endeavor to lead the industry in crafting consistently transcendent wines.

Adelsheim Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2012 $ 29.99

92 Rating Wine Spectator

Taut, tart and surprisingly generous, blooming with juicy, cranberry-accented blackberry, cherry and spice flavors that linger easily on the sharp-edged finish. Best from 2016 through 2020. 15,221 cases made. –HS

Adelsheim Auxerrois 2013  $ 21.99

When two clones of Auxerrois (oak-sair-wah) were brought into Oregon from Alsace in 1977, they knew next to nothing about the variety. Still, after tasting some test wines made at Oregon State University, their interest was piqued. DNA testing has shown that Auxerrois, like Chardonnay, Aligoté, Gamay and 10 other varieties, is a cross between Pinot noir and an ignoble variety called Gouais blanc. Auxerrois is also the name of the area surrounding the town of Auxerre near Chablis, but the variety has disappeared from that area and all other parts of Burgundy. There are probably less than 5700 acres of it planted in the world. Its early ripening has allowed it to flourish in Luxembourg (even achieving Premier Cru status), but in Alsace, the variety is now mostly used with Pinot blanc in the production of Crémants d’Alsace. In the U.S., only two other producer make wine from this varietal.

March 2015 Wine Club Selections

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March 2015                                                  Wine Club Selections

Both the red and white wine come from the Minervois region of France.  This Domaine has been family owned since 1826.  They consistently make great wines year after year.  If you have never had wines from this area, you are in for a treat!

Domaine Tour Boisee Minervois Red 2011  Retail $ 14.99

A blend of the famous Languedoc trio, Grenache, Carignan, and Cinsault. Vinification of each wine plant is achieved separately. Maceration last approximately 21 days. The harvest is fully de-stemmed and the wine is aged in vat for six months. One may inhale the blackberry, the blueberry and the morello flavours. The tasting reveals well ripened berries enhanced with liquorice aromas.  Serves wonderfully with duck, tender red meats, and spicy foods.

Domaine Tour Boisee Minervois White 2012   Retail $ 14.99

Elaborated from the three main grape varieties of the Minervois Appellation in white : Marsanne (50%), Vermentino (15%), Maccabeu (10%), Grenache blanc (10%), Roussanne (10%), Muscat Petit Grain (5%). This wine is obtained by a traditional vinification, with particular care given to the pressing of the grapes. It has a floral and refined character
thanks to the controlled temperature of the vinification, which lasts for approximately thirty days. Then it is kept on fine lees until the eve of its bottling.

Once you perceive its golden glint and inhale its floral and complex notes, you will appreciate its soft apricot and exotic fruit flavors. The final taste is long and fresh with a light bitterness which is so typical of the terroirs of Laure-Minervois.

This wine may be served with hot puff pastry appetisers, grilled fish and seafood. The wine maker’s (Jean-Louis Poudou) favourite dish with this wine is fish baked under a thick layer of large salt (Poisson en croûte de sel) !

Connoisseur Club

Gundlach Bundschu Chardonnay 2012  90 Rating Wine Enthusiast!  $ 28.99

Aromas and flavors of meyer lemon, mandarin orange and fresh guava are layered with wet stone minerality and subtle vanilla bean. The lush and creamy texture, intense weight and lively finish give this elegant chardonnay an ideal balance of freshness and sophistication, and make the 2012 vintage a classic example of the character of the old vines and ancient soils of this vineyard.

This is a polished Chardonnay, fruity in Meyer lemon and lime yet mellow and honeyed on the palate, buoyed by tight acidity and just enough spice. There’s a balance of depth and breadth to this wine, and a lengthy finish. Some fruit comes from 40-year-old vines planted to Heritage Selections of the Robert Young clone.

Tenshen Winery Red 2013  $ 24.99

Tensley Wines owner and winemaker Joey Tensley and TGIC founder, vintner and CEO Alex Guarachi announce the launch of tenshen, a new red Rhône varietal blend from Santa Barbara County AVA . Through tenshen, Tensley and Guarachi collaborate to capture the unique Santa Barbara County regional expressions of Rhône varietals, as harvested at the perfect moment of ripening.

Joey Tensley has a strong following for his acclaimed Santa Barbara County boutique wine label, Tensley Wines. Alex Guarachi, a winemaker in his own right with Guarachi Family Wines, has grown his import, marketing and product development company, TGIC, to become the second largest importer of South American wines in the US over $10.

Tenshen is a play on words that nods to Tensley’s winemaking acumen and the tension that occurs with harvesting. Tension is a tenacious energy that a wine possesses, inspired by the process of picking at the just-ripe-enough precipice and then getting out of the way. Alex Guarachi and Joey Tensley believe that great red wine is all about tension and the elusiveness of this characteristic. As such, the labyrinth design of the label is emblematic of this puzzle or challenge that winemakers face.

90-92 points Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

Made by Joey Tensley, there are 3,500 cases of the 2013 Red Wine to go around. A blend of Syrah, Grenache, Petite Sirah and Merlot that’s brought up in roughly 20% new oak, it should be a smoking value. Showing lots of purple fruits, white pepper and spring flower like nuances, it has terrific richness, sweet tannin and a big finish. (JD)

92 points Wine Spectator

Offers a fresh, lively array of complex flavors, extending from ripe, juicy plum and black cherry to subtle tar, rose petal and dried herb notes. Features a supple texture and good length. Syrah, Grenache, Petite Sirah and Merlot.

 

February 2015 Wine Club Selections

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February 2015                 Wine Club Selections

Finca Sophenia Reserve Malbec 2012  $ 16.99

Finca SOPHENIA is an argentine winery recognized as one of the top quality wine producers from Argentina.  To achieve its goals, Roberto Luka, its founder and conductor, chose Gualtallary, Tupungato, Mendoza, one of the most prestigious regions to produce high quality wines. The result was quite rewarding and the wines have already been praised by the wine writers in Europe, America and Asia. Roberto Luka, inspirer of Finca SOPHENIA, holds a recognized background in the wine world. He was Managing Director of one of the main wine exporter companies of his country and President of Wines of Argentina.  In 1997, he founded Finca SOPHENIA naming it this way after the names of his partner´s daughter, Sophia and his own daughter, Eugenia.  The wine making team is integrated by Lic. Germán Masera and winemaker Matías Michelini. Region of origin: Estate grown and bottled at, Tupungato, GualtallaryMendoza, Argentina. Vineyards: By the Andes, altitude 4000 feet. Soils of alluvial origin, loose and highly permeable structure. Special handling of pruning, irrigation and canopy to obtain low yields and grapes of the highest quality. Ageing: 10-12 months in French and American oak barrels. Tasting notes: Intense violet color. In the nose, aromas of ripe red fruit, with a highlighted presence of floral notes, perfectly harmonized with aromas coming from the oak aging. In the mouth it is smooth and velvety with sweet tannins. Robert Parke 91 Rated! “The 2012 Finca Sophenia Reserve Malbec has a clean floral component intermixed with ripe red and blue fruit and sweet spices. It feels very harmonious both in the nose and in the medium-bodied palate, where the acidity is the backbone of the wine. It has great freshness, round tannins and pure flavors. This represents very good value. Drink 2014-2018.

Finca Sophenia Reserve Chardonnay 2012  $ 14.99

Region of origin: Estate grown and bottled at, Tupungato, GualtallaryMendoza, Argentina. Winemaking team: Germán Masera and Matías Michelini Vineyards: By the Andes, altitude 4000 feet. Soils of alluvial origin, loose and highly permeable structure. Special handling of pruning, irrigation and canopy to obtain low yields and grapes of the highest quality. Vinification: Harvest exclusively by hand by the end of February. Grape cluster selection (sorting table). Must cold maceration during 10 days. Fermentation through selected yeasts at controlled temperature:15-17 C- during 25 days. 25 % of wine fermentation in new French oak barrels during 6 months. Tasting notes: Golden yellow color of good intensity. Intense tropical fruits: pineapple, mango, and peach, with delicate citric and mineral hints. Vanilla and toast notes confer elegance and complexity. In the mouth, it shows a concentrated sweet entrance of good balance leading to a fresh and persistent finish.

Connoisseur Club

Buehler Vineyards Buehler Vineyards is a small, family-owned winery located in the mountains east of St. Helena in Napa Valley.  Situated north of Pritchard Hill and Conn Valley, near the base of Howell Mountain, our hillside vineyards are planted primarily to Cabernet Sauvignon, with smaller blocks of old-vine Zinfandel.  The family has been farming this beautiful estate for thirty-six years.  We combine that experience and the unique terroir of our hillside vineyards with low yields, meticulous vineyard management, and minimalist winemaking techniques to create wines of uncommon complexity and depth, and to present these wines to wine lovers at reasonable prices.

Buehler Vineyards Chardonnay 2013  $17.99

This Russian River Chardonnay is born from two vineyards within the Russian River appellation: Wood Vineyard, located on River Rd and River Vineyard, located in the heart of Sonoma’s Russian River Valley on East Side Road. The floral, mineral, and lime aromas and steely structure of the River Vineyard are complemented by the peach and apricot aromas and more fleshy structure of the Wood Vineyard. The Russian River Chardonnay displays abundant floral/ stone fruit aromas lightly accented by toasty, graham cracker sur-lie qualities. The mouthfeel is creamy and full but the natural acidity of the Russian River fruit carries this velvet textured package to a long, clean finish.

Buehler Vineyards Estate Napa Valley Cabernet 2012 $ 34.99

Situated in the mountains above Conn Valley and near the base of Howell Mountain, the Buehler Estate vineyards are planted primarily to Cabernet Sauvignon. The topography of steeply sloped hillsides with eastern exposures against very gently sloping hills with southern and southwestern exposures hints at the tumultuous geologic past of the Estate; extensive faulting resulted in at least three distinct soil types. Not surprisingly, grapes grown on the different soils give different characteristics to the finished wines; these differences are often as great as the differences between various Bordeaux varieties and allow us to blend within the variety of Cabernet Sauvignon to craft a truly multi-faceted Estate wine. After the completion of the primary fermentation, the wine is delivered to barrels to initiate the secondary malolactic fermentation. The wine is aged 18 months in barrels: 35% of which were new French oak, and 5% of which were new American oak barrels. The aromas hint at black fruit: ripe black cherries and black plums. Enticing barrel qualities of cola and spice complement the fruit aromas. On the palate, the wine shows layers of deeply extracted flavors that only mature hillside vineyards can give. Our Estate Cabernet is the most age-worthy wine we produce. Enjoy for 15- 20 years from the vintage.