Friday Sips

2014 JANASSE COTES-DU-RHONE RESERVE
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE

Yes, this is Cotes-du-Rhone but the outer shell always seems to have a Burgundian-like suaveness about them. Whether it be Chateauneuf-du-Pape or Cotes-du-Rhone, Christophe Sabon always performs at an apex level and his newly arrived 2014 is no exception. As usual, Grenache makes up about half of the base of the wine with an assemblage of Syrah, Mourvedre, Carignan, and Cinsault brought to the party for complexity and spirit. Classically formed, but with the smoothness, polish and sophistication that this wine is known for. Generous and packed yet not oversized or hot. Raspberry and strawberry shine with an undertow of lavender, smoke, and classic Rhone spiciness fill in the rest of the palette. In the mouth, it is a poised, vinous glass of red wine chock full of Provencal flair. A cerebral and versatile offering that will please a bunch of palates and pair with a plethora of dishes and of course those with a Mediterranean twist to them as well.

2014 ALTOS LAS HORMIGAS
MALBEC 'TERROIR'
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE

Wine aficionado Thomas Jefferson once said, "I hold it that a little rebellion now and then is a good thing…" This sentence has often been misquoted as "every generation needs a new revolution"; either way Altos las Hormigas made the change to produce Malbecs that are no longer ‘oodles and gobs oak bombs’ and now are wines that have balance and reflect their origins.

The new 2014 Terroirs is all from Mendoza and its sub-region of the Valle de Uco and even more specifically, Vista Flores and Tupungato. Aged in concrete tanks, stainless steel tanks and a bit in large oak barrels, this wine comes from very stony vineyards. Sculpted, mouth filling and yet still maintaining debonair refinement, this wine is a huge uptick from many expressions in this price range. Blackberry, violet, briar and combining peppery spice with more prevelant earth tones and finishing with strawberry/balsamico aspects that fan out nicely. Very sultry and full of character, one sees why this is one of the premier addresses in Argentina!

2015 AUTOCTON CELLER 'VI BLANC'
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE

Something new from our friend Albert Jane, he of Acustic Celler and Jane Ventura. When Albert’s father passed, his piece of land left to him was their famed property at Mas Vilella in the Penedes region of Catalonia. Although there are grapes from this exceptional terroir, Albert really doesn’t care about appellations of denominacions because he combined it with fruit from the neighboring Tarragona region to make one savory white wine that will surely liven any seafood preparation.

Made with native varietals (Xarel.lo, Macabeo, Malvasia di Sitges & Xarel.lo Vermell) and aged in both stainless steel and large French barrels, this wine has both burst and palate coverage. Fragrant perfumed orange-rind, sea breeze and mineral aspects virtually leap from the glass. In the mouth, it is twangy, athletic and chock full of peach pit briskness. Beautifully transparent from the brave start to the athletic finish. A wonderful combination with grilled shrimp, fresh crab and more. Why drink boring Pinot Gris when you can have something exciting, diverse and exhilarating!

2013 CHATEAU MONTELENA
ESTATE ZINFANDEL CALISTOGA
$35.99 BTL./$431.88 CASE

Known for Cabernet Sauvignon and for winning the Judgement of Paris in 1976, Napa Valley legend, Chateau Montelena has produced this Estate Zinfandel for decades based around old vines and is one of California’s most distinctive versions of the grape.

Classic Napa Zinfandel, exhibiting a brilliant ruby color and aromas of bright plum, fig, raspberry, herbs, cocoa and pepper with an alluring hint of peppermint. Plenty of fruit intensity in its attack along with cinnamon and sneaky, cherry-influenced flavors, this full-bodied bottling is very nicely balanced from front to back. Pert and juicy flavors pick up engaging hints of caramel, dark chocolate and toffee along the way, it will serve with distinction even now in partnership with pork roasts and chops as always with Montelena wines, will age nicely