Friday Sips

Drop by today to savor this week's funky fresh flavor otherwise known as Pesquier Gigondas, a full-flavored Rhone wine. Three other delectable wines will also be uncorked to go alongside this top-level Rhone value.

Having had a look back to find when the last time was when we were able to offer this wine at 25 beans and it turns out that it was for the 2004 vintage. We have been strong supporters of Domaine Pesquier's Gigondas since the 1995 vintage, and 2012 is one of the most miraculous wines that Domaine Pesquier has ever produced. You can access it now, and the feeling is that it'll never be undrinkable, but it will age stupendously.

Very complete. Marked by ample licorice, pronounced lavender, hot rock and a kiss of smoked meat, the aromas here are scary-impressive. Dominated by 75% Grenache and backed up nicely by 20% Syrah and 5% Mourvedre, this full-structured Rhone red is very seamless for a large wine. Exquisite grace and density of fruit, the texture is like a roller coaster at a great amusement park. Pretty irresistible, but deceptive grip and structure which the old vine depth of fruit and peppery notes submerges. The finish explodes and glides for an eternity with anise and lively provencal terroir. Ungodly stuff for the price point and I recommended that you drink some now and drink some later. Will age nicely for 15 years, enjoy with lamb or steak dishes as well as tomato-based preparations.

Do you have a friend who fancies himself or herself a wine expert and want to stump them? Well, I have the perfect wine for you! A show of hands, who has ever experienced a red wine made from the Rufete grape? Up until recently, unless I had it in some sort of blend from Spain, I hadn't experienced one either.

A most engaging wine from Spain's high-elevation Salamanca region located ENE of Madrid and about halfway to the Portuguese border. The indigenous Rufete, a grape utilized in both Spain and the Dao and Duoro regions of Portugal, expresses the slate/sand/clay fragrant minerality of the region's hillside soils, along with a bright blackberry/olive varietal. Allspice and licorice surround sleek berry, herbs and peppermint tones. Lacey and showing lavish depth and personality; this wine carries extremely well to the table.

We stink. Why do we stink? Too often, we forget about all of the goodness that is happening in South Africa and their wines. This is simply a minor oversight - truth be told, there is major-excitement here and Hamilton Russell is not only one of the nation’s best producers, they also happen to put forth one of the New World’s most prolific Chardonnays. Situated close to the sea in one of the southernmost growing regions (Hemel-en-Aarde Valley), Anthony Hamilton Russell took over from his father in 1991 produces Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that are seriously prolific examples!

Significantly inspired by the greats of white Burgundy this Chardonnay has a soul of its own. Dazzling aromas of creamy hazelnut, cereal, honeyed pear and spice, it is rich upon entry with superb polish and definition. A touch of tropical fruit in the mouth, this full-flavored wine shows excellent cut and balance that carry through to the searing and long finish that definitely has sea breeze notes. Like good white Burgundy, this wine has dimension, depth and the ability to age. Enjoy this with lobster rolls or sole done with a rich sauce through 2024.

Pinot Gris is normally thought of as white, but in actuality, it is a grey, slightly pink grape and when left on its skins the resulting wine comes out rather pink. In 2011 John Paul took on a block of old vine Pinot Gris from the famed Oregon Grand Cru site of Abbey Ridge and in a move of genius decided to do a skin-contact Pinot Gris.

Coming off as a copper/pink color and meticulously designed, this wine is one of the more individual expressions in Oregon. Inspired by a Friulian technique and the Northern Italian region's wines, the stellar 2014 Ramato has a forward, fullish nose of nectarine, red flowers and enhanced by forthright powdery/rocky aspects. This seamless beauty coats your mouth with rich flavors that are kept in perfect balance by bright acidity and earth tones which are all derived from the alchemy of old vines. Not a porch pounder, this wine screams for seafood, perhaps an elaborate preparation of crab, shrimp or salmon. Recently we tried the 2011 and yes, this wine will age impeccably.