Friday Sips

Join Us for Friday Sips!

FRIDAY SIPS

Today Friday, January 9, 3:30 - 6:30

We're kicking off 2015's Friday Sips Series with what everyone is looking for in January, outstanding values. Join us today to taste the 3 delicious reds below that won't break the bank




2012 GILBERT CELLARS "LEFT BANK" CABERNET BLEND
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE


Given all of the winemaking operations throughout Washington it often leaves us with some difficult and not-so-difficult choices to make on which wines to offer. Too often, we are presented with homogenized versions of wines that seem to all taste the same and are well north of 40 per bottle. What we look for in newly presented wines are those of distinction and that show sense of place over those that are nothing but juice-boxes shrouded with too much oak that mask themselves as wine.

One of the new and exciting producers who we have recently come across is Gilbert Cellars. Located in Yakima, the wines produced at this cellar are solid contenders when it comes to price/quality rapport. Coming from a blend of four vineyard sites this assemblage of the five Bordeaux varietals is 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Cabernet Franc, 14% Malbec, 14% Merlot & 7% Petit Verdot. Hearty and full-flavored exhibiting black cherry, raspberry, cocoa powder, violet, and aromatic herbs and spices on the nose. Mouth-coating with ripe, but even-keeled smooth-textured fruit and detail all which carry to a finish that is lasting and very dignified; drink over the next 4-6 years.



2012 DOMAINE CABASSE COTES-DU-RHONE VILLAGES "SABLET"
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE


The name Cabasse is from Italian, casa bassa, which means house under the village. Situated just beneath the picturesque, Provençal village of Seguret, Domaine de Cabasse's roots date back to the 14th century. Along with having a fine hotel and restaurant, superb wines also come from this 33-acre estate, which possesses land in three southern Rhone villages. From the village of Sablet, this full-flavored Southern French red is wildly undervalued for its designation. One of about 20 Cotes-du-Rhone villages permitted to use its name for the appellation, Sablet is noted for its sandy soils and refined wines that provide plenty of impact.

A very savory red Rhone offering up aromatic violet, rose petal and black cherry scents with thyme, rosemary and cracked pepper riding alongside. Plush, poised and revealing silky-smooth tones from 27% Syrah in the blend. Generous yet never gets jammy or becomes a caricature of itself; this proper Rhone with just the right amount of a wild side will provide immediate pleasure over the next 4-5 years with a plethora of roasted or grilled dishes.



2013 DEI ROSSO DI MONTEPULCIANO
$17.99 BTL./$215.88 CASE


Sometimes Bryan feels like the Road Warrior - wandering around with intent and purpose, looking for fuel. In our case, fuel is wine and we are all about loading up on Ultra-Premium Central Italian wines. The diminutive Caterina Dei has long been one of our most esteemed Tuscan producers that we annually work with, especially when it comes to her infallible Montepulciano village-based wines.

Typical of a Dei wine, elegant and precisely defined scents of wild cherry and wild-spiced earth tones quickly give way to leather, sage and red floral tones. The texture is dry and builds up gutsy succulence that provides ample palate coverage, especially on the finish. Harmonious and balanced with a medium body, this 80% Prugnolo Gentile (Montepulciano's clone of Sangiovese), 20% Canaiolo blend is a dry, classy Tuscan red best enjoyed with hearty roasted meats and red-sauced pasta dishes.



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