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April 2007 Collector's Club
2004 Abeja Cabernet Sauvignon
If it's April, it must be time to feature the Abeja Cab in the
club. Once again, we were able to get just enough of this amazing wine for
our Collector's Club - the extra bottles we had completely sold out at the
Thursday tasting. No surprise there, since John Abbott makes some of the
finest and most nuanced wines in the state. This one is supremely opulent
and balanced and everything you'd expect from a master craftsman like John.
Abeja is also one of the most beautiful wineries in Walla Walla and has overnight
accommodations if you're planning a visit to the area. The cost for the Cab
was $39.75 but, alas, there is no more. Enjoy.
2004 Pascual Toso Reserve Malbec
We love it when we are able to get great wines at fire-sale
prices and this is one of those cases. It's a big, powerhouse of a Malbec,
but very smooth and inviting. We sold a fair amount at the tasting but there's
still some left, at $18.75. It's ready to drink any time and will pair
perfectly with grilled meats, pasta dishes, or other hearty fare.
2004 Bodegas Balbás Tinto Roble
Bodegas Balbás has been making wine in the Ribera del Duero
region of Spain for over 200 years. That's four generations, dedicated to
crafting wines in the traditional style. This one is made from 100% Tinta del
País - a local variant of Tempranillo - which produces rich, deep-colored wines
that pair especially well with meats. This one would be perfect with lamb or
sausages. It's $13.00, is still in good availability, and is drinking well now.
2004 Domaine la Bastide Merlot
Domaine la Bastide is the second label of Corbières-based
winemaker, Guilhem Durand. This value-priced Merlot is rich and smooth, with
a touch of earthiness. A bit more modern in style than the wines he produces
under his own label, this is an easy drinking alternative to big New world Merlots
and, at $9.75, easy on the pocketbook, too. There's a bit more around.
2006 Colombelle Côtes de Gascogne
We're always happy to include wines that historically just
haven't gotten much respect. This wine is a blend of two indigenous grapes
from Gascony: 70% Colombard - the Rodney Dangerfield of grapes - and 30% Ugni
Blanc. Both of these grapes are more commonly found in distilled wines, such
as Brandy and Cognac, so it was exciting to find this well-made crisp, clean and
refreshing white blend from the south of France that lifts these grapes to new
heights. It's ready to drink now, is only $8.00 and is in relatively good
supply. Try it as an aperitif with crackers and mild cheese, or with seafood,
poultry or pasta dishes.
2006 TerraNoble Sauvignon Blanc
How often do we see a good Sauvignon Blanc from Chile?
Not very. But Bear tried this one at a recent trade tasting and knew he had
to get some for the club. It's fresh and clean with nice, citrusy flavors.
At $9.00, it's a no-brainer for a picnic or to go with fish or other light
dishes. It was a big hit at the Thursday club tasting and is in good supply.
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