November 2008 Wines of the Month

November Wines of the Month

It's November....so we are focused on American winemakers......in fact....we are focused on only 2 of them.....

One from Washington and one from California. The Washington winemaker, the infamous bad boy of Washington (and maybe American) winemaking....the one and only Charles Smith, many of you know from his well-regarded K Vintners. You've seen some of these wines before, but not these vintages. Also, 2 of these are from his new label, Charles Smith Wines (ignore the "under construction" note - the links on the site work).

The reds....all from Tobin James from Paso Robles in California. For years, Tobin James has been a "cult" wine from Paso Robles....hard-to-find outside of California. Well.....now they are here!

Tobin James started....well....when Tobin James (yes, he's a real person), was a low-level worker in a winery (that would be an "assistant" winemaker - those guys move hoses, barrels, rinse out tanks, etc.). The winery couldn't accept 6 tons of grapes that were arriving....and the owner rejected them....Toby James asked if he could have them......the answer was, "Yes." The result....18 months later....gold medals and accolades for Toby's first Zinfandel, the 1985 "Blue Moon" Zin.

Praise has been coming in ever since!

Tier One

K Vintners Holy Cow Chardonnay 2006 (Washington) $12.99 - Excellent Chardonnay that bridges Old World and New! Aromas and flavors of Granny Smith apples, limes, quinine, No oak and no residual sugar – clean, crisp, fresh and medium-bodied. Vibrant, balanced acidity. More like a Burgundy than a “fat” Californian. When to drink – now. Not a candidate for long-term cellaring, but the modern screw-cap will help keep this bright and fresh for a year or 2! Food pairing – Fish such as mahi mahi, tuna, spicy Asian dishes with soy sauce, sesame, peanuts, black and red peppers, poultry, etc.

Tobin James Paso Robles Chateau Le Cacheflo Syrah-Sangiovese-Barbera 2006 (California) $11.99 - Yes....the name of the wine is "Le Cacheflo" - spelling by phonics....that is "Le Cash Flow." Goofy name.....really good wine at $12!

Medium-dry red that is medium-bodied. Easy drinking! Aromas of red fruit, a little dusty earth and peppery spice. The tannins are medium and help balance the ripe fruit flavors. Along with the ripe red fruit, this has some subtle baking spices and chocolate. Blend of Syrah, Barbera and Sangiovese – so this definitely has a Mediterranean flair to it. Call it a California “Rhone-clone” Italian-style! Food pairing – awesome wine for cookouts, pizza, spaghetti, etc!

Tier Two

K Vintners Kung Fu Girl Riesling 2007 (Washington) $13.99 - Excellent!!! We tasted this at a recent tasting – great! Beautiful aromas of minerals, pears, citrus. Crisp, bright & fresh drinking. Dry, but not tannic (that feeling of your mouth being coated). Huge, long finish of pears, apples & minerals. Charles Smith, winemaker, calls this “Kung Fu Girl” Riesling, because he says, “both girls & Riesling kick ***!” Food pairing - This will be awesome with shellfish, salmon – grilled, smoked or baked, Thai food, ham and more! Drinks great on its own!

Tobin James Paso Robles Ballistic Zinfandel 2006 (California) $17.99 - A wonderful wine and a great value in a Zinfandel from a “cult” winery! Gobs of dark peppery fruit in the aromas and flavors. Hints of Provencal herbs, black cherries & black pepper. Great acidity. Soft tannins. Full-bodied. 100% Zinfandel from 27 different Paso Robles old-vine vineyards (60-75 years), including the famed Dusi Vineyard. This will drink well for the next 3-4 years. Food pairing – ribs, beef, steak, lamb, lasagna, pizza….

Tier Three

K Vintners Viognier 2007 (Washington) $22.99 - This is a big, bold and beautiful wine! The only thing bigger than this winemaker’s ego are the flavors and aromas in his wines! Beautiful aromas of minerals, peaches, pears, flowers and apples. Rich and velvety in the mouth. Excellent acidity and minerality in the flavors. Huge, long finish of pears and minerals. Food pairing - This will absolutely be smokin’ with roasted chicken or pork tenderloin with root vegetables. Great with salmon. Awesome shellfish wine! Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 91 points

Tobin James Paso Robles James Gang Reserve Zinfandel 2006 (California) $29.99 - The big blockbuster from the James Gang! Big, rich and bold! Long, long finish. Aromas and flavors of blackberries, blueberries, black cherries, dark chocolate, pepper, subtle hints of oak and vanilla. While the alcohol is high, you don’t notice it. This wine is “jammy” rich! Nicely balanced tannins and acidity. The cream of the crop from the barrels at the James Gang. This will drink well for the next 3-4 years. Food pairing – great with grilled foods.

The Other

Tobin James "Dreamweaver" "California Champagne" (California) $11.99 - (1) this is sparkling wine; (2) it is NOT champagne; (3) I think Tobin James is poking fun at the "name czars" in the wine world; (4) I'm certain Toby James knows it is wrong to call this "Champage;" (5) this is really good, light and fun to drink!

Blend of Chardonnay, Muscat and Chenin Blanc. This is light, bubbly, fruity, easy-to-drink and tasty!

Hard-to-go-wrong!

October 2008 Wines of the Month

October 2008 Wines of the Month

We are off to Italy for this entire month......lots of lesser known grapes and producers from lesser known areas!

Three of these 6 wines are made by one young man, Marco Cecchini. Marco was studying economics at University and quit - to take over his grandfather's wine "estate." That estate was one hectare (that's 2.5 acres - that's 2 and a half acres - you saw the decimal in the correct place!). His mother was not happy! Today, he is farming many more acres and his mother is much happier! So are we - we love his wines!

Tier One

Conti di Buscareto* Verdicchio Dei Castelli di Jesi Classico 2007 (Italy) $14.99 - Delicious white from the Marche in eastern Italy! Wonderful floral, mineral and anise aromas. Medium-bodied. Light citrus, saline, anise and mineral flavors. Pretty wine! Crisp, bright and fresh. Clean finish! 100% Verdicchio. Stainless steel fermentation. Low-yield vineyards producing great grapes. Organic Farming. Food pairing – grilled or roasted fish, seafood cream sauces, artichokes, asparagus, prosciutto….most anything Italian!

D’Orsaria Cabernet Franc 2007 (Italy) $14.99 - Excellent wine from Northeastern Italy! Aromas of plums, violets, peppery spice, cherries and bell peppers. Flavors of cherries, raspberries and subtle black pepper. Soft tannins. Nice length on the finish. Marco Cecchini is the winemaker - he dropped out of college in 1998 when he inherited his grandfather's 1 hectare (2.58 acres) vineyard to the dismay of his mother. He became a winemaker and he has never looked back! He always strives to make sure as little oxygen as possible contacts his wines - so, they are bright and fresh. Food pairing - Lighter foods, seafood, shellfish - drinks well on its own!

Tier Two

These next 2 wines are probably Marco's flagship wines! If your Italian and/or web skills are better than mine, you can read more about Marco and his wines on his website!

Marco Cecchini Tové 2006 (Italy) $21.99 - This wine bursts with fresh fruit flavors and aromas! Apricots and melons, white flowers and smells of Spring! Tangy, refreshing and loaded with fruit in the mouth. Long, subtle finish....just a fascinating and tasty wine! Aside from just tasting wonderful, what we love about this wine is that it holds up for a couple of days after opening!

90% Tocai Friulano & 10% Verduzzo. Both of these are grapes local to the Friuli area. Tocai Friuli is not to be confused with the Hungarian Tokay.....not the same grape. Oenologists and DNA types are still trying to learn its origins. Verduzzo is also an obscure grape.

From Marco's vineyards near the Slovenian border in NE Italy....half of the vineyard has 40+ year-old vines. All the vineyard work is done by hand. Organic Farming

Marco Cecchini Refosco 2006 (Italy) $22.99 - This is a fabulous wine! A knock-dead wonderful wine from a grape we doubt you know, Refosco! It's similar to Pinot Noir from Burgundy (nice fruit, but it is not fruit-driven - with earth, spice & minerals). The grape is native to the Friuli area - almost Yugoslavia or Hungary/Austria - a cool weather wine area, more like Burgundy than Italy! From Marco's vineyards near the Slovenian border in NE Italy....half of the vineyard has 40+ year-old vines. All the vineyard work is done by hand. Organic farming. Food pairing - Excellent with rich meals, grilled meats, etc.

Tier Three

The winery for Tier Three is located in Campania - southwestern Italy near Vesuvius, Naples, Pompeii and Herculaneum. This area is home to the earliest Greek colonies and settlements in Italy. Campania, more than any other region in Italy, is home to ANCIENT grape varietals - Agliancio, Falanghina, Fiano, Falernum and Asprinio. We are tasting 2 of them this month.

This winery, Fattoria La Rivolta, is family-owned. They farm organically. They produce wines from the local grapes - Fiano, Falanghina, Aglianico, Piedirosso, Greco di Tufo and Coda di Volpe.

Fattoria La Rivolta* Sannio DOC Fiano 2007 (Italy) $28.99 - Excellent wine from Southern Italy! Full-bodied with lemon citrus, honey, apples and pears in the aromas and flavors. Bright, crisp acidity on the long finish. Serve cool, not cold – the flavors gain strength as the wine warms in the glass. Family-run farm. Stainless-steel fermentation. Hand-harvested. 100% Fiano. Organic farming. When to drink – ready to drink now. This will take on subtle hazelnut or almond aromas with 2-3 years aging. Food pairing – veal, pork, poultry, richer fish or seafood. Meat wrapped in prosciutto.

Fattoria La Rivolta* Taburno DOC Aglianico del Taburno 2005 (Italy) $34.99 - Excellent red from Campania – grown in a vineyard near Vesuvius – so this has a lot of minerality from the volcanic soil! Aromas of cherries, plums, curing tobacco, spices, violets and mushrooms. Flavors of plums, cherries, smoked meat, pepper and subtle licorice (I don’t like licorice, but I like the subtle notes in this wine). Hand-harvested. 100% Falanghina. A Family-run farm. Aged in 2nd and 3rd passage oak barrels. 4,000 cases. Organic farming. Food pairing – game, beef, lamb, rich dishes, etc.

The Other

This isn't another wine....it's another SIZE of the same red wine as is in Tier Two....magnums are great to pull out for a big dinner (Thanksgiving, Christmas, an anniversary or a graduation, etc...). The larger bottle is just more festive, impressive, ELABORATE!

Marco Cecchini Refosco 2006 (Italy) $49.99 - This is a fabulous wine! A knock-dead wonderful wine from a grape we doubt you know - it's similar to Pinot Noir from Burgundy (nice fruit, but it is not fruit-driven - with earth, spice & minerals). The grape is native to the Friuli area - almost Yugoslavia or Hungary/Austria - a cool weather wine area, more like Burgundy than Italy! From Marco's vineyards near the Slovenian border in NE Italy....half of the vineyard has 40+ year-old vines. All the vineyard work is done by hand. Organic farming. Food pairing - Excellent with rich meals, grilled meats, etc.

Four Great Rieslings! - 90+ points Wine Spectator

4 GREAT Rieslings!

Rieslings are wines that you can age for years!

I just tasted these with Justin of Wicked Wines. These are incredibly good and great values!

All 4 are from Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler (you should see the photos of this place!). All 4 are from the Mosel.

The Mosel is dotted with wine villages - these wines come from Bernkastel (3) and Wehlen (1). Dr. Peter Pauly and his wife, Helga, own 2 estates - "Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler" and "Peter Nicolay." These vineyards are on steelp, difficult-to-farm hillsides along the river. Peter Pauly is the offspring of the famous Bergweiler and Prüm families, who are first mentioned in official records in 1156. Pauly made wine with Christian Labonte and Josef Staab at Schloss Johannisberg in the Rheingau. His grandfather, Zacharias Bergweiler, was for many decades one of the most respected wine-growers on the Mosel.

Dr. Pauly took over his grandfather's estate while still a student in 1959, subsequently completing his doctorate and writing a thesis on the economic opportunities offered by the Mosel-Saar-Ruwer wine-growing region. Helga Pauly married Peter Pauly in 1971. Her family, the Berres, owned the "Peter Nicolay" estate. Carl Hubert Berres was one of the greatest competitors and closes friends with Zacharias Bergweiler. Their son, Stefan, runs the winery today with his sister, Ulrike.

The vineyards are 12.5 hectares (about 32 acres) are kept to low yields to produce the best grapes. The winery makes about 12,000 cases of wine each year (140,000 bottles). It uses stainless steel tanks and makes wine from 15 vineyards.

Have you ever wanted to know how to read a German label?

Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler Riesling Kabinett Mosel Bernkasteler alte Badstube am Doctorberg 2007

• Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler - the winery
• Riesling - the grape
• Kabinett - this tells you the quality of the grapes. Once these words are written on a label, generally we are in the category of really good wines. Kabinett is the first (lowest) of the six subcategories of qualitätswein mit prädikat (QmP)- the highest quality-wine category in Germany. Kabinett wines must contain minimum amounts of natural sugar. These are the lowest minimums for QmP wines, and these wines are therefore usually the driest and least expensive. The other 5 subcategories are Spätlese, Auslese, Beerenauslese, Eiswein and Trockenbeerenauslese going from 2nd lowest to the highest.
• Mosel - the region
• Bernkasteler - the "er" at the end means "of" or "from" - so this is from the village of Bernkasteler.
• alte Badstube am Doctorberg - the vineyard.

The 4 wines!

Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler Riesling Kabinett Mosel Bernkasteler alte Badstube am Doctorberg 2007 (Germany) $27.99 - This is a SINGLE VINEYARD wine from one of the greatest vineyards in the Mosel Valley, alte Badstube am Doctorberg. The vineyard is sout-facing. The vines are at least 40 years old. Wines from here can age for YEARS! A plush, pillowy version, with good acidity defining the smoky apricot, orange and mineral flavors. Delicate and balanced, with a touch of vanilla on the finish. Drink now through 2022. 500 cases made. Wine Spectator, 91 points

Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler Riesling Spätlese Mosel Bernkasteler Badstube 2007 (Germany) $32.99 - "Badstube" means "spa" (in the Middle Ages a hot spring created a "spa" here. Today, this area is synonymous with great wines. This vineyard is around the town of Bernkastel. The Badstube vineyard is not as steep as most of the Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler vineyards and it has a richer Devon slate stone soil. A distinctive mix of candied berry, floral and citrus aromas and flavors that pick up salty, mineral notes as it glides across the palate. Lovely texture and harmony, with a tangy, savory aftertaste. Drink now through 2030. 1,000 cases made. Wine Spectator, 93 points

Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler Riesling Kabinett Mosel Bernkasteler Badstube 2007 (Germany) $22.99 - Needs a little air to reveal the peach, nectarine and salty, minerally elements. This is very savory, with fine balance and a saline, orange aftertaste. Drink now through 2022. 2,000 cases made. Wine Spectator, 90 points

Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler Riesling Kabinett Mosel Wehlener Sonnenuhr 2007 (Germany) $28.99 - From the famous "Sundial" vineyard facing the town of wehlen across the Moselle. This vineyard produces full-bodied wines! The vineyard is 165 acres, but it is divided into a large number of individual parcels. This vineyard led to the citizens of Wehlen being well-off. In the early 20th century they built a suspension bridge across the river - that bridge and the sundial are historical landmarks. Plump, yet well-defined by its lively structure. Peach, lime and mineral notes are accented by strawberry and vanilla in this complex white. Fine length. Drink now through 2022. 700 cases made. Wine Spectator, 90 points

Freeport Cheese & Wine

December Wines We Love, #1

December Wines We Love - Great for the Holidays!

Featuring Italian Wines from Winebow

& Mariner Beverages

Wines

Sparkling

Juve Cava (Spain) $15.99 – delicious! Brand-new to Maine!

Whites

Valle Reale Trebbiano d'Abruzzo 2007 (Italy) $13.99 - limited wine in Maine. Just a few cases came to the state and I have most of them! Trebbiano is produced all over Italy. Not all Trebbiano is alike. This certainly isn't! This has rich, fragrant aromas. Aromas of citrus, white pepper and flowers. In the mouth this is zesty and crisp and pops! It's full-bodied and just fills your mouth! Well-balanced acidity. 100% Trebbiano. Stainless steel fermentation at cool temperatures to make sure the fruit is bright & fresh! I bought the only cases in Maine! Food pairing - poultry, sushi, shellfish, lobster and olive oil pasta dishes.

Zenato Pinot Grigio 2007 (Italy) $12.99 - Fabulous Pinot Grigio from one of our favorite winemakers and wineries – & our favorite importer of Italian wines! Aromas of tropical fruit (pineapple, cantaloupe, apricots) and minerals. Flavors of pineapple, minerals & lime. Refreshing and smooth, with a crisp, silky, dry & long finish. Aged 4 months before bottling and a few months more in the bottle before releasing to the market. Food pairing – lighter foods, grilled or roasted poultry or pork, white meat fish, shellfish, lobster, risotto dishes, many soups….drinks well on its own!

Westerland Celebration 2006 (South Africa) $10.99 - Blend of Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc.

Rosé

Valle Reale Vigne Nuove Cerasuolo Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Rose 2006 (Italy) $14.99 - The 4th wine from Valle Reale! An AWESOME Italian Rosé! Unique and delicious rosé that is different from your typical Provencal French rosés! Spicy, peppery and light-to-medium bodied. Not a fruit bomb - this has bright, fresh strawberry aromas and flavors coupled with flowers, earth and minerals. Just a gorgeous wine that is a beautiful salmon pink color and a pleasure to drink! 100% Montepulciano. Aged in stainless steel. Bottled young and meant to be drunk young! Food pairing - salmon, tuna, grilled chicken or pork, spicy Asian dishes, spicy Tex-Mex dishes. Drinks well sitting with friends! PERFECT, I mean PERFECT, with poultry! Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 89 points

Reds

Falesco Vitiano Sangiovese/Merlot/Cabernet 2006 (Italy) $11.99 - This is, plainly put, a TASTY wine! An absolutely GREAT value!!! Deep ruby red color. Rich, fresh fruit aromas and flavors. Spicy, peppery finish. Well-balanced fruit and acidity. Medium-bodied. Just a classic Italian! Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blend (equal parts). Aged 3 months in Nevers oak. Food pairing – grilled meats, mushroom dishes, lasagna, spaghetti, roasts & flavorful aged cheese. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 88 points, “…it’s almost too good to believe at this price.”

Di Majo Norante Sangiovese 2006 (Italy) $10.99 – Each time we taste this, it impresses us! Excellent wine! Great value! Aromas and flavors of red and dark berries and mint. Smooth and refreshing in the mouth with tons of fresh fruit. Light, fresh finish. Food pairing - Great compliment to anitpasta and grilled meat. It can really handle any foods you throw at it. Great game wine. A pleasure to just drink by itself. Aged 6 months in oak. Terrific value – drinks like a Chianti costing 2-3 times. Wine Spectator, “Top Values for Under $15”

Valle Real Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2005 (Italy) $19.99 - Valle Reale Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2005 (Italy) $19.99 - Excellent, excellent, smooth and lush wine from this family-owned winery! Aromas and flavors of dark berries, spices, smoke, licorice and more. Silky smooth tannins. Full-bodied, and still it is soft and smooth. Long, long finish. 100% Montelpulciano from this estate's oldest vineyards planted back in 1975. Hand-harvested in latter October. Aged 12 months in used French oak barriques. Bottle aged for 8-12 months. Food pairing – rich and hearty pasta dishes, roasted or grilled meats, lamb, beef, mushrooms, etc. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 88 points

Argiolas Costera Isola dei Nuraghi IGT 2006 (Sardinia, Italy) $17.99 - We just love this – it’s awesome! Wonderful flavors and aromas! This is a Sardinian Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Intense berry, spice, bacon fat, licorice and earth aromas. Nose carries through in the flavors. Hint of black pepper in the mouth. Dry. Medium-bodied. Well-balanced. 100% Cannonau (Grenache). Aged 6-8 months in French oak barriques. Single vineyard. 2009-2014 maturity. Food pairing - Goes well with beef, lamb, grilled meats, tomato-based dishes and truffles or mushrooms. Decant this – needs to breathe. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 90 points

Allegrini Palazzo della Torre 2004 and 2005 (Italy) $22.99 – I have some of both…..both are awesome! What a rich, soft, elegant, great-tasting wine! A SPECIAL wine! For Amarone lovers, w/o the Amarone price tag! Velvet in a glass. Rich, complex nose – ripe fruit and spicy oak. Mouth-filling wine, but soft feel. Smooth tannins balance the dark berry and cherry flavors. Powerful. Long finish. Single vineyard blend of 70% Corvina, 25% Rondinella & 5% Sangiovese. Food pairing - Great food wine! Rich meals – game, mushroom risotto, lamb & more. For a special treat – try with GOOD bittersweet chocolate! Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 89 points

Sacred Stone Master's Red Blend - $10.99 - California "field blend"

Westerland Celebration 2006 (South Africa) $10.99 - Blend of Pinotage and Cinsault.

La Dote Pinot Noir 2008 (Chile) $10.99 -

Thunder Stone Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon - $14.99 - Great value and great tasting California Cabernet!

Dessert

Trentadue Chocolate Amore Port (California) $26.99 - Merlot-based Port with real dark chocolate blended in it!

Portuguese Wine and Port Tasting

We are doing this tasting regardless of whether or not it snows!

Portuguese
Wine & Port Tasting
Featuring importer Augusto Gabriel of Signature Imports
Wednesday, Dec. 17th
5:30-7:00pm
$10/person to taste a flight of these 15 wonderful wines
*Purchase a case of wine (and you may mix wines in that case) and use the $10 fee towards that case (limit, 1 $10 fee/case)
Please e-mail back or call the store (865-3993) to register and reserve a place!

What makes these wines so interesting is that we are looking at 4 distinctly different wine making areas in Portugal AND we are going to taste some higher end Portuguese wine!

• Duoro River Valley (this is where Port is made and some IMPRESSIVE "still" wines made from the Port grapes). The designated "Duoro" wine area is the eastern part of the valley. The hillsides are extremely steep here and only in the last 20 years has Portugal had enough money to create ready access to this area - this has opened up the area for better winemaking b/c the growers can now get their grapes quickly to the winery.
• Dao - just south of Vinho Verde and Duoro. Still in northern Portugal. Dead center in terms of east-to-west.
• Vinho Verde - northwestern Portugal. The western part of the Duoro River passes through Vinho Verde.
• Alentejo - this is the explansive plain in Southern Portugal that pushes up against the Spanish border and the hill towns along the border. This area is due east of Lisbon and a touch south of it along the Spanish border.

Portugal is an area that US winedrinkers are still discovering - although Portugal is an ANCIENT winemaking area! In the 1600's the British began importing Portuguese wines - eventually adding brandy to the casks to improve flavor and stability of the wine during transport - creating Port (it's fortified with brandy).

As a result, much of the world associated Portugal with fortified wines for centuries and never really thought about its "still" wine (the Portuguese call red and white wine "still" wine). Also, Portugal for much of the 20th century was dirt poor after decades of economic and political isolation (they suffered under a comparable dictatorship to the Franco one in Spain). This resulted in little attention or investment in winemaking - since the 1980's and integration into the European Union, that has changed and Portuguese wineries are roaring into the world's forefront!

The grapes are unknown to us in many ways - Touriga Nacional, Arinto, Aragones, Tinto Roriz (what the Spanish call Tempranillo), Trincadeira, Alfrochiero Pretoand Castelao.

Remember, this is not a seminar. You may come at any time between 5:30 and 7:00pm.

The Wines:

Whites:

Casa da Vila Verde Vinho Verde 2007 (Vinho Verde) $9.99 - lusher and richer than most Vinho Verdes. Bottled without any CO2, so this doesn't have the slight effervescent spritziness of many Vinho Verdes. 11.5% alcohol versus 9.5% for many. Estate grown and bottled (most Vinho Verdes are not). Blend of Trajadura and Loureiro. We are going to taste another Vinho Verde, not one of Augusto's, side-by-side with this as a comparison.

Casa da Vila Verde Alvarinho 2006 (Vinho Verde) $12.99 - This is a wonderful white wine! From the same grape the Spanish call Albarino! At a much lower price! Aromas and flavors of tropical fruit, grapefruit, peaches and green apples. Stainless steel fermentation. Food pairing - great with seafood.

Casa de Santar White 2007 (Dao) $16.99 - Floral and stone-fruit (apricots and peaches) aromas. Soft texture. Blend of Encruzado, Cerceal-branco and Bical. Estate-grown grapes. Hand-harvested. Stainless steel fermentation. "Battonage" done (they stir up the "lies" or residue in the vat - this softens the wine). 50% goes through malolactic fermentation (this is what makes some Chardonnay "buttery and creamy" - this wine is not "buttery and creamy" - the malolactic fermentation adds more of a velvety texture to the wine. Food pairing - seafood, shellfish, great with appetizers.

Reds:

The following winery, Quinta de Ventozelo (3 wines and 3 ports), is the oldest property in Duoro and the Wine & Spirits "Winery of the Year" in 2005.

Quinta de Ventozelo "Vinzelo" Duoro 2006 (Duoro) $10.99 - Fresh and easy wine. Not complicated! Just good! Red blend of Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca, Tinta Barroca and Touriga Nacional. Stainless steel - sees no oak. Filtered. Food pairing - pizza, pasta, roast chicken, mushroom dishes, etc.

Quinta de Ventozelo Touriga Nacional 2003 (Duoro) $26.99 - Dark red color. Aromas of blackberries, red berries, baking spices and coffee. Flavors of fresh dark fruit, stony minerals and more - this is not "just a fruit bomb." Coming into its own - this will easily last another 2-3 years and maybe longer. 100% Touriga Franca. 8 months in American oak. 6 months minimum bottle aging before release. Lightly filtered. Wine Enthusiast, 90 points.

Quinta de Ventozelo Touriga Franca 2003 (Duoro) $25.99 - This might not be for everyone. I think it's kinda cool and interesting. More of a food wine. Just beginning to come into its own. 100% Touriga Franca. 8 months in American oak. 6 months minimum bottle aging before release. Lightly filtered. Food pairing - lamb, aged cheese, roasted poultry, etc.

Casa de Santar Tinto 2003 (Dao)$13.99 - Bright ruby color. Long silky finish. Blend of Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz and Alfrochiero. Estate-grown grapes. Hand-harvested. Aged in American oak casks for 4-6 months (barrels have been used at least 1 time). Bottled and aged for another 6-12 months before release.

Casa de Santar Reserva 2003 (Dao) $24.99 - Deep color. Velvety texture. Aromas of mocha, chocolate, coffee, smoke, raisins and dark fruits. Flavors of dark fruits, dark chocolate, spices, rich earth.....long finish! This is the crown jewel of the Casa de Santar line-up! Aged 1 year in 100% new Seguin Moreau French oak barrels. Wine is fined, but not filtered. Blend of Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz and Alfrochiero Preto.

Marques de Borba Tinto 2006 (Alentejo) $16.99 - Joao Portugal Ramos might be Portugal's leading winemaker (these other wines are so good, it's hard to say!). Robert Parker of the Wine Advocate has called Portugal Ramos one of the "emerging superstars of winemaking in Portugal." He's worked with the Rothschild-owned Quinta do Carmo. Now, he works for himself! New moder-winery that is also traditional (new stainless steel fermenters, traditional stone lagars for crushing the grapes by foot, naturally cooled cellar). Located near the gleaming white buildings of Estremoz, a hill town in the district of Borba. Rich, medium-bodied red. Aromas of strawberries, spices and flowers. Blend of Aragonez and Trincadeira. Hand-picked grapes. De-stemmed and then crushed. Aged 5 months in oak barrels.

Pontual Touriga Nacional/Trincadeira 2004 (Alentejo) $25.99 - One of the better wines I've tasted in ages! Big red! deep tannins that are tamed and softened with some age. Aromas and flavors of black plums and flowers and notes of spices and vanilla. 65% Touriga Nacional & 35% Trincadeira. 12 months in French and American oak.

Ports:

Quinta de Ventozelo used to sell their Port grapes - then they started making Port.....I'm glad they did! This "quinta" dates back centuries - it's one of the oldest on record and its grapes have made award-winning Ports for other names for decades. Now, it is making its own award-winning wines!

Quinta de Ventozelo Late Bottle Vintage 2000 $29.99 - Deep ruby Port! Aromas and flavors of black cherries, dark chocolate, vanilla and hints of aged wood. Great length on the flavors. Aged 4 years in casks and then bottled and aged some more! Blend of Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca and Tinta Cao. Grapes are crushed by foot without destemming. Fortified by adding 100% natural grape brandy. Unfiltered. Food pairing - serve with Aged Gouda, Manchego, blue cheeses, nuts, chocolate, spicy apple pie. Wine Enthusiast, 89 points.

Quinta de Ventozelo 10-year Tawny Port $39.99 - Aromas and flavors of raisins, caramel, toffee, dried fruits....Blend of Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca and Tinta Cao. Grapes are crushed by foot without destemming. Fortified by adding 100% natural grape brandy. Unfiltered. Average of 10 years in "pipas" (550-litre casks of native oak and chestnut). Food pairing - blue cheese, softer cheeses, quiche, coffee, dried fruits, pate & foie gras. In warmer weather, chill and serve as a cocktail. In cooler weather, cuddle up in front of a fire! Wine Spectator, 90 points.

Quinta de Ventozelo 20-year Tawny Port $64.99 - Clear, rich amber color. Softer and more blended aromas than the 10-year - raisins, cocoa, melted brown suger and butter and dried fruits. Flavors of figs. Long and smooth. Blend of Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca and Tinta Cao. Grapes are crushed by foot without destemming. Fortified by adding 100% natural grape brandy. Unfiltered. Average of 20 years in "pipas" (550-litre casks of native oak and chestnut). Food pairing - blue cheese, mature aged cheeses, dried figs, dates and apricots. In warmer weather, chill and serve as a cocktail. In cooler weather, cuddle up in front of a fire! Wine Spectator, 89 points.

X Port - I'm missing my notes on this one and the name! It's a ruby and it's about $26-30.

We hope to see you there!

Eric

Freeport Cheese & Wine
Freeport, ME 04032
(207) 865-3993

November Wines & Cheeses We Love!

Freeport Cheese & Wine
27 Bow Street
Freeport, ME
(207) 865-3993

New Cheeses (I'm going to be doing this going forward each month - 2-3 new each month):

• Vermont Cloth Aged Cheddar - probably the best cheddar I've tasted in a few years!
• Great Hill Blue - a classic blue from Massachusetts
• Willow Hill Farm La Fleuire - a camembert style cheese from Vermont

Fra'Mani Salame Salametto - Another of the BEST Salami in the WORLD!!! All natural. Hand-made. Rich. Fatty! In a good way! Look, lean Salumi is just.....leanly lame! Fra'Mani is the best! Pork Salumi at its best....hand-made by a chef in San Francisco from naturally raised pigs.

The WINES......

Sparkling Wines

Familia Oliveda Cava Rosat NV (Spain) $15.99 - Familia Oliveda is a family owned company that has been making wine at this estate north of Barcelona since the mid 1700's. This rose Cava is a blend of Pinot Noir and Grenache grapes. As you'd expect from Pinot Noir it has very pretty delicate floral aromas and cherry fruit. The Grenache gives it a bit more body and a richer finish.

Bisol Jeio Prosecco Brut (Italy) $14.99 - This is a tasty sparkling wine and a great value! Fine, soft bubbles. Starts soft and refreshing. With a touch of flowers and almonds as well as subtle acidity. Flavors of apples and pears. A nice, delicate, lingering finish. Food pairing - Great as an aperitivo or with antipasto, seafood or lighter white meat dishes. Goes great with smoked salmon or trout. This will go great with spicy food, especially Thai and Pacific cuisines. Excellent as a sparkling wine for a party!

Whites

Cascina Ca’ Rossa Roero DOCG Arneis “Merica” 2006 (Italy) Reg. $19.99 Sale $14.99 - This is a beautiful wine! Reminds me of a really good, refined, complex Alsatian Pinot Blanc. Medium-bodied & has a smooth, round feel in the mouth. Aromas & flavors of flowers, almonds, tart green apples, white peaches and pears. Much of the flavor is driven by this cool wet minerality halfway through. Well balanced acidity. Nice length on the finish - the finish is driven by acidity, a slightly bitter almond note and minerals. Food pairing - Great as an aperitif or cocktail wine. Perfect with cold salads, especially seafood or chicken salad. Has enough depth to hold up to salamis and other typical Italian antipasta foods.

Jelu Torrontés 2008 (Argentina) $12.99 – New vintage of a wine we just love! Torrontés is the grape and it is the dominant white grape in Argentina! This is really floral, kind of Muscat or Viognier like aroma. Lots of orange, apricot and some pineapple. That fruit is the first thing you taste, but then you get a hint of spice midway à la Gewürztraminer and then the finish is very clean and dry. Totally not what you expect from that first smell. Really cool wine! Food pairing – shellfish, seafood, lighter pasta dishes, grilled chicken or pork. Drinks well with or without food!

Alexander Valley Vineyards Mendocino County “New Gewurz” Gewurztraminer 2008 (CA) $9.99 - Made in celebration of the new harvest each year! Fresh. Delicious. Fruity. Off-dry. Touch of spice. Great floral aroma. Flavors of peaches and ripe pears. This is a crowd-pleaser. Food pairing - Goes well with hors d’oeuvres, fresh fruit, roast pork, poultry, spicy Asian dishes and creamy cheese.

Celestin Blondeau Sauvignon Blanc 2006 (France) Reg. $10.99 Sale $9.99 – Completely different wine than the Kim Crawford! As Sancerre prices have shot through the roof, this winery has done something smart! They source grapes from Touraine and Anjou (both are good growing regions) and they make an excellent Sauvignon Blanc at a great price from the Loire Valley! Crisp with green apple fruit and notes of lemon grass. Food pairing – oysters, fish, pork or chicken.

Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc 2008 (New Zealand) $19.99 - Truly one of the best New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs made! This is a fresh, lively, fun to drink wine. Great grapefruit, passion fruit, melon, lime green apple flavors & aromas in this classic New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. Great depth of fruit. A subtle touch of pepper spice & lemon grass. Stainless steel fermentation. Food pairing - Enjoy with seafood, lobster, grilled tuna, spicy chicken or spicy Asian food. Wine Spectator, 91 points, #40 Top 100 Wines 2008

Reds

Georges DuBœuf Beaujolais Nouveau 2008 (France) $10.99 - Le Beaujolais Nouveau est arrivé! "The New Beaujolais has arrived!" It’s balanced, fruit forward and without a lot of tannins….flavors and aromas of raspberries, strawberries, black cherries and a hint of spice. Food pairing – A CLASSIC Thanksgiving Dinner Wine! Food pairing - Good with poultry dishes and lighter foods! Celebrate the season!

Château des Capitans Juliénas Cru Beaujolais 2006 (France) Reg. $15.99 Sale $14.99 – If we’re tasting a Beaujolais Nouveau, we have to taste the “big daddy” from the region – a Cru Beaujolais! This is AWESOME! Ripe, rich dark berries in the nose. Packed with aromas & flavors (cherry, blackberry, raspberry, pepper). Medium-bodied. Well-balanced acidity & tannins. Rich, LONG finish. 100% Gamay. Aged in 20% oak barrels. Joint project of Georges DuBoeuf and William Deutsch. Drink over the next 7-8 years. Great vintage! Food pairing – duck, turkey, pork, chicken, etc. Drinks well on its own.

Cantele Salice Salentino Puglia 2003 (Italy) Reg. $12.99 Sale $10.99 - Excellent wine from this family-owned winery in Southern Italy! Ripe and juicy – this drinks smoothly….lots of ripe, dark fruit. Soft tannins. No bitterness. 85% Negroamaro and 15% Malvasia Nera. Aged 3 years in stainless steel with selected lots in used oak barriques. Aged in bottles for 6 months. 2,500 cases made. Food pairing – pasta and meat dishes, goat cheeses. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 87 points

Vacceos Tempranillo Rueda 2005 (Spain) Reg. $13.99 Sale $12.99 - Rueda is more know fo rproducing white wines, but since 2001 some enterprising 100% Tempranillo made entirely in stainless steel. It has ripe cherry and blackberry fruit with a hint of earth and briars followed by tannins that are soft and polished. but it also has peppery dusty qualities and a dry finish that give the wine more.

Echeverria Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 (Chile) $12.99 - The Echeverria Family has been making wine in Chile since the 1600's and this excellent Cabernet demonstrates their expirience. Its cherry fruit is ripe and lush but it also has peppery dusty qualities and a dry finish that give the wine more depth.

Joan D’Anguera La Planella Montsant 2006 (Spain) $21.99 - Fabulous wine! Deep purple/ruby color. Rich aromas of dark fruits (black cherries, blackberries, dark plums), minerals & Provencal herbs. Medium-bodied. La Planella is a blend of 40% Mazuelo, 20% Syrah, 20% Grenache, and 20%. Montsant is near Priorat (it’s actually named after a mountain in Priorat) in northeasternmost Spain (southwest of Barcelona). Joan's father, Josep, started replanting his family’s vineyard back in the 70's so the vines are all older now and produce very concentrated fruit from their rocky hillside vineyards. Food pairing - Excellent with grilled and roasted meats, mushrooms dishes and more!

d’Arenberg The Footbolt Shiraz 2005 (Australia) Reg. $17.99 Sale $15.99 - Outstanding wine! This is drinking great! A huge hit at a recent wine wine tasting! Bright and fresh. Plum, cherry, blackberry and currant aromas. Subtle hints of licorice, anise, sweet earth, cedar and pepper. Smoky. Nice, soft & long finish. Unfiltered and unfined…classic winemaking…just yummy and big and smooth! Food pairing - Great with hearty foods, roasts, grilled meat. Decant this wine – both to open it up and because it has sediment. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 89 points

Myuge Napa Valley Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 (California) $34.99 - Ned Swain of Devenish Wines came to me with this wine.....I love it when Ned comes to me with obscure wines he loves.......I taste A LOT of wine. Ned tastes a SCARY HUGE amount of wine. And, he calls a bad wine a bad wine and he RAVES about a really good wine....and he doesn't use geeky wine words (Ned and I have talked about wine for nearly 4 years and we've never gone "wine word geeky" - the big phrase is, "This is good - I like this!). Ned has an e-mail newsletter and he even recommends wines he doesn't sell (that's a BANKABLE recommendation, right there!).

Abe Schoener, a professor of Ancient Greek Philosophy, started making wine in 1998 by interning at the Stag's Leap Winery when he was on sabbatical. Then he became the winemaker at Luna for a few years before starting this very special and specialized project. Everything Abe makes is made in TINY quantities. Less than 100 cases per wine as a rule. He makes everything at his new winery in the Suison Valley just east of Napa. The Suison Valley is listed on the Myuge label. Now we know this wine is from Rutherford.....beyond that, we don't know much - we've asked the broker who sells it to Ned. They don't know. We've tried tracking down Abe....no luck, yet on that one. So, we don't know the particulars - aside from this is a side project of Abe's AND it tastes really good!

The wine is dark, dark ruby to nearly black in the center. It looks unfiltered - so DECANT this both for sediment reasons and to open up the wine's aromas and flavors!

This is powerful and full-bodied - it's really a mouthful of wine! It opens with black cherry fruit that blends into the mid-palate and picks up hints of juicy plums and cinnamon along the way. At the back are notes of cedar. The finish is long and smooth. There are definitely tannins in this wine - they are dry and dusty in the way Rutherford Cabs are supposed to be, but they are integrated into the wine. This is a young Napa Cabernet with a lot of structure and depth to it. The aromas are seductive and the complex flavors are well-integrated.

I am in love with this wine and think it's a steal at $35 or so. It drinks like a much better Napa Cabernet, in fact all the online websites I've found list it for over $40. Regardless, I'm excited to have found this because so many Napa Cabernets are either really expensive or just simple and don't have the structure Napa is famous for. This wine is really a gem! As another wine merchant said, "Wherever this comes from there is some serious wine making behind it!" Food pairing – steak, lamb, big foods. DECANT this wine when you drink it!

Dessert

El Maestro Sierra Pedro Ximenez Sherry (Spain) $19.99 - This sherry is made entirely from the Pedro Ximenez grape and has beautiful aromas of hazelnuts, caramel, and apricots. The wine is aged in the solera style for 15 years before release, giving the wine time to develop all of its rich depth.

Wine Tasting featuring Kysela Wines

Wine Tasting Featuring Wines from Kysela Imports

".....one of the finest palates and selectors of top wine....., Robert Parker"

The Tasting

Wednesday, Oct. 22nd

Where: Hilton Garden Inn, Park Street, Freeport (that's just across the railroad tracks and around the corner from my store)
When: 5:00-7:00pm, Wed., Oct. 22nd (if you can't be there right at 5:00, don't worry....show up when you can)
Cost: $10/person
RSVP: Please call Freeport Cheese & Wine to reserve a spot – 865-3993; it is okay to just show up, but it helps us to prepare if you callWe are thrilled about this event!

The tasting features wines from one of the best importers of wines in the United States, Fran Kysela Pere et Fils. Robert Parker says about Fran Kysela, “…One of the finest palates and selectors of top wine….” Patterson’s Beverage Journal, in October 2006, called Kysela, “…America’s Next Top Wine Importer.”

The tasting features wines from Kysela Imports and Davine Wines, their Maine Distributor. Leading the tasting is Robert Jones, the national sales manager for Kysela Peres et Fils.

Robert is one of only 160 Master Sommeliers in the WORLD. He's forgotten more about wine than most people ever know! At the same time, he is down to earth, fun, friendly and informative – he treats wine the way it should be treated - a fun beverage that can improve a meal or an event! If you really want to learn about wine, this tasting is the place to be!

The Wines

The Sparkling:

Charles Duret Crémant de Bourgogne (France) $19.99 – Have you checked Champagne prices lately? THROUGH THE ROOF! Crémant de Bourgogne is a “newly” designated wine area in France – 1975. The sparkling wines from Crémant are made in the same fashion as Champagne (secondary fermentation in the bottle – “Méthode Champenoise”).

This is a blend of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay. Delicate, long-lasting bubbles that are just like Champagne’s…..this is a “Blanc de Noirs” because it has a red skinned grape in it and is a white wine. This has those hazelnut aromas that remind me of many champagnes. Food pairing – great as a sparkling wine for a party or reception or with foods with creamy wine sauce.

Kerisac Sparkling Cider NV (France) $10.99 - This is tasty! The cider is produced from these five following types of apples: Kermerien (bitter), Bedan (sweet), Douce-Moën (bitter-sweet), Petit Jaune and Avrolles (acidulous). This cider is from Brittany in northwesternmost France. This special cuvée is low in alcohol (only 2.5%). Food pairing - Refreshing and fruity, it is ideal as an aperitif and excellent when poured over desserts and sherbets.

The Whites:

Saumaize Michelin St. Veran “Les Creches” 2006 (France) Reg. $32.99 Sale $29.99 – if you ever wanted to know what “stirring of the lees” means, look at this picture! (4th picture down). You’ll also see some gorgeous photos of Burgundy and an awesome cliff!

This small estate has about 45 acres of Chardonnay and 1 acre of Gamay (for Mâcon Rouge). All of the wines are 100% barrel fermented (10-25% new barrels per vintage) and go through 100% malolactic fermentation. They make about 3,800 cases of wine per vintage. The family estate is owned by Roger and Christine Saumaize-Michelin. They built new cellars in 1991. Anthony Dias Blue, in his “Pocket Guide to Wine 2006,” says of Roger Saumaize, “(he’s a) “….meticulous vineyardist and skilled winemaker, makes Mâcon whites…..dense and rich for the region, they behave more like great Côte de Beaunes.”

Elegant and fruity nose with great minerality. Round, rich, fresh and well balanced. You notice this wine is aged on its lees. Aromas of apples, pears, baking spices and citrus peel. The apple notes pick up in the flavors. From vines in Davaye and planted in limestone-based soils. Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, 89 points

Domaine de Régusse Aligoté 2007 (France) $13.99 – This wine estate is at about 1,500 feet in altitude. The winery is in the Alpes de Haute Provence, at the start of the Luberon Mountain Range, about 50 miles from Marseilles. It is certified “Viticulture Raisonee Controlee,” which is very close to organic viticulture (it means that they intervene in the vineyard only when necessary). Think of this as going to the doctor to deal with strep throat or a heart murmur – dealing with a specific health issue in a specific way. This estate produces Aligoté and Pinot Noir, 2 grapes best suited to the cooler climates of Burgundy – so you get an idea that the climate here is not the “hot” South of France. Aligoté is the “other” white grape from Burgundy. Crisp, fresh and fruity wine. Nice acidity. I might call it a refreshing cross between a good Sauvignon Blanc and a Chablis. Food pairing – shellfish, grilled chicken, salads or by itself.

Wolfberger Edelzwicker 2007 (France) $15.99 - With a Master Sommelier on hand, we had to head to Alsace! This is a good tasting blend from Alsace and given that it is in a one Liter bottle (1/3 more wine), an even better value! Aromas of almonds, walnuts, minerals & citrus fruit. Flavors of fresh lemons, grass, minerals and a hint of spice. Blend of Pinot Blanc, Gewurztraminer, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Muscat, Sylvancer and Chasselas. Each of the grape varietals is picked individually (early-mid October). Food pairing - fresh salads, smoked fish, freshwater fish, shellfish, seafood, ham and more! Drinks well on its own! GREAT with THANKSGIVING DINNER!

Château Vessière Costières de Nîmes Grenache – Roussanne 2007 (France) $16.99 - Wonderful blend from Southern France! Aromas and flavors of peaches, citrus, white flowers, minerals and honey. On the finish, there is grapefruit and honeysuckle (that honey/honeysuckle is the Roussanne). Round, soft, rich wine. Great acidity that balances the fruit. 85% Roussanne and 15% Grenache Blanc. 7th generation winery. The Ancient Greeks revered wines from this site….as did the Romans. Food pairing - seafood, shellfish, salads, creamy pasta dishes.

The Reds:

Gourt de Mautens Cotes du Rhône Villages Rasteau 2005 (France) $79.99 – This is a bottle you will want to age and cellar. This is not for drinking now! You will do yourself and the wine a disservice! It needs at least 6-7 years right now and could go 15-20 years and still be peaking!

This is considered an “insider’s wine” – generally, you have to know someone to get this. Not much is made – 1,700 cases. Little is imported to the United States – 100 cases. 20 cases are in Maine. Less than that are available today!

Winemaker Jérôme Bressy farms just over 20 acres of vines. He is fanatical about grape quality. He farms organically. While his old-vine vineyard naturally has low yields, he pushes them lower by “green harvesting” to increase the quality even more.

This is one of the best estates in Rasteau. The REVUE DU VIN DE FRANC, France’s famous wine magazine, enthusiastically called Bressy “the new star of the Rhône!” In the “Bible” of French wine writing, Le Grand Guide des Vins de France, famed French wine reviewers Bettane & Desseauve call Gourt de Mautens “one of the best of the French wineries,” and they put it at the same level as the famous Chateauneuf-du-Pape wineries Chateau Rayas and Domaine Henri Bonneau – yes, they are equating a Cotes du Rhône Villages from Rasteau with legendary Châteaneuf-du-Pape wineries!

Jerome Bressy – in his own words:

"I’m willing to make the best possible wine and to equal the great wine makers. To do so, I’m always trying new things and I am always questioning myself. I’m not one to make the same wine year after year, there must be an evolution and sometime even a revolution! That’s why one could be surprised tasting the difference between two vintage years of Gourt de Mautens. Nothing’s for granted on the path to perfection, I keep on learning and expressing new things. Each year I try to make the best of what the vine has to offer. But it all depends on nature, on the earth, the weather, and I try to feel that and do the best out from that osmosis.”

The wine:

Beautiful blackberry and black cherry fruits, licorice and spice. Notes of earth, chocolate, pepper…..a little of that Old World dusty rusticity. Right now, this wine is tannic and MASSIVE! You are going to have to think about this one and WONDER what it will taste like in 6-15 years!

Unfiltered. Unfined. Natural yeast. Aged 12 months in demi-muids (300 liter barrels) and foudres (large barrels); then 18 months in concrete vats (these are lined so you aren’t tasting cement). The 2005 harvest was bottled in June 2008 (30 months of aging). 1,700 cases made. This wine is made for LONG-TERM cellaring and aging. It develops very slowly and 2005 was an EXCEPTIONAL vintage. Blend of 70% old-vine Grenache with the rest Syrah, Mourvedre and Carignan. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 92+ points (tasted from the barrel)

Domaine de la Mordorée

Fran Kysela calls this “arguably the top estate in our Portfolio. Domaine de la Mordorée (woodcock), located in the town of Tavel, in the Southern Rhône Valley, is the most consistent producer of top quality wine in my entire selection.”

Robert Parker, in his book, The World’s Greatest Wine Estates, says of Domaine de la Mordoree, “Christophe Delorme’s objective as a winemaker is to be unintrusive and maintain total respect for his terroir and the fruit it produces. His dream is to achieve a perfect balance between concentration, terroir and flavors. Delorme seems to be moving in the direction of biodynamic farming. He represents the best of an enlightened approach to winemaking that has one foot in the traditions of the past and one in the future” (if the print on that linked page looks small, click on the little icon at the bottom of the page).

This winery practices “culture raisonee” in the vineyards, which is very close to organic viticulture (it means that they intervene in the vineyard only when necessary). Think of this as going to the doctor to deal with strep throat or a heart murmur – dealing with a specific health issue in a specific way.

We are tasting 2 wines from this estate:

Domaine de la Mordorée “La Dame Rousse” Lirac Rouge 2005 (France) Reg. $29.99 Sale $24.99 – This is a beautiful wine – I find it both elegant and powerful! Aromas and flavors of black raspberries, figs, licorice, smoky meat, minerals, red and dark fruit…..This is medium-to-full bodied, but not overpowering. Equal parts Grenache and Syrah from 40 year-old vines. 100% destemmed grapes. You’ll be able to age this for another 5-8 years. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 90 points; Wine Spectator, 90 points; Wine Review Online, 91 points

Domaine de la Mordorée “Renaissance” Rouge 2005 (France) $14.99 – This has a deep red color. Loads of blackberries, raspberries and flowers (violets) on the nose. In terms of the flavors and feel, this is rich and big and has the same red and dark berries as in the aromas. Well-balanced tannins and acidity. Blend of 50% Marselan (a cross of Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache) and 50% Merlot. Food pairing – most any grilled and/or red meats. Awesome with game birds! Rich mushroom dishes. Hearty stews.

Les Hauts de la Brune Côteaux du Languedoc Saint Felix-Saint Jean 2005 (France) $14.99 – This shows lots of ripe, fresh fruit – cherries, raspberries and red plums. It picks up some blackberries, licorice and a little earth. Some spices. Clean and pure! The tannins are smooth. Blend of 80% Syrah, 10% Grenache and 10% Mourvedre. They destem the grapes and age them in concrete tanks after stainless steel fermentation.

S.C.V. Castelmaure Col de Vents Corbières Rouge 2006 (France) $12.99 – This winery makes 90% red wine – 80% is A.O.C. Corbières. The A.O.C. Corbières was created in 1985. This winery is a “co-op.” It has 65 members and it dates to the 1920’s. It’s in the unofficial Corbières cru site of Durban (11 unofficial Cru’s in Corbières)….Durban will become an official cru along with Alaric and Boutenac. This area is protected from weather systems off the Mediterranean Sea by mountains to the south. This winery takes quality seriously. This wine – 50% Carignan, 35% Grenache and 15% Syrah. Aromas of blueberries, cherries, raspberries, spices and black pepper. Long, smooth finish. Easy drinking but still with complexity! Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 87 points