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.

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January 2015 Wine Club Selections

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January 2015                    The Oconee Wine Club Selections

Valentin Bianchi Cabernet Sauvignon 2011   $ 16.99

Bodega Valentin Bianchi is one of the oldest and most important wineries in South America. It is a symbol of tradition, nobility and quality in Argentine wines. Started in 1928 by Don Valentin Bianchi, they have won world attention and acclaim since 1934 starting with the “Maximum Quality” honor in Mendoza. On August 12, 1968, Don Valentin Bianchi passed away. However, the tradition that he firmly established continues to live on in his successors.

Today, Valentin Eduardo Bianchi and Ricardo Stradella Bianchi have brought the winery into the modern era. Valentin is the President of the winery while Ricardo is the Chief Financial Officer. Recently, they enlisted the aid of California winemaker, Robert Pepi. He has helped them refine some of their techniques and the new wines show the style that this new breed of management exemplifies. Pepi believes that Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon are the future of this winery.

90 Rating Wine Enthusiast!

Wine Enthusiast – “This is a superb value Cabernet. Black-fruit aromas come with touches of licorice, herbs and marzipan. The palate has an elegance to it, while flavors of berry fruits, cassis, chocolate and fig finish smooth and long. Bianchi has always made good Cabernet, but this one is better than usual. Best Buy”

Leyda Sauvignon Blanc 2013 $ 10.99

89 Rating Best Buy!

“Tropical more than green and pungent, this fragrant wine offers powdery, sweet notes and stronger coastal ones. It’s lean and angular in feel, with oceanic flavors of nettle, tangerine and lemon. A light green flavor and a chalky feel make up the finish.”

The grapes were harvested between March 21 and April 15, in different stages, with 20.8-22.8º Brix, depending on the exposure of the parcels and the clone. The 2013 harvest stood out as the coldest season ever, leading to lower pH levels, higher acidity and juiciness, and a powerful aromatic expression. At the winery, the grapes were macerated in a pneumatic press at low temperatures for eight hours in order to enhance aromas and flavors. Afterwards, the wine was cooled to controlled temperatures (46º F) before being clarified to 60-120 NTU. Alcoholic fermentation was carried out at low temperatures (54-55°F, finishing at 60°F)  in stainless steel tanks for 18 days. The wine was aged on its lees for five months to round it out and improve the texture on the palate.

Tasting Notes

Showcasing expressive minerality, the 2013 Sauvignon Blanc is marked by a powerful aromatic intensity and a wide aromatic spectrum, with herbal, citric and tropical notes. It is fresh on the palate, offering a crisp, tangy acidity and a juicy, citric finish.

Food Pairing

Pair with crab cakes, chicken tarragon or mussels.

Connoiseurs Club

Chateau Ducla 2012 White Bordeaux $ 18.99

Acquired by the Mau family in 1920, Chateau Ducla comprises some 80 hectares in the heart of the Entre Deux Mers region. The château combines longstanding authenticity and tradition and today offers wines that embody the Bordeaux tradition. Production area encompasses the Castets, Saint Hilaire, &Saint Exupéry. The appellation is in the Gironde region with Semillon and Sauvignon grapes, Bordeaux white are fruity, scented, and perfect served with seafood. The soil is silt-clay-limestone grown on the hillsides.

88 Points Wine Enthusiast

Tangy and fruity, this is a lively, bright wine that has added weight from light wood aging. Citrus and apple flavors show strong and bright to give a crisp, textured aftertaste.

Emeritus Hallberg Ranch Russian River Pinot Noir 2011 $ 36.99

93 Rating Wine Spectator #26 in The Top 100 Wines for 2014

“Impressive, offering richness, vibrancy and subtle charm, marked by snappy blackberry, red berry, spice, sage and underbrush notes. Ends with a minerally edge that holds the flavors. Drink now through 2021. 11,100 cases made. ”

In 1999 Emeritus was born when Brice Cutrer Jones closed on the purchase of Don and Marcia Hallberg’s prime apple orchard in the heart of the Russian River Valley. The 115–acre parcel, the Hallberg Ranch, is located two miles north of Sebastopol, on both sides of the Gravenstein Highway and directly on the Gold Ridge—the ten-mile long ridge that bears the name of the predominate soils of the area.

After acquiring the Hallberg property in 1999, Emeritus cleared the land over a three-year period and established a Pinot Noir vineyard with rootstocks and clones specifically chosen for the soils and orientation. The first few harvests were sold to various wineries in the area while Emeritus experimented with small lots of Pinot, and began to outfit the Hallberg barn with fermentation vats, barrels, and environmental controls. Then, in 2004, Brice finally convinced longtime Pinotphile, Burgundy–trained winemaker Don Blackburn to join the team. Don came aboard the day before the first harvest of the William Wesley Vineyard and established the hallmark style of Emeritus—that of elegance and charm. We lost Don to a brief but serious illness after the ’08 harvest, but his protégé, Nicolas Cantacuzene, stepped into his shoes and continues his quest: to produce an authentic wine of great distinction, one that represents its vineyard heritage, a wine of great balance, elegance and charm.

December 2014 Wine Club Selections

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December 2014

This month I chose two French wines both rated 92 by Robert Parker!

Chateau Pesquie Terrasses 2012 $ 13.99

Chateau Pesquie is one of Robert Parker’s all time favorite French wine producers, and the Wine Advocate clearly shows the love with three 90+ ratings for the last four vintages.

The 2012 Cuvee des Terrasses is another brilliant example of an elegant and fruit forward wine from Pesquie. The talented brothers Alexandre & Frederic Chaudiere took the outstanding growing conditions in 2012 and turned it into a fabulous Rhone style wine. Don’t miss it!

Located at the foot of Mount Ventoux, Chateau Pesquie has one of the longer histories in the region. In the early 1970’s, Odette & Rene Bastide, bought Chateau Pesquie from an heir of the famous Provençal writer, Alphonse Daudet. They were wine pioneers, as the Southern Rhone wine appellation of Cotes du Ventoux was not created until 1973. Rene & Odette completely replanted the vineyards and the results of that initial work are paying huge dividends as their Syrah and Grenache vines now average 35 to 40 years of age. Although the Chateau Pesquie vineyards are situated in the southern Rhone Valley, the altitude and cooler temperatures of Mont Ventoux lend the terroir more northern characteristics of texture and finesse. With notes of blueberries, cherry liqueur, licorice and spices the 2012 Pesquie Terrasses is a terrific value red.

92 Rated by Robert Parker!

The Wine Advocate – “In the same mold and an awesome value year in and year out, the 2012 Cotes du Ventoux Cuvee des Terrasses is a blend of 70% Grenache (60-year-old vines) and 30% Syrah (30+-year-old vines) that was aged two-thirds in concrete (and some in stainless steel) and one-third in older oak. Made from a blend of different terroirs on the estate (and basically declassified Quintessence) and coming from hillside vineyards lying between 840-930 feet in elevation, it offers up a gorgeously pure, supple and seamless profile with kirsch and berry-styled fruit, licorice and spring flower-like qualities all emerging from the glass. Elegant, forward and delicious, it gains in stature in the glass, is ridiculously textured from such an inexpensive wine, and has sweet tannin emerging on the finish.”

Novellum 2013 Chardonnay $ 14.99

Year after year, the Novellum Chardonnay is lauded for being one of the best Chardonnay values on the United States market. Because the wine is un-oaked, many restaurants have found it to be a terrific “by the glass” Chardonnay which marries quite well with food.

Critical Acclaim

  • RP92
    The Wine Advocate – “More serious and layered, the 2013 VDP Cotes Catalanes Novellum is a crazy value that needs to be tasted to be believed. A custom cuvee by importer Eric Solomon and a blend of 100% Chardonnay that comes from two separate vineyards, this Cotes Catalanes is aged three months (on Viognier lees) in a combination of Burgundy barrels and stainless steel. Exotic and perfumed, with ample white peach, creme, brioche and subtle nuttiness, it flows onto the palate with a medium to full-bodied, layered and beautifully detailed texture that shows bright acidity and fantastic purity of fruit. An incredible effort that has both richness and freshness, it should continue to thrill for another handful of years. “

Connoisseurs Club

Bedrock Wine Co. Old Vine Zinfandel 2013 $ 29.99

Bedrock Wine Co. was founded in 2007 by Morgan Twain-Peterson in a 550 square-foot, former chicken coop with 8 foot ceilings and no fermentation space. After six years of Bedrock being a one-man-show, Morgan was able to talk his best friend, Chris Cottrell, into moving to California from New York to join him. They now happily have a little more space to move around in but share the same objectives that guided the winery at the start.

The 2013 Old Vine Zinfandel comes from vines averaging over 80 years of age. Like its predecessor, the lovely 2012, it benefited enormously from the second year in a row of exceptional quality with higher than average yields. Though its core still revolves around the Sonoma Valley appellation (Bedrock Vineyard, Monte Rosso, and Casa Santinamaria Vineyard), we have become geographically more adventurous due to the addition of a few pretty amazing vineyards. The first of these is Nervo Ranch in Alexander Valley with its steep, decomposed shale soils. The second is Sodini Ranch on Limerick Lane in the Russian River Valley that Bedrock Wine Co. happily farms. The last is the amazing Stampede Vineyard in the Clements Hills AVA of Lodi: own-rooted on granitic sands and planted in 1919, it is a star in the making under the new ownership of the Perlegos family. There are also bits of Papera Ranch, Pagani Ranch, and Lorenzo’s in the blend. Though it is legally a Zinfandel, and labeled as such, it is also a Bedrock wine so you can be sure it has its full quotient of the wacky, weird and wonderful in it as well—nearly 23% Carignane, Mourvedre, Grenache, Petite Sirah, Abouriou, Aubun, and assorted mixed white varieties. We are thrilled with this wine–I think it is every bit as good as the 2012 though perhaps reflective of the age-worthy 2013 vintage.

MacRostie Chardonnay 2012  $ 24.99

Though MacRostie Winery and Vineyards was originally founded in 1987, the seeds for MacRostie go back to 1974—to the early days of Sonoma County winemaking, when Steve began his winemaking career at Hacienda Winery. At a time when most California winemakers were fixated on Bordeaux varieties and Napa Valley, Steve and a handful of other pioneers took a different path, embracing the fog-shrouded vineyards of Sonoma County and their untapped potential for producing some of the finest Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in the world. While at Hacienda, Steve quickly gained renown as a winemaker capable of making exceptional Burgundian-variety wines. He also began to develop his own style, favoring crispness, complexity and vineyard character, as opposed to overt opulence.

In 1987, Steve established MacRostie Winery and Vineyards. To make his earliest wines, Steve reached out to growers he knew and respected—leaders of Sonoma County winegrowing like the Sangiacomo family. Steve also worked to champion quality in the region, both in the vineyards and the winery, and MacRostie’s wines were soon widely hailed for their unique balance of cool-climate structure and vibrant fruit. In 1992, years before the modern Pinot Noir boom, MacRostie added Pinot Noir to its portfolio, and quickly developed a devoted following for the pure and elegant style of these wines.

The wine is pale straw gold in color, with honey-suckle and jasmine aromas. Citrus flavors; kefir lime and tangerine, dominate the taste profile while the mouth feel is elegant and full, with a ripe pear and a touch of vanilla caramel from the oak. The finish is soft and smooth, very dry, but leaves lingering lush primary fruit flavors. 

90 Rating Wine Enthusiast

Wine Enthusiast – “So bright and zingy in acidity, and so ripe in tangerine, mango, lime fruit and honeysuckle, that you hardly notice the oak influence. Yet, it’s there in the form of buttered toast. The result is a big, powerful Chardonnay, clean and vibrant, for drinking now with dramatic shellfish and pork dishes.”

 

 

November Wine Club Selections 2014

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November 2014

Bodegas Bula Montsant red blend 2012

Bodegas Bula 2012 Bula is produced by the Can Blau estate. The D.O. Montsant, where Can Blau is located, is a horse shoe shaped appellation that surrounds the D.O. Priorat on three sides. It should have been included on the Priorat appellation but was excluded. Can Blau is composed of 60 acres of vineyards with an average age of 35 years. The soils are similar to Priorat with Montsant being a bit more complex with a mixture of slate (llicorella), sandy clay and chalk. Bula Montsant is made by blending Mazuelo, Grenache and Syrah. These three varieties are very well acclimated to the historical region that today covers the DO of Monsant. The soil is clay and sandy slate ideal for the cultivation of the previously mentioned varietals blended in this wine. Aromas of roasted coffee, casis liqueur, and mineral open up and intense and attractive nose. Full-bodied with a silky mouth-feel and good concentration and weight. The flavors are lasting and very satisfying. The finish is long with notes of dark fruit and minerals.

90 Rating International Wine Cellar – “(40% carinena, 40% garnacha and 20% syrah, from vines that range from about 25 to 75 years of age; fermented in stainless steel and aged in French and American oak for four months): Brilliant ruby-red. Smoky, mineral-laced scents of dark berries and licorice. Chewy and focused, offering bitter cherry and cassis flavors enlivened by a note of black pepper. Dusty tannins give shape to the finish, which lingers with very good energy and sneaky sweetness.”

Pazo de Monterrey Godello 2012

Perhaps inspired by the commercial success of albariño in the western Galician region Rías Baixas, researchers in the late 1970s began working with godello in Valdeorras, in eastern Galicia. One of the earliest and best of the modern godello producers, Godeval, was founded in 1986.  Since then, godello has grown steadily more popular. Now, many producers make the wine, largely in Valdeorras but also in other regions of eastern Galicia, including Monterrei and Ribeira Sacra, and the adjacent region Bierzo in Castilla y Léon.

Pazos del Rei boasts the singularity of its origin, Monterrei, the denomination which is least well-known amongst the Galician wine regions. Monterrei shares the cultivation of the varieties with the neighboring regions: Godello with Valdeorras, Treixadura with Ribeiro, and Mencia with Ribeira Sacra, and is the only one of the Galician regions whose territory lies along the Duero riverbank, although it does not forsake the oceanic influence of the rest, a reason that serves to warrant the cultivation of the red varieties.

90 Rating International Wine Cellar – “Pale gold. Complex scents of citrus zest, pear, flowers and smoky minerals. Fleshy orchard fruit flavors are firmed by juicy acidity and gain depth and spiciness with air. A ripe melon note comes up on the smooth, spicy, very persistent finish. “

 

October Wine Club Selections 2014

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October 2014       The Oconee Wine Club

Hayes Valley Winery

Located in the northern Central Coast of California, the lore of Hayes Valley extends back to the days of missionaries and the historic El Camino Real. The land was planted with wine grapes in the late 1800’s, but the vineyards eventually succumbed to Prohibition.

Hayes Valley Today

Agriculture was restored to the Valley in the late 1990’s with the planting of new vines. The Hayes Valley is an ideal climate for growing grapes—cool, foggy nights followed by warm sunny days.

Sustainability

sustainabilityHayes Valley Wines are grown and produced at Clos LaChance Estate Vineyards and Winery in California’s Northern Central Coast, which was one of the first  17 certified sustainable wineries in California.

The winery is committed to producing the best quality wine possible while protecting the environment and conserving natural resources. As a family-owned and operated winery, it is important for Clos LaChance to maintain the long-term viability of the land for future generations.

Hayes Valley Chardonnay 2013  $ 13.99

Tasting Notes

Hayes Valley Chardonnay opens up with aromas of tropical fruits—pineapples and bananas. Pears and apples are also prevalent, with a hint of toasty oak. Flavors of baked apples, banana and vanilla carry through the palate, along with a creamy mouth feel and a hint of butter. Solid acidity makes this a great wine to pair with many dishes or to drink on its own.

Food Pairings

Chicken dishes (Chicken Piccata, Roasted or Grilled Chicken with a light sauce), Seafood (Steamed Lobster with Butter, Baked Shrimp, Roasted Halibut with a light sauce) and soft, mild cheeses (Brie and Camembert).

Winemaking

  • Handpicked and hand-sorted
  • Whole-cluster pressed; settled in tank for 48 hours
  • Racked to stainless steel tank; fermented at 55 degrees F
  • Post fermentation: 20% racked to French Oak barrels,
  • 20% malolactic fermentation
  • 80% Aged in stainless steel tanks – filtered and bottled

Ageing and Blending

  • 20% New French Oak – 80% stainless steel tanks
  • Blend: 100% Chardonnay

Hayes Valley Meritage 2012 $ 13.99

Tasting Notes

A beautiful dark ruby purple. Lots of fruit on the nose; currants, huckleberries, blueberries and dark cherry. A hint of vanilla and green pepper. On the mouth, the huckleberries stand out along with a beautiful spice. Medium tannins and acidity. A nice smooth finish with a hint of vanilla.

Food Pairings

BBQ pulled pork sandwiches, grilled onion chicken, beef stew, shrimp tacos, beef stroganoff with mushrooms, Montreal-seasoned tri-tip.

Ageing and Blending

  • 25% New French 10% New American, 65% Neutral French
  • Blend: 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 10% Petit Verdot, 10% Malbec

Connoisseur Club

Mauritson Wines

With over 270 acres of estate vineyards and close relationships with longtime growers throughout Sonoma County, they are able to source and manage our favorite blocks from each vineyard throughout the growing season and select the most premium fruit during harvest.

Each vineyard and appellation they source from carry particular qualities in either the terroir or the farming style that they look for when considering a Mauritson wine release.

2012 Sauvignon Blanc $ 21.99
Dry Creek Valley
The 2012 vintage of Mauritson Dry Creek Valley Sauvignon Blanc, is our best to date! The nearly perfect weather conditions throughout the growing season naturally controlled the vines’ vigor, allowing steady sugar accumulation and beautiful flavor and aroma development. In September we sampled the ripening Sauvignon Blanc every day, leading us to harvest our Hardie Ranch Vineyard in two separate blocks in order to achieve the complex flavor profile our Sauvignon Blanc is known for. The first pick retained high natural acidity and citrus flavors and the second pick revealed rich tropical flavors. All lots are hand harvested, whole cluster pressed and fermented separately to achieve immense concentration and depth.

The 2012 Dry Creek Valley Sauvignon Blanc is bright and fresh. Guava and hints of key lime pie jump out of the glass. The entry is vibrant, yet maintains elegance. On the palette, there is a harmonious dance of peach, passion fruit and crushed rock. As you would expect from a wine that sees no oak and no malo-lactic fermentation, it finishes clean and smooth with perfectly balanced acidity. Enjoy this wine with light appetizers, salads, seafood dishes or on its own on a warm summer evening. Around the winery, we fondly refer to our Sauvignon Blanc as our porch wine.

2010 Cabernet Sauvignon  $ 34.99
Sonoma County
One of the greatest things about this wine is the diversity of fruit that we have to work with. Pulling from some of the best places to grow Bordeaux varietals in Sonoma County: Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley, and Rockpile, gives us a distinct advantage in blending. The fruit was harvested between the middle of September and the last week of October.

The 2010 Mauritson Sonoma County Cabernet exudes both elegance and approachability. Sweet red fruit is complemented by undertones of chocolate, wild mint, mineral, and hints of dried garden rose. On the front palate, the wine exhibits polished juicy tannins and lush red fruit, giving way to roasted coffee beans and sweet oak in the mid palate. With ample Merlot, the wine has refined tannins and soft edges. The small crop yielded wines with balanced tannins and acidity, making them extremely food friendly and ageable for the next 5-7 years.

July 2014 Wine Club Selections

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July 2014                      The Oconee Wine Club

This month’s white wine comes from a very well known winery located in Adelaide Hills, Australia called Jacob’s Creek.  In 1847, a young Bavarian immigrant called Johann Gramp missed the wine he used to drink in his home land. Instead of changing his habits, he decided to start growing grapes and attempt to make the wine himself. It was a way of adapting to a new country, but still staying true to his character.  What he didn’t know was that when he planted the Barossa Valley’s first commercial vineyard along the banks of Jacob’s Creek, he was also planting the seeds of one of the most popular wine brands in the world that would be named after the waterway.  Today,  Jacob’s Creek remains one of the most well known, trusted and enjoyed Australian wines around the world. It delivers fresh, elegant and great tasting wines that show true varietal character.

For the Jacob’s Creek Reserve Chardonnay 2013, they reserved selected parcels of grapes grown in the Adelaide Hills region in South Australia. The cool climate of the Adelaide Hills ripens the fruit, developing  a crisp acidity.  Jacob’s Creek Reserve Chardonnay exhibits regional characteristics of white peach, nectarine and lemon zest with hints of tasted cashew.

Rated 90 by Wine Spectator, “This bright and inviting white exhibits lively flavors of lemon curd, pineapple and pear on a taut frame, lingering expressively. Intense and stylish. Drink now through 2017.”  This wine represents a superb value at only  $11.99 per bottle!

The red for this month is the Red Knot Cabernet 2012 by Shingleback.  Grapes grown in the McLaren Vale area of Australia are used to make this delicious Cabernet.  The McLaren Vale region is located 45 minutes south of Adelaide, the capital city of South Australia. The area is bound to the south by the Sellick’s Hill range, extends east to Clarendon, reaches to the north just beyond Reynella and is bordered on the west by the waters of the Gulf St. Vincent.

The Red Knot family of wines are designed for immediate enjoyment, full of ripe, fruit driven flavours. The style is bright, fragrant and varietal with the emphasis on fruit richness, giving the wine lover a delicious wine experience at an affordable price.

Deep magenta. Cassis, cherry and bramble aromas are highlighted with hints of couverture chocolate and cedary French oak. Rich blackberry fruit, firm chocolatey tannins and savoury notes define the palate and linger.

Rated 89 by Robert Parker,  “Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2012 Red Knot Cabernet Sauvignon opens with a fragrant nose of cassis, violets and eucalyptus with an undercurrent of chocolate box. Medium to full-bodied with well-married blackcurrant and menthol flavors, it is nicely framed by a medium level of fine-grained tannins, balanced acidity and a long finish.”  Another killer value from Australia for only $16.99 per bottle!

Connoisseur Club

The red for this month is the Chakana Estate Selection Malbec 2012.  Chakana founded February 1, May 2002, unknowingly at first, the same day the Southern Cross (constellation called Chakana by indigenous Andean highlands) assumes its upright signaling the start of a new agricultural cycle.  Chakana winery was founded by Juan Pelizzatti on May 2nd, 2002. Juan was driven to enter the wine industry first and foremost by his passion for wine, and also by the desire to invest his time and money on a product of agriculture. Juan’s mission is to create an integral experience to introduce world consumers to the taste and culture of the Andes. His vision is to become one of the top 20 exporters of wine from Argentina, by consistently offering outstanding value for money.

“100% Malbec aged in new and used French oak for 18 months exhibits a dense, saturated ruby/purple color along with a sweet perfume of charcoal, white chocolate, blueberries and blackberries intermixed with hints of forest floor and spring flowers. A wine of delicacy, suppleness and full-bodied power as well as tremendous harmony and purity, it will provide pleasure over the next 7-8 years. ”
92 PointsThe Wine Advocate              

The white for this month is the Jean Reverdy La Reine Blanche Sancerre 2012.  This 100% Sauvignon Blanc is made from grapes grown in Verdigny, one of the top villages in Sancerre. It dates back to 1650 and has been in the family for about 10 generations. Originally the family was growing vines and diverse polycultures, but since the 1950’s they have been focusing on producing wine only. Christophe Reverdy, son of the late Jean Reverdy, now produces around 100,000 bottles per year on average and exports 70% of the total production to UK, Germany, Sweden, Japan and the USA.  The Domaine spreads over 12 hectares (29.64 acres): 9 hectares Sauvignon, 3 hectares Pinot Noir, and produces red, rosé and white wine. The age of the vines is 25 years and older. The vineyard is divided into 15 parcels located on the hills of Verdigny, Saint Satur, Sancerre and Thauvenay.

The vineyards are planted on three different types of soil:

– silicious-clay soils, “Terres a Silex” (east of the hills) – 55%
– pebbly limestone soils, known as the “Caillottes” – 35%
– clay and limestone white soils, the “Terres Blanches” (west of the hills) – 10%

Try this wine with any seafood dish especially oysters and you are sure to experience what white wines made in the Loire Valley of France are all about.  $ 26.99 Retail.

 

 

June 2014 Wine Club Selections

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June 2014         Wine Cub Selections

The white for this month is the Chateau Vrai Caillou 2012 ( $ 12.99).  The chateau’s name literally translated means ‘The True Chateau of Rock’. Firstly ‘caillou’ means ‘pebble, stones or rock’ and you can find examples of chateaux named after pebbles dotted across Bordeaux – an example of a Grand Cru Classe so named is the Second Growth Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou (meaning ‘beautiful pebbles’). Why name a chateau after rocks you might ask? Because the stony ground it sits on is vitally important for growing the vines – most great vineyards lie on slopes or hillsides of gravelly or limestone based soils as vines need good drainage. Chateau Vrai Caillou lies on around 200 acres of clay-limestone and is located in the small village of Soussac in the Entre Deux Mers, on the high plateau of the range that divides waters between the Dordogne and the Garonne rivers. Chateau Vrai Caillou sits on the slopes of Butte de Launay, the highest point in the region.

Secondly the reason Chateau Vrai Caillou is known as ‘The True Chateau of Rock’ stems from the fact that centuries ago it was originally known as Chateau Caillou. Since 1863, Chateau Vrai Caillou has been owned by the Pommier family and its wines were noted in the famed Bordeaux wine directory Cocks & Féret in 1879. As was common in this period in time the chateau grew other crops as well as vines but when the Pommiers decided to concentrate on wine making as their sole industry in 1920 they discovered that another chateau had registered the name of Chateau Caillou, in Sauternes. Rather than change the name of their chateau Odette Pommier’s response was: “Ah! Yes, is there another Caillou? Then, mine will be the true (Vrai) one!” And that is the story of how the chateau got it’s name.

The Entre Deux Mers is one of those regions that is undervalued nowadays but in the past it was a hive of activity and wine making. It is criss crossed with Roman roads (one runs through Soussac) and the landscape is peppered with historical forts and Medieval châteaux, mills, churches and monasteries. Wine production here dates back to Gallo Roman times but it was the Benedictine Monks in the Middle Ages who helped to create the reputation of this region and its wines.

The bouquet shows peach, pear and melon scents along with smoky, citrusy, floral and herbal nuances. The flavors are zesty and bright with a minerally-clean freshness that defines good white Bordeaux. The palate-pleasing peach and melon fruit elements are enhanced by nuances of pear, herbs and smoky spice. The finish is dry and clean with an intriguing twist of citrus and spice.

The red is the Chateau Rousset-Caillau 2011 Grand Vin de Bordeaux  ($ 15.99).   Rated 91 by Wine Enthusiast, the wine is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet.  This wine will age up to 10 years from the vintage date.  The grapes are harvested at optimum ripeness. Traditional vinification methods with maceration at low temperature to extract the best of the fruit. Slow extraction of tannins and aromas, wine for aging. Breeding both traditional tanks and barrels for 12 months minimum.  Dense ruby, chunky, it has a surprising personality for a wine in this price. The attack is full of volume, a complex and delicate wine loaded with notes of caramel, cassis and violet, yet shows some maturity in vanilla notes followed by silky tannins, melted and a long finish. Wine of character developed in the Bordeaux’s traditions.

Connoisseurs Club

The white for this month is called  2012 Blindfold (“White Prisoner”) $ 32.99.  Rated 93 by Robert Parker!  Made by The Prisoner Wine Company, this blended white is an absolutely amazing wine. Created to provide the perfect white wine companion to The Prisoner, Blindfold is bold and intriguing. In establishing our own spin on a white blend, winemaker Jen Beloz and her team sought out interesting Rhône and aromatic varietals that would nicely compliment a classic Chardonnay base.  Through partnering with growers who are dedicated to cultivating alternative varietals in their outstanding vineyards throughout California, the result is a wine that is complex and delicious.  Aromatic and inviting, the wine opens up with subtle notes of mandarin and meyer lemon zest, complimented on the palette with delightful flavors of Anjou pear, roasted marshmallow, spiced apple tart and a hint of minerality . The finish is rich and creamy with bright, balanced acidity. The blend 35% Chardonnay 60% Rhone Whites (Viognier, Roussanne, Marsanne, Grenache Blanc) 5% Aromatics (Semillon and Riesling) is aged in 25% New oak (combination of French and Hungarian), 60% neutral oak and 15% stainless steel for 10 months.

The red for this month is the Bishop’s Peak Pinot Noir San Luis Obispo County 2012 ($ 19.99).  Rated 90 by Stephen Tanzer, ” Fresh red fruits, flowers and spicecake on the highly perfumed nose.  Juicy and precise, offering vibrant raspberry and bitter cherry flavors and a hint of blood orange.  Finishes long and sweet, with gentle tannins and lingering floral and spice notes.  This pinot delivers very good value and makes a gently priced introduction to the Talley style.”  Made by Talley Vineyards, the Talley family has farmed in the Southern San Luis Obispo County. The tradition began in 1948 when Oliver Talley founded Talley Farms and started growing specialty vegetables in the Arroyo Grande Valley. During the 1970s extensive planting of winegrapes began in the neighboring Edna Valley and Santa Barbara County areas.  After observation and extensive analysis, Oliver’s son, Don Talley, was convinced of the potential to grow high quality chardonnay and pinot noir on the steep hillsides above Talley Farms.  Don planted a small test plot in 1982 on the west hillside of the Rincon Vineyard that included chardonnay, pinot noir, riesling, sauvignon blanc and cabernet sauvignon. Over time the varietal and clonal selections were refined and planting expanded to a total of 165 acres in the Arroyo Grande and Edna Valleys.