Friday Sips
FRIDAY SIPS - "ANYTHING GOES"
For those who are sticking around, drop by today to taste the exalted Washington Wine and Brilliant Barolo listed below along with anything else that might be uncorked. Today, August 31 from 3:30-6:30 PM
For those who are sticking around, drop by today to taste the exalted Washington Wine and Brilliant Barolo listed below along with anything else that might be uncorked. Today, August 31 from 3:30-6:30 PM
2009 BETZ FAMILY "BÉSOLEIL"
[reg.$53.99]
SPECIAL PRICE - $39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE
[reg.
Along with Cayuse and Gramercy Cellars, Bob Betz, MW is one of the three kings when it comes to Syrah and Rh?ne varietals produced in Washington. In fact, these wines, even though being from varietals that originate in the Rh?ne Valley drip Washington! (Not as foul as one might think. Besides, penicillin is available for it).
Consistently a top Rhone-inspired wine, Bésoleil is Betz's version of a Washington Ch?teauneuf-du-Pape or Gigondas. 2009 saw no new oak and the blend is Grenache-dominant as usual. 66% Grenache, 14% Syrah, 10% Mourv?dre & 10% Cinsault and teeming with an array of strawberry scents along with pronounced white pepper, fennel, underbrush, balsamic and smoked licorice; in the mouth it pumps out Washington warmth and old world class. Lots of layers, plenty of vibrancy and ample length and spice. Quite irresistible at the moment, it will also have no problem aging and developing more nuance through 2020.
Consistently a top Rhone-inspired wine, Bésoleil is Betz's version of a Washington Ch?teauneuf-du-Pape or Gigondas. 2009 saw no new oak and the blend is Grenache-dominant as usual. 66% Grenache, 14% Syrah, 10% Mourv?dre & 10% Cinsault and teeming with an array of strawberry scents along with pronounced white pepper, fennel, underbrush, balsamic and smoked licorice; in the mouth it pumps out Washington warmth and old world class. Lots of layers, plenty of vibrancy and ample length and spice. Quite irresistible at the moment, it will also have no problem aging and developing more nuance through 2020.
2005 BREZZA BAROLO
[reg.$45.99]
SPECIAL PRICE - $34.99 BTL./$419.88 CASE
[reg.
An ultra-traditional producer based in the village of Barolo all of the grapes for this wine come from these hallowed slopes. Since the late 90s, Enzo Brezza has been on fire and right now, even at their regular prices, they are very undervalued given their impeccable quality. 2005 was a lovely vintage that has been overshadowed by the sheer profundity of the surrounding 2004 and 2006 vintages. No problem with depth, backbone or sheer Barolo star-quality, definitely due to Enzo putting all of his single vineyard Grand Cru Cannubi Vineyard fruit into this wine! Violet, tar, subtle spice and earth tones dominate the highly aromatic nose with ripe red fruits and a bit of a savory note that is showing at this youthful stage. Wonderfully formed, plenty of depth and spine, at age 7, this bad-boy with a heart of gold is just starting to reveal its true identity. Minerality abound on the deceptively-long finish show that this will also age and continue to drink well through 2019.
