Friday Sips

4 wines that may or may not be revolutionary but certainly are delicious to drink. Also to coincide with the sunshine and arrival of some new dry Rose wines, today features 2 new pink wines that are sure to bring a smile to your face.

The large appellation around Mont Ventoux is quite exciting these days, however, there is sort of a duality thing going on. In one corner, you have wines that are light, fruity, soulful bistro wines that can be unabashed porch pounders. In the other corner, you have wines such as this one. Small, youthfully exuberant growers who have purchased old vineyards and excel in bringing forth the many undiscovered, diverse terroirs that this Provencal region possesses.

From Nancy and a pharmacist for 5 years, Philippe Gimmel founded Saint-Jean de Barroux in 2003 after doing stints at famed Chateauneuf producers Beaucastel and Janasse. Originally starting with just over 10 acres, Philippe has gradually expanded to 29 acres spread out over three sections from just beneath Mont Ventoux to the Dentelles de Montmirial, all of vastly different terroirs. Organic farming takes foot at this estate and the wines are full-scaled yet with all of the poise and freshness desired for wines from this area.

75% Grenache with the remaining 25% blended with Syrah, Carignan and Cinsault from 40-year-old vines, L’Argile is aged in concrete for 24 months and further in bottle until Philippe decides that the wine is ready for release. Serious garrigue notes of lavender, thyme, olive blackberry and pronounced rosemary. Bold depth, very penetrating and yet a bit devilish. Voluptuous entry with lots of kirsch flavors in the mouth that enhance the wine’s spine and provide brightness. The telltale high elevation fruit here seems almost wind-blown and really shows its mettle on the brilliantly focused, generous finish that is laden with white pepper. Toss some lamb chops with aromatic herbs on to the grill and enjoy this masterpiece through 2021.

Since 1990, Christophe Sabon has become one the kings of Grenache in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and along the way has received many mighty accolades. Not only does he make top-level Chateauneuf, he also makes delicious, very detailed Cotes-du-Rhone and this offering, a stunning Cotes-du-Rhone Rose.

An organically grown blend of 50% Grenache, 30% Cinsault, 10% Syrah and 10% Counoise, this wine is provencal rose to a ‘T’ and rocks with alluring scents of plum pit, sappy raspberry, lemon and subtle mineral then this dry wine assaults the senses in the mouth with flavor and crispness that make you crave another sip! If you've ever traveled in the South of France, you will know what we mean. One sip will bring you back to Avignon, Arles and their environs, and if you haven't been there, this will be an experience that will make you want to visit, and just to keep on guzzling again and again. Given the producer, there is plenty of pedigree to go along with the fun. Grilling fish on a warm day? Then a bottle or 6 is just what the wine doctor ordered! FAIR WARNING - ONLY 28 CASES ARRIVED IN OREGON AND THIS WINE WILL SELL THROUGH IN RAPID FASHION!!

James Brown, Barry White, Marvin Gaye. Hell if you're a young Rioja drinker, one whiff of this dry rose will not only reveal soul, it'll make you want to break-dance! A long-time favorite red and white Rioja producer, Ostatu’s philosophy of old vines that speak of terroir certainly follows over to their mouth-watering, gushing pink wine.

70% Tempranillo, 30% Garnacha from 60-70 year old vines really drive this wine. Alluring morello cherry, smoked herbs, dried rose petals and an underlay of mineral dominate the complex nose. In the mouth, it is mouth-watering, savory and attractive with lots of flavor, depth and intrigue. The finish is vibrant and quite long. As usual, this is great wine with traditionally prepared seafood dishes or alone on the porch, but do not be afraid to pair it with spicy, sassy Latino or Asian preparations, too. ¡Un ejemplo magnífico de un vino muy bonito que es económico y delicioso!

To say that Oregon Pinot Noir hotshot Marcus Goodfellow is killing it would be a big understatement. From his Pinots to his whites and now this smashing, Northern Rhone-inspired blend everything that comes from this cellar seemingly is over the moon in top quality/price rapport. I’ve known Marcus for 20 years and The Cellar Door has been long time friends with him and many years ago we all shared a hell of a lot of top-level French wines from the Northern Rhone, particularly those if Alain Graillot in Crozes-Hermitage as well as a few from Côte-Rôtie masters like Gentaz and Gerin.

90% Syrah & 10% Viognier. No, this isn't rose, it's traditional to blend a bit of Viognier in as they would do in Côte-Rôtie for aromatics, acidity and lift. Deux Vert Vineyard is in the Yamhill-Carlton District and planted in 1994 and 1995, these Syrah and Viognier vines and grapes have proven what many of us have long thought, Syrah can thrive well in the Willamette Valley. The warmth of 2012 is present but no hairs are out of place with this wine. Aged in neutral barrels, Marcus is absolutely going for varietal strength as well as being a great vehicle for the sedimentary, sandstone-driven soils. Aromatic, tantalizing scents of violet, roasted earth, cranberry, white pepper and hints of asphalt. Keep smelling and you will definitely feel as though you've been to two continents! Finesseful, layered flavors that expand and fill the mouth. Brisk red-tinged notes show in the middle, but the wine extends beautifully and shows off a sultry, sensual finish at the end with its silkiness. Treat this as you would any noble Syrah wine from France, have with venison, pheasant or a filet of beef slathered in peppercorns. Drink over the next 7-8 years.