Wines of the Month – Dr. L Sparking Riesling & Made by G Sparkling Gamay

December 1, 2012 · by BishopsStock ·

Featured Wines for December – Dr. L Sparkling Riesling from Mosel, Germany & Made by G Sparkling Gamay, from Beaujolais, France

Dr. L Sparkling Riesling, Mosel, Germany $18

Dr. L Sparkling Riesling is 100% pure Riesling. It is made using the Charmat method, where the second fermentation is done in a pressurized tank to keep the bubbles in the wine. This method produces bright, clean sparkling wines in a more affordable way. As is usual with Riesling — especially from a cool climate like Germany’s — a juicy touch of sweetness was left in the wine to balance the naturally brisk acidity. What you end up with is a refreshing, fruit-driven sparkler that’s a pleasure to drink any time. Sparklers are always a great choice for sushi but this one is especially nice. Alcohol: 12.0%

Made by G Sparkling Gamay, Beaujolais, France $23

December’s red selection is Made by G, a sparkling Gamay from Beaujolais, France. This wine was produced from 25 year old Gamay vines. The color is very rich. While this wine is just a little off-dry, it has a natural sweetness that comes from the grapes being picked at top ripeness. There is no residual sugar. The nose is fresh and fruity with aromas of fresh grape. On the palate this sparkling bursts with startlingly bright, succulent, strawberry-like fruit. I was hesitant to select this for the wine club but after I tried it my mouth said “yes”! We served it as an aperitif at Thanksgiving and will likely serve it again at Christmas – if the supply lasts. The distributor gets an allocation of the wine so it is not always available.

Filed Under: Wine · Tagged: Beaujolais, Domaine Des Nuges, Dr. L, Featured wine, France, Germany, Made by G, Mosel, Sparkling Gamay, Sparkling Riesling

Wines of the Month – 2010 Shaya Verdejo & 2010 Rio Madre Graciano

October 25, 2012 · by BishopsStock ·

Featured wines for November are 2010 Shaya Verdejo from Rueda, Spain and 2010 Rio Madre Graciano from Rioja, Spain

2010 Shaya Verdejo Old Vines $16

This is a bright, green-tinged straw colored wine. Intense green apple, pear skin and lime aromas are complimented by white pepper and herbs. On the palate the wine is taut and refreshingly bitter, with attractive herbal and mineral accents to the ripe citrus and orchard fruit flavors. Finishes clean and long, with an echoing peppery note. Alcohol 13.5%

2010 Rio Madre Graciano $13

Rioja winemakers use Graciano grapes to add a floral bouquet to many blends. Rarely has it been used on its own. It was discovered several years ago Bodegas y Llurce Rio Madre was producing estate owned grapes on 20 year old vines that could stand on their own. This wine is rich, savory and luscious and tastes like a cross between Grenache and Tempranillo. The palate starts sweet and sappy with juicy red currant and blackberry fruit, good acidity then ends with a dash of spice sprinkled over the finish. Alcohol: 14%

Filed Under: Wine · Tagged: Featured wine, Graciano, Rio Madre, Rioja, Rueda, Shaya, Spain, Verdejo

Wines of the Month – 2010 L’Ecole No. 41 Semillon & 2009 Milbrandt Traditions Merlot

October 2, 2012 · by BishopsStock ·

Featured wines for October are 2010 L’Ecole No. 41 Semillon and 2009 Milbrandt Traditions Merlot from the Columbia Valley, Washington State

2010 L’Ecole No. 41 Semillon $18

Remarkably brilliant with vibrant fruit and balanced acidity, this wine shows fragrant citrus blossom and honey aromas, with pretty layers of lemon bar, apricot and key lime expanding on a balanced finish. Few Semillons show their richness and complexity as those produced in Washington State. Our cool harvest nights help to ensure crisp natural acidity, making this a wonderful food pairing wine. This wine received 89 points from Wine Advocate. Alcohol: 14.5%

2009 Milbrandt Traditions Merlot $17

Eastern Washington is known for producing some of the best Merlot in the world. Traditions Merlot is a deep garnet red featuring aromas of ripe stone fruit and rich notes of vanilla, mocha and caramel. The flavors are ripe and generous with berries, cocoa and vanilla. On the palate the wine is fresh and vital, playing out its blackberry and floral flavors on an open-weave bed of refined tannins. This wine is very approachable and polished with velvety tannins. Alcohol: 13.5%

Filed Under: Wine · Tagged: Columbia Valley, Featured wine, L'Ecole No. 41, Merlot, Milbrant Vineyards, Semillon, Washington State

Wines of the Month— 2010 La Porte de L’Abbaye Pouilly-Fume Sauvignon Blanc & 2009 La Grand Ribe Centenaire

September 5, 2012 · by bishopsstockgallery ·

Featured wines for September are 2010 La Porte de L’Abbaye Pouilly-Fume Sauvignon Blanc and 2009 La Grand Ribe Centenaire

La Porte de L’Abbaye Pouilly-Fume Sauvignon Blanc, Loire Valley, France 2010

“The 2010 vintage produced racy, fresh, delineated wines that rely on mouthwatering acidity and pure fruit . . . it’s a vintage that should let the Loire show what it does best. They are ideal food wines best for matching with spring and summer fare.” -James Molesworth of Wine Spectator

A more elegant, restrained expression of Sauvignon Blanc, the Porte de l’Abbaye opens with aromas of fresh lemon, white flowers, and Pouilly Fume’s signature flintiness.

Henri Bourgeois Pouilly-Fumé “La Porte de L’Abbaye” 2010 was meant to be enjoyed young, and enjoy it you will, as it is a “textbook Pouilly-Fumé.” The wine received 91 points from Wine Spectator. $20.00

La Grand Ribe Centenaire, Rhône, France 2009

La Grande Ribe, Rhone red blend from Cotes du Rhone Villages Centenaire is a true value wine.

Dominated by Grenache with a small amount of Syrah included in the blend, the wine possesses great intensity, a terrific texture, full-bodied power, and wonderful purity and Provencal typicity. This sensational effort is filled with red and black fruit, roasted herb, barbecue smoke, meat juice and bouquet garni characteristics. Enjoy it over the next 7-8 years or longer.$13.00

Filed Under: Wine · Tagged: Featured wine, France, Grenache, Henri Bourgeois, Loire Valley, Pouilly Fume, Rhone, Sauvingnon Blanc, Syrah

Wines of the Month— 2010 Deusa Nai Albarino & 2008 Marques de Caceres Crianza

August 7, 2012 · by bishopsstockgallery ·

Featured wines for August are 2010 Deusa Nai Albarino and 2008 Marques de Caceres Crianza

Marques de Caceres Deusa Nai Albarino, Rias Baixas, Spain 2010

Rias Baixas it the Spanish “Denominacion de Origen” (DO) for wines located in the Northwest region of Galicia, Spain. Albarino grapes are the most renown from this region. Deusa Nai clearly reflects true Albariño’s character. Thjis is a Limited production wine – just 6,600 cases. It has an attractive golden straw color with pale green highlights. The bouquet is fresh and fragrant with mineral notes mingling with a hint of grapefruit and mandarins. This wine has full flavor and refreshing acidity. Deusa Nai wines marry well with fish and seafood. It is ideal for sipping as an aperitif then serving with a meal. Alcohol: 13.5% $17.00

Marques de Caceres Crianza, Rioja, Spain 2008

Rioja is the DO for wines grown and produced in La Rioja in north central Spain. Most of the grapes grown in the region are Tempranillo and Garnacha. This is a rich, full-bodied wine made from 85% Tempranillo, and 15% Garnacha and Graciano grapes. Aging in oak give this wine great depth. It has spicy aromas, berry fruit flavors and a velvety finish. There is a hint of roasted coffee and delicate spice. The balance is smooth and the tannins very soft. This wine needs to be opened an hour or so before drinking. It is a great pairing for grilled meats and hearty meals. Alcohol: 13% $14.00

Filed Under: Wine · Tagged: Crianza, Deusa Nai Albarino, Featured wine, Marques de Caceres, Rias Baixas, Rioja, Spain