Sorry to be a day late this week; a group of us took in Heights Players' delightful production of Death on the Nile last night with dinner after, which made for a very enjoyable (but lateish) evening. Come by for our tasting today; John (my husband) will be pouring whites from Pas Mal and reds from Artisan, the two little distributors he represents. A reminder: the full calendar of upcoming tastings is available at our web site, www.heightschateau.com. As to samplers, mine and Tess's follow (we are temproarily having to make a substitution for my white; the sampler wine should be back in by mid-week); am still awaiting writeups for the other three. Best to all, Judy
New Whites:
Case Ibidini 2007 Bianco @ $9.99 (should be good, loved their Syrah)
(new vintage) Santa Maria 2007 Vermentino "Aragosta" @ $11.99
Graham Beck 2008 Gamekeeper's Reserve Chenin Blanc @ $13.99
Simonsig 2007 Chenin Blanc @ $12.99
Healdsburg Ranches 2007 Chardonnay @ $13.99
(new vintage) Edna Valley 2007 Chardonnay @ $14.99
Barberani 2007 Orvieto @ $14.99
Schmitges 2008 Dry Rivaner @ $14.99 (never had a Rivaner before)
MOMO 2008 Sauvignon Blanc @ $15.99 (a hearty thumbs up to this one)
Famiglia Bianchi 2007 Sauvignon Blanc @ $15.99
Lunae 2007 Vermentino @ $19.99
Joseph Carr 2007 Chardonnay @ $20.99
Elizabeth Hugary 2007 Saint-Veran @ $23.99
Saint Joseph 2005 Villars-sur-Var @ $41.99
Case Ibidini 2007 Bianco @ $9.99 (should be good, loved their Syrah)
(new vintage) Santa Maria 2007 Vermentino "Aragosta" @ $11.99
Graham Beck 2008 Gamekeeper's Reserve Chenin Blanc @ $13.99
Simonsig 2007 Chenin Blanc @ $12.99
Healdsburg Ranches 2007 Chardonnay @ $13.99
(new vintage) Edna Valley 2007 Chardonnay @ $14.99
Barberani 2007 Orvieto @ $14.99
Schmitges 2008 Dry Rivaner @ $14.99 (never had a Rivaner before)
MOMO 2008 Sauvignon Blanc @ $15.99 (a hearty thumbs up to this one)
Famiglia Bianchi 2007 Sauvignon Blanc @ $15.99
Lunae 2007 Vermentino @ $19.99
Joseph Carr 2007 Chardonnay @ $20.99
Elizabeth Hugary 2007 Saint-Veran @ $23.99
Saint Joseph 2005 Villars-sur-Var @ $41.99
New Reds:
Les Croisades NV Vin du Pays de l'Agenais @ $8.99
Casa Toscana 2007 Chianti @ $9.99
Cantele 2004 Salice Salentino @ $10.99
Pitch 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $16.99
Pago Florentino 2005 Tinto @ $17.99
Antichi Vigneti di Cantelupo 2005 Agamium (Nebbiolo) @ $17.99
Penalolen 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon @ 19.99
Grand Montmirail 2005 Vacqueyras @ $20.99
(back) Corte alla Flora 2004 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano @ $24.99
Joseph Carr 2007 Pinot Noir @ $25.99
Aldo Conterno 2007 Dolcetto d'Alba @ $28.99 (pricey for a Dolcetto, but worth it)
Braida 2006 Montebruna Barbera @ $26.99
Bradford Mountain 2005 Syrah @ $31.99
Arzuaga 2005 Ribera del Duero @ $32.99
Brothers in Arms 2002 Shiraz @ $35.99
Barlow 2004 Barrouge @ $36.99
Il Poggiolo 2006 Rosso di Montalcino @ $37.99
Barlow 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $41.99
Donatiello 2006 Pinot Noir @ $47.99
Les Croisades NV Vin du Pays de l'Agenais @ $8.99
Casa Toscana 2007 Chianti @ $9.99
Cantele 2004 Salice Salentino @ $10.99
Pitch 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $16.99
Pago Florentino 2005 Tinto @ $17.99
Antichi Vigneti di Cantelupo 2005 Agamium (Nebbiolo) @ $17.99
Penalolen 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon @ 19.99
Grand Montmirail 2005 Vacqueyras @ $20.99
(back) Corte alla Flora 2004 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano @ $24.99
Joseph Carr 2007 Pinot Noir @ $25.99
Aldo Conterno 2007 Dolcetto d'Alba @ $28.99 (pricey for a Dolcetto, but worth it)
Braida 2006 Montebruna Barbera @ $26.99
Bradford Mountain 2005 Syrah @ $31.99
Arzuaga 2005 Ribera del Duero @ $32.99
Brothers in Arms 2002 Shiraz @ $35.99
Barlow 2004 Barrouge @ $36.99
Il Poggiolo 2006 Rosso di Montalcino @ $37.99
Barlow 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $41.99
Donatiello 2006 Pinot Noir @ $47.99
One new rosé
Artazuri 2007 Rosado @ $13.99
Artazuri 2007 Rosado @ $13.99
Judy's Choices for Recession Busters
We are living in a difficult economic climate right now, and we (along with you) are trying to bring our budget bottom line down a bit. That's why we've redoubled our efforts to find as many "great value" wines as we can to offer you. So I'm extremely pleased to have on hand for this sampler three absolutely amazing $8.99 great values, two reds from Spain and a white from Portugal, all proof positive that you don't have to sacrifice quality in these difficult times.
We are living in a difficult economic climate right now, and we (along with you) are trying to bring our budget bottom line down a bit. That's why we've redoubled our efforts to find as many "great value" wines as we can to offer you. So I'm extremely pleased to have on hand for this sampler three absolutely amazing $8.99 great values, two reds from Spain and a white from Portugal, all proof positive that you don't have to sacrifice quality in these difficult times.
Bacalhoa Vinhos 2007 Serras de Azeitao White
Bacalhoa Wines of Portugal, nearly a century old and now partnered financially with Lafite Rothschild, is one of the country's leading producers, and this little white is a wine that has pleased and excited us, vintage in and vintage out. Made from grapes grown in the plains and hills of the Setúbal Peninsula just south of Lisbon, it is a judicious blend of four grapes; native varietal Fernão Pires, which gives roundness and fruit aromas; another native varietal, Arinto, for minerality and freshness; Moscatel for an exotic aromatic note; and Chardonnay for structure.
$8.99/btl;$89.90/cs
Bacalhoa Wines of Portugal, nearly a century old and now partnered financially with Lafite Rothschild, is one of the country's leading producers, and this little white is a wine that has pleased and excited us, vintage in and vintage out. Made from grapes grown in the plains and hills of the Setúbal Peninsula just south of Lisbon, it is a judicious blend of four grapes; native varietal Fernão Pires, which gives roundness and fruit aromas; another native varietal, Arinto, for minerality and freshness; Moscatel for an exotic aromatic note; and Chardonnay for structure.
$8.99/btl;$89.90/cs
Bodegas Borsao 2007 Monte Oton Garnacha
From the sub-region of Aragon called Campo de Borja, this wine is 100%Garnacha (Grenache), made from grapes grown high on the windswept slopes of the extinct volcano, Moncayo. The location is arid and sun-drenched, ideal for producing perfectly ripened, fully matured grapes. And the wine? Dark ruby in color, it has aromas of berries and cherries, almost Pinot-like; it is ripe, medium-bodied, elegantly textured, with a long complex finish.
$8.99/btl;$89.90/cs
From the sub-region of Aragon called Campo de Borja, this wine is 100%Garnacha (Grenache), made from grapes grown high on the windswept slopes of the extinct volcano, Moncayo. The location is arid and sun-drenched, ideal for producing perfectly ripened, fully matured grapes. And the wine? Dark ruby in color, it has aromas of berries and cherries, almost Pinot-like; it is ripe, medium-bodied, elegantly textured, with a long complex finish.
$8.99/btl;$89.90/cs
Almira 2007 Los Dos
Our second red comes from the same sub-region of Aragon, Campo de Borja; but while Monte Oton is 100% Grenache, Los Dos (as the name implies) blends Syrah (in this vintage only 7%) with rich Grenache from vines of 35 to 50 years of age. Matured entirely in stainless steel, the wine is immediately aromatic, full and friendly on the palate, a willing partner for a wide range of foods. I loved the comment I cam across made by one very perceptive blogger: "I've seen some user notes on this wine labeling it 'good but simple.' I say the only thing 'simple' about this wine is the price."
$8.99/btl;$89.90/cs
Our second red comes from the same sub-region of Aragon, Campo de Borja; but while Monte Oton is 100% Grenache, Los Dos (as the name implies) blends Syrah (in this vintage only 7%) with rich Grenache from vines of 35 to 50 years of age. Matured entirely in stainless steel, the wine is immediately aromatic, full and friendly on the palate, a willing partner for a wide range of foods. I loved the comment I cam across made by one very perceptive blogger: "I've seen some user notes on this wine labeling it 'good but simple.' I say the only thing 'simple' about this wine is the price."
$8.99/btl;$89.90/cs
Sampler B, with 2 bottles of each wine: $44.99
Taste the Value of Spain
More and more people have recognized Spain as one of the major producers of quality wines, and with good reason. Many Spanish wines are impressive and offer great value. These three wines offer you a taste of some of Spain's most thriving regions, grapes, and styles of wine.
More and more people have recognized Spain as one of the major producers of quality wines, and with good reason. Many Spanish wines are impressive and offer great value. These three wines offer you a taste of some of Spain's most thriving regions, grapes, and styles of wine.
Vega 2005 Rioja Crianza
The '05 Rioja Vega, made from mostly Tempranillo grapes with Mazuelo and Garnacha, is a wonderful crianza example. It reflects nicely how the wine is softened, complemented, and enhanced by its time in oak. It is medium-bodied, aromatic with cedar and berry flavors. Notes of vanillin oak and fresh red fruit gently accentuate the mid-palate. The soft tannins and perfectly balanced acid keep it fresh and smooth in the mouth. This wine is very satisfying to drink on its own, but would also be a great choice for cheeses, or to enjoy with light appetizers or party fare.
$13.99/btl; $139.35/cs
The '05 Rioja Vega, made from mostly Tempranillo grapes with Mazuelo and Garnacha, is a wonderful crianza example. It reflects nicely how the wine is softened, complemented, and enhanced by its time in oak. It is medium-bodied, aromatic with cedar and berry flavors. Notes of vanillin oak and fresh red fruit gently accentuate the mid-palate. The soft tannins and perfectly balanced acid keep it fresh and smooth in the mouth. This wine is very satisfying to drink on its own, but would also be a great choice for cheeses, or to enjoy with light appetizers or party fare.
$13.99/btl; $139.35/cs
Capcanes 2005 Mas Donis
Compared to the previous wine and coming from a warmer area in Catalonia, the '05 Mas Donis, a blend of 85% Garnacha and 15% Syrah from Montsant, is considerably denser, not having gone through any filtration or fining. The Garnacha is nicely balanced by the Syrah, resulting in a slightly spicy, juicy wine that is not overwhelming. The ripe cherry, plum, and blueberry fruit is luscious with present yet integrated tannins. With a light decantation, this wine will open up a bit and really comes to life when paired with food. Complex enough to stand up to spicy meat dishes, the fruit and structure make it full yet balanced.
$14.99/btl; $149.30/cs
Compared to the previous wine and coming from a warmer area in Catalonia, the '05 Mas Donis, a blend of 85% Garnacha and 15% Syrah from Montsant, is considerably denser, not having gone through any filtration or fining. The Garnacha is nicely balanced by the Syrah, resulting in a slightly spicy, juicy wine that is not overwhelming. The ripe cherry, plum, and blueberry fruit is luscious with present yet integrated tannins. With a light decantation, this wine will open up a bit and really comes to life when paired with food. Complex enough to stand up to spicy meat dishes, the fruit and structure make it full yet balanced.
$14.99/btl; $149.30/cs
Vega Barcelona NV Brut Reserva
Vega Barcelona Cava, made of 30% Macabeo, 35% Xarello, 35% Parellada, truly embodies the value of Spanish wines. Along with small crisp bubbles, it features tart citrus fruit right up front, crisp and fresh. There are subtle fruit notes that gently recede on the finish. In short, this bubbly is light and refreshing, perfect for any occasion or whenever the mood strikes!
$14.99/btl; $170.89/cs
Sampler E, with 2 bottles of each wine: $76.58