Tag Archives: single vineyard

Wine of the Day: Bergstrom Silice Pinot Noir 2014 5-15-2016

Bergstrom Wines Silice, Chehelam Mountains Pinot Noir 2014 750ML ($69.95) Buy Now: $59 pre-arrival special, ETA Friday, May 27th

Bergstrom siliceThis Bergstrom bottling takes a turn toward the dark side: the dark berry side. Not unlike the 2013 release, the 2014 Silice is decidedly richer and lusher than the Le Pre du Col bottling. There are aromas of ripe blackberries and Italian plums with ample mouthfeel and a luxurious silkiness. A subtle spiciness on the finish lingers around for a while.

The Silice Vineyard (once named the de Lancellotti Vineyard) is planted on an ancient seabed thrust up by ancient volcanos. The soil is sandy over layers of shale and sandstone, rich in reflective silica. It is a hot, arid vineyard where roots dig deep for scare water.

Bergstrom has shifted to almost entirely whole cluster pressing, imbuing greater tannins and more robust feel to the wines. Opulent as always, the Silice seems the most ripe and ready offering among the three later release 2014s. Enjoy now with a generous decant or cellar up to 5-10 years. -Suzanne

Wine of the Day: Owen Roe Sojourner Vineyard 2012 5-12-2016

Owen Roe ‘Eola – Amity Hills’ Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills (Sojourner Vineyard) 2012 750ML ($49.95) Buy Now: $39 special

Owen Roe Sojourner“Owen Roe’s Eola-Amity Pinot Noir is sourced completely from the Sojourner Vineyard. It opens with a light toasty aroma backed by heady notes of iris and rose. There are fine, grippy tannins on the palate with nice acidity that hints at a long aging potential. On the finish are notes of bourbon vanilla, tart red raspberries and a smoky-savory note suggestive of bacon. Good now for lovers of richer Pinots, and great with burgers, grilled herby chicken or a nice sunset.” -Suzanne

Josh Raynolds-Vinous 92 points “Vivid ruby. Intensely perfumed aromas of fresh blackberry, smoky minerals and incense, along with a suave floral overtone. Pure, expansive red and dark berry flavors put on weight with air and pick up a candied rose quality while maintaining impressive clarity. This rich yet energetic pinot finishes with excellent back-end thrust, supple tannins and lingering smokiness.” JR

Wine of the Day: A&G Natale Fantino ‘Vigna dei Dardi’, Barolo DOCG 2010 4-28-16

Alessandro e Gian Natale Fantino ‘Cascina Dardi’, Barolo DOCG 2010 750ML ($59.95) Buy Now: $46 special

Case-6 Alessandro e Gian Natale Fantino ‘Cascina Dardi’, Barolo DOCG 2010 750ML ($579.95) Buy Now: $469 special

Case-12 Alessandro e Gian Natale Fantino ‘Cascina Dardi’, Barolo DOCG 2010 750ML ($319.95) Buy Now: $249 special

Natale Fantino Dardi Barolo 2010Why we love the Fantino Dardi: Value and depth. I’ve had a few “wow! wines” from Fantino recently, and though this particular bottling may be in its early stages, it’s still beautiful. Aromatically stunning and steeply, fantastically deep in flavor. By all accounts, will age with grace. – Tyler

Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2010 Barolo Cascina Dardi Bussia hits all the right marks with a beautiful sense of elegance and grace that is immediately apparent. The aromas dangle in front of you, delicately and seductively, with ethereal layers of spice, blue flower, almond paste, anisette and dried cherry or wild berry. The workmanship here reflects an attention to the minute details offered by Nebbiolo. The tannins are silky and long with deeply polished texture. Barolo Cascina Dardi Bussia is a fine, poised and super-confident expression. Drink: 2016-2026.” WA

Antonio Galloni – Vinous 93 points “Dark, rich and ample, the 2010 Barolo Cascina Dardi-Bussia boasts superb depth and pure texture. Sweet, mentholated and spiced notes typical of Dardi open up beautifully in the glass, followed by intense layers of fruit that totally saturate the palate. Smoke, tobacco, cedar and dried flowers add the final nuances of complexity in this super-classic Barolo. A virile, masculine finish rounds things out. The 2010 was aged in cask for 18 months, then 6 months in steel.”