White

 

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

 

Eyrie Vineyards 2013 Pinot Gris—Where would we be without Eyrie Vineyards? Founded in 1966 by David Lett and his wife, this historical Oregon winery produced their first vintage in 1970. They were the first to produce Pinot Gris in the US, and the first to plant Pinot Noir in the Willamette Valley (against the advice of UC Davis' enology department). This is a luscious wine that will make you forget Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio are one and the same. Aromas of pear, melon, orchard fruit, and spice burst from the glass. Look for citrus and tree fruit with a touch of minerality on the medium bodied palate. There is enough acidity retained to leave a fresh, long finish. Eyrie always strives to make a very nuanced and balanced wine and this is a perfect example of their style. $35.98

 

Venica & Venica 2014 Malvasia 'Petris’—Located in Fruili, Italy, this estate has been family owned since 1930. The vineyards are a patchwork in the surrounding hills, surrounded by forest and co-planted amidst fruit trees to create a organic, integrated, and sustainable take on agriculture.  This wine is 100% Malvasia Istriana, and the earliest record of this vine in the Istrian peninsula dates back to 1300.  The grapes are macerated at cool temperatures for 24 hours before pressing and fermentation, and 50% of the wine is fermented in large oak casks to add depth and complexity.  Fresh cut fruit and flowers dominate the aromatics and palate, with an added spice, orange jam, and a savory, earthy character on the finish.  Malvasia is an awesome but little known grape with a long history of making great wine! $47.98

 

 

Red

 

Vincent Paris 2013 Crozes-Hermitage—Vincent Paris, whose first vintage was 1997, is as shy as his wines are bold. In his early 30's, he has retro sideburns, but not much else in the Cornas appellation's new star is "retro". Vincent's uncle is Robert Michel, one of Cornas' finest growers. He made his two first wines with his uncle then, seeking autonomy, rented facilities for the vinification of his most recent wines. He is in the process of building his own winemaking facilities with a courtyard that holds his apricot plantation. Vincent Paris, co-president of the appellation of Cornas with Jacques Lemencier, owns 6 hectares of vineyards and produces about 2,500cs per year of which 1,600cs are Cornas. He inherited most of his own vines from his grandfather (some of which are 90 years old) and has also rented some vines from his uncle.  The Crozes-Hermitage is a new wine from the 2013 vintage on, with the vines being leased. Northern Rhone Syrah is such a great food wine.  Look for red fruits, earth, pepper, and a meaty character on the nose.  A medium weight on the palate, find a continuation of red fruit, violets, olives, and pepper.  Some drying tannin exhibits on the finish along with a healthy dose of acidity. $31.98

 

Il Colle 2013 Rosso di Montalcino—While many know the joys of Brunello, that most exquisite Tuscan example of the Sangiovese grape in action, many are also familiar with how pricey Brunellos often get. In many cases Brunello’s younger brother, the Rosso di Montalcino, can be a terrific and amazingly affordable stand-in. Typically the second wine from each estate is released slightly earlier, and is sometimes made from younger vines, but other than that the same expertise brought to the high-end wine is also applied lovingly to these approachable and delicious younger wines. We recently discovered this fantastically delicate example from a very small family producer. It shows notes of raspberries, plums, currants and cherries with hints of iris, lavender, violet, licorice, myrtle and rhubarb. An incredibly complex wine with all the definition of a Brunello, but for half the cost! $38.98

 

Domaine Parent 2012 Bourgogne Rouge—Domaine Parent, located in Pommard, in the heart of Côte d’Or, is today run by Anne Parent and her sister Catherine Fages-Parent, representing the 12th generation, and perpetuating a family tradition dating back to the 17th century. This regional wine is definitely a step up in quality from most.  The grapes are harvested by hand from flatter vineyards in the villages of Pommard and Volnay.  A strict sorting and examination of the fruit happens before turning it into wine to eliminate any over ripe or substandard grapes.  The idea is to treat this modest wine as if it were a great one.  "My father always considered that you have to look after your Bourgogne Pinot Noir as you do your Corton Grand Cru. It's essential to have the good quality on this first level, because it is the image. Yes," said Anne. A translucent ruby in the glass, look for the signature aromatics of red burgundy of tart cherry, strawberry, and rhubarb.  Beneath this find traces of the depth the region is known for- earth, mineral, wet leaves.  Fresh on the palate, the acidity provides a nice backbone to the wine.  I would suggest opening as soon as you sit down at the table to give the wine some time to breathe.  Enjoy it with later courses. $46.98