Tag Archives: buy

Wine of the Day: Philippe Pacalet Moulin a Vent 9-8-16

Philippe Pacalet Moulin A Vent, Beaujolais, France 2014 750ML ($59.95) Buy Now $49 special

Never patient when it comes to Beaujolais, I drank Pacalet’s intrepid Moulin-a-Vent the very night it arrived at our shop. A simple salmon dish served as accompaniment, and I poured some out into a decanter in order to contrast normal and accelerated evolution of the wine as it aerated. Cherry aromas soared out of the glass, with an immediate flavor profile of goji berries, plum, Bing cherries, and a touch of leather. The fruit bears this intriguing crunchiness, with the acid mingling but never overarching beyond the wine’s overall feel. There is a playful energy this Beaujolais, which went lovely with the salmon and danced between being a little showy and a bit mellow over the course of four hours.… Read the rest

Wine of the Day: Belle Pente Gamay Noir 2014 6-5-16

Belle Pente Gamay Noir, Belle Pente Vineyard, Yamhill Carloton 2014 750ML ($27.95) Buy Now: $24 special

Those who watch these pages closely know of affinity for Gamay. I love it all – from the ten Crus of Beaujolais and the Loire to the Valle d’Aoste, Upstate New York and – of course! – our home terrain of Oregon’s Willamette Valley. In turn, I nearly leapt for joy when Brian from Belle Pente swung by to taste the new releases and a Gamay came out of the bag.

Floral aromas and red-violet fruits leapt from the glass; the wine registers as a little on the light-to-medium side of the spectrum. Think of the structure of a Moulin-a-Vent with the fruit n’ flower attributes of Juliénas – broad on the palate, with ample spice, wild flowers, and red fruit on offer.

… Read the rest

Wine of the Day: Produttori del Barbaresco ‘Barbaresco DOCG’, Piedmont 2011 5-31-16

Produttori del Barbaresco ‘Barbaresco DOCG’, Piedmont 2011 750ML ($37.95) Buy Now: $29 special

Produttori del Barbaresco ‘Barbaresco DOCG’, Piedmont 2011 1.5L ($69.95) Buy Now: $59 special

Two of us from the shop opened this 2011 Barbaresco from Produttori del Barbaresco on Thanksgiving eve, pouring little tastes as we mapped out what would become a lovely dinner with all sorts of dishes, new friends, and a wide array of wines. This one was truly one of the standouts, so much so that we had to hide the bottle so as to not drink it all before the dinner even came to fruition.

As cooking began and thirsts resurfaced, this humble bottle from the legendary Produttori estate came back to reward our efforts.… Read the rest

Wine of the Day: Owen Roe Chapel Block Syrah 2013 5-24-16

Owen Roe Red Willow Vineyard Chapel Block Syrah, Yakima Valley 2013 750ML ($59.95) Buy Now: $49 special

This new vintage of the Chapel Block Syrah from the Red Willow vineyard shows poise and balance. There are overtones of dark chocolate and dark roast coffee layered with sweet spices and a hint of new leather on the finish. Unabashedly New World, the palate offers ripe berry and floral notes with a lingering chocolate taste. It has an excellent grippy texture to keep the rich body in check. I would cellar for at least 2-3 years before opening, though ideally this baby could go for 7-10. -Suzy

Winery note: “Aged in 44% new oak (100% French) for nearly 14 months. The blend is comprised of 100% Red Willow Syrah from both East and West facing slopes, from the Yakima Valley AVA.”… Read the rest

Wine of the Day: Domaine Drouhin Roserock Chardonnay 5-23-16

Domaine Drouhin Roserock Chardonnay, Eola-Amity Hills 2014 750ML ($34.95) Buy Now: $28 special

Who’s to complain about more Drouhin wine from Oregon? Few winemakers possess the talent, experience, and intuition of Véronique Drouhin, be it State-side or in France. Domaine Drouhin’s latest acquisition, Roserock, gives Véro a chance to tease beauty out of Chardonnay (and Pinot Noir) from the cooler-clime Eola-Amity Hills AVA, whose volcanic soils nourish wines with typically-Oregonian depth.

The 2014 Roserock Chardonnay is crisp yet round (half stainless steel, half oak fermentation), pleasantly fruity (pear, honeysuckle, citrus), and only oaky enough to offer the smoothness and subtle warmth of Burgundian-style Chardonnay. Excellent to drink today with hors d’oeuvres, fish, white meat, or creamy cheeses, this delightful Chardonnay will happily age another few years.… Read the rest