Friday Sips

Come give Bryan a swift kick in the posterior before he heads off to France by tasting 4 delicious treats. These are jsut to start, no one knows which direction it will all go as we open corks! Pre-Holiday Sips are always the best!

In 1999 this classic Provencal Chateau and its vineyards were revitalized and purchased by Tom Beve, an American who formerly owned Chateau Miraval which so many of you enjoyed in the past. Located in a different spot than Miraval and possessing different terroir, this Rose is prototype of what good, well crafted, Southern French Rose should be.

Made from 45% Cinsault, 25% Grenache, 15% Syrah & 15% Mourvedre this pearl of a dry pink wine is lightly macerated on its skins for a few hours then gently pressed to put forth something quite complex and complete. A mouthful of yum, but just as important, one whiff will transport you to the land of lavender! Smoke, subtle spice, strawberry-watermelon notes jump from the glass and lead into a sophisticated and lip-smacking texture that shows itself to be both a regal and serious Rose that is not only just for slamming back, it is great to take to the table. Mascaronne Rose is perfect fodder with grilled tombo tuna, grilled salmon, vegetable-driven salads and goat cheese slathered in olive oil and provencal herbs.

A super wine from a historic and top Brunello di Montalcino producer that is an unabashed Tuscan guzzler.

Sangiovese, Ciliegiolo, Cabernet & Merlot, this wine is like a fine chef blending various spices, both traditional and exotic.2012 a delicious vintage in Southern Tuscany and this flavorful number reveals mouth-filling, yet smooth and abundant scents and flavors of wild cherry, cassis, sage and pepper. Lots of character and class, this wine is a great Thursday evening pasta wine. Enjoy it now and enjoy it often.

Barnaby and Olga Tuttle, the minds behind Teutonic Wine Company, have been making some of Oregon’s most intriguing wines. When it comes to their Germanic-styled white wines, there aren’t too many doing it better. Eleven is a nod to Spinal Tap and turning up the pleasure factor to that particular number, this early Muscat from the eastern side of the Willamette Valley is semi-dry and checks in at a mere 10.5% alcohol.

Exotically fragrant with aromas of white peach, citrus, blossom and jasmine it is clean and lively with a kiss of sweetness. On the palate, this bursts with fine texture allowing it to be a first class aperitif. Even better is that it marries very well with Asian spice and yes, folks, asparagus! Perhaps the most impressive thing about this Oregon white is its deceptive long, snap-back finish that sticks around pleasantly well after the wine is swallowed. Tired of the staid Pinot Gris, then go on and have a real Oregon wine adventure with something that will rock your world!

Many Cellar Door friends will recognize Laurent Pillot's name from their purchases of his exquisite white wines and recently we have been equally as excited over Laurent's top-drawer red wines as well. Through marriage, Laurent has scored red wine vineyards from several grand villages within the Cotes-de-Beaune. Tavannes is a single vineyard within Pommard, of which a portion is Premier Cru. Pillot owns a little under 1½ acres of relatively old Pinot Noir vines and this wine is quite remarkable given its price.

Sexy, soil-action nose with ironstone riding shotgun alongside ripe currant on top of blackberry, cep and semi-exotic spice. Fanning out and seducing the palate yet having plenty of structure, spine and depth all without being old-fashioned virile, hard-nosed Pommard due to Laurent being one of a group of young producers who are re-defining the image of this famous appellation. Chewy, lingering red-tones shine on the nicely formed finish. A super value for red Burgundy that will drink and develop for 10-12 years.