Friday Sips

It is almost like clockwork that the Ayres Willamette Valley Pinot Noir picks up steam and really starts to drink well a good 6 months after release. Vintage 2011 is doing exactly that! A few weeks back, Brad McLeroy stopped by and re-tasted me on his wines and while all were extremely fine, the Willamette really was open-knit and drinking impeccably. Since day one, the outline of the wine has always been present but now after some time, the color, depth and character have filled in nicely.

A true Pinot-lovers Pinot , it's graceful, pure aromas of red flowers, strawberries, herbs and spice dominate the cerebral, perfumy nose. Stylish, lacey and velvety with a deceptive underlying backbone which will hold up to aging. The finish extends, seduces and never flows outside its borders. A true classic, this Oregon Pinot Noir will delight with mushroom-based dishes, fowl, or grilled salmon for the next 3-4 years.

Cremant de Bourgogne this good doesn't come around too often. Mostly they are made in factories situated by the autoroute south of Beaune but Maison Parigot in the village of Savigny-les-Beaune takes their bubbly very, very seriously. Made with 90% Chardonnay and 10% Aligote, this fizz spends 18 months on its lees which gives it way more complexity than virtually any Cremant de Bourgogne that we have tasted over our many years drinking and selling wine.

Red apple, Granny Smith apple, Braeburn apple, whatever apple you choose wafts from the glass along with undertones of biscuit and underlying mineral. In the mouth it is inviting, regal, full of elevation and zest all with a finesseful, creamy mousse. The finish is very refined, classy and long. A fantastic sparkling wine that won't break the bank. Have it for toasting, guzzling, celebrating or with goat cheese or a flaky white fish in sauce.

Domaine de la Charbonniere is an outstanding Chateauneuf-du-Pape producer who happens to delightfully dabble in Vacqueyras. Owning 8 acres in the "upper garrigue" sector near the village of Sarrians on the road to Carpentras, Michel Maret puts forth an outstanding version that contains 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah.

This wine is lavishly powerful while remaining well-suited to the finesseful palate because of its supple mouthfeel. Serious garrigue notes of lavender, thyme, roasted blackberry and pronounced rosemary notes. Voluptuous entry with lots of kirsch flavors in the mouth with plenty of spine. Tell-tale Vacqueyras dimension here with its backbone and almost wind-blown qualities. Brilliantly focused, generous finish that's laden with white pepper. Drink it through 2022.