Wine of the Day: Chateau Meyney 2009 1-26-2017

Chateau Meyney St. Estephe 2009 750ML ($49.95) Buy Now $39 special, in-stock now!

Case-12 Chateau Meyney St. Estephe 2009 750ML ($549.95) Buy Now $438 special, in-stock now!
(That’s only $36.50 per bottle!)

The ’09 Chateau Meyney stands out to me for the approachability for a Bordeaux of this nature. When I first tried it upon release, January 2012, it was certainly tight, but the potential was clearly shouting out. I set a glass aside and by the end of the night, the underlying soft spice aromas really filled the glass and the fruit beneath the surface was beginning to stand out. Well made Bordeaux at this price is truly a gem. It could be viewed as our gateway wine into collecting and aging.… Read the rest

VinopolPick: Domaine Fougeray de Beauclair, Burgundy 1-19-17

January 2017

Parceled vineyard ownership can make Burgundy’s Côte d’Or seem chaotic. But this allows small, family growers like Fougeray de Beauclair to produce twenty-one wines from the Côte de Nuits and de Beaune. Founded in 1978, Fougeray de Beauclair grows Pinot Noir and Chardonnay across 45 acres, from straight-forward villages like Marsannay and Fixin, to prestigious Bonnes Mares, to richly structured Puligny-Montrachet. Patrice Olliver has been growing and making wine at Fougeray de Beauclair, created by his parents-in-law, for over two decades. Synthetic fertilizers were abandoned, and the sorting of grapes takes place in the vineyard and at the winery. Quality becomes a matter of pride at a domaine of this size. The wines get oak in the proportion they deserve: 15 months in 30% new for the Gevrey-Chambertin, 18 months in 100% new for the Bonnes Mares, 6 to 8 months in 50% new oak for the Puligny-Montrachet.… Read the rest

Wine of the Day: Domaine de l’Edre 2013 1-15-17

Domaine de L’Edre Cotes du Roussillon Villages 2013 750ML ($49.95) Buy Now $41.90 special, in-stock

Case-6 Domaine de L’Edre Cotes du Roussillon Villages 2013 750ML ($299.95) Buy Now $239 special, in-stock (That’s only $39.83 per bottle!)

It seems France’s Roussillon region was made to grow fine wine. Proximity to the vine’s favorite sea, the Mediterranean, and planted in classic limestone-clay soil, winemaking talent thrives in this area. Founded by a pair of Frenchmen in 2002, Domaine de l’Edre produces ripe yet balanced and stylish wines of terrific character and terroir definition. Here’s the perfect match to a leg of lamb or even a pot au feu, to veggie dishes rich in grilled peppers and eggplant, and of course to charcuterie and cheese.… Read the rest

VinopolPick: Ayres Vineyards and Winery 1-13-17

Down to earth: Ayres grows and makes wines in the true Oregon tradition. From certified-sustainable viticulture in the Ribbon Ridge AVA, to hands-off winemaking (learned at Domaine Drouhin Oregon), and extremely reasonable pricing, Ayres represents Willamette Valley Pinot Noir with respect. The Lewis Rogers Lane and Perspective cuvees satisfy that plump red/blue fruit craving, while the Pioneer gives a deeper, darker taste. Meanwhile, to keep it bright, fresh, and under $20 a bottle, the Willamette Valley 2015 already drinks wonderfully. Pick one, two, or all four to taste and we’re sure you’ll add Ayres to your list of favorite Oregon producers. They’re definitely one of ours. – Daniel

Ayres Lewis Rogers Lane Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2014 750ML ($34.95) Buy Now $29 special, 23 bottles available, in-stock

Ayres Perspective Pinot Noir, Ribbon Ridge 2014 750ML ($29.95) Buy Now $26 special, 23 bottles available, in-stock

Ayres Pioneer Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2014 750ML ($39.95) Buy Now $33 special, 18 bottles available, in-stock

Ayres Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2015 750ML ($24.95) Buy Now $19 special, 31 bottles available, in-stock

… Read the rest

Inman Family Wines’ Spectacular OGV Pinot Noir: January 2017

Inman Family Vineyards “OGV Estate” Pinot Noir 2010 750ML ($49.95) Buy Now: $33 special – in stock now!

We can be homers for Pinot from Oregon here, but every now and then we get a wine from California that is spectacular enough to break the spell of the Willamette–at least for a minute. That’s how it is for us with the wines of Inman Family Vineyards in the Russian River Valley, especially for the OGV estate Pinot Noir.

Kathleen Inman is one of the most delightful winemakers we know of and the wine she makes from her estate vineyard, “Olivet Grange,” is the highlight of her portfolio every year. Her wines manage to combine a grace and elegance that one usually associates with old world wines with the rich, cherry fruit of the Russian River Valley. … Read the rest