2/5/16 NEW ARRIVALS PART II


FRIDAY SIPS NEW ARRIVALS PART II
Today February 5 from 1:30 - 6:30
New wines that we have been impatiently waiting to arrive. Come by to taste some new wines including the library release of Galet des Pape’s 2001 Tradition Chateauneuf-du-Pape.


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2001 GALET DES PAPES
CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE TRADITION
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE

We are very pleased once again, to offer up an older selection that Bryan chose last year when he visited Jean-Luc Mayard at Galet des Papes. This time we go back to 2001 and feature the Domaine’s Tradition Chateauneuf-du-Pape. This wine should never be referred as the Vieilles Vignes little brother because there are vintages where it is the equal of the VV and some years where it will actually surpass it in quality. The main reason and difference that it is called Cuvee Tradition is the classic use of 80% Grenache instead of 60%. The vines here are also 50+ and the wine is a very different but equally delicious version that fans of mature wines will adore.

Beautifully mature and antique Chateauneuf aromas greet the senses with a complex bouquet of spiced candy, licorice, turned earth, dried roses, spice and subtly smoky, gamey aspects. Very Grenache with its warmth and touches of rosemary and peppercorn that arrive. Beautifully smooth and one that spreads out and touches many points of the palate. Finishing with outstanding energy and depth, this wine is drinking exquisitely at age 14 and will continue at this level for another 4-5+ years. The consensus is that this Chateauneuf rocks the house with a slowly braised leg of lamb jacked with Provencal herbs and spices. It also happens to be one of the best choices for just about any duck or steak preparation as well.

Something we cannot reiterate enough, it such a wonderful thing to be able to offer you an older wine at such a fair price. Just a little over 5 cases are left to work with so if you want to experience what a mature CDP is all about, come in this afternoon (2-5-2016) and see for yourself.



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2014 VIETTI ARNEIS
$22.99 BTL./$275.88 CASE

Doing some sort of crab or seafood (app or entrée)? Then one must dive into a bottle or six of one of Italy's most important white wines. Along with Bruno Giacosa, Luca Currado's father Alfredo Currado was one of the most important men for Italian white wine when they "rediscovered" the ancient Arneis grape. Prior to 1967, Arneis was made in a sweet and cloying, alcoholic style, but Alfredo bucked the tradition and made wines that were clean, fresh and vibrant and became influential to two generations of both winemakers and wine drinkers.

Version 2014 of Vietti's Arneis is plucky and stunningly balanced with loads of blood orange, lemongrass, starfruit, and mineral on the nose. In the mouth it is dazzling, dry and brisk, but with no shortage of depth and flavor. Fantastic white for simply prepared cracked crab or other seafood dishes, especially seared tuna in an Asian prep or fried calamari.



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2014 L'ECOLE NO. 41
FRENCHTOWN RED
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

A few years back, L'Ecole's Red blend was known as Recess Red. Recently, L'Ecole No. 41 decided that this wine should be taken much more seriously given the high quality. A label upgrade and name change, Frenchtown, combined with swank material makes this a killer deal from this Walla Walla based legend.

Bordeaux grapes combined with Rhone grapes (22% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Syrah, 8% Malbec, 30% Merlot, 3% Mourvedre, 3% Grenache and 7% Cabernet Franc), this red has serious suck-it-down factor. Flamboyant, exuberant aromas of cassis, blueberry, dusty earth and tobacco carry over to a texture that is positively velvety and smoothly covers the entire palate with ambiance and spirit. Drinkable now and over the next 3-4 years, this is a lovely red from one of the longtime stalwarts that stands above so many other under 20 dollar Washington blends.