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Domaine Fontsainte
Gris de Gris Rosé 2021
Origin: Southwest, France
Retail: $19.95 | Sale: $17.96
The Fontsainte vineyards surround the hamlet of Boutenac in the area known as “The Golden Crescent.” This swath of land is one of the sunniest in the appellation of Corbières, enjoying south-southeast exposure, and protection from the cold, northeast winds by a large 500-hectare forest. The cooler sea breezes from the Mediterranean help this sun-soaked terroir achieve balance as well. Like many of the vignerons that we work with, Bruno believes that “great wines are made in the vineyard” and less in the cellars. He farms the land sustainably and keeps treatments to a minimum. Silica, clay, and limestone dominate the subsoil of Fontsainte’s vineyards. Many of their vines are older, especially the parcel known as La Demoiselle, which recently celebrated its hundredth year. Look for the highly affordable and supremely delicious Gris de Gris, a saignée rosé made from Grenache Gris—among the finest rosés on the planet. The vintage 2021 shows an ever-so-slightly more vinous character than in the past—there is wine in the wine, if you know what I mean. You’ll find a touch less tangy citrus and a bit more bright red fruit in the aromatics. 90% Grenache Gris, 5% Carignan, 5% Mourvèdre
Evening Land
Seven Springs Chardonnay 2018
Origin: Eola-Amity Hills, OR
Retail: $41.95 | Sale: $37.76
Seven Springs Vineyard is situated in the southeastern Eola-Amity Hills. Initially planted to 65 acres in the early 1980s, today the vineyard is home to ~90 acres. The Pacific Ocean breeze, volcanic soil, eastern exposure, and high elevation contribute to the natural preservation of the grapes’ acidity and enrich the wines with elegant flavors and minerality. The most prevalent soil type at Seven Springs is the iron-rich, volcanic soil known as Jory – it is well-drained, having formed from deposits of igneous rock – with just a thin layer of topsoil right along the volcanic flow line. Since Evening Land began farming the property in 2007, the vineyard has been LIVE certified and fully converted to organic and biodynamic farming practices. 100% Chardonnay
Sindicat La Figuera
Garnatxa Negra 2021
Origin: Montsant, Spain
Retail: $29.95 | Sale: $26.96
Sindicat La Figuera is a small co-operative in the Montsant Mountains founded in 1932, producing wines of brightness and integrity. One must navigate very narrow, winding roads up the mountainside to reach the town of La Figuera, which sits at 6oom elevation and has a mere 80 residents. The town appears to rise up out of the peak of the mountain, with the surrounding mountains and the Priorat region in view in all directions. Not only does this smoking red hail from some of the greatest Garnatxa terroirs on earth, but it’s also sourced specifically from old vines at the appellation’s highest point. Furthermore, it’s crafted by one of the region’s brightest stars, the son of the most famous winemaker Cataluña has ever produced. All this soaring promise is fully delivered in the glass: It’s a heady mélange of dark, spicy red fruits wrapped in a vibrant and sinewy structure made possible by the perfect synergy of complex soil and brilliant winemaking. 100% Garnatxa
Château de Sales Pomerol 2018
Origin: Bordeaux, France
Retail: $79.95 | Sale: $71.96
Château de Sales is located in the north-west of the Pomerol appellation. With 47.6 hectares (117 acres) under vines out of the 90 hectares (222 acres) that make up the property, it is the largest vineyard in the Pomerol appellation. Except for three hectares (7 acres) lost during the French Revolution, the property limits are the same as in the 16th century.The majority of vines are Merlot (73%) which, combined with Cabernet Sauvignon (15%) and Cabernet Franc (12%), finds its full expression in a terroir of gravel and heat-retaining sand which also contains iron oxide. On average, planting density is 5,900 vines per hectare. Château de Sales, which has had HVE3 certification since 2020.
69% Merlot 16 % Cabernet Franc 15% Cabernet Sauvignon