July Featured Wines – Bulletin Place Unoaked Chardonnay (2019) & Bulletin Place Merlot (2019), South East Australia

Our July wines come from Australia where it is winter just as we pass the Summer Solstice. The wines are from South East Australia. This area encompasses all of the state of Victoria and parts of South Australia and New South Wales. The South Eastern Australia wine region is the engine that drives the Australian wine industry. 

Evans Wine Company, was established by Len Evans to export Australian wines around the world. The principal export label, Bulletin Place, was named for Evans’ famous club and shop in Sydney. After Evans’ death in 2007, Bill Calabria, owner of Calabria Family Wines, took over the Bulletin Place label. Calabria Family Wines is a dynamic family-owned company that was established in 1945 in the Riverina region. They are committed to producing outstanding premium wines and are proud to carry on Len Evans’ great tradition through the Bulletin Place brand. 

July’s wines are Bulletin Place Unoaked Chardonnay (2019) and Bulletin Place Merlot (2019). Many of our customers enjoy unoaked Chardonnay and this one has received good reviews. Also many of our customers do not ask for Merlots so I am hoping this selection will introduce a Merlot that changes minds. During First Friday July 2 we will be tasting these wines and a Chardonnay and Shiraz from Margaret River in Western Australia.

2019 Bulletin Place Unoaked Chardonnay, South East Australia $10

This unoaked Chardonnay is clean and crisp with tart citrus and apple flavors similar to Chablis. Juicy, brambly berry flavors offer a healthy dose of toasted herb and cedar notes on an easy-drinking frame. A touch of tahini mingles with pear, apple and citrus… Drink now.  Alcohol: 13.%

2019 Bulletin Place Merlot, South East Australia $10

Fresh and crisp, with candied cherry, strawberry and dried herb notes that show touches of spice and cedar on the smooth finish. this wine This Merlot has an intense bouquet of ripe cherry, plums, and dried herbs. A flavorsome palate of sweet overtones. Drink now. Alcohol: 13.5%

Featured Wine for June – 2018 Hedges Family Estate CMS Sauvignon Blanc & 2018 Hedges Family Estate CMS Red, Washington

2018 Hedges Family Estate CMS Sauvignon Blanc, Washington $16

This Sauvignon Blanc is light straw in color and brilliantly clear. Peach, gooseberry, lemon curd, citrus blossom and just a tinge of orange marmalade hit the nose. On the palate are flavors of just ripe lemon, peach and a tasty touch of fresh biscuits So much about this wine is drinkable. It’s light, but not insignificant. It’s refreshing, thoughtful like a breezy summer day Absolutely enjoyable.  Alcohol: 13.5% This blend of Cabernet, Merlot and Syrah has black cherry, raspberry, warm mulling spices with a bit of cocoa, vanilla and anise on the nose. The palate is very soft up front, has a nice creamy center and while it does pack a slight punch, it lingers into a finessed finish. With flavors of chocolate, sarsaparilla, raspberry candy, clove and cinnamon, this wine is delicious, well rounded and sure to be a crowd pleaser. Alcohol: 14%

2018 Hedges Family Estate CMS Red, Washington $16

This blend of Cabernet, Merlot and Syrah has black cherry, raspberry, warm mulling spices with a bit of cocoa, vanilla and anise on the nose. The palate is very soft up front, has a nice creamy center and while it does pack a slight punch, it lingers into a finessed finish. With flavors of chocolate, sarsaparilla, raspberry candy, clove and cinnamon, this wine is delicious, well rounded and sure to be a crowd pleaser. Alcohol: 14%

Featured Wines for May- PAXIS Bulldog White Blend, Lisboa, Portugal & Waterdog Red Blend, Setubal , Portugal

May takes us back to another country we love for many reasons – Portugal is a lovely country to visit because the diversity of their geography, their history, their friendliness, their good affordable wines and their love for dogs. Yes, their love for dogs is the focus for this month because we having a Black English Labrador puppy coming to our family early in May. No doubt he will be a fixture in the gallery along with Rye. So to celebrate we are offering two wines whose producers use dogs on their labels. The wines are from two different regions not far from each other – Lisboa and Setubal.   The white is Paxis Bulldog White Blend of Fernao Pires(70%), Arnito (15%), Verdelho (5%), Alvarinho (5%), and oaked Chardonnay (5%.) This is considered a softly, textured ripe wine. The red offering received 90 points from Wine Enthusiast as a new wine from Jose Maria da Fonseca is Waterdog Red Blend. It is a blend of three grapes – Castelao (56%), Touriga Nacional (27%), and Touriga Francesa (22%.) This is a young that can be consumed right away. Both of these are warm weather wines.   If by chance you read Wine Spectator you will enjoy their cover story on wine producers and their vineyard dogs in the United States. Hope you come to welcome Buck!

PAXIS Bulldog White Blend, Lisboa, Portugal $12

This is a dry bright white, fruited, young refreshing white with apple and lemon notes in the aroma and tasting. It is a pleasant, smooth easy drinking wine for every day. Excellent aperitif, it’s also a delicious complement of fish, white meat, vegetarian, Indian and Thai cuisines and as well lighter flavored dishes and fresh cheeses. Alcohol: 12%

Waterdog Red Blend, Setubal, Portugal $12

This ruby colored wine has the aroma of blackberry, dried figs and tobacco smoke. On the palate it has ripe blackberry, fresh and smooth well integrated tannins. With fine tannins cushioned by layers of black fruits it has balanced acidity. This is perfect with Barbeque food, roasts and pasta dishes. This is also a new wine that can be consumed right now and for 4 years. Alcohol: 13.2%

Featured Wines for December – Jean-Louis Cuvée Brut Blanc de Blancs, Burgundy, France & Henry Fessy, Beaujolais-Villages Nouveau, Vieilles Vignes, Beaujolais, France

Jean-Louis Cuvée Brut Blanc de Blancs, Burgundy, France $11

This sparkling wine is pale golden in color with delicate bubbles. It has a white fresh fruit bouquet of pear and apple. On the palette it has a clean, fresh attack on your mouth. This has a pleasant taste thanks to being a well-balanced. Enjoy the lovely small bubbles. Celebrate an occasion or just enjoy this festive sparkler. Alcohol: 11.5%

Henry Fessy, Beaujolais-Villages Nouveau, Vieilles Vignes, Beaujolais, France $14

Beaujolais nouveau is a purple-pink wine reflecting its youth. The method of production means that there is a higher acidity and very little tannin. Nouveau will have very bright, fresh, red fruit flavors, such as cherry, strawberry, and raspberry, along with fruity flavors of banana, grape, fig and pear drop. The wine is recommended to be slightly chilled to 55 °F. Alcohol: 14.5%

C. Keith Whitelock Featured in January

We continue to feature the work of our artists with the focus on a different artist each month. In December we will show the work of C. Keith Whitelock. As a native of Somerset County, Deal Island, Crisfield and the surrounding shoreline of the Chesapeake Bay region planted the inspiration for his paintings and drawings. Favorite subjects are the weathered working boats and decaying derelicts that so often accent the surrounding marsh. Working in watercolors, oils, and occasionally acrylics, Whitelock often presents an image of a rapidly disappearing lifestyle. His work is full of realism and always has a story to tell.

Keith did a video of the show in December. Use this link to get to Facebook Live. Express your interest in the event and you will get a reminder. We have some of the paintings in the show in a Facebook Album. You can also check his website and his YouTube channel to see his work and his watercolor workshops. Anyone interested in any of the work in our show may send a Facebook message or email info@bishopstock.com.

Featured Wines for November – Vina Falernia – Pedro Ximinex & Pinot Noir Reserva, Equi Valley Chile

Vina Falernia Pedro Ximinex $11

This wine is pale straw yellow in color. It has a brilliant, very attractive nose with floral and tropical fruit flavors. This is a nice medium body with balance of acidity and an attractive minerality, coupled with a long, crisp and refreshing finish. Enjoy chilled as an aperitif and with appetizers, salads, white meats and seafood. Alcohol: 13%

Vina Falernia Pinot Noir Reserva $13

The wine has a delicate aroma of black cherry, raspberry and strawberry, with well integrated French oak. This is a medium bodied wine with elegant and silky tannins on the palate. It pairs well with grilled river fish, spiced duck, light pizza or even most roasted vegetable dishes. This is a very versatile wine. Alcohol: 14%

Featured Wines for October – Tohu Wines, Sauvignon Blanc Single Vineyard & Tablelands Pinot Noir, Marlborough, New Zealand

Tohu Wines, Sauvignon Blanc Single Vineyard, Marlborough, New Zealand (2018) $15

This fresh and focused Sauvignon has bright aromas of citrus, apples and passionfruit with a distinct fresh cut grass herbaceous line running through it. On the palate the fresh fruit shines through with more green apples, lemongrass and passionfruit given focus by some fresh natural acidity, a touch of sweetness but finishing with a dry minerality. Alcohol: 13%

Tablelands Pinot Noir, Marlborough, New Zealand (2016) $21

Firm and savory, this Pinot Noir has herb, soy and toasted cumin accents surrounding a core of dried cherry and cranberry flavors. Earthier notes emerge in the background, bringing to mind the smell of cool black soil. The bouquet is of dried rose, freshly brewed chicory coffee and warm slices of toasted bread! Alcohol: 13.4%

Oils and Watercolors by Ken Stetz are heldover for October

Summer has always been a time to meet artists who are visiting the area. A number of years ago, Ken Stetz was one of those visitors. Ken visits family in Public Landing so I was pleased to know he did not forget Bishop’s Stock and has now returned to be our featured artist for August. While this August is not like any other, we are so pleased to have Ken’s oils and watercolors here for virtual showing on our Facebook Page and our website.

Ken is a a visual artist who works professionally as an artist and illustrator in the heart of the New Jersey shore. The focus of his work is marine art – mostly the oceans and bays of the mid Atlantic region. It was no surprise to have the coastal bays and ocean along the Worcester County coastline hold his interest. When here he has spent time researching the area and observing things like working boats, shore breaks and sunrises. He sketches and photographs everything that catches his eye which gives his paintings a feeling of naturalism and realism. It is no surprise to learn that Ken is a member of the American Society of Marine Artists (ASMA) and had Surf Patrol accepted into their 18th National Exhibition that was to have traveled to 5 cities. Check Ken’s website to see this painting and to learn about his commissions and his published illustrations.

Be sure to join us for Facebook Live, Thursday, August 6 at 7 PM. Follow this link Facebook Live.

Featured Wine for July – La Solitude Cotes du Rhone Blanc & Rouge, Rhone Valley, France

2019 La Solitude Cotes du Rhone Blanc $16

This is a sustainable blend of Grenache Blanc (10%), Clairette (60%), and Viognier (30%.) This is a rounded and open blend with friendly peach and honeysuckle notes. It has a breezy, almond-accented finish. This is a great pairing for sushi and Asian-style food. It is also a great appertif. Alcohol: 14.5%

2017 La Solitude Cotes du Rhone Rouge $16

This is a blend of Grenache (50%), Syrah (40%) and Mourvedre (10%) that is sustainable. It is medium-bodied wine is fresh with clean fruit and elegant tannins. This Cotes du Rhone pairs well with grilled and roasted meats. It is also a great appertif. Alcohol: 14.5%

Featured Wines for May – 2018 Crios Torrontes & 2015 Crios Red Blend, Mendoza, Argentina

2018 Crios Torrontes, Mendoza, Argentina $12

This Torrontes produced by Susana Balbo is a beautiful pale green-yellow. It is medium bodied. On the nose, it is floral, youthful and fresh. On the palate, it has a beautiful structure and a great minerality with tangy acidity and notes of fresh grapes. This is a great complement for carry-out Mexican or Asian food. Alcohol: 14%

2015 Crios Red Blend, Mendoza, Argentina $13

This blend, also produced by Susana Balbo, is a deep ruby color. It is intense with a complex nose from each varietal: blackberries coming from Malbec, freshly crushed cherries from the Cabernet Sauvignon, ripe black fruits from the Tannat, bell pepper from the Cabernet Franc, and truffles from Merlot. A good choice for meaty carry-outs! Alcohol: 14%