For a printable PDF of this weekend’s notes, click here!
Champagne Jose Michel Brut Tradition N/V
Origin: Côtes d’Epernay
Retail $39.95 | Sale $35.95
José Michel made his first vintage in 1955 and thanks in part to his cellar of very old bottles of Pinot Meunier, he has developed a cult following for his Champagnes. This “Maison de Tradition” began in 1847 and five generations later, José and Nicole carry forward a wonderfully artisanal sensibility to their craft. They are a founding member of the group, “Tresors de Champagne” known as the “Special Club”. José Michel is located in Moussy, a small village just south of Epernay. The 11 hectares of vineyards are spread throughout a number of villages, mostly along the Cotes D’Epernay. The vineyard sights with a richer clay soil are planted to Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. The lower slopes which have a calcareous soil are planted to Chardonnay. José Michel was the first in his family to plant Chardonnay which he did beginning in 1958. Fermentations are carried out in old oak casks or enameled steel vats where the wines go through a malolactic fermentation. José Michel is certified “Level 3” the top level of certification in Haute Valeur Environmentale.
This non-vintage Brut is a blend in which the 70% Pinot Meunier forms the base and 30% Chardonnay adds complexity and finesse. In addition to the base vintage (typically 2 years old), the NV Brut benefits from being blended with reserve wines that are often 4 or 5 years old. The champagne is typically 2+ years “sur lattes” and carries a dosage of 9 grams.
70% Pinot Meunier | 30% Chardonnay
Domaine de l'Oiselet Vacqueyras 2019
Origin: Rhone Valley, France
Retail $20.95 | Sale $18.85
Located in the heart of Provence, at the foot of Mont Ventoux and of the Dentelles de Montmirail, right in the middle of the Vacqueyras appellation, our soils consist of rocky plateau. The climate is hot and dry, with particularly strong sunlight. Their family estate invites you to discover the flavors of the past with the pleasures of today. They prefer to share not only our wine, but also their lifestyle, which is steeped in our vineyard and our educational farm that promotes our ecological values and our products made entirely by us.
Deep ruby color, with an intense nose and notes of cassis and figs and a spicy nuance. On the palate, this wine is powerful, warm, with silky tannins. The palate is concentrated and expressive, a perfect partner for roasted red meats, grilled sausages and full-flavored cheeses.
Grenache | Carignan | Cinsault
Blandy's 5 Year Old Verdelho Madeira NV
Origin: Portugal
Retail $28.95 | Sale $26.05
The islands of Madeira have a long winemaking history, dating back to the Age of Exploration (approximately from the end of the 15th century) when Madeira was a standard port of call for ships heading to the New World or East Indies. To prevent the wine from spoiling, neutral grape spirits were added. On the long sea voyages, the wines would be exposed to excessive heat and movement which transformed the flavour of the wine. This was discovered by the wine producers of Madeira when an unsold shipment of wine returned to the islands after a round trip. Blandy's Madeira is a 200 year old family owned business with a long tradition in fine wine making. John Blandy - the founder of Blandy's Madeira – established himself on the island of Madeira in 1811 and the family has since then been directly involved in the production of Madeira Wine. Crisp, with vibrant spicy notes to the dried peach, iodine, beeswax and creamy flavors. Butterscotch and dried apricot details linger on the finish.The elegant fruit qualities of this medium-dry Madeira make it equally suitable as an aperitif or as a dessert wine.
100% Verdelho