11/15/19 Fabulous Freestyle Friday Sips
Fabulous Freestyle Friday SipsS
Today November 15 from 1:30 - 6:30
Today November 15 from 1:30 - 6:30
Having a container held up at customs, we had to improvise thus postponing our French wine tasting with Chad until next week. However, on short notice we replaced it with a tasting that is quite impassioned. Drop by to taste four lascivious, amorous and desirous selections that will surely stimulate to heights only seen on certain days of the week, month or year.
2018 BISCI VERDICHIO DI MATELICA
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE
Tre Bicchieri Award from Gambero Rosso's 2020 Guide - Italy’s wine bible. More often than not, this award is for much more expensive wines so it really shows the respect and pedigree that this estate possesses. Located inland and at significantly more elevation gain, what separates the Le Marches regions of Matelica and Castelli di Jesi are their locations and specifically their soils, which are sheer hard limestone and quite unique to the area.
Resounding aromas of mineral, crustaceans, lemongrass, underlying yellow flowers, anise and limestone show off from the moment it is poured into the glass. In the mouth it presents laser-beam focus, terroir-specific, energetic and revealing plenty of old-vine depth and character all in a precise package. The finish is superb and once again, that word mineral enters the conversation. For a mere 15, one can experience one of Italy's stellar white wines and not only is it perfect for shellfish; it has the intensity to stand up to halibut or sole in a cream sauce.
Resounding aromas of mineral, crustaceans, lemongrass, underlying yellow flowers, anise and limestone show off from the moment it is poured into the glass. In the mouth it presents laser-beam focus, terroir-specific, energetic and revealing plenty of old-vine depth and character all in a precise package. The finish is superb and once again, that word mineral enters the conversation. For a mere 15, one can experience one of Italy's stellar white wines and not only is it perfect for shellfish; it has the intensity to stand up to halibut or sole in a cream sauce.
2018 CLOS DE LA ROILETTE FLEURIE
$22.99 BTL./$295.88 CASE
$22.99 BTL./$295.88 CASE
These days, what one gets for $18-$25 in Cru Beaujolais is a much more significant value than just about any Pinot Noir in the world in this price range. Clos de la Roilette, owned and operated by Alain Coudert is an apex producer who happens to be one of my all-time favorites in the entire region. With vineyards butting up against Moulin-a-Vent, this Fleurie defies the stereotype of femininity of the appellation yet isn’t sheer power as its neighbor. I often refer to this wine as androgynous and profound for not a lot of money.
The latest version has just been released and it is quite regal. Realistically, it is a Fleurie in a Moulin-a-Vent’s body with smoked red raspberry, red clay and subtle spice. In the mouth, it is the elegance of simplicity! Sophisticated and focused crushed red fruits that seduce the mouth from front to back. If you have ever cellared a Burgundy, you might want to put this down for a few years as it will develop, but honestly, it’ll be hard to keep your hands off it. Enjoy it with roasted chicken and chanterelles, a match made in heaven. It will also pair beautifully with turkey, steak au poivre, mushroom and/or lentil soup. If you require wine enhancement otherwise known as a score, this wine has 93 POINTS from Vinous
The latest version has just been released and it is quite regal. Realistically, it is a Fleurie in a Moulin-a-Vent’s body with smoked red raspberry, red clay and subtle spice. In the mouth, it is the elegance of simplicity! Sophisticated and focused crushed red fruits that seduce the mouth from front to back. If you have ever cellared a Burgundy, you might want to put this down for a few years as it will develop, but honestly, it’ll be hard to keep your hands off it. Enjoy it with roasted chicken and chanterelles, a match made in heaven. It will also pair beautifully with turkey, steak au poivre, mushroom and/or lentil soup. If you require wine enhancement otherwise known as a score, this wine has 93 POINTS from Vinous
2016 SAINT-JEAN DU BARROUX
VENTOUX ROUGE 'L'ARGILE'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
VENTOUX ROUGE 'L'ARGILE'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
The large appellation around Mont Ventoux is quite exciting. Small, youthfully exuberant growers, many who have purchased old vineyards, excel in bringing forth the many undiscovered, diverse terroirs that this Provencal region possesses. From Nancy and a pharmacist for 5 years, Philippe Gimel founded Saint-Jean de Barroux in 2003 after doing stints at famed Chateauneuf producers Beaucastel and Janasse. Originally starting with just over 10 acres, Philippe has gradually expanded to 29 acres and 80+ miniscule parcels spread out over three sections from just beneath Mont Ventoux to the Dentelles de Montmirial, all of which are vastly different terroirs. Organic farming takes foot at this estate and the wines are full-scaled yet with all of the poise and freshness desired for wines from this area.
75% Grenache with the remaining 25% blended with Syrah, Carignan and Cinsault from 40-year-old vines, L’Argile is aged in concrete for 24 months and further in bottle until Philippe decides that the wine is ready for release. Sizeable and velvety, aromas of violet, strawberry, savory earth, tealeaf, Thai spices and black licorice take hold. Texturally, this wine is complex with ample palate coverage and excellent movement from front to back. Old vine depth is very evident on the broad finish that snaps back and pleasantly hangs around. No doubt a wine that can age, but with its flavor impact and smoothness, it can be enjoyed within minutes of uncorking with slow-braised lamb or a simply prepared grilled porterhouse spiked with garlic and coated with black pepper. If you think this wine is not serious, try it next to a Cairanne, Rasteau, Gigondas or Chateauneuf, it will more than hold its own.
75% Grenache with the remaining 25% blended with Syrah, Carignan and Cinsault from 40-year-old vines, L’Argile is aged in concrete for 24 months and further in bottle until Philippe decides that the wine is ready for release. Sizeable and velvety, aromas of violet, strawberry, savory earth, tealeaf, Thai spices and black licorice take hold. Texturally, this wine is complex with ample palate coverage and excellent movement from front to back. Old vine depth is very evident on the broad finish that snaps back and pleasantly hangs around. No doubt a wine that can age, but with its flavor impact and smoothness, it can be enjoyed within minutes of uncorking with slow-braised lamb or a simply prepared grilled porterhouse spiked with garlic and coated with black pepper. If you think this wine is not serious, try it next to a Cairanne, Rasteau, Gigondas or Chateauneuf, it will more than hold its own.
2013 AYRES PINOT NOIR
'LEWIS RODGERS LANE'
$36.99 BTL./$443.88 CASE - Pre-arrival
'LEWIS RODGERS LANE'
$36.99 BTL./$443.88 CASE - Pre-arrival
Ayres Pinot Noirs have been Cellar Door mainstays since the winery’s inception in 2003. Having worked in all facets of the wine industry including 5+ years as cellar master at Domaine Drouhin, Brad McLeroy is a serious Ribbon Ridge-based player as evidenced by making prolific Pinots since 2003.
Brad's estate vineyard site, named after the adjacent Lewis Rodgers Lane is one of the finest in the entire appellation. 2013 is a much-underrated vintage from the state’s top producers and wines, and it was quite surprising when Brad came in and said he had some older wines available. From day one, I have adored his 2013s and after re-tasting, proved my initial assessment. Now six years old, this is really hitting its stride and doing what a slightly mature Pinot does, seduces, coerces the prevails mightily. Rather sensuous tones of violet, red plum, subtle thyme and pepper with just a sneaky hint of nutmeg and red earth, this wine is the exact opposite of brawny, smoker-friendly, Cabernet wannabe Pinot Noirs. Velvety and possessing excellent palate presence, this wine has lovely expansion, depth and movement. Starting to really unfold now but no problem for this to age another 7-8 more years, too.
Brad's estate vineyard site, named after the adjacent Lewis Rodgers Lane is one of the finest in the entire appellation. 2013 is a much-underrated vintage from the state’s top producers and wines, and it was quite surprising when Brad came in and said he had some older wines available. From day one, I have adored his 2013s and after re-tasting, proved my initial assessment. Now six years old, this is really hitting its stride and doing what a slightly mature Pinot does, seduces, coerces the prevails mightily. Rather sensuous tones of violet, red plum, subtle thyme and pepper with just a sneaky hint of nutmeg and red earth, this wine is the exact opposite of brawny, smoker-friendly, Cabernet wannabe Pinot Noirs. Velvety and possessing excellent palate presence, this wine has lovely expansion, depth and movement. Starting to really unfold now but no problem for this to age another 7-8 more years, too.
ORDERS PLACED WILL ARRIVE NEXT WEEK
