Friday Sips

FRIDAY SIPS August 3 from 3:30-6:30 PM
New French Arrivals from Animaux Du Vin Selections
Drop by to sample the 3 French wines listed below with Special Guest, Chad Zimmerman, Animaux du Vin Selections

2009 CHÂTEAU HAUT-RIAN
CÔTES-DE-BORDEAUX ROUGE
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE

We're all familiar with the insatiably popular Haut Rian Bordeaux Blanc that Michel Dietrich produces, however, this guy is equally as proficient with his outstanding reds from the Côtes-de-Bordeaux. One hell of a value, this classic Bordeaux blend comes from various sites along the slopes of the Garonne River which encompass limestone, clay and gravelly soils. Aged in 1-4 year old barrels, there is so much to love about this wine! Sultry stuff that's very stylish with a combination of violet, peonies, raspberries, spice-box and interwoven earth tones that persist from the glass. Extroverted, flavorful, super-smooth with engaging hints of allspice on the very above-the-norm finish for a wine at this price. Extremely engaging now, this wine does have a propensity to age, especially in a grand vintage like 2009. Versatile stuff that can be consumed over the next 4-5 years with chicken, quail, grilled pork, andouillette sausage, even pizza!

2010 JACQUES ROUZÉ QUINCY
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE

Since we were first introduced to this wine in 2006, we have consistently referred to it as The Sancerre Slayer, especially since many are now selling for north of $25. Because of this we have investigated neighboring wines from the likes of Quincy, Reuilly and Menetou-Salon and have come away incredibly impressed. Not only is Jacques Rouzé one of the Loire Valley's most important producers, his wines are some of France's best kept secrets. Located about an hour west of Sancerre, outside the city of Bourges, Quincy (pronounced can-see) is made with 100% Sauvignon Blanc. 2010 is a scintillating version due to immaculate growing conditions. A bit more smoky and mineral-driven than 2008 or 2009, make no mistake, there is no shortage of material here! Lime, pink-grapefruit and subtle floral tones deftly combine with saline and rock-dust scents. Well formed, mouth-watering, racy and tense with great refreshing succulence arriving on the stealth finish that keeps on persisting. A rising fastball of a white wine, this is a terrific, undervalued wine that we are always thrilled to present and pour for you. Exquisite with sea-critters of all sorts or have it to start a meal with fresh greens, goat cheese and lemon vinaigrette.

2010 DOMAINE DU PESQUIER GIGONDAS
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE

Prototypical Provençal farmers, the Boutiére family of Domaine du Pesquier have been bottling Gigondas under their own label since 1965. 4th generation Mathieu Boutiére is now in charge and is killing it with his wines. We have been buying, selling, cellaring and drinking these wines since the 1995 vintage and always give them our highest recommendation, but something very special has come out of these cellars in 2010.

If you're a Rhône wine fan you already know that 2010 is perhaps the most complete vintage since 1990. With its core of generous fruit, detail of origin, backbone and freshness, these wines have all the trappings for greatness. Penetrating, muscular but not without class. Soulful scents of blackberry, balsamico, licorice and rosemary all in a seamless package. Well-concentrated with plenty of dance and elusiveness – fleet-footed for being this full and intense. Livens and brightens on the high-toned, very lengthy finish that seemingly has herbes de provence sprinkled about. Ultimately this wine should go into the cellar and consumed 2015 – 2022. however, if you were to decant, it can be consumed with a fat grilled steak slathered in peppercorns.

Take note, with so many Gigondas selling for well over $30, this is an absolute steal at this price and reflective of the stronger dollar.