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Clement Lavallee Chablis 45 Degrees 2022 Burgundy, France:

(Carefully curated notes below are taken from the Producer’s website)

Varietal Composition: Chardonnay

Location: Chablis, Burgundy, France

Specialty Factor: Smaller distribution available to US

Cellar Aging: Drink now or cellar through 2029

A Few More Details

45 degrees refers to the steep slope of the vineyards–very sandy and rocky with almost no topsoil, forcing the roots of the vines to grow deep into the limestone. Biodynamic Farming Practicing

Tasting Notes

Light in body and extremely precise–the classic racy character that lovers of Chablis covet. Floral notes swirl with savory chalky minerals. Flinty and focused throughout bursting with fresh tart stone fruits.

Food Pairing Suggestions!

• Seafood & Shellfish
  • Oysters, clams, or scallops — raw or lightly grilled
  • Crab cakes or lobster with lemon butter
  • Grilled sea bass, sole, or halibut with fresh herbs
  • Shrimp ceviche or sushi — especially with citrus or soy-based flavors
• Poultry & White Meats
  • Roast chicken with herbs and lemon
  • Turkey cutlets with tarragon cream
  • Veal piccata or pork tenderloin with white wine and mushroom sauce
• Cheese Pairings
  • Goat cheese (Chèvre) — the classic pairing with Chablis
  • Comté (young) or Gruyère
  • Brie, Camembert, or Chaource for a creamy contrast
• Vegetarian Dishes
  • Asparagus with hollandaise or lemon butter
  • Risotto with peas and lemon zest
  • Zucchini or leek tart
  • Salade Niçoise or citrus-dressed greens

About:

Clément Lavallée comes from a long line of Chablis growers and winemakers, but the 2019 vintage is the first under his own label. After an early interest in oenology, at the age of 15, Clement decided to travel France and the world looking for inspiration. His route began with Domaine Verret in Saint-Bris and continued on to Domaine des Terres de Velle and Armand Heitz in the Côte de Nuits, where he developed his knowledge of making great Chardonnay and Pinot Noir while also learning about biodynamic viticulture. After a detour in Beaujolais, the next stop was at Château Margaux to discover what goes into making an iconic wine. He then went on to work for Domaine Chapoutier, furthering his knowledge of biodynamic principles.

Darby Darkside Syrah Columbia Valley, Washington

(Carefully curated notes below are taken from the Producer’s website)

Varietal Composition: 100% Syrah

Location: Columbia Valley, Washington

Specialty Factor: Small production &  limited case availability 

Cellar Aging: Drink now or cellar up to 10 years

A Few More Details

Vineyard: Dineen (The Hills AVA) + Stoney Vine (The Rocks AVA)

Aging: 16 Months in Neutral French Oak

Tasting Notes

The newest vintage Of this beloved Syrah is a stunner with dark fruit notes of black currant, plum and acaí intertwined with subtle floral and savory notes of violet, cigar box, chocolate and earthiness with a touch of that special old world funkiness that only comes from The Rocks District!  A nice acidity makes this a very food friendly wine!

Food Pairing Suggestions!

• Red Meat & Game (Classic Pairings)
• Syrah’s dark fruit, spice, and tannin are perfect with protein and char.
• Grilled ribeye or New York strip steak — the wine’s pepper and smoke notes echo beautifully.
• Braised short ribs or beef bourguignon — slow-cooked meats soften tannins and highlight the wine’s savory depth.
• Lamb chops or leg of lamb with rosemary, garlic, or olive tapenade.
• Venison or wild boar — Syrah’s intensity matches gamey flavors and earthy sauces.
• Poultry & Pork
• Duck breast with blackberry, cherry, or red wine reduction sauce.
• Pork tenderloin with plum or fig glaze — the fruit in the wine complements sweet-savory notes.
• Barbecued pulled pork or smoked chicken — the smoky character in both food and wine reinforce each other.
• Smoky, Spicy, or Grilled Dishes
• Syrah handles spice and char gracefully.
• Smoked brisket or Texas-style barbecue.
• Moroccan lamb tagine with cinnamon, cumin, and dried fruit.
• Blackened Cajun dishes — Syrah’s fruit smooths the spice heat.
• Grilled portobello mushrooms or charred eggplant for a vegetarian match.
• Hearty Pasta & Stew
• Beef or lamb ragù over pappardelle.
• Mushroom risotto or lentil stew with herbs and a splash of red wine reduction.
• Chili con carne (mild to medium heat) — the wine’s pepper and dark fruit complement it beautifully.

About:

Meet Darby English, the man behind the wine.

I am a 1st generation Washington grown winemaker and proud 20+ year resident of the incomparable West Seattle. My passion lies in the Rhone varietals, think Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Viognier, Roussanne and Marsanne; but I enjoy making a killer Cabernet and Cabernet blends.

I believe in low intervention and minimalistic wine making; and I believe in winemaking as an art form, not just by the numbers. I believe in starting with the best fruit, and I don’t compromise on fruit quality so I put a lot of of energy into sourcing fruit from the best vineyards in WA for the specific varietals that I want to work with, fruit that has a sense of place. I love and believe in Washington wine.

My first commercial vintage was 2005, and I still touch and have a hand in processing each bin of fruit that comes through our doors; I am happiest when my hands and feet (yes, we still foot stomp all our Red Rhone varietals) are purple and my eyes still light up when someone tells me about a new vineyard in The Rocks District producing killer Syrah. I believe wine is meant to be enjoyed and not overanalyzed. I also believe wine is meant to be shared and enjoyed with family, friends, food, music, in an unpretentious way, for the sheer pleasure of it.

When I am not in the cellar you can find me with my daughter Ella, throwing the ball for Ash or cuddling with my cat Ros, cooking, fly fishing or golfing. Thanks for coming on this journey with me and thank you for bringing Darby Wines into your lives and homes.

During harvest, I will taste the grapes a few times each week to pick at the most optimal time. To ensure consistency in quality, Darby Winery partners with five of the best vineyards in Washington state – Dineen (Yakima Ava), Quintessence (Red Mountain), Discovery (Horse Heaven Hills), Stonetree, and Stillwater Creek (Wahluke Slope) utilizing only the best French oak to create delicious wines.