Cave de Tain 2018 “Gardes” Syrah A driving force behind the Rhône Valley revival, the Cave de Tain is breaking new ground. This ambitious cooperative structure has accustomed us to intense wines of unquestionable quality, offered at unbeatable prices. Now they’ve taken it to the next level, and we’re delighted. With its conversion to organic farming and rigorous selection process, the cooperative is one of the major players in the Northern Rhône. The 2018 Red Syrah Domaine des Gardes is a pure Syrah from sandy soils, aged exclusively in wooden vats. The result is a fresh, deep and intense juice, perfectly ripe, with notes of violets and black fruits. An elegant wine, pure and fresh, with delicate tannins, and so irresistible!
Vignerons de Tautavel Vingrau 2016 Roussillon Silex The vineyards of the Vignerons de Tautavel Vingrau extend over 980 hectares, divided into numerous small plots, mainly located around Tautavel and Vingrau, but also in the neighboring villages of Maury, Opoul and Montner. In 1996, the quality of this valley’s wines was recognized by the creation of a new appellation with a commune name – Côtes du Roussillon Villages Tautavel. The wines are made on clay-limestone and schist marl soils, with very low yields. Big, bold and rich. 80% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 10% Carignan. So much going on in this wine. Aromas of milk chocolate covered cherries, wet stones and earthy spices. Lush red fruit flavors with notes of cola, blueberries and grilled herbs. A hint of chocolate fudge on the bright finish. Medium tannins and velvety texture. Excellent!
Domaine de Pajot 2020 “Le Betoulin” Côtes de Gascogne Rouge Most winegrowers in the region of Gascogne sell their grapes to the local coop. This is not the case with Domaine de Pajot – The father and son team of Damien and Clement Barreau are known in Gascogne as one of the region’s quality leaders. From native varietals, this medium bodied, peppery red reminds us of Fall weather, even if a little bit early in this new shipment. Enjoy this with takeout Peking Duck – Sound odd? Try it and you’ll understand..
Vignobles du Paradis 2020 Chinon Cabernet Franc Tours, Chinon is the birthplace of Vignobles du Paradis. Chinon wine is made mainly from Cabernet Franc, called “Breton” in Touraine. Specializing in all Cabernet Franc, today they operate nearly 30 hectares of AOP Chinon Rouge, Rosé and Blanc on 3 Clos and 2 Domaines. A dark and powerful wine, with a seductive floral nose with notes of violet, ripe fruit and roasted bell pepper. This is a spectacular value for Chinon, and perfect for your next backyard BBQ.
Anko 2020 “Tigerstone” Garnacha New vintage! Anko Garnacha comes from Argentina’s most northern vineyards in Cafayate (in Salta), made by two of the most acclaimed winemakers: Jeff Mausbach & Alejandro Sejanovich. Anko means “high water” in the native Indian language of Salta, located in the northwest corner of Argentina. The vineyard, Tigerstone, is indeed an oasis amid the surrounding jagged, high desert landscape. Intense sunshine at 5,700′ elevation produces concentrated dark fruit flavors.Currant, blueberry, tobacco and stone aromas. It’s medium-bodied with fine tannins and bright acidity. Fresh and clean. Drink now!
Shortman 2023 Red Blend The Shortman Red Blend is as much about lifestyle as it is about the celebration the wonderful grapes deserve. Shortman Red blend is from the Yakima Valley, Airport Ranch Vineyard. It is sourced from carefully selected blocks of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. The winemakers are selective about the fruit that goes into this wine to ensure that vintage after vintage, they are producing an exceptional blend. It is a wine you serve when you want to show people you care about them. Or, sometimes it’s just for you – because you’ve earned it. Shortman Red has a plush texture with modest acidity and velvety tannins. Aromas of boysenberries, graphite and cheatgrass, with Bing cherry, raisin scone and walnut flavors. Pleasant, easy sipping.
Spring Seed 2022 Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon From McLaren Vale Australia, this is a blend of two of the most delicate yet brilliantly aromatic varieties, which produce a fine effect in the glass. A nose of cut grass and fig leads to a balanced, middle weight palate and finishes with a crisp, fresh, lime/lemon persistence. Perfect served chilled as an aperitif or with seafood, Thai spice or… well, the list is endless.
Domaine Catherine et Didier Tripoz 2020 “Clos des Tournons” Macon-Charnay Blanc Single-Vineyard, uber-expressive Macon Charnay from our favorite farmers in the village, Didier & Catherine Tripoz! This was one of our pre-frost “binge buys” and quickly became one of our favorites. Established in 1989, Domaine Catherine et Didier Tripoz is located in Charnay-lès-Mâcon at the southern end of the Mâcon appellation in eastern France. The village sits on the outskirts of the town of Mâcon, just about 100 miles from Geneva, Switzerland. This dry white wine is produced from Chardonnay grapes from which it draws all the advantages from the region, including climate, soil, and know-how. Balanced, rather mineral wine with a fruity touch. Vanilla aromas, some buttery notes and aromas of honey and quince, very long in the mouth.
Weingut Wohlmuth 2023 Sauvignon Blanc “Ried Phyllit” Erste Lage Kitzeck im Sausal is a village that deserves high praise. That’s because it boasts the highest-in-elevation wine estates in Austria. But it takes more than a mountaintop to create great wine. It takes many generations of the Wohlmuth family who have been making 100% single-estate-grown wine here since 1803! The Ried Phyllite Sauvignon Blanc is grown on steep slopes (40-60%) in Paleozoic shale soils at altitudes of 400-540m. Very late and selective hand-picking, 8 to 16 hours maceration, gentle and slow pressing. Spontaneous fermentation in used large wooden barrels. Matured on the yeast for 6 months. Spicy, smoky, multi-layered aromas, complex, with strong terroir character.
Produttori del Gavi 2023 “Il Forte” Gavi DOCG Fresh vintage! You could call Gavi the “queen” of Piedmont’s white wines – Gavi must be made from the local varietal Cortese, and Cortese translates to “gracious” in Italian. Cortese has thin skins, naturally high acid, and it needs a warm climate to grow in. Nowhere does it grow better than in Southeastern Piedmont just North of the Ligurian coast. At its best Cortese is bone dry with lemon/peach flavors. Add in some seafood and you are instantly transported to a very happy place. This 2019 is intense straw-yellow in color. Fruity scents of peach lead with a light almond note, extremely fine and delicate stuff here. Very fresh and lively in the mouth thanks to its good acidity and due to its creamy texture on the palate, it matches surprisingly well with red-meat dishes!
Lone Birch 2023 Pinot Gris This family owned winery produces some of the best value wines in Washington’s Yakima Valley. For four generations, Lone Birch has been devoted to farming in the Yakima Valley. A pinnacle landmark on the farm is the 70-year-old Lone Birch Tree, standing tall amidst their vineyard. Beyond offering shade and directional guidance, this tree serves as an inspiration to all to be stewards of the land. Planted by their great-grandfather, who had a fond love for nature, the Lone Birch Tree reminds us of our commitment to reduce our carbon footprint and utilize sustainable farming practices to ensure the lasting vitality of farms for many generations to come. An enticing bouquet of tropical fruit leads to a well-balanced, medium-bodied mouthfeel with luscious flavors of pineapple, pear, and white peach.
Domaine Riffault 2023 Sancerre Rosé This is a third-generation producer, with father Pierre handing things over to son Bertrand in 2005. Bertrand brings a bit of a unique (and more urban) background to what is overall a fairly provincial scene in Chaudoux – He returned home to the winery after earning a Master’s degree in Sociology, and is just as interested in music and cooking as he is winegrowing. This Rose Sancerre comes from vines averaging 25 years in age. The Pinot Noir grapes are manually sorted, immediately pressed, and vinified in stainless steel vats. The nose offers fresh scents of peaches and candies enhanced by a hint of menthol minerality. The salivating and lemony finish perfectly complements the beautiful acidity of this wine, with notes of strawberry on a background of citrus and melon.
