Grower Champagne Club–May 2024

Champagne R.H.Coutier A Ambonnay Grands Vintages 2012

Nestled in the heart of Champagne’s prestigious Montagne de Reims, R.H. Coutier’s A Ambonnay Grand Cru Grands Vintages is a testament to the winery’s rich heritage and innovative spirit. With roots dating back to 1619, the Coutier family, led by fifth-generation vigneron Antoine Coutier, has masterfully blended tradition with modernity. This sparkling gem, crafted from the finest Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, dazzles with notes of crisp apple, pear, and a hint of green apple, reflecting the unique terroir of Ambonnay. Its vinous texture and leesy richness, obtained through extended aging, culminate in a finish that’s both opulent and elegantly crisp. Perfectly paired with the delicate flavors of seafood or the rich, creamy textures of brie and camembert, this champagne elevates any culinary experience to a celebration of the senses.

Oregon Wine Club–May 2024

Analemma 2021 Mencia

The Analemma Mencia 2021 is a captivating expression of Oregon’s terroir, a wine that whispers tales of the Mosier Hills with each sip. It unfurls a bouquet of rose petal, honeysuckle, and lavender, a fragrant prelude to the lighter-bodied yet texturally rich palate. Notes of white pepper, crushed gravel, and graphite lend an earthy complexity, while the distinctive tannins suggest a wine with both character and poise. This Mencia pairs beautifully with herb-driven dishes and roasted meats; imagine it alongside a Reuben sandwich, or a Portobello mushroom steak for a vegetarian twist. For those who favor the grill, it’s an ideal companion to barbecued pork or pepper steak, enhancing the smoky flavors with its vibrant profile. The Analemma Mencia 2021 is truly a wine that celebrates the diversity of flavors, both in the glass and on the plate.

2020 Rambeaux Chardonnay

The 2020 Rambeaux Chardonnay, crafted by the esteemed Lynn Penner-Ash in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, is a wine that eschews the typical opulence of Chardonnay for a more mineral and steel-inflected profile. Its core is not of lush fruit, but rather a complex tapestry of citrus, apple, and celery, with fruit skins taking center stage over flesh. The dominant acidity suggests a wine that is both bold and refreshing, perfect for pairing with a buttery cream sauce over lighter seafood. This Chardonnay is a testament to the subtlety and elegance that the Willamette Valley terroir can bring to such a beloved varietal.

Specialty Club–May 2024

2020 Cadence Bel Canto

The 2020 Cadence Bel Canto, a symphony of flavors from Washington’s Red Mountain, is a wine that sings to the senses. With a blend of 73% Cabernet Franc and 27% Merlot, this full-bodied red strikes a harmonious chord of deeply floral notes, intertwined with herbs and huckleberries. On the palate, it dances with the vibrant tones of blueberries and dried herbs, while an underlying savory iron component adds depth and backbone. This wine pairs exquisitely with robust dishes; imagine it alongside a succulent roast lamb or a hearty beef bourguignon, where its bold flavors can truly resonate. The 2020 Cadence Bel Canto is not just a wine, it’s an experience, one that gracefully enhances any meal and any moment.

2020 Tahbilk Marsanne

The 2020 Tahbilk Marsanne is a delightful journey through the lush vineyards of Victoria’s Nagambie Lakes, where the Marsanne grape finds a unique expression. In the glass, it presents a lemongrass hue, hinting at the vibrant citrus to come. The nose is greeted with an orchestra of grapefruit, golden syrup, and tropical pineapple, all playing in perfect harmony. On the palate, this wine delivers a refreshing performance of floral notes, minerality, and a bright mineral acidity that promises to age into a rich tapestry of honeysuckle and toasty marmalade. Food pairings for this versatile white are as creative as the wine itself; it shines alongside rich white meats like roast chicken, or a creamy pasta, and even stands up to spicy dishes with its weightier body. The 2020 Tahbilk Marsanne is a wine that will continue to surprise and delight for years to come.

Washington Wine Club–May 2024

2020 Cadence Bel Canto

The 2020 Cadence Bel Canto, a symphony of flavors from Washington’s Red Mountain, is a wine that sings to the senses. With a blend of 73% Cabernet Franc and 27% Merlot, this full-bodied red strikes a harmonious chord of deeply floral notes, intertwined with herbs and huckleberries. On the palate, it dances with the vibrant tones of blueberries and dried herbs, while an underlying savory iron component adds depth and backbone. This wine pairs exquisitely with robust dishes; imagine it alongside a succulent roast lamb or a hearty beef bourguignon, where its bold flavors can truly resonate. The 2020 Cadence Bel Canto is not just a wine, it’s an experience, one that gracefully enhances any meal and any moment.

2017 Five Star Cellars Malbec

The 2017 Five Star Cellars Malbec is a testament to the rich tapestry of Washington’s Walla Walla Valley. It greets the nose with an enchanting bouquet of Marionberry pie and Jolly Rancher grape candy, complemented by delicate rose petal and a hint of white pepper. On the palate, it unfolds layers of condensed dark blue fruit flavors, where boysenberry acidity mingles with blueberry skin tannins and a subtle scrape of toast. This Malbec finds its perfect match in the company of peppery dishes, sage-infused sauces, or a creamy mushroom risotto. For those with a love for cheese, a blue cheese burger or a platter featuring Manchego and aged Gouda would elevate the tasting experience. The 2017 vintage is a versatile companion to a meal, ready to enhance the flavors of both the bold and the subtle.