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.
