red wine

Columbia Valley, Washington

Washington State has been producing great wines since the 1960's and in the last fifteen years Syrah has been a real up and comer with vines maturing and the wines showing some very expressive terroir. We find Washington Syrah to have dark fruits and a typical nose of bacon fat blueberries, blackberries and a medium body.

Snoqualmie Vineyards was founded in 1984 and was one of Washington’s first premium wineries, producing classic wine varietals from vineyards across the Columbia Valley. Originally located in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, Snoqualmie opened its winery in Prosser, WA, at the base of the Horse Heaven Hills, in 2002.

The 2007 vintage Syrah is a lighter star and similar to a Cotes du Rhone in body. The wine shows aromas of blackberry and vanilla, spicy cassis, grape juice, vanilla and barrel toast. Ample acidity and firm tannins make it an excellent food wine at a good price.

Syrah pairs well with BBQ and stronger cheeses.

Enjoy,

Cellar Door Price $19.95

This month’s offering is an expose of six regional wines from Spain that illustrate the incredible diversity of this nation.

Grapes have been cultivated in Spain since 4000 B.C. and commercial grape growing was started by the Phoenicians around 1100 B.C. Spain is one of the largest grape growing nations and has an extensive history that saw little change until the recent generation started to modernize winery operations and vinification practices.

Spanish wines offer some of the best values in the market while bringing us unique varieties that show regional expression and terroir.

We hope you enjoy this month’s offering and the featured recipes.

Enjoy!

Alison & James

Suprise Case Sketches of Spain Web Version

Alpha is the first letter of the greek alphabet. The choice of this name came from theinitial letter of Amyndeon, the geographical location of the estate’s vineyards and additionally declares a quality term in the greek argo. Alpha Estate represents the "new beginning", the "birth" of a new era in the world of Greek wine. Makis Mavridis, the grapegrower, and Angelos Iatridis, the winemaker, planted a 33 ha vineyard in Amyndeon region in the late 1990’s.

Tasting Notes: This wine is a blend of Syrah grape and the Greco Xinomavro (Ksee no' ma vro). The syrah we have come to know from the Rhone and Australia. Surprisingly the syrah in this wine is very similar to syrah grown in Washington State with blueberry and bacon fat on the nose. The Xinomavro brings an earthy component to the wine with dried herbs and olives. The Wine Advocate writes; "the good acidity mingles nicely with the oak to create a sunny wine that has an earthy character with hints of sour blueberry and bacon fat that is attributed to the syrah component asserting itself and mingling with the acidity ." 88 points

Food + Wine Pairing: Medium and hard cheeses, grilled meats, BBQ, Beef, Lamb. Consider Lamb Burgers on the BBQ.

Columbia Valley, Washington State

The 2008 Gilbert Cellars Left Bank is a Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Merlot and Malbec. Left Bank refers to the similarity of the blend that is common in the regions on the left bank of the Gironde River in Bordeaux. The Columbia Valley has been producing notable wines since the 60's and the region is an ideal growing area for grapes. The vineyards are East of the Cascade Mountains in a semi-dessert area. The warm days make for great sugar and flavour development and cool nights help keep acidity levels high; these two elements combined make for complex and balanced wines.

Gilbert Cellars is a fantastic winery and restaurant located in the town of Yakima with family history dating back to the 19th century. The winery produces a number of wines and has some outstanding vineyards such as the Doc Stewart Vineyard that was planted in the 1970s. The fruit for the Left Bank is sourced from the Doc Steward vineyard which is a designated AVA called Whaluke Slope.

Tasting notes: this is a full rich robust wine with black cherry, crushed herb and vanilla characters backed by a palate cleansing acidity and ripe tannins.

Food + Wine Pairing: Medium cheeses, Lamb or beef. Consider a Roast Leg of Lamb

Enjoy!

Cellar Door Price $36.95

Navarra, Spain

The 2008 Castillo Crianza is produced in the Aragon Region of Northern Spain and comes from the Navarra Appellation. Crianza refers to the quality designation and length of aging for the wine. Crianza wines are aged a minimum of six months in barrels and are released in their third year from vintage. The Navarra DO (Denominación de Origen) is an important wine-producing region located north of Rioja with vineyards located on the rolling lower slopes of the Pyrenees. A number of different climatic conditions affect Navarra's vines. The region's proximity to the Atlantic Ocean in the north-west helps to moderate temperatures created by the effects of the Mediterranean and the continental climate.

The 2008 Vega del Castillo is a blend of Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The Tempranillo brings acidity to the wine while the Cabernet adds structure and the merlot gives round and juicy fruit.

Tasting notes: A medium bodied red that shows a mix of red licorice, wild strawberry and blackberry fruit. The wine finishes with light tannins and a tea-tinged finish.

Food + Wine Pairing: slow cooked meat and game in the crock pot would be delicious and you could consider a cassoulet 

Enjoy!

Cellar Door Price $21.95

Over the past week we have had some fun opening some unlikely suspects at the tasting bar in the shop. We were even successful in converting some die hard red wine drinkers to give a nod to lighter aromatic wines to have before dinner. As we escape the doldrums of January and complete our post New Years cleanses we all start to think about entertaining, dinner parties, Valentines day and upcoming bridal showers as the wedding season kicks off after Valentines Day.

The three recent wines tasted and recommended this week cover some unique varieties that are often overlooked and are worthy contenders for your next soiree or pre dinner sip.

First up is a lovely effervescent Moscato from Gomba Boschetti. Muscat has gotten a bad rap in the past and, no pun intended, started making a comeback last year as the Hip Hop scene started rhyming about this light bubble and made it a go to fizz. When done right, Muscat is an incredibly aromatic and floral wine with very low alcohol. The Moscato grape is grown all over the world and goes by a variety of names and clones. The Italian version is mostly known as Moscato d'Asti, which is generally a sweet and soft, low-alcohol, sparkling wine with typical aromas of peach and apricot.

The 2010 Gomba Boschetti Moscato (Italy, $17.95)shows a light effervescence in the glass and the initial nose is dominated by a punch of honey and apricot, then aromas of lemon meringue and soap candy push through. On the palate the wine has a sweet attack but finishes dry with a balanced acidity and lingering citrus notes. This Gomba Moscato could easily be served pre or post dinner, with lighter goat cheeses or dessert such as sweet Italian biscuits and ice cream.

Second up, and just in time for Valentine's Day, is the 2009 Zorzal Malbec Rose (Argentina, $15.95). Pouring this version of Malbec this past week was a bit of a shock to some who were expecting a full bodied Red from Mendozza but any red variety can be made in to Rose with just a tiny amount of skin contact in the initial wine making process. The Zorzal Rose starts with a touch of cranberry then opens to a fuller aroma of strawberry. The wine has a touch of residual sugar but finishes dry with balanced acidity. What we really liked about this wine was the spicy character. A great starter wine in the winter if you are serving some charcuterie and cheese for an opening appetizer (think Manchego cheese and mild chorizo sausages) or would be great with some Provencal inspired bouillabaisse.

The last wine in today's post that we served this week is a wonderful rendition of the ubiquitous Malvar Grape from Spain. You probably wouldn't think to try a wine called Malvar that comes in an orange hued bottle but the 2010 Zestos Malvar (Spain, $15.95) is an incredible value will make you a convert to this lovely brand and varietal. The 2010 Zestos is a bit of a contradiction on the palate and we think our friend, and Calgary Wine Blogger, Peter Vetsch, describes it best: "a creamy textured white with contrasting racy acidity. Citrus and tropical Fruit with hints of coconut, pineapple, grapefruit and mango on the nose that carry through on the palate." The wine also has a wonderful finish with some pretty racy acidity that might woo you away from considering sauvignon blanc for you choice. The Zestos is a great match with less sweet Thai Food, prawns / shellfish and would be fantastic with the Calamari from Crazy Weed Kitchen. Who's hungry now?

All wines are available in the shop and if we run out of stock will arrive back the following week.

Carneros, California

With Valentine's Day in our sites we start to think about the heartbreak grape, Pinot Noir. Pinot can be a real heartbreaker to the grape grower for it's fickleness but if all the elements come together just right it will make you swoon. One of our favorite pairings for richer pinots, such as this week's feature, is with beef tenderloin or grilled steelhead trout or salmon.

Cuvaison Estate Winery was founded in 1969 and the current winemaker Steve Rogstad joined the winery in 2002 with an impressive pedigree of having worked with some of Napa’s greats included Saintsbury, Spring Mountain Vineyards, Clos Pegase, and Rombauer.

The grapes for the Pinot come from the Carneros region which is the southernmost corner of Napa Valley and Sonoma County. Carneros is characterized by fog and cool breezes from the San Pablo Bay, gently rolling hills and dense clay soils. The morning fog keeps the grapes from heating up too quickly, while the afternoon wind lowers leaf temperature and dries the dew left by the morning fog. Pinot Noir thrives in these conditions.

The 2009 Pinot is a rich full bodied pinot noir with damson plum, strawberry, black cherry and a touch of spice/clove. The wine has firm tannins but a juicy mouth feel which makes it a great food wine.

Cellar Door Price: $42.95

Napa, California

Thinking big in 2012 can means tasting some rich full bodied wines that are ideal for this time of the year. Enter the Saldo Zinfandel from Orin Swift. With grapes sourced from some of the finest growers in Northern California the 2009 Saldo is a deep ruby in color and has bright red fruit aromas with a bouquet of toasty oak and sweet vanilla. The wine is big and has a long finish. Drink now or enjoy over the next five years .

The word "saldo" has many different meanings in Spanish, Italian and Portuguese. In Spanish, it mainly refers to "balance on hand", and sometimes it can mean "from here and there." This wine represents the best of the best lots from vineyards all across Northern California.

Wine Maker's Notes: The 2009 Saldo bursts with aromas of ripe strawberry and black fruits with well integrated oak. The entry is mouth coating and leads into a mid palate with structure and good acidity. The finish is bright and long with soft tannins and subtle oak sweetness. Drink now and enjoy over the next five years.

Cellar Door Price: $45.95

Occasionally a wine comes along that makes you just say "wow."The 2010 Anselmi is one of those wines and is a blend of 90% Garganega and 10% Chardonnay. The grapes are grown on a hilltop named Foscarino in Soave in volcanic tuft soils which adds a saline minerality to the wine and the after pressing and fermentation the wine is is left on its natural lees or (dead yeast cells) for six months in stainless steel tanks. Leaving the wine on its lees gives the Foscarino an angelic aroma of the finest sourdough or fresh bread. Layered upon the wonderful toastiness are bright stone fruits, crisp apple, lemon zest and roasted almonds. This a very unique wine and would be fantastic over the holidays or with Christmas dinner.

Cellar Door Price: $31.95

Wondering what to drink on the 25^th? Make your Christmas and Holiday dinner seamless with our assortment of wines that pair perfectly with your holiday feast. Start with festive Bubbles, then enjoy fantastic Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with your turkey or ham then finish with some sweet Muscat.

The Cellar Door Christmas basket includes:

• 1 x Evans & Tate Zamphire Sparkling, Australia

The palate is fresh and crisp. Crunchy green apple, white peach and melon flavours dominate with time on yeast lees adding a delicate creamy note and texture.

• 2 x 2009 Joel Gott Chardonnay, California

A refreshing and crisp un-oaked chardonnay from Monterey. Aromas of nectarine, tree fruits and zingy lime.

• 2 x 2009 Waitiri Creek “Drummer” Pinot Noir, New Zealand

Rich on the nose, the wine displays classical raspberry and cherry notes.  The palate displays bramble characters, and some sweet dark fruits supported by oak and an integrated tannin structure.

• 1x Chambers Rutherglen Muscat, Australia

Smoke, roasted nuts, coffee, brown sugar, maple syrup, prunes, honey, fruitcake, overripe orange/apricots, and remarkable spicy characters. Yummy.

• One Cellar Door Gift Bag

Total Price including tax = $161.39