Featured Wines for July – 2023 J.P. Chenet Sauvignon Blanc & 2022 Josephine Dubois Pinot Noir, France

This month we are featuring wines that are part of Les Grands Chais de France, a partnership of wine-growers in France with over 7400 acres of vineyards and a man named Joseph Helfrich who is connected to both “brands.” The white is 2023 J.P. Chenet Sauvignon Blanc. It is considered a Vin de France. This designation allows winemakers more flexibility in terms of grape varieties and winemaking techniques, as it doesn’t require specific regional appellations.Vin de France wines are not bound by the strict rules of specific French wine regions (like Bordeaux or Burgundy). J.P. Chenet has become the most appreciated brand of French wine in the world since their wines meet consumer needs in different markets. All of the wines except our wine are bottled in a unqiue bottle with a tilted neck. Our red selection is 2022 Josephine Dubois Pinot Noir. This wine is branded as Vin de Bourgogne since it is produced in the Burgundy Appellation. It is considered a Grand Reserve which means it has undergone a long period of aging. Pinot Noir wines from California, Oregon and Washington State have gained great recognition but the varietal is primarly associated with Burgundy.

2023 J.P. Chenet Sauvignon Blanc, France $15

This Sauvignon Blanc is crisp and zesty, full of freshness and aromas. Th color is golden with green highlights. Aromas are citrus fruit, lemon and grapefruit. This is a highly aromatic & light wine. It is the perfect compliment for fish or any seafood. Alcohol: 10.5%

2022 Josephine Dubois Pinot Noir, France $18

This is a crowd pleasing Pinot Noir. It is bright ruby in color and a nose rich with aromas of red fruits such as raspberry, red currants and wild strawberry. On the palate, it is juicy and round with nice fruit, light tannins, and great elegance.Alcohol: 13%

March Featured Wines – 2017 Good Hope Sauvignon Blanc Western Cape, South Africa & 2016 Good Hope Pinotage, Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa

2017 Good Hope Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc, Western Cape, South Africa     $10

Good Hope Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc, Western Cape, South Africa is sourced from a 100% Sauvignon Blanc grapes grown in the Western Cape region east of Cape Town. It typifies the Southern Hemisphere style with depth and crispness. This is a nice dry wine that goes with foods with distinctive seasoning or it may be enjoyed as an easy “sipper.” Alcohol: 12.5%

 

2016 Good Hope Vineyards Pinotage, Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa    $10

Good Hope Vineyards Pinotage, Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa is an easy drinking Pinotage, South Africa’s signature varietal. While many associate this grape with Pinot Noir, that is a misconception. Pinotage more closely resembles Syrah. It is deeply colored, high in tannins and has a decent amount of acidity which makes it perfect to pair with bold foods – Indian curry, spicy sausages. Alcohol: 14%

August Featured Wines – 2016 Seaside Cellars Sauvignon Blanc, Coastal South Island New Zealand & 2014 Seaside Cellars Pinot Noir, Coastal South Island, New Zealand

2016 Seaside Cellars Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand                      $14

The Sauvignon Blanc grapes for this wine are used from Coastal vineyards on the South Island. This wine has fresh flavorful style and a clean crisp palate with ripe tropical fruits. It has mouth-watering acidity and hints of mineral taste. Wine Spectator gave this Sauvignon Blanc 87. Serve well chilled for a refreshing summer white wine. Alcohol: 13%

 

2014 Seaside Cellars Pinot Noir, Marlborough, New Zealand                             $14

For this Pinot Noir grapes are used from a number of South Island coastal vineyards.This wine is elegant  and cool with savory characteristics, bittersweet chocolate and notes of dark cherries and strawberries. It is fragrant, soft and flavorful with hints of earthiness. This vintage received 90 from Wine Spectator as a Top Value Elegant Wine. This a a medium weight wine perfect for summer foods. Alcohol: 12.5%

 

 

 

 

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

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.

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

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.

Sposato SB

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%

Sposato Malbec

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%

Wines of the Month – 2013 Frenzy Sauvignon Blanc, South Island & 2011 Mohua Pinot Noir, Central Otago New Zealand

label from Frenzy Sauvignon Blanc

2013 Frenzy Sauvignon Blanc, South Island, New Zealand    $12

2013 Frenzy Sauvignon Blanc is produced by Wilson Daniels, Ltd., from various vineyards on the South Island including the Marlborough region. This wine is intensely aromatic and lively, bursting with flavors of passion fruit, dried herbs, gooseberry and citrus. This is a great value wine that has been on our shelves since we began selling wine. There are quite a few fans. Enjoy chilled as an apéritif or match with fresh seafood. Alcohol: 13%

 

labe from Mohua Pinot Noir

2011 Mohua Pinot Noir, Central Otago, New Zealand   $21

2011 Mohua Pinot Noir is produced by Peregrine Wines in Central Otago. It is sourced from vineyards in 3 different sub-regions. This is a soft textured, full flavored Pinot Noir with red fruit flavor – raspberry, cherry and currant. There is a subtle flavor of oak and Asian spice. This very “juicy” wine is perfect with summer foods – grilled salmon or lamb stand out in my mind.

 

Wines of the Month – 2012 Angeline Sauvignon Blanc & 2011 Baileyana Firepeak Pinot Noir

label on Angeline Sauvignon Blanc

2012 Angeline Sauvignon Blanc, Russina River Valley, California $13

Angeline 2012 Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc is produced from three different Russian River Valley vineyards: Dempel, Herrick and Ricioli. The Russian River Valley is known for a coastal influence that often brings fog to the area. One vineyard is located in a slightly warmer part of the appellation which offers rich, ripe fruit character. The other vineyard is in a cooler area which brings nice acidity and a really intense varietal character to the wine. Angeline has a track record for producing savory, delicious Sauvignon Blanc at an inexpensive price. The wine is dry, but rich in honey, papaya and gooseberry flavors, brightened by brisk acidity. This wine received 89 points from Wine Enthusiast. We paired this with halibut baked with light garlic cream for a delicious combination. Alcohol: 13.9%

label for Baileyana Firepeak Pinot Noir 2011 featured at Bishop's Stock

2011 Baileyana Firepeak Pinot Noir, Edna Valley, California  $22

This is a story about how a family’s involvement in the wine industry  has grown over the years. Jack Nivens founded Paragon Vineyard, the family wine business,  in the 1970’s in the Edna Valley.  His wife Catharine caught the bug from him, and planted a few acres in their front yard. Her project grew into what is now Baileyana Winery. Her sons bought more acreage for their Firepeak Vineyard. The wine being featured is a perfect example of  Grand Firepeak Cuvee.  This is a medium-bodied Pinot Noir with  loads of flavor with aromas of dark chocolate, raspberry, dark cherry, blueberry, root beer and a touch of anise following straight through to the palate. Hints of white pepper and spice round it out nicely. The finish is long and filled with bright red fruits. The yield for this 2011 vintage was light  but the rich quality of the grapes make this a lovely wine.  This is a great holiday wine since it pairs with everything – turkey, salmon, pork. Alcohol: 14.5%