Friday Sips
COOL WINES FOR THOSE WHO AREN'T ON SPRING BREAK
March 29 from 3:30-6:30 PM
Come and taste Barbaresco, Cameron (listed below) and whatever other surprises may be opened. "Holiday" Friday Sips are always the best because one never knows the path that will be followed, but rest assured, good corks will be flying!
2010 CAMERON PINOT NOIR "ARLEY'S LEAP"
$35.99 BTL./$431.88 CASE
Everybody's "secret find" within the Cameron line-up of Pinot Noirs is alas not much of a secret any longer, in fact, this is one of the pinnacle wines that John does. As we have been watching 2010 as a vintage here in Oregon, it has been quite thrilling to see these wines continually to add dimension and depth as they sit in the bottle and turn into something very special. Always the last of the Cameron wines to be released, the Arley's Leap is from Abbey Ridge fruit, specifically a block of vines that are originally from clippings from the Clos Electrique vineyard that were planted on a hillside above the original vines in 1990.
The 2010 Arley's is palate-coating, and destined for stardom with cellar time. The first aromas almost transport you to somewhere in the Cote-de-Beaune with its alluring, penetrating perfume of lavender, turned earth, rose petal, smoked herbs and subtle meaty tones. Cerebral and very suave, there are layers of sophistication and grace in the mouth. Turns inward and tightens on the back end, revealing that this needs another 2-3 years in the cellar. Super-material on the drawn-out finish that is even-keeled and just waiting to unleash itself, the vinous, mouth-coating, finesseful texture that is present on the entire palate truly belies its 12.3% alcohol level. Killer juice from one of Oregon's masters and one that ages beautifully. Bravo!!
2008 DE FORVILLE BARBARESCO "VIGNETO LORETO"
$37.99 BTL./$455.88 CASE
De Forville is one of the best-kept secrets in the village of Barbaresco. For years this estate has flown under the radar with a terrific line-up of top-notch wines all based from vineyard sites within the Barbaresco village area. This specific offering is from a single cru site. Vigneto Loreto is a sub-plot of the famed Ovello vineyard and this particular portion is firmly influenced by the Tanaro River 280 meters below.
2008 is a classic, fantastic, Nebbiolo-lover's vintage for Barbaresco. De Forville scored with their young, but mighty 2008. Refined and sophisticated with rose, mushroom and steely-mineral aromas. Rich with nice depth and length and yet holding a presence of structure and wiry, sculpted character. Even though this wine shows a prettiness that is very engaging to smell, its imposing underbelly and compact, focused, long finish will make for an engaging wine in the future. Even though we're decanting one and drinking it today, it will ultimately be at its pinnacle 2015/6 - 2025.
