As we were digging ourselves out of the weekend snow, we found a bunch of new Reds at the shop. Something to sip on as we wait for Spring.
2018 Rivera, Negroamaro $11
Aromas of bright cherry, anise and cinnamon start off this straightforward red. This is light in feel and fruity on the palate in bouncy cherry and berry flavors.
2013 Rubbia Al Colle, Rabuccolo $16
61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc, 9% Syrah
This is a ruby-colored, persistent, ready to drink wine that delivers ripe, fresh fruit, spice and mouthwatering acidity. Green pepper but also red fruits together with nuances of balsamic aromas. Direct, fresh and pleasing. Was $20 Now $16
2019 David Hill, Estate Pinot Noir $20
Aromas of blueberry and sweet cream intertwine with lighter notes of thyme, rolled oats, and gravel. This bright and juicy Pinot Noir showcases delicate silty tannins and fig flesh texture. These textural components are joined by flavors of pomegranate, marjoram, and potting soil, which seamlessly transition through to the finish. Organic
2019 Francheso Brigatti, Maria Collin Novaresi $22
Vespolino
Vespolina is the indigenous grape variety of Alto Piemonte by definition, the wine is deep ruby with violet reflections when young. Floral and red berries are the main aromas and flavors that complement the typical spicy note. Organic
2012 Domaine Rolet, Arbois Rouge Tradition $21
40% Poulsard, 30% Trousseau, 30% Pinot Noir
A traditional light red from Arbois which brings the complexity from the soils of the hills of Montigny and Arbois composed of red marls and rich gravels.
2017 Domaine Brotte, Crèation Grosset Cairanne $15
50% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 20% Carignan, 10% Mourvèdre
Plenty of forward, fleshy dark fruits, notes of ground pepper, earth, and bouquet garni, medium body, and loads of charm.
2015 Notte Bene, Una Notte Red Blend $20
77% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 8% Mourvèdre
Southern Rhône style blend with strawberry and raspberry up front in the bouquet with leather and earth notes. A smooth, fruity, moderately concentrated midweight with a slightly candied, resiny quality. Finishes with lingering notes of dried cherry and spices with enough structure to give this wine length. Special Price $20
2018 Chapillon, Cuvée Harmonie $16
90% Petit Verdot, 10% Tannat
From Aragon, the Chapillon has an intense and quite spicy nose of ripe blackberry fruit with a touch of leather that smooth out as it comes onto the palate and then the vigor of Petit Verdot and Tannat kick in, still slightly smoky from the oak, but the vigorous and lifted fruit will soon dominate and the firm natural tannins will blend in as well, a wine of personality without over-extraction, remaining sweet on the palate.
2018 Black Slate, Gratallops Priorat $22
Cariñena, Garnacha, and Syrah
A mixture of red and black fruit with just a spicy twist and some peachy character. There is some rusticity on the palate along with earthy tannins, giving it the profile of a classical Priorat.
2018 Doniene Gorrondona, Beltza $27
Hondarrabi Beltza
Red Txakolina (not white, not rosé) made with grapes grown in Bakio with a wild, rustic character and not a trace of astringency. Fruit-driven and peppery, it reminds of Cabernet Franc, to whom it is related.
2016 Château Leconte Marquey, Saint Emilion $22
85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon
Leconte Marquey is a small estate of just 14.5 hectares. Round and opulent, it offers flavors of red and black berries, with refined tannins that allow the wine to age gracefully.
2016 Nota Bene, Arianses Vineyard Red Blend $28
50% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon,14% Petit Verdot, 11% Cabernet Franc
A rich and juicy Bordeaux blend from Arianses Vineyard along the Columbia River just south of Mattawa. Aromas of garden herb, soil, violet and cherry lead to medium-bodied fruit flavors that run straight down the middle.
2016 Moulin de la Roque, Les Hauts du Vallon Bandol $20
95% Mourvedre, 5% Carignon
It is a supple wine with a majority of Mourvèdre grapes bringing structure and power. Notes of blackberry and blackcurrant are complemented by hints of mild spices coming from an 18-month maturation in big oak barrels.
2018 Woodward Canyon Artist Series Cabernet $55
A complex nose of spiced black fruits, herbs, and lead pencil, that integrate beautifully with the subtle attractive oak. In the mouth, the wine is rich and elegant, showing ripe fruit, nice balance, and proportion, with herbs, and tobacco. Integrated tannins enhance the texture; the finish is complex, generous, and long.