Friday Sips

Maybe the early and unexpected heat is just getting to us, but we have semi-sparkling pink fever today. Even though the 4th of July is less than 2 months away and since Bryan prefer M-80s to sparklers, who really cares about safe and sane, we're all about dumb and dangerous!!

A perennial favorite pink wine from the Basque Country, a big, sinister smile will appear across your face when you drink it because you know that your palate has just been carjacked! From the Getaraiko region overlooking San Sebastián, comes the Txakoli from Ameztoi. Ameztoi has achieved cult-like status, especially for this pink wine, and is widely regarded as the region's finest producer. From the estate's vineyards, one can see the Atlantic Ocean and the profound influence that it has on the grapes and the wines is nothing short of enormous. The ultimate in visceral, very dry with aromas and flavors reflect the soils and sea with subtle tones of red fruit and citrus. In the mouth, it's a genius, slightly fizzy roller-coaster ride with lively, vivid, super-soaring tones that cry out for shellfish. This is cerebral rosé but at 11% alcohol, the pleasure factor comes in making me wonder just how many bottles I can throw back in one sitting!!???

AS USUAL, SUPPLIES ON THIS ARE LIMITED. I HAVE TWO BOTTLES FOR SHARING TODAY AND WHEN THEY RUN OUT WE'LL MOVE ON TO THE NEXT PINK WINE!

Last week when Bow & Arrow winemaker Scott Frank tasted me on his newly-released dry rose it impressed upon me the importance of the old British heavy metal band Iron Maiden. Serendipitous things often do happen and late that particular evening after coming home drunk, I turned on VH1 Classic and saw their iconic video for the song "Run To The Hills". While writing this when Scott delivered the wines, I also discovered that it is his favorite Maiden track. What does this have to do with rose you ask? Not so much except that it will definitely get you loaded if you drink enough and the character in general is as whimsical as the video and name of the wine: it's akin to being shot in the arse with an arrow!! All wisecracking aside, Bow & Arrow is a very individual Oregon operation where both serious wines inspired by the Loire Valley, Beaujolais and to a small extent, Burgundy are produced. Some are destined to age well but Scott and wife Dana strive to make a series of wines that the French would refer to as "vin de soif", or thirst-quenching wines.

Falling into the toss-it-back category, the best thing about this Oregon Rose is that it is NOT from Pinot Noir. 100% Gamay and 100% detonating on the nose and the palate, it is a mouthful of ‘yum!' with smoke, subtle spice and strawberry-watermelon notes jumping from the glass and propelling into a livewire, lip-smacking texture that shows itself to be both a regal and serious Rosé that is more than just for slamming back. Great to take to the table, Bow & Arrow Rosé is perfect fodder with grilled tombo tuna, grilled salmon, jazz, bebop, hip-hop, metal or stoner music and headphones.

We offered this pink wine a few weeks back when we had a quick glimpse of the sun but now is an appropriate time to not only re-offer it but to taste it today (5-16-2014) as well.

Located in the Gard region of the Rhone Valley, this delectable Rose is made with Grenache, Cinsault and the very un-French Tempranillo. Very fragrant with a feminine touch. Vibrant, mouthwatering, almost glowing aspects with loads of fraise du bois, herbs and mineral. Lip-stinging, palate-lifting and lively from start to finish. Have this thirst-quencher on the porch or with light, seafood-based dishes.