White

 

François Cazin 2013 Cour-Cheverny—The Loire valley is one of my favorite viticultural places in France.  The wealth of grapes grown and styles of wines produced boggles the mind.  This wine is produced from the ancient Romorantin grape.  This grape is only found in Cour Cheverny! In the hands of such a talented wine maker, this rare grape reaches great heights.  Find citrus, white flowers, and minerality on the nose.  On the palate, the minerality takes the forefront.  This is one of the most mineralistic wines I've ever had!  Look for lemon curd, unripe melon, and green apple to follow.  A truly interesting wine from a unique and rare grape. $25.98

Ingrid Groiss 2013 Gemischter-Satz—Passionate, emotional, and determined are three words that Ingrid chooses to describe herself when it comes to wine making. While going to school and pursuing other interests, she realized where her heart truly lie, and decided to carry on the family tradition of making fine wine. While not certified organic or biodynamic, she finds great importance in sustainable cultivation and preserving the natural environment through conscious land use. Gemischter-Satz translates to "mixed set", and is a designation used in Austria to indicate a field blend of many different grape varietals. Here we see 17 different grapes(Chardonnay, Müller Thurgau, Welschriesling, Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, Grauburgunder, Pinot Blanc, Malvasier, Neuburger, Zierfandler, Rotgipfler, Sämling, Roter Veltliner, Grauer Vöslauer, Hietl Rote, Weiße Vöslauer, and Silberweiße) whose vines average 50 years of age, producing a deep and complex wine. On the nose look for complex, ripe aromas of quince, yellow plum, citrus, tree fruit, and mineral. Find the same pure and lively fruit on the palate with a touch of apricot and a long and bright finish. $31.98

Avanthia 2013 Godello, Spain—Godello isn't yet a well known grape, but it will be! This grape finds its home in northwestern Spain, and tends to make a fuller bodied wine with some real weight and texture. I tried this wine and was blown away by the similarity to a much more expensive White Burgundy. This is a very serious example of Godello, with pretty tree fruit aromatics, which continue through to the palate. Oak aging is employed in moderation, adding to the weight and power of this bottle. But it is the acidity owning to a cool growing climate that really makes this bottle sing and gives it a great versatility in paring with food. $46.98

 

 

Red

 

Ogier 2012 Syrah d'Ogier—Stephane Ogier is one of the finest producers in France right now, making wines from the Northern Rhône, and more specifically, Côte Rôtie. While this wine is not exactly Côte Rôtie, it is made with the same care and in the same facility as the top wines of this Domaine. Stephane is a young man who spends all day in the vineyards, and for those who have not visited the area we are talking about slopes that can exceed a 60% gradient. The Ogier red wines are based on the Syrah Grape, and offer amazing depth, polish, and balance. Syrah from the Northern Rhône is one of my favorite wines to suggest to customers who like Pinot Noir. These wines share a similar finesse to the wines of Burgundy and pair beautifully with grilled meats. $31.98

Anton Iby 2011 Blaufränkisch Hochäcker—In the middle of the red wine village of Horitschon lies Iby winery. Since the introduction of the appellation Mittelburgenland DAC they have places importance on a natural and organic vineyard management program, because quality starts in the soil and the vines.  For their incomparable wines, management without herbicides and synthetic chemicals, as well as no application of artificial fertilizers. Instead, organic treatments are used to combat disease, and insects are kept at bay with the application of pheromones. When needed, nutrients are supplied by a high-quality cattle dung compost. In the glass, look for a dark ruby garnet with a violet rim, dark core, and 'teardrops' which cling to the sides of the glass with a swirl, which are evidence of a high degree of ripeness and a high extract.   Very clean, clear fruit with pronounced aromas of fully ripe Morello cherries and shades of dark berries.  Dry with a mild acidity, very ripe tannin, very full-bodied and rich. Harmonious and long departure with a pleasant, lingering finish. This is a typical and traditional Blaufränkisch of the highest quality. $35.98

Château Fortia 2013 Châteauneuf-du-Pape "Tradition”—Chateau Fortia is one of the older estates in Chateauneuf du Pape. In fact Chateau Fortia can date itself all the way back to its humble beginnings as a Southern Rhone Valley farm in 1763. The property takes its name from the founder of the estate, the Marquis de Fortia. However, it took almost 150 years for the name of the property to recognize its creator. What we know of today as Chateau Fortia was a working winery starting in at least the early 1800’s. During those days, Chateau Fortia increased its size with additional purchases. The beautiful estate continued to expand over the years. The first label displaying the Chateau Fortia name was produced in 1930. Today Chateau Fortia is owned and managed by the Le Roy family who have been in charge of the property since the early part of the 20th century. Chateau Fortia Tradition is a blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah. The wine is aged for an average of 16 months in old foudres. Production is close to 3,500 cases per vintage.  Medium ruby color with a nice intensity to the aromas- blackberry, fig jam, black cherry with notes of iron, violet, clove and tea leaf. Dry with intense flavors and concentration on the palate, with good balance and strong acid and tannin. Shows flavor notes of juicy blackberry, black cherry and plum with notes of melted iron, dried lavender, black tea, wet forest and clove spice (consistent with the nose). Round texture with full grainy tannins. Full length on the finish. $48.98