July Featured Wines -2015 Maison Nicolas Sauvignon Blanc & 2015 Maison Nicolas Merlot, Languedoc Roussillon, France

July 1, 2017 · by BishopsStock ·

2015 Maison Nicolas Sauvignon Blanc, Cotes de Gascogne, France $10

This French white has a wonderful smooth balance with crisp acidity that is characteristic of Sauvignon Blanc grapes grown in this region of France. Ripe peach, pear and apple are predominant flavors in this dry wine. Serve icy cold with summer seafood and you will understand why this wine is a great buy from Cotes de Gascogne.Alcohol: 11.5%

2015 Maison Nicolas Merlot, Pays d’Oc, France $10

This Merlot is a well-balanced single varietal wine that comes from the Vin de Pays d’Oc appellation. It has a rich color and is packed full of jammy flavors with notes of plum and currant. This is a round and supple wine with smooth tannins. Consider this wine for simple summer picnics with chicken and lighter meats. Alcohol: 12.5%

This month we are offering wines produced by Maison Nicolas in Languedoc-Rousillon, France. We have had other wines from this region but they have been classic blends. July’s selections are single varietals – Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot.

Filed Under: Wine · Tagged: Featured wine, France, Languedoc-Rousillon, Maison Nicolas, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc

Wines of the Month – 2012 La Miranda de Secastilla Garnacha Blanca & 2012 Honoro Vera Merlot

February 1, 2014 · by BishopsStock ·

2012 La Miranda de Secastilla Garnacha Blanca, Somontano, Spain $15

This month the white we are offering, 2012 La Miranda de Secastilla Garnacha Blanca, is produced in Somontano in Northern Spain by Vinas Del Vero. This is a unique wine since the Garnacha Blanca is only cultivated in Spain and is not widely known. It is an aromatic wine with apple and citrus notes. On the palate this is a soft wine with a moderate, balanced acidity. It is a food friendly wine and an excellent pairing for spicy foods or simple grilled fish. Alcohol: 13.5%

2012 Honoro Vera Merlot, Jumilla, Spain $11

This wine is produced by Bodegas Juan Gil. We have offered several wines from this producer and find all to have great quality and value. Merlot is not a native grape in Spain but growing conditions in the Jumilla region are very favorable for the varietal. This 100% Merlot is an intense, juicy mouthful of red berry and blackberry. It has some spice and a smoky finish. This is also a versatile wine that pairs with pastas, soups and roasted or grilled meats. Alcohol: 15%

Filed Under: Wine · Tagged: Bodegas Juan Gil, Featured wine, Garnacha Blanca, Jumilla, Merlot, Somantano, Spain, Vinas Del Vero

Wines of the Month – 2012 Quady Essensia Orange Muscat, California & NVTrentadue Chocolate Amore, CaliforniaCalifornia

December 1, 2013 · by BishopsStock ·

2012 Quady Essensia Orange Muscat, California $17

To celebrate the holiday season Bishop’s Stock has selected dessert wines as our features. Essensia may accompany dessert or be a dessert on its own. It is made from 100% Orange Muscat, a grape variety that is little known. Essensia has an aroma reminiscent of orange blossom and apricot. The wine is lightly fortified to about 15% alcohol and aged for 3 months in French Oak. On the palate Essensia tastes like fresh fruit with a nice balance. This is a great pairing for chocolate and desserts with almonds, peaches, apples or apricots. Add to sparkling wine to make Essensia Royale. Alcohol: 15%

NV Trentadue Chocolate Amore, California $22

This is a Merlot-based, port-styled chocolate flavored dessert wine. Using traditions for port making, neutral grape spirits are used to stop fermentation to trap a percentage of sugar in the wine. Once Chocolate Amore is finished aging and is ready for bottling and a tiny amount of natural chocolate extract is infused to the final blend. This creates the perfect marriage to pair with something as simple as vanilla ice cream or as a stand-alone dessert. Alcohol: 18.5%

Filed Under: Wine · Tagged: California, dessert, Featured wine, Merlot, port

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