Category Archives: Special Features

Wine of the Day: Bodegas Muga Reserva, Rioja DOCa, Spain 2011 6-20-16

Bodegas Muga Reserva, Rioja DOCa, Spain 2011 750ML ($24.95) Buy Now: $21.90 special
Case-12 Bodegas Muga Reserva, Rioja DOCa, Spain 2011 750ML ($299.95) Buy Now: $236 special

muga2011Imagine you are sitting in the hot Spanish sierra, eating handfuls of cherries with ripe, tart and sweet frutas del bosque (berries) from a satchel that smells of spicy leather, with hints of fresh-rolled tobacco on your fingertips. A breeze carries floral notes under your nose, and suddenly you realize that you’re not in the hills at all, or even in Spain. You’re sniffing a glass of 2011 Muga Reserva, and when you take a sip its fruit-forward character unfolds alongside rounded tannins, warming the mouth and begging for a bite of cochinillo (suckling pig, a Riojan specialty) and for another sip of this classic-yet-modern Rioja red.… Read the rest

Wine of the Day: Vincent Paris Cornas ‘La Geynale’ 2014 6-19-16

parisgeynalecornas14Domaine Vincent Paris Cornas La Geynale, Rhone 2014 750ML ($69.95) Buy Now: $59 special

Native to Cornas, Vincent Paris has been making wine since 1997. If it counts for anything, he’s got good neighbors looking after him – Auguste Clape and Thierry Allemand are both next door. Once Vincent’s uncle Robert-Michel – an esteemed grower – retired from winemaking, a bidding war ensued for his land which included the likes of Chave. Robert-Michel preferred to keep things in the family, selling to Vincent for below market value. Through hard work in the field and cellar alike, the ensuing years have proven Robert-Michel’s gesture to be as worthwhile as it was wise.

“La Geynale” is fermented with 100% whole cluster and aged 18 months in old oak.… Read the rest

Wine of the Day: Cameron ‘Dundee Hills’ Pinot Noir 2014 6-18-16

Cameron Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2014 750ML ($31.95) Buy Now: $24 special

cameron dundeeWith each release from Cameron,  don’t it always seem to go that you don’t know what you’ve got ’till it’s gone? Each time the wine comes into the shop, five-or-so cases high, I wonder how soon until our shelves need replenishing. The point being, this stuff sells – with good reason, too! We’ve secured another stash, but that’s not to suggest this little guy will be around forever…

The Dundee Hills cuvee is declassified Abbey Ridge + Clos Electrique selections from younger vines; the body is light but not flighty body, with rambunctious cherry and raspberry fruit leading into an herbal and measured finish. It’s probably the most precise and elegant release from Cameron in 2014, and warrants a drinker who occupies the space between decadent and disciplined – that is, to say, I suggest you buy ten or twelve bottles and drink a few now and a few later.… Read the rest

Wine of the Day: Tissot Arbois Rouge DD 2014 6-17-16

tissotDDBenedicte & Stephane Tissot Arbois Rouge DD, Jura 2014 750ML ($29.95) Buy Now: $21.90 special

Tissot is a postcard-perfect producer for the Jura and the DD rouge is as lovely an introduction to Jura reds as there ever was. A three-pronged blend of Poulsard, Trousseau, and Pinot, it’s a parade of bright fruits with little tropical phrases and a clean, floral finish. Between the sometimes-shy varietals and no sulfur being added, give it a little chill and let it open up a while. A great palate-refresher and an ideal wine for potlucks or to pair with stubborn dishes. – Tyler

Wine Advocate 91 points “The first red was the 2014 Arbois Rouge DD, produced with one third each of the red grapes form Jura, Poulsard, Trousseau and Pinot Noir; it’s his light red wine with no sulfur.… Read the rest

Wine of the Day: Thibault Liger-Belair Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2011 6-16-16

dfghdfgdhThibault Liger-Belair Bourgogne Pinot Noir, Burgundy 2011 750ML ($27.95) Buy Now: $20.90 special

Sometimes a hit of Burgundy is in order, a reconnection with those illustrious, puzzling, sumptuous whites and reds. But sometimes, too, price becomes an issue. Which is when the thirsty savant of Burgundy seeks out regional Bourgogne from a fine producer such as Thibault Liger-Belair. His négociant side business, Thibault Liger-Belair Successeurs, purchases wines and raises them in barrel, with very satisfying results.

The 2011 Bourgogne Rouge opens with a ripe Côte de Nuits bouquet of dark fruit, earth, and violet. Deeply colored, it carries some weight on the palate, backed by nice acidity. But this wine, as with the 2011 vintage, is more about perfume than power.… Read the rest