Join us this weekend for a complimentary wine tasting hosted by Hugues Beaulieu of Elite Wines Imports! We welcome two new wines to the store - a versatile, silky Nebbiolo and a Grenache-dominant blend from the Barossa Valley. Starting at 11:30am on Saturday and Sunday, all will be available for purchase at 10% off retail price.
Find a printable PDF of this week’s tasting notes here.
Azienda Agricola Gradis'Ciutta Sauvignon Blanc 2017
Origin: Italy
Retail: $26.95 | Sale: $24.55
The Collio region is known as one of the best white wine regions in Italy. Coming from vines planted in 1985, this Sauvignon Blanc has an attractive nose of ripe pear and pineapple with hints of savory herbs. The palate is harmonious, layering mouthwatering acidity and a mineral undertone of grapefruit zest with white pepper.
Sauvignon Blanc
90 Points Wine Spectator
Lievland Vineyards Chenin Blanc 2017
Origin: South Africa
Retail: $22.95 | Sale: $20.66
Lievland lies on the western slopes of the Simonsberg mountains between Stellenbosch and Paarl, two of the most prominent wine-growing areas in the Cape. Notes of white peach, citrus and pineapple welcome you into the glass. The palate has a rich and ripe mouthfeel balanced with vibrant acidity which contributes to the lingering zesty finish. The freshness and complexity of this wine will enable it to develop gracefully over the next 5 -7 years. This Chenin can easily be enjoyed on its own, but can also complement dishes with pork or a creamy seafood recipe.
Chenin Blanc
Domaine Weinbach Cuvée Théo 2017
Origin: Alsace
Retail: $49.95 | Sale: $44.95
The Cuvée Théo bottling of Riesling from Domaine Weinbach hails from the estate’s monopole vintage of the Clos des Capucins in Kayserberg. Like all of the Weinbach vineyards, the Clos des Capucins is farmed biodynamically and the Cuvée Théo is fermented with indigenous yeasts and raised in old fuders. The 2017 version is an excellent young wine, with delightful aromas of white blossoms and notes of lime. It offers a wonderful combination of crisp Granny Smith apples and a fine minerality, juicy palate, and a long, lingering finish. Pairs best with seafood or goat cheeses.
Riesling
Biodynamic
91 Points Vinous
90 Points Wine Advocate
Massolino Langhe Nebbiolo 2016
Origin: Italy
Retail: $35.95 | Sale: $32.35
Garnet red in color, this wine is delicate and pleasant on the nose, offering notes of raspberry and violet. With age, it develops secondary aromas similar to those of Barolo with firm and silky tannins and a fresh, flavorful finish. A complete and temptingly harmonious wine. Great with all courses of a meal, this wine offers its best expression when served with rich and tasty dishes, from fresh pasta with meat and vegetable sauces, to grilled or roast red meat dishes. Also excellent with soft and delicate blue cheeses. Drink now through 2023.
Nebbiolo
90 Points, Wine Advocate
92 Points James Suckling
Domaine Berthet-Rayne Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rouge 2017
Origin: France
Retail: $39.95 | Sale $35.95
Domaine Berthet Rayne, located in the Courthezon appellation is a relatively new producer, as they only formed the domaine in 1978. The Domaine owns 25 hectares of vines, of which 14.7 hectares are located in the Chateauneuf du Pape appellation. Aromas of plums, cassis, and cherries presented in a medium-bodied, spicy style with beautifully pure fruit, a savory mouthfeel, moderate but ripe, sweet tannin, and a long finish. It should drink nicely for a decade or more.
65% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre, 10% Cinsault, 5% Syrah
Organic
Powell & Son Riverside 2016
Origin: Australia
Retail: $22.95 | Sale: $20.65
This Barossa Valley wine combines all three of the great Rhone red varieties, harmonizing the unique attributes of each variety into a complete wine. The blend is predominantly Grenache (approximately two thirds) from mature Barossa Valley Grenache bush vines, with Shiraz and Mataro making up the balance. The parcels are matured for 15 months in 2,300-litre French oak foudres prior to blending and bottling. As the dominant component, Grenache offers powerful aromas of red fruits, kirsch, and black cherries, complemented by leather and heavy spices from the Shiraz and Mataro influences.
70% Grenache, 20% Mataro, 10% Shiraz
94 Points, Wine Advocate
92 Points, James Suckling
91 Points, Wine Spectator
Lustau Vermut Rojo NV
Origin: France
Retail: $39.95 | Sale: $35.95
Made with a base of two kinds of sherry—lush, sweet Pedro Ximenez and nutty, dry Amontillado—this vermouth is light and sweet with a subdued botanical profile and flavors of dried fruit, orange peel and herbs. The palate wows with sticky toffee, dried apricot, orange peel and cocoa, making this an ideal vermouth for adding complexity to drinks with dark spirits.
92 Points, Wine Enthusiast