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May 2008 Collector’s Club
2005 Vincent Girardin, Pinot Noir, Emotion du Terroirs
The 2005 vintage was exceptional in many of the world’s wine regions,
but especially so in Burgundy where it’s been regarded as the vintage of the century.
In most cases though, you’d have to pay big bucks and wait many years to fully experience
what the fuss is all about. But here’s a little gem from a fabulous producer who, in
addition to superb estate wines, produces some excellent négociant wines, such as this
elegant Pinot Noir. This one definitely needs some time (Bear says give it two to
five years) but, at $23.75, it’s an unbeatable introduction to Burgundy, and a superlative
vintage at that. It’s still in decent supply and, when you do open it, consider
preparing your favorite version of boeuf bourguignon or coq au vin.
1999 Bodega Balcona, Partal, Crianza
This wine comes from the relatively new Bullas D.O.C, in the
southeast corner of Spain, in the Murcia region. Family-owned Bodega Balcona was
established in 1998 and is already one of the flagship wineries of this region.
Monastrell (Mourvèdre) is the major grape in Bullas and Balcona is fortunate to
own some excellent, high-altitude plots of 50-year-old vines. The 1999 Partal Crianza
is about 60% old vine Monastrell (with Tempranillo, Cabernet, Syrah and Merlot) and is
wonderfully earthy and food friendly, with lots of dark fruit and spice. Enjoy it
anytime, with meat or cured cheeses. Originally $28, it’s now only $17 and we got
all that was left in town.
2004 Velenosi, Il Brecciarolo
Velenosi is an award-winning Italian winery that is being imported
into this country for the first time. This wine is a classic Rosso Piceno blend of
Montepulciano and Sangiovese. It’s soft and pleasant, very food friendly and is ready
to drink now. A great dinner wine, it would pair beautifully with hearty main courses
such as lasagna, or just about any Italian-themed meal. It’s $18 and we should be able
to keep it in stock for the foreseeable future.
2006 Crios de Susana Balbo, Cabernet Sauvignon
Susana Balbo has made wine throughout the world, but the wines she
puts her name on she makes in her home country, Argentina. Her Crios label is a more
moderately priced line-up of wines that receive the same meticulous care and attention as
her signature label, and represent some of the best values coming out of Argentina
today. Crios means "offspring" and, like offspring, these wines are meant
to be "extremely lovable and fun to be around." (The label design depicts
three hands, representing Susana and her two children.) Her Crios Cabernet is a big,
dark, juicy wine, with lots of black plum and currants - perfect for grilled or roasted
meats or other Cab-friendly foods. Drink now or over the next few years. It’s
$14 and is in good supply.
2007 Naches Heights Vineyard, Riesling
We’ve been high on Naches Heights wines, ever since we first tasted
them about a year ago, when owner Phil Cline brought in his Pinot Gris and Riesling to
sample. We loved the way his fruit, from some of the highest altitude vineyards in
Washington, produced wines with fresh, natural acidity and bright fruit flavors, reminiscent
of Alsace. His 2007 Riesling is delightful and full of crisp, aromatic fruit.
Perfect for sipping on its own or for pairing with Asian food or appetizers. It’s $18
and we’ll keep it in as long as it’s available, though only 200 cases were made.
NOTE: Phil will be in the shop at our regular weekly tasting on Thursday, June
19, 5:30 to 8:00 pm, along with Paul Beveridge of Wilridge Winery. Make sure to stop
in and sample their wines!
2005 Mas de Mortiès, Côteaux du Languedoc, Blanc
This wine comes from a relatively young winery in France’s Languedoc
region, which continues to be a source of some of that country’s best value wines.
The Mas de Mortiès estate is located in Pic-St-Loup and their wines, long popular
locally, are gaining recognition further afield. We’ve always carried lots of great
red wines from this region, but we’re seeing more and more excellent white wines, such as
this full-bodied, food-friendly blend of Roussanne, Rolle, and Viognier. Somewhat
limited, we should have more for a while, at $13. It’s ready to drink now, and would
be great with appetizers, tapas, chicken or other light, savory fare.
The 2005 Quilceda Creek Cabernet will arrive at the shop on May 2. As always,
club members have first priority and may purchase up to 6 bottles at $140 per bottle (plus
tax). Please let us know as soon as possible if you are interested.
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