March Featured Wines – 2016 Sposato Family Vineyards Chardonnay & 2015 Sposato Family Vineyards Bonarda, Mendoza, Argentina

March 1, 2017 · by ·

2016 Sposato Family Vineyards Chardonnay, Mendoza, Argentina

Our third Sposato wine we have featured this is a wine with a fruit focus and attractive color along with aromas of tropical fruit, apples and peaches. The Chardonnay grapes are carefully selected from their own vineyard. Located at 1000 meters above sea level, the combination of warm, sunny days and cold nights make our vineyard ideal for creating wines with excellent maturity and perfect balance.

 

2015 Sposato Family Vineyards Bonarda, Mendoza, Argentina

This is likely a new varietal for you. It is an Old World  grape that is now unique in Argentina where it is widely grown.  On the nose this red shows an intense fruit flavor – strawberry, cherry and blackberry. On the palate it has soft tannins, great volume and concentration. This wine is elegant with a smooth and delicate balance. The Bonarda has a lighter body than Malbec but full of fruit.

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Featured Wines for February – 2014 R Collection Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, California & 2013 Donati Claret, Central Coast, California

February 1, 2017 · by ·

2014 R Collection Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, California $12

Our featured white selection for February is Raymond Vineyards’ 2014 R Collection  Sauvignon Blanc.   This is a lively, wine with bright aromas of white peach and lime accented by invigorating flavors of pineapple, lychee and green apple. It has a crisp acidity and a smooth, mineral finish which makes this the perfect pairing for a variety of dishes – particularly seafood stews or pastas.

 

 

2013 Donati Claret, Central Coast, California  $16

This is Donati’s  most popular wine. It is the only California wine that can be called “Claret” just as the French do for such blends. The grapes are Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot. It is rich and intense and features aromas of ripe strawberry and cocoa with notes of cherry and cola on the finish. This is a great steak wine but one that also compliments veal and pork

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Featured Wines for January – 2015 Prodigo Sauvignon Blanc, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy & 2015 Prodigo Nero D’Avola, Terre Siciliane, Italy

January 1, 2017 · by ·

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2015 Prodigo Sauvignon Blanc, Fruili-Venezia Giulia, Italy     $13

With only a handful of exceptions, Italy’s most stylish, highest quality white wines come from Friuli Grave. This Sauvignon Blanc is one of the most vibrant and aromatic wines with fresh flavors of peach blossom and citrus fruits. It shows intense and persistent aromas – citrus blossom, stone fruit and dried hay – with a pleasant and velvety body on the palate. The bright palate offers unripe yellow peach, nectarine and bright acidity. Refreshing and easy-pleasing, it would be good to pour at parties and informal occasions. Alcohol: 12%

 

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2015 Prodigo Nero D’Avolo, Terre Siciliane, Italy       $13

It is evident that food and wine are harmoniously linked in Sicily, defining the region. It is known for its rich and full-bodied wines, as the Nero d’Avola is produced using an “appassite” method of naturally drying the grapes prior to harvest. This Nero d’Avola has a ruby-red color. The bouquet is slightly spicy and has notes of dried figs and ripe fruits of blackberry and boysenberry. The finish is round velvety with notes of vanilla. This is a wonderful wine to serve with classic Italian meals. Alcohol: 13.5%

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Opening Reception and Wine Tasting with C.L. Marshall, Book Signing

November 28, 2016 · by ·

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December’s First Friday Opening Reception includes C.L. Marshall selling and signing his recently released Chesapeake Bay Duck Hunting Tales. Wines from Cotes du Rhone will be offered for tasting.

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Featured Wines for December – 2015 E. Guigal Cotes du Rhone Blanc & 2013 E. Guigal Crozes-Hermitage Rouge, Cotes du Rhone, France

December 1, 2016 · by ·

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2015 E. Guigal Cotes du Rhone Blanc, Cotes du Rhone, France                     $14

This blend from Northern Cotes du Rhone is 65% Viognier, 15% Roussanne, 8% Marsanne, 8% Clairette, 2% Bourboulenc, 2% white Grenache.  The full bodied Viognier  and Roussanne carry this blend but the other grapes provide fruit and depth typical in Rhone blends. This is a bright, clear yellow wine with a fresh nose marked by the distinctive aromas of the Viognier – white flowers, apricot, acacia and white peach. The richness and body make this a well-rounded wine with elegance, strength and balance that is an easy aperitif that can carry guests through a holiday menu.

 

crozes_hermitage-nouv_10_vignette2013 E. Guigal Crozes-Hermitage Rouge, Cotes du Rhone, France                   $20

E. Guigal uses 100% Syrah in this full-bodied wine. For the holidays this wine gives guests who prefer red wine a nice option to complement a cocktail buffet or a full dinner. This is a dark red wine that has a nose of red fruits, cherry and strawberry with delicate oak. Due to long oak ageing this red and black fruit rich wine has remarkable freshness and refined tannins. According to Robert Parker, now is the time to uncork this wine and enjoy!

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Featured Wines for November – 2015 Willm Gewurztraminer Reserve, Alsace, France & 2014 Cloudline Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon

November 1, 2016 · by ·

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2015 Willm Gewurztraminer Reserve, Alsace, France   $14

2015 Willm Gewurztraminer Reserve from Alsace, France is the white we are featuring since it is right at home with Thanksgiving’s sage-rubbed turkey and stuffing. “Gewurz” means “spicy” in the language of Alsace and Gewurztraminer wines are characteristically  aromatic, spicy, sometimes off-dry with hints of lychees and nutmeg. The Willm Gewurztraminer is a little more delicate than other Gewurztraminers but it has a rich aromatic palette with an explosion of exotic fruits, flowers, citrus and spices. It has a medium body with a richness that stands up to the mixture of spices and herbs used at Thanksgiving. Alcohol: 13%

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2014 Cloudline Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon    $19

2014 Cloudline Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon is our featured red for November. People pretty traditionally serve Pinot Noir at Thanksgiving since it is a lighter bodied red with a soft palate. It is a good match for poultry but deciding what Pinot Noir varietal profile to select may be challenging. Cloudline is produced in the Willamette Valley where a cooler climate produces Pinot Noir grapes that offer a delicacy and transparency unlike California Pinot Noir that gets a deeper richness from a warmer climate. With 2014 Cloudline Pinot Noir you get a stellar year and a good value with a wine that brings forward notes of dark berries, black cherries and crushed red fruits.  The wine has good complexity yet a soft palate. This is a perfect “turkey” wine. Alcohol: 13.5%

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Featured Wines for October – 2015 Tons de Duorum White & 2014 Tons de Duorum Red, Douro Valley, Portugal

October 1, 2016 · by ·

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2015 Tons de Duorum White, Douro Valley, Portugal        $10

2015 Tons de Duorum White is made from 30% Viosinho, 25% Rabigato, 20% Verdelho, 20% Arinto, and 5% Moscatel grapes. It has a sunny lemon yellow color and an intense aroma dominated by tropical and citrus fruits. This  wine finishes with flavors of flowers, crystallized fruits, and strident minerality. It is a perfect  pairing for seafood and poultry prepared with simple spices. Alcohol: 12.5%

 

Duorum Tons Red2014 Tons de Duorum Red, Douro Valley, Portugal          $11

2014 Tons de Duorum Red is made from a blend of Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional and Tinta Roizi. It iss ruby red in color with violet tones. The nose is dominated by aromas of strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and prunes, blending beautifully with spicy secondary aromas from barrel aging. With well-balanced acidity, soft and ripe tannins, and a persistent finish, this is an easy wine to pair with red meats, pastas and hard cheeses. Alcohol: 13.5%

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Featured Wines in September – Joseph Drouhin 2014 LaForet Bourgogne Chardonnay, Burgundy, France & Eric Chevalier 2013 Domaine de L’Aujardiere Cabernet Franc, Loire Valley, France

September 1, 2016 · by ·

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2014 LaForet Bourgogne Chardonnay, Burgundy, France $15

The Joseph Drouhin Domaine founded in  Burgundy in 1880 is now run by the fourth generation which offers a fascinating array of Burgundy terroirs in all their authenticity and subtle variations. 2014 LaForêt Bourgogne Chardonnay is an entry level wine that provides the simple pleasures of a classic white Burgundy. It has a bouquet of citrus aromas that trail with honey and vanilla. There is a delightful lively texture with some spicy minerality that shines through on the finish. This is an easy wine as an aperitif or a complement to simply prepared fish and fresh vegetables.Alcohol: 13%

 

Eric Chevalier Cab Franc

2013 Domaine de L’Aujardiere Cabernet Franc, Loire Valley, France $18

Eric Chevalier produces wine in the Loire Valley just to the west of Burgundy.  2014 Domaine de L’Aujardière Cabernet Franc is imported by Kermit Lynch which gives it a strong recommendation for a quality wine at a good price. Cabernet Franc grapes are lighter than Cabernet Sauvignon. The color is clear, reddish with a light rim and the aromas are woody with ripe raspberries. This wine has a smooth mouth-feel, a slightly peppery taste and a medium long dry finish that ends on a light note. This wine is  an all-purpose red for pork and poultry. Keep this in mind for Thanksgiving turkey. Alcohol: 12%

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Featured Wines in August – 2015 TerraNoble Chardonnay & 2012 TerraNoble Carmenere Gran Reserva, Maule Valley, Chile

August 1, 2016 · by ·

TerraNoble Chardonnay

2015 TerraNoble Chardonnay, Maule Valley, Chile     $9

2015 TerraNoble Chardonnay is a wine with an attractive color and interesting aromas such as fine ripe pear and pineapple mixed with butter and vanilla notes. It is light and crisp with a fresh style. This Chardonnay is ideal as an aperitif or pair with crab cakes or fried chicken – perfect summer food. Alcohol: 13.2%

 

TerraNoble Gran REserve Carmenere

2011 TerraNoble Carmenere Gran Reserva, Maule Valley, Chile    $17

2012 TerraNoble Carmenere Gran Reserva is called “a superb combination of intense bouquet, deep color and delicious flavors” by the vintner. This is deep purple in color and shows ripe aromas of blackberry, plum, fig and dates. With a velvet feel on the palate it is a nice wine to pair with summer grilled steaks or lamb.

 

 

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Featured Wine in July – 2015 Cape Original Chenin Blanc Grenache Blanc & 2015 Indaba Mosaic Red Blend, Western Cape, South Africa

July 1, 2016 · by ·

Cape Original label

2015 Cape Original Chenin Blanc Grenache Blanc, Western Cape, South Africa $9

Cape Original Chenin Blanc Grenache Blanc blends 5% Grenache Blanc grapes with 95% Chenin Blanc, South Africa’s most widely planted white grape. This blend lends characteristics of Rhone Valley whites with the Grenache Blanc adding body. Together, the Chenin Blanc and Grenache Blanc make a fruity match with lots of lemon and tropical fruit flavors. This wine is a simple sipper  with crudites or it can pair with grilled fish.Alcohol: 12.5%

 

Indaba Mosaic

2015 Indaba Mosaic Red Blend, Western Cape, South Africa $12

2015 Indaba Mosaic Red Blend combines Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot. The Cabernet Sauvignon dominates this Bordeaux blend offering enticing aromas and succulent flavors of blackcurrant, ripe brambly berry fruit and dark chocolate, with subtle spice notes. This red has soft, gentle tannins. With summer menus this will pair with grilled beef or chicken. Alcohol: 14%

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