Category Archives: Wineries We Cherish

Wine of the Day: Aubry Premier Cru Brut Champagne NV 6-14-16

Aubry Premier Cru Brut, Champagne NV 750ML ($39.95) Buy Now: $33 special

The Aubry line of winegrowers dates back to the late 18^th century, to when France still had a king. As a nod of respect to their forefathers, though probably not to the royals, the modern-day Aubry brothers, Pierre and Philippe, set out to revive a few ancient Champagne grapes. In 1989, they took cuttings from a few remaining vines, and planted some Arbanne, Petit Meslier, Fromenteau, and Enfumé. Vive la tradition!

These rare varieties compose only 5% of Aubry’s Brut Premier Cru Champagne, but it’s the thought that counts. The rest of the blend includes 45% Pinot Meunier, 25% Pinot Noir, and 25% Chardonnay. Such a dominance of red grapes gives this Champagne a bold mouth feel, with plenty of backbone.… Read the rest

Wine of the Day: Benanti Bianco di Caselle Etna, Sicily 2013 6-13-16

Benanti Bianco di Caselle Etna 2013 750ML ($19.95) Buy Now: $16 special

Imagine yourself wandering along the planted slopes of Mt. Etna on a balmy day, picking ripe apples and golden grapes, smelling the perfume of flowers and hints of the volcano’s mineral nature, when a relieving breeze drifts in from the Mediterranean… With each sip of this round, approachable white, my mind and senses traveled back to Sicily. Made entirely of Carricante, a variety native to Etna, this wine captures the east-facing warmth of a summer morning, the high-altitude (3,000’) crispness of the vineyard, and the energy of active Mt. Etna. Benanti has been making wines here for over 100 years, and this bianco expresses that tradition and the great mountain itself.… Read the rest

Wine of the Day: Belle Pente Cuvee Contraire Rose, Willamette Valley 2014 6-12-16

Belle Pente Cuvee Contraire Rose, Willamette Valley 2014 750ML ($19.95) Buy Now: $16 special

You might be led to believe that Cameron corners the market on local deep-hued and delicious roses. Au contraire! Brian & Company over at Belle Pente craft this beautiful, layered ruby beauty from 90% Pinot and 10% Gamay and my-oh-my, is it a perfect hundred-degree-weather-wine!?! The wine tastes like freshly-cut strawberries with a flirtatious little cranberry underbelly. Summer heat seems less frightening with a great bottle of pink like this one. Enjoy it! – Tyler… Read the rest

Wine of the Day: Goodfellow Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2014 6-12-16

Goodfellow Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2014 ($21.95) Buy Now: $18 special

Wine with great pedigree – Marcus Goodfellow has proven, across almost fifteen years, his talent in showcasing the terroir of Oregon’s Willamette Valley. The ’14 is not overworked or overboard, coming from uplifted sedimentary and volcanic soils – pretty cool! – and the wine spends 15 months in French oak. Juicy red fruit and notes of blackcurrant work towards an enduring finish with this playful, refreshing wine. – Tyler… Read the rest

Wine of the Day: Cameron ‘Saignee of Pinot Noir’ 2014 6-11-16

Cameron ‘Saignee of Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2014 750ML ($21.95) Buy Now: $18 special

This is a pretty wine from every perspective. For starters, it’s another episode in the series of sub-$25 selections from Cameron which have been a hit this year. Then there’s the contrast of the ruby-rose juice and the electric-teal label that has my graphics receptors feeling all fuzzy… We haven’t even opened the bottle yet!

The saignee method entails ‘bleeding off’ the juice after limited contact with the skins – in this instance, of Pinot Noir. In this case, the resultant wine has some nice body to it, with lush cherry elements, rhubarb, strawberry, and a perfect little kiss of white pepper. We can’t get enough of it personally, but are happy to share our staff for rose-lovers and Cameronites nationwide! … Read the rest