May Featured Wines – 2015 Yalumba Organic Viognier, South Australia & 2013 Mitolo Jester Shiraz, South Australia

May 1, 2016 · by BishopsStock ·

2015 Yalumba Organic Viognier, South Australia $17

Our featured white selection for May is 2015 Yalumba Organic Viognier. Viognier grapes produce full-bodied wine with lush, soft character and natural aromatics of peach, pears, violets and minerals. This Viognier is made with organic winemaking techniques with little intervention from the winemaker. It is an excellent rich and warm wine showing lovely peach flavors with perfect balance and length. This is a great wine to pair with creamy sauces, curries and slightly spicy dishes. Alcohol: 14.1%

2013 Mitolo Jester Shiraz, South Australia $18

May’s red selection is 2013 Mitolo Jester Shiraz. This Shiraz is dark red with a nose of plum, black currant and olive and a slight herbal lift. It is full flavored, and soft with dark fruit flavors of plum and blackberry. This is a smooth and supple wine that is a great pairing for ribs. As an aside, the Jester is Richard Tarlton, Queen Elizabeth I’s favorite court entertainer. Using Tarlton illustrates how the Queen’s court banished boredom with humor! Alcohol: 14.5%

Filed Under: Wine · Tagged: Featured wine, Mitolo, Shiraz, South Australia, Viognier, Yalumba

Opening Reception for New Work by Lynne Lockhart & Kirk McBride

March 31, 2016 · by BishopsStock ·

Our April show is New Work by Lynne Lockhart and Kirk McBride. The show includes 42 paintings that have been completed in the past 6 months.

Filed Under: · Tagged: artists of the month, contemporary art, Eastern Shore, Featured wine, Kirk McBride, Lynne Lockhart, Mid-Atlantic

April Featured Wines -2013 Domaine Roland Lanvantureux Petit Chablis, France & 2013 Clos La Coutale Malbec, Cahors, France

April 1, 2016 · by BishopsStock ·

2013 Domaine Roland Lanvantureux Petit Chablis, Lignorelles, France $15

This month’s white selection is 2013 Roland Lavantureux Petit Chablis from the Chablis region in the northern most wine district in Burgundy. White Burgundy, or Chablis, is made from Chardonnay grapes. Approximately 85% of the Chablis are unoaked. What makes a “Petit Chablis” is a non-distinguishable difference in grape appearance but it does have a slightly different profile. This wine has a subtle minerality on the nose with slight tropical fruit. The palate shows a dry, silky mouthfeel with a long tropical fruit finish. This is a perfect pairing for rich fish (salmon and tuna.)

2013 Clos La Coutale Malbec, Cahors, France $22

The red selection is 2013 Clos La Coutale Malbec, from Cahors in Southwest France. The area around Cahors produces wine, primarily a robust and tannic red wine. To achieve the Cahors appellation a wine must be made from at least 70% Malbec (also called COT) grape, with a maximum of 30% Merlot or Tannat grape varieties added to the blend. Philippe Bernede, the winemaker at Clos La Coutale, uses 20% Merlot to soften the Malbec tannins. This wine is deep red and robust with dark fruit on the palate. As you begin to use your grill, keep this wine in mine for barbecued pork or beef – or anything smokey.

Filed Under: Wine · Tagged: Burgundy, Cahors, Clos La Coutale, Domaine Roland Lanvantureux, Featured wine, France, Malbec, Petit Chablis

March Featured Wines – 2014 Emerald Bay Chardonnay & 2012 Emerald Bay Cabernet Sauvignon, California

March 1, 2016 · by BishopsStock ·

2014 Emerald Bay Chardonnay, Central Coast California $11

2014 Emerald Bay Chardonnay is 100% Chardonnay grapes that are stainless steel and barrel fermented. The nose is fresh cut pineapple, peaches and pears. On the palate this Chardonnay is light and clean with a vibrant refreshing finish. As you would with lighter Chardonnays, pair this with buttery dishes or just enjoy as an aperitif. Alcohol: 13.5%

2012 Emerald Bay Cabernet Sauvignon, Central Coast California, $11

2012 Emerald Bay Cabernet Sauvignon is 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot and is barrel fermented. The nose carries black cherry and currants. On the palate flavors are spice, chocolate and berries. As we get our grills ready for warmer weather think about pairing this with juicy steaks or dressed up burgers. Alcohol: 13.5%

Filed Under: Wine · Tagged: Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Chardonnay, Emerald Bay Winery, Featured wine

February Featured Wines – 2014 Willm Pinot Gris Reserve, Alsace & 2011 Philippine de Saint Cyrille Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone Valley

February 1, 2016 · by BishopsStock ·

2014 Willm Pinot Gris Reserve, Alsace $14

This month’s selection is 2014 Willm Pinot Gris Reserve. This is a full-bodied wine with a flavorful bouquet of lime, meyer lemon, green apple, pear, and white peach. It has great structure with a round feel in the mouth and long on the finish. Be sure to serve well chilled with rich fish – salmon and tuna – and mature hard cheeses. Alcohol: 12.5%

2011 Philippine de Saint Cyrille Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone $23

The producer, Philippine de Saint-Cyrille, is well-known for selecting grapes from among the best wines of Chateauneuf-du-Pape Appellation d’Origine Contrôlé (AOC.) The Rhone blend, Syrah, Mourvedre, Grenache, is full-bodied and well-balanced. This is a great pairing for hearty roasts and a variety of cheeses. Wine Spectator gave this very affordable Chateauneuf-du-Pape a 91.

Filed Under: Wine · Tagged: Alsace, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Cotes du Rhone, Featured wine, Philippine de Saint Cyrille, Pinot Gris, Willm

January Featured Wines – 2014 Angelini Pinot Grigio, Veneto & 2011 Terrilogio Toscana, Montepulciano

January 1, 2016 · by BishopsStock ·

2014 Angelini Pinot Grigio, Veneto, Italy $11

2014 Angelini Pinot Grigio is produced in the northern region of Veneto. This is 100% Pinot Grigio grapes and has a soft, well balanced flavors of tropical fruit and a clear, fresh finish. There is a hint of white peaches. The color is straw yellow and the nose makes one think of freshly baked bread. This is a perfect wine for winter seafood soups with fresh bread and cheese.

2011 Terrilogio Toscano, Montpulciano, Italy $11

2011 Terrilogio Toscana comes from the area near Montepulciano. This is a “Super Tuscan” blend with 85% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot. It has complex aromas of crushed berries, cherries and hints of tobacco. This is a full-bodied with round tannins and a long finish. Consider this a winter wine since it is ideal with all Mediterranean dishes, roast, game meat and spicy cheese.

Filed Under: Wine · Tagged: Featured wine, Italy, Tuscany

December’s Featured Wines – 2014 Vinum Cellars Chardonnay & 2014 Vinum Cellars Pinot Noir, Monterey, California

December 1, 2015 · by BishopsStock ·

2014 Vinum Cellars Chardonnay, Monterey, California $15

2014 Vinum Cellars Chardonnay is rich and layered wine that relies on the natural acidity from the acidity of the Santa Lucia Highland fruit. This Chardonnay has a medium straw color with aromas of lemon custard, rich vanilla, cream and toasted oak notes. The palate is generous with it’s layered tropical notes of mango, papaya and pineapple which then transitions into silky rich custard and caramel toffee notes and does so in an integrated fashion.This wine pairs well with lobster or crab served with drawn butter and lemon. Try it with grilled wild King Salmon, wilted greens and roasted fingerling potatoes.

2014 Vinum Cellars Pinot Noir, Monterey, California $15

2014 Vinum Pinot Noir is a vibrant, medium garnet in color. It has aromas of black and rainier cherries with slight earth and black pepper notes. The palate is full with ripe cranberry, sweet and sour cherry flavors and is wrapped in exotic spice flavors such as star anise and cinnamon and fold into a blanket of integrated French oak, vanilla finish. This wine pairs well with many entrees but try it with duck or pork where the cooking method uses lots of black pepper.

Filed Under: Wine · Tagged: California, Chardonnay, Featured wine, Pinot Noir, Vinum Cellars

Opening Reception for Stan Sperlak

September 24, 2015 · by BishopsStock ·

Cape May artist, Stan Sperlak, will be featured during November. His strong pastels celebrate the coastal area with simple landscapes and seascapes.

Filed Under: · Tagged: Featured wine, Mid-Atlantic, pastel, Stan Sperlak

November Featured Wines – 2014 Bila-Haut Blanc & 2013 Bila Haut Rouge, Roussillon, France

November 1, 2015 · by BishopsStock ·

Les Vignes de Bila-Haut by Michel Chapoutier

This month our featured wines are from the south of France. The region has long been called Languedoc-Roussillon but recently each of these wine producing areas are being given individual attention. This month’s wines are from Roussillon which is the most southern region along the Mediterranean Sea with Spain as a neighbor. The producer of the selected wines is Michel Chapoutier, a well-regarded Rhone Valley winemaker. Chapoutier became intrigued by the old vineyards, the mountain slopes, the cool winters and very hot summers with little rain as a wonderful combination for the wines he excels at growing. Both of the wines are produced following the same principles Chapoutier uses with his Rhone blends maximizing the best qualities of the terrior. His vineyard, Domaine Bila-Haut, comprises 185 acres of land cultivated under bio-dynamic farming techniques. The grape varieties that are grown are Grenache, Carignan and Syrah.

2014 Bila-Haut Blanc, Roussillon, France $15

The 2014 Les Vignes de Bila Haut Blanc is a blend of Grenache Blanc, Grenache Gris and Macabeu. The wine is pale yellow with green tints and has citrus aromas with smoky notes. The palate is round with great acidity and a fresh finish with the minerality. The 2014 was recommended with an 88 score in the latest Wine Spectator (November 30) in an article on the Roussillon region As I often recommend with Rhone white wines, the Bila Haut is a good choice for entertaining when you need an appertif and a wine with food.

2013 Bila-Haut Rouge, Roussillon, France $15

The 2013 Les Vignes de Bila Haut Rouge is a blend of Syrah (40%), Grenache (40%) and Carignan (20%.) It is a deep garnet with aromas of black cherry, pepper and minerality. On the palate the wine is smooth and supple with a bold richness. Robert Parker gave this a 91 with 3-4 years of drinkablity. Just as with the white Bila Haut, the red is a great option for entertaining since it is a nice rounded wine.

Filed Under: Wine · Tagged: Featured wine, France, Michel Chapoutier, Roussillon

October Featured Wines – 2014 Sposato Sauvignon Blanc & 2014 Sposato Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina

October 1, 2015 · by BishopsStock ·

Sposato Family Vineyards

After six years of researching, studying and visiting the area, the Sposato Family purchased land in the heart of Argentina’s Wine Country. They sought this opportunity based on their 23 years of working with land, soil, irrigation and plant material while running their top rated landscape company, Sposato Landscape Co., Inc. in Milton, Delaware.

The farm was purchased in 2012 as virgin ground. A new irrigation system, electric and other improvements have been installed, with more to come as the winery becomes fully operational. The Sposato Family Vineyard is located in Mendoza, Argentina at the foothills of the Andes Mountains. It is located between two notable wineries, with others just minutes away. Although the Sposato’s have planted 185 acres of their vineyards, harvest is still in the future. At this point their winemaker sources grapes from various estates for each of their wines.

2014 Sposato Sauvignon Blanc, Mendoza, Argentina $12

This wine is true to Sauvignon Blancs grown in the high elevation vineyards in the Mendoza region. It has aromas of grapefruit, passion fruit, herbs and spices. It has notes of orange blossom that are persistent through the finish. A perfect white for fall recipes such as chicken roasted with lemons and thyme. Alcohol: 13.1%

2014 Sposato Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina $12

The grapes used in this Malbec were selected from estate vineyards at various altitudes. It has a great Malbec concentration. The wine was aged in oak barrels for 6 months, revealing high intensity of black fruits, raspberries and violets. Slow roast a pork loin with dried fruit and garlic then pop the cork on this Malbec. Alcohol: 13.8%

Filed Under: Wine · Tagged: Argentina, Featured wine, Malbec, Sauvignon Blanc, Sposato Family Vineyards