WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB - FEATURED WINES FOR APRIL 2010
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Sawtooth Winery - Nampa, Idaho
Idaho is a state known for spectacular mountains, rivers and lakes. However, many are unaware that this beautiful area is also
a great wine growing region. The unique combination of geography, climate and soils found in Idaho's vineyards can produce grapes
with outstanding varietal character. This estate-vineyard for Sawtooth Winery is one of the warmer sites in Idaho. This site is
well suited for Cabernet Sauvignon, rather than the traditional "cooler" sites in Idaho. Other varietals planted at Sawtooth
Vineyard include Cabernet Franc, Roussanne, Pinot Gris, Syrah, and Merlot.
FEATURED WINE: 2006 Skyline Red Snake River Valley
Made from 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Syrah, 8% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc. This wine has aromas of dark fruits, rich black
berry and spice. It starts with rich dark fruit flavors that fill the mouth, supple tannins, and a beautiful long finish. This is
a great, consistent food partner to have around the house for the grilling season and a nice pot roast in the fall. Drink now
through 2011.
Naked Earth Wines - France
The rolling hillsides of France's Languedoc-Roussillon region are where Naked Earth earns its name. Conjured from completely
natural grapes that bask in the warm day glow of southern France, and rest in its cool and tranquil nights, Naked Earth is the
product of Mother Nature - never touched by harsh chemicals or unnatural fertilizers. Stripped down to the basics of viticulture,
Naked Earth's grapes are made by the environment in which it inhabits, meaning the vines live in ecological harmony with the soil,
water and organisms of this precious land, and this in turn creates healthier grapes, grown in a natural setting.
FEATURED WINE: 2008 Rouge
Made from 50% Merlot and 50% Grenache organically grown and certified by Ecocert. The wine's color is of rich hues of dark crimson
with raspberry red at the edges. It has an impressive nose of strawberry and vanilla, with accents of cinnamon and smoke. On the
palate this wine is a complete package: thick, rich and concentrated upon entrance, moving into notes of ripe fruits (strawberry
and blueberry), the finish is long and elegantly spicy, ending with hints of dark cherries, espresso and chocolate. Drink now
through 2011. It is perfect with grilled or roasted meat. It is especially recommended with a Leg of Lamb.
FEATURED WINE: 2008 Blanc
Made from 30% Grenache Blanc, 30% Sauvignon Blanc, 30% Chardonnay and 10% Viognier certified organic grapes, grown in the
Languedoc-Rousillon, the sun-soaked vineyards in the South of France. The wine pours a clean, pale gold color, accented by the
Chardonnay in the wine. Floral and full on the nose smell for scents of apricot and apple. On the palate the wine crisp upon
entry, with the immediate notes of lemon and grapefruit, moving into more flavors like vanilla and hibiscus flowers, ends on a
dry finish with gripping texture, coming from the wines' generous minerality and balanced acidity. The wine is ready now. Serve
chilled. It is a great summer wine or aperitif. Pair with oysters, shellfish, chicken or salads.
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Fedriani - Spain
Fedriani is owned and operated the famed Spanish winemaking family of Alvarez Nolting. Alvarez Nolting saw huge potential in
the Valencia D.O. because until recently the wine growing areas of Valencia was best known for Fondillon, a sweet red dessert wine
which has a five-hundred year history, and for sweet white dessert wines made from luscious muscatel grapes. However, with the
increasing modernization of wine production, other wines are now gaining deserved recognition inside and outside of Spain.
FEATURED WINE: 2009 Laffitte Syrah Valencia DO
Made from 90% Syrah along with equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo. The nose is doused with aromas of ripe fruit. The
palate drenched with full-bodied (yet at first reserved until a good airing out) brooding black fruit and dark chocolate flavors.
Typical of even the new fruit forwardness of Spanish wines, it maintains its notes of earth and mineral. Balanced acidity and a
lengthy dry finish. Drink now through 2014. Decant for 30 minutes and pair with beef short ribs.
Viottolo - Italy
The Viottolo Winery is a family-owned estate located in the heart of the beautiful Tuscan countryside of Tavarnelle. Direct
descendents of the founding family continue to manage the Viottolo winery, which includes over 500 acres of vineyards, where they
grow Sangiovese, the typical red variety of the Chianti Classico zone, as well as other native red grapes of the area, such as
Canaiolo and Colorino. They also grow "international" varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
FEATURED WINE: 2007 Sangiovese di Toscana IGT
Made from 100% Sangiovese. Like all Viottolo wines they use only estate grown grapes. It is ruby red in color with purple
shadings. It has a delightful nose with aromas of violets and wild berries. Medium-bodied, fruity with appealing notes of
blackberries in the taste. Characterized by fresh fruit and pleasant acidity which make this Sangiovese an optimal food wine.
Pair with most pasta dishes, red meats & aged cheeses. For a true Italian flair, pair with steak Pizzaiola. Drink now through
2011.
Vinedos del Quorom - Spain
Vinedos del Quorum stands in the hills of Jumilla where the vineyards are known to be the best of the region, not only because
its orientation to the north, but also because of the slopes and the ages of the vines. Thanks to the Mediterranean climate the
vines are unique and have their own personality. Vinedos del Quorum invests their resources in improving their viticulture
techniques, their families, and cellars in order to ensure the highest quality.
FEATURED WINE: 2008 Laidia Blanco Jumilla DO
The phenomenal package of this wine is a wonderful prelude to the content in the bottle. Laidia Blanco 2008 a white wine from
Jumilla mostly of the local varietal Macabeo with a touch of Verdejo offers surprisingly complex aromas of ripe green apples and
subtle nuances of toasted bread, pear, apricot, passion fruit, fennel & thyme. Polished mouth, balanced acidity & intensity of
aromas make this a killer white and a pleasant Spring & Summer sipper! Drink now through 2012.
Matahiwi - New Zealand
Matahiwi Estate is owned by Alastair and Gina Scott. After many years overseas sampling wines from all areas of the world,
Alastair wanted to return to New Zealand to develop a life long dream of owning his own winery. Matahiwi Estate, one of the
largest family owned vineyards in the Wairarapa, has now been launched. The low cropping levels and intensive hand-on practices
at Matahiwi are on a par with those of ultra-premium wine producers throughout the world. Matahiwi aims for elegant wines with
essential fruit purity. A key objective is to reflect the vineyards and the soils from which the grapes originate. The Matahiwi
range displays cool climate intensity of fruit, balanced flavors and excellent length. The range bears testament to the fact that
making good wine is all about doing many things well.
FEATURED WINE: 2006 Sauvignon Blanc Wairarapa
Made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc. Here is an unusually full bodied Sauvignon Blanc, which will appeal as much to Chardonnay fans as
to those who want a fresh new white wine. It has a fresh, youthful style and flavors that are subtle rather than over the top and
fruity. This crisp styled wine has a wonderful combination of gooseberry, ripe capsicum and passion fruit aromas - typical stylish
Sauvignon Blanc. Drink it with seafood or pasta dishes and delicious summer salads. This wine is ready now and will not benefit
from further ageing.
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Haystack Needle - Woodinville, Washington
Haystack Needle is a leading negociant-style wine producer in Washington. Haystack Needle has established a new price/quality
benchmark by blending select lots of bulk wine with wines they have made themselves, always sourcing from Washington's leading
vineyards. The result is fantastic wines that fully express the essence of Washington in general and the vintage in particular.
The sum is truly greater than the parts which present aristocratic wines at democratic prices!
FEATURED WINE: 2007 Tempranillo Walla Walla Valley
Another fruit-driven success for this negociant's Tempranillo program. This 100% Tempranillo is a light to medium-bodied red,
sourced exclusively from, Certified Sustainable Vineyards in the Walla Walla Valley. Intertwining aromas featuring black
licorice, olive, leather and caramel lead into a pleasing mouthful of dried cherries, light herbal spice notes and granite on the
way to a smooth and dark leathery finish. This wine should age nicely for 3-5 years, but you may have difficulty waiting that
long. Tempranillo wines are perhaps one of the most food friendly wines around. They offer versatility - without forsaking flavor.
Consider pairing them with their hometown Spanish favorites - tapas, pork, grilled or roasted entrees.
Stephen Vincent - Petaluma, California
Stephen Vincent Situm began his career in the wine business with the Gallo Sales Co. in 1962. Steve has over 40 years of
experience in the production, marketing and sales of premium and ultra premium wines. He has been instrumental in the building of
many major brands including Robert Mondavi, J.Lohr, Vichon, Tepusquet Vineyard, Louis Roederer, Foppiano, Stephen Zellerbach, and
Draper & Esquin. Founder of the early Boutique Winery, La Crema, Bob Goyette grew in skill and experience at the Benziger Winery
combining his French Heritage with New England up bringing. He lets traditional winemaking methods guide him while keeping an eye
on the creative use of modern technology to create superior wines of great value for the current market. Today, he leads the
winemaking team at Stephen Vincent Wines as well as the daily management of the corporation.
FEATURED WINE: 2008 Chardonnay
Stephen Vincent's California Chardonnay is a blend of 50% Monterey County Chardonnay, and 50% Clarksburg Chardonnay. Just 20% is
barrel Fermented (with 10% malolactic) and 80% is stainless steel fermented. The malolactic fermentation gives the wine a buttery
flavor and stainless steel fermentation captures the essence of Chardonnay fruit. The wine is food friendly, with buttery
overtones with, melon fig and tropical flavors. Stylistically, it's a fruit driven Chardonnay that is rich and delicious to drink.
Drink now through 2011. Pair with seafood, chicken, veal, pork, and pasta.
Olsen Hills - Prosser, Washington
Olsen Hills winery is located at the edge of town in Prosser in the heart of the Yakima Valley. Wine tasting, production and
barrel storage all take place at the winery. Opened just in time for the 2006 crush, Olsen Hills was designed not only to showcase
their wines but also to showcase the dedication, passion and quality of their vineyards. Olsen Hills is proud to be an estate
winery. To earn that title, a winery must grow 100 percent of the grapes used in its wine. From bud break to bottle they work to
produce wines that reflect the terroir of the vineyards. The Olsen family carefully selected growing sites best suited for each
of the 21 varieties that grow on their 765 acres. Some of the oldest vines in the valley can be found in these vineyards, which
are scattered below Rattlesnake Mountain between the cities of Prosser and Benton City.
FEATURED WINE: 2007 Red Blend Yakima Valley
Made from 67% Syrah, 13% Merlot, 7% Malbec, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 2% Mourvedre. Rich and
juicy, this is almost preternaturally focused to show off its blueberry, plum and blackberry fruit, shaded by hints of mineral
and cream as the finish lingers effortlessly against light, crisp tannins. A well structured Syrah based blend with balanced
flavors, the nuances of this wine will continue to develop over the next few years. This wine will work well with hearty foods
such as bean soup or braised meats. Drink now through 2012.
Prosser Wine Company - Prosser, Washington
Built on the foundation of family, farming heritage, love for the valley, and passion for wine, Prosser Wine Company's mission
is to handcraft limited release, world-class wines from the heart of Washington Wine Country. Winemaker Robert O. Smasne shares
his artistic passion by producing an extraordinary list of wines under the Smasne Cellars and Farm Boy labels. Robert has spent
his entire life in the heart of Washington Wine country and has spent the past 13 vintages crafting wines that have garnered him
a reputation as a leading winemaker in Washington State. Robert was raised on a farm in the heart of Washington Wine Country,
the Yakima Valley (Washington's first AVA).
FEATURED WINE: 22006 Farm Boy Riesling Columbia Valley Lawrence Vineyard
Made from 100% Riesling. This new kid on the block is a great example of how good Riesling from Washington can be. This off-dry
wine shows classic Riesling aromas of petrol, green apple and mandarin orange with a wet-pebble minerality and good acidity,
making it an excellent match for spicy foods and light seafood and poultry dishes. Serve chilled and drink through 2011.
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Sawtooth Winery - Nampa, Idaho
Idaho is a state known for spectacular mountains, rivers and lakes. However, many are unaware that this beautiful area is also
a great wine growing region. The unique combination of geography, climate and soils found in Idaho's vineyards can produce grapes
with outstanding varietal character. This estate-vineyard for Sawtooth Winery is one of the warmer sites in Idaho. This site is
well suited for Cabernet Sauvignon, rather than the traditional "cooler" sites in Idaho. Other varietals planted at Sawtooth
Vineyard include Cabernet Franc, Roussanne, Pinot Gris, Syrah, and Merlot.
FEATURED WINE: 2006 Skyline Red Snake River Valley
Made from 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Syrah, 8% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc. This wine has aromas of dark fruits, rich black
berry and spice. It starts with rich dark fruit flavors that fill the mouth, supple tannins, and a beautiful long finish. This is
a great, consistent food partner to have around the house for the grilling season and a nice pot roast in the fall. Drink now
through 2011.
Fedriani - Spain
Fedriani is owned and operated the famed Spanish winemaking family of Alvarez Nolting. Alvarez Nolting saw huge potential in
the Valencia D.O. because until recently the wine growing areas of Valencia was best known for Fondillon, a sweet red dessert
wine which has a five-hundred year history, and for sweet white dessert wines made from luscious muscatel grapes. However, with
the increasing modernization of wine production, other wines are now gaining deserved recognition inside and outside of Spain.
FEATURED WINE: 2009 Laffitte Syrah Valencia DO
Made from 90% Syrah along with equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo. The nose is doused with aromas of ripe fruit. The
palate drenched with full-bodied (yet at first reserved until a good airing out) brooding black fruit and dark chocolate flavors.
Typical of even the new fruit forwardness of Spanish wines, it maintains its notes of earth and mineral. Balanced acidity and a
lengthy dry finish. Drink now through 2014. Decant for 30 minutes and pair with beef short ribs.
Haystack Needle - Woodinville, Washington
Haystack Needle is a leading negociant-style wine producer in Washington. Haystack Needle has established a new price/quality
benchmark by blending select lots of bulk wine with wines they have made themselves, always sourcing from Washington's leading
vineyards. The result is fantastic wines that fully express the essence of Washington in general and the vintage in particular.
The sum is truly greater than the parts which present aristocratic wines at democratic prices!
FEATURED WINE: 2007 Tempranillo Walla Walla Valley
Another fruit-driven success for this negociant's Tempranillo program. This 100% Tempranillo is a light to medium-bodied red,
sourced exclusively from, Certified Sustainable Vineyards in the Walla Walla Valley. Intertwining aromas featuring black
licorice, olive, leather and caramel lead into a pleasing mouthful of dried cherries, light herbal spice notes and granite on the
way to a smooth and dark leathery finish. This wine should age nicely for 3-5 years, but you may have difficulty waiting that
long. Tempranillo wines are perhaps one of the most food friendly wines around. They offer versatility - without forsaking
flavor. Consider pairing them with their hometown Spanish favorites - tapas, pork, grilled or roasted entrees.
(back to top)
Sawtooth Winery - Nampa, Idaho
Idaho is a state known for spectacular mountains, rivers and lakes. However, many are unaware that this beautiful area is also
a great wine growing region. The unique combination of geography, climate and soils found in Idaho's vineyards can produce grapes
with outstanding varietal character. This estate-vineyard for Sawtooth Winery is one of the warmer sites in Idaho. This site is
well suited for Cabernet Sauvignon, rather than the traditional "cooler" sites in Idaho. Other varietals planted at Sawtooth
Vineyard include Cabernet Franc, Roussanne, Pinot Gris, Syrah, and Merlot.
FEATURED RED WINE: 2006 Skyline Red Snake River Valley
Made from 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Syrah, 8% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc. This wine has aromas of dark fruits, rich black
berry and spice. It starts with rich dark fruit flavors that fill the mouth, supple tannins, and a beautiful long finish. This is
a great, consistent food partner to have around the house for the grilling season and a nice pot roast in the fall. Drink now
through 2011.
Naked Earth Wines - France
The rolling hillsides of France's Languedoc-Roussillon region are where Naked Earth earns its name. Conjured from completely
natural grapes that bask in the warm day glow of southern France, and rest in its cool and tranquil nights, Naked Earth is the
product of Mother Nature - never touched by harsh chemicals or unnatural fertilizers. Stripped down to the basics of viticulture,
Naked Earth's grapes are made by the environment in which it inhabits, meaning the vines live in ecological harmony with the soil,
water and organisms of this precious land, and this in turn creates healthier grapes, grown in a natural setting.
FEATURED WHITE WINE: 2008 Blanc
Made from 30% Grenache Blanc, 30% Sauvignon Blanc, 30% Chardonnay and 10% Viognier certified organic grapes, grown in the
Languedoc-Rousillon, the sun-soaked vineyards in the South of France. The wine pours a clean, pale gold color, accented by the
Chardonnay in the wine. Floral and full on the nose smell for scents of apricot and apple. On the palate the wine crisp upon
entry, with the immediate notes of lemon and grapefruit, moving into more flavors like vanilla and hibiscus flowers, ends on a dry
finish with gripping texture, coming from the wines' generous minerality and balanced acidity. The wine is ready now. Serve
chilled. It is a great summer wine or aperitif. Pair with oysters, shellfish, chicken or salads.
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Exopto Cellars - Spain
Rugby friends Tom Puyaubert, David Sampedro and Javier Gomez founded Exopto in 2003. The main idea of the project was to create
modern wines in the historical and traditional Rioja context: more color, fresher wines with a greater fruit flavor combined with
a better adaptation of the oak. All the wines produced at Exopto are blends of the three main grapes varieties of Rioja. Depending
on the style of the wine, we use Garnacha for its fruit, Graciano for its freshness or Tempranillo for its structure. Exopto is
the perfect testimony of a complex balance between modernity and tradition. The different plots of vines are between 30 to 90
years old and the winery's tanks are only made of oak or concrete, very traditional and noble materials that allow the wine to
express itself and develop the complexity of its aromas and flavors.
FEATURED WINE: 2006 Big Bang Rioja DOC
The 2006 Big Bang is 50% Garnacha, 40% Tempranillo, and 10% Graciano. The Tempranillo and Graciano were aged for 9 months in
barrel. Purple colored, the wine offers up a nose of cedar, spice box, lavender, black cherry and blackberry. This is followed by
a full-flavored, loaded, primary wine with a supple-texture, layers of fruit, excellent richness and balance, and a pure finish.
This tasty wine will evolve for 2-3 years but can be enjoyed now and through 2016. 90 Points Robert Parker.
Domaine Pouillon - Lyle, Washington
Domaine Pouillon is a family-operated winery located in the best-kept secret of raw, natural beauty in the Columbia River
Gorge: Lyle, Washington. Each year they produce approximately only 1500 cases of delicious and sophisticated wine. Their small
size allows them to demand the highest standards from themselves and vineyard partners. The grapes are hand-picked in small lots
at their ideal ripeness. Each barrel of starts with premium fruit and the greatest of care in the cellar. They practice
traditional artisan winemaking techniques: gently guiding the wine, allowing it to age in the cellar before bottling and labeling
each by hand.
FEATURED WINE: 2007 Pierre Horse Heaven Hills
Formerly called Cuvee en Amont the wine was re-named in honor of Papa Pierre Pouillon. Made from 52% Syrah and 48% Cabernet
Sauvignon and vinted in 100% neutral French Oak for 15 months. Aromas of cassis, black tea, raspberries, earth and tobacco entice
you to taste this fruit-forward wine which shows allows the splendor of Washington Syrah and Cabernet to shine through.
The finish is long and enticing with gobs of layers. This wine has great age-ability, drinking very well now... even better in 3-5
years.
Argyle Winery - Dundee, Oregon
Prospecting the New World's coolest latitudes, Brian Croser and Rollin Soles staked a claim in Oregon's Willamette Valley, a
place ideal for late season ripened Pinot Noir and Chardonnay fruit. Since 1987, Argyle Winery has produced world-class methode
champenoise Sparkling wine, barrel fermented Chardonnay and 'silky' textured Pinot Noir from low yielding vines on winery farmed
hillside slopes. Argyle was named "OREGON'S PREMIER WINERY" by Wine Spectator in 2000. Argyle farms three vineyards: Knudsen
Vineyard, Stoller Vineyard and Lone Star Vineyard. The 120 acre Knudsen Vineyard was first planted between 1972 & 1974. The
high elevation blocks of this landmark Dundee Hills site are key components in Argyle's sparkling wines. Knudsen provides Argyle
a mix of old vine blocks and new high density blocks planted with "Old World" Dijon clones. All grapes are hand harvested into
small baskets and transported to the winery. Grapes are chilled overnight to 35°F before crushing the next day. Chilling
preserves the ripe fruit characteristics and naturally limits oxidation.
FEATURED WINE: 2007 Chardonnay Dundee Hills Willamette Valley
Made from 100% Chardonnay. The 2007 vintage produced a wine with balanced structure showing off elegant, juicy fruit. The aroma is
lovely pear with a hint of fresh pineapple fruit over vanilla spice. The flavor is bright and creamy textured citrus-pear fruit,
with a continuing creamy, refreshing vanilla spiced finish. Drink now through 2012.
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Lemelson Vineyards - Carlton, Oregon
Lemelson Vineyards has quickly established themselves in the top tier of wineries producing some of the world's finest Pinot
Noir. Eric Lemelson's strong commitment to sustainable agriculture, combined with a winery that blends the latest technical
innovations with respect for centuries-old winemaking tradition, reflects the high level of quality that increasingly characterize
Oregon wines. An Oregonian since the late 1970s, Lemelson's first career was not as a farmer, but as an environmental lawyer
with a strong commitment to "green" principles. His father was the late Jerome Lemelson, one of the 20th century's most successful
and prolific independent inventors. Eric Lemelson fell in love with Pinot Noir's subtle flavors and distinct textures early in the
1990s. He planted his first vineyard in 1995, five years after moving to a Yamhill County farm from Portland, where he had lived
since 1979. Two years later, realizing that he loved the work involved in growing wine grapes, he planted an additional 30 acres
of Pinot Noir and began planning for construction of a sophisticated, gravity flow winery.
FEATURED WINE: 2007 Six Vineyards Pinot Noir Willamette Valley
The Six Vineyards cuvee is the best of the wine that does not make it into Lemelson's select, single vineyard and reserve level
wines. The aromas of the 2007 Six Vineyards Pinot noir are deep and rich with black cherry, smoke, roasted herbs and cocoa. The
silky entry leads to bright raspberry at mid and a rich toasted brioche finish. The broad palate is fleshy without being too
weighty, an attribute that one can come to appreciate about all of Lemelson's 2007 Pinot noirs. Drink now through 2012. 91 Points
Wine Enthusiast.
Longwood Wines - Australia
Phil Christiansen formerly worked at Hardy's, where he was a cellar hand. Since then, he has gone solo, making Shiraz in small,
but ever increasing quantities. He continues to contract making wine for other small independents. The label for Longwood Estate
wines is from Australian native (Aboriginal) artists. The works are original and have a social consciousness. It's a very
intriguing concept that the owner feels truly goes to the heart of what Australia does best - making great Shiraz and producing
incredible Aboriginal artwork.
FEATURED WINE: 2004 Shiraz McLaren Vale
Made from 100% Shiraz sourced predominately from one vineyard. The site has the elevation that places it in the reddish well
drained soils that produce quintessential McLaren Vale notes. The color is a dense purple. Expressive aromas of boysenberry,
blueberry and dark cherry, with a brightening note of espresso. Lush and open on the palate, with sweet berry flavors and fresh
acidity providing lift and focus through the finish. This is delicious, supple and smooth, with no edges or earthy qualities.
Drink now through 2012 and pair with lamb chops with rosemary and garlic. Only 450 cases produced. 91 Points Robert Parker. 90
Points Stephen Tanzer.
Chateau Rollat - Walla Walla, Washington
Chateau Rollat, based in Walla Walla, Washington, is the effort of Bowin Lindgren and his famous consulting winemaker,
Christian Le Sommer. Christian LeSommer is one of the most famous winemakers in the world, and the mere mention of his name
elicits attention and deep respect from wine industry members at the most exalted level. Among the wineries listed on Le Sommer's
resume are Chateau d'Yquem and Chateau LaTour, where he was general manager and wine master for more than a decade. He is now
consulting manager for Domaines des Barons de Rothschild.
FEATURED WINE: 2008 Ardenvoir Chardonnay Columbia Valley
Made from 100% Chardonnay. The 2008 Ardenvoir Chardonnay is a terrific wine, having a core of delicious apple fruit and lots of
body, but little evidence of oak. The wine is sourced from two vineyards-Lewis Vineyards and another small, well-known Prosser
site that needs to remain "undisclosed"! This wine combines the rich elements of American Chardonnay with a haunting similarity
to wines from the Maconnais. Overall this wine is vibrant on the palate with plenty of savory fruit and a lengthy finish. Drink
it over the next 3 years. 90 Points Wine Enthusiast.
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Selene Wines - California
Selene Wines is a tiny producer of hand-crafted Napa Valley wines. Selene's wines are the personal winemaking expression of Mia
Klein, a consulting winemaker. Selene's output is exclusively focused on the Bordeaux varietals that thrive in great Napa Valley
vineyards. Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc have been produced since 1991. Cabernet Sauvignon and a Cabernet Franc based Red Wine
(Chesler) have been produced since 2002. With each release, Selene's goal has been to capture forward fruit flavors and vibrancy
from the vineyard, and use minimalist winemaking techniques to frame the wines with extremely supple textures. The resulting
wines are food-friendly. They are open and accessible upon release, and yet they have the necessary balance and complexity to
enhance either home cooking or haute cuisine.
FEATURED WINE: 2004 Selene Chesler Napa Valley
Made from 60% Cabernet Franc, 22% Merlot, and 18% Cabernet Sauvignon. Both the Cabernet Franc and Merlot come from the Frediani
Family Vineyard in Calistoga. The Cabernet Sauvignon comes from Block C-1 at the Stagecoach Vineyard in Napa. For this vintage of
Chesler, Mia Klein co-fermented the Cabernet Franc and Merlot together. She believes that is one of the things that make this
wine so seamless. Because the two varieties are usually harvested at different times, it's not often winemakers get the chance to
co-ferment them. The Cabernet Sauvignon from Stagecoach came in 4 weeks later than the Franc and Merlot from Frediani, so it did
not get to join the party; however, the 18% of Cab in this blend does impart a wonderful deep blackberry to the flavor profile of
the wine. Along with the blackberries, you will find blueberries; sweet, exotic spice, caramel, toasted vanilla, a floral violet
character. It has excellent initial impact in the mouth; very intense and long flavors with a sappy, rich texture that is full,
but seamless. Drink now through 2022. Only 710 cases produced. 93 Points Wine Enthusiast, 92 Points Robert Parker, 92 Points Wine
Spectator.
Clarendon Hills - Australia
Clarendon Hills is a small family run winery based in Clarendon, South Australia. With a philosophy to convey variety
expression at an ultimate level, hand performance of every task ensures each step of the process is exacting to specification.
Making wine in an old-school, low technology fashion - each decision bases the sight, smell, taste and interpretation as its
mechanics. The story of Clarendon Hills is one of passion, dedication and commitment to exceptional wine. It all began in the
1980s, when a biochemist and wine taster named Roman Bratasiuk decided to produce his own wine. Though he'd never trained as a
winemaker, Roman let himself be guided by his refined palette and scientific knowledge. Following his favorite producers and
preferred styles, Roman sought to make a version of the wines he loved. Winemaking at Clarendon Hills starts and finishes in the
vineyards - and everything they do is guided by Roman's interpretation and tasting impression.
FEATURED WINE: 2004 Brookman Syrah Clarendon
This wine forms part of Clarendon Hills' 'Grand Cru' classification and is made from 100% Syrah. Earthy, savory fruited and
controlled. It has a deep layering of Kalamata, cigars, espresso and black truffle - within a defined blue-fruited spectrum. It
also offers a sublime creaminess along an evolving expression. Perfume with a waxy, rounded component typecasts this vineyard. The
aroma elevation in the glass is distinctly lower than its Grand Cru siblings. Recessed intensity and mid-palate positioning makes
for a beautifully centered focus and it forms an axis of length and weight. The Brookman Syrah is for those who enjoy subtlety
and softness. It should drink well for 10-12 years. Only 500 cases imported. 95 Points Robert Parker, 95 Points Wine Enthusiast,
93 Points Wine Spectator, 92 Points Stephen Tanzer.
Comtesse Bernard de Cherisey - France
Producing its first commercial vintage in 2000, this Domaine is one of the new stars of Burgundy, situated in the Hameau of
Blagny between the Puligny and Meursault appellations, but much higher up on the hill tucked underneath the woods. Blagny's
vineyards are well exposed to the sun while benefiting from a cooler micro-climate than its neighbors which lends a wonderful
raciness and minerality to its wines. Helene Martelet, granddaughter of the late Comtesse Montlivault, started bottling her own
wines from the 1999 vintage after years of selling the bulk of her crop to Maison Louis Latour. Through low yields and 50% new
oak barrel fermentation Helene makes wine that is intense, mineral and voluptuous.
FEATURED WINE: 2005 Meursault-Blagny, La Genelotte 1er Cru
Made from 100% Chardonnay from vines said to be chronically beset with millerandage, and hence very sparse clusters. Firm and
tightly wound, this stony white is an athlete of a wine, with apple and lemon notes rounding out the flavor spectrum. Shows
concentration and cut, with a lingering finish. Has a sense of place. Best from 2010 through 2016. 48 cases imported. 91 Points
Robert Parker.
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Hill of Content - Australia
Hill of Content was born out of Proprietor John Larchet's desire to create interesting Region specific wines at a price that
allows for "liberal" consumption. The name translates as "Hill of Happiness", referring to a state of mind rather than geographic
place. All fruit is sourced from Clare Valley, McLaren Vale, Adelaide Hills, Padthaway & Mornington Peninsula. John oversees
the entire operation from harvest to bottling. John's hand on approach is one the reasons Hill of Content consistently produces
highly rated sparkling and still wines every vintage.
FEATURED WINE: NV Sparkling Red Padthaway
This Non Vintage Sparkling wine is made predominantly from Shiraz and Cabernet, with fruit sourced from Padthaway in South
Australia. The wine has been aged in 2 to 3 year barrel to add to its lush and intense character. This unique sparkler pours a
light red with a frothy mousse. Sharply focused redcurrant and strawberry scents are brightened by white pepper and anise. This
is a lightly sweet sparkling wine, offering raspberry and candied cherry flavors and finishing with gentle tannic grip. The
peppery quality recurs on the finish, which leave sweet red berries behind. A wine for all festive events or a wine to serve as
an aperitif with rich and flavorful meatballs and salty or blue cheeses.
Jaillance - France
The Die region has been renowned for its famous Clairette since before history began. Jaillance is the story of a few vine
growers who, bolstered by the success of their Clairette de Die, had the courage to transmit their passion and share their
knowledge with other French regions. At Bordeaux, at Vouvray, or in Burgundy, Jaillance produces very noble AOC sparkling wines.
A cooperative was born in 1950 under the impulsion of Henri Bonnet and a few vine growers, La Cave de Die Jaillance. These men
shared common passions for work well done, solidarity and, even then, a concern that nature, as rough as it is talented, should
be conserved. Nowadays, their tradition is perpetuated by two hundred vine growers and about a hundred collaborators.
FEATURED WINE: NV Cremant de Bourgogne
Cremant de Bourgogne is a refreshing alternative to Champagne made from grapes grown in Burgundy. This wine is mostly Chardonnay
(80%) with small amounts of Pinot Noir and Gamay added to round out the blend. It is made using the same production methods as
Champagne. Pale yellow colored sparkler with abundant fine bubbles. A bold nose of citrus fruits (lemons) and flowers comes before
the fresh palate of citrus, apple and pear flavors. The Chardonnay creates a fresh buttery finish with notes of honey. Like most
Cremants, it is less acidic and fruitier than Champagne. An excellent aperitif that is a great wine for entertaining.
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Previously Featured Wines
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