Friday Sips

Since 1990, Christophe Sabon has become one the kings of Grenache in Chāteauneuf-du-Pape and along the way has received many mighty accolades. Christophe's Cotes-du-Rhone Reserve cuvee is from old vines and comes from the wrong side of the tracks. Well the freeways to be exact. These vines lie within the village of Courthezon and sit across from Chateauneuf-du-Pape.

50% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre, 10% Carignan, 10% Cinsault, warm and classically-flavored, but with the refinement, polish and sophistication that Christophe Sabon is known for. Ripe and packed full of raspberry and strawberry jam, lavender, smoke, and classic Rhone spiciness as well. In the mouth, it is a poised and full glass of wine that is hearty and chock full of Provençal flavors! A cerebral and versatile offering that will please a bunch of palates and pair with a plethora of dishes and of course those with a Mediterranean twist to them as well.

When was the last time that you could say that you scored a bottle of Andrew Will wine for such a price!! A Washington legend who makes extremely age-worthy wines, Chris Camarda created the black label Columbia Valley series a few years back and these give a superb experience of what this cat has to offer for a fine price. No, they won't live as long as the single vineyard blends but they are perfect 7-10 year wines to drink while you wait for the big wines.

100% Cabernet Sauvignon from 3 clones off of Andrew Will's own Two Blondes vineyard, this well-structured, layered Cab from the exciting 2012 vintage unfolds already complex notes of blackberry, cassis, graphite, underlying dusty cocoa and earth along with just a kiss of smoked nutmeg. Flavorful, driving, rich and very persistent, pound for pound and dollar for dollar, this may well be the best Washington Cabernet value out there. Long and very sculpted, this is serious stuff that many other producers would get $50 for!! Drink this knockout through 2019+.

The history of Champagne RC Lemaire stretches back to the end of the 19th century but it was Roger Constant-Lemaire who brought it to fruition at the end of World War II. Today their Champagne offerings from their 12 hectares of vineyards just outside of Epernay in the Vallee de la Marne consistently receive awards and accolades and represent excellent value.

The Brut Select Reserve is a unique cuvee that is made from 100% Pinot Meunier. A Champagne of gastronomy, this offering reveals seductive aromatics. Toasty scents of subtle hazelnut play nicely with apple, citrus and strawberry tones. Clear and precise, a swath of small, seductive bubbles glides through the mouth, provides ample depth and pulsating vibrancy all the way through to the extensive and lingering finish. A grand-scale heist for 36 bucks!