Holiday Market Wine
THE SILVER CLUB RED ONLY
MARCH 2023 WINES
-
Cline Farmhouse Red Blend
-
Line 39 Petite Sirah
-
Susana Balbo CRIOS Cabernet Sauvignon
-
Bodegas San Gregorio Anciano Old Vine Garnacha
-
Drei Donà Le Vie Nuove Sangiovese
-
KWV Classic Collection Pinotage
Cline Farmhouse Red Blend
2020 | $10.99
DESCRIPTION
We are a family-owned winery in the Sonoma Heartland. Our dad, Fred started Cline Family Cellars in 1982 in Oakley, California, making his first vintages from original plantings of Mourvèdre, Zinfandel, and Carignane, some of which dated back to the 1880s.
In 1989, he and our mom Nancy, purchased a 350-acre horse farm in Sonoma-Carneros and moved the winery here. This is where we were raised.
Our dad was one of the original Rhone Rangers and began planting vineyards dedicated to Syrah, Viognier, Marsanne, and Roussanne. Since those first plantings, our family has continued to plant vineyards throughout Sonoma County, expanding to include more classic varieties like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
We focus on making the best blends possible for our farmhouse wines by allowing the grapes to tell their story, blending each varietal to highlight the best that mother nature offers from each vintage.
Blending adds more complexity and makes for more balanced and well-rounded wines. We look to maximize the expression of each varietal to form a cohesive and delicious wine.
Our winemaker, Tom Gendall, allows grapes to tell their story. He doesn’t over-oak or manipulate the wines. Instead, Tom uses blending to highlight and showcase the best that mother nature offers from each vintage.
Cline Farmhouse Red Blend 2020
The Farmhouse California Red 2020 is a blend of zinfandel, mourvedre, carignane, syrah, petite sirah, and grenache sourced from vineyards in California. The blend was aged with French oak (40% new oak) for 8 months.
TASTING NOTES
NOSE: Plum, chocolate, and berry notes.
PALATE: Medium-bodied, luscious red wine with nicely balanced acidity and a smooth, rich finish.
PAIRING: Beef, BBQ, veal and lamb.
Line 39 Petite Sirah
2018 | $9.99
DESCRIPTION
What's the difference between Syrah, Shiraz and Petite Sirah? Syrah, also called Shiraz, is a completely different grape varietal than Petite Sirah. Petite Sirah, which is another name for the Durif grape, is actually much darker and more tannic than Syrah. Named "petite" because of its small grapes, it is the offspring of Syrah and Peloursin grapes. Syrah comes from Frances Rhone Valley, whereas Petite Sirah grapes are a French creation. Syrah is typically more moderate with acidity and tannins, whereas Petite Sirah has a bolder boasting rich full flavor and powerfully dense tannins.
Line 39 Petite Sirah 2018
The 39th parallel runs through the heart of Northern California’s wine country just north of Napa Valley and has always provided rich tradition, inspiration, and grapes. Crafting high quality, true-to-nature wines starts with good grapes. And good grapes come from our lasting relationships with California’s premier growers, many of whom come from the region our wine is named after.
TASTING NOTES
NOSE: Aromas and flavors of chocolate, caramel, vanilla, and rich blue fruit.
PALATE: The mid-palate is driven by mocha notes that carry through to the long, luxurious finish.
PAIRING: Ribeye steak, slow roasted pork shoulder, pasta alla carbonara, 70% or more dark chocolate, aged and smoked cheese.
Susana Balbo CRIOS Cabernet Sauvignon
2020 | $15.99
DESCRIPTION
Born into a traditional family, Susana’s inquiring spirit and strong beliefs led her to choose an unconventional career for a woman of her time. In 1981, she graduated cum laude and became the first female enologist of Argentina.
At the beginning of her career, she faced some difficulties finding a job in Mendoza. Nevertheless, her will and determination took her to Cafayate, Salta, where she was hired to run the Sucesión Michel Torino winery, a huge, defying task for a young, single female winemaker in an industry that was run by men at the time. There, she took on the challenge of redefining Torrontes and turning it into a classy, elegant wine. Her innovative work and progress, as well as the quality of the wines she produced during that time, earned her a nickname, “Queen of Torrontes”, that she proudly carries until today.
After a few years serving as a consultant and working for some other important wineries such as Martins and Catena Zapata, in 1999, Susana decided to take a leap of faith and founded her own winery, thus achieving her lifelong dream of creating her own wines according to her vision and perspective.
CRIOS was born out of Susana Balbo’s love for her children and desire to forge a legacy for her family, helping them navigate their own life journeys with lessons learned from a lifetime of trailblazing entrepreneurship. The iconic handprint logo on each CRIOS bottle symbolizes the family bond and illustrates hands as powerful tools for mothers, allowing them to hold, to provide warmth, to nourish, and to comfort, as well as to teach the next generation the skills and wisdom achieved.
Susana Balbo CRIOS Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
CRIOS cabernet is hand harvested, macerated for 25 days, and experiences pump-overs in several stages of fermentation, as well as delestage. It is aged seven months in third to fifth-use French oak barrels.
TASTING NOTES
NOSE: Aromas of ripe plum, currant, fresh cherries, espresso and mocha tinged with spice, herbal notes, and smoke.
PALATE: Black fruits, especially blueberries, as well as black pepper stand out harmoniously. The ripe and vibrant tannins provide an elegant structure and a long and persistent finish.
PAIRING: Roasted or grilled meats, empanadas, and chili.
FUN FACTS: Wine Advocate Magazine ~ 90 Points
Bodegas San Gregorio Anciano Old Vine Garnacha
2016 | $9.99
DESCRIPTION
Bodega San Gregorio was founded in 1965 by a group of about 30 winegrowers in Cervera de la Cañada and belongs to the Calatayud Denomination of Origin (the governing organization overseeing wine production in Spain). In this territory, located in the foothills of the Iberian System, is where they select the best grapes from the Ribota and Manubles valleys, the westernmost area of the denomination. They have 700 hectares of crops located in the surroundings of Cervera, surrounding the Sierra de Armantes ridge.
Their average production is around two million kilos of grapes. In red grapes, the Garnacha variety predominates, along with Tempranillo, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. In white grapes the Macabeo. They export a good part of our production to the most demanding markets.
The cultivation of the vine in the area dates back to at least the second century BC, documented after the discovery of a winery in the Celtiberian site of Segeda, located between the municipalities of Belmonte de Gracián and Mara, just 20 km from Cervera. The first written reference to the high quality of the wines of the area dates back to the first century.
Bodegas San Gregorio Anciano Old Vine Garnacha 2016
If you like your wines big, bold and full of flavor then look no further! This wine comes from the collaboration of World class winemakers and local knowledge to produce a fruit driven wine typical of the Calatayud area, which encapsulates all the ruggedness, concentration, and character of the old vine fruit.
This wine is 100% garnacha grapes from vines with an average age of over 35 years are grown on chalk and clay soils at analtitude of 2000-3000 feet. The combination of free draining soils, minimal rainfall and unique microclimate all add to the excellent color and distinctive varietal aromas. The grapes are hand harvested, crushed and destemmed. Temperature controlled fermentation takes place for 7 days followed by a short maceration. 15% of the wine is matured in American and French oak for 4 months before bottling.
TASTING NOTES
NOSE: Pronounced intense aromas of fresh raspberry and cherry, combine with more complex aromas of prune, earthy notes, and sweet spice.
PALATE: Full bodied on the palate with flavors of soft raspberry and wild berries that lead to a long spicy finish
PAIRING: Drink with Tapas, barbequed foods, lamb and duck.
FUN FACTS: Decanter World Wine Awards ~ 90 Points
Gilbert & Gaillard ~ 91 Points
Drei Donà Le Vie Nuove Sangiovese
2018 | $15.99
DESCRIPTION
The Drei Donà estate is located on the ancient Romagna hills between the towns of Forlì, Castrocaro and Predappio. The ‘La Palazza’ farmhouse was built around a watchtower constructed by Caterina Sforza in 1481 -- in a strategic position on the gentle slopes of Massa di Vecchiazzano to defend her lands.
The property has been in the hands of the Drei Donà family since the last century, and although it has always been dedicated to producing sangiovese grapes, it has undergone a radical transformation under the present owner, Count Claudio Drei Donà.
After acquiring a law degree and working in the insurance industry, Count Drei Donà, together with his son Enrico, has dedicated his efforts solely to the property, decisively guiding its activities towards increasingly high objectives.
Most of the 23 hectares of vineyards are planted with sangiovese grapes, which were indigenous to the property. These old vines have been studied, selected and propagated to maintain La Palazza’s original clones.
The Drei Donà philosophy is based upon the belief that wines must be the most faithful expression of the terroir they come from and thus the respect for the estate’s unique terroir guides all aspects of the production.
The winery's working philosophy is extremely strict: the wines that Drei Donà produces are the result of exacting standards first in the vineyard, and then in the cellar. In this way, the winery starts with the highest quality grapes, and ferments and ages them in modern cellars to produce a wine that is a true expression of the Massa di Vecchiazzano Romagnan terroir. The winery also produces two aged grappas and an extra-virgin olive oil.
Drei Donà is universally recognized as a reference for sangiovese, which finds its most typical expression here. Their selection of sangiovese comes from careful research and restoration of the historical sangiovese clones.
Drei Donà Le Vie Nuove Sangiovese 2018
This wine is a blend of 90% sangiovese and 10% indigenous red grape varieties. It goes through alcoholic fermentation in stainless-steel tanks for 7-10 days and subsequently malolactic fermentation. After the end of fermentation, Le Vie Nuove Sangiovese remains on the lees for 48 months. Lees aging is the process of letting wines mature and age on top of spent yeast.
TASTING NOTES
NOSE: Fruit and floral bouquet with aromas of rose, cherry, violet, raspberry and light notes of spices and herbs.
PALATE: Notes of sour cherry, blackcurrant, and raspberry with a fruity texture and young pleasant tannins.
PAIRING: Beef, pasta, lamb, game, and a great partner for BBQ.
FUN FACTS: Just a note to explain the names of the wines: they all come from the names of the horses that the Drei Donà family also breeds on the farm.
KWV Classic Collection Pinotage
2019 | $11.99
DESCRIPTION
KWV is a pioneering cellar in Paarl, South Africa and actively involved in the farming and vineyard practices of 54 farms across various regions in the Western Cape.
KWV’s cellar facilities are situated in Paarl in the Cape Winelands and cover approximately 32 hectares. Its impressive Cathedral Cellar built in 1930 remains the heart of its wine production activities. KWV’s flexibility and ability to source the building blocks for its wines from various vineyard sites is a key KWV strength and competitive advantage: due to its ability to source from diverse geographic regions its cellars produce wine that consistently delivers on quality.
This legacy has its roots in a history dating back to 1918, when KWV was founded by a group of South African wine farmers who were driven to secure a successful and profitable future for the country’s grape growers. Its viticulture team oversees the planting, planning and vineyard managing of approximately 420 different vineyards, equating to 1200 hectares of vines.
Pinotage is South Africa's very own grape and a must-try for anyone looking to expand their viticultural horizons. The grape is a genetic cross between picky Pinot Noir and prolific Cinsault, aka Hermitage. It was created by scientist Abraham Perold in 1925 at Stellenbosch University, Pinotage was made by and for South Africa. These small, thick-skinned grapes create deep, inky wines with distinct, bold flavors.
KWV Classic Collection Pinotage 2019
This wine is 100% Pinotage grapes. It was aged in oak for eight to ten months.
TASTING NOTES
NOSE: Aromas of blackcurrant, vanilla, plums and wild berries.
PALATE: Black and purple fruit notes like blackberry, plum, blackcurrant, figs, maybe even a slight touch of banana. A bottle of Pinotage can be drunk young but becomes especially good with a bit of age as the flavors soften and deepen. Aged Pinotage displays hints of smoke, hoisin sauce, tobacco, bacon, and grilled meats mingled with dark fruit notes.
PAIRING: This is a wine that goes great with the charred smokiness of a summer BBQ. Pinotage loves grilled lamb and veggies, a burger, beef, creamy risotto, or a creamy plate of vegetarian dhaal.
May 2023 WINES
-
Alto Molino Malbec
-
Fattoria Il Muro ‘Violato’ Syrah
-
Azul y Garanza DIT Celler Cabirol Tinto
-
Lange Twins Criss Cross Cabernet Sauvignon
-
Lone Birch Red Blend
-
Domaine Plaimont Les Vieilles Vignes Saint-Mont
Alto Molino Malbec
2020 | $9.99
DESCRIPTION
Alto Molino grows and harvest their grapes among the clouds at an elevation of 5,985 feet. This is one of the highest altitude vineyards in Argentina and the world. This land was an early agricultural center of the Diaguita people that dates to 860 AD. Piattelli Vineyard’s first planting here was a decade ago. The allure was simply fertile land and the abundance of pure water, the same attraction that motivated the founders of Alto Molino. Here, they uncovered calcium carbonate stones with rich calcareous soils and perfect climate to produce world class wines.
Since the completion of their winery in Cafayate, Jon & Arlene Malinski have enjoyed taking a brisk morning walk to the Alto Molino (High Mill) just on the south end of their Estancia in the high elevations of Cafayate. In the Fall of 2017, they hosted a meeting with the winemakers at the Alto Molino location and had spirited conversations challenging the team to create a line of wines that was balanced (the oak, fruit, and tannins perfectly integrated) at a price that would catch the attention of today’s advanced consumers who demand value, authenticity, and sustainability from a wine brand.
The challenge was accepted, and the project was named after the structure that hosted the meeting, ALTO MOLINO. After three years of laborious planning and holding true to the selection of the highest quality of fruit and uncompromising winemaking process they confidently present the Alto Molino line.
Alto Molino Malbec 2020
Head Winemaker Valeria Antolin vinifies this wine with 100% Malbec that has been hand-harvested. The wine is then fermented in stainless-steel and controlled temperatures.
TASTING NOTES
NOSE: A young and wild red wine, deep purplish red color. On the nose, it's full of fresh red fruit aromas together with some violet flower hints.
PALATE: This balanced red contains flavors of deep blueberry, chocolate, and ripe plum. The finish is both sharp & nuanced with a lingering beauty. It has good structure and firm tannins; this wine is powerful in the mouth.
PAIRING: Pairs extremely well with red meats, wild game, and heavy stews. Dark meat turkey or roasted pork. This wine works well with peppered dishes, sage and dark herbs, creamy mushroom sauces, melted cheese, and in particular, blue cheese.
WINERY WEBSITE: Altomolino
Calchaqui Valley G.I., Argentina
Fattoria Il Muro ‘Violato’ Syrah
2018 | $13.99
DESCRIPTION
The estate “Il Muro” has been owned by the Pancaro family for more than two centuries. Its land has always been used for vine cultivation thanks to its favorable microclimate and particular environmental conditions that are ideal for producing high quality grapes, allowing the creation of wines in the most environmentally sustainable and eco-friendly way.
The potential of the soils (“galestro” is the Italian name for soil comprised of loose marl and limestone) and the temperate climate, characterized by a wide range of temperatures due to the closeness to the Alpe of Poti, are the perfect ingredients of a habitat that improves the organoleptic qualities of grapes and the health of the vines.
The farm is situated in the very heart of Tuscany, a few miles away from Arezzo, a medieval city of Etruscan origin. It extends over an area of about sixty-five hectares, among woods and tilled land, vineyards, and olive groves. Though they have been producing wine for about two centuries, they labeled their wine for the first time in 2011.They made this bold decision with the desire to furnish the final consumer with the best possible quality glass or bottle of wine possible.
According to this philosophy only the grapes produced on their own land are being used for creating these high-quality wines.
They strive to grow their vines in the most sustainable way possible respecting the surrounding environment, since they believe that only favorable environmental conditions make it possible to obtain the best quality of the grape.
The farm adheres to the Measure 214 of the European Rural development Plan. This Act imposes the observance of strict rules which limit the use of chemicals to protect the environment and carry-on sustainable agriculture.
The estate is a patchwork quilt of different vineyards of different ages of vines (some are more than 30 years old; some are new), different varieties and different exposures. The vineyards extend over thirty hectares, and all are in perfect condition.
Fattoria Il Muro ‘Violato’ Syrah 2018
The name of the wine inspired by the color of the Syrah grape - deep purple garnet, rich and intense. They also took the inspiration from its color in creating the wine label. This wine comes from vineyards planted in 2003 and is 100% Syrah.The wine goes through fermentation in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks. It is then aged in big barrels of chestnut wood for around 6 months. Stefano de Blasi is the winemaker.
TASTING NOTES
NOSE: Bouquet with a myriad of red fruits, notes of ripe blackberries and plums complement undertones of figs, black pepper, and violets.
PALATE: It is full-bodied with silky tannins. Lively, fragrant, and well-balanced wine.
PAIRING: Syrah, with its peppery spices, is a natural match with flavorful game dishes, venison, or wild boar meat.
WINERY WEBSITE: Home (fattoriailmuro.it)
Chianti Colli Aretini D.O.C.G., Tuscany, Italy
Azul y Garanza DIT Celler Cabirol Tinto
2019 | $16.99
DESCRIPTION
On the edge of Europe’s largest desert is the starting point for their project and their passion for these special terroirs, these one-of-a-kind places capable of breaking all limits and its essence being present in their wines, offering distinctive character and great expression.
Las Bardenas Reales of Navarre, Spain is an extreme place: poor and arid clay and limestone soils, a dry climate with a wide thermic range between night and day. Due to these harsh conditions vines here produce a limited crop but one of exceptional quality with highly concentrated, exceedingly small grapes. They planted fruit trees and indigenous shrubs around the vines to support biodiversity in this semi-desert environment.
A few kilometers from the desert the low mountains and the Pre-Pyrenees of Navarre begin. Here they found fabulous old Garnacha vines, growing wildly amid forest and biodiversity. Most of these vines, which spread out in various isolated and exceedingly small parcels, are more than 100 years old. That they had been abandoned is not a negative for them, just the opposite: They are their most precious treasures and thanks to the invaluable support of the local vine growers, they have been able to recover them.
They are the first certified organic wines of Montsant. The vineyard, 20 to 75 years old, is in the Llabería mountain range (natural park), among Capçanes and Tivissa, surrounded by forest. Every summer afternoon, a wind coming from the Mediterranean called “Marinada” cools down the temperature and gives the wines a special freshness.
Dani Sánchez, from Azul y Garanza, in Navarra, founded DIT Celler with Toni Coca and recently took over the project solo. The vineyards, Mas d’En Fornós and Guiamets, surround the mountains of the natural park Llaberia in Priorat.
Azul Y Garanza DIT Celler Cabirol Tinto 2019
Cabirol is produced in Montsant, Spain. It is a blend of 70% Garnacha and 30% Tempranillo. The organic vines are between 20-35 years of age and grow in limestone and loam soils over a granite and slate base at an elevation of 400-600 meters. The grapes are fermented in concrete followed by 6 months aging in neutral French & American oak barrique.
This new DO (approved in 2001) forms a horseshoe around the Priorat region, taking its name from the rocky massif of Monsant. The vineyards fall in spectacularly beautiful hilly countryside, scattered between olive groves, forest and bare mountain peaks.
TASTING NOTES
NOSE: Floral and peppery spice notes.
PALATE: Silky, juicy, and fresh with raspberry and cherry flavors that are vibrant and intense. The jam jar fruit elements are lifted with racy acidity and held together with harmonious tannins. Great complexity with impressive evolution and length from start to finish.
PAIRING:Barbeque and grilled meats, smoky dishes, grits, polenta, Mexican food, lasagna, pizza, and tomato-based dishes.
WINERY WEBSITE: AyG-Dit-Cabirol.pdf (azulygaranza.com)
D.O. Montsant, Spain
LangeTwins Criss Cross Cabernet Sauvignon
2020 | $12.99
DESCRIPTION
The twins’ great-grandparents set down agriculture roots in Lodi in the 1870s and began a family farm growing non-irrigated watermelons. The farm grew year over year and by 1916 the family purchased their first vineyard. It was on this farm that the twins’ dad gained experience of carrying on the family’s agricultural roots. The twins’ dad expanded their farm to include the River Ranch and the DeVries Road Ranch, where the twins grew up helping work the farm while exploring the surrounding land.
After returning from college, the twins purchased a small vineyard from their dad and began their farming partnership. It was here, the River Ranch, where they had countless childhood adventures, where they built their lives as neighbors, raised their families, and reignited their love for the land.
Today, with the fifth-generation grown-up, each child made a lifelong commitment to the family, joining the business with roles spanning across both the winery and viticulture teams. The decisions they make today are generational – ensuring their farm, their communities, and their agricultural way of life thrives.
Criss Cross is a joint venture between LangeTwins Winery and Vindel Sol. The winemakers are Karen Birmingham and David Akiyoshi. The Criss Cross wines are produced from premium A+ Vineyards in Clarksburg, California. It is vinified in a fruit-forward style that over-delivers for the price.
They lovingly Criss Cross their vineyards to pick the absolute best fruit for their wines. Hand-crafted in small lots, their estate wines reflect the characteristics of the vineyard of origin.
LangeTwins Criss Cross Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Criss Cross is a blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 4% Teroldego, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petite Verdot, and 1% other red grape. The
grapes are crushed in tanks for fermentation in a temperature-controlled environment for rich flavor and color extraction. The wine goes through extended maceration to add depth, structure, complexity and to stabilize the deep, red color of Cabernet Sauvignon. Then, it receives aerative racking for wine development.
The wine is aged in French and American oak.
TASTING NOTES
NOSE: This unique Cabernet Sauvignon offers ripe black currant aromas followed by blueberry, spice, cocoa, and toffee notes.
PALATE: Classic fully developed Cabernet Sauvignon. Cherry preserves and spices. Tannins are full and silky.
PAIRING:Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied red wine packed with tannin and pairs best with meaty dishes like steak, venison stew, roast beef, ostrich, squab, roasted lamb, and duck. With aged Cabernet Sauvignon, the tannins are softer, making them more appropriate for leaner cuts of meat like beef tenderloin or meaty fishes such as tuna, grilled swordfish, and steak. Eggplant and mushroom dishes are also wonderful with aged Cabernet Sauvignon. Younger Cabernet Sauvignon has harsh tannin that requires more flavorful and fatter cuts of meat such as ribeye steak, prime rib, and lamb chops.
WINERY WEBSITE: LangeTwins Family Winery and Vineyards
Lodi A.V.A., California
Lone Birch Red Blend
2020 | $13.99
DESCRIPTION
Our family has been farming in the Yakima Valley for over four generations. One of the pinnacle landmarks on our farm is the 70 year old Lone Birch Tree that resides amongst our vineyard. This tree not only provides shade to workers and direction to lost travelers, but most importantly, it provides inspiration to our family. The birch tree was planted by our great-great-grandfather, who had a great love for nature and was an inspirational steward of the land. This symbolic tree serves as a reminder of our commitment to care for the environment, reduce our carbon footprint, utilize sustainable farming practices, and ensure our farm lives on for generations to come.
Lone Birch Red Blend 2020
All the Lone Birch Wines are sourced from fruit from the 830-acre estate vineyard located in the Yakima Valley. Their vineyard site offers a long 190 day growing season, which allows for slow, steady fruit maturation. The warm days and the cool nights provided by the high desert environment allow the vines to produce exceptional balance with ripe fruit flavors and plenty of natural acidity.
The Lone Birch Red Blend is comprised of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot,3% Syrah, 1% Petit Verdot, and 1% Mourvèdre. Each block was harvested at optimal maturity in October, then sorted using an optical sorter before being sent to fermenters. Each block was then cold soaked for 48 hours, then warmed up and inoculated with several different yeast strains. During alcoholic fermentation, the extraction protocol is more aggressive early on before alcohol is present. This allows the wine team to obtain most of their extraction without the harshness of alcohol, then about 2/3 of the way through alcoholic fermentation they taper off the extraction and have a gentle approach that allows the wines fruit to be the star of the show and to obtain a balanced and lush palate. Going completely dry on the skins before removing the juice from the skins and sending the skins to the press to extract the remaining juice in the grapes before being sent to a variety of barrels and tanks. The 2020 Red Blend was aged in 34% new French oak, 25% 3-year-old French Oak, and 41% neutral oak for 11 months. The mixture of new and used French oak creates a more bountiful fruit forward profile that has a nice layer of oak that will not overpower the beautiful fruit aromas of the wine. This wine is hand-crafted in a balanced, approachable style that highlights the quality of fruit from Washington State.
TASTING NOTES
NOSE: Aromas display notes of red currant, blackberry, pie cherry, vanilla bean, and smoked figs.
PALATE: The palate is smooth with flavors of sweet espresso, dark chocolate, and smoked spices. The wine finished with balanced acidity, smooth tannins and gorgeous oak notes that linger on the palate.
PAIRING: Due to their versatility, red blends pair with a wide variety of dishes, and choosing a food based on the specific flavor profile of a given wine will lead to the best pairing. In general, red blends are great with pizza, meat-heavy dishes, and pasta with red sauce, as well as charcuterie boards, hearty stews, and juicy burgers.
Yakima Valley A.V.A., Washington
Domaine Plaimont Les Vieilles Vignes Saint-Mont
2016 | $11.99
DESCRIPTION
Located in the heart of South-West France, their vineyards stretch out over a uniquely rich terroir from the foothills of the Pyrenees to the rolling hills of Gascony.
It all began in the mid-1970s when André Dubosc – a third-generation wine grower – set out to build up the reputation of the wines from their region of South-West France. He and other passionate young winegrowers fashioned local dry white wines (now a PGI: Côtes de Gascogne), revived the Saint Mont appellation and gave a new breath of life to the Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh, made from late-harvested grapes. In 1979, these women and men, who put their heart, soul and know-how into producing the best the terroir could offer, decided to strengthen their foothold by uniting their wine cellars and estates. And so they set up the Plaimont union of cooperatives (“Pl” for Plaisance, “Ai” for Aignan and “Mont” for Saint Mont).
From the outset, Plaimont acquired the region’s finest châteaux and estates to rebuild those iconic vineyards and give a new impetus to the region. The Cave de Condom and many smaller wineries joined Plaimont to support its development.
Today, Plaimont represents 98% of the Saint Mont appellation (red, white and rosé), 55% of the Madiran appellation and Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh appellation and almost half of the Côtes de Gascogne PGI. Plaimont has become a leader in wines from South West France over just a few decades.
Its plant heritage (parcel of vines registered as a Heritage Site, Ampelographic Conservatory) and built heritage (Château Arricau-Bordes, Château de Sabazan, Château Saint-Go, Saint-Mont Monastery, Domaine de Cassaigne, etc.) are a testimony to the excellence of Plaimont production.
Plaimont is now comprised of an 800 member winegrower families, 5300 hectares of vines (5 to 8 hectares per winemaker) and 10 chateaux.
Domaine Plaimont Les Vieilles Vignes Saint-Mont 2016
Tannat is thought to originally be from the Basque region of France but is best known as the grape of Madiran located in the Southwest region along the foothills of the Pyrenees. Although most Madirans are 100% Tannat, they can also be blended with Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Fer. Tannat is, however, still found in Irouleguy in Basque country and this key location is how it made its way to South America. Around 1870, Basque immigrants brought vines with them to Uruguay where they then began to thrive. Today, more Tannat is grown and produced in Uruguay than it is anywhere else in the world.
TASTING NOTES
NOSE: Tannat exhibits black fruit, topsoil, herbs and wet stones.
PALATE: It can range from highly tannic and structured to softer and more rounded. It typically displays blackberry, current, plum, smoke, minerality, dried spices, but the berry quality can be fruitier and softer when it’s from Uruguay.
PAIRING: Tannat tends to work best with bolder dishes to stand up to the strength of its structure and flavor profile. Grilled game or lamb works very well for Tannat from Souom Uruguay, the options are broader: grilled meats of just about all kinds work well, though overly hot sauce will mask the nuances of the wine. For those from southwest France, as well as black olive, eggplant, and mushroom-based dishes.
FUN FACT:
A blend of Tannat, Pinenc (a native Occtaine grape with different names by location) and Cabernet Sauvigon, this wine is powerfully structured and dense. The wood aging still shows as a contrast with the bold black fruits.This will change as it matures into a rich wine with great concentration. Drink from 2021.
Wine Enthusiast Magazine- 91 Points
Saint Mont is the reference name for ampelographic research. Since 2002, there has been the first private conservatory in France, as well as the only vineyard listed as a Historic Monument in France.
WINERY WEBSITE:
Plaimont : Madiran wine, Pacherenc, Saint Mont & Côtes de Gascogne
Saint-Mont A.O.C., Sud-Ouest, France
APRIL 2023 WINES
TENUTA RAPITALA ‘NADIR’ SYRAH
2019 | $15.99
DESCRIPTION
Rapitalà, much like Sicily itself, is a mosaic of influences that comes together to create its unique identity. A marriage of Sicilian soul and French know-how, Rapitalà showcases the power and personality of Sicilian terroir with an elegant, French winemaking style.
In 1968, the French-born Count Hugues Bernard de la Gatinais, and his wife, Gigi Guarrasi from Palermo, Italy, inherited this estate from the Guarrasi family after it was destroyed by an earthquake. The winery was soon rebuilt, and vineyards were replanted to include not only indigenous varieties, but beloved French varieties as well. At the forefront of the quality revolution in Sicily, Rapitalà was one of the first five producers on the island to offer estate bottled wines, starting with the 1976 vintage.
Today, Rapitala’s over 550 contiguous acres are divided into 180 unique vineyard parcels. Each parcel is managed, harvested, and vinified separately, crafting optimal terroir expressions. As a result, Rapitalà has one of the longest harvest seasons, starting in August and ending in November, to ensure that each variety and parcel is picked at the right moment.
The work, started by Hugues de la Gatinais and his wife Gigi, is now carried on by their son, Laurent, with the same care and passion. He oversees Rapitala’s continuing mission to integrate and improve sustainable practices and new technologies into the property to achieve the purest expression of this region’s distinct terroir. Pushing beyond sustainability, Rapitalà is starting to certify some of its vineyards as organic.
Tenuta Rapitala ‘Nadir’ Syrah 2019
On Rapitala’s vineyard slope, at 1,000-1,300 feet of elevation, dark clay soils alternate with tuffaceous sand. This is the source for the Syrah destined for Nadir, which refers to a location opposite of the Zenith, and therefore the earth.
One-hundred percent estate fruit is grown on select parcels at 985-1,310 feet above sea level. The grapes are harvested mid-September. A cold, pre-maceration lasts for three days and is followed by temperature-controlled fermentation at 77°F. The result is a better extraction of aromas and tannins, which are smooth and enveloping. About 20% of the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation for four months in second passage, medium-toast French Allier barriques. The wine is then blended with the remaining lots and is aged in barriques for 12 months. In this way they produce a fragrant, fresh, fruity wine and maintain unaltered the varietal characteristics and structure and power expressed by the Syrah grown in the hot Sicilian climate.
TASTING NOTES
NOSE: Aromas of sea brine, red berry and dark spice waft out of the glass.
PALATE:This medium-bodied wine displays firm, drying tannins accompany dried cherry and a hint of ground clove.
PAIRING: Barbecue, especially spareribs; braised beef, barbecued and braised chicken, duck, aged hard cheeses like Gouda, and roasted pork with caramelized onions.
WINERY WEBSITE:
Cantina Tenuta Rapitalà - Gruppo Italiano Vini
Sicily D.O.C., Italy
BODEGAS Y VIÑEDOS TABERNERO CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2018 | $9.99
DESCRIPTION
The Tabernero winery was founded in 1897 by the Taboada family in the Chincha valley, 200 km south of Lima.
First, an expert in distillates and owner of over 250 hectares of vineyards, it is natural that Tabernero also turned to the development of the Pisco, which in recent years has seen an exponential growth of its world consumption. Tabernero, in fact, represents one of the leaders of the Peruvian wine industry, exporting its products all over the world.
BODEGAS Y VIÑEDOS TABERNERO Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
The result of a natural crossing a hundred-odd years ago between Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon today enjoys more worldwide popularity than both of its parents combined. It is the principal grape of Bordeaux, and as such has rightly earned its place among the greatest and most long-lived wines of the Old World; of course, it is also the most heralded grape of California, positioning it at the forefront of the New World wine scene. Today, Cabernet Sauvignon has a toehold (and then some) in virtually every winemaking country on earth, and remains one of the most popular varietals worldwide. Invariably full-bodied and frequently high in tannins, Cabernet Sauvignon is truly a powerhouse of a grape. In its highest form, Cabernet Sauvignon can age for over a century without losing structure. In Bordeaux, and elsewhere in the world, it is frequently blended with the Merlot grape (among others) to soften the overall profile of a wine.
TASTING NOTES
NOSE: Cassis and red currant.
PALATE: Notes of black cherry, black currant, cedar, graphite, and baking spices.
PAIRING: The rich flavor and high tannin content in Cabernet Sauvignon make it a perfect partner to rich grilled meats, peppery sauces, and dishes with high flavor.
FUN FACT:
Chincha, Lima, Peru
PODERE RUGGERI CORSINI ARGAMAKOW PINOT NERO
2017 | $30.99
DESCRIPTION
Loredana Addari and Nicola Argamante, both graduated in Agriculture and specialized in Viticulture and Oenology, were united by the same dream. In 1994 Addari and Argamante decided to change their lives and left the city life to buy a small estate in the heart of the Langhe. Monforte d'Alba, a historical village characteristic for its ancient stone houses. Located among the vineyard landscapes of the Piedmont UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is also one of the "100 most beautiful villages of Italy".
Today it is a family-run winery: the property is managed by the couple and their two daughters Francesca and Vittoria. The estate takes its name "Corsini" from the homonymous hamlet in Monforte d'Alba where it is located and "Ruggeri", from the surname of Nicola's mother, who contributed financially to the launch of their winery allowing them to give life to their dream.
At the beginning their production only consisted of the traditional wines of the Langhe: Dolcetto d'Alba, Barbera d'Alba and Barolo. As years went by and the winery was enlarged, they added more wines to the classics, including several reds, a rose and two white wines.
In 1997 they started exporting to the United States of America, which today is our main market.
Podere Ruggeri Corsini Argamakow Pinot Nero 2017
Among all the red grape varieties of the world, Pinot Noir is considered one of the noblest (the only other comparison could be the Nebbiolo grape) and, at the same time, one of the most difficult to fully understand. It is, in fact, both for the oenologist and for the consumer one of the most complex and interesting tastings. Native to the French region of Burgundy, base of the most important wines of the area (and among the most famous ones of the world), pinot noir can also be found in the region of Champagne, mainly in the Mount of Reims, and, more recently, it has spread outside Europe: particularly in Oregon and California. Pinot Noir has a ruby red color and a typical bouquet of berries (especially currant, but also blackberry and raspberry). It is also rich in polyphenolic substances that allow a long aging.
Argamakow is 100% pinot noir that has been aged for 18 months in Barrique. The grapes are harvested from the Monforte d’Alba vineyard exclusively.
TASTING NOTES
NOSE: Notes of sour red cherry, raspberry, strawberry, cranberry, plum, currant, and pomegranate notes.
PALATE: Mature Pinot Nero develops mushroom, forest floor, and gamey notes and with the addition of oak tobacco, smoke, white pepper, and spice.
PAIRING: Ideally paired with pasta and rice dishes, meat, cold meats, and meatier fish.
WINERY WEBSITE: Podere Ruggeri Corsini
Langhe D.O.C., Piemonte, Italy
Bodegas Juan Gil Amona Tempranillo
2020 | $11.99
DESCRIPTION
The Rioja region in North-Central Spain offers what many consider to be one of the world’s benchmark areas for Tempranillo. Why? Well, top quality examples from this area age tremendously well.
At 10 years they evolve into polished red wines with rich red fruit notes. At 20 years they soften and subtly sweeten with nutty and dried fruit characteristics.
Bodegas Juan Gil Amona Tempranillo 2020
The Bodega’s latest release, Amona (Grandmother), displays a fresh fruit forward style with a medium body. The label is sentimental to the family showing a protection amulet symbolising their grandmother, nine branches representing her nine children, and leaves that represent each of the grandchildren. From the heart of Rioja Alavesa comes the most endearing project of the Gil family. Rosario Vera is not just any winery, but the way to remember the mother and co-founder of the family label. Founded in 2017, Rosario Vera is the newest winery from Gil Family Estates. It is located in the town of Laguardia in the D.O.Ca. of Rioja, Spain. The Rioja Alavesa area was chosen because of its proximity to the Sierra de Cantabria. The mountainous alignment isolates La Rioja from maritime influence. The precipitation that takes place is mainly in spring and autumn. Rosario Vera’s vineyards consist of small plots, planted 15 to 60 years ago. Calcareous clay soils, the climate, as well as high altitude, make a perfect place to grow vines and obtain high quality grapes.
TASTING NOTES
NOSE: Aromas of cherry, dried fig, cedar, tobacco, and dill.
PALATE: Fruit flavors are generally in the red fruit spectrum such as red cherry, black cherry, raspberry with subtle savory fruit notes like dried tomato, red pepper, and dill.
PAIRING: Bolder, aged Tempranillo wines pair nicely with steak, gourmet burgers and rack of lamb. Fresher styles match well with baked pasta and other tomato-based dishes.
FUN FACTS: Well-crafted Tempranillo wines age for two or more decades.
WINERY WEBSITE: Gil Family Estates
Rioja DOCa, Spain
Marc Cellars Pinot Noir
2021 | $11.99
DESCRIPTION
Step into Marc Cellars and you’re transported to a simpler time. Behind their cellar door, they are applying Old World traditional winemaking techniques to exemplary fruit sourced from the finest vineyards.
Marc Cellars Pinot Noir 2021
Marc Cellars is 100% Pinot Noir sourced from select vineyards throughout California. They carefully picked their Pinot Noir grapes during the cool night and morning hours. Once at the winery, the grapes were de-stemmed, gently pressed and cold soaked for several days prior to fermentation. They used both open top fermenters, which provide more intense color and soften tannins, as well as stainless steel, to protect Pinot Noir’s delicate fruit nuances. After fermentation, the wine is aged six to eight months on French oak.
TASTING NOTES
NOSE: Fragrant cherry, cranberry and red raspberry aromas.
PALATE: Notes of cloves, caramel, and spice, with a crisp yet silky finish.
PAIRING: Roasted chicken, turkey, beef, duck, mushroom and truffle, rabbit, and wild game.
California, USA
Oak Ridge Winery Maggio Zinfandel
2020 | $9.99
DESCRIPTION
Theirs is a story of family, farming, and winemaking. Angelo Maggio arrived in Lodi in 1906, immigrating from the Italian coast of Genova with his wife, Louisa. The first cuttings were planted in 1928 on the property of their first ranch home, which laid the foundation for the long, winding journey that culminates in the production powerhouse that is Oak Ridge Winery. Originally built in 1934, the winery itself was once a wine-making cooperative. As multigenerational farmers, Angelo, his son Roy, and eventually his grandson Rudy, were active participants, growing grapes to supply to winemakers around the country. When the facility was placed on the market in 2002, it was Roy’s son, Rudy, who saw this as an opportunity to expand on their long history of grape growing by producing quality wines of their very own. His intentions went far beyond a desire to dust off a piece of history; the Maggio family transformed it into a state-of-the-art winery capable of meeting the quality, style, and volume demands of a growing and evolving marketplace.
Rudy’s three daughters, each wine growers in their own right, now oversee the operations at Oak Ridge Winery, with a focus on hospitality, brand building, and expansion. A multigenerational operation, their vineyards, along with those of their father’s, account for 2,500 acres throughout the Lodi American Viticultural Area (AVA).
Oak Ridge Winery Maggio Zinfandel 2020
This wine is a beautiful blend of 85% Zinfandel and 15% Petite Sirah. The fruit for Maggio Family Vineyards wine is sourced entirely from their sustainably farmed, family-owned estate vineyards in Lodi, California. Lodi enjoys warm days and cool nights which allows the grapes to fully ripen while maintaining their natural acidity. After fermentation, this wine spends 6 months in 70% French oak and 30% American oak.
TASTING NOTES
NOSE: Aromas of cherry, blackberry, and currant notes and hints of star anise, licorice, and cardamom.
PALATE: This medium-bodied wine matches exuberant fruit flavors with a generous dash of spicy oak. Nicely concentrated blackberry and raspberry notes fill the mouth while a juicy texture keeps it balanced.
PAIRING: Barbecue, turkey, meat-topped pizzas, braises, and stews.
WINERY WEBSITE:
Oak Ridge Winery
Lodi A.V.A., California
FEBRUARY 2023 WINES
-
BLACK CABRA MALBEC
-
COPPOLA MAMMARELLA RED BLEND
-
BODEGAS VOLVER 'TARIMA' MONASTRELL
-
ECHEVERRIA GRAN RESERVA CABERNET
-
CHATEAU LES MASSIOTS BORDEAUX
-
FIRESTEED PINOT NOIR
Black Cabra Malbec
MALBEC | 2020 | $9.99
DESCRIPTION
The Black Cabra (goat) is a common sight in the Argentine Andes where the winery and vineyards are located. These wines are produced from the estate vineyards and crafted in their state-of-the-art winery, Bodega Zolo, by winemaker Fabian Valenzuela and vineyard manager Carlos Correas. The President and Owner is Patricia Ortiz. Their wines are 100% sustainably farmed.
By far the largest and best-known winemaking province in Argentina, Mendoza is responsible for over 70% of the country’s enological output. Set in the eastern foothills of the Andes Mountains, the climate is dry and continental, presenting relatively few challenges for viticulturists during the growing season. Mendoza is divided into several distinctive sub-regions, including Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley, it is the source of some of the country’s finest wines.
Black Cabra Malbec 2020
This wine is 100% malbec grape that comes from 11-year-old vines that are hand-harvested. A cold pre-maceration takes place for 3 days to extract color and aromas. It is then fermented in stainless steel tanks for approximately 10-14 days in contact with French innerstaves. Then, it is bottled and aged for 6-8 months in oak barrels.
TASTING NOTES
NOSE: Aromas of black cherry, blueberry, and plum with a hint of leather, cedar, and smoke.
PALATE: Lush flavors of plums, strawberries, cherries,and a hint of vanilla with a fresh and balanced mouthfeel.
PAIRING: This wine will pair nicely with steak game, pork, and lamb as well as fattier fish like salmon.
FUN FACTS: James Suckling- 91 Points.
Lots of rich, ripe fruit, but in a balanced and serious way. Full-bodied with medium, round, and savory tannins and a delicious, juicy finish. Serious value. Drink or hold.
Best Buy, Wine & Spirits (’20)
Coppola Mammarella Red Blend
Red blend | 2018 | $12.99
DESCRIPTION
Francis Ford Coppola Winery was a family-owned and operated winery located in the heart of Sonoma County, the birthplace of the California wine industry. Situated in Alexander Valley, an appellation known for producing superior Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon, Francis Ford Coppola Winery produced more than forty wines and entertained visitors in an inspiring vineyard setting.
In August 2021 the Delicato Family Vineyards announced the acquisition of the Francis Ford Coppola wine portfolio and two facilities anchored in Sonoma County, the Francis Ford Coppola Winery and the Virginia Dare Winery located in Geyserville.
TASTING NOTES
NOSE: Aromas of bright fruit jam, violets, and spice notes.
PALATE: This wine is soft and round with integrated tannins, juicy, fruit-forward, and full of black cherries, red currants, strawberry jam, and plum with a hint of mocha.
PAIRING: Beef, lamb, and veal
Bodegas Volver ‘Tarima’ Monastrell
Monastrell | 2020 | $12.99
DESCRIPTION
The project of Bodegas Volver was founded in 2004 by Rafael Canizares, enologist through studies and viticulturist through his family tradition of four generations of winemaking. Their most prized asset are vines between 30 and 90 years old, and indigenous varieties cultivated in a sustainable way with minimal intervention.
Bodegas Volver ‘Tarima’ Monastrell 2020
This wine is 100% monastrell grape. The grape is also known as Mourvèdre or Mataro in other parts of the world. It is a prominent component of France’s Rhone blends called GSM (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre) Monastrell, according to wine expert Jancis Robinson, often have wild game or earthy notes with soft red fruit.
The grapes for ‘Tarima’ Monastrell are sorted meticulously at the winery, and fermented in stainless steel tanks by indigenous yeast. Malolactic fermentation occurs in tank, and the wine is transferred to second vintage French oak barrels for aging. In this case, the used barrels from the making of the previous year’s Tarima Hill wine. Then, it is aged for 6 months in second vintage French oak Bordelaise and Burgundy barrels.
TASTING NOTES
NOSE: Red raspberries, cooked cherries, plums, and mulberries show on the nose.
PALATE: The wine is a mix of black and red fruit wrapped in herbs, chocolate, and spice.
PAIRING: This medium to full-bodied wine has high tannins. It naturally pairs well with hearty and meaty dishes. For example: hamburgers, pizza, short ribs, veal, pork, lamb, sausage, game and grilled meats. It would be perfect for a barbecue.
FUN FACTS: James Suckling- 90 Points
Echeverria Gran Reserva Cabernet
Cabernet | 2018 | $10.99
DESCRIPTION
The vineyards at Vina Echeverria are in the Curico’ Valley and the rows are planted in an east-westerly direction to potentiate the sun’s exposure. They work with a model of micro viticulture, which means that each plot, no more than half a hectare, is identified according to its terroir and microclimate and planted, pruned, irrigated and harvested accordingly, resulting in grapes of optimum quality and flavor.
The Echeverria family came to Chile in the 1750s, from a little town called Amezqueta in the Basque region of Spain. They established agricultural properties in the north of Santiago, where they planted vineyards, among other crops.
Some 200 years later in 1930, Roger Piffre de Vauban, a French engineer from Montpellier, and Roberto Echeverria’s maternal grandfather, traveled to Chile and hence to Chile’s Curico’ Valley some 200m south of the capital Santiago. Here he planted ungrafted vines from pre- phylloxera French origin on an expanse of land called La Estancia, in a little town called Molina. He established there what, at the time, was a frontier technology winery with French equipment and machinery brought directly from France. Its aim was to supply high quality wines for the domestic market.
Today Vina Echeverria is still a family-owned and managed estate winery with Roberto Echeverria as President, and its vineyards and house occupy the same location as they did nearly 100 years ago. The 65 hectares of sustainably farmed vineyards in Chile’s Central Valley are planted, tended, and harvested by the Echeverria family.
Echeverria Gran Reserva Cabernet 2018
The Gran Reserva cabernet is a dark and dusty garnet color made from 100% cabernet grapes from select vineyards that were hand-harvested and aged in French oak barrels between 10 and 12 months.
TASTING NOTES
NOSE: Intense aromas of red cherries and black pepper with a smoky, earthy background.
PALATE: In the mouth this wine is medium-bodied with fresh, mellow tannins, notes of black cassis, black cherry, and eucalyptus with a long and elegant finish.
PAIRING: Pot roast, steak, potatoes, and beef stew
FUN FACTS:
Vegetarian & Vegan
Tim Atkins Chilean Wines Report UK 90 Points – Echeverria Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Wine & Spirits Magazine- 90 Points – Echeverria Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Chateau Les Massiots Bordeaux
Bordeaux | 2019 | $11.99
DESCRIPTION
Monsieur Touton Selection Ltd. has its headquarters in Manhattan, New York. They are a global resource for 4000+ premium wine and spirits, sourcing from over 20 countries. Guillaume Touton founded his import and wholesale company Monsieur Touton Selection Ltd. 36 years ago. Chateau Les Massiots is located in Lamothe-Landerron, the vineyard covers 15 hectares, the vines are planted on clay-limestone hillsides.
Chateau Les Massiots Bordeaux 2019
This Bordeaux rouge is a blend of 65% merlot, 30% cabernet sauvignon, and 5% cabernet franc. The vines average 20 years old. This medium-bodied wine is a beautiful balance of earth and fruit. This wine is considered a ‘Right Bank’ wine due to its dominant percentage of merlot. A ‘Left Bank’ wine would have a higher percentage of cabernet sauvignon.
TASTING NOTES
NOSE: Aromas of black currant, plum, and earthy notes of wet gravel.
PALATE: Bursting with mineral and fruit notes.
PAIRING: Charcuterie, red meats, roast lamb, venison, duck breast, and French Comte cheese.
Firesteed Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir | 2020 | $12.99
DESCRIPTION
Firesteed Cellars was founded in 1992. Firesteed opened its official winery and tasting room off the beaten path in Rickreall, Oregon in 2002, where production remains to this day.
Since its founding, the mission of Firesteed has been to create wines that represent the finest expression of varieties suited to the distinctive growing regions in Oregon, most notably Pinot Noir.
Firesteed Pinot Noir 2020
Despite the pandemic and weather-related challenges of 2020, this vintage of Firesteed Oregon Pinot Noir saw perfect growing conditions to fully ripen — low yields, concentrated fruit flavors and intense color and richness. They were very fortunate that their early ripening vineyards were harvested before the fires in Southern Oregon and the location of the primary Willamette Valley vineyards were far enough away to escape the damaging smoke. They are very proud of this 2020 Oregon Pinot Noir which is truly a product of the diverse growing regions of Oregon.
The 2020 Pinot Noir continues the Firesteed tradition of a consistent fruit-driven style, achieved with gentle techniques in the cellar and imagination in the vineyard. The grapes were fermented in a combination of small open top fermenters and stainless-steel fermenting tanks with selected yeasts propagated from cellars in Burgundy, France pressed during the last days of fermentation and racked as soon as the wine finished malolactic fermentation. Aging took place in a combination of small French oak barrels and larger stainless-steel tanks.
TASTING NOTES
NOSE: Ruby red in color with a lively pop of cherry on the nose, followed by earthy notes, toasted oak, and cedar.
PALATE: Flavors of cranberry and mouth watering acidity highlight the palate, which shows balanced fruit and has a smooth, lingering finish.
PAIRING: Pinot noir is a very versatile grape. It pairs well with fish (think salmon), chicken, red meat, mushroom risotto, and vegetable dishes.
CONTACT HOLIDAY MARKET WINE DEPARTMENT