OCTOBER 10TH – 38 YEARS!
The shops will celebrate 38 years in business on Wednesday, October 10th. We thank everyone who has helped us make our success possible. Cheers!
2017 FAZIO NERELLO MASCALESE
One doesn’t expect wines at $13 per bottle to shows completeness, but the 2017 Fazio Nerello Mascalese acts and tastes like much more expensive Mt. Etna wines. A nose of sour red cherry, tobacco, and aromatic herbs, like a cross between Burgundian Pinot Noir and Nebbiolo, quickly makes one fall in love.
2017 Fazio Nerello Mascalese ‘Castelmedio’ 13.00 10.79VS
Laine Boswell will be in the shops on Saturday, October 20th to sample and discuss the wines of Bodegas Ontañón. This is always an entertaining tasting as Laine is a wealth of information regarding Spanish wines and the marketing director for Bodegas Ontañón.
2014 Bodegas Ontañón Blanco ‘Akemi’ Rioja 15.00 12.45VS
2013 Bodegas Ontañón Crianza Rioja 15.00 12.45VS
2010 Bodegas Ontañón Reserva Rioja 22.00 18.26VS
2010 Bodegas Ontañón Gran Reserva Rioja 37.00 30.71VS
The fruit for the 2015 Sandrone Barbera d’Alba comes from vineyards in Monforte d’Alba, Cascina Pe Mol Novello, Ravera, and Rocche di San Nicola—excellent sites for this sun seeking grape variety. The wine shows plum and blueberry, with elements of cocoa and vanilla. The warm vintage heat was tamed and the wine is harmonious and elegant.
2015 Sandrone Barbera d’Alba 35.00 29.05VS
The Fall releases are out from Avennia and they are very good indeed! The 2017 Avennia Sauvignon Blanc ‘Oliane’ is a blend of fruit from Red Willow and Boushey Vineyards that is citrusy, zesty, and perfect for Northwest shellfish. The 2016 Avennia Syrah ‘Le Corbeau Vineyard’ shows the remarkably balanced and open nature of this warm, yet fresh tasting vintage. The 2016 Avennia Syrah ‘Arnaut’ is, as expected, a huge wine that will need time in the cellar, but the components are all in place for a remarkable wine.
2017 Avennia Sauvignon Blanc ‘Oliane’ Yakima Valley 28.00 23.24VS
2016 Avennia Syrah ‘Le Corbeau Vineyard’ Horse Heaven Hills 50.00 41.50VS
2016 Avennia Syrah ‘Arnaut Boushey Vineyard’ Yakima Valley 60.00 49.80VS
Jean-Philippe Fichet is best known for his wines from Meursault and Auxey-Duresses. The new 2016 Jean-Phillipe Fichet Rully Blanc has all the racy vibrancy and zesty apple flavor of his top wines, but it has a more attractive price tag.
2016 Jean-Philippe Fichet Rully Blanc (Limited) 35.00 29.05VS
Frédéric Berne’s parcel of Morgon ‘Corcelette’ is less than 2 acres of sand and granite soils, in the higher portion of the Morgon appellation (400 meters). The 2016 Frédéric Berne Morgon ‘Corcelette’ has a bold aroma of violets and plums. There is a hint of pink peppercorns that gives it a savory note, perfect for roast chicken.
2016 Frédéric Berne Morgon ‘Corcelette’ 30.00 24.90VS