Friday Sips
FRIDAY SIPS
Red Rhone & White Burgundy
Today Sept. 13 from 1:30 - 6:30
Red Rhone & White Burgundy
Today Sept. 13 from 1:30 - 6:30
Drop by this Friday to taste some favorites from two of our go-to regions. Included will be the new release of Charvin’s Cotes-du-Rhone as well as the return of the Vessigaud Macon-Fuisse.
No Friday Sips Tasting next Friday Sept. 20
2017 CHARVIN COTES-DU-RHONE
'LE POUTET'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE - LIMITED!
'LE POUTET'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE - LIMITED!
If one were to compile a short list of the greatest Chateauneuf producers, Domaine Charvin would definitely have to be included with the likes of Beaucastel, Vieux Telegraphe, Rayas and Clos des Papes. The next question that many of you will obviously ask is, well, why have I never heard of Charvin? The reason is that the Charvin family owns limited holdings in both Chateauneuf and Cotes-du-Rhone, and the wines are snapped up quickly by perceptive Rhône lovers.
The 2017 Cotes-Du-Rhone is yet another moon shot for those who know the wines and a great introduction to Laurent Charvin's wines for those who are first-timers. This wine is much higher in quality than the average 12-dollar Cotes-Du-Rhone. This wine will crush a number of Chateauneuf! 80% Grenache and a 20% mix of Syrah, Mourvedre, Carignan and Bourboulenc from 15 hectares of vines (some up to 90 years old) which are just outside the border of Chateauneuf adjacent to the lieu dit of Maucoil. ‘Only’ entitled to Cotes-du-Rhone status, it offers up intense, penetrating blackberry fruit with explosive Thai and Provençal spices like hot peppers, lavender and rosemary. Full and densely textured although exquisitely silky smooth, which is a hallowed trademark of Charvin's wines as well as many of the fabulous 2017s. The finish is long and seductive but with plenty of structure. Drink now through 2024+.
The 2017 Cotes-Du-Rhone is yet another moon shot for those who know the wines and a great introduction to Laurent Charvin's wines for those who are first-timers. This wine is much higher in quality than the average 12-dollar Cotes-Du-Rhone. This wine will crush a number of Chateauneuf! 80% Grenache and a 20% mix of Syrah, Mourvedre, Carignan and Bourboulenc from 15 hectares of vines (some up to 90 years old) which are just outside the border of Chateauneuf adjacent to the lieu dit of Maucoil. ‘Only’ entitled to Cotes-du-Rhone status, it offers up intense, penetrating blackberry fruit with explosive Thai and Provençal spices like hot peppers, lavender and rosemary. Full and densely textured although exquisitely silky smooth, which is a hallowed trademark of Charvin's wines as well as many of the fabulous 2017s. The finish is long and seductive but with plenty of structure. Drink now through 2024+.
2016 GROSSOT CHABLIS
PREMIER CRU 'VAUCOPINS'
$31.99 BTL./$383.88 CASE
PREMIER CRU 'VAUCOPINS'
$31.99 BTL./$383.88 CASE
These days Chablis is flush with top quality producers and one of the many outstanding producers is Grossot. Jean-Pierre, Corrine and now joined by daughter Eve own 18 hectares (13 in AOC Chablis and 5 spread out over three different Premiers Crus) this producer has converted his vineyards to organic and harvests everything manually. Vaucoupin is located just east of the village of Chablis and is a steep, south-facing slope with a tad more clay in the soil to go along with the chalk. 2016 is an exquisite version of this Premier Cru, which possesses natural depth and backbone from the 45-year-old vines.
Dense and generous from the clay soils old vines but quite taut and nerveaux up in front, then builds nicely and lingers on the back. An incisive wine of noteworthy class, with subtle lemon and pear flavors enveloped by firm minerality and peat tones. Very long, fresh and aromatic on the back end. Drink now through 2027 with very refined seafood dishes. A true Chablis for Chablis lovers!
Dense and generous from the clay soils old vines but quite taut and nerveaux up in front, then builds nicely and lingers on the back. An incisive wine of noteworthy class, with subtle lemon and pear flavors enveloped by firm minerality and peat tones. Very long, fresh and aromatic on the back end. Drink now through 2027 with very refined seafood dishes. A true Chablis for Chablis lovers!
2017 VESSIGAUD MACON-FUISSE
'LE HAUT-DE FUISSE'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
'LE HAUT-DE FUISSE'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Pierre Vessigaud is convinced that there cannot be a great wine without a good terroir and beautiful grapes. A Pouilly-Fuisse specialist, Pierre makes several Macon wines to augment the top wines and the Macon-Fuisse region is actually within Pouilly-Fuissé, specifically in two plots. This wine comes from parcel situated at the top of the cote of Pouilly-Fuisse. A consistent over-achiever, this Maconnais wine is a true hidden gem. Vessigaud ages this wine primarily in stainless steel along with a combination of 3-5 year barrels, both large and small. This doesn't impart any oakiness on the wine, just brings about more depth and body.
Always more sun in southern Burgundy which brings about a natural roundness. However, piercing, steely, beautiful mineral rides shotgun in this offering along with a robe of lemon and apple tones. In the mouth, it is athletic with plenty of depth that all carries over to an expansive mineral driven, chiming finish that extends nicely. Drink this offering over the next few years.
Always more sun in southern Burgundy which brings about a natural roundness. However, piercing, steely, beautiful mineral rides shotgun in this offering along with a robe of lemon and apple tones. In the mouth, it is athletic with plenty of depth that all carries over to an expansive mineral driven, chiming finish that extends nicely. Drink this offering over the next few years.
2017 GALET DES PAPE COTES-DU-RHONE
'LE PETIT GALET'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
'LE PETIT GALET'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Like the Charvin above, Galet-des Papes’ Petit Galet is something of an advance class CDR. As usual, the traditional nature of the Mayard family is omni-present in this wine and is a beautiful wine for 20-bucks.
40-year-old vines located right on the frontier of the region near Courthezon and from sandy soils and 2017 is the third in the mighty trio of recent vintages for the Southern Rhone. A classic blend of 70% Grenache, 15% Syrah and 15% Cinsault, savory aromas and luscious flavors are immediate; but there is no shortage of freshness or vibrancy. The terroir here lends itself to producing silky and red tinged wines. The 2017 reveals red and black currant, fig, black truffle and white pepper. The smooth palate coating texture that fans out on the long, layered finish. Lovable now and over the next 5-6 years, this should be your next barbecue wine.
40-year-old vines located right on the frontier of the region near Courthezon and from sandy soils and 2017 is the third in the mighty trio of recent vintages for the Southern Rhone. A classic blend of 70% Grenache, 15% Syrah and 15% Cinsault, savory aromas and luscious flavors are immediate; but there is no shortage of freshness or vibrancy. The terroir here lends itself to producing silky and red tinged wines. The 2017 reveals red and black currant, fig, black truffle and white pepper. The smooth palate coating texture that fans out on the long, layered finish. Lovable now and over the next 5-6 years, this should be your next barbecue wine.
