Friday Sips

Drop by today for a special pre-holiday weekend Thursday Sips to taste the flavors listed below and probably other fine bottles based upon Bryan's adjudications and assertions.

As always, pre-holiday Sips are always fun becuase one never knows what greatness may be uncorked. We highly encourage you to come and hang with the family!

**NOTE - The Cellar Door will be closed on Friday September 4 for the long weekend and will return Tuesday September 8 at 9:30 AM**

The story of Luce Delle Vite goes something like this: The idea of a collaborative project between two of the wine world’s largest influences (Robert Mondavi and Vittorio Frescobaldi) came about in the early 90s. Obtaining an estate adjacent to Frescobaldi’s Castelgiocondo in Montalcino, the initial wines were released with much fanfare and anticipation in 1997. Roll forward to 2004 when Constipation Brands, oops, I mean Constellation Brands controversially took over Mondavi, the Frescobaldi family set out to take full control of Luce Delle Vite as well as Ornellaia accomplishing the feat in 2005. These days the wines are better than ever and are virtual pillars for Super Tuscan offerings in the Montalcino zone.

Sangiovese/Merlot blend, the 2012 Lucente is the second wine of Luce and is a remarkable value. The 2012 delivers up lovely, well-crafted scents of blueberry, coffee, smoke, and hints of tobacco. Intermittent spicy tones from a thoughtful use of small barrels combines nicely with the harmonious, succulent and flavorful fruit on both the nose and palate with a cocoa and sage influence on the snappy, red-tinged, packed finish. A delicious, very well honed, serious effort from one of Tuscany’s masters that doesn’t require one to rob a bank in order to secure a bottle. Enjoy over the next 5-7 years with a grilled steak wrapped in bacon.

Located about an hour west of Sancerre, outside the city of Bourges, Quincy (pronounced can-see) is a white wine made with 100% Sauvignon Blanc and Domaine Rouze is, without a doubt, the appellation's most important producer. Jacques Rouze is a large man who grumbles and mumbles when he speaks, making it a challenge to comprehend what he's saying, especially if French isn't your native tongue. His fierce and flavorful white wines however, are anything but difficult to understand.

Vignes d’Antan, meaning vines of yesteryear are from a little over 8-acre parcel of vines planted between 1920 and 1940. Since we were first introduced to this wine in 2006, we have consistently referred to it as The Sancerre Slayer, especially since many are now selling for north of $25 and this wine will smash so many of them. 2014 in this area of the Loire Valley is an apex vintage and one that the growers compare to having the fruit of 1996 and the terse minerality of 2008, both exquisite years. The Rouze Quincy Vignes D’Antan kicks serious ass once again and unfolds with mandarin, gooseberry, fine herbs and prominent, piercing smoke and powdery rock aromas. In the mouth, the old vines deliver depth and penetration while the minerality brings about spine-tingling nervosity and dimension. Moreover, did I mention the finish, yes; it seemingly goes for what seems an eternity. A beautiful match with grilled salmon or scallops, this wine also will cellar beautifully. There are seven cases available, get in on this one before it disappears!

Something of a rarity in a very high rent neighborhood is this bomb of a Tempranillo from quite an influential figure. Frenchman Bertrand Sourdais singlehandedly put the far eastern, high elevation portion of Ribera del Duero on the map by making the wines at Atauta. When the global economic downturn occurred in 2009, Bertrand went back to France but the sirens of this area always had been beckoning and thus became the genesis of Antidoto.

Continuing his exploration of the area, Bertrand is focusing on a single varietal (Tempranillo) and site, specifically utilizing pre-phyloxerra vines as this area with its proliferation of sandy soils has an abundance of ancient vines. The other beauty of this wine is that there is absolutely no aging in new barrels; it is all about neutrality and sense of place. Cool climate prevails here and the virtual fragrance and complexity of Rioja seemingly inspires this wine but is backed up beautifully with the fullness, power and depth of Ribera Del Duero. The natural stanchness of the fruit is massaged into a structure that seduces the palate, caressing the tongue with an almost velvet-like texture. The presence of coolness is important for the wines reflection of their NE Ribera sector terroir. Fresh-cut flowers, mineral, creamy marionberry permeate from the glass following to a savory texture and is chock full of earth and spice. Refined and scrumptious now, it will easily develop for 4-5 years as well.