Wines of the Week
Each week, we select a few wines from our shop for a 10% discount and some spotlight as to why we think they're so great!
2023 Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc, Clos du Mont-Olivet, Rhone, France - Chateauneuf-du-Pape is a historic wine region located between the towns of Orange and Avignon, in the southern Rhone Valley. It is famous for powerful, full-bodied red wine, largely made from Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre, although 6 other red grape varieties are permitted. The vineyards here also produce white wines in smaller quantities, mostly from Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Clairette, and Bourboulenc, although 5 others are permitted. The soils of the appellation are pebbly and sandy, created from ancient riverbeds, with the town and its vineyards located just to the east of the Rhone river. Clos du Mont-Olivet traces its roots back to 1932, being passed down through three generations of the Sabon family. The estate extends to 21 hectares in Chateauneuf-du-Pape, 14 in Lirac, 10 hectares of Cotes-du Rhone, and 3 hectares of Vin de Pays du gard. The 2023 Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc is a blend of 40% Clairette, 30% Roussanne, 14% Bourboulenc, 10% Grenache Blanc, 2% Clairette rose, 2% Picardan, 1% Picpoul, and 1% Grenache Gris. It is hand harvested at dawn when temperatures are coolest, to maintain freshness, undergoes full cluster pressing, fermenting in stainless steel tanks, 400L casks, and older barriques, then aged in the same containers. The wine shows aromas of orange rind, green apple, white flowers, honeydew, and hints of quince, followed by a plush but vibrant palate, with a long finish of white fleshed fruits. This wine will reward 5-10 years of patient cellaring. It pairs well with fresh shellfish, rich white fish, and truffled risotto.
2021 Crozes-Hermitage 'Mise en Bouche,' Emmanuel Darnaud, Rhone, France - Crozes-Hermitage is an appellation of the northern Rhone valley, covering a relatively large area on the eastern bank of the river, to the north and south of Tain L'Ermitage town. It surrounds the prestigious hermitage appellation and has 1768 hectares planted to vine with 90% planted to red grapes (Syrah). The area north of the town benefits from a favorable meso-climate and warmth retaining granite bedrock under predominately clay-limestone soils, producing richer, more complex wines than those from the flatter lands to the south. Emmanuel Darnaud started in 2001 with 1.5 hectares of vines just south of Tain L'Ermitage, slowing acquiring new lands year by year, now growing to 15 hectares on multiple plots. Emmanuel has made a point of separating out the production from each land parcel for winemaking to to keep the emphasis on each terrain's subtlety and live expression. This 100% Syrah is aged for 12 months in oak barrels and vats resulting in and intense cherry-red color, displaying aromas of small red fruit, blackcurrants, and hints of clove and violet, followed by a round and rich palate with velvety smooth tannins highlighting flavors of black cherry, raspberry, and dusty earth. It is a great wine to pair with bbq, roasted lamb, and tomme cheese.
2022 Saint-Joseph 'Les Coteaux,' Domaine Durand, Rhone, France - Saint-Joseph is the largest appellation in the northern Rhone Valley, mainly known for its red wine produced from Syrah, while white wine accounts for 10% of production and is blended from Marsanne and Roussanne. The terroirs of Saint-Joseph vary considerably in the 30 miles the appellation covers. The best sites are set on primary rock formations, consisting of gneiss, granite, and micha-rich schist, while others are set on limestone outcrops, or the alluvial soils of ancient glacial terraces. Brothers Eric and Joel Durand farm 20 total hectares of vines in Saint-Joseph, Cornas, Saint Peray, and the Collines Rhodaniennes. Les Coteaux is from about 6 hectares of 15 to 25 year old vines in the southern part of the appellation, with vines planted on steep hills with southeast exposure and mostly granite soils, which traps heat, benefiting the vines. The wine ages for 12 months in 228 liter and 600 liter barrels. It shows a deep red color, with a ripe nose of red fruit, anise spice, and leather, followed by a full, fleshy mouthfeel with nice concentration, framed by well-rounded tannins, finishing with darker berry flavors. It is a great wine to pair with roasted red meat, grilled meats and bgq, casserole and aged Gouda.