Here are this week's new ones, and two of the three new samplers follow (sorry to not have Matthew's NY state one for you, but I tried to open it in the wrong program and now can't open it in the right one). Join us tomorrow to re-meet former manager Noel Sherr and sample some of his wares from David Bowler Wines. And be prepared to welcome back Ariel, who quit her job at the Oak Room (in disgust) this week.
NEW WHITES:
Tarkettle Road 2006 Chardonnay @ $8.99
La Linda 2007 Chardonnay (unoaked) @ $10.99
(new vintage) Marques de Allela 2007 Alella @ $14.99
Matchbook 2006 Chardonnay @ $17.99
Pillot 2006 Bourgogne @ $28.99
Tarkettle Road 2006 Chardonnay @ $8.99
La Linda 2007 Chardonnay (unoaked) @ $10.99
(new vintage) Marques de Allela 2007 Alella @ $14.99
Matchbook 2006 Chardonnay @ $17.99
Pillot 2006 Bourgogne @ $28.99
NEW REDS:
Tarkettle Road 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $8.99
JP 2002 Palmema Reserve @ $11.99
Marietta Old Vine Red @ $13.99
Calandray 2006 Cotes du Roussillion-Villages @ $15.99
Foxglove 2007 Zinfandel @ $15.99
Marquis Philips 2007 Grenache @ $16.99
Aldegheri 2005 Il Groto @ $18.99
Jaboulet 2005 Crozes-Hermitages "Les Jalets" @ $20.99
Chateau Ramafort 2003 Medoc @ $22.99
Brovia 2006 Barbera d'Alba @ $25.99
The Table 2007 Pinot Noir @ $26.99
Giroud 2006 Marsannay @ $29.99
Fairhope 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $29.99
Tarkettle Road 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $8.99
JP 2002 Palmema Reserve @ $11.99
Marietta Old Vine Red @ $13.99
Calandray 2006 Cotes du Roussillion-Villages @ $15.99
Foxglove 2007 Zinfandel @ $15.99
Marquis Philips 2007 Grenache @ $16.99
Aldegheri 2005 Il Groto @ $18.99
Jaboulet 2005 Crozes-Hermitages "Les Jalets" @ $20.99
Chateau Ramafort 2003 Medoc @ $22.99
Brovia 2006 Barbera d'Alba @ $25.99
The Table 2007 Pinot Noir @ $26.99
Giroud 2006 Marsannay @ $29.99
Fairhope 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon @ $29.99
Judy's Sampler: A "Melting Pot" Thanksgiving
With Matthew and Tara going all-American for the holiday dinner, Judy opts instead for celebrating the melting pot . . . Which opens up all the rest of the world. So here are three wines — from Greece, France, and Australia — that will resolutely stand up to some of the challenging flavors of the Thanksgiving table.
With Matthew and Tara going all-American for the holiday dinner, Judy opts instead for celebrating the melting pot . . . Which opens up all the rest of the world. So here are three wines — from Greece, France, and Australia — that will resolutely stand up to some of the challenging flavors of the Thanksgiving table.
Oenoforos 2007 Asprolithi Patras
Begun in 1989 by Angelos Rouvalis, a Bordeaux graduate who had worked at both the Santorini Cooperative and Achaia Clauss, Oenoforos is considered a leader in the new modern style of Greek winemaking. The winery is located in the Peloponesso, on the upper slopes of the mountains facing north toward the Gulf of Corinth, and while Rouvalis and his colleagues work with the classic international varieties like Chardonnay and Cabernet, they are most enthusiastic about indigenous Greek grapes. Asprolithi, their defining label, is one of the most recognizable boutique brands from Greece; made entirely from native varietal Roditis, the wine has a creamy texture underscored by subtle acidity and offers tropical fruit notes in addition to the ripe pear character that is typical of this variety.
$11.99/btl;$119.90/cs
Begun in 1989 by Angelos Rouvalis, a Bordeaux graduate who had worked at both the Santorini Cooperative and Achaia Clauss, Oenoforos is considered a leader in the new modern style of Greek winemaking. The winery is located in the Peloponesso, on the upper slopes of the mountains facing north toward the Gulf of Corinth, and while Rouvalis and his colleagues work with the classic international varieties like Chardonnay and Cabernet, they are most enthusiastic about indigenous Greek grapes. Asprolithi, their defining label, is one of the most recognizable boutique brands from Greece; made entirely from native varietal Roditis, the wine has a creamy texture underscored by subtle acidity and offers tropical fruit notes in addition to the ripe pear character that is typical of this variety.
$11.99/btl;$119.90/cs
Domaine La Croix Belle 2006 Le Champ du Coq
Now in the capable hands of Jacques and Françoise Boyer, Domaine La Croix Belle has benefited from three centuries of continuous family farming and stewardship. The property is in Puissalicon, a feudal village in Languedoc at the edge of the Cévennes mountains; here the Boyers practice nature-friendly, sustainable farming and create wines of impeccable character and true originality. The "Champ du Coq," a blend of Syrah and Grenache, is a wine classically expressive of its origins: a brilliant ruby color with a nose of blackberry and spices, it is ample and full-bodied with a complex finish.
$13.99/btl;$139.90/cs
Now in the capable hands of Jacques and Françoise Boyer, Domaine La Croix Belle has benefited from three centuries of continuous family farming and stewardship. The property is in Puissalicon, a feudal village in Languedoc at the edge of the Cévennes mountains; here the Boyers practice nature-friendly, sustainable farming and create wines of impeccable character and true originality. The "Champ du Coq," a blend of Syrah and Grenache, is a wine classically expressive of its origins: a brilliant ruby color with a nose of blackberry and spices, it is ample and full-bodied with a complex finish.
$13.99/btl;$139.90/cs
Grant Burge 2006 Benchmark Shiraz
Grant Burge is a fifth-generation grape-grower and winemaker in the Barossa Valley; throughout his extensive career he has been regarded as one of the most respected and innovative forces in the Australian wine industry. Family-owned, Grant Burge Wines was formed in 1988 by Grant and his wife Helen, and now all three of their children are actively involved in the winery. The Benchmark is classic Shiraz, fruit-driven but with excellent balance and made to be enjoyed without years of cellaring; it is deep cherry-red with aromas of black pepper and spice, soft and generous on the plate with flavors of red berries and cherries.
$15.99/btl;$159.90/cs
Grant Burge is a fifth-generation grape-grower and winemaker in the Barossa Valley; throughout his extensive career he has been regarded as one of the most respected and innovative forces in the Australian wine industry. Family-owned, Grant Burge Wines was formed in 1988 by Grant and his wife Helen, and now all three of their children are actively involved in the winery. The Benchmark is classic Shiraz, fruit-driven but with excellent balance and made to be enjoyed without years of cellaring; it is deep cherry-red with aromas of black pepper and spice, soft and generous on the plate with flavors of red berries and cherries.
$15.99/btl;$159.90/cs
Sampler B with 2 bottles of each wine: $69.95
Last week, as we are steadily approach T-Day, I was instructed to put
together a domestic sampler that somehow:
1) Takes into account the current economic crisis, as informed by
hours of watching Charlie Rose in bed, internet surfing and
newly-unemployed friends.
2) Includes wines that would appeal to your wine snob uncle as much as
your fraternity brother. (Also, another small constraint is that I
also have to like it.)
3) Finally, given that my sampler is the underdog one, (Judy + Matthew
= Tara as third wheel) I wanted wines that weren't your standard
Thanksgiving choices, such as Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon or
Chardonnay, but instead ones that will rise to an occasion that is
consistently more diversely served fare.
together a domestic sampler that somehow:
1) Takes into account the current economic crisis, as informed by
hours of watching Charlie Rose in bed, internet surfing and
newly-unemployed friends.
2) Includes wines that would appeal to your wine snob uncle as much as
your fraternity brother. (Also, another small constraint is that I
also have to like it.)
3) Finally, given that my sampler is the underdog one, (Judy + Matthew
= Tara as third wheel) I wanted wines that weren't your standard
Thanksgiving choices, such as Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon or
Chardonnay, but instead ones that will rise to an occasion that is
consistently more diversely served fare.
Anyway, my sampler will be going to Chicago, where steak and
Brazilian fish stew will be the main courses, followed and supported
by lefsa, pickled herring, a massive salad the size of a small child,
chocolate pie and homemade macadamia ice cream. No real turducken, per
se, but a cornucopia of veggie & meat options that will definitely
make some kind of conceptual food sculpture in my belly. With that
said, Happy Thanksgiving! TARA
Brazilian fish stew will be the main courses, followed and supported
by lefsa, pickled herring, a massive salad the size of a small child,
chocolate pie and homemade macadamia ice cream. No real turducken, per
se, but a cornucopia of veggie & meat options that will definitely
make some kind of conceptual food sculpture in my belly. With that
said, Happy Thanksgiving! TARA
NV Gruet Brut Methode Champenoise $14.99
Crisp, and full-bodied sparkling wine, which has developed rich
complexity and fine mousse. The allure of toasty finish from
twenty-four months on tirage, is a complement to the sophisticated
apple and citrus flavor. Brilliant with ultra fine bubbles. A
wonderful fine bouquet dominated by green apple and grapefruit
flavors. A truly classic house style!
Crisp, and full-bodied sparkling wine, which has developed rich
complexity and fine mousse. The allure of toasty finish from
twenty-four months on tirage, is a complement to the sophisticated
apple and citrus flavor. Brilliant with ultra fine bubbles. A
wonderful fine bouquet dominated by green apple and grapefruit
flavors. A truly classic house style!
2007 Shooting Star Blue Franc $16.99
Blue Franc receives little, or no, oak aging. Some liken Blue Franc,
depending on vintage, to Pinot Noir in lighter years and Zinfandel in
the riper vintages. Sometimes it is totally akin to a top-flight Gamay
from Beaujolais. The wine is clean, crisp, and unpretentious with tons
of fruit, including warm berry pie, complementing the traces of
pepper, almond, cherry and cinnamon. Shooting Star Blue Franc has soft
tannins, medium body, great color and is the perfect red wine to enjoy
with any festive occasion.
Blue Franc receives little, or no, oak aging. Some liken Blue Franc,
depending on vintage, to Pinot Noir in lighter years and Zinfandel in
the riper vintages. Sometimes it is totally akin to a top-flight Gamay
from Beaujolais. The wine is clean, crisp, and unpretentious with tons
of fruit, including warm berry pie, complementing the traces of
pepper, almond, cherry and cinnamon. Shooting Star Blue Franc has soft
tannins, medium body, great color and is the perfect red wine to enjoy
with any festive occasion.
2007 Palmina Botasea Rosé $19.99
The 2007 vintage of Botasea is comprised of 50% Dolcetto, 30% Nebbiolo
and 20% Barbera. A deep rose color foretells of the depth and
character of the wine, with a swirl in the glass releasing a
cornucopia of fruit and floral notes. Rose petals, orange peel, and
remembrances of wild strawberries on a warm summer day first enchant.
Red plums, rhubarb and currants meld with raspberry and those fine,
soft tannins of an iced hibiscus tea to tease and refresh the palate.
This is a full-bodied, bone-dry rosé with lilting acidity, complex and
layered red fruit and elegant, soft tannins, all finished with
lingering notes of dried strawberry.
The 2007 vintage of Botasea is comprised of 50% Dolcetto, 30% Nebbiolo
and 20% Barbera. A deep rose color foretells of the depth and
character of the wine, with a swirl in the glass releasing a
cornucopia of fruit and floral notes. Rose petals, orange peel, and
remembrances of wild strawberries on a warm summer day first enchant.
Red plums, rhubarb and currants meld with raspberry and those fine,
soft tannins of an iced hibiscus tea to tease and refresh the palate.
This is a full-bodied, bone-dry rosé with lilting acidity, complex and
layered red fruit and elegant, soft tannins, all finished with
lingering notes of dried strawberry.