Champagne Fresne-Ducret, Le Chemin du Chemin, 1er Cru, $57
The Fresne family tended grapevines in the village of Marfaux, in the Petite Montagne de Reims, for generations. Continue reading
The Fresne family tended grapevines in the village of Marfaux, in the Petite Montagne de Reims, for generations. Continue reading
2017 Cantina del Pino, Ovello, Barbaresco, $60
Winery Info: This estate in northwest Italy’s Barbaresco region has been producing wine for over 100 years. Continue reading
Winery Info: In 1997 Tom and Deb Mortimer bought a previously uncultivated site near Newberg, Oregon in the Chehalem Mountains. Continue reading
Winery Info: Va Piano was founded by Justin Wylie, a fourth-generation native of Walla Walla.
He became interested in the wine industry that was growing up around him and began making wine himself, with help from local growers and winemakers. One thing led to another and, in 2003, he began his first commercial crush. The Tuscan theme for Va Piano was inspired by the time Justin spent studying in Florence during his senior year at Gonzaga. We’ve been long-time fans of his wines but it’s been way too long since we’ve featured one in our club!
Winemaker: Justin Wylie
Grapes: 100% Syrah
Vineyard: Sourced from Va Piano’s Walla Walla Valley estate vineyards.
Flavor Profile: Rich and elegant, with aromas and flavors of dark fruit and spice and a hint of olive tapenade. The texture is smooth and the savory finish is long and lingering.
Availability: There is very little left of this vintage.
Drinking Window: Enjoy anytime, up to 2027.
Food Pairing: This wine would pair well with hearty fare, like roasts or stews, or with braised lamb or duck breast.
Winery Info: A long time passionate wine aficionado, Darby English began crafting his own wine in 2002. That passion grew into a purpose and he established a winery in the Woodinville warehouse district, producing his first commercial vintage in 2005. With access to fruit from some of the best vineyards in the state, plus innate winemaking talent, he quickly gained the attention and respect of the local wine world and his wines just keep getting better and better. Today, in addition to his Woodinville site, he has a tasting room right here in the Alaska Junction.
Winemaker: Darby English
Grapes: 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Malbec, and 8% Petit Verdot. Aged 16 months in neutral French oak.
Vineyards: Quintessence (Red Mountain), Dineen (Yakima Valley), and Stoney Vine (The Rocks District).
Flavor Profile: Smooth and balanced, with impressive structure and inviting flavors of black cherry and cocoa. The tannins from the Red Mountain fruit are silky and seamless.
Availability: There are just a few cases left of this vintage.
Drinking Window: Enjoy this one anytime, up to about 2028.
Food Pairing: Try this one with grilled meats, or perhaps Tex Mex.
2020 Tre Donne, Donna Chiara Arneis — Back in the 1980s, sisters Antonella, Rosanna, and Daniella Lequio had to work hard to convince their reluctant and skeptical father that they could take over the family winery (rather than “just marry a good winemaker”). Continue reading
Lallement is based in the village of Verzenay in the Montagne de Reims. They are extremely small, with just four hectares of vineyards, mostly in Verzenay and Verzy (both Grand Cru), along with smaller holdings in Ludes (Premier Cru). Continue reading
2018 Bodega Catena Zapata, Catena Alta Historic Rows Malbec, $54
Winery Info: This iconic Argentinean winery dates back to 1902 when Italian immigrant Nicola Catena planted his first Malbec vineyard in the Andean foothills of Mendoza. Continue reading
Winery Info: Eyrie is arguably the most historic and important winery in Oregon. It was founded by David Lett who planted the first Pinot Noir grapes in the Willamette Valley in 1965. Continue reading
Winery Info: Halifax native Peter Devison discovered his passion and talent for wine and food after moving to Vancouver, B.C. Continue reading
2017 Macchialupa, Campania Aglianico — This wine comes from Campania, in the boot heel of southern Italy. The winery is located at around 450 meters elevation in the mountainous, interior Beneventano subregion and their focus is on local indigenous grapes. Continue reading