Friday Sips
FRIDAY SIPS
Chianti/Oregon/Rhone & Rose
Today March 31 from 1:30 - 6:30
Chianti/Oregon/Rhone & Rose
Today March 31 from 1:30 - 6:30
A Fantastic Foursome of New Arrivals! Drop in this today to sample these four exciting wines.
2013 LE CINCIOLE CHIANTI CLASSICO
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Located in Panzano in Chianti, up near Fontodi, the wines of Le Cinciole are some of the best-kept secrets in all of Tuscany. In 1991, Milan residents Luca and Valeria Orsini took a radical leap; tired of the fast-paced city life, they seized the opportunity to buy the Le Cinciole estate in the storied Chianti village of Panzano, relocating to Tuscany and leaving their former careers as a math professor and an architect behind to become grape growers and winemakers.
The exciting 2013 version is a fine one indeed and one that exudes Panzano. Classic Sangiovese nose with more savory red berry aspects than the louder 2012. Black pepper, aromatic Italian herbs, leather, roses and tobacco round it all out. An excellent core of cherry fruit assaults the palate with supple structure coating the entire mouth. This is a well-rounded and elevated Chianti Classico. No shortage of complexity, the flavors and aromas keep you coming pack for more. An absolute steal for 20 bucks. Drink now through 2023.
The exciting 2013 version is a fine one indeed and one that exudes Panzano. Classic Sangiovese nose with more savory red berry aspects than the louder 2012. Black pepper, aromatic Italian herbs, leather, roses and tobacco round it all out. An excellent core of cherry fruit assaults the palate with supple structure coating the entire mouth. This is a well-rounded and elevated Chianti Classico. No shortage of complexity, the flavors and aromas keep you coming pack for more. An absolute steal for 20 bucks. Drink now through 2023.
2015 BRUNIER 'MEGAPHONE'
VENTOUX ROUGE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
VENTOUX ROUGE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Ventoux, the Provencal region within the Southern Rhone is becoming more exciting with each vintage. This area located between Mont Ventoux and the Dentelles de Montmirail has immense diversity with not only its soils but its varying microclimates which seemingly change like an obstacle course. One of the leaders in the movement towards terroir quality versus cooperative and negociants quantity is the Brunier family who are most famous for their Vieux Telegraphe Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Previously the grapes for this wine were in the Pigeolet blend but a few years back the Bruniers culled these out and created this smashing Rhone value.
25 year old vines on average, 80% Grenache, 20% Syrah coming from sandy-clay soils augmented by fine stones and best of all no winemaking sleight of hand tricks. Being from the stellar 2015 vintage, this red is eager to please. Commanding, yet very diplomatic and harmonious, the extra level of intensity from the vintage is immediately noticeable. An array of complex perfumed aromas of with spice, lavender, ground pepper, violet and raspberry dominate the nose. In the mouth, the flavors speak a dialect that is pure Provencal! Plenty of penetration and presence, the elevation and cool nights on the southern slopes of the Dentelles bring forth nice lift and freshness, especially on the minerally, spice-laden finish. Enjoy with sausages, lamb, and a spicy Asian stir-fry done with beef or even grilled salmon.
25 year old vines on average, 80% Grenache, 20% Syrah coming from sandy-clay soils augmented by fine stones and best of all no winemaking sleight of hand tricks. Being from the stellar 2015 vintage, this red is eager to please. Commanding, yet very diplomatic and harmonious, the extra level of intensity from the vintage is immediately noticeable. An array of complex perfumed aromas of with spice, lavender, ground pepper, violet and raspberry dominate the nose. In the mouth, the flavors speak a dialect that is pure Provencal! Plenty of penetration and presence, the elevation and cool nights on the southern slopes of the Dentelles bring forth nice lift and freshness, especially on the minerally, spice-laden finish. Enjoy with sausages, lamb, and a spicy Asian stir-fry done with beef or even grilled salmon.
2015 BOW & ARROW 'AIR GUITAR' RED
WILLAMETTE VALLEY
$21.99 BTL./$263.88 CASE
WILLAMETTE VALLEY
$21.99 BTL./$263.88 CASE
Maybe Bow & Arrow winemaker Scott Frank should have called this Air Guitar Anjou Oregon Rouge because this red is certainly inspired by what goes on over in that particular region of the Loire Valley, which is located outside the cool city of Angers. It may be Loire in its influence but it truly is a reflection of what the underbelly of Oregon is really showing.
60% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Borgo Pass Vineyard located in the foothills of the Coast Range just outside of Monroe, Oregon along with 40% Cabernet Franc from Johan Vineyard. Given the grape varietals, it's easy to think of this wine being done in a larger Bordeaux-like style but the style here couldn't be more different. I really recommend serving Air Guitar in a Burgundy glass and it may not be for everyone, because it is certainly not a lollipop wine. Yet for those that love aromatic, soulful and sensual wines it should not be missed. Laden with red raspberry, warm, fragrant spices, red licorice and tinges of jasmine, this is absolutely dry, pure and red to the bone. Dark, haunting tones come as the wine opens and move into a succulent and drawn out finish. There is no doubt that Air Guitar will please any Francophile who loves Oregon wines and vice-versa. Pair it with a wide variety of foods from rillettes to beef curry dishes to your favorite lamb stew. Very tasty indeed.
60% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Borgo Pass Vineyard located in the foothills of the Coast Range just outside of Monroe, Oregon along with 40% Cabernet Franc from Johan Vineyard. Given the grape varietals, it's easy to think of this wine being done in a larger Bordeaux-like style but the style here couldn't be more different. I really recommend serving Air Guitar in a Burgundy glass and it may not be for everyone, because it is certainly not a lollipop wine. Yet for those that love aromatic, soulful and sensual wines it should not be missed. Laden with red raspberry, warm, fragrant spices, red licorice and tinges of jasmine, this is absolutely dry, pure and red to the bone. Dark, haunting tones come as the wine opens and move into a succulent and drawn out finish. There is no doubt that Air Guitar will please any Francophile who loves Oregon wines and vice-versa. Pair it with a wide variety of foods from rillettes to beef curry dishes to your favorite lamb stew. Very tasty indeed.
2016 DOMAINE LAFAGE
COTES-DU-ROUSSILLON ROSE 'MIRAFLORS'
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE
COTES-DU-ROUSSILLON ROSE 'MIRAFLORS'
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE
We have all been craving more than just one day of filtered sunshine here in Oregon and lately I have heard many of you craving Rose. While I am unable to supply the orange orb in the sky, I have heard your shouts and can deliver the goods when it comes to newly arrived Southern French Rose.
The cool nights of 2016 coupled with the even ripening has allowed for some smashing wines on all levels and we are excited to drink this, even if the sun isn’t out. Jean-Marc Lafage is highly respected for his entire range of Roussillon wines and the newly arrived Miraflors certainly pleases the senses. The usual suspects of Mourvedre, Grenache, etc. make up the blend and provide soulful and confident Mediterranean aromas. Good subtlety and finesse with aromas of strawberry, fennel, rosemary and a prominent "sea-smoke" note. Plenty of flavor, depth and detail all culminating with a lively, very spirited finish. This wine really screams for seafood, especially fish on the grill and dressed with nice olive oil and herbs.
The cool nights of 2016 coupled with the even ripening has allowed for some smashing wines on all levels and we are excited to drink this, even if the sun isn’t out. Jean-Marc Lafage is highly respected for his entire range of Roussillon wines and the newly arrived Miraflors certainly pleases the senses. The usual suspects of Mourvedre, Grenache, etc. make up the blend and provide soulful and confident Mediterranean aromas. Good subtlety and finesse with aromas of strawberry, fennel, rosemary and a prominent "sea-smoke" note. Plenty of flavor, depth and detail all culminating with a lively, very spirited finish. This wine really screams for seafood, especially fish on the grill and dressed with nice olive oil and herbs.
